Romsey Edition inc North Baddesley | All Romsey Villages
July/August 2013
DIRECTORIES
This issue is sponsored by Marwell Activity Centre - see p7
Upfront & Personal:
Meet Andrew Gair of Gair Gas
p19
Also inside this Summer issue... Marwell Activity Centre Summer Camps p7 plus What’s On, Community News, & much more ...
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Hello again
ABOUT US
Discover Magazines
As I write this month’s note, it’s such a relief knowing that finally our teenagers have finished their exams. After months of paperwork, study, anxiety (on our part, let alone theirs) and running them into school/college for early starts, we can relax and enjoy the easier life that seems to come without the pressure of school timetables.
Tania Houston
Distribution - Discover Romsey is published every month and delivered mostly by Royal Mail. In the odd months (January, March etc) it is delivered into SO52 (North Baddesley, our own distributors) and the east side of Romsey including Ampfield (Royal Mail). On the even months (February, April etc) it is delivered to the rest of the SO51 postcode (Royal Mail). The Royal Mail delivery ensures that every home and business in SO51 receives a copy. This is a total distribution of 15,600 copes. Advertising - We understand that the needs of a small business are quite different to those of a big company, and our advertising service is very much targeted at independent and local businesses. From advert design to general advice we are here to help you grow. For more details call Melanie on 023 8026 6388 or email melanie@ discovermagazines.co.uk
It was a strange feeling though when the youngest (16) had his last exam. “That’s it, he’s finished school. Where did those years go? I remember Melanie Tinson getting his first uniform”. And these days the dinner table conversations are no longer about glitter and glue, and more about what’s happening in the news and an in-depth discussion (on a good day) or “But she said, like, it was my fault and yes, but no, and she’s, like, ignoring me now”. This is always greeted from me with the line “So is it something like ignoring you or actually ignoring you?” Cue rolled eyes. In the middle of all this… DO YOU USE A SMART PHONE? you’ll notice your magazine To save our contact details has a different look this direct to your smart phone, use month. We’ve been working I-nigma QR code reader APP on a makeover for a couple of and scan for instant download. months. It’s been a challenge as Mel and I are definitely complementary business partners. This works perfectly for running a business, but not so easy when it comes to styling. However, we’re really pleased with what we – and our designers – have 8 LOCAL EDITIONS achieved.
108,000 CIRCULATION
We are going to include a monthly feature on one of our advertisers – Gair Gas this time on page 15 - and little snippets of local info where we can find it. We are also starting a series of Hampshire Walks the first of which is on page 17. We haven’t included the groups this time, but the info is still available on our website at www.discovercommunity.co.uk along with other useful information.
Tania Romsey Chandlers Ford Southampton Southampton West Winchester Southampton East Hedge End Meon Valley
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
SEPTEMBER ISSUE: DIARY DATES
Please visit www.discovercommunity.co.uk and use the Editorial Form under Contact Us Email: lauren@discovermagazines.co.uk Tel: 023 8026 6388
Editorial copy deadline: 6 August Advertisement copy deadline: 9 August Distributed: w/c 26 August
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
To be sure of your place in the next issue please contact Melanie on 023 8026 6388 visit www.discoveradvertising.co.uk or email melanie@discovermagazines.co.uk
Tel: Melanie: 023 8026 6388 Email: melanie@discovermagazines.co.uk Web: www.discoveradvertising.co.uk
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CONTENTS
8
Where did you School...?
20
Royal Victoria Country Park
30
The House at Pooh Corner
6
10
Falconry, Ferrets & Fun
22
Around Britain
34
National Garden Scheme
15
Upfront & Personal
27
17
Hampshire Walks
28
Go! Rhinos
Short Story
40
46
Life List
This Month in History
IES CHILDREN PART party at the centre Have your birthday filled activities. and enjoy many fun
4 -7 YEAR OLDS. JUNIOR PARTIES fOR DS. Y fOR 4 – 7 YEAR OL WACKY RACES PART . R 8 – 15 YEAR OLDS MIDDLE PARTIES fO
RESIDENTIAL QUAD DS CAMP WEEKEN ort two night stay
Quad Camp is a sh program designed and two day activitynuts out there! for those quad bike arrival and a Sunday With a Friday night ll activity program night pick up this fu quad bikes with is orientated aroundad safari’s and training session, qu test sessions.
R DATES.
SEE OUR WEbSITE fO
SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MOR
DAY CAMPS 5 – 14 YRS IN A FOR CHILDREN AGED FE ENVIRONMENT CHALLENGING BUT SA £27.50 PER PRICES START FROM OR £120 PERSON (9AM – 5PM) DAY PER WEEK EXTENDED R HOUR 8AM – 6PM FOR £5 PE L SCHOOL HOLIDAY RUNNING THROUGH AL CHRISTMAS. PERIODS ExCLUDING
D ACTIVITY WEEKilyEN and enjoy the
Why not bring the faming in one of our great outdoors camp e part in some Sahara Tents and takactivities! our exciting outdoor available from Activity breaks are ro ughout the school Friday to Sunday th the price is a full in holidays. Included th mornings English Breakfast bo and 3 Activities. AILAbILITY ON THERE IS LIMITED AV bOOK EARLY TO SO THESE PROGRAMS NT! AVOID DISAPPOINTME
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HUMOUR
Where Did You School...? Hands up if your school looked a little less like this, and a little more like an NCP car park with a football pitch. I recently completed an online survey that asked me whether I thought it was easier or harder for young people to be upwardly mobile today than it was for our parents’ generation. With barely a moment’s reflection, I ticked the most extreme box - ‘a lot harder’. This just seems obvious to me. Compare the humble backgrounds of prime ministers such as Harold Wilson and John Major, for example, to the top-hat-and-tails, tuck-shop old-boy network of today’s leaders. David Cameron? Eton. Nick Clegg? Westminster. Indeed, all-told, 67% of cabinet ministers attended top private schools, compared to just 7% of the population. Personally, my beginnings are far from humble, but I did attend a comprehensive school and remember being very confused when I first met students from the private sector. As a teenager I didn’t really understand the system, to be honest, but received a baptism of fire when I entered further education. I studied at Bristol University, an institution that at the time had the UK’s lowest state school intake outside 8
Article by Chris Russell
Oxbridge and was being heavily criticised for it. During Freshers’ Week, the first thing anyone I met asked me was ‘Where did you school?’. This was pretty baffling to me, firstly because where I came from ‘school’ wasn’t a verb and secondly because I couldn’t for the life of me understand why anyone would care where I’d done my GCSEs (let alone have heard of the place). You don’t ask someone which post office they use, or where they buy dog biscuits, so why would the name of their school even matter? Social mobility, that’s why. A friend of mine recently married someone who had attended one of York’s top boarding schools, and now, whenever I meet anyone who was privately schooled in that area, I ask out of natural curiosity and it always turns out that they know each other. Every single time. (None of them have a northern accent either, which I find extremely suspicious, but that’s another issue altogether). Yorkshire has a population of five million people, but the handful of those who were privately educated all know each other, and it’s the same in government. Playground allegiances soon turn into parliamentary handshakes. Everyone knows you fear what you don’t understand, and
the problem with many private institutions is that they necessarily shrink people’s friendship groups to include only those one is comparable to in social, cultural and economic terms. So, if you were born in Chalfont St Giles like Nick Clegg, and swung through Cambridge University via Caldicott and Westminster College, you could probably do so without having to suffer the presence of a single peasant along the way. Which means, when it comes to running the country, you might be a wee bit lacking in social objectivity. Of course, inverse elitism is just as bad, and Cleggy has as much right as anyone to go into politics. But the worrying trend in Britain’s social mobility needs reversing, and it’s hard to imagine that happening without some kind of sea-change in our education system. At the very least, next time someone asks you where you went to school, ask them where they buy their socks. That ought to stick a spanner in the works. Chris is a freelance writer and musician with internationally-renowned rock band The Lightyears. The Lightyears, voted the UK’s BEST POP/ROCK ACT at the Indy Awards, have played Wembley Stadium, toured across four continents and released a record with Sting’s producer. Chris has recently completed his first book, “Mockstars”, based on The Lightyears’ tour diaries. Find out more at www.MockstarsTheNovel.com.
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LOCAL EvENTS
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Hamptworth is a traditional fayre on the 3,000 acre Hamptworth estate ten miles south of Salisbury, SP5 2EA, on Sunday 18th August from 10am – 4.30pm. The fayre includes gundog displays, archery, falconry, ferret racing, clay pigeon shooting, fly fishing, craft demonstrations etc. Food and drink is in plentiful supply and for an hour in the morning, the main house will be open for those wishing to visit in its centenary year. The fayre is supporting is the Combined Services Disabled Ski Team, a charitable organisation which helps to rehabilitate serving and retired military personnel who have been injured during their military service, through the medium of Alpine Skiing (www. csdst.co.uk). Adults £6, concessions £4, families £15 (under 5 free).
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Summer Swimming Wessex Swim School are running children’s intensive swim courses over the summer holidays in Regents Park, Southampton; Godolphin School, Salisbury; and Kings School, Winchester. The daily 30 minute lessons have a maximum of 3 swimmers and are a great way to improve confidence, technique and stamina during the week. So if you child is struggling, and just can't quite get the hang of something, the Intensive Swim Course is a great way to get to grips with it quickly. The course is suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to high level 12 (adult lessons also available). See the advert on page 6 for more details. 10
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Towns and Villages 1. Born in 1945, which American singer found fame after he changed his surname to that of a town in the north of England? 2. The Village Green Preservation Society was used as the theme song for which TV sitcom? 3. In which English county would you find the town of Melton Mowbray? 4. In which fictional Yorkshire village might you come across Police Constable Arthur Selby? 5. Which coastal town in East Sussex shares it’s name with Hercule Poirot’s assistant? 6. The TV show Noel’s House Party was set in which fictional village? 7. Which town in Surrey is home to Ali G? 8. Replaced by youth custody centres in 1982, what was the name given to prisons for young offenders that was named after the village in Kent where the first of these institutions was established? 9. In which TV show did Number Two preside over “the Village”? 10. In which country of the UK would you find a village with a name that means “Mary’s Church in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool and the church of Tysilio with a red cave”? Answers on page 45
14
upfront & personal
The People Behind Your Local Businesses Gair Gas Ltd was started by Andrew Gair in 1996. Having worked for British Gas for a number of years he decided that he wanted to provide a more personal level of service that a larger company doesn’t always provide. When Andy first started he was ‘one man in his van’ but over the years the company has grown and now has 11 employees, with an
office based in central Eastleigh. Andrew says “As a local business, customer referrals are very important to us. Luckily we got a lot of them last year. Over half of our business came from personal referrals and from existing clients coming back to us.” Gair Gas now provides a full range of services to its customers from boiler installations to annual heating cover; protecting its customers from unexpected heating breakdowns 365 days a year. They also work with landlords and estate agents providing annual gas safety checks and repairs on all gas appliances. What also makes Gair Gas stand out is its well thought out, co-ordinated brand awareness marketing. The fleet of vans are bright, colourful and above all recognisable and tie in with a
Andrew Gair
series of adverts with clever headlines based on animals seen in many publications around South Hampshire. When he’s not working, father of three Andrew can regularly be found enjoying the great outdoors, taking part in off road cycling events, running and canoeing. He has also been involved with a number of charity events including the Samaritans Dragon Boat Race and recently ran the Great South Run.
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HAMPSHIRE WALKS
Walk from Marwell around Owslebury
Owslebury
N Hensting Lane
Whaddon Lane
This walk is a very pleasant stroll without being too taxing; it covers a distance of approximately 4 miles, which should take around an hour and a half at a steady pace. It starts at Marwell Zoo Car Park, Colden Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH where there is plenty of parking. The footpaths double as bridleways around most of the route as the local riding stables use these trails regularly for their exercise outings, so please give the horses the space they require as you pass them. Exit the car park down the slope at the rear and head down into the woods. After 150 metres the path joins another, where you turn right to pick up a main bridleway for a further 150 metres before meeting a T-junction with path finger posts. Turn left up the slope, keeping a big field on your left. After a distance of 200 metres there are steps on both sides of
P START
the path – at this point you need to take the right hand option through a gate, into a wildlife woodland. In this section there are all manner of plants and many birds in the broadleaf woods. At the far end of these woods pass through a gate opening into a bigger track and the trees fade away on both sides. There is a long but gentle climb between fields and a view across the valley to the right where the furthest enclosures in Marwell Zoo come into view. Eventually the track meets a large gate which opens onto a shingle path with some large houses on the left and the outbuildings for Lower Farm on the right. As you meet the road outside, turn left uphill towards Owslebury, taking care on this
Marwell Zoological Park
Thompsons Lane
400 metre section as there is no footpath for this short time. At the top there is a small green and the pub, The Ship Inn, which marks the turning point. Turn left past the pub, down the hill for only a short distance. Where the road sweeps right go left down the waymarked path for 150 metres. You will reach a point where there are three choices of route. Take the furthest left path, marked with a blue arrow and wide enough for several people. The underfoot surface is fine rolled grit and runs gently downhill for a just over a kilometre. There is an avenue of trees either side of this path providing shelter from any wind, which means that views across South Hampshire can only be snatched between the foliage as you travel. 17
HISTORICAL NOTE... In AD 964 land at Owslebury was granted to the Bishop of Winchester by King Edgar. According to the Domesday Book the Manor of Owslebury was held by the Bishop before and after the Norman Conquest. In the early days the manor was called Twyford with Marwell, but during the 14th century it became known as Marwell or Marwell Woodlock, although the parish was still called Owlesbury.
At the first full junction of this path (there is a minor one half way down) turn left, continuing on another downhill stretch and soon passing the steps that set you off at the beginning. You are now on the return section that was completed at the start so the last part is a reverse process – turn right at the T-signpost, 150 metres up turn left and in a final 150 metres you will be in the car park again.
A downloadable pdf of the walk and en enlarged map is available online at www.discovercommunity.co.uk
The Bishop of Winchester had a park at Marwell from the thirteenth century to the mid-seventeenth century where timber was cut, cattle were pastured and animals were hunted at various times. Marwell Zoo was founded by John Knowles. John originally bought a small 127 acre farm just before his 21st birthday, on which he developed a poultry production business. The sale of part of this allowed him to purchase the 414 acre Marwell Hall Estate and Marwell Zoo was opened in 1972. John has written about his founding of Marwell Zoological Park in “My Marwellous Life” which can be purchased online (e.g. Amazon).
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LOCAL EvENTS
Bushcraft and Seashore Kids should head for Royal victoria Country Park this summer for a whole host of fun, family activities. Please contact 023 8045 5157 for more information on these events. Tuesdays The morning sessions are for children with additional needs and their families only. The afternoon session is inclusive of everyone regardless of ability from 4+ years. Please book. £4 per child and all children must be accompanied by an adult. 6th Aug, 10am and 2pm – Bushcraft Brush up on your survival skills by coming along to the Bushcraft activities, meeting at Acorns. 13th Aug, 10am and 2pm - Pirates Test your pirating skills at Royal victoria Country Park, meeting at Acorns. 20th Aug, 10am and 2pm – Seashore Safari Fun and frolics on the seashore, meeting at Acorns. 27th Aug, 10am and 2pm – War Wounds Imagine life when the hospital was here. Make your own war wounds and test your First Aid skills. Thurs 8th Aug, 10am – Everyday Life in the Hospital Do you want to find out how many different types of jobs there were at the Royal victoria hospital? Follow the self-guided trail – there’s a prize if you find them all. The trail starts at the Nightingale Shop and costs £1.50.
20
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Around Britain 5 MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCES 1. Eilean Mòr, Outer Hebrides - All three of the lighthouse-keepers on Eilean Mòr in the Hebrides disappeared on 15 December 1900, leaving behind their oilskins, a table full of food, and the light prepared to be lit. Why or how the men vanished will never be known. 2. Newhaven, East Sussex - Lord Lucan’s car was found at Newhaven three days after he disappeared from his London home, where the family’s nanny had earlier been found murdered. Despite several unconfirmed sightings across the globe, Lord Lucan was never seen again. 3. Seaton Carew, Cleveland - John Darwin infamously ‘disappeared’ while canoeing off Seaton Carew in 2002. Having been declared dead, in 2007 he walked into a London police station claiming no memory of the last five years – but when a photograph surfaced of him and his wife shopping for properties in Panama in 2006 their hoax was discovered. 4. Sunningdale, Berkshire - Agatha Christie disappeared from her home in Sunningdale in December 1926. She eventually reappeared at a hotel in Harrogate eleven days later, unable to give any explanation for her disappearance. She was later diagnosed with amnesia. 5. The Tower of London - The fate of the ‘Princes in the Tower’ remains one of the most alluring mysteries in English history. Imprisoned in The Tower of London in 1483 by their uncle, Richard III, securing his claim to the throne, there is no record of the princes after this date. © Taken from The British Isles: A Trivia Gazetteer by Paul Anthony Jones, out now. 22
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LOCAL GROUPS & CLUBS
Light a Candle for Justice What difference can an individual make to a world with so much turmoil? Each month, the Romsey group of Amnesty International meet in the ROMSEY AMNESTY belief that, as the Chinese saying goes ‘It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness’. The main focus of the Romsey group is letter-writing in support of individuals or groups, or to bring their plight to the attention of the relevant authorities. Currently, they are supporting Azza Suleiman, an Egyptian woman who was left with a fractured skull after coming to the defence of a young woman being beaten and stripped by Egyptian policemen. The group also has guest speakers who offer a deeper insight into certain cases. The subject matter may be serious but the meetings are always informal and visitors are most welcome. Contact romseyamnesty@gmail.com.
Family Friendly History Group The Romsey Group of the Hampshire Genealogical Society meet on the first Monday of the month at 7.30pm (or Tuesday following a Bank Holiday) at Crosfield Hall Annexe for regular speakers and members evenings. They are a small, family friendly history group and you are welcome to attend. You will receive a warm welcome and a cup of tea and have a chance to meet and chat with other members. Visit www.hgs-online.org.uk or contact Dorothy Thompson on 01794 524436 for more information. 24
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In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Marwell Wildlife is bringing Go! Rhinos, a world class mass public art event, to the streets and parks of Southampton. For 10 weeks throughout this summer (13th July – 22nd September), rhino sculptures will inhabit the streets of Southampton, showcasing the wealth of artistic talent in the area, while highlighting the significant conservation threat facing wild rhinos and how the Southampton business community can make a difference.
Down on the Farm Manor Farm Country Park has been a working farm for over 600 years. With historic buildings and barns, you can also enjoy a variety of animals, watch traditional farm machinery at work and take a peek into the old privy. Here’s August’s events (B = Booking Essential, £ means not free: Sun 4th Aug, 10am - The Last Straw A day of straw crafts including corn dollies and Skep making (bee homes!)organised by the Fareham & District Bee Keepers Association. Normal farm admission.
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023 8084 0505
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A sHorT sTory
Game, Set & Match Story by Jackie Brewster
Danny had spent all morning playing tennis on his own against the garage door. He had won nearly every game, and now felt confident enough to take on a real opponent. His plimsolls stuck to the hot tarmac as he walked along the deserted avenue to his friend Alex’s house. The heat had sent everyone indoors. Even the birds had stopped singing. He found Alex sitting on the edge of his pond, with feet dangling in the water. “Want a game of tennis? Danny asked. “You’ll need your own bat”. Alex grinned and nipped in the shed. He returned with a cobweb covered table tennis bat. It didn’t look at all like Danny’s racket, and he suspected that it might give his friend quite a large handicap, but decided not to say. If Alex was happy, then he was happy. Both boys agreed that Alex’s garden was perfect for tennis. It had the pond in the middle to act as a net, a shed on one side and patio doors on the other to act as goals. They had a few practise shots while Danny explained the rules. “If I hit the patio doors it’s a goal to me, and if you hit the shed it’s 28 18
a goal to you. If the ball goes in the pond then whoever hit it in has to get it out and they lose a point”. Danny knew that when you start the game it’s called ‘Love All’, but didn’t mention this in case Alex thought it was a girl’s game and refused to play. “It’s a draw if you get juice,” Danny said instead. Alex seemed both confused and impressed. “Okay,” he bounced up and down. “Let’s play!” In spite of the ping pong bat, Alex proved a more challenging opponent than the garage door; for one thing he argued over goals. For example, when Alex’s shot bounced off the shed roof, rolled along the guttering and disappeared down the drainpipe, Danny agreed that the shot was a work of genius, but didn’t think it was worth five goals. They compromised on two and a half. Alex also hit the ball so that it seemed to magically fly straight through Danny’s racket. The ball would then disappear over the garden gate. Danny found that he was searching for the ball in the next door garden much more than he was hitting it. And he was getting hot. Also, unlike the garage door, Alex constantly questioned the rules.
While Alex agreed that it didn’t matter how many times the ball bounced, he refused to believe that kicking it was okay. Unfortunately this made quite a few of the goals that Danny scored disallowed. Danny was starting to suspect that this game wasn’t going his way. He noticed that, in spite of all his morning’s practise, he was scooping more balls out of the pond than Alex, and hoped that his friend was not keeping too close an eye on the score. Eventually, both boys, the shed and the patio doors were covered in dark splodges of pond water. Danny was tired, thirsty and several goals behind. He couldn’t go on much longer, but desperately didn’t want to lose this game. The patio doors slid open and Alex’s mum appeared, accompanied by the welcome sound of ice cubes tinkling in glass tumblers. “I’ve made you boys a drink,” she called. “Brilliant!” Alex threw down his bat. “Game over!” “What’s the score?” she asked, as Alex slurped his drink. “We’ve got juice,” Danny said, thinking fast. “So that mean’s it’s a draw”.
CompreHensIve CompreHensIve CompreHensIve pensIon revIeW pensIon revIeW
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Dear Maggie Two years ago I had a spine operation. At the time I expected it would cure my back pain, which was also causing numbness and weakness in my right leg. Instead of making things better, the operation made things worse. I now need a stick to walk with and I had to give up my job. I’m only 46 but I feel useless and old before my time. I’ve become very irritable and this is affecting my relationship with my wife. She says I should get advice on anger management but I don’t think that would help. No-one seems to understand, and I feel bad myself when there are others who are much worse off than me.
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Any injury, operation or illness which results in unexpected disability is a life-changing experience, often leading to feelings of disappointment and anger which others find difficult to understand. For you, losing your job as well has led to feelings of inadequacy. You didn’t plan for this and it wasn’t your fault. Underlying your anger is deep sadness. Talking about the expectations you had which are now lost may help you to come to terms with what has happened, and move on which in turn would help your family life.
LOCAL EvENTS
The House at Pooh Corner Exhibition On show for the first time in over a decade will be 36 beautiful hand-painted illustrations by E. H. Shepard for the classic children's books Winnie the Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner. A fabulous family quest trail lets you follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters around Mottisfont's grounds, ticking off many of your '50 Things to do before you're 11 3/4' as you go. Coonciding with the exhibition there will be great outdoor activities on several weekends. 20/21 July: Pooh-Stick Boats 10 August: Make Mottisfont's biggest daisy chain 17th/31st Aug, 1 Sep: Build a kite (small cost) There is also a fabulous family trail running all summer. More details at http://www.nationaltrust.org. uk/mottisfont/
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YouR YouR hEALth hEALth ANd ANd wEALth wEALth ARE ARE ouR ouR soLE soLE CoNCERN CoNCERN Asset AssetCare CarePlanning Planningisisaatrading tradingdivision divisionofofAsset AssetManagement ManagementFinancial FinancialAdvisers AdvisersLtd Ltdwhich which isis authorised authorised and and regulated regulated by by the the Financial Financial Conduct Conduct Authority. Registered RegisteredininEngland Englandand andWales Walesunder undercompany companyregistration registration2150087. 2150087.Registered RegisteredOffice: Office:40 40Victoria Victoria Road, Road,Woolston, Woolston, Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, Hampshire, SO19 9DX
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National Garden Scheme PILLEY HILL 20, 21 July; 31 Aug; 1 Sept (2-5) Pilley, Lymington, SO41 5QF Naturalistic, wildlife-friendly garden of surprises around every corner. Enter through the rosecovered lych-gate, to a spectacle of colour. Wild flowers rub shoulders with perennials among quaint objects and oak structures. Meander through the old orchard through willow walks and oak archways, on to the shady pond garden. Take tea on the front lawn surrounded by herbaceous borders . Raffle and a children’s quiz. www.pilleyhillcottage.com
BRAEMOOR Fris, Sats, Suns 5, 6, 7, 19, 20, 21 July, 2, 3, 4 Aug (2-5.30) Bleak Hill, Harbridge, Ringwood, BH24 3PX ¾-acre garden brimming with bold, colourful planting and interest. One of our moongates
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leads to a seaside haven of painted beach huts and driftwood gems. Another enters the cottage garden with overflowing herbaceous borders, stream and pond. Greenhouse with cacti and carnivorous plants. Vegetable area with bantam chickens . Small adjacent nursery
TERSTAN Sun 14 July, Sat 17 Aug (2-6) Longstock, Stockbridge, SO20 6DW A country garden for the C21. Unusual plants, an ever-changing display of half-hardy specimens in pots, and an artist’s eye for colour. Secluded and peaceful, with views to the River Test and the Hampshire Downs. Explore contrasting areas, linked by vistas, with a theme of circles and ovals. Alexander & Penny Burnfield, penny.burnfield@ andover.co.uk. pennyburnfield. wordpress.com
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Sat 27, Sun 28 July, Sat 10, Sun 11, Sun 25, Mon 26 Aug (2-5) Pilley Hill, Boldre, nr Lymington, SO41 5QF A boat containing a golden Indian Bean Tree stands at the entrance to this country garden with a tropical twist. Pond, bog garden, fernery and deep borders
brimming with late-summer colour plus towering bamboos at the front. Drought-tolerant plants and clever water-saving techniques at the back. Tranquil courtyards to enjoy cream-teas
HIDEAWAY Suns 28 July; 4 Aug (2-5.30) Hamdown Crescent, East Wellow, Romsey, SO51 6BJ A treasure trove of exciting plants with mid-summer interest. Different habitats within ½ acre some dazzling areas, some more gentle: grass gardens, ferns, perennials, cutting garden of annuals, woodland area, pond, fountains, vegetable areas, fruit cage, variety of pots. Developed in 5 yrs from a basic framework by current owners. A peaceful garden.
THE ISLAND Sat 3, Sun 4 Aug (2-5.30) Greatbridge, Romsey, SO51 0HP 6 acres either side of the R Test. Main garden has herbaceous and annual borders, fruit trees, rose pergola, lavender walk and extensive lawns. An arboretum planted in the 1930s by Sir Harold Hillier contains trees and shrubs providing interest throughout the yr. Bring your own picnic
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areas andusaforpond. Here sits & a Site Visit. terrace, enjoy the long vista 4 Aug (2-5) No job too big or small. Contact your Free Estimate DiscoverGardenDesignV3.indd 05/06/2013 summerhouse, where home-made 1 across the croquet lawn to mature Chinham Road, 01489 Bartley, 890333 • EMAIL: Office: enquiries@arborcall.co.uk • www.arborcall.co.uk teas may be enjoyed. New for gardens beyond and then over to Southampton, SO40 2LF 2013, the ‘Shy Maiden’ border the Isle of Wight. Amusing and Richly planted, small garden in Photo and painting exhibition in varied topiary among established, north New Forest. Our aim is to summerhouse. herbaceous borders. Lymington please the plant connoisseur and Saturday Market and lively introduce enthusiasts to new waterfront at bottom of High St plants and ideas for smaller plots. MOORE BLATCH Every plant must play its part Sat 17 Aug within a seasonal symphony of (10.30-4.30); shrubs, climbers, perennials and Sun 18 Aug grasses. Oak bridges criss-cross a (2-5) small stream. Old alpine troughs 48 High and quirky artefacts add texture, Street, structure and colour to this ‘all Lymington, year garden’. SO41 9ZQ Situated behind this 21 CHESTNUT RD elegant Sat 10 Aug (11-5); Sun 11 Aug (1-5) Georgian town Brockenhurst, SO42 7RF house lies A plant lover’s dream, where a surprising colour, form and scent dictate. S-facing Many ideas for wet and dry, sun 21 CHESTNUT ROAD walled or shady areas. Naturalistic and 35
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Local events
Party in the Park 2013 Party in the Park 2013 is set to be bigger and better than ever before. Attractions include Trickett's Children's Fun Fair together with their 'Munchies' food outlet, The Funky Fun Bus, Mobile Farm, 75' Inflatable Assault Course, African Drumming, Zumba Dancing, Bouncy Castle, Belly Dancing, Art Attack Quest, Children's Giant Slide, Football and Athletics for the youngsters together with free games for the kids! There will be plenty of stalls too. Don’t miss out on a really fun filled day out for all the family, and of course, everyone is welcome to come along, join in and enjoy themselves! The event will be held at The Carroll Centre, Somers Close, Winchester, SO22 4EJ on Sunday 18th August, 12pm – 6pm. Contact 01962 852425 for more information
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Elcombe and Son
Home & Garden maintenance & improvements Est. 1990
■ Carpentry
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39
Counselling/Psychotherapy with Sue Member BACP (Accredited)
Short or long-term counselling for adults, couples and young people in an encouraging, confidential location. Don't be alone. If you are feeling low, anxious or depressed, or are struggling to cope, telephone 023 8025 4878 or email me susanoakley272@gmail.com
Sports Massage Therapy
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Qualifying in 1984, Helen McGuinness has run her own Beauty Salon and Training School for over 25 years and is currently based in Chandlers Ford. A renowned industry expert in the UK and internationally, she is the author of 12 books and 28 professional training DvDs to date. Having over 10,000 UK and overseas students train at the school since opening, Helen maintains her hands on approach and this summer welcomes a group of 16 international students from Taiwan to train with her. For more information, please visit www.helenmcguinness.com 41
LOCAL GROUPS & CLUBS
Chameleons AmDram Recruiting Do you want to be part of the Company that stages an Alan Ayckbourne play or an Oscar Wilde classic or a rip roaring Pantomime? Chameleons meet every Tuesday at The Ritchie Hall (from 7.30pm) to rehearse the current production. Members not involved with the current production can come along to watch the rehearsal, join in a play reading in the green room, stay for the coffee break and then adjourn to the local pub. We perform four productions a year in January, April, July and October with one production being a pantomime. If treading the boards is not for you then there are many backstage roles that need to be filled for each production including stage manager, lighting, sound, props and wardrobe and catering. So why not come along and give us a try? Come along any Tuesday or ring our Box Office 0845 6440496 for more information.
E I N N S T You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.
3 letters: 12 4 letters: 14 5 letters: 5 6 letters: 1
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All aspects of Plumbing carried out Bathroom Fitting Tiling For a free quote call us today
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Your local, friendly, computer geek. Geek on Demand has been serving the Romsey area for the last six years and has helped many customers with a wide range of problems. From Networking & WiFi setup, Memory & Hard Drive upgrades, Data Recovery, Broadband setup, Virus removal or just a general service to keep things running smoothly, plus much more!
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ADvERTISER’S INDEX
Live Local Think Local
www.discovercommunity.co.uk
Local businesses are part of your community There’s so much MORE online!
Your Community Business Directory Hampshire Walks Clubs & Societies What’s On Restaurant Guide Useful Numbers …and how to send in your own community news.
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Every issue of Discover is full of interesing 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. accounting Arlington Accountants aerials Aerial Fix DJ Satellites & Aerials appliance repair Advanced Appliance Care batHrooms See Plumbing beauty Helen McGuinness blinDs & curtains Material Things Solent Blinds & Curtains Waterside Blinds carpet cleaning Abbey Cleaning carpet & flooring Floor Coverings Southern GE Nicholls Premier Flooring Solutions cHilDren’s activities Marwell Outdoor Activity Centre Wessex Swim School computer services Geek On Demand Home Computer Help Vuvumo Widenet Computer Services Ltd conservatories Britiannia Windows Pennington (HI) Jones Ltd South Coast Installations counsellor Counselling/Psychotherapy with Sue Maggie Buchanan Marcus Gee Talking Therapies Double glaZing inst/repairs Britiannia Windows Penninton (HI) Jones Ltd South Coast Installations Windowmenda
16 24 32 22
41 11 19 27 26 43 24 32 7 6 43 30 9 39 21 14 21 40 30 20 21 14 21 10
electrician Ampfield Electrical EEC247 MCT Electrical Romsey Electical Services estate agent Jonathan Rees fencing Colourfence financial services Asset Care Planning garage Doors Don’s Doors Fix Quick Garage Doors garage services Belbins Garage Independent NB Service Station garDen Design & services Arbor Call Colourfence Elcombe and Son Hambrooks J.L. Tree Care New Forest Garden Machinery Sydenhams T.I.Smith Building & Landscaping gas services See Plumbing HealtH & fitness Curves Eastleigh Sports Massage Therapy HealtH services Hampshire Hearing Centre kitcHens Dream Doors New Forest Stone Space Kithcens & Bathrooms Letting services Homestyle Lettings locksmitH Lockright
39 26 12 11 25 36 29/31 48 10 12 23 18 35 36 39 13/33/35 36 33 37 33
41 40 6 5 38 19 47 9
l Buy Local . . . loft conversion Charrett & Sons 39 Optician Hampson Opticians 40 Painter/Decorator Different Strokes 42 Pet Services Lynn Symes Dog Grooming Salon 20 Plumbing Services (including bathroom installation and gas and boiler services) see also Property Maintenance AK Heating & Plumbing 11 Allan Grace Plumbing Services 22 Aquatec 38 Gair Gas 15 Gas Elite 16 Grahame E Jones Plumbing & Heating 12 M.Brierley Plumbing 42 NHP (Romsey) Ltd 43 Pegrum Home Services P & H 21 South Coast Plumbing & Heating 32 Printer Warwick Printing Company 9 Property Maintenance DT Interiors 42 Elcombe and Son 39 House Worx 42 S.G. Roofing Services 26 Space Kitchens & Bathrooms 19 The Flat Pack People 42 Solar Panels Energy My Way 3 Solar Voltaics Ltd 13 Window Cleaning Clear Vision 16 Window Repair Windowmenda 10 Worktops New Forest Stone 38
USEFUL NUMBERS DOCTORS NHS Direct (24hr helpline) Abbey Mead Surgery Romsey SO51 8EN Alma Road Surgery Romsey SO51 8ED Lordshill Health Centre Lordshill SO16 8HY Nightingale Surgery Romsey SO51 7QN North Baddesley Surgery Fleming Ave SO52 9EP CHEMISTS Lloyds Pharmacy 123 The Hundred, Romsey Boots The Chemist Ltd 1 The Hundred, Romsey Alliance Pharmacy 7-8 Market Place, Romsey Lloyds Pharmacy 16-17 District Centre Lordshill Alliance Pharmacy 7 Rownhams Road,N Badd Wellow Pharmacy Lower Common Road
1.Michael Bolton (his birth name was Michael Bolotin), 2.Jam And Jerusalem, 3.Leicestershire, 4.Greendale (in the Postman Pat cartoons), 5.Hastings, 6.Crinkley Bottom, 7.Staines, 8.Borstals (named after the village of Borstal), 9.The Prisoner, 10. Wales (the village is Llanfair-pwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiligogogoch)
SCHOOLS Ampfield C of E Primary Awbridge Primary Braishfield Primary Cupernham Infants Cupernham Junior Fairisle Infant & Nursery Fairisle Junior Halterworth Primary North Baddesley Infant North Baddesley Junior Nursling Cof E Primary Oakwood Infants Oakwood Junior Romsey Primary & Nursery Romsey Abbey C of E Primary (aided) Rownhams St Johns Cof E Primary Sinclair Primary & Nursery Wellow Primary Oaklands Community School &Oasis Academy Years 7 & 8 - Years 9 -11 - The Mountbatten School The Romsey School
TRIAL 3 Letters - inn, ins, its, net, nit, sen, set, sin, sit, ten, tie, tin 4 Letters - inns, nest, nets, nine, nite, nits, sent, sine, site, snit, tens, ties, tine, tins 5 Letters - inset, nines, nites, stein, tines 6 Letters - TENNIS
HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING Bunny Lane, Timsbury Winter (1st Oct - 31st March) 8am - 4pm Summer (1st April - 30th Sept) 8am - 7pm
Puzzle Answers Towns and Villages
0845 4647 01794 512218 01794 830888 01794 513422 02380 738144 01794 517878 01794 511513 02380 743401 02380 743400 01794 01794 01794 02380 02380 01794
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01794 01794 01794 01794 01794 02380 02380 01794 02380 02380 02380 02380 02380 01794 01794 02380 02380 01794
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HISTORY
This Month in History July 1949 Maiden Flight of De Havilland Comet In these diminished times it’s either heartening or depressing to look back on Britain’s past engineering triumphs. If you’re of the latter tendency, prepare to be depressed, for July 27th is the anniversary of the maiden flight of the world’s first jet airliner, which took to the skies for 31 epochmaking minutes over Hatfield, Hertfordshire, in 1949. Those of us of a certain age moan about the speed of change these days. It’s a snail’s pace compared to what it was. The Government’s Brabazon Committee drew up the specifications for what was to become the de Havilland Comet in 1943. Imagine specs to prototype in just six years – and only 40 years earlier its chairman, John Moore-Brabazon, had made the first powered flight in England by an Englishman. The Comet started life as a light transport capable of carrying a ton of mail and six passengers at 400mph. It wasn’t conceived as a jet but Geoffrey de Havilland, a Committee member with a commercial interest in jets, persuaded the others that a jet was just the thing. His earliest designs incorporated a lot of the innovations de Havilland was 46
Article by Ted Bruning
working on at the time, notably the twin-boom layout that later resurfaced in the highly successful Vampire fighter-bomber series, but the specifications changed so much during the process that what eventually trundled out of the hangar was a 36-seat airliner powered by four turbojets, capable of cruising at 460mph at 42,000ft, a speed and altitude that nothing in the world could match. It was comfy, too, with 45” of legroom per seat, big square windows, a bar and separate ladies’ and gents’. But it was uncharted territory. When Comet entered service with BOAC on May 2nd 1952 there were troubles in store which its designers, headed by Ronald Bishop, father of the Mosquito bomber, could never have foreseen. Even before the Queen, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret enjoyed the first jet flight by a monarch in June 1953, the problems had begun. The previous year a Comet had failed to take off from Ciampino Airport in Rome, ploughing into a field and injuring two passengers. In March 1953 the same thing happened at Karachi, killing all 11 on board, and in May another went down after taking off from Calcutta with a death toll of 43. After two more disasters in 1954 – 35 dead when one broke up over the Mediterranean in January, 21 dead
when another crashed near Naples in April – the Comet was grounded. It took four years to find and fix the problem. It was metal fatigue, about which little was known. De Havilland had tested for it as well as they could; they didn’t understand how the stresses that caused it worked, though, so it was only by studying the wreckage that they discovered that the corners of the square windows simply ripped under pressure. The Comet 4, with oval windows, appeared in 1958; but by then the Boeing 707 and Douglas D8 were ready for service. They were bigger, faster, and cheaper to run. BOAC put 707s on its transatlantic flights. BEA continued to fly Comets, as did many airlines in Africa, South America, the Middle East and the RAF, which used them for training and reconnaissance. By the 1970s, though, only the charter airline Dan Air was flying Comets; the last in civilian service were retired in 1981 leaving only the Nimrod military variant flying on until 2011. The Comet may not have been a huge commercial success – only 114 were ever built – however it changed all our lives, making long-distance travel commonplace. But it was almost the last big pioneering project in British aviation history and a foretaste of a bitter realisation to come – that we’re just not big enough to do these things on our own any more.
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