Discover Fareham December 2013 by Tania Houston

Fareham Edition including Titchfield and Stubbington

December 2013

Last Christmas Posting Dates p25 Hampshire Walks p22 Fighting the Flu p10 Short Story p29 Puzzles p35 Recipe p34 What’s On p32 Advertisers Index p38

It’s Panto Season See what’s on p20

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

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If you could deliver a community magazine to your local area on a regular basis ...WE WANT YOU! Good Rates & Flexible Hours

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Please leave your name, address, phone number and email.

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or Call 023 8026 6388

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 find out more. 2012 was the second wettest sh l Sarisbury

Edition inc Warsa

ick l Whiteley

Green l Swanw

December 2013

DIRECTORIES

Locks Heath

Win a Family

Ticket to Ferneham Hall’s Jack & the Beanstalk see page 27 p25 Posting Dates Last Christmas p22 Hampshire Walks Flu p10 Fighting the Short Story p29 Puzzles p35 Recipe p34 What’s On p32 p38 Advertisers Index

son nto Sea It’s Pa p20 See what’s on Live Local...

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Discover Magazines Distribution - Discover Magazines are published as 10 local editions including one for Locks Heath and one for Fareham also reaching the communities of Warsash, Park Gate, Titchfield, Whiteley, Swanwick, Burridge and parts of Stubbington. Over two months 29,000 homes will receive a copy delivered through their door by our own team of distributors. 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 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

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 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

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. Melanie learnt the hard way when her dog impaled himself on a thin and sharp stick which she’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.

Tania

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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The next issue - diary dates Editorial copy deadline: 14 December Advertisement copy deadline: 17 December Distributed: w/c 6 January 2014

Melanie Tinson & Tania Houston

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A Christmas Wreath By Katherine Sorrell

You know that Christmas is coming when you hang a festive wreath on your front door, says Katherine Sorrell Christmas is undoubtedly a time of traditions: perhaps midnight mass, roast turkey and the Queen’s Speech, followed by a snooze in front of the TV and a few board games. But some traditions are older than others. The custom of making wreaths goes all the way back to ancient Greece. It was here that wearing a laurel wreath came to represent status, achievement and victory. For the Romans, it was the supreme ruler who wore a wreath embellished with gold and jewels. Meanwhile, in Celtic Germany and Scandinavia, wreaths were employed for a different purpose: sun worship. In the long, dark days of winter people prayed for the onset of spring, and to give extra power to their prayers they used a wreath, hung from the roof or placed on an altar or a table. The wreath was woven with evergreens, a symbol of everlasting life, and decorated with candles, which represented the light of the sun. As Christianity spread through Europe, the pagan evergreen wreath was reinterpreted. Its circular shape stood for God’s 6

eternity, the immortality of the soul and the everlasting life found in Christ. Evergreens, as before, symbolised eternal life, while holly represented the crown of thorns. It is possible that using a wreath to count down the four weeks of advent became a Christian custom in 16th century Germany, and it is likely that the modern advent wreath was invented by a German pastor called Johann Hinrich Wichern. Asked by the children at his mission school how long it was until Christmas, Wichern took an old cartwheel and stuck 19 small candles into it as well as four large candles, then lit one small candle each weekday and one

large candle every Sunday until Christmas arrived. Christmas wreaths are still a powerful symbol of celebration. For some families, Christmas starts with the making of a natural wreath using leaves, flowers and seed heads from the garden; for others, tinsel, glitter or ribbon provide a chance to experiment. But Christmas wreaths don’t have to be home-made: there are endless varieties of readymade styles, from traditional to modern, large or tiny, simple or extravagant. Whatever their style and wherever you display them, wreaths are a decorative essential for the Christmas season.

How to make your own Christmas wreath 1. If you don’t want to buy a readymade base, you can easily make your own. Either shape a wire coat hanger into a circle (keeping the hook for hanging) or use bundles of twiggy growth from your garden (willow or honeysuckle vine work well) bound firmly with garden string, raffia, florist wire or climber stems. 2. Attach evergreen sprigs such as conifer, holly, laurel or ivy. Bind them at the bottom, then overlap the next sprig or group of sprigs in

the same direction. Keep going until the base is completely covered. 3. Finish as you like, choosing from a variety of interesting decorations, such as fresh, dried or artificial flowers, ribbons, berries, raffia, moss, fir cones, seed heads, nuts, dried fruit, poppy heads, tinsel, glitter, baubles, sweets, feathers, buttons and beads. 4. Attach a strong loop of wire or string and hang where you wish, or simply prop your wreath on a shelf or mantelpiece.

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LIFE LIST

School Nativity

Grandparenthood gives you the opportunity to experience things a second time around, only with a more relaxed attitude. Take, for example, the traditional festive fare of the school nativity. It all seems so familiar - the little stage, the squeaky curtains and the delightfully squeaky children. Even so, be on your guard. Technology and society in general may have moved on, but some thoughts shouldn’t be voiced: Don’t mind me filming like this, everyone. It’s all above board - I can show you my DBS certificate. The wardrobe department has done a brilliant job with Mary. She actually looks pregnant. Oh, I see...slow metabolism. That is one ugly angel. I don’t recall there being a singing palm tree in the King James’s Bible version. Or a set of dancing lions. A girl dressed up as a Wise Man? Now that’s just political correctness gone mad. Frankly, their acting is as wooden as the crib. It’s a ‘no’ from me. I wonder if they could speed it up a bit? Only I wanted to get home in time for Corrie. I must say I was surprised to see King Herod being tried for war crimes, especially with a show of hands from the audience for the final verdict. Overall, it’s been a pretty balanced performance. One of the shepherds dried up completely and one of the oxen has wet himself. Hang on, have I missed something? I was busy tweeting a running commentary to the aunts and uncles.

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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

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.

Do I need to see my GP? 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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A Silent Night at Christmas Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria.

The tradition of Christmas carols hails back as far as the thirteenth century. Carols were originally communal songs sung during celebrations like harvest tide as well as Christmas. It was only later that carols were sung in church and became specifically associated with Christmas. In England, and some other countries there is a tradition of Christmas carolling (earlier known as wassailing), in which groups of singers travel from house to house, singing carols, for which they are often rewarded with money, mince pies, or a glass of an appropriate drink. The word wassail comes from a Saxon expression ‘waes hael’ meaning ‘to your health.’ The wassail bowl was very common in England at Christmas, and great fanfare and ceremony was made while drinking from it. As years went by, wassail came to mean any sort of Christmas toast. One of the most beloved Christmas carols, Silent Night, originated in the tiny village of Oberndorf in the Austrian mountains. The story goes that the day before Christmas Eve in 1818, Father Joseph Mohr, pastor of Saint Nicholas church, discovered that the church organ 12

was broken, meaning there would be no music for his midnight mass.

Its message of heavenly peace sets the theme for Christmas celebrations around the globe.

Taking a verse he had written The song was sung two years previously he travelled simultaneously in English and several miles through the snow German by troops during the to his friend Franz Gruber, a Christmas truce of 1914, as it school teacher and musician, was one of the few carols that and Gruber set it to music. At soldiers on both sides of the midnight mass, Father Mohr frontline knew. and Gruber, accompanied only by Gruber’s guitar, sang the gentle Silent night! Holy ni ght! song, “Silent All is calm, all is br ig ht Night, Holy round yon Virgin M other and Child, Night,” for the Holy infant so tende r and mild, first time. “Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!” can easily be called the world’s bestloved Christmas carol. It has been translated into nearly 300 languages and dialects and it was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in March 2011.

sleep in Heavenly pe ace! sleep in Heavenly pe ace!

Silent night! Holy ni ght! Shepherds quake at the sight; glories stream from Heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia, Christ, the Saviour, is born! Christ, the Saviour, is born!

Silent night! Holy ni ght! Son of God, Love’s pure light radiant, beams from Thy Holy face, with the dawn of re deeming grace, Jesus, Lord at Thy bi rth, Jesus, Lord at Thy bi rth.

Carol Concerts & Services 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. FAREHAM LIGHT UP A LIFE CAROL SERVICE 4 Dec, 7.30pm. St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Osborn Road, Fareham A special service with readings, music and carols to remember loved ones. All welcome. Contact 01962 843 513 or sarah.hudson@naomihouse.org.uk for more details. SUBMARINE MUSEUM CAROL CONCERT 12 Dec, 7:30pm. Royal Navy Submarine Museum, PO12 2AS Members of Portsmouth Cathedral Choir will perform traditional carols inside the magnificent John Fieldhouse overlooking HMS Alliance and views across Portsmouth Harbour. Led by Dr David Price, organist and Master of the Choristers and previously Assistant Organist of Ely Cathedral. Tickets: £10, Friends/SA £8. All profits will go towards the maintenance of HMS Alliance, which is the memorial to 5300 British submariners who have given their lives in service. 023 92545036. Call to check latest times or cancellations.

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WESSEX CANCER TRUST CAROL SERVICE 17 Dec, 7pm. St Thomas’ Cathedral, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2HH The evening will begin with Compere Tim Daykin from Radio Solent and Wessex Cancer Trust Chaplain.The singers include HMS Nelson Royal Navy Volunteer Band, Simon Long – Tenor, and Quay of Sea Voices as well as the Rock Choir. Tickets £8 per person To book go online to www. linkedupfundraising.co.uk/events or call 023 92814875 or email clare@linkedupfundraising

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SOLENT SINGERS CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT 16 Dec 7:30pm. St Mary’s Church Warsash. Proceeds will go to Ocean Ward, Paediatric Cardiac Unit, Southampton General Hospital, and The Meningitis Trust.

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FINANCE

Sneaky Ways To Save By Jasmine Birtles, Moneymagpie.com

Let’s face it, saving money is hard, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are a few ways to save money without even realising it.

you need a decent credit rating to be given this card).

yourself lose weight at the same time.

When it comes to the best cashback sites, try ECashback for instant rewards of up to 35%.

Start your own in-house Laundromat

Pay yourself first

Spend one pay rise behind

Set up a standing order from your current account to a savings account on the day after your wages are paid. That way it’s like you never had the money in the first place, so now it’s tucked away earning interest in your savings account and you won’t miss it. After a while you learn to live on less and because it’s done automatically without you having to think about it, it gradually builds up before you notice.

If you are fortunate enough to receive a pay rise, you might be tempted to increase your spending. Don’t. Instead, try and stick to the smaller budget you’re used to, and put the extra pay into your savings account. In fact, change your monthly standing order so that all of the money diverts into your savings before you even think about the raise.

Get cash back If you use a cashback credit card or do your shopping through cashback websites, make sure that you put it straight in your savings account. If you don’t do either of these things you should start straight away. The best cashback credit card at the moment is the American Express Platinum Cashback card (bear in mind, 14

Set up a bad habits box It could be a swear box or a chocolate, fast food or crisps box. Whatever your secret, or not so secret, naughtiness is, fine yourself something when you indulge. Come up with an amount that suits you – 10p or £1 – and stick it in the bad habits box. Putting the money in the box each time you succumb will help you kick the habit so you can save money and help

Put a jar next to your washing machine (and dryer if you have one) and ‘charge’ yourself every time you use it. Again, it’s up to you how much you charge but after a few months you should have a decent amount to pour into your savings account. Not only will you be saving money, you’ll be saving the environment too – having to pay to do the washing will make you think more economically about your loads.

Travel smart If you drive or take public transport to work, that costs money. Find a cheaper - or free alternative and then you can put the savings away. You also save even more by walking and cycling to work because you’re exercising along the way and can cancel that gym membership too. If you have to take the train try to get cash back on your journeys. TrainDelays (www. traindelays.co.uk ) is a website

that does all the leg work for you and completes the claims process so all you have to do is register with your journey details for free.

Be the agent for your friends Be the one to book group holidays – you could be given a discount or even a whole holiday for free for yourself. If you go out for a meal with your friends, say once a month, book it. If you use a site like Toptable.com you’ll receive better deals at fantastic restaurants anyway, and you earn points every time you book. So you’ll be getting great deals for your friends and earning enough points to enjoy your own free meal in no time. Put the money you would have spent on dinner straight into that savings

account. Plus if you have a car, join up to car-sharing websites like Liftshare or National Carshare or just arrange to give friends lifts. Once again, any money they give you for petrol should go straight into your savings pot.

Keep an eye on coins Spare change can be annoying especially if coins are rattling around in the bottom of your bag or worse, the washing machine - but they do all add up. Pull all the cushions from the sofa; check in pots in the back of cupboards, on shelves and under the bed and who knows how much you could discover.

Anything you pick up there, or even on the pavement when you are out walking, can all go into the savings jar.

Fun Fact: The average UK coin jar contains £38.35, whilst 9% of the nation’s coin jars hold £100.

GARDENING

Fruit Planting This time of year is perfect for planting fruit

The garden may be quieter than usual at this time of year, and certainly not likely to be yielding vast quantities of crops, but this near dormant time is perfect for planting fruit. You can grow fruit trees in surprisingly small spaces, training them to espaliers (so that they have several sets of horizontal arms), cordons (as single main stems grown at an angle), fans (with their branches trained in to a fan shape) or as step-overs, (trained so that they make a neat edging for a bed or border about 45cm or so above ground level). You could also use a fruit tree to create a decorative and later a wonderfully productive arch. At this time of year fruit trees are great value because they are sold ‘bare root’, lifted from a field and not container grown. I find these establish 16

particularly well and because you usually obtain them from a specialist supplier or nursery, the range of varieties available is second to none. You can either buy one year old ‘maidens’ and train these yourself, or if you want to save time, you can often buy trained or part trained forms. When you are choosing fruit trees it’s essential to get them on the right rootstock as this determines the ultimate size and vigour of the tree. Apples are particularly complicated, but as a rule, for step-overs, cordons, dwarf bushes and trees in containers try the extremely dwarfing but somewhat tricky M27 - but beware weak varieties or any tree grown on this rootstock in a poor soil as it may well fail. For bush, cordon, espaliers and halfstandard try the easier to look after dwarfing rootstock M26 and for a cordon or espalier on a poor soil, for arches and for bush trees try the semi-dwarfing MM106. You will need to choose the varieties you grow so that they can pollinate each other (if there is no suitable pollinator in the vicinity you will not get fruit) and on the basis of the taste and texture of the fruit and how well it stores and so forth. If you have

space, it is good to grow apples for cooking as well as eating, or look out for those described as ‘dual purpose’, meaning they make very passable cookers as well as dessert apples. As well as tree fruits such as apples, pears and maybe even a medlar or a plum or gorgeous gage, you could also consider some delicious bush fruits. The great thing about these is that they take up even less space and again can often be trained into wacky shapes such as fan-trained or standard bushes, making them all the more ornamental and easier to fit into the smaller garden. Then there are raspberries - on my rather heavy and very alkaline soil I tend to stick to the autumn fruiting varieties such as Autumn Bliss and Joan J, but on freer draining and acidic soils you can try some of the more numerous summer fruiters too. Bare root fruit trees, bushes and canes are generally available from about November through until early March, depending on the weather, so don’t delay, start ordering or better still, planting, today. By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com

Treats & Therapies Christmas Fayre Never too late for that last minute Christmas shop or treat! On 14 December the Fareham & Waterlooville Districts Branch of Cats’ Protection is holding a Treats and Therapies Fayre at Lockswood Community Centre, Locks Heath SO31 6DX. From 10.30am until 4pm there will be a variety of stands to see featuring jewellery, gifts, cards, handmade items, glass, manicures, crafts, tarot readings, pottery, massages and lots more, including a visit from Father Christmas. Entrance is £1 and children are admittted free.

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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

Hee! Hee! Hee! Hee! Hee! Hee! Hee! Hee!

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Ha!!

Ha!! Ha!!

Ha!!

Ha! a!

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

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.

Ha! a!

Ha!

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.

Jack and the Beanstalk

Ha! Ha!

Ha!

! Ha!

a! Ha!

13 Dec 2013 to 5 Jan 2014 Ferneham Hall, Fareham Box Office: 01329 231942 Join the intrepid Jack on the adventure of a lifetime as he bounds up the beanstalk to do battle with Giant Blunderbore. Does Dame Trott finally get her man? Can Simple Simon work out which end of the cow needs milking? Find out in a Pantomime which scales new heights, with a spectacular stomping giant, fabulous live band and all the magic and mayhem of a traditional Christmas Extravaganza!

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 When Robin Hood returns to Nottingham after a stint in the crusades, he meets the Sheriff’s ward, Maid Marion and falls in love, only to find out that the Sheriff himself has designs on her.

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.

Hee! H Hee! H

The Little Match Girl

Hee! H

Hee! He

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.”

Hee! He

Hee! Hee

Hee! Hee! Hee! Hee! Hee! Hee! Hee! Hee! Hee! Hee!

HAMPSHIRE WALKS

Timsbury and Michelmersh Walk Walk Distance 3.9 miles from the Jubilee Hall Timsbury is situated on the A3057 Romsey to Stockbridge road just a few miles north of Romsey. Park in the Jubilee Hall car park at Timsbury which is sign posted from the A3057. Alternatively, park in the small lay-by just past the hall on the right hand side of the road. The Jubilee Hall should not be confused with the village hall in Heron Lane shown on the OS 131 map. Leave the car park and turn right along the road. Turn right onto a signed footpath and walk along the gravel track. At a fork in the track, keep right and walk past Hunts Farm. Emerge onto a road and turn right. Walk past the farm where the road is joined by another road from the right. Keep straight on for approximately 50 yards then climb the bank on your right onto a footpath running parallel to the road. The footpath descends to the road again adjacent to a pair of metal gates either side of the road. Continue straight on along the road. As the road turns sharp right, cross over a stile onto a signed footpath leading into a field. Continue straight ahead following the fence line and ignoring any crossing tracks. As the track bears left into a 22

field, continue straight ahead onto a signed footpath through a woodland fringe with a field to your left initially then a field on your right.

Cross the stile onto a gravel track, then cross two further stile directly opposite to emerge into a field.

Cross a stile into a field walking along the right hand boundary on top of a ridge.

The original footpath here has been ploughed out, so follow the left hand field boundary to the field edge then turn right keeping the fence to your left.

The path drops down off the ridge to a stile. Cross the stile into a copse.

At a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; junction of paths, turn left onto a signed footpath across the centre of the field.

Emerge from the copse into a field. Walk along the left hand fence line.

Cross a stile into another field and follow the left hand fence line to the opposite side of the field.

Cross a stile at the field boundary, turn left and cross a second stile to follow the right hand fence line of a field.

Cross a stile onto a gravel track and turn left.

The track goes straight on initially and then starts to veer left away from the fence. As the farm track starts to turn away left, look for a stile slightly diagonally right in the far hedge line. It is situated some 100 yards from the right hand corner of the field.

Follow the track to its junction with a tarmac road. Turn right to Manor Farm. Walk through the farm going straight on along a gravel track as it rises slightly uphill. At a pair of private dwellings, the track turns sharp right. Continue straight on into what appears to be the entrance drive to the left hand

bungalow. As you reach the gates, cross a stile on the right hand side to walk between the two properties. Cross yet another stile into a field. Walk across the field to a signpost located in the field centre. Ignore the path bearing left from this post, continue straight on to the field boundary. Cross a stile into a copse. Follow the path through the woodland and emerge into Agincourt Field.

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Follow the right hand fence line and go through a kissing gate into Mottisfont church graveyard. Cross the graveyard to a pair of wooden gates. Go through the gates and turn left away from the church. Go through another kissing gate and follow the path across the field to its far boundary. Follow the path through copse and emerge onto a grass and gravel track with gardens to your right. Follow the track to a kissing gate beside a metal gate. Pass through the gate to emerge onto a road. Turn right onto the road. At a ‘T’ junction, turn left and then right. Follow the road back to your car.

HISTORICAL NOTE... Timsbury derives its name from ‘timber + byrig’ meaning timber fort or manor. Similarly, Michelmersh derives its name from ‘micel + mersc’ meaning a large marsh. St Mary’s church at Michelmersh is of 12th century origin. It is alleged that Henry V rested his troops in Agincourt Field, situated just below the church, before their embarkation to France as part of the Hundred Years War. These troops it is said were fielded at the famous battle of Agincourt in October 1415.

Locksheath: 661164/ Fareham: 01329 551494 01489 01489 661164 07502228912 Mobile: 07502 228912 23

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 24

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. 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

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. 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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Local News 30 Years of Rocking for Rufus Stone Those that have followed this local 8 piece soul band will know that the Rufus Stone Soul Band, has been around in many guises since their start in late 1984. After all this time you would expect that some of the sparkle would have gone, but not a bit. They still have the same distinctive sound, keeping many an audience entertained. Over the years they have built a loyal following and it is this support that has kept the band not only on the road but still as soulful as when they started. The music is authentic soul with selections from The Blues Brothers and The Commitments, but the bulk of the set comes from the soul greats such as Otis Redding, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Joe Tex, Sam Cooke and many others. “We love what we do and it shows.” Says Jan Zawada, the band’s trumpet player. “By rehearsing regularly and keeping up to date with fresh material, our audiences say we often look like we are having the most fun at the party!” Rufus Stone was the vision of former Lulu and the Luvvers drummer Henry Wright when he came to Southampton all those year ago. Some of the very best musicians in the south play with or have played with the band over this period. Founder members bassman Solly Read and 26

Rufus Stone

vocalist Malc Eyers are still performing and saxman Mark Wilkinson joined two years after the band was formed. With the exception of new drummer Simon Tilley who joined last year, the current line-up has been established for around 16 years. The full line up includes Graham Holt on keyboards, Jan Zawada on trumpet and Ian Luxford on trombone. All the band members have a day job so look out for them the next time you call a chaffeur, a computer consultant or photographer! Rufus Stone have performed at every kind of venue from the wonderful Royal Albert Hall to city theatres and open air events such as the Round the World Yacht Race and Goodwood Festival of Speed, Friends Provident Stadium and The Rose Bowl. On their list of credits are performances and tours with the likes of Edwin Starr, Curtis Mayfield, Ben E King, Jimmy Ruffin and many more of soul music’s greats. Rufus Stone are bringing in 2014 at The Brook so you if want to see them “move on up” or “get on down” to The Brook’s website and buy your tickets before they sell out. Need a band? Rufus Stone are also available for hire for private parties, weddings and corporate functions. Tel: Heather Eyers 023 8046 4040 malcandh@aol.com

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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

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 29

MOTORING

Citroen Grand C4 Picasso Citroen Grand C4 Picasso BlueHDi 150 Exclusive+ 6-spd manual

Citroen wants to make MPVs desirable and has created the seven-seat Grand C4 Picasso to fit the bill. But can it really manage it?

km when the six-speed automatic gearbox is fitted). It’s the engine that makes the most sense in a car this size, but it isn’t the quietest unit around.

What is it? Citroen is patting itself on the back after its new five-seat Picasso has attracted more than 2,800 orders from UK buyers this year, 300% more than the French firm was forecasting. And now the company is getting très excité with the arrival of this new seven-seat version called the Grand C4 Picasso with tweaked styling at the front and a totally different rear. Over the old Grand Picasso, this car’s wheelbase is 11cm longer but crucially for any supermarket car parking, it’s only 1cm longer in overall size than the old model.

What’s the kit like? Citroen hasn’t confirmed specification levels yet but our test car was the top-of-the-range Exclusive+ model and gave a strong indication of what we can expect. Inside, the car had limo-levels of kit including Star Trek-style seats with fabulously comfortable headrests and a footrest for the front-seat passenger. Our car also had as standard two colour info displays, two-tone leather upholstery, a powered tailgate and keyless entry and start, and every Grand C4 Picasso comes with Bluetooth, alloys and USB connectivity. Cars can also be specced with Citroen’s new 360-degree camera system and a park assist feature which helps drivers parking in tight spots by controlling the steering. There’ll be four trims and eight body colours, and indicative prices range from £19,200 for the VTR VTi 120 to £27,900 for the BlueHDi 150 automatic Exclusive+.

What’s under the bonnet? There are two petrols both co-developed with BMW and 1.6-litres in capacity. They come with power outputs of 120bhp and 156bhp, the latter being turbocharged. But of far more relevance to UK buyers are the diesels. There are two 1.6-litre units with 92bhp and 115bhp power outputs. While the lowerpowered diesel impressively emits just 98g/km of CO2 and returns a claimed 74.3mpg, we only had the opportunity to drive Citroen’s brand new 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel engine. It pushes out a healthy 148bhp and yet manages 67mpg and 110g/km (or 117g/ 30

Any rivals? This is a vibrant and highlycompetitive segment. Key players include the Ford Grand C-Max, Renault Grand Scenic and new cars such as the Kia Carens. The Citroen has style in spades compared to the competition.

What’s it like to drive? Gone is the overwhelming feeling of fragility and in comes a sense of robustness. The Grand C4 Picasso’s ride is the car’s piece de resistance; it really mixes a floaty ride with capable body control admirably well. It’s definitely the most stylish and classy car in its segment thanks to Germanic shoulder lines and distinctive LED

Price: £27,000 (TBC) Engine: 2.0-litre, fourcylinder, diesel Power: 148bhp 370NM Max speed: 130mph 0-60mph: 9.5 seconds MPG: 63mpg Emissions: 110g/km CO2 lights at the front. The interior is a step-up too however we’re not fans of the infotainment system. The lack of buttons looks great but fiddling with features is a chore. Got the sat-nav on? You’ll have to come out of that menu and into another one for temperature controls via the touch-sensitive buttons. Meanwhile, our pick would be the six-speed manual as the auto’ is not the smoothest. The verdict There’s no denying Citroen has pulled off a masterstroke here. With the two rows of seats folded flat, this car has 2,181-litres on offer making it the most stylish mini van around.

By James Baggott, MD of BlackballMedia.co.uk

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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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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

•

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

•

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

•

2 teaspoons nutmeg

Gently fold in the sugar mixture into the dry ingredients. The mixture will be sticky and dense.

•

1 teaspoon mixed spice

•

3 teaspoons ground ginger

Add glacé cherries into the lebkuchen mixture until evenly distributed.

•

� teaspoon salt

•

� 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

•

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

•

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

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.)

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. 34

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

1 word

TASBRUNOTE

4 7

6 19

9 2 words

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

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)

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.

11 12 14

21 23

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) 35

Useful Numbers Doctors Brook Lane Surgery Bursledon Surgery Gudge Heath Lane The Centre Practice Lockswood Locks Road Surgery The Whiteley Surgery Highlands Medical Ctr Jubilee Surgery

schools 01489 575191 023 8040 4671 01329 280887 01329 823456 01489 576708 01489 583777 01489 881982 01329 845777 01329 844220

Libraries Fareham: Osborn Road, Fareham, PO16 7EN. 0845 6035631 Mon 9am-7pm Tue 9am-5pm Wed 9am-5pm Thu 9am-7pm Fri 9am-7pm Sat 9am-5pm Sun closed

Lockswood Centre, Locks Heath District Centre, SO31 6DX. 0845 6035631 Mon closed Tue 9.30am-5pm Wed 9.30am-5pm Thu 9.30am-7pm Fri 9.30am-5pm Sat 9.30am-1pm Sun closed

RECycling Segensworth Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) Barnes Wallis Road, Segensworth, PO15 5TS. 01489 589396 8am-7pm from 1 April to 30 September 8am-4pm from 1 October to 28 February 8am-5pm from 1 March to 31 March Closed 25 & 26 Dec, 1 Jan Hedge End Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) Shamblehurst Lane, Hedge End, SO30 2AD. 01489 780028 8am-7pm from 1 April to 30 September 8am-4pm from 1 October to 28 February 8am-5pm from 1 March to 31 March PLEASE NOTE - Hedge End HWRC opens at 9am on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Closed 25 & 26 Dec, 1 Jan

Baycroft School Brookfield Community School Cams Hill School Cornerstone C of E (Aided) PS Harrison Primary School Heathfield School Henry Cort Community College Hook-with-Warsash C of E Academy Locks Heath Infant School Locks Heath Junior School Lord Wilson School Neville Lovett Community School Orchard Lea Infant School Orchard Lea Junior School Park Gate Primary School Ranvilles Infant School Ranvilles Junior School Redlands Primary School Sarisbury C of E Junior School Sarisbury Infant School St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School St Columba CofE Primary Academy St Francis Special School St John The Baptist C of E PS St Jude’s Catholic Voluntary Aided PS Titchfield Primary School The Gregg School Uplands Primary School Wallisdean Infant School Wallisdean Junior School Whiteley Primary School Wicor Primary School

01329 664151 01489 576335 01329 231641 01489 660750 01329 234016 01329 845150 01329 843127 01489 572393 01489 584180 01489 572226 01489 582684 01329 318003 01329 232563 01329 234471 01489 575444 01329 841653 01329 841679 01329 234012 01489 573000 01489 573800 01489 579100 01329 843226 01329 845730 01489 573276 01329 235131 01329 843322 02380 472133 01329 232878 01329 280827 01329 232571 01489 881601 01489 881601

School Term Dates All dates taken from www.hants.gov.uk/education/schools/schoolholidays Autumn Term 2013 Autumn Half Term Holiday Christmas Holiday Spring Term 2014 Spring Half Term Holiday Easter Holiday Summer Term Summer Half Term Holiday Summer Holiday

Tue 3 Sep to Fri 20 Dec Mon 28 Oct to Fri 1 Nov Mon 23 Dec to Fri 3 Jan 2014 Mon 6 Jan to Fri 4 Apr Mon 17 Feb to Fri 21 Feb Mon 7 Apr to Mon 21 Apr Tue 22 Apr to Wed 23 Jul Mon 26 May to Fri 30 May 2 Thu 24 Jul to Mon 1 Sep

9a at N -S PE y O da

pm y - 5 da r

Willows

Furniture Emporium Gifts & Accessories

3 floors full of multiple furniture ranges displayed in themed settings. Lots of unique items to suit your style and budget.

Come and visit us now! Lots of traditional and quirky gifts for your friends and family, plus an extensive range of accessories to compliment your home furnishings. Gift vouchers available with no time limit.

66A West Street, Fareham PO16 0JN

Tel: 01329 281889

Email: info@willowsgb.co.uk www.facebook.com/willowsgb

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Live Local Think Local Buy Local . . . Local businesses are part of your community Puzzle Answers 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 Peeka-boo, 6 Yeast, 7 Waning, 12 Achilles, 14 Enamel, 16 Auricle, 18 Sushi, 20 Caste, 21 Crew.

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

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.

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. Alternative Therapy The Healing Sanctuary 4 Aerials Pure Digital Aerial & Satelites 19 Appliance Repair Advanced Appliance Care 23 JP Appliances 23 Bathrooms Aqua Bathrooms Installations Ltd 38 HTS Studios 4 Blinds & Curtain Just Shutters 8 Waterside Blinds 13 Solent Blinds & Curtains 9 Shading Places 2 Building Services Dell Developments Ltd 15 Just Home Improvements 40 Carpenters Good with Wood 4 Carpets & Flooring Carpet Zone Ltd 4 Premier Wooden Flooring Ltd 9 Clothing Lydiarose 3 Computer Support For-Matt 19 Home Computer Help 19 Dentists Titchfield Dental Health 7 Double Glazing Britannia Windows 9 Just Home Improvements 40 Financia Services SBA Financial 39-40 Furniture Willows (GB) Ltd 37 Garden Design Woodleigh Landscapes 17

Garage Services Independent Car & Van Servicing Ltd 28 Scuffs2Scratches 31 Flintstone Tyre Services 31 Hairdressers Mr Menz 7 Spindles 7 House of Trinity 7 Holidays Accomodation Croatia 35 Kitchens HTS Studios 4 Office Furniture Office Kit 2 Plumbing & Heating Alford Plumbing & Heating 33 Gairgas 11 Heatworks Heating & Plumbing Ltd 38 G. Grogan Plumbing & Heating 19 House Martin Heating Ltd 19 Tom Mitchell Plumbing 4 Printing Warwick Printing 27 Schools & Colleges Barton Peveril College 27 Soft Furnishings Pont Furnishings Ltd 18 Tiling Premier Tiling 19 Tree Services Arbor Call 2 Jon Curtis Tree Surgery 17 Neil Richmond Tree & Hedge Services 17

Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning

. money, goes to the right The SBA Philosophy You will learn: How to reduce Inheritance Tax. How to protect your family home from ravages of Long Term Care costs. Inheritance from divorce. How to keep your money in the family bloodline. How to get peace of mind, that you have the right Will in place.

About our Speaker Steven Blofield is a highly qualified Financial & Estate Planner and has been helping his clients for over a decade. Steven is a popular local speaker, who can explain complex financial issues in an easy to understand and entertaining way. He is also proud to be the financial expert columnist for the Meon Valley News and the Chichester Observer. We have two two workshops workshops available available January 2014 at at 2013 on Thursday Thursday 30th 28th November Wickham Centre -PO16 8AB Cams Hall,Community Cams Hill, Fareham 10am 12 2.30pm. noon and 3.30pm to 5.30pm. 10am to and

Only 20 places available to book, please call us NOW on 01489 878290 blissfully unaware of what we were losing out on until we met you and now that we have benefited personally so much from your expertise Mr. & Mrs. Clarke (Hayling Island)

Michelmersh Barn, St Clairs Farm, Wickham Road, Droxford, Southampton SO32 3PW Tel: 01489 878290 Fax: 01489 877547 E-mail: enquiries@sba-financial.co.uk Website: www.sba-financial.co.uk

SBA Financial Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered in England and Wales: 5669998. Registered Office: Wellesley House, 204 London Road, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO7 7AN 39

Will you or won’t you? Around 70% of the UK population don’t have a will!

Come to our FREE Wills, Trust & Estate Planning Workshop th Thurdsay28 30th January 2013 2014 Thursday November 10am and 2.30pm Wickham Community Centre Cams Hall,to Cams Hill, and Fareham 10am 12 noon PO16 8AB 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

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