Flu vaccinations available from local pharmacy Influenza or flu as it is more commonly known is an infectious respiratory disease. It is highly contagious and spreads rapidly from person to person. Flu typically starts with a headache, chills and or a cough. It is often followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue. Unlike the common cold, flu can be potentially life threatening as sufferers can develop complications such as pneumonia and lung infections. Those most at risk from complications are the elderly, asthmatics, diabetics, pregnant women, young children and people with heart disease. Even for those in good health flu can render them unwell for several weeks. The flu virus changes each winter, so having an annual vaccination is the best way of ensuring you keep yourself protected. Vaccinations are not just for those at risk from health issues. For many of us the thought of having to take several days off work is not something we would want to do. If you are Self Employed and cannot afford to be off work, or you are a School Teacher, Delivery Driver, Shop Worker, Nursery School Teacher, or work in any customer facing environment then you are far more likely to be exposed to the virus. Flu vaccinations are currently available at Everetts’ Locks Heath, Hedge End, Titchfield, Horndean and Cosham branches for only £10. For more information or to book an appointment please contact the branch directly or visit theirwebsite at www.everettspharmacy.co.uk.
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Swanwick Lakes We live in stunning part of the world and The Informer region is one of the most beautiful areas with some amazing scenery, coastline and river as well as some wonderful open and wild spaces. We may not have the drama of some mountain ranges nor will we see hoards of wildebeest striding majestically across the plains but on a smaller and more intimate stage we have some wonderful woodland, gorgeous lakes and amazing coastal and river pathways. One of the favourites is an almost hidden gem of a nature reserve; Swanwick Lakes.
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lthough a haven for wildlife the 86 acre site began life with very much the influence of man and his commercial endeavours. It was once an important area for strawberry production, as indeed much of our region was and still is to a certain degree. That was back in the 19th century and then from 1897 to 1974 it became a busy site for clay extraction, no doubt to supply the nearby Bursledon Brickworks with its raw product. This resulted in a number of deep quarries which have now been returned to nature with fish packed lakes, wooded hills, valleys and flower filled meadows. At the first of the lakes, complete with the wooden ranger hut used for educational purposes, the first thing that visitors notice is the aptly named Beautiful Demoiselle, a stunning
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stick of a creature that flits around pond surfaces like an electric blue neon light strip. Delicate, beautiful and living in flitting flocks of dozens at a time giving the appearance of a natural light show; even in the brilliance of autumn daylight. A doting pair of geese herd their fluffy and fast growing goslings from the water to graze safely among the daisies and grass that act like a green beach in front of the lake. On the water, ducks swim safely and behind them bulrushes point skyward with their poker tips and the landscape climbs up to a wooded hillside that this time of the year is turning from the green and lush of summer to the golds and tans of autumn. It is a tranquil and sunny scene and suits any number of watchers. Lunchtime workers just sit watching and enjoy the few moments of fresh air and freedom, school children learn about the joys and happenings of nature and walkers and
nature lovers set off to discover the secrets of the other lakes where fishermen cast their lines in hope of pulling a big one from the depths. As autumn takes hold it is a magnificent walk around the quarry lakes! All rustic browns, with naked trees and much quieter on the wildlife front. This time of year there is richness no matter where you look. Climbing the path under a thick canopy of leaves to the surround-sound cacophony of birdsong I was lucky to see a green woodpecker with its familiar and peculiar flight pattern of swooping and beating wings followed by a dip in the flight pattern with wings tucked back against the body, its green plumage glistening in the sunshine. Through the gate into a hilly meadow and a jay flaps by, a mixture of blues and brown plumage, while wild flowers poke their colourful heads above the grass and butterflies dance overhead,
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A photographer’s dream scene and an inspiration to any artist, it is simply beautiful here.
busy and fidgeting in the late morning sunshine. A gateway, with clattering cantilever gates, crosses a gravel road and enters the second part of the nature reserve. The path leads down to the biggest lake but the preferable route is to turn left and follow the tarmac up a gentle incline as it then curves round to the right, past a five bar gate before opening up into a truly stunning sight. The path reaches a viewing point some fifty or sixty feet above an expanse of water that sits placid with a rich blue-green surface reflecting the still warm sunshine and even from this height large fish can be seen basking near the surface of the clear water. Suddenly a loud splash draws the attention and a mighty golden carp throws itself clear of the water in the hunt for food before crashing back below the surface; magnificent! Large bright dragonflies flit and mate around
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the lake edges and in every direction there is rich coloured foliage that is reflected across the mirror-like surface. A photographer’s dream scene and an inspiration to any artist, it is simply beautiful here, and this is only one of the lakes. Take the path around the top of the lake and the views change with the direction of the sun, the mood changes and the feeling of well-being stays high. The far side of the lake, the path, as it drops downward, is muddy and slippery because of the shade it rarely dries out, so take care. Once at lake level the scene again takes on a different mood and feel. Lily pads spread out with their glorious white and yellow flowers that attract even more dragonflies. A pair of ducks fly in for a noisy landing, disturbing the peace and quiet but in a nice and welcome way. In just a few week’s time those same ducks will be slipping and
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sliding in a very comical way as the lakes freeze over and offer another stunning mood in the ever-changing scenery. Swanwick Lakes are a group of sparkling gems set in a wondrous landscape full of flora and fauna in abundance. It matters not whether you want to take a bench alongside the first lake and just soak up the quiet atmosphere, or if you prefer to traipse off in the mode of explorer and take in every aspect and every minute detail of the reserve. There is something to remove you from the hubbub of everyday life and get you out into the countryside, fresh air, lots of wildlife and beautiful, beautiful scenery; we are indeed lucky to live in such a wonderful place as this. www.hwt.org.uk/pages/swanwick-lakes
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Marine Industry Looks Forward after PSP Southampton Boat Show This year’s world-class PSP Southampton Boat Show had a genuine air of optimism for the marine industry. With an increased audience of 111,963, up by two percent on last year, visitors enjoyed the Show, got out on the water, talked to boating experts and personalities and, more importantly for the industry, spent money.
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arine companies were cautiously optimistic going into the Show, hopeful of capitalising on the good weather of the summer. And many were pleasantly surprised by how much business they did. In addition to actual sales there was a lot of interest and genuine enquiries which gives businesses plenty of leads to convert over the coming months. More than 600 exhibitors, from 22 countries around the world, took the opportunity to showcase their boats and products on this global stage. More than 120 new boats made their debut – whether to the World, Europe, UK or Show visitors – whilst hundreds of products and services were also unveiled, from electronics to engines, clothing to marinas. Murray Ellis, Managing Director at National Boat Shows said: “This year’s PSP Southampton Boat Show has been another world-class event. Visitors have enjoyed their day out with us and a good number have taken the opportunity to try different types of boating and watersports. Seeing marine businesses making sales here confirms this Show as a strong selling platform; people visit our Southampton Show to buy boats and this has been very evident this year.” Sales were made from the very start of this year’s show and by the end of the first weekend Fairline had sold two Squadron 78s, at the end of Tuesday four Merryfisher 755s, Sunseeker’s 40M and a Broom 35 Coupe were sold and up to the midpoint of the Show, Wednesday 18, a 4.8m Ribquest RIB and Stingray 235 were just two of many more.
Throughout the nine days more than 10,000 visitors took the chance to go on – or in – the water, kids learnt dinghy sailing and stand up paddleboarding with Rockley while visitors have made their choice of craft from Try-a-Boat, satisfied their need for speed with Suzuki’s RIB rides and travelled in style on the Princess Platinum Boat. Geoff Holt MBE has taken visitors out on WetWheels, Act!ve Nation and has introduced families to canoeing and kayaking whilst serious sailors have taken on the two new challenges offered by the Global Challenge sailing Experience and Artemis’ Go Solo experience. Bursledon based company Andark got people under the water by teaching them the basics of scuba diving Boaters have developed their boating skills and learnt new ones here at the Show, with a variety of attractions designed to give a greater understanding of sea faring techniques, such as navigation and speed with Skipper Skills, safety information from the Safety Zone, and Berthing and Boat Handling with the RYA Active Marina Experience Personalities and dignitaries at the Show included: Top Gear’s Richard Hammond launching Sunseeker’s three new models, the Manhattan 55, the Sport Yacht 68 and the Sport Yacht 80; boating personalities Geoff Holt MBE, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Shelley Jory-Leigh and Dee Caffari. The celebrity cast included Lesley Joseph and Brian Conley from The Mayflower Theatre’s aptly themed Christmas pantomime ‘Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates’.
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Property & Finance
Financial Services Ltd
Considering Moving or Re-mortgaging ? In your search for the ideal mortgage, what would you prefer? An adviser who searches the whole of the market to find the best mortgage deal for you? An adviser who is fully qualified to give you the advice and help you need to make important decisions about your mortgage? An adviser who will see you at your convenience with weekend and evening appointments readily available at your home or place of work? An adviser who can place you in the best possible buying position by pre-arranging your mortgage? An adviser who can do all of this without any obligation? If you answered “Yes” to the questions above, you need to speak to Solent Financial Services for a free initial “whole of market” no obligation mortgage discussion on: 01489 808690. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
Solent Financial Services Ltd, Clocktower Buildings, 6 Shore Road, Warsash, Hampshire SO31 9GQ
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