solentlife.co.uk OCTOBER 2011
TS E K C I T Y L I M FONATHE Exbury Gardens GHOST TRAIN
cycling & recycling modern and ‘green’
courage &hope breast cancer awareness
the
guide to what’s on
plus your essential
local business directory
ART REVIEWS
l
INTERIORS
l
GARDENS
l
HE ALTH & BE AU T Y
l
COMPETITIONS
l
W H AT ’ S O N
AUTUMN SALE *
DOORS, WINDOWS AND CONSERVATORIES
DESIGN
STYLE Free no obligation site survey and quotation Installation and building work carried out by our own craftsmen 10 year guarantee including building work and insurance Quality assurance on all products We supply and fit only approved products in line with our guarantees No risk payment terms Full planning and design service available
CHOICE
STYLE FOR LIFE OUR AIM IS TO COMPLEMENT THE MATERIALS AND ARCHITECTURE OF YOUR HOME www.duraglaze.com
Tel : 01489 578833
Sege
nswo
TGI S AY FRID
rth R
d
South
ampto
n Rd
M27
enquiries@duraglaze.com *On qualifying applicable orders only
Visit Our Showroom: 89 Southampton Road Park gate Hampshire SO31 6AF
contents
welcome OCTOBER 2011
EAST EDITION
Autumn has arrived – vivid colours in the trees, the evenings drawing in fast and just when I had given up hope of that Indian summer, the clouds rolled back and the temperature has risen to unseasonable warmth. I might just be able to squeeze in one last BBQ if this lasts until the weekend. So the things that characterise October – well the tree colour as I have mentioned and Halloween of course, and don’t forget that the clocks go back in the early hours of Sunday 30th October. There are many things to do during this autumnal season but we highlight the joys of cycling in this issue and we have an exciting competition to win £100 towards a new cycle or accessories. We have all of our usual features; A delightful walk on Hamble Common, we review our chosen winner in the Solent Scene art exhibition, interviews and travel. This month we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a moving and inspirational piece from a survivor. The team is extremely busy this month making ready for the launch of our new magazine Coast Life. This is an exciting new addition to the Solent Life family of publications and will be distributed to the west and north of Southampton with coverage from Lyndhurst and Ringwood to Winchester. Enjoy the month and I bet those pumpkin pie and pumpkin soup recipes are being dusted down in readiness to utilise the contents of the Jack O’Lanterns at the end of the month.
contactus
12 06
10
in this issue…
Solent Life Magazine Tel… 01489 583800 • Fax… 01489 583803 Online… www.solentlife.co.uk • Email… info@solentlife.co.uk
features
Dave Hill – Managing Editor Tel… 01489 583743 • Email… davehill@solentlife.co.uk David Rose-Massom – Senior Journalist Email… editorial@solentlife.co.uk
22… Final Crumb Where will you be? 24… The Interview Chief of Hampshire Fire & Rescue. 26… Cycling Sport for all. 31… Green A modern concept? 38… Breast Cancer Awareness Month We meet local survivor Karen, an inspiration.
Advertising Sales
regulars
WEBB HOUSE, 20 BRIDGE ROAD, PARK GATE, HAMPSHIRE, S031 7GE
theteam Editorial
Sarah Kent Tel… 01489 583815 Email… sarah@solentlife.co.uk
Janet Grimm Tel… 01489 583717 Email… janet@solentlife.co.uk
Steve Walker Tel… 01489 584057 Email… tina@solentlife.co.uk
Abby Champkin Tel… 01489 584010 Email… abby@solentlife.co.uk
Design & Production Design by SolentLife Email… design@solentlife.co.uk • Online… solentlife.co.uk Deadline for advertising copy & editorial for next issue: 17th October 2011
Publisher Published by Living Coast Media. © Copyright Solent Life 2011. 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.
06… Ramble round Hamble Far from common!
10… Artist Review The winner of the Solent Life best in Solent Scene Exhibiton.
12 … Coast & Country Autumn. Season of mist and mellow fruitfulness.
16… Restaurant Review A good reason to pay the Ferryman.
36… Green Fingers High wattage planting 46… What’s On Guide Reviews, events, theatre and music coming your way.
49… Mindgym Try out our latest puzzles. solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…03
ROOFING PROBLEMS? 39 years experience in flat & pitch roofing
BOB WEAVER ROOFING LTD Your local RubberBond EPDM contact
• Free Roofing Survey & Quotations • All Work Covered by 15 & 20 Year Guarantee • Flat & Pitched Roofing • EPDM Flat Roofing
023 9265 3352 • 07860 356466
www.bobweaverroofing.co.uk
bob.weaver1@ntlworld.com
GOLD PRICE AT IT’S HIGHEST EVER. SILVER AT BEST PRICE SINCE 1980 RECEIVE CASH With unexpected credit card bills and cost of living increasing. Why not sell your unwanted gold and silver jewellery, Coins / Medals / Foreign Gold / Kruger Rands / Sovereigns / Pahlavi / Chinese Panda / Maple Leaf / Dental Gold. SILVER - BRITISH OR FOREIGN COINS Pre 1947 or Pre 1920 (Pre 1947 50% Silver Pre 1920 92.5% Silver) Old Cutlery / Cups / Trays Look for the ‘lion hallmark’, you will be surprised what treasures are tucked away. For Free Advice Phone Arthur on
01489 574465 or 07745 977960
GOLD GOLD d e t n a W Platinum & Silver Bought for Cash
Acengco
BROKEN JEWELLERY, GOLD COINS, DENTAL GOLD
• Long and Short Term Storage • CCTV and monitored alarms • Household or Office Storage • Deep Archive Storage
Jewellery Repairs | Ring Sizing
Stones Supplied and Set | Jewellery Engraved ENGRAVING ON CUPS | TROPHIES & AWARDS & GLASSWARE Watch & Clock Repairs Watch Batteries Fitted to All Makes (By Qualified Watch Repairer)
Watch Bracelets Altered 22c Middle Road, Park Gate, Hants SO31 7GH (Located at the back of Sheila Hurst’s Florist)
01489 574465 | 07745 977960 04…
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
NAZ
Contemporary Indian Cuisine & Takeaway Service We have an extended range of dishes with an emphasis on light & healthy cuisine.
Sunday & Monday Nights £10.95 Special Per Person
4 Course Set Menu
Solent Funeral Services Our Family Serving Your Family
15% OFF
food only on production
Independent Funeral Directors & Monumental Masons
of this voucher**
(**Offer expires 31/10/2011and can not be combined with any other offer)
114 West Street, Fareham
01329 312525
www.naz-indian-cuisine.com • Male & Female Funeral Directors • Traditional Funerals & Life Celebrations • Multi-Faith Services • Woodland Burials • Embalming Service Available • Pre Payment Plans Available Now Serving the communities of Gosport, Portchester, Fareham, Lee-on-the-Solent, Stubbington, Alverstoke, Portsmouth 82-84 High Street, Lee-on-Solent PO13 9DA • 023 9271 7039 109 Stoke Road, Gosport PO12 ILR • 023 9258 7741
E-mail: solentfunerals@aol.com • www.solentfuneralservices.com solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…05
hamblewalk
medley A magical
It began much as any nice English late summer day; clean blue skies and just the gentlest of warm breezes. By the time the car was parked on the foreshore, just outside the entrance to Hamble Point Marina, grey clouds had rolled in covering the sun and turning the easy breeze to a chill light wind! The weather, however, failed in its efforts to spoil a magnificent walk. words & images • david rose-massom
06…
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
HAMBLE COMMON is 55 acres of coastal heath of special scientific interest managed by the Countryside Service of
F
or such a peaceful and tranquil place it almost seemed strange to see an antiaircraft gun poking its deadly snout out toward Southampton Water. However, it has historic value from times when Hamble Point was a perfect place to put air defences and is a vivid reminder of the cost of the freedom that allows us to take these walks. Below the gun a lone fisherman tended several rods, all empty of fish, as he attempted to drown ragworms! Out on the vast expanse of Southampton Water the last yachts and pleasure craft of the summer season appeared and disappeared from the mouth of the River Hamble. Across the water the power station and oil refinery seem to fade from the eye line as there is so much more to grasp the attention. Leaving the gun and car park behind the path gently curves inland away from the shore before it threads its way through a corridor of tall ferns and sharp bramble bushes still full of blackberries waiting to be eaten straight from the thorny branch. On the right a kissing gate offers a tempting entrance to an enclosed area of heath but despite this invitation it is best to stay on the straight and narrow path. Then another invite to follow a thin gap between the bushes and back toward the shore, ignore this as the pathway then crosses in front of the BP terminal and it is far too industrial a walk, stay in the woods, much nicer. Stopping to take some photos an acorn hit me on the head, hard! I looked up into the oak tree expecting to see a pair of mischievous squirrels taking target practice on passing humans and honing their aim, but they were too well hidden and went unspotted. What was visible was the next sign pointing the way of the Hamble Common Circular Route, there are also signs indicating the Solent Way and the Strawberry Trail which both cross the common. Across a small patch of green and into a tight tree tunnel of oaks and silver birches a hint of envy crossed my mind as there was
Eastleigh Borough Council. Much of this area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its wide range of habitats and is also a scheduled Ancient Monument. Since Tudor times the common has been used to help protect Southampton Water. In 1543, King Henry Vlll had St. Andrew's Castle built here, one of several sited along the Solent to defend against possible French invasion. All that remains today are a few foundation stones exposed at low tide. During the early 19th century a gun battery was constructed on the same site, this time to fend off Napoleon's forces. To help protect Southampton and the nearby oil terminals during World War II, an antiaircraft gun was sited near Hamble Point. This was removed after the war ended, but was replaced in 1989 by a similar Bofors gun, to indicate the site's defensive importance in times past. Today the common is much quieter, and an ideal place to walk and relax. www3.hants.gov.uk/countryside/hamble-common.htm the realisation that by the time Solent Life readers head out for this walk the leaves will have turned golden brown as autumn shows off her splendour, this will be a magnificent tunnel of golds and browns with sunlight dappling down through the thinning canopy. A reed filled pond appears and it is time to put the pooch back on its lead, as there is a road to cross. A bench is almost hidden back in the brush and it is a lovely place to stop a moment and take in the scene before you. Tall reeds sway in the gentle breeze and among them dragonflies dodge and joust in aerial displays that every now and again pick up a shaft of sunlight and reflect bright colours from the shiny bodies. Across the pond a coot scooted in front of the reeds. Over the road and back into woodland turn right if it was high tide back where you parked the car, if the tide is down a little or you have wellies then turn left. Taking the left hand route the pathway makes its way around a very pretty creek, an inlet from the main flow of the River Hamble. The path heads toward Hamble but then turns back on itself and drifts around the edges of the creek, over a short boardwalk type bridge and then a proper little bridge, but both are low and flood during high tide. It is one of the more magical moments in a series of lovely surprises on this walk. Across the far side of the creek I watched a lovely retriever splashing in the shallow edges of the waterway, thoroughly enjoying his freedom. At the end of the grassy peninsula there was a great view across to
the pink hut that acts as the terminal for the Pink Ferry that continually works its way across from Warsash to Hamble and back again. Between where I was standing and the hut there were all kinds of floating gin palaces and power boats; as well as racing and cruising yachts. Many just tied to pontoons while others seem to be busy going up and down stream and yet going nowhere. A hide, just a yard or two from the river’s lapping edge, is a good spot for seeing birds such as dunlin, redshank and the only one on show that day, the heron. Another few feet along the path, another kissing gate and my patience at not entering the heathland area earlier was rewarded. Please put your dogs back on their leads when entering the heath as cattle graze here, all part of keeping the area as natural as possible. All too soon one more kissing gate brings walkers back to the waterfront car park. Once there it is another nice moment to just sit on the shoreline, enjoying the view and reminisce about the walk just taken. Beach, woodland, pond, inlets and creeks, busy river frontage and the heathland before once again returning to the beach; how many walks have that variety of scenery, landscape and enjoyment. Then, just a mile or so up the road a village full of good pubs, cafes and restaurants to enjoy. It may not have been the longest, or trickiest, walk that Solent Life has undertaken but I think it is one that left the biggest smile on my face. l
solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…07
M. Coghlan Limited
Westbury Road, Fareham PO16 7XU T: 01329 282711 • WWW.COGHLAN.NET
>NOTES FROM A DISHWASHER • 12th – 13th OCTOBER Writer, actor and director Julian Sluggett turned dishwashing into an art form during the historic opening season of the Chichester Festival Theatre an historic time for him and British theatre generally. This one man show brings those exciting theatrical years to life Two nights only in aid of TFT’s Wall fund.
The FB’s are back for two more fantastic nights of Blues and Jazz. Join them and us on the 15th October for Mood Blue for Autumn and our Great Christmas Wonderland Party on 18th December. MUSIC
> F RANKENSTEIN
> T HE OLD COUNTRY
> L AST TRAIN TO NIBROC
>28th SEPTEMBER– 8th OCTOBER
>26th OCTOBER – 5th NOVEMBER
>23rd NOVEMBER – 3rd DECEMBER
Loosely based on Mary Shelley's amazing story, this version doffs its cap to the German filmmakers of Nosferatu, Universal’s Frankenstein and The Hammer House of Horror. An early treat for Halloween which may have you in stitches.
Alan Bennett's play The Old Country deals with questions of loyalty and betrayal, homeland and exile, friendship and family, in a way which is both ambivalently funny and exceptionally touching.
View our programme of shows through to Christmas 2011 at
www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com Support your local arts centre. 08…
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
It's 1940. America is on the brink of war. On a train heading for Chicago from California a young flyer meets a missionary girl. They discover that they live in neighbouring Kentucky towns but philosophical and class differences lead to a fractious relationship.
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+.
BOX OFFICE 01329 556156 OR AT
www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com
Your local stocklist is...
Spencer and Penn Ltd
68-70 West Street, Portchester, Hampshire PO16 9UN
02392 375983
solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…09
artreview
a stroke of
genius In September’s issue of Solent Life we featured an art exhibition, Solent Scenes, that was being held at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey and it was our job to pick the Solent Life Best Exhibit. What appeared to be an onerous task turned out to be a simple one because no matter how hard we looked, our eyes kept coming back to one stunning and vibrant image, and that was painted by this month’s artist, WENDY JELBERT. words • david rose-massom
10…
T
he image we picked was called Solent Sailing and it was a colourful and amazingly energetic piece of work, very contemporary in feel, of racing yachts charging through the foam thrown up on the Solent. It was strong, it had action and movement and it offered an excitement rarely felt from a painting; and yet, it also had calmness to it that when on display it brings about the same feelings as when actually standing on the water’s edge watching the boats out at sea. Among many superb paintings, textile works, graphite images and photographs it stood head and shoulders above a stunning crowd. Wendy is an artist of lifelong ability, not only was she brought up in a line of generations of artists but has now passed that passion onto her children and grandchildren. She is a member of the 'Society of Women Artists', the 'Society of Floral Painters' and the 'St Ives Society of Artists'. She studied art in Southampton and has exhibited in many prestigious galleries including the 'Mall Gallery' in London, the 'Westminster Gallery' in London, the 'First Floor Gallery' in Romsey
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
and the 'John Bourne Gallery' in Reigate, Surrey. She does not keep her skills and talents to herself however, and has written 18 art books and has been featured in seven art videos, all of which give valuable lessons in how to paint in a variety of media. She also writes articles for the 'Leisure Painter' magazine. As well as this, Wendy has designed two watercolour brushes which have proved very popular with other artists. Wendy has been teaching her craft for over 30 years and is a tutor for residential courses at various locations such as 'West Dean' in Sussex, as well as being an accredited art demonstrator for 'Caran D'Ache', 'Swan Studio', 'Liquitex', 'Rowney' and 'Windsor and Newton'. She has won many prizes throughout her career. These include 'Best Exhibit' titles at; the S.W.A. in London in 1998, Bursledon Art Exhibition in 1999, Wessex Gallery in 1999 and Lee Gallery in Romsey in 2000; and now she has won the very prestigious 2011 Solent Life Best Exhibit at the Solent Scenes exhibition at Hilliers.
Wendy has two daughters, Rosalind, who has also been featured in our pages, and Rebecca who are following in their mother's footsteps, and a multitude of young grandchildren who also love to 'express themselves' in paint! With two such talented daughters we asked Wendy if their skills were a result of nature or nurture. “A bit of both I think.” She answered. “My grandmother painted, and was also a singer, my mother painted but was also a dancer so I have always been surrounded by beautiful things and discordant events do stand out quite sharply from the norm but there can also be beauty in decay.” She explained. “When my daughters were young I would set my easel up near the cooker so that I could stir dinner with one hand while continuing to paint; I thought it would be annoying for them but they always told me it was great fun, which is maybe why they have also taken to it. I now have 14 grandchildren who have begun to paint.” “I just cannot stop painting, it has helped me through the hard times in my life; if something bad happens it takes you out of yourself, but then on the flipside it can override everything else around you.” Looking at the images in Wendy’s gallery on her website the style of painting often changes. There are fine flower images, pastoral and farm scenes; there is a definite
love of Italianate imagery and then there are the contemporary paintings. Wendy explained the new direction. “Because I do a lot of teaching I get different feedback from different students and sometimes we can become a little used to the ordinary, so my students were asking for something a little more contemporary. It is good to push boundaries now and again!” “Painting for me is a passion; it is a thing you cannot just stop.” She continued. “I have just started a series of music images and it is really difficult but you have to take these new paths now and again to keep you on your toes and keep stretching yourself. With the musical pieces I want all aspects of the orchestra and the music all on one page. Visually I am trying to portray the activity and action that conjures up the music.” “My husband listens to the music but I try and sketch the action that comes across. The conductor for example, his arms and hands take on such beautiful movements of circles and lines when he is leading the orchestra. I am trying to pull out the music from the movement and produce something between a portrait and a piece of music.” Wendy never plans her pictures too much in advance. “You cannot plan too much because you will lose the spontaneity; you never know what the end product will look like because if you do you will fail to go off on those tangents from time to time. I like things to be slightly out of kilter and I also like that when I am teaching.” “My classes are like a big bowl of soup, full of all different flavours.” She added. The conversation led back to her winning panting and how that powerful image came into being. “I was trying to work out what I was going to do with the scene and
so I overlaid several photographic images and then I had to work out the balance of the colours. I am very surprised and very pleased that it won Best in Exhibition, that painting took a great deal of hard work.” “As children we have abstract thoughts and images inside of us all, children have an abstract mind but sadly we then educate it out of them. So to find something like that again is great fun.”. l Go to ww.wendyjelbert.co.uk to see much more of Wendy’s work and find out about her classes. And E-mail her at art@wendyjelbert.co.uk www3.hants.gov.uk/hilliergardens
ARTIST REVIEW SPONSORSHIP ARTIST REVIEW SPONSORSHIP Our Artist Review is kindly sponsored by HISCOCK GALLERY, 11 Stanley Street, Southsea, Hampshire, PO5 2DS. 023 9282 5330. Creating quality with style wwww.hiscockgallery.co.uk
solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…11
coast&country
Goldentimes Trees draw water from the ground and use sunlight to turn that water, and the carbon dioxide they take from the air, into oxygen and glucose; add in a vital ingredient, the chemical chlorophyll (the thing that makes the leaves green) and this is photosynthesis. As the days get shorter and there is less sunshine, this process creates less ‘food’ and begins to starve the tree which in turn produces less chlorophyll. So the winter cycle has begun and the broadleaf tree prepares itself in readiness for less water and less sunshine. The leaves, starved of essential chemicals and nutrients turn brown, red, golden and all colours in between before dropping off and forming a crisp carpet on the woodland floor. It gets very technical this nature thing; but all I know is that nature turns it into one of the most wonderful displays of colour in the natural world and it becomes one of my favourite times of year – AUTUMN HAS ARRIVED… words • david rose-massom
O
NE of the most stunning exhibitions is from the maple tree which, with its abundance of maples, is why New England in the USA boasts one of the world’s most spectacular displays. The bright reds and purples we see in those leaves is glucose trapped in the leaves after the photosynthesis stops. Sunlight aided by the cool nights of autumn cause the leaves to turn this glucose into a red colour; whereas the more familiar dull brown colour of trees such as the mighty oak is from the result of wastes left within the leaves. On our doorstep is one of the most amazing autumnal displays, the New Forest. No matter what they may think in the US, this is also one of the world’s most stunning places in the autumn. At its heart is Exbury Gardens, and whilst best known for its display of spring flowers such as rhododendrons and azaleas, many with local knowledge know to visit again in September and October when it is ablaze with the colours of fire, those rich reds,
12…
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
golden browns and rich ochre. One day in mid September in 1819 the poet John Keats walked along the banks of the River Itchen and in a letter to his friend John Hamilton Reynolds written two days later, Keats described the impression the scene had made upon him and its influence on the composition of his ode, ‘To Autumn’; “How beautiful the season is now – How fine the air. A temperate sharpness about it… I never lik'd stubble fields so much as now… Somehow a stubble plain looks warm – in the same way that some pictures look warm – this struck me so much in my Sunday's walk that I composed upon it.” Autumn in poetry has often been associated with the mood of melancholy. The hot and sunny days of summer are gone and the cold chill of a grey winter is on the way. Skies turn stormy and for many people their mood drops and they both physically and mentally begin to sag. Summer clothes are packed away, thick woolly jumpers are pulled from drawers and wardrobes in readiness for the harsh onslaught of winter. Boilers are checked and the human animal begins to prepare for its annual near-hibernation. Meanwhile nature celebrates the change with her blaze of colour. The fall of leaves forms a blanket under
which the relative warmth encourages a mass of fungi and plays host to invertebrates, a key part of the circle of life. The oak tree makes up for around 10% of all English woods and autumn is their time to procreate. In a good year an oak, which can take a 100 years to mature, is able to produce some 50,000 acorns which begin to form in early summer; and the hotter the summer, the bigger the acorns. Come autumn they fall and add to the density of the woodland floor. These fallen acorns are poisonous to ponies and cattle so in the New Forest it is part of the annual rituals for Commoners to let their pigs out for pannage. The New Forest web site describes this practice; ‘From around the third week in September each year for a couple of months, the famous New Forest ponies, cattle and donkeys are joined by another group of animals – pigs. Commoners let their pigs loose on the Forest to hoover up fallen acorns which are poisonous to ponies and cattle and can cause internal bleeding and death. The pigs also eat beech mast, crab apples and anything else they can find. The exact dates are decided by the Verderers and the Forestry Commission according to seasonal variations. In 2006, for example, the ‘pannage’ season, as it is
known, started on 23 September and was extended to the end of December because of a glut of acorns. Pannage is also known as ‘common of mast’, one of the common rights attached to various properties in and around the New Forest that allows commoners to graze their pigs on the Forest. Traditionally pannage enabled commoners to fatten their pigs for slaughter and salting in the winter.’ Birds and animals eating or storing the acorns, is one of the ways the oak gets to spread its growth across the woodland and beyond. Squirrels, in particular, are good at storing acorns, though they often forget where they built a particular store, or do not need it because of overstocking during productive months. Squirrels do not hibernate but just slow down a little and then head to their storerooms whenever hungry throughout the winter months. Autumn is just one part of nature’s annual cycle but it is without doubt one of the most amazing. For some, spring and its mass of flowers and blooms are the best time of year, but if I have to say farewell to summer then let it be for the reward of a stunning autumnal display. So get out into the woods over the next few weeks and enjoy the splendour that is Mother Nature being displayed at her very best. l
Solent Life pick of the best places to see glorious colours of autumn: The New Forest, Exbury Gardens or Queen Elizabeth Country Park. www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/living-in/common-rights/pigs-in-pannage
solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…13
Providing Outstanding Education for Girls Wykeham House School in Fareham has been providing outstanding education for girls for nearly 100 years. The School has an excellent academic and pastoral record with a fine tradition of success outside of the classroom. Staff at the School understand how girls’ learn and are expert in girls’ education. Girls at Wykeham House develop self confidence and are enthusiastic about learning. The all girl environment offers the opportunity for girls to work hard, enjoy their lessons and with no stereotyping of career choice they excel in many spheres of life. Girls at the School have the opportunity to grow up at their own pace and the older girls provide excellent role models for the younger pupils. The recent excellent GCSE results achieved at Wykeham House are a result of the hard work from girls and teachers. They are a true reflection of the dedication of the staff, the small class sizes and the close interaction between parents, staff and girls. Girls at Wykeham House are encouraged to take part in the trips both at home and abroad. There are also many clubs ranging from Rainbows for the youngest to Duke of Edinburgh Award
SATURDAY 5th NOVEMBER LOCKSWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE LOCKS HEATH 10am until 3pm - free parking
• Usborne Books • Craft Stalls • Cake Stalls • Phoenix Cards • Jewellery • Tombola & Raffle plus many more
Scheme for the oldest. If you would like to find out more about Wykeham House School there is an Open Day on October 8 between 10am and 1pm with the opportunity to talk to the teachers and find out more about
To book a stall contact Vanessa Eden On 01329 666916 / 07880 926751
how single sex education could benefit your daughter.
The Tanneries Unit 5 East Street Titchfield PO14 4AR
Mercedes-Benz Specialists Your new independent Service & Repair Specialists. Silver Arrow MB has been set up by Phil Cook to offer an alternative to main dealer prices; this therefore helps YOU cut the cost of maintaining your Mercedes Benz. Up to 50% off main dealer prices without compromising quality, we only use genuine Mercedes specified parts, which ensures the manufacturers warranty is preserved at all times.
Phone: 01329 845589 Email: info@silverarrowmb.com Web: www.silverarrowmb.com
14…
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
Silver Arrow MB assures you of a highly personalised and professional service. Phillip is a fully trained Mercedes Benz technician with some 26 years experience at Mercedes Benz dealership, achieving the highest status of MB qualified diagnostic technician. Our fully equiped workshop contains the latest computer diagnostic technology which enables us to carry out your M.O.T, service and repairs to MB’s demanding standards.
Lunch and Dinner Sunday buffet £10.50 from 12 noon to 5pm (closed all day Mondays)
Also the Christmas menu is now available Wickham Road, Fareham, Hampshire. PO17 5BT Reservations: 01329 835666 Email: eat@bahnthai.co.uk www.bahnthai.co.uk
Situated on the marina front, offering spectacular views of Portsmouth Harbour, G’s Wine Bar at the bakery is the perfect blend of classic and contemporary. Lunch and A La Carte Menus Fine cuisine based on healthy recipes from around the Mediterranean, cooked to order and served in our contemporary restaurant by the original bakers area in a 200 year old building. Christmas Party Menu Lunch & Dinner. Book now for Christmas Eve & New Years Eve Parties. Open on Christmas Day Menus & prices on our website
☎
02392 513202 www.g s g o s p o r t .co m solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…15
restaurantreview
pay the
ferryman… a visit When is a pub, not a pub? When it is an alehouse with a fine restaurant such as The Ferryman in Warsash, where a selection of fine and well kept, real ales can be sipped and a great menu can be tasted either in the bar or the restaurant. words & images • david rose-massom
I
t is not often at Solent Life that we get to visit a hostelry unannounced. Although we always give honest, and often blunt, reviews of the restaurants featured it was the wish of Jonathan, the owner of Warsash’s Ferryman, that we visit his establishment without revealing why we were there. As will be revealed, the faith he had in his team and product was well-founded. On arrival in the centre of Warsash it is impossible not to notice this one time home of a local wealthy merchant, it still looks like a country cottage. The Ferryman was built in the early part of the 18th Century as home for a wealthy local businessman, a Mr Clegg, who called his home ‘Binfield’. By the 1890s a private school was operating in what is now the car park, with pupils paying
16…
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
2d a week for their private education. It was in 1957 that it first became a pub, and quite a famous one at that. Back then it was called the Great Harry and it became one of the leading venues in the South for jazz musicians attracting performers such as Acker Bilk and George Melly. Then ten years ago Margaret Hall, the widow of the local ferry operator, took up ownership and renamed it The Ferryman. It is worth mentioning the history as the building and then the pub has played a great part in village life and still remains the centre of focus and events in Warsash. Equally, new owner Jonathan also has a solid history in the trade, after 14 years running pubs in London he tired of the big-city life and decided to move on. With family links to Warsash there was little
choice as far as he was concerned and he felt The Ferryman was the ideal house for him to enter into ownership. He has just one credo when it comes to running a hostelry. “It is quite simple really.” He told Solent Life. “It is about good service, and great food.” Would his new venture live up to that statement? From outside it is a welcoming building, all the trappings of the modern but with the attraction of an old cottage-style building and once inside the welcome is warm and instant, both from the building and from the staff. On wandering into the restaurant area of the pub a member of staff stepped forward with a warm hello and led me to a table. At the far end of the dining area two families with young children were just receiving their food, it looked well presented and of good size, eyes of adults and kids lit up; a promising start. My day had been spent on the waterfront in high winds photographing windsurfers making the most of the stormy conditions and so my lips tasted of sea salt and a thirst was insisting on being slaked. I am not a great beer drinker and so I needed to be led in the finer charms of real ale. I asked my waitress what would be the best option and she picked one of the lighter ales for my delicate tastes, and took note of the
fact I was driving so needed nothing of high alcohol content. The pale coloured ale was clear, crisp and a little musky in flavour and sorted my thirst out in no time – an excellent and educated choice. Onto the menu and the Specials Board that was placed in front of me. Good choices that made choosing tricky as there were several options that seemed to be calling. Starters of fish cakes or stilton and peppercorn mushrooms both looked good but the choice was Black Pudding, Poached Egg and Crispy Pancetta. A dish that could excel or fall flat The black pudding was a light version, or as light in taste as a black pudding can be, atop it was a perfectly cooked poached egg, over or under done and it would have been sent straight back but as the knife broke the egg open the golden yellow yolk dribbled down over the pudding, it looked and tasted delicious. My only adverse comment would be that the pancetta was not as crispy as advertised and so an extra texture was missed out on, but it in no way spoiled my enjoyment; just me being picky. With main courses such as mussels, lamb shank and Gressingham duck breast the choice was tough, but I have a favourite that, like the starter, can be a triumph or a wreck, Calves Liver and Bacon served on a Creamy Mash, this version with a mouth watering Whisky and Mushroom Sauce. As with the starter, my main looked good enough to photograph, let alone eat; and the flavours added greatly to the dining experience. The sauce was smooth and delicious; the mash was indeed creamy, although my personal choice would be to have the mash just a little lumpy to give it a rustic texture, but that is just a personal choice and again in no way detracted from the dish. The liver was soft in texture, slightly pink in colour as requested and full
The website is currently being re-built but is at www.theferrymanwarsash.co.uk
in flavour. Blended with the sauce and the mash with its plentiful scraps of bacon it was a complete triumph and from the first to the last mouthful enjoyable and a superb warming antidote to a stormy day on the beach. Again for a dessert I went for a dish that can be spot-on or spoiled, there was no need to worry as the Crème de Cassis Brulee was delicious and cleansing to the palate. Served in a deep coffee cup the caramelised topping was a crisp biscuit of sugar and beneath it was a smooth and creamy dessert. After the superb meal I introduced myself to owner Jonathan and even he had forgotten a restaurant reviewer was visiting his comfortable and clean establishment. His staff, from the greeters, to the serving staff and the chef had all done him proud. The service had been impeccable, polite and just on the good side of friendly without imposing. The dining room, bar and back-bar were clean, tidy and comfortable. The atmosphere and hum of enjoyment were welcoming and the whole experience was one of pleasure. My eyes had been entertained with the food presentation, the aromas had been intoxicating and my taste buds both with the real ale and the fine cuisine had been satiated. What more could you ask from any hostelry. I dislike the term ‘pub-grub’ as it does nothing to excite the thoughts of what is to come. The Ferryman has a good bar-snack menu and a complete and tasty restaurant menu filling both sides of the business with choice and flavours. Owner Jonathan is keen on his real ales and on the quality of his food and the experience from the moment I stepped from the car until I walked out through the front door in the light autumn drizzle was an enjoyable and pleasant one. l
The Ferryman Bar and Restaurant, 2 Warsash Road, Warsash, SO31 9HX Phone: 01489 573 088
solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…17
Only French food Cakes and freshly baked (every morning) pastries and bread. A
Freshly prepared food, a warm welcome and a relaxing atmosphere...
good variety of French cheeses and cured meats, patés etc. French general groceries as well
The Harvester Port Solent is an ideal place for those that seek genuine value, whether for a family meal, a relaxing drink or a bite to eat with friends.
as French clocks, soaps from
With our new Salad and Grill menu you can enjoy great tasting grills and free, unlimited freshly prepared salad from our famous Salad Cart, plus our Earlybird deal is now available all day!
Monday to Friday 9am till 6pm Saturday 10am till 5pm Sunday Closed
Port Solent Harvester, Portsmouth
15 The Boardwalk, Port Solent, Portsmouth, PO6 4TP
02392 201012 • www.harvester.co.uk
Marseille and other little gift ideas.
Opening hours
106 Marmion Road, PO5 2BB
Tel: 02392 178727
A little corner of France in Southsea!
BUCKWELLS of Southsea
Butchers of distinction in the City of Portsmouth Buckwells pride themselves on sourcing the best quality breeds with a wide selection of:
Lusseau-The French Food Shop opened its doors on 29th August and is already the talk of the town. The smell of freshly baked bread and pastries in the morning is all it takes to make you want to go in. It’s owner, Marie Lusseau, is from Nantes, a city on the Loire river, renowned for its history and architecture. The shop offers a range of French groceries, cheeses, cured meats and pâtés as well as lovely cakes. There are French Country style clocks and products from Provence such as lovely smelling soaps and candles and little bags of lavender to perfume you linen. Why not come along and see for yourself...
beef • poultry & game • pork • sausages and pies focusing on outstanding taste, whilst being committed to health and animal welfare. John and Helen Buckwell welcome you to their award winning Portsmouth Butchers shop - Buckwells of Southsea (since 1987). imbuing a spirit of traditional quality with a commitment for excellence and innovation. This unique mix has helped make Buckwells one of the best butchers in England.
023 9282 7053 70 Osborne Rd, Southsea, PO5 3LU w w w . b u c k w e l l s . c o . u k 18…
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
Buckwells A family business since 1987, Buckwells of Southsea (Portsmouth) imbues a spirit of traditional quality with a commitment for excellence and innovation. This unique mix has helped make Buckwells one of the best butchers in England. Regularly recognised in national and regional competitions, Buckwells pride themselves on sourcing the best quality breeds with a wide selection of beef, poultry & game, pork, sausages and pies - focusing on outstanding taste, whilst being committed to health and animal welfare.
solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…19
travelfeature
Fjordlands, New Zealand
home of the icons
New Zealand has been getting its fair share of exposure over the past month with the Rugby World Cup and it will have no doubt created a serious amount of interest for the coming months, a timely boost just as New Zealand heads into its summer season. words • jeff kilby
N
ew Zealand has so much to offer, with the crystal turquoise waters of Bay of Islands and The Coromandel, the geothermal bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers of Roturua through to the calming waterways of the Charlotte Sound and the magnificent Glaciers of the Southern Alps, all of which makes it difficult to know where to start, particularly if time is of the essence. Possibly the biggest draw and one of the most photographed areas has to be the Fjordlands, with the grandeur of the Milford Sound, once described by Rudyard Kipling as the eighth wonder of the world, making for the main attraction. Cruises up the Milford Sound run daily, it pays dividends to get up early and take the morning cruise, avoiding the lunchtime arrival of day trippers from Queenstown it will feel like you have the Sound to yourself. This will allow you to appreciate
20…
the magnificent Bowen and Stirling Falls as the water hurtles down the towering cliffs, all the more spectacular after rain. You are also in with a good chance of viewing some the native wildlife with Bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seal and Fjordland crested Penguins all in residence, A really spectacular way of viewing the Milford Sound is from the air, by fixed wing, floatplane or Helicopter where you get a completely different perspective of the surrounding scenery with crystal clear lakes, glacier carved fjords and endless snow clad mountains, and this will be one excursion that will live long in the memory. Te Anau is the town at the centre of the Fjordlands and is where the majority choose to base themselves whilst visiting the area. All the major attractions are within easy reach, with the Glow Worm caves and the silent darkness of the Glow Worm Grotto just a stone’s throw away. Twenty Minutes out of town you will find Lake
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
Manapouri and Pearl Harbour, the gateway to a variety of water based excursions including the Doubtful Sound, three times larger than the Milford Sound, this full day excursion takes in some of the Fjordlands densest rainforest and includes a coach journey over the majestic Wilmot Pass before arriving at Deep Cove for a 3 hour cruise and ending with a tour of the highly impressive Manapouri Underground Power Station. The Fjordlands are a walkers paradise with several well known wilderness tracks to choose from including the Routeburn, Hollyford and the Milford Track, the latter often described as ‘the finest walk in the world’ a 55km walk stretched over 4 days with a cruise up the Milford sound to complete this most memorable of experiences. New Zealand is blessed with many natural attractions and you should allow as much time as you can to experience this amazing country, if your time is limited and you need to prioritise then you should make sure that the Fjordlands are high up the list. I can guarantee they will not disappoint. Whatever your reason for heading to New Zealand, be it walking, Rugby, Food & Wine or just for the sheer experience of witnessing the stunning scenery of the Glaciers, Fjordlands, waterways, national parks and Beaches, to get the best of your time you need to speak with the experts at Amity World Leisure Travel. l
Are you planning a major holiday? Whatever your reason for planning a trip of any kind, you want to be sure that the arrangements are just right and that you have the holiday of your dreams. One way to be certain of this is make Amity World Travel your first port of call in order to discuss your plans. Here, you can be sure that you will be offered expert advice and assistance in putting together your perfect holiday. Amity World Travel has been trading since 1970 and has been based at its current location in Segensworth since 1994. This unusual location for a travel agency offers a “non shop” setting where clients are welcome to drop in (often by appointment), and meet with a consultant who can take as much time as is needed to discuss your plans over a coffee, suggest a variety of options and make the necessary arrangements in quiet and relaxed surroundings. As an independently owned, ABTA and ATOL accredited company, Amity is able tailor the widest choice of travel options match your own personal needs. Through years of experience they have built direct
Contact us for the widest range of New Zealand holiday options
relationships with ground handlers and hoteliers around the world, and they may be able to offer unique experiences that you just won’t find in a mass-market brochure. Amity World Travel blends old fashioned qualities of customer service, choice and impartiality with modern day booking technology to help give them the edge over their competition. As the leisure travel division of one of the most successful Business Travel Management Companies in the south of England, their consultants use the most up to date reservation technology, and have millions of “contract” rates for worldwide flights, hotels and car rental. Put this together with the 60+ years of travel experience that Jeff, Sue and Lisa have between them, and you have a winning formula that sees clients returning year after year to put their trust in travel arrangements planned and booked at Amity World Travel. Telephone: 01489 579975
Your Local Travel Experts As members of Advantage, the UK’s leading consortium of independent travel agents, we have the widest choice of tour operators from which to choose your dream holiday. Our expert consultants can also piece together the elements of your dream trip into a tailor-made holiday while you relax, safe in the knowledge that your arrangements are fully bonded.
Telephone: 01489 579975
Email: holidays@amitytravel.co.uk
Web: www.amitytravel.co.uk
4 Manor Court, Barnes Wallis Road, Segensworth East, Fareham, PO15 5TH solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…21
futurethoughts
the final
crumb We all know about planning for retirement, about being prepared financially so we can provide for all our needs through our later years and remain independent, in safe and familiar surroundings until the day that we drop dead, ideally in our arm chair with a minimum of fuss, and having been enjoying a full life right up until the moment that we stopped for what was to be our last cup of tea and digestive biscuit. words • fiona cooke
H
mmm. How often does life work out to include that last digestive? Yes, many of us will be financially secure in our retirement. But (and it is a big but) how many will still be fit and active up until the final crumb? When we start our retirement we are hopefully still physically and mentally able. We can maintain our home and garden, shop, drive, deal with the day to day challenges and even complete government forms if necessary (well, maybe not – have we ever been able to manage them?) I don’t know about anyone else, but my head is firmly in the sand when it comes to thinking about what may or may not be in thirty or forty year’s time (I am fifty one) but I do know that at this moment I do not want to think that I will be a burden on my family. Yet the reality is that, as the years pass, we gradually decline physically, the garden becomes more than we can cope with. We probably can’t see the cobwebs much less stretch up to banish them, shopping in large supermarkets becomes daunting, and whilst most of us will always be twenty in our heads, our bodies will reach that age where we cannot manage what was once so easy. Eventually the time will come when we will mostly be confined to our home in need of personal care and a great deal more practical support. Our independence will be lost. Yes, we will be in our own homes, but we will be reliant on others, quite often strangers, for our most basic needs. (I am
22…
actually looking forward to some aspects of this stage, namely having my meals cooked for me and being able to sit in my chair and issue orders. I try this now with my children, but they ignore me.) There has been a lot of talk in the media recently about the system of care for the elderly. There can be little doubt that a crisis point is being reached and massive changes are needed. My experience, from working with my clients who use carers, is that the carers themselves are wonderful. They are dedicated, conscientious, and want only to do the best for their clients. However many also operate to timescales which necessitate them rushing from one client to another, and in some cases only being able to address the more urgent needs, whilst having to ignore others. I believe that the problem is not one that can be addressed only by more funding and improved services. We desperately need to get back to living as part of a community – as our parents and previous generations did – David Cameron’s Big Society is something which we had, and then lost in the decades since the war. Again I believe that we all have a responsibility here. This is something which cannot, and will not, be solved by just the Government. This is an issue which will impact on most of us one day; we all grow old. We live in a fractured society. Many no longer have our family living around the corner, or even in the same part of the country. I had a discussion with a friend recently about what you do when your
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
parent reaches their later years. His view was that you should move them in with you, whether it was an idea that was welcomed by the parent or not. My view was that most of the elderly want to remain independent, and this is what keeps them going. Once they move to an environment where they are no longer in control, and are effectively dependent, they decline. However this does not mean that they do not want, or need, company and support. For the family this then can become an issue – most have busy lives, and having the parent live with them is the only way they can give the time they would like to. So the solution has to come from the community. Some of my clients have fantastic neighbours, who shop for them, cut their grass, check on them and, more importantly, are there for a chat over a cuppa. There are other clients who do not have that support, they are isolated, sometimes scared, sometimes suffering and, above all, lonely. Loneliness is the greatest punishment that we inflict on our elderly and, for many of them, all that is needed is half an hour or simply the knock on the door that says someone cares. Passing on kindness is a path we could take – if I can spare my neighbour the half hour a day I cannot give my parent (who lives abroad), then I hope that my father’s neighbour will be doing the same for him. The wonderful thing about our elderly is that many are so grateful for so little. Just being told that an hour or so of cleaning and having the time to talk makes a difference in someone’s life is, to me, worth far more than the money I earn. I do believe that planning for our retirement should include giving some thought to how we are going to manage when we are less able, and that we should start building relationships with the people who can help us before we really need them and then, hopefully, we can then really enjoy our final digestive. l
Solent Day Care Days You Want To Remember FUN
A new adult day care centre for people with learning disabilities and dementia.
SAFE STIMULATING COMPANY
● Needs led activities to stimulate the mind. ● Fun, safe & stimulating activities that our clients enjoy in a caring environment with qualified staff. ● Quiet sensory room. ● Day costs include a 2 course lunch and travel to and from the centre. ● Daily outings to beaches, muesums etc 1 5 1
S to k e
R o a d ,
G os p ort
☎ 02392 522773
your golden years A low cost HANDYPERSON SERVICE for anyone over 60 or disabled
Complete home help and companionship in later life If you or an older relative is looking for help in the home then call Your Golden Years. Whatever we do in our home we will do in yours! We also specialise in offering companionship and support, which can be particularly reassuring for families who live some distance from their relative. “Your Golden Years has given back to my 86 year old father his dignity and independence. I cannot recommend Your Golden Years too highly – quality service at an affordable price.” Miss Madeleine A. Moore
Mainly for small jobs taking up to 2 hours. Labour costs £12.00 per hour (plus VAT) but further discounts available if you receive a means-tested benefit. This service is provided by In Touch and is supported by Hampshire County Council. Labour costs £20.00 per hour (plus VAT) for anyone not qualifying for lower rates. Carpentry • Plumbing • Electrical • Safety Homecheck • Keysafe Security Please call to make an appointment on (local rate charges apply)
0845 459 5036
Low–cost Handyperson Service
For a trusted helping hand call Your Golden Years on
Telephone 01329 289563
This service is available to anyone over 60 or disabled and is supported by Hampshire County Council and Adult Services. We provide a handyperson in nine Hampshire boroughs including Havant, Gosport, and Fareham carrying out small jobs and repairs. These include repairs to leaking taps; toilet cisterns, putting up shelves and curtain poles, fitting key safes, smoke alarms; grab rails and hand rails. Our labour charge is £12 per hour + VAT with an extra discount for those receiving means-tested benefits. We can also carry out a free Home Safety Check to advise you on security issues. Our handypersons are directly employed by us and are fully checked and vetted so you can feel confident about inviting them into your home. We would like to help you with your small repairs. For more information or to make an appointment, please call our friendly team on our local rate number 0845 459 5036.
solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…23
theinterview
the
interview Aged 21 and with an Honours Degree in Politics from York University your career path may well already be mapped out in front of you; but for the family of this month’s interview subject there came a bit of a shock – JOHN BONNEY joined the Fire Service. words • david rose-massom
24…
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
We make life safer
N
ow John is Chief Officer of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and he took time out to speak with Solent Life about his job and his career. “I am a bit of everything but first and foremost I am a fire officer.” The amiable and relaxed John explained. “29 years in a service that I have a great commitment to. What I do is something to really believe in and in a complex world I, and the Fire and Rescue Service, deliver something very simple – we keep people safe.” Outside the Eastleigh headquarters stand several statues of fire-fighters and they clearly proclaim the pride there is in the Service. “I joined the Service straight from university, at 21 years of age and I wanted to do something exciting with my life. Family and friends were surprised and back then so were the Fire Service and I almost failed to get in as I was sort of overqualified.” He continued. “This is a fantastic profession that has always been held in high regard; we are lucky to do what we do and very proud of what we have done and achieved.” He admits to still being excited by the job and all it entails. “Most of my life is spent running the Service as its chief executive but I am never far from the front line and at any moment could be called on to take control at a major incident. I still have command responsibilities so I have to stay fit and be ready to go.” “Physical fitness is important as it also keeps me mentally alert, and my conduct is a role model for others around me; I expect them to conduct themselves in the same professional manner as I do.” John Bonney regards his status and role in the modern Fire Service as vital to keeping people in the community safe. “I am very open and approachable in my job to everyone within the Service and I am not a believer in status for its own sake but for doing the jobs we have to do.”“We have for many years been the Fire and Rescue Service, not just the Fire Brigade, and are increasingly focused on three different aspects of our profession. We are deeply involved with the protection and inspection of buildings and making sure they are safe to use. Another key facet is fire prevention and about changing people’s behaviour and finally we provide the rapid response to an incident – our last line of defence.” “The prevention side of things over the last ten years has become the driving force of
our work.” John added. “In that period we have used the ‘brand’ of the Fire Service to better effect; especially in schools and with young people. Some troubled kids may not take to a police officer but we can often have a more positive impact on that child.” “Our strap-line is WE MAKE LIFE SAFER and every time we touch a life in someway we should do that, whether that is in someone’s place of work or in the shopping centre on a Saturday afternoon. We carry out some 10,000 home checks in the county each year which means we are accessing the public, ensuring that working fire alarms are in place, and doing our job of making sure people are kept safer.” John went on to explain that many years ago none of us wore seat belts when driving and yet now it feels strange not putting one on; it has become an automatic action which keeps us all that little bit safer. John would like to see that same level of behaviour with fire prevention. “We use Facebook and Twitter to help get our message across, when we all suffer from information overload it is important to get that message through by any means available to us and as a Service we also have a great image which we use to the best effect. Who does not get a thrill when they see a big red fire truck go by?” The down side of John’s job became all too apparent on Tuesday the 6th April last year when fire-fighters James Shears, 35, and Alan Bannon, 38, died at the 15-storey Shirley Towers in Southampton where a fire had broken out. “The reaction to the events and deaths at Shirley Towers reminded us very much about how we are valued. We are at the delivery end of helping people and the reaction was incredible, not just from the immediate community as I also had letters of support from the USA and France among others. It was all very humbling. Informing the families was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but we will never stop what we do and we have to step up even higher to do our job, it galvanised us as an organisation and we all became closer and more conscious of supporting each other.” The danger in to which those two firefighters and their colleagues had walked was heightened by John when he explained the circumstances of the blaze in which the two men had died while tackling the fire on the seventh floor. “Effectively it was a fire in a box within another box that was high
up on the fifteen storey tower-block; there were high winds on one side of the building and adverse pressure on the other side of the building and my men were caught in something totally unexpected.” “Jobs like that take courage, strength and clear leadership. It was a black moment but it bought out something good in everybody involved.” His praise moved on to the families of James Shears and Alan Bannon. “The families were amazing and they showed incredible strength at a time of bitter loss. As a Service we still support them and the Watch that the two men were part of still visit them and keep in contact.” “Once you are part of the Fire and Rescue Service you never leave and the best part of my job is that it never ceases to amaze me what we can do and what we achieve.” John continued talking with immense pride about the Service he heads. “There is a great camaraderie that runs through the county and beyond into other counties across the UK.” “There is a great visibility in what we do in the Service and that reflects in my career as I always wanted to see the impact of what I did and I have seen that throughout my working life. We are good at our jobs, we are professional and we have even reduced the number of fires in the county each year.” The main thrust of John Bonney’s message is about prevention. “Influencing and changing people’s behaviour is at the heart of what we do within the Fire and Rescue Service, so that safety becomes second nature for people, such as putting on your seat belt.” “The thing I am most proud of is having led Hampshire Fire and Rescue, and this is not about spin, I am proudest of the people I lead and it has been a real privilege working alongside them. No matter what I do in the future I will never replace the pride and satisfaction I have taken from this job no matter how rewarding it may be.” “Some people see us as, maybe, some sort of super heroes but we are no different from anybody else, we are just ordinary people called upon at times to do something extraordinary. The people of Hampshire Fire and Rescue do a job that is an honourable thing to do.” l www.hantsfire.gov.uk for details of Hampshire
Fire and Rescue, tips on testing your fire alarm, fire safety within your business and of course rules and tips on how to stay safe during Bonfire celebrations.
solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…25
autumnsport
ON YER
bikes! Life on the open road, a family adventure and maybe a somewhat perilous pastime! Well, it may have been once upon a time but now with the provision of cycle paths and some 750 miles of designated off-road cycle routes and urban cycle ways across Hampshire, cycling is a safe and carefree exercise that the whole family can enjoy. words • david rose-massom The first thing to do of course is get a bike; but what do you choose as there are BMX, off-road mountain bikes, comfortable road bikes, road-racing bikes, folding bikes and now, for those lacking energy the electric bike. So where do you start looking? The prime task is to decide what you need your bike for, where it will take you and what you want from owning a bike. Is it as simple as a transport to and from work, or is it to be an adventure that will take you through woodland, over rough trails and down steep hills. Maybe you want to take your children down to the BMX track and race alongside them, or even emulate one of our Olympic greats such as Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton and take your bike to the velodrome. The choice they say, is all yours; only you can decide what you want and need from your two wheeled open-air exercise machine. We live in a time when you can pop down to your local supermarket and buy a bikein-a-box, and they come pretty cheaply as well. But, would you purchase a car in that way, and would you expect it to fit you, be suitable for purpose and enable you to get the best possible vehicle for your money? Visit your local independent bike shop, where they will have the time and
26…
knowledge to ensure you climb aboard the machine suited to you and your needs. Take your time, ask questions, and then purchase the bike that is best fitted to you and your leg length. That way you know your gleaming new machine will be the best for what you need and safe. Ask the following questions among others: l l l l l l l
What type of bike do I need? Do I need suspension? How much should I spend? What gear system do I want? Do I need disc brakes? Why can't they fit a comfy saddle? Do I really need a bike helmet?
Across the Solent Life region, there are a wide variety of independent bicycle retailers and they carry a comprehensive range of men’s, ladies’ and children’s bikes. They stock a wide variety of mountain bikes, a selection of road and hybrid bikes as well as, in some cases, electric and foldaway bikes. Both men’s and ladies’ bikes are designed differently to suit each gender in terms of frame size, saddle type and handlebar style so getting help in picking the right bike is essential for you and your children. Once the family are kitted out with the right bike for the right family member and all with
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
the correct safety gear, don’t forget you will need a rack for the back of the car to carry your new transport to your safe cycle routes. Over recent years the New Forest, amongst other country areas, have realised the growth in cycling as an outdoor pursuit and they have set aside and built tracks especially to maximise the enjoyment without damaging the delicate ecology of the Forest. If you do not yet wish to spend a small fortune on purchasing bikes, there are several excellent bike-hire companies in the New Forest, and other areas, to allow you to try before you buy. The New Forest is typical of areas where families wanting safe off-road and easy cycling routes can go, where you will get to experience the open heathland as well as sheltered woods. But, what if you just want to go fast, and get competitive? Calshot Activity Centre is where you need to be as it has the only indoor banked velodrome in the South of England. This national standard track was built in 1997 and can be used by a wide range of cyclists from novices to international standard. As long as you can ride a bike you can have a go under the watchful eye of a coach. Track cycling is now the fastest growing branch of the sport, due in major part to the successes which the Great Britain squad has enjoyed at World Championship and Olympic levels over the last few years. As it states on Calshot’s website ‘If you need further convincing, just think... lightweight bikes, no wind, no rain and no cars!’ Cycling on Calshot’s velodrome couldn’t be easier and they offer five levels of progression, from the ‘have a go’ first timer, through to the race ready track rider. Across the south we have plenty of quiet country roads and cycling routes for those wanting to just improve their fitness and stamina, as well as taking in the stunning landscapes and historic villages. Cycling is available as a hobby all year round and is the perfect way to take in the changing seasons, enjoying the autumn through to winter with the crisp frosty mornings. So choose your bike carefully, enjoy your new hobby and get the whole family involved. Take in the Hampshire scenery at a slower pace and get fit into the bargain this winter. Then, as you get older and the bright chrome on your bike begins to fade and rust you only need ask one further question! ‘Can you ride tandem?’ l
www.hants.gov.uk/cycling www.thenewforest.co.uk/activities/cycling www3.hants.gov.uk/calshot/track-cycling.htm
And for BMX riders Gosport now has one of the finest tracks in the south, recently hosting the National Championships at their venue and offering facilities for the whole family to enjoy the sport… www.gosportbmx.co.uk
On the first year of Christmas my true love gave to me… a Festival to make you happy! 12 years on and that is still the case as Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will once again step back in time for the magical Victorian Festival of Christmas on Friday 25th – Sunday 27th November 2011. This family favourite event is a wonderful mix of Christmas shopping markets, festive food and cookery demonstrations, Father Christmas with his sleigh and baby reindeer, toe-tapping entertainment at the ornate Fagin's Tavern, Dickensian-style street with snow, the Historic Dockyard attractions, hundreds of colourful characters at every turn and more! Buy your tickets before 31st October and receive a 10% discount! For more information or to buy tickets see www.christmasfestival.co.uk
FREE! Corsets, Cars & Parchment: FAMILY Heritage Fun Day! S aturday 2 9 O ctober , from 1 0 . 3 0 am
The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre 56 East Street, Havant, Hants, PO9 1BS
T: 02392 472700 Corset Photo © Vollers
www.thespring.co.uk
chers
of vou 0 0 1 ES £ NT CYCL
FROM
SOLE
10% off all repairs and accessories on production of this advert. Valid until 31st October 2011.
Answer the following question to WIN £100 worth of vouchers from Solent Cycles What colour jersey does the leader of the Tour De France wear? (A)Green (B) Black (C)Yellow TO ENTER, email competitions@solentlife.co.uk quoting ‘Solent Cycles’, with your name, contact details and answer! Alternatively post your entry to Solent Life, Webb House, 20 Bridge Road, Park Gate, Hampshire, SO31 7GE. Closing date 31.11.11 TERMS & CONDITIONS l The prize will be £100 worth of vouchers from Solent Cycles l No purchase necessary. l There is no cash or prize alternative.
Finance NOW Available 159 West Street, Fareham, Hampshire PO16 0DZ
01329 822608 7 Marine Parade West, Lee On The Solent, Hampshire, PO13 9LL
023 9255 4125 l Employees of Solent Cycles are not eligible to enter. l Photocopies will not be valid.
www . solent - cycles . co . u k
76 West Street, Portchester, Hampshire, PO16 9UN
023 9237 7551
solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…27
education
It’s the
principle!
W
e are listening to young people and we do try and accommodate their voices.” Catherine Richards is the Vice Principal of Students and Teaching at Fareham College. “For us, as we are based on the 14 to 19 year old range of students it is not so much of a shock to the system for our new students.We have in place support systems such as a Health and Well Being Co-ordinator who has the job of helping with medical or complex needs and concerns for any student. “The students have support throughout their time here.” Catherine continued. “Let us say for example that a student is absent, we will telephone to check if there is a problem as we want them to be happy and confident here. The students are still young people so we do give them space to go forward, but still keep an eye on them. All the staff here are very approachable.” As Catherine speaks it is very clear that there is a great pride in what Fareham College is achieving both in terms of education and with the growth of young people moving into life as young adults. “If you get down to the nuts and bolts of college life it is about helping them achieve the very best they can in what they want to do and where they want to go. We are here to facilitate their needs and give them a good experience. “To work in a college such as Fareham you have to feel a real passion about the future of young people; which is why I am in this job!” she added. If there is a frustration in her job as Vice
28…
The transition from school days to college ways can be daunting for any young person and when the age group is from 14 to 19 years then great care and support must be given – Fareham College offers that support and more. words • david rose-massom Principal it is the one that thwarts every move in most organisations – funding. “Over the summer we have invested some £150,000 in our theatre area and if we had that sort of funding throughout every department it would be just fantastic. “That funding has been spent on a new Mac Suite for music practice and studio spaces so that music and performing arts courses can move onto a whole new level. These facilities are planned to be open to the local community as well as the students and that also shows our commitment to the local community as a whole.” The college is very much part of the community it serves and Catherine briefly told of the many links formed between coursework, the students and the people of Fareham. “The college has travelled so far from its early days, even in the last three years since I first came here. It is now so involved with the community and has moved far away from its old tech college days; we have grown immeasurably.” Catherine continued in the relaxed but passionate tones of someone who is totally committed to what they do. “In the last eight years the college size has doubled and we are aimed at that 14 to 19 year range.
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
“We are preparing young people not just for further education but also to begin work and yet continue their studies with us. We are working closely with the likes of the NHS and apprenticeships, but we also take NHS staff and train them.” She explained. “Most of our qualifications lead onto apprenticeships or higher education; if you like we are the start of a life-long education which is one of the things that make us so important within the community. “We are training the next generation, it’s about new experiences and different challenges. We are in partnership with the schools and we work closely with them so we are making the transition from school to college for the 14 to 19 year-olds easier; it is important to inspire them toward their future.” l
Fareham College also operate various courses at Gosport College. For details of the colleges and their prospectus go to… www.fareham.ac.uk www.gosport.ac.uk
Come and sample a taste of College life at Fareham College If you’re unsure of where to take the next step in your education, come along to one of our Taster Days Held three times a year, they give you the opportunity to see what life is like at Fareham College. Students will be able to try out two courses during the day and will be mixing with students from other schools. Taster Days are an ideal opportunity to speak to lecturers and to see the amazing facilities that you could be studying in. The first one of the academic year will be held on Friday 11th November, 9.00am to 1.30pm. If you can’t make this then you can come along to our next Open Evenings. These will be on 5th and 6th October and 30th November, 5-8pm. Here you will be able to find out what courses are on offer, tour the campus and quiz current students about College life. This is not the only event that is on offer to students who are considering Fareham College as one of their college choices. The School Liaison Team, who work with 43 schools, are able to provide bespoke campus tours for parents and their child(ren) or large school groups. They also attend school careers fairs, assemblies, Personal Development Lessons, Parent’s Evenings and additional personalised events which are requested by the schools they liaise with. If you want to be part of Fareham College’s success then contact the School Liaison Team on (01329) 815380/250 or email schools@fareham.ac.uk for more information or to make a booking.
solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…29
£1.2 million grant will help transform St Vincent St Vincent College is to get a fresh, new look in time for its 25th anniversary thanks to a £1.2 million grant. Plans are already well advanced to replace the windows and clad and insulate the exterior of the main college building. Work is due to start on the project in September 2011 and be finished by early 2012. The Mill Lane sixth form college opened in 1987 and Principal Di Lloyd is thrilled with the news that the YPLA – the body which funds sixth form colleges - has awarded the cash for improvements to its buildings. 'I have been working at St Vincent for 23 years and this is the most significant sum we have ever received as a capital grant. It really shows the YPLA has tremendous faith in the future of the college,' she said. 'We have been able to bring forward some of our planned maintenance projects, but the key job is to bring the main building into the 21st century in terms of its appearance. 'Our concept is very similar to the work Highbury College in Portsmouth did when it revamped its tower building. The work will also mean our energy efficiency will be significantly improved, but just as importantly it will transform the impression we give to the outside world. 'Internally the building is of good quality and we have improved this still further with a £140,000 makeover of our canteen facilities during the summer in partnership with ABM caterers,' she added. For more information about the wide range of courses available at St Vincent, call 023 9258 8311 to reserve a prospectus or visit www.stvincent.ac.uk.
Discover the benefits of Meoncross School Deciding which school to send your child to can be one of the most important decisions a parent can make. The right choice can help ensure children have a successful start in life. With 90% of pupils achieving at least 5 A*-C GCSE passes for more than 10 consecutive years, Meoncross School is a happy, thriving, coeducational day school located in Stubbington, near Fareham. The School caters for children aged 2¾ to 16 and aims to provide a well-rounded academic, social and personal education – based securely on clear Christian principles and values. The School has an ethos of welcoming children of all ages at any stage of their education. Children are invited to have a ‘Discovery Day’ which is usually followed up by a day of assessment. Parents are encouraged to tour the school and will have the opportunity to discuss their child as an individual with Mrs. Sheila James, Headteacher. Alternatively, the School is holding an Open Morning on Saturday, 15th October at 10am. For children who are currently in Year 6, assessments for entry into Year 7 next autumn will be held on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th January 2012. Meoncross aims to make the experience as enjoyable as possible for children and, in addition to written tests, they will have plenty of opportunity to meet friends of their own age, and to take a tour of the School. Following the assessments, the School will be awarding a limited number of scholarships; further details of which are available on request. Mrs. Lorraine Orridge, our Registrar, would be very pleased to give you more information about Meoncross. Just call her on 01329 662182 for an informal chat, or visit www.meoncross.co.uk.
30…
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
envirothought
green thing the
Solent Life was recently sent an E-mail called THE GREEN THING, it was such a simple and yet stunning statement that we felt it should be repeated. Apologies to the original author because we have no way of knowing from where it originally came; so the author shall remain… words • Anon
I
n the queue at the supermarket, the checkout boy told an older woman that she should bring her own shopping bags because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment. The woman apologized to the boy on the checkout and explained, “We didn’t have the green thing back in my day.” He responded, “That’s our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment.” He was right - our generation didn’t have the green thing in its day. Back then, we returned milk bottles, lemonade bottles and beer bottles to the shop on the corner of our street. The shop sent them back to the bottling factory to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled. But we didn’t have the green thing back in our day. We walked up stairs, because we didn’t have an escalator in every department store and office building. We walked to the local grocery shop and didn’t climb into a 200-horsepower, metal machine on wheels every time we had to go just around the corner. But he was right. We didn’t have the green
thing in our day. Back then, we washed the baby’s nappies because we didn’t have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up all that electricity – wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new designer clothing. But that young man on the checkout is right; we never heard of the green thing back in our day. Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of Hampshire. In the kitchen, we blended, mixed and stirred by hand because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the post, we used a rolled up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap. Back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn petrol; or plug in a fifty foot lead, just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. Our exercise was just taken by working so we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.
But he is right; we didn’t have the green thing back then. We filled a glass from the tap when we were thirsty instead of using a plastic cup or bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got blunt. But we didn’t have the green thing back then. Back then, people took the bus and children rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their mums into an all-day taxi service. We had one electrical socket in a room, not an entire bank with multiple adapters to power a dozen appliances. And we didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 100,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza delivery service. But isn’t it sad how the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn’t have the green thing back then? l
Our thanks to Anon and didn’t that bring back a few memories? Such as the rattle of the bottles on the milk cart and are you of the generation that can recall their fathers and grandfathers stepping out of the house with a shovel to collect the droppings for fertilising the vegetable garden after the horse-drawn dustcart or milk float had moved on to the next road. No, I guess the checkout boy was right, we did not have the green thing back in our day…
solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…31
homes
Churchers is one of the first leading firms in Hampshire to achieve membership of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme – the Mark of Excellence for the home buying process. The firm underwent rigorous assessment by the Law Society in order to secure CQS status, which marks it out as meeting high standards in the residential conveyancing world. Churchers has achieved the prestigious Lexcel Kitemark for many years as part of its commitment to quality service, and takes great pride in providing a high level of personal service to clients at all times. Buying a home is one of the largest purchases anyone will make in their lifetime, so it is essential that it is done to the highest standard by a solicitor. There are many different conveyancing service providers making it difficult for home buyers to identify those that can ensure a safe, high quality and efficient level of service. Partner John Guest said “We are delighted to have secured CQS status. It is a clear recognition of the high standards we provide to our residential property clients, and it is a signal to all home buyers of the excellent service level we provide at what is often a stressful time. Our clients will be those who most benefit from using Churchers when buying a home. They will receive a reliable, efficient service as recognised by the CQS standard provided by a dedicated professional which makes us stand out from the crowd”. Law Society president Linda Lee said that the Law Society introduced CQS to help recognise high standards in the home buying process. “CQS improves efficiency with common, consistent standards and service levels and enables consumers to recognise practices that provide a quality residential conveyancing service”. The scheme will require Churchers to continue to undergo strict assessments, compulsory training, and annual reviews in order to maintain CQS quality and status. It is only open to members of the Law Society who meet the demanding standards of the scheme which has the support of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the Building Society Association, Legal Ombudsman and the Association of British Insurers. For further information about Churchers quality services please call any of our offices surrounding Portsmouth Harbour at Fareham 01329 822333, Cosham 023 9221 0170, Lee-on-the-Solent, 023 9255 1500, Gosport 023 9260 3400, Portsmouth 023 928 62424, or Ryde Isle of Wight 019 8361 4541 or go to www.churchers.co.uk, or email us at solicitors@churchers.co.uk.
Established 1980 Northern Galleries 3 & 4, Fort Fareham Business Park, Newgate Lane, Fareham. Open 9am - 5pm (Mon - Sat)
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
Bettons of Titchfield Est. 1958
Carpets Greendale Brinton Cormar Brockway
Flooring Karndean Real Wood Laminate Vinyl
Open Monday to Saturday
Fit a new Kitchen/Bedroom or Transform the one you have
Visit Us 1 Church Street, Titchfield, PO14 4AH
www.kabt.co.uk FREE survey & quotation CALL 01329 830111 NOW! Heming & Co The Square, Wickham PO17 5JT
Solent Flooring Ltd
☎ 01329 844208
Members of the carpet foundation
E: bettonsoftitchfield@btconnect.com W: www.bettons-titchfield.co.uk
Established 21 Years • Fully Insured
CARPETS • VINYLS • LAMINATES • REAL WOOD • CERAMIC TILES ALL SUPPLIED AND PROFESSIONALLY FITTED
SPECIAL OFFER
All prices include fitting, good underlay, disposal of old floor covering, grippers and door bar.
Solent Twist
Approved Retailers & Installers
10 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty 10 Year Stain Warranty 12 Colours to choose from
Solent Berber
FREE Home Selection & Estimate Service For a friendly and genuine service with no obligation call: Freephone: 0800 9177 553 Jason: 07770 411734 John: 07812 132087 Fax: 01329 238861
Email: jason@solentflooring.co.uk Unit 19, Regent Trade Park, Barwell Lane, Gosport PO13 0EQ
100% Man Made Natural Looking Carpet
Room Price Examples Including VAT
3m x 4m £156 • 4m x 4m £208 5m x 4m £260 • 6m x 4m £312
WE PAY THE VAT INCREASE FOR YOU solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…33
Don’t move away… convert, extend and stay…
Home Transformers are a specialist building company providing customers with home development services, including loft and garage conversions, extensions and general building work.
Why choose Home Transformers…
We Are Moving R.G. Warwick & Partners Ltd, Wickham are moving to our new modern showrooms at Buddens Yard, Station Rd, Wickham at the end of September.
☞ Same friendly service
☞ Free on site parking
☎ 01329 832531 Traditional Ironmongers for all your home and garden requirements.
✔ Experienced and reliable workforce ✔ Fully project managed – from design through to completion ✔ Liaise with all relevant council departments ✔ Provide half and full conversions/ extensions ✔ Approved Telebeam fitters ✔ Fixed pricing—no hidden charges
✔ 15 year guarantee on all structural work ✔ Approved telebeam installers ✔ Show work to view ✔ Customer references ✔ Recommended by Velux ✔ Fully insured ✔ Free no obligation quotation ✔ Minimum disruption
For a FREE no obligation quotation please contact James direct on 07708 478542
We will pay the VAT on all full conversions and extensions if booked this year for commencement in 2012.
Tel: 01489 881875 Mobile: 07708 478542 Email: info@hometranformers.net Website: www.hometransformers.net
Andrew Collins Kitchen Design LTD
Your Dream, My Passion
Opening Times
Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm
l Excellent Quality,
• We only use the best materials available.
l Great Service,
• What you would expect from a family run business.
l At a sensible price, • Beautiful range of kitchens and bedrooms to suit all budgets. 87 HIGH STREET • LEE-ON-THE SOLENT • PO13 9BU 34…
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
TEL: 02392 552914
WWW.ANDREW-COLLINS.COM
backtonature
wildlife
October
events
The days are getting shorter; the leaves are changing colour and there is a chill to the air that gives the feeling that winter is not too far away. Some species are migrating to warm climates or looking for places to hibernate to see through the cold weather but for others this is the warmer climate.
at Farlington Marshes Wildlife Reserve… Farlington – Bird Watch
words • nikki magee image • david kilbey
F
arlington Marshes is a hive of activity at the moment with birds that have flown south, from places like Iceland and Scandinavia, for the winter. Many of the birds will overwinter in Langstone Harbour and wait out each high tide on the muddy margins of the marshes, lakes and ponds. This gives rise to splendid views of hundreds of ducks and waders for those walking around the site. The most spectacular event this month however has to be the return of one of Farlington’s most important visitors, the brent goose. The brent goose is the smallest of the wild geese that overwinters in Britain, and is not much larger than a mallard. Driven south by the Siberian winter they arrive on the south and east coast of Britain to feed on mud flats and coastal pasture. The Solent Harbours and coast are important areas for this species supporting 10-13% of the world’s population and around 30% of the UK population! The geese initially feed on the coastal mudflats eating eelgrass and algae. When these supplies run out they begin to move inland utilising other food sources. This is why Farlington Marshes is so important. Its open grazing marsh provides a feeding area for several thousand brent geese. The cattle grazing on the marsh throughout the summer months will have hopefully left the perfect grass structure for the geese to feed on. Feeding habits of brent geese have diversified to include farmland and sports grounds, so keep an eye on green space near you! If you’re interested in learning more
about the birds or improving your bird identification why not come and join our bird watch on Sunday 30th October. 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
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. l Unlimited FREE visits to over 55 wildlife
reserves in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and 2,500 reserves nationwide l A welcome pack when you join l Hampshire and Isle of Wight Natural World, the Wildlife Trust’s magazine, delivered to you (or your partner) three times a year l 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 l 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.
Sunday 30th October 12.00 noon – 3.00pm Get close to the hundreds of waders and birds on the marshes and lakes around high tide at Farlington Marshes Wildlife Reserve. Guides will be at viewing areas to help you identify the birds and tell you about their behaviour. Drop in anytime during the session to improve your bird identification skills. Parking is available off the Eastern Road (A27/A2030) roundabout (Map ref. SU 679 044). For further details, please contact Jamie Marsh, Solent Reserves Officer, on 01489 774429. Suggested donation £1.50. 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 hectares 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: The First 63 bus runs from Fareham and Portchester to Farlington every hour on Monday to Friday with a reduced service at weekends. The First 21 service runs from Portsmouth Hard Interchange to Havant, stopping on the Eastern Road. Road: The car park is off the Eastern Road roundabout (A27/A2030).
solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…35
greenfingers Scary times at Titchfield There is Halloween fun at Garsons Garden Centre in Titchfield during half term, including spooky story telling on Friday 28th at 2pm and 3pm. Visit garsons.co.uk for more details.
green fingers October
Expect falling leaves, high winds and rain in October. On the bright side, we can also be blessed with sunshine and the soil is an ideal temperature to encourage roots of newly planted shrubs, hedging and other hardy plants. words • anne watson
B
ulbs such as daffodils and crocus can go in the ground as early as possible this month. Enriching the soil with a bulb feed such as Miracle-Gro Bulb Booster gives balanced nutrients to ensure they are well fed during their spring growth. Be creative with bulbs and plant pots of spring colour that last from February to June. Planting different types of bulbs in one pot is a great way to maximise the colour and interest. Choose snowdrops for February, crocus for March, daffodils and narcissus for April and tulips for May. Top off each planter with a few violas to tie the colours together. Brighten up existing patio pots by replacing
summer bedding with wintery interest. Autumn flowering hebes or evergreen conifers can provide a central plant with decorative cabbages, heuchera, ivy and thymes added for foliage around the edge. Pot up the bulbs of hardy cyclamen. Cyclamen coum is probably the hardiest and is grown by many gardeners in shaded areas where light is at a premium. Alliums are a great investment as these decorative onion bulbs produce spectacular globe-like heads in May and June. The heads come in all sizes and various colours from white through pink, lilac and purple flowers. l
Conifers are often overlooked when planning a garden scheme. They provide structure and year-round interest with colour, texture and form. Three that are looking good in the garden centre at the moment are: Cupressus Castlewellan Gold is a conifer with beautiful gold foliage, it’s evergreen, fast growing and is happy in full sun or part shade. It is tolerant to most soils and climates and can be planted directly into the garden provided there’s good soil and sufficient water. Chamaecyparis Lawsoniana Grayswood Feather or Lawson Cypress is a small narrow columnar evergreen tree with upright sprays of green leaves. It makes an attractive specimen conifer and can grow as high as 6 metres. Cryptomeria japonica – 'Elegans' is my favourite. It’s a rounded conifer with midgreen leaves and the foliage turns a lovely vibrant red in the autumn and winter months. Very hardy and drought tolerant, it will tolerate heavy clay soil. Many roses will produce flowers until Christmas if kept tidy. Continue to deadhead by either snapping off flower heads about 2cm (1in) below the head or snipping off the complete flower truss using secateurs. If you haven’t done so already, feed your lawn with an autumn treatment to sort out any moss and provide nutrients to harden off growth so your lawn is prepared for all the weather winter can throw at it. Sow a few hardy broad beans so plants are established before the coldest weather slows growth. They will survive frosts and burst into growth well before any spring sown seed. Until next time, happy gardening!
36…
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
Inspirational outside spaces where once there was just a garden • Garden design & planning • Landscaping • Award winning environmental policy
01329 289542
OutsideSpaces LTD
Garden Design
www.outsidespacesltd.co.uk
www.theterracottapotshop.co.uk
Something for everyone!
G gi reat ne ft ide conw itemas s addtantlys ed
Eastoke Corner (Sea Front), Hayling Island
Tel: 023 9263 7590 Closed Mondays, except School & Bank Holidays
Book
early
for
Christmas
Mobile Carpet & Vinyl Specialists
● Fitted Carpets & Vinyls at Direct Prices ● Our low overheads & bulk purchase power mean Big Savings To You!!! ● 3,500 Quality Carpets & Vinyls to choose from in the comfort of your Home ● All Carpets & Vinyls Fully Guaranteed Friendly Personal Service & Advice
Sales NO Gimmicks NO Small NO Pressure
Job Too
Unbeatable Prices All Year Round To book your Free estimate Please Call Now Freephone
☎ 0800 389 2177 We’ll Beat Any Other Fitted Quote 9am to 8pm 7 Days A Week solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…37
solent‘life’
courage remarkable
There is no one who can understand how it feels when a finger traces its way across a lump on your breast, unless you happen to be the one who discovers it on your own body. Karen Roberts a 41 year-old mother of one knows exactly how it feels and how despite the devastation there are still positives to be gained. words • david rose-massom
38…
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
O
nly by living with a friend or family member who is a sufferer will you begin to understand the impact; and, only by being that sufferer will you truly understand the enormity of its indiscriminate attack! “I found the lump by myself after the dog jumped up on me and as I closed my dressing gown my hand brushed across it.” She explained. “I was laying down watching TV at the time and kept telling myself it was nothing and would disappear when I stood up; this was because of the size of the lump, it was like a big solid golf ball and I didn’t think it could get like that without me noticing.” “It froze me to the core, it was such a big solid lump and as I watched the television I made certain not to touch it; if I didn’t touch it, it would not be there.” She recalled. “Because it was so large and protruding I just kept thinking it can’t be there, that was for an hour. I almost convinced myself it would be gone when I stood up, there was disbelief and I almost shut it from my mind. Then I got up to let the dog out into the garden before going to bed and felt it again.” It did not disappear and within 12 hours Karen was at her doctor’s surgery, she was diagnosed on her 41st birthday and had a 4.5cm tumour. Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. To better understand breast cancer, it helps to understand how any cancer can develop. Cancer occurs as a result of mutations, or abnormal changes, in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy. The genes are in each cell’s nucleus, which acts as the “control room” of each cell. Normally, the cells in our bodies replace themselves through an orderly process of cell growth: healthy new cells take over as old ones die out. But over time, mutations can “turn on” certain genes and “turn off” others in a cell. That changed cell gains the ability to keep dividing without control or order, producing more cells just like it and forming a tumour. The term “breast cancer” refers to, what is commonly known as, a malignant tumour that has developed from cells in the breast. Usually breast cancer either begins in the cells of the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands, or the ducts, the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple. Less commonly, breast cancer can begin in the stromal tissues, which include the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast. Karen continued with her story. “It was a grade 3 tumour, they don’t use the terms malignant or benign anymore, that is now a little outdated. And you don’t get an ‘all
clear’ as many people I speak to expect. What you get is a series of, I had three, wide excisions, which is where they go into the breast under anaesthetic to check on the tumour, remove the tumour and then check they have a wide margin of clearance.” At this point Karen admitted to being in love with another man other than her incredibly supportive partner Steve. “My consultant surgeon Dr Agrawal was amazing – he is the love of my life.” “The first wide excision was to get a sample of the tumour; the lump is not visible to the naked eye as cancer shows itself up as normal cells so this makes the procedures tricky. That first invasion is for the biopsy and then off you go home and wait for the result and that waiting is the hardest part of the whole experience, there is no fast tracking of that part!” She said. “It was ten days later that I was brought back in with Steve, my partner who was incredible, and with the Breast Care Specialists, who are there for support and explained what will happen.” All the while she was speaking Karen was upbeat and positive in how she recalled those people that surrounded her, her son, her partner, her friends and the professionals that were there to help her cope. “The Care Specialists really help you cope with every aspect; they explain how to tell family members and your children. They are not patronising but they are very knowledgeable, well practiced at what they do and how they help.” Once the result of the biopsy is known things move quickly. “This is when they remove the tumour, and they go in through the same wound as the first excision. They go in through the base of the nipple so it leaves very little in the way of scarring; they do try and leave the breast looking as natural as possible.” “My partner Steve was with me every step of the way, and I know it is not like that for all women for varying reasons, but he was there for the results and when I woke from each surgery. They go through it almost as much as the person diagnosed with breast cancer and without his support it would have been so much harder.” Karen is so bubbly as she speaks it feels as if she is talking about some adventure she has just been on rather than a highly traumatic journey. “I got so much attention from everyone I sometimes felt like Victoria Beckham, especially when Facebook became so much a part of my coping.” The social networking site became an invaluable tool for Karen. “It was my way of keeping in contact with everyone and keeping up to date with things. Even though I work in the QA hospital in Portsmouth as an A&E receptionist I had no idea what was available to me in the way
of support. Through Facebook I was able to post updates and photos of myself after losing my thick head of hair so that when people who knew me met with me it was less of a shock to them.” These things have a way of turning in circles and Karen is now busy supporting a friend who has recently been diagnosed and is travelling the same journey. “You have to just work at each day as it comes, one day at a time, try not to think too far ahead.” Karen continued her tale. “The Macmillan Centre was great for getting support and learning stuff. With the books and the information available there I was able to read up on each stage of my treatment. There are even books to help you out the other side because that too can be highly emotional and a strain.” “My friends and family never gave me a moment’s peace, I am back to work now and I am glad just to get the break!” She said laughing. “I had to put visitors on a rota because so many wanted to see me all the time.” The third excision followed her toughest decision. “That third excision was to go back in and get a clear margin; this is a clear area where no cancerous cells are left around where the lump was. This operation was my decision as to whether to go for the clear margin or go for a mastectomy. It could have been a lifesaving decision!” “I would do anything to remain here and live, but with no history of breast cancer in my family I decided to go for the clear margins option and they would have one more go at clearing out all the bad cells. If after that wide excision they had not been able to get all the cancer I was mentally prepared to have the breast removed.” “I battled for a couple of days with the vanity side of the decision but it was not like deciding between handbags, this was a hardcore decision!” There is no such thing as an All Clear. “They went in that third time and I now have the clear margins. I will now be checked for the next ten years, firstly by the consultant, I have already had my first six-week checkup, I have another this month as it is one year since I discovered the original lump and then the checks will become six monthly.” “I am amazed because the last year has passed in the blink of an eye.” She also told us that she had just run the Race for Life. “I am so proud that I have remained positive throughout. The chemotherapy is not as barbaric as it was in the past and I went through six courses of that as well as 19 lots of radiotherapy. The Chemo cleans the blood of cancer cells and the radiotherapy is aimed at the breast where the lump was.” “They were just making sure they got the bugger!” She added. l
Karen Roberts took time to speak to us here at Solent Life in the hope that others diagnosed with breast cancer can also find reasons to be positive and keep their strength to fight the disease, we thank her for her time and for sharing her experiences with us.
It is as simple as it is chilling – Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and this is despite the fact that it is rare in men. In 2008, there were 48,034 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in the UK: 47,693 (over 99%) in women and 341 (less than 1%) in men.
October is… Breast Cancer Awareness Month www.breastcancercare.org.uk for details. www.macmillan.org.uk
solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…39
health&beauty
Ambience Dental Excellence Do you identify with a feeling of dread as soon as you think of the dentist? So many people suffer from dental anxiety and even extreme dental phobia. I believe we are the sum of our past experiences whether positive or negative and some of these experiences can stay with us for a long time. When these strong feelings influence our future decisions it sometimes has a negative outcome. Wear a smile as one size fits all, moreover smiling increases your face value. Imagine putting our best foot forward without a smile. We smile at our loved one as a sign of endearment and love. A wide smile is very infectious and the whole world will smile back at you in every language possible. Laughter is said to be good medicine, however what lies beneath our smile could be more important to our health than we think. Poor oral health has been linked to heart attacks and even stroke. Our very being and mental health is related to our ability to smile confidently projecting our wellbeing to those around us. Nefertiti the Queen of Egypt for all her beauty proved that the very common appearance of tooth decay can be very dangerous indeed to our physical health. We understand that even all these worries about our teeth and health can be overshadowed by our dental anxiety. In a perfect world we would just magic these feelings away. However in the real world it takes a series of good experiences over a period of time in order to overcome these deep seated feelings of dread. This positive reinforcement is a powerful tool to improve our negative feelings towards dental treatment. You need time and positive experiences to build up confidence and trust again. Here is how some of our patients feel about us: “Welcoming clean bright but restful. As a nervous patient I feel I have been treated very well. I have not been rushed out when I need to talk about treatment. Everyone has been really helpful and friendly. Thank You” Patient A “I would just like to say how pleased that I am that for the second time in two weeks I have overcome my fear of the dentist and had an hour in the chair each time without sedation. The dentist is just so good at getting your trust and is an excellent dentist as well, I am very pleased with the results. “ Patient B
Sinclair Optical Services would like to congratulate Tombs & Allen on their 25th Anniversary
The saying that time is money may apply. However in a world where discount cards and loyalty schemes are getting more popular to make our pennies stretch a bit further. We at Ambience Dental Excellence believe that this could apply to your dental payments as well.
w w w . a m b i e n c e - d e n t a l . c o . u k 40…
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
Sinclair Optical Services Co. Ltd.
silver vısıon Tombs & Allen opticians are celebrating 25 years of Jackie Tombs being in practice in Stoke Road this month, but there has actually been an Optician on this site for more than 80 years. Mr Mason bought 1A Portland Buildings in 1930 to set up his own business after training with Batemans in the High Street. He drove an Austin 7 and lived in the back room of the shop with his chickens! In March 1946, Mr Ogg was advised by an Aunt, who lived in Stoke Road, that he should take up a career as an optician and was taken on by Mr Mason for the princely sum of £3 per week. He qualified in 1948 and received a pay rise to £10 per week! Following the untimely death of Mr Mason in December 1959, whilst shovelling snow from the pavement, John Ogg continued to build the practice until his retirement in 1986. To this day he remains a customer. Local Gosport girl, Jackie Tombs, took over on John’s retirement and continued in his tradition of promoting excellent eyecare services and was fortunate to have loyal and well trained receptionists to complete the package. In 2002 Patrick Allen and Jackie formed a partnership, enhancing the depth of expertise and expanding the services now available. Children’s eyecare is an area in which the whole team takes a very proactive
approach. Since the abolition of preschool eye screening by health visitors, there is an increasing concern that children have eye defects that are not being found until after starting school. Correction of some these problems are much easier the earlier they are detected and the myth that a child needs to be able to read to have an eye test is just that, a myth! Children and babies can all be seen. Head receptionist Linda, who has been with Jackie from the start, still works alongside Jackie and is always on hand for advice, or to give encouragement to even the most apprehensive child. Jackie is a specialist and skilled children’s optometrist and passionately believes that undetected eye defects can seriously affect a child’s development so it is not just important but imperative that all children have regular eye tests. Eye tests for children are available free of charge through the NHS and vouchers are available towards the purchase of glasses in all sorts of styles - we understand that Harry Potter has been a great influence in recent years! It is also vital that adults have regular eye tests irrespective of whether they feel they have a problem or not. Many eye defects and even illnesses can be detected as part of a routine eye test. Tombs and Allen is also a centre of expertise for patients with
Congratulations to Tombs & Allen on their 25th Anniversary
low vision of any cause. Jackie and Patrick understand that new spectacles are often a ‘grudge’ purchase so they can guide their clients in making the best choice from their extensive range of frames and lenses. After all some people wear glasses for every waking hour so it is important that they are happy with their investment and their appearance. The latest and most progressive advances in contact lens technology are also available at Tombs and Allen; Jackie and Patrick will ensure that they find you the best solution for your sight and your lifestyle. 25 years on, the styles and fashions have changed, the listed façade of the shop remains the same, but following a change in the law some years ago forbidding opticians from advertising ‘medical devices’, the shop windows contain an inviting display of attractive designer frames. Inside, following a recent refurbishment, the interior of the shop is bright, airy, modern and comfortable but the effort to provide good eyecare and quality for service, with value for money is still very much at the heart of this business. 25th Anniversary Open Day 8th October 2011 25 Free Prize Draws throughout the day Childrens Activities Come and join in the Celebrations
Distributed by:
Latest styles available from
Tombs & Allen Opticians www . menrad . de
We would like to congratulate Tombs and Allen Opticians on their 25th Anniversary
solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…41
weddingideas
brides Janet Mist sits in her beautifully coordinated home, and talks enthusiastically about her latest venture, Lovely and Vintage Wedding Fayres. words • david rose-massom
J
anet, a busy mum of two year old twins and two older children, bubbles with excitement as she tells Solent Life about her plans and what has lead her to create a wedding fair slightly different from usual. Only a short time ago she was embarking on her first venture into the world of weddings with her business, Tailored Wedding Plans, which has achieved great success due to her enviable talent in being able to create beautiful, bespoke seating plans and invitations all with a vintage twist. The popularity and excellent value for money of her quality, hand made products has enabled Janet to introduce additions to her range. These include decorated bird cages, stationery and decoration hire. Stunning vintage handbags have also been added to the range recently together with corsages, fabric table runners and my personal favourite, sweetie tables; your choice of traditional sweets served in an eclectic mix of crystal and cut glass dishes and bowls and personalised again with a vintage twist with candy bar signs.
Blanche & Lola www.blancheandlola.com E: hello@blancheandlola.com www.facebook.com/blancheandlola www.blancheandlola.blogspot.com
Having attended Wedding Fairs both as a bride to be and as an exhibitor, Janet realised that the bride, looking for everything she dreams of for a modern wedding, but with that vintage twist that will reflect her own personality and style, could not be found in one place – Janet’s solution; to organise her own wedding fairs. She has carefully selected a group of like minded and highly recommended suppliers to join her for her first fair on 6th November 2011 at Titchfield Community Centre from 10am-4.30pm. Entry cost will be a great value 50p per adult. Each bride to be will be able to choose from suppliers of all things modern but ‘vintage’ including venues, flowers, wedding gowns, decorations, transport and much, much more. And if the bride is unable to find everything she needs this time that’s not a problem as Janet plans more fairs soon (dates to be announced) and she already has a list of potential exhibitors waiting to join her exciting and unique Lovely and Vintage Wedding Fayres. l
Hamilton Wedding Cars www.hamiltonweddingcars.com T: 02392 780095
Lovely and Vintage Wedding Fayre Sunday 6th November Titchfield Parish Hall. Enquiries Janet Mist 07917611127 www.lovelyandvintage.co.uk Also Tailored Wedding Plans… www.tailoredweddingplans.co.uk
Solent Bug & Bus T: 02381 780 494 E: info@solentvw.co.uk www.solentvw.co.uk
Hands and Treat Charles Burley Photography T: 07595601006 charlesburleyphotography@live.com www.charlesburleyphotography.co.uk
Eden Florist T: 023 92 733305 emma@edenfloristoldportsmouth.co.uk www.edenfloristoldportsmouth.co.uk
www.handsandtreat.com E: frankie@handsandtreat.com
Sweet Heart Gift T: 07896846012 www.sweetheartgift.co.uk facebook & twitter sweetheartgift
Just For Guys Phone/ Fax: 01730 894969 T: 07879 456773 E: ukjustforguys@aol.com www.just-for-guys.com
Occasional Cakes occasionalcakesbybarb@gmail.com T: 07511617283
Elegance Hair & Beauty
The Bon Temps Sisters thebontempssisters@hotmail.co.uk
The Tea Party call Lauren on: 07528 987614 or Stephanie on: 07723 712866
T: 07737 899237 www.elegancehairandbeautysalon.co.uk
Pansy’s Creations Please see September issue for further information and images
42…
T: 02392 637175 E: info@pansyscreations.co.uk www.pansyscreations.co.uk
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
Tiers & Tiaras T: 07702044023 www.tiersandtiaras.co.uk
The Exbury
Ghost Train
FAMILY TIC
ON THE E
KETS
xbury G ardens’ GH
OST TRAIN
COMPE T I T I O N
Deserved Extravagance Delivered To You… Perfect As A Gift… …Or Just Because Bite into a great British tradition and enjoy the sheer indulgence of afternoon tea, delivered to you at your chosen location be it your home, place of work, or boat by the sea…
We can deliver no matter how unusual the location may be!
A Perfect gift for: Birthdays • Exam celebrations • Anniversaries • Baby showers • Weddings • Christenings • Business Meetings Office, Pamper, Hen, Retirement or any type of Party Mother’s day • Afternoon tea with friends
or Just Because… Tea for Two Dainty Sandwiches, Selection of Traditional Cakes, Homemade Baked Fruit Scones with Cornish Clotted Cream and Preserves, Selection of Speciality Tea All for only £12.50 per person (min 2 people)
Your chance to enter and *WIN one of three family tickets to ride the Exbury Ghost Train. Choice of dates. Please state your preference… 27th, 28th or 29th October. *One winner will be selected for each of the three days. It’s all aboard the Exbury Ghost Train this coming halfterm, for a 35 min “Phantom-mime” for Halloween! The popularity of Exbury’s half-term ‘spooktacular’ has led organisers to extend this year’s event to nine days, with the Ghost Train running between Saturday 22nd and Sunday 30th October. Seven trains a day will be leaving “dead on time” with hosts Napoleon Bone-aparte, the famous French skeleton, and his sidekick, Batty the Vampire. Passengers on the train will encounter scare-crows, ghostly pirates, werewolves, Cyclops and other ghoulish characters, and should listen out for the greetings of an eerie Rothschild ancestor when the Ghost Train pulls slowly to a halt in the dark, dark tunnel. After your spine-tingling train journey, why not enjoy some spooky fayre in Mr Eddy’s Restaurant and Tea Room. TERMS & CONDITIONS l The prize will be one of three family tickets l The prize must be taken by 29th Oct 2011 l E mployees of Exbury Gardens are not for the Exbury Ghost Train. eligible to enter. l No purchase necessary. l Photocopies will not be valid. l There is no cash or prize alternative.
Delivery Charges may apply - please visit our website for further details. w w w. p r ye r s a f te r n o o n te a .co. u k
Contact: 01329 233708 Mobile: 0791 506 1275 or Email: info@pryersafternoontea.co.uk
follow us on facebook and twitter
Pryer’s Afternoon Tea Menu Freshly prepared sandwiches on white or wholemeal bread, Smoked salmon with cream cheese and chives, Free range eggs with mayonnaise, Cucumber with cream cheese and dill. Homebaked fruit scones with clotted cream and homemade strawberry preserve. Selection of traditional cakes, Individual handmade cakes, divine fancies and mini fruit tarts. Your choice of the following Teas: English Breakfast Tea • Earl Grey • Dajeeling All served to you on traditional tiered cake stands with all cutlery and fine bone china supplied. Now sit back and enjoy the sheer indulgence of afternoon tea...
Which Rothschild gives the restaurant and tea room at Exbury its name? (A) Freddy (B) Eddy (C) Teddy TO ENTER, email competitions@solentlife.co.uk quoting ‘Exbury Ghost Train’, with your name, contact details and answer! Alternatively post your entry to Solent Life, Webb House, 20 Bridge Road, Park Gate, Hampshire, SO31 7GE. Closing date 21.10.11
OPEN DAYS 2011 Sunday 23rd October 10am – 4pm
Autumn Steam Festival & Ghostly Goings On at the Brickworks Exbury Gardens, The Estate Office Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire SO45 1AZ Box Office: 023 8024 5750 www.exbury.co.uk
Sunday 20th November 10am – 4pm
Christmas at the Brickworks
www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk
01489 576248
solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…43
photocomp this months winner... Andrew Gregory
the
january
make a
july
date… december
As the Solent Life 2012 Calendar heads for the printers we continue to receive great images from photographers of all ages and all abilities – when it goes on sale it may have our magazine’s name on it but it will be your work that makes it something special. words • david rose-massom
E
very month we have upped the challenge and each new entry has exceeded our hopes, please continue sending the great work in because we are now looking at images for our 2013 Calendar. Judging throughout the year has been really tough and now we have the unenviable task of choosing the Solent Life / Fareham London Camera Exchange Photographer of the Year and the image that will grace the front cover. Will there be arguments and disagreements or a swiftly reached accord; only time will tell. Many good entries have had to be sent to the sin-bin as they were too small for publishing or were marked in some way, caused by a dirty lens or sensor. One set of stunning winter images sent in by one reader had us salivating because of the sheer winter beauty they recorded, but sadly they were scans of prints and had too many marks on them to make them usable. So tips for future entries, keep your equipment clean, not easy with this modern technology but necessary; London Camera Exchange have the correct cleaning equipment and advice on the best way to clean the delicate sensors in your camera. Each time you are ready to take another photograph, take another look at your set-up before
44…
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
2012
april
calendar pressing the button, is the horizon straight, does the image in the viewfinder say what you intend to portray with your final picture. Finally, and most importantly, would you be proud to see your image among those published. If you are not positive about any of those things then step back from the camera and start again; unless of course like any photographer you have been lucky enough to just catch that one special shot totally by the accident of being in the right place at the right time with your lens pointing in the right direction; it is a lovely feeling when downloading such an image. Thank you from everyone at Solent Life and our sponsors London Camera Exchange in Fareham, for taking part in this year’s inaugural competition; it has been a joy, and a trial, picking out the winning shots. We look forward to sending out our 2012 Calendar within the coming weeks, it is something to be proud of. l
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@icegroup.co.uk
PORTCHESTER
MEMORIAL
GARDENS A place of peace and tranquillity
Six acres of beautiful landscaped gardens offering a final resting place for the burial of your loved one’s cremated remains along with an individual memorial.
Remembering Loved Ones… The final resting place for your loved one is of special importance. As a family run, privately owned and independently operated public Memorial Garden we have had the personal experience of losing close family members and are sympathetic and fully understand how important the grieving process can be. The gardens, linked together by meandering streams and pathways, are complemented by a beautiful lake and fountains which provide an unrivalled setting for reverence and reflection. Unlike most crematoriums whereby the ashes are scattered and a plot reference issued, we are able to offer a personal individual grave for ashes to be laid to rest by casket burial or grave scattering. All our graves can have a memorial stone to personalise the tribute. A ‘memorial only’ option is also available. Every year we hold a moving Memorial Service around our lake and temple area in remembrance of the deceased.
Christmas Memorial Service... Taking place on Sunday 18 December at 3.15 pm - a half hour service conducted by Lance Blake, chaplain of the Rowans Hospice. This year the service will begin with the release of 24 doves, followed by choir led carols and readings. After our minute’s silence, and lighting of the remembrance candle, families will receive a lantern to place at their loved one’s grave. The service will conclude with the sounds of a Highland Piper whilst hot refreshments, including mince pies and mulled wine, will be served.
Portchester Memorial Gardens, Upper Cornaway Lane, Portchester, Hampshire, PO16 8NF
Location: First left after crematorium entrance
01329 828250 | www.pmgardens.com
Valid Until 31/11/2011 solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…45
Local events across the Solent region.
on guide what’s
The Point, Eastleigh Tel… 02380 652333 Chichester Festival Theatre Tel… 01243 781312 Salisbury Playhouse Tel… 01722 320333 Mayflower Theatre Tel… 02380 711811 Theatre Royal, Winchester Tel… 01962 840440 King’s Theatre, Southsea Tel… 02392 828282 Tower Arts Centre, Winchester Tel… 01962 867986 Ferneham Hall Tel… 01329 231942 Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham Tel… 01329 310600 The Concorde Club Tel… 02380 613989
If you have anything going on, tell us here at Solent Life and we will include it in our feature Tel… 01489 583800 Fax… 01489 583803 Email…
whatson@solentlife.co.uk 46…
REVIEW ‘The Music Business’ is a phrase too often heard and with TV talent shows offering an easy route to fame and fortune it is a pleasure to discover a group of talented musicians who not only play just because they can, but also play for free so they can bring the community together. For one evening each month in search of simple enjoyment they perform to packed audiences to bring joy. The main membership core of the band CAHOOTS is Steve Allcock on lead guitar and vocals, Martyn Scott – bass and vocals, Steve Denholm – rhythm guitar and vocals and Paul Barrow on percussion and vocals; but they are often joined by fellow musicians and even their own children. Ten years ago they began as a two-piece but very soon became a quartet and now they play on the second Saturday of each month in the Grove Room of St John’s Church in Locks Heath; and they call it Spirit Café. The Spirit Cafe is a once a month music and entertainment night, hosted by Cahoots, that is a magnificent community tool, engaging with the local populace. “We are suckers for quality.” Martyn told Solent Life. “So even though we may be referred to as part-time performers we still have to get it right and, we must be getting something right as the audiences keep coming back each month.” Steve Allcock said, “What we do is about community so there are two sides to Cahoots. We love playing together, as well as having guest musicians join in and we love our audiences within the Spirit Café. We don’t take bookings, we don’t go out around other venues and this means that we control everything we do and get the maximum enjoyment from our music.” The popularity of Spirit Café with both young and old is testament to its relaxed and inclusive style. Entry is free and relies on nothing more than a donation box,
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
the Café always supports itself and profits are given back to St John's. Once a year they do an extra concert in aid of charity. Steve explained, “We started the charity concert, just because we could, and for once each year it’s nice to play to a bigger audience as well as raise money for a good cause.” This year’s concert will be held on Saturday October 8th, at 7.30pm in St Johns Church. Together with invited guests, they will be displaying their tight harmonies and intricate guitar work in the atmospheric setting of St John’s Church. Regular Café goers will know that these boys know how to put together a fun evening so call Cliff on 01489 559982 to book your tickets now as this will be a sell out. Tickets are £5 with all proceeds going to St John’s Church. Spirit Café is held on the second Saturday of the month at 8.00pm. Soft drinks and nibbles are provided. Bring your own wine or beer as we are not licensed for alcohol. If you have yet to try Spirit Café we would be very pleased to see you. Feel free to bring friends and have a good time! Further dates for SPIRIT CAFÉ 12th November and 10th December. Through donations at the Spirit Café over the years, Cahoots have raised in excess of £25,000 for various causes. www.stjohnslocksheath.org.uk/activities/ musical-life/spirit-cafe/
Events GHOST TRAIN Spooky goings on down in the woods this autumn when the Exbury Steam Train winds its way through the gardens with plenty of scares, surprises and spectres along the way. It is a great day out as the gardens take on the colours of autumn and you and the kids get to ride the steam Ghost Train as it winds its way past costumed characters, graveyards marked by skulls and pirates dispatching their victims. Harmless fun for kids of all ages, with skeletons, scarecrows and other ghoulish characters on route, dare you ride the Exbury Ghost Train? Enter the pitch-black tunnel at your peril. Full of interesting stories, dreadful puns & even more terrible jokes, played out by your spooky hosts Napoleon Bone-aparte and his sidekick Batty the Vampire! Look out too for some groan-inducing visual gags. Come in fancy dress and receive a free treat bag. Prebooking highly recommended for all dates. It’s all aboard for a Halloween “Phantom-mime”! EXBURY GARDENS, near Beaulieu in the New Forest. Sat 22nd October - Sun 30th October. Booking Office 023 8024 5750, currently between 9.30am - 4.30pm Mon-Fri. Ticket price £12.50 adults; £12 seniors; £11 groups (when booked in advance, 15 or more) and £5.50 children aged 3-15. A family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) £34.50. This includes entry costs to Gardens. GHOST HUNTERS Join the Hampshire Ghost Club as they embark on a paranormal investigation at the historic 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, the site of many spooky spectre sightings. Founded in 1204 when King John gave a gift of land to the Cistercian monks to
Children build a monastery. The largest Cistercian Abbey in England, it thrived for over 300 years until it was destroyed in the 1530s at the time of the dissolution of the Monasteries. The strange stories and legends surrounding Beaulieu Abbey have captured the imaginations of people from all walks of life, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and to this day, both staff and visitors to Beaulieu report glimpsing ghosts of the Abbey’s former inhabitants, as well as sounds and smells from eras past. Now the Hampshire Ghost Club are inviting members of the public to join them on a ghost hunt, with the paranormal sessions taking place on two nights around Halloween, beginning at 9pm and continuing through to 1pm. BEAULIEU ABBEY, on the 22nd and 31st October. Ticket prices are £50 per person, including hot drink refreshments, and are available to people aged 18+. Pre-booking for these sessions is essential, and you can reserve your place by telephoning 01590 612888. For more information, please visit www.beaulieu.co.uk ALL ABOARD THE SPINNAKER TOWER GHOST SHIP! Heading up a fleet of Ghost Ships, the Spinnaker Tower will be transformed this Halloween, with cobwebs, pirates and skeletons making the surroundings truly terrifying! Free* activities for the family will be held each day during half-term, from Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 October, with childfriendly pumpkin carving plus spooky ghost stories delivered on the view deck. Staff will also be getting in on the action, by dressing up in their most frightening Halloween costumes
to really complete the Ghost Ship makeover. THE SPINNAKER TOWER is open daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm (excluding Christmas Day). See www.spinnakertower. co.uk or call 02392 857520 to book in advance or to find out more! *Activities free with admission to the tower. SPOOKY HAPPENINGS Kids get to step-out with spooks, get down with ghouls and party with phantoms in Halloween Hip Hop, a spookythemed workshop for eight to 16 year-olds. Run by Eastleigh’s The Point’s professional dance team, the day-long class will get children into the spirit of Halloween by helping them to create a devilish dance routine using the latest Hip Hop moves and techniques. Halloween Hip Hop will take place at THE POINT in Eastleigh on Friday, October 28th from 10am to 4pm. No dance experience is necessary. Places cost £15. To book, contact the box office on 0238065 2333 or visit www.thepointeastleigh. co.uk WILDLIFE ART EXHIBTION A few months ago Sarah Morrish was one of our featured artists as the Artist in Residence of the wonderful and wild Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve. This area of natural beauty that is packed with wild and birdlife is an inspiration to naturalists, painters and photographers. Now there is the chance to combine a walk in the wild with some stunning lakes, with an exhibition of Sarah’s wonderful work. SWANWICK LAKES Study Centre, Sopwith Way, Swanwick, the exhibition is running from Friday 28th Oct until Sunday 30th October from 10am to 5pm daily.
Theatre THE FEATHERSTONEHAUGHS This is the farewell performance by the renowned all-male dance company of legendary choreographer Lea Anderson’s The Featherstonehaughs (pronounced Fanshaws). This farewell tour is the last chance to see the exquisite six-strong all-male company perform. Celebrating 25 years at the top of the contemporary dance world they will present a dynamic reworking of their 1998 classic hit show Draw On The Sketch Books Of Egon Schiele. Bursting with Anderson’s visionary choreography, the piece sees the dancers deliver a series of twisted and tortured tableaux and short, sharp sequences set against an entirely new score. The Point, Eastleigh on October 5th will also feature a unique opportunity to hear from choreographer Lea Anderson, who will deliver a Q&A session ahead of the show. For more details or to book tickets, call the box office on 023 8065 2333 or visit www. thepointeastleigh.co.uk DICK TURPIN’S LAST RIDE A dynamic new musical play about the most famous highwayman of all, daring robber, swashbuckling swordsman, adored by every woman, respected by every man... or thief and murderer who swung from the York gallows… What do you want to believe? Please note that this production is for those over 10 years of age only. The Nuffield Theatre, Southampton, Tues 11th – Sat 15th Oct at 7.30pm (& 3pm Sat 15) Tickets: £10.50 – £19 www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk
solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
…47
Business Directory Appliance Repairs
Builders
NO CALL OUT CHARGE DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS TUMBLE DRYERS OAP DISCOUNT DISHWASHERS COOKERS WASHING MACHINES SAME DAY SERVICE NO VAT NEW MACHINES SUPPLIED & FITTED FAMILY RUN BUSINESS
10%
DISCOUNT WITH THIS ADVERT
Garage Doors Do you have a computer? Not sure how it works? Do you want it explained in plain English?
Competitive ~ Extremely Reliable Honest
Solent Garage Doors S
* Fault Finding * Training * Software Installations * Virus Removal * Broadband & Wireless Set-up * Upgrades * PC’s Built to Your Specifications
New Builds Extensions/Renovations Loft Conversions Project Management Kitchen & Bathroom Installations All General Building Work Take a look at our website www.urban-developments.com
AREAS COVERED: Fareham, Stubbington, Lee-On-Solent, Gosport & Portchester
Contact Pete on: 07900 082882 02392 135938
www.for-matt.com * enquiries@for-matt.com
Chimney Sweeps
Free computer advice available 9am - 9pm, Mon - Sat
Tel: 01489 662012
Double Glazing Mob: 07833 323992 Double Glazing
BARR CHIMNEYS
Chimney Specialists Ltd 10% Discount on All Liners
PLEASE CALL MIKE ON:
07958 410101 01489 578476 Builders
Domestic Work Specialists • Fully Insured Fast, Clean, Reliable Service • All Areas Covered Vacuum & Brush • All Types of Cowls Fitted All Woodstoves Installed
T: 02392 648400 M: 07885 643638
www.barrchimneys.co.uk
15 Fairmead Walk, Cowplain, Waterlooville
Craft Supplies
Job Done
G
THE PREMIER GARAGE DOOR SPECIALIST
D
GARAGE DOORS SUPPLIED & FITTED
• MAINTENANCE FREE DOORS • UP AND OVER DOORS • ROLLER DOORS • SIDE HUNG DOORS • SECTIONAL DOORS • AUTOMATION TO NEW AND EXISTING DOORS • REPAIRS - SPRINGS CABLES - LOCKS ETC. FOR ALL MAKES OF DOORS. FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE OR ADVICE PHONE CHRIS ON 07500 926558 3 OAKTREE GARDENS, HEDGE END, SOUTHAMPTON, SO30 4AP EMAIL: SOLENTGARAGEDOORS@YAHOO.COM
TEL: 01489 786273 or 07500 926558
Kitchens
PG Windows Double glazing repair specialist v Misted & broken units replaced v Broken hinges & handles v Patio rollers v Locks for doors & windows v Supply & fit new windows v Doors & conservatories v Facias, soffits & cladding v All guttering replaced
Telephone Paul Graham on
07795 498889
Handyman Services
Bishops Waltham, Southampton
• Decorating • Tiling • Plumbing • Gardening • Coving • Plastering - no job too small -
Electricians
Give Graham a call on
MOB: 07969 112748 TEL: 01329 519149
MG Electrical Services Ltd Fully qualified electrician
Computer Services Porches • Extensions New Builds • Conservatories Double Glazing Windows & Doors Fascias, Soffits & Guttering Painting & Decorating Cut Glass to Order - Double Glazing Units Lee Davies
01329 833084 • 07767 394687
For a free quote call Matt on: 07771 905250 Fareham
Landscaping General Maintenance
HA H ANDY A NDY
advertise here… from as little as £30 per month.
Please contact us on
01489 583800 to find out more today!
48…
• Rewiring • Fuse boards • Testing & fault finding • Shower installation • Security lighting • Extra lighting & sockets • Power to garages & sheds
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
Est.1998
Property Maintenance Plumbing • Electrical Carpentry • Tiling Painting & Decorating
No job too small. Special rates to OAPs
Tel: 01329 511528 Mob: 07919 447794
Graham Thomas
Landscape & Construction Driveways, Patios, Paths & Walls Turfing, Fencing & Decking Ponds, Water Features & Drainage Block Paving Specialist 20 Years Experience Fully Insured, Free Quotations
Tel: 01329 315409/07970 780490 www.grahamthomasonline.co.uk
puzzlesection
the
mindgym Taxi Services
Grab a Cab Airports, Seaports, Clubs Local & Long Distance Wheelchair and pushchair friendly
6 7
1
01329 825045
8 3
9 5 3 4 2 1 6 1 4 5 8 6 2 4 9 8 5 3 4 9 7 1 2 8 6 7
Richard Nicholson PAINTING & DECORATING
FREE ESTIMATES NO OBLIGATION
TEL: 01489 581168 MOBILE: 07917 133223
Physiotherapy Upholstery
Hard Sudoku
7
2
4
8 6
☎ 01489 576555
FOR A FREE QUOTE
check your answers here! COPYRIGHT
With many thanks to www.sodoku-puzzles.net for the sudoku puzzles.
CALL JIM ON 07984 501822 2
www.rubbishclearanceandwasteremoval.co.uk Email: j.gildea1967@btinternet.com
1
Registration Number:CB/pn5511ul
8 4 5 1 6 9 7 2 3
Environment Agency
6 2 7 4 5 3 8 1 9
9 TIMES OUT OF 10 WE ARE CHEAPER THAN HIRING A SKIP AND WE DO ALL THE WORK!
3 9 1 2 7 8 4 6 5
ALL HOUSEHOLD, GARDEN, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL WASTE DISPOSED OF QUICKLY & PROFESSIONALLY INCLUDING ASBESTOS & METAL
4 5 6 8 3 7 1 9 2
COVERING THE SOLENT AREA FROM £40 PER LOAD 24 HOUR CALL OUT
solutions 2 7 3 5 9 1 6 4 8
RUBBISH CLEARANCE
1 8 9 6 2 4 5 3 7
Plumbing
5 6 4 3 8 2 9 7 1
Waste Removal
9 1 2 7 4 5 3 8 6
CALL JEFF ON 01489 576209 OR 07799 498494
Unit 22, Park Gate Business Centre Chandlers Way, Park Gate, SO31 1FQ
7 3 8 9 1 6 2 5 4
CLEAN, TIDY, RELIABLE
2
Southern Contract Furniture LTD
1 2 6 8 9 4 3 5 7
ALL PLASTERING WORK UNDERTAKEN - INTERNAL/EXTERNAL
on orders placed in OCTOBER
9 4 3 1 5 7 2 8 6
JEFF MARRIOTT
1
15% Discount
8 7 5 6 3 2 4 1 9
PLASTERER
2 7
to its former glory ● Great choice of latest fabrics ● Free home visits and quotations
8 7 9 5 3 5 2 3 6 1 8 3 1 8 4 9 7 3
5 6 9 2 4 3 1 7 8
Plasterers
● Restore your favourite furniture
6 2
solentlife.co.uk • OCTOBER 2011 •
4 3 1 7 8 5 6 9 2
LB PHYSIO
s
holstery Speciali st -Up Re Local Company T 023 9250 4403 M 0845 2411 865 E admin@coastalclinics.co.uk www.coastalclinics.co.uk
2
2 8 7 9 1 6 5 3 4
Painters
2 4 5 8 3
3 5 2 4 7 9 8 6 1
98 FUNTLEY ROAD, FUNTLEY, FAREHAM, HAMPSHIRE. PO17 SEE
Easy Sudoku
7 1 4 5 6 8 9 2 3
Jonathan Pearman: 07974 195874 William Pearman: 07793 116017 escapes@hotmail.co.uk
6 9 8 3 2 1 7 4 5
All Aspects of Hard & Soft Landscaping
• Patios & Decking • Pergolas & Pathways • Fencing • Water Features
Train your brain with our selection of puzzles. Solutions are printed at the bottom of the page...
…49
communitynews
October
community news Your essential guide to all the local news and events in your community OFF WITH A BANG St Anthony’s Primary School Fireworks and Bonfire Spectacular is on Saturday 5th November. Doors open at 4pm - arrive early (gates will close at 5pm). Fantastic fireworks display (6pm), brilliant bonfire (5pm), magnificent models and much more. Bring all the family and friends and enjoy the hog roast, bbq, luxury hot chocolate, mulled wine, toffee apples and many other delicious treats. There will be a pumpkin competition, stalls and games for all! Tickets on sale at the school on Primate Road, Titchfield Common from Friday 21st October - Adults £3, children £2, preschool children free, and family tickets available. KEEPING IT UP A brand new weekly ‘learn how to juggle’ class for beginners recently started at the Parish Centre in Alverstoke, Gosport, (right opposite the village church). The class is being run by local exprofessional juggler and entertainer Matt Blossom and the first session is totally FREE! After that it costs just £4 per week. All necessary equipment is provided and there is a pub close by for an after-juggle drink! The class runs every Thursday from 7.30pm-8.30pm until December 15th (but not on October 27th as it’s Half Term break). Anybody over the age of 15 is welcome. Please contact Matt on 02392 423615 Or email: alverstokejugglers@dramaticentrance.com to let them know you’re coming as it’s really useful they know numbers in advance. THE OVER 50s Wednesday meetings for the over 50’s Wednesdays @ the Well - weekly meeting place for the over 50’s at Jacob’s Well Family Church Hall, Layton Road, Bridgemary, Gosport. Interesting speakers,
50…
gentle keep fit, music, board games, quizzes and much more. £1 per session to include tea and biscuits. Contact Anne 01329 513383 or Irene 02392 502298 A NEW-LOOK ART The Friends of St Peter’s, Bishop’s Waltham will be hosting an exhibition of art by local artists and children on 15th and 16th October. What’s new about it? For the first time, it will be held in two places, St Peter’s Church and the Church Hall. In particular, the Hall will feature work from the children of Bishop’s Waltham Junior School on the theme of ‘My Olympics’. Entry is free, and there will be refreshments in the Hall. The event is both a fund-raising and a community event and has attracted 81 paintings from 23 exhibitors, in the Bishop’s Waltham, Meon Valley, Fareham and surrounding areas. GUILD GOINGS ON Fareham West Townswomen’s Guild meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month in St John’s Church Hall, St Michael’s Grove, Fareham at 2.15pm. The next meeting will be on 19th October when the speaker will be Steve Harris talking about “Manners, Mothers and Milkmen”. There are also coffee mornings, outings and various events. Visitors are very welcome. For more information please call Jackie Walker on 02392 298768 DOUBLE CHOIR… Portsmouth Choral Union with Southern Pro Musica Saturday 12th November 2011 at 7.30pm St Mary’s Church Portsea, Fratton Road Bach: Mass in B Minor Tickets £12 (concessions available) on the door and Portsmouth Choral Union Saturday 10th December 2011 at 7.30pm St Mary’s Church Portsea, Fratton Road Carols and Christmas Music Tickets £12 (concessions available) on the door Order in advance from Rosemary Kerridge 023 9282 2227 Email - rosemary.kerridge@saulet Website - www.pcuchoir.org.uk
• OCTOBER 2011 • solentlife.co.uk
GREAT SOUTH RUN Dame Ellen Macarthur, the record breaking yachtswoman, is to perform the starter’s duties at the Bupa Great South Run this October. Having broken the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe in 2005, she retired from professional sailing in September last year. The Bupa Great South Run, which was first staged in 1990, will take place on October 29th and 30th in Southsea, and has established itself as one of the most popular and prestigious road races in Europe. This year a record 24,000 entrants have been accepted. October 29th will see a new event, the Bupa Great South Run 5k, added to the calendar, alongside the traditional junior and mini runs for children; with Sunday 30th being reserved for the grownup runners completing the 10mile event. General entries have closed for the event, although a limited number of charities, including the Dame Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, have places available. Those interested in running as part of Ellen’s team should contact: mari-louise.white@emcancertrust.org Go to www.greatrun.org for more details of races and charities still looking for sponsored runners.
IF YOU HAVE A LOCAL EVENT You wish to promote then please contact us at info@solentlife.co.uk
Give your home...
a new lease of life this Autumn
Talk to us about your building project
Extensions, Garage Conversions, Interior Alterations, Plumbing, Plastering, Electrics, Tiling & Flooring
01489 565711 221 Locks Road, Park Gate www.justhomeimprovements.co.uk info@justhomeimprovements.co.uk
Just
Home I M P R O V E M E N T S