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Alresford & Itchen VAlley forum

ISS

UE

66

MA

Y 2

012YOUR FREE & INFORMATIVE LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

DON'T MISS THE BINKYBEAR COMPETITION

ON PAGE 6

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To advertise call: 01962 735137 MAY ISSUE 66

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

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

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

Every ThursdayTown Trust MarketBroad Street, 9am - 1pm

Tuesday 1st MayVisit to Exbury GardensAlresford Horticultural SocietyCoach leaves Station Car Park at 9.30am. Enquiries to Tony Bravery on 01962 733676

Friday 4th MayAlresford Art SocietyAnnual General Meetingfollowed by Tom Yendellof The Mouth & Foot Painting Association at The ARC, Alresford at 7.30pm.For information contact 01962 736751, email [email protected] or visit [email protected]

Saturday 5th May 345 Preschool Jumble SaleFrom 10am until 12.00 noonMethodist Hall, 24 Jacklyns Lane, Alresford. 345 Preschool Jumble Sale and Cake Sale.Admission 20p. Clothes donations for the sale also welcome – please contact Candyce Primmer to arrange collection on 07850431501 or 01420 88898.

Monday 7th May Cheriton Village FeteFor more information on the Fete see page 50 of the magazine.

Wednesday 9th MayMother's comment 'What on earth do you want to keep goats for?' With our local authority Mary Dore . 7.30pm Phair Hall of the Town Hall in the Community Centre. Enquiries to Tony Bravery on 733676

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

Friday 18th May 2012Friends of Itchen Abbas School Quiz Night. Itchen Abbas & Avington Village Hall. A fun evening and a chance to test your general knowledge skills! Bring a team of up to 8 people or join a table when you arrive.Fish & Chip Supper (or vegetarian alternative). Cash Bar & Raffle. Tickets £12.50 each. Booking Forms available from: Fiona Micklefield - 01962 779832. [email protected]

Wednesday 16th MayAlresford Historical & Literary Society Talk A talk by Peter Finn“The Popham to Winchester Turnpike” 7:15 for 7:30pm at the Methodist Hall, Jacklyns Lane, Visitors are welcome, £3.00 at the door. Refreshments are provided.

Sunday 20th MayAlresford Eel House Open to the public for the day.

Sunday 20th May Alresford Watercress Festival 10-4pm. FREE food festival celebrating the watercress harvest, with street cavalcade at 10.30, huge Hampshire Farmers' Market, cookery demos, watercress soup competition, craft stalls, live music, face painting, circus skills, petting farm, Spider Mountain, falconry displays, watercress farm tours, Victorian policemen on stilts and the famous Watercress Eating Championships - can

you break the Guinness World Record?! Full details on www.watercressfestival.org or pick up a free programme.

Sunday 20th MaySt John’s Café at The Watercress FestivalCome and enjoy tea/coffee and home made cakes whilst you are at the Watercress Festival on Sunday. We are open from 11am in the John Pearson Hall.

Saturday 26th May Bramdean Village Fete From 2:00 to 4:30 pm in the Gardens of Bramdean House. Entry £1 for adults and children free. Stalls & teas as well as children’s activities plus Denmead Brass band performing. For details please contact Jonathan on 01962 771354.

Saturday 26th MaySun Hill Junior School Olympic Spring Fair A fun afternoon for everyone - all welcome! Displays by Sun Hill children, BBQ, magic show, bargain plants, books and toys, Olympic Bake Off Competition, bouncy castles, tombolas, cafe, tuck shop, chocolate fountain, Sun Hill Salon (hair, nails, face painting, tattoos), traditional egg throwing competition and much more. Can you help us? Plant stall – if you have spare plants, or room in your greenhouse to ‘mind’ some young plants, please contact Mandy ([email protected]). Toys, games, books, cds, dvds etc – to donate unwanted items, please contact Sara ([email protected]) to arrange collection.

Wednesday 30th May Forget Me Not Clothes Sale9am – 5pm. At Alresford Community Centre. Everyone is invited to see the latest beautiful collection of pre owned clothes.Top end labels at low prices, what’s not to love! 10% will go to Naomi House Hospice. Contact – Katie 07771 855912www.forgetmenotsales.co.uk

Thursday 31st MayAs part of the World Week for Peace in Palestine and IsraelRabbi Danny Rich Will speak on the subject of: ‘Zionism: the case for fair-mindedness on all sides’The John Pearson Hall. St John’s Church, Alresford, SO24 9AG Event begins at 7pm with light supper of Middle Eastern foodTalk begins at 7.45pm, followed

by questions/discussion of issues raised. Tickets: £5 to include supper.From County News in Alresford, or from Miranda Pinch 01962 732064, [email protected]

Saturday 2nd June Kilmeston Village Fete, From 2pm to 4pm - Dean House, Kilmeston. By kind permission of Philip & Martha Gwyn. A traditional village fete set in the grounds of Dean House Gardens providing fun for the whole family. Jubilee theme with awards for the best Jubilee crowns. A great variety of games, activities, stalls and events including auction of promises at 3pm. Enjoy tea and homemade cakes in the Orangery and Pimms and strawberries on the lawn. More details on page 16.

Tuesday 5th June 2012 Avington Park Box WalkTo celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee the Box Walk around Nell Gwynn’s bathing pool will be open, from 10.00 am to 6.00pm. Start at Avington Park House, walk through the village, round the park, through the gate leading to the Box Walk and along the river and back to the house for a glass of wine/tea/coffee and a slice of Jubilee Cake! Approx 2 mile – all welcome. Dogs on leads please.In aid of St Mary’s Church, Avington and The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund. Minimum donation £5.00 please.

Thursday 7th to Saturday 9th JuneGoldilocks and the Three BearsYou are invited to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee in the company of the children and young people of ACTS and the Sunshine Singers in a performance of Goldilocks and the Three Bears based on one of Roald Dahl’s revolting rhymes. This is a musical suitable for everyone of all ages by Helen MacGregor and Stephen Chadwick. Sun Hill Infant School, New AlresfordThursday - Friday performances 7pm. Saturday at 3pm and 7pmTickets (£6 adults, £3 for 16s and under, cheques payable to ACTS) from: Sue Lees, Oban, 92 Jacklyns Lane, Alresford Tel: 01962 732574, email: [email protected]

There are additional May events and Jubilee events throughout the magazine.

Dates for your diary

ISSUE 66 MAY www.alresfordforum.co.uk

4 | Contents

Alresford & Itchen Valley Forum

Inside this months issueAlresford & Itchen Valley Forum

May 2012

Competition Page06 Binky Bear Competition

Community News03 Dates for your diary

08 Church Services and News

11 Help needed for the Alresford Minibus Fund

16 Diamond Jubilee Celebrations - Kilmeston - Martyr Worthy - Candover Valley - St.Marys Church - Churches Together in Alresford18 Useful local information

6

16

10

26

20 Alresford Town Council Reports

22 Clubs and Societies

24 Rotary - Grounds for Celebration

26 Watercress Festival 2012

28 Daydream Line-up confirmed

30 The Alresford Society

34 Your Letters

34 Monty Python at Pax Hill Care Home

36 Alresford Surgery News

Leisure & Entertainment07 Alresford Music Festival 2012

09 Sparsholt Countryside day 10 High Adrenaline comes to the Test Valley

Pet andAnimal Care11 Page 11

Hampshire Mum

12 The hills are alive...

Professional Services13 14, 15 & 17

IT Services14 Page 14

Home Services19 Also see pages 21, 23, 24 & 25

The Home28 Also pages 29, 31 & 52

Food & Drink32 Recipe of the Month - Epoisse Cheese Also pages 33 & 34

Health & Beauty35 Also pages 36 & 37

Want to Contribute? Send your copy to [email protected] and someone from our editorial team will speak to you as soon as possible. Please note: editorial is not guaranteed publication.


Contents | 5

Alresford & Itchen Valley Forum

May 2012

www.luminata.co.uk [email protected]

DESIGNED BY

luminataI L L U M I N AT I N G I D E A S

Station Mill, Station Road,Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9JQ

t: 01962 735137m: 0774 385 9373

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Magazine EditorMark Tubb

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

CopywritersGill Grant, Hampshire Mum

Advertisingt: 01962 735137 (9am - 5.30pm)

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

the Monday 14th May. All advertdesigns must be finalised

and approved byFriday 18th May. Any content

not approved by this datewill not be publicised.

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

© Forum Publications Ltd, 2012

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

Community News

36 Rotary 10K Roadrace and Fun Runs

36 Charity feels the 'Pinch'

38 Apprentice positions for patchwork nursery

38 Alresford Pigs Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

40 George Hollingbery MP launches Cherry Tree Pre-School relocation fund

43 Situations Offered/ Wanted

44 Alresford Chamber of Commerce News

44 Girl Guiding Alresford

46

50

46 What do you think? Coffee, Anyone?

47 Forthcoming events at the Theatre Royal

48 The Currant Situation

50 Dance your way into the Summer!

50 Kilmeston Village Fete

50 Cheriton Village Fete 2012

50 Alresford Music Festival Public Notice

50 ACTS - Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Building Services39 Page 39

32

Parent & Child40 Page 40

Property Management41 Also see page 43

Politics42 Steve Brine M.P

42 Jackie's county

Motors44 Also see pages 2, 45, and 47

The Garden48 Also see pages 49 and 51


6 | Competition Page

Binky in Trouble

Binky Bear is coming back to town to launch his second book, Binky in Trouble, at the

Watercress Festival on Sunday May 20th. His stall will be near The Bell, as it was last year, and he would love you to drop by and shake his paw.

Binky in Trouble tells the story of Binky's latest adventure, which took place last Summer in Winchester. It was a lovely sunny day and Binky was enjoying a picnic but things did not go according to plan and Binky found himself in trouble, aided and encouraged by his two great friends, Dog and Owl.

Binky is very excited about a competition he has dreamed up especially for you. All you have to do is name the animals on the crest of the archway that leads into The Cathedral Close from Kingsgate, in Winchester.

Send your answer to Binky (himself) at [email protected]. The closing date for the competition is Friday

May 18th. The first correct answer will win a special photograph of Binky and a copy of Binky in Trouble, signed by the authors.

Throughout the Summer of 2011, Binky was photographed in Winchester and Binky in Trouble contains beautiful photographs of him and his companions, a real owl and a dog. The story is written in rhyme. Binky in Trouble is the second book in the Binky series. The first book, Binky’s Big Adventure, was published in April 2011 and has become a best seller. Binky in Trouble will appeal to children and bear enthusiasts of all ages. The book contains a map, so you too can have a day out in Winchester, starting perhaps with a picnic and you can follow in Binky's footsteps. Binky's Winchester walk will take you through some of the loveliest parts of the city and there are places to picnic, to feed ducks and of course to buy cake.

For anyone who has not heard of Binky, he is a very furry bear, about 40 cm high. His favourite outfit is a dark green velvet waistcoat with three shiny gold buttons. He often sports a spotted handkerchief around his neck. You will recognise him as soon as you see him.

Binky Bear is the creation of Moira Blackwell and Liz Nankivell who both live and work close to Alresford. You can find out more about Binky on his website www.binkybear.co.uk and you can follow the authors on Twitter @AllAboutBinky. He is a very special little bear.

Competition

Competition

TWO STAGES OF LIVE MUSICFeaturing…

THE HATTIE JACQUES’ PLAYLIST‘TIL DUSK • CHARLEY MACAULAY • SCARLET SOHO …plus many more, visit our website for more information and the full line up.

BUY TICKETS ONLINE

9th JUNEARLEBURY PARK, ALRESFORD

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RD SKATEBOARD PARK EXTENSIONwww.alresfordmusicfestival.comTICKETS ALSO AVAILABLE FROM

COUNTY NEWS, 6 WEST STREET, ALRESFORD SO24 9AT & HAYWARD GUITARS, 38 STOCKBRIDGE RD, WINCHESTER SO23 7BZ

More than just great music…ZORBING, CIRCUS ACTS, STREET DANCE WORKSHOPS, CRAFT ACTIVITIES, MUSIC WORKSHOPS & MUCH MORE!PLUS A WIDE RANGE OF FOOD STALLS, MERCHANDISE,

FESTIVAL VILLAGE & THE ‘BIG TOP’ BAR.CHILDREN UNDER 9 GET IN FREE!

SUPPORTING ALRESFORD YOUTH ASSOCIATION & JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION

AMF FORUM AD 2012 MAY.indd 1 18/04/2012 14:07

8 | Church Services & News


St. John the BaptiSt New Alresford Sunday 6th May 08.30 Quiet Communion Sunday 13th May 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Second Sunday Service Sunday 20th May 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Choral Communion 18.00 Sunday @ Six Unity Service Sunday 27th May 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion Midweek Services 08.30 Every Saturday: Quiet Communion 10.00 Every Friday: Holy Communion 12.00 Tuesday - Friday: Midday Prayer 14.00 Every Monday: Prayer Time Parish Office 01962 733545 www.stjohnsalresford.org.uk St.MaRY'S Old Alresford Sunday 13th May 11.00 Parish Communion Sunday 20th May 11.00 Morning Prayer Sunday 27th May 11.00 Parish communion St.peteR'S Ovington Sunday 6th May 10.00 First Sunday Sunday 13th May 10.00 Parish Communion Sunday 20th May 10.00 Parish Communion Saturday 27th May 10.00 Choral Mattins

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 6th May 11.00 All Age Service Sunday 13th May 11.00 Parish Communion Sunday 20th May 11.00 Morning Prayer Sunday 27th May 11.00 Parish Communion

St.MaRY'S Avington Sunday 6th May 08.00 Holy Communion 11.00 Morning Service Sunday 13th May 08.00 Holy Communion

St.MaRY'S Easton Sunday 13th May 08.00 Holy Communion Sunday 20th May 10.00 Parish Communion with childrens activities Sunday 27th May 12.00 Duck Race and BBQ Fun Day

St.John'S Itchen Abbas Sunday 6th May 12.30 Evening Service with Bible Study Sunday 13th May 10.00 Parish Communion 11.00 Rogation Walk Sunday 27th May 08.00 Holy Communion

St.SWithUn'S Martyr Worthy Sunday 20th May 08.00 Holy Communion

Sunday 27th May 10.00 Parish Communion

UppeR itChen BeneFiCe Sunday 6th May 10.00 Kilmeston Benefice Communion and Sunday School Sunday 13th May 08.30 Beauworth Holy Communion 09.30 Cheriton Holy Communion 11.00 Tichborne Family Service and Sunday School 11.00 Bramdean Holy Communion 11.00 Hinton Communion by extension 15.00 Church in the Wood Evensong Sunday 20th May 08.30 Tichborne Holy Communion 09.30 Cheriton Rogation 11.00 Hinton Prayer & Praise Sunday 27th May 08.30 Beauworth Holy Communion 09.30 Cheriton Holy Communion 11.00 Bramdean Morning Worship 11.00 Kilmeston Holy Communion 15.00 Church in the Wood Evensong 15.00 Tichborne Evensong


10 | Leisure & Entertainment

You may have already heard about the new high ropes course in Harewood Forest just south of the A303 near Andover. It’s called TreeRunners and is proving extremely popular with local

families and groups of friends looking for a bit of outdoor adventure.

The company have invested £300,000 in the new venture and employed the leading French high ropes course builder to create a tree top adventure to rival any other high ropes course on the continent. And it’s right here in our own Test Valley! There are 56 elements organized over 6 courses. 2 courses for ‘acorns’ (aged

6-9), though 4 and 5 year olds can go up on the course if accompanied by an adult helper, and 4 courses for saplings (10-17) and Oaks (18+).

There are plenty of tree to tree zip lines, Tarzan swings, Cargo nets and there are even two elements that incorporate a snowboard and a bicycle up there in the trees!

One aspect that is proving particularly popular with schools and scout groups, as well as mums and dads, is the special safety carabiners used to harness climbers to the safety lines. These mean that adults do not have to accompany

under 18s on the course - a common stipulation found at other ropes courses around the country.

I spoke to Deborah Armstrong from Stockbridge who told us her family were on their 3rd visit! (It’s only been open the same number of weeks Deborah!). They were there on the opening day, her son had his birthday party there and then they were back again during the Easter holidays. She said ”It is great to have something like this on our doorstep. It's outdoors, it's challenging and it's fun for all the family. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the more challenging courses, and even though our youngest is too young for the Treerunning, she can get involved and have fun in the play area. The staff are excellent, it is good value for money, and the coffee is good too!"

Off peak and peak prices for acorns are £9 and £12, £15 and £20 for saplings and £20 and £25 for Oaks. TreeRunners can also cater for parties, stag n’ hens, schools and work do’s. I am glad to say I overcame my issues with vertigo to take to the ropes and I must say I felt safe, exhilarated and I will be returning with the children very soon - The Editor

For more information on tree runners visit: www.treerunners.com Tel: 07775 775688 [email protected]

High AdrenalineComes to the Test Valley


Pet and Animal Care / Leisure & Entertainment | 11

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.

We offer tennis lessons for adults & children of all abilities, including Tots Tennis for 3 - 4 year

olds & Cardio Tennis for adults. To book on the above courses or to find out

more, contact Donna at [email protected]

Come along and try a session for free to see what our lessons are all about – all places must be

booked – quote DPT/May12

Do you love dogs?Could you welcome a dog into your home

whilst his owner is on holiday?If so and you can answer “yes” to ALL of the followingquestions Wagging Tails would love to hear from you:

- Do you have experience of owning a dog?

- Do you have a private secure home

and garden?

- Are you at home during the day?

- Do you enjoy walking?

- Do you currently own one well

socialised, friendly dog?

OR

- Currently have no dogs of your own?

Give a dog a holiday!

[email protected] 023 80600 511

The Alresford Minibus Fund needs £27,000 in the next 4 years

to 31/12/15. The bus helps both the community and businesses by providing inter alia weekly trips into Alresford.

Pam Stevens & Robin Atkins of the New Alresford Town Trust have created a special scheme, whereby businesses

Help needed for theAlresford Minibus Fund

can agree to pay £250 per annum for each of next 4 years in return for putting their logo on the minibus. Alternatively all one off donations, however small, would be gratefully received by the Minibus Fund.

For more information on the Alresford Minibus service please contact Pam Stevens on 01962 734861

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

email: [email protected]

12 | Community News


Hampshire Mum

The Hills are Alive...

With the sound of Star I and chums on a school ski trip. Actually, not so much hills at this time of year but rather, if you want copious snow, mountains. Months have

been spent paying for the trip and collecting all the various necessities on ‘The List’ - an epic tome of biblical proportions.

Now I realize that, as a responsible parent, one is meant to encourage a degree of independence in one’s offspring, hence I really should have allowed Star I to pack. But no. Sorry, that would have been beyond unwise; you need more than one pair of shorts, two pairs of pants, two t-shirts, a ‘Rolling Stones’ belt and The Husband’s Issey Miyake aftershave to tackle a red run.

There are few sights more amusing than The Husband wrestling with the zip on the holdall.

“What HAVE you got in here Sandra, this is ridiculous!!!”

“Only the necessities from ‘The List’, love.”

The Husband, of course, would not even have given so much as a cursory glance to said list so would not have read the request regarding the food…

‘Please provide sufficient food for the duration of our 24 hr. journey.’

And so it was I found myself in our market town’s ‘Good with Food’ emporium. My fellow shoppers seemed convinced, in light of doom-laden prophecies regarding petrol, that I was panic buying. Did they have any idea of how much a teenager can consume in a 24 hr period? ‘Tis the stuff of nightmares!

I was regretting the decision not to get a trolley for fear of appearing greedy. The weight of the wire basket was cutting off the circulation in my arm as I staggered towards the checkout.

The golden chocolate Easter bunny was perched precariously on top of the sliced melon selection, a balanced diet clearly. I could hazard a guess at which would be consumed first and

whether the juice from the melon would be drunk or left to leak over everything else.

The ‘Bag for Life’ took on a whole new meaning, as it was crammed with the vital victuals of teenage subsistence. Star I did actually contribute to this part of the preparation by purchasing an enormous bag of onion rings. Pity the adjacent chum that was to witness the demolition and after-effects of that.

The following day was not only the end of the school term and the start of the Easter holidays but departure day for the ski trip. This required complex bag swapping and general luggage handling, not forgetting the food, obviously. I had precise instructions from Star I:

‘Meet me at the office at 3:15 and we can swap all the stuff over, I give you smelly PE kit and you give me the food, and then …well you can...’

“What? Go?” Hold it together now, Sandra.

‘Err…. well yeah … if you want.’

It was 3.15pm. I was positioned outside the school office as instructed, bags at the ready. I even had a spare shirt, which was just as well, as there had been an incident in the art department with some black paint.

But as for then simply going? You have to be kidding, no way! I had paid for this trip, nearly lost an arm in the supermarket, taken out a second mortgage for Boots and Sports Direct and basically organized the whole thing. I wasn’t going anywhere!

Plus, how would it look if I were the only Mother who didn’t turn up to wave their loved one off? I would, of course, be discreet - no horns, bunting, banners or tears. Just a cheery wave as I chatted with the other parents.

And that is what happened. Oh, apart from getting a hug, a kiss and a ‘thanks Mum’ from Star I.

All is not lost - Sandra Pagan

Professional Services | 13


Hampshire’s Premier Auction Rooms

in an unrivalled out of town setting just off the M3

regular auctions of fine art, antiques and decorative furnishings which include:

Pictures, jewellery, silver, furniture, Medals, Ceramics, toys, Collectables and garden effects.

free sales valuations‘live’ on-line bidding

illustrated internet cataloguesinternational reputation

Complete range of professional valuation services

house clearance - single item to whole contentsas seen on BBC ‘flog it’

for no oBligation Confidential adviCe Call

01962 735988www.andrewsmithandson.com

the auCtion rooMs Manor farM itChen stoKe, nr winChester so24 oQt tel: 01962 735988 email: [email protected]

Oakleaf Stationery LtdOFFICE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

We provide everything for the office, from computers &

furniture to paperclips!

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

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

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

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


14 | I.T. services / Professional Services

Shaun ParfettIT Solutions

• Microsoft small Business specialist & Certified Professional• home user it assistance of almost any nature, at times to suit you

Tel: 07900 [email protected]

Richard Steel & Partners

family owned funeral directors

alderman house, 12-14 City road,

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

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

four generations since 1860

PLACE A MINI-AD IN THE FORUM FOR AS LITTLE AS £20

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Legal and tax advice about multi-generation property ownershipADVERTISE WITH US!

and reach upto 14,900 readers in Alresford and the Itchen Valley



Private Tutor with 9 years experience teaching GSCE and A-level

Biology, English and German (Native Speaker)

Contact Christiane (MSc MA) on: 07943 839868



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16 | Community News


16 | Community News

Martyr Worthy Jubilee Celebrations. will be held on Saturday 2nd

June between 1pm and 6pm we are inviting all local people to discover ‘The Hidden Secrets of Martyr Worthy.‘ Please bring a picnic to Texas field (off the B3047 by the war memorial) and then enjoy a trail visiting some of the hidden parts of the village, including a number of gardens of different sizes but all of interest. In addition there will be two river walks lasting about one hour each (starting at 2pm and 3.30pm) along the banks of the Itchen, conducted by Simon Ffennell, and each limited to 25 people.

Throughout the afternoon there will be an exhibition of ‘Martyr

St. Mary's Church in Old Alresford will be celebrating on Monday

4th June from 7.30pm. Bring a picnic and watch the Jubilee Concert from Buckingham Palace relayed to the church.

10.15pm - Lighting of the beacon on the church tower. 10.30pm - Watch H.M.The Queen light the National Beacon10.45pm - Organ music from a royal occasion.

Wine and fruit juice will be on sale at the concert.

Martyr Worthy

St.Mary's Church

Worthy through the Ages’ in the village hall, where tea and cakes, ice cream and soft drinks will be on sale. There will also be a children’s secret treasure hunt and quiz.

The charge for the ‘Hidden Secrets’ trail will be £5 per person (children 12 and below free): tickets can be purchased in advance from Yvette Riley on 01962 779177 or by email [email protected], or can also be bought on the day at Texas field. On presentation of tickets from 1pm onwards, we will provide a map and detailed instructions for the trail. The charge for the river walk will be £5 per person: tickets can be purchased in advance from Yvette as above and also on the day, if still available, at Texas field.

Well behaved dogs on leads will be welcome but NO dogs please on the river walks.

Diamond JubileeCelebrations

CandoverValley

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ALRESFORD

Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

SundAy 3Rd June AT STRATTon BATeS RecReATIon GRound

11am - a diamond jubilee service for all(Churches together in alresford)

12.15pm - 'the Big lunch', bring your own picnic and share with her Majesty in the Biggest lunch being held throughout the uK!

1.30pm - 3pm - 'the jubilee olympics' games and races for families and individuals

PLEASE NOTE: If wet - Service and Picnic will take place in St John's Church

For more information on the big lunch visit: www.thebiglunch.com

By kind permission of Philip and Martha Gwyn

Finishing at 4pm with… Awards for the Best Jubilee Crowns

Followed by a Royal Toast and Slice of Celebration Cake

Adults £1.00 Children Free

STALLS Bric-a-brac; books; plants; toys;

tombola; cakes; CD’s & DVD’s

GAMES Coconut Shy; Toss the Bale

Loop the Bottle; Golf; and many more

ACTIVITIES

Air Rifles; Tug of War; Ride in a Vintage Car;

Face Painting; and much more

CREAM TEAS, COFFEE & HOMEMADE CAKES SERVED IN THE ORANGERY

PONY RIDES

PIMMS ON THE LAWN

A WALK IN DEAN GARDENS

CHAMPAGNE DRAW & BARREL OF BEER

AUCTION OF PROMISES (3pm) & RAFFLE

STRAWBERRIES & ICE CREAM

Dean House Gardens Kilmeston Village

Saturday 2nd June 2012 2pm – 4pm

The Candover Valley is coming together to celebrate 60 years of the

Queen’s reign with a weekend of fun for all the family. There will be a party at the Royal Court of Preston Candover, The Purefoy Arms on Saturday night, 2nd June from 6pm. Join the Knights of the Brown Table and hunt for the stolen queen's diamond during a family fun day. There will be an event at Brown Candover cricket field on the 3rd of June from 11am and Beacons will be lit by local communities across the country on Monday evening, 4th June. The Candover Beacon will be lit at 6pm in Chilton Manor field, Chilton Candover.This marks the end of the weekend celebrations. Fancy dress thoroughly encouraged at every event!

Free entry for all valley villagers, donations welcome. For more information: 01256 389099 or [email protected]



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18 | 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 | 19


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20 | 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 2nd May. The Louisiana JazzmenAppearing next month on the 6th JuneCuff Billett’s New Europa 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

are encompassing all community needs for the next 20 years. To ensure the plan reflects all your needs there is a public meeting scheduled to take place at The ARC to cover:-

Housing, Parking, Traffic and the Local Economy7.30pm, Thursday, 17th May.

Extension of Skate-Park at Arlebury ParkFollowing a public meeting to discuss the proposed extension to the skate park to make it more suitable for BMX as well as skate board riders, we have submitted an application for funding to Sport England. In the meantime, the young people who use the facilities are planning ways in which they can make a contribution towards the costs themselves.

Alresford Town Trust Mini-busThe Town Council contributes towards the running costs of the yellow bus used by residents who have difficulties in getting out and about. This is a door to door return journey service with weekly Friday morning trips into Alresford and also to Sainsbury’s in Alton, Badger Farm and Kempshot. It also visits Petersfield and Winchester town centres. Fares vary between £1.50 and £4.50. Unfortunately you cannot use a bus pass. If you need this service please contact Pam Stevens on 01962 734861. The Pigs and Rotary take trips further afield in the summer, Pam will know more.

Help Re-establish Local BusesA local volunteer group has

Two Hour ParkingIt has been agreed that we should approach Winchester City Council (WCC) with a recommendation that parking in the Town Centre should be consistent at two hours in Broad Street, West Street, Station Road and The Dean. Currently we have a situation where West Street and Station Road are restricted to a one hour period. This should avoid the current confusion. If WCC accept our recommendation it will come into effect late in the year.

Town PlanThe Localism Bill recognises both Town and Neighbourhood plans, although the latter carries statutory backing and has to be recognised by the Planning Authority whilst a Town Plan does not, but may be recognised and adopted by WCC. We have opted to produce a Town Plan as it is easier and less expensive and this may be upgraded to a Neighbourhood Plan at a later date. Meetings to develop a Town Plan tend to be dominated by the need to provide 400 – 500 additional dwellings in Alresford over the next 20 years to support WCC’s Local Development Framework. However, we believe that we should be looking at the wider implications of how Alresford should develop over this period.

Surrounding areas are also reliant on Alresford for many vital services so we have invited input from the neighbouring villages to ensure we

recently been formed to campaign for improved bus services in the town and encourage people to make more use of local shops. In order to help them with this endeavour please complete the questionnaire on www.surveymonkey.com/s/AlresfordShopsBuses or complete the survey form available in town.

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. May Meeting ScheduleAll meetings are held at 7.30pm at Alresford Recreation Centre

Full Town Council - 10th MayTourism - 16th May Recreation - 24th May Planning - 30th May

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

ViewsIf you have a view or an issue that you wish to express to the Council please call or write to:- New Alresford Town Council, Town Offices, Alresford Recreation Centre, The Avenue, Alresford SO24 9EP. Tel: 01962 732079email:- [email protected]

Home Services | 21


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22 | 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.

Home Services | 23


. MICHAEL J SLYPlumbing and Heating

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

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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

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Electrical Design and Contracting

ElectricalLighting

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Tel: 01962 738533Email: [email protected]


24 | Community News / Home Services

Maid MarianPROFESSIONAL DOMESTIC SERVICES

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

.

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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.

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

LOCAL HANDY WOMAN

After considering a number of permanent major projects to

help Alresford mark the Royal Jubilee, the Rotary Club’s Community team visited the Stratton Bates Recreation Ground and a backbreaking, earth-moving project was immediately born.

Rotarian Malcolm Miles started the initial planning and with Rotarian John Parrington, and the support of his company Enviroplant, detailed proposals were put to the Town Council in January. After approval from the Council, the project began in earnest, carried out by a small hard-working band of Rotarians.

First jobs included clearing the dead and damaged trees, overgrown hedges and an immense amount of ivy, which was choking the existing trees. The garden

Rotary – Grounds for Celebration

rubbish which had been dumped was also shifted and the cleaned landscape refreshed with new plantings.These included new Himalayan birch, copper beech and hornbeam trees, each with its own protective cage. All planted with professional advice and care.

Over three days at the end of March, this clearance work, hole-digging and refilling might have been enough for the Rotarians, but more was

to come. In the same week, the screening of the sub-station was carried out. This involved all-round trenching and removal of 24 tons of poor soil, subsequently refilled with 24 tons of good topsoil and a thickly planted hornbeam hedge. This would have broken the backs of sturdier gardeners, but with the help of Tony Vincent, of Vincent Hire of Four Marks who provided a digger and driver for the day, all was completed and watered in,

in time. The project, which will be completed with a memorial stone to be laid in June, was estimated to cost over £7000 which would have taken most of the charity funding raised by Rotary during the year, from events such as the Fireworks, but friends and benefactors of Rotary came forward with their financial as well as personal help.

Many thanks to those residents of the area around the ground who helped with encouragement – and plenty of cups of tea.

You can find out more about Rotary projects and contact the club, for interest or help, at the website www.alresfordrotary.co.uk, or book a seat at the next Breakfast Meeting, to be held at the Swan, 7:30 to 8: 30 on Friday May 25th.

Home Services | 25


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

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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-

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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 ?

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

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26 | Community News

Watercress Festival 2012Sunday 20th May 10 - 4pm

For the 9th year the medieval streets of Alresford will host the huge one day street

festival that celebrates our local watercress.

Brought to you by a dedicated team of local volunteers, this nationally acclaimed festival draws together the local community and food lovers from far and wide for a free day of food and fun.

As always the street cavalcade gets things going at 10.30, led by the renowned Sussex Jazz Kings with Morris dancers and Sun Hill Infant and Junior school children accompanying the Watercress King and Queen atop a horse and cart, distributing the

first of the season’s watercress harvest to festival goers.

Alresford’s very own restaurants, pubs, butchers, tearooms, cafés, wine merchants and market traders are proud to showcase their products to festival goers as the entire length of Broad Street becomes a massive food

market, with a huge fifty stall Hampshire Farmers’ Market providing the highest quality ‘local food for local people’. Down at The Soke celebrity chef Sophie Grigson returns and this year she is joined in the cookery demo unit by Andy MacKenzie

(Lainston House Hotel), Davina Tibbets (Fit2Cook) and Ben Eve (The Globe Pub), all demonstrating the delicious versatility of watercress.

In West Street and Station Road you will find arts, crafts, jewellery, home and garden gifts and much else besides. Many local charities and voluntary organisations will also be present to provide an insight into Alresford's rich community life.

There are activities for children of all ages, including Juggling Jake’s circus skills workshops, face painting, ‘magic’ roundabout, Spider Mountain and the Kidsrome petting farm. Music is also high on the agenda, with jazz, blues, ukuleles, brass and local schools performing on the main stage in Broad Street and in St John's church. New for 2012, FalconHigh will be giving falconry

Sophie Grigson

Sussex Jazz KingsW

atercress King & Q

ueen 2011 - Honor Searle and Luke R

ustell


Community News | 27

demonstrations throughout the day at Long Barn and everyone is sure to enjoy the delights of the many street entertainers - keep a watch out for the Victorian policemen on stilts!The World Watercress Soup Championships will be judged at the Cook Academy in Station Mill, and winners of the Laing Food Awards for ‘Best Watercress Product’ will be presented on the main stage. The World Watercress Eating Championships are also back by popular demand, attempting to

break the Guinness World RecordTM set by Sam Batho at 49.69 seconds in 2010 – how fast can you do it?

If you would like to find out more about this local superfood, why not book a watercress farm tour for the day of the festival. You can also visit the medieval Soke Bridge at the bottom of Broad Street, opened especially for the day. All competition, cookery demos, stage, farm tours, activity and travel details can be found in the free programme and at www.watercressfestival.org

It promises to be another fun filled food festival, so just follow your tastebuds for a fabulous FREE day out for all the family!

Falconry from FalconH

ighSam

Batho - W

atercress Eating C

hampion

Morris D

ancers at the 2011 Festival

Sunday 20th MayROAD CLOSURE NOTICETo enable set-up and ensure the safety of 10,000 festival goers in the centre of New Alresford the following roads will be closed to traffic between 6.00am and 6.00pm on Sunday 20th May:

• Broad Street - Barriers at the Old Alresford end of the Great Weir• West Street - Barriers at the junction with Jacklyns Lane• East Street - Barriers at the junction with Sun Lane• Station Road - Barriers at the junction with West Street These roads will be closed to all traffic and residents are respectfully requested to park elsewhere during these times.

• Station Approach - Barriers at the junction with Jacklyns Lane• The Dean - Barriers at the junction with Jacklyns Lane

These roads will be closed to all traffic except residents. In addition the B3047 in to Bishops Sutton will be closed to through traffic from the A31; allowing access for residents and Ship Inn customers only. Diversions around the town centre will be via Sun Lane, Jacklyns Lane and Drove Lane.

We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your assistance.


28 | Community News / The Home

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OPEN MONDAy TO SATUrDAy 9AM - 5PM

Daydream Line-Up Confirmed!

With less than two months to go, we're pleased to

announce we have 14 great artists confirmed for this year's Alresford Music Festival at Arlebury Park. Check out the bands already confirmed at www.alresfordmusicfestival.com/line_up. This is our third festival and as ever the quality of the artists is getting better each year. There will be such musical delights as an eight piece 'Horn-Stomping' outfit, a three-piece electro-pop band, a five piece rock/folk band and a rock band who have recently featured on the 'BBC Introducing' show!

We have Ben Goddard & The Heartbeats premiering their EP 'Belief' and we're really excited to be welcoming Charley MaCaulay to our festival this year as she has graced stages at Glastonbury, the Isle of Wight Festival, Camp Bestival, Bestival and many others

during her young career.Festival favourites, The Hattie Jacques’ Playlist will headline the main stage and alongside their legendary horn section, they'll also have extra orchestral support, providing the festival with a fantastic finale!

As well as two stages of live music there are many food stalls, a packed festival village, a 'big top' bar and lots of children's entertainment throughout the day, including circus activities, music workshops, street dance workshops, craft stalls and Zorbing! Now that's a lot to fit into one day! So we'll look forward to seeing from 11am on Saturday 9th June!

Avoid the queues and buy tickets online using our secure PaylPal system http://www.alresfordmusicfestival.com/pages/buy-tickets

The Home | 29


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30 | Community News


Interest in the Society is steadily growing. It includes people from all walks of life who share our

commitment to ensuring the town and neighbouring villages retain their 'market town and rural area characteristics' – as the planners say! We also like to offer a range of enjoyable events and activities that we would like to tell you about here.

'Talk & Walk Alresford' events for the Diamond Jubilee. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee in early June is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the Alresfords; their beauty, their history, and their environment. We are part of the Jubilee Working Group that is co-ordinating a week long programme of activities, including the Society's 'Talk & Walk Alresford' events starting Tuesday 5th June and there is one each evening through to and including Friday, 8th June. By avoiding the mega-busy Jubilee weekend and the Bank Holiday Monday, we hope a good many of you can join us.

You do not have to be a member to come along on any of these walks – no booking, just turn up and children and young people are welcome. Given the number of hog roasts in the offing for the Jubilee, you may feel they are a way of walking off at least some of the accumulated calories! All walks start at 6.30pm and will last approximately 1½-2 hours. Cash donations on the evening will contribute to a collection for the speakers or they may choose to donate it to a local good cause.

First off, on Tuesday, 5th June, local wildlife expert Jon Cranfield (Alresford Greening Group) will lead us on a fascinating 'River Walk & Wild Food' event. Starting at Arlebury Park recreation centre, the walk also includes some foraging for edible plants and then, perhaps, cooking up some little snacks in Arlebury Park. (Jon's dandelion pancakes are good!)

On Wednesday, 6th June, Rosemary and Tony Chambers welcome us (on foot) into their garden overlooking Alresford Pond for 'Alresford Pond – then and now'. (Lake House is just

The Alresford Societybeyond The Globe on the Lake). Tony tells us about Bishop De Lucy's early 13th century 'grand plan' when the lake and weir were busy with traders, fishermen and game keepers feeding the royal palace. Then John Bush walks us round the haunts of local birds on the serene and lovely lake we have today.

On Thursday, 7th June, with Norman Boakes (Diocese of Winchester) and Glenn Gilbertson (Historical & Literary Society), we celebrate Old Alresford's Most Famous Woman – Mary Sumner, founder of the Mothers' Union, at St.

Mary's Church and Old Alresford Place. We meet at the bottom of Broad Street to walk down Mill Hill and then up through the watercress beds, or there is good parking at Old Alresford Place if you prefer to meet us there (about 7.00pm).

On Friday, 8th June – local historian Edward Roberts is our guide to 'Alresford – history you can see'. The town centre route starts and finishes at St John's Church. Alresford is full of history and this is your opportunity to understand how and why the town and surrounding areas developed as they have.

These walks and other Jubilee events could also provide inspiration for a photographic competition that the Jubilee Working Group is planning: photos of people, activities, bunting on buildings or whatever says 'this is my Alresford Jubilee' and we hope to award some prizes at the Alresford Music Festival on Saturday, 9th June. More details of this are on a new website www.alresfordjubilee.co.uk and in leaflets available throughout the town.

There is a more extensive social calendar for members and their friends, although numbers for these events are necessarily more restricted. If you think you would like to join the Society and learn more about us, contact the Membership Secretary,

Sue Alexander on 01962 732043 or [email protected].

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

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

The Home | 31

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come and see our stunning new furniture displays by Ambiance Bain


32 | Recipe of the Month

Recipes with

Epoisse Cheese

Epoisse is a very popular cheese in the UK and is in great demand in our French Pantry Shop.Epoisses de Bourgogne is a cheese made in the village Epoisses, which is in the

département of Côte-d'Or in France. It is located around halfway between Dijon and

Auxerre. Commonly referred to as Époisses, it is a pungent unpasteurized cows-milk

cheese. Smear-ripened (washed in marc de Bourgogne, the local pomace brandy), it is

circular at around either 10cm or 18cm in diameter, with a distinctive soft red-orange

colour. It is sold in a circular wooden box, and is best served with a good red Burgundy

wine, or even Sauternes. Napoleon was a particular fan of the cheese, and the famous

epicure Brillat-Savarin himself classed it as the "king of all cheeses". This recipe can be

used for a tart or as a topping for a pizza, or on slices of beautiful toasted country bread.

METHODUse a tart dish, it should be around 12” or about 28 cm in diameter. In a pan pour a little

olive oil. When hot briefly fry the bacon (if you are using bacon). Remove bacon when

cooked and keep aside. Pour the leek or onions into the pan, stir quickly then lower

the heat to medium/low, add the white wine, nutmeg and salt/pepper (to taste). When

nearly cooked add the cream and whisk the eggs into the mixture and the ham or fried

bacon. While the mixture is cooking, prepare the mould with the pastry(if a tart) the

usual way. Pour the mixture into the tart mould, or alternatively use the mixture on a

pizza base or with a spoon spread onto a nice slice of bread. Finally cut the Epoisse

in small pieces, place on your tart, pizza base or bread and bake in the oven at 180ºC

until properly cooked. Adjust the time change according to each oven or each method

chosen. The tart should be cooked for around 35 to 40 minutes. Make sure the bottom of

the tart is properly cooked. Serve with a beautiful salad with slices of apple or pear, fresh

asparagus, walnuts; even a three beans salad will do the trick. The taste of the Epoisse

will give a delicious flavour.

1 10cm or 18cm Epoisse Cheese500g Sliced leek, or julienne of onions1 roll Flakey pastry or puff pastry200g Finely cut bacon or cooked ham2 Whole eggs100g Fresh CreamA small glass of white wineA pinch of NutmegA pinch of piment d’EspeletteSalt / pepper to taste

NEXT MONTH'S RECIPEWill be using piment d’Espelette amild pepper from the Espelette regionof France. Available from The FrenchPantry at Clos Du Marquis.

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

INGREDIENTS

Cost: 3/10 Diificulty: 1/10

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f r e n C h r e s t a u r a n t

& P a n t r y

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Food & Drink | 33


Malc and Hannah of

The Running Horse InnPub and Kitchen

would like you to join us for:10 local real ales on cask and pump

Live bands at 8.30 Fri, Sat & Sun nightWatercress festival open from 10.30 for brunch

- Serving food all day -- Book for brunch or lunch for free car parking at rear -

NEWSET MENU

2 coursesfor £8*

*Tues - Sat 12-2 & 6-7.30

22 POUND HILL, ALRESFORD01962 734782

www.runninghorseinn.com

May_Alresford_A5.indd 1 19/04/2012 08:49

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


34 | Community News / Food & Drink 35

fun and informative chocolate workshops and parties for children aged 8 – 13 at Chocolate Craft, old alresford

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

Thursday 7th June 9.30am - 11.00am

Parties by arrangement minimum number 10 children, £20pp

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

Children’s ChoColate worKshoPsand Parties

for further details check out

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

For more information Contact: Charlotte Russell

Tel: 01962 779818

Mobile: 07970 308504

E-mail [email protected]

Your LettersFeminism v Femininity: A man’s perspective Gill Grant’s thought provoking article in issue 65 inspires a new angle on the importance of Feminism; what it means and whether this isn’t just a utopian dream.

Women do have a tough job juggling home life with work, especially where children are concerned. They have my total admiration. Personally, it is lunacy to try and be perfect at everything – male or female. Although circumstances dictate our lives, we shouldn’t allow ambition to devour time meant for our children.

Suffragette leader, Emmeline Pankhurst, would be especially proud of women as seen on Sir Alan’s program; The Apprentice. But it could be argued that true femininity is lost when on the long road to the board room. Thanks Henrietta for your inspiration.

The Goddess of FemininityYou are the sweetest flowers in springWith beauty beyond the realms of perfection;Your lovely nature more colourful than any rainbowThe very essence of your femininity.

You are the warmth of the morning sun

With a heart of gold beyond mans wildest dreams;Your cute smile more adorable, than any ever foundOh how smitten by the very essence of your femininity. You are the absolute reason for the word love Wildly captivating, stunning in every possible way;Your incredible power able to turn a Casanova’s heart to stoneBut no! Just sweet voice tones, the angelic pureness of your femininity

You are the best chapter in my book of romanceWhere those pages remain open with the greatest affection;You are from cover to cover, how creation intended woman to be Truly this writer’s inspiration, from the essence of your femininity.

It would be easier to reach out and touch a distant starThan find myself heavenly placed in your loving arms;But to have known you, to have shared such precious momentsFills a heart eternally, ‘oh those sweet memories, of your femininity’.

The verdict is that most men love femininity in their women, but alas, it’s man fault that feminism evolved in the first instance.

John. A. Frew

Although some were expecting to see John Cleese and his pals as

they had misread the notice, it was almost as exciting at Pax Hill Care Home last week.

Birdworld brought Monty the Python, Fish the Tarantula, Whisper the owl, Snowy the Cockatoo, Terry the tortoise and Charlie the Chinchilla for an afternoon visit.

The animals were people friendly (except Fish) and loved

Monty Python at Pax Hill Care Home

being stroked. The Chinchilla was a particular favourite due to its extremely soft fur; we could see why they were used for coats.

Pax Hill’s residents really enjoyed the experience and want to give a big thanks to Ben from Birdworld for spending such a long time showing each resident how the animals liked to be stroked, even Monty, although there were a few less willing volunteers for him.

Bill, one of Pax Hill’s residents commented: “It was a very enjoyable experience. The young man from Birdworld told us all about the animal’s behaviour and made the afternoon really interesting. He also explained why the tarantula was called Fish, which had been bothering me as I thought I was not seeing clearly.

“We usually have a big event each month where we all join in. In April we are

hatching chicks, which our grandchildren are going to be keen to see, so they will be visiting a lot over the Easter holidays.”

Pax Hill is delighted to hear from any local organisations who have something interesting to show our residents, friends and families. Call 01420 525882. www.paxhill.co.uk

Health & Beauty | 35


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

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

35

Watch this space!

THE BARNYARD PODIATRY (CHIROPODY) CLINIC

TELEPHONE: 01962 736 956

49-51A WEST STREET ALRESFORD HAMPSHIRE SO24 9AB

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

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

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

Appointments: 01962 735086 or 07887 506 [email protected]

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

Knee Pain

Pins & Needles

Hip Pain

Back Pain/Disc Injury

Neck pain

Headaches

Shoulder/Arm Pain

Elbow Pain

Wrist Pain

Leg Pain

Ankle & FootPain

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36 | Health & Beauty / Community News

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

PLACE A MINI-AD IN THE FORUM FOR AS LITTLE AS £20

A MONTHADVERT SIZE

44mm x 62mm

Bank Holiday ClosuresWe have a number of Bank Holiday closures in May and June. We will be closed on Monday 7th May, Monday 4th June and Tuesday 5th June.

Outside surgery hours urgent medical care is provided by West Hampshire Out of Hours Service. The service is available by telephoning 0300 300 2012. They may see you in a surgery based in Winchester or, if necessary, arrange for a doctor to call at your home. For general advice please call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

WebsiteDon’t forget to check our

Alresford surgery newswebsite from time to time. It is updated regularly with news from the surgery, opening hours, doctors surgery hours as well as lots of information about minor and long term health conditions.

General CareSummer is nearly here and while we hope for fine weather remember to enjoy the sun safely. Whether you're at home or abroad, use shade, clothing and at least SPF15 sunscreen to protect yourself. If travelling outside Europe you may need vaccinations – do not leave it to the last minute to seek advice.

Rotary 10k Roadrace and Fun Runs

This year's Alresford Rotary 10k Road Race and Fun Runs will

take place on Sunday 17th June at Arlebury Park. As in previous years we are seeking the generous support of local businesses for sponsorship in money or kind. The race simply could not happen without your support and we are most grateful for your help. We send running numbers to all the runners and can include promotional material if required. You will also get suitable recognition on the website that is enormously popular through April, May and June. Further details below:

All of the arrangements are the same as previous years, with the Children's races starting at 0930 and the 10k at 1000. There will be registration

on the day, but there is a £2 discount for entering the 10k in advance, by 31st May. Sun Hill Junior School will be coordinating the fun run entries, but this does not mean that your children need to go to Sun Hill to enter, we welcome runners from everywhere and at all levels of ability. We are awarding medals to all of the runners this year and these have been commissioned specially so they relate directly to Rotary and Alresford. There's more detail on the club website at: http://www.alresfordrotary.co.uk/Alresford-10K.

If you would like more details please contact Clare or Jonathan Read on 735172 or at [email protected]

Charity feels the ‘Pinch’Charity Feels The ‘Pinch’ As More Grants Are Needed To Help Cancer Patients In Economic Climate

Cancer patients in Hampshire are increasingly dependent upon a local charity’s grant giving

scheme to help with financial support during the harsh current economic climate.

Wessex Cancer Trust has given more than £14,477.82 in grants to 119 patients in the county in the last year alone - a 14% increase compared to the previous year. Throughout the Wessex region, which the Charity includes Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands, this has led to a 25% increase in given grants as a whole.

In recent months, some national grant giving bodies have reduced their patient grant budgets, which is having a profound effect as more and more patients are turning to their local Wessex Cancer Trust for financial help.

Sally Hall, Chief Executive of Wessex Cancer Trust, said ‘As a local charity, we can react quite quickly to the needs of cancer patients and their families. However, the dramatic increase in the number of requests for financial help has been overwhelming, and we are absolutely crying out for funding to help these local people, who find themselves in the most desperate situation of their lives.

If you can help, in any way, please do get in contact with us’. Wessex Cancer TrustTel: 023 8067 2200 Email: [email protected]

Health & Beauty | 37


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!


38 | Community News / Building Services

Richwood Oak Structures Ltd

TRAdITIonAL oAK FRAMed BuILdInGS

QuALITy oAK FRAMed BARnS

PORCHES AND EXTENSIONS

GARden STRucTuReS

Call Richard on: 07886 189592Call Brian: 07920 074390


Patchwork Day Nursery & Pre-School in Alresford is looking to appoint a

new Apprentice Nursery Nurse for an immediate start. Since opening a new pre-school in April 2011, this popular nursery has slowly been increasing its childcare numbers and is now looking to expand its workforce.

“We have created the opportunity for a young person to join our team and to train with us and qualify as nursery nurse” commented nursery manager, Nicola Baxter. “We took on our first apprentice just over a year ago and this has been a great success. We are keen to help youngsters into work and the apprentice scheme provides a great break for both them and us.”

Based at Perins School, Patchwork Day Nursery & Pre-School offers full time and sessional childcare places for children aged 6 months to 5

Apprentice Positions for Patchwork Nursery

years on a not-for-profit basis. The apprentice nursery nurse will train on the job whilst studying for their NVQ level II qualification. Their progress will be monitored by assessors from a training provider and the Patchwork manager.

Jasmin Green who started as an apprentice nursery nurse at Patchwork in 2011 added “I have really enjoyed working and studying at Patchwork and hope to stay with the team once I have qualified later in the year.”

Patchwork is looking to appoint a full-time apprentice who need to be aged from 17 to 19 year to qualify for the funded training. Young people interested in applying for the position should contact the nursery manager on 01962 737286 or email [email protected]. No experience is required and full training will be given.

As part of the Queens Diamond Jubilee celebrations the

Alresford Pigs Association will be starting a week of events in the Town by hosting a fund raising dance on Saturday the 2nd of June 2012 in the School Hall at Perins. The hall will be professionally decked out as you have never seen it before or will again.

This will be an event not to be missed with live professional band “The Ambassadors” playing dance music from the last 60 years and slow charcoal roasted Hampshire Pork Platter. The dress code is Black Tie and Posh Frocks.

I know that many of you are already sponsoring this event (you can put this email in your processed pig meat bin) but if you have not heard about it, we would like to offer you the same opportunity. Tickets are selling

Alresford Pigs DiamondJubilee Celebrations

well and with two months to go, please don’t delay your response.

For a sponsorship fee of £100 you can decorate a table in your own corporate or personal design with a Jubilee red, white and blue theme if possible and gives you a listing on the souvenir programme. All proceeds from the event will be used to support local people and organisations that may need our help and support in the future.

Tickets for the event will be on sale at £25.00 each, but if you would like to sponsor a table and would also like to invite some friends, colleagues or customers a table of ten including sponsorship will be £300.

If you felt you would like to sponsor the event in a different way we have other

sponsorships opportunities available:

Sponsoring the Band £1700 or £200 per band member

Sponsoring the Hog roast £500

Sponsoring the Venue £400

Sponsoring arrival drinks £250

Donating a raffle prize, These will be £200, £150, £100, £50 & £25 vouchers. Other suggestions welcome.

To sponsor a table, discuss the options or to book tickets please contact Kevin Burrows on 01962 732078 or [email protected].

You can also contact us through our website www.alresfordpigs.org. I hope you will take this opportunity to join us in celebrating this once in a life time event.

CELEBRATE THE DIAMOND JUBILEEIN THE COMPANY OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE OF ACTS AND THE SUNSHINE SINGERS

in a performance ofGoldilocks and the ThreeBears. Based on one ofRoald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes

This is a musical suitable for everyone of all agesby Helen MacGregor and Stephen ChadwickSun Hill Infant School, New Alresford.

Thursday - Friday, 7th - 8th June 2012 at 7pm Saturday 9th June at 3pm and 7pmTickets £6-adults, £3-16 and under (Cheques payable to ACTS) from:Sue Lees, Oban, 92 Jacklyns Lane, Alresford Tel: 01962 732574, email: [email protected]

Building Services | 39


Hampshire OakCarpenters LtdTraditional Oak Framed Buildings

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

Tel: 01329 835551

www.hampshireoak.co.uk

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

Long Barn, Alresford

new builds Conservation work

Painting & decorating extensions & alterations

Conservatories roofing

Brick & flint specialist groundworks

structual works (steel)

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


18 new farM road, alresford, haMPshire, so24 9QP

29BUILDING SUPPLIES & SERVICES

Issue 24 November 2008

COMMUNITY FOCUS Clubs and Societies, Classifieds

MELODY ART

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

Michael Hoggard Ltd

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

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

firms locally, having been established in 1967.

“We deal with every aspect of building and construction”




MELODY ART


Michael Hoggard Ltd








MELODY ART


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MELODY ART


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




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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


40 | Parent & Child

PRE-SCHOOLS & PLayGROuPS

10 - 14 years. Senior Section 14 - 26 years. Adults 18 - 65 years. Friends Of Guiding Group. Contact to Jo Rodgers: 01962 772346 and join a thriving organisation.

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

1st Candover Valley Beavers For 6-8year 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 [email protected]

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

DRop in 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 details.

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]

Ofsted registered childminder. Full time vacancies. Excellent references. Contact Kairen 07799821376/01962732564.

Girlguiding Alresford District Rainbow Guides 5 - 7 years. Brownie Guides 7 - 11 years. Guides

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

George Hollingbery, MP for Meon Valley 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 MPlaunches Cherry TreePre-School relocation fund

Property Management | 41


Why not look on the bright side?Estate Agents are an optimistic bunch; some may

think we certainly need to be, given the difficulties of the market over the last five years, the relentless

competition between agencies and the need to keep smiling, whatever the unsociable hour or weather.

I like to think of myself as a natural optimist and two instances last week demonstrated the importance of a positive approach in our job.

On the first occasion I found myself as the fourth agent to grace the sofa in the home of a prospective client. With the selling price quickly established, it was vital to demonstrate a constructive professional attitude towards his house and its marketing. I was genuinely delighted the following day when he called to instruct us, due he said, to the positive attitude displayed from the start.

The second time optimism was cited was during a viewing at a less than glamorous house in need of substantial TLC. As this was the seventh appointment there that day, I ran through the details of the property, its downsides and

potential with the gusto of a seasoned cabin crew safety drill. The viewers found my approach positive, as it transpired that they had just come from a number of other viewings conducted by disinterested agents expressing negative comments. I am all for honesty and setting expectations correctly, but sometimes a cloud’s silver lining needs to be pointed out! I am happy to say that we received six offers on this particular house.

You may be more surprised at my ability to stay optimistic in the current market and I would be the first to admit that conditions are tougher than they used to be. When I began in the early noughties, being a residential sales agent was simple. The sheer volume of transactions (about three times as many as last year), coupled with continual price rises of 8-10% per annum meant that getting the values of a property right and subsequently selling them was easy.

These more difficult times are illustrated by some agencies with huge stock levels and little relative success. I believe the key to our achievement is to give sound honest advice and take on fewer properties in order to spend sufficient time marketing them. We continue to sell over 90% of our properties, often within 4 weeks, so both we and our clients still have something to feel positive about!

Philip PlambeckSmiths 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


42 | Politics

It is coming into May. Despite a broken leg (yes, I did it on holiday) it has

been a full month workwise, nevertheless.

Planning proposals at Micheldever station for a Waste Anaerobic and Pyrolysis plant are afoot, the new permission for the Motocross site has been granted, and the Sword of Damocles of Barton Farm are just three proposals that threaten life as we know it locally. It is the job of your local Councillors to do the best they can to stick up for their residents: balancing the effect on householders and businesses with the Council’s policies. The new Localism bill won’t stop development, it just helps local communities to decide how and where.

The Localism bill has received Royal Assent and one of the features of it is to allow communities to identify a ‘Community Asset’ so that if it comes onto the market, it has to be offered to the community first. They then have six months to raise the money to buy it. The Itchen Valley Division has already cast its first two sites into the ring: if you have any aspirations for your community, or want to know more, please contact me for details of how to register.It is important to keep local householders well informed too. I was pleased to organise

Jackie's County Cornera County Traffic and Transport expert to discuss the effect of Barton Farm at Headbourne Worthy’s Parish Meeting and have responded to the Micheldever Station Digester scoping report. I have met with HCC officers to look at pedestrian counts recently carried out in Alresford and put in bids for more roads to be resurfaced as part of the programme. I have volunteered to be one of three Councillors representing Hampshire with Southern Water. The water shortage hasn’t extended to a Hampshire hosepipe ban yet, despite South Eastern supply levels. The aim is to keep it that way, by working together on infrastructure improvements. Talking of infrastructure: a last push for faster rural broadband – thank you for your emails -any more stories?

I have also met with Phil Stockley, the MD of Velvet Travel, the Bus Company that will be running the 67 bus from the 11th June. He took the time to meet Alresford passengers who are now stranded after last year’s cuts. I am pleased at the company’s enthusiasm, commitment to low prices, keenness to listen and aim to increase bus patronage. Please keep an eye out for the change of bus company and give the new buses a try. I have high hopes that Velvet Travel will be more receptive to your ideas for a better service.

But life isn’t all about cuts- there are positive changes we want to see too. So I am pleased to advertise again the first meet-up of the Friends of Itchen Valley Railway line from 10 to 12noon at Couch Green on Sat 12th May. Please contact me if you want more details or pop along on the day.

County Councillor Jackie Porter, The Down House, Itchen Abbas SO21 1AX01962 791054 email: [email protected]: www.jackieporter.mycouncillor.org.uk

From the weather to the Budget it has been an eventful 2012 so

far and the life of an MP is never without great interest or even greater challenge. Since my last column I have tackled the sensitive subject of assisted suicide and spoke in a moving debate in the House of Commons. I would like to thank the many local residents who wrote to me in advance of that debate. In the end, we agreed unanimously to the motion which supported the Director of Public Prosecutions policy in this area and called for greater access to high quality palliative care. You can see what I said exactly via www.stevebrine.com/assistedsuicide. And as the new parliamentary session gets underway this month, we will I suspect have big arguments ahead over sentencing reform, gay ‘marriage’, the implementation of the coalition’s welfare reforms and controversial proposals to increase the government’s ability to monitor email, web and social media traffic. On this final point, I have to admit my initial reaction when I heard about this was abject horror. It is vital that the police and security services are able to obtain the very latest communications data in certain circumstances to investigate serious crime and terrorism and to protect the public but I am also clear I entered politics to protect the public from an overbearing state and was very clear before entering Parliament in 2010 that I am on the side of evidence-based policy making that protects our country from external (and sadly internal) threats while having the utmost regard for an individual’s privacy.

Steve Brine MPSince my last column I have brought the Prisons Minister to HMP Winchester and the Education Secretary (Michael Gove) to Peter Symonds to hear about their remarkable success again this year in getting local students into Oxbridge and the impressive results the college continues to score in maths tuition. I am also determined not to let go of the thorny issue of local bus services. I continue to make representations to HCC and Stagecoach on behalf of affected residents in parts of the Itchen Valley and Alresford, particularly the Sun Hill area. The review of some service contracts this month (May) provide a small opportunity so it’s important we are realistic but continue to make our voices heard. Finally for now, my constituents will be aware that I shared many of their concerns about the first draft of the National Planning Policy Framework and its ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’. I had a huge amount of correspondence on the issue and shared all of it with the Minister as well as met with him and his team to make positive suggestions. The final document is much improved and I note the CPRE have since expressed support for the revised policy. You can find out all about this, see what I said in the House of Commons initially and upon publication of the final NPPF via www.stevebrine.com/nppf.

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.

Property Management | 43


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


44 | 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]

Alresford & District - Public Transport, Shopping SurveyHave you or someone you know been affected by the changes to the bus service in Alresford? Then please use the link below to take part in the survey with regards to public transport & shopping www.surveymonkey.com/s/AlresfordShopsBuses

Membership Renewal Alresford Chamber of Commerce membership renewal was due 1st April 2012. The renewal fee for the next year is £58. You should have received your renewal reminder by post.

Watercress Festival 2012Don’t forget it is the Watercress Festival on Sunday 20th May. The town is set to be a hive of activity, please check the Watercress Festival website for details of specific events.www.watercressfestival.org

Alresford Chamber ofCommerce News

Queens Diamond JubileeAll events in the town will be listed on the following website;www.alresfordjubilee.co.ukPlease check for updates to the Jubilee week schedule.

Jubilee DanceSaturday 2nd JuneKicking off the town's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations and promising to be a community event to remember, we are delighted to confirm that details have been finalised for the Jubilee Dance - to be held at a dressed-like-never-before Perins Hall on Saturday 2nd June (7.30pm - 12am). With live music from a 7-piece band and the promise of fine Hampshire fare, tickets (priced at £25 per person) are selling fast, so we urge you to move with haste! To book your places, or better still, your table, contact Kevin Burrows on 01962 732078 or email [email protected]. See

you there!!Chamber Chat incorporating the AGMYou should all have received your invitations to this event by now. Please remember to RSVP by 7th May to [email protected]

Would you like to be a committee member?Are you a member of the Chamber of Commerce & have 2 hours a month to spare one evening a week? If the answer is YES, then we’d love to hear from you! At the AGM on 10th May we will be nominating committee members, so if you feel you have the time then please contact the Chamber Secretary by 7th May to discuss [email protected]

A warm welcome to new membersAnne Allen – Willmanage.com

Collated & Written by Liz Brown – Chamber Secretary

Girl GuidingAlresfordFun, Friendship, Learning, Growing, Helping!

These are all words girls use to describe their feelings about

Girlguiding and these words all apply to being an adultmember too – there is so much for you to gain from becominga part of the largest volunteer-led charity for girls and youngwomen across the United Kingdom. Here in Alresford we know it is hugely rewarding to make a difference to girl’s lives and help them achieve their potential because we are doing it now - we’d love to be joined by you! There are many ways of helping and different levels of commitment, please talk to us at our stand at the Watercress Festival or call Jo on 01962 772346 for more information – we are not ‘super-women’, simply an ordinary group of people froma wide variety of backgrounds, just like you!

Motors | 45


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!2009 (09) Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTi 120 Exclusiv Diesel Air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, anti-lock braking, multiple airbags, Radio CD1 lady owner, 8,500 miles £7985

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

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

BeFoRe

AFTeR

2007 07) hyundai Tucson 2.0 CDXi Diesel 4wD 5 door Aircon, A/wheels, trip computer, E/windows and mirrors, remote central locking, ABS, multiple airbags, leather interior, Radio CD, 2 owners. 39,000 miles £86952009 (09) Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTi 120 Exclusiv Diesel Aircon, E/windows and mirrors, Remote central locking, ABS, multiple Airbags, Radio CD, 1 lady owner, 8,500 miles £79852009 (09) Peugeot 207 Sw 1.4S Estate, 5 door Aircon, E/windows and mirrors, Remote central locking, roof bars, ABS, Radio CD, 1 lady owner, 25,000 miles £7295 2009 (09) Peugeot 207 Sport 1.4, 5 door climate control Aircon, E/windows and 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 and mirrors, remote central 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, £ 30 p.a. road tax Air conditioning, alloy wheels, Electric windows, remote central locking, anti- lock braking and multiple airbags, 12,000 miles. £69952008 (08) Vw Polo 1.4 match 5 door, Air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, multiple airbags, ABS, Alloy wheels, radio CD, 2 owners, 26,000 miles £68952008 (08) Vw Polo 1.2 match 5 door, Air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, multiple airbags, ABS, Alloy wheels, radio CD, 1 owner, 24,000 miles £6595 2008 (57) honda Jazz 1.4 SE 5 door, Air conditioning, Alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors, anti-lock braking, multiple airbags, 1 owner 34,000 miles £6295

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

Minor cosmetic damage, as in the example pictured, are the kind of repairs Auto Brite specialise in, and have over 16 years experience repairing. Being a mobile vehicle paint repair service, they come to your home or work and carry out the repairs in a matter of hours, to a standard you would expect from a body shop. If you have any minor damage to your car, please take a look at Auto Brites’ website or give them a call. If you are able to send a photo of the damage, they can give you an estimate immediately, or can arrange a convenient time to visit you. Please see their advert for details.


46 | What do you think?

Coffee, Anyone?T

here really is nothing else like it. That comforting aroma, the relaxing warmth as your hands envelope the china, that first much-craved-for sip. Aaah, there’s nothing like a cup of Earl Grey

tea, or so I thought …

You see, for years I have been the lone voice, the social pariah who doesn’t drink coffee, apart from occasionally ordering a ‘filter coffee’ after a meal, the sad sap who still has a jar of ‘instant’ in the cupboard whilst the cafetière gathers dust in some forgotten corner.

I could never understand the fascination with Starbucks, Costa and the like, standing in a queue for an eternity trying to make sense of the choice available. Latte and Cappuccino I could cope with, but when did a coffee with milk become an Americano? It took me an age to correctly order my friends a ‘flat white with extra hot milk’: there was I thinking Flat White was a new shade from Farrow and Ball. Then I have another friend who likes the froth of her Cappuccino served in a separate mug! I can’t cope - stick the kettle on.

The mysteries of the ‘extra shot’ remain exactly that, a complete mystery: why would you need an extra shot of whatever it is in your double espresso? So you can follow it with your Red Bull chaser, I suppose.

Then there is the issue of size. Small, regular or large? SO passé! No, small is now tall or primo, regular is now grande or medio and large is venti or assimo, do keep up ! The rule of thumb being that the smallest size is basically a bucket with a handle on the side so just work up from there.

Then there is the artwork: according to where one is partaking of said beverage, you can gaze down to find a chocolate powder star, or coffee bean or a delicate feathery leaf enhancing your froth. I quite expect to have the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa staring back up at me one day.

For someone who professes not to drink coffee, I seem quite au fait with the details of coffee consumption. Well ok, I confess, I have been seduced by the dark side (actually I take it white). I met with a friend a couple of times a week, and there was always coffee around - just a couple of small cups each time and I was on the slippery slope. I would never abandon the Earl (Grey), we’ve been through too much together, but yes: my name is Gill and I’m addicted to skinny lattes.

Alresford is not the best place to live if you’re a non-recovering latte addict: there are at least five places where the latte is readily available for those of us in need. Even if you can’t get a seat you can do a latte drive-by. I’ve been known to double park to purchase a take-out, I’m not proud.

Let’s not push this underground - perhaps there is a need for an Alresford coffee addicts society, and I know where we could meet…

What do you think?Gill Grant

Motors | 47


• FREE COLLECTION

• COURTESY CARS

CERTIFICATED ENGINEERS •

RECOVERY AVAILABLE •

new farm Road, Alresford, So24 9QE

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

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

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

New Farm Motor Services Ltd

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

www.autogas.com

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

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

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

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

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

[email protected]

Independent Specialists

Fully equipped workshopTelephone Nigel or Gary on

01962 77133101962 771881

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





Sensibility (10-12 May) - featuring six actors and an original score. The show is a clever adaptation of the classic novel by one of Winchester’s most celebrated former residents, Jane Austen, with themes that are as relevant today as they were over 200 years ago in this tale of two sisters and their search for love in a society bound by financial fortune.

The Vanishing Horizon (15 May)- is the story of a woman on a journey through the crowded airports of the modern world, whose past is revealed as she discovers lost memories of the pioneers of aviation in the 1920s, when flight was exciting and Croydon Airport was the gateway to the globe. The show was a hit at last year’s Fringe Festival, and is a highly visual devised piece of physical theatre.

Forthcoming events atThe Theatre Royal

Mary Shelley (6 – 9 June) - is the world premiere tour of the drama telling the extraordinary events and circumstances that led to Mary writing Frankenstein when she was just 18 years old. The play explores Mary’s relationship with her father, the radical philosopher William Godwin, her scandalous love affair and elopement with the poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and follows her fortunes to the moment she began to write the book that changed the literary landscape forever.

For further information or to book tickets, please call the box office on 01962 840440 or book online at www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk Please note that card bookings are subject to a transaction fee.

48 | 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 onomatopoeic Chiff Chaff perched in a newly planted tree, contemplating nesting

sites, is a reminder to me that when anything is planted, a small, but significant change, is inked on the map. My current infatuation is with various Ribes dotted around the garden. We have laurifolium, speciosum, odoratum and various cultivars of sanguineum including one I planted last year called Elkington’s White. The whole flower, bush and leaf exude the smell of currant and the unopened flowers and small tricuspid leaves, resemble tiny bunches of broad shouldered white grapes. The pleasure that this brings me helps to assuage the pain of a creeping disease abroad amongst the box hedging and edging…Box Blight, the cause of which, are two possible fungi with a potentially devastating effect. After initial infection, small spores can be found on the leaves followed by discolouration and rapid dieback resulting in dead patches. There is no known present cure, however control can include, cutting back or removing affected plants and the worse scenario includes, removing altogether and selecting another specie to plant. In other words thinking outside the box, using species of Yew, Holly, Lonicera for example.

The Currant SituationNear the front gate, marooned in islands of narcissi a puff pink Prunus ‘Pandora’ burgeons like a Gypsy wedding dress. Clematis and Vitis spires have been erected, Viburnum ‘Anne Russell’ nods under the weight of its tubular pink/white fragrant flowers in rounded clusters. Compost is on the beds, seep hoses laid and although we are blessed with our own borehole, we wait patiently for rain before the slow release lawn fertiliser is applied. The rain helps wash the prilled chemical down to the turf base preventing the mower from sucking it back up again. In the walled garden thirty Paeonia thread their dried- blood red feelers up through wired support rings. On the south warm wall, pink budded apple flowers open too early with brazen disregard for the time of year and Asparagus rear up, green and reptilean, in search of steam and butter. As I carry my feast home, Venus sparkles brightly in the West, with Alresford’s own aurora borealis in the north, and a slightly foetid scent of Fritillaria imperialis collides with the damp sweetness of blue cedar needles.

Julian Blackwell - Head Gardener at Dean House Kilmeston www.deanhousegardens.co.uk

The Garden | 49


Call Andrew or Ashley on01962 733990www.prospectfencing.co.uk

Prospect Road, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9QF

latest furniturerange in

stock now!

Installation Service Available

GardenwiseRhS awaRd winninG GaRden deSiGneR (hampton CouRt paLaCe FLoweR Show 2011)

GaRden deSiGn · LandSCapinG · ReGuLaR maintenanCe

Gardenwisekevin Young Bsc hons

07786 [email protected]

www.garden-wise.co.uk

50 | Community News


Saturday 2nd June 2012 from 2pm to 4pm. Kilmeston Village Fete,

Dean House, Kilmeston. By kind permission of Philip & Martha Gwyn. A traditional village fete set in the grounds of Dean House Gardens providing fun for the whole family. Jubilee theme with awards for the best Jubilee crowns. A great variety of games, activities, stalls and events

Yippie, it’s that time of year when everything is full of energy! The

trees and flowers are in full bloom and we feel the energy returning to our bodies! What better way to enjoy that new found vigour than to get dancing! It’s great exercise, it keeps your “Happy Hormone” up, it’s a great way to meet people and a wonderful thing to do with your partner!

So Silvia & Max from Salsa y Sol are inviting you all to come and join them to dance your way into the Summer with their dance classes that offer something for everyone! “We shall be starting our Summer Term from Thu, 3 May with Taster Sessions for all our Dance Classes, starting with a Zumba and West Coast Swing Taster Session at the River Park Leisure Centre in Winchester!” says Silvia with a big smile on her face “and here are all our dance classes at a glance”:

SalsaLatin American Music is naturally uplifting!Mon 20.00 - 22.30 Winchester Discovery Centre SO23 8SB West Coast SwingThe latest hit from the US – the smoothest of dances that can be danced to almost any kind of music!Thu 20.00 - 22.00 River Park Leisure Centre SO23 7DD

Dance your way into the Summer!

Latin American Dance Fitness – “ditch the workout and join the party”!Mon 17.45 - 18.30 Winchester Discovery Centre SO23 8SBThu 19.00 - 19.45 River Park Leisure Centre SO23 7DDFri 10.30 - 11.15 River Park Leisure Centre SO23 7DD

Toned down version of Zumba with all the Party Fun!Mon 18.45 - 19.30 Winchester Discovery Centre SO23 8SBFri 11.30 - 12.15 River Park Leisure Centre SO23 7DD

Zumba for kids from 8! Mon 16.45 - 17.30 Winchester Discovery Centre SO23 8SBUse your Salsa y Sol Club Card and get one free session for every 10 attended!Concessions available!

Contact Silvia & Max on 01256 389 275www.salsaysol.co.uk

Kilmeston Village Feteincluding auction of promises at 3pm. Enjoy tea and homemade cakes in the Orangery and Pimms and strawberries on the lawn. More details on page 16

This event is one of the highlights of the year for our village and all proceeds go to the village church and village hall which are at the centre of our community.

This year's Cheriton Village Fete will be held on Bank Holiday

Cheriton Village Fete 2012

Monday, 7th May. The Cheriton Fete is a traditional Fete with lots of fun for all the family. The event starts at 1.30pm and continues until 4.00pm at The Old Rectory, Cheriton. On the day there will be: Punch & Judy, BBQ, Cakes Produce and Teas, Music, Bric-a-Brac, Books, Plants, Toys, Tombola and many other stalls, something for everybody. Prizes will be presented at 3.30pm by Bob Barrett, Dr. Sacha Levy from BBC's Holby City."

Public NoticeLicencing Act 2002Premises License. We the Alresford Music Festival Ltd hereby give notice that we have applied on 16 March 2012 to Winchester City Council as the Licensing Authority for the Grant of a Premises License for the

premises known as: Arlebury Park Recreation Ground, The Avenue, Alresford, Hants, SO24 9EA. The application is for: Sale of Alcohol / Regulated Entertainment . This application is to cover activities at the Alresford Music Festival on 8 June 2012.

YOU ARE INVITEDto

CELEBRATE the GOLDEN JUBILEE

in the company ofthe children and young people of ACTS and the

Sunshine Singersin a performance of

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARSbased on one of

ROALD DAHL’S REVOLTING RHYMES

This is a musical suitable for everyone of all ages by Helen MacGregor and Stephen Chadwick

Sun Hill Infant School, New Alresford

Thursday - Friday, 7th - 8th June 2012 at 7pm Saturday 9th June at 3pm and 7pm

Tickets (£6 adults, £3 16 and under, Cheques payable to ACTS) from:

Sue Lees, Oban, 92 Jacklyns Lane, Alresford Tel: 01962 732574, email: [email protected]

A lresfordC ommunityT heatreS ociety

CELEBRATE THE DIAMOND JUBILEE

The Garden | 51


Comprehensive landscaping services from design to completion

T: 01420 562320 M: 07815 [email protected] www.philipporterlandscaping.co.uk

● Hard landscaping● Paving● Brickwork● Stonework● Decking● Timber Structures● Fencing● Turfing/Planting● Water features Please visit our website for all the

latest news, information, second-hand machines for sale; and special offers

in the showroom

Laceys Farm, BramdeanAlresford, Hampshire, SO24 0JT

Tel: 01962 771800email: [email protected]

www.georgecanngardenmachinery.co.uk

Tel: 01962 771 479Mob: 07879 651 065

www.geminilandscapes.com

Design & Construction Driveways Paths Patios Water Features Pergolas

Fencing Decking

ChurchillLandscape Services

T: 01962 793429 M: 07812 060914www.churchilllandscapes.co.uk

WINNErS OF BEST HOrTICULTUrAL TrADE STAND 2011 ALrESFOrD SHOW

Experienced Landscape & Qualified Horticulturists Garden Design Pergolas Fencing Turfing Paving/Brickwork Water Features Decking Planting

CLS

Call: 01962 732091www.exclusiverenewableenergy.co.uk

[email protected] House New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QE

Exclusive Renewable Energy is a division of Exclusive Home Improvements.

A local company trading for over 25 years in Alresford. We are also experts

in conservatories, windows, doors, soffits and facias.

The government's feed in tariff pays a guaranteed income to every home owner generating clean electricity with solar panels. The rates for the Feed in Tariff are set to be reduced yet again in July 2012 so take advantage of the subsidies whilst they are here.

Solar energy is the most abundant, quiet and reliable source of free, clean electricity for households and businesses alike.

The photovoltaic industry currently generates a relatively small part of the total renewable energy supply, less than wind, hydro power or biomass but it has the most potential.

It's your last chance to take advantage of the government Solar PV subsidies!

The advantages of Solar PV1. Significantly reduce energy bills2. Can save over 1200kg of CO2 emissions a year based upon a 2.8kWp size system.3. Reliable4. Economic5. Get paid to generate your own electricity via the national feed in tariff

Call now on 01962 732091 for a FREE no obligation survey to find out exactly how much you could be earning

NAP 13775

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