BRID HE G T E June – July 2016

The Parish Magazine for , Exton, & The Bridge ~ June and July 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 St Mary & All Saints Droxford: 3rd Sunday Services 3 JT Carpentry & Building 33: KJN Home Improvements 34 Taizé Service ...... 4 Hillman Bldg. Services 39: Frontwood Ltd 41: E J Goodall (Thatcher ) 44 Move with Peppa ...... 4 CARPENTERS & WOOD PRODUCTS Paul Flint & Co 31 Droxford drop-in ...... 4 Meonstoke Toddler Group ...... 4 CATERING Clementine Catering 40 Look-in & Book-out ...... 4 CHILDCARE GROUPS Jo Jingles 30 Latest Bridge copy date ...... 4 Meonstoke & Exton Church Fête ...... 5 COMPUTERS & INTERNET Punchedcard Ltd 33: Andy Harris 44 St Nicholas, Wickham Church Fête ...... 5 Chris Guenier (inside back cover) The Monington Trio Concert ...... 6 DECORATORS, PAINTERS, & TILERS Top Marks 43: M & J Mason 34 Appletree House Open Garden, . . . . . 6 Oliver’s Painting & Decorating 36: Droxford Interiors & Tiling 42 Meonstoke & Exton Open Gardens ...... 6 David P Churcher 38: Ray Gent 41 Beretta World Sport Championship ...... 6 DOMESTIC APPLIANCES, HEATING, & PLUMBING Mark Oliver 33: EAS 32 Droxford Country Fair ...... 7 Alan Shawyer (inside back cover): Adept Plumbing Services 44 The Meon Ladies ...... 7 G Rixon Ltd (back cover): R A Redman 34: D & S Oil Tanks 37 In the garden ...... 8 Cooker Conversions 37: Harpers of South 40 Meon Valley Garden Club & Summer Show . . . 8 The Meon Hall ...... 9 DOMESTIC SERVICES Curtains by Mary 37: Grange Upholstery 41 Play-reading group ...... 9 PestOFF Pest Control 30: Cynthia Tester Curtains & Blinds 40 Thank you from Peter O’Sullivan ...... 9 Chimney Sweep Christian Oliver 38: Barn Store for Storage 43 Droxford Church Project update ...... 10 Advanced Clean (Carpet & Upholstery) 43 MV Active Retirement Association ...... 10 MV Archaeology Group Project ...... 11 ELECTRICIANS & ELECTRICAL SERVICES Derek Pilcher 34 Ray Burbidge 41 Friends of Meonstoke School ...... 12 Assure Electrical Ltd (inside back cover): G Rixon Ltd (back cover) CAB ...... 12 The Royal British Legion ...... 13 ESTATE AGENTS The Country House Company 39 Soirées on the Bridge ...... 13 FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MEMORIALS Nigel Chamberlain (inside front cover) Film on a Farm ...... 13 South Downs Funeral Services 40 Meon Valley Lions Club ...... 14 GARAGES & CARS Taylors Garage 29: Andrews Autosource 31 Easter Offering Droxford Church ...... 14 Thank you from Bobbie Garrod ...... 14 GARDENS & GARDEN MACHINERY Judit Appel Plantswoman & Gardener 37 Droxford Junior School ...... 15 Anita Foy Garden Design 43 DJS Sponsor a Locker...... 15 GLASS & GLAZING Glass 38: Leydene Glass & Glazing 43 Meon Valley Carers group ...... 16 HAIRDRESSERS Gaudion’s Hairdressing 36 Village Agents Needed ...... 16 Droxford Village Hall news ...... 17 HEALTH , WELL-BEING, & OPTICIANS Saxby’s Eyecare 32 Forthcoming events Droxford Village Hall . . . . 17 Foot Care (Ann-Marie Elliott) 29: Foot Health Practitioner (Karen Jordan) 34 District councillor’s column ...... 18 Chiropodist (Graham Howes) 42 Bishop’s Waltham Festival ...... 18 Pilates with Aplomb 38: Damson Hill Pilates (inside back cover) Meon Valley Community Bus timetable . . . . . 19 HOME IMPROVEMENTS Southwick Garden Offices 31: KJN 34 Singing for Fun ...... 19 JEWELLERS Simon Lawson 41 Sing & Tonic ...... 19 Local Services Information ...... 20 LETTINGS & LAND MANAGEMENT Pimp My Paddock (back cover) William Collins Charity ...... 20 PIANO TUNING David Mathews Piano Tuner/Technician 39 Droxford & District Comm. Care Group . . . . . 21 PRINTING & STATIONERY Meon Valley Printers (DEK) 33 Minor Injuries Unit, Petersfield Hospital . . . . . 21 Studio 6 (inside front cover) Odette Davies ...... 21 PUBS White Horse 30: The Shoe Inn 44 The Valley Preschool ...... 22 RIDING & EQUESTRIAN Merrie Stud Riding School 29 From the registers ...... 22 We Welcome ...... 22 SCHOOLS; EDUCATION & LEARNING Valley Pre-school 29 District Diary ...... 23 Sustainability Centre 29 Friends of Droxford Church ...... 24 SHOPS & STORES Droxford PO & Stores 30: Meonstoke PO & Stores 32 Droxford Parish Council Notice ...... 24 Butchers 37: Christina’s Shop in the Square 36 Church Services Chart ...... 24 SOLICITORS Biscoes 39: Chamberlains 40: Blake Morgan (back cover) SPORT Hazelholt Floodlit Indoor Tennis Court 35 TAXIS Gamblin Cars 42: Hambledon Cars (inside front cover) VETS & PETS The Village Cattery 33: Shield Veterinary Centre 44 The Dog Room (inside front cover)

1 The Bridge ~ June and July 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 Za Rowe 877732 Sheila Matthissen 877867 Secretary: Sarah Page 02392 257723 Secretary: – Treasurer Elizabeth Ridge 899102 Treasurer & Gift Gift Aid secretary Iain Gammell 878162 Aid secretary: Christine Rogers – Organists: Organist: John Martin 877385 (Meonstoke) Dr Alan Hibbert OBE 878564 Sacristan: Laura Jerosch 01329 231956 (Corhampton) John Martin (am) 877385 Verger: Norman Bell 877230 Sacristan & 3rd Sunday Services: Ros Collins 877782 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 Footbridge at Penbryn by Mary Hart - February, April, June, August, October, and December. March 2016 Ideally, copy should be sent by e-mail to The Bridge editor at the address shown above, preferably attached In a wooded valley in Ceredigion, this little as an MS Word document. The page set-up (with 10 wooden bridge carries a footpath across the or 10.5 pt font size) should be defined as an A4 page – Hoffnant river and up to the small village of with 1.5 cm left and right margins. Typed or Penbryn. Just a few yards north of the bridge is a handwritten hardcopy is also acceptable. If you are welcome tearoom with the unlikely name of the responsible for village activities, diaries, and Plwmp Tart! Well worth a visit if you are visiting schedules, please note that material received late (after the Cardigan Bay area. the copy date – see page 4) may not be included.

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From the Rector Highlights

here have been several highlights in the life celebrate, the patron saints of Exton Church, of the churches of the Meon Bridge Benefice Peter and Paul – so please join us at 11.00 am on Tover the last year and several of these were Sunday, 26th June to celebrate them at Holy reported at our three Annual Parochial Church Communion and bring a picnic and enjoy Peter, Meetings. Paul and Pimms after the service! Among them I remember fondly: the contribution Please also join us on Sea Sunday (Sunday, 10th of so many children from our two excellent July) at Droxford to celebrate 160 years of the schools to several special events: our Christmas Mission to Seafarers caring for seafarers and their and Easter services – not forgetting two Josephs, families around the world. each with two wives at both the Scratch Nativities; and our Thanksgiving Service for the Queen’s 90th Let’s make the life of our churches one of service birthday, at which the Cubs were on parade with in our communities and join us to turn the season many other local groups and our guest of honour, into ‘far-from-Ordinary’ Time. David Frere-Cook, a Deputy Lieutenant of Finally, over the months that I have been in the Hampshire. benefice, I have seen something of the hard work Her Majesty was born on 21st April, 1926, and one that goes into producing this wonderful magazine. might say that her life of service began in 1943 I am sure that you will join me in thanking Mr when she joined in the war effort as an ATS Norman Bell for his outstanding service as editor. officer. On June 2nd, we celebrate the anniversary Sadly, Norman feels that it is time for him to hand of her coronation in 1953, and we are reminded over this role to a new editor and we are looking that she asked the people of the Commonwealth for someone to follow in his footsteps. Please to pray for her as she dedicated herself to serving have an informal chat with Norman if you think us all, with Jesus as her example. She thanked that might be you or if you know someone who God for His steadfast love and acknowledged that could do this important parish job. she has indeed seen His faithfulness. Her faith is strongly but quietly evident in her public and Tony private life. We have in the Queen, as the Supreme Governor of the Church of , a guardian of the St Mary and All Saints Church’s freedoms to preach the Word and Droxford celebrate the Sacraments, though she herself does not have spiritual authority. We should Informal All-age Services thank God for those freedoms; whatever our views on faith and politics, freedom to express our 9.45 refreshments 10.00 start beliefs is precious. We would do well to follow her example of putting others before self – she has Fathers Day, 19th June been our servant Queen in so many ways. Do you have a story you would like to share about Another institution that has served so many your Dad? people has been Phoenix Futures (Alpha House) Or is there something you would like to share about in Droxford. Their leaving our community brings being a Dad? much sadness to us all – we wish the staff and Any contribution on the theme of fatherhood residents every success and happiness in their welcome. new locations. We shall miss them. Poems, talks, songs, plays, pictures ... After Pentecost (Whitsun) in May, the Church If you would like to help in any way please contact entered a time with the uninspiring name of Ros Collins 07792949076 Ordinary Time: it is far from ordinary, it is a time for personal and collective spiritual growth and it Singing and Praise, 17th July is no co-incidence that our liturgical colour is green – the colour of new growth at this time of Come and learn some new hymns and enjoy some year. familiar ones. Let us know in advance if you have a favourite you In June and July, the season is punctuated by would like. church and village fetes and the feast day to

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Taizé services Move with Peppa You are invited to an informal service of Taizé Love Peppa… Love to Move… worship at 6.30 pm in the West End of Move with Peppa is an interactive Meonstoke Church. parent/carer supported series of weekly Come and enjoy a relaxing time of music, sessions for 16 months to 5 year olds, prayer, and spiritual refreshment on: created using the stories from the Sunday, 19th June awarded winning episodes. There will be an optional practice at Classes now running every term time Friday 5.45 pm if you would like to rehearse at Droxford Village Hall at 10 am and the chants before the service. 10.45am. For full details and to book contact [email protected], 07881304116 or visit our website DROXFORD DROP-IN www.movewithpeppa.com Everyone is welcome at the Village Hall ‘Drop In’, Every Tuesday morning between 10.30 am and noon

Come for a hot drink and biscuits and a chat. 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 June: 1st & 15th We need your help at our community July: 6th & 20th 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. August - September Bridge is Monday, 11th July

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Meonstoke, Corhampton and Exton

Saturday, 18th June St Andrew’s Church Green 12.30 pm- 4.00 pm Car parking at Meon Hall Open at 1.00 pm by Rev Tony Forrest

We have some fabulous events this year such as a Dog Agility event in the middle of the Green, Ferret Racing for those that enjoy a flutter, Duck Racing on the , and lots more fun stalls for young and old!

Books (delivered to fete on the day only) Hannah & Jerry Carpenter 878385 Bottles Claire & David Ablitt 878074 Bric-a-Brac (delivered to fete on the day only) Sue & Charlie Fullegar 878825 Cakes (collect or deliver anytime in advance) Christina Ellis 878010 Plants and Produce Jane McCormick 877909 Liz Gammell 878162 Monique Clowes 878772 Liz Johnson 02392 632904 Scents for the Home Heather Buxton 877335 Annie Brannon 877525 Biddy Constant 877462 Teas and cakes (help on the day & cakes needed) Tessa Briggs 878282 Toys (delivered to fete on the day only) Alison Palmer 878199 Jams Marcia Grose Helen Harvey BBQ Nick Ridge and team Ice Creams Pauline Provest Pimms Philip Lea/David Frere-Cook Whiskey Raffle Richard Pepys There are loads more things to get involved with, so do get in contact if you feel you could help in any way; for example, help on stalls/setting up/on the gates. Also we are looking for sponsorship of stalls/events this year and also raffle prize donations. Natalie Lumby (01489 877444) and Za Rowe (01489 877732)

St. Nicholas’ Church Gates open at 12.30pm at Wickham Beverley, Southwick Road (in the event of rain, at Wickham Community Centre) ANNUAL FÊTE Meet Magician – Robbie the Wizard Saturday, 11th June, 2016 watch Wickham Morris Dancers Plus all the fun of the fete!

5 The Bridge ~ June and July 2016 You are warmly invited to a Garden Open Concert National Garden Scheme (NGS) th on Sunday, 5 June APPLETREE HOUSE, STATION ROAD at 3.00 pm SOBERTON in St Peter’s Church, Opening dates are: Bishops Waltham Wednesday, 8th June Wednesday, 22nd June The Monington Trio Wednesday, 20th July Robert Blanken, Cathy Mathews 12 – 4.00 pm on each date and Karen Kingsley (and by appointment) Trio ~ Khachaturian Price of entry each day is £3 for the NGS. Sonata for clarinet and piano ~ Martinu The proceeds from plant sales and food is in Two little Pearls ~ Dvorak aid of The Rowans Hospice Trio ~ Vanhal Last year we made over £1065 for The Rowans Two pieces for violin and piano ~ Suk Hospice and £560 for the NGS Suite for clarinet, violin, and piano ~ Arutiunian We shall be grateful for any volunteers to Entry is free. help Jane Salmon and her team for these There will be a retiring collection, open days. For more information, please some of which will go to the church. contact Jenny Dover on 877333

Open Gardens of Meonstoke and Exton BERETTA WORLD Sunday, 12th June SPORTING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2016 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm Two Gardens in High Street and two in Exton (look out for Pink Flowers at entrance) Cream teas and homemade cakes at Manor House, Exton All proceeds to Youth Options

Adults £4 and children under 14 free Tickets and map on sale at each garden from 2pm Beretta World is at Contact: Natalie Lumby 01489 877444 Holywell Estate, Swanmore on Friday, 24th June and from Thursday, 30th June to Saturday, 2nd July For more information, go to www.berettaworld.co.uk or call 07399127877

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Meon Ladies Forthcoming Event ARE THE PUPPETS Thursday, 16th June REAL? at 7:30 pm Paul and Gerry (ex-SCAT Theatre in The Meon Hall, Company) will bring along some of the many puppets they made and used in Meonstoke their shows. Meon Men and Meon ladies of all ages Plus there will be a opportunity for any- welcome! one to have a go using table top puppets. £2 Entry, No booking necessary, Not a Punch and Judy in sight! Contact: [email protected] or Libby Soar on 01489 878704 for more details

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In the garden Meon Valley Garden Club June & July The club’s spring show, held at The Meon Hall in April, was a great success in most classes. Many exhibitors opefully this is the time of year when we thought they would not have a daffodil to show, but as begin to reap the benefit of all the earlier usual there were plenty. The class that did not do well hard work in the garden. Roses are coming was rhubarb – in fact there were no entries – H something to do with not having a cold enough winter! into their own, but be on the lookout for black spot and remove any infected leaves then spray as The cookery judge was very complimentary about the directed with any proprietary fungicide that is entries; she particularly liked the cakes and was most available. Now is also the time to apply selective impressed with the men’s section as they had to make hot cross buns. Not a bad job tasting all those sweet weed killer and summer feed to lawns and to plant and savoury delights. As usual the children’s classes out the last of summer bedding and other tender were wonderful, so much young talent. The judge plants. �� found it hard to choose winners in some classes. Vegetables: Early sowings of peas, broad Also in April we had our coffee morning, this year held at Old Droxford Station, so our thanks go to Jo and beans, carrots, early cabbage, onions and Tony Williams for hosting it. It was not particularly cauliflower should be well advanced by now and good weather but we all enjoyed refreshments, a second sowings should be made of peas and wander around the garden and some retail therapy, carrots. Don’t forget to sow salad crops at two or mainly cakes and plants. three-week intervals to provide a succession of Don’t forget our Summer Show in July (see below) crops. Runner beans, courgettes and outdoor tomatoes can be planted out when all danger of Caroline Harris, Secretary frost is past. Plant out sprouts, winter cabbage, leeks, celeriac and purple sprouting broccoli. Try covering outdoor tomatoes with horticultural Summer Show fleece during June to protect against blight, alternatively try covering the plants with polythene sheet when rain threatens. th �� Sunday, 24 July Fruit: – Keep bushes and plants free of weeds at 2.00 pm and check regularly for mildew, aphids, sawfly and other pests and spray as necessary. If you do not have a fruit cage provide protection against birds over soft fruits such as currants and in The Meon Hall strawberries, with netting or bird scarers (old CDs dangling from string can be effective). Refreshments, Music, Plants, �� Side stalls and Games Herbaceous border: Plant out Dahlias and www.meon-valley-garden-club.co.uk Canna lilies and provide plenty of mulch, divide and under Clubs and Leisure on and replant primroses, take cuttings of pinks. Droxford Village Community Web site Plant out half-hardy annuals and tender perennials and make sure they are kept watered until established. Deadhead early flowering In the greenhouse: Pinch out side shoots from herbaceous perennials, but do not cut to ground tomatoes (not bush varieties) and after the first level as this will sap the strength of the plant. Cut truss has set, start to feed fortnightly with a spent stems of bearded Iris to ground level. Divide proprietary liquid feed. Train cucumbers on wires Iris rhizomes. Shear back aubrietia and winter and pinch out growing tip to encourage side flowering heathers to give new tighter foliage and shoots. Keep a look out for red spider mite and better flowering next year. white-fly. Spray as necessary or use sticky white- �� fly traps. Keep plants well watered and spray Containers: Plant up troughs, tubs, hanging tomato plants with proprietary fungicide in June as baskets and window boxes. Add slow release a precaution against tomato blight. fertiliser and vermiculite/perlite to the compost to retain moisture. John Owen ��

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yellow bin at The Meon Hall which raises money for our Hampshire Air Ambulance helicopter, which now has a night flying capability. Our aim is to The 200 Club: The winners of the 2016 monthly raise £500 from our recycling in 2016 to help fund prize draws were: emergency flights. April: Sarah Shepherd Planning a family party this summer ...? May: Tessa Briggs Order your extra tables, chairs, china, wine New Roof for The Meon Hall: Work will start on glasses, and cutlery for your summer entertaining about Tuesday, 31st May with scaffolding, a from The Meon Hall. Please contact Anna Rolfe security fence, and skips being placed around the at: [email protected] Meon Hall. The roof workers will remove the old corrugated cement roof sheets, which are 35 James Morrice years old and leaking. The replacement new roof sheeting will be put in place as the old sheets are lifted off and put into the large sealed skips; Play-reading group the new roof will be a matt grey colour the same as now. The glass bottle and cardboard “It’s like being in a radio play” recycling bins will be moved away temporarily ● No lines to learn from the hall, and placed in the car park clear of ● No rehearsals to attend the roof contractors work area for both public access and the recycling lorries. Access to the ● No embarrassment of performing in public recreation ground facilities will not be interrupted. ● No dressing up Work will stop on three days with MVDFAS hirings and the EU Referendum polling station; With a different play to read at each meeting, other planned Meon Hall hirings of rooms in the your local play-reading group could be that evenings and at weekends will not be affected. “something different” for you each month. When the roof work is done, the gutters will be Come and join in for a relaxed social evening on lined to stop leaks. Work is expected to take the second Tuesday of the month at about 4 weeks, depending on the weather, probably finishing in early July. Please keep clear of the work area when workmen are working The Meon Hall at 7.30 pm on the roofs, and at all other times. If there is a Next meetings: 14 th June & problem, please contact James Morrice by e-mail 12 th July at: [email protected] or on 877916; he is the point of contact with the roofing contractor. A small charge of £2 covers rent, heating and coffee. If you would like more information, Recycling: Please keep recycling your contact Paul or Gerry Hayles on 01489 878589 unwanted clothes, shoes, and textiles in the

Thank You – from Peter O’sullivan and represent the new Central Meon Valley Ward, Joe Tugwell (Meonstoke) which includes Droxford. We stood for election in May as the Labour Party We also thank fellow Labour party members, Stan candidates for the new Upper Meon Valley Ward Evans, Jon Graft, and Ann Wardrop, for offering a of City Council. This new ward now choice of representation to Droxford and the other stretches from Meonstoke to Cheriton and also villages of the Central Meon Valley. takes in Upham and . We are grateful to the 463 people who voted for us “A sense of humour, even when you're discussing We stood on a manifesto of securing effective serious things, helps to mobilise friends around representation of the villages of the Meon Valley; you”. (Nelson Mandela) we are disappointed we are not able to deliver Peter O’Sullivan this. We congratulate Amber Thacker (who lives 07710 035722 in Cheriton) and Laurence Ruffell (Owslebury) on [email protected] their success and look forward to them being our (See Caroline Dibden’s article on page 18, for local representatives. more information on the local results of the We also congratulate Elizabeth Gemmell, Frank election) Pearson, and Vicki Weston who were elected to

9 The Bridge ~ June and July 2016 Droxford Church Community Hub and Heritage project

n the last issue we announced that our programme of activities that will engage people application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) with the heritage of the church and local area. Ihad been successful. A confirmed grant of up Fund-raising is continuing for an extension to to £188,300 has been awarded, bringing the total house the kitchen, toilets, storage, and contribution for the Community Hub Project from administration, which is an essential condition of the Heritage Lottery Fund to £222,200. the HLF grant. As reported last month a grant application is in process with Hampshire County The contractor, RJ Smith started work as planned th Council to the Community Buildings Capital Fund on 4 April, and visitors will have noticed the (CCBS grants) for a substantial proportion of the scaffolding and fenced area around the west and building costs. The decision on this application south sides of the church. The first phase of the has been deferred until June, and will be critical to urgent work was to renew the roofing battens on the timely completion of the Community Hub the south roof of the nave – see the photograph facilities and our commitment to HLF. on the page opposite. For more information, please visit our Web sites at Later this year, glazed screens will be installed in www.friendsofdroxfordchurch.org.uk and the north chapel in order to create a Community www.bridgechurches.org.uk Room and Café. A small group, coordinated by John Symes, for the Project Management Michael Chandler, is working to develop a Committee

Meon Valley Active Retirement Association

Programme for Gentlemen’s Monthly Pub Lunch: June & July The Barleycorn, Bishops Waltham. Third Thursday of the month: 18th June and , Exercise Class: St. Peter’s Church Hall, July 21st. 12:00 for 12:30 Bishop’s Waltham; Contact Richard Davenport for details on Every Monday from 10:00 to 11:15 am 01489 891862. Cost per session: members £2.00: Non-members £2.50. Spanish Lessons: The Stables, Free Street, Please note there is a waiting list for this class. Bishops Waltham. Contact: Chee Price 01489 893140. Classes held on Friday mornings. Continuing class from 09:15 to 10:15 and the Tai Chi: Jubilee Hall (Gold room): Beginner’s class from 10:45 to 11.45. Bishop’s Waltham Cost £3.50 per session. Wednesday mornings. There are two sessions: Note: Classes finish for the summer on 8th July. Beginners: 09:00 to 10:00: Experienced: 10:00 There are waiting lists for both classes. to 11:00 am. Cost per quarter: £50.00. Call John Moorhouse on 01489 896366 for Cost per individual session: members £4.50 more information. non-members £5.50 Contact: Teri Morley on 01489 895119 Table Tennis: Priory Park Clubhouse, Elizabeth Way, Bishop’s Waltham New Age Kurling: Jubilee Hall (Ruby Room) Wednesday afternoons from 14:00 to 17:00 Third Thursday of the month: 18th June and Cost per quarter: £39. 21st July from 2.00 to 4.00 pm Cost per session £3.50 for members, Cost per quarter: £8.00 Cost per individual £4.50 for non-members. session: members £3.00; non-members £3.50 Contact: John Moorhouse on 01489 896366 Contact: John Walker on 01489 890434 Scrabble for Fun: The Paterson Centre, Ladies’ Monthly Pub Lunch: Swanmore (next to the church) Sessions on Monday, 6th June and Monday, 4th July. Friday afternoons in the small room from Contact: Sandy Holden on 01489 892136 3.00 to 4.00 pm. by the previous Monday for the venue and to Cost £1.50 per session. Please be prompt! book a place. There is a waiting list. Contact: Lena Frost on 01489 894828

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The roof on the south side of the nave, with all new battens and all the tiles stacked ready to re-tile when the dormer windows have been fully restored and painted.

Meon Valley Archaeology & Heritage Group (MVAHG) Veni, vidi, vici; (We came, we saw, we conquered – Julius Caesar) The MVAHG has made an important discovery of This is an exciting and unique opportunity to take Roman foundations in Exton. It might be a part in a ‘Time Team-like project’ to ‘meet the Roman Temple, across the A32 from the Romans’ who lived in the Meon Valley nearly Meonstoke Roman Villa (excavated in 1980’s). 2000 years ago. We require up to 12 people per day – we welcome people ages 16 and above, prior experience is not required as on-site training and support will be provided by Professor Tony King of Winchester University and our group There is also an opportunity to visit the site at an OPEN DAY on SATURDAY, 18TH JUNE and an OPEN MORNING on WEDNESDAY 22nd JUNE.

For more information or to register as a volunteer please contact Alison Smalley at: Site of excavation of Meonstoke Roman Villa in 1980s [email protected] or John Snow 01489 878631 (answer phone) Winchester University is setting up an Excavation Project and we need volunteers to You can also get more information from our help Winchester undergraduates with the Web site at www.saxonsinthemeonvalley.org.uk excavation between the 7th and 25th June .

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The quiz was a very close contest, with teams from Friends of Meonstoke School, around the village and beyond Meonstoke School vying to become champions. As we entered the final round on current news events, several teams were within a single point of one another. With good use FOMS Quiz Night of their joker, and specialist knowledge ranging from popular rock to Rockall and Lundy, the Six Pounders FOMS staged its popular annual quiz at The Meon from Pound Lane were able to walk the short nd Hall on Friday, 22 April. There were 13 teams of distance home with the trophy and some eight keenly contesting the rounds on subjects as champagne. varied as the EU, famous film quotes, sport and the Shipping Forecast. The entertaining evening raised over £700, and the proceeds will be used to enhance the experience of As well as competing in the quiz, teams brought the children of Meonstoke School. along various delicacies from curry to cold meats to enjoy during the mid-evening break, whilst the FOMs team busily sold raffle tickets for a range of prizes, Gregory Clarke (Quiz master) raising money for our local school.

Citizen’s Advice Bureau

I recently lost my job and and fell behind to your essential outgoings and see how much on several bills including my council tax, money you have left over to put towards your debts. Q electricity and credit cards. I’m back in Citizens Advice has an online budget tool which can work and keen to start paying off my debts, help. but can’t afford to pay them all straight away. You’re now ready to start negotiations with your What should I pay off first? creditor. Put together a letter - otherwise known as First off, draw up a list of who you owe money a ‘financial statement’ - explaining why your ability to, how much you owe, and which of these are to repay has been affected, including a full A ‘priority debts’. breakdown of your monthly income and outgoings Priority debts include your rent or mortgage, gas and and what you think you can pay. electric, and council tax. These debts should always Send this letter to your creditors and they will use be paid first as delaying payment can have serious the information to help settle an affordable consequences such as having your energy supply repayment plan with you. cut off, or losing your home. You can use any spare income to tackle your credit cards and personal For more guidance on putting together your loans. budget and financial statement, go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk or visit your local To work out exactly how much you can afford to repay, you’ll need to compare your monthly income Citizens Advice

For the contact details of your nearest CAB, see the details below Citizens Advice Winchester District Bishops Waltham office, Well House, 2 Brook Street, Winchester office, The Winchester Centre, Bishop's Waltham, SO32 1AX, Tel. No: 03444 111306 68 St George Street, Winchester, SO23 8AH, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Tel. No: 03444 111306. From 10.00 am - 2.00 pm . Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or alternate Thursday by appointment only 4 – 7.00 pm from 10.00 am - 4.00 pm (phones from 9.30 am) or Tuesday & Friday from 10.00 am–1.00 pm Wickham Outreach: (phones from 9.30) Merry Go Round Children’s Centre, Alternate Thursday by appointment only 4 – 7.00 pm Wickham Primary School, Wickham, Alresford Outreach: The Alresford Surgery, Station Thursday: 9.30 – 11.30 am drop in or by appointment through Bishops Waltham office Road, Alresford. Mon 1.00 pm – 3pm, drop-in or by . appointment through Winchester office

12 The Bridge ~ June and July 2016 The Royal British Legion 100 years ago… At 0730 on 1st July 1916, after an intense artillery bombardment, Droxford & District Branch 60,000 British Troops commenced an assault of the German lines north of the River Somme in Picardy. Thus began the largest, n the wake of March’s excellent bloodiest battle in the history of the British Army; by noon Italk onShackleton’s Antarctic 100,000 men had been committed and by nightfall 57,470 were expedition, Rear Admiral Nick casualties. The Battle of the Somme, which embraced a number Lambert entertained us on of smaller battles, lasted until 18th November 1916 and involved 9th May with his experiences 51 British Empire and 48 French divisions. From a military patrolling the Southern Ocean perspective, having advanced some 6 miles along a 15 mile front in command of HMS Endurance. The in 4½ months, the battle was an Allied success and the first ever Endurance was the 2nd Royal Navy Ice modern ‘all arms’ battle that used aircraft and tanks as well as Patrol Vessel to bear the name of infantry and artillery. Of more than a million Allied casulties, Shackleton’s ship, her predecessor 419,654 were from the British Empire of which 95,675 died. having achieved fame during the 1982 Falklands We will remember them. conflict. The Nott Defence Review of 1981 had naval presence bolsters the British Antarctic announced withdrawing the 1st HMS Endurance Survey, whose rumoured naming of a new ice- from service and this was thought to have breaker Boaty McBoatface was the cause of emboldened the Argentine Junta into invading the recent controversy! At up to 3 times the size of Falkland Islands. This reinforced the importance continental USA, Antarctica contains 90% of the of maintaining a dedicated presence in the region world’s ice and 70% of its fresh water. The and HMS Endurance was not only retained and continent rises to 12,000 feet above sea level and replaced but has now been superseded by HMS actually doubles in size during the winter months Protector. The role of the Royal Navy’s ice patrol with ice sheets of up to 4 km in thickness. The life vessel is to provide a UK sovereign presence in and work of HMS Endurance, her 2 Lynx the British Antarctic Territory, South Georgia and helicopters and ship’s company of 120 was vividly the South Sandwich Islands and their surrounding illustrated by a series of slides and film clips, maritime areas; to underpin their security and showing the awesome beauty of Antarctica and good governance; to meet the UK treaty the treacherous conditions that continue to obligations and exercise rights under the Antarctic challenge and fascinate mankind in equal Treaty System through inspections, hydrographic measure. charting and support to scientific research. The Rob Scott Soirées on the Bridge Concerts in St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke The next event is by Now into its 2nd year, Film on a Farm is expanding, Anemos with 10 screenings already planned before Harvest. A locally based wind quintet, formed in 2007, Friday, 8th July that enjoys discovering and performing original works for wind instruments. Four Weddings & A Funeral Thursday, 23rd June Saturday, 9th July at 7.30 pm Entrance is free, with a retiring collection in aid Disney’s The Lion King of St Andrew’s Church, when a glass of wine will The venue for both films is be served. Mayhill Lane, Droxford After a short summer break, our 2016/17 season will start on 22nd September and future Gates open at 7.00 pm with films starting performances will continue to be held on the at approximately 9.00 pm 4th Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm. For more information and to book tickets go to www.filmonafarm.co.uk

13 The Bridge ~ June and July 2016

Meon Valley Lions Club

It’s BBQ season again!

pring has sprung and the Meon Valley Lions providing direct support for individuals or groups in have scrubbed up the BBQ kit for another the community and responding pro-actively Sseason of FSA five-star rated, gastronomic wherever and whenever we can. But we also excellence! We had three events lined up on make sure we have a bit of fun along the way, with consecutive weekends in April and the team’s first a programme of fun social activities. If you’d like to major outing of the year, was the 16th Annual put something back into your local community, why Charity Beer festival at Wickham. This year we not come along to one of our events and find out a attended on both Friday and Saturday night, bit more? We’re really quite a friendly bunch. Visit although Friday was a purely social affair, when our website by putting Meon Valley Lions Club into several of us went along to enjoy the excellent your search engine, call us on 0845 833 7812, or beer, blues, and curry evening. The hard work was e-mail us at [email protected] reserved for the Saturday night, when we worked full-tilt from 6.30 pm to 10.00 pm, serving over 500 portions and raising around £900 for our charity account in the process. Thanks to Mike and the team for letting us support this great fund-raising event – we look forward to many more. Strangely, we never have any shortage of volunteers when the beer festival comes around! Sadly, the following week’s BBQ at the Canine Partners’ Bluebell Walk was rained off. Although the day itself was fine, the ground at Holywell estate was completely waterlogged from two previous days of heavy rain, leaving the organisers little choice but to cancel the event on the Friday afternoon. In contrast, for the By George event in Swanmore, the weather turned out rather nice. Set in the beautiful St Barnabas Church and Paterson Centre in Swanmore, this was a community event celebrating St George’s Day. Lions is an international organisation, dedicated to supporting local people and communities, so we were delighted to be invited to participate in this One of our more unusual BBQ customers wonderful village event. Despite the fierce competition from Barnaby’s coffee bar and the cake stall, we managed to sell out our BBQ stock by early afternoon, raising another £270 for our EASTER OFFERING. charity account. The whole day was topped off when Lion Ian Adams won a bottle of champagne St Mary & All Saint's Easter Offering raised in the Guess the Weight of the Henry vacuum £740.80p. The chairman and manager of St cleaner competition. Luke's Healthcare for the Clergy both wrote to express thanks for the St Luke's half share. Could you be a Lion? Lions are ordinary people who do extraordinary things to help others and support good causes. THANK YOU With 17,000 active members belonging to 900 local From Bobbie Garrod clubs throughout the British Isles and Ireland and globally, we have more volunteers in more places Bobbie and family thank you all for letters and than any other service club organisation. Meon cards of condolence on the death of her dear Valley Lions club has been going since the early son, Robert. 1970s and currently has 25 members. We are involved in raising funds, organising local events,

14 The Bridge ~ June and July 2016 Unveiling a beautiful glass window

he Mayor of Winchester Droxford School (FODS) and the Droxford fair visited Droxford Junior committee. Father Tony kindly blessed the Tschool at the beginning of window for us which serves as a constant this term to unveil a beautiful reminder of our local community, the beautiful fused glass window made by the children. area in which we live and how the children and The design is based on the hills and downs of the members of the community came together to South Downs National Park. The children and create a beautiful piece of art. glass artist, Helen Thompson (Fantasia stained glass) have all contributed to its design and have included details specific to Droxford and the surrounding area. The children also researched the changing landscape over the four seasons which influenced colours and shapes within the designs. If you look closely you will see details specific to our local area including buildings, modes of transport and animals. Helen has worked with the school previously, designing fused glass windows with the children based upon the River Meon. This time the rolling hills and the downs were the inspiration. Funding for the project has come from the Friends of A B&W image of one of the beautiful panels (see them online at www.bridgechurches.org.uk for full colour versions ) Sponsor a locker

Dear Reader, £7000 pounds. Sponsoring an individual locker costs £35. We plan to install them in two phases, Your local Junior School in Droxford is currently the first of which we hope to be before the end of fundraising for lockers for the children. Whilst the this summer term, funds permitting. Already national curriculum covers a wide range of parents and some local businesses have pledged subjects, from academic to practical, our aim is to to support us. also prepare children for their transition to secondary school and provide them with If you feel you are able to assist us financially by necessary life skills. I feel it is important for the donating an amount to sponsor a certain number of children to take ownership of their belongings and lockers we would very much like to discuss this to learn to organise themselves and their opportunity with you in more depth. I realise that possessions during their school day as part of this this is an unusual request but whilst we are process. As we are a small school, we have fundraising ourselves, our resources are limited extremely restricted space for storage and and this is a great opportunity to work in tandem consequently have decided that school lockers with our local community. As previously would help significantly and be a huge asset to the mentioned, our catchment area covers the length school. of the Meon Valley and the parents and extended families of our pupils represent a good proportion Like all state schools, we run a tight budget and of your local community. rely on the generosity of parents and the local community for extra facilities and experiences for Please feel free to contact me on our children. I write to ask if you would be [email protected] or by tele- interested in supporting the school via sponsorship phone to 01489 877537 for further information. of one or several school lockers. We envisage Thank you for your time and considerations. putting 200 lockers in our school which would accommodate every child – with a few spare. We hope to hear from you soon. There is an opportunity for engraving your business/name and/or logo on a plaque in a Matthew Dampier, Headteacher prominent position in the school. The total cost of www.droxfordjuniorschool.co.uk which (to include installation) would be close to

15 The Bridge ~ June and July 2016

Meon Valley Carers Group News

Ca Promoting a positive way of living with dementia rers Group

As we look forward to the summer and having Our new Web site, which we hope is easy for enjoyed beautiful spring weather that we all hope everyone to navigate, is now live at: will continue, the Meon Valley Carers Group is www.meonvalleycarersgroup.org.uk very positive about the future. The plans for the If you think our group is just what you are looking summer months are well underway and our hope for, or need more information, please do contact is that they will be enjoyed by our members. The us on 01489 895444. Our office is open on April group meeting was very successful with a Monday mornings from 9.15 am until 1.15 pm most interesting talk by David Williamson entitled apart from Bank Holidays, at: What to do when an emergency arises in the home. David attended the meeting with one of his The Paterson Centre, colleagues, who provided a great insight into the Church Road, Swanmore, SO32 2PA. hidden dangers within our homes. My absence at There is a clear sign and a bell at the entrance to the start of the meeting was covered by our the centre. The answer phone is switched on so volunteers who as always are so reliable and please feel free to leave a message should you willing to help. The founder member Bill Drake require assistance Messages are always acted attended the meeting together with his wife. It upon and emails always answered. Our e-mail was a pleasure to meet him after all the months address is: that I have held the post of co-ordinator of the [email protected] group. The volunteers really do provide a warm welcome Events for your Diary: th to any newcomers so please do come and see for 14 June Pub Lunch at the Old Forge, 12 noon yourself how this extremely friendly, relaxed group of people will lighten your worries and help you in 28th June Group Meeting at 2.00 pm any way they can. The relief of talking with The Paterson Centre, Pamper Day someone who knows exactly how hard it is to care Plus Art for Cared For with Rosie Blay for a loved one living with dementia, knows no 12th July Pub Lunch at the Old Forge, 12 noon bounds! Shedfield

Village Agents Needed in Your Community!

resources that they need, and assisting them to engage There are 60 Village Agents in rural communities all over with their local communities. Hampshire. If you are interested in learning new skills or refreshing old ones, taking part in your local Age Concern Hampshire is pleased to be working in community, and helping older people to remain partnership with Hampshire County Council and independent, then Age Concern Hampshire needs you Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. The project is fully to be the next Village Agent. funded and supported by Hampshire County Council. If you would like to get involved and have some time to Village Agents are local people who offer a few hours a offer, or know someone else who might be interested, week of their time to signpost and help older people to please get in touch today! Call Gail Allen, Village Agent access information, advice, and local services. They co-ordinator, on 01962 892443 or Freephone 0800 328 provide a face-to-face contact point for people who are 7154; or send an email to: less likely to use the telephone or Internet services to access information. Village agents are also trained to [email protected]. provide a basic home fire safety survey on behalf of the Alternatively you can download an application form, and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. find out about our many other volunteering opportunities, on our website at: The Village Agent programme has been running since 2011 following research done by Hampshire County www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/get- Council’s older peoples well-being team and has been involved/volunteer-for-us/ highly successful in helping to reduce social isolation and loneliness in older people by enabling them to access

16 The Bridge ~ June and July 2016 Droxford Village Hall News

Unprecedented heat during early May has yet again performers were excellent and confirmed the unpredictable nature of our weather we were treated to the talents of and will no doubt bring further confusion as the month multi-instrumentalists, super music, and a continual progresses and temperatures change. The flow of humour from the group. There was much marvellous spectacle of fresh, spring colours is praise for the entertainment and for the tasty cheese something to be enjoyed and savoured as the weeks supper. We hope any future event will be supported move on, and bluebells everywhere this year have in this way. surely been the flowers of the season. Our AGM on Monday, 18th April was also better Moving on to summer events, we can now look attended than usual by village residents, and we forward to our annual visit from the RUDES, who will thank those who came to show their support. perform as usual in The Old Rectory garden on Members felt that such support really makes the task Saturday, 9th July. Please see the accompanying of running and maintaining the hall worthwhile. All information and refer to the Website for more details the current members of the committee were happy to of the production. continue serving the needs of the village through the Our film nights are drawing in the crowds, so please hall, and Ian Dyson was formally elected to join the continue to attend the summer showings. We hope committee. that Bridge of Spies, with the BAFTA-winning Mark The 200 Club winner for the last two months were: Rylance, will have proved it was a film worth showing. April: Charlotte Chappell Our musical event with Hot Fingers proved to be a May: Elizabeth Stewart great hit with the audience and was very well Jackie Hibbert, attended. The musical abilities of the three secretary

Forthcoming events at Droxford Village Hall

Wednesday, 29th June Wednesday 27th July Dad’s Army A Bigger Splash A film rated PG A film rated 15 The classic TV show given a big screen treatment by “This sexy, sun-baked drama from I Am Love director Oliver Parker. Toby Jones as Captain Mainwaring Luca Guadagnino is the sort of film that engrosses and and Michael Gambon as Private Godfrey are amuses in equal measure. Set on a small Italian impressive in a parade of British character actors, island, it revolves around Marianne Lane (Tilda including Bill Nighy and Alison Steadman. It's an Swinton), a Bowie-like rock star who is enjoying a all-out laugh attack, with action from parochial intrigue relaxing holiday with her younger partner, Paul to espionage and actual conflict, plus female (Matthias Schoenaerts). The two of them are staying participation, which includes not only Catherine Zeta- in a remote villa, where they are soaking up the sun Jones as a glamorous reporter, but also the first while she recovers from a throat operation. However, actual appearance of the formidable Mrs Mainwaring the peace is suddenly shattered by the arrival of Harry (Felicity Montagu). Annette Crosbie and Julia Foster (Ralph Fiennes), a talkative, hedonistic record delight as Godfrey's sisters. producer (and an old flame of Marianne's), and his sultry daughter, Penelope (Dakota Johnson).

Saturday 9th July – and on how with the war people must take on new The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company presents roles. There are two stories that link together . . . . . Macbyrd See www.therudemechanicaltheatre.co.uk for more Macbyrd is a brand new play from the Rudes and is a information comedy thriller. Sixteen of the characters are birds! 7.30 pm – Picnics from 6.00 pm Don’t miss Inspector Seed, a pigeon, as the detec- In the Old Rectory gardens, by courtesy of tive! It is set in 1940 and is about the changes to a Harry and Mary Martineau small village, Jevington, in rural Sussex, brought about by the threat of invasion, its impact on the local Tickets Adults £13, Children £7 Plus concessions WI, the cricket club, the village play and relationships From the Post Office or on-line.

For both films: 7.30 pm doors open at 7 pm and tickets are £5. Licensed bar & refreshments available.

17 The Bridge ~ June and July 2016 District councillor’s column Overall the elections saw 25 Conservatives elected and 20 Liberal Democrats, so the council Report from Winchester City Council remains in Conservative control. The average turn-out was 42%. Elections The elections on May 5th this year represented a New Councillors change in governance structures at Winchester You can get in touch with your new councillors as City Council, with differences in the way most follows, and they will be happy to help you with parishes are represented at the council. Overall, any concerns. the number of city councillors has been reduced from 57 to 45, and although the area covered by For Central Meon Valley (Droxford): The Bridge will remain in two wards, each of these Cllr Linda Gemmell [email protected]; wards will cover a larger area and will have more 01489 895023 than one councillor: Cllr Frank Pearson [email protected]; 01489 892822 ● Droxford, which used to be in a single- Cllr Vicki Weston [email protected]; member ward with Hambledon and Soberton, 01329 835161 is now in a larger three-member ward, with Swanmore and Waltham Chase added to the For Upper Meon Valley (Meonstoke, Exton and mix. This ward is now called the Central Corhampton) Meon Valley ward. Cllr Laurence Ruffell [email protected]; ● Exton, Meonstoke and Corhampton were 01962 777 236 in a single-member ward, and are now in a Cllr Amber Thacker [email protected]; two-member ward stretching across to 01962 771 863 Upham and Oswlesbury, but it remains the Caroline Dibden Upper Meon Valley ward.

Bishop’s Waltham Festival 14th to 17th July

In our 20th anniversary year, we are thrilled that Music Festival we are once again using the Palace as our main venue for the four day Festival with a on Saturday 16th July, at 12 noon midsummer theme. with local and national musicians performing The Festival opens in St Peter’s Church with: on three themed stages in the Palace ruins. Headline acts will include the classic 60s folk Midsummer Melodies ensemble Pentangle and live music from Frozen. on Thursday 14th July As well as top quality music there will be a range A concert by the Festival Singers and of fun activities for the whole family. A fabulous St Peter’s Junior Choir. day out for all! Doors open 6.00 pm: Concert starts 7.30 pm there will also be an opportunity to admire Midsummer Medley collections of work by local artists. on Sunday 17th July starts at 11.00 am A Midsummer Night’s A fun day for all the family with music and dance Dream presented by the very best of local talent. There will be lots of activities, workshops, and on Friday 15th July performances for you to enjoy. A wonderful day By Rain or Shine Theatre in the idyllic soaking up the unique atmosphere of the Palace Palace ruins. ruins and enjoying the midsummer sun. Bring friends and a picnic and be transported And finally, the festival closes with Stephen Frears into this classic, magical Shakespearean tale. The Queen starring Helen Mirren Gates open 6.00 pm: Play starts 7.30 pm showing in the outdoor cinema at 7.30 pm

18 The Bridge ~ June and July 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 For private hire, ring Richard Blackburn: 877391 songs and learn some new 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 3rd & 17th June Thursdays to FAREHAM 1st & 15th July 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.

19 The Bridge ~ June and July 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 that requires immediate police attendance, ring the emergency number 999. If it is important to PARISH COUNCILS report it, but not urgent, ring 101. Corhampton & Meonstoke. Corhampton & Meonstoke: Clerk: Mrs R Hoile 877470 Ian Gilchrist (chairman) 877238 Rectory Lane Norah Burrage 878708 Droxford. Clerk: Mrs R Hoile 877470 High Street Janet Dobby 878657 Exton Parish Meeting: Bucks Head Hill Carol Jones 878560 Honorary Secretary: Position vacant – Oxendown Ian Gilchrist 877238 WINCHESTER CITY COUNCIL Road Mike Camp 877180 DISTRICT COUNCILLORS Corhampton Lane Charles Hall 877506 Droxford See page 18 for a list of the Pound Lane, West Jenny Creese 877219 Exton, Corhampton Winchester City Councillors for Pound Lane, East Linda Foot 877763 Chapel Road & Fry’s Lane Charlie Fullegar 07876 524457 & Meonstoke The Bridge villages 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. Droxford Gordon Hope 877751 Call one of our trustees in confidence to request a form: Corhampton: Monika Thwaites, 877939 Exton Joan Starkie 878698 Droxford: Ann Symes, 877643 POLICE (non-emergency calls) 101 & Julia Keitley, 877414 Exton: Diana Arthur, 877390 NHS 111 (for fast help but not 999 emergency) Call 111 Meonstoke: Sian Holiday, 07966 487762 For help on community safety and to report The trustees will meet next on the 16th October anti-social behaviour, etc, ring 101 to make awards. Please send in your applications before this date.

20 The Bridge ~ June and July 2016 Droxford & District Community Care Group

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

It is with much sadness that I write to tell you of the death of my mother, Odette M INOR INJURIES UNIT Davies, on Sunday, 1st May. Petersfield Hospital, Swan Street Mother moved to live in Droxford in 1999 Petersfield, GU32 3LB ☎ 01730 263221 and quickly settled into village life and she Open 8.00 am to 6.00 pm 365 days a year was very happy in Cameron Cottage on The As a dedicated Minor Injuries Team, we can treat Square. She spent many happy hours many minor injuries for all ages including: working in the garden, feeding the birds, or Cuts & Abrasions just sitting reading her beloved Dickens. In Burns her papers we found a letter to be opened in Ear & nose injuries the event of her death, asking us to thank Eye injuries the people of Droxford who became such Foreign bodies good friends and for making her so welcome Head Injuries into village life. My brother and sisters and I Minor Fractures would also like to take this opportunity to Nose bleeds add our heartfelt thanks. It was good for us Splinters, Sprains & Strains to know that mother was happy in the village If we cannot treat your injury, we will refer you and amongst friends. to another member of our multi-disciplinary team. These can include: Two years ago, on finding she could no ● Accident & Emergency Department longer manage at home she moved into a ● Dentist nursing home in Fareham close to my sister, ● Fracture Clinic Zoe. Here she was well cared for and lived ● General Practitioner with quiet dignity. Lately she had suffered ● Ophthalmic Optician with severe hearing loss making it difficult to cope with visitors, but she often spoke of her We have X-ray facilities Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to friends back in the village. Thank you all. midday. Waiting times vary, but most patients are seen, treated and discharged within an hour. Jackie Thomas

21 The Bridge ~ June and July 2016

Having it all at the Valley Preschool

ne of the many wonderful things about This approach allows the Valley to give children the modern early-years education is the variety flexibility to develop in the most appropriate manner, Oof approaches and disciplines parents can with each child being able to benefit from learning in choose from for their little ones. You will find that the way that suits them best. From cooking, art, preschools using Steiner, Montessori, and Reggio working with numbers and counting exercises, Emilia techniques are well established in the UK, through to outdoor play and musical activities, our in addition to Forest Schools Forest and staff have developed an integrated and traditional nurseries. comprehensive curriculum to keep each child engaged throughout their day with us. How do you decide which approach is With a flexible and caring approach you can be best for your child? confident that your hopes for your child’s time at ll have their advantages and disadvantages, preschool will be realised here. but at The Valley Preschool we believe in Ataking the best parts of each, and using those More information to tailor the classroom experience to the advantage For more information about the preschool: of all our learners. Building from the strong baseline of the government’s early years foundation stage, ● Go to our Web site at: the experienced and caring team of staff blend www.thevalleypreschool.org.uk, practices such as Reggio Emilia’s child-led learning, ● Contact Sarah Winter-Page (the preschool Montessori’s emphasis on nature and the part it Supervisor) on 01489 878019, plays in a child’s development, with the more formal, ● Or email: [email protected]. structured goals that a smooth transition to the on- site infant school requires. Sophie Wills

At The Valley Preschool you will find high quality provision to help your child develop the skills they need to progress, alongside all the benefits of learning in the beautiful Meon Valley countryside that is right on our doorstep – with nature walks, sensory activities, and outdoor play in all weathers as a part of everyday life here.

From the registers Weddings Meonstoke 7th May Louise Jarvis & Huw McLeod Droxford 21st May Alissa Skipworth & Marc Rees Baptisms Corhampton 3rd April Gracie Chrissie Frances Budding gardeners: Some of the children enjoying Langman the Valley Preschool's gardening club Funerals Portchester 20th April Edward James Parrett, age 26 We welcome. . . Meonstoke 20th May Peter James Neill, age76 Droxford 29th March Grace Esther Dumper, age 99 Malcolm and Anne-Marie Stewart, who have come to Periwinkle Cottage, Warnford Road, Stubbngton 19th May Myrtle Odette Davies, age 90 Corhampton, from Southsea, Hampshire (St Edmund’s, Crofton Old Church ) Frances and Steven McDonald, who have come Interment of ashes to 17 Millside from Manchester. Meonstoke 25th April Edward James Parrett, Kevin and Emma Duncan, who have come with Droxford 13th April Grace Esther Dumper Elliot age 3 and Christian age 8, to 16 Millside, Corhampton, from Bishops Waltham.

22 The Bridge ~ June and July 2016 District Diary June Wed .22 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am MV Archaeology Group excavation project Wed. 1 Look-in for coffee and chat, 10.00–12.00 Open morning at Exton site - see page 11 for details St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke Thu. 23 EU Referendum Polling at The Meon Hall All Day Thu. 2 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am EU Referendum Polling at Droxford VH All Day MV Garden Club: Visit to Blackdown House, 6.00 pm Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Blackdown Lane, UphamMeet Droxford Sq. Meonstoke church: Concert by Anemos 7.30 pm RBL Summer Drinks Partry, Exton Cottage 6.30 pm Sun. 26 Trinity Five (and St Peter & St Paul) Fri. 3 Singing for Fun, The Stables, B/Waltham 2.00 pm (4th) Holy Communion (BCP), Corhampton 8.30 am Sat. 4 Droxford Country Fair, Droxford Square and 2.00 pm Informal All-age Service, Meonstoke 9.30 am The Manor and Old Rectory Gardens (see page 7) Holy Communion (CW), Exton 11.00 am Sun. 5 Trinity Two (Environment Sunday) Bring a Picnic for Exton’s Patronal Festival 12.00 noon (1st) Holy Communion (BCP), Droxford 8.30 am Tue. 28 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 Holy Communion (CW) Meonstoke 11.00 am DDMIX dance and aerobics, The Meon Hall 2–3.00 pm Evensong (BCP), Exton 6.30 pm Wed 29 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am Tue. 7 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 Film night: Dad’s Army, Droxford Village Hall 7.30 pm DDMIX dance and aerobics, The Meon Hall 2–3.00 pm Thu. 30 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Wed. 8 Morning Prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am Sing and Tonic, Droxford Village Hall 7.30 pm July Thu. 9 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Fri. 1 Singing for Fun, The Stables, B/Waltham 2.00 pm Sat. 11 Droxford V H Droxford PC Surgery 10 –1.00 pm Sat. 2 MV Garden Club: BBQ and open Gardens 4.00 pm Droxford V H Eider Homes 12 – 4.00 pm (members only): Northfield House, Soberton Eider Homes Consultation for Uplands Sun. 3 Trinity Six (Thomas the Apostle) (1st) Holy Communion (BCP), Droxford 8.30 am Sun. 12 Trinity Three Holy Communion (CW), Meonstoke 11.00 am nd (2 ) Holy Communion (BCP), Meonstoke 8.30 am Evensong (BCP), Exton 6.30 pm Holy Communion (CW), Droxford 11.00 am Tue. 5 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 Evensong (BCP), Corhampton 6.30 pm DDMIX dance and aerobics, The Meon Hall 2–3.00 pm Meonstoke Open Gardens (see page 6) 2.00–5.30 pm Wed. 6 Morning Prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am Tue. 14 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 Look-in for coffee and chat, 10.00–12.00 MVDFAS talk : "Lawrence of Arabia" 10.40 am St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke The Meon Hall Thu. 7 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am DDMIX dance and aerobics, The Meon Hall 2–3.00 pm MVDFAS outing to Great Dixter House, Kent Play reading group, The Meon Hall 7.30 pm Parking at The Meon Hall Wed. 15 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am Sat. 9 Pre-theatre picnic at the Old Rectory 6.00 pm Sing and Tonic, Droxford Village Hall 7.30 pm followed by: The Rude Mechanical Theatre Co: 7.30 pm Look-in for coffee and chat, 10.00–12.00 in Macbyrd, at the Old Rectory (see page 17) St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke Thu. 16 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Sun. 10 Trinity Seven (Sea Sunday) Meon Ladies: Monthly meeting at (2nd) Holy Communion (BCP), Meonstoke 8.30 am The Meon Hall (see page 7 for details) 7.30 pm Holy Communion (CW), Droxford 11.00 am Droxford Parish Council Meeting, The Pavilion 7.30 pm Choral Evensong (BCP), Corhampton 6.30 pm Fri. 17 Singing for Fun, The Stables, B/Waltham 2.00 pm Mon. 11 Latest copy date for August -September Bridge Sat. 18 MV Garden Club: Coach Trip to Kew Gardens, 9.00 am Tue. 12 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 Pick up at Droxford and Corhampton MVDFAS AGM & talk: Photography as fine art 10.40 am Meonstoke, Corhampton & Exton Church Fête 12.30 pm St Andrew’s Church Green (see page 5) and lunch: The Meon Hall MV Archaeology Group excavation project DDMIX dance and aerobics, The Meon Hall 2–3.00 pm Open day at Exton site - see page 11 for details. Play reading group, The Meon Hall 7.30 pm Sun. 19 Trinity Four Wed.13 Morning Prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am (3rd) Holy Communion (BCP), Exton 8.30 am Corhampton & Meonstoke Parish Council Mtg 7.30 pm Informal All-age Service, Droxford – a special 9.45 am in The Meon Hall service for Father’s Day Sing and Tonic, Droxford Village Hall 7.30 pm Matins (BCP), Corhampton 11.00 am Thu. 14 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Taizé, Meonstoke (West end - see page 4) 6.30 pm Sun. 17 Trinity Eight Tue. 21 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 (3rd) Holy Communion (BCP), Exton 8.30 am MV Flower Club members tea 2.00 pm Informal All-age Service, Droxford 9.45 am DDMIX dance and aerobics, The Meon Hall 2–3.00 pm Matins (BCP), Corhampton 11.00 am

23 The Bridge ~ June and July 2016

Mon. 18 The Meon Hall management c’tee meeting 7.30 pm Wed 27 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am Tue. 19 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 Film night: A Bigger Splash, Droxford VH 7.30 pm DDMIX dance and aerobics, The Meon Hall 2–3.00 pm Thu. 28 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Wed.20 Morning Prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am Sun. 31 Trinity Ten Look-in for coffee and chat, 10.00–12.00 (5th) Holy Communion (BCP), Corhampton 8.30 am St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke Holy Communion (CW), Exton 11.00 am Sing and Tonic, Droxford Village Hall 7.30 pm 4th Waterlooville Brownies start their six-day Thu. 21 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am stay at The Meon Hall – leave 5th August Droxford Parish Council Meeting, Droxford V H 7.30 pm Sun. 24 Trinity Nine August (4th) Holy Communion (BCP), Corhampton 8.30 am Note: During the month of August there will be two Holy Communion (CW), Exton 11.00 am services each Sunday (churches to be an- MV Garden Club Summer Show, 2.00 pm nounced): The Meon Hall 1st Portchester Brownies arrive, The Meon Hall 6.00 pm 8.30 am Holy Communion (BCP ) and for their summer camp (until 30th July) 11. 00 am Holy Communion (CW) Tue. 26 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00

Droxford Parish Council Notices PARISH COUNCIL SURGERY Please come and talk to us at the Village Hall on For information about events, and for the latest Saturday, 11th June, 10 – 1.00 pm. This is an on the restoration and community hub project, opportunity to meet councillors, choose a village go to the Friends Web site at: logo and ask questions. www.friendsofdroxfordchurch.org.uk RE-DEVELOPMENT OF UPLANDS CONSULTATION Among others on the Web site there is a link Eider Homes welcomes Droxford residents to under Membership on how to Become a Friend come and view the draft planning proposal for the and also some useful links to the Meon Bridge re-development of Uplands into self-catering churches and Droxford Parish Council Web sites. holiday accommodation. Droxford Village Hall, Saturday, 11th June, 12.00 – 4.00 pm.

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 Informal All-age 11.00 am – Corhampton Sunday Exton Droxford Corhampton See diary for dates. 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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