Test Valley Forum - Issue 175 - March 2023

Residential and Commercial Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors

WHERWELL

Guide Price £475,000

Residential and Commercial Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors

Residential and Commercial Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors

A significant and attractive property situated in the heart of Wherwell. A Grade II Listed building with commercial use on the ground floor, 1103 sq ft (102.5 sq m). Separate residential accommodation on the first floor comprising; Two bedrooms, Sitting room, Kitchen, Bathroom, Gardens. The property benefits from vehicular access. Development potential (Subject to Planning Consent).

IBTHORPE

ST. MARY BOURNE

Guide Price £670,000

A superbly renovated Grade II Listed cottage with a detached barn enjoying wonderful countryside views.

Kitchen/breakfast room, Three bedrooms, Sitting room, Two family bathrooms, Garden store, Garden, Detached Barn with potential (Subject to Planning Permission).

Guide Price £350,000

A charming Grade II Listed cottage with a wealth of character and views beyond the Bourne Rivulet.

Kitchen, Cloakroom , Study/Bedroom 2, Sitting room, Main bedroom with ensuite, Garden shed, Attractive Garden.

The Team

Editor

Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk

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

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

Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk

Contributors

Lucia Foster-Found www. luciafosterfound.com

Get in Touch

Forum Publications Offices New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QE Tel: 01962 735137 www.forumpublications.co.uk

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. 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, 2023

Love Letters

“You light the candles. I’ll get the Scrabble,” Himself offered. A power cut. Brought on by the storm raging outside? Or was this the much-muttered return to the power cuts of the Seventies …? She hoped not, the dim (being the operative word) memories of blackouts and the three day week hadn’t seemed like a lot of fun, even as a child. Either way, it was dark and none too warm.

They huddled around the kitchen table, snug in their oft-worn oversized fleeces, the size of small marquees. Although something of a novelty Christmas present, economising on the heating ensured their novelty had long since worn off.

“Scrabble? If you’re sure.. OK.”

Himself nodded seriously, his gaze concentrated on his letter selection.

“Loser has to warm the other one’s side of the bed,” he added. The camping kettle was whistling on a primus as they picked their tiles and looked appraisingly at each other.

“Stakes are high then.” In the rapidly cooling house, she imagined creeping under a chilly duvet - and shivered.

The wind outside howled, gently puffing the door curtain - and she was reminded of the blossom-laden tree next door. Only yesterday Himself had fixed the frothily-pink ornamental cherry with a baleful eye and remarked “we’ll be in for blowy weather.”

Was he blessed with a paranormal gift to predict just when the winds would strip the delicate rosy petals from the boughs?

Or had he just taken a sneaky glance at Wetter.com?

She couldn’t decide, but plumped for the hint-of-the-occult option. After decades together, a little mystery in the marital mix was nice. Especially by candlelight.

The cold air became thick with concentration and steam from their tea, punctuated by snippets of conversation;

“I know it sounds like it should be, but is ‘Acturel’ a real word do you think?” Genuine curiosity as they both reached for the dictionary.

“I know you didn’t do it on purpose, but I can’t believe you’ve ruined my double ‘ZA’ on a triple letter square!” Hands were rubbed over faces in exasperation.

In the midst of the battle of words, Himself mentioned casually “I had a go at Wordle today.” “Crikey!” She stopped pairing her ‘Q’ with an exposed ‘I’ and looked at him.

“I thought that might impress you.” He was smiling to himself as he nonchalantly re-arranged his tiles. “Actually, more accurately, I finished playing Wordle and even thought about having a go at Spelling Bee.”

“Double crikey. How many goes in Wordle?” She’d just squeaked in with a six. Today’s had been tricky.

“Three…” He replied. Himself’s mild dyslexia, somewhat off-piste spelling and word games didn’t make for natural bedfellows. Which made her suspicious… “Three?”

“Yes. Three. Gave up and Googled it ; I had no letters and no idea after two goes. As W. C. Fields once said, ‘if it’s worth winning, it’s worth cheating for’.” Himself smiled beatifically and unashamedly as he laid a single tile. Smiling, she looked at the letter he’d placed and commented, “you can’t just stick an X on the end..”

“Like a kiss,” he interrupted her.

“Yes, a bit like a kiss,” she giggled.

“It’s the love letter” he interrupted again, nodding.

“I suppose it is the letter with the most love. Hadn’t thought of it like that. But anyway, you can’t just stick an X on the end of a word and hope that one day it will be alright.” Giving the word a closer inspection however, she exclaimed, “actually, wait. ‘Adieux’ is a real word. Seems your love letter worked. Well done you!”

“You see,” he wrote down his score and looked smug, “I’m driven to play the games you play. It’s the romantic in me.” That was sweet and quite possibly true – in spite of the smugness.

Two pots of tea, the very last morsels of the leftover Christmas cake and some seriously iffy words later, Himself sat back and tossed aside his pencil and paper. He announced airily, “I like to think that I let you win.”

“You’re too kind.” She said. “So you could warm my side of the bed?” Clearing away the crockery, she thought of the chilly bedroom that awaited them.

Himself smiled at her through the gloom. It occurred to her that Love took many forms – not just letters.

Make your OLD kitchen a NEW kitchen for a fraction of the cost of buying a new kitchen

Ben came and sized up replacement doors and cupboards for our existing kitchen and while there we took the opportunity to enquire about a kitchen bookcase and a new cupboard. Nothing was any problem for Ben to put into the design. The date for the kitchen refit was organised really quickly and was set for a couple of weeks after the quote, both of which were excellent. The end result was a kitchen which has been transformed beyond recognition with major additions of a breakfast bar and extra new and replacement cupboards. We are so impressed with the finish that we have asked Ben to measure up for some bespoke non standard size bedroom cabinets that we would like them to build. In summary quality work carried out by highly skilled tradesmen. Pity there are only five stars.

Mr P. Ramage

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.

Rely on the experts

At the moment the property market is being guided by what seems like an untrustworthy compass of commentators with rotating needles of conflicting information and advice.

It’s challenging for most to know which way to go. Is it better to wait to sell, buy, rent, or let in the hope of a better market?

In truth it is better to ignore the confused dialogue and find a more reliable pathfinder. You might be astonished to know how much a good and experienced estate agent understands about their local property market.

In simple terms, to be a true expert with a wealth of experience, an agent will have been in the business for well over 10 years. In

this time a good estate agent will have marketed and agreed the sales and rentals of thousands of properties through markets good and bad, economies booming and busting, in spring, summer, autumn and winter. These property experts will have also helped families move during the good and the not so good times in their lives.

An experienced agent has learnt what to do, whatever the market, and knows what to do now……

Contact The Country House Company for that expert and reliable advice.

Head of Sales - Kate Porter katep@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Head of Lettings - Claudia Hunt claudia@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Head of ManagementMarishelle Butler marishelle@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Contact us on 01264 312832 www.countryhousecompany.co.uk

Army Flying Museum

Mia Robinson, Events Vice-Chair of the STEM Committee at Leonardo Helicopters UK, said: “The Bright Sparks event ensured students from across Hampshire were enthused by STEM activities focussed on aerospace to inspire them into engineering careers.”

The Army Flying Museum tells the story of British Army Flying from the early days of military ballooning through to the modern Army Air Corps. Two large hangars house the impressive journey of British soldiers in the air from the pioneering days of balloons and kites to the Glider Pilot Regiment landing at Arnhem, right through to modern helicopter operations. The Museum features more than 35 fixed wing and rotary aircraft, supplemented by interactive displays and video content so was the perfect setting for this engaging STEM event.

Leonardo Helicopters UK STEM team based in Yeovil recently organised a ‘Bright Sparks’ event to help teach 12-13 year old school pupils the principles of flight and open their eyes to the world of engineering in a fun and interactive way.

Hosted by the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop Hampshire, the two-day event saw over 130 young people engage with the exhibits. These included a ‘search and rescue’ wind table to demonstrate vertical lift and highlight the types of missions undertaken by the AW101 helicopter. The Typhoon VR headset was also used to showcase the wider aerospace sector, and through virtual reality, enabled the students to undertake tasks such as Foreign Object Debris (FOD) recovery.

Army Flying Museum Chief Executive, Lucy Johnson, said: “We are delighted to have been able to partner with Leonardo on the Bright Sparks event which aimed to inspire secondary school students about technology and engineering. It was fantastic to hear so much enthusiasm and excitement from everyone who attended. Providing high quality STEM activities for children is one of the museum’s priorities, and in partnering with Leonardo on this event, we were able to offer this opportunity for free to local schools, as well as an evening session for youth groups. Plus, we all had a lot of fun!”

Army Flying Museum, Kentsboro, Stockbridge SO20 8FB Tel: 01264 781086

Kate Porter Sales

Marishelle Butler Management

Claudia Hunt Lettings

Market Research: Empowering Brave Decisions for Business Success

Market research is an essential tool for any business looking to understand their employees and customers better. It provides valuable insights into the needs, wants, and preferences of these key stakeholders, which can help inform strategic decisionmaking and improve overall performance.

According to Paul Stallard, a market research expert at Danebury Research, using market research is vital to empowering brave decisions. By gathering data and insights from employees and customers, businesses can make informed choices that drive growth, innovation, and success.

One of the primary benefits of using market research is improved employee engagement. Studies have shown that engaged employees are more productive, more committed, and more likely to stay with their employer long-term. By using market research to understand the needs and preferences of employees, businesses can create a more positive and productive work environment that fosters engagement and loyalty.

In addition to employee engagement, market research can also help businesses improve customer satisfaction. Happy customers are the lifeblood of any business, and by using market research to understand their needs and preferences, businesses can develop products and services that meet their needs and exceed their expectations. This can help increase customer satisfaction, retention, and loyalty, ultimately leading to increased revenue and profitability.

Moreover, market research can help businesses gain a competitive advantage by identifying market trends, customer behaviours, and emerging opportunities. By staying ahead of the curve, businesses can develop innovative products and services that differentiate them from their competitors and attract new customers.

In today's fast-paced business environment, using market research is more important than ever to stay ahead of the curve. By understanding their employees and customers better, businesses can make informed decisions that drive growth and success. Therefore, whether you are a small business owner or a corporate executive, don't underestimate the power of market research to empower brave decisions.

For more information about Danebury Research and its market research services, please visit the company's website at www.daneburyresearch.com

Test Valley Mayor enjoys ‘train’-ing at Romsey Signal Box

Romsey Signal Box welcomed the Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Alan Dowden, on Sunday 5 February, when he got to learn all about how it works and even got a chance to have a go himself. Cllr Dowden was given a demonstration by 15-year-old volunteer, Charlie Wainwright, who took him through the simulation of how the signals and tracks work, before passing over control.

The Mayor and Mayoress were invited to attend the open day at the historic attraction, which was built in 1873 and is now a working museum that gives an insight into the life of a railway signalman. The signal box is due to undergo major restoration work, including the creation of a new interactive education building, which will give schools the chance to visit and take a step back in time.

Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Alan Dowden, said:

“We learnt the history of train signalling, through to the modern-day computerised system. Charlie gave us an excellent demonstration of the workings of a signal box, before inviting me to have a go!

“It was interesting and entertaining, and I really enjoyed having a go. But I can confirm, for reassurance, that no trains were involved during my practice run!

“I congratulate all the volunteers who have contributed to making this unique attraction. The development of the new education building will be fantastic for schools, and I look forward to visiting again once the work is complete.”

For more information about the Romsey Signal Box, visit www. romseysignalbox.org.uk

It may surprise you to know that when I see a patient with dropped arches that I have identified are part of the reason they are in pain or injured, I rarely suggest orthotics, and more often advise glute (buttock) strengthening exercises.

When the glutes are weak or unable to contract strongly due to pain signals, the position of the leg can deteriorate, allowing a collapsing inward of the knee and a drop in the arch of the foot. The foot is only as stable and strong as the hip that drives it.

Some symptoms of poor foot and hip mechanics may manifest themselves as

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Sever’s Disease

• Achilles strains

• Meniscus and cartilage damage at the knee

• Ligament strain at the knee

• Ilio-tibial band syndrome

• Clicky hips and groin pain

• Tendinopathy and hip bursitis

• Back ache

• Pelvic floor dysfunction

So rather than bracing the foot with arch supports and rigid orthotics, we must look outside the shoe and further up the leg to find our solutions. Orthotics may have a place in the short-term management of pain symptoms, but they must be phased out alongside a comprehensive treatment, strengthening and mobilising program. Our feet are already constantly restricted by our shoes, and it is vital that we don’t further lock up the foot with long-term bracing in the style of orthotics, wedges or supports.

The very vast majority of us wear sturdy, warm and supportive footwear all the time. These types of boots, shoes or trainers have the effect of constantly propping up our feet, a bit like being in a constant corset, or ‘foot coffin’ as Katy Bowman calls it!

The foot gradually loses its sensitivity, strength and mobility.

There are no quick fixes here, but for long term health of both your hips and feet, aim to spend as much time as you reasonably can in minimal shoes or barefoot, and ensure you are doing daily activities that engage and strengthen your glutes such as hill walking, stairs, dancing, squats and lunges, DIY and gardening.

For a great glute activating exercise try my ‘Crouch to Toe Reach’ exercise, up on my You Tube channel and website now.

Your hips control the arch of your foot, therefore your glutes are your best arch supports. They can’t be bought, they must be developed.

Get in touch if you need more guidance and advice on this, we love to chat!

Emma Wightman - www.the-sop.com

The best orthotics for your feet are… your glutes (buttock muscles)!

Arthritis/General Fitness

Arthritis/General Fitness

Arthritis/General Fitness

Hydrotherapy Classes

Hydrotherapy Classes

Hydrotherapy Classes

Classes taken by our Chartered Physiotherapist who designs exercises adapted to suit your level of ability

Classes taken by our Chartered Physiotherapist who designs exercises adapted to suit your level of ability

Classes taken by our Chartered Physiotherapist who designs exercises adapted to suit your level of ability

Thursdays 1.45- 2.15pm

Thursdays 1.45- 2.15pm

Thursdays 1.45- 2.15pm

At Farleigh School Pool, Andover, SP11 7PW

At Farleigh School Pool, Andover, SP11 7PW

At Farleigh School Pool, Andover, SP11 7PW

Tel: 07966 927439

Tel: 07966 927439

Email: admin@regionalarthritishydrotherapy.com

Tel: 07966 927439

Email: admin@regionalarthritishydrotherapy.com

Website: www.regionalarthritishydro.com

Email: admin@regionalarthritishydrotherapy.com

Website: www.regionalarthritishydro.com

Registered Charity 1171462

Website: www.regionalarthritishydro.com

Registered Charity 1171462

Registered Charity 1171462

of Warsash

Davina's is a leader of Mother of the Bride/Groom outfits ideal for that special wedding whether in church, at a registry office or in an outstanding venue, here or abroad. We have over 120 outfits to choose from together with hats, hatinators, fascinators, shoes and clutch bags making it a 'one-stop shop'

Marble Summer Collection Just Arrived

Tel: 01489 880900 or shop online at: www.davinasladiesfashion.co.uk

7 Warsash Road, Warsash, Southampton, SO31 9HW

Open Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm

Jennifer Gay to visit Stockbridge in April

Davina's Mother of the Bride/Groom Fashions

We are your local independent fashion retailer located in Warsash adjacent to the Coop and Clocktower. We have been established for 25 years, originally in Fareham and now in Warsash since 2018. We have built our reputation selling outstanding Mother of the Bride/Groom outfits principally by Condici and John Charles, in addition to general clothing. Both labels are high quality and will make the wearer stand out at any wedding, making a son or daughter justly proud. Condici is true to size and John Charles more suited to an hour-glass figure. We also do a lighter range of clothing ideal for beach weddings in some far-off sunny clime. We have matching hats, hatinators and fascinators to 'top-off' the complete outfit as well as clutch bags and leather medium heel shoes. We pride ourselves in providing a 'one-stop shop' so you can walk away with everything you need.

We welcome husbands, partners and family members coming with you to add their opinions in making that important choice. We expect you to try on several outfits before refining them to a final 2 or 3 from which to make the eventual choice. You will never be under any time or other pressure to buy. Our aim is for you to enjoy the experience and purchase only when you are completely satisfied. You are our best advert if you go away and recommend us to your friends.

Find us next to the Coop near the Clocktower. Free car parking for 4 hours available opposite."

Do visit our website at www.davinasladiesfashion.co.uk which is a showcase of some of what we have to offer.

April 3rd to 5th 2023

Alpaca is the second lightest weight warmth in the world with Vicuuna being the first, it is the luxury fibre of today. Alpaca doesn't pill or ball and is exceptionally hard wearing. As a stylist and designer of 32 years in Alpaca I have produced a classic range of 25 designs and as many colours.

I would be delighted for you to come and see the collection in Stockbridge Town Hall from April 3rd to 5th 2023. We will be open from 9am-5pm on each day. For more information call: 07836 719853.

Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

HOMES & ANTIQUES

Sat 4th March

Viewing: Fri 3rd March from 10am - 7pm

FINE ART, ANTIQUES & DECORATIVE INTERIORS AUCTION

Tue 28th, Wed 29th, Thur 30th March from 9.30am

Viewing: 23, 24, 25, 27 March

www.andrewsmithandson.com

Enquiries: t: 01962 735988 e: auctions@andrewsmithandson.com

ROOMS, MANOR FARM, ITCHEN STOKE, ALRESFORD, SO24

Featherstone’s English Flower Co.

Featherstone’s English Flower Co. is a sustainable flower farm and florist in Nether Wallop, offering a full floristry service, events and workshops.

Natural, compostable and reusable methods are used to create beautiful arrangements with an organic style.

Bouquets • Events • Weddings • Funerals • Pick Your Own • Workshops • Flower Club • Subscriptions • Buckets of Blooms

www.featherstoneflowers.co.uk @featherstoneflowers 01264 302980

Eco-

Simple Spanish Chorizo & Bean Stew

A hearty warming meal for the winter months

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 chorizo sausages, cut into 1cm-thick slices

• 1 medium brown onion, thinly sliced

• 1 large red pepper, thickly sliced

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 tablespoon of Paprika

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 dried bay leaf

• 2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 x 400g cans cannellini beans, rinsed, drained

• 2 x 400g can chopped tomatoes

• Small bunch fresh parsley to garnish

METHOD

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chorizo for 4-5 mins or until light golden. Use a slotted spoon to transfer chorizo to a 4.5L slow cooker.

Heat the pan over medium-high heat. Cook the onion, capsicum and garlic, stirring, for 5 mins or until soft. Add the paprika, cumin, bay leaf and oregano and cook, stirring, for 1 min or until fragrant. Add the capsicum mixture, vinegar, tomato paste, beans and tomatoes to the slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low for 4 hrs.

Sprinkle with parsley. Serve with crusty bread or rolls. For those who prefer a little more spice to their meal and 1/2 a teaspoon of hot chilli powder.

Eternal Light Saturday 18 March 2023

In a world of so much uncertainly and conflict Southampton Philharmonic Choir return to O2 Guildhall Southampton in March with a concert programme focusing on peace and eternal light. The concert opens with the ever popular and evocative Lark Ascending for solo violin and orchestra, written in 1914, at the start of World War 1. Based on the poem of the same name by George Meredith, it is in part a celebration of British pastoral life, at a time when there was a genuine fear for its loss. The piece ends with the sound of the lark ascending out of sight into the light.

Vaughan Williams composed Dona Nobis Pacem in 1936, a time of concern at the approach of another war despite the vivid memory of World War 1, in which he had served. It uses poems by Walt Whitman, a political speech that tried to prevent the Crimean War and passages from the Bible extolling the futility of war and the desire we all have for peace. The music is intense, dramatic yet lyrical; one of the finest of all the composer’s works.

Howard Goodall’s Eternal Light (2008) is described by the composer as a Requiem for the living, providing solace for the grieving and focusing on the consequences of interrupted lives. A work full of warm lyricism and reassuring calm. Goodall - well known for Vicar of Dibley, is one of the most talented and approachable composers of our time.

Performing with us for the first time is the Docklands Sinfonia, who describe themselves as a diverse, dynamic & versatile symphony orchestra; a major cultural force in Docklands and beyond - bringing high quality music to the area, staging ground-breaking concerts and creating a lasting legacy by inspiring generations of young people. We are delighted to welcome them and our two soloists to Southampton.

Join us, tickets are on sale now and available online from O2 Guildhall Southampton - www.O2guildhallsouthampton.co.uk

Embley, the independent school for children aged two to 18 near Romsey, has achieved the highest possible ‘Excellent’ rating across all areas of its provision for pupil achievement and personal development following a full inspection from the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

The inspectors interviewed pupils and staff, surveyed parents, observed lessons and daily life in the school and examined pupils’ work. In its report, the ISI commented that “Pupils’ knowledge, skills and understanding across the curriculum are outstanding, strongly supported by dynamic teaching which incorporates wellstructured and carefully paced lessons to foster pupils’ curiosity.” It also states that “Pupils are excellent communicators. They converse confidently with each other and with their teachers. Pupils are patient and shrewd listeners, drawing on each other’s ideas and opinions to engage in meaningful dialogue.”

Alongside helping pupils realise their academic ambitions, Embley prides itself on encouraging pupils to have appropriate belief in

Exciting News from Godolphin School

Great news from Godolphin this month, as they are celebrating the news that two Lower Sixth students, Liv and Tiana have been selected for the U20 England National Lacrosse Academy.

This is an outstanding achievement, as the selection process for the England Academy is incredibly competitive. This now gives these Godolphin's students the chance to represent U20 England at the Home Internationals, European and World Championships. Best of luck to them both.

themselves and to be compassionate of those around them. The inspectors commented that “Pupils know themselves well and understand the importance of self-discipline and resilience. Pupils’ self-understanding develops as they progress through each stage of their schooling, nurtured by highly effective pastoral and welfare support, and caring relationships.”

In addition, the report states that “Pupils display excellent commitment to the contribution they make to others, the school and the community. This is because the school provides many opportunities for pupils to positively contribute to the lives of others.”

Headmaster, Cliff Canning, commented: “We are delighted with the inspection outcome. To receive an excellent rating across all areas of pupils’ achievements and personal development is a testament to the expertise and hard work of our staff and their ongoing commitment to helping pupils achieve their personal best.

“We are immensely proud of our pupils. To be in their company is to take time to be with the future. They are unbridled potential and all of us who work with them and enjoy their company are routinely surprised by the joy of their becoming what they are. There are many notable points to take from this report about them; their endeavour and progress, the excellence of their academic achievement, their creativity and flair, and competence with IT. The inspection team noted our pupils’ authenticity and humility. It is an honest recognition of their capacity, not so much to think less of themselves but to think of themselves less.”

Alongside the Educational Quality Inspection, the inspectors conducted a Focused Compliance Inspection and Embley met every statutory standard.

For more information on Embley School visit: www.embley.org.uk

E is for ‘Excellent’!

Elite

Home & Garden Furniture in stock or available to pre-order FREE local delivery

FONTLEY ROAD TITCHFIELD FAREHAM PO15 6QX

SUMMERHOUSE CAFE

Breakfast | Brunch | Lunch | Afternoon Tea | Sunday Roasts

Private hire now available in our fully licensed coffee lounge

the_summerhouse_coffee_lounge

SummerHouse2022

summerhouse-restaurant.co.uk

Biosecurity For Our Chalk Streams

With their serene beauty and intriguing wildlife, it's no surprise that our chalk streams draw people to them. But when visitors leave, they may not be alone: diseases and invasive species could be hitching a ride to their next destination. For streams that are under pressure, or home to vulnerable species, this stealthy spread can spell disaster.

Take the white-clawed crayfish, for example. This amazing animal thrives in chalk streams, where it uses the mineral-rich water to strengthen its shell. Yet it is now endangered, due largely to a water mould called ‘crayfish plague’. The mould’s carrier – the invasive signal crayfish – is mostly immune to its effects. For native crayfish, infection is usually fatal.

Unfortunately, crustaceans aren’t the only ones in trouble. Many chalk stream fish are susceptible to parasites like the fish louse, water moulds like Saprolegnia, and diseases like koi herpes virus or carp edema virus. Infection can lead to serious illness,

and even death, in iconic species like the common carp, the brown trout, and the Atlantic salmon.

On the floral front, invasive non-native plants like monkeyflower, parrot’s feather, and floating pennywort can flourish from just a sliver of root or stem. These fastgrowing species can quickly dominate a chalk stream, depriving its wildlife of sunlight and oxygen. Once established, they are very difficult to permanently remove.

Luckily, there are easy ways to enjoy our precious streams while doing your bit for biosecurity. Whether you're a paddler, an angler, or a river keeper, you have a crucial role to play in their protection. Spores, eggs, and plant fragments can survive for weeks in damp conditions, so we recommend the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ method:

• CHECK your clothing and equipment after leaving the water. Remove any mud, aquatic animals, and plant material while on site.

• CLEAN your clothing and equipment as soon as you can, ideally with hot water. Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies.

• DRY your clothing and equipment for as long as possible before using it again, especially if you will be visiting a different location.

Want to learn more about biosecurity? Join us at 7pm on 28th March for a free online talk; book your ticket at www.hiwwt.org.uk/ events. You can also get involved in tackling invasive species through the Watercress and Winterbournes scheme; visit www. hiwwt.org.uk/winterbournes. Our work is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Go Exploring This Spring

Discover a world of wildlife, with our free Open Chalk Streams events this April! Visit hidden places and see familiar ones in a different way. Learn more at www.hiwwt. org.uk/winterbournes/open

Test Valley Arts Foundation

Chairmans Annual Report April 2022 to March 2023

In my annual report, I referred to last year as ‘fits and starts’ - this year has been full of exciting activity which has engaged both new audiences and once again highlighted what a lively and creative place we are so fortunate to live and work in.

Before I report on some of our activities, I must thank ALL of our Trustees for their continued support, ‘spirit of adventure’ and tenacity.

I am often asked, “Where does all the money come from?” Just over thirty years ago Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) created a new charity, the ‘Test Valley Arts Foundation’ (TVAF) with a one-off grant of £100k to enhance and further cultural and arts activities within the borough. The funds donated were part of a larger transaction the TVBC had negotiated on the building and development of a Tesco supermarket in Andover. The then local MP, Michael Colvin, lobbied and advocated for the Section 106 fund that this generated to be used in the long-term support of arts and culture within the Test Valley by creating an ‘arm’s length’ organisation to do this. Over the years a number of distinguished Trustees and Chairmen have steered the Foundation; Madeline Edmonds MBE JP and Ex-Leader of TVBC and Hampshire County Council (HCC); Roy Perry and Michael Moore being three such colleagues. Under such stewardship the money was put to very good use, acting as match funding to support local community groups, from brass bands to choirs and recitals to individuals, exhibitions, events and festivals, arts education in the community, to start up grants for fledgling creative businesses. The creation of the Chapel Arts Studios through the conversion of a derelict church into a modern, lively independent arts organisation (now an Arts Council Portfolio Funded Organisation, the only one in the borough) was also one of our proud achievements. We estimate that for every £1 TVAF has spent we have leveraged in through fundraising, grants and donations a further £7 into the borough.

As a result of this reputation and provenance, we have most recently attracted a £20k gift from an anonymous donor, corporate sponsorship from BeWiser Insurance and a grant from Aster Housing which has been used to leverage ‘match funding’ from HCC, TVBC and Arts Council England (ACE). Additional financial support is required and utilised to support and deliver specific projects which are never funded outright. The initial founding grant made some 32 years ago has gone a long way to bridging that gap, enabling both value for money, return on investment and longevity of long-term cultural support within the borough. We have asked our Borough Council to support our ‘core’ costs of about £14k a year as a result of the now diminished founding grant. Core costs pay for legal charitable requirements such as insurance, accountants and auditors and our part-time Development Director. We are still hopeful that this cost will be supported by our Borough Council in the future so we can continue to ‘make things happen’. Very recently we were delighted to learn that HCC were confident enough to provide match funding of £25k to support our projects for the coming year –more about this in the 2023/4 report.

Despite the constraints of an environment of reduced funds and a much tighter financial atmosphere, we have had a very busy year. Based on one of the ‘Finding Friends Report’ recommendations which suggested that the creation of street festivals was an excellent way of bringing diverse communities together, we designed and organised the Andover Jubilee Street Festival. Supported by ACE and managed by Rebecca Maddox, the

event involved a host of venues, community groups, live music and dance. Over 5,000k people, on a lovely sunny day, turned out to bring Andover Town centre to life. It was a wonderful uplifting event. Hopefully paving the way for more such happenings in the future. We were saddened that later in the year the reign of Queen Elizabeth II concluded. Additionally, we supported an ‘Artists in Residence’ programme at King John’s House in Romsey and also out of Andover Museum. In both venues artists engaged with visitors animating the spaces and producing work particularly with young people.

Amanda Kane-Smith who put together ‘Test Valley Tales’ in the previous year sold out of the original print run of her book. Our Trustees backed the support of a further print run of both a paperback and hardback edition. She was a key part of our presence at the Eastleigh Mela, the Romsey Show and Trout ‘n About in Stockbridge. It was wonderful to be back outdoors at all three venues with our new set up of TVAF gazebos, borrowing the Broughton Village Bus as transport which also provided a backdrop. We could not deliver these events without the support of Rodney Allsop-Seward our ‘Art Bus’ driver/volunteer.

In the summer we supported the Hampshire Open Studios to deliver over the August Bank holiday a fabulous, accessible programme by once again publishing and distributing the ‘Test Valley Arts Trail’ leaflet. This was a huge success as it highlighted all the venues in the Test Valley which were open to visitors. We were delighted to be informed that the Broughton Village Hall Art exhibition drew over 2,000 people. This was their second exhibition and over a two-year period turned over £50k+ in sales. As someone put it cogently, “Is this not an outstanding example of the Arts contributing directly to the Economy of the borough?”

I cannot complete my report without thanking our team, after our long-term Administrator Sue Messa retired, we appointed Fran Henville, who was with us for a short time, leaving to take on a full-time art teaching position. She was succeeded by Lisa Johnson, who left to take up an employment opportunity as a Data Manager locally. We wish them the very best for the future and thank them wholeheartedly for their contribution to TVAF. We now have Rebecca van Rooijen as our Development Director, who is making all of us think more flexibly about how to generate funds to support Arts and Culture within the borough. I am very grateful to our Treasurer, John Dumper for his continued support, and again ALL of our Trustees.

As an arm’s length independent charitable organisation, TVAF continues to support TVBC in their work to regenerate the Andover Town Centre and we have been glad to have been involved in the options appraisal being carried out by the Hampshire Cultural Trust and TVBC of Andover Museum. Besides the projects I have outlined, we have supported through small grants: The A-Fest, Stitched Stories, created a small fund to assist artists requiring help with getting their work exhibited, the Romsey Chamber Choir and finally a number of individual artists to provide cultural opportunities which otherwise would not be possible. I hope that with the continued support in difficult circumstances of both the County Council, and the Borough Council we will continue to be able to do more in the Test Valley. Their continued support is greatly appreciated by our Board, but more importantly, gets multiplied from other sources when translated into projects. We hope to continue this tradition whatever the future holds!

Yinnon Ezra MBE MA FRSA Chairman Test Valley Arts Foundation

Rodney Allsop-Seward at the Romsey Show

March/April Events

Stockbridge Amateur Dramatic Society’s Curtain Calls…

goal, he hires the best of the best: A stellar team consisting of famous filmmaker Lola Cuevas and two well-known actors who boast not only an enormous talent, but also an even bigger ego: Hollywood star Félix Rivero and aging theatre thespian Iván Torres. (In Spanish with subtitles)

Stockbridge Cinema See How They Run (12A)

Tuesday 7 March

From 7.30pm

Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

Come and be entertained by readings and performances from plays, poems and novels - and often songs. You don’t have to be a member of SADS to come along, (but we’d love it if you’d join) We’re always looking for new blood to act, direct and be part of the backstage team. No experience necessary! Stockbridgeamdrams@gmail.com or find us on Facebook

Stockbridge Cinema Official Competition (15)

Wednesday 22 March

From 4.45pm and 7.30pm

Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

Stockbridge Antiques Fair

Saturday 1 April

From 9am to 4.30pm Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

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: 9.00am - 4.30pm. Contacts: Carol01264 335769 / 07870 432805 Steve - 01722 712267 / 07915 663251

Jennifergay - Alpaca Clothing Sale

Mon 3 to Wed 5 April

From 9am - 5pm

Bed among the lentils. Her last chance. Soldiering on. Tickets £12 plus booking fee. Tickets from www.stockbridgeamdrams.org.uk or call 01264 513676.

Heavy Horse Event

Sunday 16 April

Friday 17 March

From 7.30pm

Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

A billionaire businessman in search of fame and social prestige decides to make a unique, groundbreaking film. To achieve this

In 1950s London, plans for a film version of a smash-hit play come to an abrupt halt after a key member of the crew is murdered. When world-weary Inspector Stoppard, and eager rookie Constable Stalker, take on the case, the two find themselves thrown into a puzzling whodunit within the glamorously sordid theatre underground, investigating the mysterious homicide at their own peril. Comedy/Drama. Information common to all films Showing at Stockbridge Town Hall SO20 6HE. Tickets can be purchased online (£5.50 plus £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) from the 1st of each month. Visit our website for more details.

Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE

Alpaca Knitwear by Jennifer Gay.

Stockbridge Amateur Dramatic - Talking Heads

From 10.30am Harbridge Farm, Ringwood (A338), Hampshire BH24 3PS

Southern Counties Heavy Horse Association. Adults £ 8 Senior Citizens £ 6. SCHHA Members and children under 16 FREE Car Parking FREE. Secretary & Trade Enquiries: Anne Dawson 07773 155817. By kind permission of Lord Normanton www.schha.co.uk

From 7.30pm

Talking Heads by Alan Bennett.

If you would like to feature your event free of charge on our events page please email it to editor@ forumpublications.co.uk. Please note there is a maximum of 80 words and we cannot guarantee publication.

Council approves £500k funding for local community projects

The creation of a brand new sports pavilion at Over Wallop and rebuilding the stage house at the Plaza Theatre in Romsey are two of four local projects that will benefit from a major funding boost after Test Valley Borough Council agreed to allocate more than £500k towards a range of schemes. Councillors backed a report at a meeting on Wednesday 25 January to award the money from the authority’s Community Projects Reserve (CPR). The move will see almost £270k go towards the construction of a new sports pavilion at the Alan Evans Memorial Ground, Salisbury Lane, Over Wallop. Just over £100k has been allocated to providing outdoor exercise equipment, playground apparatus, an all-weather running track, wet weather shelter, new seating and wilding improvements at the playing fields at Aylwards Way in Nether Wallop.

Meanwhile, £100k will be allocated to the Plaza Theatre to extend the stage house, enabling them to install a new lighting grid, undertake rewiring work and upgrade equipment, and £33k has been earmarked for new play equipment at Bury Dene Playing Fields to completely overhaul the site and ensure the facilities are suitable for children of all ages and abilities. The money for the Community Projects Reserve comes from funds secured through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is a charge the council levies on new developments in the local area to provide the infrastructure needed to support new homes and businesses.

Here’s why one of the Stockbridges’ most trusted carpet cleaning companies is cleaning local, nearneighbours carpets for a fraction of the normal cost

The fund is open to bids from 1 April to 30 June each year and the council then assesses each project against set criteria to determine which should receive a share of the pot and how much should be allocated. Parish councils and community groups can apply for up to 50 percent of the total project cost

Since 2018, the council has awarded £3.2M to 28 schemes around the borough.

If you need your carpets cleaned and are looking for an award-winning company who will arrive on time, will be courteous, respectful and above all trustworthy-- then you’re invited to take advantage of one of the three extraordinary value, high quality, carpet and upholstery cleaning deals we’re offering new customers this month-- because we want to give you the chance to get to know our service and to find out how impressively new, fresh and bright your carpets will look when cleaned and freshened by The Carpet Care People.

Planning portfolio holder, Councillor Phil Bundy, said: “I am incredibly pleased that my council colleagues have backed the recommendations. These are all tremendously worthy projects that will each benefit the local community.

“I would like to thank all those who took the time to submit a bid for a share of the funds and would encourage others to do the same when we reopen for applications on 1 April.”

For more information about CIL and the council’s Community Projects Reserve, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/cil

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Start The Spring Season In Style

When painting outside, natural light makes colours appear lighter, so consider using a shade around twice as dark as you expect. For a calming scheme harmonious with nature, choose neutrals with a green undertone for masonry, and darker shades of the same colour for window frames and doors. Bring in deeper accents of browns or greens to add depth to your exterior scheme, and use them as a backdrop to beautiful planting.

Garden furniture can be painted too - simply designed tables and chairs can be brought to life with a contrasting pop of colour to provide joy and intrigue on greyer days. Lavender tones work beautifully in gardens, or how about a hot fuchsia pink to surprise and delight.

Another way to bring the outside into your home is through the use of natural materials and plants. Consider incorporating wood, stone, or other natural materials into your décor, such as onto walls, floors, and furniture. Adding a few plants to your home not only provides a pop of green and natural beauty, but it can also improve the air quality in your home.

As the weather warms up, many of us are inspired to refresh our homes and bring a touch of the outside in. One simple and affordable way to do this is through the use of paint. Not only can a repaint breathe new life into the inside of your home, it can transform the exterior helping to sell your home faster and for more money. They say first impressions are key, and a fresh coat of paint can make a big impact.

Incorporating natural materials and using paint are two ways you can refresh your home affordably and bring the outside in. You can create a beautiful and inviting home that is perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and selling. If you need help taking this further, or would like to learn more about the design services we offer, head to our website www.charlottestuartinteriors.co.uk or find us on Instagram @ charlotte_stuart_interiors

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Southern Voices: German Choral Masterpieces

Winchester based Chamber Choir, Southern Voices, is fast gaining a reputation for singing refined, unaccompanied, choral concerts with their new conductor Jamal Sutton (MA BMus (Cantab) ARCO). Jamal took up the post in summer 2022 and has enjoyed notable success in his first three concerts with growing audiences coming to listen to his popular and original programmes.

Following on from their sold-out Christmas Concert, the choir are looking forward to returning to Winchester’s ancient Chapel of St Cross (SO23 9SD) in a concert of German Masterpieces on Saturday 25th March at 7.30pm.

Rheinberger's Mass for double choir in E-flat (1878) is an unexpected blend of old and new. Sung in Latin this is a work to be witnessed in its full glory with the choir split into two choirs singing a total of eight voice parts in the unique acoustic of St Cross. The well-known sacred motets of Brahms and Bruckner compliment the Mass beautifully. The choir will perform seven including ‘Locus Iste’ and finishing with Bruckner’s beautiful ‘Ave Maria’.

The choir are well established in Winchester and the South. Recruitment is by audition only and rehearsals are on Monday evenings in St Paul’s, Winchester. Founded in 1984, they are making plans for their 40th Anniversary year in 2024. Keep an eye on the website: southernvoices.co.uk for more information.

Tickets £16 (Concessions £1 age 18 and under); ticketsource.co.uk/ southern-voices; Telephone 0333 666 3366 (booking fees apply); or at the door.

Registered Charity 1086868

Winchester Comedy Festival: Spring Gala 2023

An evening of stand-up comedy from Pete Firman, Sikisa, Sean McLoughlin, Mike Cox (MC). Line up subject to change. Pete Firman is the UK's leading comedian/magician and a TV regular. Live performances have taken him all over the world and his one-man shows have entertained sell-out audiences for 10 years in a row at the Edinburgh Fringe and on several UK tours.

Sikisa is a comedian, writer and producer from South London who has never forgotten her Barbadian roots (yes, the country famous for rum and Rihanna). Sikisa has been named one to watch with her authentic, fearless and vivacious personality and on-stage presence since winning the public's vote in the 2017 BBC New Comedy Award competition, for which she was a finalist. She has quickly made a name for herself on the comedy circuit with her unique style and has become a regular performer and MC at some of the UK's favourite comedy nights. She's also a two-time Leicester Festival Aware nominee for Best Newcomer 2020 and Best appearance 2021 with her work in progress shows.

The Easter Story told in music

Andover Chamber

Choir’s first concert of 2023 will take place at the church of St Michael & All Angels, Colebrook Way, Andover on 1st April starting at 7.30 pm. ‘The Easter Story’ follows the events of Easter Week from Palm Sunday to Easter Day, from the triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the trial before Pilate and the crucifixion, ending with the resurrection. The story is told through choral items, organ music and readings.

Featured composers range from Tallis and Byrd in the Renaissance period to John Tavener and Bob Chilcott in the 21st century, taking in choruses from Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s St Matthew Passion. Musical director Andrew Wyndham says: “We’re all very used to hearing the Christmas story in December so we thought we’d explore the Easter story in a similar way, just as Christians begin to celebrate the ‘Holy Week’ leading up to Easter Sunday. There is so much wonderful music associated with this time of year.”

Proceeds from this event will be going to the Andover branch of Riding for the Disabled, a charity committed to providing lifechanging experiences for disabled children and adults. Tickets at £10 will include interval refreshments and are available in advance from The Lights Andover(online and in person), Newbury Building Society, choir members and at the door. Under-16s will be admitted free. In December the choir’s Christmas concert raised £1,468 for Andover Foodbank.

Further information: Veronica Bacon

T: 01264 771285 www.andoverchamberchoir.org.uk

Sean McLoughlin is an acclaimed stand-up and writer based in London. Hugely in-demand in the UK and internationally, he has made appearances on Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, The Stand-Up Sketch Show and Kevin Hart's LOL Network among others. He has recently supported Ricky Gervais on his international arena tour having previously opened for Bill Burr at the Royal Albert Hall and appeared at a gala show at the Sydney Opera House. He has performed solo tours across Europe, Australia and North America and has released two hugely successful U.S. comedy albums.

Mike Cox (MC) - Mike has been performing comedy since 2011 and quickly made his mark on the comedy scene with his sharp witted observational style which saw him crowned South Coast Comedian of the Year in 2014 as well as making the final of the prestigious Amused Moose Laugh Off in 2016. Mike can be seen at comedy clubs up and down the UK. Fri 10 Mar 2023 7.30pm - Tickets from £15

Members - 10% off tickets (excluding band C)

Theatre Royal Winchester, Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8SB For more information visit: theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk