Meon Valley Forum - Issue 85 - December 2022

Attractive traditional style detached house, lying within generous grounds extending to approximately 1/4 of an acre in an established and convenient setting between Wickham and Botley. The property is in need of significant modernisation and refurbishment throughout and is a perfect project for a new owner looking to find a home with great potential to be able to improve and enhance. Early interest is highly recommended.

Freehold

Impressive family home, lying within a desirable semi-rural setting in Durley. The property offers lovely generous accommodation with five bedrooms, two en suites and a family bathroom. On the ground floor, there are three good sized reception rooms in addition to a well fitted kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory and a utility room. Outside, the established gardens wrap around the front of the property with a driveway to the side, providing plenty of off road parking and detached double garage. Enclosed garden to the rear. Early interest and viewing is highly recommended.

Durley – Price Guide £795,000

Shedfield – Price Guide £550,000 Freehold

SERVICE | MARKETING | EXPERIENCE

As 2022 draws towards a close we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all our clients past and present for their continued support. If you are looking to move in 2023 call in and see us, we would love to help. With all our best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Debbie, Nicki & Lynn

Debbie Passells Director

Nicki Hyde BA (Hons) Residential Sales Negotiator

We Whisk You a Merry Christmas

© Lucia Foster-Found 2022 www.luciafosterfound.com

The old electric hand whisk had died; some horrible disease had consumed its internal organs. As she dragged it out from the furthest reaches of the most awkward corner cupboard, bits of perished plastic and rubber dribbled out of it. At least, she hoped that it was bits of plastic and rubber and not the droppings of some appliance-eating infestation. She shuddered; not daring to plug it in, at arms length she put it outside.

Christmas had arrived. What, already? Yet again, despite her best efforts to diarise the process of Christmassing, it had sneaked up on her like a sneaky thing. And with her mental tick list of ‘must-do’s tap-tapping insistently at the inside of her skull, she now had no electric hand beater.

There was, of course, the beautiful standing mixer. Resting under its attractive cover on the work surface, it was complete with stainless steel bowl and a multitude of hooks, beaters and whisks. Bought second hand off eBay. Bought gleefully with many, many less pounds than it would have been new. Bought from someone who sheepishly confessed they’d used it once “for a bake-off with the other Mums…”

At the time, she’d carried it off so smugly. Feeling like Ina Garten she’d laughed like Blackadder’s Lord Flashheart at the ridiculous notion she’d use it only once…

But honestly… there was the assembling, the dismantling, the cleaning and the putting away; she bet Ina had staff for that. It was a faff for the quick jobs and, used so infrequently, she always felt the need to pre-wash it. Faced with Christmas cake and puddings to make, she’d once more guiltily ignored it and reached for her trusty and simple hand beater.

Himself had come into the kitchen that morning and murmured something about missing ‘stir up Sunday’ and not making a wish. “Well I haven’t made the cake yet.” In her exasperation, she was snappy. Nor the puddings, she thought, or for that matter any festive bakes.. That list again – tap, tap. There had been one brief sidelong glance at a frozen turkey in the supermarket - and a slight concern about the bird ‘flu. But nothing more; not one cracker or present had thus far been purchased.

“My mother would have had multiple Christmas puddings safely stored in the loft by now. And jars of lemon curd ready for tarts. Also a production line of pastry making and baking. Mince pies; dozens in out of the oven and cooling on racks. Made with home-made mincemeat, no less. Then there would not only be turkey for ‘the day’, but beef for

Boxing day. With a home-cooked ham for the cold meat spread on the 27th, home-made piccalilli and pickled shallots.. And me, I haven’t so much as bought a Christmas card!” She wailed.

Himself gave her a hug. “It’s exhausting just thinking about it. You should also remember that your mother didn’t go out to work. If you were at home 40 odd hours more every week, you too could be a domestic, flour-smudged goddess. And I’d be borderline diabetic.”

Good point, well made. She felt better. The list stopped tap-tapping. “Question. Out of interest, what is your stand-out memory of Christmas?” Himself asked.

She thought for a moment. “Well, it’s Christmas Eve and I’m superexcited watching a cartoon about how animals will all talk at midnight. I’d be about five.”

Himself gave her a look. “OK… here’s mine. It’s Christmas Eve. I’m six and sat in Brandy the boxer’s dog bed.”

“Because you were frightened that a red-coated, bearded stranger was going to break into your house and drink sherry?” she sniggered.

“No,” he said patiently. “I was chatting to Brandy because I was expecting Brandy to chat back. I too had heard that animals could talk on Christmas Eve. And notice that neither spookily-similar memory has got anything to do with cakes, mince pies, puddings or presents? It was purely the magic of Christmas.”

Heads full of festive childhood memories, they smiled mistily at each other for a moment. Then surreptitiously moving in front of the standing mixer whilst adding ‘selling it’ to her imaginary list, she said, “Actually, my electric hand beater thing has expired - and it was so quick and useful for doing Christmas cake, amongst other things.” The taptapping was back with a vengeance.

Himself whipped out his phone. Presently he said “new hand mixer should be here tomorrow. Let’s call it your gift from the dogs and I’ll teach them to sing “’we whisker you a furry Christmas’. On Christmas Eve. When they can talk.” He winked.

“As soon as it arrives I’ll crack on and make the cake,” she reassured, looking forward to crossing that off the list at least.

“Good,” Himself sighed. “Given the state of the world, it won’t hurt to stir the cake and make a Christmas wish or two...”

The

Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk

Director of Advertising Steve Walker stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk

Director of Marketing Rob Harrison rob@forummedianddesign.co.uk

Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk Contributors

Lucia Foster-Found www. luciafosterfound.com

Get in Touch

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The Meon Valley Forum contains facts, views, opinions, statements, recommendations, advertisements and other content and links to external websites not owned or controlled by the magazine. Meon Valley 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. Meon Valley 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. Readership figures calculated on an average national statistic of 2.5 readers per household

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Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture

Happy Kitchens 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 5 star

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

Theatre & Shows

Theatre Royal, Winchester

our Ovation Suite and be charmed by live music performed by Fame Academy finalist Chris Manning. Standard Pricing - £69 per person and includes a set 3 course meal with tea/coffee and live music. 6.45pm: Arrival, 7.00pm: Dinner served with live music, 10.30pm: Last orders at the bar, 11pm: Finish

The Spitfire Sisters' Christmas Special.

Thu 15 Dec 2022 from 7.30pm Vocal harmony trio The Spitfire Sisters can't wait to return to their home city of Winchester to share a selection of festive tunes at the most wonderful time of the year. Running time: 1hr 30mins (plus interval) Tickets from £15

Santa Saves Christmas Mon 19th December 2022

Honalee Media are delighted to present their latest Christmas production… The Santa Show 2022: Santa Saves Christmas –the show where every child gets a present. From 10.30pm, 1.30pm & 4pm. Livestream options available. Recommended age: 2-7 yrs. Running time: 45mins (plus meet and greet)

Winchester Comedy Festival: Winter Gala 2022

Thu 8th December 2022 from 7.30pm. An evening of stand-up comedy from Isy Suttie, Luisa Omielan, Josh Pugh, Tom Deacon (MC). Recommended age: 16+ Tickets from £15

The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton

Goldilocks and the Three Bears Sat 10th to Sat 31st December, Actor, singer and television star Jason Donovan will lead the cast in this year’s magical pantomime, alongside Coronation Street and musical theatre star Faye Brookes, with the triumphant return of Richard Cadell & Sooty in Goldilocks and the Three Bears. standard pricing £19.50 to £47.50. See website for performance times.

The Point, Eastleigh

been naughty or nice this year? Whatever the answer, Hundred Watt Club’s glorious gift to you is this hot toddy of a show! Jam-packed full of festive, glittering showgirls, bawdy comedy, classic vaudeville and awe-inspiring circus acts. Always seductive, always sublime and always that little bit ridiculous From. 12 noon on Saturday. Show 3hrs. Full Price: £19.00 - £21.00, Wheelchair (SD): £19.00 - £21.00, For 18+ years

Titchfield Festival Theatre

Christmas as they try to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas himself. Lots of family fun, a magical show for our younger audiences to enjoy. See website for times

The Nutcracker - Original Pantomime

Tuesday 13 th December to Friday 23rd December

Follow the story of Clara as she is gifted a Nutcracker from the magical Uncle Drosselmeyer. That night her brother is kidnapped by the Evil Rat King's stooges; Bubble and Squeak! Clara, with our hilarious Dame Mother Ginger, travel through to the enchanted realm to go and save Young Fritz. See website for times

A Very Bublé Christmas Mon 5th & Wed 7th December. Live music and dining in our Ovation Suite. Experience A Very Bublé Christmas this festive season with a delicious 3 course meal in

Wessex Dance Academy Graduation PerformanceCohort 30 Wed 7th December

Wessex Dance Academy welcomes you to see the end of a most magical journey in dance for some of Hampshire’s most vulnerable young people. Please join us to see Cohort 30’s Graduation Performance, if you’ve not seen them before then it will be a performance you will never forget. (duration 1hr) Full Price £6, Over 60s £5, Student £5, Under 16 £5

Nick Cope's Festive Family Show

Saturday 17th December

Nick Cope has been writing and recording his beautiful and totally unique songs for children and their families for over 10 years, he performs with his guitar and animations to sell-out crowds all over the country. (1hr). For ages 2 years+ Full Price: £13.00, Over 60s: £12.00, Under 16 Years: £12.00

Hundred Watt Club Festive Burlesque

Friday 9th Dec to Saturday 10th December at 7.30pm Have you

Meet Father Christmas at Titchfield Christmas Barn

Every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday until the 18th December The Christmas Fayre is back in Titchfield at The Great Barn! Bigger and better with over 60 stalls with goodies and gifts, including light refreshments and bar. This time of year Father Christmas is working hard , but he's promised us at the Titchfield Christmas Barn that he's going to take a little break to say "hello"! Each ticket provides admission to Santa's Grotto, a meet and greet with the man himself, and a wrapped gift to take away. Parents will also have plenty of time to take a few snaps to capture the memorable moment! (Babies under 1 are welcome with their siblings free of charge, however a gift won't be included, if you'd like a gift for your little one, a ticket will be required)

Night Before ChristmasChildren's Theatre Season For Kids 3 -8 Years

Friday 9th December until Sunday 11th December Mark no longer believes in Father Christmas but his siblings Alfie and Lucy have a plan to prove to him that he really is real. Join Alfie and Lucy on the the night before

South

Coast

Symphonia - Dance Orchestra

Friday 2nd & Friday 16th Dec Join Neil Ogley and guests as they guide you through Over two hours of stunning entertainment from Big band through the decades to the present day. Guests include: 25th November - Rebecca Clarricoates (a night of dance: Ballroom, Line Dancing and sequence) 2nd December - Verity Bowley (from Adele, Rolling Stones, Beatles to Abba). Great Christmas Party celebrations for all your friends and family to enjoy. Doors Open at 7.30pm. Friday 2nd December at 8.30pm and Friday 16th December at 8.30pm

Chesil Theatre, Winchester

Sat 21st January - Sat 28th January 2023

When three witches promise Macbeth will be a future king, the once-loyal thane discovers just how far he is willing to go to secure that future, even at the cost of tearing his new kingdom apart. Power can corrupt in uncertain times. For showing times refer to website.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe. Taking place until the 22nd December 2022, Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market is renowned for its bustling atmosphere, stunning location and handpicked high quality exhibitors, which attracts visitors from around the world each year who come to shop at the pretty wooden chalets, situated within the historic grounds. The wooden chalets are inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, and combined with the festive lighting, the sound of Christmas carols and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air, visitors will be transported into a festive setting to purchase their Christmas gifts and take in the atmosphere. For those in search of an authentic Christmas experience, the Cathedral is at the heart of the City's celebration, with its many Christmas services, carol concerts, events. More information coming soon.

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to food and drink at the Christmas Market. You’ll find chalets selling festive favourites such as, mulled wine, bratwurst, mince pies and stollen. Alternatively, the Cathedral Refectory and Café Bar & Kitchen provide a warm and comfortable setting with plenty of seating and great menus. Please visit Winchester Cathedral's website for further details regarding accessibility, facilities and group bookings.

*Sunday – Thursday 10.00am – 6.00pm

Friday – Saturday 10.00am – 8.00pm

A Winter Wander with The Snowman™ and The Snowdog at Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Winchester Ready to be enchanted? - Join The Snowman™ and The Snowdog on a festive winter wander around some of Hampshire's most spectacular country parks.

Make your way around Lepe Country Park, Royal Victoria Country Park or Queen Elizabeth Country Park, completing themed activities as you go. Inspired by the hit sequel to Raymond Briggs' much-loved classic, this wintry adventure is suitable for children aged 3 and upwards. There'll even be free showings of the animated short onsite for trail customers to enjoy! Don your hat, scarf and gloves and relive the magic of this enchanting story as you explore Hampshire's countryside at its wintry best.

What's included?

Trail packs cost £7 and include an activity booklet, crayon, a voucher for little ones to enjoy a free babyccino and a special The Snowman™ and The Snowdog gift. Please visit Winchester Cathedral's website for further details regarding accessibility, facilities and group bookings.

Until 2 Jan 2023 - Monday - Sunday from 10am to 2pm Lepe Country Park, Exbury, Southampton, SO45 1AD

Glow Christmas at Marwell Zoo

Join Marwell Zoo for an immersive light extravaganza that will see Marwell's majestic grounds turned into a twinkling wonderland full of fairy lights, magic, and delight. Glow Marwell invites guests to explore the zoo in a whole new light with more than 250,000 LED bulbs making up their wonderful illuminations. Full of gently glowing displays and spots for reflection, the winter light trail event promises an uplifting evening of festive delights. Along the route they'll have winter warming catering with plenty of seasonal treats including marshmallow toasting round cosy firepits. This incredibly special, after dark event is set in their beautiful 140-acre park full of ancient trees, winding paths and, of course, Marwell Hall itself. Glow Marwell will be a magical experience full of wonder that families will remember for years to come – they'll even be Instagram-worthy photo opportunities!

Book now to secure your tickets!

During the event period the zoo will close to day guests at 4pm and reopen at 5pm for the Glow Marwell winter light trail.

To ensure the welfare of the animals, guests will not be able to bring torches or lights of any kind with them. The displays included in Glow Marwell have all been carefully designed to minimise disturbance to the animals.

www.marwell.org.uk/christmas/

Bishop's Waltham in Bloom

We are seeking to recruit 2 or 3 people to share the watering of the floral displays in the town centre for approximately 2 hours per day from May till September. This consists of some 80 hanging baskets and 20 planters. In the event of a very hot summer it may include the necessity to water the flower beds which would take additional time.

One needs to be reasonably fit and hold a driving licence since the watering is done with a water tank in a 30 cwt Transit van. Whilst much of the care and maintenance of our floral displays is done by volunteers, the watering needs to be done at unsociable hours to avoid traffic and people in the High Street so we do pay the waterers.

If you can contribute to the attractiveness of our town and would like to discuss in more detail please contact the Treasurer, Ian Leesmith on ian. leesmith@btinternet.com or on 01489 895795.

Mysterious Fun in January

The NEW Bishop's Waltham Festival Team is bringing back our annual post-Christmas theatre play! Sherlock Holmes and The Music Hall Mystery will be at: The Jubilee Hall on Sunday 22nd January at 3.00pm - Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED.

Last year Rain or Shine, our favourite theatre company, took us Around The World In 80 Days in 1872. This year we are staying firmly in Victorian London. When Sherlock Holmes and his trusty assistant Dr. Watson are asked for help by a music hall performer in distress, the pair spring into action to foil a deeply dastartdly plot of national importance that rocks London to its core. Forget the January back-to-work, back-to-school winter blues and lose yourself in this afternoon of adventure, mishaps, tomfoolery and lashings of comedy. Doors open 2.30pm: Interval soft drinks and snacks available. Ticket Prices: £12 per adult and £8.00 per child (age 5 – 15 yrs).

Buy in person at Best Wishes, Brook Street, BW from 1st December or On-line from www.rainorshine.co.uk or phone 03306 600541

Bishop's Waltham Town Team

What a great year it has been! From early February through to late October the Town Team has been able to bring to Bishop’s Waltham and its surrounding villages a range of activities.

• Starting in February we enjoyed the first Where’s Henry, Here’s Henry Trail and Procession – celebrating the anniversary of Henry VIII’s visit to Bishop’s Waltham 500 years ago.

• In April we ran our first Bishop’s Waltham Bites for 2022 – another sell-out event raising £1000 towards community events in the town.

• Over the Easter holidays we ran the second Where’s Henry, Here’s Henry Trail and Procession.

• In June we worked with Bishop’s Waltham in Bloom on the Yarn Bombing which was displayed in local shops and around the High Street.

• In July we reaped the benefit of six months of preparatory work that we, the Bishop’s Waltham Society, and the Museum had put in to putting on the Tudor Experience Weekend – and what a magnificent weekend it was. We even managed to make charitable donations to Naomi House/Jack’s Place and to English Heritage from the proceeds.

• In September we learned that the Tudor Experience was the winner of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Government Award for the Best Community Event of the Year. It has been agreed by the three participating organisations (The BW Town Team, the BW Society and the BW Museum) that the £100 cheque we received as the winners of this award will be donated to the Meon Valley Foodbank.

• In October we ran our second Bishop’s Waltham Bites – raising another £1,000 for local community activities.

• And finally, from May to October we ran 6 Give & Take Stalls in St George’s Square on the last Saturday of each month. Each with a different thems, they were all very successful and although it is always a free exchange, we were delighted to be able to make donations of over £600 to Rowan’s and to Re-vitalize from the charity collection boxes to which people contributed.

All these activities were 100 percent planned and managed by volunteers; people from Bishop’s Waltham who take pride in our town and want to ensure that our town centre continues to be a vibrant social and community hub.

We would like to thank everyone who helped put on these events, who participated and joined in with them and who supported our work in 2022. We wish everyone all the very best for the festive season.

If you would like to find out more about our work visit our website www.lovebishopswaltham.com or email us at bishopswalthamtownteam@gmail.com.

Participants enjoying the BW Bites event in October

Our local member of parliament Flick Drummond visiting the October Halloween and Festive Season Give & Take Stall.

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 various clinics run by lots of different professionals for all equestrian disciplines including Julia RydeRogers, Kelly Jones and many more.

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 December 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

Shedfield Riding School, Event & Livery Yard

Redd Alert: Spotting Spawning Salmonids

Stroll along a chalk stream in winter, and you might see a wildlife wonder in progress. At this time of year, the cool, clear, oxygen-rich water is alive with amorous brown trout and salmon. As the females get busy building their nests, the males compete for the chance to be their spawning partners.

To create a nest, or ‘redd’, a female turns on her side and flexes her body. This directs the flow towards the stream bed, forming a hollow and sweeping away the finer sediment. She lays her eggs in this hollow, the victorious male fertilises them, and she covers them over with a layer of gravel.

This process can take several days, but the result is a dip followed by a slight mound just downstream. A freshly made redd is easier to spot, since the disturbed patch is a lighter colour than the area around it. As sediment and algae accumulate, the redd gradually becomes less visible.

Of course, not every breeding attempt will be successful. Moreover, a female may start forming a redd to test a spot’s suitability, only

to abandon the site upon finding a better option. Beyond this natural uncertainty, however, there are other factors that make the odds less favourable.

Barriers like weirs and dams can be impassable for some fish, which isolates them and limits their space for spawning – you might see redds crowded together in the vicinity of these obstacles. In dry weather years, low water levels can leave redds exposed, putting the eggs at risk of dehydration.

Excess sediment can fill the gaps between larger pieces of gravel, thereby preventing water from flowing through them. This deprives a redd’s eggs of oxygen, which is crucial to their development. Dredging can remove gravel from a stream bed entirely, leaving only fine sediment behind.

So how do we aid our salmonids in coping with such issues? To put it simply: by keeping their chalk stream homes in a healthy condition. Tackling bank erosion, removing barriers, conserving water, and restoring habitat diversity will all help these amazing animals to thrive.

The Watercress and Winterbournes scheme is surveying redds and supporting wild fish on the Test and Itchen headwaters. If you’d like to help, or make habitat improvements on your land, we’d love to hear from you: visit www.hiwwt.org.uk/winterbournes. Our work is made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Online Talk – Chalk Stream Habitat Restoration

12th January, 7 - 8pm, Free to attend. Join the Watercress and Winterbournes team to hear about our recent chalk stream restoration work. The Test and Itchen headwaters are incredibly precious places that teem with vibrant wildlife. We’ll discuss this autumn’s habitat improvements, why each one was needed, and what the future might look like for these spaces.

Book your ticket at: www.hiwwt.org.uk/events

Brown trout © Linda Pitkin/2020VISION

Handel Messiah - Sat 10th Dec 2022

It’s so good to be back singing again, and this December, Southampton Philharmonic Choir return to O2 Guildhall Southampton with possibly the most famous of all choral works, Handel’s Messiah. It is a genuinely virtuoso work; requiring superb vocal technique from the chorus and soloists, a wide range of emotional expression and the ability to convey the most dramatic of narratives as well as moments of intense reflection. The fact that parts of Messiah are well known is a huge advantage to performer and listener alike - providing rallying moments of instant recognition and pure excitement. However, in such a substantial Oratorio, there are always new or less familiar moments to surprise and delight the listener.

For many, Messiah is an indispensable part of the festive season. With music of such remarkable quality, something new and fresh is almost inevitable, especially performing with the world-class Hanover Band. The use of period instruments creates just the right quality of sound whilst experienced musicians, immersed in Baroque style and techniques, will inevitably bring authenticity and authority to this popular work. Messiah was written in a mere 24 days between 22 August and 14 September 1741 with text compiled by Charles Jennens, and premiered at the New Music Hall in Fishamble Street, Dublin on 13 April 1742. The Choir, under the baton of Musical Director David Gibson is pleased to welcome soloists for this performance are soprano, Charlotte Bowden, mezzo Emma Roberts, tenor Michael Bell and bass Jamie Woollard.

Join us, tickets are on sale now from O2 Guildhall Southampton box office 023 8063 2601 or online www.O2guildhallsouthampton.co.uk.

JESSIE KEANE CELEBRATES 15 YEARS AS A TOP 10 BESTSELLING NOVELIST!

Local author Jessie Keane, dubbed the Queen of the Underworld, is back with another thrilling tale about her favourite heroine Annie Carter. ‘The fans have been screaming for this,’ says Jessie.

NEVER GO BACK is the seventh novel in the Annie Carter series, following on from Number One Heatseeker Dirty Game, then Black Widow, Scarlet Women, Playing Dead, Ruthless and Stay Dead.

‘I’ve written a number of stand-alones too, and the Ruby Darke series of 3 books,’ says Jessie, ‘I’m working on my 18th right now! But it’s the question I get asked time and again: when is Annie Carter coming back? Well – here she is!’

NEVER GO BACK hits the shelves in major retailers and bookshops on 2nd February 2023. It charts Annie’s sensational rise from East End London madam to gangster’s moll to Mafia queen to woman of substance. Jessie loved returning to her, and there may even be more Annie Carter books. ‘There’s a huge demand for more Annie,’ says Jessie. ‘I see it every day on Twitter and Facebook.’

Jessie is Romany and has – just like her heroines – known both bad times and good. ‘I’ve always written,’ she says. ‘And I was flat broke when I was inspired in 2008 to write Annie Carter in Dirty Game. I wrote it using a borrowed monitor in 3 months and within a fortnight I had a 3 book offer for a 6 figure sum from a major publisher. 15 years on, I’m still writing, still loving it.’

Pre-order your copy of NEVER GO BACK now at: https://amzn. to/3QEYiBF or on Jessie’s website www.jessie-keane.co.uk

Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Christmas

Southampton Ice Rink at West Quay

New for 2022 is our light trail at the award-winning Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. We will showcase the gardens as they have never been seen before, transforming them into an awe-inspiring, kaleidoscopic and multi-sensory world of light and sound.

A truly unforgettable, magical walking experience for the whole family, and lovers of the great outdoors. You'll find a shimmering Tree of Joy, hypnotic lasers around the pond, mesmerising projected animals on the trees and a breathtakingly beautiful light show in Himalayan Valley to name just a few of this year's spectacular and festive light art installations. We also have a feast of delicious street food and festive drinks for you to enjoy along your journey.

Limited capacity applies so Book Now www.lightuptrails.com to guarantee your special 2022 Christmas experience! The show will be on from the 24 Nov 2022 - 31 Dec 2022 between 16:30 - 21:30 at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Jermyn's Lane Ampfield, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0QA

Steam Illuminations at The Watercress Line

Steam Illuminations is a unique Christmas, pixel mappable digital LED train! It’s an incredible light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of fully controllable colour mixing LED lights and LED wristbands. This makes the train look magical both inside and out. Popular and traditional Christmas music will play along with the lights onboard the train. There will also be comical narration throughout your journey from the one and only Voiceover Man, as heard on Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor! Trains depart from either Alresford or Alton and complete a round trip, back to the starting station.

This is a wonderful experience for the whole family and is sure to be an event to remember. Please Note: Father Christmas will NOT be appearing during Steam Illuminations. CAUTION: This event consists of many flashing lights so may be unsuitable for people suffering from epilepsy.

www.watercressline.co.uk

Whether you're a Dancing on Ice champion, a total newbie or just about anything in between, you can be sure to find some festive euphoria on the surface of Southampton's real ice rink. The rink is held within the Esplanade, next to the Medieval Walls and West Qquay South, which has been magically brought to life for the Christmas season and the perfect place for Ice Skating in Southampton. The rink is 900 sqm of real ice and this year SKATE Southamptin are very excited to announce the introduction of the brand-new SKATE path. Glide your way through a winter paradise of alpine fauna and festive lighting. This, combined with an upgraded ice resurfacing machine and the more comfortable skates means SKATE Southampton is going to be THE winter destination of choice. West Quay offers extensive car parking, with over 4,000 spaces, split between the Multi-storey and the Podium. Both car parks are safe, secure and easily accessible for all shoppers with customer collection points conveniently located in the Podium car park. Park in confidence with the added reassurance of our Park Mark Award and then shop at your own pace. The rink will be open from the 11th November 2022 until the 8th January 2023. If skating’s not your thing then head to Moguls Bar next to the rink, a lovely warm Alpine bar retreat serving mulled wine and steamy hot chocolates to your cosy armchair.

Until 8 Jan 2023 - Monday - Friday from 3pm to 9pm

Saturday - Sunday from 10am to 7pm

The Esplanade, Medieval Walls, West Quay Shopping Centre Southampton, Hants, SO15 1QE

Your Local Home Care Provider & Consultancy Service, Owned and Run by Registered Nurses

Our experienced and highly skilled team offer bespoke packages enabling you to remain safely in your own home. This can include Personal and Palliative Care, Social Visits and Domestic Duties.

Want to be part of a fantastic team and really make a difference?

Lapis believe that: Cared for staff = Cared for clients Call or email us now for more information

Call us on 01489 890016 to see how we can help you, or email: contact@lapiscare.com

www.lapiscare.com

South Downs Care

QUALITY CARE & FULFILLING LIFESTYLES

South Downs Care is owned and run by the Rogers family who pride themselves on the personal and individually tailored care that their residents receive in graciously appointed and attractive surroundings.

It is our belief that high quality care starts with finding out what is important to our residents and making sure we get the little things right. We are genuinely passionate about delivering personalised care to every resident. Our holistic approach to care means that we not only deliver excellent care, but also residents are encouraged to be as active as they are able both physically and mentally, through events and activities and individual support.

South Downs Care have been providing care to the people of the Meon Valley and the surrounding villages since 1992. When the time comes that people feel their care needs can no longer be catered for at home, or they would like some companionship, or more stimulation than can be provided at home, we can offer a warm welcome with beautifully appointed homes and friendly, professional staff to ensure you or your loved one are well cared for.

South Downs Care is comprised of two homes, Downs House and Stroud House, both nestled in the stunning Hampshire countryside near Petersfield. We believe in providing a high level of personalised care in safe, friendly environments in which older people can live fulfilling lifestyles.

South Downs Care are proud of their reputation for care of the elderly. Our homes have been developed to offer their own individual style and specialism, but share the same ethos of care. There are a wide range of services which are available to all residents, making life in both our homes varied, active and enjoyable. The services provided ensure that all essential needs are catered for and that residents' experience the best possible quality of life.

Services include:

• Doctors on call, from our local Surgery

• District community nurses available

• Community mental health team support

• Medications ordered, collected and dispensed

• Regular outings and shopping trips

• Personal laundry services

• Hairdresser

• Chiropodist

• Exercise classes

• Personalised activities that inspire

• Visiting optician & dentist

• Daily newspaper delivery

• Visiting library including large print and ‘Talking Books’

• Local Clergy will visit and there is a monthly communion service

Why not visit to see for yourself? Contact us to arrange an appointment, or simply pop in.

Alresford Hearing Studio

How to identify hearing loss

Did you know that 1 in 6 of the population are living with hearing loss? That’s around 11 million people in the UK alone.

If this sounds familiar, its’ possible you could be living with some degree of hearing loss.

Read on to find out what the symptoms of hearing loss are and what you can do if you suspect you may be one of the estimated 11 million people in the UK living with hearing loss.

Symptoms of hearing loss

• You often have to ask people to repeat themselves or don’t hear what they say

• You find conversation in groups difficult to follow

• You find it difficult to hear people on the telephone

• People often tell you that your TV or radio volume is too high

• You struggle to hear conversations when there is background noise such as in a café or noisy office

• You often feel as though people are mumbling when talking to you

On average it takes ten years for a person to address their hearing loss. Often, it can take a while for a person to notice there is a problem, since hearing loss is often a progressive condition - it is often loved ones who notice before the individual.

It can take even longer for a person to come to terms and accept that they may have a hearing loss. However, earlier treatment can improve outcomes and, in the majority of cases, we hear that people wish they had gotten their hearing loss treated sooner – earlier detection can improve outcomes and make the transition to hearing aids easier. But how do you tell if you have got a hearing loss?

Maybe you have noticed that life is starting to sound a little less vibrant? Or maybe you are struggling to hear the television or people talking when there is background noise?

• You find it difficult to identify where a sound is coming from

• You find yourself avoiding social situations because you are concerned that you won’t be able to hear

• People have suggested that your hearing may not be what it used to be

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, then a hearing test with a qualified hearing care professional may be beneficial to you. They can provide a definitive answer to whether you are experiencing a hearing loss and we will give you expert advice about the next steps if a hearing loss is detected.

So, why wait?

The sooner you have a hearing test, the sooner you can get onto the road to better hearing, and the sooner you can start to lead a normal life. Book an appointment today with your local hearing care specialist.

www.alresfordhearingstudio.co.uk 42 West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU

Tel: 01962 790749

What would YOU miss most during the Holiday Season if a Hearing Loss Developed?

A Survey by Action on Hearing Loss identified some unsurprising but impactful results. People imagined missing out on a number of key elements of the festive season that other take for granted such as;

• The sound of Christmas Carols

• The Classic Christmas Songs on the radio

• The Soundtrack to much loved festive Films

still right for you. Visit a skilled and experienced audiologist before the festive season for a free, comprehensive consultation. They can optimize your current hearing aids to suit noisy environments such as parties or restaurants and can recommend the equipment that handle these environments best.

That is not good, when your hearing aids have directional microphones, the best spot to sit in is the one that will put room noise behind you. If you don’t have directional microphones, it may be time to consider an upgrade…

• Once you are confident in your equipment make sure you use it often, this allows your brain to adjust to different sounds over time

• Using it only when you are faced with noisy situations tends to overwhelm the brain so you need to ‘train’ it to deal with these situations. As you use them more your brain will start to distinguish between important and non-important sounds and adapts to the environment and makes it easier for you to follow the conversation. So start wearing your hearing aids every day in the weeks leading up to the Big Day!

Some Top Tips for the Party Season

• Check that your hearing equipment is

• Check whether your hearing aids have directional microphones (two microphones instead of one), that are designed to reduce sounds from the side and the rear and focus on sounds in front of you. They will focus your hearing aids wherever your nose is pointing. So if you are facing into a noisy restaurant, the directional microphones will be focusing on the greatest amount of background noise.

The Alresford Hearing Studio are a local family run independent business opened in 2019 by husband and wife Sam & Jodie Longman we now serve over 600 hearing aid patients locally.

If you feel your hearing equipment is not supporting you in the way you would like it to, The Alresford Hearing Studio are offering a FREE 30 DAY TRIAL throughout December to enable you to experience the latest hearing technology without any commitment.

Contentious Probate & Inheritance Claims

Arguments between relatives and family members over a person’s will or their estate can be painful and deeply divisive. Areas in which our contentious trust and probate team have particular experience and expertise include arguments over a person’s entitlement to be a beneficiary under a will, where there are questions over the deceased’s testamentary capacity or where undue influence may have been exercised over them, as well as where there are questions as to the construction, interpretation or validity of a will (including advising in respect of ‘Mutual Wills’ claims).

We also act in claims over the administration of an estate, including where necessary making applications to the Court to pass over or remove Executors and deal with disputes relating to a Power of Attorney,

Meon Valley Lions News

Santa and his Elves will be out and about

This year Santa and the Lions will be out and about, with visits to villages from East and West Meon at the top of the valley, to Wickham, Boarhunt and Knowle at the bottom. He’ll also be on duty at various locations, so please look out for the full schedule on the special Santa page on our website: www. meonvalleylionsclub.org.uk/santa and our social media.

It takes a lot of time and effort helping Santa over the three-and-a-half-week period and we are always grateful for extra Santa Helpers, so if you are able-bodied and fancy helping us out as a volunteer, we’d be grateful to hear from you.

Lions go wild at Fitzroy Rural Skills

There are some amazing people in our community. Fitzroy and all those involved in the Rural Skill Project at East Meon definitely fit the bill. A couple of years ago Meon Valley Lions Club were asked to support the purchase of materials for a wildlife pond they were working on. Covid and some bad weather slowed things down but the wonderful team at Rural Skills persevered and got the job done. Tons of soil were moved, bridges built, liners laid and landscaping completed. So, when a few of us were invited back to see the results of their hard work, we jumped at the opportunity. It was lovely to meet the Rural Skills Team again, the

including applications to the Court of Protection to have a Deputy removed or appointed.

We are regularly instructed (both in bringing and defending claims) to act in cases involving the family or dependants of someone who has died where either no or inadequate provision was made for them, which can result in a claim being issued for a share of the deceased’s Estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Our contentious trust and probate team also advises in situations where there has been negligent drafting of a will.

We seek to approach cases sensitively and with care and to help our clients explore all alternative options for settlement, as well as to provide support should court proceedings become necessary.

Please do contact us on 01730 268211 to speak to our litigation team if you would like our help. www.macdonaldoates.co.uk

pond they’d created was amazing and already buzzing with wildlife. The joy on the faces of everyone involved was something to behold.

Meon Valley Lions Club raise funds with your support to help amazing projects like Fitzroy Rural Skills. Thank you to everyone who makes this happen.

Murder Mystery solved in Swanmoreaboard

the SS Finlandia

Homestart and Meon Valley Lions Club hosted a sell-out merry evening aboard the SS Finlandia - with some fine acting by the cast.

Apart from the occasional casualty, there was food and drink enjoyed by all and in the process over £1000 was raised for Homestart Meon Valley - helping young families across our villages. Thanks to all who supported. https://www.home-start.org.uk/home-start-meonvalley https://www.meonvalleylionsclub.org.uk/index.html

Support is here in these difficult times, please just ASK When the temperature drops, the bills go up, putting a strain on household budgets, local Lions remain ready to support any individual or village group. In the past we have provided fridges, cookers, microwaves, beds and bedding, furniture, rugs, help with school uniforms, recliner chairs, mobility devices. We have supported Baby Banks, Foodbanks, Homestart, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Brownies, Guides, Youth Clubs, Football teams, Mens Sheds, Lunch Clubs, Residential Homes, Carers, Age Concern.

We help charities in our area supporting young families, the elderly, those with disabilities or learning difficulties, those recovering from strokes or cancer, support for hospices and many more.

Its all too long to list BUT we want everyone to be aware of just one thing: If you or someone you know needs our help, please get in touch ASAP via the ‘contact page’ on our website. You don’t need to suffer in silence, it won’t hurt to ask. https://www.meonvalleylionsclub.org.uk

Sometimes a bit of downtime can be fun. How many of you used to play Solitaire on your computer, or Angry Birds! Games have become a lot more complicated over the years, so it is nice to find something simple and genuinely fun to play. Have a look at the Jigsaws Galore website https://www.jigsawsgalore.com. There are many puzzles to choose from and you can even make your own photos into a jigsaw.

Trackpad or mouse? Up until a few months ago I always used to use the Apple Magic Mouse with my iMac. I had tried the original Apple Trackpad a few years ago and I did not like it so I thought I would try out the latest Apple Magic Trackpad and see if I found it to be better. Since I made the swap, I have never used the mouse again. I like the tactile touch; the speed of response and I also like that it is static on my desktop. For those of you buying new Macs the Trackpad and Mouse are now available in black or white.

I will be away from my office most of December but will be responding to calls, text messages and emails and will be able to provide online support by remote connection whenever necessary. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you all for choosing me to help and assist you during 2022. It has been a great pleasure to meet new and old customers during the last 12 months and I wish you all good health and happiness for 2023.

That’s all for this month. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or for any advice.

Andy - Mr Mac 07392 552592

Best Winter Walks in Hampshire

There’s

no better feeling than coming back into the warm after a cold, crisp winter walk.

Whether you’re searching for a pre-Christmas walk to de-stress in the lead-up to the big day or looking to burn off a few calories between Christmas and New Year, Hampshire is blessed with plenty of walking routes to give you much needed time in nature, exploring the best the season can offer.

East Meon

A young couple walking through East Meon village in front of the Ye Olde George public house. Ye Olde George Inn is a delightful 15th century coaching inn, set in the heart of East Meon. The picturesque village of East Meon, once owned by the Bishops of Winchester, is home to many historic buildings including the Old Court House. The Ye Olde George Inn and the Izaak Walton Public House offer delicious local food and real ales, along with a roaring fire to warm you up after a lovely stroll through the beautiful Meon valley.

Our walking guide suggests two circular walks, both starting at the imposing Norman church of All Saints with its magnificent spire. One walk of 4 miles should take approximately two hours and the second, a longer walk of 8 miles, which can be completed in around four hours. You can download the East Meon walking leaflet from www.southdowns.gov.uk/ bestwinter-walks-in-hampshire .

Cheriton

This pretty Hampshire village has a church which sits upon an ancient barrow and the crystal clear River Itchen, which rises nearby, running alongside picturesque thatched cottages. It’s also steeped in history as it was

the site of a decisive battle in the English Civil War. The Battle of Cheriton took place on 29 March 1644 in the fields to the east of Cheriton. The Battle was between the Royalists led by the Earl of Forth and the Parliamentarians under Sir William Waller. The Parliamentarians won, halting the Royalists advance to Winchester and forcing King Charles I’s troops on the defensive, leading to their eventual defeat in 1645.

For those looking for a longer winter walk, we would recommend the 10 mile Cheriton loop, starting and finishing at Cheriton village hall. www.southdowns.gov.uk/ best-winter-walksin-hampshire - Post-walk, why not pop into The Flower Pots Inn or The Hinton Arms to rest and recover with a traditional pub lunch.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park

The rolling chalk downland of Butser Hill

Just three miles south of Petersfield, Queen Elizabeth Country Park offers over 2,000 acres of open woodland and downland. Open every day other than Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Queen Elizabeth Country Park is your starting off point for exploring Butser Hill, one of the highest points in the National Park. With 360 degree views, Butser Hill is one of the best places to admire the Dark Night Skies of the South Downs. The on-site Beechwood Kitchen serves up hot drinks and food using locally-sourced ingredients.

Alice Holt Forest

The Forest is a must see for lovers of trees and woodland. Come the winter, the trees have completed their transition with the forest floor turning into a patchwork of orange, ochre and gold. With five trails of differing lengths

and distances, there’s plenty for families along with those looking for something a little more challenging to while away those wintry days. If looking to head to a pub to warm up after, The Jolly Farmer and The Bluebell are right on the edge of Alice Holt. Both pubs are dogfriendly and serve-up tasty, seasonal food.

Hampshire Hangers

The 21-mile Hangers Way takes you through a valley of steep, tree-covered hills. Lose yourself in steep valley sides cloaked in hanger woodlands. The Hangers Way is a 21-mile long-distance trail between Alton railway station and Queen Elizabeth Country Park, where it eventually connects with the South Downs Way. The Way is divided into 8 different sections, ideal if you don’t fancy completing it all in one day.

https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/ countryside/walking/hangersway However, if you do want to do it all in one day, Petersfield makes for an ideal rest point and has numerous pubs, cafés and delis to allow you to fuel up before continuing the rest of your journey.

Enjoyed this story? Sign up to South Downs News at www.southdowns. gov.uk

Clear. Approachable. And as individual as you are.

Flowers by the Bridge Beautiful wreath’s, table centres and bouquets for Christmas. To order call or visit my website for more information and inspiration. Tel:07970 280077 | www.flowersbythebridge.com

Simon Lawson Jewellers

An ideal gift for her at Christmas - Tennis Bracelet 18ct white gold. Amazing 4.6ct diamonds £6225 - Must be seen!

High Street, Bishop's Waltham, SO32 1AB Tel: 01489 895575 | www. simonlawsonjewellers.co.uk

On Your Highstreet

#shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses

Enticing and eclectic items now available on your highstreet this summer. Stay local and support your diverse retailers!

Boutique Me

Penguin Ink Paws Fine Bone China Trinket Tray £18 Perfect for Christmas Available online and in the Boutique High Street, Bishop's Waltham, Southampton, SO32 1AA Tel: 01489 891052 | boutiquemebishopswaltham.co.uk

McCarthy's Farm Shop

Simon Lawson Jewellers

An ideal gift for him at Christmas

High Street, Bishop's Waltham Tel: 01489 895575 | www. simonlawsonjewellers.co.uk

For all your Christmas needs, pop down to McCarthy's in Wickham. Winchester Road, Wickham, PO17 5HE Tel: 01329 832221 | thefruitandvegbox.co.uk

Meon Valley Tearooms

Open 7 days a week, pop in for an xmas treat! Tel: 07932 481078

Bay Tree Walk, 9 The Square, Wickham, PO17 5JQ

Boutique Me

French Connection Winter Ready the Grey High Neck Cardigan £70 available online and in the Boutique High Street, Bishop's Waltham, Southampton, SO32 1AA Tel: 01489 891052 | boutiquemebishopswaltham.co.uk

Quiz nights every Tuesday

So here it is ladies and gentlemen.

OUR 2022 CHRISTMAS MENU

Please book early to avoid disappointment! Bookings available for groups of friends, work colleagues or family members as well as small bookings. Menu available from 26th November till 24th December. Just pop in to collect a booking form, call us on 01489 892712 or find us online at www.barleycornpub.com

#

K0 Christmas Pudding

MAKES APPROX. 35 TRUFFLES

INGREDIENTS

60g whipping cream

20g liquid glucose

180g melted milk chocolate

1 heaped teaspoon of mixed spice

55g finely chopped raisins

45g finely chopped cranberries

Grated Zest of 1 orange

1 ½ - 2 tbsp of Courvoisier

Extra melted milk or dark chocolate for rolling – approx. 150g

METHOD

•

Boil cream and glucose together until it bubbles… approx. 1 minute

• Add the mixed spice

• Allow the cream & glucose to cool

• Add Courvoisier once cooled

• Add chopped fruit and orange zest – then add melted (but not warm) chocolate

• Spread out onto flat tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes until set (not too hard)

• Using a tea spoon scoop out some of your truffle mixture and roll into a ball shape & place onto greaseproof paper

• Roll truffles in melted milk chocolate

• Once your truffles are rolled in chocolate then they will have a 3 month shelf life. Please store in a sealed container away from any direct sunlight or heat.

Have fun making your Christmas treats!!!

Silk

SILK SELF STORAGE

SILK SELF STORAGE

SILK SELF STORAGE

SILK SELF STORAGE

SILK SELF STORAGE

Looking for secure storage facilities?

Looking for secure storage facilities?

Silk Self Storage have a selection of containers and individual units, 24 hour CCTV, easy access, gated entry and based in a friendly rural location offering very competitive rates.

Looking for secure storage facilities?

Looking for secure storage facilities?

Silk Self Storage have a selection of containers and individual units, 24 hour CCTV, easy access, gated entry and based in a friendly rural location offering very competitive rates.

Looking for secure storage facilities?

Contact us on 01962 771815 or email: storage@silkservices.co.uk

Contact us on 01962 771815 or email: storage@silkservices.co.uk

Silk Self Storage have a selection of containers and individual units, 24 hour CCTV, easy access, gated entry and based in a friendly rural location offering very competitive rates.

Silk Self Storage have a selection of containers and individual units, 24 hour CCTV, easy access, gated entry and based in a friendly rural location offering very competitive rates. Contact us on 01962 771815 or email: storage@silkservices.co.uk

Contact us on 01962 771815 or email: storage@silkservices.co.uk

Silk Self Storage have a selection of containers and individual units, 24 hour CCTV, easy access, gated entry and based in a friendly rural location offering very competitive rates.

Contact us on 01962 771815 or email: storage@silkservices.co.uk

Wood Farm, Bramdean, Hampshire, SO24 0JH

Wood Farm, Bramdean, Hampshire, SO24 0JH

email:storage@silkservices.co.uk

E: storage@silkservices.co.uk

Wood Farm, Bramdean, Hampshire, SO24 0JH

T: 01962 771815

E: storage@silkservices.co.uk

T: 01962 771815

Tel: 01962 771815

Wood Farm, Bramdean, Hampshire, SO24 0JH E: storage@silkservices.co.uk T: 01962 771815

Wood Farm, Bramdean, Hampshire, SO24 0JH E: storage@silkservices.co.uk T: 01962 771815

At Town and Country, we take pride in ensuring every client receives the best customer service, from the informative and knowledgeable sales process through to the extensive after sales care. Our boutique showroom showcases some of the finest kitchen and bathroom furniture available, with a strong emphasis on UK and European manufacturing. Bathroom manufacturers on display include Ambiance Bain, Pelipal, Hansgrohe, Roper Rhodes and Miller of Sweden, with Porcelanosa and Ca’Pietra tiling throughout the showroom. Our kitchens are expertly crafted by Schuller, the second largest German kitchen manufacturer, and Uform. Both have an extensive and inspiring collection ranging from the contemporary to the more traditional.

Please contact us regarding our complementary design and quotation service, we look forward to hearing from you.

Visit Town & Country

8 The High Street, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO3O 2EA

Telephone: 01489 536187

Email: sales@town-and-country.co.uk www.town-and-country.co.uk

2020 (69) Hyundai i10 Play, sat nav, air conditioning, cruise control, parking sensors, 8,600 miles

2016 (16) Nissan Note N-Tec 1.2, £20 road tax, sat nav, Climate and cruise control, parking camera, 18,000 miles. £8995

2018 (68) Hyundai i10 S, 5 door 21,000 miles £7895 2010 (60) Honda CRV ES 2.0 4x4 (150) Climate and cruise control, Just 2 owners with full history and 84,000

why one of the Stockbridges’ most trusted carpet cleaning companies is cleaning local, nearneighbours carpets for a fraction of the normal cost

By now, you must have heard so many requests from Rotary Clubs asking for festive shoeboxes to be made up for disadvantaged and displaced children – some from Ukraine – in Albania, Montenegro and Romania.

If you need your carpets cleaned and are looking for an award-winning company who will arrive on time, will be courteous, respectful and above all trustworthy-- then you’re invited to take advantage of one of the three extraordinary value, high quality, carpet and upholstery cleaning deals we’re offering new customers this month-- because we want to give you the chance to get to know our service and to find out how impressively new, fresh and bright your carpets will look when cleaned and freshened by The Carpet Care People.

We’ve been fortunate in receiving SO many shoeboxes from around our Wessex District. In Fareham Rotary Club, as just one of those collecting in this area, 243 boxes were lovingly prepared by remarkable members of the community in this area – of all ages – to bring seasonal smiles to children overseas. Some were as young as 4 who were Rainbow Guides living locally who could relate to children of their own age who wouldn’t otherwise receive gifts at Christmas.

As Jon Richards, International Lead for Fareham Rotary Club, said “our members are dedicated to service above self and this really proves what can be done when everyone pulls together. I am proud that our contribution will reach those in need by Christmas thanks to the efforts of all involved.”

But what happens next? Fareham Rotary Club collected £510 towards transportation costs and, checked every box at their Wheel House beachside community building at Hill Head that is so popular with local charities. International customs require donated shoebox items to be for education, health and hygiene purposes so checks were made to ensure all complied and boxes were topped up with extra toys to make sure they are all brimming with presents!

The festive shoeboxes are now on their way from Fareham Rotary and Fareham Meon to be delivered to children in time for Christmas. THANK you to everyone who provided a completed shoebox in this area – we really appreciate your help annually.

Winner

Our approach is simple:

We are proud to run a celebrated professional carpet and upholstery cleaning business, and we insist on providing you with good oldfashioned service and value.

Call now and find out why our award-winning service is probably the most requested carpet cleaning in the local Stockbridge area

The next thing for you to do is call us on 01962 690 005we’ll welcome your call, answer your questions and take care of everything for you.

Great Deals!

Upholstery

cleaning and (at our current Fabric Master, and cleaning and very effective. to their original you’ll see!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a selection of frequently asked questions especially for you 1. When you say ‘carpet’ what do you mean? We mean average don’t quibble if the areas are a little larger - it’s all done on fairness Our pricing policy reflects the time it takes to clean working around That said, we are for example, happy to move your three piece suite under it and replacing it back into position. What we don’t price into moving large pieces of furniture like bookcases, sideboards or wardrobes. to move electrical items, in particular flat-screen tvs. Again we apply situation and inevitable we do end up moving some furniture around, Are there any ‘hidden’ extra costs? The prices quoted above are prices you will pay.

Here’s

The Carpet Care People

So what happens next? Our presents are on their way …

Shoeboxes arriving at Fareham Rotary’s Wheel House at Hill Head with two of the team: Rotarians Terry Dowland and Bob Mussellwhite, with boxes being checked and sent on their long festive journey to disadvantaged children overseas in time for Christmas.

The Alresford Hearing Studio are Offering a FREE 30 day trial of the Widex Moment Sheer Edition on our Open Days 12th & 13th December.

We know that the first experience of a hearing aid is vital in setting the direction of the journey to better hearing. A negative experience can leave you wondering if you were right to try a hearing aid at all, but a positive one can make you feel more connected to your life than you have been for years.

Built around the Widex Moment ™ platform and the revolutionary PureSound ™ , Moment Sheer Edition sRIC R D hearing aid is suitable for minimal to severe to profound hearing loss.

• New visual look and Superior Sound Quality in Background Noise

• Automatic Adjustments

• PureSound – The most natural sounding hearing aid due to the new ZeroDelay Technology

• Rechargeable

• Full connectivity – To Android or Iphone

Established 1878

Friendly, professional advice on all areas of family law in the centre of Bishops Waltham. Our friendly family team will do everything possible to guide you through the process and securing the right outcome for you and your family, no matter the situation.

Friendly, professional advice on all areas of family law in the centre of Bishops Waltham

Our friendly family team will do everything possible to guide you through the process and securing the right outcome for you and your family, no matter the situation.

Contact Serhan Handani at sh@bramsdonandchilds.com

Contact Serhan Handani at sh@bramsdonandchilds.com

Our Bishop's Waltham office has moved to: St.George's Square, Bishop's Waltham, Hampshire, SO32 1GJ Tel: 01489 888240

Southsea Office

141 Elm Grove, Southsea, Hampshire PO5 1HR Tel: 02392 821251

Fair Oak Office Unit 10, Vicarage Farm Business Park, Winchester Road, Fair Oak, So50 7HD Tel: 02382 514300

www.bramsdonandchilds.com