Solent Life Magazine July Fareham

solentlife.co.uk JULY 2011

l

ISSUE 48

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visiting a

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living life to the full outdoors your guide to local events

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contents

welcome ISSUE 48 • JULY 2011

FAREHAM EDITION

It surprised me to realise that I have now been at the helm of Solent Life for over six months now. It has been demanding, exciting, thrilling, rewarding and a huge education. Most of all it has been about getting to know our readers and customers.

As I go to various events, I meet so many people that feed back and contribute to the ideas and content of the magazine – Solent Life really is a community publication,inspired by the community, about the community. Little wonder we get so many kind and encouraging words.

So here we are in July – the longest day is behind us and we should be looking forward to the warm weather of summer. We had a good April – as seems to be typical of the past few years, and the approaching summer days are typified by the rain becoming warmer! Let’s hope it improves before the school summer holidays get under way.

Our ‘his and hers’ road test this month features the spacious Kia Sportage; a great family car for those holiday getaways. We offer an insight into the secret world of the Freemasons and dispel a few myths along the way, and also show the clever skills of ‘sniffer’ dogs used at Southampton’s cruise terminals. Add in a great interview, a brilliant day or evening walk, ideas about where to go and what to do during the holidays and I think we have the spectrum of who, what and where covered once again.

06 19

Have a great month and enjoy getting ready for those holidays.

28

contactus

in this issue…

Tel… 01489 583800 • Fax… 01489 583803 Online… www.solentlife.co.uk • Email… info@solentlife.co.uk

16… Southsea Striped Hut • Fruit and Veg –

features

Solent Life Magazine WEBB HOUSE, 20 BRIDGE ROAD, PARK GATE, HAMPSHIRE, S031 7GE

theteam

at the seaside!

19… Schools Out for Summer • Things to do and places to go for the School Holidays

22… Botley Masonic Centre • Demystifying the secret world of Freemasonry

Editorial

Dave Hill – Managing Editor Tel… 01489 583743 • Email… davehill@solentlife.co.uk David Rose-Massom – Senior Journalist Email… editorial@solentlife.co.uk

Advertising Sales Abby Champkin Tel… 01489 583815 Email… abby@solentlife.co.uk

Janet Grimm Tel… 01489 583800 Email… janet@solentlife.co.uk

Tina Maggs Tel… 01489 584057 Email… tina@solentlife.co.uk

Barbara Smith Tel… 01489 584010 Email… barbara@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: 15th July 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.

30… The Interview • The Vice Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth

42… Real Life Drama • Taking on the Fastnet Race

regulars 06… Millennium Trail • A day and night walk

in Old Portsmouth

10… Artist Review • The Art of Reborning 12… Coast and Country • We explore Stansted Park in Summer

26… Restaurant Review • A former floating bridge and a hidden gem on Hamble River

28… Road Test • This month we drive the Kia Sportage 34… Gardening • Enjoying the fruits of your labours 37… Back to Nature • Up close and personal with insect life

46… What’s On Guide • Reviews, events, theatre and music coming your way

49… Mindgym • Try out our latest puzzles solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

…03

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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.

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Every year we hold a moving Memorial Service around our lake & temple area in remembrance of the deceased.

04…

• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

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solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

…05

day&nightwalk

day&night walk As the sun began to set on a stunning day, the realisation that my afternoon walk had moved into evening brought about awareness that this waterfront walk had something to offer by the light of the sun or the glow of a full moon. words & images • david rose-massom

B

eing a Gosport resident, I was already aware of the Millennium Walk that follows the waterfront on my side of Portsmouth Harbour and I have followed that path marked by chain-link-designed tiles in the ground many times. What had failed to sink in, however, was the fact that this well-marked route crosses the narrow channel and continues on toward Southsea. The green ferry carried me across the busy harbour from Gosport to Portsmouth. Two large grey naval ships sat along the quayside of the Naval Dockyard.

Behind them sprouted the empty masts of HMS Victory and the ferry pulled into its pontoon alongside Warrior, which glistened in summer sunshine.

The path works its way through Gunwharf Quays – no retail therapy today – and out into the Isle of Wight ferry terminal.

Following the footpath is an easy and pleasant stroll along the waterfront. It was

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• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

already lunchtime and the clean frontage of A-Bar and Bistro stood in front of me with pavement café tables awaiting diners.

A late afternoon snack of delicious prawn and mango salad and I was ready to explore the back streets and waterfront of Old Portsmouth.

At night the fishing port of Camber Quay is even more colourful with its trawlers and the reflection of lights on the water of the enclosed quay; across the way stands an attractive pub with a wonderful mural depicting historic scenes of Old Portsmouth painted brightly on one outside wall. The fishermen were gone, no doubt getting ready for an early morning start, and their boats sat silently and still down in the dimlylit harbour. A seemingly romantic profession by night, a hard one in the cold light of day!

By day the new houses and apartments surrounding the quay are built in a style in keeping with the surroundings, among them old buildings such as the white-planked boathouse, where on a nest built from flotsam and jetsam a pair of swans, with a clutch of three eggs, busied themselves

keeping the nest tidy and waterproof.

The pathway works its way through a narrow alley between the buildings and emerges into bright sunshine, across the road the grey edifice that is the historic walls keeping the sea and the houses apart, in front of the walls various sculptures and statues.

The ‘chain’ underfoot turns right and heads toward Spice Island; the shops are closed and the cafés shut for the evening. Across the road a plaque tells the story of the D-Day offensive and the men and ships that left from the shores nearby. Down the middle of the cobbled road are the vestiges of the old tram lines. I am of an age that can just about recall the trams that ran around Portsmouth, and can remember watching them as a (very) young boy. Another link to the past is the Brickwoods Ales legend on the front of the pub, this local and long

defunct brewery almost as famous as the harbour itself.

Standing at the mouth of Camber Quay for a while I looked up to the blue-lit Spinnaker Tower, its lights and the lights of the busy Gunwharf restaurants reflected on the still waters of the harbour.

As if reflecting the nature of a real chain, the artistic links twist and turn and come back on themselves, now passing the old Customs House, its white-boarded walls bright against the deep blue of a darkening evening sky. The buildings down the narrow lanes still show signs and clues of their former lives as warehouses. Look overhead and beams project from the roofs, some still with remnants of pulleys and ropes that were once used to haul goods from ship to shore. Listen carefully and with a little imagination it is still possible to hear the shoremen shout and grunt as they pull on the ropes and lift the bales. At this point it is impossible not to think of the famous ships that have sailed past the Round Tower – ships such as Victory, Warrior, Invincible and Ark Royal, as well as the fateful Mary Rose as she sailed out to battle the French, only to have Henry VIII watch from the walls as she toppled and sank in the Solent.

On 19th July 1545 Mary Rose was part of an English fleet that sailed out of Portsmouth to engage the French. It is thought that after firing one broadside she was turning to fire a second when water flooded into the open gun ports, causing her to suddenly capsize in front of the King who was watching from the shore.

Alongside the Round Tower is Capstan

Square. The base of the capstan that gives it the name still remains, and it was used to pull a chain up across the harbour entrance in order to close it off. Although the sun was now setting there were no longer chains to be raised.

At this point the chain-tiles climb the steep steps and travel along the ramparts; if you are not fit enough to climb, the walkway passes alongside the walls with plenty of opportunities to see through the gates to the sea. In the distance the bright lights of Southsea funfair give a colourful beacon to aim for.

Atop the walls broad ramparts open out to the stunning views across the Solent spread out before you and full of craft by daylight, spectacular and almost abandoned at night, soft and romantic. This is a view that kings, queens and admirals have seen throughout naval history.

On the other side of the wall a statue of Nelson stands looking out to sea for all time and behind him the roofless Garrison Church. By day the interior is open and well worth visiting; at night the tower is lit and the part ruin sits in splendid isolation.

The Garrison Church is a beautiful building but the interior remained a secret to me until

this walk. The church is open Mondays to Saturdays from 11.00 am till 4.00 pm and stepping through the roofless section into the interior is a moment of awe. The stained-glass windows are amazing, the altar dappled with the light that has filtered through the coloured sections, the pews ornately carved and lining either wall. It is a beautiful, jaw-dropping experience.

The homes and buildings in Old Portsmouth are also things of beauty and once through the Grand Parade sitting amid a tree-lined square is Portsmouth Cathedral, its domed steeple sitting high in the sky, and around the walls gargoyles look down on passersby, one a stunning and scary half skull. I expected the building to be lit at night and this was the only disappointment of my moonlight part of the stroll.

Wandering from street to street it is easy to imagine what life through the ages was like in this old part of the waterfront, and before long my river-like meanderings brought me back to the A–Bar and Bistro where I had eaten lunch some few hours previously.

By day the views around Old Portsmouth are wonderful and inspirational, at night there is a softness to everything, but no matter what time of day it is impossible not to recognise the history of the area or get wrapped up in its story that is still being told to this day. It is easy to get lost in this history and sometime you may just imagine you have seen Nelson or Henry VIII as they look out to the Solent and watch the ships that sail there.

If you do not wish to start from the Gosport side of the Millennium Walk there are plenty of parking spots in and around Old Portsmouth where you can start your walk and discover the chain-link tiles in the ground. ★

solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

…07

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Bargain Rail £20 per item Port Solent’s first Harvester Salad & Grill, which opened last year, is proving very popular with local residents and visitors to the area. Manager of Harvester Port Solent, Cristina Santamaria, said: “This is a fantastic site for a Harvester in Portsmouth and the inviting atmosphere we’ve created here is proving very successful. We’re looking forward to welcoming many more guests through our doors throughout the summer and beyond.”

Freshly prepared main courses on Harvester’s Salad & Grill menu start at just £4.99, and that price includes unlimited trips to the famous Harvester Salad Cart. The menu gives guests the option of picking their own grill, sauce and side with 1,575 combinations to choose from, but complete Earlybird meals are also available all day everyday. Calorie information is also now printed on Harvester Port Solent’s menus, for individual dishes including starters, mains, sauces, sides and desserts; enabling customers to choose a meal appropriate to their taste, eating-out occasion or personal calorie preference.

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Gallery 77 We specialise in a large range of ever changing artisan crafted and original traditional toys, gifts, glass, fine art and jewellery.

New and exclusive to us:- Tanya Igic and Banyan - makers of contemporary jewellery. We are also proud to showcase an ever changing range of local and National artists. We are always looking for new crafters and artisans and will happily consider beautiful art and craft.

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High Street, Lee-on-the-Solent (Opposite church) 02392 556352 • info@gallery-77.co.uk

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…09

artistreview

Jayne Seddon of Tinkerbell Creations may be somewhat of a surprise choice for this month’s Solent Life artist review – her craft is the art of reborning. words & images david rose-massom

R

eborning is the term for taking vinyl doll parts and creating a life like collectable baby doll complete with a rooted head of hair.

“Our business is worldwide but I am very keen to develop the craft workshop side of what we do here,” she continued. “We may have the world as our market place thanks to the Internet but we are a local business and would like local people to know about us. As artists and a business we would like to build up the craft workshops that we have begun here and also teach more the crafts that are involved in the doll-making.”

Watching Jayne work was an experience as she laid a bald head into a coiled towel to keep it still while working, then, with a lamp that warmed the vinyl to make it more malleable and workable, with deft hands she inserted individual hairs, one hair for each follicle in the scalp. Once the very realistic process is completed the inside of the scalp is glued to keep the tiny hairs in place. “We

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• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

use goat hair for the process as it is the most realistic; we actually process the raw hair here and send that out to our customers around the world as well.”

When Jayne mentions worldwide, she really means worldwide! “That includes most European countries including the likes of Russia, Poland, Scandinavia, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium and Portugal. We have customers across the USA and Canada as well as Mexico, South America, South Africa, Asia and Australia. I think it would be hard to find a country I have not sent to!” she admitted; it felt as if Antarctica was the only continent missed.

“People have always collected dolls.”

“I am an artist and I have always been involved in crafts of some description and my hobby spread into dolls through basketware crafts. I went to a wholesaler and saw a crib thinking it would be nice to create a quality doll to go in it,” Jayne continued. “So I signed up for a workshop on creating porcelain dolls and realised I wanted to make a career of it.”

First Jayne began in the trade side of the market, supplying forty shops here in the UK and internationally. “I was supplying porcelain dolls and the market began to slow down just as the popularity of vinyl began to grow, and from that reborns came on the scene. The trend for these new collectables was drifting over from the States and a lot of people wanted to buy from the UK as they had faith in the way that we do things in Britain and the quality of our workmanship.

“There are some brilliant artists around the world doing this but we are building a strong reputation because of our quality.

My standards are very high and I use only the best of materials in order to produce a high quality end item that collectors will be proud of.”

The end product could be in kit form or the completed collectable doll. Kits and the equipment for beginners start at around £100. It is quite an expensive hobby to get involved in which is why I suggest taking a workshop to learn the techniques and

skills needed. That said, once the reborn is completed at the end of the course the end product can be sold to recoup the money spent on learning how to produce it. That way the hobby virtually pays for itself.”

Jayne opened her Titchfield unit just eighteen months ago but she has been in the industry for twenty years. “I still really enjoy doing this and I got into the supply business totally by accident,” she admitted.

“I was teaching myself how to use eBay and was listing stuff I no longer needed and because I was in the craft business and had contacts people started asking for different things and it just grew organically from there.

“It seemed as if I suddenly looked up and had created a new business. Before too long I was so busy with getting supplies out I had to employ staff.”

What types of people are into collecting these dolls and reborns? “There are few men collectors and male reborners – that’s what the artists who produce them are known as – so it is not just a female hobby. These are not toys for youngsters; they have glass eyes and do not conform to toy safety standards.

They are not designed to be played with but some older children do start their own collections and take great care of them.”

While watching her work it was amusing to note that there were reflections of reality as on the worktable there were cotton buds

and wet-wipes, possibly for those little accidents.

“We are very keen to get more local people interested and make them aware of this wonderful craft and artform. Owners do get attached to their reborns but very much in the same way as a model railway enthusiast will get totally involved with their train set-up.

“The pleasure is in the artistic creation and then the look on someone’s face when they want to add it to their collection. That makes it exciting both as someone in business and as an artist.” l

Tinkerbell Creations, St Margarets Lane, Titchfield PO14 4BQ Call Jayne Seddon on 01329 849086 for workshop details. www.tinkerbellcreations.co.uk Email tinkerbell.creations@talktalk.net

solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

…11

coast&country

a house

in the country

No matter what part of England you are in there is a country house that seems to rule the roost over the landscape, and here in the Solent Life region we are blessed with some true wonders. One such estate is Stansted Park which sits on the border between Hampshire and West Sussex and has something to amuse everyone. words & images • david rose-massom

S

tansted Park sits on the edge of the attractive village of Rowlands Castle and is set in 1,800 acres of ancient forest and parkland. Such is the beauty and charm of the landscape in which the house stands that Lord Bessborough entitled his book about Stansted Enchanted Forest. It all began with a hunting lodge in the forest 800 years ago, and after several owners and a disastrous fire in 1900 the present mansion was rebuilt on the footprint of a 17th century house and the estate became the home of the Earls of Bessborough in 1924. The ancient chapel of St Paul now stands on the site of the first great house and Lord Bessborough’s book tells the complete story of Stansted Park since the 12th century. As he states in his book: ‘…when such a house is situated, as Stansted is, in the midst of an ancient enchanted forest which still exists today, its romance is irresistible.’

A large car park sits between the wellstocked garden centre and the entrance to the miniature train which chuffs its way around the beautiful gardens. Through a five-bar gate is a gravel courtyard where delicious aromas drift from Salon du Chocolate and where workshops show how to form Belgian chocolate into something

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• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

special, and a small shop sells the wares produced by proprietor and chocolatier Dawn. Opposite with gifts, beads and workshops of the creative crafts are Kate and Marion with Buttercup Blue; here visitors can learn everything from rug ragging to creative writing. Further through on the way to the gardens and grounds is The Studio, which is a working pottery and shop space, selling contemporary handmade ceramics, textiles, jewellery and artworks, as well as some vintage goodies. Everything sold in the studio is made locally.

Through a gap in the wall, and the newest addition to Stansted puzzles, entertains and amuses visitors in equal levels – the new yew maze built in the walled garden. Its design is based on the largest maze in Italy; it is just 20 per cent smaller, but still as tricky. In one corner there is a raised stage area where the less adventurous can stand on high and watch the progress of lost friends and relatives as they follow dead-end paths and false circular routes before finally arriving (hopefully) at the centre gazebo. Then the laughter begins once more as they try to retrace their steps back out again.

The tearoom, is situated in a lovely glasshouse and serves only the best in food and has great service. Plenty of outside

tables for alfresco dining and lawns to sit on and enjoy the summer sun as it warms the air in the shelter of the walled garden.

Then there is the house, the wonderful house with its works of art, with its tableau of Lord Bessborough’s office, left just as it was the very last day he sat in it. Then there are the well-preserved servants’ quarters, a true story of upstairs and downstairs.

The downstairs part of the house is a true step back in time, almost a living history lesson: the kitchens, the wine cellar and, most telling of all, the butler’s quarters that show the importance of his rank within the household.

As far as English country houses go Stansted Park is among the crème de la crème. It has a little of everything, a fascinating history, magical works of art which show a great love of exotic birds for His Lordship, an insight into how they lived above stairs and an amazing look at the hardship for those in service. And if the children get bored give them a ride on the model railway that winds its way around the gardens. And all of this is set within an enchanted forest – English countryside at its very best. l

Le Salon Du Chocolat

Rowlands Castle PO9 6DX

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Why not Indulge someone special with a Chocolate Experience, A unique workshop totally devoted to the art of chocolate moulding, with specialist machines holding kilograms of liquid chocolate that is just waiting to be sculpted into a range of delicious take home treats.

T: 02392 413350 E: dawn@lesalonduchocolat.co.uk www.lesalonduchocolat.co.uk

SUMMER at Stansted Park Stansted House & Chapel open Sundays-Wednesdays 1pm-5pm 10-minute TALKS AT 2pm EVERY TUESDAY free with normal house admission.

NEW Stansted Maze open every day in school holidays 11-4pm FAMILY EVENTS EVERY WEDNESDAY IN AUGUST! 3rd August 1-4pm The Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Half-price family admission -no need to book.

10th August 6.30pm. The Pantaloons present The Canterbury Tales: Open-air theatre fun. Advance tickets £10/£6 AVAILABLE NOW call 01799 528 406 17th August 1-3pm Walk the Arboretum Free family walks from the House. No need to book 24th August 1-4pm Portraits Day: Upstairs- Downstairs dressing up. Half-price family admission - no need to book

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The Pavilion Hidden within 1800 acres of ancient woodland on the hampshire and west sussex border, the blissful Pavilion offers morning coffees, light lunches and afternoon cream teas, seven days a week from 9am and can be found in the restored Fig House of Stansted Park.

The Pavilion and Vine House, Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire 02392 413432 E: events@paviliontearoom.co.uk www.paviliontearoom.co.uk

solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

…13

Solent Day Care Solent Day Care is a fantastic new day centre for adults, we would pride ourselves in being the only private centre of its kind. We offer much more than the average day care can offer we support each client as individuals and provide activities to meet each person’s personal needs.

Outings can be arranged to go shopping, or down to coffee shop to watch the world go by.

We strive to provide the very best, we just want you to smile and have fun...

For some of our younger visitors we can arrange sailing and water sports under strict trained conditions. Some of these boats are equipped with full wheelchair facilities.

We have activities to suit most needs and if we don’t have it we will endeavour to get it.

We have set fees of £65 a day with no hidden extras this includes your day at the centre, travel covering a large area, snacks and drinks throughout the day, and a lunch and sweet prepared by a chef that has been in top hotels for the past 30 years. Wine and beers can be served with your meal if you wish at no extra cost.

All clients will be assessed before placement is offered but all diversities are catered for. We do except clients that receive financial support from funding and government grants.

We can also arrange respite care, and half days, and hourly rates please call and ask for details.

Have a few days well deserved break and know that your loved ones are in a very special caring environment.

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A little comfort goes a long way The team at the Comfort Centre in Stubbington are always on the look out for new and interesting products to enable people to live the fullest life possible. This family business has become a reliable and friendly source of all types of mobility aids to aid daily living and add comfort, security and peace of mind.

The team from the Comfort Centre are able to visit you in your own home to assess your needs and show you the best products for your ongoing needs and because their small shop is so extensively stocked you are welcome to ‘try before you buy’ with no obligation.

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Your friendly local source of:

Mobility Scooters & Accessories • Wheelchairs Powerchairs • “Cosyfeet” Footwear • Adjustable Beds Bathlifts • Stairlifts • Rise & Recliner Chairs

● W e can of fer you that deserved rest and look af ter your loved ones to the highest standard. ● We can collect you from your home and return you at the end of the day. ● W e provide a full meal at lunch time and snacks and drinks during the day when you are at the centre. ● All inclusive with the £65 set day rate with no hidden cost. ● W e provide care for age groups 18 to 100 plus half day and hourly rates are available on request. ● W e are a person centred day care and provide activities to meet all needs of the individuals attending. ● All staf f have NVQ qualifications in care.

The centre is run by Mrs. Jan Loman (Cooper) who has 28 years experience in all fields of care.

The centre has the following facilities: Wheelchair access • disabled toilets • sleep/medical room We have pool tables • darts • cards • dominoes • baking aromatherapy • indoor golf • skittles • horse racing • bingo and much much more.

Tel: 02392 522773 for more information 14…

• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

112 Stubbington Lane • Stubbington PO14 2PE

(within the Crofton Conservatory Centre) Free parking directly outside our shop

Call on 01329 661100 or visit between: 9.30am & 5.00pm Tuesday to Saturday – or we can come to you!

www.comfortcentre.co.uk

solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

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businesspeople

businesspeople

the

stripedhut Anyone who has promenaded along the seafront at Southsea in recent months could not have failed to notice that near to Clarence Pier a red and white striped hut has appeared, selling – not exactly what you would expect along the seafront – fruit and vegetables, as well as potted plants and some craft pieces. Solent Life just had to discover more and so spent a sunny afternoon at the seaside chatting with local businesswoman Sue Stokes. words & images • david rose-massom

D

avid Evans is the Seafront Manager and I was continually hassling him to let me set up a stall on the seafront and it was him who suggested using the striped hut that had been in front of Southsea Castle,” she explained.

“Although I was a window dresser by trade I am also a trained florist but I wanted to do something in a different way,” she continued, “not only do it differently but do something that had a positive effect on the seafront as well as helping local growers, artisans and the community, almost as a collective.

I worked closely with organisations such as the Shaw Trust – they use gardening as a learning tool for people with various disabilities – as well as with others in the community who produce plants and produce as well as some arts and crafts.

When this striped box came up I just leapt at the opportunity.”

Although this is a small business and Sue has to make a living, because of what she is doing for the community as well as life along the seafront she is being helped by several very welcome volunteers. She also has artists such as Lyndon, who paints stones, helping her.

“The shape of the stones give me the inspiration. I look at the stone and immediately know what it will become.

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• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

Art has always been a hobby but earlier somewhere that will add to its beauty and this year I began painting these stones; be a comfortable place for people to come it will never make a living for me but it is and enjoy. I want it full of colour and vibrant, great being part of the collective that Sue with the smell of the flowers. has begun,” he told us. “There are several “Over the summer months and into the volunteers who give up their time to help autumn, even with this small beginning, we but it is not just about being in business, can attract more local growers and local we are influencing what happens on the artists. The environment here is a social one. seafront. It is a beautiful We want local crafts venue that is underand producers, we utilised.” want local people, as As we stood talking well as all the visitors, in the spring sunshine to come and see us My dream is that one day visitors came and and I suppose we want went, and friends to start a movement!

I will have a flower café here dropped by for a chat But in amongst all on the seafront, somewhere and to purchase some this goodness we do that will add to its beauty and still have to make a produce, and that produce is in prime small living so we want be a comfortable place for condition and good and need to do this people to come and enjoy. quality; the potted properly.” plants are also healthy So next time you visit and seem to thrive here on the waterfront. the seafront and are busy licking your iceInside and outside the hut the arts and cream, keep your eyes open for a bright, crafts are also beginning to arrive and be red and white striped hut. Go and say hello displayed. Sue though does have a vision for to Sue, or one of her volunteers, and buy the future. yourself a nice pot plant, some fine produce “There are so few waterfront cafés with or even a bit of local art. Join in with the outside tables looking out to sea. If this was community that she has begun. l the Continent we would be bristling with them,” she said. “My dream is that one day I will have a flower café here on the seafront,

Full range of home furnishings, sofas, dinning room tables and chairs, and hand made iron antique and wooden beds. High end products at amazing prices!

Tel: 023 92 177068 Email: sales@bedsofhay.co.uk Unit 15 Mumby Road, Gosport, PO12 1AA

www.bedsofhay.co.uk

solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

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● Grass and Hedge Cutting ● Garden Maintenance and Clearance ● Tree Surgery ● Features & Landscaping ● New Patios & Repairs ● Water Features

● All Types of Fencing, Trellis, Gates, Edging ● Pathways, Walls ● Decking, Turfing ● Block Paving ● Driveways

To view our recent projects go to: www.brisonlandscapes.co.uk or email: brisonlandscapes@aol.com For a no obligation quote, please contact: Brian Thompson, 11 Oak Coppice Road, Whiteley, PO15 7GU

01489 587146 • 07731 425552 18…

• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

Why not check us out online?

Scan the QR code on your smart phone for a direct link to the Solent Life website!

Keep up to date on the move, read this months features and enter our competition!

Visit our website at: www.solentlife.co.uk

school’s out

the great

outdoors

Six long weeks, children gazing out of the window, toys strewn across the floor and the weather cannot decide whether it will be bright and shiny or cloudy and rain-filled. What to do with the little mites, where to go and how to keep them amused? The question asked by parents throughout time, and still no answers.

On Gosport there are several wildlife havens such as Browndown, with its shoreline and roe deer that roam freely, and Noah Lake with its varied birdlife. These are open, free and a great way to burn some of the energy from the hyperactive.

words & images • david rose-massom

Fresh air and open spaces – the best game a child can learn to play!

I

t can be an expensive time through the summer holidays, so what to do where cost is not an option and trips to the likes of Paultons, Beaulieu or venues such as swimming pools and aquariums become a reward for the well-behaved among your flock? The good news is that we are blessed with some wonderful nature trails, coastlines and all sorts of fun and frolics to keep not only the children occupied but the adults amused as well. Even the likes of Manor Farm are not an expensive day out and as well as fun they can also be highly educational in a sneaky way.

Despite the modern phenomenon of the electronic game, my now grown-up children still find it hard to believe that in my early days we had just one TV channel, no video, let alone DVD, and a computer was a huge unimaginable thing housed in a giant warehouse. I even recall my father asking, as yet another new invention hit the news, “Who is going to watch colour television? I can’t see that catching on.” And he meant it!

Thankfully my parents were made of sterner stuff and the long days of summer were

spent walking and wandering around the New Forest, where entry was then and still is free, strolling along beaches and taking nature trails. It was called the great outdoors and it is as relevant now as it was all those years ago. In fact, because of the habit-forming computer game, getting your children into that huge playroom called The Outdoors has become even more important.

I recently spent a very rainy day on a jetty that pokes out into the River Hamble watching families crabbing. The cost: a net, a crab line and a pack of streaky bacon for bait. The result was half a day of laughter, squeals of joy and a varied collection of crabs that were soon released back into the wild.

On Southampton Common are some wonderful walks and great cycle paths, a lake to float a toy boat, an ornamental lake for fishing and The Hawthorns, a wonderful little wildlife park inside the walls of what was the city’s zoo. The park with its ponds and wildlife is situated on the south-east corner of the Common and provides information about the city’s abundant wildlife and how it is managed.

Weather turning very English with rain and threatening clouds? Well, you could always get the wellies out of the back of the shed and get them wrapped up against the conditions. One of my favourite pastimes as a child was to explore low tide rock pools in the rain. For safety tide tables are available on-line or at some libraries and you can always pop into the local harbourmaster’s office or TIC and get a copy.

Rain stops play? Then Discovery Centres, libraries and even many bookstores have story sessions for the very young, while the slightly older can discover the joy of books, of turning the page and getting lost in magical adventures.

There is a wealth of adventure and knowledge out there to keep them amused every day of the summer. Take a series of Solent Life walks; each and every one of them will be a mini-adventure for you and your children. There is no need with the cry of ‘school’s out’ to panic; enjoy the moment and get out there into the wilderness with them. Their childhood will soon be over and you may have missed a golden opportunity for something special shared with them. l

solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

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KC’S JEWELLERY & BEADS Hand Made Unique Jewellery & Bead Supplier

Choose from hundreds of ready made designs, or even have a go at making your own stunning jewellery Adult & Children’s parties and one to one lessons available Costume Jewellery Repairs Undertaken

02392 179961 • 07800 889462

We welcome all our customers, old and new, to a bigger, better KS’S Jewellery & Beads.

6 Portland Buildings, Stoke Road, Gosport PO12 1JH

Meet the villagers dressed in historic period costume who will involve you and your children in their daily lives at the start of the English Civil War. We offer you an almost unique educational and entertaining experience not to be missed.

01329 846 186 www.littlewoodham.org.uk Little Woodham Lane, Howe Road, Rowner, Gosport, PO13 8AB

Jane Austen’s House Museum Jane Austen’s House Museum & Chawton House Library have joined forces to present an outdoor production of Jane Austen’s classic Sense & Sensibility. 2011 is the 200th anniversary of the publication of this book, the first of Jane Austen’s work to be published.

Chawton House, once the home of Jane’s brother Edward provides the perfect setting for this outdoor performance. There will also be the opportunity to attend a Champagne reception at Jane Austen’s House Museum before the performance.

The performance takes place on Friday 5th August at 7.30pm.

The grounds of Chawton House will open at 6.30pm for picnics.

Audience members should bring their own rugs or low-backed seating.

Tickets and Information from Jane Austen’s House Museum (01420) 83262 or it is possible to book online at www.seetickets.com Tickets cost Adults £15 / Concessions £12.50 / Children £10 / Families (2 Adults & 2 Children) £40, VIP tickets including Champagne Reception £40.00

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• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

Kit List Camping

Iconic Rental Specialising in the rental of Vintage American Airstream Travel Trailers, for just about any occasion whether it be a fun weekend away, a festival, or even a weeks family holiday, our Airstreams are all unique, rare and have their own individual personalities we are able to supply our trailers themed if you also wish. Prices start from £100 per night.

01489 877806 07786 725343 07810 455425 E: info@iconicrental.com www.iconicrental.com

Kit List Camping = Stress Free Camping We Specialise in hiring out tents and camping equipment.

Collect from our workshop or we can deliver to the campsite of your choice, we'll even put the tent up for you! We also sell a wide range of camping accessories.

Unit 2, Eastlands Boatyard, Swanwick, Southampton, SO31 7GW 01489 571973 www.kitlistcamping.co.uk

carry on

glamping Lazy Days Campers

Sunnydale Farm Sunnydale Farm Camping and Caravan Park Open all year for tents, motorhomes and caravans and only 3 miles East of Southampton City Centre with 40 level fully serviced pitches (12 hardstanding).

Close to bus routes and Royal Victoria Country Park. Modern toilets, showers & laundry room with indoor dishwashing facilities.

Sunnydale Farm, Grange Road, Netley Abbey, Southampton, SO31 8GD 023 8045 7462 or 0788 305 8823 E: sunnydalefarm@tiscali.co.uk www.sunnydalefarm.co.uk

VW Campervan hire, are a family run VW Camper rental business based in beautiful Chichester on the South Coast.

Our beautiful Camper is a 1973 Westfalia called Lenny. Our Lenny comes complete with all you need for an adventure (stove, fridge, all the cooking gubbins you’ll need and enough room to sleep 5 people) An awning (with 2 berth inner tent), bike rack, etc.... So, come and grab yourself some Lazy Days - you deserve it!

Lazy Days Campers Ltd, 15 Wilton Close, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 8QY 07890 565232 E: relax@lazydayscampers.co.uk www.lazydayscampers.co.uk

Kamper Hire Hit the road in a new VW T5 California camper van this summer. Vans sleep four and comes fully equipped with everything you need for life on the road. This style of camping offers total freedom and flexibility, whether you’re planning a trip to France or a week in the West Country.

Wallops Wood Farm, Droxford, SO323QY. 0845 226 7869 www.Kamperhire.co.uk

solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

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daysout

BOTLEY MASONIC CENTRE Brook Lane, Botley SO30 2ER Telephone: 01489 786615 PUBLIC OPEN DAY 9th July from 11.00 am till 4.00 pm where visitors can discover how Freemasonry is working in their community.

The day will include a special FASHION SHOW with Davina’s of Fareham from 12.30 to 1.30 pm. www.botleymasoniccentre.co.uk

freemasons open day It comes as somewhat of a surprise to discover that a society generally believed to be secret is holding an open day. Solent Life decided to visit the Botley Masonic Centre to discover what was going on. words • david rose-massom

A

lthough there will be static displays at the Open Day we will all be here to put a face to the Masons so that visitors can see the pleasure and joy of what we do,” Bob Collins, a Past Master of his lodge, told us when we visited the Centre. His colleague on the day was the Botley Centre Company Secretary Barry Wild and he added, “Freemasonry is a code, a moral code for good citizenship.”

Barry explained further. “It is not a secret society but it has been in the past; it is better to say that we are a society with some secrets. How can we be secretive when so many books have been written about Freemasons and there is also a wealth of information on the Internet?”

Bob Collins explained about the beginnings of the Masons and its reasons for being.

“Nobody is sure how the Masons began but it is said it was first formed from the moral behaviour of the stonemasons. One of the criteria for being a Mason is that we all believe in a supreme being, through whatever faith we follow. We have to have a belief and we have total tolerance for all beliefs; no one is excluded.”

Throughout England and Wales there are almost 8,000 lodges with 330,000

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Freemasons. There are almost six million Freemasons worldwide and that Masonry is a body of men brought together for the sake of mutual intellectual, social and moral improvement. Religious or political discussion is not permitted in any of the lodges.

Bob continued explaining what he gets from being a Mason. “It is very important to me; I get friendship and camaraderie with like-minded people. It is possible to go to a meeting anywhere in the country, and indeed across the world, and meet those people.”

Barry added, “Outside the Centre the world is in turmoil but inside here, where twelve different lodges meet, we find it is a place of calm. The rule about not discussing religion or politics is because these areas can cause heated debate so we avoid that. I am a strong Christian but I never get evangelical here and I live side by side with other beliefs.”

A great deal of the work of the Freemasons is to raise money for various charities. Bob Collins again: “We do not go tin-rattling and the money we raise for our chosen charity is raised from within the Masonic lodges. It is thought that the United Grand Lodge of England is the second largest grant giver

after the National Lottery. On a local and national level we support many charities.”

Barry Wild explained about the many ceremonies. “Our ceremonies are a little like going to a play where the audience already knows the plot, say like a Shakespeare play.

Just because you know what is going to happen it does not spoil the performance,” he said. “Our ceremonies are very enjoyable and all linked to moral stories with allegorical themes and the masons’ tools are all part and props of the storytelling.

“The Open Day we are holding is very much about letting people know what we do and also showing that we are neither a secret nor élite society as there will be interest forms for those considering membership.

Barry went on to explain a little more about Masonic Lodges. “We have all walks of life here but each individual lodge has its own complexion. Visiting other lodges is a great source of enjoyment, especially as other lodges are friends we have not yet met.”

Bob told Solent Life of his hopes for the Open Day. “The main idea is to put the myth of secrecy to bed and let our visitors discover the rich history, background and joy of being a Mason. We smile when people refer to the so-called secrecy, the myths and the legends; even the rolled-up trouser leg seems silly out of context but it does have a deep significance and meaning that has been handed down over the centuries. A good ceremony engenders a really good feeling; it is very much like a really big theatrical event.”. l

a Debe n shoppin hams g spree worth £250 H

Your chance to enter and win a fantastic Debenhams shopping spree worth an amazing £250.

All you have to do is answer a simple question (see below for details) to win if you’re lucky!

TERMS & CONDITIONS l The prize will be £250 shopping spree on any own brand, full price merchandise from Debenhams including Designers at Debenhams. l Concessions not participating. l No purchase necessary.

be part of our vibrant local team Due to our continued success and ongoing expansion we are recruiting again.

l There is no cash or prize alternative. l The prize must be taken by 31 Dec 2011 l Employees of Debenhams are not eligible to enter. l Photocopies will not be valid.

All you have to do is answer the following question.

Where in our area has the latest Debenhams store just opened?

(A) Fareham (B) Gosport (C) Whiteley To enter, email competitions@solentlife.co.uk quoting ‘Debenhams Shopping Spree’, with your name, contact details and answer! Alternatively post your entry to Webb House, 20 Bridge Road, Park Gate, Hampshire, SO31 7GE. Closing date 29.07.11

We are looking for a full time

Advertising Sales Representative to join our exciting and successful sales team. Ideally you will have previous magazine advertising sales experience.

You should be a team player, professional, innovative and flexible. Enthusiatic and self motivated you should be able to offer the best in customer service and to build consultative advertising business relationships.

Applications with CV to davehill@solentlife.co.uk Closing date 29th July 2011

www.solentlife.co.uk

www.debenhams.com solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

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historyview

PHOTOGRAPH BY PAUL STONE

st.huberts

Back in the early spring the offices of Solent Life received a stunning image as an entry for our photograph competition of a small church sitting isolated atop a green hill. It was a simple building, surrounded by nature; it had a peaceful aura to it. We just had to find this church and discover more about it. words & images • david rose-massom

S

t Hubert’s Chapel does indeed sit on top of a shallow hill; it is surrounded by the rolling hills that depict perfectly the Hampshire countryside as it crosses into the West Sussex Downs, woodland and fresh growing crops. A simple rustic fence defines its boundaries and it has been greeting worshippers since 1053. It would still be another thirteen years before King Harold would lose his eye and William would take over as King following his invasion in 1066.

Rowlands Castle is a charming village a few miles north of Chichester and it sits on the Hampshire/West Sussex border and is not far from Stansted House. The road out of the centre of the village follows the railway line, twice passing under it as it weaves its way northwards toward Finchdean and Idsworth.

Opposite a collection of farm buildings is a field with a five-bar kissing gate leading into it. The pathway up the hill is worn into the grass by the feet of visitors and worshippers and yet it is arrow-straight and climbs directly to the gated vestibule and well-worn door as if those coming to prayer

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• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

did not have time to deviate from their chosen course.

For many centuries this little chapel was dedicated to St Peter but was later dedicated, probably in the late 19th century, to St Hubert, the patron saint of hunters.

This was following the discovery of an amazing wall painting in 1864 and that work of art dates from the 14th century, so much history in such a small chapel.

According to legend St Hubert was converted to Christianity while out hunting on Good Friday after seeing the image of the crucifix between the antlers of a stag.

According to legend St Hubert was converted to Christianity while out hunting on Good Friday after seeing the image of the crucifix between the antlers of a stag.

He was later to become the Bishop of Maastricht and Liege before dying in 727.

With this background, the wall painting and the location, it is thought that the chapel could have well been used as a hunting chapel at some time in its history.

The village of Idsworth is not mentioned in the Doomsday Book but the surrounding area, which was, was owned by the Earl

of Wessex until his death in 1053 when the manor passed to his son, Harold, who would later become King Harold and leader of the losing side at the Battle of Hastings.

The history of the region does go back even further though with discoveries of Roman pottery and coins in nearby fields and it is thought that the chapel may well have been built on the foundations of an even earlier building.

History aside, this has to be one of the prettiest little churches in the most wonderful of settings. Its location on top of a green hill somehow seems apt and appropriate; the peaceful location suits its reason for being. Worshippers down the centuries, as well as those who still visit in these modern times, must have found it to be a place of great comfort.

It is a simple building and yet has great beauty; the art work adorning the walls is stunning, both from circa 1330 and the more recent fresco painted in 2000 to celebrate the millennium. It has a wonderful organ with pipes climbing from a balcony toward the low roof, and a wooden pulpit that sits between windows that look out across the finest fields of England.

Thanks to one stunning photograph that arrived in our electronic postbox we have been transported back more than 950 years to a time before William invaded and took the throne and we have been able to visit a wonderful English pastoral scene. The church is both peaceful and beautiful, as they say small but perfectly marked, and it sits in the quiet English countryside just a few miles from where we live. l

solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

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restaurantreview

pay the

ferry a visit

T

Most Sundays of my early childhood were spent visiting relatives on my dad’s side of the family over at Woolston.

To get there we took the floating bridge that carried pedestrians and cars across the rushing waterway of the River Itchen. There were two of these flat-bottomed craft that ferried back and forth on their cables across the busy river for generations. words & Images • david rose-massom

The Ferry Restaurant, The Original Woolston Floating Bridge The Elephant Boatyard, Lands End Road, Old Bursledon SO31 8DN www.ferryrestaurant.co.uk The Ferry Restaurant is open Wednesday to Saturday, lunch 11.30am to 2.00pm, dinner 6.30pm until late, and Sundays open all day from 12.00 noon.

Breakfasts now also being served from 9.00am to 11.00am EVERY Saturday and Sunday throughout this summer!

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• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

he Woolston Floating Bridge was originally a steam-driven chain, and then cable, ferry that crossed the Itchen from 1836 until it took its final crossing on 11th June 1977. It was taken out of service when the new bridge was opened and it was a loss for the local character of Southampton. The old ferry was immortalised by one of England’s greatest artists, L S Lowry, in his 1956 painting entitled The Floating Bridge and there were even songs about it: ‘On the Woolston Ferry, It doesn’t travel very fast, It was never built for comfort, It was built to last…’ And last it did, or at least one of them did and it can be found down in Bursledon’s Elephant Boatyard, famous in its own right as the location for the TV series Howards’ Way. That old flat-bottomed ferry has not only been saved but is now a quirky character restaurant and as I stepped down the gangplank and onto the deck a smile crossed my face at the childhood memories. I was already enjoying the dining out experience and had not even seen the menu yet.

Quirky, quaint, refreshing and any one of a dozen different words sum up the feelings as diners stand on the deck under colourful hanging baskets while looking out across the River Hamble as the sun begins to set, leaving a golden glow on everything. There is something very romantic about this restaurant.

Traditional wooden yachts at their moorings rub shoulders with the old ferry and alfresco tables hug the boat’s rails, and on a summer’s evening there can be no better place to dine, but following the storms of late June it was a chill evening despite the sunshine so it was inside to check the menu and décor.

The dining areas consist of the covered passenger area down one side of the ferry, while the car deck has a hung material ceiling that is somewhat reminiscent of a sheik’s tent; the romance continues.

Tables are bedecked with flowers and crisp linen and all around the walls are decorated with rustic nautical memorabilia, but thankfully this theme is not over the top.

The wine list for such a small restaurant is varied and not overly expensive. On the white wine list a Pinot Grigio at under £14, up to an excellent Pouilly Fuisse at under £28 – excellent value for any restaurant..

On advice from Deborah, who is the proprietor of The Ferry and is as quirky and charming as her charge, I went for the evening’s fourcourse menu priced at £18.95 and wherever possible chef sources his produce locally.

Being a waterfront restaurant I felt guilty for not going for any seafood dishes, but I am one of those fussy eaters who must be in the mood for fish. So it was a chicken liver parfait that I plumped for, smooth, delicious and served with a fruity chutney, a fine starter which kick-started the taste buds very nicely.

There was also fresh bread, soft, warm and demanding to be eaten; I hate that as you end up getting filled with bakery product because you cannot leave it alone. And, trust me here, ask for black pepper; it is worth it just to see the peppermill which if wielded badly would cause serious injury.

The Ferry is one of those restaurants where you are not out of place if dressed up for a special occasion or just togged out in smart casual for a fun evening; there is a very relaxed atmosphere in the dining-room. Through the scenic windows a rowing boat left ripples on the flat calm water and as the sun set lower in the sky the reflections of the water up onto the hulls of the boats became even more intoxicating.

The main course was a vision of slightly pink lamb, surrounded by sautéed new potatoes in a dark serving of rich jus. This sauce was tasty and clean. If I had to be picky, and I usually am, the sauce could have done with being just a tad thicker so that it coated the meat and my taste buds, but that did not detract from a delicious main.

Pull the meat from the stylish construction and there was the medley of crisp vegetables, perfectly cooked and adding texture and a massive splash of colour to the dish.

As my taste buds rested before the cheese course I took the opportunity to have a walk out on deck and check out the old sepia images and history of the floating bridge that adorn the walls; once again they brought back some lovely memories of my childhood.

The river was flat calm, the view an ever-changing painting of life on the coast and the whole evening was continuing to be a delight. There are not enough character restaurants around and The Ferry, as well as its delightful owner, is certainly full of individual character.

Ready for the cheese, I returned to my table and continued to listen to the salacious and amusing conversation of the table next to mine. I must say I prefer the French way of dining, the savoury before the sweet, and always prefer my cheese before a dessert.

A wooden platter decorated with crisp green apple slices contained a dusty but smoothtasting goats’ cheese, Cheddar, Red Leicester, Port Salut and an aromatic blue cheese with just enough of each.

Then came the dessert and it was a triumph – the softest, most succulent bread and butter pudding I have ever tasted. I was disappointed when the menu did not advertise custard; I know I am a dining heathen, but on reflection I am glad it didn’t. The small scoop of ice cream was enough; anything else would have spoiled this delight. That bread and butter pudding was historic and now all others will be judged against that one.

So, a wonderful meal in the amazing setting of a working boatyard, a delightful and chatty owner and all set on an historic craft with local links and great memories. Perfect! l

It is one of those intimate dining rooms where laughter and joy from adjacent tables drift across the room making everyone happy.

solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

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roadtest

move over to a

crossover After our foray into the world of motorhomes last month, we return to some normality with the Solent Life ‘his and her’ test drive on Kia’s latest crossover – the stylish Sportage. words • dave hill & janet grimm

I

have experienced driving a few cars from the Kia range in the past, but being honest here this was more than a few years ago in a time when they were considered to be a cheap new manufacturer from Korea trying to infiltrate the market. Boy, haven’t things changed?

A seven-year warranty on every model really does concentrate the manufacturer’s mind on materials and build quality. Over the past few years Kia has not only grown hugely in popularity, but their cars have evolved with both style and quality.

David from Fine Cars of Lee-on-the-Solent explained to Solent Life that sales of Kia have grown from a little over (4,000 in 1999) to an amazing (50,000 units in 2010).

David Brown also told us proudly that Fine Cars won a prestigious award last year for being the leading Kia dealer in the country – not bad for a small dealership on the near-forgotten peninsula.

The car for this month is the Sportage 1.7 CRDi 2 2WD. Approaching the fashionablelooking Sportage, the Peter Schreyer (ex-Audi) design team influence is much in evidence with many appealing styling features – a good-looking car that does not disgrace itself in this crossover class.

Just by way of explanation, a crossover vehicle is usually built on a car platform, but combines various features of a 4x4 and a hatchback. Being based on a car platform, crossovers generally handle and have the fuel economy of a car, but the body styling blends and offers the space and versatility

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• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

of a larger 4x4/estate/hatchback.

The Sportage does it perfectly – amazingly spacious feel, with leg and headroom in abundance in every corner. The suspension is firm and positive giving the sure-footed feel of a much smaller car. In fact, I couldn’t fault the choice of springs and dampening in the suspension set-up – just about perfect.

The seating position, higher than with a smaller car and so easy to slip in and out of, was a joy, without being the elevated seating of a full 4x4 which sometimes needs the aid of a stepladder to get into.

Steering was well-weighted, although feedback, in my opinion, was a little vague, but it’s not a high performance sports car so one shouldn’t be expecting to use it ‘on the ragged edge’ at track days where this might be more relevant.

The clutch was probably one of the smoothest I have ever experienced and the gear change pretty good too, making the seamless changing of gears easy every time. I have now probably gone down in the estimation of my dear brother (who joined me for part of the test) as he was convinced it was my exemplary driving skills.

The range of fittings, toys and features is pretty good with a lot of add-ons as standard, for example air conditioning, Bluetooth voice-controlled telephone system, cruise control and a very reasonable sound system complete with MP3 and iPod connections to name but

a few.

To drive, the Sportage was very comfortable – spending about four hours in a single stretch without experiencing any discomfort or tiredness. I enjoyed it to the point that on the test evening I just drove further and further; it was relaxing and undemanding – very pleasing.

At low speeds, perhaps an additional level of soundproofing would be appreciated to isolate the characteristic sound of the diesel engine. However, once above 20 mph the sound is gone and you really wouldn’t know what sort of engine it had. Having said that, the build quality was excellent – everything fitted nicely, nothing rattled and it had a very positive and tight feel.

Whilst talking of engines, this 1.7 diesel is no racer. However, it is no slouch either and delivers quite adequate performance for a car of this size. The model tested had the ‘stop and go’ economy feature which stops the engine when at rest, restarting it immediately upon depressing the clutch. Whilst I did not stop and start much during the test, I can report that it does work perfectly and without drama.

The really good bits, however, are the fuel consumption figures. A twisty crosscountry journey of about 90 miles with no dual carriageways and no motorways returned just about 51 mpg – amazing, and I really was not pandering too much to economy to get that.

His summary A very fuel-thrifty, spacious and comfortable car that was enjoyable and relaxing to drive over long distances. If you are tempted by the versatility of a crossover, try it out – you will be pleasantly surprised.

A

Kia!” cried the children. “That’s not very cool!”

As my ‘cool Mum’ rating has taken a bit of a knock with the last couple of months’ test drives I wasn’t convinced that the Kia Sportage was going to provide it with a boost – until they saw it parked on the drive.

The Sportage’s exterior styling is not to my usual taste but it seemed it was the perfect candidate for the household ‘cool wall’.

That styling of the Sportage is reminiscent of the big German four-wheel drives and crossovers (the Sportage is designed by a German) and has a rather butch appearance from the front with an expanse of metal making the windows appear slot-like from the side view. Surprisingly once inside the windows appear large and all-round vision is excellent. Indeed the whole car is very Tardis-like, it seems much bigger inside than it looks from outside.

The Sportage is wider than an average car and so the front seats are spacious and comfortable although I would have enjoyed a little more lumbar support. The back seat allows plenty of room for three with ample legroom. In fact, even though his requirement for new school trousers weekly indicates that my eleven-year-old is growing fast he looked quite little in the back seat of this car!

FINE CARS 178 PORTSMOUTH ROAD, LEE ON SOLENT 232 BROCKHURST ROAD, GOSPORT

Driving beautifully, smoothly and effortlessly, the Sportage is a real joy to drive whether on a bendy country lane or cruising on the motorway. Interior space is great for a growing family and we all loved the features and extras. My eldest tested the ICE system and the iPod connection until I thought my ears would begin to bleed – definitely earning a ‘cool’ rating!

The boot space in the Sportage is not as big as some of our previously-reviewed cars and seems a little small in comparison to the rest of the car, but the weekly shopping fitted in easily and the loading height is perfect for transferring heavy bags from trolley to car. Bear, the dog, found the boot floor height a little elevated and this may prove difficult for an older (or smaller) dog to access easily. Perhaps Kia should add a doggy ramp to the optional extras!

Her summary A spacious, economical, fun yet practical vehicle for a family.

A reasonably-priced car that definitely earns a spot on our family’s ‘cool wall’.

023 9255 2941 023 9258 1118

“Your entire satisfaction our minimum standard”

www.finecars.co.uk

solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

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theinterview

theinterview With a budget of over £160m, a staff of 2,000 and a student body of 20,000, the University of Portsmouth is a huge business and centre of learning excellence. Running it all falls under the remit of one very calm and very relaxed man who admits that the task does not give him sleepless nights; that man is Vice-Chancellor Professor John Craven. words & images • david rose-massom

W

e carry out a future leaders programme from time to time and I warn people that there comes a point when you are sucked into management and there is no way back!” He was responding to the question of how he ended up in education and its management rather than as an academic in his chosen field of economics. “When I became Dean of a faculty in Kent my teaching time dropped and I did wonder if my future as a lecturer was gone; I already knew at that point that

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• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

I was not going back to being an academic.

“I was ambitious but also everyone else seemed incompetent and I had the belief that I could do a better job; this was not arrogance, it was just a very strong selfbelief. I had the view that I could do my very best at this. Basically I went straight from being a student to being a lecturer.”

As Vice-Chancellor what would he see as his greatest pleasure? “Knowing that our students are going to be successful and as 5,000 students walk across the stage at graduation they are extremely proud of their achievement and so are we, and we do

As a business we bring £300m into the local economy including the incomes of the staff who work here being spent in the region and the additional student spend, so as an organisation we have a huge impact on the Portsmouth community. have some great successes through here.

For example, John Armitt studied at what was originally the Portsmouth College of Technology for a diploma in civil engineering and is now the Chairman of the 2012 Olympic Delivery Authority and therefore responsible for bringing in all the facilities on time.

“Also working on a campus with 20,000 students and 2,000 staff makes this a job where something different happens every day. I get a great deal of pleasure at just walking around the campus.

“Higher education and the opportunities it offers are vitally important. To get people educated means we can offer them much more fulfilling lives, and in my job I am trying to create the conditions where we can give students a good experience and also raise their expectations.”

John Craven is relaxed in the role that he has been doing for fourteen years and is happy to be called Professor, Vice-Chancellor, Sir or just simply John. He found it quite amusing that during a recent sit-in demonstration against the new university fees one of the demonstrators continually called him ‘Sir’.

This anecdote merely reflects the respect he has earned in those fourteen years in the post.

So is the University of Portsmouth a business or an education establishment?

“A university would fail if it did not recruit students, both local and international, as both are vital to our success and that is the business side of what we do. But we also have to be good at education or we are clearly not good at our job.”

Professor Craven went on to explain that students come in three categories: there are UK students, other EU students and then the international ones. “We have a strict limit set on the numbers of the first two because of the number of student loans that are available from the Government, so the 2,000 international students are very important to the university. We continually try and develop new markets to attract students and we have to target areas that are able to afford international education.”

So what is the future for the University of

Portsmouth? “I think I would like it to remain a broad-based education centre, and we do cover many subjects here. We are the nearest university to half a million people, many of whom come from low income backgrounds in a low aspiration area, and we have a responsibility to the people of those areas to make higher education available.

“As a business we bring £300m into the local economy including the incomes of the staff who work here being spent in the region and the additional student spend, so as an organisation we have a huge impact on the Portsmouth community.”

“The £160m it costs to run the university is an issue in that our end-product is not sent out in cardboard boxes. Some universities have attempted to study the impact on the local economy of a university’s output but it is almost impossible to calculate. With that in mind, many of our students would like to work locally but there is a dearth of graduate jobs.” The impact that such a seat of learning has on a community is illustrated by the university’s latest area of teaching, the Professor explained. “We provide another valuable service now through our dental therapists training department. The only way to train these students is with real clients so we have a state of the art teaching facility where local people can get free dental care.”

This shows that as a university Portsmouth is constantly evolving and Professor Craven added, “There is still room for growth and recently we have received planning permission for the old swimming pool site which will become a teaching and residential building. We will continue to build and revamp facilities wherever possible; we calculate there is room to grow by another 25 per cent or so, meaning the student body could reach 25,000. It is good to continually grow but there is no rigid plan; through flexibility it gives us more opportunities for the future.

“My, and other universities’, biggest concern is that in ten years’ time it will probably be the children of graduates filling all the places and that means there is the danger

of élitism. Lower income families may see higher education differently and they may need some convincing of accepting the cost of a university education.”

In addition to this, it is also down to the universities throughout the country, and Vice-Chancellors such as Professor John Craven, to make Government understand this problem as he is among those who believe there will not be enough spaces available for the demand.

It was then onto the more serious and current topic of university fees. “I don’t see how the fees will enhance universities and I have been through two fee rises,” John Craven explained. “It was at £3,000 in 2006 and now we have the new fees, which come with the student loans, which are currently set at £8,500 subject to confirmation. The difficulty with the new fee levels is not with the current batch of 17 or 18-year-olds who are already on track for university, but with the 13-year-old pupils who cannot decide about higher education because they will consider what is reported in the media about the fees and the fact that their families may not be able to afford it. Hopefully as they grow they will come to think that it will be okay.”

How was the level of fee determined? “We were reluctant to go to the full £9,000 as we were worried about recruiting students and the process of getting to university is quite complex,” he continued. “Students will have two choices and we would like to be one of those choices and if they are thinking of the economics then the slightly-reduced fee may tempt them to come to us.” l

UP for It The University of Portsmouth’s UP for It scheme is a highly successful, energetic membership scheme for 11 to 16-yearolds. It was launched three years ago as the University’s response to widening access to higher education. UP for It aims to raise aspirations, change perceptions and encourage pupils from all socio-economic backgrounds to see higher education as an attractive and accessible option. The club gives members a taste of university life, providing access to university facilities.

It has its own website, a quarterly magazine, and events and workshops throughout the school holidays.

Membership is free and is targeted at individuals – over 12,000 members have signed up since the launch three years ago. www.upforitclub.org.uk

solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

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homes

Finding the Right Home A Hampshire based estate agency, RPS, has just announced the launch of a new service for homebuyers in the Portsmouth and Southampton area and it is known as Buyer Representation. Mark Rowe, Managing Director of RPS, told Solent Life; “We are describing this as the next chapter in British estate agency and is a different and innovative way for estate agents and house buyers to work together, Buyer Representation is rapidly gaining ground as an effective alternative for buyers hoping to find the right property on the right terms.”

“This new method of house hunting has been popularised by the likes of Phil and Kirsty on Channel 4’s ‘Location Location Location’, and Buyer Representation means that buyers can actually engage an estate agent to represent their best interests in the purchase.”

Mark continued. “This has been made possible, without any conflict of interests by The Homebuyer Centre, which has granted exclusive rights to their service to RPS in Lee on the Solent.”

Through The Homebuyer Centre, qualified buyers enjoy unique access to every property on the market through every agent, including property that may not be publicly available. The Homebuyer Centre agent arranges all the viewings and advises what’s hot and what’s not and the fee is usually calculated as a small percentage of the amount saved.

Commenting further on this new initiative Mark Rowe, said “We have always prided ourselves on our negotiating skills and we are delighted to extend this to our buyer clients, whilst continuing to protect the best interests of our vendor clients.” He also explained that they could, of course, never represent both in the same transaction! “If we do not have a suitable property on our own books, why shouldn’t we use our extensive market knowledge to help buyers find and purchase one of our competitors’ properties? This is especially true if the buyer is pushed for time, lives out of the area or just needs a helping hand from a local expert who really is on their side.”

“We can also offer buyers a Homebuyer Centre Discount Card as well as free abortive sale insurance and a useful pre-offer survey.”

Tim Hammond is MD of www.TheHomebuyerCentre.com and he added; “Research has shown that 87% of buyers would use a buyers’ agent if this saved them time, stress and money. A Homebuyer Centre licensed agent certainly does exactly that, and we are delighted to have RPS as our exclusive representative in the area.”

RPS – Mark Rowe can be contacted on 02392 550555 or mrowe@thehomebuyercentre.biz Tim Hammond can be contacted on 0789360926 or tim@TheHomeBuyercentre.com Association of Property Finders and Buyers Agents – www.apfba.org 32…

• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

OJ Builders

Builders and Home Improvement Specialists l bathrooms l Kitchens l Painting and Decorating l Plumbing l Brick Work l Extensions… and much more Contact us on 02392 513995 or Mobile 07979 485735 7-8 Stokes Way Gosport PO12 1PE Email ojbuilders@hotmail.com

Welcome to OJ Builders OJ Builders offer a wide range of home improvement services from kitchen fitting to bedrooms, serving customers throughout the Hampshire area.

As a well established company, we provide the very best in refurbishments and decorating, supplying only the best quality products and services. We have been serving the Hampshire area with pride for many years, our success is based on referrals from our great many satisfied customers.

At OJ Builders, our experience, expertise and efficient approach have ensured that we have become an established and trusted name throughout Hampshire with a reputation for courteous, professional service.

a Free no obligation home visit aAny style, Any colour, All made to measure aSave upto 65% on the cost of a new kitchen aFitted in 1 day by our tradesman aSample doors brought to you aWorktops / Sinks / Taps / Appliances

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 N.T.S. PROPERTY SERVICES We are a family run local business with over 30 years experience.

We offer a complete property maintenance service and we pride ourselves on giving you a friendly, reliable and professional service carried out by qualified, experienced tradesmen with full Insurance cover.

So, whether you need a complete refurbishment, a new kitchen or bathroom installed or just a room decorated, you can be sure that you will be as impressed with our customer service and standard of work as you are with our competitive pricing.

If you’re not sure exactly what you need just pick up the phone, we are always happy to come along and give you a no obligation quote and discuss your needs.

Nigel and Tom Smith Telephone; 02392 210718 Mobiles; Nigel 078100 51453, Tom 07599 561563 Email; ntspropertysevices@hotmail.co.uk

NTS | Property Services Fully Insured & Qualified Tradesmen

Building Works & Maintenance Alterations & Refurbishments

Carpentry. Tiling. Decorating Kitchen & Bathroom Installations Hardwood & Laminate Floors All Other Work Undertaken A Friendly Reliable Service

Nigel Smith: 07810 051453 Tom Smith: 07599 561563 Answer Phone: 02392 210718 ntspropertyservices@hotmail.co.uk

solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

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greenfingers

July

greenfingers July is the perfect time to sit back and enjoy our work in the garden from earlier in the year. We often concentrate on planting, weeding and watering, then forget to simply enjoy it. So take time to look at what you’ve achieved, what works and what you might change later in the year. words • anne watson

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• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

H

aving said that, there are still a few jobs to keep the garden looking good right through to autumn. The lawn has suffered due to the long dry spring. If you didn’t get a chance to give the lawn a spring feed give it a summer one. I suggest a quick-acting feed like Evergreen Spray and Feed or Supergreen Soluble Lawn Food. Deadhead summer bedding and herbaceous plants to prolong the flowering season.

Remember to feed and water baskets, especially in dry hot spells. .

There are many plants that look good in Other jobs for July: July but one of my favourites is Agapanthus. l Stop newer plants from drying out as Some of the individual varieties are July is often the hottest time of year. particularly stunning. Northern Star has l Give roses a feed and you can apply rose mid-blue flowers with a darker purple stripe. food to other flowering plants.

They reach a height of 75cm and are very l Mulch around your borders and add hardy, preferring a well-drained soil. They a top layer of mulch to containers. suit either the border or containers and are l Carry on weeding and hoeing to stop good at tolerating a seaside location so are growth getting out of control. well-suited to the south coast. l Cut back lavenders after they have Enigma is an Agapanthus with a strong flowered to keep their shape. upright habit and lovely bi-colour white and blue flowers. It reaches a height of 50cm. l Look out for lily beetle. These can either Streamline has sky-blue flowers with a be picked off by hand or use a pesticide darker blue stripe. It can reach a height of if you discover them.

30cm and is suited to tubs and containers. l Carry on sowing salad crops, including Garsons has all these varieties available. lettuce, beetroot and radish.

And finally, on a personal note, I will be l Give tomato crops exhibiting at the Hampton Court Flower a feed once a show early this month for the first time. fortnight when the I’ve been busy working towards it and my fruits have formed. garden has become a nursery. If you are l Remember to pick going to the show come and say hello your courgettes as I’ll be there all week. The category is early before they Inspirational Spaces and you’ll find me by develop into the Long Water on stand number LW246. marrows!

Until next time, happy gardening!

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THE ULTIMATE SHED Co LTD Fontley Road, Titchfield, Fareham, PO15 6QX (Opposite Garsons)

Open 7 days - Call for opening times

Tel: 01329 841 700 www.ultimatesheds.co.uk solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

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www.theterracottapotshop.co.uk

Complete Building Services

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CALL NOW DAVE: 01329 311789 OR 07891 029540 KEVIN: 01329 237551 OR 07775 675445 www.dkbespokegardenstudios.co.uk 36…

• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

GYMS MUSIC ROOMS EXTRA SPACE PLAYHOUSES OFFICES POOL ROOMS HOT TUBS OR SPA HOUSES

backtonature

events at Farlington Marshes Wildlife Reserve…

Farlington – The Official Tour 17th July • 12.30pm A leisurely 2.5 mile guided walk around the sea wall at Farlington Marshes, looking at the birds and other wildlife on the marsh and in the harbour. A great way to learn about the wildlife/management of the reserve and the history of Langstone Harbour. No need to book.

Parking off the Eastern Road (A27/A2030) roundabout (map ref. SU 685 045). For further details contact Jamie Marsh, Solent Reserves Officer, on 01489 774429.

Suggested donation £1.50.

Julywildlife As the temperature soars, well usually, birdsong is replaced with the buzz of insects over the marsh. Birds finish their breeding now, so they no longer need to defend their little patches by singing louder and longer than the neighbours.

The daily chorus at dawn and dusk each day is replaced with less melodious contact calls, just to check who is around. So the birds take a back seat for a while as many insects take to the air – butterflies, dragonflies, bees and wasps, all busy completing their lives’ mission to find a partner and mate before the days shorten and many die. words • nikki magee image • alan price & natalie rogers

L

ook out for the striking red admiral with its dark velvet-like wings splashed with red and white stripes. This butterfly migrates from Africa and southern Europe each spring to spend summer here. It frequently visits gardens, looking for nectar-rich flowers such as sedums, buddleia and Michaelmas daisies.

This is one of many butterflies that lay their eggs on nettle patches. Not a garden plant, you might think, but a small pot containing nettles will attract peacocks, tortoiseshells and many other butterflies to your garden.

Before the glare of high summer, when the grasses start to dry and yellow, take a close look at that strip of long grass at the edge of the park or road verge. You will be surprised at the many insects you find there. Many of them, like bees, ladybirds and hoverflies, are of great benefit to us all, pollinating our crops and eating our crop pests.

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 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

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 774429.

Farlington Marshes Reserves Team Every Tuesday A small team of volunteers meets every Tuesday to carry out practical work on the reserve such as fence repairs, scrub clearance and path maintenance. No previous experience necessary.

For further details about any of the above please call Jamie Marsh on 01489 774429.

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: 21 between Havant and Portsmouth Harbour.

Closest stop is at Farlington Sainsbury’s, 15-minute walk to the reserve. Service is hourly Monday to Friday with a reduced service at weekends.

Road: The car park is off the Eastern Road roundabout (A27/A2030).

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

solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

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health&beauty

World of Beauty Established 12 years

Come & visit our newly re-furbished salon!

World of Beauty World of Beauty can offer you a wide range of Beauty treatments to make you feel great this summer. We now have the very popular Minx for the toes and the Gel Polish System for the nails, which is very popular in our salon as no chipping for 2 weeks.

New to our salon is the latest St Tropez tanning booth, and in just 10 minutes you have an amazing natural all over tan. Everything you need to get you ready for your holiday.

And for all you chocoholics try our chocolate body wrap, Chocolate facial and chocolate pedicure to remove dry skin leaving it soft and revitalised.

Also available at our salon is Silk Nail Extensions / Manicures & Pedicures / Free Hand Nail Art & Dimonties / Eyelash Perming & Tinting~Eyelash Extensions~Eyebrow shaping~Waxing~Body Wraps / Body Massage / Indian Head Massage / Reflexology / St Tropez Tanning / Electrolysis / Facials and TIGI make-up.

Come and enjoy a friendly chat and a coffee during your salon experience.

the We now have ez p o Tr t S latest g in n n Ta ro P d booth installe

Gift Vouchers Available A full range of beauty and nail treatments available

• Minx Nails • China Glaze • Dermalogica • St Tropez • NSI Silk Nail Extensions • NSI Polish Pro Gel Varnish System • NailTek 177 High Street, Lee-On-Solent, PO13 9BX Call 02392 553737 for your appointment with one of our experienced staff - Serena, Michelle or Kelly

ArundelStreetDental Quality & Service

The Specialist Denture Clinic For people requiring the highest standards of care, craftsmanship and materials A dedicated denture practice with • Specialist Dental Surgeon • Clinical Dental Technician • Dental Technicians all on site!

Extraction of teeth and additions to dentures available the same day Do you need a new denture urgently?

We can usually make you a new one in 24 hours or less Implant retained dentures The predictable solution to most denture problems For a free informal chat about your needs or a copy of our information leaflet, please phone:

02392 829679 272 Arundel Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 1NT • Fax: 02392 864477

www.hurstdental.co.uk 38…

• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

Do You Care?

Rethink – Fareham and Gosport run groups for people, suffering from mental health problems, and their carers. The Oasis of Calm sessions provide the opportunity for everyone to experience relaxing therapies, such as; Indian head massage or tai chi in a fun, informal environment. There is also a beauty therapist who will do individual treatments for free.

Our confidential sessions, just for carers, are designed to provide carers with a chance to share their experiences and discover support from fellow carers and professionals. We have found that carers provide the best support and advice for each other. There is no pressure to share anything, you are welcome to come along and listen. All sessions are informal with refreshments.

For any information contact us by e-mail or telephone and we will get back to you.

&

Making Fitness Fun Outdoor fitness sessions for all ages, shapes and sizes.

Improve your fitness, lose weight and feel great!

Exercise with your baby in your buggy, daytime sessions for Mums to try.

Also evening sessions for both Men and Women.

Our skilled personal trainers will be sure to get you the results you desire.

1 free session with this advert offer for new customers only

For more info call Kelly on 07810 358 594 www. bo d y b la s tb o o tca m p . c o . u k www. bug g y b la s tb o o tca m p . c o . u k

Inspirational Fitness Management What can I say about Liam Walsh that will do him justice? He has been my Personal Trainer now for almost 10years. I now see him twice a week as I find his sessions addictive. There are several reasons why, namely; 1. H e is truly motivational leaving me feeling energised and on top of the world (no matter how lazy/tired I felt to start).

2. The programmes he arranges are, without fail, fun and varied to ensure continuing interest.

3. He is always enthusiastic & encouraging you to give your best effort.

4. He is an attractive personable young man!

Dotty B. (69 years young)

Did you know... Solent Life is • The largest independent magazine publisher in Hampshire • Has a readership of approaching a quarter of a million people • Offers the best value advertising solutions – with the lowest cost per thousand readers, viewing YOUR advertising.

For advertising opportunities please call 01489 583800 Visit our website at: www.solentlife.co.uk

solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

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charityfocus

work out and help

our heroes with gym for heroes

Gym for Heroes will be challenging the public once again to take part in the UK’s largest physical activity-based endurance contest, all in support of Help for Heroes. In partnership for the first time this year with the Fitness Industry Association, the organisers have set the target of 1,000 operators to take part between 9th and 22nd July. words • david rose-massom

T

he challenge is continuous, and can take place any day from 9th July to 22nd July this year. It is an endurance cardiovascular-based event, either three-hour or 12-hour, and can be participated in individually or as part of a team of four or fewer. Three pieces of any CV equipment can be used, including a swimming pool.

Gym packs consisting of a T-shirt, medal and wristband are provided for each participant.

Each gym taking part will receive an Events Promotions Pack containing Help for Heroes bunting, balloons and an A4 poster.

Individuals can register too to take part in the challenge now. The cost of participating is £20 per person.

The Fitness Industry Association (FIA) is the trade body which represents every reputable organisation in the health and fitness industry. Their support will be invaluable in

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• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

making the event a huge success.

Sophie Fisher of Gym for Heroes said: “We are excited that the FIA has come on board. It enables the challenge to reach all aspects of the fitness industry and gives the opportunity for anyone of any ability to jump on board and do their bit for such a worthwhile cause.”

David Stalker, Executive Director FIA, said: ‘We are delighted to be supporting the campaign. An endurance challenge is the perfect way to support our heroes by reminding us of the physical upheaval they endure, whilst at the same time helping to boost our fitness levels. We expect to see a real surge of people taking part in the challenge during July. It’s the ultimate motivation to be active. l www.gymforheroes.co.uk

Job Shop opened to help students find employment A brand new facility to assist students looking for employment has opened at Fareham College.

The Job Shop, situated in the main foyer, is run by Collette Newton who has previously worked as a personal adviser for young adults in long-term unemployment, and as a manager in a Job Centre in Portsmouth.

Available to over 4,000 students, it offers a range of vacancies covering part-time, full-time, casual work and Apprenticeship opportunities. It caters for those who might need extra money so they can stay in college, fill the gaps in what they need to move from college to a career, and provide careers advice including tips on CV writing and interview techniques.

So far 307 jobs have been advertised with 160 students who are currently on a databas seeking employment. This is a fantastic achievement as the Shop has only been open for three weeks. Students will be able to be job-matched based on their requirements and their tutors have been assisting in their future employment.

Collete says: ‘I’ve been working with the tutors by sending them bulletins letting them know of vacancies, and they inform me of any opportunities they have heard about.

I’ve also been liaising with businesses on Fareham and Gosport High Street for them to advertise their vacancies with us as it is a free service for them reaching an audience of over 4,000.’

If you want to find out more about the current vacancies or to advertise in the Job Shop, call Collette Newton on (01329) 815284, or email job.shop@fareham.ac.uk

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www.meoncross.co.uk solentlife.co.uk • JULY 2011 •

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adventure

tough

sailing

Outside the rain was getting heavier and the wind was picking up. The forecast for overnight and the next day was for winds at gale force 8 to force 9 and the all-woman team on Koru was preparing for the second offshore race in their build-up to the intimidating Fastnet. We thought it was a good time to speak with the two rookies on the crew. words & images • david rose-massom COWES TO CHERBOURG – PRE-RACE

C

rewmembers Linda (59) and Vanessa (53) are the babies of the crew. Their experience of sailing began just a year ago and now they are preparing for one of the harshest racing challenges on the calendar, but with the banter and camaraderie being thrown around in the room just hours before their latest offshore race it is obvious they are already moulded into being part of a cohesive and close crew.

Linda explained what brought her to sailing at such a late stage in life. “It is a different challenge. I have always liked being around boats and harbours and it looked so good and such a cool thing to do; I just wanted to give it a try,” she said. “Now after completing my first offshore race it is still a cool thing to do but it brought home the importance of self-preparation and looking after yourself.”

The first race they mention was a baptism of fire for the two newbies on the yacht.

The race over to Le Havre was a thrill; the journey back was done amid massive waves and storm winds and was a real test of all the crew’s resolve and courage. On top of that experience Linda had to battle with seasickness as well.

“That self-preparation is about making sure you eat and drink as well as taking your seasickness remedies,” Linda added.

Vanessa’s story is not very different. “I had been on the sail training ship Winston Churchill when I was 18 so I had a little experience of sailing, but I was brought up on Swallows and Amazons and wanted that adventure,” she said. “Living in Manchester we don’t see too many boats, except for canal boats. As life moves on commitments

change and so I was able to do something different and you do get to a point where you think if I don’t do it now…”

With just three hours to their second race Linda admitted to a certain amount of trepidation. “There are some nerves even though I am far better prepared personally.

I am taking herbal remedies for the seasickness. I don’t want to take drugs. I have one remedy in capsule form for the digestion and a ginger-based concoction for the motion sickness. I prefer the natural remedies so it is a case of wait and see and trust.”

Vanessa continued the story of how the whole crew must complete 300 miles of offshore racing in order to qualify for the Fastnet. “The first race we did not know what to expect and now I am really keen to get back out there,” she said. “It is about trusting a great team that surrounds you and I know and trust that our skipper would not put us into danger.”

Linda continued with that theme. “There is trust in ourselves as we become better prepared each race and then there is the trust not only in your fellow crew members but also in the boat; it is part of the team after all and she just loves going through the water.”

It was noted that in an all-woman team the boat was also a she!

As the weather outside worsened Vanessa added, “It’s a real challenge both personally and as a team. It has nothing to do with gender, with us being women; it is about the team around you. But we do want other women to realise and know that they too can do it!”

CLARENCE MARINA, GOSPORT – POST RACE As the retort of the starting cannon from the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes sounded across the Solent, I was just sitting down to a cup of coffee in the warmth of my home, while outside torrential rain and high winds rattled my windows. I usually envy adventurers as they head off into the unknown but not this time, as for the crew of seven women on board Koru it was due to be an uncomfortable night of gale force winds and heavy seas with not even the glow of moonlight to show them the way.

My telephone rang and I knew the news before the crewmember had even spoken.

The conditions for a crew that each weighed in at under ten stone even soaking wet, in a lightweight cruiser racing yacht, were just too severe and their participation in the race had been cancelled. They will now have to wait until early in July for the next qualifying race which heads across the Channel to the medieval walled town of St Malo in France.

Then they have to find another offshore race prior to the Fastnet if they hope to compete in this most famous of races. Their biggest challenge now is to achieve the 300 miles of offshore racing to enable them to qualify for the race, let alone look forward to sailing around the remote rock and heading for the finishing line in Plymouth.

With the determination to reach their goal we at Solent Life have no doubt they will not only make the starting line for the Fastnet, but will also make it to that magical finishing line that they dream of, and we will be there to greet them home. l

The decision to pull out of the race proved to be a correct one because, as if a reminder were needed of the dangers of offshore racing, within a few hours of the decision by the skipper of Koru not to race it was reported that a sailor in the event fell overboard in bad weather while off the Sussex coast. Fifty-year-old Christopher Reddish from south-west London was just ten miles from Selsey Bill when the accident happened shortly before midnight. He was recovered from the water by fellow crew members but pronounced dead by a doctor who was among them. The thoughts of all of us go to his family and the rest of his crew.

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• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

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photocomp

starviews We are a happy band of troopers here in the Solent Life offices, each day arriving cheerfully for the toil it takes to put together your favourite magazine, but then it gets to that time each month when we judge our London Camera Exchange sponsored photo competition. words • david rose-massom

this months winner...

Paul Stone (top) runner up...

David Phillipson

Send your photos to: calendarcompetition@solentlife.co.uk

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• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

I

like the image of the swan at Hill Head; Janet doesn’t and our esteemed and wonderful editor says it’s good, but too cluttered in the background. David, our Senior Designer, loves the sunset at low tide while two others lean toward the field of poppies lit by a cloud-hidden setting sun. Our decision is a difficult one; selection is not on technical merit alone – we are mindful that the winning entry is to be a calendar picture and will be on display for a month. Conflict of opinion breaks out! But a decision has to be made so once again we scan through the many wonderful entries we get each month.

The standard of entry is high and every one appreciated, no matter what the subject or indeed the quality of image.

A short list appears, then a shorter one and finally just two: the poppies and low-tide sunset. At last a decision is made – the lowtide sunset has it, the poppy field a close runner-up. Well done to Paul Stone and David Phillipson.

Please keep the entries coming as we truly are enjoying the competition and the judging process, and over the next few weeks look back through your image libraries for those autumn and winter shots as we will soon need to go to print with our 2012 calendar.

With the autumn colours we had last year and the wonderfully picturesque winter our readers must have some amazing images.

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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

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Music & Theatre

FOOD FOR THOUGHT • Our glorious county of Hampshire has a deserved reputation for the quality of its food produce.

I

t also has a very diverse group of producers, growers, farmers and eateries, from the Broughton water buffalo of Stockbridge or the amazing organic meat from Laverstoke Park to the award-winning cheeses from Lyburn or Loosehanger. Be it ice-cream, restaurants, pubs, farm shops or farmers’ markets, we are blessed with a wealth of produce and an amazing array of people who bring us this fine fare.

Hampshire Food Festival is an annual month-long event that showcases local food, farming and fine eating. Held at numerous venues across the whole county, the Hampshire Food Festival celebrates the food and drink produced, reared and grown in the county though more than ninety different events, such as farm open days and walks, brewery, vineyard, orchard and lavender tours, celebratory lunches and dinners, butchery and fish filleting demos, cookery classes, jam, chocolate and cheese-making, milling and baking, cider pressing, trout and venison farming, foraging, beekeeping, cookery competitions, tastings and much more.

Everyone who takes part in this year’s Hampshire Food Festival also has the chance to win a luxury spa break with dinner at the fabulous 5-star Chewton Glen in the New Forest.

TV chef Antony Worrall

• JULY 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

Thompson will be cooking simple dishes using the best of Hampshire produce alongside wine expert and TV presenter Olly Smith at the Festival Place Food Event in Basingstoke over the weekend of 16th and 17th July. Michelin chef Atul Kochhar and his Executive Chef Jitin Joshi create an Indian barbecue on the terrace of the amazing restaurant that Solent Life recently reviewed, Vatika that overlooks Wickham Vineyard (9th and 23rd July). On Saturday 30th July James Martin will be heading up the judging of the National BBQ Championships at Laverstoke Park Farm incorporating the Field to Fork Show (30th and 31st July). Vegetarian food writer Rose Elliot will be demonstrating seasonal dishes at Winchester Discovery Centre (15th July).

Pylewell Park Food & Drink Festival near Lymington includes a line-up of ten top Hampshire and London chefs (23rd and 24th July) and the New Forest & Hampshire County Show (26th to 28th July) showcases everything agricultural for a great family day out.

See the full programme of Hampshire Food Festival events and competitions at www.hampshirefare.co.uk, pick up a free programme from libraries, farmers’ markets and participating venues or call 01962 846509 for a free programme to be posted to you.

Various venues throughout the whole of July.

DIVERSITY LIVE 2012 After the success of two sell-out tours, Diversity have announced their biggest UK arena tour to date with a brand new show for next year. Spurred on by the group’s motto ‘Dream, Believe, Achieve’, they are a remarkable example of what can be accomplished with hard work, dedication and belief. Last year alone they performed live to over 300,000 people across the world. Incorporating several genres of music from classical to hip-hop, their diverse eye-catching routines won the hearts of the nation. Group leader and choreographer Ashley Banjo said, “We have been blown away by the reaction we received from our first two tours. It has been amazing. We are really looking forward to getting back out there with a brand new show.” Tickets will sell fast so although this show is ten months away you had better book now. BIC Windsor Hall, Bournemouth, on Thursday 5th April 2012. Tickets are on sale now. Call the Ticketline on 0844 576 3000, book online at www.bic.co.uk or visit the BIC or Pavilion Ticket Office in person.

Tickets: £21.50 and £29.50.

Rock the Park Family music festival held over two days in one of our most outstanding country parks and all in aid of a great charity, with 11 bands playing each day in support of Help for Heroes. There will also be a fully licensed bar, food stalls and children’s entertainment. Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Petersfield.

Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th July from noon till 11.00 pm each day. £20 each per day. Tickets on the day £30 each, cash only. Children under 16 free (must be accompanied by a ticketed adult). Telephone 02392 595040 or www.rockthepark2011.co.uk.

SLASK They are the National Polish Song and Dance Ensemble and they are bringing their popular show to Southampton.

They have been described as one of the grandest and most dazzling spectacles in the world and the show is a thrilling display of dazzling movement, vibrant colour and stunning beauty, with beautiful choreographic, vocal and musical performances. The incomparable

Children Events

troupe whirl, leap, stamp and glide in a glorious outpouring of sound and motion, rhythm and music that celebrates the cultural legacy of Poland. There are over 100 performers making up the choir, ballet and orchestra.

The Mayflower Theatre: Tickets for Slask 29th to 31st August on sale from Box Office tel: 02380 711811, online at mayflower.org.uk or in person from the Mayflower ticket south shop in The Marlands, Southampton.

WEST DEAN FESTIVAL There is a chance to glamp it up this summer at the new West Dean Festival. As summer hots up and the festival season gets underway, how about treating yourself this August bank holiday to a weekend of ‘glamping’ in the comfort and luxury of a tipi or yurt complete with furnishings and bedding; or bring your own tent. There will also be some accommodation available in the 19th century Grade II* listed flint-faced mansion, which is now home to West Dean College.

This family-friendly festival is an intimate festival, celebrating all aspects of the arts; a festival at which people can come together to share their love of making, music, ideas, performance, dance, film, writing, storytelling, cooking and eating. WEST DEAN COLLEGE AND GARDENS, Near Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0QZ. 26th to 29th August. www. westdeanfestival.org.uk SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN The classic Hollywood musical is heading for the south coast in what will prove to be a stunning stage version. Don Lockwood is a star of silent movies with everything he could want – fame,

adulation and even a wellpublicised romance with his costar Lina Lamont. But Hollywood is about to change forever. There is rumour in the studio of a new kind of film, where the actors actually talk… and sing... and dance. Singin’ in the Rain is the story of that first Hollywood musical. It features a glorious score including Make ’em Laugh, Good Morning, Moses Supposes and, of course, Singin’ in the Rain.

Summer is never really here until Chichester puts on its seasonal musical.

CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE, till 10th September.

Box Office on 01243 781312 or full details at www.cft.org.uk.

Much Ado About Nothing The RSC Open Stages Season at Titchfield begins with Shakespeare's classic romantic comedy. This is the show that started TFT off 10 years ago and in celebration they are delighted to be performing it again to old and new audiences. Don Pedro returns from the wars with his entourage to take up residence with his old friend Leonato. Will his best friends Benedick, a confirmed bachelor and Claudio, who is deeply in love with Leonato's daughter, Hero, follow their hearts? Or will a series of overheard conversations and events prevent true love shining through? Let them transport you to Messina in Sicily on a lazy hazy summer evening to enjoy this heart-warming story of love and laughter. TICHFIELD FESTIVAL THEATRE, St Margaret’s Arts, St Margaret’s lane, Wed, 13th July to Sat 23rd July. www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre. com for full details.

SUBMARINE MUSEUM SUMMER FUN To celebrate the 110th anniversary of the Royal Navy’s first submarine Holland 1, the summer holidays will be packed with special family events at Gosport’s leading tourism attraction. Every Thursday in August children will be able to travel back 110 years to 1901 to enjoy a range of activities including diving demonstrations, meeting the Edwardian Navy, Punch and Judy, making spoon puppets and storytelling. There will also be a special family party day complete with live music and children’s games to celebrate the 30th anniversary of HMS Alliance being open to the public.

The Royal Navy Submarine Museum is open every day and a visit includes a tour of the historic WWII era submarine, HMS Alliance, with a submariner to hear his stories first-hand about living beneath the waves.

Visitors can also peer into the only surviving WWII midget submarine, step inside the Royal Navy’s first submarine Holland 1 and play as pirates in the Skull and Crossbones exhibition.

THE SUBMARINE MUSEUM, Gosport: HMS Alliance Family Fun Day Sunday 21st August 12 noon – 4.30 pm. www. submarine-museum.co.uk, 02392 510354 ext 240.

SUMMER OF GAMES AND PASTIMES Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to three of the most famous warships in the world, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 and the Mary Rose collection, but the site is more than that and throughout the Dockyard they will be celebrating games and pastimes this summer! The National Museum of the Royal Navy will once again transform Victory Arena for their Big Game Weekend on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th August. HMS Victory

will be positively vibrant as every Thursday in August there will be fun activities inspired by traditional sailor crafts and pastimes. Celebrating 150 years of service, HMS Warrior 1860 will be having fun at the Victorian seaside with thirty officers and crew on board for a weekend of naval traditions (Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st July, 10.00 am–4.30 pm) and seaside entertainment including sea songs, knot tying, street entertainers, Punch and Judy show, games and pastimes plus children’s activities and workshops. With all the added events Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is one of the best value full day’s out in the UK! Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Saturday 30th July to Sunday 4th September.

Ticket and visiting information is available at www. historicdockyard.co.uk or by calling 02392 839766.

PEDAL CAR GRAND PRIX A touch of Monaco comes to the New Forest this month when New Milton becomes the venue for this exciting event. Since 2005 the races have been held on alternate years in each town with the Ringwood race now renamed the British Pedal Car Grand Prix, an honour deserved by its rich history. Teams range from talented racers to enthusiastic pub teams, ladies teams and juniors.

NEW MILTON, Sunday 10th July, sponsored by Ringwood Brewery. The race schedule begins at 11.00 am through to 4.00 pm beginning with an hour-long junior race and finishing with the two-hour senior race with a 2.00 pm start time.

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communitynews

July

community news Your essential guide to all the local news and events in your community RUFF LADY ON TEXTILES On Monday 18th July 2011 the Solent Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild will be hosting a talk from The Ruff Lady, textile artist Jill Flowers. Jill works with textiles and recycled papers to create pieces that reflect the different ages and stages of life. We are very excited about seeing Jill’s work, and maybe booking onto her workshop with us in 2012. Why not come along and spend the evening with us? You will be made very welcome. We meet in the Parish Rooms in Titchfield, 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Visitors £5.

For more details please contact Jenny Buckley on 01489 578117 or Christina Eustace by email: christina.eustace@ googlemail.com or visit our blog on www.solenteg.blogspot.com.

STRAWBERRY FAYRE Titchfield Primary School Strawberry Fayre is on Saturday 9th July from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. This year’s Fayre is supported

by Forresters, with a wildlife theme, and promises to be even more fun-packed than ever! There will be donkey rides, rodeo bull, bouncy castle and slide, arena events with Irish dancers and steel pans, stalls, raffles, BBQ and beer tent, kids’ crafts, cream teas, ice-creams, cakes, games and much more.

This is one event not to be missed – see you there! Entry for adults £1 and children go free with free parking at Titchfield Community Centre car park.

GOING BATS Join Jim Park, Countryside Ranger, for a walk around the Wildgrounds, Gosport’s best kept wildlife secret, to find the different species of bats which frequent the area.

Meet at Grange Farm, Little Woodham Lane, off Howe Road, Rowner, Gosport PO13 8AB. Map ref SU 584 003. Please wear walking shoes and warm clothing. Suggested donation £1.50.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Gosport Branch: Bat Walk Friday 15th July at 9.00pm.

DOLLS’ HOUSE EXPO Gosport and Fareham Dolls House Club is holding their third joint exhibition with the

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Victory Model Railway Club at Portchester Community Centre, Westlands Grove, Portchester PO16 9AD. This has been a popular event in the past, with all members of the family able to enjoy the dolls’ houses and miniature scenes, as well as the working model railway layout. Any enquiries to Noreen Jeffery, 02392 503933.

10.00am to 4.00pm on Saturday 20th August.

FARMERS’ MARKET Fareham West Townswomen’s Guild meets on the third Wednesday of each month in St John’s Church Hall, St Michael’s Grove, Fareham at 2.15pm. Their next meeting is on 20th July when they will be holding an ‘At Home’ with fun quizzes and refreshments.

The Guild holds coffee mornings and arranges outings and various events as well as having craft, art, singing and scrabble groups. Visitors are very welcome. For more information please call Jackie Walker on 02392 298768.

WILDLIFE ART The Marwell International Wildlife Art Society holds an exhibition annually at Marwell. It is organised by Artist in Residence Pip McGarry and he told Solent Life, “The exhibition this year will run from Thursday 25th August to Monday 29th August inclusive in the beautiful grounds of Marwell Wildlife Park in Hampshire. It is the world’s largest exhibition of wildlife art with over two hundred artists and sculptors exhibiting and around 600 exhibits on display in the main exhibition. There is also a large art market housed in a vast marquee adjacent to the exhibition in which artists and sculptors will be doing demonstrations and selling prints, cards, photos, 3D work and original paintings. There is a great atmosphere and every year we receive tremendous feedback from the many guests who attend the show.”

IF YOU HAVE A LOCAL EVENT You wish to promote then please contact us at info@solentlife.co.uk

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