Discover Romsey January 2015

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

Launching a Home Business Top 10 Things to Consider Before you Start

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

ry a nu 15 a J 20

LIFE LIST

The Doctor Will See You Now Alongside dentists and solicitors, doctors occupy a special position in society. We need them and we value what they do, but a journey to see your GP is always a reluctant one. Nowadays, you need to convince an automated system - because your call matters - as well as a receptionist before you can get an appointment; ideally, you should know you’re going to be unwell two days before you actually become ill.

Once at your GP’s surgery you can tap yourself in on the same screen that all the other sick people have used, and then sit next to them and read old magazines.

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It’s all worth it in the end though, unless you hear phrases like these: • It’s to be expected at your age.

• Stick with the pills anyway, but if they don’t work do come back and see me.

• Well, that’s something I never expected to see.

• Did you always have a mark there?

• We have some medical students in with us today.

Would you mind if I brought them in - they’re filming for the Christmas party.

• It’s a matter of perspective. Yes, it is a long waiting list, but not if you were a giant tortoise.

• I’m completely stumped on this one - what do you think?

• There isn’t time now to go through all the side effects with you; have a read of the leaflet when you get home. I say ‘leaflet’, but obviously I mean ‘book’.

• You can always rely on the Internet.

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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, here we are in 2015, and I’m trotting out all the old clichés at home: Can’t believe another year has passed, where did it go? 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, the turn of the year reminds me that life is 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, last 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 41). Roy prescribed Mel some fantastic contact lenses specifically for reading and so that’s one little problem hidden away.

Happy New Year!

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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Review Review Of The Year Of The 1. One Down, Five To Go was the sub-title of a 2014 stage Year show featuring which famous group?

2. The acronym “yolo” was added to the Oxford dictionary What 1.online One Down, Five Toin Go2014. was the subfour-word phrase does it stand for? title of a 2014 stage show featuring Snowdrops Mottisfont -which National Trust 3. In atMarch, famous couple said they were which goingfamous to “consciously uncouple”? group?

4. Which country won the most gold medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games?

2. The acronym “yolo” was added Roll Out the White Carpet, to the Oxford online dictionary 5. Which country won the most gold medals at the 2014 Winter Olympics? in 2014. What four-word phrase does it’s 6. ASnowdrop selfie set up byTime the hostwith of thethe Academy Awards ceremony in 2014 set a new it stand for? record for the most retweeted image ever.

Who was this host?

National Trust in Hampshire 3. In March, which famous couple 7. Rounded to the nearest whole number, what percentage of voters said “yes” in said they were going to “consciously Snowdrop walks at Mottisfont the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence? uncouple”?

Drifts of snowdrops appear along the banks of the 8. stream On January 1st, which in the Baltic region of Europe adopted the Euro Font of this ancient former country priory, where country won the most gold as its water currency the 18th member4.of Which the Eurozone? the warmer createsto itsbecome own microclimate. medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Elsewhere, the open acres of the the river short-lived garden are 9. Written

by Harry Hill, 2014 musical with the main title of I Can’t Games? magically by drifts of purest white.

Singtransformed was based around which TV show?

5. Which country won the most In February, you8th, can enjoy guided walk through the Róisín Dubh pub in Galway run that meant 10.

On July whata promotion did the gold medals at the 2014 Winter grounds of Mottisfont andcalled witnessErdinger, the beauty which of its a German beer they started selling at 4 euros a pint, wild snowdrops. ended up being sold for just 50 cents a pint? Olympics?

Guided snowdrop walks: 7, 8, 14, 15 February, 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2pm, free upon normal admission charge, no booking required. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont or call 01794 340757.

Snowdrop clusters at Hinton Ampner You’ll find hundreds of delicate snowdrops dotted across the lawn beside the house at Hinton Ampner, which is full of scent and colour even in the depths of winter.

Hinton’s previous owner, Ralph Dutton, designed the East Lawn of this garden around the tiny parish church in the grounds. He knew that even in the colder months, the church’s congregation would gather on the grass after the Sunday service, so he planted the lawn with fragrant winter flowers such as daphnes, which have a zingy lime scent and tiny pink flowers. The church border is hedged with sweet box Sarococcas, which fills the air with a heady honey scent. You’ll also discover delicate winter aconites and colourful crocuses. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner or call 01962 771305.

To plan a family day out with the National Trust visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/southeast .

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6. A selfie set up by the host of the Academy Awards ceremony in 2014 set a new record for the most retweeted image ever. Who was this host?

7. Rounded to the nearest whole number, what percentage of voters said “yes” in the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence?

8. On January 1st, which country in the Baltic region of Europe adopted the Euro as its currency to become the 18th member of the Eurozone?

9. Written by Harry Hill, the short-lived 2014 musical with the main title of I Can’t Sing was based around which TV show?

10. On July 8th, what promotion did the Róisín Dubh pub in Galway run that meant a German beer called Erdinger, which they started selling at 4 euros a pint, ended up being sold for just 50 cents a pint?

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

10

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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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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www.penningtonjones.co.uk 23

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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25

YEARS IN BUSINESS

What does your car mean to you? Your pride and joy, deserving of hours of washing and polishing at the weekends? Simply your essential daily transport? Or a faithful old heap that’s got you around from A to B for years?

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Auto Assistance has five service bays for a range of work including MOTs, servicing, repairs, exhausts and air conditioning maintenance. Tyres, clutches and brakes and engine management fault diagnosis are also available.

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Managing Director Justin Friel feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving

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RSJ COMPUTER SERVICES SUPPORTING YOUR PC Available evenings and weekends at no extra cost For your home and small business I.T. needs Very competitive rates All makes of PC and laptops-Repairs, upgrades, servicing, set ups and rebuilds Broadband and wi-fi installations Virus and spyware removal

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Maths Tuition

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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

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It’s ok to ask for help

Active change for home, work and life 41

LOCAL WHAT’S ON 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.

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 42

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

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

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

NUNSENSE AMEN! 15-17 Jan, 7:30pm Hangar Farm Arts Centre, Totton SO40 3ZX Nunsense A-Men! is quite simply the original quirky and thoroughly amusing musical comedy Nunsense with all of the characters being portrayed by 5 male performers from STP Musicals. Think of it as Mrs Doubtfire enters the Convent. £12/£10. 02380 874874

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 WEDDING FAIR EXTRAVAGANZA 11 Jan, 11am to 4pm St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton SO14 5FP Held in the Mike Channon Suite and the Terry Paine Suite, this is an excellent and ideal venue for the 70+ stands that make up this Southampton Wedding Fair. Fashion Shows at 12 and 2pm. Free Entry Free, Goody Bag & Wedding Planner for every Bride to Be! 0800 1777080 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

TREASURE TROVE – A TALK 16 Jan, 2:30pm Town Hall, Romsey Hosted by the Romsey & District Society. A talk by Tim Craven about the amazing story of the Southampton City Art Gallery.

WIZARD OF OZ 23-24, 29-31 Jan Richie Memorial Hall, Hursley Road, Chandlers Ford SO53 2FT Seasonal Pantomime presented by The Chameleon Theatre company. www. chameleontheatre.co.uk.

08456440496 THE POPS BIG BAND 24 Jan, 7:30pm Hangar Farm Arts Centre, Totton SO40 3ZX The Pops Big Band was created from the well-known Pops Incorporated UK Orchestra which has performed sell out concerts in 2012 & 2013.

They will be performing music and vocal items of all styles including Swing, Jazz, Blues, Latin and contemporary pieces. £10/£8. £5-Under16s. 02380 874874 CIRKUS SPECTAKULAR 24 Jan, 2:30pm Goodworth Clatford Village Club (SP11 7RE) Zany and hilarious, tender and touching, Cirkus Spectakular draws on the colours and sounds from Eastern Europe and is a show for all the family to share with wonderful

puppets and music. £7 adult / £5 child includes tea, 01264 353055

other. £14.00 (£12.00 Concessions) All seats £11 on opening night.

02380 671771

UPCYCLING SEWING WORKSHOP 24 Jan, 9:30am to 4pm Minstead Study Centre, School Lane, Lyndhurst SO43 7GJ Give old pre-loved items a new lease of life and turn them into gorgeous new items such as appliqué decorations and cushions, simple bags and purse and fabric jewellery - corsages, rings and necklaces. £55 each. Bring your own lunch.

02380 813437

ADULT FALCONRY DAY 7 Feb, 10am to 4pm Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Jermyns Lane, Ampfield SO51 0QA An enchanting personal encounter with birds of prey. Learn about the differences between Hawks, Falcons and Owls through practical handling sessions and amazing outdoor flight experiences, with the birds also flying to your gloved fist. 01794 369318. £80 per person, includes refreshments (B)

BAREFOOT IN THE PARK 24-31 Jan, 7:45pm (2:30pm Sat Matinee) The Chesil Theatre, Winchester SO23 0HU Opposites attract in this 1960s romantic comedy written by Neil Simon. If only all conflicts could be resolved by walking ‘barefoot in the park’… 07527 471539 BURNS NIGHT SUPPER 25 Jan, 7:30pm The White Horse Hotel & Brasserie, Romsey SO53 2JE Celebrate in true Scottish tradition, Burns Night Supper of Neeps & Tatties with a piper. £35.00 per person includes 3 course meal.

01794 512431 (B) SOUTHAMPTON OPERATIC SOCIETY PRESENTS ‘CHESS’ 3-7 Feb, 7:30pm (Sat Matinee 2:30pm) The Nuffield Theatre SO17 1TR With music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, the boys from ABBA, and with lyrics by Tim Rice, the story focuses on two chess grandmasters, an American and a Soviet, who fight it out, not just on the chess board, but also over the love of a woman who manages one and falls in love with the

MIDDLE EASTERN EVENING 7 Feb, 7:30pm Linden Road Hall, Romsey SO51 8DB This annual wine event will feature a Middle Eastern supper with appropriate wines and music.

Tickets £12 each. Please send cheque and email address for e-tickets or SAE to Denise Amery, 5 The Harrage, Romsey SO51 8AE. SNOW2.25DROP DRAMA – SEASONAL FLORAL DISPLAY 14-22 Feb, all day Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Jermyns Lane, Ampfield SO51 0QA This incredible exhibition is scheduled to include around 40 different species and cultivars of snowdrops including several of the Gardens’ rare varieties.

The collection will be displayed in the beautiful Jermyn’s House with each plant potted and displayed individually. Free entry to the exhibition with normal admission.

CURTAINS 18-21 Feb, 7:30pm (Sat Matinee 2:30pm) Theatre Royal Winchester If you love musicals do not miss this one, proudly presented by award winning ENCORE Youth Theatre. Contains some moderate language. £13.50, Concessions £8.50 www. encoreyouththeatre.co.uk

RAMBLERS – PICKET PLAIN, NEW FOREST 18 Feb, 9:45am Start at Picket Plain Car Park BH24 3HN 9 mile walk of open heath and mixed forest, Rockford Common and Pinnick Wood. Picnic or pub lunch at Red Shoot Inn. 02380 731279 Grid Ref: SU192057 NORTH SOLENT AND LEPE NATURE WALK 23 Feb, 1-3pm Lepe Country Park, Exbury SO45 1UZ Learn about the wildlife that winters at Lepe and enjoy a rare visit to the National Nature Reserve next door for a guided walk. £5.50 02380 899108 (B) A BEDFUL OF FOREIGNERS 23-28 Feb, 7:30pm The Plaza, Romsey Two British couples find themselves staying in a small hotel on the borders of France and Germany. They wind up in morally compromising positions due to the fact they have accidentally been assigned to the same hotel room.

A wonderful play - full of flagrant innuendoes and witty puns typical of British humour. £12. 01794 512987 WILLOW WIGWAMS WORKSHOP 28 Feb, 10-1p.m. or 2-5p.m.

Minstead Study Centre, School Lane, Lyndhurst SO43 7GJ Create your own willow planter to take home for your garden. Angela Morley from ‘Wild Gardens’ will teach you a simple weave, using long willow withies. Suitable for all abilities. May involve some kneeling so you may wish to bring a kneeler and secateurs and wear work clothes. Workshop £40 each, includes tea, coffee and cake.

02380 813437 43

Live Local Think Local Buy Local businesses are part of your community

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.

Aerials Aerial Fix 6 DJ Satellites & Aerials 22 APPLIANCE REPAIR JP Appliances 30 baking & cake equipment/supplies Cake Craft

19 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 41 DANCEWEAR Ballet Pointe 41 domestic APPLIANCE JP Appliances 30 Double Glazing Inst/Repairs Britiannia Windows 22 Cloudy2Clear 29 Hampshire Window Surgeons 14

44

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 6 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 Debbie Nixon Homeopath 2 Hampshire Hearing Centre 34 House clearance The Bookman 2 Kitchens Dream Doors 16 Space Kitchens & Bathrooms 27 Locksmith City Locksmith 25 Lockright 27 Loft COnversion Loft Services 17 Mobility Elite Lift Solutions 34 Optician Hampson Opticians 41

Oven cleaning All Clean Ovens 30 Painter/Decorator Brush Up 25 Different Strokes 30 PetCARE Honeypot Small & Friendly Pet Care 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 social club In Sync 2 storage Fox Self Storage 3 tuition Boostmaths 36 Southern Education 36 Window Repair Cloudy2Clear 29 Windowmenda 31

Local . . .

Doctors NHS 111

150,000 circulation 11 local editions WINCHESTER

ROMSEY CHANDLERS FORD

SOUTHAMPTON TOTTON & ASHURST

HYTHE &

LYNDHURST

111 01794 512218 01794 830888

Alma Road Surgery Romsey SO51 8ED

01794 513422

Lordshill Health Centre Lordshill SO16 8HY

02380 738144

Nightingale Surgery Romsey SO51 7QN

01794 517878 01794 511513

North Baddesley Surgery Fleming Av SO52 9EP 02380 743401

02380 743400

ITCHEN VALLEY

MEON VALLEY

BITTERNE & WEST END

Abbey Mead Surgery Romsey SO51 8EN

LOCKS HEATH

CHEMISTS

FAREHAM

Puzzle Answers Quiz - Review of the Year 1. Monty Python, 2. You only live once, 3.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, 4. England, 5. Russia, 6. Ellen DeGeneres, 7. 45%, 8. Latvia, 9.

The X Factor, 10. They reduced the price by 50 cents for every goal Germany scored in the World Cup match against Brazil

General Knowledge Crossword Across: 1 Series, 7 Crotchet, 8 Zinc, 10 Game, 11 Sherry, 12 Essen, 14 Nostril, 17 Journal, 18 Welsh, 21 Galaxy, 23 USSR, 25 Mars, 26 Date Line, 27 Pewter.

Down: 1 Sizzle, 2 Rung, 3 Screw, 4 Pot shot, 5 Acre, 6 Near miss, 9 Career, 13 Stowaway, 15 Theism, 16 Katydid, 19 Hussar, 20 Julep, 22 Amen, 24 Raft.

Pictograms 1. Downstairs 2. Painting by numbers 3. Talk is cheap

Hidato

Lloyds Pharmacy 123 The Hundred, Romsey 01794 Boots The Chemist Ltd 1 The Hundred, Romsey 01794 Alliance Pharmacy 7-8 Market Place, Romsey 01794 Lloyds Pharmacy 16-17 District Centre Lordshill 02380 Alliance Pharmacy 7 Rownhams Road,N Badd 02380 Wellow Pharmacy Lower Common Road 01794

522716 513143 513193 737161 732438 322554

SCHOOLS Ampfield C of E Primary 01794 368219 Awbridge Primary 01794 340407 Braishfield Primary 01794 368359 Cupernham Infants 01794 514494 Cupernham Junior 01794 512702 Fairisle Infant & Nursery 02380 731199 Fairisle Junior 02380 733415 Halterworth Primary 01794 512028 North Baddesley Infant 02380 412412 North Baddesley Junior 02380 411100 Nursling Cof E Primary

02380 732289 Oakwood Infants 02380 733337 Oakwood Junior 02380 320360 Romsey Primary & Nursery 01794 512362 Romsey Abbey C of E Primary (aided) 01794 512047 Rownhams St Johns Cof E Primary 02380 736417 Sinclair Primary & Nursery 02380 736663 Wellow Primary 01794 322201 Oaklands Community School &Oasis Academy Years 7 & 8 - 02380 393660 Years 9 -11 - 02380 771881 The Mountbatten School 01794 502502 The Romsey School 01794 512334

recycling Bunny Lane, Timsbury Winter (1st Oct - 31st March) 8am - 4pm Summer (1st April - 30th Sept) 8am - 7pm

01794 368548

45

Working From Home: Is It For You? Top 10 Things To Consider Before You Start Do a search on Google for the specific term “work from home UK” and it will return around 857 million results.

It’s clearly a popular subject and since broadband became widely available in 2004, the growth in this market has been phenomenal. Indeed it is estimated that 2.8 Million businesses now operate full time from home; that 1400 people start a business every week; and that home businesses contribute £284 billion to the economy each year.

Many, many businesses operate successfully from a spare room; sadly many others fail. So before you take the plunge and give up the day job, consider if your business passes these sanity checks.

Budget for growth All businesses start from £0 revenue, and most from a negative figure by the time they’ve paid their startup costs. If your business builds up really slowly – say just a few £s every month – you’ll be bankrupt and fed up before it really gets going.

You might have left a job with a big redundancy payout or you might actually need the money straight away. But setting up your own business is hard work and if you can’t pay yourself for months, you are likely to become disillusioned.

Watch your overheads Overheads have to be paid regardless of whether you have any business. If you are paying for stock, leases, loans or equipment rental you need to factor this into your monthly budget.

Is there a market for what you want to sell?

A classic mistake is to think 46

‘there must be a huge market for this because nobody else does it/makes it’. Possibly, but it’s more likely that there isn’t a demand in the first place. For your first business you really are better to go into a market where you know money is being spent rather than trying to create the market from scratch.

How many customers do you need?

There are so many tales of people who start a business, win one big profitable customer who brings in 80% of the revenue month after month, only for it to go horribly wrong when the big customer changes supplier.

Far better to have lots of customers on your list. If you have fifty customers, even a loss of five of them won’t seriously impact your business. However, clearly it’s going to take a while to build up a base of that many businesses.

Will your customers buy again?

When you get the first few people buying from you, the ideal business model says that sooner or later they’ll want to use you again. There are plenty of people making

money where they do have to start again e.g. conservatory sales companies attract very little repeat business, but each sale is very high value. However, for your work from home ’lifestyle’ business, it’s far better to have some customers who come back again and again. It will make your life less stressful and your business more successful.

How will people find out about you?

Treat this as a launch and do as much initial marketing as you can find the time for and can afford.

Advertising in this magazine (of course!), notice boards, Google adwords, social media, emailing, networking, the school gates… anything and everything you can think of.

Do you have the space?

Try not to let your business spill into the general living space. Not only is this encroaching on your family’s home, but it’ll mean you’ll feel you can’t ever get

away from work. A spare room is ideal of course, but if not, then a filing cabinet where you can tuck everything away at the end of the day does at least mark out the boundaries.

Going ahead? So you have your plan in place, here are some early pitfalls to avoid.

Don’t chase everything A real danger in your early days is that you chase after every piece of business, no matter how small, and discount like mad to ensure you win it. Be discerning and be firm on your prices. If you have time to spare it’s better to spend it on marketing for better quality leads.

Don’t be distracted by ‘brand marketing’ A classic mistake made by many new business starters is to spend a fortune headed paper, glossy brochure, top quality business cards or any other costly brand awareness products. Maybe later,

but right now focus on the type of marketing which delivers real live leads, rather than expecting people to call because they like your expensive logo.

Your own business...but not on your own Whether you are the most sociable person going, or a bit of a loner, spending all day, every day with nobody to speak to is not healthy. Even if you just need someone to discuss an idea with or some support for what you are doing, contact with other people - ideally doing the same as you - is really important. If you see your customers you have that covered, but if you communicate mostly by email, make the effort to join a few industry forums and local social groups.

Finally, a word of warning. If you do start your own business, it’s a legal requirement to register with HMRC as self-employed – make it top of your action list.

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