T H G E - Meon Bridge Benefice...The Parish Magazine for Droxford, Exton, Meonstoke & Corhampton T H...

The Parish Magazine forDroxford, Exton, Meonstoke & Corhampton

TTHHEE BBRRIIDDGGEE

APRIL - MAY 2017

Bridge Cover FINAL TO PRINT Feb / March17_Layout 1 22/03/2017 09:34 0-1

The Bridge ~ April - May 2017

1

DROXFORDChurchwardens: Ann Symes 877643

Sheila Matthissen 877867Secretary: Treasurer & Gift Aid Secretary:

Christine Rogers Organist: John Martin 877385Sacristan: Laura Jerosch 01329 231956Verger: Norman Bell 8772303rd Sunday Services: Ros Collins 877782

EXTONChurchwardens: Hugh Parry 878860

Richard Pepys 878035Secretary: Richard Pepys 878035Treasurer & Gift Aid Secretary:

David Frere-Cook 877838Organists: (Morning) Sarah Page 02392 257723

(Evening) Dr Alan Hibbert OBE 878564Sacristan: Verger: Bob Miles

OTHER DENOMINATIONSRoman Catholic Church (Bishop’s Waltham)

Canon Alan Griffiths 07760 220346Methodist & United Free Church (Bishop’s Waltham)

The Re’d David Moss MA 01329 833518

MEONSTOKE WITH CORHAMPTONChurchwarden: Za Rowe 877732Secretary: Sarah Page 02392 257723Treasurer: Elizabeth Ridge 899102Gift Aid Secretary: Iain Gammell 878162Organists: (Meonstoke) Dr Alan Hibbert OBE 878564

(Corhampton) John Martin (am) 877385Sacristan & Verger: Joanna Buchanan 877737

PRESHAWCoordinator: Position Vacant

THE BRIDGE MAGAZINEEditor: Norman Bell 877230

Briar Cottage, South Hill, Droxford SO32 3PB Email: [email protected]

Advertising Manager: David Neale 878541

Email: [email protected]: Alison Stott 877293

Diana Arthur 877390Artwork by: i-DEASIGN 07891 149866Printed by: The Print Room, Chandler’s Ford

e Magazine for the Meon Bridge Beneficeof Droxford, Exton, Meonstoke & Corhampton (& Preshaw)

RECTOR: Reverend Tony Forrest, The Rectory, Rectory Lane, Meonstoke SO32 3NFTel: 877422 Email: [email protected] Note: The Rector’s day off is usually Monday

LICENSED LAY MINISTERS:Reader emeritus: Pauline Quarendon 877392Reader: Cathy Mathews 877804

CHURCH SUPPLIES: Anne Wilkinson 877488For information about baptisms & funerals, please contact the RectorFor information about weddings, please contact the weddings administrator: Sue Wells 01329 834130

Cover Photograph: taken by Rita Newman

This picture of the bridge across the River Derwent was takenfrom the Chatsworth Estate, on the banks of the river. Standingon the east bank of the River Derwent, Chatsworth Houselooks across to the low hills that divide the Derwent and Wyevalleys.

THE BRIDGE CHURCHES WEBSITE: www.bridgechurches.org.uk

THE BRIDGEIs delivered at the start of the months of February, April,June, August, October, and December. Ideally, copyshould be sent by email to The Bridge editor at the address shown above, preferably attached as an Microsoft Word document. The page set-up (with 10 or10.5pt font size) should be defined as an A4 page with1.5cm left and right margins. Typed or handwrittenhardcopy is also acceptable. If you are responsible forvillage activities, diaries, and schedules, please notethat material received late (after the copy date – seepage 2) may not be included.


2

LIST OF ARTICLESTITLE PAGE

Parish Lists ................................................................... 1Christian Aid Week ....................................................... 2Rector’s Newsletter ...................................................... 3Fifty Years of Ordination to the Priesthood .....................4Droxford History Group ................................................. 5Look-in & Book-out ...................................................... 6In the Garden ................................................................ 7MV Garden Club ............................................................ 7The Meon Hall Report .................................................... 8The History of Houses in Corhampton & Meonstoke .... 8Meon Valley Active Retirements Calendar .................... 9Droxford Village Hall News ......................................... 10Forthcoming Events Droxford Village Hall ................... 10Meon Valley Archaeology & Heritage Group................. 11The Royal British Legion ............................................. 12

The COPY DEADLINE for the next issue of THE BRIDGE is: MONDAY 15th MAY

TITLE PAGE

Droxford Junior School News ..................................... 13The Valley Preschool ................................................... 14Friends of Meonstoke School ..................................... 14Meon Valley Carers Group News ................................. 15Lions International ...................................................... 16District Councillor’s Column ....................................... 17Meon Valley Community Bus Timetable ...................... 18U3A ............................................................................. 19Meonstoke Tennis Club .............................................. 19Local Services Information ......................................... 20District Diary - April 2017 ........................................... 21District Diary - May 2017 ........................................... 22Droxford & District Community Care Group ................. 23From The Registers and We Welcome ........................ 24List of Advertisers ....................................................... 24

CHRISTIAN AID IS A JOINT EFFORT BY ALMOST ALL THE BRITISH AND IRISHCHURCHES TO HELP PEOPLE WORLDWIDE

in poverty or desperate need, whether they have a religiousfaith or none. Christian Aid Week runs from the 14th tothe 20th May and its particular focus this year is onrefugees, particularly Syrian people who have fled toGreece.Over the last five years we have raised a team to representour parishes on the Christian Aid Deanery Walk, whichstarts this year from Titchfield on May 21st.We ask all of you who live in these villages to please sponsor our team. We are looking for walkers, most important for people to sponsor them, and for someone ineach village who would be prepared to hold a sponsorshiplist and sign-up sponsors either by going round the villageor by asking people after a church service. If you cannot

walk you can sponsor, but even better if you could do both!Further details will appear in the chuch Pew News. There will be a special Christian Aid Service in MeonstokeChurch on Sunday, 7th May at 10.30am, where there willbe a speaker from Christian Aid. It will be very helpful if you could commit to taking partin the walk (you can choose the length of walk accordingto how much you can manage), so that we know we havea team. It will also help our planning to know if you arewilling to manage the local collection in your village. With hopes of hearing from you,

Mary & Harry MartineauThe Old Rectory, Droxford, (01489 877 213)

[email protected]

Christian Aid Week14 - 20 May 2017

Christian Aid‘Walk to the Sea’ - SPONSORED WALK

SUNDAY 21st MAYStarting at 1.45pm

Registration at Parish Rooms Titchfield from 1pmBring your own pre-walk picnic if you wish.

Venue Barry’s Meadow (behind the Parish Rooms)Choice of walks, 10 or 5 miles

plus a family walk with quiz around the historic village.FREE Parking available


3

DURING LENT, CHRISTIANS AROUND THEWORLD PREPARED THEMSELVES FOREASTER BY WORKS OF LOVE AND

self-sacrifice. In the Bridge Benefice we have been working on how we can develop our faith and spirituality;how we can better serve our community; how we can bemore inviting and welcoming; and how our church community can grow, meeting the spiritual needs of moreand more people.On Palm Sunday (9th April), we come together to begin thesolemn celebration of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalemand his sacrifice on the Cross for all of us. We do this inunion with the Church throughout the world – a powerfulthought in these times of separation and conflict. Christ entered Jerusalem to complete his work, to suffer, to die,and to rise again.

XV Easter DawnHe blesses every love which weeps and grievesAnd now he blesses hers who stood and weptAnd would not be consoled, or leave her love’s

Last touching place, but watched as low light creptUp from the east. A sound behind her stirsA scatter of bright birdsong through the air.She turns, but cannot focus through her tears,Or recognise the Gardener standing there.She hardly hears his gentle question ‘Why,

Why are you weeping?’, or sees the play of lightThat brightens as she chokes out her reply‘They took my love away, my day is night’

And then she hears her name, she hears Love sayThe Word that turns her night, and ours, to Day.

© Malcolm Guitewww.malcolmguite.wordpress.com/2012/04/08/easter-dawn

A Special Invitation and an Unusual Challenge ‘A Dawn Service of Light!’

We are celebrating the world-changing events of the Resurrection by getting up extra-early on Easter morning(16th April) and lighting a bonfire, the Easter Light, just before first light at 5.50am. A service begins at 6.15am, justbefore dawn (6.20am), so that the sunrise can be part of ourworship.

The venue of the service is Corhampton, as it is our most ancient church. Sited by the Meon, the elements of the baptismal liturgy come to the fore. Starting in the graveyard helps us remember Jesus’ victory over death.

So come and join us for this ancient and inspiring worshipat this most unusual time to come to church! Flasks of coffee and pockets stuffed with croissants are a great wayto celebrate after the service! There are also the usual BCPand Family Eucharists at the more ‘sensible’ times of themorning, too, when the candles lit at dawn will be broughtinto the other three churches of the Benefice.For forty days after Easter we celebrate the resurrection of

Jesus and his defeat of the power of sin and death, remembering that he appeared to his disciples many timesand told them about the kingdom of God. So on AscensionDay (25th May), we recall how he left this earth and returned to his Father and trusting in his reign over all creation, we submit to his kingly yet loving rule.

Just 10 days later at Pentecost (Whit Sunday), just like thefollowers of his own time, we await the coming of thepromised Holy Spirit, God’s gift to his people, throughwhom we make Christ known to the world. It was from thepowerful events of the first Pentecost that the Church grew.

So it is, back to where I started! In April and May we seeour gardens, the crops and the new-born farm animalsgrowing, so we seek to see ourselves growing in numbers,in spiritual depth, and in service to our local communitiesand we shall celebrate our plans for new growth at our Pentecost Family Eucharist on 4th June.

Tony

From the RECTOR

NEWLife and Growth

MEON BRIDGE BENEFICEDo Something Different this Easter and Get Up at Dawn!

Easter Dawn ServiceSunday 16th April

at Corhampton Churchyard and ChurchVigil

Bringing in the Easter LightFirst Eucharist of Easter

05.45am - Bonfire Lit05:48am - Twilight Begins (Dawn)06:15am - Service Begins06:20am - Sunrise

Join us at our oldest church for this ancient and inspiring worship Sited by the Meon, our baptismal vows are renewedSuspend common sense! Set the alarm extra early!

Stuff your pockets with croissantsTuck a flask of coffee under your arm

and continue the celebration after the service!

For all the other Easter Day Services see the April Sunday Services Chart on Page 21


4

A SUNG EUCHARIST

on Sunday 18th Junein St Mary’s and All SaintsParish Church, Droxford

at 6.00pmTo Celebrate

The Rev Canon Anthony Hulbert’s‘50 years of Priesthood’The preacher will be:

The Revd Canon David Henley

50 years of Ordinationto the Priesthood

IWAS ORDAINED TO THE PRIESTHOOD AT ST.MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS, PAULSGROVE, BYBISHOP JOHN PHILLIPS, ON TRINITY SUNDAY

1967. That year the date fell on May 21st. I had been madeDeacon the year before in Portsmouth Cathedral.In thanksgiving for fifty years and for the privilege of service in the priesthood in the Church of England, there is to be a service at which I will preside. ‘A SUNG EUCHARIST’ will take place on Sunday 18th June at6.00pm at St. Mary and All Saints Parish Church, Droxford.The preacher will be The Revd Canon David Henley.Refreshments will follow; hopefully, if the weather is fine,in the garden of The Old Rectory, by very kind permissionof Harry and Mary Martineau; alternatively it will be in thevillage hall.I was baptised in Droxford church as a baby on May 6th1940, so I shall feel doubly blessed to be able to celebratethis anniversary there! The service is being held with thekind support of the rector and churchwardens of the parish,part of the Meon Bridge Benefice.There is a very warm and open invitation from Nicola andme to anyone who would like to attend.

The Rev Canon Anthony Hulbert, Cherry Trees, Meonstoke

MEON BRIDGE BENEFICEGOOD FRIDAY ACTIVITIES

Friday 14th April 2017You are warmly invited

Walk of Witness09.30am Assemble at Droxford for prayers10.45am Arrive/Assemble at Exton for prayers11.30am Arrive/Assemble Corhampton for prayers12 noon Arrive/Assemble Meonstoke for closing

prayers

Join us for all or part of the WalkFamily Service:Meonstoke Church - 12.15pm

Bring a packed lunch.Drinks and hot cross buns will be served.

At the Foot of the Cross(A Reflective and Solemn Service)

Meonstoke Church - 1.30pm

at‘Cherry Trees’

Bucks Head Hill, Meonstoke on Tuesday 25th April

at 10.45am in aid of the refurbishment of the Lady Chapel in Droxford Church

Coffee l Refreshments l Bring and Buy


5

ON THE 26TH JANUARY WE HAD AN INTERESRTING AND INFORMATIVE TALKFROM DUNCAN COLIN-JONES ON THE

Civil War in around the Meon Valley. This is a subject thatI am sure many of us know little about and thereforeproved very interesting. We are never too old to learn more! By the time you receive this edition of The Bridge we willalso have heard from Michael McGeever on the researchhe has done into the history of Studwell Lodge, adding toearlier talks on other older houses in the village, Fir Hilland The Maltings.If all this sounds interesting why not join. We meet inDroxford Village Hall at 7.30p.m and the annual subscription is £10.

Olive Hathaway - SecretaryTel: 01489 878768 ([email protected])

The Droxford History GroupProgramme of forthcoming events

17th MayA walk around Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard.

Led by Julian Malec Members please notify Olive if they intend taking part onthis. Members to make their own way to the main VictoriaGate on Portsmouth Hard to assemble by 10.30am

27th JulyThe AGM

In the Droxford Village Hall at 7.30pm Followed by: Leydene House A talk by Dr Jill Edmunds

Membership costs £10 per year or £2 per meeting for non-members. Why not come along. Meetings are held in theVillage Hall at 7.30p.m.


6

DROXFORDDROP-IN

Everyone is welcome at the

Village Hall ‘Drop In’,

Every Tuesday morning

between 10.30am and noon

Come for a hot drink, biscuits and a chat.Come for a few minutes or the whole ninety minutes.

A particular welcome is extended to the hearing-impaired.

It is appreciated that acoustics in the Hall make hearing difficult, but we do keep background

noise to a minimum and we have a silent kettle!

Meonstoke Toddler GroupWe would like to welcome you to this communityrun, stay and play group for babies, toddlers andpre-schoolers with their parents, grandparents or carers.We have a range of indoor and outdoor toys, craftactivities, musical instruments and more as well asdrinks and snacks for both adults and children!If you’re new to the area, or not been before, thenwhy not give it a try? If you have been a few times,why not join our rota of volunteers to help out on aThursday? Even if you don't have pre-school agechildren, but some free time, we would be reallypleased to welcome you onto our rota!

Please contact Nicky Clark [email protected] with any questions.The Meon Hall, Pound Lane, Meonstoke

Held every other Thursday during term timefrom 9.30 to 11.30am

April 27thMay 11th & 25th

£2 per family, including refreshments for all.

Please feel free to borrow books (fiction and non-fiction, thrillers and all other genres), jigsaws andCD’s and return them when you have finished withthem. There is no charge. The library in Meonstoke church is available toeveryone whenever the church is open, which isfrom early morning until early evening. Do comeand have a browse in the peaceful surroundings.

Lorna Allured - 01489 877718

Look-in for a chat and refreshment in thespacious area in Meonstoke Church. You arevery welcome on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdayof each month between 10.00am and midday.

All are welcome – the more the merrier!April: 5th & 19thMay: 3rd & 17th

-IN!

BOOK-OUT!


7

BEDDING PLANTS AND TENDER PLANTSRAISED FROM SEED, SUCH AS OUTDOORTOMATOES AND COURGETTES, CAN BE

placed outside on warm, still days to harden them off andkeep them compact, but beware of leaving them outovernight, or exposing them to wind, which can desiccatethe young foliage very quickly and set back the plants byseveral weeks. Vegetables: If you have not already done so, plant seedpotatoes in well-manured trenches sprinkled with generalpurpose fertiliser. Some people add soot as a deterrent tokeel slugs (the little black ones that live underground).Broad beans started in trays can now be planted out intorows. Leeks may be sown into trays or pots and plantedlater when large enough to handle, or they may be sown directly into a prepared bed. Sow maincrop carrots, purplesprouting broccoli and peas and plant out onion sets. Runner beans can be sown in small pots towards the end ofApril so that they are ready for planting out as soon as thedanger of frost is past. These plants should be graduallyhardened off before planting out. In May, sow beetroot andcontinue to sow salad crops of lettuce, spring onion, radish,rocket etc; it is a good idea to cover newly sown seed withmesh or fleece until the seeds have germinated, as this prevents birds, cats, mice etc. from disturbing the seeds.Protect potato foliage from late frosts by earthing up or covering with fleece. Fruit: Clear all debris and dead leaves from the base oftrees and bushes and apply a handful of general purpose

fertiliser around the base of each plant. Rake and water inif the ground is dry and then apply a 3 to 4 inch mulch ofwell-rotted manure or compost to help conserve moistureas the weather warms up. If space allows, it is worth covering the areas between fruit bushes with weed controlfabric and securing it with a layer of 25mm shingle. Thiswill prevent weeds and will further help retain moisture inthe soil around the roots of the bushes.Herbaceous border: Feed and mulch roses. In April prunehydrangea paniculata, spirea japonica and buddleia veryhard to produce strong new growth this year. Rememberthese shrubs flower on the current year’s growth, so theyrespond well to this treatment every year. In early April cutback by about a third sage, cistus, lavender and santolinato prevent straggly growth.

In the greenhouse: Check all young plants on a dailybasis, making sure that they do not dry out. Cut back over-wintered fuchsias by about two thirds when the firstbuds begin to show and begin to feed and water them.Watch out for any signs of pests and diseases, particularlyon young fuchsia shoots and treat with proprietary fungicide or pesticide as appropriate.Lawns: Now is the time to lay or sow new lawns. Existinglawns should be scarified to remove moss and thatch, andthen fed with a proprietary lawn feed. If weeds and mossare a problem in your lawn use a combined lawn weed andmoss killer and leave for a week or two before scarifying.

John Owen

IN THE GARDEN

April & May

WE STARTED OUR GARDEN CLUB YEARWITH A TALK FROM MATT SOPER ONCARNIVOROUS PLANTS. HIS PASSION

started with a Venus fly trap when he was 7 and 40 yearslater he is still passionate about these unusual plants. Hehas been awarded over 100 gold medals, 18 at Chelsea andwas awarded Best in Show at Hampton Court Show on 3occasions. Some of our members purchased some of hisplants so perhaps we will see some of them in future shows.

Our March talk was on Adventurous Container Gardeningby Stuart Lees, who is very keen on using small shrubs andperennials with seasonal plants including bulbs and annualsto create some very colourful displays. This type of planting is not such high maintenance as just using annuals.He showed us examples of many types of containers andsuggested that particularly interesting containers can evenbe left empty in the garden! If you would like to join the club, please contact our membership secretary, Phil Butler on 877596 or [email protected]

Caroline Harris, Secretary

More information at:www.meon-valley-garden-club.co.uk/index.htm


8

200 Club.Winners of the 2017 monthly £25 prize draws were:February: Minty Bedford March: Amanda RidoutA huge “Thank you” To everyone who has joined The Meon Hall's 200 Club in2017 – at the time of going to press 345 people have joined.This is a tremendous annual membership number for the200 Club which was started some 38 years ago to raisemoney for The Meon Hall! You may win one of the cashprizes during the year, but just as importantly, by joiningthe 200 Club you are helping The Meon Hall managementcommittee to keep things up to date. With £3450 raised thisyear we have been really successful in demonstrating community support for The Meon Hall so that we can presson with making grant applications for urgent work and purchases of new equipment.Donation to The Meon Hall:We are so very grateful to Trevor and Pauline Quarendonwho have given a substantial donation with Gift Aid to TheMeon Hall to mark the anniversary of their 50 years livingin Meonstoke. Using their donation together with moneyfrom this year's 200 Club, the hall committee is buyingsome upholstered stacking chairs for use at meetings in thesmall hall and crypt. This will enable the hall committeeto pension off the very oldest red stacking chairs whichwere acquired second-hand about 35 years ago! The MeonHall committee members send their thanks to Trevor andPauline for making this improvement possible.Perhaps you might like some red plastic stacking chairsMaybe for the rumpus room or the garden? Just the thingfor the coming summer! We will be happy to exchange achair or three for a new stylish shiny £1 coin. ContactJames Morrice 877916New classes starting:We welcome Ali Lambie's Mindfulness Hampshire training classes to The Meon Hall. Ali lives in Meonstoke,and will be starting her local classes in the first week ofMay. Details of her mindfulness and self-compassion trainingare on page 6 and at www.mindfulnesshampshire.co.uk.

James Morrice

The Meon Hall

REPORT

The History of theHouses in Corhampton,Meonstoke and Exton.

SINCE THE LAST UPDATE ON THIS PROJECT INTHE FEBRUARY-MARCH ISSUE OF THEBRIDGE I AM PLEASED TO REPORT

considerable progress.A letter was delivered to all houses in Corhampton and Meonstoke explaining the project and enclosing a questionnaire that needed to be completed by Saturday 8thApril.There were two addresses to which the completed questionnaires could be returned; either:l Ian Allured at King’s Farm, High Street, Meonstoke orl The Meonstoke Post Office and Village Stores.Once all the completed questionnaires have been passed tothe project team, the data will be examined. This will thenbe used to complete the large map or book that will depicteach house in Corhampton and Meonstoke. There will bea brief note for every house and hopefully a picture or photograph.The examination and sifting of the information will takesome time, and we anticipate that a brief overview couldtake several weeks to display.The final map or book (or both) will take much longer, butwe hope these will be available in September.Once this has been accomplished, we will follow the sameprocess for the Exton houses. Ian Allured

WHEN COMING FROM THE VILLAGE UPPOUND LANE, COULD MOTORISTSPLEASE NOT DRIVE ALONG AS IF IT IS A

race track – ESPECIALLY if driving a tractor!There are now lots of children and pets living in the lane.We have already had one dog hit by a car and now, a fewdays ago, a beloved cat has been killed. The owner is devastated. If that had been a child, they most certainlywould not have had a chance.Please drive a little slower when passing all the Pound Lanehouses.

Thank you A Very Concerned Pound Lane Resident.

A Plea from Meonstoke


9

Meon Valley Active Retirement AssociationRegular events for the active in retirement

Programme April and May 2017 Exercise Class -St. Peter’s Church Hall, Bishop’s Waltham.Every Monday from 10:00 to 11:15amNB: No classes on April 17th, May 1st or May 29th Cost per individual session: members £2.00, non-members £2.50 Please note there is a waiting list for this class. Contact: Chee Price 01489 893140Ladies’ Pub Lunch - Mondays - April 3rd and May 8th Contact Sandy Holden on 01489 892136 by the previous Mondayfor venue and to book a place.Gentlemen’s Pub Lunch - The Barleycorn, Bishops Waltham. Third Thursday of the month: February 16th and March 16th12:00 for 12:30pm. Contact Richard Davenport for details on 01489 891862. IT Learning Classes - The Silver Room, Jubilee Hall. TuesdaysClasses will restart in the autumn subject to demand.Contact: Ian Wynne- Powell on 01329 833254 Touchtennis - Jubilee HallTuesday mornings from 11:00am to 12:30pm on outside courts Contact: Ann Joyce on 01329 232099

Table Tennis - Priory Park Clubhouse, Elizabeth Way, Bishop’s Waltham.Wednesday afternoons from 2pm to 5pmThese sessions are now closed to non-members (other than a tastersession) due to demand. Cost per session £3.50 for members, £4.50 for non-members.Contact: John Moorhouse on 01489 896366Tai Chi -Jubilee Hall, Gold Room. Wednesday mornings. There are two sessions: Beginners/less experienced: 9 to 10am. Experienced: 10 to 11am. Cost per individual session £4.50 formembers; £5.50 for non-membersContact: Ann Joyce on 01489 232099New Age Kurling -Jubilee Hall, Ruby Room. Third Thursday of the month: April 20th and May 18th.Sessions run from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Cost per individual session:members £3.00, non-members £3.50. Contact: Geoff Matthews on 01489 890434Spanish Lessons -Classes held on Friday mornings at The Stables, Free Street,Bishops Waltham.N.B. No classes on April 14th and April 21st.Spanish for Beginners is now full; a new class will start in September 2017 subject to demand. Spanish II sessions run from10:15am to 11:00am and Spanish III from 11:15am to Noon. Cost £3.00 per session. Call John Moorhouse on 01489 896366 to discuss.Scrabble for Fun -Sessions on Friday afternoons in the small room at The PatersonCentre, Swanmore (next to the church) from 2 to 4pm. Cost £1.50 per session. Please be prompt! Contact: Lena Frost on 01489 894828Theatre/Cinema VisitsVisits are organised throughout the year. For information on theatre/cinema visits please contact:Kay Corke 01489 890727

www.mvara.btck.co.uk/Activities

James and Anne Morrice invite you to their 2017

PLANT & CAKE SALEProceeds to the Community Care Group,

The Meonstoke Toddler Group & The Valley Pre-School

Saturday 13th May at 10.00amIn the garden of BROOK COTTAGE, HIGH STREET, MEONSTOKE

Contributions for the stalls, please, are very welcome:Plants a Cakes & Pastries a Jams a Toys a This & That a BooksPlease contact James & Anne on 01489 878505, or email: [email protected]

(.........and if the weather is wet, it will be in The Meon Hall !)


10

DROXFORD VILLAGE HALL NEWS

IN METEOROLOGICAL TERMS, IT IS SPRING ONMARCH 1ST. WITH ONE WEEK TO GO ON THESEASONAL CALENDAR BEFORE WE CAN

truly wave good bye to winter, there is no reason to complain about chills and hard frosts. Intermittent days ofsunshine are always a welcome antidote to gloom and drizzle. The sights and sounds of spring are all around us.Catkins, pussy willows and spring flowers in the garden arenow prolific. The birds respond so readily to these lengthening days, making us all aware of pending matingand nest building. Birdsong at dawn and dusk, and bird behaviour in the garden leaves us in no doubt that springhas arrived here in our southern locality.We hoped to brighten February with our annual quiz, andjudging by the enthusiasm generated in the packed hall, wedid just that. Quizzers are always ready to enjoy themselves, pitting their wits against each other. Year onyear, our quizmaster John Martin never fails to innovatewith clever questions on interesting topics. Surely the keyto success is in choosing the correct 'Joker'! This is an important fundraising event for the village hall, and we wish to thank the many people involved, whose contributions made the evening such a success.A skittles evening at the beginning of March yielded another competitive evening for local residents. The hallcommittee thought that a social evening, whilst makinggood use of the underused skittle alley and raising funds,would bring together village groups to compete againsteach other. The hall provided cask beer, along with ourusual offers of wine and soft drinks, accompanied by plentyof nibbles. The competition reached its climax after threerounds, at which point there was a distinct difference between those who could bowl and those who could not. Itwas very apparent that the village hall team need more practice, having scooped the booby prize! We hope to repeat this evening next year.Our films continue on the last Wednesday of each month,with United Kingdom in April. We already have the filmlisting for the summer months, and will be making choicesat the end of March. Many of our audience now help to determine what we show, by receiving a list of titles byemail from Tim Crowfoot. If you would like to be involved,please contact Tim.

Our annual AGM will take place on Monday, 3rd April, at7.30pm in the hall. We are always pleased to see peoplefrom the village on this occasion, which gives our chairmanthe opportunity to explain how we deal with business andhow we distribute our funds. Ideas for further events arealways welcome.The 200 Club winners for the last three months were:

January: Jean SteeleFebruary: Jutta FindlayMarch: Bobbie Garrod

Jackie Hibbert Secretary

Forthcoming Events at Droxford Village HallWednesday 26th April

A United KingdomA film Rated PG

This is the incredible true story of Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams, an African prince and a salesman’s

daughter who fell in love in the 1940s.Starring David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike,

Tom Felton, Jack Davenport.

Refreshments available, Licensed barTICKETS FROM THE POST OFFICE

For all other forthcoming events PLEASE see theboard in the Droxford Village Hall or posters around the village.

CONCERTSunday 2nd April

3.00pm St. Peter’s Church

Bishop’s WalthamCathy Mathews ..................violinKaren Kingsley .................piano

Including works by Schubert, Cesar Franck, Debussy & Korngold

Entry is FREE.There will be a retiring collection in aid of St. Peter’s.


11

MVAHG WILL BE HOLDING THEIR ANNUALGENERAL MEETING ON TUESDAY 4THAPRIL AT 7.00PM AT THE MEON HALL.

There will be:l A presentation by Dr Nick Stoodley, with a review of

the past year’s Meon Valley Geophysical Surveysl An opportunity to view finds made at these sites by

metal detectoristsAll are very welcome to come along. (You don’t have tobe a member of MVAHG)We have had a very successful year, thanks to the hardwork of a team of volunteers supporting our geophysicalsurveys and the Exton excavation.Lead Archaeologist, Dr Nick Stoodley will be reviewingthe past year’s geophysical surveys in the Meon Valley, including our latest surveys at Meonstoke and Corhampton.The results from these sites show very interesting evidenceof Iron Age, Roman, and Anglo-Saxon settlement in the

Meon Valley Archaeology & Heritage Group

area. This is supported by finds made by metal detectoristsMike and John at these sites, which include an Anglo Saxonsceatta, Roman coins, brooch and other artefacts.The dig at Exton will continue in July from Monday 3rdJuly to Saturday, 29th July. Please make a note in your diaries. More details will follow in the next issue of TheBridge.

Meon Valley Playreading Group“It’s like being in a radio play”

u No lines to learn

u No acting on stage

u No commitment to attend each meeting

u You don’t need to be the ‘right age’ forthe characters you’re reading (or even the same gender!)

Just a fun evening, reading a different play at each meeting.A charge of £3 pays for rent, coffee, etc.

We meet on the 2nd Tuesday each monthat The MEON HALL at 7.30pm

Tuesday 11th April

Tuesday 9th May

For more details please contact: Paul or Gerry Hayles on 01489 878589

Friends of Meonstoke School

present their annual:

?QUIZ NIGHT?on Friday 12th Mayat The Meon Hall

Doors open 7.30pm

Tickets £5 each/£30 per table of eight

For Sale at the School or Meonstoke Post Office

Bring your own food & drink Tea and Coffee available

?


12

ON 19TH APRIL 1917, THE LOSS OF BRITISH,ALLIED AND NEUTRAL MERCHANT SHIPS BY ACTION FROM GERMAN

unterseebooten (U-boats) reached its peak with 373 shipssunk in the month of April alone. With Great Britain relianton global trade for food and raw materials to sustain the wareffort, losses at this rate could have forced us to sue for peaceor lose the war. The situation was eventually eased, despiteopposition from the Admiralty and ship owners, by the introduction of convoys (last used during the NapoleonicWar!). With losses reducing from May through to December,the tide of attrition was eventually turned. By November1918, German U-boats had sunk in total nearly 5,000 shipswith the loss of 15,000 lives. Germany lost 178 U-boats (halfher fleet) and 5,000 crew.Although a tactical stalemate, the Battle of Jutland on 31stMay 1916 reinforced the Royal Navy’s strategic dominionof the North Sea. This enabled Britain to enforce a blockade of Germany, effectively restricting her trade to theBaltic and mainland Europe. Germany therefore declared anunrestricted U-boat campaign that came perilously close to succeeding. Hitherto, submarine warfare had been constrained by Prize Law which required warships to stopunarmed merchant ships, board and inspect their cargoes,and allow crew and passengers to abandon ship before sinking them. The arming of merchantmen and use of ‘Q’Ships with concealed weapons made this difficult or impossible to achieve, so a policy of sink without warningwas adopted. Opposition to convoy was largely due to ashortage of suitable naval escorts, a misperception that alarge concentration of ships would make an easier target andcommercial ship owners unwilling to accept the inherent delays that a convoy policy entailed.

www.droxfordweb.co.uk

The Royal British LegionDroxford & District Branch

Branch Meetings:On Monday, 13th March, Lt Col Alan McComb, OBE,Royal Signals, from the Defence Science and TechnologyLaboratory (DSTL) spoke to us on the future of the BritishArmy. With a post-Strategic Defence and Security Review(SDSR) force of 82,000 regular troops and, potentially,30,000 Reserves, the Army will comprise a single war fighting Division of 4 Brigades. The emphasis will be onmobility, smart weapons, and state-of-the art electronics including laser weapons and robot technology. Future operations will invariably be part of international coalitions,NATO or otherwise.Next Meeting:Our next meeting is on Monday, 8th May at 1900 in Droxford Village Hall when Rear Admiral Kit Layman, CB,DSO, LVO will talk about the Wager Disaster. As usual, non-members will be welcome to attend. HMS Wager wasCommodore George Anson’s supply ship, wrecked offPatagonian Chile in 1741, and some of her 140 survivorsmade a remarkable journey back to Britain. Admiral Ansonwas ennobled as Baron Soberton in 1747.

The RBL Droxford & District Branch is always looking for newmembers, both Service and civilian, to help keep remembrancealive and support our Servicemen and women, veterans andtheir families. For more information or to join us, please contactthe Secretary: Cdr Rob Scott RN at [email protected] or01489 877800.

100 years ago....

Soirées on the Bridge

CONCERTSin St Andrew’s Church,

Meonstoke

Thursday 27th April at 7.30pm

Dolce String Quartet

Thursday 22nd June at 7.30pm

SING AND TONICEntrance is free, with a retiring collection

in aid of St Andrew’s Church. Wine and canapés served after each performance.


13

DROXFORD JUNIOR SCHOOL WAS VISITEDBY SOME VERY DUBIOUS CHARACTERSRECENTLY ON WORLD BOOK DAY. THE

building was overrun by green fairies, pirates, lost boys,and even a giant crocodile - but that’s enough about thestaff!As always, our children made a superb effort in creatingcostumes to represent their favourite book characters andprizes were awarded for the best ones in each class. Thiswas a tough choice. Spanning books both classic and modern, we had everything from Mr Tickle and The Scarecrow through to Gangsta Granny and Tom Gates tochoose from. World Book Day is about much more than just dressing up.As well as raising money for The Rainbow Centre, it is achance to celebrate books and foster the love of reading.Throughout the day, children across the school took part inbook-related activities and created some stunning work.We used computers to create word-clouds of our favouritebooks, invented fantastical animals using flip-books, wrotepirate stories and ‘jumped into stories’ writing from thepoint of view of a bookmark. The day ended with a wonderful assembly where children had the opportunity tocelebrate their work.One child said: "I loved dressing up and it was fun doingall the activities. I wish it was World Book Day every day!"I couldn’t have put it better myself!

Book BuddiesWe have been fortunate over the years to have a number of‘book buddies’. These dedicated volunteers come in toschool to listen to children read. Reading to an adult andtalking about what they’ve read on a regular basis is a vital part of learning to read. It helps promote reading for pleasure and deepens their understanding of the text. If youhave some time to spare on weekday afternoons and are interested in becoming a book buddy, please contact theschool office on the number below. Full training will begiven.Look out for news of our upcoming fun event.Year 4’s residential to Runways End on 3 - 5th April.If you are interested in visiting our school, especially as wehave places available, please contact the school office on01489 877537

Sarah Jacobs Deputy Head Teacher

Bonkers for Books!

Droxford Lent Lunch

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ATTENDED THE STMARY & ALL SAINTS, DROXFORD LENTLUNCH, WHICH RAISED £238 (PLUS GIFT AID)

for the Bishop's Lent Appeal.


14

THIS SPRING THE CHILDREN ARE LOOKINGFORWARD TO LEARNING ABOUT THE LIFECYCLE OF A CHICKEN. THEY WILL LEARN

about fertilization, and incubation, as well as being able towatch some eggs hatch in the incubator that has been kindlydonated by Karen Ward. We also welcome the return of ‘Gardening Ladies’, as theyshare their skills and knowledge about flowers, vegetables,and herbs, with the children.With spring having arrived, we have been taking full advantage of Meonstoke Infant School’s playing fields. Thechildren have already enjoyed practising their physical development, by using a range of skills, from throwing beanbags, running, relay races, and parachute games. Healthy eating has been a big focus in Preschool this term,with the children looking at what foods and drinks are better for us to consume. We have been playing games to promote this, designed a display board and have been looking at the sugar content in some snacks and drinks.FUNDRAISING A huge Thank You to all of you who supported the bingonight in January. We raised a massive £1,700, which will beput towards the garden restoration.FUTURE EVENTS:We will be manning the bottle stall at Droxford Fête againthis year, and please, will need your generous donations tomake this another successful fundraising event. For more information and details about The Valley Preschoolplease go to: [email protected] or email: [email protected] or speak to our Supervisor,Lynette Davis, on 01489 878019

Sarah Winter-Page Preschool Supervisor

THE LATEST HALF-TERM AT MEONSTOKE INFANT SCHOOL GOT OFF TO A GREAT STARTWITH WORLD BOOK DAY ON THE 2ND

March. As well as many fantastic and creative costumes, FOMSwere delighted to be able to run an after-school book swap,where the children could exchange an old, unwanted book forsomething new to read.It was a huge success and our amazing school community donated so many books that the children were able to take homemore than one each, and coupled with the excessive cake consumption they all left the book swap very happy!Together with the latest FOMS movie night, held before half-term, and the after-school disco on the 17th March, it hasbeen a fun-filled start to the spring.Thank you to all those who volunteered their time for the FOMSgarden working day, we are sorry it had to be cancelled at shortnotice and look forward to re-scheduling the event as soon aswe can. In the current climate of school budget cuts, any helpparents can give the school is so gratefully received and we lookforward to pitching in and getting the garden spring-ready inthe very near future.FOMS are busy gearing up for our annual Quiz Night whichwill be held at the Meon Hall on Friday, 12th May so remember to mark the event in your diary. Tickets will be available shortly from the school and Meonstoke Post OfficeFor more information about our future fundraising events, useful school information, and all our news, please follow us on our Facebook page, search for FOMS Meonstoke atwww.facebook.com.Thank you for all your continued and much appreciated support.

The FOMS Committee

FRIENDS OF MEONSTOKE SCHOOLSPRING IS IN THE AIR!

Parachute play


15

MARCH IS ALMOST OVER AND SPRING HASSPRUNG!!. DAFFODILS EVERYWHERE!NOT SO WONDERFUL IF YOU HAVE BEEN

deprived of sleep because of the restlessness of yourbeloved one, living with dementia. Also, you have had tochange clothes and bedding not once but maybe twice during the night and the thought of all the washing to bedone let alone dry it, is weighing heavily on your mind. This description might sound very familiar to you. The caring role is constant and the knowledge that it is goingto worsen can be very depressing. Families, we know, doall they can to assist wherever possible but they have theirown lives to live, nurturing their children and quite possiblyworking as well, such are the demands of modern day life.Friends are wonderful but there is only so much one canask of them. However, this is not always the case and sadlythe carer of a loved one who is living with dementia, canfeel isolated and very lonely.As a group, we are determined to do our utmost to reachout to many of these people in the Meon Valley area andbring them into our group, allowing them to relax whilsttheir cared-for are being looked after by the volunteers,who have so much knowledge of people living with dementia. Talking to a person in a similar situation as themselves can boost spirits so much! Within the group,friendships are formed over a cup of tea and biscuit, alwaysvery popular towards the end of the meeting. We endeavour to have a varied programme, so if you wishto learn more about the Meon Valley Carers Group, pleasecontact us by phone on the number given below and lookon our website at: www.meonvalleycarersgroup.org. Wemeet on the second Tuesday of the month for a pub Lunchat The Forge, Shedfield and on the fourth Tuesday of themonth at the Paterson Centre, Swanmore, for a group meeting, where there is always an opportunity for carers tovoice their concerns to one of the volunteers. For those unable to transport themselves, the Meon Valley LionsClub generously provides their minibus to collect membersand their cared for to go to the meetings and return themsafely to their homes afterwards.

Promoting a positive way of living with dementia

MEON VALLEY CARERS GROUP NEWS

April and May ProgrammeTuesday 11 April

Pub Lunch The Old Forge, Shedfield - 12noon

Tuesday 25 AprilGroup Meeting

‘Street Wardens’ - Mike Sarson will explain the work of this remarkable group of peopleThe Paterson Centre, Swanmore - 2pm

Tuesday 9 MayPub Lunch

The Old Forge, Shedfield - 12noonTuesday 23 MayGroup Meeting

‘Reminiscing’ - The Rev. Tom Johns (Chairman, MVCG)The Paterson Centre, Swanmore - 2pm

Please remember if you are Caring for a loved one who isliving with dementia, join us at the Meon Valley CarersGroup where you will find friendship, information and atime for relaxation.Telephone: 01489 895444 (Answerphone)Office Hours: Mon. 9.15am – 1.15pm

Registered Charity: 1107865

An Evening with Rudyard Kiplingby Philip Geddes & Friendsin Alton Abbey Church

Saturday 6th May at 7.30pmTickets: £15 Includes wine, soft drinks and light refreshments

Available from: “Tickets” Friends of Alton Abbey, Alton Abbey, Beech, Alton, GU34 4AP

Cheques should be made payable to ‘Friends of Alton Abbey’Please include a SAE, a telephone number, and an email address if possible.

A Special Ascension Day ConcertThursday May 25th

6.45pm for a glass of wine in the Green RoomConcert - 7.30pm

by the Maria Magdalena Chamber Choir, from StockholmPerforming Northern music from Sweden and neighbouring Countries.

Entry is free with a leaving collection (donations of at least £5 would be appreciated.

For more information about both events please Email: [email protected]

or Phone: 01428 712938

Forthcoming Events at

Alton Abbey


16

ASMALL DELEGATION FROM MEON VALLEY LIONS RECENTLY ACCEPTED AN INVITATION TO VISIT THE RAINBOW

Centre in Fareham, to find out more about this specialistday centre for conductive education (www.rainbowcentre.org/about-us/conductive-education). The Rainbow Centrehas been operating for 26 years in Fareham and specialisesin assisting children and adults to improve mobility andmovement in the face of disability caused by cerebral palsy,adult-stroke, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease or similar.Conductive education was considered “alternative” whenit first arrived from Hungary in the 1990s, but the Peto Institute had been pioneering this treatment since 1945 withremarkable results and now the treatment is accepted asmainstream. The 'Conductors' at the Rainbow centre have been trainedin the Peto Institute techniques developed in Hungary.They help patients to retrain unaffected areas of their brainto deliver improved functionality and movement, throughsetting new goals and progressively stretching the individual’s achievements. The whole principle is based onfocusing on what you can do, rather than what you cannotdo – and building on it. Every patient session is recorded through stills or videos,to provide a historical record of progress over time. So,when Yvonne Campbell the Senior Community Fundraiserapproached the Meon Valley Lions to see if we could helpby purchasing two new high-quality Sony W830 cameras

for this purpose, we were delighted to help out. As you cansee, one of the Rainbow centre regulars, Eduard Cretu, hasreally got the hang of them!The Rainbow Centre relies almost entirely on corporate andprivate donations, and charity fundraising to provide thisfantastic conductive education service, which costs about£127 per session. The full-time team of nine, plus a smallarmy of volunteers, delivers treatment to a total of 55 visiting children of various ages (plus parents who are anintegral part of the programme), as well as 50 adults fromHampshire and the surrounding counties. It is great thatsuch a wonderful facility exists on our doorstep, doing sucha fantastic job. We look forward to supporting the RainbowCentre again in the near future, with a summer barbeque.Nothing fishy here!Lion Vice President Dick Cowles attended another presentation this month, to hand over a cheque donation to the Winchester based hospice Naomi House and Jacksplace. As we reported in our February news update,Meon Valley Lions Club once again supported the 41st Annual Ford Charity Sea Angling competition on WestonShore. The £1,000 cheque was presented to Sarah Hudson,Area Fundraiser of the Naomi House charity on the eveningof the Sea Angling Club’s annual prize-giving, by Dick andPeter Oates, the event organiser and ex-Ford employee.Over many years, this fishing competition has generatedsubstantial annual donations that have grown to a total nowapproaching £45,000.

Finding GOLD at the end of the RAINBOW

Photograph: Eduard Cretu takes a picture of (L to R) Roy Cuthbertson, Yvonne Campbell, Dick Cowles, Kelle Russell and Chris LeVoi.

Note: permission has been given for Eduard to be included in this picture.

GOLD


17

Council scoops Gold Standard award for localhomelessness servicesWINCHESTER CITY COUNCIL (WCC) HAS

BECOME THE FIRST COUNCIL IN HAMPSHIRE AND ONLY THE FIFTH IN

England to receive the Government’s prestigious gold standard award in recognition of its work in preventing andtackling all forms of homelessness.Winchester City Council Housing Service has demonstratedthat early intervention is a cost-effective way of preventinghomelessness, which is a key priority for the council and it shows that WCC provides a fit for purpose front line housing service in collaboration with its key stakeholders.Check before you eat outThe Food Hygiene Rating Scheme rates food businesses ontheir hygiene standards, based on inspections carried out byfood safety officers. Businesses are rated on a scale rangingfrom 0 which means ‘urgent improvement necessary’ to atop rating of 5 which is ‘very good’. So, whether you are reserving a table at that romantic hotspot,the cosy little café, or intending to order a takeaway on yourway home, make sure you choose one of the 97% of businesses in the Winchester area with a rating of 3 or above.It’s easy to check. Just go online to the Food StandardAgency’s website at: www.food.gov.uk/ratings. or, if youare out and about, check for the green and black sticker; ifyou can’t see one just ask the business.Planning Performance - Speed of decisionsFor the two-year period 1 January 2015 to 31 December2016, the council achieved 91.11% for determining majorapplications within 13 weeks or an agreed extension oftime. The government has set a current target of 50% forauthorities to achieve over the two-year period rising to60% in 2018.For the two-year period 1 January 2015 to 31 December2016, the council achieved 91.76% for determining minorand other applications within 8 weeks or an agreed extension of time. The government has set a current targetof 65% for authorities to achieve over the two-year periodrising to 70% in 2018

Winchester Criterium & Cyclefest returns to WinchesterEvent for you diaries: Winchester Criterium and CycleFestis back bigger and better for 2017 and will take place onSunday, 11th June, supported again by headline sponsorsHargroves Cycles. The Criterium race is widely regardedas the best of its kind in the region and further afield. Forthose looking to race, Criterium entries are open and witha range of family activities and opportunities to try bikes,

the city will be a hive of activity. A range of local cyclingclubs and partners will join British Cycling’s Go Ride teamand Hargroves to demonstrate what they have to offer andhow you can get involved. For more information visitwww.winchestercriterium.org South Downs National Park (SDNP) launch the‘Take the Lead’ Campaign:

SDNP local planThe SDNP is in the final stages of producing the first localplan for the National Park. Go to www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning and select PLANNING POLICY, then selectSOUTH DOWNS LOCAL PLAN. The SDNP is “aimingto put good planning in place that puts landscapes first;cares for views and night skies; supports the local economy;promotes recreation; enables affordable local housing; andmakes sure that our green spaces are properly valued andcared for.”

Vicki Weston Tel: 01329 835161 Email: [email protected]

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S COLUMN(CENTRAL MEON VALLEY)

YOUR [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

[email protected]


18

Fares (all destinations): Adult: £5.00 return.Children Under 16: ½ fare: Under 5’s - FreeAll concessionary bus passes acceptedFor private hire please call Richard Blackburn: Tel: 877391Mondays to FAREHAM09:40 Meonstoke PO & Stores09:42 Meonstoke, Pound Cottages09:45 Meonstoke Triangle09:50 Droxford Square (PARK & RIDE)09:54 Brockbridge, The Hurdles PHWednesdays to FAREHAM09:40 Meonstoke PO & Stores09:42 Meonstoke, Pound Cottages09:45 Meonstoke Triangle09:50 Droxford Square (PARK & RIDE)09:54 Brockbridge, The Hurdles PHThursdays to FAREHAM09:37 Exton, The Shoe PH09:40 Meonstoke PO & Stores09:42 Meonstoke, Pound Cottages09:45 Meonstoke, Oxendown09:49 Brockbridge, The Hurdles PHNote: All Fareham trips return from:12:30 Sainsbury’s, Fareham12:35 Fareham Library1st & 3rd Friday of each month to WINCHESTER09:03 Brockbridge, The Hurdles PH09:07 Droxford Square (PARK & RIDE)09:12 Meonstoke Triangle09:14 Meonstoke Pound Cottages09:17 Meonstoke PO & Stores09:19 Exton, The Shoe PHReturn from:11:55 River Park Leisure Centre12:00 Winchester Broadway2nd Friday each month to WATERLOOVILLE09:37 Exton, The Shoe PH09:40 Meonstoke PO & Stores09:42 Meonstoke, Pound Cottages09:45 Meonstoke Triangle09:50 Droxford Square (PARK & RIDE)09:54 Brockbridge, The Hurdles PHReturn from:12:30 Waterlooville Sainsbury’s12:35 Waterlooville Waitrose4th Friday each Month to PETERSFIELD09:03 Brockbridge, The Hurdles PH09:07 Droxford Square (PARK and RIDE)09:12 Meonstoke Triangle09:14 Meonstoke Pound Cottages09:17 Meonstoke PO & Stores09:21 Exton The Shoe PHReturn from:12:00 Waitrose, Petersfield

Meon Valley Community Bus Association

Timetables for 2017

We have bloomed.......Our community choir for the Meon Valley isnow over a year old and we regularly have 40 enthusiastic ‘locals’ of all ages and levels of experience singing their hearts out in DroxfordVillage Hall on the 2nd and 3rd Wednesday ofeach month at 7.30pm. (but check the districtdiary for variations) For information about joining, please go to ourwebsite at www.singandtonic.org.uk and fill ina contact form.

Singingfor Fun

Come and sing your favourite songs and learn some new ones.

No talent required.The Stables, Maypole Green,

Free Street, Bishop’s Waltham SO32 1PW

Next Meetings: April 7th & 21stMay 5th & 19th

Ages 40’s to 90’s, people with disabilitiesespecially welcome.

Cost: £1.00 a session includes refreshments

Further information from Annabel on 01489 877130 or 07732 329792.

or – just turn up!


19

The Meon Valley

ALTHOUGH THEY WERE BOTH GIVEN BYMEMBERS OF OUR U3A, THE TWO TALKSIN FEBRUARY COULDN’T HAVE HAD MORE

diverse topics, with both displaying great depth of knowledge of their subject. Kay Corke told us of early theatre in Tudor and Stuart England, particularly theatresin London. Fires, plagues, and rivalries betweenmanagers/impresarios did not make for easy times, nevermind the difficulties posed by lack of lighting and othertechnical facilities. Mike Hollis’s exposition about powerfrom the atom and the various forms of nuclear reactor thatcould be used to provide us all with electricity, and howthey actually work, made extensive use of very clear diagrams and charts so that even total science ignoramuses(like me) came away feeling we’d been enlightened. At the end of February we hosted, at the Wickham Centre,a meeting of the Hampshire South Central Network ofU3A’s (HSCN). This was a meeting designed mainly for membership secretaries to share methods, ideas, problems,and experiences of their responsibilities. There are 19 U3A’sin this network, most with many hundreds of members. So,clearly, the U3A movement is thriving in Hampshire!The following dates and topics are for our final three meetings of the 2016-17 programme. Members free. Guestsand visitors are very welcome at £2 per talk.

As usual we will meet at:Wickham Centre, Mill Lane on Tuesdays at 2.00pm

4th AprilBishop’s Waltham: Exploring the Unexplored,

by Tony Kippenberger18th April

The Civil War in the Meon Valley,by Duncan Colin-Jones

2nd MayAnnual General Meeting, and

Unknown Sailor at Devil’s Punchbowl, Hindhead,by David Smith

Although the talks programme takes a break for the summer,the committee is planning some summer outings, so activitywill continue. Also, the other important part of our activities,the Small/Special Interest Groups will mostly continue tomeet monthly and mostly in members’ homes. Currentgroups include Geology, Egyptology, Reading, Poetry, Visual Arts appreciation, Classical Music appreciation,Bridge, Scrabble and Strolling.

Enquiries to - Julia Field, Tel. 01489 891353 Website: www.u3asites.org.uk/meon-valley

Corhampton & Meonstoke

AllotMents

THE ALLOTMENTS AT ST ANDREWS GREEN ARE READY AND ALLOCATED (FOR CORHAMPTON AND MEONSTOKE

residents only). A waiting list is being started to reallocateany allotment that becomes available. If you would like togo on the waiting list, please let Rowena Hyder know byemail at: [email protected].

Spring Plant Saleat Droxford Village Hall

on Saturday 6th May

at 10.00am

Plants, Produce, Cakes & Refreshments

Meon Valley Garden Club


20

POST OFFICESDroxford – High Street 878811Meonstoke Post Office Warnford Road, Corhampton 877374

STORESDroxford Stores, High Street 878811Meonstoke Village Stores, Warnford Road, Corhampton 877374Meringtons Stores, Garrison Hill, Droxford 878043Droxford Antiques, High Street, Droxford 878800

PUBLIC HOUSESThe Baker’s Arms, Droxford 877533The Bucks Head, Meonstoke 877313The Hurdles, Droxford 877451The Shoe, Exton 877526The White Horse, Droxford 877490

GARAGESMeringtons , Droxford 877431Taylors Garage Ltd, Droxford 877433

SCHOOLSDroxford Junior School, Secretary 877537Meonstoke School, Secretary 877568Valley Pre-school 878019Swanmore College of Technology 892256

LIBRARY (Bishop’s Waltham)Free Street, Bishops Waltham 0300 555 1387

CITIZEN’S ADVICE BUREAU (Bishop’s Waltham)Well House, 2 Brook Street 03444 111306

CAB email: [email protected]

PARISH COUNCILSCorhampton & Meonstoke. Clerk: Mrs R Hoile 07720 092072

Website: www.candm-pc.gov.ukDroxford. Clerk: Mrs R Hoile 07720 092072

Website: www.droxfordweb.co.ukExton Parish Meeting:Honorary Secretary: Position vacant –

WINCHESTER CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT COUNCILLORSemail: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected]

email: [email protected]: [email protected]

DROXFORD VILLAGE HALLBookings: Mrs Terry Crowfoot 877631

THE MEON HALL, MEONSTOKEBookings: Mrs Anna Rolfe by

email: [email protected] or by phone at 878284Go to www.candm-pc.gov.uk/the-meon-hall for details of charges and general information

LOCAL SURGERIESDroxford 877588

Wickham 01329 833121West Meon 01730 829666

COMMUNITY CARE TRANSPORT COORDINATORS:(Please ring only between 9.0 am and 6.00 pm)

Droxford: 07977 096586Exton, Meonstoke & Corhampton: 07795 928065

DROXFORD VILLAGE COMMUNITY WEBSITE:www.droxfordweb.co.uk

for more information on local events and activities

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL SERVICESAdult Services 0845 603 5630

Children’s Services 0845 603 5620The above numbers are open Mon. to Thurs. 8.30am - 4.30pm

The out-of-hours number is 0845 600 4555

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCHIf you see anything suspicious that requires immediate policeattendance, ring the emergency number 999. If it is important to report it, but not urgent, ring 101.

Corhampton & MeonstokeIan Gilchrist (chairman) 877238Rectory Lane Norah Burrage 878708High Street Janet Dobby 878657Bucks Head Hill Carol Jones 878560Oxendown Ian Gilchrist 877238Warnford Road Mike Camp 877180Corhampton Lane Charles Hall 877506Pound Lane, West Jenny Creese 877219Pound Lane, East Linda Foot 877763Chapel Road & Fry’s Lane

Charlie Fullegar 07876 524457New Road Jenny Liardet 877583Allen’s Lane and St Andrew’s Green

Leslie Daysh 877327Stocks Lane Peter Riley 877494Brockbridge Road Frances Keppel 878774Millside Phil Butler 877596

Droxford Gordon Hope 877751

Exton Joan Starkie 878698

POLICE (non-emergency calls) 101

NHS 111 (for fast help but not 999 emergency) Call 111For help on community safety and to reportanti-social behaviour, etc, Ring 101

SOME LOCAL SERVICES & USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

WILLIAMS COLLINS CHARITYCan we help you? Our charity was set up to assist

children and students from The Bridge parishesrequiring financial help for educational purposes

including residential school trips, books, and travel.Call one of our trustees in confidence to request a form:

Corhampton: Monika Thwaites, 877939Droxford: Ann Symes, 877643 & Julia Keitley, 877414

Exton: Diana Arthur, 877390Meonstoke: Sian Holiday, 07966 487762

The trustees will meet next on the 19th October to make awards.

Please send in your applications before this date.


21

Sunday 2 - Lent 5 Passion Sunday

Sun. 2 Concert, St Peter’s Church, Bishop’s Waltham 3.00pmTue. 4 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00

U3A: Bishop’s Waltham a talk by 2.00pmTony Kippenberger, The Wickham CentreMV Archaeology & Heritage Group 7.00pmAGM and talk by Dr Nick Stoodley, The Meon Hall

Wed. 5 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30amThu. 6 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00amFri. 7 Singing for Fun, The Stables, Bishop’s Waltham 2.00pmSat. 8 MV Garden Club, 10.30am

Coffee Morning at Ramblers, Corhampton

Sunday 9 - Palm SundayWed. 10 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30am

Reflection and Compline, Droxford 7.00pmTue. 11 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30am

Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00MVDFAS: Talk: Secret Art in the Passport - 10.40am‘Foxing the Forger’ a talk in The Meon HallReflections on the Cross, Exton 7.00pmPlay-reading Group: The Meon Hall 7.30pm

Wed. 12 Morning Prayer, Meonstoke 8.30amLook-in for coffee and chat, 10.00–12.00St Andrew’s Church, MeonstokeReflections on the Cross, Meonstoke 6.30pmFollowed by the film, Risen 7.00pmCorhampton & Meonstoke Parish Council 7.30pmAnnual Parish Assembly, The Meon Hall

Thu. 13 Holy Communion, Droxford 9.00amHoly Communion, Corhampton 7.00pmThe Watch, Corhampton 9.00pmDroxford Parish Council Meeting, Droxford VH 7.30pm

Fri. 14 Good FridayMorning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30amWalk of Witness Events

Assemble Droxford Church for prayers 9.30amVia Exton - 10.45am, Corhampton - 11.30amArrive at Meonstoke for closing prayers 12noon(see page 4 for more details)

Family Service, Meonstoke 12.15pmAt the foot of the Cross, a reflective and 1.30pmsolemn service, Meonstoke

Sunday 19 - Easter DayTue. 18 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00

U3A: Talk: The Civil War in the Meon Valley 2.00pmby Duncan Colin-Jones. The Wickham Centre

Wed. 19 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30amThu. 20 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00am

Droxford Parish Council Meeting, Droxford VH 6.30pmDroxford Annual Parish Meeting, Droxford VH 7.30pm

Fri. 21 Singing for Fun, The Stables, Bishop’s Waltham 2.00pm

Sunday 23 - Easter TwoTue. 25 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00

Coffee Morning at Cherry Trees, see page 4 10.45amWed. 26 Morning Prayer, Meonstoke 8.30am

Film Night: A United Kingdom 7.30pmDroxford Village Hall (see page10 for details)

Thu. 27 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00amSoirées on The Bridge Concert 7.30pmthe Dolce String Quartet, St Andrew’s Church

Fri. 28 3rd Stubbington Brownies Pack Holiday All Dayuntil Mon 1st May, The Meon Hall

Sunday 30 - Easter Three

DISTRICT DIARYAPRIL 2017

$- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SUNDAY SERVICES FOR APRIL

Date Time Service Church2ndLent 5

Passion Sunday

9thPalm Sunday

16thEaster Day

23rdEaster 2

23rdEaster 3

8.00am10.30am6.30pm8.00am10.30am6.30pm6.15am

8.00am9.30am11.00am8.00am9.30am10.30am8.00am10.30am

Holy Communion (BCP)Holy Communion (CW)EvensongHoly Communion (BCP)Family Eucharist (CW)Choral EvensongBringing in of the Light1st Eucharist of Easter (CW)Holy Communion (BCP) Family Eucharist (CW)Family Eucharist (CW)Holy Communion (BCP)All-age ServiceHoly Communion (CW)Holy Communion (BCP)Family Eucharist (CW)

DroxfordMeonstokeExtonMeonstokeDroxfordCorhamptonCorhampton

ExtonDroxfordMeonstokeCorhamptonMeonstokeExtonDroxfordMeonstoke


22

Tue. 2 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00U3A: AGM and Unknown Sailor at Devils 2.00pmPunch Bowl; a talk by David Smith, The Wickham Centre

Wed. 3 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30amMindfulness course starts, The Meon Hall 9.30am(see page 4)Look-in for coffee and chat, 10.00–12.00St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke

Thu. 4 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00amHCC Local Govt. Elections: 7.00am - 10.00pmPolling stations at The Meon Hall & Droxford VH.

Fri. 5 Singing for Fun, The Stables, Bishop’s Waltham 2.00pmSat. 6 MV Garden Club: Spring Plant Sale 10.00am

Droxford Village HallSat. 6 to Sun. 7 Portchester Brownies sleep-over The Meon Hall

Sunday 7 - Easter FourMon. 8 RBL: The Wager Disaster, a talk by 7.00 pm

R.Adm Kit Layman. Droxford VHTue. 9 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00

MVAS: Philip II of Spain & Titian,; 10.40amThe Meon HallPlay-reading Group: The Meon Hall 7.30pm

Wed. 10 Morning Prayer, Meonstoke 8.30amCorhampton & Meonstoke Parish Council 7.30pmAGM and Meeting in The Meon Hall

Thu. 11 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00amMV Garden Club: Adventurous Container 7.30pmGardening; in The Meon Hall

Fri. 12 FOMS Quiz evening: The Meon Hall 7.30pmSat. 13 Plant & Cake Sale, Brook Cottage, 10.00–12.00

High Street, Meonstoke

Sunday 14 - Easter Five

Mon. 13 Last copy date for June - July issue of The Bridge

Tue. 16 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00Wed. 17 Morning Prayer, Meonstoke 8.30am

Look-in for coffee and chat, 10.00–12.00St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke

Thu. 18 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00amMV Garden Club: Heavenly Hostas, 7.30pmThe Meon HallDroxford Parish Council Meeting 7.30pm

Fri. 19 Singing for Fun, The Stables, Bishop’s Waltham 2.00pmSat. 20 Cycle meeting, The Meon Hall all day from 8.00am

Sunday 19 - Easter Six (Rogation Sunday)Mon. 22 The Meon Hall Management Committee 7.30pm

meetingTue. 23 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00Wed. 24 Morning Prayer, Meonstoke 8.30amThu. 25 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00amFri. 26 to Mon. 29 Hart Plain Scouts. 25th Anniversary Camp

at The Meon Hall & the recreation ground

Sunday 28 - Easter SevenTue. 30 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00Wed. 31 Morning Prayer, Meonstoke 8.30am

Film Night: Film not yet selected 7.30pmDroxford Village Hall

JuneSunday 4th - Pentecost (Whit Sunday)

Holy Communion (BCP), Droxford 8.00amFamily Eucharist (CW), Meonstoke 10.30amEvensong, Exton 6.30pm

DISTRICT DIARYMAY 2017

$ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SUNDAY SERVICES FOR MAY

7thEaster 4

14thEaster 5

21stEaster 6

28thEaster 7

Date Time Service Church

8.00am10.30am6.30pm

8.00am10.30am6.30pm

8.00am10.00am10.30am6.30pm

8.00am9.30am11.15am

Holy Communion (BCP)Family Eucharist (CW)Evensong

Holy Communion (BCP)Family Eucharist (CW)Evensong

Holy Communion (BCP)Informal All-Age ServiceMatinsTaizé

Holy Communion (BCP)All-age ServiceHoly Communion (CW)

DroxfordMeonstokeExton

MeonstokeDroxfordCorhampton

ExtonDroxfordCorhamptonMeonstoke

CorhamptonMeonstokeExton

Mon. 13 Last copy date for June - July issue of The Bridge


23

We aim to support our local community by:l Providing transport for visits to hospital, dentists,

doctors and other health specialists: for these visits, contact our transport coordinators on the following telephone numbers: Droxford Area:- 07977 096586; Corhampton, Meonstoke & Exton Areas:- 07795 928065

l Giving assistance with completion of forms anddocuments on a confidential basis

l Resolving both internal and external problems with land line telephones of the elderly when they are not working properly. BT Openreach must repair all external faults within two working days.

l Helping to register frail and elderly persons whose telephone is an absolute lifeline – especially those with an emergency alarm connected to their telephone for the priority repair scheme. (Note: A form must be signed by the person’s GP.)

l Providing a service to new arrivals in the Droxford, Meonstoke, Corhampton, and Exton areas with a welcome note and later a visit to assist them in settlingin. If you have recently arrived in one of the local villages and we have not been in touch, please make contact with the new arrivals coordinator, Za Rowe on 01489 877732.

New volunteer drivers neededl To help support the local communityl With a very flexible commitment – you decide

when you drivel To provide private transport for essential purposes such

as hospital, dentist and doctor appointmentsl Your mileage costs are covered at 40p per milel Over 50 local people have been taken to various

hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, dentists etc, in the past two years.

l If you are willing to give a little time and volunteer asa driver, please contact our transport coordinators or the community care group chairman.

John Shaw Chairman. Tel: 877564

Petersfield HospitalSwan Street, Petersfield GU32 3LB

Tel: 01730 263221

MINOR INJURIES UNITOpen 8.00am to 6.00pm 365 days a year

As a dedicated Minor Injuries Team, we can treatmany minor injuries for all ages including:

Cuts & AbrasionsBurns

Ear & nose injuriesEye injuries

Foreign bodiesHead Injuries

Minor FracturesNose bleeds

Splinters, Sprains & StrainsIf we cannot treat your injury, we will refer you toanother member of our multi-disciplinary team.

These can include:� Accident & Emergency Department

● Dentist● Fracture Clinic

● General Practitioner● Ophthalmic Optician

We have X-ray facilities Monday to Friday from 9.00amto midday. Waiting times vary, but most patients are seen, treated and discharged within an hour.

Droxford & District Community Care Group

MEON VALLEY DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY

AS OUR PARENT ORGANISATION (NADFAS) HAS CHANGED ITS NAMETO THE ARTS SOCIETY WE ARE ALSO

changing ours and as from May 1st we will be calledMEON VALLEY ARTS SOCIETY (MVAS)

Thank you from Heather & Paul Buxton

HEATHER AND PAUL BUXTON WOULD LIKETO THANK ALL THOSE WHO ARE BEINGSO SUPPORTIVE IN VARIOUS WAYS, BOTH

during Heather's hospital admissions and chemotherapyover the last 6 months and now for her long term recovery.A recent PET scan showed no abnormality in the spine orother previously affected sites. This answer to our prayersis very good news and it means that we can now concentrate over the next few months on Heather walkingagain. We greatly value your continuing support andprayers, which make all the difference.


24

ACCOMMODATION & EVENTS French Holiday Cottage 27:Wallops Wood Cottages 28: Hill Place Events 35:

ACCOUNTANTS & TAX ADVISERS Nicholas Ridge 37:

ANTIQUES Droxford Antiques 31:

ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES Engineering Architecture Ltd 33:

BUILDERS & BUILDING MATERIALS Steve Such (Property Maintenance) 26:R & G Gamblin 27: JT Carpentry & Building 29: Steven Hurdle 30:

KJN Home Improvements 30: Hillman Building Services 34:Frontwood Ltd 37: Peter Garber 38: E J Goodall (Thatcher ) 40:

CARPENTERS & WOOD PRODUCTS JT Carpentry & Building 29:Hardwood Logs 34:

CATERING Clementine Catering 36:

COMPUTERS & INTERNET Punchedcard Ltd 29:Chris Guenier (inside back cover):

DECORATORS, PAINTERS, & TILERS Droxford Interiors & Tiling 25:M & J Mason 30: Oliver’s Painting & Decorating 32:

Ray Gent 37: Top Marks 39:

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES, HEATING, & PLUMBING EAS 28: Mark Oliver 29:R A Redman 30: D & S Oil Tanks 33: Hampshire Cooker Conversions 33:

Hardwood Logs 34: Harpers of South Boarhunt 36:Adept Plumbing Services 40: Alan Shawyer (inside back cover):

G Rixon Ltd (back cover):

DOMESTIC SERVICES PestOFF Pest Control 26: Curtains by Mary 33:Chimney Sweep Christian Oliver 34: Cynthia Tester Curtains & Blinds 36:

Grange Upholstery 37: Advanced Clean (Carpet & Upholstery) 39:Barn Store for Storage 39:

ELECTRICIANS & ELECTRICAL SERVICES Derek Pilcher 30:BBS Electrical Services Southern 33; Ben Tibbetts Electrical 35:

Ray Burbidge 37: Assure Electrical Ltd (inside front cover):G Rixon Ltd (back cover):

ESTATE AGENTS The Country House Company 35:

FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MEMORIALS Nigel Chamberlain (inside front cover):South Downs Funeral Services 36:

GARAGES (SERVICING) & CAR SALES Taylors Garage 25:Andrews Autosource 27:

GARDEN & LANDSCAPING Judit Appel Plantswoman & Gardener 33:Meon Valley Mowers 35: Anita Foy Garden Design 39:

Chapelle Chic 40: Greenbuild Design & Construction (inside back cover):

GLASS & GLAZING Fareham Glass 34: Leydene Glass & Glazing 39:

HAIRDRESSERS The Bubble 26: Gaudion’s Hairdressing 32:

HEALTH , WELL-BEING, & OPTICIANS Foot Care (Ann-Marie Elliott) 25:Damson Hill Pilates & Woodland Workout 27: Saxby’s Eyecare 28:

Foot Health Practitioner (Karen Jordan) 30: Chiropodist (Graham Howes) 35:Damson Hill Pilates & Woodland Workout 27:

HOME IMPROVEMENTS KJN 30:

JEWELLERS Simon Lawson 37:

LETTINGS & LAND MANAGEMENT Pimp My Paddock (back cover):

PRINTING & STATIONERY Studio 6 (inside front cover): The Printroom 29:

PUBLIC HOUSES The Roebuck 38: The Shoe Inn 40:

RIDING & EQUESTRIAN Merrie Stud Riding School 26:

SCHOOLS; EDUCATION & LEARNING Valley Pre-School 25:

SHOPS & STORES Meonstoke PO & Stores 28:Christina’s Shop-in-the-Square 32: Chapelle Chic 40:

SOLICITORS MacDonald Oates 26: Biscoes 35: Chamberlains 36:Blake Morgan (back cover):

SPORT Hazelholt Floodlit Indoor Tennis Court 31:

TAXIS Hambledon Cars (inside front cover): Gamblin Cars 38:

VETS & PETS The Dog Room (inside front cover)The Village Cattery 29: Shield Veterinary Centre 40:

LIST OF ADVERTISERS

If you would like to put a trade advertisement in The Bridge then please contact the Advertising Manager, see page 1 for details.

We welcome to our Parishes.......Tanya Hays and James Roxborough, who have comefrom Hedge End, to The Old Forge, High Street, Meonstoke.

Roger and Yvonne Nichols, who have come fromLovedean to Jay's Croft, Exton.

From the RegistersWeddings

NoneBaptismsDroxford 12th February -

Megan Valerie Barbara Clark

FuneralsWessex Vale 6th February -

Lorna White, age 70Droxford 17th March -

Joan Edna Gamblin, age 91

T H G E - Meon Bridge Benefice...The Parish Magazine for Droxford, Exton, Meonstoke & Corhampton T H...

Documents

Transcript of T H G E - Meon Bridge Benefice...The Parish Magazine for Droxford, Exton, Meonstoke & Corhampton T H...