April/May 2015 issue of The Oracle

1

APRIL/MAY 2015

#lovelocal ODIHAM ORACLE

THE HOME & GARDEN ISSUEthe frame gallery...a hidden gem on our high street.

meet the maker with Alistair Jones of Ideal Imaging.

INSIDEGARDENING TIPS

WITH SNOWDROP GARDENING

SERvIcES

CELEBRATIONS . ANNIVERSARIES . PRIVATE PARTIES . GRAND EVENTS

HARTLEY WINTNEY HAMPSHIRE RG27 8AS

www.elvethamhotel.co.uk

For 20 to 320 guestsPrivate rooms, small parties

whatever the reason.

01252 847 [email protected]

H A M P S H I R E

The perfect day.

EH Parish Mags Wed-Fireplace FINAL.indd 1 01/08/2013 14:54

With the daffs in full bloom, our beautiful corner of North Hampshire is positively glowing in the new season sunshine. Are you feeling a spring in your step? We are! It feels like lighter evenings and warmer days are finally on their way, and we can’t wait to fling open the windows and soak up some vitamin D. Now’s the time to pay special attention to our homes and gardens, so if you have the urge to spring clean, read our top tips on page 18-19. For the green-fingered among us, there’s some excellent advice from local gardening expert, Jeremy Hudson, on page 20-23. May is a big month for Odiham and the surrounding villages as we gear up for the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta. Check out the What’s On page for event listings – there’s so much to see and do! With Magna Carta on their minds, Bernie and Jim take us on a picturesque route to King John’s castle and beyond. After all the walking and history lessons you may be in the mood for something to eat, so grab a cuppa and read our review of The Exchequer in Crookham Village on page 7. Maybe even with the back door open, or dare we say it, lounging on a deck chair in the garden. Here’s hoping!

If you’re out and about during the Magna Carta celebrations then why not post your pics and comments on our Facebook page ‘Odiham Oracle’. We’d love to know what you’ve been up to!

Until next time…

Christabel, Polly and Natalie

ODIHAM_ORACLE

ODIHAMORACLE

CELEBRATIONS . ANNIVERSARIES . PRIVATE PARTIES . GRAND EVENTS

HARTLEY WINTNEY HAMPSHIRE RG27 8AS

www.elvethamhotel.co.uk

For 20 to 320 guestsPrivate rooms, small parties

whatever the reason.

01252 847 [email protected]

H A M P S H I R E

The perfect day.

EH Parish Mags Wed-Fireplace FINAL.indd 1 01/08/2013 14:54

I wandered lonely as a cloudThat floats on high o’er vales and hills,When all at once I saw a crowd,A host, of golden daffodils;

ODIHAM cLINIc are offering a 20 minute Spinal Assessment for £10 (deductible off any subsequent treatment), until the end of May 2015. So why not take advantage of this offer, prior to your Spring Clean, by calling The Odiham Clinic on 01256 702140.

READER OFFERS

HART SPORTS MASSAGE

Special offer: 20% off for Odiham Hook & Hartley Wintney residents first treatment. Please mention the ‘Odiham Oracle’ on your first visit.

see page 10-11

ALL ASPECTS OF TREE SURGERY & FELLING

HEDGE MAINTENANCE

TREE AND HEDGEROW PLANTING/SUPPLIED

OVER 18 YEARS IN THE TRADE

ALL STAFF N.P.T.C. CERTIFIED

£5 MILLION PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE

NO OBLIGATION QUOTES & ADVICE

Tel: 01252 722541

Mobile: 07805452973

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.arbortectreesurgery.co.uk

5

Let’s Make the LocaL PLan the Best it can Be

Hart District Council has a big problem. Its last attempt at creating a Local Plan was rejected by the Planning Inspector because Hart failed in its duty to co-operate with neighbouring councils. This means that Hart is at the mercy of developers who can push through almost any development at appeal because Hart does not have a valid Local Plan in place.

This means it is vital we get a new Local Plan in place quickly. However, if we are to retain the best of Hart – the essential rural nature – that makes this such a great place to live, then the plan has to be a good one.

According to our Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA), in the plan period up to 2032, we have to build more than 7,500 houses in Hart. These houses have to be in the right place and have to be of the right type to meet the needs of the changing population.

In addition, the councils with which we have to cooperate, Surrey Heath and Rushmoor have said they can’t build all of their allocation on their own patch and want to force Hart to build an extra 3,100 houses for them, pushing Hart’s total up to over 10,600 dwellings.

Hart has decided, on the basis of only 550 respondents out of a population of over 90,000 people that it would seek to place a big proportion of its housing allocation in a new town in Winchfield. We Heart Hart has raised a petition opposing this decision and has already received over 750 signatures – more than the total number of respondents to Hart’s consultation.

We believe Hart’s decision is flawed for a number of reasons. First, a new town, anywhere in Hart will make it impossible to fight off the demands for an extra 3,100 houses from Surrey Heath and Rushmoor. Second, a new town will turn the northern part of Hart into a single continuous urban sprawl, coalescing

the towns and villages of Fleet, Church Crookham, Crookham Village, Hartley Wintney, Hook, Odiham and Winchfield into an ugly mess.

Third, it will destroy our environment by concreting over our green fields and putting in danger the Thames Valley Heath SPA, our SSSI’s and sites of interest to nature conservation. Finally, there will be intolerable pressure put on our infrastructure such as road, rail, hospitals and schools for which there is already a £78m funding gap.

there is another way.

We need to oppose the overall housing allocation by pushing back on Surrey Heath and Rushmoor and challenging the housing numbers in the SHMA. Careful examination of the numbers reveals that the overall allocation has been pushed up using some dodgy data. They have used inward migration data that covers the time when Hart was already building over the regional and national averages and assumed that we will have a rate of jobs growth nearly twice that achieved during the boom times of 1998-2008. Making more realistic assumptions could push our housing allocation back down to around 5,000 houses.

We also need to focus much more on brownfield development. The council’s approach to this is patchy at best with many of the vacant office blocks and shops not even appearing in their land database. All of the councils also assume very low housing density on brownfield land of around 30 dwellings per hectare (dph). Studies in London have shown that vibrant communities can be created with their own green space if housing density is pushed up to 160-400dph. A study by a local architecture student has shown that if Rushmoor were to take up this type of scheme, they could build all of their housing needs and those of Hart without touching a single green field. Moreover, if Hart were to follow suit, most of our housing needs could be met by building on the existing brownfield sites. This has to be a better way forward than concreting over our green fields and destroying what makes Hart such a great place to live.

if you would like to ask hart to think again and make our Local Plan the best it can be, then please get involved with our campaign at wehearthart.co.uk and sign our petition at you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/we-hart or contact us at [email protected].

6

WELLBEING OF WOMEN !CHARITY GARDEN AND GIFT FAIR

This charity is dedicated to improving! the health of women and babies, to

make a difference to everybody’s !lives today and tomorrow. !

85+ stalls with many garden and plant stalls, home produce and more!!For more fair information go to: www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk!!

Entrance: £5 Concessions £4!Donations gratefully received via website !

THURSDAY 7th MAY 2015 - 9.30am - 3.30pm!at!

DUMMER CRICKET CENTRE!DUMMER, RG25 2AR

Local charity event!

WELLBEING OF WOMEN !CHARITY GARDEN AND GIFT FAIR

This charity is dedicated to improving! the health of women and babies, to

make a difference to everybody’s !lives today and tomorrow. !

85+ stalls with many garden and plant stalls, home produce and more!!For more fair information go to: www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk!!

Entrance: £5 Concessions £4!Donations gratefully received via website !

THURSDAY 7th MAY 2015 - 9.30am - 3.30pm!at!

DUMMER CRICKET CENTRE!DUMMER, RG25 2AR

I’ve driven past the award-winning Exchequer many times on my way to Fleet and admired its rural, yet accessible location. Noted on my list of ‘must visits’, as luck would have it, my dining companion and I found ourselves in the enviable position of writing a food review. As we all know first impressions count, and on entering The Exchequer you know straight away that this isn’t your ‘chicken in a basket’ type pub. Oh no, no, no - The Exchequer is a classy affair. The décor has a country casual feel (more Country Life less Emmerdale Farm) with wooden tables, mixed fabrics, and art depicting country pursuits. Yep, you’re definitely in Hampshire.

There’s an impressive choice of food available with a seasonal lunch and bar menu offering good quality sandwiches from £6:95 – perfect if you’re in a hurry – and tempting pub classics with a gastro twist. The main menu is also seasonal and available at lunch, so with this and the daily specials, you really are spoilt for choice.

Show me a sharing board and you’re on to a winner. The impressive charcuterie board arrived laden with parma ham, warm chorizo, chicken liver pâté, rare roast beef, warm breads, salad garnish, and tomato chutney. For £16.95 we felt this was good value, especially the quality of the roast beef, although we would have preferred horseradish to mayonnaise (served alongside). Loved the liberal sprinkling of sea salt - it’s the little touches that make the biggest

impression.

For the main, I ordered the salmon and smoked haddock potato fishcake from the seasonal lunch menu, served with French beans, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce (£9.50). Ker-ching! This was the real deal: flavoursome fishcakes, el-dente beans, oozy egg and creamy hollandaise sauce. One to replicate at home!

Natalie chose a beautifully succulent duck breast from the specials, served with sweet potato mash, green beans and a juniper sauce, which cut through the richness of the gamey meat.

Too full to make a decision, we ordered the white chocolate and honeycomb cheesecake with honeycomb ice cream (£5.95) on the manager’s recommendation. She wasn’t wrong – it was delicious!

The Exchequer is everything a thoroughly modern British pub should be. Well-executed food with a focus on local produce and fresh ingredients, comfortable surroundings, and great customer service. Well worth a visit and highly recommended for a special occasion, treat yourself lunch, or a sharing board and bottle of wine while you catch up with friends.

The Exchequer, Crookham Village. Tel: 01252 615336 Email: [email protected] Visit: www.exchequercrookham.co.uk

Odiham Oracle Food Review: The Exchequer

SHOWROOM; The Old Station Andover RdOakley Basingstoke Hampshire RG23 7HA TEL; 01256)782070

www.oakley-furnishing.co.uk

Open 9am - 5pm Mon - Fri Closed wednesday Sat Open 10am - 4pm

* Carpets* Laminate* Sheet Vinyls* Engineered Wood* Carpet Edging Service* Click Together Vinyl Tiles* Oak & Pine Furniture Stock* Beds, & Bedroom Furniture* Locally Made Jewellery, Gifts* Rugs made your size your design

HOME SELECTION SERVICE ALSO

AVAILABLE

Oak & Pine Furniture in Stock

Laminate & Real Wood Flooring

Cane Furniture

Carpets & Vinyl

A Family Business with traditional values Serving the area for over 30 years

British made Beds & Bedroom Furniture

We are local so you can see us in any one of our 7 offices

We are friendly, approachable and supportive. We understand that you may be distressed or worried.

We are experienced - you can be assured you are dealing with qualified solicitors who you can trust to provide sound legal advice.

We are large, with lots of solicitors so we can deal with your work quickly and there is always a back up in a crisis.

We offer fixed fees so you can be clear about the costs.

Probate and Estate ManagementDrafting Wills and Tax PlanningPowers of AttorneyPropertyAll Family Matters

www.batessolicitors.co.uk

Contact our offices at:

Fleet: 01252 629292

Hook: 01256 760074

Hartley Wintney: 01252 844443

Odiham: 01256 709900

Weybridge: 01932 858833

London: 020 7936 2930

Leigh on Sea: 01702 472222

A Guiding Hand through difficult times.

Let Bates Solicitors help you

through the legal process.

Meet the Maker: Ideal Imaging WEDDINg AND FAMILY LIFESTYLE PHOTOgRAPHER, ALISTAIR JONES, TEllS US ABOUT HIS PICTURE-PERFECT BUSINESS, IDEAl IMAgINg.

Alistair, how did you get into photography?Fundamentally it was through the love of it. The more you love something, the more you want to learn all there is to learn about it. And the more you learn the more you love! It’s a very happy circle. Fortunately a few years back people started to commission me for portraits and weddings, which eventually gave me the courage and conviction to take it up full time.

Describe your style.My aim is to create portraits of individuals in an honest, yet beautiful, way and produce images full of emotion and impact. I do this by facilitating a relaxed and fun environment, while discretely creating a series of portraits that capture people being themselves, showing relationships in the most natural and captivating way. I believe that, without the constraints of four studio walls for a fixed amount of time, I can encourage children and adults to forget the camera.

There are lots of photographers out there; what makes you different?

Yes, in order to succeed in this industry being different is crucial. Quite early on I realised that my style was better suited to location shoots, rather than a studio. But being a photographer isn’t just about knowing how to take a technically decent photograph. It’s about interpersonal skills - getting the very best out of people and being able to anticipate and capture the ‘moment’. I’ve built a reputation for being able to do just

that. I process every image in my signature style and offer a bespoke design service from

wall art for individual statement images, to albums showcasing the whole gallery.

With the popularity of camera phones and sharing pictures on social media, are people favouring digital

photography over prints?

Smart phones are great but there comes a time to sit back and have someone capture the moment for you. The craving for digital images is a challenge. Of course I provide these but to me, digital files are just a commodity; too easily ‘consumed’. I truly believe that an image isn’t a photograph until it’s printed. Wedding photos and family portraits are a legacy that should be preserved for children and future generations to enjoy and reflect upon. The challenge is therefore to go beyond digital and provide a range of products that will display my work at its very best and truly stand the test of time.

What can people expect from a session with you? This is best answered by one of my clients, Suzanne Boucher-Collins:

From start to finish Alistair has been fantastic; the experience really was different to any other photography we have done before. From the pre-shoot meeting, discussing our needs and planning for the session (a great ice breaker for my little girl), to the actual shoot and delivery of the most amazing pictures that will stay with us forever. What Alistair managed to capture was more than just a photo; it was personality, experience, and a whole lot more. The thought, attention to detail and service is truly worth the investment

What do you love about your work? What’s not to love? I’m surrounded by happy people documenting lifelong memories. I love watching those smiles get even bigger when I present the finished product. I get to travel to some wonderful p l a c e s and, even though I work longer hours than most people I know, I still get to

walk to school with my family most days!

Any challenges?Challenges? Of course there are many and this is where lots of photographers fall down. Keeping an eye on, but not getting too wrapped up in, the latest technological advances is one. It’s important not to lose sight that a great portrait has always been about three basic elements: light, composition and expression.

Last and by no means least is to strike a balance with home and family life. Not easy to do given I love it so much! But my

photography business will still (hopefully!) be here 10 years from now, but my son’s childhood definitely won’t.

“

[email protected] 01256 473895 | 07779143928

www.idealimaging.uk.com

Packages for faMiLy LifestyLe start at £145 newBorns froM £195.

weddings avaiLaBLe on request.

SEE OUR SPECIAL OFFER

ON PAgE 1!

“

Odiham Dental Care gives the gentlest injections with a device called Vibraject. It works so well, many people don’t even know they’ve had an injection.

Taking away the fearof dental injections

‘Did I have an injection?’‘Least painful

injection I’ve had.’‘Very gentle.’

COMMENTS INCLUDE:

phone 01256 636472 or 01256 703232www.odihamdental.co.uk

Odiham Dental Care45b High Street, Odiham, RG29 1LF

You’re in safe hands with us, we take a caring approach.�at includes giving the gentlest injections.Contact us at our private practice to �nd out more.

TEL: 01256 221 035

13

HAMPSHIRE’S ORIGINAL COUNTRY ESTATE

Tylney Hall can be found sitting romantically in 66 acres of rolling Hampshire countryside. Over the years a painstaking restoration programme has taken place to restore

the gardens to their former glory.

Tylney Hall, Rotherwick, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 9AZ 01256 764881 | [email protected] | www.tylneyhall.co.uk

HOTEL, HAMPSHIRE

“The real importance of gardening is the empowerment that it gives people, however small or

seemingly insignificant their gardens might be.”

GARDEN APPRECIATION WEEKENDWith guest speaker Monty Don

Saturday 16th–Sunday 17th May

Spend a luxurious break at Tylney Hall and enjoy a three course luncheon with guest speaker

Monty Don, followed by a tour of our historic gardens with Estate Manager Paul Tattersdill and

a private hosted dinner.

Residential package: From £262.00 per personfor a one night break, based on two people

sharing a deluxe bedroom.

Luncheon only: £94.50 per person

Please telephone 01256 764881 or email [email protected] for

more details.

ODIHAMOdiham Health Centre,Deer Park ViewOdiham | Hook | Hampshire | RG29 1JY

01256 702 371

OLD BASINGOld Basing Health Centre,Manor LaneOld Basing | Hampshire | RG24 7AE

01256 868 370

Free car parkEmergency appointmentsHome visitsFree advice on rehabilitationFree advice on exercisesFree ergonomics advice

EST 1993

MON - SAT: 8AM - 6.30PM Now open until 8pm on Wednesdays

Back Pain, Sciatica, Headaches, Sports Injuries, Shoulder ProblemsNeck Pain, Joint Pain, Elbow & Wrist Problems, Muscular Strains

DO YOU SUFFER FROM......

We are registered with most major health insurance companies including PPP and BUPA.

ODIHAMOdiham Health Centre,Deer Park ViewOdiham | Hook | Hampshire | RG29 1JY

01256 702 371

OLD BASINGOld Basing Health Centre,Manor LaneOld Basing | Hampshire | RG24 7AE

01256 868 370

Free car parkEmergency appointmentsHome visitsFree advice on rehabilitationFree advice on exercisesFree ergonomics advice

EST 1993

MON - SAT: 8AM - 6.30PM Now open until 8pm on Wednesdays

Back Pain, Sciatica, Headaches, Sports Injuries, Shoulder ProblemsNeck Pain, Joint Pain, Elbow & Wrist Problems, Muscular Strains

DO YOU SUFFER FROM......

We are registered with most major health insurance companies including PPP and BUPA.

O R I G I N A L A R T | G I F T S | H O M E & L I F E S T Y L E

FRAMEGALLERY & FRAMING

THE

VIS IT : 81 THE H IGH STREETODIHAM, HAMPSHIRE, RG29 1LB

www. the f rame-ga l l e ry .co .ukte lephone: 01256 701082

the f rame od iham

The Frame Gallery, on Odiham High Street, has been busy renovating and repurposing the top two rooms of Number 81, from traditional gallery space to lifestyle showrooms. During this process, the building has undergone dendrochronology testing and is currently awaiting carbon dating results to confirm if it dates back as far as the 1400s. Showcasing the best of lifestyle and living, each showroom will be adorned with textiles, home accessories, lighting, furniture, and of course art. Gallery owner, Jan Baker is excited about the developments: “We have been researching the development of the upstairs showrooms for months, we are very excited to see the results and hope that our customers will greatly benefit from seeing their potential purchases in a home-like environment.”

lifesty le showrooms... COMING SOON

RIPTONWindows & Conservatories

INTRODUCING A NEW GENERATION OF WINDOWS & CONSERVATORIES FOR YOUR PROPERTY.

PLEASE GET IN TOUCH FOR A NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM3 CROCKFORD LANE, CHINEHAM BUSINESS PARK, CHINEHAM, BASINGSTOKE, HAMPSHIRE RG24 8NA

www.riptonwindows.co.uk

CALL: 01256 841 522

RIPTO

N_W

IND

OW

S R

IPTON

WIN

DO

WS

01256 841188Open Monday - Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pmUnit 13 Basingstoke Business Centre, Winchester Road, Basingstoke, RG22 4AU

w w w . f i r e p l a c e s d i r e c t . c o . u k

Great style never goes out of fashion

Here at Fireplaces Direct we are proud to present our latest collection of fireplaces and fires. Whether it’s urban chic or timeless classics you are looking for, we have a huge selection to choose from, so whatever your taste we are sure we can add a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to your home.

J00037_FPD_Ad_Tadley_Directory_v2.indd 1 23/07/2013 09:57

Ripton Windows & Conservatories

keep your windows sparkling clean.You can wash your window frames with mild soap and water to keep them looking good as new. Make sure you don’t use any form of solvent-based abrasive cleaner.

Ripton Windows & Conservatories.3 Crockford lane, ChinehamRiptonwindows.co.uk01256 841522

Out with the old and in with the new. Spring is here and it’s time to give your home and garden a much needed make-over.

Hart Carpet Care

treat carpets with care.Vacuum regularly with a good quality hoover (we like Miele & Dyson). Invest in some dirt trap mats (we like Turtle Mats). Deal with stains and spillages when they happen. Treat your carpets to a regular professional deep steam clean; they’ll last longer, look better and smell fresher than ever.

T: 01252 849920M: 07803 168693E: [email protected]: www.hartcarpetcare.co.uk

RIPTONWindows & Conservatories

Renaissance Interiors

Thinking of designing a room? Karen Chapman at Renaissance Interiors recommends following this order:1. Furniture2. Curtains/Blinds3. Feature Wallpaper 4. Accessories-cushions, lamps etc.5. Paint- to enhance or balance the bolder colours

www.interiordesignersuk.orgPinterest karenrenaissanc/renaissance-interiors/Facebook interiordesignersuk.org01252 220400 / 07702 693218

Bennetts Homeshine

spring clean throughout.A clean home is a happy one and a clean office is a productive one. By enlisting our services, you’re not only getting a new lease on your place, but you’re also removing potentially dangerous or allergy-inducing elements. Get in touch with Jo on 07841096370 or 01420 769101. Follow us on Facebook: Bennettshomeshine

R.G. Goddard Brickwork

House feeling too small? Before you reach for rightmove, consider an extension to increase your square footage.

All Jobs Considered Contact me on 07834 182366

Thankfully, we’ve asked some local businesses to

offer their advice on spring cleaning your

home.

20

Are you struggling with an injury or persistent pain?

Square One specialises in the management and treatment of sport, lifestyle and occupational related injuries and

offers services to promote health and well-being.

Sports Massage Therapy Physiotherapy

Injury Assessment, Diagnosis and Rehabilitation Medical Acupuncture

Kinesiology Taping Pilates and Stretching Classes

www.square-one.uk.com 01256 541515

Dunleys Hill, Odiham

21

Do you have a patch of garden you are struggling to know what to do with? We can help you choose the right plants for the right place. Simply book a free appointment in store with our garden designer or arrange a home visit.

Spring is in the air . . .

NEWLYNS FARMSHOP, NORTH WARNBOROUGH, HAMPSHIRE RG29 1HA01256 701027 www.moutan.co.uk

Inspiring ideas . . . furniture, lanterns

& accessories

Seasonal buys . . .Plants, bulbs, pots

& planters

Gorgeous gifts . . . for the home & garden

time to make the most of your garden

22

Spring has sprung so grab some gardening gloves and get outside. Local gardener, Jeremy

Hudson, answers those all-important gardening dilemmas.

What’s the most humane way of keeping snails away?

Egg shells can help deter slugs and snails. Crush up the egg shells and sprinkle them around your plants. Obviously the egg shells will also benefit the soil as they decompose - double the benefit. Or grit, gravel or sandpaper can be used, as the roughness makes it difficult for the snails to cross.

Citrus rinds - upside down halves of grapefruit rinds can be used as slug traps. Set them out at night and you’ll have slugs inside them in the morning.

Which plants deter cats from using the garden as a litter tray?

You could try companion planting such as fennel, anise, lavender and rosemary which cats generally tend to avoid.

Plant a curry plant (“Helichrysum italicum” or “Helichrysum angustifolium”) in your garden. Some swear by these plants and say that they are more effective than lavender or other suggested cat-deterrent plants.

Sprinkle vinegar around your garden. Cats detest the smell of vinegar and they will stay away. Alternatively, try sprinkling cold coffee on the area.

Prickly bushes are a good deterrent as cats do not like walking on anything prickly or squeezing through a prickly hedge. If you really want to keep cats out of your garden, consider plants with prickly leaves or thorns on their stems: hawthorn, holly, wild rose, berberis or pyracantha.

What’s the simplest solution for keeping nettles and brambles at bay?

• Act quickly. Tackle all weeds as soon as they’re noticed, preferably when they are still seedlings. Take steps to prevent weeds in the first place by covering vacant ground with mulches and groundcover plants.

• If time is short and you don’t have time to weed properly, make sure you remove flowering weeds first to prevent them setting seed.

snowdropgardening.co.uk

• Thereafter, cut off any new shoots that emerge for the rest of the growing season, before setting about lifting the much-weakened clump in autumn. Also dig deep to remove as much root growth as possible. As a last resort, nettles and brambles can be tackled by repeat applications of a systemic weed killer, but you’ll still have to remove and dispose of the remains.

• Consign the roots of pernicious weeds or any weeds that have set seed to the dustbin or burn them. If added to the compost heap, you risk transferring them around the garden along with your compost.

What plants do you recommend for low maintenance and good coverage for someone who doesn’t like gardening?

Well firstly, I would say that there isn’t really such a thing as a “low maintenance garden”. However, of course there are many differing degrees of maintenance needed. Here are a few plant combinations for differing aspects.

DRY SOIL IN SUN Blue-leaved euphorbia, orange berberis, emerald hebe, silver phlomis, red sedum, spring bulbs, and spiky yucca.

AVERAgE SOIL IN SUN Scented viburnum and philadelphus, species shrub roses under planted with hardy geraniums, blue agapanthus, and woolly-leaved stachys.

MOIST SOIL IN SUN Red-stemmed cornus, amelanchier blossom, feathery astilbe, iris sibirica, white leucojum, and purple-leaved ligularia.

DRY SOIL IN SHADE golden yew, variegated holly, scented yellow mahonia, ferns, periwinkle, and a giant hosta in a half-barrel.

AVERAgE SOIL IN SHADE Camellia, scented sarcococca, black-leaved ophiopogon, white Japanese anemone, and hardy red fuchsia.

MOIST SOIL IN SHADE Bamboo, hydrangea, creamy aruncus, low-growing comfrey, and variegated ground elder (don’t be scared). You could also mulch well around all of the plants, or use a weed suppressant membrane, which will keep the weed level down significantly. Alternatively, I would suggest employing a gardener to look after the garden for you. That way, you get the pleasure of a beautiful garden without any of the associated hard graft.

Call 01256 761810 for more information.

Roofing & Building

Fleet 01252 851719

TM Roofing & Building ContractorsRedfields Stables, Redfields Lane,

Fleet, Hants GU52 0RB

www.tmroofing.com

30 Years of Outstanding Roofing & Building Expertise

Stocks of reclaimed materials held to match your roof

l Strip & Re-Tilel New Tile/Slate Roofsl Roof & Storm Damagel Lead Roofs/Flashingl 3 Layer Felt Roofingl UPVC Fascias, Soffits

& Guttering

l Extensionsl Alterations & Renovationsl Listed Buildingsl New Housesl Chimneys & Re-Pointing

Works

Strip & Re-tile of existing Roofs

Extensions, Alterations & Renovations

Large & Unique Roofs

TM Roofing_Dec12_128.5 x 93L 27/11/2012 15:57 Page 1

add your events online for FREE

theodihamoracle.co.uk

to advertise email:[email protected]

Oracle

Farnham Golf Club

COME & JOIN OUR FRIENDLY LADIES ACADEMYContact Rob Colborne, Golf Manager

01252 782109

Academy details can be found on our website www.farnhamgolfclub.co.uk

FREE TASTER SESSIONcome along to our

Would you like to learn?Ladies new to golf?

GOLF MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES

iMProve your swing this sPring!

A good golf swing looks entirely effortless, but it really isn’t. You won’t get very far unless you learn to position yourself correctly. Feeling comfortable and balanced over the ball is important, so if you are finding your swing needs some spring, ask your golf buddy or the Course Pro to assess your stance and grip - adapting it slightly might make all the difference! The position of the ball before shot will also affect your performance. For most medium range shots, the ball should be in the middle of your stance, and as a general rule of thumb, longer shots such as drives and low irons are played nearer the front foot. The shorter clubs, such as wedges and high irons, are played nearer the back foot. The best thing to do is experiment

to see what suits you. You should also try to remember to strike the ball at the bottom of your swing. Bad impact shots such as those which hit on the toe or heel will reduce the potential ball speed.

did you know, the world record holder for the fastest ball speed is currently held by ryan winther who in 2012 achieved a ball speed of 227.6 mph!

whether you are a beginner or advanced golfer, farnham golf club has a dedicated and experienced team of Pga Professionals who are on hand to help you develop your golf game. for further information on golf tuition and membership, please visit www.farnhamgolfclub.co.uk or call 01252 782109.

26

We have various therapists at the clinic, as folloWs:• osteopathy • acupuncture chiropody/podiatry • counselling • hypnotherapy

• homeopathy • Reflexoloy • reiki • shiatsu

THE ODIHAM CLInIC Your local, natural Wellbeing centre2 HigH Street, OdiHam, HantS, rg29 1Lg

teL: 01256 702140

Local, reputable, quality workmanship.

A wood-‐burning stove is safe, looks fantas6c and will drive

down your energy costs.

For a free quota6on for the installa6on of a

first-‐class, mul6-‐fuel wood-‐burner -‐ Call today.

Farnham Stoves

01252 717772 www.farnhamstoves.com

ENHANCE YOUR HOME

BETTER BACkCARE In YOuR HOME WITH OSTEOPATH CHRISTInA HOOD

WITH THE SPRINg NEARLY UPON US, I THOUGHT THERE WAS NO BETTER TIME THAN NOW TO THINK ABOUT YOUR BACK AHEAD OF THAT FIRST SPRINg CLEAN ON THE HOUSE. AFTER 23 YEARS ExPERIENCE, AS A PRACTISING OSTEOPATH, I HAVE SEEN MANY PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC BACK PAIN WHO STRUGGlE WITH THE HOUSEHOLD CHORES. THE AIM OF THIS ARTICLE IS TO gIVE YOU SOME SIMPLE TIPS ON HOW YOU CAN ADAPT YOUR HOUSE TO REDUCE THE STRAIN.

Avoid the strainMost people strain their back either through bending or twisting or a combination of the two. Remember to bend from your hips, keeping your back straight or squat down when you can. This may be difficult if you either have problems with your hips or knees or you are in a tight, confined space. In either of these situations, try tightening up your abdominal muscles to protect your back.

In the house.I personally like the minimalistic approach, in houses, to allow room to manoeuvre around the furniture and make the cleaning easier. Try and avoid cleaning the whole house on the same day and use light cleaning tools, with extendible handles.

Also think about your general comfort around the house, particularly with sitting and sleeping. Sitting badly can contribute to low back pain. Please consider the following:

• When sitting on your sofa/dining room chairyou should be able to place your feet flat on the floor and have your back against the back of the chair, with your knees slightly lower than your hips. • A wedge shaped cushion (available at The Odiham Clinic) can be used on a dining chair to ensure your hips are higher than your knees, especially important if

the chair is doubling up as an office chair. • As regards firmness of your sofa, a good test is to try and stand up from your sofa with your arms crossed in front of you – if you cannot, your sofa is probably too low or soft.

On average people sleep for 7 hours a night, up to one third of your life. So it is worth investing in a good mattress, you generally do get what you pay for. Most mattresses need replacing approximately every eight to ten years and the type of mattress is down to personal choice. Beware, any reference to ‘orthopaedic’ does not necessarily mean the best! Try and buy one that does not need turning as this can be cumbersome, especially if it is a double mattress. For advice on pillows, please go to http://www.theodihamclinic.co.uk/sleep-priority.htm.Spinal check

our team of osteopaths are offering a 20 minute spinal assessment for £10 (deductible off any subsequent treatment), until the end of May 2015. so why not take advantage of this offer, prior to your spring clean, by calling the odiham clinic on 01256 702140.

The Odiham Clinic is a long established and trusted multi-disciplinary medical clinic, offering Osteopathy, Acupuncture, Shiatsu, Homeopathy, Chiropody, Reflexology, Counselling, Hypnotherapy and Reiki. For more information, please visit our website www.theodihamclinic.co.uk or call 01256 702140 to book an appointment.

Illustration by jennycrayon.com

ORDNANCE SURVEY (OS) ExPlORER MAP 144GRID REFERENCE (GR) 717512(OR USE GREAT BRITAIN OUTDOORS APP ON YOUR MOBIlE)

TR TURN RIgHT TL TURN LEFT SO STRAIGHT ON FB FOOTBRIDGE Kg KISSINg gATE FP FOOTPATH FPS FOOTPATH SIgNCRWC CROSS ROAD WITH CARE

Walk past the Fox and Geese (unless really parched already) then shortly TR and almost immediately TL at FPS with fence on left passing over the entrance to greywell Canal Tunnel. Pause to read the information panel about the disused tunnel and presently home to a bat colony. It now cuts off a 5-mile section of the Basingstoke Canal.The route follows the canal for about 4.4 miles of easy walking to reach Stacey Bridge (the name is on the bridge arch). If parking at Barley Mow Bridge reach here by walking along Sprat’s Hatch lane. On the way of course you pass Odiham Castle, scene of a celebratory festival this year.

Bernie says:We have three churches dedicated to St Mary on this walk: Greywell, Winchfield and Hartley Wintney. Any thoughts as to why this is? Stop if you can to admire the ornate decoration at the Winchfield church in the Romanesque style; its richness said to be the product of ownership by Chertsey Abbey, a wealthy monastery. There are often comfortable benches in churchyards for your coffee or snack-break with a lovely view. A church porch is a welcome spot in wet weather.

Distance: 7.6 miles (or less) (alternative start points: car park by the Water Witch in Odiham or at Barley Mow Bridge)Time: allow 2.5 to 3 hours

WHAT A LOVELY COINCIDENCE IT IS TO TREAD IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF KING JOHN IN THIS ANNIVERSARY YEAR OF MC AND TO CONTINUE OUR INTRODUCTION TO LDWS. MAgNA CARTA AND LONg DISTANCE WALKS, THAT IS. SO THIS TIME ROUND LET US TAKE YOU ON A SHORT SECTION OF THE THREE CASTLES PATH THAT PASSES OUR DOORSTEPS. THIS LDW IS ABOUT 60 MIlES lONG AND lINKS THE THREE CASTLES OF WINCHESTER, ODIHAM AND WINDSOR, TRACINg IN SPIRIT ROUTES TAKEN BY THE KING AND HIS ENTOURAGE ON THEIR JOURNEYING BETWEEN ROYAl RESIDENCES. THIS IS A lINEAR WAlK SO ARRANGE TO BE PICKED UP AT THE END OR TAKE TWO CARS AND PARK A CAR AT BOTH ENDS.

SO COME WITH US AND ENJOY A BIT OF MUD HERE, A WATERY SPOT THERE, BUT PLENTY OF FRESH AIR AND THE SPRINg FLOWERS POPPINg UP TO WELCOME YOU AND URgE YOU ON.

Please observe The Country Code, closing gates after you and keeping dogs on a leash where there are grazing animals. Take great care when crossing or walking along public roads.

Climb the bank and pass through a metal gate and follow FP to a wood, ignoring path on right. SO to reach St Mary’s Church - now in Winchfield. TR at road opposite converted school building and then TL at road junction, then SO to pass under railway bridge. Immediately opposite there is a FPS in the hedge. Take this FP (a little muddy here) to join a cross track. TL and SO with wire fence on left. At the stable building about 20 rats crossed our path, but don’t worry they are quite nervous of people! Cross M3 over the bridge. Follow concrete track then shortly TR over wooden FB to reach the road. CRWC and TR past South Cottage and in 150m TR with FPS and cross a FB. With a church ahead of you, go half left on FP across field to reach a lane by Church Farm where TR on FP parallel to the road. Pass through the churchyard and exit by lych gate and shortly afterwards TR into burial ground with FP up steps. go SO to emerge on Church Lane with the famous Mildmay avenues of oaks on left. These were planted in 1807 by lady St John Mildmay following a call by Admiral Collingwood to plant oaks nationally for the

Royal Navy, two years after the victorious battle of Trafalgar. However, iron clad warships i.e. wooden hulls covered in iron plating, came in long before the oaks matured. Muse on this as you take a left FP with the Cricketers pub on your left and the cricket ground in front of it, the oldest in Hampshire. Note also the Dutch gabled farmhouse and pretty duck pond. You are now in the centre of Hartley Wintney and your collection point or where you have left a car.

Jim says:Public Rights of Way are, and have been, a contentious

issue over many decades. The four types of rights of

way are shown on OS maps as Footpaths for walkers

only, Bridleways for walkers and horses, Byways open

to all traffic (including cycles) and Restricted byways

(mechanically propelled vehicles not allowed). Where

LDWs converge and use the same path not all will

be indicated on a FPS, usually the earliest agreed has

precedence.

“You don’t have to be an athlete to feel the significant benefits of sports & remedial massage.”The highest UK qualification in sports massage is the 1 year BTEC level 5 in Clinical Sports & Remedial Massage and the minimum qualification required to work with elite athletes. I am fortunate to be a senior tutor on the Oxford level 5 course and responsible for training future level 5 therapists. A therapist will always display their level 5 qualification and I would always recommend a level 5 qualified therapist.

“Lower back pain” lower back pain is a very common complaint. In my experience the majority of lower back pain occurs as a result of short/tight hip flexors or over flexible hamstrings. One of the worst treatments for lower back pain is a lower back massage alone. A useful stretch for lower back pain is a hip flexor stretch. Take a huge stride forward and perform a lunge (as in the picture). Lean back slightly and hold the stretch for 60 seconds. Then stretch the other side. You should feel the stretch at the front of the hip. Be careful never to stretch when cold and never stretch if painful.

special offer: 20% off for odiham hook & hartley wintney residents first treatment. Please mention the ‘Odiham Oracle’ on your first visit.

if you need advice or to ask andrew a question, please email [email protected] and you may see your question answered in a future issue. all posts will be anonymous to protect your privacy. out caLLs avaiLaBLe on request.

Exclusive Fireplaces & StovesMurrell GreenLondon Road, Hartley WintneyHampshire RG27 8HZ

Tel: 01256 764182

Opening TimesMonday - ClosedMonday - ClosedTuesday - Saturday - 10.00am - 5.00pmSunday - Closed

[email protected]://www.exclusivefireplaces.co.uk

Exclusive Fireplaces & Stoves62 High Street

SandhurstBerkshire GU47 8DY

Tel: 01252 876876

Opening TimesMonday - Friday - 9.30am - 5.00pmMonday - Friday - 9.30am - 5.00pm

Saturday - 9.30am - 5.00pmSunday - 10.00am - 1.00pm

• FIREPLACES • STOVES •• SOLID FUEL • GAS & ELECTRIC FIRES •

NEW SH

OWROOM

IN HARTLE

Y WINTN

EY

Once upon a time at...

Our topic at the moment is ‘Once upon a time’. In Early Years we have been learning about some traditional tales such as The Gingerbread Man and Sleeping Beauty. We have made puppets to tell the stories and acted them out together. We designed our own crowns and shields and are ready to rescue the princess now!

Buryfields Infant School

We were very lucky to have the author Petr Horacek come to school to read us some of his stories and show us how he illustrates his books. The children in Year 2 attended workshops and produced a wonderful piece of art which is now displayed in the school library.

APRIL1st - 12th - Farnham Art Society 68th Annual Exhibition. James Hockey & Foyer Galleries, University for the Creative Arts, Falkner Road, Farnham, GU9 7DS. 9:30am - 5:30pm, free entry. 01256 850495.

2nd - New Tai Chi Taster. This 5-week daytime Taster session for Yang style Tai Chi starts on 2nd April and runs for 5 weeks. Yateley Village Hall. 10:00am - 11:00am. £25.00. 07814 969540.

7th - 17th - The leading children’s holiday sports camp, with the widest range of activities in Basingstoke and North Hampshire. The Vyne School. 9:00am - 3:30pm. www.premiersport.org. £18 per day xTRA TIME: £5 extra per day (£23 in total). 01256 461167.

14th - Hattie Briggs. A 21 year-old singer-songwriter, who was nominated for the 2014 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, and performed as part of the show at The Royal Albert Hall live on BBC Radio 2. The Maltings, Farnham. 8:00pm - 10:00pm. £12.50 per person. 01252 745444.

19th - Woofs and Wellies. This picturesque sponsored (in aid of St Michael’s Hospice) walk takes you through the beautiful countryside of North Hampshire, with stunning views of rolling fields and breathtaking bluebells. You can choose to follow one of three routes a 5 mile, 8 mile or a challenging 12 mile route. Home Farm, Earl of Portsmouth Estate, Farleigh Wallop, RG25 2Hx. Walkers on the 12 mile route MUST begin by 9:30am. 5 and 8 mile walkers can begin between 9:30am and 11:00am. Adult: £10, child: £4. 01256 848848.

25th - First match of the season: Odiham and Greywell CC 1st xI vs. Ropley. 1:00pm.

MAY3rd - 4th - Basingstoke Rotary Springfest. Sale of garden plants, shrubs and accessories plus craft stalls selling jewellery, cards and much more. Wall’s funfair and entertainments; a great day out for the family. Basingstoke Rugby Club, Pack lane. 10:00am - 4:00pm. Adults: £4, Children: £1, Family ticket (2 Adults and up to 4 children): £10. 01256 461167.

9th - Odiham and Greywell CC 1st xI vs. Crown Taverners. 2:00pm.

15th - Film Night - The Theory Of Everything. The Cross Barn. Tickets are £6 and are available from P&K (in Fountains Mall) or by emailing [email protected] - this price includes tea/coffee & biscuits; wine and ice cream is available to purchase. Doors open at 7pm and the film will begin at 7.45pm.

16th - Odiham and Greywell CC 1st xI vs. longparish II. 2:00pm.

22nd - 25th - Various Magna Carta events in and around Odiham. Volunteer by contacting [email protected]. More info visit: www.odihammagnacarta.com or www.inodiham.co.uk.

23rd - Farmer’s Market. Held at BCOT in collaboration with Hampshire Fare. £2.50 per car, or £1 per visitor (if no parking is required). 9:00am - 3:00pm. If you would like to have a stall at this event please email [email protected].

30th Odiham and Greywell CC 1st xI vs. Old Alresford. 2:00pm.

Don’t forget, the Antiques and Collectors Fair - is held at North Warnborough Village hall on the last Sunday of the month (Jan-June). 10am to 4pm. Delicious home cooked food served all day.

WHAT’S On!

35

CONFIDENTLEARNING

Thursday 14th May 2015 6pm - 8pmOPENEVENING

StNicholas’ SchoolF L E E T • H A M P S H I R E

� 01252 850121 st-nicholas.hants.sch.ukFor more information please contact the Registrar:[email protected]

St Nicholas’ School,Redfields House,Redfields Lane,Church Crookham,Fleet,Hampshire GU52 ORFRegistered in England Reg.No.872200 Reg.Charity No.307341

WWW.WESTPORTGREY.CO.UK

BUILDING CONTRACTORS 01256 636511

NEW BUILDS, EXTENSIONSRENOVATIONS & LOFT CONVERSIONS

WPG - OO 02.15.indd 1 16/01/2015 17:02

April/May 2015 issue of The Oracle

Documents

Transcript of April/May 2015 issue of The Oracle