Meon Valley Forum - Issue 89 - April 2023

BISHOP'S WALTHAM / MEON VALLEY

Funtington – Offer invited in the region of £1,350,000 Freehold

Superbly proportioned and impressive Georgian style home, lying within a fabulous village setting perfectly, positioned on the edge of the glorious South Downs. The property sits within beautifully landscaped grounds, extending to approximately 0.3 of an acre and is offered with no forward chain. The house offers lovely spacious accommodation which would lend itself to some more modern enhancements, offering an ideal opportunity for a new family to personalise and make their own. Viewing recommended.

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

A fabulous opportunity to live in or acquire a super potential investment apartment in the heart of Bishop’s Waltham. The apartment is on the top floor and enjoys tremendous roof top views from the uniquely styled and extensive windows. Inside, is modern, well presented and comprises: Communal entrance hall with security entrance/intercom and a light glazed entrance landing. Entrance hall, spacious living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Outside, there are two allocated parking spaces. Early interest and viewing recommended.

VALLEY ESTATE & LETTINGS AGENTS

Botley – Price Guide £820,000 Freehold

Impressive and superbly presented detached family home, lying within a small private gated development on the outskirts of Botley. The property, built and first occupied during 2019 has a great specification and design which includes underfloor heating to the ground floor, together with a fabulous open plan kitchen/dining room. The stylish interior offers very generous accommodation, with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, sitting room, study, and open plan kitchen/dining room, utility room and cloakroom. Garage, driveway frontage and landscaped gardens.

Bishop's Waltham – Offers in excess of £650,000 Freehold

Superb detached family home, lying in a great cul-de-sac location, perfectly positioned within walking distance of the local school and the town centre. The property offers well presented, spacious accommodation which in brief comprises: Entrance hall, cloakroom, stylish re fitted open plan kitchen/dining room with french doors to the garden. Utility Room. Double aspect sitting room. Four bedrooms, en-suite to the main bedroom and re fitted family bathroom. Early interest and a viewing appointment recommended.

The Team

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

Forum Publications Offices New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QE Tel: 01962 735137 www.forumpublications.co.uk

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 © Forum Publications Ltd, 2023

I found Happy Kitchens on Houzz, and I decided to go with them as the reviews were encouraging and I liked that they were a small, local company. From the outset, Ben was extremely professional and understands exactly what the client wants.

The Happy Kitchen team were all fantastic; punctual, hardworking, incredibly tidy and most importantly they really cared about the quality of their work. We are really thrilled with our new kitchen and it has totally exceeded our expectations.

Joanne McCarthy

Happy Kitchens are quite unique as we are able to offer top quality products, available in any size, fitted by the best professionals in the business. Change your kitchen and bedroom with a makeover or design and install a new kitchen and bedroom, whichever suits your needs or price range.

Boutique Me

Boutique Me

POMODORO Mexican Dress (Raspberry & Aqua). Perfect for home or abroad, available online and in the Boutique.

Tel: 01329 832221 | Winchester Road, Wickham, PO17 5HE

On Your Highstreet

#shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses

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

McCarthy's Farm Shop

Fresh local fruit and vegetables for your Easter needs. Pop in or order online to be delivered to your door.

Tel: 01329 832221 | Winchester Road, Wickham, PO17 5HE

Enquiries: t: 01962 735988 e: auctions@andrewsmithandson.com THE AUCTION ROOMS, MANOR FARM, ITCHEN STOKE, ALRESFORD, SO24 0QT

Westlands Farm Shop

New spring lamb joints available for Easter

Westlands Farm Shop, Pricketts Hill, Shedfield, Southampton SO32 2JW

Tel: 01329 833832 | www.westlandsfarmshop.co.uk

Andrew Smith & Son Auctioneers

Saturday Homes & Antiques Auction- Saturday 15th

April 2023 - Viewing Friday 14th April

Tel: 01962 735988 | www.andrewsmithandson.com

Boutique Me

YAYA Chino Checked Trousers and Scuba Sweatshirt, Spring is in the Air! Both available online and in the Boutique - High Street, Bishop's Waltham, Southampton, SO32 1AA

Tel: 01489 891052 | boutiquemebishopswaltham.co.uk

One of ITV's Most Popular Antiques Experts

Happy

Ladies Fashion

BUMPER

SPRING SALE

up to 50% off many items

Revitalise your wardrobe for the summer and banish those winter blues with some satisfying retail therapy!

Do come and see what we have to offer. Sale on from April 1st to 30th

Tel: 01489 880900 or shop online at: www.davinasladiesfashion.co.uk

7 Warsash Road, Warsash, Southampton, SO31 9HW

Open Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm

E www.facebook.com/davinasladiesfashion

Q www.instagram.com/davinas_ladies_fashion

Davina's Ladies Fashion

We are your local independent fashion retailer located in Warsash adjacent to the Co-op and Clocktower. We have been established for 25 years, originally in Fareham, and in Warsash since 2018.

We have a full range of general clothing comprising dresses, tops, trousers, jeans and jackets. Our range goes from jeans to evening wear. We are currently receiving our latest spring and summer collections. This includes some fabulous summer dresses in resplendent colours. We also stock the Marble colourful range of sweaters and trousers at very reasonable prices. There are 3 rooms fully stocked and we welcome customers to come in and browse. We also welcome husbands and partners who wish to buy a surprise gift for their special lady. They are also encouraged to accompany you and help select your new wardrobe. Please don’t think our prices are out of your range deterring you from coming in. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at both the quality and price.

We have a reputation for Condici Mother of the Bride/Groom outfits and currently have a choice of 140 to choose from. We also stock matching hats, hatinators, shoes and clutch bags making us a “one stop shop”.

There is a carpark opposite which is free for 4 hours. If you fancy yourself a bargain pop in to see what we have to offer

Visit our website at www.davinasladiesfashion.co.uk which is a showcase of some of what we have to offer.

Maia's Flowers

Hi I'm Maia, I have been a florist for 7 years. I trained in Convent Garden, London also worked in London designing flowers for high end hotels. 5 years ago I relocated to Hampshire and opened my own shop in the small village of Selbourne. I have loved doing floristry for the community there, but as the business grew we needed a bigger premises to showcase our flowers and my passion for interior design so we opened our NEW shop on Lavant Street in Petersfield.

We can't wait to share this with you all, so why not pop in for a mooch, we look forward to seeing you soon!

Maia’s Flowers, Lavant Street, Petersfield, GU32 3EW

facebook: Maias-Flowers

Tel: 01730 719971

email:maiasflowers@outlook.com

Opening Times

Tue - 9am to 5pm

Wed - 9am to 5pm Thur - 9am to 5pm Fri - 9am to 5pm Sat - 9am to 4pm

Sun to Mon Closed

Easter Flowers, Chocolates & Gifts

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.

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/

Patrick Jenkins, Partner and Head of Litigation

We know that tackling life’s most complex problems takes more than just legal expertise. It is about listening, understanding and communicating. 023

We know that tackling life’s most complex problems takes more than just legal expertise. It is about listening, understanding and communicating. 023

Draw up your retirement game plan

You’ve got to make sure those retirement savings last. It’s a thorny business full of tough decisions, made even trickier by the number of options available.

Visualise your retirement

Retirement isn’t what it used to be. We’re working longer, living longer and have so many different ways to use our pension pot. All the more reason to get the experts involved.

These days there’s so much flexibility around retirement. You can choose to stay invested in your pension, decide your own level of income, or even withdraw the entire pot. Buying an annuity is now another choice, rather than being nonnegotiable. Meanwhile, as always, greater freedom brings greater responsibility.

Let’s look at retirement age to begin with. The cliff- edge idea of stopping work at 60 or 65 and ‘being retired’ is history. Today a phased approach is much more likely, transitioning gradually from working and saving towards leisure and spending. Most of us can do this on our terms, according to our own life plans, rather than being restricted by a pension scheme or an employer.

Ask yourself what your retirement looks like. Then how can you make it a reality? If you’re retired already, is it as you imagined? Being ‘in retirement’ is much more than simply drawing an income. It’s also about running an efficient home, managing your tax-free cash (especially when interest rates are low) and building a sustainable income that will last your lifetime.

There’s no set retirement age these days. Add to this the pressures of supporting both older and younger generations, and it’s clear a rethink is needed on how best to use your savings. To adapt to changing needs, you might need to consider other assets and income sources alongside your pension.

“Expert advice is key –your retirement could last 30 years, so you’ll need to make important short- and long-term decisions”

Advertising Feature

So what you have is a situation that’s both flexible and heavy on risk, whether you choose to dip into your pension pot or remain invested. Either way, you’ll need help and expertise to face the challenges. In retirement you’re also likely to encounter a new set of risks. For example, if you get off to a poor start when you begin drawing your income, with markets falling and returns negative, your investments will have to work much harder from the outset to maintain your desired income. Another layer of complexity in your retirement strategy is underestimating how long your money needs to last. The 100-year life is fast becoming normal, with more of us living much longer, more active lives than ever before.

At David Gallagher Wealth Management, we’re here to help you navigate these obstacles. We believe the value of advice comes from building a strong relationship over time and understanding the needs of both you and your family. We’re experts in the intricacies of modern retirement. So you can worry less and focus on the important things in life.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to

in Touch

the performance of the funds you select, and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. Equities do not provide the security of capital which is characteristic of a deposit with a bank or building society.

“The countless choices available at retirement can be overwhelming”

Hambledon Artist Michèle Griffiths in International Exhibition in Venice

I am a professional contemporary painter, living and working in Hambledon and I was recently selected for an international exhibition: “Terrestrial Grammar” at the Stefania Carrozzini Gallery in Venice.

I moved to rural Hampshire from London in 2012 and built a studio in the

garden. The beauty and tranquility I have found here suits me well and my painting has progressed by leaps and bounds. As well as exhibiting regularly, I have worked on a number of projects, like a commission of 11 large paintings for P&O’s “Britannia” and two paintings were selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 2017. I had a major show at Chichester Cathedral: “Darkness into Light,” in 2020, and was selected for the Florence Biennale - which is where I was spotted by Stefania Carrozzini.

MICHELE GRIFFITHS

HAMBLEDON ARTIST

I like to engage the viewer in “slow looking”, drawing you in through the surface and hints of doorways and windows to explore hidden depths. The paintings have been described by Rowan Williams as having “a quality of invitation: we are beckoned to inhabit, not just to peruse these surfaces”. People often find them meditative and calming.

If you would like to know more or arrange a studio visit, please contact me via email: michele@michelegriffiths.com, or phone 07342 048403

My work is always available at Kevis House Gallery, Petworth and @nicholasbowlbygallery

I was born and trained in London and initially persuaded to pursue an academic career, studying French and German Literature at Cambridge University. My determination to make Art my life won out and I subsequently studied Fine Art at Wimbledon School of Art. With eminent tutors like Prunella Clough I learned to develop my own unique voice as an abstract artist.

www.michelegriffiths.com

LEANNE HAWKINS (NURSE DIRECTOR AND OWNER)

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Leanne Hawkins is a Registered Nurse and an Independent Nurse Prescriber (INP) who spent a decade working in the NHS before qualifying as a Medical Facial Aesthetician and setting up her first clinic in 2009, the award winning Face & Skin Clinic in Wickham.

As Nurse Director and owner of the clinic, Leanne is the only person to perform certain medical treatments and injectable procedures at Saddle House Medi-Spa. A passionate and experienced clinician, Leanne is committed to preserving your own unique features, while highlighting your natural beauty.

HYDRAFACIALS

Hydrafacials are highly popular luxury facial treatments, simply because the results speak for themselves. Clean, radiant, and healthier looking skin never goes out of style.

Classic Hydrafacial: £120 (Course of six: £600)

Hydrafacial with Obagi pigmentation booster: £180

Hydrafacial with Obagi Rosacea booster: £180

LASER TREATMENTS

Saddle House Medi-Spa offers the quickest and most effective pain-free laser for ultimate hair reduction results and maximum patient comfort.

6x Full Back & Shoulder: £900 (Saving £300)

Medical Facial Aesthetics, Microneedling, Pain Free Laser Hair Removal, Skin Tightening, Hydrafacial, Skin Tag & Thread Vein Removal, Pigmentation Treatments, Chemical Peels, Beauty & Massage, Skincare & Packages.

6x Half Leg, Full Brazilian & Underarm: £1461 (Saving £507)

6x Full leg, Standard Bikini & Underarm: £1595 (Saving £589)

SKIN & BEAUTY EXPERTS

SKIN & BEAUTY EXPERTS

Get the glow with a Hydrafacial!

TREATMENTS INCLUDE:

TREATMENTS INCLUDE:

Medical Facial Aesthetics, Microneedling, Pain Free Laser Hair Removal, Skin Tightening, Hydrafacial, Skin Tag & Thread Vein Removal, Pigmentation Treatments, Chemical Peels, Beauty & Massage, Skincare & Packages.

Medical Facial Aesthetics, Microneedling, Pain Free Laser Hair Removal, Skin Tightening, Hydrafacial, Skin Tag & Thread Vein Removal, Pigmentation Treatments, Chemical Peels, Beauty & Massage, Skincare & Packages.

Nurse led Medi-Spa of Excellence

Nurse led Medi-Spa of Excellence

Private parking in a beautiful location

Private parking in a beautiful location

BOOK YOUR BESPOKE CONSULTATION NOW

BOOK YOUR BESPOKE CONSULTATION NOW

Tel: 02380 518558

Tel: 02380 518558 www.saddlehouse.co.uk

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

Western Court, Bishop's Sutton, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0AA

Western Court, Bishop's Sutton, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0AA

The Wonderful World of Water Voles

Have you ever walked by a chalk stream and seen a flash of fur?

You may have been lucky enough to spot an elusive species – the water vole! These small mammals love the clear water and lush plant life that characterise chalk streams. While they are rather shy, staying quiet and still could reward you with another sighting; listen for rustling in the streamside undergrowth and the famous ‘plop’ of them diving into the water.

Water voles are known for the character of Ratty in ‘The Wind in the Willows’, and are often mistaken for their rodent cousin, the brown rat. Several features can help with this critter confusion: brown rats have a greyish hue, pointed muzzle, prominent ears, and hairless tail; water voles have a chestnut tint, short muzzle, small ears, and furry tail. Their way of swimming is another clue: if only the head is above the water, it’s probably a rat.

If you didn’t get a good look, there may be other signs that water voles are present. They choose a special place for eating, so

you might find plant stems nibbled at a 45-degree angle. You might also see a ‘lawn’ of shortened plants by the entrance to their bankside burrows. Another sign to search for is a latrine near the stream’s edge; water vole droppings have a distinctive tic-tac shape, and can be green, brown, or purple in colour.

Once present throughout the UK, water voles have sadly become endangered in recent decades. Pollution and habitat loss have played a role, as has the spread of an invasive non-native species – the American mink. Originally introduced for fur farming, these voracious hunters can swiftly wipe out small mammal populations. According to one estimate, water voles have been lost from 97% of their former geographical range.

So, how can you help our furry friends? If you manage a chalk stream, leave a twometre-wide margin of tall bankside plants, and do your habitat management outside the breeding season (spring and summer). If you walk your dog by a stream, keep them

on a lead in places where water voles have been seen. In general, look out for American mink – you could even consider hosting a footprint raft or wildlife camera.

You can also monitor water vole populations in north and central Hampshire through the Watercress and Winterbournes scheme – contact winterbournes@hiwwt.org.uk to learn more. Our work is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Free Online Talk:

‘Water-Wise Gardening: Get Smart With Soil’

25th May, 7 - 8.30pm

Hear how to achieve healthy soil, and how doing so can help your garden to cope with dry weather. Learn top tips on avoiding the need for intense watering. Book at: www.hiwwt.org.uk/events

FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1973 BUILT ON GREAT SERVICE & VALUE FOR MONEY

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

Supply and planting large specimen trees and shrubs

Espalier, pleached and instant impact hedges

All trees and shrubs carefully selected Design, landscaping and ongoing maintenance

Free site visit and consultation

Bosque is a trading name of Just Limegrass Ltd.

Tel: 01962 771800

steve.cann@btconnect.com www.georgecanngardenmachinery.co.uk

Harko: 07710 502798

Tom: 07855 656984 www.bosque international.co.uk

LACEYS FARM, BRAMDEAN, ALRESFORD, HAMPSHIRE, SO24 0JT

Home & Garden Furniture in stock or available to pre-order FREE local delivery

FONTLEY ROAD TITCHFIELD FAREHAM PO15 6QX

SUMMERHOUSE CAFE

Breakfast | Brunch | Lunch | Afternoon Tea | Sunday Roasts

Private hire now available in our fully licensed coffee lounge

the_summerhouse_coffee_lounge

SummerHouse2022

summerhouse-restaurant.co.uk

April/May Events

Mrs Blossom Makes! Seed Bomb Workshop

The Big Butser Egg Roll – Easter Trail

Meon Voices Spring Concert

From 10am - 4pm

The months are getting warmer so it’s time to get planting by making your own Seed Bombs. Families will make Seed bombs from Soil, water, seeds and flour before making a recycled newspaper container and plant marker.

Times: 10.00am to 10.45am, 11.00am to 11.45am, 1.00pm to 1.45pm, 2.00pm to 2.45pm or 3.00pm to 3.45pm

IMPORTANT – Please note due to the nature of this activity we will be using ingredients such as flour. if you have any allergies please let the Mrs Blossom know as gloves and cornflour can be used as an alternative.

• Booking is essential. For more information about any of our events or activities please contact the team on 03707 797522 or email scpch@hants.gov.uk

26th Wickham Charity Beer Festival

Various Times (see text)

A two day event, starting with our traditional Beer, Blues and Curry evening of 14th April starting at 7:00pm followed on Saturday 15th April by our two session Beer Festival starting with the morning session from 11:00 to 16:00 followed by the evening session from 18:00 to 23:00; we look forward to seeing you all there.

Join us this Easter for the traditional Egg roll trail! This Easter holidays try our Big Butser Egg Roll trail, find all the signs of spring to lead you to the bottom of Butser Hill. Once there you can give your rubber egg a good throw and see how far it rolllllls! Each pack comes with a trail guide, a pack of pencils, a springtime craft to take home and a rubber egg to decorate. Packs are available to buy online and the trail will be up from Friday 1st April to Sunday 16th April, packs are limited so to avoid disappointment book early. Priced at £6 per pack. For more information about our activities please contact us on 02392 595040 or email: qecp.enquiries@ hants.gov.uk

Family Food, Fun & Fitness Workshop

Meon Voices Spring Concert will be held at St Peter’s Church, Bishop’s Waltham. The performance promises some real treats, ambitiously mixing Elgar, Gershwin and Gilbert & Sullivan with modern classics from Queen and Simon & Garfunkel, sprinkled with favourites including Swing Low Sweet Chariot and Scarborough Fair. There will be an interval with tea, coffee and biscuits; there is no need to book, and whilst the concert is free to attend; there will be a cash collection, the proceeds of which will be divided between the Choir and the Church’s charities. Interested in joining Meon Voices Choir?

If you are interested in joining this friendly, uplifting choir, the Monday night practices are between 7.30 – 9.30 p.m. in Bishop’s Waltham throughout Autumn and Spring, with a long Summer break. Please contact Phil on 01489 579078 or via email coundleypj@yahoo.com, or email Jane on janevose@icloud.com for more information.

Bishop's Waltham Garden Fair

Entrance £5, children under 14 free. Free Parking. Dogs on Leads welcome. Raising funds for @ StJohnEyeHosp and @FairsAssoc Free transport available from The Square, Bishop’s Waltham Children under 14 free. Children’s Corner. Ask the expert: Andy McIndoe. Birds of prey display Morris Dancers. Free Parking Entrance £5.00. ( £4.50 via our website)- Homemade Refreshments. 60+ specialist stalls. Cuff Billett’s New Europa Jazz Band. Julia’s Kitchen. Hog Roast. Crepes. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter In association with and supported by St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group Charity No. 1139527. Bishop’s Waltham Garden Fair now in our 20th year! www.bishops-waltham-gardenfair.org. By Kind Permission Of Jamie & Carolyn Balfour

Expressive Landscapes

Artists Sue Colyer and Gill Drew are exhibiting contemporary watercolours and acrylic paintings, prints and cards at The Physic Garden in Petersfield from the 26th-29th May. An opportunity to see captivating expressive landscapes and enjoy picking up an original artwork for your home. Open 10am - 4pm

https://suecolyer.com instagram @suecolyerart https://gilldrew.co.uk instagram @gilldrewart

Mike, Gary and the Wickham Beer Festival Team – Cheers For Charity

PO8 0QE

Welcome to the Home of BBQ

If you enjoy BBQ then we’re your kind of place! With over 30 years’ experience we know a thing or two about it and would love to share our passion with you. In store we stock all the major brands and then some, so whether you’re looking to sear, smoke, roast, braise, skewer, rotisserie, bake or just plain grill then we have you covered. Come and join us on a Saturday and experience a free demo day or sign up to one of our assorted BBQ Masterclasses. We look forward to seeing y’all soon. Did I mention we stock Yeti? It’s worth dropping in just to view their range!

T: 02380 788155 E: sales@socal.co.uk W: socalbbqshop.co.uk

sizzlefest 16 sept 2023 tickets visit sizzlefest.co.uk

@socalbbqshop

Elite

Picture This

© Lucia Foster-Found 2023

Himself peeked into the bags she deposited onto the kitchen floor. He shot her a quizzical look.

“I thought I’d make up albums for the family. I know it’s a bit 20th century, but you can’t beat real, actual photographs!” she announced under his sceptical gaze, aware that she was the queen of the 21st century practice of whipping out her phone to show all-and-sundry pictures of her dinner, her dogs, her family. Not necessarily in that order. But passing a stationery store and attracted by an un-ignorable neon ‘CLOSING DOWN SALE’ poster in the window, she’d sauntered in. It was sad; one of those shops she’d loved, but often found a little dear. But dear no longer, the hefty discounts were irresistible and with slight pangs of guilt (dear oh dear) she stocked up. Cards, rolls of gift wrap and sheets of tissue paper went into her basket. And then she spotted the photograph albums…

Fond memories surfaced of a childhood evening in front of the fire, surrounded by fat books stuffed with the past. Seated on a rug pitted with blackened scorch-marks from spitting embers, the family had leafed through page after page of old pictures.

Sometimes they’d known the people long since passed. “Isn’t that great auntie wotshername?” Smiling out at them from a black and white beach in the thirties, great auntie wotshername was sporting a clingy wet costume that left little to the imagination. “Cold was it?” “Did she knit that, do you think?” they’d sniggered. An old colour print from the fifties; a couple, glamorous, laughing, posing in front of their Bedford dormobile. She wearing shorts and a sweater and he with a pipe and hat. “I think that might be auntie thingy, and I forget which uncle – there were a few…” Sometimes the subjects were unremembered. “Who are they? Distant cousins and their neighbours? Or distant neighbours and their cousins?” Anonymous studies in monochrome; elderly couples staring suspiciously at the camera, stiffly smiling mum, dad and brood. One example was somewhat bizarrely, of a dog of undetermined heritage sitting amongst dead fish.

Remembering this, waves of nostalgia engulfed her as she set to work rifling through boxes of pre-mobile snaps and printing a selection from her

phone. “You can’t beat actual real photographs!” she said again, filled with enthusiasm.

Much later, Himself brought her a coffee. “How are you getting on?”

She looked around furtively as if for eavesdroppers, “I tried that two finger pinch zoom thing on someone’s face, to make it bigger, see if I recognised them.”

Himself frowned, puzzled. “Did it help?”

“No of course not! The pinch zoom only works on touch screens – it doesn’t work on real, actual photographs...” She still couldn’t believe she’d done that. “Also,” she sighed despondently and handed him a completed album, “I hadn’t factored in how heavy a real, actual photograph album would be. It’ll cost a fortune to post to Australia.”

Himself weighed the heavy tome in his hand. “Mmnn. Tell me, where did your family used to keep the photo albums?”

She considered for a moment, “in the loft.”

“Mmnn. And look at them how often?” he asked. “Not often.” Now she thought about it, not very often at all – they’d mostly lain forgotten the loft and it had been a bit of a mission to get them down. Himself “mmnnd” thoughtfully as he wandered off.

A day or so later, they had a video call from their excited daughter in Australia. “It’s fantastic – thank you so much for the brilliant gift!” She showed her new digital photo frame to the camera. “And you can send photos to it using the app whenever you like! So, picture this, I’m in the kitchen cooking breakfast and the photos from your dinner just appear. Or I’m sitting in of an evening and I see you out on your morning dog walk. Almost like I’m there!”

She looked at Himself who gave her a twinkly smile.

“Also,” their daughter continued, “would you mind taking some shots of the old pictures and sending them over on the app too? I’d ask you to put them in an album but it would be expensive to post. Plus, I’d probably just put it in the loft and forget to look at it.”

Thinking of her recently completed, rather weighty efforts, she could just picture that too. “Do you think..?” she turned to Himself. “I do,” he said and presented her with her own digital photo frame. “The 21st Century welcomes you back.”

~

DESIGN CONSULTANTS

Award winning landscape design and construction from a small environmentally friendly professional local company of skilled craftsmen

Patios • Paths • Decks • Drives Gates • Gardens • Gazebos

Patios • Paths • Decks • Drives • Gates

• Gardens • Gazebos • Fencing • Pergolas

Fencing • Pergolas • Trelliage

• Trelliage • Water Features • Planting

Water Features • Planting

• Lawns • Oak Framed Barns & Home Offices

Lawns • Oak Framed Barns

For more information, please do get in touch: Tel: 01329 835414 • Mob: 07767 401516

www.jardin-design.co.uk

The Studio, Forester Road, Soberton, Hampshire, SO32 3QG

Bishop's Waltham Festival Summer Events 23rd to 25th June

The Festival, which has been bringing live events to the town for 25 years, has added a couple of new members to the team this year and added a couple of different events as well. There's now lively dancing at a ceilidh, followed by a lazy afternoon of jazz. We've responded to the demand to have an event for the younger people in the area so we have Festival Floor Fillerz on Saturday night with Amba Tremain. We've kept our very popular singers workshop and concert and two professional open air performances by touring theatre companies. So something to suit everyone, and we look forward to seeing you all there! All the events will be held in the grounds of Bishop's Waltham Palace and our performers, be they musicians, singers or actors carry on, whatever the weather! We advise our audiences to bring chairs or rugs to sit on, and to dress for the weather (sunshades all round then)! There are always toilets on site and for some events a bar and food though for others you may wish to bring your own picnic.

More information and Tickets for all events from www.bwfestival.art or in person at Best Wishes, Brook Street, BW from 1st May. Tickets for theatrical performances also from their sites.

The Festival Ceilidh, a fabulous fun evening of dancing and laughter for adults and children will take place in the evening of Friday 23rd June. Gates 6.30pm Music and Dancing from 7.00pm to 9.45pm. With lively music by Jigfoot, (www.jigfoot.com) caller Caller Tom

Gregory will guide you through the steps and moves for each dance. Bring something to sit on in case your feet need a break! Bar on site. Ticket Prices: Adult £12; 12 – 17 years £5; FREE for children under 11 accompanied by an adult.

There will be more music on the afternoon of Saturday 24th June with the Festival Jazz concert. Enjoy a relaxed summer afternoon on the grass with your picnic while being entertained by local and professional jazz musicians. Gates open 12.00, Music from 12.30 until 4.30pm. Bar on site. Ticket prices: £15 per adult; £5 for under 18 years; free for those under 12 years

On Saturday 24th evening we have our second new introduction with an evening of music. This is Festival Floor Fillerz. Amba Tremain, presents a night of 'Floor Fillerz' bringing Festival goers a jam packed night of big dance bangers from the 70s to today! Hits by Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, Dua Lipa and more … Get your dancing shoes on as the sun goes down and be ready to party. Amba delivers a huge, unadulterated show and packs a real punch with her vocals!

www.ambatremainmusic.com Streetfood and bar on site. Gates 7.00pm, Music 7.30pm - 10.45pm. Ticket prices: £15 for adults; £5 for 12 – 18 years.

Moving on to Sunday 25th June there will be two outdoor theatre productions by professional touring companies. The afternoon play is for children. The gates will open at 1.00pm for Bad Dad, with the

performance starting at 1.30pm. This is an adaptation of David Walliams's book by Heartbreak Theatre. When Frank's dad is thrown in prison for driving the getaway car in a bank robbery Frank hatches a daring plan to get Dad out of prison for the night so they can put the stolen money back. But will the evil crime boss Mr Big stop them? Ices available on site. Ticket prices: Adults £13; Children £8; Family Ticket (max. 4 people, max. 2 adults) £37 From:

www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk

Our final event on the evening of Sunday 25th June is The Comedy Of Errors by that well-known playwright William Shakespeare, brought to us by Rain Or Shine Theatre. Two sets of identical twin babies and their parents survive a shipwreck. Twenty five years later two of the twins arrive in Ephesus, a city reputedly full of rogues, cheats and sorcerers. Although this is their first visit merchants greet them as acquaintances, women pursue them as lovers, and everybody knows their names! Bring rugs, chairs, picnics, wine and friends. Gates open 6.00pm, Performance 7.00pm. Ticket prices: Adults £18; Concessions £16; Under 18 years £6. From: On line: www.rainorshine.co.uk , Box Office 03306 600541

All done with help from local businesses:

Bouef Bourguignon

One of the most enjoyed dishes in France for centuries

FOR MARINADE

• 2 cloves of garlic

• 1 bouquet garni

• 1lt good red wine

• 200g sliced carrots

• 1.8kg beef chuck or venison cut into big cubes

• salt/pepper

• 3 soup spoons of

• Balsamic vinegar

• 2 sliced onions

FOR FRYING

• 10cl oil or goose fat

• 200g julienne of streaky bacon

• 3 tablespoons of flour

• A little glass of brandy

FOR GARNISH

• 200g sliced mushrooms

• 200g small pickling onions

• 1.5 teaspoons of sugar

METHOD

In a dish that will fit into your fridge place the meat and marinade and leave for 24hrs. Add a classic bouquet garni: thyme, bay leaves, stems of parsley attached together with a piece of string with one or two cloves in the middle. Add a little balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavour. After 24hrs strain the meat and separate it from the ingredients, keep both for use later.

Warm up a cocotte (The beautiful and heavy Le Creuset) or a large pot, and fry the meat little by little. Never attempt to fry the meat all at once or it will boil. Using goose fat or oil, fry the meat until nice and brown and then add the bacon. When the ingredients are browned pour the brandy over and wait a minute, then light with a match (to remove the unpleasant overtones of alcohol), cover to stop the ingredients burning.

Next add a tablespoon of flour, one by one. Stir in well and then pour the wine over and cover. Place the pot inside the oven (only if the handles are NOT plastic) and cook for 3hrs at 150°C. After three hours check to see if meat is tender, remove or leave for another 30 minutes etc…

If you are using diced venison instead of beef, add juniper berries into the marinade and a small jar of cranberries whilst cooking in oven. Cooking time should be 4hrs. After 2½hrs of cooking fry the pickling onions, mushrooms and add sugar in a frying pan. Once cooked place them into the cooking meat and add salt and pepper to taste. The secret of this meal is slow cooking. If warmed up a day or two later it will add more flavor and is excellent for home freezing. A delicious recipe served with potato puree. For venison why not try braised red cabbage with cumin seeds or celeriac puree.

Come and Sing Workshop and Concert CADG Spreads the word! Curdridge

Saturday 20th May 10.00am – 4.00pm and 6.00pm. St Peter's Parish Church, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1PW

Anyone who likes to sing, or would like to have a go at singing for fun in a one day choir is welcome to sign up for the workshop. You don't need to be a great singer, just an enthusiastic one! You will learn and practise singing popular songs with a group of like-minded people under the direction of a professional choirmaster. Our songs this year include Hallelujah, Non Nobis Domine, Fields of Gold and Abba. Lunch is available for singers for an additional fee of £7. In the evening there is a short concert open to your family and friends and the general public where you and the choir will perform the songs of the day.

Charges: Workshop: £10 - Concert: FREE entry. Refreshments of wine / soft drinks and nibbles will be available. Doors open at 6.00pm.

From 1st March paper entry forms for the workshop are available from Best Wishes, Brook Street, BW., and on-line entry forms by contacting email: veck1948@gmail.com

Amateur Drama Group

It was felt that, despite the wonderful support from local publications, we were still missing out in keeping the community informed. It was therefore decided to place a noticeboard at the home of CADG, at Reading Room Lane, Curdridge. This venue is not only well used by those hiring the facilities but also Cubs, Scouts and Guides and their families, sports-people, and myriads of walkers, especially those with dogs. Also, there is the local favourite ‘snack-stop’ of Cornflower Sky used by many, both local and passing by.

By kind permission of the Curdridge Reading Rooms Committee, and full financial support from our local Curdridge Parish Council (2/3) and Bishops Waltham Masonic Lodge (1/3), CADG approached the Bishops Waltham Men’s Shed and its skilled workmen.

The result was a superbly made Notice Board. The picture shows the installation of the board, attended by many CADG supporters. Already it has shown it’s worth with bookings for our next production and enquiries for membership, support, acting and helping.

So, all is under way for advertising our Pantomime. All those interested in being part of the chorus -or being a Dame “Hello Darlings”; Pantomime Villain “boo…”- Look at our noticeboard for all the details. There will be a meeting for all interested parties on Thursday 11May, 7:45 at the Reading Rooms. All will be welcomed with a drink to relax the vocal chords!

All in all, a great investment for the future, and that’s where you will find CADG!

E:

Botley Commercials is a family run business established 30 years specialising in commercial vehicle repair, offering full workshop facilities and a dedicated team who are on hand to keep your vehicles on the road.

With our MOT preparation we can provide a thorough inspection and present your vehicle for MOT ensuring that it is fully prepared for a first time test pass.

Contact us

Botley Station MOT Ltd T: 01489 798880

E: enquiries@botleystationmot.co.uk

www.botleystationmot.co.uk

We provide a professional and friendly service for the motorists of Botley, Hedge End, Burridge, Curdridge and surrounding areas in Hampshire.

We are an authorized class 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7 MOT Testing station, for Diesel and Catalyst equipped cars. We have a fully equipped modern workshop catering for all makes of car and light commercial vehicle; our staff are all fully qualified and have considerable experience in the motor trade. We aim to offer an extremely cost effective alternative to main dealer fees.

MOTs While You Wait • Prices From £44

• Account & Fleet Work

Botley Station MOT Centre Ltd, Bottings Industrial Estate, Hillsons Road, Curdridge, SO30 2DY

Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm

Motorbike MOT Testing now available

We have a fully equipped modern workshop catering for all makes of motorbike; our staff are all fully qualified and have considerable experience in the motor trade. We aim to offer an extremely cost effective alternative to main dealer fees.

Curdridge

Botley

To Bishop's Waltham

To Curbridge

A334 A334

B3035

Exhibition: Eternal verdure

Jessica Holmes’ practice is inspired by archival materials and historical sites, focussing on the point where the past invades the present, questioning memory and interpretation. It is a body of work inspired by forgotten and disused spaces and the half remembered traces of people and things.

Eternal verdure is an investigation of The Grange at Northington, Hampshire, where plants were transplanted to the conservatory from their natural habitat by the botanist-adventurers of the 18th and 19th century - plants that flower at different times of year blooming together in a state of perpetual spring, created by the new technologies of nineteenth century, and recorded in the archive of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. These plants left tropical jungles and arid mountainsides and were catalogued and ordered. Yet how precarious the veneer of civilization is: the plants in this work are actively exploring – trying to find their ways around and through the paintings themselves. They sprout up through the composition to leave the work, negotiating the angles, holes and crevices to find the light, in a movement that records a pure wild state, beyond botanical analysis.

The paintings sit on the cusp of exterior and interior, as rambling vegetation and peeling, decaying surface are brought together in painting, borrowing from Dutch Vanitas painting and Japanese screen design.

Jessica Holmes lives and works in London. She studied at Wimbledon School of Art (1998-2002) and the Royal Academy Schools (2003-2006), and has exhibited extensively in the UK, as well as the USA, South Korea, France and Greece.

Established in1999 - All makes of car serviced and repaired - Free collection, delivery and courtesy car (when available)

Competitively priced tyres - Batteries - Vehicle Diagnostics - Exhausts

Exhibition details

Eternal verdure is at The West Downs Gallery, University of Winchester, West Downs Centre, Romsey Road, Winchester SO22 5HT, from Wednesday 5th April – Tuesday 9th May 2023. The West Downs Gallery is sited within the University’s most recent campus development. The Gallery hosts a programme of exhibitions across the year, and aims to show creative work of the highest quality to inspire debate and participation between creative professionals, academics, students and the public.

The Gallery is open from 8am until 6pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am until 4pm on Saturdays. Further information can be found at www. winchester.ac.uk/gallery

For more details visit www.jessicaholmes.co.uk Instagram: jessicaholmesart

Andrew Lloyd-Webber show is a colourful extravaganza, with many catchy songs and an enduring appeal.

Daniel and his team need to make some 200 costumes before the opening night. Titchfield Festival Theatre has its own costume warehouse which has around 1,000 different items for its own use and for outside hire. It’s a sustainable operation, too. No new costumes are purchased and existing ones are repurposed or made using donated fabrics. Daniel sees his role as helping all members of the cast to feel comfortable in their costumes so that they can deliver their very best performance.

Daniel said:

“At Titchfield Festival Theatre, it’s all about sustainability. Last year for the musical Oliver! we did not buy a single new costume. We have an amazing volunteer called Jan who helped us with Oliver! and is making the actual coat for Joseph.”

Titchfield’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat has a large cast with around 200 costumes. We take a peek at the preparations.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat opens at Titchfield Festival Theatre on 5 April. For TFT Wardrobe Coordinator Daniel Vaughan, who joined the theatre in 2021, it is an exciting and busy period. The musical Joseph is one of TFT’s biggest productions to date with a sizable cast of 27 adults and 14 children. A firm family favourite, the

The final reveal of Joseph’s famous multicoloured coat is one of the show’s highlights. A total of 29 colours are mentioned in the song; so TFT is aiming for a minimum of 29 different hues, making it unique as well as a fitting finale.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat performs from 5 – 15 April including three matinée shows during the two weeks. For more information including booking tickets, please go to www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/ or contact Box Office on 0333 666 3366.

Beautiful costumes which come together one stitch at a time

AndrewsAutosource

Carefully Selected Cars

Approved by trading standards

AT BRAMDEAN GARAGE

A272 BRAMDEAN WANTED CARS FOR CASH

AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE LACK OF AVAILABLE CARS BELOW, NOW WOULD BE A FANTASTIC TIME TO SELL ANY CAR NOT BEING USED AND GET A GREAT PRICE FOR IT.

The following cars have been carefully selected because of their low mileage, excellent condition and service history.

2008 (08) Land Rover Defender 110, County Station wagon, 7 seats, cloth interior, winter pack (heated front seats and windscreen). towing and exterior protection pack (lights, steering/sump guard, wing and bonnet protectors)

2019 (19) Honda Jazz 1.3 EX Nav Automatic, 5 door, Sat Nav, front and rear parking sensors rear camera, climate control, cruise control, 21,000 miles

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

£19,995

£16,395

SOLD

2018 (68) Hyundai i10 S, 5 door 21,000 miles, £7995

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 SOLD

VIEW OUR CURRENT STOCK AT www.andrews-autosource.co.uk/vehicles-for-sale

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL CARS HAVE SERVICE HISTORY

BRAMDEAN GARAGE, A272, BRAMDEAN TEL: 07811 041653 OR TEL: 01962 732 995

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

Curdridge Amateur Drama Group

Who are we? The Curdridge Amateur Drama Group

Where are we? Based at Reading Room Lane, Curdridge, betwixt Botley and Bishops Waltham

What do we do? For over fifty years, ‘CADG’ has been entertaining local audiences with a tremendous variety of plays and pantomimes, and has never shied away from anything controversial, either, as our latest play“Home, I’m Darling”- amply illustrates!

With so many new houses in our area (Hedge End, Botley, Bishops Waltham, Waltham Chase, Wickham etc.) and with many of the occupants wanting LOCAL entertainment we are just where we are needed -in the middle!

There must be many aspiring actors, too, as well as those who would like to get involved in LOCAL drama but not necessarily on the stage. There must be plenty of ‘do-it-yourselfers’ in our area, ready to help design and

Bishop’s Waltham Rotary Club

March 2023 News…

Turkey and Syria Earthquake appeal

As reported last month we planned to hold a collection in aid of the unfolding situation in Syria and Turkey following the devastating earthquake at the beginning of February. We held the collection at Sainsbury’s in Bishop’s Waltham on 11th of February and had a tremendous response from everyone resulting in the collection, plus several other donations after the date, raising £1,545.00, which has been sent to aid the immediate response to the humanitarian disaster. As a club we have also allocated a further £1,000.00 that will be donated to the Rotary fund dedicated to the long-term rebuilding plans.

Lend with care… Update

Back in October we reported that we had provided finance for a charitable Micro Finance Loan scheme through Lend With Care. We have again supported another 4 international projects and, as this goes to press, we have now seen the first few months of repayments coming back in and are now in a position to re-allocate the returns into another scheme, which will see us supporting 9 schemes in total. Our plan is that we will continue this cycle by re-investing in further projects as soon as the incoming returns exceed our loan level.

Local causes

We continue to support many local projects such as the Meon Valley Food Bank, by providing their drivers to enable them to deliver to those requiring their support, but we also support many individuals who have found themselves needing help with essential household items.

Dates for your Diary

The main event of our fundraising year, our annual, and eagerly anticipated, Bishop’s Waltham Rotary Club Family Funday & Motorcade Procession including our ever popular Dog Show will be held at Hoe Road Recreation Ground on Saturday the 10th of June from 12:30 – 5:00pm. Put the date in your diary to come along for a great day out, and if you would like to get involved or have a stall, contact us via our website. In April we will be holding a membership day on a Saturday, date to be confirmed, in the King’s Centre in the middle of Bishop’s Waltham

build our excellent stage scenery and props. Not only that, electricians can help with lighting and, for the budding ‘Lucas and Spielbergs’ there is Directing and Producing to consider. We are at our very best with ever-popular Pantomimes, charming young, old and not-so-old, with fun, laughter and variety and this always sets plenty of task for stage-building.

Backstage we have costume designers, and a myriad of others who all blend together to produce the best of local drama. We always provide a Bar with Beer, Wine and Soft Drinks, together with a selection of local Ice Cream and, of course, Tea, Coffee and Hot Chocolate for those colder evenings.

Our Mission Statement says it all; Promoting excellence and innovation in local theatre, and equality and diversity in the staging of our productions. Performing at The Reading Rooms, Curdridge. So, have a good look at our Website www.curdridgedrama.co.uk and then come and join us, you will be made very welcome.

Highstreet. Keep an eye out for posters advertising this event and come in for a chat to find out who we are, what we do, how we spend the money we raise and how you can get involved. If you want a taster of what we do, have a look at our video on YouTube by searching “Things we do with Rotary Bishop’s Waltham”.

Like our Facebook page or visit our website for updates on what on, what we have been up to and how you can help us help others!

pr@bishopswalthamrotary.org.uk

Fabulous Clean Carpets

reasonable prices, and courteous friendly service from people you can trust in

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

Stockbridge Forum

Reader, conscious local residents deal.

need your carpets are looking for an award-winning company who on time, will be respectful and above trustworthyyou’re invited to take of one of the three extraordinary value, high carpet and upholstery deals we’re offering customers this monthwe want to give chance to get to know and to find out how impressively new, fresh and carpets will look cleaned and freshened by Care People.

Deal 1:

home

Fabulous Clean Carpets, Upholstery and Curtains

The Carpet Care People

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.

3 Great Deals! Winner

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.

SILK

Have any three of your carpets cleaned for just £97 total!

Deal 2:

SILK

Have your 3 piece suite freshened up for just £97!

Deal 3:

SILK SELF STORAGE

SILK SELF STORAGE

SILK

Have any 3 carpets and your 3 piece suite freshened up for just £177!

Upholstery we specialise in cleaning and refreshing 3 piece suites (at our current offer price of £97).

Fabric Master, our special upholstery and cleaning system is safe, gentle, and very effective. Fibres are restored to their original beauty and softnessyou’ll see!

Looking for secure storage facilities?

Looking

Tel 01962 690 005

Looking

Silk Self Storage

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Here’s a selection of frequently asked questions especially for you sceptics (you know who you are).

1. When you say ‘carpet’ what do you mean? We mean average size areas, say 10x12ft ish. But we don’t quibble if the areas are a little larger - it’s all done on fairness really. 2. Do you move furniture?

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

Our pricing policy reflects the time it takes to clean working around furniture, rather than moving it. That said, we are for example, happy to move your three piece suite backwards and forwards cleaning under it and replacing it back into position. What we don’t price into the job at these discount prices is moving large pieces of furniture like bookcases, sideboards or wardrobes. Similarly we are not insured to move electrical items, in particular flat-screen tvs. Again we apply common sense and fairness to the situation and inevitable we do end up moving some furniture around, even at these discount prices. 3. Are there any ‘hidden’ extra costs? The prices quoted above are fully-inclusive and are the actual prices you will pay.

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

E: storage@silkservices.co.uk

T: 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

2 Medium Individial Panelled Sectional Doors

Small Panelled Sectional Door with accompanying Solidor front door Solidor Front Door

Groundbreaking biodiversity study in South Downs 250 years after the great Gilbert White

It’s a stunning region famed for Jane Austen’s countryside and Britain’s first ecologist Gilbert White.

Now a groundbreaking study has shone a light on the biodiversity of this quintessential English countryside – and shown wildlife around Selborne is not doing so badly after all.

The survey is the most comprehensive since Gilbert White’s own studies almost 250 years ago that culminated in The Natural History of Selborne, which was first published in 1789 and has since run to nearly 300 editions worldwide. White was a pioneering naturalist who transformed the way we look at the natural world, his writings influencing the likes of Charles Darwin and David Attenborough.

The study, published this week after five years of painstaking data collection by a team of dedicated volunteers, collates around 10,000 species records across the animal kingdom in the Selborne Landscape Partnership (SLP) area (5,600 hectares), much of which falls within the South Downs National Park.

The five-year study has already found 114 different bird species – just short of the 120 or so recorded by White, which he collected over several decades and across a much wider area in the 1700s. Eighty-eight of these bird species (more than three quarters), such as the swift, swallow, barn owl, linnet and grey partridge, are the same as those recorded almost 250 years ago and, while there have been some losses, there have been gains too.

The report has been produced by the Selborne Landscape Partnership (SLP), which has existed for almost 10 years and comprises around 30 dedicated farmers and land managers working together to create a joined-up network of wildlife habitat and promote nature-friendly food production.

Debbie Miller, lead author of Farming in Partnership with Nature – A New Natural History of Selborne, said: “We hear a lot of negativity about the state of Britain’s biodiversity, so it’s nice to share some really positive news that wildlife is flourishing on farms here in the Selborne Landscape Partnership.

“It’s thriving because the area is being managed sensitively to retain and restore a range of habitats

for farmland wildlife, creating greater connectivity across farm boundaries. In this commercially farmed landscape, farmers locally have worked really hard to create spaces for nature to thrive –collectively sharing skills and knowledge to better manage their land for wildlife.

“I’m extremely proud of what both the SLP farmers and volunteers have achieved, and I hope that these achievements will encourage and motivate others – just as Gilbert White’s legacy continues to inspire the group.

“Ultimately, this report shows that integration of nature conservation and farming is achievable and, indeed, vital for nature recovery to be successful in the UK. By working together, we believe we can make this area even more biodiverse than it currently is. Gilbert White would be proud I hope!”

The group has been working to support “target” species, such as the brown hairstreak butterfly and the iconic harvest mouse, which was first identified by White as a distinct species. The group has been supported by the South Downs National Park Authority and the South Downs National Park Trust, amongst other supporters and sponsors.

Some key findings from the wildlife survey include:

Several bird species were discovered that White never spotted. These include introductions such as Egyptian goose, mandarin duck, red-legged partridge, white stork and little owl, plus natural range expansions such as gadwall, Mediterranean gull, little egret, goshawk and firecrest. A total of 79 barn owl chicks were recorded between 2017 and 2021 – benefitting from the installation of 53 nesting boxes and the creation of 93 miles of tussocky grass margins across the region.

Changes in hedge cutting practices has created ideal habitat conditions for the brown hairstreak butterfly, enabling its recovery across the area. Farmland birds such as yellowhammers, linnets and skylarks are benefitting from conservation measures implemented by the group, such as the provision of 77 hectares of seed-rich plants and 40 song-bird feeders to provide winter food, as well as a network of good quality hedges and edges to provide nesting places and protection from predators.

The farmers have introduced a long list of conservation measures to help retain or create wildlife habitats. The SLP area now boasts 25.1km (over 15 miles) of restored hedgerow, 151km (93 miles) of tussocky field edges, 74 hectares of flower-rich habitat and has started restoration work on some of its 100 ponds. Wildflower planting has also taken place as part of the National Park’s Bee Lines initiative and the farmers aim is to create up to 3 hectares of high-quality, flower-rich habitat per 100 hectares for pollinators.

Some of the conservation work has benefited from funding from the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, which is administered by the National Park Authority. A grant helped two farmers buy specialist cut-and-collect machines to improve management of flower-rich areas.

William Selborne, who leads the Selborne Landscape Partnership, said: “233 years after Gilbert White’s famous baseline, this report proves that if farmers collaborate at the landscape scale to create and restore habitats the whole can be more than the sum of the parts – delivering space for nature and burgeoning wildlife populations at the same time as producing food from the farmed landscape.”

Andrew Lee, Director of Countryside Policy and Management for the National Park, said: “Loss of biodiversity is one of the biggest challenges facing the UK and that’s why nature recovery is a top priority for the South Downs National Park. This report offers some very inspiring news and we are lucky to have so many farmers who are demonstrating that nature can thrive alongside food production. We need this to happen across the National Park for our wildlife to recover to the levels seen in Gilbert White’s days and I hope the story of Selborne can be a blueprint for best practice across the National Park and indeed the UK.”

For more information on the Selborne Landscape Partnership visit https:// selbornelandscapepartnership.org.uk/

Bluebell Walk 2023 at the Holywell Estate

The Holywell Estate will once again be opening to the public on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th April for our popular Bluebell Walk, by kind permission of the Earl & Countess of Clarendon.

Join The Murray Parish Trust for a unique opportunity to enjoy the fabulous annual display of spring Bluebells as you take a stroll around the woodlands, river meadows and historic parklands situated in the South Downs National Park in the unspoilt rolling countryside of the Meon Valley.

The grounds open from 10:30 am on both dates and tickets should be purchased in advance with all proceeds going to the charity. Grounds open at 10:30am with parking available on site. Self-guided walks start at 11am and the last walk of the day is at 2pm. The Bluebell Walk is unaccompanied and takes approximately one to one and a half hours, set over a distance of approx. 3 miles. Follow the numbered arrows and always stay on the designated route. A map of the full route is available. The walk is through natural pastures and woodland and as such is uneven. Please take extra care throughout your walk. Visitors should wear

suitable footwear e.g. walking shoes/boots, wellies. Please keep out of the ponds and natural water reserves.

Wheelchair and Pushchair Access: Unfortunately, due to the rough ground on much of the pathway the walk is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Children should be supervised at all times and are the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s). Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead and under control at all times to protect the wildlife. You are of course very welcome to take photos for personal use on your own cameras and phones, but no photography for commercial purposes will be permitted.

Interesting facts about the British Bluebell These iconic wildflowers bring people from all over the world to see the distinctive blue carpeted woodland, displays like these in the UK every year. Around half the entire Bluebell population in the world are here in the UK – they are relatively rare across the rest of the world.

The Bluebell is protected under UK law. The first Bluebells are believed to have appeared

in the UK after the first Ice Age. Their main habitat is Ancient Woodland’

Terms & Conditions

Tickets are non-transferable and a 100% cancellation fee applies (full amount will go to the charity).

Entry Fees - Adults £10

Children aged 2-16 £5 (Under 2s are FREE) Includes a hot drink or squash.~ Delicious hot food will be available to purchase

Location

The Holywell Estate, Swanmore, Hampshire. SO32 2QE. Postcode for SATNAV – Cott Street SO32 2QG

To purchase tickets visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ themurrayparishtrust1/840904

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