Alresford Forum Issue 65

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

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

Local entertainment

Community news & events

Church services

Useful information

Clubs & societies

Local businesses

Recipe page

Alresford & Itchen VAlley forum

ISS

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65

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

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

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

Every ThursdayTown Trust MarketBroad Street, 9am - 1pm

Sunday 1st AprilRetro and Antique & Collectible MarketA great opportunity to buy or sell all things Vintage and Retro including clothes, accessories, homeware, furniture, vinyl records plus much more. First Sunday of every month from 10am - 4pm. Middlebrook StreetWinchester

Thursday 5th - Sunday 8th AprilWickham Easter Folk FestivalA 4-day family-friendly Folk Festival with music, song and dance in the picturesque and attractive village of Wickham. Concerts, sessions, workshops and a traditional Crafts Fayre will be held in the Wickham Community Centre with dance displays and informal sessions

throughout the village. Camping and caravan parking will also be available. For more information contact: Wickham Community Centre, Mill LaneWickham, Hants, PO17 5ALTel: 023 8071 1818

Friday 6th - Sunday 15th AprilAll day events at the Watercress Line, Alresford. A Day Out With Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends

Sunday 8th April Guided tours of Twyford WaterworksCome and have a guided tour of this unique Edwardian pumping station. Hazeley Road, Twyford, SO21 1QATel: 01962 714 716www.twyfordwaterworks.co.uk

Saturday 14th April French Market (In conjunction with Alresford Twinning Association)

Wednesday 18th AprilAlresford Historical & Literary Society Talk. 7.15 for 7.30pm at the Methodist Hall, Jacklyns Lane. A talk by Peter Pooley, “Extreme Fringlish-Confusion to our Neighbours”. Followed by the Annual General Meeting.Visitors welcome, £3.00.Refreshments provided.

Friday 20th AprilA talk by George Hollingbery MP followed by questionsCheriton & Bishop's Sutton Conservatives. At Kilmeston Village Hall at 7.00pm. After the talk the Branch Annual General Meeting will take place. All welcome. For more information, call 01962 771008

Saturday 28th AprilMartyr Worthy Plant SaleThere will be a wide range of excellent plants for sale at amazingly good prices, from 10.00 till 12.00, refreshments available, plenty of parking, admission £2, at Chilland House, Lower Chilland Lane, Martyr Worthy, SO21 1EB, Off

the B3047 and signposted. Proceeds in aid of St Swithun’s Church.

Saturday 21st AprilGeorgia to Afghanistan with Explorer John Pilkington At 7.30pm Christy Hall, Old Alresford. John has been travelling again, this time in Central Asia. This time, John followed the branch of the Silk Road across the Caspian Sea to Samarkand, venturing on to Tajikistan and Afghanistan, and finishing on the Great Wall of China. As usual he will bring along a superb set of images giving us a unique flavour of the scenery, people and life of this remote part of Asia.John always enjoys coming back to the Christy Hall and it promises to be a fascinating evening for both intrepid explorers and armchair travellers. Tickets: £8 (£7 concessions) available in advance from Dave Exelby on 01962 736007 or [email protected]. Refreshments (drinks) will be available.

Saturday 28th April The Butser Blowers in Concert at St Peter's Church. At 7.30pm Church Street, Ropley. Tickets available from 01962 773603. Adults: £10, including a glass of wineUnder 16s: £5, including a soft drink. Proceeds in aid of 'The Friends of St Peter's'.The Blowers describe themselves as an octet of nine players! Saturday 28th April Writing Workshops at Jane Austen's House MuseumA series of writing workshops loosely based around our theme for the year, 'At Home with the Austens'. A poetry workshop will be held on the 28th on, Observing friends and family.Tel: 01420 83262www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk

Saturday 5th May 345 Preschool Jumble SaleFrom 10am until 12.00 noonMethodist Hall, 24 Jacklyns Lane, Alresford.

345 Preschool Jumble Sale and Cake Sale Come along and grab a bargain! Admission 20p. Clothes donations for the sale also welcome – please contact Candyce Primmer to arrange collection on 07850431501 or 01420 88898.

Friday 11th May Join Cherry Tree Pre-school for a night of Pampering and Shopping!!!From 7.30pm to 10pm. The Community Centre, Alresford£5 entry to include a glass of bubbly and Canapés. Great shopping and treatments available (to be pre-booked!)Contact Kathryn Vaughan on 07894 736926 or [email protected] for more information and to purchase your tickets!All funds raised will go to Cherry Tree and its exciting relocation project! Registered Charity 1038574

Saturday 26th MaySun Hill Junior School Olympic Spring Fair From 12-2.30pm. A fun afternoon for everyone including arena events, Olympic Bake Off Competition, BBQ, bouncy castles, 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 for our plant stall - Could you grow some extra plants to donate? Do you have any spare plants/plant divisions or unwanted plantlets? Can you look after some young plants in your greenhouse? Please contact Mandy ([email protected]) if you can help. 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 Sara ([email protected]) to arrange collection.

Dates for your diary

ISSUE 65 APRIL www.alresfordforum.co.uk

4 | Contents

Alresford & Itchen Valley Forum

Inside this months issueAlresford & Itchen Valley Forum

April 2012

Alresford Rotary Club is seeking enthusiastic, informed and articulate local professionals,aged 25-40 years, to visit The Philippines from 28th February to 30th March 2013 as part ofthe Group Study Exchange programme of The Rotary Foundation.Through this long established programme, the selected team of four men and women from Rotaryin Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands will undertake a vocational exchange visitaccompanied by a Rotarian team leader.

The vocational emphasis will be on doing good in the world and we are looking for team membersworking in vocations involved with any one of the six areas of focus that The Rotary Foundationsupports. These six areas are

maternal and child health water and sanitation disease prevention and treatment basic education and literacy economic and community development peace and conflict prevention/resolution.

All travel and accommodation expenses will be met by Rotary. The members of the exchangeteam are only responsible for their own personal spending, incidental expenses and negotiatingtime off from their employment.

If you want to learn by visiting your counterpart in the Philippines, immersing yourself in the localculture and bring back the knowledge to make improvements in your work and community wewant to hear from you. Please apply now if you are:

Between 25-40 years of age Employed for at least two years in your current business or profession Work or live in Hampshire Are a UK citizen.

For an application, please contact Colin Pope on 07802 361384 or email [email protected]

Rotary Clubof Alresford

A visit with a differenceUse your knowledge & skills to make adifference in the Philippines

Community News03 Diary of April events

06 Churches together in Alresford. Holy week services

08 Church services and news

09 Easter services at New Farm Chapel

16 Clubs and Societies

18 Alresford Chamber of Commerce news

20 Useful local Information

22 Rotary Club of Alresford - A visit with a difference

24 Your Letters

26 Alresford Town Council Reports

6

16

11

22

Clothing Retailers7 Clothing shops

Leisure & Entertainment07 Winchester district confirms the streets the Olympic Flame will carried along

09 Forthcoming events at Winchester Cathedral

10 Forthcoming events at the Theatre Royal Winchester

10 Jubilee celebrations in the Candover Valley

11 Alresford Music Festival 2012

48 An evening with Anne Widecombe & Alastair Stewart

Culture12 Winchester film festival 2012

12 The Sixteen choral pilgrimage 2012

14 Perins art festival 2012

22 Feminism and the pursuit of happiness What do you think?

ProfessionalServices14 Also see pages 15, 17 & 19

18 Problem living space transformed

Home Services21 Also see pages 23, 25, 27 & 29

The Home29 Also see pages 30 & 31

Food & Drink32 Recipe of the month - Legumes farcis

34 World Watercress Soup Championships 2012

35 Caracoli wins national award

35 Children's chocolate workshops in the Easter holidays

Health & Beauty36 Alresford surgery news

36 Alresford fresh air gym opens at Perins


Contents | 5

Alresford & Itchen Valley Forum

April 2012

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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.

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

Community News40 'Relocation' fundraising campaign

40 Budding Archeologists at Cheriton Primary School

41 Parent & child

46 The Alresford Society - What is it for and what do we do?

52 Rotary exchanges provide a good foundation

54 New Alresford W.I

Politics54 Steve Brine M.P

54 Jackie's county corner

46

50

Pets & Animal Care38 Wagging tails where happy dogs holiday

38 Easter bunny and chick weekend at Sparsholt College

Building Services40 & 41

PropertyManagement44 45 & 47

Motors02 48, 49 & 50

34

Hampshire Mum50 Let's Rock

The Garden52 First of the Mohicans

52 National gardens scheme - gardens open for charity

Do you have an editorial feature that you would like to see in the Forum Magazine?Send your copy or enquiry to [email protected] and someone from our editorial team will speak to you as soon as possible. Please note: editorial is not guaranteed publication.

Churches Togetherin Alresford

Invite you to our services in Holy Week

We wish you a joyous Easter

1st AprilPALM SUNDAY

St.John's9.15am Broad Street Palm Sunday Procession9.30am Celebrating Palm Sunday (All-Age Service)

Methodist Church10.30am Palm Sunday Service

St.Mary's9.30am Holy Communion with hymns

St.Gregory's11.00am Mass

6th AprilGOOD FRIDAY

Churches Together11.00am Walk of Witness Begins at Alresford Station

St.John's12.30-to Devotions3pm. (with St John’s Singers)

Methodist Church10.15am Good Friday Service

St.Gregory's3pm Celebration of the Lord’s Passion

8th AprilEASTER SUNDAY

St.John's8.00am St John’s Easter Communion9.30am St John’s Easter Communion

St.Mary's9.30am Easter Communion

Methodist Church10.30am Easter communion

St.Gregory's11.00am Easter Sunday Mass

5th AprilMAUNDY THURSDAY

St.John's7.30pm St John’s Celebration of The Last Supper and Watch of Prayer through the night

Methodist Church7.30pm Service of the Upper Room on Maunday Thursday

St.Gregory's7.30pm Mass of the Lord's Supper


Clothing Retailers | 7

Churches Togetherin Alresford

Invite you to our services in Holy Week1st AprilPALM SUNDAY

St.John's9.15am Broad Street Palm Sunday Procession9.30am Celebrating Palm Sunday (All-Age Service)

Methodist Church10.30am Palm Sunday Service

St.Mary's9.30am Holy Communion with hymns

St.Gregory's11.00am Mass

We have had a makeover!

Come and experience a whole new vibe at No.42, where you will discover a world of gorgeous clothes and colourful

accessories, perfect for spring!

Tel: 01962 733242Twitter: @42WestStreet

Email: [email protected]: www.42weststreet.co.uk

42 West Street, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9AU

and then continuing up the High Street and out of the City along Andover Road. Thousands of people are expected to line the streets to share in the excitement of welcoming the Olympic Flame and to celebrate the achievements of the inspirational Torchbearers carrying the Flame in our community.

The streets along the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, which can be viewed in full at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay, gives street-by-street details and proposed start times for when the Olympic Flame will travel through Winchester and Kings Worthy. Residents living in and around Winchester can find out

Winchester City Council is delighted to

confirm that the streets the Olympic Flame will travel down in the Winchester District, and the names of the inspirational Torchbearers who will run in our community have been announced.

Winchester District will play host to the Torch Relay on Wednesday 11 July. The Torch will travel through Kings Worthy at the expected time of 1.14pm and then enter Winchester at the expected time of 1.21pm. The Torch Relay will travel along North Walls and Eastgate Street before heading up the Broadway, across the Cathedral Green

Winchester District confirms the streets the Olympic Flame will be carried along

when it will be travelling along their nearest high street, through their town square or past their local village shop.

The Torchbearers confirmed to carry the Flame in Winchester and Kings Worthy today include those that were successful through the public nomination processes run by LOCOG and the Presenting Partners, Coca Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung. LOCOG has endeavoured to slot all community Torchbearers within an hour of their nomination address so family and friends can cheer them on. Each Torchbearer will wear a white and gold uniform which been designed by adidas.

Cllr George Beckett, Leader of Winchester City Council said, "We are delighted that the Winchester District has been selected as part of the London 2012 Torch Relay and the details of the route really bring the event to life. This is a great opportunity for local people to be part of the spectacle of the Olympic Torch Relay and Winchester offers a fantastic setting for communities to get involved. Wednesday 11 July will be a key milestone in the countdown to the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Winchester is preparing to celebrate in style. We hope people will come in large numbers to join in a day of fun and celebration and to welcome and support our local inspirational torchbearers."

To have a look at where the Torch Relay route for Winchester and Kings Worthy visit www.winchester2012.co.uk/london-2012-olympic-torch-relay/

8 | Church Services & News


St. John the BaptiSt New Alresford Sunday 1st April 08.00 Holy Communion 09.15 Procession to St.John's 09.30 Second Sunday Maundy Thursday 12.00 Midday prayers 19.30 Eucharist Good Friday 10.00 Holy Communion 11.00 Good Friday processions (CTIA) 12.30 Good Friday devotions Easter Day 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion 18.00 Sundays at six Sunday 15th April 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Choral Communion 18.00 Sunday @ Six Unity Service Sunday 22nd April 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion Sunday 29th April 08.00 Holy Communion Midweek Services 08.30 Every Saturday: Quiet Communion 10.00 Every Friday: Holy Communion 12.00 Tuesday - Friday: Midday Prayer 14.00 Every Monday: Prayer Time Parish Office 01962 733545 www.stjohnsalresford.org.uk St.MaRY'S Old Alresford Sunday 1st April 09.30 Holy Communion 18.00 Old Alresford cottage service Maundy Thursday 09.00 Holy Communion at Old Alresford Place Easter Day 09.30 Parish communion Sunday 15th April 09.30 Parish Communion Sunday 22nd April 09.30 Parish Communion Thursdays: 9.00 Holy Communion at Old Alresford Place

St.peteR'S Ovington Sunday 1st April 10.00 First Sunday Good Friday 09.30 Good Friday devotions Saturday 7th April 20.00 Easter Vigil Easter Day 10.00 Parish Communion Saturday 15th April 10.00 Parish Communion Saturday 22nd April 10.00 Parish Communion Saturday 29th April 10.00 Morning Prayer

MethoDiSt ChURCh New Alresford Sunday Worship 10.30 Every Sunday Morning Worship and Junior Church Holy Communion Monthly. Please note

that there will be no regular

Sunday evening services

Midweek Activities 10.00 Every Tuesday Come in for coffee with Pause for Thought (1st & 3rd) 07.00 Every Wednesday Men’s breakfast, bible reflection & prayer 14.30 1st & 3rd Thursdays Women's Fellowship 19.00 Thursdays - (term 20.30 time) Guides 19.30 1st Thursday Lydia Group for ladies 19.00 Fridays (term time) KIDZ Café for parents, carers, babies and toddlers group. Craft, playtime, story time and special events Daytime and evening bible study groups meet in church members’ homes, as do the Lydia Group; all other activities are at the church. For further details about services, weddings, baptisms, funerals or other events, please contact: Revd Dawn Carn: 01962 735278 or Senior Steward Senior Steward Gary Carter: 01962 732350 www.alresfordmethodist

church.org.uk

St.GReGoRY'S New Alresford Every Sunday 11.00 Mass

neW FaRM ChapeL Alresford Sunday Services 10.30 Service (with Sunday school and crèche available) 16.30 Varies (Prayer, Praise and Discussion/Talk) Other Weekly Activities Sunday 10.30 Kosmic - for kids Thursday 10.00 Prayer Group 19.30 House Group Term Time Activities Tuesday 10.15 Toddlers Group Wednesday 14.30 Senior Citizens Hour Fridays 18.30 Youth Club (Years 5 and 6) 19.45 Youth Club (Years 7, 8 and 9) Contact us for details of other events and activities such as ALPHA, on: 01962 732130 or 01420 561210 or email: [email protected]. See the website: www.newfarmchapel.org.uk aLL SaintS Bighton Sunday 1st April 11.00 All Age Service Good Friday 09.30 Good Friday devotions Easter Day 11.00 Parish Communion Sunday 15th April 11.00 Morning Prayer Sunday 22nd April 11.00 Parish Communion Sunday 29th April 11.00 Parish Communion

St.MaRY'S Avington Sunday 1st April 08.00 Holy Communion Easter Day 08.00 Holy Communion Sunday 29th April 08.00 Holy Communion

St.MaRY'S Easton Sunday 1st April 10.00 Family Service 18.00 Evening Service Easter Day 08.00 Parish Communion Sunday 15th April 10.00 Parish Communion Sunday 22nd April 18.00 Taize Service

St.John'S Itchen Abbas Sunday 1st April 11.00 Morning Prayers 18.00 Evening Service Sunday 22nd April 10.00 Service TBA

UppeR itChen BeneFiCe Sunday 1st April 10.00 Tichborne Benefice Communion Good Friday 12.00- Cheriton 15.00 Drop in service Easter Day 08.30 Beauworth Holy Communion 08.30 Tichborne Holy Communion 09.30 Cheriton Parish Communion 11.00 Bramdean Holy Communion 11.00 Kilmeston Communion 11.00 Hinton Communion Sunday 15th April 08.30 Tichborne Holy Communion 09.30 Cheriton Family Service 09.30 Beauworth Holy Communion 09.30 Hinton Prayer and Praise Sunday 22nd April 09.30 Cheriton Mattins 09.30 Hinton Holy Communion 11.00 Beauworth Holy Communion 18.30 Tichborne Sunday Service

Church Services & News | 9


Recently, I had a phone call from a sculptor, asking,

"would I like to pop round to the barn in which he was working and look at the possibility of moulding four classical Greek Olympiads?". He explained that they were slightly larger than life size and the job would take a number of days to complete. He would give me the keys to the property, prior to my visit.

I arrived late in the evening and everywhere was quiet and in complete darkness. With the car parked facing the barn door and the headlights on full beam, it was easy to locate the padlock and let myself in, but could I find the interior light switch? Nowhere to be found!

Using the small amount of light coming through the door, I made my way to an area closed off with polythene sheets. I pulled the sheets aside to reveal the first of four statues; I did a double take, as there in the half light, they had the appearance of being alive, even though they were made of clay with an iron structure.

The Bible says, in Genesis chapter 2v7, that you and I are made of clay, or 'the dust of the ground'. The difference of course, between those sculptures and us, is that we are alive.

'God breathed into man and he became a living soul'. Remarkably, the Bible goes on to tell us, that even though we are alive

Easter services at New Farm Chapel, Alresford

physically, we can be dead spiritually, because of our sin (Ephesians 2v1).

We need to be alive-alive. Yes, alive physically, and alive to God, spiritually (Romans 6v11). This new life can only come through faith in Jesus Christ, who gave His life up to death on the Cross because of our sins, and was raised again, so that we might have life - everlasting life!

This is the message of Easter: the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ

We are physically alive right now, otherwise we could not read this; but are you 'alive to God'?

Now, it's when we have God's life, eternal life, that we know we are really living! God bless you this Easter.

EASTER SERVICES AT NEW FARM CHAPEL, NEW FARM ROAD, ALRESFORD SO24 9QH

Good Friday 10.30-11.15am Time of Communion

Easter Sunday 10.30 am - Time of Praise to God, as we rejoice in the Resurrection

For more information contact: 01962 732130 or 01420 561210 or email: [email protected] visit: www.newfarmchapel.org.uk

Children’s Easter Chocolate Workshop Join us for a fun family workshop making your own mini Easter eggs, decorate a chocolate lolly and learn all about how chocolate is made from bean to bar. Run by the talented staff from Chocolate Craft in Alresford, you’ll be given all the help you need to make your own chocolate treats for Easter. All ingredients and packaging included Sessions at 10am-11.30am and 1pm-2.30pm on the 4th April. Tickets: £12 per child (over 8’s only please) and £4 per adult (free gift included), each child must be accompanied by an adult (max 3 children per adult). Tickets available online from the Cathedral Box Office or by phone on 01962 857275.

Organ RecitalThe Cathedral’s Assistant Organist, Richard McVeigh, opens this year’s series of Bank holiday Organ Recitals on the 9th April, performing a programme which explores the range of music written for the organ in the 19th and 20th centuries.Programme:Mendelssohn • War March of the PriestsSchumann • Sketches in C minor & • C major• Canon in B minor Langlais • Mors et Resurrectio• Ave Maria, Ave Maris Stella• Hymne d'actions de grâces 'Te Deum'Elgar • Chanson de Matin • Chanson de NuitBovet • Toccata Planyavska

Tickets: £10 available online from the Cathedral Box Office or by phone on 01962 857275

Modern Art TourThe Cathedral is rich in art objects, including works by internationally acclaimed artists Peter Eugene Ball, Cecil Collins, Eric Gill, Antony Gormley, Barbara Hepworth and Justin Knowles, as well as renowned local artists Sophie Hacker, Tim Harrisson, Alice Kettle, Tracey Sheppard and many more. This tour on the 10th April enables visitors to enjoy a close-up interaction with many of the works, within the context of this very special, time-honoured place. It will coincide with the release of a booklet on Modern Art in Winchester Cathedral, published by Friends of the Cathedral. The tour is free, but Cathedral entry fees apply.

To book a place please email Sarah Williams, our Visitor Services and Volunteering Manager, or call her on 01962 857225.

Children's Holiday ActivitiesActivities and workshops inspired by the Cathedral. Suitable for children aged 7+ 10th April 2012. Cost: £2.00 per child, includes a drink and biscuit. Staffing is by a fully qualified teacher and adults are welcome to stay at no extra costs. Places are limited and must be booked in advance.

For more details and to book please email Cheryl Bryan, our Director of Children's Education, or phone her on 01962 857224.

For more information on forthcoming events visit: www. winchester-cathedral.org.uk The Cathedral Office9 The Close, WinchesterHampshire, SO23 9LSUnited Kingdom01962 857200

Forthcoming events at Winchester Cathedral

10 | Leisure & Entertainment


NEW TENNIS L E S S O N S

Your local tennis coaching team, established in Alresford and the surrounding area for 14 years

www.donperrintennis.co.uk

Children between 4 and 10 years old can now get stuck into the world of tennis with our exciting programme

with smaller courts, nets and rackets and lower bouncing balls. LTA Mini Tennis, offers the perfect introduction to the sport, with all the fun and energy of the real thing.

NEW JUNIORS BEGINNER LESSONSAll to be held at Perins School, Alresford*Introductory Offer – 7 weeks for £40.00!

FRIDAY’S 4-5pm 6-8 year olds (Mini Red) - Starts April 20thFRIDAYS 4-5pm 8-9 year olds (Mini Orange) - Starts April 20th

FRIDAYS 5-6pm 9 -10 years (Mini Green) - Starts April 20thSATURDAYS 9-10am 4-6year olds (Mini Red) - Starts April 21st

(All places to be booked in advance)

Junior Easter Tennis Camp places available We offer tennis lessons for adults & children of all abilities,

including Tots Tennis for 3-4year olds & Cardio Tennis. To book on the above courses or to find out more, contact

Donna at [email protected]

Count Arthur Strong, the fictitious showbiz legend, ractonteur

and star of his own Radio 4 series, brings his show Count Arthur Strong’s Command Performance to Theatre Royal Winchester on Tuesday 10 April at 8.00pm. Count Arthur is the creation of Steve Delaney, who became a hit on the comedy scene at Edinburgh in the mid-90s, gaining both a cult following and huge critical acclaim for his famed lecture talks.

In 2004 the character moved firstly onto BBC Radio 2 as a regular guest on the Mark Radcliffe Show, and then onto BBC Radio 4 in Count Arthur Strong’s Radio Show! The show won the Sony Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2009 and the 7th series is currently airing at 6:30pm on Tuesday’s on BBC Radio 4. A Count Arthur Strong TV project is currently in development with Talkback Thames for BBC2.

Maddy Prior In Concert with Giles Lewin & Hannah James at Theatre Royal. Maddy Prior,

Forthcoming events at the Theatre Royal Winchester

folk vocalist and songwriter returns to Theatre Royal, on Saturday 14 April at 8.00pm, in concert with multi-instrumentalist and singer Giles Lewin and vocalist and accordion player Hannah James. Maddy is renowned for her work with folk-rock band Steeleye Span and her musical scope extends from traditional folk through to hard rock and ambient textures.

Giles Lewin is a singer and musician with a classical background. His many performances and musical collaborations have included working alongside Maddy in the Carnival Band, and he was a founder member of Bellow head. Hannah James is now part of Lady Maisry and has been in the Demon Barbers and Kerfuffle.

Theatre Royal WinchesterJewry StreetWinchesterSO23 8SBFind usTelephone: 01962 840 440Main Admin: 01962 844 600Fax: 01962 843 600

The Candover Valley is coming together to celebrate 60 years

of the Queen’s reign with a weekend of fun for all the family. Party at the Royal Court of Preston Candover on the Saturday night; join the Knights of the Brown table and hunt for the queen’s stolen diamond during the family fun day and view Beacons lit by local communities across the country on Monday evening, in Chilton Candover for our valley, to mark the end of the weekend’s celebrations. Fancy dress thoroughly encouraged at every event!The event will be held from Saturday 2nd to Monday 4th

Jubilee celebrations in the Candover Valley

June 2012 from 6pm on the 2nd, from 11am on the 3rd and from 6pm on the 4th.

The places: • The Purefoy Arms in Preston Candover on the 2nd• Brown Candover Cricket field on the 3rd• Chilton Manor Field on the 4th

Free entry for all valley villagers, donations welcome

For more information: 01256 389099 or [email protected]. Media contact: Carol Herring, 01256 389387 or [email protected]

Leisure & Entertainment | 11

TWO STAGES OF LIVE MUSICFeaturing…

THE HATTIE JACQUES’ PLAYLIST‘TIL DUSK • CHARLEY MACAULAY • SCARLET SOHO THE LOST SOULS CLUB • THE STEALERS • BIGTOPPBEN GODDARD & THE HEARTBEATS • ACTION REPLAYFLASH FIRES • KODIAK JACK • HAYDONS PLACE • RATTLEWRECK

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12 | Culture


an evening of songs from Flanders & Swann

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The idea of the Festival is to screen great films in appropriate (and

often unusual) locations in and around Winchester, providing you with an immersive and unique viewing experience through which you can re-discover these classic films or perhaps even catch them for the first time - if you have seen the film before, you will never have seen it like this!

Each year, the Winchester Film Festival works in partnership with a local charity. This year, We are delighted that all the proceeds from the 2012 Winchester Film Festival will be donated to the Friends of the Family, so you can experience a unique cinematic

On the 13th April 2012 World-renowned choir 'The Sixteen'

is delighted to open the 12th Choral Pilgrimage series, The Earth Resounds, in Winchester Cathedral. Featuring arguably the three most celebrated composers of the Franco-Flemish school of the Renaissance, the programme is centred around movements from the 12-part Missa Et ecce terraemotus by Brumel (the 'Earthquake Mass'). After Josquin, Brumel is considered one of the greatest composers of his generation. Lassus, writing some 30 years later, was influenced by both composers and is known to

Winchester Film Festival 2012

The Sixteen's Choral Pilgrimage 2012

event while also raising funds for a very worthy cause.

Friends of the Family is a charity for vulnerable families and their children who live in the Winchester district. It is managed by Trustees and run by professional staff and volunteers. It is a small, friendly organisation which was established in 1993, and is based at the Quaker Meeting House in the centre of Winchester.

This year the Winchester Film Festival will be held from the 8th to the 20th May. For more information visit: http://www.winchesterfilmfest.com or call: 01962 827107

have performed in the Brumel mass.

Conductor Harry Christophers says: 'For this Choral Pilgrimage, I have decided to explore the sacred music emanating from Flanders in the 15th and 16th centuries. This extraordinary music spans 100 years of innovation and brilliance.

Josquin, Brumel and Lassus were truly European composers, leaving their origins to work in the top establishments of Aix-en-Provence, Ferrara, Rome and Munich. Their music has a unique sonority which I believe

will astound you all - from the depth of expression and fascinating texts of Josquin to the overtly decorative mass movements of Brumel's Missa Et ecce terraemotus.

We really do have a wealth of simply glorious music for you which I have no doubt will enrich all our lives. Once again let our pilgrimage bring this great music back to the buildings for which it was written.'

Winchester Cathedral, Dome Alley, Winchester, SO23 9LS

The concert starts at 7.30pmPre-concert talk: 7.00pmDoors open: 6.30pm. Tickets£26/22/14 available from the National Box Office: 01904 651 485 and the Local Box Office: Cathedral 01962 857275www.thesixteen.comContact: 0207 936 [email protected]

Culture | 13


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14 | Culture / Professional Services

While all this was going on, Nspire, a team of student reporters were busy following the events, taking photographs and interviewing participants. At the end of the week they produced a newsletter about the Arts Festival which was sold as a souvenir of a fantastic week.

The Finals evening was held to a full house of students, proud parents and staff who turned up to watch a brilliant evening of entertainment. The evening opened with the Perins Jazz Band rendition of “Feeling Good.” This was followed by three hours of drama, music and dance. The judges had a really difficult time trying to decide on the winners because of the standard of the entries but the overall winner of the performing arts competition was Harry Carter (15) who had written his own amazing song and sang it whilst playing guitar and harmonica.

The runners up were Jack Trinder (12) who sang Ed Sheeran’s “A Team,” Eliza Roadknight (15) who sang “My Ship” by Gershwin, Matt Iddeson (14) singing Handel’s “Where’er You Walk” and Ryan Andrews (16) with his own choreographed Break and Street Dance mix. The winner of the non-performing arts shield was Abby Couper (14) for her incredible painting of Olympic cyclists. The winner of the Martial Arts’ cup was Robert Landscheit (15).Mrs Tresair, Head of Creative Arts at Perins said, “It was

Just before half term, Perins’ students had the opportunity to

take part in a huge range of arts events. From dance, music and drama to art, photography, movie making and public speaking, the school was buzzing with students trying out new skills. This year, for the first time, there was a martial arts competition.

The workshops on offer were varied and included a chance to learn more about drama techniques with the Forest Forge Theatre Company and the Frantic Assembly Theatre Company. In the tech department there was a prop shop workshop where students made props for the Perins’ Rock Challenge dance group.

The art competition, the photography competition and the author visit all had an Olympic theme. For the art competition students painted huge panels which will be permanently displayed in the sports hall. The visiting author was Martin Polley (also sports historian and lecturer). He talked to year 8 students about the fascinating history of the Olympics.

Dance styles varied from ballet and jazz to street and contemporary. The drama studio was filled with all kinds of music from classical instrumental and solos to rock and pop music and classical singing. The drama was thought provoking in some cases and hilarious in others. The public speaking competition was judged by members of the Alresford Rotary Club and students spent a morning researching their topic before giving their speeches. There were delicious aromas in the food tech classrooms as students entered a cooking competition to produce a healthy two course meal for 2 people.

Perins arts festival 2012

such a pleasure to see so many pupils take part within the Arts festival. We hopefully provided something for everyone and the response from the Finals Night has been incredible! We are extremely lucky to work with such a talented group of individuals and we

are already looking forward to what is in store for next year.

For further information on Perins School visit: perins.net or Tel 01962 734361Fax 01962 735930Email [email protected]

Harry Carter performing his own composition

Winners: L to R – Abby Couper; Harry Carter and Rob Landscheit

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Professional Services | 15


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16 | Clubs & Societies


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

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

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

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

meetings, professional flower arrangers and beautiful flowers. New members and visitors most welcome. Please contact Jean Johnson on 01420 564238.

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

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

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

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

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

[Captain] Tel: 01962 732023

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

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

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

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

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

Alresford Tennis Club Howard Lewis - Tel: 01962 733818

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

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

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

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

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

Cyclists Touring Club South Hampshire. Easy rides, day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

Willmanage is a Hampshire-based, professional willwriting firm and member of the Institute of Professional Willwriters. Prices from £120 – VAT free – include three home visits. Call or

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18 | Community News


Working in partnership with the client, meeting these requirements has been worthwhile – the approved plans maximise the living space and blend beautifully with the surroundings. The build cost will be recouped in the rise in value and if the property was ever on the market the range of potential buyers has been increased. Edward concludes “The important point for me is that Sixteen Twenty Eight is local and within the community. Personally, having worked with some of the country's most well known architects and engineers I have found the service and attention to me, as the client, to be excellent and that my criteria for the works have been interpreted well.”

To develop your current residential or commercial property, or to arrange a consultation, contact Patrick and Clare on tel: 01256 389550 or mob: 07969 979368 www.sixteentwentyeight.com

For one Herriard resident Edward, low ceilings, a miniscule

kitchen and lack of a guest room were proving challenging. The family needed space so rather than incur more costs and the hassle of moving, Edward decided to extend the property, though how to do it wasn’t quite so clear. Via a fundraising scheme for the homeless charity “Shelter” Edward contacted RIBA Chartered Architect Patrick Oetiker, of Candover based Architectural company Sixteen Twenty Eight (a family practice specialising in architectural and interior transformations). “An easy solution would’ve been to add a small and unremarkable extension,” said Patrick. “However, we wanted to come up with a better design as the house was an end of terrace and the shape of an ordinary extension would make the whole row look imbalanced.”

Talking the challenge through with his interior designer wife Clare, they worked through a number of options. Clearly, maximising the space whilst at the same time offering a solution that wouldn’t detract from the original building and its surroundings, was key. Patrick continues “The answer was to create a new ‘cottage’ next to Edward’s, virtually doubling the size of the original cottage, giving a much improved living space with a bigger kitchen and guest room too.”

The local Planning Department ensured the new extension was in keeping with the existing building and that it sat well within the village as a whole.

Problem living space transformed

Commerce has a thriving membership of around 100 businesses in the Alresford area. We welcome membership enquiries from businesses of all shapes and sizes, and would love for you to be involved. We are affiliated to the North Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the wider network of Hampshire Chambers of Commerce, offering a broad spectrum of member benefits. If you would like to know more, please contact the Chamber Secretary on 07769 722 985 or email [email protected].

Jubilee Celebrations: Save The DateKicking off the town's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, we are delighted to announce that a Jubilee Dance will be held on Saturday 2nd June - with live music from the 50's to the present day. This promises be a community event to remember - brought to the community by the community! Our friends the Alresford Pigs are lead organisers, so it promises to be a memorable evening. Please block out June 2nd in your diaries and watch this space for further details, including information on advance ticket sales.

Collated & Written by Liz Brown – Chamber Secretary

CCTV in New AlresfordThe Alresford Chamber of Commerce and New Alresford Town Council are currently researching CCTV options for central Alresford. Please use the link http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CDYVHCS and fill in the questionnaire, as soon as you can, it takes just a couple of minutes. Your views are very important and will shape the outcome, Thank you.

Membership Renewal Alresford Chamber of Commerce membership renewal is due 1st April 2012. The renewal fee for the next year is £58. You will receive your renewal reminder post.Membership Benefits

• Automaticsubmission into the Alresford Diary• Freevacancy&events advertising space at www.alresfordchamber. co.uk• Freequarterlyadvertising via email to all Chamber members• Bi-monthlyChamber events• Quarterlynewsletter• Availabilitytohavea stall within the Chamber of Commerce tent at Alresford Show at a discounted rate.

AGMThe Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 10th May at The Swan Hotel, West Street, Alresford at 6pm for 6.30pm – The entertainment is to be confirmed. Invitations will follow shortly.

Interested in joining the Chamber of Commerce?The Alresford Chamber of

Alresford Chamber ofCommerce news



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20 | Useful local information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Home Services | 21


very reasonable prices, and courteous friendly service from people you can trust in your homeHere's why one of Alresford's most trusted carpet cleaning companies is cleaning local, neighbours carpets for a fraction of the normal cost.

Dear Alresford Forum Reader. Value conscious local residents love a

great deal. If you need your carpets cleaned

and are looking for an award-winning company who will arrive on time, will be courteous, respectful and above all trustworthy - then you're invited to take advantage one of the three extraordinary value, high quality, carpet and upholstery cleaning deals we're offering new customers -- because we want to give you the chance to get to know our service and to find out how impressively new, fresh and bright your carpets will look when cleaned and freshened by The Carpet Care People.

UpholsteryWe specialise in cleaning and refreshing three 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!

CurtainsOur new curtain cleaning service is carried out in your home, right where they hang. It's a fuss-free way to have your curtains cleaned and refreshed and is often the 'finishing touch' to spring cleaning a room!

Our approach is simple:We are proud to run a celebrated professional carpet and upholstery cleaning business, and we insist on providing you with good old-fashioned service and value.

Call now and find out why our award-winning service is probably the most requested carpet cleaning in the local area. The next thing for you to do is call us on 01962 690 005 - we'll welcome your call, answer your questions and take care of everything for you.

Tel: 01962 690 005FREQUENTLY 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 area is 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 inevitably 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.

3 G

reat

Dea

ls! Deal 1

Have any three ofyour carpets cleaned for just £87 total!

Deal 2Have your three piece suite freshened up for just £97!

Deal 3Have any three carpets and your three piece suite freshened up for just £167!

SUPER-FAST 15 MINUTES DRYING

Fabulous Clean Carpets

FULL OFFER PRICE LIST Carpet Price Carpet Price Carpet Price Carpet Price Carpet Price 1 £47 2 £67 3 £87 4 £107 5 £127

Fabulous Clean Carpetsvery reasonable prices, and courteous friendly service from people you can trust in your home

Dear Stockbridge Forum Reader,

Value conscious local residents love a great deal.

If you need your carpets cleaned and are looking for an award-winning company who will arrive on time, will be courteous, respectful and above all trustworthy --- then you’re invited to take

advantage of one of the three extraordinary value, high quality, carpet and upholstery cleaning deals we’re offering new customers this month - -- because we want to give

you the chance to get to know our service and to find out how impressively new, fresh and bright your carpets will look when cleaned and freshened by The Carpet Care People.

Our approach is simple:We are proud to run a

celebrated professional carpet and upholstery cleaning business, and we insist on providing you with good old-fashioned service and value.Call now and find out why

our award-winning service is probably the most requested carpet cleaning in the local Stockbridge areaThe next thing for you to do

is call us on 01962 690 005 - we’ll welcome your call, answer your questions and take care of everything for you.

Here’s why one of the Stockbridges’ most trusted carpet cleaning companies

is cleaning local, near-neighbours carpets for a

fraction of the normal cost

Tel 01962 690 005

Deal 1:Have any three of your carpets cleaned for just £97 total!

Deal 2:Have your 3 piece suite freshened up for just £97!

Deal 3:Have any 3 carpets and your 3 piece suite freshened up for just £177!3 G

reat

Dea

ls!

Winner

The Carpet Care People

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!

SUPER-FAST 15 MINUTES DRYING

1 £57 2 £77 3 £97 4 £117 5 £137Carpet Price Carpet Price Carpet Price Carpet Price Carpet PriceFull Offer Price List

T: 01962 735397 w: butlerandking.co.uk e:[email protected]

Providing a comprehensive electrical installation service• Home automation • Lighting schemes • Electric gates • Emergency lighting • Electrical installations • Home entertianment • Fire alarms • Burglar alarms

COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • DOMESTIC

Unit A, Prospect Commercial Park, 4 Prospect Road, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9QF

Barnes & LiddiardElectrical Contractors Limited

All aspects of electrical work undertakenFully compliant to part ‘P’ of the building regulations

Domestic Commercial Industrial Garden Lighting

Tel: 01962 733272


22 | Community News What do you think?



















Alresford Rotary Club is seeking enthusiastic, informed and articulate local professionals, aged 25-40 years, to visit The Philippines from 28th February to 30th March 2013 as part of the Group Study Exchange programme of The Rotary Foundation.

through this long established programme, the selected team of four men and women from Rotary in hampshire, the isle of wight and the Channel islands will undertake a vocational exchange visit accompanied by a Rotarian team leader.

the vocational emphasis will be on doing good in the world and we are looking for team members working in vocations involved with any one of the six areas of focus that the Rotary foundation supports. these six areas are:

• Maternal and child health• water and sanitation• disease prevention and treatment

• Basic education and literacy• Economic and community development• Peace and conflict prevention/resolution

All travel and accommodation expenses will be met by Rotary. the members of the exchange team are only responsible for their own personal spending, incidental expenses and negotiating time off from their employment.

if you want to learn by visiting your counterpart in the Philippines, immersing yourself in the local culture and bring back the knowledge to make improvements in your work and community we want to hear from you. Please apply now if you are:

• Between 25-40 years of age• Employed for at least two years in your current business or profession• work or live in hampshire• Are a uK citizen.

For an application, please contact: Colin Pope on 07802 361384 or email: [email protected]

Home Services | 23


DIOCESE OFWINCHESTER

. MICHAEL J SLYPlumbing and Heating

All plumbing and heating works from fixing a leak to installing a full heating system or bathroom suite.

• Complete bathroom refurbishment• Shower-room and cloak-room suites• Power showers and electric showers

• Water softeners• Full heating systems

• High efficiency boiler and system upgrades• Power flush and system treatments• Radiators and thermostatic valves

Tel: 01962 771285 (Cheriton)Mobile: 07973 407996

.

AQUANAUTPLUMBING

a local, reliable plumbing company, offering Competitive Rates and no call out charge

From small repairs through to complete installations

bathrooms * kitchens * guttering * radiators * Tiling

01962 77689807717 314510

Fully qualifiedMember of checkatrade.com

Fully insured

JJ DECORATING SERVICES

Reliable and experienced painting and decorating service at very competitive rates

Free quotations • Fully insured • References available

Tel: James - 07919 [email protected]

City and Guilds Qualified

Is your home secure?Adtec is a local locksmiths and security firm here to meet your needs• Adtec Security Group employs qualified master locksmiths to carry out all locksmith and access control enquiries plus our CCTV engineers have over ten years experience.• Adtec Security Group covers Hampshire & Surrey and we work closely with a network of accredited locksmiths to provide nationwide coverage to our national clients.• Adtec Security Group has earned a reputation for reliability, integrity and professionalism as a member of the Master Locksmiths Association & Approved by Trading Standards.

Tel: 01962 773355mob: 07951 333625www.adtechomesecurity.co.uk

[email protected]

24 | Community News


before, and to taste the euphoric madness of a new love is to accept that there was emptiness before, and so on. Once you get used to thinking this way, you will see that life is a series of successes and failures, but that all those bad, sad, or unhappy bits have gone towards making you who you are and what you are today, along with all the good bits, the successes and the happy times.

Anyone who has experienced failure of some sort, and I defy anyone to say they have never experienced this emotion, would do well to learn from it, and make an effort to praise themselves and others where any level of success is achieved. Even an effort to succeed should be acknowledged, since of course it is not always possible to be the winner, but taking part is just as important. This encompasses the question “is your glass half full or half empty?” Half full glasses belong to people who embrace failure, and do something about it, even if it’s just learning a valuable lesson. Half empty glasses belong to people who are naturally

I read your article “You failed!” with great interest. In my capacity

as a Life Coach I spend a fair bit of time telling people there is no such thing as failure, only results. And anyway, using the old Yin and Yang technology, aren’t success and failure simply two sides of the same thing? If we didn’t have one, we wouldn’t, and indeed couldn’t appreciate the other.

My step-daughter lent me a lovely little book recently, “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran which I found intriguing, and oh so believable. If you have the chance to read this book, I would urge you to do so. It is packed full of wonderful examples of how we should see that life is made of both good and bad. Put very simply, if you are happy now, it is because you have known unhappiness before, and of course, vice versa. Other examples are the pain of childbirth which gives way to the joy of motherhood; also, to experience the abject misery of losing a loved one means that you were extremely happy

Success is a state of mind!Issue 64 - February 2012

Your Letterspessimistic, and who look at life in a negative way. These people can however be helped to look at life differently so that they learn to accept the same results but with a more positive approach as to how to deal with things to their best advantage. The Americans have a saying “We don’t have problems, only opportunities.” Whilst perhaps sounding a bit gushy, it is another wonderful way of looking at things in a better light.

Measuring success is not always easy; if you accept that all creatures are wonderful things, but you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, you will think the fish is a failure. Sarah Millican, the newly acclaimed comedienne (The Sarah Millican Television Programme Thursday nights on BBC2) is quoted as saying she thought her marriage was a failure, as her husband wanted to leave her and get a divorce. She was extremely upset at first, but then realised that he had in fact set her free, which enabled her to pursue her chosen career of comedy. She now feels she should attribute her success to him

in a funny sort of way. “I’m kind of weirdly grateful to him,” she says, “because he released me from the life that I had. If he hadn’t broken my heart I’d still be in a job I hated, feeling massively untapped.”So, it would appear then that whether we are looking at success or failure either is merely a state of mind, since in the words of the old song we can usually “Dust ourselves off, shake ourselves down, and start all over again.” Anyone requiring further reassurance can avail themselves of my Life Coaching course, where I will show them that they can achieve the dreams and aspirations they desire. Contact me today for further information. All cases are dealt with in total confidence, and I have never had an unhappy client yet. Success all round.

Teresa CantelloF.Inst.L.ExecTeresacantello@yahoo.comwww.TCLifecoaching.com

An apology from the Editor

The Forum magazine would like to offer an apology for an incorrectly published article in the Forum Issue 64. The article

entitled, 'Selling your house in 2012 - Has there ever been a better time?' was not meant to be published in the February issue thus the dates shown in the article we incorrect for the month of publication.

We apologise for any inconvenience or damage to the reputation of Philip Prado Property consultants this may have caused.

Mark TubbEditor - Forum Publications

Philip PradoIndependent Property Consultant

Open a new door...

... to a new property experience.

Philip Prado - the best local knowledge to sell your property:

- Best price for your home in today’s market- Advertising on the UK’s No 1 property website- 20 years of estate agency experience- Every step of the selling process managed for you- Mortgage and Legal Advice

Integrity - Excellence - Knowledge

Contact us today for a FREE valuation

01962 734727 [email protected]

Do you have something you would like to say?The Forum magazine prides itself in providing interesting news for its readers. We always like to hear back from our readers, be it positive or negative.

Your feedback is always valuable to us as it allows us the opportunity to improve the publication so that we can provide an even better magazine to

our readers. If you have a comment that you would like to send us on anything in the magazine then please send it to:[email protected]. We cannot guarantee that all contributions will be published. We will contact the contributor prior to publishing any content.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Home Services | 25


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

CJ the plumberColin Joyce

01962 776545Domestic plumbing

Tom BakerPlumbing & Heating

ALL ASPECTS OF PLUMBINGCALL OUTS

FREE QUOTATIONS AVAILABLE

T: 07968 576585E: [email protected]

Contact: 01962 738619 or 07753 681809www.paintworksink.co.uk

Painting, Decorating & RefurbishmentListEd BuiLdinG And PERiod

PRoPERtY sPECiAList

PAINTWORKS

DEAN PLUMBING & HEATING LTD

The handyman

PAINTING, REPAIRS, MAINTENANCEPaul Roberts: 01420 511548 e:[email protected]

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

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

Wallpaper SpecialistDECORATING IN HAMPSHIRE S INCE 1980

REPAIRS & RESToRATIoN To All ANTIquE & PERIod FuRNITuRE

CITy & GuIldS quAlIFIEd

Tel: 01962 793368 or 07717 827427

FURNITURE RESTORATIONKeith Allen, Teazles, Cheriton, Alresford, Hampshire, So24 0qG


26 | Community News

THE ARC

Jazz at the ARCThe first Wednesday of the month, from 8.30pm until 11pm, the ARC hosts Traditional Jazz bands. Playing on the 4th April. Cuff Billett’s New Europa Jazzmen

Appearing next month on the 2nd May, The Louisiana JazzmenTickets to Alresford residents are £6 on the door.

The ARC still available for HireAlresford Recreation Centre offers free meeting rooms for residents during the week. We also have a large hall than can be hired for only £5! Terms and conditions apply. Why not find out more about weddings, children's parties, seminars and exhibitions, discos and family gatherings. Tel:01962 732079 or email: [email protected]

Alresford Town Council Reports

appearance and create a more amenable public space in the heart of our town.

Visitor questionnaireThe Tourism committee is about to distribute questionnaires to visitors and businesses in the town to gather data enabling them to up-date our Tourism Strategy. The aim is to support the businesses by working more closely with the various attractions in Alresford, and to ensure we identify the quality and /or failings for the visitor. A prize draw has been organised for all those who return completed questionnaires.

Land adjacent to Arlebury ParkDespite two previous public meetings on the subject the issue of acquiring more land at Arlebury Park was again raised at the Annual Town Meeting. The meeting was informed that in accordance with a previous public meeting that declared ‘Say No to housing, Yes to Rugby Pitches’ we were negotiating with the land owner to finalise the acquisition of the northerly field closest to the river. A majority of the meeting was in favour of this acquisition but the residents of Arlebury Park Barns were unhappy for us to proceed. Previous public meetings held in respect of this purchase gave us the mandate to proceed and the majority of residents at this meeting were fully in support of this purchase. There will be another Public Meeting in April to

Pay & Display at Arlebury ParkAgreement has been reached on the pay and display regulations that will apply at Arlebury Park when it comes into operation later in the year.

Hours 9am - 5pm

Monday to FridayStaff ConcessionNo Payment Disc

Free Period 2 hours free with ticket

3rd Hour onwards Payment starts at 1st hr standard tariff

Closure Up to 10 days

Season tickets Valid across all 3 car parks

In addition there is a provision that the Car Park can be closed for up to 10 days per year. Tree Project for Stratton BatesAt the suggestion of the Rotary Club we will be implementing a tree planting project at Stratton Bates to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the 2012 Olympics and Rotary’s 25th anniversary. Rotary will be planting 10 mature trees, sponsored by local businesses and private individuals as well as concealing the electricity sub-station with a Hornbeam hedge. There will be a stone memorial commemorating the three anniversaries. The Club, along with local organisations, will also conduct a range of cleaning and tidying operations at Stratton Bates. The overall objective is to soften its

bring residents up to date with the land acquisition.

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

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

April Meeting ScheduleAll meetings held from 7.30pm at Alresford Recreation Centre.

Planning 4th April

Full Town Council 12th April

Environment 18th April

Please note Planning Meetings are subject to change due to the need to respond by the WCC comment dates. Please phone the office for confirmation on the day of the meeting.

New Alresford Town CouncilAlresford Recreation CentreThe Avenue, Alresford, SO24 9EPTel: 01962 732079 e-mail:[email protected]

Home Services | 27


PR AERIALSDIGITAL TV & SATELLITE SPECIALIST

Paul Rolfe

T. 01420 80650 M. 07918 913194

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

STEVE OGDENPAINTER & DECORATOR

CITY & GU ILDSADVANCED CRAFTFULLY INSURED

01962 771452

Maid MarianPROFESSIONAL DOMESTIC SERVICES

High quality domestic services Guaranteed

One less thing to think about.

We can help.• Regular cleaning and end• of tenancy cleaning• One off spring cleans• Washing and Ironing• Carpet cleaning• Building maintenance• including painting and• decorating• Shopping• Man with a van

telephone: 01962 736713email: [email protected]

web: www.maidmariancleaners.co.uk

Maid Marian Ad 90 x 135 31/1/10 12:38 Page 1

Electrical Design and Contracting

ElectricalLighting

Audio/Visual

Tel: 01962 738533Email: [email protected]

ECLIPSE TECHNOLOGY

Go Green with Solar PVInstall solar PV to your home or workplace and receive 9-11% tax free return on investment with government backed tariffs

Most cost effective and easiest way to reduce your carbon footprint

Increase the value of your property

Watch your system working with our FREE digital smart meters

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

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

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


28 | What do you think?

Feminismand the pursuit of happiness

It was a debate over the dining table. Post Feminism are we, (women), now in a position that is in essence ‘no win’; are we stressing ourselves to the point of lunacy in an attempt to prove we can have it all? Be

the perfect mother and wife, have a beautiful self-image, have impeccable qualifications, work full time at some high-powered career and be uber fit. Some women happily achieve all of these. But for many, the list is aspirational, endless and unobtainable.

Regardless of the validity of the ‘no win situation’ the simple question is: has Feminism enabled women to be more happy?

There can be no doubt that the pioneers of the Feminist movement enabled women to be ‘free’ through the ability to have their say politically, but the cross on the ballot paper took decades to migrate down to the grass root level of relationships and career structures, some would say it still hasn’t. Why else would women still have, in the majority, the lion’s share of the work within the domestic setting irrespective of whether they have a job? Why else is the Gender Discrimination Policy alive and well in the workplace?

‘Freedom’ is relative. We know there are plenty of women who are imprisoned by physical violence, financial

constraints, and family obligations or issues surrounding health, physical or mental; here happiness is relative too. Conversely there are many who are unaffected by any of these issues but it would be wrong to assume that guarantees their happiness.

The point being, women in all their aspects are as diverse as the next man. Diversity is our strength, surely? Not all of us want to adhere to the concept of perfection we are force-fed.

How far has Feminism gone to make allowances for that? Do we really still live under the shadow of the expectation of perfection? Surely now, that’s very much an out moded concept?

If the politics of Feminism have given women anything, it is, where possible and sometimes against all odds, the choice to decide what makes us happy and to act upon it.

What do you think?Gill Grant


Home Services / The Home | 29

.

D C Best and Sons Quality Painters and Decoratorswww.dcbestandsons.co.ukEst. 1973

Beautiful hand painted kitchens... at the fraction of the cost of a new one!

With the latest advances in primers ANY existing structurally sound surface, whether solid wood, MDF or melamine can be painted. Once prepared and primed properly the surface will accept finish-

ing coats from all main paint manufacturers including Farrow and Ball and The Little Greene Paint Company. Door handles can also be changed to complement the new look. Any carpentry alterations can also be organized, including new worktops if required. The finished result will be a beautiful and

durable traditional hand-painted eggshell finish to be proud of.

For further details please contact Paul or Steve on Tel: 02380 448959 Mob: 07740 797163

Why spend thousands of pounds replacing a perfectly good kitchen when you can transform your existing one with minimal disruption and for a fraction of the cost ?

BEFORE AFTER

We also undertake all other aspects of interior and exterior decorating. We are dedicated to

quality workmanship using the latest paint systems to produce the highest quality finish.

We are fully insured and offer a free no obligation quotation. Local references are also available.

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

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

and pictures, and small plumbing work.

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

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

LOCAL HANDY WOMAN

Interior & ExteriorDecorating

From simple jobs through to complete property renovations we can help.

K I T C H E N S & I N T E R I O R SEST1991

STUNNING DESIGN - SUPERIOR QUALITYPERSONAL SERVICE

VISIT OUR INSPIRING DESIGNER SHOWROOM LOCATED ON THE A31 AT ROPLEY

T: 01962 850 851 F: 01962 773 268 E: [email protected] W: searle-taylor.co.uk

SEARLE & TAyLOR KITCHENS ROPLEy HAmPSHIRE SO24 0BH

10% Reduction on complete kitchens when presenting this advert

30 | The Home


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

Beautiful bespoke handcrafted tables, chairs and furniture made to order

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

OPEN MONDAy TO SATUrDAy 9AM - 5PM

Winchester Oak Bespoke Joinery

• Hand-craftedkitchens• Bespokefurniture• Reclaimedoakflooring&furniture• Shabbychic• Floorfitting,renovation, sanding&finishing• Hardwoodflooring• Showroomopen6daysaweek

WinchesterOakBespokeJoinery

Unit1WessendenBusinessCentre,ProspectRoad,Alresford,Hampshire,SO249QF

Tel:01962733016Email:[email protected]

www.winchesteroak.co.ukwww.winchesterfloorsanding.co.uk

WelcometoWinchesterOakBespokeJoinery

Craftingkitchensisourpassionandwebelievethekitchenistheheartof ahomeandwiththisinmindourkitchensarehand-madeatourAlresfordworkshopwithabsoluteattentiontodetail.Weworkcloselywithyoutoensurethatyourkitchenworksforyou.Wedeliveratrulyuniqueproductforeachandeverycustomerandourdesign,manufactureandinstallationprocessesensuresthatyourkitchenfitsthespaceyouhavetoperfection.Usingtraditionalskillsalongsidemoderntechniques,wearecommittedtomaintainingthehigheststandardof

workmanshipforallourprojects.

Ourheadjoinerhas20years’experienceanddelightsinworkingwithclientstodesigntheirperfectpiece

whetheritisasinglebookcaseorafullkitchen.Hiseyefordetailandperfectionistapproachensureseachand

everycustomerisdelightedwiththework.Inadditiontothejoineryteam,wehaveahighlyskilledflooring/floorsandingteamandcanundertakepaintinganddecoratingservicesaswell.Welikebeabletoofferacompletein-

houseservicewherepossibletoourclients.

Weprideourselvesonourcommitmenttoqualityandthisisevidentinourworkmanship.Ourflexibility,

experienceandskillsallowustomeetyourjoineryneeds.

Come and visit us at our showroom in Alresford

The Home | 31


Wychwood Furniture LtdTraditional & Contemporary Furniture

Kitchens, Bedrooms & BathroomsFor beautiful bespoke furniture

Free initial consultationDesign & Installation

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

Tel or Fax: 01256 389788

We offer a full measuring, manufacturing and installation service for all types of high quality

Blinds - Awnings - ShuttersFull 5 year guarantee

Other services include:Awning and canopy restoration (including re-covering)

Blind servicing and repair workFor a free, no obligation quote in your own home or office:

Tel: 01962 736836 or 07711 007079email:[email protected]

Blinds & Awnings Ltd

Itchen Sash Window RenovationPRotECtinG ouR hERitAGE

ISWR

Renovation Redecorating

Reglazing Double glazed units*

Insulation improvements Security upgrades

* Specialist double glazed units designed to complement existing period windows

Thinking of replacing your period windows?

We provide a full restoration service including:

BEfoRE REnovAtion

AftER REnovAtion

For a free no obligation assessment please contact us on:

Tel: 0800 458 5642 [email protected] www.sash-windows-uk.com for more information

32 | Food & Drink


Recipe of the month

Legumes farcis

PREPARATION & METHODMix pork mince and half the bread crumb and the retained vegetable insides together, add the fresh herbs, piment d’Espelette and season.Next pre-heat your oven to 180°C.

Fill the vegetables with the pork mince mixture and then sprinkle with the rest of the bread crumbs. Place the ingredients in an oven proof dishand pour the chicken stock and wine over. Next, cover with the vegetable lids and cook for 45 minutes until the vegetables are soft.Serve with Camargue rice

If you would like to learn more about cookery then visit: closdumarquis.co.uk and click on cookery school. We have comprehensive lessons catering for all levels of experience. Can't find Piment d’Espelette chilli's, Camargue rice or good quality chicken stock then visit our French pantry. A 10% discount will be given when the recipe from the Forum is quoted or presented. Enjoy

6 Small sweet peppers, cut around the stem to make a lid, remove seeds.6 Small red tomatoes cut around the stem to make a lid.6 Small aubergines, cut length wise6 Small courgettes, cut length wise

With a soup spoon, remove the inside of the tomato, courgette and aubergine, without breaking them.Keep all the vegetable insides, set aside and dice.

1 Diced onion2 Pinches of Piment d’Espelette (mild AOC chilli from Pyrenees)2 Cloves garlic diced small3 Soup spoons of chopped basil3 Soup spoons of parsley finely chopped1kg Pork mince6 Soup spoons of bread crumbs50ml Olive oil

Chicken stock, 1 glass or 175mlsWhite wine, 1 glass or 175mls

BAKE INGREDIENTS

For: 6 persons To prepare: 20 minutes Cooking: 45 minutes

CLOS DU MARQUIS

f R E n C h R E s t A u R A n t

& P A n t R Y

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

Food & Drink | 33


CLOS DU MARQUIS

f R E n C h R E s t A u R A n t

& P A n t R Y

FRenCh PAntRY

foR CustoMERs tiREd of insiPid food

We have all had the misfortune of tasting supposedly traditional and authenticfrench food from over traded beaten tracks offered on the web. At the french Pantry we offer a truly delicious alternative. We believe the discerning client

will recognise the superior taste and authenticity of our products.

the french Pantry has a wide range of imported french food sourced from time-honoured artisan producers and family-run farms. We also have inhouse french chefs preparing authentic french food every day. our food is cooked with pride as a testimony of french heritage. for more information on our

products call Germain or Glanis: 01962 810 738

If you don't feel like cooking then why not enjoya delightful meal at our traditional French Restaurant

Reservations: 01962 810 738

CloS Du MARQuISA30 London RoAd

BEtwEEn stoCKBRidGE And sutton sCotnEY

so20 6dEtEL: 01264 810 738

www.CLosduMARQuis.Co.uK

f i n E Q u A L i t Y f R E n C h f o o d


34 | Food & Drink

World Watercress Soup Championships 2012

Delia makes it with leeks, potatoes and crème fraiche; Raymond Blanc uses

onions, leeks, garlic and spinach and adds ice cubes to retain the bright green colour, while Nick Nairn uses cornflour to thicken and double cream to taste.....watercress soup – it’s a classic but which variation is the best?

This year, at the 9th annual Watercress Festival on Sunday 20 May, it’s your chance to put your watercress soup recipe to the test and see if you could be crowned the first ever World Watercress Soup Champion!

There are two soup categories which will be judged: the best variant on traditional watercress soup and the speciality watercress soup - this could be a watercress based soup but with an added twist or interesting ingredients. These will be judged at the Watercress Festival by a panel of judges including celebrity chef Sophie Grigson, Kate Hughes, founder of Alresford Cook

Academy, local MP Steve Brine and a representative from the Watercress Alliance. One winner will be drawn from each category and they will be presented with a golden ladle award, £500 cash prize and the prestigious ‘World Watercress Soup Champion 2012’ title!

Entrants should bring their soup in a flask, with the completed form below to Alresford Cook Academy from 10am onwards on 20 May. A downloadable form is also available from www.watercress.co.uk. Alresford Cook Academy is

located at Station Mill, Station Road, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9JQ. No entries will be admitted after 11.45am and judging will take place between 12 noon and 12.45pm.

The competition is open to members of the public, local restaurateurs and local producers. The winners will receive publicity through both a press release and www.watercress.co.uk.

National Watercress Soup Championships 2012 Entry FormFull Name: Recipe Title:

Which category does your recipe fall into? (Please circle the relevant category) Traditional Speciality

(Please attach full recipe, ingredients and method)

Address:

Phone Number: Email Address:

All entrants to the competition must be prepared to participate in publicity for the Championships

For any enquiries please contact Becky Johnston at Mustard Communications at [email protected]

Food & Drink | 35


hampshire mum

The Running Horse InnPub and Kitchen

22 POUND HILL, ALRESFORD01962 734782

www.runninghorseinn.com

UNDER NEw MANAgEMENT!

10 local real ales on cask and pumpLive bands at 8.30 Fri, Sat & Sun night

Special Hog and Watercress Menu - meals and snacks -

NEwSET MENU

2 coursesfor £8*

*Tues - Sat 12-2 & 6-7.30

fun and informative chocolate workshops for children aged 8 – 13

at Chocolate Craft, old Alresford

Budding chocolatiers will taste, make and create! £20 per childEach session lasts 1½ hours

tuesday 3rd April 9.30am - 11.00am

wednesday 11th April 9.30am - 11.00am

to book visit www.chocolatecraft.co.ukor call us on 01962 732731

ChiLdREn’s ChoCoLAtE woRKshoPs in thE EAstER hoLidAYsCaracoli has won the

food category of the prestigious national

competition: the Telegraph magazine’s ‘Best Small Shops in Britain 2012’.

Beating off hundreds of other national contenders, the family run business with stores in picturesque Alresford, historic Winchester and the thriving cathedral town of Guildford, says it was delighted to scoop the award. Now in their sixth year, the awards focused on small, independent retailers on Britain’s high streets. Supported by Mary Portas, ‘Shop!’columnist for the Telegraph Magazine who said: ‘Telegraph readers love their local shops and realise just how important it is to celebrate the good ones. These awards give the cream of the crop the recognition they deserve’.

Loyal customers vote for their favourite small shop in nine

Caracoli wins national award

different categories: women’s fashion, men’s fashion,interiors, health and beauty, food, wine, books, children, best corner or village shop. Votes are counted and the independent shops with the most votes are shortlisted to the final three in each category. The winners are selected by a panel of expert judges from the Telegraph.

Caracoli Managing Director and co-owner James Nichols says: 'To win is a real high point for us and a fantastic accolade to everyone who works hard to make Caracoli what it is. It is confirmation that striving for high quality, delicious food and drink is worth while. We are chuffed to bits.’

We would very much like to thank all our customers who voted for us. Their recognition allowed us to be shortlisted as one of three which then led to the judging process.

for further details check out

36 | Health & Beauty


NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON!www.alresfordbeauty.co.uk

Student Therapist Treatments availableThursdays and Fridays

Basic Facial £25.00 Manicure 45 mins - £13.50 Manicure 60 mins - £15.00 Pedicure 45 mins - £15.00 Pedicure 60 mins - £18.00 Eyelash tints £9.00 Gel Manicure £25.00 Gel Pedicure £28.00

Repeat Medications and DispensaryWe would like to remind patients that we do not accept repeat medication requests over the phone. This is to prevent errors occurring. To request repeat medication please return the slip provided with the previous prescription, fill in a request form at reception or fax us on 01962 736034. Patients who have access to the internet can also use our website at www.alresfordsurgery.co.uk/ to request their medication. Please ask at the surgery or see our website for more details.

We would also like to announce that our dispensary now closes on a Tuesday lunchtime from 1-2 pm. This is to provide dedicated training time for our dispensary staff. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but hope you will understand the benefits we will see.

ChangesDr Tara Kidd has left us to work in Wiltshire. We know that our

Alresford surgery news

patients, like ourselves, will be disappointed to lose her services particularly as she only returned recently. While we make plans to replace Dr Kidd permanently we are pleased to have secured the services of Dr Jane Duggan for the next few months.

Travel appointmentsWe are noticing an increasing number of appointments for travel advice and vaccinations are being made shortly before departure. We would like to remind patients that some vaccinations need to be started well before departure to gain maximum protection and recommend booking an appointment as early as possible.

Lost PropertyWe have a number of items that patients may have left here, please contact the Practice Manager if you are missing anything.

Alresford fresh airgym opens at Perins

The Alresford Fresh Air Gym has now been completed and is open

for community use at Perins School. This fantastic new outdoor gym facility has been built at Perins following a successful bid for a BIG Lottery grant and additional funding provided by New Alresford Town Council (NATC) and Hampshire County Council’s Community Challenge fund. The gym is open to the public 365 days a year and is completely free to use.The Alresford Fresh Air Gym

which is located next to Evolution Health & Fitness, on the Perins playing field, includes 12 pieces of robust, all-weather equipment where the exercise resistance is provided by the user’s own body weight. The exercise equipment has been permanently installed and mounted on rubber matting making it suitable for anyone over 12 years and for all abilities.

“The idea is to make exercise available to all and to remove the barriers people might face when considering sport” commented Perins’ marketing and development manager, Helen Armour. “The Fresh Air Gym is a fun and easy way to get active and start improving

your health. You don’t need any special clothing or equipment and it’s completely free of charge.”

The project has been developed between Perins School and the Perins Community team taking into account research carried out by NATC and government objectives. “We have carefully selected the equipment for the Fresh Air Gym to suit all the community” added Perins Head of Sports Specialism, Rorie Whybro. “It is suitable for the school’s students and also for the rest of the local community, including the town’s pensioners. We hope people will come along and make good use of this fantastic facility.”

The Alresford Fresh Air Gym was officially opened in March and the Perins team will be organising a series of training sessions for people to come along and try out the equipment under supervision. However, each piece is labelled with exercise instructions so people can come and use it at any time that suits them too.

If your community group would like to be involved in a training session at the Alresford Fresh Air Gym please contact the Perins Community team on 01962 737283.

For further information please contact:Helen ArmourTel: 01962 737283Email: [email protected]

Health & Beauty | 37


whole body health - naturally

act4health

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

Nutritional Therapywith Sheila Cass WhelanMBANT MNTC MRIPH CNHC

Massage Therapieswith Anthony WhelanMSMA ASK MFHT CNHC

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

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

Alresford dentAl CAresomething to smile about

Dr Rebecca Hartog Dental Surgeon & Associates • 4 Pound Hill Alresford SO24 9BW • T 01962 733580 [email protected] • www.alresforddentalcare.co.uk

Welcome to Alresford Dental Care

Visit us at www.alresforddentalcare.co.uk for more information or call 01962 733580 to make an appointment.

Whitening

nowwas £295

free

Check ups

for Children

• Complete range of modern state of the art treatments from routine check ups to white fillings and veneers. • High quality, affordable dentistry with payment plans to suit everyone’s budget including 0% APR.

• Caring, sympathetic, family orientated practice.• Beautiful dental implants to replace a whole missing tooth or teeth.

• Tooth whitening from only £195.• Clear, nearly invisible braces with no upper age limit and FREE whitening.

• New patients are always welcome, we would love to hear from you.

Alresford dentAl CAresomething to smile about

Dr Rebecca Hartog Dental Surgeon & Associates • 4 Pound Hill Alresford SO24 9BW • T 01962 733580 [email protected] • www.alresforddentalcare.co.uk

Welcome to Alresford Dental Care

Visit us at www.alresforddentalcare.co.uk for more information or call 01962 733580 to make an appointment.

Whitening

nowwas £295

free

Check ups

for Children

• Complete range of modern state of the art treatments from routine check ups to white fillings and veneers. • High quality, affordable dentistry with payment plans to suit everyone’s budget including 0% APR.

• Caring, sympathetic, family orientated practice.• Beautiful dental implants to replace a whole missing tooth or teeth.

• Tooth whitening from only £195.• Clear, nearly invisible braces with no upper age limit and FREE whitening.

• New patients are always welcome, we would love to hear from you.

alresford

o s t e o p a t h

a gentle approach for the whole family

osteopathy & craniosacral therapy

bsc (hons) ost med.ndbronwyn jones07870 23 8899

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

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

alresford-osteopath.co.uk

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

1

24 The Dean Alresford

Telephone 01962 736336

Better Health - Naturally

* Nutritional/Kinesiology Therapy

* Homotoxicology * Homoeopathy

* Sports massage for back & joint problems

* Neuro Skeletal Re-alignment Technique

* Trigger Point Therapy * Mesotherapy

* Ayurvedic & Indian Head Massage

* Manicure & Pedicure * Reflexology

* Dermalogica facials & skin care

* Non-surgical face lift * Microdermabrasion

* Eyebrow/eyelash tint * Eyebrow Shaping

* Waxing * Electrolysis * Counselling

* MEDICAL HERBALISM

* ACUPUNCTURE

www.healthwaycentre.co.uk

Practitioners

Mary Walden MCPH FSSCh DipPodMed MBCha ITEC IFA

Tim Walden Dip ION mBANT

Caroline Somp MBAcC

Kate Parker Bsc MNIMH

Dr Kathryn Fielden BSc(Hons) MSc PhD

Chiropody Clinic Mary Walden HPC registered chiropodist


38 | Pets and Animal Care38

Do you love your dog?Do you hate leaving him when you go on holiday?Wagging Tails provides friendly home from home dogboarding giving your four legged friend his own specialholiday while you are away. We have carers acrossHampshire ready to welcome your faithful companioninto their family and give him all the love and attentionhe requires in your absence.

All of our carers have been vetted byWagging Tails, licensed by their localCouncils and are fully insured.

Wagging Tails carers are at home all dayand we will not mix different families petsensuring that your dog receives theundivided attention we feel hedeserves. We also insist that youmeet your dog’s carer before hisholiday so you know he will be happy

while you are away in the sun!

Give your dog a holiday!

[email protected] | 02380 600511

Award winning company Wagging Tails offers an

alternative to traditional kennels. Now is the time to be arranging your doggie’s holiday. Don’t leave it too late!!We match your beloved dog to one of our very experienced, insured and licenced carers. All of our carers are either past dog owners or still have one dog of their own, who enjoys the company of another dog. We do not mix different family’s dogs together and all of our carers are at home during the day. As our carers do not work they are able to offer your best friend the undivided love, exercise and attention we believe he deserves.

• Noextrachargesforbank holidays or registration.• Gettomeetyourdog’s chosen carer before the

Easter Egg Hunt, Animal Encounters and Face Painting at Sparsholt

College, Hampshire. This Family Fun Day is scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday at the Animal Management Centre. There will be a range of fun-filled activities on offer.

Each family can enjoy an Easter egg hunt, craft activities and of course entrance to the Animal Management Centre where we have a wide range of weird and wonderful animals on display including our new arrivals - the meerkats and common marmosets!

Wagging Tails wherehappy dogs holiday!

Easter bunny and chick weekend

board, for peace of mind. • HeadOfficeinconstant contact with carers during your dog’s board to ensure your dog is happy and settled.• Getupdatesfromyour carer to know how your dog is settling.• Awardwinningcompany recommended by many Vets, Dog Trainers, Groomers, Owners and Dogs!• Exclusiveservice–justone family’s dog/s boarding with a carer at any one time.

For more information on our services or to join our family of carers please contact Caroline Harrison on 02380 600511 or email: [email protected] Give your dog a holiday!!!

Our animal encounter sessions mean young visitors can learn more about our furry and fluffy friends and can even meet the Easter bunny! Make a seasonal purchase from our Horticultural department’s plant sales, chat to industry exhibitors and help our Animal Management degree students raise money for our conservation fund.

Saturday 14 April to Sunday 15 April. From 9.30am to 3.30pm

Tickets £10.00 per family (based on 2 adults and 2 children). Sparsholt College Hampshire, Westley Lane, Sparsholt, Winchester, SO21 2NF www.sparsholt.ac.ukContact: 0845 850 [email protected]

Sorry, no dogs please (with the

exception of Recognised Assistance

Dogs). Dogs (even on leads) can cause

stress to our on-site animals and for

this reason we do not allow dogs on

Campus. College policy that dogs

cannot be left in cars parked within

the college grounds.

Health & Beauty | 39


Waxing

Spray tans

Vertical sun bed

Make-upElectrolysis

Ear piercing

Eyelash extensions

Gift Vouchers Available

Creative SPA Manicure

Creative SPA Pedicure

Creative nail enhancements

Acrylics

Dermalogicafacials and body

treatments

Body massage

Hot stone therapy

Hopi ear

Aromatherapy

Reflexology

Microdermabrasion

Fine line & wrinkle injections

Sports massage

Deep tissue treatments

Threading

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

www.studio49alresford.com

stockists of

health & Beauty

dPodM, B.sc (hons), M.sc, MChs, hPC REGistEREd

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

verruca treatments

Tel: 01962 735553 for an appointmenthome visits available tel: 0753 9040 458

Chiropodist • PodiatristJacqueline Redway

PILATES & YOGA CLASSES@ 26a The Dean, Alresford

Term Time ClassesPilates Mon! 10.00am Mixed AbilityPilates Mon! 5.00pm Mixed AbilityPilates Mon! 6.15pm Mixed AbilityYoga! Mon! 7.45pm Mixed AbilityPilates Tues 10.00am ImproverPilates Thurs 9.30am BeginnerYoga Fri! 10.30am Mixed Ability

Pilates: Contact - Sally Hogg MBCPA T: 0771 522 665 E: [email protected]

Yoga: Contact - Amanda Ridgley RYT T: 07541 830056 E: [email protected]

Studio location: www.thestudioalresford.com/contact.html

Small classes (max 8), individual attention & development support.Private 1:1’s, small groups & corporate groups also available

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

™

Upgrade to polarised lenses for only £60!


40 | Community News / Building Services29

BUILDING 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”

29BUILDING SUPPLIES & SERVICES



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

Robin Atkins (Chair of NATT) said that the Trust had a charitable duty to look at training future generations, whilst maintaining the historic traditions of Alresford.

The late Arthur Stowell donated £3,000 to the Town Trust to be used for educational and historic projects undertaken by local schools. The Cheriton Primary School grant was made from these funds, and there is another opportunity for all local schools to apply to the Trust for grants in 2012, by submitting relevant projects to Pam Stevens, New Alresford Town Trust, c/o Old Fire Station, 54 Broad Street, Alresford, SO24 9AN.

with the project; from electricians to plumbers and architects to builders. Once the necessary funds have been raised, the work is expected to take three months.

Cherry Tree Pre-school has a number of fundraising activities planned for the coming months; proceeds of which will be put towards the Relocation Fund:

• Ladies'Pamperand Shopping Night – Friday 11th May, 7.30pm at The Community Centre, Alresford • WatercressFestival- Sunday 20th May - face painting stall, Alresford Town Centre• QuizNight-Saturday 7th July at Alrebury Park, Alresford• RaceNight-Friday12th October at Alrebury Park, Alresford• CarBootSale- Winchester - Sunday 4th November

The relocation fund has been given a kick-start with a contribution of £1,370.62, which has been raised from events that have already taken place this year, including a Children's Sale, which was held on 10th March in Alrebury Park.

For further information on purchasing tickets for the above events, volunteering trade services or to make a donation to the fund, please contact Claire Cobb on 07977 167 302 or Kathryn Vaughan on 07894 736926. For more information on Cherry Tree Pre-school please email [email protected] or call 07979 230019.

New Alresford Town Trust has granted Cheriton Primary

School £250 towards the cost of a Sandpit and Metal Detectors.

Mrs Teresa Sullivan, Headmistress, explained that the school would place metal objects in the sandpits and pupils would then try to find them by using the metal detectors. This skill would enable them to gain experience and eventually use larger metal detectors to discover metal artefacts in situ.

The historic Civil War Battle of Cheriton was fought not far from the school, and there may be interesting finds to be made there.

George Hollingbery, MP for Meon Valley, has officially

launched the Cherry Tree Pre-school ‘Relocation Fund’. The Pre-school currently operates from Cheriton Village Hall and does not have outdoor facilities for the children. The new setting for the Pre-school will be the former Cheriton Scout Hut, located at the Cheriton Recreational Ground. The fundraising target for the project has been set at £30,000, with the aim of opening the new setting in time for the 2012 Autumn Term.

George Hollingbery said: “It is very encouraging to see a community-led pre-school being so proactive in securing its future success and the wellbeing of its children. They have a lot of money to raise but I’m very confident that the people and businesses of Cheriton and the surrounding communities will play their parts in reaching this target.”

Caroline Sorgi, chair of Cherry Tree Pre-school, said: “We are looking forward to celebrating a new chapter in the life of Cherry Tree and will soon be in a position to provide a building to match the excellence of our staff and service. The Early Years Foundation Stage (the curriculum followed by all pre-schools) encourages maximum use of outdoor areas because research has demonstrated that fresh air and natural light can dramatically enhance a child's educational experience. What better way to realise this than have a vast amount of open space right on our door-step.”

The Pre-school is also looking for local tradespeople to offer their services and become volunteers to help

Budding Archaeologists at Cheriton Primary

‘Relocation’ fundraising campaign

Building Services | 41


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

email: [email protected]

18 nEw fARM RoAd, ALREsfoRd, hAMPshiRE, so24 9QP

Richwood Oak Structures Ltd

TRADITIoNAl oAK FRAMED BuIlDINGS

QuAlITY oAK FRAMED BARNS

PoRCHES AND EXTENSIoNS

GARDEN STRuCTuRES

Call Richard on: 07886 189592Call Brian: 07920 074390



42 | Parent & Child

PRE-SCHOOLS & PLayGROuPS

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 6-8year 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 at [email protected]

DRop in pLaY SeSSionS Ropley Baby and 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 further details.

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

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

Mothers and Others Toddler Group Monday 1.00 - 3.00. Children under 5 with parent/carer. Gospel Hall, Four Marks Mondays 1-3pm under 5s. Contact Ruth on: 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. For more info: 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 Tel: 01962 734287

Do you have any information that you would like included on this page? Simply send your details to [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Ten days out with small children1. Aldershot Military MuseumThere are lots of interactive activities at this fascinating museum, including puzzle cubes, a training tunnel and 'feely boxes'.

2. Ashcroft Arts CentreChildren can get truly hands on and interactive at this exciting arts centre, with colour painting workshops, Christmas card making, drama activities and more.

3. Blue Reef AquariumGiant crabs, seahorses, sharks and tropical fish will keep your children spellbound at this beautiful aquarium, which includes an underwater walkway, touch pools and feeding displays.

4. Exbury Gardens Steam RailwayChoo choo! All aboard the Exbury mini steam railway, which passes through one and a quarter miles of beautiful gardens and even encounters a Lake Moss Monster!

5. The Hawk Conservancy TrustLearn about eagles, owls, kestrels and vultures at this popular park, devoted to the conservation of birds of prey. Kids will love the feeding sessions, flying displays and close up encounters.

6. Longdown Activity FarmChildren can get up close and friendly with pigs, goats, ducks and calves at this family farm, which also features bottle-feeding sessions, tractor rides and play areas.

7. Manor Farm Country ParkHave a great day out with the kids in this 400-acre park. Watch the milking and meet the animals in the Victorian farm then explore miles of trails and three adventure playgrounds.

8. Marwell WildlifeWalk with wallabies, marvel at meerkats and get up close to tigers at this fabulous zoo, with its road train, tropical rain forest, animal encounters, adventure park and more.

9. Mid Hants Railway 'Watercress Line'Enjoy the thrill of this heritage steam railway from Alresford to Alton, as well as special Ivor the Engine, Thomas and Friends and Wizard Week events for children.

10. Whitchurch Silk MillChildren can try out weaving, collage, silkpainting, jewellery and badge making at this historic mill and museum.

Patchwork Day Nursery & Pre-School is committed to high quality care and education with a flexible approach to meet parents’ requirements. We offer a caring and stimulating environment with professional, qualified staff that monitor each child’s development and respond to their individual needs. Working in partnership with parents, Patchwork ensures that all children feel included, secure and valued whatever their cultural and family back-ground, educational needs, ability or disability.

We encourage self-development and self-esteem, ensuring each child engages in the learning process and introducing them to new experiences and challenges as they extend their knowledge and skills.

Flexible sessional childcare Open Monday to Friday 8 am - 6 pm Children 6 months to 5 years Vacancies from September 2012 Funded places for 3 and 4 year olds Term-time only places Large outdoor play area

Patchwork Day Nursery & Pre-School Perins School, Pound Hill, Alresford, SO24 9BS Tel: 01962 737286 Email: [email protected] Web: www.perinscommunity.co.uk/patchwork Ofsted registered 110105

Places available for children under 3 years from September 2012

Prospect Commercial Park

NEW purpose built units to LET

NOW AVAILABLE unit A: 600sq.ft (includes mezzanine 600 sq.ft)

unit F: 2509 sq.ft

unit G: 1100 sq.ft

A rare opportunity to rent a choice of three purpose built light industrial units. These secure units are available now and have an excellent location on Prospect Commercial Park, Alresford. Each unit comes with allocated parking spaces. Prospect Commercial Park has security gates giving

added unit safety out of working hours.

For more information please call: 01962 733097

44 | Property Management


Property Management | 45


How do you pick the right estate agent?This is often a worrying dilemma when considering

putting your home on the market. After all, you are most probably selling your greatest financial asset. So here are

some key points to consider:

Reputation & Size - How long has the company been in business and does it have national coverage and substantial resources behind it? Does its staff have professional qualifications? However do not assume that a large agency office is better, as there are distinct advantages to a smaller team of experienced people who all really know your property.

Valuation - Some agents will overvalue in order to get business. So be sure that the figure given is the result of experience and knowledge, strongly backed up with evidence. Too high a price will mean a property stagnates on the market with little interest and results ultimately in a lower sale price.

Fees - Cheaper agents need to take on large volumes of properties to make a profit. An agent that can afford to spend time on your property is much more likely to sell it sooner and for a better price.

Contracts - The best agents are those confident enough in their service to offer short or even no minimum length contracts.

Conflicts of Interest - Is the agent too interested in pushing mortgages and conveyancing? Also, don’t feel pressured to sell through the same agent that you are buying from.

Presentation & Marketing - Do they use professional pictures, floor plans and well written concise descriptions? Check that their properties are marketed in the local press and on the main internet portals.

Viewings - Some sellers, even those on the market with reputable national agents, end up doing most of their own viewings! Your agent should do all or the majority of viewings to ensure the best results and accurate feedback.

Sale Management - What is their fall through rate? You want an agent that does financial and chain checks on buyers and is actively involved in managing the sales process until exchange. Ultimately the decision may come down to gut instinct and compatibility. Do you trust this person and think that you can work with them? In short you need a qualified professional who will work hard and deal honestly with you. We strongly believe that this is exactly what Smiths Gore can offer, so please do contact us for straightforward advice on your property.

Susan WatsonSmiths Gore

Smiths Gore in Winchester - Experts in the Itchen ValleyEstablished in 1846, Smiths Gore is a national property consultancy with over 30 offices across the UK. Our residential sales team in Winchester is accredited by the National Association of Estate Agents and is dedicated to giving sound, honest advice, coupled with complete professionalism. We are located on the east side of Winchester and offer a proven track record with village and rural

properties in the Itchen Valley.

Please get in touch if you would like advice on your property, or drop in to see us at our offices at Eastgate House, opposite the King Alfred statue in Winchester.

Contact Philip Plambeck or Susan Watson to arrange a confidential appointment to discuss your property.

01962 [email protected] House, Eastgate Street, Winchester SO23 8DZ


46 | Community News

Our overall aim is to enhance the life and look of both New and Old Alresford. We want

to conserve the best of the past and promote new projects (big and small) to improve our surroundings for the future. We do not oppose all development and are keen to encourage more affordable and social housing. We help safeguard our open spaces and rural setting, and promote good architectural and landscape design in new projects.

By working with other organizations, many of our ideas are now part of Alresford life. Co-operative projects include lobbying for car parking at Perins and helping to restore the Eel House, which was crumbling into the river Arle. Using plans and drawings made by our Committee, we are currently working with the town, city and county councillors on improvements in West Street. Every year we present awards for outstanding aspects of the built and natural environment and for contributions to the quality of life. Winners include the handsome Long Barn lavender shop along the Bishop's Sutton road; the Alresford Pigs who give practical help to many; the Country Market and new Co-operative store, which encourage local shopping, and in December 2011, on the 25th anniversary of its opening in 1986, we acclaimed the landscaping and natural planting along the Alresford by-pass. Can you imagine Alresford without its by-pass now?

Membership of ALSOC is steadily growing. Members live all over the local area and (some), now scattered, have past connections. They may work full or part-time, in all sorts of occupations, or are semi- or wholly retired and many belong to all sorts of social and interest groups.

The Alresford SocietyWhat's it for and what do we do?

We want to be in touch with local thinking and ideas and to widen our membership further. Anyone with similar interests is warmly invited to join; it costs only £7.50 a year. Increasing our membership gives us more influence with partners and planners, including the Town Council, and if you want to get more involved, your ideas and experience could benefit our committee.

Members of The Alresford Society like to be engaged in all sorts of issues, whether something happening in

their road or something going on at town, city or county level. That's why the Committee (members of which are always interested to hear the ideas and opinions of local people) is involved in so many things: from contributing to the Alresford Jubilee programme, to working with the Campaign for Rural England on housing in Winchester District.

As a member, you can feel involved in these processes and meet people with similar interests. If you are concerned about any proposed development, you can usually find out more from a committee member, and our newsletters provide inside news about any changes proposed for the town.

Our social events show different and interesting aspects of our area; our contribution to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in June will be a series of fascinating guided walks, searching out our local history and natural environment. Trips outside the town include interesting houses and gardens, often guided by the owners themselves and, a first this year, seeing The Taming of the Shrew at The Globe in London.

If you would like to join us, please get more information from the Membership Secretary

Sue Alexander on 01962 732043 or email [email protected].

Property Management | 47


Cleaner sought for 4 hours a week

Martyr Worthy, flexible on days, to include light ironing duties. If you are interested please

contact Liz Winburn.

Tel: 01962 779942

Do you have a vacancy that you would like to advertise or

are you offering your services?

Then contact the editor at Forum Publications and let us

see how we can help you.

situations offered / Wanted


48 | Motors / Community News

AlRESFoRD MoToR SERvICES lTD

MOT TesT CenTre fOr:Cars, motorcycles and vans

up to 3,000kg. All makes serviced and repaired.

Class 4 MOT'sClass 1 & 2 Motorcycles

MOT'sWHILe YOU WAIT

Why not visit us and take advantage of our

loyalty scheme - simply ask Mike, Russ or Steve, for more information

when you book

UnIT 5, ShElf hoUSE, nEw fARm RoAD, AlRESfoRD, So24 9QE

MOT TEST CENTRE

• Welding specialists• Tyres for cars and motorcycles• 4 wheel laser alignment• LPG for sale for cars• Recovery services• Free collection• Diagnostic testing (including Landrover)• Courtesy cars• Certificated engineers

Tel: 01962 733888 e:[email protected]

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)

Air Ambulance, "Shelter

Box", serving disaster areas

around the world, and other

local and international Rotary

causes.

The event will cost £25.

Venue: Theatre Royal

Winchester

Telephone: 01962 840440

Promoter: Winchester Rotary

rotaryinwinchester@

googlemail.com

At the Theatre Royal

Winchester on

Monday 16 Apr

2012 at 7:30pm.

An opportunity to enjoy the

consummate, professional

newscaster Alastair Stewart

interviewing the celebrated

sure-footed politician Ann

Widdecombe. Both are freely

giving of their time and

talent to support Winchester

Rotary in raising funds for

Hampshire and Isle of Wight

An evening with Ann Widdecombe and Alastair Stewart

ADVERTISE WITH US!and reach upto 14,900 readers

in Alresford and the Itchen Valley

Eighth page placements: £39Quarter page placements: £68 Half page placements: £128Discounts are available on 3, 6 and 12 month bookings. For more information


Motors | 49


Andrews AutosourceQuality Used Cars, Carefully Selected

Approved by trading standards

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL cArS HAvE SErvicE HiSTOry www.andrews-autosource.co.uk

Taylors Garage, High Street, Droxford, SO32 3QL

01489 878 879 Evening 01962 732995

Car of the month!2010 (10) Hyundai i10 comfort 5 door, £ 30 road tax. Air conditioning, parking sensors, electric windows and mirrors, alloy wheels, remote central locking, anti-lock braking, 1 lady owner & only 6,000 miles £ 6495

PRofEssionAL vALEtinGid vALEtinG BEsPoKE sERviCE

id vALEtinG, unit 4, shELf housE industRiALnEw fARM RoAd, ALREsfoRd, so24 9QE

tEL: 07967 730584 [email protected]

WASH, lEATHER, WHEEl ClEAN

WASH, lEATHER, vAC AND WHEEl ClEAN

WASH, lEATHER, vAC, WINDoW ClEAN & WHEEl ClEAN

MINI vAlET ClEANING

opening TimesMon - fri: 7.30am - 5.00pm

open saturday: 7.30am - 11.30amAPPoINTMENTS CAN BE BooKED IN ADvANCE

All weather facility, dry and warm waiting area

IMMEDIATELYMARCH

IMPORTANT NOTICE

PLEASE READ

MILES

ADVERT PROOF

Mob: 07850 485663 Tel: 01489 571652

15 years experience

FOR FULL DETAILS OF OUR SERVICES VISIT: www.carbodyrepairsfareham.co.uk

THE MOBILE PAINTLESS DENT

REMOVAL & PAINT REPAIR

SPECIALIST -

WE COME TO YOU!

• PAINTLESS DENT REMOVAL • MINOR PANEL DAMAGE • MACHINE POLISHING • ALLOY WHEELS REPAIRED • BUMPER/MIRROR CASING SCUFFS etc.

Autobrite

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

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

Before After

IMMEDIATELYMARCH

IMPORTANT NOTICE

PLEASE READ

MILES

ADVERT PROOF

Mob: 07850 485663 Tel: 01489 571652

15 years experience

FOR FULL DETAILS OF OUR SERVICES VISIT: www.carbodyrepairsfareham.co.uk

THE MOBILE PAINTLESS DENT

REMOVAL & PAINT REPAIR

SPECIALIST -

WE COME TO YOU!

• PAINTLESS DENT REMOVAL • MINOR PANEL DAMAGE • MACHINE POLISHING • ALLOY WHEELS REPAIRED • BUMPER/MIRROR CASING SCUFFS etc.

Autobrite


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

Before After

BEFoRE

AFTER

2007 (07) hyundai Tucson 2.0 CDXi Diesel 4wD 5 door Aircon, a/wheels, trip computer, e/windows & mirrors, remote central locking, ABS, multiple airbags, leather interior, Radio CD, 2 owners. 39,000 miles £89952009 (09) Peugeot 207 Sw 1.4S Estate, 5 door, Aircon, e/windows & mirrors, remote central locking, roof bars, ABS, Radio CD, 1 lady owner, 25,000 miles £74952009 (09) Peugeot 207 Sport 1.4 5 door climate control, aircon, e/windows & mirrors, remote c/locking, ABS, multiple airbags Radio CD, 1 lady owner, 7,000 miles £74952009 (58) Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 Club 5 door, Automatic, Aircon, e/windows & mirrors, remote c/locking, Radio CD, ABS and multiple airbags, 1 lady owner, 7,400 miles £6995 2008 (08) nissan micra 1.5 Dci Diesel Accenta 5 door, £30p.a. road tax, aircon, a/wheels, e/windows, remote c/locking, ABS and multiple airbags, 11,000 miles £72952008 (08) Vw Polo 1.4 match 5 door, aircon, e/windows & mirrors, remote c/locking, multiple airbags, ABS, a/wheels, radio CD, 2 owners, 26,000 miles £69952008 (08) Vw Polo 1.2 match 5 door, aircon, e/windows & mirrors, remote c/locking, multiple airbags, ABS, a/wheels, radio CD, 1 owner, 24,000 miles £6695 2008 (57) honda Jazz 1.4 SE 5 door, aircon, a/wheels, e/windows & mirrors, ABS, multiple airbags, 1 owner 34,000 miles £6295 2007 (57) Vw Polo 1.4 Bluemotion Diesel 5 dr, £20 road tax, aircon, e/windows & mirrors, remote c/locking, multiple airbags, ABS, a/wheels, radio CD, 2 owners, 61,000 miles £6295 2004 (04) fiat Punto 1.2 Active 5 door, low insurance, Power steering, drivers and passenger airbags, fSh with invoices, 48,000 miles £27952003 (53) Peugeot 307 1.6 S Estate 5 door, aircon, a/wheels, e/windows & mirrors, ABS, multiple airbags, 2 owners 106,000 miles £1995

An AffoRDABlE ClASSIC1973 Triumph 1500 3 lady owners and only 36,000 miles from new. original service book with 18 stamps from the supplying dealer. Converted to unleaded and fitted with electronic ignition. This is a lovely car with real wood dashboard and door capings. A perfect drive, very solid and rust free. mot’d until April 2013 £2795


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


50 | Hampshire Mum

Hampshire Mum

Let's Rock!Another sojourn to the Capital City for the family

Pagan. This time the happy collision of the niece’s 16th birthday and a trip to the O2 to see Snow Patrol, heralded an overnight stay at the

Premier Inn, (we know how to live), at Borough Market.

Now one of the many problems with being an indecisive soul was the inability, at the time, to make a decision regarding a second child. The years rolled by as I grappled with should we shouldn’t we conundrum resulting in a large gap between Stars II & I. Once in their 20s the gap will barely be apparent but at present, all too often, we have to leave Star II at home with a sitter due to issues of age.

But no more! Enough of this, I thought, we are not complete when one is missing; from now on Star II will partake of all Pagan outings – ready or not! And so it was that we, along with the Immaculate In- laws, found ourselves ‘back stage’ at the O2.

At this point I would love to be able to say, at the very least, that I have a friend whose cousin’s brother is the guitarist in Snow Patrol- hence the back stage pass. But no; if you have Sky then you simply apply online for your ‘feel like a star for the night’ experience and join the throng. It’s red carpet all the way to the dimly lit bar, all rather jolly and the kids thought it was heaven on a stick.

Having donned crampons and climbed to our seats way up in the gods we acclimatized both to the altitude and decibels. Snow Patrol brilliantly belted out hit after hit; Star I, a veteran of such occasions, was in fine form as was The Husband. Much to my relief Star II was fine about the noise levels and was up dancing and singing to the known tunes, but then came a rather curious question,“Mum when will they sing ‘Paradise’ it’s my favourite.”I gently explained, “Not until June when we go to see Cold Play”.Some further explanation of bands and their back catalogues may be required.

Then having jigged around for an hour or so came the dreaded,“How much longer Mum? How many more songs?”

“Oh just two or three”. I said reassuringly, didn’t mention the encore.

No sooner had we heard “Thank you London and goodnight!” than we found ourselves back stage once more. Far from whining about going home, Star II found a second wind and a lengthy game of pool ensued.

Eventually we found our way back onto the Jubilee Line only to be faced with huge crowds due to the lack of trains. Mutterings about transport logistics and the Olympics reverberated around the platform, and then in scenes reminiscent of Tokyo in rush hour we were herded onto the train. The hour was late, a speedy journey back to Southwark was the priority, but no, the train remained resolutely static.

Star II, being limited in stature compared to our fellow travellers, fared rather well in such cramped conditions. No invasion of personal space, bad breath or body odour to contend with but instead the tantalizingly tempting red of the passenger alarm positioned at the ideal height. This fact was not lost on some of the passengers whose glares were diverted downward as a guard invited us all to get off the train due to the passenger alarm being pressed in one of the carriages. Star II was the prime suspect; guilty it would seem, until proven innocent, not helped by the continuous and loud insistence,“Mum it wasn’t ME!”Like any good mother…well I had my doubts, but when the alarm was turned off two carriages down, I felt an inner blend of piousness and relief.

It was the not until the small wee hours that we collapsed into the comfort of our beds; the Husband and I could happily have got Lenny Henry in between us, (had we had the mind….), such was the vastness of the double bed. Stars I and II slept soundly, despite the effects of mild concert induced tinnitus, and apart from a slight altercation with London Underground it had all gone rather well.

But then there’s always next time...Sandra Pagan


Motors / Community News | 51

• 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.

inspiring vocational, educational and cultural experiences. Founder President Dr. Mike Clark who led a team to Australia in the early years of the Alresford Club said, " This exchange programme brings excellent rewards for both team members and their employers, which far exceed the benefits that other management programmes may bring. Participants return with enhanced personal skills, greater confidence and a greater ability to manage both themselves and others.”For a younger age group, Rotary has been organising youth exchanges for over 60 years, providing incredible opportunities for young

Isaac Asimov started creating his Foundation series 70 years ago

and decided that Hari Seldon should build two Foundations. Rotary just has the one. The Rotary Foundation is the organization’s own charity which provides support and opportunity worldwide.

On page 16 of this issue is a page about the Study Exchange Programme designed to help young businessmen and women. There’s an opportunity to apply, if you act soon. Since 1965, the Foundation has funded more than 70,000 men and women to participate in this programme providing

Rotary exchanges provide a good foundation

people to see the world, experience a different way of life, maybe learn another language, make international friends and discover a lot about themselves whilst acting as an ambassador for their own country.

Possible options include:•Long-term:Thisexchange is open to students ages 15-19 and usually lasts 10-12 months. Most students are 16-18 years old during their exchange year. The student lives with more than one family in the host country and is required to attend school. •Short-term:This exchange is open to students ages 15-19 and ranges from several days to several weeks. It often takes place when school is not in session, and usually does not include an academic program.

For an application, please contact Colin Pope on 07802

361384 or email at [email protected] contact the club for help or get information about how to join email [email protected] Find more about us at www.alresfordrotary.co.uk and on Facebook

Ten year old jake captures the olympic spiritJake Allen from Bishop's Sutton who is a student at Sun Hill Junior School has won the Alresford Rotary Club’s young photographer competition at the junior level.

Jake’s photo portrays his vision of the competition theme which is “the olympic spirit”

52 | The Garden


AL

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DWasp Nest TreatmentsDon’t get stung!

Call for your free quote now

PEST CONTRACT SERVICES

For all your pest control needs:Wasps, Bees, Rats, Mice, Moles,

Cluster Flies, Squirrels, Cockroaches, Rabbits, Pigeons, Bird-Proofing, Emergency Wasp Nest Treatments,

Mole Trapping Specialist

Call Peter Chivers on 01256 389124or mobile: 07803 096642

BPCA Member - Fully Insured9 Stenbury Drive, Preston Candover, Basingstoke

AL

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Traditional lime mortarsPeriod building repairsFlagstone/Brick paving

Lime plasterwork27 years experience (references available)

Friendly practical advice on design and build

Call John Coomber on 07973 452737

Traditional lime mortarsPeriod building repairsFlagstone/Brick paving

Lime plasterwork27 years experience (references available)

Friendly practical advice on design and build

Call John Coomber on 07973 452737

FLINTKNAPPER RESTORATIONSFlint and Stone Specialist

Chris MatthewsTree Care and Woodland Management

• Tree surgery / TPo applications• Hedge maintenance• Fencing / Garden structures• Woodland management / tree planting

Qualified in arboriculture and countrsyide management. 15 years experience

Tel: 01962 732498 Mob: 07879 448141

Complete Garden ConstructionProfessional Garden Design & Construction

LANDSCAPING & BRICKWORK SERVICES • GARDEN MAKEOVERS • PATIOS & DRIVEWAYSTURFING & FENCING • FLINTWORK • GARDEN MAINTENANCE (LAWNS , HEDGES ETC )

AND GARDEN CLEARANCE

ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN BY EXPERIENCED LOCAL TRADESMENLOCAL SHOW GARDENS & REFERENCES AVAILABLE

OFFICE: 01962 735750 MOBILE: 07766 [email protected] www.completegardenconstruction.co.uk

The shingled roof of the Pool House squats on the east wall like a

Samurai helmet and a rising sun behind warms the wings of a pair of passage Short Eared Owls hunting earnestly in the field next door. There is something therapeutic and cathartic about tidying up for the spring, out with the old and in with the new. Raking out dead leaves, cutting back tightly the stubs of herbaceous stems, pricking over the soil, removing early weeds and dressing the borders with compost, if you have it. In the Grass Border, as the purple Callicarpa berries pale, I have started the annual spring haircut.

Having played with the frost and low light of early spring to wonderful effect, wispy brown grass stems and seed heads from last year can be cut back now with a serrated kitchen knife or secateurs, to form neat bristly domes, with any ragged evergreen specimens...Deschampsia caespitosa, Stipa gigantea, or proud low flat topped mohawks with herbaceous varieties. Along the lawn edge drifts the soft scent of Prunus Cerasifera ‘Nigra’ filling the gap being left by the heavier

Monday 9 & Wednesday Apr 25: Abbey Cottage, Itchen Abbas. Enclosures on different levels create an inspirational garden. The adjoining meadow contains specimen trees, an orchard, spring bulbs and a plantation of native trees. 12noon – 5pm. Adm £4. Plants for sale, teas.

Sunday Apr 15: Bramdean House, Bramdean. Beautiful 5-acre garden on chalk, famous for mirror-image herbaceous borders. Carpets of bulbs in the spring. Small arboretum.

First of the Mohicansand all pervasive scent of the Himalayan Sarcococca confusa, which has charmed us all since Christmas. Although the smell in my nostrils is sweet, the taste in my mouth is acrid, metallic, like blood. Even at a hundred yards away, on a still day, I can taste the particles of ferrous sulphate from the moss killer as Kate strides the lawn, North to South, spreading medicinal sand in tight arced patterns like filings on paper, as if there were a great magnet just beneath the green. A little rain is forecast which will wash in the moss-toxic formula and prevent the turf from turning a dull black, and Iron (Fe), being a component of chlorophyll, will green the lawns. After a quick scarify to remove any dead moss, the first cut will be next week. This year in particular, some of these bright days in March have been the most peerless jewels in which to be out in a garden makes complete sense. A single line paraphrases hauntingly in my head that perhaps…. ‘ The nearer we grow toward death, the louder the sun blooms’ (DT) Julian BlackwellHead Gardener at Dean House Kilmeston www.deanhousegardens.co.uk

Boxwood castle. 2pm - 5pm. Adm £4. Plants for sale. Teas.

Saturday Apr 21: Hinton Ampner, Alresford. 12 acres C20 created by Ralph Dutton. Manicured lawns and topiary combine with unusual shrubs, climbers and herbaceous plants. Vibrant dahlias alternate in spring with tulips. Orchard with spring bulbs. 10am - 6pm. Adm to garden only £7, chd £3.50. Plants for sale. Teas.

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The Garden | 53


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series of measures I think will really help. The NewBuy Guarantee Scheme launched last month tackles the deposit problem head on and I am pleased to see is led by the Home Builders’ Federation and the Council of Mortgage Lenders. Whereas mortgage applicants are typically required to give a deposit of 15-20 per cent at the moment, NewBuy makes it possible for first-time buyers and existing home owners to get a mortgage on a new-build property with only a 5 per cent deposit. NewBuy is not a stand-alone measure (we have also relaunched the iconic Right to Buy) and there is much more I think Government could do, such as reintroduce the stamp duty holiday for first time buyers. Please see more about it all on my website at www.stevebrine.com/first-time-buyers.

Young people in my opinion have every right to believe if they work hard, do the right thing and save, they can get on the property ladder and I welcome the steps this Government is taking to reinforce and even lower the bottom rung of that ladder.

Finally, can I just add my congratulations to the brilliant Caracoli for their recent national award. A Saturday morning trip to their Broad Street store is a real treat for me and Emily and now the rest of the country knows our very special little Alresford (and growing fast) secret!

If you would like to get in touch on any issue you feel strongly about or need my help, please don't hesitate to get in touch via [email protected]. There is also a huge amount of information about my work locally at www.stevebrine.com/whereyoulive.

Steve Brine MP

Since my last column for the Forum magazine there has

been so much going on, locally and in Westminster, it is hard to know where to start but let me focus this month on the issue of first time buyers.

The prospects these days for first time buyers ever getting on the housing ladder look bleak and as well all know this is a subject very pertinent to Winchester. That is why I recently led a House of Commons debate on the subject.

Since 2008, the number of first-time buyers has declined from a long-term average of around 500,000 a year to just 200,000 and of course, one of the key factors for this is the astonishing rise in average house prices over the last twenty years relative to earnings. But although the housing shortage and high prices have conspired against first-time buyers, undoubtedly the biggest obstacle facing people who want to own their first home lies in the size of the deposit required before even being considered for a mortgage.

This Government is determined to take action and recently announced a

Steve Brine M.Pyear? The total reserve at Hampshire is over £200 million, and it is the opposition's argument that it is extremely unlikely that it will be needed to cover the whole range of contingencies within one year. The administration disagrees and so, unspent, the reserves grow even as services are cut, or people are charged more.

But what seem to be the priorities in New Zealand? Many towns have a clear zero waste policy, and children's play and early years education feature high on the list. Roads are generally good too, with marked cycling lanes in urban areas. The Department for Conservation does an excellent job, but I didn't see a policeman at all.If you had to redesign Council services from scratch, what would be your priorities?

Jackie PorterTel 01962 791054 email: [email protected] www.jackieporter.mycouncillor.org.uk

out. Meetings take place at St.Gregory's Pastoral Centre on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm.

New members and visitors are always given a warm, welcoming reception For further information please contact [email protected], [email protected]

When you read this, I will be back from a trip

to New Zealand; it was the holiday of a lifetime.

The scenery was amazing of course, but I was particularly impressed by the people of all ages that we met who had been working in or living near Christchurch at the time of the earthquake. Their descriptions of that day and how they lived with 10,000 aftershocks were a clear reminder of how communities have to cope long after the newspaper reporters have left the scene. Somehow, it makes you realise that you have to re-evaluate your priorities in life.

Hampshire's Fire and Rescue services send teams to help in these emergencies, and this event was no exception. Thus, thankfully, our Council tax payment contributes to the rescue and relief efforts by sending out UK teams.

When the County Council agrees to a 0% increase, who knows what contingencies will be needed during the

This year we will be celebrating forty years of the W.I.

in New Alresford and an exciting programme has been organised to include excellent speakers on a wide variety of topics as well as a celebration party. Members and friends will be off to the Netherlands in May to visit the world famous 'Floriade' exhibition. May also sees us at the Watercress Festival where our stall once again will feature a lucky dip.

Other years have seen a 'sheep dip', 'owls roost' and a 'frog pond'. What will it be this year? Do come and find

Jackie's county corner

New Alresford W.I

The Garden | 55


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Alresford Forum Issue 65

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Transcript of Alresford Forum Issue 65