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solentlife.co.uk
APRIL 2012
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urniture
F of Bedroom
The artistry of
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The Sea City Remembers Titanic Centenary
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ART REVIEWS
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INTERIORS
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GARDENS
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HE ALTH & BE AUT Y
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W H AT ’ S O N
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welcome
44
APRIL 2012
So into the month of April showers – well the water companies hope so I think, but other than the threat of a hosepipe ban, I hope we have all enjoyed the unseasonably warm weather at the close of March. This month we have Easter – a little earlier than last year and the centennial anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic which is being marked in many ways throughout the month.
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We mark the Titanic anniversary by having a sneak preview of Southampton’s new Seacity Museum and reflect on the respective fates of the Titanic’s sister ships. Despite reported continuing economic gloom, many of the businesses within our Solent life region are enjoying a resurgence of better times brought about by the joys of spring. If this inspires thoughts of sunny days and blue skies, then perhaps a new sports car may be just the ticket, so we explore one of the countries finest dealerships and discover how to buy your first Ferrari. We head to glorious Goodwood for our walk and our links to the Portsmouth Air Festival take us to RAF Odiham to meet with a Chinook pilot just back from Afghanistan. With all of our usual popular features, including some Dirty Dancing in Southampton, we have another packed magazine. | MANAGING EDITOR
in this issue… features 14… Day in the Life of… Olympic Sailor Ben Ainslie.
contactus
38… Spring weddings Ideas for your big day.
Solent Life Magazine
44… Sea City Museum A fascinating look at Southampton’s maritime history .
Tel… 01489 583800 • Fax… 01489 564549 Online… www.solentlife.co.uk • Email… info@solentlife.co.uk WEBB HOUSE, 20 BRIDGE ROAD, PARK GATE, HAMPSHIRE, S031 7GE
77… Inside the new Sea City museum A sneak preview and tales of heroism.
theteam
88… Portsmouth Air Festival Chinooks over Afghanistan.
Editorial
Dave Hill – Managing Editor Tel… 01489 583743 • Email… davehill@solentlife.co.uk David Rose-Massom – Senior Journalist Email… editorial@solentlife.co.uk Fiona Cooke – Contributing Writer Email… fiona@solentlife.co.uk
Advertising Sales Sarah Kent Tel… 01489 584010 Email… sarah@solentlife.co.uk Steve Walker Tel… 01489 584057 Email… steve@solentlife.co.uk
regulars 6… The Walk A gallop at Glorious Goodwood.
24… Eating Out Review
Janet Grimm Tel… 01489 583800 Email… janet@solentlife.co.uk Barbara Smith Tel… 01489 583719 Email… barbara@solentlife.co.uk
Design & Production David Ives-Farren, Joe Parker & Adam Barnard Tel… 01489 583718 Email… design@solentlife.co.uk
A sip of Boston Tea – in Ringwood.
50… Artist Review The perfect contemporary home – in miniature.
76… Ferrari The artistry and the atelier. 96… What’s On
Reviews and theatre productions coming your way.
// Deadline for advertising copy & editorial for next issue: 13th April 2012 Published by Living Coast Media. © Copyright Solent Life 2012. All rights reserved. No part of Solent Life Magazine can be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part without the prior written permission of the publisher. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions contained within.
APRIL 2012 •
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Mad Mondays in April at Room 8 Hair & Beauty Not to be missed! During April take advantage of our great hair offer of 20% discount on all hair services including colour’s, on Mondays only, with any of our qualified stylists. This offer is only available throughout April and excludes any other offers and is subject to availability. Book your appointment today to avoid dissapointment, as demand will be high. 20% discount applies on production of this 20% discount voucher voucher. for hair services on mondays Also during the whole of throughout April. April due to high demand, for those of you that like to be pampered we are offering 25% discount off of micro-dermabrasion. Micro-dermabrasion removes dead skin cells and rejuvenates the skins surface, leaving a glowing complexion. This procedure is ideal for anti- ageing, pigmentation and acne scares. The usual price for half an hour is £40 – Now £30 on production of this voucher! 25% discount voucher The usual price for one for micro-dermabrasion hour including collagen treatment during April. mask is £52 – Now £39 on production of this voucher! This offer excludes any other offer and is subject to availability. We are also offering 20% discount off of all our dermalogica products throughout April, so grab yourself a bargain! To book your appointments please ring Room 8 on 01489 582660.
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Pony care & ride sessions including lessons in riding and pony care, for children of all ages. Shetland ponies for the under 5’s Fantastic membership available for adults. A superb junior membership from the age of 8.
Ladies mornings for the novice who would like a gentle introduction to riding.
Fabulous hacking for the experienced rider. also picturesque woodland riding
Pony care days during the holidays and Saturdays.
We have relocated to Spring Road, Sarisbury Green, Please call for a chat.
Tel: 01489 589214 or 07714 092120 W: www.tlcforhorses.co.uk There’s a lot more to T.L.C. for Horses than you think!
Local children have acheived so much thanks to T.L.C. “The yard is my second family, it’s the most amazing place in the world, special moments to cherish forever. It’s a place were friends are made and horses are loved and cared for by us all. I have learnt people skills as well as horse management.” Members & parents quotes. “The children have gained significantly in confidence and self esteem, the sucsess of the venture is clear for all to see. The tuition they have recieved at T.L.C is excellent.” Headmaster quote. “Ros’s ability to engage some of the most difficult students enables them to access all areas, one in particular is now training to be a jockey at Newmarket.” Headmaster quote. Other success stories, to name just three; Lauren Eppse Equine Science degree, now works in a top racing yard in Cheltnham. Becky Bryant, now a fully qualified Vetinary surgeon. Emily Ambrose, 2nd year Liverpool Vetinary University. T.L.C. a very freindly place and excellent enviroment for all children and horses. If you love horses this is the place to be!
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www.room8-hair.co.uk 01489 582660 APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …5
solent | walk
glorious, glorious
Goodwood words & pictures by david rose-massom
It is known more for its motor racing, with the Goodwood revival and Festival of Speed, and for its horse racing with the highlight of the summer social scene; ‘Glorious Goodwood’ but there is also a much slower pace of life in the surrounding countryside. Solent Life took a walk in the woods and gazed down across the South Downs from Goodwood and it really is glorious!
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S
ome 10,000 people attend the summer race meeting at the start of August and yet when we visited the woodland scenery alongside the famous racecourse we didn’t see a soul; and the beauty is that this wonderful landscape is open to anyone to enjoy. Goodwood Estate has to be one of the best cared for private estates in the UK. Its woodlands are well managed, its farmland superbly tended, with many rare breeds grazing and its walks - truly spectacular. The day begins with a short drive across the West Sussex border, by-passing Chichester and heading out on the Midhurst road, with wonderful scenery of rolling hills and farmland all the way. Turn right when the road points to the entrance of The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton. If you have the day to yourself then take time to stop here and wander the grounds, especially if there is one of their many wonderful summer events on, it is a great place for the family to visit. If you want to head straight for your walk then just follow the road past the museum entrance and climb to the top of the Downs, following the winding road to where a hill top car park offers up something beautiful, it is worth stopping for a moment or two to enjoy the inland views; spectacular! Time to move on; down past the racecourse entrances to the iconic ‘tented’ grandstand and turn left where the road follows stone walls and then part of the racecourse itself. No matter if you do not find the start of my walk, because wherever you park, and whichever footpath signs you follow – you are in for a walker’s treat. The Goodwood Estate website explains about the rights of way; ‘There are a number of stunning walks in West Sussex and across the Goodwood Estate through fields and woodland up to the historic view point on St. Roche’s Hill, known as ‘The Trundle’, where the visitor
will be able to clearly see Goodwood’s famous Racecourse as well as the lowland areas surrounding Chichester. On a clear day the Isle of Wight is visible across the Solent. Although there are no Open Access areas at Goodwood (as defined in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act and known as ‘Right to Roam’) Goodwood offers, in association with the West Sussex County Council, its own Country Park. This area is to the south and east of the Racecourse (including The Trundle) and was granted by The Duke in 1992, as a permissive right, to allow members of the public to enjoy and walk in West Sussex.’ There are 35 public footpaths and bridleways within the Estate. My walk began in the car park at Counters Gate, between the racecourse and the turning for East Dean. I entered the woods alongside the car park and followed the paths through the trees in the hope of reaching the Sculpture Park; a wonderful open-air gallery of the finest contemporary sculptures and also well worth a visit. It had been a cold, but sunny, February day and thin clouds of vapour puffed out with each breath; the trees were still stark and naked, but by the time you read this the leaf buds, which had just started to appear, will be bursting with new spring life and changing the scenery from the dullness of winter to the fresh green of new-life and an advertisement for the summer to come. This, by the way, should be a great summer if the large numbers of molehills are anything to go by – if that particular wives tale has any credence Every footstep raised a flurry of small finches and blue tits up from the ground into the trees; a blackbird looked at me to see if I was going to be trouble but then just went about his business. The only sounds were of the wind in the trees, the birdsong and, I must admit, the occasional vintage plane flying overhead after leaving the Goodwood Aerodrome. It is not on every walk that you can look skyward and see an American WWII fighter plane fly past.
At a farm gate I took a moment to enter the field, even though I was not going in that direction, it was just to look down through the shallow valley where sheep grazed on lush green pasture and where the views just drifted down across the landscape to the Cathedral spire in Chichester and out on across the English Channel where the sea sparkled like distant diamonds in the winter sunshine. This was a walk and not a stand still and watch; so back through the farm gate to follow the clearly marked pathways. The long-distant views may be hidden from the eye here but the glory of deep and dense woodland more than make up for leaving that vista behind. Winding paths rise and fall with the terrain that the rolling hills of West Sussex offer, yet it is still an easy walk, a relaxing two to three hour stroll through some wonderful countryside. One path rises back up toward the racecourse and on either side there are stacks of timber, walls of logs that change the scenery and add an appreciation of how much work goes into managing such vast tracts of woodland. The walk did not reach the Sculpture Park, but that did not matter, it was a wonderful woodland trek that stamped a broad grin on my face that, despite tired legs, did not disappear for the rest of the day. On the way home I drove down to the Goodwood Farm Shop and purchased a delicious rare-breed steak and some stuffed stilton and leek mushrooms so that I could take a little of the countryside home with me and on that drive home I revelled in the memory of a stunning woodland landscape and Goodwood, glorious, glorious Goodwood! l
For further information check out these websites… www.goodwood.co.uk/ goodwood-estate www.sculpture.org.uk www.wealddown.co.uk
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solent | spotlight
Discover Hampshire’s beautiful breathing space…
T
he Hamble Valley region stretches along the River Hamble and The Solent including the villages like Hamble, Botley, Bishop’s Waltham and Wickham, there is plenty to see and do and lots of places to visit in the Hamble Valley. From coast to countryside, the Hamble Valley is a year-round haven for young or old. You can discover activities taking place at the country parks, gardens and nature reserves, explore a range of walking trails for all abilities, both guided and self guided or enjoy Hampshire’s wildlife. The Hamble Valley offers an amazing variety of wildlife to those who explore its quiet woodlands, flower-filled meadows and beautiful riversides. From orchids to kingfishers, bats to barn owls and butterflies to toads, there are so many species for people to engage with. And that’s the real bonus of this area – its accessibility,
The Hamble Valley Guide 2012 is packed with the best that the area has to offer for great days out along coast and countryside.
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with all sorts of visitor resources, most importantly an excellent network of well-marked trails. For years I walked those in the woodlands around Manor Farm and enjoyed some rich rewards in terms of natural history… once, I watched three woodpecker fledglings being fed on the path about three meters from where I had stopped. Superb! It’s all out there – go and see for yourselves.’ Chris Packham. As well as the great outdoors, the Hamble Valley includes a host of family attractions and places to visit. l
The Hamble Valley Guide is the ultimate guide for what to do, where to eat and the region’s culture, plus lots of news and articles. All the information and great ideas for days out are available on the website www.hamblevalley.com or you can request a free copy of the magazine by calling 023 8000 1655.
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APRIL 2012 •
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A Gem of a Year for David Mellor Jewellers! Eastleigh’s only independent and longest serving Jewellers is celebrating 25 years trading in the town with a move to The Swan Centre! Their present site, Smith Bradbeer House, High Street was David’s first shop and has served him well for 25 years but has insufficient space to accommodate the Company’s expanding product lines – lines already being successfully promoted at their branches in Totton and Andover. David’s links to Eastleigh go back even further – an apprenticed toolmaker he worked at the Railway from 1975 to 1979, in the Production Planning Office. Until 4 years ago he had also run a successful market business for 32 years. Son James (Jim), already ‘cutting his teeth’ at Eastleigh alongside longtime employee Lynne, is very excited about the move and looking forward to welcoming past, present and future customers alike to the new store. To their loyal customers who have supported them over the years they say “thank you” and be ready to be ‘wowed’. Coincidentally 2012 is turning out to be a significant year in more ways than one as eldest son Daniel joins the family firm in the spring as their resident Goldsmith having spent six years in the workshops of Jeremy France Jewellers of Winchester. He will be responsible for repairs and bespoke handmade pieces. Daughter Amy became a fulltime staff member on 1st January joining David’s wife and co-director Christine at the Andover branch to assist in the administrative and financial aspects of the Company. Truly a family affair! And on a personal note; David and Christine celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this year! www.dmellorandsons.co.uk Follow us on twitter for updates on this and other items @davidmellorsons
A gift shop selling more than you might think • Open 7 days a week Find the perfect Easter gifts and cards here!
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Telephone: 02392 553701 www.finishingtouchesgiftshop.co.uk
Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm / Saturday 9:30am - 5:30pm / Sunday 11:00am - 4:00pm. 10…
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A low cost HANDYPERSON SERVICE for anyone over 60 or disabled Mainly for small jobs taking up to 2 hours. Labour costs £12.00 per hour (plus VAT) but further discounts available if you receive a means-tested benefit. This service is provided by In Touch and is supported by Hampshire County Council. Labour costs £20.00 per hour (plus VAT) for anyone not qualifying for lower rates. Areas covered are Winchester • Fareham • Havant & Gosport. Carpentry • Plumbing • Electrical • Safety Homecheck • Keysafe Security Please call to make an appointment on (local rate charges apply)
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Calling all dogs… Sunday 29th April at 10.30am
Rooksbridge Poultry Farm Rooksbridge Poultry Farm has been trading for over 15 years, selling top quality egg-laying poultry. Nestled amongst picturesque woodland in the beautiful Hampshire countryside, the farm is now under new ownership. All the poultry is free range and fully vaccinated and great care is taken to ensure their health is of top importance. Rooksbridge Poultry Farm has a variety of breeds available and also has everything that is required to keep hens.
Phone or e-mail for an appointment to come and visit us.
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sponsored wag walk and raise money for the stubbington ark animal shelter
Wag Walk Trophy for Winner + Dinner for Two & Doggy Treats
BIG Spring Steam Up & Country Fair featuring Arts and Crafts Exhibition
Call 01329 666916
Sunday 15th April 10am – 4pm
Stubbington Ark Animal Shelter 174-176 Ranvilles Lane, Fareham, PO14 3EZ Regestered charity 205096
bursledonbrickworks.org.uk
for sponsor form and further details
The first exhibition featuring local artisans was a phenomenal success last year. It will be even bigger this year to help raise much needed funds for the Brickworks.
01489 576248
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK TOMLINSON & JESUS RENDO
day in the life…
Olympic sailor a day in the life of an…
words by fiona cooke
“At the moment I guess I am married to my job”. Triple Gold and Silver Olympic Medallist Ben Ainslie CBE gives us an insight to his life and the drive it takes to become the best.
B
en’s normal day, which is far from many of our 9-5 working days starts at 8am “First I have Aerobic training in the morning with either endurance for 90 minutes or interval training for 60 minutes, this can be on my road bike, running or on the cross trainer in the gym. Then at 11 am it is meetings and boat preparation. At 12 it is 3-4 hours of sailing. Between 5 and 7 I have Weight Training as well as physio. Finally at 8pm I get dinner and have a rest! When you put it into words you realise the time commitment, but every day is crucial for the end goal” Training like this is just one section of the commitment involved, and perhaps there is no such thing as a normal day for Ben. “I’m always on the move but when I’m at home, I live in Lymington. I don’t even have time to cook. It’s all about taking advantage of days off and making sure I catch up with family and friends, I’m also currently learning to fly which is a great way to switch off away from sailing”. He continues “One advantage of the travel is that I’ve made great friends around the world and I enjoy spending time with them and forget about what’s happening on the water. Most of them have young families and so it’s good to get a perspective on real life!”
In terms of the Olympics competition period itself, this is when his routine becomes crucial, “It’s important to keep a clear focus on the goals ahead. There are lots of things to take your attention and you have to make sure you stay focussed. I try and treat the racing like any other event and keep an even mind-set. Ben’s titles currently stand as three time’s Olympic champion, nine times World and nine times European champion. He explains his success: “I think it’s a mixture of things. I guess I’m lucky to have a natural feel for sailing but like anything else in life it’s about hard work and determination to be successful, if you don’t have that then little can be achieved”. In many sports athletes do two or three Olympic Games, however London 2012 will be Ben’s fifth Olympic campaign. You would
edge, “All of the teams are so professional in this day and age and so that negates the home advantage, having said that, the home support will certainly lift all British athletes in this Olympic Games”. And Ben won’t stop once the Olympics are over! As someone who obviously needs to keep challenging himself he has recently launched his own team for the America’s Cup; Ben Ainslie Racing. “The launch of BAR gives us a vehicle to try and build a British team to try and win the Americas Cup. I think it is the right time to build this team and it gives me a good challenge once the Olympics are over, to win the Americas Cup is my biggest ambition, but I know it’s going to take a lot more hard work and commitment to even come close to that goal”
‘’
In the Olympic cycle it’s all about getting into peak condition for the one week of racing in August. That’s all that matters! Training is hard physically and you get tired but it’s part of the challenge. When you’re training for the Olympics you never lose motivation. think the enthusiasm has dwindled a bit, but his love of the sport and his competitiveness ensures this campaign will be just as strong as any other. “I love sailing, but it’s the competitive instinct that drives me on to train hard and try and be successful, all Olympics are very special as a competitor but a home Olympics will be a unique opportunity, to sail for Queen and country on home waters is going to very special!” The home advantage and home support will, he believes, give the British Team the
Ben’s life has revolved around competitive sailing for the whole of his adult life, and he can’t see a time when he will not be involved. “I haven’t really thought about retiring as I believe there is so much for me to achieve, I’m lucky that sailing is one of those sports that give longevity and I plan to take advantage of that. I don’t think I would make a good day sailor, the odd sailing holiday is about as far as I would go away from racing yachts!” H
JP Morgan Asset Management is the title sponsor of Ben Ainslie’s Olympic campaign. To watch Ben’s latest behind-the-scenes video go to www.facebook.com/benainslie1977 or follow Ben on twitter @ainslieben 14…
.co.uk • APRIL 2012
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> PRIVATE LIVES by Dario Fo
> BOUNCERS & SHAKERS DCOOUBMLEEDY BILL by John Godber
> KINDERTRANSPORT
> 11th – 21st APRIL
> 25th – 28th APRIL
> 16th – 26th MAY
Dario Fo’s throught provoking political satire. Fed up with high prices in the supermarket? Frustrated by constant strikes? Frantic at rising train fares? Take the law into your own hands! Fast and furious comic chaos – Dario Fo’s 1974 farce is, quite literally, a riot!
SEE OUR FULL SPRING & SUMMER LISTINGS…
NOT TO
BOUNCERS is a hilarious comedy set outside a northern club in the 1980’s with the 4 Bouncers playing a host of characters from teenage girls to hairdressers and burger van owners.
why not get a copy of our Theatre Calendar Card to remind you of what’s coming up. Just phone 01329 556156 and we will send you one free of charge.
BE MISS
ED!
SHAKERS is set in a trendy cocktail bar during Maggie Thatcher’s yuppies 80’s through the eyes of 4 cocktail waitresses in another hilarious offering from John Godber.
‘Through our children we live, that is how we cheat death.’ This moving play, inspired by the real life evacuation of Jewish children escaping from the horrors of Nazi Germany is doubtless worth two boxes of tissues. This dark often brooding story is told from the heart with love and poignancy. It is an exceptional piece of theatre… not to be missed.
WHERE: ST MARGARETS ARTS, ST. MARGARETS LANE, TITCHFIELD PO14 4BG. TIME: START AT 7.30PM. MONDAY TO THURSDAY – £9. FRIDAY & SATURDAY – £11. DISCOUNTS: £1 OFF FOR STUDENTS, SENIORS, UNEMPLOYED, PARTIES 4+ £1 PER TICKET DISCOUNT. BOOK 2 SHOWS OR MORE £1 PER TICKET DISCOUNT. SPECIAL RATES FOR SCHOOLS AND PARTIES OF 10+.
APRIL 2012 •
BOX OFFICE 01329 556156 titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com
.co.uk …17
solent | ‘life’
Doctor, Doctor,
what is wrong with me? words by fiona cooke
Many years ago I convinced myself that I had a terminal illness. This came about as a result of having a marked tendency towards hypochondria, which was exacerbated by obsessively reading about illnesses and then coincidently discovering that I had, if not all, then at least some of the symptoms. In this particular case my selfdiagnosis was serious enough to take me to the Doctors with such a convincing and knowledgeable list of symptoms that I was referred to a specialist.
I
spent the weeks waiting for the appointment alternating between treasuring every moment, as it was, I believed, to be amongst my last; living in a fog of fear; being charitable, loving and forgiving to everyone I had contact with, and behaving overall in a slightly unbalanced way, which was understandable only to the one friend I had told of my “condition”. On the day, the specialist raised an eyebrow when I told him that I had read about the illness and had similar symptoms, examined me, told me I merely had poor circulation and an over active imagination, and should read less, exercise more and take up meditation. Today, having grown out of my hypochondria, I now treat any signs of illness as an inconvenience and something to be ignored because; a) if I wait long enough it will disappear, b) it may not get any worse and can therefore be lived with; c) as I am convinced that the words “Not to be taken seriously” are now plastered all over my medical records, there is no point in getting it checked out, and d) the symptoms are worrying but, having briefly lived through one potentially terminal, if imaginary illness, I am now too scared to find out if it is the real thing. It does seem that most of us either fall into one of two camps; those that rush to the doctors at the first twinge and
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
those that only go when they can no longer deny that there is something seriously wrong. It would be interesting to know if there are statistics on which gender visits the Doctor more frequently. Among my acquaintances many of the men have to be coerced into the surgery by the women in their lives. Maybe it is a macho thing; does admitting that there is a problem make them feel less manly? Whereas the women, on the whole, are more likely to make an appointment before a bad back has progressed to the point of leaving them completely immobile. What is it about illness and our attitude to it? We seem to have a love/hate relationship with our Doctors. We do tend to revere them; certainly mine is up there on a pedestal next to the person who first discovered that cocoa beans could be made into chocolate. But we are also slightly scared of them; or at least we are scared of what they will do to us. Doctor’s have the power, due to the nature of their profession, to change our lives; unfortunately not always for the better. They can induce guilt over our distinctly unhealthy lifestyles and habits, and tell us things we already know, but don’t want to hear. Yet they can also sooth and support us in our lowest moments. What can be more comforting, other than your mother’s hand on your brow, than a Doctor visiting your bedside, and reassuring you
that the spots/fever/mysterious tremors are nothing to worry about, and no, there is no need for him to witness your final will? Appointments with the Doctor can be a minefield. Mine always asks how I am, and I am never sure of the correct reply. My automatic response is “I’m fine thank you”, but this would be a lie, as I am obviously not fine as otherwise I wouldn’t be there. So do I say “Well actually, I’m rather poorly” and immediately give the reasons why? But this seems so impolite, I do feel that there should be some exchange of pleasantries and that I should enquire as to her well being, before launching into a list of my ailments. And then there are the symptoms; some can be embarrassing, or personal, and it can be a struggle to come up with the correct terminology. Do I try and use the medical terms, which are completely unnatural to me, or do I resort to the language I use with my children...”Well, it’s about my number two’s Doctor!” Some ailments can seem so vague. I want to go in with a clear, text book list of symptoms so the Doctor can easily diagnose me, and I can feel pleased with myself for having an immediately recognisable illness. But I can feel almost apologetic and that I am wasting her time with my indiscriminate pains, especially when they seem to clear up the day I make the appointment! Given that many serious illnesses start out with the mildest of, sometimes embarrassing, symptoms, it is obviously better for one’s health to be amongst the hypochondriacs of this world. And it must save the Doctor’s time and the Health Service’s money in the long run if we visit sooner rather than, sometimes, too much later. I only wish that visiting the Doctor was so much less fraught! l
APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …19
photography
patience
April’s winner… paul stone
is a virtue
photo 2013
competition
THE RULES:
H
ow do those wildlife photographers get the good shots? How is it they
can get nature at its best and you always miss the shot? The answer is quite simple; patience, practice and always having your camera with you. You will never get that great shot if your camera is safely at home; the shots on this page were taken while out walking, none of them were set up, none were taken after hours of hiding behind camouflage. Luck and a wary eye and ear were all that was needed; when out in the countryside keep your eyes open, and your ears attuned to the sounds from woodland and field; eventually
you will gain a sort of sixth sense to the wilderness around you. They say the best camouflage is patience, and it is true, as with any hunter once you have spotted your prey take your time, wait for them to come to you and just be patient. The wait is worthwhile when you see the images you have been able to shoot. It is not about expensive equipment, the dragonfly was taken on a simple point and shoot camera, it’s more about an eye for a good photograph and the willingness to wait for nature to give you a helping hand. Top tips for this month: be aware of your surroundings, be patient and have your camera ready. l
PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION SPONSORSHIP Our Calendar competition is kindly sponsored by the LONDON CAMERA EXCHANGE FAREHAM & NIKON 135 West Street, Fareham. T: 01329 236441. E: fareham@lcegroup.co.uk
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
All images must be taken by the named photographer and the photographer should not be a professional (eg earning the bulk of their income from photography). Images should be ‘landscape’ in format, saved as Jpegs and named for their location. Images should then be sent via email as high resolution and accompanied clearly with name, address and a contact number. The judges decision each month and for Photographer of the Year is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Send your entries to calendarcompetition@solentlife.co.uk
DON’T FORGET THAT THIS YEAR we have an extra prize of The Young Photographer of the Year. Our thanks for the continued sponsorship from the London Camera Exchange, Fareham branch.
Ripples We are delighted to announce that the Ripples Winchester showroom is now under new management. Showroom Manager Ryan Harris has 13 years experience in the bathroom industry as a senior manager. Ryan says “I am delighted to be joining Ripples and looking forward to 2012, with the wealth of products available at Ripples there has never been a better time to have fun and inject some serious personality into your bathroom. Creating award-winning bathrooms for over 24 years, Ripples has acquired a reputation throughout the homes and interiors world for cutting edge designs. The stunning showroom is conveniently situated on Stockbridge Road, showcasing the ultimate in contemporary and traditional bathroom design; beautiful wall hung basins, stylish modular furniture, working Jacuzzi whirlpool bath, bespoke furniture as well as a dedicated tile area displaying beautiful natural stone, porcelain, glass and mosaics. Ripples Winchester is situated on Stockbridge Road – where high street parking is available. 2012 will mark 24 years since Ripples first opened its doors to customers in the city of Bath. In 24 years, it is staggering what this bathroom company has achieved. Now boasting 17 showrooms nationwide, the company has become famed for designing and creating bespoke, luxury bathroom spaces. Today Ripples employs over 20 specialist designers and between them they have won over 49 industry awards for design and marketing, leading to their current position as a premium bathroom retailer.
Opening hours Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.30pm Saturdays 9.00am – 5.00pm Ripples, 13-15 Stockbridge Road, Winchester, SO22 6RN Tel: 01962 859296 www.ripples.ltd.uk
APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …21
travel | focus
Kiwi encounter words by jeff kilby
Picture yourself sitting by the pool relaxing after hard days sight-seeing, a good book in one hand and your favourite tipple in the other, around you are the well manicured lawns of a subtropical garden with views the Coromandel Hills and Firth of Thames. You wander indoors via the terrace, through the patio doors to be welcomed by the open stone fire, beamed ceiling and antique furniture of this most beautiful of Guest lounges. Welcome to New Zealand.
I
t doesn’t sound bad does it?
This is just one of the many unique accommodations that you could find yourself staying at by speaking to the staff of Amity World Travel about arranging a self drive holiday of New Zealand. Amity World Travel believes that your holiday adventure should be a Kiwi experience from start to finish and that includes where you stay. With a portfolio of over 40 boutique B&BS, farmhouses, ecolodges and self catering cottages and apartments there is little need to stay in one of the multi-national hotels that could be anywhere in the world. New Zealanders are a naturally open and friendly society, keen to share their personal experience and knowledge of their local area, this can be a massive bonus picking up little tit bits of advice (such as avoiding tourist traps) that help you to get the best out of your holiday time. Many of the homes will treat you like long lost friends rather than paying guests, offering you the option to dine with them in the evening
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
or to partake in local events, giving you the kind of holiday memories that will live with you forever. Variety is the spice of life and you get plenty of that with so many different styles of accommodation, one day you will find yourself waking up to glorious views across a picturesque bay whilst staying at a state of the art lodge perched high on a cliff top and the next you will be opening your curtains to views of rolling hills and farmland before heading off for breakfast on the terrace of a very rustic homestead from a bygone era. Farming is big part of the way of life in New Zealand and many of the farms have opened themselves up to the public offering you the chance to stay on a working farm, where you can try your hand at milking the cows, feeding the chickens or just take a guided walk. Eco-Lodges are at the forefront of modern tourism
and New Zealand is leading the way here too, these self sustainable lodges offer a very different stay to anything else on offer and are a welcome addition to any holiday. So while hotels have their place, with such a variety of accommodation as you work your way around the stunning landscape of these beautiful islands there really is no excuse for staying in identical hotel rooms night after night. If you would like to walk the stunning beaches of the Abel Tasman, go wine tasting in the vineyards of Marlborough, take a cruise along the Doubtful Sound, hike across a glacier or just relax on the beaches of the Coromandel, in fact the list is endless, and top it all off by staying in some of the most welcoming
and friendly accommodation, then you need to make an appointment to discuss your holiday ideas with Jeff, Sue & Elaine at Amity World Travel, experts in bespoke travel and itineraries of the Southern Hemisphere. l
Are you planning a major holiday? Whatever your reason for planning a trip of any kind, you want to be sure that the arrangements are just right and that you have the holiday of your dreams. One way to be certain of this is make Amity World Travel your first port of call in order to discuss your plans. Here, you can be sure that you will be offered expert advice and assistance in putting together your perfect holiday. Amity World Travel has been trading since 1970 and has been based at its current location in Segensworth since 1994. This unusual location for a travel agency offers a “non shop” setting where clients are welcome to drop in (often by appointment), and meet with a consultant who can take as much time as is needed to discuss your plans over a coffee, suggest a variety of options and make the necessary arrangements in quiet and relaxed surroundings. As an independently owned, ABTA and ATOL accredited company, Amity is able tailor the widest choice of travel options match your own personal needs. Through years of experience they have built direct
There is no pulling the wool over your eyes, You will just love New Zealand
relationships with ground handlers and hoteliers around the world, and they may be able to offer unique experiences that you just won’t find in a mass-market brochure. Amity World Travel blends old fashioned qualities of customer service, choice and impartiality with modern day booking technology to help give them the edge over their competition. As the leisure travel division of one of the most successful Business Travel Management Companies in the south of England, their consultants use the most up to date reservation technology, and have millions of “contract” rates for worldwide flights, hotels and car rental. Put this together with the 60+ years of travel experience that Jeff, Sue and Lisa have between them, and you have a winning formula that sees clients returning year after year to put their trust in travel arrangements planned and booked at Amity World Travel. Telephone: 01489 579975
Your Local Travel Experts 28 day self drive New Zealand Itinerary from £3795 person
Includes flights, car hire, 28 days accommodation and ferry between islands. Time at Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Auckland, Able Tasman, Charlotte Sound, Southern Alps Queenstown and The Fjordlands. For departures before 9 December and after 16 January 13. Based on 2 persons sharing twin rooms.
As members of Advantage, the UK’s leading consortium of independent travel agents, we have the widest choice of tour operators from which to choose your dream holiday. Our expert consultants can also piece together the elements of your dream trip into a tailor-made holiday while you relax, safe in the knowledge that your arrangements are fully bonded.
Telephone: 01489 579975
Email: holidays@amitytravel.co.uk
Web: www.amitytravel.co.uk
4 Manor Court, Barnes Wallis Road, Segensworth East, Fareham, PO15 5TH APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …23
eating out | review
boston joining the
tea party
words & pictures by david rose-massom
On December 16, 1773, after officials in Boston refused to return three shiploads of taxed tea to Britain, a group of colonists boarded the ships and destroyed the tea by throwing it into Boston Harbour. The incident, forever known as The Boston Tea Party, remains an t is one of those menus that just when you think you have decided, from the wide variety of dishes advertised, a server walks by with poached eggs topped iconic event of American history; now with pink slivers of smoked salmon and any decision is revoked and the list of lunch in Ringwood remains an iconic tasty treats re-viewed. Time for a re-think! The Boston Tea Party is a fairly new chain of eateries established in 1996 and on milestone in my career as a restaurant their website they describe themselves and their ethos; ‘Well we like to think of ourselves as a happy cluster rather than a clunky chain. Simply put we are a small family reviewer.
I
owned & award winning café group based in the West Country who pride ourselves on serving outstanding coffee & tea & creating delicious, affordable, feel-good food with products sourced from ethical & local suppliers.’ And, after trying out their Ringwood venue, here at Solent Life we can only agree. Each restaurant in the ‘cluster’ keeps its individuality as a building and Frampton’s Mill in The Furlong has been left with the spirit of the old building, comfortable seating on two floors with a gentle drone of happy conversation offered up by smiling diners; it is a happy place to eat.
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
After perusing the menu, up and down, down and up, several times; the realisation hits that if they can get the basics right, they can get everything right! Burger and Fries it was then! As a restaurant with such a name, tea had to be the drink of the day and the menu carries choices from gunpowder tea, chamomile, lemongrass and ginger as well as iced teas and berry infusions, and many more besides. The Boston House Blend is a mix of Assam and Ceylon with a sprinkle of Darjeeling and preferring to drink real tea without milk enables the drinker to get its full flavour. On being served I was advised to leave it for three minutes to let it steep; good advice. Rich golden liquid poured from the spout into the white mug, it may be proper tea and de-rigueur to drink it from fine china at the Ritz, but here it was served in the proper receptacle for the style of dining. It was gentle with an almost flowery slightly sweet aroma and flavour and was very refreshing and a great amuse-bouche in readiness for lunch. It is so easy to do and yet so tough to achieve for many establishments - get the simple stuff right. My lunch, which I had served outside on a warm day, looked wonderful; a towering burger, the meat patty obviously made on the premises. Boston Burger with Bacon & Cheddar, which is described on the menu as a
homemade West Country burger, topped with applewood smoked bacon, local cheddar, red onion marmalade, salad and mayo and then served with sweet potato chips and seasonal coleslaw. The burger is firm, full flavoured and meaty and this is then added to by the sweet smokiness of the bacon, a great mix of taste and texture; then almost as an afterthought the soft flavour of a red onion marmalade sneaks through to join the party. More texture is added to the dish with the cold salad of winter coleslaw, crunchy, delicious and then come the chips; and nothing normal here either. The sweet potato chips were large, chunky, rustic in appearance and countrified in taste with sweet earthy flavours. Soft to the pressure of knife and tooth; so much more flavour than the traditional potato chip. Whatever is chosen from the menu the best ingredients, free range meat and eggs, are used and sourced locally. There are also dishes for vegetarians and vegans, and not just the odd token offering either. On a ‘specials board’ next to the counter is an extensive and fun children’s menu, or ‘Little Treasures’ as they refer to offspring, with something to please the most discerning of young palates. The ethos of the company is to become part of the community they serve, to source the best of products from within
that community and then employ people who have knowledge and care to work in quality surroundings. What this means for the diner, you and me that is, is quality teas, coffees and beverages, a broad and enticing lunch menu and food and service of the highest quality and at their prices, also great value for money. I shall be returning and I can highly recommend the Boston Tea Party or ‘BTP’ as they refer to themselves. They also serve some great breakfasts and one nice extra touch, everything on their menu is served all day; none of that annoying we can’t serve that you arrived too late! I am just glad they have arrived in the Solent Life area. l
My burger and sweet potato fries £7.25 (one of the dearest things on the menu) and £1.85 for the superb pot of specialist tea. For the history and location of BTP as well as their menus go to www.bostonteaparty.co.uk BOSTON TEA PARTY, The Furlong, Ringwood Opening Hours – Mon to Sat: 7.30am to 6pm Sun: 9am to 5pm
APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …25
HOME COOKED SUNDAY LUNCH THREE COURSES £11.95 From 12–6pm Sunday meat raffle excellent meat & cash prizes 1.30pm
WEDNESDAY IS STEAK NIGHT £6.50 RUMP STEAK & CHIPS WITH A CHOICE OF SAUCE Good well kept traditional ales wine list TO COMPLIMENT OUR Excellent real food
*FREE DESSERT WHEN A TABLE OF four or more SUNDAY AFTERNOON ROAST WITH LIVE JAZZ AND MELLOW TUNES EVERY SUNDAY FROM JANUARY 8th. WE WILL BE OPENING ON SUNDAY AFTERNOONS FOR GREAT LIVE MUSIC AND THE FINEST SELECTION OF LOCAL ORGANIC ROASTS AVAILABLE. OPEN FROM 1PM TO 6PM LIVE MUSIC FROM 2PM TO 4.30PM.
ORDERS TWO COURSES FROM THE MAIN MENU WHEN BOOKED IN ADVANCE. (AVAILABLE 2–12th APRIL MONDAY TO THURSDAY ONLY) *PLEASE MENTION THIS OFFER WHEN BOOKING AND PRODUCE THIS ADVERT TO CLAIM THIS SPECIAL DEAL.
BOOKING IN ADVANCE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
8 H i g h S t re e t , Bis h o p s Wa lt h a m S o uthamp to n , S O3 2 1 AA T: 01 4 8 9 8 9 4 4 7 6 ww w.th ew i ne b a ra nd b ist ro . c o . uk
ThE
Jolly Farmer Country Inn
is the place to celebrate any occasion
☎ 01489 573088 Warsash Village, SO31 9HX FRES H MEAT S UPPLIED BY R.OWTON
Try our Farmers Lunchtime Specials & Sunday Roasts ● To complement our food we have a selection of traditional real ales and an excellent wine list ● We serve food all day on Saturdays & Sundays ● Succulent sea food, locally caught (our speciality) ● Business breakfast ideal for meetings ● Offering superb food lunchtimes & evenings ● Extensive a la Carte Menu
Outside we have a large beer garden with a purpose built play area for children. Also, a patio area to enjoy the South’s sunshine with your favourite beverage.
OPEN ALL DAY
LARGE PLAY AREA
● Superb Accommodation facilities available ● Traditional breakfast served every morning GIFT VOUCHERS from The Jolly Farmer Treat your family and friends to a great dining experience at our Country Inn.
F lee t End R oad | Warsash
Tel (01489) 572500 / 575118 | Fax (01489) 885847) | EMAIL mail@thejollyfarmer.uk.com | www.thejollyfarmer.uk.com
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
The Bold Forester at Sarisbury Green
Celebrate Easter Food served all day on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday Lunchtimes and evenings during the week.
Large back garden and play area. Bouncy castle over Easter (weather permitting). Small & large parties catered for Birthdays, anniversaries & celebrations.
To book a table please telephone 01489 576400
APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk ‌27
solent | life
baby sleeping? how is your
words by karen bramall
It doesn’t take long for those dreaded little words “How is your baby sleeping?” to come up in any given parent-to-parent conversation. Some parents dodge the question by saying everything is fine and some dive into a long story of their child’s sleep habits and their ultimate frustration.
I
am a mum of three beautiful daughters and have a wealth of first-hand experience of what it is like to endure months on end of sleep deprivation. With my eldest, it went on for years instead of months, my second was slightly better, and by the time daughter number three came along anyone would have thought I’d have known exactly what I was doing and have a dream sleeper on my hands, right...? Wrong! The sad fact is I didn’t know what to do because nobody had ever really told me anything about how to get my babies to sleep through the night! When pregnant, I avidly read the books given to me by the doctor about pregnancy and birth, when my children were born I put into practice everything in the booklets the health visitor gave me about nutrition and health – I knew how many teeth they would end up with and when they should sit up, walk, talk,… you name it, I read it! The thing severely lacking in everything I was given was any information about something so incredibly important to all of our health, well being and happiness as simply getting a good nights sleep. I had a dreadful sleeper in daughter number three. I was exhausted, depressed and literally at breaking point, I felt like a terrible mum and snappy, irritable wife, its
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
no surprise to me that recent research shows that mums are far more likely to suffer from post-natal depression if their children sleep badly! I remember so well one night I spent under a blanket, on my daughter’s bedroom floor. For 5 hours I lay there, getting any rest I could, with my arm through the bars of the cot rested on her back to ‘help’ her sleep. The next day I was so exhausted that I almost crashed my car, putting my whole family in danger, I decided there and then that something had to change! After much scouring the internet, the next day, I found Canadian, world renowned sleep expert Dana Obleman, and incredibly with her help and guidance within literally four nights my daughter, who for nine months had never slept more than 2 hours at a time, was sleeping 7pm – 7am straight! This transformation had such a massive impact on my life that it made me passionate about educating other parents and giving them the tools and support they need to achieve the same wonderful nights of sleep that we still enjoy four years on. I was lucky enough to be able to go to Canada and train personally with Dana to become an Infant and Child Sleep Consultant, and now help local families achieve real results, fast.
I would like to share with you the 7 biggest tips to getting your baby to sleep well.
1 | Babies need to learn to fall
asleep on their own without any external props
Props come in MANY forms, from dummies to feeding, to patting, rocking, music, cuddles and many more. If your baby is reliant on one or more to fall asleep then they will need it each and every time they wake in the night (which we all do at least several times a night briefly!)
2 | Be consistent Whatever is happening at one sleep situation needs to be happening at all sleep situations to send a clear message about what is expected, and that includes every time your baby or toddler wakes in the night.
3 | Early bedtime This is vital to ensure that children do not become overtired. When a person is overtired, it becomes more difficult to settle down and fall asleep. When sleep does come, a person is a lot more restless with more tossing and turning and more night time waking. Try to pick a bedtime somewhere between 6 and 8pm based on last nap of the day and your babies age. Bedtimes do not have to be set in stone, you can always move bedtime a bit earlier if your child seems tired or cranky – just try not to make it later.
4 | Routine A bedtime routine is something you can start at a very early age and is an excellent cue to the body and mind that it is time to settle down and get ready for sleep. Routines should last from 20 – 30 minutes and at least some of it should take place in the child’s room. Your routine might include a bath, pyjamas, feed and maybe a song or book.
5 | Nap time routines A short nap routine can help cue your baby’s body and brain that it is time for a nap. It need only take 5 minutes or so and might involve pulling the curtains in baby’s room together or saying goodnight to some toys in the room, then a short cuddle and a song.
6 | Exhausting your child
will not make them sleep any better!
Skipping naps or late bedtime will affect the next 24 hour cycle. Do not let anyone tell you that naps are not important, or that skipping them will help your baby sleep longer at night.
The latest research shows that 84% of children who are experiencing sleep problems will continue to have them for up to 5 years. This is a very long time for a family to function on a reduction of sleep and a long time to fight bedtime battles. It is never too late to start changing your child’s sleep situation. It can be hard but there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel and in the long run making changes will make everyone feel better and well rested and, in my experience, a whole lot happier! If you need support on your journey to great sleep then I can help you develop a customized sleep plan for solving your child’s sleep problems and help you step by step whilst you implement it so if you have any questions about what you’ve just read, please feel free to get in touch. l
For more information please go to www.babysleepthenight.com, or you can always call me directly on 01794 341172 to discuss how I can help you achieve real results, really fast.
7 | Keep baby awake whilst feeding
If you are feeding your infant in the night try not to let him/her fall asleep at the breast or bottle. Keep feedings low key and quiet.
APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …29
money | matters
isa
review your
investments words by justin stevens
It’s a great time to review your isa investments and invest at the to start of the tax year to get the maximum tax benefit. Servicing the car, shopping around for the best insurance deal, regularly investing and reviewing your ISA portfolio... most of us accept that these are good habits to get into - but how many of us actually stick to them? ISA investing doesn’t need to be confusing. With the help of a financial advisor, gaining a clear understanding of how this valuable allowance can form a cornerstone of your investment portfolio is possible for even the most inexperienced investor. The key to building a cohesive and coherent ISA portfolio, with the potential to achieve your long-term financial objectives, is diversification. Diversification means spreading your investments across a range of different assets to reduce the impact of any one falling in value. Not even the most talented investor can predict which one is going to produce the best return year after year, but there are two things you can be sure of: 1) The best-performing investment in one year can often turn out to be the worst-performing investment the next year. And 2) by spreading your money across a selection of asset classes, geographic regions and sectors, your investments stand a better chance of achieving
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
more consistent returns. With personal finance grabbing more and more column inches in the press, many investors have accumulated a hotchpotch portfolio of investment ideas over the years as each ISA season heralds the discovery of the next “musthave” asset class or fund. And it’s easy to see why. The choice is potentially bewildering. There are around 2,500 retail funds in the UK into which investors can invest their stocks & shares ISA allowance. Faced with the challenge of finding the right one, it’s easy to see why some base their decision on whatever is the latest investment fashion, the most impressive advert or the best claim to superior past performance. Yet it is a decision that’s important to get right Each investor’s objective will be unique to their own individual needs and goals. Whether you are looking to provide additional income in retirement, building a capital sum for the future or a combination of both, ensuring that your investments are working together is vital for your future financial wellbeing. And regularly reviewing your portfolio is an important discipline to
help achieve this goal and a habit that we should all stick to. Selecting your ISA investment manager is one consideration but regularly reviewing their performance is an equally important factor. Not properly monitoring the performance of your investment manager is akin to driving a car without any rear-view mirrors – you don’t get any warning of what’s coming. In the investment world, that might be the departure of a ‘star’ investment manager you’d specifically chosen or the impact of macroeconomic factors on specific regions or asset classes. But how frequently should you review your ISA portfolio? There is no right or wrong answer to this question but the commonly accepted view is that an annual inspection is adequate for most. Identifying the strong performers (and those that haven’t fared so well) is one aspect of the exercise but, fundamentally, investors should be asking one key question: is this portfolio still working to achieve my financial objectives? Conducting a regular review will ensure that your investments are working towards your objectives. Whether your portfolio needs a small tweak in one or two areas or a complete overhaul, by working together with your advisor, the process for getting your portfolio back on the right course can be a simple and costeffective one. l
To receive complimentary information on your Wealth Management, Retirement Planning including your Options at retirement or Inheritance Tax Planning needs, produced by St. James’s Place Wealth Management, contact Justin Stevens, Partner of St. James’s Place Wealth Management on 01489 790797, by email justin.stevens@sjpp.co.uk or visit www.justin-stevens.co.uk Next month ‘Money Matters’ features Pension reform
Exclusive for Solent Life Readers Kindly sponsored by Justin Stevens (Dip PFS)
Financial Surgery, FREE one hour appointments with advice and no obligation quotes. Worried about your mortgage payment increasing or paying too much for your life insurance? Access to products from a carefully chosen panel of providers that could save you money each month. Financial issues covered: Investments, ISAs, UTs, Investment Bonds, Portfolios, EIS & VCT, Trustee Investments, Onshore and Offshore Investments, Junior ISAs, Retirement Planning. Please take advantage of a FREE ‘Wealth Consultation’ with no obligation (One hour appointments only).
FINANCIAL SURGERY DATES:
Wednesday 11th April
Tuesday 24th April
Wednesday 9th May
Monday 21st May
Between 10.00am – 4.00pm on all days
Held at St James’s Place House, 1480 Parkway,
Whiteley, Fareham, PO15 7AF
Please contact Justin to book your review.. Tel: 01489 790797 Email: justin.stevens@sjpp.co.uk
APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …31
BARTLEY BMW SPECIALISTS
For any aspect of your BMW. ● BMW qualified technicians ● Fixed price servicing ● Free courtesy cars ● Laser 4 wheel alignment ● MOTs ● Diagnostics ● Warranty work ● While you wait appointments available ● Air con servicing and repairs ● Tuning and upgrades
☎ 023 8066 1499
info@bartleyuk.com
www.bartleyuk.com
Units 23 & 24 • New Forest Enterprise Centre • Rushington Business Park • Chapel Lane • Totton • Southampton • SO40 9LA
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
bartley | bmw
track With the Formula 1 season underway, with all its glamour and heavy sponsorship, it is sometimes easy to forget the guys and girls at the other end of the motor racing spectrum. The club and saloon car racers who dig deep into their own pockets and rely on local businesses to offer them support as they go racing with the same amount of enthusiasm as those millionaire stars… words & pictures by david rose-massom
B
ack at the start of this year, long before engines and drivers had been fired-up in anger, local Independent BMW & BMW Mini Specialists Bartley, agreed to be the proud sponsor of race driver Stuart Waite, in the 2012 Production BMW Championship. Bartley have also extended their support of young racing drivers by agreeing to sponsor Stephen Brown in the 2012 BMW Compact Cup. Both drivers have always had a keen interest in cars and racing since their teens and both have a history of successful kart racing; although this year is the first season of professional racing for Stephen. Stuart has an amazing race CV over the past 15 years and will be helping to train Stephen in race driving techniques. 2012 is the 3rd season in PBMWC for Stuart who had several podium finishes last season and finished 4th overall. Standing proudly by his freshly liveried car, Stuart told Solent Life; “This support will give me the backing I need to get into the top three overall for the season. With this sponsorship I am now better prepared and will certainly allow me to fight for the Championship. It is a great thrill to race on the big circuits such as Brands Hatch or Silverstone, where we race on the same track as the Grand Prix stars. “Last season, with several podiums, I was able to finish fourth overall out of 75 cars in the Production BMW Championship, this year I am determined to get on top of the podium with some wins and to get into that top three when the series of races ends. Bartley have made that a realistic challenge.” Novice car racer Stephen is stepping up to the start grid for the first time. “I race in the BMW Compact Cup, which is basically the hatchbacks, and this will be my first series. I have raced
karts in the past but this season, the sponsorship from Bartley is a really big deal for me.” Sharon Ellis of Bartley Independent BMW Specialists explained why they were best placed to help the two race drivers. “As a business Bartley opened in 1997 and has expanded greatly since then. We now benefit from a busy team of 6 and the BMW qualified technicians have almost 60 years experience of working specifically with BMWs and BMW Minis. As specialists we now operate from 3 fully equipped workshops, featuring BMW diagnostic tools and the latest 4 wheel laser alignment equipment on the Rushington Business Park in Totton, Southampton. This means that Bartley are in an ideal position to assist both Stuart and Stephen on a technical level as well as with the sponsorship of what is an expensive sport.” Throughout the season both Stephen and Stuart have promised to keep Solent Life up to date with their progress and send photographs of themselves on the podiums receiving their laurels. In the meantime if readers want to follow their progress look up BARTLEY INDEPENDENT BMW SPECIALISTS on Facebook, as well as their website throughout the season for regular updates, photos, results and special offers! Stephen has won the first race of the season at Brands Hatch which is a fantastic start to the season. l As a BMW specialist Bartley offer a while you wait service. There is a café on site – to have a cuppa and a bite to eat as they take care of your car. If you need to be on the road, Bartley offer courtesy vehicles at no extra charge. Collection and delivery is also available in certain areas of SO and SP postcodes. Bartley are situated in Totton. Just a 5 minute drive from junction 2 or 3 of the M27 and benefit by being on the A35. For further information: www.bartleyuk.com 02380 661499.
10% discount VOUCHER
upon production of this editorial. Max discount value £100.00, not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Expires 31/5/12 – please produce when car is dropped off.
APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …33
health&beauty
TREVOR MITCHELL HAIRDRESSING
25 YEARS OF CUTTING EDGE HAIRDRESSING Angela Everett and Nick Martin have both been in business with Trevor Mitchell for 25 years, Angela at the salon in Bedford Place and Nick in Market Place, Romsey Having started trading in 1956 at Woolston, the Group is in the process of re-branding and changing the name to Mitchell Hairdressing, bringing in a fresh, new look. Angela is not just a Director at Bedford Place but also owns the freehold and employs 6 staff; meaning a 60 hour working week. Lady’s cutting and colour specialist Angela is also an in-house trainer for the group, ensuring that she keeps up to date with the latest trends. She is probably the most senior Director as she has been with the group for the longest. She now owns a second business in Maybush with Jordan Gates. Angela, married to Martin and with three boys, began her career in Tyrrell and Green (now John Lewis) before joining Trevor Mitchell. She left in 1979 to start her own business before returning to the Group a year later. Nick started with the company in 1980 and opened Romsey in 1987; married to Karen, who works in the East Street office and does the book-keeping for 2 of the salons, they have a son and daughter. In 1990 Nick started competition work which has brought a great deal of success for all the shops. Nick is still competing both nationally and internationally and has become an international judge. In recent years, both Nick and Trevor have made regular trips to Russia and Finland in their role as judges. Nick has also started up a Barbers Training School based at the Romsey salon. Most of the staff and directors were involved in the making of the film ‘Blow Dry’ starring Bill Nighy, Warren Clarke, Alan Rickman and Josh Hartnett and this was due to that connection with competition work. A lot of the hair styling for the film was done by the Trevor Mitchell team. Both Mitch’s wife, Doreen and Fiona, his daughter-in-law, work in the business – Doreen on reception at East Street and Fiona does the accounting for some of the salons; the organisation still feels and operates like a family-run business! Trevor Mitchell, even at the age of 78, still works each day in the business, mainly on PR and the training of junior staff, with the directors having regular meetings to brainstorm new ideas. There are currently 8 salons, offering both ladies and gents work, with a new one to open soon in Hedge End. The franchise is a business opportunity offered to our most senior and committed staff. Despite the reports of economic gloom, business is as strong as ever partly due to a strong commitment to training. The business has also been re-structured offering walk-in prices, and other offers, to keep the business strong. As a result of this positive thinking they still recruit school leavers and have a total staff within the group of approx 40 people. l
Established 1956 Ladies Salons and Barber Shops at: l East Street 023 8033 3251 l Bedford Place 023 8022 6964 l Romsey 01794 517402 l North Baddesley 023 8073 3661 l Woolston 023 8042 1026 l Totton 023 8066 3705 l Sarisbury Green 01489 589749 l Maybush 023 8078 4581 Walk-in Service Available at all Salons www.trevormitchell.co.uk
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
Denture Morning
Would you like natural looking dentures? Are your dentures rubbing or uncomfortable? Is it over a year since you had your dentures and gums checked? Come for an oral Cancer screening and denture check. Judith Deeprose has a special interest in providing natural, comfortable dentures. Phone and our friendly reception team will make an appointment for you. See our website for further details and offers
Call us now on 01489 581158 Look out for the green and white picket fence. 63 Southampton Road, Park Gate, Southampton, Hampshire SO31 6AH
T: 01489 581158 | F: 01489 582220 | E: info@titchfielddental.co.uk
www.titchfielddental.co.uk
Are your dentures getting you down? Do they rub and make your mouth sore? Do they look like false teeth? Or do you have gaps where teeth once were? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, come along to a denture morning at Titchfield Dental Health on Tuesday 24th April between 9am and 12noon. Appointments are necessary. At the free consultation dental surgeon Judith Deeprose will assess your dentures and advise you on the best way to make your dentures as comfortable and as natural looking as possible. Titchfield Dental Health is a practice dedicated to providing patients with an all encompassing quality dental service. We would love to see you on 24th April, please phone reception on 01489 581158 for an appointment. Alternatively, visit www.titchfielddentalhealth.co.uk for more information.
Hairdressing Personal hairdressing service also specializing in weddings, special occasions, proms, theatre Salon opened September 2010 at: 50 Columbus Drive, Admirals Wood, Sarisbury Green, Southampton SO31 7LW Telephone: 0753 0170 860 (appointments only) l Fully qualified and insured l Customer loyalty discount card Open: Monday – Friday • Wednesday evenings Saturdays: for weddings and special occasions only
Discover the Secret to Successful Slimming in time for Summer with ‘Virtual Gastric Band Surgery’! Is over eating ruining your life? Do you worry what people think of you because you are overweight? Do you think weight gain is inevitable as you get older? Do feel you will never be able to lose weight? The specialist team at the Hampshire Hypnotherapy Centre will show you the secret to easy, lasting, weight loss with the unique ‘EASY LOSS PROGRAMME’ or ‘VIRTUAL GASTRIC BAND SURGERY’ “If you’ve decided that you want to lose weight, then you’ve come to the right place!” says Sue. “We will help you lose the weight you no longer want. Now you can put an end to your weight problems and quickly become slimmer, fitter, healthier and happier.” With our specialised hypnotherapy programmes it is possible to lose your unwanted weight just by changing the way you make your eating decisions… no starving yourself, no calorie counting and definitely NO FAD DIETS. Call TODAY on 0800 970 4776 to arrange your Free ‘Easyloss’ initial consultation or ‘Virtual Gastric Band’ consultation just £50.00 (Usually £75) if booked before 30th April 2012 and discover how you can enjoy losing weight and get the slim figure you dream of – or visit our website at www.hantshypno.co.uk
APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …35
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
LA N UN OW CH ED
NEW! Internet dating with a personal touch
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It’s time to try a new approach to internet dating! Have you ever arranged an internet date with a man who claimed to 6ft tall in his profile but was only 5ft tall when he turned up for your date? How did you feel when you arrived to meet the lovely 35 year old lady as seen in her profile picture only to be met by her 65 year old mother who had used her daughter’s photo instead of her own? Now’s the time to try Honesty Dating! This exciting, unique, internet dating service launches in Hampshire, West Sussex and East Dorset. Harking back to the vintage values of the 1950s, Honesty Dating will help you to find a serious relationship without the pitfalls of traditional internet dating. Everyone will have a personal consultation before their membership is confirmed. Compatibility is based on personality profiling carried out by a real life person not a computer. So, although it is based on internet dating, it is with a personal touch. We have lots of really lovely, genuine ladies already registered with us, but we are urgently seeking more gentlemen to introduce them to. So gentlemen, if you are looking for that special someone join us now to be matched with one of our gorgeous ladies before someone else does! Joining fees will be waived for clients who join in the first three months. Membership fees are payable for a 3 months, 6 months or a year subscription. If you are serious about finding your perfect partner and fed up with unsatisfactory internet dating this is the service for you! For more information send an e-mail to info@honestydating.co.uk or visit us at www.honestydating.co.uk and join ‘Intro dating’ with Honesty Dating today.
House of Trinity located in Sarisbury Green, a leafy suburb 6 miles from Southampton and 4 miles from Fareham,
“its a salon you come to – not just pass by” A wide range of services are available here, all things Nails, Brows and Lashes along with all the latest products and trends in Acrylic and Gel Nails, Christian Brows, Myscara (Semi Permanent Mascara), Lash Extensions, Minx, Shellac, Axxium, Tiniting, Threading Waxing and the latest nail colours from OPI. In our Treatment Rooms you can get all your maintenance services for your holiday or that special occasion, both Male and Female Waxing are available, Pedicures and Spray Tanning. or for that time when you just nned to relax and unwind, loose your self in our Therapy Suite where you can receive the best Massages, Facials and Body Treatments. Our Therapists will indulge you with candles, relaxing aromas, furry fabrics and herbal beverages, Robes, Slippers and Peace of mind are what you can expect from here.
HAIR ◆ NAILS ◆ BEAUTY
◆ L‘Oreal Colour Professional ◆ Offering All Aspects Of Hair Design ◆ Bridal & Prom Specialists
Couples and Friends can hire the Therapy Suite “Dual Treatment” Room so that they can share the experience, or maybe you would like to book a Hen or Birthday Party at the Therapy Suite. House Of Trinity opens in April and look forward to seeing you there, if you would like to receive VIP invitation our open evening please email info@houseoftrinity.co.uk. Book one of the following treatments “Shellac or Axxium Gel Manicure, MyScara – Semi Permanant Mascara, Luxury OPI Pedicure, Minx Pedicure, Full Body massage, Luxury Wash Cut & Blowdry”, during May & bring this editorial with you to recveive a £5.00 off “welcome credit”. For more information or to make a booking call 01489 559900, email: info@houseoftrinity.co.uk
◆ Nails, Brows & Lashes ◆ Maintenance Services ◆ Relax & Unwind
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APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …37
weddings
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
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APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …39
solent | education
St Anne’s words by david rose-massom
St Anne’s Catholic School is a large comprehensive school of some 1100 girls, “What we teach here is for the girls to be confident in who they are and develop all their talents and particularly to grow as persons of faith. We hope this prepares them for the challenges life will send their way in an increasingly secular society.” “Faith comes from their parents, and those parents send the girls to us to nurture them within their faith.” As the Head Teacher spoke it would have been very easy to turn the conversation into a sermon, but her comments were passed on with a quiet confidence in her religion, beliefs and position as olent Life visited the Head Teacher, an educator. “We are not here to convert anyone; we are Mrs Beverley Murtagh BA MA, at the school merely here to enhance and enrich their faith journey in the heart of Southampton to see if those and offer them the opportunities to do that.” Christian values and aims are still relevant in However, the education of her students is not just about today’s modern times and education system and what their faith. “We are also very much about giving them her role was in the organisation that is St Anne’s. academic success and the opportunity to grow with in “This is a big organisation to run so I have to be both other areas of life; we encourage participation in the educator and manager as systems have to be in place to alternative curriculum outside the normal subject ensure the education side runs smoothly,” she said curriculum and by doing that within the school speaking from her attractive office in the old part of the community they learn to get on with each other and school building. “It is a case of get the basics right and with people from different backgrounds, learning lots of then develop the frills!” new skills.” “We are a Catholic School and there are misconceptions about what that is. The vast majority of our students are “St Anne’s is a truly comprehensive school because we have such a broad catchment area across many different Christians but many parents want their children to have communities.” Mrs Murtagh continued. “What works a faith based education and so they send them here.” within St Anne’s is the real focus on learning. I came here Mrs Murtagh continued after we expressed surprise at seven years ago to find a group of fantastic teachers the multi-cultural nature of her students. “There are 35 and support staff and we all work together.” languages spoken by the pupils here but it is a cohesive society reflecting our key values of tolerance and respect When, way into the future, the Head moves on what would she like her legacy to be in this historic school for others.” which is very much a part of the city it serves? “I hope “Within the RE programme we are guided by the diocese that when I do eventually move on that I leave the proud teaching a Christian syllabus and this also includes other traditions of St Anne’s to continue. It has a strong past world religions. It is about learning to put your faith into and a drive to always be working toward an exciting action guided by your prayer life. For Catholics going to future and I hope the girls who have passed through Mass on Sundays is central to your prayer life.” here have been cherished and leave with a fondness for “The girls here are very hot on the justice and injustice of St Anne’s.” life. The Catholic faith is about being a global community; we serve our local area but our parishes also “I am a caretaker here and it’s my job to keep ahead of the times and maintain the high standards and meet the cover Fareham to Winchester and right down to expectations of our parents and wider Christian Lymington and one of our students even comes from community.” l the Isle of Wight – that is our community.” she explained. “Then there is the wider school community with the other secondary schools run by La Sainte Union Sisters and www.st-annes.southampton.sch.uk the other secondary schools in the diocese of Portsmouth; we even have links to an LSU school in Tanzania.”
approximately 100 of whom are in the Sixth Form. The School is under the trusteeship of La Sainte Union Sisters. As is usual in the case of Catholic Secondary schools it has a very wide catchment area which extends far beyond the city boundaries into Hampshire. The school was founded in 1904 for the Christian education of girls and to this day it states on their prospectus: ‘The education it provides is firmly Christian. Its aim is to communicate Christ to its pupils and to form them as mature persons who will value their Christian responsibilities in life’.
S
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
A Quality Day Nursery 9 Ofsted Outstandings
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01489 577778 or visit our website
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APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …41
Help your child to succeed with Kumon Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work throughout the year to ensure your child is constantly learning and developing their ability. The unique programmes are tailored to your child’s age and ability, helping them to excel academically and develop independent study skills. For a Free Assessment, contact Locks Heath Instructor, Mita Thakrar on 01489 565 832.
Decide your future at the Information Evening With only a few months to go until school leavers will begin their future, Fareham College is here to help. It’s not too late to apply and this event will help you if you are unsure of what direction you want to take. It will give you the opportunity to discuss your options with staff and current students and take a look at the industry-standard facilities and overall learning environment. You can request a campus tour with the student ambassadors who will also be available to answer any questions and direct you to a particular area of interest. The sheer depth and breadth of courses on offer makes Fareham College a great choice for students. Whether you want to focus on A-levels to give you a thorough grounding in a variety of subjects, BTECs to express your creativity, or vocational courses for hands-on, industry experience, you can find out more from the professionals on the night. The friendly Student Services Team will be available to assist you with your enquiries and filling out your application form. You can also save time and book your interview there and then, safe in the knowledge that the team will look after you every step of the way. You can also apply online before the night if you want to via www.fareham.ac.uk. If you want to try out some of the courses prior to attending the Information Evening, then book your place for the Taster Day which will be Thursday 19th April 8.45am – 1.45pm via Eventbrite: farehamcollegetasterday-auto.eventbrite.com/ To find out more and to speak to the lecturers just turn up on Thursday 26th April between 5-7pm. Call (01329) 815200 or visit www.fareham.ac.uk for more information. Don’t forget to find us on www.facebook.com/FarehamCollege and Twitter @FarehamCollege.
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
solent | history
sisters infamous words by dave hill
There has been much written about the Titanic and its fateful maiden voyage in April 1912. However, White Star actually commissioned three sister ships to be built and these were the ‘Olympic’ class liners – at around 880 feet long and about 46,000 tons, and were to be the world’s largest. The three leviathans, the Olympic, the Titanic and the Gigantic (later named the Britannic following the Titanic disaster) were all designed with a system of watertight compartments and considered unsinkable.
T
he fate of the Titanic is of course well documented, but in fact all three liners had chequered histories and suffered unexpected and differing fates. THE OLYMPIC, launched in October 1910, was the first and entered service with her maiden voyage in the June of 1911. Over the following months, it gained all of the accolades on the North Atlantic routes as the fastest, largest and most luxurious ship – until of course her fame was totally eclipsed by the events surrounding the Titanic. Following the Titanic disaster, the Olympic was taken back to Harland and Wolfe in Belfast to be fitted with a watertight inner skin and enough lifeboats for all on board. The Olympic was not without her own disasters however, as within just three months of entering service, she was in collision with the Royal Naval Cruiser HMS Hawke, resulting in extensive damage to the Hawke. During World War 1, in May 1918, whilst carrying troops to France a U-boat was spotted and a skirmish ensued. The U-boat submerged but was critically damaged when one of the Olympic’s propellers punched a hole in the pressure hull. U-103 was then scuttled and abandoned by her crew. This is recorded as the only incident where an enemy ship was sunk by a merchant ship during World War 1! Lightships were used during the 1930’s to mark the seaward approaches into New York. In May 1934, in heavy fog, the Olympic collided with and totally destroyed the Nantucket Lightship which sank instantly, suffering the loss of seven of its eleven crew.
In 1935, after a career spanning 24 years, ‘Old Reliable’ as she had become known, was taken out of service and sold to Thomas Ward and Son, a Jarrow ship breaker. THE BRITANNIC was the last in the series of Olympic class ships and was launched in 1914. Interestingly; the Britannic also sunk in bizarre circumstances; perhaps, indirectly, also as a result of the cold weather in the North Atlantic. She was specifically built for the North Atlantic run, with fur coats and hats being de rigueur for those intended routes, she was never designed with any regard to providing cooling should she visit warmer climates. However, from her maiden voyage she was requisitioned as a hospital ship and was deployed to the Mediterranean during the First World War. On her fateful last journey, there was a tremendous explosion; differing accounts suggest she struck a mine or that there was an internal explosion; while others suggest she was torpedoed. Whatever the cause she started to take on water! The Captain ordered that they head for shallow waters and commanded she make a hard change of direction while still under full power. This caused her to heel over just enough that the lower portholes were below the water line. However, because of the warmer Mediterranean temperatures, every porthole on the ship was open wide allowing the ship take on water along her entire length. This of course was in addition to the sea already pouring into the massive hole blasted in the ships side.
By the end of the manoeuvre, so much water had been taken on that the ship now listed enough to keep the lower portholes submerged. So yes; she may have been built with watertight compartments right up to the bridge deck but every one of them was now compromised along the length of the ship. The situation was worsened by watertight doors between two sections that did not close properly, made even worse by those between the boiler rooms that had been jammed open (the crew did this because it was an irritation opening and closing them to pass between the rooms). She was lost! From initial explosion to under the waves in 55 minutes; so she didn’t last as long as the Titanic in that respect, even though the watertight compartmenting had been completely revised and improved following the loss of the Titanic so that it couldn’t happen again. It is reported that 30 people, of the 1100 or so on board, lost their lives with many of those being in prematurely launched lifeboats that were drawn into the huge propellers which continued to turn. THE STORY OF VIOLET: There is one remarkable story of a Stewardess, Violet Jessop. She was originally on the Olympic at the time of its collision with HMS Hawke and escaped injury; she was on the Titanic and was one of the few rescued. As if that was not enough, she was also a crew member on the Britannic and when abandoning ship, she had observed from the lifeboat she was on, that two other lifeboats had been drawn into the giant, rotating propellers and totally destroyed. She had jumped from the lifeboat and started to swim away from the threat but the pull from the propellers was too strong and she was dragged toward them. Miraculously she was pulled through them and pushed out of the other side - without being chopped into small pieces – in fact she emerged completely unharmed. The only injury she sustained was when she hit her head on yet another lifeboat as she was pulled to safety. One lucky lady! l
APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …43
solent | history
maritime memories words by david rose-massom
It is an apt memorial to Southampton because 100 years ago this month, the Titanic’s sinking
had a massive impact on the then town and its people when families lost husbands, sons and brothers in the maritime disaster; but there is so much more to the new Seacity Museum…
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
T
he opening of the new museum, which has been
nicknamed the Titanic Museum by many, has been described as the single most important development in Southampton for a generation or more. The £15m project will include a climb-aboard replica of the doomed liner and visitors will get to experience what life was like on board from the crew’s perspective, many of whom were from the city. While contractors worked tirelessly to hit the opening deadline Solent Life chatted with Esta Mion-Jones the Visitor Services Manager. “The first obstacle for any development of the old law courts and police station are the strict conservation rules because of it being a Grade II listed building,” she said. “A good example of this attention to care is the police cells which had to remain; so they are being used as toilets complete with the old cell floors; a padded cell has also been kept but will only be available for viewing. “Court One has also remained with its stunning panelled walls; and is the setting for a re-enactment of the inquiry into the liner’s sinking via a screen in the courtroom, while today’s visitors can sit in the chairs of the judge and jury,” Esta added. Seacity Museum will tell the story of the people of Southampton, their fascinating lives and the historic connection to the sea. “Entry to the museum will be on the ground floor making easy access for everyone into the Grand Hall before turning left into the suite of rooms called The Galley with displays about the crew and the families left behind,” Esta continued. “Interactive displays will show how local suppliers and tradesmen supplied and victualled the ship and furnished it.
“The story of local tradespeople continues into the next gallery across a gangplank and beneath that walkway is the old exercise yard for the police station and on the wall there they have now put a huge picture of Titanic. It has worked out that from this position the top of the Civic Centre clock tower is the same height as Titanic’s funnels!” She went on to explain that one of the popular features is sure to be an interactive display that allows visitors to steer the great ship out of Southampton Water, although out of respect for those that lost their lives their will be no icebergs to avoid. It must be remembered of course that although it seems to be taking the form of a celebration this centennial anniversary is more about the memory of those lost souls and the families left behind. The loss of the Titanic changed many things about the maritime industry and one such change was in the use of radio on board. At the time of the accident the one radio operator was in his cabin having finished his day’s shift; if the radio room had been manned many more lives would have been saved as the Carpathia was close at hand. In those days it was not deemed necessary to have the radio manned full-time; after the sinking that was changed. In the Marconi Room visitors can try their hand at Morse code which when first fitted to Titanic was at the forefront of technology. Then it is into the Disaster Room; “On entering, the temperature drops and cold air is blown down your neck; it is a solemn room and the voices are recordings of the survivors. Visitors will hear their stories first hand. “Because it could be a very sensitive part
Seacity Museum
opens on the 10th April at 1.30pm and will then be open seven days a week 10am till 5pm. Entry is £8.50 for an adult (free for under 5s), £6 for children and concessions and £25 for a Family ticket (2 adults and 3 children) but Southampton City Council have invited anyone, and everyone, who pays Council Tax
of the exhibition visitors will be able to walk straight past this part if they feel uncomfortable with it.” Esta added. “The next room has a vinyl floor which is a 1912 image of Southampton and there are pinpoint red dots which show each family affected by the sinking.” More than 500 households in the town lost a member of their family. Although because of the 100 year link the initial mainstay of the displays is Titanic there is much more to see, learn and do. “The museum will also feature other exhibitions about Southampton’s maritime past and present, telling the stories of people who have arrived and departed through the port in the past 2000 years. “There is so much more to tell about The Gateway to the World from the times of the Romans and Saxons, through to what became known as the ‘£10 Poms’ who emigrated to Australia from the city back in the 50s and 60s and of course many of the Caribbean immigrants in the late 1950s arrived into Britain through our busy port.” Esta explained that with Titanic, the maiden voyage, the disaster and the inquiry will be permanent exhibitions but after the centenary, displays other stories will be told in Seacity Museum. For many of us the story of the Titanic is all about a big ship, that was unsinkable according to her designers and builders; that hit an iceberg and sank to the bottom of the cold Atlantic. In this wonderful new museum the stories behind the event will be told as well as the history of this great and busy port that has shaped a city and the people who live here. l
within the city to one time free entry. It is thought the full tour of the museum and stopping for the interactive displays will take close to three hours. The Museum are expecting some 100,000 visitors in the first year and advise that during the first week of opening it will be sensible to pre-book your visit by telephone on 023 8083 3007 or email museums@southampton.gov.uk www.seacitymuseum.co.uk
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.co.uk …45
solent | spotlight
RMS Titanic:
Oxford Street Remembers
O
n Saturday 7th April “Oxford Street Remembers” is a commemoration of Southampton’s RMS Titanic and a glimpse of 1912 Oxford Street, Southampton. Oxford Street was a hub of Titanic activity and industry. Many of the properties were hotels, boarding houses or suppliers for the cruise industry and workers. On Saturday 7th April ‘Oxford Street Remembers’ with a look at the street’s history and themed activities celebrating our maritime roots and creativity. A Titanic Trail around the street will contain information about the buildings use at the time and the people living or making a living in them. The rest of the days highlights include live music and poetry performances, talks about 1912 fashion, an Artisan Market and children’s activities. The Artisan Market will feature wooden toys, vintage fashion, prints by leading Southampton artists, jewellery and more. Live performances include a maritime poetry piece by the Art House and live life sculpture by Chris Cudlip. Many of Oxford Street businesses are joining in too, with window displays, staff in period costume and
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restaurants offering historical menus. Like Michael Rhodes Estate Agents staff dressing in period costume, changing all their property displays into sepia and quoting prices relevant to the year of 1912 plus, displaying a Titanic artefact. Equinox barbers are offering a deal of half price deluxe hot towel cut throat razor shave for £12. The luxury shave consist of a 45 minute treatment and the team with be dressed like the barbers on the Titanic (there were two barbers shops on board). At The White Star there will be a themed Titanic menu and cocktail list incorporating dishes and drinks that were served on the ship. l ‘Oxford Street Remembers’ will be a family friendly glimpse into 1912 Oxford Street. The Artisan Market and activities start from 12 noon until 6pm. For more information visit www.oxfordstreetsouthampton.co.uk, call 02380 001655 or email info@themarketing-collective.co.uk
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Bloodline Planning is ensuring that your assets reach your children, grandchildren and other relatives, rather than ending up in the wrong hands! When assets are distributed to beneficiaries “absolutely”, (ie they receive cash, property or other assets as a direct lump sum payment) so much can be lost. These assets are then considered to be part of the beneficiary’s estate and would be at risk of attack from any future divorce settlements, creditors and taxation. With the strategic use of Trusts, We can ensure that your children and grandchildren are able to benefit completely from the inheritance you want them to receive and at the same time, protect the family home and other assets from being lost to the costs of Long Term Care. Have you considered what might happen if your surviving spouse were to remarry? How would this affect your own children if he/ she later changed their will in favour of the new spouse and any subsequent children? Or for those of you who already have children from a previous marriage how do you ensure that they would get their fair share? What if your children are very young or have special needs? How can you ensure that they are fully provided for? There may also be a business you have worked hard to build up. Surely you would want to protect this for your family too? Do you really want to leave it all to chance, when with our professional help to set up the correct type of planning all these problems could be solved? Our expertise will ensure that your assets are both fully protected from attack and immediately available to your loved ones after you are gone.
APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …47
charity | focus
you cannot afford to miss the signs of…
bowel cancer words by fiona cooke
I have discovered on my journey through life that it is best to face my fears head on, and that dealing with the things which trouble me is far more empowering than avoiding them.
Y
et many of us are tempted to ignore the signs that something is not quite right with our bodies for that reason – we are scared of what could be wrong. Surely one of the most frightening diagnoses one can receive is that of cancer, and the fear of hearing those words can prevent us from seeking medical help. Alternatively we can feel that the changes we are experiencing are too minor to bother our Doctor with, and without the knowledge that they could potentially be serious, we may just ignore them or dismiss them as nothing to worry about. But perhaps one of the bigger reasons people do not go to their Doctor is embarrassment. In a survey conducted by Bowel Cancer UK in 2011, 43% of people surveyed in England ‘strongly agreed’ or ‘agreed’ with the statement that “I would be embarrassed to talk to my GP about a bowel concern.” This is why the medical profession and charities such as Bowel Cancer U.K. use April each year as Bowel Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), to tackle the low awareness of the signs and symptoms and also to encourage us to get them checked out immediately. So what are the signs that one should be aware of? In simple layman’s terms they are: l Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo l A change in bowel habit lasting for 3 weeks or more especially to looser or runny poo l Unexplained weight loss l Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason l A pain or lump in your tummy
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You might experience one, some, all or no symptoms, and it is important to remember most symptoms will not be bowel cancer. The exact cause of Bowel Cancer is unknown, but it is known that it affects both men and women and in the UK over 95% of cases are in people over 50. There are some who are at greater risk such as those with a family history. People with a first degree relative, such as parent, sibling or child under 45, or with two or more first degree relatives with bowel cancer may be considered for further screening. As with other illnesses, diet and lifestyle play a part; inactivity, a diet low in fruit and vegetables, a high intake of red and processed meat, smoking, and excess alcohol may all increase the risk. As can some other conditions, such as diabetes, Crohn’s disease in the large bowel, ulcerative colitis, or having had previous polyps removed. On a positive note, estimates suggest that 9 out of 10 cases of Bowel Cancer can be successfully treated if detected early. Survival has doubled over the last 30 years because of early diagnosis. All of which is reassuring for those of us who would prefer to live in ignorance than deal with the fact that there is something wrong; however delaying visiting your Doctor if you have any of the symptoms will not change the diagnosis if it is cancer. What will change is your chance of survival if you seek immediate medical help; having cancer does not have to mean the end. It can be like other illnesses which clear up after treatment, leaving one maybe slightly more worn around the edges, but still with many more years to enjoy; and perhaps also with a deeper appreciation of those years.
The big message with Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is to be aware of the symptoms and to immediately visit your Doctor if you are concerned. You are not wasting anyone’s time by getting it checked out and if it’s not serious your mind will be put to rest. As Deborah Alsina, the CEO of Bowel Cancer U.K. says “Bowel cancer is the 2nd most common cancer killer in the UK, but it shouldn’t be. It is very treatable, especially if diagnosed early. We work to ensure that people are aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer so that they can act on them quickly. It is crucial for people to be symptom aware and to make an appointment with their doctor if they are worried at all.” As much as I like to believe that it will never happen to me, if I ever find myself with any of the symptoms listed above I will go straight to my G.P. And if any of you reading this find yourselves with the same symptoms will you please join me there? It could save our lives. l
For more information on the symptoms, treatment and support please contact Bowel Cancer UK www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk Information and support 0800 840 3540
charity | focus
the
pathway words by fiona cooke
What happens if you have some of the signs and symptoms of Bowel Cancer? Seeing your Doctor is often the first and most difficult step to take, as it is a step into the unknown. Having some knowledge of what to expect over the course of your diagnosis and treatment can help to prepare you.
J
ane Winter is a Consultant Nurse in Colorectal Cancer at Southampton Universities Hospital Foundations Trust, and provides information, support and advice to patients who are undergoing treatment. Jane explained to Solent Life the journey from the initial diagnosis. “There are a number of routes to being diagnosed with Bowel Cancer, but for many individuals who experience symptoms the GP will refer the patient to a specialist centre, on a pathway for suspected cancer – known as the ‘two week wait’ pathway. Once there you will be seen by a specialist who will take a history of what led to the referral, and then decide on the most appropriate investigation for you based on this information.” All examinations are done in a sensitive manner; healthcare professionals know how difficult it is to discuss such intimate details and how being examined in this way can cause anxiety, however it is vital that this is done. If a patient has cancer the most important step is to find it early and plan the most effective treatment. Investigation is usually undertaken by an ‘endoscopy’. The ideal test to find a bowel cancer is called a colonoscopy. An ‘endoscopy’ is a broad term which covers a number of tests where a scope – a small fibre optic tube, is inserted into the body to examine that area. Sometimes a scan is requested first if patients are more frail.
If, unfortunately a cancer is found, biopsies will be taken at the time. Jane explains “These take a few days to be processed in the laboratory and in the meantime some other tests need to be undertaken to ensure the right treatment is given. This will almost certainly involve a CAT scan, which is a body scan to look at the chest, abdomen and pelvis, to see if the cancer is contained within that part of the bowel. Sometimes an MRI scan may also be carried out. This gives a three dimensional picture of the pelvis and helps us decide on the best treatment to offer first.” Every hospital has a weekly meeting called a multi-disciplinary meeting. Here the experts in Bowel Cancer meet to discuss every patient and decide on the best course of treatment at all stages of their pathway. All recommendations come from these group discussions and follow the guidance of national standards of care to ensure the best treatment is given for each individual according to their individual circumstances. Depending on the position of the cancer, and whether or not it is contained within the bowel, a range of treatment options are available. To cure Bowel Cancer an operation will be necessary. Sometimes this can be preceded by a course of radiotherapy. Most operations for Bowel Cancer are now done with keyhole surgery and only require a few days stay in hospital. Many patients worry about having a colostomy or ileostomy after an
operation (a stoma bag), but this is only necessary in certain circumstances and the surgeon will discuss this before the operation After surgery each patient is again discussed at the meeting and, depending on the results, may be offered additional treatment with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy for Bowel Cancer is generally well tolerated and is therefore offered frequently as a back up to the surgery. Much of this chemotherapy is given in tablet form and has manageable or few side effects such as minimal or no hair loss or sickness in most patients. During this treatment patients are carefully monitored for side effects and have a 24 hour back up service for any concerns. Throughout their journey every patient should have access to a cancer nurse specialist such as Jane. Some individuals also seek help through information centres such as Macmillan’s or websites such as Beating Bowel Cancer, and it is important that reputable information sources are used in these circumstances. Jane says: “Being referred to your hospital for specialist investigation and treatment should mean you are met by a highly skilled team of healthcare professionals who understand how hard the process is for you and your family. They recognise your dignity is paramount and will ensure you are offered the highest standard of care and have access to the most up to date treatments.” Reassuringly she concludes: “Early diagnosis always offers the best opportunity for cure. Due to advances in research and treatment many patients are living long and healthy lives following their treatment and often those who can’t be cured enjoy a good quality of life for a considerable length of time with the right treatment.” l
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art | focus
contemporary
living in miniature
words by david rose-massom | pictures by andrew cook
A slight diversion for this month’s Solent Life artist review as we head up a cul-de-sac and visit some modern houses. Houses with sharp, clean lines; steep, sloping roofs, glass walls, modern decor and not a bay window in sight; and all of them at 1/12 scale. Our subject for this month is housebuilder, and hairdresser as it turns out, Leanne Bartlett.
A
standard dolls house is just one room deep and does not function properly for me; it is just not real.” As we sit surrounded by wonderful miniature homes, Leanne gets right to the heart of her raison d’être when it comes to the world of dolls houses and also how she is kicking-out at centuries of thinking. “There are no real dimensions; in effect they are just boxes within which miniature furniture is placed!” “There are many different types of dolls’ houses – to my knowledge – and I am the only person in the UK building contemporary houses. I have been warned several times that they would not catch on; but despite that they do seem to be capturing people’s imagination.” She continued. Leanne explained that in their earliest incarnation dolls’ houses were known as ‘Baby’ houses.
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“They were originally for young girls as a teaching aid back in the 17th Century and were used to show them how a household worked, they were not toys. I have now given them a new image; my designs are architectural, modern in design. “It all began as a hobby because I have this obsession with houses, the big variety that we live in; I would move every year if I could and my husband got fed up with moving and so to keep me happy he bought me a flat-pack kit of a dolls’ house. To begin with though this was still not enough! It had so much wasted space, just one room deep; it just did not realise any sort of potential.” It was time to bring Dad in on the thought process. “I talked to my dad who is a technical wizard and as I thought of these miniature versions as real properties; they have to work and I needed his expertise. The 1930s house that I had, complete with bay windows, soon ended up with an extension, a loft conversion and it all had to work as it would in full size.” When you first meet Leanne and get her talking about her houses, she is like a miniature Sarah Beeny from Property Ladder, or one of those inspired people that Kevin McCloud talks to on Grand Designs. “I love watching property shows and make-over programmes such as Grand Designs and when I looked for kit houses of a modern design there were none available. The only one that was close to what I wanted
was still a non-working small house. So, with the help of my dad, because he can cut a piece of wood with a straight edge, although I am learning, I started to build dolls’ houses with contemporary designs. “I have never been a girly girl; and now I have started cutting out the wood as well, my father keeps reminding me that he had to go through a seven year apprenticeship to do what he does. I think I have surprised him with what I am achieving! “In the building of these houses my dad, Barry, and I work very closely together but he is the technical one,” Leanne said; continuing with her high speed speech. “The enjoyment for me is the design, execution and achievement.” Just like a real builder Leanne soon had a company who trusted her and opened a ‘trade account’ for her raw materials. “I had been visiting the twice yearly Miniaturia at the NEC, which is the huge showcase for dolls’ houses, as a hobbyist and enthusiast but it was time to ask if I could exhibit in the trade section, now that I had that ‘trade account’.” It was someone who tried to talk her out of exhibiting that got her even more fired up. “Most people see dolls’ houses as these old fashioned style homes and I was being warned to take care as change would not be a welcome thing. It was not until then that I realised how passionate I was about what I was doing. I was then told if I was that serious then I could exhibit at the show and I felt so proud that I was able to convince them. “There is one woman in particular who is well respected in the industry and she makes modern equipment and fittings, such as kitchen units and modern furnishings; and she was making a living out of ‘modern’ so why couldn’t I?” I pity anyone who stands between Leanne and her modern dolls’ house community dream. “When I showed her what I was doing she just told me to get on with it, and, so I did. I felt really empowered by her response! “I suppose I like bucking trends; I am an oddity in this business. My houses have to be perfect and my standard dictates that I try and improve on
perfect. I was told to build ‘blow-your-socks-off’ modern houses for the show and Dad and I rose to the challenge.” The process begins with cardboard cut-outs. “All proper dolls’ houses are to scale, they are not just cut down versions, mine are 1/12 size of the real thing, and my dad was an aircraft engineer by profession so he has to have everything exact as well. I know what I want when the designing begins; I do have a GCSE in art but cannot draw very well and so I cut out cardboard templates and dad works from them.” Her biggest house, and favourite, took six months to complete. “I am still a mum and a working hairdresser but I do have this clear vision of what I want to achieve and then I have to get that across to Dad as it evolves. “With the traditional house they quickly stopped being a challenge, with my ‘Grand Design’ houses I am not following patterns or historic trends and there is more opportunity for the fixtures, fittings and furniture. I feel I am reflecting real-life with what I do. I am building dream homes but these miniature sized ones are affordable!” Some of the traditional dolls’ houses on the market today can also be quite expensive with some kits beginning at £4,500 and rising to, believe it or not, £20,000 or £30,000. “With hobby crafts such as this you rarely get your money back for the effort put into the design build and construction, it probably is less than minimum wage, and what I charge for my houses has little to do with the labour. I wanted them to be affordable as well as different.” Each house has its own price, beginning at under £500, and each design has working rooms, movable walls to get to the back parts of the house and a feel for the full-sized version. It is a stunning artform that is as fascinating as it is beautiful. l
www.thecontemporaryhomeinminiature.co.uk
ART FOCUS SPONSORSHIP
Our Artist Review is kindly sponsored by WHITE DOG GALLERY 8 Milvil Court, Milvil Road Lee-on-the-Solent Hampshire, PO13 9LY 023 9255 2255. www.whitedoggallery.co.uk
THE WHITE DOG TIP Digital cameras have increased the need for printing, turning your photos into beautiful pieces of art. However, how big you can print depends on the resolution, measured in “pixels per square inch (ppi)”. For quality prints you need 300 ppi – but how do you calculate that? Simple! Right click on your photo on screen and go to properties. Then divide both pixel width and height by 300. This gives you the print size (in inches) at 300ppi. Example: An image containing 3600 x 3000 pixels means you can print 12 x 10 inches at 300ppi. If you wish to print larger, your pixel count will inevitably drop and your image quality will deteriorate. Only you can decide what is acceptable. A golden rule: Set your digital camera to the highest resolution for the best quality.
APRIL 2012 •
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homes
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APRIL 2012 •
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WIN*
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of Bedroom Furniture at the Swan Systems Furniture Showroom Re-Launch Easter Weekend The team at Swan Systems Furniture would like to invite you along to our new showroom re-launch at the Tanneries, Titchfield over the Easter Weekend. You can view the new range of products and you could win £2012* of Swan Systems Bedroom Furniture. Our Gold Offer is the competition – which runs for just the 4 days of the Easter Weekend. We also have a Silver offer which runs for the whole of April: 50% off Swan Sliding Doors and our Bronze Offer is 20% off all fitted bedroom furniture. Over the Easter Weekend showroom re-launch we will be open from 10am to 4pm every day and there will be refreshments and gifts for the children. “We have been in The Tanneries for over three years now, selling our furniture to lots of customers in the area” said Joanna Warder, Sales Director. “We have now updated this showroom and invested in new displays: walk in wardrobes, pull down beds, interior doors, storage accessories, fitted bedrooms, soft furnishings and our new colours in the Swan Sliding Wardrobe range to make the showroom more attractive to existing and future customers” she added. *Fitted Swan Sliding Wardrobe or matching furniture to the value of £2012 – no cash alternatives. Winner must agree to post-fit publicity pictures.
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
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l Carpets l M odern Wood Laminates l Latest Cushion/ Designer Vinyls l H ardwood Flooring l P rofessional Fitting service l a ll jobs inspected for customer satifaction l d omestic and commercial work undertaken
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Fresh Home – Fresh Mind
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Pope Design & Construction LLP 1 Bourne Cottage | Tidworth | SP9 7LE 01980 847 018 info@popeplanandbuild.com www.popeplanandbuild.com
SOS Carpet Cleaning has been in the industry for many years providing a high quality finish for customers throughout Hampshire – using the latest technology we provide a wide range of services with regards to carpets and fabrics, and pride ourselves on our finished product. We feel that every customer that we have dealt with in the past would use SOS Carpet Cleaning again and Again – our Check-a-Trade feedback is a clear indication of this. At SOS Carpet Cleaning, we believe a healthy home starts with a clean carpet. Nothing cleans more thoroughly, or protects your investment, better than the SOS Carpet Cleaning method. We use techniques recommended by most carpet manufacturers, including Shaw Industries, the largest manufacturer of carpet in the world. As one of our customers recently said, “The wet method isn’t really very ‘wet’ anymore.” This is true! After we clean them, your carpets could easily be dry in three to four hours. That’s far better than in years past, when “overnight” was the norm. Carpet cleaning with hot-water extraction has vastly improved and is much more powerful today, as the technology has improved. Our booking line is open from Monday to Sunday 8am to 7pm and our cleaners are available from Monday to Saturday 8am – 6pm, we will provide you with a friendly personal service that will leave your property and mind fresh and clean.
Mr. Picketts Mr. Picketts is a local family run business specialising in the stripping, painting and restoration of iron, wood and aluminium garden furniture.
Restore all your garden furniture ready for spring & summer
MR PICKETTS
Originally set up in the 1980’s the company continues to offer an efficient and professional service and has maintained it’s friendly, traditional approach, which has been cheering up all types of garden furniture, modern and antique, for over 20 years. When paint starts to peel or lift off, many people either throw the furniture away or attempt to strip and re paint it themselves. This can prove to be a laborious and time consuming task which often results in a patchy and uneven finish. Mr Pickles uses a unique method to remove the old paint which doesn’t effect the metal. Once stripped the new paint is then applied smoothly which makes the furniture as good as it was when new. All work undertaken comes with a 3 year manufacturers guarantee. For more information visit www.mrpicketts.co.uk or telephone 02392 752483.
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
Unique paint stripping service for modern and antique garden furniture. Wood, cast iron & aluminium specialists. All types of finishes available. Any aspects of paint stripping undertaken.
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w w w.mrp ic k e t t s.c o.uk T e l : 023 92 752483
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APRIL 2012 •
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APRIL 2012 •
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est 1995
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Water Softening from Samways Bathrooms Samways Bathrooms Installations are an established business; now able to offer water softening for residential properties, having been in business for 16 years and specialising in bathrooms and plumbing for the last 12 years. Bathrooms old and new can be spoilt by hard water and this has been an ongoing problem for householders in this area. The normal problem of how to clean items such as shower screens, chrome taps and shower heads without using aggressive and costly cleaning products which would damage the factory finish or compromise the product guarantee can be solved with a water softener. These are only the visible items- the things that are hidden from view such as the inside of your hot water cylinder, pipe work, shower mixer, washing machine / dishwasher and boiler heat exchanger will all work more efficiently and with lower maintenance costs. Water softeners are designed to remove the minerals, calcium and magnesium that cause the scale and scum from hard water. Because they remove almost all the calcium they are very effective in preventing scale on glass shower screens, shower heads and will also remove existing scale. Reduced use of soap, shampoo, shower gel and washing machine / dishwasher powders or liquids together with less need for cleaning products are the cost saving elements of owning a water softener. Bathing or showering in soft water is a more pleasurable experience and can improve hair and skin condition.
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www.samwaysbathrooms.co.uk
With over 40 years experience in the industry and affordable prices. Homeseal are able to guarantee value for money. Conservatory prices start from £8,000 including building works and electrics, we truly believe that our products are second to none. All designs and planning are FREE for all contracts secured during the month of April saving over £800.00 ???
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NEW SHOWROOM • 67 Twyford Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 4HH
OR ANGE R IE S • CO NS E RVATO RI ES • W I N D O WS • D O O RS APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …63
charity | focus
TwoSaints words by janet grimm & images by two saints
Homelessness costs money, it’s a fact that. The number one route out of homelessness is getting a job and here at Two Saints we put a huge amount of effort into helping our clients make that step. But that costs money!
B
ill Pullen is a great example of our success and Bill is now no longer costing us money but is a working, tax paying member of the community. Bill has never had an addiction to drugs or alcohol; problems so often associated with homelessness, but his problems began after suffering a nervous breakdown. He managed to get through that and, despite being unable to read or write, he landed his dream job working with horses. Unfortunately the dream turned sour when Bill, who was still vulnerable following his mental illness, was bullied by his bosses. Eventually, following a nasty accident, and in spite of working over 300 hours each month Bill was sacked because he didn’t work hard enough! Bill returned to Hampshire where his family are from but was unable to live with them. He ‘sofa surfed’ for a while but was soon one of the homeless. His health was not good and he was becoming increasingly desperate. Eventually a vacancy became available at a Two Saints centre and Bill was introduced to Jodie; a learning co-ordinator who had previously taught ICT and employability
Please help us to help more people like Bill
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
754
skills at Highbury College. It was under her care and guidance that Bill attended courses at Learn Direct and gained qualifications in English and Maths. He continues to study enthusiastically and has completed courses in health and safety and CSCS. Such has his skill level increased he even enjoys reading books now! Not bad for someone who couldn’t read or write just a few years ago. Recently Bill secured a job at the new Tesco store in Forton Road, Gosport and he has become a baker; yet another new skill for him. The courses, run by Jodie, have built his confidence and enabled his achievements. Jodie and Bill have become friends, they know each other well and Jodie would agree that Bill is a changed man. Bill has come from a situation of not knowing where he would sleep at night to rebuilding his life in a positive way. But it all costs money! l *As little as £2 per month (less than 7p per day) will support our ‘Smartmove’ programme providing training and skills to enable the homeless to live independently in their own home. *£5 per month will help us to arrange a work placement for someone to get back into employment and begin earning a wage *£10 per month will enable us to support an entire year of job search sessions to help more homeless people find work and live independently.
➜
People helped to manage mental health issues.
3000
People supported every year.
332
People helped to find paid work.
188
People helped to gain a formal qualification.
Check out our website…
twosaints.org.uk
school’s out!
school’s out For no sooner does one end than the next one seems to be upon us; love them or dread them there is no getting away from the School Holidays. As much as it warms one’s heart to see our children enjoy some time away from the routine of school, the holidays can present a challenge or two; what do you do with your kids? words by fiona cooke
F
or those of us who work, the whole thing is a juggling act. I have yet to fathom how the powers-that-be expect parents to cover thirteen weeks of school holidays, not to mention teacher training days; when the norm seems to be that employed adults get only five weeks paid holiday. Assuming a married couple want to spend at least some of the holidays with both their children and their spouse, there is something of a shortfall. So holidays can become a logistical nightmare, with tradeoffs on who has them when and who picks them up or drops them off with grandparents or childminders. I’m a fan of child exchanges with friends. For me, this works wonderfully well. My children are always far better behaved when there are others around. On the whole they don’t need, or want my input, so strangely having a house full of children is actually easier. I can get on with the ironing, supply snacks, drinks, and one or two square meals, break up the odd fight and quite happily accept that the price I pay is a trashed house. In return my friend has my two the following day, and gets to do her ironing, whilst I go out and earn a crust. In my imagination, the days that I do spend with the children during the holidays are idyllic. The sun always shines, we happily go on outings, get plenty of fresh air and exercise, everyone gets on and I don’t have to break the bank to keep them entertained. The reality is somewhat different. To start with my children can never agree. One wants to stay in, the other wants to go out. One wants to see friends, the other wants it to be just us. One wants to go to the park,
the other to the woods. Negotiations can take hours, by which time it will have started raining, the friends will have found someone else to play with, and I will have lost patience and taken to cleaning the oven in my frustration. One thing they do both agree on is a day at the beach. I am not so sure. Whilst I enjoy sitting in the sun watching them frolic in the waves, the organisation required to get there can be daunting, not least because we seem to need to take so much stuff. As well as the picnic there are towels, swimsuits, wetsuits, sun cream, sun glasses and sun hats, body boards, fleeces in case it gets chilly, football, fishing nets, and other sundry items that the children deem to be essential. It can be lunchtime before we leave the house. We’ll spend a pleasant few hours enjoying sea, sun and the pebbles of Hillhead beach but, once home, I will have to unpack everything, wash the salt from the towels, wet suits, children and myself, and then cook a meal, clear it up and somehow find the energy to put them to bed before midnight. They are both also unanimous in wanting to go anywhere that requires payment for us to get in. Which is fine in theory, as I will budget for one or two trips, but it is the add ons which worry me. My children seem to think that all I have to do is whip out my credit card and pay for anything their little heart’s desire. I have learnt to state clearly and firmly before leaving that I will pay for entrance fees and one ice cream only. If they want fizzy drinks, novelties from the shop, or bags sweets they can fund them from their own pocket money; especially as they seem to have more disposable
income than I will ever enjoy, given the state of the economy. Nowadays it seems to be part of a parent’s job description to provide entertainment on demand. Am I the only one who feels that if my children come to me complaining of being bored, it is my responsibility to find them something to do? As if television, computer, electronic games, countless books, art materials or a room full of Lego aren’t enough. As a child my brothers and I spent hours playing on our own; there was no Play Zone, BMX bikes or adventure playgrounds. We would make perfume out of rose petals, build dens under the willow tree and once spent a whole summer trying to find ways to incubate an egg. So I have a plan for this Easter Holiday. One that will, I hope, keep them outside, entertained, and eventually pays its own way. I am going to turn half my garden over to self sufficiency. I will buy some wood and get my son set on making some raised beds for the vegetables, whilst my daughter can plant seeds and make wigwams for the runner beans. Once they have done all this we will go out and buy a hen house and three chickens; one each. They can then spend the rest of the holidays bonding with our new pets whilst I whip up omelettes and cakes from the freshly laid eggs. So I am firmly ignoring the little voice which tells me that at some point we will have a medical emergency involving a sawn finger or a stray nail, that the radishes will refuse to grow up the bean poles, the chickens will too traumatised to lay anything that resembles an egg, and I’d be better off taking them to Spain for a fortnight! ●
APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …65
school’s out!
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
SUNNYDALE FARM
CAMPING & CARAVAN PARK l 40 level fully serviced pitches
(some hardstanding available) l New modern toilets, showers, laundry room and indoor dishwashing facilities l Close to bus routes and Royal Victoria Country Park
Perfect for your guests to stay locally
OPEN ALL YEAR
Telephone: 023 8045 7462 Mobile: 0788 305 8823 Email: sunnydalefarm@tiscali.co.uk
GRANGE ROAD, NETLEY ABBEY, SO31 8GD
Southampton Rock and Pop Music School Southampton rock and Pop Music School is the south coasts strongest music education for kids through to young adults. Students learn from well experienced guitar/drum and piano tutors in fun and friendly environments, using structured modules from absolute beginner through to extreme rock solo’s! Not forgetting our Jam we have at the end of each lesson so the kids can experience how to play in a real band environment! We offer guitar / bass / drums and Keyboard lessons from 7 years upwards, and with Big yearly gigs they can all take part in, whats stopping you from picking up the phone or jumping online to book your FREE TASTER near you now!
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
EXCLUSIVE
COM P E T I T I
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F1 Stag Parties
WIN A TREE-TOP ADVENTURE
with Go Ape!
Do you fancy finding your inner Tarzan in 2012? Go Ape, the UK’s number one tree-top adventure, is celebrating its 1st Birthday at Itchen Valley near Eastleigh! We’re giving one lucky Solent Life reader a chance to win a family ticket to the grand opening in April 2011. You’ll get to experience the breathtaking scenery of the lush green forest, the dizzying heights of the tree-top high wires and the adrenalin rush of zooming down zip wires. And once you’ve worked up an appetite you and your tribe will be treated to a free buffet meal! FURTHER INFORMATION:
Min Age: 10 years. Min height: 1.40m/4ft 7. Max weight 130kg/20.5 stones Baboons (under 18s) must be supervised by a participating adult. Booking essential.
OPENING TIMES:
23 Mar – 30 Oct daily. Closed Thu & Fri (during term time). Weekends only throughout Nov, Feb & Mar PRICES: Gorillas (18+) £30.00 Baboons (10-17 yrs) £20.00
CONTACT DETAILS:
Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton SO30 3HQ T: 0845 643 9245 E: info@goape.co.uk Take a look and book at www.goape.co.uk
What is the collective noun for a group of monkeys? Is it… (A) Family (B) Troop (C) Pride TO ENTER, email competitions@solentlife.co.uk quoting ‘Go Ape Competition’ with your name, address and telephone/mobile number together with your answer! Alternatively, post your entry to Solent Life, Webb House, 20 Bridge Road, Park Gate, Hampshire, SO31 7GE. The closing date is 30.04.2012 TERMS & CONDITIONS: (1) Only one entry per person. No purchase necessary. (2) The prize draw is open to UK residents only, except employees and their families of the Promoter, it’s affiliated companies and agents or anyone professionally connected with the promotion. (3) By entering your details you are agreeing for Go Ape to contact you from time to time with other competitions, offers and promotions. You can of course unsubscribe at anytime. (4) Last date for receipt of entries is 30.04.2012. (5) There are no cash or other alternatives to the stated prizes. (6) Promoter: Adventure Forest Ltd t/a Go Ape, Hargrave Hall, Church Lane, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP29 5HH.
F1 Season Starts at The Race Centre With the start of the 2012 F1 season underway, now is a great time to get your team on the grid for an adrenalin filled event at The Race Centre, the UK’s first Race Car Simulation venue based in Chandlers Ford. Racing against your friends and colleagues in professional race car simulators, with a great choice of cars and circuits, it’s very realistic, great fun and highly competitive. The Race Centre has been enjoyed by a huge list of local companies inviting staff and customers, from the smallest to the largest of companies across the south. “It was great fun for the whole team and excellent value for money.” Steven. G, IBM” There is no better time as The Race Centre is offering off peak discounts on Adult Group Race Events throughout April. Simply go to The Race Centre website and download your discount voucher now for a great deal.
F1 Stag Parties If you are looking to arrange a great Stag party, start with your own private race event at The Race Centre before your big night out. Your event will include qualifying, lots of racing and trophies. With a licensed bar it’s a great start to the big day. Corporate Events, Stag and Hen Parties, Kids & Teens Parties, Arrive and Drive. www.theracecentre.co.uk | 023 8026 9927
APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …67
solent | theatre
my life I’ve had the time of
words by david rose-massom
Since its launch as a low budget movie in 1987 Dirty Dancing has gained iconic status and has been enjoyed by generation upon generation including a young girl who watched it time and time again and dreamed of dancing one of the lead roles; it is now an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing – and that girl is now a part of it...
D
ancer and actor Charlotte Gooch is heading for Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre with the stage version of DIRTY DANCING and she took time out from rehearsals to talk about her dream role. “I spent a year in the West End as understudy for the role of Penny and I finally got to dance the role of my dreams in the German touring production.” She said. “This meant that I had
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
to totally re-learn the role but this time in German, which was really tricky because the dialogue continues to go through your head in English.” Charlotte is a very long legged and athletic dancer; perfect for the role of Penny, but she has no idea how long her legs really are; laughing she said, “I have never measured them, it does always seem in photographs that they are long though and they do seem to stretch out when I am dancing.” “Next to Johnny, Penny is probably the most
physical role in the show; in the first 20 minutes of the performance I don’t stop, apart from just one minute to change costumes and take a quick drink of water before getting out there and dancing again.” She explained. “Keeping your breathing level to be able to speak the dialogue is something you train for and get used to; in the end it is about stamina and technique.” Could she have picked a better character to dance? “It is definitely a dream role. I watched Dirty Dancing as a young girl many, many times and I used to think ‘how can I get to do that?’ then suddenly, here I am doing this. To bring Penny to life every evening is just amazing!” In the story of Dirty Dancing, Penny was the girlfriend of lead character, Johnny, when they were kids, but over time they became just close friends and dance partners. Penny, and her problems, become pivotal in driving the plot forward with the relationship between Johnny and Baby, the innocent who also lives her dream of becoming a dancer. “Although it is the main characters that seem to push the story the show is really a great ensemble piece and everybody in the cast gels.” Charlotte continued with bubbly enthusiasm. “Penny, as with all the roles, is a very tough part to fill as the audience know every bit of dialogue and all the songs. They
have all seen the film and they know the script almost by heart. There is a huge expectation from the audience who know how well they can all dance; for example they look at Johnny on stage and think is he as good as Patrick Swayze’s version.” After a year in the West End and two years in Germany how does she keep the role so vibrant? “It genuinely is still fresh every day because there is a positive feeling from the audience; as each new crowd comes to watch us there is an expectancy and an excitement coming from them and that drives us to do our best at every performance, eight times a week. Dirty Dancing the movie was written by Eleanor Bergstein and she also wrote the stage version which means a continuity of story line between film and stage; it became the fastest selling West End show in History. “It is a scary thing being in a show like this because you know that it cannot last forever but I love every minute of this amazing role. I feel I have served my apprenticeship in the business but the character of Penny has become such a big part of my life now. I cannot think what it would be like to hand her over to someone else! “There will never be as perfect a part as Penny but for now it is just a privilege to keep her going and bring her to life every night.” l
Charlotte Gooch Charlotte trained professionally at Laine Theatre Arts. Most recently, Charlotte played the role of Penny in Dirty Dancing at the Theatre am Potsdamer Platz, Berlin. Her other theatre credits include; Tantomile in Cats and understudying the roles of Demeter and Bombalurina (Musical Dome, Cologne and Alte Oper, Frankfurt ); Dirty Dancing (Aldwych Theatre, London); The workshop of Swing Time (Dancing in the Dark-Duet with Anton du Beke); Fly with the Stars (London Palladium); Slave of the Ring in Aladdin (North Wales Theatre, Llandudno); the title role in Cinderella (De La Ware Pavillion, Bexhill); Believe in Yourself, Seeing Tomorrow and The Name of the Game (Epsom Playhouse Theatre); and Annabel Glick in Lucky Stiff! directed by Tudor Davies (LTA Studio Theatre). Charlotte would like to thank her family and friends for all their love and support.
DIRTY DANCING Tue 3 - Sat 28 April | Mon-Thu 7.30pm | Fri 5.00pm & 8.30pm Sat 2.00pm & 7.30pm Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring hit songs, including “Hungry Eyes”, “Hey Baby”, “Do You Love Me?” and the heart stopping “I’ve Had The Time Of My Life”. Don’t miss your chance to see Dirty Dancing, a truly spectacular musical theatre event. You’ll have the time of your life! Box Office: 02380 711811
APRIL 2012 •
.co.uk …69
solent | gardening
green fingers April
words by anne watson
Spring is here and it’s a perfect time to get growing in the garden. If you haven’t yet caught the grow-your-own bug, why not have a go this season? Garsons has everything you need to get started, including helpful advice.
I
f you have a greenhouse,
start growing your tomatoes under cover for a delicious early crop by July. Garsons has some impressive new grafted varieties, which have been used by commercial growers for years, but are now available in the garden centre. Trials show grafted tomato plants grow faster and have up to 75% more fruit, with greater disease resistance and a longer cropping period. Grafted tomatoes can also be grown outdoors but wait until after the last frosts. Either plant them in a growbag or in soil if your greenhouse has a soil bed. However, the soil should be changed every couple of years. For best results we recommend feeding with a liquid tomato food such as Tomerite. Keep well watered as irregular
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.co.uk • APRIL 2012
watering causes fruit to split. For more details of how to have a tasty tomato crop, read the gardening tips at garsons. co.uk. How about some herbs to go with your tomatoes? There’s a great selection of seeds available and it’s easy to make up a herb garden or planter. They need a warm sunny position to grow at their best and for the herb oils to develop. For best results use John Innes Number 1 compost which is free-draining and not too rich, to encourage the best growth. When selecting your herbs, think about the ones you’ll make most use of. Thyme, sage, mint, chives, oregano and bay will grow back every year, making them great value. Supplement them with annual herbs such as coriander, basil, parsley and dill for a wide range of tasty dishes to try. Now is the time to plant out your strawberry plants. Choose varieties that crop in succession for juicy berries from June till September: Honeoye is
an early variety, Elsanta mid season and Symphony for a late season. A sunny sheltered spot is essential for healthy plants and a good crop. For a really good start, apply a dressing of sulphate of potash fertilizer, which you can get in the garden centre. If space is limited, they grow happily in pots or hanging baskets. They like well-drained conditions, so use a soil based compost such as Levington Multi-Purpose with added John Innes. Be eco-friendly and plant a wildflower patch – there’s been a decline in native wildflowers, depriving insects of their natural habitats. It’s really easy to have your own wildflower patch with specially selected seed packs from Garsons. An area sown with these beautiful flowers will buzz with life throughout the summer months. We have seed mixes for bees, birds, butterflies and even ladybirds, which are great at keeping down greenfly. l Keep on top of weeding with a little and often approach. If you start now, it’s easier to control them through the season. Until next month, happy gardening!
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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
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solent | history
gateway
world to the
Solent Life has been privileged to have an early visit to Southampton’s newest attraction, the SEACITY MUSEUM, and what a privilege it was. words & pictures by david rose-massom
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T
he museum is not just about the Titanic, there is Southampton’s
maritime heritage from the Romans and even earlier up to almost the modern day; but with the Centenary of the shipping disaster happening this month a large part of the displays are given over to the ship, her passengers and her crew, many of whom were from the city. Within moments of entering through the doorway into the impressive entry hall, I spotted a man who recognised the name of a lost crew member. Robert John Burt had found the silhouette and name tag of his grandfather Ewart Sydenham Burt. “He was the First Class Saloon Steward and served the Countess of Rothes.” Robert explained. “My grandfather was aged just 28 when he lost his life, and lived in Victoria Road in Woolston.” Although Robert was smiling it was difficult to discern his mood. “I am just brimming with pride.” He said. “It is something special that this has been done, maybe it should have been done a long time ago but it is here now. And, I am so proud of my grandfather, and now he gets a mention and is remembered along with the rest of the crew.” Robert explained that he did have a photograph of his grandfather that he would give to Seacity Museum so they can replace the silhouette. “I also have a copy of a letter he sent on the 10th April 1912 mentioning his work and what
sort of person the Countess was. She came across as a nice lady.” The Countess of Rothes was born in Kensington on 25th December 1878 and married the 19th Earl of Rothes in Kensington on 19 April 1900. The Countess boarded the Titanic at Southampton with her cousin Gladys Cherry and her maid Roberta Maioni and was travelling to Vancouver, Canada. She and Miss Cherry occupied cabin B-77. The Countess, her cousin and the maid were rescued in lifeboat 8 and she was later put to the tiller. As another Titanic crewman, able-seaman Thomas Jones put it ‘She had a lot to say, so I put her to steering the boat’. Jones it seemed admired the Countess very much and later presented her with the brass number plate from the boat. In later years they maintained
contact through letters. While many of the First Class passengers were saved, the majority of the Second and Third Class as well as the crew perished. There were many heroic tales from that fateful night, and according to family stories, Robert’s grandfather was such a hero. “The story has come down through the family that my grandfather gave up his life jacket to one of the passengers and saved their life, while he drowned. I like to think that story was true.” Prior to the Titanic, Ewart had served the passengers on the Adriatic and the Oceanic, First Class Steward on the Titanic was a promotion for the dedicated seaman. He joined the doomed ship on April 4th. Robert’s father was living in Southampton being just two when Ewart Sydenham Burt was lost at sea.
This is what the museum is about, part of the display is a map on the floor showing the homes affected by missing crew and the displays are about the stories behind the great ship. It is about life on board and, maybe most importantly, it is about the aftermath of the disaster. It is the fine details that make any attraction worthy of visiting and great thought has gone into the displays at Seacity. While strolling one of the corridors alongside a life-size image of the deck the floor suddenly dipped down a slope, just slightly, but it was enough that for a brief moment I was on the moving deck of an ocean liner. Seacity Museum is a wonderful addition to the city and its maritime heritage. l
For further information check out the website… www.seacitymuseum.co.uk
APRIL 2012 •
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dream motors
the auto
artist’s palette words by david rose-massom
F
rom the road it appears to be just an upmarket car showroom with some delectable automotive dreams lining the broad windows. However, step through the doorway and you are not entering a showroom, you are stepping into a way of life! In a recent issue of Solent Life we road-tested a Maserati, Meridien Modena are the region’s Maserati dealership but also provide prancing horses, at their contemporary Lyndhurst headquarters. This month they invited us to tour their showrooms and storage facilities; it was a unique and beautiful experience. James Parrett is just one of the very knowledgeable and professional sales team and he took us through the process of buying our first Ferrari. “We wrap our customers and our cars in cotton wool; essentially here we offer a complete package.” He said as he led us through to a room known as the Atelier; the ‘artist’s palette’. “In the showroom we discuss the client’s wishes, the model they have chosen and arrange a test drive. It is only then that we retire to this room which
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is the start of a journey to design a work of art that will become a very personal Ferrari.” The Atelier is brightly lit, pristine and white; red leather seats and dynamic wall displays break the clean lines with colour, while on the wall at one end a huge TV screen dominates. “We realise our clients will have busy schedules and so we work around them, it has to be a relaxed experience and not a hurried one,” James continued as he pointed out the workings of the programme that was displayed on the screen as the image of a Ferrari 458 appeared. “Yesterday for another customer, it was a Ferrari California on the screen; this is where the prospective owner gets to design his or her own car. What colour?” he flicked a button and the projected car altered from red to yellow, “which wheels, what colour for the brake callipers, every detail of the body, the badging and the trim. “Ferrari refers to it as the ‘Personalisation of Ferrari’; it is your car. We will offer advice of course but it is ultimately the customer’s car. Once we have the
exterior of the car to your liking the bespoke service moves to the interior. The upholstery, the stitching within the upholstery; and even the image stitched onto the head restraints; put simply if the customer desires something, we will do it.” “We are the number one in Europe for developing the cars for clients.” James added proudly quoting Ferrari. “We will even go as far as laser etching the door trims with your name. It is all about the complete service.” On display around the walls of the Atelier are stunning images of the classic cars from the factory of the prancing horse, or ‘Cavillinos’ if we are being correct, but also hanging as if it were some unique artist display, are the leathers that are used for Ferrari interiors and customers can pick their colours and get a ‘feel for the cloth’. Next to them the paint colours for the bodywork; it is as if we are in an exclusive tailor’s studio picking out a suit with pinstripes and double vent. “We are the Saville Row of motoring; it really is a bespoke service we offer.” James explained. “If you have a favourite tie, we will work with that colour or if there is a feature on a classic Ferrari that you like we can include that. It is not by accident this room is referred to as ‘the artist’s palette’ because we begin with the blank canvas of a particular model and work toward a masterpiece that the new owner will have great pride in driving.” It is not about just buying a car, designing your own and buying your Ferrari is a lifestyle statement; it says you have worked hard and you have earned something
‘’
special, something that reflects you and your lifestyle. Once your design is complete, space is booked for production in the factory at Maranello in Italy. Owners are then presented with a special Ferrari memory stick that not only holds the details of their car but also the complete handbook so they can study the car before they take delivery. It is all about nice touches with Meridien, going that extra step to ensure the client is happy; so also on the memory stick is a wallpaper screensaver for the home computer and it is an image of your car, with your name under it. The dream stays with you. Six months prior to it being delivered; before the build commences, an invitation is sent to the customer requesting a return to the Atelier in Lyndhurst. This ensures that the choices made are still firm and it is the car you desire, the dream you want fulfilled. The final specification is then confirmed to the factory. Even then you are a part of the process as each new owner is invited out to the factory in Italy to see their car, their personal work of art, being built. “Every car when it is collected is accompanied by a scale model of the exact car, down to every detail; there is even a name plaque to affix to the base.” James showed us some examples as he spoke. He also showed the exclusive leather wallet that holds the paperwork as well as a personal letter from the sales person. “The wallet in itself is distinct and produced by Poltrana Frau, the same company that produce all of the hides used by Ferrari.” Then even that quality accoutrement
We don’t sell cars, we sell dreams. was placed inside a red bag bearing the prancing horse logo to protect it. This is about the dream, the lifestyle and joining an exclusive club of Ferrari owners that often become friends having this famous marque in common. As part of your option package, luggage and suiters may be selected. These are not only designed to fit precisely into your elegant and stunning purchase, but made to match your car’s styling; in the same leather as the interior specification. “Every purchaser has the opportunity to visit the factory; every owner has the opportunity to join in with any of our many special events.” James concluded as we stood in the midst of a gleaming row of Ferraris. “It is the Ferrari way of life and as an owner you are joining a lifestyle club which offers not just a fabulous car and work of art but also new friends and new events.” Even after delivery, the experience does not end. The comprehensive range of after sales services and owner support seems limitless. From the obvious professional servicing and car care, owners can request almost anything from long term secure storage, vehicle transportation to anywhere in the world and almost anything that an owner made require.
Whilst we have focused here on the Ferrari process, it must be pointed out that the Maserati experience at Meridien Modena is just as special. And, if you think that you will never be able to afford the Ferrari or Maserati experience; take a look, it may be more affordable than you think… l
Our thanks to the team at Meridien Modena for further information: Meridien Modena 77 High Street, Lyndhurst Hampshire, SO43 7PB Tel: 02380 283404 Fax: 02380 282791 modena@meridien.co.uk www.meridien.co.uk Follow Meridien Modena for Stock Updates and news @MeridienModena
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To be successful in these difficult times, you need to be a head-liner receiving standing ovations Solent Life’s pricing structure offers a highly competitive rate and yet with our huge circulation and coverage the cost to you per thousand readers is unbeatable. No other magazine in the region can compete with our circulation or readership and our feature content is also tightly linked and relevant to the community in which we publish so that Solent Life is retained by our readers and continually re-read, meaning that your advertising has multiple opportunities to be viewed and acted upon.
Telephone… 01489 583800 78…
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Email… info@solentlife.co.uk
Website… solentlife.co.uk
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solent | nature
events… at Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve…
wildlife April
words by jess daish-miller images by darin smith
Look into one of the shallower ponds at Swanwick Lakes in April and you may catch sight of newts which have returned to the water during the past month to breed.
A
t this time of year, the markings on all species of newts become much more colourful and, if you are lucky, you could even witness a courtship ritual during which the male flicks his tail from side to side, trying to attract a female. You are much less likely to see the actual egg-laying where the female wraps each egg singly in a leaf using only her rear legs. April is also the time when we begin to hear the dawn chorus at Swanwick. To our ears, the chorus may sound like nothing more than delightful music. To the birds, however, singing is a serious business as they defend their territories and attract breeding partners. The variety of bird song that can be heard during the dawn chorus is staggering and well worth the early morning start required to appreciate it.
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Other sights and sounds to look and listen out for in April are the distinctive call of the recently returned Chiff Chaff, the mewing of Buzzards circling overhead and Bluebells and Cowslips flowering on the Reserve. l Why not join us on one of our events in April and find out more about Spring at Swanwick Lakes – or just pop down for a wander and see for yourself! Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve is an 86 acre reserve located on Sopwith Way, off Swanwick Lane. The reserve is owned by NATS and managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. The reserve is open from dawn until dusk for all to enjoy. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust works to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Island. Find out more at www.hwt.org.uk
Dawn Chorus Walk and Breakfast Sat 14th April 2012 5.30am Join reserve staff for a guided walk around Swanwick Lakes to hear the glorious sounds of the dawn chorus. The walk will be followed by bacon/egg sandwiches and tea and coffee. For further details and to book your place, please contact Dawn Preston or Jess Daish-Miller on 01489 570240. Suggested donation £6 per person including breakfast. Please wear outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes or boots, and please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements. Booking is essential. Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Watch Group Natural Art Sat 7th April 2012 10:30am – 12 noon Kingfishers Thurs 19th April 2012 6.30 – 8pm Wildlife Watch is a local club for young people who are interested in wildlife and the environment. The Watch Group has two events in April. Booking is essential. For more information or to book your place please contact Carly Fretwell on 07733 980980 or Michelle Crooks on 07784 391604. Fareham District Members Group Hedgerows – Britain’s Largest Nature Reserve Mon 16th April 2012 7.30pm Jon Stokes of the Tree council describes the wildlife to be found in hedgerows and the harvest they contain for wildlife and humans. To be held in Holy Trinity Church Hall, West Street, Fareham PO16 0EL. Parking in Western Road or Trinity Street car parks. For further information please contact Peter Adams on 01329 287653. Suggested donation £2.
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.
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A Cattery that is home from home. Providing the very best care and attention for your much loved cat(s), enabling you to enjoy your holiday with complete peace of mind Rates: £9.00 per day 1 cat • £15.00 per day 2 cats
218 Brook Lane, Sarisbury Green, SO31 7DY Telephone: 01489 480 888 • Mobile: 07717 368 302 Email: info@brooklanecattery.co.uk Web: www.brooklanecattery.co.uk
BROOK LANE CATTERY WINS AWARD Media Today Online presents BA award for Brook Lane Cattery, this award is presented to Brook Lane Cattery Cat Care Specialist of the Year 2011 for outstanding achievment and commitment to offer a quality service within the above given industry.
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solent | society
a year in
office words by david rose-massom
appearance. Throughout the festive season I think we also attended something like 14 carol concerts. “While serving as Mayor I have attended, on average, something like five appointments a day and I truly hope I have been a good mayor. Although I am not a man to blow my own trumpet, the feedback received has been that I have done a good job.” He said. “I would not have been able to do that without Ruth, apart from being by my side all the time she has also found time to write somewhere in excess of 300 personal thank-you letters. She has also been invaluable with the fund raising as she has sat on the Mayoral charity committees for the last eight years. “When my term in office comes to an end in May I will miss the appointments and I will miss meeting so many wonderful people. However, there is still a lot I want to do in the community, so after a brief holiday with Ruth when I am no longer Mayor, there is still plenty for me to do.” Three hundred years ago it would have been the Mayor’s job to put people in the stocks, for this Mayor his job has been to represent the town of Fareham as its First Citizen, which he has done with grace, charm and vigour, and in the process raised a staggering amount of money for local good causes – an amazing feat when it has been through a period of tough economic times. The new Mayor has a great deal to live up to and a hard act to follow! l
It has involved everything from tea parties in the Parlour, flicking the switch to brighten Fareham with Christmas Lights and raising in excess of £30,000 for local charities but it has also taken a great deal of energy, commitment, thousands of handshakes and even more broad smiles to be the Mayor…
C
ouncillor Trevor Cartwright has been the councillor for Warsash ward for the past twelve years and it was there that Solent Life first met him in his capacity of Mayor of Fareham when he helped celebrate the official first chimes from the repaired tower clock that is once again a landmark in the village. He invited us to take tea with him and chat about his year in office in the Mayor’s Parlour at the town’s council offices that have spectacular views across the borough. He took early retirement from a senior position in a local company after 41 years service, and was awarded an MBE for services to the Defence Industry in 1996. He has lived in the area for the past 21 years with his wife, Ruth and they have three grown up children, two grandsons and two granddaughters. With an even broader smile and offering superb support, his wife Ruth was there at all the events with equal enthusiasm and charm. They have made a formidable partnership as ambassadors for Fareham. Trevor Cartwright was elected as Mayor on 12th May 2011 and has supported local charities that are important to him and his family. “My choice of charities to support was a fairly easy decision. Out of the many I could have supported,” he continued. “Cystic Fibrosis because Ruth and I have a niece who suffers from it and we have been raising funds for 30 odd years, so that was an obvious choice; then because I sail, and have involvement with the armed forces, Toe-in-the-Water was also an ideal choice.” Cllr Cartwright
is being a little modest when he says he enjoys sailing as he is a past member of the British sailing team in Tornados, the Olympic sailing class catamaran. “The third charity had to be in my own ward where I serve as a councillor and I have been involved with Warsash Wasps for a number of years. The Wasps were first formed to provide local children with a football team but now have grown to 28 different teams for all ages and there are even six girls teams.” As would be expected of any incoming Mayor he was almost besieged with requests from charities hoping for his support. “They are all worthy causes and it was tricky to pick; but once we had chosen, much of the work was down to the efforts of the volunteers without whom we could not have raised so much money.” “One of my hobbies is riding my bike and we took 40 people on a bike ride around the Isle of Wight as one of our charity fund raising events,” the Mayor explained as tea was served in his parlour and we looked out of the window across Fareham Creek. “As an ex-director of Human Resources at Vosper Thorneycroft I am used to dealing with people and have always found meeting them fascinating, so when I have hosted tea parties for Fareham residents here in the parlour or been speaking at a full-blown Naval dinner it has been a lovely experience. Typical of the Mayor’s, and Ruth’s, dedication to their task was Christmas Day, when his own family celebrations took second place. “On Christmas Day we attended three different Christmas lunches, not to eat at each of them as the Vicar of Dibley did you understand, but it was important that we make an
The prime duty of the Mayor is to chair meetings of the Full Council and in this, and all other duties, it is the convention that the Mayor does not display any political allegiances. As Mayor it is also a responsibility to represent the Council as the Civic Head of the Borough at official functions and attend approximately 400 other events during the term of office. Each Mayor adopts the charities which he or she supports by organising various events to raise funds throughout the Mayoral Year.
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April
solent | community
Your essential guide to all the local news and events in your community. WHITELEY TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD Want to meet new people? Why not go along to Whiteley Primary School, Gull Coppice, off Yew Tree Drive, Whiteley on the third Wednesday of each month at 7.15 p.m. They have a varied programme of events and speakers; a craft section, reading group, gardening group, lunch club, cinema/theatre club & weather permitting, a walking group. New members and visitors are always welcome. Meetings always end with a cup of tea, or coffee and a chat. For more information please contact: Mrs Pauline Register (Chairman) Tel No: 01489 603356 or Mrs Chris Gray (Secretary) Tel No: 01489 880421. SARISBURY GREEN FLORAL ART SOCIETY Is a small friendly club and welcomes anyone interested in making the most of flowers from their garden, the supermarket or the florist. Membership for the year is just £32, or visitors can join any meeting for £5. Next meeting on April 17th is a demonstration by Mala William, “East meets West”. The Society meet at Sarisbury Green Community Centre, SO31 7AA, on the third Tuesday of the month (except August) from 7pm. For more information, please contact Ailia Ashworth on (01489) 579863 or email ailia@ btinternet.com.
LEE-ON-THE-SOLENT RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION Monthly Community BOOST Event – Table Top Sale – 18th April. The next LoSRA BOOST Event will be held on the 18th April in the Methodist Church Hall, Lee High Street, Lee-onthe-Solent, set up at 9.am and open to the public between 9.30 – 1.00pm. Meet community groups/organisations. To book a table, 6ft at £5.00 and 4ft at £3.00, payable on the day, at the BOOST events, contact Ray Harding 023 92 551706 or Gill Masterson 023 92 551303. MAKING TIME FOR ART IN BOTLEY Botley Market Hall is now hosting some exciting art courses and workshops for beginners, improvers and experienced artists. Kirstin White, local artist, is offering courses and workshops in watercolour, life drawing and junior art. Good artists do not always make good teachers, but with Kirstin we have someone who excels in both her own painting and in teaching. Those interested in improving their painting skills or learning the basics can do no better than come along to one of the courses or workshops at the Market Hall, which is fast becoming a centre for creativity both in the performing arts and illustrative arts. Contact Kirstin on (01489) 690303 or see www.kirstinwhite.co.uk.
IF YOU HAVE A LOCAL EVENT
Let us know at info@solentlife.co.uk Please note we need 6-8 weeks notice of events.
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WARSASH LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY A three day Exhibition entitled “Warsash through the Ages” comprising photographs, maps and other archive material will take place in the Victory Hall from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm on 5th, 6th and 7th. Entry £2 per adult, children under 16 free. Refreshments will be available. Glenda Edmondson (01489) 573755. WARSASH HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 25h April with a presentation by David Stone, Head Gardener at Mottisfont Abbey, entitled “The Roses of Mottisfont Abbey”. His talk will also include other features of the gardens. We look forward to welcoming members and visitors at all our meetings which are held in the Bartholomew Room of the Victory Hall staring at 7.30 pm. Glenda Edmondson (01489) 573755. FARMERS’ MARKET Fareham’s West Street from 9am to 2pm on Saturday 7th April with music by local artiste The Sensational Debbie C, so you can make sure that you are fully stocked with good local food to feed the family over Easter. Around 30 local producers will be selling the best of their produce directly to customers – everything from freshly picked organic fruit and vegetables to free range eggs, fish from local waters to rare breed meats, from home-baked bread and cakes to the honey made from local bees. Sample before you buy from the people who actually produce, and taste the difference in quality whilst supporting your local farming and rural community.
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY The competition returns as entries are now open for Marwell Wildlife’s Photographer of the Year 2012. The charity is calling all budding photographers to enter images which celebrate a variety of wildlife and capture the essence of nature. The competition has four categories and judges will assess entries for photographic excellence, high quality and composition. To enter visit and view the catagories visit www.marwell. org.uk/photocomp Up to five images can be submitted per person. A charge of £5 applies, although junior entries are free. The deadline for entries is 14 September 2012. Competition terms and conditions can be found on the website. NEW MUSIC MAKERS Invite readers to their forthcoming concerts:Saturday 2nd June 7.30pm Turner Sims Concert Hall, Southampton University campus (hosted by King Edward VI School musicians). All tickets £10. Or Saturday 23rd June 2.30 pm Berry Theatre, Wildern Lane, Hedge End. Tickets £10 (£8 concessions). Tickets for both concerts available one month before concert date from ‘Jesters’, Hedge End or Tel. (01489) 781836.
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out & about
out&
about
Solent Life has been venturing out across the region to capture and bring to you some images from the notable events of the past few weeks…
words & images by david rose-massom
FREEDOM MARCH
The people of Fareham turned out in huge numbers to applaud and celebrate HMS Collingwood receiving the Freedom of the Borough from Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, and the Mayor of Fareham. The smiling Princess then opened the newly revamped, and renamed to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, Jubilee play area. School children lined the fence to cheer and chat with Princess Anne.
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ST PATRICK’S DAY It was St Patrick’s Day and the last day of the Six Nations Rugby Tournament and trust the English to spoil the Irish party. Solent Life visited a Winchester Irish themed pub to celebrate with a drop of the blackstuff and join in a happy, and very rowdy, afternoon of rugby and friendship. For those that do not follow the game – England thrashed their opponents to take runner-up spot in the championship.
NATIONAL LASER SAILING CHAMPIONSHIP It was a weekend of mixed weather in Stokes Bay, Gosport for a National Laser Sailing Championship when young sailors travelled from all over the UK to battle it out on the waters of the Solent. Saturday was grey, overcast and breezy, but on Sunday the sun shone brightly over a mill-pond calm race course.
TOE IN THE WATER Due to the generosity of three businessmen, charity Toe in the Water have accepted ownership of a Farr 52 racing yacht. BBC TV presenter Sally Taylor used a cutlass to remove the cork from a bottle of Champagne while renaming the craft. She then poured the bubbly over the boat’s bow to re-christen the yacht, watched and aided by Dee Caffari MBE who is an ambassador for the charity. Toe in the Water will be used by injured service personnel to race in competitive sailing as part of their recovery programme.
Holding an event you’d like us to feature? Simply email details of your event to
info@solentlife.co.uk and we will do our best to cover the most exciting and interesting events.
APRIL 2012 •
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air | festival EVENT PARTNER
portsmouthairfestival.co.uk
The Chinook is a very capable and versatile support helicopter that can be operated in many diverse environments ranging from cold weather ‘arctic’ conditions to desert warfare operations; and as Chinook pilot Flight Lieutenant James Kingham told Solent Life; “I joined the RAF to save lives, not to take them and our job is to go in and support!” words by david rose-massom
chinooks over
T
he RAF will have an important role to play at this year’s Portsmouth Air Festival, but in supporting the ground troops in a war zone they have a vital role to play in the protection of our frontiers. Solent Life visited RAF Odiham, the UK home of the Chinook and met with the Flight Lieutenant together with SAC (Senior Aircraftsman) Lewis Cooper. “I have been flying the Chinook operationally for a year and a half now, and have just completed my first tour in Afghanistan,” James explained. “I only ever wanted to fly this aircraft because technically it is one of the most powerful of helicopters and it can pick up its own weight which is amazing. There is also huge satisfaction in being a team
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POA (PHOT) SEAN CLEE
Afghanistan
player within the close crew of two pilots and two crewmen.” We had been invited to chat in the ‘Chinook Room’ of the Officer’s Mess at Odiham; surrounded by photographs of the extraordinary RAF personnel who, through those images were being honoured for earning specific awards of bravery and service. The bottom corner of each frame contained a miniature version of their hard earned medals. We had to ask if there was fear in being sent into a modern war zone. “When we joined, my generation already had the knowledge that we were in Afghanistan and it is what we joined up to do.” James said with a relaxed air about him; no false bravado, “After the five years of training it is great to just get on and
POA (PHOT) NATHAN DUA
POA (PHOT) SEAN CLEE
‘’
With the Chinook the emphasis is to fly low and fast so it is very exciting. She is faster and far more manoeuvrable than say, an Apache attack helicopter.
do what we have been so well trained and prepared for. Our role is unambiguous – what we do is useful!” SAC Lewis Cooper has the job of keeping Flt Lt Kingham and his Chinook in the air. “As a squadron we are attached to a Flight and we do get to know the crew of the aircraft and we are very much an integrated part of the team and have to work closely together,” he said. “That bond between us gets much more intense when we get to a theatre of operations like Afghanistan. Over there it is a seven day working week every week.” James added; “It is probably 90% boredom and 10% sheer terror. We are on maximum awareness as we are on call for 24 hours a day and when the bell goes it is action stations. “We get a phone call and are airborne within just seven minutes and most of that time is the 200 metre run across the airfield to the aircraft. Within Helmand province we can reach our target within a very short space of time.” Lewis explained how the Chinook is shipped out to Afghanistan. “The heads and rotor blades are removed and it is loaded onto a transport plane and once out there it is unloaded, rebuilt and operational within a day. We all have trust in each other’s abilities.” With the events that have occurred over the past few weeks in Afghanistan many have asked the question of ‘Why are we there?’ We asked James that same question and his answer was both swift and from the heart.
“We should be there; we are denying Al Qaeda a safe haven and keeping out the Taliban. We are protecting the Afghans and our own way of life,” he said. “We fight them there, so we don’t have to fight them on the streets of London! “We should never use the deaths or the casualties as a reason to pull out before the job is done. We need to finish what has been started. “We think everyday about what we are doing – yes we follow orders; but seeing life out there we do see the need for our forces to be present in the region. The military do not employ us just to go in blindly, we are very conscious about what we are doing and why we are there.” SAC Cooper reinforced this. “After three years of being there I can see the difference we make and that we are making things safer. One area we went into as a war zone is now a thriving community and a market town. We make Afghanistan and our own country safer places to be.” So, what was it like arriving in Afghanistan for the first time? “It’s dirty and dusty.” James said. “The only big fear I had was like the first day at a new school and that you may not be up to the job.” Lewis again backed up that sentiment. “I just wanted to do my best; there is no scope for making mistakes. There is the lack of sleep to overcome and being continually on call
and that means that performing at your best, as you have been trained to do, is even more vital. “It focuses the mind when you go into an operational zone and the heart rate rises just a little bit more when the alarm bell goes off! You fall back into your routines almost without thinking.” The Chinook, with its distinct thump-thump sound from the twin rotors, is a much loved and admired aircraft but what is she like to fly? “It has been described as an elephant in a ballet.” James explained. “She is one of the most manoeuvrable aircraft to fly; it is dynamic and she is amazing. With the Chinook the emphasis is to fly low and fast so it is very exciting. She is faster and far more manoeuvrable than say, an Apache attack helicopter. “I joined the RAF to save lives, not to take them and our job is to go in and support,” James added. Lewis said; “We are sent in as part of a humanitarian operation; it is not a glamorous job and it is not as well paid as an engineer in the private sector but it is just as rewarding. For what we put into being part of the team out there, we get back tenfold in job satisfaction.” l
www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/chinook.cfm
PORTSMOUTH AIR FESTIVAL 18th August 2012 For the latest news go to www.portsmouthairfestival.co.uk APRIL 2012 •
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solent | history
her head a lady loses
‘’
words & pictures by david rose-massom
Gentlemen, Friends and Neighbours, it may be expected that I should say something at my death, and in order thereunto I shall acquaint you, that my birth and education was both near this place, and that my parents instructed me in the fear of God, and I now dye of the reformed protestant religion…
A
lice Lisle was born around 1614, records are not clear, and at her demise was the victim of what some believed to be judicial murder. It was on 20th July 1685, a fortnight after the Battle of Sedgemoor - part of the Monmouth Rebellion, that Lady Alice agreed to shelter John Hickes, a well-known Nonconformist minister, at Moyles Court, her residence near Ringwood. The Monmouth Rebellion was an attempt to overthrow James II, who had become King at the death of his elder brother Charles II on 6th February 1685. James II was a Roman Catholic, and some Protestants under his rule opposed his kingship. James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth, an illegitimate son of Charles II, claimed to be rightful heir to the throne and attempted to displace James II. The rebellion soon ended with the defeat of Monmouth’s forces at the Battle of Sedgemoor in Somerset on 6th July 1685. Monmouth was executed for treason on 15th July, and many of his supporters were also executed or ordered to be transported in the ‘Bloody Assizes’ of Judge Jeffreys. Known as the ‘Hanging Judge’, Jeffreys sentenced some 300 accused to death and three times that to be transported to the West Indies.
These were the last reported words of Dame Alice Lisle; and her final resting place is in a tomb alongside the pretty church of St Mary & All Saints at Ellingham near Ringwood. The inscriptions carved into the tomb lid have almost been eroded by the weather and the history of this woman has almost been eroded by time.
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Following the death of her husband, Alice Lisle lived quietly at Moyles Court, which she inherited from her father, and while there, she showed some sympathy with the dissenting ministers in their trials during Charles II’s reign. Her husband had been a member of Cromwell’s House of Lords, and so she was often spoken of as Lady Alice Lisle. Hickes was a member of Monmouth’s defeated army and had spent the night at Moyles Court, and in the morning was arrested. Alice Lisle, who had initially denied his presence, was charged with harbouring a traitor. Tried before Judge Jeffreys at the opening of his Bloody Assizes at Winchester she pleaded that she had no knowledge that Hickes’s offence was anything more serious than illegal preaching and also stated she had no sympathy with the rebellion whatsoever. The jury declared that they were reluctant to convict her, but Jeffreys overruled their scruples and so they reluctantly found her guilty - the law recognizing no distinction between principals and accessories in treason, she was sentenced to be burned. Burning was then customary for a female traitor, as it avoided the bloodiness and indecency of the hanging, drawing and quartering awarded to male traitors. Jeffreys ordered the sentence to be carried out that same afternoon, but a few days respite was granted, and James II allowed the much more pleasant option of beheading as befitting her station as a substitution for burning. Lady Alice Lisle was publicly executed in the Winchester market-place on 2nd September 1685. She is buried in the tomb on the right hand side of the porch at St Mary’s Church, in Ellingham. Alice, also known as Alicia, Lisle now lies buried in the Ellingham village churchyard where she is remembered with the epitaph ‘Alicia Lady Lisle’. Her title was not of course recognised once the rebellion was overturned for her husband’s title as Viscount Lisle was granted illegally by Cromwell in 1658. In death she was again known simply as ‘Mrs Lisle’ or ‘Dame Lisle’. l
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www.victoryhall.btik.com APRIL 2012 •
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Events across the Solent region.
what’s
PREVIEW
The Point, Eastleigh 02380 652333 Chichester Festival Theatre 01243 781312 Salisbury Playhouse 01722 320333 Mayflower Theatre 02380 711811 Theatre Royal Winchester 01962 840440 King’s Theatre Southsea 02392 828282 Tower Arts Centre, Winchester 01962 867986 Ferneham Hall 01329 231942 Ashcroft Arts Centre Fareham 01329 310600 The Concorde Club 02380 613989
If you have anything going on, tell us here at Solent Life and we will include it in our feature. 01489 583800 editorial@solentlife.co.uk
Simple pleasures with the National Trust Here are just a few of the Easter highlights in Hampshire: MOTTISFONT | Romsey | Hampshire | SO51 0LP T: 01794 340757 Easter: the Easter Bunny is asking for help from Mottisfont’s younger visitors! Hop skip and jump along a special garden trail to complete the tasks and help the Easter Bunny with his deliveries. There are delicious Cadbury rewards for all participants, and additional games and face painting fun on selected dates. There’s lots of crafty fun over the Easter holidays too. Cadbury Easter Egg Trail: 6th to 9th April, 10am5pm, normal admission charge plus £2 per trail. Additional games and face painting on 8th and 9th April. Art springs to life as visitors to this glorious house can explore how leading artists have looked at our lives over the last 100 years. In partnership with Southampton Art Gallery, A Slice of Life is an exhibition arranged around five themes: people, places, work, leisure and war, and which reveals a sumptuous display of 20th-century works from artists including Degas, Hockney, Sickert and Caulfield. Art-related family activities and a programme of short talks and workshops accompany the exhibition. A Slice of Life: until 6th May, 11am-5pm, normal admission charge. Stunning spring colour: thousands of bluebells appear in the surrounding woodland, whilst a rich lilac carpet of Chinodoxia runs the length of the lime avenue. Tulips bring exotic colour to the Walled Garden in April, and visitors can enjoy the sight of 15 flowering cherry trees which have been planted in a newly created cherry orchard. Ancient WINCHESTER CITY MILL is filled with delicious spicy aromas at Easter, as families are invited to decorate and bake their own hot cross bun using the mill’s own stone-ground flour. Learn
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all about how this historic water mill works, and explore the property and garden for the clues on the Cadbury Easter Egg Trail, leading to chocolate prizes. Family Hot Cross Bun Baking: 6th April, 11am-4pm. Cadbury Easter Egg Trail: to 15th April, 11am-4pm, normal admission charge plus £2 per trail. Call 01962 870057 for information. The pretty gardens of HINTON AMPNER are hosting an Easter Egg Trail that takes younger visitors into the quirky and colourful Walled Kitchen Garden, as they hunt for clues leading to a chocolaty treat. Hinton is a wonderful place to visit in spring, full of floral delights from daffodils, creamy camellias and hundreds of tulips. In the Cherry Orchard, clusters of double-pink flowers and fragrant snowy blossoms droop towards the ground in long swaying clusters. Cadbury Easter Egg Trail: 22nd to 25th April, 10am-4pm, normal admission charge plus £2. Call 01962 771305 for more information. To help you plan a care-free day out, visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/southeast for loads of ideas on places to visits and treats to enjoy. Whilst online, download a colourful new ‘mini map of inspiration’ – there’s one available free for each county in the Trust’s London and South East region (also available by post). Share memories of your ‘happy place’ with the National Trust. Whether it’s a country garden, a favourite tree or simply your own sitting room, tweet your #happyplace story to @southeastnt, or post details to Facebook at www.facebook. com/NationalTrustLondonandSouthEast. Your story will appear on a ‘happy places’ map on the National Trust’s website. For details on all National Trust Cadbury Easter Egg Trails visit www.eastereggtrails.com
Music, Comedy, Events & Theatre
Children
CYSTIC FIBROSIS AUTUMN BALL Come and join us on Saturday 20th October 2012 at the Legacy Botleigh Grange Hotel, Southampton for a fantastic Black Tie evening full of sumptuous food and drink, entertainment, music and fun whilst raising money for Cystic Fibrosis. Tickets start at just £45 per person – for arrival drink, three course meal with wine, tea & coffee. There are also some exclusive VIP Tables available at £1,500 which includes champagne, extra wine and a VIP Sponsorship Package. Visit www.cf-ball.org.uk for more information and to apply for tickets. Contact Debbie on debbie@cf-ball.org.uk or call on 0844 826 050 for more information and to apply for tickets. SPIRIT OF THE 40s With close to 100 re-enactors on site and reliving the wartime spirit of the 1940s it is the chance to not only dress up and join in but to also get a taste of the ‘fun’ side of life in England during that war-torn era. The Prime Minister, Mr Winston Churchill, will be there along with US, German and English troops taking part in mock street battles while in other parts of the popular Gosport museum couples will be jitterbugging to the music of the time. EXPLOSION MUSEUM OF NAVAL FIREPOWER, Gosport on 14th and 15th April. www. explosion.org.uk Tel 023 9250 5600. Tickets Adult £10, concessions £5 and family ticket £20. MURDER MYSTERY The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is now setting the scene for an intriguing murder mystery… travel back in time to wartime
Britain on Saturday 19th May, 7.30-10.30pm and join the secret code breakers as they use their detective skills to unmask the spy. Featuring a genuine Enigma machine, the storyline follows the plot that the enemy have changed the code and several agents have been sent to France to collect the decoder captured by the resistance, all have died – is the spy at the museum? Fancy dress is optional and booking essential. Tickets £45pp, includes meal and drinks. Please call 02392 72522 or email: events@nmrn.org.uk THE WAY BACK HOME A Tale That’s Out Of This World as a boy seeking an adventure finds a plane in his cupboard and flies it higher and higher until it runs out of fuel– and lands on the moon! This is the stage adaptation of awardwinning author Oliver Jeffers’ children’s book; featuring original music and oodles of audience participation. The Way Back Home follows the little boy’s inter galactic adventure as he tries to find his way back home to earth, encountering a strange little alien on the way. Can they become friends? More importantly, can the boy ever find his way back home? THE POINT, Eastleigh on Wednesday, April 12 at 1pm and 3pm. The play is suitable for children aged 3+ and their families. Tickets are £6. For more details, call the box office on 023 8065 2333 or visitwww. thepointeastleigh.co.uk AGEAS SALISBURY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL Returns with a wonderful array of spectacular events. Classical and world music share the limelight with international theatre, dance, film, visual arts, children’s events, free outdoor events and a full literature
programme. This year’s programme will focus on the themes of the vibrant culture of Brazil, Fire and Celebration. Events will take place in traditional and diverse spaces across the region. This year the Festival fortnight will open with a fiery bang at Hudson’s Field as world-renowned French company Les Commandos Percu bring the magic of music and flames to Salisbury, a free spectacle that will both astound and delight audiences. Various venues; Friday 25 May – Saturday 9 June; Tickets for the full Festival programme are available online at www. salisburyfestival.co.uk or by phone on 0845 241 9651. THE EASTLEIGH FESTIVAL OF MUSIC Will offer an eclectic mix of sounds promising to deliver a lively and entertaining programme for all music lovers. This year the festival takes on a different format with two evenings of professional performances taking place on May 24th and 25th, followed by a weekend of free local music, workshops and entertainment, as well as the hugely popular Eastleigh Mela, over the weekend of July 7th and 8th. THE POINT, Eastleigh. Performances start from 7.30pm on May 24 and 7pm on May 25. Tickets are £16 (£14conc) or £30 (£26conc) for both nights. For more details about the Eastleigh Festival of Music, visit www. thepointeastleigh.co.uk or call 023 8065 2333. WAY OF THE WARRIOR A collection of arms, armour and costume from some of the most popular historical blockbuster movies ever made. This exhibition illustrates the development of armour and personal arms over the last 2500
years through film costume, images and interactive activities, it tells the stories of warriors depicted in popular culture from Gladiator or Alexander, Saving Private Ryan to Black Hawk Down. Featuring replica armour to handle and real ‘screen-used’ props, this is an unmissable interactive adventure. GOSPORT GALLERY, Walpole Road, Gosport. 21st April to 30th June; open 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday. Free Admission. GUILTY PLEASURES This is the world premiere of a raunchy and risqué comedy set in a steamy ‘ladies-only’ health spa. This riotous play follows the comedic misadventures of GC, the bold and brazen spa owner, and his hilarious staff of fantasy men with their sizzling spa specials! When one of the men reveals he has testicular cancer, a more dramatic and serious side to the piece emerges. As all their various stories unfold and unravel, audiences will share their laughter and tears in this hilarious production tinged with a bittersweet edge. Adults only (may contain some slight male nudity – if you’re lucky enough to sit in the right seats!). A percentage of the profits from the production shall go to raising awareness and money for Everyman, the UK’s leading prostate and testicular cancer charity. BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION THEATRE; Wednesday 18th April & Thursday 19th April Call the BH Live Tickets on 0844 576 3000, book online at www. bic.co.uk: Tickets: £16.00 & £18.50.
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puzzle time
mindgym the
Train your brain with our selection of puzzles. Solutions are printed at the bottom of the page... Easy Sudoku 1
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Hard Sudoku
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COPYRIGHT
With many thanks to www.sudoku-puzzles.net for the sudoku puzzles, and www.dowedo.net for supplying the crossword puzzle.
8 7 9 5 3 6 2 4 1
check your answers here!
2 5 3 7 1 4 8 9 6
the
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1 Unattractive thinness (8) 2 Deprived of feeling (4) 3 Prepared for presentation (6) 4 Become free (6) 5 Equestrian prizes (8) 6 Single item (4) 8 Relinquish office (11) 13 Make smaller (8) 15 Fine again (8) 17 Curt (6) 18 Adage (6) 19 Sympathy (4) 20 Distance (4)
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7 Quito country (7) 9 Disdain (5) 10 Writing aid (3) 11 Solemn declaration (9) 12 Flowed back (5) 14 Larger (7) 16 Wife of a Sultan (7) 18 Japanese dish (5) 19 Fathers fact (9) 20 Chart (3) 21 Bulb (5) 22 Perplexity (7)
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