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WELCOME to the Valley News

The Valley News were thrilled to get The Lent lunches offer some feedback on last month’s edition. wonderful opportunities to meet Admittedly it was criticism, not praise, neighbours, enjoy delicious soup and but it is still nice to know that we have contribute to a very worthwhile cause been noticed. In response to the (which brings us back to our topic of complaint that the February cover the month) and children are welcome. photo was not of the Itchen Valley, I Looking back over my photographs can assure readers that this month’s taken in March of previous years, I was cover photograph was taken from my surprised that so many of them have garden although not strictly a photo of had snow. Our County Councillor the valley. Maybe there will be more gives advice on this in her article. We feedback this month as there are two also learn how vital the cold of winter articles about a subject that many is for native trees, so welcome it when people prefer not to think about. If it comes - I am writing this after a day you disagree with our decision to print that could have been June. No wonder these contributions do feel free to let the British talk so much about the us know - or even let us know if you weather. agree with it. Perhaps this is in the Next month’s editors are Lucy and Fi. nature of a ‘trigger warning’, but don’t Charlotte Appleby worry, there is plenty of easy reading here as well, and also instructions on Itchen Valley News Chief Editor Vernon Tottle how to access almost unlimited Editors Charlotte Appleby, Verity reading, of whatever kind you like, Coleman, Tony Gaster, Fiona from the library. McIntosh, Lucy Wolfe Some of our regular features are Advertising Jenny Sloan Distribution Lyn Jones IA&A 07899 922221 missing - will you notice? This is partly Gilly Greenwood E&MW 779540 because most of the editorial team was Treasurer Vernon Tottle away for some of February. If anyone For editorial enquiries, articles, letters or would like to join the team taking on comments, please email: the role of investigative journalist (or [email protected]. any other role!) they would be most For advertising enquiries, please email: [email protected] welcome. Postal address: Itchen Valley News, Hazeldene, The What’s On section is gratifyingly Road, , SO21 1BE busy, with twelve events in March plus Please send all contributions for April 2019 by Friday advance notice of others further down 15 March. All material is published in good faith and the Valley News cannot be held responsible for any the line. In many cases there is more information given or views expressed; neither can it be information about these events later in liable for any loss arising from the use of any the magazine and we hope you find this information or advertisements contained herein. The Editorial Team reserves the right to refuse or amend format useful - if not, you know how to articles or advertisements submitted for publication. get in touch. You might even meet one Printed by Greenhouse Graphics of Basingstoke. of the editorial team at one of the Cover photo by Charlotte Appleby, other photos from events and give your opinion in person. various contributors. 3 Lent Lunches, Fridays 8, 15, 22, What’s On 29 March and 5, 12 April See page 39 for more information. Tuesday 5 March 4.30 - 6.30 pm Stephanie Gretton Pancake party at St John’s Church Itchen Abbas. See page 36 for details Saturday 23 March Beccy Clark Annual Valley Litter Pick 10am - 12 noon. See Page 9 . Monday 11 March 7.30 pm Cllr Ward-Boughton-Leigh Stations of the Cross, Church. See page 26 for details. Tuesday 26 March 9.00 am Beccy Clark Spring clean at St Swithun’s church Martyr Worthy. See page 19. Thursday 14 March 10am Cathy Dickinson Easton flower rota coffee morning, Steeple Cottage. See page 4 February Friday 29 March, 7.30pm Valley News for details or contact Charity Quiz Night, in aid of Penelope on 779317 Home-Start . [email protected] or Pauline School Bring a table of on [email protected]. eight or join a team on the night. Small Penelope Kellie and Pauline Lund case of wine for the winning team. Thursday 14 March 10.30am Tickets £10. BYO eats, drinks, glasses etc. Dog Walk in aid of Home-Start For tickets email info@home- Winchester startwinchester.org.uk or call Sue Sponsored by Gay Dog Boarding Barham on 01962 851177 Kennels, 10.30am at Pinglestone Sue Gentry House, , SO24 9TB. Two guided walks of different lengths Saturday 30 March - Elijah leave at 10.45am prompt, whatever the Mendelssohn’s wonderful Oratorio on weather. Donation £10 per walker at 7.30pm in the cathedral. Waynflete (includes soup and a ploughman’s Singers are joined by the Newcastle lunch). Non-dog walkers welcome Bach Choir and London Mozart Players Book your ticket online (plus 70p conducted by Andrew Lumsden. booking fee) at www.ticketsource. Tickets from Cathedral box office co.uk/home-start-winchester-districts (01962 857275) £12.50 - £39.50 alternatively send a cheque payable to Tony Gaster Home-Start Winchester & Districts to Saturday 6 April - Easton & Martyr Lanterns, Bereweeke Road, Worthy Safari Supper Winchester SO22 6AJ, call 01962 See Page 28 for more information and 851177 or email info@home- booking form. Applications close 29 startwinchester.org.uk March. Sue Gentry T and A McGowan and Hilary Castle Thursday 14 March 7.15pm Thursday 25 April 7pm WI meeting Easton Village Hall. All Annual Parish Meeting; more details welcome, see page 7. next month. Kyrene Beames Patrick Appleby

4 Winchester GoLD Arts & Crafts Garden Fair

Thursday 25th April 2019 from 10.00 – 16.00 Upper Farm, Down Farm Lane, SO23 7LA (by kind permission of Mrs Katie Brown)

Pippa Greenwood answering all your gardening queries۞ Blooming Workshop offering three 1-hr indoor flower arranging۞ demos

Plus a great selection of plants, gifts, arts & crafts, jewellery, fashion, home produce, food & drink stalls and a lunch tent.

Admission: £5 on entry, plus free parking. Advanced booking £15 includes entrance, one flower arranging demo and lunch. Contact Ros Francis for tickets or more info. Tel. 01962 71122 or Email: [email protected] Sponsored by Charters Estate Agents, Winchester

Valley Boules 2019 three rounds through the summer, aiming to win the The days are lengthening Dick Hewitt Trophy, and this heralds the start currently held by Easton. of the boules season. All Secondly there is a knock- four villages have their out event with all four own social evenings villages coming together (Mondays in Easton and on a long June evening, Tuesdays for Avington, Itchen Abbas vying for the Nigel Graham Maw Cup, and Martyr Worthy), and throughout won last year by Avington. The dates the summer there are two intra-valley for all these are: competitions and occasional visits with Tuesday 4 June – league round 1 villages further afield. The events are Easton (home) v Avington primarily social and all villagers are Itchen Abbas (home) v Martyr welcome. Playing starts in April or Worthy May and local organisers will issue Tuesday 25 June – Triples (knock- details of dates and venues nearer the out) at Itchen Abbas time. Tuesday 9 July – league round 2 One of the two competitions within Easton (home) v Itchen Abbas the valley is a league - one match Martyr Worthy (home) v Avington against each other village, spread over 5

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6 Tuesday 30 July – league round 3 Russell, Barney Gloyn. Thank you to Avington (home) v Itchen Abbas Kevin Rosewell for helping put up the Martyr Worthy (home) v Easton various decorations and to Garfield Do go along to your local village Powe for his carpentry expertise. We evenings and join in. No experience is are also very grateful to Joanna Smith necessary. for donating the raffle prize (6 bottles Ralph Matthews of wine) which raised a whopping £555. Also a big thank you to the Let's ABBA Party - Thank you people who helped with the clear up on Sunday morning. note Thank you again for your support On behalf of the organizing committee which has raised an amazing £2602.18 (Fiona, Pat, Iris, Sally & Helen) we for the Village Hall. would like to thank everyone for their Let's ABBA Party committee attendance and support in making the evening one to remember. It was WI report fantastic to see the amount of effort that each person had put into their February's meeting began with a fancy dress, with Frances Gray winning fascinating talk by Mike Cox, formerly the prize for her outfit which was very of Easton, on research into family reminiscent of the ABBA singer history, which involved a ramble Agnetha Faltskog. We especially would through his own family. It would seem like to thank Judy Bishop for the that he has a very interesting family, or amazing scenery that created a is it just that he has humanized those wonderful effect; the Disco supplied by names with details and facts of family James and Barney Gloyn that brought life in a most delightful way! Anyway, back memories of the 1970's discos it would appear that we are all that we used to frequent and Simon descended from the French King Louis Broadley for organising the bar along IX, Saint Louis! If you have an unusual with Henry Labram and their band of surname some research is easier, and happy barmen - Nick Canfor, Paul apparently we have lost 200,000 surnames since 1900, leaving us with a mere 45,000 to sift through. The internet has opened up a lot of records, but taken some of the adventure out of the search! There are currently 6 million people tracing their family history, so good luck if you decide to join them. Our next meeting is on 14 March at 7.15 in Easton Village Hall when Dr Becky Peacock will tell us how women have worked on the railway, not in desk jobs! Do come and join us, everyone welcome! Kyrene Beames

7 after the planned timetable change this From Our MP May, a further 150 vehicles will come Last month saw my online to increase latest ASKSWR capacity. public meeting on Andy Thomas, the local train who has recently service. taken on the role, Customer service, told the meeting smart ticketing, that he was fully industrial focused on disruption and performance, and operating that for Network performance were Rail it was about all on the agenda as going back to Andy Mellors basics, where they (Chief Executive of start on time, South Western finish on time and Railway) and Andy inform passengers Thomas (who runs clearly and the local Network Rail Wessex Route) concisely if there are any issues. came to the city to address a number Among the questions from the floor of issues that have arisen since SWR the subject of rail fares, and the Carnet took over the franchise from South came up prominently. Mr Mellors West Trains in August 2017. explained the rationale behind the SWR acknowledged it has been a Carnet, which is a flexible season challenging 17 months, and customer ticket, and how the company was satisfaction was not where they wanted obliged to follow index-regulated fares. it to be. Mr Mellors said that the He also agreed they would look at the railway had become busier, and more problem of closed ticket offices. A complex to number of people manage, but they raised concerns looked forward over closed ticket to using the offices at both promised £5m peak times and investment for on weekends, rolling stock to where SWR deliver an advertise special increase in deals, and there performance. He was also also said that discussion over there had been a staff flexibility, number of driver where Mr vacancies as they Mellors said they took over the franchise, and as it takes were currently in conversations with 15 months to train up new drivers, the Union. He also confirmed that they were now starting to see the SWR were not dispensing with guards, benefits. In addition, he confirmed that and they will continue to roster a 8

guard on every train. Under the trains coming online will allow guards Holden Review, he explained that some to become even more visible to methods of operation have the customers on board. Again, this potential to be more efficient, and new subject was something they are talking 9 about with the Ken Taylor 1941 – 2019 Union. I was grateful to all Kenneth George Taylor was born in for turning out on Ilford, Essex, on 12 December 1941, what was a bitterly son of Doris and George Taylor. Ken cold and snowy flourished at school and was appointed evening and to the Head Boy at Alderbrook Secondary two Andys for coming to Winchester. School. His other interests including We all know the last months have been the Scout movement and he was very tough, which is why I called the captain of the local lifesaving club. meeting. I am confident that they really After leaving school, Ken joined a have gripped the issues facing the rail gentleman’s outfitters in Ilford, run by service but the proof of the pudding Dick Richards, who soon made him a will, as ever, be in the eating. business partner. We covered a lot of ground, including delay re pay and parking around both Shawford and station, where there needs to be real joined-up thinking to ensure that the service works for commuters as well as, crucially, local residents. There is clearly a way to go on delivering a 'part -time' season ticket product that meets expectations and I will be liaising closely with Ministers as they respond to the recent Fares Fare consultation. As ever, I remain more than ready to challenge SWR and Network Rail on behalf of my constituents, and I Ken met Dianne at the local Ilford encourage constituents to stay in touch Palais, and they married in 1964. Mum with me as we hopefully move forward and Dad both loved, adored, and with confidence. More: complemented each other so well. www.stevebrine.com/trains Dad joined Sun Life of Canada as a Want to attend PMQs this year? I have sales rep in December 1964, selling life now opened the ballot for tickets to assurance policies and pensions at their watch Prime Minister’s Questions on London West End Branch. Wednesday 13th March 2019. See; The birth of my sister Sally in 1965 www.stevebrine.com/PMQs gave Ken one of his proudest moments Finally, you can find more of my work, and I appeared in 1967. Ken was a real including my reaction to the latest family man. He saw his role was to Brexit developments, via my website at provide for his family; he would go www.stevebrine.com but please ‘like’ without to provide for us to ensure we my Page at www.fb.com/SteveBrineMP had all that we wanted. He never for instant updates. forgot what it was like to have nothing, Steve Brine and that always motivated him to strive to build that nest egg for his family. MP for Winchester & Itchen Valley Come 1977 and Ken was promoted to 10 the branch manager of Unfortunately, all too soon

Colchester branch. In 1978 Di became ill again, this the Colchester Branch won time it was a secondary the Presidents Trophy, and cancer in her liver, and on one of Ken’s units won the 16 April 1997 we lost Di. McAllister Shield; this Ken was all at sea without would be the equivalent of her. He was now retired winning the Premiership and alone but he title and FA Cup in the encouraged me and helped same year. As a reward, me to move out into my Ken won a trip for himself and Di to own first home; he joined the visit Canada; mum and dad decided to Alresford Rotary Club, and liked the make a family trip of it and we all went companionship, made some lovely on a two week trip starting in Florida friends, and remained a member until and on to Washington DC before last year. visiting Canada. Ken was diagnosed last July with Ken was again promoted in 1979 and in Parkinson’s and in December with lung 1985 he became Manager of the Leeds cancer. It was found too late for any branch, and moved to Ilkley, buying a treatment, he didn’t complain at all, but fabulous “upside down house” wanted to remain at home if at all overlooking the River Wharf. .Ken and possible. We all set about to ensure Di were very happy there, it was a that Ken had the best care possible perfect house for entertaining the until he passed away on 8 January 2019; family. They really loved spending thank you all. summer evenings on their balcony, Extracts from the tribute given by his G&T in hand, followed by a lovely meal daughter Tracey and wine. Meanwhile Ken and Di were BorrowBox comes to town celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with a cruise in the Most readers of the Caribbean, and soon after Ken was Itchen Valley News will celebrating his 25th anniversary with at some time have Sun Life of Canada, where they were borrowed books from one or more of hit with a “This is your Life K G Taylor”, the ’s many of his colleagues over the years libraries. Whilst it is very pleasant to contributing to the occasion. hold a book in your hands and hear the After a posting to Dublin, Ken then paper rustle as you turn the pages, you moved to the Southampton Branch. do have to visit the library to take it Di, who had been unwell for some out and you have to go back there to time, was rushed into hospital the night return it. before we were due to move south. A few weeks ago the library service After an operation and recuperation, launched a new option for reading Di was given parole and Ken and Di books: for those of you who are began once again setting up home digitally aware, you can now access together here in Itchen Abbas, in Little them online and read them on your Hayes Lane. Ken decided now that he computer at home. The service was 54 it was time to retire. chosen for this enterprise, BorrowBox, 11

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12 has several thousand eBooks on its Perky sound; younger readers may virtual shelves, with by far the biggest need to ask their parents what I mean! number categorised as Romantic If you want to read novels without Fiction. But non-fiction books are also visiting the library, this service is for available, ranging from Mary Berry’s you. But if you like talking to a real Household Tips to The Eddie Stobart person when borrowing books …… Story. Vernon Tottle It’s pretty easy to sign up via the HCC Library website using your library The Story Behind a Story borrower’s card number via the “Borrowing from your local library It was 1989. My eBooks and audiobooks” link. You are husband Rob and I with limited to a total of five eBooks either our two young being read or reserved so if you are daughters had just reading a series of novels, for example, relocated from you can have the next four lined up California for his work ready for when you finish the current assignment at IBM's volume. Depending on how many Laboratory. I other readers want an eBook, just like found myself living on a normal library not all items are Easton Lane between a available for instant download but lovely village and the spot where the unlike the physical library, it costs footpath goes beneath the A34/M3 and nothing to place a reservation. In on into Winchester. At school I had addition, the waiting time for an eBook studied English history and literature, is usually a lot less; for instance, the so knew something of Roman walls, recently released latest Peter James medieval castles, kings, queens, court book I was hoping to see after several intrigue, copses and fens. Suddenly weeks from the actual library was these words had reality. I was available for instant download. enchanted by all I saw. One other advantage of BorrowBox is With the children settled into Itchen that you can alter Abbas School, I had time to update the size of the friends and relatives about our rambles, typeface. You can explorations, and new adventures. I increase it so you began writing (long) letters home. don’t even need Some of these turned into humorous your glasses to pieces that Iris Oades kindly published read the words; in the Village News. you just end up with more pages to People seemed to enjoy my tales of turn. “expats abroad”, so I thought to try As well as eBooks there are writing something longer, a novel. It audiobooks available. Obviously you would be amusing to retell a fairy tale listen to these instead of reading them as though it was historical, but had but it may not suit everybody, become garbled over the years as especially those who are quick readers. stories do. My heroine would not be You can increase the speed of playback the traditional sweet, compliant, self- but that merely produces a Pinky and effacing victim. She would be reckless,

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14 self-centered, bold, During the years between perhaps lacking in some of living in and today, the higher mental faculties, most of my work has been but of good intent. As an devoted to illustration and oft told tale . . . maybe painting. I spent a couple Cinderella! But which of years after university historical period to set it doing work that in? A neighbour from the demanded my English village stopped by one degree, but then switched morning. An and got a degree in archaeologist, she Fashion Design. After suggested the Anglo Saxon that, my career was period. Not long after, my children devoted to design and art. The came home very excited with the news medieval period played its role here as that remains of Saxon warriors had well: besides costuming a dance troupe been found buried in the sports field of that performed at the Cloisters Itchen Abbas Primary. I was intrigued: Museum in NY, I painted in egg it must be fate. tempera. The sketchbook illustrations So, who were these Saxons? What for my novel use contemporary media was their world like? The research however, brush pens in a Moleskine stage of the project began. I read tablet, and can be seen online at everything I could find on the topic. courtingtrouble.blogspot.com My neighbour Jean Wheeler joined me I have an entire sketchbook from on trips down to Southampton England filled with drawings of the University for courses on Old English plants I found on my rambles. The one literature, medieval history, and thing I could be sure my lead character archeology. Iris Oades gave a course from Easton would know about was on calligraphy for the WI where I the local flora and fauna. So I kept the attempted to scratch out uncial. I notebook, along with weather notes began to embroider in the style of the that might be helpful to move the plot Bayeux Tapestry and studied the through the seasons. Winchester style of illumination. I was Begun in 1990, and set aside for 25 becoming Saxon-ish. years, my romantic comedy, Courting History and culture provide the Trouble by Elaine Drew, is finished, skeleton for my story, but myth, published, and available from Amazon. fairytale, and human foible are the meat Make sure you get the correct volume on the bones. Saxon tales, riddles, and as many other authors have chosen the sagas I uncovered are woven into the same title words. Originally I was plot. Christianity was a fairly recent taken with Courting Trouble because of phenomenon, so the remnants of the the play on the word "courting." It ancient pagan roots of the Saxons joust could refer both to the romantic with the influence of Christian legend entanglements of the story and the and practice. Summon the political mess at the royal court. I knew there drama of the Wessex royal court in were other books with the same title, the year 801. Then introduce the naive but I didn't realize how many. If I had it young lady from Easton determined to to do over again, I'd keep thinking! conquer it. Elaine Drew 15 Bar End: financed through income from From Our City Councillors Everyone Active, who will run the If you have any facility on behalf of WCC. Financial comments or contributions and collaborative questions on the partnerships have been secured to content of this report, deliver specific aims and outcomes for please do not hesitate our residents with The Pinder Trust to get in touch. And (hydrotherapy), Allegra’s Ambition of course, on any (outdoor activity), Hampshire County matter relating to Council and University of Winchester. WCC responsibilities where I will help. (2) Central Winchester (or Silver Hill) : Firstly, an update on my ‘Couch to 5k’ having purchased the Henderson site, progress. I’m writing this on 10 WCC now own the majority of the February for the March edition, and land available. This puts it in a strong have almost completed Week 7 – no, position to ensure we deliver what the there have not been 7 weeks since the City needs in terms of housing, open beginning of January but I mostly run space, jobs and retail. (3) Housing every other day as suggested. By the Revenue Account : a programme to time you read this, I know I will be build 1000 homes – affordable and running 5k in around 30 minutes, or council - in the next few years. maybe less! Running for 90 seconds Cllr Lisa Griffiths was a challenge at the beginning of ______January and surprisingly I have more As spring arrives on your doorstep, so energy and am enjoying a very happy do the politicians! As reliable as spring, frame of mind. Who would have and just as exciting. thought that something which feels like Every year there are torture on occasions, could also make elections in May, me feel good? If you’d like something (sometimes other slower paced, there are seven different months as well but walking routes in the District, and over let’s ignore that for 6,000 walkers with a mixture of ages now). Every year I and abilities who walked at least an hear about problems hour a week in 2018. All the walks are that have been making your lives a led by local people who find different misery and mostly. it is a problem than routes and plenty of good conversation can be fixed. to build friendships and make the time DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE US! pass quickly (and healthily). Because - You may be Out – It Matters The facts about WCC finances – We are far more likely to take good The budget will be put to Full Council notes sitting down on the phone, or in on the 28 February 2019, including a a Councillor Surgery – It’s cold on your Council Tax freeze for all District doorstep in February, and March, and residents, and doorstep glass recycling sometimes April as well – You will be commencing October 2019 – no extra able to concentrate better when you’re cost from WCC to residents. not making supper. Important aspects in the 2019/20 We are elected to represent you budget : (1) The new leisure centre at regardless of political persuasion. But please contact us when the problem 16

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17 occurs, they are much easier to fix. too. A brief canter through my casework The Major Modifications following shows planning challenges, housing the Inspector’s review of the South troubles, developers working outside Downs Local Plan are out for their brief, neighbour nuisance, comment. https:// highways blocked, bins not collected, www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning/ and always – dog fouling. Casework national-park-local-plan/south-downs- provides a welcome relief from Council local-plan-main-modifications/ decision making, and the results are Deadline for comments: 28 March usually quicker to deliver. 2019. Both WCC and SDNPA are Next Councillor Surgery – Friday 1 now running a rolling call for March, 0930-1045, Alresford development sites: details on how to Community Centre, by kind permission do this is on their websites. of the Trustees. Grants are often the best way to Cllr Margot Power raise funds, especially capital schemes, and the County has created a fund for Jackie’s County Corner parishes and communities with large budget plans. Please contact them Beware: The snow may come direct, but if you have a smaller scheme back again! HCC Salted routes looking for less than £1000 please talk include all bus routes, but residents are to me about the County Councillor encouraged to clear snow and ice in Grants which are quick to organise and their local environment using the start again in June. material in the grit boxes. Council tax: Continued Please check your local grit bin in case efficiencies/savings are being there’s more snow this year: if the made by HCC to reduce the material inside it is solid, or it is empty, budget and cope with extra please tell HCC via their website demand. There is a consultation for a www.hants.gov.uk : put ‘salt bin’ in the revision of the Specialist Teachers search box, then scroll down to ‘salt Advisory Service which offers specific bins’. For a box without a reference support and advice to parents of number- write in ‘Grit bin wanted’ children with special needs. Deadline For a box which is damaged or the grit for consultation responses is 9 March . is solid, click ‘Grit bin damaged’ Full details can be seen at http:// Hampshire Commission 2050- documents.hants.gov.uk/consultation/ please go to the STASInformationPack.pdf hants.gov.uk website for The proposed HCC more details. The Council Tax budget commission of 16 invited rises by 2.99%, which is people is looking at what the referendum limit. The Hampshire County Council 6% additional adult social need to do to make care additional sum has Hampshire fit for life in been ‘used up’ in the last 2050. A report is expected two years, so will not be this summer. You can imposed again this year, watch commission but is expected to be meetings on the website reinstated in future years. 18 Cllr Jackie Porter, together depending on their personal

Tel: 01962 791054, Mob 07973 696 commitments. 085 [email protected] Some of our happy group have moved from the area and we are desperately Hold very tight please! looking for volunteer replacements for the months of August, November and The number 67 bus December. that plies its course If you think you can help us please between Petersfield contact Cathy Dickinson 01962 and Winchester via 779239 / 07551907577 the Itchen Valley PS: We have a Spring Clean on now has a revised Tuesday 26 March 9.00 am. Come timetable. The new and join us and meet ‘the team’. Coffee times are shown on page 40 in the and biscuits! customary pink box of local Cathy Dickinson information. The main features are as follows: Letter from the Rectory – 1 Saturday services are unchanged and there still is no Sunday service. Dying Well 2 Early and late services on weekdays mostly remain unchanged “You are the best granny a girl could want. I love you so much”. These 3 Some services on Monday and were the last words that my mother in Thursday are cut completely and the law, Cherry Slater, read from her equivalent services on Tuesday, youngest granddaughter a few minutes Wednesday and Friday have been before she died peacefully in an arm retimed. chair last Autumn. After she moved to These changes took place on 17 Hampshire from Surrey, where she had February so regular bus users will be lived for much of her life, her daughter familiar to some extent with the new Lucy went through her address book timetable by the time this magazine is and sent out change of address cards printed but details of the changes were with an update on her declining health. not made public until early February So Cherry spent her last few months and so missed last month’s edition. being visited daily by all her friends, Vernon Tottle relations and godchildren. Cherry’s death has been painful for all Help is needed at St of us but, particularly, of course, for Swithun’s Church, Martyr Lucy and her brothers. Death is always painful. It is so difficult to comprehend Worthy that that person, who has been so well Our beautiful church is cared for by a loved, who has been so much a part of wonderful team of volunteers. Every our lives and who has been such a month two people great character and personality, is just help to keep the no longer there. But we have reflected church clean on a that, whichever way we look at it, weekly basis either Cherry’s was about as good a death as individually or it can ever be. She died well. 19

20 Of course, this is not always the case. need not all be doom and gloom’. But

Death can so often be accompanied by we need to prepare for it long before anger, fear, loneliness and pain. we receive that terminal diagnosis. Sometimes there are circumstances Indeed, it could be argued that living which can overcome the situation, well means preparing to die well. In taking all decision making and power to the Middle Ages, when the Black Death achieve a good death out of our hands. stalked Europe and so early death was And we often hear horror stories frequently encountered, theologians about the chaos which can be left wrote books on the Ars Moriendi ‘the behind by a deceased: from broken Art of Death’ to guide those who relationships to debt, which then taints might at any time, at any age, succumb our impression of the person we have to the Plague. It is from these lost. This has caused me to reflect documents that Wyatt has drawn some recently that it might be worth us of his ideas. spending some time now considering Wyatt sees imminent death as how we ourselves will die. How might providing a number of opportunities: we try to follow a path towards the for internal spiritual growth (the inevitable for all of us, which is the weakness of illness can lead to serious least upsetting for those we leave repentance and strengthening of faith - behind? Can we do this better, if we we sometimes can only really are fortunate enough to be given some encounter God when we have finally time between diagnosis and death? lost all hope of relying on ourselves); I have been helped in thinking about for being thankful for the things which this subject by reading John Wyatt’s in the normal run of our lives we so excellent book Dying Well. Wyatt is often take for granted; for healing, Emeritus Professor of Neonatal building, celebrating and completing Paediatrics at University College relationships (as one of my friends London. He is a leading expert in found the diagnosis of pancreatic medical ethics and a Christian. Wyatt cancer enabled him to settle some long points out something which might not standing family issues, as he summoned sit terribly easily with many of us – that his relations to his hospital bed); for dying can bring wonderful finding forgiveness from God for the opportunities if we make an effort to things in our lives that we regret do it well. He expresses concern (particularly where it is too late to about what he calls the ‘over obtain forgiveness from those directly medicalization’ of death due to, in affected); for leaving a legacy (for some cases, inexperience and fear of example, in the form of an litigation. He affirms the wonderful autobiography or letters to our friends work done in the area of palliative care or family to say the things that we in the management of pain. But his always wanted to say, but never got main focus is on the spiritual and round to saying); for fulfilling dreams emotional aspects of dying. (so we can ‘live until we die’ in the He points in particular to the ‘internal words of the hospice movement); and, growth, healing of relationships, finally, for preparing to meet our Lord gratitude, laughter, finding forgiveness and Saviour. and fulfilling dreams’ which can Wyatt also recognizes that there are characterize the final months of life. serious spiritual and emotional He says, ‘dying is not all loss and it 21 challenges that those who loved, not just what we

are dying may encounter: achieved. And in doing so doubt, despair, impatience, we are building a legacy in pride, greed, denial of death, the minds of those who and the temptation of self- remain. A legacy of love reliance, to all of which he which has a permanent suggests approaches, to help effect and will help them to lift the darkness. In all of find something sweet in all this, Wyatt emphasizes the the pain. importance for the person During the Summer Itchen dying of focusing on the Valley Parish is hoping to needs of those to whom we hold a workshop on Dying are closest and making their Well for Valley Visitors and needs paramount, rather than ours. others interested in this subject – This may be in the courteous way we further announcements will follow. treat nurses, doctors, and other staff Alex Pease we encounter, but will certainly include the way we treat our spouse, children, Be brave – why your Spring siblings and parents whose suffering, although vicarious, is as great, if not Resolution should be to talk greater than, ours and, of course, will about death continue for a long time after our death. What a comfort it is to the This article reached the Valley News too bereaved when the person we loved late for its intended slot in January but if, has died well! like me, you have already forgotten what In October of last year I conducted a your New Year’s Resolutions were, maybe wedding at Pembroke College Chapel you could follow the advice below. It in Cambridge for a young couple in continues the theme of the letter from the their twenties, Gigi and Oli, who were Rectory above, both the articles are friends of my youngest daughter. In relevant to all of us, like it or not. Ed. January, I went to Oli’s funeral. Death is a largely taboo subject for us, I was so struck by what was said in the yet it will happen to us all. Even at an tribute: days before he died he told his early age, the death of a grandparent or family ‘I’m so lucky. I have a wonderful a much-loved family pet is a common life’. His best man continued: ‘During experience. Death is the only his fight [with cancer], not once did he experience everyone is guaranteed to question why. To face such uncertainty share, but only around 20% of UK and still maintain the courage to support adults have discussed their funeral those around him was remarkable, while wishes with anyone (2014 Dying his humility in both accepting and Matters survey). We’re scared to talk defying the monumental challenge was about death in case it brings it into our truly stirring. In short, Oli put life and lives, or upsets whoever we’re talking living into a context that we can learn to. But talking about funerals can have from’. real benefits. Here’s why having this Dying well means that our family and conversation should be one of your friends, our bereaved, can say New Year’s (or Spring) Resolutions. something at our funeral about how we Funerals are for the mourners, not just 22 the best time to be doing so. the deceased A funeral is a rite of passage for the There are real benefits to talking with bereaved; bringing together the those you are close to about your own community of those who loved and will funeral: miss the person who has died to  Removing uncertainty – your family support each other, remember, and say don’t have to guess what you wanted goodbye. A good funeral service  No-one has to make big decisions (whether ‘traditional’ or more when they’re grieving informal) significantly benefits the  Time to research options and discuss bereaved. Conversely, a funeral which what works for all involved doesn’t give loved ones the chance to  More accurate idea of costs if say goodbye in a meaningful way for considering making financial them can complicate grief. provision Decision making is difficult when we’re  Creates a funeral which is right for grieving. Arranging a funeral involves a you and your family, helping their lot of decision making; whether to grief choose burial or cremation, where to  Less emotional to talk about death hold the service, whether it should be when there’s no immediate prospect religious or non-religious, what music, of it happening speakers or readings to include, to So, go on, be brave. Now may be the more minor decisions such as flowers, time to talk to those who you love a charity, even what type of coffin. about your funeral wishes and theirs. Funerals are increasingly more personal Chelsea Duke and individual as there are more choices available. This can result in a About the Author: Chelsea Duke is a more fitting funeral, but making these professionally qualified and experienced decisions under pressure in the Funeral Celebrant and Funeral Director, and chairs local charity Winchester emotionally charged immediate Bereavement Support. aftermath of a death is not necessarily

Photo by Rolls Coleman

23 easy to achieve in our own gardens.

The Valley Gardeners As Charles writes, “Most soil already welcomes Charles Dowding has a good structure for plant roots to grow, and is full of growth-enabling If there is one vegetable gardener organisms. Millions of fungal threads, whose name is on everyone’s lips, it is nematodes and earthworms, to name a Charles few, are being Dowding. The helpful right Valley under our feet, Gardeners were mostly out of delighted to sight. We welcome him to need to help their February them to help meeting and us. You have listen to his wise already started words and no dig without interesting ideas. knowing! Over 100 Since the last members and time you dug guests enjoyed or tilled or Charles’s forked your presentation, soil, it has predicated on been healing his well-known itself, with belief in and networks of practice of “no dig” gardening. This fungi, the breeding of health-bringing dispenses with the long held principle organisms and re-creation of a stable that “digging your soil is essential for structure. Your task is to build on plant growth”. That is a quote from a that, to enable good structure and well-known gardening website which drainage, plus you will discover some suggests you need to either single or extra benefits.” double dig your plot to promote the Of course, being such a popular figure growth of healthy plants and in the gardening world means Charles vegetables. now travels widely giving lectures, In the last few years, the no-dig running workshops both at his home method of gardening has been widely and in places as diverse as West Dean accepted and imitated, including by garden near Chichester and both the RHS at Wisley. However, this is Norway and Sweden. just a part of Charles’s approach to We were so pleased he found time to vegetable growing. He generously come to talk to us and we will be offered us many interesting and visiting Homeacres, his home and labour saving tips and I saw that notes garden, in August this year. To see were being furiously taken down what Charles is up to and learn more throughout the hall. The health, about his way of gardening do visit his vigour and rapid growth of Charles’s website: www.charlesdowding.co.uk crops were obvious from the images Catherine Hahn he displayed and these qualities are 24 200g and 50g, finely chopped (you can Supermarket recipe of the do this in a food processor) month 500ml Double Cream Pink sprinkles or vermicelli Forced pink rhubarb is one of the guilty pleasures of late winter Method and early spring. Poach the rhubarb with Although it is terrible for the sugar in 2 tbsp water your teeth, it makes a for about ten minutes, lovely cordial (Itchen until it is soft and has Valley News April 2015) produced plenty of juice. and it also goes Remove from the heat; splendidly in an old add extra sugar to taste if Waitrose recipe for needed. Add the Trish Deseine’s strawberries. Leave to Rhubarb and White Chocolate cool. Trifle. The tart flavour of the rhubarb Put 200g of the chopped chocolate in a and biscuit base is countered exactly by bowl. Bring the cream to the boil; pour the creamy smooth white chocolate it over. Leave for a few minutes, then and cream topping. stir until smooth. Cool at room This recipe was published in April 2010 temperature for two to three hours. both in the Waitrose monthly magazine Arrange the sponge fingers in the and on their website but it has now bottom of a pretty glass trifle bowl. fallen off the internet and is no longer Pour over the wine, then the cooled available to read online. The rhubarb; place in the fridge for about supermarket has recently published a three hours similar recipe for a similar trifle but it Whip the white chocolate mixture until uses different proportions and thick and creamy; spoon over the ingredients and, having tried both rhubarb. Put back in the fridge. recipes in recent weeks, I can say that Before serving, scatter over the the original recipe is by far the best remaining 50g of chopped chocolate option. So I have taken the unusual and add some pink sprinkles. step of publishing the recipe in full as My tips for this recipe: originally printed, rather than The quantities given fit in a standard suggesting a link to the correct page. three pint capacity trifle bowl. Ingredients Whipping the chocolate cream will 400g fresh forced Rhubarb, chopped take several minutes so it’s worth 2 tablespoonsful Sugar, plus extra to melting it in the bowl of a stand mixer. taste Use a really good quality white 7 Strawberries, hulled and sliced (try to chocolate such as Green and Black’s. I find some nice red ones – not always have tried using cheaper bars and it’s easy at this time of year) not nearly so nice. 12 Savoiardi Sponge Fingers (one pack) After eating, wait for the enamel on - ordinary sponge fingers would do if your teeth to harden and only then you can’t find these posh ones! give them a really good clean to reduce 100ml Dessert Wine or Marsala the risk of tooth decay. 250g White Chocolate divided into Sue Sheph 25 Our Wild Valley - Bud bursts is a necessity for our native trees to grow and think perhaps a little bit and tree flowers. more kindly of these colder months. In our hedgerows hawthorn is the first to To feel warmth in the air, and enjoy tree to burst into leaf, with blackthorn lighter days is a wonderful feeling each having the first white flowers showing. Spring, but somehow we forget how Another good trick that trees have blissful it is, until we get that first good evolved is that their new buds of Spring day, as has happened this week in Mid were made in late summer, before the Feb. However it is not this warmth autumnal shut down, and have been that brings out the first leaf buds. It is protected throughout the winter by the cold of winter that gets leaves tough bud scales. Each species will bursting in Spring; each tree species have varying needs to break dormancy. must go through a certain length of Trees can get caught out when we exposure to chilling temperatures o o have a warm period early on, followed (-5 C to -10 C) before a period of by frost. warmth that will force bud break. This Over generations, our native trees warmth triggers physiological have proved adaptable to gradually responses in trees, rebalancing changing environmental conditions. hormones and enzymes that control However if global climate change keeps growth. pace, this may exceed a native tree’s Each tree has a timer of how many ability to adapt, and a possibility is the days it needs of cold weather, so as we tree might not receive enough chilling perhaps weary of the cold in February, to break dormancy. we can remember that this winter cold Sophie Rogers

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Easton & Martyr Worthy Safari Supper – Saturday 6 April This year’s Safari Supper will be held on Saturday 6 April. We really hope that new arrivals to our villages and people who have not attended before will come and join us as it is a great way to get to know your neighbours. For those who don’t know the idea of the Safari Supper is that participants travel from house to house for three separate courses meeting different people at each course. We shall then all meet up together for the grand finale at Manor Farm House, Easton, the home of Philip and Lucy Wolfe who have kindly agreed to welcome us at the end of the evening. For the event to work most people need to host a course although first timers are usually exempt! The donation price is £25 again this year and at least £12 of this will be donated to Easton Village Hall and St Mary’s Church. For those who cater the reimbursement for each person will be Starter £3: Main £4: Dessert £3: The remaining £3 will go towards the finale and administration costs. Please use the application form below to make your booking with a cheque payable to T McGowan and send it to Wincroft, Easton, Winchester, SO21 1ER. Applications close on Friday 29 March.

EASTON & MARTYR WORTHY SAFARI SUPPER SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2019 If you would like to take part in the Safari Supper please fill in this form and post/ deliver it to T.McGowan at Wincroft, Easton, Winchester, SO21 1ER

Name(s) ……………………………………………………………………………………

Address………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………

Tel No ……………………………………………………………………………

I/We wish to take part and are willing to cater for ………. people (including ourselves) We are prepared to offer one of the following courses: Starter / Main / Dessert – (please delete any you would rather not provide) I enclose a donation of £………....for ………… persons at £25 per head (cheques payable to T. McGowan) I/We accept full legal liability for our actions and absolve the organisers from any responsibility. CLOSING DATE FRIDAY 29 MARCH

28 confuse this with the Annual Parish From the Parish Council. Meeting as above). The change has To start with some been necessary as local elections are dates for the diary. taking place on 2 May and a clash of The first, we will be dates has to be avoided. holding the Annual That brings us to elections. This is one Litter Pick for the of the years in the four yearly cycles Valley on Saturday 23 when all Parish Councillors have to March, starting from the various stand down. Those who wish to assembly points at 10am with the aim continue can then stand for election as to finish by midday when we can all can others. There are ten places on repair to Martyr Worthy Village Hall the Parish Council and on most for tea, coffee and cakes once again occasions in the past there have not generously provided by the ladies of been sufficient candidates to the WI. Please see the separate necessitate at election. At present advertisement on page 9 for full details. there are nine Parish Councillors who We hope to have as many people may stand again. Therefore there is supporting this event as in recent past already one space to be filled. If you years so that we can cover as much of are interested please get in touch with the Valley as possible. If there is me so we can talk about it in more sufficient support we will also try to detail. Being a Parish Councillor gives cover some especially bad “hot spots” an interesting insight into the workings that have been identified. So please of local government at its base level come and join in this great annual but to get the best out of it, time and event and make our beautiful valley commitment are necessary. It is not ready for all to enjoy. just a case of turning up to a meeting The second date and time for your once a month. A great deal of work diary is Thursday 25 April at 7pm when goes on in between. Documents have we will be holding the Annual Parish to be read and commented on, e-mails Meeting. This is the chance for all sent and answered, people and places residents to come and find out what in the Valley visited and other meetings has been achieved in the past year and attended. If you do wish to stand, what plans we have for the future. proposal forms and associated Following the successful format of last documentation can be obtained from year’s APM we hope to start with a Michelle our Parish Clerk (contact short talk by a visiting speaker followed details on our web site). Please note; by the formal part of the meeting and the closing time and date for receipt of finishing with some wine and nibbles Nominations is 4pm on Wednesday 3 when there is the chance to have an April. informal chat with individual Patrick Appleby councillors. And now last but not least a change of Itchen Valley Flower Show - date in May. Our Full Council Meeting the end of an era has been changed from 2 to 9 May. It is also our Annual General Meeting The Itchen Flower Show committee when we allocate various tasks to met recently, and we have decided, individual councillors (please do not after a lot of discussion, (continued page 32) 29 Easton Village Hall Ina Williams 779465 or [email protected]

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31 that we will no longer organise this Di Wilson, Zoe Cannons and Alex

annual event. The reasons are Bellisario. many. Firstly, the support for the Sara Mason Show in its current format has steadily declined with an all time low last year Comings and Goings of just 35 adults entering classes and six of those were committee members. Martyr Worthy: Welcome to Marco & In 1995, 68 adults and 23 children, Kelly Marriage, Tessa (7) & Felix (5) provided 460 entries across the variety who are moving into No 7 Off Church of classes, vegetables, flowers, craft and lane, Martyr Worthy. cookery. By 2018 the number of Easton:- We welcome to Dolphin entries was down to 196. We feel that House David and Teresa Steel who it is no longer viable to hold the have come from Petersfield and we say show. Coupled with the difficulty in goodbye to Amanda Chester who has recruiting helpers to serve teas, left Dolphin House. encourage volunteers to help on the If you are new to the Valley do please let day, and above all encourage people to us know, so that we can officially welcome enter the Show, it has become you to our community. You can give as unsustainable. The demographic across much or as little information as you like - a our villages is changing and so has photograph is always welcome too. (Ed) gardening and growing. Some local shows have thrived but sadly our village The Practical Gardener Show has declined, and the committee has made the decision to stop. There I had to laugh. My contribution last will be no show this year. month included some photos to which Perhaps, in years to come, a new team titles were attached but not by me. may revive the show and come up with Please be assured that my sweet peas new ideas to bring the gardening and are not potatoes and that I do know growing community together. the difference between a broad bean It will be a strange summer without the and a pea seed! Show. It has been a pleasure to Enough of that, so I will continue the organise it with a dedicated team, some have helped for more than ten years, and personally I am very thankful for their support over the last eight years. Thank you to everyone in our community who has supported and entered in the past, especially the children, whose entries each year bring joy and pleasure to all who gaze at their creativity and mastery of baking, theme of easy growing and show craft, handwriting, modelling and photos of growth. In the greenhouse gardening. We thank you for your most seed have germinated really well. support. It’s only the tomatoes which have been Above all thank you to the committee in a propagator which are still quite members who have made the Show small. Patience! I’ve still several possible, Gail Kennedy, Alison Canfor, greenhouse plants in flower. 32

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34 Now I will start to plant The recent talk at out early next month: Valley Gardeners on first-early spuds under “no-dig” is something I fleece, broad beans and have followed for a peas under a plastic long time. The benefits cloche, sweet peas by a of compost were trellis and onion sets stressed repeatedly. straight into the ground. I’m a great fan of Since I planted onion producing my own sets last October, I have compost and here I can spent 10 minutes in share some experience. weeding, proof that it’s If you do this, you can an easy crop. We are be assured of good still eating onions I results. Compost needs harvested last July. to be a mix of different Garden catalogues are things which will full of ways to spend lots include grass cuttings of money. Some of the (great for generating ideas are really good but heat), vegetable waste, honestly what’s the green prunings, old point of spending potting compost, leaves hundreds of pounds and shredded paper. when in most cases you Some perennial flowers can make something by have very tough stems yourself with minimal so these are best effort. Some my pea shredded. Woody support frames are material like old simple triangles made raspberry canes are from treated roof batten best for the bonfire and (19x38) and covered fruit stones, avocado with large plastic mesh, skin and similar should fixed with staples – easy be avoided. My heaps and cheap! take only 3-4 months to March is the great produce good compost. sowing month. It’s not a Away from gardening, month to be away from singing is supposed to the garden, so time to be good for you. I’m get on with it. It is so not that sure, having satisfying seeing the been moaned at results of something you constantly for not have sown yourself. If getting it right at choir. you don’t have a propagator, then the Now one of the nice things about kitchen windowsill is a good standby. plants is they are like pets, they don’t Little plants will wilt in strong sunshine, answer back. Treat them well and you even in a propagator so some care and will be rewarded. Happy Gardening! attention is needed. Little plants are Tony Gaster. like little babies! 35

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39 have the opportunity to visit four The National Garden Scheme individual gardens on Good Friday (19 in Hampshire April) or Easter Monday (22 April). Can’t promise Easter eggs or Easter Few people are aware of the amazing bunnies, but a very warm welcome. contributions this organisation donates Pat Beagley to nursing and caring charities. The [email protected] concept is very simple - owners of quality gardens, be they large estates or Local monthly information more modest town gardens, agree to open their gardens, through the Waste collections in March National Garden Scheme, to the public Black bins and green bags on Friday 1, on specific days or by arrangement for 15 and 29 March. Green bins on Friday a private visit. For this privilege, 8 and 22 March. visitors pay a modest entrance fee. All Cameo entrance money is donated to the On Tuesday 19 March. NGS. In most gardens homemade Farmers Market in Winchester cakes and tea or coffee are available. Sunday 10 and 31 March. Many gardens have plants for sale or offer local crafts people the Parish Council Full Meeting opportunity to sell their goods - a Thursday 7 March IA&A village hall percentage of which goes to the NGS. 67 Bus operated by Stagecoach. All the money raised throughout School term timetable operates all England & Wales is distributed to month. nursing & caring charities, the main ones being Macmillan Cancer Support, Mondays and Thursdays to Winchester: Marie Curie and Hospice UK. All the 07:53 09:23 13:53 16:23 17:23 charities supported by the NGS can be Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays to viewed at ngs.org.uk/beneficiaries. In Winchester: 2018 it donated a record £3.1 million 07:53 09:23 11:53 13:53 16:23 17:23 to these charities. We are hoping to Mondays and Thursdays to Alresford: match this total for 2019. 11:49 15:19 17:11 18:09 Please keep an eye out for the Yellow Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays to NGS County Booklet, available at most Alresford: garden centres and outlets in the 09:49 11:49 13:19 15:19 17:11 18:09 towns and villages, or visit the website Saturday service (same for the ngs.org.uk to see which NGS gardens are open on any specific day in an area whole month. close to you - or maybe further afield. Towards Winchester: You can be sure of a very warm 08:23 11:23 14:23 17:23 welcome at all of our gardens - enjoy a Towards Alresford: relaxing visit (someone else has done 09:19 12:19 15:19 18:09

all the hard work) and at the same time No Sunday or bank holiday service donate to an amazing charity. All times shown are at Itchen Abbas. Why not plan a trip over the Easter Times are 5 minutes later (or earlier) break to Crawley Gardens? Apart at Easton. from being a very pretty village, you 40

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Jemma Giles your local

Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist. Treating clients who suffer from:- *Back and neck issues * Headaches *Frozen shoulder *Tight muscles *Low energy *Tennis elbow

Call Jemma to arrange your treatment on 07752 623234 or 01962 854184 [email protected] www.massagetherapywinchester.co.uk

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Showroom Workshop

TEL 01962 771800 TEL 01962 771800 LACEYS FARM, , ALRESFORD SO24 0JT www.georgecanngardenmachinery.co.uk

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