solent life magazine - east (fareham) november

A R T R E V I E W S l I N T E R I O R S l G A R D E N S l H E A L T H & B E A U T Y l C O M P E T I T I O N S l W H A T ’ S O N

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NOVEMBER 2011

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We promised that things would keep changing and evolving in Solent Life and I am pleased to announce that we have agreed an exciting new collaborative relationship with the popular local radio station The Breeze 107, so watch out for the events and happenings that we will be planning over the coming months.

We have a full compliment of our usual variety of features to catch your interest, but with a few new things as well.Both The Breeze and the Mayflower Theatre, with whom we also now have an exciting new relationship, will have pages in the magazine which will carry interesting features to bring a fascinating and different view of the workings of a radio station and a major theatre. We have started to introduce new writers and contributors to bring more variety and diversity of content and style for your reading pleasure and we welcome their input into what is an exciting future.We are extremely proud to launch the new magazine in our collection which we have christened Solent Life Wessex. This now extends our coverage with a readership that spans from the New Forest areas, up into Winchester and across the south of the county into Portsmouth and Southsea.

Your feedback and comments are truly welcome and necessary for us to gauge the reception of the changes we are making. So please let us know what you think.Enjoy the magazine this month, we are sure you will!

welcomeEAST EDITION

NOVEMBER 2011

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contents

features14… The Interview Mark Courtice, Director of the Theatre Royal Winchester

22… Thoughts of the Solent Notes from Afghanistan

23… Lest we forget A poignant story of Remembrance

regulars06… A Forest Walk Are we nearly there yet?

10… Artist Review Creative ceramics

18 … Restaurant Review A taste of Thailand at Bahn Thai

28… Motoring Review BMW 1 Series, German efficiency at its best

38… Green Fingers Prepare now for Spring colour

42… Coast and Country A stroll around Chichester Harbour

46… Whats On Reviews, events and theatre coming your way

49… Mind Gym Try our latest puzzles

in this issue…

Tel : 01489 578833

solentlife.co.uk•NOVEMBER2011•

contactusSolent Life MagazineTel… 01489 583800 • Fax… 01489 583803 Online… www.solentlife.co.uk • Email… [email protected] WEBB HOUSE, 20 BRIDGE ROAD, PARK GATE, HAMPSHIRE, S031 7GE

theteamEditorialDave Hill – Managing Editor Tel… 01489 583743 • Email… [email protected]

David Rose-Massom – Senior Journalist Email… [email protected] Advertising SalesSarah Kent Janet Grimm Tel… 01489 584010 Tel… 01489 583800 Email… [email protected] Email… [email protected]

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Email… [email protected] Design & ProductionDesign by SolentLife Email… [email protected] • Online… solentlife.co.uk

Deadline for advertising copy & editorial for next issue: 17th November 2011

Published by Living Coast Media. © Copyright Solent Life 2011. All rights reserved. No part of Solent Life Magazine can be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part without the prior written permission of the publisher. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions contained within.

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“We tells tourists that they isn’t lost; cos we knows where they is!” It was said with a deep, raucous laugh and in a rich and rare, true Hampshire accent. The tractor driver’s sage remark was made as the lady with the lawn mower tried to cease her laughing when all I had asked was if we were far from the Filly Inn, the start point of our walk and where the car sat waiting for our return.

woodlandwalk

He was right, he knew exactly where we were, about an hour away from our destination when it should have

been but a few minutes more walking. But what is the point of an adventure if you cannot have a few surprises along the way, and, there was, after all, a great pub waiting for three weary and thirsty walkers to return. The Filly Inn, midway between Brockenhurst and Lymington, is a classic, rustic and charming country pub, seemingly unchanged in 40 odd years of my visiting that part of the New Forest. There are two main walks from the Filly, around Setley Pond, or a circular route I had never taken through Roydon Woods and across the Lymington River. Well it was circular, just a bigger circle than expected by the time we had reached base camp again, but highly enjoyable and beautiful none the less; and it took us past a charming church with one of the most stunning windows I have ever seen. The Filly Inn is very welcoming and invites walkers to use their car park as home for walks; so it is only fair to use their other facilities when seeking post walk refreshment and nourishment. It covers 950 acres, which I think I walked in its entirety that day, and is owned by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. The combination of a wide range of woodlands and associated plant communities gives rise to a rich diversity of plant and animal species, making Roydon Woods an exciting place to explore. According to the Wildlife Trust’s website there is plenty of wildlife to look out for including: all three native woodpeckers, the European otter, a variety of deer such as the fallow, roe, red and sika as well as mammals including stoats and weasels. The flora is beautiful and at almost every step another variety of fungi seems to be growing and over 900 varieties are currently listed.

The barman had given rough guidance of how to reach the river and we followed his route for all of a 100 metres or so, before being distracted by a path marker with the number ‘1’ emblazoned upon it. The diversion took us on a small ‘u’ shaped walk down muddy slopes and into a copse of younger trees and over a trickling and twisting brook. When walking a route for the first time it is all about taking the less-walked path and exploring. I am no Ranulph Feinnes but I still love the excitement of following different pathways for the first time! Back on the main track and leaning on a five-bar gate the view across the field was toward Royden Manor, a stunning and typically English manor house that sits comfortably and lordly in its surroundings. A little way further along the path and a creaky wooden structure spanned the brackish river, it was a beautiful spot where dog walkers stop to allow their companions the chance to cool off in the river and remove some of the mud from the oft times boggy trail. Good chance to give the wellies the first outing of winter. In one field a small group of horses grazed while in the next a herd of fallow deer lifted their heavily antlered heads from their business of grazing to watch as we wandered by. After following the pathway onto the marked route the realisation came that we were a little lost. It was time to ask where we were! When a lady with a lawn mower finally stopped laughing she pointed us past a stunning cottage, to a footpath that led to a church and small graveyard. The church offered up one moment that made the long diversion more than worthwhile. The history of St John the Baptist at Boldre and the site as one of religious practices predates Norman times and the full story is well worth

reading at www.bsbb.org.uk. Its stunning, modern addition of an etched glass window depicting a forest scene with deer grazing is worth the length of walk on its own. To say it is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship is not enough to hint at how joyous an object that window is. A crossroads and we followed the sign to the village of ‘No Through Road’ which led us back past quaint cottages, alongside a field with frolicking fallow deer and once again into the clutches of Roydon Woods. Past the muddy entrance gate that had led us a couple of hours before down to the river banks and the bridge, past the five-bar gate and the view of the manor house that this time passed without comment and on past the egress of the ‘u’ shaped pathway that seemed to be the start of our adventure so many hours prior. Finally the gravel gave way to tarmac and then the short climb back to the Filly car park and its welcome refreshments. Grandson Harry, who had accompanied me for the day, had been so good in walking so far, he was treated to a packet of sweets on a non-sweetie day, but before he could do any serious damage to the contents he was fast asleep in his car seat; how I wished I could have joined him but the drive home was filled with the memories of a wonderful walk and adventure. l For pathway route maps and history of Roydon Wood, as well as the Warden’s Diary go to www.hwt.org.uk. Our walk took around four hours but the well marked routes will give you walks of varying lengths to suit your energy level.

www.fillyinn.co.uk

lost


…07solentlife.co.uk•NOVEMBER2011•


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View our programme of shows through to Christmas 2011 at www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com Support your local arts centre.

>10th deceMBeR – 17th deceMBeR This Christmas Charles Dickens’ heartwarming family favourite A Christmas Carol comes to life in a fabulous new stage adaptation. Will Scrooge change his ways in time for Christmas Day? It's just a little story, but it packs a wallop bigger than the most potent Christmas punch. Not to be missed!

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>23rd NOVeMBeR – 3rd deceMBeR It's 1940. America is on the brink of war. On a train heading for Chicago from California a young flyer meets a missionary girl. They discover that they live in neighbouring Kentucky towns but philosophical and class differences lead to a fractious relationship.

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artreview

Clay is such a dull looking item for a non-artist it is hard to see where the inspiration comes from.

“It starts before I even pick up the clay.” Liz explained. “I had just watched ‘Alice in Wonderland’ at the cinema and knew I had to make a teapot; and it had to be a big one! It needed to be big so that it looked magnificent; and very noticeable.

“I just like to make things, and I also like to make things that, maybe, are not normally modelled in clay, such as the designer shoes; then I get that WOW factor when someone sees the finished item.” Liz then explained the original inspiration for her shoes came from one of the students at Redbridge Community School where she was at first the art technician before becoming the pottery teacher. “The Vivienne Westwood style of shoe came about from a pupil I was working with and she was studying Westwood as a 20th Century artist and this just gave me the inspiration I needed.

“To begin with it was just about the Westwood styling but then I needed a pattern to finish them off so went with

William Morris designs; I like the idea of putting a modern iconic design with a more traditional pattern.” For those who do not know, William Morris (1834 –1896) was an English textile designer as well as an artist and writer. He was co-founder of a design firm which influenced the decoration of churches and houses into the early 20th century and was also a major contributor to reviving traditional textile arts and methods of production. Back to Liz who described how she builds the shoes. “The shoes are produced from what is known as ‘slab-cut’; I begin with the heel and then cut out the sole of the shoe, then come the sides and finally the top and it all comes together a little like a 3D jigsaw puzzle. Finally it is just a case of smoothing out and decorating.

“Projects such as the teapot are ‘hand-coiled’.” She continued. “The clay is rolled out into long thin tubes before being coiled together to create the shape and then all the patterning is added in relief. I do enjoy working on the potter’s wheel but I just enjoy the process of building a little more.

We all like surprises, especially pleasant ones. Solent Life were at a recent exhibition featuring local artists when a giant and colourful Alice in Wonderland teapot caught our attention – well to be truthful it was so big and colourful it was tricky to miss. It was an easy decision to include the potter Liz Tubb as one of our featured artists…

words • david rose-massom

ceramicsquirky

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artreview

•NOVEMBER2011•solentlife.co.uk

The difference is that on the wheel you begin with something round each time but when building in slabs and coils it just seems so much more therapeutic.” We laughed when I recalled everything I had ever done on a potter’s wheel always ended up as an ashtray of weird proportions rather than an elegant vase. Liz was chuckling for a different reason.

“A friend of mine is a smoker and was having trouble buying an ashtray, even on E-bay; so last Boxing Day I produced 17 really nice looking and artistic ashtrays and put them on E-bay and waited for the money to come rolling in.” Her laughter stopped! “I never sold one, so I got that bit of market research wrong and ten months on, I have still sold only two. I don’t think I will be making any more!” Liz is a very relaxed and likeable person, easy to talk to and like most of our artists, totally immersed in her craft. “The best bit about what I do is seeing the end product.” she continued. “I see the work in my head as a clear vision and then you get to see the reality of those initial thoughts and it does give a real buzz of satisfaction.” She is now planning to pass on that passion.

“I am about to begin teaching workshops in pottery at City College in Southampton on Saturday mornings from ten til one.” And, with the only bit of self-plugging during our chat she added; “I do still have just a couple of places available.

“Almost anyone can build something attractive; the craft is in the individual making of something.” She was convinced that even I could make more than an ashtray.

“I want to be able to show people that they can produce lovely pieces of work. I could easily work from a mould, for example, but I do not want my work to become a manufacturing process.

“I like the gentle flaws that come about when working clay by hand, nothing in art should be perfect, the Japanese have a way of

adding imperfections.” She noted. Liz’s work is not all about serious art and design influences. “I have just created a Routemaster bus for a friend and it filled the length of the kiln.” She explained this was her only restriction when it came to size of her models. “The bus was built to scale and when it went into the kiln for firing there was just an inch at either end for it to fit, it was more luck than judgement. I am now working on a black cab for the same person, but will be a little more careful with the size this time.” Liz did not begin as a ceramicist but grew into it and discovered her talent by chance.

“I began as a graphic designer at art college then went into interior design. But, when I began working at the school it really put me back in touch with art and the niche of pottery came from my being the art technician at the school. I never knew I could work in clay, it is a new-found career and an escape for me.

“I love teaching other people and especially children who seem to have a great touch when creating three-dimensional work and yet struggle with the two-dimensional such as painting. The inspiration of working with children works both ways and hopefully I do inspire them as much as they inspire me to be creative.

“I was born in Romsey and am a country-girl at heart…” She continued. “…from the mud to the clay if you like!” Liz went on to explain that this love of where she grew up has brought about a real desire. “I often think of going to a friend’s house at Sherfield English where she has a lot of clay in her soil. It is difficult and time consuming to reclaim the clay from the soil but the day will come when I make something with clay which has been personally reclaimed and produce some original Sherfield English Pottery, to make something from the clay dug from where I grew up; that would be special.” The final question about her work had to

be, did she like the designs such as those from Vivienne Westwood for herself? “I am not really into that designer stuff for myself, I am a country girl after all, but I do love the shapes and the designs. I like the iconic designs, I would like to produce a pair of Doc Martin boots in clay – I suppose I am a boots girl rather than flashy shoes type of girl.” Liz makes hand built pieces of pottery as well as making jugs and pots on the wheel; and is always trying out new ideas and techniques to increase her range and knowledge. “Although I enjoy seeing my own ideas come to life through my art there is nothing better than passing my knowledge on to others and giving them the opportunity to discover the joys of clay!” l

[email protected] or check out the Facebook page of Lizzy Tubb


LOOk AFTeR YOUR ART!When storing framed pictures, always ensure they are placed back to back or face to face to avoid the fixings of one frame scratching the frame of another. Putting small cork or felt “bumpers” on the back of a picture will stop the picture marking the wall and will also allow air to circulate behind the picture preventing any damp occurring.

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Producer Michael Rose insists that the visual element is not compromised because of the story itself. “A lot of it is live animation;

because that is the easiest and most convincing way to make an audience, used to 3D film and technology, feel like they are in a real place when we get to Never Never Land. But we combine it with stock 3D scenery to fill in the rear side-lines so that it there is depth and movement to it.” Michael also adds, “There is a point in the story where Tinkerbell threatens to morph from a magical flashing light into human form and we see her grow from tiny fairy up to adult size. That moment is quite magical for young people – to be able to see that trickery and illusion.”

And what of Peter Pan himself – will he fly? Well the flying comes courtesy of some new sophisticated software that calculates the different flight speeds and the angle of various carriages allows the actor to fly effortlessly around the stage without any visible mechanism. Because it’s all being done by computer, rather than someone on the end of a rope, pulling someone up and down by human hand, there is smoothness to the flight and that’s important because you’ve got to convince the audience that Peter Pan can fly – that it’s as natural to him as walking or running. The show stars Ex-Eastenders actress Lucy Benjamin as Mrs Darling, Daniel Boys as Peter Pan, Les Dennis who takes on the role of pirate Smee and the dashing Ben Richards as the dastardly Captain Hook. This story is a re-telling of the classic original and is set in the modern day – The Darling family live in London, Mr Darling works in the City, and one night Peter decides to visit. Back in Never Never Land, Peter has fought and won against many “Hooks” and each time a Captain Hook is defeated, a new crew member must become “Hook”, returning the balance to good and evil and so the show opens… This is Peter Pan for the 21st Century with stunning sets, sensational flying sequences, a brand new score and a sprinkling of modern day fairy dust. l

Peter Pan runs at The Mayflower Theatre, from 9th December – 14th January. Tickets from mayflower.org.uk or call 02380 711811.

In the days when Cinema is having a renaissance with the current popular trend of 3D films, another art form is using some of this process to tell its stories. Why stop at 3D when you can have 4D – living breathing actors on a stage with some magical scenery and effects! When the brand new production of Peter Pan arrives at The Mayflower Theatre this Christmas the show will be using some digital 3D projection for scenery. The use of digital projection also allows the production to enhance the transformative nature of the story itself, as it moves from the real world of the London nursery to the magical Never Never Land. The rear projection is also pre-filmed, which cuts down on rehearsal time and production staff costs; instead of flying in different painted cloths and 3D stock, nearly everything is facilitated with a single piece of high-spec equipment.


pana cinematic

solenttheatre


theinterview

interviewtheIn June of this year Mark courtice took over as the Chief Executive of Winchester’s Theatre Royal but his job and his vision are about much more than just putting people on the stage and bums on seats…



Mark Courtice is a strong believer in culture and the community being one entity, a joint contract if you like. “First

and foremost it is the community that surrounds us that pays for what we do.” Mark began. “I am acutely aware where the grants that keep us going come from. Ticket sales also count and people will not buy tickets if what we produce is not about them or linked in some way to them. Any theatre worth its salt must put on works and shows that are relevant to the community around them.

“The Italians say ‘to participate’ and the audience must participate whether that is through the laughter generated or whatever feelings may emanate from the stage.” He continued. “Somewhere like Winchester we must reflect what the city and the community are thinking and talking about as an audience.

“For the health of our community we need to talk about things that affect it as widely as possible; if, for example, we take an issue such as immigration we as part of the community need to talk about the issues and the problems. It is part of our job as a theatre to bring that discussion out into the open, but without taking a political stance!

“So we have the comedian talking about immigration, or a touring dance company from an immigrant community so we can see and share with their culture. Finally there may be a play, a drama, about the issues surrounding the debate. By hearing the music and experiencing the cultures of those other societies it will be easier to include them within our own community.” Taking the non-political view a little further Mark added. “It is not my job to say where the truth lies or what the politics are or should be; for us at the Theatre Royal it is about entertaining, informing and the opening of dialogue. We may well find a performer whose point of view is a shock; but that is also okay. Immigration is just one aspect; there are a thousand different things the community could be talking about.” The third thought that Mark has on community and culture being firm bedfellows is about a quality of life. “It is important to make the community a better place; about saying Winchester would be a great deal poorer place without us as a venue and without culture in general.

“In practical terms, we have a youth theatre group with some 198 to 200 members who

do everything from theatrical improvisation to dance and they are having terrific fun doing it.” Mark explained. “They are also learning masses of things and will grow to be better members of the community by doing so.” The financial benefits of an organisation such as the Theatre Royal expands way beyond its artistic walls. “I run a theatre in a street with dozens of restaurants and they take more money when we have an audience; so through our work we make the city more economically viable.

“Next door we have the library and the wonderful Discovery Centre, which we are very lucky to have, so we have a world of literature on our doorstep and we can tie up with them on events as well as use them for our own research.” He then said something that at first surprised but then enforced all he had been saying before. “I trust people to make choices. A theatre manager’s job is to defend the inalienable right of a citizen to say, ‘I am not going to the theatre tonight’. That is, as long as they have made that choice in an environment where they can freely choose to go to the theatre or not!

“Hopefully then, with what we are doing as a theatre, it will rub off in some way so they will choose to come one day.” He added.

“Another point is that we speak of parks as being the lungs of a city, a place where people can breathe fresh air. I grew up knowing that theatre is just the greatest fun and I now know that with the imagination, the intellect and the entertainment we offer we are also the lungs of the city and you can go to any theatre, take a deep breath and you know you have entered a world of joy and wonderment!

“The building is just the walls and the plaster and a frame but when something wonderful happens on a stage it brings about an endorphin rush for the audience and for the performer as a theatre fills with laughter or emotion.” Mark then spoke of something that occurs within the theatre that, at first, is not obvious.

“There is a transaction in pitch darkness within a theatre, and it is done without a word being said. This takes place when two people, sitting next to each other, decide on the arm rest and where their arms will go and that transforms someone’s free will and removes the independence and ensures we become an integral part of that audience!” Since his arrival in June Mark has had many

one to one meeting with community leaders and those with influence within the area. “I have spoken with those who run community action groups within Winchester and we speak about how our two worlds meet; businesses, restaurants and individuals; we are part of their world and they are part of ours so it is inevitable that groups and people within the community will find us as a partner of interest.

“There is a company who deal with young people with learning difficulties and they are working with us to enable them to put on a performance. We have arranged visits to the theatre, given them back stage tours in order to help them succeed. It is my job as the manager of a theatre to not just provide a stage. It is my job to work with them to ensure they enjoy themselves and have the best possible experience of this theatre and this will also help ensure that the audience will also get to enjoy the experience. We work in partnership with many organisations within the community.” Mark is fully aware that we are all affected by theatre in some way. “I think it unlikely that that anyone has not been touched in some way by theatre; a simple example being the people and dramas they watch on TV, most of them have had their beginnings in theatre.

“In recession and hard times a community still needs the resources to be able to come together and there are fewer and fewer of these, there are less churches, less union meetings and so in many ways culturally the theatre is one of the few remaining places a community can come together.

“When we take our seats and the lights go down we in theatres never forget that the audience are all just shades of grey in the dark. We treat our audiences and our community with respect and treat them all the same; but at the same time listening to their opinions is crucial.” l

www.theatre-royal-winchester.co.uk

…17

Mother Kelly’sMother kelly’s has something for everyone, Flakey white Cod, Plaice, Haddock, Huss, Skate, Breaded Whole Tail Scampi. Thick , juicy gammon Steaks, Half chicken, Pukka Pies and Burgers.All of our fish is of premium quality and comes from carefully managed and sustainable resources. We skin and bone all Cod (and any other fish on request) to produce the VERY best in fish & chips.Children sized meals available on most meals, (FREE kid’s cod and chips for the under 5’s) and a lunchtime special for “pensioners”. If you’re out and about early, Mother Kelly’s is open from 8:00am EVERY DAY for traditional grilled breakfasts, toast, cereal or just a cup of fresh coffee. Just what you need to start your day!If you are thinking about having a party or a group outing, then Mother Kelly’s pre-booked coach parties of up to 60 and delivered orders of 25 to 200 meals are a piece of cake. All party take away orders are sperately packaged with cutlery and condiments and delivered to your venue. Right on time! We look forward to seeing you.

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106 Marmion Road, PO5 2BBTel: 02392 178727

Opening hours Mon to Fri 9am till 6pm

Sat 10am till 5pmSun Closed

Only French food Cakes and freshly baked (every morning) pastries and bread. A good variety of French cheeses and cured meats, patés etc. French general groceries as well as French clocks, soaps from Marseille and other little gift ideas.

NOW OFFeRING

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BUFFeT sUN, MON & TUes £9.75

AWARDED CuRRY CHEF OF THE YEAR 2011 - 2012It is the first award that Chef Kowsar Miah has won, and what a prestigious award

to begin with; Curry Chef of the Year. The annual award is presented by one of the

UK’s leading curry magazines. Kowser took over as chef from his father, who has

successfully been in charge of the kitchens at MOWCHAK TANDOORI sine 1989.

His speciality dish, of which he is very proud, is tandoori murgh masallam, which

consists of chicken, lamb mince and egg. after receiving his award Chef Miah

said he was very happy and that the award ceremony was a most interesting

experience as he got to see how the other competitors prepared their dishes.

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18…

restaurantreview

With the advent of the internet for research, my fine collections of reference books have lain dormant on the

book shelves for some considerable time. On returning home from the latest Solent Life restaurant review the dictionary and the thesaurus were removed and flicked through – there was a need for some more superlatives to describe the eating experience I had just encountered. Many years ago, in the days of my youth, Thai cuisine found its way into the midst of curry houses and the Wimpy burger bar and this was at a time when the weekly menu at home was unchanging and the highlight was leftovers after the Sunday roast. Ever the adventurers we tried the new and trendy Thai restaurant and for several weeks after failed to rid the taste buds of the harshness of lemon grass.Thankfully times have changed and now the fragrant food of Thailand has become one of my more popular gourmet excursions and it has been my pleasure now to sit and partake of the very best.BAHN THAI means Thai House or Home and as you walk past the golden Buddha in the car park and enter the dining room you enter the perfect world of Thailand. A portrait of the much loved King and Queen

looks down upon the diners, a standing Buddha guards either end of the room and everything in between is neat and ordered and comfortable.The waitress perfectly turned out in national costume and the warm and smiling face of Nutty, the co-owner along with her partner the chef, greet us genially and we are shown to our very comfortable rattan chairs. What adds to the warmth of welcome is the tinkling sound of utensils from the kitchen that reached us just moments before the delicious aromas that had mouths watering long before we even saw a menu. Fresh flowers adorn the dining area, burgundy cloth napkins are folded neatly and cleverly into crown shapes and the table tea-light flickers brightly from the open petals of the lotus flower. If this much care is taken in the dining room the hopes were high for the treats that would surely follow. The menu is as colourful as everything else at Bahn Thai and decision making could be a precarious occupation without the help of the smiling Nutty. That said starters for two of us were a simple choice – a sharing buffet of treats that included the most amazing fish cakes with chilli dips, and the best spring rolls, stuffed with crisp vegetables, that it ever been my pleasure

BAHN THAI means Thai House or Home and as you walk past the golden Buddha in the car park and enter the dining room you enter the perfect world of Thailand.

words & images • david rose-massom

bahn thaia taste of thailand


…19

to bite into. Chicken Satay with a perfect peanut dip, sesame prawn toast that was simply succulent and a plate decoration prepared by a master with a small turnip carved into a pale rose; art on a plate and divine flavours on the palate. The soft shelled crab should also be highly recommended, deep fried in a crisp batter with garlic and pepper, colourful and simply sublime. I warned you about the overload of superlatives, but trust me each one is well deserved as well as possibly understated! For the main course one of my dining companions plumped for the scallops, soft delicate and with a slightly crispy coating to give it texture, delicious and served coated in garlic, chilli and basil; such a delicacy, and yet such wonderful and mouth-watering flavours. I am still very wary of lemongrass; it is a harsh flavour that can be so overpowering. It was a delight therefore when I dipped my fork into a dish of tender and melting beef that had been braised in a reduction of aromatic coconut with the aforementioned lemongrass and dill – Nuea Tom Kati – it was aromatic, it was stunning and an amazing conflagration of flavours. I do love the simplicity and richness of Thai curries and my decision was torn between a safe Tiger Prawn Red Thai Curry and the more exotic sounding Massaman Curry; highly recommended by Nutty as being a very traditional Thai dish and the winner in every aspect. Mine, the chicken version, was prepared in a ground peanut curry with potato and onions served with a tamarind sauce.

Exotic, rich in flavour, gentle in texture; at Bahn Thai they have an amazing touch that makes any meat dish melt in the mouth with great delicacy, slightly spicy and very fragrant both on the nose and on the tongue. It was without doubt one of the best main-courses I have ever indulged in and certainly the finest and tastiest curry. Simple things such as the vegetable Pak Choy, bright green on the plate and shining with a coating of garlic and oyster sauce, cooked to perfection and a great side dish. The portions were a good size but the size of the dishes mattered not when such aromas, flavours and textures were placed before us. Yes, the dishes had spiciness to them, but levels of hotness are clearly marked on the menu and most were on the comfortable side of hot with the chilli content to add flavour rather than heat. It is the fragrance of each dish that impresses and the delicacy that the food is dealt with and displayed. Infinite care is taken with every dish, the food is treated with respect by the chef and his brigade in the spotless kitchen and the result is a medley of stunning flavours, meltingly delightful textures, aromas that defy description and all served with charm and grace. There was no room for dessert, but we looked at the menu anyway. Deep fried banana rings with sesame seeds and honey, served with coconut ice-cream? I made room! And what a joy yet again, a delicious finish to an amazing evening, all of our desserts were bordering, surely, on the illegal; they were too enjoyable to be anything but illicit. And, that coconut ice cream – WOW! If you have travelled to Thailand and there is a particular dish you loved on your travels, then tell the restaurant when you book and they will do their best to recreate that dish for you. Thai food though is handed down from generation to generation rather than by region, so each dish will have its own family twist and taste to it. Bahn Thai is not just about eating out; it is an experience to be relived in conversation for days after. It is an evening to be enjoyed,

to be pampered as a diner and have your senses pampered with food and aromas prepared by a top chef and served by delightful people who are there to please without being subservient. The whole evening is a delight on the senses and a good reminder that even in hard times there are places where it is well worth splashing out just a little to cheer yourself up in body and in mind. With all the dishes put before us the meal still worked out at under £30 a head and was worth every penny. Sunday Lunchtime buffets are very popular at just £10.50 a head and there is now a wonderful mix of the exotic and the traditional for a Christmas meal with a difference that will take you from a cold English Winter to the warmth of a Thai house of food. l

Food can be ordered or reservations made online or by telephone

Phone: 01329 835666 www.bahnthai.co.uk

Bahn Thai, Restaurant & Takeaway, Wickham Road, Fareham, Hampshire PO17 5BT


20…

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OPENING TIMES

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T K CAFÉAt The Tea Room you can treat yourself to home cooked breakfast in

the morning, jacket potatoes, baguettes or salads for lunch and the

ultimate treat - homemade brandy pudding for dessert.

The TK Café offers a range of sandwiches, main meals including

steak & kidney pie, lamb shank, scampi & chips and roast lunch

to name but a few. All is served with a smile from the polite and

attentive waiting team under the guidance of the owner Theresa.

So if you are wanting to indulge in something a little special this

November why not drop in for a treat at the TK Café.

Open Monday to Saturday from 7:00am to 5:00pm, Tel: 02392 387887, 11 West Street, Portchester, PO16 9XB.

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…21

NAZContemporary Indian Cuisine

& Takeaway Service

114 West Street, Fareham

01329 312525www.naz-indian-cuisine.com

We have an extended range of dishes with an emphasis on

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Port Solent Harvester, Portsmouth15 The Boardwalk, Port Solent, Portsmouth, PO6 4TP

02392 201012 • www.harvester.co.uk

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1 Milvil Court, Milvil Road, Lee-On-The-Solent, PO13 9LY

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• Luxury Cream Teas • Jacket Potatoes• Sandwiches • Toasties • Cakes & Soups

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solent‘life’

My name is Tony Thurgood and I am a Chief Petty Officer Biomedical Scientist in the Royal Navy working

at the hospital in Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. This is the third time that I have been sent to work in the hospital in Afghanistan with the Royal Navy, but this time there are, in fact, hundreds of Royal Navy personnel working in Afghanistan, which considering this is a completely land locked country might appear strange and unusual. Apart from all of the navy medics in the hospital and the Lympstone Royal Marine Band working in the medical group, other elements of the naval service include; 2 Royal Navy air squadron detachments,

logisticians, bomb disposal teams, the RM Commando units, in fact even the Commanding Officer of Bastion is currently a Royal Navy Commodore. It is certainly different from my usual lifestyle back in the UK, living in Stubbington I try to spend as much time around or on the Solent as possible. My military career has been split between two professions and I have spent a considerable time at the former HMS Daedalus and Royal Hospital Haslar, both with excellent access to beautiful water vistas, not something that we enjoy here. Camp Bastion is in the middle of a desert at an altitude of 2900 feet with nothing to see for miles around except the mountains in the distance, no water features, no trees, no other colours other than olive, drab and sand. The climate when I arrived in July was very hot and dry. The hospital staff are very fortunate though as most of our time is spent in air conditioned buildings and tents. The exception to this is during the first week when we have to spend a day outside to zero our weapons and have mandatory lectures, the temperature peaked at 53 degrees Celsius that day, and needless to say it was very uncomfortable! With the extreme temperatures comes extreme wildlife in this part of Afghanistan; snakes, scorpions, camel spiders and no vegetation. The catering facilities are very good considering where we are, and we have a full range of foods for all palates, my favourite being the curry bar. The accommodation for the hospital hasn’t changed in the 4 years that I have been coming out here; we are still sleeping on camp beds, 8 to a tent. This might not seem ideal to most people, but I think the communal living can be quite therapeutic for the hospital staff when considering the pace and degree of the trauma that passes through the hospital doors. I work in the Pathology Laboratory in this multinational hospital, we are a mix of mainly US and UK, but have a small Danish contingent, and have also had an Estonian surgical team work with us in the hospital this year. Most of our work is transfusion based trauma resuscitation, but we do see things that are indigenous to the area; malaria, intestinal worms, snake bites, parasites, etc. The minimum 70 hour week that Pathology staff work out here is in stark contrast to my work back in the UK where I have been working a considerably more relaxed routine at Queen Alexandra hospital. Working in Pathology in the NHS we are generally detached from the rigors of everyday hospital life, but here in Helmand there is no choice than to be up close and personal with it. During what little time we have off here there is a limited amount to do. But at Bastion there is a well equipped tented

gym, coffee shops, a Pizza Hut trailer and now even a Pizza restaurant! The medical group has also organised it’s own entertainments such as; ‘Flight Deck Sports’ games afternoons, quizzes, BBQs hosted by our US colleagues, Band Concerts by the Lympstone Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines (who work within the medical group), and we even have a Pickle Night on 19th October to commemorate Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. All of this is great stuff, but there is plenty I miss about my life back in the UK, most of all my family. As a family we are all very involved with Warsash Sea Cadets, I am the 1st Lieutenant, my wife is in charge of the Junior section and both of my daughters are cadets. Like Bastion, Warsash is a very close community and the cadet unit plays an active part in it. The unit’s HQ is at Warsash Maritime Academy and the cadets regularly use the unit boats on the river Hamble for all types of boating; canoeing, kayaking, sailing and power. The Warsash Festival, HMS Collingwood Freedom of Fareham parade, Sea Sunday Service at Warsash Quay, Netley Royal Naval Association, Collingwood Field Gun Day, Fundraising for the Mayor of Fareham’s Charities, Warsash Remembrance Day parade and church service, are just a few of the local activities and organisations that we have been involved with in the past 12 months. The cadets get to the other end of Solent territory too, with many fun camping trips in the New Forest. Aside from cadets, I have always been a keen boater and first sailed on the Solent as a youth over 24 years ago, a tradition which my daughters kept up by learning to sail dinghies at Lee-on–the-Solent Sailing Club when they were 8 years old. Unfortunately I have missed going to another Solent institution this year due to my deployment, the Southampton Boat Show. All being well within two weeks I will be back in Stubbington with my loving family. They have lots planned for me as the end of this deployment has conveniently coincided with the October half term. There are many things I am looking forward to, too many to list, but I particularly miss family walks with our West Highland Terrier along the cliffs at Titchfield Haven, sea on one side, green fields on the other… heaven! We have planned a day trip across the Solent to the Isle of Wight too; such a beautiful and calming place. Although being alcohol free doesn’t bother me for months at a time, it does mean that when I have that first Guinness or glass of red wine on my return, I will really appreciate it! Working in such a close knit, high pressure environment creates a huge sense of camaraderie amongst all of the Royal Navy staff in Afghanistan, and that experience is one of the huge benefits of working here. That said; I am very much looking forward to coming home. l

Back in the summer Solent Life visited the Warsash Festival and met Chief Petty Officer Tony Thurgood from the Royal Navy. Looking smart in his best uniform and along with a group of Naval Cadets he saluted as the Union Flag was raised aloft. The view from beneath the flag was across a lush green field and looking down under a clear blue English sky to the sparkling River Hamble. Little did we know at that typical weekend fete that within days Tony would be shipping out to Afghanistan…

words • tony thurgood

Afghanistannotes from


remembrance

Solent Life contacted their branch of the British Legion to see if George and Ernie were still there only to discover that George Vaughn, still remembered fondly, died shortly after we spoke with him. Ernie Spacagna however is still alive and kicking and being cared for in a local home. Our thanks and best wishes go out to them.

solent‘life’

“Iwas in the 5th Battalion Hampshire Regiment, The Hampshire Tigers.” George said with an enormous amount

of pride when recalling his war years. “Out of the 1000 men who went out with me I am one of only 25 who came back. I thought Father Christmas was good to me that year.” It was a lifetime ago but still his eyes filled with tears as he recalled the chums that did not come back. “Every day I remember where I was and think how lucky I am. The memories are still as fresh today as they were way back then.” George, as many did, lied about his age in 1937 to join the Territorials. “The age limit was 18 and I was a year short so I lied, we all did. There was no sign of war then, it was just an adventure and at least we got some free boots from it.” He said. “I was called up into the regular army just two or three days before war started. We went to a drill hall and slept on just one blanket. Then we were allocated out to guard places like the Hamble refineries or the docks.”

“Queerest thing we did, a bit scary really — we were taken down to Christchurch to a big house that the army had taken over. We had to go and patrol the fields around it with a caravan in the middle and all we were told was that if anyone approached we had to shoot them. Just like that! It turned out that they were trying out the new radar thingy and we were guarding it.” The reality of war hit home early for George.

“I don’t think I could have shot anyone, even though we had been told to. We did shoot a couple of cows though. Next we were

down to Kent where there were rumours that the Germans were going to land in gliders. So we had to cut down loads of trees and then bang the branches and stakes into the ground to stop the gliders landing.” He did make Lance Corporal but the stripe on his arm did not sit well. “By the time war ended I was back to Private, I had to put one of me mates on a fizzer (charge) for turning up nine minutes late and I could not do it so I gave my stripe back.” At the tail end of 1942 George and his chums landed in North Africa and then were part of the Salerno landings. “After weeks of training we suddenly were involved. Shells were going off all around us as we were huddled in the landing craft. It rode up onto the beach and the doors went down and a bloke said, ‘this is Red Beach, what colour are you?’ When we told him Green he told us to push off again as Green Beach was further along the coast. We told him where to go and got off anyway.” It was a case of Tit for Tat with the enemy once in the action. George explained. “We entered a village and everywhere was littered with bodies and the injured and so I muttered to myself that this was about getting back at you. It was the first chance we had to fight back!”

“At one point we were all huddled under a manger in a barn as we were being fired on. We were alright at the end of it but again it was the cows that got shot.” At the time of speaking George was the President of the Royal Hampshire Regiment Comrades Association and it was part

of his role to lay wreaths and to remember those who did not come back. “I just feel lucky, I lost so many mates, you know?” His eyes filled with tears and his voice tightened, even after all these years it is still emotional and fresh. “Every day I remember where I was and think how lucky I am. The memories are just as fresh today.” Sitting in the Southampton Royal

British Legion bar with us that day was Ernie Spacagna who was born in 1914. As he sipped his half of brown ale he sang a little song from his war days about chasing Rommell out of North Africa.

“I was in the D-Day landings and I landed at what we called Queen’s Beach and I went in with the Americans.” He told us. “I had been stationed with the Yanks down Plymouth way and so I was driving a Dodge tipper truck. I never got into the fighting, I was always a driver.” He made it sound like an easy job he had compared to George; his next statement changed all that.

“I was carrying loads of live shells in my truck and bombs and shells were going off all over the place. A chap up on a hill was playing the bagpipes and we just had to keep going. Then we realised that the beach was covered in our boys’ bodies and we just had to drive over them. There were so many. We just had to keep moving.” In one town Ernie was part of a detachment clearing rubble away after a bombardment, all he can recall is the smell from all the bodies that were left in the buildings. “You live by the minute in those circumstances. You have no choice, you can’t think about the fear, so you just live by the minute.” Over the years George returned to many of the places where he fought and lost his mates and he still finds it heartbreaking. But it was the last statement from both men I found heartbreaking. I asked them one last thing; thinking how things are 60 odd years down the line was it all worthwhile? Their answer stunned me as both men now believe they fought for nothing. “We fought for King and Country.” Said George. “But it’s all gone to pot now. We were proud of what we did but to look at things now, what was it all for?”. l

A few years ago I had the amazing good fortune to sit and talk with George Vaughn and ernie spacagna, two veterans of the Second World War about what life, and death, were truly like in the time of their youth; despite what we have learned from history it was still an eye-opener!



Once your time is done in Cape Town, hiring a car and taking a self drive tour offers great value; especially if you choose

to take advantage of the many boutique style guest houses that are on offer. A favourite option with clients at Amity Travel is to head up to the Winelands for a day or two before heading south to Hermanus where you can spot Whales from the cliffs all year round, (best time is July – November) and then onto the Garden Route towns of Knysna and Storms River before rounding it all off with a short safari in one of the Eastern Capes Malaria free Game Reserves.

Whilst the Winelands and Hermanus with its Whales are fairly self explanatory tourist sites, The Garden Route is less so, named for its lush, green indigenous forests, golden beaches and rushing rivers, you will find an abundance of bird species and wildlife with the coastline and waters home to seals, dolphins and Whales (seasonally) that come to calve in the warm Indian Ocean. The 350km starting at Mossel Bay and ending at Storms River can easily be done over 3 days, however I would recommend taking your time and stretching it out to around a week by stopping at the picturesque town of Swellendam and the quirky

Oudtshoorn, where you can visit an Ostrich Farm and the Cango Caves, a vast series of underground halls and caverns. The centre of the Garden Route is Knysna; from here there are many optional activities available including Knysna Elephant Sanctuary, where the park offers a rare and exciting opportunity to get close to these gentle giants who live in a controlled, free range environment. The final stop along the Garden Route is Storms River and Tsitsikamma National Park, famous for its breathtaking nature trails. This beautiful park is covered by indigenous forest with deep river gorges that create spectacular waterfalls as they make their way to the sea and makes for a fitting end to your time on the Garden Route. If time allows there is no better way to complete your itinerary than with a couple of nights at a game reserve. After checking into your safari lodge, enjoy an afternoon drive where game viewing opportunities should present themselves almost immediately. Hopefully see several species of antelope, zebra, wildebeest and maybe even giraffe - as well as several of the Big Five - before dining in your warm African surroundings! So how much will all this cost, probably a lot less than you imagine, with the pound holding well against the rand and some exceptionally good value guest houses keen to get your business, the staff at Amity World Travel are able to put together some superb deals, so why not call them today. l

south Africa is a beautiful country that has so much to offer that it is difficult to overstate the case for visiting; Cape Town & the

Garden Route are particular favourites. On arrival in Cape Town you are met by the stunning backdrop that is Table Mountain, the city’s defining landmark. Cape

Town has much to offer as a city and is also a great base for the surrounding area. Like many major cities, Cape Town has a hop-off bus service which stops

at all the key sights and beaches including Table Mountain, where you can take a cable car and enjoy one of the world’s most famous views before heading

off to Camps Bay Beach or the shops of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. When you are ready to venture further afield, a day tour to the Cape of Good Hope

Nature Reserve, where two oceans meet and the local wildlife includes baboons and ostrich is well recommended. Most of the day tours will also take in the

spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive and the Kirstenbosch Gardens with the option of visiting the Penguin Colony at Boulder Beach.

words • jeff kilby

cape townand the garden route

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comfortably

efficient

A imed at that part of the market that has been for so long dominated by the Volkswagen Golf, the BMW 1 series has

been around for a while now. This latest version successfully addresses many of the principal comparative criticisms that have been levelled at this elegant sports hatch. These changes include items such as increased window area, improving visibility, and larger boot space – which now appears to be large enough to carry several sets of golf clubs. In our 116d sport test car, the interior is typical BMW; switches, controls etc with styling consistent with other models from the same stable. The integrated, comprehensive electronics and multi media system, which is controlled via the idrive rotary selector, is quite complex but can offer everything from music and entertainment, satellite navigation and even connections to the internet and Facebook. Being a confirmed gadget addict, after a little while, found the system fairly intuitive and straightforward to use. The front seats were the star performers of this car; shaped to perfection, with support in all the right places supplemented by enough adjustments to bring comfort to any body shape from ET to Quasimodo. Along with the steering wheel reach and rake adjustments it allowed me to find

pretty much a perfect driving position. Driving the 1 series is an experience delivered with complete competence. Indeed it is pretty much without vice and is difficult to find fault. The suspension settings soaked up everything that our poorly maintained roads had to offer and handling was exemplary, very minimal body roll and so sure footed. Sharp and accurate direction changes with good feedback from the controls. Everything else about this BMW has the feel and quality of a premium car, from sound system to climate control; it all performs really well. The 116d shares the same 2.0litre engine as the 118d and 120d but delivers 116bhp (compared with 143bhp and 184bhp from the others respectively). Fuel economy was also managed well, I was amazed by the ease with which 65mpg appeared on the trip computer without really trying and the official figures suggest that up to 72mpg might be available. We have driven a range of cars over the months and many have switches to engage various modes. These mode changes have often been quite marked and some have invoked an almost schizophrenic contrast of personalities from gentle to downright aggressive at the touch of a switch. The 1 series also has a ‘Dynamic Performance Control’ selector which has four settings

available ranging from ‘economy’ to ‘comfort’, through ‘sport’ and up to ‘sport plus’. Unlike other systems that bring violent or aggressive changes, the BMW delivers a range of modes that are more restrained in nature and introduce different but distinctive characteristics rather than wild changes in personality.

So how do you objectively describe a car that does everything with consummate excellence? That was the question that was troubling me following my initial impressions of the BMW 1 series.

words • dave hill & janet grimm

The vehicle tested was a BMW 116d Sport, £22,125 OTR and was kindly provided by Snows BMW, Portsmouth. For more information:Snows BMW, 02392 657500Eastern Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO3 5FF | www.snowsbmw.co.uk

His summary

So in summary I return to my opening question of how to describe this car. Yes it is clearly built with quality and technical excellence. For any prospective owner, its competence in just about everything is without question.


E fficient and ever so slightly arrogant – terms often used to describe things German. Now my husband is of German descent and

those aren't necessarily the first terms I would use to describe him but they would describe the new BMW 1 series rather well. Efficient; in that this is a well designed and finely honed driving machine. As Dave has mentioned in his review, and it really is notable, so I'll mention it again, the front seats are alterable in every direction to create a bespoke position for each driver, making them the most flexibly comfortable seats of any car we have test driven. The children concurred that the back seats were also comfortable if rather upright; so perfect for a jaunt down the autobahn. Interior space and legroom were just right for the family. For Bear and Amber, the family dogs (a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd- we really are fond of all things German in our house!) there was plenty of room in the boot and without them there was plenty of room for several months supplies of frankfurters and sauerkraut or a slightly more normal grocery shop! All of the controls were easy to reach and operate and I particularly liked the steering wheel controls for the phone and cruise control. The four driving modes are subtly different and impressive miles per gallon figures are achievable in all modes although my particular favourite was the economy. While in ‘economy’ a dashboard display

shows you how many miles per gallon you are saving in comparison to driving in the 'sportier' modes. The more I drove the more addictive I found this to be and my determination to reach double figures on this display became a bit obsessive! In these times of austerity and global warming seeing my carbon (and cash) saving on screen was very reassuring. Now as a busy working mum I am used to multitasking so I quite enjoyed the on-board computer system. l

Her summary

The BMW 1 series oozes efficiency, it corners as if on rails and is a well mannered, reliable and comfortable family car that would appeal to those looking for a trustworthy vehicle for retirement and still it has that edginess that appeals to arrogant youth. There is nothing bad to be said about it, I liked it and it’s just so – well – German!


Everything about this school, apart from the Head, is big; a staff of 220 including 112 teachers, a student body

of 1550 which includes 95 sixth formers and the cost of the new Sixth Form facility which has 18 teaching spaces; a third of which are for the performing arts. It even has a state-of-the-art theatre facility where all the training needed for back-stage as well as on stage skills is available. Despite the size the school is not over imposing, it has a comfortable, well run feel to it. On entering the reception area the first noticeable thing is the student art-work; powerful, well structured and obviously the work of well-trained hands and minds. Then there are the school photos – these are truly staggering, so many young people squeezed into one frame, so many faces peering out it is reminiscent of a well-behaved football crowd. Alongside the photographs and artwork is a wall filled with certificates of excellence and strong results – this is a school serious about its achievements, about its future and about the young people they are teaching.

“Everyone has to know their role within the organisation and be contributing to the work within the team ethos.” Susan Trigger explained. “There is a definite ‘Team-Bitterne’ at work here.” It is not just about the staff either; as Susan was quick to point out, as part of that team is the work and input of the School Council which even has a part in the interview process of any potential new teacher. “The students’ opinions and thoughts are all a part of the running of this school; they have to have an input into what is their school after all.” Unlike smaller schools Solent Life has

visited, Susan does not know the name of every one of her charges. “I may not know their names but they all know me and that is important, the children here are confident, happy and believe in themselves as individuals. The Council and student voices are always heard.” She continued.

“There is a group consciousness of pride, achievement and honesty; which also means helping each other. It has to be that way to become outstanding!

“The student voice is also very loud when it comes to the behaviour of their peers – so they almost become self-policing. We are very strict and there are barriers of behaviour so even the incidents of bullying are very low and quickly dealt with. The students are empowered to influence the behaviour of other students.” The new Sixth Form facility, due to open within the next few weeks, is the pride and joy of the likeable and very active Head.

“We are a performing arts school and the new building with its theatre, as well as its music and film studios, will offer the continuity of working on real productions with cutting edge technology and will give the students a real footprint into the new world of work.” As students moved from lesson to lesson

and into their break periods the sound was of happy and content children, it may sound a little clichéd but there appeared to be a real sense of joy and belonging from the students. That sense of belonging and ownership can now continue into their further education at the sixth form level.

“The new facility is just continuing that Bitterne Park excellence and ethos into the sixth form environment and education. It is a case of selling what we already do very well. We get a sense of purpose from the kids being in a quality and caring environment.” Susan concluded. Susan Trigger is a dynamic and smiling figure who surrounds herself with quality teachers and staff that enable her to delegate, ensuring the excellence that has been built into this leviathan of education continues to grow toward the future expected level of 2,000 young people that will be the excited, happy and well formed student body. l

It is big, bold and appears to have been put together from a giant Lego set, but when the stunning building is a much needed addition to Southampton’s biggest school then you know it had better be taken seriously. Something else to be taken seriously is the very likeable Head Teacher of Bitterne Park School the pocket dynamo that is susan Trigger.


Bitterne Park School and Sixth Form situated in Copsewood Road in Southampton has been described as ‘an outstanding school that is going places…’ www.bitterneparkschool.org.uk

education

meet thehead


Fareham College will be opening its doors once again for its next Open Evening on Tuesday 29th November, 5-8pm.The College, which offers 130 courses from entry level to level three, is conveniently situated a 10 minute walk from Fareham train station and close to the town centre and bus station. The courses come under the faculties of Sixth Form Studies, Applied, Vocational and Technical.

As with previous Open Evenings, visitors will be able to speak to staff and students, fill in their application form, book their interview slot and take a look at the fantastic facilities available to them.

This Open Evening will also offer the opportunity for students to find out how to get involved with the Bloodhound Project which will be at the College for visitors to get involved with. The Project encourages students to take up Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects with the ultimate goal of building a car which will attempt to break the land speed record. A replica model of this will be at the College for all to see.

The car has been in design for the past three years and will be powered by a Eurofighter-Typhoon jet engine bolted above a hybrid rocket. The power unit combination should deliver a thrust in the order of 200 kilonewtons (47,000lb) which is not dissimilar to the thrust delivered by one of Concorde's famous Olympus 593 jet engines, except Bloodhound will weigh only about six tonnes.

To find out more about Fareham College, go to www.fareham.ac.uk, find us on Facebook and Twitter or call (01329) 815200.

32… •JULY2011•solentlife.co.uk

Set your course for a career in marine in Gosport

The Gosport Marine Skills Centre is already making a name for itself, offering a range of high-quality courses to meet the needs of young people and adults alike.

The initiative is a partnership between St Vincent College and the Mabway Academy – a Gosport-based training provider – and was launched in July 2011 by Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage and has recently exhibited at the Southampton Boat Show.

The first cohort of pre-apprentice Marine Engineers started their Level 1 course at the waterside St Vincent campus in September and the centre has ambitious plans to expand.

‘In marine engineering we are looking to offer pre-apprenticeship

progression routes at Levels 2 and 3 from September 2012, as well as looking to recruit a further cohort of Level 1 students from January 2012,’ said project manager Colin Farmery.

‘In addition, we are looking to develop other provision, including apprenticeships, in niche areas of the marine sector which we feel are particularly suited to the present and future employment needs of Gosport. In particular we are working on developing apprenticeship routes around the marina industries and, longer term, the offshore energy sector,’ he added.

The centre is also looking at other course combinations, which can offer potential employment routes and the first initiative will see the development of a course based around Travel & Tourism and Performing Arts for the burgeoning Cruise Ship sector.

For more details about courses at the Gosport Marine Skills Centre contact Colin Farmery on 023 9258 8311 or visit www.gosportmarineskillscentre.ac.uk

As the days grew shorter and the pressures of life as a busy working mum took over I didn't manage

to make it to Bootcamp one week; this stretched to two, then three, and before I knew it the habit had been broken. But, how I missed my twice weekly exercise fix! Imagine then my joy on receiving an uplifting phone call from James to encourage my return to what I am now hoping will become a habit that stays with me for life. Fat Busting Bootcamp at Catalyst is definitely nothing to be afraid of. As you and a small group of likeminded Bootcampers complete the exercise circuit beneath the stands that surround the cricket ground, the only competition is with yourself to improve and better your

repetition count. There are no mirrors to offer a close up view as the range of exercises puts you through your paces and there is no choreography to encourage the more nervous amongst us to stand at the back out of view of the step perfect Lycra’d lovelies who often frequent a more 'regular' gym. Bootcamps at Catalyst are all about fun, inclusion and exercise without intimidation and as you learn the different exercises from week to week Gen and James are always there to guide and show you how to carry out the exercise safely and to maximum effect, but also they are never intrusive or pushy. Gen and James are more than happy to facilitate a Bootcamp to meet your specific needs so if you would prefer ladies (or

gentlemen) only, mornings, lunchtimes, early or late just let them know and they will do their best to accommodate you. If you and your colleagues would like to Bootcamp in your workplace then this is also possible- just ask. As a special exclusive offer for Bootcampers, Catalyst are now offering personal training sessions in their private, fully equipped gym at the Rose Bowl. Six sessions for just £180; a saving of £90, which represents excellent value and you can also purchase gift vouchers for Christmas for Bootcamp or personal training sessions so add a Catalyst Gift Voucher to your Christmas list. And, just trust me when I say it is a good habit to get into! lwww.catalystpt.co.uk | Tel: 02380 471 973

I admit it – I've fallen off the wagon! Some of you will remember that back in the summer I enrolled in a Fat Burning Bootcamp with catalyst Personal Training at the Rose Bowl, West End, and attended twice a week for six weeks with my colleague and Bootcamp 'buddy'; and in that short time Gen and James from Catalyst guided us to a level of fitness we had never before attained.

words • janet grimm

bootcampback to

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backtonature

The cattle have all now left the reserve having done their job of grazing and creating the ideal conditions for the overwintering birds.

The grazing still continues with Wigeon in particular who feed on the grassy margins surrounding the ponds and water courses on the reserve. This natural management helps to improve conditions for breeding waders in the spring that will be using these same areas to breed on. Over the winter, the numbers of wildfowl increase on the reserve. Species such as Teal and Wigeon are common across the site along with other wildfowl species including Mallard, Shoveler, Pintail and Shelduck. Brent geese will be more evident on the marsh now, grazing on the grass and using the site as a high tide roost. Farlington is an immensely important high tide roost for waders and wildfowl. As the tide comes in the birds are pushed onto the safety of the marsh where they can feed, shelter and rest in safety away from disturbance. This is a great opportunity for us to carry out counts to monitor populations and to see what areas of the site are being used and by which species. Winter on the reserve also marks scrub clearance time. This is an opportunity for reserves staff and volunteers to get stuck in managing the scrub. Scrub needs to be managed to prevent it from taking over and dominating the grassland areas. At the same time it is important to retain areas of scrub to provide habitat for a wide range of species, such as butterflies and birds. It is a careful balancing act trying to maximise the wildlife value.If you’re interested in learning more

about the birds, wildlife, management and the history of the reserve why not join in on The Official Tour on Sun 27th November. Your local Wildlife Trust The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust works to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Island. As the leading local wildlife conservation charity, it looks after 61 wildlife reserves, has 27,000 members and 1,000 volunteers. The Trust manages its own land and advises other landowners how to manage their land with wildlife in mind. Staff and volunteers also carry out surveys and gather data to monitor how our local wildlife is doing. Find out more at www.hwt.org.uk Join us today…and enjoy the benefits of being a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. For more information contact our membership team on 01489 774408.

l unlimited fREE visits to over 55 wildlife reserves in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and 2,500 reserves nationwide

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l Join by direct debit and receive your fREE full colour Local Wildlife Reserve Guide.

Visit www.hwt.org.uk and discover your local Wildlife Trust.

words • nikki magee image • david kilbey at Farlington Marshes Wildlife Reserve…Farlington – the Official Tour Sunday 27th November 11am Join us for a leisurely 2½ mile guided walk around the sea wall at Farlington Marshes, looking at the birds and other wildlife on the marsh and in the harbour. We’ll see lots of waders and wildfowl and learn a little about the history of Langstone Harbour. Binoculars will be available to borrow for the walk. Please park off the Eastern Road (A27/A2030) roundabout (Map ref. SU 685 045). Booking essential, so for further details and to book you place please contact Jamie Marsh on 01489 774429. Suggested donation £1.50.

Can you help? We need help checking the cattle that roam the marshes. It is very simple, can be done as part of a walk around the sea wall and you do not need to get too close to the cows. If you can spare a few hours, please call Jamie Marsh on 01489 774 429.

Visiting Farlington Marshes Wildlife ReserveFarlington Marshes is 125 hectares of coastal grazing marsh situated south of the A27 between Portsmouth and Havant. The reserve is managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust on behalf of its owners Portsmouth City Council.

How to get there Rail: Hilsea train station is 1.5 miles from the reserve

with trains from Fareham and Portchester every 30 minutes.

Bus: The First 63 bus runs from Fareham and Portchester to Farlington every hour on Monday to Friday with a reduced service at weekends. The First 21 service runs from Portsmouth Hard Interchange to Havant, stopping on the Eastern Road.

Road: The car park is off the Eastern Road roundabout (A27/A2030).

events

wildlifeNOVEMBER

the clocks have gone back and the winter is well and truly upon us and it’s all change at Farlington. The cattle that have been working hard all summer, grazing the marsh, have now left the area and it is the turn of the wildfowl to take over as the site grazers



gardener’spatch

This is your last chance to plant bulbs and it’s a perfect time to get tulip bulbs in the ground – you’ll be glad of the effort in the spring. Five inches is the

right depth for bulbs that will be lifted after flowering, or eight inches for permanent planting. Plant them on a good sprinkle of horticultural grit to help with drainage. If you’ve planted any bulbs in bowls, place them in the dark and water them when the soil gets dry. Plant fruit trees and soft fruit ready for harvesting next year. Apple, pear and plum trees are in the garden centre now, along with raspberry, blackcurrant and gooseberry bushes. November is also a good time for planting roses. They look like twigs in the garden centre this time of year but with a little care and attention they have the potential to be

lovely next year. If the roots are dry, soak them in a bucket of water for an hour or so before planting. The cotoneaster is an easy to grow shrub, with bright red berries which birds love in mid-winter. The autumn and winter berries are the real draw but in late spring it also has pale pink flowers. Another evergreen shrub with berry varieties is the skimmia, which has flower buds appearing in autumn and opening in spring. By planting now and up until Christmas, you can take advantage of warm soil, despite the cooler air temperature. When planting trees and shrubs, add some slow acting fertiliser to the planting hole to get them off to a good start, then firm in with your heels to fill in air pockets and stop your new plant moving around. Make sure all your new and relocated plants are well watered in dry spells. l

The evenings are darker so add some autumnal colour to your garden. Cyclamen look cheerful in clusters of red, pink or white, or plant winter flowering pansies and violas to brighten up a bare patch or fill a container.

words • anne watson

Novembergreenfingers Jobs for this month

l November can be the start of frosts, so remember to protect tender plants. Add a thick layer of mulch and have horticultural fleece ready for frosty nights.

l Tidy up in the garden before it gets too cold to venture out.

l Clear leaves from the lawn to stop it going yellow and from the borders before they provide a comfy home for snails.

l Stay warm by digging over empty patches of your borders and dig in some manure so it will be broken down by next spring.

l Get a bird feeder and put some bird food or scraps on a bird table to look after them, along with a water source that is kept topped up.

until next time, happy gardening!

health&beauty

THE MARRIOTT PORTSMOuTH

Whether you are planning a small and intimate wedding or a large celebration, Portsmouth Marriott Hotel could be just what you’re seeking as the perfect venue for your special day.

With the emphasis on careful planning and attention to detail all weddings at the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel are individually arranged. Our experienced and dedicated Wedding Coordinator is always at hand to help with your special day. The Portsmouth Marriott Hotel is licensed for civil ceremonies and can host weddings on any day of the week.

With dates still available for 2011 / 2012 we can offer you the perfect wedding package for £2012 or for a more inclusive package why not choose from our Gold or Platinum packages.

Please come and experience our service and showcase wedding set ups at the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel Champagne and Canapés open evening on Thursday 10th November 2011 5:30pm until 8pm. Contact our Wedding coordinator for more information. Jade Burnett [email protected] tel: 023 92 316126

celebrate this christmas and New Year at the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel and we promise you a festive season to remember.From fun filled Christmas parties to welcoming the New Year in true style, we have a dazzling variety of events planned throughout December to suite every taste and budget. Whether you are joining us with colleague, family or friends, here at the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel you will find mouth-watering food, a fabulous festive atmosphere and the warmest of welcomes.With the following parties still available:

Bop till you drop: Experience the ultimate party night to share with friends and colleagues. Re live those disco memories and create new ones. With all your favourite dance floor tunes what more could you want.

Boogie Nights: Calling all you disco divas and groovy movers, join us for an evening of all your favourite disco classics. Why not pick your favourite era and come in fancy dress.

Abba Tribute Night: Knowing me knowing you - you will have a fantastic evening with some of the great songs by Abba, followed by a disco until the early hours.

casino Royal: Is lady luck with you? Join us for an evening of great music and the excitement of a flutter on our casino tables.

New Years Eve Gala Dinner, join us to welcome in 2012 in style. We look forward to celebrating in the New Year with the traditional piper and Scottish fayre. The night includes great sounds from a live band and fabulous DJ.

Looking for the perfect lunch time retreat, our AA rosette sealevel restaurant can offer you a 3 course festive lunch for just £19.95 per person.For more information on any of the festivities then please contact us on 02392 316121 or 02392 316126.

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coast&country

Look out across Chichester Harbour and imagine the scene as Roman galleys passed on their way to

Fishbourne; it is thought that one of the earliest Roman landings was in the Harbour. Chichester Harbour is one of the few undeveloped estuaries on the South Coast; its tranquillity, natural beauty and richness of wildlife make the 22 square miles of low-lying land and water against the backdrop of the South Downs an unspoilt landscape of startling beauty and an internationally recognised treasure. The good soils around the harbour attracted early Saxon settlers and agriculture flourished. The grain that it produced made the harbour important and there are many examples of broken dykes that show where landowners attempted to reclaim land from the marshes. Around the harbour, such as in Emsworth, there are the remains of mills that served the harbour and the surrounding hamlets. The harbour continued to develop as an important port, with landings at Dell Quay

and Bosham and, from the 13th century onwards, Emsworth. The harbour had no deep water channels but it served coastal trading until well after the arrival of the railways. Fishing fleets thrived, as did a flourishing oyster dredging industry, until well into the 20th century and now it is an area of outstanding natural beauty, not only with conservation at its core, but as one of the world’s great centres for sailing and one of the best UK destinations for tourism. We first meet the beauty of Chichester Harbour at Langstone where the causeway carries people across to Hayling Island and where traditional pubs offer refreshment and magical views. Follow the roads down to the far eastern corner of Hayling to Sandy Point and the view across the fast moving water, on a clear day, takes in the South Downs and the

Throughout history it has been an important region; there have been widespread finds of artefacts from the Neolithic Period, and on Hayling Island, Iron Age works, all testifying to the early colonisation of the area; and even now in modern times the hoards descend during summer and winter. Except now it is to enjoy the nature, the walks, the beaches and the diverse beauty that is chichester Harbour.

words & images • david rose-massom

chichester


majestic white stand of the Goodwood racecourse. The next port of call is the attractive village of Emsworth with its nature reserves, and amazing walk around Mill Pond. In fact the village has two tidal millponds to the east and west and both play host to a variety of wildlife. Emsworth still has traditional shipwrights and chandleries and its charming streets are filled with a variety of independent traders, eateries, cafes and pubs. Walking down the hill toward the quay and past the quaint fishermen’s cottages toward the stunning harbour views is one of the great joys of life on a sunny day. If a walk around Thorney Island is what you fancy then go for the entire circumnavigation but the best part of the journey is from Prinsted, down past quiet marinas and boat yards and around the shoreline, where if your luck holds you will see seals basking on the edges of the marshes as the tides ebb away. Next is the most beautiful spot in this author’s opinion; Bosham, where it is said that King Canute ordered the waters back to prove to his subjects he was just a mere mortal. It has a charming little church where the daughter of Canute is buried. Across the green from the church is the quay with its inlets, where fly-fishermen can often be seen flicking their lines. Wading birds, ducks, grebes and swans are a common feature feeding and preening on the shore. If you want to discover more about the birdlife

then keep your eyes open for the old-boy known as the Swan-Man with his pushbike and food for the birds. He knows each of the swans individually and many of the wild birds feed from his hand. For those interested in land and seascape photography then Bosham has to become one of your destinations as the sunsets there are second to none, if you don’t have a camera then just take your loved one down to the sea wall and sit there and watch one of the most amazing and romantic scenes unfold before you. Slightly away from the waterfront, but still fascinating, is Fishbourne with its Roman Villa which was discovered by accident during the digging of a water main trench in 1960. The discovery led to nine seasons of excavations that showed the site had developed from a military base at the time of the Roman invasion in AD43 to a sumptuous Palace by the end of the first century. To discover more about the Harbour and the conservation that is carried out there then head for Itchenor where the Chichester Harbour Conservation has its offices. It is also a lovely anchorage to visit for sailors and walkers alike and the views up and down the harbour again are wonderful. It is a great place just to chill or begin a walk along the shore line to West Wittering and East Head. The next port of call is easier to discover by driving into the car park of the Chichester Marina, where the road travels the same

course as the end of the Chichester Canal. A marina-side restaurant offers fine lunches

and comfortable surroundings. Then stroll to where the lock gate crosses the canal and follow the footpath around to Birdham Marina which has to be one of the most beautiful Marinas along the coast. Opposite the Marina with its collection of boats both modern and traditional is a lake full of wildfowl that has a great walk around its calm shores. Finally the road reaches West Wittering and one of the most amazing natural landscapes. The beach at West Wittering is a private estate but the small entrance fee is well worth the cost. Park at the far end of the car park and walk to East Head. This National Trust area really is an area of outstanding natural beauty with its sweeping and flowing sand dunes with wooden walkways and tall grasses. The wildlife is prolific and the landscape is almost alien as if walking on a different planet; once again the sunsets, especially this time of year, are magical. There are other places that deserve equal mention but space does not allow, such as the nature reserve at Pagham or the perfect place for lunch, the Crab and Lobster. Explore the area for yourself, there is always

something to discover and relish. Chichester Harbour from its narrow entrance up into its creeks and channels is stunning, beautiful and in some cases defies description. No matter where you walk, drive, cycle or sail there are cafes and hostelries that will offer warm welcomes and great refreshments. It is a place where the scenery is always changing and yet, happily, remains the same. Time and history have stamped their mark on the region and modern conservation techniques battle to keep it wild and untouched despite the human invasion. Remember the old saying, take only pictures and leave only footprints, look after it and it will still be there for our children and their children to enjoy. l Related websites… www.conservancy.co.uk www.crab-lobster.co.uk www.emsworthonline.co.uk


january

april

july

Finally it is here, the solent Life 2012 calendar is now available for purchase and while month on month you gaze at the images on your kitchen or office wall just think of the hours that were spent arguing and deliberating over the winners.

Over the past 10 months or so we have had literally hundreds of fine entries, and a few dodgy ones, but equal thanks for sending them all – but we want more.

The winners have been announced and in some cases the photographers have been multiple winners but this is because when the images are presented to the team for judging, they have no idea which photographers took which picture; and some photographers sent in multiple images while others just one or two. We would sincerely like to thank the Fareham branch of London Camera Exchange, and also through them, Nikon, for their support and sponsorship of the competition and the final calendar, of which we are all very proud. It does not end there though because now we must start looking for the 2013 Calendar Competition winners. So, please keep sending in your wonderful images, it may have been tough work making decisions but it was an enjoyable job. Enjoy the 2012 Calendar and now start getting out around the Solent Life landscapes with your cameras and get some great views and images of the amazing wildlife we are blessed with.

Send your entries to [email protected] and state they are a 2013 competition entry, title your image when saving it as a Jpeg, and E-mail it along with your name, address and contact details. Images must be landscape in shape (long not tall) and must be clear, strong shots. Good luck and remember when you are out in the countryside, leave only footprints and take only photographs. l

photocomp

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION SPONSORSHIPOur Calendar competition is kindly sponsored by the LONDON CAMERA ExCHANGE FAREHAM & NIKON 135 West Street, Fareham. T: 01329 236441. E: [email protected]

this months w

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PORTCHESTERMEMORIAL GARDENS

Six acres of beautiful landscaped gardens offering a final resting place for the burial of your loved one’s

cremated remains along with an individual memorial.

Location: First left after crematorium entrance

01329 828250 | www.pmgardens.com

Valid Until 31/12/2011

Christmas Memorial Service... Taking place on Sunday 18 December at 3.15 pm - a half hour service conducted by Lance Blake, chaplain of the Rowans Hospice.

This year the service will begin with the release of 24 doves, followed by choir led carols and readings. After our minute’s silence, and lighting of the remembrance candle, families will receive a lantern to place at their loved one’s grave. The service will conclude with the sounds of a Highland Piper whilst hot refreshments, including mince pies and mulled wine, will be served.


White dog Gallery is giving one Solent Life reader the chance to win an original watercolour by talented local artist Steve Armon.Working mainly in watercolours and acrylics, Steve is a respected local artist whose work is highly sought after. Steve paints local scenes in his unique loose, sketchy but also detailed style. This beautiful original of Langstone Mill is both calming and atmospheric and would look fabulous in any home. It has been mounted ready for the lucky winner to choose a frame.

Plus three runners-up will receive a mounted print of the original artwork. Plus all Solent Life readers will receive 10% discount on framing. Simply bring this issue with you to White Dog Gallery. For your chance to win simply check out our website, www.whitedoggallery.co.uk, and answer this question:

WIN an original watercolour from the white dog gallery painted by steve armon and worth over £300

What is the name of the White Dog? Is it: (A) Bob (B) Whiskey (c) Max

TO eNTeR, email [email protected] quoting ‘White Dog Gallery’ with your name, address and telephone/mobile number together with your answer!

Alternatively, post your entry to Solent Life, Webb House, 20 Bridge Road, Park Gate Hampshire, SO31 7GE. The closing date is 30.11.2011

LAST EVENT OF THE SEASONChristmas at the Brickworks Sunday 20th November 10am – 4pm See Santa by trainwww.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk 01489 576248


The Point, Eastleigh Tel… 02380 652333

Chichester Festival Theatre Tel… 01243 781312

Salisbury Playhouse Tel… 01722 320333

Mayflower Theatre Tel… 02380 711811

Theatre Royal, Winchester Tel… 01962 840440

King’s Theatre, Southsea Tel… 02392 828282

Tower Arts Centre, Winchester Tel… 01962 867986

Ferneham Hall Tel… 01329 231942

Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham Tel… 01329 310600

The Concorde Club Tel… 02380 613989

If you have anything going on, tell us here at solent life and we will include it in our feature

Tel… 01489 583800 Fax… 01489 583803

Email… [email protected]

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REVIEW

Diary dates for a magical seasonIt is well worth getting your social diaries sorted now in readiness for shows that will be arriving between now and next summer; because The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton has probably one of the most exciting and varied seasons that have ever graced stages here in the Solent Life region.

Our interview with Aled Jones will have already served as the warm-up act for IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS; a show which will definitely put you in the mood for the festive season from Friday 11th to Saturday 26th November. This fabulous stage version is based on the 1954 Bing Crosby movie and has returned for another fantastic run of just 19 performances.Opera lovers and those wishing to try this wonderful form of entertainment for the first time can book their tickets for the Solent Life highlight Don Giovanni, which is just one of three productions from the amazing Welsh National Opera company that will be here from 29th November to 3rd December. They will be back again in March as part of their spring tour and the highlight of that visit is a two-horse race between LA TRAVIATA or THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, both beautiful operas and the WNO is one the best touring companies out there.As if White Christmas were not enough, the same production company also offer PETER PAN, the musical to get hooked on. With stunning sets and spectacular flying sequences as well as a brand new musical score it is a magical show for everyone to enjoy; running from 9th December till 14th January.Following Peter and his Lost Boys, is a show that will shake off those winter blues and warm you with tropical breezes as SOuTH PACIFIC arrives at The Mayflower. A breathtaking and lavish production of this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical which is set during WWII and is a romantic tale with some magical and unforgettable songs from 17th January till 4th February.Toward the end of last year, as Autumn offered up its late summer sun Solent Life were invited to see a show called DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS and it would be true to say we had no idea what to expect. What we received was severe face-ache, from too much smiling. This is a feel-good musical with some really memorable songs from the rock and roll era, written by Marks and

Gran, who are famous for many a TV comedy hit, it is funny, poignant and just great fun with sing along tracks. Luckily for the audience on the night of our visit I waited until I was in the car with the soundtrack before I began singing! 13th to 18th February.The musical hits just get better and better with the arrival of SISTER ACT which played to over a million people at the London Palladium and is also a huge hit on Broadway. The stage version of the hit Whoopi Goldberg movie it is certain to be a sell-out at The Mayflower so book your tickets in plenty of time. 21st February till 3rd March.The emotional and wonderful smash hit, CALENDAR GIRLS returns for one last time from 5th till 10th March and if you have seen it already you do not need convincing of its brilliance and if you have not seen it yet – well shame on you! From 20th till 24th March the colourful musical THE KING AND I visits the south and is truly one of the great Hollywood musicals of all time.Two final shows to take in, on its first ever national tour DIRTY DANCING, which has wowed audiences wherever it has played will be here from 3rd till 28th April; but the spring highlight has to be Brian Conley in the character role of Fagin in the stage masterpiece of OLIVER! Along with the nasty Bill Sykes and the loveable Nancy everyone will be asking ‘please sir can I have some more?’ 1st till 26th May.A truly memorable and brilliant season of excellent theatre…

www.mayflower.org.uk Call in at one of the Mayflower ticket offices or call 02380 711811

Whynottreatthefamily,thefriendsorthelovedonestoaseasonticketasagreatChristmasgiftthatwillbringjoyandlaughteraplenty.


ChildrenEvents

FASHION IN THE FOREST Join Wessex Heartbeat for a glamorous evening of Fashion in the Forest with a catwalk show of the latest fashions by Phase Eight of Lymington and Cro Jacks of Lyndhurst. Plus a chance to do some Christmas shopping on the many stalls selling lots of glam goodies! Brands include; Confusion jewellery and giftware, In These Shoes, Clinique, Table Top Chic luxury candles, Jane Orton designer jewellery, Simply b Spa. Yoga demo by Yogaworks Lyndhurst Park Hotel, Wednesday November 9th Shopping from 6pm, Fashion Show 7.45pm Tickets £15.00, includes a glass of wine.

GHOST WALKS A local haunt is terrified to announce that it’s ghastly Ghost Walks are returning by popular demand! The Museum has some nerve-wracking walks planned this autumn. Those brave enough to join them will once again discover the fate of former workers in an eerie guided walk through the historic buildings of the Royal Navy’s former munitions stores at Priddy’s Hard. Led by Victorian coroner, Edgar Goble, those in attendance can expect mystery and spooky surprises as they take a twilight tour to areas that they dare not open to the general public. Not suitable for those of a nervous disposition - MWAH-HA-HA-HA-HA! Explosion! The Museum of Naval Firepower in Gosport; Wednesday 16th; Wednesday 23rd and Wednesday 30th November, all beginning at 6.30pm from the dark and dingy crypt (otherwise known as the Museum Coffee Shop). Ghost Walk tickets are available by calling 023 9250 5600 (£5.00 per person, includes Tea and Coffee from 6.15pm). www.explosion.org.uk

GETTING TO KNOW YOu – Children’s Auditions for The King and I The Mayflower Theatre and Music & Lyrics Ltd are seeking enthusiastic and talented young people to take part in next year’s March production of The King and I. The King and I is loved as one of the greatest musicals of all time. Seen by millions of people across the world since it was first performed in 1951, when it was showered with awards and became the blockbuster Hollywood movie, its glorious soundtrack is still a best seller today. The Auditions will be taking place on Sunday 27th November at the theatre. The open auditions are for boys and girls aged 5 – 14 years. They must have dark hair and the ability to sing and dance. No previous experience is necessary, just a great deal of energy and enthusiasm! All ethnicities are invited to apply. Applicants must register for an audition to attend by emailing [email protected] stating the name and age of the child.

ART + LOVER For Christmas will you be looking for something a little bit different to give as a gift this year?, Eastleigh’s The Point’s new exhibition may have just the thing. Each original piece in the Art + Lover exhibition has been inspired by a piece of love poetry and presents items from intricate glass wear and jewellery made out of everyday objects to hand-embroidered scarves and chemises, and award-winning paper cut sculptures, the exhibition has an array of quirky and original gifts and affordable art, perfect for those hard-to-buy-for friends and relatives.The Point in Eastleigh until December 16. For more details, visit www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk or call 02380 652333

IL DIVO IN CONCERT Following the release of the new album ‘Wicked Game’ the world’s foremost classical crossover group IL DIVO have announced a massive 4th world tour for next year, set to travel across 6 continents, including a night in Bournemouth. Il Divo could rest on their laurels but that has never been their style. Their story continues to evolve and ‘Wicked Game’ is a very exciting new chapter. They look forward to doing what they love best, by taking it on the road to the world. BIC Windsor Hall, Bournemouth on Tuesday 10th April 2012. Tickets are now on sale. Call the Ticketline on 0844 576 3000, book online at www.bic.co.uk or visit the BIC or Bournemouth Pavilion Ticket Office in person. Tickets: £29.50, £45 & £65

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE A classic by Anthony Burgess from Volcano Theatre Company; one of the UK’s most radical theatre companies. will take on Burgess' inventive, disturbing little masterpiece which is a nasty little shocker, or a profound exploration of state power and free will? The piece may be fifty years old but its description of a corrupt state and bankrupt civil society have never seemed more familiar. With choreographic skill and linguistic exuberance, this is beautifully designed, with extraordinary performances; this production stays true to Burgess's original both in its cut-throat inventiveness and in its insistence on the question of whether it is better to be forced to be good or to be free to do evil. Nuffield Theatre, Southampton on Friday 11th & Saturday 12th November at 7.30pm with tickets at £10 - £16. For more information about the theatre and its programme visit www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk

BEAuTY AND THE BEAST Is this year’s Anvil Arts’ Haymarket Christmas show. The Anvil Arts production is perfect for those looking for an alternative to pantomime. This is no Disney version and the story by Steve Hawes is a heart-warming adaptation of the fairy tale. When a handsome prince refuses to marry Satyra, Empress of the Forest, she turns him into a hideous beast. The Beast is doomed to stay a monster at the hunting lodge in the woods unless he can persuade a woman to fall in love with him, as he is, of her own free will. The Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke Friday 9th to Saturday 31st December with tickets priced from £16.50 with under 16s, over 60s and fulltime students getting £3 off each ticket price. For more information or for tickets, call the Anvil Arts box office on 01256 844244 or www.anvilarts.org.uk

BLAZIN FIDDLES A remarkable fiddle band from the Highlands and Islands, Blazin Fiddles, this lively folk band is renowned for its ability to evoke the passion, excitement and sensitivity of Scottish music using fiddles along with guitar and piano. During their performances, the audience has a rare opportunity to hear pieces featuring the regional style of each fiddler followed by all hands jumping in for a wonderful explosion of music. Fiddles and bows blaze away with guitar and piano for one of the most exciting and memorable ensembles to take the stage. Theatre Royal, Winchester; Sun 13th Nov at 7.30pm. Tickets: £16.00. To book tickets contact the box office on 01962 840440 or visit www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk.

Music & Theatre

SG

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communitynews

GLEE FLYING

The newly opened Fareham West Glee Club is off to a flying start and has begun

spreading sweet harmony into the area.

Every week the Glee club sing versions of

favourite pop songs accompanied by simple,

low impact and stylish dance moves. All

are welcome, and they are a community based adult choir filled with people of all ages who just love to sing in a relaxed and

fun environment. No auditions, no solos, no

need to read music, no need to feel put off

if you have not done anything like it before...

So take the first step into the world of Glee

and you’ll be hooked! The Club meet on

Thursdays at the Jesus is Lord Church,

Warsash Road, Warsash 7.30pm - 9.30pm. £6 on the door. See more about us at www.gleeclubuk.com or contact Liz Marshall on

078211 63498 or just pop along on the night.

A BIT OF BAROQuE

On Saturday 3rd December 7.30 p.m. at All Saints Church, Commercial Road,

Portsmouth, PO1 4BT. A Christmas Concert with music by Vivaldi, Charpentier, Schofield and Nobes plus seasonal carols

and refreshments

Tickets £10, £8 concessions, £1 students and under 18s Available from 01329 310277, 023 9259 1462 and on the door www.portsmouthbaroquechoir.co.uk

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Fareham Methodist Church in Kings Road,

Fareham will be holding their 10th Christmas

tree festival at the church on Thursday Dec1st. and Friday Dec. 2nd. From

10.30a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sat Dec.3rd from 10.30am until 4p.m – voting will stop at

3.15pm. Join the Church singing group for

carols amongst the trees at 3.30pm.

At the moment 24 trees are expected to be

on display, each supporting a charity of their

choice. Members of the public are asked to

give £1.50 in return for a cup of coffee and a mince pie plus a token which they use to

vote for their favourite tree. Accompanied children will be admitted free. Last year the attendance was affected by

the unexpected snow so they are looking

for more people to show support for the

charities. You will find these charities listed

on the Fareham Methodist Church web site.

MARINES AND xMAS GLEE

The next Milton Glee Club concert takes place at 3pm on Sunday 11th December at Portsmouth Guildhall. The guests

are the Band of HM Royal Marines (HMS

Collingwood). The concert will be full

of well-known Christmas favourites and

there will be an opportunity to sing carols.

Come and get your Christmas off to a good start. Tickets (£6 to £12.50) will be

available on the door on the afternoon and

to avoid disappointment book your ticket by ringing 023 9243 1198 or online at www.miltongleeclub.org . Kids a quid on selected

seats when with an adult and £2.50 car

parking card can be purchased with tickets.

BLIND INSIGHT

“Amazing and thought provoking!” Was

how the Mayor of Fareham, Cllr. Trevor Cartwright MBE, described being blind!

Fortunately for him it was not a permanent

condition. He had bravely agreed to support

the Crofton Lions Club in their efforts to

create a greater awareness of the problems

facing people who lose the precious gift of

sight, as part of a programme to promote

World Sight Day.

Over a million people in the British Isles are visually impaired, and world wide about 50 million people are blind. The Mayor

was taken on a ‘blind’ shopping expedition

visiting the Bank, Library, Pet Shop to

collect his “Guide Dog”, Greengrocers and

a Chinese Restaurant to discover what

facilities existed to help the blind, and what

difficulties had to be overcome in each

establishment.

The Mayor said his brief involvement in the

project had been a frightening experience,

and he praised the Lions for their efforts

and quoted Helen Keller in describing them

as “Knights of the Blind in the Crusade against darkness!”

CRAFT FAYRE

Each year Titchfield Haven hold a brilliant

craft fayre that offers the crafts and art work

of local people, plus a wonderful view across

the harbour at Hill Head. Support your local

sanctuary and the makers of hand-crafted

products as well as picking up some lovely

Christmas gifts.

Saturday and Sunday 26th – 27th November; 9.30am till 4pm. www.hants.gov.uk/titchfield

FIREWORK FuN

FANTASTIC FIREWORK FIESTA & FuN FAIR on Saturday November 12th at Greta Park in Hedge End. All welcome - Adult £3 Child £1 Family 2+2 £7 Gate opens 6.00pm Special feature will be Fearless Fifi @ Friends

with their Flaming Hoops of Fire – the mind

boggles at what that could be!

www.hedgeendcarnival.org.uk

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVALIn the beautiful church of St Mary’s in Alverstoke close to Gosport. The Church

will be open for the Festival between 11am and 7pm on each of the three days. If as

popular as past years it is expected to have the church filled with about 70 Christmas trees, all with fairy lights and decorated by individual sponsors, who will pay for the

tree, which is provided by the church. The

magical interior will be darkened except for

the colourful light from the trees and the

effect as always will be breathtaking!

And if you would like to be part of the

musical entertainment over the three days

please contact Angela Jones on 02392 522774 or Richard Thorne on 02392 585137 Friday 9th December to Sunday 11th December.

PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAY Velshedas Restaurant in Bursledon is

holding a Photography Exhibition from 7.30pm onwards on the evening of 12th November displaying the work of local

photographer Duncan Gallagher. There will

be nibbles on the night and the pictures can

be purchased during the evening or ordered.

Duncan also has a Facebook page showing

his work if you would like a sneak preview.

IF YOu HAVE A LOCAL EVENTYou wish to promote then please contact us at [email protected]

community newsYour essential guide to all the local news and events in your community

October


Give your home... a new lease of life this Winter

Talk to us about your building projectExtensions, Garage Conversions, Interior Alterations, Plumbing, Plastering, Electrics, Tiling & Flooring

Home I M P R O V E M E N T S

Just

[email protected]

01489 565711221 Locks Road, Park Gatewww.justhomeimprovements.co.uk

Open Day Saturday 12th November 2011 10.00am – 3.00pm Part-Exchange More Than Welcome

Completion by 31st January 2012 entitles the buyer to free interior design pack to include carpets/curtains and free SONOS home entertainment system.

Holding deposit must be received by 30th November 2011 for offer to apply.

Please contact our Sales Office for more information or to arrange a viewing on 01329 843879

Knightsgate UK, A2 Segensworth Business Centre, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 5RQ, United Kingdom Telephone: 01329 843 879 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.knightsgateuk.coM

FROM

£595,000

WHITETHORNWickham ROAD • WICKHAM

Wickham HeightsWickham • HAMPSHIRE

PLOT ONE £645,000 (Under Offer) – Approx. 2600 sqft

PLOT TWO £595,000 – Approx. 2300 sqft

PLOT THREE £695,000 – Approx. 2200 sqft

PLOT fOuR £675,000 – Approx. 2300 sqft

1

2

3

4

1

2

34

£875,000 4,500 sqft THe Plot covers 3/4 of an acre

SALE AGREED

solent life magazine - east (fareham) november

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