Test Valley Forum Issue 131 - May

TEST VALLEY

FORUM

REACHING 18,750 READERS * TEST VALLEY TOWNS & VILLAGES ISSUE 131 • MAY

Cover image: Jon Doran - White Roses & Fruit Oil on Canvas, 40x60cm Nadia Waterfield Fine Art (Hampshire) www.nadiawaterfieldfineart.com

STYLE ˙ INTERIORS ˙ HEALTH & BEAUTY ˙ INTERVIEWS ˙ FOOD & DRINK ˙ ENTERTAINMENT ˙ EVENTS

SOLD - HOUGHTON, STOCKBRIDGE

LD

SO

SO

LD

A very special property in an outstanding position

SIMILAR PROPERTIES REQUIRED GOODWORTH CLATFORD

GOODWORTH CLATFORD

A beautifully presented period property in the heart of the village

A most appealing Listed period cottage with south west facing garden.

Very well situated in close proximity to the Village Shop/Post office.

Entrance hall, Sitting Room, Kitchen, Dining room with French doors to courtyard, 2 double bedrooms, Third Bedroom/Study, Bathroom.

Excellent loft space accessed by a staircase with great potential.

Most attractive courtyard and gardens, summerhouse and gazebo. Off road parking.

A beautiful property with very spacious accommodaton with many period features and fantastic Garden Room. Sitting room, Dining room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Study, Garden room, Bedroom with en suite bathroom, 3 further bedrooms, Family bathroom.

Landscaped gardens. Terrace. Summer house.

Car parking for several cars. Double garage.

GUIDE PRICE: OFFERS INVITED

GUIDE PRICE £765,000

www.myddeltonmajor.co.uk

Tel: 01264 316000

The Team Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk Director of Advertising Steve Walker stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk Director of Marketing Rob Harrison rob@forummedianddesign.co.uk Design Manager James Curtis Advertising & Creative Design james@forumpublications.co.uk Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk

Contents

21 Professional From photographers to solicitors - every professional service you need

04 What's On Events in the Test Valley

22 Garden Make your garden dream come true. Or visit local beautiful country gardens

06 Lucia Foster-Found The Pelican Grief

08 Culture The diverse theatre, music, arts and crafts, of Hampshire

24 Hampshire Country and Garden Festival

12 Making Litter Picking Cool

29 Retail Unique, Bespoke, Eclectic and Local shopping

13 Food & Drink Eat out, stay in: food, drink and dining in Hampshire

34 Education Find local schools and educational experts

14 Motoring Local services to keep your vehicle running smoothly

35 Home Trades, services, designers. All you need for your home

15 Wellbeing Looking after your health

and yourself!

42 Church Services Your local church services

16 Big Or Small, Ponds For All!

JUNE COPY DEADLINE MAY 13th

20 The Hub in Paris Stockbridge Salon Taking it International

DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE FOLLOWING AREAS STOCKBRIDGE

HORSEBRIDGE

GOODWORTH CLATFORD ABBOTTS ANN

KINGS SOMBORNE

UPPER CLATFORD

LITTLE ANN

AWBRIDGE

HOUGHTON

THE WALLOPS

BRAISHFIELD

DUNBRIDGE

LOCKERLEY

LECKFORD CRAWLEY

MICHELMERSH

LONGSTOCK SPARSHOLT

TIMSBURY

LOCKERLEY GREEN

CHILBOLTON

WHERWELL

KIMBRIDGE

ANDOVER

Contributors Copy Writers Lucia Foster-Found

Contact Details Forum Publications Ltd 11 Broad Street, Alresford Hampshire, SO24 9AR Tel: 01962 735137 forumpub editor@forumpublications.co.uk www.forumpublications.co.uk Printed on recycled paper

The Test Valley Forum contains facts, views, opinions, statements, recommendations, advertisements and other content and links to external websites not owned or controlled by the magazine. The Test Valley Forum takes reasonable efforts to include accurate, current information on its pages, but make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, safety or value of the published items that are displayed. No liability or responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions in magazine content. The Test Valley 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. © Forum Publications Ltd, 2019 * Readership figures calculated on an average national statistic of 2.5 readers per household

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WHAT'S ON? Thursday 9

Stalls, Games, Bouncy Castles, Pimms Bar, Grand Raffle, Live Music, BBQ by the Clos du Marquis Entry £1. No dogs please.

At The Lights, Andover. Thursday 9th May 2019 at 7.30pm. Tickets £5. The concert will feature 17th Century music by de Visee, Kapsperger, le Cocq and Piccinini

Wednesday 22

Andover Music Club presents Matthew Nisbet with Theorbo & Baroque guitar

Friday 10 - Sunday 19

MAY Friday 3

Film Showing at Chilbolton Village Hall: Secret Spitfires (PG)

The story of how ordinary old men, women and children continued building Spitfires in the Salisbury area after the bombing of the factories in Southampton during WWII. It is hoped the Director, Ethem Cetintas, and Norman Parker, the Historical Adviser, will attend and hold a Q & A session following the film. Doors Open at 6.45pm; Film show commences at 7.30 pm.

Tickets £5.00 in advance from Beryl Lawrence on 01264 860618. E-mail: dlaw@ davidlawrenceassociates.co.uk or £6.00 on the door (if available).Tea/Coffee and biscuits included in price.Wine, Beer and Choc Ices on sale.

Friday 3

Spring Exhibition

Josie Eastwood Fine Art opens their main Spring Exhibition on May 3rd, the exhibition theme is ‘Colour’. On show will be a selection of paintings, ceramics and sculpture for the garden and home. Ceramics priced from £150, paintings from £500.The exhibition runs from Friday May 3rd until Saturday May 18th. Opening times and images of the work in the show can be seen on the website www. josieeastwood.com.To receive an exhibition catalogue please email josie@josieastwood.com.

Saturday 4

Stockbridge Antiques Fair

The Fair is held in Stockbridge Town Hall in the centre of the High Street, usually on the first Saturday of the month. We offer a wide range of Decorative, Interesting and Unusual items including good quality Furniture, Silver, Jewellery, Militaria, Motor memorabilia,Textiles and Books. We will also buy. Free Admission & Free Parking. Open: 9.30am - 5.00pm.

Contacts: Carol - 01264 335769 / 07870 432805. Steve - 01722 712267 / 07915 663251

Tuesday 7

Stockbridge Amateur Dramatic Society AGM

Followed by a quiz and more! 7.30pm in Stockbridge Town Hall.You don’t have to be a member of SADS, but we’d love it if you’d join! We’re always looking for new blood to act, direct, produce and to be part of the backstage team. No experience necessary! stockbridgeamdrams@gmail.com or find us on Facebook

Nadia Waterfield Fine Art

Presents the launch of the New Gallery and Spring Hampshire Art Fair. 10am 5pm at The Old Grain Barn, Westover Farm, SP11 7LF. For more information: nadiawaterfieldfineart.com

Stockbridge Cinema: Colette (15) Colette (Keira Knightly) is a young country girl living in Paris after marrying Henry (Dominic West). She begins to write and he convinces her to write novels suggesting they be released under his name.The success makes ‘Willy’ a well-known writer, but Colette grows frustrated. Showing at Stockbridge Town Hall SO20 6HE at 4.30pm and 7.30pm. Doors open 30 minutes before the start time.Tickets £5.00 from Garden Inn and John Robinson in Stockbridge or online via our website www. stockbridgecinema.org.uk

Saturday 25

Wherwell Singers Summer Concert

Sunday 12

Andover Food Fair

Free entry. Andover High Street, 10am - 2pm.

Discover artisan cheese and chocolate, free range meat and charcuterie, locally brewed ales, beer and award winning cider, hand made premium spirits and craft gin, delicious street food and drink, cookery demonstrations, competitions and tastings. Facebook - @ andoverfoodfair, andovertcp@gmail.com

Thursday 16

Weyhill Electronic Organ Society: Mark Thompson in Concert An evening of melodic, easy listening music performed on electronic keyboard.

Venue: Fairground Hall,Weyhill, SP11 0QN Tickets £5 in advance, from Just Teasin, 40 Bridge Street, Andover - or £6 at the door.

For further information phone 01264 323213 or visit www.weyhill-eos.co.uk

Friday 17

Stockbridge Cinema: Free Solo (12A) Documentary following free climber Alex Honnold as he prepares to climb Yosemite's El Capitan without ropes or safety gear. Showing at Stockbridge Town Hall SO20 6HE at 7.30pm. Doors open at 7.00pm.Tickets £5.00 from Garden Inn and John Robinson in Stockbridge or online via our website www. stockbridgecinema.org.uk

Sunday 19

Alresford Watercress Festival

From 10am - 4pm in Alresford Town Centre.

This nationally acclaimed annual festival will bring together thousands of visitors from the local community and from far and wide to celebrate watercress - the superb locally grown, delicious ands versatile crop www.watercressfestival.org

Sunday 19

Wherwell School Fete 12-3. A fun day out for all the family.

7.30pm at St Peter & Holy Cross Church, Wherwell. The programme explores settings of love poetry from contemporary and Renaissance composers, including Gibbons, Monteverdi, Debussy, Gjeilo and Todd.Tickets £8, available online: www.wherwellsingers.org or on the door.

Saturday 25

Winchester Autobarn Breakfast Club 9am – 12pm.There is a catering van providing coffees, teas, pastries and butties.There is ample parking so please feel to free drop in and see what we’re up to.Winchester Autobarn, Sutton Scotney,Winchester, SO21 3NS

JUNE Thursday 6

Wine Tasting at Susie Watson Designs, Alresford

From 12pm - 7pm. Susie Watson Designs, Alresford are delighted to partner with award-winning local English sparkling wine producer, Hattingley Valley, to offer customers in-store tastings of its Classic Reserve (NV) & 2014 Rosé sparkling wines. www.susiewatsondesigns.co.uk – Susie Watson Designs, 16 West Street, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9AT Tel: 01962 734 171 www.hattingleyvalley.com – Hattingley Valley Wines Limited, Wield Yard, Lower Wield, Hampshire, Alresford, SO24 9AJ – Tel: 01256 389188

Friday 21 - Sunday 23 June Festival of Flowers

The Best of British - a celebration of British icons and traditions at St. Andrew’s Church, Newton Toney. 11.00 am – 5.00 pm. Light lunches, tea/coffee, homemade cakes & cream teas available every day in the village hall, together with Art Exhibition in conjunction with Allington Artists. Craft Stall, Raffle, Plant Stall. Donations gratefully received in aid of St. Andrew’s Organ Restoration Fund

4O0FF% ON EN TAK ERS ORD URING D MAY

Before Makeover

After Makeover

Make your OLD kitchen a NEW kitchen for a fraction of the cost of buying a new kitchen Our kitchen and utility room have been transformed and we are totally happy!

Having spent far too long deliberating over a new kitchen it was a relief when Ben visited us at home. He understood immediately what we were trying to achieve and gave us excellent practical advice and good ideas to refine and improve our plans. His 'can do', energetic and professional approach is brilliant and he made the whole process easy and straightforward.

His team of craftsmen, in particular Dan, are wonderful. Courteous, friendly and professional, their workmanship, knowledge and attention to detail is amazing. Everything (and more!) was done within the time frames given. I just wish we'd given Ben the job years ago!

Sue & Rob Harris 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.

2017 2018

2019

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FEATURE

THE PELICAN GRIEF "G ood heavens – did you see that? It was George from down the road – lives in Foxglove Cottage. What, in the name of all that’s decent was he wearing? Surely no man over a certain age should be trussed up in such an outfit..?”

Aghast, he was craning his neck around far enough to do himself a mischief. And her too, if he carried on looking where they’d been, rather than where they were going.

“Car.” She suggested calmly. No response. “CAR!” much louder as, indeed a car was approaching - and they were on its side of the road.

He swerved and averted disaster, raising his hand automatically in apology, whilst clearly suffering from shock.

“But it’s such good exercise Darling. Low impact, with the added benefit of fresh air and lovely scenery. Good for the psyche.” She’d been thinking that, in addition to the dog walking and gardening, they should extend their exercise regime to include cycling. Something that they could do together, she had romantic notions of pedalpowered picnics in the countryside, biking to the pub and riding to the village shop on a Sunday morning for the papers.

But he had the bit between his teeth “Well, I wouldn’t be seen dead in a get-up like that. Ridiculous. There’s gangs of these lycra-clad road hogs, you know - and no hope of passing them when they’re strung out along these country roads in a Pelican!”

“Peloton” she’d heard it on the TV. “Well, whatever - they weave about, neither fast enough to follow, nor slow enough to overtake. Positively dangerous, if you ask me.”

Well, she wasn’t asking him. Moreover, she hadn’t asked him before ordering a pair of his and hers bikes off the internet that were due to arrive that afternoon, according to the helpful text updates. Awkward.

She felt an errand coming on. One that would take dear old hubby off to the builder’s merchants, or maybe the garden centre… Pet shop – yes, that would do it. She checked her texts; bicycle delivery was at half three which, coincidentally, would be about the time they would urgently require a giant sack of kibble and a slab of tinned meat for their faithful and ever-hungry Labradors.

Later, he had returned from his successful expedition, armed with numerous chews and a new dog bed that had not been on the list.

Driving there and back without any inflammatory encounters with cyclists, he seemed to have put the subject to bed. Much as she had the two bicycles now in the shed, draping the gleaming black and

chrome machines in an old blanket. Hybrid crossovers, with big comfy seats and bullhorn style handlebars, such as she had purchased, could go everywhere apparently and she’d have dearly loved to leap astride hers and pedal off through the village and down the country lanes. Shame. However, slowly slowly catchy monkey – as her dear old mum would have said…

Later, replete after a Dine-In-For-Not-Very-Much-Money that she hadn’t had to cook, they sat on the sofa, each with glass of red in hand, dogs at their feet. With feigned innocence she enquired “Do you mind if we watch something on i-player, Darling?”

“Whatever you like, Darling. Just so long as it’s not some medical programme.” He shuddered theatrically.

“It’s Rick Stein – one of his ’Long Weekends’.” She quickly pressed the button and Rick appeared, extolling the virtues of the Danish capital for a short break. Hubby’s attention was drawn to the screen.

He liked Rick. She liked Rick. Pretty sure the dogs liked Rick.

What was not to like: affable and watchable as he enjoyed his food, sort of reminding her of her very own darling husband. But with a longer fuse and good at cooking.

Frikadeller, turbot, prawns and pastries – an ensemble of her beloved’s favourite foods looked deliciously appealing. And when scenes of Rick cycling in a leisurely fashion around Copenhagen appeared, he was sufficiently softened up to find that appealing too.

Pointing at the screen he enthused “Now, there’s the sort of cycling that I like. None of this hunching over drop handlebars, on a knifeedge prostate-killing saddle, shrink-wrapped in a suit that shows every lump, bump and roll of fat. Sitting up comfortably, wearing ordinary clothes, enjoying the scenery – going to the pub, maybe off on a picnic, or even to the village shop on a Sunday morning to collect the papers. I’d be up for that!”

“Really?”

“Absolutely!”

Surreptitiously, she cancelled the rather fetching black cycling shorts she’d imagined him wearing, and, with his enthusiasm still fresh, she took his darling hand and led him up the garden path to the bike shed.. © 2019 Lucia Foster-Found

www.luciafosterfound.com

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8

CULTURE artists across the country. Representing work from both well established artists, along with rarer finds from lesser known painters and emerging talent, the show boasts an intriguing cross-section of subjects, media and genres, handpicked to appeal to all tastes and budgets.

NADIA WATERFIELD FINE ART - SPRING HAMPSHIRE ART FAIR Buying art, that just-right piece or pieces to complete a space, whether for your home, office or holiday house is one of life’s great pleasures. Imagine, then, the heaven of a huge, light-infused space filled with over 300 beautiful contemporary artworks to choose from. Welcome to the Spring Hampshire Art Fair, which runs from 9th-19th May at The Old Grain Barn, Goodworth Clatford. This fabulous exhibition celebrates the opening of the brand new Nadia Waterfield Fine Art Gallery showcasing work from over 40 painters, sculptors and ceramicists

ROMSEY CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT - “THE SILVER SWAN” REVIEW

Located just outside Stockbridge, this stunning 2,500 sq ft space, one of the largest art galleries in Hampshire, provides a sizeable and suitably elegant platform for this rich, diverse exhibition, carefully curated from It included songs of turtle doves, swallows, owls ,ravens, nightingales, swans and bluebirds.

It was an evening of varied music from folk and madrigals to present day. Songs

by Mendelssohn ,Vaughan Williams, Holst, Ravenscroft ,Stanford and Gibbons were interspersed with Richard Rodney Bennett’s early Aviary songs. This was an intriguing programme beautifully sung by Romsey Choral Society.

The programme began with newer pieces.

The Birds by Sarah Carruthers is a delightful setting of a Czech carol and Soul’s Flight

by Jamie W Hall is a lovely setting based on Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, with flautist Anita Hall playing the melody.

In the setting of the beautiful Church of St Cross, the Romsey Choral Society gave a lovely concert on the evening of Sunday April 7th. The theme was birds, the title “The Silver Swan”.

Voices from the choir stepped forward to perform solos, notably in the Widow Bird and in Stanford’s The Blue Bird with it’s calm vision of a lake and the clear soaring voice of the blue bird. One of my favourite pieces!!

A fine set of baritones were featured in Ralph Vaughan William’s Turtle Dove (another favourite). Some of the songs were A Cappella

Happily, viewing at the new Nadia Waterfield Fine Art gallery is not restricted to exhibition times only as the new gallery is open three days a week and by appointment. Nadia Waterfield, an artist herself, prides herself on keeping her art, sculpture, ceramic and furniture exhibits fresh, vibrant and relevant and spends a great deal of time personally sourcing new and inspiring artwork from around the UK. The new gallery promises a warm welcome to all art enthusiasts, collectors, designers or simply the curious, confident that there will always be something to catch the eye or grab the attention.

Nadia Waterfield Fine Art nadiawaterfieldfineart.com The Old Grain Barn, Westover Farm, Andover, SP11 7LF and some beautifully accompanied on the piano by Richard Mc Veigh, who, after the interval, played a very fine rendition of Bach’s Fugue in E minor on the organ.

Rounding of the evening was Mozart’s Spatzenmesse (sparrow mass. We couldn't forget the sparrows), with step out solos and Richard on the organ.

The encore treat was The Goslings, the story of two goslings. Hilarious! A treat of a concert indeed, sung to a capacity audience in beautiful surroundings and conducted by Jamie W Hall. Jamie has brought this choir to a very fine standard, and directs with superb proficiency. Sadly, this is his last concert conducting the choir, as he is leaving to concentrate on his solo career but he will be back as soloist in Mendelssohn’s Elijah in July.

The retiring collection was aptly and importantly in aid of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s Nightingale Project.

Review written by Jackie Fox

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CULTURE

NOTES FROM A BOOKSELLER Every month can feel like a celebration in a bookshop, as new publications come off the presses and arrive on the shelves. Bringing anticipation and excitement in tow, some appear with more fanfare than others. A lucky selection of titles feature in the media or are reviewed in the weekend papers, while others rely on the slow burn of good old-fashioned word-of-mouth. But each new title is, for us, a welcome event. The bookshop’s job is to showcase this endless stream of novelty each and every month. We aim to inspire readers to try something new and to revisit their old favourites as well.

With its window onto the High Street, the bookshop, quite literally, can help to display these temptations. Its goal is to entice the leisurely browser with titles that intrigue, and to reward the avid reader with something awaited and anticipated. All are encouraged to step inside and explore further…

Fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, humour, something seasonal or topical, new

VERDI REQUIEM AT WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL

Southampton Philharmonic Choir returns to the magnificent setting of Winchester Cathedral on Saturday 22 June 2019 for a performance of Verdi’s Requiem.

Few choral works have captured the public imagination in the same way that this piece has. Unashamedly theatrical in style, the work has moments of great tenderness and simplicity juxtaposed with passages of the most powerful and thrilling intensity. The soaring lyrical melodies, which lie perfectly

publications and classics, not to mention the quirky and pertinent: we believe the independent bookshop can represent the proverbial ‘something for everyone’.

On display at the moment are two books that recently made it onto Radio 4’s Book of the Week slot. One is Clare Hunter’s Threads of Life, a rich and layered mix of memoir and history of story-telling through sewing.

The other, a moving, personal true story of life as a doctor in the world’s combat zones, is David Nott’s War Doctor. Listening to its radio serialisation late at night was absolutely captivating, and the book rightly continues to be very popular.

Another serious title making waves is The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells, the deputy editor of New York Magazine. A regular writer on climate change and nearfuture science, his important no-holes-barred book is likely to become a central reference on the planetary threat posed by climate change. Much as Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring was in the early 60’s, this book is a wake-up call which needs to be heard.

Amongst the selection for lovers of fiction, for the human voice; the scintillating orchestration and its extraordinary dramatic and emotional depth all contribute to the Requiem’s status as one of the icons of Western choral music.

Verdi wrote his Requiem in 1873 and conducted the first performance on 22 May 1874 in the church of San Marco in Milan.

The second performance, three days later, at La Scala Opera House seemed a more suitable setting for this operatic masterpiece.

As in previous performances, the Southampton Philharmonic Choir and Southampton University Philharmonic Choir will be performing without scores, no mean feat, but one that allows the singers to communicate the dramatic extremes of the piece to full effect. Performing with the choirs will be partner orchestra the New London Sinfonia, and four professional soloists under the baton of the Phil’s professional conductor, David Gibson. It’s an experience not to be missed.

Tickets £13-35 (with concessions) are available online or from the Cathedral box office.

For more details please visit www.southamptonphil.org

new in paperback is a gripping novel by the award-winning Kate Atkinson. Transcription is described by The Observer as ‘an unapologetic novel of ideas which is also wise, funny and paced like a thriller.’ And a recent arrival in bookshops is the much-awaited next-in-series novel, Spring, by Ali Smith.

Her many followers will be delighted by the ‘of the moment’ narrative, and it will also lure new fans to her back catalogue of novels.

One of our favourites from the current new titles is Ghost Wall by Sarah Moss, a deceptively simple story with a dark undertone. But to describe the narrative would destroy the subtle suspense. Readers will have to visit their nearest bookshop and discover the denouement for themselves!

And occasionally there comes along a publishing phenomenon, breaking the mould and creating a new trend; in just such a way, Pinch of Nom has hit the bookshops.

Originally a fabulously successful slimming recipe on-line blog, from co-authors Kate Allinson and Kay Featherstone, the book format has become the fastest selling nonfiction title of all time. And a beautiful looking book it is too. A feast for our eyes as much as our calorie attentive taste buds.

Happy reading from The Bookmark.

Tel: 01264 811529 www.thebookmarkstockbridge.co.uk High Street, Stockbridge

PETERSFIELD SPRING FESTIVAL - MAY 25, 26 & 27 The three-day Bank Holiday weekend will be full of awesome activities for people of all ages! Starting on the Saturday evening at 7pm a fantastic line up of live music acts stage will rock Petersfield square until 10pm followed by two full days of activities including more live music, an awesome new addition ‘Bug Fest”with the ability to handle a range of bugs and watch the “Wild and Deadly Show” performed by Nick Wadham, traditional dobby horse carousel to other modern children’s rides, Solent Renegades with their American and classic cars, as well as two days of market stalls selling quality produce and much more.

Once again, the Petersfield Spring Festival is boasting a music line-up that is absolutely amazing for a free-to-enter event.We pride ourselves on booking the best established and up-and-coming acts we can to entertain you all and this Spring was no exception.

We are looking forward to entertaining you!

For more information visit www. petersfieldfest.com/wp/index.php/ petersfield-spring-festival/

CULTURE

in association with Books at the Barn is pleased to present

AN EVENING WITH

CLAIRE FULLER Prize winning novelist and author of

Our Endless Numbered Days, Swimming Lessons and her latest work, Bitter Orange ‘Rich and compelling. Fuller is an accomplished writer’ - Observer ‘Sinister and suspenseful, this gothic novel simmers with guilt, lust and envy’ - Mail on Sunday ‘Full of dark foreboding. Claire Fuller is a dazzling storyteller’ - Belfast Telegraph ‘A compulsive page-turner. Fuller creates an atmosphere of simmering menace with all the assurance of a latter-day Daphne du Maurier ‘ - Times

The Winchester-based author will talk about her work and sign copies of her books at

STOCKBRIDGE TOWN HALL

WEDNESDAY 5TH JUNE - 7.30PM Tickets are £15 and include a glass of wine!

Book Group members can buy 3 tickets for the price of 2 They can be purchased at The Bookmark and online at Books at the Barn: www.booksatthebarn.co.uk

8 - 18 MAY @ 7.30PM & SUN 12 @ 2.30PM. NO PERF 13 MAY

20 - 25 MAY @ 7:30PM

12 - 22 JUNE @ 7.30PM & SUN 16 @ 2.30PM. NO PERF 17 JUNE

10-20 JULY @ 7.30PM. NO PERF 15 JULY

11

12

FOOD & DRINK FEATURE

MAKING LITTER PICKING COOL

T

his year saw thousands of school students go on strike for climate change.Young people are fighting for their future and demanding these issues to be taken seriously.

But climate change is only one of the problems our planet is dealing with.

What else is damaging our planet? Litter.

The amount of litter dropped yearly in the UK has increased by 500% since 1960 and the introduction of plastic in everything we buy means that the litter isn’t breaking down.

Instead, it risks blowing into drains and rivers and making its way to our oceans.

Around the world it’s estimated that one million birds and 100,000 marine mammals and sea turtles die each year when they ingest or become trapped in plastic. To us, it’s a plastic bag but to a sea creature, it looks like a jelly fish - a tasty snack. All ocean litter must start somewhere and while some is dumped straight into the ocean, it’s also as simple as a crisp packet blowing into a river. A whopping 80% of the rubbish in the ocean comes from land. Some of this might blow out of rubbish collection trucks, some could be blown out of landfill and some is simply littered by individuals.

Next time you’re walking or driving somewhere, have a look out for litter, it won’t take you long to find it.You might see a straw lingering near a drain, waiting to make its way into our water ways, or a takeaway coffee lid tumbling closer towards a stream or river.

You could be a real hero and help save our oceans by picking up even just one piece of litter as and when you’re out and about.You can also save our wildlife. Every year, the RSPCA receives 5000 calls regarding animals affected by litter. They get an average of 14 calls per day, and it can be higher in the summer months. These are just the animals that are found, the actual figure of animals injured by litter could be much higher.

Plastic can holders can often entangle animals. Turtles have been found with deformed shells, birds have been found with bottle rings around their necks, hedgehogs have been found with their heads stuck in yoghurt pots and takeaway milkshake lids. As these still have sweet leftovers in, they are very attractive to an

animal who reaches in to get as much as possible only to find it’s then stuck on their head.

By picking up litter, you can help prevent this from happening.

We can all work together to spread the message, that it is not cool to litter, by tackling it with education and leading by example. Litter pick loud and proud and show people that it’s cool to care.

Not only will you be real life super hero by picking up litter in your community, and wherever you go, you’ll also find it great exercise. A one-mile walk will add up to about 2000 steps and might take around 15 minutes.You’ll also be carrying a bag of litter, really getting in that weight lifting! Or you could get yourself a litter trolley if you plan to pick big!

As well as being great for our physical health; being outside, wherever you plan to pick, will instantly improve your mood.

Being outdoors is proven to reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure and relieve muscle tension. The knowledge that we are doing something that benefits our planet and our future can have a positive contribution to our mental health. You might also find that organising an event in your community or joining an existing group of litter pickers can forge new friendships and help tackle loneliness, which affects almost a fifth of the population.

If you’re on social media, share your litter haul with hashtags such as #litterpicking, #makelitterpickingcool, #2minutestreetclean or #keepbritaintidy.You’ll find other members of the litter picking community who will tell you how awesome you are!

Between 2016 and 2017 it cost local authorities £682 million (£29 per household) to keep our streets clean and councils don’t have enough funding to tackle every piece of litter in their towns.You can contact your council and they will provide you with litter picking equipment, so you can work together to ensure you have a town you are proud to live in.

Why not give litter picking a go? Love where you live, help our planet and positively impact your local community.

Together we can make litter picking cool!

CULTURE

28TH–30TH MAY & 3RD–6TH JUNE @ 7.30PM & 2ND JUNE @ 2.30PM

FOOD & DRINK

25TH–27TH JUNE & 1ST–4TH JULY @ 7.30PM & 30TH JUNE @ 2.30PM

TITCHFIELD YOUTH THEATRE PRESENTS "THIS IS A WAY TO KILL A WIFE WITH KINDNESS, AND THUS I'LL CURB HER MAD AND HEADSTRONG HUMOUR."

30TH JULY - 1ST AUGUST & 5TH - 8TH AUGUST @ 7.30PM. 4TH AUGUST @ 2.30PM

TIME PLEASE, MR SHAKESPEARE 14 JULY @ 7.30PM

“LOVE” SAID THE ANCIENT GREEK PHILOSOPHER, IS A JOURNEY INSEARCH OF OUR LOST OTHER HALF.”

27TH - 29TH AUGUST & 2ND - 5TH SEPTEMBER @ 7.30PM & 1ST SEPTEMBER @ 2.30PM

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MOTORING

THE 2019 NEW FOREST AND HAMPSHIRE COUNTY SHOW IS FAST APPROACHING

PETROLHEADS BRING CARS OUT OF WINTER STORAGE Over a thousand classic car fans flocked to Winchester Auto Barn on the 30th March for its first Breakfast Club of the new season.

Petrolheads travelled from as far as Nottingham and London as over 600 cars converged on the garage on the A30 near Sutton Scotney.

Italian and German exotica, E-type Jaguars and Caterham 7s rubbed shoulders with US "muscle cars", hand built rarities, pre-war gems and Aston Martins.

"The breakfast kicked off at 9am and the car parks were full 15 minutes later with people queuing down the road to get in," said owner Niall Holden. "That's when my jaw dropped.

My next worry was that we might run out of bacon butties!"

The Winchester Auto Barn's 1964 vintage Citroen HY Van cafĂŠ - dubbed Jacques Custard

- worked overtime, churning out hundreds of beverages, 250 sausage sandwiches and 400 bacon rolls.

"I had no idea what to expect as I'd never been before," said Mike Leflay. "There were some great cars and a great bunch of people in such a perfect sunny countryside setting."

As well as classic car events the Winchester Auto Barn offers routing services and MOTs on all modern cars and is an Independent Service Agent for Mercedez-Benz.

Future Breakfast Clubs will be held on May 25, August 17 and September 21 at the usual time of 9am-12noon. On Saturday July 13th the garage will stage Winchester Auto Fest, a family charity car and live music evening (4pm10.30pm) with a hog roast and wine and cheese tasting. www.winchesterautobarn.com Winchester Autobarn, Sutton Scotney Winchester, SO21 3NS

The New Forest Show is a three-day celebration of Farming, Food and Fun which is rated among the top agricultural shows in the country. From food and flowers, music and main ring attractions to cooking, crafts and county pursuits.

You’re guaranteed to find something different in every corner of the showground.We are delighted to be adding a brand new Canine Arena and Live Music Stage to the mix of attractions this year. Join us on 30th, 31st July & 1st August in the heart of the New Forest National Park at New Park, Brockenhurst. Buy your tickets online before 23rd July to receive a 15% discount.

Visit www.newforestshow.co.uk to find out more.

MOTORING

WELLBEING

FOOD & DRINK

Join us every Friday Night from 6pm for Fish & Chips

SUMMER SUPPER CLUB DATES 6th June

Moules Frites

4th July

Spanish Tapas & Wine Tasting

8th August

Lobster & Chips Call the bistro to book

Tel: 01264 810101 H I GH S T RE E T S TOC KB RI D GE S O20 6H E

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RETAIL WELLBEING FEATURE

BIG OR SMALL, PONDS FOR ALL! Wild About Gardens is back, and this year we need everyone to jump right in and make a splash with ponds!

F

or this year’s Wild About Gardens challenge, we have teamed up with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) to encourage everyone to create a pond. From mini container ponds to larger sunken ponds, these attractive garden features are hugely beneficial for wildlife.

With much of the UK’s native flora and fauna under threat, often due to habitat loss,Wild About Gardens aims to raise awareness of the importance of gardens in supporting wildlife and offer tips and advice on how to make them more wildlifefriendly.

The UK has lost ponds, rivers and streams at a rapid rate and only a small amount of our natural ponds and wetlands remain.

Many of these are in poor condition and 13% of freshwater and wetland species are threatened with extinction from Great Britain.The loss of these important places – to development, drainage and intensive farming – is linked to a huge decline in wildlife, including frogs and toads, water voles and insects.

Adding a pond – by digging one in your back garden or simply by filling a waterproof container outside your front

door – is one of the best ways you can help wildlife and enjoy the benefits of seeing water plants, birds and bees close to home. Digging a pond is great for hedgehogs to have somewhere to drink and for frogs, newts and other amphibians to feed and breed. All ponds – large, small, dug or container – are good news for bats, damselflies, dragonflies, other insects.

Download your free pond toolkit and find more inspiration for making your garden a wildlife haven at www.wildaboutgardens.org.uk.

Alternatively visit our events page for wetland or wildlife gardening events at www.hiwwt.org.uk/events.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts working across the UK.With the invaluable support of volunteers and members we manage over 50 nature reserves.

We also work with other organisations and landowners to protect and connect wildlife sites across the county and inspire local communities and young people to care for wildlife where they live.

For more information on Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust visit: www.hiwwt.org.uk

WELLB EING

THE FORUM’S BEAUTY EDITOR TALKS TO DORTHE THOMAS, ANDOVER’S AESTHETIC SKINCARE SPECIALIST ABOUT HER LATEST TREATMENTS; VITAMIN B12 INJECTIONS, LIP FILLERS AND PROFILHO. Thanks to revolutionary developments over the past decade, we’re living in a golden age for anti-ageing procedures.

Dorthe Thomas, an Andover based Beauty Therapist whose High Street Spa recently won Gold at the British Hair & Beauty Awards has been collaborating for years with cutting edge Anti-Ageing brands and is currently working towards her Level 7 as an Aesthetic Practitioner.

A Vitamin B12 deficiency is believed to be one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world, especially among people taking stomach acid-altering medications and antibiotics frequently, along with the elderly and sometimes vegetarians/ vegans. B12 injections are sometimes used to offset the many symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency, such as fatigue and weakness, poor moods, and low concentration.

Dorthe explains “These shots contain high doses of vitamin B12, used to quickly elevate levels in someone with a deficiency. To find out if you are suffering from a B12

Our Award Winning treatments include your everyday beauty and wellbeing essentials; Facials, Waxing, Threading, Massage, Reflexology, Eyelash Extensions, Manicures, Pedicures and Spray Tan. We also specialise in advanced MediSpa treatments; IPL Hair Removal & Skin Rejuvenation, Dermaplaning, Medik8 Skin Peels, Derma Pen, Microblading, Lip Filler, Tattoo Removal, Vit B12 Injections, Profhilo, LipoContrast, Plasma Pen, Micro Needling & Cryotherapy

deficiency we can do a health screening consultation which will assess your suitability for the treatment.”

Dorthe’s is also pleased to be able to now offer Lip Fillers which are the perfect way to add extra volume and plumpness to lips which may be lacking in shape or elasticity. Lip fillers deliver almost immediate results (within 48 hours) by enhancing the lips’ natural shape and plumpness by using a medically developed solution, which is injected into the lips.

Dorthe comments “we’ve been delighted with the results on our clients who have reported a more defined smile and a more youthful rejuvenated appearance to the mouth area.”

And finally, Dorthe is very excited by her latest aesthetic procedure at the Spa - Profhilo®. This exclusive skin remodelling treatment is designed for individuals with ageing skin that is lacking volume and elasticity. By stimulating the production of collagen and elastin through the slow release of Hyaluronic Acid (HA), Profhilo® significantly improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helps to increase hydration and firmness across the face.

The substance is injected just below the skin’s surface in just 2 sessions over a period of 4 weeks, and disperses quickly across the skin to instantly boost hydration, consequently smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in improved skin texture.

Dorthe is offering Forum readers a special introductory rate for all these treatments booked in May - quote Forum4 to qualify.

Call 01264 748300 or email info@dorthethomasspa.com to find out more. www.dorthethomasspa.com

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18

WELLBEING

RAINBOW CORNER, ANDOVER AND DISTRICTS CHILDREN'S HOME OFFICIALLY OPENS Rainbow Corner, Andover and Districts Children's Home was officially opened at 10.30am on April 8th by His Worshipful Mayor Ian Carr.

HOW TO CORDIALLY DISAGREE In the last fifty years in this country we have learned to question many of the social rules that expected women, children and subordinate staff, for example, to be politely reticent and to defer to other people’s opinions before their own. But now any individual may feel it is their right to express their feelings, preferences and prejudices loudly and publicly. Television drama has made it seem normal for people to scream at each other, and the media fosters a combative approach to discussion. We have encouraged a culture of aggression instead of helping each other to be more confidently assertive. The big mistake people make is to suppose that they are the same thing.

Aggression interprets disagreement as a declaration of war, and its purpose is to intimidate. It resorts to Trumpish name calling: “If I don’t like what you are doing or saying, you must be mad/stupid/ evil/a bad person/out to get me/WRONG!” Aggression is intent on browbeating the other person into giving way, or on achieving a personal advantage. Aggression accuses: “You always…You never…Why can’t you..?”

Assertiveness expresses its position without fear or apology. But it has no need to score points. Its purpose is to clarify preferences, maintain mutual respect and find common ground. It is an adult approach, while aggression is childish or bullying.

Assertiveness invites a dialogue: “What is your point of view?”

Assertiveness listens, and finds something to acknowledge: “That makes sense.”

Assertiveness does not assume that you know what the other person believes or wants, but checks: “So if I understand you…?

Have I got that right?”

And assertiveness explains “This is how I see it…”

Assertiveness states a position and invites a conversation. It does not tell the other what they should or shouldn’t do, or what is wrong with them.

It is not easy to speak out when you disagree, or when you are bothered by someone else’s attitude or behaviour. It takes practice to straightforwardly ask for what you would like from the other person – not for what you ‘need’ from them, but what you would appreciate – and to ask what they would like from you. But if what either wants is a step too far, at least the lines of communication are open. It is astonishing how unexpected solutions can emerge, when the will is there to both be true to your own values and to respect someone else’s.

Written by Anna Powell Tel: 07913 231678 anna@annapowell.com www.annapowell.com

Chris Dixon CEO said “This is the start of an amazing journey for us. Our new facility will meet the vital respite needs of families in Andover and its surrounds. To have realised a vision set by the trustees and myself is an amazing achievement and one which will have a profound impact on children and families with a learning disability."

Ami Turner Registered Manager said “I am so happy to be the manager of this wonderful facility. Personally and as an organisation we have invested a lot of time, energy and finances in to getting this right.

To see the children and young people, as well as their families, benefit from it is a joyous occasion.

Andover and District Mencap identified a need for a purpose-built facility that could provide bespoke care and respite for children with learning disabilities and complex health needs in 2016. Our new home will offer 1344 bed nights per year.

Chirs Newman Director of Care and Support Services said: "Having joined ADM on this final part of the registration journey, I am so pleased that we will not only meet the needs of the children but they will also get to spend time in a wonderful, purpose designed facility.

We have a great team in place, to support the children and their families of Andover."

The next stage of the project is to redevelop the garden into a purposeful space that meets the needs of children and young people with learning disabilities and complex health needs.

If you would like to work with us on this project please contact Chris Dixon CEO at Chris.Dixon@andovermencap.org

WELLB EING

STOCKBRIDGE OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE

Osteopathy and Cranial Osteopathy Emma Wightman, registered osteopath and antenatal teacher. A gentle, hands on approach for newborns through to adulthood and in pregnancy.

Also Massage Therapy Pilates, 1 to 1 and small group Homeopathy Naturopathy Online Bookings available for Osteopathy and Massage via the website

Tel: 01264 810028 www.the-SOP.com reception@the-SOP.com STOCKBRIDGE OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE - HIGH STREET, STOCKBRIDGE, SO20 6HF

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20

FEATURE

THE HUB IN PARIS STOCKBRIDGE SALON TAKING IT INTERNATIONAL This March two of The Hub’s stylists were fortunate enough to go to Paris, the world capital of beauty – This is where La Biosthetique has its roots and its headquarters.

Adelle Glibbery; the founder/owner of The Hub in Stockbridge and Creative Stylist Sara Smith were invited to the Headquarters to attend the unveiling of La Biosthetique’s Spring/Summer trend collection for 2019 along with a handful of representatives from La Biosthetique salons from around the globe. Award winning International creative colour director Andrea Bennet and International stylist Alexander Dinter led the fashion show with their Art Team to showcase these amazing looks LIVE in the beautiful setting of their head office overlooking the Arc de Triomphe.

The Hub is always keen to keep up-to-date with new trends and techniques and deliver them to their guests in variations to suit the individual. The inspiration is to be “Uniquely you” “Be colourful” and “Stand out and Shine”.

As Coco Chanel once said “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”

COLOR & GLOSS is a beautiful new colour range within the La Biosthetique colour house. What makes this range so special is that the colour has a luxurious shine and is delivered without the use of Ammonia or monoethanolamine (MEA). Natural amino acids adopt the role of ammonia giving you a gentle and odourless experience.

“Cuts are both bold and free-spirited, it has been refreshing to use some new techniques which we can vary to suit our guests individuality. We also absolutely adore the Spring/Summer 2019 makeup trend collection as well, which we are all enjoying in the salon at the moment. We have a delicious new colour & care lipstick in Hot Mandarin, and the soft and sheer eyeshadow pen in Macadamia is just beautiful.” – Adelle “To see these fantastic artists working in front of us and to provide a world of knowledge for us to all take home was an amazing experience to be part of.

I cannot wait to bring my new skills to the salon and show Stockbridge what we have to offer.” – Sara This trip to Paris was a wonderful opportunity for the team from The Hub to learn first-hand what the exciting new techniques and ranges from La Biosthetique have to offer.

We now can’t wait to share what we have learned with our Stockbridge guests. www.thehubstockbridge.co.uk instgram: @thehubstockbridge Telephone: 01264 810139 The Hub, Old London Road, Stockbridge, SO20 6EJ

WELLB EING

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22

CO MMUNITY

PROFESSIONAL

GARDEN

Richard Steel & Partners The Family Owned Funeral Directors

Serving Hampshire Since 1860

Alderman House, 12-14 City Road, Winchester (01962) 862333 Personal 24 Hour Family Service Recommended by 'The Good Funeral Guide' www.winchesterfunerals.co.uk

RICHARD PENFOLD

STOCKBRIDGE MUSIC: THE GESUALDO SIX - FRIDAY 3RD MAY

FIREWOOD SUPPLIER

Seasoned mixed species of hardwood logs available in various load sizes and log lengths. I produce all my own firewood sourced from thinning and coppicing operations in FSC controlled sustainable local woodlands.

My logs are naturally dried and stored in adapted barns for low moisture content and are always delivered dry. Firewood available all year round.

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL SERVICE

At St Peter’s Church, Stockbridge, 7.30pm. Six powerful classically trained voices with a passion for ensemble singing. This is a vocal consort comprised of the UK’s finest young consort singers, directed

by Owain Park. They are enjoying a rapid rise to fame. “At times you felt like there were a hundred voices: at others, only one.”

They will be performing sacred and secular music throughout the ages.

“The most exciting choral ensemble I have heard.” Tim Lowden Tickets £14 available from: wwwjumblebee.co.uk/stockbridgemusic Local box offices will open 4 weeks prior to the concert

OPEN GARDENS, LONGSTOCK, NR STOCKBRIDGE

Tel: 01794 389603 or Mob: 079000 61158 RICHARD PENFOLD

JD

Sat 15 And Sun 16 June 2019.

1.30 pm to 5.30 pm each day ENTRY PRICE (Covering both days) adults: £8 Under 16s: free

Unfortunately dogs will not be allowed to enter any of the gardens.

All proceeds are in aid of St Mary’s Church, Longstock. For queries please contact Garry Hedley (Church Treasurer) on 01264 810284 or by email gh2900@btinternet.com

Keeping your garden looking the way you want it to all year round.

Lawn Mowing

Gutter Cleaning

Hedge Cutting

Leaf Sweeping

Edging/Weeding

Fence Painting

Pruning

Deck Staining

General Clean

Removal of Old Shed

Jet Wash of: Patios Paths Conservatories Driveways

A Professional & Reliable Service Fully Insured Hours to suit you For a free, no obligation quote, please contact John on:

Returning to Hampshire’s list of Open Gardens Events is the one to be held at Longstock, a beautiful village in the heart of the Test Valley, and close to Stockbridge. 8 Gardens, some of which have never previously been seen by the general public, plus the Village Allotments and St Mary’s Church will be open to visitors.

Programmes will be on sale in the Village Hall (Post Code SO20 6DP) and also at one of the designated parking areas in the village.

Watch out for the signs. Teas will be served in the Village Hall on both afternoons starting at 1.30 pm, where there will also be a Plant Stall with many quality plants and bargains to be had.

A limited amount of free - mini bus - transport will be available to take visitors up and down the village.

Garden Maintenance

T: 07928027462 john.dashwood308@gmail.com

Paddock Perfection

Maintaining Hampshire's Paddocks to Perfection

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Grass Cutting * Harrowing, Seeding & Fertilising Hay Making, Baling * Fencing Topping, Rolling * Scrub Clearance & Excavation Ploughing, Rotavating * Reseeding Grass Cutting * Direct Drilling

24

FEATURE

BUMPER PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2019 HAMPSHIRE COUNTRY AND GARDEN FESTIVAL

O

ne of the highlights of the county calendar,The Hampshire Country & Garden Festival, returns to Bere Mill,Whitchurch, on Saturday 8 June and Sunday 9 June. There will be a host of entertainment, demonstrations and workshops, gift and garden stalls, plus delicious food and drink, appealing to everyone who loves the great outdoors. This year’s event will be a celebration of the restoration of the listed building Bere Mill, after it was severely damaged by fire in February 2018. Rupert Nabarro, owner of the Mill, will give a talk about how he and his wife restored the mill while keeping it true to its historic origins.

Rosy Hardy (see below), David Jewell, Head of Collections at The Hillier Arboretum and Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall, author of bestsellers such as ‘Gardening Made Easy' and the ‘Good Granny Guides’.

OPENING EVENING The Festival kicks off with an evening event at Bere Mill on Saturday 8 June from 6.30-10.00pm, sponsored by JM Finn Wealth Management, where guest speaker and best-selling novelist Santa Montefiore will be ‘in conversation’ with former BBC and ITV presenter, producer and editor, Professor Khalid Aziz LVO DL FRSA. Tickets cost £35 per person and include canapés, fizz from local Hampshire vineyard, Coates and Seely, a picnic supper, an auction and a twilight guided garden tour by Rupert Nabarro.

Rosy Hardy: Choosing perennials for summer colour Rosy Hardy is an award winning nurseryman and has been growing herbaceous perennials commercially for the past 30 years. A regular TV presenter, she has won 23 gold medals at The Chelsea Flower Show. She’ll talk about how to choose perennials for the best summer colour, drawing on her experience in creating beautiful herbaceous borders and gardens.

THE FESTIVAL The Festival opens from 10am until 5pm on Sunday 9 June, with a vast array of things to see and do, all set in the beautiful grounds by the river Test, including a dog show, MG Owners Club meet, pottery workshops, Andover Beekeepers and the Bumblebee Conversation Trust. In the demonstration tent celebrity cake maker Coco Blanche will show people how to produce the perfect celebration cake, there will be a pasta and vegan demo by Peta Leith from the Ivy Restaurant, jam making by Jennifer Williams, producer of Naked Jam and how to create a beautiful hand-tied posy with flowers from your garden by Claire Lloyd from KitCat & Flo. Musical entertainment will be provided by local Hampshire band, Head North, sponsored by OptiBac Probiotics.

There will plenty to keep the kids entertained too, with Furlock Holmes petting zoo, Merry-Go-Round Story-Telling, children’s yoga, Sandykidz SandArt, Juggling Jake’s circus skills, Cookery classes making and a selection of arts and crafts activities.

Festival visitors can explore a feast of horticultural treasures and purchase a selection of plants for their garden from a host of well-known specialist nurserymen, including Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants and Fernlea Nurseries. A wide range of more than 40 stalls will also sell art, gifts, food, wine and spirits from Hampshire’s finest producers and retailers. There will be plenty of fare to consume at the festival, or to take away to enjoy at home, from ice cream to charcuterie and hog roasts; cider to craft beer and sparkling English wine.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Gardener’s Question Time – this is one of the most popular events, chaired

by Stefan Buczacki, well known former panelist and Chairman of Radio 4’s ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’. The public can get Stefan’s expert advice on all their gardening queries. Joining Stefan on the expert panel will be

TALKS Sarah Eberle: Designing a Chelsea Garden Sarah, a landscape architect and garden designer with 42 years in the industry, mostly spent in Hampshire, will give a fascinating insight into designing a garden for the Chelsea Flower Show. She’ll reveal some of the secrets of her success in winning 15 Gold Medals.

Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall, who has been designing gardens in England and abroad for nearly 40 years and who had won two gold medals at Chelsea Flower Show, will give a talk about her books ‘The Good Granny Guides’.

Lucinda Miller:The Good Stuff – A Recipe for Happier & Healthier Kids.

Parents can pick up top tips on how to nurture healthy eating habits, from naturopath, child nutrition expert, founder of NatureDoc and Hampshire mum of three, Lucinda Miller, which she’ll share from her book ‘The Good Stuff ’.

Elodie Stanley and Flora’s kitchen: Summer Soups and Simple Salsas This year the festival welcomes back Elodie Stanley, an experienced and knowledgeable nutritionist and functional medicine practitioner who will be joined by Flora Gordon Clark, an accomplished and inspirational Chef and founder of “Flora’s Kitchen” in Lasham, where she runs a wide range of cooking courses catering for all ages. While Flora demonstrates how to make iconic summer soups and delicious salsas, with tastings, Elodie will explain the nutrient value of the ingredients she uses.There will also be a number of “Flora’s Kitchen” herb-infused oils and health-promoting vinegars for sale.

Discounted tickets are available online at www.hampshiregardenfestival.co.uk or by calling 01256 314759, as follows: Adult Ticket: £8 (£10 on the day) Child Ticket: £4 (£5 on the day) Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £20 (£25 on the day) Under 5s go free All proceeds from the festival will go to the Hampshire Medical Fund to raise money for a Sysmex Sentimag Monitor that hugely improves a breast cancer patient’s experience of surgery, improves efficiency with theatre timetabling and will benefit over 200 patients a year.

For more information please visit www.hampshiregardenfestival.co.uk or call: 01256 314759

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GARDEN

LAWN MOWING MADE EASY – OR AT LEAST A LITTLE EASIER!

the same order or drive to work the same route. It makes things easier for us as we don’t have to think about the mundane stuff. We just do it.

Most people are the same with their lawn mowing. Rarely do they vary their approach or direction of mow. They start at point A and finish at point B. As you mow your lawn, the weight of the mower and the forward motion pushes the grass leaf in the direction you are mowing. Over time the grass begins to lean over this way making it harder to get a clean cut.

Varying the direction of mow helps to promote healthy grass growth and makes for a more attractive lawn. It also reduces the chance of ruts forming from the wheels of the mower pressing into the turf repeatedly.

H

Now to look at mowing frequency; let’s face it, we are all busy people.

Most of us work hard all week and often hard on the weekend too.

Speak to those lucky enough to be retired and they usually tell you they’ve never been busier. When we are busy or tired there is a tendency not to get everything done on time. The problem with mowing is that the grass just keeps on growing. Miss a mow and it’s longer than ever.

ow often is lawn mowing doing more harm that you might think? Lawn mowing is one of those garden tasks that many people think they can do themselves. Some get it right and do a wonderful job; others are regularly getting it wrong. Perhaps you’d be surprised to learn how much harm you can do to your lawn by not getting the basics right.

By now you might be wondering; just what it is that you need to know before mowing your lawn?

When it comes to lawn mowing there are really three main considerations; height, direction of cut and frequency. Let’s look at each of them in turn.

Mowing height is a fine balance between keeping the grass tidy and looking superb, along with allowing the grass to have enough leaf to photosynthesise and remain healthy. Plants use the green pigment in their leaves, along with sunlight, to synthesise nutrients from carbon dioxide and water. Remove too much leaf and you are reducing the ability of the grass plants in your lawn to create food. Weakening the grasses and allowing diseases to take hold. The grass dies back leaving bare patches where weed seeds and moss spores can settle, germinate and spoil the appearance of your lawn.

By all means mow your lawn short, but don’t do it suddenly. Only ever reduce the mowing height gradually over time. If you want to mow short then ensure growing conditions are right. Warm but not too hot.

Moist, but not too much rain, and of course adequate fertiliser. Speak to a lawn care professional to ensure your lawn is receiving the treatments it needs to keep it healthy before you reduce its chances of feeding itself.

Ideally you should be varying the cut height throughout the growing season. Starting high as grass growth slowly begins in spring. Lowering as the growing season warms up and growth is more vigorous. Raising the height again in the dry, hot weeks of summer when the longer grass will protect the soil from drying out and capture more dew overnight to help water the lawn. Then, gradually lowering again with the lush growth that comes in autumn. Finally you want to be going into winter with longer grass, better able to survive the stressful bad weather.

Humans are by nature creatures of habit. Think about your day and the things you do regularly, the same way each time. We get ready for bed in

As the grass plants grow taller the stems of the plants extended into your cutting zone. When you do finally catch up you are inevitably taking off too much leaf. Cutting into the stem of the grass shocks the plant.

Making it less able to recover from the mow and more susceptible to diseases and die-back. Plus the lawn looks scalped and untidy.

Mowing can feel like a never-ending job and grass growth can be unforgiving. Lawn care professionals have access to growth suppressants.

Applied to your lawn they reduce growing height and encourage more compact, dense growth. They also encourage root growth, creating a more drought tolerant lawn. Speak to a lawn care professional to find out more.

Mowing is a Marmite kind of job; those that love it, really love it and those that don’t, thoroughly hate it. After all, if you work hard all week, or if you are at a stage in life where hard work is behind you, then maybe there is something else you’d rather be doing than mowing the lawn. Create some you-time and leave your lawn care to the professionals.You might be surprised by how affordable a professional lawn care plan is and I’m certain you’ll be impressed by the professional results.

Ian Kenyon owns Shrekfeet Lawn and Garden Services. He is always happy to offer friendly, professional advice and help 01264 570111, 07739 789483 www.shrekfeet.com

GARDEN

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27

At Last...

Fashion Show in aid of Alzheimer's UK and Breast Cancer Haven

Join us at the At Last Shop, 84 High Street, Andover, SP10 1NE on May 9th for one of our three shows!

Featuring David Mellor Jewellers and Toni&Guy Hairdressers 11am - Coffee and Cake - £20 3pm - Afternoon Tea - £20 7.30pm - Champagne and Canapés - £25 All ticket revenue going to our two chosen charities To book your ticket please contact us on t: 01264 365629, e: annabel@atlastandover.co.uk or come and see us in store 84 High Street, Andover, SP10 1NE www.atlastshop.co.uk

SUMMER AT

At Last...

Established in 2003, At Last... has become a leading name in the South of England providing beautiful and original boutique clothing and accessories for women of all ages.

Our friendly staff are always on hand with a keen eye to help you put together an outfit, pick out a key piece, or add the perfect accessories to finish an outstanding ensemble.

WE HAVE A FANTASTIC ARRAY OF DISTINCTIVE AND EXCITING BRANDS SUCH AS:

LILY AND ME • ASH • STAR MELA • FOIL • VILAGALLO LUNAR • AMAZING WOMAN • KATIE LOXTON • LATTE MARBLE • CREAM • ENVY JEWELLERY

Open Monday - Saturday: 9.30am - 5pm

t: 01264 365629

atlastshop.co.uk

annabel@atlastandover.co.uk

84 HIGH STREET, ANDOVER, SP10 1NE

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COMMUNITY

ROMSEY ANTIQUES & DECORATIVE ARTS FAIR IN 5 LOCATIONS IN THE CENTRE OF ROMSEY 12TH MAY: 9.30AM – 3. 30PM Romsey Antiques & Decorative Arts Fair goes from strength to strength and is now in its 4th year and brings together passionate enthusiasts and traders of Antiques & Collectables, by offering both inside and outside spaces we can offer up to 100 stalls with a vast array of items for sale, including Antiques, Collectables, paintings, sculptor, object de art, furniture, glassware, jewellery, vintage clothing & housewares, silver, ceramics, military items, textiles Vinyl records,and decorative arts… to name but few.

The 5 locations in the centre of Romsey are: Town Hall, United Reform Abbey Hall, Church Place, King John’s House Museum and the Cornmarket.

Maps of the locations can be obtained at local venues and on the day.

This is a great way of re-discovering Romsey at the same time of treating yourself. With street foods and music this make a wonderful day out. Free entry and free parking throughout the town. www.acvrevents.co.uk

ARCHAEOLOGY WALK: SAXONS IN THE SOUTH DOWNS

TEST VALLEY VILLAGES LECTURE SERIES: A PASSION FOR BOOKS SPEAKER: ELAINE SPERBER, OWNER OF THE BOOKMARK BOOKSHOP, STOCKBRIDGE The second in our group of evenings exploring local passions will feature Elaine Sperber, whose BOOKMARK book shop opened its doors just over a year ago, adding a welcome addition to the local scene in the Test Valley.

Elaine is a former television and film producer both in the US and UK. She was born in Los Angeles and moved to England in 1995, enticed by the British man who is now her husband.

After producing or executive producing over 50 series for the BBC and CBBC, winning numerous BAFTA, RTS and Broadcast Awards for her shows, she decided to hang up her spurs, as they say in the Old West, and move into her new career as a bookshop owner in Stockbridge.

Elaine’s passion is stories. She will discuss her evolution from West Los Angeles to West Tytherley, and from book lover to book seller.

All are welcome. Entry is £5, to include a glass of wine or soft drink.

Full time students free. No booking necessary.

This will take place on Wednesday May 15th 8pm at St Mary’s Church, Broughton

KING'S SOMBORNE DOG SHOW GAUNTLET

Join Butser Ancient Farm interpretive staff and explore the Saxon landscape around Butser Ancient Farm.We will visit the important site of the 7th Century Church Down Saxon settlement, and Harold Godwin’s St Hubert’s Church at Idsworth.You'll also have the chance to see the reconstructed Saxon buildings at Butser Ancient Farm. Enjoy a wonderful walk through the borderlands of the West and the South Saxons, 5 miles distance, 400 years in time. Medium difficulty.

10am – Arrive at Butser Ancient Farm and view the reconstructed Saxon buildings. 10.30am – depart Butser Ancient Farm and drive the short distance to St Hubert’s Church Idsworth to start the walk.We will then begin a circular walk from the church up to Church Down to see the original site of the Saxon village, from which the evidence for Butser’s Saxon buildings is drawn. 12.30pm – arrive back at St Hubert’s Church with a chance to see the church and the wall paintings from the 1300’s.

You’ll then have the option to return to Butser Ancient Farm for the rest of the afternoon.

Ticket price includes entry to Butser Ancient Farm and a hot drink from the café.

Saturday 1 June 2019 - 10:00AM to 1:00PM Ticket Price: £15.00 (booking fee applies) Box Office: 02392 598838 or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/ hampshire/butser-ancient-farm/archaeology-walk-saxons-in-thesouth-downs/2019-06-01/10:00

Our popular village dog show returns for another year, in conjunction with the King’s Somborne Fun Day, on 27th July. A chance to have a lovely afternoon out with your furry friend, we have both the traditional pedigree classes but also the novelty classes, which always prove very entertaining!

Will your dog have the Waggiest Tail, or be the one The judge would most like to take home?! With lovely new rosettes for 1st to 3rd place in every class, amazing prizes (including a doggy photo shoot with a professional photographer at his purpose-built studio, for our Best in Show), and goody bags for all our Junior Handlers, you and your dog are sure to have fun afternoon!

For more information, please contact Annie Leete on 01794 388229 or via email on kingsombornedogshow@gmail.com

RETAIL

DAVINA'S - FANTASTIC DRESSES IN WARSASH Davina’s fantastic dress shop is now located at 7 Warsash Road Warsash SO31 9HW. For those unfamiliar with Warsash it is 2 doors away from Peter Nash Specialist Cars and opposite the Ferryman public house.There is a large unrestricted free car park on the other side of the road.

The shop comprises 3 large airy rooms with 3 changing rooms.The front room has the largest selection of mother of the bride/groom outfits in Hampshire/Dorset, with a choice of Condici, John Charles and Veni Infantino.They combine classic styles in jewel, or pastel colours and a selection of younger ruched outfits.

There is also a range of matching hats, hatinators and fascinators, many of which are made exclusively for Davina’s. For those who want a one-stop-shop Davina’s also stock shoes and handbags to complete your outfit. Part of the main room and a second room contain lots of exciting casual trousers, or tops to more structured outfits, ideal for cruising, or visiting Ascot, or a Royal Garden Party. Labels include Frank Lyman, Josef Ribkoff, Habella and Maria Bellantani Italian knitwear.You will be spoiled for choice.The third room contains evening wear, with many sale, or reduced items. Davina's also has an exciting range of the latest prom dresses by Mascara.

You are never pressurised to buy and advice is available if requested from Davina, or her knowledgeable staff, but you can just browse if you prefer. Husbands, or partners are warmly welcome to ‘watch the fashion show’, or just sit back in one of the comfortable easy chairs and read the newspaper.

Davina has herself lived in Warsash for 45 years and is proud now to have her shop there.

No. 1 in Hampshire and Dorset for Mother of the Bride/Groom & quality label day wear Davina’s has the largest up-to-date selection of high quality designer wear and ladies’ fashion clothing. If you are looking for a Mother of the Bride/Groom outfit, special occasion wear, cruise wear, or simply an addition to your seasonal wardrobe, then Davina’s is for you.

Tel: 01489 880900 or shop online at: www.davinasladiesfashion.co.uk 7 Warsash Road, Warsash, Southampton, SO31 9HW Open Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm

Sunday 12th May & Sunday 13th October

M: 07514 680872 Email: jackieedwardsmarketing@gmail.com www.acvrevents.co.uk

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A LOCAL STORY OF KINDNESS AND GOOD WILL

CELEBRATING MARKETING EXCELLENCE IN THE TEST VALLEY Local web design & digital marketing agency sponsors new Marketing Excellence category in Test Valley Business Awards.

Andover-based web design, digital marketing and creative agency, Webkick Ltd., is sponsoring the Test Valley Business Awards newest category for 2019; the Marketing Excellence Award.

Open to businesses of any size, the Marketing Excellence Award celebrates innovation, originality, and a great return on investment (ROI) from a marketing campaign that was active at any time during 2018. What’s more, agencies are also invited to enter client campaigns on behalf of their clients.

PHOTO: DANNY FREDO OF DF MOBILITY, DEREK AND PAULA RATCLIFFE AND LOUISA ROBERTS-WEST FROM THE PSP ASSOCIATION

As the new Head teacher of Wherwell Primary School, I am delighted to have the opportunity to provide readers with a monthly update on all of the wonderful things the children have been doing. Although this is a new role for Local businessman Danny Frendo of DF Mobility in Andover kindly visited the PSP Support Group in Wherwell on 27th March. Each month people who have been diagnosed with the rare degenerative brain diseases PSP or CBD visit Wherwell Village Hall - some travelling from as far away as Somerset and Sussex.

Louisa Roberts-West became involved with The PSP charity (pspassociation.org.uk) in 2013 having lost her own mother to the illness back in 2006. She now regularly welcomes between 15 and 50 people from Hampshire, Wiltshire and beyond through the doors of Wherwell Village Hall for the regional support group.

PSP is a terminal neurological condition causing problems with balance, movement, vision, speech and swallowing. Although there are currently 4,000 diagnosed cases of PSP in the UK, neurologists believe the number of those living with the condition is perhaps as high as 10,000. Since there is no diagnostic test that can be done for PSP, individuals often spend many years being mis-diagnosed with other illnesses such as Motor Neurone Disease or Parkinsons - this leaves people feeling increasingly isolated and frightened.

Wherwell Village Hall offers the perfect safe space for the monthly group where individuals can enjoy relaxed conversation and share their fears and and frustrations in a friendly environment. Advice and suggestions shared helps to make lives a little easier.

We were delighted that Danny Frendo of DF Mobility came along to demonstrate various mobility aides where individuals were able to ‘road-test” types of equipment such as special walking frames, wheelchairs and other helpful gadgets designed to help ease day to day tasks. Since getting out and about can be such a huge challenge for people living with PSP or CBD, the convenience and willingness of DF Mobility bringing devices from their shop to us was invaluable. The group greatly appreciated the opportunity to see and experiment with various aides and were very grateful to DF Mobility for their cooperation.

DF Mobility Tel: 01264 339678 5 Black Swan Yard, Andover SP10 1EZ

Creative Director of Webkick Ltd., Edward Thomas, commented on their sponsorship of this award “As an agency specialising in all things marketing, we’re delighted to be introducing this new category to the Awards for 2019. I am keen to promote the importance of marketing in retaining and generating new business and to highlight our excellent local agencies who are generating income for clients here and right across the country.

“Marketing is an incredibly important part of any business’ activities, with good marketing being one of the key contributing factors to business growth and success; profits come from sales and sales come from marketing. We want to celebrate local businesses doing truly innovative and remarkable things in this challenging field.”

THE TEST VALLEY BUSINESS AWARDS 2019 AWARDS CATEGORIES & GOLD SPONSORS ARE Innovation & Technology Award - The University of Southampton Science Park New Business of the Year Award - Test Valley Borough Council Marketing Excellence Award – Webkick Ltd. Employer of the Year Award – Simplyhealth Businesswoman of the Year Award – Aster Group Small Business of the Year Award – Parker Bullen LLP To enter this and any of the Awards’ other categories, businesses are asked to visit: www.tvbawards.org.uk/enter and fill in the simple online form with 200 – 250 words about your business against the relevant category judging criteria, which can also be found on the Awards’ website.

During the entry period, several entrants will be selected at random to receive an array of fabulous entry prizes; including wine, theatre tickets, and other sought-after local goodies. The Awards is free to enter; taking just a few short minutes to fill in the online form which, if successfully chosen as a winner, could lead to a full 12 months of business promotion across the Test Valley.

Businesses are encouraged to enter as many categories as possible before the entry & nomination period ends at midnight on 13th May. Now in its 15th year, the Test Valley Business Awards – run by a steering group of volunteers – has become a well-established platform to champion business excellence. It is a great way of shining a light particularly on the many new and small businesses in the region, all doing interesting and valuable work, but often out of sight.

For more information about the Test Valley Business Awards and how to enter, please visit: www.tvbawards.org.uk

RETAIL

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Inspirational talks will include photographing wild dogs, walking safaris and much more!

Guildhall Winchester -Tuesday 14 May 7pm-10pm To book your place contact events@wildlifeworldwide.com and quote:The Forum

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FARLEIGH ROCKS IT AT JROCK!

WHERWELL PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS As the new Head teacher of Wherwell Primary School, I am delighted to have the opportunity to provide readers with a monthly update on all of the wonderful things the children have been doing. Although this is a new role for me, I have been teaching at Wherwell Primary School for almost 9 years.

We currently have 130 pupils who come from Chilbolton and Wherwell but also attract children from the surrounding villages and Andover.

The summer term is very busy as our year 6 (10 and 11 year olds) take their SATS, the results of which are used to rank the school nationally. We are currently ranked in the top 1% for schools for English, a fantastic accolade which we couldn’t have achieved without our excellent teaching staff, assistants and hardworking children.

We are very lucky in that our parents make a tremendous effort with our year round fundraising activities, and although this update will in the future be more about what the children have been up to, I feel it is important to publicise the fact that we are, like many schools, struggling with funding cuts.

The uncomfortable truth is that school budgets have effectively been held at 2010 levels for the last 8 years, with further pressure placed on schools by adding additional costs such as NI and Pension contributions.

In fact, Hampshire is the second worst funded county in the country under the Governments new schools funding formula, as such, 30% of Hampshire primary schools are in financial difficulty.

This is why our fundraising events are so important, as they help to supplement school equipment.

Farleigh School pupils, in Years 5 and 6, took part in the Junior Rock Challenge in Southampton. Their performance, based on William Golding's Lord of the Flies depicts their transformation from boarding school pupils into savage hunters.

On Thursday 7th March, 46 children in Years 5 and 6 from Farleigh School travelled to the Guildhall in Southampton to take part in the Junior Rock Challenge, a performing arts competition for primary and junior, special needs and independent schools.

Farleigh’s routine, based on William Golding's Lord of the Flies, depicts their transformation from typical boarding school pupils into savage hunters, as they adapted to being stranded on a deserted island. During the eight minute performance, their fear of the unknown manifested into the imaginary 'beastie' and cracks soon started to form between them. With dramatic lighting created

by Charlie in Year 6 and realistic stage makeup, the end product was truly haunting.

The event was a resounding success and audiences were astounded by the standard of performances. Farleigh's time on the stage was no exception and the children were delighted to have their hard work acknowledged by the panel of expert judges, receiving awards for excellence in the following areas: Drama, Performance Skill, Choreography, Concept, Soundtrack and Entertainment.

Most impressively, Farleigh's routine also won the Performers’ Choice Award, as voted for by the other competing schools.

Our most recent purchases funded by the PTA have included new dictionaries and basic maths and IT equipment. So far, we have been lucky enough that these funds have also contributed to play equipment and other exciting projects which I will report on next month. Going forward however, we may well have to allocate more funds raised by the PTA to core curriculum needs.

Our largest fundraising event of the year is our fete, which is fast approaching. We are very proud of the strong sense of community at our school and we would love it if you could join us when we will all come together for the fete on Sunday 19th May from midday until 3pm at Wherwell School. Your support would be very welcome, even if you do not have children at our school. This year we have a fantastic array of stalls, a BBQ provided by the Clos de Marquis, a fantastic raffle and dancing demonstrations by the children.

We hope you can join us and I look forward to updating regularly on school life here at Wherwell.

Written by Mary Collins, Headteacher www.wherwellprimary.co.uk

Kevin Hession, Head of Drama says: “Our pupils performed with impressive amounts of maturity and intensity. They tackled a complex and multi-layered range of emotions throughout the piece, demonstrating how hard they had worked to take on board the advice and notes given to improve their portrayal of the characters. The pupils' approach to the project was phenomenal from start to finish and they should feel incredibly proud of their achievements.”

Photographs by Nick Scott Photography

HOME

BOARDING AT GODOLPHIN Times are changing. Traditional boarding is moving over to accommodate a fresh, more flexible offering in order to meet the demands of modern family life. With this in mind, Godolphin’s Cooper House recently re-opened its doors following an extensive refurbishment project and offers generous accommodation for full time, weekly and midweek boarders, from years nine to 11. In addition Godolphin’s Walters House provides the same flexibility for junior boarders aged between seven and 13.

All students are welcome to stay at any time (subject to availability), which is great for those involved in late evening or early morning clubs, and many have found this new system invaluable in the runup to their GCSEs, when every minute counts and extra-curricular support is provided.

A dedicated team of house staff maintain a constant presence in both houses, and most evenings the house offices are overflowing with girls simply ‘hanging out,’ or playing with the beloved house dachshund, Beetle.

Aside from the obvious benefits for pupils, parents can rest assured that if they’re away, the girls are having a great time at ‘home’.

There’s no doubt that boarding prepares students to succeed in the real world, to adapt to new situations and to develop strong interpersonal skills in a safe environment. Now, thanks to Godolphin’s boarding menu more and more girls can take advantage of these valuable life skills. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why Godolphin has been awarded Southwest Independent Secondary School of the Year 2019.

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HOME

INTRODUCING TEST VALLEY 2020

WHAT IS IT? Test Valley 2020 - Borough of Culture is a year long festival of events which celebrate the people, places, heritage and culture of the Test Valley.

Organised by Test Valley Arts Foundation with the support of Hampshire County Council, Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire Cultural Trust.

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WHY IS IT HAPPENING? Test Valley Arts Foundation believes in making the arts and culture accessible for everyone. We recog-nise that the borough already has a rich variety of cultural events and activities, we want to celebrate those and help them to reach new audiences. However we also want to create opportunities which animate areas where there is little or nothing on offer - we want to engage rural communities and hard to reach people, groups as well as ‘on the map’ attractions. Our vision is to inspire creativity, innovation, joy, emotion and expression everywhere!

MASONRY • PAINT JOBS PLASTERING • FENCE BUILDING PATIO WORK • WALLPAPER HANGING FURNITURE ASSEMBLY CARPENTRY • FLOORING For more information contact Laszlo on 07519 106296 e: laszlokarai@gmail.com

CELEBRATION AND PROMOTION OF ALL THAT EXISTS Test Valley 2020 - Borough of Culture will offer borough wide promotion to all participating groups, venues and individuals. A programme of events will be promoted through the website and advertising campaign including social media channels, PR and media advertising. Participants will be able to add their events to the programme and benefit from inclusion in this campaign - reaching new audiences with their events. The Test Valley 2020 logo will also be available for use on each participants market-ing material - raising the profile of both the individual and wider projects.

CREATION OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES The project will encourage collaboration between participants to create new events. Test Valley Arts Foundation will offer promotional support, connections and small grants to those who want to get new projects off the ground. Projects proposed should seek to fulfil the vision for community engagement with culture through creative participation.

Choosing your residential property refurbishment partner is a big decision. We aim to ensure that the refurbishment of your home centres around you and your individual needs.

With our extensive range of services, you can be sure we have plenty of options for you.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED 1) Tell us about your planned events: Upload details of your events, workshops, concerts, exhibitions etc. via our website to benefit from inclusion in our programme and advertising campaign, for FREE! 2) To get support for creation of a new event/activity: Email the project co-ordinator, Rebecca Maddox: rebecca@ testvalleyarts.org with details of your idea and what support you need to make it happen. There will be a number of grants up to £250 available, we may also be able to help you find other funding sources.There is currently no formal application procedure or deadline for funding requests, but we will ensure that funds are distributed evenly across the Borough and different genres of activity.

3) Keep Informed Sign up to our mailing list via our website to receive project updates: www.testvalleyarts.org

Like our page on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/testvalleyarts/

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COMMUNITY

HOME

FIVE WAYS TO WELLBEING – HELPING TO KEEP HAMPSHIRE HEALTHY Councillor Patricia Stallard, Executive Member for Public Health at Hampshire County Council, said, “The Five Ways to Wellbeing campaign is about how we can look after ourselves to improve our mental wellbeing and flourish. We are encouraging everyone to build the fives ways into their daily life to stay healthy and active, thereby becoming more resilient to life’s inevitable ups and downs.”

CAPITAL BUILDING CONTRACTS & PROJECT MANGEMENT Capital Building Contracts & Project Management is a well established building company offering a wide range of building services throughout Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey.

Capital Building Contracts & Project Management is ran

by Michael Harris, who has an in depth experience of the building industry established over the last 30 years. Michael works as the principal contractor/project manager and undertakes small to large scale projects, bringing in specialist sub contractors where necessary.

According to research, there are five ways to boost our mental wellbeing: • connecting with others • being active • continuing to learn • giving to others in your community • being mindful

Michael prides himself on delivering projects on time and to budget, whilst establishing a close working relationship with his clients.

Working as both the building contractor and project manager, this helps to save his clients both time and money.

Councillor Stallard added, “In Hampshire there are many opportunities to get you started, for example, taking a walk in one of our country parks such as the Royal Victoria Country Park, either on our own or with family and friends. There are also lots of walking groups across the county who welcome new members, whatever your age or fitness. In addition, Hampshire has many volunteering opportunities – a great place to start looking for what’s available near you is the County Council’s volunteering web pages.”

References and testimonials can be provided upon request. Michael can be contacted on 01730 823865, 07733 220670 or by email at michaelharris.508@btinternet.com

Capital Building Contracts & Project Management understakes barn conversions, oak timber framing, loft conversions, new builds and extensions together with all the associated works.

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The Five Ways are widely recognised as buffers against mental ill health, supporting people to age healthily and live independently for longer. The Five Ways to Wellbeing campaign enables people to develop their own resources to fit with their lifestyle, promote a sense of wellbeing and help them to stay well.

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01962 735137

stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk

PEAK ELECTRICS

Electrical contractor Chilbolton

Domestic & light commercial electrician New installations ~ alterations ~ repairs testing ~ inspection ~ certification

01264 861484 07850 213800

steve@peakelectrics.co.uk www.peakelectrics.co.uk

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CHURCH SERVICES

Sunday 26 10.00 4th Sunday Worship

with Sunday School

18.00 Alive!

Wednesday 1 & 15 10.15 Holy Communion

Goodworth Clatford

Leckford

St Peter's

Bossington St. James

Sunday 5 09.30 Holy Communion Sunday 19 18.00 Meditation Sunday 26 11.00 Rogation: Holy Communion

for the Benefice

Sunday 5 08.00 Said Holy Communion 11.00 Family Service Sunday 12 11.00 Morning Worship Sunday 19 11.00 Matins Sunday 26 11.00 Holy Communion

Houghton

All Saint's Church

Broughton

Sunday 12 09.30 Family Communion

Sunday 5 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Bible Uncovered Sunday 12 09.30 Holy Communion Sunday 19 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Family Service

King's Somborne

St. Mary's

Chilbolton

St. Mary the Less Sunday 5 10.00 Family Service Sunday 12 10.00 Morning Prayer Sunday 19 10.00 Family Communion Sunday 26 18.00 Benefice Evensong

Crawley

St. Mary's Sunday 5 10.00 Family Communion Sunday 12 10.00 Morning Worship Sunday 19 08.00 Holy Communion

Methodist Church

Sunday 5 10.30 Holy Communion Sunday 12 10.00 Morning Worship Sunday 19 10.30 Morning Worship 15.30 Messy Church Sunday 26 10.30 Morning Worship

King's Somborne

St. Peter & St. Paul Sunday 5 10.00 Parish Communion Sunday 12 08.00 Holy Communion 10.00 Worship For All Ages 15.00 Rogation Service at

Little Somborne Sunday 19 10.00 Parish Communion Sunday 26 08.00 Holy Communion 10.00 Matins

St Nicholas Sunday 5 08.00 Said Holy Communion Sunday 19 18.00 Evensong

Littleton

St. Catherine's Sunday 5 16.00 Cafe Church in

Church Room Sunday 12 10.00 Family Communion

with Christian Aid Sunday 19 10.00 Morning Worship 18.00 Peace & Wholeness Sunday 26 10.00 Family Communion

with Preachers from OMF

Longstock St. Mary

Sunday 5 09.30 CafĂŠ Church starting

with a continental breakfast Sunday 12 09.30 All Age Worship Sunday 19 09.30 Morning Worship Sunday 26 09.15 Parish Communion

Mottisfont

St. Andrew's Sunday 5 18.00 Evensong Sunday 12 11.00 Messy Church Club Sunday 19 11.00 Holy Communion

Sparsholt

St. Stephen's Sunday 5 08.00 Holy Communion Sunday 12 10.00 Welcome Worship Sunday 19 10.00 Matins Sunday 26 10.00 Family Communion

Stockbridge Old St. Peter Sunday 19 08.00 Said Holy Communion

Stockbridge St. Peter

Sunday 5 10.45 Mattins Sunday 12 10.45 Parish Communion Sunday 19 10.45 All Age Worship Sunday 26 10.45 Parish Communion

with Baptism

Stockbridge

St. Thomas More (Catholic) Every Sunday 09.00 Mass

Wherwell

St. Peter & Holy Cross Sunday 5 10.00 Holy Communion Sunday 12 18.00 Benefice Evensong Sunday 19 10.00 Family Pet Service Sunday 26 08.00 Holy Communion

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