2
3
about us
Discover Live Local. Think Local. Buy Local. Distribution - This Winchester edition of Discover is published every other month and distributed by hand. It goes through the doors of households in prime residential areas of Winchester including Kingsworthy, Headbourne Worthy, Weeke, Harestock, Littleton, St Cross, Abbots Barton, Sleepers Hill, Hyde, Teg Down Meads and South Wonston. This is a total of around 7500 properties. 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 Melanie 023 8026 6388 or email: melanie @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 on p56) delivered to you free of charge; all made possible by the financial support of our advertisers. do you use a smart phone? The businesses who promote To save our contact details themselves in Discover are direct to your smart phone, use ready to serve you and they I-nigma QR code reader App advertise with us because and scan for instant download. they want Winchester 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 (see page 53) of the biggest around Winchester and dedicated a feature this month to Hampshire Food Festival (see page 10). In fact, that reminds me to sign up for the 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 (see page 48), especially the ones serving cakes and scones (food, again!). We’re back with another issue mid-September so look out for your copy through the letterbox and 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
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: 3 September Advertisement copy deadline: 6 September Distributed: 13 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
4
contents
9
live local
28
a short story
48
ngs open gardens
10
hampshire Food Festival
30
hampshire Walk series
57
Kids’ puzzle page
13
upfront & personal
34
high tech holidays
58
Fun at the Farm
22
Find the perrfect builder
46
homegrown herbs
62
useful numbers
5
6
7
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. 8
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.
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 9
WINCHESTER EVENTS
Local Exhibitors show their wares B = booking essential £ = not free For all events visit www.hampshirefare.co.uk
FooD & ProDucE Show 28th July, 10am-4pm Local exhibitors include:
Maison Blanc cottonwoth wines Demimed Little Delicious The chutney company The olive Trail cupboard of health cannDo cakes hildon Ltd Alfred’s Brewery El Sabio Tapas The Pampered chef chancham Sweet way to heaven Grape Expectations Sundowner Foods Ltd Yarty cordials olives & Things
10
hAMPShirE FArMErS' MArkET winchESTEr 14th and 28th July, 9am-2pm Celebrating Hampshire Food Festival with cookery demos, local produce, rural crafts, music and family attractions. ThE whiTE horSE SuMMEr FêTE oTTErBournE 14th July, 12-6pm Enjoy a traditional English village fête at The White Horse. An afternoon of fun for all the family. From little craft stalls and face painting to fun games. BrEwErY oPEn DAY wiTh ALFrED'S BrEwErY 20th July, 11.30am-4pm 5b Scylla Business Pk, winnall Valley road, winchester.
cAnnDo cAkES cuPcAkE DEcorATinG cLASSES 22nd-26th July The cake cabin, 18 roberts road, Barton Stacey, winchester. (B £) Tel: 07774 411954 EVEninG TowEr Tour wiTh A BiT oF SPArkLE AT winchESTEr cAThEDrAL 23rd, 25th and 26th July 2.5 hours (B £) Tel: 01962 857275 Climb to the top of the Cathedral tower and experience spectacular views over. Walk through the impressive timberfilled nave roof before enjoying a champagne and canapé reception within the historic Close.
JAMMinG SESSion wiTh ThE hAMPShirE JAM & chuTnEY co., 24th July, 3 hours 9.30am-12.30pm & 2-5pm 5 Alder close, colden common, winchester, So21 1XB. (B £) Tel: 01962 713553 Join us and learn how to make traditional preserves or improve your jam making skills with likeminded people. Swap tips and recipes and take some of what you make home.
(B £) Tel 01962 849000 Award-winning chef James Durrant will demonstrate some signature dishes from The Plough Inn, Longparish, including his popular fish soup. Learn some of his secrets whilst enjoying wine from Danebury Vineyard. TrADiTionAL crEAM TEA BAkinG DEMo, winchESTEr ciTY MiLL
ThE PLouGh inn coMES To winchESTEr
24th July, 7-9pm Bulthaup Showroom, 1 The Broadway, So23 9BE.
27th July, 11am-4pm winchester city Mill, Bridge Street. £
FooD AnD ProDucE Show AT ThE GuiLDhALL, winchESTEr 28th July, 10am-4pm See p10 for Exhibitor List. hAMPShirE winE TASTinG 30th July, 7-9pm 5 Bridge Street, winchester. (B) online only at www.hampshirewineschool.com We like Hampshire and we like its wines! So come and join us to learn more about our local star winemakers and their stunning products. All levels of wine knowledge welcome.
11
12
upFront & personal
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
office based in central Eastleigh. Andrew says “As a local business, 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
Andrew Gair
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.
13
14
15
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. 16
17
18
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.
19
20
21
YOUR HOME
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. 22
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
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!
23
24
25
26
27
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 28
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”.
29
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 30
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.
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).
Three way split
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
31
32
33
TECHNOLOGY
High tech holidays Some of the most useful travel gadgets are the simplest. The TanSafe is a great example: 1 it looks like a standard bottle of sun cream, but it's a secret safe that's big enough for your cash, cards, keys and even your mobile phone (but not a phone case). it's even watertight, 2 so it can protect your phone from the odd splash. At £7.99 it's cheap too. Some of our favourite technology solves problems we thought were with us forever such as creased shirts. For £34.99, the Shirt Shuttle1 Mk2 is a hanger that you wrap your freshly ironed shirt or blouse around, folding it and clipping it shut to protect your shirt from creasing. How attractive it is depends on how much you hate ironing: a travel iron will set you back around £10, while a portable garment steamer such as Rowenta's DR5050 promises to unwrinkle anything for £30. If you're travelling with children, there's no shortage of technology that can keep them amused on even the longest trip. Apple's iPad 34
Mini2 is ideal, providing all the fun of an iPad without the weight or price, but it's still quite expensive at £269; an iPod touch does much the same thing in a 3 smaller case for half the price, or a quarter of the price if you're buying used. If you prefer Android tablets Google's Nexus is a good buy at £159. All of these devices can run apps, and you can copy video from your computer or buy or rent videos from wherever you can find an internet connection. We'd advise against 3G devices that connect to the mobile phone network: there are often very high charges for data roaming. The problem with many travel-related gadgets is that they can be very large and very heavy - and that's terrible if you're trying to keep everything in a single suitcase that doesn't exceed the airline's weight limit. For example, a wireless speaker such as the Supertooth Disco weighs a massive 1.1kg, and it's a hefty size too. When it comes to travel speakers, small can be beautiful: the £18 X-Mini ii capsule speaker3 weighs just 82g but it punches way above its weight. It doesn't sound as good as a top-end speaker system but it's a vast improvement on any
smartphone's speakers. If size really does matter, you can even cut the size of your plugs - but beware, because it can be pricey. The Mu Folding Plug4 is a 3-pin plug with a USB socket on the other side, and it folds down to a titchy 1.4cm but at around £25 for one, it's considerably more expensive than standard plugs. Now that we're travelling with lots of gadgets, powering and/or recharging them can be a problem: it's not unusual to have a camera, an e-reader, a smartphone and a music player competing for the same plug socket as the TV or hairdryer. Rather than packing multiple chargers or 4-way extension leads, it might be a better idea to invest in a 4-port worldwide travel charger, which comes with 4 USB ports in the top and a collection of interchangeable plugs that work almost anywhere in the world, all for around £10. Such chargers aren't powerful enough for iPads, which draw massive amounts of power, but 4 they're fine for smartphones, cameras and other popular bits of kit.
35
36
37
38
39
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.
40
41
42
43
44
45
YOUR GARDEN
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
46
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.
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.
47
National Garden Scheme Dean House
30 coMPTon wAY Sat 27, Sun 28, wed 31 July (2-5) winchester, So22 4hS Contemporary garden owned by local garden designer on the outskirts of Winchester. Sunny hilltop ¼-acre plot. Themed borders of colourful mixed planting on chalky soil, including dahlias and agapanthus. Kitchen and herb gardens, and pond. www.summersgd.co.uk
planted to make the most of dramatic foliage. Definitely one for plantaholics! Jayne & Eddie McBride 01329 280838 jayne.mcbride@ntlworld.com
MEon orchArD Sun 28 July, Sun 1 Sept (2-6) kingsmead, n of wickham, Po17 5Au 1½-acre garden designed and constructed by current owners. An 8 BirDwooD GroVE exceptional range of rare, unusual Sat 27 July (2-6) and architectural plants incl Downend, Fareham, Po16 8AF National Collections of Eucalyptus, The sub-tropics in Fareham! This Podocarpaceae and Araliaceae. small garden is influenced by the Much use made of dramatic foliage flora of Australia and New Zealand plants from around the world, both and includes many rare and unusual hardy and tender, big bananas, huge indigenous species. The 4 climate taros, tree ferns, cannas, zones - arid, medium, lush fertile hedychiums and palms. Streams and and a shady fernery - are all densely ponds, combined with an extensive range of planters, complete the display. Birdwood Grove Plant sale of the exotic and rare Sun 1 Sept ThE SEcrET GArDEn nATurE rESErVE Sun 4 Aug (12-6.30) high Street, Bursledon, Southampton So31 8DL Situated in the middle of a small nature reserve, with views to the Isle of Wight, discover a hidden water garden being continuously 48
developed using recycled and natural materials. Many ponds with magnificent water lilies dominate the formal garden which merges into the reserve's native ecosystem. Organic management ensures an astonishing variety of wildlife. John & Alison Horne 02380 616262 horneja@btinternet.com DEAn houSE Sun 4 Aug (11.30-4.30); wed 14 Aug (10-4.30) kilmeston, So24 0nL The 7 acres have been described as 'a well-kept secret hidden behind the elegant facade of its Georgian centrepiece'. Sweeping lawns, York stone paths, gravel pathways, many young and mature trees and hedges, mixed and herbaceous borders, symmetrical rose garden, pond garden, working walled garden, with 125 different varieties of vegetable, and glasshouses all help to create a diverse and compact sliver of Eden. hAMBLEDon houSE Mon 26 Aug, Sun 15 Sept (2-5) hambledon, Po7 4ru 2-acre partly walled plantsman’s garden for all seasons. Large border filled with a wide variety of unusual shrubs and perennials with imaginative plant combinations culminating in a profusion of colour in late summer. Hidden, secluded areas reveal surprise views of garden and village rooftops.
From village centre, driveway leading to house in East St. Do not go up Speltham Hill even if advised by SatNav. Capt & Mrs David Hart Dyke 02392 632380 dhartdyke@tiscali.co.uk BErrY coTTAGE Sun 18 Aug (2.30-5) church road, upper Farringdon, nr Alton, Gu34 3EG Small organic cottage garden with all-yr interest. Spring bulbs, roses, clematis and herbaceous borders. Pond and bog garden. Shrubbery and small kitchen garden. The owner-designed and maintained garden surrounds C16 house. The borders are colour-themed and contain many unusual plants. Close to Massey's Folly built by the Victorian rector incl 80ft tower with unique handmade floral bricks, C11 church and some of the oldest yew trees in the county. Mrs P Watts 01420 588318 wEir houSE Sun 15 Sept (2-5) Abbotstone road, old Alresford, hampshire, So24 9DG Spectacular riverside garden with sweeping lawn backed by old walls, yew buttresses and mixed perennial beds. Contemporary vegetable and cut flower garden at its height in September. Also includes newly designed garden around pool area, bog garden (at best in May)
Compton Way
and wilder walkways through wooded areas. Children can use the playground at their own risk. Mr & Mrs G Hollingbery, 01962 735549. jhollingbery@me.com hiLL ToP Sun 15 Sept (2-5) Damson hill, upper Swanmore, So32 2Qr 2 acres with extensive colourful borders and wide lawns, this garden has stunning views to the Isle of Wight. The glasshouses produce unusual fruit and vegetables from around the world. The outdoor vegetable plots bulge with well-grown produce. Many potted specimen plants. Colour and interest are maintained throughout the season. David Green 01489 892653. tricia1960@btinternet.com
49
50
51
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) reects (7) Friendships (13) Immediate (7) In front (5) A pronoun (3) Emergency vehicle (9) concede (5) captivate (7)
down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 13 14 16 18 21
52
Illegal act (5) Beer (3) died out (7) Embarrassed (13) Person in power (5) Large reptile (9) Frocks (7) MagniďŹ es distant objects (9) Form of travel (7) Bright red (7) Prize (5) reside (5) And not (3)
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
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
11 23-25 24-26 31
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
53
54
55
SpOt the Difference
There are 10 dierences between the two images below. How many can you spot?
57
All the fun of the farm
live local
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/£ Fresh Produce and craft Sale 12th Aug-16th Sep, 10am Bushcraft - 6th Aug, 10am and 2pm Brush up on your survival skills by coming along to the Bushcraft activities, meeting at Acorns. B/£.
58
59
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
60
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
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 7 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
61
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
62
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
63