Discover Meon Valley Mar/Apr 2017 by Tania Houston

CH/APRIL 201 AR 7

Meon Valley Edition

I n cl u d i n

g B IS H O P N OW L E HASE | K ’S WA LT H A M | W C M A H T L A W | E I C K H A M | S WA N M O R

Velvet Underground

Dealing with garden moles

Decorating Your Home

Invaluable Tips

Your Community

What’s On, Local Groups, Community News

Chas & Dave in Ferneham Hall March 17 p3

YOUR FREE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE & LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY D eli v ered to 1 4 4 , 0 0 0 home s a c ro s s t he So l e n t

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The Life List

It’s All Right For Some! By Derek Thompson When faced with delayed pensions, jobs stolen by robots, and endless reality television (we were lucky with The Family in 1974!), you can see why the younger generation thinks that we’ve had the best of it. Even their technology has helped us to catch up on decades of our favourite radio and TV programmes. It wasn’t always that way though, as they sometimes need to be reminded. Here’s a list of conversation starters, with just a hint of exaggeration.

Our childhood was so deprived...

• At Christmas we each got an orange painted stone.

THE HISTORY OF CHAS & DAVE 3 March, 7.30pm, Ferneham Hall Over the past two years they have had a new hit album ‘That’s What Happens’ on Warner Brothers Records, headlined The Royal Variety Show, sold out The Royal Albert Hall in London, performed an arena tour with Status Quo and performed at the VE Day Concert which was televised on BBC TV. Chas & Dave are still selling out theatres all over the UK. They know how to give an audience a good time, performing all the hits that made this Cockney duo famous. Tickets £26.50 - £29.50 www.fernehamhall.co.uk • The school dinners were leftovers - from the dinners at other schools. • We were told that the radio only worked at teatime. • We shared a toilet with the municipal baths. • We had a single pair of socks between three of us - a brown one and a blue one. • Our Father Christmas letter simply read: all donations gratefully received. • We made all our own decorations out of last year’s decorations. • We glued pencil shavings together to make a new pencil. • It was a treat to be sat outside the pub with a lemonade. • As dad was a keen gardener, we had to follow the rag and bone horse until we’d collected a bagful. • We were only allowed to stay up late to watch programmes we couldn’t understand. • All the kids in class knew you’d redecorated by the cover on your exercise book. • Every child had to learn fractions to cope with mum’s Green Shield Stamps. 3

GIPSY MOTH IV RETURNS TO BUCKLER’S HARD Fifty years ago, Sir Francis Chichester set sail on the Beaulieu River to become the first person to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe. Gipsy Moth IV is now on show again at the bottom of the High Street, where Sir Francis originally kept her before setting sail on his epic voyage. Gipsy Moth IV will be open to Buckler’s Hard visitors between 10am and 4.30pm on 14 - 17 April 2017. It’s a rare opportunity to climb on board the famous yacht for a tour and learn more about her record-breaking history and amazing story. More tales and artefacts from the voyage are on show in the attraction’s Maritime Museum, including a map, personal items from the adventure and records of the floodings and even a capsizing which put the journey at risk. Plans to celebrate the anniversary of the homecoming to Buckler’s Hard in September 2017 are already underway. “It is a beautiful spot and keeps her much more visible to the public as she is moored at the bottom of the ‘street’ between the old shipwright’s cottages. We all feel that this is a wonderful place for her to be, especially as this is where Sir Francis originally kept her before heading off on his circumnavigation.”

A Record Breaking Adventure Sir Francis Chichester, the son of a clergyman, set a number of world firsts and records through his successful voyage. He was the first person to sail solo around the earth and the fastest circumnavigator with his record of nine months and one day, which was almost twice as fast as the previous record. To prepare for the voyage, Buckler’s Hard shopkeeper Mrs Rhoda Martin’s task was to preserve eggs by covering the shells with liquid paraffin and de-eyeing hundreds of potatoes to prevent them from sprouting. According to the provisions list he took 156 eggs and 30lbs of potatoes on the outward journey. Sir Francis sailed from Buckler’s Hard on August 12th 1966 for trials on the Solent before finally leaving Plymouth on August 27th. After 226 days at sea, with only one stop in Sydney, the 65-year-old sailor and former aviator finally returned to Buckler’s Hard on September 17th the following year. He had travelled a staggering 29,630 miles in the 54ft ketch. Weeks after his circumnavigation, Sir Francis was knighted for “individual achievement and sustained endeavour in the navigation and seamanship of small craft”. For the ceremony, the Queen used the sword which had been used by her predecessor, Queen Elizabeth I, to knight the adventurer Sir Francis Drake who was the first Englishman to complete a circumnavigation with his crew. Sir Francis was also later honoured on a postage stamp, which showed him aboard Gipsy Moth IV and he still holds a special place in maritime history. Asked why he undertook the journey, Sir Francis Chichester said simply: “Because it intensifies life.”

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Editor’s Letter

LIVE LONG AND PROSPER I don’t believe everything I read in the newspapers, unless it suits me of course. My favourites are a glass of wine a day protects the heart, beer is good for the brain, and The Daily Telegraph recently listed 10 reasons why chocolate is good for you. Add in other recommendations such as taking regular exercise, five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and maintaining a positive attitude, and I reckon if I follow all this advice I should make it to 100. Which I need to really as now it’s been announced that England’s chief medical officer has called on baby boomers, those

aged 50 and 70, to keep working to stay healthy. So now working is good for you, too. I’m a bit sceptical about all this. I have to say that alcohol these days doesn’t really agree with me and chocolate goes straight to my waist. I’m optimistic, but I’m British – am I honestly expected to give up moaning about the weather? And I do exercise, but everyone I knows who does (including me) seems to be constantly moaning about injuries and aching muscles. As for working till I’m 70…I think I’ll have to so I can afford wine, chocolate, healthy food and a gym membership.

Tania Editor

Tania Houston

The Solent’s No. 1 Portfolio of Local Magazines 023 8026 6388 • www.discovermagazines.co.uk

12 local editions 144,000 circulation

Meon Valley is a monthly community publication. delivered door to door. We use the Royal Mail to ensure it arrives through the letterboxes of even the most rural properties in the SO32, PO17 and PO7 4 postcodes. Your copy arrives at the same time as your post. The Discover Family We also have another 11 magazines in South Hampshire: Locks Heath, Hedge End, Eastleigh, Salisbury East, Totton & Ashurst, Romsey, Stockbridge, Hythe, Southampton, Winchester, Chandlers Ford. It’s like having lots of children: we love them all, and whilst they look similar each has its own personality!

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Motoring

Super-Size America Doesn’t Extend To LA Auto Show James Baggott takes a look behind the scenes of America’s motor show in the Sunshine State For a land known for its love of excess, the LA motor show is a relatively bijou affair. Small, compact and easy to get around, it’s the polar opposite of the city that hosts it. It makes little sense launching cars in a metropolis that’s smothered in a layer of smog, crammed with traffic and needs more cars like the ozone layer needs a bigger hole in it, but America being America does it anyway. Unlike the vast, monolithic motoring expos of Frankfurt and Paris, LA does things in bite-sized chunks (unlike its burgers). The stands are more compact, the press corps less stressed and fewer in numbers, and the new car launches less frequent. But that doesn’t mean there wasn’t big news out there in the States – some manufacturers, especially those with a presence on this side of the pond, or with aspirations to have one, take the event pretty seriously. Alfa Romeo is one such ambitious car maker. The Italian firm showcased its new Stelvio SUV with a launch in a tent outside the main halls. It was so packed, the overzealous American fire regulations meant most journalists couldn’t even get in. Fortunately, this rival to the Porsche Macan and Jaguar F-Pace was quickly moved to the Alfa stand where we got a proper look. Rumours suggest it will arrive in the UK late in 2017 with a diesel engine first, with a bi-turbo 2.9-litre V6 packing 503bhp following soon after. The spicy version will have four-wheel drive, the diesel making do with power via the rear wheels. Some Italian flair in a sector not known for it will be most welcome. 8

Elsewhere, the Germans gave the clearest signs yet that another recession was imminent with the unveiling of the why-do-we-need-it MercedesMaybach S650 Cabriolet. Just 300 of the 621bhp monsters will be produced and, although pricing is yet to be released, don’t expect much change from £200,000. Mazda used the eve of the first press day to take the wraps off its new CX-5. At an event peppered with nonsense car design gobbledygook, and interspersed with pictures of cheetahs and chopsticks that were being used to demonstrate Mazda’s new design direction, the manufacturer showed off a rather smart looking SUV. It’s the best-selling model in Europe for the firm and its new nose, which has more than a hint of Jaguar F-Pace about it, points to the future look for all Mazdas. It also comes in a new red, which is redder than the last red. Understood? Good. Jaguar was another manufacturer that had decided to grab some early motoring show headlines, revealing its futuristic electric I-Pace to the world in its own unique style two full days before the event opened. Using virtual reality headsets it simultaneously launched the car in LA and London, with car designer Ian Callum showing off the firm’s first foray into electric vehicles (EVs). LA was an apt showcase for a model that will sell 50 per cent of its volume in the States, and with a range of 310 miles on a single charge chances are those buyers will be queuing up to get hold of one when it goes into production next year. Finally a Tesla rival from Britain? We hope so. Other notable launches included a world premiere for the largest of all Minis, the Countryman, and the new Volkswagen e-Golf with a range of 186 miles on a charge - up 50 per cent on its predecessor. However, it was the real Americana that caught our eye in the subterranean halls under the main

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Bishop’s Waltham Rotary Club news Bishop’s Waltham Gateway Club As many of you know, the Gateway Club is a brilliant charity for adults with learning difficulties providing a fun and safe environment for all of their members. The Gateway Club is one of the main recipients of charitable funds collected by Bishop’s Waltham Rotary. The picture to the right shows a Christmas visit from BW Rotary and Santa distributing presents. If you would like to get involved with the Gateway Club, please contact them at bwgatewayclub@gmail.com SOME KEY 2017 DATES Carnival and Show: 10th June This year we have a theme of ‘SPACE: THE FINAL FRONTIER’. Our thanks go to Jason Guard of White and Guard estate agent in Bishop’s Waltham for their continued sponsorship of the carnival, now into its eighth year.

Stroke Awareness: 1st July You don’t need to be old to have a stroke! We are urging everyone, whatever their age, to take the first step to have their blood pressure checked. The Stroke Awareness event, in conjunction with The Stroke Association, will be held in the King’s Centre. Family and Fun Sports Day.: 10th June The Annual Road Race and Fun Run will this year be combined with the Carnival at Hoe Road. There will be races of all types for all ages. Details to be finalised. 12

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Space ... The Final Frontier This year’s theme

BUSINESSES FOR SALE MODEL RAILWAY & REMOTE CONTROLLED MODELS SHOP Aircraft, helis, boats & cars; drones; kites; rockets; Mamod live steam; Balsa wood & modelling materials; Scalextric & Ninco slotcars and model railways in “n” & “00”. Annual sales £79,931 with scope for e-commerce. £9,950, Relocatable, L/hold, Ref HW1488 STYLISH HAIR SALON PRIME LOCATION IN LYMINGTON Currently staff-run, would suit working owner. 7 chairs Men and children; scope to add ladies hairdressing. Beautiful Georgian building in a prime trading position. Revenue £1,300 p/week. £9,950 plus SAV, L/hold, Ref HW1490 STYLISH UNISEX HAIR & BEAUTY SALON ON HIGH STREET IN SOUTHAMPTON Prime corner position. 6 ladies 4 men’s dressing stations, 2 backwash and 4 separate beauty treatment rooms each let out at £400 per month. New 10 year lease. Annual revenues £140,000. £35,000 plus sav, L/hold, Ref HW1500 PET SHOP IN STH HANTS TOWN WITH 3-BED MAISONETTE Live pets include birds and small furries; significant pet food sales.16-year lease expires 2026. Annual rent only £5,760 including 3-bed maisonette. Sales £125,035 GP £46,185 (37%). £49,950 plus sav, L/hold, Ref HW1499 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;. Year-round 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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Life Begins

Online Dating: Not Just For Twentysomethings My sympathies were aroused the first time I met Abby, a friend-of-a-friend who had recently moved to my neighbourhood after a divorce. Aged 47, she had made the move in order to seek a different life for herself and her fifteen-year-old son. However, two years later my sympathy began to wear a little thin, after she repeatedly turned up at my house bemoaning the lack of eligible men in her life. On every occasion I would remind her that online dating was her best option for meeting a new partner, but she remained stubbornly unmoved. The process of online dating is very simple: just create a profile, check out potential matches, communicate with your chosen date and then arrange to meet. Given the scare stories we hear about fake profiles, romance frauds and stalking, Abby was right to be cautious, but probably not to the point of spoiling her best statistical chances of finding love. Staying safe online It’s natural to feel a little nervous about meeting a stranger for the first time, but there are certain common sense precautions you can take to stay safe. • Choose a username that doesn’t reveal who you are and don’t give away your surname, contact information, home address or place of work when first setting up your profile. • Don’t give away too much information about yourself right away. Take things slowly, sharing more information when you feel comfortable to do so. • Never release financial information or give in to pressure to lend money. • Meet in public and stay in public on your first couple of dates and always let a friend know where you are, and who you’re meeting. Setting up a successful online dating profile The UK dating site Match.com says that when registering with a site it’s important to answer 14

questions accurately for the best possible chance of finding your ideal match. When writing about your personality they recommend reading other profiles for inspiration or asking a friend to describe your characteristics. For maximum impact, start the description with an eye-catching opening paragraph, using key words relating to your passions and interests. The dating site Zoosk found that women get 60% more attention if their profile photo is taken indoors, while men get 19% more attention if theirs is taken outside, particularly if the photo includes other friends or involves an active pursuit. What do I have to pay? Some sites are free to join, whereas an average paid-for site might cost between £13 and £50 per month. Some online services charge considerably higher membership fees. Are there sites specifically for mature people? You don’t have to restrict yourself to age-specific sites unless you feel more comfortable in doing so. Two of the most popular sites for UK dating are ukmaturedating.com and maturefreeandsingle.com. The popularity of online sites has boomed recently with the addition of mobile apps, with 37% of people surveyed by smartphone manufacturer HTC saying they had met a partner via a dating app. The message has finally got through to Abby, who went on her first date through an online site last week. Unfortunately he wasn’t the man of her dreams, but she nevertheless enjoyed the date. Thanks to that experience, she’s confident that it’s now only a matter of time before she meets Mr Right.

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Cataracts affect approximately 70% of people in the UK over 65 years of age. Today, it is possible to perform surgery at a relatively early stage, and usually recommended once vision is affecting your lifestyle. It may also help those who wish to drive but do not currently meet the DVLA legal eyesight standard. The procedure involves the removal of the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a carefully selected intraocular lens (IOL). These are precisely manufactured and come in a range of styles and strengths, so a key part of the consultation is deciding which lens suits that particular patient. This has a major influence on the outcome and whether glasses would be needed. The NHS offers excellent cataract surgery but rarely with tailored intraocular lens, meaning that glasses will almost certainly be required after surgery. Newly developed state-of-the-art laser technology now enables surgery without blades, allowing for unprecedented precision, comfort and safety. To book a place on our free Vision Correction information evening on 16 February, please contact us on 023 9245 6172 or info@spireportsmouth.com

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NEW ZEALAND; A VERY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE Stunning scenery, miles of beautiful coastline, eerie fjords, wineries, sulphurous geysers, helicopter rides over glaciers… The list of New Zealand attractions seems almost endless, but what is it that makes so many return to take another look? New Zealand has been Amity Travel’s top destination in recent years, even outselling its nearest neighbour and tourism rival Australia. Amity Travel believes it is down to the hospitality of the locals. Visitors always remark on just how friendly, down to earth and helpful the New Zealanders are. Amity Travel specialise in tailoring holidays to your own personal needs and understand what makes their clients come back and say “Wow! We can’t wait to go again”. Part of that is down to the choice of accommodation, from boutique B&B’s, eco lodges and farmhouses right through to elite private homes. The one thing they all have in common is that you will be staying with local people, with local knowledge, keen to make your stay just that little bit different and special. In New Zealand making clients feel special is all about the service and scenery, with something for every budget. Amity can offer B&Bs with views to die for, from as little as £70 a night for 2 people, including breakfast, (www.beaconpoint.co.nz) right through to highly exclusive options, such as “The Eagles Nest” (www.eaglesnest.co.nz), where the top villa (sleeps 8) is a mere £9500 a night in high season. The majority of clients enjoy a

good mixture of accommodation with one or two self-catering options thrown in, such as Birchwood Cottages at Te Anau (www.birchwoodcottages.co.nz) or the wonderfully named Lemonade Farm at the Able Tasman (www.lemonadefarm.co.nz). Food is a big part of New Zealand life; with so many wineries dotted around the country the opportunity to have the perfect picnic seems to arise just about anywhere, from the top of a mountain, to sailing through the fjords. One of the most unusual eateries has to be Nins Bin at Kaikoura, a caravan perched along the shore, where you can choose your own lobster or crayfish before sitting down to enjoy your meal while spotting seals. Some of the best seafood can be found at Moeraki, half way between Dunedin and Christchurch. Fleurs Place at the Old Jetty looks like nothing more than a shack but is reputed to offer some of the best seafood in New Zealand, with such winners as “oyster pie” and “shellfish hot pot”. With so many gastronomic opportunities, a spot of exercise never goes amiss and what better way than a guided walk along the Milford track which incorporates a cruise along Lake Te Anau or the Routeburn track taking in the spectacular Routeburn Falls near Queenstown. It was once said that New Zealand was closed for business but that is certainly not the case anymore. If you are looking at a holiday in New Zealand, where better to start than talking with the travel experts at Amity World Travel.

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TO SELL OR NOT TO SELL? What to do with the family home on divorce. When couples make the decision that their marriage is at an end, the sharing of financial assets is an important consideration. The most difficult question to answer will always be: What shall we do with the family home? There are various options: Sale: When there are no children, a popular option is to sell

the property and divide the proceeds. A 50:50 division should be used as a starting point but be sure to take advice as in some cases, you may be justified in receiving more than half. Importantly, the sale proceeds will be shared so they cater for your respective financial needs. An ability to raise a mortgage must be considered.

Deferred Sale: Couples can elect to delay the sale of the family home, perhaps if the children are studying for important exams or if you prefer to wait until the end of the current academic year. In this case, you need to decide who will live in the property, and will this be to the exclusion of the other, and who will pay the mortgage. Transfer: The property can be transferred from joint names into the sole name of either party. You will need to confirm that the mortgage can equally be transferred. Please liaise with

your mortgage company. In this case, the value of the equity in the property is sometimes offset against other capital assets, pensions for example. Declaration of Trust: In some cases, it is not possible for a party to the mortgage to be released. The property must therefore remain in joint names, with the couple agreeing set shares that will be realised in the future upon sale – eg.50:50, 60:40, 70:30. Legal Charge: If the property is in the sole name of only one

party to the marriage, the other can register a Charge, much like a mortgage, which is realised on sale. The Charge can be expressed either as a set figure or as a percentage of the sale price. It is important you choose the right option for you and your family’s specific circumstances, especially if there are children. A tailor made approach can be discussed.

Kate Stovold is an Associate at Trethowans LLP specialising in Family Law and would be very happy to assist with any queries in relation to divorce. To arrange a free initial thirty minute meeting at the Trethowans office in Hedge End, please call her on 023 8082 0511.

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velvet underground They may be known as ‘velvet coated gentlemen’, but if you have a problem with moles in your garden, it is highly unlikely you will call them anything so polite! So what can you do if your lawn becomes decorated with mounds of finely turned soil, or if plants start to disappear beneath soil level as subsidence occurs within the flowerbed, or an entire row of vegetables is excavated from below? Moles can do a lot of damage to a lawn, largely because that fine soil acts as an excellent seedbed for weeds and can make the lawn surface slippery. Mole runs beneath your lawn, flowerbeds or vegetable plots can occasionally cause the plants to suffer from drought, as the soil is no longer in contact with the roots. Often, when the tunnels collapse subsidence occurs, and plants can literally fall over.

Moles can sometimes be deterred by high-pitched sounds or vibrations. Try inserting children’s windmills over the mole infested areas, as the vibration that passes down these into the soil is said to send moles scampering away. Similarly, you can plunge glass bottles into the soil with the neck protruding. The noise and vibrations created as the wind whistles over the mouth of the bottles may also discourage moles. Very smelly substances, such as mole smokes, can work against moles. These are like fireworks and, inserted into the run, produce unpleasant smoke. However, with these and other smelly deterrents, once the smell has subsided the mole may return.

Traps are available from some garden centres or online stores. They must be correctly set and you must wear gloves as the moles will avoid the trap if they detect human scent. It is much more effective 22

to employ a specialist mole catcher who is adept at trapping them and, since they often charge only on the basis of moles caught, it need not be too expensive a process either.

Moles do eventually decide to go elsewhere, and although this does not imply that your garden will then remain free of moles, if the problem has been very bad one year it may not be quite so severe the next. Some say that the plant caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyrus) will deter moles and as it does seem to work for some gardeners and the plants are fairly attractive it is worth giving it a try!

Some gardeners report success with ultrasonic devices that can be inserted into the ground. Once again, I am afraid that it seems the majority of you find these ineffective and indeed I will never forget once seeing a molehill which appeared directly around the base of one of these gadgets in a friend’s garden - so they are not a method I recommend.

If all else fails, and attempting to look at this problem in a positive light, bear in mind that incredibly finely turned soil can be useful and many gardeners I know, including the wonderful ‘grandfather of gardening’ Geoffrey Smith, used the soil as a medium in which to grow an excellent crop of seedlings! 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.

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The Shires are Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes. The Breeze’s Mark Franklin caught up with them to talk country music, influences and the surprising way they got together in the first place.

I’ve got to start off by congratulating you on two number one country albums – ‘My Universe’ being your most recent CD. Ben: Apparently this was the fastest selling country album of all time. It’s kind of a bit weird saying that because four years ago we hadn’t really met each other and here we are now with two albums under our belt – and doing this tour and seeing so many people singing along to every single song is just incredible. We’re having a great time.

When someone says to you, you’ve got the fastest selling country album of all time, how do you feel?

Crissie: It’s pretty amazing. It’s also crazy to think that we can use the word ‘country’ nowadays as it was kind of a dirty word for a long time. People if you mentioned it would be “oh, stetsons, rhinestones and cowboys” and it’s just not that any more. It’s so much more about what’s going on today. And in terms of heritage country artists, who do you look back on and think… genius. Crissie: Dolly (Parton). Dolly performing Glastonbury a few years ago was a really big turning point I think.

Because you used to sing her songs in pubs?

Crissie: I did! I was always singing her, Shania Twain and LeAnn Rimes. They were the kind of leading ladies for me in country music. So in terms of the makeup of The Shires, it’s because you’re from two shires – Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, right? 30

Ben: Now just Bedfordshire because I moved! When we got together we said that we want to retain our Britishness and that’s where the name came from. And when we go out to the States, they love the fact that we’ve from the UK and that we are really proud of that. We wrote a song called ‘Made In England’ which just celebrates all the things we love about being British. It didn’t sound very good singing “made in Britain” so we changed it to ‘England’. We get a lot of stick for it in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland when we sing it! Both of you guys have had experience with the X Factor. Are you really glad that nothing really happened there because of where you are right now.

Crissie: Yeah it’s funny because if we didn’t go on that show, neither one of us would have met each other. It’s an entertainment show, it’s brilliant to watch, but it is hard work. We’re very grateful that we found each other and we get to do everything we want to do. So you’re two albums down now. Is it too early to be thinking about a third album?

Ben: No – you have to! Already started writing for it! Fans just want it straight away! <laughs>

Mark Franklin presents The Breeze Classic Countdown every Saturday from 11am. Listen on FM or online at thebreeze.com.

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Home Interiors

Invaluable Decorating Tips Planning changes to your home? Interiors expert Katherine Sorrell has some handy hints… Living rooms

• Use a scale plan of your room with cut out mini furniture items, and move these around until you find the right positions. • The alcoves either side of a chimney breast are perfect for creating extra storage. • For maximum light, fit a pole or track that overhangs far enough each on side of the window to allow the curtains to be drawn right back. • Avoid using a central hanging pendant as the only light source, but add in table lamps, floor lamps and wall lamps for a more flexible and flattering ambience. • Consider ways to disguise the TV when not in use – can you adapt a piece of furniture, such as an armoire, so that it sits behind closed doors when necessary?

Kitchens • Have tall cupboards at one end of your cupboard run, with the hob nearby and plenty of worktop space between the hob and the sink. Add the dishwasher on the other side of the sink. • If possible, make worktops 700mm deep instead of 600mm, to give more working space and to better accommodate a large sink. • In an open-plan kitchen, choose quiet appliances, and design so the washing up is hidden from the view of the dining table. • Paint the inside of a wall cabinet door with blackboard paint to give somewhere to write a shopping list. • Base cabinets on legs, or recessed plinths, make the room seem larger. 32

Image Above: Shiva table lamp, £120, with black card shade, £75; Eclipse floor lamp, £155, with printed linen Ikat shade in black, £75; all Pooky: 020 7351 3003; pooky.com.

Bedrooms • Plan storage with precision, and divide the interior of your wardrobe into hanging space plus shelves, drawers and shoe racks. Consider storage gadgets such as belt racks and pull-out trays. • Maximise space by building fitted wardrobes right up to the ceiling. • Add a blackout lining to your curtains, or choose wooden shutters for additional sound and draught-proofing, and security. • Swing-arm lights on either side of the bed free up space on bedside tables. • A blanket box at the end of the bed is ideal for storing bedding and doubles as a seat. Children’s rooms • Kids’ tastes change rapidly so keep the walls, floors and major items of furniture relatively neutral and just change accessories, such as rugs, cushion covers and lamp shades, as necessary. • Cover boring walls with blackboard paint, magnetic wallpaper, peg board, maps or wall

stickers. • A high-level bed provides space beneath for study, play or storage. • Fit a dimmer switch so you can adjust the light from bright for playing or reading to soft and calm at bedtime. • Storage is all-important. Felt tips and paint brushes can be kept in tins, though beware of sharp edges. For storing tiny Lego sets and the like, ice cream tubs or shoe boxes are ideal. Bathrooms • If you’re on a budget, invest more in taps, shower doors and bath screens and save on a plain white suite, adding decorative appeal with tiles and attractive accessories. • Wall-hung WCs and washbasins create the illusion of extra space. • Hide pipework under floorboards or behind false walls and punch shallow shelves into the studwork to create useful storage niches. • Lights on both sides of your washbasin mirror dispel unflattering shadows. • Chosen a cast iron bath? Check it will fit up the stairs… By Katherine Sorrell

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I LOVE FOOD. PUBS. AND MY DOG, WHISKY And not always in this order. Which means that I like taking my very energetic 2-year-old cavapoo for walks all around the beaten tracks of Hampshire. That’s a treat for him. And then I like stopping on my way home via a pub for a drink – or two. That’s a treat for me. There is even one pub I know that is sooooo crazy about our four-legged friends that they call themselves “the most dog friendly pub in the forest”. And oh my, Whisky would agree. The Compass Inn in Winsor is a true haven for dogs, where they get doggy meals and treats from the chef. They run monthly dog walks too! Whisky’s other favourite pub is the Rockstone on Onslow Road in Southampton city centre. There might not be a great walk around that particular area for dogs, but it’s worth going there anyway for a fabulous treat to your palate. Selfish, I know. But when a pub offers

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 36

me 52 rums, 37 gins, 20 whiskies, too many beers and ciders to count as well as the best and biggest burgers in town, I tend to listen to the call and spend a lot of time there with my dog. But do book, as the place gets fully packed. It’s THAT good. Watch out for their first Gin Festival on March 31-April 1, following the immense success of their annual Rum Festival. Do try it, with or without dogs, the place is amazing! When in Southampton, I also tend to go to Highfield for a walk in the woods. When Whisky’s little legs get tired (or when I huff and puff, whichever comes first), we head for the fabulous Brewhouse and Kitchen on Highfield Lane. Whilst Whisky gets a truly lovely welcome and a lick from Head Brewer Matt (or is it the other way round), I crawl to the bar (I have little legs too) and order a pint of their own on-site brewed real ale. They offer a fantastic selection of craft beers and truly lovely food in a super trendy environment. For more reviews on dogfriendly pubs in the UK in general, and Hampshire in particular, do check my favourite website: www.doggiepubs.org.uk

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Tom and the business opportunity by Tom Hughes Sarah was tidying up in the lounge when she chanced upon my newly purchased motoring publication. “Ferrari Owner? Tom? Have we won the lottery?” I entered carrying a cardboard box. “Not yet dear, but soon we will be rolling in it!”

“Tom, what are all these boxes doing in the hall? And why have you got a funny look in your eye?” “I’m excited, that’s all. In these boxes is our future…our fortune.”

Unimpressed, Sarah ran a knife down the packing tape and opened up the carton. “Why have you got boxes of coffee and tea? Don’t tell me you’re opening a cafe because the hours are a killer and…” “Don’t be silly. And this isn’t just any old coffee or tea, darling, this stuff is special coffee - it’s the elixir of life. It lowers cholesterol, promotes good health and generally makes you feel fantastic!” “Well that’s very nice, darling, but why have you bought so much? This lot will last us a lifetime.”

Then the full horror hit her. She plonked herself down on one of the boxes and put her head in her hands. “Tom, first it was water filters, then it was perfume, then it was vacuum cleaners, then it was those buy-to-let seminars. Do you remember them? If I hadn’t stopped you we’d be homeless by now.” My sheepish grin gave it away. Sarah strode into the kitchen and after a hefty shove managed to 38

squeeze into the garage. “Tom, you can’t move in here.” It was obvious that Sarah viewed my shrewd investment as just another one of my hair-brained schemes. I felt that she deserved an explanation. “Sarah darling, this is a new way of doing business. This is Multi-Level Marketing.” “So you’ve signed up for yet another pyramid scheme.” Before I could protest there was a knock on the door. “Hi Uncle Billy, what brings you here?” asked Sarah. “Tom said there was a meeting tonight? A business opportunity? I could do with a few extra quid on top of my pension. And so could cousin Arthur.” And so, before you could say Bentley Continental, our front lounge was full to the brim with relatives, neighbours and, bizarrely, the man who had arrived to read the gas meter. Flip chart in place, there was hushed chatter as I nervously paced the 80% wool twist. Then disaster - Sarah entered with a tray full of steaming hot PG Tips. Incensed, I shooed her back into the kitchen. “Are you insane woman? Now pour that away and open a box of my product. Then wait until the end of the presentation when they can all have a taste.” Had she never seen Dragon’s Den? Then it was time to present my pitch to my potential distributors. Carefully, I explained that once they became one of my downline, I would earn a royalty from each bag of tea they sold. Realising from the look on Uncle Billy’s face that my future wealth was not the main motivation for him being there, I skilfully changed tack. “And of course, if you recruit your own distributors, then you get your own royalties!” A voice from the back (Mr Green from number 11) piped up, “So it’s a pyramid selling scheme?” “No, it’s a business opportunity,” I beamed. “Well I’m not convinced, and while you’re at it, any chance I can have my hedge clippers back?” Another hand went up. Feeling threatened, I decided to deal with the doubters head on. “Listen pal, if you’re not on board, you’re free to go.”

“Sorry, can I just get into that cupboard? I need to take a gas reading.” Finally, Sarah appeared with the elixir of life - the herbal coffee. My captive audience began sipping. They looked around at their fellow delegates. Then they took another sip to confirm my worst fears. It was absolutely horrible. As the last of my audience departed Sarah, shaking her head, had some advice

for me. “Look Tom, you don’t have to prove anything to me. I think you’re wonderful as you are.” Beaming, I went to hug her. She responded with a shove. “Listen Donald Trump, you can have a hug after you’ve emptied the garage and taken that lot to the tip!”

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Recipe

Serves 4 Ready in 35 minutes

thai green curry This classic curry is great as a mid-week family supper – it’s quick to make and tastes delicious! • 200g Thai jasmine rice • 1 tbsp sunflower oil • 1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced • 2 tbsp Thai green curry paste • 1 large red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced • 1 large courgette, sliced • 450g chicken breast fillets, cut into chunks • 400ml can coconut milk • 1 tbsp soy sauce • 1 tbsp fish sauce • Squeeze of lime juice • 2 tsp nigella seeds 1. Cook the rice in a large pan of boiling, lightly salted water for about 15 minutes until tender, or follow the packet instructions. 2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and fry the onion for 5 minutes. Stir in the curry paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the pepper and courgette and fry for a further minute. 3. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until no longer pink, stirring all the time. Pour in the coconut milk and simmer gently for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked. Stir in the soy and fish sauces and lime juice. 4. Drain the rice and use a small heatproof cup or bowl to make four mounds of rice on warmed serving plates. Sprinkle the nigella seeds on top and spoon the curry on the side.

TIP

Add a handful of freshly chopped coriander leaves to the curry at the end of cooking time, if liked. Or for a spicier flavour, garnish with shredded red chilli pepper. 40

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LOCAL CLUBS & GROUPS HOBBIES

Boarhunt Blues Club 3rd Friday of every month. Check our website. www.boarhuntblues.com All welcome. MEON VOICES choir Bishop’s Waltham We meet every Monday evening 7.30-9.30 September –April at Bishop’s Waltham United Free Church, Basingwell Street Bishop’s Waltham to practice for our two concerts at Christmas and Easter. All singers are welcome. No audition. Further information call Phil Coundley 01489579078, email Coundleypj@ yahoo.com or @Maureen buckland 01489 890335 email alan@agbuckland. plus.com JUBILEE WRITERS Thursday (Twice Monthly) 2pm – 4pm Stables Hall, Bishops Waltham Elizabeth Watt 01489 892224 Swanmore Amateur Dramatic Society We meet on Monday evenings at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, Swanmore from January until our Spring Production, first weekend in May, then from September for our Christmas production , first weekend in December. New members welcome for all tasks vital to a production. We also have social events and theatre visits. Check us out on www. swanmoreamateurdramaticsociety. co.uk or contact Carol 01489 894955. DRAMA GROUP Every Monday at Jubilee Hall 4pm to 5:15pm ages 7 to 12, £60 per term. Call Ryan on 01962 844 600 ext 208 or ryan. jones@theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk 42

Curdridge Amateur Drama Productions are twice a year – spring and autumn. Rehearsals – Mondays 7.45pm and Thursdays 7.30pm at the Reading Rooms, Curdridge. From time to time we run workshops and other social events. Phone Steve on 01489 690345, email stephen.n.long@ ntlworld.com for more information. www.curdridgedrama.co.uk UPHAM PLAYERS DRAMA Rehearsal Monday eves and Sunday afternoons at the Upham Village Hall. Also social events during the year. Mo Peters on 01489 891307 or mo_peters@o2.co.uk. www. uphamvillagehall.org.uk/uphamplayers Bishops Waltham Photographic Society All photographers welcome from beginner to advanced. We meet 1st Thursday in the month at St Peters Church Hall, Bishops Waltham. Please contact Dawn Blight 01489 691155 or dawn.blight1@ntlworld.com MEON VALLEY FLOWER CLUB Demos, workshops at Meonstoke Village Hall. Ann Hammant 01730 829469 WICKHAM SPINNERS & WEAVERS Mon 11- 3pm, Wickham Church Room Learn the ancient craft of spinning yarn. Our members also do other crafts, and you would be welcome to bring your own craft if you don’t want to spin. Georgina (01329 833422), Alison (01329 281407) or Val (01489 896140) GARDENING CLUB Memberships only £6 call Keith Fry 01489 893755

SOCIAL ZERO 4 PROBUS CLUB Retired and semi retired professionals meet 11am at the Masonic Centre, Botley on the third Monday of each month for a talk, lunch and good company. 01489 891875 zero4probusclub.weebly.com Hampshire and Wight Christian Walkers Like meeting new friends and enjoy walking? join us on Saturdays and midweek for walk of between 4 and 12 miles. www.hantswightwalk.org.uk BW YOUNG FARMERS CLUB 14-26 yrs – Thurs Anne 860236

Social Lunch Club Swanmore Village Hall, every Wednesday at 12 noon. Contact Marlene King 01489 892581. LUNCH CLUB Every Monday Jubilee Hall 1 - 2pm Christine Argyle 01489 894054 Thurs Gill Stainer 01489 893384 LUNCH CLUB 11:30am Wed, Church Room, Wickham Centre, www.wickhamcentre.org THE MONDAY CLUB 3rd Monday of each month The Wickham Centre, Mill Lane PO17 5AL Fun activities & quizzes for the over 55’s. Socialise with friends, listen to guest speakers and enjoy a 2-course lunch for £4. www.wickhamcentre. org.uk Swanmore Baby & Toddler Group Every Tuesday (term-time only) 10am11.30am. Swanmore Village Hall Contact Zoe Smart 07788987212, Swanmoretoddler@gmail.com or find us on Facebook UNIVERSITY OF THE 3RD AGE Tuesday twice monthly 1.30–3.30 Wickham Community Hall Contact 01329 833384 Bishops Waltham Gateway Club 1st & 3rd Monday of each month, 7pm to 9pm (exc. Aug/BHols) St Peter’s Church Hall, Free St, SO32 1EE We are a social club for people, over the age of 16, with learning disabilities in our community. We work under the umbrella of MENCAP. Our aim is to provide a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities for our members such as arts and crafts, discos, games, skittle and pub evenings, panto outings and beach discos. www. bwgateway.org or call call Vee or Brian on 01489 895767.

SUPPORT MACULAR SUPPORT GROUP 2nd Mon of every month 1pm to 3pm United Reformed Church, 18 Osborn Road South, Fareham PO16 7DG Providing friendship and support for sufferers of macular disease, the treatments and services available and ways of coping. Sighted spouses and carers also welcome. 01329 231356 david. fb.kett@talk21.com

Dance Classes

Kidzone

Jitterbugz Dance Studio 07922 907727 www.jitterbugzdance.co.uk

Private Tutors Want to advertise your business here? Call Melanie on 023 8027 6396

St George’s Tutors www.stgeorgestutors.com Individual Private Tuition All Levels Subjects Ages Exams Preparation

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

Home Start Mother & Toddler Friday 9am to 12pm Wickham Centre, wickhamcentre.org.uk Meon Valley Carers Group Support group for the carers of people with Dementia. We meet every month for a pub lunch and also for a support group meeting. Cared for are welcome. Phone Margaret on 01489 895444 Monday between 9.15 & 13.15 for details.

SPIRITUAL

THE HEALING TRUST Healing Centre, Wickham Community Centre, Wickham. Every 4th Saturday of the month 10am til 12.30pm noon. Marjorie Nutland 01329 832637 Positive Living Law of Attraction Group First Wednesday of every month. 7-9pm. Curdridge. Contact Carolyne 07825 727331. £8. www.carolynebennett.com

FOR CHILDREN

SOUL CONNECTIONS – SPIRITUAL GROUP Priory Park Hall, Bishops Waltham. 3rd Sunday each Month, £5 Sue Murray 01489 799740 www. suemurrayhealing.co.uk

SCOUTS www.meonvalleyscouting.org.uk Beaver Scouts 6-8, Cub Scouts 8-10, Scouts 10-14, Explorer Scouts14-18, Scout Network 18-25, plus Adult volunteers (18+) are always required as supporters. For further info please contactus@meonvalleyscouting.org.uk

WICKHAM WEEKLY HEALING CLINIC Thursdays, 2pm to 3:30pm The Community Centre Spiritual health is a complementary (not alternative) natural treatment. We are not associated with any particular religion and respect individuals own interpretation of the natural healing source.

MEON VALLEY GIRL GUIDING Rainbows aged 5 to 7 years, Brownies aged 7 to 10 years, Guides aged 10 to 14 years and Senior Section aged 14 to 25 years. Anyone interested in joining or volunteering. Visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/interested or call 0800 1 69 59 01 for details of venues near you.

Music Tuition & Classes Anne Ansell Piano Tuition 07464 615228 www.musicteachers.co.uk Monkey Music 01489 565443 Progressive, educational and fun: age-specific music classes for babies and young children

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

COMMUNITY CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERING A friendly team of volunteers meet every other Thursday at 10am and some Saturdays to carry out conservation activities on countryside sites around Bishops Waltham and Wickham. We complete projects such as coppicing, pond clearance and fencing. 023 9247 6411. Promoter: Hampshire County Council

DO YOU RUN A LOCAL GROUP? This section is free for charitable, free or very low cost groups and just £8 a month for commercial groups (highlighted entry). Add your details to our next edition (going to 10,600 Meon Valley homes) by going to www.discovercommunity.co.uk and use the editorial form under Contact Us. 43

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AERIALS Pure Digital Aerial & Satellites 9 appliance repair JP Appliances 40 architectural services DM Adams Design 29 Bathrooms See Plumbing Blinds & CURTAIns Solent Blinds 33 Waterside Blinds 7 Builder R & G Gamblin General Builders 39 BUSINESS SERVICES Adams & Co 12 Canopies & Carports Aliport Structures 9 car / Van Hire Practical Car & Van Rental 10 caravans Viscount Caravans 9 CARPET & FLOORING Floor Coverings Southern 37 Titchfield Carpets 24 Young’s Flooring 29 Chimney Sweep Pebble Beach Sweeps 40 Toast Chimney Lining & Sweep Specialist 26 Computer Services For-Matt 40 Home Computer Help 12 deliveries & collections Discover Delivers 20 doors GS Windows 2 Double GlazinG Inst/Repairs Britannia Windows 21 Cloudy2Clear 25 GS Windows 2 Electrician Assure Electrical Ltd 34 Fencing Colourfence 23

FLOORING Floor Coverings Southern 37 Titchfield Carpets 24 Young’s Flooring 29 Garage doors/REPAIRS Meon Valley Garage Doors Ltd 11 Skandoor 10 V.S.F Ltd 5 Garage Services Boarhunt Group 10 Garden Design & ServiceS Arbor-Call Tree Surgeons 23 Colourfence 23 Formpave Drives & Patios Ltd 37 Helyers 48 Jon Curtis Tree Surgery & Garden M. 23 M.C Tree Care 23 HEALTH & FITNESS Head To Toe Pilates 17 health services Spire Portsmouth Hospital 16 Three Oaks Residential Care Home 15 holidays Amity Travel 19 KITCHENS Deane 13 Dream Doors 41 Kitchen Living 37 legal services Eric Robinson Solicitors 15 Trethowans Solicitors 20 lofts & Conversions Loft Services 31 LOGS Ash Farm Logs 3 Plumbing Services (including bathroom installation and gas and boiler services) see also Property Maintenance J. & D. Humphrey Ltd 29 Mark Oliver Plumbing & Heating 39 Medway Mechanical Services Ltd 35 TP Watts 31

Printer Warwick Printing Company 17 Property Maintenance County Block Paving Ltd 26 Formpave Drives & Patios Ltd 37 Loft Services 31 R & G Gamblin General Builders 39 South Hants Roofing Ltd 27 The Chimney Man 40 Wildstone Property Maintenance 31 radio The Breeze 30 removals Discover Delivers 20 residential care Three Oaks Residential Care Home 15 roofing South Hants Roofing Ltd 27 The Chimney Man 40 Wildstone Property Maintenance 31 rubbish clearance First Choice Rubbish Clearance Specialist 34 Rubbish Clearance & Waste Removal 29 solicitors Eric Robinson Solicitors 15 Trethowans Solicitors 20 Storage Barn Store 27 TRAVEL/holiday Amity Travel 19 Tree Surgery See Garden Design & Services waste First Choice Rubbish Clearance Specialist 34 Rubbish Clearance & Waste Removal 29 WINDOW REPAIR Cloudy2Clear 25 Wine school Hampshire WIne School 36

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Cabin Fever? Looking for something new and exciting to get your little bundles of fun out, to burn up some of that energy that’s screaming at you from the other room? Throughout 2017, the National Trust’s heathland restoration site, Foxbury, will host Forest School events run by qualified professionals, Jenny Mueller and Caroline Kelly. They have created a way of building independence, self-esteem and a positive attitude towards learning in children. The children will explore their surroundings, experience the natural world for themselves and get dirty, just how they like it. This programme is ideal for all, but is especially good for children with low confidence or an abundance of energy, building valuable communication and team working skills. Jenny and Caroline will be using Foxbury’s 46

Forest School at Foxbury

Every first Thursday of the month from 2 10.30am - 12.30pm

Nature-inspired learning through play. Take part in activities, including den building, wild art, green w skills, outdoor cookery and more. Suitable for ages Booking essential via 01794 344020 Individual child £6, additional sibling £3

Half Moon car park, Blackhill Road, East Wellow, Roms

nationaltrust.org.uk/NewForest jenny.mueller@natio

unique private basecamp, set in a woodland and heathland landscape to teach children about New Forest wildlife and management. The sessions will run on the first Thursday of every month, starting on Thursday 1st February from 10.30am-12.30am, and is exceptional value at £6 for the first child then £3 per extra child. Suitable for ages 0 - 5 years. Some of the activities the children can look forward to are; Den building, wild art-creating, green wood-work skills, outdoor cooking and story-telling. Then you can look forward to a peaceful night! Booking Essential: 01794 344020

What’s On HALF TERM AT HINTON AMPNER 18-28 Feb, 10am to 4pm Hinton Ampner, Alresford SO24 0LA

Pick up our family trail this half term and explore our garden and parkland. Suggested donation 1 per trail. Booking Not Needed. Younger children may need adult help. 01962 771305

OPEN GARDEN 28 May 11-5pm Chawton House Library, Alton GU34 1SJ

To feature your event email editorial@discovermagazines.co.uk

THE YOUNG EPILEPSY FANCY DRESS 25 Feb, 10am to 6pm Southampton General Hospital SO16 6YD

Walk 20 miles from Southampton General Hospital to Queen Alexandra Hospital. Youngepilepsyportsmouth@ hotmail.com 07590 098909 THE BIG BURFEST 25 Feb, Midday to 11pm Bursledon Village Hall, Long Lane, Bursledon SO31 8BZ

14 acre listed English landscape garden surrounding Grade 2 listed Elizabethan manor. Admission £4, children free. Home-made teas. 01420 595903

Music festival raising money for Naomi House Children’s Hospice. Live music, home cooked food. Tickets £10 or £18 for a family. Buy online. http://www. thebigbursfest.btck.co.uk/

FORT FUN NOTORIOUS NAVVIES 20-24 Feb, 10.30am to 4pm Portsdown Hill Rd, Portchester, PO17 6AN

BURNS NIGHT 25 Feb, 7pm to 11.45pm Harmony Halls, Fareham PO16 0NN

Explore Fort Nelson with a Victorian navy and find out how it was built. Some activities carry a small charge. https://royalarmouries.org ALTON WINTER BEER FESTIVAL 24 & 25 Feb Alton College, Old Odiham Road GU34 2LX

There will be an average of 40 different ales, mainly from Micro Breweries. Also wines, lagers, food and music available at both sessions. www.altonbeerfestival.co.uk

DEADWATER VALLEY EVENTS 24 & 26 Feb Bordon

Regular dog walks, tots rambles and Junior Rangers wildlife club in local Nature Reserve. 01420 479070 www. deadwatervalleytrust.co.uk

FEATHERED FRIENDS WEEKEND 25 to 26 Feb, 10am to 4pm Manor Farm and Country Park, Bursledon SO31 1BH

A local bird expert will share fun facts about the birds that make Manor Farm their home. Bird themed activities, crafts and trails. Price: Normal farm admission charges apply. mfcp.enquiries@hants.gov.uk

Swanwick Lions are holding a Burns Night a month later than usual. An evening of music, poetry, and dancing, with a full 3 course dinner, and piping in the haggis. Tickets are £29 swanwicklions@aol.com 01489584718

UNIQUE WEDDING FAYRES MACDONALD BOTLEY PARK HOTEL 26 Feb, 11am to 3.30pm Macdonald Botley Park SO32 2UA

Over 40 wedding specialists. Free goodie bag & free entry. 07894253981 DE-STASH 26 Feb, 11-3pm Square Tower, High Street, Portsmouth PO1 2JE

Popular craft event, browse pre-loved craft stashes for sale inc wool, fabrics, paper-crafts, buttons. www.squaretower.co.uk COMEDY ALL STARS 3 Mar, 7pm Barton Hall, Horndean PO8 9PQ

Mark Watson support by Angela Barnes and Ben Norris. www.comedy-allstars.co.uk

MILKMAID STOOL COURSE 11 Mar, 9.30am to 4.30pm Sustainability Centre, East Meon, GU32 1HR

Learn green woodwork techniques and make your own milkmaid stool on this training course. (B) 01730 823166 OPEN GARDEN 12 & 14 Mar, 11-5pm Aldworth House, Emsworth Common Road PO10 8QT

This six acre garden contains walled and gravel gardens, numerous mixed borders and two mini arboretums packed full of a wide variety of unusual trees, shrubs and perennials. Admission £4, children free. Light refreshments. www.ngs.org.uk SPRING WEDDING FAYRE 12 Mar, 11-3pm Marwell Hotel, Colden Common, SO21 1JY

Find out more about holding your wedding at Marwell Hotel weddings@marwellhotel.co.uk PETERSFIELD MUSICAL FESTIVAL 17-25 Mar Festival Hall, Petersfield GU31 4AE

A choral concert, where choirs from the area combine. www. petersfieldmusicalfestival.org.uk 01730 268829 WINCHESTER BEER FESTIVAL 17 & 18 Mar, 11,30am to 4pm, 6.30pm to 11pm Winchester Guildhall

The festival has four ticketed sessions over the two days. (B) www.winchesterbeerfestival.org.uk CHURCHERS CLASS OF 77 REUNION 18 Mar, 9am to 11pm Petersfield, Ramshill GU31 4AS

Free get together for the 40th anniversary of the end of school. See eventbrite.co.uk for contact

ABSEIL FOR PRINCESS ALICE HOSPICE 18 & 19 Mar Gunwharf Quays PO1 3TT

A 94 metre high abseil open to anyone over age 12. 01329 461808 supportercare@pah.org.uk

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