Meon Valley Forum - Issue 86 - January 2023

Bishop's Waltham – Price Guide £215,000 Leasehold

A fabulous opportunity to live in or acquire a super potential investment apartment in the very heart of this vibrant and historic market town centre. The apartment is located on the top floor of this attractive purpose built building and enjoys tremendous roof top views from the uniquely styled and extensive windows. Inside, the accommodation is modern, stylish and well presented and in brief comprises: Entrance hall, spacious living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Outside, there are two allocated parking spaces. Interest and viewing recommended.

Bishop's Waltham – Price Guide £470,000 Leasehold

A superbly situated first floor retirement apartment, located within an impressive retirement complex in the heart of Bishop's Waltham. The independent living homes are exclusively for the over 55's and are set within beautifully maintained communal grounds. There is the added advantage of a personal covered car barn/parking space along with beautifully presented communal areas, lifts to all floors and a security entrance intercom. Inside, the accommodation is spacious and stylish with two good sized double bedrooms, two shower rooms, generous 22’ living/dining room opening onto a private covered balcony. Well equipped kitchen. Interest and viewing advised.

WISHING YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR BISHOP'S WALTHAM / MEON VALLEY ESTATE & LETTINGS AGENTS

SERVICE | MARKETING | EXPERIENCE

Our team in Bishop’s Waltham would like to wish all our clients past, present and future a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year. If you are looking to move in 2023 and would like to receive some no obligation price advice, please call us, we would love to help.

Debbie, Nicki & Lynn

Bishop's Waltham – Price Guide £625,000 Freehold

A superbly presented detached family home, lying within a great central and convenient cul-de-sac location in Bishop's Waltham. The property offers spacious, light and stylish accommodation which benefits from gas heating, double glazing and in brief comprises: Entrance hall, cloakroom, super open plan kitchen/dining room with utility room off. Generous 20' double aspect sitting room and a fabulous conservatory. Four bedrooms, en-suite shower room and family bathroom. The gardens extend to the front side and rear, with garage, driveway and useful additional drive/ parking with access to the rear garden. Interest and viewing advised.

Debbie Passells Director

Nicki Hyde BA (Hons) Residential Sales Negotiator

Haven’t You Heard?

“I miss the old-fashioned January sales. In January.” They were trapped in traffic. Stationary, they looked through the rain-streaked glass at the blurry fairy lights of those still clinging to the festive season.

“They were something to look forward to after Christmas. The silver lining of the big comedown.” She sighed. The windscreen wipers squeaked as they swooped intermittently over the windscreen in desultory fashion.

“You think? Depressing seeing the gifts you bought in December at half price.” Himself turned on the heater as the windows started to steam up.

“I suppose there was that,” she agreed and sighed again. Squeak squeak; the sound of the wipers was starting to irritate.

“I’ll put the radio on,” they said in unison and reached as one for the button.

“It’ll be Steve Wright.” Himself nodded as he looked at his watch.

“Every time you go away, you take a piece of meat with you,” she warbled along with the radio, adding “and haven’t you heard – Steve’s been gone for months.”

“What? Dead?” Himself was looking at her with an expression approaching horror.

“No – not dead,” she reassured. “Just gone.” “Gone? Well, no-one asked me. And it’s not ‘meat’ you’re hearing, Darling - it’s ‘me’. The lyrics...”

“Ah.. I thought it was weird,” she admitted. Himself was still shaking his head as the track changed and she broke into song once more.

“See that girl, watch her scream, kicking the dancing queen.” She danced in her seat, concert stylie.

The car inched forward a few feet and stopped again.

“I’m pretty sure there’s no screaming or kicking in that one either.” Himself murmured as he gazed again out of the window at the lights strung around a conifer in a front garden. It was fully dark now and the wind had picked up – the illuminations were dancing as the tree thrashed about. “And I still miss Wogan.” He added quietly before listening as she joined in the next song with a soulful “young girls with eyes like potatoes…”

“I don’t think you’re hearing Madonna singing about potatoes, darling,” he interrupted. “I mean, what sort? Jersey Royals? And even then those young girls would look... like the stuff of nightmares.” She felt, rather than saw him shudder in the darkness.

The radio DJs changed shifts and they listened in thoughtful silence for a few minutes before another track came on that she thought she knew the words to...

“She seems to have an in-vis-ible top shelf, she reaches in and grabs right

hold of your tart.” She paused in her singing, “actually, that’d be so useful – an invisible top shelf! I could put the Christmas crockery up there,” she mused, thinking of those robin-infested, non-microwaveable, nondishwasher-safe dishes festooned with gold.

Himself started to say “I’m not sure ‘ole Phil is singing about invisible top sh…” then exclaimed, “ooh… on the move at last,” as the traffic jam miraculously dispersed.

A couple of days later on Sunday, Himself wandered into the kitchen. Her head and shoulders emerged from the depths of the freezer. “Could you face turkey soup again? We’ve rather a lot…”

“Umm OK..” He hesitated and added “perhaps we could just have a few chips and maybe a bit of fish with it?” He looked so hopeful that she put the Tupperware tub back amongst identical siblings on its icy shelf. Best get January out of the way and tackle the soup lake again next month.

A spaniel’s nose nudged her leg. “Do you want to go out?” she asked. The dog stayed put. No mad, Scooby-doo-esque running on the spot before careering towards the back door. A second spaniel arrivedpositioned on her other side. They observed her with large and accusing eyes.

“Can’t be dinner time,” she reassured them. “Paul O’Grady’s not on the radio yet.” As if to prove her point, she turned up the volume.

“Ooh, I like this one…” She began to chant loudly “Marge! I just died in your barns tonight – mustard bin something you said..”

Himself had to shout over the combination of the radio and her trilling. “It’s later than you think – haven’t you heard, Paul O’Grady’s been gone for months..”

“No! Not Paul too…” Shocked, she dished up dog food to the partially mollified spaniels.

“I’m afraid so. A sign of the times – or at least, a sign of the radio times..” He shrugged.

Inconveniently though, she found the fryer was surrounded, hemmed in by gadgets; the gifts of Christmas past. It cowered in the corner of the cupboard, unable to escape the clutches of the juicer, the waffleiser, the electric pie press - and this Christmas’s hot favourite, the hot chocolate maker. More candidates for that invisible top shelf, she thought as she emerged, pink-cheeked and triumphant, fryer in arms. Himself, cheerful at the prospect of crispy, brown, fried food, delved into the freezer, happily retrieving fish fillets and home fries. “Hey –listen to this!” he chortled, before breaking into his own enthusiastic warbling, “Money for nothing - and your CHIPS for free...”

© Lucia Foster-Found 2023 www.luciafosterfound.com

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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

Why Full Management makes sense

Being a landlord has changed over the last few years. Tax changes, tightening regulations, and increased penalties have all been hitting the headlines, and there’s more on the way. While there’s no doubt that being a landlord is completely different today, money can still be made in the private rental sector if a landlord is shrewd and ensures the property is competently managed. Here are a few practical reasons why Full Management makes sense.

Compliancy made simple Legislation is constantly changing and the consequences of not complying to legislative changes can be costly at best and result in criminal charges at worst. Both national governments and local authorities are clamping down on landlords at present, so being compliant is essential.

The Country House Company will stay abreast of any changes that may affect your property and lay out your options in a way that is easy to understand.

Tenants have more confidence in a Fully Managed property Marketing your property as Fully Managed means that the landlord has invested in the property to ensure that it is in good order and let professionally. Tenants feel they can trust the landlord and have the security of a professional well-known letting agent to work with. This can make a huge difference when it comes to finding the right tenant.

Professional advice

A property manager will be able to explain, when specific issues arise, whether it is tenant or landlord responsibility. They can manage expectations on both sides, so removing any awkwardness or grey areas.

Tax deductible

The fees incurred for a Full Management service are tax deductible, so the fee is effectively reduced by 20% to 40% depending on which tax bracket a landlord falls into.

Less stress

Taking on a Full Management service removes the potential stress of late payments, awkward requests, unreasonable demands, dealing with contractors, worry about legislation and much more.

Professionally conducted inspections

Full Management includes biannual management visits and a comprehensive report with photos. This gives peace of mind that the tenant is looking after the property and will highlight any issues that need dealing with.

Buying time

Being a landlord can be an extremely time-consuming business. Making repairs, organising contractors, getting quotes or simply answering emergency calls out of hours all takes time. If a property is Fully Managed, the team at The Country House Company handle all those issues. We also have a Property Management phone which is manned by a member of our team 24hrs a day.

Opting for Full Management buys a landlord more time, reduces stress, ensures a property professionally let and fully compliant, all for a minimal, fixed monthly fee.

To discuss our Full Management service further please call Marishelle Butler, Head of Property Management on 01730 771222, email: marishelle@countryhousecompany. co.uk or see www.countryhousecompany.co.uk

How many ho ho ho’s make a Rainbow Roundabout?!

We need a Rotary Rainbow Roundabout – well, not us, but The Rainbow Centre in Fareham – where the staff provide life changing services for children and adults affected by neurological conditions and teach them how to live their lives to the full.

Fareham Rotary got involved by choosing The Rainbow Centre as our local charity for the year - their playground, quite honestly, needs a good upgrade. We decided our focus would be on raising money for a roundabout that children in wheelchairs can access - and we’re getting there!

So, to the ho ho ho’s – well, at Coco’s Coffee Shop in Miller Drive Fareham, the owner Jackie Avis – who is a Rotarian with our Club – decided EVERY child should be able to see Santa whatever their circumstances. There were a number of opportunities in the run-up to Christmas to eat rainbow cake and meet Santa when donations for our Rotary Rainbow Roundabout were welcomed (raising £76) plus a

special day when Coco’s opened for all families so they could access the bearded gentleman in the red suit at no charge.

As Rotarian, Jackie Avis, said “I honestly believe that, without cost, every child should meet Santa when they are growing up. My coffee shop welcomes families throughout the year and we thought Father Christmas should make a visit – no booking, no charge, no purchase necessary, no problem – if they are able to give a little donation for the Rotary Rainbow Roundabout then that would be great but it’s not essential.”

In addition, and as always at this time of year, members of Fareham Rotary have been out and about collecting for Rotary charities at various places locally and we are grateful to Fareham Shopping Centre, Morrisons at Horndean and Sainsburys in Fareham for allowing us to raise funds at their premises. It has been heartening to see how, in these difficult times, shoppers have been so kind sparing some of their change for our charities and this community support is very much appreciated. We will send a full report on money raised when the Rotary elves have finished collecting and counting.

Kate Porter Sales

Claudia Hunt Lettings

Marishelle Butler Management

New Year Venison Stew with Juniper & Prunes

SERVES 4-6

Preparation time 30 minutes

Cooking time 2 - 2 1/4 hours, plus 30 mins resting time Oven temperature 160 degrees centigrade

Hampshire is blessed with its ready supply of wild venison and the winter months are the season to enjoy some of nature’s local larder. The combination of the sweetness of the prunes and the aromatic herbs and juniper makes it a perfect supper dish ideal for the cold January nights. It is best served with a large bowl of mashed potatoes and some steamed winter greens.

Ingredients

750 g shoulder of wild venison cut into 5 cms cubes

350g salt pork cut into 5cms cubes

2 red onions roughly chopped

2 peeled cubed carrots

4 garlic cloves crushed

3 tablespoons plain flour

1 tablespoon tomato puree

300ml red wine

550ml beef stock

10 crushed juniper berries

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

3 bay leaves

2 tablespoons honey 12 pitted ready to eat prunes

To

garnish Chopped fresh flat parsley Method

Season the venison with salt and pepper and in small batches brown all over in a little vegetable oil and butter. Brown the salt pork. Add a little more oil to the pan and fry together the onions, garlic, and carrots for 5 minutes until a golden caramel colour. Put all of the above in a flame proof casserole dish and add the flour mixing in well. Stir in the red wine and beef stock and bring to the boil. Add the rosemary, juniper, bay leaves, honey and prunes and adjust the seasoning to taste. Cover with a tight fitting lid and cook in the prepared oven for 75 minutes. Remove from the oven and check that the meat is tender. If necessary continue to cook for an additional fifteen minutes. Remove the casserole and with the lid on, allow the venison to rest for 30 minutes. Before serving stir in the chopped parsley.

Two Janes Catering

You can see us on D E twojanescatering

Winter Wonderland Lights

Pick Your Price - Option 1 - £27, Option 2 (recommended price)£21, Option 3 - £15, Option 4 - £9. Contact telephone: 01962 840 440 Call to check latest times or cancellations.

Winchester Ghost Tours

From 4.30pm

Winter Woodland Lights is back! This January, the Hawk Conservancy Trust will once again, become even more magical, with beautiful illuminations and a live owl display set in a stunning, colourful woodland. They’ll take you on a NEW captivating trail through the grounds while immersed in nature, where the Trust will come alive with sounds and lights dancing through the branches and offer some much-needed escapism to lift the January blues and brighten your spirits. Feathers Restaurant will also be open for food from 4:30PM-8:30PM.

Times 18.00 - 19.30 and 20.3022.00 - Tickets £14.00. Contact telephone: 01264 773850 Call to check latest times or cancellations.

The Hat Fair Cabaret

Friday 20 Jan to Fri 24 Feb

From 8.30 to 9.45pm

The Buttercross, High Street Winchester, SO23 9AH

Surround yourself with Winchesters haunting past in this award-winning theatrical ghost tour. Get ready to scream as you come face to face with the city’s ghosts including Sir Walter Raleigh, Ethelred, the unready, the Gaoler and so many more. You’ll uncover accounts of betrayal, death and torture and so much more! Tours take place in all weathers. Rated PG and we booking in advance is essential £9pp - Contact telephone: 07305826116 Call to check latest times or cancellations.

Chinook Crew Chick

Monday 30 January

From 7pm

Army Flying Museum Hampshire, SO20 8FB

Sunday 15th January

From 7.30pm

Jewry Street, Winchester Hampshire, SO23 8SB

A riotous night of comedy, cabaret and chaos. Circus tricksters, magnificent magicians with weird and wonderful surprises. A show for all ages shapes and sizes. Featuring favourites from Hat Fair festival and some new faces. 1hr 40mins (plus interval)

Join Liz McConaghy at the Museum to hear her insightful and personal perspective on war. Liz was the longest serving female crewman on the Royal Air Force Chinook Fleet spanning a 17 year career flying on the aircraft.

She was also the youngest aircrew to deploy to Iraq aged 21 and the only female crewman on the Chinook wing for four years. £10 or £6 pay per view online. Contact telephone: 01264781086 Call to check latest times or cancellations.

Evening

Orchard

Wassail at Chawton House

Enjoy a warming serving of soup in the Courtyard before processing through the grounds to the orchard in the Walled Garden, where will ward off the bad spirits. Don’t forget to bring along an instrument or anything that will help make a noise to add to the festivities!

We will also be joined by special guests, the Kings Pond Shantymen, for some lively traditional songs.

Ticket cost includes soup and a mulled cider. For more information visit: chawtonhouse.org

Friday 13th to Sun 15th Janaury

Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Hampshire, SP11 8DY

Join us for this centuries’ old Twelfth Night apple-growing celebration, involving hearty singing in the orchard to encourage a bountiful harvest in 2023.

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.

New Year, New Start – How a Settlement Agreement provides a clean break

We advise both employers and employees on employment law. As part of that role, we advise on and draft Settlement Agreements.

As the name suggest, these Agreements “settle” any potential disputes or claims between the parties and provide a clean break to allow both parties to move forward. Settlement Agreements can arise where there is a dispute or when it is simply the termination of employment by reason, for example, of redundancy.

Although ideally employers and employees should work together to resolve differences and grievances within the workplace, sometimes the differences between the parties are irreconcilable. A Settlement

Agreement can therefore be an attractive route for both parties compared to potential litigation and/or associated reputational risk.

In order to prevent unscrupulous employers deceiving employees into signing away their employment law rights, most employment law claims cannot be waived without the employee receiving independent legal advice. This is documented via the Settlement Agreement.

A Settlement Agreement must include some basic required terms but can include most matters that the employee or employer wants covered. Usually, confidentiality and non-derogatory statement clauses are included as standard, but the Agreements can cover a whole host of other issues. These can range from dealing with property such as cars, mobile telephones to leases of property, and also restrictive covenants, handovers, or providing financial assistance for outplacement and counselling services.

Once the parties are in negotiation over a Settlement Agreement, we find that prompt, practical and down-to-earth advice helps to remove a lot of the stress from what can otherwise become a very toxic situation. Our experience shows that once parties have parted ways, there are often fresh opportunities and new horizons for both the individuals involved and businesses.

If you or your business require any assistance with a Settlement Agreement, or other dispute resolution such as mediation, please do contact Linda Wilson on 01730 268211 to see how we can help.

Petersfield Telephone: 01730 268211 Facsimile: 01730 261232

Midhurst

Telephone: 01730 816711 Facsimile: 01730 816016

Linda Wilson Partner at MacDonald Oates Solicitors

We know that tackling life’s most complex problems takes more than just legal expertise. It is about listening, understanding and communicating.

We know that tackling life’s most complex problems takes more than just legal expertise. It is about listening, understanding and communicating.

Winter planning newsletter: Pillars of planning remain firm in a year of change

Looking back on a busy and productive 2022 for the Planning Authority, I’m reflecting on some broad themes that are consistent in planning year after year. It’s certainly been a year of promised change, as well as challenges and uncertainty in the UK and abroad, with a long list announcements that have an impact on planning in one way or another (the fracking U-turn springs to mind). Yet the core of planning remains the same.

We operate on three broad fronts and we must never lose sight of these pillars: managing and enabling growth; conserving and enhancing the best of what we have; and social equity in the environment. These themes apply to both urban and rural areas, albeit with different considerations.

With this in mind, I often come back to the stark reality that whilst we live in a highly urbanised country, over 90 per cent of the UK landmass is countryside. What we do in the rural sphere is massively important especially if we can increase access to the countryside. The work of Planning Authorities with large swathes of countryside – and furthermore as custodians of nationally-important landscapes – is therefore very meaningful at local, regional and national scale.

As I write, a report from the House of Lords Land Use in England Commission has been published. I gave evidence to this work and the report lays out their priorities for a land use framework, which would broadly divide up the land in England and decide where is best for different types of agriculture, as well as carbon sequestration, nature restoration and recreation. This directly relates to the three pillars outlined above. Just as importantly, the report advises access to green space should be prioritised when deciding how to use land, whether through the Planning system or otherwise. Greater access is necessary, with the all-party parliamentary group advising that this is ‘’important for health and wellbeing, especially in urban and peri-urban locations near where people live”. This is so relevant to the South Downs National Park and the many millions who live in or close by it.

The report is also critical of the current UK farming system. Jake Fiennes, the director of Holkham nature reserve in Norfolk, told the commission that “current agricultural and farming practices are generally unsustainable for the medium to long term. Our reliance on synthetic inputs and the effects they have on the wider environment are all too clear”.

As with Planning, the report criticises the government for uncertainty around the post-Brexit farming payments, which are supposed to

deliver nature recovery. Details around these have been delayed, with reports that the initially ambitious schemes are set to be weakened. Seems to echo the much-heralded Planning reforms!

All of the emerging and promised changes through a myriad of Acts, Bills and a promised consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework before Christmas mean we have to be adaptable. With Local Nature Recovery Strategies starting in earnest next April and mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain next November, we as planners will have to grapple with and, ultimately, deliver on this mix of land use and land management.

Our emphasis at the National Park Authority will rightly, continue to be proper placemaking and nature recovery. A healthy rural economy, with opportunities for all and embracing well-measured growth, ultimately feeds a healthy rural environment and visa versa.

As I write this, it’s been announced by the Government that housing targets will be advisory and Local Planning Authorities will be allowed to be build fewer homes if they can show that hitting the target would significantly change the character of an area.

National Parks, of course, do not have “housing targets”. But nevertheless I believe this general policy shift is a positive step in the right direction, championing the benefits of localism. Working with communities through engagement in many areas can deliver better results. This is evidenced by the National Park’s successful approach to neighbourhood planning. It’s a real achievement that 40 Neighbourhood Development Plans are now incorporated into the South Downs Local Plan.

Talking of achievements, there are a couple I would like to touch on briefly: The National Park Authority winning a Chair’s Award from the Royal Town Planning Institute for our record in helping to deliver greener planning was a highlight of 2022 for me. To receive this endorsement means a lot, particularly because it relates to our overall strategy, development plan and implementation on the ground, rather than any specific policy document or development.

We’ve collaborated successfully with other National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in the planning sphere and as referred to above gave evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on land use. Long may this kind of joined-up thinking continue! Many thanks and I hope all have a well-deserved Christmas break.

Tim Slaney, Director of Planning, South Downs National Park Authority

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

A Secondary Cause of….. SUCCESS!

When a play demands so much interaction between characters, subtle nuances of lines, accents and even a quick-change routine, the Curdridge Amateur Drama Group is up for it!

Nothing breeds success like success, as they say, and packed houses meant just that. Performing at their traditional home, The Reading Rooms Curdridge, for the much-awaited play by Peter Gordon, “A Secondary Cause of Death” proved the point. Plenty of laughs, mystery and a mixture of Foyles War and ‘Ello, Ello’ Indebted to Curdridge Parish Council for providing funds for a notice board, all those who use the facilities at and near the Reading Rooms will soon be kept right-up-to-date with the Clubs ambitious plans for the future. This means they will need extra Producers, Directors, Stage Designers and those with experience in Lighting, Music, and many more. Oh, and did we mention Actors?

On our website click on ‘backstage’ for further details and see what you can do for our next (22-24 March 2023) production of “Home I’m Darling” by Laura Wade or, looking further ahead, how about a Pantomime next Autumn?

Play readings and auditions will be held very soon, so please don’t miss the opportunity of joining a hard-working and keen local Drama Group -and it’s fun, too! http://www.curdridgedrama.co.uk

Are You Sitting Comfortably?

Home I’m Darling. Judy & Johnny have made a conscious choice to retreat into the halcyon era of the 1950's and all the gingham-draped bliss that period represents. Is this the fantasy world idyllic marriages are made of, or the result of delusion? The play is a funny and timely reminder of the gender divide and what it means to us today.

Pat Staples Interiors wouldn’t be your first thought when looking for a new sofa, as they are primarily interior designers working on room schemes, but if you are looking for top quality upholstery AND value for money then do give them a call. Pat Staples Interiors operate on an appointment basis, out of a studio just outside the town centre in Bishops Waltham and have, on display, two fantastic sofa ranges, the Somerset and the Newbury for their clients to try.

Both sofas are made to order, come in a broad range of sizes and a huge range of fabrics. Handcrafted in the UK using a blend of traditional techniques, cutting edge technology and high quality materials. However the real bonus of shopping a with small experienced business like Pat Staples Interiors is their designers are there to help you with your fabric choice, be it the luxurious look you desire or a family friendly fabric with stain resistance. Pat Staples Interiors can also help you with your curtains, blinds, re-upholstery, carpets, wallpapers and even your paint choice.

Corinne, the manager and one of their two designers tells us “Last October in the lead up to the pre-Christmas cutoff date we offered these ranges to order at a discount. We were amazed by how popular these 2 sofas were, clients came to us after having tried many big retailers, sitting in so many sofas but finding nothing that suited themselves or their home.

The sighs of relief when they sunk into the Somerset, the smiles and relaxation trying our Newbury for size.So we are doing it again! Yes we only have the two ranges but these sofas offer true comfort, value for money, and look beautiful too”

ORDER NOW FOR 20% off your sofa, corner unit, chair of stool from the Newbury or Somerset ranges. Offer Ends 17th February

Pat Staples Interiors, The Studio Claylands Rd, Bishops Waltham,SO32 1BH 01489 892626 patstaplesinteriors.co.uk sales@patstaplesinteriors.co.uk

The Countryside Charity Hampshire

New research shows farmers value hedges and would plant more - if the government provides the right incentives

New research conducted by CPRE, the Countryside Charity, in conjunction with Farmers Weekly, has shown that almost 90% of farmers say hedgerows are important to them and their business. The vast majority are also calling for more government support with 70% of farmers saying they’d plant more hedgerows given the right incentives. Providing a vital nature corridor on farms was seen as the top benefit of hedgerows, followed by shelter for crops and livestock. Eight in ten farmers support a target to increase hedgerows by 40% by 2050, as recommended by the government’s Climate Change Committee as a key climate and nature recovery goal.

The results of the survey were announced at a reception at the Houses of Parliament this week, attended by representatives of CPRE Hampshire, who have been working over the last eighteen months to spread the word about the importance of hedges, through their own “Hedgerow Heroes” project. Boyd McCleary, Vice Chair of CPRE Hampshire, who attended the launch, said “The report confirms what we have found in our own work here in Hampshire. Farmers really value hedgerows and would love to do more, both to extend them and maintain existing hedgerows more effectively.”

Richard Stiles, who farms in Titchfield near Fareham, was also at the Westminster event, agreed: “Many of our old hedgerows have either disappeared completely, or are in a poor state of repair. I am delighted to be working with CPRE Hampshire, not only to plant new hedges, but also to learn the traditional craft of hedge-laying. It gives old hedges a new lease of life, creating more attractive boundaries for the farm, better habitat for wildlife and a means of generating and storing carbon, which is beneficial in terms of climate change.”

Flick Drummond, MP for Meon Valley, took the opportunity to sign up as a parliamentary Hedgerow Hero: “I am happy to support the work CPRE are doing to raise awareness of this issue. We have lost too many of our hedges over the last few decades. It is time to reverse that trend. A 40% increase in our hedgerow network by 2050 is an achievable target and I am pleased that the government is aiming to provide support for environmental stewardship under the proposed Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs).”

As part of its Hedgerow Heroes project, CPRE Hampshire is supporting local communities across Hampshire to plant new hedgerows or rejuvenate old ones. They are also setting up two traineeships to teach young persons the traditional craft of hedgelaying.

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?

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

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

ering very competitive rates.

Wood Farm, Bramdean, Hampshire,

01962 771815

01962 771815

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

Contact us on 01962 771815 or email: storage@silkservices.co.uk Wood Farm, Bramdean, Hampshire, SO24 0JH E: storage@silkservices.co.uk T: 01962 771815

Flick Drummond, Hampshire MP for East Meon, signs up to support the call to increase hedgerow networks across the country.

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

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

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

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.

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

Winner

The Carpet Care People

2019 (19) Honda Jazz 1.3 EX Nav Automatic, 5 door, Sat Nav, front and rear parking sensors rear camera, climate control, cruise control, 19,000 miles £16,395

2017 (67) Honda Jazz 1.3 EX Nav, 5 door, Sat Nav, front and rear parking sensors & camera, cruise control, 10,000 mls

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

2014 (14) Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDi Elegance, Automatic, sat nav, air conditioning, cruise control, parking sensors, Panoramic moon roof, 1 owner 59,000 miles £6395

National Garden Scheme Hampshire

As unlikely as it seems we are commencing another year of Open Gardens. Twenty twenty two saw the NGS donating another amazing amount to our charities. In early December the Trustees announced that, nationally, again we have topped the £3 million mark - £3.11 million will be donated to our beneficiaries. All thanks to our many volunteers and garden visitors. The lions share goes to our main Nursing, Care and Health charities:-

Marie Curie

A Stranger in our House is the first play in Titchfield Festival Theatre’s 2023 New Play Season. A married couple struggling to make ends meet take in a lodger, a new arrival in town. The same lodger who is battling with visions of a dead child and bears a striking resemblance to a recently released prisoner, his arrival causes a stir in the local community and exposes cracks in the family’s relationships. A Stranger in our House is a blistering exploration of guilt, justice and modern Britain - asking how well do you really know the people in your life?

Bradley Barlow, who lives in Portsmouth, is the writer and director of the play: “I’ve always been fascinated in what causes moral panic and outrage in society and A Stranger in our House acts as a cautionary tale of sorts, bubbling up in a pressure cooker in a drive to discover someone’s true identity.

“I was 11 years old when the murder of two-year-old James Bulger hit the headlines, the nation shocked as it was revealed his life was taken by two young boys who were the same age as me. The media scrutiny was intense, their mugshots plastered on every front page, the vitriol from the general public showing no sign of abating.

“The death of a child, especially one so brutal, evokes a primal rage in a lot of people. That anger has never gone away and in the years since his release, photos alleging to be of one of Bulger’s killers have made their way onto social media but without any form of verification, potentially ruining an innocent person’s life.

“Are the actions of vigilantes ever justified? Should we have the right to take the law into our own hands? And what happens when it all goes wrong? A Stranger in our House doesn’t propose to have the answers, but hopefully it will get the audience thinking and talking about the consequences of these various actions.”

£450,000

Macmillan Cancer Support £450,000 Hospice UK £450,000

The Queens Nursing Institute £450,000 Carers Trust £350,000 Parkinson’s UK £350,000

The balance goes to another ten charities. You can find details of all our beneficiaries on our website ngs.org.uk So to begin another year of fund-raising - starting with Snowdrop Gardens.

Specific Days and by Arrangement

Little Court, Crawley, Winchester, SO21 2PU

Opening: Sunday & Monday 12th & 13th & 19th & 20th February: 2pm to 5pm. Admission: £5.00 children free. Refreshments: Home-made teas. This walled, sheltered naturalistic garden is worth visiting in all seasons, and is specially exciting in spring. There are many established flower beds and climbers, and a traditional kitchen garden. Also free range bantams. Open By Arrangement: From February to August: Contact Mrs A R Elkington 01962 776365 elksic@btinternet.com

Please note: This play contains strong language and scenes of an adult nature. For more information including booking tickets, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/ or contact our Box Office on 0333 666 3366.

The Down House, Itchen Abbas, SO21 1AX

Opening: February to March for Groups of 10 plus.

Admission: £10.00 Children free - Includes home-made tea. Contact: Jackie & Mark Porter 07814 958810 markstephenporter@gmail.com

A 2 acre garden laid out in rooms overlooking the Itchen Valley, adjoining the Pilgrim's Way. In winter come and see the snowdrops, aconites and crocus, plus borders of dogwoods, willow stems and white birches. A garden of structure with pleached hornbeams, ropelined fountain garden, formal box-edged potager, a yew lined avenue and walks in adjoining meadows. Happy Visiting!

Pat Beagley (Publicity)

National Garden Scheme - Hampshire

How well do you really know the people in your life?

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