Discover Fareham November 2013

Fareham Edition including Titchfield and Whiteley

November 2013

DIRECTORIES Bonfire Night p8 | The Better Life p14 Gardening p12 | Hampshire Walks p10 Life Begins p24 | Short story p28 Puzzles p30 | Children’s Puzzles p19 What’s On p34 | Advertisers Index p38

Competition Win an i-portrait of your pet page 6

Upfront and Personal with Hampson Opticians p27

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

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The World of Downton Abbey A charity ladies lunch is being held in November and will feature Jessica Fellowes, author of the books The World of Downton Abbey and The Chronicles of Downton Abbey While enjoying a drinks reception you will be able to browse and buy from stands offering gifts, jewellery, handbags, frangrances and chocolates and buy tickets for a raffle. Followed by a 2 course lunch and tea or coffee, Jessica will give an enlightening and informative journey into the world of Downton Abbey and you will be able to ask questions.

As the niece of the hugely successful show’s creator and writer, Julian Fellowes, Jessica is in the unique position of being able to talk about the real-life inspirations behind Downton Abbey, drawn both from her family and her detailed knowledge of the Edwardian era along with clips and images from the show.

The event takes place at the Botley Park Hotel on the 28th November and tickets cost £40 each.

Good with Wood

Ladies Chorus

Looking for something exciting to do this winter? Come along, sing and have some fun with Solent Sounds Ladies Chorus every Tuesday evening from 7.30pm - 10pm at the Methodist Church Hall, King’s Road, Fareham. We promise you a warm welcome.

For more details phone Karen on 01329 310084.

Two charities will benefit from the profits from this event, Pompey in the Community (Sainsbury’s Farlington’s Charity of The Year) and U Support based in Southampton (Sainsbury’s Eastleigh’s Charity of The Year) both enhancing the lives of disadvantaged children in their respective communities through the advent of sport and education.

This is an opportunity not to be missed! To book your tickets, call 02392 728899 or email Lesley at prl.farlington@sainsburys.co.uk

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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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For a FREE competitive quote contact Martin

Apply Online: www.discovercommunity.co.uk

Tel 02392 586949 Mob 07866 923283

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

application form under Contact Us tab

or Call 023 8026 6388

Welcome

From 2014 we are pledging 1% of our revenue which comes from our advertisers to a fund that will support a local project. We are currently inviting applications to be that chosen project; for more details see page 37. Additionally, in every issue we’d like to feature a Charity of the Month so just tell us about a charity or campaign you’d like to promote locally and we’ll find space free of charge, of course.

If you are involved in a community based project, local charity or campaign appeal we want to hear from you for a chance to be our Discover Campaign of the Year.

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DIRECTORIES

Locks Heath

p8 Bonfire Night p14 The Better Life Gardening p12 p10 Hampshire Walks

LIfe Begins p24 Short story p28 Puzzles p30 s p19 Children’s Puzzle What’s On p34 p38 Advertisers Index

COMPETITION Win an i-portrait of your pet page 6

Personal Upfront and Opticians p27

with Hampson

Live Local...

Think Local...

Buy Local

1

ABOUT US

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. Each month over 7000 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 Michelle 023 8026 6388 or email: michelle@discovermagazines.co.uk

It’s easy to be featured in Discover. To tell us your news, views or share community information go online to www. discovercommunity.co.uk and use the Editorial Submission form or feel free to call me on 023 8026 6388.

This means that through Discover, our advertisers are supporting your local community. Our ethos for Discover is Live Local...

Think Local... Buy Local.

We actively encourage you, our readers to use local businesses, especially those who spend their valuable advertising budget in Discover to reach their local customers. If you do contact one of our advertisers, please tell them where they were “Discovered”!

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

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

The next issue - diary dates Editorial copy deadline: 18 November Advertisement copy deadline: 20 November Distributed: w/c 29 November

Tania Houston

To save our contact details direct to your smart phone, use I-nigma QR code reader APP and scan for instant download.

NOw 136,750

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Pet Photo Competition

WIN An iPet Portrait!

Got A Pampered Pooch, Classy Cat Or Handsome Horse?

Competition Win an i-portrait of your pet

10 lucky Discover readers will WIN a free iPet Portrait voucher or animal portrait ready in time for Christmas.

HOW TO ENTER PRIZE DRAW FOR FREE IPET PORTRAIT (WORTH £20) 1. Email editorial@discovermagazines.co.uk with your pet’s name, breed and attach a close up picture with YOUR NAME in the file name (eg. TomSmith.jpg). 2. Include your address, phone number and when you received this copy of Discover. 3. Closing date is 15 November 2013. Only one animal per entry/household.

About Sue McLachlan, Animal Magic Art

watercolour commission

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Ever since Sue was at school she has painted, drawn and loved animals, particularly horses. She graduated from Winchester School of Art with a BA and MA in Fine Art in 2008 and now lives in Chandlers Ford.

Sue works with a range of media from watercolour, pastels on paper, oils on canvas and more recently crayon etchings.

Sue does mainly commissions and works from a selection of photographs supplied by the owner who often have the knack (and patience) of capturing the character of their pet beautifully.

Whatever your pet, Sue McLachlan of Animal Magic Art can sketch an amazing electronic image from your high quality photograph and email it to you, ready to print at home or you can turn it into a canvas, mug or puzzle using many of the photographic services available online.

Our wonderful front cover is one of Sue’s commissions which start from £160. But her iPet Portraits, sketched on the iPad are ideal for that perfect little gift for a pet lover or for yourself costing just £20. As you can see from examples above, the style is fun and simple but very lifelike. www.animalmagicart.com sue@animalmagicart.com Tel: 02380 369922 Mobile: 07818062559

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November’s Big Bang Fireworks Night This year’s Bonfire Night will see Britain’s population stocking up on pyrotechnics and hoping for a starry night into which they will launch their rockets and colourful array of exploding projectiles.

Indeed, the popularity of fireworks never seems to wane, and despite the ubiquitous nature of this form of entertainment, it’s an occasion that never fails to impress. And Guy Fawkes’ commemoration by no means holds a monopoly on the format. An increasing number of dates outside the 5th of November fill Britain’s calendar with spectacular displays at many events: New Year’s Eve, Cowes Week, pop festivals, Halloween, Midsummer, and Blackheath Fireworks to name just a few.

People from all backgrounds, old and young, come together to marvel at the displays and join in the chorus of ooohs and aaahs.

It’s an age-old, simple pleasure that makes no distinction between culture, politics, or language.

Quite simply, fireworks are just fun to watch.

Britain’s Pyrotechnic History As an English Catholic, Guy Fawkes’ gunpowder plot of 1605 was born of a desire to rid Parliament of Protestant King 8

James I and replace him with third in line, Princess Elizabeth.

Gunpowder was placed in a room (an ‘undercroft’) beneath the House of Lords as part of an audacious plan hatched by Fawkes and his fellow Catholic conspirators. News of the plan, however, was leaked to King James who ordered a search of the underground cellars where Fawkes was seen leaving and promptly arrested. After some unsavoury interrogation and torture, it appears that Fawkes confessed to the crime and was banished to be hung, drawn and quartered. Not keen on facing the gallows, he leapt from the supporting scaffolding and met his end by way of a broken neck.

Thus, the tale of conspiracy from 1605 became folklore in Britain and spawned generations who collected wood for bonfires and roamed from house-to-house seeking ‘a penny for the guy’, after which the effigy was placed on the blaze to meet its doom.

Some of these traditions remain, but the modern commemoration is a more commercial operation with safety and litigation as primary concerns, alongside enjoyment of the events. Some consider this

the ‘nanny state’ at work, but the accident rate suggests otherwise, with hundreds of injuries reported every year despite government warnings and media campaigns.

Notwithstanding this gloomy state of affairs, surfing the Internet reveals some fascinating information on the subject of fireworks as well as the do’s and don’ts of safety. The website Bonfire Night Safety, for example, states that in a recent year there were 990 injuries caused by fireworks in October and November, and alarmingly, that 285 of them were eye injuries.

There are also some interesting snippets on the site; prior to 1959, it was illegal not to celebrate bonfire night in the UK and apparently, some fireworks can travel up to speeds of 150 mph. So, if that empty bottle in which you hope to plant your biggest rocket happens to topple over, that’s the speed it will be racing towards your neighbour’s fence, or worse, towards those standing nearby.

Despite the hazards of pyrotechnics, a few precautions will see you enjoying the action in safety. There is plenty of information online and from

local authorities to make for a safe and enjoyable night, so be sure to seek it out before lighting the touch paper or joining an organised event.

The Business of Pyrotechnics The history of fireworks dates back to China in the 7th century where displays accompanied festivities, a trend that spread to many other cultures around the world. The popularity of these displays created a firework manufacturing industry and the much-respected profession of the pyrotechnician.

It seems, however, that the mainstay of the industry is harking back to its Chinese roots.

The business in Britain is now modest, only numbering around 40 companies, which employ a few hundred people fulltime, although this number rises

to around 4,000 during busy periods. Britain’s manufacturing side, however, is suffering since the majority of fireworks are now made in China and imported. The squeeze on materials and labour costs, plus fierce competition in the business, has caused the UK’s industry to downsize and concentrate on specialist markets and displays, rather than manufacture. There are also concerns that the standard of products coming into the country from China and the Far East might be dropping, and will have an adverse bearing on safety.

Despite these concerns, our love affair with the spectacle continues. And for Britain, Guy Fawkes Night provides enough history and national enthusiasm to step out into the cold November air to indulge just one more time.

Public Firework Displays Saturday 2 November - Royal Victoria Country Park, Fireworks at 7.30pm Tickets will be available from 1st October from Royal Victoria Country Park’s shop, Hamble Community Sports College, Netley Post office and Veals. In advance: adults £5, children £3. On the gate: Adults £7, children £5, family ticket (2+2) £20. Another spectacular display to music in a beautiful setting. Refreshments available on the field. Plus, have a go on the miniature train and mini fun fayre (before and after the display).

Cedar Tea rooms will also be open until 7.30pm.

Saturday 9 November - Mayflower Park Fireworks, Town Quay Road, Southampton.

Coles Fun Fair from 3pm / the Fireworks display is at 7.45pm / Event closes at 10pm. Tickets: Adults £6 / Children £4 / Under 5’s free. Presented by Southampton Round Table No. 4.

By James Smith

The British Pyrotechnists Association (BPA) www.pyro.org.uk Bonfire Night - Your Guide To A Safer Event www.bonfire-night-safety.co.uk The Firefighters Charity www.firefighterscharity.org.uk

Tuesday 5 November - Ranvilles Junior School, Oldbury Way, PO14 3BN. Gates open 6pm.

Fireworks start 7pm. Tickets are available in advance from the website or school office. www. ranvillesfireworks.co.uk. Hot Food and drinks will be available on the night as well as Glow Products.

Advance Prices Adult - £5.00, Student - £4.00 (16 - 18), Child - £3.00 (Under 16), Family £12.00. Gate prices will be higher and are subject to capacity limites.

Saturday 9 November - St Anthony’s School, Primate Rd, PO14 4RP. Gates open 4pm Bonfire to be lit at 5pm with spectacular fireworks display at 6pm. Children’s games, glow in the dark face paint, flow sticks and more. Hog roast, hot chocolate, mulled wine and refreshments available. Free local parking.

9 Nov, Gate opens 6pm. Fireworks 7.30pm Greta Park - Hedge End (behind Library) SO30 4DY Despite the bargain entry price price you will not be disappointed by the quality of the fireworks.

Join our regular 3000 residents who enjoy this great event. Come early and support the Fun Fair. Adults £3 children £1 Family 2 adults + 2 children £7 No advance tickets, pay at the gate. www.hedgeendcarnival.org.uk/ 9

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 10

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 ‘T’ 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

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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.

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GARDENING

Ground Cover Planting Carpet of foliage

Ground cover plantings are a wonderful way to create gorgeous carpets of colour in your garden, whatever its size and wherever it’s located. But what’s so special about ground cover growing, when is it most useful and when should you start?

Slopes are a common feature in gardens, and they can be hard to manage, but with ground cover planting, once it’s established you’ll not have to do acrobatics to keep it looking good. The initial few months will take some effort, but once growing well, most ground cover planting needs little if any maintenance except perhaps a very occasional trim, and some food and water in drier weather.

As ground cover plantings will cover the soil surface they will have a superbly smothering effect on the weeds, killing weedlings and deterring further weeds from appearing. The denser the planting, the better the effect.

Autumn is a great time for planting. Trees, shrubs, climbers and herbaceous plants that go in to the ground at this time of year often establish extremely well as they have the luxury of enjoying the relatively warm and yet moist soil, a perfect place for new roots to grow out and establish rapidly.

For the best results it’s worth investing a bit of time and effort in to the preparation. Clear the area of weeds, digging out all tough weeds completely if you can. Fork the soil over, removing debris such as large stones or buried rubbish and then fork in plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost, and perhaps a little slow-release feed too.

If you’re planting up a slope, it’s worth trying to secure the soil a little too, as all that preparation and weed clearing will have

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loosened the surface and made it prone to erosion. Once growing well, the roots of the plants will help to secure the slope brilliantly, but in the meantime, use landscape fabric pinned down onto the surface of the slope. Simply cut an ‘X’ shape in the fabric at each planting position, and plant through the hole. An added advantage is that the landscape fabric will also prevent weeds growing up from the soil. Cover the surface of the fabric with chipped bark or a bit of soil to camouflage it if you wish.

Although you are after a carpet of foliage and maybe also flower, don’t be tempted to cram the plants in too closely. Given time they will form the desired effect if planted at the correct spacing.

But if you fall in to the trap of planting them elbow to elbow, then they are more likely to become stressed and miserable, more prone to disease and will need thinning out.

Ground cover plantings need the same sort of maintenance that you’d give if the plants were used individually or in small numbers in a garden border or bed. Make sure they are kept

just moist at the roots until they’re well established and feed occasionally. By choosing varieties of plants which are recommended for use as ground cover you’ll be unlikely to have to do much if any pruning.

So what should you choose to grow? Foliage that is attractive and interesting is ideal and if you wish you can add a few more flamboyant flowering plants to the mixture too. Used as ‘dot plants’, the flowering additions will have more impact and look great set against a backdrop of pretty foliage. By using plants with interestingly shaped leaves or variegated leaves your planting will look even better.

You may want your ground cover planting to look stunning at a particular time of year, but if you’re after a reasonable effect all year around, then select at

least some of the plants you use from the evergreens.

Shrubby Ground Cover Heaths and Heathers, Cotoneaster horizontalis and Cotoneaster microphyllus, Stephandra incise ‘Crispa’, ground cover roses eg the ‘Flower Carpet’ roses.

Shade-Tolerant Ground Cover Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis, Mahonia repens, Gaultheria procumbens, Hypericum calycinum, many hebes including Hebe pinguifolia, Euonymus fortune cultivars such as ‘Emerald n’Gold’, ‘Emerald Gaiety’

Herbaceous Cover in Shadier Spots Sweet violets, pulmonaria (lungworts) eg the white-flowered ‘Sissinghurst’, Bugle (the ajugas

eg Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’), Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny), Lily-of-thevalley, Lamium ‘White Nancy’ and Lamium ‘Silver Beacon’, Bergenia

Sunnier Ground Cover Snow-in-summer, thymes, oregano, many of the sedums, chamomile.

Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for a great range of gardening-related Christmas gifts including stylish ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ gift card, handmade pottery herb planters, recycled metal sculptures, Pippa’s favourite weeding tool, signed books and lots of seriously useful garden items.

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THE BETTER LIFE

Shedding a Tear

By Derek Thompson It looked pretty, but there was more plant than building!

It’s funny how attached you can become to inanimate objects. It was only a summerhouse, after all - a glorified, double-doored, glass-fronted shed. And in its time it has mainly housed folding chairs, the lawnmower, chicken bedding and the cat.

Even so, I was sorry to be parting company with it.

Summerhouse still sounded so bright and optimistic, even this late in the year, despite its current appearance. The roof had become open plan in places and the Russian Vine (not for nothing is it sometimes known as mile-a-minute) had infiltrated and exploited the guttering, several joints and three places along one side panel. So, all things considered, it was time to make a difficult decision. Or rather, it was time for Anne to make a difficult decision.

Demolition was a straightforward affair, once I’d taken on board Anne’s advice not to stand in the middle of it and pull. Nothing salvageable was wasted. The doors went to a neighbour to become elongated cold frames; likewise the bigger windows. We kept the smaller ones to bring on beans and butternut squash 14

plants in the future. Plus, there was enough kindling - or rather, there will be - to fill our wood store.

The next stage in my summerhouse grieving process occurred when Anne took me shed shopping, since we clearly didn’t need another summerhouse and our actual shed was also on its last legs. When you run out of spaces on the doors to fit replacement hinges, it’s time to call it a day.

I wandered around the shed yard, surly and unimpressed, like a schoolboy having to buy new shoes for next term. And then I saw it, framed in golden sunlight: a wonder shed. With glass along one side to let in light for propagation and so that we can watch the birds, and enough space for my tools, my bike and the cat, it ticked all the boxes.

Delivery was assured in four weeks’ time and no money down an all-round winner.

However, now that we’d prepared the ground, it was time to really prepare the ground by levelling it and adding a layer of sand. As the shed needs to sit on blocks and these have to be aligned and spaced perfectly, Anne waited

until I’d gone out to work. A neighbour popped over to help; the same one who corrected my comedy coat rack (now you see it, now you pick it - and a pile of coats - up off the floor). By the time I returned home, all I needed to do was position some plastic sheeting, so that the cat didn’t feel tempted to leave an organic time capsule in the sand.

The shed people delivered on time and put the shed up on site.

The block work was, thanks to my non-involvement, perfect. Even the cat flap seemed to meet with Porsha’s approval. She is a prenamed, rescue cat, so I take no responsibility.

In the evening, a deputation of neighbours came up to take a look around the shed (with torches). Like I say, it’s a small village and not much happens here. One person asked, with genuine concern, if we planned to rent it out to holidaymakers.

I quickly shed some light on the matter.

Derek Thompson is a writer and humourist based in the West Country. His writing blog can be found at www.alongthewritelines. blogspot.com and he is also a regular at www.strictlywriting. blogspot.com

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LIFE BEGINS

What kind of Christmas Shopper are you?

By Kate McLellan

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

We all approach our Christmas shopping in different ways, so 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.

Well done, Very Early Bird.

You might save yourself a good deal of money, but will you remember where you’ve hidden all those cut-price goodies by next December?

2. The Last Minute Man You 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.

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 24

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.

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?

When 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 all recipients seem to do is mentally tick off gifts that they previously entered on their Amazon wishlist.

Now 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.

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. 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.

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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UPFRONT & PERSONAL

The People Behind Your Local Businesses Roy Hampson Hampson Opticians Hampson Opticians is an independent optician based in Hursley Road Chandlers Ford. It is owned and run

by Roy and Lynne Hampson conducting sight tests and supplying glasses and contact lenses.

Roy has spent his working life with glasses and contact lenses. He joined Clement Clarke Ltd at their London practice in Wigmore Street W1. He was soon working with Dr Josef Dallos fitting glass contact lenses before moving on to manage a practice in Berkhamsted Hertfordshire.

Roy left Clement Clarke to join Contactalens as their UK sales manager importing the first soft contact lenses into the UK from Canada. He then set up a group of four practices in and around London before going on to work for Alcon Laboratories in Watford as their UK marketing manager.

A spell with Sangers as

their London area director controlling 23 London practices was followed by a move to Southampton to work for CooperVision as their UK marketing manager.

In 1985 Roy set up the Southampton based Optique.

The first practice was in Bedford Place followed by Bitterne Precinct. Optique was a progressive optician which became well known for its friendly staff and efficient service. More practices followed at Totton, Hedge End and Shirley High Street, the latest one being in Hythe. Roy always insists on the highest standards of service, full instrumentation and highly trained friendly and efficient staff.

Roy Hampson

Roy and Lynne like working in Chandlers Ford. “It is a lovely area, we have already made many new friends and find great interest in the special Varilux glasses we supply and our relaxed contact lens service.

We are never happier than when one of our clients achieves their highest standard of vision using the glasses or contact lenses we supplied

Roy and Lynne sold Optique in 2010, and after a short while working for the new owners decided to from Essilor establish a new practice in Chandlers Ford. This opened for business in November 2012 and Be amazed‌ is steadily Only in Chandlers Ford at growing into a busy cheerful practice based on the same 3 A Hursley Road, high standards Chandlers Ford, SO53 2FW and relaxed atmosphere that made Optique so successful.

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11 27

SHORT STORY

The Amazing Mister Mittens Toby Daniels thought it was extremely unfair that he had to go next door and feed Mrs Withershaw’s cat. His neighbour would be in hospital for a whole week having a hip replacement.

The boring chore would make him late home from school, and that meant ten minutes less computer game playing while his Mother made dinner. It simply was asking too much.

He’d never paid much attention to Mrs Withershaw’s pet before. It had always seemed like the usual sort of cat, but by the third day of caring for it Toby wasn’t so sure.

Yesterday he had left a dirty bowl next to the sink and today when he let himself in, the bowl had been washed and placed on the draining board.

He watched as Mister Mittens hungrily ate his dinner. When he was sure the cat had finished Toby gently picked him up and placed him on the counter.

“Show me how you turned on the tap, Mister Mittens,” Toby whispered in the cat’s ear.

Mister Mittens began licking his paws enigmatically, clearly in no mood for performing.

This was not the first time something unusual had happened. On the first day, 28

in his rush to get home, Toby had knocked over a pile of newspapers, causing them to cascade across the kitchen floor.

When he returned the next day Mister Mitten had piled the newspapers up neatly again. In fact as Toby walked in, the cat was curled up asleep on top of them.

Toby wondered if all cats were as amazing as Mister Mittens, or whether this was a very special cat.

He decided to ask his Mother.

Mrs Daniels seemed genuinely surprised about how clever Mister Mittens was.

“What a very considerate cat,” she agreed.

Over the following days Mister Mittens, while being left home alone, somehow put the empty tins of cat food into the recycling, swept up scattered cat litter and mopped up a puddle of milk next to the fridge. Toby knew that the milk had been mopped, not licked up, because the mop and bucket had moved, and the mop was damp.

It began to rain the day before Mrs Withershaw was due to come home from hospital, and the rain continued into the evening. Mrs Daniels noticed that Toby kept glancing nervously out of the living room window.

“Something wrong Toby dear?” she asked finally.

“I’m worried about next door,” Toby said. “I noticed a leak in Mrs Withershaw’s back porch, and if this rain carries on she’s going to have a big puddle there when she gets home. She could slip over and ruin that brand new hip.”

“Oh dear.” Mrs Daniels pretended to read her magazine while watching her son out of the corner of her eye. “What is there to be done about it?”

It amazed and amused her that Toby still hadn’t realised that she had been going round to Mrs Withershaw’s every morning to tidy up the mess he’d made. She was seeing another side to Toby emerging as he cared for that old cat, so she was more than happy for Mister Mittens to take all the credit.

Toby made up his mind and went into the hall for his coat.

“I’m going back there now to put a bucket under it,” he said decisively.

“That’s very thoughtful of you,” Mrs Daniels said, delighted that her son was finally learning to be considerate. Then, unable to resist, she added, “But won’t Mister Mittens do it?”

“Honestly Mum!” Toby sighed, zipping up his coat. “You can’t expect a cat to think of everything.”

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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.

2 words

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4 words

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STUNELLIEDY 34

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD Across 1. Shade of blue tinged with green (4) 4. Japanese movie monster (8) 8. George Lucas film of 1977 (4,4) 9. Vegetable known as lady’s fingers (4) 10. Spencer ___, actor who appeared in many films with Katharine Hepburn (5) 11. Highly-prized edible subterranean fungus (7) 13. Person who is tricked or swindled (6) 15. Greek mathematician (the ‘Father of Geometry’) who wrote The Elements (6) 17. Port city in northern France (2,5)

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19. Military chaplain (5) 22. Corrode, as with acid (4) 23. Flavoured with herbs and spices (8) 24. Rotating part of an engine (8) 25. Oil reservoir in an engine (4)

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2. Arab country which achieved independence 17 18 from the UK in 1971 (5) 3. Fruit resembling a small 22 23 peach (7) 4. Largest and most southerly island in the 24 Marianas (4) 5. One who runs away 7. Siren of German legend from service in the (7) armed forces (8) 12. The food of the gods (8) 6. In snooker, to pocket the cue ball after hitting 14. Popular chilled beverage (4,3) another (2-3)

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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!!

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

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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.

Ha! a!

Ha! a!

Ha! a!

Ha! a!

Ha! a!

Ha! Ha!

Ha! Ha!

Ha! Ha!

Ha! 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.

Dick Whittington and His Cat

Ha! Ha!

Ha! Ha!

Ha!

Ha! Ha!

Ha!

Ha!

Ha!

Ha!

Ha!

Ha!

Ha! Ha!

Ha!

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.

Hee! He Hee! He

The Little Match Girl

Hee! He

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! He

Hee! He

Hee! Hee

Hee! Hee

Hee! Hee

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

33

LOCAL WHAT’S ON SWANWICK LAKES WILDLIFE TOTS – MINI WILD CAMP 5 Nov, 10.30am – 12pm, 1.00pm – 2.30pm Swanwick Lakes Centre, Sopwith Way, SO31 7AY Toddler-friendly bushcraft, stories and activities for pre-school children.Booking is essential on 01489 570240 or SwanwickLakes@hwt.org.uk. Please bring outdoor clothing and wellies. Children must be accompanied by adults. Suggested donation £3 per child. www.hwt.org.uk.

SECOND CHANCE FASHION SHOW 6 Nov, 7.30pm Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, PO12 1BT A catwalk show of up-cycled garments from local charity shops. Discover how to track down designer labels and grab yourself a bargain. The evening will also include stalls by local crafters and businesses.

Free.

AUTUMN SPLENDOURS – GUIDED WALK 7 Nov, 10.30am Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve, Sopwith Way, SO31 7AY Join Reserve staff for a guided walk to experience Swanwick Lakes in its autumnal glory. Telephone 01489 570240 or e-mail SwanwickLakes@hwt.org. uk for more information. Please bring outdoor clothing and sturdy boots. Booking is essential as places are limited. Suggested donation £3 per person. www.hwt.org.uk.

AUTUMN SPARKLE PARTY – HAMPSHIRE AUTISTIC SOCIETY 7 Nov Ageas Bowl, Botley Road, SO30 3XH An evening of fashion, shopping and pampering; 20 stalls with an exciting range of products to try and buy. £12.50 includes entry to Ageas Bowl, a glass of bucks fizz and a Clinque Goody Bag. 01489 880881 for more info. www.has.org.uk/get-involved/ events/sparkle-party-2013.html

If you have an event planned please let us know by completing the form on the Contact Us page of the website www.discovercommunity.co.uk 34

COFFEE MORNING – CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION 9 Nov, 10am – 12pm Church of the Ascension, Thorald Road, Bitterne Park In aid of the Church Flower Fund, with a raffle, items for sale and delicious cakes and coffee.

TRULY SCRUMPTIOUS ‘TREATS & EATS’ EVENT 9 – 10 Nov, 10am – 5pm Whiteley Shopping Centre, PO15 7LJ If you love wonderful food, indulgent treats, sparkling jewellery, handmade cosmetics and special gifts, come to “Truly Scrumptious” in Market Square. Free admission. www.woodlandcrafts.co.uk DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS WORKSHOP 13 Nov, 10am – 1pm Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, PO12 1BT Introduction to the basic functions, controls, downloading and sharing. £10.50 (concessions available). Telephone to book on 023 9252 3463.

1913 AND ALL THAT 14 Nov, 7.30pm – 9pm Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, PO12 1BT Combining spoken word and music, two performers will take you on a humorous, illuminating journey through literature and popular culture on the eve of the First World War. Tickets £6. Telephone to book on 023 9252 3463.

VEGAN & SPIRITUAL LIFE EXHIBITION 17 Nov 10:30 to 5:30 The Royal Maritime Club, Portsmouth Stands that introduce, health and beauty products along with organic and fair trade items that are totally cruelty free in their manufacture, plus talks on spiritualism. Help for Heroes charity to benefit from the proceeds of the show. Contact Stacey Price 07540 869795 PERCY THE PARK KEEPER 20 Nov, 11am – 12pm, and 1.30pm – 2.30pm Royal Victoria Country Park, SO31 5DQ Come and join in the adventures of Percy and the Park animals. Suitable for all ages and abilities.

Meet outside the shop. Spaces are limited so please book in advance. £2.50 per child; must be accompanied by an adult. Telephone 023 8045 5157.

TREES STORY TIME SPECIAL 23 Nov, 11am – 12pm Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, PO12 1BT It’s National Tree Week and we will be joining in with stories and crafts to celebrate trees. Suitable for under 10s accompanied by an adult. Free.

CHARITY CRAFT AND GIFT FAYRE 23 Nov, 10am – 1pm Lockswood Community Centre, SO31 6DX Gosport Cats Protection have a stall at the Lion’s Fayre. Cats Protection merchandise for sale and your feline friend is sure to appreciate a treat of the ever popular catnip mice. www.gosport.cats.org.uk.

CONCERT BY THE HAMPSHIRE POLICE MALE VOICE CHOIR 23 Nov, 7.30pm St Peter and St Paul Church, Osborn Road, PO16 7DR A concert by this popular Male Voice Choir with a varied programme of choir items and solos. Tickets £8. Telephone 01329 665170. www.hampshirepolicechoir.org.uk/ CHRISTMAS QUIZ NIGHT – HAMPSHIRE AUTISTIC SOCIETY 29 Nov, 7pm arrival for 7.30pm start Hedge End CIU Club, Bursledon Road, SO30 OBR It’s time to test your knowledge! The quizmaster has a range of quizzes and puzzles to get your brain thinking including general knowledge, anagrams and picture puzzles. Teams of 6, £10 per person to include a Christmas supper. Bar available plus a raffle with fantastic prizes. Telephone 01489 880881.

CHRISTMAS GIFT & CRAFT FAIR 30 Nov, 12pm – 4pm The Netley Grange, (Formerly Millhouse Pub), Grange Road, SO31 5FF Christmas fair for unusual and not to be found on the High Street gifts and crafts. Free entry plus a raffle. All proceeds donated to The Special Care Baby Unit and The Cardiomyopathy Association. Free entry. Donations welcome.

Telehpone 02380434443. www.facebook.com/ events/1420440554844168/ PANTOMIME 28 & 29 Nov, 7.30pm; 30th Nov 2pm & 7:30pm Soberton Village Hall, SO32 3PF The Emporer’s New Clothes. Traditional Pantomime returns to Soberton with this well-known fairytale brought to life by Soberton Players. Will Emperor “Monty” Preen become the ultimate fashion victim?

Will the Nimbys be ousted from their farm to make way for a giant wardrobe? And what can Clover the Cow and the Yorkshire Fairies do to help?

01489 878724 or email tickets@sobertonplayers. co.uk Card hotline 01489 866666 Tickets £6 for adults £4 for people up to school leaving age.

CRIB FESTIVAL – ST JOHN’S CHURCH 5 – 8 Dec, 10am – 6pm (Sunday, 11am – 6pm) St John’s Church, Locks Heath Join St John’s Church in celebrating the coming of Christmas at their Crib Festival. Opened by the Mayor of Fareham, Councillor Mrs Susan Bayford and Consort Councillor Mr Brian Bayford on Thursday 5th Dec at 10am. For further details, contact Ms N Fisher, Crib Festival Co-ordinator on 01489 575150.

CANDELIT CAROL CONCERT 7 Dec 7pm Royal Victoria Country Park Enjoy a traditional Christmas Carol Concert, in the acoustically acclaimed, performed by local artists and sing along to your favourites.

Followed by mince pies and sherry. All proceeds will go to the ‘Friends of Royal Victoria Country Park’. Tickets available from 11th November.

023 8045 5157 D@RT’S CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Sat 7 Dec 11-3pm Wildern School, Wildern Lane, Hedge End Featuring hand made goods by local artists and craftspeople. Free entry.

Bishop’s Waltham

CHARITY

FASHION GALA Thursday 14th November 2013 Doors Open 6.30pm to visit stalls 7.30pm Fashion Show at Jubilee Hall, Bishop’s Waltham Casual and Evening Wear presented by Labels Dress Agency & Cassis Try and Buy on the Night (Cash) or reserve and pay at the shop Tickets £8.00 (in advance) to include a glass of wine from Cassis, Labels, Studio 4 Gifts & Coffee House Raffle

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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

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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

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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

Advertising with Discover will benefit a local charity Discover is donating a percentage of its advertising revenue to a local charity for 12 months, publishing the progress and reporting on its behalf in the Locks Heath, Fareham and Meon Valley editions. We are inviting nominations for Discover’s Solent East Charity.

The chosen charity should be based in and support the residents within postcodes SO31, PO14, PO16, PO17 or SO32. To apply visit www.discovercommunity.co.uk and click on the Chosen Charity form under the Contact Us tab. The closing date for submissions is 31 October 2013.

Live Local Think Local ... Give Local.

Helping Local Businesses to Help Their Community.

local charities are invited to apply 37

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Live Local Think Local Buy Local . . .

Local businesses are part of your community

Puzzle Answers general knowledge crossword Across: 1 Aqua, 4 Godzilla, 8 Star Wars, 9 Okra, 10 Tracy, 11Truffle, 13 Victim, 15 Euclid, 17 Le Havre, 19 Padre, 22 Etch, 23 Seasoned, 24 Camshaft, 25 Sump.

Down: 2 Qatar, 3 Apricot, 4 Guam, 5 Deserter, 6 In-off, 7Lorelei, 12 Ambrosia, 14 Iced tea, 16 Chamois, 18 Aches, 20 Rheum, 21 Mast.

Hidato pictograms 1. Altar Boy 2. Wet Behind The Ears 3. Elephant In The Room Fun quiz -FAIRY TALES 1.A troll 2.A comb 3. I’m A Believer (a hit single for The Monkees) 4. Grimm (known as the Brothers Grimm) 5. Tom Thumb 6. Tangled 7. Danish 8. Three Little Pigs 9. Galway Bay 10. Rumpelstiltskin 38

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 Appliance Repair Advanced Appliance Care 17 JP Appliances 17 Bathrooms Aqua Bathrooms Installations Ltd 23 Blinds & Curtain Just Shutters 23 Waterside Blinds 18 Solent Blinds & Curtains 22 Shading Places 2 Building Services Dell Developments Ltd 15 Just Home Improvements 40 Good with Wood 4 Carpets & Flooring Premier Wooden Flooring Ltd 23 Titchfield Carpets 7 Clothing Etikett 11 Lydiarose 3 Computer Support For-Matt 26 Home Computer Help 26 Dentists Titchfield Dental Health 31 Double Glazing Britannia Windows 23 Driving School Ezypass 17 Estate Agents NiceMoves 20-21 Financia Services SBA Financial 39-40 Furniture Willows (GB) Ltd 38 Garden Design Woodleigh Landscapes 11

Garage Services Independent Car & Van Servicing Ltd 29 Scuffs2Scratches 26 Flintstne Tyre Services 37 Hairdressers Mr Menz 31 Spindles 31 House of Trinity 31 Office Furniture Office Kit 3 Opticians Hampson Opticians Ltd 27 Plumbing & Heating Alford Plumbing & Heating 26 Gairgas 15 G. Grogan Plumbing & Heating 17 House Martin Heating Ltd 17 Printing Warwick Printing 22 Schools & Colleges Barton Peveril College 18 Soft Furnishings Pont Furnishings Ltd 16 Tiling Premier Tiling 17 Tree Services Arbor Call 2 Jon Curtis Tree Surgery 13 Neil Richmond Tree & Hedge Services 13

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 workshops available on Thursday 28th November 2013 at Wickham Community Centre 10am to 12 noon and 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

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 Thursday 28th November 2013 Wickham Community Centre 10am to 12 noon and 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

Please turn over for more