Leisure Entertainment

The Mayfly, Stockbridge wins Fuller’s Best Country/Village Pub Award

Photo shows: Darren Felvus (left) of The Mayfly, Stockbridge, receiving his award from Fuller, Smith & Turner Chairman, Michael Turner The Mayfly is run by Darren Felvus, has been named the winner of the Best Country/Village Pub category in this year’s Griffin Trophy – the annual Pub of the Year competition from Fuller, Smith and Turner.

The Mayfly is a stunning pub on the banks of the River Test. Its large outside area and pretty location has made it a real favourite – and especially so post lockdown, with an increase in the popularity of al fresco dining. Darren and his team combine the best of British hospitality with a wide range of menu dishes from local suppliers and the pub is popular with locals, ramblers and tourists alike. The pub, which was beautifully refurbished in January 2019, also offers private dining spaces which have proved very popular for local birthday and other celebrations.

The Griffin Trophy is open to all Fuller’s 210 Managed Pubs and Hotels and 174 Tenanted Inns. Following an extensive selection process, the eight finalists of The Griffin Trophy were all visited by Chairman Michael Turner, Chief Executive Simon Emeny, and Marketing Director Jane Jones to choose the category and overall winners. Darren’s prize for winning the category comprises a £2,000 holiday voucher, a staff party, and an engraved plaque for the pub. Michael Turner said: “Darren and his team, aided by the recent refurbishment, have reinvigorated The Mayfly making it a vibrant and busy pub that perfectly complements the stunning scenery around it. His commitment to exceptional customer service is reflected in the feedback scores the pub receives and The Mayfly continues to grow both its sales and its reputation.

“The Mayfly is a perfect example of an excellent pub – a great team, delicious, fresh-cooked food from local suppliers, a wide and interesting range of beers, wines and spirits and a view to die for. It really is outstanding.”

Darren Felvus said: “The last two years have seen The Mayfly experience unprecedented circumstances and being back open, serving our wonderful customers, and then winning this award is the perfect end to the year. This award isn’t just for me though, it’s for my fantastic team. We worked hard during the various lockdowns to keep in contact and support each other and I just love being back together doing what we do best – making sure our customers have a great time and come back again, and again.”

The Griffin Trophy recognises the efforts and achievements of the Company's top Managers and Tenants in four categories: Best City/ London Pub, Best Hotel/Inn, Best Town/Local Pub and Best Country/ Village Pub. The results were announced at a ceremony held at The Counting House on Cornhill, in the City of London, on Wednesday 1 December 2021.

The Mayfly, Fullerton, Near Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6AX www.mayflyfullerton.co.uk

Brocks Farm

Livery and Riding Centre

Janette and Lucinda Burtenshaw

B.H.S approved, licensed by Test Valley Borough Council Lessons for all abilities • Dressage school masters • Small children and beginners taught with care on well schooled all-round ponies/horses • Careful attention paid to the needs of Liveries. Tel: 01264 810090 brocksfarm@googlemail.com www.brocksfarm.co.uk

Brocks Farm, Longstock, Stockbridge, Hants, SO20 6DP

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Stockbridge Music

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

Classical music in the heart of Hampshire

Stockbridge Music celebrates 9 years of glorious music making!

Stockbridge Music (SM) was founded in 2012, the year that Stockbridge’s resplendent Georgian Town Hall received a major makeover to become an ideal venue for chamber concerts and recitals.

From its magnificent base in the heart of Hampshire, SM’s aim has always been to bring exceptional classical concert series to Stockbridge and surrounding areas at affordable prices for everyone in the community.

Since 2012 SM has brought more than 30 top flight soloists and chamber ensembles to the small Test Valley town. The majority of these artists are well-established with exceptional career trajectories - famous names from the world of classical music include Crispian Steele-Perkis, Kosmos, Adrian Brendel, David Owen-Norris and The Gesualdo Six. We are, however, also extremely proud to support music students and emerging artists at the start of their professional lives. For example, we have given chamber ensembles from the major Conservatoires regular platforms. Hampshire-based choral ensemble Sansara has performed with SM on a number of occasions, and we are delighted that they went on to win the London International A Cappella Choir Competition in 2015.

An increasing number of both young and well-established musicians approach SM asking to perform, down to a growing reputation for excellence and friendliness, as well as exceptional contacts in the musical world. Come and join us for a feast of musical excellence in 2022. Our new season open on Friday 18th March with a recital by cellist Adrian Brendel. 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

We look forward to welcoming you! Tim Lowden, Music Director

Adrian Brendel. Cello

Platinum jubilee plans in Test Valley

Two new inspiring pieces of public art in Andover and Romsey alongside a number of events are set to commemorate Her Majesty The Queen’s platinum jubilee next year in Test Valley.

In February, The Queen will be the first British monarch to celebrate the milestone of 70 years’ service.

To commemorate this, and the Royal Family’s connections to the borough, new artwork is being considered by Test Valley Borough Council for locations in both Romsey and Andover, with artists across the country being invited to apply. Funding for the artwork will come from the council’s New Homes Bonus.

Those pieces of public art will be joined by a number of local initiatives and events, which will be supported by TVBC. In addition, the authority is also aiming to waive the fee for those applying for a temporary road closure to hold street parties celebrating the jubilee. The proposals are subject to the approval of full council.

Leader of the borough council, Phil North, said: “The Queen’s commitment to her country and the entire commonwealth over seven decades is absolutely remarkable. It is only right that we celebrate her achievements and thank her for this service. “We’ve never seen a Platinum Jubilee in this country before – and as well as taking part in the various celebrations next summer – I also think it’s incumbent on us to mark this moment in history with a longer-lasting reminder of Her Majesty’s incredible service that she continues to show. It’s my hope that generations to come will enjoy the artwork that we hope will be put in place in the borough as a reminder of this unique moment in British history.

“I’m sure many residents will also be celebrating in their own way, and I’m glad that we have been able to waive the fee for those wanting to mark the occasion in the traditional British way!”

Community and leisure portfolio holder, councillor David Drew, added: “There will be year-long celebrations throughout the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world with Her Majesty The Queen celebrating 70 years of service, as communities come together to celebrate her historic reign.

“The four days of celebration will provide an opportunity for people to have some fun and hopefully reflect on the Queen’s service to the Kingdom and Commonwealth, through a range of activities and events.”

Aaron Shaw Test Valley Borough Council