MEON VALLEY FORUM ISSUE 112 MARCH by Mark Tubb

Life in your Community

Local nature reserve expands thanks to supporters

WELLER PATRICK

MEON VALLEY - SOBERTON

Price £1,085,000

Situated within the highly sought after village of Soberton in Hampshire's renowned Meon Valley and in the South Downs National Park is this individual four/five bedroom detached country property which enjoys an elevated location and views from some aspects. With approximately 1 acre of gardens and grounds.

SWANMORE

Price £950,000

An exceptionally spacious individual five bedroom property enjoying a desirable village location. The property provides extensive accommodation with a superb Kitchen/dining room, orangery, sitting room and study, large double garage, ample parking, attractive and established rear garden.

Serving the Meon Valley, Bishops Waltham and surrounding villages

MEON VALLEY - SOBERTON

Price £795,000

With extensive and flexible accommodation plus large gardens and grounds of approximately .61 of an acre this four/five bedroom character house is situated in the Meon Valley village of Soberton. A particular feature is being within a short distance to the historic Meon Valley railway bridle path.

VALLEY - SOBERTON HEATH

Price £1,250,000

This most attractive and superbly presented five bedroom detached family house of approximately 3000 sq ft which offers extensive and flexible accommodation. Situated in this sought after area and with gardens and grounds of approximately .43 of an acre.

MEON

Editor

Mark

editor@forumpublications.co.uk

Director

Steve

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EVENTS

Mar/Apr Events

Hambledon Folk Club

Will Finn and Rosie Calvert

Wednesday 12 March

Doors 8pm, Starts 8.30pm

The Pavilion, West Street, Hambledon, PO7 4RW

Will Finn and Rosie Calvert are a dynamic folk-inspired duo from the North East of England. Graduates of the Folk and Traditional Music BA at Newcastle University, they have been taking the festival circuit by storm with their a capella harmony quartet The Teacups for the past ten years. Enquiries and Booking/Reservations: phone 023 9263 2719 or email folkclubhambledon@hotmail.co.uk Website: https://www. hambledonfolkclub.com

Soberton History Society Lecture

Thursday 13 March

From 2pm

Rookesbury Hall, Hambledon, Fareham, PO17 6LE

This is information about our next meeting. Allow me to introduce myself: Lyndon Palmer. I was recently elected chair of the society. Lettice and I lived in Webbs Green, Soberton for over 20 years. Now to business: we always meet for lectures at Rookesbury Hall, Newtown on a Thursday at 2pm in the winter and 7.30pm in the summer. Apart from lectures we organise outside historical visits in the better weather months. And an annual Christmas lunch in January! Apparently we have been in existence for 40 years. Initially the society was set up to encourage local history knowledge, but now we cover all historic topics. Our next lecture will be given by Dr. Duncan Colin-Jones talking on “The Mappa Mundi” on Thursday

13/3 at 2pm. After that, me talking on “How St Swithun lost his head” at 7.30 pm on Thursday 10/4. Guest and new member are so very welcome. We charge guest £2 but you do get a cup of tea! Please consider joining us.Or at least attend as a guest to try us out!. Lyndon - Chair. lyndonplmr@ gmail.com - 07881 991763

Hampshire Gardens Trust Study Day 2025

Wednesday 19 March

From 10.30am to 3.30pm

St.Peter's Church, Church St, Ropley, Alresford, SO24 0D

Hampshire Gardens Trust tickets are now on sale for its upcoming Study Day. This year’s event, Our Native Trees: Survive, Migrate or Die?, will explore how Britain’s native trees are responding to the accelerating impacts of climate change, new pests, and emerging diseases. Attendees will hear from leading experts in tree health and woodland resilience, including Dr Caroline Gorton (Forest Research, Alice Holt Lodge), Jon Burgess (Forestry Commission, South West), Chloe Bradbrooke (National Trust), and Steve Feazey (Sheffield Park). Topics will cover the increasing threats to our woodlands, strategies for building resilience, and the latest research on climate adaptation in historic landscapes. The day will include a buffet lunch and refreshments, with tickets priced between £10 and £67. Early booking is recommended. For more information and to secure your place, visit Hampshire Gardens Trust’s website - hgt.org.uk

Wilder Bishop's WalthamBeavers on the Meon

A talk by the owners of Meonside Farm, William and Oliver Atkinson, on the reintroduction of the first Beavers to the River Meon.

Thursday 20 March

From 7.30pm

St Peter's Church Hall, Free Street, Bishop's Waltham, SO32 1EE

Suggested donation of £4 - under 25s FREE! Book online or pay on the door. Bookings and further information can be found at: www. hiwwt.org.uk/events

Canadian Pacific Launch at the Watercress Line

Thur 20 to Sun 23 March

From 10am to 4pm

The Railway Station, Station Road, New Alresford, SO24 9JG

Step aboard history in motion as Canadian Pacific, one of the last surviving Merchant Navy Class locomotives, takes to the tracks for her long-awaited return.Watercress Line info.

Bishop’s Waltham Gardening Club Talk

Wednesday 26 March

From 6.45pm for 7pm

St Peter's Church, Free Street, Bishop's Waltham, SO32 1EE

James says “Our mission is to make sustainably-grown cut flowers accessible to everyone. Beautiful, scented and seasonal flowers grown in a way that is kind to the environment. High-street flowers have one of the largest carbon footprints per £1 spent. Most are flown in, or grown with chemicals and heat. This has a profound impact on our environment. We believe there is an alternative”. Members (free) and Visitors (£2). All are welcome and there will be refreshments and a raffle. See us at www.bwgc.org.uk/Whats-On and on Facebook

Southern Voices Concert

Saturday 29 March

From 7.30pm

Holy Trinity Church, Upper Brook St, Winchester, SO23 8DG

Southern Voices and Director Jamal Sutton invite you to experience a journey through sound exploring four pillars of human existence. HOPE, FAITH,

LIFE, LOVE will open this year’s concert season. The programme is centred around two works, the first, notably one of the greatest unaccompanied pieces of the 20th century, is Frank Martin’s Mass for Double Choir. Written in 1922, it combines intensely, intimate moments of contemplation with outbursts of overwhelming glory. The second is Eric Whitacre’s contemplative Three Songs of Faith, which he describes as “a cycle of pieces about my own personal faith”, the second of which gives its title to the concert. Tickets are now on sale.

Full programme and tickets visit: southernvoices.co.uk/spring or telephone 0333 666 3366 (booking fee apply). Tickets: £18 (Age 21 & under, £10). Registered charity 1086868

Meon Voices – Spring Concert

Saturday 1 April

From 7.30pm

St Peter's Church, Free Street, Bishop's Waltham, SO32 1EE

Everyone is welcome to a joyful uplifting of spirits at the Meon Voices Spring Concert. It will be the first time the choir, established for nearly 50 years, has been prepared and led by Emma Dean, a musician bursting with personality and flair. Emma has dedicated much of her time in ensuring the choir members revel in the joy of singing together, and that they have all the support they need to give you a memorable evening. The programme includes music from favourites John Rutter, Karl Jenkins, Elgar, Paul McCartney and Sting, alongside Psalm 23 sung to the theme music from the Vicar of Dibley, Non Nobis Domine from Kenneth Brannagh’s film of Henry V, and many traditional favourites. There is no need to book, and entry, which includes interval refreshments, is free. There will be a retiring collection in aid of chosen charities. For information on either the Spring concert, or on how to join the choir as a member, please email Jane on janevose@icloud.com or contact Phil on 01489 579078 or via email coundleypj@yahoo.com

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Makeover Options

• Change all your drawers, doors, panels and plinths

• New worktops can be fitted

• Amendments to existing cabinetry and layout can be made

• Built in ovens can be changed to eye level ovens

• No one will know its a makeover, it will look like a brand new kitchen

• All doors made to order to any size

Our head fitters are ex-shipwright joiners so you are guaranteed excellent quality installation.

•

Ben, Owner Uk Happy Kitchens Ltd

After Makeover

Before Makeover

Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture for homes in Hampshire

We also design and install bespoke new kitchens, bedrooms, boot rooms, media walls, living room storage.

Whether you want to just change your doors, or change everything you can see on the face, we can utilise your existing units, and change all the trims and panels, just like in the photos above, yes that really was a makeover, with a couple of small changes. Call us today for a free of charge home visit.

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.

8 year winner of the Best of Houzz award and one of the highest reviewed kitchen companies on Houzz in the UK

T: 01489 339177 Visit our NEW website: happykitchens.uk

• Change as much or as little as you you'd like

• Free no obligation quotation

• Free design service for new projects

BISHOP'S WALTHAM / MEON VALLEY

Bishop's Waltham - £610,000 Freehold

Attractive traditional style detached home, lying within a desirable established location in Bishop's Waltham. The property has been extended to provide generous four bedroom, family accommodation. Early interest and viewing recommended. Good sized established rear garden. Driveway and garage.

Bishop's Waltham – £450,000 Freehold

Super semi-detached home, with tremendous potential - perfectly set within extensive gardens extending to approximately 0.16 of an acre and enjoying some glorious views over the South Downs National Park. Early interest and viewing is highly recommended.

VALLEY ESTATE & LETTINGS AGENTS

Bishop's Waltham – £625,000 Freehold

Super four bedroom detached family home, lying within a prime residential cul-de-sac location - conveniently situated for local amenities and Bishop's Waltham town centre. The property has plenty of exciting potential offering the perfect opportunity for a new family to be able to enhance and make their own. Enclosed garden to the rear, garage and driveway to the front. Early interest and viewing advised.

Durley - Price Guide £750,000 Freehold

Individual detached bungalow, lying impressively within a desirable semi-rural location in the heart of Durley Village. The property has the great advantage of being well situated within gardens which extend to approximately 0.2 of an acre, along with a generous driveway and a detached double garage. Viewing and early interest recommended.

Beast to the East Cycle Sportive in the Meon Valley

Our hugely popular sportive, ‘Beast to the East’ is a spectacular yet challenging cycle event across the Meon Valley. With 4 distances now available, including the addition of a fantastic 100 mile route, there is something for everyone. The Meon Valley and South Downs National Park have some of the best cycling routes in the South! All routes are fully marked and marshalled, with our renowned fully stocked aid stations and a fabulous bespoke medal. Amazing scenery awaits you round every turn, the only choice is……which distance?

All routes start from Swanmore and head out towards Hampton Hill, Beacon Hill and Old Winchester Hill, where you can enjoy spectacular views across the beautiful rolling countryside. The medium, long and epic routes head up the renowned Butser Hill, lots of out-the-saddle climbing here but the sight of the sea and the panoramic views at the top make this totally worth it! You then head over to Rowlands Castle with the medium route looping back via South Harting and the long and epic routes heading on towards Glorious Goodwood, returning via the South Downs National Park.

Distances & Prices

100 mile – £44, 82 mile – £39, 57 mile – £34, 28 mile – £29

Registration

Collect Race Bibs from Registration Tent on the morning of the event. Registration opens at 7:15am and will close at 8.15am for all 4 distances.

Start Time

Participants will be set off in waves, with riders departing between 8am and 8:30am.

Mandatory Kit

You must have with you: A Helmet, Spare inner tube(s), Small pump/gas and Tyre levers. As weather is changeable, especially in winter, riders are advised to also wear (and carry) appropriate clothing for the conditions.

We also strongly advise riders to download the GPX file of the route onto a wearable watch or mobile device. Although this is a marked course event, arrows can be tampered with, so a good understanding of the route is advisable.

The last entry to guarantee a finishers medal is Thursday 27th March 2025. Medal order will be made on the 28th March. For more information and to book your place visit: https://bigfeatevents. eventrac.co.uk/e/beast-to-the-east-cycle-sportive-12819

TEN tips to help increase the chances of a quicker sale or rental at a favourable price

1. Clean and Declutter

A tidy, neutral space helps potential buyers or renters imagine themselves in the home.

2. Upgrade Curb Appeal

First impressions matter! Trim the lawn, refresh plants, and ensure the exterior is clean.

3. Make Necessary Repairs

Fix minor issues like leaky taps or broken fixtures that might catch buyers’ attention.

4. Stage the Home (For Sale)

Staging can make a big difference. Arrange furniture to highlight the space and use neutral colours to appeal to a wide audience.

5. Enhance Lighting

Let natural light in and ensure each room has proper lighting to create an airy, inviting feel.

6. Focus on Kitchens & Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are crucial. Update work surfaces, fixtures, or cabinetry if needed.

7. Energy Efficiency

Consider energy-efficient upgrades like LED lighting, energyefficient appliances, or smart home devices (e.g. smart locks and thermostats).

8. Neutralise Personal Taste

Repaint rooms in neutral tones like whites, beiges, or soft greys to make the space feel fresh and versatile.

9. Professional Photography (For Sale)

High-quality photos can make your property stand out. The Country House Company use professional photography to capture your home’s best features.

10. Propery Information

Gather the information needed to market your property. Download our free Propertymark questionnaire from www.countryhousecompany.co.uk/category/news/

For information and advice on selling or renting your home contact: Kate Porter or Claudia Hunt on: 01730 771222

www.countryhousecompany.co.uk sales@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Kate Porter - Sales katep@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Claudia Hunt - Lettings claudia@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Welborne Garden Village

Does your current house feel like home? Perhaps you’re looking for a change of scenery or seeking a place rooted in nature and designed for the future. Welcome to Welborne, a beautifully designed garden village surrounded by green space just a few miles from the South Downs National Park.

Welborne homes are built to the highest standards, blending heritage features with exceptional craftsmanship. They have been designed to reflect the architectural charm of Hampshire’s historic market towns such as Alresford, Stockbridge, and Wickham.

Combining classic Hampshire aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, Welborne homes feature a state-of-the-art water source energy system that heats and cools your home. The technology is cheaper to run and can reduce household carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to gas boilers. Additionally, recognising the increasing demand for electric vehicles, all homes come equipped with EV charging points. They will also be fitted with 1 gigabit fibre technology with the capacity for seamless speed upgrades when required.

Accessible green spaces are integral to Welborne. More than half the area of Welborne will consist of large parks, ancient woodlands, play areas, and sports fields, all interconnected by more than 12 miles of cycleways and pedestrian routes. The homes sit on tree-lined streets with grass verges, and have front and back gardens. In all, you will be surrounded by 444 acres of green space at Welborne - the equivalent of 277 Wembley-sized football pitches, meaning you will always be close to nature.

For a place to truly feel like home, community and convenience are key. The proposed, thoughtfully designed village centre will offer local amenities, including a welcoming pub, a range of shops and charming cafés, where you can catch up with friends, perhaps after a long woodland walk. To support a thriving, sustainable community, this centre will also include a primary school and GP surgery, with three other schools planned for future phases.

In the future, a commercial district will feature a new science and technology park, and have office space for all sized businesses, ensuring a vibrant employment hub within Welborne.

If you’d like to learn more about this exceptional garden village, visit our website at https://www.welborne.co.uk/ or scan the QR code in the advert below. We look forward to welcoming you to your new home soon.

The Stilwell Art Group Exhibition at Stockbridge Town Hall, Hampshire

The Stilwell Art Group Exhibition will be held from March 14th to March 19th 2025. Open daily from 10am – 5pm, 4pm on 19th March.

Artists: Richard Ashby, Chris Cobley, Jo Ellis, Christian de Ferranti, Carolyn Gilsenan, Audrey Hamilton, Anna Hewitt, Jenny Hill-Norton, Maggie Marten, Jane Martin, Jennifer Privett, Liz Shard and Clare Warman.

The Stilwell Art Group work together under the inspirational teaching of Anthea Stilwell. They are encouraged, stimulated and challenged to push their boundaries with her guidance. This exhibition at the Stockbridge Town Hall shows the range and diversity of work produced over the last three years by thirteen dynamic and contemporary artists from the group.

“There is a unique buzz when we meet to paint together, it takes courage to ‘let go’ and to trust yourself – that comes from Anthea’s teaching, but the group is supportive and we learn a lot from each other too – and that makes

you brave, take risks and the results are most exciting and rewarding!” says Jenny Hill-Norton who co-founded and co-ordinates the group.

“Anthea has great experience and originality as a teacher (having taught at Harrow School) but she never tells us directly what to do, rather pulling it out of us – which is really challenging but we all respond and produce the most exciting and fascinating results!”

“We are all different in what we bring to the group but we are linked by our passion to paint for the joy of it – and I think that is evident in what we create together. This exhibition is a celebration of us growing as artists.”

Subject matter is varied and diverse including figures, landscapes and still lifes. The creative process starts with drawing and ideas are explored expressively in a wide range of media including oils, acrylics, watercolours, charcoal with collage and mixed media. This exhibition encapsulates the energy and diversity of the group. It is their seventh collective show. All work on display is for sale and new work will be hung during the show, which runs from 14th to 19th March at Stockbridge Town Hall.

A donation of sales will be made to the Motor Neurone Disease Charity MNDA in memory of John Mackinlay one of our artists.

Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, Hampshire SO20 6HE Tel: 01264 513299 admin@stockbridgetownhall.co.uk

And to Cap It All

She was in the kitchen opening a bottle of water and looking thoughtfully out of the window as Himself wandered in.

“I got a shouty email today.” Himself watched her struggling with the top and relieved her of the bottle as he enquired, “Define ‘shouty’ – was it an audio file?”

“No. It was all in capitals. Well, I think it was shouty – as I read it, it was shouty in my head anyway. I suppose it could have been a bad case of stuck up upper-case. Or a lock-jaw, loctite lock-in of caps lock. In any event, it was loud. With a capital L.”

She watched him now struggling with the bottle as he asked, “Did you deserve the shoutiness, or was it a case of mistaken identity.”

“What – they’d mistaken me for someone who’ll put up with the shouting?” They smiled at each other as he continued to wrestle with the water bottle.

“It was probably laziness. Someone couldn’t be bothered to press shift at the beginning of each sentence. I got one the other day that was all lower-case with no punctuation. It was a stream of consciousness. I got breathless just reading it!”

“Do you want me to have another go at that?”

She was itching to get her hands back on the bottle. But at that moment, Himself, with a mighty effort, managed to shift the bottle cap and unscrew it. “I don’t know how someone elderly, frail, or arthritic could be expected to cope.” He shook his head.

“And what fresh devilry is this?” he frowned as, despite his persistent tugging, the top hung by its plastic guy wires and remained attached to the bottle.

It had been so for a while, but Himself was an advocate of tap water and only drank fizzy drinks of the fermented hop variety. This small skirmish in the war against plastic waste had passed him by.

When she’d explained about the European directive in the attempt to ensure that cap was recycled with bottle, he observed that it was inspired. And queried why couldn’t they do that for beer bottles; metal detecting on the beach would be that bit more enjoyable without the relentless bottle-top-beep.

Changing tack, she shared a notion she’d been harbouring. “I thought we might go to town.” She poured herself a glass of water and re-attached the cap, thinking of the machine she’d observed in the French supermarket last Autumn. The empty plastic bottles were inserted and chopped into a million pieces. Oddly satisfying. Or the German supermarkets

where you took your crate of empty glass bottles and got a refund – it had reminded her of a childhood obsession with cash back for Corona bottles.

“Which town might that be?” Himself looked suspicious; he was a country boy and enjoyed a country-sized dose of personal space.

“Town, town. London.” She elaborated. Yes, perhaps she had been reading too much Jane Austen, where everyone referred to the Capital as ‘Town’. ‘Town’ where there were balls, the theatre and diversions aplenty. Mmn, maybe some Marian Keyes or Harlan Coben might be required to drag her back by her corset into the 21st Century..

Himself, at the mention of London, looked more deeply suspicious than ever. She’d been hatching a plan to go to the V&A, but thought it might require a sweetener in order to enjoy the company of her husband. The Churchill War Rooms should do it, she thought, keeping her evil genius smile under tight control. She shared her idea, rounding it off with, “And to cap it all, lunch somewhere of your choice.”

It occurred to her that she’d been making him watch a tad too many period dramas too, as, with no detectable trace of irony, a thumb in his waistcoat pocket and a somewhat Regency air, he exclaimed, “Capital idea! Capital..”

Jewellery & Watch Repairs

Repairs, Restorations & Alterations

Heraldic & Hand Engraving

Pearl Re-Stringing

Valuations For Insurance

Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk Repairs, Restorations & Alterations

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40a West Street, Alresford, Hants

Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk

St Swithun’s Sixth-form Students Celebrate Oxbridge Offers

Sixth-form students at St Swithun’s School in Winchester are celebrating another record-breaking year of offers to study at Oxford or Cambridge universities. For the fourth year in a row, over 10% of UCAS applicants from the current upper sixth and class of 2024 have received Oxbridge offers, a school achievement not matched for at least 20 years.

Students are now hoping to take up their places on a range of courses including maths, English, natural sciences, archaeology, earth sciences, Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic and experimental psychology.

Offers have also been received by St Swithun’s A level students to study courses at other leading UK and international universities including Bath, Bristol, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Imperial College, King’s College, Leeds, St Andrews, UCL, Warwick and York .

St Swithun’s headmistress Jane Gandee said, "This is a significant achievement, especially in an increasingly competitive field. Our students and teachers should be rightly proud of these offers after working hard

on intellectual risk-taking and challenging assumptions.

“We are passionate about providing the opportunity for girls to thrive after they leave St Swithun’s, whatever direction they choose to go in.”

Head of sixth form Nick Fyfe added, “I am delighted for our current year, for those potentially heading to Oxbridge or elsewhere. Our innovative academic enrichment programme gives our students the opportunity to engage and participate in academic research, enter a myriad of academic competitions, develop critical and creative thinking, and build intellectual confidence.

“Our careers programme also supports students to secure work internships at prestigious employers and arrange work placements.”

About St Swithun’s School St Swithun's School in Winchester is a

renowned independent day, weekly and fullboarding school for girls. Founded in 1884, it promotes quirky fun whilst providing modern academic, sporting, creative and recreational opportunities to prepare young women for the 21st century.

The St Swithun’s vision is a world where its young women see possibilities, not barriers. Its purpose is to turn wide-eyed little girls into courageous young women; and its belief is that it’s not just about learning lessons, but learning who we are without fear of failure, censure, or outdated attitudes about what young women can aspire to.

St Swithun’s School Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1HA T: 01962 835700 www.stswithuns.com

For Year 7 2026 entry

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is Back

Hampshire residents encouraged to nominate a charity to receive share of £1 million.

The Movement for Good Awards, spearheaded by the Benefact Group, is set to donate over £1 million to charities up and down the country this year. Now in its seventh year, this transformative initiative invites residents in Hampshire to nominate their favourite charities for a chance to receive a donation of £1,000.

From today, Hampshire residents can make a nomination at www. movementforgood.com – a simple act that could have a lasting impact. Winners will be drawn at random, and the initiative will also feature special sector-specific draws, with charities able to secure larger grants of £5,000. The timetable for these draws is available on the website, with winners announced throughout the year.

The Movement for Good Awards has donated over £6 million to charities in the UK and Ireland since the initiative started in 2019. Hannah’s Holiday Home Appeal, Hounds for Heroes, The Williams Syndrome Foundation and Limbcare are some of the Hampshire causes that have previously benefitted from the funding thanks to more than 20,500 nominations from the public.

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “Benefact Group is a family of award-winning specialist financial services companies and the third largest corporate donor to charity in the UK. Owned by a charity ourselves, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do. All of our available profits go to good causes and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give.

“We are delighted to be able to donate over £1million to good causes each year through our Movement for Good Awards and are grateful to all our supporters, including the customers of the trusted insurer, Ecclesiastical, and the responsible and sustainable asset manager, EdenTree. Our Movement for Good Awards help charities change lives for the better and we know that for many charities, £1,000 can make a real difference.”

The Benefact Group – a family of award-winning financial services companies - has donated over £230 million to charitable causes since 2014 and was recognised as the third biggest corporate giver in the UK last year.1.With a goal to reach £250 million by 2025, the organisation is committed to ensuring its profits drive positive change.

Nominations are open now at www.movementforgood.com. The more nominations a charity receives, the greater its chance of being selected –so share the link with your loved ones and get involved!

Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

Southern Voices concert season to begin in March 2025

Southern Voices and Director Jamal Sutton invite you to experience a journey through sound exploring four pillars of human existence.

HOPE, FAITH, LIFE, LOVE will open this year’s concert season on 29th March at 7.30pm, in Holy Trinity Church, Winchester,

The programme is centred around two works, the first, notably one of the greatest unaccompanied pieces of the 20th century, is Frank Martin’s Mass for Double Choir. Written in 1922, it combines intensely, intimate moments of contemplation with outbursts of overwhelming glory.

The second is Eric Whitacre’s contemplative Three Songs of Faith, which he describes as “a cycle of pieces about my own personal faith”, the second of which gives its title to the concert. Southern Voices, based in Winchester, celebrated their 40th Concert Season in 2024 selling out each concert as the year unfolded. This concert takes them to a new level and into a new chapter with emphasis on performing challenging and original programmes, placing them firmly as one of Winchester’s best chamber choirs.

Tickets are now on sale - Full programme and tickets visit: southernvoices.co.uk/spring or telephone 0333 666 3366 (booking fee apply). Tickets: £18 (Age 21 & under, £10) Registered charity 1086868

A J CAR CONSULTANTS

OVER 40 YEARS MOTOR INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

ALRESFORD BASED AND COVER SURROUNDING AREA INCLUDING WINCHESTER

VIEWING AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING A USED CAR PLEASE CONTACT ME

T: 01962 734316

T: 07785 562252 WWW.AJCARCONSULTANTS.CO.UK

MERCEDES-BENZ E CLASS

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Alongside selling quality vehicles, we also help and advise busy clients who haven’t the time to visit a garage or repairer on the following:

• SERVICING • MOT’S • BODY REPAIRS MANAGEMENT • TYRES

AndrewsAutosource

Carefully Selected Cars

WANTED CARS FOR CASH

IF YOU HAVE A CAR THAT’S NO LONGER NEEDED, GIVE ME A CALL, IF I DON’T BUY IT, I CAN OFFER SOME FREE ADVICE ON ITS VALUE AND HOW TO DISPOSE OF IT.

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

FORD KA+

1.2 TI-VCT ZETEC HATCHBACK

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PRICE £8995 (SOLD)

COMING SOON

IMAGES TO FOLLOW

FORD FIESTA TITANIUM

65REG (2016) 53,000 MILES, 3 OWNERS £0 ROAD FUND TAX

1.0T ECOBOOST HATCHBACK

5DR PETROL MANUAL EURO 6

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

2020 (20) Honda Jazz 1.5 Crosstar EX Hybrid automatic, 5 door, satellite navigation, front and rear parking sensors + camera, climate control air con, cruise control, alloy wheels, 9,000 miles WAS £19,995

2015 (15) Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Plug in hybrid, Climate control air conditioning, cruise control, 25,000 miles, selling on behalf of a client £9995

2016 (16) Honda Jazz EX Automatic, Climate control air conditioning, cruise control, 25,000 miles, selling on behalf of a client £8,995

2013 (13) Honda Jazz ES Automatic, climate control control air conditioning, remote central locking with 2 keys, alloy wheels, electric windows and power folding mirrors, 60,600 miles £5995

1993 Honda CRX TransTop convertible, automatic, electric power roof, climate control air conditioning, alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors, Japanese import in 2000 just one lady owner since, 71,000 miles, Full Service History From New.

£5995

VIEWING AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

How much retirement income might £500,000 buy?

Since the introduction of pension freedoms in April 2015, you have a lot more choice about what you can do with your pension pot. You no longer have to buy an annuity and income drawdown is available to everyone. But all this choice means making the right decision has become more difficult.

More choice, more considerations

With greater flexibility in accessing your pension comes the possibility of making the wrong decisions. Under income drawdown, there’s a risk that drawing too much income each year could see you using up all your pension fund within your lifetime, leaving you short of the income you need.

Many retirees opt to buy an annuity to get a guaranteed retirement income. Figures show someone with £500,000 in pension savings who buys an annuity at age 66 could expect annual retirement income of nearly £31,500 a year1. This is less than the £43,100 net annual income which the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association says is required to fund a ‘comfortable’ retirement for the average single person2. You may also be entitled to the full state pension, which is currently £221.20 per week (just over £11,500 per year).

Some avoid annuities to leave their pension pot as an inheritance, yet this can backfire if they live longer than expected, leaving little or even nothing behind. Note that it was announced in the 2024 Autumn Budget that the value of unused pension funds and death benefits will be included in a person’s estate for inheritance tax purposes from April 2027. This could significantly affect how you wish to structure your retirement income to make sure it’s withdrawn as tax efficiently as possible.

So, if you have a £500,000 pension pot, what could you do with it? First of all, you need to think about more than just your pension savings. A financial adviser will look at your personal and financial circumstances to ensure your retirement income strategy meets your needs and that all the risks are fully considered.

Best to consider all your finances

Planning your retirement income should consider all assets, not just your pension. If you have other investments, accessing them first could be more tax efficient.

Meanwhile, if your pension is your main income, relying solely on income drawdown might risk depleting your funds. Buying an annuity with at least part of your fund could still be a good option.

If we assume for the sake of income drawdown that the £500,000 pension fund grows at 5% a year after charges and that the income increases annually with inflation, then that fund could provide annual income of around £31,500 from age 66 until age 86. For those with more modest needs, the fund could provide a £25,000 annual income until age 95.

Next steps

Income drawdown suits some, while others might benefit from using other assets and leaving their pension alone. Buying an annuity with part of your pot is another option. Taking some financial advice can help you make an informed decision. With a holistic view of your finances, an adviser can help you achieve your retirement aspirations.

We live and work local to you. We would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability.

Kirsty Simpson

Financial Planner

Divisional Director E: kirsty.simpson@brewin.co.uk

Joy Moir

Investment Manager

Assistant Director

E: joy.moir@brewin.co.uk

46 Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8RY T: 01962 798000 W: brewin.co.uk/our-offices/winchester

(1) Annuity assumptions: single life, monthly in advance, no guarantee period, 2% indexation, non-smoker, standard (healthy) rates, payable for life. Quotes obtained from Iress on 25 October 2024; (2) http://www.retirementlivingstandards.org.uk/.

The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. This does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. Neither simulated nor actual past performance are reliable indicators of future performance. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy. Information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness. Forecasts are not a reliable indicator of future performance.

995939. Registered Address: 100 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AA. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

our website on: justintroductionsgroups.co.uk

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What to Plant in March by

Jill Walmsley, Education Trustee of Hampshire Gardens Trust

March marks the beginning of the gardening season in the UK, as longer days and milder weather make it the perfect time to start planting. We at the Hampshire Gardens Trust are here to foster an appreciation for heritage gardens but passion for the outdoors starts at home with our own gardens. Whether you're growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs, here are some excellent options for what to plant this month:

Vegetables

March is ideal for sowing a variety of vegetables, both indoors and directly in the garden. Hardy vegetables like broad beans, peas, and carrots can be sown directly into the soil, as long as it's not too waterlogged or frozen. For root vegetables like parsnips and beetroot, prepare the soil by forking through, removing stones and taking to a fine tilth.

Start tomatoes, chillies, and aubergines indoors in seed trays or small pots. Place them on a sunny windowsill or in a heated propagator to encourage germination. You can also plant early varieties of potatoes by chitting them first—placing seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot to encourage shoots before planting them outside.

The Curtis Museum & Allen gallery

Allen Gallery

An update from Hampshire Cultural Trust - The proposed start of the next phase of the project, whereby the Allen Gallery will close for refurbishment, has been delayed. The Gallery will therefore remain open for the time being.

The project will showcase the ceramics collection, create a dedicated community space and make a significant contribution to the culture, economy and life of Alton. It is fully supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and other funders locally, including East Hampshire District Council and Alton Town Council. This is a temporary delay and the project will get underway later in the spring.

March events

318 Ceramics Exhibition - A welcome return for 318 Ceramics, a community of makers who create and teach from their studio in Farnham. They will be presenting a range of new work for their 2025 show. 1st to 28th March. Free entry, works will be available to buy. Members of the group will be in the Gallery each day to answer any questions.

Spring Garden Saturdays - 1st and 8th of March. Take a peaceful stroll round the lovely Gallery garden, which will be in all its Spring glory. Some of the dedicated team of Gardeners will be on hand to chat. FREE, a donation would be much appreciated.

Herbs

March is a great time to sow parsley, chives, coriander, and dill indoors or in a greenhouse. These herbs are easy to grow and can be transplanted outside in late spring once the risk of frost has passed.

Flowers

Add colour to your garden by sowing hardy annual flowers such as cornflowers, calendula, and poppies. These can be sown directly into prepared flowerbeds. For summer blooms, start sweet peas indoors in pots or trays, as they’ll benefit from an early start.

Secrets for Success

• Before planting outdoors, prepare your soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure to enrich it.

• Protect young seedlings from frost with cloches or fleece, especially in cooler areas.

• Keep an eye on weeds, which may start growing as the weather warms up, and remove them promptly.

By planting thoughtfully in March, you’ll set the stage for a productive and colourful garden in the months ahead. If you are interested in learning more, you can become a member of Hampshire Gardens Trust at hgt.org.uk to attend garden lecture days, open gardens and outdoor performances throughout the summer months.

For more news and articles visit: www.hgt.org.uk

Hamphire Gardens Trust

Jermyns House, Jermyns Lane, Ampfield SO51 0QA

Registered Charity No: 1165985

Talk - The Work of Hart Wildlife Rescue - by Robyn Leslie. Thursday 13th March, 7.30 pm. This talk is sponsored by the Friends of the Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery, and entry is FREE. Donation welcome.

Curtis Museum

One of the upstairs rooms has been cleared and newly carpeted, to be used for workshops and talks when the Gallery is closed for its refit. There is a new item on display - a crocheted Coral Reef.

The coral reef was a project by Creating Crafts and Blooms CIC, a local enterprise bringing together people who crochet and craft. Their main project (Giving the Gift of Warmth) is making "granny square" blankets which are gifted to people who may be vulnerable in the community.

The Coral Reef was displayed at Alton College for Alton Arts Festival and has been reinstalled at the Curtis Museum with help from Alton Men's Shed. It has an environmental message, showing how damage can be done to this important habitat, but also how it can be restored. It is also an amazing feat of crochet art! https://www.facebook.com/CreatingCraftsandBloomsCIC/

Opening Times

Tuesday to Sunday - Curtis 10am to 4.30pm. Allen 10.30 to 4pm www.hampshireculture.org.uk/curtis-museum www.hampshireculture.org.uk/allen-gallery

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Meon Valley Active Retirement Association

2024 was a successful year for the Meon Valley Active Retirement Association (MVARA), although there were, inevitably a few disappointments and some sadness.

Membership increased during the year closing the year at 250 – approaching pre-Covid levels, with new members coming from across the Meon Valley. The increase was due to a number of factors, not least the raising of the association’s local profile, through regular articles appearing in Parish Magazines and other local publications. We much appreciate the support received from the editors of all local publications in being prepared to print our jottings.

In addition, the number of activities offered to members also increased throughout the year. The Association’s AGM in April was the best attended for a number of years.

MVARA now has a Book Club - a new venture begun in the Autumn. The group, named Bishop’s Waltham Reads meets monthly and has a healthy membership attracted by good company and a range of literature. As you would expect, not everybody likes every book, but everybody is prepared to “give it a go” and is often pleasantly surprised.

The Bridge Group has now been running for over two years, meeting fortnightly. All members of the group have developed their Bridge playing skills and play is competitive but remains friendly and members are mutually supportive.

A number of members attended a short IT Skills Course run by Workadvisor Ltd on Behalf of Winchester City Council.

A Keep Fit Group meets weekly and is ever popular with members. Like a number of MVARA groups there is a waiting list for membership. It is one of the groups that really puts the “Active” into Active Retirement, but without being physically over-demanding.

On a more social, and probably more sedentary, note the Ladies Lunch Group, which meets monthly, sampling the fare at a different local hostelry each month, also has a waiting list.

A number of Language Groups meet. The Advance French Conversation Group is

another activity with a waiting list. Members talk about a whole range of topics, continually honing their language skills. Further down the linguistic scale, Classes in Italian and Spanish meet weekly, and have been doing so for over two years. These groups are all very successful, but unfortunately we do have had to turn away a number of potential members who are looking for beginners’ classes in the three languages. We would love to help but, disappointingly, don’t have the capacity to do so.

The Members’ Lunch Group operates in the same way as the Ladies’ Group and is equally successful. There are few local pub restaurants in the area that MVARA hasn’t visited during the year.

A completely new activity is Petanque a taster session was held in November, courtesy of Shedfield Petanque Club. Participants had to be quite hardy. Petanque in Hampshire in November is not the same as on a village square in southern France in the summer! But further sessions are planned.

The weekly Scrabble Group continues to be welcoming, friendly and competitive. Members may not be quite at the level of the winners of the recent national championship, but I suspect that they would give them a good run for their money.

Another new activity was created with the establishment of a Singing Group. Getting this going was challenging but it is now established, with little space for newcomers. Members sing along with CDs and to instrumental accompaniment.

The Table Tennis Group is also a very popular one and another activity with a waiting list. The skill level has improved during the year and a number of members have gone on to play for local clubs in local leagues. Despite this, plyers

of all levels are welcome, when there is space and everyone enjoys playing. There are three Tai Chi Groups that meet weekly at beginners, intermediate and advanced level. Another extremely popular activity with multiple physical and mental benefits for participants.

MVARA continues to offer Theatre Visits and these are always sold out. During the year over 200 tickets for different productions at Chichester and elsewhere were sold.

Disappointingly, the proposed Autumn Colours Visit had to be cancelled, but an extremely successful one to Hinton Ampner House to see the house dressed for an Enchanted Christmas did go ahead, rounding off a successful year.

Sadly, during the year, the Association lost some longstanding members including Chriszena Strachan, who had been a member of the Committee for a number of years, organising the Ladies Lunch and Lettice Palmer, who had played table tennis with great enthusiasm and whose humour was infectious. They are missed and the Associations sympathy and best wishes go to their families.

And for 2025

MVARA plans to continue with all its current activities, whilst looking to add new ones:

• an exciting Theatre Visit will take place in March to the Mayflower Theatre to see a performance of Hamilton;

• more Visits to places of interest are being planned to include Exbury Gardens, Bucklers Hard and Longstock Water Garden;

• a MVARA lunch is being planned for the summer;

• MVARA will be introducing a programme of talks on topics of interest for members.

And the Association will be aiming to expand further with new members joining, bringing with them new ideas.

Yes, You SHOULD Feel Good (About Your Vagina)

Those of us who have issues down there know the impact our vagina can have on our quality of life.

But we should ALL feel good about our vaginas.

Ultra Femme 360 is the painless radio frequency treatment that promotes the body’s own natural collagen production to restore and tighten the vaginal area.

From puberty, childbirth, menopause, and all the fun stuff in between, our vaginas go through a lot, and we rarely give them the care they need.

Our vaginal area is just as prone to damage and ageing as the rest of our body. Distressing problems with vaginal laxity, stress incontinence or reduced tissue quality are all experienced by most women at some point in their life.

The Ultra Femme 360 treatment provides total vaginal rejuvenation in one quick and painless treatment that lasts just eight minutes*.

What is Ultra Femme 360?

Ultra Femme 360 is a non-surgical solution for restoring the internal and external vaginal area. As the applicator is guided in and around the vagina, the radio frequency activates our own body’s natural collagen and elastin production, which tightens the vaginal canal and surrounding skin. The low levels of heat from the treatment also encourages blood flow to the area, further boosting the effects.

Feel good…

Who can benefit from Ultra Femme 360?

This is a safe and gentle treatment that is suitable for most women. If you have experienced vaginal changes since childbirth or menopause or have functional issues including stress incontinence or reduced sexual enjoyment, Ultra Femme 360 can tighten, restore, and rejuvenate your vagina for increased confidence and personal wellbeing.

Does the treatment hurt?

We understand that this kind of treatment can feel daunting. However, we aim to make you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the treatment, which is entirely painless and lasts only 8 minutes. There is no downtime, and you can return to your normal daily activities immediately afterwards. *Recommended one treatment per week for three weeks for the best results.

We were one of the first clinics in the country to offer this treatment and look forward to welcoming you at The Face & Skin Clinic.

Book your treatment today. We should all feel good about our vaginas.

4 The Square, Wickham, PO17 5JN

Tel: 01329 832269

www.lifeshouldbebeautiful.co.uk

Yes, You SHOULD Feel Good (About Your Vagina)

Those of us who have issues down there know the impact our vagina can have on our quality of life.

But we should ALL feel good about our vaginas.

Ultra Femme 360 is the painless radio frequency treatment that promotes the body’s own natural collagen production to restore and tighten the vaginal area.

From puberty, childbirth, menopause, and all the fun stuff in between, our vaginas go through a lot, and we rarely give them the care they need.

The Ultra Femme 360 treatment provides total vaginal rejuvenation in one quick and painless treatment that lasts just eight minutes*.

What is Ultra Femme 360?

Feel good…

Who can benefit from Ultra Femme 360?

Does the treatment hurt?

*Recommended one treatment per week for three weeks for the best results.

We are one of the first clinics in the country to offer this treatment and look forward to welcoming you at The Face & Skin Clinic.

Book your treatment today. We should all feel good about our vaginas.

Homity Pie

INGREDIENTS

400G SHORT CRUST PASTRY - BUY PRE-MADE PASTRY OR MAKE YOUR OWN

600G FLOURY POTATOES

2 ONIONS (FINELY SLICED)

1 LARGE LEEK (FINELY SLICED)

125G CHEDDAR CHEESE – GRATED

3TBSP OIL

1 TABLESPOON THYME LEAVES (CHOPPED)

125ML DOUBLE CREAM

1 GARLIC CLOVE (CRUSHED)

METHOD

1. Roll out the pastry and use to line six 4 inch round individual tins or one larger pie dish. Chill until needed.

2. Peel and slice the potatoes, then boil or steam them until tender.

3. Chop the onions and leeks and crush the garlic, then sauté them in oil on a low heat until really soft, not browned.

4. Combine the potatoes and thyme with the onion mix then cover and cook on a low heat for a further approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cooked pototoes should break down, you can gently presss them with a wooden spoon if required.

5. Pour in the cream and half the cheddar cheese and stir for a minute, season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Leave to cool, then use the mixture to fill the pastry cases/pie dish.

7. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese on top and bake for 40 to 45 mins at 200C/180C fan/Gas 6.

8. Remove when pastry is deep golden colour and filling is bubbling. Leave to rest for 10 minutes then serve with a salad and green beans.

MARCH

HAMPSHIRE

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Petersfield - Sun 2nd, Romsey - Sun 2nd, Alton - Sat 8th, Winchester - Sun 9th, Emsworth - Sat 15th, Southsea - Sun 16th, Ringwood - Sat 29th, Winchester - Sun 30th For more information visit: www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk

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The Forest of Bere A historic woodland with many trails to explore

The Forest of Bere lies north of Fareham and is the nearest and most accessible countryside for many of the residents of south-east Hampshire. It is a mixture of woodland, open space, heathland, farmland and downland. It provides a range of opportunities –walks and trails, horse riding and cycle routes.

The Saxon Kings used the forests for hunting long before the Normans made Bere a Royal Forest. The last monarch to hunt here was Charles I in 1628. Bere was officially declared a forest in 1086, putting it under forest laws and staking it outside common law. The Verderer's Court was instituted in 1306 to regulate forest use. Like other royal forests its main purpose was for hunting, but it soon became important for timber.

By the 17th century timber was fast disappearing - three per cent of its timber remained and the land area had been reduced to 25 square miles. Samual Pepys thought it large enough, and because there were still perils for the traveller, records in 1662 show that he 'hired a countryman to guide us to Havant to avoid going through the forest'.

Bere suffered from its proximity to the shipbuilding industry and land-hungry farmers. Petitions sent to the Treasury complained about large areas of wasteland inside the Royal Forest and asked for its formal disafforestation by Parliament. This was granted in 1810. The remaining woodland was passed from the Crown

Office of Woods to the Forestry Commission in 1919. Today, the forest is a shadow of its former self. At one time it stretched from the River Test at Kings Somborne in the west in a great arc through Hursley, Eastleigh, Bishops Waltham and Denmead to Rowlands Castle in the east. Fragments of the forest survive across the area, protected from further destruction by the Forestry Commission and Hampshire County Council.

Forest of Bere - West Walk

This is a small circuit of this former Royal hunting ground. Throughout West Walk, small areas of nineteenth century oak remain from a time when oak trees were planted to supply the navy with timber for ship building. Today, these trees have rare lichens growing on them, and are home to bats and nesting woodland birds.

Distance: <5 miles. 1-2 miles

Location: Hampshire

Type: Easy. Miles without Stiles

Duration: 0.5-1 hour

There are no steps or barriers on this route of gravel tracks and footpaths. Suitable for off-road specific motorised wheelchairs / trampers as well as push-chairs and off-road bikes. This route has been designed as a Miles Without Stiles route suitable for people with restricted mobility.

Gradient: Gently undulating.

Surface: Unbound tracks, gravel and stone combined

Facilities: Toilets are located in the car park. Set within the trees there are two play areas for children and a picnic area.

Route of the Walk

Starting at the noticeboard in the main car park simply follow the left hand track down between the two play areas. At the fork go right and follow the path around the bend until you reach a path on the right. At the triangle take the right hand track back up the slope to the car park.

Getting to the Forest

By bus: Catch the No. 69 bus that runs between Winchester and Wickham Square. The nearest stop is a 2.2 mile walk from West Walk. By car: West Walk car park (Forestry England) Hundred Acres Road, Wickham, Hampshire PO17 6JD. Parking fees apply.

Please follow the forest code to help you enjoy the forest responsibly. If you are visiting with your dog, follow the dog code, keep them under close control to help protect local wildlife such as ground nesting birds, and bag and bin your dog’s waste.

The children's play area near the main car park

Telephone:

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, Kudos, Roper Rhodes, Tissino and Arte Form, with Porcelanosa and Ca’Pietra tiling throughout the showroom. Our kitchens are expertly crafted by Schuller, one of the largest German kitchen manufacturers, and Mackintosh, their products are made exclusively in Britain. Both have an extensive and inspiring collection ranging from the contemporary to the more traditional.

Please contact us regarding our complimentary 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

Meon Valley HeartStart - A Community Organisation at the heart of the Meon Valley

We set up as a community organisation in 2001 and became a registered charity in 2020. Our objective is to help save lives by training people in emergency life saving (ELS). These skills are the actions needed to keep someone alive and safe until professional help arrives. They are skills that anyone can learn.

Life-threatening emergencies are sadly all too common. Coronary heart disease (CHD) in particular, is one of this country’s biggest killers. Although the rate is falling in the UK, it is still one of the highest in the world, accounting for more than 120,000 deaths per year.

Every two minutes one person in the UK has a heart attack, and in 30% of cases the casualty dies before he or she reaches hospital, due to cardiac arrest. Other causes of cardiac arrest include electrocution and drug overdose.

Recovery from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is more likely if each link in what is known as the ‘chain of survival’ is strong.

The Chain of Survival

• Early Access – to get professional help quickly

• Early Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – to buy time

• Early Defibrillation – to restart the heart

• Early Advanced Life Support – to stabilise the patient

All of our work is undertaken by volunteers who give freely of their personal time to undertake this important work. They are:

• Our trainers, all of whom have operational emergency experience and are certified to run the Heartstart courses;

• Our helpers who attend the training in a support role

• Our Committee which ensures we have the resources to do our work and are well governed.

We offer all of our training free- of- charge to community organisations, schools, members of the public, businesses and family groups. We rely on donations to cover the costs of training materials and other costs associated with running our training courses.

We have so far trained over 20,000 people and each year we add a further 1,000 – 2,000 people to that number. Our vision is that everyone should know how to save a life.

Meon Valley Food Bank

Our passion at the Meon Valley Food Bank is to reflect the love and grace of Jesus by supporting people in our local community who, for whatever reason, are struggling to get by. Through the generosity of churches, individuals, local shops, local schools, clubs and societies we provide food parcels to both individuals and families with children. The food we supply is a mix of tins and packets which is enough for seven days.

To use our service, you will need to obtain a Food Voucher. Vouchers can be obtained from our local referral agencies. These include Citizens Advice, Home-Start Hampshire, local schools, Winchester City Council, health visitors and other family support organisations.

We are open every Monday between 10 am and 12 noon for the receipt of donations and on Tuesday between 10 am and 2 pm for the distribution of food parcels.

Meon Valley Food Bank – Mission Statement

The Meon Valley Food Bank is independent, church led, and community focused, offering help to individuals and families who are experiencing food insecurity. Set up in 2015 by local church members, the food bank gives out a weekly provision of food and household necessities to our clients in the Meon Valley region of Hampshire. Our values and practices are grounded in Christian principles of compassion, service in the community and client dignity, which are at the heart of our support to those who are struggling to feed themselves and their families. Each and every client is valued for who they are, whatever faith, no faith, culture, and social background from which they come to us. It is the collective responsibility of the trustees to ensure that we fulfil our legal responsibilities as a registered charity, but also to ensure our Christian based values are at the heart of all the charity’s work. To that end, the trustees are committed members of a local church congregation, prayers are said at the beginning or close of their trustee meetings, and a short prayer at the beginning of every food bank session.

You could save a life!

info@heartstartmeonvalley.co.uk

To donate visit: www. heartstartmeonvalley.co.uk/donate Tel: 07730 148920

The friendly and approachable team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can contact us on: 07956 375447 or visit: meonvalleyfoodbank.co.uk/contact/ and fill out the online enquiry form

Sue Pardon, who established the Meon Valley Food Bank in 2015, with Mike Salter who succeeded her as Chairman in March 2019.

Wildlife wins big: Local nature reserve expands thanks to supporters

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is delighted to announce the expansion of Coulters Dean Nature Reserve, made possible by a generous gift left in a Will and a £50,000 donation from Southern Co-op.

This funding has enabled the Trust to almost double the size of the reserve and increase the amount of chalk grassland by four times, transforming its ability to protect one of the UK’s rarest habitats.

The expanded Coulters Dean, which is located near Buriton in Hampshire, will safeguard extraordinary wildlife, from dazzling butterflies to beautiful wildflowers including 11 species of wild orchid such as the rare Bee and Fly orchids. This fragile habitat, with its vibrant wildflowers, butterflies, and birdlife, is a haven of biodiversity that will now thrive for generations to come.

The newly acquired land, previously intensively farmed, is already showing signs of recovery. Under careful management, it will become a flourishing extension of the reserve, reconnecting fragmented habitats and creating vital corridors for wildlife.

Debbie Tann MBE, Chief Executive of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust,

said: “The expansion of Coulters Dean has been a long-held ambition for many years. This is not just a triumph for conservation but a beacon of hope for some of the UK’s most threatened species.

“Thanks to the generosity of our members, Southern Co-op and the vision of those who left a gift in their Will, Coulters Dean will now remain a sanctuary where nature can flourish. This investment ensures a brighter, more connected future for wildlife across Hampshire.

"The Trust would also like to thank the Barnett family at Buriton Estates for their positive engagement during this process, and we look forward to continuing to work together in the years ahead."

Southern Co-op, who have supported the Trust as corporate partners for the past 15 years, donated £50,000 to make the land purchase dream a reality. This latest donation, which is in addition to the existing funding the company provides for the Trust’s Wilder Communities initiative, came as part of Southern Co-op’s 150year anniversary celebrations in 2023/24.

Mark Smith, CEO of Southern Co-op said: “We’re thrilled to have contributed to this vital land purchase, which not only protects a haven for nature and wildlife to flourish but also reinforces our commitment to addressing the climate and nature recovery imperative. By

safeguarding these ecosystems, we’re investing in a healthier planet for future generations - a responsibility businesses must embrace. Together, we’re proving that economic success and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.”

Debbie Tann MBE added: “We’re hugely grateful for our brilliant partnership with Southern Co-op. Corporate partners and members have a major role to play in nature’s recovery and Southern Co-op set a great example for others to follow.”

Chalk grassland is an internationally rare and ecologically significant habitat, found only in north-west Europe. Half of the world’s chalk grassland is located in the UK, with a significant portion nestled within the warm and dry southern counties of England. With as many as 40 plant species in every square metre, it has vastly more biodiversity than the other type of grassland in the country. 35 of Britain's 56 butterfly species are found on chalk grassland.

At Coulters Dean Nature Reserve, this precious habitat flourishes alongside areas of broadleaved woodland. Classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the reserve highlights the vital role Hampshire plays in safeguarding chalk grassland’s exceptional biodiversity.

Established 1878

Friendly, professional advice on all areas of family law in the centre of Bishop's 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

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