Issuu

JAN 26

MAGAZINE GOSPORT & LEE

Thinking of selling in 2026? If you’d like to find out how much your property could be worth please call us on 02392 585577

45-46 High Street, Gosport

leaders.co.uk

02392 585577

CALL FOR YOUR FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION g o s p o r t c h o i c e . c o m3

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

Leading the waayy in pro rovviding an AFFORDABLE PROFESSIONAL ser vice

Westm minster Law Wills ~ Esttaate Planning ~ Probat ate If you are oveer 60 it will cost you only £95* fo for us u to prepare your Will. We are also Lasting Power of Attorneyy We sp spe pecialists - only £ £ * each LP PA A if instructed u durring the Will aap ppointmentt.

Our prices in nclude VA VAT, T, home visits*, *, and In Inheeritance Ta Tax advice. Call us now fo for a no obligation chat on

023392 706980 www.westminsterr-law.co.uk email: info@westminster e -law.co.uk Weestminster Law Ltd, Reg. Offi W ffice: W Weellesley House, 204 Londo on Road, Wa Waterlooville PO7 7AN N *These very special rates are only available if you are over 60 years old. Minimum spend ffo or a ffrree home visit is £95. Our normal price ffo or a standard single Will is £150, or £250 ffo or a couple.

Please mention Gosport Choice when replying to adverts gosportchoice.com

Say Hello to Better Hearing with Tombs & Allen Hearing Centre At Tombs & Allen He ar ing C entre, we believe in prov iding you w ith in s tr ument s w hich b e s t me e t your ne ed s , an d help you maint ain he ar ing qualit y throughout your jour ney.

We o f f e r :

3 H e a r i n g te s t s 3 Wax remov al 3 L a te s t h e a r i n g a i d te c h n o l o g y 3 Home v isit s av ail able 3 Convenient pr icing 3 Dis abled access A l l o ur h e a r in g ai d s co m e a s s t a n d a r d w i t h:

3 Fit ting & progr amming 3 Manuf ac turer’s w ar r ant y

EAR WAX

3 6 M o nth ly f o l l o w u p

REMOVAL

3 Maintenance & repair

from only

3 Comprehensi ve hear ing examinations 3 Complementar y w ax remov al

£35

per ear

Tr T y Genesis AI for yourself!

5 Portland Buildings, Stoke Road, Gosport, PO12 1JH

“extremelyy professional”

023 9258 3751

tombsandallen.com

reception@ tombsandallen.com

“very attentive”

“ffa antastic team”

Book an appointment today on 023 9258 3751 or online at tombsandallen.com

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

Award-Winning Boutique Salon Nestled in the heart of Gosport, our salon is a warm, friendly space where every guest is made to feel at home. We’re passionate about beautiful, healthy hair, using Dyson Professional tools, Milk_shake colour, Davroe styling and Glowwa supplements to create results that look and feel amazing.

Why choose us • Award-winning, caring team • Colour & blonding specialists • Premium products chosen for your hair’s health • Beautiful, cosy salon environment • Complimentary refreshments & thoughtful touches • Loyalty rewards & a personalised experience every visit

Meet Natasha Marie Our lovely stylist with a genuine passion for colour, modern blonding and precision cutting. Natasha brings a calm, welcoming energy to the salon and is now inviting new clients to join her chair with 20% off your first appointment using code NEW20.

Scan to book or find us on Fresha - we can’t wait to welcome you.

7B Bemisters Lane, Gosport @WarrenAnthonyHairSalon www.warrenanthonyhairsalon.co.uk

Your hair journey starts here, with us. Offer is with Natasha for New Clients or Clients that have not visited the Salon in an 8 month period. T&C'S apply.

Please mention Gosport Choice when replying to adverts gosportchoice.com

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

Hello

Gosport Choice cannot be held responsible for any advertiser or advertisers statements or contents in their advert. Or any other details published.

AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year! It’s the year of the horse! Last year was year of the snake so we’ve done a lot of shedding! Now to leap forward and gallop through a great 2026! Sounds good to me.

Lots of advertisers inside to help you whether you want a new home, new kitchen, new windows, new body, your car fixed, an interesting art lecture, a spring clean and more!

The nights are getting shorter, it’s countdown to the clock change for me! Which means more time to be outside in the garden. This time of year I think about what I want to do in the garden. What do I want to sow and grow. Always looking forward, I think, can keep you going. We’ve got the monthly gardening guide inside and I’m so happy we can get sowing! You’ll find it on page 20. If you’d rather someone else create the garden of your dreams then check out our advertisers inside. Now’s a good time to get planning and plotting to enjoy for the better weather.

We hear about a stinky plant in Rita’s monthly article this month! I’m going to have to visit Crescent Garden just for a sniff! Find out more about the lovely looking but stinky plant on page 14.

January can be gloomy enough with out cutting out delicious food so I’m hoping this months recipe may help brighten January a little! It’s for an easy and delcious granola. We’ve heard about peat-free compost but have you heard about it from an expert? That’s exactly what the Crofton Gardening Club did. They were lucky to have Professor Alistair Griffiths of the RHS give a talk on peat-free compost. We hear from Linda who shares her findings from that talk on page 32.

We also hear from KatieAnnDesigns and her new apprentice Amelie! Exciting times on Stoke Road. Check out page 18. Are you a local business? Want more customers? Book an advert in the next edition get in touch! We’d love to help! You’ll love our prices! Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year! See you next month!

Editor

Get in touch 6

CALL 023 9250 2222 EMAIL CLAIRE@GOSPORTCHOICE.COM V I S I T GPlease O S Pmention ORTCH O I C E Choice . C O M when F O L replying L OW GtoOadverts SPORT CHOICE Gosport gosportchoice.com

Our family run company have been manufacturing windows since 1989! We supply and fit Windows, Doors and Conservatories and are here to help you to design and project manage your new project from start to finish.

Too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer? We can replace your existing conservatory roof, enabling you to use your conservatory all year round! If you would like a new conservatory, we can also deal with all necessary building work.

1800 x 1200

This ‘A’ rated UPVC window only

£699inc VAT

1800 x 2100 This ‘A’ rated UPVC French Door only

Supplied & fitted!

£1299inc VAT Supplied & fitted!

A great range of composite doors and aluminium products are also available!

Ready to upgrade? Call us on 01329 830526 or visit sajeupvc.co.uk Email: retailsales@sajeupvc.co.uk Brookfield Farm, Mislingford Road, Swanmore

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

Proud members of

Where reputation matters

Professional dog groomer Fully equipped and clean studio Kind and loving service Happy environment grooming studio

All breeds welcome Services include: • full groom • bath & dry • nail trimming

Call Tara on 07999 040 622 10 Holmdale Road, Gosport PO12 4PJ www.giveadogacomb.co.uk

Trusted Gas Safe Registered Plumbing and Heating specialist Dedicated to delivering the professional plumbing and heating services you deserve. Our mission is to provide domestic homeowners and landlords authentic and professional services at fair prices.

Boiler Servicing Breakdowns and repairs New Boiler Installation General Plumbing Landlord and Home Owner Gas Safety Certificate Contact Us

07774 328302

cbwplumbingandheating.co.uk

Please mention Gosport Choice when replying to adverts gosportchoice.com

FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING, RENOVATION & ELECTRICAL NEEDS Our team delivers comprehensive construction services across all sectors, domestic and commercial. Whether you’re looking for extensions, refurbishments, kitchen and bathroom installations, solar and EV charger installation, decking, or loft conversions, we info@melport.construction have the expertise to bring your project to life. www.melport.construction No project is too big or too small. Unit In1 Invincible, Daedalus Drive, Lee‐On‐The‐Solent, PO13 9FX

0333 4559079

Situated next to the beautiful Stokes Bay seafront contact Salty Paws for all your dogs walking, daycare and home‐boarding needs.

info@saltypaws.co.uk 07399 322177

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

Recipe GORGEOUS GRANOLA

This recipe is from The Happy Pear. They wanted to see if it was possible to make granola in 5 minutes in 1 pan and it turns out it is very possible! This recipe is quick, easy and will last for months in an airtight jar. I double or treble up the following ingredients so I have jars of it in the cupboard. You can add any dried fruit at the end. I use sultanas, chopped dried apricots and goji berries. Makes 300g You’ll need: • 40g almonds • 40g walnuts • 40g desiccated coconut • 30g sunflower seeds • 80g pumpkin seeds • 1 tablespoon chia seeds • pinch of salt • pinch of cinnamon • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (35g) • 35ml maple syrup • ½ teaspoon vanilla essence

Method Add the mixed nuts, desiccated coconut, sunflower, pumpkin and chia seeds to the food processor and pulse until all ingredients are roughly chopped but still have some texture remaining. Put a large wide-bottomed pan on a high heat and add the coconut oil and maple syrup, and heat until coconut oil is melted. Stir occasionally so that it doesn't burn. Add the nut and seed mixture, as well as the vanilla extract, the salt and cinnamon to the pan and mix thoroughly with the oil and maple mixture. Cook for approximately 3 minutes, or until the nut mixture starts to colour and brown, ensuring to stir continuously. Remove from the heat and leave to cool. Once cool add any cacao nibs, raisins, sultanas, goji berries or any dried fruit of your choice. Follow @thehappypear

Grow your business A DV E R T I S E I N O U R N E XT E D I T I O N GET IN TOUCH CALL US 023 9250 2222 E M A I L A DV E R T S @ G O S P O R T C H O I C E .C O M V I S I T G O S P O R T C H O I C E .C O M

Please mention Gosport Choice when replying to adverts gosportchoice.com

Zoom Workouts

*Offer based on first enrolment. New members only. Not valid with any other offer. Valid until 28th February 2026.

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

DARREN HARRIS

07504 980212

Darren Harris is a skilled, reliable and professional carpenter and joiner based in Gosport offering a wide range of carpentry services for your home or business. The options are pretty endless but to give you an idea of the most popular services a list is below: ■

door hanging

■

skirting

■

bannisters

■

door frames

■

bespoke fitted wardrobes

■

internal and external doors

■

picture rails

■

painting and decorating

■

bespoke furniture

■

flooring

■

bespoke fitted cupboards

■

windows

gosportcarpenter.co.uk

darren@gosportcarpenter.co.uk

Please mention Gosport Choice when replying to adverts gosportchoice.com

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

Crescent Garden JANUARY

Iris foetidissima or stinking iris was first named by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, its specific name, foetidissima meaning ‘most smelly’ in Latin. Linnaeus obviously had a strong sense of smell and didn’t like what he smelled in this case! Another early botanist who didn’t like the smell was Nicholas Culpeper and he called it ‘Stinking Gladwyn’ and said the leaves had a ‘strong ill scent’. Another ancient herbal said that ‘the leaves are of a loathsome smell and stinke’. Other ‘experts’ called it ‘Roast Beef Plant’ as they thought it smelled like that dish. Despite the smell, the plant was highly valued in medieval times as a medicinal herb for making poultices for drawing out splinters or the odd arrow head. The natural range of the plant is throughout Western Europe including England south of Durham, Ireland, France, Italy, Greece and south to North Africa. It is the only iris native to Britain apart from the yellow flag. Its most favoured habitat is open woodland, hedgerows and sea cliffs, will happily grow in poor soil, in shade or some sunshine, so an ideal plant for a difficult corner in your own garden.

In summer the plant might seem disappointing as its small blue/grey flowers are hidden in its large glossy strap like leaves, but the plant comes into its own at this time of year showing bright red berries bursting from large leathery pods. From November through to early spring is the time when you cannot walk through the garden without noticing it. Despite its attractive appearance the plant can be harmful if eaten by some animals and it is best handled wearing gloves. The most toxic part of the plant is the rhizome under the ground from which it grows. The berries, however, are an important food source for birds in winter and the flowers in summer are pollen and nectar rich providing food for bees, butterflies, moths and other pollinators. So an interesting and easy to grow plant. Why not try some in your own garden?

Rita Rundle alverstokecrescentgarden.co.uk Crescent Garden, Crescent Road, Alverstoke

You’ll love our prices A DV E R T I S E I N O U R N E XT E D I T I O N

CALL US 023 9250 2222 E M A I L A DV E R T S @ G O S P O R T C H O I C E .C O M V I S I T G O S P O R T C H O I C E .C O M Please mention Gosport Choice when replying to adverts gosportchoice.com

MOBILE CARPET & VINYL SPECIALISTS Fitted Carpets & Vinyls at DIRECT prices 3,500 Quality carpets & vinyls to choose from in the comfort of your own home

All carpets & vinyls fully guaranteed. Friendly Personal Service & Advice

NO PRESSURE SALES NO GIMMICKS NO JOB TOO SMALL UNBEATABLE PRICES ALL YEAR ROUND To book your FREE estimate, please call

WE ALSO UPLIFT & DISPOSE O F YOUR OLD CARPET

FREE

0800 389 2177 or 07775 796588 9am to 8pm 7 DAYS A WEEK

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

• Professional Landscaping Services • Specialists in Porcelain and Natural Paving Installations • Garden Patios • Driveways • Artificial Grass • Fencing

VISIT OUR LOCAL SHOWROOM 1-2 Northern Galleries, Fort Fareham Industrial Estate, Fareham, PO14 1AH

01329 448137

Email: info@naturalpavinginstallations.co.uk Website: naturalpavinginstallations.co.uk

Please mention Gosport Choice when replying to adverts gosportchoice.com

THE YOGA BEING STUDIO More thanks a studio - a community, a sanctuary, a beautiful space to heal, move and just be. We offer a range of practices to nurture your whole self - body, mind and spirit. Whether you’re seeking movement, stillness, healing or guidance, you’ll find something to support your unique journey.

• Yoga Classes • Massage • 1-1 Yoga & Healing • Pregnancy Yoga • Breathwork • Wellness Workshops • Sound Healing • Coaching • Counselling

STUDIO

15 The Precinct, South Street, Gosport www.theyogabeing.co.uk 07881942282

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

On Stoke Road in Gosport, tucked between independent cafés and long-standing local traders, sits a workshop where silver dust glitters in the afternoon light and the sound of a jeweller’s saw has become part of the rhythm of the street. This is the home of KatieAnnDesigns, an independent jewellery studio that has quickly become one of the area’s most quietly influential creative businesses. At the heart of the studio is Katie Gunn, a jeweller whose love of making began in childhood. Growing up with a mother who dealt in antiques, Katie spent weekends rummaging through auction boxes, rescuing broken pieces of costume jewellery and learning to reassemble them. What began as childhood curiosity evolved into a passion for craftsmanship, eventually leading her to train as a silversmith. Katie spent time working in high-end jewellery shops - the kind with velvet trays and watches worth a small fortune - but the luxury market never quite aligned with her instincts. She wanted something more personal, more grounded. Instead of selling prestige, she wanted to create pieces that carried meaning: heirlooms reborn, gifts crafted with intention, items that connect people to moments and memories. That philosophy became the foundation of KatieAnnDesigns, which opened its doors on Stoke Road in 2020. Today, the studio offers everything from bespoke commissions to jewellery repairs, watch battery replacement, restringing, and up-cycling of old or broken jewellery. Customers often bring in family pieces - a grandmother’s ring, a tangled necklace, a locket missing a clasp - and leave with something that feels both new and deeply familiar. Katie’s talent isn’t just her ability to make jewellery; it’s the care she takes to understand what each item means to the person holding it. What really sets her apart, however, is the sense of community she has cultivated. More than just a shop, KatieAnnDesigns has woven itself into the creative and social fabric of Gosport. Katie regularly collaborates with other independents, takes part in local festivals and late-night shopping events, and helps to organise arts-based community activities. Her studio has become a

place where people feel welcome - whether they’re browsing, commissioning a special piece, or just popping in for a chat. In 2025, that community focus took an exciting step forward when KatieAnnDesigns became the very first business to take part in a newly launched Heritage Top Up Grant scheme, allowing Katie to employ an apprentice and support the next generation of craftspeople. Her apprentice, Amelie, balances part-time jewellery design studies with hands-on training in the workshop — learning not just how to solder and set stones, but how to work with customers, listen to stories, and honour the emotional weight a piece of jewellery can carry. For Katie, this scheme isn’t just about expanding her business. It’s about protecting a traditional craft at risk of fading. “This trade is disappearing,” she often says, “and it deserves to be passed on.” In a world increasingly dominated by mass production and fast fashion, her studio offers a reminder that some things are made best by hand - slowly, thoughtfully, and with genuine connection. The glowing reviews that line the business listings say it all. Customers praise Katie’s warmth, her patience, her creativity, and her knack for turning ideas into something tangible. Whether it’s a £20 bracelet or a sentimental commission worth far more, she approaches each piece with the same care. With her apprentice learning the trade, her workshop humming, and the community continuing to rally around her, KatieAnnDesigns stands as a shining example of what Gosport does best: supporting independent makers, celebrating heritage, and proving that creativity thrives when it is rooted in real people and real stories. On Stoke Road, the light from the little jewellery bench keeps glowing - and it feels like the start of something lasting.

10am - 4pm Tuesday - Saturday • 28 Stoke Road, Gosport • 023 9217 4330 • katieanndesigns.co.uk

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious, SPITHEAD ARTS offers culture, conversation and connection. We’re a warm friendly and welcoming community - Come and explore with us! We meet 10 times a year at Bay House School, for inspiring expert led talks covering many aspects of art and culture. A few upcoming highlights: • London and New York on the musical stage • The Empty Chair in contemporary art • Charles Darwin and the Voyage of HMS Beagle

Membership is £50 for the year To join and for more information, take a look at our website WWW.SPITHEADARTS.CO.UK

EXPLORING ARTS AND CULTURE TOGETHER

*)('&%$#"!$ "( "%$# " $%( %"(' " # # $ " ) $# )$# " " (' " $" # )" $"# " " $# # ' " " ) " "( " $ (%" )$# "%$#" *) " ( $'" $ ' "! $ " ' (%" )" ('#( % ( %"!$ "# " $"& "%$#" (# !# # "!$ "('$ ) "% ( ( " ( $'" " " ( (" $ " " &%" $ "

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

In the Garden

DURING JANUARY

We can get sowing - hurrah! There’s still time to sow your sweet peas if you haven’t already. Keep an eye on any dahlias that are stored and enjoy the snowdrops peeping through. It’s time to fill your windowsills with potatoes - get chitting!

• Cut off hellebore leaves at the base to discourage black spot disease and show off the flowers

More of what we can be doing in the garden is listed below:

• Sow tomatoes, radish, leeks, onions, broad beans, hardy peas, spinach, herbs and carrots under cover.

Around the garden • Water plants and bulbs in containers if they are sheltered from the rain • Protect plants that are vulnerable to wind and cold. • Deadhead winter bedding

In the greenhouse and on the veg patch • Chit Early seed potatoes

• Plant fruit bushes and trees • Ensure netting is in place over brassicas • Sow hardy annuals House plants

• Prune roses while they are dormant

• Water sparingly. Let the top half of soil dry out, or even more for succulents/cacti (some cacti need no water)

• Move deciduous shrubs that are in the wrong place to more suitable sites

• Ensure pots drain well; don't let plants sit in water

• Plant bare-root roses, shrubs, hedging and ornamental trees, as long as the ground isn't frozen

• Maximize light. Move houseplants onto a sunny windowsill over the winter, to get as much light as possible during the shorter day

• Prune your shrubs and trees

• Keep putting out food and water for hungry birds

Advertise YO U ’ R E R E A D I N G T H I S , O T H E R S W I L L T O O ! 20

CALL US 023 9250 2222 E M A I L A DV E R T S @ G O S P O R T C H O I C E .C O M

Please mention Gosport Choice when replying to adverts gosportchoice.com

SCAN

• Wood burning stoves • Marble & stone fireplaces • Gas & electric fires • Complete fitting service

Come and see the new ranges at Cole House, Lower Quay Road, Fareham The biggest showroom on the South Coast

CALL US 01329 823120 www.tjcole.co.uk Family run business. Established 1976

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

HIDDEN TREASURES 51-53 HIGH STREET LEE ON THE SOLENT

We urgently require your broken and unwanted gold, jewellery and antiques.

Any amount, any condition- top CASH prices paid!

PRE 1947 COINS (SILVER) WANTED WANTED gold - silver - jewellery of all kinds medals (any militaria) - cuff links - studs - tie pins pocket watches - wrist watches antiques - moorcroft - clarice cliff - old postcards

WANTED - rolex, breitling, omega etc Please call in to see us. Monday - Saturday 10am-6pm. Alternatively, call to arrange a home appointment

TELEPHONE: 023 9255 3428 MOBILE: 07767 304495

Please mention Gosport Choice when replying to adverts gosportchoice.com

Is your conservatory too hot and bright? Speak to us about solar film!

·Pond & Water Feature builds ·Landscaping ·Garden & Pond Maintenance ·Certified Aquascape Contractor ·Public Liability Insured & Waste Carriers License www.vikinggardencreations.com Email - craig@vikinggardencreations@gmail.com Phone Craig - 07787 562490 gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

HVR GARAGES With 3 sites in the local area, all of our Garages are high ranking members

of ‘The Good Garage Scheme’ and ‘Checkatrade’. Our Garages provide onsite MOT testing. Mon - Fri: 8.30 - 5.30 Sat: 8.30 - 12.30

MOTs | Servicing | Repairs All Makes and Models catered for.

0333 3585 999

hvrgroup.co.uk

Solent Airport MOTs, Unit il1-3, Illustrious Daedalus Park, Daedalus Drive, Lee on the Solent PO13 9FX (Stubbington Motors is now at Solent Airport MOTS) Elkins Motors, 99b Mays Lane, Stubbington PO14 2ED Locks Heath Garage, 212 Hunts Pond Road, Locks Heath PO14 4PG

FREE COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE

Please mention Gosport Choice when replying to adverts gosportchoice.com

HVR CUSTOMS Specialists in VW’s, we also cover many other makes and models in the full or part conversion of camper vans, kombi vans and caddy’s. We manufacture and design custom built camper interiors for Volkswagens and other makes.

Full & Part Conversions VW Transporters, Campers, Kombi’s and Caddy’s

0333 3585 999 (Option 3)

HVR Customs, Unit il3-4, Illustrious Daedalus Park, Daedalus Drive, Lee on the Solent PO13 9FX

CARS AND VANS ALWAYS IN STOCK FOR SALE! Specialising in transporters and small low mileage cars. (The cars are ideal for ﬁrst time drivers.)

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

Sudoku

NEW SHOWROOM AT 7 The Precinct, Gosport, PO12 1HA We supply and fit all aspects of domestic and commercial flooring. We provide a free estimate service with a full range of sampling available.

OPEN

Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat 10am-4pm. Thurs 11am-4pm 24 hour opening available by appointment on website

10% OFF ALL CARPETS in January with this voucher valid until 31.01.26 t’s & c’s apply

Please mention Gosport Choice when replying to adverts gosportchoice.com

Office: 02380 0 371881 • Mobile: 07931 276337 Email: toppointcomplet e@outlook.com t

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8am-5pm Friday: 8am-4pm unitrimplastics.co.uk

FASCIAS

GUTTER SYSTEMS

CLADDING

WINDOW BOARDS, ARCHITRAVES

Your local Plastics supplier Open to Public & Trade

PINS & NAILS

SOFFITS

INTERIOR PANELLING

unitrimplastics.co.uk

Telephone: 023 9252 2880 Email: enquiries@unitrimplastics.co.uk Unit 16 Brockhurst Industrial Estate, Wingate Road, Gosport, PO12 4DP (behind The Range).

Please mention Gosport Choice when replying to adverts gosportchoice.com

REVERSE PARK MODERN TECHNOLOGY - OLD FASHIONED SERVICE

PARKING SENSORS WITH AUDIBLE WARNING FITTED Rear set colour coded: from £160 Front set colour coded: from £190 Both Front & Rear Sensors: from £290

Metatrack insurance approved vehicle trackers fitted from £265 Rear view cameras for Cars £190 Vans from £225 & Motorhomes from £245

Dash cameras starting at £145 fully fitted or FRONT & REAR cameras for just £275 We fit the amazing iroad Fx series dashcams, probably the best value dash cam for sale google it and be amazed iroaduk.com

Mobile Service - We Come To You!

Tel: 01489 449020 Mobile: 07979 353696 www.reversepark.co.uk

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

Local Events & News LE CERCLE FRANÇAIS DE GOSPORT Thursday 8th January Court. Barn Conservative Club - Court Barn Lane, Broom Way. 7:30pm Annual General Meeting – followed by cheese & wine. The Mayor and Consort, Cllr Kirsten Bradley and Mr Jonathon Bradley have been invited to attend. Telephone Martin Lazell on 01329 314750 for more details.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE VINE, STOKE RD, GOSPORT 29th Jan 6.30-9.30pm. Range of performers & genres. Bar 6.30-9.30pm. Food 6.30-9pm. GOSPORT JAZZ CLUB - JANUARY Gosport RFC, Dolphin Crescent, Gosport 14th Jan 8-10.30pm Excelsior Vintage Jazz 28th Jan 8-10.30pm Tim Eyles Jazz G£12 book early gosportjazz.org.uk NM £12

STUBBINGTON AND HILL HEAD HISTORY SOCIETY Roman Catholic Church Hall, Bells Lane, Monday 12th January 7.30pm The Spitfire: the local story - speaker Stephen Hoadley. Guests are welcome for a £5 admission charge - pay cash on the night. We are pleased to announce that our annual membership fee remains unchanged for the third consecutive year at £15 per person. For info www.shhhs.co.uk INTERNATIONAL FOLK/CIRCLE DANCING January 6th, 20th, 27th 10am-12noon, RC Church Hall, Bells Lane, Stubbington. No Partner required & all dances are taught. New members welcome. £7 Contact Bob & Mary 01329 609589, 07748009838 neal.bob61@gmail.com. CROFTON PROBUS CLUB Monthly lunch at Leeon-the-Solent Golf Club. Are you a retired gentleman, missing social contact? Come to a trial meeting. New members welcome 07508711299 morton.wouter@gmail.com

LP VINYL SALE Rock/new, wave/classical/blues/folk. all the greats. VGC. 07748994945 CADS PANTOMINE DICK WHITTINGTON 22nd-25th January. Crofton Hall Theatre, Crofton Community Hub, Stubbington. Thurs/Fri 7:30pm, Sat/Sun 2:30pm. Tickets £6 children and £12 adults. Available online using TicketSource, or 01329 661143, or the Community Centre, or at the door at the show. GOSPORT JAZZ CLUB - JANUARY Gosport RFC, Dolphin Crescent, Gosport 14th Jan 8-10.30pm Excelsior Vintage Jazz 28th Jan 8-10.30pm Tim Eyles Jazz G£12 book early gosportjazz.org.uk NM £12 FRIENDS OF STANLEY PARK LITTER PICK Litter pick first Sunday of the month 10-11am Meet in car park at rear of The Alverbank Hotel. Free car parking if you join us in a car, also pickers, gloves etc.

Please mention Gosport Choice when replying to adverts gosportchoice.com

Building Contractor With over 35 years experience in the building trade, we offer a full range of services to both domestic and commercial clients throughout Gosport, Fareham and

the surrounding areas, from erecting small gardens walls to full extensions and refurbishments.

We offer the full range of interior & exterior building services and property maintenance including: extensions loft conversions kitchens bathrooms conservatories general garden maintenance patios decking swimming pools

Office: 02392 528851 Mobile: 07899 686342 Fax: 02392 528923 Evenings/Weekends: Tel: 01329 516232 Fax: 01329 519882 Mundens Yard, The Square, Off Priory Road, Gosport, PO12 4LH 215 Titchfield Road, Stubbington, Fareham, PO14 3EW

www.kwlawrencebuilders.co.uk enquiries@kwlawrencebuilders.co.uk

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

Getting the best F R O M P E AT - F R E E COMPOST

Members of Crofton Gardening Club were treated to an excellent talk by Professor Alistair Griffiths, a director of the RHS. His talk was on Sustainability in Gardening and concentrated on the use of Peat Free Compost. He is passionate about the importance of our peat bogs and their conservation and so is keen to inform as many people as possible about moving away from peat-based compost and into using the peat-free alternatives. He began by telling us that peatlands are the world’s largest carbon store on land. They provide valuable ecosystems for plants and animals and act like sponges, reducing the risk of flooding. When we take peat for our gardens, carbon is released and habitats are damaged. Keeping peat in bogs – not bags – is a crucial part of the fight against climate change. Our planet's billions of acres of peat hold more carbon than all the world’s forests combined. His message is that peat-free compost can work just as well as the peat-based ones with the correct management. I have tried peatfree(P/F) compost in the early days and been disappointed, like many gardeners. But learning from Alistair’s experience I am going to try again. His personal recommendations are first, find out about the best P/F compost by looking at the Which Magazine’s Best Buy information. There are about 30 P/F composts but they are not all as good as the others. Also, the components can vary from year to year so it is worth an annual check. Lookout for the Responsible Sourcing Scheme Logo.

Compost won’t keep forever and can degrade. Try to buy only the amount you need to use within a few weeks. If you have gardening friends you could share bags, particularly for specialised composts, so the entire bag gets used up. Alistair is working to get dates put on the sacks and suggests that you check how the compost has been stored as wet and sunny sites cause the compost to deteriorate more quickly. As more gardeners ask the Garden Centres etc for peat free the prices will come down. I am going to buy it even if it costs a bit more – what price our planet? His two tips for getting the best from the compost when working with seeds is to feed regularly and, through his own experience, Baby Bio Original diluted by half has proved the best fertiliser. Peat free is high in nitrogen so remember this if buying other fertilisers. Look at the NPK ratio. He has started feeding as soon as the first leaves appear. Regarding watering the finger test is best. Don’t go by the look of the compost put your finger down into it, about 3cm/1inch and if it is moist don’t water, but if it is dry do water. One other recommendation is to make your own peat-free compost. It isn’t difficult and additionally do not spread peat-free compost on your beds, use leaf mould, your own compost, grass clippings and the soil improver sold by your local council. You can find more information on the RHS Website, just type in Peat-free compost. Linda - Crofton Gardening Club

Please mention Gosport Choice when replying to adverts gosportchoice.com

W L

S Christine Davies Solicitor

Do you have important legal documents in place to protect your interests and make life easier for you and your family, whatever the future brings? If you have received a diagnosis of dementia, or are concerned about becoming ill and unable to cope with paying your bills, wouldn’t it be helpful for a family member to be able to step in and deal with your finances? If your family member needed to make decisions for you, instead of just acting on your instructions, they would need your formal written authority to do this. Formal authority can be given by creating a Lasting Power of Attorney. This document will allow your family member to take over managing your money, either temporarily or long term. You can also create a Lasting Power of Attorney which allows your family member to make decisions for you about medical treatment, if you are unable for any reason to make your own decisions. This is not the same as an Advance Decision, which is a document which sets out your decision to refuse medical treatment in the future, under specific conditions.

If you are caring for an elderly relative, or are likely to be doing so in the future, a Lasting Power of Attorney will mean that you can provide the support your relative needs and access services on their behalf, without the difficulties, stress and resistance you would otherwise encounter. Having a Will gives you peace of mind that your money, property and personal possessions will be going to the people you have chosen to benefit. An out of date Will can cause problems within the family or mean that a chosen beneficiary receives nothing. If you have any unanswered questions about Wills or Lasting Powers of Attorney, Christine will be pleased to help, so do please get in touch for a free, no obligation, chat.

Call Christine Davies Solicitor

on 07860 772274

or email: christine@winterbornelegal.co.uk Christine is a Fully Accredited Member of Solicitors for the Elderly and a Dementia Friend. Christine will visit you in your own home and aims to provide a warm personal touch to every meeting.

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

Stubbington 10K 11TH JANUARY 10:30

The event continues to be very popular with the running community as the course is predominantly flat with support along the course. It would be lovely to see the residents of Stubbington and Hill Head coming out to support the runners as they do every year. The event starts at 10:30am, with Stubbington Village being closed from 08:30-13:30. All roads affected by the event will be closed as follows: •Park Lane – 10:15 to 13:30 •Stubbington Lane (from Bells Lane junction) to •Stubbington Village 10:00 to 13:30 •Gosport Road (from Roundabout at Mays Lane to Red Lion Roundabout) 10:00 to 11:00 – access only after 11:00 to Gosport Road and not Stubbington Lane or Stubbington Village. •Gosport Road (from Red Lion Roundabout to Daedalus Way Roundabout 10:00 to 11:00 •Marine Parade West from Hovercraft Museum

to Sea Lane 10:30 to 12:00 •Sea Lane and Salterns Road 10:30 to 13:00 •Hill Head Road (from Knightsbank to Crofton Lane at the roundabout by Bell Davies Road) 10:30 to 13:00 The race will start and finish in Stubbington Village we will ensure we minimise the disruption to residents as much as possible by re-opening the roads as soon as it is safe to do so – the understanding of the residents for these closures is hugely appreciated. Over the years we have raised significant amounts of money for local charities, and we are intending to do the same for the 2026 race. Look forward to seeing everyone on 11th January 2026 for another successful race. Sara Bamberger Race-Director@stubbingtongreenrunners.net

A DV E R T I S E I N O U R N E XT EDITION

You’ll love our prices GET IN TOUCH

CALL US 023 9250 2222 E M A I L A DV E R T S @ G O S P O R T C H O I C E .C O M V I S I T G O S P O R T C H O I C E .C O M

Please mention Gosport Choice when replying to adverts gosportchoice.com

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

Visit us at Crofton Retail Centre! Stubbington Lane PO14 2PE

2 PANE WINDOW from

£430

SINGLE PANE WINDOW

Take a look around our selection of Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Orangeries and SupaLite Roofs!

from

£340

Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm Sunday by appointment

BAY WINDOW from

£1100

BIFOLD from

£1155

Strong, safe & secure Save money on heating costs HeatGuard energy efficient windows HeatGuard security locks and handles Latest PVCu technology Add value to your home

UPGRADE YOUR WINDOWS & DOORS!

QUALITY & SERVICE

It’s probably cheaper than you think!

YOU CAN DEPEND ON

For a free survey call 023 9229 2940 email: info@hantshomeimprovements.co.uk

Please mention Gosport Choice when replying to adverts gosportchoice.com

gosportchoice.com Call: 023 9250 2222

FREE Valuation

Monroe Close ‐ D(58) £410,000 ‐ 3 beds

Atkinson Close ‐ D(64) £360,000 ‐ 2 beds

Halsey Close ‐ D(64) OIEO £325,000 ‐ 2 beds

Crescent Road ‐ E(52) £219,995 ‐ 2 beds

Wakefield Place £950,000 ‐ 4/5 beds

Fort Road ‐ Oﬀers Over £365,000 ‐ 4 beds

Little Anglesey Road Oﬀers Over £555,000 ‐ 3 beds

Fairhalls

Gosport & Alverstoke: ‐ 02392 529889 Lee on the Solent: ‐ 02392 551199

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

ALVERSTOKE

ROYAL CLARENCE YARD

£510,000 EXT. 3 BED. 4 RECEPTIONS. STUDY/BEDROOM 4. GOOD SIZED GARDEN. DRIVE & GARAGE.

£475,000 PERIOD 3 BED DETACHED. WALLED GARDENS. DOUBLE GARAGE. NO CHAIN.

ALVERSTOKE

£285,000 3 BED PERIOD TOP FLOOR APARTMENT. SPACIOUS LIVING ROOM. COMMUNAL GARDENS & PARKING.

£279,000

£625,000

3 BEDROOM HOUSE. CLOSE TO STOKES BAY. DRIVE & ORP. NO CHAIN. SOUTH FACING GARDEN.

3 BED. EN-SUITE & DRESSING ROOM. 4 RECEPTIONS. LARGE GARDENS. NEAR VILLAGE & SEAFRONT.

GOSPORT

£374,950 3 BEDROOM DETACHED BUNGALOW. UTILITY. GARDEN ROOM. DETACHED GGE/WORKSHOP

023 9258 0246 19 High Street Gosport fairhalls.co.uk

gospor tchoice.com

Please mention Gosport Choice when replying to adverts gosportchoice.com