Discover Meon Valley January 2014

Meon Valley Edition inc Bishop’s Waltham | Villages

January 2014

Start your day with Lou & Jez on The Breeze See page 27

History p6 | Gardening p14 | Local News p18 | Short Story p20 What’s On p26 | Advertisers Index p28

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ACCOUNTS ENQUIRIES Tel: Tania Houston 023 8027 6361 Email: Tania@discovermagazines.co.uk

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

NEXT ISSUE: DIARY DATES Editorial copy deadline: 21 January Advertisement copy deadline: 23 January Distributed: SO32 2 & PO17 5 w/c 10 February

SO32 1 w/c 3 March

Distribution Discover Meon Valley is published every month and distributed by Royal Mail to two alternating areas. This edition goes to homes in the SO32 1, SO32 3 and GU32 1 sectors.

In February, April etc it will be going to PO17 5 & SO32 2 sectors. This is around 6500 this month and 5700 next time.

132,000 Circulation, 10 Local Editions

Own Goals It’s not my favourite month January. Unlike the early winter months of November and December there’s no Christmas to look forward to. We’re still a way from spring or the evenings getting lighter. And most of us are trying to stick to some resolution or are watching the pennies, which doesn’t generally make for a fun time.

So I try to set myself little tasks and projects which are easy to achieve and don’t cost so that I don’t let the month pass without notice.

So these are my goals for this January.

Firstly for this year: make of a list of important birthdays and buy the cards for the year now. Then when I remember the day before my niece/nephew/friend’s birthday, I’m not left buying a ‘that’ll do’ card from the petrol station.

Secondly now it’s 2014, anything in the food cupboard or bathroom cabinet that has a sell by/use buy date of 2013 or earlier can go out.

Thirdly, I’ll look at my outgoings and ask myself ‘do I really need it’. For example, I pay a couple of £s a month for a magazine I rarely get round to reading. And I’m determined to stop buying ‘brands’ – nine times out of ten the ‘own brand’ is quite considerably cheaper but does as good a job.

Not resolutions as such as once they’re done that’ll be it. But if I get to the end of January having ticked all three off the list, I know I’ll feel it was a worthwhile month and I’ll be a bit closer to the longer days and warmer weather.

Tania

Melanie Tinson & Tania Houston

Romsey Chandlers Ford Southampton Southampton West Winchester Southampton East Itchen Valley Meon Valley Fareham Locks Heath 4

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HISTORY

What happened in... January 1962?

age av e r The a house of price £2,900 was t abou s a w l .

Pe t ro a g a l l o n p 23

On 1st January 1962 The Beatles, comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Pete Best and George Harrison, arrived at Decca’s London office for an audition. They were a day late after their road manager, Neil Aspinall, lost his way. They performed fifteen songs in just under an hour, starting with a Lennon/McCartney composition – Like Dreamers Do. Decca eventually rejected the group, commenting: ‘The Beatles have no future in show business.’

7th: The UK was blanketed in snow, with temperatures in Oxfordshire plummeting to minus 18° centigrade.

8th: An express train heading for Amsterdam collided with a commuter train from Rotterdam in thick fog, killing 91 people.

10th: An avalanche on Mount Huascaran in Peru killed 4,000 people.

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The Fab Four

11th: The Soviet submarine B-37 was moored at Polyarny naval base, undergoing maintenance, just nine days before it was due to be sent to Cuba. At 8:20am a fire in the torpedo compartment detonated all twelve torpedoes, destroying the vessel. Captain Begeba, who was making an external inspection of the submarine at the time, survived but the rest of the crew drowned as it sank to the bottom of the Borents Sea. The blast also killed men on nearby ships and docksides; 122 people perished. The explosion hurled the submarine’s anchor over a mile.

26th: The US launched Ranger 3 with the aim of sending back images of the lunar surface.

Unfortunately it missed the moon by 22,000 miles and went into orbit around the sun (and you thought your satnav was bad). It did, however, provide the first measurements of interplanetary gamma-ray flux.

Nelson Mandela secretly left South Africa for the first time, touring Europe for six months.

On his return, the future president was arrested and charged with leaving the country illegally. He was found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison.

The Young Ones - Cliff Richard

15th: The Meteorological Office started giving the temperature in centigrade after mentioning Fahrenheit temperatures. By October it was the other way round.

Three of the bestselling singles this year were: I’ll Never Find Another You Billy Fury

Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen - Neil Sedaka

By Patrick D Cousins - The author of Rainbows, Dreams and Angels, available from Amazon at £6.99. This a double novella with both stories set in London’s East End, mostly during the Fifties and Sixties.

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Full-time A Level and vocational courses Part-time adult learning Tel: 023 8036 7200 | www.barton-peveril.ac.uk Chestnut Avenue, Eastleigh SO50 5ZA

Where a University Degree in Business is not beyond your reach Our part-time Business and Management Degree is designed for busy working people and is available one evening a week from several colleges in the region and from the University of Portsmouth.

It is open to those who may not have formal qualifications but whose work experience will have prepared them to succeed.

To find out more about the flexible part-time courses we offer, come along to our next open evening, details of which can be found at www.port.ac.uk/pbsevents.

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LOCAL CLUBS & GROUPS

Gardening in Southampton The Royal Southampton Horticultural Society meets on the last Friday of the month at 7.30pm at the Wesley Centre, Whites Road, Bitterne, SO19 7NS. New members are always welcome – visitors are charged at £2 per evening and the annual subscription is £9. There’s a speaker at each meeting, as well as a raffle.

David P Churcher

Painter & Decorator Internal and External works Paperhanging Professional Experienced Recommendations Free estimates Insured No VAT

Friendship on the Menu Age Concern Hampshire’s Food & Friendship service has now been extended to offer company from volunteers at tea-time. The Food & Friendship scheme is available free of charge to Meals on Wheels customers who would like a regular visit from a friendly volunteer for at least half an hour, between the hours of 11.30am and 4pm.

The service is run by Age Concern Hampshire in partnership with Hampshire County Council and the District Councils and runs in all districts across Hampshire except the New Forest.

With afternoon tea now provided as an extra meal from Meals on Wheels, Age Concern Hampshire volunteers have extended their hours to offer their services at tea-time too.

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Food & Friendship Co-ordinator Paul Simmonds says: “Good food and good company is something that we all enjoy. It is testament to the dedication of our volunteers that we are now able to extend our services to include home visits over afternoon tea.”

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To find out more about the service or if you are a voluntary organisation that already has a befriending service and you would like to partner Age Concern Hampshire, call Paul on 01962 892 455.

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To book your service or MOT call 01489 798383

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LOCAL CLUBS & GROUPS

Sarisbury Choral Society Sarisbury Choral Society are a mixed choir with about 35 members but looking for more! Beginners and experienced singers are invited to join the society on the Thursdays meetings between 7.50 - 9.20pm. Rehearsals take place in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere at Sarisbury Green Community Centre, The Green. Contact Chairman Nadine Hockin 01489 572708 or just go along to one of their Thursday rehearsals. Visit http:// sarisburychoralsociety.weebly.com/ for the link to their website.

Love Learning Together A new non-profit community group, Learn to Love Learning, offer anyone over the age of 18 the opportunity to get out and learn something new, or even come and share your skills with others, with an emphasis on having fun. Sessions offered include arts and craft, CV writing, healthy lifestyles, computer skills and much more. The group is informal and friendly, and meet every Friday during term time from 12pm – 2pm at Hightown Centre, Tunstall Road, Thornhill, Southampton.

For more details, telephone 07928 354 900 or email l2llthornhill@hotmail.co.uk.

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• Domestic or Business • Hedge Cutting • Tree Felling • Crown Reduction / Reshaping Thinning / Clean

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13

GARDENING

Sowing Time

By Pippa Greenwood, www.pippagreenwood.com

Now that January is here it’s a perfect time to start sowing seeds in trays and pots. But how do you make sure that yours germinate and produce seedlings and then plants which thrive and grow well?

A shopping list for first time sowers should be: • Good quality seed and cuttings compost.

• Some seed half-trays, which are about 5” x 8”.

• A heated propagator, a clear propagator lid to go over the trays or a small unheated propagator.

• A dibber to make it easy to transplant the seedlings into a new home.

• Some small pots into which you can transplant the seedlings.

If you buy seed and cuttings compost it’s rarely necessary to sieve it as it has a very fine and even texture. However, if you’re using multi-purpose compost, you’ll need to either break up any lumps carefully with your hands or sieve it.

Depending on the types of seeds you have chosen, you will need to sow them at different depths. Some seeds are tiny 14

and are best scattered over the surface. Other seeds are best sown in drills. Once they are in place, in most cases you need to cover them with compost to the required depth. However others germinate best if allowed access to daylight and should be sown on the surface. With these it’s advisable to cover the surface of the tray with cling film to stop it drying out too rapidly. I like to put the seeds in place and then moisten the compost. Place the seed trays in a sink or tray containing about 1cm of water and allow the compost to soak up the water. Once the compost is just moist you should stand the trays in a position where any excess water can drain off. Then, if necessary, put the trays in a heated propagator.

When it comes to watering the seeds, use mains water as water butts may harbour some of the disease-causing organisms which cause damping off, the fatal condition where the seedlings appear to suddenly flop and keel over.

Always watch the seed trays carefully and check them regularly to ensure that the compost is adequately moist.

Once the majority of the seedlings have appeared, it’s usually not long before you need

to prick them out. Generally this is carried out when the first true leaves appear. When the seedling first comes above ground you will see the ‘seed leaves’ which are relatively sturdy looking and rounded in shape. Then above this come the first true leaves which are typical of that particular plant.

When pricking out, handle the seedlings very carefully, never by their stems or true leaves, but always by the seed leaves. Before you start to ease them out, make sure that the compost is adequately moist, so that the roots move readily without damage and that you have already prepared pots for transfer. To avoid rotting, always transplant seedlings so that they are at the same depth as they were in the seed tray.

If you find that your seedlings have become rather leggy and drawn, this is usually because they’re not receiving enough natural light; move the trays onto a south or west facing windowsill.

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News from Bishop Waltham Rotary Club The Bishop’s Waltham Rotarians have been busy as ever this year, organising events and raising funds for their charitable causes. These are some of the events in which they’ve been involved.

Thanks for Life In July, newly elected president Colin Carter, lead his troops at the annual ‘Stroke Awareness and Thanks for Life Day. As in previous years, Rotarians were coercing shoppers into having their blood pressure checked

by Rotarian Major Ian Treveil of the Army Medical Corps and several Rotarians’ wives who are fully trained nurses. High blood pressure has no obvious 50p towards Thanks For Life

Almost there and still smiling

symptoms yet is dangerous if left untreated and several members of the public were advised to see their doctor as soon as possible.

Outside the Kings Church, passers-by added to the row of 50p pieces in aid of the Rotary ‘End Polio Now campaign’, raising enough to vaccinate 200 children.

Bishops Waltham 5 Mile Road Race On the 3rd Sunday in July, the Bishops Waltham Road Race and Fun Run was held in tropical weather. The race is a demanding 5 miles through some of Hampshire’s loveliest countryside including the formidable Hampton Hill.

The Fun Run is a much shorter course of 2 miles around the village and attracts young children and their parents. Many of the entrants use this event to raise money for a whole host of charities. One boy in particular this year raised over £500 for a cancer charity after hearing that his Grandad had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The winners of the Road Race were James Sawyer in the men’s category and Kathy Bailey (32:23) in the ladies’ category.

18

Presentation at Meon Valley Day Care Centre President Colin Carter, accompanied by past President Peter Clarke, presented a cheque to the Meon Valley Day Care Centre for £1,000, to go towards replacing some very old chairs. The Centre, which is run

by Age Concern Hampshire, is an autonomous charity offering support to older people. Their services aim to allow people to remain independent for as long as possible.

Receiving the cheque were Denise Griffiths (Manager) and Moira Smith (Assistant Manager) accompanied by Rick Smith (Director) of Age Concern Hampshire.

Presentation to Meon Valley Day Care Centre

Air Ambulance Talk A total of 36 members and their guests attended East Horton Golf club to listen to John Perry,

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Every day the Air Ambulance crew provide an efficient, prompt response to road traffic collisions, sporting accidents, collapses, and many other incidents throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

John Perry introduced two newly recruited community fund raisers, Alex Tredget and Mark, to the club and explained that without the help and support of volunteer fund-raisers, they would not be able to keep the Air Ambulance flying and saving lives. President Colin gave a cheque for ÂŁ500 to John Perry.

Community Day The Rotary Club was again present in the High Street in September for the combined Community Day and Italian Market. By popular demand, the club had its Human

Fruit Machine in action, whereby anyone could double their money if they were lucky enough to get three identical fruits in a line. Early winners were ladies from the adjacent British Legion stall but not everyone was as lucky and Councillor David Maclean tries his luck at the Human Fruit Machine the club managed to raise ÂŁ124.19 8892472 for an informal chat. for their charity account.

We meet in the evenings at East Horton Golf Club. Please come We are looking for new members along and meet us and have a so if you would like to find bite to eat. Just let us know in out more about who we are advance (if you can) so we can and what we do, please get in ensure there is plenty of food to touch via the website: www. go round. bishopswalthamrotary.org.uk or contact Colin Carter 01489 Peter Clarke Bishops Waltham Rotary Club 891731 or Tony Mudd 01489 19

SHORT STORY

Scrabble with the Drabbles Melanie had arrived at the hotel in Lanzarote exhausted but excited, then received a glowing welcome from a handsome young Receptionist, with the name ‘Angel’ on his badge. Her family had thought her decision to holiday alone was crazy, but Melanie wanted, just once in her life, to do something reckless. If the hotel guests are as nice as Angel, she’d thought, this holiday is going to be perfect.

After exploring the hotel complex, however, she’d slumped into a state of dismay. She discovered the island was having its wettest January for thirty years, and she had booked herself into an out-of-season resort with a crowd of Bingo-loving pensioners.

This was not going to be the big adventure she’d hoped it would be.

It was dull, but bearable, until she met Dennis and June Drabble.

Dennis swooped upon her like a clammy vulture declaring his intention to take her under his wing. He had a fondness for his own awful opinions. And June was kidding herself that wearing massive sunglasses concealed the fact that she was constantly lusting after Fario, the overweight lifeguard with one eyebrow.

The Drabbles wouldn’t leave her alone. So far Melanie had shared an evening of Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit and Cluedo with them in the hotel lounge. Dennis was the type of person who sulked whenever it looked like he might not win. June glugged back allinclusive gin until her sunglasses 20

steamed up. All day Melanie had been dreading their threat of Scrabble, so tonight she decided to rebel.

When the coast was clear she tiptoed into the lobby and asked Angel to call her a taxi.

“Where are you going, Miss?” he asked politely as he picked up the phone.

Melanie shrugged.

“A bar? Somewhere lively? I need to get out of here.” He glanced towards the lounge, looked back at her sympathetically and winked.

“I know the perfect place: good food, great music, young people.”

Melanie smiled with gratitude.

“That sounds absolutely perfect.”

Across the lobby Melanie caught sight of the Drabbles parading through to the lounge. She ducked down behind a potted palm but was too late; they had spotted her.

“Ready for Scrabble, Missy?”

Dennis rattled the scrabble box in her face just as Angel announced, “Your taxi will arrive in five minutes.”

A look of supreme offence crossed Dennis’s face.

“You’re not going out?” It sounded more like a statement than a question.

“I am actually,” Melanie gulped.

“I’m going to a bar”.

“On your own? Surely that isn’t safe?”

“No,” Melanie lied. ”I’m meeting someone.”

“Not Fario?” croaked June. “He’s

a terrible gigolo I hear.”

“We should come with you,” Dennis said glancing at his watch as though this was all very inconvenient. “I’ll need to find my wallet”.

“Oh no,” Melanie said quickly.

The last thing she wanted was the Drabbles chaperoning her on an imaginary date. “I would hate to spoil your evening.”

“It would seem it is already spoilt,” Dennis said tossing the scrabble box onto the desk.

“What the young lady means,” Angel intervened, “is that she will be in perfectly safe hands and delivered back to the hotel in one piece - by me.” With authority, he ushered them towards the lounge.

“Thank you,” Melanie said, once the Drabbles had gone. “Honestly though, you didn’t have to lie on my behalf.”

“My shift has just finished and I would love to show you my beautiful island,” he smiled shyly.

“Unless you’d prefer Scrabble.”

The taxi pulled up outside. The rain had stopped and a warm breeze blew in that smelled of sea mist, adventure and, possibly, romance.

By Jackie Brewster

DH LocksmitH services Locked out? No call out charge!

• Lock changes • Burglary repairs • Window locks • Multipoint UPVC locks and much more

07919 182189 www.dhlocks.com

Pipe Dreams A complete plumbing service Free quotes & no call out charge No job too small All work guaranteed for peace of mind service

07816 686245 • 01489 878134 Ask for Candice or George

01489 449022 21

UP TO £500 OFF CONSERVATORIES AND AN EXTRA 10% OFF ALL ORDERS FOR WINDOWS AND DOORS PLACED UP TO THE END OF FEBRUARY 2014 Look what our customers think: “First Class service, very friendly and helpful with advice and ideas. Quality product - very pleased with work and service.”

Excellent service by a family run company. Would thoroughly recommend and use again.”

• Full 10 Year Guarantee (from a family company in its 28th year of trading)

South Coast Installations run by the McLean family has been established since 1985 and is one of the leading specialists in the PVC-u window, door and conservatory industry.

We have all our own workforce. We do not employ commission only salesmen or contractors.

We offer free quotations and advice and do not take deposits.

All our products come with a 10 year guarantee. You can rest assured we really care about your home as if it were our own and are looking after your investment.

SOUTH COAST INSTALLATIONS A local Family Business - run by 3 generations of the McLean family since 1985

TEL: 01489 799964

www.southcoastinstallations.co.uk

OFFERING EXCELLENT

PRINT

SOLUTIONS

AT COMPETITIVE PRICES CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE TODAY

Use us for ALL your printing needs Folders • Stationery Brochures • Leaflets • Books Manuals • Digital Magazines Mailing Campaigns

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As Recommended By

MAGAZINES

500 business cards and 500 compliment slips only £98.00 inclusive of Design, Delivery and V.A.T. Warwick Printing Company Tel : 01926 883355 Website : www.warwickprinting.co.uk

A cosy & friendly service Competitive Prices Stylists that cater for all ages All hair dressing services available by our NVQ & City & Guilds Stylists Ladies & Gents Hair Styling!

With our newly designed salon you’re sure to enjoy your visit.

Winchester Road Waltham Chase 01489 892751 www.spindles.co

The Complete Service Bathrooms

• Design & Installation All trades covered helping to create your perfect bathroom

Heating

• Gas Central Heating Boiler Replacement Just Shutters is dedicated to providing a friendly, effective service with a personal touch.

Plumbing

• All general plumbing undertaken We are located in Bishops Waltham

We offer the UK’s largest selection of colours and made to measure design choices to complement any room in your house or office.

Contact us now for helpful advice and inspirational ideas.

01962 670157

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T2510 JS 65x192 Discover 1113.indd 1

tomplumb@live.co.uk

www.tomplumb.biz T: 01489 895872 M: 07801 658115 23

19/11/2013 14:47

Do you need a Financial Review?

We are a highly qualified team with industry experience in excess of 20 years, offering our clients the following financial services: • • • • • •

Protection Pension & Retirement Planning Investment & Portfolio Planning Estate Planning Mortgage Advice - Residential & Commercial Inheritance Tax & Trust Planning

newman cozens financial management

Independent Financial Advisers

With our market knowledge and expertise, we offer advice to find the solution to suit your specific needs and circumstances. An ongoing review service is available by agreement.

Simply call Simon Rustell to arrange a no obligation initial meeting with you, free of charge (please quote code WPM). Our remuneration for further work will be by fee which will be agreed with you in advance.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Some areas of advice, such as estate planning and commercial mortgages, are not regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Carnac Place, Carnac Court, Cams Hall Estate, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 8UY. t: 01329 288924 f: 01329 280123 e: simon@newcoz.co.uk www.newcoz.co.uk Newman Cozens Financial Management is a trading style of Newman Cozens Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

A SSURE Electrical Ltd • Free no obligation safety advice & quotations • All domestic electrical repairs & wiring, with no job too small • Domestic rewires, extensions, fuse box upgrades, security & garden installations • All work certified to 17th edition of the wiring regulations

We will provide: • A plain English discussion • A professional, friendly & courteous approach • An excellent quality of service • An understanding that your house is your home...not just a building

Call today on 01489 890303 • Making your home a safer place 24

Your Local Family Business with over 55 years experience Specialists in all blinds including: • Conservatory Blinds • Shutters • Awnings • Roman • Roller • Wood Venetians • Vertical • Pleated • INTU • Perfect Fit

The Flooring Store to Your Door Choose your new floor in your own home, in your own time!

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wood laminate hardwood flooring

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023 8084 0505 www.watersideblinds.co.uk

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LOCAL WHAT’S ON WEDDING FAIR EXTRAVAGANZA 12 Jan, 11am-4pm The Ageas Bowl, Botley Road, West End, SO30 3XH See 50-60 different local and national exhibitors. Fashion shows at 12pm and 2pm. Entry is free.

Register online for Fast Track Entry www.dreamweddingfairs.com CONSERVATION TASK 16 Jan, 10am-3pm Hall Lands Lane, Fair Oak Hampshire SO50 7EF This privately owned ancient woodland consists of coppiced hazel with oak and cherry standards.

Designated a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. Come along for free to help with coppicing hazel, in line with the traditional management of the area, and removing invasive laurel from the wood. Bring a packed lunch. All tools, equipment and work gloves will be provided. 07740 899540 or www.btcv.org.uk/cgi-bin/ office_opps_ind_task.cgi HOSPITALS IN WWI 18 Jan, 1.30pm Royal Victoria Country Park, SO31 5DQ In this 100th anniversary year of the start of WWI, find out about life at Royal Victoria Military

26

Hospital during the busiest period of its lifetime. Enjoy a talk and slideshow by author and historian, Philip Hoare.

Additional Tower Tour available.

Talk:1.30pm, £5 pp. Tower Tour: approx 3.30pm, £4 per adult, £2 per child (max 12 spaces). 023 8045 5157 or www.hants.gov.uk/rvcp LIFE DRAWING 20 Jan, 7.30-9.30pm Botley Market Hall, 11 High Street, Botley, SO30 2EA An instructive, occasional life drawing class using charcoal, pencil and watercolour paints. Ideal for complete beginners and those with prior experience. Drawing guidance available if required. £15 per class prepaid or £18 pay on the door. You will need to bring charcoal, pencils and paper. Tea and coffee provided.

07733 553408 for details.

THE SNOWMAN 21-25 Jan Mayflower Theatre, Southampton Marvel at the live stage show version of Raymond Briggs’ muchloved children’s classic, to enchant audiences of all ages, suitable from four and upwards.The Snowman tells the magical story of a young boy’s adventures when his snowman comes miraculously to life on Christmas Eve.Online booking: www. mayflower.org.uk or Box Office: 02380 711811.

DICK TURPIN PANTOMIME 22 to 25 Jan 14, 7:30pm + 2:30 on Saturday Bishopstoke Memorial Hall, Riverside, Bishopstoke SO50 6LQ The tale of the infamous Dick Turpin, highwayman, is brought to raucous life in this new pantomime by the Bishopstoke Players. With more than a touch of melodrama Dick Turpin is original, inventive and full of fun with a Dame, a villain complete with dim-witted henchmen, a beautiful girl and her fishnet-stockinged beau all here, but in a new and exciting setting with its fair share of surprises. £7 (£5 under 16s), 023 8069 3032, e-mail bishplayers@ btinternet.com, or link from website.

TOY & TRAIN COLLECTORS FAIR 1 Feb Jubilee Hall, Bishops Waltham, SO32 1ED Top local dealers covering diecast - including Corgi, Dinky and Matchbox. Trains including O and OO scale from Hornby , Bachmann and more. Motoring books, memorabilia and much more. Free on site car parking.

Light refreshments. Adults £1.00 . Accompanied children under 16 FREE. 01380 725322 THE RAMBLERS GROUP WALK 2 Feb, 2pm Southampton Sports Centre, Grid ref starting point SU408155 Hampshire SO16 6RY Enjoy British wildlife on a group circular walk. Start/finish at the Car Park at the end of Thornhill Road, nr the Bowling Green. Meet in the car park near cafe. Non-members welcome to join the group for 2 or 3 walks before joining the Ramblers’ Association. Call Mark 02380 220173, www.ramblers.co.uk/ walksfinder/walkInfo.php QUIZ NIGHT 6 Feb 7pm to 10:30pm Hedge End CIU Club, Bursledon Road, Hedge End SO30 0BR A range of quizzes and puzzles to get your brain working, including general knowledge, anagrams and picture puzzles. A ploughman’s supper is included. Teams of six, £10.00 per person. To book a team or for more information contact Lucy Ward on 01489 880881 ext 208 or email lucy.ward@has.org.uk. £10.00 per person.

THE BIG BURSFEST 8 Feb, 12pm to 11:30pm Bursledon Village Hall, Long lane ,Bursledon SO31 8BZ Bursledon music festival . Live Music, Real Ale and home cooked food . Great bands, great atmosphere from 12-00 to 23-30 the best little festival around. Open mic slots available. View more details - www.thebigbursfest.btck.co.uk.

Single all day ticket £10.00 Family all day ticket £18.00 buy online or from Bursledon post office,Lowford,. tel 07504372729

THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER TRAIL 15-23 Feb, 10am-3.30pm Royal Victoria Country Park, SO31 5DQ Follow the self-guided trail and help the elves find the clothes the shoemaker and his wife have made them. There is a prize for getting all the way round. Trails available from the shop at £1.50. 023 8045 517 or www.hants.gov.uk/rvcp FUN WITH FLORA AND FAUNA 15 Feb to 23 Feb Marwell Zoo, SO21 1JH Welcome to the wonderful world of plants! Take part in our themed crafts and enjoy our animal talks.

OPEN GARDEN FOR NGS 16 Feb 12pm to 4pm The Down House, Itchen Abbas SO21 1AX 3-acre garden developed by owners since 2001, laid out in rooms overlooking Itchen Valley, adjoining the Pilgrim’s Way, with walks through a large meadow to the river.

Since taking the reins of The Breeze’s breakfast show Jez and Lou have been waking up thousands of households across the south coast. They’d be the first to agree that they’ve hit the ground running - literally!

“Right after joining, the station bosses asked us to tour the area in an electric car, meeting many listeners along the way - a fantastic way of re-acquainting myself with the area”, says Jez, who presented high-profile shows in this area before.

The duo have also hosted some of the region’s biggest festive events.

“We’ve counted down to fireworks, bonfires and Christmas light

Carpet of snowdrops and crocus, plus borders of coloured stems in winter. Pleached hornbeams, yewlined avenues, woodland nut and orchard walk. Working vineyard and potager. £4, Children free (share to PCaSo, Prostate Cancer Support).

01962 791054. Groups of 10+ also welcome. www.thedownhouse. co.uk CONSERVATION TASK 16 Jan, 10am-3pm Hall Lands Lane, Fair Oak SO50 7EF This privately owned ancient woodland consists of coppiced hazel with oak and cherry standards.

Designated a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. Come along for free to help with coppicing hazel, in line with the traditional management of the area, and removing invasive laurel from the wood. Bring a packed lunch. All tools, equipment and work gloves will be provided. 07740 899540 or www.btcv.org.uk/cgi-bin/office_ opps_ind_task.cgi

switch-ons” says Lou, a new recruit to the station. “We’ve had so many great prizes to give away on air recently – it’s been really festive!”.

Jez and Lou broadcast their show Monday to Friday from 6am to 10am – playing feel good music with local travel and news. Their ‘Word Is Out’ competition at 8.10am is proving very popular.

Listeners guess the missing celebrity word to win the ever growing cash jackpot . “It’s amazing,” says Jez, “sometimes I think the clip will go for ages and win somebody thousands of pounds – and it goes within a fortnight. Other times, it’s the

OPEN GARDEN FOR NGS 16 Feb 14, 2pm to 4pm Bramdean House, Bramdean SO24 0JU Beautiful 5-acre garden famous for its mirror-image herbaceous borders. Carpets of spring bulbs especially snowdrops. A large and unusual collection of plants and shrubs giving yr-round interest..

Small arboretum. Admission £4, Children free. Open for charity. www.ngs.org.uk/ GLOW IN THE PARK RUN 19 Feb Southampton Common, off The Avenue Get your glow on and be part of this unique and exciting running event.

Participants are encouraged to wear high-viz clothing, head torches and anything that glows! The course is professionally designed and checked and will have marshals and medics.

Timing chips and race brief given at registration. www.glowinthepark. co.uk or email info@glowinthepark. co.uk

complete opposite!”

Jez lives locally with his family, and Lou, having recently moved to the area, is enjoying exploring the region. “There’s just so much on offer,” she says “a night out, a yoga class, a relaxed lunch or a quick trip to the beach – it’s all here”.

And what’s the worst thing about presenting the breakfast show?

“Definitely the dark mornings at this time of year” says Jez, “I can’t wait for Spring”, 27

ADVERTISER’S INDEX

Live Local Think Local

www.discovercommunity.co.uk

Local businesses are part of your community There’s so much MORE online!

Your Community Business Directory Hampshire Walks Clubs & Societies What’s On Restaurant Guide Useful Numbers …and how to send in your own community news.

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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.

BATHROOMS See Plumbing BLINDS & CURTAINS Just Shutters Waterside Blinds BUILDER R & G Gamblin General Builders CARPET & FLOORING Floor Coverings Southern Premier Wooden Flooring CHILDCARE Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries CHIMNEY SWEEP Pebble Beach Sweeps COMPUTER SERVICES Home Computer Help Plates PCS CONSERVATORY South Coast Installations DOUBLE GLAZINE INST/REPAIRS Britannia Windows South Coast Installations EDUCATION: Barton Peveril Sixth Form College University of Portsmouth ELECTRICIAN: Assure Electrical Ltd B.Privett Electrical Ltd FENCING Colourfence FINANCIAL SERVICES Newman Cozens Financial Mg. SBA Financial FURNITURE Aaron GARAGE DOORS Garage Doors 4U GARAGE SERVICES Independent VW Wickham Tyre & Auto Centre GARDEN DESIGN & SERVICES: Arbor-Call Tree Surgeons

Aura Landscapes Colourfence Hambrooks 23 Jon Curtis Tree Surgery & Garden M. 25 Neil Richmond Tree & Hedge Services Woodleigh Landscapes 13 HAIRDRESSER Spindles Hair Design 25 HOUSE SALLES 19 NiceMoves 5 KITCHENS Dream Doors 21 LETTING SERVICES NiceMoves 5 LOCKSMITH 7 DH Locksmith Services PAINTER/DECORATOR 22 David P Churcher Painter & Decorator PLUMBING SERVICES (including bathroom 8 installation and gas and boiler services) see 22 also Property Maintenance Gair Gair 7 HTS Studios 7 Pipe Dreams Tom Mitchell Plumbing 24 TP Watts 19 PRINTER Warwick Printing Company 15 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Hire A Handy Hero 24 House Worx 31/32 R & G Gamblin General Builders RADIO 5 The Breeze SCHOOL: 11/21 Barton Pveril Sixth Form College STORAGE 9 Barn Store 2 TREE SURGERY See Garden Design & Services VETERINARY 15 Shield Veterinary Centre

15 15 13 10 12 10 23 3 17 3 21 8

16 25 21 23 12 22 10 21 13 30 7 11

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l Buy Local . . .

USEFUL NUMBERS DOCTORS NHS Direct (24hr helpline) Acorn Medical, Church Lane, Curdridge Fareham Health Centre Gudge Heath Lane, Fareham Hemming & Partners, Lower Lane, Bishop’s Waltham West Meon Surgery, Doctor's Lane, West Meon Wickham Group Surgery, Station Road, Wickham

0845 4647 01489 782488 01329 823456 01329 280887 01489 892288 01730 829666 01329 833121

LIBRARY Bishop’s Waltham Library, Bank Street, 0845 603 5631 www.hants.gov.uk/library/bishopswaltham Mon/Thur: Closed, Tue: 2pm – 7pm, Wed/Fri: 10am – 5pm, Sat: 9.30am – 1pm Wickham Square Mobile Library, every Wed 9:20 to 12:20 Knowle Village Mobile Library, first Friday of the month, 10:45 to 11:45

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU Bishops Waltham (Mon/Wed/Fri) 01489 896376 Outreach at Wickham and Denmead (Thurs) call BW for info advice@winchesterdistrictcab.org.uk PARISH COUNCILS Bishops Waltham 01489 892323 parishclerk@bishopswalthamparishcouncil.co.uk www.bishopswalthamparish council.co.uk Upham uphampc@homecall.co.uk 01489 860236 Durley durleypc@homecall.co.uk 01489 860236 Soberton norman@soberton.org.uk 01489 877378 Droxford clerk.droxford@parish.hants.co.uk 01489 877470 Shedfield 01329 830060 shedfieldparish@btconnect.com www.shedfieldparishcouncil.org.uk Swanmore 01489 890651 clerk@swanmoreparishcouncil.org.uk www.swanmoreparishcouncil.org.uk West Meon Parish Council 02392 571720 clerk.westmeon@parish.hants.gov Wickham Council 01329 835019 clerkwickham@parish.hants.gov.uk Boarhunt clerkboarhuntpc@btinternet.com 01489 891321 Southwick & Widley swpc@logosoft.biz 023 8046 3228 Corhampton & Meonstoke 01489 891660

SCHOOLS Bishop’s Waltham Infants Bishop’s Waltham Juniors Curdridge Primary Droxford Juniors Durley Primary Kings School Meonstoke Newtown Infants St. Johns Primary Swanmore Primary Swanmore College Upham Primary West Meon C of E Primary School Wickham Primary Wyvern Technology College

01489 01489 01489 01489 01489 01962 01489 01329 01329 01489 01489 01489 01730 01329 02380

892375 892368 782613 877537 860207 861161 877568 833161 833141 894555 892256 860355 829213 833065 692679

PET PORTRAIT WINNER The ipet portraits competition we ran in November was incredibly popular and we had hundreds of lovely pet pictures sent it. The winner in the Meon Valley was Peter Renwick with Chester the Golden Cocker Spaniel.

Gorgeous I'm sure you'll agree!

To have your own pet portrait created just £25 - contact Sue McLachlan at www.animalmagicart.com.

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tune in to the all new breakfast show on the breeze with Jez & Lou on 107.2 - 107.8 from 6am weekdays

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Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning money, goes to the right The SBA Philosophy You will learn: How to reduce Inheritance Tax. How to protect your family home from ravages of Long Term Care costs.

Inheritance from divorce.

How to keep your money in the family bloodline.

How to get peace of mind, that you have the right Will in place.

About our Speaker Steven Blofield is a highly qualified Financial & Estate Planner and has been helping his clients for over a decade. Steven is a popular local speaker, who can explain complex financial issues in an easy to understand and entertaining way. He is also proud to be the financial expert columnist for the Meon Valley News and the Chichester Observer.

We have four workshops available on Thursday 30th January at Cams Hall, Fareham and Thursday 27th February at Wickham Community Centre, Wickham 10am to 12 noon & 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

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

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

!

SBA Financial Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Registered in England and Wales: 5669998. Registered Office: Wellesley House, 204 London Road, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO7 7AN

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Will you or won’t you?

Around 70% of the UK population don’t have a will!

Come to our FREE Wills & Estate Planning Workshop Thursday 30th January at Cams Hall, Fareham, and Thursday 27th February at Wickham Community Centre, Wickham 10.00am to 12 noon & 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

Please turn over for more