Discover Southampton October 2013 by Tania Houston

Southampton Edition inc SO15 l SO16 l SO17

October 2013

DIRECTORIES

No flannel How to Sell Your Home in Southampton for under £900 page 3

This month’s issue is sponsored by NiceMoves Sales & Lettings Ltd

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

ADvertorial

The changing face of estate agency What happens when an estate agent and a property Investor come together in business? NiceMoves was founded by just such a partnership. Ann has been an estate agent for over a decade and Tim, a landlord with an extensive portfolio, has bought and sold many properties. Both have experience in property refurbishment and development. Covering the whole of Hampshire, NiceMoves is a ‘full-service’ estate agency, which simply means they offer everything you would expect from the best agents in the industry. With experience of the property market from both sides, as customers and professionals, they felt it was time that someone provided a fresh and simple approach to Estate Agency – an approach that suited today’s world, but with traditional values. The advent of the internet has changed the way people buy and sell houses forever. By using cutting-edge systems and technology, they are able to provide excellent service without the need for expensive premises. Therefore, they can operate effectively AND competitively. 2

“We really think you’ll like how we do business. We keep things simple and straight-forward - just great service, at a sensible price. We aim to exceed our client’s expectations while saving them thousands of pounds and our customer feedback has been exceptional.” But don’t just take their word for it, here are some of their recent customer testimonials:“Thank you … Such a great value estate agent! To get asking price within 48 hours of the property being on the market was fantastic! And you have been so helpful over the last few weeks, it’s really appreciated. I will definitely be recommending NiceMoves to friends and family.” Ms Fisher, Basingstoke “NiceMoves gave a great service, at a great price! What more could you ask for?” Miss Kearns, Fleet “We’ve completed and have the keys. Honestly Ann, we both cannot thank you enough for finding us the perfect family home and standing by our side. We’ll never forget that.” Mr & Mrs Smith, Totton

For a fee of just £895, NiceMoves include everything you would expect from a traditional estate agent… and much more! Not only do they provide advertising on all the major property websites including Rightmove and Zoopla, they ensure your home is marketed in the best way possible by using professional photography and a detailed floor-plan. The mandatory Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is also included at no extra cost. “We genuinely care about our customers. We understand that the house-moving experience can be daunting and stressful. We pride ourselves on going the extra mile. Getting a buyer is usually the easy part. Making sure the sale goes through to completion requires empathy, experience and excellent communication. We can also help you search for and buy your next property and are happy to offer advice and negotiate on your behalf if you wish.” To find out more please call 0844 556 9889 or email info@nicemoves.co.uk. The website is at www.nicemoves.co.uk or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

WARNING YOU MAY NEED TO SIT DOWN

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Dear Residents

ABOUT US

Discover Magazines Distribution - This Southampton edition of Discover is published every month as follows: in odd months (Jan, Mar, May etc) it is delivered to 7,500 homes in the west side of Southampton city within SO15 and SO16 and in even months (Feb, Apr, June etc) is delivered to 7,500 homes in the east side within SO16 and SO17. Selected homes for delivery are primarily privately owned, 3+ bedrooms with OSP and a garden. For full details of the 15,000 circulation visit www.discoveradvertising.co.uk Advertising - We understand that the needs of a small business are quite different to those of a big company, and our advertising service is very much targeted at independent and local businesses. From advert design to general advice we are here to help you grow. For more details call Melanie 023 8026 6388 or email: melanie @discovermagazines.co.uk

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. Melanie Tinson

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 29. 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. It’s easy to be featured in Discover. This edition reaches 15,000 letterboxes within Southampton; Chilworth, Lordswood, Upper Shirley, Portswood, Bassett, Rownhams, Nursling, Regents Park and Swaythling. 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 message to Discover readers is please 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”!

Melanie

JOB VACANCY 20-30 hrs a week, working from home PUBLISHING ASSISTANT Discover Magazines has expanded rapidly and needs a well organised, computer literate individual with initiative to co-ordinate 10 editions per month and provide marketing support. Full job details under Contact tab on www.discovercommunity.co.uk

Apply online only please.

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

NOVEMBER ISSUE: DIARY DATES Editorial copy deadline: 22 October Advertisement copy deadline: 25 October Distributed: w/c 1 November To be sure of your place in the next issue please contact Melanie on 023 8026 6388 visit www.discoveradvertising.co.uk or email melanie@discovermagazines.co.uk

Local News Black History Month First celebrated in the UK in 1987, it started in 1926 in the USA by Carter G Woodson as a way to respond to the view that the Black Americans and others of African descent had made no significant contribution to human civilisation. Southampton is hosting numerous events, something almost every day, so we’ve highlighted only a few with the full programme available on our website www.discovercommunity.co.uk

Civil Rights@ Richard Taunton’s College Wednesday 16 October Live music workshop in the afternoon exploring issues and ideas that were prevalent during the civil rights struggle in the 1960s and 1970s in the United States of America.

The Wonder Band and Ebonie G & Aaron Soul Thursday 3rd October The Concorde Club A full 10 piece band brings the magic of Stevie Wonder’s music to life.

David Murray Concert Thursday 17th October Award winning saxophonist. Turner Sims Concert Hall.

The Black Church in the Diaspora Thursday 10th October Southampton Uni, Avenue Campus Lecture Theatre B A cultural, historical and religious history of struggle and achievement - Dr. R. David Muir, Theologian and Political Analyst

Southampton Black History Schools Quiz: Wednesday 23 October Richard Tauntons College, (a bit like University Challenge) for secondary schools in the area. With questions from the Home Office official handbook for the life in the UK test now required for settlement in the UK or British citizenship. Love Soul Choir @ West Quay Sunday 27th 12noon - 1.30pm A Black History of Southampton Exhibition Friday 4 - 28 October The Wool House, Town Quay Road.

Bob Marley

Bob Marley 40th Anniversary Friday 11th October The Cellar, SO14 Junior World Cup supported by Southampton Football Club Saturday 12 October 10am - 3pm Goals Soccer Arena, Millbrook, SO15 OJZ If you have news of an event in the area please submit it via the Contact Us page of www.discovercommunity.co.uk 6

Hugh Masakela Concert - South African Legend Tuesday 5 November 8pm Turner Sims Concert Hall.

Hugh Masakela

Hello, Hello The Franco British Society would like to invite new members to its friendly group that endeavours to maintain friendly relations between the UK and France exploring the diverse cultures within the country, its people and its heritage. English is spoken throughout and new members made very welcome. Links with Nice reciprocal visits are made each year. Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7.15pm in the Highfield Church Hall, Southampton SO17 1RL. For more info call Diane Sparkes 02380 463334.

Is it time for tea? Paul and Karen have always lived in Southampton and are the proud owners of Southampton’s newest Tea Rooms on Winchester Road (in the parade where Uptons is). They serve a fine choice of coffee, freshly grounded every day and offer a selection of flavoured teas. For those on special diets, you will appreciate the availability of almond milk, decaffeinated drinks and gluten free products. Paul and Karen have sourced locally handmade cakes and scones and Hampshire Ice Cream. Bassett Road Tea Rooms are open Monday – Saturday 8.30am to 5.30pm. Please support your local businesses and drop in!

Paul & Karen

Running was never easier Parkruns have sprung up all over the country and Southampton is also on the map with a regular Saturday morning 5k run in Southampton Common starting at the Hawthorn Centre (south side). It’s free but to run against the clock you need to pre-register online and bring the barcode with you. Organised by volunteers to promote running it’s a great healthy way to start the day. Open to all ages and abilities. To register www.parkrun.org.uk/southampton.

Friends R Us Nothing to do on a Monday night? Why not join Friends R Us at The Ship Inn, Redbridge at 8pm for a drink and a chat? We are a friendly group of people (aged 40+) but mentally a lot younger. Quiz nights, mojive (dancing), meals out at different places, live bands, skittles and lots more. Fewer nights in front of the telly can only be a good thing. Here to share the past, the present and the future. For more info please call Richard 02381220127 or Julie 07786443550 You have nothing to lose and lots of friends to gain! 7

FINANCE

How to make your child a Millionaire Raising children costs a small fortune (it’s currently estimated at around £200,000), but if you’re clever, you could help them to become millionaires. Here are a few ways to make your child rich.

Pensions for babies Pensions are a great tax-effective way to invest for your new offspring. Stakeholders Probably the easiest type of pension to take out for your baby (or child of any age for that matter) is the Stakeholder pension. These products were initially set up to give those on little or no income the chance to add to a pension, however anyone is allowed to set one up which means that a child’s legal guardian(s) can start a pension for newborns. You can pay in up to £2,880 each tax year, which is then topped up by a government taxback incentive to £3,600. You can stop and start contributions as you wish, so if your cash situation changes you won’t be penalised for it. The minimum amount you can pay in at any time is £20. Anyone can add to it so grandparents, aunties and uncles can all chip in over the child’s life time. If the full amount is paid each year, by the time the child is 55 they will have well over £700,000 and if they access the account at 70 they will have over £1.8 million. The money invested won’t be accessible until the child reaches 55 meaning they can’t blow it all when they hit 18. Once they start working,

they can also contribute. They will receive tax benefits if their income is less than £130,000. You can find out more about stakeholder pensions at Moneymagpie.com. There’s also a list of registered stakeholder pension scheme providers on the Pension Regulator website www. thepensionsregulator.gov.uk. SiPPs You can also set up a Selfinvested Personal Pension (SiPP) for your little one. Like a Stakeholder, they are open to anyone but the difference here is that you manage the money in it. So instead of leaving it to a pension fund to decide what to invest in, you choose the products yourself, whether it be shares, bonds, commercial property or other things. Junior ISAs Junior ISAs are a great way to save for your child from an early age. ISAs are savings accounts which allow you to deposit a maximum of £3,600 a year completely tax-free, attracting interest as well. The downside (or upside depending on how you see it) is that your child has access to the money when they’re 18. Should you contribute the maximum amount each year, the fund could grow to a whopping £64,800 plus interest by the time they reach 18. This could be used towards university, buying their first car, putting a deposit down on a home or paying for a wedding. You can put the money into either a cash ISA or a stocks and shares one. As your child has a good few years for the fund to grow, you could afford to put the money

Give them pocket money and set up a savings account for them, showing them how their money can grow over time.

into a stocks and shares ISA, at least for the first 13 years and then, perhaps, move the money gradually into cash for the last 5 to hold onto gains.

children born on or after 3 January 2011 and those under 18 born before September 2002. A good place to start would be www.familyinvestments.co.uk .

The only snag with a Junior ISA is that if you were eligible for a Child Trust Fund you can’t open a Junior ISA. And unlike the CTF, there will be no government cash contributions to each child’s savings pot.

Teaching your child about money A sure-fire way of making your child a millionaire, or at least comfortably off, is to teach her how to manage her money early on.

Junior ISAs are available to children living in the UK who aren’t currently holders of a Child Trust Fund which includes

Start as soon as they can toddle round the supermarket with you. Ask them to tell you the numbers on the price labels and then, later, run round finding the cheapest version of what you want to buy.

There are lots of ways to give your child the tools he or she needs to learn the basics of budgeting, spending and saving wisely. Go to pfeg.org for downloadable financial education guides that will help. Remember, it doesn’t matter how much money your child has later on, if she knows how to live below her means and save for her future she will never be poor. Fun fact: On average, parents are putting savings of £42.45 aside a month for each child.

By Jasmine Birtles, Moneymagpie.com

HeaLtH

It’s Good to Talk

More of us are open to the idea of seeking counselling to help us cope when life becomes busy and complicated, not to mention the importance of finding precious time to focus on ourselves.

therapy she followed, whether it was person-centred or cognitive, for example,” said Samantha, 28 years’ old. “I decided that it was better to go down the private route so I could have more control over the person I would be speaking to on a regular basis.”

We go to the gym to feel good physically; we have massages to feel good holistically; so counselling can be thought of as a sort of ‘mind massage’, giving you the opportunity to let your words and emotions out without being judged.

Taking control of your life there are many different types of counselling therapies available - the British association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BaCP) website is a good place to start when it comes to understanding what may suit you.

Latest figures reveal that the number of people accessing mental health services has risen steadily in recent years, yet not everyone who experiences a mental health problem will use NHS services. You might decide to seek help privately for a number of reasons - there may be a waiting list, a lack of availability in your area, or your doctor may feel don’t need referring for further treatment.

Counselling can help you when you’re struggling to cope, whether it’s for depression, stress and anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, drug or alcohol misuse, bereavement, sexuality issues, or post-traumatic disorder.

“I started off by having counselling under the NHS, but this meant I didn’t get to choose my counsellor. I didn’t really get on with her, and I didn’t get to choose what type of counselling 10

there’s no shame in seeking further help; instead of seeing it as a weakness, it can be the first step towards taking control of your life and finding new strength to face any problems, especially if you feel you can’t confide in a friend or family member. a counsellor won’t tell you what choices to make or offer

you specific advice, but they will guide you and help you understand why you may be feeling a certain way. Your first visit will give you and your therapist the opportunity to decide if you both feel comfortable with each other and to talk about what you want to achieve from the sessions. Some sessions can even take place online using Skype for video calls, over the phone or via email, which can help if you aren’t able to travel for face-to-face appointments. What makes a good counsellor? Sometimes you may have to try a few counsellors before you find one that works for you. a good counsellor should not judge or criticise you, but instead will focus on what you are saying in order to help you deal with your problems.

There’s no shame in seeking further help; instead of seeing it as a weakness, it can be the first step towards taking control of your life and finding new strength to face any problems

If you feel that things aren’t going the way you want them to then you should discuss this with your counsellor first to see if anything can be improved before going to a new one. Regular sessions are also a good idea so that you can start to see a difference. all counsellors are required to have supervision and counselling themselves as part of their training. this means that they have been in the same situation as you, which can be reassuring. Payments and accreditation If you choose to use a private counsellor then you may be able to arrange a fee system where the more sessions you have, the cheaper it becomes over time. Fees can also differ depending on the experience of the counsellor. Normally you can arrange a discounted fee if you’re on a

low income, so make sure you discuss this ahead of making any payments.

If you can’t afford private therapy, then it’s important not to try and deal with things on your own.

ensure that any health professional you go with is registered and approved. You can find out more about this by getting in touch with one of the following bodies or visiting the relevant websites:

Your GP can talk to you about other options available as well as letting you know about free talking therapies from charities or voluntary organisations.

By Julia Faulks

• British association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BaCP) • UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP): psychotherapists • the British association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BaBCP) • British Psychological Society: psychologists • association for Family therapy (aFt): family therapists • British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC): psychoanalytic psychotherapists • College of Sexual and Relationship therapists (COSRt, formerly BaSRt): couples counselling and sex therapists

Counsellors Southampton Counselling And Therapy Centre 34 Shirley Avenue, SO15 023 8077 4573 www.sctc.counselling.co.uk

Stepping Stones Counselling Southampton, SO17 07729603245 www.steppingstonescounselling.org

The Romney Centre 61 The Avenue SO17 023 8022 6050 www.theromneycentre.co.uk

Peter Gregory UKCP Southampton/Chandlers Ford 07752 866550

Vicky Duddridge BACP(Acc), BSc Psy, PgDip CBT, Dip Couns Southampton, SO16 Tel: 07810870788

Linda Welch Lordswood, SO16 023 80737784 / 07771 531137 www.talkitthrough.net

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From Property to Personal Trainer I have always been active in a multitude of sports including competing at regional and age level in ski-ing, horse riding and recently the triathlon in which I hope to complete my British Triathlon Coaching Qualification in early 2014. I am also training for the Great South Run in October and the Silverstone half marathon and will be running in memory of my Mummy for Lupus UK.

Maxine tells her story After spending ten years in the property industry I decided to make a complete career change and qualified as a personal trainer. After the dramatic events of getting married the same week that my mother was taken terminally ill and who died late on our wedding day, I realised life is short. I also had my share of health scares so I decided to take control of my future and health. It wasn’t an easy decision, as not only were my husband and I coming to terms with the loss of my mother, working full time, training for various events and me studying every evening & weekend we also had to contemplate the financial implications of my endeavours! However, I can

honestly say I have not once regretted my decision and as a result am the happiest I have been since that fateful day in May 2012. My blood pressure and heart rate are the lowest they have been in years! So, Healthy Measures was born in June 2013 when I left my full time job to go it alone! I now offer Personal Training on a one to one or group basis. I am am currently providing maternity cover for a fellow trainer and friend running Buggyfit classes which is circuit based classes specifically designed for post natal mothers.

That’s my story so whatever your health and fitness motivation please contact me for a personal, professional, motivating and friendly environment. I have access to a private studio in Hedge End or can travel to the comfort of your own home at your convenience. Maxine Channon 07801 417553 max@healthy-measures.co.uk

Would you like to… Improve your fitness? Lose weight? Get Healthy? Struggling for motivation? Do you dislike gyms or training alone? Has your exercise routine become monotonous? Answer Yes to any of these questions? Then get in touch with me today! I am a qualified Personal Trainer, specialising in functional training, & I’m here to help you achieve your fitness goals no matter how big or small. I am mobile & have access to a private fitness studio in West End & I’m here to help you achieve your

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The Nuffield Theatre Children’s Theatre this Autumn From magical shadow puppets to fantastic interactive theatre, there’s something for every child at The Nuffield Theatre this autumn. Misunderstood Monsters (5 October) is the latest production from children’s theatre Half Moon. Overcome your fear of aliens through the power of the spoken word, live music and a digital game. Clydebuilt Puppets present Gingerbread Man (12 October). See the Gingerbread Man come to life in a world made entirely of biscuits – a treat for every sweet tooth! The fantastic Sea Legs Puppet Theatre returns to The Nuffield. After their success last year with Peter and the Wolf, they’re bringing an adaptation of the Brothers Grimm’s Musicians of Bremen (19 October), a classic fairytale of friendship and courage. The audience can even meet the puppets afterwards! Scamp Theatre’s stage adaptation of Stick Man (29 October – 2 November) comes to The Nuffield’s main stage! This fantastically popular show has completed 3 sell-out international tours and 2 runs in London’s West End. Audiences can see the much loved book brought to life by a trio of actors, featuring puppetry, catchy tunes and funky moves. As a half term day out, Stick Man is more fun than you can shake a stick at! The wonderfully quirky Soap Soup Theatre is journeying back to Southampton with The Snow Baby (9 November). Having brought their reinvention of Little Red Riding Hood to the Nuffield last autumn, expect more of the same beautiful table top puppetry, imaginative storytelling and funny bits! A family classic hits the main stage, with the new adaptation of Pinocchio (16 November) written by acclaimed children’s author, Michael Rosen. Presented by Hiccup Theatre, audiences can expect a sparkling show full of live music, puppetry 14

and physical storytelling. Follow old favourite Pinocchio as he sets out on a brand new adventure. To round off the season, two brilliant companies have teamed up for their first co-production. Theatre Hullabaloo and Theatr Iolo bring Luna (23 November), a beautiful new tale about how the lonely moon helps a little boy overcome his fear of the night-time. The Nutcracker (5 December – 12 January) 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!

Comedy at The Nuffield The Comedy Bar – BIG GIG 5 October 8pm £15 (£13 concessions, £10 students) Ardal O’Hanlon 13 October 7.30pm

£20 (£18 concessions)

Alistair McGowan: Not Just A Pretty Voice 19 October 7.30pm £15 Henning Wehn: Henning Knows Bestest 20 October 7.30pm £14 (£12 concessions) Alexei Sayle 27 October 7.30pm £18 Phill Jupitus presents You’re Probably Wondering Why I’ve Asked You Here…2 November 7.30pm £15 (£13 concessions)

Josh Widdicombe: The Further Adventures Of… 9 November 7.30pm £14 (£12 concessions) Jeremy Hardy 15 November 7.30pm

£14 (£9 those in receipt of benefits)

The Comedy Bar – BIG GIG 18 January 8pm £15 (£13 concessions, £10 students)

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OCTOBER Fri 4 Too Petty Brand New Tom Petty Tribute - featuring members of Fleetwood Bac. Sat 5 Hairforce 5 Europe’s Premier 80’S Rock Tribute Sun 6 Ben Montague The man who gave us ‘Haunted’ is

touring his debut album ‘Tales of Flying and Falling’.

Thur 10 Albert Lee & Hogan’s Heroes – Country Rock Albert Lee has shared a stage with Clapton and Dolly Parton. Sat 12 Here & Now + YES SIR BOSS Sun 13 Pat Travers Fri 18 Al Stewart Welcome Return of The singer of “The Year of The Cat” Sat 19 Green-ish Day Excellent Tribute to Green Day Return Fri 25 Queen Extravaganza Sat 26 Dirty DC Sells out fast Sun 27 Eric Bibb A new cd coming will speak a major UK

tour next year

Thur 31 Wishbone Ash NOvEMBER Fri 01 Toyah Willcox Thur 07 Leo Sayer Fri 08 Hazel O’Connor + Support Sat 09 Blancmange Sun 10 Regenesis Fri 15 Snakecharmer Sat 16 King of Michael Jackson Tribute 14.00 Fri 22 John Lee’s Barclay James Harvest Barclay James Harvest was formed in Oldham when John Lees and Woolly Wolstenholme teamed up with Les Holroyd and Mel Pritchard. In the summer of 1967 the band turned professional and adopted the name. The band became one of the first signings to the legendary Harvest label.

Radio Taxis

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Sun 24 Adrian Edmonson & The Bad Shepherd ~

West Quay Cars

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Central Shirley Cars

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Punk songs on folk instruments. Not as a gag, but because they really like the noise. Songs by The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Stranglers, The Jam...

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Thur 28 Public Service Broadcasting Fri 29 Novpaul Carrack

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Ten ways to create a new room in your home Just had a baby? Started working from home? Run out of storage? Then you need to stretch your home.

Wow!

1 Build an extension

3 Convert the cellar

Pros Adding a rear extension to a kitchen can be a great way to create a multi-functional family room. Filling in the side return in a typical Victorian terrace is popular. It may be possible to add a second storey for a new bedroom or bathroom on the first floor, too.

Pros Turn a cellar into family living space, a useful utility area, a home office or even a self-contained annexe, without altering the outside of your home.

Cons Reduces garden size. Unsympathetic extensions feel like an add-on. Regulations Can often be done without planning permission, depending on size and height. Check your permitted development rights with your local council’s planning department. You’ll also need building regulations approval and, if you’re semi-detached or in a terrace, party wall consent from neighbours. Visit www.planningportal.gov.uk for more information.

2 Convert the loft Pros Create a bedroom (perhaps with a bathroom), a home office or playroom, without taking space from the garden. Cons Not every loft has the headroom or enough useable space. More difficult and expensive if your roof isn’t traditionally built. Regulations As for extensions. 16

Cons Often more expensive, per square metre, than other ways of creating extra space. Can be difficult to get enough headroom and light into the new room. Regulations If you just want to turn an existing cellar into a normal room, it’s classed as a change of use and doesn’t need planning permission. But if you lower the floor or extend, you’re likely to need permission, so check with your local authority. And you’ll need party wall consent from any adjoining neighbours. In both cases you must comply with Building Regulations.

4 Add a conservatory Pros Adds extra living space and brings the garden into your home. Cons A poorly built conservatory can be too hot in summer, freezing cold in winter and full of condensation. Takes space from your garden. Regulations Many conservatories are exempt from planning permission and building regulations, but check with your local planning department first.

5 Build a room in the garden Pros The building work will hardly bother you. Cons Not suitable for small gardens. Could look like a shed, security is an issue, and if not properly insulated it will be too cold to use in winter. Regulations A simple garden room may be exempt from planning permission and Building Regulations, but if it’s laid on permanent foundations and connected to mains power, water and sewerage, you’ll need both.

6 Divide a room into two Pros Carving up a large space to add another room is useful and can add value, even though you’re not actually creating any extra space.

not usually needed, but Building Regulations apply to new walls, doors, windows and electrical work.

7 Put in an ensuite Pros Loved by buyers. Can be fitted into quite a small space. Cons Installing an ensuite at the expense of a bedroom could knock your property’s value. Regulations Planning permission isn’t usually needed, but Building Regulations approval is.

8 Build on top of your garage Pros A first floor extension on top loses no garden space and is often relatively easy. Cons Foundations may not be strong enough, so the garage will have to be underpinned.

Cons You’ll need to create a separate doorway for the room, and Regulations You’ll need planning opening window. DM! include Totton, an Sep13 - FINAL_DMG! Masterpermission Layout (Jun13) 16/08/2013 18:54 and Building Regulations. Regulations Planning permission is

9 Convert your understairs Pros Turns a poorly used area into a valuable extra room – perfect for a ground-floor loo, an extra shower room or a study area. Cons You’ll have to find extra space to store that under-stairs stuff. If putting in a loo or bathroom, ventilation and connecting to drainage may be a problem. Regulations Building Regulations approval is necessary if you’re installing a bathroom.

10 Convert your garage Pros It’s a relatively straightforward job to turn it into a valuable indoor space. Cons Foundations may need strengthening. Avoid if you live in an area where parking is premium. Regulations Planning permission is not usually required, but Building Page 6 Regulations approval is. by Katherine Sorrell

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Finding the perfect builder Mr Perfect?

If you’re considering home renovation, extension or even a self-build, Kate McLelland offers some wise words here, that might just save your costs from going through the roof

As I write, I am currently four and a half weeks into a ‘three week’ kitchen renovation project. A thin layer of dust covers everything I own and there is a dent in my new fridge. The workmen have lost their initial enthusiasm and are grumbling about the job, their boss and their working hours. The kitchen unit supplier and the builder are at loggerheads and the constant roar of power tools has begun to drive me crazy (not to mention an unending diet of microwavable meals).

Does the perfect builder exist? If you have ever had building work carried out you might well shrug and say: “Nothing new there”, but in my case I thought – no, I really believed - I had found the Perfect Builder. So, does the perfect builder exist and if so, how can you find this almost mythical creature? Your search will be easier if you follow some basic guidelines. The internet is currently awash with websites bearing such names as www.mytrusted builder.co.uk, but it’s best to take some of their customer comments with a pinch of salt. Unfortunately no review system is foolproof and it’s not impossible to fake feedback. 20

Recommendation There’s no substitute for personal recommendation, so the first rule is to ask locally to see which tradesmen your neighbours would recommend (or not). Looking here in your magazine is a great place to search of course, because the tradespeople are local and the editor is likely to have been forewarned of any true rogues. Look for their accreditation on their adverts e.g. TrustMark (www.trustmark.org.uk) is a not for profit organisation, licensed by the Government and supported by consumer protection groups, that aims to connect members of the public with trustworthy building professionals. Additionally, Hampshire’s Buy with Confidence Scheme is worth looking out for. All the businesses on their scheme have been vetted and approved by Trading Standards to ensure that they operate in a legal, honest and fair way. Watch out for those too-good-to-betrue reviews and compare quotes carefully when recruiting or checking your builder online. Although the feedback is useful to read, membership of some of these organisations involves the barest minimum of checks and it can be fairly easy for a company to fake their credentials. Once you have identified three or four companies to call, the next

stage will be to invite them to your house so they can quote for the work. Take a deep breath before you open the door to your chosen candidates, because you will almost certainly meet some colourful characters, each with a different approach to your job.

Do your home-work It’s useful to start with a list of the things that you want done, so make several copies and give one to each builder. That list will probably change as you discuss the work, but it’s still a good place to start. Ask the builder to quote separately for each item on your list. If you accept a quote for a global amount - “To renovate and fit bathroom, £12,000+VAT” - he may come back to you later, claiming that certain items were not included in the original quote. With no written evidence to the contrary, you’ll have no basis for negotiation. When I invited quotes for my

kitchen, one builder refused point blank to price up the job because “You never know what’s lurking behind them old kitchen units and tiles”. I didn’t give him the job, but he had a fair point – an estimate can only be based on what is visible to the naked eye. You must always allow a contingency for hidden expenses, but no building firm should expect to start work without having provided at least some idea of their charges. You should ask the same questions of each person who comes to quote: “How long will it take?” “Do you have your own team of tradesmen, or do you subcontract?” “Will you provide a contract for the work?” “Have you done any similar jobs locally and can I contact the householder for a reference?” If your builder makes you feel that such questions are inappropriate or unnecessary, show them the door: a

reputable company should be happy to provide evidence of their work. Be aware that a few manipulative individuals may try to strike up a rapport with you, knowing that they’re more likely to pass off sub-standard work if they win your trust. The best builderclient relationships remain on a businesslike footing, so keep your eyes open and don’t be taken in by a charm offensive. The tips described above may make choosing a builder seem straightforward, but in practice I’ve found it’s not that easy. I chose someone who arrived on time, made careful notes, gave positive answers to all my questions and provided an itemised estimate but even the best builder can’t avoid the inevitable disruption and mess. “Trust me, it’ll be worth it,” he persistently reminds me as I watch the project progress. Oh, the power of positive thinking!

Discover Diamonds

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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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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Climbing

Plants

Climbing plants, especially those with flamboyant flowers or fantastic foliage can transform a garden and offer a whole new planting opportunity, as your garden literally goes upwards and takes a vertical climb. Just about every garden has boundaries and these can be turned from something functional but ugly into something truly gorgeous.

Easy Access If you use trellis as a support on a wall, it can be attached to wooden battens which are fixed to the wall using rawl plugs. This works well until you want to maintain the wall, perhaps painting or cleaning it. So use a series of hinges to attach one edge of the trellis to the batten, and a few hooks to allow you to raise or lower the trellis when need be.

Supporting Cast A few climbers are self-clingers and don’t need a special support system when grown against a fence or wall; Virginia creeper and Hydrangea petiolaris for instance. But most need to have a proper support, and it pays to put this in place before you plant. For lighter weight climbers some trellis, perhaps prettily painted will do the trick, but for heavier climbers such as a vigorous clematis, or wisteria, you will need galvanised straining wires.

Planting Distance Climbers look great up against a wall, but they will never thrive if they don’t receive enough water at the base. The ‘rain shadow’ created by the house roof and the drying effect of the wall’s foundations can make the soil close-by extremely dry. To minimise this drying effect, plant a minimum of 45cm (18in) away from the base of the wall and make sure you fork in plenty of well-rotted bulky organic matter before planting too. Train it well If the climber is quite small, it may need to be trained in the right direction. A short bamboo cane or several for a multistemmed plant, can be angled from the base of the plant to the

vertical surface, allowing you to tie in the stems and edge them towards the support. Once the climber has reached the wall, the enlarging network of stems may become congested if left to its own devices, so actively train the stems to grow in the direction you need them to. Extra Care Climbers planted against a wall will need extra TLC if they’re to look their best. Make watering them top-priority, especially for the first 18 months whilst they’re becoming established. Apply a good, bulky organic mulch to a depth of about 8cm (3in) or so all around the rooting area, but take care to avoid the mulch coming in to direct contact with the stems. Coloured Walls You can add to the effect of a climber by using colour on the surface on which it is growing. It’s best to use wood stain or paints of any kind before the plants are in place as the job will be easier and there won’t be the risk that the plants become damaged by the paint or wood treatment. It’s also essential that the colour is completely dry before you start planting, and

that it’s sold as something which is suitable for use near plants. A light colour may also help to reflect back light, so making conditions a little better in a gloomy spot. Arches, Arbours and Pergolas Climbers don’t just look good on house, garden and garage walls and fences, they can also be used to great effect over arches and pergolas or to clothe an arbour. You may need to install some supporting wires here too, so go for galvanised wires and sturdy vine-eyes as fixings. Choosing a scented climber or two will add to the charm of a cosy arbour or archway. Clever Combinations If the surface that you want to plant up is big enough, try to use more than one type of climber as, chosen carefully, the plants you

use will increase the period for which the arch, pergola, arbour, wall or fence, looks its best. You could, for instance include an early flowering clematis and a mid- or late season one so that there are flowers to enjoy for more months of the year. Bare Ankles Many climbers do have a habit of becoming a bit bare at the base, especially after they’ve been in place for a few years. This is generally totally natural and does not indicate that they’re unhappy, but it can look rather miserable. Try some seasonal bedding plants around the base, or plant a small and attractive shrub a little further away to hide the bare stems.

by Pippa Greenwood

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The

Better Life No Ifs or Butts

There are two things you can say with confidence, where we live. Firstly, that it rains - a lot. Secondly, if you don’t like the weather, just give it half an hour and then there might be something along that’s more to your taste. If, like us, you’re keen on becoming more green, having a water butt is a must. Otherwise, you’re literally tipping a valuable resource down the drain. Our problem has always been the layout of the garden. Well, that and my feebleness at lugging watering cans around. But Anne, who uses the Internet for research rather than Twitter, found a solution. “This water butt,” she declared, pointing at the screen, “will fill other water butts for us - and wherever we want to place them.” I must have made a ‘wow’ face because Anne immediately nodded sagely in my direction. Our Rainwater Hub arrived a few days later in the post. (Anne had, of course, ordered it before showing 30

me, to save time.) After I’d prowled around it a couple of times, we agreed to let our neighbour put it up, so that it was done properly. To be fair, the instructions were easy-peasy, only I’m known to be drilly-silly.

hub and our three water butts were duly named John, Paul, George and Ringo. Collectively: The Buttles. The whole system is, in effect, one giant water butt, only it’s spaced out around the garden.

The neighbour popped over in the week, looked over the paperwork and scratched his head. “Are you sure it goes up on the wall?” “Of course,” I replied with my rehearsed answer, “it’s a gravity fed system.” Now it was his turn to make a ‘wow’ face and he didn’t disappoint.

Now for the first time, we can also use rainwater, from the hub’s second tap, for the indoor plants in the conservatory; great news for us, the sweet peppers and the chillies, as we’re on a water meter.

I left him to it and went off to make some kindling - because every man likes to feel useful. Half an hour later, the Rainwater Hub was installed and connected by a hose to water butt number two. The next day it absolutely poured down and, after a little trial and error (the error being that I hadn’t read the butt connection instructions properly - too busy sniggering), I checked the online video and soon everything was in place. The

The cat was curious about all the garden hoses, but soon went back to stalking the frog that Anne discovered in the damp ground behind the monbretia. Being able to harvest this much rain also means we can wash the car for free, should I ever get round to it. It’s on my list, along with growing kale beside the perpetual chard and trying a small lemon tree in the conservatory. Our handyman neighbour has already been back to see the hub in action, and to see the storage capacity of the system. He dropped hints about us renaming John in his honour. However, as he’s not named George (as in Martin), Pete (as in Best), or Stuart (as in Sutcliffe), that’s pretty unlikely. Mind you, there’s always the possibility of adding another Buttle to the band!

by Derek Thompson 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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Walk from Exton This walk is approx 6.5 miles

It all starts at the Shoe Inn

‘South Downs Way’. Cross a section of wooden duckboards and walk along the narrow footpath between hedge and tree lined fields that narrows down to a gully and climbs steadily for some 600 yards.

Exton lies just off the A32 Droxford to West Meon road in the Meon Valley. Park in the Shoe Inn (SO32 3NT) car park located on Shoe Lane. Authorisation to park is required (01489 877526). Alternatively, drive through the village almost back to the A32 and park in the small lay-by opposite the entrance to Manor Farm. This walk is described from the Shoe Inn. On leaving the pub, turn left towards the church, follow the lane through the village for 200 yards to a ‘T’ junction and turn right. Keep straight on until you join the main A32. Cross the road onto a footpath signed ‘No through road’. Cross a footbridge over the Meon River. Trace this path for around 400 yards and with barns in front of you and a path joining from the left, turn left along the signed 34

***Climb some wooden steps up to the disused railway track bed and turn left; walkers and cyclists can be seen heading up from the right from Wickham. Beacon Hill on your left and Old Winchester Hill on your right are occasionally glimpsed through the trees.*** Keep going straight for approximately 1200 yards ignoring other paths and tracks until you descend onto a minor road. Cross the road and climb the opposite bank to return to the track bed. Continue along the track for a further 1800 yards until it passes Pass under road bridge

under a road bridge. Access to this road is by walking further along to a footpath joining from the left for another 200 yards then turning left back on yourself up the slope to the road above.

Meon River

Turn left and walk along the road past Hayden Barn Cottage on the left. The road climbs steadily uphill for some 600 yards. Approaching the top of the hill, turn right onto a gravel track signed ‘Peake Farm’ and also signed as Monarch’s Way. Follow this track towards the farm for a good 1000 yards. At a left hand bend, ignore the track going straight on into a field. Follow the track around towards the farm, passing some fields with show jumping fences and stables for the local horses. At the farm buildings, turn sharp right onto a waymarked footpath running between fields. The path emerges onto a metalled road to Peakes Farm. Turn left at the road. Walk approximately 50 yards then turn

Historical note... In 940 AD, the village of Exton carried the name of East Seaxnatune meaning the farmstead of the East Saxons. The 13th century church of St Peter and Paul was heavily restored in 1847. In 1801, the population of Exton was 224. By 1901 it had grown slightly to 299 persons but reduced again to 230 in 2001. The Meon Valley railway line was opened in June 1903 to connect Alton to Fareham and Gosport. It was one of Hampshire’s least successful railway enterprises and closed in 1955.

right along the side of a barn. Follow the path around the end of the barn and then along the left hand boundary of a field. Turn left through a gateway at the field boundary to join a concrete and tarmac farm track.

Follow the signed path left along the right-hand boundary of a field, which switches half way up into a field requiring the walk to continue on the left hand edge. The path climbs steadily uphill, but offers some stunning views across mid Hampshire, Old Winchester Hill and surrounding areas. At the top of the rise, turn left along the field fence line and follow the path as it turns right along the left hand side of the field. At the end of the field, turn right onto the South Downs Way footpath leading away from Old Winchester Hill. The path meanders downhill alongside field boundaries with chalky conditions underfoot and some 1500 yards of twisting decent. At the bottom of the hill, turn left

Stunning views

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

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 Southampton, Chandlers Ford and Winchester editions. We are inviting nominations for Discover’s Solent North Charity. The chosen charity should be based in and support the residents within postcodes SO15, SO16, SO17, SO53, SO22 and SO23. To apply visit www.discovercommunity.co.uk and click on the Chosen Charityform under the Contact Us tab. The closing date for submissions is 30 November 2013.

Live Local Think Local ... Give Local. Helping Local Businesses to Help Their Community.

local charities are invited to apply 35

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on what’s on

Community Centre for a free walk with tour, meet Mrs Earwicker in the approximately 15 adults farmhouse and enjoy a hot drink for a 3 miles / hour walk and cake from the Café. £15, with tea/coffee/biscuits Booking essential on 01489 in the Community 787055. Centre afterwards for a BURSLEDON BRICKWORKS small donation of 30p.

what’s

ROMSEY FOOD FESTIVAL

1 Sep, 10am – 2pm FAMILY ORIENTEERING Alma Road Car Park, SO51 8ED SPECTACULAR Farmers Market Selling local 28 Sep, 10am Produce. 01420 588671 for Royal further Victoria details. Country Park, Weston Shore PRESERVING SUMMER Southampton Sun 1, 8,and 15, 22 and in 29 a Sep, Come join 10am – 5pm day of fun, food and Manor Farm Country Park, Pylands orienteering. Lane, SO31 1BH £10 for team ticket (4 and Visitathe farmhouse kitchen see jams, chutneys and wine members), £3 extra being made. You’ll even per team member. be able to sample the produce. Normal Maps and equipment farm admission charge. 01489 included. Proceeds details. to 787055 for more Simon Says, Children ‘WHAT’S THIS?’ PHOTO TRAIL Bereavement Service. 2 Sep, 10am – 4pm jane@simonsaysorg.uk Royal Victoria Country Park, or 0845 305 5688 Victoria Road, SO31 5GA ‘Can you guess what is it yet?’

OPERA COMIQUE Follow this self guided trail to work out what the SULLIVAN photos are of GILBERT AND and where they were taken. FESTIVAL £1.50p per trail. 02380 30 Sep – 5 Oct, 7.30pm 455157. and 2pm matinee on www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp Saturday 5 Oct LEPEBerry LOOP AND LUNCH The Theatre, 5 Sep, 10am – 2pm Wildern Lane SO30 4EJ Lepe Country Park, The SO45 first 1AD festival of aJoin selection the rangersofforthe a 5 mile guided walk works at a gentle immortal of pace, followed by a hot lunch in the Gilbert and Sullivan café. £9.50 per person. Booking performed by leading essential on 02380 891108. amateur operatic www3.hants.gov.uk/lepe societies. Monday - The FAMILY HISTORY FOR - The Mikado, Tuesday BEGINNERS ATThursday HAMPSHIREGondoliers, RECORD OFFICE Patience, Friday - Trial 5 and 24 Sep Hampshire Record Office, Sussex Street, SO23 8TH Find your ancestors in the archives at Hampshire Record Office. Access Hampshire family history sources on microfilm/fiche and some for England and Wales. Booking required on 01962 846154.

38 28

ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY

WINCHESTER by Jury and MEMORY HMS WALK 7 Sep, 10am Saturday registration, 11am Pinafore, 2pm walk The Grand Duke, 6pm North Walls Recreation Ground, Pre-concert talk by Gordon Road Roger Take partand in a Rosemary beautiful 1 mile park walk or 6 mile Yeomen historic city Wild, 7.30pm walk through Winchester. Live of the Guard. All tickets music, games and refreshments from 01489 799499 will be available on return. or www.berrytheatre. www.memorywalk.org.uk/winche co.uk£8 25% discount ster or 0845- 306 0898 for ifdetails. attending 2 or more performances, THE AMPFIELD MARKET 7 Sep, 10am – 12pm

SATURDAY Ampfield VillageSTORYTIME Hall, Saturdays Morleys Lane in October, Fresh fruit and veg, organic 10.30am -11.15am bread, savoury foods and The Berry Theatre, Fairtrade products, jams and Wildern Lane SO30 4EJ chutneys, local eggs, plants, Join musical storytellers flowers, new and old books, for enchanted tales paper, jewellery, cards, wrapping crafts, familiar bric a brac,and pet foods both new.and accessories for sale. Each session ends with Refreshments served all morning interactive play time, with fresh coffee and a delicious where range of everyone home made becomes cakes. Free part of the admission and story. parking. Julie Trotter on 02380 254587 01489 799 499. BATS IN THE BELFRY

HEDGE END AND BOTLEY 10 Sep, 7.45pm WALKS Manor Farm Country Park, Pylands Lane, SO31 1BH Thursdays, 9.30am An evening talk and walk (Hedge End), presented by Hampshire Bat Wednesdays, 2pm Group. Spot the bats emerging (Botley) from their daytime roosts into Hedge End: and Meet our churchyard learn more about these fascinating at Drummond car creatures. Adult child £3. park near the£5, Hedge Booking essential on 01489 End amenity centre 787055. for a free walk with approximately adults SUMMER SPECIAL25 GUIDED FARM2TOURS – WARTIME and one hour walks FARM of different grades, with 10 Sep, 5pm – 7pm refreshments at Hilliers Manor Farm Country Park, Garden Centre for tea/ Pylands Lane, SO31 1BH coffee afterwards. Join our Farm Manager on an exclusive behind scenes Botley: Meet the at Botley

INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM 12 Sep, 10am – 4pm

OVER 60s LUNCH Swanwick Lane, SO31 7HB Fridays, fromDay: 4 Oct, Heritage Open Come12pm along see the last remaining –and 1pm steam driven brickworks in the St Denys Church, Dundee country. Free Entry. http:// Road SO17 2ND tiny.cc/bursledonbrickworks Lunch provided for anyone overTHE 60HOUSE everyAT ExHIBITION: POOH CORNER Friday for a small cost. 13 Jul – and 14 Sep, 10am – 5pm Come join our Mottisfont House and Gardens, friendly group of people SO51 0LP for cooked and a Visitathis summermeal for another chat. 02380671757 great exhibition and trail thator all the family will love. An helpprojects@stdenys. exhibition of classic illustrations. com There will also be a display of contemporary art on the theme WOOFS, WELLIES AND of childhood and imagination and a distinct, fabulous family WALKIES 5quest Oct trail. Normal admission charges apply. 01794 344020 Royal Victoria Country or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk Park, Netley Abbey /mottisfont

SO31 5GA AKING dogJOHN’S walk HOUSE raising& TUDOR COTTAGE money for Countess 14 Sep, 10am – 4pm Mountbatten Hospice King John’s House, Charity. Don’t Church Street, SO51worry 8BT if you don’t have dog as Heritage Open Day: a King John's House andjoin heritage you can in centre anyway! encompasses three buildings 02380475345 or that contain 750 years of pam@cmhcharity.org.uk

history. It is full of fascinating displays and a traditional Tudor PHOTOGRAPHY tea room. A series of period gardens lead down to an ancient ‘PHOTOWALK’ stream. Quiz trails, brass 5 Oct, 11am – 2pm rubbings, pieces of armour to try Southampton SO14 3JS on, discovery box. Free Entry. Excursions exploring http://tiny.cc/kingjohnshouse

history and heritage. HINTON AMPNER –to OPEN An opportunity look GARDEN FOR NGS at and photograph 14 Sep, 10am – 6pm interesting buildings, Hinton Ampner, Alresford, architectural details and SO24 0LA streetscape en-route. 12 acre C20 garden created by Ralph Dutton. Suitable forManicured any typelawns of and topiaryand combine with camera all abilities unusual shrubs, climbers and -herbaceous beginners welcome. plants. Vibrant Lead professional dahliasby alternate in spring with photographer over tulips. Rose borderwith incorporates over 45 old and new rose 30 years’ experience varieties. Dramatic foliage of photography and planting in the Dell; orchard with education. £14 per spring bulbs; magnolia and person. 07970034498 philadelphus walks; restored for details. walled garden. Adults £7,

CRAFT FAIR 5 Oct, 11am – 3pm children £3.50. 01962 The d.@rt centre, Wildern 771305. School, Wildern Lane SO30 4EJ SHOW THE ROMSEY Craft hand 14 Sep,fair 8am featuring – 6pm Broadlands, SO51by 9ZDlocal made goods An Agricultural & Horse Show artists and craftspeople. with Devils Horsemen Wild West Stalls will include fused Display, the Derbyshire glass, jewellery, Midshipmen Marchingknitted Band in gifts, papercraft, gift the main ring, farm livestock, horses, and donkeys and amore. cards much countryside area with rural Refreshments available. activities including falconry, Free entry. 01489 779 ferrets and working dogs. Prices 471 or www.thedart. to be confirmed. 01794 co.uk 517521 or visit www.romseyshow.co.uk

WINCHESTER ALRESFORD ART AND CATHEDRAL CRAFT SHOW HARVEST MARKET FESTIVAL 14 Sep, 10am – 4.30pm Community 5Alresford – 6 Oct, 9am –Centre, 2pm West Street, SO24 9AG Middle Brook Street / Alresford is a picturesque Middle Brook Street Car Georgian town with wonderful Park SO23 9LS bespoke shops, lovely riverside Farmers’ Market walks and good eating places and the home the Watercress selling localofproduce. Steam Railway lovely day out 01420 588a671. www. for everyone. The craft show will farmersmarkets.co.uk

include glasswork, silk floral arrangements, traditional THE FIRSTitems CUT – PAPER Decoupage including tissue boxes and trays,EDGE beaded AT THE CUTTING andOct semi-precious stone – 5pm 11 - 12 Jan, 10am jewellery, wood craft, decorative SeaCity Museum, plaques, hand painted ceramics, Havelock SO14 7FY bespoke highRoad quality Ahandcrafted major exhibition cards, photography and original with workswatercolours. by over Free entry. For details 01252 30 international 724968

contemporary artists who radically rethink the PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY possibilities ofTASTER working LIPA 4:19 - FREE EVENTpaper. It explores with 14, 21established and 28 Sep, and how 10am – 11.30am emerging artists are Applemore College, transforming Roman Road, SO45the 4RQ humble scrap of by paper, LIPA was co-founded Sir Paul McCartneycutting, and in 2003 opened through folding for children and young people and sculpting, into aged 4 - 19 to help them amazingly powerful develop confidence and life creations could be skills throughthat the performing destroyed with and a single arts: dance, acting singing. Booking essential. tear. 023 8083 3007 info@lipa419nfs.co.uk or visit http://www. seacitymuseum.co.uk/ ST ALBAN’S CHURCH OPEN for details. DAYmore AND 80TH ANNIVERSARY 14 Sep, 10am – 4pm

St Alban’s Church, Tulip Road, 70S NIGHT FOR THE SO16 3BB AUTISTIC SOCIETY Heritage Open Day: Church open 11 Oct, 7.30pm for viewing. Talks and tours. P.O.S.H Spices Restaurant Open tower climbing the tower at one's own risk! Refreshments, Southampton

and competition displays. Entrance by programme at the door, which includes prize raffle ticket. Free parking. Light refreshments available. ww.hpf.org.uk/hpfhpx. htm

Included in the ticket price is a Starter, Main course and Dessert with an English alternative available for those less keen on spicy food. Entertainment by ‘For One Night Only’ and enjoy a great choreographed show. 70s fancy dress optional. For more information or to book tickets call Dawn in Fundraising on 01489 880881 ext 208 or email dawn.ingram@ has.org.uk. JUGGLING JAKE’S CIRCUS SKILLS WORKSHOP 13 Oct, 10am – 12.30pm and 2.30pm – 4pm Fair Oak Village Hall, Shorts Road SO50 7EJ Fun for all the family from age 3 upwards – children must be accompanied by an adult. Free, with refreshments available. 02380602282 and 02380692298. OLD ALRESFORD HOUSE OPEN DAY 13 + 15 Oct, 10am – 5pm Old Alresford House SO24 9DY C18 landscape garden (Grade ll listed) restored from original plans. 22-acre parkland

with rare breeds surrounded by 13-acre gardens and perimeter woodland walk (30 mins) featuring ha-ha, immaculate lawns, shrubberies, wildlife pond, chalk stream with bog garden, boardwalk and medieval coach road. Views and vistas. Also, contemporary Mediterranean walled garden. Admission £5, children free. www. oldalresfordhouse.com JIGSAW PUZZLE FESTIVAL 18 Oct – 2 Nov, 10am – 4pm every day and late night opening on Friday, 6 – 8pm Bitterne United Reformed Church, Above Iceland SO18 5EF The first of its kind to be held in Southampton. Admission £1 adults (free return during the week) and accompanied children free. Refreshments available. wedgesunnyside@aol. com. STAMP AND POSTAL HISTORY FAIR 19 Oct, 10am – 4pm Wickham Community Centre, Mill Lane PO17 5AL More than 25 dealers

FAMILY HISTORY FOR BEGINNERS 22 Oct, 6-8pm and 10 Oct 2-3pm Record Office, Sussex Street, Winchester SO23 8TH Find your ancestors in the archives at Record Office. Access family history sources on microfilm/fiche and some for England and Wales. All you need to know to begin researching your family tree. Booking required on 01962 846 154. £12 per person. www3. hants.gov.uk/archives AUTUMN HALF TERM AT MARWELL 26 Oct – 3 Nov Marwell Wildlife, Colden Common SO21 1JH Freaky fun for all the family. Watch as the animals enjoy some tasty pumpkin enrichment treats, meet the mini beasts, take part in our spooky storytelling, ride on our hauntingly good Ghost Train (usual fee applies) and create your own Halloween pumpkin. 01962 777 407 or visit www.marwell.org.uk CHILDREN’S AUTUMN HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES 28 Oct – 1 Nov, 10am – 3pm Fun days of creativity for children aged 4 12 years old. Run by trusted professional teachers and artists with a wealth of experience.

£15 per day or £20 for cookery days. 01489 779 471 or www. thedart.co.uk. COMEDY CLUBS 4 KIDS 29 Oct, 2pm The Berry Theatre, Wildern Lane SO30 4EJ Cracking entertainment for everyone over six years old! The best comedians from the UK and world circuit doing what they do best. Prices £6, or special family offer 4 tickets for £22 or 5 for £26. 01489 799499 or www. theberrytheatre.co.uk. AUTUMN CRAFT WORKSHOP 29 Oct, 10am – 2pm Swanwick Lakes Centre Sopwith Way SO31 7AY A variety of family craft activities. Please bring outdoor clothing and wellies. Dawn or Jess on 01489 570240 or e-mail SwanwickLakes@ hwt.org.uk to book. Suggested donation £3 per child. www.hwt. org.uk HAPPY FAMILY HALLOWEEN 31 Oct, 1pm – 4pm St Harold Hillier Gardens, Jermyns Lane, Ampfield SO51 0QA Not so spooky theatre fun. The very popular Forest Forge Theatre Company bring their own fun twist to make Halloween a little less spooky for U11s. With skits and stories in the Education Garden. Children are encouraged to dress up and join in. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 01794 369318 or visit http:// www3.hants.gov.uk/ hilliergardens 39

Be There or Be Square Guildhall Square is the centre of Southampton’s Cultural Quarter. about the guildhall Southampton Guildhall is the South’s largest multi-purpose entertainment venue attracting an audience of over 170,000 a year. Having hosted some of the biggest names in music from Pink Floyd and David Bowie, recent programmes have featured newer names such as Hard Fi, Manic Street Preachers, Kids in glass houses, The Killers, Kaiser Chiefs & Paloma Faith. With a capacity of 1,749, it faces directly onto Guildhall Square and lies at the heart of the Cultural Quarter.

Coming Up @ soUThampTon gUildhall Fri 1 November Tickets www.livenation.co.uk or 023 8063 2601 dr masaru emoto, Tom odell, Billy Bragg, russell Brand, lucy spraggan, Jimmy Carr, editors, The Cult, suede, ed Byrne, southampton philharmonic Choir. 21-year-old songwriter Lucy Spraggan has already impressed X Factor judges, Radio 1 DJs, festival organisers across the world and Columbia Records, who recently signed her to their roster. What makes her such a valued artist to this many industry heavyweights? Her quest for truthful music that deeply connects, wherever and whoever you are, that’s what. With a wealth of life experience already behind her, Lucy is now set to release an album that will enthrall fans of Dylan to Ed Sheeran, hip-pop acoustica to folktale and elegiac storytelling. While her trajectory hasn’t been the most conventional one for an artist so new, every step of it has fuelled her unmistakeable songcraft. Lucy Spraggan may have experienced a lot already, but her journey has just begun. 14 year olds and under must be accompanied by an adult.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Guildhall Square Southampton Guildhall BBC’s regional news and radio stations Mayflower theatre Sea City Museum City Art Gallery Central Library and Archives Southampton Solent University’s SJM building,conference centre and Solent Showcase 9 Southampton new arts complex (opens 2015) 10 City council’s contact centre and offices 11 West Park 12 Andrews Park

about the mayflower Theatre The Mayflower Theatre is one of the top three most successful regional theatres in the United Kingdom. It is the largest theatre in the South, seating 2,300 and attracting over 400,000 visitors each year. The Mayflower presents spectacular touring musicals, many direct from the West End, plus opera, ballet and some of the biggest names in popular music and comedy. These range from Dirty Dancing, We Will Rock You, the Welsh National Opera and the English National Ballet, to Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Jimmy Carr, Dara O Briain and Paul O’Grady. The £4 million Gantry building project has added essential extra space and facilities to the theatre and has enabled and encouraged a greater range of West End shows to visit the city.

Coming Up @ mayflower TheaTre Box office: 02380 711811 That’ll Be the Day, Gitta Sing Gotta Dance, Tribute Night to Matthew le Tissier, Evita, Loe Corsaire, The Vagina Monologues, Ghost The Musical, Jools Holland, Scrooge, The Nutcracker on Ice, Fascinating Aida, Tosca.

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SHORT STORY

A Stranger Comes Calling It was Halloween, Sue’s favourite night of the year, or ‘Spooky Sue’ as everyone called her. Sue loved all things supernatural and her greatest wish was to see a ghost. She relished opening the door to children doing Trick or Treat with their witch, skeleton and Dracula costumes. But sometimes Spooky Sue wished that Halloween could be a bit more, well, spooky. This year Halloween had fallen on a bitter wintry day. By 8pm Sue resigned herself to the fact that she had received her last visitor and was about to blow out the pumpkin candles when she heard the click of the garden gate. Peeping through the curtains she saw only the shadow of a little person brushing past her window. There was a sharp rap on the front door. Sue jumped. With a nervous laugh she picked up the sweets bowl and opened the door. On the step stood a boy. He was wearing a filthy threadbare shirt, a brown cap and trousers cut off at the knee. “What an original costume,” Sue declared. The boy hovered awkwardly, half in shadow. “Happy Halloween.” She smiled and offered him the bowl. Without answering he stretched out a grubby hand and picked out a sweet, then frowned at it suspiciously as though he had never seen a jelly baby before. Sue peered down the path to the 8 42

empty lane. “Are you on your own little fellow?” she asked. He placed the sweet in his mouth and chewed slowly. Sue studied him in the light from the hallway. He was the height of a ten year old but his grimy face seemed older. The thing that concerned her was that he had nothing on his feet. “Have you lost your shoes young man?” she asked gently. The boy looked down sadly at his feet and said nothing. “Where are your parents?” she said, beginning to feel worried. He glanced hungrily at the bowl of sweets, and Sue held it out for him to take another. “Where do you live?” she asked nervously. “Is it nearby?” The boy looked sorrowful. Who in their right mind would allow a child out on a night like this with no shoes? “Aren’t you cold?” she asked. Should she phone her sister and ask if her nephew Adam had some old shoes that might fit him? He finally swallowed the sweet. “No, Miss,” he said softly, wiping his nose on his sleeve. “I don’t feel the cold, not no more.” The bowl in Sue’s hand trembled. “What do you mean?” “I used to feel the cold in the old days when I cleaned chimneys, but not now.” He sniffed. “Now I

don’t feel anything.” Sue felt her knees buckle, and she grabbed hold of the doorframe. “Are you a … ghost?” Her voice was a dry whisper. Slowly, the boy looked up at her with sad pale eyes. The silence was broken by a chirpy mobile phone ring-tone, which startled both Sue and the boy. Then, embarrassed, he pulled a phone out of his pocket. “Alright Adam?” He answered, glancing guiltily at Sue. “She’s rumbled us.” There was the sound of running feet in the lane, and her nephew appeared. “Did we trick you Aunty Sue?” “Hardly.” She pulled herself together in relief. “Who’s this?” “It’s Zak, he’s in my drama club. Good actor isn’t he?” “Got my trainers, Adam?” Zak helped himself to another sweet. “My feet are totally freezing.” By Jackie Brewster

HIDATO

Puzzle Page

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

Pictograms

PICTOGRAMS

4 words

2 words

O D U L OVER OVER OVER OVER

5 words TEA WATER RESIDENCE

Across 1. 3. 9. 10. 11. 12. 14. 16. 19. 21. 24. 25. 26. 27.

Employed (4) Loyal (8) Whirlwind (7) Big (5) Ceremonial leader (5) Save (6) Twist together (6) Thick oil (6) Steps (6) Friends (5) Not dead (5) Beginning (7) In company (8) Small insect (4)

Down 1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 13.

Utmost (8) Not late (5) On a ship (6) Relates (5) List of ingredients (7) Vegetable (4) Round container (6) Communications (8)

ÂŠPuzzlepress.co.uk

Quick Crossword 1

8 9

12 13

18 19

23 24

15. Zero (7) 17. Wealthier (6) 18. On land (6)

20. Distinguished (5) 22. Alliance (5) 23. Silly (4)

Answers on p45

ADVERTISER’S INDEX

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HEALTH & FITNESS Hampshire Hearing Centre Healthy Measures KITCHENS Dream Doors SPC Bathrooms & Kitchens LANDSCAPING inc FENCING, PAVING Colourfence LETTING AGENTS Chesterton Humberts LOCKSMITH LockRight Security MOTORING Independent VW Group Specialist OPTICIANS Hampson Opticians Ralph Neale Opticians PET CARE SERVICES Lynn Symes Dog Grooming PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES Aquatec BBI First Call Heating Gair Gas Ltd GE Harding & Sons Ltd Hampshire Plumbing & Property Services TP Watts PRINTING SERVICES Warwick Printing PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Builders Vision Property Management General House Worx Handyman & Property Services The Flat Pack People The Makeover Centre Quite Contrary Handyman Services UPHOLSTERY & SOFT FURNISHINGS Pont Furnishings VETERINARY SURGEONS Unicorn Vets

12 13 5

48 19 41 12 12 36

36 47 23 27 19 19 32

27 22 22 17 32 18 36

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Puzzle Answers

HIR PS

1. The Game Is Up 2. Bowled Over 3. Drinks Are On The House

N DA R D

FID

S TA

C OT R A D

Pictograms

E COUNTY C OU

L CI

H A

Hidato

General Knowledge Crossword Across: 1 Used, 3 Faithful, 9 Tornado, 10 Large, 11 Mayor, 12 Rescue, 14 Tangle,16 Grease, 19 Stages, 21 Chums, 24 Alive, 25 Opening, 26 Together, 27 Ants. Down: 1 Ultimate, 2 Early, 4 Aboard, 5 Tells, 6 Formula, 7 Leek, 8 Barrel, 13 Messages, 15 Nothing, 17 Richer, 18 Ashore, 20 Great, 22 Union, 23 Daft.

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Useful Numbers and Local Information

For more visit www.discovercommunity.co.uk

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

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

medical services NHS Direct NHS Blood Service Hampshire Dental Helpline Travel Health Clinic Southampton General Royal Winchester County Royal South Hants Princess Anne

0845 4647 0845 7711711 0845 0508345 023 8063 1922 023 8077 7222 01962 863535 023 8063 4288 023 8077 7222

local councils Southampton City Hampshire County

023 8022 3855 01962 841841

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

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

your local mp FFor Southampton Itchen including Bargate, Bitterne, Bitterne Park, Harefield, Peartree, Sholing, Woolston and parts of Bevois and Swaythling. John Denham (L) 023 8033 9807 john@johndenham.org.uk For Romsey and Southampton North including City wards of Bassett and Swaythling. Caroline Noakes (C) 020 7219 7218 caroline.nokes.mp@parliament.uk For Southampton Test including Coxford, Freemantle, Millbrook, Portswood, Redbridge, Shirley and parts of Bassett, Bevois and Swaythling. Alan Whitehead 023 8023 1942 alan@alan-whitehead.org.uk 46

Schools JUnIOR & PRIMARy SCHOOLS St James CE Bassett Green PS Highfield C of E PS St Denys PS Portswood PS Swaythling PS

023 023 023 023 023 023

8090 8067 8055 8055 8055 8055

0995 6262 5793 6982 5095 2252

SECOnDARy SCHOOLS St Anneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic School Upper Shirley High School St George Catholic College Cantell

023 023 023 023

8032 8032 8032 8032

8200 5333 2603 3111

SIXTH fORM COLLEGES Barton Peverill Peter Symonds City College Totton College Itchen College St Anneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sixth Form College

023 8036 7200 01962 857500 023 8057 7404 023 8087 4874 023 8043 5636 023 8032 8200

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

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

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

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

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