Discover Southampton West September 2013 by Tania Houston

SA IS MP SU LE E

about us

Discover Live Local. Think Local. Buy Local. Distribution - This edition of Discover is published every month and delivered by Royal Mail to two alternating areas. In odd months (Jan, Mar, May etc) it goes to every letterbox in SO40 postcode sectors 2 & 3. In the even months it goes to SO40 postcode sectors 7,8 & 9. Total distribution is 16,000 over two months. 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 023 8026 6388 or email: melanie @discovermagazines.co.uk

Hello again For many, including me, this time of year feels like “New Year” because it’s the start of school, college or university, even. It was results day yesterday and like every other parent I was Melanie Tinson probably more nervous than my daughter! I can’t announce her AS results to the 136,000 homes that now receive Discover as she would never forgive me and threatened to leave home if I did (hmm, now there’s a thought ...) but it was a mixed bag, is all I’ll say. My summer was anything other than a rest as we do you use a smart phone? launched Discover into Locks To save our contact details Heath and Fareham. We also direct to your smart phone, use employed a sales person, I-nigma QR code reader App Michelle Searle, who was at and scan for instant download. The Informer which went into administration and is now under new management. Our thanks go to you, our readers who use local businesses from Discover, keeping our valuable advertisers happy and satisfied. Speaking of growing, my other achievement this summer was our garden makeover. It’s all thanks to Mo Mariner (see p24) who inspired me to buy a trowel and don gardening gloves for the first time in my life. With Mo’s proposed garden design, detailed plant list (with pictures!) I headed for the local garden centre (wow, expensive hobby!) and I now know my foxgloves from my digitalis. My dog spends hours watching the beasties in the wildlife Front cover image courtesy pond and I even picked fresh of Adrian Davies Photograpy oregano for the Mediterranean Fish Bake as featured on page 38. I swapped potatoes for butternut squash as I’m still on my no carb diet having lost 1.5 stone since November! If you want to lose weight I’ve put a link to Discover Your Toes on our community website www.discovercommunity.co.uk.

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

editorial enquiries

next issue : diary dates

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Editorial copy deadline: 3 September Advertisement copy deadline: 6 September Distributed: 23 September

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 melanie@discovermagazines.co.uk

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

Peek-a-boo!

upfront & personal

The People Behind Your Local Businesses Will Bellows Home Computer Help

Home Computer Help is a local IT Solutions company, serving the Southampton, Totton, Romsey, Winchester, Salisbury and Portsmouth areas. Established in 2003, the company is owned and run by Will Bellows.

provide an 80 year old lady with onsite computer tuition so she could shop online for her groceries. The team pride themselves in saying that no job is too small. They often receive requests to set up broadband connections and other services including virus and spyware removal (and prevention), computer upgrades and health checks to ensure your computer is working at its best. As an added service for new and existing customers, Home Computer Help offers free telephone advice for any computer related queries. As wonderful as new technology is, it can be frustrating if it doesn’t do what you expect and having access to this advice is something

Will Bellows

review any work carried out by tradesmen. Since joining Checka-Trade, Will has built up an impressive portfolio of positive customer feedback, this can be viewed at www.check atrade.com/homecomputerhelp Since advertising in Discover Magazines Home Computer Help have noticed an increase in local

From Broadband to iPad – Help is at hand. Will gained his knowledge by completing an IT apprenticeship when he was 18. He then worked in various IT positions before

deciding to go self employed to follow his passion in computer repairs. Following continued growth, Will now employs 2 technicians full time and is hoping to take on an apprentice within the next month. Home Computer Help provide all aspects of IT solutions, including computer, laptop and iPad tuition. Will was recently asked to

that Home Computer Help’s customers really appreciate. Will says he is most proud of the company's customer focused approach to problem solving. “We listen to our customers' needs and provide effective solutions in a friendly and efficient manner. We also understand that not all of our customers are technically savvy and so ensure that we communicate jargon free”. Having consistently received good customer feedback, Will decided to join a scheme called Checka-Trade, which encourages customers to

trade and welcome new customers so please don't hesitate to call us for all of your computer related queries or even just a bit of advice! The team are: Will Bellows (Owner and On Site Technician) pictured above. The other members are Glyn Brown (Onsite Technician) and Adam Crisell (Off Site Technician and Remote Specialist).

SA IS MP SU LE E

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. 8

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.

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.

6 Divide a room into two 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

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.

8 Build on top of your garage 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.

9 Convert your understairs 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 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. by Katherine Sorrell

live local

Heritage Open Days Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to places that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors. It is a once-a-year chance to discover architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities that bring local history and culture to life. From castles to city halls, tunnels to tower tops, police cells to private homes, workshops to woodland walks, the variety of places and ways to discover them are endless. Heritage Open Days is organised by a huge network of people who share a passion for places, history and culture. Locally, over 1,400 organisations and some 40,000 volunteers organise thousands of site openings and events, jointly attracting over 1 million visitors. They make Heritage Open Days England’s biggest voluntary cultural event. After a first pilot in Gosport proved a success, the now defunct Civic Trust established Heritage Open Days in 1994 as England’s contribution to the European Heritage Days. Heritage Open Days has since developed into Britain’s largest and most popular grassroots heritage event, with participation more than doubling during the first decade of the millennium. See Discover’s what’s on listings on pages 28-29 for a selection of local events or visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk

What’s Happening at Hanger Farm SEPTEMBER 11-13 September, 8pm The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee 20 September, 8pm Vikki Stone – Definitely OCTOBER 4 October, 7.30pm The Dolly Parton Story 11 October, 7.30pm Morgan & West – Time Travelling Magicians 12 October, 8pm Dr Phil Hammond – Games to Play with your Doctor 18 October, 8pm The Supersonic 70s Show 24 October, 8pm Kevin Precious – Not Appropriate (...a comedy show about teaching) BOx OFFICE 023 8066 7683 Mon-Fri 10am-3pm Sat 10am-1pm Or email hangerfarm-reservations@totton.ac.uk with event name, date and time, no of tickets required.

Walk from Exton this walk is approx 6.5 miles

It all starts at the Shoe Inn

‘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.

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 18

***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 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 Pass under road bridge

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.

Meon River

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

HISTORICAL NOTE... In 940 AD, the village of Exton carried the name of East Seaxnatune meaning the farmstead of the East Saxons. 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 in June 1903 to connect Alton to Fareham and Gosport. It was one of Hampshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s least successful railway enterprises and closed in 1955.

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.

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. 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

Stunning views

into woodland. Follow the path left ignoring paths merging from the right. ***Climb some wooden steps to the railway track bed. Cross straight over and descend more steps onto the footpath used on your outward journey (as shown in the dialogue marked ***). Follow the footpath back to the A32, cross the road into Church Lane and retrace your steps back to your car. A downloadable pdf of the walk and enlarged map is available online at www.discovercommunity.co.uk

BLUE-SKY FOSTERING

Fostering - A Personal Experience We have been qualified foster carers since November 2012. We have family members and friends who were fostering already so we had a very good idea of what were signing up for. We had discussed becoming carers over some time as although our own children were grown up, we were not ready to stop being hands on parents yet. It is unfortunate that the world is not perfect and we knew that not all children have a stable and safe home life, but this was something we felt we could offer. If we could help one youngster then we would be happy. Once our eldest daughter moved out, we knew that the time was right to go for it. We did some research into which company to go with and Blue Sky stood out to us. After 6 months of training and preparing for panel we were qualified and we were offered a placement within days, and along came a 6 year old boy. He had been in the care system from the age of 3 but was known to them from very early on, as his Mum had learning difficulties and struggled with his behaviour despite all the help in place for her. The care plan from the start was to help his paternal father get himself into a good place to be able to take over his full time care, something he had never done before. He was with us for 6 months and we are proud to report he is now living with his dad full time which is a positive outcome for that family. Although this was a short placement it has given us so many experiences. You have to be flexible and amenable. Although our job in this process was to ensure that the child’s day to day needs were being met, we did get very involved, which was our choice.

As a result, Simon did some mentoring work with the dad and supervised a few contact sessions when there was a problem. This would not happen in most cases but on this occasion it was approved as there was no danger and it was only seen as a positive in the transition from our care to the care of his dad. We won’t lie, as it was hard at times to have this child who you have only known for a short time and who could have some challenging behaviour, living in your house. It can be best described as “a cuckoo in the nest” feeling but on the whole, the experience was positive. We bonded with our child and therefore as with our own children we just wanted the best outcome for him. We would recommend fostering to anyone; some of the qualities you need are to be non- judgmental, determined and patience is a must. It’s important to also have a good support network when times are hard but the rewards far outweigh the negatives and we think fostering is one of the most rewarding jobs you can do.

Tera & Simon Teresa & Simon are from Southampton and foster for local independent agency Blue Sky Fostering. The agency are always looking for foster carers in the area particularly those who are prepared to look after a wide age range of young people and parent & child placements. For further information visit www.blueskyfostering.com

SA IS MP SU LE E

GARDENING

Weed Attack Weed?

Ask a dictionary the definition of a weed and you’ll read that it’s ‘a plant growing in the wrong place’. Ask a gardener, and they’ll tell you that weeds are often the number one menace in their garden. Some weeds are pretty, some less so, but one thing they all have in common is that they are indeed growing where you don’t want them, and may be causing your garden plants to suffer. So if you want to wage war on those pesky weeds, and stand a chance of winning, take a look at my multi-pronged attack strategy.

by Pippa Greenwood

Off with their Heads

white flower heads.

Whatever the weed problem, it’s essential to prevent them from setting seed as most weeds are very efficient at building up their numbers by seed. So even if you don’t have the time to sort the weed out properly, make sure you cut off its head before it has a chance to even start to set seed. The old saying that ‘one year’s seed is seven years’ weed’ isn’t far from the truth.

Spaghetti roots Some weeds like couch grass, bindweed and nettles have amazingly resilient and farreaching underground stems or roots. If you’ve just taken on a new plot of land, be it a garden or an allotment, there is a good chance that it’ll be riddled with at least one of these spaghettirooted weeds. Whatever you do, don’t succumb to the temptation to use a powered cultivator or rotovator as this will chop the roots in to little bits and end up spreading and increasing the problem in the process.

Stop Stowaways When you’re next shopping for plants in your local garden centre or nursery make sure that you only bring home what you want, not those pesky weed stowaways that often lurk on the compost surface. I always do a bit of weeding before buying: especially for weeds such as the innocent looking hairy bitter-cress (Card-amine hirsuta) with their tiny rosettes or leaves and pretty little

Lawn Louts Lawn weeds such as dandelions and daisies are difficult to control as unlike the taller weeds, these rosette-forming plants won’t be harmed as you mow the lawn. One of the best methods is to tackle them with a sturdy old kitchen knife or a daisygrubber tool. It may be a slow process but will allow you to dig them out individually.

Deep Rooted Problems Some weeds such as

docks and dandelions have tough and chunky roots that are very difficult to kill. And to make matters worse, if you leave any sizeable bit of the root in the soil, it’s likely to form a new plant. Do everything you can to take out the entire root as you’ll be saving a lot of time in the long run. I have recently discovered a great pocket-sized weeder, originally from New Zealand but now manufactured over here. It’s brilliant for removing this sort of weed and others such as small thistles, creeping buttercups and so forth. Find out more in the ‘products’ section of www.pippagreenwood.com. It is also great for easing weeds out from gravelled areas.

Laying Carpet If large areas are weedy you could try the carpet option; literally covering the surface with a layer or two of carpet, held in place with bricks. If the carpet is placed fluffy side down and left in place for at least 18 months, the weeds will start to die off from lack of light. Make sure that the carpet is made from natural fibres, not synthetic or else you’ll be left with it in the soil, and for allotments, check that there are no restrictions on using carpet.

Time it Right Some weeds such as the purple flowered oxalis spread by forming tiny ‘bulbils’ or miniature bulbs below ground. If you try to dig these weeds out at this time of year, you’ll run in to trouble as the bulbils will be shed into the surrounding soil as you lift the plant out, making matters worse. Wait until next spring when the bulbils will be firmly attached and weed them out then.

Hoe, hoe, hoe An old fashioned and still just as useful method of weed control is the hoe. They’re readily available at any decent garden centre and are a great way to weed your garden, especially if it’s largely annual weeds such as chickweed or groundsel that invade your plot. Keep the hoe sharp and use it regularly.

Careful what you Compost Only compost the green, leafy bits of weeds; avoid any chunky roots, and never put any flowering or seeding weeds in the compost heap. Some weed seeds will easily survive most domestic systems. Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for a great range of gardening products including Pippa’s favourite weeder, Nemaslug, Nemasys caterpillar, slug, ant and other biological controls, Enviromesh & Envirofleece and lots more besides.

on what’s on

what’s

ROMSEY FOOD FESTIVAL 1 Sep, 10am – 2pm Alma Road Car Park, SO51 8ED Farmers Market Selling local Produce. 01420 588671 for further details.

PRESERVING SUMMER Sun 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 Sep, 10am – 5pm Manor Farm Country Park, Pylands Lane, SO31 1BH Visit the farmhouse kitchen and see jams, chutneys and wine being made. You’ll even be able to sample the produce. Normal farm admission charge. 01489 787055 for more details.

‘WHAT’S THIS?’ PHOTO TRAIL 2 Sep, 10am – 4pm Royal Victoria Country Park, Victoria Road, SO31 5GA ‘Can you guess what is it yet?’ Follow this self guided trail to work out what the photos are of and where they were taken. £1.50p per trail. 02380 455157. www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp

LEPE LOOP AND LUNCH 5 Sep, 10am – 2pm Lepe Country Park, SO45 1AD Join the rangers for a 5 mile guided walk at a gentle pace, followed by a hot lunch in the café. £9.50 per person. Booking essential on 02380 891108. www3.hants.gov.uk/lepe

FAMILY HISTORY FOR BEGINNERS AT HAMPSHIRE RECORD OFFICE 5 and 24 Sep Hampshire Record Office, Sussex Street, SO23 8TH Find your ancestors in the archives at Hampshire Record Office. Access Hampshire family history sources on microfilm/fiche and some for England and Wales. Booking required on 01962 846154.

ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY WINCHESTER MEMORY WALK 7 Sep, 10am registration, 11am walk North Walls Recreation Ground, Gordon Road Take part in a beautiful 1 mile park walk or 6 mile historic city walk through Winchester. Live music, games and refreshments will be available on return. www.memorywalk.org.uk/winche ster or 0845 306 0898 for details.

THE AMPFIELD MARKET 7 Sep, 10am – 12pm Ampfield Village Hall, Morleys Lane Fresh fruit and veg, organic bread, savoury foods and Fairtrade products, jams and chutneys, local eggs, plants, flowers, new and old books, jewellery, cards, wrapping paper, crafts, bric a brac, pet foods and accessories for sale. Refreshments served all morning with fresh coffee and a delicious range of home made cakes. Free admission and parking. Julie Trotter on 02380 254587

BATS IN THE BELFRY 10 Sep, 7.45pm Manor Farm Country Park, Pylands Lane, SO31 1BH 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. Adult £5, child £3. Booking essential on 01489 787055.

SUMMER SPECIAL GUIDED FARM TOURS – WARTIME FARM 10 Sep, 5pm – 7pm Manor Farm Country Park, Pylands Lane, SO31 1BH Join our Farm Manager on an exclusive behind the scenes

tour, meet Mrs Earwicker in the farmhouse and enjoy a hot drink and cake from the Café. £15, Booking essential on 01489 787055.

BURSLEDON BRICKWORKS INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM 12 Sep, 10am – 4pm Swanwick Lane, SO31 7HB Heritage Open Day: Come along and see the last remaining steam driven brickworks in the country. Free Entry. http:// tiny.cc/bursledonbrickworks

ExHIBITION: THE HOUSE AT POOH CORNER 13 Jul – 14 Sep, 10am – 5pm Mottisfont House and Gardens, SO51 0LP Visit this summer for another great exhibition and trail that all the family will love. An exhibition of classic illustrations. There will also be a display of contemporary art on the theme of childhood and imagination and a distinct, fabulous family quest trail. Normal admission charges apply. 01794 344020 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk /mottisfont

KING JOHN’S HOUSE & TUDOR COTTAGE 14 Sep, 10am – 4pm King John’s House, Church Street, SO51 8BT Heritage Open Day: King John's House and heritage centre encompasses three buildings that contain 750 years of history. It is full of fascinating displays and a traditional Tudor tea room. A series of period gardens lead down to an ancient stream. Quiz trails, brass rubbings, pieces of armour to try on, discovery box. Free Entry. http://tiny.cc/kingjohnshouse

HINTON AMPNER – OPEN GARDEN FOR NGS 14 Sep, 10am – 6pm Hinton Ampner, Alresford, SO24 0LA 12 acre C20 garden created by Ralph Dutton. Manicured lawns and topiary combine with unusual shrubs, climbers and herbaceous plants. Vibrant dahlias alternate in spring with tulips. Rose border incorporates over 45 old and new rose varieties. Dramatic foliage planting in the Dell; orchard with spring bulbs; magnolia and philadelphus walks; restored walled garden. Adults £7,

children £3.50. 01962 771305.

THE ROMSEY SHOW 14 Sep, 8am – 6pm Broadlands, SO51 9ZD An Agricultural & Horse Show with Devils Horsemen Wild West Display, the Derbyshire Midshipmen Marching Band in the main ring, farm livestock, horses, donkeys and a countryside area with rural activities including falconry, ferrets and working dogs. Prices to be confirmed. 01794 517521 or visit www.romseyshow.co.uk

ALRESFORD ART AND CRAFT SHOW 14 Sep, 10am – 4.30pm Alresford Community Centre, West Street, SO24 9AG Alresford is a picturesque Georgian town with wonderful bespoke shops, lovely riverside walks and good eating places and the home of the Watercress Steam Railway a lovely day out for everyone. The craft show will include glasswork, silk floral arrangements, traditional Decoupage items including tissue boxes and trays, beaded and semi-precious stone jewellery, wood craft, decorative plaques, hand painted ceramics, bespoke high quality handcrafted cards, photography and original watercolours. Free entry. For details 01252 724968

PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY LIPA 4:19 - FREE TASTER EVENT 14, 21 and 28 Sep, 10am – 11.30am Applemore College, Roman Road, SO45 4RQ LIPA was co-founded by Sir Paul McCartney and in 2003 opened for children and young people aged 4 - 19 to help them develop confidence and life skills through the performing arts: dance, acting and singing. Booking essential. info@lipa419nfs.co.uk

ST ALBAN’S CHURCH OPEN DAY AND 80TH ANNIVERSARY 14 Sep, 10am – 4pm St Alban’s Church, Tulip Road, SO16 3BB Heritage Open Day: Church open for viewing. Talks and tours. Open tower climbing the tower at one's own risk! Refreshments,

bookstall, children's trail and refreshments. http://tiny.cc/stalbanschurch

EASTLEIGH MARDI GRAS 14 – 15 Sep Leigh Road Recreation Ground Children’s games, crafts, stalls and traditional Mardi Gras and parade on Saturday. www.eastleighmardigras.co.uk

EASTLEIGH TOY AND TRAIN COLLECTORS FAIR 15 Sep, 10.30am – 2.30pm Eastleigh Leisure Centre, Fleming Park, Passfield Ave, SO50 9NL The South Coast’s largest Toy Train and Collectors Fair. Plenty of free parking and good food available. Up to 70 tables of diecast, railway, books and much more under one roof. Bring your unwanted diecast or railway items to trade or sell with our dealers. Adults £2.50, accompanied children under 18 no charge. 01380 725322

AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS AT HAMPSHIRE RECORD OFFICE 19 Sep, 2pm – 4pm Hampshire Record Office, Sussex Street, SO23 8TH House history for beginners: find

out how to use archive sources to discover tales about the people who lived in your house and how it fits into the history of the local community. £12 per person. Booking essential. www.hants.gov.uk/archives

10pm bedding down in the grounds of the magnificent building. We will provide the cardboard to sleep on; you bring the spirit and warmth to get you through the night. 11+. £10 registration fee. Target of £100 sponsorship. 01962 842827.

WALK WITH A COMMONER 20 Sep, 10am – 2pm Beaulieu Road car park, SO42 7YQ (Grid Ref: SU351063) Join us on an 8 mile moderate walk looking at the traditions of Commoning in the New Forest. Learn about Commoning rights and how the grazing of livestock helps to shape this unique landscape. Optional pub lunch after the walk. £5 per person – booking essential on 023 8028 6840. www.forestry.gov.uk/ forestry/INFD-93YKEQ

BIG SLEEP OUT 20 Sep, 7pm – 10pm, 7pm – 8am for sponsored sleepers Winchester Cathedral, SO23 9LS Join up to 500 people sleeping under the stars at Winchester Cathedral and raise money for Winchesters homeless. Everyone can come along and enjoy food and entertainment and then it will be ‘Sleepers’ only from

HOME FRONT HINTS 21 – 22 Sep, 10am – 5pm Manor Farm Country Park, Pylands Lane, SO31 1BH Discover how the wartime housewife coped when basic ingredients were rationed or unavailable. Demonstrations throughout the day. Normal farm admission charge, 01489 787055.

EASTLEIGH TRANSITION NETWORK - TROUBLE SHOOTING COLD HOMES 26 Sep, 8.15pm Cranbury Room, The Hilt A FREE meeting about low and no-cost ways to tackle draughts and heat loss, reduce energy bills and make your home cosy.

ExHIBITION: OPEN SPACES 28 Sep – 17 Nov, 10am – 5pm Mottisfont House and Gardens, SO51 0LP Building on the success of

previous exhibitions, this year’s show is on the theme of spaces, linked to the many different natural and constructed spaces of Mottisfont. This year's open show will be on the theme of spaces of all kinds; landscapes, interiors and shapes. Children’s activities and quizzes available. No wheelchair access. Normal admission charges apply. 01794 344020 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisf ont

SOLENT BOAT JUMBLE AND SMALL BOAT SALE 29 Sep, 10am Royal Victoria Country Park, Victoria Road, SO31 5GA Huge jumble with loads of stalls selling all manner of boating, fishing and watersports equipment. £4 adults, children free. Free parking. www.boatjumbles.co.uk

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.

Puzzle Page PICTOGRAMS ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11 12 13 18 20 22 23 24 25

Entrance (6) Be owned by (6) Hold (7) Previous (5) Brush (5) Conversing (7) Promises (11) Sediment (7) Undressed (5) Avoid (5) In the open air (7) Guard (6) Grown-ups (6)

DOWN 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 17 19 21

Blame (6) Type of light boat (5) Soap (7) Banish (5) Belief (7) Car repair centre (6) Directive (11) Make clear (7) Caught fire (7) Snakes (6) Worships (6) Curse (5) Small hill (5)

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

advertisers index

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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. ACCOUNTANTS / BOOKKEEPING SVS C. Brown Bookkeeping

DOUBLE GLAZING & CONSERVATORIES 31

AERIALS, TV SERVICES Humphries Digital Aerials

Britannia Windows

DTU Trade Windows

EDUCATION The Gregg School

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TP Watts

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CATERING Blue Hat Catering

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Neil Richmond Tree & Hedge Services p25

Marwell Zoo

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The Door Hanger p10

Abbey Cleaning

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Internal Door Supply & Fit

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For-Matt

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Vuvumo

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Computer Support Services

Space Kitchens

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LANDSCAPING inc FENCING, PAVING Colourfence

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34 9

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Painters & Decorators Different Strokes

Laundau Decorating Services

Plasterers T. Brown Plastering FUNERAL SERVICES

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JL Tree Care

Totton Timber

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Neil Richmond Tree & Hedge Services

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New Forest Garden Machinery

New Forest Stone

Unicorn Vets

J Lawrence & Sons

GARAGE DOORS FixQuick

KITCHENS

GARDEN DESIGN Garden Design by Mo Mariner

SA IS MP SU LE E

RECIPE

Mediterranean Fish Bake Yum! Serves 4 and ready in 50 minutes

This is a great one-pan dish full of fresh flavour. Monkfish is quite pricey but the meaty flesh is delicious and bakes really well, however you can replace it with cod loin, salmon steaks or thick pieces of haddock fillet if you prefer. Serve with a green salad and warmed ciabatta bread to mop up all the lovely herb and lemon flavoured pan juices. YOU WILL NEED...

NOW GET STARTED...

• 2 tbsp olive oil (choose a good quality fruity one)

1 Preheat the oven to 2000C/4000F/Gas Mark 6. Place the oil in a large non-stick roasting tin and heat in the oven for 5 minutes. Add the potatoes to the tin and toss to coat in the hot oil. Roast for 20 minutes, turning once.

• 350g small new potatoes, halved • 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks • 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks • 1 green pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks • 225g small plum tomatoes, halved • 4 monkfish fillets (each weighing about 150g) • 50g butter, softened • Pared rind and juice from 1 small lemon, plus extra wedges to serve • 1 tbsp fresh chopped oregano • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 Add the peppers and tomatoes to the roasting tin and toss to coat in the hot oil. Make a space in the tin and add the monkfish fillets. Return the roasting tin to the oven for 10 minutes. 3 Dot the butter over the fish fillets and sprinkle over the lemon rind, juice and oregano. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and roast for a further 5-10 minutes until the fish is just cooked through and the potatoes and peppers are tender. 4 Slice each monkfish fillet and arrange with the potatoes, peppers and tomatoes on four warmed serving plates. Spoon over the pan juices and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Local and Useful Numbers SCHOOLS TRANSPORT

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