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about us

Discover Live Local. Think Local. Buy Local.

Distribution - This Fareham edition of Discover is published every month and distributed by hand to two alternating areas. In odd months (Jan, Mar, May etc) it goes to every letterbox in Fareham south and Titchfield. In the even months it goes to Fareham north and Whiteley. Total distribution is 13,000 every two months. For full details of circulation visit www.discoveradvertising.co.uk 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 Michelle 023 8026 6388 or email: michelle@discovermagazines.co.uk

Hello again This will be the third Melanie Tinson Tania Houston issue of Discover delivered through your door and we hope you enjoy reading it as much as we do publishing it.

Each issue is full of interesting articles, useful information and fun stuff, too (see Kids Corner) delivered to you free of charge; all made possible by the financial support of our advertisers. do you use a smart phone?

To save our contact details The businesses who promote direct to your smart phone, use themselves in Discover are I-nigma QR code reader App ready to serve you and they and scan for instant download. advertise with us because they want local customers.

These types of businesses are key to keeping our local economy thriving so please consider “Live Local, Think Local, Buy Local” and continue to refer here first for services and retailers.

It may be the sudden arrival of summer and the news of house prices on the rise at last, but things do seems to be looking up. There’s certainly plenty of community events and activities on this summer with posters for “Fest” this and “Fest” that springing up everywhere. We’ve compiled a list of the biggest around. In fact, that reminds me to sign up for a Cream Tea Making Workshop if there are spaces left! And despite not being into gardening (I confess, I have plastic hanging baskets) I am tempted to visit one or two of the gardens taking part in this year’s National Garden Scheme, especially the ones serving cakes and scones (food, again!).

If you do contact any advertisers from Discover it would be much appreciated if you mention us when you call.

Melanie Romsey Chandlers Ford Southampton Southampton West Winchester Southampton East Hedge End Meon Valley LocksHeath Fareham

editorial enquiries

next issue : diary dates

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

Editorial copy deadline: 20 August Advertisement copy deadline: 22 August Distributed: w/c 9 September tbc

advertising enquiries

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

Tel: Michelle: 023 8026 6388 Email: michelle@discovermagazines.co.uk Web: www.discoveradvertising.co.uk

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contents

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live local

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home improvement

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professional services

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upfront & personal

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property maintenance

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health

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education

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outdoor living

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motoring

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hair & beauty

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eating out

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business services

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Short ‘snippets’ of comm live local

It’s All Happening at Hamptworth A Traditional Fayre

The House at Pooh Corner : Family Fun It’s not summer until there’s a local summer fayre! Hamptworth is a traditional fayre on the 3,000 acre Hamptworth estate ten miles south of Salisbury, SP5 2EA. The fayre takes place on Sunday 18th August from 10am – 4.30pm in the parkland and includes gundog displays, archery, falconry, ferret racing, clay pigeon shooting, fly fishing, craft demonstrations etc. There are lots of children's activities and a host of trade stands. Food and drink is in plentiful supply and for an hour in the morning, the main house will be open for those wishing to pay it a visit in its centenary year. If you’re looking for a fantastic day out for all the family, look no further.

Adults are £6, concessions are £4, families are £15 and children under five free.

Eastleigh Fun Day Fridays 2013 Looking for a fun day out this summer? Eastleigh Borough Council are running Fun Day Fridays for all children who visit Eastleigh Town Centre. Children's rides will be available, free craft activities as well as a mobile farm with donkeys, goats and a pony and a bouncy castle and free face painting. The events will be held on Friday 2 August, Friday 9 August, Friday 16 August and Friday 23 August from 11am – 3pm. For more information or if you would like a stall please contact Theresa Ball at Eastleigh Borough Council on 023 8068 8045.

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On show for the first time in over a decade will be 36 beautiful hand-painted illustrations by E. H. Shepard for the classic children's books Winnie the Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner. A fabulous family quest trail lets you follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters around Mottisfont's grounds, ticking off many of your '50 Things to do before you're 113/4' as you go.

Coinciding with the exhibition there will be great outdoor activities on several weekends.

20/21 July: Pooh-Stick Boats 10 August: Make Mottisfont's biggest daisy chain 17th/31st Aug, 1 Sep: Build a kite (small cost) There is also a fabulous family trail running all summer. More details at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ mottisfont.

What do you know?

If you have an event or group with something to shout about why not get coverage in our next issue. Email: lauren@discovermagazines.co.uk.

Discover your National Park Day Enjoy a day of walks and activities in and around the New Forest Centre and historic Queen's House gardens on Thursday 15th August. Take part in craft activities, see the Verderers' Court, find out about the wildlife of the forest and much more. Contact 023 8028 3444.

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munity focussed editorial

Urban Jungle In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Marwell Wildlife is bringing Go! Rhinos, a world class mass public art event, to the streets and parks of Southampton. For 10 weeks throughout this summer (13th July – 22nd September), rhino sculptures will inhabit the streets of Southampton, showcasing the wealth of artistic talent in the area, while highlighting the significant conservation threat facing wild rhinos and how the Southampton business community can make a difference.

Come to Marwell Zoo and say goodbye to all of our rhinos from 10th-14th October during a Rhinotastic weekend! Download a free trail map from our website www.discovercommunity.co.uk

Stampeed!!

Swing into Summer at Lainston House Hotel Why not gather friends and family on the glorious lawns of Lainston House in Sparsholt on Sunday 11th August to enjoy a rousing performance by our spectacular Big Band called "The Swing Smiths" as they perform a unique blend of big band swing classics from greats such as Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller, alongside Rat Pack hits and more modern jive and swing tunes. The delightful terraced lawns at the rear of Lainston House are a natural amphitheatre and perfect of this popular afternoon of live music. Doors open at 4pm for concert at 5pm. Contact 01962 776088 for ticket information.

Animal Rescue with Hampshire Fire and Rescue

Rescue Demonstations

If you’re a fan of superheroes, head for Longdown Activity Farm on Friday 23rd August, 10am – 5pm.

They will be welcoming some local heroes including the animal rescue team from Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst Hampshire Fire and Rescue who will demonstrate just how they go about rescuing a terrified horse or cow from a boggy ditch or overturned trailer (no live animals are used). There'll be opportunities for the children to help rescue a lifesize dummy horse. Don't miss it! Usual admission fees apply.

Badger, Ratty, Mole and Toad at Sparsholt Join Badger, Ratty, Mole and Toad for a perfect summer of adventure! What starts as a search for the best picnic spot rapidly turns into the most hilarious of escapades. With the bumptious Toad’s heart set on a shiny new motorcar and his very liberty soon at stake, will his faithful friends come to his rescue – and will he let them? Alive with music, song and dance, this magical family show is presented in beautiful traditional costume and features a woodland parade during the interval for everyone to join in with! They’ll be fun and frolics aplenty with this glorious new adaptation of the classic novel loved by children and adults alike.

Refreshments, including bar, will be available on the day. Free Parking with disabled parking available.

Please bring seating. Sparsholt College, Winchester, SO21 2NF on Sunday 18th August, 4pm with gates opening at 2pm. Tickets: 01962 797292 7

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Free Feature available to Regular Rate upfront & personal office based in central Eastleigh. (half orAndrew fullsayspage) Advertisers “As a local business,

The People Behind Your Local Businesses Gair Gas Ltd was started by Andrew Gair in 1996. Having worked for British Gas for a number of years he decided that he wanted to provide a more personal level of service that a larger company doesn’t always provide.

When Andy first started he was ‘one man in his van’ but over the years the company has grown and now has 11 employees, with an

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customer referrals are very important to us. Luckily we got a lot of them last year. Over half of our business came from personal referrals and from existing clients coming back to us.”

Gair Gas now provides a full range of services to its customers from boiler installations to annual heating cover; protecting its customers from unexpected heating breakdowns 365 days a year. They also work with landlords and estate agents providing annual gas safety checks and repairs on all gas appliances.

What also makes Gair Gas stand out is its well thought out, co-ordinated brand awareness marketing. The fleet of vans are bright, colourful and above all recognisable and tie in with a

series of adverts with clever headlines based on animals seen in many publications around South Hampshire.

When he’s not working, father of three Andrew can regularly be found enjoying the great outdoors, taking part in off road cycling events, running and canoeing.

He has also been involved with a number of charity events including the Samaritans Dragon Boat Race and recently ran the Great South Run.

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what’s on

on Discover Magazines publishes not just Discover Fareham but nine other editions: Romsey, Hedge End, Meon Valley, Chandlers Ford, Southampton, Totton, Winchester, Bitterne and Locks Heath. (B) means Booking essential

what’s

BITTERNE @ToWnHiLL PaRk CoMMuniTy CEnTRE ToWnHiLL PaRk 50 PLuS CLuB Every Weds 10am-noon Room 1, Townhill Park Community Centre, Meggeson avenue, Southampton So18 2FH Ring buzzer for 1st floor to gain access to Room 1 Social Club for people aged 50 and over living in Townhill Park and surrounding area. We are a very friendly group, meeting. Occasional speakers/ activities but mainly we just chat over a cuppa!

Call 07407 721145

Singing FoR Fun Every Mon, 10-11am

If you enjoy singing (in tune or not!) then come along and join The Townhill Singers, for an hour of fun. All ages welcome the more the merrier! We sing what ever we want, you will go away with a smile on your face, and it will not cost you a penny!

PRizE CaSH Bingo Every Mon, 7.30-9pm (doors open 6.45pm) Entry 50p including refreshments.

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MuSiCaLS EVEning Sat 23 aug, 7pm Bitterne united Reformed Church, Bitterne Precinct (above iceland) We will be singing some of the musicals our fellowship presented between 1977 and 2002, such as Spirit, Son of Man, Jesus Folk and others. Retiring collection.

TOTTON BiRD BoX Bonanza 20 aug, 10am-3pm Lepe Country Park, Exbury So45 1aD Full accessible event. A family event - build a bird box or rustic feeder for your garden. No need to book just turn up and join in. If bad weather the event will be held indoors. Bird box £6.50 Feeders £2. www.hants.gov.uk/lepe Tel: 02380 899108

HaLF TERM Quiz TRaiL 16-24 aug, 10am-3pm Lepe Country Park, So45 1aD Pick up a trail card from the park office and return with correct answers to collect your prize. No booking necessary. £1.50 per child. www.hants.gov.uk/lepe 02380 899108

M E ON VA L L E Y LiTTLE PiCkLES MaRkET 16 aug, 12.30-2pm St Faith’s Parish Centre, Victoria Square, Lee on Solent, Po13 9nF Buy and sell pre-loved good quality childrens clothes and equipment. Book a table to sell your unwanted items (£10). Business tables (children orientated) £15.

Sell anything from maternity clothes to toys, books to pushchairs, furniture to childrens clothes 0-8 years.

Businesses can also add flyers to our goody bags, £5 for 50. £1 adult, children free. Free goody bag for first 50 buyers.

BRiCkS, STEaM & gunS: THE ViCToRian FoRTS 13 aug, 7.45pm Church of the Resurrection Hall, Brecon avenue, Drayton, Po6 2aW Portsmouth is surrounded by the most extensive and dramatic Victorian forts.

Geoff Hallett, secretary of the Palmerston Forts Society, will explain why and where they were built and how they were armed. £2, including refreshments. Alan Thurbon 023 9232 5570. www.portsdown.hampshire. org.uk/

LiTTLE CouRT - oPEn gaRDEn FoR ngS 22, 24 & 25 aug, 2-5pm Little Court, Crawley, nr Winchester, Hampshire So21 2Pu Spring bulbs, kitchen garden, alpacas, tree house and beautiful south views. Peaceful, naturalistic and sheltered, many seats.

Admission £4, Children free.

01962 776365. Visitors also welcome by appointment Feb to Oct. Open for charity.

okLaHoMa! 21 - 23 aug, 7.30pm Ferneham Hall, osborne Road, Fareham Po16 7DB Stage One Youth Theatre will be performing Oklahoma with classic songs such as ‘Surrey With The Fringe On Top’, ‘People Will Say We’re In Love’, ‘The Farmer and the Cowman’ and of course ‘Oklahoma!’

This Amateur Youth Theatre production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd on behalf of R&H Theatricals of New York. Tickets £10.50 (concessions £9) Box Office 01329 231 942

SOUTHAMPTON Tiny TREaSuRES: unDER 5'S 4 aug, 10.30-11.30am SeaCity Museum, Southampton So14 7Fy Have you got little ones that love exploring? They will love discovering hidden treasures in our unique city museums. Encourage creativity and learn about culture in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Join us once a month for a variety of activities and themed sessions. Venue entrance charges do not apply, entry for duration of activity only. Pre-Book 02380 833007 or visit www.southampton.gov.uk

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TiTaniC PRinT Making 23 aug, 10.30am-3.30pm SeaCity Museum, Southampton So14 7Fy Join the experts from Red Hot Press for this fun and informal workshop learning the skills of lino cutting and relief printing using card.

Suitable for beginners and improvers. Please bring an apron or wear old clothes.

All materials are provided.

Learning Deck 2 £35.

Tel 02380 833007 (B) www.southampton.gov.uk

HEDGE END unDERSTanDing HiSToRiCaL BuiLDingS 9 aug, 11am–3pm Tudor House and garden, oakwood Court, Brookside Way, West End So30 3gz Learn how to unlock and record the history of a historic building. Look at building materials, construction techniques and dating methods, using the 800 year-old Tudor House as an example. £20, 18 conc.

Pre book 02380 834242 www.southampton.gov.uk

HaLF TERM Fun on THE FaRM 16-24 aug, 10am-4pm Manor Farm Country Park, Bursledon, So31 1BH A week of activities for children including farmhouse arts and crafts, Victorian school lessons, guided farmyard walk and 'Meet the Animals'. Price included in normal Farm admission charge. www. hants.gov.uk/manorfarm Tel: 01489 787055

WinTER BiRD WaLk 17 aug, 11am-1pm Manor Farm Country Park, Bursledon, So31 1BH A great time of year to join one of our Rangers and a

local expert to discover the birds that are using the country park in winter.

Meet at Barnfield Kiosk. £3 per person. Booking essential. www.hants.gov.uk/ manorfarm.

Tel: 01489 787055

EnCHanTED FoREST TRaiL 16-24 aug 10am-3.30pm Manor Farm Country Park, Bursledon So31 1BH Follow this self-guided trail to find out who lives in the enchanted wood.

There's a prize if you find all the inhabitants. Trails are available from our shop. www.hants.gov.uk/ manorfarm.

Tel: 01489 787055

JuggLing JakE CiRCuS WoRkSHoP 18 aug 11am-3pm Royal Victoria Country Park So31 5ga Come and have a go! Great fun for the whole family in the Empire Tearoom.

Supported by 'Hog the Limelight'. Free entry.

Tel: 02380 45157

BanDS @ THE BRook, PoRTSWooD Portswood Road Box office: 1-7pm, Mon-Sat tel: 023 8055 5366 www.the-brook.co.uk auguST Friday 8th - ZZ Tops Saturday 9th - No Jacket Required plays Phil Collins Friday 15th - Larry Miller: Outrageously Good Performer Guitarist Larry Miller is undeniably one of the must see blues/rock acts. He is famous for his exciting, mesmerising guitar playing and rip roaring shows in the UK and around Europe. He holds the record for the most encores at The Cambridge Rock Festival, returning the following year to a capacity crowd and a standing ovation. If you like Rory Gallagher, Joe Bonamassa, Gary Moore or Hendrix, you'll love the guitar pyrotechnics of Larry Miller.

Sat 16th - Bog Roling Stones Fri 22nd - The Neville Staple Band Sat 23rd - Deborah Bonham Band: Promoting her new album, 'Spirit' recorded in Chichester , UK and Nashville, USA, Deborah and her band will be touring Europe and the UK in 2013.

RuMouRS oF FLEETWooD MaC 16 aug, 7.30pm Salisbury City Hall SP2 7Tu Having received Mick Fleetwood’s golden seal of approval, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac is a mustsee for any discerning disciple of this most iconic of rock institutions! www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk

WHERE TO LOOK FOR MORE WHAT’S ON www.fareham.info www.visit-hampshire.co.uk www.hants.gov.uk/ events.htm www.southampton.gov.uk/ news-events/events/ home.asp www.wherecanwego.com

ROMSEY BRaMDEan HouSE oPEn gaRDEn FoR ngS 17 aug Bramdean House, Hampshire Garden famous for its mirror-image herbaceous borders. Carpets of spring bulbs especially snowdrops.

A large and unusual collection of plants and shrubs, vegetables, fruit and flowers. Small arboretum. Admission £4, Children free.

Telephone 01962 771214.

For other opening times and information, please phone or email. Open for charity.

If your club or society has an event that you would like to promote on these pages for free, just email the details to lauren@discovermagazines.co.uk and space permitting, we can include your listing in our next issue.

“A5 size is handy to keep by the phone, in the kitchen drawer.

A directory of local businesses to keep”

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For The Gregg School EDUCATION

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HAIR & BEAUTy

Hair Q&A Courtesy of Lisa Shepherd Hairdressing

Having a bad hair day?

Don’t worry, we’re here to help.

Q. I spend a lot of money each month on my salon colour but it seems to fade very quickly. I want it to stay looking vibrant for longer; what can I do?

A. Check whether your colour is permanent or semi-permanent.

Many women visit the salon and don’t know which dye is being applied to their hair. If it is permanent, the colour will stay in until it is cut out or recoloured, however if it is a semi-permanent dye then you should expect it to wash out after approximately 18 to 20 washes – and remember, although permanent colours have a lot more staying power, they are much harsher on your hair, so if it is in bad condition, stick to a semipermanent dye.

What colour is your hair? Reds are notoriously difficult to maintain. If you have a red hue then you will have to be prepared to colour your hair more frequently. Reds fade

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fast; washing, blow-drying, styling, sunlight and chlorine all contribute to your colour fading quickly. Don’t despair however as there are specialist shampoos designed for red colours that can help.

After having your hair coloured wait at least 48 hours before washing to protect your new shade - this extra time will allow the colour to settle.

Always wash your locks with water at a cool temperature because hot water opens the cuticles on the hair shaft, allowing dye to escape - cooler water will give your colour more longevity.

Avoid clarifying shampoos these are products which are designed to deep clean the hair. Not surprisingly they also strip out colour causing it to fade fast. Always buy shampoo and conditioner which is specifically designed for coloured hair because they are formulated without the harsh chemicals that are responsible for stripping out colour.

If you have a holiday in the sun planned, pack hair products

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with SPF protection and UV filters to protect against the sun’s rays. If you are in the pool, keep your hair out of the water, or coat it in conditioner before you take a swim.

Q. No matter what I do with my hair it always ends up looking flat. How can I inject some volume?

A. Use a volumising product on your roots when your hair is damp. Tip your head upside down to blowdry until your hair is nearly dry, then flip your head back and use a round brush with a metal barrel to add lift and volume throughout the top sections. Think carefully about your hair colour as one all-over colour can make your hair look flatter; choose highlights in several shades to create more interest and give the illusion of a thicker, fuller and more voluminous mane.

Q. My hair is really frizzy; what can I do to make it look shinier and smoother?

A. Fight frizz by using a deep conditioning treatment every time you wash your hair. Remember to apply it to the lengths and ends only to avoid greasylooking roots. Before you dry your locks, apply a serum or oil, section off your locks and direct your

hairdryer’s nozzle downwards as you dry, to create a smooth finish. If you are still finding that your style is frizzy when you have finished, add a little more oil or serum.

Q. My hair looks damaged, dry and dull. I have been using straighteners on my long hair every day for some time - are they to blame?

A. yes. Any heat styling - straightening, curling, blow-drying - can have a damaging effect, especially on long hair styles. Heat tools dry out the lengths and ends of hair leaving locks looking frazzled. Although we all depend on them to create the looks we want for our hair, it is important not to over-use them. Always use a good quality heat protection spray before blowdrying, straightening or curling. Try to leave hair to dry naturally when you can and always deepcondition your mane.

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trade local

Helen McGuinness Health & Beauty Training International

Helen McGuiness

Qualifying in 1984, Helen McGuinness has run her own Beauty Salon and Training School for over 25 years and is currently based in Chandlers Ford.

A renowned industry expert in the UK and internationally, she is the author of 12 books and 28 professional training DVDs to date. Having over 10,000 UK and overseas students train at the school since opening, Helen maintains her hands on approach and this summer welcomes applicants to start Beauty Training courses in September.

See advert below.

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

Ten ways to create a new room in your home Wow!

Just had a baby?

Started working from home?

Run out of storage?

Then you need to stretch your home.

1 Build an extension

3 Convert the cellar

Pros Adding a rear extension to a kitchen can be a great way to create a multi-functional family room. Filling in the side return in a typical Victorian terrace is popular. It may be possible to add a second storey for a new bedroom or bathroom on the first floor, too.

Pros Turn a cellar into family living space, a useful utility area, a home office or even a self-contained annexe, without altering the outside of your home.

Cons Reduces garden size.

Unsympathetic extensions feel like an add-on.

Regulations Can often be done without planning permission, depending on size and height.

Check your permitted development rights with your local council’s planning department. you’ll also need building regulations approval and, if you’re semi-detached or in a terrace, party wall consent from neighbours. Visit www.planningportal.gov.uk for more information.

2 Convert the loft Pros Create a bedroom (perhaps with a bathroom), a home office or playroom, without taking space from the garden.

Cons Not every loft has the headroom or enough useable space. More difficult and expensive if your roof isn’t traditionally built.

Regulations As for extensions.

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Cons Often more expensive, per square metre, than other ways of creating extra space. Can be difficult to get enough headroom and light into the new room.

Regulations If you just want to turn an existing cellar into a normal room, it’s classed as a change of use and doesn’t need planning permission. But if you lower the floor or extend, you’re likely to need permission, so check with your local authority. And you’ll need party wall consent from any adjoining neighbours. In both cases you must comply with Building Regulations.

4 Add a conservatory Pros Adds extra living space and brings the garden into your home.

Cons A poorly built conservatory can be too hot in summer, freezing cold in winter and full of condensation. Takes space from your garden.

Regulations Many conservatories are exempt from planning permission and building regulations, but check with your local planning department first.

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5 Build a room in the garden Pros The building work will hardly bother you.

Cons Not suitable for small gardens. Could look like a shed, security is an issue, and if not properly insulated it will be too cold to use in winter.

Regulations A simple garden room may be exempt from planning permission and Building Regulations, but if it’s laid on permanent foundations and connected to mains power, water and sewerage, you’ll need both.

not usually needed, but Building Regulations apply to new walls, doors, windows and electrical work.

7 Put in an ensuite Pros Loved by buyers. Can be fitted into quite a small space.

Cons Installing an ensuite at the expense of a bedroom could knock your property’s value.

Regulations Planning permission isn’t usually needed, but Building Regulations approval is.

Pros Carving up a large space to add another room is useful and can add value, even though you’re not actually creating any extra space.

Cons you’ll need to create a separate doorway for the room, and include an opening window.

Regulations Planning permission is

Pros Turns a poorly used area into a valuable extra room – perfect for a ground-floor loo, an extra shower room or a study area.

Cons you’ll have to find extra space to store that under-stairs stuff. If putting in a loo or bathroom, ventilation and connecting to drainage may be a problem.

Regulations Building Regulations approval is necessary if you’re installing a bathroom.

10 Convert your garage 8 Build on top of your garage

6 Divide a room into two

9 Convert your understairs

Pros A first floor extension on top loses no garden space and is often relatively easy.

Cons Foundations may not be strong enough, so the garage will have to be underpinned.

Regulations you’ll need planning permission and Building Regulations.

Pros It’s a relatively straightforward job to turn it into a valuable indoor space.

Cons Foundations may need strengthening. Avoid if you live in an area where parking is premium.

Regulations Planning permission is not usually required, but Building Regulations approval is.

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“Readability + Retention + Reach = Results”

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“Discover is owner-managed, professional, honest and provides excellent service�

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PROPERTy MAINTENANCE

Finding the perfect builder Mr Perfect?

If you’re considering home renovation, extension or even a self-build, Kate McLelland offers some wise words here, that might just save your costs from going through the roof

As I write, I am currently four and a half weeks into a ‘three week’ kitchen renovation project. A thin layer of dust covers everything I own and there is a dent in my new fridge. The workmen have lost their initial enthusiasm and are grumbling about the job, their boss and their working hours. The kitchen unit supplier and the builder are at loggerheads and the constant roar of power tools has begun to drive me crazy (not to mention an unending diet of microwavable meals).

Does the perfect builder exist?

If you have ever had building work carried out you might well shrug and say: “Nothing new there”, but in my case I thought – no, I really believed - I had found the Perfect Builder.

So, does the perfect builder exist and if so, how can you find this almost mythical creature? your search will be easier if you follow some basic guidelines.

The internet is currently awash with websites bearing such names as www.mytrusted builder.co.uk, but it’s best to take some of their customer comments with a pinch of salt. Unfortunately no review system is foolproof and it’s not impossible to fake feedback.

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Recommendation There’s no substitute for personal recommendation, so the first rule is to ask locally to see which tradesmen your neighbours would recommend (or not).

Looking here in your magazine is a great place to search of course, because the tradespeople are local and the editor is likely to have been forewarned of any true rogues. Look for their accreditation on their adverts e.g. TrustMark (www.trustmark.org.uk) is a not for profit organisation, licensed by the Government and supported by consumer protection groups, that aims to connect members of the public with trustworthy building professionals. Additionally, Hampshire’s Buy with Confidence Scheme is worth looking out for.

All the businesses on their scheme have been vetted and approved by Trading Standards to ensure that they operate in a legal, honest and fair way.

Watch out for those too-good-to-betrue reviews and compare quotes carefully when recruiting or checking your builder online.

Although the feedback is useful to read, membership of some of these organisations involves the barest minimum of checks and it can be fairly easy for a company to fake their credentials.

Once you have identified three or four companies to call, the next

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stage will be to invite them to your house so they can quote for the work. Take a deep breath before you open the door to your chosen candidates, because you will almost certainly meet some colourful characters, each with a different approach to your job.

Do your home-work It’s useful to start with a list of the things that you want done, so make several copies and give one to each builder. That list will probably change as you discuss the work, but it’s still a good place to start.

Ask the builder to quote separately for each item on your list. If you accept a quote for a global amount - “To renovate and fit bathroom, £12,000+VAT” - he may come back to you later, claiming that certain items were not included in the original quote. With no written evidence to the contrary, you’ll have no basis for negotiation.

When I invited quotes for my

kitchen, one builder refused point blank to price up the job because “You never know what’s lurking behind them old kitchen units and tiles”.

I didn’t give him the job, but he had a fair point – an estimate can only be based on what is visible to the naked eye. you must always allow a contingency for hidden expenses, but no building firm should expect to start work without having provided at least some idea of their charges. you should ask the same questions of each person who comes to quote: “How long will it take?”

“Do you have your own team of tradesmen, or do you subcontract?”

“Will you provide a contract for the work?” “Have you done any similar jobs locally and can I contact the householder for a reference?”

If your builder makes you feel that such questions are inappropriate or unnecessary, show them the door: a

reputable company should be happy to provide evidence of their work. Be aware that a few manipulative individuals may try to strike up a rapport with you, knowing that they’re more likely to pass off sub-standard work if they win your trust. The best builderclient relationships remain on a businesslike footing, so keep your eyes open and don’t be taken in by a charm offensive.

The tips described above may make choosing a builder seem straightforward, but in practice I’ve found it’s not that easy. I chose someone who arrived on time, made careful notes, gave positive answers to all my questions and provided an itemised estimate but even the best builder can’t avoid the inevitable disruption and mess. “Trust me, it’ll be worth it,” he persistently reminds me as I watch the project progress. Oh, the power of positive thinking!

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live local

Bushcraft and Seashore Kids should head for Royal Victoria Country Park this summer for a whole host of fun, family activities

Royal Victoria Country Park

Tuesdays The morning sessions are for children with additional needs and their families only. The afternoon session is inclusive of everyone regardless of ability from 4+ years. Please book. £4 per child and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Bushcraft - 6th Aug, 10am and 2pm Brush up on your survival skills by coming along to the Bushcraft activities, meeting at Acorns.

Pirates - 13th Aug, 10am and 2pm Test your pirating skills at Royal Victoria Country Park, meeting at Acorns.

Seashore Safari - 20th Aug, 10am and 2pm Fun and frolics on the seashore, meeting at Acorns.

War Wounds - 27th Aug, 10am and 2pm Imagine life when the hospital was here. Make your own war wounds and test your First Aid skills.

Everyday Life in the Hospital - 8th Aug, 10am Do you want to find out how many different types of jobs there were at the Royal Victoria hospital? Follow the self-guided trail – there’s a prize if you find them all. The trail starts at the Nightingale Shop and costs £1.50.

Please contact 023 8045 5157 for more information on these events.

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A SHORT STORy

Game, Set & Match Story by Jackie Brewster

Danny had spent all morning playing tennis on his own against the garage door. He had won nearly every game, and now felt confident enough to take on a real opponent.

His plimsolls stuck to the hot tarmac as he walked along the deserted avenue to his friend Alex’s house. The heat had sent everyone indoors. Even the birds had stopped singing.

He found Alex sitting on the edge of his pond, with feet dangling in the water.

“Want a game of tennis? Danny asked. “You’ll need your own bat”.

Alex grinned and nipped in the shed. He returned with a cobweb covered table tennis bat. It didn’t look at all like Danny’s racket, and he suspected that it might give his friend quite a large handicap, but decided not to say.

If Alex was happy, then he was happy.

Both boys agreed that Alex’s garden was perfect for tennis. It had the pond in the middle to act as a net, a shed on one side and patio doors on the other to act as goals.

They had a few practise shots while Danny explained the rules.

“If I hit the patio doors it’s a goal to me, and if you hit the shed it’s 52

a goal to you. If the ball goes in the pond then whoever hit it in has to get it out and they lose a point”.

Danny knew that when you start the game it’s called ‘Love All’, but didn’t mention this in case Alex thought it was a girl’s game and refused to play.

“It’s a draw if you get juice,” Danny said instead. Alex seemed both confused and impressed.

“Okay,” he bounced up and down. “Let’s play!”

In spite of the ping pong bat, Alex proved a more challenging opponent than the garage door; for one thing he argued over goals. For example, when Alex’s shot bounced off the shed roof, rolled along the guttering and disappeared down the drainpipe, Danny agreed that the shot was a work of genius, but didn’t think it was worth five goals. They compromised on two and a half.

Alex also hit the ball so that it seemed to magically fly straight through Danny’s racket. The ball would then disappear over the garden gate. Danny found that he was searching for the ball in the next door garden much more than he was hitting it. And he was getting hot.

Also, unlike the garage door, Alex constantly questioned the rules.

While Alex agreed that it didn’t matter how many times the ball bounced, he refused to believe that kicking it was okay.

Unfortunately this made quite a few of the goals that Danny scored disallowed.

Danny was starting to suspect that this game wasn’t going his way. He noticed that, in spite of all his morning’s practise, he was scooping more balls out of the pond than Alex, and hoped that his friend was not keeping too close an eye on the score.

Eventually, both boys, the shed and the patio doors were covered in dark splodges of pond water.

Danny was tired, thirsty and several goals behind. He couldn’t go on much longer, but desperately didn’t want to lose this game.

The patio doors slid open and Alex’s mum appeared, accompanied by the welcome sound of ice cubes tinkling in glass tumblers.

“I’ve made you boys a drink,” she called.

“Brilliant!” Alex threw down his bat. “Game over!”

“What’s the score?” she asked, as Alex slurped his drink.

“We’ve got juice,” Danny said, thinking fast. “So that mean’s it’s a draw”.

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OUTDOOR LIVING

Home grown herbs There’s a really reliable, easy, low-cost and loweffort way to add some zing to your meals; home-grown herbs. Many herbs are simple to raise from seed and if you start sowing now you should be able to have a plentiful supply of fresh, tasty herbs to add to salads, sandwiches, stews and stir-fries for months to come. All you need is a sunny window sill or balcony, or a well-drained, sunny spot in your garden, so why not sow a few pots and brighten up your cooking?

You can almost smell them?

First, find some good quality multi-purpose compost, your chosen herb seeds and some pots. Good-quality compost is well worth the little bit extra you need to pay. The style of pot is up to you – you may want to choose a classic Mediterranean feel with terracotta, or a stylish modern look, or perhaps a good-looking plastic planter for longevity and light-weight characteristics that make it better for a balcony and easier to move about too.

Whatever style you choose, bear in mind that plenty of drainage is essential, and that the smaller herbs do not need a deep root run, so there is no need for a very tall planter or pot. It is best to grow each type of herb in its own individual pot, so buy a selection of pots with a minimum diameter of 8cm.

Once you have your pot to hand, put a broken flower pot or other drainage material in the base and then fill with good quality compost to within 1cm of the rim of the pot and firm it down, not too aggressively, but enough to ensure that there’s no subsidence later on. With large seeds such as coriander, position the seeds

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Top herbs that grow well from seed A visit to your favourite local garden centre or a peruse of the seed catalogues is bound to fill you with inspiration as there are a lot of herbs which do very well in pots when sown from seed. Some of my favourites include Italian or Genovese basil, lemon basil, chervil, Coriander ‘Cilantro’ for leaves, flat-leaved parsley, Ainse, Thai basil, chervil, chives, fennel, garlic chives.

evenly on the compost surface.

Sprinkle smaller seed thinly. The seeds need to be covered with compost so use your finger or a dibber (an old ballpoint pen or pencil will do) to gently press the seed in to the very surface of the compost and then drizzle more compost on top to the depth stated on the packet of seed.

Water the compost thoroughly either carefully from above using a watering can with rose attached, or by standing the pot in a saucer of water for a few minutes until the compost surface is just moist. The advantage of watering from below is that you are less likely to disturb the seeds.

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The seeds generally germinate quite quickly and often within just a week or two you’ll have lots of tiny herbs like this coriander.

For shorter-lived herbs, such as coriander and basil its worth sowing in succession. All this means is that you need to use a small pot full of seed every few weeks, rather than sowing the whole packet in one go. This will give you a near constant supply of herbs and if you look at the number of seeds per packet you will soon see what amazing value they are.

Once the herbs are up and growing strongly you can start to harvest them. Use sharp scissors or a sharp knife to cut off what you need; this way you’ll minimise damage to the growing plants and so help to keep them cropping for longer. As long as

you keep the pots adequately watered, ideally by watering from the base, they should last for several weeks or months but make sure that the compost is not too wet or else your herb pots won’t last long. These plants are mostly of Mediterranean origin and hate wet feet. If at any stage you find that you’re not eating them fast enough and have an excess of herby foliage, store some for later use. Ice cubes give you a really great fresh-herb taste off-season. Just half fill the sections in an ice-cube tray with water. Add chopped fresh herbs to each section and top up with water. Label the tray as chopped herbs in ice can be difficult to identify. The attractive herb-filled ice cubes can then be popped whole in to stews and casseroles as and when you need them.

Pippa Greenwood

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and sign up for Pippa’s free newsletter packed full of gardening hints, happenings, advice and offers and you will also receive a free ebook on organic gardening.

Don’t forget that you can buy Nemaslug and other biological controls, anti-slug matting and tape, Enviromesh and signed books, vegetable packs and a hand-picked selection of garden products from the website too.

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Three way split

Walk from Marwell around Owslebury

this walk is a very pleasant stroll without being too taxing; it covers a distance of approximately 4 miles, which should take around an hour and a half at a steady pace.

It starts at Marwell Zoo Car Park, Colden Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH where there is plenty of parking. The footpaths double as bridleways around most of the route as the local riding stables use these trails regularly for their exercise outings, so please give the horses the space they require as you pass them.

On entering Marwell Zoo’s Car Park from Thompson Lane drive straight on, bear right following the signs for the Overflow Coach Park. Just to the left of the gate into this Coach Park is a Bridleway sign into Copleaze Copse and is the start of this walk.

After 150 metres the path joins another, where you turn right to 62

pick up a main bridleway for a further 150 metres before meeting a T-junction with path finger posts.

Turn left up the slope, keeping a big field on your left.

After a distance of 200 metres there are steps on both sides of the path – at this point you need to take the right hand option through a gate, into a wildlife woodland. In this section there are all manner of plants and many birds in the broadleaf woods.

At the far end of these woods pass through a gate opening into a bigger track and the trees fade away on both sides. There is a long but gentle climb between fields and a view across the valley

to the right where the furthest enclosures in Marwell Zoo come into view.

Eventually the track meets a large gate which opens onto a shingle path with some large houses on the left and the outbuildings for Lower Farm on the right.

As you meet the road outside, turn left uphill towards Owslebury, taking care on this 400 metre section as there is no footpath for this short time.

At the top there is a small green and the pub, The Ship Inn, which marks the turning point. Turn left past the pub, down the hill for only a short distance. Where the road sweeps right go left down the waymarked path for 150 metres.

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HISTORICAL NOTE...

In AD 964 land at Owslebury was granted to the Bishop of Winchester by King Edgar.

According to the Domesday Book the Manor of Owslebury was held by the Bishop before and after the Norman Conquest.

In the early days the manor was called Twyford with Marwell, but during the 14th century it became known as Marwell or Marwell Woodlock, although the parish was still called Owlesbury.

The Bishop of Winchester had a park at Marwell from the thirteenth century to the mid-seventeenth century where timber was cut, cattle were pastured and animals were hunted at various times.

Marwell Zoo was founded by John Knowles.

John originally bought a small 127 acre farm just before his 21st birthday, on which he developed a poultry production business. The sale of part of this allowed him to purchase the 414 acre Marwell Hall Estate and Marwell Zoo was opened in 1972. John has written about his founding of Marwell Zoological Park in “My Marwellous Life” which can be purchased online (e.g. Amazon).

you will reach a point where there are three choices of route. Take the furthest left path, (see photo) marked with a blue arrow and wide enough for several people.

The underfoot surface is fine rolled grit and runs gently downhill for a just over a kilometre. There is an avenue of trees either side of this path providing shelter from any wind, which means that views across South Hampshire can only be snatched between the foliage as you travel.

At the first full junction of this path (there is a minor one half way down) turn left, continuing on another downhill stretch and soon passing the steps that set you off at the beginning. you are now on the return section that was completed at the start so the last part is a reverse process – turn right at the T-signpost, 150 metres up turn left and in a final 150 metres you will be in the car park again.

A downloadable pdf of the walk and enlarged map is available online at www.discovercommunity.co.uk

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EATING OUT

Seasonal recipe

Ready in 2h Serves 4 rs 30mins

yOu WILL NEED...

• 1.3kg oven-ready chicken (preferably free range) • 55g butter, softened • Few fresh sage leaves • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped • 85g smoked pancetta slices • 115g fresh white breadcrumbs • 1 medium egg, beaten

Sage & Pancetta Roast Chicken Give classic roast chicken a tasty makeover with a handful of fresh sage and some delicious smoky flavoured Italian bacon called pancetta. Look out for thin rashers of pancetta in the deli section of your supermarket or buy freshly sliced from an Italian deli. Serve with roasted baby new potatoes and lightly steamed vegetables for a wonderful summer Sunday lunch.

NOW GET STARTED...

1 Preheat the oven to 1900C, 3750F, Gas Mark 5. Place the chicken in a foil-lined roasting tin. Smear half the softened butter over the chicken breast, legs and wings and scatter over the sage leaves.

Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover the chicken loosely with foil and roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour 10 minutes. Uncover and baste the chicken with any juices twice during cooking.

2 Meanwhile, melt the rest of the butter in a frying pan, add the chopped onion and fry gently for 5 minutes. Chop half the pancetta and add to the pan, frying for a further 5 minutes until the onion is softened and golden. Remove from the heat. Finely chop the rest of the sage and add to the pan with the breadcrumbs and seasoning.

Leave to cool then stir in the beaten egg. Press the stuffing mixture into a greased 18cm round shallow cake tin.

3 Uncover the chicken and top with the rest of the pancetta slices.

Return to the oven and roast, uncovered, for a further 25-35 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through – the juices should run clear with no sign of pinkness when the thickest part of the thigh is pierced. Cook the stuffing in the oven at the same time until set and pale golden.

4 Remove the chicken from the oven, cover and leave to rest for 1015 minutes. Cut the stuffing into wedges and serve on a platter with the roast chicken, garnished with the fresh sage leaves.

• Fresh sage leaves, to garnish TIP... To make light gravy to serve with the roast chicken, drain off any excess fat from the roasting tin then heat the pan juices until sizzling.

Add a splash of dry white wine or sherry then stir in a little plain flour and 1 tsp wholegrain mustard. Cook for 1 minute then gradually pour in 400ml hot chicken or vegetable stock and slowly bring to the boil, stirring all the time. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until just thickened.

Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper.

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Festivals & Fairs Full details are on www.discovercommunity.co.uk JuLy 1-31 26-28 28 30-1 Aug AuGuST 1-4 3-10 4 8-11 9-10 11

Hampshire Food Festival until 31 July Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show Winchester Food and Produce Show The New Forest and Hampshire County Show, Brockenhurst

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Wickham Festival Cowes Week, Isle of Wight Summer Craft Fair, Cosham Boomtoom Music Festival, Winchester Umbrella Festival, Portsmouth Winchester Cyclefest: Winchester Criterium & Family Cycle Day Thai Festival, Portsmouth Carfest, Basingstoke Petersfield Summer Festival Family Summer's End Picnic, Romsey

SEPTEMBER 1 1 13-22 14 14

New Forest Folk Festival, Romsey Romsey Food Festival PSP Southampton Boat Show Southsea Fest 2013 The Romsey Show

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trivia gazetteer

Around Britain 5 Mysterious Disappearances 1. Eilean Mòr, Outer Hebrides All three of the lighthouse-keepers on Eilean Mòr in the Hebrides disappeared on 15 December 1900, leaving behind their oilskins, a table full of food, and the light prepared to be lit. Why or how the men vanished will never be known.

2. Newhaven, East Sussex Lord Lucan’s car was found at Newhaven three days after he disappeared from his London home, where the family’s nanny had earlier been found murdered. Despite several unconfirmed sightings across the globe, Lord Lucan was never seen again.

3. Seaton Carew, Cleveland John Darwin infamously ‘disappeared’ while canoeing off Seaton Carew in 2002. Having been declared dead, in 2007 he walked into a London police station claiming no memory of the last five years – but when a photograph surfaced of him and his wife shopping for properties in Panama in 2006 their hoax was discovered.

4. Sunningdale, Berkshire Agatha Christie disappeared from her home in Sunningdale in December 1926. She eventually reappeared at a hotel in Harrogate eleven days later, unable to give any explanation for her disappearance. She was later diagnosed with amnesia.

5. The Tower of London The fate of the ‘Princes in the Tower’ remains one of the most alluring mysteries in English history.

Imprisoned in The Tower of London in 1483 by their uncle, Richard III, securing his claim to the throne, there is no record of the princes after this date. © Taken from The British Isles: A Trivia Gazetteer by Paul Anthony Jones, out now.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Finance Save Money Now Winter might seem like some time away but you can save money by preparing for it now.

Plumbers are cheaper while the weather is warmer and there are still offers on insulation and boilers so start work now before winter arrives and the prices go up.

Switch your bills now It’s a great time to switch to a cheaper provider as the major providers typically start to increase their prices any day now, just in time for winter. Find a copy of your last gas and electricity bills, go to the energyswitching page on Moneymagpie.com and find a cheaper deal for yourself.

It’s often worth considering one of the smaller suppliers to obtain a better price. you could save up to £60 a year by moving to a smaller supplier. Sainsbury’s Energy, First Utility, Ovo Energy and The CoOperative Energy all trumped the major

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Make hay whilst the sun shines

suppliers for cheaper tariffs in early 2013.

If you want to stick to one of the major suppliers you may be eligible for discounted bills through the government’s ECO (Energy Company Obligation) scheme.

The ECO scheme offers heating and insulation improvements for low-income and means tested households. you’re eligible for the scheme if you receive certain benefits; see www.gov.uk/energycompany-obligation for the full list. you can apply through the Energy Saving Trust on 0300 123 1234.

Once you have switched to the best-priced deal, the next step is to make sure your home retains heat with the efficiency of an old-time dragon.

Boilers If your boiler is coming to the end of its life, now is a good time to have it replaced. Most boilers over 15 years old can be repaired to keep them working, but they will be less efficient than modern ones. Even factoring in the cost of a new boiler you could save money by replacing it now.

Also, you could receive up to £270 cashback for updating your boiler through the new government energy improvement scheme, The Green Deal Cashback Scheme.

The scheme will give you money back if you make energy efficiency improvements in your home such as installing a new boiler, having loft or cavity wall insulation done, improving heating, draught proofing, double glazing and installing renewable energy such as solar panels.

The Green Deal is available to households in England and Wales and operates on a firstcome, first-served basis. you can apply even if you are

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renting privately or in social housing providing the landlord can pay for installations costs.

Firstly, have a Green Deal assessment carried out on your property which will provide you with a report of what could be improved. Then agree to a quote or Green Deal plan with a Green Deal Provider. you can find them online through www.greendeal orb.co.uk/consumersearch.

Once you have agreed the quote, apply for the Green Deal Cashback Voucher at www.gdcashback.decc.gov.uk.

Make sure you have the work completed before the voucher expires and you’ll receive your cashback within 30 days.

Insulation Now is a great time to get up-todate insulation as it’s a quiet period for installers. Insulation

materials are also much cheaper to buy in the summer and early autumn when the demand is low, so it’s worth checking out B&Q or Homebase. Efficient insulation can cut the cost of heating and cooling by 40%, while loft insulations save an average 20% on your energy bills annually.

Don’t forget you can also find loft insulation vouchers on websites like Groupon as well as applying for the Green Deal.

Draught-proofing Draught-proofing is one of the cheapest and most efficient ways to save energy in your home. The Energy Saving Trust claims you can save £55 a year. you could save more money by taking the DIy route; materials should set you back around £100 while a professional might cost double this. Some older

properties with single glazing will be more difficult to draught-proof however and if you are not comfortable with your DIy skills, hiring a professional could save you money in the long run. Check with your home insurance policy before carrying out work yourself to ensure that you are covered for any mishaps.

Plumbers Summer and early autumn is a slower time of year for plumbers so you could find the rates more favourable, and you’ll also be able to get the work completed quickly.

Have any pipe repairs or radiator work done now to eliminate cold spots and fix wasteful dripping taps. It’s also worth having the plumbers in just to check everything is ship shape for winter.

“Regular Rate is Best Buy - 20% Discount & Monthly Payment Plan”

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Summer Fun at the Farm Manor Farm Country Park has been a working farm for over 600 years. With historic buildings and barns, you can also enjoy a variety of animals, watch traditional farm machinery at work and take a peek into the old privy. Here’s August’s events (B = Booking Essential, £ means not free): The Last Straw - 4th Aug, 10am A day of straw crafts including corn dollies and Skep making (bee homes!)organised by the Fareham & District Bee Keepers Association. Normal farm admission.

Bats in the Belfry - 10th Aug, 7.45pm An evening talk and walk presented by Hampshire Bat Group. Spot the bats emerging from their daytime roosts into our churchyard and learn more about these fascinating creatures. B/£ Bushcraft - 6th Aug, 10am and 2pm Brush up on your survival skills by coming along to the Bushcraft activities, meeting at Acorns. B/£.

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HEALTH

oils to a bite and sting lotion or cream: Burdock, Plaintain, Echinacea, Feverfew, Nettle, yellow Doc and St John’s Wort.

Some oils can be used as a preventative by putting them in a lotion or water spray and applying to the skin. For example, Lavender, Rosemary, Tea Tree or Citronella.

Feeling the itch?

With the British summer finally here it’s not just us embracing the warmer weather - as we peel our winter layers off and take our arms and legs out of hibernation, summer bugs will also make their untimely appearance, Julia Faukles explains.

Over the past couple of years wet and warm summers have resulted in an explosion in mosquito and flea populations, which can only mean one thing – bites and more bites. you’d like to think you would take it as a compliment that insects think you’re tasty enough to feast on, but it’s not much fun when you’re left with burning, red, swollen and itchy marks - not to mention the pain from stinging nettles after balmy walks in the countryside and picnics in the park.

On-the-spot treatments There are some simple ways you can help relieve any discomfort if you’ve been bitten or stung: wash the area with soap and water, use a cold compress or an ice pack (a bag 72

of frozen peas will do the trick) and try not to scratch to prevent infection. you can also use a spray or cream that contains local anaesthetic, antihistamine or mild hydrocortisone to prevent itching and swelling, or take an antihistamine tablet (check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or worried about drowsiness or allergies to medication).

Alternative remedies • For stinging nettle rashes rub the affected area with dock leaves for some instant relief – they are normally found growing near nettles.

• Homeopathy is often used to treat bites and stings. For example, Apis and Ledum can help reducing swelling and relieve aching pains.

• Essential oils such as Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Oil (dabbed on neat) can be a useful addition to your first aid kit and provide on-the-spot relief as well as helping reduce the risk of infection. you can also add any of the following

Always seek medical advice if you have wheezing, difficulty breathing or swallowing, excess swelling around the bite or sting, or flu-like symptoms that appear to become worse rather than better.

If you’ve previously had a severe reaction you will normally be offered an adrenaline pen or be referred to an allergy clinic for further investigations.

Preventing stings and bites How can you prevent yourself from being stung in the first place?

• Use an insect repellent at times when you’re more likely to be stung and try and keep your skin covered.

• Keep an eye on your drinks to make sure that wasps or bees haven’t sneaked inside for a cheeky sip– they particularly like sweet drinks.

• Try not to panic when you see an insect that may sting – if you wave your arms around you are far more likely to be stung. Stand up slowly, walk away and it will usually buzz off.

• Use mosquito nets if you’re camping outdoors or put thin netting or door beads over doors to prevent insects from coming inside.

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Puzzle Page PICTOGRAMS ACROSS 1 5 8 9 10 12 13 15 17 19 20 22 23

French castle (7) Competed (5) Very alike (9) Poem (3) Consumed (5) Reflects (7) Friendships (13) Immediate (7) In front (5) A pronoun (3) Emergency vehicle (9) Concede (5) Captivate (7)

S UDOKU

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9, with no repetition.

quick crossword

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 13 14 16 18 21

Illegal act (5) Beer (3) Died out (7) Embarrassed (13) Person in power (5) Large reptile (9) Frocks (7) Magnifies distant objects (9) Form of travel (7) Bright red (7) Prize (5) Reside (5) And not (3)

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MOTORING

Test Drive The New Range Rover Sport

James Bond star Daniel Craig drove it through New york for the launch, now James Baggott has his chance behind the wheel of the new Range Rover Sport… in the equally glamorous Cotswolds

For years the Range Rover Sport has reigned supreme in the SUV market and now Land Rover is back at it again, with an all-new variety. Lighter, faster and more capable than ever before, the new model is no longer based on the Discovery, but now takes its underpinnings from the full-fat Rangie. Design DNA comes from the incredibly popular Evoque and mixed with the luxurious surroundings from the daddy of the line-up, it’s a potent combination and will be an absolute winner.

What's under the bonnet?

A choice of diesel and petrol units, plus there’s a diesel hybrid on the way later this year. The petrol station-crushing supercharged 5.0-litre V8 510bhp lump hits 60mph in five

Rugged good looks

seconds dead and on to a top speed of 155mph. Ok, it emits 298g/km and returns 22.1mpg, but it’s so worth it. The SDV8 arrives later this year and in the meantime you can pick from the 3.0-litre V6 diesel in 258bhp and 292bhp guises – the more powerful of the two hits 60mph in 7.1 seconds.

What's the spec like?

Palatial. It’s awash with fresh technology, from wade depth sensors to traffic sign recognition.

A real innovation is the two extra seats in the boot; these are for occasional use only, but the electrically powered perches will come in handy with families. The front seats are adjustable 14 ways, heated and cooled and so too are those in the middle row.

There’s a powered tailgate, cooled centre console that you can fit a bottle of champagne in and softclose doors. The Meridian 1700W stereo is brilliant and buyers can choose from nine different wheel designs in sizes from 19 to 22inch.

Any rivals?

Land Rover chalk up the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne as the biggest contenders, but it’s the latter that really gives it any serious challenge. The German

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firm’s badge might hold a little more brand cache, but we’d pick the Sport over it every time. As a combination of jaw-dropping looks mixed with ability and agility, it’s hard to beat.

What's it like to drive?

With 420kg shaved from the weight, heavily revised steering and all-new lightweight suspension, the car feels incredibly different to drive on the

road to its predecessor. In 5.0litre form it’s ludicrously quick on all road surfaces and can claim the title of the fastest ever Land Rover to be made. Flick it into Dynamic mode and it becomes a different car – the steering quickens, it corners harder and the throttle response sharpens.

It’s worlds apart from the standard mode which is far more sedate. As all-rounders go, this Sport is without doubt one of the best.

Price: £81,550 Engine: 5.0-litre, V8 sc Power: 510bhp, 625Nm Top speed: 155mph 0-60mph: 5.0s Economy: 22.1mpg Emissions: 298g/km

Verdict?

Make no mistake - this is the new benchmark in the SUV market.

I’ve been racking my brain for faults and if I’m picky the plastic feel of the paddle shifters is a little cheap and the infotainment system looks a little old in terms of graphics and speed. But that’s about it. This is a car that would please sports car drivers as much as traditional SUV drivers and the best bit? It’s considerably cheaper than the equally-brilliant Range Rover – so it’s a bargain too…

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BUSINESS SERVICES STRESS in the workplace is something that will send out warning signals to most employers. The costs of stress have been amounted to be in the billions of pounds to the UK’s GDP. These costs are amounted through issues ranging from increased numbers of sick days being taken to businesses having to pay out expenses on counselling services. However, what many do not know is that there is another, much more positive side to workplace stress. Stress can lead to employees being more productive and can help them to reach their work goals and targets. So here the arguments lies, is stress a positive or negative aspect to have in the workplace?

Stress – The Argument Looking at the issue from a psychological point of view, research has found that the levels of stress can be accounted to two major factors; the demand of the job and the level of control the employee has. The most stressful situation will be where an individual has a job that is high in demand but they have little or no control over how to cope with it. So this may be where the key to the reduction of stress in the workplace may lie. So the job of the manager here is to ensure that they are not giving their employees tasks that they are not capable of doing. It may be that they give the task to a team of employees so they can help each other or ask for their feedback and if they are struggling then give advice on the matter. Creating a more interactive working environment can help employees to feel a sense of control and it also ensures that if any problems do arise they feel that they can speak to the manager before it becomes a real issue.

However at the other end of the scale, if an employee has high levels of control with reduced demand, productivity could suffer. This is due to the employee falling into the ‘comfort zone’ whereby they are not challenged by their role and so they become stagnated and lethargic. By injecting some demand, or stress, through factors such as increasing regular deadlines, employers may seem better results from their employees as well as work that is to a higher standard.

The physical aspects of an office also have a role to play. Studies have found that work environments that induce the highest levels of stress are where there is little or no natural light with dim artificial lighting. Also employees are more likely to feel stress if they are closed off from others, for example offices where employees desks are closed off from one another in a cubicle layout. This may lead to managers making quick changes to make amends to this end through fitting more windows and creating a more open work space in order to reduce stress levels. Again there is another side to this coin. It may be more in the employer’s interests to resist having an open work space. They may be aware of workers focusing more on socialising than on their job tasks.

To conclude it can be said that the psychological and financial pitfalls of stress in the workplace are well documented and overshadow the positives that can be had. Under manageable levels of pressure, employees can see great increases in their personal development by regularly hitting work targets and goals and so improving their performance on the whole which can only be seen as a positive by any employer.

The key word here is ‘manageable’, if the levels of pressure reach unmanageable levels, stress related issues in the workplace may arise.

For more information contact Peninsula’s 24/7 Advice Service on 0844 892 2772.

by Alan Price - Peninsula Group Director 86

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Directing reader advertisers index

Live Local Think Local Local businesses are part of your community index note For Advertisers offering multiple property services look under Property Maintenance, otherwise see specific trade e.g. Electrician, Carpenter, Plumber etc.

Accountants & Bookkeepers AJ Bookkeeping Arlington Accountants Balanced Accounts Kirkcaldy Accountancy Ltd Aerials Aerial Fix DJ Satellites & Aerials Appliance Repair Advanced Appliance Care JP Appliances Architectural Services Andrew Johns Jem Musselwhite Auctioneers & Valuers Bonhams Beauty School Helen McGuinness Blinds & Curtains Designer Blinds Direct Donna Nile Peck Interior Soft Furnishings Shading Places The Curtain Design House Waterside Blinds Butcher Bishop Waltham Butchers Catering Wiltshire Farm Foods Children's Activities Kidz in Jackie's Kitch'n

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44 45 45 44 37 43 24 26 23 37 53 19 55 55 51 55 53 11 12 59

Every issue of Discover is full of interesting 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.

Marwell Outdoor Activity Centre 7 Planet Sport Summer Holiday Courses 6 Wessex Swim School 6 Chimney Sweep Rainbow Chimney Sweep 59 Chiropody Shuropody Foot Care 18 Computer Services Net Serve 44 RSJ Computer Services 45 Counselling Counselling with Sue Oakley 58 Marcus Gee Talking Therapies 19 Double Glazing inc., Conservatories Britannia Windows 24 Homeseal 41 South Coast Installations 42 Electrician EEC 247 37 Romsey Electrical Services 42 Estate Agent & Lettings Homestyle Lettings Ltd 27, 29 Jonathan Rees 32-33 Fencing & Gates Colourfence 31 Crocodilla 17 Flooring Premier Wooden Flooring 43 Lucidi 2-3 Furniture rethunk!

54 Garage Doors Fix Quick Garage Doors 16 Crocodilla 17 Garage Services Scuffs2Scratches 16 Garden Design & Services Aura Landscapes 49 Crocodilla 15 Garden Designs by Mo Mariner 14 Hambrooks Bulk Bags 47

Hambrooks Garden Design & Landscaping Hambrooks Garden Maintenance RPD Landscapes & Property Services Worthies Garden Services Hairdresser Hair by Lesley Health & Fitness Weeke & Harestock Osteopathic Clinic Zip Pilates

new regular advertisers

Aura Landscapes Ltd p49 Outdoor Living Solutions

Roofing & Property Maintenance Ltd p36 Construction & Repairs

Premier Wooden Flooring p43 Installation & Restoration

Crocodilla Ltd p15,17 Verandas & Driveway Gates

Hambrooks p14, 47, 51 Landscaping Products & Garden Maintenance

51 14 59 51 59 18 18

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rs to your advert

Buy Local . . .

Marwell Activity Centre Marwell Activity Centre is one of the south’s leading outdoor and indoor activity centres with 25 years experience in outdoor pursuits. Offering a wide range of year round activities for children and adults, our highly experienced, qualified team deliver activities and events of your choice in a challenging but safe environment.

Why not bring the family this summer and enjoy the great outdoors camping in one of our Sahara Tents and take part in some our exciting outdoor activities! Family activity breaks are available from Friday to Sunday throughout the school holidays.

The price includes a full English Breakfast both mornings and 3 Activities from any of the following: • • • • • •

See our advert on page 5 for more details.

Splashing about on the river

Hot Tubs Happy Hot Tubs Kitchens Dream Doors Locksmith Lockright Winlocks Music Tuition Rockout! Music School Rock Choir Optician Hampson Opticians Painter/Decorator (see also Property Maintenance) BM Services One Painter and Decorator David P. Churcher Painter & Decorator VHN Decorating W.A.G Decorating Services Ltd Pet Services Waggytails Pet Care Services

Canoeing Aerial Adventure Climbing Archery Giant Swing Quad Biking

64 25 35 58 20 21 21

26 58 43 40 39 59

Plumbing Services (including bathroom installations and gas and boiler services) see also Property Maintenance Alford Plumbing & Heating 24 Andy Black Local Plumber 39 Gair Gas Ltd 13 M.Brierley Plumbing 26 TP Watts Plumbing Services Ltd 36 Printer Colortech 35 Warwick Printing Company 35 Property Maintenance & Improvements AJC Property Services 59 BM Services 26 Crocodilla 15,17 Dell Developments 39 EML Property Maintenance 36 House Worx 59 Mann & Sons Ltd 38 Roofing & Property Maintenance 36 RPD Landscapes & Property Services 59

Property Maintenance & Improvements continued The Flat Pack People Security Lockright Solar Panels Solar Voltaics Tree Surgery (see Garden Waste) Arbor-Call Tree Surgeons Hamptons Tree Care Peter yeates Arboriculture Tuition English Upgrades upholstery Material Things Waste Removal Abbey Grab Bag Window Cleaning Ashurst Cleaning Services Clear Vision

58 35 21 63 14 47 6 54 43 59 42

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Local and Useful Numbers DOCTORS NUMBERS NHS Direct (24 hour Help line) St Clements Surgery, Tanner Street Springvale Surgery, 40 Pound Rd, Kings Worthy The Friarsgate Practice St Paul’s Medical Practice, Alison Way Badger Farm Surgery, Badger Farm Road Gratton Doctors Surgery, Sutton Scotney CHEMIST NUMBERS Springvale Pharmacy 18 Fraser Road, Kingsworthy, SO23 7PJ Boots the Chemist 35-38 High Street, SO23 9BL.

0845 46 47 01962 852211 01962 882957 0844 4770947 01962 853599 01962 877222 01962 760394

01962 884848 01962 852020

01962 854725 Lloyds Pharmacy , SO22 6EW. Terrace Clifton Way, Alison y, Surger St Paul’s 01962 842180 Local Boots Pharmacy 6EL. Unit 1, Stockbridge Road, Weeke, SO22 01962 868641 Sainsbury’s Pharmacy SO22 4QB. Unit 3, Sainsbury’s Complex, Badger Farm, times g openin shop to nt Differe 01962 854575 Lloyds Pharmacy 155 High Street, SO23 9BA. 01962 852701 Lloyds Pharmacy Ltd Silver Hill, SO23 8AE. RECYCLING CENTRES www.integra.org.uk/recycling 01962 868523 Bar End, Winchester pm (Oct - March) Open daily 8am-7pm (April - Sept), 8am-4 LIBRARIES http://www.hants.gov.uk/library/ 0845 6035631 Winchester Lending Library SO23 8RX, Winchester Discovery Centre, Jewry St, Sun 10am-4pm Open: Mon - Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm, www.discoverycentres.co.uk/winchester 0845 6035631 Stanmore Library 4EH SO22 ore, Wavell Way, Stanm & Fri 5.30pm-7pm, Open: Mon 2pm-5pm, Tue Closed, Wed Thur 2pm-5pm, Sat & Sun Closed SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ols/holidays.php http://www.hants.gov.uk/education/scho Summer Term Summer: Wed 24/7/13 - Mon 2/9/13 Autumn Term Half Term: Mon 28/10/13 - Fri 1/11/13 Christmas: Mon 23/12/13 - Fri 3/1/14

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SCHOOL NUMBERS All Saints CofE Primary School l Compton All Saints' CofE Primary Schoo Harestock Primary School Henry Beaufort School Itchen Abbas Primary School Kings Worthy Primary School

01962 853179 01962 712035 01962 881026 01962 880073 01962 779310 01962 881410 01962 861161 l Schoo Kings' 01962 860393 Ctr n's Childre & l Schoo y Lanterns Nurser 01962 774213 Micheldever CofE Primary School 01962 869496 Oliver's Battery Primary School 01962 854537 Osborne School 01962 857500 Peter Simmonds College 01962 713445 l Schoo l Specia Down Shepherds 01962 881311 l Schoo y South Wonston Primar 01962 852463 St Bede CofE Primary School 01962 854934 St Faith's C E Primary School St Peter's Catholic Voluntary 01962 852820 Aided Primary School, Winchester 01962 852941 l Schoo y Stanmore Primar 01962 882710 Weeke Primary School 01962 852591 Western CofE Primary School 01962 854757 Westgate School, The 01962 853889 l Schoo y Primar ll Winna USEFUL CONTACTS Hampshire County Council Winchester City Council Planning Applications Refuse Street Lighting Highways & Traffic Police (routine inquiries) Royal Hants County Hospital

0845 603 5638 01962 840222 01962 848177 0845 603 5634 0800 506060 01962 848241 0845 0454545 01962 863535 01962 852602 01962 842626 01962 791110

Dial-a-Ride Shopmobility Steve Brine MP 9 Stockbridge Rd, Winchester, SO22 6RN steve.brine.mp@parliament.uk EMERGENCY NUMBERS Police, Fire or Ambulance Services Police (Incident Reports) Portsmouth Water - Fresh Water Supply Portsmouth Water - Leaks to Report (Out of hours 24hr) Southern Water - Sewage Southern Water - Tech Support Gas – National Grid (If you smell gas,call us immediately) Electricity

999 0845 045 45 45 02392 499888 02392 477999 0845 272 0845 0845 278 0845 0800 111 999 0845 7708090

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