BRID HE G T E April – May 2016

The Parish Magazine for , Exton, & Corhampton The Bridge ~ April and May 2016 List of Advertisers ACCOMMODATION & EVENTS Wallops Wood Cottages 32: Hill Place Events 39 BRI CCOUNTANTS & TAX ADVISERS RG Walker 30: Nicholas Ridge 41 D A HE GE ANTIQUES Droxford Antiques 35 T Contents ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES Engineering Architecture Ltd 37 Parish Lists ...... 2 BUILDERS & BUILDING MATERIALS R & G Gamblin 31: Steven Hurdle 34 Rector’s Newsletter ...... 3 Peter Garber 42: Steve Such (Property Maintenance) 30 HM The Queen’s Birthday Thanksgiving . . . . . 3 JT Carpentry & Building 33: KJN Home Improvements 34 Liberty Fabrics Sale ...... 3 Hillman Bldg. Services 39: Frontwood Ltd 41: E J Goodall (Thatcher ) 44 Taizé Service ...... 4 CARPENTERS & WOOD PRODUCTS Paul Flint & Co 31 Droxford drop-in ...... 4 Thank you from Marie Curie ...... 4 CATERING Clementine Catering 40 Meonstoke Toddler Group ...... 4 CHILDCARE GROUPS Jo Jingles 30 Look-in & Book-out ...... 4 Latest Bridge copy date ...... 4 COMPUTERS & INTERNET Punchedcard Ltd 33: Andy Harris 44 Annual Parochial Church Meetings ...... 5 Chris Guenier (inside back cover) Corhampton & Meonstoke annual parish meeting . 5 DECORATORS, PAINTERS, & TILERS Top Marks 43: M & J Mason 34 Droxford annual parish meeting ...... 5 Oliver’s Painting & Decorating 36: Droxford Interiors & Tiling 42 Droxford Church renovation update ...... 6 David P Churcher 38: Ray Gent 41 The Madding Crowd choir ...... 6 DOMESTIC APPLIANCES, HEATING, & PLUMBING Mark Oliver 33: EAS 32 Christian Aid Sponsored Walk ...... 7 Alan Shawyer (inside back cover): Adept Plumbing Services 44 Meon Valley Flower Club ...... 7 G Rixon Ltd (back cover): R A Redman 34: D & S Oil Tanks 37 Friends of St Andrews & Corhampton Churches . 8 Cooker Conversions 37: Harpers of South 40 Exton & Meonstoke Church Fête ...... 8 In the garden ...... 9 DOMESTIC SERVICES Curtains by Mary 37: Grange Upholstery 41 Meon Valley Garden Club & Spring Show . . . . 9 PestOFF Pest Control 30: Cynthia Tester Curtains & Blinds 40 The Meon Hall Run for the Roof ...... 10 Chimney Sweep Christian Oliver 38: Barn Store for Storage 43 Alton Abbey Car Boot Sale ...... 10 Advanced Clean (Carpet & Upholstery) 43 The Meon Hall ...... 11 Play-reading group ...... 11 ELECTRICIANS & ELECTRICAL SERVICES Derek Pilcher 34 Ray Burbidge 41 Plant & Cake Sale ...... 11 Assure Electrical Ltd (inside back cover): G Rixon Ltd (back cover) CPR Training ...... 11 Friends of Meonstoke School ...... 12 ESTATE AGENTS The Country House Company 39 U3A ...... 12 FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MEMORIALS Nigel Chamberlain (inside front cover) Droxford Country Fair ...... 13 South Downs Funeral Services 40 Pop-up coffee shop ...... 13 GARAGES & CARS Taylors Garage 29: Andrews Autosource 31 The Royal British Legion ...... 14 John & Hazel Martin ...... 14 GARDENS & GARDEN MACHINERY Judit Appel Plantswoman & Gardener 37 Meon Valley Lions Club ...... 15 Anita Foy Garden Design 43 The Rude Mechanical Theatre Co ...... 15 GLASS & GLAZING Fareham Glass 38: Leydene Glass & Glazing 43 Droxford Junior School ...... 16 MV Active Retirement Association ...... 16 HAIRDRESSERS Gaudion’s Hairdressing 36 Meon Valley Carers group ...... 17 HEALTH , WELL-BEING, & OPTICIANS Saxby’s Eyecare 32 Droxford Village Hall news ...... 18 Foot Care (Ann-Marie Elliott) 29: Foot Health Practitioner (Karen Jordan) 34 Meon Voices Choir ...... 18 Chiropodist (Graham Howes) 42 Forthcoming events Droxford Village Hall . . . . 19 Pilates with Aplomb 38: Damson Hill Pilates (inside back cover) The Meon Ladies ...... 19 HOME IMPROVEMENTS Southwick Garden Offices 31: KJN 34 Meon Valley Community Bus timetable . . . . . 20 JEWELLERS Simon Lawson 41 Singing for Fun ...... 20 Sing & Tonic ...... 20 LETTINGS & LAND MANAGEMENT Pimp My Paddock (back cover) Soirées on the bridge concert ...... 21 PIANO TUNING David Mathews Piano Tuner/Technician 39 Pieces of Eight concert ...... 21 PRINTING & STATIONERY Meon Valley Printers (DEK) 33 Droxford History Society talk ...... 21 Studio 6 (inside front cover) Local Services Information ...... 22 PUBS White Horse 30: The Shoe Inn 44 William Collins Charity ...... 22 RIDING & EQUESTRIAN Merrie Stud Riding School 29 Droxford & District Comm. Care Group . . . . . 23 Minor Injuries Unit, Petersfield Hospital . . . . . 23 SCHOOLS; EDUCATION & LEARNING Valley Pre-school 29 Announcements in brief ...... 23 Sustainability Centre 29 District councillor’s column ...... 24 SHOPS & STORES Droxford PO & Stores 30: Meonstoke PO & Stores 32 Pontypridd Male Choir ...... 24 Butchers 37: Christina’s Shop in the Square 36 Droxford Cub Group News ...... 25 SOLICITORS Biscoes 39: Chamberlains 40: Blake Morgan (back cover) The Valley Preschool ...... 26 SPORT Hazelholt Floodlit Indoor Tennis Court 35 From the registers ...... 26 We Welcome ...... 26 TAXIS Gamblin Cars 42: Hambledon Cars (inside front cover) District Diary ...... 27 VETS & PETS The Village Cattery 33: Shield Veterinary Centre 44 Church Services Chart ...... 28 The Dog Room (inside front cover)

1 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016 The Magazine for the Meon Bridge Benefice of Droxford, Exton, Meonstoke & Corhampton (& Preshaw) THE BRIDGE CHURCHES WEBSITE is at: www.bridgechurches.org.uk RECTOR Reverend Tony Forrest E-mail: [email protected] The Rectory, Rectory Lane Tel: 877422 Meonstoke, SO32 3NF For information about baptisms & Note: The rector’s day off is Friday funerals, please contact the rector LICENSED LAY MINISTERS For information about weddings, Reader emeritus Pauline Quarendon 877392 please contact the weddings Reader Cathy Mathews 877804 administrator: Sue Wells: Tel. 01329 834130 CHURCH SUPPLIES Anne Wilkinson 877488

DROXFORD MEONSTOKE WITH CORHAMPTON Churchwardens: Ann Symes 877643 Churchwarden: Position vacant – Sheila Matthissen 877867 Acting churchwarden Za Rowe 877732 Secretary: – Secretary: Sarah Page 02392 257723 Treasurer & Gift Treasurer (& Gift Aid secretary: Nicholas Ridge 899102 Aid secretary): Elizabeth Ridge 899102 Organist: John Martin 877385 Organists: Sacristan: Laura Jerosch 01329 231956 (Meonstoke) Dr Alan Hibbert OBE 878564 Verger: Norman Bell 877230 (Corhampton) John Martin (am) 877385 3rd Sunday Services: Ros Collins 877782 Sacristan & Verger Joanna Buchanan 877737 EXTON Churchwardens: Hugh Parry 878860 Richard Pepys 878035 PRESHAW Secretary – – Coordinator Position vacant – Treasurer & Gift Aid secretary: David Frere-Cook 877838 THE BRIDGE MAGAZINE Organists: Editor: Norman Bell, Briar Cottage, (Morning) Sarah Page 02392 257723 South Hill, Droxford, SO32 3PB (Evening) Dr Alan Hibbert OBE 878564 Tel: 877230 Sacristan: Jill Cassels 877469 Verger: Bob Miles – E-mail: [email protected] Advertising manager: David Neale Tel: 878541 E-mail: [email protected] OTHER DENOMINATIONS Roman Catholic Church (Bishop’s Waltham) Treasurer: Alison Stott Tel: 877293 Canon Alan Griffiths 07760 220346

METHODIST & UNITED FREE CHURCH Printed by: DEK Graphics & Print Ltd, (Bishop’s Waltham) Ketts House, Chandler’s Ford, The Reverend David Moss MA 01329 833518 Hants., SO53 2FZ

Cover picture THE BRIDGE is delivered at the start of the months of The Digoin Bridge by Peggy Stevens February, April, June, August, October, and December. June 2015 Ideally, copy should be sent by e-mail to The Bridge This canal bridge at Digoin carries the canal over the editor at the address shown above, preferably attached River Loire in Burgundy. The canal bridge of Digoin, as an MS Word document. The page set-up (with 10 less well known than some neighbours, is one of the or 10.5 pt font size) should be defined as an A4 page – very first big canal bridges in France, with a length of with 1.5 cm left and right margins. Typed or 243 m. Completely made of dressed stone, it was handwritten hardcopy is also acceptable. If you are opened in 1838 and allows the connection between responsible for village activities, diaries, and the Canal du Centre and the Canal latéral à la Loire. schedules, please note that material received late (after the copy date – see page 4) may not be included.

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From the Rector Alleluia! Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

ontinuing our journey through the Church’s events. We are taking this wonderful opportunity seasons, we celebrated Easter Day at the to bring our communities together to say thank you: Cend of March and with clocks changing and thank you to God for a faithful life well lived; and the lighting of the Pascal candles, we have been thank you to The Queen for her unstinting service truly reminded of the power of light and life. to the Church, the nation and the Commonwealth. Despite the popular view that Easter is just a long Our celebrations begin with an ecumenical Service th weekend from Good Friday to Easter Monday, of Thanksgiving on Sunday, 24 April at 11.00 am Easter is not over! Easter is a whole season, in St Andrew’s, Meonstoke. We are grateful to the beginning on Easter Day and extending for fifty civil Corhampton and Meonstoke Parish Council days until the great Feast of Pentecost (Whitsun). for the refreshments to be served afterwards as The joyous celebration continues. part of the celebration. This joyful Eastertide, away with care The Day of Pentecost (on 15 th May this year) is and sorrow! another great day in the Church’s year, celebrating My Love, the Crucified, hath sprung to life the gift of the Holy Spirit and the ‘birth-day’ of the this morrow. Church. Everyone attending church that day will George R. Woodward (1848-1934), 1894 be encouraged to wear something red recalling the ‘tongues as of fire’ resting on the heads of the Those of us brought up on the Book of Common community of the earliest Christians. In the Prayer were accustomed to The Great Forty Days benefice, we shall also celebrate the work of Street from Easter Day until Ascension Day, followed by Pastors and some us will set off on a walk in Ascensiontide, leading to Whitsun. Either way, support of the wonderful charity, Christian Aid. Easter is not over! Come and hear about their work on 1 st May at the The benefice, country and Commonwealth are also 11.00 am service. celebrating HM The Queen’s 90th birthday. From A Happy and Blessed Easter – all fifty days of it - her actual birthday on 21 April through to the to you all! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! official birthday celebrations from 10-12 June, people will be participating in a wide range of Tony

A SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING TO CELEBRATE THE NINETIETH BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II in St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke on Sunday, 24th April at 11.00 am Refreshments after the service are kindly being provided by the Corhampton and Meonstoke Parish Council

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Taizé services You are invited to three informal services of Taizé worship at 6.30 pm in the West End of Meonstoke Church. Come and enjoy a relaxing time of music, prayer, and spiritual refreshment. On each day there will be an optional practice at 5.45 pm if you would like to rehearse the chants beforehand. The dates are: 17th April, 15th May, and 19th June Meonstoke School children enjoying archery - see p.12 Thank you from Marie Curie Marie Curie Care and support through DROXFORD DROP-IN terminal illness would like to thank all those that baked, donated raffle prizes, and Everyone is welcome at the kindly gave donations at the recent FOMS Pop- Village Hall ‘Drop In’, Up Coffee Shop in the Meon Hall. Thank you to FOMS for letting us raise funds, and all those Every Tuesday morning brilliant helpers on the day. between 10.30 am and noon The morning raised £360.80 for Marie Curie, Care and support through terminal illness. Come for a hot drink and biscuits and a chat. Jen Creese Come for a few minutes or the whole time. A particular welcome is extended to the Look- in! hearing-impaired. It is appreciated that Look-in for a chat and refreshment in the acoustics in the Hall make hearing difficult, spacious area in Meonstoke Church. You are but we keep background noise to a minimum — very welcome on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of and we have a silent kettle! each month between 10.00 am and midday. All are welcome – the more the merrier! Meonstoke Toddler Group April: 6th & 20th We need your help at our community May: 4th & 18th stay-and-play group for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers with their parents, grandparents Book-out ! or carers. There's always something going on. If you’re Please feel free to borrow books (fiction and non- new to the area, or not been before, then why fiction, thrillers and all other genres), jigsaws and not give it a try?! And if you've been a few CDs and return them when you have finished with times, why not join our rota of volunteers them. There is no charge. The library in to help? Meonstoke church is available to everyone Or even if you don't have pre-school age whenever the church is open, which is from early children, but some free time, we would be really morning until early evening. Do come and have a pleased to welcome you onto our rota. Please browse in the peaceful surroundings. contact Emily at: [email protected] Lorna Allured, 01489 877718 Held at The Meon Hall, Pound Lane, Meonstoke every Thursday during term time from 9.30 to 11.30 am Latest copy date for the £2 per family, including refreshments for all. June - July Bridge is Monday, 9th May

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THE MEON BRIDGE BENEFICE (THE PARISHES OF CORHAMPTON & MEONSTOKE, DROXFORD, AND EXTON)

MEETING OF PARISHIONERS (ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING) &

THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETINGS (APCMS) Refreshments served from 7.00 pm and meetings start with Prayer at 7.30 pm prompt

Corhampton & St Mary & All Saints, St Peter and St Paul, St Andrew, Meonstoke Droxford Exton Monday, 18th April Tuesday, 26th April Tuesday 19th April 2016 The Meon Hall, Meonstoke Droxford Village Hall Exton Church

Last day for amendments to the Parochial Church Electoral Rolls: Meonstoke Droxford Exton Sunday, 3rd April Sunday, 10th April Sunday, 3rd April Although legally only those on the respective church Parish Electoral Roll are eligible to attend and to take part in the APCM, everyone is cordially invited to join us. The election of churchwardens will be conducted at a meeting of parishioners immediately preceding the APCM and in accordance with the Churchwardens Measure 2001. All who are on the civil parish electoral roll are also entitled to attend and to take part in the elections of Churchwardens for that parish. Everyone is welcome to attend our Benefice Envisioning Day 10.00 am – 4.30 pm Saturday, 14th May West End St Andrew’s, Meonstoke with Mid-day at Eucharist Corhampton Please see the Pew News and the Website for further details from the middle of April www.bridgechurches.org.uk/

Note the date . . . . Droxford Note the date . . . . Annual Parish Meeting Corhampton & Meonstoke 8.00 pm Annual Parish Meeting Thursday 21st April in Wednesday, 13th April Droxford Village Hall at 7.30 pm preceded by a welcome drink at in 7.45 pm The Meon Hall, Meonstoke

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Droxford Church Community Hub and Heritage project

n the last issue we announced that our Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East, said: application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (Grants “Droxford church is a local landmark in a Ifor Places of Worship programme) had been beautiful location that has played an important successful. A confirmed grant of up to £188,300 role in this area for centuries. This money, has been awarded, bringing the total contribution raised by National Lottery players, will help to the restoration of Droxford church and the preserve the church for the future and open up Community Hub Project from the Heritage Lottery more of its fascinating history to explore.” Fund to £222,200. For more information, please see our Websites at: A contractor has been appointed and Droxford www.bridgechurches.org.uk PCC is planning to start the work on the church in www.friendsofdroxfordchurch.org.uk the first phase on April 4th: John Symes, chairman ● To carry out the urgent restoration work to the Friends of Droxford Church church tower, roof and drainage system ● To install glazed screens in the north chapel in The churchwardens add: order to create a Community Room We are delighted that the first phase of the project, ● To deliver a programme of activity to engage the restoration of St Mary and All Saints Church, th people with the heritage of the church Droxford, will start on 4 April, to be completed by the end of September of this year with funds Concurrently, we are seeking further grant aid and awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. During this phase there will be no access by the West Door, or private donations to enable work to start on an to belfry area. extension for toilet, kitchen and office facilities, which are needed to support a community café and The Churchwardens met on Thursday, 10th March other secular activities in the church building. with all volunteer groups involved in the church to explain the way forward during this building period. Commenting on the award in the press notice The church will remain open daily as at present and issued on 7th March, the Revd Tony Forrest said: normal services will continue as usual. All updates “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund and details will be published on the Bridge Churches has given us this support. The award will enable Web site at: us to start work in April to restore this lovely www.bridgechurches.org.uk Norman church, but equally important it will enable If you have any questions or queries on this us to create a community room that can become a restoration work, please don’t hesitate to contact focus for social activities as well as heritage the one of us on the following telephone numbers: exploration. It will support sustainable community development, and enable us to serve our Ann Symes – 877643 communities better, especially the isolated, the Sheila Matthissen - 877867 young and the elderly, in Droxford and the Meon Valley.”

Are coming to St Nicholas Wickham! Saturday 16th April 7.30 pm

Get a flavour of life in Dorset parishes at the time of Thomas Hardy with an entertaining evening of music, song and amusing accounts. TICKETS £7:50 01329 833299 In aid of Church (including refreshments) [email protected] Funds

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Sponsored Walk – fighting poverty step by step!

SUNDAY, 15th MAY 2.00 pm beginning at SOUTHWICK MEMORIAL HALL Put the winter behind you and plan for long, warm, windless days! Come and enjoy an early summer walk in the Portsdown Hills, and raise money for a good cause! If you are unable to walk, please consider sponsoring one of the walkers. Walkers We’ll also have an optional family ‘bring can set up their own sponsorship page on your-own’ picnic from 12.30. the justgiving.com Website. Sponsorship As usual, there will be a choice of walk lengths, in- forms will be available at your local church, cluding a short family walk (with quiz) around the village, allowing those with small children to take Help to raise money to support part too! Join us on the day in time to make a communities across the world prompt start at 2.00 pm (registration from 1.00 pm). to lift themselves out of poverty.

Support for the Walk in If you cannot walk you can sponsor, and even the Bridge Parishes better you can do both. More details will appear in Pew News in the churches, but we Christian Aid is a joint effort by almost all the would like to tell you now about a special British and Irish churches to help eliminate poverty Christain Aid service that will be held at in developing countries among people of any faith Meonstoke on: or none. Christian Aid Week in May is its main st fund-raising effort, and produces a large Sunday, 1 May at 11.00 am. proportion of its income. For the last four years we It would be very helpful if you can commit soon to have raised a team from our parishes, to represent taking part in the walk (you can choose the length us on the Christian Aid Deanery Walk, which this of walk according to how much you can manage), year sets off from Southwick on Sunday, 15th May. so that we know we have a team. It will also help We ask all of you who live in these villages to our planning to know if you are willing to be sponsor the team so as to avoid people being responsible for the local collection in your village. approached several times by individual walkers. We look forward to hearing from you. Specifically, we are looking for walkers, for Mary and Harry Martineau people to sponsor them, and for a The Old Rectory, The Square, Droxford, representative from each village to come Tel: 877213 or [email protected] forward to hold a sponsorship list for that parish.

If you love flowers, you are sure to be amazed at some of the demonstrations – please come and join us. You may even be lucky enough to take home one MEON VALLEY FLOWER CLUB of the arrangements! You are welcome as an occasional visitor – you don’t have to be a member, We have already embarked on our 2016 programme but we hope you will become one! with a workshop on using bark for making a naturalistic container for spring flowers. However, Meetings this year are at 2.00 pm in The Meon Hall rd you are not too late to join us at one of the many usually on the 3 Tuesday of the month. For more flower demonstrations by NAFAS-trained details contact : demonstrators, speakers, or in-house workshops and Alison Bartlett, chair, on 02392 632366 or e-mail not forgetting our summer garden Members Tea and Kate Cook at: [email protected] Christmas meal!

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Friends of St Andrew's & Corhampton Churches (FOSACC)

s the integration of Friends of St. Andrews Most of the activities of FOSACC recently have into the Friends of Corhampton Church is been taken up with the merger and all its Anow complete, FOCC has now become concomitant aspects, but there was one event FOSACC. which gave pleasure to a number of people. Thanks to a very generous grant from the The first AGM of FOSACC will take place in the City Council, to whom FOSACC is small hall of The Meon Hall at 7.00 pm on extremely grateful, Shaun & Nikki at the Buck's Monday April 11th. The committee has already Head provided 27 of the older members of our co-opted 4 new members onto the committee and community with a full Christmas Lunch and some at the AGM we will be electing a new chairman, children and staff from the School in Meonstoke the officers and the committee to carry on the came and sang some carols so this event was work started so successfully by the Friends of much enjoyed by the participants. In addition, Corhampton Church. At this AGM we shall also further meals were provided for the eight people be welcoming as our guest speaker Professor unable to get to the Buck's Head. The FOSACC Tony King from Winchester University. Tony was committee is extremely grateful to all those who involved in the dig at the site of the Meonstoke made possible this excellent and enjoyable event. Villa (now in the British Museum) but of more importance and interest he will be returning to the An event for your diaries: area in June as geophysics has discovered what Choral Evensong on Sunday, July 10th could be some interesting remains in a field at 6.30 pm across the road, and he will be wanting some in Corhampton Church volunteers to assist. So you will be most welcome with the Athanasian Consort led by to attend, even if you are not a member of Philip Drew, the Diocesan organ advisor FOSACC. If you do wish to attend you can't vote at the AGM itself, but you will have a chance to The consort will sing a full choral Evensong of join and it would be helpful if you could advise Tudor music to which all are very welcome and Chris Maxse either on 878843 or by e-mail at this will be followed by refreshments under the [email protected] of your intention so yew tree afterwards. that we may know how many to expect. Chris Maxse, Refreshments will be served. chairman of FOSACC

Exton, Meonstoke and Corhampton Church Fête, Saturday, 18th June This year’s Exton, Meonstoke and Corhampton Church Fete will be held on Saturday 18th June 2016 on the Church Green. Some of you have offered to help this year already, after the momentum from last year. New this year we have ferret racing and dog agility along with many of the usual stalls. But lots more help and ideas would be really, really welcome, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to be involved! Natalie Lumby Tel: 877444 Za Rowe Tel: 877732

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In the garden Meon Valley Garden Club April & May In February, we were entertained by Martyn Cox on the Strange History of Vegetables. All that he prolonged wet winter delayed many winter jobs were present will view the vegetables on their and this means that most people will be busy plate in a different light – especially peas and playing catch up in April as the warmer weather T asparagus! gives drier conditions. Any seeds that have been sown when the soil was too cold or wet will probably not Chris Bird, a lecturer from Sparsholt College gave germinate, so a second sowing in April could be an entertaining and informative talk on necessary. Bedding plants and tender plants, raised propagation, from taking leaf cuttings to grafting from seed, such as outdoor tomatoes and courgettes, apples. Even our more experienced gardeners can be placed outside on warm, still days to harden off learned something new on that evening. and keep them compact, but beware of leaving them out overnight or exposing them to wind, which can As I write this we have had a few days of desiccate the young foliage very quickly and set back sunshine making the garden look spring-like at the plants by several weeks. Continue the war against last. Do try to enter something in to the spring snails and slugs with your preferred remedies and be show on Saturday, April 2nd at The Meon Hall. If particularly vigilant for aphids that have survived the mild winter. your garden is bare come to the plant sale on Saturday, May 7th,where I am sure you will find �� some plants you will be able to grow on for the Vegetables: If you have not already done so, plant summer show in July. If not you can have a cup seed potatoes in well-manured trenches sprinkled with of tea and a chat! general purpose fertiliser. Leeks may be sown into Caroline Harris, Secretary trays or pots and planted later when large enough to handle, or they can be sown directly into a prepared bed. Sow main-crop carrots and peas. To avoid pest problems with peas, sow them in the greenhouse in old Spring Plant Sale lengths of guttering filled with compost. When the th seedlings are well established simply slide the compost Saturday, 7 May from the guttering into a shallow trench in the vegetable bed. Runner beans can be sown in small Droxford Village Hall pots towards the end of April so that they are ready for planting out as soon as the danger of frost is past. 10.00 am These plants should be gradually hardened off before All sorts of plants at very good prices planting out. In May, sow beetroot and continue to sow salad crops of lettuce, spring onion, radish, rocket etc. It’s a good idea to cover newly sown seed with www.meon-valley-garden-club.co.uk mesh or fleece until the seeds have germinated, to prevent birds, cats, mice, etc. from disturbing the seeds. Protect potato foliage from late frosts by roses. Plant out sweet pea seedlings and sow annual earthing up or covering with fleece. Plant out onion seeds such as night scented stock and cornflower sets. directly into the border. Prune buddleia and hydrangea �� paniculata very hard to produce strong new growth this Fruit: Clear all debris and dead leaves from the base year: remember these shrubs flower on the current of trees and bushes and apply a handful of general year’s growth, so they respond well to this treatment purpose fertiliser around the base of each plant. Rake every year. If you have saved wood ash from the and water in if the ground is dry and then apply a 3 to 4 winter fires you can spread it around the shrubs and inch mulch of well-rotted manure or compost to help plants in the border, particularly Hostas. As well as conserve moisture as the weather warms up. If space providing potassium to give good flowers and stronger allows, it is worth covering the areas between fruit plants, it deters slugs and snails. bushes with weed control fabric and securing it with a �� layer of 25mm shingle. This will prevent weeds and In the greenhouse: If you started your dahlias in will further help retain moisture in the soil around the the greenhouse, take cuttings of the new shoots and roots of the bushes. put them in pots of compost in the greenhouse until �� they take root. This way you can get three or four Herbaceous border: Divide and replant perennials plants instead of one. such as Michaelmas daisies, helianthus and monarda. Plant gladioli and dahlia tubers. Feed and mulch John Owen

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5

We need your help, please: come to Meonstoke on Sunday, 22nd May and enter our RUN FOR THE ROOF e need to raise about £6,000 to someone living in the Meon Valley area – so we are very complete our fund raising for nearly there ! We just need to find another £6,000 or renewing the roofs on the main and so, and we really hope that with the help of everyone W reading this, that by coming to our very own RUN FOR small halls in June this year. When we built The Meon Hall 35 years ago, we won the Village Venture THE ROOF event at The Meon Hall that we will be able Prize, and HRH The Duchess of Kent came to to get much much closer to our target of paying for the Meonstoke to open the Hall on 22nd April ,1982. Putting new roofs. all this into perspective...... You can find details of the RUN FOR THE ROOF event at www.irunevents.uk . There will be a 5 km race from Looking back to The Great War, exactly 100 years ago, the Meon Hall to the Peake New Road broken bridge we are remembering two Meonstoke men, killed in and back, and a 10 km race from the Meon Hall to West action. Their deaths led to the building of the well loved Meon and back. Both races use the Meon Valley Trail, Meon Hut in Meonstoke High Street on land given in which is quite a flat surface with a 1:100 gradient their memory by the Smith family. The Meon Hut served the village for 55 years, and our village memory for Benjamin and Samuel Smith has been carried on with The Meon Hall.

downhill on the way back. The 5km First race starts at 11.00 am at the Meon Hall. During the lunchtime interval for refreshments at the Meon Hall, there will be a number of Childrens’ Races (with prizes) round the In June this year we are going to replace the corrugated Recreation Ground before the 10km race up the MV roofing sheets over the main hall and small hall. This Trail at 2.00pm. Finishers in both the 5KM and will cost about £72,000. So far with everyone's help 10KM races will receive a unique medallion and generous support from the 2016 200 Club, we have commemorating their RUN FOR THE ROOF. managed to raise about £51,000, and have been offered Thank you. recently a marvellous donation of £15,000 from James Morrice Trustee

Having a good clear-out? Bring your unwanted belongings to our CAR BOOT SALE at ALTON ABBEY, on Saturday, 7th MAY at 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm Or come and buy more to fill the spaces! Teas £3 for tea (or coffee) and a piece of cake Cars £7 each (booked in advance) £12 on the day To book: Contact Friends of Alton Abbey, Alton Abbey, Abbey Road, Alton, GU34 4AP. (Cheques payable to Friends of Alton Abbey. Please include a telephone number, or email address; and a SAE for booking confirmation. For more information, telephone 01428 712938 or 01420 562126 Or email: [email protected]

10 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016 Play-reading group “It’s like being in a radio play” The 200 Club: The winners of the 2016 monthly ● No lines to learn prize draws were: ● No rehearsals to attend February: Olive Hathaway ● No embarrassment of performing in public March: Anne Corden ● No dressing up A huge Thank you to everyone who has joined the Meon Hall's 200 Club for 2016 – at the time of going With a different play to read at each meeting, to press 313 people have joined. This is a your local play-reading group could be that tremendous annual membership number for the 200 “something different” for you each month. Club which was started about 37 years ago ! You may win one of the cash prizes during the year, but Come and join in for a relaxed social evening on just as importantly, by joining the 200 Club you are the second Tuesday of the month at helping the Meon Hall Management Committee to keep things up to date. With £3130 raised we have The Meon Hall at 7.30 pm had a really successful start to demonstrating community support for the Meon Hall so that we can Next meetings: 12 th April & press on with making grant applications for urgent 10 th May work to repair the roofs on both the main hall and the A small charge of £2 covers rent, heating and small hall. James Morrice coffee. If you would like more information, contact Paul or Gerry Hayles on 01489 878589

PLANT & CAKE SALE

James and Anne Morrice invite you to their Donations welcome please for the stalls : plant and cake sale Proceeds to the Valley Pre-School, Toddler * Plants * Cakes & Pastries Group, and the Community Care Group * Jams * Books * This and That 10.00 am st Please contact James and Anne Saturday, 21 May on 878505, or [email protected] BROOK COTTAGE, HIGH STREET, Free entry to the Garden ! Raffle – MEONSTOKE Coffee, tea, and soft drinks

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) You will not receive a qualification as the aim is Training to provide you with confidence in what to do should the situation arise. Would you know what to do if a person If you are interested in attending one of these collapsed and there were no other people sessions (maximum of 8 people per session), around to help? please phone Heather Buxton on 877335 to NHS Choices explains that: “CPR is a first aid book a place. You can choose from the technique that can be used if someone is not following Thursdays, each session starting at breathing properly or if their heart has stopped. midday: Chest compressions and rescue breaths keep 31st March blood and oxygen circulating in the body.” 12th May If you would like to find out what to do in such a 2nd June crisis situation you might be interested in the Each training sessions lasts 1½ hours and series of basic CPR training sessions that will costs £3 take place in the crypt at The Meon Hall. These sessions have been designed to teach you basic Rowena Hyder procedures until professional assistance arrives.

11 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016

FOMS was really pleased to be able to assist Meonstoke Friends of school with this project. Using some of the money from Meonstoke School activities such as the Pop-Up Coffee Shop we provided the t-shirts and helped fund transportation for the school trip. Medieval Banquet at Meonstoke School FOMS is extremely grateful for all the support we get from The Bridge parishioners. The March Pop-Up Coffee istory came to life for the children of Year 1 at Shop raised over £600 for Marie Curie and Meonstoke Meonstoke School when the 5 and 6 year olds School and our next event is a Pop-Up Coffee Shop as Htook part in a Medieval Banquet organised by their part of Friends of Droxford School’s Liberty Fabric Sale teacher Mrs Titmuss as part of their project on castles. (see page 13). This will take place on Saturday, May 14th The project started with a visit to Winchester’s Westgate in Droxford Village Hall between 9.30 am and 12 noon. Museum and Great Hall, one of the finest examples of a Philippa Clarke – Chair of FOMS 13th century aisled hall and all that remains of Winchester Castle. Here the children re-enacted the story of King Arthur, tried on armour, made authentic brass rubbings, and learned about life in castle times. Back in the classroom, work started in preparation for the banquet. The children made goblets from recycled materials, sculpted swans from sugar paste, and created coats of arms. To really look the part the children customized t-shirts into authentic looking tunics. One of the highlights of the project was when a talented father came in to school to help the children make bows and arrows. The children were introduced to physics and the concept of forces and had a marvellous time constructing mini trebuchets and catapults. The Medieval Banquet was the culmination of the term’s work. The classroom was decorated as a Great Hall and, after a morning of archery, the children feasted on exotic fruits, eggs, gingerbread and other delicacies. Some of the children enjoying the banquet

After the AGM meeting on 3rd May, the U3A starts its summer break – following the style of normal The Meon Valley university vacations. No new members can be accepted until the start of our next season in September, but visitors are still welcome to the The wide range of topics covered by the remaining talks at £2 a time. However, for the 2015/16 season’s 17 talks continued in early summer, three outings for members are in the March with a very unusual (for us) but planning stage: enlightening topic: Louis Pasteur and the 1. To Winchester Cathedral on 21st June development of a vaccine against the truly 2. To the Weald and Downland Museum or the horrible disease of rabies. The last three talks Watts Gallery in July, and in the current season are listed below; as 3. Hopefully, another river cruise to follow up on usual, they will be held, at: last year’s success in August. Wickham Centre, Mill Lane, at 2.00 pm Unfortunately, a hoped for visit to the old Haslar Hospital turns out to be impossible due to demolition Tuesday, 5th April works going on there. Scenery of Southern by Brian Barrett, U3A meetings organiser and Portsmouth Blue As ever, the other very important part of our Meon Badge guide Valley U3A activities, the small/special interest groups, continue to meet. Most meet monthly, Tuesday April 19th throughout the year, in members’ homes. Current Palestine in the Roman Period, by Guy Liardet, groups include Geology, Egyptology, Reading, ex-Navy and 1999 graduate of Southampton Poetry, Art, Art appreciation, Classical Music University appreciation, Bridge, and Strolling. Tuesday May 3rd Membership and other enquiries to: Annual General Meeting, followed by Julia Field, Tel. 01489 891353 Strawberries, by George Watts, local historian Web site: u3asites.org.uk/meon-valley

12 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016

13 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016 The Royal British Legion 100 years ago… The largest ever battle involving steel battleships took place off Droxford & District Branch Jutland on 31st May/1st June 1916. Despite greater materiel and human loss (6,094 British and 2,551 German sailors killed), the 2016 also commemorates Royal Navy’s Grand Fleet commanded by Adm Sir John Jellicoe the centenary of Sir Ernest achieved a strategic victory; thus Britain could continue Shackleton’s Imperial blockading Germany which would help hasten the end of the Trans-Antarctic Expedition Great War. As an American newspaper observed at the time: and the branch was “The German Fleet has assaulted its jailor, but is still in jail”. privileged to hear a most The final reckoning came on 21st November 1918 when Adm Sir enjoyable talk by Mr John O’Reilly, the David Beatty (now C-in-C Grand Fleet) escorted 74 ships of the Director of the Shackleton Exhibition. High Seas Fleet to their internment at Scapa Flow where they were eventually scuttled by their crews. Having sailed with Captain Scott in his 1904 expedition in the Discovery and led his own I am delighted to report that in the Nimrod in 1908 (reaching 88°S), but having as a result of some further been beaten to the Pole itself, Shackleton was donations, the Royal British determined to cross Antarctica via the Pole and his expedition began in August 1914. Legion Poppy appeal, first Unfortunately, in January 1915 his ship reported in the February– Endurance became stuck in ice for some 9 March issue, has now risen to months, subsequently crushing her wooden hull the sum of £5,734.57. A particular thank you and forcing Shackleton and 27 men to abandon is due to the congregation of Meonstoke the vessel and camp on the ice for a further five church, who contributed a substantial months. As the ice became thinner, they amount to the collection at their Family eventually embarked in three of the ship’s boats Remembrance Day Service. and sailed across the Weddell Sea to Elephant Island 100 miles to the north. From there, Susie Fletcher Shackleton and five key members of his team Poppy Appeal Honorary Organiser sailed 800 miles to South Georgia in the largest of the three boats – the James Caird – to seek Congratulations to John and Hazel Martin, rescue. The 17 day passage in appalling weather who celebrated their Diamond Wedding rd was followed by a trek across the mountains of anniversary on 3 March South Georgia to reach the whaling station on the far side of the island. After three unsuccessful attempts, the remaining members of his team were rescued in August 1916. Although unsuccessful in its aim, the expedition is cited as an example of Shackleton's style of leadership – keeping his team together while overcoming seemingly impossible odds. Returning to the UK in late 1916, Shackleton and many of his men then served their country in the Great War.

Rob Scott

Although already a vibrant organisation, the RBL Droxford & District Branch is always looking for new members, both service and civilian, to help keep remembrance alive and support our servicemen and women, veterans and their families. For more information or to join us, please contact the secretary – Cdr Rob Scott RN at [email protected] or on 01489 877800.

14 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016

Meon Valley Lions Club

Lions – our work in your communities

February was a short, but busy month for the Meon more than five minutes away. In practical terms, Valley Lions, working with people and communi- this means every community in the Meon Valley. ties right across our area. MVLC offered to help finance the defibrillator Lions President Roger Morfill attended Bishop’s installation following an approach from centre Waltham Gateway Club to learn more about this manager Sam Marston, whose husband Adam is very special group, which meets on the first and Chair of the Knowle Community Hall and Sports third Monday of each month at St. Peter's church Association. Chris and Debbie Hull of hall. The Gateway Club is a social club for people Readimedigo who are both Community over 16 with learning disabilities and does a super Responders, have been training locals in the job, providing a full programme of fun activities for correct use of the Knowle AED, to ensure it can be its members, including discos, games, group put to effective use in an emergency. The unit has outings, and Christmas dinners. The Lions were been positioned on the external wall of the delighted to help with one of these events recently, Community Hall next to the sports facilities and is by funding a pantomime trip for some 46 club linked to the Ambulance Service database. If we members to see Dick Whittington at Ferneham can help fund a similar AED installation in your Hall in Fareham. Roger was delighted to present community, please contact us. a cheque for £610, covering the cost of the tickets, Ian Adams to Jan Chamberlain and Brian Loveday, who do such a great job running this club on a totally voluntary basis (see picture right). It was also a pleasure to scrub down and roll out the Lions’ barbeque equipment for its first outing this season and provide the hot food in support of the Mayor of Winchester’s charity race night at Wickham Community Centre. The Lions BBQ and the Bowman’s bar both enjoyed excellent trade early on and a packed hall of punters soon lost their inhibitions, opened their wallets, and got down to losing some serious money in a good cause! The race night is just one of a number of events promoted by The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Angela Clear and the evening is expected to have raised around £3,000 for the mayor’s nominated charities, which The Rude Mechanical Theatre are the Countess Mountbatten Hospice, Rowans Hospice, and Naomi House & Jacksplace Hospice. Company’s Visit in 2016 Finally, Lions Roy Cuthbertson and Sheila This year’s visit by the RUDES is already on Campbell visited Knowle Community Hall to see the calendar for Saturday, 9th July. how the Meon Valley Lions Club’s £400 financial contribution had been put to good use, to purchase Along with the overall organization, we shall need a defibrillator for this expanding village community. accommodation for 7 people on Saturday night. More and more towns and villages are investing in The village hall committee would welcome offers these very special pieces of kit, because they can for B&B accommodation in the village for the six make a live-saving difference to a victim suffering actors and the director. It would be helpful if a cardiac arrest. The chance of surviving a heart volunteers could house one or two people. If you attack decreases by 23% per minute and it’s are able to make a commitment at this early critical that medical treatment starts as soon as stage, please contact: possible. The UK Resuscitation Council suggests Jackie Hibbert, 878564, or that an automated external defibrillator (AED) Peg Stevens 877142. should be available wherever medical treatment is Thank you!

15 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016 History – Ancient & Modern!

hildren in Years 5 and 6 one of the children who recounted her wartime have had a great time experiences. Lots of fun was had by all, although Clearning about the most children agreed they prefer life in 2016! Ancient Greeks. As part of this topic, they have studied Greek myths, learned about Greek gods and goddesses and even visited The British Museum. The term culminated in an amazing ‘Greek day’ with the children wearing some spectacular costumes. The day involved learning about democracy (and enthusiastically debating whether woman should have the vote); sampling Greek cuisine; making Greek salads; considering which items are more tradable in the Agora and, finally, participating in our very own Olympic games.

Children in Years 3 and 4 from Droxford Junior Some imaginative Ancient Greek costumes School travelled back in time this week to experience life as wartime evacuees as part of their World War Two history topic. The children arrived at school in costume and were ‘billeted’ to their new classrooms where they learned what to do in an air-raid, designed some war-time ration recipes and wrote postcards home. They were also privileged to have a visit from a relative of

Regular events for the active in retirement include: • Keep Fit Classes • IT learning classes • Spanish Lessons • Table Tennis • Scrabble Sessions • Tai Chi, and Two happy DJS evacuees! • New Age Kurling.

There are also separate pub lunches each Sarah Jacobs, deputy head teacher month for ladies and gentlemen. For details of times and places for all events, www.droxfordjuniorschool.co.uk go to the association Web pages at: http://mvara.btck.co.uk/Activities

16 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016

Meon Valley Carers Group News

Ca Promoting a positive way of living with dementia rers Group

e are already planning a busy summer in successful. We endeavour to compile a order to raise funding to enable us to programme that will provide interesting speakers Wcontinue to operate. For example: and also include two to three outings a year. The ● We shall be attending the Swanmore Village generosity of the Meon Valley Lions Club means Forum that is being held in the Paterson that members who are unable to transport Centre on Saturday, 23rd April, from 11.00 am themselves, are collected by a Lions minibus and – 3.00 pm, where we intend to give bought to the meetings and taken safely home information to the community about the Meon afterwards. Valley Carers Group. It is also hoped that we Our volunteer helpers attend the meetings and may recruit some new members and pub lunch and provide a warm welcome to any volunteers. As well as publicity, we shall new comers. Please do come and see for have items for sale and have our collection yourself how this extremely friendly, relaxed boxes available for those who may wish to group of people will lighten your worries and help donate. you in any way they can. ● On 11th May we are hosting the film at Bishops Waltham Community Film Night held The new programme for the group up to the end in Bishops Waltham Junior School. Do of June this year is now available and if, on please come along and support the Group. reading about us regularly in your parish We shall have publicity with us and will run magazine, you realise this is just what you are the raffle. looking for, please do contact us by ringing 01489 895444. Our office is open on Monday mornings ● 11th June will find us at the Bishops Waltham from 9.15 am until 1.15 pm apart from Bank Carnival and Show at the Hoe Road grounds Holidays, at: from 1.00 pm until 5.00 pm. The Paterson Centre, ● On 9th July we shall be in Swanmore at the Church Road, Swanmore, SO32 2PA. Meon Valley Lions Club Fête. There is a clear sign and a bell at the entrance to ● We are thrilled to have been allocated the centre. The answer phone is switched on so Sunday, 4th September at Longstock Park please feel free to leave a message should you Water Garden for one of their Charity require assistance Our e-mail address is: Openings. [email protected] . ● Finally, so far, we are hoping to be at St Peter’s Country Fayre on 24th September. We are also planning a coffee morning for Events for your Diary: October so a very busy time ahead. 12th April Pub Lunch at the Old Forge, 12 noon Our activities each month include the Pub Lunch 26th April Group Meeting at 2.00 pm at the Forge, Shedfield, on the second Tuesday The Paterson Centre with a talk by each month, providing all carers with an David Williamson: What to do when an opportunity to relax and socialise with others in a emergency arises in the home’. similar situation. The Group Meeting is held at The Paterson Centre, Church Road, Swanmore Plus Art for Cared For with Rosie Blay on the fourth Tuesday each month. On a regular 10th May Pub Lunch at the Old Forge, 12 noon basis, carers are able to mix with other carers, Shedfield whilst their cared for are able to be with them, 11th May Bishops Waltham Community 7.30 pm encouraged by volunteers to take part in Film Night at Bishops Waltham stimulating activities such as art, games, and Junior School: MVCG Evening musical events. We are so fortunate to have a 24th May Group outing to Hill Place for 2.00 pm student from the Winchester College of Art to Swanmore provide activities that will interest the cared for: Leave the Paterson Centre at 13.30 pm this month they worked with clay, which was very

17 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016

Droxford Village Hall News

id-March and a week of unprecedented over £2,000. This is a huge spring weather is making its presence felt all reliable income for us, along with the considerable Maround. How much easier it is to be cheerful amount we get from hiring out the hall. Thank you as burgeoning nature in all its forms encourages us to all 200 Club members. If you are not already a to forget the winter damp and greyness, and to look member, but would like to be, please contact Ian forward to this spring season. Morning’s early Withers on 877595. birdsong speaks of the birds’ optimism as they Our final two events of this season will have taken prepare to build nests and rear young. Nature is the place in March, and at this point we expect good solace that helps us to withstand the horrors and audiences for The Lady in the Van, and our musical miseries of what is happening worldwide at the evening with Hot Fingers. Lookout for the new moment. season’s films, which will be publicised for the April Our annual quiz proved to be successful yet showing at the end of April, and thereafter. again, and we were treated to the usual fun The annual AGM will take place on Monday, 18th evening which marks the quiz out as a special April at 7.30 pm, and we would welcome your event. Sadly, John Martin was unwell and unable support on this evening. It gives our chairman the to be quizmaster, but Richard Adams stepped in opportunity to explain how we deal with hall and worked the necessary miracle with John’s business, and in what ways our income and fund- questions. We are truly indebted to Richard for so raising are so important to the upkeep of the hall. ably taking on the role and controlling the many This is also an opportunity for Droxford residents to teams who competitively attempted to find the raise any matters or make suggestions about further answers to the ever interesting and clever possible events or uses for the money. The hall is a questions. We thank all helpers, before and after super amenity for the village and we try to maintain the event, for the contributions they made to the it in the highest possible order. Please come along if evening’s success, and all the participants who you can. came to support us in our fund-raising. The 200 Club winner for the last three months were: January: Ian Higgens The 200 Club numbers for January and February February: Alan Hibbert were drawn on the same evening, and we are more March: Hazel Sieve-Wright. than happy to report that our membership now Jackie Hibbert, stands at 218, which in 2015 yielded us a profit of secretary Meon Voices Choir An invitation to come and join the choir eon Voices is a local community style choir their part separately. We are a very friendly, social, Mand has been established in the Bishop’s fun-loving group of singers, but we do take our Waltham area for some 50 years. We have a new singing seriously. young musical director who will give the choir a If you are interested in joining us or would like any new focus and direction. further information, please contact either: At present, we have 25 regular members, singing Phil Coundley on 01489 579078 mainly, but not always, in 4-part harmony. We E-mail [email protected] or need new members in all voices, in particular alto, tenor, and bass, in order to build up the choir Nims Fisher on 01489 575150 for the future. Our practice night is on Monday E-mail [email protected] evenings from 7.30 until 9.30 (with a tea break at Or simply come in one Monday evening and see about 8.30) and is held at the United Free Church, for yourself what we do. There will probably be a Basingwell Street, Bishop’s Waltham for the two concert at the United Free Church towards the terms September to December and January to end of April, date to be confirmed, but will be March/April. We sing a wide range of songs and advertised locally, where you will be able to see melodies from traditional folk music and popular and hear the choir in action. classics to choral pieces. There is no audition and you do not need to be able to read music, but We look forward to seeing you. it helps, as each voice has the chance to learn Maureen Buckland

18 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016

Forthcoming events at Droxford Village Hall

Wednesday, 27th April Wednesday, 25th May Everest Bridge of Spies A film rated 12a A film rated 12a On 10th May, 1996, climbers from two Bridge of Spies is a gloriously glossy, expeditions start their final ascent toward the impeccably produced espionage drama that summit of Mount Everest. With little warning, spins a complex story of political intrigue and a violent storm strikes the mountain, engulfing patriotism into timeless Hollywood the climbers in one of the fiercest blizzards entertainment, and re-unites iconic director ever encountered by man. Challenged by Steven Spielberg with contemporary cinema's these conditions, the teams must endure favourite everyman, Tom Hanks. Most blistering winds and freezing temperatures in enticingly, though, it represents the big-screen an epic battle to survive against almost breakthrough of acclaimed stage actor, and impossible odds. Based on a true story this star of TV's Wolf Hall, Mark Rylance, and his is a spectacular outdoor adventure with a deeply affecting performance is the film's splendid cast. “A movie that's as stunning and chief asset. as spellbinding as Everest itself.”

For all films: 7.30 pm doors open at 7 pm and Tickets for all events from the tickets are £5. Licensed bar & refreshments available. Post Office

Meon Ladies Forthcoming Events Travellers Tales Dambusters Well loved locals and some from A talk by Robin Miller further afield share their tales of travel on Thursday, 19th May and adventure. at 7.30 pm From Provence to India visiting South Africa on the way. in on Thursday, 21st April The Meon Hall at 7.30 pm A later meet for your diary: th in 16 June – Topic to be confirmed Also at 7.30 pm The Meon Hall in The Meon Hall

£2 Entry, No booking necessary, Contact: [email protected] or Libby Soar on 01489 878704 for more information.

19 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016

Meon Valley Community Bus Association Timetables for 2016 Singing For Fun Fares (all destinations): Adult: £5.00 return. Children: Under 16: ½ fare: Under 5 free Come and sing your favourite All concessionary bus passes accepted songs and learn some new For private hire, ring Richard Blackburn: 878500 ones. No talent required. Mondays to FAREHAM 0940 Meonstoke PO & Stores The Stables, 0942 Meonstoke, Pound Cottages 0945 Meonstoke Triangle Free Street 0950 Droxford Square (PARK & RIDE) 0954 , The Hurdles PH Bishops Waltham

Wednesdays to FAREHAM st rd 0940 Meonstoke PO & Stores 1 & 3 Fridays: 0942 Meonstoke, Pound Cottages 2.00 to 3.30 pm 0945 Meonstoke Triangle Next dates are: 0950 Droxford Square (PARK & RIDE) 0954 Brockbridge, The Hurdles PH 1st & 15th April Thursdays to FAREHAM 6th & 20th May 0937 Exton, The Shoe PH 0940 Meonstoke PO & Stores Ages 50’s to 90’s, people with disabilities 0942 Meonstoke, Pound Cottages 0945 Meonstoke, Oxendown especially welcome. 0949 Brockbridge, The Hurdles PH Cost: £1 a session: Includes refreshments. More information from Annabel on Note: All Fareham trips return from: 01489 877130 1230 Sainsbury’s, Fareham 1235 Fareham Library or 07732 329792. Or just turn up!

1st & 3rd Friday of each month to WINCHESTER 0903 Brockbridge, The Hurdles PH 0907 Droxford Square (PARK & RIDE) 0912 Meonstoke Triangle 0914 Meonstoke Pound Cottages 0917 Meonstoke PO & Stores 0919 Exton, The Shoe PH Return from: 1155 River Park Leisure Centre 1200 Winchester Broadway 2nd Friday each month to WATERLOOVILLE 0937 Exton, The Shoe PH 0940 Meonstoke PO & Stores 0942 Meonstoke, Pound Cottages We have bloomed. . . . 0945 Meonstoke Triangle Our community choir for the Meon Valley is 0950 Droxford Square (PARK & RIDE) now over a year old and we regularly have 0954 Brockbridge, The Hurdles PH 40 enthusiastic ‘locals’ of all ages and levels Return from: of experience singing their hearts out in 1230 Waterlooville Sainsbury’s Droxford Village Hall on the 2nd and 3rd 1235 Waterlooville Waitrose Wednesday of each month at 7.30 pm. 4th Friday each Month to PETERSFIELD 0903 Brockbridge, The Hurdles PH We will be performing at a Meonstoke soiree 0907 Droxford Square (PARK and RIDE) on May 26th, Newtown fête on May 28th, and 0912 Meonstoke Triangle Droxford Fair on June 4th. Please come and 0914 Meonstoke Pound Cottages support us – dance, clap, hum, smile or …… 0917 Meonstoke PO & Stores 0921 Exton The Shoe PH For information about joining, please go to Return from: our Website at: singandtonic.org.uk and fill in 1200 Waitrose, Petersfield a contact form.

20 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016 Musical Soirées at St. Andrew’s Church Meonstoke Come along and enjoy a free evening of music at 7.30 pm Refreshments provided at the end of the programme and a retiring collection in aid of St Andrew’s Church.

Thursday, 28th April: Pieces of Eight (see below) Thursday, 26th May: Sing & Tonic Community Choir Thursday, 23rd June: Anemos Wind Quintet

Could you Sponsor a musician's chair?

We are now in our second season of Soirées on the Bridge and have received great support from parishioners and local amateur performers. In planning for the future we have met several local professional groups who have expressed interest in our events. In order to extend our repertoire, we are seeking sponsorship from advertisers and other businesses in The Bridge circulation area. Would you consider sponsoring a musician’s chair for £50 or even a whole event, in return for promoting your business in our programme? If you are interested in being a sponsor, please contact Elizabeth Ridge on 01489 899102

You are warmly invited to a C o n c e r t Droxford History Society

Pieces of Eight Invites you to with Cathy Mathews Jane Ingamells in the past Ruth Mcgibben Some aspects examined Mikhail Lezdkahn A talk by Dr James Thomas, Reader in Robert Blanken Local and Maritime History in the University of Bridget Bartholomew Portsmouth. in Mozart: Clarinet Quintet Droxford Village Hall Ireland: Sextet for at String Quartet, Clarinet, & Horn 7.30 pm St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke on Thursday, 28th April, Thursday, 28th April at 7.30 pm Free entry, refreshments provided Retiring collection in aid of the church

21 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016 Some local services & useful telephone numbers

POST OFFICES DROXFORD VILLAGE HALL Droxford – High Street 878811 Bookings: Mrs Terry Crowfoot 877631 Meonstoke – Allens Lane, Corhampton 877374 THE MEON HALL, Meonstoke STORES Bookings: Mrs Anna Rolfe by e-mail at: Droxford Stores, High Street 878811 [email protected] or by phone at 878284 The Village Stores, Allens Lane,Corhampton 877374 Go to www.candm-pc.gov.uk/the-meon-hall for Meringtons Stores, Garrison Hill, Droxford 878043 details of charges and general information Droxford Antiques, High Street, Droxford 878800 LOCAL SURGERIES PUBLIC HOUSES Droxford 877588 The Baker’s Arms, Droxford 877533 Wickham 01329 833121 The Bucks Head, Meonstoke 877313 01730 829666 The Hurdles, Droxford 877451 COMMUNITY CARE TRANSPORT COORDINATORS: The Shoe, Exton 877526 (Please ring only between 9.0 am and 6.00 pm) The White Horse, Droxford 877490 Droxford: 07977 096586 GARAGES Exton, Meonstoke & Corhampton: 07795 928065 Meringtons , Droxford 877431 Taylors Garage Ltd, Droxford 877433 DROXFORD VILLAGE COMMUNITY WEB SITE: SCHOOLS www.droxfordweb.co.uk Droxford Junior School, Secretary 877537 for more information on local events and activities Meonstoke School, Secretary 877568 Valley Pre-school 878019 HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL SERVICES Swanmore College of Technology 892256 Adult Services 0845 603 5630 LIBRARY (Bishop’s Waltham) Children’s Services 0845 603 5620 The above numbers are open Mon. to Thurs. 8.30 am - 4.30 pm Free Street, Bishops Waltham 0300 555 1387 The out-of-hours number is 0845 600 4555 CITIZEN’S ADVICE BUREAU (Bishop’s Waltham) Well House, 2 Brook Street 03444 111306 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH CAB e-mail: [email protected] If you see anything suspicious, ring the Police immediately on 0845 045 4545, or, if you need advice, phone any of the following people PARISH COUNCILS straight away. If a vehicle is involved, it can help enormously if you can get its number. Corhampton & Meonstoke. Clerk: Mrs R Hoile 877470 Corhampton & Meonstoke: Ian Gilchrist (chairman) 877238 Droxford. Clerk: Mrs R Hoile 877470 Rectory Lane Norah Burrage 878708 Exton Parish Meeting: High Street Janet Dobby 878657 Honorary Secretary: Position vacant – Bucks Head Hill Carol Jones 878560 WINCHESTER CITY COUNCIL Oxendown Ian Gilchrist 877238 Warnford Road Mike Camp 877180 DISTRICT COUNCILLORS Corhampton Lane Charles Hall 877506 Droxford Caroline Dibden 02392 632696 Pound Lane, West Jenny Creese 877219 Exton, Corhampton Norma Bodtger 878048 Pound Lane, East Linda Foot 877763 & Meonstoke Chapel Road & Fry’s Lane (To be decided) New Road Jenny Liardet 877583 Allen’s Lane and William Collins Charity St Andrew’s Green Leslie Daysh 877327 Can we help you? Our charity was set up to assist Stocks Lane (To be decided) children and students from The Bridge parishes Brockbridge Road Frances Keppel 878774 requiring financial help for educational purposes Millside Phil Butler 877596 including residential school trips, books, travel etc. Call one of our trustees in confidence to request a form: Droxford Gordon Hope 877751 Droxford: Ann Symes, 877643 Exton Joan Starkie 878698 & Julia Keitley, 877414 POLICE (non-emergency calls) 101 Exton: Diana Arthur, 877390 Corhampton: Monika Thwaites, 877939 NHS 111 (for fast help but not 999 emergency) Call 111 The trustees will meet next on the 16th October For help on community safety and to report to make awards. Please send in your applications anti-social behaviour, etc, ring 101 before this date.

22 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016 Droxford & District Community Care Group

We aim to support our local community by: Exton areas with a welcome note and later a ● Providing transport for visits to hospital, visit to assist them in settling in. If you have dentists, doctors and other health specialists: recently arrived in one of the local villages for these visits, contact our transport and we have not been in touch, please make coordinators on the following numbers: contact with the new arrivals coordinator, Za Droxford area 07977 096586; Corhampton, Rowe on 01489 877732. Meonstoke & Exton areas 07795 928065 New volunteer drivers needed ● Giving assistance with completion of forms ● To help support the local community and documents on a confidential basis ● With a very flexible commitment – you decide ● Resolving both internal and external problems when you drive with land line telephones of the elderly when ● To provide private transport for essential pur- they are not working properly. BT Openreach poses such as hospital, dentist and doctor ap- must repair all external faults within two pointments working days. ● Your mileage costs are covered at 40p per mile ● Helping to register frail and elderly persons ● Over 50 local people have been taken to various whose telephone is an absolute lifeline – hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, dentists etc, in the especially those with an emergency alarm past two years. connected to their telephone for the priority ● If you are willing to give a little time and volun- repair scheme. (Note: A form must be signed teer as a driver, please contact our transport by the person’s GP.) coordinators or the community care group chair- ● Providing a service to new arrivals in the man Droxford, Meonstoke, Corhampton, and John Shaw, 877564 Chairman

M INOR INJURIES UNIT Petersfield Hospital, Swan Street Announcements in brief Petersfield, GU32 3LB ☎ 01730 263221 Grace Dumper Open 8.00 am to 6.00 pm 365 days a year Grace passed away peacefully on Sunday, 13th March, just two months As a dedicated Minor Injuries Team, we can treat after her 99th birthday. She was many minor injuries for all ages including: surrounded by her loving friends and Cuts & Abrasions had no pain. We shall miss her Burns humour, which she maintained until Ear & nose injuries the end. Eye injuries Foreign bodies Head Injuries Carols in the Square Minor Fractures Collections and donations from Nose bleeds carols held at Droxford Village Hall Splinters, Sprains & Strains last December raised £60, which If we cannot treat your injury, we will refer you was donated to Phoenix Futures, to another member of our multi-disciplinary Droxford team. These can include: ● Accident & Emergency Department Lent Lunches ● Dentist Donations for Bishop Christopher's ● Fracture Clinic Lent Appeal at Droxford Lent Lunch on ● General Practitioner 14th February amounted to £242.30 ● Ophthalmic Optician (2015 was £346). We have X-ray facilities Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to midday. Waiting times vary, but most patients are seen, treated and discharged within an hour.

23 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016

District councillor’s column Report from Winchester City Council Devolution WCC will receive from council rents. Among the The devolution plans for Hampshire are somewhat changes from government, there is a 1% reduction up in the air, and negotiations continue with the in council rent for the next few years. Whilst good Department of Communities and Local Government. for tenants, it does mean that over the period this It is possible that a separate arrangement will be adds up to several million pounds less to build new put in place for the city and urban authorities in council houses across the district. So the budget South Hampshire – maybe with a Solent City has had to be stretched accordingly, and WCC has mayor! decided to increase the rent on its garages. There are also proposals from government to extend the Council Tax right to buy to affordable rural exception sites. As the grant from central government was cut by a WCC is lobbying against this proposal as there are very significant amount this year, WCC has concerns it will reduce the stock of affordable rural decided that unfortunately a rise in council tax is houses available to rent in perpetuity, and may required to balance the books. It will rise by less make it less easy to find available sites. than £5 per year for a Band D property. Even with this increase, funds will be very stretched, and On a related matter, in order to prevent the closure WCC will continue to use its assets to generate as of a facility for vulnerable people in Winchester, much revenue as possible, as well as improving the WCC has agreed to purchase the two properties environment at the same time. The developments and will continue to operate them. at Silver Hill and Station Approach are part of this Cllr Caroline Dibden strategy. Councillor for Droxford, and Hambledon Housing 023 9263 2696 There are also significant and uncertain changes to [email protected] housing legislation and this affects the income that

SPRING CONCERT at St Barnabas’ Church, Swanmore on SATURDAY 21st MAY at 7.30pm The Pontypridd Male Choir with tenor Ben Smith In June 2014, Ben and this distinguished choir filled the church to capacity – tickets sold out 10 days before the concert.

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW from Jan (01489 894266) or Tony (07 771 771 826) ADULTS £16. UNDER-18s £10. Includes a glass of wine or soft drink.

Check the Website at: www.stbarnabas.org.uk for latest information.

24 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016

Droxford Cub Group News haggis, neeps and tatties, scotch eggs, Scottish tablet and Scotland’s national drink – Irn Bru. And they were taught a crash course in Scottish country s we entered the new school year, several of dancing, which the cubs took to like ducks to water our cubs left the group and most have and their version of Strip the Willow was truly Aremained in the movement, joining scout memorable. Thank you to John and Odile Roberts, groups elsewhere. It would be great to have a chair of the Tichfield Scottish Dancing Group. Droxford Scout group once again so that cubs can Finally, we attended the district six a side football continue their scouting career within the village. If and secured runners up medals; a great anyone is interested in establishing and leading a achievement that we are all very proud of. group, or know of a possible candidate, please do contact me. Scouting Awards Many congratulations to Thomas Briggs and Oliver However, we remain at full capacity, with eight new Stuart for achieving the silver Chief Scout’s Award cubs being invested – Oscar Walmsey, Charlie and to Henry Clarke on his promotion to Senior Briggs, Connor and Alfie Smith, Jed Gibson, Sixer. George Seaman, Huw Kalra and Ben Webb. We are very pleased to have a new assistant Thanks leader in Frances Rich and a young helper, We have improved the Scout hut with new flooring Emily Cutting. and a new kitchen; many thanks to Mark Cuttriss for help and advice and to Bob Musslewhite for Badgework fitting the kitchen. As always, our thanks to Stuart We have been working on Personal Safety and Attrill for driving the community bus for our outings. Home Safety Badges and have continued our Looking Forward fantastic partnership with the Heart Start 2016 is a big year for the Cub Scout movement Foundation, teaching the cubs life saving skills and with Cubs 100 celebrating the centenary of cub working towards their Stage 4 qualification. scouting. There will be many events in celebration, Community and Charity culminating in a ‘promise renewal’ on 16th December at 19:16 to commemorate the official Ros Collins provided singing lessons in preparation registration date. Droxford cubs will play a full part for the Harvest Festival. Unfortunately, the cubs throughout the year. were unable to attend but nevertheless enjoyed working with Ros. Alison Thomas Droxford Cub Scout Leader We attended the Remembrance service with Sam Email: [email protected] Kalra as flag bearer and Alex Nicholson laying the Phone: 07725023043 wreath. The cubs visited Grace Dumper, at 99 years young an example to us all, and were pleased to be asked to sing for her. Most recently the cubs attended the Mother’s Day service in Meonstoke and helped hand out posies to the mother’s as they came into the church. Once again the cubs worked hard to raise money for the poppy appeal and equally hard tidying the park for the Clean for the Queen activity. Pure Fun We had a great Halloween party, when Father Tony presented the prizes for the best fancy dress. The cubs exercised their creative talents by performing skits and songs at an ‘indoor campfire’ evening. Our now traditional Burn’s Night meeting was huge fun with the cubs’ Scottish costumes ranging from kilts to tartan pyjamas, and refreshments including

25 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016

A Dad’s Eye View

Like all modern dads, I am interested in my I was sold at this point, but my wife had some more children’s education. However, like all modern questions (and probably that spreadsheet for dads I am also horribly behind the times, and thus reference). There is a full curriculum for early was very confused as to what constitutes a good learning, with appropriate goals, which bodies such first educational establishment. as OFSTED have commended them for (“many outstanding points”, is how I understand they When I went to preschool, it was called play-school, phrased it). There is messy play that someone and you got smacked (frequently, if memory else cleans up afterwards, and singing and musical serves) by the teachers. You also didn’t get taught instruments done out of my earshot. These are all anything, but there was a big castle to play on. And good things in my book, but there were still other swords you could use to hit other children with, things that were worth celebrating. which may have led to the aforementioned smacking. I’m not sure – it was many years ago. My wife explained all of these other points to me, and our first child started a few weeks later. Three My wife (who has many excellent qualities, years on, and child number 2 is now attending, and does know about this kind of thing) was very after big sister went through the preschool’s excited when the first of our children was excellent transition process on to the (adjoining approaching the right age for preschool. So and equally excellent) Meonstoke C of E School. excited, she made us move house to be closer to a good one. She’d even done a lot of research and However, I was struck by something that we made a spreadsheet with all the local (and perhaps couldn’t have known, despite all the research we national) preschools in it, ranked by many, many (ahem) did – the mark of a great school isn’t in criteria. OFSTEDs, curricula (or even) giant castles, but by whether your kids are happy there. We settled, by a process of elimination and scoring not dissimilar to Eurovision, on the Valley And by that measure alone, the Valley Preschool is Preschool, and went to have a look around. an absolutely superb school (and they take the Immediately, the warmth and friendliness of the kids all day). staff came across, as did the (sad) lack of a giant castle and those swords. But they do have many other pieces of play equipment, and they don’t hit (Written by one of the parents and submitted by the children. Sophie Wills)

We welcome. . . From the registers Michael and Bethan Wigglesworth, with daughters Weddings Carys 11 and Jenna 9, who have come to Meonstoke 19th February Gareth Thomas Neal & 1 Quantock Cottage, North End Lane, Droxford Aimee Sellars from Baptisms Trevor and Hilary Hodgkinson , who have come to None Lanthern Cottage, 1 Meon Terrace, Droxford from Cambridge Funerals Dee and Mark Searle, who have come with Droxford 9th February Marion Jack, aged 76 Ashley and Danny, to Apple Tree Cottage, High 29th March Grace Dumper, aged 99 Street, Meonstoke from Horndean. Exton 3rd March Margaret Nutley, aged 81 Interment of ashes Meonstoke 8th February Ethel M. James , aged 96

26 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016 District Diary April Fri. 1 Singing for Fun, The Stables, B/Waltham 2.00 pm Sun. 24 Easter Five th Sat. 2 MV Garden Club Spring Show, The Meon Hall 2.00 pm (4 ) Holy Communion (BCP), Exton 8.30 am Informal All-age Service, Meonstoke 9.30 am Sun. 3 Easter Two (Low Sunday) Thanksgiving for HM The Queen’s 90th B/day 11.00 am (1st) Holy Communion (BCP), Droxford 8.30 am Meonstoke (see page 3 for details) Holy Communion (CW) Meonstoke 11.00 am Tue. 26 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 Evensong, Exton 6.30 pm Droxford APCM, Droxford VH (see page 5) 7.00 pm Tue. 5 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 Wed 27 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am U3A: Talk: Scenery of Southern England 2.00 pm Film night: Everest, Droxford Village Hall 7.30 pm by Brian Barrett, Wickham Centre (see p.12) Thu. 28 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am 4th Portchester Brownies Pack holiday starts today Pieces of Eight Concert, Meonstoke Church 7.30 pm at The Meon Hall: Ends Saturday 9th Droxford History Society Talk: Droxford V. Hall 7.30 pm Wed. 6 Morning Prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am Warnford in the Past Look-in for coffee and chat, 10.00–12.00 Fri. 29 Stubbington Brownies Pack holiday starts today St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke at The Meon Hall, Ends Monday: ends Monday 2nd Thu. 7 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am May RBL: Grand National Draw, Droxford VH 7.00 pm Sun. 1 Easter Six (Rogation Sunday) Sun. 10 Easter Three (1st) Holy Communion (BCP), Droxford 8.30 am (2nd) Holy Communion (BCP), Meonstoke 8.30 am Holy Communion (CW), Meonstoke (with 11.00 am Holy Communion (CW), Droxford 11.00 am Christian Aid launch) Evensong, Corhampton 6.30 pm Evensong, Exton 6.30 pm Mon. 11 Friends of St Andrew’s & Corhampton 7.00 pm Tue. 3 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 churches (FOSACC) AGM in The Meon Hall U3A: AGM followed by talk: Strawberries 2.00 pm Tue. 12 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 by George Watts, Wickham Centre (see page 12) MVDFAS talk: Capability Brown, 10.40 am Wed. 4 Morning Prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am in The Meon Hall Look-in for coffee and chat, 10.00–12.00 Play reading group, The Meon Hall 7.30 pm St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke Wed 13 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am Thu. 5 Local Government Elections Polling Stations: All Day Sing and Tonic, Droxford Village Hall 7.30 pm The Meon Hall and Droxford Village Hall Corhampton & Meonstoke Annual Parish 7.30 pm Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Assembly, The Meon Hall CPR Training, The Meon Hall (see page 11) 12 noon Fri. 6 Singing for Fun, The Stables, B/Waltham 2.00 pm Thu. 14 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Sat. 7 MV Garden Club: Spring Plant Sale 10.00 pm Fri. 15 Singing for Fun, The Stables, B/Waltham 2.00 pm Droxford Village Hall Sat. 16 MV Garden Club: members Coffee Morning 10.30 am Old Droxford Station, Droxford Sun 8 Easter Seven (Sunday after Ascension Day) Sun. 17 Easter Four (2nd) Holy Communion (BCP), Meonstoke 8.30 am (3rd) Holy Communion (BCP), Exton 8.30 am Holy Communion (CW), Droxford 11.00 am Informal All-age Service, Droxford 9.45 am Evensong, Corhampton 6.30 pm Matins, Corhampton 11.00 am Taizé, Meonstoke (west end - see page 4) 6.30 pm Mon. 9 Latest copy date for June –July Bridge Mon. 18 Corhampton & Meonstoke APCM (see page 5) 7.00 pm RBL: Talk: Patrolling the Southern Ocean by 7.00 pm in The Meon Hall Rear Adm. Nick Lambert in Droxford V H Tue. 19 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 Tue. 10 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 MV Flower Club meeting, The Meon Hall 2.00 pm MVDFAS Talk: Pearls and Shells, in The 10.40 am U3A: Talk: Palestine in the Roman Period , by 2.00 pm Meon Hall Guy Liardet, the Wickham Centre (see page 12) Play reading group, The Meon Hall 7.30 pm Exton APCM, in Exton Church (see page 5) 7.00 pm Wed .20 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am Wed. 11 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am Sing and Tonic, Droxford Village Hall 7.30 pm Look-in for coffee and chat, 10.00–12.00 Corhampton & Meonstoke Parish Council 7.30 pm St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke AGM, in The Meon Hall Sing and Tonic, Droxford Village Hall 7.30 pm Thu. 12 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Thu. 21 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am CPR Training, The Meon Hall (see page 11) 12 noon Droxford Parish Council meeting, Drox V.Hall 6.30 pm Sat. 14 FOMS coffee morning & Liberty’s Fabric 9.30–12.00 followed by the Annual Parish Meeting 7.45 pm Sale, Droxford Village Hall Meon Ladies meeting, The Meon Hall 7.30 pm Fri. 22 Friends of Meonstoke School Quiz, Meon Hall 7.30 pm

27 The Bridge ~ April and May 2016

Informal All-age Service, Meonstoke 9.30 am Holy Communion (CW), Exton 11.00 am Sun. 15 Pentecost (& commissioning Street Pastors) Sun.22 Run for the Roof fund-raising event: See p.10 All day (3rd) Holy Communion (BCP), Corhampton 8.30 am (cont’d) The Meon Hall Informal All-age Service, Droxford 9.45 am Mon 23 Meon Hall Management Committee meeting, 7.30 pm Benefice Family Communion, Exton 11.00 am The Meon Hall Taizé, Meonstoke (west end - see page 4) 6.30 pm Tue. 24 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 Christian Aid Sponsored Walk – see page 5 2.00 pm Tue. 17 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 Wed 25 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am MV Flower Club: Meeting in The Meon Hall 2.00 pm Film night: Droxford V. Hall film tbd 7.00 pm Wed 18 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am Thu. 26 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Look-in for coffee and chat, 10.00–12.00 Sun. 29 Trinity One St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke (5th) Holy Communion (BCP), Exton 8.30 am Sing and Tonic, Droxford Church 7.30 pm Holy Communion (CW), Corhampton 11.00 am MV Garden Club: talk: Winemaking by 7.30 pm June Iain Rennie, Droxford Village Hall Thu. 2 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Thu. 19 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am CPR Training, The Meon Hall (see page 11) 12 noon The Meon Ladies meeting, The Meon Hall 7.30 pm MV Garden Club: Garden visit to Blackdown 6.00 pm Droxford Parish Council AGM, Droxford V H 7.30 pm House, Upham; meet in Droxford V. Square Fri. 20 Singing for Fun, The Stables, B/Waltham 2.00 pm RBL: Summer drinks party, Exton Cottage 6.30 pm Sat. 21 Brook Cottage Plant & Cake Sale, Meonstoke 10.00 am Pontypridd Male Choir, St Barnabas, Swanmore 7.30 pm Sun. 22 Trinity Sunday (4th) Holy Communion (BCP), Corhampton 8.30 am

THE MEON BRIDGE BENEFICE SUNDAY SERVICES See the District Diary for details of any changes from these regular services

Benefice Family and other Benefice Evensong & Matins Holy Communion (BCP)1 services Holy Communion (CW)2 Taizé worship

6.30 pm First 8.30 am – 11.00 am Evensong – Sunday Droxford Meonstoke Exton 6.30 pm Second 8.30 am 11.00 am Evensong – Sunday Meonstoke – Droxford Corhampton 6.30 pm Taizé Third 8.30 am 11.00 am – – Corhampton Sunday Exton Corhampton Jan, Apr, Jul Oct Fourth 8.30 am 9.30 am 11.00 am – – Sunday Corhampton All Age M/stoke Exton

1 BCP – Book of Common Prayer 2 CW – Common Worship

Weekday services: 1. Morning prayers daily (Monday to Thursday) in St Andrew’s, Meonstoke at 8.30 am 2. Holy Communion (Common Worship) each Thursday morning in St Mary & All Saints, Droxford at 10.00 am

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