FORUM
Life in your Community
NEWS & EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER
Find out what's going on in the Test Valley
COOKING THE BOOKS
Written
by
Lucia Foster-Found
HAMPSHIRE & ISLE OF WIGHT TRUST
Environment FeatureDancing Demoiselles
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Warming Beef & Pumpkin Stew
STYLE ˙ INTERIORS ˙ HEALTH & BEAUTY ˙ INTERVIEWS ˙ FOOD & DRINK ˙ ENTERTAINMENT ˙ EVENTS
OFFERS INVITED
An exciting opportunity to purchase a detached five bedroom property with garden and garage on Stockbridge High Street.
Good sized kitchen/dining room, sitting room with log burner, dining room/study, garden room. Five bedrooms, ensuite and family bathroom.
STOCKBRIDGE WINTERSLOW MIDDLE WALLOP
GUIDE PRICE: £950,000
Fantastic four bedroom detached property, set in half an acre, with stunning views and a detached one bedroom annexe.
Incredibly spacious with kitchen/breakfast room, three large reception rooms, boot/utility room, shower room, and two bathrooms.
GUIDE PRICE: £775,000
Stunning views and excellent accommodation on a plot of approximately 1/3 acre.
Spacious kitchen/dining room, sitting room and conservatory. Four bedrooms, bathroom and shower room on the ground floor. Main bedroom with ensuite on the first floor. Plenty of parking, double garage, large gardens.
ABBOTTS ANN
GUIDE PRICE: £675,000
A light and bright detached property with good sized accommodation in a great village location.
Kitchen/breakfast room, study, conservatory and a substantial sitting/dining room, four bedrooms and ensuite, family bathroom. Garage, large garden and countryside views.
November/December Events
Romsey Community Carboot
Every Thursday & Sunday
Thur 10 to 1pm, Sun 1 to 4pm
Romsey Town Football Club, Romsey, SO51 8AF
Money raised will be distributed to chosen local charities within our Romsey Community. Single Pitch £20 (U18s £5) from stockbridgemusic.uk or on the door if still available.
Winter Wellbeing Fair
Thursday 7 November
From 9am
The Chantry Centre, Chantry Street, Andover, SP10 1RL
Discover new ideas and activities to promote a healthy mind and body this winter, with advice and tips from local organisations.
Stockbridge Music Concert
Friday 8 November
From 7.30pm
St.Peter's Church, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HF
Nadine Benjamin MBE Soprano. Andrea Kmecova, piano. Perform 'Puccini and More. The Joys and Challenges of Love' Tickets £20 (U18s £5) from Stockbridgemusic. uk or on the door, if still available.
Christmas Bazaar in Wherwell
Saturday 9 November
From 11am to 2pm
Wherwell Home Guard Club, SP11 7JB
7th Annual Christmas Bazaar
12 Craft stalls Plus charity stalls from BOAZ, British Heart, Naomi House. Tea/Coffee, Cake stall and Raffle. FREE admission.
Stockbrige Cinema Io Capitano (15) Two Senegalese teenagers living in Dakar yearn for a brighter
Friday 15 November
From 7.30pm
Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
future in Europe. Yet between their dreams and reality lies a treacherous journey through a labyrinth of checkpoints, the scorched Saharan desert, a fetid North African prison and the vast waters of the Mediterranean where thousands have died packed inside vessels barely fit for passage. [In Wolof, French, Arabic, English with subtitles]. For booking and other information see 20 November.
Winter Carnival and Romsey Lantern Parade
Saturday 16 November
From 6pm
Crosfield Hall, Broadwater Road, Romsey, SO51 8G
The fabulous parade is back, including our famous Lantern Parade. An amazing spectacle of lights, music, dancing, floats and much more!
Stockbrige Cinema Twisters(15)
Wednesday 20 November
From 4.45pm to 7.30pm
Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
As storm season intensifies, the paths of former storm chaser Kate Cooper, lured back to the open plains after a devastating encounter years prior, and reckless social-media superstar Tyler Owens collide when terrifying phenomena never seen before are unleashed. The pair and their competing teams find themselves squarely in the paths of multiple storm systems converging over central Oklahoma in the fight of their lives. Information common to both films - Showing at. Tickets £6.00 (incl £0.50p booking fee) per adult ticket) on sale via www.
stockbridgecinema.org.uk or by telephone from TicketSource 0333 666 3366 (no additional charge). Tickets are on sale from 1 November. Please visit our website for full details of all films.
The Meadow Singers Directed By Jo Fry Presents
Saturday 23 November
From 7.30pm
All Saints Church, Church Ln, Upper Clatford, SP11 7QF
The inaugural concert at All Saints Church, Upper Clatford Adults £10 Children £5. (Doors Open 7pm - Cash bar). All funds raised will be shared between All Saints Church and ABCD Bethlehem. Tickets can be purchased from: Goodworth Clatford Shop/ Greenfield Farm Shop/ Abbotts Ann Shop.
Christmas Market at The Hawk Conservancy Trust
Thur 28 to Sat 30 November
From 3.30pm to 8.30pm
Sarson Lane, Weyhill Andover, SP11 8DY
Enjoy the run up to Christmas with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's delightful, festive shopping experience. Discover beautiful gifts for your loved ones while supporting local craftspeople and the Trust. With over 60 local businesses attending, you can find personalised presents, Christmas decorations, handcrafted treats, beautiful homeware and much more. Traditional Christmas market food favourites will be available including a delicious Barbeque, German Bratwurst, Tartiflette and Chips.
Stockbridge Amateur Dramatic Society presents Brontë by Polly Teale Against a backdrop of drink and
Thur 28 to Sat 30 November
From 7.30pm
Stockbridge Town Hall, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
drugs, the sisters wife... Tickets £12 + booking fee available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/sads or call 01264 513676
Steam Illuminations at the Watercress Line
Fri 29 Nov to Sat 4 Jan 2025
Various dates and times
Mid Hants Railway 'Watercress Line' The Railway Station Alresford, SO24 9JG
Steam Illuminations returns to The Watercress Line (November to January). Experience an incredible light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of coloured lights and LED wristbands, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns, includes 'Canopy of Lights' a sound to light show inside every carriage. NEW for 2024 'Snow Cascade', an incredible snowflake light projection! Enjoy the interactive sound to light fun all while hosted by the legendary 'Voiceover Man' (as heard on Britain's Got Talent and X-Factor); laugh with him (or at him) and compete against each other with the singalong "FlashyOke" game".
Stockbridge Antiques Fair
Sat 7 to Sun 8 December
From 9.30am to 4.30pm
Stockbridge Town Hall, High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
We offer a wide range of Decorative, Interesting and Unusual items including good quality Furniture, Silver, China and Glass, Jewellery Textiles and Militaria. Free Admission & Free Parking. We will also buy. Open: 9.30am - 4.30pm. Contacts: Carol - 01264 335769 / 07870 432805 - Steve - 01722 712267 / 07915 663251
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After Makeover
Kitchen and bedroom makeovers
Before Makeover
Makeover Options
∙ Change all your drawers, doors, panels and plinths
∙ New worktops can be fitted
∙ Amendments to existing cabinetry and layout can be made
∙ Built in ovens can be changed to eye level ovens
∙ No one will know its a makeover, it will look like a brand new kitchen
∙ All doors made to order to any size
Our head fitters are ex-shipwright joiners so you are guaranteed excellent quality installation
Ben, Owner Uk Happy Kitchens Ltd
∙ Change as much or as little as you'd like
∙ Free no obligation quotation
∙ Free design service for new projects
Kitchen and bedroom makeovers
Before Makeover After Makeover
One of the best reviewed kitchen & bedroom companies in the UK
We also design and install bespoke new kitchens, bedrooms, boot rooms, media walls, living room storage.
Whether you want to just change your doors, or change everything you can see on the face, we can utilise your existing units, and change all the trims and panels, just like in the photos above, yes that really was a makeover, with a couple of small changes. Call us today for a free of charge home visit.
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.
∙ Change as much or as little as you'd like
∙ Free no obligation quotation
∙ Free design service for new projects
8 year winner of the Best of Houzz award and one of the highest reviewed kitchen companies on Houzz in the UK
Andover Town Centre – JMW Turner in Andover!
Earlier in the year Test Valley Borough Council announced the awarding of 18 million pounds from the Government’s Levelling Up Funds to relocate the Lights Theatre into the Andover Town Centre. Since then, the Borough Council has been really active in recruiting the team to design and hopefully build this important venue. The Lights is a hugely successful Theatre near Andover College and the redundant Magistrates Court – the latter ripe for redevelopment. A real exciting opportunity to have a lively new focus which will hopefully draw more people into the Town.
It is also brilliant to see the Borough Council and so many voluntary groups doing everything from arranging outdoor events – the recent “World Street Party” was excellent - to new markets and some new great places to eat and drink. All this really helps to keep the Town buzzing. But there is still sometimes an air of despondency as you see even charity shops closing down.
There is a very lively “creative community” in Andover who could occupy more of the vacant shops. Chapel Arts Studios occupies one opposite the “old” M & S shop with a comprehensive inclusive programme of Arts and Crafts. Also, an opportunity to use one of the shops in the shopping centre to “tell the story of Andover” which is currently tucked away in the Andover Museum would be great. There are still people who recall the relocation from London who could help to enliven this important story. A project currently being done by the Hampshire Archives and Local Studies/Wessex Sound and Film Archive entitled “Andover an Overspill story” is well underway. This will certainly bring back many memories to local residents and possibly surprise many new ones!
What I am getting at is that a new Theatre Building although a huge step forward in bringing people into the Town will NOT be enough. For example, the opportunity to use the ground floor of the Guild Hall, as an Art Gallery/Cafe which could attract visiting exhibitions from our National Galleries – they are only too keen to lend major works – but also provide a venue for our local artists would be a huge asset. How wonderful to see JMW Turners “Fighting Temeraire” in Andover!? The Guild Hall is probably one of the most iconic buildings in the Town Centre – it has had numerous reincarnations all very temporary. That corner of Town with a Gallery, the Theatre and the relocation of the opportunity to tell the “story of Andover” near to the Public Library will create the critical mass to ensure the huge investment in the Theatre pays dividends. This “mix” has proven so successful in many parts of the UK.
Andover nestles in some wonderful chalk hills – in it are the remains of settlements going back to the Iron Age. Danebury Hill Fort is probably the most researched of these places. Unfortunately, on the site itself there is very little information to guide visitors to Andover where they can see the results of so many years of scholarship. The Museum of the Iron Age explains some of this vividly. But it is probably not enough to sustain this well-loved building. Reinventing it into an Arts and Heritage Venue could ensure its future!
Yinnon Ezra MBE Chairman Test Valley Arts Foundation https://testvalleyartsfoundation.org
The Country House CompanyProperties For Sale / To Let LONGSTOCK
Annexe to Let £1,000pcm inclusive with a contribution towards oil and energy usage.
A delightful one-bedroom annexe attached to the main house but with separate access from the main driveway. The property comprises of a large kitchen / dining room, first floor sitting room and a double bedroom with en suite shower room. The occupier will enjoy glorious views over open countryside to the rear of the property and shared access to the spectacular gardens which border a tributary to the River Test in addition there is private driveway for parking. Longstock is a popular Test Valley Village with a thriving community and popular pub – The Peat Spade. The area is renowned for its chalk stream fishing and wonderful countryside criss-crossed with walking and cycle paths.
Contact: Claudia@countryhousecompany.co.uk or call: 01264 312832 www.countryhousecompany.co.uk
OVER WALLOP
For sale - Price Guide
£450,000
A superb 3 bedroom terraced home which has been sympathetically renovated by the current owners. This pretty cottage is positioned in a sought-after location with good access to commuter links and offers stylish accommodation, a pretty cottage garden and private parking. Nestled in this picturesque village this charming, terraced cottage exudes a sense of warmth with a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this charming home has been sympathetically refurbished by the current owners and presents a stylish decor with character features throughout. Whilst rural in its setting with local footpaths and bridleways in abundance, closeby are excellent commuter links to include the A30, A36 and the A303 to the M3/A34. The village itself has a village shop, a post office, and a pub. The Wallops has a primary school and Stockbridge with further facilities is approximately 5 miles away. The Cathedral cities of Salisbury and Winchester are approximately 12 and 16 miles away respectively and have mainline trains services to London as does Grateley (approx. 2 miles).
Contact: katep@countryhousecompany.co.uk or call: 01264 312832 www.countryhousecompany.co.uk
Financial planning tips for entrepreneurs
It can be easy to neglect your own finances when you’re focused on growing your business. But creating a solid plan for both your business and personal finances can give you more confidence your hard work will pay off.
Here are five financial planning tips for entrepreneurs.
1. Make the most of pensions
Relying solely on your business to provide for retirement is risky.
Making contributions into a pension could help you save for retirement. As a business owner, you can make your own tax-efficient savings into your pension and make employer contributions that are deductible against corporation tax.
Your accountant can help you make the most of all the personal and business tax reliefs.
2. Protect against risks
Insure not just your business premises and stock, but also what’s arguably your most valuable asset – yourself. Protection against death and illness could be crucial.
Also consider key person protection and shareholder protection to minimise disruption should the worst happen to one of your key members of staff or shareholders.
Finally, make sure your will states who will receive your shares or business interest when you die.
3. Plan your exit strategy
Planning your exit early could reap rewards. Work with a financial adviser to determine your ‘magic number’ – how much you would need from a sale to achieve your desired lifestyle. The adviser can also help you work out how much your future lifestyle might cost, and whether your finances are sufficient.
If you are hoping to leave your business to your family, you might qualify for business relief. This could mean there is no inheritance tax to pay on your company shares when you die.
4. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
While growing your business should be the priority, also consider investing across other asset classes, such as equities, bonds, and cash. This could help to cushion the impact if your company doesn’t perform quite as well as expected.
We can help you build a diversified portfolio that suits your individual needs and objectives.
5. Surround yourself with experts
At RBC Brewin Dolphin, we can introduce you to the right people at the right stage of your journey – whether that’s venture capital firms, lawyers, tax advisers or accountants.
We’ve worked with thousands of business owners, supporting them in making the right decisions. With us at your side, you can concentrate on looking forward to the future with confidence.
We live and work local to you. We would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability.
Kirsty Simpson Financial Planner Divisional Director E: kirsty.simpson@brewin.co.uk
Joy Moir Investment Manager Assistant Director E: joy.moir@brewin.co.uk
The value of investments and any income from them can fall and you may get back less than you invested. This does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy.
WARNER AND RICHARDSON LLP ARE INDEPENDENT SOLICITORS LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC CITY OF WINCHESTER.
WE HAVE A STRONG, LONG STANDING REPUTATION FOR PERSONAL SERVICE AND HIGH QUALITY LEGAL ADVICE.
FOR INFORMATION ON HOW WE CAN HELP YOU WITH ANY OF THESE MATTERS:-
• WILLS, PROBATE AND ESTATES
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PLEASE CONTACT US ON Visit our website:-
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Dancing Demoiselles
On sunny days, the glint of a banded or beautiful demoiselle is quite a sight to behold. At just 4.5cm long, these species are Britain’s biggest damselflies – the smaller, slenderer cousins of dragonflies. Their two pairs of wings are also the same shape, whereas dragonflies tend to have bottom wings that are broader and shorter than the top ones. In comparison to that of their larger relatives, the flight of damselflies is slow, gentle, and fluttery.
Like many wildlife species, demoiselles are sexually dimorphic, which means that the sexes are visually distinguishable from each other. The males are inky blue with a turquoise sheen (both species), while the females are metallic green (banded) or greenish-bronze (beautiful). Due to these similarities, the two species can look very similar at first glance, but they can quickly be identified by their unique wing colours.
Unlike dragonflies, which hold their wings out to the side, demoiselles fold theirs vertically along their bodies. Those of the males are dark all over (beautiful) or have a dark patch in the middle (banded). In females, the difference is more subtle: their wings are brown (beautiful) or green (banded), with a faint white spot at the tip. In fact, demoiselles are the only British damselflies whose wings have colour!
Demoiselles start their lives as eggs, which the females inject into the stems of plants like water crowfoot – they may even go below the surface to find a good spot. Two weeks later, the young hatch as larvae; a life stage that lasts for two years. They spend this time among submerged plants, eating smaller invertebrates and hiding from predators. In the higher flows of winter, they may hunker down in mud, silt, and gravel.
Upon reaching adulthood, the larvae climb up emergent plants that root in the water but extend above the surface. Once in the fresh air, they shed their exoskeletons and take to the sky on their newly unfurled wings. In flight, both species are fierce predators that catch other insects with their six bristly legs. You might also see them basking in the morning sun and sheltering in vegetation as night falls or wet weather arrives.
For the most part, though, demoiselle adulthood is about reproduction. The males take and defend small territories, performing dances to attract passing females. If the wooing goes well, each pair forms a “wheel” or “heart” shape for mating, and he leads her to a good egg-laying site. Look out for this amazing spectacle between April and October, but particularly on bright, dry, windless days between May and August.
The lush plant life of our chalk streams makes them great habitats for both demoiselle species.
Being more sensitive, beautiful demoiselles are especially fond of the gravelly beds, consistent temperature, and clean, oxygen-rich water. If we want to give these incredible insects a home, we need to keep our streams healthy by tackling pollution and agricultural runoff, reducing water abstraction, and letting vegetation flourish along the riverbanks.
If you’d like to learn more about chalk stream wildlife, check out the Watercress and Winterbournes scheme by visiting hiwwt.org.uk/ winterbournes. Our work is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Free Online Talk
Managing Highway Runoff Pollution in Rivers - 19th November at 7pm, Online
When rain falls on roads, it collects a toxic cocktail of oil, paint, metal, microplastics, and fuel residue. If it then flows into our chalk streams, either directly or via a storm drain, it can cause serious damage. Join us to learn how communities can tackle this issue.
Book your ticket at hiwwt.org.uk/winterbournes
lovely'Fantasticserviceand peopleinanice setting.Theyreallygothe extramiletohelp.Can’t speakhighlyenough
Rebecca Downes Band next up at the Somborne Sessions
The new season of the Somborne Sessions- top quality live music at value for money prices in King’s Somborne Village Hall- continues on Saturday 16 November 2024 with the Rebecca Downes Band. Rebecca creates original blues/ rock music with cosongwriter Steve Birkett, releasing it on her own Mad Hat record label. In 2016, she was voted Emerging Artist of the Year at the UK Blues Awards, following this up in 2018 by being named Female Blues Vocalist of the Year. Her latest album (2022), is ‘The Space Between Us’, a collection of ten new songs and one cover ranging in style from big, bold blues rock to darker, moodier and atmospheric material delivered with a very personal vocal conviction. Rebecca will be bringing her full band to the Sessions, comprising Steve on lead guitar and backing vocals, Nigel Darvill or Aidan Goldstraw on keys and Hammond, and Neil Ablard on bass guitar and drums. Tickets are £16.00 in advance from www. ticketsource.co.uk/sombornesessions or £18.00 on the night. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start.
King’s Somborne Village Hall is just off the main A3057 road, which runs through the village. The postcode is SO20 6PP.
Rawlings Opticians and Hearing Care, Stockbridge
Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care offer appointments for free hearing assessments, wax removal for adults and children aged 5 and over, and ear plug/protection advice and fitting, as well as offering eyecare and contact lenses with an extremely broad range of designer and everyday glasses. Rawlings was established in 1895 by Alfred Rawling – his great great grandson Richard is currently at the helm and other members of his family still work within the company. Rawlings have been looking after generations of family’s eye care for 129 years, with hearing care launched in the past 3 years, due to eyecare patients increasingly requesting hearing services! With local branches across Hampshire, as well as 4 branches in Surrey, their Lymington Hearing Centre is the most recent branch to welcome patients.
Rawlings are proud to be an independent business as this allows them to supply hearing aids and accessories from a range of manufacturers – they are not tied to one brand. This means they can truly give a bespoke service to ensure you get the optimal hearing ability tailored to your specific needs. With accessories to enhance your hearing experience, such as table microphones and television streamers to link seamlessly with you hearing device, Rawlings Hampshire audiology team, Bill and Ryan, can tailor their advice and recommendations to enhance your everyday life. Free hearing comprehensive consultations are available at all their branches.
Wax removal is available for adults and children aged 5 and over, this is a painless procedure using delicate microsuction instruments. Bespoke ear plugs can be supplied to block out a noisy snoring partner or the dawn chorus – or for protection in the workplace.
An experienced team of optometrists are dedicated to giving you all the time you need to ensure you have an unhurried appointment. This means you will be given tailored advice on both your eye health and the best way for you to optimise your vision. Choosing glasses to enhance your image and appearance is a breeze with personal styling from Rawlings dispensing team – qualified dispensing opticians in all their branches means you can be assured of professional advice on which lens type is going to give you the best solution for your visual needs – be that for home, work or play!
Contact lenses are available for all ages, including specialist children’s lenses to slow down the progression of short sight (myopia management), overnight lenses that leave you free from needing glasses or contact lenses during the day (Ortho-K), and multifocal contact lenses for people who don’t want to use reading glasses. Prescriptions are welcomed from other opticians and appointments can be booked online, in person or by phone.
The 10 Myths of Back Pain
If you suffer with long term, chronic pain you know how exhausting it is and how helpless you can feel. As you can imagine, at the SOP we see many cases of chronic back pain, and very few cases are straight forward to treat. Deeply interwoven within the pain experience are the emotional, environmental, social and physical factors that bring you to our door.
There is so much fear, loss of confidence and hopelessness associated with chronic pain, but when we look at the greater picture of all the issues involved, we can begin to unpick the contributing factors and address some of the unhelpful language, assumptions and outdated protocols.
Professor Peter O’Sullivan (Physio and educator) has identified 10 myths of back pain, and I would like to take each one in turn and give a constructive alternative:
1. Low back pain (LBP) is usually a serious medical condition. Backpaincanbedistressinganddisabling,butitisrarelylifethreatening.
2. Low back pain will become persistent and deteriorate in later life. Gettingolderisnotacauseofbackpain,mostepisodesofLBP improve,andtreatmentcanhelpatanyage.
3. Persistent low back pain is always related to tissue damage. Anegativemindset,fearavoidancebehaviour,negativerecovery expectations,andpoorpaincopingbehavioursaremorestrongly associatedwithpersistentpainthantissuedamage.
4. Scans are always needed to detect the cause of low back pain. Scans are not helpful for the majority. Lots of scary sounding conditions can be reported, such as disc prolapse, degeneration, arthritis etc. However, this can be misleading as these findings are very common in pain-free individuals! Scans also change and most disc bulges shrink over time.
5. Pain related to exercise and movement is always a warning that harm is being done to the spine and a signal to stop or modify activity.
Thepainyoufeelduringactivitiesreflectshowsensitivethe structuresare,nothowdamagedyouare.Movementisoneofthe mosthelpfulthingsyoucandototreatbackpain.
6. LBP is caused by poor posture when sitting, standing and lifting. Howwesit,standandbenddoesnotcausebackpain,evenif certainpositionsarepainful.Avarietyofposturesarehealthyfor theback,thereisnosuchthingasaperfectposture.
7. LBP is caused by weak “core” muscles and having a strong core protects against future low back pain.
A‘weak’coredoesn’tcausebackpain,infactatense,bracedcore cancausemoreharm.Itisimportanttohavestrongmuscles aroundthetorso,andbeabletoengagethemwhenneeded,but equallybeabletorelaxthemisimportanttoo.
Specialising in women’s health, sports and paediatrics. A gentle hands-on approach for newborns, through to adulthood and in pregnancy
Online Bookings available via the website
www.the-SOP.com reception@the-SOP.com STOCKBRIDGE OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE - HIGH STREET, STOCKBRIDGE, SO20 6HF
8. Repeated spinal loading results in “wear and tear” and tissue damage.
Backsdonot‘wearout’withrepeatedliftingandbending.Infact, donewellandprogressively,bending,liftingandactivitywillmake yourbackstrongerandhealthier.
9. Pain flare-ups are a sign of tissue damage and require rest. Flare-upsareusuallyasignofunaccustomedactivity,poorsleep, stress,lowmoodortension.Insteadoftreatingitlikeaninjury,try touserelaxation,breathwork,movementandpositivecalming thoughtprocesses.
10. Treatments such as strong medications, injections and surgery are effective, and necessary, to treat low back pain. Theseformsofinterventionsarerarelyhelpfulforpersistentpain andmayevenaffectthehealingprocess.Trytoeducateyourself, seekconservativeformsoftreatmentandkeepmobiletohelpyou feelincontroloftherecoveryprocess.
Strong evidence now confirms that the best way to help is to explore your concerns, fears and beliefs about pain which helps provide an opportunity for a constructive and collaborative discussion. This may help reduce distress and build self-efficacy for you to better self-manage, and enable you to make better-informed decisions about your care. We love to work with you, finding the best ways to help you recover, reduce the sensitivity of the tissues, explore a gradual return to activity and help you trust your body again.
Visit the Video Guides page on our website for routines to help relieve back pain.
Emma Wightman - www.the-sop.com
Warming Beef & Pumpkin Stew
INGREDIENTS
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 ½ cups ½-inch cubed pumpkin
3 large white potatoes, peeled, cubed
3 large carrots, sliced
2 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 (15-ounce) can chopped tomatoes
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon of hot paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Worcestershire Sauce to taste
*available from Hampshire Farmers’ Markets
METHOD
The secret to beef stew is just that – letting it stew. The longer you let it simmer, the more tender the beef becomes. Begin by cutting the beef into 1-inch chunks, then dredging them in flour until they’re evenly coated. This step helps thicken the stew and adds a delightful texture to the meat.
In a large pan (or Dutch oven) over medium-high heat, melt the butter. In small batches, brown the floured beef chunks on all sides. As each batch is browned, set it aside in a large bowl to make room for the next.
This browning process is essential for developing rich, savory flavors in the stew.
It’s time to create the aromatic base with all the beef browned. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic to the pot and sauté for about a minute.
While doing so, be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits left behind from browning the beef. This step infuses the stew with aromatic richness and depth.
Return the browned beef to the pot and add the vegetable or beef stock (or broth), pumpkin cubes, vegetables, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, sugar and paprika. Stir everything together thoroughly to create a harmonious mixture.
Simmer, a cook on a low heat for 45 mins. Serve with fresh buttered bread.
NOVEMBER HAMPSHIRE FARMERS MARKETS
Alresford - Saturday 2nd, Petersfield - Sunday 3rd, Romsey - Sunday 3rd, Alton - Saturday 9th, Winchester - Sunday 10th, Emsworth - Saturday 16th, Southsea - Sunday 17th, Winchester - Sunday 24th, Ringwood - Saturday 30th
For more information visit: www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk
We are an independent deli filled with a mix of great quality ingredients as well as the everyday essentials located in Stockbridge High Street. Join us for Fish & Chips night, every Friday 5.30pm -7.45pm | Call to book a table or to order take away
A date for your diary - Saturday the 5th of October. Winemaker Piotr from Chalkdown winery will be sampling their finest local sparkling wine. Keep an eye on our social media for more upcoming events.
Thyme & Tides Stockbridge
The High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
T: 01264 810101 info@thymeandtidesdeli.co.uk
Opening Times
Monday – Friday 8am – 5.30pm
Saturday 8am - 5.30pm Sunday 9am – 4.30pm
Our menu is seasonal, locally sourced where possible & served in a family, sharing atmosphere. The style is relaxed, with quality & hospitality our ethos.
Welcome
Clive & Tanith Cummings Beauworth Hampshire SO24 0PB
In Touch
01962 671300 office@themilbury.co.uk www.themilbury.co.uk
c A quintessential country Free House
Kitchen Times
Wed - Fri 12 - 2pm ~ 6 - 9pm Sat 12 - 3pm ~ 6 - 9pm Sunday 12 - 4pm
Carmina Burana and excerpts from West Side Story
Here’s a performance you won't want to miss! Under the masterful direction of conductor David Gibson, a vast group of singers and musicians will bring you some of the most iconic classical pieces of the 20th century. Get ready to be dazzled by Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana and swept up in the magic of excerpts from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, featuring such timeless favourites as Maria, America, Somewhere, and Tonight.
Joining the Southampton Philharmonic and Southampton University Philharmonic Choirs for Carmina Burana are the Southampton Primary Robins, a fantastic children’s choir made up of around 100 primary school children from the City of Southampton. These talented young singers are part of the nationwide ‘Primary Robins’ project, founded and funded by Pimlico Opera, with coaching from David Gibson, who’s been a key part of their project from the very beginning.
This unforgettable night also features soloists, Elinor Rolfe Johnson (soprano), Stephen Anthony Brown (tenor) and Harry Thatcher (baritone), as well as the London-based Docklands Sinfonia, a professional orchestra boasting some of the top instrumentalists from the Capital. If you caught their Southampton performance of A Sea Symphony last December, you already know the incredible energy and quality they bring. And prepare yourself for the thunderous percussion section that Carmina Burana is famous for — expect plenty of dramatic (and intentional!) bangs and crashes! It’s the perfect introduction to the magic of live classical music!
Christmas with Southern Voices
Bringing their ruby anniversary season to a close on 21 December in the Chapel of St Cross, Winchester at 7.30pm, Southern Voices look forward to celebrating in style with their traditional, festive feast of Christmas carols both old and new.
To make it really special, this year they are thrilled to welcome Royal Harpist Alis Huws to accompany them in Benjamin Britten’s iconic
SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER 2024
SOUTHAMPTON PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
Doors open at 5.30 p.m. for the 6.30 p.m. concert. (Please note the earlier than usual start time.) Tickets may be bought online at o2guildhallsouthampton.co.uk (tickets bought online are issued as e-tickets), priced at £17.40, £24.00 and £30.60. All prices include booking fees and the o2 Guildhall Southampton’s restoration levy of £1.85.
There is an additional handling charge per transaction of £2.85. Concessions are available for the disabled, carers accompanying the disabled, job-seekers, students and children.
O2 Guildhall Southampton Saturday, 7 December, starting at 6.30pm.
Ceremony of Carols. Originally scored for three-part treble chorus, Southern Voices will perform its 1943 arrangement, which is performed less frequently, for mixed choir. This will be a real treat and the perfect way to round off a superb year of music-making. Booking is essential and tickets are now on sale.
Tickets: £19 (Age 21 & under, £10) from: southernvoices.co.uk/christmas or telephone 0333 666 3366 (booking fees apply). There will be a retiring collection in aid of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Registered charity 1086868
Docklands Sinfonia David Gibson (conductor)
Martin Crawley, 2024
ABBOTTS ANN VILLAGE HALL
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Broughton Community Shop, Post Office and Cafe
Great range of local supplies - Essentials and treats
Chillled - frozen - deli - fresh fruit & veg - meat and fish - wine - spirits - beers
Greetings cards (local artists), stationery and newspapers Easy free parking
Eco- Products
Liquid household refills
Bring a bottle and fill with soap, washing up liquid, laundry liquid, cleaners, shampoo and conditioner
Eco-zone products
Plant-based, natural ingredients for smart cleaning
The Magnificent Seed Extra Virgin Rapeseed Oil on tap Loose bird food, seeds, and peanuts
Tel: 01794 502495 Facebook: @BroughtonVillageShop www.broughton.shop
Broughton Community Shop, Village Hall, High Street, Broughton,
www.broughtonvillagehall.com
Carol Concert tells the Christmas Story in Words and Music
Once again the much anticipated Christmas concert from Andover Chamber Choir is to take place at St. Mary’s, Andover. This year entitled ‘Star from the East’ the programme includes many familiar carols including some for all to sing and some less well known gems tother with poetry – all telling the story of the Nativity and subsequent visit of the Magi. Items vary from plainchant to recent pieces by the choir’s former musical director Andrew Wyndham and also includes joyful carols and arrangements from John Rutter, Andrew Carter and Philip Ledger. To mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Gustav Holst, the concert ends with the composer’s tune packed piece entitled ‘Christmas Day’. This year’s event is in aid of the Boaz Project an inclusive farm-based charity at Sutton Scotney which aims to provide a brighter future for people with learning disabilities. Last year our concert raised £1200 and the choir hopes to beat that this year!
The concert will take place on Saturday 21 December at 7pm. Tickets including refreshments cost £15 on the door or £13 in advance from The Lights (in-person and online), The Newbury Building Society and Choir members. Under 16s are admitted free.
www.andoverchamberchoir.org.uk www.facebook.com/AndoverChamberChoir
The Brontës Revealed
There’s a curious mythology that has grown around the Brontë sisters, one that places them in a world of isolation and innocence. The question is often asked; How could three Victorian spinsters, living in the wilds of the Yorkshire moors, possibly have written some of the greatest literature of the English language? Novels written about passion, betrayal, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, social upheaval, madness and domestic violence.
Polly Teale’s play, Brontë, currently being rehearsed by Stockbridge Amateur Dramatics Society, addresses and dispels these myths. Charlotte, Emily, Anne and their brother Branwell were all writers, poets, musicians and artists and they lived in a world beset by great social change. From protests and riots against local mill owners to the poverty, deprivation and disease of their close neighbours and then the personal tragedy of the loss of their mother Maria Branwell, aged 38, and their two older sisters, Maria and Elizabeth aged eleven and ten respectively, they were neither isolated nor innocent of the world.
Their father Patrick, a vicar, campaigner, abolitionist and educator, encouraged his children to read everything they could lay their hands on. They read great literary works, newspapers of different political hues and the gossip and intrigue of local magazines. His children took inspiration from the exploits of explorers in far flung lands and the battles of Wellington to create incredibly detailed imaginary worlds written in tiny handmade books.
Hampshire Medical Fund Christmas Fair
The Hampshire Medical Fund Christmas Fair will be from the 14th to the 15th November at Black Chalk Winery, Near Stockbridge, SP11 7JX.
Come and enjoy two days of festive shopping at the Hampshire Medical Fund Christmas Fair. Browse a fantastic variety of stalls offering gifts for everyone on your Christmas list, whatever their age, ranging from home and garden finds to gadgets, toys, pampering treats, clothing, jewellery, art, quirky treasures, and accessories. There is also a delicious on-site cafe, so you can shop and eat with friends! The event opens on the evening of 14th November with the option of drinks, supper, and shopping. Or join us on Friday for a full day of shopping from 9.30am to 4pm. 10% of all sales benefit the charity!
Tickets cost from £6 for the 15th (when purchased in advance). For 14th evening, tickets cost £12 for drinks and shopping and £20 for drinks, supper and shopping.
Visit https://www.hampshiremedicalfund.org/ for tickets and further information.
The social dictates of the day meant that Branwell, the only son, was given all the opportunities to become a great poet or artist. Upon his shoulders were placed all the hopes and expectations of his family. Whether he didn’t quite have the talent or perhaps the temperament to succeed in his endeavours, he certainly crumbled under their weight. His disastrous sojourn as the tutor of the family of Thorp Green Hall, near York, was the catalyst for a descent into drug and alcohol abuse. The affair he had been conducting for over a year had been discovered. An affair with the mother of the family; the now infamous older woman, Mrs Robinson (yes, that one).
The play Brontë revolves around this period of time in 1845 when Anne, having been governess for the Robinsons for five years, promptly resigns and returns to Haworth; shortly to be followed by her brother. The timeline jumps forward and back to explore the influences, experiences, temperaments and compulsions that enabled these three sisters, constrained by the need to earn a living and look after their ageing father, to still find time to write.
We can only imagine what the sisters might have achieved had they been afforded the same advantages of their brother. Charlotte whose talent, ambition and determination to be ‘forever known’ was almost all consuming, Emily whose intensity and passion was inspired by nature and the wild world of the moors and Anne, feminist and social firebrand who saw injustice around her and wanted to make the world a better place.
Brontë by Polly Teale is being performed at Stockbridge Town Hall on 28th, 29th and 30th November.
To buy tickets go to: www.ticketsource.co.uk/sads
Cooking The Books
© Lucia Foster-Found 2024 www.luciafosterfound.com
She was in the kitchen, at last unpacking her many (many) cookery books, deciding which ones to keep. Not all of them, obviously – that much paper in one place was probably a fire hazard. It was taking a long time because she couldn’t resist leafing through the pages. Those pages that weren’t stuck together with ancient cake mix, that is.
“It’s like a culinary journey through my life,” she said as Himself wandered in. He picked up an old and tattered copy of the Cookery Year. She was feeling a bit old and tattered too, so she empathised. “Obviously that one’s literally a culinary journey through a year of my life. It’s all about seasonality and probably the only cookbook you really need,” she wittered, oblivious to the look Himself was giving to the piles that surrounded her.
“What are you going to do with the ones you don’t need?” Himself picked up another tome. “Like this one.. I mean,” he peered at a page, “do you think you’ll develop an urge to make jelly whip anytime soon?”
She consigned the book to a pile and said, “I’m recycling them. Not sure what form that’ll take, but I can’t bring myself to just throw them away. Especially that one,” she pointed a finger and Himself picked it up. Looking at the cover photo he exclaimed incredulously, “Is that…?”
“Yep. Mary Berry circa 1986. Microwaving was her thing then.”
“What about this one? It’s falling apart.” He said.
“Delia’s complete cookery course. It’s the only cookbook you really need.”
“You said that already.” Himself peered at her over a picture of a smiling Delia, a demure Delia, a Delia it was inconceivable would ever yell in bellicose fashion at a football crowd,
‘Let’s be ‘avvin you’..
He put down the dilapidated copy as she observed, “Well, those two and Nigella Express are the only cookbooks I probably will ever need. Given that I get most recipes online, I keep the physical copies just for the comfort value.”
Himself replaced the book on the floor. “I wonder about that – these celebrity chefs, how do they make any money if people look online for recipes?”
“No idea, but Ina Garten has a house in
The Hamptons and an apartment in Paris. Go figure.” Consigning a heap of Jamies, Hughs and Gordons to a box, she decided to car boot them. There’d been a house move and she felt that some things didn’t belong in her new home. Also, there’d been a big birthday and she felt that some clothes didn’t belong in her new decade either.
All in all, there was plenty of stuff to sell.. She was back from the boot sale by midday with a fair haul in her bum bag - a useful article, if unattractively named. Still, she was grateful she didn’t live in America where she’d have to call it a fanny pack.
Pleased with her efforts, she set about putting a quick lunch together.
As, presently, Himself tucked into his pudding, he murmured appreciatively, “Lovely lunch darling. And this mousse is delicious.” “Jelly whip.”
“Sorry?”
“It’s jelly whip – I developed the urge to make it. And the rest of the dinner was courtesy of a flaxen-haired Mary Berry and her erstwhile obsession with microwaves.” She commented. Later that evening found her crouched over her laptop at the kitchen table; new home, new
household accounts spreadsheet.
“Cooking the books?” Himself wandered in from the garden, wild-haired and smokesmudged where he’d been trying to tame the wilderness with his own unique style of slashand-burn gardening more redolent of Edward Teach than Alan Titmarsh.
“Something like that.” She was in her happy place, adding in the proceeds of her morning’s selling to next year’s holiday fund. Lots had been sold, although none of the cookbooks –there was a glut. She’d seen Jamie, Hugh and Gordon on others’ stalls, jostling for position with Christian and Harry. No contest, she’d thought as she packed her chefs away and took them home - who didn’t appreciate a man who could cook a nice roast?
Himself looked up at the shelf that had lately, and for no clear reason, housed a large collection of mid-century magazines and many other assorted items he’d been meaning to sell, but somehow never quite got around to.
A long line of cookery book spines presented themselves instead – and fleetingly he wondered about that, before ambling over to the fridge for some more of that delicious jelly whip..
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Council News
New bike shelter at local school receives council grant boost
Test Valley Borough Council has awarded a £1,000 Councillor Community Grant to the Friends of Cupernham Infant School (FOCUS) to contribute towards the installation of a new bike and scooter shelter. The shelter was installed in readiness for national Cycle to School Week last week (September 23 to 27), which aims to inspire students to embrace cycling as a fun, healthy, and eco-friendly way to commute.
It is part of a broader initiative to promote active travel, and is designed to foster a love for cycling, promote physical activity, and reduce
Cross-party support to help those set to lose winter fuel allowance
Test Valley councillors have come together to support some of the most vulnerable pensioners in the borough who are set to lose their Winter Fuel Allowance following the government’s recent decision to limit payments to those receiving means tested benefits.
Finance cabinet member, Councillor Maureen Flood, and Liberal Democrat group leader, Councillor Neil Gwynne, put forward a motion at last night’s council meeting to substantially extend a local scheme that was set up in 2022 to help those pensioners struggling to cover their fuel costs.
Age UK estimates that around 2 million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it as result of the government changes. Previously, everyone over the age of 66 would receive a payment from the government.
Councillors showed unanimous support for the proposal to allocate £20,000 to the Test Valley
traffic congestion around the school.. Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC), Hampshire County Council (HCC), and Cupernham Infant and Junior Schools have collaborated to ease congestion at the school gates by encouraging parents to park at Abbotswood Sports Pavilion and walk, bike, or scoot to school.
The new shelter provides covered parking for 18 bikes and 27 scooters. It replaces an uncovered bike rack that only accommodated eight bikes. This improvement was driven by a parent survey that highlighted the need for better facilities, resulting in a 50% increase in bike capacity as well as additional scooter parking for use by Cupernham Infant School, Cupernham Junior school and Woodley Pre-School students. FOCUS, a registered charity, played a crucial role in raising funds for the project through bake sales, a pre-loved uniform shop, and a sponsored walk. In addition to the £1,000 grant from the TVBC Councillor Community Grant Scheme, FOCUS received £3,000 from Sport England's National Lottery funding, which was vital in ensuring the shelter was ready for the start of the new academic year. The total cost of the project was £8,782.
The new shelter has already seen a 40% increase in bike usage, with more students now using scooters as well.
Winter Fuel Payment Scheme, and a further £20,000 if required, to continue support for those of pensionable age in the borough who need assistance with paying their bills. In doing so, they estimate that this will help over 400 of the most vulnerable pensioner households in Test Valley.
They also agreed to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment and to ask the government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who are just above the threshold for Pension Credit, are protected from fuel poverty.
The leader of the council will sign the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition on behalf of TVBC, which is being run by Age UK. All other councillors were also called upon to sign the petition individually.
To access the funding, anyone who needs help is being urged to contact Citizens Advice (CA) as soon as possible on 0808 178 6882, or go to their website at www.testvalleycab.org.uk. The CA will then make an assessment to determine whether the person qualifies for financial assistance and offer wider support and advice. They will also check whether the person is eligible for Pension
Cupernham Infant School's Head Teacher, Mr. Wells, expressed his excitement, saying: "We are thrilled to have our new cycle and scooter shed in place. The children were so excited to see it when they returned from the summer holidays, and it's now full every day!
“The children are always telling me that scooting is so much fun, it can be faster than walking, healthier than coming by car and it’s green –scooters don’t pollute the air like cars. A huge thank you to FOCUS, Test Valley Borough Council, and our councillors for supporting this project, and to Sport England for their generous grant.”
Councillor Neil Gwynne added: “As someone who sits on the borough council's Climate Emergency Working Group I am very happy to support anything that cuts carbon emissions now and sets up good habits for the future. Especially when it puts smiles on so many young faces!” The new shelter is expected to further support the school's goals of achieving Bronze Accreditation as part of their Travel Plan, encouraging sustainable alternatives to car travel. This project exemplifies how local community efforts, combined with external support, can create a lasting positive impact on children’s health, wellbeing, and the environment.
Credit, as it is believed that there could be hundreds of households in Test Valley that could claim, but do not.
Those the CA identifies for financial help will then be referred to Unity, a Test Valley-based charity that will hold the funding pot and make the payments direct to residents.
Councillor Maureen Flood said: “This is a difficult time for pensioners and this decision has been made with very little notice. We’ve had the Test Valley Winter Fuel Payment Scheme in place since 2022, which enabled those who received a Winter Fuel Payment, but didn’t necessarily require it, to donate it locally to support those most in need. As they will no longer receive the payment and would therefore be unable to pass it on, we wanted to make sure that funding was still available to those who were struggling.”
Following a suggestion from Councillor Sally Yalden, it was further agreed in the meeting that the council would explore whether it might be possible to identify all those eligible for Pension Credit who are not currently in receipt of the benefit and send out targeted communication to encourage them to sign up.
Pictured are students, Cllr Neil Gwynne, Cllr Janet Burnage, Mr. Wells (Head Teacher), and members of FOCUS at the newly installed bike shelter, which is already being enthusiastically used by the school community.
Award-winning chef catering the Test Valley Business Awards Gala dinner this month
An award-winning chef will cater the Test Valley Business Awards Gala dinner this month. The Test Valley Business Awards is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a ceremony featuring a three-course meal prepared by a local chef. The honour of catering the event goes to local caterers McCrimmon & Reid, who will cook up some fabulous dishes for the big night on Thursday, October 24th at the Army Flying Museum. The firm is a growing, family-owned business, owned and run by awardwinning chef Alan Haughie. Alan has strong connections with the Test Valley, having grown up in Hampshire, left to learn from the best, and then returned to The Greyhound in Stockbridge, where he gained the much-coveted Michelin Guide Pub of the Year award before setting up his own business. He commented, "It is a great privilege to provide the catering again for the Test Valley Business Awards. We are so fortunate to have an abundance of fantastic local suppliers on our doorstep in the Test Valley, and their produce will help make it an evening to remember."
Katie Brooks, Chairman of the Test Valley Business Awards, said, "I am very excited that Alan is working with the Test Valley Business Awards again and is one of our silver sponsors. McCrimmon & Reid offer exceptional food, ensuring that everyone who attends has a memorable evening."
Tickets for the dinner and Awards ceremony at the Army Flying Museum on Thursday, October 24th cost £70 plus any applicable Eventbrite fees. This includes a sumptuous 3-course meal and a welcome drink. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.tvbawards.org.uk/home/galadinner-2024/. There are limited tickets available, so please book early.
To find out who the finalists are for the Test Valley Business Awards visit our website www.tvbawards.org.uk and follow us on social media https://www.linkedin.com/in/tvbawards/ or https://www.facebook. com/search/top?q=test%20valley%20business%20awards
Innovative and fun online programme resumes in the Winchester/Alresford area after October half-term to provide girls with valuable tools for their toolboxes - for ‘living their best lives’!
What will your daughter receive?
• Time for herself, to feel good – or better - about herself
• Permission to just be herself; she is welcome as she is
• A variety of topics - each week builds on the next
• The experience of being with a small, same age group of girls
• Fun, interactive notebook to add to - if she wants to – and then keep
• Diverse ways to participate – her camera can be off
• Support and ‘soft touch’ indirect guidance with a qualified Girls’ Net Mentor
• First week ‘taster’ session so she can decide whether it is right for her
Girls tell us that Girls’ Net has given them down-to-earth tools to support them with their emotions; helped them feel better and more
Reflections on Madeline Edmonds, MBE
Awarded an MBE in 2011 for 'Services to the Arts and the Community in the Test Valley', Madeline Edmonds had an over arching philosophy in life to 'get people to do things'. So it was indeed that Madeline sought to broaden wider opportunities for local people to engage and to thrive within the Test Valley and beyond.
Madeline also had a natural knack in bringing people together, often focused upon a well founded cause or campaign; noting such previous accolades as establishing the Andover Crisis Centre and chairing the Witness Support Service at Winchester Crown Court. Madeline was gifted too in having an inherent empathetic wisdom, balancing the scales of fair play and justice whilst serving as a Magistrate. Moving to the village of King's Somborne with her late husband Roger in 1996, Madeline's inextinguishable desire, so as to improve access and participation for all people to experience the arts and culture, was kindled deep within her heart. Such passion for the arts shone through within her local community of King's Somborne, spearheading the Arts Exhibition Committee of its time.
An active and long-term advocate, (subsequently chairing the then newly formed Test Valley Arts Foundation), Madeline was the greatest mover and shaker, by way of supporting a plethora of cultural development schemes, projects and initiatives. Naming just a couple of these initiatives, as to when Madeline became the lead to the 'Leisure and Cultural Local Strategic Partnership' for Test Valley and therein also laying the essential foundations for the rescue of a redundant chapel; which today thrives as the Chapel Arts Studio, located within the grounds of St Mary's Church, Andover.
Whilst only a few years ago stepping away from her duties as a trustee, Madeline continued as a Patron to the Test Valley Arts Foundation, signifying that such has been her legacy for the arts and culture; her touch upon so many lives will continue to run deep and far beyond. Thank you Madeline, your kindness shines bright.
confident about who they are; that they’ve really enjoyed connecting with other girls in a warm and welcoming, non-judgemental sameage group online: every girl says she would recommend Girls’ Net to others!
Local Girls’ Net Mentor, Tracy Spring is delighted to be offering Girls’ Net mentoring via Zoom again, along with an opportunity for parents to ‘Meet the Mentor’ online before the course begins.
There are two fully funded places worth £95 now available thanks to the kind support of Soroptimists International: Winchester!
For more information and/or to sign up, visit: www.ritesforgirls.com or contact Tracy directly: girlsnet.mentor.tracy@gmail.com or call 07957 128790 - she would love to hear from you!
Girls Net Mentor - Tracy Spring
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