Discover Romsey December 2014

Your FREE Neighbourhood Magazine

Romsey

including North Baddesley & SO51 Villages

How ‘Green’ is your Garden Pippa Greenwood’s gardening column

Recipe of the month A Warming Vegetarian Curry

Christmas 1914 A Christmas Truce in the Trenches

What to do, where to go Bumper edition of groups listings and local events

This issue is sponsored by Ableworld

Win £100 Find the Hidden Symbol see p41

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ADVERTORIAL

ADVERTISING FEATURE

New Mobility Store, Southampton Ableworld, the the UK’s UK’s leading leading Ableworld, mobility company, company, is is delighted delighted mobility to announce announce the the opening opening of of to its latest latest franchise franchise store store in in its Southampton.

Southampton.

right solutions solutions for for the the right variety of of customer’s customer’s variety needs they they will will face. face. needs

Ableworld Southampton Southampton is is Ableworld owned by local businessmen owned by local businessmen Jeff Newman, Newman, Steven Steven Thompson Thompson Jeff and Chris Chris Hewitt Hewitt and and is is located located and at 42-46 Portsmouth Road, at 42-46 Portsmouth Road, Woolston, Southampton, Southampton, SO19 SO19 Woolston, 9AD. Ableworld Ableworld is is easy easy and and 9AD. convenient to to reach reach with with ample ample convenient free parking. parking. free From spacious spacious premises, premises, From Ableworld offers customers Ableworld offers customers wide selection selection of of quality quality aa wide mobility and and homecare homecare mobility products. A A local local store, store, staffed staffed products. by local local people people is is often often the the by place to to go go for for the the best best service service place and that that is is certainly certainly the the case case and here, but but Ableworld Ableworld is is also also here, the place place to to find find the the keenest keenest the prices and and enjoyable enjoyable shopping shopping prices experience. experience.

The store store stocks stocks aa very very wide wide The range of of products products including including range larger items items such such as as mobility mobility larger scooters, wheelchairs, scooters, wheelchairs, adjustable beds beds and and rise rise and and adjustable recline chairs chairs but but also also many many recline smaller items items to to help help with with day day smaller to day day tasks. tasks. They They also also hold hold to wide range range of of products products to to aa wide help with bathing, toileting help with bathing, toileting and dressing dressing as as well well as as aa range range and of continence continence care care products. products. of Ableworld also also installs installs stairlifts stairlifts Ableworld and service service scooters. scooters. Whatever Whatever and the product, product, the the aim aim is is to to help help the people to lead easier, more people to lead easier, more comfortable and and independent independent comfortable lives. lives.

The directors directors of of Ableworld Ableworld The Southampton are are all all local local Southampton people who who have have significant significant people 22

experience behind behind them. them. Jeff’s Jeff’s experience working history history goes goes back back over over working 35 years years and and includes includes retail, retail, 35 construction and and hospitality. hospitality. construction His most most recent recent role role was was as as His local Franchised Franchised Milkman Milkman aa local and was was 2008 2008 Southern Southern area area and Milkman of of the the Year.

Year. Many Many Milkman of Jeff’s Jeff’s old old customers customers are are of similar in age and needs to similar in age and needs to Ableworld’s core core customers. customers.

Ableworld’s Steven and and Chris Chris have have had had Steven a successful partnership for a successful partnership for several years years and and bring bring their their several skills from from construction construction and and skills mechanical engineering into mechanical engineering into the business, business, something something that that the will be be particularly particularly useful useful on on will the stairlift stairlift and and scooter scooter side side of of the the business. business. All All the three directors directors three have undertaken undertaken have Ableworld’s Ableworld’s extensive and and extensive rigorous training training rigorous programme so so programme that they can that they can assess customers customers assess correctly and and correctly provide the provide the

Jeff has has aa clear clear Jeff view how how he he and and his his view fellow directors can fellow directors can help local local people people help who need need mobility mobility who equipment “Having “Having equipment had daily daily contact contact with with had elderly and and disabled disabled elderly customers in in my my customers previous occupation, occupation, II previous witnessed several several fall fall witnessed injuries and and mobility mobility injuries complaints. With With our our complaints. store having good store having good parking and and being being parking on several several main main bus bus on routes I believe our routes I believe our highly visible visible and and accessible accessible highly superstore on on Portsmouth Portsmouth Road, Road, superstore opposite the bus station, will opposite the bus station, will fill aa gap gap in in the the market market and and fill serve as as aa welcome welcome benefit benefit to to serve the community.”

Whatever your the community.” Whatever your needs, you you can can be be assured assured of of aa needs, range of of quality quality products products from from range names you you can can trust. trust. names Why not not call call in? in? Open Open 8.30 8.30 to to Why 5.30 Monday Monday to to Saturday Saturday, you 10 to 5.30 4.00visit Sunday visit your can your you newcan Ableworld new Ableworld store at 42-46 store at 42-46 Portsmouth Portsmouth Road, Woolston, Road, Woolston, Southampton, Southampton, SO19 9AD. SO19 9AD. Tel: 02380 02380 440000.

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ABOUT US

Discover Magazines Tel: 023 8026 6388 ADVERTISING SALES ENQUIRIES Tel: Melanie Tinson 023 8027 6396 Email: melanie@discovermagazines.co.uk Web: www.discoveradvertising.co.uk

ARTWORK ENQUIRIES Tel: Izzy Ewen 02380 266388 option 3 Email: design@discovermagazines.co.uk

ACCOUNTS ENQUIRIES Tel: Tania Houston 02380 266388 option 2 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: 02380 266388 option 4

NEXT ISSUE: DIARY DATES Editorial copy deadline: 14 January Advertisement copy deadline: 16 January Distributed: Drop1: w/c 28 January

Drop 2: w/c 23 February

Distribution

Discover Romsey is published every other month and delivered partly by Royal Mail and partly by our own distribution team. In the even months (February, April etc) it is delivered into SO52, North Baddesley and SO51 central Romsey. In the odd months (January, March etc) it is delivered to the rest of the SO51 postcode – particularly the more rural areas - by Royal Mail. This is a total distribution of 14,000 copies.

‘Oofing’ not allowed Well nearly at the end of another year, and I’m trotting out all the old clichés at home: Can’t believe it’s December, where has the year gone? And at work: Can’t believe it’s over 10 years since I started my first magazine (in Chandlers Ford). And every bit as much as a birthday, lamenting the fact that life’s years are racing by.

Although Mel and I aren’t at retirement’s door, age creeps up all the same. We work hard at weight watching, exercise, hair, clothes, makeup, and a veritable witch’s cauldron of pills and potions.

Still, earlier this year I realised we were both doing something that was completely giving the game away. This is something that children never do, nor even 20 or 30 year olds. It’s ‘oofing’.

‘Oof’ is the noise that you make when you sit down. Or stand up. Or bend over, lift something heavy up or put it down, get into the car or get out. And if that’s not bad enough, broadcasting one’s ailments tells all: the bad back, sore hips, and the dodgy shoulder (most of which have been acquired as a result of exercise – I thought it was supposed to be good for you?). Well, we might as put all that money we are spending on expensive cosmetics towards our retirement, because we aren’t kidding anyone.

So, for all of us chasing eternal youth, it’s time to suck it in. Yes it hurts and you’ve lost flexibility, but there’s no need to remind the world of it. And just a little tip for those fed up with the on-off of reading glasses that creeps up after your 40th birthday, make an appointment with Hampson’s Opticians (page 6). Roy prescribed Mel some fantastic contact lenses specifically for reading and so that’s one little problem hidden away.

Merry Christmas!

Tania

Melanie Tinson & Tania Houston

Romsey Chandlers Ford Southampton Totton Winchester Bitterne Itchen Valley Meon Valley Fareham Locks Heath Hythe & Lyndhurst

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with stylish shutters dressing their windows. With many homes being street facing you can see why. Shutters allow windows to be dressed with separate shutter panel sections and each of these can have the louvres adjusted for amazing privacy and light control.

Mike informed us that “Shutters are great for bay windows where homes are street facing but they are also extremely practical for dressing patio and bi-folding doors or those awkward shaped windows where one is never sure what to do.”

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The Great Shutter Co. are offering free home design consultations now and customers will benefit

Mike Schnuppe

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Mike has given us his top 5 reasons to buy shutters but for a more detailed top 10 visit www.thegreatshutterco.uk/top10.

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It’s ok to ask for help

Active change for home, work and life 6

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Christmas Music Quiz 1. Cliff Richard’s hit single The Millenium Prayer featured the words of the Lord’s Prayer sung to the tune of which traditional song?

2. According to the first verse of the song Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, what two things had you “better not” do?

3. Which singer from Band Aid’s original version of Do They Know It’s Christmas has a stage name that is mentioned in the lyrics of the song?

4. Who kept Take That’s Babe off the

Christmas number one spot in 1993?

5. According to the lyrics of the song Fairytale Of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl, what song were the boys of the NYPD choir singing?

6. Which famous Christmas song was originally called One Horse Open Sleigh?

7. Which war was John Lennon referring to in his song Happy Xmas (War Is Over)?

8. In the Christmas carol Good King Wenceslas, did the title character last look out on the 24th, 25th or 26th of December?

9. In 2008, Once Upon A Christmas Song was a hit single for Geraldine McQueen, as played by

comedian Peter Kay.

Which famous singer

co-wrote this song with

Peter Kay? 10. Of the 364 gifts given

in total in the song

The Twelve Days

Of Christmas,

how many

are birds?

Answers: Page 45

9

GARDENING

The Truly ‘Green’ Garden

by Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com

Well, it’s time to say good-bye to the year 2014 as 2015 is well and truly upon us. This is the month when it is really worth spending a bit more time than usual thinking about the year just gone and the one ahead. What are you going to do in your garden in the year ahead, what plans and dreams do you have? What changes would you like to make?

There are so many ways in which you can plot and scheme about all that your garden could have to offer in 2015, but there’s one thing I would ask you to consider: take the plunge, ring the changes and ‘Go Organic’, More and more gardeners have decided that they really want their gardens to be pesticide free zones, concentrating on natural methods of pest control, good gardening and the use of natural fertilising materials rather than chemical feeds. And they do it because it works and makes life so much better for the other less powerful creatures and plants we share our space with.

Since we moved to our Hampshire garden nearly twenty years ago, I have kept it completely organic and believe me, it really is not difficult. Weed control can certainly be harder as there is no resorting to herbicides such as glyphosate, but if your garden has been looked after and doesn’t have too many persistent weeds, even that should not be too difficult. If you do have an existing problem then make weeding a regular part of your gardening time and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how speedily you start to get on top of it, and maybe even feel the need to spend less time in the gym and more time out in the fresh year

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getting a seriously natural and healthy work out completely free of charge. The rest is easy!

True, organic gardening does take a bit more planning and forethought than gardening that is reliant on an armoury of chemicals. If you grow vegetables you will need to ensure that you rotate your crops. Just approximately divide the space you have into three or four chunks and then ensure that each year you grow related crops together and then the following year, each group of crops are moved in to a new plot.

It also pays to ensure that you really do garden as ‘well’ as you can, avoiding too many short cuts and taking the plant’s health and vigour as a prime consideration. In any part of the garden you need to try to choose plants that really are suited to the site as those grown in unsuitable conditions will struggle and be more prone to disease and pest attack. Don’t forget the old gardening adage, ‘Right Plant, Right Place’.

Regular patrols to find problems, so that they can be caught at the early stages and dealt with promptly, mean fewer problems in the long-term and should ensure that you catch an infestation of

pests or a disease outbreak before it gets too bad. Often picking off pests or badly infested or infected leaves can be sufficient to prevent a problem developing.

Sprays of certain kinds are ‘allowed’ (those based on soft soap to control certain pests, copper based fungicides to control diseases etc) but most organic gardeners prefer to avoid them altogether. But they are there if you need them, although I find no need for them.

Barriers and traps are really useful – I am a great fan of horticultural fleece. Placed over a crop such as calabrese from the moment you plant it out, you should be able to ward off all the common pests including caterpillars, cabbage root fly and aphids. Traps such as submerged beakers of old beer or milk to catch slugs, sticky yellow cards

Keeping the soil in good condition is a must and if you don’t already have a compost bin or heap, get on and make or buy one straight away. Garden compost is a fabulous soil conditioner and is packed full of nutrients…..all at little or no cost.

Some of these things will add

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to your gardening budget, but remember that you will not need to spend your hard earned cash on chemical fertilisers, pesticides or spraying equipment, and of course you won’t need to spend time applying the sprays.

The choice is up to you, but I strongly recommend it, for a whole host of reasons, only some of which I have mentioned here.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and make veg growing easy with ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ – Pippa sends your chosen veg plants to you at a perfect time for planting and each week emails advice and tips for getting the best results; plus lots of great barriers and biological controls.

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Romsey & Chandlers Ford

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RECIPE

Paneer and Mixed Vegetable Coconut Curry

Serves 4

This filling vegetable curry can be made with any mix of vegetables you have to hand. Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread and some cooling natural yogurt.

Ingredients:

1.

Bring a pan of water to the boil. Add the carrots and boil for 5 minutes until almost tender adding the cauliflower and broccoli florets for the last 2 minutes.

Drain well and set aside.

2.

Heat the oil in a large deep frying pan over a medium heat. Add the paneer and mushrooms and stir-fry over a high heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

3.

Add the onion to the pan and fry very gently for about 10 minutes until soft and golden. Add the garlic, ginger and chilli and fry for a further 2-3 minutes then stir in the Thai paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4.

Pour in the coconut milk and bring to the boil then reduce the heat and return the paneer and mushrooms to the pan along with the drained vegetables, peas and tomatoes. Stir well and simmer gently for 4-5 minutes. Add the lime juice and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Serve garnished with sliced red chilli pepper and oregano leaves.

• 2 small carrots, peeled and thinly sliced • 100g small cauliflower florets • 100g small broccoli florets • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 225g paneer cheese, cubed • 150g mushrooms, wiped and sliced • 1 large onion, peeled and chopped • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed • 2cm piece root ginger, peeled and grated • 1 red chilli pepper, deseeded and chopped, plus extra sliced chilli to garnish • 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste • 400ml can coconut milk • 150g frozen peas • 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped • Squeeze of lime juice • Fresh oregano leaves, to garnish

Ready in 45 minutes 18

Paneer is an Indian vegetarian cheese which has a firm texture and goes particularly well with spices and garlic, chilli and ginger. You can use drained and cubed tofu instead, if preferred.

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And Another Thing...

The Winged Chariot

by Tom Hughes I dread January. Not because of the long winter nights or postholiday credit card bills (although they aren’t much fun), I hate New Year because that’s when the Mondeo has its dreaded MOT. Could I squeeze another year’s motoring out of the old darling?

The mechanic’s intake of breath was so sharp I thought he was going to hyperventilate. MOT fail!

Now, I’m sure that to Jeremy Clarkson my Mondeo Ghia X is a tired old rep mobile, good only for slogging up and down the M6 driven by some dull-eyed paperclip salesman. But whenever I nestle behind the wheel (in my half leather heated seat) I am not in a Ford, rather I am in a beautiful Winged Chariot, perfect for whisking Sarah away to distant magical places, like Southport.

The mechanic shook his head as the bonnet slammed shut.

Sarah put a comforting hand on my shoulder. It was time to face facts; the old chap had to go. And that meant only one thing - a visit to the showroom to lock horns with a car salesman.

Colin was an affable chap. As wide as he was tall, he possessed a big red face and the worst fitting suit I had ever seen. He came waddling towards us with such a swagger in his gait I thought 24

for moment he was going to announce “I’ve come for ma Boy.” He shook my hand, nodded to my car and said, “That your Deo? Great car....in its day.”

“In its day? Cheeky -” I was about to give him a mouthful when Sarah interrupted me, “Shut up Tom. Now what about this one?”

Sarah pointed to a new five door hatchback. Colin beamed.”Want to take her for a spin sir?”

“Her? That’s a bit 1970s isn’t it? Why can’t I take “him” for a spin?” I said indignantly.

“Very well sir, I’ll get the trade plates.”

He glanced at Sarah, shook his head in sympathy, and handed me the keys.

With Sarah sat demurely in the back we eased out of the showroom as Colin explained all about this fantastic motor.

“Now Tom, this model is in the Elite trim which means that every conceivable toy is on this car.

Everything you can think of as an extra, this baby’s got it.”

I stared at the dashboard.

“Has it got Sat Nav?” “No.” “Climate control?”

“Er, no.”

“Rear parking sensors?”

Suddenly, Colin’s eyes lit up.

“Rear parking sensors? Tom, can

you just pull over a second and put her in reverse gear for me?”

I stopped the car and engaged reverse as Colin jumped out and ran to the back of the motor. I looked in the rear view mirror and saw Colin waggling his hips and waving his arms about.

“Tom, what is he doing?”

“I’ve really no idea.”

After this strange display was over, he trotted up to the driver’s side, stuck his sweaty face through the open window and asked hopefully “Now Tom, did you hear a beep!

Beep! Beep!?”

“No.” Back in the car and now staring straight ahead, Colin, through gritted teeth said, “Drive on please.”

After a while, we found ourselves on a narrow country road where Colin, with a conspiratorial wink whispered, “Now then Tom, do you want to see how she performs through the twisty bits?”

Too embarrassed to ask what that actually meant, I smiled and began trundling along the B road, nervously creeping round an endless procession of blind bends. Exasperated, Colin began shuffling about in his seat.

“Now Tom, can’t you feel it? She wants to go, come on, give her her head!”

I looked in the mirror at Sarah, who shrugged her shoulders. Colin was insistent, “Put your foot down, let’s see what this baby can do!”

The engine whined as I stamped on the pedal. The bonnet lifted and the car lurched forward as around the corner we went - “Tally Ho!” Later, after Colin had exchanged insurance details with a rather miserable looking farmer, Sarah leaned down to inspect the damage.

“Well a tinny thing like this is always going to come off worse against a tractor.”

Waiting with Colin for that tow truck to take us back to the garage was the longest hour of my life.

And so, after shelling out a small fortune on a double-wishbone something or other, my beloved Winged Chariot was back on the road.

I took Sarah for a spin. I turned up the climate control to maximum. “Right Sarah darling, shall we see what this baby can do?”

“Tom, just keep your eyes on the road, OK? And Tom?” “Yes my sweet?”

“Keep a look out for tractors?”

Follow Tom at groomsdaybook.com Twitter @groomsdaybook

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LOCAL CLUBS & GROUPS HOBBIES & SPECIAL INTEREST Romsey Flower Arrangement Society Second Wednesday of the month.

North Baddesley Village Hall 7.00pm Welcomes new members info@ wessexandjerseyflowers.co.uk Wellow Flower Arrangement Society Meetings held fourth Monday in the month at Plaitford Village Hall at 7.30 pm New members welcome.

Tel: Sonia on 01794 322205 or Liz on 01794 322263.

Flower Arrangement Classes Woodley Village Hall, School Rd, Romsey.

Mondays 1.30 - 3.30pm 1st & 3rd Monday - Beginners and intermediates (separate tables).

Everybody Welcome Contact: Denise 02380 741299 or Sandy 01794 511335 for details.

Braishfield Flower Arrangement Meet on the fourth Thursday of the month at Braishfield Village Hall 7.30pm. New members welcome.

Tel: 01794 368259 / 02380 731162 Foresters Flower Club 1st Thur of the month (excluding Jan) at 7:30pm. Copythorne Parish Hall, Pollards Moor Rd. A friendly floral art group for all ages with a varied and interesting programme of workshops, demonstrations, outings and social events. New members and guests always warmly welcomed. Club Secretary: 023 8081 2883 Romsey Sub-aqua Club Club night is Tuesday evening at Stanbridge Earls School 7.30 - 9 pm.

We offer try-dives and training and welcome new members. (Note: for security reasons at the School please contact us before coming along.)

Email: info@romseysac.com Website www.romseysac.com 38

Romsey Modellers Ampfield Village Hall, 3rd Wed in the month. 8pm – 10pm We are a plastic modelling club catering for all modelling genres and skill levels from beginners to well seasoned gurus.

For more information please see www.romseymodellers.co.uk

Romsey Amnesty International We are a friendly group of all ages interested in standing up for human rights. We meet monthly for letter writing, guest speakers and workshops and visitors are always welcome. Third monday of the month (not Aug). Please email romseyamnesty@gmail.com.

Art Classes Ampfield Golf Clubhouse, Monday mornings. Wendy’s Art classes work on promoting new thinking skills in relation to art and creativity. 01794 523067 for more info.

Transition Town Romsey We are a local not-for profit group run by volunteers, aiming to take action locally to make Romsey more sustainable and a better place to live.

We are particularly concerned with the challenges of Peak Oil and Climate Change and encourage people to get involved in our various groups. Website: www.transitiontownromsey.org.uk

South Hants Historical Aviation The Conservative Club Romsey First Wed in the month 7.30pm. Welcomes new members. For more information visit www.shhas.co.uk.

VIEWFINDERS OF ROMSEY CAMERA CLUB Every Tuesday throughout the year (except August) at Jubilee Hall, New Road, Timsbury, 7.30pm. We have a varied programme of competitions, talks and practical evenings for those with an interest in photography, and we welcome those just starting out in photography as well as more advanced workers. For more information, please see www.viewfinderscameraclub.org.uk or telephone our secretary Pam Watson on 01794 388429.

Ampfield Bridge Club Meet Tuesday 7pm to 10pm, Ampfield Village Hall. This is a very popular club, with experienced players and beginners welcome. Chris Balchin at 01794 368427 or just come along.

FRANCO BRITISH SOCIETY Third Monday Evening of each month 7.15pm. Highfield Church Hall, Southampton SO17 1RL. The Society endeavours to maintain friendly relations between the UK and France exploring the diverse cultures within the country, its people and its heritage.

English is spoken throughout and new members made very welcome. Links with Nice, reciprocal visits are made each year. Contact Diane Sparkes, 02380 463334, dianesp90@hotmail.com

COMMUNITY & SOCIAL Romsey Good Neighbours We are volunteers who take elderly, inform or disabled people to attend hospital, doctor or other medical appointments. If you need our service or could volunteer call Barbara Harper, Secretary of Romsey Good Neighbours (01794 522803).

INSYNC Thursdays from 8:30pm. Chandlers Ford Central Club, 2 Winchester Rd, C/ Ford. If you are Single, Divorced or Widowed, want to meet new friends, and enjoy a social life that suits you, then come and see what we have to offer! We are a social group run by the members for the members, with no age stipulation but recommended 45+.

We offer Sunday walks in a variety of locations, Cycling, Party Nights, Dancing, Concerts, Theatre Trips, Cinema, Meals out, Holidays, Bridge, Quiz evenings, Ten Pin Bowling, Reading, Language, Discussion and Gardening groups. insyncclub@gmail.com, Barbara 02380 254446, Tony: 02380 253497, Ursula: 02380 602426.

SOCIAL CLUB Age Concern Romsey & District, in partnership with Brendoncare, run The Twenty Twelve Club. Tuesdays from 1.30 - 3.30pm at The Age Concern Hall, 24 Linden Road, Romsey SO51 8DB. Offering different weekly activity (indoor kurling, quizzes, board games and speakers), afternoon tea and time to socialise. For information about joining or volunteering call Sarah at Age Concern 01794 518817 or Catherine at Brendoncare on 01962 857099.

ROMSEY PROBUS CLUB 3rd Wednesday of each month, 11:30 for 12noon. Royal British Legion, Romsey. We have been established for over twenty years and our membership is open to all professional and businessmen who are fully or partly retired from their normal profession or business. Our membership is around 40. The club’s objective is to promote and encourage a spirit of friendship by holding regular meetings at which there is a short formal meeting followed by a buffet lunch after which there is a talk by an invited speaker. The time taken is usually about two hours. Please contact our Secretary or President for details.

Secretary 02380 262636 or President 01794 884556.

Romsey Job Club Trying to find a job? If you live around Romsey, why not drop in to our Job Club on a Wednesday morning between 9.30 and 12.30? We can’t offer you a job, but we can offer you help in finding one. You can browse for jobs on our computers , prepare your cv If you need to brush up your IT skills, we can help you with that as well. All in an informal setting, with a cup of tea or coffee.

We’re at Company House, Romsey School, Greatbridge, SO51 8ZB. Ring 01794 522106 for more information WOODLEY & CRAMPMOOR FRIENDSHIP Woodley Village Hall, School Roadd, Romsey 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month, 2pm Romsey W.I. The Crosfield Hall Annexe, Broadwater Road, Romsey, SO51 8GL Every fourth Wednesday in the month commencing 7.30pm. Visitors will be warmly welcomed. We have sections for Crafts, Darts, Walking, Scrabble and outings. We also have trips to the theatre. alan.coltsrd@o2.co.uk

MUSIC, DANCE & DRAMA Romsey Line Dancers Mondays 9.30-10.30 a.m. and 10.3011.30 a.m. Romsey Comrades Club Mondays 7-8 p.m. and 8-9 p.m.

Woodley Village Hall Thursdays 10-11a.m. and 11-12.00 a.m.

Romsey Comrades Club North Baddesley Wednesdays 7-8 p.m. and 8-9 p.m.

North Baddesley Village Hall Call 01794 368233 to book your place NOMADS music & drama group NOMADS meet every Friday 8pm, Woodley Village Hall, School Road, Romsey. We have been part of the local community for 35 years and new members are welcomed. Come along or phone Rachel: 023 8049 8955 or Clare: 01794 523578 - for more information.

ROMSEY MALE VOICE CHOIR Romsey Male Voice Choir’s team of 60 members share a passion for singing and fun. Come along to a rehearsal to hear what we do, all visitors welcome.

The choir holds weekly rehearsals on Monday evenings in Romsey. 02380 663263, www.romseymvc.co.uk Romsey Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society Winchester Road, Romsey Romsey Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (RAODS) owns and operates

the Plaza Theatre in the heart of Romsey. In this gorgeous little theatre (formerly an Art Deco cinema) RAODS offer a different show every month to cater to all. RAODS is an active and very sociable society with over 300 members and always welcomes newcomers. If you would like to be on stage, to help with one of the many backstage or Front of House roles, or if you are interested in helping us maintain this lovely theatre, please get in touch. info@plazatheatre.com or call the Romsey Tourist Information Centre on 01794 512987

Amateur Drama Group Every Tuesday Ritchie Memorial Hall, C/Ford. New members are always welcome, for both onstage and backstage roles. www. chameleontheatre.co.uk or 0845 644 0496.

WELLOW TEA DANCE Wellow Village Hall from 3pm to 5pm every second Wednesday in the month except August. The price is £3.50, music provided, tea, cakes and a raffle are included in price LADIES CHOIR Ford WI Choir meets on Wednesday evenings during term time from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. at Chandler’s Ford Community Association Centre in Hursley Road next to St Boniface Church.

We would welcome new members. An ability to read music is not necessary and no auditions are required. We sing for fun and friendship. Come along to a meeting or contact secretary on 023 8025 3870 Rowan Scottish Country Dancers meet Mondays in term time from 7.45 - 10pm at St. Francis Hall, Nightingale Avenue, Eastleigh. All abilities welcome. Contact our secretary - Tom on 07929 252086

HEALTH & EXERCISE ROMSEY HEARING CONCERN 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month 2-4pm Appletree Centre, Romsey Visitors and new members are very welcome to visit this friendly club, whose aim is to minimise the restrictions of deafness. You do not have to be deaf to visit or join us, you just need an empathetic approach to people with a hearing loss. We are always looking for help, so if you are interested please contact Anne Gale on 02380735858, alternatively email hearingconcernromsey@gmail.com.

ROMSEY OPEN SIGHT Meets every Wednesday afternoon Romsey School SO51 8ZB A social club for people with sight difficulties. Offering tea, games, gossip, entertainment and support.

New members and volunteers always welcome. 01794 884806 ROMSEY ARTHRITIS HYDROTHERAPY Help soothe Arthritic joints, helping to relieve pain in the Hydrotherapy Pool. Join us as a member for £5 per year. Weekly sessions are subsidised.

Transport is not available, but sessions are held locally. For further information contact Mrs Linda Hill 01794 323838 Meditation as a way of prayer Every Friday 11am to 12pm starting 4 May 2012. An opportunity to explore & experience the stillness & silence of contemplative prayer. Wisdom Centre, Romsey, Hants SO51 8EL. 01794 830206. reception@wisdomhouseromsey.co.uk. www.christian-meditation.org.uk Romsey Breeze Bike Rides Regular, fun and free! Romsey-based bike-rides for women: introductory (5mile) or steady (12mile) rides. Check out www.breezebikerides.com. Type ‘Romsey’ under the Find-a-ride slot or find us on Facebook to book your place.

Alternatively ‘phone Viv, the local Breeze ride-leader on 01794 368207. You must be confident with hand signals.

Walking 6 days a week - Various meeting places. C.Ford, N Badd, Romsey & other Test Valley Locations Walks are approximately an hour long and a gentler pace is always offered.

All walks are accompanied by a trained Health Walk Leader. All ages welcome. Laura Blake 01264 368831

CHILDREN Romsey Sea Cadets Romsey Sports Field, Southampton Road, Romsey SO51 8AT Tuesdays for 12 – 18 year olds or Thursdays for 10 – 18 year olds Activities and competitions in every area include sailing, rowing, canoeing, swimming, 5-a-side football, shooting & camp craft. 01794 514387 romseyseacadets@gmail.com 1st Romsey Girls’ Brigade Tuesdays Romsey Baptist Church Games, crafts, bible stories, life skills, uniform, badgework. For girls from 5 to 14+ years. GB@romsey-baptist.org.uk.

01794 522122 39

Puzzle Page Pictograms

PICTOGRAMS

1 word

S T A R E

S T A R E

3 words

HIDATO Starting at 1 and finishing at 34, track your way from one square to another, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally, placing consecutive numbers into the empty squares as you go. Some numbers are already given.

11

13 14

19

7

1

3

34 16

46 1p

8

17

22 94 7 THE SCREAM

3 words

5

44

41

36

47

40

49

38

25 30

ŠPuzzlepress.co.uk

Across 1. Similar things placed in order (6) 7. Note in music equal to half a minim (8) 8. Bluish-white metallic element (4) 10. Animal hunted for food or sport (4) 11. Fortified wine mainly from southern Spain (6) 12. City in western Germany (5) 14. Nasal opening (7) 17. Daybook (7) 18. Celtic language (5) 21. Collection of star systems (6) 23. Former communist country (inits) (4) 25. Fourth planet from the sun (4) 26. International ___, imaginary boundary which separates time zones (4,4)

27. Alloy of tin and lead 1 2 3 4 5 6 (6) 7 Down 1. Make a sound like 8 9 frying fat (6) 10 11 2. One step of a ladder (4) 3. Fastener with a 14 15 threaded shank (5) 12 13 4. Firearm missile 16 aimed at an easy or 17 18 19 casual target (3,4) 5. Measure of land (4) 20 6. Accidental collision that is narrowly 21 22 23 24 avoided (4,4) 25 9. Occupation for which one is trained 26 (6) 27 13. Person who hides aboard a ship (8) 19. Member of a European crushed ice (5) 15. Belief in the light cavalry unit, 22. Expression used at the existence of God (6) renowned for elegant end of a prayer (4) 16. Large green longdress (6) 24. Flat floating platform horned grasshopper 20. Drink of bourbon and for swimmers (4) of North America sugar and mint over (7)

ŠPuzzlepress.co.uk

General Knowledge Crossword

Answers: Page 45

40

Christmas is

C MING! Freshen your skin with a facial Brighten & whiten your teeth for a dazzling smile!

Totton

Shop 2B, 19 Salisbury Road, Totton, Southampton SO40 3HX Tel: 02380 001028 totton@nomasvello.co.uk www.nomasvello.co.uk

62 High Street, Winchester Hampshire SO23 9BX Phone: 01962 866000 Email: sales@balletpointe.co.uk Website: www.balletpointe.co.uk

WIN ÂŁ100 Find the hidden symbol competition DISTRIBUTORS WANTED Weneed needdistributors distributors in in the the Romsey andarea We Hedge End North Baddesley areas (not postcodes to help with delivery of this magazine and SO51 0, 6, 8 or 9) to help with delivery of leaflet inserts. this magazine and leaflet inserts.

The delivery is either every month or every The delivery is every other month at the other monthofdepending on what beginning February, April, Juneroutes etc. are available.

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How to enter Online: www.discovercommunity.co.uk Text Only: 07443 645873 You must state the following details: 1. Which advert featured the symbol 2. Your name 3. Your postal address 4. Your email address 5. And most importantly, when you received your copy of Discover

Happy hunting One entry per household, last entry date 26 January 2014.

41

LOCAL WHAT’S ON The Nutcracker: Christmas at Mottisfont 29 Nov to 4 Jan2015 Start your visit with a peek into a twinkling Christmas party, then ascend the staircase to the sound of ticking clocks, to enter the dream mechanical world of the Nutcracker. Operate life-size puppets and all sorts of wonderful automata from the famous Cabaret Mechanical Theatre. Watch out for the exciting battle between the Mouse King and the toy soldiers before heading out to the gardens to explore the Land of Snow and ice and land of Sweets.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING & INDULGENCE SHOW 7 Dec, 10:30am to 4pm Norton Park Hotel, Winchester SO21 3ND Spoil yourself, friends & family in the run up to Christmas. Enjoy all the trimmings of The All Woman Show with a festive twist. Free parking. Supporting The Katie Piper Foundation for burns sufferers. www.allwomanshow.com SANTA FUN RUN 7 Dec, 9:30am Registration from 8:30am: Bapsy Hall, Winchester Guildhall SO23 9GH Fun family event - the 5km route takes you through Winchester High Street and past Winchester Cathedral and Alfred the Great’s statue. You can walk, jog or run.

Participants will receive their own Santa suit to wear, a medal and refreshments. £10 adults, £7.50 children (all under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.) 01962 760060 42

LITTLE PICKLES MARKET 7 Dec, 10-11:30am Crossfield Hall, Broadwater Road, Romsey SO51 8GL A family market with nearly new tables for hire to sell baby/ children’s items. Prams, maternity items, clothes, shoes, toys, books, highchairs and more! £1 entry.

Children free.

PANTO - CINDERELLA – Pocket Panto 13-14 Dec Hangar Farm Arts Centre, Totton College A pocket-sized panto full to bursting with all the magic, mischief and mayhem you could possibly wish for from a family favourite fairy tale.

02380 667683

PANTO - SLEEPING BEAUTY 9 Dec-4 Jan Theatre Royal, Winchester SO23 8SB Throw in live music, original songs and lots of audience participation and you have all the ingredients for another blockbusting family pantomime. £8.50-£21.50. 01962 840440

PANTO - CINDERELLA 13 Dec-4 Jan The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton SO15 1GE Brian Conley stars as Buttons, joined by fashion expert, award-winning TV presenter, author and all-round national treasure Gok Wan as The Fairy Gokmother. www.mayflower.org.uk

PANTOLAND’S GOT TALENT! 11-12 Dec, 7:30pm Hangar Farm Arts Centre, Totton SO40 8FT This talent competition mystery play features a cast of seasonal pantomime characters. There’s a magic act, a singing sweetheart, two evil judges and an audience vote, but what happens when the winner’s prize mysteriously disappears? £10/£8. 02380 667683 CHRISTMAS FUN DAY 13 Dec, 10am to 4pm New Forest Centre, Lyndhurst SO43 7NY Seasonal fun, crafts and activities with a mince pie and seasonal punch.

Char for parking. 02380 283444 GRAND BAUBLE HUNT 13 Dec – 4 Jan, 10am to 4pm Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey SO51 0QA In conjunction with The Mayflower Theatre’s Christmas Pantomime. Last admission for trail at 3pm. Early closing Christmas Eve; Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. £2.50 per child (2 for 1 offer).

01794 369319 ALBION BRASS BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT 13 Dec, 7pm Thornden Hall, Chandlers Ford SO53 2DW £15 (£13 concessions) 02380 692679

ALICE IN WONDERLAND BALLET 16 Dec, 7:15pm Thornden Hall, Chandlers Ford SO53 2DW Presented by the Royal Opera House LIVE. £15 (£13 concessions) 02380 692679 CHRISTMAS WALKING SAFARI 17 Dec, 10am to 1pm Bolderwood Car Park (SU242086) SO43 7GQ 2 ½ mile gentle meander to get into the Christmas spirit. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine at the end of the walk.

Min. age 8 years. £5.50.

02380 283141 (B) ROMSEY SINGERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT 19 Dec, 7:30pm Romsey Abbey A Feast of Christmas Music to include Vivaldi’s Gloria and Carols for choir and audience. Tickets £16/£14/£12/£10 from Romsey Tourist Information, Church Street. www.romseysingers.org.uk PANTO - TREASURE ISLAND 19-24 Dec The Point, Eastleigh SO50 9DE The Point Youth Theatre - The race is on to find Captain Flint’s buried treasure! Robert Louis Stevenson’s swashbuckling novel thrillingly to life in all its sea-fairing glory.

Perfect for scallywags aged 5 years and up.

02380 652333

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS AT BEAULIEU 20-24 Dec, 26 Dec - 4 Jan Beaulieu SO42 7ZN A range of magical events. Palace House is magnificently transformed with Victorian-style decorations and children are offered the chance to dress up in period costume. Carol singing around the grand piano, hot fruit punch, and one of the largest outdoor Christmas trees in the New Forest. beaulieu.co.uk THE ALBION CHRISTMAS BAND 22 Dec, 8pm-11pm Hangar Farm Arts Centre, Totton SO40 8FT Performing a mixture of seasonal carols, spoken word, humorous readings and dance, the show is the antithesis of the Christmas special shows filling television screens, reminding audiences of the simpler pleasures and values of a traditional Christmas. £17/£14. 02380 667683 CHRISTMAS AT MARWELL 22-24 Dec Marwell Zoo SO21 1JH Take a magical journey through Marwell to meet Santa, Mrs Claus and their attentive elves. Prebooking essntial (B) www.marwell.org.uk RAMBLERS - CHRISTMAS DAY WALK WINCHESTER 25 Dec, 10am Start at Chesil Street Car Park SO23 9LP Moderate 7 mile walk.

Optional drink and quiz afterwards at the Black Boy Pub. 07736731792.

Grid Ref: SU485291 RAMBLERS - NEW FOREST WALK 27 Dec, 1:30pm Starts in Boltons Bench Car Park, Lyndhurst SO43 7BQ Moderate 7 mile festive circuit of Lyndhurst. 01794 51299. Grid Ref: SU305082 RAMBLERS - NEW YEARS DAY CIRCULAR 1 Jan 2015, 10am Starts at car park opposite Beaulieu airfield SO42 7WB Moderate 6 mile walk. 02381 845991.

Grid Ref: SU351019

FOXBURY TREE PLANTING 1 & 25 Jan, 15 Feb Meet at Half Moon Car Park, off Blackhill Road, East Wellow SO51 6AQ Make your mark on the New Forest landscape. The aim is to plant 20,000 trees between now and 2019. These will be native broadleaf trees including Sessile Oak, Common Alder and Sweet Chestnut. This is no small task so we would like to invite you to help achieve this target. All dates are drop in ‘have a go’ volunteer days and the perfect opportunity to get involved and make a difference.

All you have to do is turn up! Please bring stout footwear (possibly wellies), warm clothing that can withstand a few knocks, gloves and a packed lunch. Hot drinks and all tools will be provided. Supervised children over 8 years of age are welcome.

Weather dependent. 07967 657006.

BLASHFORD BUGGY WALKS Meet on alternate Friday mornings starting on 2 Jan, 10:30am to 12noon Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve BH24 3PJ Get outside, get fit and discover the wonderful wildlife living on your doorstep. Suggested donation £3.

The site is dog free with buggy friendly paths. Call Michelle on 01425 472760 SOMERLEY 10K RUN FOR AUTISM WESSEX 4 Jan, 11am Somerley Estate, Ringwood BH24 3PL Sign up for our hugely popular winter run. All finishers will receive a medal and 10k runners will also receive an official time. 10K entry is £10 (£15 on the day if places available) 2K entry £3 (£5 on the day) www.autismwessex.org.uk/ event_calendar (B) ROMSEY GHOST WALK 7 Jan, 25 Feb 7:30pm Starting at the Plaza Theatre, Romsey A 70 walk from the theatre to the Three Tuns public house, peppered with tales from Romsey’s ghostly past. Led by a guide dressed in Victorian Splendour. All proceeds from this walk will go towards the

Plaza Future fund for the maintenance and improvement of this lovely art deco theatre. £7.50. 01794 512987 ROBIN HOOD 8-11 Jan The Point, Eastleigh SO50 9DE Join the legendary Robin Hood with his Merry Men and the beautiful Maid Marian as they rob from the rich and give to the poor in their quest to stop the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Presented by the Mountbatten Players. £11/£9/£8/£6.50. 02380 652333 DICK WHITTINGTON 8-11, 15-18, 22-24 Jan 2015 The Plaza Theatre, Romsey SO51 8AA A traditional and colourful panto – with added rats – for all the family.

01794 512987 PANTO - PINOCCHIO 10 Jan, 2:30pm and 7pm Hangar Farm Arts Centre, Totton SO40 8FT Follow the astonishing adventures of an adorable puppet who longs to be a real boy. You’ll enjoy this very special performance, with no strings attached! £9/£7. 02380 667683 RAMBLERS – SHAWFORD CIRCULAR 11 Jan, 9:30am Start from entrance to Shawford Down Country Park SO21 2BN Moderate 12.5 mile walk. Car sharers meet 9am at Southampton Central railway station. 02380 235669 Grid Ref: SU472250 PANTO - ALADDIN 15-18 Jan The Point, Eastleigh SO50 9DE Westfield Productions are returning with their latest family pantomime.

Join the adventures of Aladdin on his quest to meet the Princess whilst helping Widow Twankee in the laundry. £9/£7.50.

02380 652333

43

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Aerials Aerial Fix 47 DJ Satellites & Aerials 22 APPLIANCE REPAIR JP Appliances 30 baking & cake equipment/supplies Cake Craft

19 BARBER Visiting Barber 47 Bathrooms See Plumbing BEAUTY No+vello 41 Blinds & CURTAINS Solent Blinds & Curtains 20 The Great Shutter Co. 7 Waterside Blinds 5 Watersonic Blind Cleaning 4 Carpet Cleaning Abbey Cleaning 33 Carpet & Flooring Floor Coverings Southern 32 GE Nicholls 17 CLEANING SERVICES Done ‘N’ Dusted 19 Little MIss Maids 20 children’s activities Wessex Swim School 36 children’s tuition Boostmaths 36 Southern Education 36 Computer Services For-Matt 36 Geek On Demand 35 Home Computer Help 27 RSJ Computer Services 33 Widenet Computer Services Ltd 28 Conservatories Britiannia Windows 22 Climate Roof 28 Pennington (HI) Jones Ltd 23 Counsellor Marcus Gee Talking Therapies 6 DANCEWEAR Ballet Pointe 41 domestic APPLIANCE JP Appliances 30 Double Glazing Inst/Repairs Britiannia Windows 22

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Cloudy2Clear 29 Hampshire Window Surgeons 14 Penninton (HI) Jones Ltd 23 Windowmenda 31 EDUCATION Barton Peveril Sixth Form College 48 Electrician Ampfield Electrical 23 EEC247 17 Fencing Colourfence 14 FUNERAL SERVICES J Lawrence & Sons (Undertakers) Ltd 47 Garage Doors Fix Quick Garage Doors 30 Garage Services Auto Assistance 26 Independent 21 NB Service Station 22 Garden Design & Services Arbor Call 12 Colourfence 14 ECF Tree Surgeons 15 Elcombe and Son 15 Hambrooks

13 J.L. Tree Care 14 Neil Richmond Tree & Hedge Services 11 New Forest Garden Machinery 12 Romsey & CF Tree & Landscape Services 12 Gas Services See Plumbing health & fitness Eastleigh Sports Massage Therapy 30 Health Services Abbeyfield Wessex 34 Hampshire Hearing Centre 34 Kitchens Dream Doors 16 Space Kitchens & Bathrooms 27 Locksmith City Locksmith 25 Lockright 27 Loft COnversion Loft Services 17 Mobility Ableworld 3 Elite Lift Solutions 34 Optician Hampson Opticians 6

Oven cleaning All Clean Ovens 30 Painter/Decorator Brush Up 25 Different Strokes 30 PetCARE Honeypot Small & Friendly Pet Care 47 Petcare by ZB 47 Plumbing Services (including bathroom installation and gas and boiler services) Ace Plumbing 32 AK Plumbing & Heating 28 Aquatec 20 Carefree Living 19 Gair Gas 15 Gas Rated Ltd 47 GE Harding & Sons Ltd 31 Grahame E Jones Plumbing & Heating 25 Heatworks Heating & Plumbing Ltd 17 M.Brierley Plumbing 30 NHP (Romsey) Ltd 35 Pegrum Home Services P & H 23 Printer Warwick Printing Company 35 Property Maintenance Brian Loades Builders 11 Direct Roofing Services 30 Elcombe and Son 15 House Worx 30 Loft Services 17 Prestige Property Services 31 S.G. Roofing 32 Stoves & Fireplaces 33 Property Sales Amplifi 9 Radio The Breeze 37 SCHOOLS Barton Peveril Sixth Form College 48 tuition Boostmaths 36 Southern Education 36 Window Repair Cloudy2Clear 29 Windowmenda 31

Local . . .

Doctors NHS 111

150,000 circulation 11 local editions WINCHESTER

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45

The Christmas Truce

by Alison Runham

Christmas Eve 1914. The Western Front. Weeks of rain have ended and mud is becoming ice. Despite calls for a Christmas ceasefire, fighting has continued throughout December, although today it seems half-hearted in many places.

Staff Sergeant Clement Barker is in his trench with his comrades.

Across No Man’s Land, the Germans are decorating tiny trees sent from home with candles as they sing Stille Nacht (Silent Night). “The trenches were a blaze of Christmas trees,” one Tommy recalled, “and our sentries were regaled for hours with traditional Christmas songs.”

In some places, English troops decide that they “ought to retaliate in some way.” “So we sang The First Noël... they all began clapping; and then they struck up another favourite of theirs, O Tannenbaum.”

At Barker’s trench, a German soldier appears. “He said that if (we) did not fire, they wouldn’t in the morning,” Barker wrote later. Next morning, Barker’s men cautiously venture out to retrieve and bury their dead.

46

German soldiers of the 134th Saxon Regiment and British soldiers of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment meet in no man’s land, December 26

No shots are fired. Soon they’re shaking hands with the Germans and exchanging gifts, and then “a football is kicked out of our trenches, and Germans and English play football.”

Henry Williamson, who later wrote Tarka the Otter, also recalled football matches, but behind German lines; if British and German troops played together, he made no mention of it. However, despite the myths surrounding Truce matches between both sides, some are well-documented in letters. Two soldiers of the 6th Cheshires described a huge, free-for-all match in Wulverghem, Belgium, where No Man’s Land was less damaged by shell fire.

Williamson recalled the Germans singing Silent Night, too, before inviting the English closer. His unit suspected a trap. “We crept out... expecting any moment to fall flat with the machine guns opening up. And nothing happened.” Both sides were soon exchanging gifts and greetings, and similar scenes were occurring at many points along the Front.

Cigarettes, rations, uniform buttons and even addresses were exchanged. One English trench received a German chocolate cake, together with a ceasefire request and an invitation to an impromptu concert. “Just think,” wrote one soldier to his family, “while you were eating turkey I

was talking and shaking hands with the very men I had been trying to kill a few hours before!”

The truce at Williamson’s position held for four days before orders arrived to end fraternisation, while the Germans were warned to expect visits from senior officers; they sent a message across, explaining that they would have to fire their machine guns, but would fire high to avoid hitting anyone.

For Barker, peace lasted a little longer too. “Night came and still no shots. Boxing day the same, and has remained so up to now,” he wrote a few days later.

But gradually fighting resumed.

Captain J.C. Dunn’s account of resuming hostilities is poignant: “I fired three shots in the air and put up a flag with “Merry Christmas” on it, and I climbed on the parapet...[the Germans] put up a sheet with “Thank you” on it, and the German Captain appeared... We both bowed and saluted... he fired two shots in the air, and the War was on again.”

Both truces (and football games) had occurred in earlier wars. So what makes the 1914 Christmas Truce especially memorable?

Perhaps because in a war that cost over 10 million lives, it was, as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle said, “one human episode amid all the atrocities.”

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