BRID HE G T E

The Parish Magazine for , Exton, & The Bridge ~ August and September 2016 List of Advertisers ACCOMMODATION & EVENTS Wallops Wood Cottages 28: Hill Place Events 35 BRI CCOUNTANTS & TAX ADVISERS RG Walker 26: Nicholas Ridge 37 D A HE GE ANTIQUES Droxford Antiques 31 T Contents ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES Engineering Architecture Ltd 33 Parish Lists ...... 2 BUILDERS & BUILDING MATERIALS R & G Gamblin 27: Steven Hurdle 30 Rector’s Newsletter ...... 3 Peter Garber 38: Steve Such (Property Maintenance) 26 Charles Hutchinson ...... 3 JT Carpentry & Building 29: KJN Home Improvements 30 Droxford Christmas Market ...... 4 Hillman Bldg. Services 35: Frontwood Ltd 37: E J Goodall (Thatcher ) 40 Move with Peppa ...... 4 CARPENTERS & WOOD PRODUCTS Paul Flint & Co 27 Droxford drop-in ...... 4 Meonstoke Toddler Group ...... 4 CATERING Clementine Catering 36 Look-in & Book-out ...... 4 CHILDCARE GROUPS Jo Jingles 26 Latest Bridge copy date ...... 4 Meonstoke & Exton Church Fête ...... 5 COMPUTERS & INTERNET Punchedcard Ltd 29: Andy Harris 40 Sketches, Songs & Stuff ...... 5 Chris Guenier (inside back cover) A History of Houses in Meonstoke ...... 5 DECORATORS, PAINTERS, & TILERS Top Marks 39: M & J Mason 30 MVArchaeology & Heritage Group ...... 6 Oliver’s Painting & Decorating 32: Droxford Interiors & Tiling 38 MV Active Retirement Association ...... 6 David P Churcher 34: Ray Gent 37 Music Festival ...... 7 DOMESTIC APPLIANCES, HEATING, & PLUMBING Mark Oliver 29: EAS 28 In the garden ...... 8 Alan Shawyer (inside back cover): Adept Plumbing Services 40 MV Garden Club ...... 8 G Rixon Ltd (back cover): R A Redman 30: D & S Oil Tanks 33 The Meon Hall ...... 9 Cooker Conversions 33: Harpers of South 36 Plant & Cake Sale result ...... 9 Play-reading group ...... 9 DOMESTIC SERVICES Curtains by Mary 33: Grange Upholstery 37 Droxford Church Project update ...... 10 PestOFF Pest Control 26: Cynthia Tester Curtains & Blinds 36 U3A ...... 10 Chimney Sweep Christian Oliver 34: Barn Store for Storage 39 FOMS Family Barn Dance ...... 11 Advanced Clean (Carpet & Upholstery) 39 St Andrew’s Churchyard Clear up ...... 11 FODS: Race Night ...... 11 ELECTRICIANS & ELECTRICAL SERVICES Derek Pilcher 30 Ray Burbidge 37 Droxford churchyard: mowers wanted ...... 11 Assure Electrical Ltd (inside back cover): G Rixon Ltd (back cover) Droxford Country Fair report ...... 12 Citizens Advice ...... 12 ESTATE AGENTS The Country House Company 35 The Royal British Legion ...... 13 FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MEMORIALS Nigel Chamberlain (inside front cover) Soirées on the Bridge ...... 13 South Downs Funeral Services 36 Harvest Festival Service, Droxford ...... 13 GARAGES & CARS Taylors Garage 25: Andrews Autosource 27 Meon Valley Lions Club ...... 14 Droxford Junior School ...... 15 GARDENS & GARDEN MACHINERY Judit Appel Plantswoman & Gardener 33 Meon Valley Carers group ...... 16 Anita Foy Garden Design 39 Longstock Park Water Gardens ...... 16 GLASS & GLAZING Glass 34: Leydene Glass & Glazing 39 Droxford Village Hall news ...... 17 Forthcoming events Droxford Village Hall . . . . 17 HAIRDRESSERS Gaudion’s Hairdressing 32 District councillor’s column ...... 18 HEALTH , WELL-BEING, & OPTICIANS Saxby’s Eyecare 28 Meon Valley Community Bus timetable . . . . . 19 Foot Care (Ann-Marie Elliott) 25: Foot Health Practitioner (Karen Jordan) 30 Singing for Fun ...... 19 Chiropodist (Graham Howes) 38 Sing & Tonic ...... 19 Pilates with Aplomb 34: Damson Hill Pilates (inside back cover) Local Services Information ...... 20 HOME IMPROVEMENTS Southwick Garden Offices 27: KJN 30 William Collins Charity ...... 20 Droxford & District Comm. Care Group . . . . . 21 JEWELLERS Simon Lawson 37 Minor Injuries Unit, Petersfield Hospital . . . . . 21 LETTINGS & LAND MANAGEMENT Pimp My Paddock (back cover) BW Deanery Christian Aid Walk ...... 21 PIANO TUNING David Mathews Piano Tuner/Technician 35 The Valley Preschool ...... 22 PRINTING & STATIONERY Meon Valley Printers (DEK) 29 From the registers ...... 22 Studio 6 (inside front cover) District Diary ...... 23 Winchester City Councillors ...... 24 PUBS White Horse 26: The Shoe Inn 40 RIDING & EQUESTRIAN Merrie Stud Riding School 25 We Welcome ...... 24 Friends of Droxford Church ...... 24 SCHOOLS; EDUCATION & LEARNING Valley Pre-school 25 Church Services Chart ...... 24 Sustainability Centre 25 SHOPS & STORES Droxford PO & Stores 26: Meonstoke PO & Stores 28 Butchers 33: Christina’s Shop in the Square 32 SOLICITORS Biscoes 35: Chamberlains 36: Blake Morgan (back cover) SPORT Hazelholt Floodlit Indoor Tennis Court 31 TAXIS Gamblin Cars 38: Hambledon Cars (inside front cover) VETS & PETS The Village Cattery 29: Shield Veterinary Centre 40 The Dog Room (inside front cover) Would you like to put a trade advertisement in The Bridge ? See page 38 for contact details.

1 The Bridge ~ August and September 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 usually Monday 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

THE BRIDGE is delivered at the start of the months of Cover picture February, April, June, August, October, and December. View from the Bridge! Ideally, copy should be sent by e-mail to The Bridge editor at the address shown above, preferably attached by Mike Hutchinson as an MS Word document. The page set-up (with 10 or 10.5 pt font size) should be defined as an A4 page – The photograph was taken on the bridge of with 1.5 cm left and right margins. Typed or HMS Ocean in December 2015, somewhere handwritten hardcopy is also acceptable. If you are in the Bay of Biscay. responsible for village activities, diaries, and (Like me, you might well wonder how Mike came to schedules, please note that material received late (after be there to take this picture! Ed.) the copy date – see page 4) may not be included.

2 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016

From the Rector Church news

The 3rd September marks the first anniversary of the The consequences of the referendum are still start of our ministry here in the Meon Bridge Benefice. reverberating in the capital cities of the UK, in the A great deal seems to have happened during the year countryside, in NATO and for EU nationals working and yet the essential character of village life goes on. here and ‘Brits’ working in Europe. Whatever, our There have been some very memorable events in views on ‘in’ or ‘out’, the increase in ‘hate-crime’ is an each village and some very special services in each ugly manifestation of the dark side of national identity. of our four wonderful churches. There have been In times like this, Christians have the duty to be moments of great joy during weddings and baptisms agents of peace. There are good and sensible and moments of great sadness at the time of passing people on both sides. We may not agree with others, of some much-loved residents of the villages. Out of but we’re called not to judge people for their views, all these events, from our work with our excellent rather to seek the common good. schools, from our plans for the buildings and for new Some may be content about the future, but for others activities arises great hope for the places in, but there is a deep sense of loss and fear. We should not above all for the people of our benefice. dismiss their fears as ridiculous. Whether we are At the time of writing, the extensive repairs to St Mary feeling content or in grief, Christians have to and All Saints, Droxford, are well underway and in remember that God is in control. Although that does October we look forward to seeing as many people as not mean that bad things will not happen, Christians possible at a meeting to hear what has happened so are called to trust in God and to seek the pathway for far and what is planned next. In short, the work to good. Fear of a difficult and challenging path is not a repair the church structurally, funded by the Heritage sign of a weakness but of awareness; even Jesus Lottery, is approaching completion and other was deeply troubled in Gethsemane. However, like significant repairs have been completed too. The Jesus, we must not allow ourselves to be paralysed, next phase is to make parts of the church even more as individuals or as a community, by fear – prayer available and attractive to the congregation, and action are still needed. community and visitors, whilst retaining its sacred So how should the Church show our neighbours a role and function. This idea would have been very healthy way to handle change and uncertainty, local, familiar to its mediaeval builders. national or international? Love and care for all, Plans are well underway in St Andrew’s, Meonstoke empathise with those hurting, trust in God and act for to improve the lighting and heating, which will be very the common good. welcome as winter draws closer! Plans for a toilet Harvest Festivals and a kitchen area at St Peter and St Paul, Exton will Exton – 3.30pm Sunday, 4th September enhance our welcome and fellowship there, too. Even Meonstoke – 10.30 am Sunday, 2nd October little Corhampton Church has benefitted from the th generosity of its friends and has a lighting conductor Droxford – 10.30 am Sunday, 9 October and a sink with running water in the vestry! Although, Tony this sounds as though we spend all our time worrying about the buildings, the whole purpose is to make Charles Hutchinson them more accessible, comfortable, and welcoming Yvonne, Mike, Emma, Lucy, Philippa, Antonia for all. and all the family would like to thank the Bridge Since I arrived, a significant number of people have parishes for all the wonderful love, support, and commented that 11 am for the main morning service sympathy which has been so persistently and is too late and an earlier start would be helpful. With unobtrusively showered upon us during our this in mind, all three church councils (PCCs) voted to recent bereavement, and made it easier to bear. make the start time earlier. So from the beginning of The cards, the flowers, the letters, the food even, September, the main morning service will be held at have meant so much to us. 10.30 am on a trial basis until Christmas. We can then consider whether to stay at that time or to make We are especially grateful to Rev Tony, those further adjustments. As a result of this, the early who helped and all who attended at St Andrew’s, Book of Common Prayer Communion service will for facilitating a slightly alternative and fantastic now start at 8 am, as it does in almost every other funeral which exuded such love, fun and warmth parish in the country. to send Charles on to his next assignment. The We do hope that all these changes will help as many delay due to a Spitfire falling off a lorry would people as possible. Change can be challenging and have amused him no end and his sister leading surprising, and can certainly have unexpected the coffin on his large motorbike set the tone consequences: both good and bad. perfectly. Thank you all SO very much.

3 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016

Move with Peppa Love Peppa… Love to Move… Advance Notice Move with Peppa is an interactive parent/carer supported series of weekly DROXFORD CHRISTMAS MARKET sessions for 16 months to 5 year olds, created using the stories from the SATURDAY, 19th NOVEMBER awarded winning episodes. If you would like to have a stall at Droxford’s Classes now running every term time Friday popular Christmas Market this year, please at Droxford Village Hall at 10 am and telephone Louise Withers on 01489 877595 or 10.45am. email [email protected] for more For full details and to book contact details. [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 August: 3rd & 17th We need your help at our community September: 7th & 21st 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. October- November Bridge is Monday, 12th September

4 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016 Meonstoke, Corhampton, & Exton Church Fête The church fête took place on St Andrews Church our thanks to the organisers, and those who Green and was opened by Father Tony Forrest. gallantly went round all the houses, selling the raffle The weather forecast was not good, but we were tickets. blessed by a rain free afternoon. It was a happy afternoon with people still enjoying The gates opened at 1pm, which enabled everyone themselves when the grand draw tickets were drawn to enjoy the Barbeque. Pimms and ice cream were by Father Tony. available all afternoon, and an amazing spread The clearing-up team, who had done the setting up greeted those who had tea in St Andrews West End. as well, went into action and all the tables etc, were There was a wide variety of stalls, which were back in the Meon Hall very quickly. Special thanks manned by a wonderful team of volunteers. to this team, who made the holding of the fête on the Meonstoke Infant School produced a Saxon re- Church Green possible. enactment, and they were joined by many of the We have deliberately not named anyone, as it would younger visitors. Other attractions included a dog be invidious. This event could not take place agility event, and ferret racing attracted those who without the support of our wonderful communities – enjoy a flutter. The traditional duck races took place THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH. The event raised a on the River Meon, and there were a lot of fun stalls total of £5,425 net, which will be shared between the for young and old. Traditional guess the weight of parishes of Meonstoke & Corhampton and Exton, the cake and the number of sweets in the bottle were further amusements to be enjoyed. The grand draw raised nearly a £1000 before the fête itself and Natalie Lumby and Za Rowe.

SKETCHES, SONGS AND STUFF It's time to get involved ! The Project: A Revue-style show An initial meeting will be held on Purpose : To raise money for Alzheimer Tuesday, 16th August 8.00 pm Research in the Meon Hall We have: Plenty of sketches ready We need: You! To help with: • Backstage/Technical work Rehearsals will start in September on dates and times to be arranged • Publicity and ticket sales • Front of House These could involve just one evening a fortnight • Tea-making at rehearsals (!) if you're in only one or two sketches. Plus, of course, as performers Any questions? Or interested but unable to attend (old or young,experienced or not) initial meeting? Please contact Paul or Gerry Hayles (01489 878589)

Performances at The Meon Hall on: Thursday, 10th November to Saturday, 12th November

A history of the houses in Meonstoke Ian Allured is planning to write about the Ian hopes that this will stimulate the interest history of houses in Meonstoke and of all the people who live in this lovely village Corhampton and to develop the work into a to share the history of their house, but no book or a small display that would be information about the families will be included available in The Meon Hall and the church for – it is only the buildings that will be described. people to read and possibly add to. If you are interested, please contact Ian on The project will start in October and an article 01489 877718 or mobile 07786 322247. giving the full details will be ready for the October/November Bridge.

5 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016 Meon Valley Archaeology & Heritage Group Very rare Roman remains Many of our volunteers expressed delight at unearthed taking part in the project: Really had an amazing time – fulfilled a life- For three weeks in June, a team of Winchester time ambition – seriously! University Archaeology students and over 80 community volunteers from villages in the Meon Thank you for the opportunity, it’s something Valley and beyond took part in the excavation of a I’ve always wanted to do. It’s been on my site in the village of Exton. bucket list for years!’ The results of a geophysical survey carried out We also had fantastic comments about the site last year by the Meon Valley Archaeology & open day and open morning: Heritage Group had revealed a hexagonal shape Just wanted to say big thanks for the site that is very rare in Roman Britain. The team of visit. We thoroughly enjoyed the insightful students and volunteers, led by Professor Tony chats. King, slowly unearthed the foundations of this Thank you to Tony and your hard working very rare hexagonal building, which is thought to volunteers for a really interesting open day. be a Roman temple. In addition, an adjacent room was discovered which is thought to be a Thank you to everyone who took part in the Big bath house. The work of our dedicated team of Dig and to all who came to our open day and metal detectorists also proved invaluable in open morning. Special thanks to Chris and Claire finding artefacts from the Roman and Iron Age Martin for their kind permission in allowing us to periods. excavate the site and for their help in facilitating The student and local workforce worked very well the dig. together, wielding mattocks, shovelling soil and trowelling in typically diverse English weather We hope to return to the site next year to conditions; from heat and humidity in the first extend the excavation. week to sun, wind and rain in the final week. For more information on the MV Archaeology Group, go to www.saxonsinthemeonvalley.org.uk

At work on the site on one of the dry days looking for rare Roman remains.

6 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016 Meon Valley Active Retirement Association

Programme for Spanish Lessons: The Stables, Free Street, August & September Bishops Waltham. Classes restart on 16th September: held on Exercise Class: St. Peter’s Church Hall, Friday mornings with a break ob 23rd Sept. Bishop’s Waltham; Spanish for beginner’s from 09:15 to 10.00; Every Monday from 10:00 to 11:15 am (Note: Spanish II 10.15 to 11.00; Spanish III 11.15 to th th th No class on 8 and 29 August or 12 September) 12.00 noon. Cost £3.50 per session. Cost per session: members £2.00: There could be waiting lists for the classes. Non-members £2.50. Call John Moorhouse on 01489 896366 to Please note there is a waiting list for this class. discuss Contact: Chee Price 01489 893140. Table Tennis: Priory Park Clubhouse, Tai Chi: Jubilee Hall (Gold room): Bishop’s Elizabeth Way, Bishop’s Waltham Waltham (Note: 17th August in St Peter’s August: Wednesdays from 14:00 to 16:00 only. Church Hall September: Wednesdays 14:00 to 17:00 Wednesday mornings. There are two sessions: Cost per quarter: £39. Cost per session £3.50 Beginners: 09:00 to 10:00: Experienced: 10:00 for members; £4.50 for non-members. to 11:00 am. Cost per quarter: £50.00. Contact: John Moorhouse on 01489 896366 Cost per individual session: members £4.50 Scrabble for Fun: The Paterson Centre, non-members £5.50 Swanmore (next to the church) Sessions on Contact: Teri Morley on 01489 895119 Friday afternoons in the small room from New Age Kurling: Jubilee Hall (Ruby Room) 14.00 to 16.00. August: Thursday 11th: 14.45 to 16.45 Cost £1.50 per session. Please be prompt! September: Thursday, 15th 14.00 to 16.00 Contact: Lena Frost on 01489 894828 Cost per quarter: £8.00 Cost per individual session: members £3.00; non-members £3.50 IT learning classes: The Silver Room, Contact: John Walker on 01489 890434 Jubilee Hall, Tuesdays: Three sessions of one hour from Ladies’ Monthly Pub Lunch: 09:00 to 12:00. Classes are structured to Monday, 1st August and Monday, 5th September the needs of the attendees. Cost is £5 per Contact: Sandy Holden on 01489 892136 session, quarterly charge £38 by the previous Monday for the venue and to Classes will start, subject to demand, on book a place. 6th September and finish on 13th December. Gentlemen’s Monthly Pub Lunch: Contact Ian Wynne-Powell 01329 833254 The Barleycorn, Bishops Waltham. Third Thursday of the month: 18th August and Trips are taking place this summer to the 15th September 12:00 for 12:30 Chichester Festival Theatre, to Kew Palace and Contact Richard Davenport for details on Gardens and to Buckingham Palace 01489 891862.

Top Clarinettist West Meon Music in 2011. This year there will be a total of seven concerts over the weekend including an informal event for Festival children, an opportunity to hear two “rising stars” on Internationally renowned clarinettist, Michael Collins, will Saturday afternoon, and a candlelit concert of Viennese be joining the Primrose Piano Quartet at this year’s classics. Concert-goers can also ‘make a day of it’ in West Meon Music Festival, to be held in the village from West Meon on the Sunday with a coffee concert in the the 16th to 18th September. Collins – winner of the morning – including the world première of Anthony woodwind final in the very first BBC Young Musician of Payne’s arrangement of Elgar’s Two Miniatures, the year competition back in 1978 – is recognised as specially adapted for the Primrose; a tea-time finale that one of today’s most distinguished artists and a leading includes Dvorak’s wonderful Piano Quintet in A major exponent of his instrument. He will be performing and lunch in between at one of the village’s pubs! Mozart’s ever-popular Clarinet Quintet in A major with This year’s beneficiary is The Rosemary Foundation, the Primrose at the festival’s Saturday evening concert which provides ‘Hospice at Home’ services in (17th September) as well as Poulenc’s Sonata for Hampshire. Ticket prices for the concerts are from Clarinet and Piano. £10 to £19.50, depending on event. Full details can be It will be the sixth year for the festival, founded by the found at www.westmeonmusic.co.uk and tickets are Primrose (Susanne Stanzeleit, violin, Dorothea Vogel, available online or by post from WMMF Box Office, viola, Andrew Fuller, cello, and John Thwaites, piano) Walnut Cottage, Hampton Hill, Swanmore, SO32 2QN.

7 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016

In the garden Meon Valley Garden Club August & September ur annual coach trip was to Kew Gardens. Everyone had a wonderful time, with so much any people have commented on what a Oto see in this showcase garden. The new good year it has been for roses, despite the installation, The Hive, was of special interest, which Mcool wet weather of early summer. The opened in June this year. It is made of thousands of production of a profusion of beautiful flowers, pieces of aluminium inspired by bees. Lights and however, does take a lot out of the plants so it is musical notes respond to the real time activity of bees important to give them a good feed after the first in a beehive in Kew. Some members braved the tree flowering (late June) to encourage a succession of top walkway while others enjoyed the glasshouses flowering and to help restore vigour to the plants so and rose garden. that they can do well again next year. Strong The sun shone (with occasional showers) during the healthy plants are also better able to withstand the open gardens. Thank you to all those attacks of pests and diseases such as mildew and members who opened their gardens so that we could black spot and diseases carried by aphids and marvel at their green fingers. other pests. Remember to regularly dead head On the same day at 4.00, our Summer BBQ began: it plants to help maintain a healthy succession of rained! We decided to delay until 5.00. At 4.45 it flowers. �� rained! Gazebos went up in the rain; meat was cooked in the rain; but we ate and drank in the sun! Vegetables: Lift potatoes and onions to avoid Later, we even had a rainbow. Thank you to unnecessary pest damage. Last sowings of radish, everyone who helped to make this year’s BBQ a rocket and lettuce can be made in early August. Now memorable event! English summers! Hardy is also the time to sow spring cabbage, perpetual gardeners! spinach, and winter lettuce. Runner beans are now Caroline Harris, Secretary coming into their own, but remember to keep them well watered, and keep an eye out for blackfly. Treat with proprietary pesticide or soap solution as necessary. �� Autumn Plant Sale Fruit: Cut out summer raspberry canes that have Saturday, 1st October fruited to allow next year’s canes to develop and, if you have not already done so, finish summer Droxford Village Hall pruning of gooseberries, red currants, apples, and plums. It is important to finish pruning plums and 10.00 am cherries by the end of September to avoid the risk of introducing fungal disease such as silver leaf, which can result from winter pruning. All sorts of plants at very good �� prices Herbaceous border: Continue dead heading and cut out tall or weak stems from plants that have www.meon-valley-garden-club.co.uk finished flowering. Feed and deadhead dahlias and under Clubs and Leisure on and look out for aphids and blackfly and treat with Droxford Village Community Web site soapy water or proprietary pesticide. Make sure tall asters and Michaelmas daisies are well Containers: Keep well watered and continue supported. As lavender flowers fade, cut back dead heading, especially petunias, and you will be stems to new pairs of shoots using secateurs. �� rewarded with flowers for several weeks to come. �� Bulbs: Order spring flowering bulbs for planting In the greenhouse: Reduce watering and feeding this autumn. �� of tomatoes as the fruits start to ripen, but make sure the soil remains moist. If it dries out and you Trees and Shrubs: Take cuttings of escallonia, then over water the fruit will split or develop cistus and callicarpa. Prune shrubs after they blossom end rot. Be watchful for red spider mite have finished flowering and pinch out new shoots and whitefly on cucumbers and spray as necessary of wisteria to about three or four leaves. Lightly or use sticky whitefly traps if pests are present. prune or trim beech hedges, eleagnus, escallonia, hebe, holly, pyracantha and privet. John Owen

8 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016

really successful event, and for the support from trail runners from across the South of and the Meon Valley villages, who answered the invitation, The 200 Club: The winners of the 2016 monthly entered and took part in the races. Everyone helped prize draws were: to achieve the fundraising target, and had a lot of fun and enjoyment making it all happen for The Meon June: Greg Clarke Hall's new roof. Thank you everyone so much. July: Chrissie Frere-Cook Recycling: Please keep recycling your unwanted The mid-summer £50 prize : David Dixon clothes, shoes, and textiles in the yellow bin at The Our Run for the Roof event was held at The Meon Meon Hall which raises money for our Hampshire Air Hall, Meonstoke on Sunday, 22nd May to raise funds Ambulance helicopter, which now has a night flying for The Meon Hall's new roof. Publicity attracted a capability. Our aim is to raise £500 from our total of 249 trail runners from across the South of recycling in 2016 to help fund emergency flights. England and from the Meon Valley villages, who Planning a family party this summer ...? Order completed either or both of the 5 Km and 10 Km your extra tables, chairs, china, wine glasses, and races up the Meon Valley trail from Meonstoke to cutlery for your summer entertaining from The Meon or West Meon, and back to Meonstoke. Hall. Please contact Anna Rolfe at: Each runner was awarded a rather super medal to [email protected] recognise their achievement (see picture below). It James Morrice was a warm and happy occasion in fine weather. There were some fast run times by local teenagers in the 5 Km race. Children’s races over the lunch PLANT & CAKE SALE RESULT break were arranged by the race director, Phil Hoy of James and Anne Morrice thank everyone who came Clanfield, and special medals were awarded. along to the Meon Hall when the sale in Brook Cottage The event raised garden on Saturday, 21st May was transferred to the £1,708 from the Meon Hall because of rain. The Plants Stall made races and afterwards £296; Cakes and Cake Raffle totalled £307, and the the race costs of Raffle brought in £280. All the other stalls did really £1,779 (from well too. Together with some donations the sum of licences, publicity, £1,200 was raised. So each beneficiary – Toddlers, hire of a 4x4 Pre-School, Meon Ladies, and Community Care – ambulance and 2 received £300 to help with their activities. paramedics, Thank you everyone – great result ! purchase of medals, James and Anne etc) were donated to The Meon Hall. Kitchen sales were £384, making a total Play-reading group of £3,871 from the “It’s like being in a radio play” the whole day. ● No lines to learn By early June the Run for the Roof event had raised over £4820 for the re-roofing work, which started in ● No rehearsals to attend early June in fine hot weather. The Meon Hall ● No embarrassment of performing in public Committee are so grateful for all the local donations to help with the roof work. By July, the money raised ● No dressing up was over £8,000, a really amazing amount which has With a different play to read at each meeting, helped to bring The Meon Hall's funds up to the level needed to pay for the cost of the re-roofing works, your local play-reading group could be that together with grants from our parish councils, “something different” for you each month. Winchester City Council, and Hampshire County Come and join in for a relaxed social evening on Council. Despite the rest of June & early July being the second Tuesday of the month at so wet, our contractor Scorpion Engineering from Marlborough managed to complete all the roof and at gutter works by early July. The Meon Hall roof is The Meon Hall 7.30 pm now watertight, well insulated, and with its smart new Next meeting: 13 th September colour of goosewing grey, ready for the future. (Note there is no meeting in August) Meon Hall committee members wish to express their A small charge of £2 covers rent, heating and gratitude to Phil Hoy of Clanfield, of Second Wind Running, for the huge amount of time and energy coffee. If you would like more information, that he spent on arranging the trail running for this contact Paul or Gerry Hayles on 01489 878589

9 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016

Droxford Church Community Hub and Heritage project

An open meeting is planned on Thursday, 6th Our contractor, RJ Smith, is making good October – so please note this meeting in your progress with the first phase of the Community diaries. Hub Project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Friends. Visitors will have noticed the Fund-raising is continuing for the extension to scaffolding and fenced area around the west and house the kitchen, toilets, storage, and south sides of the church while the tower and the administration, which is an essential condition of south roof are being repaired. Recently, the HLF grant. We are delighted to report that our additional maintenance work was authorised to grant application to the Community Buildings repair the dormer windows on the south roof, and Capital Fund (CCBS grants) at Hampshire County this has needed scaffolding towers inside the Council has been successful and we have been church. Repairs are also being made to the clock awarded 27% of the building costs up to a and weather vane. maximum of £75,000. A full update will be available in advance of the open meeting on 6th Later this year, glazed screens will be installed in October. the north chapel in order to create a community room and café, and further consultations will be John Symes arranged in the autumn to discuss how to furnish for the Project Management Committee and equip this space. Michael Chandler is For more information, go to: coordinating a small group to deliver a programme of activities that will engage people www.bridgechurches.org.uk and with the heritage of the church and local area. www.friendsofdroxfordchurch.org.uk

Tuesday, 4th October From New Forest to Salt Lake City, The Meon Valley a talk by Gill Southwell Tuesday, 18th October The Pilgrim Fathers, a talk by Dennis Boylan The committee looks forward to seeing members mazing to report, autumn 2016 marks the again after the summer break and hopes that the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of new programme will prove as appealing as last AMeon Valley U3A! This deserves to be season’s was, judging from the high attendance. celebrated and we plan to do so at the first (Note: £1 per talk for members; £2 for visitors.) meeting of the new season of talks. The th Our U3A has not been entirely inactive over the programme begins on Tuesday, 6 September summer. Three outings have, or will be taking and will continue roughly fortnightly (that is, the place: a guided tour of Winchester Cathedral; a first and third Tuesdays) until May 2017. Details visit to the Watts Gallery near Guildford; and a of the first four meetings are listed below. guided stroll round historic Fareham and Fareham Members will be sent full details of the Creek. Also, the other important part of our programme by e-mail, or by post if no e-mail activities, the small/special interest groups, have address, around the beginning August, together mostly continued to meet through the summer. with membership renewal subscription form. (The Most meet monthly in members’ homes. Current subscription will still be only £10 and should be groups include Geology; Egyptology; Reading; paid at or before the first meeting.) As ever, Poetry; Art appreciation; Classical music meetings will be held at: appreciation; Bridge; and Strolling Wickham Centre, Mill Lane, at 2.00 pm Tuesday, 6th September Membership and other enquiries to: 25th Anniversary celebration of Meon Valley U3A Julia Field, Tel. 01489 891353 th Tuesday, 20 September Agatha Christie, a Web site: u3asites.org.uk/meon-valley talk by Angela Clear

10 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016

Friends of Meonstoke School

SATURDAY, 10TH SEPTEMBER Entry free for children under 3 5.00 pm — 10.30 pm Optional fancy dress Licensed Bar The MEON HALL Ticket includes: Live music Adults £12.50 Hog Roast Children £6 Ice cream Tickets available at Meonstoke Village Stores & Meonstoke Infant School (term time only)

Come One, Come All!

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCHYARD RACE NIGHT SATURDAY, 1st OCTOBER CLEAR-UP SATURDAY Organized by the Friends of Droxford Church in aid of Community Hub. OCTOBER 8th from 10.00 am Droxford Village Hall until TIDY! Doors open 7.00 pm Tickets on sale in August at The churchwarden and PCC will Droxford Post Office be very grateful for any help. Please bring your DROXFORD CHURCHYARD own garden tools, saws, MOWING

tree loppers, strimmers, etc. Urgent - Urgent - Urgent! Refreshments Provided Our group of churchyard mowers needs more volunteers to assist the existing very small team. It will involve about two hours Residents of Allen’s Lane and once a month. neighbours are warned there will be If you can help, please contact Stuart Attrill on BONFIRES on this date 01489 878500

11 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016

and strawberry and cream desserts. The ever DROXFORD COUNTRY FAIR popular Pimms and Bowman Ale bar was kept busy all afternoon. WOW ...... what a day! The fair committee raised around £3500, the Over 2000 people enjoyed all the fun of the fair on church £1500 and all the other charitable the 4th June. This year, with a medieval theme we organizations that ran a stall £3000. were officially opened by John of Drokensford, wonderfully played by the Reverend Tony Forrest. We are very grateful to everyone who dressed up and embraced the theme, to everyone who Everyone was entertained throughout the helped with setting up and on the day, and all the afternoon by Ferdies Friends, Sing and Tonic, stallholders and sponsors. A special thank you Terena and her lovely collie Sweep, birds of prey, goes to Mrs Denham and Mr and Mrs Martineau a ride on steam train, a storyteller, vintage – without their gardens the fair wouldn't be so vehicles, pony rides, country crafts, llamas, special and unique and also to everyone who maypole demonstrations, 1066 re enactments, came along on the day and had a fabulous archery sessions, and our famous dog show – afternoon. thank you Rita. th The children were kept busy with all the games Don't forget that at the AGM on Saturday, 10 and activities. Lots of stalls were selling a huge December any local organization can apply for a variety of goodies, from fresh produce and donation. preserves and crafts to beautiful artisan creations. Thank You. Everyone was very well catered for with the delicious barbecue, afternoon teas, ice creams Mary Hornby-Patterson and all the fair committee

Citizens Advice Winchester Winchester District Advice Charter District previously known People needing advice will get an even better as Winchester District service following the launch of the Winchester CAB (Citizens Advice District Advice Charter. It was launched at a Bureau), is an independent conference for advice-givers in Winchester District registered charity and a member in June. of the national Citizens Advice network of England Natalie Webb, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice and Wales. Winchester District, said, “We are seeing more and Citizens Advice provides free, independent, more people who need our help, and often their confidential and impartial advice to everyone about needs are quite complicated. In many cases their rights and responsibilities. We aim to provide people need advice about more than one issue, the advice local people need for the problems they and sometimes they need specialist support from face and to improve the policies and practices that different services. That’s why it’s so important affect people's lives. We receive no national funding that we work with other organisations to ensure from either central government or the national that we help our clients get the right support, from Citizens Advice service. the right service, at the right time.” We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination. Our core service is a team of nearly 100 volunteers supported by around five full time equivalent paid staff. Contact details of your nearest 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, Thursday: 9.30 – 11.30 am drop in or by appointment Alresford Outreach: The Alresford Surgery, Station through Bishops Waltham office Road, Alresford. Mon 1.00 pm – 3pm, drop-in or by . appointment through Winchester office

12 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016 The Royal British Legion 75 years ago… 9-12th August recalls the first formal meeting in 1941 between Droxford & District Branch Prime Minister Winston S Churchill and President Franklin D Roosevelt in the cruiser USS Augusta at Placentia Bay, 2016 has already marked a Newfoundland, the PM and his entourage having arrived in the number of anniversaries, not new battleship HMS Prince of Wales. Although no finite decisions least the Battles of Jutland were made, certain understandings were reached and a document and the Somme. Although called the Atlantic Charter was drawn up and signed. The meeting both led ultimately to strategic led to cooperation between the Royal and US Navies in the Battle victories, these are remembered more for of the Atlantic and the eventual formation of an alliance that, with their tactical errors and appalling loss of the Soviet Union, would finally destroy Nazi Germany and defeat life; the latter very much a hallmark of the Japanese imperialism. The Atlantic Charter would become the Great War for which the poppy remains a blueprint for the creation of the United Nations in 1945. poignant symbol. The Droxford war memorial remembers Mech Walter James Dennis Pearce RM – was killed when German Cresdee RN, who perished on 31st May, 1916 in dive bombers sank the cruiser HMS Fiji on 22nd the battlecruiser HMS Queen Mary at Jutland. Only May. Barbarossa and Pearl Harbor brought the 20 from a ship’s company of 1,200 survived. USSR and USA onto Britain’s beleagured side Tragically “the war to end all wars” proved far from and, simultaneously, Germany declared war on that and, in a little over 20 years time, the British USA – gross errors of judgement by Adolf Hitler Empire was again at war with Germany. 2016 not that would precipitate the downfall of theThird only commemorates the 75th anniversary of Reich. Churchill’s famous inaugural meeting with Roosevelt but also the sinking of the powerful Branch meetings will resume at 1900 on Monday, th German battleship Bismarck on 27th May 1941; 12 September with Commodore Inga Kennedy, the launching of Operation Barbarossa – Hitler’s Matron-in-Chief of Queen Alexandra’s Royal invasion of the Soviet Union – on 22nd June; and Naval Nursing Service speaking to us on The the Japanese attack on the US Pacific Fleet at Evolution of Naval Nursing, Crimea to Afghanistan Pearl Harbor on 6th December. The opening – and beyond. Again, non-members will be engagement with Bismarck resulted in the tragic extremely welcome. loss of the battlecruiser HMS Hood on 24th May Rob Scott with only 3 survivors rescued from a ship’s company of 1,418 men. Marine Benjamin Thomas The RBL Droxford & District Branch is Smith RM was one of those who perished and his always looking for new members, both name is commemorated on Droxford’s war service and civilian, to help keep memorial. During the battle for Crete, also in remembrance alive and support our 1941, another Droxford resident – Marine Charles 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 Soirées on the Bridge 01489 877800. Concerts in St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke St Mary & All Saints Droxford The next event is: Harvest Festival Service and Lunch Hindhead Wind Band Sunday, 9th October All welcome Thursday, 22nd September 10.30 am Harvest Festival Service in Church at 7.30 pm 12.00 Harvest Bring & Share Lunch in Entrance is free, with a retiring collection, which Droxford Village Hall will be split between Macmillan Nurses and No tickets needed just turn up with a St Andrew's Church. Refreshments will be served, which will include a plate of finger-food glass of wine. All contributions to Church Restoration Fund

13 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016

Meon Valley Lions Club

A great fund-raising summer! he Meon Valley Lions Club received a with its regular tombola stalls and coconut-shy donation of £2,000 for their efforts at the 16th attractions. T Wickham Charity Beer Festival held in April at The Wickham Centre. We had provided the BBQ After a break last year, the classic motorbike rally at the festival as usual and organised a Citizens has been re-established, and combined with the Advice volunteer team from Bishops Waltham to classic cars provided a great spectacle, which the run the bar. However, after a short discussion, it dads really enjoyed. Full details of the car and was decided we should give all of the £2,000 to bike winners, plus loads of other photographs Citizens Advice to support their outstanding work from the day are available on our Web site, which in the local area. is at www.meonvalleylionsclub.org.uk

The cheque presentation was held at The Although we are still reconciling our accounts, it Hampshire Bowman near Bishop’s Waltham. Lin looks like we will clear well in excess of £4,000 for Kelly of Citizens Advice (Winchester District) our charity account as a result of all the day’s Bishop’s Waltham office said: activities, which is a great result. We’ve had some very positive feedback already and would like to “We are extremely grateful to the Meon Valley record our thanks to the dozens of volunteers who Lions for their very generous donation to the became Lions for a day to help us out. Make a note service. As a charity we are always looking for in your diary of the date for next year’s fete – fundraising opportunities so are very grateful to Saturday July 8th 2017. Mike Betts the organiser of the Wickham Charity Beer Festival and to the Lions for supporting us. The donation will help towards the cost of re-carpeting the office and updating our computer system.”

Roger Morfill, President of the Meon Valley Lions said, “We chose Citizens Advice in the Bishop’s Waltham area because their volunteers provide such an invaluable service to the local community on a whole range of issues. They are so much more than a charity, offering advice, information, and support to anyone who needs it.”

Lions’ Swanmore fete We were blessed with a fine summer’s day for the Roger Morfil presents cheque for £2000 toto local Citizens Advice service Lions’ Swanmore fete this year and the local residents responded by turning out in their hundreds to support this very popular community event. Families were able to enjoy the sunshine and soak up the rays while listening to the fine music from local bands Contraband, Soberton Strummers, and The Swanmore College of Technology jazz band.

The CHaOS roadshow, an enthusiastic bunch of Cambridge students who believe that science is fun and relevant to everyone, captured the imaginations of young and old alike. In their marquee, the student demonstrators conducted around fifty hands-on science experiments, providing an exciting, new dimension to the fete Two of the Chaos roadshow Cambridge students and friend! Photo courtesy Brian Pancott Photography

14 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016 Another school year gone!

t’s hard to believe how fast Another highlight this term has been the truly out- this year has flown by at standing production of Ali Babar and the Bongo IDroxford Junior School. It Bandits, put on by Year 5 and 6 children. The seems like only five minutes children were amazing – learning lines, stage ago that we were welcoming our new Year 3 directions, and songs, all in a short space of time children and now we are saying goodbye to Year to put on a genuinely funny and highly polished Six. The summer term has certainly been a performance. We were very proud of them and packed one, full of trips, camps, many sporting they did credit to all the staff who worked behind fixtures, a production, and oh! lots of hard work the scenes directing, designing sets, and making in class as well. props and costumes. See the photograph below of some of the cast. As their residential, Year Three were due to camp on the school field but because of heavy rain and As always at this time of year, we are sad to say the risk of thunder and lightning, we had a giant goodbye to Year 6. As we send them off to begin sleep-over in the school instead. Boys slept in their secondary education, we wish them all the one classroom and the girls in the other and much best in the future. fun (but not much sleep) was had by all. We Sarah Jacobs played wacky racing games where we dressed up in silly hats, held a nature scavenger hunt around Deputy head teacher the school grounds, sang campfire songs and rounded off with hot chocolate and a bedtime story. The next day the children made use of our beautiful surroundings and went on a field studies walk on the Downs.

Miss Barnett and some of the children during our wacky races at year 3 camp. Some of the cast from years 5 & 6 in Ali Babar and the Bongo Bandits

15 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016

Meon Valley Carers Group News

Ca Promoting a positive way of living with dementia rers Group Are you, or someone you know, caring for a into the programme as it progresses through the person suffering from memory difficulties? year. Have they been newly diagnosed with The volunteers attend the meetings and pub Dementia and is the previously secure way lunches and always provide a warm welcome to of life suddenly filled with fear of the any new comers. Please do come and see for unknown? Meon Valley Carers Group is a yourself how this extremely friendly relaxed group voluntary organisation supporting the carers and of people will lighten your worries and help you in their families. The pub lunch at the Forge, any way they can. Our Web site is at: , on the second Tuesday each month, www.meonvalleycarersgroup.org.uk provides all carers with an opportunity to relax and socialise. We have a team of qualified If you think our group is just what you are looking drivers who will collect and return members to for, or need more information, please do contact us and from their homes in the mini-bus thanks to on 01489 895444. Our office is open on Monday the generosity of The Lions Club. The group mornings from 9.15 am until 1.15 pm apart from meeting is held at The Paterson Centre, Church Bank Holidays, at: Road, Swanmore on the fourth Tuesday each The Paterson Centre, month. On a regular basis, carers are able to mix Church Road, Swanmore, SO32 2PA. with people in a similar situation, whilst their There is a clear sign and a bell at the entrance to cared for are able to be with them and are the centre. The answer phone is switched on so encouraged by volunteers to take part in please feel free to leave a message should you stimulating activities. We endeavour to find a require assistance Messages are always acted programme that will provide interesting speakers upon and emails always answered. Our e-mail and include two to three outings a year. We are address is: [email protected] also aiming to build craft, art, and musical events Longstock Park Water Gardens

Sunday, 4th September from 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm Admission: £6 for adults and Come and spend a pleasant afternoon at the Longstock Park Water £2 for children Gardens, set in beautiful countryside near Stockbridge and help raise funds under 16. for the Meon Valley Carers Group We are very excited that we shall be the beneficiary charity for this event. The seven acres of gardens include two and a half acres of lakes and has been voted the finest water garden in the world by the International Water Lily Society. Longstock Park Water Garden is a part of the Waitrose Farm Leckford Estate. The lakes are fed by the River Test so the water remains very clear and the maze of inter- connecting islands and woodland glades combine to create a different vista at every turn. Refreshments are available at the café. There is a nursery and shop all being just a short drive or walk away. Assistance dogs are welcome and most of the garden is accessible by wheelchair.

16 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016 Droxford Village Hall News

hangeable weather patterns playing havoc with We had our last film showing of the many outdoor summer events, both locally and season at the end of July, and we hope that the films Cnationally, were the cause of some concern chosen have appealed to most, if not all, of our during the first week of July. All those involved with regular audience. We think the comfort of the hall, the preparation for a visit from the Rude Mechanical the availability of refreshments to suit everyone, and Theatre Company on Saturday, 9th July, were the price of the ticket add up to a reason to save your hoping that the evening would be fine enough for the film viewing for our Moviola film evenings. Look out picnic and the performance. We were unbelievably for next season’s films from September onwards. lucky to have not only a dry evening but a warm For several years now we have had the use of the one, too. permissive footpath behind the allotments, round to This year’s production, Macbryd, written and the steps at the bottom of the down, giving all who directed by Pete Talbot, gave the audience all the wish to use it a circuit for a walk, a run, or a dog walk. necessary entertainment for an evening of fun, and It is apparent that many dog walkers do not take the provided also a thought-provoking experience which trouble to pick up the dog mess and deposit it in the no-one could fail to relate to in the light of the bin provided at the edge of the playground. Dogs present political situation. There was a poignant and have also been seen running from this permissive pertinent message in the well-scripted lines. The path into the crops on the field. Unless there is an costumes of the many birds in the cast together, with effort to keep this path cleaner and to stop dogs the behaviours employed by the actors, explicitly running through the crops, the farmer will withdraw portrayed the appearance and the nature of every his permission for people to use the path. Please bird involved. give some thought to this and make it possible for us It was indeed a veritable tour de force, which was all to continue to enjoy the walk round the field. evident in the applause and appreciation of the The 200 Club winners for the last two months audience at the end of the evening. The setting of were: the play lent itself beautifully to the story, and we are June: Tony Williams truly indebted to Mary and Harry Martineau for the July: Charlotte Chappel use of their garden, which has become a favourite Jackie Hibbert, venue for the RUDES. secretary Forthcoming events at Droxford Village Hall

Wednesday, 28th September Wednesday, 26th October Golden Years Florence Foster Jenkins Rated PG Rated 12a A significant patron of the arts in New York during World A gentle Ealing-like comedy with a serious War II, Florence Foster Jenkins provided musical undertone – and a lovely cast of British instruments for underprivileged children and set up The acting talent: Bernard Hill, Simon Callow, Verdi Club where she produced, directed, and starred in Virginia McKenna, Una Stubbs, and Phil shows for select members of high society. But she always Davies. Hill's opportunistic OAP is furious wanted to sing opera, despite her distinct lack of talent. with the bank for frittering away his pension. Stephen Frears brings the story to the big screen with three However, when his wife (Virginia McKenna) performances of quality: Simon Helberg as FFJ’s exasperated accompanist; Hugh Grant as her attentive needs expensive medical treatment and the husband; and of course the wonderful Meryl Streep in the local bowls club is threatened with closure, title role. “In Streep’s inspired hands, Florence never Hill becomes a regular Robin Hood, robbing becomes the expected figure of fun, but someone whose banks! His gang includes the old stalwarts unattainable aspirations you fully understand. One can only listed above – with an increasingly imagine how much coaching the Mamma Mia! star needed frustrated police inspector (Alan Armstrong) to be able to sing badly! Streep’s purity in the face of on their tail. Florence’s limitations and her complete lack of cynicism towards the character are totally charming. She gives Made in Bristol, with West Country locations. poignancy to how the real Florence summed up her life: “People may say I can’t sing, but no one can say I didn't sing”. Fabulous!

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

17 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016

county-wide unitary authority. This therefore means District councillor’s column that the Heart of Hampshire Deal is in abeyance and Central Meon Valley the Solent Deal is now looking to the 3 unitary Prosecution for fly-tipping near Cott Street, authorities to form a combined authority and then Droxford invite districts to be associated members. HCC commissioned its report and whilst the evidence in Two local businessmen have been prosecuted for this report serves a purpose, the Solent Districts and dumping commercial waste in the Droxford area of Unitary Authorities and the Heart of Hampshire the South Downs National Park. The prosecution Districts all felt that further information was needed followed a tip-off from a member of the public who to inform the public of what is required of local found the waste and reported it to Winchester City government in our areas, prior to any consultation. Council, which is determined to tackle fly-tippers in Therefore, a report has been commissioned by PwC the countryside. (PricewaterhouseCoopers) to have a better Fines of £3,922 and £1700 have been served on the understanding of the Hampshire-wide solutions and two men one from Wickham and one from to have a joined-up view to make sure it meets the Southampton. needs of our residents. We will wait for the results Winchester City Council Local Plan, Part 2: of this work and also to see if there are any further changes coming from central government. What is The examination hearings will take place in the still very positive is that all authorities and districts Guildhall, Winchester, and will commence on th are speaking and sharing information. Your leader Tuesday, 12 July 2016 at 9:45am. Matters to be and cabinet remain committed to making sure we discussed, the examination timetable, and the list of get the best outcome for Winchester District and participants can be viewed at the Web address want to be able to give the public as much below. It is likely modifications will be made to the information prior to consultation. There has been Plan following the close of the hearings and these confusion between local government reorganization will be subject to a six week consultation period. It is and devolution but we remain committed to the 2 tier anticipated that the city council will receive the system and will not rush into anything that could inspectors report on the examination during October have a significant impact on the quality of life of 2016 and be able to adopt Local Plan Part 2 (LPP2) residents. For more information got to the following by end of the year. Web address: http://www.winchester.gov.uk/planning- www.winchester.gov.uk/about/devolution/devolution policy/local-plan- part-2/lpp2-examination/ Major Projects in the pipe-line Gypsy & Traveller Development Plan Document Winchester – Station Approach: very current, The council is progressing with preparation of the with appointment in principle of bidder B in the Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan document competitive dialogue and design competition but this (DPD) and has recently appointed, in partnership will be subject to further legal, financial and design with other Hampshire authorities, consultants to parameters for varying the recommended option to undertake an up date of the accommodation needs meet issues and concerns raised. assessment. You can view the work to date on the Gypsy and Traveller DPD at the following Web Silver Hill: A Central Winchester regeneration address: informal Policy group is being set up to produce a http://www.winchester.gov.uk/planning supplementary planning document that aims to win the broad support of Winchester residents, policy/local- plan-part-2/traveller-site-assess- businesses and public service providers to deliver ment-study-call-sites/ the regeneration of Silver Hill being commercially Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) realistic and capable of implementation within a The partnership has agreed to publish a position realistic time frame. statement to set out progress to date. This Leisure Centre: The Cabinet will shortly be statement carries forward the strategy established considering the feasibility of a new leisure centre to in the Winchester District Local Plan Part 1, be located at Bar End. This includes the which extends to 2031. Therefore, it will not be development of a concept design and a detailed necessary to change Winchester’s Local Plan at business case. To develop the concept design a this stage. core facility mix needs to be agreed. For more information see: Devolution http://www.winchester.gov.uk/planning/major- The situation so far is that any devolution deal needs to have Hampshire County Council as part of it, sites/leisure-centre-project/background/ therefore at the moment the county has made it clear that it does not want to split itself between a Vicki Weston, 01329 892822 Solent and Heart of Hampshire Devolution Deal. [email protected] Hence their expression of a strong interest in a

18 The Bridge ~ August and September 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 None in August th Thursdays to FAREHAM 2nd & 16 September 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 0950 Droxford Square (PARK & RIDE) is now over a year old and we regularly 0954 Brockbridge, The Hurdles PH have 40 enthusiastic ‘locals’ of all ages Return from: and levels of experience singing their 1230 Waterlooville Sainsbury’s hearts out in Droxford Village Hall on the 1235 Waterlooville Waitrose 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of each month th 4 Friday each Month to PETERSFIELD at 7.30 pm. 0903 Brockbridge, The Hurdles PH 0907 Droxford Square (PARK and RIDE) 0912 Meonstoke Triangle For information about joining, please go to 0914 Meonstoke Pound Cottages 0917 Meonstoke PO & Stores our Web site at www.singandtonic.org.uk 0921 Exton The Shoe PH and fill in a contact form. Return from: 1200 Waitrose, Petersfield

19 The Bridge ~ August and September 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 West Meon 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 Free Street, Bishops Waltham 0300 555 1387 The above numbers are open Mon. to Thurs. 8.30 am - 4.30 pm 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 Warnford Road Mike Camp 877180 DISTRICT COUNCILLORS Corhampton Lane Charles Hall 877506 Droxford See page 24 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. Call one of our trustees in confidence to request a form: Droxford Gordon Hope 877751 Corhampton: Monika Thwaites, 877939 Exton Joan Starkie 878698 Droxford: Ann Symes, 877643 & Julia Keitley, 877414 POLICE (non-emergency calls) 101 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 ~ August and September 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 BW Deanery Christian Aid Walk 2016 This year we returned to the ‘peculiar’ parish of Southwick as the venue for the annual sponsored INOR INJURIES UNIT walk in support of Christian Aid. With the help of M two local walkers, two interesting routes of just Petersfield Hospital, Swan Street under 10 and 5 miles were planned and very Petersfield, GU32 3LB ☎ 01730 263221 thoroughly reconnoitred, together with a short family walk incorporating a quiz of points of interest Open 8.00 am to 6.00 pm 365 days a year to be found around the village. As a dedicated Minor Injuries Team, we can treat th many minor injuries for all ages including: The weather on Sunday 15 May was ideal for Cuts & Abrasions walking and the ground, which in places had given much cause for concern, had dried out to make Burns easy going, all except for the field which had been Ear & nose injuries ploughed just a few days earlier! The walkers Eye injuries returned to enjoy excellent refreshments, courtesy Foreign bodies of Southwick church. Head Injuries Minor Fractures A total of 77 walkers tackled one of the three walks, Nose bleeds accompanied by an undetermined number of dogs. Splinters, Sprains & Strains All, including the dogs, enjoyed the day out on footpaths and bridleways in the countryside. For If we cannot treat your injury, we will refer you several, including many walkers from elsewhere in to another member of our multi-disciplinary team. These can include: the diocese and beyond, this was an exploration of countryside that had not been visited before, or ● Accident & Emergency Department perhaps seen only from a passing car. ● Dentist At the time of writing not all the sponsorship money ● Fracture Clinic has been collected, but we hope at least to equal ● General Practitioner last year’s £5000 raised to support the ● Ophthalmic Optician dispossessed and impoverished. The total so far is £,4687, with one result still to come in, plus Gift We have X-ray facilities Monday to Friday from 9.00 am Aid. to midday. Waiting times vary, but most patients are seen, treated and discharged within an hour. Robin Boston, for Bishop’s Waltham Deanery

21 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016

A year of highs at the Valley Preschool

s the summer term draws to a close at the Valley Transition: In addition to all the above, the preschool APreschool we have been looking back at some of the ‘Frogs’ have been getting ready for school . They have exciting events of the year. been practising a variety of skills needed for school, Ofsted: Earlier this year Ofsted paid us a visit, and spending play times in the playground at the school next were very impressed with our provision, commenting door, and taking part in a very successful transition day that the Valley Preschool was very good, bordering on where the children moved up to Reception. Our outstanding. In the feedback it was mentioned that our ‘Tadpoles’ (2 and 3 year olds), have been benefiting role play area could be enhanced further, so without from small group activities, ‘sticky kids’ music and further ado, we took action. Ofsted particularly praised movement sessions, puppet stories and nursery the hard work of the team of staff: “The staff work very rhymes, as well as learning from our ‘Frogs’, who are cohesively together. There is a very clear drive and fantastic role models. vision towards improving outcomes for children, through Staff development: Meanwhile, to make sure we professional development.” provide the best quality of care, learning and Space: Having watched in awe as Tim Peake launched development for the children, the Valley Preschool staff off in his rocket, the children, needless to say, took a have been enhancing their professional development. particular interest in space. The role play area was The supervisor (Sarah) has just completed a BA (Hons) transformed into mission control, and part of our in Early Childhood Studies, and the deputy supervisor climbing frame turned into a rocket. The children (Lynette) has finished the second year of a Foundation experienced a wide range of space-themed activities, Degree in Childhood Studies, at Winchester University. covering all the areas of the early years foundation In September, Charlotte (2-year-old co-ordinator) and stage (EYFS) framework, and beyond… Andrea will start the Foundation Degree in Early Years Programme. The strategies learnt on these courses are Kings and Queens: As the Queen was celebrating her designed to enable the development of key transferable 90th birthday, we introduced the theme of Kings and skills into the workplace. Queen, turning mission control into a rather fabulous castle. The children drew pictures of hats for the Queen, Annual General Meeting th and donning their high-vis safety jackets, walked to the The AGM for the Valley Preschool will take place on 20 village post box to send them to her. Following all the September 2016, at 7.45pm at the Valley Preschool. If celebrations, pomp and ceremony, we were all very you would like to nominate a committee member please th excited when we received a letter on behalf of the contact the preschool for a nomination form before 12 Queen, thanking the children for their “splendid artwork” September. Sarah Winter-Page (see photo, below right, of letter and card from 01489 878019 Buckingham Palace). info@the valleypreschool.org.uk Pirates: The final theme for this academic year was Pirates. There had been a gentle progression from the royalty in their castles, to marauding pirates, so out went the castle, and in came a beautiful pirate ship, complete with sea and sand. This theme was taken outside as well, as the children practised their physical development by walking the plank, landing (with much laughter, and a lot of splashing) into a paddling pool.

From the registers Weddings Meonstoke 4th June Alana Baxter & Lewis Gray 2nd July Alice Walker & Philip Holt 16th July Emma-Louise Jackson & Kevin Campbell Droxford 23rd July Hannah Baker & Oliver Stoodley Funerals Meonstoke 1st July Charles Hutchinson, age 55 Exton 21st July Jill Freemantle, age 85 Interment of Ashes Meonstoke 5th July David Whitehead, age 81

22 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016 District Diary August Wed. 7 Morning Prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am Look-in for coffee and chat, 10.00–12.00 Mon. 1 4th. Waterlooville Brownies stay at The Meon Hall St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke Tue 2 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 Thu. 8 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Wed 3 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am MV Garden Club: Garden Visit to Rymans 1.30 am Look-in for coffee and chat, 10.00–12.00 Apuldram, Chichester. Met in Droxford Sq. St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke Sat. 10 Droxford Cricket Club Charity car wash, at the Thu. 4 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am school, to raise funds for Droxford school lockers. Sat. 6 6th. Portsmouth Brownies stay at The Meon Hall FOMS Barn Dance. The Meon Hall 7.30 pm Sun. 7 Trinity Eleven (Transfiguration) Sun. 11 Trinity Sixteen (1st) Holy Communion (CW) Meonstoke 11.00 am (2nd) Holy Communion (BCP), Meonstoke 8.00 am Tue. 9 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 Family Eucharist (CW), Droxford 10.30 am Wed 10 Morning Prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am Evensong (BCP), Corhampton 6.30 pm Thu. 11 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Mon.12 Latest copy date for August -September Bridge Sun. 14 Trinity Twelve (2nd) Holy Communion (CW), Droxford 11.00 am Mon.12 RBL meeting: The evolution of Naval Nursing 7.00 pm Tue. 16 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 talk by Comm. Inga Kennedy: Droxford VH MV Flower Club: Meeting at the Meon Hall 2.00 pm Tue. 13 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 Sketches, Songs & Stuff, The Meon Hall 8.00 pm MVDFAS: Talk Cardiff Castle. Meon Hall 10.40 am See page 5 for details DDMIX dance and aerobics, The Meon Hall 2.15 pm Wed.17 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am Play reading group, The Meon Hall 7.30 pm Look-in for coffee and chat, 10.00–12.00 Wed 14 Morning Prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke Sing and Tonic, Droxford Village Hall 7.30 pm MV Garden Club: Garden visit: West Dean 11.30 am Corhampton & Meonstoke Parish Council 7.30 pm Near Chichester. Meet in Droxford Square Meeting in The Meon Hall Thu. 18 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Thu. 15 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Droxford Parish Council meeting, Droxford VH7.30 pm Sun. 21 Trinity Thirteen Fri. 16 Singing for Fun, The Stables, B/Waltham 2.00 pm (3rd) Holy Communion (CW), Corhampton 11.00 am West Meon Music Festival begins – 7.30 pm Mon. 22 The Hall Meon Is closed for floor & other see page 7 with concerts on Sat & Sunday also maintenance and re-opens Mon 29th Tue. 23 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 Sun. 18 Trinity Seventeen Wed.24 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am (3rd) Holy Communion (BCP), Exton 8.00 am Thu. 25 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Informal All-age Service, Droxford 10.00 am Matins (BCP), Corhampton 10.30 am Sun. 28 Trinity Fourteen Taizé Service, Corhampton 6.30 pm (4th) Holy Communion (CW), Exton 11.00 am Tue. 20 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 Tue. 30 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 MV Flower Club: Meeting, The Meon Hall 21.00 pm Wed.31 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am U3A: Talk; Agatha Christie, by Angela Clear 2.00 pm Wickham Centre. September DDMIX dance and aerobics, The Meon Hall 2.15 pm Thu. 1 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Wed. 21 Morning Prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am Fri. 2 Singing for Fun, The Stables, B/Waltham 2.00 pm Look-in for coffee and chat, 10.00–12.00 St Andrew’s Church, Meonstoke Sun. 4 Trinity Fifteen Sing and Tonic, Droxford Village Hall 7.30 pm (1st) Holy Communion (BCP), Droxford 8.00 am MV Garden Club: Geraniums, by Roger Butler7.30 pm Family Eucharist (CW),Meonstoke 10.30 am The Meon Hall Harvest Festival, Exton 3.30 pm Thu. 22 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am Longstock Park Water Gardens open; in aid 21.00 pm Concert: Hindhead Wind band, 7.30 pm of Meon Valley Carers Group See page 16 Meonstoke Church; see page 13 Tue. 6 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 Sun. 25 Trinity Eighteen U3A: 25th Anniversary of the Meon Valley 2.00 pm (4th) Holy Communion (BCP), Corhampton 8.00 am group: Wickham Centre All-age Service, Meonstoke 9.30 am DDMIX dance and aerobics, The Meon Hall 2.15 pm Holy Communion (CW), Exton 10.30 am Mon. 26 Meon Hall Management C’tee meeting 7.30 pm The Meon Hall

23 The Bridge ~ August and September 2016

Tue. 27 Drop-in coffee morning, Droxford VH 10.30–12.00 WINCHESTER CITY COUNCIL DDMIX dance and aerobics, The Meon Hall 2.15 pm DISTRICT COUNCILLORS Wed 28 Morning prayer, Meonstoke 8.30 am For Central Meon Valley (Droxford): Film night: Golden Years, Droxford VH 7.30 pm Cllr Linda Gemmell [email protected] Thu. 29 Holy Communion, Droxford 10.00 am 01489 895023 Fri. 30 Pop-up Coffee Shop, The Meon Hall 9.30 am Cllr Frank Pearson [email protected] October 01489 892822 Cllr Vicki Weston [email protected] Sat. 1 MV Garden Club: Autumn Plant Sale, 10.00 am 01329 835161 Droxford Village Hall FODS: Race Night, Droxford Village Hall 7.00 pm For Upper Meon Valley (Meonstoke, Exton and Sun. 2 Trinity Nineteen Corhampton) (1st) Holy Communion (BCP), Droxford 8.00 am Cllr Laurence Ruffell [email protected] Harvest Festival service, Meonstoke 10.30 am 01962 777 236 Evensong (BCP). Exton 6.30 pm Cllr Amber Thacker [email protected] 01962 771 863

We welcome. . . Jane Glencross, who has come to 2, Meon Terrace, Droxford, from Swanmore. Alan (Al) and Charlotte Walls-Hardiman, who have come to 2 Hill Crest Cottage, High Street, For information about events, and for the latest Meonstoke, from London. on the restoration and community hub project, Adrian and Karen Crockford, who have come to go to the Friends Web site at: 9 Oxendown, High Street, Meonstoke, from Exton www.friendsofdroxfordchurch.org.uk via Waltham Chase. Among others on the Web site there is a link Roly and Vicky Hill, who have come with Sophie under Membership on how to Become a Friend and Alex, to Glebe Cottage, Church Lane, Exton, and also some useful links to the Meon Bridge from Epsom churches and Droxford Parish Council Web sites. David and Val Cozens, who have come from Bishop's Waltham to 12, Chestnut Rise, Droxford, with 3 red setters, Bonny, Trouble and Forest.

THE MEON BRIDGE BENEFICE SUNDAY SERVICES FROM SEPTEMBER 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 8.00 am – 10.30 am Evensong – Sunday Droxford Meonstoke Exton 6.30 pm Second 8.00 am 10.30 am Evensong – Sunday Meonstoke – Droxford Corhampton 6.30 pm Taizé Third 8.00 am Informal All-age 10.30 am – Corhampton Sunday Exton Droxford Corhampton See diary for dates. Fourth 8.00 am 9.30 am 10.30 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

24