Test Valley Forum December 2021 by Mark Tubb

Forum

ISSUE 160 DECEMBER 2021

TEST VALLEY

Life in your Community

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

I'M DREAMING OF AN ALRIGHT CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER NEWS & EVENTS

TEST VALLEY ARTS FOUNDATION

Traditional Christmas Pudding

By Lucia Foster-Found

All the local news and events for the local area

Our year in review

Stockbridge All of us at Myddelton & Major extend Festive Greetings to All Business Owners and Residents of Stockbridge and The Test Valley, and we wish you a Healthy, Happy and Successful 2022

COBBLERS GOLD (GAYNORS)

JASMINE HOUSE - LET TO MIDDLETONS SOLICTORS AND STOCKBRIDGE BARBER

NOMADS HOUSE - LET TO CLOS DU MARQUIS

During 2021 despite the effects of Covid Stockbridge High Street continued to flourish with sustained demand for premises resulting in a number of successful sales and lettings during the year. It is with confidence that we are of the opinion that this will be sustained during 2022. LD

OLD POLICE HOUSE - SOLD AT PUBLIC AUCTION

THE VINE - LET TO HOXTONS BAKERY AND OFFICE LETTINGS

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

www.myddeltonmajor.co.uk

Tel: 01264 316000

TEST VALLEY FORUM DECEMBER 2021

CONTENTS 04 Property Management

Buying, selling, letting? Find local estate agents and property management services

25 Home

Trades, services, designers, All you need for your home

28 Culture

06 Feature

1'm dreaming of an alright Christmas By Lucia Foster-Found

07 Wellbeing

Looking after your health and yourself!

31 Professional Services

12 Education

Alresford, SO24 9QH Tel: 01962 735137 www.forumpublications.co.uk

25 Motoring

Local services to keep your vehicle running

Traditional Christmas Pudding

Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk

Unit 8A, Shelf House, New Farm Road,

Discover local events and days out or in

24 Recipe of the Month

Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk

Forum Publications Offices

22 Leisure & Entertainment

Director of Marketing Rob Harrison rob@forummedianddesign.co.uk

Get in Touch

Make your garden dream come true

Our regular retail feature, Unique, Bespoke, Eclectic and Local shopping

Director of Advertising Steve Walker stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk

Lucia Foster-Found www. luciafosterfound.com

14 Garden 16 Retail

From photographers to solicitors - every professional service you need

Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk

Contributors

Find local schools and educational experts

Music, Art, Literature and Dance

Contacts

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. 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. Test Valley Forum magazine content does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or recommendations of its creators and any reliance upon its content is taken at the user’s sole risk. Adverts designed by Forum Publications remain the magazine's legal ownership. Readership figures calculated on an average national statistic of 2.5 readers per household © Forum Publications Ltd, 2021

COMMUNITY Stockbridge Music Gesualdo 6 Concert Review When you go to a concert you may hope for moments of delight but you do not expect the hairs to stand up on the back of your neck. Yet this is what happened to many of us in this concert by the Gesualdo Six when the voice of the counter-tenor, Guy James, thrilled from the back of the church. For those who do not know them, the Gesualdo Six are a group with voices which are like instruments of superb quality, sometimes blending, sometimes contrasting but always in touch with each other, even when at opposite ends of the church. Their rapport, like the beauty of their voices, is effortless. The majority of the concert was from the Renaissance and particularly from the composers who flourished at the time of Josquin des Prez, the pre-eminent French composer of the time, whose 500th anniversary is this year. This was a period when melodic interweaving or counterpoint was replacing the austere plainsong heard earlier in churches and chapels. The essence of the counterpoint was that the separate melodies, sung together, sound more beautiful as a whole. And this is what we heard again and again. Their familiarity with this period, already profound, must have deepened during lockdown, when it seems, Owain Park – their director – began to learn Renaissance French! The majority of the pieces were those expressing devotion to the Virgin Mary followed by some based on the Song of Songs.

Putting Art in the HeART of your Home A new business has been launched at a fun evening of prosecco, canapes, music and talks at The Wykeham Gallery in Stockbridge. It was a well-attended event and in line with the times, the event was also on Zoom with people joining from around the globe including New Zealand, Antigua and Switzerland giving the evening a truly international flavour! The Trusted Art Guide is a personal art advisory service serving Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset. Jane Young, the founder, introduced herself and the service talking about the importance of art in the home for general well-being, that the art we choose for our homes should reflect our personalities, our memories, hopes and aspirations and if we get it right, the power of these art works will bring us a lifetime of joy. Her service is all about guiding the client towards pieces that really resonate, transforming their house into a home.

Then they moved to early English composers – Cornysh, Fayrfax and Sheryngham – and the flavour was more ‘domestic’ with love complaints, and a call to Jesus for mercy. This was English music of the period with composers less familiar than such as Dowland or Tallis but still vibrant with the slightly plaintive spirit of much music of the time. Finally, to the present day and some huge contrasts. ‘Car auprès de toi’ by the Edinburgh based composer Ninfea Crutwell-Reade could hardly have been more different from Owain Park’s version of ‘Phos hilaron (‘Hail Gladdening Light’). And ‘Grandmother moon’, set to music by Eleanor Daley, is a mystical text by a Mi’kmaq poet living on a British Columbian island. Very different again.

She introduced her two guest speakers – Sophie Hacker, the Winchester based renowned stained-glass artist and all-round artist, and Dinah Mason, an artist and art psychotherapist from Somerset, who both talked about their work and related it to the healing power of art.

The enthusiastic applause as they ended demanded an encore. And in some ways this was, to me, as touching as any of their pieces. ‘Glory to thee My God this night’ begins Tallis’s canon. Familiar, moving, comforting as a lullaby - who could have rendered it more beautifully? This was their second visit and there is little doubt that they’ll be back.

Gerald Dodson said a few words about The Wykeham Gallery and then Jane wrapped up the evening with a last thought - that it is important to remember that your home is where your heart is. When you move house, you and your heart will settle more quickly if you are surrounded by things you love. The right pieces of art go from home to home because they reflect your personality. Therefore, the right art is worth the investment – it will be something you never regret!

Hugh Saxton

www.thetrustedartguide.com Instagram @thetrustedartguide1

Bespoke Kitchen Fitting

Beautiful Made-To-Measure Kitchens Happy Kitchens. WOW WOW WOW . Thank you so much for giving us the wow factor we asked for. From our first meeting with Ben we knew we had chosen the right guys. His professional and laid back approach means it doesn't feel like a hard sell. His knowledge and suggestions on design were fab, he really understands what you are looking to achieve and comes up with some amazing ideas. Super Dan arrived and was absolutely amazing. His attention to detail, craftmanship and skill meant we received a finished product way beyond our expectation. The social distancing protocols worked perfectly and the job finished on time. If you are in the market for a new kitchen these guys will deliver. fabulous quality, great value for money and nothings a problem attitude. We would recommend Happy kitchens without doubt Mr and Mrs McAdam

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.

01264 570097

2017 2018

2019

2020

FEATURE

I’m Dreaming of an Alright Christmas (and dinner, with wine)

WWW.LUCIAFOSTERFOUND.COM

he purchase of presents and Quality Street? Done. In October. Christmas had started. Well, bits of it anyway; when you wanted to send a gift parcel to Australia, it paid to post early. Really early. Early enough that it could be attached to migrating humpback whales or whatever reduced the cost to less than dinner for two, with wine. There’d been a fleeting concern it was a little premature to find snowmen wrapping paper in the shops. She needn’t have worried. In the ‘seasonal’ aisle since the Easter eggs clearance sale, probably. Sucking on a toffee penny, she’d dusted off the ironing board and put it up in the kitchen to use as a handy platform for wrapping the presents. One of the dogs, curious about the unfamiliar noises, came sauntering into the room and with one wild-eyed look at the contraption, tucked her tail under her bottom and scarpered. “Yes – it has been a while. I’m a bit afraid of it too.” She called after the startled spaniel, as she reached for a green triangle. #Workingfromhome and not going out much meant not much had needed ironing. Silver linings. There’d been an ohmygod moment when she’d wandered online to order the shellfish platter for Christmas Eve. This was ‘not just a luxury shellfish platter’, you understand. Actually, it transpired that it was a ‘sold out luxury shellfish platter’. In disbelief, she ate an orange cream as she double-checked the date. Not yet November. Further investigation revealed other unavailable delights; various incarnations of turkey, there’d been a run on the lobster - and no partridges (pear tree presumably optional) were left at all. Should she panic and buy a frozen turkey? Distracting visions emerged of herself cramming a bird, the consistency and size of a small boulder, into an already overcrowded chest freezer, then sitting on the lid.. P’raps not just yet. At least, not until they’d made inroads into the largely unlabelled frozen contents with some ‘dinner roulette’. But the mental image of all that cramming and sitting on lids made her nostalgic for packing a suitcase. Particularly for the holiday she’d cancelled back in September. There’d been a number of factors, but worse than the fear that they’d get stuck abroad if they caught ‘it’ whilst away, had been the visit to the

vet. This revealed that the chirpily named Pet Passport had been replaced by something a lot less alliterative - and a good deal dearer. It amounted to three dinners out, with wine. Per dog. Christmas obsessing aside, she should do something about her other fixation; dinner, with wine. There’d been less socialising of late and honestly, she was sick of the sight of her saucepans. So she booked a table and whilst the ironing board was up, ate a purple one and a coconut éclair, and ironed a frock. Himself sauntered in and he too looked startled by the presence of the ironing board. When she asked what shirt he wanted to wear out to dinner, with wine, he seemed pleased. At least.. he didn’t look wild-eyed then scarper.. So that was good. Thankfully the tree was sorted. Arranged in tubs around the patio were firs of varying varieties, sizes and states of health. The trees of Christmas Past. Last year’s little chap had not yet outgrown its erstwhile corner of the sitting room. She’d dress it in some vintage decorations from the sixties – accompanied by festive offerings from the sublime Andy Williams and Bing Crosby. Chewing on another green triangle, she pondered that things were probably a lot simpler back when Bing and Andy ruled Yule. It wasn’t such a work up. Expectations were more realistic, less pretentious, modest. And so, with a small (and appropriately named) epiphany, she decided that she’d just go for a pared back, pressure off, less-ismore kind of a Christmas. Less disappointment if stuff didn’t happen. More celebration if it did. No fancy seafood platter, apparently. But there’d be a cake; stir up Sunday had produced a dark and hefty creation residing, suitably inebriated, in a tin. There’d be a Christmas lunch which may or may not include turkey. But there would be pigs in blankets, stuffing, roast potatoes and veg – she was pretty sure that all of these were concealed somewhere in the freezer already. Might need to don arctic gear and go on a search and rescue mission to locate them… And pop out to buy some more Quality Street; she couldn’t work out where they’d all gone. Plus, to the relief of all, she’d put the ironing board away. This year, whatever might be missing, whatever might be sold out, Christmas, all of it, whatever all of it entailed, would be alright…

WELLBEING

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01962 735137 stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk

• McTimoney Chiropractic • Sports Therapy • Allergy Testing • Hypnotherapy • Homeopathy • Counselling • Nutrition Chiros Clinic has close links to Andover Osteopathy, for more information contact Mark on 01264 580280

36 East Street, Andover, SP10 1ES

COMMUNITY / WELLBEING Andover Fun Festivities ‘Yule’ Not Want to Miss Fabulous festive events coming to the town centre bringing fun for all the family, and it all starts this weekend. Andover BID has been working very closely with Test Valley Borough Council, Chantry Centre and Andover Town Council to bring together a packed programme of Christmas events this December. The programme includes Christmas Projection Shows, a Christmas Trail, Santa’s Grotto, Street Occurrences, Fairs and Live Music. The programme kicks off this weekend with two days of events and entertainment. Treats for the Saturday 27th November include Winter Wanderland (also on the 28th), the opening of Santa’s Grotto, the Pop-up Market and Christmas Trails.

Why do my shoulders always feel so tight and knotty? Do you often wonder this? You’re knot alone! This is one of the most frequently asked questions in my treatment room. Muscles don’t actually tighten or become knotted, what is actually happening is a process of ischaemia and fibrosis. This means your muscle’s blood supply is compromised and the muscle is losing its soft, springy tone. What you feel as knots, hardness, lumps and point tenderness is the muscle reacting to reduced oxygenation, which eventually creates a fibrotic or hardening effect in the muscle over time. It’s usually caused by inefficient use of the muscle through prolonged poor posture, overuse, alignment issues, chronic and mismanaged injury, movement or position habits, or a sedentary lifestyle. Symptoms such as mid-back or neck ache, headaches, radiations to the arms or hands, muscular spasms, tingling or throbbing often accompany shoulder tension and can result in feelings of fatigue, anxiety and distraction.

On Sunday 28th November there will be a Christmas food and gift fair, Cirque Winter Wonderland with Circus Performers as well as a walkabout with Rudolf and Franky in the High Street. There will be craft workshops in the Chantry Centre and Harry the Piano is also back by popular demand (challenge him to play any well known Christmas tune in any style). There is fun to be had around the whole Town Centre this year, with light installations in and around St Mary's Church and some lovely Fairground stalls around Riverside park. And if you are in the town this Friday look out for the Giant Nutcrackers arriving for the Nutcraker Trail running everyday throughout December (more details on Inandover.co.uk). Shelley Coburn, Andover BID Event Coordinator, said “we would like to encourage Andover’s wonderful community to get behind our ‘spend local this Christmas’ message. We will be putting on some great events to give residents, visitors and businesses a well-deserved boost to the town after the disappointment that surrounded Christmas 2020 when Covid stopped plans”. You can see our a full list of events and occurrences here and find out more information on our Website www.inandover.co.uk/towncentre-events/ and Test Valley Borough Council’s www.testvalley. gov.uk/christmas-events

So what can you do about it? Muscles that have got into this state are usually weak and fatigued, so the best thing is to use strength training, especially eccentric focussed, to rebuild strength, length and great tone. Try it: • Use a cable machine or tie a resistance band to an anchor point on the ground. • Grab the band or handle and step away from the anchor point so you feel a stretch and pull in your shoulder • Then gently shrug the shoulder up • And then SLOWLY lower the shoulder down Repeat 10x each side and do it daily. The video is up on the website for further guidance. Keep your band tied to the anchor point of your desk leg so you have a visual reminder! Apart from alignment and postural issues that can affect your shoulders, it is worth also considering other lifestyle factors that may be influential. The quality of your sleep, stress levels, the change in seasons, hunching against the cold, depression or anxiety and poor movement habits will all affect muscle tone. Make sure you consider all these areas to really get to the bottom of why your shoulders hurt, and if you need a hand figuring it all out, we have some particularly skilled hands at the SOP ready to assist! And to help get you going with your shoulder exercises we also have a great selection of resistance bands you can pop in and pick up. Shrug off your shoulder tension with this great little exercise! Emma Wightman www.the-sop.com

Try Livio for yourself this Christmas with our 30 Day Free Hearing Aid Trial. Call today on 01962 790749

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If I had just 1 hour with every woman with pelvic health issues... These would be my top 3 recommendations:

1. Learn how to breathe

The diaphragm is critical to pelvic floor (PF) health. Think of your abdomen as a fluid-filled balloon and visualize the pressure system within. As you inhale the PF gently relaxes and bulges, and as you exhale the PF lifts and contracts. You could even liken the PF to a second diaphragm, also moving as you breathe. Many of us have altered breathing patterns, either solely breathing in the upper ribs, with the shoulders elevated and belly sucked in, like a ‘soldier’ posture. Or breathing solely with the belly, with the upper back rounded and belly pooched out. Both of these patterns negatively affect the pressure system within the core and put too much pressure down on the PF. We must breathe with our lower ribs, feeling a 360 expansion around the lower ribs and little or no movement in the shoulders or belly. To master this takes time and effort, but practice makes permanent, and its important for your body to accept this as the new norm. Video demo on the website!

2. Learn what is pelvis neutral

The position of your pelvis is highly influential on PF health. How many of us have been repeatedly told to ‘tuck-under’ and ‘suck in your belly’? By constantly tucking our bottoms under, we are pushing our tail-bones forwards and inwards. As the fibres of the PF mostly run front to back, this inward motion of the tail-bone shortens and tightens the PF muscles, creating far too much tension and weakness. Kegel’s simply reinforce this.

Key point: Short and tight muscles are weak, and long and relaxed muscles are strong, just like Andrex!

This tucked position is also constantly reinforced by the way we sit. Generally we sit for far too long and in a slouched position, sitting on our tail-bone, further pushing it under. Think about our balloon analogy again. If you’re spending too long tucking under and sucking in, the balloon gets squeezed, and that pressure finds the weakest point. Downwards to the PF. We need to un-tuck, but not too far, as over-arching the back can

be just as detrimental to the PF. We need to find neutral. Standing up, place the heels of your hands on the bony crests at the front of your pelvis or ‘hip bones’, and now drop your fingertips inwards and down onto your pubic bone. Look at the position of your hands. They should be in a vertical position. If your fingertips are coming forwards slightly, your pelvis is tucked under. If the heels of your hands are coming forwards your low back is too arched or swayed. Video demo on the website!

Practice this pelvis neutral position throughout the day when you are sitting and standing, and now you can integrate it into your Kegel’s.

3. Learn how to activate your Glutes

The glutes are your buttock muscles that wrap around your backside and attach to the tailbone. They are your big power- house muscles that propel you forwards, get you up out of your chair and stabilize the pelvis.

The exciting relevance of the glutes to the PF, is that they can actually help balance the shortening and tightening of the PF caused by the tucking under of the tail bone. The glutes are the antagonists to the PF; they do the opposite. They can actually pull the tailbone back outwards and create the good length and strength we are looking for.

As we sit way too much and tuck our bottoms under, the poor tailbone is caught in a tug of war, generally with the PF winning (short and tight). So another part of the answer is to fire up the glutes to hold the tailbone in a neutral position with the muscles on either side long and strong.

So how to activate the glutes? Walking is a great start, and I recommend at least 30 minutes of a really good brisk walk every day. I would also highly recommend learning how to squat. Squatting is enjoying a complete revival, and I am also a fan. If this scares the daylight out of you, don’t be put off just yet, there are stages to squatting and much squat preparation you can do! Video demo on the website!

The position of squatting opens and stretches the PF, and the getting down and up activates the glutes, core and thigh muscles. It is a key movement that we are designed to do. Think of a toddler comfortably playing for hours in a squat position, or people in developing countries squatting to eat, socialize and go to the loo. We have long lost this movement, due to society dictating the use of chairs.

Relaxing and lengthening the PF is just as important as strengthening it (if not more so if all you’ve ever done is just Kegel’s). You can’t strengthen a muscle that is short and tight. Just breathing whilst standing or in the squat position, feeling that lovely bulge in the PF as you inhale, helps to stimulate the blood flow to the area, improving tone and muscle health. So, once you have figured out this new way to breathe, stand and squat, put it together with your Kegel to create a far more effective exercise.

If you are struggling with any of the symptoms mentioned above and find it hard to connect with your PF, don’t ignore it anymore. Join the next Womo Women’s Health course, starting in January 2022. Do get in touch, we can help. Emma Wightman - www.the-sop.com

~womo WO M E N ’ S H E ALT H COURS E S & CO M M UN I TY

WITH EMMA WIGHTMAN WOMEN’S HEALTH OSTEOPATH

who is it for?

THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: • Fatigue, irritability, stress or anxiety • Back or pelvic pain • Tummy gap/diastasis or prolapse • Loss of strength and mobility • Urinary, bowel or sexual problems • Cycle or menopause symptoms • Loss of motivation, confidence and trust in your body This course creates a supportive space for women of all ages to come together and explore pelvic health, fertility, postnatal recovery, hormones and cycles, returning to fitness, reducing stress, and improving alignment, strength and mobility.

why? WOMO: WOMEN MOVE WoMo has been developed to address the need for better healthcare, education and exercise for women. If you want your health to change, you must change the way you move.

when?

17 Jan, 24 Jan, 31 Jan, 7 Feb, 14 Feb, 28 Feb Monday mornings 9.30 – 11.30am At Kent Hill Hall, behind The Grosvenor Hotel, Stockbridge

course content

• Balanced movement: whole-body alignment • Breathing movement: breath and the pelvic floor • Lost movement: strengthening low back, hips, core and more • Bowel movement: nutrition and gut-brain connection • Hormonal movement: stop the battle and go with the flow • Mindful movement: stress solutions The course will have the perfect balance of education, discussion, exercise and homework to keep you stimulated, motivated and provide both immediate and long lasting benefits.

guest speakers Hormones, Nutrition and Yoga for women’s health

cost

£290 for a 6 week course Included: Refreshments, exclusive access to online content, course booklet, and tailor made healthcare and exercise plan

JOIN WOMO BECAUSE ‘YOU ARE HOW YOU MOVE’

For further details, reserving your place and payment, please go online www.the-sop.com/WoMo or call us 01264 810028

EDUCATION

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nd a s a tm ar s i r h C e Merryappy New Y aH very ing e

Wish

Salisbury’s First Girl Choristers Return to School

ore than eighty former girl choristers returned to Salisbury Cathedral School, to take part in a special Gala Concert marking the 30th Anniversary of the founding of Salisbury Cathedral’s girls’ Choir thirty years ago. They gathered in school, between rehearsals and the concert at the Cathedral, where they enjoyed a ‘back to school’ lunch as well high tea and a celebratory supper after the concert. The impressive group of alumnae included many members of the original choir as well as former choristers from all cohorts between then and now. Former Head Masters and teachers also attended to see familiar faces and enjoy hearing all the girl choristers – former and current – sing together in beauty of the Cathedral. The Gala concert took place three decades, almost to the day, after the girls’ choir sang their first Evensong on 7 October 1991. It was an extraordinary moment not just in the history of the Cathedral but also in cathedral music. At the time there were some girls singing in other cathedrals, but Salisbury was the first English Cathedral to admit girls on parity with the boys and to establish an independent foundation to support girl singers. Today, the weekly services are divided equally between the Cathedral’s boys’ and girls’ choirs.

former choristers Amy Carson and Camilla Harris. The highlight of the evening was a specially commissioned piece by the composer Roxanna Panufnik, who created a new choral work based on George Herbert’s poem ‘The Pearl’ which was sung by the whole girls’ choir comprised of both former and current choristers. Speaking about the anniversary and concert, Salisbury Cathedral Director of Music, David Halls said: “The success of our girl chorister tradition has been replicated in cathedrals throughout the country and is something of which we are rightly proud. For thirty years the girls’ choir has been an integral part of our worship, and a wonderful training ground for young musicians. This concert celebrates that legacy and reflects the long tradition of music at Salisbury Cathedral, a tradition that stretches back nearly a thousand years.”

Open Morning FRIDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2022 10AM – 12NOON

(BY APPOINTMENT ONLY) The concert comes just after Clive Marriott, Salisbury Cathedral School Head Master, was announced as the new Chairman of the Choir Schools’ Association in recognition of his lifetime commitment to supporting choristership and choral music within education. He said, ‘It was a real joy to welcome back familiar faces, from my eight years as Head Master, as well so many former choristers who attended our school before my time. It is a real d just an hour and half from London Connect with us testament to the joys of being a chorister during a child’s formative y boarding available years in school that so many of our former students wanted to come back to celebrate with us’.

ur child at our heart...

For more information about the school and choristership,

CO -EDU CATIO N AL DAY AND BOAR DI NG PR EPARATORY SCH OOL please FOR CH ILDREN AGED Jojo 3 TOOrange 13 at: contact the Registrar

The gala concert featured music Mozart, Mendelssohn, WW W.Sby ALPurcell, IS B URYCATH EDRALSCHOOL.orange.j@salisburycathedralschool.com COM www.salisburycathedralschool.com Britten, Vivaldi and Stanford, with solos sung by award-winning

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Open Morning FRIDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2022 10AM – 12NOON (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)

Your child at our heart... Located just an hour and half from London Weekly boarding available

Connect with us

CO -E D U CAT I ONAL DAY AND BOAR DING PREPARATORY SCH OOL FOR CH ILDREN AGED 3 TO 13 W W W.S AL ISBURYCATHEDRALSCHOOL. COM

EDUCATION / GARDEN Inspiring a love for learning at school Embley Prep inspires children to be ambitious and the most authentic versions of themselves. Acquisition of knowledge and the honing of skills is as important as character development and individuality. Children at Embley are independent thinkers and collaborators, they learn with a sense of purpose, confidence, humour and belief in readiness for the world that both is and will be, rather than the world that was. Every school day is filled with joy and wonder. Embley’s curriculum is broad and knowledge focused, giving the same rigour and value across all subjects and instilling a passion and love for learning from a young age. All children learn Natural Sciences in Embley’s 130 acre outdoor classroom, they speak French from Nursery and Spanish from Year 5, and develop their creativity and practical skills using hand tools in our Design Technology workshop from Year 1. Through activities such as sailing, skiing and trading on the London Exchange, the children challenge themselves with new experiences through the co-curriculum to help them become the best that they can be. No two children are alike, neither is Embley’s approach to their development. Whilst the children are busily enjoying their learning, teachers are constantly looking forensically at each child’s potential using data to assess their cognitive ability as well as day to day tracking to ensure that they receive the right level of support, stretch and challenge across all aspects of learning.

Hampshire Hedges We have all been reminded recently of our need to do our bit for the planet. In the recent Cop26 debate it was good to see that planting trees was one of the solutions put forward by scientists to save the world. Many people may think that planting a tree in the garden is not possible, and they may be right. Most trees would quickly dominate their space and would reduce the area for floral or vegetable planting and for children’s play. Typically, many gardens have timber fences that will become, or are, structurally unsound due to rotting from lack of upkeep. What an opportunity to do your bit for the planet! Instead of planting a tree or replacing a rotting fence, why not plant an instant hedge? This will provide just as much or even more green growth to absorb those carbon emissions as a tree. So you can do your bit for the planet. Consider also the benefits a natural hedge provides like: • Nesting opportunities for small birds • Natural corridors for small mammals

Embley encourages a sense of curiosity and a confidence to take risks. Children are open-minded and they value learning from both our successes and mistakes because of what they allow an individual to become. All children are encouraged to have a go, tapping into every opportunity that is afforded to them. At Embley, your child will embark on a learning adventure like no other, they will move from our Prep to Senior School as confident and compassionate individuals, with humility and purpose. Registrations for places in Reception class for September 2022 are now open. Please contact Embley’s Admissions team for further information: admissions@embley.org.uk / 01794 512206.

• Habitat for caterpillars, ladybirds, bees and butterflies • If maintained correctly a hedge will last a lifetime. At Hampshire hedges, we grow instant hedges in Airpots which enable them to be planted at any time of the year. The airpot system helps the hedge plant to develop a thick fibrous root structure, so that when it is planted no extra support is required and with just the right irrigation routine, in the first couple of years, success is guaranteed. Hampshire Hedges have a range of hedges that provide both deciduous and evergreen options for most situations. These hedges are offered at 1.2 m (4 ft), 1.5 m (5ft) and 1.8 m (6 ft) high. As an environmentally conscious company, we now grow all our hedging in (reduced peat) compost in line with government guidelines. The product we use has produced very good root systems and excellent growth extensions. In addition, prior to delivery, we remove the plastic airpots which are then re-used, reducing plastic waste. The hedge roots are then wrapped in jute for transport which can be left on the roots and planted directly into your prepared trench. New roots will soon grow through the jute membrane which biodegrades over a couple of years. The use of jute was a simple way of moving away from shrink wrap plastic. At Hampshire Hedges we understand the connection between the health of the planet and the impact of non-disposable packaging. Every day we work to advance our business toward Zero waste systems and help our customers be better stewards for the environment.

EDUCATION / GARDEN

Embracing Ambition

I N D E P E N D E N T D AY & B O A R D I N G S C H O O L F O R B OYS & G I R L S AG E D 2 - 1 8

Where boys and girls fulfil their academic ambitions to achieve their personal best, develop belief in themselves and compassion for those around them.

To find out more or arrange a visit, please contact admissions@embley.org.uk or call 01794 527371

Embley Park, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6ZE

www.embley.org.uk

ou Are y r bit you t? g n i do lane p e for th

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RETAIL A Passion For Colour When it comes to colour Hampshire artist Caroline Hall is the first to admit that reining herself in is one of her biggest challenges. “I see everything in glorious technicolour and painting landscapes is a question of addition and subtraction. I always carry a sketchbook and pencils when I am out walking in the countryside around Broughton where I have my studio. During BROUGHT ON VI LLAGE HAL L – FOR HI RE lockdown the walks around Stockbridge and closer to Winchester A UNIQUE FACI LI TY NESTLI NG WI THI N THE became my workplace and I have endless sketches that will BEAUTI FUL VALLE I N THE VERY Frost, Y, Preshaw probably never be turned into paintings but provide a record of anTES T Hoar CENTRE OF THE PI CTURESQUE VI LLAGE OF extraordinary time.” Caroline made her mark in Winchester with an open studio and

BROUGHT ON.

gallery in the centre of the city where for 10 years visitors could COMPLETEL Y REFURBI SHED I Nwere 2019 TOThis ANSummer she moved house to watch how paintings created. EXTREMELY HI GHBroughton STANDARD, HALL to create a THE dedicated studio space and took on one of the OFFERS A VARI ETY ZED“Lockdown forced me to make smallOF unitsDI inFFERENT Vine Yard as aSI gallery. ROOMS TO HOST GAT HERI NGS FROM J UST a few changes and as well as moving out of Winchester I realised PEO PLE. A FEW UP TO 120 Stockbridge was the perfect place to start another new chapter”.

Caroline Hall is best known for her vibrant paintings inspired by landscapes as diverse as St Ives, Yosemite and the Yorkshire Wolds. She has exhibited throughout the UK and abroad and her work was WITH AN ATTRACTIVE GARDEN TO recognised with a major solo retrospective at Southampton City Art THE REAR (LARGE ENOUGH FOR A Gallery in 2017. MARQUEE), FEATURING A COMMERCIAL STA N Winchester D A R D K IStudio T C H& EN , The Gallery will be open Wednesday, Thursday, H I G H S P E E D W I - FFriday I, EX C E L L E N T A U D Iand O by appointment. and Saturday mornings BROUGHT ON VILLAGE HALL – FOR HIRE Winter, Stockbridge Down AND VISUAL SYSTEMS, BROUGHTON UNIQUE V I L L A G E H A L L I S T H E AP E R F E C T FACILITY V E N U E NESTLING WI THI N THE BEAUTIFUL TES T VALLEY, IN THE VERY FOR PARTIES, RECEPTIONS, CENTRE OF THE PICTURE SQUE VI LLAGE OF M E E T I N G S , C O M P A N Y BROUGHTON. FUNCTIONS, EXHIBITIONS, CLUBS AND SO MUCH COMPLETELY REFURBISHED IN 201 9 TO AN MORE. EXTREMELY HI GH STANDARD, THE HALL OFFERS A VARI ETY OF DIFFERENT SIZED To book or to arrange for ROOMS a tour please TO HOST GATHERINGS FROM JUST FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1973 A FEW UP TO 120 PEOPLE. contact: BUILT ON GREAT SERVICE & VALUEJanet FOR MONEY Woodward – Bookings Secretary Please visit our website for all the latest news,800 8864 T: 0844 information, second-hand machines for sale and special E: broughtonvillagehall@outlook.com offers in the showroom. W: www.broughtonvillagehall.com WITH AN ATTRACTIVE GARDEN TO BROUGHTON VILLAGE HALL – FOR HIRE at (Mokaya BROUGHT ON VILLAGE HALL – FOR HIRE T H E Here REAR L A R G ECocoa, E N O Uwe G Hbelieve FOR A M A R Q U E E ) , F E A T U R I N G A A UNI QUE FACILITY NESTLI NG WITHI N THE every day is a special day and what A BEAUTI UNI QUEFUL FACILITY NESTLI NG WITHI N THE TES T VALLEY, IN THE VERY C O Mbetter M E R Cway I A LtoS celebrate T A N D A Rthan D K Iwith TCHE a N, BEAUTI FULOF TES T VALLEY, THE VI VERY CENTRE THE PICTUREIN SQUE LLAGE OF H I G H S P E E D W I F I , E X C E L L E N T A UDIO CENTRE OF THE box of our luxurious belgian chocolates BROUGHT ON. PICTURE SQUE VILLAGE OF A N D V I S U A L S Y S T E M S , B R O U G H T ON BROUGHT ON. VILLAGE HALL IS THE PERFECT VENUE COMPLETELY REFURBISHED I N 2019 TO AN COMPLETELY I N 2019 AN EXTREMELY REFURBISHED HI GH STANDARD, THE TO HALL FOR PARTIES, RECEPTIONS, EXTREMELY GH STANDARD, THE HALL OFFERS A HI VARIETY OF DIFFERENT SIZED MEETINGS, COMPANY FUNCTIONS, OFFERS A TO VARIETY DIFFERENT FROM SIZED JUST ROOMS HOST OF GATHERINGS EXHIBITIONS, CLUBS AND SO MUCH ROOMS TO HOST GATHERINGS FROM JUST A FEW UP TO 120 PEO PLE. MORE. A FEW UP TO 120 PEO PLE.

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WITH AN ATTRACTIVE GARDEN TO W I T H Asteve.cann@btconnect.com N ATTRACTIVE GARDEN TO THE REAR (LARGE ENOUGH FOR A www.georgecanngardenmachinery.co.uk THE REAR (LARGE ENOUGH FOR A MARQUEE), FEATURING A MARQUEE), FEATURING A C O MFARM, MER C I A L S TALRESFORD, A N D A RHAMPSHIRE, D K I T C HSO24 E N ,0JT LACEYS BRAMDEAN, COMMERCIAL STANDARD KITCHEN, HIGH SPEED WI-FI, EXCELLENT AUDIO HIGH SPEED WI-FI, EXCELLENT AUDIO AND VISUAL SYSTEMS, BROUGHTON AND VISUAL SYSTEMS, BROUGHTON VILLAGE HALL IS THE PERFECT VENUE VILLAGE HALL IS THE PERFECT VENUE FOR PARTIES, RECEPTIONS, FOR PARTIES, RECEPTIONS, MEETINGS, COMPANY FUNCTIONS,

To book or to arrange for a tour please Email: mokayacocoastockbridge@gmail.com contact: www.mokayacocoastockbridge.com Janet Woodward – Bookings Secretary MOKAYA T: 0844 800 8864COCOA, HIGH STREET, STOCKBRIDGE, HAMPSHIRE, SO20 6HF E: broughtonvillagehall@outlook.com W: www.broughtonvillagehall.com

RETAIL

CHRISTMAS DRINKS AT THE WINCHESTER STUDIO SATURDAY 4TH DECEMBER No 7 Vine Yard, Stockbridge

FIZZ & MINCE PIES

A celebration of colour Hampshire artist Caroline Hall is best known for her vibrant landscapes on canvas, wood and aluminium. She exhibits throughout the UK and abroad and her work was recognised with a major solo retrospective at Southampton City Art Gallery in 2017. Paintings, prints and sketches are now available for sale in her new space at No 7 Vine Yard, Stockbridge.

Serving Broughton and the surrounding Test Valley

• Locally Sourced Food & Drink • Large Car Park With Plenty Of Spaces • Lots of Delicious Treats • Post Office • Deli • Coffee

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SHOP OPENING HOURS Weekdays: 9am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm Saturday: 9am - 12:30pm Sunday: 9:30am - 12:30pm

POST OFFICE OPENING HOURS Weekdays: 9am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm Sunday: Closed

Tel: 01794 502495 Facebook: @BroughtonVillageShop www.broughton.shop Broughton Community Shop, Village Hall, High Street, Broughton, SO20 8AX

High Street, Stockbridge SO20 6EX www.thebookmarkstockbridge.co.uk T: 01264 811529 is delighted to present

AN EVENING WITH SIR MICHAEL MORPURGO

Former Children’s Laureate Saturday December 4th and best-selling writer of WAR HORSE

Clare Balding will be meeting, greeting and signing books from 3-5 pm at The Bookmark! Come and meet this wonderful author and broadcaster, and get a copy of her latest titles: Fall off, Get Back On, Keep Going, and Heroic Animals. Michael Morpurgo is one of Britain’s best loved writers for readers of all age

He has written over 130 books including The Butterfly Lion, Kensuke’s The Bookmark's Shopping Hours: Kingdom,Christmas Why the Whales Came, Private Peaceful, Shadow, and War Horse, December 6th - 24th 10amadapted - 5pm for stage, film and TV. many of which have been December Closing The author24th will -talk aboutathis3pm life and work and sign copies of his books, man Closed forofthe holidays: 25th - Jan 18th 2022 which will beDec available at the event.

TOWN Happy Holiday Season to oneTHE and all! HALL

High Street, Stockbridge Sunday 28th November at 6:30pm

The Bookmark, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6EX Tickets are £12 for Adults and £6 for Children (no booking fee). 1 thebookmarkstockbridge.co.uk m 01264 811529

They can be purchased at The Bookmark or at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-sir-michael-morpurgo-ticket 190189430707

RETAIL

N F INE ART AU C TIO NEERS & VALU ERS

Serving Broughton and the surrounding Test Valley

• Locally Sourced Food & Drink • Large Car Park With Plenty Of Spaces BROUGHT ON VI LLAGE HAL L – FOR HI RE • Lots of Delicious Treats • Post Office • Deli • Coffee

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Liquid Household Refills EXTREMELY HI GH STANDARD, THEBring HALL Viewing from 10.30am a bottle and fill with soap, washing up OFFERS A VARI ETY OF DI FFERENT SI ZED liquid, laundry liquid, cleaners, shampoo, 12-5pm Thur 9th Dec. 10-5pmROOMS Fri 10thTO DecHOST GAT HERI NGS FROM Jconditioner UST or hand sanitiser and 10-2pm Sat 11th / MonA 13th FEWDec UP TO 120 PEO PLE. We also have The Magnificent Seed and 8.30am on the morning of the sale extra virgin rapeseed oil on tap for refills Bidding starts at 9.30am SHOP OPENING HOURS Weekdays: 9am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm Sunday: 9:30am - 12:30pm W I T H A N A T T R A C T I V E Saturday: G A R D 9am E N -T12:30pm O OPENING HOURS T H E R E A R ( L A R G E E N O U G H POST F O ROFFICE A www.andrewsmithandson.com M A R Q U E E ) , F E A T U R IWeekdays: N G A 9am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm Sunday: Closed COMMERCIAL STANDARD KITCHEN, Enquiries: t: 01962 735988 e: auctions@andrewsmithandson.com Tel: 01794 502495 Facebook: @BroughtonVillageShop I G H SSO24 P E0QT E D W I - F I , E XBROUGHT C E L L E N TON A UVILLAGE DIO THE AUCTION ROOMS, MANOR FARM, ITCHEN STOKE,H ALRESFORD, HALL – FOR HI RE www.broughton.shop A N D V I S U A L S Y S T EBroughton M S , BCommunity ROUGH T O N Hall, High Street, Broughton, SO20 8AX Shop, Village UNIQUE V I L L A G E H A L L I S T H E AP E R F E C T FACILITY V E N U E NESTLING WITHI N THE BEAUTIFUL TES T VALLEY, IN THE VERY FOR PARTIES, RECEPTIONS, CENTRE OF THE PICTURE SQUE VI LLAGE OF M E E T I N G S , C O M P A N Y BROUGHTON. FUNCTIONS, EXHIBITIONS, CLUBS AND SO MUCH COMPLETELY REFURBISHED IN 2019 TO AN MORE.

EXTREMELY HI GH STANDARD, THE HALL OFFERS A VARI ETY OF DIFFERENT SI ZED To book or to arrange for ROOMS a tour please TO HOST GATHERINGS FROM JUST A FEW UP TO 120 PEOPLE. contact:

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WITH AN ATTRACTIVE GARDEN TO WITH AN ATTRACTIVE GARDEN TO THE REAR (LARGE ENOUGH FOR A THE REAR (LARGE ENOUGH FOR A MARQUEE), FEATURING A MARQUEE), FEATURING A COMMERCIAL STANDARD KITCHEN, COMMERCIAL STANDARD KITCHEN, HIGH SPEED WI-FI, EXCELLENT AUDIO HIGH SPEED WI-FI, EXCELLENT AUDIO AND VISUAL SYSTEMS, BROUGHTON AND VISUAL SYSTEMS, BROUGHTON VILLAGE HALL IS THE PERFECT VENUE VILLAGE HALL IS THE PERFECT VENUE FOR PARTIES, RECEPTIONS, FOR PARTIES, RECEPTIONS, MEETINGS, COMPANY FUNCTIONS,

THE REAR (LARGE ENOUGH FOR A MARQUEE), FEATURING A COMMERCIAL STANDARD KITCHEN, HIGH SPEED WI-FI, EXCELLENT AUDIO AND VISUAL SYSTEMS, BROUGHTON VILLAGE HALL IS THE PERFECT VENUE FOR PARTIES, RECEPTIONS, MEETINGS, COMPANY FUNCTIONS, EXHIBITIONS, CLUBS AND SO MUCH MORE. To book or to arrange for a tour please contact: Janet Woodward – Bookings Secretary T: 0844 800 8864 E: broughtonvillagehall@outlook.com W: www.broughtonvillagehall.com

No 7 The Vine Yard, Stockbridge www.carolinehall.net

Broughton and the surrounding Test Valley ClassicServing Antique Furniture • Locally Sourced Food & Drink We buy, sell and restore antique furniture

RETAIL

High Street, Stockbridge SO20 6EX www.thebookmarkstockbridge.co.uk T: 01264 811529

• Large Car Park With Plenty Of Spaces • Lots of Delicious Treats • Post Office • Deli • Coffee

is delighted to present

AN EVENING WITH SIR MICHAEL MORPURGO

ECO-PRODUCTS

Former Children’s Laureate Saturday December 4th and best-selling writer of WAR HORSE

Dry Goods Refills

Bring in a container and fill with nuts, rice, pasta, oats, cereals or seeds.

SHOP OPENING HOURS

We are interested in acquiring antique furntiture Weekdays: 9am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm and treen such as tables, chest of drawers, mirrors, stools, Saturday: 9amcabinets, - 12:30pm Sunday: 9:30am - 12:30pm boxes and trays

POST OFFICE OPENING HOURS

Phone: or 07973 416839 Weekdays: 9am -07717 1pm &705111 2pm - 5pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm Email: info@cassondrinkwater.co.uk Sunday: Closed

TOWN Happy Holiday Season to oneTHE and all! HALL

High Street, Stockbridge Sunday 28th November at 6:30pm

Tel: 01794 502495 Facebook: @BroughtonVillageShop www.broughton.shop

www.cassondrinkwater.co.uk Broughton Community Shop, Village Hall, High Street, Broughton, SO20 8AX

The Bookmark, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6EX Tickets are £12 for Adults and £6 for Children (no booking fee). 1 thebookmarkstockbridge.co.uk m 01264 811529

One of ITV's Most Popular Antiques Experts Happy to arrange home calls by appointment karendalmeny@gmail.com

They can be purchased at The Bookmark or at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-sir-michael-morpurgo-tickets 190189430707

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A Merry Christmas Any discerning shopper looking for gifts ideas this Christmas will be spoiled for choice on discovering the treasure trove that can be found at W. Carter & Son in Salisbury. Renowned throughout the city and the surrounding area for its high quality diamond jewellery and luxury watch brands, the shop also stocks a wide range of silverware, decorative bronzes and objects d’art. While the company is celebrated for it’s original and vintage high-end jewellery, the company also sell several ranges of everyday silver sterling jewellery. From small affordable gifts such as pendants and bracelets to the finest jewellery there’s something for everybody.

to all our customers

This Christmas there is also a fabulous choice of gift ware suitable for all tastes and ages. As well as expertly selected pre-owned vintage silverware there’s an extensive range of modern silver from the country’s leading manufacturers. The company also stock a popular range of Pewter from The English Pewter Company and the beautiful sporting and other bronze sculptures from Richard Cooper & Company. W. Carter & Son enjoys the unique position of being the oldest family business in Wiltshire still trading from its original location in Minster Street, next door to the historic Haunch of Venison public house. In 2017 the firm celebrated it’s two hundredth anniversary.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Stockbridge Music Patron: Professor David Owen Norris MA (Oxon) FSA FRAM FRCO

Classical music in the heart of Hampshire

David Owen Norris, piano; Rosanna Harris, soprano; Adrian Brendel, cello; Tom Seligman conductor

Live music returns to Stockbridge! Stockbridge Music continues to bring top quality music to Stockbridge at affordable prices. We look forward to welcoming you to our exciting 2022 season. Artists include David Owen-Norris, Adrian Brendel, Tom Seligman, a Royal Academy of Music string quartet and an ensemble of established young British opera singers. Tickets will be available online early in the New Year. For event and booking information, and to join our mailing list, go to www.stockbridgemusic.uk

2022 Events Programme Friday 18 March 2022 7.30pm - St Peter's Church Recital: Adrian Brendel cello and Charles Owen piano Saturday 7 May 2022 - 7.30pm Stockbridge Town Hall Recital: Royal Academy of Music String Quartet - details to be announced

Friday 23 September 2022 - St Peter's Church Concert: David Owen Norris Piano Trio - our Patron returns with friends to deliver an enthralling programme of piano pieces Date to be announced - Stockbridge Town Hall Lecture recital: Creating a Ballet Tom Seligman (Guest Conductor Royal Ballet)

Gift Vouchers

Christmas is coming and our gift vouchers make a perfect stocking filler! Enter the voucher number at the checkout, and the voucher amount will be credited against your purchase. www.stockbridgemusic.uk/buy-tickets

Stockbridge Cinema

(In French with English subtitles)

Wednesday 8 December 2021 - 4.30pm and 7.30pm The Courier (12A) The true story of a British businessman unwittingly recruited into one of the greatest international conflicts in history. Forming an unlikely partnership with a Soviet officer hoping to prevent a nuclear confrontation, the two men work together to provide the crucial intelligence used to defuse the Cuban Missile Crisis. A Q&A session with Director Dominic Cooke follows the 7.30pm screening (Approx 9.30pm)

Wednesday 19 January 2022 - 5.00pm and 7.30pm Supernova (15) A bittersweet modern love story starring Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci as Sam and Tusker, long-term partners who are revisiting their past and coming to terms with Tusker's illness on a road trip across England. Supernova is a deeply moving portrait of a couple navigating difficult circumstances with wry humour and affection

Friday 14 January 2022 - Annual Report 7.30pm / film at 8.00pm Faces Places (12) Iconic French director Agnès Varda forges an unexpected collaboration with photographer JR as they embark on a road trip like no other. They set out in JR’s photo booth truck, exploring the villages of rural France, meeting its humble residents while creating largescale portraits plastered across unconventional locations.

June or July - St Peter's Church Concert: A Night at the Opera - Four rising stars of the opera world present a beautiful selection of solos, duets and ensemble numbers from opera, oratorio and musical theatre.

Information common to all films: Showing at Stockbridge Town Hall SO20 6HE. Tickets can be purchased online (£6.00 incl £0.50p booking fee per ticket) via www. stockbridgecinema.org.uk or by telephone from TicketSource 0333 666 3366 (£1.80 charge per telephone booking in addition to the online ticket price). Visit our website for more details. Drinks and Ices will be on sale with payment by debit or credit card. Please wear face masks when not in your allocated seat (optional at other times).

www.winchesterautobarn.com 01962 677776

VISIT US

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Traditional Christmas Pudding Why not try something a little different this festive season by making your own Christmas Pudding. There are advantages to making your own, the pudding can be tailored for people with food allergies or those who prefer a less alcoholic version!

Stir together the flour, mixed spice and cinnamon in a very large mixing bowl. Add the cold shredded butter, sugar, lemon and orange zest, bread crumbs, nuts and stir again until all the ingredients are well mixed. Finally add the marinated dried fruits and stir again.

Ingredients

Beat the eggs lightly in a small bowl then stir quickly into the dry ingredients. The mixture should have a soft consistency. Spoon the mixture in to the greased pudding basin, gently pressing the mixture down with the back of a spoon. Cover with a double layer of greaseproof paper or baking parchment, then a layer of aluminium foil and tie securely with string.

• 450g dried mixed fruit • 1 small cooking apple, peeled, cored and finely chopped • Grated zest and juice of 1/2 a large orange and 1/2 a lemon • 4 tbsp brandy, plus a little extra for soaking at the end 2 oz / 55 g self-raising flour, sifted • 1 tsp ground mixed spice • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon • 4 oz / 110 g shredded cold butter (If you get suet, go for it instead of butter) • 4oz / 110g soft, dark brown sugar • 4 oz / 110 g white fresh bread crumbs • 1 oz / 25 g whole shelled almonds, roughly chopped • 2 large, eggs • Lightly butter a 2 1/2 pint / 1.4 litre pudding basin/17cm • 125 ml Brandy, rum or vodka (to flame the pudding) • 200g of rinsed yellow lentils • 375ml of vegetable stock • 1 teaspoon of ground tumeric

Method

Place the dried fruits, apple, orange and lemon juice into a large mixing bowl. Add the brandy and stir well. Cover the bowl with a lid and leave to marinate for a couple of hours, preferably overnight.

Place the pudding in a steamer and steam the pudding for 5 hours. Make sure you check the water level frequently so it never boils dry. Remove the pudding from the steamer, cool completely. Remove the paper, prick the pudding with a skewer and pour in a little extra brandy. Cover with fresh greaseproof paper and retie with string. Store in a cool dry place until Christmas day. On Christmas day reheat the pudding by steaming again for about an hour. To unmould the pudding, take off the parchment paper, put a plate on top and turn it upside down. To Flambé / flame the pudding, heat the brandy/ rum/ vodka in a small pan till it is hot, but turn off the heat before it boils, light the pan of brandy using a gas lighter or matchstick, then pour the flaming brandy over the pudding and enjoy the pudding with Brandy Sauce or Custard. Left over Christmas pudding can be reheated and served.

HOME

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CULTURE

Our Year in Review 2021 has doubtless been another strange and challenging year. However despite circumstances we have been able to support several fantastic creative projects thanks to backing from the Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants, Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire County Council.

Finding Friends

Test Valley Tales

TV Capsule

We partnered with Amanda Kane Smith from Merry Go-Round Storytelling to publish an illustrated book and associated podcast of short stories. Test Valley Tales is a series of folk tales set in real locations around the Test Valley. From The Wandering Tree of Danebury Ring to The Ghost Vicar of Vernham Dean, the stories invite you to discover and reimagine local walks and beauty spots through storytelling, and has so far delighted audiences both young and old. Local artists Maija Leipins and Susan Merrick, and musician Paul Sartin all collaborated on the project. Amanda also delivered 2 schools workshops and 7 live storytelling events as part of the project, with plans for more events in 2022. To buy the book, listen to the podcast and find associated walks and crafts visit www.merry-go-roundstorytelling.co.uk

TVAF commissioned a research and consultation project to identify and explore the barriers to inclusivity and diversity within Test Valley’s cultural offer. The report and findings of this research have now been published by the lead consultants, 21 Artists. The report offers a set of practical recommendations which organisations across Test Valley can access and use to increase engagement and become more inclusive. To read the report visit www.testvalleyarts.org/ finding-friends/

Sadly projects don’t always turn out as hoped and the TV Capsule project was one of those. Limitations imposed by the pandemic and a lack of public response means that this project has been concluded. We’d like to thank all those who submitted a short film and hope you had fun making them. The individual film submissions are still available to watch at www.tvcapsule.co.uk

Test Valley Arts Trail

TVAF sponsored an arts trail for the borough as part of Hampshire Open Studios. 10,000 maps were printed and distributed, featuring all 44 arts venues taking part in the event, to encourage visitors to visit and support local artists.

Make It Expressive

Artist Elizabeth Hammond delivered a series of workshops at Enham Trust and Icknield School for people with physical and neurological disabilities. Aiming to bring quality art experiences to those who may not be able to independently access them otherwise. The participants were given freedom to express and explore the sensory joy of making art. The work produced was displayed at The Lights in Andover. Elizabeth also delivered 3 free art workshops for communities in Andover and Romsey.

As we head into 2022 our priorities will be to continue supporting cultural connections and promoting The Arts in Test Valley and developing some of the foundation work achieved this year, particularly regarding the Finding Friends project. If you’d like to support our work or find out more about what we do visit www.testvalleyarts.org

www.testvalleyarts.org

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Upholstery

Deal 1

we specialise in cleaning and refreshing 3 piece suites (at our current offer price of £97). Fabric Master, our special upholstery and cleaning system is safe, gentle, and very effective. Fibres are restored to their original beauty and softness you’ll see!

Deal 2

Tel 01962 690 005 Have your three piece suite freshened up for just £97!Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a selection of frequently asked questions especially for you sceptics (you know who you are). 1. When you say ‘carpet’ what do you mean? We mean average size areas, say 10x12ft ish. But we don’t quibble if the areas are a little larger - it’s all done on fairness really. 2. Do you move furniture? Our pricing policy reflects the time it takes to clean working around furniture, rather than moving it. any three carpets That said, we are Have for example, happy to move your three piece suite backwards and forwards cleaning under it and replacing it back into piece position. What we don’t price into the job at these discount prices is and your three moving large pieces of furniture like bookcases, sideboards or wardrobes. Similarly we are not insured upflat-screen for to move electricalsuite items,freshened in particular tvs. Again we apply common sense and fairness to the situation and inevitable we do end up moving some furniture around, even at these discount prices. 3. just £167! Are there any ‘hidden’ extra costs? The prices quoted above are fully-inclusive and are the actual prices you will pay.

Deal 3

Price Full Offer Price List Carpet 1 £57

Carpet Price

£77

Carpet Price Carpet

Tel: 01962 690 005 or 07790 883507

£97

Price

£117

Carpet

Price

£137

FULL OFFER PRICE LIST Carpet Price

1 £47

Carpet Price

2 £67

Carpet Price

3 £87

Carpet Price

4 £107

Carpet Price

5 £127

FEATURE The 2022 All Saints’ Winter Lectures – Upper Clatford Village Hall Blick Mead: Exploring the First Place in the Stonehenge Landscape by Dr David Jacques Stonehenge can justly claim to be one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world, but much about its origins remain a mystery. Although recent archaeological investigations have revealed stunning details of the monuments that sprang up during the 4th and 3rd millennia BC less is known of the area’s ‘back story’. Since 2005, David Jacques, Senior Research Fellow in Archaeology at University of Buckingham, Fellow of the Society of the Antiquaries, has led a dig exploring a site about a mile from Stonehenge beside an ancient spring known as Blick Mead. The discovery of a Mesolithic occupation area and surface at Blick Mead about 2.5 km from Stonehenge that has well preserved and substantial Mesolithic deposits, potentially transforms our understanding of the pre-Stonehenge landscape, and its later ritual landscape. Radiocarbon dating of the remains reveals that animals were being eaten at the site between 6650-4722 BC. David’s talk will outline the latest discoveries at Blick Mead from the 2021 dig, concluding with a review of the site and its wider significance.

There are two other Lectures as part of this series 7 February 2022 A life of Service to Queen, comrades and country by Lieutenant General Sir Freddie Viggers 14 February 2022 Re-shaping the future of UK Farming by Dr Alison Field Buying tickets Tickets are £12.00 each. To book tickets or for full details on all three Lectures, scan the QR code or type this link https://forms. office.com/r/QYYcksFvj3 into a browser. Payment can be by bank transfer or by cheque.

SCAN ME

Tickets can also be purchased at the Clatford Village Store, Greenfields Farm Shop or Abbotts Anne Village Shop

Longstock Garden Club While many Gardening Clubs may have closed in the pandemic, Covid-19 presented us with the opportunity to hear Zoom lecturers from all around the world. If our booked speakers were able to present via this medium, we gladly accepted.

We offered our members these Zoom talks for free each month and this will continue until our AGM meeting in February 2022. In this way we have enjoyed speakers from across the UK, Ireland and also from The Netherlands. We have now returned to our usual monthly talk in Longstock Village Hall on the second Tuesday each month and these will continue to be free for December and January. Our December Hall meeting on Tuesday 14th December with our speaker Stewart Pocock of Pococks Roses. Wine, nibbles and mince pies to celebrate the coming Festive Season will, as in previous years, be ‘back on the menu’. On 11th January 2022 our speaker will be Ray Broughton with his talk entitled “The Garden Year month by month” Why not give us a try? Last chance for a free taster at the December & January meetings.. There are in addition two Zoom meetings, firstly on 21st December by Alan Edmonson entitled “The Shade Garden”, secondly on 18th January one by Richard Barnes “Plants from the Ends of the Earth” Two reviews from recent Zoom talks: “Thank you, Peter, I must say I have really loved the zoom lectures. Great to be sitting in our nice warm houses whilst listening and dreaming of great gardens!” Many thanks. Linda “Thank you Peter and Richard. I thoroughly enjoyed the talk and beautiful photographs. Much food for thought! Thank you so much, Richard”. Best wishes, Gilly C

Self-Build success doesn’t need to be difficult Currently just 7% of the homes in the UK are self-built, but with the prospect of the number of new builds increasing across the UK, many are starting to look to this option of homeownership. Most self-builders are tempted by the opportunity to build a home to their own design and personalise it to suits their own tastes. Starting a self-build project can be daunting as there are numerous ways in which it can be achieved. There are many factors to consider and when it comes to arranging a self-build mortgage the task is simple in theory, but most people are uncertain of where to start. The good news is that the process doesn’t need to be difficult. Where to build? This can either mean finding a plot of land with planning permission, finding innovative ways of separating land with an existing home on it, a renovation, or a conversion project. The land You may be lucky enough to already own the plot of land if it forms part of your current property. You will need to appoint a solicitor to separate the title from the existing property. If you intend to do this, and you have a mortgage on your current home, you will need to gain the agreement from your current lender to release the land from their security. If you are purchasing a plot of land to build on, you will need to consider its location and whether it has planning permission. If there is no existing planning permission, your choice of lender will be limited, as generally you will need this to purchase land with a mortgage. Planning permission If you are building on a plot you own or wish to make any changes to pre-existing permissions, you will need to apply to your local authority for planning permission. It is important at this point to ensure you have appointed a qualified architect to ensure the design of the property will satisfy planning requirements. Cost research It is important that before embarking on a self-build project you understand the costs involved. A lender will need to know how much the project is going to cost and you will also need to understand if you can afford the build. Once you have highlighted a plot and at the time of designing your home it is a good idea to engage with builders and tradespeople to get an outline indication of how much the build will cost. There are other costs to also consider, solicitor fees, planning fees and the cost of a new homes warranty (which a lender will insist on). It is always important to build a healthy contingency in as well, usually 10% of the build cost is advisable.

The lender Securing finance for a self-build home may not be as daunting as it sounds. Self-build mortgages are not so different from ‘regular’ mortgages. The amount you can borrow is determined by assessing your income and commitments. The mortgage amount will also depend on the costs of the project and the value of the completed home. Funding can be made in set stages throughout the project as you build your home. What helps is that self-build mortgages are offered on an interest-only basis which will help keep initial costs down during the build. The beauty of self-building is that, if managed correctly, it offers a cost-effective way of owning your dream home based on your personal choice. Self-build doesn’t always mean excessive expense and can often include ‘eco’ elements in the build which result in a home which is more energy efficient and has less environmental impact compared to older housing stock. Exceeding a build budget is not the norm if the build is managed correctly, and the reward? A home which is perfectly suited to you and your lifestyle. If you’re looking to build your own home and would like to talk to us about a self-build mortgage, please contact us and arrange an appointment by video, in a branch local to you or by telephone. Andover branch: 35 High Street, Andover, SP10 1LJ Call: 001264 361455 Email: andover@newbury.co.uk

Cliff Osborne Andover Senior Branch Manager.

YOUR MORTGAGE IS SECURED ON YOUR HOME. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Newbury Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number 206077). English Law applies and we will communicate with you in English. We are participants of the Financial Ombudsman Service. We have a complaints procedure which we will provide on request. Most complaints that we cannot resolve can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service. 8530

Newbury

Building Society

wishes the community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year