Discover Southampton West October 2013 by Tania Houston

SO40 Edition inc Totton l Ashurst l Cadnam

October 2013

DIRECTORIES WArning: You may need to sit down 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.

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Hello again

ABOUT US

Discover Magazines Distribution - This edition of Discover is published every month and delivered by Royal Mail to two alternating areas. In odd months (Jan, Mar, May etc) it goes to every letterbox in SO40 postcode sectors 2 & 3. In the even months it goes to SO40 postcode sectors 7,8 & 9. Total distribution is 16,000 over two months. 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 every letterbox in SO40 – that’s 16,000 homes and businesses (excluding Marchwood). 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 NOw 136,750 they were “Discovered”!

Melanie DO YOU USE A SMART PHONE? To save our contact details direct to your smart phone, use I-nigma QR code reader APP and scan for instant download.

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EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES

NOVEMBER ISSUE: DIARY DATES

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

Editorial copy deadline: 11 October Advertisement copy deadline: 8 October Distributed: w/c 28 October

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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

Tel: Melanie: 023 8026 6388 Email: melanie@discovermagazines.co.uk Web: www.discoveradvertising.co.uk 4

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 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

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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

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 9

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

6 Divide a room into two Pros Carving up a large space to add another room is useful and can add value, even though you’re not actually creating any extra space. Cons You’ll need to create a separate doorway for the room, and include an opening window. Regulations Planning permission is

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

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

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

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

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

11 9

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Gluten-Free Food Fair

More and more people are uncovering their intolerance to gluten or preferring to avoid wheat products that causes that bloated tummy bulge . The Guildhall in Winchester is hosting the southâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest gluten free event of the year with major gluten-free food manufacturers, local suppliers, medical speaker and free samples on Saturday 5 October 10.30-2.30pm. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small entry fee and children go free. Organised by the Wessex Group of Coeliac UK, the charity supporting people with gluten intolerance. www.coeliac.org.uk/wessex

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upfront & personal

The People Behind Your Local Businesses Will Bellows Home Computer Help Home Computer Help is a local IT Solutions company, serving the Southampton, Totton, Romsey, Winchester, Salisbury and Portsmouth areas. Established in 2003, the company is owned and run by Will Bellows.

provide an 80 year old lady with onsite computer tuition so she could shop online for her groceries. The team pride themselves in saying that no job is too small. They often receive requests to set up broadband connections and other services including virus and spyware removal (and prevention), computer upgrades and health checks to ensure your computer is working at its best. As an added service for new and existing customers, Home Computer Help offers free telephone advice for any computer related queries. As wonderful as new technology is, it can be frustrating if it doesn’t do what you expect and having access to this advice is something

Will Bellows

review any work carried out by tradesmen. Since joining Checka-Trade, Will has built up an impressive portfolio of positive customer feedback, this can be viewed at www.check atrade.com/homecomputerhelp Since advertising in Discover Magazines Home Computer Help have noticed an increase in local

From Broadband to iPad – Help is at hand. Will gained his knowledge by completing an IT apprenticeship when he was 18. He then worked in various IT positions before

deciding to go self employed to follow his passion in computer repairs. Following continued growth, Will now employs 2 technicians full time and is hoping to take on an apprentice within the next month. Home Computer Help provide all aspects of IT solutions, including computer, laptop and iPad tuition. Will was recently asked to

that Home Computer Help’s trade and welcome new customers really appreciate. customers so please don't hesitate to call us for all of your Will says he is most proud of the computer related queries or even company's customer focused just a bit of advice! approach to problem solving. “We listen to our customers' needs The team are: Will Bellows (Owner and provide effective solutions in and On Site Technician) pictured a friendly and efficient manner. above. The other members are Glyn We also understand that not all of Brown (Onsite Technician) and our customers are technically Adam Crisell (Off Site Technician savvy and so ensure that we and Remote Specialist). communicate jargon free”. Having We come to you! consistently received good Low Cost • Laptops/PCs • Repairs customer No Jargon • Virus/Spyware • Tuition feedback, Will On-Site • Local • Friendly decided to join Free Home Callout a scheme 01489 232232 called Checka-Trade, which We’re on encourages www.checkatrade.com/homecomputerhelp customers to www.hchelp.co.uk

HOME COMPUTER HELP

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 16

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

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Getting on Yer Heritage Open Days Bike Made Easier

live local

Heritage Open Days celebrates I’m a Totton resident England’s fantastic architecture who enjoys a leisurely cycle ride and withand theculture by offering free access to places that are usually closed mostbeautiful, largely to our the public or normally charge level New Forest on doorstep, what better place for admission. to head for and explore it.September, buildings of Every year on four days in As Lead forfunction throw open their doors. every age,Member style and on the New ItTransport is a once-a-year chance to discover architectural Forest National Parka wide range of tours, events and treasures and enjoy Authority,that I was thrilled bring local history and culture to life. activities to learn that The New Forest is set to benefit from From castles to city halls, tunnels to tower tops, a £3.6 million award from the government to boost police cells private homes, woodland cycling. It’sto important that theworkshops money is to used wisely walks, the variety of places and ways to discover and provides long term benefits to both locals and them are endless. tourists. Heritage Days organised by a to huge However,Open one of the isstrings attached thisnetwork of people share passion for places, history money is who it must be aspent by March 2015. This and culture. 1,400 organisations and some is a pityLocally, becauseover it will almost certainly mean no 40,000 volunteers of site new cycle routes inorganise the Newthousands Forest. Given all the openings events, jointly attractingconsultation, over 1 million processesand involved such as planning, environmental assessments this simply can’t visitors. They make Heritage etc, Open Days England’s be delivered within that timeframe. Creating new biggest voluntary cultural event. cycle routes within the New Forest National Park After a first pilot in Gosport proved a success, the is a difficult and highly sensitive area because now defunct Civic Trust established Heritage Open of environmental reasons. There is always strong Days in 1994 as England’s contribution to the opposition from some organisations, concerned European HeritageofDays. about protection the very special habitats, Heritage Days has developed into retainingOpen tranquility andsince the risks that encouraging cyclists into some causegrassroots lasting harm to Britain’s largest andareas mostmay popular heritage the unique flora and fauna in the event, with participation more thanarea. doubling during the first decade of the Discover’s Instead, the money willmillennium. be spent onSee improving what’s oncycling listingscentres, on pages 28-29 for astations selection of existing new docking local events or visit (where you can hirewww.heritageopendays.org.uk a bike and drop it at another location), signage and upgrading existing facilities. There are two things I would like to see achieved locally. The first is a re-surfaced Ashurst to Lyndhurst cycle route, so that it is suitable for all cyclists to use. The second is an off-road Totton to Marchwood cycle route. In both cases, I’m pretty sure these will happen fairly shortly. Both these will contribute towards the New Forest being an easier place to access safely and then we just need to ensure that everyone behaves responsibly once in the National Park! Councillor David Harrison david.harrison@newforest.gov.uk (023) 8086 4500 10

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 20

***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 Hampshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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.

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.

Ten Top Climbers Climbing roses Honeysuckle Clematis Hydrangea petiolaris Vitis coignetiae Solanum crispum Tropaeolum speciosum Akebia quinata Actinidia kolomikta Parthenocissus henryana

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com where you can sign up for her free newsletter, and buy a great range of gardening products including Clever Combinations Nemaslug, caterpillar, ant, If the surface that you want to vineweevil and other Nemasys plant upSep13 is big -enough, try to use controls, DM! Totton, FINAL_DMG! Master Layout (Jun13) 16/08/2013 18:55 Page 26 snail and slug barriers, Enviromesh and Envirofleece and more than one type of climber as, lots more. by Pippa Greenwood chosen carefully, the plants you

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Winchester Photographic Society The Winchester Photographic Society caters for all levels from novice to experienced photographers. We meet weekly from September through May and our programme covers talks, lectures, competitions, workshops and even an Exhibition in the Discovery Centre. We cover a diverse number of photographic genres and occasionally add extra dates for interest group meetings and additional workshops. New Members are always welcomed and can visit initially as a guest. Roger Clark 02380 253600, rogerclark1@mac.com, Tuesdays 7:30pm starting Sept 3rd at Winchester Discovery Centre 27

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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.

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O D U L OVER OVER OVER OVER

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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.

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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 p37

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 Totton and Romsey editions.Â We are inviting nominations for Discoverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Solent West Charity. The chosen charity should be based in and support the residents within postcodes SO40 and SO51. 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 30 November 2013.

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local charities are invited to apply 31 29

SHORT STORY

The Goldcrest By Jackie Brewster “I’ve got a job for you.”

blackberries.

Ray looked up warily from his newspaper at the Tupperware box in Audrey’s hands.

The thorns snagged his shirt and tore fine scratches on his arms and hands. Sticky juice stained his fingers and dripped down his wrists. The back of his neck was prickling in the hot sun, and reaching for the ripest berries was beginning to make his calves ache.

“I saw brambles covered in fruit on Glebe Lane yesterday. You know, opposite the pine woods.” “I know where it is”, Ray muttered. “I’m in the mood for jam making.” “You can buy jam for a pound in the supermarket.” Audrey sighs heavily, “You’re like a moody teenager. Go and fill this tub. The fresh air will do you good.” Ray failed to see how picking blackberries could do anyone any good. The vicious thorns, the exploding fruit that stained everything it touched. Yet he was glad of an excuse to get out of the house. Audrey may have small feet but he was starting to get under them. Retirement, he decided, didn’t suit him. He missed the busy office, the staff gossip and the last minute orders. Now every day felt the same, there was nothing new or remarkable to enjoy. He felt as though his fire had gone out. This was why he found himself half an hour later stood on his tiptoes on a quiet lane picking 6 30

Then he heard a high pitched reedy whistle close by. He turned and peered into the dark shadows of the pine trees. He saw a flash of yellow as though someone had struck a match. He put down the tub and stepped closer to the trees. A tiny bird, even smaller than a wren, hopped out of the shadows onto a branch. Ray held his breath. It moved cautiously on fragile legs with charming jerky movements, like a delicate creature made of clockwork. It was exotically beautiful, on its back a shimmer of green feathers, and down its head two black stripes framing a bright golden cap. A word popped into Ray’s head, a word he had not thought of since he was a boy looking through his father’s Spotter’s Guide. “Goldcrest.” He whispered. He’d never seen one in real life. The little bird pecked at the pine

needles with its sharp beak, searching for insects. It froze, as though suddenly aware of how exposed it had let itself become, gave another chirp and took flight, disappearing into the safety of the trees. Ray let out his breath. He heard the bird call again, and another bird call back in reply, and then another. The woods sounded as though they were alive with Goldcrests. Ray hastily put the lid on the half filled tub of blackberries and was back at home within ten minutes. Audrey inspected the harvest as he rifled through the sideboard for his old binoculars. “Well, I won’t be making much jam out of these”, she said in dismay. “I’m going straight back, I’ll get you some more.” Ray called over his shoulder as he found what he was looking for. “Will that make you satisfied?” Audrey looked at the scratches on Ray’s arms, the leaves in his hair and the berry stains on his fingers. But most of all she saw the flush of colour in his cheeks and the sparkle in his eyes. “Oh yes”, she said. “I think it will.”

Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors. It is a once-a-year chance to discover architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities that bring local history and culture to life.

What’s Happening at Hanger Farm

From castles to city halls, tunnels to tower tops, police cells to private homes, workshops to woodland SEPTEMBER walks, the variety of places and ways to discover 27 & 28 September, 7.30pm Girl Band them are endless. OCTOBER Open Days is organised by a huge network Heritage 4 October, 7:30pm Dolly Parton Storyhistory and of people who share The a passion for places, culture. Locally, over 1,400 and some 11 October, 7:30pm Morganorganisations & West – Time 40,000 volunteers organise thousands of site Travelling Magicians openings and events, jointly attracting over 1 million 12 October, 8pm Dr Phil Hammond – Games to play visitors. They make Heritage Open Days England’s with your Doctor biggest voluntary cultural event. 18 October, 8pm Kevin Previous – Not Appropriate After a first pilot in Gosport proved a success, the (…a comedy show about teaching) now defunct Civic Trust established Heritage Open NOVEMBER Days in 1994 as England’s contribution to the Friday 22 Heritage November, 8.00pm Free’s Company European Days.

13) 16/08/2013 18:54 Page 21

Heritage Open since developed into BOX OFFICE 023Days 8066has 7683 Britain’s largest and most popular grassroots heritage Mon-Fri 10am – 3pm, Sat 10am-1pm. event, with participation more than doubling during Email with the firsthangerfarm-reservations@totton.ac.uk decade of the millennium. See Discover’s event name, date on andpages time,28-29 and number of ticketsof what’s on listings for a selection required. www.totton.ac.uk/hanger-farm local events or visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk

on what’s on

Claudia Friend and get arty and craft with our tour, meet Mrs Earwicker in the fabulously fun sessions! farmhouse and enjoy a hot drink Pefect for 5-11 year olds; and cake from the Café. £15, be inspired, make and do, Booking essential on 01489 get messy and creative! 787055. £5 per session. Contact BURSLEDON 023 8066 BRICKWORKS 7683. www. INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM hangerfarm.totton.ac.uk

what’s

ROMSEY FOOD FESTIVAL

1 Sep, 10am –OF 2pm FESTIVAL AUTUMN Alma Road Car Park, SO51 8ED COLOURS AT EXBURY Farmers Market Selling local GARDENS AND588671 STEAM Produce. 01420 for further details. RAILWAY 1 Oct – 3 Nov, 10am – 5pm PRESERVING SUMMER Exbury Sun 1, 8, Gardens 15, 22 and & 29Steam Sep, Railway, 10am – 5pmSO45 1AZ Manor Farm Country Everyone thinksPark, of Pylands Lane, SO31 Exbury in1BH the Spring, Visit the farmhouse kitchen and but the Gardens are just see jams, chutneys and wine as glorious in Autumn being made. You’ll even be able with fierythecolours to sample produce. from Normal farm admission charge. 01489 maples, dogwoods and details. The 787055 for more deciduous azaleas. subtle light tones of ‘WHAT’S THIS?’ PHOTO TRAIL Autumn 2 Sep, 10amreflect – 4pm these colours dramatically. Royal Victoria Country Park, Victoria Road, SO31 5GA Special Autumn Trail ‘Can you guess it yet?’ leads visitorswhat to isthe best Follow this self guided trail to of the colour. Admission work out what the photos are of including voluntary and where they were taken.Gift Aid, adult £11.00 £1.50p per trail. 02380and 455157. seniors/conc £10.50, www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp children free. Contact 02380 891 203 or visit LEPE LOOP AND LUNCH www.exbury.co.uk 5 Sep, 10am – 2pm Lepe Country Park,

SO45 1AD QUIZ EVENING FOR RNLI Join the rangers for a 5 mile ROMSEY & DISTRICT guided walk at a gentle pace, BRANCH followed by a hot lunch in the 5café. Oct,£9.50 7.30pm per person. Booking essential on 02380 891108. Romsey Scout Hall, www3.hants.gov.uk/lepe Braishfield Road Teams of 4 or 6 (or FAMILY HISTORY FOR come on your own). £10 BEGINNERS AT HAMPSHIRE per person (includes RECORD OFFICE 5 and 24 Sep Ploughman’s Supper). Hampshire Record Contact OwenOffice, Davies on Sussex Street, SO23 8TH 01794 514869.

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.

32 28

ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY

WINCHESTER MEMORY WALK WOOFS, WELLIES AND 7 Sep, 10am registration, 11am WALKIES 5walk Oct North Walls Recreation Ground, Victoria Country Park, Gordon Road Netley SO311 5GA Take partAbbey, in a beautiful mile walk or 6 raising mile historic city Apark dog walk money walkCountess through Winchester. Live for Mountbatten music, games and refreshments Hospice Charity. Don’t will be available on return. worry if you don’t have www.memorywalk.org.uk/winche aster dog as you can join or 0845 306 0898 for details. in anyway! Contact 02380475345 or pam@ THE AMPFIELD MARKET cmhcharity.org.uk 7 Sep, 10am – 12pm Ampfield Village Hall,

PHOTOGRAPHY Morleys Lane Fresh fruit and veg, organic ‘PHOTOWALK’ and 5bread, Oct,savoury 11amfoods – 2pm Fairtrade products, jams and Southampton, SO14 3JS chutneys, local eggs, plants, Excursions exploring flowers, new and old books, jewellery,and cards, wrapping paper, history heritage. crafts, bric a brac, pet foods and An opportunity to look accessories for sale. at and photograph Refreshments served all morning interesting buildings, with fresh coffee and a delicious architectural details and range of home made cakes. Free admission and parking. Julie streetscape en-route. Trotter on 02380 254587 Suitable for any type of camera and all abilities BATS IN THE BELFRY -10beginners Sep, 7.45pmwelcome. Lead by professional Manor Farm Country Park, Pylands Lane, SO31 1BHover photographer with An evening and walk 30 years’ talk experience presented by Hampshire Bat of photography and Group. Spot the bats emerging education. £14roosts per into from their daytime person. Contact our churchyard and learn more about these fascinating 07970034498 for more creatures. Adult £5, child £3. details. Booking essential on 01489 787055.

SATURDAY DAYS CLUB 6SUMMER OctoberSPECIAL and 17GUIDED Nov FARM TOURS WARTIME Hanger Farm– Arts Centre, FARM Lane, West Aikman 10 Sep, 5pm – 7pm Totton, SO40 8FT Manor Farm Country Park, Activities give1BH your Pylands Lane,toSO31 weekend a creative kick Join our Farm Manager on an exclusive behind theartist scenes start! Join local

12 Sep, 10am – 4pm Swanwick Lane, SO31 7HB WALK WAYalong – HeritageTHE OpenTEST Day: Come and see the last remaining ROMSEY 6steam Oct driven brickworks in the country. Free Entry. http:// Romsey, SO51 8GL tiny.cc/bursledonbrickworks

6 different fantastic walks alongTHE theHOUSE Test AT ExHIBITION: POOH organised CORNER Way, by the 13 Jul – 14 Sep, of 10am – 5pm Rotary Club Romsey Mottisfont House and Gardens, Test. Take part and raise SO51 0LP money Macmillan. Visit this for summer for another www.walkthetestway. great exhibition and trail that all the family will love. An org.uk

exhibition of classic illustrations. There will also be a display of

TESTWOOD WILDLIFE contemporary art on the theme TOTS – INCY of childhood and WINCY imagination and a distinct, fabulous family SPICER Normal admission 8quest Oct,trail. 10.30am – midday, charges apply. 01794 344020 1pm – 2.30pm or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk Testwood /mottisfont Lakes Centre, Brunel Road, Calmore KING JOHN’S HOUSESO40 & Industrial Estate, TUDOR COTTAGE 3XP 14 Sep, 10am – 4pm Join a session of stories, King John’s House, games and crafts for preChurch Street, SO51 8BT school HelpJohn's look Heritagechildren. Open Day: King House and heritage centre tiny for spiders and other encompasses creatures inthree the buildings meadow that contain 750 years of and the woods. Booking history. It is full of fascinating essential 02380 Tudor displays andon a traditional 667929. children tea room. A All series of period gardens down to an ancient must belead accompanied stream. Quiz trails, brass by an adult. Suggested rubbings, pieces of armour to try donation £3 per child. on, discovery box. Free Entry. Sorry, no dogs. www.hwt. http://tiny.cc/kingjohnshouse org.uk HINTON AMPNER – OPEN GARDEN FOR NGS 14 Sep, 10am – 6pm

THE – PAPER HintonFIRST Ampner,CUT Alresford, AT THE SO24 0LA CUTTING EDGE 12Oct acre-C20 garden created by 11 12 Jan, 10am – 5pm Ralph Dutton. Manicured lawns SeaCity Museum, and topiary combine with Havelock Road, SO14 7FY unusual shrubs, climbers and Aherbaceous major exhibition plants. Vibrant with works by in over dahlias alternate spring with tulips. Rose border incorporates 30 international over 45 old and new rose contemporary artists varieties. Dramatic foliage who radically rethink the planting in the Dell; orchard with possibilities of working spring bulbs; magnolia and with paper.walks; It explores philadelphus restored walledestablished garden. Adultsand £7, how

emerging artists are transforming the humble childrenof£3.50. scrap paper,01962 through 771305. cutting, folding and sculpting, into amazingly THE ROMSEY SHOW powerful that 14 Sep, 8amcreations – 6pm Broadlands, SO51 9ZD with a could be destroyed An Agricultural & Horse Show single tear. Contact 023 with Devils Horsemen Wild West 8083 3007 or visit http:// Display, the Derbyshire www.seacitymuseum. Midshipmen Marching Band in co.uk/ more the mainfor ring, farm details. livestock, horses, donkeys and a countryside area withTHE rural 70S NIGHT FOR activities including falconry, HAMPSHIRE AUTISTIC ferrets and working dogs. Prices SOCIETY to be confirmed. 01794 517521 visit 11 Oct, or7.30pm www.romseyshow.co.uk P.O.S.H Spices Restaurant, Southampton ALRESFORD ART AND Included in the ticket CRAFT SHOW price a Starter, 14 Sep,is 10am – 4.30pm Main Alresford Community Centre,with course and Dessert WestEnglish Street, SO24 9AG an alternative Alresford is a picturesque available for those Georgian town with wonderful less keen onlovely spicy bespoke shops, riverside food. Entertainment walks and good eating places and‘For the home the Watercress by OneofNight Steam Railway a lovely Only’ and enjoy a day out for everyone. The craft show will great choreographed include glasswork, silk floral show. 70s fancy dress arrangements, traditional optional. For more Decoupage items including tissue boxes andor trays, beaded information to book and semi-precious stonein tickets call Dawn jewellery, wood craft, decorative Fundraising on 01489 plaques, hand painted ceramics, 880881 ext 208 or bespoke high quality email dawn.ingram@ handcrafted cards, photography and original watercolours. Free has.org.uk. entry. For details 01252

724968 ROMSEY MALE VOICE CHOIR AND ARTS ROMSEY PERFORMING ACADEMY LIPA 4:19CHOIR - FREE FOR TASTER YOUTH RNLI EVENT ROMSEY & DISTRICT 14, 21 and 28 Sep, BRANCH 10am – 11.30am 12 Oct, 7.30pm College, Applemore United Reformed Roman Road, SO45 4RQChurch, LIPA was co-founded by Sir Paul Romsey McCartney£10 and in 2003 opened Tickets per person for children and young people from Chris Green on aged 4 - 19 to help them 01794 323602and orlife develop confidence Mike Nobbstheon 01794 skills through performing arts: dance, acting and singing. 515401. Booking essential. info@lipa419nfs.co.uk

THE RAMBLERS GROUP WALK – 9 MILES ST ALBAN’S CHURCH OPEN DAYOct, AND10am 80TH ANNIVERSARY 17 14 Sep, 10am – 4pm Starting point - grid Ref St Alban’s Church, Tulip Road, SU361088, SO40 4UL SO16 3BB Enjoy wildlife HeritageBritish Open Day: Church – open meet leader atand Dear Leap for viewing. Talks tours. OpenWalk tower via climbing the tower CP. Longdown at one's own risk! Enclosure andRefreshments, Yew Tree

Heath. Pub Lunch at the Bold Forester. Map OL22. Contact Mike on 07766650662. www.ramblers.co.uk/ walksfinder/walkInfo.php LADIES LUNCH WITH GUEST SPEAKER ESTHER RANTZEN CBE 25 October, 12pm Rhinefield House, Brockenhurst, SO42 7QB On arrival guests will receive a complimentary L’Occitane ‘goody bag’ and enjoy a refreshing glass of Pimms prior to a two course lunch served in the Hurst Castle Suite overlooking the orchard. Ladies will have the opportunity to browse local boutique stands of quality handbags and accessories, clothing, jewellery, homeware and more. Tickets are limited - contact Hannah Godfrey on 01489 880 881 ext. 204 or email at hannah. godfrey@has.org.uk. IT’S FRIGHTFULLY FUN AT THE FARM! 26 – 27 Oct, 10am – 5pm Longdown Activity Farm Hampshire SO40 7EH A whole weekend of spooky stuff to see and do, including pumpkin

carving (small extra charge) and paper bat making. Sunday only: every child that arrives at the Farm in spooky fancy dress, will be allowed entry at a special concessionary rate of £4.25 each (cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer). Meet and hold a barn owl and see lots of creeeepy creatures like rats, snakes, cockroaches and huge snails. Usual admissions apply. Contact 023 8029 2837 or visit www. longdownfarm.co.uk OCTOBER HALF TERM AT MOTTISFONT 26 Oct – 3 Nov, 10am – 5pm Mottisfont House and Gardens, SO51 0LP Come along for a spooky time this half term. Pick up a trail for a spooky prize. See if you can spot any creepycrawlies, search for animal footprints as well as other things to tick off your ‘50 things’ list. Collect conkers and come back on the last day of half term to compete in our conker competition. Normal admissions play. www.nationaltrust.org. uk/mottisfont

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. Contact 01962 777 407 or visit www. marwell.org.uk FIRE LIGHTING CHALLENGE 29 Oct, 10am – midday, 2pm – 4pm Testwood Lakes Centre, Brunel Road, Calmore Industrial Estate, SO40 3XP Join in a fun session of safe fire lighting, using fire strikers and natural materials to make a small fire for toasting marshmallows (provided). AM suitable for children aged 4-8, PM session suitable for children aged 8-12. Suggested donation £3 per child. Sorry no dogs. Children must be accompanied by adults. Booking essential - contact 02380 667929. www. hwt.org.uk SHELTER BUILDING CHALLENGE 30 Oct, 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm Testwood Lakes Centre, Brunel Road, Calmore Industrial Estate, SO40 3XP Join in a fun shelter building session, using natural materials and tarpaulins, plus nature games and investigating

nature. AM suitable for children aged 4-8, PM session suitable for children aged 8-12. Children must be accompanied by adults. Suggested donation £3 per child. Sorry, no dogs. Booking essential on 02380 667929. www.hwt.org.uk HALLOWEEN AT LAINSTON HOUSE HOTEL 31 Oct, 6pm – 7pm Lainston House Hotel, Sparsholt, SO21 2LT Shocks, frights and devious delights! Gruesomely carved pumpkins will light your way to the Kitchen Garden as you celebrate All Hallow’s Eve with a ghoulish owl display by moonlight before the chills are chased away by a delicious hot cocoa with marshmallows. £10 per person - children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact 01962 776088. 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. Contact 01794 369318 or visit http:// www3.hants.gov.uk/ hilliergardens

Discover Discover Dispatches Dispatches by Melanie Tinson, Publisher Photographs by fellow passenger, Julian Moore

The popular saying “whatever floats your boat” is very apt after my recent excursion on SS Shieldhall from Southampton’s Eastern Doc. And the other “Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.” also applies as it was far more enjoyable than anticipated! On Friday 9 August I boarded this ship with family and my father in law who is a ship and train fanatic, so a day out on this heritage cargo-passenger ship during Cowes Week was his perfect birthday treat.

SS Shieldhall was built in the Clyde Shipyards and launched there 1955. She had a long and successful first career with Glasgow Corporation carrying treated sludge out to sea and, in the summer, taking passengers ‘doon the watter’ on pleasure trips, despite its cargo! Bought in 1977 by Southern Water she was finally withdrawn from commercial service in 1985 but saved and purchased for £20,000 in 1988 by The Solent Steam Packet Ltd that still operates her now. TSSP is a charity, registered as an Industrial and Provident Society, with its main objective being to preserve the SS Shieldhall in operational condition. She is maintained and operated entirely by volunteers and resides in Southampton’s Eastern Docks. TSSP was recently awarded a £1.4 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund South East. TSSP MD, Graham Mackenzie said: “This grant means that in addition to her silver anniversary, we can look forward to celebrating her ‘golden anniversary’ too. We look forward

to all the hard work that lies ahead, safe in the knowledge that Shieldhall is, and will continue to be, ‘Alive and Steaming.’ However, Graham points out that the award represents just the start of saving Shieldhall: ‘It is critical that support for the ship continues through our programme involving volunteers, members, donors, events and functions. We’d be delighted to welcome anyone who would like to support and get involved in the project.’ Stuart McLeod, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South East, said: “SS Shieldhall is part of the National Historic Fleet and is a fantastic surviving example of its kind. Through helping secure Shieldhall’s future the project will open up opportunities for young people to learn the skills needed to operate a ship of this type, and for the volunteers to reach out into the local community, encouraging engagement with one of the country’s most important maritime heritage assets, such as the Scouts Training Days this summer.” We set “sail” at 11am and

Racing Yachts in Cowes Week

To apply to be a volunteer please call

M! Totton, Sep13on - FINAL_DMG! Masteror Layout (Jun13) 16/08/2013 18:54 Page 20 Graham 07751 603190, e-mail:

graham@ss-shieldhall.co.uk. Discover wil announce the 2014 Programme when it is released or visit www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk

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Every issue of Discover is full of interesting articles, useful information and fun stuff too, delivered through your door free of charge, made possible by the financial support of its advertisers. Please support local businesses who promote themselves in Discover. They are ready to serve you and they want your business. We’d appreciate it if you’d mention Discover when contacting advertisers from this issue. Bedrooms Forest Fitted Bedrooms 10 BLINDS AND AWNINGS Broadview Blinds Solent Blinds & Curtains 20 Waterside Blinds 19 Bookkeeping C Brown Bookkeeping 29 CATERING Blue Hat Catering 29 Computing & IT Caesar Computing Solutions 14 For-matt 14 Home Computing Help 15 Vuvumo 14 Widenet 14 Cleaning Ashurst Cleaning Services 18 Abbey Cleaning 35 ELECTRICIANS Ampfield Electrical 13 Estate Agents NiceMoves Sales & Lettings Ltd 1-3 FUNERAL SERVICES J Lawrence & Sons 31 GARAGE DOORS FixQuick 18 GARDEN MACHINERY New Forest Garden Machinery 26 GARDEN MAINTENANCE JL Tree Care 23 Mac’s Gardening Services 23 Neil Richmond Tree & Hedge Services 26 KITCHENS Dream Doors 5 Re-Nu Kitchens 13 New Forest Stone 12 LANDSCAPING inc FENCING, PAVING Colourfence 5

LOCKSMITH LockRight Security OPTICIANS Hampson Opticians PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES Aquatec Gair Gas Ltd GE Harding & Sons Ltd MLA Installations NHP (Romsey) Ltd TP Watts PRINTING SERVICES Warwick Printing PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Brian Loades Builders Vision Property Management House Worx Handyman & Property Services The Door Hanger The Flat Pack People Decorating services Different Strokes Laundau Decorating Services The Makeover Centre Schools & Colleges Hampshire Collegiate School Swimming Lessons Wessex Swim School TIMBER SUPPLIES Totton Timber VETERINARY SURGEONS and Pet care Pet Carers Unicorn Vets Windows and Conservatories Britaina Windows Hampshire Window Surgeon

10 31 13 12 8 18 17 26 27 11 11 18 31 31 18 18 8 40 29 24 26 7 11 35

uy Local . . . Interested in Advertising your business? 136,750 local homes and businesses regularly get a copy of Discover through their door. Our satisfied advertisers like Discover because it works! How? • It generates new business, raises their local profile, drives people to their website • It’s good value for money • They can choose from 10 areas in and around Southampton • They can tailor their advert per area • They get free advert design*

Warning over police call scam New Forest businesses are urged to be wary if they receive a phone call from someone claiming to be raising money for police officers. Acting Chief Inspector Rachel Stokes said: “The police are certainly not contacting people to ask for money to support local officers. This is another phone scam and I advise everybody to be on their guard if they receive any unsolicited phone calls in which they are asked for money, personal information or bank details.” Please contact Hampshire police on 101 to report any similar deceptions.

Southampton celebrates music Southampton is hosting Music in the City, a celebration of the wonderful diversity of musical talent from the Solent area.

And we’re nice people to do business with!

On 5 – 6th October, sounds of rock, jazz, classical, bebop, folk and blues will fill the air in some of the most beautiful settings in the city, from 800 year old vaults to the art deco City Art Gallery, the Guildhall Square and the Sea City Museum.

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

All performances are free and more information is available at http://www.musicinthecitysouthampton. org/

• They get free editorial* • They get free marketing advice

*Regular Rate

Ampfield Market

Puzzle Answers 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. Pictograms

Hidato

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

The Ampfield Village Market is held on the first Saturday of every month from 10am to 12 Noon and has been running for 12 years. The next event is the 5th October and on sale will be fresh fruit and veg, organic bread, savoury foods and Fairtrade products, jams and chutneys, local eggs, plants, flowers, new and old books, jewellery, cards, wrapping paper, crafts, bric a brac, pet foods and accessories. Refreshments are served all morning with fresh coffee and a delicious range of home made cakes. More information Julie Trotter 02380 254587. Ampfield Village Hall, Morleys Lane, Ampfield 37

RECiPE

Chilli Chicken Stew Serves 6 - 8 Ready in 1 hour 45 minutes

With Halloween at the end of the month, why not plan a ghostly gathering and serve up this hot and spicy chicken stew? Perfect for filling up hungry trick or treaters.

You will need... • 1-2 tbsp sunflower oil • 1 large onion, peeled and cut into chunks • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed • 1 small red chilli pepper, deseeded and finely chopped (optional) • 6 large skinless chicken fillets, cut into pieces • 2 x 400g can chopped tomatoes • 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato puree

Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large, deep flameproof casserole and fry the onion and garlic for 5 minutes until softened and golden. Add the chilli pepper (if using) and chicken pieces and cook over a medium heat, stirring all the time, until the chicken pieces are lightly browned all over, adding a little extra oil if needed. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato puree, oregano and 200ml water and bring to the boil. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper then reduce the heat, partially cover and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the kidney beans and diced peppers to the casserole

• 2 tsp dried oregano

and simmer, uncovered, for a further 20-25 mins until the

• 1 x 400g can kidney beans in chilli sauce

Serve in mugs or bowls with chunks of warm crusty bread.

• 1 red, 1 green and 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and diced

Now get started...

peppers are tender and some of the liquid has reduced.

Tip For a hot non-alcoholic punch to serve with the stew, pour a large carton of apple juice into a saucepan. Core and slice 2 small

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

apples and add to the pan with one thinly sliced lemon and a

• Warm crusty bread, to serve

pour in 1 litre of ginger ale. Heat through for a further minute then

couple of cinnamon sticks. Heat gently for about 10 minutes, then serve in heatproof glasses or tumblers.

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 0845 4647 NHS Blood Service 0845 771 1711 Hampshire Dental Helpline 0845 0508345 Southampton General 023 8077 7222 Royal Winchester County 01962 863535 Royal South Hants 023 8063 4288 Princess Anne 023 8077 7222 Testvale Surgery 023 8086 6999 Forest Gate Surgery 023 8066 3839 Totton Health Centre 023 8087 1233 Late Night Chemist Lloyds, Asda Precinct 023 8087 1255 (open till 8pm M-F, 7pm Sat and 10-4 Sun)

local councils Southampton City 023 8022 3855 Hampshire County 01962 841841 New Forest District Council 023 8028 5000 Totton & Eling Town Council 023 8086 3138

civiC services Bulk Household Waste Hants Constabulary Hampshire Fire & Rescue New Forest Planning Trading Standards DVLA

023 8028 5000 0845 0454545 023 8064 4000 01590 646600 01962 833620 0870 2400009

your local mp For local councillors visit www.discovercommunity.co.uk New Forest East Dr Julian Lewis MP (Cons) 3 The Parade, Southampton Road, Cadnam, SO40 2NG 023 8081 4817 www.julianlewis.net

Schools JUNIOR & PRIMARY SCHOOLS Abbotswood Junior Sch Bartley C of E Jr Sch Calmore Infant Sch Calmore Junior Sch Copythorne C of E Infant Eling Infant School Foxhills Infant Sch Foxhills Junior Sch Hazel Wood Infant Sch Lydlynch Infant Sch Oakfield Primary Sch

023 80863159 023 8081 2173 023 8086 5994 023 8086 5354 023 8081 3340 023 8086 2267 023 8029 2453 023 8029 2126 023 8066 6767 023 8086 3188 023 8086 2530

SeCONdARY SCHOOLS Applemore College Testwood Sports College Totton College

023 8084 8804 023 8086 2146 023 8087 4874

SPeCIAL SCHOOLS Forest Park

023 8086 4949

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 British Transport Police Childline Crimestoppers Samaritans Electric Power Cuts Floodline Domestic Violence Police Non Emergency

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

Hampshire Collegiate School The best in everyone TM

Nursery, Prep & Senior School

Open Day

Wednesday 09 October 2013 12.00-3.00pm

www.hampshirecs.org.uk Hampshire Collegiate School Embley Park, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 6ZE Tel: 01794 512206 info@hampshirecs.org.uk www.hampshirecs.org.uk