Issue 35 - March/April 2011 S uthampton the Directory YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE Living life locally made easier with your free directory of local businesses. Advertisers Index p2 Delivered to 40,000 homes in Hythe Dibden Marchwood Totton Ashurst Chilworth Southampton Bitterne Swaythling West End Hedge End Botley Curdridge Planning an extension? Need a plumber? Looking for a gardener? 56 pages of Local Info & Advertisers in: Including Regular Features: What's On during March & April • Soduku, Puzzles & Quiz • Local Clubs and Societies • Recipe: Five Spice Chicken • Car Review: Hyundai • Property Maintenance Homes & Interiors Health & Beauty Gardening Education Professional Services Pet Services Going Out West Edition PLUS - a FREE Competition to win £100 see p14
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Issue 35 - March/April 2011
S uthamptonthe
Directory
YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE Living life locally made easier with your free directory of local businesses. Advertisers Index p2
Delivered to 40,000 homes inHythe Dibden Marchwood Totton Ashurst Chilworth Southampton
Bitterne Swaythling West End Hedge End Botley Curdridge
Planning an extension?Need a plumber?Looking for a gardener?56 pages of Local Info & Advertisers in:
Including Regular Features:What's On during March & April• Soduku, Puzzles & Quiz• Local Clubs and Societies• Recipe: Five Spice Chicken• Car Review: Hyundai•
First Call Heating LtdServing Southampton, Waterside,Eastleigh, Hedge End & surrounding areas
Tel: 02380 262 690
Switch on to the benefitsof solar water heatingIdeal for sloping or flat roofs, Greenskies solar waterheating is the perfect complement to your gas or oilboiler and works even on cloudy days.
www.firstcallheating.co.uk
◆ 50 - 70% savings on your hot water bills◆ Major benefits for the environment◆ Government backed financial incentives available (worth up to £6,000)◆ Only 5% VAT when fitted by a professional installer◆ 5-year guarantee on Greenskies panels and low maintenance◆ A choice of affordable Solar Powered Systems now available◆ Don’t miss out on generous ‘Feed In’ Tariffs starting from June 2011
Is your homesuitable?
How much can you save?
What government fundingcan you receive?
Call First Call Heatingfor a FREE home
assessment
Visit our Showroomat 6 Falkland Court
Chandlers Ford
Google RHIfor details
4 www.thesouthamptondirectory.co.uk4
Hello Residents,I’m in the process of having a tree removed (sounds painful!) and have found a very nice tree surgeon using my local directory. During discussions with neighbours about the offending tree they too, wanted an overgrown leylandii felled and another neighbour’s mother is looking for a tree surgeon. So from my one call, he’s got three jobs and two new customers... so far. Apparently, an oak tree sheds 75,000 leaves a year so I am looking forward to less raking this year!
Recommendation is Worth a LotAnyway, this led me to thinking how important recommendation is. The advertisers in the magazine get new business from it, but it’s the recommendations they get thereafter that really make it cost effective. For every new customer an advertiser gets, more will follow (as long as the first customer is satisfied of course!) Likewise, an advertiser often recommends another to me.
Your Recommendation is Valuable to MeEvery issue of The Southampton Directory sees new advertisers joining which is great but I’d like more, especially where there are gaps (come on, hairdressers, restaurants, pet groomers etc!) and I think every reader must know a business that would benefit from advertising in this magazine. I run the magazine virtually on my own and there aren’t enough hours in the day to meet every business in the area it covers so I have an idea ....
Don’t Throw Your Old Copy Away—it could earn you £50When the new magazine comes in, most people throw the old one away. This time, please think of a business you use locally, and take your old copy to them with the cut out coupon below and if they advertise for a six month period—I will personally send you £50 John Lewis vouchers as a thank you.
Best wishes. Melanie
Editor’s Letter
Published by The Southampton Directory Ltd 4 Firwood Close Chandler’s Ford Hants SO53 1HN
To the Advertiser: KEEP THIS COUPON Please contact Melanie on 023 8026 6388 or visit ww.thesouthamptondirectory.co.uk about advertising. Then please include this coupon with your booking form and the reader will receive £50 John Lewis vouchers. Valid for 6 issues booking only.
Want MORE What’s On?The monthly Resident’s E-Newsletter includes a full listing of What’s On, current events plus special offers from local businesses. To Register visit www.thesouthamptondirectory.co.uk
Firewalking!10 Mar 6:30pmSouthampton Guildhall SquareBe part of Macmillan Cancer Support’s Fire Walk. It is, as the name suggests, a bare foot walk over red-hot embers. No tricks, no special effects. Just you and the fire. You will be fully prepared with full training including bar bending to establish mind over matter in order take up the ultimate challenge. It will be a great night bands, fire creatures, dancers, chilli chocolate and of course it’s perfectly safe. Karen on 01264 343813, email [email protected] or visit www.macmillan.org.uk/hampshire. Cost: £20 per person, £60 team of 4 free to watch.
Science & Engineering Day11 Mar 10:30-4:30 last entry 4pm tickets £12Highfield Campus, SO17 Families are invited to discover fascinating exhibitions, interactive displays, talks and amazing hands on activities taking place across different zones: Light, Technology, Life, Transport, Chemistry and Construction. Part of National Science & Engineering Week www.nsew.org.uk FREE
Totton & Eling CarnivalPlanned for 25 June – Volunteers wanted! Can you help? Call Jenny 023 8086 318
Big Spring Steam Up & Country Fair17 April 10amBursledon Brickworks, Swanwick Lane, SO31Our first steam up of the season -come and experience live steam at the brickworks with a selection of machines and working demonstrations plus craft stalls and demonstrations on a country theme featuring gun dogs, owls and bees. Art, craft & photography exhibition by local groups, clubs and individuals featuring art, sculpture, quilting, lacemaking, photography and much more. Free miniature and narrow gauge railway rides, brick & chimney making, guided tours Ashby’s coffee shop – homemade cakes and snacks a speciality. Free car park.Family ticket £12
Open Garden, Hythe19-20 March 2pm-5pm Atheling Villas SO45 6BR. Delightful and inspirational all-season 1/3-acre gardens of Victorian villa Admission £3, Children free (share to The Children’s Society). Times Open for charity.
ART & DRAMA
Hythe CinemaShowings 2:30pm & 7:30pmTues 15 March Made in Dagenham PGTues 19 April Another Year 12A £5. Tickets from The Herald Office, High Street or on the door.
Exhibition: The Forgotten EmperorEnds 13 MarchWinchester Discovery CentreThis exciting exhibition of stunning Roman artefacts tells a story of power, corruption and murder. FREE.
New Forest Painters16 & 17 April , 10am-5pmEmergy Down Village Hall, Lyndhurst, Spring exhibition of local artists Richard Tratt, Alan Langford, Peter Frost, Barry Peckham, Janet Langford and Barry Miles. Beautiful and unique images of the New Forest in watercolour and oils. Not to be missed. For details 023 8029 2860 / 01425 652100.
Continued on page 6
6 www.thesouthamptondirectory.co.uk
Out & About (B) = Booking Essential
Young Art Hampshire Exhibition19-20 March Mr Eddys Restaurant, Exbury Gardens 10am-5pm An exhibition of selected art by local 4-11 year olds. Postcards of works available will be on sale, together with the painting. FREE (entry to Gardens not required)
COURSES
Family History for Beginners22 Mar Feb & 19 April 7-9pmFind your ancestors in the archives at Hampshire Record Office. Access Hampshire family history sources on microfilm/fiche and some for England and Wales. All you need to know to begin researching your family tree. £7 per person. Hampshire Record Office, Winchester £7 (B) 01962 846154
Home Chicken Keeping12 March 9:30-1pmOut of Town Centre, Beaulieu. Everything you need to know about keeping chickens, including egg production, housing, feeding and protection from foxes and rats, plus an opportunity to see different breeds of chicken and housing types and some chicken handling 01590 612401.£20 pp (B)
TALKS & WALKS
Titanic Graves WalkFriday 16 April – Sunday 18 April 11am, 2pm & 4pm. (B) 023 80349414 or email [email protected]
Through The Magic Door28 April 1:15pmHampshire Records Office½ hour lecture about the extraordinary life and work of local author and illustrator Ursula Moray Williams by Colin Davison, author of a new biography 01962 846154
Census history talk31 Mar 1:15pmHampshire Records Office‘Crunching the numbers’: from vellum to the push of a button. The history of the census and its technology, by Ian White of the Office for National Statistics, author of a history of the census. Free 01962 846154
WEDDING FAIRS 10 April 11am-4pm The Holiday, Winchester 27 March 11am-4pm The Meon Valley - A Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Shedfield
COUNTRY PARKS
ITCHEN VALLEYAllington Lane, West End 023 8046 6091 or 023 8046 6091
Egg DecoratingTues 12 April 10:30-12:30pm £1.50 p/child.
Forest Activity DayWed 13 & 20 April 9am-3:30pmFor children aged 6 - 11 years. Includes shelter building, campfire cookery and woodland crafts. Lunch cooked by the children (B)
Colourful CookiesTues 19 April 10:30 -12:30pm£1.75 per cookie
Easter Egg HuntFri 22 – Mon 25 April 10:30 -4:30pm Follow the clues and hunt the eggs hidden around Itchen Valley Country Park to win a prize. £1.75 per trail pack
Win £100 John Lewis vouchers
FIND THE HIDDEN SYMBOL and win £100
Winner of Issue 33: John Watson, The Crescent, Ashurst. Congratulations!
C O M P E T I T I O N
How to Enter: Find the above symbol hidden in one of the advertisements in this
magazine. To enter call 023 8026 8676 or email [email protected]. To enter the draw you must state 1) name of the advertiser 2) your name 3) address 4) telephone number and, importantly, 5) the date you received your magazine.
Free CompetitionWin this Beautiful, Handmade Ottoman!
HOW?Simply Guess Its Weight (lbs or kilos!)
Dimensions – 84 x 84 x 46cm (33” x 33” x 18”)
The perfect place to hide and store your odds and ends.
Win this quality upholstered storage box with the compliments of Portswood based Dee Cee Upholstery and Interiors, your local
re-upholstery specialists and retailers of quality Rise and Recline Powerlift Healthcare Recliners which carry a 5 year guarantee!
Visit us at502 Portswood Road, PortswoodSouthampton SO17 3SP02380 555 888www.deeceeupholstery.co.uk
Please note the supersize Amanda Box Ottomon is ex-clusively handmade to order @ £475.00 including fabric
To enter call TSD’s competition line 023 80268676 or visit the
competition page online at www.thesouthamptondirectory.co.uk
Thinking of Buying a Rise & Recline Power Lift Healthcare Chair?
YOUR ESSENTIAL CHECKLIST ✔from Dee Cee
MADE TO MEASURE: ✔ Will your chair fit you like a glove and give you the support and comfort for years to come? Will it be made to your specifications to provide optimum back, leg and neck support? P.S will the level of comfort be adjusted to your personal preference free of charge?
QUALITY: ✔ Is it handcrafted, made in Britain with spare parts easily available? Does it come with a master reset button & automatic battery backup in case of a power cut. As standard ?
UPHOLSTERY: ✔ Do you have huge selection of fabric, vinyl or leather ? Can you choose
Scotchgard fabric stain protection, complete with a 5 year anti stain policy?
DELIVERY: ✔ Are you getting FREE delivery within 10-14 days?
GUARANTEE ✔ Is your investment protected by a FREE 5 year guarantee on the action, motor, handset & frame? As standard !
CUSTOMER SERVICE ✔ If your chair fails for any reason will a service engineer call within 48 hrs (if not the same day)? Will you get FREE set up and demonstration on the safe operation of your rise & recliner chair? + FREE disposal of your old chair + FREE payment by credit card ? As standard ?
For friendly advice contact Karen or Derek @ Dee Cee Hampshire’s leading mobility furniture specialists. Visit its ComfortZzone showroom in Southampton to try a range of new rise and recline power lift healthcare chairs. (Home visits free of charge)
CALL FREE ON: 0500 203 651 or visit www.deeceeupholstery.co.uk
10 www.thesouthamptondirectory.co.uk
Out & About (B) = Booking Essential
The Master BuilderSwaythling Road, West End, Southampton
www.masterbuildersouthampton.co.uk
023 8047 2426
We’re proud to celebrate 12 months of providing excellent customer service, homemade food using quality ingredients and a selection of well kept real ales.
All are welcome so please come in and say hello
Hayley & Simon
“Come In and Enjoy Y our Local Pub”Great Food, Real Ales & a Warm Welcome
Enjoy Traditional & Home-cooked Meals
12 - 2.30 & 6-9 Monday - Friday, 12-9 Sat & Sun
Carvery £7.95 Every Sunday from midday and
every Wednesday 12-3pm
Friday Special £7.95Large fillet of fresh fish cooked in our own Wadworth beer batter,
served with hand-cut chips & peas
The Master BuilderQUIZ NIGHT ! ✦Brainbuster Sundays 8.30pm
Pool and Darts ✦
Dog and Children ✦friendlyCask Marque ✦ales
Continued on page 42
ROYAL VICTORIA CPTel: 023 8045 5157
Sunflower Painting & Planting
Thurs 14 April 10:30
-12:30pm£3 per pot
Dawn Chorus Walk2 April 6am Join the early bird as you take a morning stroll in the Park and enjoy the unbeatable beauty of a dawn chorus with a local bird expert. Followed by a fresh bacon or egg butty breakfast. £5.5 adult.£3.50 p/child
Big Tidy Up15 March 10am Help look after the Country Park and help the rangers with their spring clean. Meet outside the Cedar Tea Rooms.
Classical Concert25 March 7:30pm Not a traditional string quartet, Graffiti Classics play a wide range of music from Mozart to folk, hornpipes and polkas. With 16 strings, 8 dancing feet and 4 voices, this internationally acclaimed group have been defying how a quartet should behave since 1997. Adults £6, Concs £4 (OAPs & children 5 - 16).
Art in the Garden16/23/30 March 4-6pmThree sessions of making mosaics, weaving with willow, wildlife gardening. 16th - Making wildlife mosaics, 23rd - Weaving with willow, 30th - Gardening for wildlife. Suggested donation of £1.50 pp (B)
MANOR FARM CPBursledon 01489 787055Dawn Chorus & Farmhouse Breakfast5am Sunday 17 AprilGet up with the lark for a guided walk to experience the wonders of the dawn chorus followed by an egg and bacon bap breakfast. £6 pp (B)
March Library Workshops9th: Learn to Crochet, Hythe £8 (B) 8084 145723rd: Wildlife Art in Pencil, Hythe £1030th: Crochet, Totton £8 (B) 8086 4458
St Michael’s Church Parish Hall, BassettTea Dance: Last Fri of month 2-4pm.Dance Tuition: Every Fri except last Fri. 2-3pmCoffee Morning: Sat 10.30am & Wed 10amLittle Treasures Preschool: Mon-Wed & Fri 9.15-12.15, Thurs 12.30-3.30pm
Free Lunchtime Musical ConcertsEvery Tuesday 1:15 - 1:45pm St Michaelís Church, Bugle StPerformed by the Friends of St Michaelís Instrumental Scholars at the University of Southampton. Feel free to bring your sandwiches!
Southampton City Art GalleryMondays CLOSED Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm Sundays 1 - 4pmCivic Centre Tel: 023 8083 2705Exhibitions and displays range from ancient culture to the cutting-edge and the Gallery is internationally renowned for its impressive art collection, spanning six centuries of European art history.
Alzeimer’s Society & Connections ClubMeet Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm. Bedford House, Amoy St SO15 Tel: 023 8047 4657
W.I. Woodlands (N.F.)1st Wed in month, 2.15pm Community Hall, Woodlands Rd
Southampton Rock ChoirWednesday 8-9.30pm, Thurs 10-11.30am Sign up for a free taster session. www.rockchoir.com
Avenue St Andrew’s United Reform ChurchThe Avenue, Southampton SO17 Tel: 023 8067 8787Film Club:2nd Wed every month at1:45pm Scrabble Group : 4th Wed every month 7:30pm Lunch Club :2nd Thurs every month 12:30pm The Avenue Club: Every Tues from 10:30-12noon for coffee and 12:00 -2pm for light lunches
Sunday Social SalsaBanister Park Bowling Club Sundays,7.30pmMusic, fantastic dance floor, bar and free parking. Drop in welcome. Stoneham Lane Tel: 07890 438890
Heritage Walks of Old SouthamptonEvery Sunday and BH Mondays at 10:30am. South Side of Bargate Monument - 90 minute tour of the old Norman Town include the gates, walls and unique medieval vaults. Free Tel: 023 8057 1858
Line DancingEvery Monday 7-8pm. Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill Tel: 023 8034 3093
COMMUNITY CENTRES
Calmore Community Centre To hire: 023 8086 8455
Lordswood Community CentreFor more info: 07986 843401Brownies - Thurs, Disabled Keep Fit - Tues, Chinese Christian Fellowship - Sat am, Dog Training - Mon eve, Girl Guides - Thurs eve, Rainbows - Wed pm, Slimming World - Tues eve, Solent Wine Circle - Tues eve, Winged Fellowship - Sun am.
BingoEvery Wednesday 7:30-9pm. Coxford Community Ctr Tel: 023 8036 4656
Calmore Village HallTo hire: 023 8086 3138Call for info on Toddler group, Singing ‘Angels’, Dog Training sessions, a Pop Music School, Tai Chi, Line Dancing and Tap Tots.
To add a regular event to these pages and on www.thesouthamptondirectory.co.uk please visit the website Contact Us page or call Melanie on 023 8026 6388.
Regular Local EventsTo add a regular event to these pages and on www.thesouthamptondirectory.co.uk please visit the website Contact Us page or call Melanie on 023 8026 6388.
Marchwood Village HallTo hire: 023 8066 7927Yoga: Mon 9.30-12.15Children’s Yoga: Mon 5-6pmLine Dancing: Mon 7.30-0.30pmToddlers Group: Tues 10-11.15Tai Chi: Tues 2-3pmTaeKwonDo: Tues 6-7pmSlimming World: Tues 7-8.30pmWomen’s Institute: Tues 7.15-10pmPolice Beat Surgery: Tues 7-8pmRosemary Conley: Wed 9.45-11.15am & Fri 6.30-7.3050+ Club Wed: 1.45-3.45Zumba: 6.30-7.30pmWeight Watchers: Wed 6.30-7./30pmKung Fu: Wed 8-9.30pmPole Dancing: Wed 8.30-9.30Marchwood Tots: Thurs 10-11.15amWaterside Writers: Thurs (fortnightly) 9.30-12noonStitch & Chat: 2-4pmAikido: Thurs 7.30-9.30 & Sun 6.30-8.30pmTea Dance: Sat 2-4.30 (2nd Sat of month)Country Music Club: Sat 7.30-10.30pm (1st Sat of month)
Hythe & Dibden Community CentreBrinton Lane, Hythe To hire: 023 8084 4074Yoga Mon 9.30-12.15Children’s Yoga Mon 5-6pm
REGULAR EVENTS - KIDS
All Saints Parent & Toddler GroupEvery Wed 1.15 -2.45pm St Michaels and All Angels Church, Bassett Avenue Tel: 07989 381948
Youth Drop In, HytheFor teens In Y7-Y10, St John’s Hall 7.30-9.30pm
The Tower BarSt Winifred’s Church, Salisbury Road, Totton 7-10pm. A non alcoholic bar for your people to meet and chill out Saturdays during term time. Tel: 023 8086 5103
The Garage Youth CentreMon, Wed, Thurs 5-8.30pm and Sat 12-4.30pm Eling Recreation Ground. Ages 9-16. A safe and structured environment for young people to socialise and participate in organised activities. Tel: 023 8036 4656
West Totton CentreTaekwondo Fri 5-7pm for ages 4-16
Mo’rollerEvery Sat & Sun 12.30-2.30pm & 3.30-5.30pm Join the rollerskating party! West Quay Ind Estate Tel: 023 8033 8880
Highfield Church023 8055 8234The Ark 1st Wed every month In term time from 10:30 - 11:30am. Under 5sTiddywinks Every Friday during term time 9:45-11:15am Under 5sSpace Fortnightly on Fridays. Youth group for ages 15-18Source Fortnightly on Fridays Youth group for ages 11-15Bubbles 2nd Tues of each month during term time 1:30-3pm Next. For new mums and mums to be, parents and carers.
LIBRARY ACTIVITES FOR CHILDREN
Southampton City LibraryTel: 023 8083 2598Storytime Every Tuesday 10am Rhymetime Every Thursday 2:00pm Toddlertime Every Wednesday In term time 10am-10:40amThe Young Ones: 7-11 years. Explore a different type of art each week. £6 p/child. Saturdays 11am-1pm
Shirley Library Redcar Street Tel: 023 8077 2136Storytime Monday 2:15-2:45pm. Rhyme-time - fortnightly on Fridays 10:15-10:45am
14 www.thesouthamptondirectory.co.uk14
Although you might recognise the cause of your back pain and resolve to avoid the triggers in the future, in the short term relief will be the highest priority.The first thing to remember is that bed rest can actually aggravate low back pain, so only go to bed in order to sleep. You should stay active and continue your daily routine as normally as you can.Relief can often be gained by applying hot or cold packs, or using an over-the-counter gel that contains pain relief or has anti-inflammatory properties. A normal painkiller (aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen) will also be very effective so do take these as often as recommended.Finally, although on-going severe pain will need a visit to your GP, if your back or neck problem has occurred as a result of a strain or a bad sleeping position, many physiotherapists will be able to see you the same day and will be able to offer advice to prevent a reoccurrence of the problem.
Back pain is a debilitating condition which is said to affect seven out of ten adults at some point in their lives.It’s often difficult for the individual to say exactly what caused the problem. However typical triggers include• standing, sitting or bending down for long
periods• lifting, pushing or pulling loads that are too
heavy• bending from your back instead of your knees
and hips• falling or tripping up• stress or anxiety meaning your muscles are
tense• being overweight• generally having poor postureMore serious back conditions may be unrelated to any of these factors however. A slipped disc, osteoporosis or a fracture are extremely painful and will need medical attention, but are fortunately quite rare.
����1:6 staff-student ratio ���� Individual tuition ���� Solid foundations & confidence developed���� Preparation courses for SATs & GCSE
“We have been extremely happy with progress, but even more, with the way Bettermaths is run,
and the fact that it is all about the child.”
Fees from less than £10 / week !
MATHS coursefor chi ldren
at Fleming Park Leisure Centre
Call Andrew, the Principal on 08450 662847 (free/local rate call)
better maths.co.uk
CHOOSING AN ‘AFTER-SCHOOL’ MATHS COURSE
About a quarter of children leave primary school without achieving the expected standard in numeracy. They risk the prospect of falling further behind at secondary school, hating maths (and possibly school) and facing reduced educational and employment prospects. To remedy this, parents should consider ‘after-school’ maths courses.
The Bettermaths course meets the needs of maths-strugglers who need tuition and close support. They benefit from work on age-associated topics, targeted at their level of ability. Importantly, the programme has been developed specifically for the curriculum in England. Children are closely supervised; the materials and learning methods are particularly beneficial to maths-strugglers and students progress according to their learning pace.
A satisfied mums says it all "Megan has come on leaps and bounds and enjoys maths now which is due to your supportive and nurturing environment. She has developed confidence in a subject she really struggled with."
27To advertise please [email protected] or call 023 8026 6388 27answers on page 62
SOLAR PANELSFREE ELECTRICITY FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESSThis is the best opportunity to invest your money in a green technology, with TAX FREE payments and FREE electricity do not miss out.Call me today, or find more information on my website
TAX FREE✦✦EARN UP TO £1000 PER YEAR✦✦SAVE THE PLANET!✦✦BEAT YOUR ENERGY COMPANY!✦✦INVEST YOUR SAVINGS AT 7-9%✦✦
Phil Ogilvy, 13 Culford Avenue, Rushington SO40 9BZ
OGILVY PROPERTY SERVICES
Bathrooms & Kitchens; supplied & fitted or fit only
Tiling Flooring/Laminate General Property Maintenance Inside and Outside Work No Job too Small Painting & Decorating Prompt & Free Estimates
www.ogilvypropertyservices.co.uk
Ho
me
s &
Inte
riors
www.thesouthamptondirectory.co.uk28
SIR BEVIS OF SOUTHAMPTONIf you believe that society today is in a worse state than it has ever been,the history of Sir Bevis will change your mind. His life was, in medieval times, the subject of many sagas, one of forth verses, each of ten lines, others of thousands of lines.
In legend he was said to be twelve feet tall. His father was Sir Guy of Southampton, his mother a Scots princess"unworthy of heer son”. When he was seven years old, his mother took a lover, Sir Mourdor, '' a fickle man and a Rover''. Sir Moourdor, as his name suggested, murdered Sir Guy. To quote one version of a long ballad printed in 1929 in the Sussex county magazine, Sir Mourdor then said of Bevis
''' I'll have him sold in pagan lands, He'll fetch in pounds a score, He hateth me, I hateth him, So doth my paramour (i.e., his mother!)
Bevis was put on a ship and then bought by a King Ermyn. '' He was a brave young knight, and won the King's favour.
'' He found sixth Knights found Christian faith a riddle, he took his long sharp edged sword, and Clove each to the middle.''
When he killed a large, ferocious boar, the King asked him what reward he wanted.
'' To go to Damascus, with a thousand score Knights.''
Then he met the King's daughter, the beautiful Princess Josyan, bought the sward ''Morglay'', and a horse named '''Hirondelle''.
For King Ermyn, he fought the king's enemy, Brandamond.
At the battle '' a thousand heroes bit the dust, and a thousand went into bondage.''
On his return, King Ermyn '' did call a great fanfare'', and Josyan said '' Sir Bevis , be my husband dear, my love I can't tain.''
'' Nay , nay,' said Bevis, frowning dark,'' I will not wed a pagan, I would not dare the wrath of church, of bishop and suffragan.''
So Josyan renounces her gods, and they marry King Ermyn '' did roar with rage!, and sent Bevis with a
letter to his enemy, now his friend, Brandamond, asking him to put Bevis
'' in a dungeon strong, and let the oil be boiling.'' Bevis was put into the dragonsden , but killed the fire breathing animal by twisting its tail. He passed seven years in captivity, and then an angel came to release him.
Bevis then killed King Inor, whom Josyan had been forced to marry. He took on his horse to return to England bu met Ascupart, a giant forty feet high.
The giant cried ''Hand me your bride' '' Sir Bevis swung his good Morley, and smote the giant sorely, he punched him in his stomach fat, and made him feel quite poorly.
'I've had enough'' cried Ascupart, ''I'll be your slave forever ''
They came to the city of Cologne, where Bevis had an uncle, the Bishop, who baptised his bride.
Bevis then slew the Cologne dragon, for which he was given an escort of one hundred knights on his journey to England.
For some reason, Bevis left his bride in the care of his uncle.
''A mighty Earl, Sir Mile, came to woo her, but Josyan she seized the
swain, and with a rope she hanged him ! ''
'' The people then too Josyan fair, and said he must be burned. The news did
come to Bevis bold, and back again he turned.''
He brought her back toEngland.
''Now Bevis come to Old England, made up his mind to settle, He'd got a wife, he'd got a sword, he'd got a horse of mettle. And every day, he does delight, as sure as he's a sinner,
To wade the Channel wide from Wight, It gives zest to his dinner.''
He became the gatekeeper of Arundel Castle, '' for long and lab'rous years'' He died there, having thrown his sword into the castle's park to mark where he should be buried.
His grave is now known as Bevis Mount. '' Now each good man who hears this tale, I bid you give good cheer-o, Some day may you the father be, of such a mighty hero. At least you may be Sussex born, for Sussex men have fire. Those not of Sussex, don't despair, 'Tis your lot to admire.''
Members of Southampton Writers Circle have been invited to submit an article every month. This is the first by Anthony Collins.
If you are thinking of selling your home andwould like to know more about the servicesMichael Browns provides, including our agencyfee offer, please contact us to arrange a freemarket appraisal.
Heroes and Villains1. The thickest and strongest tendon in the human body is
named after which Greek hero?2. Which villain from the Disney film Pinocchio is also the name
of an active volcano in Italy?3. In 2008, The X Factor Finalists had a number one hit single with a cover version
of a song called Hero. Which singer originally had a hit with this song?4. Which movie villain uses a glove fitted with razors to kill his victims in their
dreams?5. Which legendary hero fought Grendel’s Mother using a sword called Hrunting?6. Doctor Claw is the main villain in which animated TV series, which was first
shown in 1983?7. In 2003, Fathers 4 Justice campaigner Jason Hatch famously protested by
climbing onto Buckingham Palace dressed as which super-hero?8. Oddjob was the henchman of which James Bond villain?9. What was the surname of the Scottish folk hero known as Rob Roy?
10. In 2003, the American Film Institute released their list of 100 greatest heroes and villains from the first 100 years of American cinema. Name the only character to appear in the list of heroes and in the list of villains.
Puzzles (answers on page 51)
Sudoku
2 words
Pictograms3 words
2 words
OR OR O
LIB ERTY
JYO SURIRSEP
AGENR SASDENS
Pu
zz
les
34 www.thesouthamptondirectory.co.uk
Recipe of the month
Seared Fresh Tuna with Warm Bean Salad4 fresh tuna steaks
45ml (3tbsp) virgin olive oil
1 large red onion, peeled and chopped
2 x 300g cans cannellini beans, drained
2tbsp fresh chopped flat leaf parsley
2tbsp fresh chopped coriander
Juice from ½ a lemon
Lemon wedges to garnish
Brush the tuna steaks with some of the olive 1. oil and season with plenty of freshly ground black pepper and a little sea salt. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle pan until very hot and cook the steaks for about 2 mins on each side.
Meanwhile, heat the rest of the olive oil in a 2. frying pan and fry the red onion for 3-4 mins. Stir in the beans, parsley, coriander and lemon juice and cook for a further 1-2 mins until heated through. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Divide the bean salad between four serving 3. plates and top with the tuna steaks. Serve immediately garnished with lemon wedges.
Serves - 4 Ready in 20 minutes
Fresh tuna steaks have a lovely firm and meaty texture and a delicious not-too-fishy flavour. Take care not to overcook the steaks as the flesh can quickly dry out and make sure your skillet or griddle pan is really sizzling hot before you start cooking.
At Granite Transformations we offer a complete package for updating your work surface andappliances. Fitting a new worktop is fast and effective. There is no need to remove old surfaces; wefit directly over your existing surface. And, with over 60 different worktop colours available weguarantee complete peace of mind from start to finish.
13-14 St Thomas Street, LymingtonHampshire SO41 9NAemail: [email protected]/lymington
Book a FREE homeconsultation with a designerand learn how easy it is totransform your kitchen.
Call now 01590 673 134
...the worktopthat fits on top
I thought I neededa new kitchen untilI discovered...
Granite Transformations manufactures and installs Granite, Stone, Quartz and Glass worktops
Local Clubs & SocietiesVisit www.thesouthamptondirectory.co.uk for more information on these clubs and societies and others in and around Southampton.
Art Southampton Art Society 023 8077 3271Decorative & Fine Arts 023 8055 4673 ArtsFriends of Soton Museums & Galleries
023 8055 6981
AstrologySoton Astrological Assn 023 8077 5039AstronomySolent Amateur Astronomers 023 8058 2204BellringingSoton City Centre Bellringers 0238029 2966Hants Genealogical Society 023 8058 5161Soton Museums Archaeological Soc. 023 8077 3112Soton Ancient Egypt Society 01794 516352Circus SkillsSoton Juggling Club 01794 502340CraftsSouthampton Quilters 01489 584593Shirley Knitwits 023 807 70377DanceSoton Circle Dance Group 023 8022 3578Hampshire Garland Dancers 023 8036 0892DramaOaklands Yth Music Theatre 023 8073 9797Waterside Musical Society 023 8058 4413Maskers Theatre Co 023 8076 6877Freemantle & Shirley Amateur Theatrical Society
023 8068 5643
Film ClubsThe Phoenix Film Club thephoenix.org.uk
Flora & FaunaThe Royal Soton Horticultural Soc. 01489 784823GamesSouthampton Scrabble Club 023 9238 4360Chess League 023 8061 5903HistorySouthampton Geology Group 023 8066 3655Soton Local History Forum 023 8083 2205Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery 023 8034 9414Hants Genealogical Society 023 8058 5161Soton Museums Archaeological Soc. 023 8077 3112Soton Ancient Egypt Society 01794 516352ModellingSoton Model Railway Society 023 8041 0563Model Sailing Club 023 8061 0608Model Power Boat Club 023 8073 1810Sth Hants Military Modelling 01329 236365Hants Model Flying Assn 07702 742647Musical GroupsCity of Soton Albion Band 023 8026 8739Soton Concert Orchestra concertorchestra.co.uk
Jubilee Brass www.jbrass.co.ukSoton Youth Wind Band 023 8032 3111Hants Caledonian Pipe Band 023 8089 9480Northwood String Orchestra 023 8077 5019Marchwood Orchestra 023 8057 9061Solent Accordions 023 8078 9241Soton Jazz Guitar Society 01425 629493Soton Recorded Music Society 023 8047 7790White Horse Accordian Club 023 8020 5251Southampton Concert Orchestra 07976 393123Nature & ConservationSoton & District Bird Group 01794 511843Canal Society (Soton) 023 8086 0384Paddle Steamer Preserv’n Soc 023 8084 9533Wednesday Conserv’n Volunteers 023 8040 3852PhotographyCamera Club (Soton) 01590 641849Southampton Video Club 023 8079 0277Ordnance Survey Photo Society 023 8033 0412SingingWomen Singing 4 Fun 023 8055 8704Treble Rebels - junior choir 023 8076 9317Southampton Choral Society 023 8063 0008Soton Operatic Society 023 8073 9797Conchord Singers 023 8055 5312Soton Philharmonic Choir 023 8061 6532New Music Makers 023 8058 3852The No Commitment Choir 023 8022 2129Social NetworkingIn-sync 07939 226071Rotoract Club 07817375005Soton Central Morning Town Women’s Guild
From extra sockets to a full re-wire Part P fully insured registered Installer Inspector and Testing Certified for building control Friendly reliable service
All work guaranteed - NO VAT - No job too small
YOUR LOCAL ELECTRICIAN
ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE FROM ONLY
£50.00
S uthamptonthe
Directory
PLUS VAT PER MONTHHit 40,000 homes in and around Southampton
Need a Plumber...? Want a reliable local tradesman...?
www. Fast Track Plumbing .co.uk
Mob: 07818 295839 Tel: 02380 615802 E m a i l : i n f o @ F a s t T r a c k P l u m b i n g . c o . u k
Fast Emergency Repair Service No Call Out Charge + FREE Estimates
Plumbing & Heating Professionals Over 25 Years Experience
Clean, Polite Family Orientated Business New Bathrooms & Showers
*Prices are correct at time of going to press and may be subject to change
Gair Gas Ltd £120 per yearBritish Gas HomeCare 200 £204 per year*Southern Elcetric £198 per year*
144901
Gair Gas Ltd is family run company with a reputation for quality, service and reliability. Allour engineers are Gas Safe Registered and GairGas is a member of the Trading StandardsPartnership.
Gair Gas Gold Plan looks after your whole centralheating system and includes:
• All Parts and labour costs
• Unlimited call outs
• Yearly full strip down service of your boiler
• 24-hour, 365-day manned helpline
144901
Call 023 8036 3838www.gairgas.co.uk
24 Archers Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 9AU
who needs a big bill?
save £84with Gair Gas Gold Plan
annual cover for your boiler
taking the worry out of heating breakdowns for
only £1o per month
coldads.qrk 7/8/09 19:32 Page 4
www.thesouthamptondirectory.co.uk40
Local Clubs & SocietiesVisit www.thesouthamptondirectory.co.uk for more information on these clubs and societies and others in and around Southampton.
Amercan FootballSouthern Sundevils 8039 3716AthleticsSouthampton Athletic Club 8078 8874BadmintonSolent Eagles BC 8086 1712Oaklands Badminton club 8078 7574Wyvern Dragons BC 80644 4731BasketballBaller Basketball 8058 5696Blazers Basketball 80693648Baton TwirlingPhoenix Twilite Twirlers 8090 4334BowlingThe County Bowling Club 8022 3477Atherley Bowling Club 8063 0261BTC Bowling Club 8055 9071Pirrie Park Bowling Club 8077 4733Banister Park Bowling Club 8064 3406Sports Centre Bowling Club 8077 9922CanoeingSoton Canoe Club 07966 555928CricketTrojans Cricket Club 8067 2770Soton Evening Cricket League 8026 1530CyclingSotonia Cycling Club sotonia.co.ukCycle Speedway Club 8055 7158DancingDance Power 80768680Banners & Boots 8057 1180Belly Dance Workshops 8044 2783Soton Swing Dance Society 8077 7545The Folk Assn of South Hants 8036 0892Irish Set Dancing 8076 7340Red Stags Morris 8058 3018FootballSaturday Football League 80864828Soton Youth Football League 8086 6250GolfChilworth Golf Club 8074 0544Soton Municipal Golf Club 8073 6673Stoneham Golf Club 8076 9272 Romsey Golf Club 8073 6673Southampton Pitch & Putt 8083 3605Dibden Golf Centre 8084 5596GymnasticsSoton Gymnastics Club 80592 9952
Dynamo Gymnastics 8045 5007Horizon Gymnastics 07906 686406HockeyLadies Hockey Club 8069 4355Junior Hockey Southampton 8073 5737Southampton Hockey Club 8073 5737Martial ArtsAcademy of Martial Arts 8051 2002Samurai Judo Club 8044 6307OrienteeringSoton Orienteering Club 023 9226 4001 Petanque Soton City Petanque Club 8073 9759RugbyTrojan Club 8061 3068Eastleigh Rugby Football Club 8064 1312Southampton Rugby Club 8073 7777RunningLordshill Rd Runners 8078 9492Hash Harriers Winchester 8061 3601SailingRoyal Soton Yacht Club 8022 3352St Denys Sailing & Rowing Club 8032 4832Warsah Sailing Club 01489 583575Marchwood Yacht Club 8055 6141SquashHants & IoW Squash Assn 8086 7721SwimmingOaklands Swimming Pool 8074 1414Red Lodge Swimming Pool 8076 8209Shirley’s Swimming Pool 8078 1901Table TennisWaterside Table Tennis Club 8089 4403TennisGlebian Tennis Club 8045 7046Portswood Tennis Club 8027 0004Sth Hants Lawn Tennis Club 8077 6648Swaythling Lawn Tennis 8067 1016TrampolineSoton Trampoline Club 8051 1991Southampton Lifesaving Club 8044 2068Walking & RamblingSouthampton Ramblers 023 8055 3883 Southampton HF Walking Grp 075 0555 8681 YogaYoga in Southampton 8063 2881
MEETING ALL YOUR GLASS & MIRROR NEEDSGlass ◆ cut to sizeMirrors ◆ made-to-measureBroken glass ◆ repairedMisted up ◆ or broken double-glazed units replacedHeat-resistant glass ◆ for wood burners and stoves
Giving The Best Professional Service for Over 20 Years
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
Interior & Exterior Fully Insured Free Quotations & Advice Happy to Provide References Insurance Work Undertaken Health & Safety Compliant Professional, Reliable & Always Contactable, Short Notice Works Undertaken, Flexible Working Hours
023 8027 5510 M : 07976 588049
15 Wychwood Grove Chandlers Ford
Areas Covered: Winchester Chandlers Ford Southampton & Hedge End
HEATING SOLUTIONSFor all your Gas Appliances & Heating Systems inc LPG
GAS & HEATING
Call Matthew BorehamEx British Gas Engineer, City & Guilds
07879 46354601489 893502
189712
Boiler Repair, Maintenance & Installations
All Gas Appliances
Central Heating
Emergency Call Out
Landlord Gas Checks
Powerflushing
b
bbbbb
Out & About (B) = Booking Essential
Ho
me
s &
In
teri
ors
SWANWICK LAKESTel: 01489 570240Events are free but suggested donation is indicated.
Family Treasure Trail20 March 10am-2pm£1.50 pp
Put a Spring in Your Step31 March 10.30-12noon Guided Walk. £1.50 pp
Spring Has Sprung!5 April 10:30-12noon.
For toddlers and pre-schoolers. £2.50 p/child (B)
Wild Camp14 April 10am-2pmBushcraft skills; build
a shelter, light a fire safely and make a woodland
souvenir to take home. Age 6+.£4 pp (B)
Natural Art Day14 April 10am-2pmPlay with art outdoors this spring. For families with children 5+. £2.50 per child (B)
CHARITY EVENTS
Spring Fashion Show18 March 7pm-1am,Ladies’ fashion by LK Bennett, three course meal, a magician and DJ.At De Vere Grand Harbour HotelIn aid of Naomi House, £45 01962 843513
Are you ready for the dig i ta l swi tch over? We provide a free digital check on your existing aerial and equipment Digital Aerials/Satellites Installed DAB & FM radio / Multi TV links Plasma & LCD TV wall mounts Phone extensions European Satellites Installed Satellites repaired No call out charge - All areas covered
A Professional ServiceWithout Being PushyChoose your new floor, in yourown home, in your own time! With over 3000 samples to choosefrom, we bring the store to you!✦ Appointments to Suit You✦ Domestic/Commercial Insurance Work UndertakenFloor Coverings Southern,7 Reynolds Rd, Fair Oak, Soton SO50 7NA
Established 1996Established 1996
www.floorcoveringssouthern.co.uk
carpets
wood laminate
hardwood flooring
cushion/designer vinyls
Call NOW, without obligation,FREE survey and quotation
The Flooring Store to Your DoorThe Flooring Store to Your DoorApproved Buy with
Con�dence member: Trading StandardsScheme member
PRICE MATCHGUARANTEE
Commercial, Domestic &Industrial
Rewires & New InstallationsElectrical Inspection & TestingFault-finding and RepairSockets & Lights, FuseboxesHeating & VentilationFire Alarms and SecurityTV and Phone Points
Quality work at competitive pricesPhone us now for a FREE quote
(023) 8073 1205www.ampfieldelectrical.co.uk
AmpfieldElectrical
▼▼
▼▼
▼▼
▼
73 Ringwood Drive, North Baddesley
AmpfieldElectrical
Commercial, Domestic & Industrial
Rewires & New InstallationsElectrical Inspection & TestingFault-finding and RepairSockets & Lights, FuseboxesHeating & VentilationFire Alarms and SecurityTV and Phone Points
Quality work at competitive pricesPhone us now for a FREE quote
(023) 8073 1205www.ampfieldelectrical.couk
73 Ringwood Drive, North Baddesley
Ho
me
s &
Inte
riors
Picking a new family car used to be pretty easy. You'd walk into a Ford or Vauxhall dealership and order the generic, popular hatchback they were shifting in the thousands and be very happy.
But not any more. Now there are some new kids on the block, or should we say some old kids that are seriously upping their game. We're talking, of course, about the likes of Kia and Hyundai.
The Korean pairing really are producing cars that rival the mainstream marques these days - now all they need is to convince buyers to see past the badge.
To see just how far Hyundai has moved the game on we got behind the wheel of the latest i30. Aimed squarely at the Ford Focus, the Korean contender certainly looks the part. This is the facelifted model - not that you'd notice - a few bits of trim have changed, but it looks smart.
Before you climb behind the wheel you need to throw away any preconceptions of what you think it will be like. The latest breed of Hyundais have taken a dramatic leap on from the quite woeful cars that came before them and this i30 is a great example of that.
It's actually really rather good to drive. Our test car was fitted with a 1.6-litre CRDI diesel engine that'll hit 60mph in 11.5 seconds and go on to a top speed of 117mph.
Nothing earth shattering there, but the 62.8mpg economy does mean you only have to visit petrol stations every 735 miles.
The diesel lump is punchy, if a little on the loud side and, when combined with the decent six-speed manual box, it's even quite good fun to drive. Complaints? Well, the steering isn't as good as the Ford's and on the road it can feel a little disconnected.
But inside it's a pleasant place to spend time. The build quality is impressive and it's here that the difference to Hyundais from five years back is really apparent.
Our test car came in the top-of-the-range Premium specification and was packed with kit. The list of toys you get as standard is frankly
ridiculous. It includes climate control, alarm, immobiliser, electric everything, half leather seats, enough airbags to cause the car to float if they all went off at the same time, and a decent CD player with a plug in point for your iPod. In fact the only option worth having that isn't fitted as standard is metallic paint – which is £395 more.
And we haven't even got to the best bit yet - the price. This range topper will set you back just £16,450. Compare that to a similar specification Focus and you'd need to find at least another grand more.
Add in the fact that all new Hyundai models come with an unlimited mileage, five-year warranty and things really start to stack up in the Korean car's favour.
There are some buyers that still won't be able to see past that badge, but they'd be silly not to at least try the i30. Hatchback buyers will be missing out if they don't.
By James Baggott, editor of Car Dealer Magazine (CarDealerMag.co.uk)
The end of the tax year on 5th April 2011 is an annual reminder to ensure you are maximising your tax efficient savings, most commonly Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs).
The current subscription limit is £10,200 per person, within this total, £5,100 can be saved into a Cash ISA. It’s a use it or lose it situation, and still remains the most tax efficient way to save for the majority of us.
Going forward into the next tax-year on the 6th April 2011, the annual ISA subscription limit for the 2011/12 tax year will be increased. Each investor will then have an annual allowance of £10,680. The allowance has been upped in line with inflation and it is aimed that the annual allowance will be increased in line with inflation every year from now on. That means a married couple will be able invest £21,360 in a tax-efficient ISA wrapper for the 2011/12 tax year (currently £20,400 until 5th April 2011).
ISAs offer tax-efficient income and growth (no capital gains tax) and any income has
no impact on the often forgotten ‘age related allowances’, making it ideal for supplementing pension income.
If you are unhappy where your ISA is invested you can also transfer your ISA to another provider. It is possible to transfer Cash ISAs into Stocks & Shares ISAs, but not vice versa.
Stocks and Shares ISAs may hold different assets, including Government Bonds, Corporate Bonds, Commercial Property and Equities. These may be UK based or Global, enabling you to achieve wide diversification by asset, sector and geographical region.
Speak to an Independent Financial Adviser about starting a new ISA or reviewing existing arrangements.
● PC/Network problems? Sorted !● Use email & text to generate new business — it’s easy!● Small Business Advisor—practical stuff not just hot air!● Going Slow? Broadband & VoIP Specialist
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
Pro
fessional S
ervices
Under normal circumstances, when you apply for a job that involves extended communication with foreigners, you’ve probably completed some appropriate training beforehand. However, when you join a touring rock band, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself crashing about in far-flung countries with absolutely no idea of how to a) speak the language and b) interact with the locals in such a way that doesn’t deeply offend their religion, culture or moral code. It’s a bit of a minefield.
One of my band’s first ever international tours took us to Seoul, South Korea. Korean is a notoriously difficult language to learn and this is compounded by the fact that, culturally speaking, our two nations don’t have a great deal in common. However, as a man who has now visited South Korea five times, let me tell you this - the Koreans are pathologically obsessed with David Beckham. He is, without doubt, our greatest export to Asia. Sod car engines and pharmaceuticals - if there’s one thing keeping the UK economy afloat in the far east, it’s Mr Beckham. If you’re going to Seoul, waste no time poring over your phrasebook trying to figure out how to pronounce ‘Ch’oum poepgetsumnida’ (this means ‘How do you do?’, incidentally). Instead, just arm yourself with the words ‘Beckham’, ‘World Cup’, ‘Manchester United’ and, in case you get desperate, ‘Posh Spice’, and you’ll go far in this town. I once negotiated about £30 off the price of a suit in a South Korean market simply by miming the action of scoring a goal and repeatedly shouting ‘David Beckham’ at the chap behind the counter. He copied my mime, replied with the enthusiastic chanting of
‘Beckham Beckham Beckham!’ and, hey presto, I was the proud new owner of some nicely-tailored cut-price threads.
As British culture slowly infiltrates the city of Seoul, however, it is becoming more and more common to see examples of the English language appearing in the city’s shops, bars and so on. Back in 2006 we passed a particularly hysterical evening in a Korean restaurant, childishly giggling over the not-entirely-accurate translations that came with every dish. Highlights included a starter described in English as ‘spawnfood’, something called ‘a chicken boom’ and the intriguing-sounding local delicacy ‘old slices of boiled pig meat’. Feeling intrepid, I ordered something called a ‘chicken gamble’ for my main course and was slightly disappointed when the serving of my food wasn’t accompanied by a smiling female gameshow assistant in a sequined bikini spinning a Wheel-Of-Fortune type device that would determine whether or not the meat in my dinner was in fact chicken, or whether the gamble hadn’t paid off and I’d ended up with something altogether more suspicious.
My drummer, who is a vegetarian, wisely stuck to noodles that night. However, a few days later he faced his own linguistic challenge when, on the afternoon of the gig, he found himself (as the band’s technical expert) having to explain to the non-English-speaking Korean sound engineer that he needed him to ‘heighten the threshold and resolve the compression ratio to below 3.5’ and then ‘set the near-field proximity with a slightly slimmer EQ setting’. To Tony’s credit, he was successful, although based on what I know to be his scant grasp of the Korean language, he must have achieved this via some clever combination of the phrases ‘Hello’, ‘Thank you’ and ‘Does this dish contain meat?’. He’s a resourceful chap that Tony. Sadly, though, I never could convince him to take the Chicken Gamble...
Chris plays piano in South London power-pop band The Lightyears. The Lightyears,
voted the UK’s BEST POP/ROCK ACT at the Indy Awards,
have played Wembley Stadium, toured across four continents, worked with Sting’s producer and starred in a T-Mobile advert. Chris is currently
working on his first novel, “Mockstars”. Read more of
Chris’ blogs and tour diaries at www.TheLightyears.com.
The Day David Beckham Bought me a SuitBy Chris Russell
All material published in The Southampton Directory (adverts, editorials, articles and all other content) is published in good faith. The Southampton Directory accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions. The Southampton Directory does not endorse any companies, products or services that appear in this publication. All material (adverts, images, photos, trade logos and any other content) is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free. The Southampton Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent of the publisher.
Designed by mobilemouse 01903 505295
S uthamptonthe
Directory
Puzzle Answers
Heroes and Villains QuizAchilles1.Stromboli2.MariahCarey3.FreddyKrueger(intheNightmareOnElm4.Streetfilms)Beowulf5.InspectorGadget6.Batman7.Goldfinger8.MacGregor9.TheTerminator(avillaininthefilmThe10.Terminator,aherointhesequelTermina-tor2:JudgementDay)
SODUKU solution Pictogram
Answers
Doubleor1.
nothing
Mixedemotions2.
Downright3.
liberty
Pro
fessional S
ervices
Crocuses, like Hamlet’s sorrows, come not as single spies, but in battalions. And stealthy battalions at that. One day, there is no sign of them, while the next they have
popped up everywhere. Anyone who walks across a public park daily to get to work and suddenly, one morning, comes across a veritable carpet of plump Dutch crocuses, purple and yellow, will know what I mean.
That jack-in-the-box character is only part of the fascination that crocuses have to offer us. For me, their appeal lies as much in the way they open their petals out when the sun warms them as in their colours. It may be a no-nonsense bio-chemical reaction to sunlight, but it is still reminds me of the way I feel like stretching my arms out to enjoy the February sunshine, so it always makes me smile.
Nor is that all, for the styles (that is, stigmas and stalks inside the flowers) exhibit an intriguing variety of form, depending on the kind of crocus it is. I really enjoy going round the garden on a sunny day, peering into crocus flowers to observe the branching of the golden or red styles. In fact, this is one way that botanists identify different species. The styles of the well-known spring-flowering Crocus chrysanthus, for example, are orange-red and divided into three, while those of Crocus sieberi are fringed. The styles of Crocus imperati are so divided that they look like masses of fine orange threads.
The styles of the autumn-flowering Crocus sativus - believe it or not - provide the culinary spice and yellow dye that we know as saffron. It seems remarkable now that saffron was once commercially grown and harvested in this country; indeed, it was so important to the prosperity of one part of Essex that there is a town named after it – Saffron Walden. It would
be nice to think that such a benign industry could be resurrected, especially since saffron is the most expensive spice you can buy, but the summers would have to get a bit hotter and winters appreciably colder
before it was viable again. And I rather doubt you could get people to pick the flowers. It would be back-breaking work, which we would not appreciate; after all, it takes 100,000
flowers to make just a kilo of dried culinary saffron and the harvest has to be done very
quickly. Crocus sativus is grown for profit in central Spain, Iran, Greece and Kashmir and has
been cultivated for more than 3,000 years. As well as its culinary use, it is a textile dye and also in the past
was also used in medicine. Indeed, there is some recent evidence that it has anti-cancer properties.
What really tickles me about the crocus is that it is one of the few plants which can correct my shortcomings as a gardener. It has the capacity to draw itself down to the right place in the soil, using what are called ‘contractile’ roots. So even if I get the
planting depth wrong, the crocus ends up in the right place in the end. Indeed, I really don’t see how further
evolution could possibly improve on the crocus. Except perhaps to make the bulbs taste unpleasant to mice and squirrels. Yes, and make the flowers more weatherproof in February, provided it did not detract from their unique beauty.