Alresford Forum Magazine Issue 68

A FREE publication reaching over 14,900* readers: www.alresfordforum.co.ukOld Alresford Bighton Gundleton Tichborne Ropley & Ropley Dean Bishop’s Sutton Cheriton & New Cheriton

Northington Preston Candover Itchen Abbas & Stoke Bramdean Kilmeston Avington Easton Hinton Ampner

Local entertainment

Community news & events

Church services

Useful information

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Local businesses

Recipe page

Alresford & Itchen VAlley forum

ISS

UE

68

JU

LY 2

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Every Tuesday Sahaja Yoga Meditation Learn how to meditate, by working on the body's subtle system, to help you achieve a state of balance, harmony and inner peace in your everyday life. At 7.00pm. The Studio, 26a The Dean (behind Studio 49), Alresford SO24 9AZ. Everyone welcome and Sahaja Yoga is always offered free of charge! Tel: 01962 738561

2nd Wednesday of each month345 Preschool Cafe/Cake SaleFrom 9.15am - 10.30am at Alresford Methodist Church, Jacklyns Lane. We hope you can join us and help raise funds for 345 preschool. Everyone welcome. Contact Candyce Primmer: 01420 88898 email: [email protected]

Every ThursdayCountry MarketAlresford Community Centre. From 8.30am - 11.30am. Homemade local produce, flowers, vegetables, plants and crafts.

Every ThursdayTown Trust MarketBroad Street, 9am - 1pm

Saturday 30th to Sunday 1st July Bugs, Butterflies & BeetlesCelebrate National Insect Week A chance to see some of the 100,000 insects (and other biology collections) cared for by Hampshire County Council Arts & Museums Service at Chilcomb House, Winchester. What have we got? Why do we have them? What are the problems we face? Find out during a free guided tour of a museum store not normally open to the general public. The tours are free of charge, but prior booking is essential as numbers are strictly limited. Suitable for adults & accompanied children aged 7+ Contact: Christine Taylor or Amber Kane. Chilcomb House, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8RD. From 10.00 - 11.00, 11.30 - 12.30, 1.30 - 2.30 & 3.00 - 4.00. Tickets: Free. Contact: 0845 603 5635. [email protected]

Sunday 1st JulyFour Marks has Got Talent ContestCharity fund raising event at the Windmill Inn, Four Marks. Auditions start at 11.30am with a Grand Final at 7.00 pm. Only £5.00 to enter one of the four categories. Entry forms available

from the Windmill Inn or Rumours Bistro in Four Marks, and can also be downloaded from Four Marks News website. Fun for all the family all day long - go on give it a go! Contact Karen Murrell on 01962 773630 or [email protected] for more information.

Thursday 5th JulySave the Children Lunchtime Piano with Bob Wheeler From 1.00 - 2.00pm at St. John's Church.

Saturday 7th JulyCherry Tree Pre-school Quiz Night8pm, Alresford Recreation Centre, Arlebury Park. Tables of 8, £10 per person (to include a ploughman's supper). Expert Quiz Master, Bar, Tombola. Contact Alison Owen on 07900 213909 or [email protected] for more information. All funds raised will go to Cherry Tree & its exciting relocation project! Registered Charity 1038574

Wednesday 11th July Alresford and District Society meeting This month will feature a talk by Tim Woodland on planting and growing Spring bulbs. Meetings begin at 7.30pm in the Phair Hall of Alresford Town Hall (Community Centre). Visitors always welcome. The Society is also preparing for the Alresford Show and will have a marquee dedicated to home grown fruits, vegetables and flowers, culinary delights, craft work, floral art and photography. All are expertly and sensitively judged. There are classes for everyone; have a look at the schedule and resolve to enter, it is great fun!Schedules are available in Alresford including at the library and in Morgans.

Friday 13th to Sunday 15th July Alresford Art Society Annual Exhibition 2012At Alresford Community Centre, From 10am - 5pm Friday & Saturday, 10am - 4pm Sunday. Admission free. More information 01962 736751 or www.artsociety.alresford.org

Saturday 14th JulyTichborne Village Fete & Cream TeasFrom 2 -5pm. The Old Post Office, Tichborne. Bring along your entries for the pet show (open to all suitably controlled pets!), the best flower(s) display, the best vegetable (entry is 50p for

adults). There will be afternoon teas, a BBQ, stalls and games. All welcome!"

Saturday 14th July Three Choirs and a Zimbe Band!7.30 pm at St John’s Church, New Alresford. Come and listen to the recently formed Alresford Community Choir together with Hampshire’s County Youth and Children’s Choirs, accompanied by “Call Me Al”, a professional Jazz Group, performing a wide ranging international repertoire of music. All types of music from The Beatles to “Zimbe!” by Alexander L’Estrange – that forms the second half of the programme, sung by all three choirs. An amazing fusion of rock, jazz, choral and traditional African music which provides a whirlwind of joyous and exuberant sounds. Tickets available from County News, West Street, New Alresford or from St John’s Church on the night, if there are any left! Cost £15 (£10 for under 16s) to include a glass of wine or juice.

Sunday 15th JulyAlresford Eel house open day

Sunday 15th July Charity MotocrossIn aid of Leukaemia BustersMatterley Basin, Winchester - on A31 between Alresford and Winchester. Admission: £5.00 per adult, under 14s free. First Race 11am. Sorry, but dogs are not permitted in the venue.

Wednesday 18th July Alresford Historical & Literary Society Summer outingTo Silchester Roman Excavations and a talk by Professor Fulford of Reading University. For further information contact the SecretaryBob Fowler: 01962 734125

Tuesday 24th to Thursday 26th JulyNew Forest and Hampshire County ShowWhatever your interests, you are guaranteed to have a great time at this Show, so don’t miss it. Look at www.newforestshow.co.uk for information, discounted tickets and the best way to travel to this popular event, by car or let the train take the strain. Access roads have been improved and better signage in the car park so you won’t lose your car! Tickets also available now by ringing

01590 622409.

Saturday 28th JulyBighton and District Flower Show 2012

Bighton Village Hall. Entry requirements now simpler and easier to meet than ever before! With around 70 different classes to enter covering flowers, vegetables, fruits, plants, flower arranging, produce, craft and more, there is almost certainly something for everyone to show from their garden or home! There’s the ever-popular men-only baking class, several children’s classes by age-groups to display those creative imaginations, and cookery classes with store-cupboard ingredients and recipes you’ll enjoy making long after the show is over.Please contact Elaine Arnold 736419 or Sunita Martin 733757 for a schedule of classes and further details. Entries from non-residents are encouraged and very welcome. We look forward to seeing you there!

Saturday 28th July Save the Children Summer SaleFrom 9am - 12.30pm in the Community Centre, Alresford. Cake stall, jigsaws, board games, DVDs, jewellery, books, tombola, refreshments. Admission free

Thursday 2nd AugustSave the Children Lunchtime Piano with Bob Wheeler From 1.00 - 2.00pm at St. John's Church.

Tuesday 9th OctoberAlresford Royal Naval Association A talk by Rear Admiral Paula Hoddintott CB OBE - RN SubmarineOperations in World War I. Members of the public are warmly invited to join the members of the Royal Naval Assocation (Alresford Branch) to listen to this free talk at Alresford Recreation and Leisure Centre (Arlebury Park). It will be preceded by the RNA Branch meeting, 7.30pm -8.15pm, and anyone also interested in joining the RNA is also invited to this. For further details please email [email protected] or telephone the Branch Secretary Lesley Jones on 01962 736573

If you would like to feature an event on our diary page then please send it to [email protected] by 12th July. We cannot guarantee publication.

Dates for your diary

ISSUE 68 JULY www.alresfordforum.co.uk

4 | Contents

Alresford & Itchen Valley Forum

Inside this month's issueAlresford & Itchen Valley Forum

July 2012

Features & Community News

03 Dates for your diary

06 Church Services and News

08 Alresford Music Festival - 1,500 Daydream Believers!

10 WeGoEco: Grow your own lunch.

10 Perin's Student sings for the Queen

10 West End Theatre comes to Perins

12 Useful Information

14 Alresford Town Council Reports

8

24

18

26

16 Clubs & Societies

18 Let it Rain - What do you think?

18 Alresford 100% Tourism Satisfaction

20 Alresford Chamber of Commerce

22 Alresford Rotary takes the kids out

24 Recipe of the Month - Croquette de Crabe

25 Hampshire Food Festival 2012

28 The Magic Wand Tandem Challenge

28 Alresford Surgery News

28 Local Nature and Butterfly Walks

30 Velvet Buses take over the 67 Bus Route

32 Parent and Child

32 Ropley Playgroup and Pre-School

34 International Garden Photographer of the Year

34 Steve Brine MP

36 Kansas it is not

38 Three Choirs and a Zimbe Band

38 Alresford Art Society gets Colourful

38 Small Stage for Murder

40 Blissfields Festival in Winchester

40 Jenny Meadows - Winchester Citizens Advice Bureau

44 New Forest & Hampshire County Show 2012

44 West Meon Festival of books 2012

46 Hampshire Mum - It's All Downhill... from Here?


Contents | 5

Alresford & Itchen Valley Forum

July 2012

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Culture38

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6 | Church Services & News


St. John the BaptiSt New Alresford Sunday 1st July 08.00 Holy Communion 10.30 Tradecraft in JPH Sunday 8th July 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Second Sunday Family Service Sunday 15th July 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Choral Communion 18.00 Sunday @ Six Unity Service Sunday 22nd July 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion Sunday 29th July 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion Midweek Services 08.30 Every Saturday: Quiet Communion 10.00 Every Friday: Holy Communion 12.00 Tuesday - Friday: Midday Prayer 14.00 Every Monday: Prayer Time Parish Office 01962 733545 www.stjohnsalresford.org.uk St.MaRY'S Old Alresford Sunday 1st July 09.30 Holy Communion 18.00 Old Alresford Cottage Service Sunday 8th July 09.30 Parish Communion Sunday 15th July 09.30 Parish Communion Sunday 22nd July 09.30 Parish Communion Sunday 29th July 09.30 Parish Communion

St.peteR'S Ovington Sunday 1st July 10.00 First Sunday Sunday 8th July 10.00 Parish Communion Sunday 15th July 10.00 Parish Communion Sunday 22nd July 10.00 Choral Mattins Sunday 29th July 10.00 Choral Eucharist

MethoDiSt ChURCh New Alresford Sunday Worship 10.30 Every Sunday Morning Worship and Junior Church Holy Communion Monthly. Please note that there will be no regular Sunday evening services Midweek Activities 10.00 Every Tuesday Come in for coffee with Pause for Thought (1st & 3rd) 07.00 Every Wednesday Men’s breakfast, bible reflection & prayer 14.30 1st & 3rd Thursdays Women's Fellowship 19.00 Thursdays - (term 20.30 time) Guides 19.30 1st Thursday Lydia Group for ladies 19.00 Fridays (term time) KIDZ Café for parents, carers, babies and toddlers group. Craft, playtime, story time and special events Daytime and evening bible study groups meet in church members’ homes, as do the Lydia Group; all other activities are at the church. For further details about services, weddings, baptisms, funerals or other events, please contact: Revd Dawn Carn: 01962 735278 or Senior Steward Senior Steward Gary Carter: 01962 732350 www.alresfordmethodist church.org.uk

St.GReGoRY'S New Alresford Every Sunday 11.00 Mass

neW FaRM ChapeL Alresford Sunday Services 10.30 Service (with Sunday school and crèche available) 16.30 Varies (Prayer, Praise and Discussion/Talk)

Other Weekly Activities Sunday 10.30 Kosmic - for kids Thursday 10.00 Prayer Group 19.30 House Group Term Time Activities Tuesday 10.15 Toddlers Group Wednesday 14.30 Senior Citizens Hour Fridays 18.30 Youth Club (Years 5 and 6) 19.45 Youth Club (Years 7, 8 and 9) Contact us for details of other events and activities such as ALPHA, on: 01962 732130 or 01420 561210 or email: [email protected]. See the website: www.newfarmchapel.org.uk aLL SaintS Bighton Sunday 1st July 11.00 All Age Service Sunday 8th July 11.00 Parish Communion Sunday 15th July 11.00 Morning Prayer Sunday 22nd July 11.00 Parish Communion

St.MaRY'S Avington Sunday 1st July 08.00 Holy Communion 11.00 Morning Service

St.MaRY'S Easton Sunday 1st July 20.30 Evening Service with Bible Study Sunday 15th July 10.00 Parish Communion with Childrens Activities

St.John'S Itchen Abbas Sunday 1st July 10.00 Family Service Sunday 22nd July 08.00 Holy Communion

St.SWithUn'S Martyr Worthy Sunday 15th July 08.00 Holy Communion Sunday 22nd July 10.00 Parish Communion

UppeR itChen BeneFiCe Sunday 1st July 10.00 Cheriton Benefice Communion and Sunday School Sunday 8th July 08.30 Beauworth Holy Communion 09.30 Cheriton Parish Communion 11.00 Tichborne Sunday Club 11.00 Bramdean Holy Communion 11.00 Kilmeston Family Service 15.00 Church in the Wood Evensong Sunday 15th July 08.30 Tichborne Holy Communion 09.30 Cheriton Summer Celebration 09.30 Beauworth Holy Communion 11.00 Hinton Prayer & Praise Sunday 22nd July 09.30 Cheriton Shout Out 11.00 Bramdean Sea Sunday 11.00 Kilmeston Holy Communion 15.00 Church in the Wood Evensong 18.30 Tichborne Evensong Sunday 29th July 09.30 Hinton Holy Communion 09.30 Cheriton Mattins 11.00 Beauworth Village Thanksgiving 11.00 Tichborne Family Service 15.00 Church in the Wood Evensong

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8 | Community News / Professional Services

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A new website listing goods and services for sale from people in the SO24 postcode area.

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Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney Six good reasons for making your Will: You1. are married, with children 2. own property/business3. have remarried, or 4. are single living with a partner, and child5. want to prevent avoidable costs later 6. haven't yet made a will

Anne Allen LL.B Tel: 01962 734981 www.willmanage.com or email: [email protected] checked. This firm complies with the IPW Code of Practice

Willmanage.com is a Hampshire-based firm specialising in writing Wills. The cost of a basic Will is from £120 – VAT free – and includes three home visits.

We also arrange Lasting Powers of Attorney: ensure that you have appointed someone on a legal basis to manage your finances and healthcare should you become unable to do so.

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Glorious sunshine, 16 artists, 12 hours of eclectic music and

great family entertainment greeted over 1,500 festival goers at 'Daydream', the 3rd annual Alresford Music Festival, which took place for the first time in Arlebury Park, a terrific setting boasting marvellous views over the Hampshire countryside.

The event had a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere with all ages enjoying a wide selection of music from the opening sounds of violins, to jazzy sounds of horns through to dynamic guitars and ending with energetic electro pop. In addition to the two stages of superb live music, festival goers enjoyed circus performances (including a dramatic fire juggling show) and street dance demonstrations, while younger members of the festival were able to try out various musical instruments with Alresford's own 'Rock Out!' rock school. With the weather staying warm and dry all day, music fans were also able to try out zorbing, design workshops and enjoy the ever expanding festival village. To keep everyone fuelled throughout the day the arena

Alresford Music Festival - 1,500 Daydream Believers!

hosted various food stalls and refreshments, including the always popular 'big top' bar!We would like to express our gratitude to our principal partner, First Option, for making the festival happen (and for supplying the festival's first iPhone app!). With their continued support, 'Daydream' has proven to be our most successful event yet, achieving a 50% increase on the previous year's attendance.

The great turnout means that we are now able to donate a significant amount to our two chosen charities: Juvenile Diabetic Research Foundation (JDRF) and the Alresford Youth Association. Plans are already underway for the 4th Alresford Music Festival and with the positive feedback already received we hope to be bringing more exciting music to our new home in the park next June.

Finally, we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who turned up on the day and we look forward to another great day next year!



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10 | Education


Perins School is pleased to announce that it has joined forces with a

West End stage and television production group to host a drama summer school for young people in Alresford. West End Summers will be running a week long summer school for 8 to 18 year olds who are interested in the performing arts.

The Summer School will run from Monday 30th July to Friday 3rd August in the Perins main hall and is open to young people of all abilities. This fun and interactive course will train the students on improvisation, characterisation and acting techniques, building up to a public production of an original devised performance on

Perins Student sings for the Queen

Phoebe Withrington (12), a student from Perins in Alresford was selected

from hundreds of hopeful choristers to sing for the Queen in St Paul’s Cathedral in the service to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. St Paul's Cathedral had searched for young singers from all over the UK to form the Diamond Choir and sing for The Queen. Boys and girls aged 10 - 13 and

WeGoEco: Grow your own Lunchand history. But the girls are very aware that it is down to them to maintain their lovely surroundings, and therefore on a daily basis they are changing the habits of the microcosm of society in which they live. It is a classic example of reverse teaching; once the Eco-Club had been set up and each year had voted for its own Eco-Monitors, the girls’ imaginations took over and they instigated the models of behaviour. It was their idea to grow their own vegetables – this is not a school with hundreds of acres at its disposal, but in their little corner of the Close they have been very successful and

Tucked away in the Close of Salisbury Cathedral is a school which has

its environmentally friendly credentials “running through it like a stick of rock”, according to the assessor who came to award it a third green flag last term. The girls at Leaden Hall are extremely aware of the fact that they are stewards of the world and need to keep it green and clean in order to pass it on to the next generation in good condition. When the shadow of the 800 year old tallest cathedral spire in England looms over your studies, you develop an innate feeling for continuity

daily eat food which has clocked up a maximum of 150 metres of food miles and left the soil barely hours before. Like many parents with a glut of courgettes, Joe the Chef finds his imagination stretched sometimes to provide different recipes. “But,” he says, “the children love bringing their fresh produce to me at break and seeing it on their plates at lunchtime. It is true that if children have been instrumental in planting their food, nurturing it and harvesting it, they are keen to know what it will taste like.” Parents agree: they tell of children who previously turned their noses up at fresh

vegetables comparing the flavour of what they ate at school that day to what they are being presented with at home for supper – invariably to the detriment of supper! One parent remarks, “School food in my day used to be something we ate with disgust, holding our noses so we couldn’t taste it – my daughter is now a connoisseur of broccoli!”

To find out more about how to become an Eco-school, please contact Leaden Hall on 01722 334700 or e-mail us at [email protected].

West End Theatre comes to Perinsthe last day. The students will work towards this performance and will have the chance to steer the direction of the piece whilst guided by the professionals. Parents and friends will be invited to attend the performance on the Friday evening.

West End Summers approached Perins to launch the programme after seeing that the school had won the high profile Rock Challenge drama competition, in Southampton, earlier in the year. “There is clearly a strong performance culture at the school and we felt it would be really exciting to bring our professional actors to work with the students in the area,”

singing regularly in a church, school or other youth choir, were given the chance to perform a brand new choral work called “The Call of Wisdom” by Will Todd. 400 children auditioned in 18 cathedrals across the UK.

Phoebe sings in Winchester Cathedral Choir so she auditioned there and was thrilled to be chosen to sing at this once-in-a–lifetime occasion. She

was the only chorister in the Diamond Choir from Hampshire.Phoebe said, “To have so many important and influential people listening to me as I sang in the choir was amazing. I felt very proud to be British and to be representing the whole of Hampshire and Perins School. It was such an incredible experience and a day I will never forget!”

commented summer school producer, Ali Godfrey.

Perins School’s Creative Arts Team Leader, Marilitsa Tresair, added “this is a fantastic opportunity for our students to work with professional actors. I am certain that it is going to be an incredible experience for all involved, I only wish we had something like this when I was at school!”

West End Summers is part of West End Schools, a year-round theatre programme that takes leading West End performers to schools nationwide, performing specially written shows and running drama workshops. The organisation unites some of the

best actors working in the West End today and an Olivier Award winning production company. The actors who will be working with the young people at Perins include stars of West End shows including The Lion King, Chicago, the Wizard of Oz and Oliver, and films and television programmes such as Mama Mia, Hollyoaks, Hustle and How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria.

Places on the summer school are limited and cost £250 per person for the week. For further information and bookings please go to www.westendsummers.com or see the link on the Perins Community website www.perinscommunity.co.uk/West-End-Summers.



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12 | Useful local information

activities. Booking Secretary: Robbie Winters (after 6pm) Tel: 01962 733950

The Old Chapel in The Dean Does your group or organisation need a comfortable, well equipped meeting place in the centre of Alresford, with full disabled facilities? If so contact: Stuart on Tel: 01962 737252 (day) 732059 (Evenings)

Bishop’s Sutton Village Hall Ideal for parties and other events. With ample car parking, full disabled access and a seating capacity of over 120. Crockery and cutlery available for use. Perfectly suited for all kinds of functions. Mandy Bennett. Tel: 01962 732863 (10am. -12 noon, 6.00pm.- 10.00pm)

Christy Hall, Old Alresford Available weekday mornings and some afternoons for regular bookings. Seating for up to 75 people. Hire costs include the use of the heating and all kitchen equipment. Tel: 01962 733978

Ropley Coffee Room Church Street, Ropley, Alresford, SO24 0DS. Booking Contact David Ottley Tel: 01962 772440

Itchen Abbas Village Hall Jenny Sloan Tel: 0796 911 3630 www.iaavillagehall.co.uk

Beauworth Village Hall A former national school in 1873 and listed building. The hall is heated and has a sound enhancement system with hearing impedance loop. An enclosed patio and grass area ideal for children’s parties. Heating and kitchen facilities included. Please contact Caroline Stanley. Tel: 01962 771793

Cheriton Village Hall Available throughout the year for clubs, classes, meetings, parties etc on some afternoons, evenings and weekends. Mornings as well during school holidays. Contact Penny Scott. Tel: 01962 771263

Bighton Village Hall The large hall which has ample car parking and is adjacent to a picnic area has kitchen facilities and is fully heated. Contact: Gail Johnson Tel: 01962 736556 e: [email protected]. www.bighton.org.uk

Kilmeston Village Hall Situated on the village green, the extensively refurbished Hall is an excellent venue for group functions, family parties, or as a base for outdoor activities. Please visit our website on www.kilmestonvillagehall.co.uk or Phone Pamela Thomas on 01962 771590 to book.

eMeRGenCY SeRViCeS Emergency Only (Ambulance, Fire, Police): Tel: 999

Electricity Emergency 24hrs a day, 7 days a week Tel: 08457 708090 Gas Emergency 24hrs a day, 7 days a week Tel: 0800 111 999 Water Emergency 24hrs a day, 7 days a week Tel: 0845 278 0845 Reporting a leak? Then call: Tel: 0800 820 999

aLReSFoRD poLiCe Alresford Police Station Closed There is a bell on the Police Station. If an officer is in attendance they will answer you. Alternatively Tel: 0845 045 45 45 www.hampshire.police.uk

PCSO Steve Hull Tel: 07901 102348 If not available please call Hampshire Police using: 101

SURGeRieS & CheMiStS Alresford Dental Care 4 Pound Hill, Alresford www.alresforddentalcare.co.uk Surgery Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00 to 17:15. Friday 08:00 to 13:45 Tel: 01962 733580 The Alresford Surgery Station Road, Alresford www.alresfordsurgery.co.uk Tel: 01962 732345 Mansfield Park Surgery Lymington Bottom Road, Medstead, GU34 5EW Tel: 01420 562922 Alresford Pharmacy 1 East Street, Alresford Monday - Friday 09.00 - 6.30 Saturday 09.00 - 5.00 Tel: 01962 732858 Wessex Pharmacy Broad Street, Alresford. Tel: 01962 732445 Out of Hours Service Anyone requiring a chemist service out of practice hours will find their nearest point is either Winchester, Basingstoke or Andover. Call one of the below for details. NHS Direct: 0845 46 47 24hrs a day, 7 days a week Out of Hours Service Tel: 0844 8113060

hoSpitaLS Royal Hampshire County Hospital Winchester, Hampshire Tel: 01962 863535 North Hants Hospital Basingstoke, Hampshire Tel: 01256 473202 Alton Community Hospital Alton, Hampshire Tel: 01420 82811

LiBRaRY Alresford Library Monday 10.00 - 1.00 Tuesday 2.00 - 5.00 Wed/Sun Closed Thursday 10.00 - 1.00 Friday 10.00 - 7.00 Saturday 10.00 - 1.00 Contact number 0845 603 5631 Or www3.hants.gov.uk/library.htm

CitiZenS aDViCe Citizens Advice Bureau Outreach Service Winchester Citizens Advice Bureau is back at the Alresford GP Surgery If you need help Contact CAB on 01962 848000 or drop in to the surgery on Mondays between 1- 3pm (not bank holidays) If you want help Please donate to CAB on line at www.winchestercab.org.uk Or send donations to CAB – Alresford 68 St George’s Street, Winchester, SO23 8AH

ReCYCLinG Prospect Road Recycling Centre Recycle all your bottles, car batteries, cardboard and other household waste at Prospect Road recycling centre. Open seven days a week. Tel: 01962 735961 Recycle your obsolete mobile phones to help raise funds for Help the Aged. Contact the charity shop in Broad Street, Alresford. Tel: 01962 734926

CoUnCiLS Hampshire County Council The Castle, Winchester, SO23 8UJ www.hants.gov.uk Tel: 0800 028 0888

Winchester City Council City Offices, Colebrook Street, Winchester, SO23 9LJ www.winchester.gov.uk Tel: 01962 840222

East Hampshire District Council Penns Place, Petersfield, GU31 4EX www.easthants.gov.uk Tel: 01730 266551

Alresford Town Council Arlebury Park, The Avenue, Alresford, Hants. SO24 9EP. Clerk: Mrs Stevie Kavanagh email: [email protected] Tel: 01962 732079 If a question is put in writing at least 3 days before the meeting a written response will be provided. Public opening times for the Town Council Office: 11am to 1pm Monday to Friday.

neiGhBoURhooD WatCh Alresford and District Neighbourhood Watch Association Newsletters are issued three times a year and are available at www.alresford.org/neigbourhoodwatch To report a crime anonymously call Crimestoppers: Tel 800 555 111 For Neighbourhood Watch enquiries contact: Administrator Jennie Roberts Tel: 01962 736505 e-mail [email protected]

SChooLS Sun Hill County Infant School Sun Lane, Alresford www.sunhill-inf.hants.sch.uk email: beverley.minall@sunhill -inf.hants.sch.uk Tel: 01962 732632

Sun Hill County Junior School Sun Lane, Alresford www.sunhill-jun.hants.sch.uk Tel: 01962 732801

Cheriton Primary School Cheriton, Alresford, SO24 0QA Tel: 01962 771278

Four Marks Primary School Four Marks, Alton, GU34 5AS Tel: 01962 772200

Itchen Abbas County Primary School Itchen Abbas, SO21 1BE Tel: 01962 779310

Ropley C of E Controlled Primary School Church St. Ropley, SO24 ODS Tel: 01962 772381

Perins Community School Pound Hill, Alresford, SO24 9BS www.perins.net Tel: 01962 734361

toWn & ViLLaGe haLLS Alresford Community Centre There are two halls and a committee room available for public hire with concessions for local groups. It is self-supporting so has an enthusiastic fund raising committee who, with good community support, raise much of the income to run the

home Services | 13


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14 | Community News

THE ARC

Jazz at the ARCMonthly Jazz. The first Wednesday of the month, from 8.30pm until 11pm, the ARC hosts Traditional Jazz bands. Playing on the 4th July is the Excel Jazzmen

Appearing next month on the 1st AugustThe Louisiana Jazzmen

Tickets to Alresford residents are £6 on the door.

The ARC is still available for Hire!

Alresford Recreation Centre offers free meeting rooms for resiand family gatherings. Tel:01962 732079 or email: [email protected]

Alresford Town Council Reports

made on our electricity bills. This is in addition to receiving the Government ‘Feed-in’ tariff, which will pay for the capital cost over the next seven years.

GrantsDuring 2011/12 we gave grants and donations to the value of £7,133 and at Thursday’s meeting we approved two grants from this year’s budget. We awarded Vitalise; a registered charity who arranges breaks for the disabled £272.25 and the Alresford Community Centre was awarded £500 towards the remedial masonry work over the porch.

Alresford 100% Tourism SatisfactionOur Tourism Committee conducted a survey of visitors to the town to gain insights into visitors’ motivation for choosing Alresford for daytrips and to assess their degree of satisfaction with their experience. The survey revealed that 100% of visitors would come again and would recommend others to enjoy what Alresford has to offer. A majority of visitors said they come to the town because it had been recommended to them. Visitors also cited the fact that the people of Alresford are friendly which contributes to a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Our Tourism Committee is delighted with this feedback.

Watercress FestivalOnce again we hosted a successful Watercress Festival. There were a record number of stalls and there was a good turnout despite the changeable weather which slightly

Finances stay on trackAll committees and departments of the Council came within their operational budgets last year with some £8000 being transferred to reserves. Our reserve levels have now been restored and are within the tolerance levels of the guidelines for local authorities whilst maintaining the Council Tax at the same level for the last four years.

Considerable maintenance work was carried out to Stratton Bates and the Arlebury Park Centre and this will be completed this summer from special reserves set aside for the purpose. An ongoing maintenance plan has also been put in place to ensure that these buildings are kept up to standard.

We have been disappointed with the financial performance of the refreshment facility at the ARC but Council now recognises that the cost of providing alternative manning of the centre during periods of public use would far outweigh the losses sustained. Currently the existing staff also fulfils the caretaker role essential to keeping the building open to the public. Having recognised this we are pleased to report that since making the change in management last August there has been an improvement in the financial performance of the facility which has continued into the current year.

As already reported solar panels were installed at the ARC in February of this year and early indications are that, despite the weather, significant savings are being

reduced our visitor numbers. Clive Burgess who has organised the festival for many years is moving away from the area and his expertise will be sadly missed. Everybody would like to take this opportunity to thank Clive. We will be seeking a replacement of this role later in the year.

The A to Z of Community ServicesThe Winchester City Council website has an A to Z of all community services available within the Winchester District. This website www.winchester.gov.uk/atoz/ is regularly updated.

ViewsIf you have a view or an issue that you wish to express to the Council please call or write to:-New Alresford Town Council, Town Offices,Alresford Recreation Centre, The Avenue, Alresford SO24 9EP. Telephone No. 01962 732079email:- [email protected]

July Meeting ScheduleAll meeting will be held at 7.30pm at Alresford Recreation Centre.Full Town Council 12th JulyTourism 18th JulyEnvironment 25th JulyPlanning To be advised Please note Planning Meetings are subject to change due to the need to respond by the WCC comment dates. Please phone the office for confirmation of the meeting.

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16 | Clubs & Societies


CLUBS & SoCietieS The Royal British Legion To become a member please contact our sub-branch in Eastleigh. www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/eastleigh.

Alresford Historical and Literary Society Meetings (generally there is a talk followed by a 'get together') are held at the Methodist Hall, Jacklyns Lane, Alresford at 7.30pm on the third Wednesday of most months. For more information please contact Glenn Gilbertson, 26 Grange Road, Alresford, SO24 9HB. Tel: 01962 732726. [email protected] or Bob Fowler: 7 Sun Hill, Crescent, Alresford, SO24 9NJ. Tel: 01962 734125 [email protected]

Alresford & District Horticultural Society Meetings are held in the Phair Hall of the Community Centre from 7.30pm until 10pm. At least three outings are organised annually and a holiday is arranged visting gardens. Secretary Tony Bravery. Tel: 01962 733676 Visitors are always welcome.

Bramdean & Hinton Ampner WI We meet on the third Wednesday of every month in Bramdean & Hinton Ampner Village Hall at 7.30pm for an interesting talk, refreshments and a raffle. We organise trips to gardens, pubs and restaurants and craft mornings. New members and guests are always welcome. For more info contact Sarah at [email protected] or Judith: 01962 771655. The Alresford Ladies Group Meet for fun and friendship on the second Thursday each month in the John Pearson Hall at 7.30pm. We have a varied programme of walks, talks, trips out and social evenings. Please come along and join us, or for more information call Beryl on 01962 732695 The Swan Ladies Club, Alresford Offers an evening of fun and good company. Dinner comprising two courses of excellent food, glass of wine plus coffee and mint are followed by interesting talks demonstrations quizzes etc. Meet at 7.30pm on the third Tuesday of each month. Dinner served at approx 8pm. New members welcome. Ring Liz Garton: 01962-733125 or Swan Hotel: 01962-732302 for further details. Alresford Twinning Association Would you like to be involved in developing relationships with our Twin Town in Bricquebec Normandy, or just join us for a wide range of social activities through the year, then visit www.alresford-twinning.org.uk or call Jean on Tel: 01962 733131 Alresford Flower Club Come and join us at 7.30 on the last Wednesday of the month at the Methodist Church Hall, Jacklyns Lane, Alresford. Friendly, lively

meetings, professional flower arrangers and beautiful flowers. New members and visitors most welcome. Please contact Barbara Hudson on: 01962 733401

Alresford Reading Group Meetings are held at Alresford Library in the afternoon of the third Monday every month (excluding December and August). We read a wide variety of books chosen by members and provided by the Library Service. New members and visitors are very welcome. For further details contact Susan Shannon on 01962 734432.

SenioR CitiZenS Senior Citizens Hour Meetings are held each Wednesday at 14:30 at New Farm Chapel. Meetings are informal and consist of quizzes, talks, craft and refreshments. New members are always welcome. Contact: Mrs Jill Ransom, 6 Mallard Close, Alresford. Tel: 01962 733765

Alresford Day Care Centre Chiltern Court, Beech Road - Tuesday and Thursday. Run by a professional and volunteer team. A sociable and enjoyable day out for the housebound elderly. Gives carers a break. Transport and lunch provided. Part funded by Age Concern. Tel: 01962 735612

MUSiC & DanCe The Cheriton Singers We are a community choir who enjoy singing a wide range of music and meet on Thursdays during term time at St Michael's Church in Cheriton at 7.45 pm. www.cheritonsingers.co.uk Sue White: Tel: 01962 771796

SpoRtS CLUBS Alresford Bowling Club (150yds up Sun Lane). Lawn bowls is not just for the retired, adults of all ages are welcome. Our season is from the end of April to the end of September. We meet for roll-ups on Tuesdays from 10-12noon and Thursdays from 10-12noon and from 6-8pm. You are welcome to come along and we can provide bowls to get you going. For further information: www.alresfordbowlingclub.org.uk or contact Gail Straker [Secretary] Tel: 01962 732438 or John Holliday.

[Captain] Tel: 01962 732023

Ropley Tennis Club Located at rear of Ropley playing field. New members welcome. Coaching sessions throughout week for all levels. w: ropleytennis.org.uk Alresford Golf Club The Secretary, Cheriton Road, Tichborne Down, Alresford. Tel: 01962 733746. [email protected] www.alresfordgolf.co.uk

Judo Club Steve Fullick, 10 Perins Close, Alresford Tel: 01962 732883

Karate Club Tel: 01420 568135 [email protected] Running Sisters For information call Dawn on Tel: 01962 733723 or email:[email protected]

Tichborne Park Cricket Club 14 Benenden Green, Alresford, SO24 9PF. Contact: Andy Joyce Tel: 01962 734316 [email protected]

Alresford Rugby Club www.alresfordrfc.org [email protected]

Alresford Tennis Club Howard Lewis - Tel: 01962 733818

Cheriton Tennis Club New members welcome. Pay & play sessions available too. www.cheritontennisclub.co.uk

Alresford Badminton Club Looking for new players of all ages and abilities. The club offers both membership from £85.00 for the season and a Pay-and-Play at £4.00 per evening. Contact: Mark Emmerson on 01962 736123 or [email protected] ACA Badminton Club Friendly club seeks new members! Plays on a Monday evening 7.30-10.00pm at Alresford Community Centre. All levels welcome. Call Clive Earthy 01962 733812 or Caroline Lowman 01962 733155 for more information.

Chawton Park Indoor Bowls Club Six rinks available throughout the year. Information from Centre Manager. Chawton Park Road, Alton. Tel: 01420 541546 Alresford Netball Club Meets on Thursdays at Perins School, 6pm - 7.30pm on the tennis courts. New members welcome. First session free, thereafter £10pm. Opportunity to affiliate and play in local leagues should you wish to. Or just come for training sessions, to get fit and meet new friends. Donna Birtles. Tel: 01420 561755 or 07860 931150. [email protected]

Cheriton Cricket Club Are you interested in playing Sunday afternoon friendly cricket? New members welcome. Visit: www.cheritoncc.com for the 2012 fixtures. For more information call or email Richard on 01962 779169, [email protected]

Cheriton Tennis Club Coaching with Craig Dixon. Adult courses for Beginners/Improvers, Cardio Tennis and Matchplay tactics. Junior and Mini Tennis Sessions for ages 5 to 16. Non Members welcome. Coaching Enquires to Craig Dixon: 07764990523 or [email protected] www.cheriton tennisclub.co.uk

Cyclists Touring Club South Hampshire. Easy rides, day

rides, social events and more! Tel:01962 864479 www.southhampshirectc.org.uk Alresford Yacht Club Are you interested in sailing or power boating? Do you have a dinghy or a classic yacht? Are you a newcomer to the sport or an old hand? Meetings held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month 7.45 for 8pm from September to April at Arlebury Recreation Centre. Contact Richard on: 01962 773285 or Rob: 01962 735681

Alresford Su-Ha-Ri Karate School For children ages 5-16 years, Thursday at 19:00hrs – 20:00hrs at Alresford Community Centre. Contacts Cassie & Tony Whelan Tel: 01420 568135, E-mail: [email protected]

aRtS, CRaFtS anD MUSiC A.C.T.S - Alresford Community Theatre Society New members welcome, to ensure the continued success of our local theatre group. If you are interested in becoming involved, either on stage or behind the scenes. Contact Debbie on: 01962 732055 [email protected]

Alresford Art Society Meetings from September to June at The ARC, Alresford, on the first Friday of the month. Painting days at venues around Hampshire in the summer. Paintings are hung in the surgery and Makins Court. www.artsociety.alresford.org Tel: 01962 736751. [email protected]

The Cheriton Players David Cradduck, Colyton Cottage, Cheriton SO24 0QA [email protected]. Tel: 01962 771700 www.thecheritonplayers.org.uk

The Medstead Players Lesley Rae, Fiver, High Street, Medstead. Tel: 01420 56563916 www.medsteadplayers.co.uk

The Candover Valley Bell Ringers Are you looking for a way to meet new people, support your community or learn a new skill? If the answer is yes to any or all of those questions, then why not become a church bell ringer. This year the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics will be celebrated with churches ringing out nationwide. If you wish to be part of such a memorable event, then why not join us for learning and fun at our practice night every other Monday at St Peter’s Church in Brown Candover at 7.15 pm, or call Carol on 01256 389387 for more information.

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18 | what do you think? / Community News

Let it rain!

Rain rain go away, come again another day. Oh it’s back already!

A friend said recently that rain simply isn’t fashionable; rain in the summer is considered just so ‘last season’. Is he right? The moment lambing ends, it’s officially summer, and nothing will deter us from our utopian ideal of what it should be.

Magazines are full of recipes for those halcyon days of alfresco dining, and garden centres burst forth with blooms so we can recreate Chelsea in a terracotta pot. 'Homebase' and the like easily persuade us that we really do require new decking, garden furniture, outside lights and a gas barbecue big enough to roast a pig on. Then there’s this year's trend: Union Jack bunting, picnic rugs, paddling pools, hammocks, plates and cups that will happily see us all through the Jubilee, football and the Olympics!

So determined, even desperate, are we to enjoy the outdoor life that the very moment a yellow sun symbol appears on the weather map, we go berserk. The promise of sun renders the shops devoid of all summer essentials: burgers and sausages, salad and strawberries, bread rolls and

crisps, Pimms (complete with Union Jack label) and beer, barbi coals and firelighters fly from the shelves.

We are sadly in denial, steadfastly refusing to admit that the first week of Wimbledon is usually a wash out, and the Louboutins will be stuck in the mud when the going is soft on Ladies' Day.

Rain, far from being unfashionable, is actually a reliable classic, returning season after season. We may not welcome it, but we’ve learnt to wear it well. How many times have you stood under an umbrella emblazoned with Monet’s water lilies, huddled round the barbi trying to keep warm, wet to your knickers thanks to your stylish spotty mac being only ‘shower resistant’? But do you give in? No.

To survive the British summer you have to be made of sterner stuff; ask any camper or Glastonbury veteran. It’s time to wring out that stiff upper lip, be frivolous and have fun no matter what the heavens throw at us. After all, we’ll all be clad in North Face by the end of August!

What do you think?GG.

Alresford 100% Tourism Satisfaction

Alresford Town Council has conducted a survey of visitors to

the town to obtain insights into visitors’ motivation for choosing the Georgian market town for daytrips and also their degree of satisfaction with their experience. The survey revealed that 100% would visit again and would recommend others to enjoy what Alresford has to offer and in turn, the majority of visitors canvassed said they came to the town themselves because it was recommended to them.

Members of Alresford Tourism Committee are delighted with the feedback. The Chair of the Committee, Lisa Griffiths said, “In addition to the popular walks and trails and the world-class visitor attraction that is the Watercress Line, this survey has highlighted the fact that one of Alresford’s biggest attractions is the variety of independent businesses in our pretty town. The shops and dining venues in Alresford offer ‘something different’ from the run-of-the-mill high street. Feedback from the survey describes us as a well kept, upmarket, traditional English market town, and we know that this is largely due to the quality of the shopping and dining experience, the commitment that shop owners demonstrate to ensuring the shop fronts and window displays are smart, plus the hard work of the Council and Chamber in ensuring that the walks and trail are well-kept

and that hanging baskets and Christmas trees give the town a seasonal edge.”

Visitors also cited the fact that the people of Alresford are friendly which contributes to a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Cllr Robert Humby, Deputy Leader of Winchester City Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning & Economic Development added,

“Alresford is a long-established jewel in the district’s crown in terms of its attractiveness as a rural tourist destination. In this era of economic uncertainty it is great to hear that the high quality retail and dining offering is so central to the visitor experience. We congratulate the committed people who work in the shops and restaurants, and everyone who keeps the town looking fantastic throughout the year. Winchester City Council has recently supported the production of an updated Pocket Guide that showcases the businesses and attractions and this feedback underlines that shopping and eating out is an essential part of the mix.”

To pick up a free copy of the New Alresford Pocket Guide, produced by the Chamber of Commerce with the support of Winchester City Council and Alresford Town Council, please visit Winchester Tourist Information Centre or collect from various retailers in the town centre itself.

The town has a high profile on www.visitwinchester.co.uk and also its own website www.alresford.org for pre-visit information.

home Services | 19


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Watch your system working with our FREE digital smart meters

Have a fully working system for as little as £6999 (inc vat)

Please contact us for a free quotation01962 735 483 [email protected]

ECLIPSE TECHNOLOGY - UNIT 1 BARTON LODGE, ALRESFORD, HANTS, SO24 9RN

Winchester RestorationRestoRation BuildeRs

inteRioR BuildinG WoRKs

Dominik Plizga: 079332 53050Kamil Dawidiuk: 07590 523148

[email protected]

established in 2008. We specialise in restoration ofperiod properties and sympathetic building works. we

constantly strive to provide a quality service to our clients and to work to the highest standard.

With over 18 years experience between us in most fields of the building industry we can tackle

most project, big or small.


20 | home Services / Community News

Hathaway Electrical Services Ltd• Commercial & Domestic Installation• Testing & Inspection• Garden lighting and external power a speciality

Call Steve for a free, no obligation quote on:Tel: 01962 734223 (9am-5pm)Mob: 07809 701024email: [email protected]

1st and 2nd fix carpentrytraditional joinerykitchen fittingbathroom fittingfloor laying

07548762420

Alresford Chamber ofCommerceMembership Renewal Alresford Chamber of Commerce membership renewal was due 1st April 2012. The renewal fee for the next year is £58. You will have received your renewal reminder in the post. If you wish to continue your membership for the next year, please renew as soon as possible.

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrationsJust one of the many beautifully decorated shop fronts in Alresford to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

July Chamber ChatPlease join us for a Chamber Chat at: Soap Bathrooms Ltd, Searle & Taylor House, The Dene, Ropley on: Tuesday 17th July at 5.30pm. Invitations will be going out to all members at the beginning of July. RSVP required by Friday 13th July.

Alresford Show 2012- Saturday 1st September 2012Would you like a greater business presence in Alresford & the surrounding area? If yes, then why not book a stall within the Chamber of

Commerce tent? We require a £50 deposit to secure your booking with the balance to be paid in full, 6 weeks before the Show.

If you would like more information or would like to book a space, please contact the Chamber Secretary on 07769 722985 or [email protected].

Current 2012 Committee MembersChairman - Simon Evans The Naked Grape

Secretary - Liz Brown Treasurer - Brian Smallman

Membership Secretary- Mike Dowsett, Service Point

Committee Member - Anthony Oxley, Oxley’s Bookshop

Committee Member - Maxine Baughan, Jaga Designs

Committee Member - Ann Brown, I Market Your Business

Committee Member - Eddie Rich, Richly Creative

Committee Member Tim Considine, First Option

Committee Member Colleen Skinner, Splash Clean

Committee MemberDavid Woodroofe - Create Design Studio

Collated & Written by Liz Brown – Chamber Secretary

home Services | 21


.

I am a local woman who’s run a building company for 8 years and written a DIY for Women manual.

I am now offering my services locally for odd jobs and small projects, such as painting and decorating, putting up shelves

and pictures, and small plumbing work.

I’m clean, tidy, polite, reliable and punctual, and there’s not a builders’ bum in sight!

email:[email protected] or call: 07854 554 809

LOCAL HANDY WOMANLocal Semi Retired TradesmanSpecialising in kitchen and bathroom

replacement or refurbishment.Also fitted wardrobes, wooden floors

and refurbishment projects around the home

Very Competitive Rates and VAT Free

Call: Peter White 07837 448842Email: [email protected]


22 | Community News / Building Services

Richwood Oak Structures Ltd

TRADITIonAL oAK FRAMeD BUILDInGS

QUALITy oAK FRAMeD BARnS

PORCHES AND EXTENSIONS

GARDen STRUcTUReS

Call Richard on: 07886 189592Call Brian: 07920 074390


House Extensions/Alterations

Complete Design Services

Simple Design Services Ltd183a Botley Road, Burridge,

Southampton, Hants, SO31 1BJ

SM Heathorn CEng MICEChartered Civil Engineer

01489 57943707764 212738

Could do with more living space but can't face the upheaval and cost of moving house?Simple Design Services Ltd can help with a free initial consultation. Simple Design Services produce designs for house structural alterations. Alterations add value and create a more pleasurable living environment.

Alterations could include wall removal to create open plan areas, removal of windows to install bi-fold doors or building an extension.

Happy where you live and like your home?

1300 children with special needs from the South were given a day out at Paulton’s Park thanks to Rotary and

Waitrose. Supported by the national charity Kids Out, they had access to the sixty rides with 790 adult carers assisted by 320 Rotarians from 55 Clubs in Southern Hampshire, Dorset and South Wiltshire, which are all part of Rotary Wessex. The children were all brought by their own sponsoring Rotary clubs from across the South arriving at 9.30 and leaving by 5.30 after a fun day and a huge picnic provided by Waitrose. The bus-loads of over 100 children from Shepherds Down School that Alresford Club sponsored were organised by Rotarian John Becker, who has led this event for many years. He said “I have been on Kids Out for more years than I care to remember and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. It’s great to see the kids enjoying themselves.”

The foundations of Kids Out were first laid in the 1960s when Littlewoods founder Sir John Moores began The Liverpool Motorists’ Day Out. This was a local event where a group of disadvantaged children were taken out for a special trip to the seaside, to a local park or zoo. This event was run annually until 1990 when Sir John’s eldest daughter further developed the idea of a day out. With the help of her local Rotary

Alresford Rotary takesthe kids out

Club, two dedicated Rotarians and a financial donation from Littlewoods, a day out for 200 disadvantaged children took place at Thorpe Park.

The event was such success that with the help and support of the various Rotary Clubs throughout the UK, over 25,000 children now take part every year! The Day Out has become the largest single day out for disadvantaged and special needs children in the UK and is now held annually on the second Wednesday in June. It provides the children who attend with an experience that brings both fun and happiness into their lives. The Day Out could be as simple as visiting the seaside, zoo or theme park but for the children who attend, this is often a once in a lifetime experience.

“We are all kids at heart,” says Caroline Millman, President of Rotary Wessex, “Kids Out day gets bigger and more fun-packed each year. It is truly heart-warming to see these children enjoying themselves. We know Kids Out helps them lead more active lives, stimulates their minds and bodies and gives them experiences they will talk about for a long time to come.”

Kids Out was subsequently registered as a charity in 1999 and has further developed to now offer five national services to disadvantaged children. Find out more at www.kidsout.org.ukMost of the Rotary social events, the projects we undertake and our future plans are on our website and on Facebook. Find us at www.alresfordrotary.co.uk where you can contact the club for help, or get regular updates by joining our new newsgroup a l r e s f o r d r o t a r y n e w s @yahoogroups.com

Roger Ashbrook





Building Services | 23


Hampshire OakCarpenters LtdTraditional Oak Framed Buildings

Unit 5, Frith Farm, Frith Lane, Wickham, PO17 [email protected]

Tel: 01329 835551

www.hampshireoak.co.uk

We are highly skilled and experienced in the design and construction of traditional green oak framed buildings. Our expertise makes us the ideal partner for your project.

Long Barn, Alresford

New builds Conservation work

Painting & decorating Extensions & alterations

Conservatories Roofing

brick & flint specialist Groundworks

Structual works (steel)

Office: 01962 734978 (9am-5pm) Mobile: 07979 506416


18 NEW FARM ROAD, AlRESFORD, HAMPSHiRE, SO24 9QP

29BUILDING SUPPLIES & SERVICES

Issue 24 November 2008

COMMUNITY FOCUS Clubs and Societies, Classifieds

MELODY ART

Quality Building Contractors‘A family company built on a solid foundation’

Michael Hoggard Ltd

[email protected] Office Phone/Fax: 01962 732985 Michael Hoggard: (Home) 01962 732494 (Direct) 07802 418079

Michael Hoggard Limited is a family company built on a solid foundation. It is one of the longest trading building

firms locally, having been established in 1967.

“We deal with every aspect of building and construction”




MELODY ART


Michael Hoggard Ltd








MELODY ART


Michael Hoggard Ltd








MELODY ART


Michael Hoggard Ltd





[email protected] Office phone/fax: 01962 732985Michael Hoggard: (Home) 01962 732494 (Direct) 07802 418079




MELODY ART


Michael Hoggard Ltd





Much of my work is achieved by personal recommendation and there’s no better reassurance than that.

With over 30 years experience, fully qualified and insured, I am happy to talk through what you need to help create your design and give a FREE no obligation estimate.

Contact me now, I’m here to help.

ExpEriEncEd local buildEr and pEacE of mind

•DESIGN•INtErIor rEcoNStructIoN aNDrEfurbIShmENt•bathroomS•KItchENS•ExtENSIoNS aNDcoNvErSIoNS•GENEral buIlDINGworKS

aNDyclIfftEl:01962738883Email: [email protected]

With over 30 years experience, fully qualified and insured, I am happy to talk through what you need to help create your design and give a FREE no obligation estimate.

Contact me now, I’m here to help.

EXPERIENCED LOCAL BUILDER & PEACE OF MIND

ANDY CLIFF TEL: 01962 738883Email: [email protected]

•DESIGN•INTERIORRECONSTRUCTION ANDREFURBISHMENT•BATHROOMS•KITCHENS•EXTENSIONAND CONVERSIONS•GENERALBUILDINGWORKS

Happy where you live and like your home?


24 | Recipe of the Month

Croquette de Crabe

METHOD Melt the butter over medium heat, slowly add the flour and mix thoroughly with a

wooden spoon until it forms a “ball”. Slowly add the mixture of wine, cream and grated

nutmeg. Stir in slowly until it forms a “ball” again. Remove from the heat, add the crab

meat, eggs and mix well, then taste and season. Next butter and flour a baking pan,

divide the mixture into small portions with a knife. Flour your hands and form the

portions of mixture into small round or oval shaped cakes. Bake in oven for 25 minutes

at 180°C, or check that they are cooked through with a knife; when the blade comes out

dry after pricking the cakes they are ready. The cakes can be kept in a fridge for up to

3 days, cooked or uncooked, if covered. To re-heat the cakes put them into the oven on

a butter/oiled pan for ten minutes; they are delicious with a beautiful salad. This recipe

is very popular in my restaurant. If you want you can freeze them too. When defrosting

them it is best to do it slowly over night in a fridge.

SAuCE

A simple and quick way is to use a tin of good bisque. Obviously, it’s better to use some

crab shells. This is a good way to “improve the tinned bisque”. Next chop an onion

finely and three cloves of garlic and fry them in a little oil. Add some thyme and bay

leaves, a little brandy or whisky to taste then flambé. Pour a small glass of white wine

into the bisque and let it simmer slowly. Add some thick cream, salt and pepper and a

little tomato paste if not “red enough”, and two drops of Tabasco to give some “bite”.

If the cakes are served on a salad, shape them smaller and sprinkle the sauce over.

• 200g Good quality crab meat (if tinned/

canned not pasteurised if possible)

• 50g Butter

• 70g Flour

• 125ml White wine

• 125ml Cream

• 2 Eggs

• A little grated Nutmeg

• Salt/Pepper

WANT TO LEARN TO COOK?The Clos Du Marquis has an excellent cookery school run by its own skilled French chef Germain Marquis. Mr Marquis truly enjoys explaining and preparing French food with a whole variety of clients, and his courses have been highly acclaimed. Different topics are available to suit everyone’s choice. It is fun to cook. For more informationon Clos Du Marquis cookery lessonsvisit: www.closdumarquis.co.uk orcall: 01264 810 738

INGREDIENTS

Cost: 4/10 Difficulty: 4/10

CLOS DU MARQUIS

F R E N C H R E S T A U R A N T

& P A N T R y

CLOS Du MARQuISA30 LONDON ROAD BETWEEN STOCKBRIDGE AND SUTTON SCOTNEYSO20 6DETEL: 01264 810 738WWW.CLOSDUMARQUIS.CO.UK

Food & Drink | 25


THE BUSH INN

The Bush Inn, Ovington Tel: 01962 732764www.thebushinn.co.uk

Cabbage Patch CateringWe are a small catering business that offers a flexible and personal service whatever the occasion. Whether it is private dining, celebration buffet or just a single dish we can help you to make it special.

For more information Contact: Charlotte Russell

Tel: 01962 779818

Mobile: 07970 308504

E-mail [email protected]

July’s Hampshire Food Festival showcases local food and farming.

Over 70 different events held across Hampshire celebrate the best of local food and farming throughout July’s Hampshire Food Festival (July 1-31).Hampshire Food Festival visitors are invited to join farm tours, local food-themed festival menus and celebration dinners, hands-on cookery, chocolate and jam-making workshops, butchery master classes, brewery and vineyard tours, wine tasting, cookery demonstrations, barbecues, an ox roast and barn dance, vegetable carving workshops, an orchard walk and juice tasting, maize maze, lavender farm walks, lavender chocolate-making and lavender teas, an amateur chef competition, bakery and fish filleting demos, food and farm festivals, farmers’ markets and more!

James Martin and Rachel Allen headline the Hampshire Food Festival with a weekend of 3* indulgence at Festival Place in Basingstoke 20-22 July. James and Rachel will be demonstrating delicious desserts, cakes and pastries, supported by a local producers’ market, and hosted by TV presenter and wine expert Olly Smith, who has also written the foreword to the Festival programme.

Olly writes: “This is my fourth year appearing at The

Hampshire Food Festival 2012

Hampshire Food Festival…With the superb quality and range in Hampshire, it’s a leading light on the British food scene and I can’t think of a better way to spend July than diving in to celebrate the fun and excellence of The Hampshire Food Festival”.

Organised by county food group Hampshire Fare and backed by Hampshire County Council, the award-winning Hampshire Food Festival showcases the people and places driving the county’s thriving local food scene. Now in its 12th year, last year’s Hampshire Food Festival attracted over 221,000 visitors. Many events, which are all held at numerous different locations across Hampshire, are free or low-cost, and there is plenty for adults, children and families.

Details of all events are at www.hampshirefare.co.uk/foodfestival. Pick up a free copy at farmers’ markets, independent food shops, hotels, restaurants, pubs, information centres and attractions across Hampshire or call 01962 846509 for a free Festival programme to be posted to you. The programme also includes details of how to enter Festival free prize draws to win a luxury overnight spa break at the 5* Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, an indulgent foodies weekend break at 4* Audleys Wood Hotel courtesy of Ecover and a Southern Co-operative Local Flavours hamper worth over £100!





The Bush Inn Best of British Fish Festival will be running from 26th July to 29th July. This event is timed to coincide with the Best of British Food Festival and

the British Food Fortnight and we will be sourcing only the freshest British fish sourced from local south coast ports (a menu will be available soon).

The Bush Inn at Ovington is situated at the very end of Lovington Lane. It is wellworth the jourmey; nestled alongside the River Itchen and with the famous

Pilgrim's Way meandering alongside, it is a famous haunt of ramblers and dog walkers. The food is unpretentious yet contemporary in style and traditional in origin. A wide range of freshly cooked produce is available at both lunch and

dinner with traditional English afternoon tea available on weekend afternoons, and every afternoon in the summer months.

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 11am - 3pm & 6pm - 11pmSaturday 11am - 11pm Sunday 12noon - 10.30pm


26 | health & Beauty

Alresford BeautyOpens the doors of its NEw salon and shop in west Street

Alresford Beauty opened the doors of their new salon and shop on June 1st - only two doors up from their old home of over 18 years. The new salon has twice

as many treatment rooms and over three times the space!

Treatments will now take place in the purpose designed Aviary, Forest Spa, Diamond and Eclipse treatment rooms as well as St Tropez Spray tanning in the Bronze room. Special time and attention has been given to each room so colours and designs fit the atmosphere.

To allow for the extra demand for the highly popular Jessica Geleration gel overlay nail system, for your "two week manicure" there are now two manicure and two pedicure stations.

With a new menu of treatments, the salon is offering an extensive range of Elemis Spa Facial and Body Treatments along side the Clarins Tri-Active range.

Rachael would personally like to thank all those involved in turning round the salon and shop in only five weeks.

Who helped with the BuildingWith special thanks to Simon Binfield (who did most of the worrying for me) and Steve Pither - S & S Carpentry and their faithful assistant Stan Pugh. Ian and Phil (Rockie) Alresford Electrics for smiling throughout! Ian Brown - plastering and dry lining. Wayne Manser Plumbing, Southampton. John Brosnan Fortmaster Ltd. Adtec Security Group - Ropley Alarm System

Who helped with the InteriorJen and Ed at Soap Bathrooms Ltd, Ropley for the design and supply of all the beautiful contemporary vanity areas and shower unit. Terry at T & G Welding, Bournemouth for such a superb job on the glass and chrome balastrade. Andi and Helen at Interior Style for finding all my beautiful wallpaper and fabrics. Paul Brice Carpets. Warren at Mint Signs, Winchester. Chris Fox, Tiler. Dave Stanbrook Decorators. Grant Bebee - Furniture restorer, cabinet maker and Master craftsman.

Personal ThanksBig thanks also to Sarah and Susie who worked a very long day and night to get us moved, and to Jane and Simon Packer and Maria Butler for lending extra muscle and cleaning power. Other support was provided by Frank and Yvonne Street (Mum and Dad to me) and of course the lovely Thomas.

Alresford Beauty24A West Street, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9ATTel: 01962 735553 Email: [email protected]

Diam

ond Room

Forest Spa Room

Eclipse R

oom

The N

ew Shop


health & Beauty | 27

1

24 The Dean Alresford

Telephone 01962 736336

Better Health - Naturally

* Nutritional/Kinesiology Therapy

* Homotoxicology * Homoeopathy

* Sports massage for back & joint problems

* Neuro Skeletal Re-alignment Technique

* Trigger Point Therapy * Mesotherapy

* Ayurvedic & Indian Head Massage

* Manicure & Pedicure * Reflexology

* Dermalogica facials & skin care

* Non-surgical face lift * Microdermabrasion

* Eyebrow/eyelash tint * Eyebrow Shaping

* Waxing * Electrolysis * Counselling

* MEDICAL HERBALISM

* ACUPUNCTURE

www.healthwaycentre.co.uk

Practitioners

Mary Walden MCPH FSSCh DipPodMed MBCha ITEC IFA

Tim Walden Dip ION mBANT

Caroline Somp MBAcC

Kate Parker Bsc MNIMH

Dr Kathryn Fielden BSc(Hons) MSc PhD

Chiropody Clinic Mary Walden HPC registered chiropodist

alresford

o s t e o p a t h

a gentle approach for the whole family

osteopathy & craniosacral therapy

bsc (hons) ost med.ndbronwyn jones07870 23 8899

registered with the general osteopathic council osteopathy is covered by most health insurance

newborns, toddlers to teenagers, adults of all ages, pre & postnatal carecomplimentary session for newborns and infants

alresford-osteopath.co.uk

ad8thpOHP nov10 18/11/2010 23:11 Page 1

· Corns & Hard Skin· Plantar Warts (Verruca)· Thick, In-growing or Painful Toe-nails· Fungal, Bacterial & Viral Infections· Musculo-skeletal Complaints· Sports Injuries

Member of the Society of Chiropodists & Podiatrists

Clinic & Home Visit

Appointments Available

Telephone: 01962 736 956

www.podiatryandposture.com

DAN STREET (BSc (Hons) Pod MChSPROFESSIONAL TREATMENT & ADVICE FOR FOOT & LOWER

LIMB COMPLAINTS INCLUDING:

The Barnyard Podiatry Clinic

49-51A WEST STREET, ALRESFORD, HANTS, SO24 9AB (NEXT TO THE CO-OP)

A professional, competitively priced service providing effective treatment for facial lines, wrinkles, thinning lips, sparse eyebrows plus fine liner to subtly define the eyes. Resulting in a noticeable improvement yet natural look. Stockbridge based - Privateparking available.

WRiNklE SOFTENiNG TREATMENTS

SEMi-PERMANENTMAkE-UP

DERMAl FillERS

bAbTAC Qualified

DPodM, b.Sc (Hons), M.Sc, MChS, HPC REGiSTERED

Now at Alresford BeautyProvides an all round service from nail care to

verruca treatments

Tel: 01962 735553 for an appointmentHome visits available Tel: 0753 9040 458

Chiropodist • PodiatristJacqueline Redway

Sally Hogg Pilates MBCPA

Body Control Pilates® TeacherVariety of term time matwork classes available with small numbers (max 8)

allowing close supervision and individual support.

Brand New Beginners Course Starting September 2012 - Wednesdays at 9.30amPlaces secured on first come first served basis

Call/Text: 07771 522665 email: [email protected]

@

The Studio: 26A The Dean, Alresford, SO24 9AZ

28 | health & Beauty


NHS Health ChecksPatients aged between 40 and 74 who do not have certain pre-existing medical conditions are being invited to attend for a health check. These health checks are being run out over the next few years to try and prevent long term illnesses.

If you receive an invitation letter by post we recommend you take up the offer of a health check. To do so please telephone the surgery, prefer-ably in the afternoon when our phones are quieter, to make your appointment. You will be offered two appointments, the first for a fasting blood test followed some time later by a 30 minute appointment with one of our Practice Nurses. The nurse will go through your blood test results as well as asking you some further health related questions.

Failures to attendWe lost the equivalent of 7 surgeries in May due to patients failing to attend GP appointments. By failing to let us know an appointment was not needed other patients had to wait longer than neces-sary to get to see a doctor. So, please, let us know as soon as

Record-breaking attempt from Lands End to John O’Groats on a tandem.

On 30th June, Hampshire-based Dominic Irvine and Ian Rodd will be looking to break the long-standing record for non-stop cycling on a tandem from Lands End to John O’Groats. The duo have decided to embark on this challenge in order to raise much needed funds for Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s ‘The Magic Wand Appeal’ and have set a fundraising target of £50,000. This is a charitable appeal to raise funds to redesign and refurbish the children’s unit in The Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester, which aims, where possible, to minimise the trauma to a family with a child in hospital.

According to the Road Records Association, the men’s tandem bicycle from Lands End to John O’Groats record is held by Pete Swindon and John Withers and has been an unbeaten record since 1966. They completed this in two days, two hours, 14 minutes and 25 seconds (50 hours, 14 minutes and 25 seconds). This challenge will involve 842 miles of non-stop cycling and usually takes experienced cyclists around ten days to complete.

Olympic gold medalist, James Cracknell (along with Jerone Walters and Rebecca Romero) has tried and failed to break this record twice. In the most recent attempt, they had 68.3 miles to go but had to stop with the support team saying “they simply couldn’t continue”. As well as an endurance cyclist, Dominic is an international speaker and facilitator and is all about ‘Maverick Thinking’ - examining how ordinary people can do extraordinary things – hence this challenge. ‘Maverick Thinking’ breaks through limitations and enables individuals, teams and organisations to excel beyond what might be considered reasonable. Ian, who is also a keen rower, is a consultant paediatrician at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The Magic Wand Tandem Challenge

Dominic comments: “This is very much a TEAM effort, which includes a whole raft of individuals such as drivers, a coach, mechanical support, medical support and route-planners. If we break the record, it will be because we, as a team, broke the record. We have chosen to do this challenge as a demonstration of the extraordinary things ordinary people can achieve when you put your mind to it and we will also be raising funds for The Magic Wand Appeal. The extraordinary service provided by the children’s unit at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital needs an extraordinary effort to help raise these funds.”

Dominic and Ian have been training exceptionally hard for this challenge and pre-rode the course at the beginning of May to test out the prototype tandem bike supplied by Yorkshire-based JD Tandems.

To make a donation, please visit www.justgiving.com/MagicWandTandemChallenge Follow on Twitter @DomIrvine (the support team will be tweeting and blogging throughout the challenge) Like ‘The Magic Wand Tandem Challenge’ on facebook and follow their progress

Alresford Surgery News

possible if you are not going to attend your appointment. We are looking to introduce the sending of text reminders in the near future as we believe this will reduce the number of missed appointments. If you have a mobile phone we may ask you for the number.

Fasting Blood TestsIf you are asked to have a fasting blood test we will do our best to offer you one of our earliest appointments. Please do not eat for 12 hours before the test but do drink plenty of water.

Message in a BottleThe Lions Message in a Bottle is a simple idea which encour-ages people to keep basic personal and medical infor-mation in a safe place where they can easily be found in an emergency. The information is kept in a bottle and the bottle is kept in the fridge where the emergency services will expect to find it in the event of being called to your home. They will know you have a bottle by two labels, one of which is fixed on the inside of your front door and the other to the door of the fridge. The bottles are FREE and we now have a supply of them at the surgery.

Wednesday 4th JulyMagdalen Hill DownLeader: Jenny Mallett/Jayne Chapman 01962 808400Meet 10.30am.

Friday 20th JulyMagdalen Hill DownLeader: Jenny Mallett/Jayne Chapman 01962 808400

Local Nature & Butterfly Walks

This is a time of the year to see butterflies at their best, and the wildflowers too.

Tuesday 24th JulyBentley Station MeadowLeader: David Walton Tel 01962 808400. Meet: 10.30am in the Forestry Commission car park off Gravel Hill Road. Map ref: SU 802 433. Leave the A31 east of Bentley, sign-posted Alice Holt Research Station. Go along Gravel Hill Road, over a railway bridge. The car park is about 500 yards after the bridge on the right.

Wednesday 25th July Yew Hill. Leader: Ivan Arnold 01962 866 706. Meet: 10.30am at end of Old Kennels Lane at junction with Port Lane and Millers Lane, Oliver’s Battery. Map ref SU 451 269. A good time of year to see Chalkhill Blues and many other butterflies and wildflowers.

Saturday 28th JulyYew Hill. Leaders: Brian Fletcher 01962 882746 & Ivan Arnold. Meet: 2pm at end of Old Kennels Lane at junction with Port Lane and Millers Lane, Oliver’s Battery. Map ref: SU 451 269. See Chalkhill Blues, many other butterflies and lovely wildflowers.

health & Beauty | 29


Waxing

Spray tans

Vertical sun bed

Make-upElectrolysis

Ear piercing

Eyelash extensions

Gift Vouchers Available

Creative SPA Manicure

Creative SPA Pedicure

Creative nail enhancements

Acrylics

Dermalogicafacials and body

treatments

Body massage

Hot stone therapy

Hopi ear

Aromatherapy

Reflexology

Microdermabrasion

Fine line & wrinkle injections

Sports massage

Deep tissue treatments

Threading

26 The Dean Alresford Hampshire S024 9AZ Tel: 01962 738683

www.studio49alresford.com

stockists of

Bay Tree House , 26 West Street , Alresford , SO24 9ATTel: 01962 733269 [email protected]

™

whole body health - naturally

act4health

tel: 01420 568 135 mob: 07729 034 772email: [email protected] or visit: www.act4health.co.uk

Nutritional Therapywith Sheila Cass WhelanMBANT MNTC MRIPH CNHC

Massage Therapieswith Anthony WhelanMSMA ASK MFHT CNHC

offering assistance with maintaining a healthyweight and a wide range ofintolerances and disorders

offering a wide range of massage therapies, all tailored to the individual

OSTEOPATHY & HAMPSHIRE HEALTH46A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU

Ashley Shah Bsc (Hons) Ost Med DO ND Registered Osteopath

Osteopathy is a recognised way of treating problems affecting the body including joints, ligaments, muscles and other parts of the body.

Appointments: 01962 735086 or 07887 [email protected]

Tendonitis, Back Pain, Sports Injury, Rheumatism, Arthritis, Repetitive Strain Injury and more...

Knee Pain

Pins & Needles

Hip Pain

Back Pain/Disc Injury

Neck pain

Headaches

Shoulder/Arm Pain

Elbow Pain

Wrist Pain

Leg Pain

Ankle & FootPain

'BUPA, SIMPLYHEALTH, PPP & MOST MAjOR INSURANCE RECOGNISED'

With Rawlings Vision PlanPlus you get 25% off framesand up to 40% off lenses!

introducing Rawlings vision Plan Plus, a tailor made eye care scheme aimed at providing the best service and value to spectacle wearers, contact lens wearers

and those who enjoy wearing both.

Call into your local branch of Rawlings Opticiansor for more information visit our website where

you will find the very latest designer eyewear, special promotions, store details and much more!


30 | The home / Community News

Wychwood Furniture LtdTraditional & Contemporary Furniture

Kitchens, Bedrooms & BathroomsFor beautiful bespoke furniture

Free initial consultationDesign & Installation

www.wychwood-furniture.co.ukWYCHWOOD FURNITURE LTD, BLUERIDGE FARM, LOWER WIELD, ALRESFORD

Tel or Fax: 01256 389788

Steven Baker FurnitureT a b l e s o f D i s t i n c t i o n

Beautiful bespoke handcrafted tables, chairs and furniture made to order

Folly Farm, Crawley, Winchester, Hants, SO21 2PH Tel: 01962 776687 www.bespokeoaktables.com

OPEN MONDAy TO SATURDAy 9AM - 5PM

As you all are probably aware by now a lot of rural bus services

have recently been axed at a huge loss to local residents. Thankfully a private and family run business that prides itself on great customer service has taken over a local bus route to serve the residents of Alresford.

Velvet Buses take overthe 67 Bus Route

From June 11th this year the private company Velvet Buses took over the popular 67 bus route that runs from Petersfield through Alresford to Winchester.

The new timetable can be found found at www.velvetbus.co.uk/timetables/67%20timetable%2010-06-12.pdf

We hope that you like your new bus operator and we look forward to serving the residents of Alresford.

If you would like more information on velvet buses and their services visit: www.velvetbus.co.uk or alternatively call: Call 023 8061 2288 or fax 023 8064 4881

The home | 31


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32 | Parent & Child / Community News

PRE-SCHOOLS & PLAyGROuPS

references. Contact Kairen 07799821376/01962732564.

Girlguiding Alresford District Rainbow Guides 5 - 7 years. Brownie Guides 7 - 11 years. Guides 10 - 14 years. Senior Section 14 - 26 years. Adults 18 - 65 years. Friends Of Guiding Group. Contact to Jo Rodgers: 01962 772346 and join a thriving organisation.

Beaver Scout Group 6-8 yrs Mondays, Cub Scouts 8-10 yrs. Tuesdays, Scouts 10-14 yrs Thursdays, Explorer Scouts 14-18 yrs Wednesdays. All meet at Scout Hut, off Bridge Road. Adults also required to join a growing group. Roy Naismith Tel: 01962 735607 [email protected]

1st Candover Valley Beavers For 6-8 year old boys and girls. We meet on Mondays 6.15-7.30pm at Preston Candover Village Hall. For further details, please contact Victoria Andrew on 01256 389768 or by email [email protected]

Part-Time Nanny Required from Mid-June For 1 day a week (Weds) and some extra day(s) every now and again (particularly during school holidays). For 3 girls -newborn, 20 months and 5yr old (at school during term time).Ability to provide very occasional overnight care would be a distinct advantage. £10 p/hr (gross). Please contact Mrs P Murray 01962 779131 or [email protected].

DRop in SeSSionS Ropley Baby & Toddler Group Meet on Wednesdays during term time from 9.15am to 11.45am in

pRe-SChooLS & pLaYGRoUpS Busy Bees Pre-School Bishops Sutton Village Hall, children from 2yrs 9 months. We are a thriving pre-school with lovely grass and all-weather outdoor play spaces to give active youngsters the space they need to have fun and learn through play. As a Pathfinder pre-school, we offer 15 hours per week Monday to Friday, including some lunchtimes. Our good Ofsted rating means you know your little ones will be very well taken care of and have oodles of play and activities to give them a good start for school. Our huge car park means drop off and pick up couldn't be easier. Call Caroline Newman at Busy Bees on 01962 734495 (term time). Visit our website at: www.busybeesbishopssutton.co.uk for more information.

Alresford After School Club For 4 - 11year olds, term time only from 3.30 - 6pm, we are now located in Sun Hill Infants and Junior Schools. For more information contact Angie on 01962-771709 or 07876165592.

3.4.5 Pre-School Playing to Learn. Located in the centre of Alresford and established since 1969, 345 is open 4 mornings a week (not Thursday) 9.15 – 12.15/1pm for children from 3 years. Our highly experienced and dedicated staff offer a caring, creative and exciting learning experience, both indoors and out. Very good OFSTED reports and continuity of staff. For more information: Contact Taryn Stroud 01962 779584

Patchwork Day Nursery Perins School, Alresford. Full time day care, 8.00 - 6.00: 6 months to 5 years. N Baxter Tel: 01962 737251

Ropley Pre-School Ropley Pre-School offers sessions from 9am to noon Mon-Fri for children from 2 years 9 months, with an optional Lunch Club from noon to 1pm, in the Village Hall. We have Pathfinder status so offer 15 hours of free sessions for children of 3 and over. We provide a fun, friendly and stimulating learning environment with excellent links to local schools. Enquiries to Sarah Harry 07510 684055 during opening hours. Cherry Tree Pre-School

Based in Cheriton Village Hall. We are open weekday mornings 9.15-12.15 with lunch club every day until 1pm. We take children from 2 years 6 months. Cherry Tree offers a quality of provision with its focus on exploring the outdoor environment and developing your child's learning from their interests. Good Ofsted report and excellent links with local schools For more details please contact: Jo Ferguson: 07979230019

Candover Valley Pre-School Situated in Preston Candover. A happy and nurturing pre-school, we are proud of our highly qualified staff team who provide the best of care and learning, meeting children’s individual needs. We are very proud that Ofsted have graded the pre-school as ‘Outstanding’ since 2007 and we endeavour to make the pre-school a place where each child and their family are special to us. The pre-school is open during school term time offering full or part day attendance for children from 2½ years of age. Come and visit us to see the fun we have! Enquiries to CVP: 01256 389 008 or [email protected] - www.candovervalleypreschool.hampshire.org.uk

BaBY SitteRS / ChiLDMinDeRS Baby Sitter/ Childminder With own transport Available mornings or afternoons for school collection, homework supervision and more in your own home. Evening babysitting on request. Mature and reliable with plenty of experience and excellent references. Tel: 07868786885

Registered Childminder Vacancy 2 day vacancy from September. Dolores Pinniger Tel: 01962 733626

Babysitter available for daytimes and evenings. 7 years experience as a nursery nurse, level 3 childcare diploma, CRB checked and current first aid certificate. Own transport. Tel: 07575069987

Kerry's House Home from home childcare. Ofsted registered qualified childminder. Alresford area. Tel: 01962 732564 / 07799 821376

Nanny with 10 years experience Looking for full time work from mid September. Excellent references. Call Sarah on 07827295859.

Joshua's Friends Karen's Childcare Services Ofsted Registered Childminder Tel: 07900 692892 [email protected]

Ofsted registered childminder. Full time vacancies. Excellent

Ropley Coffee Rooms, next to the Village Shop. Under 5s. Please ring Ros Wynne 01962 773374 for details.

Kidz Café Alresford Methodist Church, Contact Dawn Carr Tel: 01962 735278. Parent and 0-5 year old Play Group Fridays 2-3.30pm

Medstead Toddler Group Medstead Village Hall Thursday 9.30-11.30am during school term times. Contact: Julie Burton Tel: 01420 562546

Mothers and Others Toddler Group Monday 1.00 - 3.00. Children under 5 with parent/carer. Gospel Hall, Four Marks Mondays 1-3pm under 5s. Ruth: 01962 773482

Mother and Toddler Group Itchen Abbas Village Hall Wednesdays 10-12pm. Contact: Juliet on 01962 779365 or Vicky on 01962 860935

Chatterbox Baby & Toddler Group A drop-in parent and toddler group for babies, toddlers and pre-school children and their parents or carers. Thursdays 10-11.30am all year round (including school holidays) John Pearson Hall, Alresford. Contact: Louise Cranfield 01962 733932 or email [email protected]

Toddlers Drop in play sessions. New Farm Chapel, New Farm Road, Alresford. Tuesdays 10.15 to 11.45am

Ropley Playgroup & Pre-School

As a Charity with a parent run Committee, we understand what it

means to provide a secure and friendly environment where children are encouraged to participate in a wide range of activities offered through a planned curriculum. Our commitment is to enable children to explore opportunities offered through indoor and outdoor play, which will support their social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.

We are OFSTED inspected, registered for the Early Years Education Grant scheme and members of The Pre School Learning Alliance. We have pathfinder status so offer 15 hours of free sessions to children of 3 and over. We have excellent

links with Ropley Primary School and also welcome children who may later attend other primary schools.

The Preschool is open Monday to Friday from 9am until 12pm and available for children aged from 2 years 9 months old. Each day we run a lunch club from 12pm until 1pm, which enables children to have their lunch in a social setting and to enjoy further activities in addition to those on offer during the morning session.

For more information please contact the Preschool Supervisor, Sarah Harry 07510 684055 during opening hours or have a look around our website to find out more about us.www.ropleyplaygroup.com

Leisure & Entertainment | 33


Rock Out!m u s i c s c h o o l

Learn, then perform every week. Pop in...& Rock Out!

Guitar Drums Bass Keyboards Vocals

CALL 0845-680-4685For a FREE taster session go to www.rockoutschool.comWeekly sessions learning and performing.

From complete beginners to intermediates, you’ll enjoy learning more with us whatever your age.

Play with other musicians every week and take part in gigs throughout the year.

Thursday Evening - Perins School, Alresford

Saturday Morning - Maltings Centre, Alton

Formerly Clive’s Music School

Music lessons

like no other!

FUN SUMMER TENNIS CAMPS & SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS!

FOUR wEEkS OF SUMMER FUN bEINg hEld IN AlRESFORd & ROPlEy

Come along & join a tennis camp or new for this year to celebrate the Olympics – a Sports Camp. Full & half days available.See our website for more details or email donna at

[email protected] Tel: 07928 855175

bOOk NOw – A gREAT wAy TO MAkE NEw FRIENdS, kEEP FIT & hAVE FUN!Your local tennis coaching team, established in Alresford and the surrounding area for 14 years

we also offer weekly tennis lessons for adults & children of all abilities, including Tots Tennis for 3 - 4 year olds & Cardio Tennis for adults.

www.donperrintennis.co.uk

34 | Community News


As this incredible Winchester Summer of celebration continues,

I am reminded once again that we are indeed blessed to live here. Jubilee weekend for me and my family was very special and the image of us all adorned in union flags (me, Susie, the kids and Popcorn of course) will live with me forever. I know Alresford and these villages saluted our Diamond Queen in real style and I hope you all had a great time.

Parliament is busier than ever as we get stuck into the new session and the Bills are coming thick and fast. In addition I’ve been occupied with my campaigning work to make full digital breast screening the norm across the country – (something I questioned the Health Secretary about the Commons recently), working on the implementation this autumn of the Green Deal and strangely meeting the Dalai Lama! I have also met a number of times with the Home Secretary as a long period of pre-legislative scrutiny begins into the coalition’s Draft Communications Data Bill. As always, full details of my work on your behalf in Parliament can found at www.stevebrine.com/westminster. Locally, I have been looking a great deal at Micheldever Station where a brand new energy recovery centre is proposed for some disused Network Rail land in the village. The centre would process household and business waste from across the area and possibly further afield. I know there is wide interest in this and you can see more via www.stevebrine.com/energyrecoverycentre. Since my last column, I have attended two cracking (and very different) festivals in Alresford. The Watercress

Steve Brine MP

Festival was superb and I certainly feel I have done my bit for this delicate crop after tasting almost 40 varieties of homemade Watercress Soup – among other things - alongside celebrity cook Sophie Grigson on the day. This event really does go from strength to strength and it was striking for me how many people I chatted to this year had come from far afield to enjoy the town’s big day.

The other festival was of course the Alresford Music Festival. Given the downpours we witnessed throughout June it was remarkable how the clouds parted and the sun shone on Arlebury Park. I said I was looking forward to seeing my little dance in the sunshine

and I got my wish. Many constituents will know I am a keen festival goer but it's usually on a slightly larger scale than this and somewhere in Somerset! But seriously, Alresford is the new Glastonbury for me. Huge festivals have their place but these small, relaxed events are just perfect, especially for those

of us with small kids. What I love about the Alresford event is that it's on my doorstep; you don't have to embark on a marathon hike to find it from the car park and when you're in it's chilled out and above all, it gives fresh, new and local talent a chance. The first band on stage were called Flash Fires, a five-piece from Basingstoke who won the 'Battle of the School Bands' in 2011 and they were great. You could feel their enthusiasm, their ambition and they really set the tone.

The line-up was a good mix and I think it had something for everyone, which is important when the entire festival is concentrated in one arena. A huge well done to Ken Veitch and his team, to the sponsor First Option and to everyone for supporting this event which I hope is now firmly in the local Summer calendar.

If you would like to get in touch on any issue or need my help, please don't hesitate to get

in touch via [email protected].

There is also a huge amount of information about my work at www.stevebrine.com.

International Garden Photographer of the Year

International Garden Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious

flower and garden photography competition and exhibition in the world.

Run in association with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, it is open to amateurs and professionals alike, attracting over 18,000 entries each year.The Gallery will showcase specially selected photographs from winners and finalists in the fourth International Garden Photographer of the Year competition.

Exhibition highlight Winchester photographer Colin Roberts’ winning piece ‘Sea Thrift Flowers’.

Look out for a wealth of exciting activities and events throughout the building.

Contact informationThe GalleryWinchester Discovery CentreJewry StreetWinchesterHampshireSO23 8SBTel: +44 (0)845 603 5631


Property Management | 35

Prospect Commercial ParkProspect Road, Alresford

NEw purpose built units TO LET

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unit F: 2509 sq.ft

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Leases start from £650 pcm A rare opportunity to rent a choice of three purpose built light industrial units. These secure

units are available now and have an excellent location on Prospect Commercial Park, Alresford. Each unit comes with allocated parking spaces. Prospect Commercial Park has

security gates giving added unit safety out of working hours.

For more information please call: 01962 733097


36 | Community News / Motors

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by the little things. Paeonies hang their sodden heads, too water heavy to be aloof, and one of my favourites, ’English Princess’.... normally a pale fire flickering in transluscent shells, is turned inside out like a washing up glove….. their lease is too short. All the spires are pegged to the ground with circus guy ropes. Crambe flowering

A great wet and windy hand has slapped the face of the garden and

what was smart, is smarting. Davidia involucrata the chinese handkerchief tree has been trying hard to hold its linen white bracts with dignity in the face of some of the most damaging weather. In a garden that has a strong support mechanism we are heartbroken

Kansas it is notstems, cabbage and coarse, are hogtied and staked, yet one must applaud the stalwarts in the teeth of the hurricane for standing strong. In particular Stipa gigantea, Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ they swing and sway moving with a flow as pliant and compliant tai chi practitioners. Yet the pears bear few fruit this year, for every success there is failure. I love the pinched cruciform flowers of Abelia mosanensis a shrub that was introduced into the garden last year behind a glistening pool of Sedum ‘Angelina’. It flowers in mid May with daubes of pink/white and the scent of an expensive night out. I pruned it immediately after flowering, in an attempt to keep it tight and responsive, it is so easy to sacrifice form for height. A new innovation has entered the garden in the shape of stilts. Being Kentish born I had

seen pictures and heard stories of hop tiers astride fields like spindly Daliesque giants and have invested in a modern aluminium version of the same to engage with hedge cutting and tunnel pruning. The task would normally require the rather tedious repetition of erecting board and ladder again and again. You may think that this is for the foolhardy in the extreme, but having assessed the health and safety issues I feel bound to give it a go. Should I be writing my next column, with one finger, from a hospital bed, then we can agree that it was a poor idea…. but the potential for saving time is too tempting to resist. Julian Blackwell is Head Gardener at DeanHouse Kilmeston

Property Management | 37


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38 | Culture


The Southwood Players have started rehearsals for Murder at the

Vicarage. This is to be an open air production in the garden of Southwood House, Itchen Abbas on 12th, 13th and 14th July, with the audience invited to bring picnics.

To guard against current weather problems, stage builder Derek Ware has created a scale model on which to plan moves. This is Agatha Christie’s first Miss Marple play. A Christie play was chosen to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of The Mousetrap in the West End. Murder at the Vicarage has a single set, making it more suitable for open air productions or even for transfer to Princes Mead School if it really rains.The play, like The Importance of Being Earnest which raised

Singing is building in popularity and Alresford is getting

in on the act. The recently formed Alresford Community Choir will be performing at St John’s Church, New Alresford on the 14th July starting at 7.30pm. They will be accompanied by the Hampshires County Youth and Children’s Choirs, and by “Call Me Al”, a professional Jazz Group.

Forming part of the build-up to the Olympic Games the concerts will feature music from a wide ranging international repertoire and will be led by, Musical Director, Keith Clark. A highlight of the programme is an amazing fusion of rock, jazz, choral and traditional African music. The composition, “Zimbe!” by Alexander L’Estrange, will be sung by all three choirs and is a whirlwind of joyous and exuberant sound that forms the second half of the programme.

The Community Choir already has an active membership of more than 100 members who live locally and enjoy rehearsing and performing together. The choir is a registered charity and includes members from all walks of life. Rehearsals

Three Choirs and a Zimbe Band

also take place at St John’s Church and new singers are always welcome without audition. The choir are very grateful for the support they have received from all their sponsors listed below and most especially their main supporter, First Option Limited.

Keith Clark, Musical Director, commented:

“Everyone involved in the project is very much looking forward to the forthcoming concert. We’re hoping lots of local people turn out to enjoy what promises to be a musical spectacular. Singing is a fantastic way to unite people in the local community and we always welcome new members into the choir.”

Concert tickets cost £15 (£10 for under 16’s) and are available from County News, West Street, New Alresford or from St John’s Church on the night, if there are any left! The ticket price includes a free glass of wine or juice.

For further information about the choir visit www.alresfordchoir.com

Alresford Art Society gets Colourful

It is a sign that summer has finally arrived when Alresford Art Society’s

Annual Exhibition is staged in the town’s Community Centre. Members have been putting the finishing touches to their handiwork and this year’s exhibition will be staged from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th July.

The Society boasts 170 members who enjoy working in every medium and the summer exhibition gives them a chance to demonstrate their various skills and contrasting styles. Many residents attend the exhibition every year just to buy from their favourite local artist. Most of the exhibits will be for sale, along with cards of paintings by members. Subjects range from Hampshire views and buildings, seascapes, landscapes and vibrant holiday scenes to delicate flower studies and portraits - both animal and human.

“We’re hoping that this year’s exhibition will be the best yet,” said Art Society Chairman David Hughes, “and once again capture the spirit of our very lively society.”

Winner of last year’s People’s choice prize, watercolour of a Sheep by Rachel Thomsen.

The Exhibition at the Community Centre in West Street will be open from 10am – 5pm Friday 13th and Saturday 14th July and 10am - 4 pm on Sunday 15th July.

For more information on the exhibition contact David Hughes on 01962 736751, email [email protected] or visit the Society’s website at www.artsociety.alresford.org.

Small Stage for Murder£10,000 two years ago, is in aid of the MS Society to help fund their specialist classes at the Hobbs Centre in Martyr Worthy. It is also to support the Itchen Valley Churches and the Cathedral Girls Choir.

This year the previous link with the Chesil Theatre has been strengthened with parts for Noel Thorpe-Tracey and Charlie Seligman and by a donation to their development appeal. They will be joined again by the Owen/Woosnam family and many of the stars of the Easton pantomime as well as the May-Millers from Basingstoke.

Further information and tickets can be obtained from Nick Owen 779162 or Maddy Woosnam 779294 or www.southwoodplayers.org.uk.

Motors | 39


Andrews AutosourceQuality Used Cars, Carefully Selected

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WITH Spring on its’ way and hopefully the weather improving, now is often the first time many people will wash their car this year.

Unfortunately, it is also the first time it will become obvious if the car has suffered any minor damage over the winter. The car in the pictures, had multiple scratches to the entire side, caused by driving too closely to sharp hedges. Using an electric polisher and paint compound, Auto Brite removed the scratches and added a layer of protective polish to the whole car, leaving the paintwork better than new and much easier to care for in the future. If you have any minor damage to your car and would like Auto Brite to visit you, please see their advert for details.

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IMMEDIATELYMARCH

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WITH Spring on its’ way and hopefully the weather improving, now is often the first time many people will wash their car this year.

Unfortunately, it is also the first time it will become obvious if the car has suffered any minor damage over the winter. The car in the pictures, had multiple scratches to the entire side, caused by driving too closely to sharp hedges. Using an electric polisher and paint compound, Auto Brite removed the scratches and added a layer of protective polish to the whole car, leaving the paintwork better than new and much easier to care for in the future. If you have any minor damage to your car and would like Auto Brite to visit you, please see their advert for details.

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The car in the pictures is a Jaguar, the owner had bumped the wall in his driveway, whilst parking. The damage consisted of a dent and paint damage to the front wing, bumper corner and alloy wheel. The owner

had been to the garage he purchased the car from for an estimate, which although was reasonable, would have left him without a car for a few days. With the mobile car body repair service Auto Brite provide,

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40 | Community News


Q I want to convert my loft but the last time I paid someone to do

work on my house it ended in a dispute with the builder and I felt I’d been ripped off. How can I make sure that doesn’t happen again?

AHome improvements gone wrong leave many people feeling

‘once bitten, twice shy’ but there are some simple things you can do to sieve out the experts from the cowboys – and get the job done to your satisfaction, and on budget.

Before you start, outline exactly what work you want doing and what that includes . For example, if you are having a new kitchen put in, are you moving where the sink or washing machine would be?

Do your research to find the best people for the job. Check the Local Authority Assured Trader Scheme Network www.oft.gov.uk/laatsnwebsite or use TrustMark www.trustmark.org.uk to find registered builders, or you can check online for websites with a feedback option to rate tradesmen.

Once your checks have provided a list of reputable tradesmen, get references and three written, itemised quotes from different builders. Make sure your quotes are

comparable, whether VAT is included and it is clear who is buying what materials - you or the builder.

It’s important that you talk through with your builder about what happens if something goes wrong and who pays – for example if there are delays in completing the job or you come across a complication.

Get everything you’ve agreed down on paper. Your contract with your builder should be in place to protect you and the trader. It is a legally binding document. Read through the contract and make sure that you obtain a written quotation and all terms agreed in writing.For more information, see the Builders and home improvements in the Consumer section on Adviceguide www.adviceguide.org.uk.

For more information, or contact details of your nearest CAB, go to the Citizens Advice website adviceguide.org.uk Winchester office: The Winchester Centre, 68 St Georges Street, Winchester SO23 8AH Tel: 01962 848000.

Opening hours: Mon/Wed/Thurs 10am - 4pm; Tues 10am – 1pm, telephone service only from 1pm – 4pm on Tuesdays

Alresford Outreach:The Alresford Surgery, Station Road, AlresfordMon 1pm – 3pm, drop-in or by appointment through Winchester office

Check out the CAB website www.adviceguide.org.uk

Blissfields is an intimate festival for all the family. This is a festival

for 1,200 people who want something as far removed from the big commercial festivals as you can get! There will be quality food and beer on sale, all at a reasonable price.

Blissfields returns from Thursday 29th June to Sunday 1st July 2012 (no music Sunday), and will return to Woodmancott, in Hampshire, in the South of EnglandMusic takes place across five stages: The main open air stage; The Bradley Bubble a Big Top Stage offering mixed entertainment including local acts, open mic and after hours fun; Tractor Disco Stage (DJs) – An open air carnival on a tractor trailer for all day frivolity; The Hidden Hedge - a secluded hideaway in the woods, with chilled atmosphere and secret appearances/performances; and The Campfire which offers acoustic, DIY, and other entertainment.

Blissfields has themed this year's event and is encouraging attendees to lose themselves in fancy dress of the most absurd festival garb. Blissfields will celebrate the world of sport with a full programme of sports day events, a school disco and remember the last day of school with opportunities to

Blissfields Festival in Winchester

Jenny MeadowsWinchester Citizens Advice Bureau

represent your House, as well as vote for Head Boy and Head Girl. Although Blissfields will not be strict on the dress code, they warns they may have to employ Hall Monitors to make sure you are all upholding the Blissfields reputation.

Family FunFamilies make up a huge part of the feel of Blissfields. "We've grown as a festival with the local families who first organised and attended it, and that's how it's going to stay. From a dedicated camp site area and our family area, to our consideration of food stalls, craft stalls and miscellaneous events we want families to feel totally at home. Time and time again we hear from parents what a great time their children had at Blissfields and how much they have been able to relax for the weekend. 2012 will be no different. We are pleased to say that Angel Gardens will be back bigger and better than ever before, they will provide the main entertainment and focus for families and children in their amazing area."

For more information on the Blissfields Festival visit:http://blissfields.co.uk/


Information Technology / Motors | 41

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42 | The Garden


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44 | Community News


West Meon Festival of Books celebrates its

third year this summer. The festival, which runs from 6-8th July 2012, is set in the heart of Hampshire and this beautiful South Downs National Park village. It’s an informal celebration of literature and all things bookish. This year’s festival offers a diverse and fascinating programme, giving visitors of all ages the opportunity to listen to and meet numerous authors, try their hand at creative writing and illustrating children’s stories. This year’s guests include Ali Sparkes, Imogen Roberston, Marika Cobbold, Frank Barnard, Simon Brett, Paul Bryers, Peter Hobbs, Zoë Fairbairns and Vanessa Gebbie to name just a few.

It all begins on Friday night, with an invitation to dress up like Dickens, or one of his characters, and enjoy Lloyd Lee’s fantastic one-man show about the great man himself. Saturday’s programme continues with both established and debut authors taking to the stage to read from their work, answer questions and sign copies of their books which cover everything from naval adventures and C18th crime scenes to psychological thrillers, hauntings and heartbreaks.

Sunday’s programme kicks off with another chance to dress up and celebrate all things 50s style. Local author, Ali Sparkes will lead a children’s session about her book ‘Frozen in Time’ followed by award-winning children’s illustrator Pete Williamson giving young readers the chance to put pencil to paper. At the same time, any would-be authors can find out how to ‘Write Short Stories and Get Them Published’ thanks to Zoë Fairbairns and award-winning short story writer Tania Hershman.

Sunday afternoon sees an eclectic mix of fiction and non-fiction. Local author Bethan Roberts reads from her tale of thwarted love set in Brighton and Peter Hobbs from his story of lost love in Pakistan. There’ll be a free-for-all ‘flash fiction’ area where visitors can scribble very short stories (from six to 600 words) of their own. Local researcher and publisher, Kevin Robertson will be on hand to talk about his passion and fascination for the now disused Meon Valley Railway line. Slightly Foxed will be hosting the Sunday tea, with biographer Maggie Fergusson, whose latest book about ‘War Horse’ author Michael Morpurgo, is out this summer. To find out more visit www.westmeonfestival.co.uk.

Tickets are now on sale at one tree books, 7 Lavant Street Petersfield, Hampshire(01730) 261199Mon - Sat 9:00 - 5:30Tickets are also available from http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/westmeonfestival

West Meon Festival of Books 2012

New Forest & Hampshire County Show – 24th to 26th

July at New Park, Brockenhurst Last few weeks to get 20% off all visitor tickets - ends on July 11th so do get them soon so as not to miss out!. Entry for under 5s is free. There is literally something for everyone to enjoy no matter what age you are. You can enjoy an exciting packed programme of events, with country pursuits, woodland activities, livestock competitions and equestrian displays. The theme of the Show is ‘The Best of British’ and we have some really well known people running demonstrations of their skills and letting the public have a go too, so don’t forget to visit the new Best of British Pavilion. Other highlights include the return of the Shetland Pony Grand National, the largest Heavy Horse Musical Drive ever and the Solent DogAgility display to name justa few. Don’t forget the international Show jumping, the best of the cattle, sheep, pigs and horses to see and some of the best selection of craftsmen in the UK.

Enjoy tasting the best in the Food Halls, inhale the wonderful scents of the Flower show, go back in time and see the working steam engines, or watch and wonder at the terrier, and ferret racing! If you love finding a bargain, the Show has over 600 stands for you to browse through, and there will be all day entertainment for children in the Forest Fun

Factory plus a treasure trailaround the Show ground.

The Discovery Zone for children is running continuous activities, the show farm will again be, no doubt, a magnet for small children to handle the animals, and cookery demonstrations, surrounded by the New Forest Marque produce they are using is bound to tempt your taste buds.

On Thursday, for the first time, in the exclusive hospitality marquee, we have a Ladies Day for those wanting to dress up and make it a really big occasion.Starting with a Champagne reception this will be a day to remember and there are magnificent prizes for the competitions for Best Dressed Couple, Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat. Special events include wine tasting with TerraVina, cocktail making with Bacardi to name just a couple. At the end of the day you will go away with a fantastic goody bag. For more information and how to get tickets, e mail [email protected].

Whatever your interests, you are guaranteed to have a great time at this Show, so don’t miss it. Look at www.newforestshow.co.uk for information, discounted tickets and the best way to travel to this popular event, by car or let the train take the strain. Access roads have been improved and better signage in the car park so you won’t lose your car! Tickets also available now by ringing 01590 622409.

New Forest & Hampshire County Show 2012

The Garden | 45


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46 | hampshire Mum

Crikey. That’s what I thought as I stood by the side of the steep racetrack. The family Pagan were at Red Hill Cycle Centre on Hog Hill, Ilford, for a longboard event.

Star I was a few metres further up the hill on the starting line with fellow longboarding chums. Next to me, stood a young man with his arm in a sling: “I broke my collar bone on my first run down here yesterday,” he smiled. Not what I wanted to hear.

Suddenly, Star I and chums were off, careering down the hill and into the chicanes at the bottom, before tackling the broad sweeps left and right of the undulating track. It looked really fast, but once back to the start again, Star I was less than impressed: “It’s so frustrating Mum! I can’t get above thirty-two!”

“Thirty-two what?”

“ Miles per hour – I need to be faster!”

“Err, right.” As a parent I was feeling just a tad irresponsible. “Please be careful,” was the best I could offer.

This had potential disaster written all over it. Star I and eight lovely chums all determined to reach the elusive thirty-five miles per hour. This was to be achieved by hurtling down a hill crouched on a thin piece of plywood with plastic wheels. Of course, I realise the precision technology that goes into the manufacture of the ‘deck’ (or board to you and I), and I know the wheels are not plastic but must surely be honed from pure Kryptonite, judging by the amount they cost.

Plus, according to the type of longboarding in which one is partaking, and the prevailing climatic conditions, you will require specific types of deck and several sets of wheels and ‘trucks’ – I think they're the metal bits that connect the wheels to the board. Then there are the vitals of the sport: pads for wrists, elbows and knees, plus crash helmet and, in the case of this downhill event, full racing leathers, all of which makes no difference to the fact that your heart is in your mouth when one of your nearest and dearest careers past you downhill.

Cake was required; carbs would supply energy and if ever there was an occasion for stress-eating, this was it. Four

pieces of bread and butter pudding would do the trick. Star I demolished it with gusto, then I looked around for Star II, who is no stranger to the delights of cake. The Husband could be seen happily videoing on the hill but Star II, however, was nowhere to be seen.

“What do you mean, ‘not with me Sandra love?' Oh god… hang on, what’s that?”

Far away, a dot on the horizon turned out to be Star II jogging along the off-road cycle track, totally oblivious to the mountain-bikers approaching from behind. Nothing for it, I sprinted off (not easy after a slab of cake) down the cycle track in a slightly vain attempt to catch Star II. “You’ll have to go some to catch up, Sandra” were The Husband's supportive words.

Now I’m not au fait with the delights of mountain-bike tracks, but I hadn’t realized that this one was covered in loose gravel and that the corners were in design similar to a velodrome. The sun was now beating down, and the track had something of Death Valley about it; was that a mirage or was that really Star II way ahead, giving me a cheery wave?

It was all going rather well and I was sure I was gaining until, on a steep bend… ‘Mind out, coming through!’ - a burly man on a bike hacked by. I lost not only my balance but also my dignity, as I was left spinning on the gravel in a cloud of dust muttering the immortal phrase, “When I get my hands on you, I’ll…” Eventually I limped through the final uphill section of the track to find Star II patiently waiting at the top: “Hi Mum that was great! Can I have an ice cream now?”

Let's just say my response clearly indicated that ice cream was off the menu. I offered a piece of squashed, slightly dusty cake instead.

With Star II secured, we were free to watch the final races. Star I came fourth in the junior section, with chums coming first, second and third.

As for the top speed, I absolved myself from anxiety and guilt by simply not enquiring. Best not, it’s all got to be done again in August…

Sandra Pagan.

It's all downhill...from here?

The Garden | 47


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Alresford Forum Magazine Issue 68

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Transcript of Alresford Forum Magazine Issue 68