Discover Hedge End October 2013

Hedge End Edition inc West End | Botley | Horton Heath

October 2013

DIRECTORIES WARNING:YOU MAY NEED TO SIT DOWN How to Sell Your Home in Hedge End for under £900 page 21

This month’s issue is sponsored by NiceMoves Sales & Lettings Ltd

Short Story p8 | Puzzles p12 | Finance p14 | Motoring p18 | Life List p24 Hampshire Walks p26 | Gardening p30 | What’s On p34 Advertisers Index p36

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Hello again

ABOUT US

Discover Magazines Distribution - Discover Hedge End is published every month and distributed by local people to two alternating areas. In January, March etc it goes to homes and businesses in Botley, Hedge End South and the east side of Horton Heath. In February, April etc it goes to West End, Hedge End North and the west side of Horton Heath. The total distribution is around 14,000 homes.

Advertising - We understand that the needs of a small business are quite different to those of a big company, and our advertising service is very much targeted at independent and local businesses. From advert design to general advice we are here to help you grow. For more details call Melanie on 023 8026 6388 or email melanie@ discovermagazines.co.uk

Tania Houston

Melanie Tinson

I read a book while I was on holiday this summer called The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin.

The author acknowledged that she was far from unhappy, but felt she wasn’t appreciating her life and there was more she could do. As I came towards the end of the book I realised that a lot of what made the author happy was being in control and organised. When she remembered friend’s birthdays , or stopped eating junk food, or bit her tongue rather than criticising, it felt good.

Decluttering was another big plus on the happiness scale and I can definitely relate to that. I would love to be naturally tidy; I’d love to be a concert pianist too, but I’m neither nor will I ever be. However I really don’t like mess so it’s a constant work in progress. I did clear my office during the summer (both Melanie and I work from our respective homes) and have since tried to be disciplined about ensuring my desk is clear at the end of each working day. It feels good to walk in to a tidy room each morning.

I’ve also made a big effort to call someone to sort those little home maintenance jobs immediately rather than waiting until they’d annoyed us for months. The dripping tap, the tree that’s grown too big, the scuff on the car and the boiler that needs servicing to name but a few. And somehow once you’ve fixed the little jobs it inspires you to plan bigger things – it sort of clears your mind.

During this process I was reminded by one of our advertisers that now is the time to book tradespeople for pre-Christmas work. Leave it until November and you’ll be too late and that doesn’t cheer anyone.

Tania Romsey Chandlers Ford Southampton Southampton West Winchester Southampton East Hedge End Meon Valley Fareham Locks Heath

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES

OCTOBER ISSUE: DIARY DATES

Please visit www.discovercommunity.co.uk and use the Editorial Form under Contact Us Email: editorial@discovermagazines.co.uk Tel: 023 8026 6388

Editorial copy deadline: 21 October Advertisement copy deadline: 24 October Distributed: w/c 1 November

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

To be sure of your place in the next issue please contact Melanie on 023 8026 6388 visit www.discoveradvertising.co.uk or email melanie@discovermagazines.co.uk

Tel: Melanie: 023 8026 6388 Email: melanie@discovermagazines.co.uk Web: www.discoveradvertising.co.uk

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LOCAL EVENTS & GROUPS

Race to Beat Cancer Race for Life is the UK’s biggest fight against cancer and the largest women-only fundraising event in the UK. Since Race for Life started in 1994, an incredible six million participants have raised over £493million, more than any other UK event series raising money to fund cancer research.

Some of the Race for Life women take part in celebration of surviving a cancer experience. Others take part in memory of a loved one or to give hope to a cancer-free future. But all share a common goal: to raise money for Cancer Research UK's groundbreaking work and to help save more lives.

On the 18th October, Race for Life Twilight is taking place on Southampton common. Over 5k you'll run, walk and jog to show cancer who’s boss by raising money to help beat it sooner. It’s £14.99 to enter, or £10 for under 16s (free for under 5s). Visit raceforlife.org or 0845 600 6050.

Fashion for Friends of St Peter’s Friends of St Peter’s are hosting a Fashion Show by Travelling Trends on 4th October at the Jubilee Hall in Bishop’s Waltham. Six local models will show a wide variety of quality garments for sale which ladies can try on in a dressing room following the show. There will also be jewellery for sale and a raffle. Tickets are £8 and include a glass of bubbly or soft drink on arrival. There is plenty of free parking and doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Contact Sylvia on 01489 891243 or Margaret on 01489 890318 for more information.

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Interested in Advertising your business?

136,750 local homes and businesses regularly get a copy of Discover through their door. Our satisfied advertisers like Discover because it works! How? • It generates new business, raises their local profile, drives people to their website • It’s good value for money • They can choose from 10 areas in and around Southampton • They can tailor their advert per area • They get free advert design* • They get free editorial* • They get free marketing advice

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SHORT STORY

The Goldcrest

By Jackie Brewster “I’ve got a job for you.”

blackberries.

Ray looked up warily from his newspaper at the Tupperware box in Audrey’s hands.

The thorns snagged his shirt and tore fine scratches on his arms and hands. Sticky juice stained his fingers and dripped down his wrists. The back of his neck was prickling in the hot sun, and reaching for the ripest berries was beginning to make his calves ache.

“I saw brambles covered in fruit on Glebe Lane yesterday. You know, opposite the pine woods.”

“I know where it is”, Ray muttered.

“I’m in the mood for jam making.”

“You can buy jam for a pound in the supermarket.”

Audrey sighs heavily, “You’re like a moody teenager. Go and fill this tub. The fresh air will do you good.”

Ray failed to see how picking blackberries could do anyone any good. The vicious thorns, the exploding fruit that stained everything it touched. Yet he was glad of an excuse to get out of the house. Audrey may have small feet but he was starting to get under them.

Retirement, he decided, didn’t suit him. He missed the busy office, the staff gossip and the last minute orders. Now every day felt the same, there was nothing new or remarkable to enjoy. He felt as though his fire had gone out.

This was why he found himself half an hour later stood on his tiptoes on a quiet lane picking 8

Then he heard a high pitched reedy whistle close by. He turned and peered into the dark shadows of the pine trees. He saw a flash of yellow as though someone had struck a match.

He put down the tub and stepped closer to the trees. A tiny bird, even smaller than a wren, hopped out of the shadows onto a branch.

Ray held his breath. It moved cautiously on fragile legs with charming jerky movements, like a delicate creature made of clockwork. It was exotically beautiful, on its back a shimmer of green feathers, and down its head two black stripes framing a bright golden cap.

A word popped into Ray’s head, a word he had not thought of since he was a boy looking through his father’s Spotter’s Guide.

“Goldcrest.” He whispered. He’d never seen one in real life.

The little bird pecked at the pine

needles with its sharp beak, searching for insects. It froze, as though suddenly aware of how exposed it had let itself become, gave another chirp and took flight, disappearing into the safety of the trees.

Ray let out his breath. He heard the bird call again, and another bird call back in reply, and then another. The woods sounded as though they were alive with Goldcrests.

Ray hastily put the lid on the half filled tub of blackberries and was back at home within ten minutes.

Audrey inspected the harvest as he rifled through the sideboard for his old binoculars.

“Well, I won’t be making much jam out of these”, she said in dismay.

“I’m going straight back, I’ll get you some more.” Ray called over his shoulder as he found what he was looking for. “Will that make you satisfied?”

Audrey looked at the scratches on Ray’s arms, the leaves in his hair and the berry stains on his fingers.

But most of all she saw the flush of colour in his cheeks and the sparkle in his eyes.

“Oh yes”, she said. “I think it will.”

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HIDATO

Puzzle Page

Starting at 1 and finishing at 34, track your way from one hexagon to another (touching) hexagon, placing consecutive numbers into the empty shapes as you go.

Some numbers are already given.

Pictograms

PICTOGRAMS

4 words

2 words

O D U L

1 3

34

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OVER OVER OVER OVER

14 12

5 words

25

TEA WATER RESIDENCE

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GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD Across 7. Miscellaneous articles needed for a particular operation or sport (13) 8. Pre-decimal coin worth one quarter of a penny (8) 9. Verdi opera with an Egyptian theme (4) 10. Cooking utensil (7) 12. Point directly opposite the zenith (5) 14. Smooth surface (as of a cut gemstone) (5) 16 Piece of cloth sewn under a zip or a pocket (7) 19. Hemispherical roof (4) 20. Grow thin and waste away physically (8) 22. Diverse in character or content (13) Down 1. Collection of facts (4) 2. Sacred word or syllable repeated in prayer (6) 3. Wither, especially due to loss of moisture (7) 4. Sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid (5) 5. Crescent-shaped yellow fruit (6) 6. Raging and rapidly spreading conflagration (8) 11. Item used to dry dishes (3,5) 12

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ŠPuzzlepress.co.uk

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19/08/2013 10:08

FINANCE

How to make your child a millionaire Raising children costs a small fortune (it’s currently estimated at around £200,000), but if you’re clever, you could help them to become millionaires.

Pensions for babies Stakeholders Probably the easiest type of pension to take out for your child is the Stakeholder pension.

Anyone is allowed to set one up which means that a child’s legal guardian(s) can start a pension for newborns.

You can pay in up to £2,880 each tax year, which is then topped up by a government tax-back incentive to £3,600. You can stop and start contributions as you wish without being penalised and the minimum amount you can pay in at any time is £20.

Anyone can add to it and if the full amount is paid each year, by the time the child is 55 they will have well over £700,000 and if they access the account at 70 they will have over £1.8 million.

The money invested won’t be accessible until the child reaches 55 meaning they can’t blow it all when they hit 18. Once they start working, they can also contribute.

They will receive tax benefits if their income is less than £130,000.

You can find out more at Moneymagpie.com. There’s also a list of registered stakeholder pension scheme providers at www. thepensionsregulator.gov.uk.

SiPPs You can also set up a Selfinvested Personal Pension (SiPP) for your little one.

Like a Stakeholder, they are open to anyone but the difference here is that you manage the money in it. So instead of leaving it to a pension fund to decide what to invest in, you choose the products yourself, whether it be shares, bonds, commercial property or other things.

Junior ISAs ISAs are savings accounts 14

which allow you to deposit a maximum of £3,600 a year completely tax-free, attracting interest as well. Your child has access to the money when they turn 18.

Should you contribute the maximum amount each year, the fund could grow to a whopping £64,800 plus interest by the time they reach adulthood.

You can choose either a cash ISA or a stocks and shares one. As your child has a good few years for the fund to grow, you could start with a stocks and shares ISA and then gradually change into cash for the last 5 to hold onto gains.

The only snag with a Junior ISA is that if you were eligible for a Child Trust Fund you can’t open a Junior ISA. A good place for further information is www. familyinvestments.co.uk.

Teaching your child about money A sure-fire of making your child a millionaire, or at least comfortably off, is to teach her how to manage her money early on.

Start as soon as they can toddle round the supermarket with you.

Ask them to tell you the numbers on the price labels and then, later, run around finding the cheapest version of what you want to buy.

Give them pocket money and set up a savings account, showing them how their money can grow over time. Go to pfeg.org for downloadable financial education guides that will help.

Remember, it doesn’t matter how much money your child has later on, if she knows how to live below her means and save for her future she will never be poor.

Fun fact: On average, parents are putting savings of £42.45 aside a month for each child.

By Jasmine Birtles, Moneymagpie.com

Kiddywinks A6 postcard_Layout 1 19/09/2013 16:13 Page 1

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ADVERTISER FEATURE

Are You an Audi, Seat, Skoda or VW Driver?

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Free air con re-gas with any chargeable mechanical service carried out.

Rikki Johnstone (Above Left) With over 30 years’ experience in the motor trade, Rikki has plenty of knowledge of what makes a great customer experience. Before opening Independent in 2006 with David, Rikki was head of business at Testwood Volkswagen in Southampton which had built up an enviable reputation for exceptional customer satisfaction. “Everything we do at Independent is based on honesty and value for money,” said Rikki.

David Hemsley (Above Right) David has always worked in the motor trade. He was the youngest branch manager at Halfords before working for Criterion Citroen, setting up their new Salisbury and Portsmouth branches. Joining Shorts Peugeot he became the top Peugeot salesman. After many years at Testwood VW, David and Rikki set up Independent, Chandlers Ford. Recently, David has been instrumental in the opening of the new branch at Hedge End.

If you do drive one of the vehicles above, you now have the services of Independent Car & Van Servicing Ltd on your doorstep. On 5th August, Independent opened its doors for business in Hedge End located on the Herald Industrial Estate (previously Viking Garage).

Based in Chandlers Ford since 2006, Independent is proud to expand its business by opening the Hedge End centre and offering its first class services to the residents of Hedge End, West End, Botley, Horton Heath and Meon Valley. The Chandlers Ford branch started with only two servicing bays and having grown over the years, now operates seven.

Co-owners, Rikki Johnstone and David Hemsley, manage a team with many years’ experience in the motor trade and who personally have a strong history with Volkswagen dealerships in the Southampton area.

Save on Servicing Costs Independent offers service costs below those of main dealers 16

which also applies to vehicles within the manufacturer’s warranty.

Every Independent customer benefits from the valuable experience built up over the years from working in the independent motor industry which can be lacking in main dealers.

Customers are encouraged to build a relationship not only with the management but Independent’s mechanics who work on their vehicles.

“An excellent customer experience is paramount to our customers who return time and time again to us,” says Rikki Johnstone. “We will always carry out short notice and drop in diagnostic checks, bulb replacements and puncture repairs. Any issue you feel is causing concern will be dealt with while you wait, to give you peace of mind.”

At Your Service – Courtesy or Collection Independent offers courtesy cars and vans, including the new

VW Up and Seat Ibizas and also have two VW Transporter T4 vans available for the van users. In addition, they offer a collect and deliver service, if this is more convenient.

Through support for local schools and colleges by taking two or three students a year on work experience, Independent have won the City College Southampton - Small Business Employer Recognition Award and Solent EBP – Amazing People Award.

David Hemsley adds, “We are keen to bring young people into the motor industry and have to date put one apprentice through college and into fully qualified employment with us and currently have a second year apprentice training with us at Chandlers Ford and Eastleigh College.”

“We invite all Discover readers to visit us and our website, www.independentvwservicing. co.uk which will give you the opportunity to see who we are and what we can offer.”

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MOTORING

A Week With A Legend: Driving 911 HUL I’d been looking forward to this moment for years. For some in the office too young to remember, it meant nothing – but for me it was a coming of age. Finally I’d be driving a Porsche with the famous 911 HUL number plate.

I’ve been a motoring nut for years, spending money I often didn’t have on car magazines, long before I could even drive. And it was on those glossy pages that I became familiar with the famous plate. Owned by Porsche GB for decades it was the first private plate the firm acquired and ever since has taken pride of place on the Porsche press fleet Turbo models.

I’d seen it flying through the air in pictures on the pages of Evo, shot by countless talented car snappers over the years, and now it was my time to drive it. Here’s my week behind the wheel of Porsche’s fastest 997 edition – the 911 Turbo S with a very special moniker.

Day One It’s only you that cares – shouted one pre-pubescent member of the team as I explained, to yet another 911 admirer who clearly didn’t share my enthusiasm for six numbers and letters, what the plate meant to car fans. Most people were more interested in the colour our test car had arrived 18

in. Paint jobs make or break cars and the camouflage green our test car had arrived in was clearly splitting opinion.

Still, it could have been painted pink for all I cared as what was sitting over the rear wheels was far more of interest to me. The 3.8-litre, turbo-charged lump produces a whopping 530bhp and 700Nm of torque thanks to a tweaked turbo output. The drive north to our photoshoot at Rockingham was one of the longest (traffic) but most enjoyable I’ve ever had.

Day Two Photoshoot day at Rockingham and we’ve got 15 cars lined up for a series of tests. Also here is three times British superbike championship winner John Reynolds on the latest Suzuki GSX-R1000. He’s at our shoot to take on the Nissan Juke R (search for the video on YouTube) but it’s only fair we let him try his luck against the Porsche too…

With a 0-60mph sprint time of 3.1 seconds, the PDK automatic gearbox and launch control system mean that’s very achievable every time. Engage Sport Plus, floor the throttle with your foot on the brake, and the revs settle at a heady rpm. When you lift off the brake the car thunders towards the finish line

in a cacophony of air sucking, turbo whooshing and tyres ripping chunks out of the asphalt. All I have to do is steer.

You can see the results of our race in another video on YouTube…

Day Three Two tanks of fuel into the loan and I’m impressed the Turbo S is returning 26mpg. My old Focus ST never got any better than 23mpg on a long journey and considering this has such an almighty power output that’s very impressive. Today I’m heading into London for a meeting with the Queen. Well, I say meeting, I really mean a concert in her garden for the Coronation Festival.

For what is essentially a rival to a Ferrari 458 or McLaren 12C, the Turbo S is fantastically well behaved in the clogged up capital. Visibility is excellent and although it’s got a low splitter at the front, speed humps aren’t really a problem nor tight underground and overpriced car parks.

The drive back south is a magical one. London’s streets are a joy in the small hours of the morning and each traffic light gives me a chance to test the wife’s neck muscles.

Day Four-Six It’s the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Porsche is headlining the

beckons and my colleague and I decide to leave after the evening’s rush hour. Gosport to Chester – some 250 miles – lay ahead and even at 9pm the digital temperature gauge is reading 25 degrees C. Hot tarmac and sticky tyres make the trip a delight as we collect the cast and extras of Bug’s Life on the bonnet. The seats get a little uncomfortable over long distance – they’re fixed carbon fibre jobs – but apart from that the Turbo S is a competent tourer.

It’s time for 911 HUL to return to Porsche. After a week behind the wheel of the monster I’m smitten. Yes, the ride is firm and the tyre noise a little intrusive.

Granted the seats aren’t the most

event, celebrating 50 years of the 911, and I can’t quite believe I’ve got the honour of driving 911 HUL to the south coast celebration of combustion.

It’s clear on the way there and back that the plate doesn’t just hold sway with me. I lose count of the number of phones I see trained on the Porsche, capturing pictures for tweets and status updates.

Day Seven Another business trip north

Price: £130,791 Engine: 3.8-litre, turbo Power: 530bhp, 700Nm 0-60mph: 3.1s Max: 196mph

cosseting and the 997 interior is showing its age now the 991 has arrived.

However, never have I driven a car quite so intoxicating, quite so full of character and quite so mind-alteringly fast as the Turbo S. The fact it was wearing one of the most iconic plates in motoring folklore simply made the whole experience all the more special.

By James Baggott, managing director of BlackballMedia.co.uk, an automotive services specialist

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The changing face of estate agency What happens when an estate agent and a property Investor come together in business?

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With experience of the property market from both sides, as customers and professionals, they felt it was time that someone provided a fresh and simple approach to estate Agency – an approach that suited today’s world, but with traditional values. the advent of the internet has changed the way people buy and sell houses forever. By using cutting-edge systems and technology, they are able to provide excellent service without the need for expensive premises. therefore, they can operate effectively AND competitively.

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21

LOCAL CLUBS & GROUPS

Ladies Chorus Looking for something exciting to do this autumn?

Come along, sing and have some fun with Solent Sounds Ladies Chorus every Tuesday evening from 7.30pm - 10pm at the Methodist Church Hall, King's Road, Fareham. We promise you a warm welcome. For more details phone Karen on 01329 310084.

Bulk Bags for all your landscaping & garden projects • Great prices • Local deliveries • Convenient & easy 20mm Round Pebble

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Community Responders Need Volunteers

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Bishops Waltham Community Responders are seeking new members to maintain 24/7 cover in the 135 Southampton Rd, Titchfield, PO14 4PR surrounding areas. Volunteers are trained by South www.hampshiregardensupplies.co.uk Central Ambulance for life-saving incidents until an ambulance arrives and no medical experience is required. Volunteers use their own car. Rota people are also required to back the scheme; they’re not £10 DiscoverBulkBagV2.indd 1 6/4/2013 active however text and use a computer. If you’re OFF REPAIR retired, work locally or have free time when home when booking on-line please call John Price on 01489 893140.

Advanced Appliance Care

Support Group for Diabetics The Diabetes UK Southampton Group welcomes diabetics of all ages, and friends and family members. They meet every 6-8 weeks for talks by medical experts and the opportunity to meet fellow diabetics. There is no charge except for a small tea/ coffee contribution. The next session, ‘Diabetes, a Consultant’s View’ is on Monday 2nd September at Christ the King Catholic Church Hall, Commercial Street, SO18 6AP from 7–9pm with Dr Mayank Patel. For details ring 023 8040 4881.

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8:36:31 PM

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Have your favourite furniture re-upholstered in a fabric that suits your style!

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LIFE LIST

New Rules Unlike Harry Secombe, if I ruled the world, putting everything in order wouldn’t require fixing the seasons, compulsory singing or any lunar joviality. Practicality that’s the way forward: The Minus Five Rule. Everyone must drive at five miles an hour less than the appointed speed limit. Some of you are underdoing this already.

The Apostrophe Tax. My goodness, the abuse those poor pieces of punctuation have to contend with. It’s £2 per use, with a £10 fine for incorrect use. Plus a separate £15 fine if they’re not used where they should be. Any revenue raised will go towards much-needed English courses. Greengrocers, you know who you are.

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The Horse Racing Safety Charter – especially for the jumps. If they decide to shoot the horse, the jockey has a 10 second start and then...well, you get the idea. I predict a 99% reduction in equine fatalities within two weeks.

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Now, surely, that’s not a lot to ask?

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The Utilities Initiative. No water, electricity or gas bill can be despatched with an estimated reading. If you can’t be bothered to turn up - and at a civilised time, when I’m actually in - you don’t get your money.

H A

The Child’s Play Act. All Playstations, Wiis and whatever else you call them are henceforth manufactured - or re-engineered - so that they can only work for two hours at a time, and that’s after a ten-hour resting period.

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25

HAMPSHIRE WALKS

Exton Walk Walk Distance approx 6.5 miles from the Shoe Inn Exton lies just off the A32 Droxford to West Meon road in the Meon Valley. Park in the Shoe Inn (SO32 3NT) car park located on Shoe Lane. Authorisation to park is required (01489 877526). Alternatively, drive through the village almost back to the A32 and park in the small lay-by opposite the entrance to Manor Farm.

This walk is described from the Shoe Inn. On leaving the pub, turn left towards the church, follow the lane through the village for 200 yards to a ‘T’ junction and turn right.

Keep straight on until you join the main A32. Cross the road onto a footpath signed “No through road”.

Cross a footbridge over the Meon River. Trace this path for around 400 yards and with barns in front of you and a path joining from the left, turn left along the signed ‘South Downs Way’.

Cross a section of wooden duckboards and walk along the narrow footpath between hedge and tree lined fields that narrows down to a gully and climbs steadily for some 600 yards. *Climb some wooden steps up to the disused railway track bed and turn left; walkers and cyclists can be seen heading up from the right from Wickham. Beacon Hill on your left and Old Winchester 26

Hill on your right are occasionally glimpsed through the trees.

Keep going straight for approximately 1200 yards ignoring other paths and tracks until you descend onto a minor road. Cross the road and climb the opposite bank to return to the track bed.

Continue along the track for a further 1800 yards until it passes under a road bridge. Access to this road is by walking further along to a footpath joining from the left for another 200 yards then turning left back on yourself up the slope to the road above.

Turn left and walk along the road past Hayden Barn Cottage on the left. The road climbs steadily

uphill for some 600 yards.

Approaching the top of the hill, turn right onto a gravel track signed ‘Peake Farm’ and also signed as Monarch’s Way. Follow this track towards the farm for a good 1000 yards. At a left hand bend, ignore the track going straight on into a field. Follow the track around towards the farm, passing some fields with show jumping fences and stables for the local horses.

At the farm buildings, turn sharp right onto a waymarked footpath running between fields. The path emerges onto a metalled road to Peakes Farm.

Turn left at the road. Walk approximately 50 yards then turn right along the side of a barn.

Follow the path around the end of the barn and then along the left hand boundary of a field.

Turn left through a gateway at the field boundary to join a concrete and tarmac farm track.

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Follow the signed path left along the right-hand boundary of a field, which switches half way up into a field requiring the walk to continue on the left hand edge. The path climbs steadily uphill, but offers some stunning views across mid Hampshire, Old Winchester Hill and surrounding areas.

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At the top of the rise, turn left along the field fence line and follow the path as it turns right along the left hand side of the field.

At the end of the field, turn right onto the South Downs Way footpath leading away from Old Winchester Hill. The path meanders downhill alongside field boundaries with chalky conditions underfoot and some 1500 yards of twisting decent.

At the bottom of the hill, turn left into woodland.

Follow the path left ignoring paths merging from the right.

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DiscoverMaintenanceV5.indd 1 05/06/2013 13:4 *Climb some wooden steps to the railway track bed.

Specialist in all aspects of Tree and Hedge Work Cross straight over and descend more steps onto the Neil Richmond footpath used on your outward journey (as shown in the dialogue marked).

• Domestic or Business Follow the footpath back to the A32, cross the road • Hedge Cutting into Church Lane and retrace your steps back to your car.

• Tree Felling A downloadable pdf of the walk and en enlarged map is • Crown Reduction / Reshaping available online at www.discovercommunity.co.uk Thinning / Clean

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In 940 AD, the village of Exton carried the name of East Seaxnatune meaning the farmstead of the East Saxons.

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The 13th century church of St Peter and Paul was heavily restored in 1847.

In 1801, the population of Exton was 224. By 1901 it had grown slightly to 299 persons but reduced again to 230 in 2001.

The Meon Valley railway line was opened for business in June 1903 to connect Alton to Fareham and Gosport. It was one of Hampshire’s least successful railway enterprises and closed in 1955.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

It’s Where the Others Fall Down!

When your fence is damaged by weather, or even just deteriorates through age, it’s expensive and troublesome to maintain or replace it. Chances are you’ll have mature plants hindering access, and digging up the ground may damage the roots of your precious shrubs.

As we come into the autumn, you can be pretty much guaranteed that we are going to see some ‘lively’ weather in the coming months. According to MetOffice statistics October and January are the two gustiest months of the year in this area, closely followed by March, then November, December and February. And if there’s one part of your property that doesn’t like wind it’s your garden fence.

So, if you are going to do a replacement, you need it to last. This is where a new breed of boundary fencing comes into its own.

Colourfence is made of high tensile steel making it extremely strong but also very lightweight. It is a very practical alternative to traditional wooden fencing as it will not warp, corrode or peel and can stand up in winds of up to 130 miles per hour. Furthermore it has a tough painted finish that lasts many times longer than wood. With a 25 year guarantee, Colourfence is virtually maintenance free except for the occasional hose down.

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GARDENING

Climbing

Plants

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Climbing plants, especially those with flamboyant flowers or fantastic foliage can transform a garden and offer a whole new planting opportunity, as your garden literally goes upwards and takes a vertical climb. Just about every garden has boundaries and these can be turned from something functional but ugly into something truly gorgeous.

Easy Access If you use trellis as a support on a wall, it can be attached to wooden battens which are fixed to the wall using rawl plugs.

This works well until you want to maintain the wall, perhaps painting or cleaning it. So use a series of hinges to attach one edge of the trellis to the batten, and a few hooks to allow you to raise or lower the trellis when need be.

Supporting Cast A few climbers are self-clingers and don’t need a special support system when grown against a fence or wall; Virginia creeper and Hydrangea petiolaris for instance. But most need to have a proper support, and it pays to put this in place before you plant.

For lighter weight climbers some trellis, perhaps prettily painted will do the trick, but for heavier climbers such as a vigorous clematis, or wisteria, you will need galvanised straining wires.

Planting Distance Climbers look great up against a wall, but they will never thrive if they don’t receive enough water at the base. The ‘rain shadow’ created by the house roof and the drying effect of the wall’s foundations can make the soil close-by extremely dry. To minimise this drying effect, plant a minimum of 45cm (18in) away from the base of the wall and make sure you fork in plenty of well-rotted bulky organic matter before planting too.

Train it well If the climber is quite small, it may need to be trained in the right direction. A short bamboo cane or several for a multistemmed plant, can be angled from the base of the plant to the

vertical surface, allowing you to tie in the stems and edge them towards the support. Once the climber has reached the wall, the enlarging network of stems may become congested if left to its own devices, so actively train the stems to grow in the direction you need them to.

Extra Care Climbers planted against a wall will need extra TLC if they’re to look their best. Make watering them top-priority, especially for the first 18 months whilst they’re becoming established. Apply a good, bulky organic mulch to a depth of about 8cm (3in) or so all around the rooting area, but take care to avoid the mulch coming in to direct contact with the stems.

Coloured Walls You can add to the effect of a climber by using colour on the surface on which it is growing.

It’s best to use wood stain or paints of any kind before the plants are in place as the job will be easier and there won’t be the risk that the plants become damaged by the paint or wood treatment. It’s also essential that the colour is completely dry before you start planting, and

that it’s sold as something which is suitable for use near plants.

A light colour may also help to reflect back light, so making conditions a little better in a gloomy spot.

Arches, Arbours and Pergolas Climbers don’t just look good on house, garden and garage walls and fences, they can also be used to great effect over arches and pergolas or to clothe an arbour.

You may need to install some supporting wires here too, so go for galvanised wires and sturdy vine-eyes as fixings. Choosing a scented climber or two will add to the charm of a cosy arbour or archway.

Clever Combinations If the surface that you want to plant up is big enough, try to use more than one type of climber as, chosen carefully, the plants you

use will increase the period for which the arch, pergola, arbour, wall or fence, looks its best. You could, for instance include an early flowering clematis and a mid- or late season one so that there are flowers to enjoy for more months of the year.

Bare Ankles Many climbers do have a habit of becoming a bit bare at the base, especially after they’ve been in place for a few years. This is generally totally natural and does not indicate that they’re unhappy, but it can look rather miserable.

Try some seasonal bedding plants around the base, or plant a small and attractive shrub a little further away to hide the bare stems.

by Pippa Greenwood

Ten Top Climbers Climbing roses Honeysuckle Clematis Hydrangea petiolaris Vitis coignetiae Solanum crispum Tropaeolum speciosum Akebia quinata Actinidia kolomikta Parthenocissus henryana Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com where you can sign up for her free newsletter, and buy a great range of gardening products including Nemaslug, caterpillar, ant, vineweevil and other Nemasys controls, snail and slug barriers, Enviromesh and Envirofleece and lots more.

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CLUBS & GROUPS

Napoleonic Relaxation A small group of ladies and gentlemen are seeking new members to join them in learning the dances of the Regency and Napoleonic periods.

The friendly group meets for fortnightly classes in Bitterne Park on Tuesdays 7.30-9.30pm. The classes are led by an experienced teacher and are suitable for complete beginners. A degree of fitness is required as the dances, though elegant, are energetic! If you are a Napoleonic re-enactor, Jane Austen fan or just keen to make new friends and keep fit, it could be for you. For details email ilbastoni@yahoo.co.uk.

Brass Jubilation The Jubilee Brass Band meets in the Eastpoint Centre, Thornhill (near Tescos) every Tuesday and new band members are always welcome. The band is led by Ian Smith (ex Soton. Youth Band) and has reached a good standard, playing throughout the country at a variety of events. They are not a competition band and play a broad range of music.

Several members of the band come from Botley, so if you're over 16 yrs of age and would like to play, contact jubilee-brass@hotmail.co.uk or Marc Parnell on 07711 2023061 or marcparnell07@ btinternet.com 32

The Door Hanger Ltd Need a new door?

We can supply five 30” x 78” white primed colonial doors (six panel grained moulded doors), supplied and fitted with brass furniture st £375

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LOCAL WHAT’S ON SATURDAY STORYTIME Saturdays in October, 10.30am -11.15am The Berry Theatre, Wildern Lane SO30 4EJ Join musical storytellers for enchanted tales both familiar and new. Each session ends with interactive play time, where everyone becomes part of the story. 01489 799 499.

HEDGE END and BOTLEY WALKS Thursdays, 9.30am (Hedge End), Wednesdays, 2pm (Botley) Hedge End: Meet at Drummond car park near the Hedge End amenity centre for a free walk with approximately 25 adults and 2 one hour walks of different grades, with refreshments at Hilliers Garden Centre for tea/coffee afterwards.

Botley: Meet at Botley Community Centre for a free walk with approximately 15 adults for a 3 miles / hour walk with tea/coffee/ biscuits in the Community Centre afterwards for a small donation of 30p.

OVER 60s LUNCH Fridays, from 4 Oct, 12pm–1pm St Denys Church, Dundee Road SO17 2ND Lunch provided for anyone over 60 every Friday for a small cost.

Come and join our friendly group of people for a cooked meal and a chat. 02380671757 or helpprojects@stdenys.com 34

WOOFS, WELLIES AND WALKIES 5 Oct Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey SO31 5GA A dog walk raising money for Countess Mountbatten Hospice Charity. Don’t worry if you don’t have a dog as you can join in anyway! 02380475345 or pam@cmhcharity.org.uk

store and grab yourself a bargain.

Top quality maternity, baby and children’s clothes and equipment at bargain prices straight from their loving owners. More information about selling, buying, volunteering or advertising your business, see www.nct.org.uk/branches/ eastleigh-district/nearly-newsales-eastleigh. £1.50 entry (in aid of NCT charity)

PHOTOGRAPHY ‘PHOTOWALK’ 5 Oct, 11am – 2pm Southampton SO14 3JS Excursions exploring history and heritage. An opportunity to look at and photograph interesting buildings, architectural details and streetscape en-route. Suitable for any type of camera and all abilities - beginners welcome.

Lead by professional photographer with over 30 years’ experience of photography and education. £14 per person. 07970034498 for details.

JUGGLING JAKE’S CIRCUS SKILLS WORKSHOP 13 Oct, 10am – 12.30pm and 2.30pm – 4pm Fair Oak Village Hall, Shorts Road SO50 7EJ Fun for all the family from age 3 upwards – children must be accompanied by an adult. Free, with refreshments available.

02380602282 and 02380692298.

CRAFT FAIR 5 Oct, 11am – 3pm The d.@rt centre, Wildern School, Wildern Lane SO30 4EJ Craft fair featuring hand made goods by local artists and craftspeople. Stalls will include fused glass, jewellery, knitted gifts, papercraft, gift cards and much more. Refreshments available.

Free entry. 01489 779 471 or www. thedart.co.uk ALRESFORD ART & CRAFT SHOW 5 Oct, 10am – 4.30pm Alresford Community Centre, West Street SO24 9AG Crafts will include Cross stitch gifts and decoupage cards, wood craft, door harps, hand painted ceramics, beaded jewellery, stained and leaded glasswork, decorative metalwork, original watercolours and photography.

Free entry. 01252 724968.

NCT NEARLY NEW SALE – EASTLEIGH 6 Oct, 11am – 12.3pm Crestwood College, Shakespeare Road (off Woodside Avenue) SO50 4FZ Shop just like in a department

OLD ALRESFORD HOUSE OPEN DAY 13 + 15 Oct, 10am – 5pm Old Alresford House SO24 9DY C18 landscape garden (Grade ll listed) restored from original plans. 22-acre parkland with rare breeds surrounded by 13-acre gardens and perimeter woodland walk (30 mins) featuring ha-ha, immaculate lawns, shrubberies, wildlife pond, chalk stream with bog garden, boardwalk and medieval coach road. Views and vistas. Also, contemporary Mediterranean walled garden.

Admission £5, children free. www. oldalresfordhouse.com JIGSAW PUZZLE FESTIVAL 18 Oct – 2 Nov, 10am – 4pm every day and late night opening on Friday, 6 – 8pm Bitterne United Reformed Church, Above Iceland SO18 5EF The first of its kind to be held in Southampton. Admission £1 adults (free return during the week) and accompanied children free. Refreshments available. wedgesunnyside@aol.com.

STAMP & POSTAL HISTORY FAIR 19 Oct, 10am – 4pm Wickham Community Centre, Mill Lane PO17 5AL More than 25 dealers and

competition displays. Entrance by programme at the door, which includes prize raffle ticket. Free parking. Light refreshments available. ww.hpf.org.uk/hpfhpx. htm AUTUMN HALF TERM AT MARWELL 26 Oct – 3 Nov Marwell Wildlife, Colden Common SO21 1JH Freaky fun for all the family. Watch as the animals enjoy some tasty pumpkin enrichment treats, meet the mini beasts, take part in our spooky storytelling, ride on our hauntingly good Ghost Train (usual fee applies) and create your own Halloween pumpkin. 01962 777 407 or visit www.marwell.org.uk CHILDREN’S AUTUMN HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES 28 Oct – 1 Nov, 10am – 3pm Fun days of creativity for children aged 4 - 12 years old. Run by trusted professional teachers and artists with a wealth of experience.

£15 per day or £20 for cookery days. 01489 779 471 or www. thedart.co.uk.

COMEDY CLUBS 4 KIDS 29 Oct, 2pm The Berry Theatre, Wildern Lane SO30 4EJ Cracking entertainment for everyone over six years old! The best comedians from the UK and world circuit doing what they do best. Prices £6, or special family offer 4 tickets for £22 or 5 for £26. 01489 799499 or www. theberrytheatre.co.uk.

AUTUMN CRAFT WORKSHOP 29 Oct, 10am – 2pm Swanwick Lakes Centre Sopwith Way SO31 7AY A variety of family craft activities.

Please bring outdoor clothing and

wellies. Dawn or Jess on 01489 570240 or e-mail SwanwickLakes@ hwt.org.uk to book. Suggested donation £3 per child. www.hwt. org.uk HAPPY FAMILY HALLOWEEN 31 Oct, 1pm – 4pm St Harold Hillier Gardens, Jermyns Lane, Ampfield SO51 0QA Not so spooky theatre fun. The very popular Forest Forge Theatre Company bring their own fun twist to make Halloween a little less spooky for U11s. With skits and stories in the Education Garden.

Children are encouraged to dress up and join in. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 01794 369318 or visit http://www3.hants. gov.uk/hilliergardens

If you have an event planned please let us know by completing the form on the Contact Us page of the website www.discovercommunity.co.uk

Advertising with Discover will benefit a local charity Discover is donating a percentage of its advertising revenue to a local charity for 12 months, publishing the progress and reporting on its behalf in the Locks Heath, Fareham, Hedge End and Meon Valley editions.

We are inviting nominations for Discover’s Solent East Charity.

The chosen charity should be based in and support the residents of postcodes PO16, PO17, SO30, SO31, SO32. To apply visit www.discovercommunity.co.uk and click on the Chosen Charity form under the Contact Us tab. The closing date for submissions is 31 October 2013.

Live Local Think Local ... Give Local.

Helping Local Businesses to Help Their Community.

LOCAL CHARITIES ARE INVITED TO APPLY 35

ADVERTISER’S INDEX

Live Local Think Local

www.discovercommunity.co.uk

Local businesses are part of your community There’s so much MORE online!

Every issue of Discover is full of interesing articles, useful information and fun stuff too, delivered through your door free of charge, made possible by the financial support of its advertisers.

Please support local businesses who promote themselves in Discover. They are ready to serve you and they want your business. We’d appreciate it if you’d mention Discover when contacting advertisers from this issue.

AERIALS Pure Digital Aerial & Satellites

FLOORING 32

Don’s Doors

40

Fix Quick Garage Doors

33

BEDROOMS

GARAGE SERVICES

Swan Systems Furniture

22

3

BLINDS & CURTAINS

19 17

Independent VW

Just Shutters

13

GARDEN DESIGN & SERVICES

The Blind Business

6

Arbor-Call Tree Surgeons

Waterside Blinds

24

Colourfence

Kiddywinks Nursery

Hambrooks 10 15

Your Community

Etikett

Business Directory

Kip McGrath

9

CHILDREN'S TUITION

33 33

27

Green Keeper

28

Woodleigh Landscapes

28

HEALTH SERVICES 7

KITCHENS Dream Doors

39

Re-Nu

13

NiceMoves

21

LOCKSMITH

CONSERVATORIES Britannia Conservatories

Neil Richmond Tree & Hedge Services

LETTING AGENT

COMPUTER SERVICES Home Computer Help

29 22/27/31

Hampshire Hearing 9

CHIMNEY SWEEP Green Sweeps

28

GAS SERVICES See Plumbing

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

Restaurant Guide

10

Clockhouse Auto 38

CHILDCARE

What’s On

Autofinish

Broadview

Curran Bookkeeping & Admin Services

Clubs & Societies

25

BATHROOMS See Plumbing

Advanced Appliance Care

BOOKKEEPING

Hampshire Walks

Premier Wood Flooring GARAGE DOORS

APPLIANCE REPAIR

10

Lockright

23

OPTICIANS

ELECTRICIAN EEC247

10

Hampson Opticians

7

Imagine Electrical

13

Ralph Neale Opticians

11

PET SERVICES

ESTATE AGENT

Useful Numbers

NiceMoves

…and how to send in your own community news.

Colourfence

21 29

FURNITURE Swan Systems Furniture

Dog Dynamics

33

PLUMBING SERVICES (including bathroom

FENCING

installation and gas and boiler services) see also Property Maintenance

3

Alford Plumbing & Heating

38

Index continued opposite »»» 36

l Buy Local . . .

PUZZLE ANSWERS General Knowledge Crossword Across: 7 Paraphernalia, 8 Farthing, 9 Aida, 10 Steamer, 12 Nadir, 14 Facet, 16 Placket, 19 Dome, 20 Emaciate, 22 Heterogeneous.

Down: 1 Data, 2 Mantra, 3 Shrivel, 4 Dregs, 5 Banana, 6 Wildfire, 11 Tea towel, 13 Cleaver, 15 Eyelet, 17 Chisel, 18 Tenon, 21 Trug.

Pictograms

Hidato

1. The Game Is Up, 2. Bowled Over, 3. Drinks Are On The House

USEFUL NUMBERS DOCTORS & HOSPITALS NHS Direct

0845 4647

Botley Health Care Centre

01489 782008

Hampshire Dental Helpline

0845 0508345

Hedge End Med Centre

01489 786201

Princess Anne

023 8077 7222

Royal South Hants

023 8063 4288

Royal Winchester County

01962 863535

Southampton General

023 8077 7222

West End Surgery

023 8047 2126

TRANSPORT Solent Blue Line Buses

023 8061 8233

Bluestar Buses

023 8061 8233

National Rail Helpline

0845 748 4950

Aquatec Plumbing & Heating

23

Gair Gas

33

G Grogan Plumbing & Heating

32

Uni-Link

023 8059 5974

House Martin Heating

10

First Bus

023 8022 4854

J & D Humphrey Ltd

2

NHP (Romsey) Ltd

11

LIBRARY HOURS

TP Watts

25

Hedge End

PRINTER Warwick Printing Company

7

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

0845 6035631

Mon, Tue & Fri, 9:30 - 5pm, Wed 9am - 5pm, Thu 9:30am - 7pm, Sat 9:30 - 1pm, Sun Closed

Dell Developments

2

Dream Doors

39

SCHOOLS

House Worx

32

Berrywood Primary

01489 780068

Io Contracts

15

Just Shutters

13

Bitterne Manor Park Primary

023 8022 7596

Bitterne Park

023 8032 5200

Re-Nu

13

Sam Gray Roofing

10

Botley CE

01489 782308

The Door Hanger Ltd

32

Cantell

023 8032 3111

The Flat Pack People

31

Freegrounds

01489 782295

Vision

25

Kings Copse Primary

01489 785040

Shamblehurst Primary

01489 782342

St James CE

023 8090 0995

The Gregg School

023 8047 2133

TREE SURGERY See Garden

Wellstead Primary

01489 799351

TUITION

Wildern School

01489 783473

PROPERTY SALES NiceMoves

21

TAXI Links Private Hire

Kip McGrath

31

9

UPHOLSTERY Material Things

23

Pont Furnishings

5

VETERINARY Hedge End Veterinary Health Centre

9

37

R

We’ve got it covered

Custom Made Blinds, Awnings & Shutters

Lov Blin e ds

4 for 3 BlindS, ShutterS And AwningS* *exclusions apply the lowest priced item is free. offer ends 31st october.

3&4 South Parade, Salisbury Road, Totton SO40 3PY (02380) 669972 1 Freegrounds Road, Hedge End, SO30 0HG (01489) 783665

www.broadview.co.uk

38

From this to this in just a few days!

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39