FORUM
Life in your Community
NEWS & EVENTS FOR DECEMBER
Find out what's going on in the Test Valley
MERRY STRESS-MAS
Written by Lucia Foster-Found
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Festive Pork and Prune Pigs in Blankets with Chestnut & Thyme
HAMPSHIRE & ISLE OF WIGHT TRUST
Environment FeatureThe Water Rail's Tale
December Events
Chill Out Tuesday at Abbey Hall Lounge
Second Tuesdays
From 8pm to 9.30pm
Abbey United Reformed Church, The Abbey, Romsey, SO51 8EL
A new social event has been launched by Abbey United Reformed Church. Chill Out Tuesday will take place on the second Tuesday of each month, from 8pm - 9.30pm in the Abbey Hall Lounge. It provides a simple social opportunity for people to take time out of their busy timetables to sit back, relax and socialise. Commencing on Tuesday, 10 December 2024, Chill Out Tuesday offers a chance to chill out, chat and make new acquaintances in a welcoming, warm space with refreshments. More information can be found on the Abbey URC Facebook site or by emailing abbeyurc.chillout@ gmail.com
Stockbridge Cinema Wilding (PG)
Wednesday 4 December
From 7.30pm
Stockbridge Town Hall, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
Based on Isabella Tree’s bestselling book by the same title, Wilding tells the story of a young couple that bets on nature for the future of their failing, fourhundred-year-old estate. The young couple battles entrenched tradition and dares to place the fate of their farm in the hands of nature. Ripping down the fences, they set the land back to the wild and entrust its recovery to a motley mix of animals, both tame and wild. It is the beginning of a grand experiment that will become one of the most significant rewilding experiments in Europe. Showing at Stockbridge Town Hall SO20 6HE. Tickets £6.00 (incl £0.50p booking fee) per ticket) on
sale via www.stockbridgecinema. org.uk or by telephone from TicketSource 0333 666 3366 (no additional charge). Please visit our website for full details of all films.
Chilbolton Village Hall Film
Friday 6 December
Doors 6.30pm, Film 7.30pm
Chilbolton Village Hall, Eastmans Field. Chilbolton, SO20 6AT
‘The Trouble with Jessica’ (15)
- Featuring Shirley Henderson, Alan Tudyk, Rufus Sewell, Olivia Williams and Indira Varma
A professional London couple are already in deep financial trouble, but their situation takes a terrifying nosedive with the shocking behaviour of one uninvited Dinner guest. Tickets £6.00 in advance from Beryl Lawrence on 01264 860618 E-mail: dlaw@davidlawrenceas sociates.co.uk or £7.00 on the door (if available). Tea/Coffee and biscuits available - Wine, Beer, Orange juice and Choc Ices on sale.
Santa's Flying Visit at the Museum of Army Flying
Saturday 7 December
Book timeslot on website
Army Flying Museum, Middle Wallop, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 8FB
The Army Flying Museum elf can't wait to welcome you to the Museum for Santa's Flying Visit this December! Don't miss this unique opportunity to have a professional photo taken with Santa in our Scout helicopter as a special memento of your visit. There will be festive craft activities for children, as well as the chance to make magical reindeer food to take home for Christmas Eve, and a festive trail to enjoy around the Museum. Children's tickets include a Christmas gift from
the Army Flying Museum elf, as well as a drink and treat from our Apache Café, and accompanying adults can enjoy a complimentary tea or filter coffee. Book now for this festive family event by clicking on the button below. Adults with an annual pass can get discounted entry to this event. Non-participating children under the age of two go free. Tel: 01264 781086 info@armyflying.com www.armyflying.com
Stockbridge Cinema - The Marriage of Figaro (U)
Saturday 7 December
Showings 3.30m & 7.30pm
Stockbridge Town Hall, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
In this recorded live opera, from the Royal Opera House, Music Director Antonio Pappano brings his specialist perspective to Mozart’s effervescent score. A young and predominantly Italian cast performs this 2022 revival of David McVicar’s sumptuous and hugely popular period staging. Mozart’s music unfolds with beautiful solos and ensembles to amplify the deep emotions behind the seemingly farcical surface. See Wednesday 4th for showing details.
Stockbridge Antiques Fair
Sat 7 and Sun 8 December
From 9.30am to 4.30pm
Stockbridge Town Hall, 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. Contacts: Carol - 01264 335769 / 07870 432805 - Steve - 01722 712267 / 07915 663251
Yeehaw at the Village Hall
The Abbotts Ann Village Hall Committee invites you to a Western Themed Christmas Event. Featuring Line dancing with The Golden Eagles and live music
Saturday 14 December
From 7pm
Abbotts Ann Village Hall, 40 Duck St, Abbotts Ann, Andover, SP11 7AZ
with The Showponies! Fancy Dress strongly encouraged! Line Dancing 7pm - 8pm £6 Live Music and Food 8.30pn to 11pm £17.50. This is an adult event only. To book tickets visit: https://events. abbottsann.com
Romsey Simgers at Romsey Abbey
Friday 20 December
From 7.30pm
Romsey Abbey, Church Lane, Romsey, SO51 8EP
‘Peace on Earth’ - Romsey Singers directed by Philip Lawson will sing Carols for choir and audience, featuring music by Cornelius, Rutter and Willcocks. Organ/ piano Adrian Taylor
A chance to enjoy singing familiar Carols, with the choir in the Abbey, as part of your countdown to Christmas. Tickets: £18 reserved, £16 unreserved, Under 16s half price. From: Visitor Information Centre, 13 Church Street, Romsey. 01794 512987 Or: online at www.romseysingers. org Or: On the door, on the night.
Andover Chamber Choir Star in the East
Saturday 21 December
From 7pm
St.Mary's Church, Church Cl, Andover, SP10 1DP
A concert for Christmas. From 7pm on Saturday 21 December 2024. St.Mary's Church, Andover. Tickets £15 (inc.refreshments) on the door or £13 in advance from Newbury Building Society, The Lights and choir members Under-16s admitted free. In aid of the Boaz Project. www. andoverchamberchoir.org.uk
Advertise your event free of charge on this page by emailing: editor@ forumpublications.co.uk
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Investing for children –your options
Investing on behalf of your children or grandchildren could help them graduate debt free, get a foot onto the property ladder, or benefit from an additional income stream.
There are several options to consider, including Junior ISAs, junior pensions, certain types of trust and, for older children, Lifetime ISAs. The right solution for you will depend on your family’s needs.
All the below options come with tax implications for the donor, so it’s important to seek financial advice.
Junior ISA
The Junior ISA must be opened by the child’s parent or legal guardian, but anyone can contribute up to £9,000 per tax year.
Investments inside a Junior ISA are free from income tax and capital gains tax (CGT).
Junior pension
A junior pension must be opened by the child’s parent or legal guardian, but anyone can contribute up to £2,880 (net) per tax year. Contributions benefit from 20% income tax relief.
Bare trust
A bare trust is a useful option for those wishing to retain some control over how the funds are used.
Unlike a Junior ISA or pension, there is no limit on the amount of money that can be invested in a bare trust each year.
Discretionary trust
A discretionary trust can offer greater flexibility and control, as trustees have discretion over how and when the funds are paid out. Discretionary trusts are more complex from a tax perspective, with potential charges on trust income and gifts to the trust.
Lifetime ISA
For older children, a Lifetime ISA can help provide for their first home or retirement. The account holder must be between 18 and 39 years old and can pay in up to £4,000 a year until age 50. The government will add a 25% bonus.
The account holder can withdraw money from age 60 or to buy their first home. If withdrawals are made for any other reason, a 25% charge will apply.
Next steps
Choosing between these options isn’t easy, and that’s where getting some financial advice comes in. By understanding you and what you want to achieve, we can recommend an investment solution that’s right for you and your family.
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
Matt Lyth
Senior Investment Manager Divisional Director E: matt.lyth@brewin.co.uk
46 Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8RY T: 01962 798000 W: brewin.co.uk/our-offices/winchester
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. Information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness.
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The Water Rail's Tale
Even in the quietest parts of winter, our local chalk streams hum with activity. As coots and moorhens glide across the surface, one of their relatives may be hiding in plain sight. At around 23-28cm long, the water rail is smaller than these more outgoing members of the Rallidae family, but just as fond of damp places. Ponds, marshes, reedbeds, wetlands, and rivers are all potential homes for this enigmatic bird.
One reason for the water rail’s wide variety of habitats is its omnivorous diet. Although it mostly eats fish, snails, and insects, it will also snack on roots, seeds, and berries. There are even reports of water rails catching small amphibians, mammals, and birds. With its long legs, long toes, and long beak, this species is perfectly adapted for hunting and foraging on boggy ground or in shallow water.
The water rail sports distinctive colouration that makes it fairly easy to identify. Its face and underside are grey, while its back is dappled brown and black. Zebra-like stripes along its flanks lead into bright white feathers under its tail, and both its eyes and beak are a striking red. As a chick, the water rail’s black feathers make it resemble a baby coot or moorhen – the
trick is to look for a pale yellow beak instead of a red one.
Despite having snazzy plumage and being relatively widespread, the water rail is notoriously elusive. Its camouflage helps it to blend into the undergrowth, and its skittishness causes it to run for cover when startled. The odds of a sighting do increase during winter, when the UK population is boosted by visitors from the colder parts of Europe. True to their cautious nature, these migrating birds usually travel at night.
While you need sharp eyes and good luck to see a water rail, you may have a better chance of hearing one. Of their greatest hits – which include creaks, whistles, groans, and even purrs –their most common call in wintertime is known as “sharming”. Used to converse, mark territory, or express alarm, this call is a mixture of grunting and squealing that would make a piglet proud!
Since the water rail is so shy, it likes riverbanks that have lots of lush plant life. To welcome these beautiful birds, we need to allow a thick fringe of vegetation to flourish along the water’s edge. To learn more about how chalk streams can be improved for wildlife, check out the Watercress and Winterbournes scheme at hiwwt.org.uk/
winterbournes. Our work is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Poetry Prizewinners
Sixteen young poets – including Amelia O’Hara, Eden Baker, Emily Leighton, Georgia Marriner, Penny Carter, and Rio Dominguez; all from Andover – have been named as winners in the Tales from the Riverbank Poetry Competition. Ranging from 7 to 17 years old, the winners recently received their prizes at a special ceremony in Winchester. Their fantastic chalk stream poems can be read on the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust website (hiwwt.org. uk/winterbournes) in the form of a beautifully illustrated anthology. Congratulations to all!
Online Talk
The Hidden Life in Groundwater – 12th December, Online.
Deep below Hampshire, there is an enormous chalk aquifer. The water that flows through this sedimentary rock is the source of our chalk streams, but is also home to mysterious and ancient creatures. Join us to discover the secret world of stygofauna. Book your free ticket at hiwwt.org.uk/winterbournes.
Goodworth Clatford Art & Craft Weekend Review - Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd November 2024
There’s plenty going on at the moment to keep the art enthusiast happy. Picasso’s dancers are at Tate Modern, Van Gogh’s at The National, while a couple of doors along, Francis Bacon is waiting to shock you in The Portrait Gallery.
All good, wholesome stuff. Well, perhaps not Bacon – wholesome isn’t a word often associated with his take on life and art. Yet wholesome or not, there’s nowt new in any of these exhibitions, on account of the fact that all the artists are a bit on the dead side and not actually creating much these days.
So, if you were looking for something new to stimulate the right side of the brain, Goodworth Clatford Art & Craft Weekend was the place to kick off your Autumn culture boost.
The show evolves a little with each reincarnation. On the art side, the drift away from impressionistic and abstract works towards figurative realism continued this year – a trend that seems to go down well with many visitors, if not entirely to my taste - with lots of sharply-drawn animal portraits and local scenes. Some atmospheric seascapes helped bridge that gap between reality and artistic interpretation, while colourful beach views in the Naïve style brought smiles to lots of faces.
In the craft room, there was much to inspire the visitor looking for that little extra Christmas gift, including some innovatively imaginative handmade leather goods, and a wacky children’s camo jacket with Western-style tassels, that Mrs Reviewer felt would have been perfect for me, had there been a size to accommodate the maturity midriff! I decided to take it as a compliment.
But my showstoppers this year both came from the art section. New exhibitor Ferelith Molteno displayed a series of mixed-media scenes from India, all created on cloth bases, with her depiction of Varanasi being a wonderfully evocative reminder of a place that hums with the spirituality of life and death; while across the room, Lesley Heslop showcased a modernist, pared-down landscape that drew me in with its deadpan vitality each time I walked past. Fabulous, both.
So don’t despair if you missed the show: there’s always the golden oldies of Picasso and pals to keep you occupied until the Spring. But if you feel like it’s time to move on from those old codgers and seek out some originality, keep next November free for the must-see art event of 2025 in Goodworth. See you there.
Chris Parkinson-Brown
Winter evenings are upon us… But the Somborne Sessions are at hand!
It’s that time of year again, when the skies are grey and there never seems to be anywhere near enough daylight. But don’t despair because the next two Somborne Sessions- top quality live music at value for money prices in King’s Somborne Village Hall- will definitely brighten things up!
On Saturday 14 December 2024, the Sessions are delighted to present Alex Hart and Band. Described as ‘the Stevie Nicks of folk’, South West- based singer songwriter Alex has just released ‘Visions’, her most exciting and anticipated album to date.
Since her debut album, ‘On This Day’, Alex has gone from strength to strength, with The Guardian describing her as ‘set to make a global impact’. As well as her solo career, she has toured Europe with the legendary Jethro Tull, after having caught the eye of Tull guitarist Martin Barre. Alex also collaborates with, and performs alongside, critically acclaimed Devon-born folksinger Seth Lakeman, among other things performing his single, ‘Higher We Aspire’, on BBC Breakfast TV.
Saturday 18 January 2025 sees the Sessions hosting The Dunwells, an act equally welcome to King’s Somborne. The two Leeds-based brothers, Joseph and David, form a successful Indie Folk- Americana band. Their strong vocals, powerful melodics and heartfelt personal lyrics have captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. The Dunwells have played at some of the world’s most iconic music venues and have released multiple discs since 2012 and their debut album, ‘Blind Sighted Faith’. As well as performing independently, the two brothers have supported the likes of Mumford and Sons, Tom Jones and Brian Adams.
Tickets for each gig 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 on both evenings. King’s Somborne Village Hall is just off the main A3057 road, which runs through the village. The postcode is SO20 6PP.
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Kenya 2024: Reflections from a Humanitarian Osteopath
Deep in the Kenyan bush, far from the tourist trails live the indigenous tribes of Pokot, where I begin my 2 week medical expedition with the charity, Divinity Foundation.
The tribe lives simple, mostly uneducated lives, surviving with drought, famine, dust, flash floods and extreme heat. Their way of life is tough, especially those of the girls, who are forced to endure female genital mutilation (FGM), domestic violence, child marriage and rape. Bought and sold like commodities. One of my patients had been slashed across her face with a stick by her husband whilst feeding her baby, both mother and child severely injured, yet she asked me not to report it for fear of worsening beatings.
We spend 3 days camping in the grounds of a church, sunrise workouts, treatments for around 1000 women and children, food packing and distributing, and finally playtime and prayers surrounded by this extraordinary community. Despite their hardships, the women are open, trusting and welcoming, and greet us with laughter, funky hand shakes, singing and dancing!
What an incredible privilege to be able to meet and help this remote and traditional tribe. From Pokot we travel south to Amboseli to work with the Masai communities living in isolation under the gaze of Mt Kilimanjaro. FGM is practised routinely here and it lies at the heart of pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic congestion, incontinence, period pains, infertility and fistula.
Women and girls lie on our tables with their legs tightly clenched together, crossed over and tensed. Their bodies feel hard, braced, shocked and traumatised. They cannot relax to have their hips, knees or legs mobilised, so we do what we can with such resistance, working with remote, gentle and indirect techniques. Smoke filled huts, extreme dust and lack of clean water are the main cause of
the high rates of lung and bladder infections that we see amongst the Masai communities. The women and children here have it tough. We do what we can with medication, osteopathic treatment, advice and referrals, but ultimately our hands are the messengers of respect, kindness and compassion.
This speaks volumes in such harsh conditions. I can only hope that our efforts have made a difference as I remember the phrase… ‘It will never be enough, but it will never be too little’
Your donations have given so much pleasure and joy, and it has been an utter privilege to be the person to hand out your gifts of trackies, baby clothes, school uniform, bags, caps and stationary. Thank you to all of you that have donated money and clothes, you have made this expedition possible for me, and together we have helped over 2000 women and children.
The Masai songs of praise and gratitude have filled my heart and truly touched my soul, and I pass their deep appreciation and thankfulness on to you.
Special thanks goes to Godolphin and Farleigh schools for the donations of uniform, Knight Frank for their goodie bags of stationary and caps, and all those that have brought in arm loads of navy trackies! For more photos of my expedition and details of how to donate to my work, the charity or sponsoring a girl in the FGM Rescue Centre, please visit the website or social media.
Emma
Wightman www.the-sop.com HAVE YOU HEARD THE LATEST?
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Areas which I have experience working with are:
• Alcoholism
• Anxiety
• Attachment issues
• Depression
• Disordered Eating
• Domestic Violence
• Suicide
I
• Misscarriage & Still Birth
• OCD and compulsive behaviours
• Relationship issues
• Self Harm
• Substance Misuse
way,
Introducing Tiggy Bradshaw and Access Care Now on Stockbridge High Street
November and December always bring a sense of gratitude and reflection, and this month at Forum Magazine, we couldn't be more excited to introduce you to Access Care. Recently, the award-winning company moved to our very own Stockbridge High Street and is already making waves with its heartfelt dedication to quality live-in care recruitment.
A Loving Legacy
Access Care began in 1994, founded by Judie Tighe after her own struggle to find reliable live-in care for her father. Her vision was to create a service that truly made a difference in people's lives, going beyond just meeting requirements. Since then, Access Care has grown into a team that values trust, empathy, and dedicated service.
A New Home in Stockbridge
Today, Judie’s daughter, Tiggy Bradshaw, carries forward that very dream as the CEO. "Having our office on Stockbridge High Street feels like coming home. It's wonderful to be right in the heart of the community," Tiggy says happily.
Access Care isn't a faceless corporation; it’s a family-run business. Tiggy delights in the little details that make all the difference: "We’re small enough to notice the finer details but big enough to offer top-notch service in Hampshire and nationally across the UK. We genuinely care about the people we help."
Expertly Matching Live-in Carers with Families
For 30 years, Access Care has been helping families across the UK by matching their relatives and loved ones with the best live-in carers. Our friendly team works hard to find the perfect carer to fit each client’s individual needs. We know that trusting us to find the right carer for you is a big step, and we're committed to giving you excellent service and peace of mind.
Our Promise
At Access Care, we're all about building trust and fostering a sense of family. We value the wisdom and experience that guide us, making sure our day-to-day operations reflect our deep commitment to you. We pride ourselves on our personal approach and understanding the unique needs of every family we work with.
Meet the Team
The heart of Access Care is our incredible team in Stockbridge.
Everyone here is passionate and dedicated to making a real difference. We’re known for our reliability, honesty, and that little extra pink sparkle we bring to everything we do.
Pop in for a Chat
Now we are settled in our Stockbridge High Street home, we warmly invite you to pop in for a chat. You may need a live-in carer for a member or your family or a relative or are just curious about our services and thinking about later life planning – we’d love to meet you.
Tiggy adds, "We’re thrilled to be in this lovely community and can’t wait to welcome you in. Come by, have a coffee, and let's chat. We’re here to help and listen."
Access Care is dedicated to bringing families and carers together with genuine care and understanding. Whether you need a quick chat or a detailed discussion about your needs, our door is always open. Drop by Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm – we look forward to welcoming you. Alternatively, give us a call on 01264 319 399 or reach out through our website to learn more www.access-care.co.uk and download our digital brochure.
Access Care
First Floor Offices, Lillies, High Street, Stockbridge Hants, SO20 6HF
(Enter through Test of Stockbridge coffee shop, behind The Little Whisky Shop and we are upstairs, or call and we’ll pop down to you).
Available for UK home delivery for more than a decade. Order by 16th December for a very special Christmas! Copas Traditional Turkeys are the cherished and reliable star of the
“Christmas isn’t Christmas without a Copas turkey!”
Christ mas
We would like to invite you to an evening of Christmas cheer, with a chance to sample some of our finest products & meet the suppliers. The deli will be in full Christmas swing with our gifting & festive range taking centre stage.
Absolutely delighted to be at the Hampshire Fare Chalet showcasing our delicious & unique offering from the deli. Make sure to stop by!
With Christmas just round the corner we are already taking preorders for fresh fish, seafood platters, cheese & lots more, to make your festive season that extra bit special.
FestiveDining
At Town and Country, we take pride in ensuring every client receives the best customer service, from the informative and knowledgeable sales process through to the extensive after sales care.
Our boutique showroom showcases some of the finest kitchen and bathroom furniture available, with a strong emphasis on UK and European manufacturing. Bathroom manufacturers on display include Ambiance Bain, Kudos, Roper Rhodes, Tissino and Arte Form, with Porcelanosa and Ca’Pietra tiling throughout the showroom. Our kitchens are expertly crafted by Schuller, one of the largest German kitchen manufacturers, and Mackintosh, their products are made exclusively in Britain. Both have an extensive and inspiring collection ranging from the contemporary to the more traditional.
Please contact us regarding our complementary design and quotation service, we look forward to hearing from you.
Visit Town & Country
8 The High Street, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO3O 2EA
Telephone: 01489 536187
Email: sales@town-and-country.co.uk www.town-and-country.co.uk
Award
winning Romsey venue gears up for biggest festive period yet
Kimbridge Barn in Romsey is celebrating its sixth Christmas since opening with its most exciting Christmas season yet.
Kimbridge Barn in Romsey, is offering activities such as an exclusive 10-course tasting experience with Executive Chef Matt Whitfield and fireside carol singing on Christmas Eve.
This packed calendar concludes a record-breaking year for the venue which has seen an estimated footfall of more than 75,000. Kris Anderson, Operations Manager at Kimbridge Barn said: “Kimbridge is always magical at Christmas, but this year is shaping up to be particularly special because of all the unique events we’ve got planned.
“For adults, our luxury dining events and menu tastings offer an elegant, seasonal experience. Our exclusive Christmas menu is running from the 2nd to 24th of December, with a live pianist playing festive music on selected dates, making this a really special event.
“For families, we are offering brunches with Father Christmas as well as ‘Frozen Festive Fun’ - the biggest Frozen Christmas Princess Party on the South Coast!
“There are spaces for a number of creative workshops hosted by local artists in our enchanting barn, such as wreath making and festive calligraphy.
“We have some gorgeous winter weddings booked in and are now taking bookings for weddings in 2025 and 2026,” Kris added. “We are hosting our biggest Wedding Open Event from Saturday 4th to Sunday 5th January.”
Kimbridge Barn held the title of ‘Best Wedding Venue in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight’ for two consecutive years in 2022 and 2023.
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Council News
New sports pavilion now open for online bookings at Picket Piece
The new sports pavilion, tennis court and pitches at Picket Piece are now available for online bookings after Test Valley’s Deputy Mayor officially opened the new facilities last week.
Managed by Test Valley Borough Council, the facilities provide a central hub for local sports and community events, offering modern amenities for residents to enjoy.
Council grant helps primary school children understand how to make healthy choices
A Test Valley Borough Council councillor community grant of £430 has helped over 200 primary school children at Anton Junior School to make healthy choices in life.
Age-appropriate lessons focusing on children’s emotional health and wellbeing were delivered by a specialist educator from Life Education Wessex & Thames Valley, using Coram Life Education models. The charity also brought along resources including videos, an interactive body and a popup tent space to help the children learn about:
• healthy eating, including the problems of obesity,
• dealing with feelings of sadness, loneliness, anger and conflict,
• the importance of exercise, sleep, personal hygiene,
• friendship skills and coping strategies,
Deputy Mayor, Linda Lashbrook, gave a speech and cut the ribbon at the event on Friday 1 November, which also saw Andover New Street Youth playing a friendly football match and England Netball hosting a free coached netball session for local children aged 5 to 11.
Leader of the council, Councillor Phil North said: “I am delighted the pavilion, pitch and court are now available for the local community to book for sports and community events. This pavilion represents our commitment to providing highquality facilities that support healthy lifestyles.”
The new pavilion has spacious changing rooms, a well-equipped kitchen and a versatile meeting room, making it an ideal venue for a variety of activities, including sports matches, community gatherings, and children’s parties. The site also features a tennis/ netball court and a grass pitch. Residents can now book the facilities online.
For more information and to book the pavilion, visit Picket Piece Tennis Court / Booking / Book by date or by visiting: https://pitchbooking. com/book/facility/fe1f81c7-d976-4ea3-b09041437847dfa7
• respecting themselves and others online and in the real world,
• building confidence and self-esteem,
• building resilience to risk, assertiveness and decision-making skills,
• tackling peer group pressure and bullying,
• correcting the misperceptions and dangers about alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
Teachers at the school commented that children were really engaged by the workshop visuals, that the pop-up tent created a cosy and relaxed learning environment and that the sessions were inclusive, with lots of opportunity for ideas to be shared during discussions.
Councillor Lisa Matthews, one of the ward councillors for Winton ward, said: “By providing age-appropriate health, well-being and drug prevention education, children gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to make positive, healthy choices.
“As well as helping the children who took part, the benefits also cascade out to the wider community, as children who make the right healthy choices grow up as citizens who are more likely to make positive contributions to society.”
Life Education Wessex & Thames Valley has been working with young children since the 1990s and is the only charity providing an eight-year health, wellbeing and drug education programme.
Help us
to
monitor changes in the landscape with Fixed Point Photography
Test Valley Borough Council has installed its first Fixed Point Photography (FPP) posts at locations across the borough this half term. And we're encouraging people to get outside and visit Test Valley's beautiful nature reserves and to help us monitor the success of local conservation work.
You can help us to monitor and preserve local nature reserves and the success of conservation work by taking photos on your smartphone and sharing these with us. Officers will use these images to monitor the changes that take place over time.
FPP cameras are being installed this week at Abbotswood, Anton Lakes, Bury Hill Meadows, Harewood Common, Ladies Walk, OxDrove, Rooksbury Mill, Mill Lane Meadows. They’ll also be added at Valley Park, Tadburn and Charlton Lakes in the next few months.
Councillor Alison Johnston, Cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Countryside, said: “The introduction of Fixed-Point Photography across key sites in the borough represents an innovative and collaborative approach to environmental conservation.
“By involving the public in monitoring landscape changes, Test Valley Borough Council aims to gain valuable insights into the ecological shifts occurring in these vital habitats.
“The data gathered will play a crucial role in the ongoing management and preservation of these natural spaces, helping to ensure that they are protected for future generations.”
New signage at each location asks visitors to place their smartphone in the cradle and take a photo. If you can share your photos wth us, we'll be able to create a time lapse of changes to the environment in each area. This information will then be used to help better management of our countryside spaces.
At Harewood Common, for example, the photography will allow us to monitor the development of new woodland and wildflower seeding carried out at the site.
At Valley Park, woodland management will take place to create a more varied habitat, allowing light in and ground flora to flourish.
Deputy mayor Linda Lashbrook cutting the ribbon at Picket Piece Pavillion
Merry Stress-mas
© Lucia Foster-Found 2024
This year she’d been so smugly organised. And not just because the supermarket ‘Festive’ aisle had appeared in August.
No, she’d stocked up on cards, crackers and wrapping paper in the sales that had started with unseemly haste on Christmas Eve last year. She thought that, sadly, Gen Z would never experience the thrill of the January Sales; thronging through the department store doors as they opened on January 1st. Nursing a hangover that threatened to wrench her head from her shoulders, she’d dodge the ugly stampede to the discounted tellys and elbow her way to the racks of ‘labels’. Returning home triumphantly with bulging bags of too-small, too-big, too-bright, too ‘much’ and barely-there clothes that would sit in her wardrobe, never worn, quietly becoming vintage.
She sighed nostalgically for those days and reminded herself to sell those clothes on Vinted.
She’d practiced the gluten-free, dairy-free, chocolate Christmas cake back before the Autumnal Equinox. And its second generation counterpart was now residing in the freezer. It was a crowd pleaser; dark, unctuous and decorated with chocolate stars and edible glitter. More importantly, it catered for the fruit-cake haters, the marzipan sneerers and the various dietary requirements of all those who would, in fact, be far too full to eat it at afternoon tea on 25th December. Still, it would make a nice table centrepiece.
The shallots were pickled by the end of British Summer Time. (She’d always thought that extra hour in bed on the Sunday morning after the clocks went back was dearly bought by the dark evenings that followed.)
The ‘care package’ of Christmas cards, wrapped gifts and, most importantly, Maltesers had set sail to the Southern hemisphere before Halloween.
By Guy Fawkes, she’d made her own mincemeat and decided that she really wasn’t going to bother with all that faff next year. Although, after maturing for a few weeks, the mincemeat smelled so good that she decided the faff might be worth it after all.
By the time that Strictly had waltzed and cha-cha-d its way around the Blackpool ballroom, she’d made and frozen the pastry for the mince pies. And whilst she watched celebrities on their annual jungle camping trip, covered in cockroaches and eating things that she would rather they didn’t, she wrapped the presents.
Finally, she allowed herself to turn on the Christmas movie channel whilst she baked batch after batch of mince pies and pondered, as she always did, that it was a lot of work and that next year she might just buy some. By Advent the presents were wrapped, the tree was up, the lights twinkled
and, as she put the wreath on the door, she ticked off the last box on the virtual list in her head. Done.
As she looked around at her handiwork, she expected to be enveloped by an enormous sense of wellbeing and achievement. Instead, she wondered what she was going to do now. December stretched before her without a tsunami of shopping, wrapping, decorating and baking to be shoehorned into the usual calendar of festive socialising. How was she going to feel Christmassy without all that stress? Things looked bleak.
December should be a time of panic; running to the shops for last minute ingredients, waking in the night and remembering the stash of presents yet to be bought and wrapped, wondering just how she was going to fit all that baking, making and sheer Christmas-ing into three and a half short weeks. How could Christmas truly be enjoyed without the pressure and the overwork?
She was brought out of her reverie by Himself. “Where are the mince pies?” He was rootling around in the cupboards, opening and closing doors, peering around the porridge oats and over the tinned tomatoes. Himself had already munched his way through the pre-Yule rations – the rest of the mince pies resided in the freezer, hidden behind the aforementioned gf, df cake (the one destined not to be eaten on Christmas day).
His look of disappointment tugged at her heart as she heard herself say, “In the freezer – but you can’t have them, it’s not Christmas yet...”
But wait! Herein lay her salvation!
She hurriedly retrieved the frozen mince pies, microwaved a couple for Himself, divided up the rest and announced. “I’m going to take these into work and you can drop those around to the neighbours. I need to get to the shops pronto for ingredients so I can make more pastry. And maybe some lemon curd for tarts.” She twittered excitedly.
Crafting ideas were trooping into her head thick and fast too; “I’m going to make the adjustable crowns I saw in a magazine.” My how she hated those slippery things that came in crackers.
“I’ll have to get the felt, some Velcro, jewels to decorate...” They’d be so lovely and time consuming! “I might even embroider them,” she added gleefully. She chirped, “And the crackers themselves – why don’t I make those?” They’d be fiddly and take ages... excellent!
“Oh, yes – and I’ll have to make more mincemeat, which will take a couple of weeks or so to mature. I’ll probably be baking right up to Christmas Eve!” she exclaimed happily.
With a delighted, “I doubt I’ll get it all done in time!” she grabbed a handful of shopping bags and hugged a bemused Himself, before disappearing out of the front door. She paused for a moment, mentally surveyed the new tick list in her head and sighed with contentment.
“It’s going to be a wonderful Christmas!”
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Festive Pork and Prune Pigs in Blankets with Chestnut and Thyme
INGREDIENTS
8 good quality chipolata sausages
100g Armagnac soaked prunes
8 rashers of bacon
20g thyme
50g chestnuts
FOR THE MUSTARD MAYONNAISE
100g good quality mayonnaise
50g Dijon mustard
10g Wholegrain mustard
Simply mix well.
METHOD
These tasty bites were created by Tom Shepperd, Head Chef, Monty's Inn, The Montagu Arms, Beaulieu. Tom suggests accompanying them with Mustard Mayonnaise. Amount can easily be increased depending on number of guests and whether these are to be eaten as a starter or canapés accompanying drinks.
Cut 4 prunes in half and place each half on a sausage and wrap in a bacon rasher. Cook in the frying pan then place in the oven for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Place in a bowl and finish with grated chestnut and thyme leaves. Serve alongside mustard mayonnaise.
DECEMBER HAMPSHIRE FARMERS MARKETS
Petersfield - Sunday 1st, Romsey - Sunday 1st, Alresford - Saturday 7th, Winchester - Sunday 8th, Alton - Saturday 14th, Southsea - Sunday 15th, Emsworth - Saturday 21st, Romsey - Sunday 22nd For more information visit: www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk
Chapel Arts Studios announces new November residency in Andover Library
Chapel Arts Studios (CAS) is delighted to announce its forthcoming artist residency at Andover Library on the 1st and 2nd of November, featuring Dr Laurence Dubé-Rushby. Freshly inspired by the Venice Contemporary Art Biennale 2024 theme, ‘Foreigners Everywhere’, Laurence invites the public to explore, confront, and embrace strangeness and the uncanny through the transformative power of art.
Laurence Dubé-Rushby, a French artist based in the UK since 1996, brings twenty-eight years of experience in leading community-centred art projects. Following the completion of her doctorate in creative pedagogy and performance art at Arts University Bournemouth
Godolphin Lacrosse Champions Named the Best in the UK!
After securing a top-eight finish in the U19 competition at the National Championships earlier this year, Godolphin’s lacrosse team advanced to compete in the prestigious 2024 School Challenge Cup at St Swithun’s School.
The tournament included outstanding teams from Godolphin, Moreton Hall, St Catherine’s, Guildford High, Queen Anne’s, St Swithun’s, Haberdashers’ Girls’ and Westonbirt. In a thrilling series of matches, Godolphin delivered standout performances: Godolphin vs. Guildford High: 7–6, Godolphin vs. Haberdashers’ Girls’: 6–3,
(AUB) and University Arts London (UAL) in June 2024, Laurence continues to explore themes of environmental ethics, heritage, education, printmaking, textiles, and performance art in her practice.
This residency at Andover Library, guided by the theme ‘We Are All Stranger-Artists’, invites families and children to engage directly with these ideas through mixed-media performances, mask-making, and printmaking activities.
Laurence's work celebrates the diversity of creative expression, echoing the Biennale’s focus on ‘the self-taught artist, the folk artist, the craft maker, and the artista popular’—those who have historically been perceived as outsiders in their own communities. Her interactive performance-installation encourages participants to embrace the stranger within themselves, weaving their unique stories into a shared and evolving collective narrative.
During the residency, participants will have the opportunity to interact with a film projection that Laurence created during her British Council Research Fellowship residency in Venice in 2019. This immersive piece encourages viewers to step into a world connected through water, air, stones, and earth—inviting a deeper understanding of how art allows us to encounter and inhabit the perspectives of others.
Laurence's work has been showcased internationally, including in Ecotone, a performance and film presented at the British Pavilion Basement in Venice in 2019. Her practice is grounded in social engagement and participation, exploring how art can become a means of resistance and reflection.
For more information, visit www.chapelartsstudios.co.uk
Godolphin vs. St Catherine’s: 10–5. The final saw Godolphin take on hosts St Swithun’s in an exhilarating match. With incredible teamwork and determination, they triumphed 9–5 to secure their first-ever School Challenge Cup title!
Godolphin’s Head of Lacrosse Jamie Powell says “The Challenge Cup marked the first step towards achieving our goals this season. The team started strong and gained confidence with every game, progressing steadily through the tournament.
Reaching the final brought some nerves, with memories of last season's second-place finish at Nationals in mind. They delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing strong, controlled defence and clinical finishing in attack to dominate the game from start to finish. It was a fantastic day for the team, made even better by the incredible support from parents and spectators. We couldn’t have asked for more!”
Godolphin Head, Jenny Price says “Congratulations to the team for their historic victory and for showcasing the very best of Godolphin lacrosse. Our thanks to England Lacrosse for organising the event and to our excellent hosts St Swithun’s School.”
Photo description: Laurence Rushby, the Artist in Residence
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