Discover Southampton East December 2013

SO18 Edition inc Bitterne Park l Bitterne l Midanbury

DIRECTORIES

Competition Win a Family Ticket to Robinson Crusoe page 12

December 2013

What’s on at the Panto p8 Christmas postal dates p17 Video Tips p4 Short story p24 Puzzles p25 Recipe p30 What’s On p26 Advertisers Index p28

Live Local... Think Local... Buy Local

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Happy as a pig in acorns If, like me, you live in an area with oak trees you must have noticed the abundance of acorns this year. It’s like walking on marbles, there’s so many. A piece on BBC’s Countryfile prompted me to found out more.

2012 was the second wettest winter on record which we didn’t appreciate but the trees did

apparently. Furthermore 2013 is the oak’s ‘mast’ year whereby to ensure their species survival, they produce an abundant harvest every six or seven years. It’s also a mast year for beech and sweet chestnut too, so Mother Nature is seizing the window of opportunity in a big way this year. As a result, to avoid the cattle and ponies gorging - and poisoning - themselves, five hundred pigs were put out to pannage in the New Forest, double last year’s number. So happy pigs, healthy cattle and pigs and enough conkers for all.

Still on the subject of trees, it’s been a blustery month with fallen trees and debris on the ground.

Great news for tree surgeons and fencing companies (you’ll find

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both advertising) but a word of warning to dog owners. It’s tempting to pick up all these sticks and throw them for an eager dog, but please don’t. I learnt the hard way when my dog impaled himself on a thin and sharp stick which I’d tossed into the bushes. After removing an 8 inch stick from his throat, specialist surgery and the seriously hefty bill (I was insured, phew), he survived.

It’s rubber sticks and balls only from now on.

Ending on a more festive note, holly bushes particularly flush with ripe, red (and poisonous!) berries is another sign of a previous wet winter rather than that of a freezing winter ahead; there’s no truth in the old wives tale.

Melanie

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

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Melanie Tinson

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Video Tips

by James Smith Here are some straightforward tips to make your holiday and home movies sparkle. You don’t even need the latest HD camera wizardry, just a little technique and patience.

Story

Some suggest that expensive film and video cameras will produce captivating films but the real skill is in how you use the equipment you own, to create an informative or interesting film.

Even camera phones and small consumer video camcorders can produce impressive results if you work within their limitations. Your aim should be to obtain a video camera and start practicing.

Your holiday video or home movie might have a simple goal - to show granddad putting up the Christmas decorations – but you should think ahead about the story you wish to put across.

Consider that old classic: the beginning, middle and end.

Perhaps granddad could be approaching the house with a big carrier bag (the beginning); then see him at work decorating the tree with the contents of the bag (the middle); and finally, a shot of him standing proudly beside the decorated tree (the end). The addition of a simple storyline will encourage more interest from your audience than a series of abstract shots.

Basics

Composition

Common Myths

Let’s leap ahead to the final result, and the most common sin: making your film too long. If you shoot a five-minute video and make your friends wait for the ‘good bit’ at four minutes in, you will have lost your audience after minute one. So, above all other rules, cut out the superfluous footage and ensure your film is just a collection of those ‘good bits’ and nothing else.

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Make your home movies shine

The great thing about working with video is that many of the principles of stills photography apply. So pick up any book on the subject and think about framing and composition. Keep the horizon level, try not to cut people’s heads off in the frame, keep distracting details (‘clutter’) out of the shot if possible, and keep the camera at eye level.

Light Harsh light is a videographer’s nightmare, so shooting at midday with the sun bearing down from directly above will cast unflattering shadows under the eyes of your subjects. Try to move

people into softer light, perhaps in a leafy area or under some other shade. Similarly inside, be sure that people’s faces are gently lit, but also be careful that they are not silhouetted by strong backlight, such as standing against a window.

Audio Many wonderful videos are ruined by unintelligible audio; the Best Man’s speech that’s inaudible because the cameraman was seated next to a child rustling sweet papers. The answer to this is to move closer to the subject, or even buy an external microphone that can be positioned very near to the subject with a cable back to the camera.

Editing Editing the footage is a great way to eliminate all of those boring shots that we mentioned before.

Some cameras provide an editing facility, but this can be rather fiddly, so you might want to load the footage onto a computer and edit it with a program such as Movie Maker. Try to keep it simple - rely on simple titles, a great story with straight ‘cuts’ (rather than swirling patterns and fancy graphics), and finish off with ‘THE END’ to wind things up.

Remember, follow these simple rules and practice as much as possible, and you’ll be surprised by how impressed your audience will be.

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“ It’s Behind You!” December and January are wonderful times to take children to the theatre with a host of pantomines to choose from and other Christmas themed performances. But tickets go quickly so to avoid disappointment get booked up early.

Here’s a choice of what’s on over Christmas so don’t say we didn’t give you plenty of chance to book the best seats!

Robinson Crusoe

14 Dec 2013 to 12 Jan 2014 The Mayflower, Southampton Box Office: 023 8071 1811 Starring Brian Conley as Robinson Crusoe and Lesley Joseph as The Enchantress of the Ocean.

Sleeping Beauty

Aladdin

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Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

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11 Dec 2013 to 5 Jan 2014 Theatre Royal, Winchester Box Office: 01962 840 440 Can the Seven Dwarfs help Snow White, or will they come up short? Will the Wicked Queen prove to be rotten to the core when it comes to the crunch?

And will the castle cook, Dame Dolly Dollop, and her silly son Muddles have the recipe for success or are they just cooking

Hee! Hee! Hee! Hee!

Ha!

7 Dec 2013 to 5 Jan 2014 The Pavilion, Bournemouth Box Office: 0844 576 3000 Winner of the ‘Sexiest Male’ soap star award for the past four years, Scott Maslen, better known as Jack Branning in Eastenders, is stepping out of the square and onto the Pavilion stage as the evil (but sexy) Abanazar. Scott is of course also very well known as DS Phil Hunter from The Bill, and for his long run on Strictly Come Dancing.

Joining is Bobby Crush will be bringing over 40 years’ worth of musical, acting and television presenting experience and playing the part of the much loved Widow Twankey.

Hee! Hee!

9 Dec 2013 to 5 Jan 2014 Kings Theatre, Southsea Box Office: 023 9282 8282 Danniella Westbrook, best known as Samantha Mitchell in Eastenders will play Fairy Sparkle.

She also appeared in ITV’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2003

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and Dancing on Ice in 2010. Christopher Maloney 2012 X-factor finalist, will sweep Sleeping Beauty off her feet as the Prince.

Returning to the Kings is Lynne McGranger, Australian Home and Away soap star to play the villain everyone loves to hate, wicked fairy godmother ‘Carabosse’. Tony Adams who played Adam Chance in Crossroads and Dr. Neville Bywaters in General Hospital is also returning and will join us as King Egbert the Oval.

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up trouble? Music, jokes and loads of audience participation make Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs a Christmas treat for all the family. Don’t miss this short tale that’s BIG on adventure.

Dick Whittington and His Cat

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4 Dec 2013 to 11 Jan 2014 Playhouse, Salisbury Box Office: 01722 320333 Dick Whittington and His Cat is packed with catchy songs, colourful sets and costumes, plenty of audience participation and loads of laughs. It’s the perfect family entertainment this Christmas.

The cast includes Kieran Buckeridge as Mrs Whittington, who had audiences in sticthes as Nurse Nanny in Sleeping Beauty last year.

The Nutcracker

5 Dec 2013 to 12 Jan 2014 The Nuffield, Southampton Box Office: 023 8067 1771 No children’s season would be complete without a classic family Christmas show and this year is no disappointment: Based on the original tale by E.T.A Hoffman, this family play is a feast of colour, song and fantasy. Without a sugar plum fairy in sight, this darkly magical story is the ultimate Christmas show!

Aladdin

12 Dec 2013 to 5 Jan 2014 The Anvil, Basingstoke Box Office: 01256 844244 Starring Colin Baker (Doctor Who, I'm a Celebrity) as Abanazer, Derek Moran (Channel 5's Milkshake) as Wishee Washee and Ian Good as Widow Twankey.

Robin Hood

8 Jan to 24 Jan 2014 Plaza, Romsey For tickets see: www.plazatheatre.com Their annual traditional family pantomime - directed by its (published) author!

Editors note: Tickets not on sale at time of going to print.

Pinocchio

12 Dec to 24 Dec 2013 Berry Theatre, Hedge End Box Office: 01489 799499 Adapted

by Toby Huls.

A new adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s much-loved tale – this story of a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy is packed with magical characters, cartwheels, circus antics and dollops of fun for all the family.

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The Little Match Girl

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19 Dec to 24 Dec 2013 The Point, Eastleigh Box Office: 023 8065 2333 Presented by The Point Youth Theatre.

Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen This Christmas, deep in the frozen forests of Denmark, in the midst of the swirling snowflakes, comes a story rich with the power of imagination.

“Oh no, it isn’t.”

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HEALTH

Fighting the Flu and Combating Colds Your throat is sore, you can’t breathe through your nose and the only thing you want to do is watch TV all day under a duvet.

But is it a cold or the flu?

It can be difficult to tell them apart. Both can cause runny or blocked noses, sore throats and coughs. But there are some differences.

A cold: • Symptoms come on gradually • You feel worse on days 1-2, and usually better in a week • It doesn’t often cause a temperature; if it does, it will usually be brief and mild (not above 38°C) • Your nose tends to be painful, irritated and red • You will feel unwell, but not overwhelmingly tired or incapable of doing anything • Sometimes you may also suffer from eye irritation, ear pressure or earache, mild headache and mild muscle pain.

The flu: • Symptoms come on very rapidly • You usually feel worse 2 or 3 days in, rather than at the start, but improve after 5 or 6 days • You may have a high temperature - 38°C or above which comes on suddenly and 10

• •

• •

By Alison Runham

can make you sweat, or give you ‘the chills’ Your cough tends to be dry and chesty, and can be severe Headaches are very common; muscles and joints may ache badly You may develop diarrhoea You may have difficulty sleeping, although you feel very tired and only want to lie down.

Whichever is the culprit, both are highly contagious infections caused by viruses and there are only two ways to combat them: 1) avoid contact with them 2) boost your immune system to fight them off and reduce symptoms.

Avoiding Contact Think how many surfaces you touch; door handles, stair rails, taps, keypads when we enter our PIN. Now consider how many people have touched them before you.

• Clean high-contact surfaces regularly and thoroughly; don’t forget telephones and door handles • Clean your hands regularly and thoroughly, especially after touching your nose or mouth • Don’t share cutlery or cups • Cold and flu sufferers need their own hand towel or disposable paper towels • Make sure they have tissues close by too. Coughing or

sneezing into a tissue (and throwing it away immediately) prevents virus-laden droplets escaping into the air.

Boosting your immune system If you have a medical condition which can make flu more serious, or are over 65, pregnant or a carer, you should be offered the flu vaccine every autumn. Whilst it won’t guarantee that you won’t develop flu (new strains often appear), the chances are greatly reduced.

There are also many foods and supplements that claim to help.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): There is no evidence that it prevents colds; but a regular daily dose may reduce how long your infection lasts and the severity of your symptoms.

Zinc: Zinc appears to lessen symptoms and speed up recovery, if taken from the start; it’s not clear how as yet, but it may prevent formation of proteins that allow cold viruses to reproduce.

Sources: wheat germ, eggs, seafood.

Garlic: Ingesting garlic regularly seems to boost your immune system, but only one study has shown it prevents a cold or flu; once you’re infected, there’s no proof garlic helps. Leave for 20 minutes after peeling and chopping to activate its immune boosting enzymes.

Echinacea: A variety of preparations have been trialled with differing results. Some trials show that Echinacea takers are 30% less likely to develop a cold but there’s little evidence it helps once you’re ill.

Glutathione and bioflavonoid: These help to maintain a healthy immune system, although there’s no cold or flu fighting evidence yet. Glutathione sources: watermelon, broccoli, cabbage.

Bioflavonoid sources: cherries, green peppers, red onions.

Selenium: Low levels of selenium have been linked to developing more severe flu, so maintain healthy levels. Sources: fish, nuts, mushrooms.

Saline (salt water): Saline drops and sprays can reduce congestion and remove virus and bacteria particles.

Chicken Soup: Chicken has anti-inflammatory properties, so

Do I need to see my GP?

it really can help, and you can add other immunity-boosting ingredients too.

Hot Toddy: Hot drinks with honey, lemon and a small measure of whisky can ease congestion, soothe the throat and help you sleep. Remember however that too much alcohol affects immunity.

Cold and Flu Myths • The flu jab gives you flu False. Inactive viruses are used in the vaccine, but you may have a temperature and ache for a short time afterwards.

• Being cold or wet gives you a cold/flu False. But if you’re already carrying a virus, it might allow it to develop.

Usually, over the counter painkillers and decongestants plus plenty of rest and fluids will be all you need, and steam inhalation can ease congestion.

But do see your GP if: • Your symptoms last more than a week, or become much worse: very high temperature, severe headache, shortness of breath, coughing up blood or chest pain • You develop symptoms not typical of flu, such as a rash • You have a medical condition that is making your flu worse.

• Antibiotics cure colds and flu False. Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses.

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n13) 16/08/2013 18:55 Page 30

The Mayflower Theatre are giving away a family ticket (for 4 seats) for Robinson Crusoe on Weds 8 January 7.00pm. (see page 9 for more details of the show).

All you need to do is to send your name, address and phone number to editorial@discovermagazines.co.uk It’s that easy so send in your details now.

The closing date for the competition is the 15th December, and the winner will be chosen at random from the entries.

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The Mayflower Theatre

The Snowman

BOX OFFICE: 023 8067 1771 the snowman Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 January 2014 Suitable for children aged four and upwards.

Sparkling with charm and wit, The Snowman tells the magical story of a young boy’s adventures when his snowman comes miraculously to life on Christmas Eve. A glittering host of international snowmen and snowwomen are joined onstage by an array of colourful characters including dancing penguins, magical reindeer, a beautiful snow princess and her abominable beau Jack Frost and of course, Father Christmas himself. With its joyful combination of classic storytelling, music and dance, The Snowman is an enchanting treat for all the family.

‘This is sheer theatrical magic. Go see The Snowman and melt.’ The Times

Box Office: 02380 711811 The Birmingham Repertory Theatre production of The Snowman. The live stage show based on Raymond Briggs’. The Snowman. Music and lyrics

by Howard Blake

Christmas 1. Who played the title character in The Runaway Bride, the 2006 Doctor Who Christmas special?

2. Which “Santa” is the capital city of Tenerife?

3. In the song The Twelve Days Of Christmas, what is the first gift mentioned that involves humans?

4. In sport, what type of races are started using an electronic device known as a Christmas Tree because of all its coloured lights?

5. In 2004, Janette Tough was injured in a fall while performing in the pantomime Jack And The Beanstalk. What is her one word catchphrase?

6. According to the lyrics of the song Frosty The Snowman, what part of Frosty’s face was made from a button or buttons? His eyes, his nose or his mouth?

7. Over a number of years, who received a 50 pence piece, a toothpick and a tissue as Christmas presents from Mr and Mrs Dursley?

8. True or False... Tinsel was originally made from shreds of tin?

9. Where in London did Elisabeth Beresford take her children for a walk one Boxing Day when one of them pronounced the name of this place wrong, giving her the inspiration for a group of fictional characters?

10. In the film Gremlins, Randall Peltzer buys a Mogwai as a Christmas present for his son. What three rules is he told to abide by when looking after it?

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15

LIFE BEGINS

What kind of Christmas Shopper are you?

By Kate McLellan

It’s that time of year again: the month when you start making lists of the Christmas presents you need to buy for your nearest and dearest.

We all approach Christmas shopping in a different way but some of us display a more creative edge than others when shopping for that perfect gift.

See if you can spot the shopping technique that most resembles yours in the list below: 1. The Very, Very Early Bird You are the shopper who can be found cramming your basket full of cut-price wrapping paper, Christmas cards and toiletry gift sets in the January sales. No matter that those beautifully boxed hot toddy mixing kits failed to interest shoppers in the pre-Christmas rush. Now they’re reduced to half price you can think of at least three relatives who would just LOVE to receive them next Christmas.

Well done, Very Early Bird. You might save yourself a good deal of money, but will you remember where you’ve hidden all those 16

cut-price goodies by next December?

2. The Last Minute Man You are the antithesis of the Very Early Bird: someone who just can’t find the motivation to buy presents until three hours before the shops are due to close on Christmas Eve. Then you dash round the streets with a look of sheer panic on your face, desperately hoping that the items on your list are not out of stock.

If you shop online, then it’s likely that you delay your search until the day when the free delivery option is no longer available and end up spending as much on postage as you do on the presents themselves.

Come on, Last Minute Shopper – you know you can do better, but deep inside you crave the adrenaline rush that comes from holding back till the very last moment.

3.The Smugly Organised Shopper It’s mid September and not only have you already compiled your gift list, you’ve probably placed your first online order, for that ‘must-have’ new gadget that will

be all the rage this Christmas.

By the 1st December all your presents will be immaculately wrapped, labelled and stored in boxes under the bed. Similarly your Christmas food shopping will be a breeze, as you already have most of the things you will need, stored away in your cupboard or freezer.

Organised Shopper, you are the envy of all your chaotically disorganised peers. But watch out - are you ready to face the bitter resentment of friends who shopped too late to get that ‘must-have’ gadget?

4. The Wishlister Do you remember the “Good Old Days” when Christmas presents were a surprise? Of course, some of them might not have been such a good surprise (especially Auntie Beryl’s knitted tank tops) but the mystery surrounding Christmas gifts led to a wellintentioned, communal impulse to pretend everything was lovely on the day: “Oooh, a hot water bottle cover - just what I needed!”

Nowadays the element of surprise is completely missing, and all

recipients seem to do is mentally tick off gifts that, three months earlier, they entered on their Amazon wishlist. This habit leads to lazy present buying: there’s no need to spend time thinking about what your nearest and dearest would like when all you need to do is follow an on-screen link and click a button.

Dear Wishlister, while we understand your desire to buy something your friend or relative really wants, we’d like to see you use a little more imagination and effort this Christmas.

5. The Crafty Maker You’ve been watching too many Kirstie Allsopp shows on TV and you now believe that the way to show real love at Christmas is to give friends and family a gift that you have made yourself.

You’ve already made your own Christmas bunting and tree decorations. You’ve knitted a festive cushion for the cat’s basket and hung a wreath made out of recycled yoghourt pots on the front door. Now you are preparing to stay up until midnight each night, stitching felt animals and painting small items of second hand furniture with Farrow and Ball tester pots.

suggest that they would have preferred the latest video game.

Do you recognise yourself in any of these descriptions? If so, don’t panic. It would be a very dull world if we all shopped and celebrated in the same way.

I know, Crafty Maker: you can’t wait for the look of surprise on your family’s faces when they open their presents to find something that you have carefully crafted out of papier mache and driftwood, but please don’t be disappointed if their wan smiles of appreciation

Christmas a unique time of the year when the effort we make for family and friends is allimportant. However you approach your Christmas shopping, it’s always the thought that counts.

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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.

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

21

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20

The Blind Business

Made to Measure Window Blinds, Curtains & Awnings

A local company since 1989

VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM & SEE OUR LARGE SELECTION OF BLINDS AND DISPLAYS, INCLUDING OUR NEW RANGE OF CURTAIN FABRICS AND POLES FREE - NO OBLIGATION MEASURE AND QUOTE SERVICE TELEPHONE 01489 782044

THE BLIND BUSINESS, Hillier Garden Centre, Woodhouse Lane, Botley SO30 2EZ www.theblindbusiness.co.uk

What’s on at The Brook DECEMBER Wed 4

SAS Band

Thur 5 SAS Band - SOLD OUT Fri 6

Hawkwind

Sat 7

United Eagles

Sun 08 The Hoax Mon 9

Mostly Autumn

Wed 11 Alabama 3 Thur12 Dyln Project Fri 13

Jean Genie

Sat 14 T.Rexmas with T.Rextasy Sun 15 Elio Pace’s Big Night Out Wed 18 Glenn Tilbrook Thur 19 Delays Fri 20

Legend

Sat 21 Bon Jovi Experience Tues 24 Silver Beatles Xmas Extravaganza Tues 31 New Years Eve with Rufus Stone

BOX OFFICE: 023 8055 5366

21

HAMPSHIRE WALKS

Through the Woods at Ampfield This walk is suitable for walking or off-road cycling. If you are cycling however be aware that there are quite a few gates to go through and a steep hill.

The paths do become very muddy in winter although if the weather is near or below freezing it will be fine. If you are walking you would be advised to take a change of shoes with you for the car journey home.

You can start from (and possibly finishing at!) the Potters Heron Hotel. You can park on the road near the off road start of the walk (on Knapp Lane or Claypit Road), but this is a residential area so if you do decide to do that, please be considerate of the residents.

With the hotel on your left walk along the main road as if heading towards Romsey. Approximately half a mile along there is a right turn into Claypit Rd or if you miss that turning Knapp Lane just at Ampfield School is fine too. At the end of Claypit Rd turn right onto Knapp Lane and go right to the end until you see a small no entry sign. On your left you will now see a five bar gate and a Forestry Commission sign which is the start of your walk.

Walk round the gate and head straight up the path.

22

You will come to a junction on the path where you can either turn left or walk straight ahead. Keep going straight ahead. After a couple of miles you will come out onto a country road called Dores Lane onto which you turn left.

On your left you will see two very large country homes. After around quarter of a mile – just after the land belonging to the country homes – look for a gate on the left with a bridleway sign.

Take the path back into the forest.

Keep going on the path until you reach a gate where you can see a large field on the other side. Turn right and then almost immediately left along the field boundary.

Follow the path for some distance further on until you come to another five bar gate. There is

a left and right option but don’t take either of these, but instead go across on the diagonal and follow the path round to the right.

At the next crossroads straight across.

When you reach a gate where there is another field, just look slightly to the left across the field and you’ll see another five bar gate. Head over to this and after the gate you’ll walk up a hill.

When you go through another gate and there are a couple of cottages, just follow the road ahead and you’ll eventually arrive at the main A3090 road.

Turn left, walk past Hillier House on the main road, and eventually you’ll arrive back at The Potters Heron.

The total walk will be approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

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23

SHORT STORY

The Perfect Gift Craig had never been in a long term relationship before. If he’d known way back in October when he first started seeing Tansy that she would still be around in December, he might have planned things better.

saving up to buy a particular pair of football boots. Craig realised he faced the first big test of his relationship: which to choose - the boots, which he loved, or Tansy, whom he rather liked.

To her credit Tansy had shown no signs over the last few weeks of either being annoying or being annoyed with him. Not only did she laugh at his jokes, she never complained when he played computer games all evening, and would even turn up on the frostiest of Sunday mornings to watch him play football. Craig didn’t like to jinx it but thought it was all going extraordinarily well.

A Saturday spent Christmas shopping in town was no fun for even the most committed boyfriend. The shops were crowded and hot, but Craig came prepared. He congratulated himself for subtly asking Tansy what she might like for Christmas, and was very pleased with her for hinting that she might like a new bag to go with her Christmas party outfit.

That was until the other day when, over the phone, Tansy dropped a bombshell. Her exact words were:

Initially Craig believed that buying a bag could not be difficult, but after almost an hour trawling the department store, his confidence waned. He discovered that bags came in many sizes, colours and prices, and he realised that all he really knew about lady’s bags was that, according to his Gran, you were never supposed to look inside them. He regretted not paying more attention to Tansy’s taste in bags.

“Do you mind if we give the cinema a miss tonight? I’m saving up to buy you something special for Christmas”.

Three thoughts struck Craig as he hung up – the first was that Tansy still expected to be his girlfriend at Christmas and that was two whole weeks away, the second was that he had a bonus night off from boyfriend duty, and thirdly that if he hoped to still be seeing Tansy on Boxing Day he would also have to buy her a present, and he hadn’t budgeted for that.

Not that Craig didn’t have any money. Recently he had been 24

In need of a break from all those bags, Craig headed to the Sports department. Here it was less crowded and the air-conditioning was welcoming. Across the room on a Perspex plinth he saw his dream football boots beckoning; they were truly an object of

beauty and Craig experienced a bittersweet ache. Underneath the stand he noticed a sign which read ‘Free bag with every purchase’.

Free bag? Craig’s mouth went dry.

Beside the sign was a black fabric drawstring bag, of the type he used to keep his school swimming kit in. Black, he remembered his Gran saying, goes with everything; could it go with Tansy’s Christmas party outfit? It was a good size, she could easily fit her purse and even her swimming kit in it. It was waterproof, which was also a bonus. He wondered if she would mind that it said ‘I Love Sport’ in red writing on it? Red was a very festive colour, and, he reasoned, she could always turn it inside out if she didn’t like that detail.

Half an hour later, a triumphant Craig boarded the bus home carrying his brand new boots in Tansy’s bag. This Christmas, he thought, was going to be the best Christmas ever.

By Jackie Brewster

HIDATO

Puzzle Page

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

Some numbers are already given.

Christmas Pictograms

PICTOGRAMS

2 words 25th 25th 25th 25th

December December December December

2011 2012 2013 2014

31

1 word

28

34

TASBRUNOTE

4 7

25

6 19

9 2 words

10

TERRY PRATCHETT MICK JAGGER ELTON JOHN TIM BERNERS-LEE BRUCE FORSYTH CLIFF RICHARD IAN MCKELLEN FRANCIS DRAKE PAUL MCCARTNEY ALF RAMSAY CHRIS HOY IAN BOTHAM

21

1 13

GeneRAl KnOwleDGe CROSSwORD Across 1. First James Bond film (2,2) 4. Cartoon character who eats spinach (6) 8. Pensive lyrical piece of music (8) 9. Gelling agent (4) 10. Former name of the Democratic Republic of Congo (5) 11. Breed of pigeon (7) 13. Showing extreme courage (6) 15. Citrus fruit (6) 17. Sing carols (7) 19. Short prayer of thanks before a meal (5) 22. Professional charges (4) 23. One who writes the words for songs (8) 24. Puzzle formed of many pieces (6)

25. Garden of Adam and eve (4)

1

2

3

4

5

6 7

Down

8 2. Dry red table wine from Spain (5) 3. Smallest of the Great 10 lakes (7) 4. Catherine ___, Henry VIII’s sixth wife (4) 13 5. Game played with young children (4-13) 17 6. Fungi used as an agent for raising bread dough (5) 22 7. Decreasing in size or extent (6) 12. Mythical warrior whose heel was wounded by Paris (8) 14. Substance covering the crown of a tooth (6) 16. Small pouch 18.

9

11 12 14

15

18

16

19

20

21 23

24

25

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

projecting from the upper part of each atrium of the heart (7) Rice and raw fish

wrapped in seaweed (5) 20. Hindu social class (5) 21. Organised group of workmen (4)

Answers on p29

25

LOCAL WHAT’S ON

THE SWAN QUEEN’S BALL – CHRISTMAS AT MOTTISFONT 30 Nov – 5 Jan Near Romsey, SO51 0LP Come on a magical journey as you prepare for the Swan Queen’s ball, through a winter wonderland of beautiful trees, decorated rooms and stunning evening gowns from Talons & Tiaras. Contact 01794 334 020 or mottisfontabbey@nationaltrust. org.uk CREATIVE POP-UP CARDS, 4 YRS+ 1 Dec, 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 3.30pm.

SeaCity Museum, SO14 7FY Get into the Christmas spirit with a magical story followed by creating a fantastical snowy themed card with paper artist Elod Beregszaszi inspired by The First Cut exhibition. £3. Pre-book on 023 8083 4536 or visit www. seacitymuseum.co.uk.

SWANWICK LAKES WILDLIFE TOTS – ONE SNOWY NIGHT 3 Dec, 10.30am – 12pm and 1pm – 2.30pm Sopwith Way, SO31 7AY Stories and activites for preschool children. Percy the Park Keeper discovers that animals need more than food to survive the winter. Bring outdoor clothing and wellies. Booking 26

essential on 01489 570240 or SwanwickLakes@hwt.org.uk.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Suggested £3 donation per child.

CHRISTMAS TREES AND MUSIC FESTIVAL 6 Dec, 2pm-8pm. 7 Dec, 10am8pm. 8 Dec, 2pm-5pm St James Road Methodist Church, Shirley SO15 5HE Come along and share in the wonder of Christmas with 27 individually decorated trees to view, music throughout, refreshments and gifts. Free entry.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE 7 Dec, 11am – 3pm The d.@rt centre, Wildern School, Wildern Lane, SO30 4EJ Craft fair featuring hand made goods by local artists and craftspeople. Stalls will include fused glass, jewellery, knitted gifts, papercraft, gift cards and more. Refreshments available from the Fairtrade coffee shop.

Free entry. Visit www.thedart. co.uk for more details.

CANDLELIT CAROL CONCERT 7 Dec, 7.00pm Royal Victoria Country Park, SO31 5DQ Enjoy a traditional Christmas Carol Concert performed by local artists and sing along to your favourites, followed by mince pies and sherry. All proceeds to ‘Friends of Royal Victoria Country Park’. Tickets £5 adults, £3.50 children available on 023 8045 5157.

D@RT’S CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Sat 7 Dec, 11-3pm Featuring hand-made goods by local artists and craftspeople.

Free entry. Wildern School, Wildern Lane, Hedge End.

TOP OF THE TREE: 4 – 11 YRS 7 Dec 10.30am – 12pm and 1.303pm Tudor House and Garden, Bugle Street, SO14 2AD Create an amazing angel to sit at the top of your Christmas tree. Using wire, tissue paper and lots of glitter this sculpture workshop will really get you into the festive spirit. £5. Pre-book on 023 8083 4536. Visit www. tudorhouseandgarden.com for more information.

CHRISTMAS CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR – WINCHESTER 7, 14, 17 Dec, 2.30pm Departing from the City Museum, The Square, SO23 9ES Join an official city guide for a stroll around Winchester’s decorated streets and enjoy a city highlights tour with a seasonal flavour. Adults only, £4.50.

Contact 01962 840 500 CHRISTMAS TRAIL Weekends of 7/8, 14/15 and 21/22 Dec, anytime between 10.30am – 3.30pm Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, SO30 3HQ Come along and take part in our Christmas Trail and win a prize. £1.75 per trail pack. Contact 023 8068 8444.

CHRISTMAS MARKET AND FESTIVITIES WEEKEND 7 – 8 Dec, 10am – 5pm Manor Farm Country Park, Pylands Lane, SO31 1BH Browse a selection of local craft and produce stalls while enjoying a host of music and festive entertainment at this fabulous family weekend. Children can visit Father Christmas in the stable or try the carousel ride.

Mulled wine and mince pies in the Victorian farmhouse. Carol singing on Sunday and a carol service in St Bartholomew’s church at 3pm. Normal

admission charges apply plus additional charges for some activities. Contact 01489 787055.

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT TUDOR HOUSE 8 Dec, 10am – 5pm Tudor House Museum and Garden, Bugle Street, SO14 2AD Deck the halls with boughs of holly and visit Tudor House for free! Travel back in time this Christmas; meet Father Christmas, be inspired by gifts at the craft fair and make a festive gift box. £ Tel: 023 8083 4242.

EASTLEIGH TOY AND TRAIN COLLECTORS FAIR 8 Dec, 10.30am – 2.30pm Eastleigh Leisure Centre, Fleming Park, Passfield Ave, SO50 9NL Up to 70 tables of diecast, railway, books and more. Bring unwanted diecast or railway items to trade or sell with dealers. £2.50 entry, under 18s free.

Free parking and refreshments available.

Contact 01380 725322 for further details.

THE BERRY THEATRE PRESENTS PINOCCHIO 12 – 24 Dec, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm depending on day The Berry Theatre, Wildern Lane, SO30 4EJ This Christmas enter a world of temptation. This story of a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy is packed with magical characters, cartwheels, circus antics and dollops of fun for all the family. Prices: £11 / £9 concession.

Contact 01489 799 499.

THE YOUNG ONES 14 Dec 10.30am – 12.30pm Southampton City Art Gallery, Civic Centre Join artist Jo Bressloff to explore different types of art from sculpture to printmaking.

Experiment with a range of different materials, and take home a masterpiece. Please note October’s session will be held in the gallery. £6.50. Pre-book on 023 8083 3007.

CLOCK TOUR TOURS – SEACITY MUSEUM 14 Dec, 10 – 11am, 11am – 12pm SeaCity Museum, Havelock Road, SO14 7FY View Southampton from a different perspective.

Participants must wear closedtoed shoes, be aged 12 years or over and physically fit to climb over 200 steps. £6, £5.50 conc.

(Museum entrance fee applies).

(B) 023 8083 4536.

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL AND SANTA WEEKEND SPECIAL 14 Dec, 11am – 4pm Royal Victoria Country Park, SO31 5DQ A special weekend of fun and activities to compliment the Tree Festival. Includes Santa’s Grotto (£5) and children’s activities.

Normal parking charges apply.

Contact 023 8045 5157 for details.

PAPER CUTTING – WINTER LANDSCAPE 14 Dec, 11am – 2pm SeaCity Museum, SO14 7FY Join artist Holly Deacon to create a wonderful cut-out winter wonderland using paper and scalpels.

All materials provided. £10. For

age 13 + 023 8083 4536 or visit http://www.seacitymuseum. co.uk/ YULETIDE YARNS 14 Dec, 10.30am – 12pm and 1pm – 2.30pm Sopwith Way, SO31 7AY A session of seasonal stories, crafts and games. Please bring warm coats and wellies. Booking essential on 01489 570240 or SwanwickLakes@hwt.org.uk.

Suggested donation £3 per child.

WINTER CRAFTS – FOREST SKILLS 14 Dec, 11am – 1pm Roundhouse, Woodmill Activity Centre, Riverside Park, SO18 2JR A wildlife watch event for five to fifteen year olds. Contact southamptonwatch@hotmail. co.uk for more info.

WOOLSTON CHRISTMAS FAIR 14 Dec, 5 – 9pm Victoria Road, SO19 9DX A truly magical experience for children and adults.The festival will open with a lantern parade along Victoria Road to switch on the lights on the Tree of Light. Santa will be in his grotto and there will also be a traction engine, fairground rides, balloons and face painting, plus mulled wine, mulled cider, hog roast, Indian Food, soup and food outlets galore. Plus stalls showcasing local traders and music with the Southampton Choir and the Salvation Army band.

GET YOUR SKATES ON! 14 – 22 Dec, midday-8pm Do a twirl on Royal Victoria Country Park’s new covered ice rink.

Price: £7 per adult, £5 per child for a 1 hour session. Discounts available for schools and groups.

To Book: 023 8060 5101.

27

ADVERTISER’S 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.

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Puzzle Answers

uy Local . . .

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It generates new business, raises their local profile, drives people to their website

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For a Media Pack call 023 8026 6388 or get an instant quote online www.discoveradvertising.co.uk. We’re open 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and during the weekends.

General Knowledge Crossword Across: 1 Dr No, 4 Popeye, 8 Nocturne, 9 Agar, 10 Zaire, 11 Fantail, 13 Heroic, 15 Orange, 17 Wassail, 19 Grace, 22 Fees, 23 Lyricist, 24 Jigsaw, 25 Eden.

Down: 2 Rioja, 3 Ontario, 4 Parr, 5 Peek-a-boo, 6 Yeast, 7 Waning, 12 Achilles, 14 Enamel, 16 Auricle, 18 Sushi, 20 Caste, 21 Crew.

Fun Quiz - Christmas 1. Catherine Tate, 2. Santa Cruz, 3. (Eight) maids-a-milking, 4. Drag races, 5. Fandabidozi (she performs as Wee Jimmy Krankie, and along with her husband, they are the Krankies), 6. His nose (“with a corncob pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal”), 7. Harry Potter, 8. False (it was originally made from silver), 9. Wimbledon Common (accept Wimbledon - the mispronunciation gave her the inspiration for The Wombles), 10. Don’t expose it to bright light, don’t get it wet, don’t feed it after midnight.

Pictograms 1. Christmas Present, 2. Frankincense, 3. Twelfth Night

Hidato

*Regular Rate

29

RECIPE

Lebkuchen

Yum! Makes 65

This richly spiced traditional German festive biscuit provides a grown up alternative to gingerbread. Slathered in rich dark chocolate and studded with sweet cherries, these are chewy and sweet, with a spicy kick. Perfect with a cup of strong black coffee.

You will need...

now get started...

•

100g ground hazelnuts

1

•

70g almond flour

Preheat the oven to 170 degrees. Prepare all dry ingredients and sift together in a large bowl until combined.

•

350g plain flour

2

•

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

In a separate bowl, combine honey, sugar and butter, and beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add one egg at a time to the mixture and beat until well mixed.

•

2 teaspoons cinnamon

3

•

2 teaspoons nutmeg

Gently fold in the sugar mixture into the dry ingredients.

The mixture will be sticky and dense.

•

1 teaspoon mixed spice

4

•

3 teaspoons ground ginger

Add glacé cherries into the lebkuchen mixture until evenly distributed.

•

� teaspoon salt

5

•

� teaspoon baking powder

Prepare a large tray with greaseproof paper. Place heaped teaspoon sized portions across the tray, with plenty of space around them.

•

� teaspoon baking soda

6

•

150g dark brown sugar

•

225ml clear honey

Bake for 10-12 minutes. The biscuits will rise and be firm to touch, with a little softness to pressure. Remove and allow to cool overnight.

•

50g butter

7

•

3 medium sized eggs

•

200g glacé cherries

Once cooled, you can now dip them in chocolate. Prepare the chocolate coating by crumbling 300g of dark chocolate in a large bowl, over hot water. Stir until the chocolate is evenly melted, and of a smooth, glossy consistency.

•

300g dark cooking chocolate

8

Dip each biscuit into the chocolate mixture.

You can either dip the front surface only, coat half a biscuit, or submerge the entire thing!

(You may need more chocolate to do this for the entire batch.)

9

Place dipped biscuits on a tray and allow to cool and harden. Can be stored in an airtight container.

tiP These can be kept uncoated for up to a month in an airtight container, so are ideal to make ahead of the festive rush, to be dipped in chocolate later on.

30

Useful Numbers and Local Information

For more visit www.discovercommunity.co.uk

Transport Solent Blue Line Buses Bluestar Buses Hospital Taxi National Rail Helpline Uni-Link First Bus

Schools

023 8061 8233 023 8061 8233 0845 602 4135 0845 748 4950 023 8059 5974 0238 0224 854

medical services NHS Direct NHS Blood Service Hampshire Dental Helpline Bitterne Health Centre Bitterne Park Surgery Southampton General Royal Winchester County Royal South Hants Princess Anne

0845 4647 0845 7711711 0845 0508345 023 8042 6400 023 8067 6809 023 8077 7222 01962 863535 023 8063 4288 023 8077 7222

local councils Southampton City Hampshire County Eastleigh Council

023 8022 3855 01962 841841 023 8068 8000

civiC services Household Waste, SCC Hants Constabulary Southampton Planning Trading Standards DVLA

0800 5191919 0845 045 45 45 023 803 2603 01962 833620 0870 2400009

your local mp For Southampton Itchen including Bargate,Bitterne, Bitterne Park, Harefield, Peartree,Sholing, Woolston and parts of Bevois and Swaythling.

John Denham (L) 023 8033 9807 john@johndenham.org.uk

MISCELLANEOUS www.bitternepark.info Bitterne Leisure Centre Chamberlayne Leisure Ctr Woodmill Canoe Centre Southampton City Golf Crse St Marys Leisure Centre INFANT SCHOOLS

023 023 023 023 023

8043 8043 8091 8076 8022

7647 7668 5746 0546 7579

Moorlands Primary Bitterne CE Bitterne Park Infant Glenfield Infant Townhill Infant

023 023 023 023 023

8046 8043 8055 8022 8047

4404 4381 4260 7966 4835

PRIMARY SCHOOLS Bitterne Manor Mansbridge Primary Harefield Moorlands St Denys Primary

023 023 023 023 023

8022 8055 8046 8046 8055

7596 6691 3240 4404 6982

JuNIOR SCHOOLS Beechwood Bitterne CE Bitterne Park Townhill

023 023 023 023

8022 8049 8055 8047

7692 9494 4541 3611

SECONDARY SCHOOLS Bitterne Park Woodlands Comm. College

023 8032 5200 023 8046 3303

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS All dates taken from www3.hants.gov.uk/ education/schools/schoolholidays Autumn term starts 3 September Half term: 28 October - 1 November End of term: 20 December 2014 Spring term starts Half term: End of term: Summer term starts Half term: End of term: Autumn term starts Half term: End of term:

6 January 17-21 February 4 April 22 April 26-30 May 22 July 2 September 27-31 October 19 December

emergency numbers Gas Emergencies Southern Water Hampshire Fire & Rescue British Transport Police Childline Crimestoppers Samaritans Electric Power Cuts Floodline Domestic Violence Police Non Emergency

0800 111 999 023 8066 7929 023 8064 4000 0800 40 50 40 0800 11 11 0800 555 111 08457 90 90 90 023 8066 7929 0845 988 1188 0808 2000 247 101

31

WARNING WARNING YOU YOU MAY MAY NEED NEED TOTO SITSIT DOWN DOWN

www.nicemoves.co.uk www.nicemoves.co.uk

3 3