Discover Hedge End June/July 2017

JU

ULY 20 17 N E /J

Hedge End

EDITION

Inclu ding W OTLEY EST END | EN | B MIDANBURY| CHARTWELL GRE

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Summer Special

Music Lovers Guide to Festivals

Inside Discover PETITIO OM N C

Best Tech Outdoor Toys

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Short Stories, Puzzles, Book Reviews, What’s On and much more INSIDE

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Editor’s Letter

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY If you are a regular reader of Discover you may remember that last year I bought classic VW campervan – completely out of character as I am a real “Princess and the Pea”. Well, it was a great success; I’ve woken up to views you can only get from wild camping, I’ve survived being wifi-free for more than two days and made many, new friends (still don’t get the waving at other campervan drivers!). The successful trial persuaded me to upgrade so I sadly say goodbye to “Jesse” (for sale … anyone?) and will be taking a younger (still 15 years old) “Annie” to many of the music events listed in our Special Feature on Summer Festivals (see page 29). If you’ve ever sold an old faithful car you’ll understand my feeling of

betrayal in trading Jesse in for a younger model but I now have a toilet .. yeah!

Out with Old, in with the New – Hang On! Yes, it’s often cheaper these days to replace a worn or broken gadget for new but before you do it’s really worth using a few websites and apps where you can buy and sell just about anything that’s used or not wanted; gumtree, freecycle, preloved, ebay.

I helped furnish my daughter’s first rented flat entirely from gumtree! Or why not try to fix it yourself at a local Repair Café such as featured on page 20 – Editor hat a great idea!

Me l a

nie Tinson

If you don’t tell us we can’t share it!

Discover Team

OYEZ! OYEZ! Melanie Tinson

Tania Houston

Director, Advertising melanie@discovermagazines.co.uk 023 8027 6396

Director, Finance & Operations tania@discovermagazines.co.uk 023 8027 6361

Discover is YOUR local magazine, delivered to 145,000 homes in the Solent area (14,000 homes get this Southampton edition) so it’s a great opportunity for community organisations, groups, clubs, schools, churches etc to make announcements.

Think of us as your local Town Crier!

• What’s On • Groups & Clubs • Charity Events • School Notices • Local News • Campaigns • Volunteering

Talitha Gibbins

Artwork Co-ordinator design@discovermagazines.co.uk 023 8017 0101

4

Kevin Houston Distribution

disti@discovermagazines.co.uk

If you don’t tell us we can’t share it!

Email: editorial@discovermagazines.co.uk Online: www.discovermagazines.co.uk and use the Editorial Request Form on our Contact Us page

Thanks to festival ‘Secret Garden Party’, and photographer Max Danny North for our beautiful cover this month. See page 29 for more details.

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What's On PORT OUT, SOUTHAMPTON HOME: THE AGE OF THE OCEAN LINER 23 May to 4 Jun SeaCity Museum, Havelock Rd, Southampton SO14 7FY SOUTHAMPTON SAILING WEEK 24-29 May southamptonsailingweek.co.uk SOBERTON FETE 24 Jun, 2pm-4.30pm Traditional English Village Fete on the church green SPARSHOLT VILLAGE FETE 24 Jun, 1-4pm COUNTRY FAIR 25 Jun, 11am to 4pm Bursledon Brickworks, Swanwick SO31 7HB One of the Brickworks most popular days out. Families - £15 NEW FOREST SPRING FAIR 27-29 May New Park Showground SO42 7QH www.forestersevents.co.uk PETERSFIELD FESTIVAL 27-29 May The Square, GU32 3HH OVERLORD MILITARY SPECTACULAR 27-29 May Denmead PO7 6HS HORRIBLE HISTORIES 29-30 May Theatre Royal, Winchester This is Horrible Histories live on 6

stage featuring all your favourite characters from Britain’s barmy past! theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk HMS COLLINGWOOD OPEN DAY 3 Jun, 9.30am- 5pm, Fareham PO14 1AS It’s annual Open Day featuring the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity Field Gun Competition. Bands, free fun fair, attractions and displays.

Family £20 www.ticketzone.co.uk JANE AUSTEN TOUR & CREAM TEA 3 Jun, 1 Jul, 5 Aug Winchester Cathedral SO23 9LS The team of Cathedral guides, themselves great fans of Jane Austen, reveal her links with the Cathedral. £12.50 inc cream tea.

01962 857 200 FARM OPEN DAY – FREE! 11 Jun, 11am to 5pm Middle Farm, Cheriton SO24 0PW Tractor and trailer tours, cow milking displays and demos of how they look after all the animals with “Have-a-go” activities. No dogs. Parking and entry is free.11 am to 5 pm THE NEW FOREST ARTS FESTIVAL 10 to 25 Jun Art displayed in a range of unusual spaces, inc a tree house, castle beach hut and pub.

Programme and venues: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk

To feature your event email editorial@discovermagazines.co.uk (B) = Booking Essential GUNG –HO! 17 June, First race 9am Southampton Common The fun-filled 5k is the brainchild of CBeebies presenter Alex Winters,. He is looking forward to its Southampton debut and raising as much money as possible for charity. www.begung-ho.co.uk ALRESFORD FESTIVAL OF TOY TRAINS 17 Jun, 10.30am to 4.30pm Perins Community School, Pound Hill, Alresford SO24 9BS Adults £5, Child £3 Family (2+2) £14 01962 733475 BOTLEY C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL’S SUMMER FAYRE 24th Jun, 12pm to 3pm 52 High Street, Botley SO30 2EA HOLIDAY INN EASTLEIGH WEDDING FAIR 25 Jun, 11am to 4pm Leigh Road, Eastleigh SO50 9PG HEDGE END CARNIVAL & FIREWORKS FIESTA 1 Jul, Annual event since 1921 raising funds for local causes. This year’s optional theme is “Roald Dahl”. The procession starts at 2.15pm, from the playing fields, St. John’s Road then, Freegrounds Avenue. Can you help? Volunteers very welcome as traffic marshals on Carnival Day (18+), selling raffle tickets, collecting money at the gates. info@hedgeendcarnival.org.uk Tel: 01489 785041

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Parenting

NEW CAR SEAT REGULATIONS You may have heard that new car seat rules have been introduced, banning backless booster seats for young children. All the rules actually mean is that manufacturers can’t introduce new models of backless booster seats for children shorter than 125cm or weighing less than 22kg. So if you already use a booster seat, you don’t have to change it. That being said, high back booster seats have been found to offer much greater protection to young children than backless ones. So it might be time for an upgrade.

If you are planning to buy a new seat, look for one that offers some side impact protection, such as those by Diono. The Diono MXT, £85, is a good choice. Unlike some seats, both height and back width can be adjusted very easily, so it can be used

Kidzone

for children between 97 and 160cm tall. There’s a choice of four colours and the covers are removable and washable. Our testers (aged five and seven) found the MXT very comfortable. It also kept them in an upright position when they slept, rather than allowing them to slump over. And they loved the snack trays (mainly for storing seashells and crayons) - see www.uk.diono.com.

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Jitterbugz Dance Studio 07922 907727 www.jitterbugzdance.co.uk Want to advertise your business here?

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Mummy & Baby Classes Music with Mummy 02380254705 / 07853175347 Music & Fun Sessions for Babies to PreSchool Tots

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OUTDOOR JOYS The best tech toys to take outside Some of the most entertaining outdoor toys are the simplest, such as the cute Swivel Car (around £22, with lots of firms offering very similar products). It’s a ride-on car with a difference: instead of pedalling or propelling it with your feet, you swivel the steering wheel and that generates movement. It’s small enough for toddlers and tough enough for big kids and even the odd adult.

If you’d rather go for something more traditional, the Cozy Coupe - around £49 - has been a favourite of families for more than 30 years, and the iconic red and yellow version has been joined by dinosaur and police car versions.

Complex toys can be fun too, of course. One kind of toy that’s improved dramatically in recent years is the electric car or bike for kids. It’s possible to get a decent trike for less than £40 that delivers 50 minutes of movement between charges, while around the £200 mark you’ll find impressive replicas of grown-up cars such as BMW’s futuristic electric i8. Remember that such vehicles do take a while to charge, so make sure you plug them in the night before you want to use them.

If you’d rather not let your child loose behind the wheel but want to give them control of something fun, there’s a huge selection of radio controlled vehicles ranging from the toddler-friendly Little Tykes Tyre Twister (£39) to exceptionally fast scale models of performance cars such as Lamborghinis and Porsches. Even the most expensive of these are much cheaper than they used to be, with top-end models usually coming in well below £70.

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Radio controlled cars are fun, but radio controlled flying machines are even more fun. You know you’re living in the future when you can walk into your local toy shop and come out with a smartphone-controlled drone helicopter. Drones start at around £20 for basic ones and reach £190 for Star Wars-themed models, and drones with built-in cameras start at around £60. If you want to get serious, you can find a good selection of advanced drones with HD cameras and optical video stabilisers from around £300, rising to over £1,000 for high-end models.

One word of warning with drones: their propellers can be sharp and cause injury if they bump into people, so it’s a good idea to look for one with a protective ring around the propellers if you’ll be giving it to a child or using it near kids or pets. And there are restrictions on where you can and can’t fly drones, such as in crowded areas or near airports. It’s a good idea to check up on the law before spending any money. There are also concerns over privacy: the neighbours probably won’t appreciate you flying a camera over their garden.

Do you remember the days of potato guns and water pistols? They’ve become a lot more sophisticated, with products such as Nerf guns ranging from around £20 to the ridiculously overpowered N-Strike Mega Mastodon (£99), which fires 24 foam darts from a motorised revolving drum. Between it and the superpowered, super-soaking water pistols that have more in common with water cannons than the water pistols you remember from your own childhood, be wary of the weaponry you give your kids - because you can be sure you’ll be on the receiving end of the foam darts or freezing cold jets of water.

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Finance

SHOULD YOU PAY OFF DEBTS WITH YOUR PENSION? The 2014 Budget introduced new regulations on how personal pensions can be accessed. These new pension freedoms mean that, if you have a money purchase or defined contribution pension, buying an annuity is no longer your only option at retirement.

Many people have since chosen to withdraw pension monies to invest in other financial products, and some have decided to pay off debts with the money. So is it a good idea to repay debt in this way, and what are the main aspects to consider?

Do you want to access your pension before you retire?

Some pension schemes allow you to access your pension at the age of 55. Doing so can significantly reduce the amount you have available in older age, however, unless you have other pensions or a large savings pot.

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Tax issues you shouldn’t ignore You can withdraw a 25% tax-free lump sum from your pension, but taking any more than this percentage will increase your level of income for that tax year. This could mean that you enter a higher rate tax band, and subsequently lose much of the benefit of gaining access to this money.

Will it affect your benefits entitlement?

If you claim means-tested benefits, withdrawing a lump sum from your pension could affect your entitlement. It might severely reduce the amounts you receive, or even mean that you can’t make a claim.

What are the costs of accessing your pension?

Many pension providers charge a fee for early access to a pension, and there is generally a charge each time you make a withdrawal. This could severely deplete your pension fund, making it expensive and unrealistic financially to repay debts in this way. è

BUSINESSES FOR SALE DAYTIME CAFE IN SOUTHAMPTON CITY CENTRE Renewable 10-year lease expires 2021. 30 covers on ground floor. Lease includes first floor. Easy hours Mon-Fri 09:00 to 16:00 £39,950 L/hold Ref: HW1480

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CYCLE RETAIL CENTRE ON BUSY ROAD IN SOUTH HAMPSHIRE Sales and servicing on same site for 20 years. Adult, children and electric bikes in stock. Renewable 10 year lease. Rent £16,000 pa. Sales £4,000 p/w. Adj. net profits of £60,000 per year. £49,950 plus sav L/hold Ref: HW1502 PREMIER CONVENIENCE STORE WITH 2-BED FLAT Trading same site near Aldershot for 100 years. Recorded sales average £7,300 p/w. Net profits £50,000+ New 15-year lease £13,500 pa. Rent from flat £9,600 pa. Lottery, Paypoint, ATM, Parcels commissions. £79,950 plus sav HW1501 L/hold CONCRETE CUTTING AND DRILLING SPECIALISTS - STH HAMPSHIRE Retirement Sale. Accounts show turnover y/e 31st of May 2015 £353,601 with gross profits of £164,268 (46%) and reconstituted net profits of £114,978. £195,000 Relocatable Business Only Ref: HW1491 NEW FOREST BED & BREAKFAST 10 letting rooms; 3-bed owners suite; parking for 12 vehicles;. Yearround commercial long term guests mid-week. Scope for week-end guests. Retirement sale. Declared takings £60k £649,950 F/Hold Ref: HW1485

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Final salary schemes If you have a final salary pension, you might be tempted to transfer your money into a personal pension scheme that gives you access to withdraw cash. This is likely to offer a poor reward in terms of conversion, however, and also may not provide you with sufficient income in retirement.

Be careful about Pension Recycling The government has introduced legislation to prevent ‘pension recycling’. This situation occurs when someone uses their pension to pay off debt before they retire, with the intention of replacing their pension money whilst still working.

Even if you do not deliberately set out to do this, by withdrawing your pension you could be inadvertently caught out by the pension recycling regulations.

For example, if you: • Withdraw over £30,000 from your pension, and as a result: • Receive £7,500 or more tax-free, and then:

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• Increase your pension contributions by more than 30% The rules apply regardless of whether you pay off debt with the money, and can result in the anticipated ‘tax-free’ sums being taxed by up to 70% by the government. The reason why these rules have been introduced is to prevent people benefiting from taking more than one series of tax-free sums from their pensions, and as encouragement to save more for retirement.

With so many people now expected to live longer, it can be risky to use your pension to pay off debt.

Personal circumstances will dictate whether it’s the right move for you, but it’s crucial that you obtain pension advice from an independent financial adviser before taking any action.

You’ll be able to find out the ‘bottom line’ figure once the tax, charges, loss of benefits and other potential deductions have been taken into account, and decide whether or not it’s truly worthwhile.

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New Inheritance Tax Break: Will You Qualify?

Many of you will have seen news about the new inheritance tax changes introduced in April 2017. Billed by the conservatives as a £1,000,000 allowance the new changes are not as simple as that.

Since 6th April you now receive an additional £100,000 inheritance tax allowance on your death but this will only be applicable if you leave that amount of value relating to your house to your direct descendants. If your spouse/civil partner dies before you and does not use their allowance then you can use it in addition to yours. The good news is that direct descendants includes step children and adopted children. If you have no children though, you are going to lose out.

Some people might include a niece or nephew as well as their child as a beneficiary.

Leaving your estate so your niece and daughter receive half each means you could lose part of the allowance. A simple re-write of your will leaving your house to your daughter and your investments to your niece could be enough to stop you losing the allowance.

Trusts in wills are not automatically problematic nor is gifting your house into trust during your lifetime but it is important to review any such arrangements to ensure that you will not inadvertently pay more inheritance tax.

The new allowance is “the biggest change to inheritance tax laws since 2007

”

Trusts are particularly useful if, between you and your spouse/civil partner, your estates are worth more than £2,000,000.

If you die with an estate worth more than £2,000,000 the allowance will start to disappear. Leaving the estate of the first spouse/civil partner to die into trust (so the surviving spouse/civil partner can benefit) or directly to descendants could be an effective way of preserving the allowance.

The new allowance comes with other caveats too. Many people prefer to leave their house in trust till their grandchild is 25 rather than allowing their grandchild to inherit aged 5. This could mean that the allowance is lost but you have to weigh up what is more important: paying less tax or avoiding assets passing to a beneficiary too young.

The new allowance is the biggest change to inheritance tax laws since 2007 and it is therefore vital for you to review your arrangements to ensure they are as tax efficient as possible.

A member of the expert private client team at Trethowans Solicitors would be pleased to help you. To arrange an initial discussion at our Winchester or Hedge End offices, please telephone 02380 321 000 or visit www.trethowans.com.

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“Dear Doctor” My mother suffers from persistent hip pain and her range of movement seems to be getting more restricted. She now has trouble walking and is finding it hard to get out and about. Does she need surgery?

The symptoms you describe of deteriorating pain and function in the hip are very common.

Although there are many causes of hip pain, this is most commonly due to osteoarthrosis, also referred to as ‘arthritis’.

Firstly, it is important to establish the diagnosis, which a GP can do by taking a patient history, x-ray and carrying out an examination. If the symptoms and tests suggest further investigation is required, your mother will be referred to a specialist orthopaedic surgeon. One of the most common alternative causes is pain referred from the spine, however in circumstances where it is still not clear, the orthopaedic surgeon may choose to arrange to have the hip joint injected with local anaesthetic and steroid. This is a very quick and simple day procedure performed with the patient usually awake, using a special ‘real-time’ X-ray viewer.

Once it’s established that the hip pain is due to hip osteoarthrosis, the orthopaedic surgeon will determine whether surgery is suitable.

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Repair Cafés are free meeting places all about repairing things - together. You’ll find tools and materials there to help you make the repairs on anything you bring clothes, furniture, electrical appliances, bicycles, crockery, appliances, toys and there’s expert volunteers, with repair skills on hand for help. If you have nothing to repair, you can lend a hand with someone else’s repair job and enjoy a cuppa at the same time.

There are over a thousand Repair Cafes around the world and Southampton hosts the only one in Hampshire.

Why repair?

We throw away vast amounts of stuff. Even things with almost nothing wrong, and which could get a new lease on life after a simple repair. People have forgotten they can repair things themselves or they no longer know how. Society doesn’t always show much appreciation for the people who still have this practical knowledge, and against their will they are often left standing on the sidelines. Their experience is never or hardly ever used.

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People with these skills are getting involved again and valuable practical knowledge is being passed on to others. Items are given a longer life, making for a greener planet.

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The first Repair Café was opened by Martine Postm in Amsterdam in 2009. Since 2011, the Repair Café Foundation has provided professional support to an amazing 1,254 groups around the worldwide.

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Health

WHEN THOSE ‘GOLDEN YEARS’ ARE TARNISHED BY STRESS The expression ‘golden years’ refers to that period in our lives in between retirement and age-related physical decline: a time when we are supposed to enjoy the greatest quality of life.

There’s a general assumption that life is easier and sweeter for the older generation, and this has been supported by a survey carried out by the Office for National Statistics, in which 300,000 adults agreed that life satisfaction peaks between the ages of 65 and 79. However, while life is golden for some, others may find themselves facing unexpected responsibility and stress.

In these insecure economic times, many grown-up children are forced to return to the family home for economic reasons, often with the expectation that their aging parents will provide childcare.

22

And it’s not just the younger generation who may need help. As people are living longer, it’s not uncommon to find individuals in their 60s and 70s supporting their elderly parents, sometimes with full-time care.

While it’s natural to want to help, it’s unwise to ignore the fact that age is creeping up on us. Unfortunately, as we age we become more vulnerable to the effects of stress: a recent study by Harvard Medical School has reported that when we are stressed, the part of the brain that processes emotions such as fear and anger triggers the release of white blood cells. These cells, used by the body to fight disease and injury, can cause inflammation that can eventually leads to angina, heart attacks and strokes if the stress is allowed to continue.

Other potentially harmful hormones, equally damaging in the long term, are also released during stressful episodes. è

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Signs of stress can include feeling overwhelmed, guilty, lonely or constantly anxious, as well as lacking interest in activities you have previously enjoyed. You may also feel constantly fatigued, or become easily irritated. Physical symptoms can include significant changes in weight, headaches and neck or lower back pain.

If family members are dependent upon you, you may not be able to change your situation, but following the steps below may help: • Ask for help from friends and family – don’t wait for it to be offered.

• Do your best to get enough sleep and exercise.

• Set realistic goals, by breaking large tasks up into small ones.

• If you’re worried about your finances, ask family members to contribute, or check your eligibility to receive state benefits.

• If you are caring for someone who is ill or disabled, research what help is available on a local level.

• Keep in touch with friends and relatives.

• Use meditation or mindfulness exercises to aid relaxation.

If none of this helps, the next step should be to visit your doctor to explain how you feel.

Don’t be afraid to use all the medical and practical resources that are available to you. Fortunately, even in these days of austerity and local service cuts, there are organisations you can turn to for help. Try Independent Age (www.independentage. org) or Age UK (www.ageuk.org.uk) to pick up some valuable information and advice.

Sharing your feelings and concerns with others is an important first step. Hopefully it won’t be long before you find the support you need, making your life less stressful and bringing you a little closer to those golden years you so richly deserve.

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And Another �ing

TOM AND THE PUB QUIZ

8 pm and, like a whippet detecting a downwind hare, Sarah (my Dearly Beloved) lifted her chin and flared her nostrils.

“Tom, what’s that you’re wearing?”

“This old thing? I’ve had it ages - mind you, it matches my eyes beautifully don’t you think?”

“Not the shirt, that aftershave.”

“I think it’s Warrior by Captain Spice.”

“Listen here Don Juan, don’t get any ideas about making moon eyes at the new barmaid down the Old Paraffin Lamp.”

here next to me.” Nigel’s gushing immediately raising my hackles as Sarah coquettishly played with her hair and plonked down next to him.

“Now, here is our answer paper, here’s a little pen.”

“Nigel, she’s not six.”

“You leave Nigel alone, he’s only being kind. Now, what are we going to call ourselves?”

“How about Team Sarah?” beamed Nigel.

“No, no. Team Nigel, I insist,” beamed Sarah.

Smarmy Nigel was getting on my wick. “Listen, never mind the name - who’s going to the bar?”

“How did you know about - listen, she’s - I’m not - err.”

“White wine for Sarah and I’ll have a pint please, Tom.”

“Tom, stop stuttering.”

Defeated, I trudged forlornly to the bar. Slouching over the worn mahogany I waited for the elegant curves of our new barmaid to appear. But Fat Frank waddled into view, wiping his hands on a towel.

“It’s the pub quiz. Me and Nigel are having a stab at the jackpot. And it’s a roll over - seventy quid!”

“Well if you hang on a moment I’ll come with you.

Three heads are better than two.”

Resistance being useless, I acquiesced, knowing that Nigel would be pleased, carrying as he did the tiniest of torches for my betrothed.

“Sarah! What a lovely surprise! Sit yourself down

“What’ll you have Tom?” I flicked my eyes around Frank’s considerable girth.

“Where’s Diane?”

“Oh it’s her night off. Hey, who’s that on your table giggling at Nigel’s jokes?”

“That Frank, is my wife.”

“Punching above our weight are we, Thomas?”

Ignoring the boorish comment, I returned laden with refreshments and settled down for the contest. Quizmaster Barry, in his annoying nasal whine, began with his pre-quiz announcements. “Now everyone - no Googling phones away please. Right, off we go. Question one - in what year did women get the vote?”

Triumphantly, I grabbed the paper and scrawled down the

26

answer. My other two teammates peered down at the date. There then ensued a bun fight that would have embarrassed Jeremy Paxman. Dates and events flew around the table as The Bellringers on table three (pens down, arms folded) sat smugly, nursing their drinks. On went the questions (and the arguments) until eventually the quiz ended and we all swapped papers. The Bellringers had our question paper. I glared over as they gurned and squinted at our scribblings, as though they were unreadable.

Barry read out the answers. “Question one.

Women got the vote in…1928.”

Sarah glared at me. “I told you Nigel was right!”

Shamefully I buried my face into my pint. Then Barry collated the scores and announced, “We have a draw! Team Sarah and the Bellringers are both on 42 points. Can the captains come up for the tie breaker?”

Without any consultation I marched up to Barry, to be joined by my rival. Like two prize fighters, we stared each other out. The room fell silent. I felt my heartbeat thumping in my ears. “OK, first to answer wins the jackpot. In the children’s TV programme

Trumpton, how many firemen were there?”

My mind desperately flashed back to my youth.

“Seven!” I shouted.

My opponent yelled, “Six.” Victorious, I beamed over at our table. Then, catastrophe - Barry handed over the money to the Bellringers. “What are you doing?”

“They’ve won. Six is the correct answer.”

Incandescent, I protested. But Barry was not for moving. Closing his eyes he said, “Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, Grub. Six. Sorry Tom. You lost.”

Burning with injustice I got in Barry’s face and hissed. “And Captain Flack is SEVEN!” Barry reddened and, mumbling something about the rules, scuttled away.

Sarah was unimpressed. “Well, if you’d been a little better clued up about women’s suff rage instead of women’s bodies - or Trumpton Firemen for that matter - we would now be £73.50 to the good.”

Sometimes life (and quizzes) can be so unfair.

(And it is seven - Google it).

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The UK Festival scene

(For everyone who thinks they are a bit old for that sort of thing…)

By Tania Houston The music scene is a vibrant and important part of UK culture, and the summer festival season is the exciting showcase for the best of our new and established artists. If you’ve never been to a festival however, you might think that what you’ve seen of Glastonbury epitomises the reason you don’t go: lots of mud and a huge drunk crowd of mostly twenty-somethings.

Let me enlighten you! I am – shall we say - a ‘more mature’ music fan and I promise you that there is something on offer for almost every age, music taste and budget. There are festivals for party animals and for families; for teens and baby boomers; for day trippers and weekenders; in other words, for anyone that likes the idea of having fun with a bit of music involved.

These pages give you some help with where to start and a more information about some of the ones I know a bit about.

How do I choose?

The Who at the Isle of Wight Festival, © Dylan Roberts

There are several things to consider when planning your summer festival diary. Most of the events could be said to be suitable for anyone. Very few don’t accept children. But try to find out who the organisers are really targeting and match yourself with those.

1 You have a tight budget.

Aim for the one-day only gigs, and make the most of anything free or very low cost and local. Look at: Beggars Fair, Alresford Festival 2 You have young children.

Does the website say children are ‘accepted’ or ‘welcomed’ – there’s a world of difference.

Look at: Camp Bestival, Victorious

3 You have tweenagers/ teenagers. They need keeping an eye on, but they want to spend the time with their friends, not you. Day events are ideal for this as it gives them a bit of freedom, but stops it getting out of hand. Look at: Common People, Victorious.

4 You are over 40, child-free and want Radio 2/Breeze FM type music. The retro festivals are best for you. Look at: Wickham Festival, Let’s Rock and some of the artists at the Isle of Wight Festival.

5 You are an adult with no ties and really into music and/ or fun and dancing. Aim for something meant for grownups and chart watchers. Look at: Common People, Reading Festival.

6 You are an adult with no ties and want a full entertainment program e.g. talks and activity. Plenty on offer and we’d recommend Blissfields (local), Cornbury and Secret Garden Party.

All images copyright, details at the back of this mag

A weekend AwAy On your doorstep is great, but it doesn’t feel like a holiday if you can nip back home at a moment’s notice. What’s needed is bit of distance (but not too much) and definitely a complete change of scene. From June to August, these ones will cram as much into three days as a fortnight in Magaluf.

SeCret GArden pArty 20-23 July, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire

Credit: Louise Roberts Wildfire Adventure CAmp 16-17-18 June somewhere in Kent Wildfire is the place to go to bring out your inner Bear Grylls. Billed as Half Adventure Camp, Half Music Festival, this is two days/ three nights of activities and music. There is some extreme stuff in there – Zorbing, obstacle course, sword skills – but also wood whittling, macramé, and fire lighting amongst the 80 activities on offer. It’s adults only, so you really won’t be running around unless you want to and – bliss mobile phones are discouraged.

Winner of Best New Festival and Best Small Festival, it’ll be a memory making weekend. www.campwildfire.co.uk

Whilst this is very much a music festival, it is equally a huge weekend outdoor party. Some really exciting musicians, side shows, talks, fancy dress, fireworks and more, you will have just the best time ever. It has been announced this will be the last time it runs having been around for 13 years so I guess all good things…, but ‘SGP’ fans are determined to make a truly memorable sendoff. This is a great example of a ‘don’t think you are too old’ type of event. Yes, there will be more under 40s than over, but the relaxed environment means that anyone, young/old, slim/fat, straight/gay, normal or a bit quirky is equally welcome.

For a break from the big, bad world, it’s just 3 hours’ journey to pure Credit: Max Miechowski hedonism. www.secretgardenparty.com

WilderneSS feStivAl 3-6 August, Cornbury park, Oxfordshire Into August and school holidays, so a festival that truly offers something for everyone. Not every family is universally into the same music, or indeed into music at all. Wilderness offers a grand buffet of activities, where even the hardest to please will admit they had fun. Music – Grace Jones and Two Door Cinema Club for starters. Talks, poetry, debate, theatre, games, workshops, outdoor activity, wellbeing and dining experiences. Topped off with plenty of entertainment for children (because if they aren’t enjoying it, neither are you). www.wildernessfestival.com

on The doorstep So maybe you like the idea, but just don’t want to commit yourself to spending a lot of time at one or blowing the budget just trying the idea out. viCtOriOuS 25-27 Aug, Southsea

let’S rOCK 8-9 July, Southampton

AlreSfOrd feStivAl 8 July, Alresford

A retro festival, so if you are of the right age, you will have grown up with these acts. There’s just one stage at the front, but the day is as much about the socialising as it is about the music.

Because everyone knows the lyrics, people singing and dancing at their ‘base’ is the norm, and that base is picnic blankets, chairs, picnics and plenty to drink. Headliners include Tony Hadley (ex Spandau Ballet).

Family friendly, several stages and – because it’s for charity – bargain tickets. You won’t know most of the bands, but that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of talent. Several stages, bouncy castles and camping on the Saturday night if you want it, or the option of a bus to and from Winchester station.

Victorious is unique in its truly universal appeal. It has a dedicated entertainment area for children, Rita Ora and Olly Murs for the teens and Madness and Stereophonics for the ‘non-teens’. Being a flat site it’s good for parents with buggies and elderly or disabled. And with bargain price day tickets (adults £30, age 5-15 £8) and a good train service to Southsea, well what’s not to like? victoriousfestival.co.uk

Two big ones There are two big all weekenders in this area which need a budget and some stamina to attend.

BliSSfieldS 6-8 July, Winchester

BOOmtOWn 10-13 August, Winchester

Several of the Discover team went to this one last year and loved it.

Blissfields has become a little gem on the festival circuit and whilst it’s never going to be a Reading, Glastonbury or Isle of Wight sized event, it has pulled loads of established names in the past such as Bastille and Mumford and Sons. An illicit journey to the Hidden Hedge at night – a party in its own right - is a must to sample the bohemian delights of fire dancers, acrobats and trapeze artists. A wonderful festival experience on a smaller scale. blissfields,co.uk

Talking of stamina, Boomtown is built around Winchester’s Matterley Bowl so bear in mind there’s a very steep hill to negotiate several times a day. This one certainly has plenty of music, but that’s not really what it’s about. Rather it’s ‘theatre’ with amazing temporary cities across the site including The Wild West, Trenchtown and China Town. The days are fairly quiet but at night Boomtown comes alive. boomtown.co.uk.

bigger fesTivAls If what interests you is the big name chart artists - either have been, are or will be - then these are the ones to go to all within around an hour’s drive. Many will have camping, including motorhomes, and late night entertainment too.

Typically these events are better for adults, but Camp Bestival is a definite exception, being very family focused.

MaY 27-28

JUlY Mutiny Festival Portsmouth

50 Cent, Chase & Status already announced but more to come. mutinyfestivals.co.uk

27-28

Common People Southampton

6-8

Blissfields Winchester

See previous page. blissfields.co.uk

7-9

Cornbury Festival Nr Oxford

Bryan Adams, Kaiser Chiefs, Jools Holland, so something for every age. Very child friendly. cornburyfestival.com

Tom Odell, Sean Paul & Becky Hill just 3 of the names in this chart-topping day festival. southampton.commonpeople.net

7-9

JUne

See previous page. letsrocksouthampton.com

8-10

Upton House Festival, Poole

Three very different nights: Classical, 80s and Superstar (with Michael Bolton). uptonhousemusicfestival.co.uk

8-11

Isle of Wight Festival Newport

Rod Stewart, Clean Bandit, The Pretenders. Kidzone although it’s term time. isleofwightfestival.com

9-10

Wild Life Festival Brighton

Jess Glynne, Rag’n’Bone Man, Zara Larsson, really for over 16s.

No camping but coach available. wildlifefestival.com

21-23

Let’s Rock Southampton

Curious Arts Festival Lymington

Tom Odell and Izzy Bizu headline.

Also talks, poetry and comedy.

Unusually, accepts dogs. curiousartsfestival.com

27-30

Camp Bestival Lulworth

18-20

Weyfest Farnham

Jools Holland and Alison Moyet headline. At an outdoor rural museum, they are the polite festival without mud, and you may see daleks!

25-27

Reading & Leeds Festival, Reading

Muse, Eminen, Kasabian it’s all about seeing the biggest names, very little in the way of other activities. readingfestival.com

25-27

Victorious Portsmouth

See previous page. victoriousfestival.co.uk

septeMber 31-3 AUG

End of the Road Blandford

Loads of family entertainment but doesn’t skimp on the music inc Madness, Louisa Johnson, Mark Ronson. campbestival.net

Friendly but serious about music. Good food and drink, art installations. endoftheroadfestival.com

aUgUst

7-10

3-6

Wickham Festival Wickham

KT Tunstall and 10CC headline.

Tends to attract older audience, camper chairs welcome! wickhamfestival.co.uk

Bestival Lulworth

Pet Shop Boys, Circa Waves, Prince Tribute. Make the most of the last big one of the year; other activities offered. bestival.net

sMaller fesTivAls These ones are music festivals, but very affordable, family friendly and will generally offer other activities too.

JUne 10

Alresford Music Festival, Alresford

See previous page. alresfordmusicfestival.com

17

Vicky Park Festival Netley

Day of music and entertainment. hants.gov.uk/rvcp-vpf

30

Christchurch Festival, Christchurch

Music headlined by Blackwater County. Dance groups and other entertainment. christchurchfestival.co.uk

JUlY 5-9

New Forest Folk Festival Brockenhurst

Folk music festival, with music workshops and singarounds. Families welcome. newforestfolkfestival.co.uk

8

Beggars Fair Romsey

Held in various venues throughout the town, both indoor and out. beggarsfair.org.uk

8

Lowde Fest Nr Hook

Charity music festival with fun fair. lowdefest.com

8

One Live Guildford

One day event headlined

by Darkness & Melanie C. Charity so inexpensive tickets. onelivefestival.co.uk

8-9

The Pig Brockenhurst

Hosted by the Pig Hotel, good music and excellent food! smokedanduncut.com

14-15

Jurassic Fields Bridport

Over 40 acts, many of them local.

Very family friendly. jurassicfields.com

14-15

Wonky Donk Festival Nr Poole

Roots Revival with local band Trav Cats headlining. Search wonkydonk on FaceBook

15

Mela Festival Southampton

Music & dance from South Asia and around the world. Free. southamptonmela.com

18-24

Milford Arts & Music Milford on Sea

Various music and arts attractions.

Free. milfordfestival.org.uk

22

JerkJam Festival Fareham

Day of music, children’s attractions and food. jerkjam.co.uk

22-23

Lime Wood Lyndhurst

Hosted by the Pig Hotel, good music and and excellent food! smokedanduncut.com

29

FestivALL Southampton

Alesha Dixon headlines. Comedy, 80s dance music. Cheap! www.festiv-all.co.uk

aUgUst 12

Fake Festival Southampton

Tribute event with covers of Blondie, Bon Jovi, Arctic Monkeys. fakefestivals.co.uk

27

Graze Festival nr Winchester

Music, cooking demos and children’s entertainment. grazefestival.com

Gardening

SLUG SURVIVAL Whether your garden is big or small, or you have just a few planters in a back yard or on a balcony, the chances are that slugs will cause you grief. There are about thirty species of slug in the UK and most feed throughout the year, especially after dark and when the soil is wet or moist – and now that spring is here, they’re out in force!

However, most slugs actually do little damage to living plants, instead preferring to feast on dead and dying material. Typically it is smaller slugs like the greyish-black keeled slug and the pinkish-beige-grey field slug which are more likely to wreak havoc. With estimates of there being about 200 slugs per average cubic metre of average garden soil, the situation can soon get out of hand.

Keeled slugs in particular love to feast below ground, as well as on plants above the soil surface.

In no time at all slugs can eat through the base of 34

a young stem, killing the plant in the process, or eat seedlings even before they have had a chance to emerge above the soil surface! Later in the year, they will begin to tunnel into potato tubers and carrots too.

They breed quickly and very efficiently, and you’re most likely to spot the clumps of eggs on the soil surface, beneath flopped foliage and amongst moist organic matter. Each egg is about 1-2mm in diameter and a clear, milky or off-white coloured sphere.

So what can you do with these squidgy little menaces?

• Go on an evening slug hunt, in particular after it has rained or you have done some watering.

• Choose vegetable varieties which have useful resistance to slugs. With potatoes, main crop varieties usually suffer most, so try to grow mainly earlies. Choose varieties such as Charlotte, Kestrel, Sante or Wilja to give a better chance of success. è

ARBOR-CALL ARBOR-CALL UEROGNESO N S T RTER E ESEU RSG

We like to think recommendation is the best way to meet new

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Aerials, Freesat & European dish installers, Repairs, also Broadband and Phone extension's and TV wall mounts Voted BEST INSTALLER IN THE UK by Astra the

Confederation of Aerial Industries & What Satellite & Digital • All Tree Work Undertaken TV Magazine, Super Installer Award April 2011 • Hedge Cutting Specialists • Tree and Stump Removal Qualified signal electronics engineer.

• Tree Surveys and Reports • N.P.T.C. Qualified Tree Surgeons • Fully Insured NPTC We offer a full range ofand specialist services: • All Work Carried Out to BS3998 Standard Qualified • Crown Shaping, reductions, thinning & pruning ••Tree Felling & Intricate Dismantling • £10 Million Public Liability Insurance Free Quotations • N.P.T.C. Qualified Tree Surgeons We offer a full range of specialist services: • Site Clearance • Hedge Cutting Specialists • No Job too Big or too Small • Domestic Commercialreductions, thinning & pruning • All Work Carried OutLevel to BS3998 Standard R.D.I. No 18266215 C.A.I.C. 1673 NVQ 2 • Crown& Shaping, • Grounds Maintenance • Tree Felling & Intricate Dismantling • Planning Applications

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• £10and Million Public • Free Quotations Health CheckLiability Insurance • Site Clearance • Hedge Cutting Specialists • Domestic & Commercial We have the latest equipment which makes us efficient and price competitive!

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NO VAT

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We have the latest equipment which makes us efficient and price competitive! Visit our website and see us at work.

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Office: 01489 890333 • EMAIL: enquiries@arborcall.co.uk • www.arborcall.co.uk

35

• Encourage natural predators such as hedgehogs, frogs, toads, slow worms and ground beetles. If you keep hens consider letting them clear the ground for you – but obviously only before you start planting and sowing!

• Use the Nemaslug nematode control, a treatment I like because it is harmless to everything except slugs. It works swiftly and silently too and, if you’re a potato grower and you drench the soil around the potato plants about six weeks before anticipated harvest, the nematodes soon get to work and your potatoes should be virtually slug-damage free. Use it to clear a slug-infested raised bed or planter and apply self-adhesive copper tape around the rim of the container to keep the contents slug free. Find out more about Nemaslug and copper tape at pippagreenwood.com/products/protect-your-crops.

• Barriers such as crushed shells, wool pellets, soot, pine needles or copper-impregnated fabric can also work well, but may need replacing regularly and results seem to vary.

• Traps filled with beer can reduce slug numbers in your garden dramatically. You can buy readymade traps or make your own using inexpensive plastic beakers plunged into the soil, the rim protruding 1-2cm above the soil surface and filled with a well-flavoured beer.

By Pippa Greenwood

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com to buy gorgeous UK grown vegetable plants accompanied by weekly advice emails from Pippa, or to peruse the really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items including SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, Nemaslug and copper tape, pull-out EasyTunnels, signed books and lots more besides.

36

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Window Cleaning • Windows • Conservatories • Solar Panels • Signs • Fascias • Gutter Clearance • Patios • Driveways • Pressure Washing

Mob: 07833 371738 Tel: 0800 234 3551 Email: info@squeegeesquadron.co.uk Web: www.squeegeesquadron.co.uk

T: 02380 983576 M: 07824 512933 ROOFING SPECIALIST We focus on providing all types of roofing repairs and maintenance to the highest quality,and with a finish that is made to last.

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Lawn & Garden Services A personal service catering for all your gardening needs • Mowing • Weeding • Planting • Strimming • Turfing • Hedge Cutting • Garden Clearance • Fencing • Weekly/Fortnightly Programmes • Fully Insured Call Dan for a free quote!

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Environmental Agency Registered Waste Carrier

37

Pets

THREE TYPES OF FOOD THAT ARE POISONOUS TO YOUR DOG If your dog has ever ingested a poisonous substance, you’ll know the sudden and devastating effect it can have on their health. Unfortunately, three commonly used foods regularly cause serious issues for dogs, often requiring emergency treatment by a vet.

Chocolate Chocolate contains a poisonous substance called theobromine, which is derived from the cocoa plant. Amongst other symptoms it can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature, irregular heart rhythm, and fitting. Dark chocolate contains more theobromine than milk or white chocolate, and it is not unusual for a dog to need veterinary intervention even when a small amount has been consumed.

Onions, leeks, chives, garlic and shallots All members of the allium family, these foods can cause anaemia in dogs and are poisonous both in their raw and cooked form - even something as innocuous as onion gravy can cause a severe reaction in some dogs. They contain organosulphides which attack the red blood cells over a period of time. After a few days you might notice your dog has an upset stomach, is lethargic, sleepy, or breathing rapidly.

Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas These can all be fatal to your dog, although the dried versions are believed to be more toxic. Some dogs are able to eat these foods with no ill-effects, but others experience serious illness over a period of several days, with vomiting and diarrhoea, and in some cases kidney failure a few days after ingestion.

38

Bringing the Heart of Your Home into Your Home Quality

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Wouldn’t it be just perfect if you could relax at home and choose your dream kitchen without the hassle and pressures of high street shops and sales people.

Well at last there is a solution and it’s here right on your doorstep!

At Ashmore Kitchens, we come to you, complete with a vast selection of fitted kitchens and fittings that you can peruse at your leisure and in the comfort of your home. When you have selected your bespoke kitchen we then design, supply and install all the necessary component parts of your kitchen, including plumbing and electrical supply.

If it’s time to renew your tired old kitchen, then we can help make a world of difference, that won’t cost you the earth. We are a small independent family owned business without the huge overheads of multi-national companies with their expensive showrooms and commission based salesmen.

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39

GET INTO GOLF, GIRLS! Local girls are being encouraged to take up golf as part of a programme run by Hampshire Ladies County Golf Association. Aimed at girls between 6 and 18 years of age, the focus of the weekly sessions is on having fun, and meeting other likeminded girls, while learning to play the game in a sociable environment.

Dibden Golf Club is starting a six week ‘Get into Golf ’ course on 28 May. Another local club, Bramshaw Golf Club in Brook, Lyndhurst is running a course in the summer but date not confirmed at time of going to print. (remove the next sentence enter county Academy centres.

Chris Geary, Dibden’s coach said; “This is a great opportunity for local young girls to ‘have a go’ at golf and we may identify a potential ‘Women’s British Open’ champion of the future!”

It costs just £20 per person to take part in this

programme, which includes the six week ‘Get into Golf course’ and attendance at the five monthly sessions held throughout the year. Casual dress is encouraged and all equipment will be supplied.

If you or someone you know would like to take part please contact Jane Shergold, Girls Academy Co-Ordinator on jane.shergold@btinternet. com or telephone 01428 717036 or Chris Geary, Dibden Golf Centre, New Forest National Park, Main Rd, Dibden SO45 5TB Tel: 023 8020 7508

Plumbing and Heating Limited Your Local Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer • 10 Year Guarantee On Selected Models

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Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.

Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company

policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has 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 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Hedge End area

and manager Justin Friel agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense.

I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’

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Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

HELP THE RAINBOW CENTRE REACH OUT FURTHER The Rainbow Centre in Fareham is a local charity enabling greater independence for adults affected by conditions such as: Parkinson’s, MS, a stroke or a head injury, and children with cerebral palsy. It works with people to improve their mobility, motor skills, independent living skills, communication and cognitive abilities.

It is carrying out research, funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund, into the possibility of an outreach service in the future for adults unable to travel to its Centre in Fareham, and would like to discover whether there is a need for this service in the community.

It should only take a couple of minutes to complete online www.rainbowcentre.org/what-we-do/adult-researchsurvey.

If you would prefer a hardcopy of the survey in the post please telephone 01329 289500 or email fundraising@rainbowcentre.org

How Can You Help?

They’ve created a simple survey, for the public to participate in. Whether you are a carer or someone with a neurological condition, your input would be invaluable.

The Rainbow Centre, The Bradbury Bldg, Palmerston Drive, Fareham PO14 1BJ

Registered Charity No. 1096603

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43

Bon Appétit

I LOVE GIN. AND APPARENTLY, I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE...

Fetch the ice and tonic – the gin industry in the UK is indeed booming, with 49 distilleries opening in 2016 alone, and £400 million spent on buying gin bottles. The trend for small batch gin is still on the increase this year with new gin lists popping up in restaurants, pubs and bars all over the county, Winchester leading the way of course! But do you know which gin you actually prefer? And why?

The Hampshire Wine School offers an education, in a fun and relaxed way at the Winchester Wessex Hotel, on how gin is created, and how to make THE perfect Gin & Tonic by comparing 5 styles of gin, 3 premium tonics and 5 types of botanicals. A real mouth-watering and eyeopening experience for £32.50pp.

Do not miss out on Winchester’s forthcoming House of Gin Festival either, which is returning to Winchester GuildHall on Saturday 27th May, 5pm-10pm, in association with Winchester Distillery and East Imperial tonic and mixers. The Festival will have three Gin bars showcasing a wide selection of small batch and Award Winning Gins.

Producers shall also run masterclasses on how their gin is distilled, offer tastings and an opportunity to purchase bottles at a discounted rate. Copperhead Gin, Nordes gin, Marylebone Gin, Liverpool Gin,

Learn about wine, champagne, beer, gin and whisky as well as food & wine pairings in a fun way, with likeminded people, in a relaxed atmosphere 44

Nginiuos Gin, Brennen & Brown Gin, 6 o’clock Gin, Burleighs Gin and Elephant Gin to name a few will be presented on the day. Tickets on sale for £8.03 at EventBrite.co.uk.

My favourite gin of the moment is Pinkster Gin, as it makes a refreshingly different G&T, with a delicate raspberry flavour appealing both to seasoned gin drinkers and recent converts. It even won ‘Overall Best Contemporary Gin’ at The Gin Guide Awards 2017!

So, how about this wonderful ‘Je T’Aime’ pink cocktail for the one you love…

• 37.5ml Pinkster Gin • 15ml Chambord liqueur (or raspberry equivalent) • 50ml Pineapple juice Across Shake hard to create the 1. Food arranged on plate (7) foam layer and double strain 7. Desolate-sounding peer (5) in Martini glass.

8. onLot very shaken in an open mann Float raspberries

By Cecile (7) top. Enjoy!

9. Sally has a change of heart, alas 11. Celebrity eating starter, look (5) 12. Counterfeit note; ergo, duff (5) 14. Call on evil insiders to convene (5 16. Comeback directed to Piers (7) 18. Either way, it’s a principle (5) 19. Gather her tip averts disaster (7) Down The perfect gift for wine lovers 1. Group behind many plans (5) Suitable for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Mother’s Day, Christmas etc.

2. A story in Tamil, I expect (3) 02380 644350 3. Stylish attire has 50% off in New www.hampshirewineschool.com York! (5) info@hampshirewineschool.com 4. As described, small chasm (5) 5. Salerno (redeveloped city) (7) 6. A poem found on a battery (5)

TREAT SOMEONE TO THE ULTIMATE WINE EXPERIENCE!

Mini Cryptic Crosswo

Puzzle Page

Word Ladder

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

Pictograms

Her pos (oth

R A I N

NEW KNEW

RAIN

3 words

W

lain

O

R

laid

D

land lane line

FINE

4 words

TRIASSIC JURASSIC CRETACEOUS

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

PIC TOGRAMS

ord

2 words

CROSSWORD

ner (5)

F I N E Across 1.

Food arranged on plate (7) 7.

Desolate-sounding peer (5) 8.

Lot very shaken in an open manner (7) 9.

Sally has a change of heart, alas (5) 11. Celebrity eating starter, look (5) 12. Counterfeit note; ergo, duff (5) 14. Call on evil insiders to convene (5) 16. Comeback directed to Piers (7) 18. Either way, it’s a principle (5) 19. Gather her tip averts disaster (7) Down 1.

Group behind many plans (5) 2.

A story in Tamil, I expect (3) 3.

Stylish attire has 50% off in New York! (5) 4.

As described, small chasm (5) 5.

Salerno (redeveloped city) (7) 6.

A poem found on a battery (5) 10. Love letter starting in bold (7) 12. Keep Hungary’s leader out! (5) 13. Soil shortage, but not the first (5) 14. Six for each snake (5) 15. Flower rarely opening in shelter (5) 17. Girl (certain redhead dumped) (3)

Solution

5)

13. Soil shortage, but not the first (5)

15. Flower rarely opening in shelter (5)

45

ARE YOU A STAR GAZER? Outdoor nature hobbies are becoming more and more popular, including astronomy. If you’d like to understand the stars, identify planets and constellations then why not join others with a similar interest? Even if you live in a densely populated, light-polluted area, there’s more to see up there than you might imagine. Just north of Southampton, in the quiet village of Toothill, stands one of the finest observatories in Hampshire. Owned and run by Solent Amateur Astronomers, it houses a 14” Meade and numerous smaller telescopes.

Its next open door event, where public are welcome for £2 per adult, is Friday and Saturday nights of weekends 7/8th May and 2/3 June at 9.30pm. The club also hosts a programme of talks at Oasis Academy in Lordshill.

Interested? Visit www.solentastro.org or call Paul Jones on 02380 737218, or email: pbandhjones@btinternet.com Facebook: Solent Amateur Astronomers

AQUATEC Plumbing and Heating

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S.O.S SOLENT OSTOMATES SUPPORT All aspects of Plumbing carried out Bathroom Fitting Tiling Water Softeners supplied and fitted For a free quote call us today

02381 226 856 ▪ 07917 703 794 info@mbrierleyplumbing.co.uk www.mbrierleyplumbing.co.uk

Pure Digital

Aerial & Satellites Digital Aerial Installations & Repairs TV, Telephone & Broadband Points Freesat & Sky No Call out Charge • 10% OAP Discount All work Guaranteed

01489 790380 07712 709645

USEFUL INFO HCC SCHOOL HOLIDAY DATES

Contact 07527707069

The Chimney Man

Specialising in all aspects of Chimney & Roofing Work

Rebuilds • Leadwork • Pointing • Cowlings Removal • Cavity Tray Specialists Also specialising in GRP fibreglass flat roof systems Telephone

01489 600126 07891 624068

HEALTH SERVICES NHS

111 111

Botley Health Care Centre

01489 782008

Hampshire Dental Helpline

0845 0508345

2017

2018

Hedge End Med Centre

01489 786201

10-21 April

12 - 16 February

29 May - 2 June

30 March - 13 April

Princess Anne

023 8077 7222

26 July - 1 September

28 May - 1 June

Royal South Hants

023 8063 4288

23 - 27 October 22 December - 3 January 2018

LIBRARY HOURS Hedge End Library

0845 6035631

Royal Hampshire County

01962 863535

Southampton General

023 8077 7222

West End Surgery

023 8047 2126

TRANSPORT

Hedge End, Southampton SO30 4DW

Solent Blue Line Buses

023 8061 8233

Mon, Tue & Fri, 9:30 - 5pm, Wed 9am - 5pm,

Bluestar Buses

023 8061 8233

Thu 9:30am - 7pm, Sat 9:30 - 1pm, Sun Closed

National Rail Helpline

0845 748 4950

Uni-Link

023 8059 5974

First Bus

023 8022 4854

West End Library

0300 555 1387

Parish Centre Chapel Road West End SO30 3FE

48

There is support for people who have had a colostomy,ileostomy or urostomy at SOS. The group meets on the last Wednesday of the month (except August December) from 2--4pm. They are celebrating tens with a special meeting on Saturday 22 April 11am--3pm at Kings Community Church, Upper Northam Road, Hedge End. New members welcome.

Mon CLOSED Tues 9.30am - 6:00pm, Wed CLOSED,

COUNCILS

Thurs 9.30am - 1:00pm, Friday 9.30am - 5:00pm,

Botley Parish Council

01489 787181

Sat 9.30am - 1:00pm, Sunday CLOSED

Hedge End Town Council

01489 780440

Jon Curtis Tree Surgery

N.P.T.C Qualified Tree Surgeon ü Tree Removal ü Reducing/Thinning ü Removal of Deadwood and Dangerous Limbs ü Crown Raising/Thinning Hedge Cutting • Fully Insured up to 5 Million • Free Quotes & Advice

Call us today on: 02392 632909 or 07809 284419

email: mctreecare@hotmail.com

JP

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MOBILE SERVICES Property maintenacne Kitchens & Bathrooms House re-wires 17th edition Electrical safety certificates Extensions & conversions Fencing, paving & garden design Odd jobs & minor repairs Most trades covered

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We clean your oven……so you don’t have to.

Call today to have your oven, hob, extractor or Aga professionally cleaned

Paul Lewis contact details Tel: 02380 011446 Mob: 07584 321529 www.ovenwizards.com

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Highly experienced, qualified Maths teacher offers tuition for 9-16 year-olds. Friendly, games-based sessions which will boost your child’s confidence at school.

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49

BOOK REVIEWS RELATIONSHIPS

This month’s books are all about relationships, from first loves and families to fleeting friendships.

The Lonely Hearts Hotel Heather O’Neill

See You in the Cosmos Jack Cheng

Lucky Boy Shanthi Sekaran

Pierrot and Rose grow up together in a Montreal orphanage. They bond over a shared love of entertaining people, but go their separate ways as teenagers. Reunited years later, they set out to realise their childhood dream of running their own stage show.

Their path isn’t an easy one, however. They both have demons to face, and Rose’s wants her dead. A highly entertaining read, with beautiful, lyrical prose and characters you’ll be rooting for from the beginning.

11 year old Alex loves everything to do with space. So he builds a rocket and sets off for a rocket festival in Mexico. His plan is to launch his rocket into space, attached to an iPod on which Alex is recording his thoughts and feelings about his family and the people he meets on his journey. While it’s been catalogued as a children’s book, See You in the Cosmos definitely has crossover appeal.

Fresh, imaginative and full of energy, this is perfect for fans of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

Mexican Solimar risks everything to start a new life in America, but as an illegal immigrant she has few rights.

When she’s thrown into a detention centre, her son is placed in foster care. Kavya is an American-Indian chef desperate for a child. When she’s given Solimar’s toddler to care for it seems like a dream come true.

One boy – two mothers, both of whom will do everything in their power in order to keep him. An emotional rollercoaster of a read, this looks set to become one of this year’s bestsellers.

50

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sales@kitchenliving.co.uk

www.kitchenliving.co.uk 51

THE NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME The National Garden Scheme is the most significant charitable funder of nursing charities in the country ((The Queen’s Nursing Institute, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Carers Trust, Hospice UK, Perennial, Parkinson’s UK and other guest charities), donating over £50 million so far. NGS helps garden owners open their beautiful gardens to the public, sharing their passion and raising impressive amounts of money through entry fees, teas and slices of cake. Children are free.

HOLLYBROOK 20, 21, 27, 28 May 1-5pm 20a Chalk Hill, West End SO18 3BZ Small 82ft x 39ft town garden started in 2008.

Raised beds built using railway sleepers and imaginative use of other recycled and new materials to make interesting artistic garden pieces, to complement small herbaceous border, pergola and two ponds, one with a variety of fish.

Structural planting incl bamboos, grasses and hostas.

PAIGE COTTAGE Crawley, Winchester SO21 2PR 6, 9 July 2-5:30pm 1 acre traditional English country garden surrounding a period thatched cottage (not open), with a two-level pond with waterfall, a small orchard with rare anenomies, and a small vegetable garden.

Large variety of bulbs and wild flowers in spring, and herbaceous border and old varieties of climbing roses in summer. Combined admission with Little Court in April.

ATHELING VILLAS 27, 28, 29 May 2-5pm 16 Atheling Road, Hythe SO45 6BR Inspirational, imaginatively designed and comprehensively planted ⅓ acre Victorian villa garden, now in its 12th year of opening for the NGS. Explore meandering paths set amongst structural planting and delight in the flowering trees and shrubs (many rare), bulbs and herbaceous planting of this tranquil and welcoming garden.

Mary & Peter York 02380 849349

IVANHOE 29, 30 July 2-6pm 63 Bishopstoke Rd, Bishopstoke, SO50 6BF ⅓ acre wildlife friendly woodland garden. Varied planting, with bright perennials in sunny areas, ferns and shade lovers under 8 mature sycamore trees, colourful climbers, masses of spring bulbs, flowering trees and shrubs, a lily pond with fish and a small vegetable garden. Pots of heucheras, ferns, acers and seasonal flowers cluster round doors. Home made teas.

ROMSEY GARDENS 28 & 29 May, 11-5pm Romsey Gardens SO51 8LD Various gardens open in Romsey, all within walking distance of each other. 4 Mill Lane, a garden described by Joe Swift as ‘the best solution for a long thin garden with a view’. King John’s Garden, with its fascinating listed C13 house (not open), has all period plants that were available before 1700; The Nelson Cottage was formally a PH and its ½ acre garden has a variety of perennial plants and shrubs, with a wild grass meadow. The Old Thatched Cottage (C15) has a small garden undergoing further development by new owners; Combined admission £6, Children free.

THE ISLAND 26 & 27 Aug, 2-5pm The Island, Romsey SO51 0HP 6 acres either side of the R Test. Fine display of paeonies, wisteria and spring flowering trees. 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. Admission £5, Children free. Home-made teas. 01794 512100

Oaklands, Bramshaw 52

Beer Tent OUR FAMOUS BOTLEY BBQ

STALLS & GAMES FOR ALL AGES

Bouncy Castle

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SUMMER FAYRE

SAVE THE DATE Saturday 24th June 12-3pm Botley C of E Primary School Summer Fayre Entry 50p – Children Free www.botleyfobs.co.uk @FobsHampshire Kindly sponsored by

53

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FIND THE HIDDEN SYMBOL COMPETITION All you have to do is find the sun symbol hidden somewhere within one of this issue’s advertisements.

How to enter (text only): 07520 632898 One entry per household, last entry date 10th June 54

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You must state the following details: 1. Which advert featured the symbol 2. Your name 3. Your postal address 4. Your email address 5. And most importantly, when you received your copy of Discover Discover Magazines is compliant with the data protection act. Our policy is such that we will not pass on your details to any third party.

WIN ÂŁ50

Discover Hedge End is delivered door to door, free of charge. Distribution is monthly as follows: Hedge End, West and Botley in two deliveries; 7000 one month and a different 7000 the next thus regularly reaching 14000 homes every two months.

THE SOLENT’S NO. 1 PORTFOLIO OF LOCAL MAGAZINES

The Discover Family We also have another 11 magazines in South Hampshire: Locks Heath, Southampton, Eastleigh, Salisbury East, Stockbridge, Romsey, Meon Valley, Hythe, Totton, Winchester, Chandlers Ford. It’s like having lots of children: we love them all, and whilst they look similar each has its own personality!

023 8026 6388 • www.discovermagazines.co.uk

Do you Own or Manage a Business in Hedge End?

12 editions

145,000 homes

Stockbridge

One of the most effective ways to attract new local customers, grow your revenue and expand is to advertise. Local print advertising such as your local Discover Magazine works hand in hand with social media, online marketing and leafleting.

Winchester Salisbury East Villages

Discover Hedge End is regularly delivered to 14,000 owner occupied, 3 bed+ homes in Hedge End, Botley and West End with garden and private driveway To discuss a co-ordinated approach on marketing your business call Melanie Tinson 023 8027 6396 (direct) • www.discovermagazines.co.uk

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Meon Valley Hedge End

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Reach Out to 1,000s More Customers .... add neighbouring editions: Locks Heath Southampton Eastleigh EDITION

EDITION

EDITION

14,000 homes in SO15, SO16, SO17 inc Chilworth and Rownhams (exc SO14 city centre)

11,000 homes in Eastleigh, Bishopstoke, Fair Oak, Horton Heath and Colden Common

14,000 homes in Locks Heath, Whiteley, Warsash, Swanwick, Burridge and Titchfield

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WORD LADDER Here is one possible solution (others may exist) RAIN > lain > laid > land > lane > line > FINE PICTOGRAMS 1. Breaking News 2. Spread The Word 3. The Coast Is Clear Credits for pictures at the bottom of the festival feature: Page 1: Max Miechowski, Secret Garden Party Page 2: Andrew Whitton, Secret Garden Party Page 3: Giles Smith and Max Miechowski, Secret Garden Party Page 5: Wilderness Festival and Jenna Foxton, Secret Garden Party 55

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