Alresford Forum Magazine

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

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forum YOUR INFORMATIVE LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

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Community News 3

tO Advertise cAll: 01962 735137 MARCH issue 76

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

Friday 1st MarchAlresford Art Society DemoWendy Jelbert demonstrates Back to the Beach, watercolour mixed media. Alresford Recreation Centre, 7.30pm.For information contact 01962 736397, email [email protected] www.artsociety.alresford.org

Saturday 2nd March Spot's Birthday PartyAdapted and Directed by David Wood, based on the books by Eric Hill, design by Will Hargreaves. Movement Direction by Jack Murphy, Musical Direction by Paul Knight. At the Theatre Royal, Winchester on Saturday March 2nd (1.30pm) and Sunday March 3rd (10.30am & 1.30pm). For more information see page 42.

Friday 8th March Friends of Guiding Fund RaiserWhy not come along to our Bring and Share Supper, be entertained by our local girls and learn more about F.O.G. (Friends of Guiding) at 7pm in Ropley Village Hall. We look forward to seeing all our many supporters and welcome everyone.

Saturday 9th March Help for Heroes ColossalCake Sale Winchester At the Brooks shopping centre and St Maurice’s Covert. Help us to raise money for our wounded heroes If you love baking and would like to bake a cake for a Hero or help out on the day please contact Sarah Walker on 07771 990403 or [email protected]. Jams and chutneys also most welcome

Wednesday 13th MarchNational Trust Winchester Association - Frozen AdventuresA talk by Dr Edward Coats,a member of the first ever race to the South Pole in 2009 led by James Cracknell and Ben Fogleat Guildhall Conference ChamberWinchester. Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £12 – Seats unreserved. To apply for tickets please contact: Elisabeth Wicks 1, Fairdown Close, Winchester SO23 0JU. Tel: 01962 862510

Wednesday 13th March Alresford and District Horticultural Society TalkThe return of popular speaker John Baker. The seasonally inspired talk “In the footsteps of Saint Patrick” is an illustrated tour of the gardens of Ireland following in the footsteps of Saint Patrick. As the story of the Saint is told John will guide his audience through a kaleidoscope of Irish gardens sharing their unique planting and historical significance. Meetings take place in the Phair Hall of Alresford Town Hall in West Street and start at 7.30pm. Everyone is most welcome. For visitors there is a nominal charge of £2.00. For further details contact: M. Barton 01962 734247.

Friday 15th March The Rotary Club of Alresford presents -Probably Mid Hampshire’s Charity Quiz of The YearStart 7.30 p.m at Itchen Abbas Village Hall. Tickets £10 each (or £60 per table of six) to include supper. Licensed bar and raffle. Seasonal prizes! Contact: Keith Pluthero (01962 886572) or James Pinniger ([email protected]/ 07895183907). Book early to avoid disappointment!

Saturday 16th March Girl Guiding Needs your HelpCommunity Centre, Alresford from 10 - 12 noon drop in for a cup of tea / coffee and homemade cake, browse the book stall, chance your luck on the tombola table, buy a cake for tea, fill the trefoil with coins, we are also launching the F.O.G. Summer Quiz at just £1 a copy with great prizes, we have something for everyone. For more information on any of the above contact Jo Curtis 01962 733629 or [email protected]

Thursday 21st MarchAlresford & District Community Association's Annual General Meeting To be held at Alresford Community Centre at 8pm followed by light refreshments.Members & non members welcome

Friday 22nd March to Sunday 24th MarchOpen Gardens for Charity12 Christchurch Road, Winchester. Small town garden with strong design enhanced by exuberant and vertical planting. All-yr interest incl winter-flowering shrubs, bulbs and hellebores. 2pm – 6pm. Adm £2.50. Plants for sale. Teas.

Friday 22nd MarchSpring Party NightFrom 19.30 – 22.30ish at The Performance Hall,Winchester Discovery Centre,Jewry StreetWinchester SO23 8SB. Come and join Silvia & Max to celebrate this Spring Time with a Party Night that will put a spring in your step. Highlight: Belly Dance and Bollywood Performance by Sabrynah. Everyone is welcome, whether you have been dancing for years or never before, whether you come with a partner or on your own. We’ll get everyone dancing with Salsa, Cha Cha, Bachata, Merengue, some great Zumba Dances as well as West Coast Swing. Bar open all night with Sangria on offer. Music with DJ Max. £10 in advance/ £12 on the night. Concessions available.www.salsaysol.co.uk

Saturday 23rd March Alresford Community Choirperform Vivaldi's Gloria and Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo by Michael Flanders and Joseph HorovitzFrom 7.30pm at St John’s Church, New Alresford. Tickets on sale now from Six West (formerly County News) £8 to include a free drink.

Sunday 24th MarchClothes Swap Shop Tired of your wardrobe? Come and swap your way to a new one! Bring your once loved clothes and accessories and exchange them with fellow fashion-lovers. Take home as many items as you bring. Clothes must be in good condition and washed. Enjoy an afternoon tea and cake as you swap. Ladies, gents and kids welcome. At the ARC, Arlebury Park, Alresford. 1pm - 2pm: Arrival, set up and browsing2pm - 4pm: Swapping£4 entry - all proceeds to the Dermatrust. For info. call Rhia 07428620428 or email [email protected]

Sunday 24th MarchSouthern Counties Heavy Horse Association EventThis will take place in Ivy Cottage Field, Kilmeston.10 a.m.-3 p.m. with Shire Horses, Percherons, Suffolk Punches and Clydesdales taking part. There will be plaiting demonstrations, grooming, harnessing, harrowing, long reining, cone driving and wagon rides. Signposted from A272. Further details contact Ness 01962 840193.There will be Teas, Coffees & Cream Teas available in

Kilmeston Village Hall on the same day. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Monday 25th MarchRopley Horticultural Society talkDr Alick Jones gives an illustrated talk on “Making gardens more wildlife friendly”. Since Alick is Hampshire Ambassador for Garden Birdwatch, expect practical hints for encouraging native insects, animals and birds.Meetings are usually held at the Coffee Room, Church Lane, Ropley (next to the village post office), at 8pm on the last Monday of the month. £5 on the door, all welcome.

Saturday 30th MarchMoscow Drug Club7.30pm at Bighton Village Hall.A curious musical place where certain elements of 1930s Berlin Cabaret, Hot Club de France, Nuevo Tango & Gypsy Campfire meet, have a few to drink and stagger arm-in-arm into the darkness of some eastern European cobbled street on a mission to find the bar where Jingo Reinhardt & Tom Waits are having an after-hours jam with the local Tziganes. Combining their original material with songs by the likes of Jaques Brel, Leornard Cohen, Tom Waits & Bertolt Brecht, Moscow Drug Club provide an intoxicating & intimate musical experience.Admission by pre-booked reservations only. Adults £7.50 each (Concessions £5.00; Children £1.00 ). ContactGeoff Buss on: 01962 734853Or log onto www.bighton.org.uk Licensed bar will be available 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Bring your own food and make it a real cabaret-style evening. Doors open at 7.00pm. A Hog the Limelight event supported by Hampshire County Council.

Wednesday 3rd April 345 Preschool Spring Activity Morning From 10am until 12.00 noonat Alresford Methodist Hall, 24 Jacklyns Lane, AlresfordCome along and have some crafty fun with your children (up to 5 years old). Have a drink and yummy homemade cake at our Cafe. (Siblings up to 11 years within the family are also welcome). £3.00 per family (max 2 children) Additional children £1.00 each. Contact Candyce Primmer on 07766940335. Funds raised for 345 Preschool.

For additional forthcoming events see page 22

Dates for your diary

4 Community News

ISSUE 76 MARCH TO ADVERTISE EMAIL: [email protected]

Features & Community News

03 Dates for your diary

06 Church Services and News

07 Churches Together in Alresford invite you to their services in Holy Week

08 Alresford Chamber of Commerce News

08 Easton welcomes its new village store

08 Peoplefund.it, work for HART

10 Hampshire Mum - Sleepless in a market town

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12 Useful Information

14 The Soulbury V Estate, Ovington: The new sporting facility for wild game

16 Alresford Rotary - Stretching out a hand

18 Alresford Town Council Reports

22 Do you have any crazy kids at home?

22 More dates for your diary

23 Alresford Music Festival 2013

24 Let it snow - What do you think?

26 Steve Brine MP

26 Nurition bites to help combat stress

27 Clubs and Societies

28 Clubs and Societies

30 Books: R.I.P? - What do you think?

32 Olympic diver visits Perins

34 Recipe of the month - La Ficelle Picarde

36 Be part of the award winning Hampshire Food Festival 2013

36 The return of the great Hampshire sausage, pie and ready meal competition

38 Friends of the line

42 Jackie's county corner

42 Alresford surgery news

44 Your Letters

46 Long term planning in New Alresford

47 Author Damian Dibben visits Perins School

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or letter to the Forum

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email your copy to:

editor@forumpublications.

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Contents | 5

www.luminata.co.uk [email protected]

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t: 01962 735137m: 0774 385 9373

www.alresfordforum.co.uk

Magazine EditorMark Tubb

t: 01962 735137 (9am - 5.30pm)m: 0774 385 9373 (9am - 5.30pm)[email protected]

CopywritersGill Grant, Hampshire Mum

Advertisingt: 01962 735137 (9am - 5.30pm)

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APRIL ISSUE COPY DEADLINEAll advertising content andeditorial must be with us by

the Monday 18th March. All advert designs must be finalised and approved by

Thursday 21st March. Any content not approved by this

date will not be publicised.

The Alresford Forum contains facts, views, opinions, statements, recommendations, advertisements and other content and links to external websites not owned or controlled by the magazine. The Alresford Forum takes reasonable efforts to include accurate, current information on its pages, but make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, safety or value of the published items that are displayed. No liability or responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions in magazine content. The Alresford magazine content does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or recommendations of its creators and any reliance upon its content is taken at the user’s sole risk. Adverts designed by Forum Publications remain the magazine's legal ownership.

© Forum Publications Ltd, 2013

F O R U MP U B L I C A T I O N S L T D

Motors2 38, 39

The Home09 11, 48

Home Services

13 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21

Leisure and Entertainment 22 23

The Garden25 27

Professional Services29 31, 32

34 42

Building Services32 33

Food & Drink34 35, 36

Education Services37

Health & Beauty40 41

Property Management43 45

Parent & Child44

Arts, Crafts &Music47

Animal & Pet Services47

If you would like to contribute your article or news to the Alresford and Itchen Valley Forum send it to [email protected] by the copy deadline shown above right. Please note: Forum publications cannot guarantee publication, articles are published at the editor's discretion.

30


Church Services & News6

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST New Alresford Sunday 3rd March 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion Sunday 10th March 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Second Sunday Family Service 18.00 Choral Evensong Sunday 17th March 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion 18.00 Sundays at Six Palm Sunday 24th 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion Good Friday 29th 11.00 Procession 12.30 Devotions Easter Sunday 31st 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Easter Communion ST.MARY'S Old Alresford Sunday 3rd March 09.30 Holy Communion 18.00 Old Alresford Cottage Service Sunday 10th March 09.30 Mothering Sunday Parish Communion Sunday 17th March 09.30 Parish Communion Palm Sunday 24th 09.30 Parish Communion Easter Sunday 31st 09.30 Parish Communion Thursdays 09.00 Holy Communion at Old Alresford Place

ST.PETER'S Ovington Sunday 3rd March 10.00 First Sunday Sunday 10th March 10.00 Parish Communion Sunday 17th March 10.00 Parish Communion Palm Sunday 24th 10.00 Palm Sunday Service Good Friday 29th 09.30 Devotions Easter Sunday 31st 10.00 Easter Communion

ST.MARY'S Avington

Sunday 3rd March 08.00 Holy Communion 11.00 Mattins Sunday 17th March 18.00 Evensong Easter Sunday 31st 18.00 Easter Evensong 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 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

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 Term Time Activities

Tuesday 10.15 Toddlers Group Thursday 10.00 Prayer Group 19.30 House Group Wednesday 14.30 Senior Citizens Hour 19.30 Prayer/Bible Study 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 3rd March 11.00 All Age Service Sunday 10th March 11.00 Parish Communion Sunday 17th March 11.00 Morning Prayer Palm Sunday 24th 11.00 Parish Communion Good Friday 29th 09.30 Devotions Easter Sunday 31st 09.30 Easter Communion

ST.MARY'S Easton Sunday 10th March 08.00 Holy Communion Sunday 17th March 10.00 Parish Communion Good Friday 29th 14.00 Last Hour Service Easter Sunday 31st 10.00 Family Communion ST.JOHN'S Itchen Abbas Sunday 3rd March 10.00 Family Service 18.00 Evensong Easter Sunday 31st 08.00 Easter Communion

ST.SWITHUN'S Martyr Worthy Sunday 3rd March 18.00 Evensong Sunday 17th March 08.00 Holy Communion

Palm Sunday 24th 10.00 Parish Communion Good Friday 29th 10.00 Way of the Cross Easter Sunday 31st 10.00 Traditional Communion

UPPER ITCHEN BENEFICE Sunday 3rd March 08.30 Hinton Ampner Benefice Communion 10.00 Cheriton Family Service

Sunday 10th March 08.30 Cheriton Holy Communion 09.30 Bramdean Holy Communion 11.00 Beauworth Holy Communion 11.00 Kilmeston Holy Communion 18.30 Tichborne Evensong

Sunday 17th March 08.30 Tichborne Holy Communion 09.30 Cheriton Holy Communion 11.00 Hinton Prayer and Praise 11.00 Bramdean Holy Communion Palm Sunday 24th 08.30 Beauworth Holy Communion 09.30 Cheriton Holy Communion 11.00 Bramdean Family Worship 11.00 Kilmeston Holy Communion 18.30 Tichborne Evensong Good Friday 29th 19.00 Cheriton Devotional Service 21.00 Tichborne Compline by Candlelight Easter Sunday 31st 06.15 Beauworth Dawn Vigil 09.30 Cheriton Holy Communion 11.00 Hinton Holy Communion 11.00 Tichborne Holy Communion ST.GREGORY'S New Alresford Every Sunday 11.00 Mass All other enquiries: 01962 852 804.

MAUNDY THURSDAY28th MARCH

Methodist Church19.30 upper room service of holy communion

St.John's19.30 eucharist and watchSt.Gregory's19.30 maundy thursday service

GOOD FRIDAY29th MARCH

Methodist Church09.30 service

St.John's11.00 churches together walk of witness (starting at Alresford railway station)

St.John's12.30 liturgy for good friday

St.Gregory's15.00 good friday service

SATURDAY29th MARCH

St.Gregory's08.00 easter vigil

EASTER SUNDAY31st MARCH

St.John's08.00 holy communion 09.30 parish communion

St.Mary's 9.30 parish communion

Methodist Church09.30 Quiet Reflective service 09.50 Breakfast 10.30 All Age worship

St.Gregory's11.00 easter sunday service

Churches Together in Alresfordinvite you to their servicesin holy week

8 Community News


Successful winter warmer with La'a kea Reiki.A great turn out for the

‘Chamber Chat’ held at First Option Ltd, hosted by Debbie Cook of La'a kea Reiki.

Everyone was able to have a taster session of Reiki which was a real hit! Thank you to Debbie Cook of La'a kea Reiki for hosting the event, to Tim Considine of First Option Ltd for providing the venue for the event & to Simon Evans of the Naked Grape for providing the refreshments.

Christmas TreeThank you’sA big Thank you to Chris Jones of Ceejay Systems for storing all the materials used by the Alresford Pigs for the Christmas trees & also to Peter Payne for supplying the tress & disposing of the trees.

A ‘Hatty’ Chamber Chat The next ‘Chamber Chat’ will be hosted by Rachel Drewer; On: Thursday 14th March 2013Venue: Jane Fuest Gallery, 22 West Street, AlresfordTime: 5.30pm onwardsAll members will be receiving their invitations shortly. Potential members are also

Alresford Chamberof Commerce news

welcome.RSVP to [email protected] by 11th March

Membership Renewal Alresford Chamber of Commerce membership renewal is due on 1st April 2013. The renewal fee for the next year is £58. You will receive your renewal reminder in the post. If you’re not already a member, why not join the 80 plus businesses that already are?! Contact Liz Brown – Secretary for more information. 07769 722985 or [email protected]

Alresford Show 2013 Saturday 7th September Pre-book now to ‘choose’ your stall. Would you like a greater 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 & the balance to be paid in full 6 weeks before the Show. If you would like a space, please contact the Chamber Secretary on 07769 722985 [email protected] for a booking form.

Collated & Written by Liz Brown – Chamber Secretary

The Chestnut Horse is one of those rare unassuming finds, somewhere that

doesn't shout its greatness from the rooftops, but instead, is confident enough to let its food, its service and general bonhomie that it instils in its patrons do the talking. Hidden in the idyllic village of Easton, the 16th century building, from which you can enjoy a business breakfast or lunch, family lunch, romantic evening meal, wedding receptions, birthday and christening parties or just a drink, the Chestnut Horse welcomes all.

Another string has now been added to the Chestnut Horse’s bow - a village store. The aim of the store is to source goods from local producers and suppliers

Easton welcomes its new village store

- ready meals and puddings made by the chefs; and also local jams, chutneys, butter, pasta, chocolates and gifts, all made by local people. The Store opened just before Christmas and also provides a dry cleaning and shoe repair service plus some non essential items!

Customers are encouraged to recommend additions to the product range and The Store will do its best to meet demands. The Chestnut Horse Store is open Tuesday - Friday 9am - 6pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm and Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Future events at both The Chestnut Horse and the Store can be followed on twitter @chestnut_horse or visit www.thechestnuthorse.com

In less than a week HART Wildlife Rescue raised an amazing £1887 to achieve

the target needed to build a new waterbird aviary to cater for the needs of the many abandoned ducklings it admits every year.The Hampshire based animal rescue centre used Peoplefund.it – a crowdfunding website created by KEO digital.

“We are always open to new ways of fundraising and have been overwhelmed by the success of this initiative by someone who was working with us for a short while,” said trustee Laura Martin. “We are

Peoplefund.it, works for HARTvery grateful to Ava Pierro, who was funded for three months by Vodafone, and set up this exciting project to help our facilities grow.”

HART Wildlife Rescue cares for sick, injured and abandoned wildlife across Hampshire and the surrounding counties. As well as rescuing and rehabilitating animals, the charity offers advice for local vets, the police and RSPCA on wildlife care, as well as members of the public and local groups. It continues to admit more casualties every year and desperately needs to expand to

cater for all species of wildlife as adequate facilities are so scarce.

Work will start shortly on the new waterbird aviary which will hopefully be in place before the seasonal influx of abandoned ducklings who arrive every spring. It will include a small pond which will give them easy access to water and the benefit of being cared for outside, making more room for other species inside the hospital.

“We have been struggling to find space for all the casualties that have been brought to us over the past few months,”

Laura added. “When we moved here in June 2010 the prospect of closing to new admissions was inconceivable but we were forced into this position for most of December due to an unprecedented level of sick hedgehogs.

“Thankfully, we now have the opportunity to expand outside in our adjacent field and this is entirely due to the animal lovers who responded to our peoplefund.it appeal, especially our generous Basingstoke benefactor who saved the day when we thought we might lose more than £800 by not reaching our target of £2500.

“It was touch and go for a few days but now we can celebrate.”

The Home

TO ADVERTISE CALL: 01962 735137 MARCH ISSUE 76

9

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Tel or Fax: 01256 389788

James White Fencing and Gates is your local CAME approved gate automation specialist supplying professionally installed systems to your existing single leaf

gate from just £999 plus VAT.

Enjoy the convenience our systems offer with the peace of mindthat children and pets are kept safely in, and unwanted callers are kept out.

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10


Hampshire Mum

Sleepless in a Market Town

The painkillers and anti-inflams were magically doing their thing, mercifully. Having fallen on the ice a couple of weeks ago (I went down like a shot bison), my disc decided to bulge out of alignment.

The pain, on a scale of one to ten, was about twelve. I had to resort to shuffling around the house like an old (older) woman and The Husband had taken to his daily task of putting on my tights (on me, not himself) with all the enthusiasm of someone awaiting an enema.

At the end of a tortuous week it was the weekend of Star II’s birthday bash - a ‘Nerf’ gun party for eighteen ten- year-olds in a sleepy village hall.

Star I sidled up: “Mum…. we were talking about having a sleep-over on Saturday night … here.”“We?”“Yeah, you know, Tom, Adam and Jack. You won’t have to do anything - we’ll get fish and chips. It’ll be cool.”

Of course it would, bring it on: “Yes, ok, that’s fine.”

It was Friday night and The Husband had gone on a major forage to Tesco, and had returned triumphant with not only the party food, including the cake, but a take-away to boot. My hero.

On Saturday, Star I awaited the arrival of his chums by doing what all teenage boys do: revising in his room for hours (or at least he said he was doing revision). Star II was gathered up and taken to a friend’s and The Husband went to golf, leaving me to chill in my medically drug-induced state.

Well actually, I did all those little things one should do with a bad back: some light vacuum cleaning, effortlessly achieved by crawling on my hands and knees using the nozzle; changing the bed linen at a snail’s pace; and making another birthday cake. Nothing, it seemed, could keep this Pagan down.

At 1600 hours the chums of Star I arrived with all the paraphernalia required for a successful sleepover: laptops, extra games controllers, sleeping bags, vast quantities of crisps and lashings of ginger beer (well, that’s what they said it was…) The front door was rendered useless by the pile of enormous shoes piled up against it and the lounge door was slammed shut in a kind of ‘strictly no admittance’ way.

I felt compelled to say something, so popped my head around the lounge door: “Don’t forget to organize the drinks for everyone.” Pathetic. Star I wanted shot of me and who can blame him.

“Ok Mum! Take the dog out, he’s eating Jack!” The Pagan Pup is particularly fond of Jack.

Then they were gone to the chippy. I felt compelled to set the table for their return -obviously I should have known that one can eat a meat pie with one’s fingers.

We left them to it and went to a friend’s house-warming party. Now it could well have been the VAT 69 that I imagined I needed, not blending so well with the Diclofenac and Co-codamol, but suffice to say I decided to leave Star II and The Husband to party on while I crept off home. It was only half past nine and I can’t say that Star I was impressed, nor indeed concerned, to see me:“Oh, you’re back. Are you going straight to bed?”

Yes I was, and slept very soundly until about 1.30. I awoke to find Star II sound asleep next to me, and could just hear The Husband snoring in the other room below the noise of the Xbox and much mirth from downstairs.

I hobbled down to the lounge held my breath and peeped into the gloom: “Can you keep the noise down just a tad please?” Their eyes never left the screen but the collective grunt led me to believe we had communicated at some level, so back to bed I went.

I dozed for a while then a great chorus of laughter jolted me awake: it was 3.30 a.m. Now I hate to be a killjoy, but Star II had hockey at 8.30 and I had Pagan Pup training at 9.00; then there was the small matter of the birthday party for which I needed to be at my sparkly best.

So once more into the breach:”Right lads, let’s call it a night please.” I didn’t think that was unreasonably harsh. There was no reply, but the screen went black and all was silent and still.

7.00 am on Sunday found me up and raring to go, well almost. The scene in the lounge was that of an alien landscape. The boys lay like giant chrysalises in their sleeping bags surrounded by a forest floor of clothes, crisp packets and general detritus. And then there was the smell. I sent the Pagan Pup in as he is used to such things.

I got cracking with breakfast, more drugs for me, and my ‘Heart Attack Special’ for the boys: a buttie consisting of fried bread, crispy bacon and two fried eggs. Perfect after a night on the tiles (or rather the carpet), but not exactly one of their ‘five a day’.

Star II’s party was a great success: “Mum…”“Yes?”“Can I have a sleepover next weekend?”Oh God.

Sandra Pagan

The Home


11

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

OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9AM - 5PM

JAMES WHITE FENCING AND GATESTel: 01962 732786 • Email: [email protected]

www.jameswhitefencing.com

INTERIORS LTD

BE UNIQUE, GO BESPOKE Visit Alresford Interiors today for:

Handmade Kitchens, Bespoke JoineryFurniture & Accessories

Wood �ooring, Floor SandingTel: 01962 733016

email: [email protected]

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Free Quotes • Service & Repairs • Full Year Guarantee on parts • OAP DiscountsTV installations considered • Freeview achieved where others have failed

12


Useful 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 Alresford Police are now located at the Fire Station (no public access)Call: 0845 045 45 45 for non emergency police assistance. www.hampshire.police.uk

PCSO 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 - 6.30pm Saturday 09.00 - 5.00pm 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 Winchester Citizens Advice Bureau 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 to help Please donate to CAB on line at www.winchesterdistrictcab.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


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14


Community News / Home Services

WHITE WORXS LTD

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Loft conversionsExtensions/Renovations

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Flooring - laminates to hardwoodRepairs & maintenance

KEITH WHITE Tel: 07714 105967 / 01962 733554

Email: [email protected] stretch of the Upper Itchen on the Soulbury V Estate is being

developed as a sporting facility for purely wild game.

The estate has been pioneering in opening up this famous "playground" by extending the facilities (once the preserve of the aristocrat, royalty, presidents, ambassadors and film stars) to persons of the general public who seek that rare blend of stately traditionalism with sporting challenges in an atmosphere of rarity. It has always been the case in years gone by that to obtain a Rod on the Upper Itchen was practically impossible. It was simply a case of if one was lucky and was in the right place at the right time, one might take a Rod owing to "dead man's shoes". 2013 sees a triumph with anglers and guns who are sticklers for perfection now enjoying the quintessential English experience at Ovington. Each new Rod chooses the basis upon which they so do. The estate is able to be modular with bookings, and persons who simply wish to take up no more than a Day Rod may do so and book their day(s) in advance so as to secure a place. Also wives or partners can purchase these Day Rods on behalf of their loved ones as gifts for birthdays,

The Soulbury V Estate, Ovington: The new sporting facility for wild game

Christmas etc. There are also many international members who are full or part Rods and Guns as well as local people, from as close as Itchen Stoke and Martyr Worthy to London and the north of England. The estate has also adopted a policy to include as many local businesses within the sporting facility in order to aid and work towards enhancing the community. The Rod Box, The Bush Inn and Lainston House, to name but a few, are close strategic partners of English trout fishing. The estate also endeavours to help local universities and colleges, e.g. Sparsholt College, in their studies of wildlife and river ecology.

Where appropriate, the estate also seeks to help in cases of persons seeking recovery from illness or injury. Fishing is therapeutic and is known to greatly enhance one’s senses and at times, self esteem; the estate’s family has close links with the Leonard Cheshire Trust charity.

For further information and also to view a hugely enjoyable and beautifully made film of the Soulbury Estate at Ovington , please visit our website: www.englishtroutfishing.com

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Home Services


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Dear Stockbridge Forum Reader,

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Frequently Asked Questions Here’s a selection of frequently asked questions especially for you sceptics (you know who you are). 1. When you say ‘carpet’ what do you mean? We mean average size areas, say 10x12ft ish. But we don’t quibble if the areas are a little larger - it’s all done on fairness really. 2. Do you move furniture? Our pricing policy reflects the time it takes to clean working around furniture, rather than moving it. That said, we are for example, happy to move your three piece suite backwards and forwards cleaning under it and replacing it back into position. What we don’t price into the job at these discount prices is moving large pieces of furniture like bookcases, sideboards or wardrobes. Similarly we are not insured to move electrical items, in particular flat-screen tvs. Again we apply common sense and fairness to the situation and inevitable we do end up moving some furniture around, even at these discount prices. 3. Are there any ‘hidden’ extra costs? The prices quoted above are fully-inclusive and are the actual prices you will pay.

Upholstery we specialise in cleaning and refreshing 3 piece suites (at our current offer price of £97). Fabric Master, our special upholstery and cleaning system is safe, gentle, and very effective. Fibres are restored to their original beauty and softness - you’ll see!

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16 Community News


Stretching out a hand

On January 15th this year the UN reported that over 500,000 children are cold and homeless as a result of the turmoil in Syria. That’s about the population of Manchester, my home town. And

that’s just the children.

In 2000, Tom Henderson, a Rotarian in Cornwall, persuaded his Club to start a new scheme to ship out help quickly to families in despair. Whether from famine, disease, tsunami, flooding or other manmade disasters, including war - the Shelterbox organisation he founded, now has a world-wide helping hand for people in trouble.

Shelterbox is now an independent registered charity with Rotary as its main project partner. Wherever disaster strikes, you can be sure that the tough green boxes and the family tents will be there, showing the Rotary logo as a token of our help.It is all about the box – and its contents.At the heart of every ShelterBox is a disaster relief tent for a large family. The tent has been custom designed and made by one of the world’s leading tent manufacturers. It is believed to be the best disaster relief tent in the world. It is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, intense UV light, high winds and heavy rainfall. The tents each have partitions that allow families to divide the space in a way that suits them best. The tents become more than simple shelter; they become homes. The rebuilding process is fundamental in a family’s survival. The boxes contain the tools a family needs to take the first steps on the road to recovery. The tool kit contains a hammer, axe, saw, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters. These items enable a family to improve their immediate environment and, when possible, begin repairing and rebuilding the home they were forced to leave.

A key piece of equipment included is either a wood or multi-fuel burning stove. The shelters become homes and a stove

is integral to any home. It is where water is boiled, food is cooked and families gather. Alongside the stove are provided pots, pans, cooking utensils, bowls and mugs.

Children affected by disasters have often been subjected to high levels of trauma. Their worlds are turned upside down and their day-to-day lives changed irrevocably. The boxes contain small gifts for children to help restore a sense of normality. The children’s activity packs contain drawing books, crayons and pens. For children who have lost all their possessions, these simple items become treasures. The box with its contents cost £600.

Many will remember December 2004, when Alresford Rotary pitched a Shelterbox tent in Broad Street and over a few days, raised about £20,000 worth of aid for the tsunami victims. Since then, the club has, with the help of friends and supporters, consistently helped Shelterbox over the years.

If you would like to help, as resources

are stretched with the increasing world-wide imperative for on-the-ground aid, you can do so by donating via the website www.shelterbox.org or, if you would like to donate via Alresford Rotary, you can drop a cheque in to our President Jonathan Read at 11 Haig Road, Alresford.

Cheques should be made out to The Rotary Club of Alresford, with the note “Shelterbox” on the back. If you include your name and email address, we can keep you informed on Shelterbox progress.

Find out more about Rotary, what it does, and how to become a member, at our website www.alresfordrotary.co.uk or ,to get help, email us at [email protected]

Roger Ashbrook

Home Services


17

• Reliable friendly service• Repairs or installation• Kitchen, bathroom, shower• Outside tap, cold water • Storage cisterns, taps, WC• No call out charge

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18


Town Council News

THE ARC

Jazz at the ARC

Monthly JazzThe first Wednesday of the month, from 8.30pm

until 11pm, the ARC hosts Traditional Jazz bands. Next event Wednesday 6th March. Tickets to

Alresford residents are £6 on the door.

ALONG WITH SKY THE ARC NOW HAS A 60”

TELEVISION AND ESPN. NO MEMBERSHIP IS

NEEDED.. EVERYBODY WELCOME

Alresford Town Council Reports

the Town Council has been negotiating with Hampshire County Council and the land owners to establish a formal entry and egress from the river a few metres to the west of the bottom of The Dean.

This has been agreed by all parties but the work is not near the top of the highway improvement priority list. An alternative may well be for us to get the land owners to undertake the work as part of the improvement to the river environment but all such work will have to be agreed by the Environment Agency and Natural England.

West Street ImprovementsHampshire County Council has completed the initial work on a scheme to improve the crossing at Jacklyns Lane and West Street. Some detailed surveying still has to be completed but is most likely that the improvements will keep the existing junction layout, as against installing traffic lights or a mini roundabout. Crossing points for pedestrians will be installed in Jacklyns Lane and at the bottom of West Street.The area in front of the Co-op will be pedestrianised with on street parking extended in front of the store. Detailed plans will be displayed for consultation.

The River PathThose of you that walk the river path from The Dean to the Eel House will have had to negotiate flooded and muddy areas. Various suggestions have been put forward as to the cause of the flooding but it undoubtedly results from the record breaking rainfall we have experienced over the last 12 months and the difficulty of controlling the river flow through the Eel House.

Town PlanHousing target confirmedThe Inspector reviewing Winchester City Council’s Local Plan Part 1 (LPP1) has just produced his report which finds the plan ‘sound’ and it is expected to be adopted as planning policy by WCC in March. However, the Inspector recommends increasing the total housing provision for the District from 11,000 to 12,500 dwellings (2011-2031). The implication of this for Alresford is that the housing requirement will be at the top end of our range, i.e. 500. Future work on Local Plan Part 2 will need to meet this requirement and any subsequent plans developed will now to have conform to the strategy and policies in LPP1.

Old Pinglestone RoadWe are trying hard to balance the conflicting needs of recognising the traditional right of way of this ancient route and protecting the natural habitat. In order to ensure that it cannot be claimed in the future that ‘the ancient highway has not been used’, arrangements are made for a pony and trap to make the journey along the Old Road during the Alresford Watercress Festival.

The last thing we want to see is a concrete ramp from the end of The Dean into the river which could attract off-roaders. What we do want to do is to ensure that the historic right of passage is maintained but only for horses and carriages. To this end

Negotiations have now taken place between the parties involved and the flow has been increased, reducing the height of the river upstream of the Eel House. In the coming months the situation will be monitored and the flow adjusted as necessary.

The long term solution to the problem is the installation of new sluices and gates in the Eel House which will make the control of the river flow far easier. Subject to the agreement of the Environment Agency the New Alresford Town Trust hopes to complete this work by the end of the year. In the meantime temporary repairs have been made to the footpath pending more permanent improvements once the Eel House sluices have been completed. Arlebury Park Car ParkThe car park extension has now been completed. We also took the opportunity to repair the damaged areas of the existing car park. The whole area now has to be lined out. This work is scheduled for 6 March but in the event of bad weather it will be delayed until 13 March. The whole of the car park is being re-lined and it will be necessary to close the whole car park and clear it of all vehicles to enable this work to be completed.

On the 1 April the car park will become Pay and Display but the first two hours will be free.

March 2013 Meeting ScheduleTime: 7.30pm Venue: ARCFull Town - 14th MarchAnnual Town Meeting 21st March

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. Tel: 01962 732079email: [email protected]

The A to Z of Community ServicesThe Winchester City Council website has an A to Z of all community services available www.winchester.gov.uk/atoz/

Home Services


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Home Services20

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Home Services


21

. MICHAEL J SLYPlumbing and Heating

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Leisure & Entertainment22

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29TH - 7TH 2013

Then bring them along to Silvia & Max’s Zumbatomic® Dance

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Zumbatomic® Dance Classes are rockin’, high-energy dancing fitness-parties packed with specially choreographed, youngster-friendly routines and all the music kids and youngsters love, like Hip-hop, Pop, Street Dance mixed with Latin Rhythms such as Reggaeton, Merengue, Samba, Salsa and more. Zumbatomic® Dance Classes are just so much more than just a dance class for children:

In a playful way they address the following facets of a youngster’s development:Leadership, Respect, Team Work, Pride, Confidence, and Responsibility

And help children develop:Co-ordination, Balance, Discipline, Memory, CreativityThe cross-lateral dance moves assist children’s brain function and subsequently have a

Do you have any dance crazy kids at home?

positive influence on their learning ability, concentration and classroom behaviour.

Physical activity in the early years plays a substantial role in the development of bone mass and helps maintain the structure and functional strength of bone throughout life. And on top of that youngsters sleep better!

Above all though the kids have such fun and they love all the cool Zumbatomic® Dances mixed with great Dancing Games. Our Zumbatomic® Dance Classes are every Monday 16.45 – 17.30 at the amazing Performance Hall at the Winchester Discovery Centre, where the added attractions are a fantastic dance floor, a huge projection screen and a fabulous sound system!

So parents, enjoy some “me time” with a cuppa at the fabulous cafe at the Winchester Discovery Centre or pop into the High Street, while your kids are having a blast!

We are looking forward to seeing you! Contact Silvia & Max on: 01256 389 275 www.zumbatomic-hampshire.co.uk

Saturday 13th AprilRopley Music Nights. Miss Quincy and the Showdorn 7.30 for 8pm at Ropley Village Hall. A smokin' hot all-girl trio from Canada featuring electric guitar, upright bass, and drums, playing raunchy roots & blues and straight up rock n' roll. Think of "The Runaways", "The Black Keys", or "Big Mama Thornton". This gig is a mix of seated / standing / dancing and the cost is £10 in advance or £12 on the night. Ticket booking is on www.ropleymusic.co.uk. A cash bar is available with soft drinks, wine, local beers and bar snacks. See www.missquincy.net for more details about the band

Saturday 20th April Busy Bees Annual FundraiserSave the date of the to join us for Busy Bees Spring Bash Night, book your babysitter. More details to follow.

Saturday 27th April Sun Hill Junior School Spring FairFrom 12-2.30pm. A fun afternoon for everyone including Bake Off Competition, BBQ, bouncy

More dates for your diarycastles, plant stall, cafe , Sun Hill Salon (hair, nails, face painting, tattoos), traditional egg throwing competition and much, much more. All welcome! We need your help! Plant stall - Could you grow some extra plants to donate to the plant stall? Do you have any spare plants/plant divisions or unwanted plantlets? Can you look after some young plants in your greenhouse? Toy and book stalls – if you are having a clear out, please put aside unwanted toys, games, books etc. We particularly need soft toys for the ever popular soft toy tombola! Please contact Alison on 0773 301 0092 to arrange collection.

Friday 10th May Cherry Tree Pre-schoolLadies Pamper and Shopping Evening! Save the Date!From 7.30pm-10pm at Alresford Community Centre. Lots of lovely treatments available, bar, canapés and shopping! Free EntryMore information to follow.

Leisure & Entertainment


23

Photographs kindly supplied by Allan Jones (www.rockstarimages.co.uk), Richard Turner Photography and John L. Wainwright.

Arlebury Park, The Avenue, Alresford

The 2012 Alresford Music Festival was a fantastic success, and we’re pleased to be announce we’ll be back in 2013.So join us again for another great day of exciting music,

family entertainment and much, much more…

�ank youAlresford!

Saturday8June 2013

www.alresfordmusicfestival.com


What do you think?24

Let it snow

It’s beautiful, isn’t it, when the countryside is enveloped in a soft, white glistening blanket of snow. It appears softer and all is quiet, not least because the whole country seems to have ground to a halt.

The stoics battle on (their jobs demand it), while the rest of us throw in the ice-covered towel, get the sledges out of the shed, the snow boots out of the attic and head for the ‘slopes’ of Hampshire.

Much to the delight of the children, the majority of schools are closed, grown men throw snowballs at each other, in that macho kind of way, and women lament that the farmer hasn’t seen fit to provide an outlet for coffee and Glühwein in his field. All is well, without an H&S risk assessment in sight.

Until day two…. where the mantle turned a little brown and slushy, it has frozen to a sheet of ice overnight. The side roads are treacherous and you need all the skating skills of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean to chance your arm (literally) on the pavements.

But you are compelled to slip, and skid into town; after all this is the dawning of a new Ice Age, which necessitates the panic buying of oxtail soup – it’s all that’s left- and toilet rolls. En route you’ll catch up with the harbingers of doom:

“There’s more on the way tonight, my daughter’s trapped in Magalia as Gatwick’s closed and my son was stuck on the M3 for two and a half hours!” Suddenly it’s not so much fun any more.

By the third day a mild depression has set in. Those who have fallen on the ice, (yes I went down like a shot caribou) are reluctant to go out at all apart from taking a spade to the drive in an attempt to clear it.

“You shouldn’t do that you know. If you clear it and someone slips on it they could sue you.” Oh crikey is that really true?Then suddenly it’s rain and the thaw. Weathermen soberly pronounce the ‘risk of flooding’ but the alert has gone from red to amber so we’re safe to predict the hottest summer on record. Phew.

Fun and beautiful it may be but why do we seem so unable to cope with snowfall? Geographically the British Isles are northern, not that far from Scandinavia, yet the white stuff always takes us by surprise, rendering us incapacitated; the cost of which is high. In 2010 it was estimated that the cost to industry, retailers, restaurants and bars was £1-2 billion per day. In 2012 it was suggested that even a light dusting of snow would send us into a triple-dip recession because of the associated financial losses.

With the government’s mantra of ‘we have no money’ it seems we can ill afford to be better prepared, but in the current economic climate are continued losses sustainable?

What do you think?

GG.

The Garden


25

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26 Community News


It’s the end of winter, in-trays are overloaded, the kids are off sick again, and

you’re not sure you will ever see the sun again. If you are feeling tense, stressed and really worn out, don’t just dismiss it, acknowledge that this feeling is real and consider a few nutrition and lifestyle tips to help stabilise your energy, boost your mood, and make you more resilient.

Reduce your caffeinated drinks. Although many of us feel we need this to lift us, this actually depletes our adrenals which are already under siege and will ultimately further fatigue you.

Eat a good breakfast for stable energy. Try eggs on whole wheat toast, porridge with coconut milk, a smoothie with fruit, yogurt, nuts and seeds.

Snack on almonds to provide you with a range of B vitamins essential for energy and nerve function.

Include more avocado and oily fish in your diet to boost your essential fats vital for nerve and brain function.

�Increase your intake of dark green leafy vegetables,

Nutrition bites to help combat stress

whole grains, and pumpkin seeds and consider an Epsom bath soak three times a week to boost your Magnesium levels, a mineral which helps relax your muscles as well as being important for energy production and lowering blood pressure.

Swap potato for sweet potato as they contain high levels of vitamin C but also promote more stable energy levels

Try whole grains rather than refined breads and pasta to do the same.

�Avoid processed foods which are packed with sugars, salt, trans fats and chemicals which further stress and deplete the body.

Exercise more as it increases oxygen circulation and produces endorphins. Pilates and yoga help reduce high blood pressure and encourages a deeper relaxation.

Finally, breathe!

Joanna Lutyens BA(hons) Dip(ION) FdScwww.Nutriessence.co.uk

in my constituency – not an

easy task given there are a

great number of them! Last

month I dropped into Perins

for the first time this year to

meet with Janice Bernard and

catch-up on a wide range of

subjects. It was really useful

to get some feedback on the

coalition’s education reforms –

good and bad - and to drop into

a few classes, including early

rehearsals for this year’s school

production Les Miserables. The

standard is very high at Perins

and I hope to get along with

Susie for a performance this

July.

One subject we discussed

– as we have before – is the

seemingly never ending saga of

installing a simple safe crossing

on Jacklyns Lane for students

at the start, and especially

end, of the school day. I know

the school recently presented

this need to a full meeting

of the County Council, and

while I appreciate everything

costs money and it must be

done properly, I know I am far

from alone in being incredibly

frustrated we don’t yet have

a working solution. I have

resolved once again to work

with any man (or woman) and

his/her dog to get this sorted

before someone gets hurt.

Finally, have you heard of

the Green Deal? I sat on the

committee of the Energy Act

2012 which made possible

this new programme from the

Government to make energy-

First some very good

news. The Government

decided back in 2010

(and even passed a law to

this effect) that it was right to

equalise the size of parliamentary

constituencies. At present I

represent some 75,000 people

across Winchester, Alresford

and Chandler’s Ford while some

MPs have fewer than 40,000

constituents. The idea was to

equalise so everyone’s vote has

the same weight.

Like all coalition MPs I

supported the policy and

we asked the Boundary

Commission to get on with the

job. To be fair, the commission

has a fiendishly difficult job but

some of its proposals were just

plain daft, such as the idea to

cut Alresford (New and Old) as

well as Bighton and Gundleton

off from the Winchester

constituency and lump it in

with Fleet and Yateley. I asked

Alresford people to join me in

objecting and the response was

incredible.

A number of months on and

one giant parliamentary sulk

later (believe me life’s too short

to go into it) the whole policy

was junked and it’s a case of

‘as you were’. Long and short

of it, Alresford stays put and the

Winchester MP will, after the

next election whoever he/she is,

also be the Alresford MP.

In other Alresford news, my

street surgery is now in its

seventh year and Cllr Ernie Jeffs,

New Alresford Town councillor

Lisa Griffiths and I will next be

on the corner of Broad/West

Street on Saturday 2nd March

from 10-midday. We hope to

be joined again by some of the

neighbourhood policing team

which seemed to work really

well last time and Popcorn my

dog of course. If you are in town

that day, do stop and say hello.

As your local MP I ensure I am

constantly visiting the schools

Steve Brine MP

find out more by calling 0300

123 1234 or go online www.gov.

uk/greendeal.

As always, there is also a

huge amount of information

about my work locally and of

course, in Westminster at www.

stevebrine.com.

Steve Brine

MP for Winchester (and happily

Alresford)

saving improvements to your

home or business without

having to pay all the costs up

front. Measures could include

insulation (eg; loft or cavity wall

insulation), heating, draught-

proofing, double glazing or even

renewable energy technologies

such as solar panels or localised

wind turbines. The challenge

now is to roll it out and to

help locally we have a Green

Deal shop which I opened

last month; it is in The Brooks

Shopping Centre in Winchester

until 31st March. Do drop-in or

The Garden


27

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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. artsociety.alresford.org

The Cheriton Players Active local theatre group that puts on two productions a year and welcomes new audiences and members alike. Online ticketing for upcoming events www.ticketsource.co.uk/cheritonplayers. Follow us on Twitter @CheritonPlayers www.facebook.com/groups/120589672533. More info from David Cradduck 01962 771700 or email [email protected]. 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

Clubs and Societiesof 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.

If you would like to feature

your club or society in our

free listings then please send

your contribution to editor@

forumpublications.co.uk

Space is limited so we cannot

guarantee publication. Please

try to keep your contribution

as concise as possible so

that other groups may take

advantage of our free service

28 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 Rotary Club Rotary carries out local and interna-tional community service projects . With members from Alresford and surrounding villages, and open to men and women, we meet most Mondays evenings at the Swan. More details and contacts at www.alresfordrotary.co.uk or call Jon Pittam, Club Secretary, on 733903.

Royal Air Forces Association Were you, or are you, in the Royal Air Force? The Alresford and Dis-trict branch of the R.A.F.A. meet at the Swan Hotel, Alresford on the first Thursday of each month, at 8:00 p.m. New members always welcome. Contact Derek Sweeten-ham (Chairman) on 01962 733559, or Brian Gabriel (Secretary) on 01962 734482 for details

Alresford Royal Naval Association. We hold our Mess Nights on the second Tuesday each month, at 7.30pm in the Alresford Recreation Centre. Membership is open to all members and ex-members of the Naval Service, and also to anyone who supports the Naval Service including comrades from other services, friends and families. Our Mess Nights combine some formal business with time to chat and socialise (with the help of an adjacent bar) and, most months, a guest speaker. For more information please contact the Secretary, Lesley Jones by email [email protected] or tel 01962 736573

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]

Arle Reading Group Meets at Arlesford Library at 2.00 pm on the third Monday every month (excluding August and December). We read a wide variety of books chosen by members and provided by the Library Service. New members and visitors are very welcome. Contact Susan Shannon on 01962 734432 for further information. Itchen Reading Group Meets at Alresford Library at 2.00 pm on the first Thursday every month. We read a wide variety of books chosen by members and provided by the Library Service. New members and visitors are very welcome. Contact Susan Shannon on 01962 734432

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. Contact: M Barton for more details on 01962 734247. 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 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

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 Hardiman, 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 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. 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] Ladies Wot Run A Bit Meet every Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30 at the Arlebury Park Sports and Social Club. A good way to get back to exercise. For Information contact [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? Visit: www.cheritoncc.com for the 2012 fixtures. For more information call or email Richard on 01962 779169, [email protected]

Cheriton Tennis Club www.cheritontennisclub.co.uk Coaching with Mike Aggiss. Adult, junior and mini courses including Cardio Tennis. NEW Ladies Tennis Morning with Mike on Thursdays 9.30-10.30am - pay and play session open to members (£4) and non members(£5.50). Enquiries to Donna at Don Perrin Tennis: 07928 855175

Cyclists Touring Club South Hampshire. Easy rides, day rides, social events and more! Tel:01962 864479 www.southhampshirectc.org.uk Alresford Yacht Club We welcome all interested in boats, sailing or power, large or small, modern or classic. Whether you a newcomer to the sport or old hand, both if you own a boat or want to crew.Meetings for the new season 2012-13 will be at our new venue of the Undercroft at the Swan Hotel on the third Monday of each month from September to April at 7.30pm for 7.45pm. Contact Robert; 01962 735681 [email protected], Roger; 01962 733652 , or Alan; 01962 735340.

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 & 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]

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

Professional Services


29

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Legendary House • 4a Broad Street • Alresford • SO24 9AQ Tel: 01962 670510 www.sousarichards.co.uk16 College Place • Southampton • SO15 2FE T: 02380 713060

Obtain your legal needs locally

Open Mon-Fri (9am-5.15pm) Saturday (10am-1pm)Please call for an appointment: 01962 844 544

Star Lane House, Staple Gardens, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 [email protected] www.shentons.co.uk

Maddie Attenborough PhotographyFor Special Occasions

East Street Studio, Alresford, SO24 9EE(01962) 73 84 95

Family portrait specialist Also passports, restoration & copying

[email protected]

30


What do you think?

Books: R.I.P?

H ow quickly things change. It doesn’t seem that long ago that if you wanted information you leapt for the Encyclopedia Britannica; the phrase “ just Google it” had not been invented or visualized.

Phenomenal technologies continue to both invade and enhance our daily lives, the ordinary and habitual have been changed forever. But are these changes always for the better?

In October 2012 it was reported that Apple had sold 100 million iPads and Amazon, although coy regarding their figures, were said to have sold 5 million of their Kindle Fire HD in the US alone.

Thanks to these tablets’ multitudinous capabilities, the way in which we purchase books has been revolutionized. As we know, the download is immediate, often cheaper and can be done with the touch of a screen regardless of our location.

Bookshops are under pressure, in the past seven years over half of Britain’s bookshops have closed. Parallels can be drawn with the closure of pubs, which find their prices undercut by the supermarket giants, and Amazon who, if Twitter is to be believed, currently control between 70-75% of the UK market. But Amazon now reports that for every 100 hard or paperback books purchased on its UK site they sell 114 eBooks on download, what does this mean for publishers? Some writers have welcomed their potential demise.

According to the Guardian the increasing eBook sales are driven by popular fiction genres, romance, ‘Chic Lit’, and self help books.

Much like a daily newspaper or monthly magazine there is logic to downloading these, they are after all disposable. Once read, paperbacks can be passed on, magazines and papers popped in the recycle bin or, more sustainably, simply deleted from your virtual shelf.

If those publications were only available as a download perhaps the Kindle will prove to be a most successful eco tool. With no huge print runs but just one hard copy available for global download. But then it’s not so good if you’re part

way through your FT and the battery on your Kindle dies with no means of recharging and it would, not least, require one Kindle, (or e -reader), per head of population!

But what of other genres? In the early years children become involved with reading and literature via the tangible object of a book. Obviously the story but also the illustrations, colours, textures, in some instances sounds, size, feel and interaction with a book can enhance and encourage reading and literacy. Can a pop up book really be as magical on a screen?

While paperbacks may cause unwanted clutter there are other types of books that we enjoy having around us. Cook books, the Classics, biographies, the large ‘coffee table’ books abundant with images of art, architecture, natural history or the oeuvre of famous photographers and those old editions bound in leather by the bookbinders' skillful hand. These books as objects say something about what interests us, they are old friends that are good to have near.

Perhaps that’s sentimental but as an object they are as important as the sum of their content. As a download their value is nullified.

There is no doubting the beauty in form, function and convenience of both the iPad and the Kindle but for many the cost makes them unobtainable. Indeed the Sunday Times Review has reported this week that the love affair with the Kindle has lost its sparkle and sales are starting to slow.

So we currently find ourselves in a space where books and their downloaded equivalent can co-exist, but ultimately is the book as an object fast becoming a dinosaur that the meteor of the next improved iPad or Kindle will soon render extinct?

What do you think?GG.

Professional Services


31

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...long or short term, start-up, expansion, re-location or stock andinventory, we provide a secure, professional and flexible storage service.From tools and machinery to documents and archive, our facilities can betailor made to meet your needs.Conveniently situated just 5 minutes from Winchester, on the A272,Barn Store’s high tech security systems and full 24/7, hassle-freeaccess makes it the premier choice for your business.

www.barn-store.co.uk or give us a call on:

01962 771993and ask to speak to Lisa

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32


Community News / Professional Services / Building Services

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

crew or the student interview panel.

On Monday 28th January, we were extremely fortunate to have Olympic diver and medal winner, Peter Waterfield visit the Sky Sports Club members for the day.

This was our ‘Project Visit’ from the Sky Sports: Living for Sport team, to motivate and inspire those individuals who are just beginning their journey with the Club.

The students were engaged and enthused by Peter’s fast-paced trampolining session in the morning. He explained how divers use trampolines to practice certain techniques and to perfect moves. They learnt how to support one another on the trampolines and how to perform basic moves which they developed into set routines.

The students took a great deal from the afternoon session with Sky Sports mentor Peter Waterfield and eagerly sat quietly in the front row to listen to his life story. They were especially silent as Peter talked of his time at the London 2012 Olympic Games with diving partner, Tom Daley.

Year 7 student Kaitlin Lafferty (11) said, “I thought the day with Peter Waterfield was outstanding. We played lots of great activities and supported each other. It was great to have a visit from an Olympian athlete and was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Olympic diver visits Perins

At the start of January this year, 20 Year 7 Perins students were

invited to attend the ‘Perins: Everyone Active’ 8-week Sky Sport Living for Sport project

The students were selected as ‘out of catchment area’ students or those students who were the only individual from a Primary school to attend Perins. The students are currently taking part in ‘Hula-Hooping’ sessions once a week at Perins School. Such activities promote a seamless transition into secondary school with both team and independent work, physical activity and most importantly give participants a fun and positive attitude towards trying something new. The project is inclusive, allowing those who are less confident in getting involved or are currently unable to take part in sport, to take on other roles such as, the commentator, part of a camera

Oakleaf Stationery LtdOFFICE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

We provide everything for the office, from computers &

furniture to paperclips!

Why travel all the way to Winchester for office supplies when we have a comprehensive range available on your doorstep.

A wide range of print cartridges in stockPhotocopying and laminating services available

All the stationery you need for the office and homeGreat monthly offers to be had (ask in the shop)

56 West Street, Alresford, Hants, SO24 9AUTel:01962 736116 [email protected]

Richard Steel & Partners

Family Owned Funeral Directors

Alderman House, 12-14 City Road,

Winchester (01962) 862333 Richard Steel • Iain Steel • Mark Allery

• Personal 24 Hour Service • www.winchesterfunerals.co.uk

Four Generations Since 1860

WILLS & LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

Anne Allen LL.BWillmanage.com

Your local professional willwriterCRB checked. Member of the

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WILLS FROM £120POWER OF ATTORNEY £100

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HOME VISITS IF REQUIRED Tel: 01962 734981

Mob: 07745 [email protected]


33 Building Services

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

Bathroom and kitchen remodelling

Large and small building work undertaken

Interior and exterior painting and decorating

Plumbing, electrics, carpentry and tiling

Contact Gavin or Angela Henderson Tel: 01962 773043 or 07860 821 535 email: [email protected] www.hendersonrenovations.co.uk

PROPERTY RENOVATIONS

EST 1988


34 Recipe of the Month

INGREDIENTS• 1 pancake per person (savoury pancake) or• 1 slice of ham smoked ham, Bayonne ham will do as well• One nice leek, cut in half across to form 2 pieces, the size of the pancake or slice of ham.

• You may also use a fennel cut in half length wise, cauliflowers, sliced mushrooms, or chicory, in which case add a little sugar for the bitterness.• A small quantity of vegetables of choice to flavour the white sauce

• Grated cheese; any will do, leftovers are excellent• 50g butter• 50 gr flour• 1 litre chicken or veal stock or for a better taste, use 500ml stock with 250ml cream and 250ml white wine

FRENCHPANTRY

Difficulty 1/10 Cost 1/10

METHODBlanche your chosen vegetable until soft, set aside and leave to cool. When cold, wrap the pancake or slice of ham around the vegetable

and place in a buttered oven dish. Meanwhile make a white sauce by melting the butter, adding in the flour and then slowly adding the

liquid, stirring all the time. Bring to a gentle boil and continue stirring for 1 or 2 minutes, then set aside and keep warm. At this point you

can add all kinds of seasoning to enhance the flavour. This basic sauce serves to make a velouté: Pan-fry gently your other vegetables in

a little butter until soft then add to the warm sauce and liquidise. Strain through a fine sieve and then add a little consommé to obtain

the desired consistency. If necessary you can thicken the mixture with some egg yolks and a little cream. This sauce is absolutely

fabulous. Cover your “wraps” generously with the sauce and sprinkle with a little grated cheese. Finally bake your wraps in a warm

oven, mark 5 or 180C, until gratiné.

& COOKERY SCHOOL

La Ficelle Picarde

DO YOU LOVE FRENCH CUISINE?

Then visit the French Pantry located between Sutton Scotney and Stockbridge on the A30. We have a wealth of

traditional French cuisine and ingredients. The French pantry also has a deli with fresh products imported regularly

from France. We also stock a range of ready to eat products carefully prepared by our French Chef - Germain.

You can also take part in our of our cookery lessons, call us to book your place.

FRENCH PANTRY & COOKERY SCHOOL, LONDON ROAD (ON THE A30, NEXT TO CLOS DU MARQUIS), SO20 6DE

TEL: 01264 810 298

Food & Drink


35

For extraordinary cocktails, canapés, service and marquee hire for your event...

Call 01962 849396 or visit www.thecreativecateringcompany.co.uk

Exquisite ƒood Beautiful settings

The difference starts with the detail...

"I really enjoyed planning my party. Due to your care and professionalism and being so easy to work with,

the result was a fantastic party."

Harriet Carrow


Food & Drink36

Businesses and organisations across Hampshire are invited

to share in the success of the annual Hampshire Food Festival, held throughout July, by hosting an event celebrating the fantastic local food and drink available throughout the county.

The 2012 Hampshire Food Festival, organised by county food group Hampshire Fare, attracted over 295,000 visitors to 72 different events hosted by 64 different businesses and organisations across Hampshire including hotels, restaurants, pubs, cafes, farms, local food and drink producers, cookery schools, shops, attractions, libraries, town centres and country shows. The Festival brought an estimated £5.97 million to the local economy.

The Hampshire Food Festival showcases local food and farming and aims to encourage visitors to discover places across Hampshire where they can buy and enjoy locally sourced food and drink. Local businesses can get involved in a number of ways including holding an event, promoting a special Festival local food menu, submitting accommodation details as a place to stay during the Festival or advertising in the programme.

Tracy Nash of Hampshire Fare said: “The Hampshire Food Festival is a great way

to promote your business or cause, and attracts huge interest. Last year, events included farm walks, brewery and vineyard tours, cookery demos and hands-on classes, children’s workshops, open days, celebratory lunches and dinners, barbecues and picnics, with local food and drink taking centre-stage throughout.”

All event ideas are welcome as long as they involve food, drink or craft from Hampshire. Hampshire Fare can help with ideas, contacts, PR and marketing advice, which in turn helps to promote your business or organisation to a huge festival audience.

The success of the annual event was recognised at the 2012 Beautiful South Awards for Excellence. Hampshire Fare was awarded the Gold Award for ‘Tourism Event of the Year 2012’.

The deadline for entries and payment is Friday 8 March.

For more information about how to get involved in the 2013 Hampshire Food Festival, visit the Hampshire Food Festival website http://www.hampshirefare.co.uk/foodfestival, or contact Emily Acott at Hampshire Fare on 01962 847098, [email protected].

Be part of the award winning Hampshire Food Festival 2013

Butchers and producers across the county will be excited to learn

that the Great Hampshire Sausage, Pie and Ready Meal Competition will return this April! This popular competition organised by the county food group, Hampshire Fare, provides an opportunity for local butchers to put their very finest products in front of a panel of expert judges. Producers can enter products in a wide range of categories including traditional pork sausage, meatballs and faggots, black pudding and new for this year, charcuterie.

This very competitive event was last held in 2010 and attracted 200 individual entries from 30

Hampshire butchers and meat farmers. Awards and a trophy are presented in each category and the Supreme Champion of 2013 will be selected from across all the entries. This year’s event will be held at the Holiday Inn in Winchester on Tuesday 9 April. Mike Wright, Chairman of Hampshire Fare, is pleased to see the return of the competition: The event itself is closed to the public. Details of the winners will be published on www.hampshirefare.co.uk after the competition.

For information on how to enter visit the Hampshire Fare website, www.hampshirefare.co.uk. The closing date for all entries is Friday 5 April 2013.

The return of the great Hampshire sausage, pie and ready meal competition!

Created by classically French trained Charlotte Russell, Cabbage Patch Catering is a small business based near Winchester. We use seasonal ingredients locally sourced where possible with bespoke menus designed for every occasion. We provide a high standard of personal service that gives every client the care and attention needed to

make their event a memorable one.

Canapé Parties Private Dining Celebration Buffets Vintage inspired tea parties Gift Service

These are just a few of the catering delights that Charlotte and her team can provide. Testimonials are available.

For more information on products and services contact:Charlotte Russell or Lynn Russell on

Tel: 01962 779818 Mobile: 07970 308504Email: [email protected]

Cabbage Patch Catering

Food & Drink


37

38


Community News / Motors

• FREE COLLECTION

• COURTESY CARS

CERTIFICATED ENGINEERS •

RECOVERY AVAILABLE •

New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QE

M.O.T Testing CentreClass 7 Vans from 3,000 - 3,500kg

Class 4 Cars and Vans up to 3,000kgAll makes of cars and vans serviced and repaired

All makes of truck and horsebox up to 7500kg maintainedand prepared for ministry plating tests

New Farm Motor Services Ltd

01962 732338 L.P.G.A approved autogas conversions

www.autogas.com

Allows your petrol engine vehicle to run on Autogas, a fuel costing approximately 76p per ltr, with the environmental benefits of a 20% reduction

in carbon dioxide production and 2000 times fewer particulates produced from the exhaust fumes when compared with a diesel. Widely available across the

country and locally in Winnall, Winchester and West Meon Hut service station. The government has committed to this fuel difference for the future.

N o r t hM o t o rC o m p a n y

North Motor Company, Holden FarmCheriton, Alresford, Hants SO24 ONX

[email protected]

Independent Specialists

Fully equipped workshopTelephone Nigel or Gary on

01962 77133101962 771881

Over 30 years experience• Service• Repairs• On site MOT’sAll makes of car catered forFull Saab, Subaru diagnosticsFree collection, delivery and courtesy car (when available)

The railway line from Alresford to Kings Worthy was used by

Sir Edward Grey to reach his country home in Itchen Abbas at the start of the 20th century. After a traumatic week in Parliament, he is reported to have come here by train, walking to his weekend cottage where he observed nature in the closest detail. The foundations of his home can still be seen today.

The line has been redundant now for over forty years, closed

Friends of the Lineby the Beeching cuts, but a section of 1575metres has recently been designated as a public footpath with permissive cycling.

A group of interested residents and organisations have become 'Friend of the Line'.

The group has two aims:-1. To have a say in the way the newly designated footpath on the old line is being managed.2. To work towards a longer path following the route of the old line between Alresford and Kings Worthy (except the developed sections of course!)

We currently have the support of around thirty families, local running and other sporting groups, local schools and the Watercress Line. The County Council is excited by the project

too and is providing the expert lead on two action days.

Would you like to be involved in this project? If you would like to become a Friend of the Line, please contact us - or join one of the action days on the path between Martyr Worthy and Itchen Abbas this spring.

On 28th February and 7th March (from 10am to 3pm) the Conservation Volunteers will be working on the old railway line, working on specific spots along the newly designated path.

If you would like to join one or both of the days, please contact Elliott Rowe on [email protected] for more details and a volunteer form.

Motors


39

Andrews AutosourceQuality Used Cars, Carefully Selected

Approved by trading standards

VIEW OUR CURRENT STOCK ATwww.andrews-autosource.co.uk/vehicle-stock

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL CARS HAVE SERVICE HISTORY Taylors Garage, High Street, Droxford, SO32 3QL

01489 878 879 EVENING 01962 732995

Car of the month!

Andrews Autosource

ID VALETING BESPOKE SERVICE

ID VALETING, UNIT 4, SHELF HOUSE INDUSTRIALNEW FARM ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QE

TEL: 07967 730584 [email protected]

ALRESFORD

PROFESSIONAL VALETING / HAND CAR WASH

SERVICES

OPENING TIMES

Mon - Fri: 7.30am - 5.00pmSaturday mornings

APPOINTMENTS CAN BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE

All weather facility, dry and warm waiting area

BEFORE AFTER

2010 (59) Citroen Berlingo XTR 1.6 Hdi Air conditioning, e/windows, remote c/locking, anti-lock braking, 1 owner and only 7,000 miles from new with full service history£8995

ALRESFORD MOTOR SERVICES LTD

MOT TEST CENTRE

• Welding specialists• Tyres for cars and motorcycles• 4 wheel laser alignment• LPG for sale for cars• Recovery services

Tel: 01962 733888 e:[email protected]

• Free collection• Diagnostic testing (including Landrover)• Courtesy cars• Certificated engineers

MOT TEST CENTRE FOR:Cars, motorcycles and vans up to 3,000kg.

All makes serviced and repaired. Class 4 MOT's

Class 1 & 2 Motorcycles

MOT's WHILE YOU WAIT

UNIT 5, SHELF HOUSE, NEW FARM ROAD, ALRESFORD, SO24 9QE

2009 (59) Citroen C3 Picasso Exclusive HDi Diesel, Dual zone climate control air conditioning, e/windows, remote c/locking, cruise control, parking sensors, roof rails, a/wheels, ABS, multiple airbags, Radio CD, SOLD 1 owner, only 13,000 miles 2005 (05) Audi Quatro Allroad Estate 2.5 TDi Auto, alloy wheels, Air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, anti-lock braking, multiple airbags, Radio CD, 81,000 miles £72952009 (59) Nissan Micra 1.2 Acenta Automatic, 5 dr. Air-conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, anti-lock braking, multiple airbags, Alloy wheels, Radio CD, 1 owner, only 12,000 miles £6895 2007 (07) Mazda 2 Antares 1.4 Diesel 5 door, Aircon, e/windows and mirrors, remote central locking, ABS, multiple airbags, 1 owner and only 5,100 miles £54952009 (59) Citroen C1 Splash 1.0 Air conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking, airbags, anti-lock braking, very economical, £ 20 road tax, 1 owners, 13,000 miles, £5495 2006 (56) Citroen C3 Desire 1.4 HDi Diesel 5 door, Air conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking, airbags, anti lock braking, £30 road tax 2 owners, 49,000 miles, £39952005 (55) Peugeot 307 S Hdi Estate Diesel, 5 door, Electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, radio CD anti-lock braking, airbags, 2 owners and only 48,000 miles SOLD1977 (R) MGB GT only & 2 owners from new. Full length webasto sunroof, overdrive, original Stamped service book, taxed and Mot’d, 48,000 miles £3995 2003 (53) Rover 25 1.6 iL Automatic 5 door, Air conditioning, parking sensors, e/windows, remote central locking, airbag, ABS, radio cassette, 2 owners and only 18,000 miles from new with FSH £2795 2003 (53) Rover 25 1.4 Impression 5 door, Electric sunroof and windows, remote central locking, airbag, Power steering, radio cassette, 2 owners and only 29,000 miles from new with full service history £1995


Health & Beauty40

OSTEOPATHY & HAMPSHIRE HEALTH46A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 735 086SIMPLYHEALTH, PPP & Most major Insurance Recognised

ASHLEY SHAH Bsc(Hons)Ost Med DO ND Registered Osteopath

Member of the General Osteopathic Council & has been providing care for the Alresford & Hampshire population.

‘Osteopathy is recognised in treating Back Pain, Joint pain or dysfunction, Sports Injuries, Headaches, & Conditions affecting Joints, Muscles &

Ligaments of the body and More….’

Dr DAVID BEALES FRCP(UK) MRGGP DCH DROCOG Dip Psych

Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians & Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners

Is the GP with a specialist experience in Mind-Body & Elderly Care Medicine, Breathing Disturbance, Breathwork, Asthma, Capnography & Mindful Physiology

Ashley & David are delighted to be working together in The Mind-Body Workshops for Patients

JOANNE LUTYENSBA(Hons) Dip(ION) FdSc Nutritional Therapist

Nutritional Expertise Providing Support and Motivation for Change• Chronic symptoms • Fatigued and run down • Weight loss• Sporting potential • Restore your body to optimum health

APPOINTMENTS: 01962 735086 or 07887 506963

Experience a better way to receive your eye care and gain the ultimate

in visual performanceOur knowledge of the latest products - including high definition ‘freeform’ lens technology - enables us to offer you the ultimate in visual performance. You can be confident that not only will you get a new pair of glasses you love the look of,

you’ll be getting the best possible vision too! To find out why using Rawlings Opticians will make a real difference to your look and vision

visit our branch in Alresford. You will find an extensive range of designer frames including many brands that are not widely available on the high street. Or visit

our website where you will find special promotions and much more!

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

receive

Health & Beauty


41

Sally Hogg Pilates MBCPA

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

allowing close supervision and individual support.

Private Sessions: One to one or small personal group pilates 'individually tailored' also available

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

@Sally Hogg Pilates

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

Spray tans

Vertical sun bed

Make-upElectrolysis

Ear piercing

Eyelash extensions

New Gel PolishesAmazing New Colours To Brighten Up Winter Days and Nights

Gift Vouchers Available for Mothers Day

Creative SPA Manicure

Creative SPA Pedicure

Creative nail enhancements

Acrylics

ChiropodyGel polishes

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 738683www.studio49alresford.com

stockists of

Better Health - Naturally

Mary Walden MCPH FSSCh DipPodMed MBCha IFA

Chiropody & Podiatry

New - Laser foot scanning for orthotics

Sport injury treatments, Massage

Dermalogica Skin care

Tim Walden Dip ION ProActive-K Cert mBANT

Nutritional Therapy

Kinesiology + Energetic Active BioMarkers

-a unique way of assessing the body

Kate Parker Bsc Kate Parker Bsc Kate Parker MNIMH

Western Herbal Medicine

Dr Kathryn Fielden BSc(Hons) MSc PhD

CounsellingCounselling

www.healthwaycentre.co.uk

24 The Dean Alresford24 The Dean Alresford

Telephone 01962 736336

alresford

o s t e o p a t h

a gentle approach for the whole family

osteopathy & craniosacral therapy

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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

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42 Community News


Nine villages in my division have signed up for the Lengthsman

scheme, and we are now awaiting the approval of funding from the County Council. There is plenty to do at this time of year, clearing drains and leafy paths. The decision is expected soon: I will report back next month.

Adoption is now high on the Government priority list. If you are interested in Adopting, Fostering or giving support to adults through the Shared Lives scheme, please contact the County Council direct on 0845 603 5620 or go to the website, www.hants.gov.uk for more details.

If the answer is 42, what was the question? It is the number of small items on the highways list that are still outstanding in the area after the winter. I went through the list with the officer at HCC last week! To make it worse, and because the weather has been so bad since last summer, Hampshire has had to

Jackie’s County Corner - lots of numbers this month!

authorise a number of works to be redone. Residents can report online or phone in faults on roads, pavements and footpaths on 0845 603 5633.

The Local District Plan is moving on to the next stage (part 2). This starts to map out the uses for land, eg: to support green areas, leisure, employment, education, health, housing and shops and businesses. There is an ‘infrastructure wish list’ associated with the plan. If you have any suggestions for your Parish, you should contact your Parish Council with your idea, who will review if it should go on the wish list. This can include village hall improvements, village greens, bike lanes, new play areas and footpaths.

Rural broadband is high up on the wish list for many residents. There isn’t a telephone number for this item- you have to go online! I continue to keep up the profile of this issue at the County Council: please sign up to www.hants.gov.uk/broadband if you haven’t done so already.

Are you alone at home? The Winchester Live at Home scheme supports independence for older people and provides volunteers to sit with residents, and events, lunch clubs and trips out. I particularly enjoy their regular newsletter which has a huge word search! Contact them on 01962 890995. This service can offer companionship and relative-sitting too, all supported by carefully chosen volunteers.

Alresford surgery newsYou can order your repeat prescription in any of the following ways:• Inpersonatthesurgery• Bypost• Byfax(01962736034)• Byemail(mhscripts. [email protected])• Viaourwebsite (www.alresfordsurgery.co.uk)

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the telephone to avoid errors.

And finally, to help you and your doctor:• Yourprescriptionshould last at least 28 days. If you are collecting routine medication more often than this please tell us. • Allmedicinesshouldlast for the same number of days. If you are running out of some items or have too much of some medication, please tell us.• Bepreparedtoattend the surgery annually for a medication review. The doctor is making sure that the medication you are taking is still the best way to manage your medical condition. • Donotstockpilemedicines at home; only order those items that you will need until your next prescription is obtained. (usually 28 days). • Returnanyunwanted medication to the pharmacy for safe disposal. • Pleaseorderwhenyoustill have a few days of medication in hand to allow for possible delay. It usually takes 48 hours to complete a prescription request.

Voluntary Care drivers neededOur voluntary care organisations have seen a marked increase in the number of patients asking for help to get to appointments and we would be grateful to hear from any new drivers who may be able to join their team. Please contact Jackie Elvins on (01962) 735660. Users of the group are reminded that it is manned by volunteers and they cannot always cover every request, particularly if made at late notice. A donation towards each journey is needed to cover costs.

111 Out of Hours ServiceThis service is now up and running. Patients needing out of hours medical care should now dial ‘111’ to obtain help.

Repeat PrescriptionsWe have received a number of comments recently regarding the policy to prescribe only one month's worth of medication at a time. According to the Department of Health ‘A 28 day prescribing interval is recognised by the NHS as making the best possible balance between patient convenience, good medical practice and minimal drug wastage’.

If you are prescribed a ‘repeat medicine’ your doctor will be prescribing enough of each tablet to last you for 28 days. For example if the dose requires you to take 2 tablets a day you will receive 56 tablets, 3 tablets a day 84 tablets etc. There are some drugs which are packaged in 3 monthly amounts and continue to be dispensed in these packs, for example, contraceptive pills and HRT.

The vast majority of patients collecting repeat prescriptions do not pay prescription charges. However, if you do pay for your prescriptions and need more than 5 items in 4 months or 14 items in 12 months you can save money by buying a Prescription Pre-Payment Certificate.

Property Management


43

Sales I Lettings I Management02392 632 275

[email protected]

CHC_Advert 92x129_Forum_CHC_Advert 92x129_Forum 19/09/2012 11:58 P


44 Parent & Child

PRE-SCHOOLS & PLAYGROUPS

CHILD GROUPS 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]

TODDLER GROUPS Ropley Baby & Toddler Group Meet on Wednesdays during term time from 9.15am to 11.45am in Ropley Coffee Rooms, next to the Village Shop. Under 5s. Please ring Ros Wynne 01962 773374 for details.

Kidz Café Parent and carer baby and toddler group (0-5 year olds). Alresford Methodist Church, Jacklyns Lane,

PRE-SCHOOLS & PLAYGROUPS Busy Bees Pre-School Bishops Sutton Village Hall, children from 2yrs 6 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). www.busybeesbishopssutton.co.uk

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 on: 07826 948826

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. Contact: 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 Ofsted Registered Childminder, Excellent references, Contact [email protected] or Tel: Dolores on 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 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 references. Contact Kairen 07799821376/01962732564.

Fridays 2:30 - 4:00pm, during Term Time. Craft activities, play and story time. Contact Dawn Carr on 01962 735278 or Sarah Johnson on 01962 733453

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

Does anyone share my concern about the increasing amount of

litter that is accumulating on the Perins School playing fields?

When walking along the adjacent footpath on my way to the gym, there is an abundance of discarded food wrappers, empty drinks cans etc. not only in the bushes and undergrowth alongside the path, but also on the actual field itself. Apart from being a disgusting eyesore, surely this presents a potential health hazard for those who use the area for sport and recreation, not to mention the

Your Lettersfact that food remains will attract vermin. Why aren’t the school staff/caretakers dealing with this? Clearly they are not, as is evidential in the increasing amount of rubbish that builds up, week on week, during term time.

We are incredibly privileged to have green spaces around us here in Alresford, but if people aren’t taking pride in their immediate environment, then perhaps we need to ask why this is. As parents and teachers, we should be setting a good example ourselves, and encourage young people to take responsibility and clear up their own rubbish, not just leave it for someone else to pick up. I’m sure the majority of us would like to see the school playing field as a green open space, not a landfill site.

Alresford Resident

Leisure & Entertainment


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46 Community News


There has been much heated discussion in Alresford about

the production of a 20 year development plan. Whilst there has been much criticism as to the process being adopted by the Town Council, there seems to be some uncertainty as to what is being produced and why. This not unreasonable as the instructions and processes handed down to Local Authorities by the Government is complicated and riddled with jargon that make it difficult to comprehend unless you are working with the subject.

As a local councillor I have been involved with Winchester City Council officers on these activities for some years; firstly with the previous Local Plan adopted in 2006 and now with what is called the Local Development Framework, district planning for the next 20 years. These plans are designed to provide controlled development within the Winchester District and to set down firm policies against which planning applications are judged. The following paragraphs are intended to shed some light on what and why.

We have had Local Plans in place for many years the last one, still in force, is the Winchester District Local Plan adopted in 2006. It had to conform to national planning guidance and statements issued by the

Government. The previous government became concerned that not enough houses were being built and that economic development needed to be encouraged. Under the previous Government the Department for Communities and Local Government used the established Regional Assemblies in England to introduce Regional Development Plans. 'The South East England Regional Agency (SEERA) set the scene for economic development and housing and produced a plan for our area.

Our Local Authority, Winchester City Council started to produce a Core Strategy based on the SEERA plan. In November 2011 the Coalition introduced the Localism Bill, scrapped SEERA and its plans and adopted the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in March 2012. Development of the Core Strategy continued to be the responsibility of the Local Authority, it was still based on the SEERA Plan but had to conform to the NPPF.

The Core Strategy has been re-named the Winchester District Local Plan Part 1 - Joint Core Strategy (LPP1) giving details of the top level planning policies to be used during the next 20 years. The public was widely consulted for its contents using proformas and holding meetings. The first consultative

total cost could be up to £50K. The result would be a statuary planning document but it would still need to comply with LPP1 and the NPPF and any proposed development would require planning consent from the Local Authority. A NDO will have to go through the same process as a NP but will be subject to additional examination by the independent examiner as it will enable the community to grant planning permission for new buildings they want to see go ahead and allow new homes and offices to be built without developers having to apply for separate planning permission.

So far, New Alresford Town Council has decided not to adopt either the NP or NDO options mainly because it will not fit in with the timescale within which WCC will be producing LPP2. Therefore NATC, assisted by WCC officers, will work to provide the necessary data and analysis to input to LPP2. The first task will be to carry out various ‘needs assessments’ to form an evidence base covering housing, open space, employment and the infrastructure. This will be done between now and May of this year necessitating consultation with the community. Further assessment will be required between May and August to allocate these requirements to available land. During September the WCC will prepare the draft LPP2 which will include plans for the future development of New Alresford and will be subject to consultation at the end of 2013. Further public consultation and submission to the Government Inspector will take place during 2014 until adoption of LPP2 scheduled for March 2015. LPP1 and LPP2 will be planning policy until 2031 although there may be revision from time to time to account for changes in economic and demographic circumstances.

Cllr. Ernest JeffsWinchester City Councillor for The Alresfords

activity in Alresford was a well-attended public meeting held in Perins School in January 2008 to provide data for the Core Strategy ‘Issues and Options’. Then the ‘Health Check’ followed in November 2008, the ‘Front Loading’ consultation in the Summer of 2010, ‘Give Us 5’ in May 2009 and the return of the ‘Blueprint’ questionnaire in October 2010. The public were also consulted on the draft LPP1 before it was submitted to the Government Inspector for its ‘soundness’ test. The Inspector has just produced his report which finds the LPP1 ‘sound’ and it is expected to be adopted as planning policy by the Winchester City Council in March. Subsequent plans must now conform to the strategy and policies in LPP1.

Meanwhile, the City Council has started to prepare the Winchester District Local Plan – Part 2 Development Management and Allocations. Market towns and major settlements are being asked to feed in their plans into this document to account for housing numbers, infrastructure, employment opportunities and open space requirements. Housing numbers are prescribed in LPP1 for New Alresford (following the Inspector’s Report) as 500 over the period 2011 to 2031. Seventy nine dwellings have already been built (since April 2011) or are committed by planning permissions.

The Government has given various options for producing these plans but they have to conform to the NPPF and the LPP1. The market towns and major settlements specified in the LPP1 can prepare a Neighbourhood Plan (NP), Neighbourhood Development Order (NDO) or contribute to the LPP2. A NP is a very formal process which is carried out by a parish or town council. It would require formal consultation with residents, testing for soundness by an independent examiner and a referendum for which a majority vote of approval is required. It may also require technical studies which are likely to need specialist consultancy. The

Long term planning in New Alresford


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Author Damian Dibben visits Perins students

Year 7 students at Perins School, Alresford were inspired by a visit from

author Damian Dibben. He came to Perins last week to talk about the books he has written and to help students with their own creative writing. Damian Dibben has written two books in a new adventure series called “The History Keepers” where the characters of a secret society travel through time to prevent evil enemies from meddling with history. He spoke to the students about his work as a script writer and how he got the ideas to write his own books.

The students themselves had read the first 3 chapters of Damian’s book “The Storm Begins” and as part of a creative writing task in their Transformational Learning lessons they wrote their own versions of how they imagined the adventure would continue.

Small groups of students had a chance to talk to Damian and to ask him anything about his writing career. It was interesting for them to learn that he has travelled to other countries to do research for his books and that being a writer can be a very varied and profitable job. The filmmakers DreamWorks have bought the rights to “The Storm Begins,” so there may be a film of his book in the future!

Library Manager, Linda Sheppard said, “It was exciting to have a visit from Damian as he has already had some fantastic reviews for his books. The students were keen to chat to him and really enjoyed writing their own versions of his story.”

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Alresford Forum Magazine

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