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ALRESFORD & ITCHEN VALLEY FORUM

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74

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013YOUR FREE & INFORMATIVE LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

The Alresford & Itchen Valley Forum would like to wish all of its readers a Happy New Year!

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Community News | 3

To advertise call: 01962 735137 JANUARY ISSUE 74

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

Every FridayNew children's dance classes in Alresford (the John Pearson Hall), on Fridays.4.00 - 4.30 Nursery Ballet - Suitable for 3-4 year olds4.30 - 5.00 Pre-Primary Ballet - Suitable for Reception aged children5.00 - 5.45 Pre-Primary Ballet - Suitable for Year 1 aged children5.45 - 6.30 Junior Jazz - Suitable for 8-11 year olds6.30 - 7.30 Senior Jazz - Suitable for 12-16 year oldswww.floriandance.com Tel: 01794 388932 Mobile: 07802 446614

Every Monday, Wednesday and FridayZumba classes at Itchen Abbas Village Hall Mon 6.30pm & Fri 10am and Bishops Sutton Village Hall Wednesday 7.45pm. Check out website www.zumba-around-winchester.com for more info or contact Sue Russell on [email protected] or Tel: 07947 410394.

Monday 31st DecemberNew Year's Eve Dance From 8pm at Ropley Parish Hall. Come and celebrate the end of this fabulous Diamond Jubilee & London 2012 Olympics Year. Live music from the fabulous Everclare, a licensed bar and superb company. Admission by ticket only, Adults £10, Family £25 (2+2 under 16). Early booking advised, limited number of tickets available from Norma Day 772267 and Jane Parsonson 772228. We guarantee you an evening to remember but you need to be there!

Until 27th JanuaryStar GazingDiscover sculptures of stars around the grounds and rising stars of the contemporary craft world in the Art Gallery. For more events and activities at Mottisfont this year visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfontBooking not needed. Normal admission charges apply. Opening times for the Art Gallery are 11am, last entry

4.30pm. Grounds are open from 10am - 5pm daily or dusk if earlier. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access to the Art Gallery. Tel: 01794 340757The National Trust, Mottisfont, Nr Romsey Hampshire SO51 0LP

Tuesday 1st JanuaryKing Alfred Buses Running DayCelebrate the New Year as the transport scene of years gone by is brought to life again. The buses will be leaving from the Broadway, Winchester, SO23 9GH (near King Alfred's statue).The event will be held between 9am and 5pm for more information contact: [email protected] or Tel: 01962 877 368.

Sunday 6th JanuaryChristingle CelebrationFor all the family. Make a christingle and take it home. Have some fun singing and playing the maracas and other percussion instruments. From3.30pm at Old Alresford Place.Followed by a short celebrationin St.Mary's Church, OldAlresford. Call 01962 734861

Friday 11th JanuaryWatercolour Demonstrationsat the ARCFrom 7.30pm at the ARC, Arlebury Park. Alresford Art Society, Robert Newcombe creates impressionistic watercolours. For information contact: 01962 736397, email or visit www.artsociety.alresford.org

Saturday 12th JanuaryCheriton Talks 2013Supersonic Achievement - A brief history of the life of Concorde by Steve Bohill Smith who flew for British Airways for 34 years.

Saturday 12th January Alresford Community Theatre Society (ACTS) invite you to a Quiz EveningFrom 7.30pm for 8.00pm start.Perins School Main Hall. Supper included and bar available.Tickets £8.00 / £7.00 For ACTS members. Tables of 8 (if fewer we will combine you with others to make 8). Available fromLorraine Lillywhite – 01962 734477 / [email protected]

Saturday 12th January until Sunday 10th February Alphabet: Michael Craig-MartinAt the Discovery Centre Winchester. Michael Craig-Martin is one of the most influential British artists of recent decades. The Hayward Gallery’s touring exhibition Alphabet is a series of 26 screenprints by Craig-Martin in which the letters

of the alphabet are overlaid with everyday objects, set against a background of vivid monochrome colours.Created in his signature style, Craig-Martin plays with the idea of the ABC children’s primer. Instead of a direct 'A is for Apple', 'B is for Ball', the relationship between the letter and image depicted is not instantly obvious and requires some guesswork.

Wednesday 16th JanuaryAlresford Historical and Literary Society talks 2013.Our first talk with Jennie Rawes; "Behind the Scenes at Number 10". To be held in the Methodist Hall, Jacklyns Lane, Alresford, at 7.30pm.Guests are welcome. For more information contact Robert Fowler on: 01962 734125

Friday 18th January Martyr Worthy Lecture SeriesThe River Itchen from Sourceto Sea - Graham Roberts. AtItchen Abbas Village Hall,SO21 1BQ

Friday 18th JanuaryQuiz & Music Night From 7.30pm at The Undercroft, Swan Hotel, Alresford.Tickets £5. Come along and join us for a get together to raise funds for the charity CRY - this is in memory of Alex Watley, who was a coach with us and a leading light at Alresford Rugby Club, he passed away on 30.12.2011 aged 23 years.Martha's Man (our very own coach Russell) will be singing some of his amazing songs and there will be a fun quiz.Teams of 4 or 6, or just come along and make a team with other people on your table. We welcome juniors from age 12 & above - but they must be accompanied by an adult. Please do help us raise as much money as possible by supporting this event. Contact us for tickets at [email protected]. Read more about the work CRY does here:- www.c-r-y.org.uk

Saturday 19th JanuaryCheriton Talks 2013Nicolas & Alexandra and the last days of the Romanovs - Douglas Skeggs, Art Historian.

Wednesday 23rd JanuaryAlresford Town Plan MeetingFrom 7.30pm at the ARC, Arlebury Park. A public meeting to further discuss the Alresford Town Plan - A plan for the next 20 years. More information - www.newalresfordtc.org.uk/townplan.htm

Saturday 26th January Winchester City Festival Choir From 7.30pm at the Arts Centre, St Swithun’s School, WinchesterPerforming Carmina Burana, The Making of the Drum and Fourth Dimension for Peter. Tickets £14 adults/£7 children and studentsAvailable from the Theatre Royal, Jewry Street Winchester (01962 840440). Licensed Bar.

Saturday 26th to Sunday 27th January Lambing Day at Sparsholt CollegeFrom 9.30am on Saturday until 3.30pm on Sunday. See the ewes at lambing time, witness shepherding activities. There will be a host of other farm-based activities, demonstrations, displays and puzzles. Contact: 01962 797396 for more information.

Monday 28th January The Alresford Museum Trust invite you to a Nostalgia AfternoonJoin us for Tea & Biscuits at The ARC, Arlebury Park from 2pm. Help us identify the locations of some old photographs in and around Alresford and the people in them. For more information call 01962 733893 or visit www.museum.alresford.org.

Wednesday 20th - Saturday 23rd FebruaryAlresford Community Theatre Society Presents the musical ‘Annie’Perins School Main Hall. Evening performances – 7.30pm. Matinee - Sat 23rd February 2.00pm. Wed - Adults - £8 / Children u 16 - £5All other performances - Tickets Adults - £10 / Children u 16 - £5Tickets available from Jan 1st 2013 from www.theatresource.co.uk/event/29268. Dorothy & Howard Lewis / Tel 01962 733818Email: [email protected] West Newsagent. Further details - www.actstheatre.co.uk

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

Dates for your diary

74

ISSUE 74 JANUARY www.alresfordforum.co.uk

4 | Contents

Alresford & Itchen Valley Forum

Inside this month's issueAlresford & Itchen Valley Forum

January 2013

Features & Community News03 Dates for your diary

06 Alresford & District Horticultural Society

06 Martyr Worthy Lecture Series 2013

08 Alresford Surgery News

08 Alresford Minibus Service wins local award

08 Christingle celebrations for all the family

10 Rotary - This is could be the last time...

12 Church Services and News

10

26

18

32

14 A chance to look around a stunning wedding venue

16 Parent & Child

17 Bluebird Care - 'Caring in the Cold'

18 Hampshire Mum - Heading for a fall

20 Useful Information

22 Alresford Town Council Reports

24 Cheriton Talks 2013

26 Nostalgia with old photos

26 Perins U15 Rugby Squad Victorious over Portsmouth Grammar School30 Your letters

30 Alresford Chamber

of Commerce News

32 Recipe of the Month - Tagine

34 Masterchef winner gives support to Hampshires Create and Cook Competition

34 King Alfred's Buses Running Day

36 When your past catches up with you!

37 Sparsholt College Lambing Day

38 What do you think? Home Sweet Home

42 Jackie's County Corner

44 Clubs and Societies

46 Over £1 million to support Hampshire's

culture & community organisations

50 Bring some sunshine into your life with Dancing and Yoga!

50 Clubs and Societies

50 The Roving Art School

If you would like to contribute an article or letter to the Forum magazine then simply email your copy to: [email protected]. Copy may be edited at our discretion and we cannot guarantee publication.


Contents | 5

Alresford & Itchen Valley Forum

January 2013

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FEBRUARY ISSUE COPY DEADLINEAll advertising content andeditorial must be with us bythe Monday 14th January. All advert designs must be finalised and approved byThursday 17th January.

Any content not approved by this date will not be publicised.

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

© Forum Publications Ltd, 2013

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

Motors2 39, 40, 41

The Garden6 7

Professional Services09 11, 13, 14, 15, 17

Education Services16

Home Services

19 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29

Animal Services25

36

38

Building Services30 31

Food & Drink32 33, 35, 37

Health & Beauty41 43

I.T services42

Property Management45 46, 47

The Home48 49, 52

Arts, Crafts &Music50 51

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34


6 | Community News / The Garden

Please visit our website for all the latest news, information, second-hand

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Laceys Farm, BramdeanAlresford, Hampshire, SO24 0JT

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

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Garden Design Pergolas Fencing Turfing Paving/Brickwork Water Features Decking Planting

On January 9th Dennis Bright is the guest speaker

of the Alresford and District Horticultural Society. A nationally acclaimed wildlife photographer with passion and enthusiasm for his subject, his “Focus on Wildlife” concentrates on the wildlife of Hampshire before moving north to share something of the natural world of central Scotland and the Bass Rock. Expect everything from red squirrels to gannets.

Members are reminded that in January the annual subscription is due; this is just £10.00, very good value for the high calibre of speakers the Society books. There is the additional bonus of outings,

In aid of the Itchen Valley Parish churches:

Friday 18th JanuaryThe River Itchen from Source to Sea - Graham Roberts.

Despite the River Itchen’s protected designations, it is suffering from many pressures. Graham has worked for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust on water related issues for 25 years and has a passion for chalk streams.

Thursday 28th February.Medicine in Art – Dr John Davies

The human state has fascinated and pre-occupied artists through the ages. Through paintings, sculpture

Alresford & DistrictHorticultural Society

Martyr Worthy Lecture Series 2013

the annual holiday, garden party and annual supper.The January meeting is also when notice is given of the AGM in February (13th) and the nomination form for Officers and Committee members for 2013-14 is available. The positions of Secretary, Sponsorship Secretary, Membership Secretary and Catering Organiser are vacant.

Meetings are held in the Phair Hall of Alresford Town Hall in West Street and start at 7.30pm. Everyone is most welcome.

Contact: M Barton for more details 01962 734247

and illustrations, the development of the care of the sick has been documented from the ancient world to the present day.

VenueItchen Abbas and Avington Village Hall, SO21 1BQ.

TimeFrom 7.00pm for a glass of wine and canapés. Lecture starts at 7.45pm.

Tickets£12 each. Available from Verity Coleman at [email protected]; Joanna Lang 779439 or Liz Platt 779298. Cheques payable to Itchen Valley PCC.

www.simonbridgesgardenservices.co.uk

Simon Bridges

GARDEN SERVICES

Tel: 07823 774 249 email: [email protected]

Garden Overhaul & Maintenance

LandscapingWeed Control

Driveways & Paths

Lawn MowingLawn ConditioningHedge Trimming

The Garden | 7


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

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Fencing Installation Service Available

Complete Garden ConstructionProfessional Garden Design & Construction

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

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Tel: 01962 771 479Mob: 07879 651 065

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Design & Construction Driveways Paths Patios Water Features Pergolas

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Chris MatthewsTree Care and Woodland Management

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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

8 | Community News


Last month the Alresford Society generously awarded its Silver

Salver Award to the Alresford Community Minibus, its organizer and volunteer drivers, in recognition of their services to the Community, and the enhancement the Minibus provides for residents of Alresford and the surrounding area. The Alresford Society Salver was presented initially to Pam Stevens, the organizer and co-ordinator of the Minibus, accompanied by volunteer drivers Alan Rose and Anita Wade, plus Robin Atkins, chairman of New Alresford Town Trustees (NATT), who own and operate the Minibus. Later in the month several of the volunteer drivers were assembled at a party to show off the Silver Salver, and thank them for their efforts over the past year.

At this meeting, Pam Stevens also announced the retirement of one of the drivers, Sue Grace from Ropley, and will send her a certificate of thanks to recognize her 10 years of service as a driver - plus a voucher from Marks & Spencer as well.

The original Minibus service was started in the 1960s by Geoffrey Searle and Jean Shaw: in 1970 the responsibility was taken on by the Town Trust, and since that time the distinctive bright yellow minibus has been a regular sight around the town, providing over 600 journeys a year. Pam Stevens has been the main co-ordinator since 2008, and regular shopping trips are scheduled to Sainsbury and Tesco supermarkets and shops in Alton, Petersfield, Winchester and Basingstoke - plus locally around Alresford.

Alresford Minibus service wins local award

In the Summer, Rotary and the Alresford Pigs also organize evening drives to local beauty spots and pubs. Details of all these are available on the Town Trust website and via Pam Stevens (Phone 01962 734861).Even though the Minibus provides a unique door to door community service, the costs are significant, and not fully covered by the fares paid. Pam Stevens also co-ordinates a continuing appeal for financial support from local councils, local businesses, charities and Government schemes: some of the logos of these bodies can be seen on the Minibus itself. The NATT is grateful for this support for the day-to-day costs, without which the service could not operate. Inevitably it will also be necessary to replace the current Minibus in around 2018, for which another £25,000 needs to be raised. In 2012 it is hoped these appeals will achieve a total of £8500.

Pam Stevens holding the Salver, flanked by some of the volunteer Minibus drivers: Robin Atkins, chair of the NATT is to Pam’s left, and Nick Denbow (volunteer driver and NATT trustee) to her right. Michael Moore, volunteer driver and member of Alresford Rotary, is extreme left in the blazer.

For further enquiries please contact:Pam Stevens, New Alresford Town Trustee and Minibus Co-ordinator, on 01962 734861 or [email protected]. Nick Denbow, NATT Press Officer, on 01962 734824 or [email protected]. NATT website: www.towntrust.org.uk

Winter PlanningAs part of our contingency planning we are making arrangements to ensure that we can maintain service in the event of adverse weather. Most of our staff live locally and are able to get to work and enable us to keep the surgery open.

In cases of extreme weather some patients will not be able to get to the surgery to attend their appointments. As always, if you are unable to get to the surgery for an appointment please telephone and let us know and we will do our best to make you a new appointment.

Our biggest problem is helping patients who really need to come to the surgery. We would like to have a list of volunteers with suitable vehicles (e.g. 4x4’s) who may be called on to bring patients in, or to help doctors make emergency

Alresford Surgery Newshome visits. We pay a mileage allowance but must ask that any volunteer has motor insurance that would cover them in this type of event. If you are willing to join the list of volunteers please do get in touch.

Blood TestsThe hospital phlebotomists are now providing blood test appointments here at the surgery every Monday and Thursday morning from 8.30 until 12.30. We are keen to make the most of this service so unless you need to have a fasting test please be prepared to accept a later morning slot.

During the winter please keep warm prior to having blood taken, particularly the hands. It is much easier and more comfortable for both patient and phlebotomist to find a vein if you are not cold!

Professional Services | 9


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10 | Community News


Rotary – This Could Be The Last Time…

Idon’t know. Oh No No!. As the Stones roll on, seemingly for ever, Rotary worldwide has a great continuing project - one that we’d like to bring to an end.

We are this close to completing the fight against Polio.Rotary promised the children of the world a lasting gift – the elimination from the world of this crippling disease. When Rotary began the fight in 1985, polio affected 350,000 people, mostly children, in 125 countries every year. Since then, polio has been reduced by more than 99 percent. After nearly 30 years, and after immunising more than 2 billion children against polio, Rotary and its partners are on the brink of making history.

Rotary raises cash from individuals and governments to pay for the immunisation shots at 40 pence a child, and provides volunteers to help countries across the world administer the vaccine, so that no child is missed. This is a massive task and one that is

achieved with help from other charities and foundations, especially the Gates Foundation.

Fewer than 700 new cases were reported in 2011, and the wild poliovirus today is confined to isolated pockets in only three countries. We truly are This Close to ending polio forever.

But if we don’t finish the fight right now, polio could quickly resurge, with devastating consequences. More than 10 million children could be paralyzed in the next 40 years. This once-in-a-generation opportunity would be gone forever.

You can help by supporting Rotary events, becoming a member or associate or making a donation. Contact any Rotarian or the club via the website to find out how you can make this the final year for polio. If we can make 2014 polio-free then This Could Be The Last Time any child anywhere suffers this terrible disease.

Your Rotary Club – well known for its many, very visible, projects in and around Alresford - has other things it does

as well. Many are personal and necessarily private bits of help, provided where it can, to anyone who calls. Some are big and a bit messy...As the New Year starts, we’re celebrating the mid-point of a big muddy job at the Sun Hill schools. We’re carrying out the restoration of the wildlife pond. Having removed the overhanging trees, shrubs and the invasive bulrushes, we were then able to drain the pond and, with the able help of a mechanical digger, get back to the original concrete sub-base. This was then lined with carpet remnants donated by club members, parents and a very generous amount from Eddolls of Broad Street. Finally a huge butyl liner was put over the carpet and the filling of the new pond commenced.

The next stage, in the spring, is to put in a path all round the pond and install a decking platform, from which the children can at long last pond dip again, maybe lighting a spark that will encourage a new generation.

Find out more about Rotary and what it does at our website www.alresfordrotary.co.uk where you can also contact the club, and the fight against polio at www.endpolio.org

Roger Ashbrook


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0000-BD-MM-ForumMag-Jan13_Layout 1 11/12/2012 12:24 Page 1

12 | Church Services & News


ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST New Alresford Sunday 6th January 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion Sunday 13th January 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Second Sunday Family Service 18.00 Evensong Sunday 20th January 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion 18.00 Christian Unity Service Sunday 27th January 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion Parish Office 01962 733545 www.stjohnsalresford.org.uk ST.MARY'S Old Alresford Sunday 6th January 09.30 Holy Communion 14.15 Benefice Christingle Celebration 18.00 Old Alresford Cottage Service Sunday 13th January 09.30 Second Sunday Parish Communion Sunday 20th January 09.30 Parish Communion Sunday 27th January 09.30 Parish Communion

ST.PETER'S Ovington Sunday 6th January 10.00 First Sunday Sunday 13th January 10.00 Parish Communion Sunday 20th January 10.00 Parish Communion Sunday 27th January 10.00 Parish Communion

ST.MARY'S Avington Sunday 6th January 08.00 Holy Communion Sunday 20th January 18.00 Evensong

METHODIST CHURCH New Alresford Sunday Worship 10.30 Every Sunday Morning Worship and Junior Church Holy Communion Monthly. Please note that there will be no regular Sunday evening services Midweek Activities 10.00 Every Tuesday, come in for coffee with Pause for Thought (1st & 3rd) 07.00 Every Wednesday Men’s breakfast, bible reflection & prayer 14.30 1st & 3rd Thursdays Women's Fellowship 19.00 Thursdays - (term 20.30 time) Guides 19.30 1st Thursday Lydia Group for ladies 19.00 Fridays (term time) KIDZ Café for parents, carers, babies and toddlers group. Craft, playtime, story time and special events Daytime and evening bible study groups meet in church members’ homes, as do the Lydia Group; all other activities are at the church. For details about services, weddings, baptisms, funerals or other events, please contact: Revd Dawn Carn: 01962 735278 or Senior Steward Senior Steward Gary Carter: 01962 732350 www.alresfordmethodist church.org.uk

NEW FARM CHAPEL Alresford Sunday Services 10.30 Service (with Sunday school and crèche available) 16.30 Varies (Prayer, Praise and Discussion/Talk) Other Weekly Activities Sunday 10.30 Kosmic - for kids Term Time Activities Tuesday 10.15 Toddlers Group Thursday 10.00 Prayer Group 19.30 House Group Wednesday 14.30 Senior Citizens Hour

19.30 Prayer/Bible Study Fridays 18.30 Youth Club (Years 5 and 6) 19.45 Youth Club (Years 7, 8 and 9)Contact us for details of other events and activities such as ALPHA, on: 01962 732130 or 01420 561210 or email: [email protected]. See the website: www.newfarmchapel.org.uk ALL SAINTS Bighton Sunday 6th January 11.00 Epiphany Communion Sunday 13th January 11.00 All Age Service Sunday 20th January 11.00 Morning Prayer Sunday 27th January 11.00 Parish Communion

ST.MARY'S Easton Sunday 13th January 08.00 Holy Communion Sunday 20th January 10.00 Parish Communion Sunday 27th January 18.00 Taize ST.JOHN'S Itchen Abbas Sunday 6th January 10.00 Family Service Sunday 13th January 10.00 Parish Communion Sunday 27th January 08.00 Holy Communion

ST.SWITHUN'S Martyr Worthy Sunday 6th January 11.00 Mattins Sunday 13th January 18.00 Evensong Sunday 20th January 08.00 Holy Communion Sunday 27th January 10.00 Parish Communion

UPPER ITCHEN BENEFICE Sunday 6th January 08.30 Cheriton

Benefice Communion 10.00 Cheriton Family Service Sunday 13th January 08.30 Bramdean Holy Communion 09.30 Cheriton Contemporary 11.00 Beauworth Holy Communion 11.00 Kilmeston Morning Worship 18.30 Tichborne Evensong Sunday 20th January 08.30 Tichborne Holy Communion 09.30 Cheriton Parish Communion 09.30 Beauworth Carole Service 11.00 Bramdean Holy Communion Sunday 27th January 08.30 Holy Communion 09.30 Parish Communion 11.00 Bramdean Family Service 11.00 Kilmeston Family Service 18.30 Tichborne Evensong

ST.GREGORY'S New Alresford Part of the Hampshire Downs Parish Every Sunday 11.00 Mass Weekdays variable. See church notice board or telephone Parish Office for all other enquiries: 01962 852 804. email: [email protected] www.hampshiredowns.org.uk

ST.NICHOLAS Bishop's Sutton Sunday 6th January 11.00 Holy Communion Sunday 13th January 11.00 Holy Communion Sunday 20th January 11.00 Holy Communion Sunday 27th January 11.00 Holy Communion



Sousa RichardsSol ic i tors

INDEPENDENT, SPECIALIST LEGAL ADVICECome and meet our friendly team.

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

Obtain your legal needs locally

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

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

Maddie Attenborough PhotographyFor Special Occasions

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

Family portrait specialist Also passports, restoration & copying

[email protected]


Whatever your business needs...

For more information, visit our website:

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

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

01962 771993and ask to speak to Lisa

14 | Professional Services

Clock Barn at Tufton Warren, Whitchurch, Hampshire, is

holding a Wedding Open day on Sunday 20th January 2013 from 10am to 4pm.

Caterers will be in attendance on the day, along with wedding suppliers including florists, decorators, chair cover suppliers, photographers, wedding dressmakers, discos and musicians. Refreshments will be served. All welcome. Please call 01256 630199 for information and an invitation.

Named after the unique heritage clock that stands at its entrance, Clock Barn is licensed for civil wedding and partnership ceremonies and is suitable for both small and large weddings.

Located 5 minutes from the A34 & the A303, Clock Barn is just 15 minutes from Newbury, Winchester and Andover with good rail links to all 3 towns.

The rustic timbered barn interior can be dressed in many different ways to suit any theme, whatever the season. Externally there are gardens for photos, drinks receptions and garden games in fine weather.

Clock Barn is an ideal wedding venue for couples seeking a secluded, rural location with flexible facilities and an individual, personal feel. The owner, Helen Butler explains; “Everyone has their own idea of how their big day should be. At Clock Barn, the couple’s own character shines through at each wedding, which means no two weddings here are the same.”

General Enquiries Tel: 01256 630199Clock Barn mobile Mob: 07584 097979

[email protected]/ClockBarn

A chance to look around a stunning local Wedding Venue



Warner & Richardson was founded over 200 years ago and has built a reputation for personal service and high quality advice. With the longest record of service of any Winchester firm we are committed to providing innovative solutions to our clients’ problems and needs based on a strong foundation of

local knowledge, experience and pragmatic advice.

Warner&RichardsonSolicitors

Private Client Services• Property and Conveyancing

• Wills, Probate and Trusts

Business Client Services• Commercial Property and Business Leases

• Agricultural Land

Please see our new website at www.wandr.co.uk for further detailsPartners: Richard Robson, Robert Goodchild, Scott Burdett and Katharine Palmer

Warner & Richardson was founded over 200 years ago and has built a reputation for personal service and high quality advice. With the longest record of service of any Winchester firm we are

committed to providing innovative solutions to our clients’ problems and needs based on a strong foundation of local knowledge, experience and pragmatic advice.

Private Client Services

Property and Conveyancing

Wills, Probate and Trusts

Business Client Services

Commercial Property and Business Leases

Agricultural Land

Please see our new website at www.wandr.co.uk for further details Partners: Richard Robson, Robert Goodchild, Scott Burdett and Katharine Palmer

Warner&RichardsonSolicitors

29 Jewry Street, Winchester , Hampshire SO23 8RR

Tel: 01962 868366 ■ Fax 01962 840607 DX2511 Winchester

Email: [email protected] Website: www.wandr.co.uk

29 Jewry Street, Winchester , Hampshire SO23 8RR Tel: 01962 868366 • Fax: 01962 840607 • DX2511 Winchester Email: [email protected] Website: www.wandr.co.uk

SORT OUT YOUR LIFE!Make your will in January

Probate estate and trustadministration


16 | Parent & Child / Education Services

PRE-SCHOOLS & PLAYGROUPS

CHILD GROUPS Girlguiding Alresford District Rainbow Guides 5 - 7 years. Brownie Guides 7 - 11 years. Guides 10 - 14 years. Senior Section 14 - 26 years. Adults 18 - 65 years. Friends Of Guiding Group. Contact to Jo Rodgers: 01962 772346 and join a thriving organisation.

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

1st Candover Valley Beavers For 6-8 year old boys and girls. We meet on Mondays 6.15-7.30pm at Preston Candover Village Hall. For further details, please contact Victoria Andrew on 01256 389768 or by email [email protected]

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

Kidz Café Alresford Methodist Church, Contact Dawn Carr Tel: 01962

PRE-SCHOOLS & PLAYGROUPS Busy Bees Pre-School Bishops Sutton Village Hall, children from 2yrs 6 months. We are a thriving pre-school with lovely grass and all-weather outdoor play spaces to give active youngsters the space they need to have fun and learn through play. As a Pathfinder pre-school, we offer 15 hours per week Monday to Friday, including some lunchtimes. Our good Ofsted rating means you know your little ones will be very well taken care of and have oodles of play and activities to give them a good start for school. Our huge car park means drop off and pick up couldn't be easier. Call Caroline Newman at Busy Bees on 01962 734495 (term time). www.busybeesbishopssutton.co.uk

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

3.4.5 Pre-School Playing to Learn. Located in the centre of Alresford and established since 1969, 345 is open 4 mornings a week (not Thursday) 9.15 – 12.15/1pm for children from 3 years. Our highly experienced and dedicated staff offer a caring, creative and exciting learning experience, both indoors and out. Very good OFSTED reports and continuity of staff. For more information: Contact Taryn Stroud on: 07826 948826

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

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

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

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

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

Registered Childminder Vacancy Ofsted Registered Childminder, Excellent references, Contact [email protected] or Tel: Dolores on 733626

Babysitter available for daytimes and evenings. 7 years experience as a nursery nurse, level 3 childcare diploma, CRB checked and current first aid certificate. Own transport. Tel: 07575069987

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

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

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

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

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. Ruth: 01962 773482

Mother and Toddler Group Itchen Abbas Village Hall Wednesdays 10-12pm. Contact: Juliet on 01962 779365 or Vicky on 01962 860935

Chatterbox Baby & Toddler Group A drop-in parent and toddler group for babies, toddlers and pre-school children and their parents or carers. Thursdays 10-11.30am all year round (including school holidays) John Pearson Hall, Alresford. Contact: Louise Cranfield 01962 733932 or email [email protected]

Toddlers Drop in play sessions. New Farm Chapel, New Farm Road, Alresford. Tuesdays 10.15 to 11.45am

Located in the beautiful Itchen Abbas Village Hall With direct access to a large secure garden. We are open 5 days a

week for children aged 2 and over. A varied and exciting curriculum is o�ered in a nurturing stimulating environment. We also have dedicated specialist teachers running classes in music, French,

cooking, P.E. and dance .

For more information please call Caroline Butcher T: 01730 829377 or E: [email protected]

We o�er government funding for 15 hours each week for children 3 years and over.

ADVERTISE WITH US!and reach up to 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]

To advertise call: 01962 735137 DECEMBER ISSUE 73

Bluebird Care shares its ‘Caring in the

Cold’ checklist as it works hard to take

care of the Alresford community during

the cold winter months

Now that winter

is upon us, we

all know how the

cold weather can

play havoc as we

try to go about our

everyday duties

and routines.

But big freeze

conditions can

have potentially devastating consequences for the old and

vulnerable relying on help to assist them in their day-to-day

lives. Bluebird Care cares for many people in and around the

Alresford area and has issued a ‘Caring in the Cold’ checklist to

help its customers gear up ahead of any big freeze conditions.

Bluebird Care now carries out thousands of care visits

every month to people in and around Alresford, Winchester,

Eastleigh & their surrounding villages. Bluebird Care Carers

always go the ‘extra mile’ to ensure their customers’ needs

are being met. During this winter season they will be walking

through snowy and icy conditions to ensure that they reach

the customers that rely on them so heavily - to help them get

out of bed, washed and dressed and ensure that they have

taken vital medication.

Norman Murphy, Managing Director of Bluebird Care Winchester & Eastleigh said: “The local community can play their part in caring for

vulnerable neighbours and helping them to keep warm this

winter. Icy roads and snow mean they may not be able to

get out and about so may need help with shopping, clearing

paths, getting a repeat prescription, walking the dog – or

they may just need to see a friendly face!

“More seriously, if someone has had an accident in their

home, fallen and injured themselves or been taken ill, they

may not be able to attract the attention of neighbours,

passers-by or people who call at the door. Always be on the

look-out for signs that something might be wrong, especially

when the weather is cold.

There are many signs to look out for such as milk left out on

the doorstep, newspapers stuck in the letterbox, curtains

drawn during the day or pets such as dogs continually

barking or a cat scratching to be let in”.

Bluebird Care offers a

unique service of tailored

care visits to people in

their own homes to help

them remain independent

surrounded by the people

and possessions they

love. Care visits can be

anything from a 15 minute

pop-in to check someone

has made it safely in

to bed and taken their

medication, right up to full 24hr live-in support. Bluebird

Care specialises in working closely with customers and their

families and works alongside Social Services, GP's, District

Nurses and the NHS.

Bluebird Care’s 'Caring in the Cold' Checklist:1. Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out

draughts.

2. Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if

possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up

during the winter.

3. Wear several thin layers of clothing rather than one

chunky layer, as the layers trap warm air and wear warm

clothes in bed.

4. Don’t sit or stand still for long periods, as you’ll quickly

get cold.

5. Follow up your GP’s invitation to have a flu jab.

6. Order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time, particularly

if bad weather is forecasted.

7. Keep basic food items in the cupboard or freezer in case

it’s too cold to go shopping.

8. Keep your main living room at around 18-21ºC (64-70ºF)

and the rest of the house at least 16ºC (61ºF). If you can’t

heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during

the day and the bedroom just before you go to sleep.

9. Try to make sure a friend or neighbour is aware if you’re

vulnerable and spending long periods alone.

10. Try not to venture out in extreme weather conditions

unless it’s essential.

For further information contact our office on: T: 01962 856 900 F: 01962 855 815

E: [email protected] www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

Bluebird Care, Optimum House, Winnall Valley Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0LD.


Bluebird Care shares its ‘Bluebird Care shares its ‘

Bluebird Care Caring in the Cold


18 | Hampshire Mum

Heading for a fallI corralled Stars I and II safely by the ticket machine only to discover I did indeed have lots of change most of it in five pence pieces, which the ticket machine decided it wouldn’t take. So I managed to cobble together just enough coins for an hour’s parking, necessitating a rain soaked –“I don’t need a coat Mum”- sprint across town to HMV.

Once inside Star I joined the ‘pre-ordered’ queue with the world and his wife while I negotiated terms with Star II for the purchase of a pre-owned game.“This one Mum? It’s got cars in it?”“Pimp my Drugs Ride. It’s an 18, I don’t think so.”Eventually I managed to get out of there with ‘Ice Age 3’ and’ A Christmas Carol’. Result.

I was keen to get back to walk the Pagan Pup before it got dark. Due to the rain Stars I and II abstained from exercise, so I set off across the fields alone discovering that at dusk and in the rain the Pagan Pup is exactly the same colour as the remaining stubble in the fields and very hard to see. I whistled myself hoarse but bless him he came back keen to have a meal and a warm by the fire.Dog walking has a calming effect on the soul so I concluded that all in all the day had not gone that badly.

I was only a quarter of a mile from home when…well I’m not sure what happened, it would be easy to blame the Pagan Pup but in truth I think I fell over my own feet. Either way it was a fall of spectacular proportions, one of those when you run forward at considerable speed happy in the knowledge that you will save yourself. Oh how wrong you are. I felt both feet come off the ground; for a moment there was air borne elegance before I hit the deck like a sack of poo. THWACK!! Down on my side, into a puddle, in the dark, with the rain pouring down and the Pagan Pup jumping on my head. I thought ‘bugger that hurts’ so I lay there for a bit and then limped home.

The following morning I asked The Husband how his day had gone.

“Great, except we lost, but had loads to drink and got to wear a ginger wig!”

Suddenly a sprained wrist and bruised ribs didn’t seem so bad.

Sandra Pagan

It was one of ‘those’ Saturdays. Due to precipitation of Ark building proportions all sport clubs were cancelled, except for The Husband’s well-deserved trip to the rugby at Twickenham.

Firstly there was the usual mountain of ironing that even Chris Bonington would have struggled to scale; which meant Stars I and II would need not only to entertain themselves but be amicable to one another while I was busy. Therein was the first problem.

Not that I’m interested but I believe that our XBox 360 – affectionately known as the electronic nanny- has two controllers so that two people may play together? Well that wasn’t happening. By the time we got to lunch the warring Stars were in dispute, not only over games but pizza slices too and I, having changed my name to Li Baodong, had a UN beret rammed on my head.

With the ironing and cleaning complete all that remained was to hoover up the frayed ends of everyone’s temper and try a change of scene.

“Let’s go into town”. With the promise of coffee and buns they leapt at the chance. And so it was that we found ourselves in the Trusty Renault crawling around the one-way system of our local festive Cathedral city. The only things visible through the steamed up windows were a selection of ‘Car Park Full’ signs.

“Why is it SO busy?” Star II complained.“Because it’s Saturday, nearly Christmas and it’s two thirty which is too late to come in. I knew this was a bad idea” came the dour voice of Star I from the back seat. Because we caught every red light in Hampshire it gave me ample time to point out that the main reason for our journey was so that Star I could get into HMV for something ‘vital’. Case closed.

In an attempt to clear the condensation from the interior of the Trusty Renault the horizontal rain was now driving in through the open window.“Let’s just go home Mum!” I was not for turning, “We’ll just try in here.” And there in the last car park was the last space, squashed between the ticket machine and an unbelievably, (given the climatic conditions), immaculate white Porsche. Having eased myself out I hopped round to the passenger side barking, ”For god’s sake be careful of that car!” Only to be met by the haughty female driver dressed in red - very festive - who watched in horror as the mud festooned doors were flung wide, millimetres from her diamond white paintwork.

eading for a falleading for a falleading for a fall

Home Services | 19


Very reasonable prices, and courteous friendly service from people you can trust

in your home.

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3 G

reat

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

Dear Stockbridge Forum Reader,

Value conscious local residents love a great deal.

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

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

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

Our approach is simple:We are proud to run a

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

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

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

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

is cleaning local, near-neighbours carpets for a

fraction of the normal cost

Tel 01962 690 005

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

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

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

reat

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

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

SUPER-FAST 15 MINUTES DRYING

1 £57 2 £77 3 £97 4 £117 5 £137Carpet Price Carpet Price Carpet Price Carpet Price Carpet PriceFull O�er Price List

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

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

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Domestic Commercial Industrial Garden Lighting

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* boiler installations

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Fully qualifiedMember of checkatrade.com

Fully insured


20 | Useful local information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EMERGENCY SERVICES Emergency Only (Ambulance, Fire, Police): Tel: 999

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

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

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

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

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

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

CITIZENS ADVICE 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 to help Please donate to CAB on line at www.winchestercab.org.uk Or send donations to CAB – Alresford 68 St George’s Street, Winchester, SO23 8AH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Home Services | 21


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22 | Community News

THE ARC

Jazz at the ARC

The first Wednesday of the month, from

8.30pm until 11pm, the ARC hosts Traditional

Jazz bands.Playing on the 6th

February ,2013Louisianna Jazzmen

NO JAZZ IN JANUARY

Tickets to Alresford residents are £6 on

the door.

ALONG WITH SKY

THE ARC NOW HAS

A 60” TELEVISION

AND ESPN. NO

MEMBERSHIP

IS NEEDED..

EVERYBODY

WELCOME

Alresford Town Council Reports

• Lookto6different settlements for jobs and shopping; Winchester, Guildford, Basingstoke, Farnborough, Reading and Camberley.• Uses9establishmentsof education for the over 16s, there are 2 within the boundary.• Use3mainlinerailway routes for commuting to London.• Livein2policedistricts• Use6hospitals,noneof which are in the constituency.• Livein3districtCouncil areas - Hart, East Hampshire & Winchester.

In the proposed new constituency the area between Alresford & Odiham is predominantly rural. The requirements of high density areas will take priority in the agenda of the local MP, where the majority of voters live, to the detriment of the more rural population.

There are physical difficulties travelling within the proposed constituency. The quickest route between Alresford & Yateley is 33 miles, and estimated at 53 minutes and outside the constituency. By public transport the shortest journey time is 2 hours 42 minutes and uses 3 buses and 1 train. To return is 3 buses and 3 trains; again, this is not within the constituency.

It is clear that this proposal is to the detriment of Alresford and the surrounding villages and the Town Council will be writing a letter of objection to the Boundary Commissions proposals.

Council Tax for next yearThe Precept for 2013/14 has been set at £256,500, which is the first increase for five years and represents an additional 32p per month for the average Council Tax payer.

The government are no longer fully funding Council Tax relief

Parliamentary Constituency Boundary Changes.The Boundary Commission’s proposal is that Alresford becomes part of a proposed new constituency, Alton & NE Hampshire, spreading from Alresford in the south to Yateley in the north, a distance of 33 miles by road.

This matter was discussed at the last Council meeting and it was felt that the interests of Alresford residents and the surrounding villages would be badly served by the proposed constituency change and the Town Council will be objecting on the following grounds: Our current constituency of Winchester meets our needs and relates to our lives. This change would result in Alresford being geographically remote from the high population areas of the new constituency in the north. Alresford meets the day to day needs of the surrounding areas in terms of shopping, education up to the age of 16, doctors' surgery and library. At the moment there is co-operation and understanding, beneficial to all residents, as elected representatives, from the City Council, through the County Council, to Parliament work together and this will be threatened by the proposal.

For further education, most employment and centralised shopping, residents relate to the City of Winchester and the local MP represents an area that has synergy in the requirements, needs and aspirations of the population. There are also geographical and historical associations between Alresford and Winchester.

The proposed constituency is dislocated and will result in a lack of representation. It would incorporate residents that:-• Havenothingincommon apart from living in Hampshire, and relying on a retained fire service.

and this will have to be borne by the Council Tax payer for claimants in their district. However, it is hoped that this additional burden will be funded by reducing the relief given for unoccupied property from six months to one month.

We will not know the level of Government funding for Council Tax relief until the end of January and it may be that this will result in an additional increase to the Council Tax.

GrantsWe will be giving a grant of £540 to the Alresford Community Choir for the purchase of a photocopier to produce sheet music for each of their 100 plus members. The usual annual grant to St. John’s Church towards the maintenance of the churchyard, which this year was increased to £1300, has also been agreed.

Town Plan Public MeetingA public meeting is scheduled to be held on 23rd January 2013, 7.30pm at the ARC to discuss the New Alresford Town Plan. All members of the community are invited to attend. Please see the website www.newalresfordtc.org.uk/townplan.htm for full details.

Committee Clerk VacancyA vacancy has arisen for a Committee Clerk. This is a part time position maximum 25 hours. The applicant will need to have experience in Word and Excel and be expected to work at least one evening a month. Please apply in writing or email if you are interested in applying (See Views for contact details).

January And February Meeting ScheduleTime: 7.30pm Venue: ARCJanuary 2013Full Town Council 10th or 17th January To be confirmedEnvironment 24th January

February 2013 Full Town - 14th FebruaryRecreation - 20th February

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, The Avenue, Alresford SO24 9EP. Tel: 01962 732079 - [email protected]

Home Services | 23


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24 | Community News / Home Services

Saturday 12th January Supersonic Achievement - A brief history of the life of Concorde by Steve Bohill Smith, who flew for British Airways for 34 years.

Saturday 19th January Nicolas & Alexandra and the last days of the Romanovs - Douglas Skeggs, Art Historian.

Thursday 2nd February Butterflies and a little bit of summer in February. Peter Thompson, Bio-Diversity Adviser for the Game& wildlife Conservation Trust.

Thursday 23rd February The Thames Tideway & The Jubilee Pageant of 2012 - John Lang

Friday 2nd March The World of Broadcasting Alastair Stewart from ITN

VENUE: St Michael’s Church, Cheriton. TIME: Each event will begin at 7.15pm starting with a complimentary glass of wine. The talk will commence at 7.45pm. TICKETS: £10 for each talk if purchased in advance. Please send S.A.E to Tessa Webb, Yew Tree Cottage, Cheriton, SO24OQD. Enquiries to Tessa Webb: 07770586630 or Penny Scott: 01962 771263 Entry £12 on the door, subject to available seating. All proceeds to St. Michaels ChurchCheques payable to Cheriton PCC

2013

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Home Services / Animal and Pet Services| 25

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26 | Community News


The Perins U15 Rugby Squad clinched a nail biting, last minute

victory over Portsmouth Grammar School last week, to progress to the final 32 of the Daily Mail Vase. The win puts them on track to emulate the success enjoyed by the Perins U16s who reached the final 16 of the competition last year.

The Perins U15s have been honing their skills and raising their confidence through a series of 50 point plus victories in their Saturday matches against notable rugby schools including Seaford College, Salesian College, Windsor Boys School, Queen Elizabeth’s, Wimborne and St. John’s College, South Sea. A narrow loss on the undersoil heated pitch of Harrow School also provided a significant learning experience.

The match against Portsmouth Grammar School, Hampshire’s most successful rugby stronghold in recent years, presented the Perins men with a daunting challenge and a combination of Perins nerves and slick play from the PGS team saw the Portsmouth boys lead 24-7 at one stage.

Perins U15 Rugby Squad Victorious over Portsmouth Grammar School

Fortunately, as time elapsed a fiercely determined Perins team managed to rediscover some of the form which had served them so well in previous matches and they steadily clawed their way back into the game. An exceptionally tense final 10 minutes, which included both teams scoring and Perins hitting a post with a drop goal, was concluded when Perins scored in the last minute to edge the match 36-31. The PGS boys were exceptionally gracious losers and the Perins players can continue to dream of playing at Twickenham which is where all Daily Mail finals are played. Their next challenge in the competition is a trip to Dorset in the New Year to play either Canford or Sherborne.

For further information please contact Linda Sheppard Tel 01962 737230

The Perins U15 Rugby SquadThe Alresford Museum has a collection of old photos of Alresford:

places, people and events. These are being assembled for publication on the museum website, as a section of the New Alresford Town Trust website (www.towntrust.org.uk), early in 2013. Many of the photos in the collection have not yet been identified; some relate to houses and river scenes; some show the townspeople over the last 100 years: for example there are crowd scenes showing children of the town probably from the 1950s.

Before publishing the pictures, the Alresford Museum is planning to organize an afternoon meeting, called a “Nostalgic Afternoon”, to get as many of the older residents of the town as possible to view the pictures, in a presentation at the Alresford Recreation Centre, and to say, where they recognize anything, where the photos were taken, or who the people pictured might be.

The Nostalgic Afternoon” is scheduled for Monday 28th January, at 2pm at the ARC. The slide show will take 90 minutes, and after that tea and biscuits will be

Nostalgia with old photos

served. Invitations will be sent to various local Alresford Societies and groups, and for those who do not have access to transport, the Town Minibus will be available for local residents, starting from 1pm. For minibus transport please contact Pam Stevens, (Tel: 734861).

The Museum is seeking further donations or loans of Alresford photos, documents or objects, for copying or photographing, to be included in the Museum website and displays: please contact Roy Gentry if you have anything that might be of potential interest.

Submitted by Nick Denbow, [email protected] on behalf of NATT / Alresford Museum.

Home Services | 27


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28 | Home Services


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Home Services | 29


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30 | Community News / Building Services29

BUILDING SUPPLIES & SERVICES

Issue 24 November 2008

COMMUNITY FOCUS Clubs and Societies, Classifieds

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

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29BUILDING SUPPLIES & SERVICES



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EXPERIENCED LOCAL BUILDER AND PEACE OF MIND

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Happy New Year from the Chamber of Commerce

A thank you to start with…Thank you to Victoria Farooq of The Globe for hosting our Christmas Chamber Chat that took place on Tuesday 11th December. All that attended had a wonderful time.

St. John’s Christmas Tree FestivalA massive thank you to all members that kindly supplied something to decorate the Chamber of Commerce’s tree at the Christmas tree festival held in St. John’s Church at the beginning of December. Our tree, along with the many others, looked excellent.

Refreshments such as hot Sake and soft drinks with Japanese rice snacks will be available, as well as some traditional Western versions.**RSVP by 21st January to give us an idea of numbers: [email protected]**

Alresford PIGS -An amazing job once again

Once again the Alresford PIGS excelled themselves with the Christmas trees supplied, erected & maintained in 2012. Not only did they look wonderfully festive as always but 2012 was the first year they cracked the 160 trees threshold, a new record! All profits generated will be used to help many local

worthy causes in 2013. For more information about the Alresford PIGS do, please visit their website: www.alresfordpigs.org/

Over & Above Award 2012 – WinnerThe winner of the Over & Above Award 2012 is to be announced in the February issue of the Forum, so please check back in the next issue to see who has won this prestigious award for outstanding Customer Service in 2012

Collated & Written by Liz Brown - Secretary

Alresford Chamber of Commerce

January Chamber Chat – A winter warmerJoin us for a ‘Winter Warmer’ with La’a Kea Reiki. “Come in from the cold and warm yourself right through with Japanese reiki and hot Sake.”On: Thursday 24th January 2013. Venue: First Option Ltd. Signal House, Jacklyns Lane, Alresford, SO24 9JJ. Time: 5.30pm onwards. Refreshments provided. Included will be an explanation of what reiki is, and why it is used in business.

You may be surprised to learn of the powerful effects and contributions it can make. Additionally a number of ‘taster’ sessions will be provided for members to get a direct experience.

To the editorWith so much ‘bad’ news and uncertainty about the NHS, we thought readers would like to hear about a little known aspect of NHS Foundation Trusts - the part governors and members play in ensuring that the needs of local communities are met. Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust includes Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester, and Andover War Memorial Hospital. Public governors are elected by their fellow members. Their job is to represent the interests of local people and contribute to the Foundation Trust’s strategy. Foundation Trust membership is free and open to anyone over 16. Members come from all walks of life and include patients, their families and

YOUR LETTERSinterested members of our local community who want to keep in touch with their local hospitals. Hampshire Hospitals sends all members a regular newsletter and holds local events with talks on health topics where members can meet their governors. We, the governors, would be delighted to attend meetings of local groups to explain our role and talk about developments at your local hospitals. We’d like to invite everyone living in our area to be part of a community of thousands of members of Hampshire Hospitals. All the governors are listed on the website www.hampshirehospitals.nhs.uk along with details about membership and how to join. The GovernorsHampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Building Services | 31


Hampshire OakCarpenters LtdTraditional Oak Framed Buildings

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Tel: 01329 835551

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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

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Painting & decorating Extensions & alterations

Conservatories Roofing

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Structual works (steel)

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


18 NEW FARM ROAD, ALRESFORD, HAMPSHIRE, SO24 9QP

Bathroom and kitchen remodelling

Large and small building work undertaken

Interior and exterior painting and decorating

Plumbing, electrics, carpentry and tiling

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

PROPERTY RENOVATIONS

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32 | Recipe of the Month

INGREDIENTSVEGETABLES• 3 carrots cut lengthwise about 3” in length• 3 parsnips or turnips, cut like the carrots• A small Savoy cabbage cut into 8 (stem removed)• 3 courgettes cut like the carrots• 2 medium size aubergines cut in large cubes• A small butternut squash peeled and cut in large pieces• 2 large onions cut in julienne• 5 cloves of garlic sliced• 2 cans of chick peas, drained• A small tin (or tube) of tomato paste

MEAT • 500gr neck of lamb• 500gr chuck steak (beef) cut into pieces• A small chicken cut in 6 pieces• 6 Merguez - These are spicy North African sausages spicy (available at our shop)

SPICES • 3 soup spoons ground cumin• Salt to taste• Pepper to taste• Ground chilli to taste• A small bouquet garni

STOCKGood chicken stock (chicken cubes can be used).

SAUCE (Harrisa)It has to be strong in flavour and hot and spicy.• 1 soup spoon of ground cumin• 1 soup spoon of diced onions• ½ soup spoon diced garlic• Chilli to taste • A cup of bouillon (stock)• Juice of half a lemon• Salt &pepper• 2 soup spoons of tomato paste

ALSOA packet of Couscous – medium size couscous is available from most supermarkets or our shop.

LOVE FRENCH CUISINE?Then visit the French Pantry located between Sutton Scotney and Stockbridge on the A30. We have a wealth of traditional French cuisine and ingredients. The French pantry also has a deli with fresh products imported regularly from France. We also stock a range of ready to eat products carefully prepared by our French Chef - Germain. You can also take part in our of our cookery lessons, call us to book your place.

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

TEL: 01264 810 298

Tagin

e

FRENCHPANTRY

Difficulty 2/10 Cost 2/10 Serves 8 people

METHODSOUPFry the meat in olive oil and put to one side. Next fry the onion, garlic, and spices, add the meat and pour in the stock to cover the meat. It will take 3 hours to cook, so put the chicken in last, 40 minutes before it is ready. Mix two spoons of tomato paste into the soup and after two hours add the vegetables. Cook until soft then add the chick peas at the end, finally check for seasoning.

SAUCEFry the diced onions, garlic, ground cumin and chilli together in a pan. Add a cup of stock, some tomato paste and lemon juice, mix well using a stick blender if you can. Next add seasoning with the chilli. DO NOT replace the pepper with chilli as both have a different flavour. The sauce must be slightly runny, dark red, strong in flavour and hot.

COUSCOUSYou will need a cup of olive oil, some salt and warm water Follow the instructions on the packet to warm up the couscous. Normally most couscous is sold pre-cooked. Mix the couscous with some olive oil and salt thoroughly, and then pour enough hot water on top to soften. Cover and put into a microwave on medium heat. In the old days the couscous was put into a cloth lined colander above the cooking soup and steamed. It would be rubbed with olive oil or butter up to 3 times, until each grain was thoroughly coated.

HOW TO SERVE IT AND EAT ITYou need one dish for the soup, meat and vegetables. If you have merguez serve them grilled on top. You need one dish for the couscous and a small dish for the HarrisaUsing a soup plate, serve some couscous, vegetables and meat on top, enough bouillon, dilute some hot sauce in the bouillon and mix well. Eat slowly, as it is a filling meal and drink with a rose wine, Gris de Boulaouane (typical North African wine).

& COOKERY SCHOOL

Food & Drink | 33


£6 MEAL SPECIALSFOR JANUARY

WEEK 1 7th - 12th JanuarySausage, mash, peas and onion gravyServed with a choice of cumberland, pork and apple, venison and porter or veg sausages.

WEEK 2 14th - 19th JanuaryHomemade pie nightChoose from a choice of chicken and mushroom, beef and onion, lamb and mint, roasted vegetable.

WEEK 3 21st - 26th JanuaryStir fry nightChoose from chicken and cashews,beef and black bean, piri piri prawnsor vegetable chowmein.

WEEK 4 28th Jan - 2nd FebruaryCasserole and dumplings nightA nice hearty casserole to warm youup on a cold winter's evening.

ENJOY YOUR MEAL WITHOUR DRINK OFFERSA PINT OF IPA - £2.50A PINT OF CARLSBERG - £2.50A GLASS OF HOUSE WINE - £3.00 (175ml)

THE TROUT INN, MAIN RD,

ITCHEN ABBAS, WINCHESTER SO21 1BQ

PHONE: 01962 779 537

34 | Community News


THE HORSE & GROOM17C COACHING INN

HORSE & GROOM, 2 BROAD STREET, ALRESFORD, WINCHESTER, SO24 9AQTEL: 01962 734 809 WWW.HORSE-AND-GROOM-ALRESFORD.CO.UK

Hampshire’s budding young chefs are being invited to go head to

head with their counterparts in Sussex and the Isle of Wight with the launch of a regional cookery competition aimed at showcasing the youngsters’ knowledge and use of local produce.

Teams of two pupils, aged 12-14 years, are invited to enter the Create and Cook Competition via their schools, by designing a two course menu for two people using locally sourced ingredients. The competition, which is run by fit2cook food education and sponsored by The Southern Co-operative, sees Hampshire pupils compete against their counterparts in West Sussex and the Isle of Wight. The top Hampshire cooks will be decided at a county final 'cook-off’ in May 2013, with the winners in the regional final held at Newlyns Cookery School near Hook in June. The overall 2013 Create and Cook Competition winners will scoop the fit2cook trophy and £1000 for their school food technology department plus a master class with a top local chef.

Winner of 2012 BBC TV’s Masterchef, Shelina Permalloo, who was brought up in Southampton, has given her

interest that the young entrants have in local produce. We are looking particularly for the teams’ knowledge of local ingredients and seasonality - not to mention their creativity and cooking skills!” Beata and Emily, aged 14, were crowned champions after wowing judges with their Rosary goats’ cheese and red onion tart followed by a crème brulee with homemade shortbread and berries.

The Create and Cook Competition in Hampshire is

sponsored by The Southern Co-operative and supported by Lainston House Hotel, Newlyns Farm Cookery School, Highbury College, Hampshire Fare and Hampshire Farmers’ Markets.

The closing date for Hampshire entries is Easter 2013. Pupils can apply via their school’s food technology department and there is more information about the Competition at www.fit2cook.co.uk .

Masterchef winner gives support to Hampshire’s Create and Cook competition!

support to the competition, saying: “The Create and Cook Competition is a wonderful opportunity for young cooks to show off their creative talents using local Hampshire flavours. Taking part in a competitive cookery competition is a fantastic experience because cooking is a brilliant way to put their creative energy to great use and can unmask a new group of new cooking talent.”

Lucy Avison from The Southern Co-operative (TSC) said: “The Southern Co-operative is delighted to sponsor The Create and Cook Competition for the 4th year running. As a food retailer it is important we take responsibility for communicating key messages about food provenance and local sustainability- The Create and Cook Competition provides an excellent platform for educating the next generation about the importance of these issues.”

According to Min Raisman, organiser of The Create and Cook Competition, the 2012 champions, Beata Dunne and Emily White from Mountbatten School in Romsey will be a hard act to follow. Min said: “Each year The Create and Cook Competition judges are amazed by the high standard of entries and the genuine

Shelina Permalloo, winner of BBC Masterchef 2012 who has given a message of support for the Create and Cook Competition

The King Alfred Buses

running day is on

Tuesday January 1st

2013 from 9.00am - 5.00pm.

Celebrate the New Year as the

transport scene of years gone by

in Winchester is brought to life

again. The buses will be leaving

from The Broadway, Winchester,

SO23 9GH (near King Alfred's

Statue).

Heritage buses and coaches

from the 1950s, 1960s and

1970s operate free services all

day, from 09.00 to 17.00, over

the routes of King Alfred motor

services and other former local

bus companies, serving all parts

of Winchester and out to the

surrounding villages and towns.

This year they will be featuring

the return of the Leyland

Olympic JAA 708.

For more information contact

[email protected] . Tel: 01962

877 368 (Tuesday evenings and

Saturdays 11.00 - 17.30).

King Alfred Buses running day

Food & Drink | 35


35 | Recipe of the Month

THE HORSE & GROOM17C COACHING INN

NEW BEGINNINGS FOR THE HORSE & GROOM

With over 150 years experience in offering the best tradition of family pubs Fullers is proud to add the Horse & Groom, Alresford to its list of Hampshire pubs.

With an impressive refurbishment, the Horse & Groom returns back to its roots of being at the hub of the community in the centre of the pretty Georgian town of Alresford. Experienced pub managers Kate & Richard Williams take over the establishment with a full kitchen and bar team of some 15 plus staff.

‘We have been here now for about 3 months and already feel part of the town, everybody has been so supportive of the new pub and we feel we have got to know some of the regular faces already’.”

The pub offers a full three course menu using local freshly prepared ingredients, with

seasonal specials throughout the year. This is accompanied by a full range of fine wines and a selection of real ales that Fullers has become known for. The pub can cater for large groups or parties if booked in advance, and welcomes walkers, hikers and cyclists looking to find a new pub to put on their routes!

In 2013 we will be holding a live acoustic set from local musician Ben Goddard on January 28th and a further date planned for February 28th with an artist to be announced. The pub plans to play an active role in the Alresford community with events planned with the Alresford Pigs and the Rotary Club in 2013.

Kate & Richard look forward to welcoming you at the Horse & Groom and wish all their customers all the very best for 2013.

HORSE & GROOM, 2 BROAD STREET, ALRESFORD, WINCHESTER, SO24 9AQTEL: 01962 734 809 WWW.HORSE-AND-GROOM-ALRESFORD.CO.UK


36 | Community News

When your past catches up with you!

is up for grabs. So it is not surprising that in some Local Authorities the local Public Library is under threat.Anyway - there I was minding my own business when I received an e mail; it was from the Government Department responsible for Public Libraries - the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It was from a senior civil servant who I had met on one occasion when he interviewed me for a role on a now abolished quango. The message asked me if I would be interested in applying for the job of being the Department’s Specialist Advisor on Public Libraries – thereby being the person who worked with Ministers and local Councils as they tried to grapple with the hot issue of cuts in Public Libraries. So I applied, went for an interview, something I have not done for some years, and was offered this part-time role!

“It’s a job for a brightly costumed super hero” said a close friend. Not for a semi-retired ex-local authority bureaucrat who has done with the tortuous struggle of managing a variety of local authority services, including Public Libraries. But, it’s been more than personal vanity that has prompted me to go back to work! Public Libraries are really important local services. They provide a vital link into the world of reading, information and community. However, they must be affordable, relevant and innovative if they are to invite the many who just “walk by” to get involved.

So, I may be taking on a hugely frustrating task, but how can anyone just stand by and watch? I will keep you posted on how I get on..

Yinnon Ezra MBE

Public Libraries are a “statutory service”; Local Authorities are required under the law to provide a “comprehensive and efficient” service. But, unlike Schools and some Social Services NO

direct cash comes from Government to support Public Libraries. Local Councils have to fund them through the Council Tax along with everything else. Also as many Councillors will tell you, the basic grant from Government has been reducing over many years; hence many “statutory services” have to compete for whatever the Council can afford. Also, Public Libraries fall into this strange world; they are locally funded but have a Government Minister taking final responsibility as to how they perform. Over many years the exact definition of what makes a Public Library service “comprehensive and efficient” has been the subject of extensive debate with only a very few Local Authorities being “investigated” . The outcomes of these long, complex legal exercises often result in the Council having to review the most important issue for local government and that is, how local people were consulted on whatever plans they had for the service.

Add to this the Government’s budget plans to “reduce the nation’s deficit” linked to the “voluntary cap” on Council Tax and there we have the current difficult mix that local Councillors are trying to cope with.

So what of Public Libraries? The core book lending service has been in decline, the costs of running numerous branches continues to rise, some on wonderful town centre sites which are much coveted by property developers. The pressure on Councils, particularly around the rising costs of care for a growing elderly population, mean that everything

Food & Drink | 37


Why not try it?

For the best cocktails, canapés and service for your next party...

“ I really enjoyed planning my party, due to your care and professionalism and being so easy to work with and the result was a fantastic party.Harriet Carrow

“ Whenever I see that the food for an event is being provided by the Creative Catering

Company, I know I'll have a good night out! Alan Titchmarsh MBE

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

From Saturday 26th January 2013 9:30am until Sunday 27th

January 3:30 pm.

Visitors are invited to flock to Sparsholt College this January to see the ewes at lambing time. The College’s 350 ewes will be on view as an educational opportunity for families to witness the shepherding activities as they take place.

A fun day out for all the family; as well as witnessing shepherding action as it happens, visitors can enjoy a host of farm-based activities, demonstrations and displays including puzzles, metal sculpture, milking and dog agility demonstrations.

A variety of hot and cold food and drinks will be available to purchase throughout the day.

Sparsholt College Lambing Days

Health WarningIt is vitally important that women who are, or may be, pregnant DO NOT attend this event. Within lambing flocks there is always a risk of a disease presence which can cause miscarriage in women.

Sorry, no dogs please. Due to the number of sensitive animals on-site at the College, it is our policy that no dogs (with the exception of assistance dogs) are brought onto site or are left in vehicles in the car park.

Event detailsContact: 01962 797396 for more information. Tickets are £15/family, £5/adult and £3.50/child. These can be purchased at the gate on the day.

Sparsholt College, Westley LaneSparsholt, SO21 2NF

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]

ADVERTISE WITH US!and reach up to 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


21 1A

38 | What do you think?


The very fortunate amongst us have enjoyed a Christmas with much loved family and friends, surrounded by presents and fabulous food in the warmth and comfort of our homes.

Do we ever stop to think how very privileged that is? We hurtled around like headless chickens, (the turkeys are destined for other things), in a state of panic, invariably spending more than we thought we would to ensure that all was just perfect.

I don’t mean to bring you down, but it’s not like that for everyone. You knew that though didn’t you? We bury the uncomfortable reality of homelessness in the back of a convenient drawer and shut it tight.

There is a slogan ‘A dog is for life not just for Christmas’ which basically means: nice present, but a dog is a huge responsibility for anywhere between six to thirteen years so think about it.

How about: ‘It’s not just at Christmas that people are homeless, it’s all year long’, think about that. Next time we are asked to spare a thought for the homeless at Christmas shouldn’t we ask ourselves why?

Is it merely to salve our collective conscience and make us feel like good Christians? Have our slate wiped clean for the rest of the year?

The homeless are exactly that, homeless, for 365 days a year.Ah yes, we say, but there is professional and voluntary help available for them and that’s right, there are many charities struggling to stay solvent in order to care, feed, clothe, shelter and hopefully change lives around if possible. So I guess we leave it to them then?

I’ve been guilty of walking by, avoiding all eye contact when someone swaddled on the pavement has asked for spare

change. The same spare change that finds its way into my ‘penny jar’ or down the back of my sofa. And how often do we hear that ‘they’ should ‘get off their arse and get a job’ or ‘don’t give them any money they’ll only spend it on drugs and booze’ and ‘they’re just lazy’.

Shame. How dare we pontificate from our lofty position on those who, for whatever reason, find themselves living rough? We look and we judge; how very Christian of us.

Until we all recognize that alcoholism and drug addiction are real illnesses, (you would never expect a cancer patient to be on the street would you?), and those suffering from them may be hard to reach but should not be left to rot. And until we all really try to relate to those who would rather leave a home with nowhere to go than live under a roof where they are abused mentally, physically or sexually; then we surely cannot call ourselves a proper society let alone a Christian one.

In many societies across the world homelessness is a fact of life and occurs on a large scale. Mercifully it’s not like that here. But in this ‘civilized’ country, homelessness should be rendered unacceptable for those that haven’t chosen it but had it forced upon them.

It may have escaped your attention that here in Alresford we have someone living rough. Comments are made such as ‘he’s harmless’ and ‘he actually speaks with a refined accent’. He is known as the ‘Alresford Hobo’. How insulting.

Wake up. He isn’t a cosy character from Trumpton or Mid Summer Murders he is a real person who has decided to settle here – well we have, why shouldn’t he?We have no idea what led him to live the way he does but if charity begins at home should we not start giving?

What do you think?

GG.

Home Sweet Home

Motors | 39


21 1A

Andrews AutosourceQuality Used Cars, Carefully Selected

Approved by trading standards

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

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

01489 878 879 EVENING 01962 732995

Car of the month!

Andrews Autosource

iD VALETiNG BESPOKE SERViCE

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

TEL: 07967 730584 [email protected]

ALRESFORD

PROFESSiONAL VALETiNG / HAND CAR WASH

SERViCES

OPENiNG TiMES

Mon - Fri: 7.30am - 5.00pmSaturday mornings

APPOiNTMENTS CAN BE BOOKED iN ADVANCE

All weather facility, dry and warm waiting area

BEFORE AFTER

2003 (53) Rover 25 1.6 iL Automatic Air conditioning, parking sensors, electric windows, remote central locking, airbag, anti-lock braking, radio CD, 2 owners and only 18,000 miles with full service history £2795

kingsgate cars

Kingsgate cars are a specialist car finder for special cars. We specialise in selling clients’ cars for a fixed fee, returning the best price possible. We can source the car you’ve always wanted from our extensive dealer contacts.

Check out our list of carefully selected used cars on our website. All our cars have full service history and are HPI and safety checked. They also come with a comprehensive warranty. We offer excellent part exchange rates. Call us for free advice.

Check out our showroom at:

Make buying a car a pleasure

Mob: 07718 319519 Tel: 01962 776199email: [email protected]

www.kingsgatecars.co.uk

Quality SecondhandWarranted Vehicles

Based in Crawley, Hampshire

2009 (09) Honda Jazz 1.4 ES 5 door, Air conditioning, alloy wheels, power fold electric mirrors, electric windows, remote locking, front, side and curtain airbags, ABS 1 owner, only 12,000 miles £82952009 (59) Citroen C3 Picasso Exclusive HDi Diesel, Dual zone climate control air conditioning, electric windows, remote c/locking, cruise control, parking sensors, roof rails, alloy wheels, anti-lock braking, multiple airbags, Radio CD, 1 owner, only 14,000 miles £7995 2005 (05) Audi Quatro Allroad Estate 2.5 TDi Auto, alloy wheels, Air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, anti-lock braking, multiple airbags, Radio CD, 81,000 miles £79952009 (59) Peugeot 308 1.6 120 S Estate 5 door Air conditioning, alloy wheels, electric mirrors and windows, remote locking, front, side and curtain airbags, ABS 1 owner, only 24,000 miles £72952009 (59) Nissan Micra 1.2 Acenta Automatic, 5 dr. Air-conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, anti-lock braking, multiple airbags, Alloy wheels, Radio CD, 1 owner, 12,000 miles £6995 2007 (56) Toyota Auris 1.3 D4D T3 Diesel 5 door Air conditioning, electric windows, alloy wheels, remote central locking, anti-lock braking, multiple airbags, Radio CD, 2 owners, only 27,000 miles £64952009 (59) Citroen C1 Splash 1.0 Air conditioning, electric windows,remote central locking, airbags, anti-lock braking, very economical, £ 20 road tax, 1 owners, 13,000 miles, £5495 2006 (56) Citroen C3 Desire 1.4 HDi Diesel 5 door, Air conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking, airbags, anti lock braking, £30 road tax 2 owners, 49,000 miles, £42952005 (55) Citroen Berlingo 1.9 Diesel Desire Estate, 5 door, Amazingly spacious, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, radio CD anti-lock braking, airbags, 74,000 miles £34951977 (R) MGB GT only 48,000 miles & 2 owners from new. Full length webasto sunroof, overdrive, original Stamped service book, taxed and Mot’d £3995

40 | Motors


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

2012 was another busy year for Auto Brite, repairing minor paint and body damage to vehicles, at the customers’ home or place of work. 2013 will be the 19th year that Auto Brite has been trading, providing a convenient, mobile

service for body shop standard repairs.

Auto Brite Mobile Car Body Repair ServiceCars, motorcycles, vans and more...

The most common work carried out has been for minor knocks caused in car parks/driveways with damage to bumpers/wheel arches and trims.

Claiming on an insurance policy for these minor repairs could increase the future premium and a visit to a body shop could become very expensive and involve losing your car for a few days. With Auto Brite, your car is repaired at

your convenience and often for less than your insurance excess.

If you would like a free estimate, please see the advert for details.

ALRESFORD MOTOR SERViCES LTD

MOT TEST CENTRE

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

Tel: 01962 733888 e:[email protected]

• FREE COLLECTION

• 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.

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

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

All makes serviced and repaired. Class 4 MOT's

Class 1 & 2 Motorcycles

MOT's WHILE YOU WAIT

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


Motors / Health & Beauty | 41

Sally Hogg Pilates MBCPA

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

allowing close supervision and individual support.

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

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

@Sally Hogg Pilates

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

Waxing

Spray tans

Vertical sun bed

Make-upElectrolysis

Ear piercing

Eyelash extensions

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

Gift Vouchers Available

Creative SPA Manicure

Creative SPA Pedicure

Creative nail enhancements

Acrylics

ChiropodyGel polishes

Dermalogicafacials and body

treatments

Body massage

Hot stone therapy

Hopi ear

Aromatherapy

Reflexology

Microdermabrasion

Fine line & wrinkle injections

Sports massage

Deep tissue treatments

Threading

26 The Dean Alresford Hampshire S024 9AZ Tel: 01962 738683www.studio49alresford.com

stockists of

Better Health - Naturally

Mary Walden MCPH FSSCh DipPodMed MBCha IFA

Chiropody & Podiatry

New - Laser foot scanning for orthotics

Sport injury treatments, Massage

Dermalogica Skin care

Tim Walden Dip ION ProActive-K Cert mBANT

Nutritional Therapy

Kinesiology + Energetic Active BioMarkers

-a unique way of assessing the body

Kate Parker Bsc Kate Parker Bsc Kate Parker MNIMH

Western Herbal Medicine

Dr Kathryn Fielden BSc(Hons) MSc PhD

CounsellingCounselling

www.healthwaycentre.co.uk

24 The Dean Alresford24 The Dean Alresford

Telephone 01962 736336

alresford

o s t e o p a t h

a gentle approach for the whole family

osteopathy & craniosacral therapy

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

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)


42 | Community News / I.T services

How many men does it take to put up 360 light bulbs? Thanks to these guys from Scottish Southern Electric, the coloured bulbs shone out from the Christmas tree in front of Kings Worthy’s community centre this year. Their team put up the lights at no cost- which was a huge saving on previous years.

SSE have upgraded the Worthys’ electricity supply and are now working out towards

Jackie's County CornerItchen Abbas. They are happy to support local community projects in this area, so if you have a local project that needs a little help, contact Mairi Campbell on 07767 851754 or [email protected] to see if she can assist.

For small grants to try out new ideas in your community, start exciting projects or just to get the job done without fuss, you can apply for a County Councillor grant. There’s not much left in my £8000 pot at this time of year, but it’s worth a try. This year, grants have covered new village cupboards, Diamond Jubilee events, a lit speed sign for villages, a contribution to the Worthys festival set up costs, support for conservation volunteers, a pond liner for Sun Hill, a new clutch for a community bus, and a pressure washer for pre-school. Please

call me to discuss the details of your project.

Make do and mend- a new way of thinking- a return to the good old days!

2013 is the year of make-do & mend! In the spirit of 1913, the ‘To Honour a Promise’ group will be having teach-ins in these skills at their exhibition this summer, 2013. Volunteer teachers needed please!

Broadband & BusesHave you signed up to better broadband yet? The County Council has taken out the glitch in the web site www.h a n t s . g o v. u k / b r o a d b a n d suggesting your broadband will be upgraded (even if it won’t!) so it might be worth trying again! Sorry!

There is now a great new scheme offering free bus fares for those who are seeking work. The ‘Bus-for jobs’ offer for those who are seeking work is countrywide. Look up the scheme on www.busforus.co.uk or call me for more details.

Cllr Jackie Porter telephone: 01962 791054 or text 07973 696 085 [email protected]

LE

Wishing you a happy & prosperous new year

www.richlycreative.co.uk/happy

01962 738735

BrandIdentity

WebDesign Print Social

Media

Richly Creative

RC

Health & Beauty | 43


NutriEssenceN U T R I T I O N F O R YO U R W E L L B E I N G

Joanna Lutyens BA(hons) Dip(ION) FdSc Registered Nutritional Therapist mBANTCertified Metabolic Balance Coach

Tel: 01962 734127Mob: 07966 [email protected]

Nutritional ExpertiseProviding Support andMotivation for Change

• Chronic symptoms• Fatigued and run down• Weight loss• Sporting potential • Restore your body to optimum health

Contact me to find out howI can support you. Clinic held at Osteopathy and Hampshire Health, Alresford

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

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

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

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

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

Ligaments of the body and More….’

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

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

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

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

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

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

APPOINTMENTS: 01962 735086 or 07887 506963

BEACH • BED • BRAS ETC

Saturday 29th December High St. Stockbridge

01264 810 888

SALE SALEBEACH BED BRAS ETC

fitbeanFully Qualified Mobile Personal Trainer and Nutritional Advisor

Fiona Greer BSc (Hons), REPS level 2 & 3Based in Preston Candover

•Onetoonepersonaltraining sessions and nutritional advice •Smallgrouptrainingsessions•Specialisttrainingandnutritional adviceforpreandpostnatalclients

Mobile: 07766 220567 Email:[email protected]

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

44 | Clubs & Societies


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

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

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

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

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

Alresford & District Horticultural Society Meetings are held in the Phair Hall of the Community Centre from 7.30pm until 10pm. At least three outings are organised annually and a holiday is arranged visting gardens. Contact: M Barton for more details on 01962 734247. Visitors are always welcome.

Bramdean & Hinton Ampner WI We meet on the third Wednesday of every month in Bramdean & Hinton Ampner Village Hall at 7.30pm for an interesting talk, refreshments and a raffle. We organise trips to gardens, pubs and restaurants and craft mornings. New members and guests welcome. For more info contact Sarah at [email protected] or Judith: 01962 771655.

The Alresford Ladies Group Meet for fun and friendship on the second Thursday each month in the John Pearson Hall at 7.30pm. We have a varied programme of walks, talks, trips out and social evenings. Please come along and join us, or for more information call Beryl on 01962 732695 The Swan Ladies Club, Alresford Offers an evening of fun and good company. Dinner comprising two courses of excellent food, glass of wine plus coffee and mint are followed by interesting talks demonstrations quizzes etc. Meet at 7.30pm on the third Tuesday of each month. Dinner served at approx 8pm. New members welcome. Ring Liz Garton: 01962-733125 or Swan Hotel: 01962-732302 for further details. Alresford Twinning Association Would you like to be involved in developing relationships with our Twin Town in Bricquebec Normandy, or just join us for a wide range of social activities through the year, then visit www.alresford-twinning.org.uk or call Jean on Tel: 01962 733131 Alresford Flower Club Come and join us at 7.30 on the last Wednesday of the month at the Methodist Church Hall, Jacklyns Lane, Alresford. Friendly, lively meetings, professional flower arrangers and beautiful flowers. New members and visitors most welcome. Please contact Barbara Hudson on: 01962 733401

SENIOR CITIZENS Senior Citizens Hour Meetings are held each Wednesday at 14:30 at New Farm Chapel. Meetings are informal and consist of quizzes, talks, craft and refreshments. New members are always welcome. Contact: Mrs Jill Hardiman, 6 Mallard Close, Alresford. Tel: 01962 733765 Alresford Day Care Centre Chiltern Court, Beech Road - Tuesday and Thursday. Run by a professional and volunteer team. A sociable and enjoyable day out for the housebound elderly. Gives carers a break. Transport and lunch provided. Part funded by Age Concern. Tel: 01962 735612 SPORTS CLUBS Alresford Bowling Club (150yds up Sun Lane). Lawn bowls is not just for the retired, adults of all ages are welcome. Our season is from the end of April to the end of September. We meet for roll-ups on Tuesdays from 10-12noon and Thursdays from 10-12noon and from 6-8pm. 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] Ladies Wot Run A Bit Meet every Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30 at the Arlebury Park Sports and Social Club. A good way to get back to exercise. For Information contact [email protected]

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

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

Alresford Tennis Club Howard Lewis - Tel: 01962 733818

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

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

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

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

Cheriton Tennis Club www.cheritontennisclub.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Property Management | 45


Sales I Lettings I Management02392 632 275

[email protected]

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


46 | Community News / Property Management

Organisations that promote culture, community, music

and the arts across Hampshire are set to benefit from £1.06million in grants from Hampshire County Council in the next financial year.

Executive Member for Culture and Recreation, Councillor Keith Chapman awarded £983,117 to culture and community groups: £70,000 to Anvil Arts and Turner Sims (and a further £70,000 for 2014/15), £6,000 to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra to work with Hampshire schools, and £15,000 to help more organisations achieve greater

Over £1 million to support Hampshire's culture and community organisations

efficiencies and reduce their ongoing dependency on grant funding for the long term.

This latest round of financial support follows an extensive review carried out last year, of all the grants given by the County Council to cultural, recreational and community organisations in order that a more sustainable system for financial support from the Council could be provided in future. In the current economic climate, it also promotes more groups becoming financially independent while better meeting the needs of local communities.

Philip PradoIndependent Property Consultant

New Year, new home?Get a free valuationIf you are thinking of putting your home on the market in the New Year, Philip Prado

can provide you with a free, no obligation valuation. We will be holding valuation

days in Alresford and the surrounding villages throughout January 2013.

Book your appointment to:

- Experience Philip’s unique “face to face” approach

- Understand how he will look after you at every stage of selling your home

- Get a free, no obligation expert market appraisal of your property

And, if you decide to instruct Philip Prado, then you will benefit from our fees

being VAT-free!

Contact Philip to book an appointment

01962 734727 [email protected]

For 2013/14 and beyond, an improved application process has now been introduced that complements the work of the County Council in meeting the needs of Hampshire's 1.3 million residents and aims to encourage greater numbers of groups to come forward to apply for financial support.

As a result applications from around 40 groups have been received so far for the coming financial year, among those to benefit are; The Lights in Andover, The Anvil Trust in Basingstoke, Pilands Wood Community Association in Eastleigh, The Privett Centre near Petersfield, Alton Community Association, Forest Forge Theatre Company in Ringwood, and The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre in Havant.

Councillor Keith Chapman said: "We have worked with the organisations themselves and asked them for their views of how funding could be

awarded in a more sustainable way to help them in the longer term to continue their work in local communities and how this should be prioritised. As a result, and in recognition of their important role in supporting our work, particularly in the current economic climate, we have modernised and streamlined the Council's grant application system. In this way, we are able to continue to provide these groups with financial backing despite the ongoing financial pressures that the public sector faces from reduced levels of Government funding.

"This new process provides a fair and level playing field for all organisations that apply for funding in future to better meet the needs of local communities."

What does the New Year hold?As we start the year, it is time to both cast our eyes back and think about things to come. Much like the rest of the news last year, the property market has seen more than its fair share of negative news stories, with transaction levels remaining low, prices not doing much at all and many people complaining that they cannot find a buyer for their property.

The new team in the residential department at Smiths Gore, however, have largely bucked this trend. At the end of our first full year our success can be summarised quite simply:

• It took us on average only 6 weeks to find a buyer• 7 out of 8 sales continued to completion• None of our clients left us for another agent*

Operating slightly differently to most traditional agencies gives us the opportunity to implement best practice in estate agency. Keeping our stock levels low, being diligent about the preparation of our marketing and calling upon the vast professionalism available within our firm have helped us achieve these results.

This year, we intend to keep it that way.

So if you are thinking of selling your property this year please get in touch. It must surely be worth considering an agent who not only keeps in contact with you, but also finds you a buyer in the shortest possible time and makes sure the sale goes through.

Philip PlambeckHead of Residential Agency Winchester* Figures are based on Hampshire property taken on between January and November 2012 by Smiths Gore Winchester office.

*Terms and conditions apply and are available on request, promotion runs until 31st May 2013

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

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

48 | The Home


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

Beautiful bespoke handcrafted tables, chairs and furniture made to order

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

OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9AM - 5PM

K I T C H E N S & I N T E R I O R S EST1991

INSPIRED KITCHEN DESIGNS – EXPERT PROFESSIONAL SERVICE – BESPOKE PROJECT MANAGEMENT

VISIT OUR BEAUTIFUL SHOWROOM IN ROPLEY NEAR ALRESFORD TO DISCUSS YOUR DESIGN IDEAS

Chic modern glass and matt lacquered painted kitchens in any colour

Luxury bespoke shaker painted and oak kitchens

T: 01962 850 851 F: 01962 773 268 E: [email protected] W: searle-taylor.co.ukSEARLE & TAYLOR LTD SEARLE & TAYLOR HOUSE ROPLEY HAMPSHIRE SO24 OBH

SALE NOW ON - SALE NOW ON - SALE NOW ON

The Home | 49


Wychwood Furniture LtdTraditional & Contemporary Furniture

Kitchens, Bedrooms & BathroomsFor beautiful bespoke furniture

Free initial consultationDesign & Installation

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

Tel or Fax: 01256 389788

HANDMADE KITCHENS

FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES

BESPOKE JOINERY

WOOD FLOORING

FLOOR SANDING SHOWROOM OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK

HANDMADE KITCHENS

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

www.jameswhitefencing.com

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

gate from just £999 plus VAT.

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

Crafted to the very highest standards of workmanship we have a full range of gates and systems to suit your needs. We also offer a bespoke design service to

meet your exact specifications. Our team are happy to provide you with afree, no obligation estimate at a time to suit you. Simply call or email via the

details below and one of our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

EST1991


50 | Arts, Crafts & Music

Here we are at the beginning of a brand New Year and a brand

new opportunity for a new beginning in our own life. Things are not easy for any of us at the moment and almost on a daily basis we are facing little challenges that require a lot of our energy. So how can we bring some Sunshine into our Life and keep our energy tank "topped up" to help us deal with all those little challenges as smoothly as possible? One of the most wonderful ways of doing this is with Dancing and Yoga!

Dancing• Is great exercise!• It keeps our Serotonin level, the so-called "Happy Hormone" up• It's a great way to meet people and stay in touch with friends• It' a wonderful thing to do with your partner and it truly energises us

Yoga Is a wonderful way of going on a beautiful inward journey to that deeper part of you and at the same time retuning into your body and moving it in a way that truly feels good and energises you in the most wonderful way! Our Yoga classes are suitable for truly everyone!

All of our Dance & Yoga Classes at a glance:

Salsa - Latin 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

Ditch the workout and join in the Party with Zumba Fitness.Mon 17.45 - 18.30 Winchester Discovery Centre SO23 8SBFri 10.30 - 11.15 River Park Leisure Centre SO23 7DD

Low impact 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. Parents enjoy a cuppa in the cafe while your kids are having a blast. Mon 16.45 - 17.30 Winchester Discovery Centre SO23 8SB

Reconnect with your Inner Sun with our Intuitive Flow Yoga – like a “Dance from the Heart”!Thu 17.30 – 18.30 Yoga Fundamentals River Park Leisure Centre SO23 7DDThu 18.45 - 19.45 Living Yoga River Park Leisure Centre Use your Salsa y Sol Club Card and get one free session for every 10 attended. Concessions available.

For more information contact Silvia & Max on 01256 389 275www.salsaysol.co.uk

'Happiness is a journey and not a destination - the only time to be happy is now,' so bring some Sunshine into your Life now.

Bring some Sunshine into your Life with Dancing and Yoga!

unable to afford to buy any of it! I am on a mission to help build people’s confidence in looking at Art, forming and valuing their own opinion, and feeling able to understand and communicate that opinion respectfully but with confidence amongst similarly interested people.

We are so lucky to have Jane Fuest’s wonderful, quality gallery on our doorstep (so conveniently nestled among some of the best Tea and Coffee houses in England!) and even luckier that she has kindly agreed to allow me to gather a small group once a month for themed sessions based on the work shown. I hope there are enough like-minded Art-curious people out there to share in my enthusiasm and join me for these accessible and enjoyable sessions.

If you’re interested, please contact me at: [email protected] or visit the website: www.therovingartschool.co.uk. Brionny Luxton tutor at The Roving Art School

The Roving Art School

While researching local artists’ work on the web for reference

in my ‘Kick Start Creativity - On Location’ courses, which start in the New Year, I had been scanning through the Jane Fuest Gallery website as I have great regard for her expert eye. I must have skipped through Winchester Artist Georgina Hall’s work, glancing but not stopping. However, a few weeks later I was nosing about the actual Gallery in Alresford and was stopped in my tracks in shock by the impact the real life paintings had on me. Original art work is a bit like people in that way; often driven more by face to face gut instinct than anything else.

Despite the fact that I have been teaching art for years and have an art degree, my confidence to walk into Galleries is fairly recent. There can be something intimidating about a Gallery. I got the feeling that there was a ‘right’ interpretation and that people would instantly see that: a) I was far too stupid to understand the work and b) I was clearly

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.

Clubs and Societies

Arts, Crafts & Music | 51

To advertise call: 01962 735137 JANUARY ISSUE 74 To advertise call: 01962 735137 JANUARY ISSUE 74

Learn, then perform every week. Pop in...& Rock Out!

Rock Out!Rock Out!m u s i c s c h o o l

Guitar Drums Bass Keyboards Vocals

Weekly sessions learning and performing.From complete beginners to intermediates, you’ll enjoy learning with us whatever your age.Learn with your tutor then play with other musicians every week and take part in gigs throughout the year.

Monday Evening - Alresford, Methodist HallSaturday Morning - Alton, Maltings Centre

Vocals

Music lessons

like no other!

CALL 0845-680-4685For a FREE taster lesson go to www.rockoutschool.com

EDWARD STEINORNAMENTAL STONE CARVER

LETTER CUTTINGRESTORATIONMARBLE SPECIALIST

Lomer Farm Warnford

MOB: 07875054734 [email protected]

we have moved to:The Pottery Barn

Soldridge Farm Business Park

Nr. Medstead,GU34 5JF

Tel: 01420 561645commissions, baby footprints,

parties & hampers.

Free parking outside

All gift vouchers

honoured

www.thepotterycafe.co.uk

THE POTTERY CAFE

www.thepotterycafe.co.uk

An InvITATIon To ConSIgn

SIlver, Jewellery,CloCkS And wATCHeSfor AuCTIon

our experts will providea free auction valuation service at:

The Swan HotelBurgundy Room, 11 West street,AlreSford, Hampshire so24 9aD

31st January 201310am – 1pm

For an appointment, or more information,please contact our office on 01722 424595e-mail [email protected]

www.woolleyandwallis.co.uk

Sold for £3,170

Sold for £1,830

Woolley &WallisSALISBURY SALEROOMS

Sold for £58,560

WW Swan Ad 264x92mm_Layout 1 07/12/2012 09:12 Page 1

FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

CALL: 01962 732091

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PV or not PV ? That is the question

Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous energy price rises, or just to install your own energy plant and be done with it!!

Shakespeare didn’t know much about solar PV but he did know how to ask questions.

And so, back to the question...

PV or not PV? Is it worth the investment? The answer is “Yes” (subject to certain conditions.*)

Following the government’s changes in the industry, most people have only half of the story. The general comment is “photovoltaic isn’t worth it because the government has halved the tariff ”. What isn’t understood is that the costs

involved have also halved, so that pro rata, the return on investment is roughly as good as it was to start with.

So don’t just take our word for it, find out for yourself. Invite us to give you an estimate and you may be pleasantly surprised.

*NOT ALL ROOFS ARE SUITABLE IF THEY ARE NOT BIG ENOUGH, OR ARE SOMEWHAT SHADED, BUT ASK US ANYWAY.

Alresford Forum Magazine

Documents

free visual winter health

happy new year

winter tyres available

olympics year

year olds6

year olds4

preprimary ballet suitable

itchen abbas village