Meon Valley Forum - Issue 83 - October 2022

Bishop's Waltham – Price Guide £650,000 Freehold

Detached family home lying in a great residential location - conveniently situated within walking distance of the local school and town centre. The property has the benefit of a first floor extension which provides an additional room off the main bedroom - useful as a nursery/dressing room or office. The accommodation in brief comprises: Entrance hall, cloakroom, double aspect living room, dining room, kitchen and utility room. On the first floor, four bedrooms with en-suite to the main bedroom and family bathroom. Outside attractive gardens to the front and rear. Integral garage. Early interest and viewing recommended.

Swanmore – Price Guide £550,000 Freehold

Attractive and spacious semi-detached cottage, lying within a desirable village location. Extended accommodation with three generous bedrooms, bathroom and en-suite shower room. Kitchen, dining/family room, utility/cloakroom and a super rear aspect sitting room with vaulted ceiling. Good sized garden, driveway parking and workshop/store.

BISHOP'S WALTHAM / MEON VALLEY ESTATE & LETTINGS AGENTS

SERVICE | MARKETING | EXPERIENCE

With our strong presence in Bishop’s Waltham and the surrounding Meon Valley, Pearsons are the perfect choice for all your property requirements. We are a dedicated team of inspired property professionals who are passionate and enthusiastic about people, property and sales. The recommendations from loyal customers and 5* Google reviews reflect this bespoke service - testimony to our success.

Bishop's Freehold

Spacious end of terrace home in the heart of Bishop’s Waltham – just a short stroll from the town centre. Three good sized bedrooms and bathroom. Rear aspect living/dining room, kitchen and cloakroom. Garage in a nearby block. Early interest and viewing advised.

Bishop's Waltham Leasehold

Superb second floor retirement apartment lying in the heart of Bishop’s Waltham, beautifully presented with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living/dining room, kitchen and balcony. Fabulous communal areas and gardens. Carport. Viewing advised.

Debbie Passells Director

Nicki Hyde BA (Hons) Residential Sales Negotiator

Forager, for Poorer

© Lucia Foster-Found 2022 www.luciafosterfound.com

“Now, this one is an Amethyst Deceiver. And it’s edible!” announced the expert with glee.

“Oooh!” Lots of interest from the group who’d come on the ‘Fungi Foray’.

“Or… it could be a Lilac Fibrecap… in which case it’s poisonous.” The expert assumed a funereal tone.

“Aaah..” Lots of disappointment from the crowd, except Himself who said “really? There’s not ‘mush-room’ for error, then…” turning away and stifling a snigger.

“But I think it is actually a deceiver, which means that you can safely eat it.” The expert was again upbeat.

‘Thank goodness’, she thought. Earlier, when she’d handed Himself his waterproofs, he’d looked up at her with sad, Labrador eyes; “are you really dragging me out on a wet October afternoon to grub about looking at toadstools?”

“Yes.” She’d said sternly “We might learn something. Nature can provide a delicious smorgasbord. For freeee!” Costs were more upwardly mobile than a yuppie in the eighties - and she was on an economy drive. “And at least we won’t be at home with the lights and heating on,” she reasoned. Back in the present, the expert was speaking again. “Of course, these fungi can absorb quite a lot of arsenic from the soil.” She saw Himself was trying to appear interested. “Are they safe for human consumption?”

“Oh yes,” said the expert earnestly. “But they don’t make very good eating…”

On the way home, Himself giggled. “Not once did the word ‘magic’ pass that man’s lips and he wasn’t the ‘fun guy’ I anticipated. Let’s stick to buying mushrooms from a shop – it all seems a bit dodgy if you don’t know what you’re doing. And we don’t.“

She had to agree; dim memories had resurfaced of a famous author, she couldn’t recollect who, but he’d inadvertently poisoned his family with what he’d thought were ceps. The words ‘’dialysis’ and ‘kidney transplants’ had been mentioned. Horrific. She shuddered.

“Perhaps we should stick to foraging for nuts.” She stopped the car next to a promising walnut tree. Picking up the remains of the crop, time and the weather having helpfully liberated the wrinkled brown shells from their hand-staining jackets, they stuffed them into dog poo bags.

“Wonderful!” Himself enthused. “Look, if you put two in your hand and squeeze them together, you can crack them.” He demonstrated, happily popping a sweet English walnut into his mouth.

“Ow!” she yelped as she tried to emulate the ease with which his massive

hands crushed the walnuts into submission. “I think I’ve sprained something,” she complained, rubbing her painful right wrist. Distracted by the sight of some hazel bushes, she pointed with her good hand, “look – we can get some of those too. I’ve got a recipe for fried chicken in crushed hazel nuts and cheese.”

Himself enthusiastically set about gathering up the small nuts. “Say no more - you had me at ‘fried chicken’.” Pausing, he said, “better check there’s actually something in them,” and popped one in his mouth, biting down hard on the shell.

“Ow!” Rubbing his jaw, he said “I think I’ve cracked a tooth.”

“Oh dear. Well, before we both completely fall apart, let’s gather some of these late blackberries. I haven’t picked any this year and at least they’re idiot proof.”

A week or so later she was dishing up a meal of chicken coated with crushed nuts and parmesan. Himself hovered and pushed a spoon into the crumble destined for pudding; blackberry and apple.

“We’ve had blackberry sorbet, pork with blackberry sauce, blackberry pancakes and quite a lot of blackberry and beetroot smoothie. I’m not complaining, but I’m a bit blackberried-out. The pips get stuck in my bad tooth. Um… darling, please tell me this is the last of them?”

“Yes it is.”

“Oh good.” He sounded relieved.

“What I mean is that it’s the last of last year’s blackberries that I discovered in the freezer when I went to freeze this year’s blackberries.” She smiled sheepishly and passed his plate.

Carefully eating on one side of his mouth, Himself said conversationally, “Dentist said I’ll need a crown.”

Cutting up her chicken with her left hand, she nodded and commented, “Chiropractor’s going to realign my wrist.”

They looked at each other and said in unison, “expensive month.”

“So much for the free food,” Himself concluded.

“You know,” he smiled across the table at her “how you’ve been talking about renewing our vows?”

“WE’ve been talking about..” she gave him a look.

“Yes. We. Anyway, before the ‘in sickness and in health bit’ perhaps we should substitute the ‘for richer, for poorer’ with, wait for it… ‘FORAGER, for Poorer’.. Gettit?” Himself winked and chortled.

She chuckled with him; his hilarity was infectious - and she reflected that laughter, like love, really was free.

CONTENTS

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Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture

HappyKitchens have a unique approach when it comes to kitchens and custom spaces in the home. We use excellent quality materials which are fitted by exshipwright joiners, who used to fit the woodwork on Super Yachts. That in itself is unique in our industry but then add in the fact that we are bespoke, but don’t charge the inflated prices that your highend high street showrooms do, gives us the recipe for your perfect home solution. This is why we are one of the highest rated home improvement companies on HOUZZ, beating all the top names you might recognise when walking down your high street.

We have never had less than a 5star

review and have won the HOUZZ best of service award every year since it has been running. The staff at HOUZZ reference us to other companies as to how customer service should be done. Many of our customers have used us 2 or 3 times due to moving house or tackling other projects in their existing houses.

We do not have a template for design and take a fresh approach with every customer. It is important to take all the best ideas a customer has, then bring in the experience we have to offer, and often our ideas will be completely different to any other companies as we are innovative and bespoke. We often hear that customers have had designs and quotes that all look the same, are boring and

un-exciting, yet expensive. This is because most high street ‘kitchen designers’ are just salespeople with no idea on how a kitchen works.

Bespoke sizing - Media walls, boot rooms, custom offices, installed by ex shipwright joiners with exceptional attention to detail

So whether you need an amazing Kitchen, Utility, Bedroom, coffee bar with custom pod storage, Office, Media wall or Living Room storage we can help. The design visits are free of charge, and we can quote on the same day. Also Ben loves design, so often at no extra charge, he will help you choose paint colours, light fittings, Bar stools, artwork and can even recommend great pots and pans.

“Thisisthesecondtimewehaveused HappyKitchensandonceagainweare overthemoonwiththeresults! Thelevelofworkmanshipisjust outstanding,theguyswereapleasure tohaveinthehouse,Wewon’thesitate tocontinuetorecommendHappy Kitchenstoanyonelookingforanew kitchen.Highlyrecommend!”

Anna and Hugh Cutler, May 22

Our customers will often use us again, and recommend us to Family and Friends. The quote from the review above was from a customer who has chosen us twice, and their parents also have a Happy Kitchen, and two of the parents' friends.

“HappyKitchens.WOWWOW WOW.Thankyousomuchforgiving usthewowfactorweaskedfor.”

The McAdams – June 21

The biggest compliment we get from our customers is always around our attention to detail and often bringing something completely different to the table. If you are still unsure after reading this, go and read some of our reviews on our Happy Kitchens Houzz profile, and do a search of kitchen companies on there by review rating, we are always close to the top of the list.

Out-of-the-box thinking, bespoke design features, and friendly staff with excellent attention to detail are just a few of the reasons you should call us today. If that isn’t enough please do remember that the design visit is free of charge, so you have nothing to lose.

One of the top reviewed companies on Houzz, offering free home design visits

Bees bouncing back inSouth Downs National Park with new wildflower havens

The South Downs were alive with the beauty of wildflowers and buzzing bees this summer, thanks to the success of an inspiring nature project.

Bee Lines is going from strength to strength, with the South Downs National Park Trust giving 11 grants in recent months to create new wildflower oases at farms, community fields, recreation grounds and road verges.

It comes after eight projects received funding last year and have now blossomed into beautiful areas for bees and butterflies to flourish. Early reports show biodiversity has increased significantly in the new wildflower patches.

Bee Lines launched three years ago to create a new network of wildflower corridors to help support bees and other pollinators. These insects have been on a steep decline across the UK for several decades and are now under threat from climate change. New planting will effectively create a “road system” for pollinating insects, allowing them to move through the landscape more easily. The community rallied round to raise £75,000 for the campaign.

Among the projects has been the transformation of a field at Sompting, West Sussex, to create a vibrant wildflower meadow.

Peter King, Director of Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust, said: “The funding from the South Downs National Park Trust has allowed us to create 2.5ha of wildflower meadows on Sompting Brooks.

“Since sowing the seeds, the field has seen exceptional growth and diversity of species.

“It’s too early to attribute any specific species or biodiversity increases specifically to this meadow habitat, however, we have recorded a 72 per cent increase in pollinator species using the site since the arable fields were reverted to meadow. We have also seen an overall species diversity increase of 98 per cent of monitored species, including birds, bats, reptiles, invertebrates, and small mammals. Overall species records from the site have increased from 179 to 624 since the project as a whole was completed.”

Before at Sompting

After at Sompting

Meanwhile, wildflower corridors have been created at Sussex Meadow, a farm and holiday let business near Petworth. Sophie Green said: “On quick glance we are noticing more butterflies in the patches with a greater range of species.”

Lewes Cemetery has also been transformed thanks to wildflower planting, with a recent survey finding a total of 55 different species of wildflower at the site. Chris Bibb, who works at Lewes District Council as a consultant on green projects, said: “The wildflower seeding and plug planting was a great success and the variety of flowers has been popular with visitors to the Cemetery and butterflies, moths, bees and bugs alike.”

Although the £75,000 target has now been reached, the Trust is continuing to seek donations to help further wildflower projects.

Nick Heasman, who leads Bee Lines for the National Park, said: “It’s wonderful to see this wildflower planting making a significant difference to biodiversity and that effect can only multiply in future years as the habitat becomes more established. Bees are vital ecosystem engineers and it’s so important we try to halt and reverse their decline.

“This is nature recovery in action and a key strand of our overarching ReNature project to create new wildlife habitat in the National Park.”

Anyone interested in future rounds of Bee Lines funding should contact Miriam Swan at grants@southdowns.gov.uk to be put on the notification list.

To donate visit www.southdownstrust.org.uk/beelines/

Plant conservation charity Plantlife is supporting the project by providing landowners with advice on establishing and enhancing wildflower habitats.

To find out more about ReNature visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/ renature/

Tree planting in Fareham commemorates Rotary anniversaries

Charters were granted for the Rotary Club of Fareham (75 years ago) and Fareham Meon (40 years) at the inauguration of the two Clubs in the town that have consistently provided outstanding community service in the area and internationally.

The trees (Hornbeam for the Rotary Club of Fareham and Beech for the Rotary Club of Fareham Meon) were planted by the two Presidents in January this year. They are situated in Park Lane Recreation Ground near to Fareham Leisure Centre and will be nurtured by the Borough Council horticultural team throughout the seasons.

At the tree plaque placement was Councillor & Rotarian Pamela Bryant (who was Mayor of the Borough of Fareham at the time of the anniversaries), together with the current President of the Rotary Club of Fareham Pam Marsden.

Since ancient days the beech and hornbeam trees have symbolised life, growth and wisdom. It is hoped these special trees will continue to thrive in the Borough to shade and shelter people in the town for years to come.

From Left to Right - President Pam Marsden from the Rotary Club of Fareham; Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Fareham Meon Len Bamber; Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Fareham Norman Chapman; and Councillor & Rotarian Pamela Bryant from the Rotary Club of Fareham.

The Rotary Clubs of Fareham & Fareham Meon today placed commemorative plaques at the base of trees planted for their special anniversaries last year in the Borough.

Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Fareham, Norman Chapman, said “This hornbeam tree is a living demonstration of our Club’s support for the environment and wildlife in the town.” This was echoed by Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Fareham Meon, Len Bamber, who said “I am honoured that our Club has been able to contribute to the beautiful beech trees in Fareham.”

WED

The Rotary Club of Fareham Email: farehamrotary.pr@gmail.com Charitable Trust 289191

Childrens Theatre Season for

Here at Shedfield Riding School, we are a small dedicated team with a passion to teach. We teach all abilities and ages from 3 upwards. We are a registered RDA centre and also hold Pony club every Saturday and Sunday. Our stables house various breeds, ages, sizes and abilities for all riders.

to improve rhythm, control and balance. These include clinics with our onsite instructors plus regular clinics with Jennie Candy, Carol Alford, Charlie Samuel Camps, MJ Tumbridge and Alec Miles.

We are also have an official Pony Club centre and a Riding For The Disabled (RDA) approved facility. Our most popular lesson types are:

Shows

We hold regular shows onsite throughout the year including monthly unaffiliated Dressage and monthly unaffiliated Show Jumping and Combined Training. We hold our ever popular Summer Show every year as well as a Fun Show for the children, a Halloween Show and a Winter Woolies later on in the year.

Regular Dressage and Pole work Clinics

These are a fun alternative to everyday lessons and a great way

Birthday Parties

Why not treat your pony mad child to something totally different? We hold birthday parties for children aged 4+. Our birthday packages include a 1 hour session consisting of grooming and tacking up, riding instruction and gymkhana games, races and activities, followed by food and birthday cake if required.

We have a range of horses to suit everyone from safe, friendly ponies to experienced horses. For information on Prices and Lessons please phone us.

Private lesson from £29.00, Group lesson from £21.50, Pony Club £35.50, After-School Club £34.50. We also offer arena/working hunter hire, prices start from £12.50 for 30 minutes.

Save 15% off

Save 15% off any of our prices shown throughout October by calling us now and quoting Forum Offer. Offer available to the end of October 2022.

Opening Times:

Monday 9am - 6pm

Tuesday 9am - 8pm

Wednesday 9am - 7pm

Thursday 9am - 8pm

Friday 9am - 6pm

Saturday 9am - 5pm

Sunday 9am - 5pm

Shedfield Riding School

Shedfield Equestrian, Botley Road, Shedfield, SO32 2HN www.shedfieldridingschool.co.uk Tel: 01329 830387

The Autumn Hampshire Art Fair

Our annual autumn show promises to be more remarkable and dynamic than ever as Nadia Waterfield Fine Art exhibits some captivating new ‘finds’. With over half the artists as firsttime exhibitors at the gallery, Nadia demonstrates her passion for bringing in fresh artwork to her shows, all carefully curated from all over the UK and abroad. It is this vibrancy and diversity which makes this exhibition so original and stimulating.

with so much diversity under one roof, there’s something to appeal to all tastes and budgets.

Parking is ample, stunning dog walks on the doorstep, the welcome warm and coffee delicious!

The gallery – the largest in Hampshire – has the advantage of acres of space so that not only can a vast cross-section of artwork, across a broad variety of subjects, genres and media be exhibited, larger pieces to fill bigger walls can be hung too. Featuring original work from over 60 artists, all the exhibits are meticulously sourced from all over the UK and abroad to ensure these shows are always exciting, sometimes surprising, and normally have something to fall in love with that is hard to leave behind! Certainly

Consultancy

Nadia is always delighted to inform and advise clients on selecting and hanging paintings. She has a natural eye for interiors and knows instinctively where best to place art to maximise its impact. A home visit allows Nadia to assess the scale of a space and to gauge more precisely her client’s style and requirements. She will then source suitable artwork from her extensive portfolio and bring a selection to the client to be viewed in situ – this, Nadia believes, can transform a painting and help the client make a decision.

Nadia Waterfield Fine Art Old Grain Store Clatford Stockbridge Hampshire SP11 7LF 07717 833999

Discover Saddle House Medi-Spa

Experts in beauty and non-surgical treatments to rejuvenate and enhance your natural look

Saddle

House Medi-Spa is a hidden gem discreetly tucked away in the privacy of the countryside only a minute's drive from the gorgeous historic town of Alresford. Housed in a 17th century building, the scenic grounds are shared with a family of beautiful white swans and magnificent peacocks. The sound of running water and bird song echo around the private estate adding to the tranquillity of the location. This is a tonic for many clients, who prefer the privacy and serenity of the countryside rather than stepping out into the hustle and bustle of a busy town centre.

The building has been completely renovated to an extremely high standard over the last twelve months. The interior is modern and light, with an indulgent feel to the decor. The reception area has a warm and inviting feel and the entire team reflect this in their friendly and professional demeanour.

Saddle House Medi Spa offers a range of specialist treatments suited to men and women with the understanding that every patient has a different need. The spa’s menu ranges from beauty treatments to medical grade facials and facial aesthetics. The clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), ensuring that the premises operate at the highest standard of medical practice.

If a pamper session with a beautiful view of the river appeals to you, then escape everyday life for an hour or two with one of the indulgent massages performed by our Senior Beauty Therapist, or revitalise your hands with a perfectly painted manicure. If your goal is to improve the overall appearance of your skin, then a clinical facial such as the IPL light therapy treatment, or the much sort after Hydrafacial will

be sure to leave your skin with a radiant natural glow from the inside out.

Finding the right clinician to perform injectable procedures is extremely important. Director, Leanne Hawkins is a Registered Nurse and an Independent Nurse Prescriber (INP) who spent a decade working in the NHS before qualifying as a Medical Facial Aesthetician. Leanne set up the award-winning Face and Skin Clinic in Wickham in 2011. A passionate and experienced clinician, Leanne's professionalism and commitment to enhancing your unique features is evident from the first interaction.

On booking a facial treatment, you will be invited to enjoy a complimentary Visia Skin Analysis which uses the latest AI technology to capture a multi-point image of the skin and assess its strengths and weaknesses at every level. Based on this analysis your practitioner will set up your unique patient journey to enhance, improve and rebalance the skin.

Saddle House Medi Spa is a charming addition to the local area. From massage to thread vein removal, the experienced and professional team will help you to discover and uncover your very best you.

Tel: 02380 518558

Address: Western Court, Bishops Sutton, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0AA www.saddlehouse.co.uk

Bishop Waltham Rotary Club News

Pakistan Disaster Appeal

In June 2022 floods caused by heavier than usual monsoon rains, followed by a severe heat wave killed over 1,100 people in Pakistan and displaced over 364,000 more. The Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland Disaster Recovery Trust has launched a Pakistan Disaster Appeal to help affected communities in Pakistan, once the waters have receded. The Trust works with Rotary clubs and their volunteers by providing funds for long term, sustainable projects that will help those communities to continue in the aftermath of floods, or even prevent floods in the future. In response to this appeal Bishop’s Waltham Rotary Club have sent £1000.

Moshchun Village Recovery Project

Moshchun village in UKRAINE has been largely destroyed by Russian forces in the Ukraine war and with the approaching winter, shelter from the elements is critical to the survival of the inhabitants.

Because of this, Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland sent out an urgent call to action to all Rotary Districts to provide new homes for residents. Working with the local Ivano-Frankivsk and KyivCity Rotary Clubs, the plan is to start rebuilding the village, which

became a battleground for Russian soldiers forcing their way into Kyiv, destroying 80% of the village. Each temporary home, complete with essentials such as a fridge, beds, heaters and tables, will cost approximately £10,000. In response to this appeal our Past District governor Allan Smith set our local district the challenge of raising £10,000 to build one property. Bishop’s Waltham Rotary Club responded with a donation of £1000 and to date as a district we now have enough money to build 2 properties, which has been an incredible effort in response to such desperate need.

Date for your diary - Charity Golf Event

Calling all golf enthusiasts, we will be holding a Charity Golf event on Thursday 27th April 2023 at East Horton Golf Club. There will be 18 teams of 4, early start with Bacon (or similar) Rolls in the morning, followed by lunch and “Stableford” in the afternoon. The event has been kindly sponsored by Doyle & Palmer Wealth Management, and for more information either log onto our Website, keep an eye out for updates on Facebook or, if you want to enter a team email sara.walker@bishopswalthamrotary.org.uk.

Like our Facebook page or take a look at our website for updates on what is going on, what we have been up to and how you can help us help others!

ian.treveil@bishopswalthamrotary.org.uk

A different approach to family law

The short answer is before you really need to, however we know that life can be tricky so as family solicitors we are always here to help in an emergency or at short notice.

Award-winning firm, Family Law Partners deliver exceptional client care and promotes the use of non-court options to help minimise both the emotional and financial cost of divorce. We can help you with:

Partners we focus on minimising the emotional and financial cost for you and your family. We are committed to advising clients on all of their options, and where possible work with them to find solutions that avoid the traditional court process, for example mediation, when going through a divorce or separation. Our experience, expertise and commitment to client service is externally recognised by Resolution, Chambers UK and the Law Society and we are a The Times Top 100 Law Firm.

• Divorce and Separation

• Dissolution of Civil Partnerships

• Children matters

Jayne Llewelyn

If you need assistance with a prenuptial agreement before a wedding, a cohabitation agreement just before you move in with your new partner or advice if you and your partner decide to separate or divorce, we can provide the legal resolutions quickly and support you at a time when you may be feeling stressed and emotional.

• Collaborative Law

We have an extensive network with other professionals so can put you in contact with financial advisers, counsellors’ and therapists. For many clients this is all that is needed to enable them to resolve matters themselves. However, if you need to progress with a divorce or separation we can help you move forward in the best possible way.

• Prenuptial and Postnuptial agreements

• Family Mediation

For a confidential conversation call Jayne on 01962 353215 email

Talking to a family solicitor at an early stage can mean you have all the support you need to help you resolve any problems quickly and with as less stress as possible. Your meetings with us are confidential and you will always feel in control of your situation. At Family Law

Family Mediation Voucher Scheme accepted.

To speak to our Family Law specialist in Winchester: Jayne Llewelyn - 01962 353215 jayne@familylawpartners.co.uk

When’s the best time to contact a Family Solicitor?

Many people have Yahoo email accounts, if you are one of them you might already have been hacked. You will know soon enough if you have been because you will probably receive a lot of calls from people in your contacts list asking why you are asking them for money! If this is the case, you might want to contact Yahoo for help. You will not be happy to learn that they will not assist you unless you subscribe to their online support service for £4.80 per month. You will then be told that you should also have an up-to-date antivirus software installed and a VPN. Their high-handed attitude is a bit rich, and you really should consider why are you staying with Yahoo and not opening a new free email account with Gmail or Microsoft. Opening a new account is simple and there are ways to let your existing contacts your new details. This is not to say that you should leave your computer, Windows or Mac, unprotected. There are many more threats out there and now is definitely the time to consider your internet security. Please contact me if you need any further information or assistance.

On a lighter note, for those of you that were born in the 40s, 50s and 60s, check out Boom Radio. Go to boomradiouk.com where you can download their app and listen live online. Give it a try, especially if BBC Radio 2 does not cut it for you anymore. Happy listening!

Andy - Mr Mac 07392552592

Local Financial Planning you to Mac - Stay safe online and reassess protection. Here is one reason why.

Boutique Me

Soya Waltham,

On Your Highstreet

Boutique Me

Soya

High Waltham, SO32

Flowers by the Bridge

Situated in the heart of West Meon Flowers by the Bridge is a small florists run by Susanna Jarrett. Susanna grows her own flowers locally and mixed with other seasonal flowers she provides beautiful, informal bouquets for collection from her house or local delivery.

Susanna says " I love the variety each season brings, with different textures and colours.No two bouquets of my are the same. I always take my inspiration from what I have picked and combine it with my customer's preferences to provide something truly unique"

You can call Flowers by the Bridge anytime to discuss your flower order. Susanna also provides flowers for celebrations such as parties and also memorial and funeral flowers.

For more information or orders please visit flowersbythebridge. com or Tel: 07970 280077

East Meon Garden Club –Annual Show 2022

After two years of uncertainty and natural reluctance to attend events in numbers, what an absolute delight it was to open the doors to people queuing up to come and look at the wonderful array of fruit, vegetables, flowers, produce, preserves, fantastic flower arrangements, Arts and Crafts, together with the children’s classes, which were well up on numbers this year. It had been a depressing couple of seasons for flower and vegetable growers, with an extremely wet Spring followed by continuous, scorching heat, but East Meon Community being what it is, rose to the occasion and the displays that were put on were magnificent. Visitors responded with lovely comments as they discussed various displays over cups of tea and home made cakes which included the gorgeous winning Jubilee Cake made by Melanie Lewin, if you didn’t get a slice, you certainly missed a treat!

There was a lot of imagination displayed in the Children’s classes which included a miniature Ukrainian Garden made by 10 year old Solamiia who is living here in East Meon with her Mother. Teddy aged 5 scooped two prizes with the overall winner being 2 yr old Winnie Carney-Smith.

At the end of the afternoon, tables and chairs neatly stacked out of sight, cups, saucers and plates back in the cupboard and the floor swept, it was hard to imagine the wonderfully colourful displays that had been on show only moments earlier, all to be repeated again next year!

Pamela Peacock

Meon Valley Lions

We love it with a plan comes together…

It’s amazing what can happen when different people and groups work together …. A local family asked Meon Valley Lions if there was any way we could help - they had saved up to buy a greenhouse as their elder daughter is really interested in outdoor pursuits but due to her leukaemia, has to be really careful and can’t mix with crowds; Dad has a serious back problem and the area for the greenhouse really needed levelling, which he really couldn’t do.

The Lions went along to have a look. We decided, if we could purchase some sleepers, a raised bed could be made on the sloping back lawn. The soil removed, when levelling the greenhouse plot, could be used to fill the raised bed.

Lions have dealings with the great team at the Men’s Shed Club who agreed to help with the physical work, if Lions could get the materials sorted.

Lions then approached Equestrian Fencing and Timber in Shedfield. When we explained what we needed and why they supplied all the Timber for free. Yet more kindness!

Men’s Shed then did the grafting and what a result: a greenhouse constructed on level ground and a raised bed - the family were delighted and so were all the groups concerned.

Lions spreading the word…

August saw the Lions out on the streets of Denmead, Swanmore, Wickham and Bishops Waltham spreading the word about what we do and how we can give families that leg up when they need help to get back on their feet.

Knowle Village – Party in the Park

We went to the Knowle Village party in the park to run a fun ‘Play your cards right’ game for both adults and children. It was a lovely summers afternoon with the beautiful tones of Contraband banging out all the classics - one of the bands who are also great supporters of the Swanmore Fete. The afternoon was a great success with so many smiling faces.

Roaring trade at The Taste of Wickham

In early September Meon Valley Lions took their BBQ to the Taste of Wickham festival. We had a fantastic day, starting with BBQ bacon butties and then sausages and burgers … as well as the BBQ being a great success, our mini-bus was in constant use running a shuttle service to the parking fields. Thank you to all who gave so generously and for their continued support.

We’re here to help If you need our help in these difficult times, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

https://www.meonvalleylionsclub.org.uk

Photo: PYCR

Photo: BBQ

Quiz

Smoked Hampshire trout and spinach roulade

Wilt the washed spinach in a large pan or in a colander, pour over boiling water. Squeeze out as much water as possible.

Put the sauce and the spinach together in a blender or food processor and blend together. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.

In a clean dry bowl, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks. Use a metal spoon to fold in the egg whites folding gently into the spinach mixture. Season to taste.

Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 15 – 20 minutes until the mixture has risen and is springy to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin.

Loosen the edge of the roulade with a knife and invert it onto a large sheet of baking paper. Gently peel off the used baking paper and spread the cream cheese lemon zest and chives over the cool roulade. Arrange the slices of smoked trout on top of this leaving a 2cm border.

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius/fan 180/gas 6. Line a 20cm swiss roll tin with non-stick baking paper.

In a saucepan melt the butter over low heat. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the flour then cook for 3 mins until pale gold. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring regularly until it is smooth and glossy. Cool slightly before adding the egg yolks and mixing well.

Working from the short side, use the baking paper underneath to roll the roulade, gently but tightly into a roll. Chill for 2 hours seam side down.

Remove from fridge 20 mins before serving. Some Hampshire Watercress makes a perfect garnish. see us on

Events

These October half term activities are great regardless of if your kids like Halloween or not! Be brave and enjoy the Halloween season throughout Hampshire. There’s plenty of events going on that are perfect for all ages of children, from community events to days out ideas.

Sat 29 to 30 October

Wizard Weekend at Watercress Line

The Watercress Line transforms into a place of magic and mischief for Halloween! We have lots of spooky activities to keep the kids entertained. ALL activities run from 11am – 4pm and are included in your ticket price.You can find The Watercress line at The Railway Station, Station Road, New Alresford SO24 9JG. watercressline.co.uk

Tue 25 October

Creatures of the Twilight at Gilbert White’s House & Gardens

Learn about all the creatures that feed in the dark. Explore what makes these nighttime creatures tick. Find their footprints and learn more about how they survive. Age 5 and up. Tickets: £6 per child, accompanying adults £2. 1 accompanying adult for every 3 children booked. Find out more about Creatures of the Twilight at: www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

Sat 29 October Halloween Spooktacular at Itchen Valley Country Park

Walk the Halloween Trail by night and meet the spooky Story Tribe along the way. Explore this outdoor woodland setting in a safe, joyous, and only slightly scary manner.

For families with children aged 4+. £10 per child (one adult free) and additional adults £7. Book at Itchen Valley Country Park here. You can find Itchen Valley Country Park at Allington Ln, Southampton SO30 3HQ

www.eastleigh.gov.uk/parks-leisure-andculture/country-parks-and-open-spaces/ itchen-valley-country-park

Sat 1 to Mon 31 October Pumpkin Festival at Sunnyfields Farm

Come along to a local farm in Totton and pick your own pumpkins. They have thousands of different sized pumpkins that are perfect for whatever you need them for, including pumpkin carving! Photo opportunities, pumpkin themed food and pumpkin picking are just the start for this event. Book your tickets for Sunnyfield Farm. You can find Sunnyfields Farm at Jacob’s Gutter Lane, Southampton, SO40 9FX. www.sunnyfields.co.uk

Sat 29 October Halloween at Tudor House, Southampton

Meet the friendly spirits in the Banqueting Hall and take part in loads of spooky, fun activities from creepy crafts, gruesome games, face painting and a haunting trail at at 10am. Charges apply for some drop-in activities. Book Tudor House Halloween here. You can find Tudor House at Bugle Street, Southampton SO14 2AD www.tudorhouseandgarden.com/events/

Sunday 23 October Autumn Steam Up and Halloween at The Brickworks Museum

A great place to visit for the whole family anyway, The Brickworks Museum in Burlesdon is great for the whole family. The Halloween Steam Up is an outside event that is full of steam exhibits including miniature engines, table top model displays and fairground organs. From 11am to 4pm. Please make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment. You can find The

Brickworks Museum at Swanwick Ln, Swanwick, Southampton SO31 7HB. www.thebrickworksmuseum.org/event/ autumn-steam-up-and-halloween/

Sat 29 October

Spooktacular Halloween Family Fun Day at Wickham Community Centre

This is a fun family day with the first 30 children getting a treat. Wickham Community Centre at Mill Lane, Wickham, Fareham. www.wickhamcommunitycentre.org.uk/

Sat 29 October

Halloween Family Fun Day at Petersfield Museum

Put on your Halloween costumes and enjoy spooky crafts and stories. There’s face painting and a disco. Petersfield Museum at 1 St Peter’s Rd, Petersfield GU32 3HX. www.petersfieldmuseum.co.uk/whatson/halloween-family-fun-day

Sat 22, Wed 26 & Sat 29 October

Funland Hayling Island Fright Night Fireworks

Funland Hayling Island have 3 nights of mischievous merriment in sore this year. This Halloween they’ve doubled up on gore! A Pumpkin patch for the little ones to carve a face or two. All the fear of the fair where the clowns entertain you. Then there’s an old asylum and the spirits roam at night waiting in the shadows to give you a fright. But last but not least there’s regen labs… and eternal youth. At least that’s what their patients thought…. If you only knew the truth. End the night with a bang with our best Firework display yet. Throughout the night Funland will be giving away sweets and treats for the children as well as 3 prizes to be awarded for the best fancy dress outfits.From 4.30pm event time 5pm-9pm www.funland.info/special-events/

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Theatre & Shows

Wed 5 Oct - Sat 15 Oct

From 7.30pm | 2.30pm on 9 Oct titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com

73 St Margarets Lane, Titchfield, Fareham, PO14 4BG

1920s New York, speakeasys and jazz. The underground nature of drinking made for a Wild West atmosphere. Join the fun, frolics and insubordination at Titchfield Festival Theatre. One young woman's journey to find love, to know love, to feel love. Join her as she questions what love means and how some journeys are better not taken but to stand still is even more painful. The story of the first woman to face the electric chair in New York. How, why and what made her murder her husband.

Sweeney Todd

All ticket prices are inclusive of a £1 Restoration Levy

An Evening with Sir Geoff Hurst

Monty Python and The Foley Grail - Eastleigh Film Festival

Associates presents & Mugged

Wed 26 Oct - Tue 1 Nov

From 7.30pm t titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com

Sat 15 Oct

Tue 11 Oct

From 7.30pm theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

21-23 Jewry Street, Winchester, SO24 8SB

An evening with England's hat trick hero, world cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst. Sir Geoff comes to Winchester to talk amusingly about his illustrious West Ham and England career. Following great acclaim for his previous tour, Sir Geoff is back on the road with his great friend and agent Terry Baker who will once again be asking the questions. The second half of the evening includes a Q&A session.

Peppa Pig's Best Day Ever

From 7.30pm thepointeastleigh.co.uk

Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9DE

Grab your coconuts and join us and Compass Presents on a quest for the Holy Grail (or Foley grail if you will!) See one of the most laugh-out-loud films of all time made even funnier by the additional element of audience participation live sound effects. Upon your arrival you will be handed a package of foley-delights and instructed to follow your cuemaster to add live sound effects –en masse. While most of the foley items remain a surprise, Python fans are assured that coconuts are involved!

The Color Purple

73 St Margarets Lane, Titchfield, Fareham, PO14 4BG

Two plays that explore crime and young people. Mugged by Andrew Payne, tells the story of a group of teenagers living in fear of a gang, when something tragic happens, they are caught up in the media blame game. How will they come to terms with all of the attention and the truth?

DNA is a hard-hitting play by Dennis Kelly on the GCSE curriculum for drama. This masterpiece of youth theatre explores authority figures, guilt, panic and harmony ultimately asking the question, when you do something really bad, how do you get away with it? A dark and comic play with a terrifying finale.

The Proclaimers

Wed 5 Oct - Sat 8 Oct

From 7.30pm & 2pm on Sat 8th thepointeastleigh.co.uk

Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9DE

The infamous tale of Sweeney Todd, the unjustly exiled barber who returns to 19th century London seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barbers practice. Mrs. Lovett's luck sharply shifts when Todd's thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up, and the carnage has only just begun! Suitable for ages 5+ with parental guidance, recommended age 12+.

21-23 Jewry Street, Winchester, SO24

Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a special day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig - it’s going to be her best day ever!

Get ready for a road-trip full of fun adventures. From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and icecreams to muddy puddles – there is something for all of the family and their friends to enjoy, including Miss Rabbit, Mr Bull, Suzy Sheep, Gerald Giraffe and more! Prepare for the brand new Peppa Pig live show packed full of songs, games and laughter, it really is the best day ever for Peppa Pig fans!

Tue 25 Oct - Sat 29 Oct

From 7.30pm and 2pm www.mayflower.org.uk

22-26 Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE

Based on the Pulitzer prizewinning novel by Alice Walker and adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony award-winner Marsha Norman, The Color Purple tells the story of courageous heroine Celie, as she journeys through joy, despair, anguish and hope in her own personal awakening to discover her unique voice in the world.

Titchfield Festival Theatre Youth

Sun 30th Oct

From 7.30pm www.mayflower.org.uk

22-26 Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE

Strikingly individual, twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid emerged 35 years ago with their debut album This Is The Story and Top 3 single Letter from America. Since then, their enduring appeal across generations has seen them enjoy huge success across the globe.

This is a taster of the exciting shows and performances available at these venues. For more information visit the relevant website.

Curdridge Amateur Dramatic Group

CADG Stop Press. It’s not like it used to be! Remember those halcyon days when everything was perfect? Was it REALLY like that?

Sometimes we all crave the simplicity of bygone years, a gentler time without the demands of modern life. Judy & Alex have made a conscious choice to retreat into the halcyon era of the 1950's and all the gingham-draped bliss that period represents. Judy has thrown herself in to the role of domestic goddess and housewife whilst Alex has become the sole bread winner. Is this the fantasy world idyllic marriages are made of, or the result of delusion?

It's a funny and timely reminder of the gender divide. “HOME, I’M DARLING” is our Spring 2023 presentation. Play reading and auditions on Sunday 16th October 2022. 2.30p.m: Venue, The Reading Rooms, Reading Room Lane Curdridge, Southampton SO32 2HE. Also see our website.

www.curdridgedrama.co.uk

Curtis Museum & Allen Gallery

ALLEN GALLERY

HALF-TERM FUN

Make your own spider puppet - This is a drop-in session on Tuesday 25th October, any time between 11am and 1pm. (Accompanied) children £3.

EXHIBITIONS

Ceramicus returns to the Main Exhibition Space from 1st to 30th October 10.30 - 4pm. This talented group of local potters will be exhibiting a range of techniques, colours and surfaces in their work. The exhibition gives visitors a chance to buy unique items, direct from the artists, for the home or as a gift. (Free).

From 1st October, Walk Alton will be showing entries from the Alton Walking Festival Photography Competition. This exhibition runs until 20th November, in the Café area. (Free).

TALK

Mary Russell Mitford - Margaret Simmons will talk about this interesting woman, born in Alresford in 1787. At the age of 10 Mary won her father a lottery ticket worth £20,000, but by the 1810s the family was in financial difficulties. Mary became a writer of plays, poetry and novels – including Our Village, a series of scenes of village life. She was a prolific writer, helping to support the family. Her poetry also garnered praise, and she became a friend of Elizabeth Barrett Browning among others. 13th October, 7.30pm. In the Gallery. (Free), donations welcome.

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QUAKERS AND THE MUSEUM AND GALLERY

The front garden wall of Alton’s Quaker Meeting House (in Church Street) has the date 1672 - hence this year is its 350th anniversary. To celebrate this heritage the Museum and Gallery are displaying various items with Quaker connections. The Curtis family, after one of whom the Museum is named, were Quakers for over 200 years. The Gallery is home to a comprehensive collection of ceramics from about 1500 to the present day, and several of the pieces have a Quaker background. Among these are 5 items by Richard Champion, a Quaker potter, working in Bristol from 1773 to 1782.

There are also paintings and other items associated with botanist William Curtis. These include a jug and goblet designed by him. A loving cup designed for the Queen's Jubilee is also on display. It was produced for the Crowley brewery (Crowley being another of Alton’s Quaker families.) The CURTIS MUSEUM also has several Quaker related items on display. A Trail has been produced so that these objects can be identified by visitors.

There are also paintings and other items associated with botanist William Curtis.

OPENING TIMES

Tuesday to Sunday Curtis Museum 10am – 4.30pm. Allen Gallery 10.30 – 4pm www.hampshireculture.org.uk/allen-gallery Tel: 01420 82802

Established 1878

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