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JULY 2012
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ART REVIEWS
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HE ALTH & BE AUT Y
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contents
welcome
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JULY 2012
PHEW! June was some month, it seemed as if the Jubilee celebrations would go on forever (not to mention the rain); but a huge thank you to everyone that welcomed us to their street party and allowed Solent Life to join in with their fun, we visited so many different parties across the region and it was a wonderful experience seeing communities brought together in celebration. In this month’s issue we have plenty of pictures of street parties, including the people of Bishops Waltham who turned out in their hundreds to fill the main street. Apologies if we did not have room for your photo; but we took so many over that weekend we couldn’t fit them in. With July, an exciting summer continues, despite the weather! We are just a few weeks away from the Portsmouth Air Festival and have been speaking to the undoubted stars of any air show, The Red Arrows. Of course the Olympics will be starting and so I sent our intrepid journalist down to Weymouth and Portland for our Coast and Country section to take a look at the area that will be playing host to the world’s sailors for the on-water events. Ringwood Forest has a nature trail which is part of the Moors Valley Country Park and a wonderful walk, especially as the sun was shining at the time, and for the July artist we leave paint and canvas to one side and look at the work of a highly talented local sculptor. There is still so much happening and going on this summer that here at Solent Life we barely have time to take a breath; but it is an exciting time with an amazing array of events to visit. We hope we have given you some ideas to enjoy whether it’s raining or | MANAGING EDITOR glorious sunshine.
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in this issue… features 14… Wickham Festival The biggest live music and arts Festival in Hampshire this year.
contactus
22… Cooking on the Fort We chat to the young chef on Spitbank.
Solent Life Magazine Tel… 01489 583800 • Fax… 01489 564549 Online… www.solentlife.co.uk • Email… info@solentlife.co.uk WEBB HOUSE, 20 BRIDGE ROAD, PARK GATE, HAMPSHIRE, S031 7GE
32… Charity Focus Campaign launch for Wessex Heartbeat.
43… Schools out! The secrets of stress relief on school holidays.
theteam
50… Out & About Photographic memories of Jubilee parties.
Editorial
Dave Hill – Managing Editor Tel… 01489 583743 • Email… davehill@solentlife.co.uk David Rose-Massom – Senior Journalist Email… editorial@solentlife.co.uk Fiona Cooke – Contributing Writer Email… fiona@solentlife.co.uk
Advertising Sales Sarah Kent Tel… 01489 584010 Email… sarah@solentlife.co.uk Steve Walker Tel… 01489 583852 Email… steve@solentlife.co.uk Janet Grimm Tel… 01489 583800 Email… janet@solentlife.co.uk
James Stevenson Tel… 01489 584057 Email… jamie@solentlife.co.uk Barbara Smith Tel… 01489 583719 Email… barbara@solentlife.co.uk
regulars 06… The Walk Nature trail in Ringwood Forest.
10… Artist Review Clay and wood taking shape.
18… Restaurant Review
34… Portsmouth Air Festival The Red Arrows open up. 68… Nature Get the latest from the Farlington Marshes nature reserve
Design & Production David Ives-Farren, Joe Parker & Adam Barnard Tel… 01489 583718 Email… design@solentlife.co.uk // Deadline for advertising copy & editorial for August issue: 18th July 2012
A cracking curry in Wickham.
70… What’s On
Reviews of events and theatre productions coming your way.
Published by Living Coast Media. © Copyright Solent Life 2012. All rights reserved. No part of Solent Life Magazine can be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part without the prior written permission of the publisher. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions contained within.
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Snap Happy Photo Competition Calling all amateur photographers We’re looking for the best animal photos taken in Hampshire The best photo from each category will feature in our 2013 Calendar 10 Categories to choose from including Funny Foto and the Aah Factor.
£1 per photo per category all entries must be submitted on official entry form. Contact Vanessa Eden
01329 666916 • 07880926751 for further details and prizes
www.stubbingtonark.org.uk Closing date 20th August 2012 Stubbington Ark Animal Shelter 174-176 Ranvilles Lane, Fareham, PO14 3EZ Regestered charity 205096
Win with South Downs Wood Fair Win free tickets to the South Downs Wood Fair at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Petersfield, on July 21st and 22nd “A great family day out!”
everything from large machinery to small scale craftsmanship. But there will be lots of other attractions and plenty of excitement for all the family. Chainsaw sculpture, coppice crafts displays and working heavy horses will be among the many wood-based displays. There will also be a wonderful range of other crafts and exhibits on show. The organiser of the Wood Fair, Paul Bishopp, said “This may be a Wood Fair, but wood is by no means the only content! There’s plenty to interest everyone.” Craft makers, artists and designers in other categories are a strong feature and the crafts marquee is not to be missed. Try your hand at pyrography or learn about furniture-making. For more active visitors, there’s a spectacular climbing wall, “Have-a-go” archery, and donkey rides for the children.
You could win one of ten pairs of tickets being given away on behalf of Solent Life. All you need to do is email your name and address to info@woodlandcrafts.co.uk and put “Solent Life” in the subject line. The winners will be drawn and notified on July 10th. Winners’ tickets can be collected from Queen Elizabeth Country Park Centre. If you’re not lucky enough to win, you can still save money by buying advance tickets from the Country Park Centre, until July 19th. Find more details at www.woodlandcrafts.co.uk Set once again in the picturesque Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Petersfield. The South Downs Wood Fair will focus on all aspects of wood, it’s production and it’s uses. On show will be
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Amongst all this, there will be lots more to make the day special. You’ll find lovely food, entertainment and music as well. Look out for the circus shows and workshops and expect some enjoyable surprises. This really does sound like a great day out for the whole family!
The gates will be open from 10am on Saturday and Sunday 21st and 22nd July. Admission at the gate is: Adults £7, Seniors £6, Children Free. Parking is free too! Discounted advance tickets are available at Queen Elizabeth Country Park until July 19th. For information, visit www.woodlandcrafts.co.uk or call 01243 641306
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the walk
nature trails & poohsticks words & images by david rose-massom
It was an idyllic summer’s day; blue, cloudless skies a warm breeze and
From the trees alongside the pathway came the chirrup of blackbirds, the pretty song of the robin and the repetitive, but attractive, cry of the aptly named chiffchaff. A great spotted woodpecker zipped across the pathway, obviously in a hurry to get somewhere for some wood pecking, and in the distance came the unmistakable sound of a cuckoo. The Nature Trail dissects the immaculate fairways of the Moors Valley golf course before turning left over another rustic bridge and to the edge of Crane Lake. Gulls swooped and dipped over the still surface catching insects as ducks flew into splashy and barely controlled landings. On the far shore a heron sat preening his grey wing feathers and there was a need to get closer if I was to get a photograph. Nature is cruel sometimes, she makes the days warm and sunny to encourage wearing shorts, and then she makes nettles sprout to great heights while brambles send out vicious tendrils, the result of this wicked equation - stung and scratched legs, the reward for my fruitless efforts as I watched the heron flap into a rich blue sky and even further away from my camera. In the distance could be heard the un-resting and hooting cry of the cuckoo. From lake, to stream and through meadow speckled with buttercup yellow; it was beautiful here as butterflies twisted and twirled a pas de deux among the yellow and purple flowers. Then a choice of direction, if you are getting tired, turn left and follow the trail back to the Visitor Centre, but the invitation
a rustic bridge crossing a rippling stream. A perfect day for a perfect walk… Moors Valley Country Park, close to Ringwood, has it all, vast areas of picnic grounds, a ‘Go Ape’ course, biking trails, the Play Trail with its unique pieces of wooden play equipment, the miniature steam railway and so much more within Ringwood Forest.
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fter a picnic among the trees, we began a family walk around the large lake before coming upon route signs for The Nature Trail. In all my visits to this popular park area I had never taken this route and it seemed a good a time as any to rectify that. The wooden bridge arched gently over the river where a pretty warbler darted close to the surface catching tasty insects. A short game of that wonderfully time consuming yet unimportant sport of Poohsticks and we were once again off on the trail. This is ideal for the less able bodied, or those in a wheelchair, as most of the route is tarmac paths and fairly level, there is a section of gravel as well as a meadow crossing but in dry weather both are easily passable. A few minutes behind us the weekend summer visitors crowded the picnic grounds and lake surrounds, but here on the nature trail it was peaceful and calm. The odd group of cyclists did pedal by, but they all seemed to offer gentle warnings of their approach and are polite with thanks as you stand to one side for them.
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offered by an avenue of young oaks standing sentry-like on either side of a gravel path was too difficult to ignore. As the cuckoo continued crying out across the landscape we climbed the gentle slope up into the dappled shade of the woods. The footpath meandered through dense woodland, sunlight painted spotty pictures on the slim trunks of the tall trees and on the woodland floor, a thrush darted out onto the footpath to gather nesting material before fluttering back into the undergrowth. I listened for the chorus of birdsong and realised that finally we were out of range of that annoying cuckoo. A signpost pointed the way back to the Nature Trail and the footpath led into a meadow with the path mown through the deep grass. It was back to the tarmac path which carved its way through the heart of the golf course; then a couple of wooden boardwalks traversed areas of marshland before the trail finally arrived back at the river and that wooden bridge. It really had been the perfect walk, field, woodland, meadow, lakes and streams and, as we stood looking down into the stream again, watching the dragon and damselflies busily flit about, there was that cuckoo again with its insistent cries. We tossed a couple of sticks into the stream and watched as they drifted under the bridge… ●
“And that was the beginning of the game called Poohsticks, which Pooh invented, and which he and his friends used to play on the edge of the Forest. But they played with sticks instead of fir-cones, because they were easier to mark.” A.A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner
For refreshments the Visitor Centre has the café called Seasons. There are parking fees at Moors Valley but they are worth it because of the facilities set in the wonderful surroundings of Ringwood Forest. The Charges are clearly marked on the Park’s website. www.moors-valley.co.uk
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> LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
> THE ZOO STORY
by Edward Albee PLUS
> DUMB WAITER
by Harold Pinter
TITCHFIELD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL An exciting new venture with The Bard in the Barn. A Festival of Shakespeare
Come and enjoy a wonderful evenings entertainment on a balmy summers evening. Why not bring a picnic on the green outside the barn with views over to Titchfield Abbey. The Great Barn is a beautiful and atmospheric setting for our Shakespeare Festival with connections back to Henry V and the Earls of Southampton – Shakespeare’s patron. The Great Barn, Mill Lane,Titchfield, PO15 5RP. Call the Box Office for details (01329 556156) or titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com
> 5th – 15th SEPTEMBER
> 11th – 21st JULY Two men unfold on a park bench! Edward Albee’s play covers a wide range of topics in its short time span; from money and family to homosexuality and power struggles. We lead busy lives these days, but I would wager you could spare an hour to absorb this funny, charming and saddening story. Two more men feature in Pinters black comedy about would be assassins on their next ‘job’! A great double bill not to be missed.
Seymour Krelbourn is a poor young man working at a run down flower shop in a not so nice part of town when he encounters a miracle – he discovers a cute plant and names it Audrey after his girlfriend. He nurtures the plant with love and care and soon he’s a sensation the plant can move and talk! The only defect is that the plant feeds on blood – human blood!!! No performance Thursday 6th September Matinees Saturdays 8th & 15th September.
> JULIET & HER ROMEO 18th – 28th JULY
> THE COMEDY OF ERRORS 15th – 25th AUGUST
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with a difference. Have you ever thought why Romeo and Juliet are always played by star crossed young lovers? Do they always have to be young.... does young love still exist for our senior citizens. This version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet certainly questions that.
Two sets of twins separated at birth collide in the same city without meeting for one crazy day, as multiple mistaken identities lead to confusion on a grand scale. Shakespeare’s furiously paced comedy will have you laugh out loud in the wonderful setting of Syracuse also known as The Great Barn in Titchfield!
BOX OFFICE
WHERE: ST MARGARETS ARTS, ST. MARGARETS LANE, TITCHFIELD PO14 4BG. TIME: START AT 7.30PM. MONDAY TO THURSDAY – £9. FRIDAY & SATURDAY – £11. DISCOUNTS: £1 OFF FOR STUDENTS, SENIORS, UNEMPLOYED, PARTIES 4+ £1 PER TICKET DISCOUNT. BOOK 2 SHOWS OR MORE £1 PER TICKET DISCOUNT. SPECIAL RATES FOR SCHOOLS AND PARTIES OF 10+.
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art | focus
S
olent Life came across the work of sculptor Chris Cudlip during the recent Oxford Street event that commemorated the sinking of the Titanic and we watched as his well-practiced hands drew the tools down across the clay to shape the subjects face. The artist working from both photograph and the sitter; the main difference between subject and clay model was that the sitter and artist chatted while the sculpted face sat silently on the pedestal growing in character. “That’s where the sculptor’s work comes in; giving character,” Chris explained. “A photo can tell part of the story but the sculpture can really get into the character of the person sitting. It is still the artist’s impression of the character sat in front of them, which is why I need to get to know the subject, learn about their personality and their personal history.” Chris told us he felt that with sculptures he was able to add dimensions to a person’s character. “When I work from a photograph, or even when I have the subject sitting in front of me, it appears two-dimensional but then I guide it into a fourth dimension by adding the sitter’s character and personality – it’s the person but also the unseen person!” Outside of the studio, wrapped against the torrential rain, was a huge chunk of cedar wood; it was the beginnings of a life-size sumo wrestler. Chris unravelled the ropes and tarpaulin that covered the part finished and rough-hewn work. “I begin something this large with the chainsaw but when I have the rough shape I use small gouges and chisels.” The hefty wooden shape had a wonderful texture but also cedar has a wonderful smell and as the rain hit the wood shavings that aroma lifted and added yet another dimension to his work. “I have long been into Japanese and oriental culture,” Chris continued. “I visited Japan and China and got massive inspiration from what I saw and experienced there, I have also studied martial arts, which again adds to my
words & images by david rose-massom
In a small Southampton studio frozen faces stare back with glaring, cold eyes. A brown clay head, unfinished and yet full of character gazes off, sightless into the distance as if aloof and purposely ignoring anyone who enters the studio; still this is a face full of emotion and deep thoughts. Behind the unfinished sculptor’s piece is a photograph of the sitter and each facial line of age and life is reflected in the artist’s work. 12…
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commitment when it comes to sculpting in that style.” There are many facets to Chris Cudlip’s work and we asked which medium he preferred, especially after seeing on his website that he referred to himself as an ‘Environmental Sculptor’! “I mostly work in wood and clay, although…” here there was a long pause for thought, “I do prefer clay!” There was another pause while he thought again about his preference. “I do love the feel of working with wood - no, clay is my favourite!” A decision had been reached. “But I am also very much into recycling sculpting, using plastic bottles and the like to utilise waste into something that can be appreciated. I often work with schools and young offenders with environmental sculpting and it helps them appreciate that it may just be a plastic bottle they have discarded but there are consequences to that behaviour.” There is also a fun element alongside the educational such as with beachcombing. “We go on litter-picks and comb beaches for litter that could have washed up from anywhere; it is amazing when you check where the flotsam and jetsam have come from. There is so much plastic in our oceans that it is now getting into the eco-system, it is getting into the fish and therefore into our food chain; effectively we are beginning to eat our own cast-offs!” “With the litter we recover we build works of art as we discuss where the rubbish came from,” he added. As with many of our featured artists much
of Chris’s knowledge is self-taught. “I loved art at school and was always chosen when it came to creative projects such as poster production and stage set and scenery design. I left school at 15 with no qualifications but always continued to work at my art as a hobby. “When I was 21 I went to work in a ceramic studio in Bristol and did some classes before building my own gas-fired kiln. The wood carving side of my craft came from making puppet heads and masks for street entertainment, I was taught by a friend who had learned his skills from some travelling Portuguese puppeteers.” On reaching his early thirties Chris felt he needed to formalise his art knowledge and learning and applied to the Wimbledon School of Art. “I began by aiming for a theatre design course but while wandering around the University I stumbled on a course called ‘Technical Arts Interpretation’ and as I walked into the studio there were loads of figure sculptures taken from life and was designed to make props and special effects. It was one of those moments in life when you just know this is for me!” he said. “On the course we began with the head, then onto the male torso, we were taught classical life sculptures working with both life size and then to scale. “Understanding the skeleton and the way the muscles build up is vital; you need to know your anatomy before you can start to build the life sculptures. You need to know where all the parts of the body are and how they work. With the head you need to be aware of the extremities such as the depth of the eyes, the jaw line and the shape of the nose. For example the eyes of an infant are positioned differently in the face to an adults, their skull has not yet fully formed,” Chris explained. Sitting in his studio and watching him work and hearing about his career was fascinating and he finally convinced himself, and us, that clay was indeed his favourite medium. But, when you are interviewing an artist who travelled to Japan to get inspiration for his art works and ended up playing the banjo in a band while there; it is always going to be a fascinating story! l
ART FOCUS SPONSORSHIP HISCOCK GALLERY Our Artist Review is kindly sponsored by HISCOCK GALLERY 11 Stanley Street, Southsea Hampshire, PO5 2DS 023 9282 5330. Creating quality with style www.hiscockgallery.co.uk
HISCOCK TIP Choosing a frame for your artwork can take time, you need to get it right as you’ll hopefully be looking at, and enjoying it, for a long time! Always ensure you choose a frame for the picture not the surroundings it will be hanging in – otherwise you may end up with a completely unsuitable frame or one that “competes” with the image. You want a frame that will blend and draw your eye into the picture without taking over. So look at the image and see what colours there are, then look at frames that work in harmony with these. And what about the subject matter? A traditional picture will naturally suit a more traditional frame as would a modern image suit a more contemporary frame. And if your image is on canvas then that too can be framed following the same principles, but often canvases tend to have no frame at all, just stretched ready to hang.
Through till August sculptor Chris Cudlip is passing on his experience with workshops at his studio on Life Drawing and Figurative Sculpture. For details on his workshops and his work, Chris works both onspec and with commissions, go to www.cudlipscupture.com E-mail: chriscudlip@yahoo.co.uk
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solent | people
out&
about TEA AT THE COMMONS words & images by david rose-massom
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The filling out of questionnaires is often a tiresome chore; but also some good can come from it and for Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage, that good came in the guise of an invitation for seventy of her constituents to take tea with her at the Houses of Parliament; and Solent Life were invited along. There are certain questionnaires that the MP has to fill out and for each one, receives a fee of £30 or £40 which may be donated to charity. Instead of giving a few charities just a few pounds each, Caroline saved up these fees to pay for an evening event and say thank you to charity workers and community volunteers for their efforts and work in making Gosport a better place to live. She told Solent Life; “It did not seem enough just to give a few pounds away; but it appealed to me to be able to thank a whole range of people who give up their precious time for good causes by, hopefully, giving them a bit of a treat.” Just over 70 people from all walks of life in Gosport arrived at the Jubilee Rooms, just off the magnificent Westminster Hall. It may sound a simple thing to take tea in such a place but everyone was in awe of their surroundings; especially when later in the evening we were all given a guided tour and the chance to sit in the Public Gallery, formerly known as the Strangers Gallery, of the House of Commons and watch a debate. For many though, the highlight was the Central Lobby, an octagonal area which sits between the two houses. For just over a century, this ornately decorated lobby, which even includes a small post office, has seen parliamentarians, royals and commoners pass through on the business of governing our country. It is impossible while standing there not to be impressed by the surroundings and it is in this space that any constituent can demand to see their MP, and that MP if they are in the building must attend to their visitor. Irrespective of political persuasions, this was a wonderful evening that left everyone feeling that the trip to our seat of Parliament had been not only very worthwhile, but a real privilege. The experience was a positive and highly enjoyable one; and all because one of our local MPs had some form-filling to complete! On the internet there is a virtual tour of the Palace of Westminster at www.parliament.uk/visiting/online-tours/virtualtours
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wickham festival
wickham
festival words & images supplied by peter chegwyn
Jools Holland; K T Tunstall; The Proclaimers; and Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel are among a host of top-name artists booked to appear at this year’s Wickham Festival near Fareham between Thursday 2nd August and Sunday 5th August.
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he Festival is the biggest live music and arts Festival in Hampshire this year. Over 100 live acts will be appearing on three live music stages over four days. The Festival also features street theatre, storytelling, a solar-powered cinema, digital funfair, circus, childrens entertainers, traditional crafts fayre, exotic foods fayre, Real Ale Festival and much more. The main stage is located in a huge 3,000 capacity circus ‘Big Top’ meaning that the audience stay dry and warm whatever the weather. “We cater for a family audience who want to enjoy a true festival atmosphere in comfortable surroundings”, says Festival organiser Peter Chegwyn.
WICKHAM FESTIVAL Full details of the Festival and how to buy tickets can be found on the Festival website www.wickhamfestival.co.uk
“Wickham is a very safe and familyfriendly Festival. We didn’t have a single crime or incident of any kind last year. Our audience know they can come to Wickham and enjoy themselves in a stunningly beautiful rural setting with top-class music and great entertainment for all ages. “Our artists really enjoy playing at Wickham because our audiences are so appreciative and because the atmosphere in our main stage ‘Big Top’ is absolutely fantastic. Jools Holland enjoyed himself so much last year that he asked to come back this summer.” The Festival is held on farmland just north of Wickham within walking distance of the village centre. As well as all the attractions on the main Festival site there are also concerts and a Festival Folk Club in Wickham Community Centre plus traditional dance displays in Wickham Square. The Festival generates an estimated £1 million for the local economy giving a welcome boost to local shops, hotels, pubs, bistros and restaurants. It attracts visitors from all over Britain and Europe with people also travelling from as far away as Canada, South America and Australia to attend. As well as weekend season tickets there are also day and eveningonly tickets available so Hampshire residents who wish to attend just one concert can do so at a very affordable price. ●
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olympic | sailing
words & image by david rose-massom
Unbelievably Olympic Sailing was first contested in the Sydney Olympics of 2000! Prior to those Games the sport had always been called yachting and was the first Olympic sport to change its name.
I
n reality sailing made its Olympic debut in Paris 1900 with both men’s and women’s competitions. With the exception of St Louis 1904, the sport has appeared at every Olympic Games since. In the early years sailing was dominated by the bigger boats, crewed by as many as a dozen sailors, and time handicaps were used to decide races and medal winners. Certainly since the 1950s the competitions have increasingly been towards the smaller one-design boats with fewer crew members. During the 2008 Beijing Games, only one event had a three-person crew, the Yngling which has now been replaced by the Elliott 6M keelboat in the women’s racing, with five events contested by solo crewed dinghies. For the non-sailor, or the hobby sailor, the classes of craft and number of crew can be a little daunting to understand, so whether you plan to watch the racing from the comfort of an armchair or with a visit to Weymouth and Portland here is a beginner’s guide to the Olympic sailing classes.
OLYMPIC SAILING The Olympic sailing in Weymouth and Portland will take place from Sunday 29 July - Saturday 11 August. There will be a total of 10 Olympic sailing events consisting of a series of races. The Paralympic sailing events take place from Saturday 1 September - Thursday 6 September, there will be a total of 3 medal events. Full details of the Olympic sailing events in Weymouth and Portland are available on the London 2012 website. www.london2012.com
One-Person Dinghy Women’s Laser Radial & Men’s Laser Designed by Bruce Kirby these exciting sailing boats have been produced since 1970 and Lasers are now among the most popular sailing craft around the world. The Laser Radial that are used in the women’s event has slightly less sail area than in the Lasers used in the men’s event, this is because a women’s lower body weight provides less of a balancing force against the heeling induced by wind filling the sail. Length overall: 4.23 m One-Person Dinghy, Heavy, Finn The Finn is a Class of racing for men and is a centreboard dinghy designed by Rickard Sarby in 1949. It made its debut in the 1952 Olympics and is now the oldest continuous class in Olympic sailing. With its large and fully adjustable mainsail, the Finn demands strong and large sailors. The boat demands a sailor who concentrates well and has quick responses and, for many sailors, this is the ultimate racing experience. Length overall: 4.5 m Two-Person Dinghy, 470 This is a class for both men and women sailors; The 470 was designed by Andre Cornu in 1963. It has been sailed in the Olympics since 1976 and is a doublehanded centreboard dinghy that is light and manoeuvrable and responds well to the body movements of the two crew members. The skipper is typically smaller
and lighter while the crew are taller and heavier as only the crew member can hang far out on the single trapeze. The women’s and men’s events race with identical boats. Length overall: 4.7 m
many times over the years, it has been competing in the Olympics since 1932. The Star class keelboat requires considerable technical skill from the two crew members. Length overall: 6.92 m
Two-Person Dinghy, High Performance, 49er The men’s two person 49er dinghy is the fastest of all the Olympic team boats. With a large sail, the 49er has an adjustable wing on each side allowing both crew members to hike far out on the trapeze to keep the boat upright in a stronger wind. The crew have to work well together to maintain a delicate balance at high speeds, the 49ER races are often some of the most dramatic and exciting. Length overall: 4.995 m
Women’s & Men’s Windsurfer, RS:X Now a popular sport worldwide, and for many sailors their first introduction to watersports, windsurfing has been an Olympic sailing event since 1984. Windsurfers skim the surface of the sea at high speed. Considerable upper body strength is needed to control the sail, along with good balance and quick reflexes. Women use the same board as the men just with a slightly smaller sail to compensate for body weight. Length overall: 2.86 m
Women’s Keelboat Match Racing Elliott 6m The Elliott 6-meter will be new to Olympic sail racing at this year’s event in Weymouth. With a thin bulb fixed keel, the Elliott 6m is fast and nimble and crewed by three women sailors. This class replaces the Yngling that has been used in recent Olympic Games and is the only new boat class for the 2012 Olympics. Length overall: 6 m
The first event in this year’s Olympics is the Men’s Finn class starting at midday on July 29th.
Men’s Keelboat, Star The Star design is over one hundred years old, originally being designed in 1910 by Francis Sweisguth and although it has been refined and improved JULY 2012 •
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restaurant | review
spice heaven a little
of
words & pictures by david rose-massom
Before I begin, and especially for regular Solent Life readers who are used to my excited ramblings when it comes to restaurant reviews, I have not suffered from a bout of overexcitement nor have I taken on a challenge to use as many superlatives as possible in the following review. The meal and dining experience really was this good!
W
hen selling a house one of the favoured terminologies is ‘street appeal’ which means to capture the desire to purchase from the moment you step up to the attractive exterior of the property; Kuti’s of Wickham has that same appeal, from the moment you arrive there is the sure knowledge that this will be a memorable meal. Once through the door, often opened by an attentive ‘greeter’ dressed in traditional costume, the attractive dining areas stretch out in front of diners; with floral displays everywhere and the soft muted colour co-ordination, the restaurant is warm and inviting. The tables are covered in crisp, lilac coloured linen, and the napkins are almost as big as the tablecloths. Traditional poppadoms with classic dips such as aromatic, but not too hot, lime pickle, the mango chutney, a delicious mint sauce and the ubiquitous
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onion chutney, the perfect appetiser. The warm welcome continues with Aziz, one of the family of owners of the Kuti’s chain of local restaurants, who speaks with diners like friends and would brighten the dullest dining room with his smile and genuine charm. The service from his smartly uniformed staff is efficient without being over-busy. Aziz recommended the Non-Vegetarian Platter as a starter, being a good example of the delights to come; his suggestion displayed excellent judgement with the finest selection of different dishes. The plate of delights looked wonderful and if the flavours matched the presentation then this would be good! The lamb, tender, moist and slightly spicy; the chicken succulent, flaky almost dissolving in the mouth and finally the fleshy tiger prawn served on the open-halfshell and full of texture. The spices all blended well and each portion complimented the next with no taste or texture overpowering the other. Superb choice Aziz! As we waited and chatted, with just the right interval between courses, a group of eight vacated the long table next to us and without fuss or fanfare, within just a couple of minutes the linen was changed and the table redressed for the next group of diners. Everything at Kuti’s is carried out with care and attention to detail.
Although my editor and I picked our own main courses Aziz added his favoured dish to our selection and the Sally Lamb, a famous Parsi wedding dish was astonishing. The menu advertises it as ‘tender lamb’ and I have to say I have never eaten such tender and moist chunks of lamb. The meat drifted onto the palate and just disintegrated leaving behind a wonderful melting and meaty flavour coated in spices. It is prepared with dried apricots, always a good partner with lamb, and served in a spicy masala sauce topped with crisp straw potatoes which added greatly to the texture of the dish. It was stunning. The pilau rice is served in individual dishes and is just the right size portion, rather than trying to impress with a portion so big the table could share it and still have enough to take home. Great care is
obviously taken with every dish, incidentally we visited the kitchen and even during a busy service, Chef and his staff kept it clean, neat and organised, and we felt it our duty, as the diners, to take equal care in the consumption of each delicacy sent out to us. Choice from the menu is tricky, because everything is made to sound so good, but after much cogitating I went for the Chicken Bahar. Whole chicken breast marinated overnight in the spice selection and then grilled in the tandoor and served with a medium spicy sauce. The aromas rising from every dish were mouth watering and the flavours those smells advertised were even better. It was a succulent, rich and smooth dish. Our Editor had Chicken Bangla and this was almost a blend of one curry topped with another but the result was a creamy dish that once
again was full of flavour and texture; gently spiced and with each constituent part shining through. Once again the tender chicken had been marinated in a selection of spices and herbs and then served with a topping of a fresh cream sauce flavoured with subtle hints of coconut. Even without the superb food the experience of eating at Kuti’s is a pleasant one. The dining room is deliciously decorated; the splendid service is a great side dish, the background music subtle and, like the décor, calming. The welcome is genuinely warm and the farewell at the end of the evening like saying goodbye to old friends. Then there was the amazing food which supplied dreamy memories of a delicious description and even better flavours and aromas during the drive home. l
Kuti’s of Wickham Star Corner Fareham Road, Wickham PO17 5DJ Tel: 01329 835353 Our two starters, three main courses and pilau rice came in at under £30 a head without drinks for such a wonderful meal, great value indeed!
www.kutis.co.uk
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Miners Arms funtley road • fareham
Famous Fish & Chip Restaurant and Take-Away Mother Kelly’s unique fish & chip restaurant and take-away is open 7 days a week 11.30am - 11pm. Traditional village pub in the small local community of Funtley offering real ale and good quality food.
221 Southampton Road, Paulsgrove
Full menu available Lunch time & Evenings
Tel 023 9221 9149
Saturday 21 July 2012 Spanish Tapas Night.
20 North Street, Emsworth (Take-aways only)
Enjoy a selection of homemade tapas from 6.00pm till 10.00pm
☎ 01329 232065 miners_arms@btconnect.com
● All fish skinned and boned ● Traditional grilled breakfast served daily 8am-11.30am
Tel 01243 375859 wifi available
Coach parties by appointment • Large orders up to 250 portions DELIVERED FREE
AWARDED CURRY CHEF OF THE YEAR 2011 - 2012 It is the first award that Chef Kowsar Miah has won, and what a prestigious award to begin with; Curry Chef of the Year. The annual award is presented by one of the UK’s leading curry magazines. Kowser took over as chef from his father, who has successfully been in charge of the kitchens at MOWCHAK TANDOORI sine 1989. His speciality dish, of which he is very proud, is tandoori murgh masallam, which consists of chicken, lamb mince and egg. After receiving his award Chef Miah said he was very happy and that the award ceremony was a most interesting experience as he got to see how the other competitors prepared their dishes.
10% OFF ON PRESENTATION OF THIS VOUCHER (JULY 2012) OUTSIDE CATERING ALSO AVAILABLE, PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS
BUFFET SUN, MON & TUES £9.75 LOCAL FREE DELIVERY
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solent | luxury
the fort of fine dining A couple of months ago we were privileged to be able to visit Spitbank Fort in the middle of the Solent following its £5m makeover into an exclusive hotel and dining retreat. The food on the buffet that day was simply delicious and then we discovered the chef is a young, just 25, Cornish girl… words by david rose-massom
I
love preparing the more rustic, Jamie Oliver, style of food but I do have a very wide variety of skills and tastes when it comes to my cooking,” Chef, Rebecca Baddeley, told Solent Life when we met up on the quayside in Gosport’s Royal Clarence Marina where the company that run Spitbank Fort, Clarenco, have their Departure Lounge.
“There is also an Asian influence to some of my cooking following trips to places such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Bali. This was after working in France for four years in 5-star exclusive chalets and villas and producing cuisine very similar to that which we now serve on Spitbank.” Using my fingers I calculated the years of experience in someone so young and Rebecca, known as Bex to her friends, could see my puzzlement. “I began working in a kitchen in Cornwall when I was just 14 as a kitchen porter in a two-rosette restaurant,” she explained. “It was under a very good French Chef, but I was also very good in Food Technology at school. “He trained me until I was about 19, and I also went to Cornwall
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College studying hospitality but specialising in cookery. Whilst studying during the day, I then worked in the kitchens evenings and weekends, so it was a heavy schedule.” I pointed out that young people were not known for volunteering for ‘heavy schedules’! “You have to put your all into cooking if you want to succeed. My aim has always been to be the best; even here at Clarenco I have the ambition to be Executive Chef of all three of the Solent Forts when we have them all converted and operational.” A new chef at the Cornish restaurant brought about a huge change for Rebecca. “Master Chef, Steven Saunders of Brockett Hall, took over the restaurant and he took me up to the famous Hertfordshire country house hotel to work; it was very daunting as it was my first time away from home; within a month though I had been promoted to Chef de Partie.” A Chef de Partie is also known as a Station Chef, and is in charge of one part of the kitchen, for Rebecca it was the tricky area that produced the sauces. It was while working in the chalets in France that she was spotted and recommended for the position as Chef with the
owning company of Spitbank Fort, Clarenco. “Our owner and his wife are incredibly passionate about what they are doing with the Forts and about the people who work on them. It is great to be a part of something special like this; I have been with Clarenco for over a year now and they are a superb organisation with a driving passion for everything we do as individuals and as part of a team.” Cooking it seems, runs in the family as Rebecca’s brother is a chef in the homecounty of Cornwall and her auntie teaches cooking in Italy. “As a young person I could see I had a talent, the way I presented food, it always had to look professional,” she added. “I can turn my hand to any style of cooking; when eating, one of my favourites is a Thai soup, but as a chef I love to prepare Classic French dishes. I also really enjoy putting together a Sunday Roast, which is something we have just launched out on Spitbank Fort and is already proving really popular. “With the fine dining I tend not to mix influences. Spitbank Fort is very much a private island for discerning guests and so we speak closely with the client and guests and find out their dietary requirements and then work any menu around that. As an exclusive eatery we always go with the client’s wishes and desires and offer suggestions when they are needed.” It was only a few years ago that this young chef left the comfort of her home county and small restaurant and joined the big time! “It was intimidating when I moved to
the country hotel, they had a brigade of 16 chefs there, but it gave me confidence in my own abilities and I worked hard and moved forward. It also gave me a love and good grounding for Fine Dining.” That confidence shines through now with this young, bubbly and enthusiastic chef. “My partner James and I, he also works for Clarenco, wanted to move near the sea and so when Spitbank Fort came up we leapt at the chance to work here,” Rebecca explained. “I wanted to live near the sea and now I work on an island fortress in the middle of it! “People often ask if we source locally and buy in fresh. Well how local and fresh can you get when we drop fishing lines off the boat-jetty on the fort and catch our own produce for lunch and dinner. This week we have caught sea bass, Pollock and about 40 mackerel and so our food is locally sourced and as a chef it does not get much better than pulling in your own fish and then preparing it and cooking it for guests; and often that is on the 18th Century cast-iron barbeque that we use on Spitbank. “I love working with the simple ingredients, such as the fish, and turning it into something special. We do the finest in Fine Dining but we also have the pleasure on Spitbank Fort of producing simple but delightful meals such as our Sunday Lunches. I have a huge passion for my art of cooking, and I cannot think of many more unique places to produce great food than in the middle of the Solent.” l
Spitbank Fort’s famous Sunday Lunches are back with a luxury twist and are now available on selected dates throughout the year. Arrive at Royal Clarence Marina for light refreshments before being whisked off to the luxurious Spitbank Fort. Enjoy wine and canapés to start before a three course lunch and then historic tour of the fort. Sunday Lunch Experience starts at £95 pp www.clarenco.com/venues/ spitbank-fort/ For details of Spitbank Fort dining experiences and Sunday Roasts please call 01494 682 682.
Royal Clarence Marina Departure Lounge, The Mill Offices, Royal Clarence Marina, Gosport, PO12 1AX (this is the setting off point to reach the fort.) Email: info@spitbankfort.com Overnight stays also available from just £399pp, including three course dinner and full English breakfast.
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solent | business
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money | matters
HOW ARE YOU PLANNING
TO PAY FOR
LONG-TERM CARE? words by justin stevens
The funding of long-term care is becoming a major political issue, but for many families it is already a burning personal issue. It is estimated that more than 20,000 pensioners were forced to sell their homes to pay for care in 2010 (Source: The Telegraph, November 2010) and that number could be on the increase given rising care costs. Some people do get state help. Depending on your income you may get state help, although a person who owns his or her home is likely to fail the local authority means test and be deemed a “self-funder”. In England, this threshold is £23,250 which has been frozen until 2013 (in Wales it is £22,500 and in Scotland £23,500) (Source: Department of Health, April 2011). In most cases this includes the value of any property owned. However, there are circumstances in which the family home is ignored: if you have a spouse or relative aged 60 or over still living in the home it will not be included within the local authority’s financial assessment. It should also be ignored if your care needs are classed as “temporary”. In addition, if your other assets, excluding the home, are less than £23,250, then you should not be charged for the first 12 weeks. Those in this situation can request that a legal charge is put on their home rather than selling it upfront. You need to be aware that not all benefits are means-tested. For example, people who need nursing care (as opposed to “personal care”) will receive a contribution towards these costs, regardless of their financial position. In England this is normally paid at £108 a week, with payments made direct to the nursing home. It is important to remember, however, that reliance on the state comes at the cost of choice of the care you receive. For many people the self-funding route is going to be their only option. It is a worrying prospect as the cost of care
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can quickly add-up and eat into your savings. On average, someone who requires care in a residential care home will pay £524 per week, and for a nursing care home £722 per week (weighted averages for the whole of the UK, source Laing & Buisson Care of Elderly People UK Market Survey 2011/12), a huge ongoing amount to find at any age, let alone in later years. However, these are averages across local authority funded and self funded care, many self funders will pay much more than these averages. It doesn’t take much to work out that you wouldn’t have to be in a care home for too long before you or your family had spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on paying fees. In the past, pre-funded care insurance plans were an option – aimed at those who think they might need to go into care in the future. But as it stands not one UK insurer provides pre-funded insurance today with the last provider exiting the market in 2010, citing lack of demand. Instead, perhaps the most popular option for paying for long-term care is an immediate care annuity, which pays a tax free fixed income for life, provided that it is paid directly to the care home provider. This can provide some certainty for people moving into care, as they know their fees will be guaranteed to be paid for life; their money will not run out and they will not have to move into a local authority-run home later. There is also the reassurance that whatever is left
from the sale of the home, once the annuity has been bought, can be left to the next generation. The price depends on a person’s age and health when going into care – the longer the insurer expects them to live, the larger the upfront cost. Most providers, however, allow you to buy “capital protection”, which refunds part of the cost in such circumstances. You can also pay into plans that protect against inflation via escalating benefits. Many people fund this annuity when they sell their home. Of course, the downside is that if the person dies shortly after going into nursing care then you will have paid out more for the annuity than the cost of fees. It can seem a little bit of a gamble, but an annuity does provide security in that you know fees are covered for life. You could try to fund care fees out of regular income – if you have the means to do so. For starters, if you are going into care and have no dependants, then your own property could be rented out and the rent used to offset the fees. Alternatively, with careful planning you could build an investment portfolio designed to pay an income without taking undue risk. You will need expert help because it is crucial that your capital is protected to a large degree. Again, just be aware that several years’ fees could quickly add up, so the balance and diversification of assets will have to be just right. We are all expected to live longer but while that is good news it is likely to mean that more people will need to consider care fees – not just for themselves, but also for their parents. It is an issue that many baby boomers are dealing with at this very moment – and it is an issue that is unlikely to disappear. l
To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, produced by St. James’s Place Wealth Management, contact Justin Stevens, A Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management on 01489 790797, by email justin.stevens@sjpp.co.uk or visit www.justin-stevens.co.uk
For carers and the people they support
We are a charity who provides support to unpaid carers: • Care at home • Befriending and sitting service • Social activities
Do you provide unpaid support to a relative, friend or neighbour?
“Thanks to Crossroads, we can forget we are carers for a few precious hours a week” To find out more, call us on: 02392 892016 admin@crossroadscare-sc.org • www.crossroadscare-sc.org Charity Registration No. 1127236
Registered in England No. 0668265
Think about Fostering The Children’s Family Trust provides secure, supportive and nurturing foster homes for children in need, both short-term and long-term. As a registered charity, we rely on public support to help fund our work, and any surplus funds go back into supporting our carers and children. We’re an independent fostering provider, working in partnership with the local authorities to develop close ties. We are currently actively recruiting suitable foster carers in the Hampshire area. A Brief History Paul Field worked for the Waifs and Strays Society from 1935 and had always been troubled by the requirement to turn the children in his care out into the world alone at fourteen years of age. His distress led him to set up the Trust in 1945 and to take into his own family children who were in need of shelter and guidance on the basis of offering them a family for life. The basic principles and values of the Trust have never been compromised from Paul’s view that a loving family is every child’s birthright. It is estimated that a new foster place for a child is needed in the UK every 22 minutes. If you are interested and would like to find out more about fostering please call 01256 345635 or Karen Blackman on 079503 454747.
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It is important that we take steps to help to prevent bathing disability before it occurs! Losing the ability to bathe is associated with having falls, fracturing bones, and even being admitted to a nursing home. Here at Swift Lifestyle we are specialists in mobility solutions. We are a family owned business with over 40 years experience in helping make peoples lives easier. You can rely on our FREE design and consultation service to find the right product for you and our fully skilled installation team to make your dream into a reality. Our work for you continues after installation, we are always available on the end of the phone if you need any advice.
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www.swiftlifestyle.co.uk • info@swiftlifestyle.co.uk JULY 2012 • .co.uk …31 Swift Lifestyle • Unit7 • Fareham Enterprise Centre • Hackett Way • Fareham • Hampshire • PO14 1TH
travel | feature
Discover the best of
Alaska with Princess Cruises & Ambassador Travel words by chris dewey • images by princess cruises
cruise offer I am often asked by my clients for something different when they are considering a cruise. One of my favourite destinations is Alaska. With its breathtaking scenery, magnificent wildlife and unique history there is something for everyone. The towering glaciers are certainly worth a visit, imagine sitting on your balcony as you sail through this amazing scenery, looking out for humpback whales, sea lions, sea otters and eagles; to mention a few.
T
he breathtaking marine wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park features thundering tidewater glaciers, snow-capped mountain ranges and deep fjords. A park ranger will join you on your chosen cruise to provide you with their expert commentary. In the heart of Alaska lies the Denali National Park which is spread over six million acres of forest where you will find North Americas tallest peak, Mt. McKinley. Famous for its abundance of wildlife, the park is home to moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bears, eagles and even wolves so make sure you take your binoculars with you. Most of my clients will add this extention to their cruise as a pre cruise option. This can even be taken as a direct rail transfer for you. Why not try the Denali Explorer for yourself? I have put together an example cruise for you l
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● Fly from London to Anchorage for an overnight stay ● D ay two Be the first to spot Mt Mckinley as you travel to the Princess Wilderness Lodge for the night. ● D ay Three Marvel at the scenery that races before you as you travel to Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge where you can relax and enjoy the facilities. ● D ay Four Take a natural history tour of Denali then back to your lodge for another nights stay. ● D ay Five Board the direct to the wilderness train for a spectacular journey to Whittier where you can embark on our chosen cruise to sail that evening. ● Day six Cruising the Hubbard Glacier. ● D ay Seven Full scenic day cruising the Glacier Bay National Park ● Day Eight Cruising Skagway. ● Day Nine Cruise to Janeau ● Day Ten Cruise to Ketchikan ● Day Eleven Cruising the inside passage ● Day Twelve Disembark in Vancouver D epartures from 13th May 2013 to 14 September 2013 • Twin Interior cabins from £1042.00pp* * Flights not included in price
To book please contact our Lee-On-The-Solent branch of Ambassador Travel: E: lee@mytravelambassador.com T: 02392 290480 W: www.ambassadortravel.com
2013-14 CRUISES ON SALE NOW contact us for some amazing late deals for 2012 with P&O, CUNARD & Princess cruises
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CRUISE SPECIALIST IN LEE ON SOLENT TODAY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN OUR NEW LEE ON SOLENT SHOP SOON
Lee On Solent is proud to be the 7th branch of Ambassador Travel The local independent specialist opened on the 27th June under the Management of Chris Dewey. Ambassador Travel has its own tour operations in South Africa and the Seychelles and is part of the Advantage travel network. Ambassador has branches in Oxon, Newbury, Cheam, Wendover, Wells and Gillingham.
We are fully ABTA and ATOL bonded for your protection
Catherine Wassell - Assistant Manager Cath is our Australian, New Zealand and South Africa specialist. Cath started in travel in 1995 and has also travelled extensively throughout the world.
Karen Fisher - Senior Travel Consultant Karen started in travel in 1996 and has a wealth of travel knowledge. Karen has cruised on many cruise liners during her time in travel. Cunard, P&O and Royal Caribbean being her most recent. Karen`s favourite destination is Toronto in Canada.
Chris Dewey - Manager Chris has been in travel for over thirty years. He has travelled extensively throughout Europe. Chris`s favourite destination is the Caribbean where he has travelled many times and his favourite island is Antigua. They say there is a different beach for every day of the year! Call in for a chat today. I look forward to welcoming you in our new branch soon.
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.co.uk ‌33
charity | focus
HIGH 5 for Wessex Heartbeat In the 1550’s, when imprisoned and watching others being led to the executioners block, John Bradford uttered the immortal words “There, but for the grace of God, goes John Bradford.”
T
oday it is a sentiment which serves us well in life. We never know what is around the corner and when we encounter anyone suffering circumstances that are worse than our own, the thought “There but for the grace of God go I!” can motivate us to do something to help. This is where the charity Wessex Heartbeat’s HIGH 5 appeal comes in, with the request for Young People to raise money for Young People. To explain more about the appeal let’s start with some facts about congenital heart disease: the Wessex Cardiac Unit at Southampton is currently caring for 8,000 young adults from our region – a number which is expected to grow by 10-20% in the next decade. In the last year, young people have spent over 2,000 days and nights in hospital, whether for lifesaving heart surgery, medical treatment or end-of-life care. These youngsters have spent some, if not all of their lives, receiving medical treatment and up until the age of 16 they are treated in the Ocean Ward at Wessex. This ward was completely refurbished with funds raised by the Wessex Heartbeat charity and is now one of the finest facilities of its kind in the UK. However once they have turned 16, the patients have to be moved onto the adult wards, which are a far cry from the colourful, nurturing and child orientated Ocean Ward. Young men and women, still in their teens, can find themselves suddenly transported into starkly clinical surroundings, with bed
To contact Wessex Heartbeat: PO Box 270, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6GE. Tel: 023 8079 5927 34…
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mates who are 80 and 90 year olds. It is a big transition, especially when they are going through the usual times of teenage angst. In addition up to the age of 16 the parent’s are involved in the patient care, but at 16 the Doctor’s have to talk directly to the youngsters, they are expected to take responsibility and ownership of their treatment and care – can things get much tougher? So the HIGH 5 appeal hopes to raise £500,000 during the next two years to fund a new ward for young adults aged 16 to 30. The aim is to create a place more suited to their needs, with a funky design, rooms to chill out in, sit and chat, play on the Xbox, make some tea and toast, use the exercise equipment and all importantly, provide access to the internet and social media. These young people can feel tremendously isolated at an age when inclusion is all important. They all have their real lives outside of the hospital that they need to hold on to, and can feel out of touch and left behind by their peers. A ward specifically designed for them can make a world of difference to their psychological well-being and therefore their physical state of recovery. The charity has lots of initiatives and ideas as to how Young People across the Wessex region can raise funds; from the catchy ‘Raise a Fiver and become a High Fiver’ (and get a wrist band) to the innovative Water Bottle Challenge… fill it with 5p’s! They have tied-in with local sports organisations.
For the HIGH 5 Appeal: To donate: Text HIGH15 plus the amount you wish to donate to 70070, eg HIGH15 £5.
Eastleigh and district Mini Soccer League, with 2,000 young footballers, is taking up the water bottle challenge and organising a penalty shootout. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Lawn Tennis Association is aiming to break the world record for the highest number of people taking part in Cardio Tennis exercises. The charity also has its own five HIGH 5 champions from the world of sport – all high profile but top secret until the appeal’s official launch later this month. These Superstars are all committed to the cause and will go out to local schools and help with fund raising events. Some schools that are already on board with the challenge are holding a School’s Got Talent competition culminating in a final at the Southampton Mayflower next March – although the charity cannot guarantee that Simon Cowell will be one of the judges! Wessex Heartbeat are hoping that other schools, colleges and universities will become involved and have plenty of ideas as to how money can be raised using the HIGH 5 theme. Since its conception Wessex Heartbeat has raised over £13 million, and has made a tremendous difference to the lives of those affected by cardiovascular disease. Nearly 40% of deaths in the UK annually are caused by this disease and some of those will be young people. None of us knows who those youngsters might be… there, but for the grace of God go I!. Hopefully that sentiment will encourage the Young People of our region to go out and raise a HIGH 5! l
Go online for fundraising ideas: www.heartbeat.co.uk/high-5-appeal Call the fundraising team on 023 8078 6555
Post cheques made payable to HIGH 5 Appeal to the address stated.
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TO ENTER, email competitions@solentlife.co.uk quoting ‘Treerunners’ with your name, address and telephone/mobile number together with your answer! Alternatively, post your entry to Solent Life, Webb House, 20 Bridge Road, Park Gate, Hampshire, SO31 7GE. The closing date is 27.07.2012 Treerunners is situated in Harewood forest, Cowdown Lane, Andover. SP11 6LE, just two minutes south of the A303 off the A3093 exit to Andover. Please visit www.treerunners.com for directions and more information. TERMS & CONDITIONS: (1) Only one entry per person. No purchase necessary. (2) The prize draw is open to UK residents only,
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air | festival
stars in the skies Since the Team’s creation in 1965, the Red Arrows have flown in close to 4,500 displays in 52 countries. Today the Red Arrows are renowned throughout the world, acting as ambassadors for Great Britain when displaying overseas as well as supporting UK industry by demonstrating the capabilities of British equipment and expertise.
N
o matter where the Air Show, no matter what spectacular display team or flyer are on the programme, the only true stars of the show, as far as we Brits are concerned, are the amazing RED ARROWS! The 1950s and 1960s were the heyday of Royal Air Force jet aerobatic display teams and by the mid-60s almost every Flying Training School, and several operational squadrons, had their own teams. So much time, effort and money was being spent on these teams that the Royal Air Force eventually decided to disband them all and form a single, full-time professional team. And, so it was that in 1964, the Red Pelicans were formed. Flying six Jet Provost T Mk 4s they became the first team to represent the Royal Air Force as a whole. The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT), the formal name of the Red Arrows, began life at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, where initially there were seven display pilots and ten Gnat jet trainers. The name ‘Red Arrows’ was chosen to combine the appeal and expertise of two
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.co.uk • JULY 2012
earlier teams, the famous Black Arrows and the Red Pelicans. In their first season, 1965, the Red Arrows flew in 65 displays in Britain, France, Italy, Holland, Belgium and Germany, and the Team was awarded the Britannia Trophy by the Royal Aero Club in recognition of its outstanding contribution to British prestige in the field of aviation. When the Royal Air Force decided to retain the Team for 1966, two spare pilots were established but the Team continued to fly just seven aircraft in most displays. The first display with 9 pilots was in July 1966 for the benefit of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. The practice of carrying spare pilots proved unsatisfactory because the display was so specialised that each position had its own demands. To be of any use at all, the spare pilots had to be capable of filling any position at very short notice. To this end they required more training than any other member of the team and, as a result, became more skilled. Not surprisingly the spares became dissatisfied with their roles as reserves.
What does it take to be a Red Arrow pilot? All nine Red Arrows display pilots are fast jet pilots from frontline Royal Air Force squadrons and once they have finished their three-year tour with the Team they will return to their Royal Air Force duties. To apply for selection to the Team, pilots must first meet certain criteria: l They must have a minimum of 1,500 flying hours. l They must have completed a frontline tour. l Be assessed as being above average in their flying role. A shortlist of just nine applicants are examined during a thorough selection week, and are put through a gruelling flying test, formal interview and peer assessments. Three new pilots are chosen each year to replace the three that have finished their tour. The Team Leader must have completed a three-year tour as a Team pilot earlier in his career, and is appointed in a separate selection process. All this information and more about the Red Arrows can be found on their official website at www.raf.mod.uk/reds Solent Life would like to thank them for their help with this feature.
Despite the risky fly-pasts and stunning display elements such as the ‘bomb-burst’, the Red Arrows seem to be most famous for their trademark move the Diamond Nine. The Red Arrows flew nine aircraft in displays from time to time from mid-1966 onwards, but it was not until 1968 that the Team was officially increased in size to nine. Although there was nothing new in flying nine aircraft in a diamond-shaped formation, the Red Arrows’ perfectly symmetrical Diamond Nine quickly came to represent the peak of precision flying and it was eventually registered as an official trade mark. The biggest event this year for the Red Arrows was of course the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and Red One, Officer Commanding and Team Leader of the Red Arrows Squadron Leader Jim Turner, said; “The whole RAF was incredibly proud and my Team was no exception, to have taken part in the salute to Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee. The flypast itself was a huge success although the weather deteriorated over London, with strong southerly winds, a lowering cloudbase and poor visibility. It was surprisingly difficult to see the Palace on the approach, but the Mall came into view thanks to the
enormous number of people who had come out to join in the celebrations. “The Team landed at Bournemouth airport after the flypast, but the weather was so bad that we had to split into smaller formations and make instrument approaches to a very wet runway. Sadly, the weather got worse and we were forced to cancel our display over Southampton for the Cunard 3-Queens celebration. The Team returned to RAF Scampton the following day for a day off.” For the 2012 season the classic nine plane formation for the Red Arrows has been changed, partly due to last season’s tragic events which saw them lose two pilots. Judith Cross is the Public Relations Manager for the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team and she explained to Solent Life. “There are seven Red Arrows display pilots for this year. Red 8 will no longer fly displays but will be retained to provide essential team support and also to conduct signature flypasts in the ‘Big Battle’ formation of nine aircraft together with Red 10 who is the Road Manager,” she said. “Reds 1 – 5 form the front section known as ‘Enid’. The Synchro Pair, Reds 6 and 7, perform the highly popular, dynamic manoeuvres during the second half of the display sequence.
“With safety paramount, but the quality of the displays vitally important, it has been decided that seven aircraft presents the most visually balanced and dynamic formation”. With last year’s tragedies in mind Judith added. “The last few months have been the hardest that the Team have endured for a long time, however, in true RAF spirit and ethos we are determined to put the recent tragedies behind us and move forward. My Team and I remain committed to the continuation of these traditions and to upholding the outstanding legacy established by our predecessors”. l
EVENT PARTNER
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solent | theatre
beat hard to
words by robin hancox
As Stomp comes to The Mayflower Theatre for the first time in September, we caught up with the show’s creators, Luke Cresswell (a self-taught percussionist from Brighton) and Steve McNicholas (an actor/singer/ musician/writer from Yorkshire). How and where did Stomp begin? LC: STOMP came about over a period of time, almost like looking back on all of the crazy rhythm projects I had and realising that a show might be possible. I had performed lots of rhythmic pieces, from suspending and drumming off buildings to wearing suits of armour made of old cymbals. Working with Steve McNicholas was the key really. He has a background in theatre and helped the project grow. As he is not a drummer he would soon point out when it became too self indulgent and stopped the idea becoming just a long drum solo.
Did you think when it all began, that the show would still be going strong 20 years later? SM: Not at all! We thought it would have a 3 year lifespan and then we would probably move on! Most projects we’d been involved in had a natural lifespan of 3-5 years and there was no reason to think this would be otherwise. In fact we thought it might be shorter, because we weren’t really sure that anyone other than ourselves would be interested in a show purely about rhythm. To begin with STOMP was something other performers were into; it took a while for audiences to catch up.
Why do you think the show is still so popular? LC: I think STOMP brings out the drummer in all of us. Rhythm is a language that we use everyday without ever realizing. STOMP reminds us of that. Another strong aspect of the show is humour; these two elements can be a very compelling combination. SM: We are always looking at ways to improve the show, reinvent it, keep it fresh, but we have an inbuilt system whereby the performers bring their own personalities to the show. So as the cast changes over the years, so does the show. They all devise their own solos, all create their own costumes, and they have the freedom to approach an established ‘character’ in the show in their own way. So the show changes organically as time goes by, it keeps up with the times. But the biggest factors for its popularity are really that it can be appreciated by any culture, any nationality and any age. There really are no barriers to STOMP.
What is the most unusual object you have ‘stomped’? SM: For me its radiator hoses. You’ll find them in garages, cut them to different lengths and you have a beautiful pizzicato like sound. I’m also a fan of anything that gives us a chance to use water: like the kitchen sinks.
What has been your most memorable Stomp experience to date? SM: Hard to pick between performing at the Oscars, the Emmys or on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on the eve of the Millennium! Maybe it has to be the Oscars, as we were also nominated for Best Short Film, so that was a special night.
What’s the most unusual place a Stomp routine has been performed? Is there anywhere you’d like to perform that you haven’t yet? SM: We shot a routine under a pier in Brooklyn dockyards. The performers didn’t notice the rats and swimming crabs that routinely passed by them as they played! As for the show itself, it has played all over the world, from Moscow to Tokyo, Brazil to Bangkok. We haven’t played India yet though, that’s one for our wish list.
What’s next for Stomp? SM: We’re working on a 3D Stomp movie special: Luke and I have another life where we make 3D Imax movies (we’ll be completing our 4th Imax movie this year), so we feel we have the experience and know how to make a Stomp 3D movie that’s something different, something special.
What do you look for in a Stomp performer – can anyone learn how to do it? SM: We look for a sense of rhythm and a sense of humour, and the charisma to take to the stage and have a wordless dialogue with the audience. So not everyone can do it, but it is open to anyone to give it a try. Being a great dancer or drummer doesn’t necessarily mean you will be a great stomper, and some of our key performers had never been on stage before. If the sense of rhythm is there, and we think they will blossom as performers, then we are prepared to teach the drumming...
Tuesday 25th – Saturday 29th September 2012 Tuesday–Thursday & Saturday 8.00pm Friday 5.00pm & 8.30pm Wednesday & Saturday 2.00pm
Box Office on 02380 711811 • www.mayflower.org.uk JULY 2012 •
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life’s a breeze
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solent | education
balconies battlefields and
words by david rose-massom “I tell my staff there is an importance to be able to shift between the ‘Balcony and the Battlefield’. Sometimes you stand on the balcony and look over your charges and other times you have to get down onto the battlefield. It is important as Principal that I am visible to anyone and everyone linked to the college be it student, staff or parent and it is important to understand all the issues that effect them and see what is coming over the horizon. “This is not a traditional Sixth Form College but it’s an inclusive college in that we take that student who may need that little bit more support to reach their goals and potential,” he continued. “There is a danger that if a young person has not achieved their goals by a certain time, then they have failed; so we are a college who will take and develop students who have a thirst for something; even though they may not know what it is they are heading for.” Mike Gaston has led a varied and fascinating life, as a 17 year-old he found Belfast and his strict family upbringing to be claustrophobic. “I ran away from home and took the ferry ending up in Preston; I thought I was heading for Prestwick - I was rubbish at Geography! Belfast in the 70s with the troubles was quite an experience and very confining and I suppose I had something of the itinerant tribes-person within me. I guess I have been travelling south ever since in order to reach here. “I am extremely passionate about this college and making it an exceptional place of learning” A moment of thought, which is something Mike Gaston does before every statement, and he added. “Make that truly exceptional! “I want Totton College to be known for its learning and not for its teaching, people need to walk in here and know it is about the learning – its not about the person at the front of the class but about the individual and it is about the collaboration with that individual whether that be a student of 14 or a mature student of 38 or so. “This college is very much steeped in the community and Totton is very proud of its college and its 57 year old heritage. It is my responsibility, as the new boy on the block, to promote and grow with the heritage and then take the students and the college into the 21st Century. “In coming here, there was a good reputation that intrigued me and the fact this was an establishment that gave second, and third, chances as well as new opportunities and that’s what further education is all about. The students here feel needed and secure and my being here as Principal is an opportunity and a privilege.” l
From Belfast runaway, to Goldsmith’s Fine Art student and then a whole world of experiences in between before arriving at Totton College as the Principal – Mike Gaston is a passionate and committed leader…
C
“
Creativity is something I am very passionate
about, but even as an undergraduate I took great delight in discussions about concepts of fine art and was asked by a lecturer at the time, if I would consider doing some visiting lecturing; so you have to balance the act of being a practitioner of your art and passing on all that knowledge!” Mike Gaston explained in his deep toned and still gentle Irish brogue, as he responded to the question of how a Fine Art student and artist came to move onto academia and end up running a college in Totton. “It is also about the research into your subject so it becomes about creativity whether standing at my easel or planning the strategic future of my college,” he added. “As with a painting it is about building up the layers and what is the next brushstroke to make and that reflects my feelings toward this community college.” The links between his art and how he thinks continued to flow and the analogies fitted. “As a leader you have to have a balance; I like to think I am creative with people, I believe in empowerment of the individual. The creative thinking skills I have allow me to take some measured risks but also set out a clear direction for the College. “I have not practiced my art for a year now and that is because of the move down here;” Mike joined the College last September. “I have not even built my studio yet as time has not allowed. My spare moments; apart from being with my family, are spent running and cycling in the New Forest which is my time for thought-gathering and reflection. I need that time as a leader, it is key, and where better to do that than in the Forest!
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Totton College – www.totton.ac.uk
Part-Time Courses for September 2012 Fareham College has a range of part-time courses to suit your needs. Whether you want to learn a new skill, gain a qualification to help your progress in your career, or just want a flexible learning model, then Fareham College has something for you. Situated on Bishopsfield Road and just a mile from the town centre, it is conveniently located for access via road, rail or bus. The campus offers an onsite nursery, gym, three cafes, Learning Resources Centre and much more. The courses include GCSE Maths and English, First Aid, Access to Higher Education, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, Motor Vehicle, Early Years and IT, among others. For the 2012-13 academic year, there are a range of new and exciting courses. Within Beauty Therapy there are four additional make-up courses; Advanced Make-up; Fashion and Photographic Make-up; Media Make-up and Airbrush Make-up. Jewellery and Dressmaking courses at Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Levels are also on offer, alongside a Motor Vehicle course for women. Access student, Ann-Marie Houghton, chose to come to Fareham College to get the grades she needed to get into university. ‘The lectures give great encouragement and support during the course especially with completing assignments. ‘It is a great place to learn and there are lots of opportunities and experiences to be gained here.’ If you’re not sure about what direction to take your studies then get in touch and we can help you through all of the details. Call 01329 815 200 to speak to one of our Admissions and Progression advisers or visit www.fareham.ac.uk/courses/part-time.
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Unrivalled sporting facilities in Hampshire Located on Hamble Community Sports College’s campus, Hamble Centre of Excellence is a £6.7million purpose built post-16 facility. The Centre is the only one of its kind in Hampshire dedicated to providing unrivalled sporting facilities, as well as provision for Engineering and Construction. Working in partnership with Fareham College, it offers a range of vocational qualifications. The courses on offer will give students excellent preparation for employment or Higher Education. Dave Naylor, is studying a BTEC Level 3 in Sport Performance and Excellence. He says: ‘The facilities here are fantastic and all the lecturers are very helpful and will get you the grades you need. They support and inspire you to be the best you can be.’ Students will have access to a range of enrichment activities on a weekly basis. Hamble Community Sports College has nationally recognised sports facilities and these are available throughout the year. This includes an Olympic standard gymnasium, 20 metre swimming pool, movement studio, Spinning room, tennis courts and outdoor pitches to name just a few. Hamble Centre of Excellence is like nothing else in the area. The only way to find out is to come and take a look yourself. Applications are being taken for September 2012 www.hamblecentre.co.uk or by sending in the form in the prospectus. For more information call 02380 457608 or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
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school’s out!
we’re all going on
a summer holiday
words by fiona cooke
When you are young time seems to go so slowly and the six weeks of the summer holidays can last forever. Six blissful weeks of, as the song goes; “No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks.” Six weeks of sun and fun, of sandcastles and ice-creams. Six weeks of…
…“Muuuuum, I’m bored!”
L
uckily, as you get older, time speeds up. So although the summer holidays, as they approach, can seem to be a long stretch, once you hit the ground running, they do pass fairly quickly. If you are lucky the annual family holiday will last two weeks... or longer if you are very blessed, and can decamp to your villa in Spain for the whole period.
So most of us are left with four weeks in which to keep our children amused, come rain or shine, whilst retaining our sanity. Depending on your budget there is a wide variety of places that children can be taken to, on both wet and dry days; you can visit forts, country parks, sea life centres, cinemas, and activity centres. But four weeks, even discounting weekends, can be an awfully long time when you are keeping children entertained. So I have a plan:
Day 1: First day of the holidays, we can all have a lie in; the kids can watch TV all day if they choose, and I will remain in my pyjamas, contemplate the ironing pile and drink lots of tea. Day 2: My eldest can pick our activity, with a set budget per head and a radius of 10 miles. I will refrain from organising anything, including getting her out of bed, so potentially we will not leave the house until 4 in the afternoon. Day 3: My choice. I will invite a friend and her children over for lunch. The kids will amuse each other and my friend and I can contemplate my ironing pile, drink tea and chat. Day 4: The youngest can choose. Same rules as for Day 2, but as he is an early riser we should leave the house before lunch; if he can get his sister out of bed. Day 5: If the weather is fine we’ll go to the beach. I’ll alternate between slathering the children in sun cream at frequent intervals and standing on the shoreline, with my finger hovering on speed dial for the inshore rescue service, frantically beckoning them to come closer to the beach,. Day 6: I’ll tell the children we can’t go out until they have tidied their bedrooms, so I will have plenty of time to tackle what is now an ironing mountain, wearing my oxygen cylinder and crampons.
Day 9: Youngest chooses. With the proviso that the budget is for entrance fees, not parking at the shopping centre, sweets and the purchase of nerve guns. Day 10: My choice. The children will be in charge of catering. They will have a budget, recipe books, and the instruction to include the five major food groups. Whilst I am tempted to vacate the kitchen for the day I know this will end in a call to one of the emergency services, so I will act as chief washer up and health and safety advisor. Day 11 and 12: I will arrange for one friend each to come for a sleepover; otherwise known as an awake over in our house. They’ll take over the lounge, I’ll be confined to the kitchen supplying food, drinks, cleaning the fridge out and rearranging my food cupboards. Come bedtime I’ll request that they keep the noise down at 20 minute intervals for an hour or so until I give up and take to my bed with a pair of earplugs. Day 13: A day for haircuts and new school shoes. The haircuts are straight forward but the hour or so spent in the shoe shop will not be amongst my favourite moments of the holidays. Day 14: We (I) have earned a day of rest. I’ll allow the children free access to all forms of electronic gadgetry and I will read a book. It is my holiday too and I need to gird my loins for tomorrow. Day 15: Shop for new uniforms. I don’t want to think about how harrowing this experience will be. Day 16: I am running out of steam. And money. We can go to the woods and build wigwams or the beach (minus the body boards) and build sandcastles. I’ll take a folding chair from which to supervise the construction process. Day 17: Realise that no homework has been done so spend the day standing over the children as they complete projects that really need a week. End the day feeling that teachers are underpaid and must need to consume vast quantities of wine every evening. Days 18, 19 and 20: Start the first day by watching a Bear Grylls DVD, then pitch a tent in the back garden and challenge the children to survive in the wilderness for three days and nights. Allow access to only the toilet facilities and drop in food parcels at regular intervals.
Day 7: Eldest picks again. With the proviso that she should not choose a film she knows her brother will hate. Day 8: I’m counting on a return invite to friend’s house. Where we can discuss who ran out of oxygen first while doing the ironing.
So there you have it. Surviving the summer holidays is all in the forward planning. And as with all good plans I have no doubt this one will go awry somewhere around Day 3! l
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advertorial
TwoSaints words by peter holding images by two saints
As readers of Solent Life, you have met some of the people we have helped in the past, people who with our help are living lives as part of their local community.
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Kitchen Assistant – Portsmouth Our kitchen at Mill House on Milton road Portsmouth, is a busy place serving three meals per day, seven days a week to around 50 people. The service is run by a catering team with the help of volunteers – if you like feeding people or would like to learn more about catering in a commercial kitchen with a supportive team, then this could be ideal for you. Shop Assistant – Southampton In Millbrook Road West, we have a framing workshop with a full time framer. We need help to offer an ongoing service to our regular client base of photographers and artists. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who has some spare time, has an interest in art and would like to make a difference to people who are homeless. Whist these are voluntary roles, expenses will be reimbursed. Two Saints values diversity and is committed to ensuring that its board reflects a diverse range of perspectives. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of society. To enquire or to apply for an application pack please call 01329 848556 (24hr answerphone) or email your name and address to: recruitment@twosaints.org.uk.
754 People helped to manage their mental health issues.
3000 People supported every year.
332 People helped to find paid work.
188 People helped to gain a formal qualification.
Web: www.twosaints.org.uk Tel: 01329 234600
photography 1
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talent young
1 Cheetah 2 The Barge Jonathan Swann (15)
3 Needles from Keyhaven 4 Hurst Spit Ben Thomas (11)
5 Penguin 6 Stoke Lake Oliver Bobby Cunningham Lambert (13) (7)
words by dave hill
You do not need age or experience to be able to produce beautiful images from your camera, all you really need is a keen eye and the desire to record the life and landscapes around the Solent Life area. For regular readers of Solent Life you will know that alongside our main Calendar Competition we are also running the Young Photographer of the Year challenge and we have already received some beautiful images from around the region. With the young talent that is out there and from the images already received we think it will be a tough job when it comes to awarding the Young Photographer prize; so to all under-16s with a camera, a simple message – keep those images coming as we are really enjoying seeing your work. l
photo 2013
competition
PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION SPONSORSHIP Our Calendar competition is kindly sponsored by the LONDON CAMERA EXCHANGE FAREHAM & NIKON 135 West Street, Fareham. T: 01329 236441. E: fareham@lcegroup.co.uk
THE RULES: All images must be taken by the named photographer and the photographer should not be a professional (eg earning the bulk of their income from photography). Images should be ‘landscape’ in format, saved as Jpegs and named for their location. Images should then be sent via email as high resolution and accompanied clearly with name, address and a contact number. The judges decision each month and for Photographer of the Year is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Send your entries to calendarcompetition@solentlife.co.uk DON’T FORGET THAT THIS YEAR we have an extra prize of The Young Photographer of the Year. Our thanks for the continued sponsorship from the London Camera Exchange, Fareham branch.
June’s winner… louise mead JULY 2012 •
.co.uk …51
out & about
out&
about words & images by david rose-massom
JUBILEE JAMBOREE
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Solent Life has been venturing out across the region to capture and bring to you some images from the notable events of the past few weeks…
The first weekend of June was time for the country to down tools, well most of the country, hang out some bunting and light the barbeques as we celebrated 60 years of rule by HM The Queen. For anyone who has lasted 60 years in one job there should be a medal… It began on the south coast with HMS Diamond entering Portsmouth Harbour and firing off a 21 gun salute, which was answered from the shore by Fort Blockhouse with their own 21 gun salvo. From that moment and for the next four days all around the Solent Life area parties were held, musicians played and children drank lots of fizzy pop and dressed up. Solent Life visited parties from across our region, from small street gatherings to the awesome sight of Bishop’s Waltham filled with people and all in a party mood. It proved that we have some amazing communities here in the South. We hope you all had a wonderful Jubilee Jamboree and please enjoy some photographic memories – apologies if we have not had room to include you all.
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weddings Kiss My Cake
A Lovely and Vintage Wedding Fayre Sunday 22nd July 11am to 3am at The Alverbank Country H ouse H otel Alverstoke • G osport
Come and join us for tea and cake, and see this stunning wedding venue full of amazing local exhibitors, all looking forward to helping you plan your big day. Entertainment provided by ‘It’s All In The Swing’ Retro Duo Free Entry • Parking across the road on the seafront
Janet Mist ☎ 07917 611127 www.lovelyandvintage.co.uk • info@lovelyandvintage.co.uk
Kiss My Cake is a Boutique Cake company, based in Southsea Hampshire. We specialise in designing and producing beautiful handcrafted Cakes and Cupcakes for All Occasions From small vintage tea parties to Big weddings! We also have a Beautifully restored Vintage Ice cream Van called ‘Bluebelle’ that is available to hire for all events. ☎ 07403428101 • www.kissmycake.co.uk • info@kissmycake.co.uk
Old Time Tea Time Old time tea time is a family run business hiring vintage crockery, antiques for props for your special occasion & vintage style sweet cart. We deliver to your event and collect after the festivities, catering for weddings, retirements, afternoon tea, hen parties & any form of social events. ☎ 02380 432299 www.oldtimeteatime.co.uk oldtimeteatime@hotmail.co.uk
lovelyandvintageweddingfayres
Weddings of Distinction Dedicated to Spectacular Weddings, Corporate Events and Balloons. All within your budget. Hours: 10.00 to 4.00 most days. Preferably by appointment. ☎ 023 9250 1554 M 075 0399 8933 maggie@weddingsofdistinction.org 0r: maggienhenry@hotmail.com 20 North Cross Street • Gosport PO12 1BE
Cake Pop Tastic Cake Pops for all occasions ●b irthdays & weddings ● baby showers & christenings ● Cake Pop Classes & Parties ● Cake Ball Wedding Cakes ● Celebration Cakes ☎ 07850 116252 www.cake-pop-tastic.co.uk cake-pop-tastic@hotmail.co.uk Find us on:
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reating stunning wedding C photography with the WOW factor, established since 1983. ☎ 02392 520252 www.thegoodwinstudio.co.uk Goodwins • 15 North cross Street Gosport • PO12 1BE
1
weddings
st Birthday
celebrations words & images by anya bridal courture
Anya Bridal Couture have enjoyed an extremely successful first year in business and now boast more than 200 happy brides who have bought dresses, shoes, tiaras and accessories from them.
T
he beautiful Bridal Boutique, set in a stunning converted barn between Wickham and Droxford on the A32, attracts brides from all over Hampshire and beyond. It is easy to see why the barn makes every bride ‘wow’ as she walks through the door and the reputation Anya Bridal have built over the last year proves that their customer service is second to none! Every bride is welcomed to the barn with their name on a heart shaped chalkboard at the entrance for their individual appointment during which they receive undivided attention and guidance and can try every dress they like from the extensive range of stunning bridal gowns from the best designers. Appointments are available 7 days a week. A bride may enter Anya Bridal Boutique as a stranger but it does not take long for firm friendships to be formed and every Bride goes away with a hug and the sure knowledge that choosing their wedding dress has been a memorable and wonderful experience. On the ground floor of the barn the wedding dresses line the room in a froth of ivory and cream fabric and beautiful vintage décor. On the first floor a rainbow of bridesmaid’s gowns greets you as you climb the stairs. The owners of Anya Bridal Couture, Anja and Lisa were thrilled when in January this year they were nominated for a prestigious industry Bridal Buyer award for Best New Bridal Retailer. Short listed to just 6 across Britain this was a huge achievement for the team just seven months after opening their doors. To celebrate reaching their 1st birthday Anya Bridal Couture are holding an open day on Sunday 8th July from 11am to 3pm, offering you an exclusive look at some dresses from 2013 collections and also offer some amazing savings. If you visit them during their birthday celebrations and make an appointment, you will be entitled to save £100 off your bridal dress or you can choose to receive a free bridesmaid dress worth up to £300 when you order your bridal gown. To help them celebrate their birthday Anja and Lisa have invited some of the finest wedding suppliers in Hampshire to join them on the open day to show off their products and services. l
save the date... 1st Birthday celebrations at Anya Bridal Couture Sunday 8th July • 11am to 3pm
JULY 2012 •
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Curdridge £995,000
A magnificent detached property set in a mature and established landscaped plot extending to approximately 0.6 of an acre. Presented in pristine condition throughout it boasts five bedrooms, two of which have en-suite facilities; there are four reception rooms and a luxuriously appointed kitchen. The front of the property enjoys a private enclosed feel with timber electric entry gates, there is a an oak double barn style garage and matching oak enclosed double garage.
Titchfield Common £499,995
Titchfield Common £156,000
Locks Heath £209,950
Titchfield Common £315,000
• Non-estate position • 5 bedrooms • 3 reception rooms
• 3 bedrooms • Conservatory • South facing garden
• Refurbished accommodation • Immaculate order • Double garage
• Re-fitted shower room • Immaculate order • Garage & driveway
• Potential to extend • No forward chain • Private west facing garden
• Cul-de-sac location • Backs onto parkland • UPVC Double glazing
• Two bedroom home • UPVC double glazing • Immaculate order
• Bathroom with window • Allocated parking • South facing garden
• 3 reception rooms • Re-fitted kitchen/breakfast room • Cloakroom & utility room
• Cul-de-sac location • Re-fitted bathroom • Ideal FTB or investment purchase
• South facing rear garden • Non estate location • Garage and off road parking
• Re-fitted en-suite • 4 well proportioned bedrooms • Gas central heating system
w w w. s b k 4 h o m e s . c o m Canterbury House, 58 Botley Road, Park Gate, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 1BB
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solent | property
A
BIG adventure words by david rose-massom
Apart from weddings and births moving house is supposed to be the biggest adventure of your life! Moving onward and upward, taking your family into your new home; a fresh start in new surroundings.
So how come it is so blooming stressful! The deal has been done, contracts exchanged on old house and new; the panic of the actual new-house purchase is a thing of the past and it is now time to say goodbye to the old, often sadly, and welcome in the adventure of the new. So weeks of planning, days of packing, the cat even packs itself away ready for moving, and the excitement of the move is full on… BUT! Not enough boxes; need more paper to wrap the Sunday-best china, unpacking the cat, yet again, the children getting under your feet and complaining about whose bedroom belongs to who while hubby sits there and wonders what all the fuss is about! The answer to the stress is simple, we can do nothing about the children squabbling or the husband thinking, ‘this is easy’ and nor can we tell the cat to stop getting into the packing boxes; but what we can do is point you in the direction of the professionals. Those specialised people who will take the worry and stress from your shoulders and just leave you to enjoy the adventure of the move. Welcome to your new home! l
BARN STORE
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. When Southwick farmer Martin Bazeley was wondering how to make best use of his redundant farm building, converting it to Self Storage seemed too simple. But he got the formula right and soon there were other farmers starting Barn Store as franchisees in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, the Midlands and Kent. What makes Barn Store so different to all the others? “We offer totally secure, clean, dry rooms of all different sizes, with absolutely free 24/7 access, no lifts or stairs and in a lovely location with spectacular views” says Martin, adding “only yesterday there was a group of three Buzzards soaring on a thermal in the field next to the store”. Customers all seem to agree, according to their testimonials: We cannot fault Barn Store. From the friendly and helpful owners to the 24/7 access and upfront pricing policy with no hidden extras - it was brilliant. Mr and Mrs L, Gosport February 2012
ED E NT ABL U O IL SC A DI S AV E FE • Struggling to sell? • Worried about the Hassle? • Want to maximise your income? • Unsure of what to do?
T: 023 9247 3222
lettings@newmanandsale.co.uk www.newmanestateagent.co.uk
23 Belmont Grove • Bedhampton • Hampshire • PO9 3PT
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Homes Lead In Hill Head Home Improvements
DON’T MOVE – IMPROVE With house prices at a standstill moving home is no longer an option for many families so the way forward is to improve and utilise existing space in your current home. HILL HEAD HOME IMPROVEMENTS, a family run business with Jason Reay at the helm, has been improving homes in the area since 1995. Jason is highly creative and comes up with great ideas for home improvements especially when it comes to extensions or utilising the existing space within your home. Jason told Solent Life; “I work very closely with the client listening to what they want and what they need. Within those conversations I am always aware that budgets are tight for many people; but with me being a family man and having the same problems, I can take costs into account and as a small family business I am more interested in just earning a decent wage rather than making huge profits. “Most of my business comes from word-of-mouth, and that does not happen unless the client is totally happy with everything I have done.” Jason continued. “I am also a member of ‘checkatrade’; www.checkatrade.com a directory of recommended and trusted tradesmen who have been vetted and monitored and meet the standards of trading.” Jason has always taken great pride in his work and as well as being a family man he lives in the community where he also works and this means a great deal to him. “I can undertake just about any job in the home; including general maintenance and conversions which help clients with disabilities.” Jason continued. “My particular skills and passions however, are in creating kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens are the heart of the home, and bathrooms, well people like to spend a lot of time in their bathroom!” So, the first step to improving or enlarging your existing home is to call or E-mail Jason to chat about your needs and then receive a written quotation.
A website for HILL HEAD HOME IMPROVEMENTS is currently under construction so for further details,
E-mail: jasonreay1@hotmail.com Telephone: 01329 665488 • Mobile: 07899 660125
● Over 20 years experience ● Kitchens & Bathrooms ● Windows, Doors & Conservatories ● Patios, Decking & Hand Made Pergolas ● Exstensions, Loft & Garage conversions ● Soffits, Facias, Plastic ● Full Refurbishments ● Building Work ● Carpentry & Plastering
All aspects of Home Improvement & Expansion
For further information & a free quotation please contact us on the numbers below.
Call Jason Reay on:
07899 660125 ☎ 01329 665488 M:
(Office • Answer phone)
BOB WEAVER ROOFING LTD 39 years experience in flat & pitch roofing We offer Free survey’s and Quotations
S?
EM OBL
R
P G N I OF
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● Flat & Pitched Roofing ● Fascia, Gutter and Soffit work ● EPDM Flat Roof local contact ● All work covered with 15 & 20 year Guarantee’s
023 9265 3352 • 07860 356466 www.bobweaverroofing.co.uk
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bob.weaver1@ntlworld.com
Summer Offers!
Free dishwasher with all July orders.* 10% off Corian worktops.
*terms & conditions apply
Fit a new Kitchen/Bedroom or Transform the one you have Just change the cabinet doors/worktops
FREE survey & quotation CALL 01329 830111 NOW! Heming & Co The Square, Wickham PO17 5JT
www.kabt.co.uk
Excellent Quality, Great Service, at a sensible price We are a family run company who specialise in supplying quality Kitchens to suit all budgets. We will project manage all aspects of fitting from start to finish and for your peace of mind we are proud members of Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 10am-5pm ☎ 02392 552914 www.andrew-collins.com
Andrew Collins Kitchen Design LTD
Your Dream, My Passion
87 High st • Lee on the Solent PO13 9BU
• Long and Short Term Storage • CCTV and monitored alarms • Household or Office Storage • Deep Archive Storage
02392 581115
We only use Gas Safe registered engineers
JULY 2012 •
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Summer Sale
Save approximately £200 a year by having a energy efficient boiler installed. For a FREE quote call us now on
0800 862 0100 info@alfordgph.co.uk www.alfordgph.co.uk
on selected Worcester Bosch Boilers until end of 2012 (only available through Worcester Bosch accredited installers)
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est 1995
Suppliers & Installers of Water Softening Systems
hard water
soft water
Contact us now for a demonstration on:
01329 315694 • 07966360231
w w w. s a m w a y s b a t h r o o m s . c o . u k
Filtered drinking water No more blocked shower heads Gives a rich lather with little soap Dissolves existing scale from pipes and cylinder Savings on heating energy Savings on cleaning products Put the sparkle back into baths & sinks
Established 1980
Northern Galleries 3 & 4, Fort Fareham Business Park, Newgate Lane, Fareham. Open Mon - Fri : 9.30am - 5pm Sat : 10am - 4pm Fax/Ans 01329 828921 Website www.ironcraftfirecentre.co.uk
• Over 30 wood, multifuel, gas and electric stoves on display • Liner, flues, spares and accessories • Full fitting service
Telephone: 01329 232821
JULY 2012 •
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Restore all your garden furniture ready for spring & summer
MR PICKETTS
OPEN DAYS 2012 Sunday 15th July
A Victorian Jubilee Day 10am to 3pm • Jubilee Tea Party • Jubilee Fancy Dress Competition • Victorian Sponge Cake Competition Judged by the WI
Sunday 19th August
From Bikes to Steam Trains
www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk
01489 576248
Unique paint stripping service for modern and antique garden furniture. Wood, cast iron & aluminium specialists. All types of finishes available. Any aspects of paint stripping undertaken.
Visit our website at:
w w w. m r pic k e t t s . c o . u k Tel: 02392 752483 or 01243 574573
Developers & Building Contractors of Distinction Thinking of extending your property? Then why not contact Daintree Developments Ltd. We have an in house planning facility that will make your idea reality. For free estimates and advice contact Trevor Roberts
T: 02380
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605855 • E: daintree@karcontractors.com
MASSIVE SAVINGS Used Office Furniture Available
JULY 2012 •
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health & beauty
GREAT NEWS FOR THE OVER 40’S WOMAN
Places are limited so phone today on:
01329 231229 fareham@energieffw-club.com www.effw.co.uk
LADIES, WE GUARANTEE RESULTS! Our exercise centres are an exciting concept in the battle against ageing. Improved joint mobility and posture, better digestion and sleep patterns, weight loss, figure improvement and increased energy levels, are just some of the benefits reported by hundreds of satisfied clients. Cathy Edwards is the Club Manager of Fareham and we took the opportunity to speak to her to find out more about the success story. WHY ARE YOUR CENTRES AIMED SPECIFICALLY AT THE OVER 40 AGE GROUP? Cathy: “Younger people are already quite well catered for. There are plenty of health clubs and gymnasiums, aerobics classes, etc. In my experience however, older people find those facilities intimidating. They are full of young, fit bodied people. The staff are very young too. I felt that it was time we over 40’s had a place of our own to keep in shape. We want to exercise as much as younger people, but we don’t feel the need to train like an athlete. We want equipment that is simple to use, even if we are overweight or suffer from arthritis or low back pain. We want instructors that understand our capabilities and facilities that are a little more luxurious and friendly than a typical health club. What we don’t want is blaring pop music. We want a facility that provides the opportunity to relax and socialise. Our clients tell us we have got it just right.” HOW DID YOU COME TO INVENT MOTORISED EXERCISE AND WHAT IS IT EXACTLY? Cathy: “Motorised exercise is the name of the exercise system used in each centre. There are eight motorised exercise machines and they are motorised to make exercise easy and enjoyable. Each machine is a luxurious armchair and has a different function. It takes just 30 minute to use them all, by which time the whole body has been exercised. Motorised exercise, is fun. However poor a beginner’s condition may be, and regardless of age, anyone can cope with motorised exercise. DO I HAVE TO PROVE THAT I AM 40 PLUS? Cathy: “No, we have plenty of under 40’s using our centres. We appeal to anyone that wants a gentler way of getting into shape, regardless of their age. But we do tend to attract the over 40’s in very large numbers at our centres. That is hardly surprising, is it, as half the population is now in that age bracket. What pleases me is that we are attracting many clients in their 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s too.” CAN MOTORISED EXERCISE REALLY SLOW DOWN AGEING? Cathy: “Motorised exercise can increase fitness, joint mobility and muscular strength by about 20%. Energy levels are substantially increased. Body fat is reduced. Muscle loss is retarded. The risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and thrombosis are reduced. In my book, this adds up to a serious fight back against the ageing process.” IS FIGURE IMPROVEMENT AND WEIGHT LOSS REALLY IMPORTANT? Cathy: “Average inch loss in the first 12 to 16 weeks can often exceed a full dress size even when no weight loss in involved. Unlike toning tables or conventional resistance machines, motorised exercise allows you to exercise aerobically and to burn fat. Overweight clients follow our unique weight loss plan that guarantees most clients a minimum of half a stone per month reduction. The combination of muscle toning and weight loss make motorised exercise the most effective figure improvement programme ever devised.”
3 day FREE pass
Please complete this form and phone ahead to activate the FREE pass which will be required upon each visit. Valid for three consecutive days. Name: Address: Postcode: Occupation: Tel: Mob: Email: Activation date (office use only): Activate your FREE 3 day guest pass today!
Half an hour with us will change your life... Introducing a revolutionary 30 minute fitness and weight loss solution for every woman.
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Simple to use with fantastic results A n informal, non intimidating environment full of women just like you. Healthy eating advice from trained instructors. All the help and support you need to get your ideal figure.
30 minute Technogym fitness and weight loss circuit • Beauty therapy • Power plate • Personal training studio • Friendly qualified fitness staff • Relaxation area • Strawberry laser lipo U nit 1 a • Consort Court • H igh S treet • Fareham • H ants • P O 1 6 7 A L
Beau Visage specialises in laser hair removal, advanced facial aesthetics & skin rejuvenation.
Get ready for summer! Special Offer 1 Pain free laser hair removal, book 6 bikini line sessions & get 6 underarms COMPLETELY FREE !
Special Offer 2 For just £49 you can have £140 worth of facial injections, to treat lines & wrinkles.
offer only available upon the production of this voucher. Offer valid until: 31/08/12 We are located in both Drayton & Titchfield close to Southampton & Portsmouth.
A warm welcome awaits you.
☎ 02392 377677 • 01329 841775 E info@beauvisage.org.uk W www.beauvisage.org.uk Beau Visage • 228 Havant Rd • Drayton • po61pa 27 The Square • Titchfield • Hampshire • PO14 4RT
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A new style of fitness
for MEN ONLY
in their 50’s, 60’s & older Are u a busy bee - no time for gym? Then why not go for an express workout on the power plate
(no contract involved)
Fit at 50+ “As a 51 year old Personal Trainer I understand the challenges of keeping healthy and active as we get older. That’s why I became qualified in “Exercise and Ageing”, enabling me to help people of all ages become fitter in order to have a better quality of life.”
FREE SESSION Use this card yourself or Give it to a friend to recive a FREE power plate session worth £20
Fast Forward to the Body you Want Fun, fast and effective small group exercise classes, now available in Fareham Contact Us Today on:
01329 231229 fareham@energieffw-club.com www.effw.co.uk
A healthy lifestyle can help with; • Heart conditions • Weight • Backache • Lack of mobility • Stress • Aid sleep • Muscle/joint degeneration • Hip replacement • Circulatory problems
A non invasive treatment for instant inch loss
S EE NT FR ME N AT AI TRE , P VE FE ASI SA INV N NO
Lipo Light
“I’m only a size 10 but I have had a real problem with a tummy bulge since having children. Eight treatments with Lipo-Light and I am bulge-free!” Mrs T, London Aged 33
Portsmouth/ Fareham Energie Fitness for Women
OOp Penin OffEN 44 Tro I g FEerNG ffoor TreeatFm e R £ 31sr £119a9tmu nts 31 t A9u9 enntil st guu ts Ju nstt l i y. l
For more information please contact us on:
FREE CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE
t: 02035 01329 444341 231229 m: 02035 444341 ee:: fareham@energieffw-club.com info@bodyboutiqueclinics.com ewww.bodyboutiqueclinics.com : info@bodyboutiqueclinics.com www.bodyboutiqueclinics.com
Pop in to discuss your health and fitness needs & get a free tour of the Club Saturday 14th 3 pm - 6 pm & Sunday 15th 10 am - 4 pm
E: cathyedwards1@aol.com
M: 07584 416135
U nit 1 a • Consort Court • H igh S treet • Fareham • H ants • P O 1 6 7 A L
Sculpt your body the way you want
taster weekend for men only
women only running club If you’re new to running, or if you’ve been thinking about joining a club, then why not join ours? We don’t take ourselves too seriously; we enjoy running, we love having fun and that is reflected in our Run Club Testimonial book!
Beginners Course 2012 This year’s beginner’s course will start on: Thursday 2Nd August 2012 at 5.30 meeting at Energie Fitness For Women club, 1A Consort Court, High Street-Fareham po16 7al It will run for 6 weeks and the whole course will cost £30(which will be deducted from your membership costs should you wish to join the club on completion of the course.)
Contact Us Today on:
01329 231229 fareham@energieffw-club.com www.effw.co.uk
JULY 2012 •
.co.uk …65
solent | gardening
July
green fingers words by paul gibbons
July is a time to enjoy the garden, while keeping on top of all that exuberant growth. In between the weeding, deadheading, tidying and chopping, find time to appreciate your handiwork from a garden bench, preferably with a refreshing drink. I find it helps to make notes on what’s worked well and what hasn’t, so I can make improvements for the following year. This is particularly helpful with plant combinations and colour themes. If you’re entertaining in the garden this summer, go for instant impact and colour with ready planted containers. If you have bare patches in your borders, fill them with container-grown perennials. You can even sink whole containers into your borders for a fabulous instant makeover! Dahlias will keep colour going until the first frosts, so are a great late summer and autumn brightener. Add a layer of mulch to your borders. Plants such as Clematis, which has its roots near to the surface, benefit from mulch, to retain moisture and protect exposed roots from direct sun. Make use of your garden herbs, especially as snipping them back encourages fresh growth. They’re perfect for BBQ marinades and salad
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dressings, plus you can add a sprig of mint to your Pimms! Roses are in full bloom and will benefit from regular dead-heading to encourage flowers. Although modern roses can be dead-headed, leave the old fashioned types as these will often form hips that provide autumn colour. Heavy rain and winds in June battered our gardens, so check newer shrubs are well-staked, firmed in and haven’t come loose in the bad weather. Take advantage of dry weather to refresh your garden furniture with a coat of paint or furniture reviver.
Holiday plans If you’re going away in July and August, prepare the garden so you don’t come back to either a jungle or to a mass of dead plants. Try to enlist a neighbour or friend to complete routine tasks. If you ask them to harvest surplus veg like courgettes and beans, which all seem to come at once, and to cut flowers like
sweet peas and dahlias, they should be happy to help. Regular picking ensures crops and blooms well into autumn. Mow the lawn but don’t cut it too close as this encourages it to grow faster. Most houseplants can be moved outside for a summer break. Plunging the pots into soil will lessen water loss. Automatic irrigation systems are inexpensive and easy to install. Connect them to a timer so they can be set to come on whenever you want, making it much easier to take off in the summer months..
Composting With deadheading, cutting back and lawn mowing, you soon build up heaps of waste material. Make good use of it by turning into your own compost. Making compost isn’t as complex as you’d think, all you need is the right ingredients and to let nature do the rest. As well as garden waste you can use shredded paper and vegetable peelings too. Around 40% of the average dustbin contents are suitable for homecomposting so it helps cut down on landfill too. We have a wide range of composters available at Garsons – ask in the garden centre for advice. l
Until next month, happy gardening!
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solent | business
Trım SUMMER
words & images by david rose-massom
Hedge cutting season is upon us, which for many gardeners is the least enjoyable of the summer’s tasks. But, with a little advice from equipment experts Carters of Swanwick this chore can easily become a joy.
D
avid Jacobs is one of the team of experts at, what is probably, the largest showroom of its type in the south, and he offers a top tip for the perfect hedge. “Always trim your hedge from bottom to the top, this will give an even finish and avoid tearing the side shoots.” David explained, “The hedge should also be slightly wider at the bottom, tapering toward the top.” Carters of Swanwick are the agents for all the leading brands of garden machinery but especially Kawasaki and Stihl. With your hedges in mind David recommends the Kawasaki (KCL525A) Long Reach Clippers for the sides and top of your hedges. This tool features an easy-start system; it is lightweight, has low noise and vibration and is collapsible for easy storage. Then for those tricky parts that your mower cannot reach under the hedge the Kawasaki Brushcutter is ideal; but it is also an ideal system for banks or those larger areas of garden with overgrown vegetation. Carters of Swanwick have two Brushcutters the KBH27B at under £240 and the KBH45B at under £350; both prices are a special promotional deal and include VAT. These essential tools come with a five-year Home User Warranty and, uniquely, a three-year Professional Warranty. David added, “Kawasaki machines are of the best Japanese quality and as well as being very powerful are also quiet.”
saves on lawn fertilisers as it recycles the grass clippings to your lawn and replaces all the nutrients that would normally be piled up in the corner of your garden or taken to the council tip.” David went on to explain that the safety aspect of the Mountfield is that because it is powered by lithium rechargeable battery there are no trailing leads to be damaged or cut through by the mower.
Mountfield 50 Years Mountfield are about to celebrate their 50 year anniversary and it is rumoured that the founder of the company, Dennis Selby, came up with the Mountfield name whilst in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. The two most respected people in his life at that time were Field Marshall Montgomery and Lord Louis Mountbatten and he used their names in the formation of the business he planned while incarcerated.●
Visit Carters of Swanwick at this year’s New Forest Show, New Park, Brockenhurst on July 24th, 25th and 26th July. They can be found on stand 15
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Recycling Carters of Swanwick are also very aware of the environment and are pro-active when it comes to the recycling of batteries, oil and air filters, old engine oil, paper, cardboard and metal. With that care in mind, as well as safety, David Jacobs told Solent Life; “One of the greenest ways of cutting your lawn is to use a mulching mower. The new cordless Mountfield 38LI has a mulching option which
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solent | nature
events… at Farlington Marshes Wildlife Reserve… Bird Watch Farlington – The Official Tour Sunday 22nd July, 13.00pm A leisurely 2.5 mile guided walk around the sea wall at Farlington Marshes, looking at the birds and other wildlife on the marsh and in the harbour. A great way to learn about the wildlife/management of the reserve and the history of Langstone Harbour. No need to book. Parking off the Eastern Road (A27/A2030) roundabout (Map ref. SU 685 045). For further details contact the Solent Reserves Officer, on 01489 774429. Suggested donation £1.50.
JULY
wildlife Langstone Harbour wildlife haven under threat. As you walk around Farlington Marshes at high tide you soon realise that the only thing stopping the grazing marsh from being part of the Langstone Harbour is the ageing sea wall. words & images by nikki magee
T
he first sea wall was built in the 1700’s by the Lord of the Manor of Farlington to increase the area he had for grazing his cows. Since then there has been over 200 years of grazing without the use of artificial fertilisers or pesticides, leading to the diverse ecology found across the marsh today. The marshes today are internationally important for the bird populations that it supports, as well as being a blaze of colour in spring and summer with many flowers and butterflies. The marsh is now under threat from issues such as global warming, changing weather patterns and rising sea levels, and the future of the reserve is in jeopardy. The sea is now threatening to take back the reserve and revert it back to mudflats and small islets. Decisions about the future of the site will be make as part of the Portchester to Emsworth Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Management Strategy. However the most pressing threat at the
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moment is the ageing sea wall. The current sea wall was built in the 1970s and 80s and it is starting to show a lot of wear and tear. If you have been down to the marshes over the last few months you will probably have seen the Environment Agency completing some repair works. These will be continuing into the summer and autumn. The footpath around Farlington Marshes is likely to be restricted or closed for a period of six to eight weeks during this period. The cycle path/footpath will also be diverted or restricted during this time so essential work to help manage the risk of flooding to property and habitat can be carried out. Sorry for disruption this may cause but this work is essential to the future of the site. ●
Your local Wildlife Trust The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust works to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Island. As the leading local wildlife conservation charity, it looks after 61 wildlife reserves, has 27,000 members and 1,000 volunteers. The Trust manages its own land and advises other landowners how to manage their land with wildlife in mind. Staff and volunteers also carry out surveys and gather data to monitor how our local wildlife is doing. Find out more at www.hwt.org.uk
Can you help? We need help checking the cattle that roam the marshes. It is very simple, can be done as part of a walk around the sea wall and you do not need to get too close to the cows. If you can spare a few hours, please call Jamie Marsh on 01489 774 429. Visiting Farlington Marshes Wildlife Reserve Farlington Marshes is 125 hectare of coastal grazing marsh situated south of the A27 between Portsmouth and Havant. The reserve is managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust on behalf of its owners Portsmouth City Council. How to get there Rail: Hilsea train station is 1.5 miles from the reserve with trains from Fareham and Portchester every 30 minutes. Bus: 21 between Havant and Portsmouth Harbour. Closest stop is at Farlington Sainsbury’s, 15 minute walk to the reserve. Service is hourly Monday to Friday with a reduced service at weekends. Road: The car park is off the Eastern Road roundabout (A27/A2030).
Join us today …and enjoy the benefits of being a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. For more information contact our membership team on 01489 774408. • Unlimited FREE visits to over 55 wildlife reserves in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and 2,500 reserves nationwide. • A welcome pack when you join • Hampshire and Isle of Wight Natural World, the Wildlife Trust’s magazine, delivered to you (or your partner three times a year). • The chance to take part in local group and community activities offering you a variety of opportunities to be involved in more than 400 walks, talks and events throughout the two counties. • Join by direct debit and receive your FREE full colour Local Wildlife Reserve Guide. Visit www.hwt.org.uk and discover your local Wildlife Trust.
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Events across the Solent region.
what’s
THE EVENT
The Point, Eastleigh 02380 652333 Chichester Festival Theatre 01243 781312 Salisbury Playhouse 01722 320333 Mayflower Theatre 02380 711811 Theatre Royal Winchester 01962 840440 King’s Theatre Southsea 02392 828282 Tower Arts Centre, Winchester 01962 867986 Ferneham Hall 01329 231942 Ashcroft Arts Centre Fareham 01329 310600 The Concorde Club 02380 613989
If you have anything going on, tell us here at Solent Life and we will include it in our feature. 01489 583800 editorial@solentlife.co.uk
The 5th Annual Asahi
British Beach Polo Championships
P
olo is a fast, thrilling and highly
competitive sport where rider and horse give no quarter in the battle for supremacy on the pitch. Normally for Solent Life Cowdray Park is the nearby venue to spend an afternoon of wandering among the celebs and watching some great sport. But this month there is a slightly different, and maybe surprising venue with the 2012 British Beach Polo Championships taking place at Sandbanks. For the first time, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales will come together to compete on the original custom-made enclosed polo arena.
This is an ideal spectator sport; beach polo offers a unique and accessible introduction for polo novices and an action-packed match for keen enthusiasts. Polo ponies are able to accelerate, stop and turn extremely quickly on the beach arena’s sand, creating a fast-paced, exhilarating game with the ball travelling at speeds of up to 100mph. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the English Channel; guests will have an unrivalled view of the polo whilst enjoying a cool crisp glass of champagne.
In addition to the hotly anticipated matches, The Asahi British Beach Polo Championship offers a host of activities within the festival. Guests will be able to enjoy ‘Have a Go’ polo sessions; Oakley International Beach Volleyball; Fashion shows; and The Beach Retail Village featuring a wide selection of luxury exhibitors. The event will also see the return of the exciting Audi Q7 V Polo Pony charity race in aid of Help the Heroes. At sunset, the Asahi Championship will unveil the renowned Polo Beach Parties, where players, celebrities and supporters can continue to celebrate into the small hours at the renowned AMIKA beach party. The ideal summer event, the Asahi British Beach Polo Championships promises to be a thrilling, action-packed and distinctly glamorous event. l
The Asahi British Beach Polo Championships Takes place on 6th & 7th July, 2–11pm on Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset. Ticket prices start from £25 for general admission and may be purchased from sandpolo.com
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Music, Comedy, Events & TheatreChildren HOUSE AND GARDEN DESIGN DAY National Trust property The Vyne in Hampshire is the magnificent venue for an exclusive day of house and garden design. Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist and regular panellist on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, Bunny Guinness, presents a unique look at how to transform your garden, sharing tips with the Head Gardener of The Vyne. The event includes a guided house tour, delicious two course lunch with wine and gift bag, and the chance to enjoy The Vyne’s glorious gardens and wider estate. House and garden design day: 21 September, 10.30am – 3.45pm. Tickets cost £95. To book: The Vyne, telephone 01256 883858. For further information on the event: www.killiandawson.com AN AFTERNOON WITH SIR ROGER MOORE Sir Roger Moore will be appearing live on stage at The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton on the release of his new book Bond On Bond, the legendary film star chats about his astonishing life and career, with inside stories and unheard anecdotes ranging from the iconic TV series The Saint and The Persuaders, to Hollywood blockbusters and the James Bond films. MAYFLOWER THEATRE; Tuesday 16th October 2.30pm Tickets are likely to sell fast so early booking is recommended. Tickets for An Afternoon with Roger Moore priced £25.00 each are on sale from mayflower.org.uk, the Mayflower Box Office tel: 02380 711811, and in person at the Mayflower ticket south shop in The Marlands shopping centre.
ORCHID DAY A celebration of orchids and fine Hampshire produce is being held at Houghton Lodge and Gardens near Stockbridge as part of the Hampshire Food Festival. Whether you want to learn more about these beautiful flowering plants or need expert advice on how to give your own orchid the best care, Houghton Lodge resident expert, Andy Phillips, will give a talk packed with information on how to look after, care for and solve any orchid problems. A delicious Hampshire produce lunch will be served in Houghton Lodge’s fine dining room, looking out onto stunning views over the River Test. Houghton Lodge is a haven of peace alongside the tranquil beauty of the River Test. Tickets for the Hampshire Food Festival Orchid Day on Wednesday 11 July, which runs from 10.30am-3pm, cost £25 per person, including lunch and entry to the 16 acres surrounding the house. Advance booking is required, please book by calling 023 8000 1655 or email info@ themarketing-collective.com. www.houghtonlodge.co.uk Find out more about Hampshire Food Festival, which runs from 1-31 July at www.hampshirefare.co.uk/ foodfestival. DEAD RINGER Menace and murder in high places. When the Prime Minister drops dead from an apparent heart attack on the eve of a general election, two cabinet members who fear they need his charisma to get re-elected hire an out of work actor to replace the deceased. This dead ringer is supposed to fill in until after the election is won, but he grows to like the role until he discovers that the real PM was poisoned. This thriller plunges from early amusing fantasy into murder
and dark plots. Laced with humour throughout, Dead Ringer is, at its heart, a Murder Mystery, and one which will keep the audience guessing right up to the moment of the explosive denouement. Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, Tuesday 21 August – Saturday 25 August, Tickets on 0844 576 3000, book online at www.bic. co.uk SUMMER SCHOOL This summer, The Mayflower Theatre has expanded its successful summer school and is running another series of Masterclasses & Workshops led by West End theatre professionals. Sean Jones, Shona Lindsay, Leanne Harwood, and English National Ballet will lead sessions focussed on acting, musical theatre and dance at the Theatre. In addition to this, Kim Holder will be running a Streetdance workshop, professional magician Neil Kelso brings a street magic day, and Helena Fox is hosting a Roald Dahl workshop, and scriptwriting day. Tickets for all the Masterclasses are on sale now with prices ranging from £15 - £60. They are available from The Mayflower Box Office tel: 02380 711811, online at mayflower.org.uk or in person from the Mayflower ticket south shop, in The Marlands shopping centre, Southampton. DEATH AND GARDENING A brand new drama by Winchester theatre company, Wet Picnic, is a playful comedy that blends dark humour as the universally relevant themes of life and death are explored using physical, movement-based drama through the metaphor of gardening. The show stems from ideas of how garden imagery is often used in social conventions and literature to explain the
process of life and death, from the memorial gardens in our military cemeteries to children’s fairy tales such as Peter Pan. Five actors play a range of different characters using choreographed movement and a colourful set and costumes to explore these philosophical, but often very funny, themes. Theatre Royal Winchester on Tuesday 31st July at 8.00pm. Tickets £15.00, Conc. £13.00. For further information or to book tickets, please call the box office on 01962 840440 or book online at www. theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk GREASE Blonde baritone Rhydian Roberts will bring some added X Factor to Grease when he guest stars as ‘Teen Angel’ in the smash hit musical for its limited 1 week season in Bournemouth. The singing sensation will leave audiences hopelessly devoted to his charms when Grease rocks into Bournemouth. Since breaking out on Broadway in 1972, Grease’s place has been firmly established in the cultural Hall of Fame, having seduced the hearts of millions with its back-to-back sizzling tunes. It’s the original high-school musical with all the unforgettable songs from the hit movie including ‘You’re The One That I Want’, ‘Grease Is The Word’, ‘Summer Nights’, ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’, ‘Sandy’, ‘Greased Lightnin’’ and many more. Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, Tickets are on sale now. Monday 13th August – Saturday 18th. Call the BH Live Tickets on 0844 576 3000, book online at www.bic.co.uk
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solent | community
JULY
All that remains for him now is the hope that he will one day be able to redeem himself… an opportunity that will at last relinquish the woes that continually haunt him. With a truly absorbing plot, the author’s words will intrigue the mind until the final page.
Your essential guide to all the local news and events in your community. DISCOVERY EVENTS FOR GOSPORT Gosport Camera Club Exhibition. Stunning images carefully selected from the best photographs by Gosport Camera Club members. Free Admission 13th – 25th August and “Hardway’s Minesweeper: The History and Archaeology of the Priory Road Wreck”. Thursday 30th August at 7.30pm Have you ever wondered about the remains of a ship’s hull on the Priory Road foreshore near the Jolly Roger Pub? A group of maritime archaeology students, with the help of Gosport’s residents, have been piecing its story back together. Free admission but please book Tel 023 9252 3463 Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1BT Wessex Cancer Trust Olympic Gala Dinner Wessex Cancer Trust is holding an Olympic Gala Dinner at St Mary’s Stadium on Friday, 13th July. Celebrity guest speaker is the inspirational British yachtswoman, Dee Caffari MBE, the first woman to sail solo and non-stop around the world in both directions. Guests will be treated to a cocktail on arrival, followed by a four course dinner. Entertainment throughout the evening will be provided by TV and radio presenter, Michael Kurn, with music from DJ and radio presenter Lawrence Hall. There will be on-the-spot prizes and a silent auction. Contact Alison Osborne by e-mail ali@ wessexcancer.org for tickets £55 each or £500 for a table of 10. Don’t miss out!
Historic Waterfront The next Lee Historic Walk and Talk will take place on Tuesday 7th August; walk leader is Anthony Stutchbury and walk will commence at Elmore Car Park Marine Parade East, next to the Fishing Club Compound at 10.a.m. The route is along Lee Promenade to the Old Swimming Pool Site, returning to Elmore Car Park. Remaining dates for the 2012 programme are: 6,7, 8 and 9 September as part of the Gosport Heritage Opens Days Programme. Walks will take place on the first Tuesday of each month until October. Total time is around 90 minutes. Talks, lasting around 45 minutes, to Groups and Organisations can also be arranged for a donation to LoSRA Community Fund. Contact Ray Harding 02392 551706 or email: ryhrdng@aol.com LOCAL AUTHOR SUCCESS Writer R J Blowers is a Warsash resident, along with his wife and family, and it is no surprise that his first novel is a seagoing drama, as he is an experienced yacht master who has extensive knowledge of the islands and coastline of the Ionian Sea in North Western Greece. Publishers Austin & Macauley said of his debut novel, ‘R J Blowers delivers a compelling and literary tale in ‘Gerard Oakley RN: The taking of HMS Poseidon’. Captain Oakley is a man who is haunted by the day to day images of the men lost aboard the Poseidon…the ship that he was in command of, and one that he was compelled to hand over to Turkish pirates.
FAREHAM FARMERS There will be a Farmers’ Market in Fareham’s West Street from 9am to 2pm on Saturday 7 July, so you can make sure that you are fully stocked with good local food to feed the family over the weekend. Up to 40 local producers will be selling the best of their produce directly to customers – everything from freshly picked organic fruit and vegetables to free range eggs, from fish from local waters to rare breed meats, from home-baked bread and cakes to the honey made from local bees. Sample before you buy from the people who actually produce, and taste the difference in quality whilst supporting your local farming and rural community. As part of Fareham’s special 800 years of markets anniversary, members of Little Woodham Village will be present, recreating life as it was in 1642. There will also be music by local Irish group Shenanigans. SPUDDY SUPPORT The warsash band summer concert is this popular band’s next event on Saturday 14th July at the Victory Hall, Warsash. This year they are donating to Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of local teenager Nathan ‘Spuddy’ Ward who lost his battle with brain cancer earlier this year. It would be great to get a lot of local support for this concert and a good cause. Tickets available from Victory Hall on 01489 572913 or tickets@ warsashband.co.uk Adults just £7 with concessions at £5.50 www.warsashband.co.uk BOTLEY GARDENING CLUB’S ANNUAL SHOW Botley’s very popular Gardening Club invites everyone to come and marvel at the range of fruit, vegetables, plants, flowers, domestic industry and children’s
IF YOU HAVE A LOCAL EVENT Let us know at info@solentlife.co.uk
Please note we need 6-8 weeks notice of events.
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art at its annual Horticultural Show at the Market Hall on Saturday 8th September, from 1.30pm. You can even submit an entry yourself! This is one of the big events in Botley’s calendar and not to be missed! The Club also invites you to its monthly meetings at the Market Hall – on Wednesday 19th September 7.30pm Victoria Ennion talks about “foliage in design”. Further information from 01489 781155 or 01489 782513 Titchfield Abbey WI The next meeting of the Titchfield Abbey WI will be held on Tuesday 10 July, starting at 9.30 am at Titchfield Community Centre, when the speaker will be Tony Davies, whose talk is entitled “Everyone is living in the wrong place”. Day visitors will be welcome and tea and coffee will be available. Weymouth Bayside Festival Weymouth Peninsular & Pleasure Pier on 27th July to 12th August (to coincide with the Olympic Games) Open daily from 10am until 11pm - Daily tickets £5 (festival only) - £10 for festival & headline arena shows (children 6 & under, go free). Over 200 live acts on 2 stages, vibrant retail village, daily street theatre & entertainment, TITAN the robot, sea cat helicopter display team, big military presence (from big bands of Her Royal Marines Commandos to marching bands), night trips on the Weymouth Sealife Tower, Weymouth Football Club’s beat the goalie plus food & drink! On water trips & VIP hospitality on board classic cruiser “Balmoral” to witness the sailing from key anchorage points at race-track level, exclusive to festival guests. Bespoke super sand structure created by Mr. Sandman himself - Mark Anderson who creates live on Weymouth beach every Summer! More detail on www. weymouthbaysidefestival.co.uk
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