Discover Locks Heath June/July 2017

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ULY 20 17 N E /J

Locks Heath EDITION

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CHF E | WA R S A S LEY | TIT H | S A R I S B U R Y G R E E N | S WA N W I C K | W H I T E

IELD

5 Page

Summer Special

Music Lovers Guide to Festivals

Inside Discover PETITIO OM N C

Best Tech Outdoor Toys

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Gardening: Slug Survival

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

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Nurse Clinics and Services Puppy classes, qualified diabetic advisor, RVN clinics

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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 27). 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 12 – what a great idea!

Editor

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 Locks Heath 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 ‘Wilderness Festival’, and photographer Justine Trickett for our beautiful cover this month. See page 27 for more details.

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What's On FEATURED LISTING ZUMBA FITNESS WITH AMY Fridays 6-7pm Whiteley Community Centre Call to book 07963 737504 Try your first class – it’s free!

LOCKS HEATH CLUB FOR OVER 60S There’s an Active 60 + club held every Monday afternoon at Locks wood Community Centre, Locks Heath from 2.15 to 4.30pm. It offers local residents a chance to make friends and keep active. Movement to music exercises taken by a qualified instructor - just enough to keep you mobile! Live entertainment, bingo, days out, holidays and a refreshing cuppa with biscuits.

All welcome, first session free then £2 per week and £10.00 yearly joining fee.

ALRESFORD WATERCRESS FESTIVAL 21 May Broad Street, West Street & East Street, Alresford SO24 9AR 6

In and Around the Solent

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 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

To feature your event email editorial@discovermagazines.co.uk (B) = Booking Essential 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 WATERWORKS OPEN DAY 4 Jun Twyford Waterworks, Twyford SO21 1QA Focusing on the industrial railway; ex-industrial petrol, diesel and battery electric locomotives will be running on both short lines. Other locos will be on display. See how materials used to be moved by narrow gauge railways. (No rides on any railways) www.twyfordwaterworks.co.uk, 07516 458900 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: 01590 646608 www.newforestnpa.gov.uk 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 SPINNAKER BRASS CONCERT 1 Jul, 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church, West Street, Fareham 10th anniversary celebration concert with Spinnaker Chorus.

Tickets on the door £6 adults, £3 conc.

7

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

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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.

CLUBS, CLASSES & FUN FOR 0-18 Dance Classes

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Sport Classes Rugby Tots 03453133244 www.rugbytots.co.uk 8

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

Call Talitha on 023 8026 6388

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

Baby & Toddler Classes Monkey Music winchester.fareham@ monkeymusic.co.uk Progressive, educational and fun: age-specific music classes for babies and young children

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KEEP COOL IN YOUR CONSERVATORY THIS SUMMER What a difference a day makes!

Transform your conservatory in less than a day with insulated roof panels.

require major upheaval and disruption. There is an alternative option that will transform your room from an unusable space to a beautiful room in less than one day!

Conservatories are usually constructed to add extra living space to a home, often in the hope that they will become an extra lounge, a dining room, home office or playroom. A lot of people find however, that from mid-November through until about mid-March, their conservatory is just too cold to pleasantly sit in without spending a small fortune on heating it and then from mid-June through until about the end of September, that same space is unbearably hot during the day. So what’s the answer?

Green Space Ltd is a local family run company specialising in transforming conservatories. Their roof panels are lightweight and offer eight times better insulation than a polycarbonate roof. With U-values of 0.29, they will keep your conservatory at a comfortable temperature all year round.

What’s more, the panels are manufactured to measure off site, so installation generally takes less than a day, keeping disruption to a minimum.

They are sole suppliers in the South of this system which is compatible with most conservatories, old and new and you get a 10 year guarantee.

In 2010 the planning laws were relaxed and in the majority of cases, you can now fit a solid roof to your conservatory without planning permission.

This means better insulation, keeping the room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and a room that you can use all year round.

There are a few different options to fitting a solid roof on your conservatory, most of which

So, a conservatory that was too cold to eat your breakfast in the morning, could be lovely and cosy by dinner time.

Green Space Conservatories 01793 208 002 www.greenspaceconservatories.co.uk

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11

IF IT’S BROKEN DON’T BIN IT, BRING IT TO A REPAIR CAFE!

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.

12

The Repair Café changes all that!

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.

As well as focusing on sustainability, the Repair Café just wants to show how much fun repairing things can be, and how easy it often is. Why don’t you give it a go?

Who thought up the idea?

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.

For more information visit www.repaircafe.org Your nearest Repair Café: Freemantle United Reformed Church 257 Shirley Road SO15 3HS First Saturday each month 10.30am-1pm

RESERVE YOUR DREAM HOME AT BURSLEDON AND RECEIVE £2,000 WORTH OF HOLIDAY VOUCHERS* Hamble View is an exciting development ideally located within walking distance of the River Hamble. This stunning development is nestled in the sought after village of Bursledon, the ideal location for all lifestyles and also benefits from excellent transport links.

Along with the Bovis Homes’ all inclusive specification and with a wide range of schemes available to get you moving we hope to make your move hassle free.

Ask about our purchase assistance schemes, designed to get you moving:• Home Exchange • Smooth Move • Help to Buy • Scheme for the Armed Forces Selection of 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 bedroom homes now available.

Contact selling agent to arrange an appointment to View.

01489 885338 Photographs depict typical Bovis Homes interiors. Elevations may be different to those shown. *£2,000 worth of Thomas Cook holiday vouchers. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or purchase assistance scheme. Only available on specific plots for legal completions on or before 30th June 2017. Full terms and conditions are available from our developments. Prices and availability correct at time of going to press. Please ask the sales advisor for more details.

13

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.

14

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.

By Kate McLelland

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Carports & Canopies

During the last few years I have been suffering from very painful knees. I’m a plumber and spend countless hours kneeling on hard surfaces. I wear kneepads but the pain is still getting worse. Is it time to consider knee surgery?

Firstly, I would like to start by congratulating you on the use of knee pads as these are certainly beneficial for your trade.

The nature of your job as a plumber causes significant strain on your knee joint, in particular the patellofemoral joint which is the compartment where your kneecap glides over the thigh bone. Symptoms usually associated with this part of the knee include; crepitus (a grating sensation), swelling, pain when standing from a sitting position, pain when using stairs, ladders and kneeling. It is important that you see a specialist who can establish an accurate diagnosis by examining your knee and the use of an MRI scan.

There are various treatment options for knee pain, involving the kneecap in particular which include; physiotherapy, injection therapy (steroid/lubricant) or keyhole surgery (arthroscopy). The decision for what treatment option should be implemented is based on symptoms and your diagnostic imaging. It is essential that you seek the right form of advice and the appropriate specialist in order for you to obtain a correct treatment strategy and get back to a pain free working life.

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“Dear Doctor”

• Orthotics! Carpenters, builders and plumbers are all required to wear knee pads to support the joints • Wear fitted shoes/boots to work. The force transmitted through the knee joint is linked with the posture and alignment of the foot and ankle • Early diagnosis: if you experience consistent knee pain for 2-4 weeks you should see an orthopaedic specialist to prevent more serious damage

Worried about knee pain?

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19

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.

20

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

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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:

• 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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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

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laid

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land lane line

FINE

4 words

TRIASSIC JURASSIC CRETACEOUS

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

PIC TOGRAMS

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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.

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Group behind many plans (5) 2.

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

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15. Flower rarely opening in shelter (5)

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HEATHSIDE VETERINARY SURGERY With barbecue season fast approaching, Heathside Veterinary Surgery are readying themselves for the inevitable casualties that come with our love of outdoor cooking. With a few precautions and an awareness of possible dangers we can help to keep our pets safe.

As most pet owners are aware, there are certain foods that can be toxic to cats and dogs. Most of us are aware that chocolate is poisonous to dogs but are you aware that garlic and onions are too?

Especially for cats!

Our pets love to hoover up indoors and being outdoors is no different. However, slow cooked meat can often cause diarrhoea in dogs and it can get

24

somewhat “explosive�! Small bones can choke, but more worryingly they splinter and may pierce the bowel. This concern applies to skewers and toothpicks if wolfed down by your pet.

Other choking hazards are peach and avocado stones and corn on the cob. This barbecue staple is indigestible and is often the cause of blockages.

And of course, keep your pet away from the barbecue! They remain hot long after they are switched off, ensure the lid is closed so there is minimal risk to burning paws and tongues. Any hot coals should be disposed of properly.

Most pets will eat anything and everything but overindulgence may make your pet unwell. With a few precautions and a watchful eye, you can help keep the heat out of your summer.

For more summer tips follow Heathside Veterinary Surgery blog at www.heathsidevets.co.uk

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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 27

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

28

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.

29

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

30

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

31

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 32

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

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• 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.

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advertorial

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.

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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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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 38

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!

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39

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.

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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

42

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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43

Advertorial

BRENDA HITS THE NEWS NEVER TOO OLD TO CARE Brenda Powell from Hamble has hit the news appearing on BBC Radio and in local press. She is 72 years old and after retiring in 2012 could be taking things easier now. However, she has found a new zest for life, back in employment and working as a Caregiver with Home Instead Senior Care Southampton. Brenda is part of a new generation of workers who are starting fresh careers at a time when they might traditionally be pursuing hobbies and interests. As a Caregiver, Brenda works 13 hours a week visiting her elderly clients in their own homes, helping them with shopping, cooking and other daily routines, enabling them to remain living independently in their own homes. She also provides them with the companionship that elderly people so often lack due to isolation.

Brenda previously worked as a Community Nurse and obtained a degree in Occupational Health at the age of 47. When Brenda was 67, she retired, but a few years later, she decided to go back to work as she felt as she had more to give. When she saw that Home Instead were looking for Caregivers, she applied and was invited for an interview. Since being hired nearly two years ago, she has loved every minute of it and has never looked back!

Brenda says, “Being a Caregiver is very rewarding.

I am really happy in my role and I couldn’t tell you the best part about my job; I love the whole package!

“I particularly love helping my clients and being part of their life. It is like being part of their extended family. Each of my client visits are an hour or 44

more, which helps with building relationships and I feel like I am contributing to something special.”

Brenda supports 90 year old Peter, seen in this photo, who lives at home in Hamble, he says “This is where I want to be as all my memories are here. It means everything to me to be cared for at home.”

Graeme Cann co-owner of Home Instead Southampton also commented. He said, “We are so lucky to have Brenda as a Caregiver. She is truly an inspiration and everyone who meets her just loves her! She is 100% client focused and is proof that the over 50’s are a highly effective care resource.

“We match our Caregivers to clients and some of our clients like to be cared for by someone closer to their own age. They also have the life skills to understand the issues faced by those in need of care. It’s why we already employ many people who are over 50. Much of the work in the sector is parttime, so is ideal for anyone looking to work a few hours each week.”

For more information on working with Home Instead Senior Care, contact the office on 01489 559007 or at www.homeinstead.co.uk/southampton

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Baking

RHUBARB & ALMOND TART A delicious tart with a layer of tangy roasted rhubarb topped with a sweet almond frangipane. Serve warm or cold with crème fraiche or vanilla ice cream.

SERVES 8 READY IN 1 hour 30 minutes, plus chilling time INGREDIENTS Flour, for dusting 300g ready-made shortcrust pastry 250g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped 175g caster sugar 3 tbsp orange juice 150g unsalted butter, melted 125g ground almonds ½ tsp vanilla extract 2 medium eggs, beaten Icing sugar, for dusting

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/Fan 180C/Gas Mark 6. Lightly dust a work surface with flour and roll out the pastry to about 3mm thickness. Use to line a 23cm loose-based fluted flan tin.

Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, place the rhubarb, 25g of the caster sugar and the orange juice in a shallow roasting tin. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until just tender, turning once.

Leave to cool.

3. Trim off the excess pastry from around the edge of the chilled pastry case and prick the base all over with a fork. Line the case with baking paper and baking beans and bake blind for 10 minutes. Remove the beans and lining and bake for a further 5 minutes until pale golden.

4. Strain the rhubarb from the roasting juices and spoon into the pastry case. Beat together the melted butter, remaining caster sugar, ground almonds, vanilla extract and eggs in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Gently spread over the rhubarb.

5. Bake the tart for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden and just set. Serve warm or cold dusted with icing sugar. See tip for serving suggestion.

TIP For a stylish way to serve the tart, pipe swirls of fruit puree or sieved jam onto individual serving plates before gently placing the slices on top. Decorate with tiny fresh mint or basil sprigs.

48

49

Short Story

THE LAST OF THE WILD CHICKENS

BY JACKIE BREWSTER

Vinny burst through the door of the community centre. “You’ll never guess what’s on top of the bike shed!”

“I’m no Bill Oddie, but I think I know the difference,” he said. “Come and have a look if you don’t believe me.”

At the mention of the bike shed Eunice’s heart skipped a beat; had Vinny discovered her guilty secret?

Very reluctantly Eunice pulled on her anorak and followed Vinny to the bike shed. A fat brown bantam sat clucking on the flat roof admiring the view.

She’d been stacking chairs, assuming that all the members of her ‘Trimmer You!’ slimming club had departed. It had been a tough session. She’d had to be particularly strict with the group about avoiding the temptation of chocolate over the Bank Holiday weekend. There had been tears. Now Vinny was back, his ‘Trimmer of the Week’ rosette flapping in the breeze.

“An actual chicken!” he continued breathlessly. “Sat there bold as brass.”

Eunice stared at him, her mind racing. A chicken was not what she was expecting.

“Don’t be daft,” she reasoned. “There’s no way a chicken could get up there - they can’t fly.”

“Try telling that to this one,” Vinny laughed.

“It’s probably just a pigeon,” Eunice said firmly, hoping this would be enough to make Vinny finally go home.

50

“I wonder where it’s come from,” Eunice said, her eyes searching the rest of the roof. “Someone round here must keep chickens.”

“Perhaps it’s been living wild,” Vinny said.

“A chicken wouldn’t last five minutes in the wild.”

“Well they had to live in the wild originally,” Vinny answered.

“This might be the last of the wild chickens.”

“We’ll have to get it down,” Eunice said irritably, reminded, more than ever, how annoying Vinny could be. “We can’t lock up and leave it there. Can you reach up and grab it?”

“I’m not sure.” Vinny looked worried. “I’ve never held a bird before.”

Eunice did not find this at all surprising. The bird ruffled her wings and stared at them indignantly.

“Just grab her firmly around her sides,” Eunice said. “I’ll go and phone the caretaker to see if he knows who she belongs to.”

Eunice went back into the community hall and paced up and down. She needed time to think.

Within moments Vinny popped his head around the door.

“Mystery solved!” he said cheerfully. “This lady walked into the car park and asked if I’d seen her chicken.”

“Who was it?” Eunice hoped her ordeal was finally over.

“Someone from the village,” Vinny said. “She said chickens can fly, they’re just not very good at it.

Apparently this one’s always trying to escape.”

“So it wasn’t a wild chicken then?” Eunice smirked.

“No, but I think it was a magic one. Look...” From behind his back Vinny produced a large Easter egg wrapped in pink foil. “It had rolled down the side of the shed. That chicken must have laid it.”

Eunice stared first at Vinny in disbelief, and then at the incriminating confectionary. She had one last trick up her sleeve.

“A chocolate egg laying chicken!” she gasped. “I’ve heard of them but I’ve never seen one in real life.”

She held out her hand for the egg. “I’d better take care of that.”

“What are you going to do with it?” Vinny whispered as though afraid to wake it. “Do you think it will hatch?”

“Maybe,” Eunice said, “particularly if I take it home and put it somewhere nice and warm.”

Which, in a roundabout way, had been Eunice’s plan for that egg all along.

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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.

52

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Spire Healthcare Portsmouth

18

Rubbish Clearance and Waste Removal 47

The Healing Sanctuary

18

Solicitors Eric Robinson Solicitors

RFW Plumbing & Heating Ltd

39

21

Tree Surgeons Arbor Call

33

Dream Doors Southampton

19

Jon Curtis Tree Surgery

33

Kitchen Living

26

TV & Aerial Services

Landscapers R and C Landscapes

Loft Services

Not for Cats

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

Printers

Pure Digitals, Aerials & Satellites 33

36

Vets Heathside Veterinary Surgery

24

46

Upholstery Services Pont Furnishings Ltd

35

Pet Shops

Electricians Premlex Electrical

41

J and D Humphrey Ltd

Lofts & Conversions

Education Hampshire Wine School

Medway Mechanical Services Ltd

9

Kitchens

Cloudy2Clear Southampton

9

Eastleigh Fencing_Fencing

Heating & Plumbing

Conservatories

39

Colourfence 34

Lawn & Gardening 22

Gair Gas Heatworks Heating & Plumbing Ltd

Skandoor Ltd

Business Agents Adams & Co

13

Fencing

Blinds & Curtains Solent Blind & Curtain Company

Plumbing & Heating Services

Countrywide Estate Agents

Whiteley Village Vets Ltd

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

25 3

Discover Locks Heath is delivered door to door, free of charge. Distribution is monthly as follows: residential areas of Whiteley, Warsash, Titchfield, Sarisbury Green, Swanwick and Burridge. There are two monthly deliveries, 7000 each month thus regularly reaching a total of 14,000 homes.

THE SOLENT’S NO. 1 PORTFOLIO OF LOCAL MAGAZINES

The Discover Family We also have another 11 magazines in South Hampshire: Southampton, Hedge End, 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 Locks Heath?

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 Locks Heath is regularly delivered to 14,000 owner occupied homes in Locks Heath, Whiteley, Warsash, Swanwick, Burridge and Titchfield To discuss a co-ordinated approach on marketing your business call Melanie Tinson 023 8027 6396 (direct) • www.discovermagazines.co.uk

Romsey Chandlers Ford Eastleigh Southampton Totton & Ashurst

Meon Valley Hedge End

Locks Heath

Hythe & Lyndhurst

Reach Out to 1,000s More Customers .... add neighbouring editions: Hedge End Eastleigh Meon Valley EDITION

EDITION

EDITION

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

12,000 homes in SO32, PO17 and PO7 inc Wickham and Bishops Waltham. Royal Mail delivered

delivered to 14,000 homes in Hedge End, Botley and West End

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Solution

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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