Discover Southampton May/June 2017 by Tania Houston

Y/JUNE 2017 MA

Southampton EDITION

In c l u d

in g C H IL WOR

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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13/03/2017 07:56

Editor’s Letter

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

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

my feeling of betrayal in trading Jesse in for a younger model but I now have a toilet .. yeah! Out with Old, in with the New – Hang On! Yes, it’s often cheaper these days to replace a worn or broken gadget for new but before you do it’s really worth using a few websites and apps where you can buy and sell just about anything that’s used or not wanted; gumtree, freecycle, preloved, ebay. I helped furnish my daughter’s first rented flat entirely from gumtree! Or why not try to fix it yourself at a local Repair Café such as featured on page 16 – 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 Southampton edition) so it’s a great opportunity for community organisations, groups, clubs, schools, churches etc to make announcements. Think of us as your local Town Crier! • What’s On • Groups & Clubs • Charity Events • School Notices • Local News • Campaigns • Volunteering

Talitha Gibbins

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

Kevin Houston Distribution

disti@discovermagazines.co.uk

If you don’t tell us we can’t share it! Email: editorial@discovermagazines.co.uk Online: www.discovermagazines.co.uk and use the Editorial Request Form on our Contact Us page

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

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What's On DOWNTON CUCKOO FAIR 29 Apr 01725 511059 www.cuckoofair.co.uk ALTON WALKING FESTIVAL 29 Apr to 7 May www.alton.gov.uk HAMPSHIRE COUNTRY FAIR 30 Apr to 1 May, 10-6pm Netley Marsh Showground SO40 7GY Three large arenas featuring all day entertainment, attractions, dare devil stunts and country sports create a wonderful show piece. A DOG’S DAY OUT 30 Apr, 11am to 3pm Royal Victoria Country Park SO31 5GA Raising funds for Canine Partners Fun dog show, agility displays. 01329 668516 FRYERN FUNTASIA 1 May 12noon – 4.30pm Fryern Recreational Ground, Chandlers Ford Annual village fete with stalls, games, fun for all ages. WATERWORKS TOUR 1 May, 11am to 4pm Twyford Waterworks SO21 1QA Under 16’s free. www.twyfordwaterworks.co.uk

BIG SLEEP OUT 2017 5 May Raise money with your eyes. Join up to 400 people sleeping under the stars. www.sleepoutwinchester.co.uk TITCHFIELD ART & CRAFT SHOW 5, 6 ,7 May Titchfield Community Centre, Mill Street PO14 4AB INDOOR CARBOOT SALE 6 May, Sellers 8.45am set up in peace Lockswood Centre, locks Heath Shopping Centre SO31 6DX Buyers 9.30am – 12noon 07901 501509 SOUTH DOWNS GREEN FAIR 7 May Sustainability Centre, Droxford Road, East Meon GU32 1HR www.southdownsgreenfair.org 01730 823166 WATERWORKS SPRING RALLY 7 May, 11am to 4pm Twyford Waterworks, Twyford SO21 1QA www.twyfordwaterworks.co.uk 07516 458900 COUNTRYSIDE DAY AT MOTTISFONT 13 May, 10-5pm Mottisfont Abbey, Romsey SO51 0LN 01794 340757

To feature your event email editorial@discovermagazines.co.uk (B) = Booking Essential BILL TARGETT STEAM RALLY 13 & 14 May, 10-5pm Highbridge Farm SO50 6HN Family Ticket £15. 01794 512 331 BEER, BRICKS AND BUSES 13 May, 12pm to 6pm Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum, Swanwick Lane SO31 7HB COUNTRYSIDE DAY AT SPARSHOLT COLLEGE 13 May 9.30am – 4.30pm Sparsholt SO21 2NF A family day out celebrating the English countryside. 01962 797562 TWO WHEEL EXTRAVAGANZA 14 May, 9am to 2pm Bishops Waltham High Street SO32 1AA Can 7000 motorcycles fit into Bishop’s Waltham town centre?! Come along and see the bikes, listen to live music, and enjoy an outside bar and BBQs THE WOMAN IN BLACK 16-20 May Nuffield Theatre, Southampton SO17 1TR 100th ANNIVERSARY WALK 21 May, 2pm Old Southampton Cemetery SO15 7NN By a FoSOC guide, marking the Commonwealth War Grave Commission. Donations welcome 07538 888655, www.fosoc.org

RELIABLE LOCAL HANDYMEN Retired police officers in Southampton are pioneers in an ambitious national network of highly vetted handymen launched by ’Trust in Blue’. Helping to combat the ongoing problem of cowboy builders and dodgy tradespeople, local retired police officers with a passion for home maintenance are taking up tools to provide peace of mind to the residents and businesses of Southampton and the New Forest. Typically police officers retire after 30 years service and a huge number are still eager to continue playing an active and productive role in their communities. All handymen prove themselves capable and experienced in home maintenance works before joining the agency and carry recent CRB Checks. Managing Director, Nick Orde-Powlett, hopes that the company’s rigorous selection process will bring security and peace of mind to people in the area:

“Our vetting process is second to none. All of our handymen are friendly retired police officers with many years working in the community under their belt – they understand peoples’ concerns and fears better than anyone else and they genuinely care.“ Trust in Blue Handyman Jim states: “I have always had a keen interest in home maintenance and now I have the opportunity to spread the skills I have developed for the benefit of the local community” Roy Bishop has used the service: “The service I received was extremely good. The handyman was very punctual, fast working and polite. I would recommend him to anyone.” You can book a free quote online at www.trustinblue.com or by calling Freephone 0800 255 0 255.

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OUTDOOR JOYS The best tech toys to take outside Some of the most entertaining outdoor toys are the simplest, such as the cute Swivel Car (around £22, with lots of firms oﬀering very similar products). It’s a ride-on car with a diﬀerence: instead of pedalling or propelling it with your feet, you swivel the steering wheel and that generates movement. It’s small enough for toddlers and tough enough for big kids and even the odd adult. If you’d rather go for something more traditional, the Cozy Coupe - around £49 - has been a favourite of families for more than 30 years, and the iconic red and yellow version has been joined by dinosaur and police car versions.

Complex toys can be fun too, of course. One kind of toy that’s improved dramatically in recent years is the electric car or bike for kids. It’s possible to get a decent trike for less than £40 that delivers 50 minutes of movement between charges, while around the £200 mark you’ll find impressive replicas of grown-up cars such as BMW’s futuristic electric i8. Remember that such vehicles do take a while to charge, so make sure you plug them in the night before you want to use them. If you’d rather not let your child loose behind the wheel but want to give them control of something fun, there’s a huge selection of radio controlled vehicles ranging from the toddler-friendly Little Tykes Tyre Twister (£39) to exceptionally fast scale models of performance cars such as Lamborghinis and Porsches. Even the most expensive of these are much cheaper than they used to be, with top-end models usually coming in well below £70. 8

Radio controlled cars are fun, but radio controlled flying machines are even more fun. You know you’re living in the future when you can walk into your local toy shop and come out with a smartphone-controlled drone helicopter. Drones start at around £20 for basic ones and reach £190 for Star Wars-themed models, and drones with built-in cameras start at around £60. If you want to get serious, you can find a good selection of advanced drones with HD cameras and optical video stabilisers from around £300, rising to over £1,000 for high-end models. One word of warning with drones: their propellers can be sharp and cause injury if they bump into people, so it’s a good idea to look for one with a protective ring around the propellers if you’ll be giving it to a child or using it near kids or pets. And there are restrictions on where you can and can’t fly drones, such as in crowded areas or near airports. It’s a good idea to check up on the law before spending any money. There are also concerns over privacy: the neighbours probably won’t appreciate you flying a camera over their garden. Do you remember the days of potato guns and water pistols? They’ve become a lot more sophisticated, with products such as Nerf guns ranging from around £20 to the ridiculously overpowered N-Strike Mega Mastodon (£99), which fires 24 foam darts from a motorised revolving drum. Between it and the superpowered, super-soaking water pistols that have more in common with water cannons than the water pistols you remember from your own childhood, be wary of the weaponry you give your kids - because you can be sure you’ll be on the receiving end of the foam darts or freezing cold jets of water.

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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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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. 12

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.

Compared to surgery and injections, G5 is far safer, less expensive and the results achieved in less time. G5 massage breaks down stubborn fat in your thighs, bottom and stomach. It provides deep cleaning to the muscle tissues, removing the toxin build up of lactic acid and expels carbon dioxide. It is an extremely effective way to treat cellulite by breaking down the blockages that cause the pockets of stored fat and forcing them in to the blood stream for elimination. You have to experience G5 massage to believe the results. Benefits can be seen after the first treatment.

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ARE YOU A STAR GAZER? Outdoor nature hobbies are becoming more and more popular, including astronomy. If you’d like to understand the stars, identify planets and constellations then why not join others with a similar interest? Even if you live in a densely populated, light-polluted area, there’s more to see up there than you might imagine. Just north of Southampton, in the quiet village of Toothill, stands one of the finest observatories in Hampshire. Owned and run by Solent Amateur Astronomers, it houses a 14” Meade and numerous smaller telescopes. Its next open door event, where public are welcome for £2 per adult, is Friday and Saturday nights of weekends 7/8th May and 2/3 June at 9.30pm. The club also hosts a programme of talks at Oasis Academy in Lordshill. Interested? Visit www.solentastro.org or call Paul Jones on 02380 737218, or email: pbandhjones@btinternet.com. Facebook: Solent Amateur Astronomers

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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. 16

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

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Finance

SHOULD YOU PAY OFF DEBTS WITH YOUR PENSION? The 2014 Budget introduced new regulations on how personal pensions can be accessed. These new pension freedoms mean that, if you have a money purchase or defined contribution pension, buying an annuity is no longer your only option at retirement. Many people have since chosen to withdraw pension monies to invest in other financial products, and some have decided to pay oﬀ debts with the money. So is it a good idea to repay debt in this way, and what are the main aspects to consider? Do you want to access your pension before you retire? Some pension schemes allow you to access your pension at the age of 55. Doing so can significantly reduce the amount you have available in older age, however, unless you have other pensions or a large savings pot. 18

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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WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Or to put it another way - ‘Who Do They Think You Are’ and by ‘They’ we mean the organisations that we rely on nowadays to keep our computer software running smoothly and up to date. It could be Apple, Microsoft, Norton, McAfee, Google, Facebook, or indeed an almost endless list of companies that provide the software licences and information services that we use. Our account names, passwords and security info are vital in todays subscription based world and whilst your computer might ‘remember’ your passwords day to day, if it fails and you have to set up your digital life all over again, would you be able to find the information that you need? That’s why we need to record, update and (look after) the information that identifies us to an ever increasing digital world and where a bit of planning and advice could prevent lots of trouble in the long run! If you need help managing your online identity and keeping it safe then why not give Widenet a call prevention as they say is better than a cure!

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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 22

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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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 29

A weekend AwAy On your doorstep is great, but it doesn’t feel like a holiday if you can nip back home at a moment’s notice. What’s needed is bit of distance (but not too much) and definitely a complete change of scene. From June to August, these ones will cram as much into three days as a fortnight in Magaluf. SeCret GArden pArty 20-23 July, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire

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

Whilst this is very much a music festival, it is equally a huge weekend outdoor party. Some really exciting musicians, side shows, talks, fancy dress, fireworks and more, you will have just the best time ever. It has been announced this will be the last time it runs having been around for 13 years so I guess all good things…, but ‘SGP’ fans are determined to make a truly memorable sendoff. This is a great example of a ‘don’t think you are too old’ type of event. Yes, there will be more under 40s than over, but the relaxed environment means that anyone, young/old, slim/fat, straight/gay, normal or a bit quirky is equally welcome. For a break from the big, bad world, it’s just 3 hours’ journey to pure Credit: Max Miechowski hedonism. www.secretgardenparty.com

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

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

let’S rOCK 8-9 July, Southampton

AlreSfOrd feStivAl 8 July, Alresford

A retro festival, so if you are of the right age, you will have grown up with these acts. There’s just one stage at the front, but the day is as much about the socialising as it is about the music. Because everyone knows the lyrics, people singing and dancing at their ‘base’ is the norm, and that base is picnic blankets, chairs, picnics and plenty to drink. Headliners include Tony Hadley (ex Spandau Ballet).

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

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

Two big ones There are two big all weekenders in this area which need a budget and some stamina to attend. BliSSfieldS 6-8 July, Winchester

BOOmtOWn 10-13 August, Winchester

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

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

bigger fesTivAls If what interests you is the big name chart artists - either have been, are or will be - then these are the ones to go to all within around an hour’s drive. Many will have camping, including motorhomes, and late night entertainment too. Typically these events are better for adults, but Camp Bestival is a definite exception, being very family focused.

MaY 27-28

JUlY Mutiny Festival Portsmouth

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

27-28

Common People Southampton

6-8

Blissfields Winchester

See previous page. blissfields.co.uk

7-9

Cornbury Festival Nr Oxford

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

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

7-9

JUne

See previous page. letsrocksouthampton.com

8-10

Upton House Festival, Poole

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

8-11

Isle of Wight Festival Newport

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

9-10

Wild Life Festival Brighton

Jess Glynne, Rag’n’Bone Man, Zara Larsson, really for over 16s. No camping but coach available. wildlifefestival.com

21-23

Let’s Rock Southampton

Curious Arts Festival Lymington

Tom Odell and Izzy Bizu headline. Also talks, poetry and comedy. Unusually, accepts dogs. curiousartsfestival.com

27-30

Camp Bestival Lulworth

18-20

Weyfest Farnham

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

25-27

Reading & Leeds Festival, Reading

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

25-27

Victorious Portsmouth

See previous page. victoriousfestival.co.uk

septeMber 31-3 AUG

End of the Road Blandford

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

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

aUgUst

7-10

3-6

Wickham Festival Wickham

KT Tunstall and 10CC headline. Tends to attract older audience, camper chairs welcome! wickhamfestival.co.uk

Bestival Lulworth

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

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

JUne 10

Alresford Music Festival, Alresford

See previous page. alresfordmusicfestival.com

Vicky Park Festival Netley

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

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

Beggars Fair Romsey

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

Lowde Fest Nr Hook

Charity music festival with fun fair. lowdefest.com

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

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

JerkJam Festival Fareham

Day of music, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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

Graze Festival nr Winchester

Music, cooking demos and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertainment. grazefestival.com

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Pictograms

Her pos (oth

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PIC TOGRAMS

ord

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ner (5)

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Solution

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

15. Flower rarely opening in shelter (5)

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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Main agents for new Elddis and Sprite Caravans. Specialists in selected quality pre-owned Caravans that have had careful use from new. Fully stocked accessory shop including awnings and Calor gas. NCC approved workshop for Caravan servicing. 2017 we are celebrating 40 years of being the premier dealer in the area! We have special offers on new caravans and accessories. Come and see us, we are different.

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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 44

Nginiuos Gin, Brennen & Brown Gin, 6 o’clock Gin, Burleighs Gin and Elephant Gin to name a few will be presented on the day. Tickets on sale for £8.03 at EventBrite.co.uk. My favourite gin of the moment is Pinkster Gin, as it makes a refreshingly diﬀerent G&T, with a delicate raspberry flavour appealing both to seasoned gin drinkers and recent converts. It even won ‘Overall Best Contemporary Gin’ at The Gin Guide Awards 2017! So, how about this wonderful ‘Je T’Aime’ pink cocktail for the one you love… • 37.5ml Pinkster Gin • 15ml Chambord liqueur (or raspberry equivalent) • 50ml Pineapple juice Shake hard to create the foam layer and double strain in Martini glass. Float raspberries on top. Enjoy!

TREAT SOMEONE TO THE ULTIMATE WINE EXPERIENCE! The perfect gift for wine lovers -

Suitable for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Mother’s Day, Christmas etc. 02380 644350 www.hampshirewineschool.com info@hampshirewineschool.com

By Cecile

NEW FOREST’S BALMER LAWN HOTEL WINS SECOND AA ROSETTE FOR CULINARY EXCELLENCE Balmer Lawn Hotel and Spa is delighted to announce that Beresford’s Restaurant has earnt another AA Rosette for their iconic 4-star hotel in Brockenhurst. The standard of produce and talents of chefs in the New Forest, has put the area firmly on the culinary map. Located in the heart of the New Forest surrounded by the regions famous free roaming ponies, the independently owned, 53-bedroomed hotel is home to Saltus Spa, two swimming pools, outdoor leisure activities and caters for weddings, events and conferences. Owners Chris and Alison Wilson have heavily invested in the refurbishment and renovation of bedrooms, public areas, the restaurant and spa. The hotel is a fifteen-minute walk from the mainline railway station. Executive Chef Chris Wheeldon said “We’ve worked hard to refine our menus with consistency and precision, and two rosettes reflect that. Our ingredients are local, seasonal and what’s ready for harvest from our small kitchen garden”. General Manager Michael Clitheroe added “Chris’s menus are creative and imaginative, inspired by his travels, especially to the Far East. Feedback from the new Tasting Menu has been absolutely terrific’.

Executive Chef Chris Wheeldon

Beresford’s Restaurant is open to non-residents and guests every day for lunch 12 – 2.30pm and dinner 6.30 – 9.00pm. Balmer Lawn Hotel and Spa www.balmerlawnhotel.com T: 01590 421 099

S.O.S SOLENT OSTOMATES SUPPORT

DEADLINE?

There is support for people who have had a colostomy,ileostomy or urostomy at SOS. The group meets on the last Wednesday of the month (except August December) from 2--4pm. They are celebrating tens with a special meeting on Saturday 22 April 11am--3pm at Kings Community Church, Upper Northam Road, Hedge End. New members welcome. Contact 07527707069

Digital Print has enabled you to have print on demand ranging from 1 to 3000 copies.

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Steve’s Piano Tuning & Repair All pianos new and old tuned and repaired at competitive rates. Telephone: 02381 843827 Mobile: 07905 451131

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

policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Southampton

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.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Justin a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be

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SOUTHAMPTON WOMEN’S FORUM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Monday 15 May 2017 at 3pm Seminar Room - Southampton Central Library. The Southampton Women’s Forum invite you to join them at their AGM to listen to the report of the Chair, celebrate achievements and elect a new Committee for the coming year. The main Committee roles include Chair, Vice Chair, Communications Secretary, Administrative Secretary, Vice Secretary, Treasurer, Meetings Host and Fundraiser. If you are interested in any of these posts please contact them by e-mail for more details. If you would like to find out more about what the Women’s Forum do, please have a look at their website. southampton.womens.forum@gmail.com southamptonwomensforum.weebly.com

County Bowling Club Northlands Road, Southampton, SO15 2LN

Open Day - Saturday, 6th May 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or any Tuesday Morning from 10:00 to 12:30 from mid-April onwards

The club also has a very Come active social along and try calendar. It’s free! out bowling at one Just wear flat of the friendliest shoes. We’ll do and most attractive the rest! clubs in the area.

Bowling is an ideal way to enjoy a few hours of exercise and fun in a friendly and relaxed environment. Even better, it also helps to: • Improve physical and mental well being • Flex and stretch joints and tendons • Build confidence and self esteem Come and join us and you’ll not just be a member of a club, but part of a community. For further information, please call Malcolm James on 02380 360534 or email mlcmjames@aol.com

www.countybowlingclub.co.uk 49

GREAT BRITISH TENNIS WEEKEND With summer fast approaching, it is the time for many people to think of taking to the great outdoors to indulge in some exercise. So as temperatures begin to rise what better time to try a new sport? The Lawn Tennis Association is promoting the Great British Tennis Weekend on 13-14 May to encourage members of the public to try a game of tennis at their local club for free. The only preparation participants require is a suitable pair of footwear and clothing. The host club will provide tennis racquets and balls but you may bring your own playing equipment. Junior players are catered for with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;short tennisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; nets and small racquets, as well as tennis balls designed for the younger set; slightly softer and graded as traffic lights according to age and ability. The LTA was started in Victorian times when the only playing surface available was grass. These playing surfaces are now fairly rare treasures, since the British public are likely to think of Wimbledon pastures and, inevitably, strawberries and cream, which are all associated with that mid summer tennis feast.

13-14 May

Totton and Eling Tennis Centre Aikman Lane TOTTON SO40 8FT Saturday 13 May - 13:00 - 17:00 Lyndhurst Lawn Tennis Club Sandy Lane LYNDHURST SO43 7DN Sunday 14 May - 11:00 - 17:00

These days playing surfaces vary between astro turf, hard court, clay and even a form of carpet as well as grass. These surfaces allow tennis to be played all year round and where clubs have invested in floodlights, after dark.

Downton Tennis Club Brian Whitehead Sports Centre, Wick Lane Downton, SALISBURY, SP5 3NF Saturday 06 May - 14:00 - 16:00

The successes of Andy and Jamie Murray, plus Johanna Konta in Grand Slam Tournaments, winning the Davis Cup in 2015, progressing forwards in the Federation Cup in 2017; have all encouraged more media coverage and awareness of the sport.

Glebian Tennis Club West End Road SOUTHAMPTON SO18 6PN Saturday 13 May - 12:00 - 16:00

Details of local tennis clubs and the times of their involvement in the Great British Tennis Weekend can be found on www. clubspark.lta.org.uk/OpenDays, where it might be possible to book a time slot with your chosen club.

Woodhouse Lane Recreation Park Pavilion Road Woodhouse Lane, SOUTHAMPTON SO30 2EZ Sunday 14 May - 12:00 - 15:00

SaturdaY 13th May Southampton City Bandstand

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Appliance Repair JP Appliances

Beauty Salon

Hampshire Wine School

Southampton City College

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Electricians

Nails by Charlene Lacey

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Blinds & Curtains Solent Blind & Curtain Company Waterside Blinds Ltd

Premlex Electrical 41 5

Bowling Clubs County Bowling Club

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Business Agents Adams & Co

Canopies & Carports Aliport Structures Ltd

Car/Van Hire Discover Delivers

Caravans Viscount Caravans

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Skandoor Ltd

Garages Independent Car Sales & Servicing Ltd Formpave Drives and Patios Ltd Greenkeeper Lawns Ashmore Kitchens

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Steve Robson - Piano Tuning and repair 46 Plastering Services

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FIND THE HIDDEN SYMBOL COMPETITION All you have to do is find the sun symbol hidden somewhere within one of this issueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advertisements. How to enter (text only): 07520 632898 One entry per household, last entry date 10th June 52

Kitchens

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RSJ Computer Services

County Block Paving Ltd

Garden Design & Services

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GS Windows Ltd

Funeral Services

Building Materials Waltet Materials Ltd

Fencing Fires & Fireplaces

Builders Brian Loades Builders

Plumbing & Heating Services Aquatec Plumbing & Heating 40 First Call Heating Ltd 55 G James Plumbing service 47 Gair Gas 27 Gas Technique 56 Heatworks Heating & Plumbing Ltd 42 JPS Plumbing Gas and Electrical 46 M Brierley Plumbing Limited 47 NHP Romsey 41 T P Watts Plumbing 43 Plumbing Supplies Universal Plumbing Supplies Ltd 39 Printers Warwick Printing 46 Property Services Blues H&C Ltd 7 Mallard Property & Garden Maintenance 25 Prestige Property Services 28 Quite Contrary Handyman 47 Roofing Services Roofline 43 Wildstone Property Maintenance 34 Rubbish Clearance 1st Choice Rubbish Clearance Specialists 28 Rubbish Clearance and Waste Removal 26 Solicitors Eric Robinson Solicitors 20 Swimming Lessons Wessex Swim School Ltd 15 Theatre Eastleigh Operatic & Music Society 49 Tree Surgeons Arbor Call 23 Evergreen Tree Surgeon & Hedge Specialist 25 RCF Tree & Landscape Services 24 Sameday Tree & Garden Services 23 TV & Aerial Services Aerial Fix 42 Keith Humphries & Son 19 Pure Digitals, Aerials & Satellites 47 Upholsters Pont Furnishings Ltd 21

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

WIN ÂŁ50

Discover Southampton is delivered door to door, free of charge. Distribution is monthly as follows: SO15,SO16 and SO17 including Bassett, Chilworth, Lordswood, Rownhams, Nursling, Shirley, Regents Park, Highfield and Portswood. 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: Locks Heath, 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 Southampton? 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. Discover Southampton is regularly delivered to 14,000 owner occupied homes in SO15, SO16, SO17; inc Chilworth, Nursling but exc SO14 city centre To discuss a co-ordinated approach on marketing your business call Melanie Tinson 023 8027 6396 (direct) • www.discovermagazines.co.uk

12 editions

145,000 homes

Stockbridge

Winchester Salisbury East Villages 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 Totton & Chandlers EDITION Ashurst EDITION Ford EDITION delivered to 14,000 homes in Totton, Ashurst, Eling, Cadnam, Woodlands and SO40

13,500 homes in Chandlers Ford, Otterbourne, Allbrook, Hursley and Shawford

PUZZLE ANSWERS

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

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 53

lawn about how to scarify his Peter got the wrong idea

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