Meon valley 26

Meon Valley

FORUM Hampshire Mum Jane's Kitchen - Sausage Plait Claire Thurlow - Nature Writer In Memoriam - Adonis Annua Hampshire People - Susie & Peter, Masters of Wine NOVEMBER 2017 • ISSUE 26 • WWW.FORUMPUBLICATIONS.CO.UK • REACHING 18,750 READERS * BISHOP'S WALTHAM HAMBLEDON STROUD

LANGRISH

BOTLEY

CLANFIELD

LOWER UPHAM

SWANMORE

SWANWICK

CORHAMPTON

MEONSTOKE TITCHFIELD

CURDRIDGE

NEWTOWN UPHAM

DENMEAD

PETERSFIELD

WALTHAM CHASE

DROXFORD

SHEDFIELD WARNFORD

DURLEY

SOBERTON WEST MEON

EAST MEON

SOBERTON HEATH WICKHAM

EXTON SOUTHWICK

WORLD'S END 1

whiteandguard.com

An exceptionally busy year...

...with many happy new homeowners.

We’ve also been nominated for the ‘Best Agent in the South Coast 2017’.

National Award Winners; 2014, 2015 & 2016

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF MOVING CONTACT THE TEAM TODAY

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Editor - Mark Tubb Tel: 01962 735137 editor@forumpublications.co.uk

WELCOME I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

OUR TEAM

Inside

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CON TRIBU TO RS Copy Writer - Gill Grant gill@forumpublications.co.uk Copy Writer - Claire Thurlow claire@forumpublications.co.uk

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Keep up-to-date with what is happening in your area

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The Meon Valley & Solent Forum contains facts, views, opinions, statements, recommendations, advertisements and other content and links to external websites not owned or controlled by the magazine. The Meon Valley & Solent Forum takes reasonable efforts to include accurate, current information on its pages, but make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, safety or value of the published items that are displayed. No liability or responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions in magazine content. The Meon Valley & Solent Forum magazine content does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or recommendations of its creators and any reliance upon its content is taken at the user’s sole risk. Adverts designed by Forum Publications remain the magazine's legal ownership. Š Forum Publications Ltd, 2017 * Readership figures calculated on an average national statistic of 2.5 readers per household

Our regular retail feature Unique, Bespoke, Eclectic and Local shopping

Discover local events and days out in Hampshire

14 Features

Jane's Kitchen, Hampshire People, Market Square, Hampshire Mum, Claire Thurlow, In Memoriam

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14 Food & Drink Eat out, stay in: food, drink and dining in Hampshire

21 Professional

From photographers to solicitors - every professional service you need

24 Wellbeing

Looking after your health and yourself!

33 Garden

Make your garden dream come true. Or visit local beautiful country gardens

43 Home

Trades, services, designers.

All you need for your home

make your kitchen a happy kitchen by changing the doors, worktops and accessories

Meon Valley Forum readers save 30% during November

FIREWORK NIGHTS

NOVEMBER 5 NOVEMBER Cigarette Card Fair & Auction At Botley Market Hall, High Street, Botley, SO30 2EA. Fair from 10am, 240 lot auction from 2pm.

Local and visiting dealers. Free entry, tea/coffee etc. Enquiries: Keith Miller: 01243 865147

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3 NOVEMBER Swanmore Fireworks Display Being held at Swanmore Primary School, gates open 5.15pm. Display starts at 6pm.Tickets available from Swnamore Local Shops, on the gate or the school.

4 NOVEMBER Bishops Waltham Community Fireworks Night Gates open 6:00pm. Held at Hoe Road Recreation Ground.Tickets from Bishops Waltham local shops or on the gate. Disabled parking only available at the ground.

4 NOVEMBER Droxford FIreworks Night Opposite Droxford Junior School, Droxford, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 3QR. 5:00pm – 6:30pm. Everyone welcome to the showdown of the scarecrows! Drop your scarecrows at the rec ground for 2pm. Bonfire and fireworks display. Hot dogs, mulled wine, ginger cake, soft drinks, flapjacks & more. Proceeds: Raise for the Rec Pavilion

4 NOVEMBER Petersfield FIreworks Night At Bell Hill Recreation Ground, Petersfield.

GU32 3BU. Gates open at 5.30pm. Petersfield Round Table Charity Fireworks is back in 2017.

All proceeds from our display go towards local charities and beneficiaries.There will be a fully licensed bar serving a selection a beers, ales and mulled.We will also have a hot food stand supplied by Petersfield's own Plump Duck where you can get Hot Dogs, as well as hot drinks and sweet treats supplied by TJays.Tickets available at www.petersfieldfireworks.co.uk

11 NOVEMBER 1st Wickham Scout Group Bonfire and Fireworks Display At Glebe Field,Wickham (off School Road).

Gates open at 6pm, bonfire at 6.30pm. Fireworks at 7pm. Contact 01329 832739 for more information.

A Middle Aged Spread An hour of comedy songs and poems, featuring songs by Victoria Wood and Richard Stilgoe and poetry by Pam Ayers. Followed by tea and cake. From 4.30pm at St Peter's Church, Bishop's Waltham.Tickets are £8 which includes tea anc cake.Tickets can be prebooked or just turn up on the door. For more information or to prebook, contact Kate Poole on 01489 893519 or email kpoole8@gmail.com. All proceeds to the friends of St Peter's Bishop's Waltham

24 NOVEMBER Ladies Night in Aid of NSPCC From 7.30pm - 10pm at Hampshire Barn, Norton Park Hotel (nr. Sutton Scotney). Enjoy an evening of fashion and styling with fashion collections from At Last, Jessamy Elmhirst and Maette by Stella & Dot. Learn essential styling tips, indulge in mini beauty treatments, enjoy some Christmas shopping and take part in the evening's raffle with fantastic prizes on offer.

All monies raised will go to NSPCC, the UK Children's charity.Tickets: £15. Contact Emma for tickets: stylistemma@icloud.com,Tel: 07817 989371

24 NOVEMBER Make Your Own Christmas Sparkling Wine A perfect gift for a wine lover or just want to increase your knowledge on sparkling wine?

Guided byBBC2 and IWC personaility of the year Joe Wadsack and our MD Ian Kellett.The evening will include a dosage tasting where you will look at different levels of dosage and the effect this has on the wine. Participants will have a chance to disgorge a bottle of English Sparkling Wine and put in their own preferred level of dosage followed by finishing the bottle with a cork and wire, foil and labels. In other words, you will get a chance to go some way to making your own bottle of fizz, for you to keep. Cost: £84.00 per person, including sparkling wine tasting, canapes, winery tour, Bowl food meal, evening of education and entertainment and your own custom made (by you) bottle of fizz to take away.

NB. Please email events@hambledonvineyard. co.uk with any dietary requirements.Tickets are available from: www.hambledonvineyard. co.uk/product/065make-your-own-christmassparkling-wine.This will be held at Hambledon Vineyard at 6pm on Friday 24th November.

24 & 25 NOVEMBER Winchester Wine Festival with BBC1 Masters of Wine Susie & Peter Clink glasses with Masters of Wine Susie & Peter in the stunning surroundings of Winchester Guildhall.Tickets cost £30. Unlimited tasting samples, a free wine glass and wine bag plus exclusive festival discounts to help you stock up on your favourite bottles. We are running three sessions across two days.Tickets are valid for one session only.The sessions are: Friday 24th November 2017: 5-9pm Saturday 25th November 2017: 11-3pm Saturday 25th November 2017: 4-8pm For more information and tickets please visit: www.thewinefestival.co.uk

COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

What's On

30 NOVEMBER Christmas Shopping Evening Organised by Bishops Waltham Infant School PTA. Held at the Infant School, Bishops Waltham, SO32 1EN. Doors open at 7.30pm for shopping until 9.30pm.We have over 25 stalls with local produce and handmade festive items, including cards, toys, decorations, wine, chocolates, jewellery, cakes and many more.You can enter our raffle for your chance to win £200! We will also have our ever-popular ‘file and polish’ table for those wishing to get their nails done! Do please come along and support our school. Free entry.

DECEMBER

1 DECEMBER Christmas in Stockbridge Stockbridge Christmas is a fabulous event that takes place on the first Friday of December from 4.30pm.There will be a Christingle Service in St Peters and then the lights will be switched on.

Carol singers,Test Valley Brass Band, fire eaters, jugglers, stalls, carriage rides on Santa sleigh, Santa's grotto and lots more. Piers Morgan to be switching the lights on with Alex Lewis. Nearly all the shops are open offering refreshments and there will be a Christmas hat competition, judging in the Town Hall after the main switch on. Come prepared and join in! This is a free event to attend and ample parking is provided.

Go along to Stockbridge and kick start the festive season!

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R ETA IL I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

Retail

CHASE CYCLES IS CHANGING HANDS

WINCHESTER IS ABOUT TO GO RARE!

Pictured is Nigel Tidman (L) & new owner Aaron Windebank (R)

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he Rare Brand Market was founded in 2008, with a view to bridge the vast gap between a London style shopping event and a regional charity fair. Pop-up Markets to date have been mainly on The Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, but are now expanding to Winchester, and next year London.

The Rare Brand Market focuses on emerging brands, brands that are likely to have been created in the last 1 to 3 years. Over one hundred brands will occupy The Guildhall, of which approximately one third are based within an hour of Winchester and the remainder from London or national. These are brands you won’t find on the high street and are created by businesses that have great back stories.

Winchester shoppers will have the ability to source unique products at a time when an alarming number of independent shops seem to be disappearing from our increasingly homogenized high street.

So, if you want to find unique products and meet the founders behind them then come to our markets...they are always in fabulous venues, never outside or in a marquee. Shopping has become soulless, The Rare Brand Market puts the theatre back into shopping, we make it pleasurable and wholesome again.

Stylish shopping is guaranteed – leaving empty handed is not !!

Founder Emma Schwarz, who’s lived on the South coast all her life, has been a retailer since her teens, working for Big giants like Marks and Spencer PLC, medium brands like Sofa Workshop and luxury product start ups. More recently she found herself consulting with the Limewood Hotel Group, in the New Forest. She helped to create their exclusive retail range. She is also a huge foodie and has judged withThe Guild of Fine Food / Great Taste Awards and has written a Cookbook and published a Food Magazine.

The Guildhall in Winchester has been chosen for its central location and beautiful interior, with the market occupying the whole of the ground floor. Our different offering will compliment Winchester’s celebrated Christmas Market and high street markets. With The Rare Brand Market’s distinctive shopping experience and curation of brands, we really are a pop-up Lifestyle Shopping dream come true!

The Rare Brand Market will be at The Winchester Guildhall from Thursday 30th November - Friday 1st December, 9am - 4pm.

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xciting times ahead - Aaron Windebank, Hampshire born and bred, will be taking over Chase Cycles at the end of February 2018 from Nigel Tidman, who has been at the helm since 2013. Aaron is a keen cyclist on and off the road with a good knowledge of all the best local routes and trails. He has worked in the bike trade for the last 10 years and was working as a store manager until the move to Chase Cycles so has a vast knowledge and experience in the industry. Aaron is looking forward to the challenege of running the shop and meeting all of the loyal customer base that Chase Cycles has. Aaron aims to continue providing a unique, personal service that Chase Cycles has built a reputation on.

Since arriving in October, Aaron has hit the ground running. He is already ordering in new products; new Giant bikes for 2018 are already coming in.

Chase Cycles stocks a vast range of bicycles and accessories with new 2018 ranges arriving daily. We still have old stock at good prices and our Christmas Club is up and running so reserve that old model at sale price to collect in December!

Chase Cycles is your local cycle shop in Waltham Chase, serving Southampton, Winchester, Fareham and Portsmouth area. Before you purchase, test rides can be arranged and all bikes will be properly serviced, and given a pre-delivery inspection before leaving the premises. Six weeks after purchase you will be invited back for a free service to ensure that your bike is running properly and that you are happy with it.

Accessories and spares are available to accommodate all age groups and wallets, from mountain bikes to BMX and from road racing to hybrids. We also sell comfort bikes, tag-a-longs, buggies and cargo trailers. We stock clothing from Altura, Madison and Polaris, plus a good ladies selection.

Chase Cycles is always here to help with any problems, repairs or advice for what is best for you and your family.

Tel: 01489 893693 www.chasecycles.info Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 9am - 6pm, Saturday: 9am - 5pm Chase Cycles, 3 Winchester Road, Waltham Chase, SO32 2LG

DELIVERY PERSON REQUIRED TO DELIVER THE MEON VA L L E Y F O R U M I N :

WE HAVE A LARGE RANGE OF STOCK INCLUDING

WEST MEON, WA R N F O R D & EXTON

Giant • Ridgeback • Saracen • Python • Genisis

2018 MODELS NOW IN

WE ALSO STOCK ACCESSORIES, SPARES AND CLOTHING

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:

We are open Monday - Friday: 9am - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 5pm Tel: 01489 893693 www.chasecycles.info 3 WINCHESTER ROAD, WALTHAM CHASE, SO32 2LG

R ETA IL I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

F O R U M P U B L I C AT I O N S

01962 735137 OR EMAIL: EDITOR@FORUMPUBLICATIONS.CO.UK

2 Events • 1 Ticket • 4 Halls 9th Year

New for 2017

Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair www.desirefair.com

READER OFFER

FREE ENTRY FOR ONE ADULT!

For free entry to our Winchester events, please complete your details and hand in on entry to the show.

Terms & conditions apply.

Name

CIF_Winchester_126x180.indd 1

Craft & Design Fair www.craftinfocus.com

The Guildhall

Purchase direct from the UK’s leading designer makers

17-19 November

Admission £5.00 Friday 12.30-6.30pm Weekend 10am-5pm

WINCHESTER Ref: Forum

Email

13/09/2017 14:21

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PROMOTION ISSUE 26 | NOVEMBER

A new gift shopping experience comes to Winchester

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t a time when our high streets look increasingly homogenous, and independent retailers struggle to survive, one impact on shoppers is the growing difficulty in finding unique gifts for

friends and family. All this looks set to change with the arrival of The Rare Brand Market at The Winchester Guildhall on November 30th and December 1st.

The Rare Brand Market was founded in 2008, with a view to bridge the vast gap between a London-style shopping event and a regional charity fair. To date, this company’s pop-up markets have been primarily on The Goodwood Estate in West Sussex but are welcomed this year in Winchester, and with plans underway to expand to London over the next twelve months.

The Rare Brand Market focuses on emerging brands, ones that are likely to have been created in the last one to three years. Over one hundred brands will occupy The Winchester Guildhall over the course of two days, of which approximately one-third are based within an hour of Winchester and the remainder from London or elsewhere in the UK. These are brands you won’t find on the high street and are created by businesses that have great back stories. Winchester shoppers will be able to select from fabulous food, drink, clothing, accessories, toiletries, jewelry, art and sought after services all under the one roof.

Founder Emma Schwarz, who’s lived on the South coast all her life, has been a retailer since her teens, working for big giants like Marks and Spencer PLC, medium brands like Sofa Workshop and luxury product startups. More recently she found herself consulting with the Limewood Hotel Group, in the New Forest. She helped to create their exclusive retail range. Emma is also a huge foodie and has judged with The Guild of Fine Food / Great Taste Awards, written a Cookbook and published a food magazine.

The Guildhall in Winchester has been chosen for its central location and beautiful interior, with the market occupying the whole of the ground floor. The different offering will compliment Winchester’s celebrated Christmas Market and high street stalls, providing even greater choice for shoppers in the festive season.

So, if you want to find unique products and meet the founders behind them, visit The Rare Brand Market which is always held in magnificent venues, never outside or in a marquee. Shopping has become soulless, The Rare Brand Market puts the theatre back into shopping, making it pleasurable and wholesome again.

Invite the friend who would make a good companion on a Christmas shopping trip and take advantage of the two for one offer on the entry price.You can also choose which charity benefits from a percentage of ticket sales. Our café will be serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, Barista coffee and afternoon tea. Stylish shopping is guaranteed – leaving empty handed is not!!

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With The Rare Brand Market’s distinctive shopping experience and diverse collection of brands, it really is a pop-up Lifestyle Shopping dream come true!

VICTORIAN COUNTRY CHRISTMAS PARTY AT UPPARK

LEISURE ISSUE 26 | NOVEMBER

Leisure THIS YEAR’S FAREHAM PANTO IS SIMPLY GENIE-US!

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Discover beautifully detailed mannequins designed and created

by Denise Watson of Delicarta - bringing paper to life. See the servants clearing up after the party upstairs then sneak up to the dining room to see how the ladies and gentlemen of the house are faring after their lavish Christmas party.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue. It will be running from 2 - 21 December from 11am 3pm.

his Christmas, there’s a magical carpet ride all the way to Old Peking as Aladdin flies into Ferneham Hall, Fareham from Friday 8 December until Sunday 31 December 2017. The star-studded cast is headed by Clive Mantle, best known for his roles as Doctor Mike Barratt (Casualty, Holby City) and Simon Horton (The Vicar of Dibley).

Clive plays the evil Abanazaar, the baddie who’s desperate to get his hands on a battered, old lamp.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark-house-and-garden Uppark House, South Harting, Petersfield GU31 5QR

Joining Clive are Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Christian Lee as Wishee Washee and pop sensation Karis Anderson, best known for being one third of the band Stooshe, as Genie of the Ring.

Mark Siney is back by popular demand, this time as the wonderful Widow Twankey. Her hapless son Aladdin is played by Danielle Haywood with West End star Divine Cresswell as the Princess So-Shi. The cast is completed by Matt Devitt (Red Dwarf) as the Emperor.

SNOW WHITE BY BEN CROCKER

Hot on the heels of the last’s years 4-star (The Stage) production of Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin promises another spectacular adventure. Widow Twankey wants a husband, evil Abanazaar wants the magic lamp, Aladdin wants adventure and Wishee Washee wants a clean vest … but can the Genie grant their wishes?

Don’t miss this panto jam-packed with all the essential panto ingredients– live music, fabulous cast, dazzling sets, stunning costumes and a breath-taking magical carpet ride.

Tickets are on sale now at www.fernehamhall.co.uk or call the box office on 01329 231942. It truly is a GENIEus festive family extravaganza that will have you soaring, tumbling and free-wheeling!

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ou are invited to lady Featherstonhaugh's sparkling Christmas house party. Explore the Victorian festivity above and below stairs.

CURDRIDGE AMATEUR DRAMA GROUP, SINGSATIONAL CHOIR AND JOANNA VOWELS SCHOOL OF DANCE PRESENT

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ehearsals are underway for a varied and hilarious production! See which apple Snow White choose at The Reading Rooms, Curdridge on November 24th at 7.30pm, November 25th at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, November 26th at 2.30pm, December 1st 7.30pm and December 2nd at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

More details available at www.curdridgedrama.co.uk Book online at www.ticketsource.co.uk

R ETA IL

FI NE ART AU C TI ONE E RS & VALU E RS

MONTHLY ANTIQUES & INTERIORS AUCTION Saturday 18th November FINE ART, ANTIQUES, INTERIORS & COLLECTABLES AUCTION Tuesday 7th & Wednesday 8th November

A Tribute to the River Test

Commencing 10am

11 October 2017 - 7 January 2018

Paintings Pete Gilbert Fine Art Photography Hugh Lohan www.hampshireartandcraft.org

Open: Tues-Sat: 10-4.30 Sundays: 10.30-4.30

LEISU R E ISSU E 26 | NOVE MBE R

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GALLERY CAFÉ WORKSHOPS

27 Bell St Romsey SO51 8GY 01794 511220

Illustrated catalogues available to view online at www.the-saleroom.com www.andrewsmithandson.com Enquiries: t:01962 735988 e:auctions@andrewsmithandson.com THE AUCTION ROOMS, MANOR FARM, ITCHEN STOKE, ALRESFORD SO24 0QT

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LEISU R E I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

Leisure

CHRISTMAS EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE MEON VALLEY

Droxford Christmas Market

This popular annual event will take place on Saturday, 25 November in Droxford Village Hall from 10.30am to 3.00pm. Stalls include work by talented local artists and crafts people, jewellery, handbags, scarves, cards and much more. Home-made soup and mince pies will be available throughout the day and entry is free. This is an opportunity to do some Christmas shopping and support local talent.

West Meon Christmas Fayre

The West Meon Christmas Fayre will take place on Saturday 2nd December from 4pm until late, in the High Street and Thomas Lord pub. Join us for a festive parade through the High Street and watch the switch on of the Christmas lights. Food and drink will be available for all the family, along with Santa's grotto, games and a choir.

Wickham Christmas Fair

Once again, the Wickham Christmas Fair is being held on the first Sunday of December. There has been overwhelming support from traders, many of whom were at last year's fair. We have attracted many new stalls with fresh ideas for Christmas. So, whether it is an unusual gift or seasonal produce you are looking for, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Being held on Sunday 4th December at The Wickham Centre, doors will open to the public at 11.00am with free entry and close at 3.00pm. Refreshments will be available all day.

Bishop's Waltham Christmas Fayre

The Bishop's Waltham Christmas Fayre will be taking place on Thursday 7th December from 6pm - 8pm on the High Street. Come along for an wonderful opportunity to buy locally this Christmas.

The New Music Makers and Guests present a Fun, Seasonal Family Concert On Saturday 9th December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm at Hedge End Village Hall, SO30 4AF. Tickets: £7, concessions: £5. Under fives go free. Including refreshments. Tickets available from The Flower Garden, Hedge End or Tel: 01489 781836 12

ELGAR’S INSPIRATIONAL DREAM OF GERONTIUS TO BE PERFORMED IN SOUTHAMPTON THIS NOVEMBER

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egarded by many as one of the finest works of the entire choral repertoire, Elgar’s great masterpiece was written in 1900 for the Birmingham Triennial Festival. It is a setting of Cardinal John Henry Newman’s rather controversial poem of the same title – Gerontius representing an everyman/woman character facing the end of their life and contemplating the possibility of an afterlife. Although primarily a Catholic work, the poem is just as relevant to those of other faiths and none; the meaning of life, the legacy of what we leave behind and our ultimate destiny.

Elgar uses three soloists, two choirs, a large orchestra and the organ to produce an extraordinary variety of emotional and dramatic moments, from the most exultant, triumphant climaxes to passages of genuine terror and dark despair. One is left with the clear thought that it is not the doctrine that matters, but Elgar’s heartfelt expression of loss and hope in the face of our mortality. This is what makes this glorious work so inspiring.

The Southampton Philharmonic Choir and SU Phil will be joined by the outstanding tenor John Graham Hall, who has made the title role a specialism of his, the young mezzo-soprano Marta Fontanals– Simmons will be making her debut as the Angel and bass-baritone Nicholas Warden will sing the parts of the Priest and Angel of the Agony with the New London Sinfonia conducted by David Gibson.

Saturday 25 November at O2 Guildhall Southampton, see www.southamptonphil.org for more details.

FEATURE ISSUE 2 6 | NOVEMBER

Jane's Kitchen SAUSAGE PLAIT

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his has been a favourite inclusion at our harvest festival lunch for some years now.

It can be served hot or cold or if preferred, it can be made into 6 - 12 individual rolls rather than one large one.

Ingredients A packet of puff pastry, Ready to roll.

Filling • 12 - 16oz of good sausage meat • 1 medium onion finely chopped and fried until softened but not browned • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme • ½ teaspoon of dried sage • 1 small/medium cooking apple, coarsely grated Mix all the filling ingredients together well and roll into a sausage shape. Roll the pastry, into a 14

square measuring approx 10” x 10”. Place the filling in the middle of the pastry. Cut each side into sections so that you are able to plait the pastry along the length of the sausage mixture dampen and fold alternately over the filling. Dampen and seal the ends well. Brush with beaten egg to glaze.

Lift onto a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes at 200 deg. Lower the heat and continue to cook for a further 30 minutes.

From Jane’s Kitchen. An eclectic collection of seasonal recipes. Available from Leckford Farm Shop, Leckford and Chilbolton Village Stores Price £6.99

ng ki or ta f s w rs ma No de ist or hr C

Christmas Showcase Evening Attend our Christmas Taster opening evening at Kimbridge Farm Shop 10th November 6pm – 8pm every 10th customer to place an order receives £20 off.

Owton’s award winning family butchers offer quality fresh meat, locally sourced food & outstanding value straight from your local farm Our Christmas hampers are terrific value at only £79.99* and tailored to meet all your family needs but note that we wont do the washing up!

What you get with an Owton’s Christmas Hamper: • 1.9kg NZ Leg Of Lamb (Feeds up to 8) • 1.8kg Beef Roasting Joint (Feeds up to 10) • 1.8Kg Gammon Joint (Feeds up to 10) • 1.8Kg Leg Of Pork (Feeds up to 10) • 454g Owtons Pork Sausagemeat • 454g Owtons Pork Chipolatas • 454g Green Streaky • FREE 2.25kg Boneless Turkey Breast Roll*

Where to find us Owton’s Chalcroft Farm Burnetts Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 2HU Tel: 02380 601154 shop@owtons.com Now open Sundays 10am – 2pm

Owton’s at Kimbridge Kimbridge Farm Shop Near Romsey, SO51 0LE Tel: 01794 341681 kimbridge@owtons.com

Owton’s at Garsons Fontley Road, Titchfield, PO15 6QX Tel: 01329 854895 garsons@owtons.com

Owton’s at Country Market Kingsley, Bordon, Hampshire, GU35 0QP Tel: 01420 5450902 countrymarket@owtons.com

This excellent meat hamper comes frozen.

Owton’s at Rosebourne

Get a £5 voucher to spend in January or February if you collect your hamper in October or November.

Rosebourne Garden Centre, Amesbury Road, Weyhill, Andover, SP11 8ED Tel: 01264 774888 Rosebourne@owtons.com

*You can replace the free Boneless Turkey Breast Roll with a 4.6kg Turkey for £84.99

#OwtonsButchers

See all our latest news, offers and events at: www.owtons.com

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Rancho Steak House restaurant in Fareham is a perfect place for any occasion from a relaxed family get-together to a great night out, and rest assured our attentive and knowledgeable staff will make sure your dining experience is a pleasurable one.

Our products are sourced only from the finest steak providers, importing prime beef cuts from Argentina, and of course, we realise that it's not just about the steak, our extensive menu includes delicious range of chicken, fish, seafood and vegetarian dishes.

Opening Hours Monday - Thursday: 12pm - 3pm & 5pm - 11pm Friday & Saturday: 12pm - 11pm, Sunday: 12pm - 9pm

For any general enquiries please call us on: 01329 286315 www.ranchosteakhousefareham.co.uk 109-111 WEST STREET, FAREHAM, PO16 0AB

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We are now taking bookings for Christmas Enjoy our special Christmas menu throughout December and don't forget we will be opened Christmas Day!

Champagne Reception

Starters

Starters

Empanadas (Beef/Chicken) Prawn Cocktail French Onion Soup Nachos

Empanadas (Beef/Chicken) Beef Salad Gambas Al Parilla Ceviche

Mains

Mains

All served with a selection of pepper sauce, béarnaise or barbecue sauce 225g Medallion Fillet Steak Served with red wine reduction, on a bed of mash Salmon and Asparagus Served with Spanish rice Grilled Turkey or Chicken served with spinach, mushrooms and new potatoes 300g Sirloin Steak Served with salad garnish and fat chips Vegetariano

Desserts

Ice Cream Chocolate Fudge Cake Profiteroles Sticky Toffee Pudding

All served with a selection of pepper sauce, béarnaise or barbecue sauce 300g Medallion Fillet Steak Served with red wine reduction, on a bed of mash Salmon and Asparagus Served with Spanish rice Grilled Turkey or Chicken served with spinach, mushrooms and new potatoes Surf and Turf 300g sirloin steak with three gambas served with salad garnish and fat chips Vegetariano

Desserts

Profiteroles Sticky Toffee Pudding Chocolate Fudge Cake White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake Lemon Tart All Served with Tea or Coffee

12.00PM - 4.00PM

Starters

½ Lobster Thermidor Beef Empanadas

Mains

All Mains Are Served With A Salad Garnish And Selection Of Sauces (Blue Cheese Sauce, BBQ Sauce and Garlic Mayo) 300g Medallion Fillet Steak Fillet steak with red wine reduction, served on a bed of mash and grilled asparagus Argentinian Heart of Rump Served with crispy salad and choice of chips, creamy mash or new potatoes Pan Fried Salmon and Asparagus Served with Spanish rice

Desserts

Rice Pudding White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake Chocolate Fudge Cake

Toni Shaw, Trustee for the South Downs National Park Trust, said: “We’re so grateful to the hundreds of people already volunteering their time to the National Park –monitoring the health of rivers is just one tiny part of the amazing work they do – and the new South Downs National Park Trust is another way people can show support for this great cause.

COMMU NITY ISSUE 26 | NOVEMBER

Community

HUGH BONNEVILLE LAUNCHES NEW CHARITY FOR SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK

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status has helped both the environment and communities. I often walk my dogs on the Downs and like thousands of others, locals and visitors alike, I appreciate the moments for reflection and inspiration that the South Downs National Park gives me.

Hugh Bonneville said: “The South Downs has been my home on and off for 40 years and I can see the ways that gaining National Park

“The South Downs National Park Trust is a great opportunity for us to give something back. To help care for the National Park and help more people gain access to it and enjoy it.”

ugh Bonneville showed his support for the South Downs National Park Trust, a new charity launching today, 16 October 2017.

Joining charity trustee Toni Shaw he helped monitor the health of a local chalk stream, just one example of the kind of work the charity will support.

KING CHARLES I PORTRAIT RESTORATION REVEALS CENTURIES OLD MYSTERY IN GUILDHALL restoration. As part of a wider art restoration project by Winchester City Council in partnership with Hampshire Cultural Trust the portrait was removed and sent to April Johnson at The Brick House. During close inspection undertaken in the hope that the artist would be identified, a far bigger secret was revealed.

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portrait of King Charles I, displayed in Guildhall Winchester’s King Charles Hall has revealed some fascinating secrets during

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Charles I’s portrait bore many similarities to the style of famous court painter, Peter Lely and was widely expected to be identified as a Lely piece. However, during the inspection, it was revealed that the sceptre held in the King’s right hand was originally painted as a staff and had been overpainted. It was also noted that Charles’ head was painted by a different hand to the rest of the painting.

Although not unusual for paintings by Lely - he would often paint the face of his subjects then ask one of his students to

“By donating through our website or leaving a lasting gift in your will you can show your love for the National Park. For the price of just a coffee we could create a square metre of wildflower meadow, providing a nectar source for bees and butterflies. Or for the price of a cinema ticket you could help a child take part in an outdoor education activity that helps them discover the National Park for the first time.”

The South Downs National Park Trust is independent but will be supported by South Downs National Park Authority staff for its first three years – ensuring that funds raised can be focused on work in the National Park.

Margaret Paren, Chair of the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “The National Park Authority and our partners have big ambitions for the South Downs: we want to see more of the land managed for wildlife, more rare habitats protected, more local communities thriving and more people able to access and enjoy the landscapes. This goes far beyond our current funding.

“The new Trust will help it flourish and stay protected for future generations.”

To find out more, and to donate please visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/donate/ complete the work - in this case, there was a noticeable difference. The paint used and the quality of the work on the head was not up to the standard expected of Lely. Further investigation revealed that the ruff round the neck of the King was thinning and that details of a different ruff were showing through.

When the area below the feet was cleaned an inscription - ‘Henry Jermain Earl of St Albans’ was revealed. Leading restorers to ponder whether the original painting by Lely was overpainted with the King’s head.

Ross Turle, Curator of Social and Industrial History for Hampshire Cultural Trust said: “It is not unusual for artists to re-use canvases, the city has another example in Abbey House, but what is enticing in this case is that we know who the former sitter was. We have a starting point for further research and hopefully a bit of dogged detective work will throw some light on the mystery.” www.winchester.gov.uk

MAKE THIS YEARS CHRISTMAS DINNER SOMETHING REALLY SPECIAL!

Try a local free range bronze turkey, traditionally cured gammon or matured free range beef BUY DIRECT FROM THE FARM FOR EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY, QUALITY & SERVICE PHONE TODAY WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS ORDER - 01329 833832 Stuck for Christmas ideas? What about Christmas vouchers, which can be spent in the Farm Shop, Tea Room or Butchery

Farm Shop Open Monday - Saturday: 8am - 5pm Sunday: 9am - 4pm

Tel: 01329 833832 www.westlandsfarmshop.co.uk WESTLANDS FARM, PRICKETTS HILL, NR WICKHAM, SO32 2JW

FEATU R E ISSUE 26 | NOVEMBER

Hampshire People THE FORUM TALKS TO MASTERS OF WINE SUSIE & PETER

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usie Barrie and Peter Richards aren’t your average married couple.

For starters, they’re both Masters of Wine – a rare and highly sought-after qualification which only 369 people in the world currently hold.‘Clearly, we need to get out more…’ jokes Peter.

The Winchester-based couple are also familiar faces as broadcasters, print journalists and authors, having been wine presenters on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen for the past eleven years and with a long list of book titles and publishing credits to their name.

They describe themselves, quite simply, as ‘enthusiasts’.‘Qualifications don’t really matter; we’re just really passionate about our subject – but then that’s not hard when it’s as brilliant and delicious as wine,’ laughs Susie.‘We hope that our enthusiasm can inspire people to get into wine - and hopefully at the same time we can help them find the right wines to explore and enjoy.Wine is the most amazing, inspiring thing – we want to help people understand and experience that.’

One way Susie and Peter engage people in the magic of wine is at Wine Festival Winchester, their acclaimed annual event which takes place on the last weekend of November (24-25 Nov 2017).Within the glorious surroundings of Winchester Guildhall there are hundreds of wines to taste, from top-quality English fizz to vintage port, with fine spirits, Hildon water plus lovely local food on offer.The festival is now a firm fixture on the calendar and regularly sells out well in advance, such is its popularity.

‘We love the way that the emphasis at the festival is very much on fun, enjoyment and socialising,’ comments Peter.‘That’s the way it should be!

And we love clinking people’s glasses and being part of that. But equally, people come along to taste and explore new things. One way we help people do this is via our Follow Your Taste scheme, which is a simple colour-coded system to help our guests navigate the sea of wine and choose wines to suit their taste.Wine is a very personal thing so it always starts with you, what you personally like, and goes from there. Susie and I see our roles not as critics on high telling people what to like, but as guides to help people understand their own taste and find the best wines to match.’

Follow Your Taste neatly sums up the couple’s ground-breaking approach to making wine accessible. It’s simple but fun, with a cheeky tone to the straplines (from ‘Tickled Pink’ to ‘I’m a Big Smoothie’ and ‘Sticky Fingers’).

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They must be serious about it because they’ve even invested in making it into an app for the festival – a treasure hunt game that sends people off to find and rate wines at the event, based on their personal taste, with prizes to be won.There’s even talk of plans to do a Follow Your Taste Book.Watch this space…

Susie and Peter are also keen supporters of charity. Every year,Wine Festival Winchester supports a local charity and to date has raised over £6,500 for good causes. One other initiative with a charitable angle that Susie and Peter have recently launched is their Big English Wine Adventure.This project sees Susie and Peter teaming up with award-winning local producer Hattingley Valley to make a top-notch small-production Hampshire sparkling wine.They are currently seeking help from the public to help them find not just a charity to support – but also a name for their wine. A lucky few will win some of the new wine as a prize.

‘The project is meant to be fun – but also collaborative in nature, working to benefit a good cause,’ comments Susie.‘We want to help people get more involved in the process, as well as make some noise about the fantastic job being done by the many brilliant winemakers in this country – and we’d like to thank Hattingley in this regard. Primarily, though, our aim is to make an utterly delicious wine!’

Susie and Peter have produced two short films documenting their attempts at harvesting (Susie focused on quality; Peter’s more of a quantity man) and blending (a critical decision, which is why Peter is largely ignored).The videos and voting forms can be found on Susie and Peter’s website.

‘We’d love to hear from people with ideas for charities we could support that are close to their heart,’ says Peter.‘As for the wine name, we’re looking for inspired suggestions and hopefully we’ll come up with something a bit more original than Winey McWineFace.We’ve already had some great shouts, which have proved both amusing and thought-provoking, and we look forward to many more!’

For more information on Wine Festival Winchester, please visit the website; www.thewinefestival.co.uk For more information on Susie & Peter’s Big English Wine Adventure, please visit their website; https://susieandpeter.com/watch/english-wineadventure/

Bar Bistro

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Modern British cuisine with Continental influences Banks Bar Bistro is a privately owned restaurant situated in a delightful Grade II Listed building in the heart of the Saxon town of Bishops Waltham, Hampshire

CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN

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View our Christmas Menu online now ••••••

Tel: 01489 896352

F OOD & DR IN K P R OF ESSION A L ISS U E 26 | NOVEMBER

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Banks

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banksbarbistro@gmail.com • www.banksbarbistro.co.uk The Old Granary Bank Street Bishops Waltham SO32 1AE

Animed

Veterinary Hospital & Equine Unit Is your Pet a member of the Healthy Pet Club yet?

Now covering the Meon Valley Sales, Lettings and Property Management

Would you like to save money?

Our scheme is not an insurance - it is a monthly payment loyalty scheme that covers your pet for all preventative healthcare medicine including selected lifetime care medication.

We offer schemes for puppies and kittens, adult dogs and cats and rabbits For more details please get in touch

01962 736333 11 Broad Street, Alresford | www.hellards.co.uk

Tel: 01329 833112 www.animedvets.co.uk ANIMED VETERINARY GROUP

SHEDFIELD

SO32 2JG

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P R OF ESSION A L ISS U E 26 | NOVE MBE R

Professional

Relocation Agent Network’s 2017 Best Agent South Coast Region Award is an annual prize for the agent that has consistently made the best overall contribution to the Network throughout the year and offers nominees the chance to become the Network’s ‘Best Network Agent in the South Coast Region’. To reach this stage of the awards programme, agents must demonstrate excellent customer service, innovative business initiatives and a commitment to the Relocation Agent Network principles.

WHITE AND GUARD SHORTLISTED BY RELOCATION AGENT NETWORK

White and Guard’s Jason Guard said, “We are so proud to be shortlisted for this year’s Relocation Agent Network’s Best Agent Regional Award. It really does highlight the effort, commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by our team here at White and Guard.

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ocal estate agent White and Guard from Bishops Waltham is pleased to announce that they have been shortlisted by Relocation Agent Network, a national network of selected estate agents, for the 2017 Best Agent South Coast Region Award. The winner will be announced at a black tie evening Awards

Dinner held at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, London on Friday 17 November.

The Awards Dinner closes Relocation Agent Network’s annual National Conference and Exhibition, and this year is hosted by wellknown comedian and TV presenter, Sue Perkins.

Richard Tucker, Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director commented, “Our Best Agent Regional Awards recognises those agents that go above and beyond when it comes to customer service and business innovation and network participation.

Congratulations to White and Guard for their well- deserved nomination.” www.whiteandguard.com

Nigel Chamberlain N o r t h Mo to r Company Holden Farm, Cheriton, Alresford, Hants, SO24 ONX

Independent Garage and MOT Testing Centre Established in1999 - All makes of car serviced and repaired - Saab approved repairer and Subaru specialist Free collection, delivery and courtesy car (when available) Competitively priced tyres - Batteries - Vehicle Diagnostics - Exhausts

Telephone Gary or Andy on 01962 771331 or 771881 www.northmotor.co.uk info@northmotor.co.uk

ADVERTISING OFFER

& Partners Independent Family NigelFUNERAL Chamberlain & Partners DIRECTORS

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since 1892 & Partners DIRECTORS Independent Family The Gate House, Road Independent Family serving FUNERAL the MeonVictoria Valley Independent Family since 1892 BISHOPS WALTHAM Funeral Directors DIRECTORS

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For more information

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(01489) 892640 Bob Metcalf Part Richard Steel & Partners Partof of Richard Steel & MBE Partners The Family Owned Funeral Directors The family owned funeral Part of Richard Steel & directors Partners Personal 24 Hour Service Serving Hampshire since 18601860 serving Hampshire since

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Wills, Probate & Trusts We are here to help you

Wills Estate Administration Lasting Powers of Attorney Trusts and Tax Planning Living Wills

P R OF ESSION A L ISS U E 26 | NOVE MBE R

www.macdonaldoates.co.uk

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Petersfield Telephone: 01730 268211 Facsimile: 01730 261232 Midhurst Telephone: 01730 816711 Facsimile: 01730 816016 MacDonald Oates LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. MacDonald Oates LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales under number OC344357. Our registered office is at Walltree Court, St. Peter’s Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3HT.

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A new, exciting Salon has come to Wickham Square Situated in the enchanting town of Wickham, we offer exceptional hairdressing in a fresh organic environment and a luxury client experience We aim to excel in delivering the best customer service whilst maintaining professional techniques and expertise in hair care and providing a customer service experience unlike any other

SAGE hair

Sage_Hair

sage.hair

Hairdressers

Why do they never listen?

Why? We are trained to sit and listen!

• To do a face to face personalised consultation

You want to discuss your hair They want to talk about their holidays

• To listen to your haircare needs

You want a restyle

• To offer tailored homecare advice for you

They want to tidy up the old one

• To specialise in redesigning old styles

We Offer • Free personalised colour consultation if needed

You want advice on how to manage your hair at home

• Full product advice

They don't show you how to do it

• An unparraled experience tailored to you

Does this sound familiar?

• Precision cutting

• Expert Styling • Botanical Luxury treatments

Why is it hairdressers never listen?

Change to a salon who actually CARES about your hair!

• Complimentary drinks • Unique free style check service if needed

Our hairdressers are trained to listen and help you!

Try a professional salon with a REAL difference Opening Hours Monday & Tuesday 9.00am - 5.30pm

20% OFF THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 8.00am - 8.00pm

Redeem this voucher for 20% off any service throughout February Call SAGE on 01329 835 991 or email enquiries@sagehair.com to book your appointment now!

Saturday 8.00am - 4.00pm

SAGE Spa coming soon

T&C’s Apply – Limited to 1 per customer Selected stylists only

Tel: 01329 835 991 www.sagehair.co.uk SAGE HAIR

THE SQUARE

WICKHAM

PO17 5JT

WELLBEIN G I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

Wellbeing

HAIR ART

LOCAL HEARTSTART GROUP IS FINALIST IN NATIONAL COMPETITION

Hair Art the premier hair salon in Bishops Waltham and Christchurch, is one of the leading names in hairdressing in Hampshire and Dorset, impeccable service, highly trained team of experts, a reputation built over 20 years. An experience not to be missed.

M

eon Valley Heartstart is a finalist in the 2017 National UK Heart Safe Awards. The UK Heart Safe Awards is the UK’s leading national awards to celebrate organisations and employers who invest in creating Heart Safe environments, and the acts of individuals who have saved lives while at work or leisure.

Meon Valley Heartstart helps save lives by training people in emergency life saving skills which can help keep someone alive until professional help arrives. Each year, through volunteer trainers and helpers, more than 1,000 people of all ages across Hampshire are trained. Training is provided free of charge to community groups, the general public, educational institutions, businesses, GP practices and other organisations.

The training, which is delivered by fully qualified volunteers, lasts between 2 - 2½ hours and is tailored to the age group concerned.

People as young as 4 can be trained and there are no upper age limits.

The session topics covered, depending on the age of participants, include: • How to approach a medical emergency safely • Best practice in calling the emergency services • How to deal with an unconscious patient • How to administer CPR to an unconscious person who is not breathing normally • How to recognize the signs of a heart attack and what actions to take • What to do when a person is choking • What to do when serious bleeding occurs • How to use an automated external defibrillator.

“We are delighted to have our work recognized in this way” said David Williamson, the Scheme’s Coordinator. “It is a real testimony to the hard work and commitment of our volunteers and the appreciation we receive from the individuals who have benefited from the training”.

The winners of the national awards will be announced in November. People or organisations interested in participating in a training scheme should contact David Williamson at wiliamson.rtd@gmail.com or on 07730148920.

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Hair Art, High Street, Bishops Waltham Hampshire, SO32 1AB E: hairart.bw@gmail.com Tel: 01489 894700

Hair Art, The Guard House, Barrack Road, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 2TT E: hairart.christchurch@hotmail.com Tel: 01202 566200

www.hairart-makeup.com

amanda of botley

The Caci Jowl Lift Specifically targets those loose muscles around the jawline.

Using quad probe applicators designed to double the lifting action of the Caci treatment system therefore enhancing the results and reducing treatment time.

The 15 minute facial treatment helps improve the appearance of sagging jowls by using the quad probes which have been specifically developed to target the muscles around the jawline.

They emit tiny electrical impulses to lift, firm and redefine the facial contours. You can have the treatment incorporated in the full facial Caci treatment for an extra £15 or as a stand alone treatment for £25. It is completely painless and the results are superb

Call the salon today for more information

t: (01489) 789 589 High Street, Botley, Hampshire, SO30 2EA e: info@amandaofbotley.co.uk w: www.amandaofbotley.co.uk

Traditional Values, Exceptional Service Since 1948 we have thrived on providing the best service and care, by introducing the latest technology. We have an extensive range of frames to suit any budget, from standard frames to luxury eyewear.

20% OFF FRAMES & LENSES Terms & conditions apply

Gift vouchers also available We offer full and comprehensive examinations that can include: OCT for Macula Degeneration • Visucam - Fundus Photography • Retinal Analysis Full Glaucoma Screening • Diabetic Monitoring • Visual Stress Analysis - Colorimetry Our routine eye examination includes Digital Fundus Imaging

To book an appointment please call: Park Gate: 01489 584169 • Havant: 02392 484184 60 Botley Road, Park Gate • 26 North Street, Havant

www.wingateopticians.co.uk

R ETA IL I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

Market Square SQU

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JoJo Inspired

Chase Cycles

McCarthy's Farm Shop

We supply the best parkas at affordable prices.

Please contact us for details of other colours and lengths.

Tel: 07973 688251 | jojoinspired.com

Adventure Lola Girls Traditional Bike - £290.

Winchester Raod,Waltham Chase, SO32 2LG

For all your Christmas needs.

Winchester Road, Wickham, PO17 5HE

Tel: 01489 893693 | nigelatchase@gmail.com

Tel: 01329 832221 | thefruitandvegbox.co.uk

Simon Lawson Jewellers

Flowers by the Bridge

Equestrian Fencing & Timber Ltd

18ct white gold tanzanite and diamond dress ring - £1085.

Lovely for Christmas. High Street, Bishop's Waltham, SO32 1AB

Christmas Workshops, come and make your own beautiful, bespoke wreath, table centre or garland or all three! 6th and 14th December.

Crate of clean, efficient burning logs from £150 + VAT High Ridge Farm, Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath

Tel: 01489 895575 | simonlawsonjewellers.co.uk

Tel: 07970 280077 | www.flowersbythebridge.com

Tel: 01329 835100 | www.equestrianfencing.com

Westlands Farm Shop

Interior Transformations

J’adore la Maison

Now serving a Sunday Cavery from 12pm - 2pm Westlands Farm, Pricketts Hill,Wickham, SO32 2JW Tel: 01329 833832 | www.westlandsfarmshop.co.uk

Pheasant picture: £62, Blue Feather Christmas tree: £18, Gold LED ChristmasTree: £20, Baubles: £4 -£6, bronze pheasant: £48. Botley Flour Mills, SO30 2GB

Annie Sloan Paint Stockist,furniture,Christmas gifts & decorations.

Swedish Santas from £7.00. Wickham Square PO17 5JT Tel: 01329 835255 | www.jadorelamaison.co.uk

Tel: 01489 780430 | www.interiortransformations.co.uk

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When enquiring about any of these Market Square items, please mention The Forum Magazine

ARKET SQ U

101 dogs and a panda

Wickham Jewellery

Moda Rosa

Unique and completely original, a needle felted wool sculpture of your dog. The perfect Christmas gift, £40.00 Tel: 01962 733910 | www.101dogsandapanda.com

18ct yellow gold Piaget watch - £3,300.

Warwick Lane, Wickham, PO17 5JN

Fabiana Filippi fur collar coat 35 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AB Tel: 01962 733277 | www.modarosa.co.uk

Tel: 01329 836327 | Find us in Warwick Lane

e

WICKHAM JEWELLERY

e

New Jewellery • Pre-owned Pieces Watches • Diamond Jewellery Remodelling / Redesigns Repairs • Gold Purchased

Equestrian Fencing & Timber Ltd

e

Wickham Jewellery

e

Stuff & Nonsense

Double dustbin store - £165 + VAT. High Ridge Farm, Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath

If you wish to buy or sell any of the above, please visit us at: Warwick Lane, Wickham, PO17 5JN

Tel: 01329 835100 | www.equestrianfencing.com

Tel: 01329 836327 | Find us in Warwick Lane

Pug book ends - £50. Ideal Christmas gift.

Unit 3,Warwick Lane,Wickham, PO17 5JN Tel: 07855 333934 | stuffandnonsensewickham.com

Wardrobe at 24

Wickham Jewellery

Interior Transformations

Accessories and clothing.Pick up the perfect Christmas gift.

Wardrobe at 24,High Street,Botley,SO30 2EA Tel: 01489 790969 | wardrobe24.co.uk

Earrings £2,800 1.40 carat 18ct white gold Warwick Lane, Wickham, PO17 5JN

Handmade curtains, roman blinds, soft furnishings. Designer Fabrics. Last orders for window treatments by 17th November for Christmas. Botley Flour Mills, SO30 2GB

Tel: 01329 836327 | Find us in Warwick Lane

Tel: 01489 780430 | www.interiortransformations.co.uk

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COMMU N IT Y WELLBEIN G ISSU E 26 | NOVE MBER

Community BISHOP'S WALTHAM ROTARY NEWS

HAMBLE VALLEY ROTARY NEWS Rotary and Polio

In 1985, Rotary launched its PolioPlus programme – the first initiative to tackle global polio through the mass vaccination of children. Since then, Rotary has contributed more than £1.28 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunise more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries.

Its advocacy efforts have also played a role in decisions by donor governments to contribute more than £5.4 billion to the effort.

It was in 2013 that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation teamed up with what was already a well-funded and wellcoordinated effort to rid the world of this dreadful disease. This year the UK government gave another £100M to assist in the final push. All this effort brings the end nearer, with 11 cases worldwide this year to date, compared with 25 in 2016.

Hurricane Irma

A combination of a collection outside Haskins, a donation and our disaster fund enabled us to give 3 Shelterboxes. Each of these provides shelter for a family with nowhere to live.

W

ith a high number of humanitarian and natural disasters occurring across the world, Rotary clubs are at the forefront of assistance, through collecting funds, raising awareness and offering support. As well as donating the vast majority of the charity funds to local needy causes, Rotary is an international organisation with the ability to respond to international disasters when they occur. We have all been shocked by the scenes of devastation from the Caribbean recently: so many hundreds and thousands of families without homes and the likelihood that, with the best will in the world, not getting back to a home for many months, or longer.

Carol Float News

You may have heard that the Carol Float chassis broke in half last Christmas, but don’t despair—our elves are hard at work rebuilding it and it will reappear in December better than before.

LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL. ENJOY A HAPPY HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Bishops Waltham Rotary has committed £1,000 of funds for 2 Shelter Boxes, to help the disaster relief in the Caribbean. Rotary Great Britain & Ireland and Rotary International have also supported this charity for many years, as reported on Breakfast TV and The One Show recently.

If you would like to help, please view their site to donate: www. shelterbox.org or Facebook.

These sturdy green Shelter Boxes are designed to help people who have lost everything. They are filled with practical tools and utensils that help to create the framework for everyday life. Each contains a familysized tent that protects people from the elements and provides a safe space in which people can start to recover from physical and emotional trauma. The contents differ depending on the disaster and the climate, but items such as solar lights, water storage and purification equipment, thermal blankets and cooking utensils help start the process of creating a new home.

Members of BW Rotary club collected almost £400, in the High Street, for the Caribbean fund. This has been sent to Rotary international and will be directed, along with funds from other clubs around the world, to Caribbean Rotary clubs to distribute locally.

So, thank you for being so generous, and if you would like to donate some more, please contact me directly at mike.berry@ bishopswalthamrotary.org 30

COLOSTRUM - 100% NATURAL LIFE GIVING GIFT OF NATURE. A DAILY HEALTH SUPPLEMENT FOR ALL THE FAMILY ALPHA LIPID COLOSTRUM CAN ALSO HELP RELIEVE THE SYMPTOMS OF MANY CHRONIC AUTO IMMUNE DISORDERS

Multiple Sclerosis • Parkinson's • Crohn's Disease Rheumatoid Arthritis • Lupus • Fibromyalgia Irritable Bowel Syndrome If you’d like to know more, please feel free to call Liz Rostand on 07507 489345 Visit our website www.newimageuk.co.uk Or email contact@newimageuk.co.uk

Ridgemede House “Our Philosophy is to assure and enhance a resident's quality of life”

The accommodation at Ridgemede House is of an excellent standard.

All rooms have en-suite facilities. Each room has a telephone with your own personalised number. Every room is provided with a colour plasma screen television.

Wifi is also available on site.

The rooms can be tailored to suit you, either a single or married occupancy is available This is a real home away from home atmosphere, with lovingly home cooked meals provided for you

For further information please contact a member of our staff

Tel: 01489 892511 • Facebook: Ridgemedecareltd ridgemedecare@hotmail.com • www.ridgemedecareltd.co.uk Rareridge Lane • Bishop’s Waltham • Southampton • SO32 1DX

Fashion. Style. Hair. Beauty.

Raising Funds for NSPCC. The UK Children's Charity Enjoy an evening of fashion and styling, with fashion collections from At Last, Jessamy Elmhirst and Maette by Stella & Dot. Learn essential styling tips for every body shape with Styling by Rosie and enjoy hair demonstrations

by Wendy Stevens Salisbury; a hair loss and thinning specialist.

Indulge in mini beauty treatments, enjoy some Christmas shopping and take part in the evening's raffle, with fantastic prizes on offer.

All monies raised will go to NSPCC, The UK Children's Charity.

Contact Emma for tickets: stylistemma@icloud.com 07817 989371

Friday 24th November 2017 Hampshire Barn, Norton Park Hotel (nr. Sutton Scotney) 7.30pm to 10pm

Tickets ÂŁ15 Each

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F EAT U R E I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

Hampshire Mum

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FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS

still remember the excitement at a friend’s engagement.We believed in life- long love, in romance. But as time went on, something else crept in. It seemed to be happening to everyone - enough diamonds on fingers to blind a person, but not on mine.

In retrospect it was ridiculous, nineteen years of age and seriously thinking that the dreaded ‘shelf ’ awaited. But in the early Eighties, engagement, marriage and children were de rigueur for folks in the sticks. It was an era before the sentiments of the Millennials were hardly imagined, either in darkest Hampshire or anywhere else for that matter.

Yet I reckon I did break the mould ever so slightly. Married at twenty-three but not a child in sight for thirteen years, it was more than just the biological clock ticking, it was alarm bells going off.

Babies please NOW! So, when I was 36 and 41 respectively Stars I and II arrived. How cool was that? I was an ‘older mother’ whom the media, at that time, celebrated, the kind of woman who made choices for herself and not for the constraints of social and cultural conformity…. apparently.

But much like the effects of the Xbox on young brains, twenty years on the jury is still out on older mothers, a fact that I’m only beginning to digest.

The benefits are obvious. Becoming pregnant and giving birth is supposed to be as easy as falling off a log. Not so.The fact that I was an ‘elderly primigravida’ having left all things gustatory so late, I was jolly lucky to have one, let alone two bundles of joy.

Then of course The Husband and I had had our own youth and rather a lot of it, living life emulating the well-known ‘yuppies’ of our era - travelling, driving nice cars and enjoying a hectic social life. Did we care that time was passing? Not a jot.

When friends and acquaintances starting having babies in their late twenties we thought they were nuts, way too young! Yet look at them now.These are our friends with benefits, their children

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are all grown up, way past Uni, married and with… children.

Yes, many friends have become grandparents!! It’s an epidemic.

All over Facebook are photos of adorable babies being cuddled by my contemporaries - ‘The Grandmothers’ - and here am I still angsting over the advancing GCSEs. Thank God there are very few parental gatherings at secondary school or I’d have to have some fillers or Botox to avoid embarrassing Star II. “Who is that old woman with you?” they would ask.

“Oh, that’s my mum.”

Now don’t misunderstand, I love being an older mum because, conversely, it does keep you young in thought, attitude and sometimes, (God help me), in choice of clothes. I don’t feel fiftysix. I don’t think that’s old, so trust me I’m in no hurry to play Grandma.

I’m sure it’s wonderful but I’m not ready, any more than I was ready to have my own children.Yet I look at my friends’ baby pictures and there’s a shred of me that thinks that I’m glad I kept the Brio wooden trains and tracks up in the attic, and how it would be lovely to buy tiny things for tiny people in Gap again.

Of course, Star I is too young to be a parent. Both he and his lovely girlfriend need to have exciting young lives to do all the things I never did. I wouldn’t be a normal parent if I didn’t think that.

But time as we know doesn’t stand still and there is a slightly dark thought in my head, that I don’t want to be juggling my grandchild on my lap whilst sitting on a commode in a nursing home. I don’t want to be a grandmother of no benefit to them; I want to be arty and slightly mad and called something like ‘SPG’ or ’Ga Ga’ – how apt- anything but ‘Granny’.

Ah what the heck, still plenty of time to grow into the notion grandma- hood…….no there is really.

Sandra Pagan

COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

Community

JOJO INSPIRED POP UP SHOPS

WILLOW FESTIVE DECORATIONS AT THE SUSTAINABILITY CENTRE: 8TH DECEMBER

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OJO Inspired are excited to be popping up again at Fitique in Broad Street, New Alresford thanks to Victoria Gedye on the 1st December from 9.30am - 5.30pm.We will have our range of fabulously affordable winter parkas, fur jackets, gilet’s and much more.

We will donating 10% of sales to the Alzheimer’s charity something that is very close to my heart.

We are also at Twyford School Christmas Fair from 9.00am - 4.00pm.

The address is Twyford School,Twyford,Winchester, SO21 1NW.

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illow weaving and craft course in the Hampshire South Downs. Participants will learn how to create a willow wreath, combine willow hoops to form the frame of an ivy ball and make star wands to decorate with winter foliage.

For more information Tel: 07973 688251 www.jojoinspired.com

TALES OF WINTER MAGIC AT BUTSER ANCIENT FARM: 15TH DECEMBER

The course will Give participants skills in crafting with willow Knowledge on how to select suitable materials Understanding of how to grade, dry, store and soak willow Knowledge about the ecological credentials of willow.

No previous experience is needed, but some manual dexterity and patience is required.You can bring a packed lunch although lunch is also available to purchase from the Beech Cafe.

The tutor, Louise Arthur, specialises in willow weaving and environmental education. She is highly skilled at making baskets from sustainable local willow and foraged hedgerow materials.These natural, biodegradable, little gems reflect the biodiversity of our countryside hedges and range in colour, texture and form. Louise is an exceptional teacher who has years of experience running outdoor education sessions with the Forestry Commission and at The Sustainability Centre. As an experienced workshop leader she is passionate about sharing her love of willow crafts with adults and children.

This course is at The Sustainability Centre Droxford Road, East Meon Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 1HR on 8th December from 10:00am to 12:30pm.

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J

oin us in the great roundhouse at Butser Ancient Farm for a festive early evening of Winter Solstice storytelling with Red Phoenix. Enjoy a hot chocolate around the roaring fire while you soak up the atmosphere of the ancient building, the good company and the anticipation of the story.

Located at Butser Ancient Farm, we’re a unique experimental archaeological site and a fascinating day out, nestled into the rolling South Downs National Park.The farm displays ongoing constructions of ancient buildings based on real sites, dating from the Stone Age through the Iron Age and Roman Britain, and finishing with the Anglo-Saxons.We also grow crops from prehistory and keep rare breeds of animals, including pigs, goats and sheep.

This event costs £30. Booking is available from www.sustainabilitycentre.org/willow-festive-decorations-course.html

We have a full programme of special events including fantastic Celtic festivals and workshops, such as metallurgy, Iron Age cooking, bushcraft skills or felting. It’s a truly memorable family day out on the Hampshire/West Sussex border.

For more information Tel: 01730 823166 courses@sustainability-centre.org www.sustainability-centre.org

The event costs: £8 adult/£7 concession/£4 child/FREE for under fivesand will be on Friday 15th December from 6pm - 8pm. Book online at: www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/ tales-of-winter-magic/ or call: 02392 598838

Please visit our website for all the latest news, information, second-hand machines for sale; and special offers in the showroom.

MEON VALLEY PEST CONTROL Daren George your local pest controller

MOLE CATCHER - 'NO MOLE - NO FEE' Service for Domestic, Commercial and Agricultural properties Also offering a rabbit, rat, squirrel, fox and deer control service Fully insured - Discreet service assured at all time

T: 07778 141505 E: traditionalpestcontrol@gmail.com www.traditionalpestcontrol.co.uk

G A R DEN I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

Family owned and run since 1973, built on great service and value for money

Laceys Farm, Bramdean Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0JT

TEL: 01962 771800 steve.cann@btconnect.com www.georgecanngardenmachinery.co.uk

Mud Island Garden Centre Southwick Road, Wickham, Hampshire PO17 6JF 01329 834407 www.mudislandnurseries.co.uk Open 7 days a week 9am - 5pm inc. Bank Holidays

Real Christmas Trees from 25th November

CHRISTMAS SHOP

SILK FLOWER SHOP

GIFT SHOP 37

COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

Clubs & Societies O Meon Valley Lions Club For more information: 0845 833 7812 or visit: www. meonvalleylionsclub.org.uk

ARTS & CRAFTS O Bishop's Waltham Photographic Society For more information visit: bishopswalthamphotosociety.co.uk

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O Curdridge Amateur Drama Group For more information please see www.curdridgedrama.co.uk O Swanmore Amateur Dramatic Society For more information please ring 07701 044563 or email caroline-powell@live.com

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O The Solent Aviation Art Society For more information ring: 01489 578420

O Winchester & Solent Branch of the Cartophilic Society (Cigarette Cards) For more information contact Keith Miller: 01243 865147

O The New Music Makers SATB Choir For more information contact Lin on 023 8045 4285 or visit: www.newmusicmakers.com O Singing for Fun For more information contact Annabel: 01489 877130 or 07732 329792.

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HORTICULTURE O Bishops Waltham Gardening Club For more information please see www.bwgc.org.uk O Meon Valley Garden Club For more information please visit: www.meon-valley-garden-club. co.uk O West Meon Garden Club For more information please call Yvonne Noble: 01730 829050

SPORTS CLUBS

SENIOR CITIZENS

O Bishop's Waltham Badminton Club For further information visit: www.bishopswalthambc.com

O Meon Valley Active Retirment Association For more information visit: mvara.btck.co.uk

O Meon Valley Bowling Club For more information Tel: 01489 891871, email: meonbowls@live.co.uk www.meonvalleybowls.org.uk

O Meon Valley Carers Group For more information: Margaret: 01489 895444 on Monday between 9.15 & 13.15 for details.

O South Downs Nordic Walking For more information please call: 07879 564990 or visit www. southdownsnordicwalking.co.uk O Swanmore Lawn Tennis Club For more information please visit: https://clubspark.lta.org. uk/swanmorelawntennisclub or contact: sec@swanmoretennis. co.uk.

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OTHER CLUBS & SOCIETIES O Bishop's Waltham Bridge Club For more information contact: Roger Robinson: 01489 877504 or Phil White: 01489 896877.

O Bishop's Waltham Gateway Club For more information please contact Vee or Brian on 01489 895767.

O Bishop's Waltham Rotary Club For more information please visit: bishopswalthamrotary.org.uk.

O Meon Ladies For more information please email Sarah Snowdon on: sarah. snowdon@live.com 38

MUSIC & DANCE

O West Meon Ladies Hockey Club For more information ring - 07786 830881 or email: jocopsey10@gmail.com or see Facebook- West Meon Ladies Hockey Club

O Zero 4 Probus Club For more information contact Malcolm Watson: 01489 891875 or 07926 925466. https:// zero4probusclub.weebly.com O Waltham Priory Probus Club For more information please call Janet Gibson on 01489 783386.

O Bishop’s Waltham Library Toddler Time Every Wednesday during Term Time. 10.30am – 11am. Stories, rhymes and simple craft for the under 5’s O Hambledon Folk Club For more information visit: www.hambledonfolkclub.co.uk. folkclubhambledon@hotmail. co.uk O Meon Voices Choir For more information please contact Phil: 01489 579078, coundleypj@yahoo.com or Maureen 01489890335 alan@agbuckland.plus.com.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ANY OF THESE LISTINGS?

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Then visit www.forumpublications.co.uk.

Click on the local information button on the menu.

Select the Meon Valley and browse all your local clubs and societies in detail with direct links to their websites

COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

Community 6TH ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF DAY SPONSORED BY 121GOLFSHOP.COM ON FRI 29TH SEPTEMBER 2017 AT TEST VALLEY GOLF CLUB RAISES £9,000 (£30,000 TO DATE)FOR MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT

by Paul Bingham from The White Horse Hotel, a 4 ball voucher from Romsey Golf Club, 2 coaching lessons with Mark Amey at 121Golf & a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne.

A silent auction prior to and at the event raised fantastic money, particularly for the Sunningdale 4 ball voucher superbly donated back

by Duncan King, supplemented on the day by items donated by Gary Smith (Choices Curtains & Blinds) and Jamie Mallon (Mallon Wealth Management) as did the raffle drawn whilst the golf was taking place.

A Carvery meal was enjoyed by all with the very talented Graham Samuel providing background Shadows music on his acoustic guitars whilst tables were waiting to be called up.

Organiser Trevor Foreman thanked Ali Briggs and Maria McKenzie for a fantastic TVGC team effort and peak caps were awarded to say thank you to Claire Branford & Judy Slaney (registration), John Branford (auction items) ,David Branford (Gift Aid forms),Alec McCloskey (raffle), Ruta Foreman (beautifully prepared score cards) and Tom Foreman (photography).

Trevor also thanked all the sponsors: main sponsor 121GOLFShop. com, Meridian Foods, KPMG, Ahmad Teas, Hattingley Valley English Sparkling Wines, B & Q, Bowman Ales, Laverstoke Park Farm, Wallers Ash Gun Club & 3 Choirs Vineyard and all participants & donors for their brilliant support. Trevor was delighted to report that the golf day had raised £9,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Ryan Howarth, Fund Raising Manager at Macmillan, having attended 4 Big Coffee Morning events, described how important these type of events are to Macmillan with the money raised helping the Macmillan Nurses to be there for someone with cancer when they need them most by funding vital services that support not only the people affected by cancer, but their family, friends and loved ones.

1

04 golfers and cricketers, suitably fortified by some great peanut and almond protein bars ( kindly sponsored by Russell Smart at Meridian Foods), enjoyed a round of golf in what turned out to be mostly dry conditions at an immaculately prepared Test Valley Golf Club to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

A full handicap stableford competition with the best 2 scores from 4 counting on each hole produced some excellent scoring with the Easton & Martyr Worthy Team comprising: Stu Upcraft, Andrew Wickham, Spencer Lock and David Parker just pipping the Bashley Team on countback with 98 stableford points. Individual honours went to Carmel Price and Callum Burt respectively.

Prizes for Nearest the Pins on the 5th 9th 13th & 16th par 3 holes, sponsored by Ahmad Teas, Hattingley Valley English Sparkling Wines, B & Q, and Bowman Ales respectively were won by Callum Burt, Judy Slaney, Paul Zoltowski, Steve Chandler & Ben Stanbrough and NTP in 2 on the 15th, sponsored by Laverstoke Park Farm, was won

by Mark Farbairn. The longest drives, for both ladies and men, on the 4th, sponsored by Wallers Ash Gun Club & 3 Choirs Vineyard, were won by Dawn Nicholson & Ben Stanbrough respectively.The longest drives on the 12th sponsored by Ahmad Teas & 3 Choirs Vineyard, was won by Nicky Lott & Scott Sturt respectively. Julie Daunter and Mike Dorey produced the straightest drives on the 18th hole and all prize winners, both individual and team received a sleeve of KPMG branded golf balls.

A compelling Heads & Tails competition inspired by a brilliantly effort by the local Romsey Community was won by Barry Goodman who won a DB&B for 2 including a 7 course taster menu sponsored

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Supply and planting large specimen trees and shrubs Espalier, pleached and instant impact hedges All trees and shrubs carefully selected Design, landscaping and ongoing maintenance Free site visit and consultation Bosque is a trading name of Just Limegrass Ltd. Harko: 07710 502798 Tom: 07855 656984 www.bosque international.co.uk

OpenCometo& Visit Yard & Public &OurTrade Display Area Customers

Come & Visit Our Yard & Display Area

GAZEBOS & ACCESSORIES

GAZEBOS & ACCESSORIES

Live the Dream with a Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services

Live the Dream with a Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services

youforgotten dream ofal-fresco simply relaxing with a well earned glass of wine, or are hosting that never to be forgotten al-fresco Whether you dream of simply relaxing with a well earned glass of wine, or are hosting thatWhether never to be thatcheddreams or timber into roofed Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services will turn your dreams into party. A thatched or timber roofed Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services willparty. turnA your reality - it just couldn’t be easier.

reality - it just couldn’t be easier.

Equestrian Fencing Services offer an extensive range of

Equestrian Fencing Services All gazebos from Equestrian Fencing Services are madeoffer an extensive range of

All gazebos from Equestrian Fencing Services are made

Gazebos from carefully selected timber from well managed

Gazebos from acarefully materials. They are designed to provide shower selected proof timber from well managed

materials. They are designed to provide a shower proof

sustainable forests, to suit every size and style of garden.

sustainable forests, every size and style of garden. environment. It is important to appreciate thattoinsuit severe

environment. It is important to appreciate that in severe

weather conditions there may be a chance of water

weather conditions there may be a chance of water

Specifically designed accessories to fit our range of

Specifically designed accessories ingress. We recommend with the thatched range that you to fit our range of

ingress. We recommend with the thatched range that you

Gazebos are available to further enhance your comfort

Gazebos areprotection. available to further enhance your comfort invest in a roof liner to improve water

invest in a roof liner to improve water protection.

and privacy. Available in a choice of terracotta or green.

and privacy. Available in a choice of terracotta or green.

ENTRANCE GATES • EQUESTRIAN BUILDINGS OAK GARAGES • SHEDS • LOG STORES • GARDEN GATES Unless stated all Gazebos come with a deck base, solid and

Unless stated all Gazebos A full set of gazebo accessories can be found on the come insidewith a deck base, solid and

A full set of gazebo accessories can be found on the inside

balustrade infill panels. Delivery and assembly on to level

balustrade infill panels. Delivery and assembly on to level back page of this brochure.

back page of this brochure.

pre-prepared base is also included in the price.

pre-prepared base is also included in the price.

With all the benefits of a thatched or timber roofed Gazebo

With all the benefits of a thatched or timber roofed Gazebo

from Equestrian Fencing - Dreams really can come true!

from Equestrian Fencing - Dreams really can come true!

Tel: 01329 835100 Fax 01329 835157 Email: info@equestrianfencing.com please visit www.equestrianfencing.com

Tel: 01329 835100 Fax 01329 835157 Email: info@equestrianfencing.com please visit www.equestrianfencing.com

Equestrian Fencing Services High Ridge Farm, Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 2JR

Equestrian Fencing Services High Ridge Farm, Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 2JR

Equestrian Fencing Services High Ridge Farm, Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 2JR

Equestrian Fencing Services High Ridge Farm, Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 2JR

Tel: 01329 835100 Fax 01329 835157 Email: info@equestrianfencing.com please visit www.equestrianfencing.com

Tel: 01329 835100 Fax 01329 835157 Email: info@equestrianfencing.com please visit www.equestrianfencing.com

from Equestrian Fencing - Dreams really can come true!

from Equestrian Fencing - Dreams really can come true!

With all the benefits of a thatched or timber roofed Gazebo

With all the benefits of a thatched or timber roofed Gazebo

pre-prepared base is also included in the price.

pre-prepared base is also included in the price.

back page of this brochure.

balustrade infill panels. Delivery and assembly on to level back page of this brochure.

balustrade infill panels. Delivery and assembly on to level

A full set of gazebo accessories can be found on the inside

Unless stated allfound Gazebos come with a deck base, solid and A full set of gazebo accessories can be on the inside

Unless stated all Gazebos come with a deck base, solid and

and privacy. Available in a choice of terracotta or green.

and privacy. Available in a choice of terracotta or green.

are available to further enhance your comfort invest in a roof liner to Gazebos improve water protection.

Gazebos are available to further enhance your comfort

invest in a roof liner to improve water protection.

BIRCH NETS £5.95 (each)

KINDLING £2.95 (each)

WOOD WOOL FIRELIGHTERS £4.65 (Box of 50) All prices subject to VAT and Delivery

FIRE BRIQUETTES £3.80 (Bag of 12)

Specifically designed accessories to fit our range of

KILN DRIED FIREWOOD

ingress. We recommend with the thatched range that you

Specifically designedrange accessories to fit our range of ingress. We recommend with the thatched that you

weather conditions there may be a chance of water

weather conditions there may be a chance of water

environment. It is important to appreciate that in severe

sustainable forests, that to suit every size and style of garden. environment. It is important to appreciate in severe

sustainable forests, to suit every size and style of garden.

materials. They are designed to provide a shower proof

Gazebos from carefully selected materials. They are designed to provide a shower proof timber from well managed

Gazebos from carefully selected timber from well managed

All gazebos from Equestrian Fencing Services are made

Equestrian Fencing Services offer an extensive range of All gazebos from Equestrian Fencing Services are made

Equestrian Fencing Services offer an extensive range of

reality - it just couldn’t be easier.

Mixed Hardwood: £155 Oak: £165 Ash: £185

reality - it just couldn’t be easier.

C A L L U S N OW O N : 0 1 3 2 9 8 3 5 1 0 0

party.turn A thatched timber roofed party. A thatched or timber roofed Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services will yourordreams intoGazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services will turn your dreams into Whether of simply relaxing with a well earned glass of wine, or are hosting that never to be forgotten al-fresco Whether you dream of simply relaxing with a well earned glass of wine, or are hosting that never you to bedream forgotten al-fresco

www.equestrianfencing.com

email: info@equestrianfencing.com

H I G H R I D G E F A R M , H O S P I T A L R O A D, S H I R R E L L H E A T H , S O U T H A M P T O N , S O 3 2 2 J R Live the Dream with a Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services

Live the Dream with a Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services

V I E W U S O N G O O G L E E A RT H

GAZEBOS & ACCESSORIES

GAZEBOS & ACCESSORIES Come & Visit Our Yard & Display Area

Come & Visit Our Yard & Display Area

F EAT U R E I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

The King of the River

BY CLAIRE THURLOW

I

didn’t expect to see a kingfisher in the Abbey Gardens.

But here it is, close to King Alfred’s statue in bustling Winchester. Admittedly, this is a two-dimensional bird, depicted on an information board, but it surprises me that kingfishers are part of this landscape. Not only have they been spotted fishing from Winchester City Mill, but they are in residence at Winnall Moors Nature Reserve a short walk from the city centre.

Here on the riverside path, the Itchen is crystal clear, but fast flowing. A gang of mallards struggle against the current, paddling furiously to reach bread scraps thrown by a small boy.

Momentarily defeated, they drift sideways downstream, before resuming their energetic paddling.

The kingfisher prefers calm, or even still, waters; rivers, canals and lakes where minnows and stickleback thrive. It’s happy to hunt for tadpoles and water insects too.Today we’re enjoying an unseasonably warm October day. But with the threat of a long, cold winter ahead, the kingfisher will have spent the past month or more fighting to establish a territory which can provide plenty of food.This can be as much as 5km of prime waterfront, with plenty of low-hanging branches for a first-class view of the river.The Dutch may call it the ‘ijsvogel’- the ‘ice-bird’ – but winter is tough for the kingfisher. Although it may produce multiple broods of chicks, only 25% will make it through to next summer.

The middle of town, in the middle of the day, is not a likely location for kingfisher spotting. It is an elusive bird and easily disturbed, but I have seen one, and once seen, it’s not easily forgotten. Two autumns ago, I spent a week in a quiet corner of West Sussex, not far from Pulborough Brooks. My temporary lodgings were in the ‘granny annex’ of a charming, but somewhat faded country house at the end of a long winding

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drive, which provided the ideal environment in which to get some research and writing done.

Every afternoon, before the sky turned to dusk, I took a walk down the lane towards the river. I’d been told there were kingfishers, but my week was nearly at an end, and I had yet to see one. It was drizzling, that sort of rain which seems negligible, but which gradually soaks you through. I plodded off down the drive wearing outerwear the colour of mud and moss. Despite the miserable weather, it was a pleasure to be in the fresh air after hours at the lap-top, and my mind began to clear.

I walked briskly as darkness would fall early that day.Yet, being alone, with neither a snuffling dog, nor a chatty companion, I also moved quietly. Reaching the stone bridge which crossed this narrow stretch of river, I stopped and looked down into the slow-moving water. Rain-drops rippled the surface but the shadows of small fish were visible beneath. It was a day when the riverbank and woods alongside were a picture of greys, browns and greens, with no hint of colour to lift the sober palette. Until now.

A flash of blue burst from the trees and flew low over the water. It seemed to hover for a moment, then folded its iridescent wings and dived.Then up it rose, a minnow still quivering in its beak, and landed on a post in the middle of the river. I held my breath.The kingfisher sat mere metres away, close enough to admire its orange chest and the sapphire blue feathers on its head, wings and back. Close enough to watch as it whacked the fish against the post and swallowed it.Then it was gone. I waited, hopeful for an encore, but the kingfisher was trying his luck elsewhere. I couldn’t be disappointed.

Getting so close to such a stunning bird even once in a lifetime was a thrill.

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H OME I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

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COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

Community

EAST HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL DELIVERS FREE PARKING IN DECEMBER

SOBERTON WATER MEADOWS APPEAL HAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OF WIGHT WILDLIFE TRUST PURCHASE OF ST CLAIR’S MEADOW COMPLETED

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t’ll be Christmas come early when East Hampshire District Council provides shoppers and festival goers with three hours of free parking for two days in December. Parking in Petersfield and Alton will be free for the first three hours on Saturday 2 December and Sunday 3 December.

C

ongratulations to everyone involved in the process of enabling Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) to acquire the historic water meadows between Selworth Lane and West Street. Match fund-raising of £60,000 from the community and many letters of support for the acquisition helped secure a landfill tax grant for the Trust to purchase the 39-acre meadows. The purchase was completed on September 29th. It was good to see so many people at the public meeting on Tuesday 19th September to meet the officers of the Trust and ask questions about the future of the meadows.

HIWWT Estates Director John Durnell briefly described what he called “the exceptional wildlife value” of this stretch of the Meon which is the least well-known, but possibly the best in environmental terms, of Hampshire’s four chalk streams, which in turn are among the best chalk streams in the world.

The Trust is now at the very early stages of developing their thoughts about the best way of managing St Clair’s Meadows. The Parish Council intends to nominate as soon as possible an individual or small team to liaise between the HIWWT and the community to ensure that all views about the future of the meadows are considered in the development of a draft plan.

Once the draft plan is complete it will be posted on the parish council website – www.soberton.org. There will be one month’s consultation where we will all be invited to comment on the draft proposals before the plan is confirmed.

The plan will include immediate actions such as fencing in preparation for the introduction of grazing cattle, consideration of public access and possibly signage to guide visitors about appropriate behaviour to safeguard wildlife on the meadows.

John Durnell said he hoped to introduce educational visits on the meadows, hosted by his Reserves Officers Chris Lycett and Emma Hunt. He would also like to encourage people from the area to get involved in monitoring the site and conducting wildlife surveys.

Future fishing rights – the current lease to the United Services Fishing Club expires with the sale – will form part of the consultation. www.soberton.org/watermeadows

46

The giveaway has been timed to coincide with Small Business Saturday and Christmas festivals in Alton and Petersfield, on the Sunday. The council has introduced the scheme to encourage visitors to local stores and to the festivals.

Cllr Ingrid Thomas, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Housing, said: “This is the perfect time to give away three hours free parking in Petersfield and Alton. This length of time gives people the chance to come and see what our towns have to offer, without worrying about parking fees, and maximises the number of people able to enjoy themselves here.

“We aim to be one of the UK’s most business-friendly councils and this free parking scheme will be a welcome boost to many of our local shops and stores, as well as the visiting festival traders, during one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.”

Small Business Saturday is a nation-wide campaign which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to support the small businesses in their communities.

The following day Alton will host its Yuletide Festival while visitors to Petersfield will enjoy the Christmas Festival there. East Hampshire District Council has altered its parking meters to allow the threehour tickets to be issued for free at these events. www.easthants.gov.uk

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COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

Church Services BISHOP'S WALTHAM O Catholic Church of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Sundays 09.30 Sunday Mass Saturdays 18.00 Evening Mass

O St. Peter's

Sunday 5 November 08.00 BCP Communion 09.00 Informal Service in

Church Hall with

Café Church 09.15 Parish Communion Sunday 12 November 08.00 BCP Communion 09.15 Informal Service in

Church Hall 10.50 Remembrance Service

in Church (parade

muster in Car Park

at 10.00am for 10.20am

departure) 10.50 Joint Evensong at The

Blessed Mary, Upham Sunday 19 November 08.00 BCP Communion 09.15 Parish Communion 09.15 Informal Service in

Church Hall Sunday 26 November 08.00 BCP Communion

Joint Service Operation Christmas

Child Gift Service

CORHAMPTON

Sunday 19 November 08.00 Holy Communion Sunday 26 November 10.30 Holy Communion

MEONSTOKE O St. Andrew's

Sunday 5 November 10.30 Family Eucharist Sunday 12 November 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Village Act of

Remembrance Sunday 26 November 09.30 Informal All-Age Service

HAMBLEDON O Methodist Church

Sunday 5 November 10.00 Morning Worship and

children's Craft Sunday Sunday 12 November 10.30 Morning Worship with

Act of Remembrance Sunday 19 November 10.30 Morning Worship Sunday 26 November 10.30 Morning Worship

O St Peter & St Paul

Sunday 5 November 08.00 Holy Communion 10.30 Parish Communion 18.30 Evensong for All Songs Sunday 12 November 08.00 Holy Communion 10.30 Service of Remembrance 18.30 Evensong Sunday 19 November 08.00 Holy Communion 10.00 Short Family Service 11.00 Matins 18.30 Holy Communion Sunday 26 November 08.00 Holy Communion 10.30 Parish Communion 18.30 Evensong

O Saxon Church

Sunday 12 November 18.30 Remembrance Evensong Sunday 19 November 10.30 Matins Sunday 26 November 08.00 Holy Communion

DROXFORD O St. Mary & All Saints

Sunday 5 November 08.00 Holy Communion Sunday 12 November 10.50 RBL Remembrance

Service Sunday 19 November 10.00 Informal All-Age Service

EXTON O St. Peter & St. Paul Sunday 5 November Evensong 18.30 Sunday 12 November Village Act of 15.30

Remembrance

48

NEWTOWN O Holy Trinity Church

Thursday 2 November 19.00 Service of Healing/All

Souls Day Sunday 12 November 10.50 Benefice

Remembrance Service Sunday 19 November 10.00 Benefice

Communion Service Sunday 26 November 09.30 Parish Communion

SHEDFIELD O St. John the Baptist

Sunday 5 November 08.00 Holy Communion BCP 10.00 Parish Holy

Communion Sunday 12 November 08.00 Holy Communion BCP 10.45 Remembrance Service

Sunday 19 November 08.00 Holy Communion BCP 10.00 Parish Holy

Communion 18.00 Sung Evensong Sunday 26 November 08.00 Holy Communion BCP 10.00 Quiet Time Service Thursdays 10.00 Holy Communion in

the Morrell Room

SHIRRELL HEATH O Methodist Church

Sunday 5 November 10.30 Morning Worship 18.00 Evening Worship Sunday 12 November 10.30 MorningWorship 18.00 Evening Worship with

Holy Communion Sunday 19 November 10.30 Morning Worship with

Holy Communion 18.00 Evening Worship Sunday 26 November 10.30 Morning Worship with

Holy Communion 18.00 Evening Worship

SOBERTON O St Peter's Church

Sunday 5 November

10.00 Benefice Service with

ROCS (for all children) 18.00 Service for All Souls Sunday 26 November 11.00 Parish Communion Every Friday

08.30 Morning Prayers

SWANMORE O Methodist Church

Sunday 5 November 10.30 Morning Service with

Holy Communion 18.00 Evening Service Sunday 12 November 10.30 Remembrance Service

at St Barnabas’ Church 18.00 Evening Service Sunday 19 November 10.30 Family Toy Service 18.00 Evening Service Sunday 26 November 10.30 Morning Service 18.00 Evening Service with

Holy Communion

O St. Barnabas

Sunday 5 November 08.00 Eucharist 10.00 Parish Eucharist inc

Sunday Club 18.30 All Souls’ Service of

Remembrance Sunday 12 November 08.00 Eucharist 10.00 United Service of

Remembrance inc

Sunday Club Sunday 19 November 08.00 Eucharist 10.00 3rd@10 Cafe Church 18.30 Eucharist

Sunday 26 November 08.00 Eucharist 10.00 Parish Eucharist inc

Sunday Club Wednesdays 11.00 Eucharist Thursdays 08.15 Morning Prayer Saturdays 12.00 Mid-day Prayer

UPHAM O Church of the Blessed Mary

Sunday 5 November Parish Communion 11.00 Sunday 12 November 10.50 Remembrance

Sunday Service 18.30 Evensong Sunday 19 November 11.00 Parish Communion –

Shoebox Gift Service Sunday 26 November 11.00 Informal Communion

Service

WALTHAM CHASE O Waltham Chase Methodist Church

Sunday 5 November 09.30 Family Breakfast 10.00 Family Worship 11.00 Second Service:

Worship & Word Sunday 12 November 10.30 Morning Worship Sunday 19 November 10.30 Morning Worship Sunday 26 November 10.30 Morning Worship

WARNFORD O Church of Our Lady

Sunday 5 November 09.00 Holy Communion Sunday 19 November 09.00 Holy Communion Sunday 26 November 09.00 Mattins Saturdays 09.00 Morning Prayer

(Holy Communion on

11 November)

WEST MEON O St. John the Evangelist

Sunday 5 November 08.00 Holy Communion 10.30 All Age Worship Sunday 12 November 10.50 Service of Remembrance Sunday 19 November 10.30 Parish Communion Sunday 26 November 10.30 Parish Communion Wednesdays & Thursdays (except 8 & 9 November) 09.00 Morning Prayer

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F EAT U R E I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

In Memoriam Hampshire Mum T

Adonis annua.

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS

here was once a plant. Not showy like many of our garden flowers, but nevertheless pretty enough that, back in the day when it grew abundantly through the wheat fields on our local downland, bunches of it used to be gathered and taken to Covent Garden Market, where flower vendors would sell it under the name ‘Red Morocco’. Native to Southern Europe, it was introduced to our shores in the Iron Age as a seed contaminant of grain. And although, like many in the Ranunculaceae (the buttercup family), it was mildly poisonous to humans and livestock, it seldom set enough seed or produced enough vegetation to cause any harm.

The plant, whose common name was Pheasant’s Eye, was one of a suite of species which had evolved in tandem with human beings, and specifically our ever-growing skill in food cultivation. Like the grains with which it grew, it had adapted to survive in disturbed environments, giving it a competitive advantage as the agricultural era ushered in an age of land clearance. Arable weeds of this sort, like shepherd’s needle, corncockle, cornflower and many more, did well up until the twentieth century when their luck ran out in spectacular fashion. Seed-sorting techniques foiled their means of distribution, limiting them to isolated populations, while a new generation of selective herbicides further decimated their numbers. Pheasant’s eye disappeared from our fields, a catastrophic decline of at least 92%, persisting on only in a handful of field margins in Southern England.

One of those locations was local, a lovely arable margin bordered by hedge and woodland, near where the Wayfarer’s Walk leaves the Itchen Valley on its way north. On the marginal land by the hedge grew a number of declining species of sunny field margins, including dwarf spurge, rye brome, and the longest-standing population of Pheasant’s eye in Hampshire (plants rarely grow in isolation - they have associates, parasites, consumers, symbiotes - most of the time the presence of a rarity is an indicator of an unusual ecosystem).

That was until early October this year when the hedge was grubbed up and the margin put under the plough, part of an amalgamation of two fields. pheasant’s eye seeds persist in the seed bank for many a year, so we may not have seen the last of it, but unless the landowner has a massive change of heart and works actively to bring it back from the brink, we have just lived through an extinction on our doorstep.

52

Indeed, the time is coming soon when the only way you’ll be able to experience this once-abundant plant is by visiting an arable reserve like Plantlife’s Ranscombe Farm, in which it and other rarities are actively conserved in a semi-wild floral theme park.

The extinction of a large mammal is newsworthy, but real extinction is more often a tortuously slow thinning and fading from the world. The downland stone curlews, ring ouzels and golden plovers beloved of Gilbert White have been largely replaced locally by a monoculture of pheasants. The Pheasant’s eye by a monoculture of wheat. Each loss is a barely perceptible impoverishment of our natural and cultural heritage, plotted slowly enough that each generation becomes used to a baseline that their forebears would have considered impossibly degraded.

“There’s no birdsong anymore” say our elders, while those of us born after the twin scourges of DDT and organophosphates hear plenty.

But compared to elsewhere, there is still much to celebrate. The richness of our local flora and fauna is for many the reason we live here at the headwaters of the Itchen and the base of the South Downs. It doesn’t just render our vistas beautiful, it - to put it crassly - gives our homes value.

This is not a suburban wasteland, yet. In Alresford, nature, like watercress and kindness to strangers, should be one of the things that we, as a community, take pride in doing well.

Having seen how powerful a little bit of civic pride in one’s surroundings can be in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve areas of Menorca, I’d like to see the issue of local biodiversity become every bit as important to our Town Councillors as speed limits and road verges, and as crucial to each of us as rubbish removal and street lighting.

The pheasant’s eye is gone, its legal protection under the NERC act powerless to save it from a landowner’s whim. There may be rocky times for conservation ahead with the changes to legislation that could follow Brexit, but we still have eels, kingfishers, otters and hedgehogs, green-flowered helleborines in the willow carr and whorl-grass on the stream sides, and the most effective protection we can give them as individuals will be if enough of us commit to improving our ecological literacy, and actively search out situations in which we can make a difference. Short of renaming the place where it once grew Morocco Down, that would be the best memorial I could imagine to the little red flower that used to grow in the fields around our town.

WRITTEN BY PETE FLOOD

H OME I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

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COMMU N IT Y I SSU E 26 | NOVE MB E R

Community

Our woods need a good structural diversity in order to be resilient to pests, diseases and climate change. Beyond this we need to find a balance between growing timber, managing woodland for wildlife and supporting public access. There is no doubt that people feel passionate about trees and spending time in woodland.

30 YEARS SINCE THE GREAT STORM

Help For Woodland Owners

We offer support to both new and existing woodland owners to manage their woods so that wildlife thrives, woodland products reach local markets and the woodland economy becomes sustainable.

For example, the recent trend for people to invest in small parcels of woodland means that many people who have bought them for personal enjoyment may not realise the other benefits that trees can bring both for wildlife and the local economy.

Find out more about the South Downs National Park Authority’s free advisory service for people who own woodland at www.southdowns.gov.uk/care-for/woodland/

N

A WARNING TO OUR ADVERTISERS AND READERS

ot since 1703 had such a storm raged in this part of the country. Roads were blocked, buildings damaged, schools closed and 15 million trees were lost. 30 years on Bob Epsom, Woodland Officer for the South Downs National Park considers the legacy of the Great Storm of 1987.

The early hours of 16 October 1987 stay firm in the memories of people living in the south east of England at the time. With gusts recorded over 100 miles an hour and an average wind speed of 50 miles per hour, many were woken in the night, three people were killed and, at daybreak, we faced a scene of devastation. Roads were blocked, buildings damaged, schools and workplaces closed and some communities left without electricity for days.

But the legacy of the storm was the widespread loss of trees. Estimates suggest that some 15 million trees were toppled that night. That’s 3.9 million cubic metres of timber. Streetscapes, parks, gardens, hedgerows and woodlands were drastically changed overnight. Many iconic South Downs woods suffered extensive damage including Chanctonbury Ring, Slindon Beech Woods and the Hangers.

‘Estimates suggest that some 15 million trees were toppled that night.’

However, many species benefitted from increased light levels created by gaps in the canopy – woodland flowers such as bluebells spread and shrubs regenerated. Other species, such as stag beetles, will have thrived on any decaying wood left in situ.

Even after 30 years of regrowth there are still visible signs of the great storm. When you’re out walking in the woods look out for the upturned chalky rootplate of a large beech or a fallen oak tree that live on, on its side.

Lessons Learned

The most important lesson of 1987 is the role of good woodland management. Storms of that strength may only happen here once every 200 years but our woodland flora and fauna have adapted to, and developed from, them. Good woodland management can mimic the same natural processes, for example, in allowing light to reach the woodland floor.

With 38,000 hectares of woodland the South Downs National Park has a greater area of tree coverage than any other national park in England and Wales. This varies from ancient yew forests to modern plantations but nearly half of the woodland (45 per cent) is classed as ancient, meaning that the land has been under constant tree cover for more than 400 years.

54

I

am sure that our readers and advertisers are well informed on the malicious attempts to extract money from innocent people by fraudulent groups/individuals. Be that on the internet, email or the phone. As a magazine we are careful to ensure that our customers and readers are informed of local scams or offers that seek to mislead.

Sadly in recent weeks several magazines including the Forum have been used by a telephone scam group. We are including this item to highlight this issue to our advertisers. If any of our advertisers are called with a request for monies for unpaid bills, PLEASE call the office on 01962 735137 to verify that these claims are valid. DO NOT make any card payments unless you are in direct correspondence with the Forum office.

We have been contacted by businesses (not in our area) saying that they have been harassed by a representative of the Forum, demanding payment for advertising that they had not placed. Thankfully these companies were not mislead by the caller as they were not advertisers with us, but informed us of attempts to extract money from them.

We have contacted trading standards and other organisations to try and curtail such activity but sadly there appears to be little we can do.

The problem lies with the mobile phone companies that refuse to block numbers that are being used for elicit purposes.

We hope that this information reaches our advertisers and readers and should you have any concerns that you may have been contacted by this fraudulent organisation the please contact us asap.

The Editor

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