Petersfield Forum - Issue 1 - October 2022

CONTENTS

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

Unit 8A, Shelf House, New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QH

Tel: 01962 735137

www.forumpublications.co.uk

The Petersfield Forum contains facts, views, opinions, statements, recommendations, advertisements and other content and links to external websites not owned or controlled by the magazine. The Petersfield 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. The Petersfield 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, 2022

Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture

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

We have never had less than a 5star

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anna and Hugh Cutler, May 22

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

“HappyKitchens.WOWWOW WOW.Thankyousomuchforgiving usthewowfactorweaskedfor.”

The McAdams – June 21

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

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

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

Welcome to the first edition of the Petersfield Forum, your New monthly community magazine. You may be wondering who is Forum Publications. Forum Publications Ltd began in November 2006 with the launch of Itchen Valley Forum in Alresford, Hampshire. The concept of the magazine was to bring a fresh, exciting, high-quality publication to rural towns and villages within Hampshire. Providing regional news, events and items of interest. From small beginnings the magazine grew and in August 2008 Forum Publications launched its second title, Test Valley Forum which was an instant success; the magazine expanded its readership quickly to reach homes between Romsey and Andover.

Then in 2015 Forum Publications launched its third publication the Meon Valley Forum which now covers as far as Titchfield and East Meon. We are now pleased to announce the launch of the Petersfield Forum with the addition of this new title the Forum Magazines now reach just over half of Hampshire.

We are keen to make the Petersfield Forum as local and community focused as we possibly can, to follow the path of our other publications. To do this we need your help!

Please can you send us your events, clubs and societies and local news, all items sent to us will be placed in the publication free of charge, please note: we cannot guarantee publication as this is always

a first come, first served basis. We are happy to discuss larger articles or features, but these would be included at the editor's discretion.

The Forum Magazines also like to ensure that we locally source our delivery people so we are URGENTLY seeking reliable and conscientious delivery people for the Petersfield area. Our paid delivery positions are undertaken on the last week of the month and pay is determined by the size of the round undertaken.

We are also keen to have as many local advertisers as possible to ensure that local trades and services are supported. We would like to thank all of the businesses that have already supported us in getting this new edition to the homes of Petersfield residents.

We offer great discounts for adverts placed over 3, 6 and 12 month periods and also offer discounts for advertising placed in our other editions, with prices starting as little as £45+VAT per month!

So why not be the first to advertise your services with us. If you a builder, plumber, electrician, mechanic, solicitor, estate agent or any other business we would love to hear from you.

Our advertising rates are very reasonable and can be found on our website: www.forumpublications.co.uk 01962

How much is my home worth?

The value of properties in the same street can differ hugely and can be affected by the popularity of an area, schooling, accessibility to infrastructures, countryside or coast and, of course, supply and economy.

Portal valuations, whilst popular, don’t consider these influencing factors nor any works or money spent on improvements; they are based on percentage calculations and can be wildly inaccurate.

An experienced property professional will be tuned in to the local market, will be aware of both buyer’s expectations and comparable properties sold (not just marketed) and will therefore be able arrive at a realistic value for your property.

Whilst events in the world and the economy control turnover and turnover affects prices, it is personal circumstance which creates the desire or need move on.

For sale, Soberton

An extremely elegant 6 bedroom home within a magnificent, historic country house with stunning views and surrounded by open countryside.

The property has been extensively and sympathetically refurbished with contemporary styling, appro 4,000 sq ft of accommodation and just over an acre of grounds. The accommodation is arranged over three floors with original features retained including turrets, high ceilings, sash windows (now double glazed) and fireplaces.

For full details and to arrange to view this stunning property please call Kate Porter on 01730 771222

The right time to move is always when the time is right for you and likely if you wait for global events to stabilise you could be waiting a long time. If your circumstances dictate a change, don’t delay. We can help. Our advice is free.

Kate Porter - Head of Sales

Tel: 01730 771222 info@countryhousecompany.co.uk sales@countryhousecompany.co.uk lettings@countryhousecompany.co.uk countryhousecompany.co.uk

E Q D C

The Edward Thomas Literary Festival 2022

Join us for an inspirational three days of talks, readings, music, plays, discussion and debate as Petersfield Museum and The Edward Thomas Fellowship bring you the inaugural Edward Thomas Literary Festival.

This three-day event (6th – 8th October 2022) takes the life and work of Edward Thomas and expands and explores not only his own literary work but how he has inspired others, his love of nature and his sense of place and belonging.

With renowned poets, writers, and academics taking part, including: Kathryn Bevis, Jessica Mookherjee, Yvonne Reddick, Ben Clark, Sasha Dugdale, Sir Andrew Motion, Daljit Nagra, and Ellora Sutton, this festival is not to be missed!

The festival will also feature Petersfield Museum’s first ever Open Mic night! Framed around a beautiful rendition of Steve Marshalls ‘Out of the Wood of Thoughts’ for narration and recorder orchestra, conducted by Chris Burgess, this evening will celebrate creativity in a truly unique way.

Information on all events can be found on Petersfield Museum’s website (www.petersfieldmuseum.co.uk) and on the Edward Thomas Fellowship website (www.edward-thomas-fellowship.org. uk).

We would like to thank Arts Council England and players of the National Lottery, without whose support we would not have been able to bring you such a stellar line up of participants.

The Edward Thomas Study Centre will be open on the 6th, 7th and 8th October between 10 am and 3.30 pm where not only can you immerse yourself in the wonderful collection of books (the Tim Wilton-Steer collection) we have, but there are also opportunities to buy new and ‘used’ books which we have on display. All proceeds from the sale of books in the Study Centre support the costs of running the Study Centre and caring for the collection.

Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery St Peter’s Road, Petersfield, GU32 3HX

Telephone: 01730 262601

Registered charity number 1108817 www.petersfieldmuseum.co.uk

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

Please contact me if you need any further information or assistance.

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

Andy - Mr Mac 07392552592

Mr Mac - Stay safe online and reassess your protection. Here is one reason why.

Local Events

Petersfield in Bloom –Awards Evening

Thursday 6 Oct

From 7pm for 7.30 start

The Rose Room, Festival Hall, Petersfield

All entrants and other members of the public are invited to the special presentation evening, when prizes will be presented by TV gardener Pippa Greenwood. Athe Festival Hall

Barn Dance and Hog Roast!

of guitars seamlessly pop into set, beautifully played and adored. Almost totemic, each wood and strings take their part, whether it’s the fingerstyle acoustic guitar, lap-steel playing, or the Bouzouki, Alex plays with a sincerity borne of years of graft, craft, and a man who seems to straddle multiple time boundaries. His lyrics offer a fusion of cultural and intercultural pertinence, generated by an acute appreciation for our earth and its ancestry, and a raw gift for storytelling. Our fully licensed Courtyard Café will be open to serve a wide variety of drinks and snacks. Tickets are £12 in advance or £14 on the door.

Winton Players –Oliver Twist

Sketchbook to Painting Workshop

Saturday 15 Oct

From 10am to 3pm

Petersfield Festival Hall, GU31 4EA

Stories, Activities and Craft: Autumnal Tales (Age 5-8)

Wednesday 26 Oct

From 1.30pm to 3pm

www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

Saturday 8 Oct

From 7.30pm to 11pm

The Rose Room, Festival Hall, Petersfield

This year’s Mayor’s Event raising funds for local youth organisation The Kings Arms and Petersfield food bank – will be a barn dance & hog roast (vegetarians to be catered for) Tickets on sale through ticket source.

Live Music: Alex Roberts

Saturday 8 Oct

From 7.30pm to 10pm

The Rose Room, Festival Hall, Petersfield

After his sell out performance in April, we are very excited to welcome back Alex Roberts to Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery. Performed in our intimate Courthouse venue, this is a musical event not to miss!

Alex Roberts, an outstanding musician with many strings to his bow, is an extremely talented folk singer who has captivated the stage for many years.

To say that Alex has skills would be a metaphor forgiven in the fact that it helps to conjure his presence as a musical magician, in which any number

Thur 13 to Sat 15 Oct

From 2.30pm & 7.30pm

www.wintonplayers.co.uk

Petersfield Festival Hall, GU31 4EA

Adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens, Jeremy Brock’s splendidly theatrical stage version of Oliver Twist combines all the richness of Dickens’s story – the sinister antics of Fagin, the comic pomposity of Mr Bumble the Beadle, and the horror of Nancy’s murder at the hands of Sykes.

Our 75th Anniversary production features a large cast, allowing many of our members to take a part on stage and mark this significant anniversary of the founding of Winton Players. (Please note that this is NOT the musical “Oliver” but is a completely different stage play which is more faithful to the original story and can be enjoyed on its own merits).

Join Nic Cowper on a sketchto-studio adventure using watercolours. Welcome to the world of Constable and Turner, modern masters such as Hockney and of course our own Flora Twort. Before digital cameras we had pencils, portable mediums and curiosity. Photographs capture reality too well, so this return to basics enhances observation and subject familiarity. You will initially meet outside the Museum and head towards the Square where you will discuss subject matter and composition through the notetaking medium of sketching. With your acquired ‘notes’ we will return to the Museum and create a painting. A list of required materials will be sent to participants closer to the course start date.

Creatures of the Twilight

Gilbert White’s House High Street,Selborne, GU34 3JH

Join author and professional storyteller, Dawn Nelson, for seasonal family stories as featured in her book ‘Adventures In Nature’, along with activities and take-home craft inspired by autumn. Listen to what happened to the last pumpkin in the patch, how a little bat overcame his fears and the dung beetle that wanted to reach the stars. Dawn Nelson is a local author and professional storytelling specialising in nature connection and heritage interpretation. Tickets are £8 per child, accompanying adults £2. One accompanying adult required for every 3 children booked.

October Half Term at Butser Ancient Farm

Saturday 22 to SUn 30 Oct

Tuesday 25 Oct

From 10.30pm to 12pm www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

Gilbert White’s Field Studies Centre, Selborne, GU34 3JU

Family activity session at the Field Studies. Learn about the creatures large and small who come out to hunt or feed as darkness falls.

Look for tracks and signs of night-time creatures in the meadow and investigate skulls and taxidermy to find out about their diets and how they are adapted to survive. Age 5 and up. Tickets: £6 per child, accompanying adults £2. 1 accompanying adult for every 3 children booked.

From 10am to 4pm www.butserancientfarm.co.uk

Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, PO8 0BG

Normal admission prices. This October Half Term join us to witness the turning of the seasons at this magical time of year, known to our ancestors as Samhain…This was a period when it was believed the veil between the worlds is very thin and was a time for communication with the ancestors– why not travel back in time and discover what life was like thousands of years ago? Discover more with a themed trail, handling sessions, craft activities and more.

Halloween Events

Toddler Take Over V: Fang-tastic Frolics

Monday 24 Oct

Various Times

Petersfield, GU32 3HX

Put on your Halloween costume and explore Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery like never before! From messy play to our Daemon Disco, ghostly stories to crafts and sensory space there is everything you need to celebrate Halloween with your Mischief Maker. Our Toddler Take Overs are designed to let our youngest visitors explore and enjoy the Museum in their own unique way! Fancy dress competition: Held at the end of every Daemon Disco with prizes! Daemon Discos (30 mins) held at: 11:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:30pm Story Time: 11:45am, 12:45pm, 2.45pm

Lantern Tales For The Brave and Bold

brave and the bold. Take part in seasonal activities and takehome craft inspired by autumn. Dawn Nelson is a local author and professional storytelling specialising in nature connection and heritage interpretation. For more information on her work and events please visit www. ddstoryteller.co.uk Ticket are £8 per child, accompanying adults £2. One accompanying adult required for every 3 children booked.

Halloween Family Fun Day

Saturday 29 Oct

From 11am to 4pm

www.petersfieldmuseum.co.uk

Petersfield Museum, St Peter’s Road, GU32 3HX

Put on your costume, grab your broomstick and wand and enter Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery if you dare! Celebrate Halloween at Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery with ghostly crafts, spooky storytelling and modern twists on traditional games and don’t forget our Daemon Disco and fancy dress competition!

Rogate are a family run pumpkin farm and magical pumpkinthemed outdoors event. Pick your pumpkins from a spectacular array of colours and sizes, conjuring up everything from munchkins to monsters for you to take home and carve more wonderful fun together. Make a day of it and indulge in one of the yummy street food options from the fantastic caterers who look after all your dietary requirements. End the day with a visit to our spooky shop filled with pumpkin decorations.

Pumpkin Carving at Queen Elizabeth Country Park

This activity is non refundable/ non transferable. Car parking charges apply. For more information please contact the Visitor Centre via email qecp. enquiries@hants.gov.uk or phone 02392 595040

Curious Creatures - Outdoor Trail at Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Sat 22 - Sun 30 Oct

From 10am to 4pm

www.hants.gov.uk (search Country Parks)

Gravel Hill, Horndean, PO8 0QE

Wednesday 26 Oct

From 1.30pm to 3pm

www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

Gilbert White’s House High Street,Selborne, GU34 3JH

Stories, Activities and Craft: Lantern Tales For The Brave & The Bold (Age 8-11). Listen to tales for the ‘Spooky Season’, with stories of ghosts, giants and heroes, told by professional storyteller and author Dawn Nelson, through traditional storytelling and Kamishibai Theatre (Japanese Paper Theatre). Learn how a boy went forth to find out what fear was and how Molly Whuppie saved her sisters, with tales for the

Trick or Treat

Halloween Party 2022

Sunday 30 Oct

From 4pm to 8pm

Stroud Village Hall, Stroud, Petersfield, GU32 3FS

Tickest on Sale in October. Save the date and join us for Halloween and for some spooky fun for all the family. Bar for the adults

The Rogate Pumpkin Patch

Friday 14 - Sun 30 Oct

All day

Rogate Pumplin Patch, Rogate, Petersfield, GU31 5EG

Thursday 27 Oct

From 10.30am to Midday

www.hants.gov.uk (search Country Parks)

Gravel Hill, Horndean, PO8 0QE

Join us to carve and decorate your very own spooky pumpkin. You make the masterpiece and leave the mess behind for us to tidy up…Yuck! We will provide the pumpkins and carving equipment and bits and bobs for decorating we just need you and your amazing creations. What you need to know: Booking is essential. Each booked child will be allocated one pumpkin Please come on your allocated time slot. This activity will last approximately 90 minutes This activity is suitable for children aged 4+ years and must be accompanied by an adult at all times

Join us this spooky season to see who is hiding in the woods? Scales and claws or wide open jaws, who are we going to find? Follow the trail through the woods, seek the creatures and find the answers. Each pack comes with a trail guide, pencil, and a Halloween craft to do at home. Trail packs are available to collect from the Visitor Centre please bring proof of purchase to show to park staff on arrival. Those who have booked a pack are free to do the trail whenever they wish providing you visit during opening hours 10 am –4pm and while the trail is set up. This activity is based outdoors please prepare for the weather Any attending adults are not required to buy a pack as these packs are suitable for children only. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear due to inclement weather and uneven terrain. The woodlands can get very muddy so please be prepared This activity is suitable for children aged 3 and up, if you are bringing infants and babies please bring a sturdy pushchair to cope with the terrain or a baby carrier. For more info call: 02392 595040 or the team at qecp. enquiries@hants.gov.uk

Discover Saddle House Medi-Spa

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

Saddle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tel: 02380 518558

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

Petersfield Climate Action Network

and offer vital connectivity for insects, birds, mammals and plants, particularly in towns and cities where they act as corridors joining our parks, gardens and the wider countryside. This year, Hampshire’s verges grew long and floral as a result of local council support for Plantlife’s No Mow May campaign.

Hampshire and parts of West Sussex too. As the nation prepares for a hike in energy bills, we are supporting our community by offering energy saving tips as well as giving advice about grants and subsidies.

'We have had great success with a variety of events including toy and gift swaps, informative online forums and an open and friendly weekly Eco Café, featuring fortnightly talks and workshops, on Tuesday mornings from 10-12 in the Courtyard Room at Winton House on the High Street.'

Petersfield

Climate Action Network (PeCAN) is an environmental charity, set up in 2020 by local residents. We were formed due to growing evidence that many people in the area were and are concerned about environmental issues and are passionate about taking action.

PeCAN’s aims are to reduce carbon emissions in Petersfield and the surrounding villages, mitigate the effects of climate change on the natural environment, and increase biodiversity, which we do by leading and supporting decarbonisation and nature projects in the community. We work with local people and organisations to make the required changes to our buildings, transport, natural environment, understanding and behaviour, to live sustainably.

To date, our ongoing projects include No Mow May and verges management, subsidised fruit trees for every garden, support for home retrofitting, toy and gift swaps, online events, a weekly Eco Café and this summer, our first Eco Fair. Working with East Hampshire District Council and Alton Climate Action Network, PeCAN looked at ways to help the council identify which verges could be suitable for conservation mowing and which must be kept short for traffic safety reasons. Hampshire’s verges measure around 770km

In the winter of 2020, PeCAN supporters helped us plant 80 fruit trees in gardens around Petersfield. Winter 2021 saw nearly 300 more sold and planted. Fruit trees give blossom in spring and fruit in summer and they are beneficial for wildlife all year round. Trees were sourced from a local supplier and normally cost up to £30 plus delivery, but subsidised through a grant from EHDC, we offered them for £15. We are planning to repeat the offer this coming winter.

Our biggest ongoing project is Petersfield Area SuperHomes (PASH), run with the National Energy Foundation and local retrofit coordinators. They offer an independent, impartial assessment of your home which takes into consideration your individual needs and provides a detailed plan of bespoke recommendations to improve energy efficiency. This includes improving insulation and installing double glazing, changing a gas or oil heating system for a low-carbon heat system such as a heat pump, or generating renewable energy by installing solar panels.

The scheme is not just for Petersfield residents - it runs across the whole of East

However, our biggest social achievement to date was the wonderful Eco Fair, held together with Petersfield Town Council on the Heath in July. Falling the day before the first ever national emergency red extreme heat warning came into effect, there couldn't have been a more appropriate moment to talk about our climate and explore some solutions.

Showcasing 40 stallholders from climate and conservation groups to home retrofitting, low waste living and green travel, there was something for everyone. With the fantastic Woodland Theatre, Bluebird Storyteller, talks, live music, food and drink, it felt like a real festival and was full of hope for the future.

We are lucky enough to have a small staff, a great group of trustees, and some fantastic volunteers, but we still need YOU!

For more information about PeCAN and to sign up to our newsletter, please visit our website at www. petersfieldcan.org, email hello@ petersfieldcan.org, find us on Facebook (@ PetersfieldClimateActionNetwork) and Instagram (@petersfield_can), or call 01730 719792. We look forward to hearing from you.

On Your Highstreet

Boutique Me

Soya

High Street, Bishop's Waltham, SO32 01489 891052 by the

Simon

Boutique Me

Soya Concept - and £78.00

High Street, Bishop's Waltham, Southampton, SO32 1AA

Founded in Stockbridge Hampshire, Carina Rose Bridal has now relocated to a new, stunning countryside setting only 2 miles from Petersfield tucked away in a luxurious barn with ample free parking. Our new location is at Durleighmarsh Farm, just off the A272 near Rogate, a luxury boutique where you can relax and enjoy the perfect appointment with a glass of bubbles and professional advice. We offer a unique pricing structure at three levels to suit all budgets.

First Choice: Order your chosen gown and pay a 50% deposit on ordering and the remaining 50% on collection. (usually around 4-5 months)

Second Choice: Choose from the “Ready to wear” section and take 20% off the full price. Your gown will be yours the same day.

Third Choice: Choose from the selected sample dresses in store, prices from £500.

We look forward to welcoming you, by appointment, at a time to suit you (including evening appointments.)

Carina Rose Bridal, The Courtyard, Durleighmarsh Farm Petersfield, Hampshire, GU31 5AX

Carina Rose Bridal, is a luxurious Hampshire Wedding Dress Boutique located in a beautiful barn on the Durleighmarsh Farm just off the A272, 1.5 miles from Petersfield.

With a fantastic selection of wedding dresses to choose from and an exclusive bridal appointment for you and your party, shopping for your special dress really will be a wonderful experience all round.

Flowers by the Bridge

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

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

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

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

Claudia Bradby Jewellery

Flowers by the bridge

Bridging the gap between you and your garden

Selling bouquets of homegrown and seasonal flowers available for local delivery or collection from West Meon.

Open Tuesday to Saturday 9am till 5.30pm Cards and cash accepted

For more information please call Susanna on 07970 280077 or visit my website www.flowersbythebridge.com A32, WEST GU32

Local to Stockbridge, Claudia Bradby has been reinventing the pearl for over 20 years. Sold in John Lewis, Fenwick and many independent jewellery stores and boutiques (including David Mellor and Sass and Edge) her designs are highly collectable. Her sample sale is a highlight of the run-up to Christmas with beautiful pieces available at cost price. www.claudiabradby.com

Candle Cavern - Natural Handmade Candles

The Candle Cavern was formerly established in November 2009 to provide natural candles to those seeking both environmental sustainability and quality performance in their candles. Originally, the candles were provided using vegetable waxes (Soy and Rapeseed) and BEESWAX. The business has now evolved in using predominantly BEESWAX although a range of other candles is available.

When used as a candle medium, beeswax candles burn brighter, longer, and cleaner than any other candle! The flame emits essentially the same light spectrum as the sun and in the process of burning emits, negative ions that are known to clean the air and invigorate the body (reportedly, stimulating the pituitary gland thus increasing creativity, intuition and dream activity). These negative ions help rid the air of pollen, dust, mould, toxins and many other pollutants. This feature makes beeswax candles ideal for allergy sufferers. Non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, beeswax candles provide a wonderful light source and act as a natural ioniser.

The workshop at Durleighmarsh provides the base for candle production as well as a small shop area to display and promote our candles, candleholders and candle making supplies. Please feel free to call in and have a browse or discuss any particular requirements you may have.

Many, but not all, of our candles can be seen on our website at www.candlecavern.co.uk

WHO ARE BILLY GOAT?

Weare an award-winning independent children’s shoe shop that takes pride in supporting our local community. We are qualified members of The Society of Shoe Fitters, The Children’s Foot Health Register and Startrite trained.

We stock a wide choice of children’s shoes, with over fifteen quality brands from around the world. We sell tiny first shoes to teenage school shoes up to an adult size 12, and everything in between!

Our qualified team offer a friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere, and we even have a toy box for our little customers to explore!

Where are we?

We are in central Alresford, with free street parking just outside the shop. Alresford has lots of independent shops and cafés, so why not make a day of it.

We do offer an appointment service, although you can also just pop-in whenever you’re in town. Some of our customers travel a long way to reach us and so prefer to make an appointment to avoid having to wait if we’re busy.

So why not come and visit our lovely new store in Alresford and let us find you the perfect pair of shoes for your children’s feet!

You don’t have to take our word for it, here are some of the reviews our customers have left for us…

“Outstanding service at this lovely children’s shoe shop”

Laura

STARTRITE RICOSTA CAMPER FRODDO SUPERFIT PETASIL SALTWATER HUMMEL AIGLE

“They went above and beyond to find shoes to fit my daughter”

Evie

“Amazing service and selection of kids shoes” Angela

“Fantastic independent children's shoe shop. Knowledgeable and friendly and able to put children at ease” Jennifer

Smoked Hampshire trout and spinach roulade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Family run with over 25 years of experience in

How to Recover a Drought Damaged Lawn

Lawns have suffered terribly due to extreme heat and drought stress. When soil moisture levels drop too far, many lawn grasses simply will not recover. Let’s take a look at what can be done now to improve the situation.

1. Assess the lawn fully

Take an objective survey of your lawn. Does it have plenty of weed grasses – those with broader leaves or flat growth habits?

Does it have difficult to control lawn weeds, such as yarrow, self-heal or speedwell?. Now is the time to think about a total-kill of all lawn vegetation so you can start the make-over with a clean canvas. Is your lawn uneven? Does the lawn have dips and hollows that you want to address before you begin other work?

2. Irradicate weed grasses

Once you have started the renovation of your lawn, and the new seed has germinated, it’s going to be more challenging to irradicate any undesirable grass types. Assuming your lawn doesn’t need a total kill, the time to deal with these issues is before the new seed is sown. Broad spectrum herbicides can be applied before the renovation work, to kill any undesirable grasses.

3. Deal with weeds

Grass plants can withstand the application of specialist plant control products but to do so they need to have reached a certain stage of growth. Application of selective weed control before that point will kill the young grass, along with the targeted weed. Therefore, deal with any weeds before the renovation begins by applying the right plant control product for the target species. As mentioned above, some lawn weeds can be more challenging to control, so deal with those first.

4. Check for grass eating grubs

It’s often not obvious that you have a problem with chafer grubs or leather jackets until a drought stressed lawn fails to recover when the rain returns. It is worth digging some sample holes around the lawn to assess the situation in the soil and check what pests may be present. If found, they need to be dealt with through biological control.

5. Relive compaction

Roots grow in the air gaps within the soil. Fewer air spaces mean less root density. Roots are essential for access

to nutrition and moisture, to relieve stress and help the grass resist pest and disease attack. Using a specialist lawn aerator to create space within the soil ensures healthy root development for your grass plants.

6. Remove dead organic matter

The build-up of dead, organic matter on the surface of the lawn can have a serious impact on the amount of moisture and nutrition reaching the root-zone. During times of drought the grass leaf dies,

laying on the surface of the soil and can result in issues with lawn thatch. Thatch is the place where pathogens such as red-thread and fusarium patch will establish themselves, causing issues with fungal attack. Scarifying or power-raking the surface of the lawn will remove this build-up efficiently.

7. Select the Right Seed Mix

Plant breeders are continually developing grass varieties that are quicker to germinate, greener, deeper rooted, more drought or shade tolerant, disease resistant and more hard-wearing. By selecting the right seed blend for your soil type, lawn position and how you want to use your garden, you will have a better-looking lawn that can cope with how you use it. Seed can be direct drilled into the soil or broadcast on the surface.

8. Top dress

An application of compost-based top-dressing will boost soil microbial activity and help support your new lawn. It will also create the perfect seed bed for your newly sown seed.

9. Drag matt

After top-dressing it’s a good idea to use a drag matt on the surface of the lawn. This will knock the dressing off the high points and into the hollows, giving you a more even finish to your lawn renovation.

10. Wetting agent

Used effectively in the golf industry, this technology is relatively new in lawncare. By breaking down the surface tension of water molecules, the wetting agent aids absorption into the soil and helps to reduce the time it takes for water to drain through the root-zone. This makes water work harder and reduces the amount that needs to be applied.

11. Nutrition

Applying the correct balance of Nitrogen (leaf growth), Potassium (root development) and Phosphorus (food production) for the new grass plants is essential. It’s important to get application rates right too and to use controlled release nutrition.

12. Water

All living things need water. Once your lawn renovation is completed its important not to let seeds or young grass plants dry out, until their roots are deep enough to find moisture.

13. Weed control

New weeds in a new lawn are inevitable. Dormant weed seeds will be activated by the mechanical processes used when renovating a lawn. In addition, new seeds will arrive on the wind or with birds visiting the garden and pooping them out. The perfect conditions created for the new grass seeds are perfect for weed seeds too. Once the new lawn has established well enough a treatment program for weed control can begin.

Now is the perfect time to renovate a lawn. It’s labour intensive but the results will give you a garden you can be proud of. We are happy to help if you don’t fancy taking on the task yourself.

Ian Kenyon sits on the committee of the UK Lawn Care Association and owns Shrekfeet Professional Lawncare. He is always happy to offer friendly, professional advice and help: T: 01962 460146 www.shrekfeet.com

Speedwell

Chafer Grub

Aerator

Red-Thread

Aeration

Yarrow Self Heal

Whether you dream of simply relaxing with a well earned glass of wine, or are hosting that never to be forgotten al-fresco party. A thatched or timber roofed Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing will your it just couldn’t be Area

Whether you dream of simply relaxing with a well earned glass of wine, or are hosting that never to be forgotten al-fresco party. A thatched or timber roofed Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services will turn your dreams into reality - it just couldn’t be easier. & Visit Our Yard & Display Area

All gazebos from Equestrian Fencing Services are made materials. They are designed to provide a shower proof environment. It is important to appreciate that in severe weather conditions there may be a chance of water

Equestrian Fencing Services offer an extensive range of Gazebos from carefully selected timber from well managed sustainable forests, to suit every size and style of garden. A Z E B O S & A C C E S S O R I E S the Dream with a Gazebo from Equestrian Fencing Services

All gazebos from Equestrian Fencing Services are made materials. They are designed to provide a shower proof environment. It is important to appreciate that in severe weather conditions there may be a chance of water

Petersfield Youth Theatre

Whats it all about

Petersfield Youth Theatre is a creative place – a place to find inspiration and to develop a limitless imagination. We’ve been running for 31 years, and we work hard to create a nurturing, educational and fun environment for young people who are interested in theatre, whether their desire is to build confidence and make friends, or to ultimately work in professional theatre. Membership is open to those aged 5 to 23.

Who makes it happen

The company is run by a small group of enthusiastic staff and volunteers, who employ theatre and education practitioners to direct productions and lead our activities. Everyone involved is passionate about offering the great experience, and the creative teams are all highly experienced professionals.

What goes on

PYT members can take part in holiday activities, workshops and productions throughout the year. There’s usually an Easter Project, a Summer School, workshops throughout the term, a huge autumn production and a Christmas show.

How it works

You pay an annual membership of £20 that gives access to all of our work. You can then sign up and for termly workshops and holiday activities throughout the year. Our productions in the Autumn and at Christmas usually require an audition, but we do our best to include as many people as possible. Fees are then payable for each project.

Weekly Workshops

The workshops are a great way to get involved in PYT outside of our productions and projects during term time. They have been introduced into the PYT creative programme to give our members more opportunities to embrace all things theatre, to make new friends and gain the confidence they need for everyday life.

The venue is The Space, 2a Heath Road, Petersfield GU31 4DU

For more information on Petersfield Yout Theatre, to join or to attend a workshop visit: www.petersfieldyouththeatre.org.uk

Tel: 01730 266730

E-Mail: info@pyt.org.uk

The Space, 2A, Heath Road, Petersfield, GU31 4DU

The Petersfield Awards - Recognising the awesome in Petersfield!

Celebrating our local heroes and businesses of Petersfield in 2022, Hometown Events are back with the event which allows us to celebrate everything and everyone awesome in Petersfield. You have decided on who to nominate, the independent panel of judges will now decide on the shortlists based on those nominations and then you once again decide on who wins these prestigious awards with all categories open to a public vote this year.

The nomination stage has happened, the independent panel of judges have deliberated and decided on the short lists for all categories and after listening to feedback, All categories are now open to a public vote for you to decide the winners. The live awards ceremony evening will be back in 2022 and will be held at Churcher's College on Friday 28th October when all winners will be announced.

Voting - Open now until mid October when you can then vote on all categories to decide on who from the shortlists will be the winners.

For more information and to vote visit: www.petersfieldfest.com/ petersfieldawards

Petersfield Society

Petersfield Society is a charity led by volunteers working with the community to conserve and enhance the special character of this historic market town and surrounding villages, to ensure it remains an attractive, enjoyable and distinctive place in which to live, work and visit. We are a member of Civic Voice, the national charity representing hundreds of local civic and amenity societies in communities across England.

Our aims are to:

. Provide a voice for the community on local development and environmental issues;

. Protect and improve the quality of life in Petersfield and the surrounding countryside;

. Encourage the protection of buildings of architectural or historical interest;

. Encourage the maintenance and enhancement of the natural environment; Influence future planning and design for the town and surrounding villages;

. Participate in the development of local and district policies relating to townscape, landscape, traffic and the countryside;

. Support local enhancement projects and foster a sense of community pride;

. Campaign for or against any issues which affect the locality.

For more information on Petersfield Society visit: www. petersfieldsociety.org.uk

Forager, for Poorer

© Lucia Foster-Found 2022 www.luciafosterfound.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes it is.”

“Oh good.” He sounded relieved.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bees bouncing back inSouth Downs National Park with new wildflower havens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Before at Sompting

After at Sompting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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