Choice Magazine for Stubbington & Hill Head August edition
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Stubbington 10K is back! The ever-popular race returns in 2027, and we have the date when entries go live! Hear from the Race Director on page 28 and make sure you don't miss your chance to secure a place.
Hampshire Open Studios also returns this month 22nd-31st August. In the week leading up to the August Bank Holiday Monday, galleries, artists and art groups across Hampshire open their doors to the public, showcasing their original artwork. It's a wonderful opportunity to discover the talented creatives on your doorstep. Not only can you admire their work, but you can also purchase a unique piece to take home.
After great feedback on last month's savoury recipe, I've decided to share another! We all know lentils are good for us, but it can be difficult to know how to turn them into something delicious. This month, I'm sharing Meera Sodha's Potato and Lentil Salad with Pistachio Chimichurri. It's delicious served warm, at room temperature or chilled, making it perfect for summer lunches, picnics, barbecues or those occasions when you're asked to bring a dish to share. I hope you enjoy it if you try it!
The hugely popular Stubbington Fayre & Donkey Derby also returns over the August Bank Holiday weekend. With its fantastic mix of stalls, entertainment and delicious food, it's a wonderful day out for the whole family. Details of this much-loved event are inside.
Would you like your children to learn how plants can help keep us healthy? Wildside Health is running a wonderful Herbal Medicine Course for Kids, where children can discover the medicinal uses of plants, hear fascinating stories, grow and harvest herbs, and much more. Take a look at their advert inside - there's even an early booking discount!
Have you spotted the lions in Southsea? A local artist has painted one. Hear all about it inside.
The monthly gardening guide is inside too. I've been picking tomatoes and my sweet peas are still going strong, and you'll find a simple, nottoo-taxing list of gardening jobs on page 22.
Ever wandered along Hill Head seafront and dreamed of owning one of the beach huts? Well, now's your chance! A rare opportunity has arisen to own one of these sought-after beach huts. Take a look at the advert inside - you could soon be enjoying your very own spot by the sea.
You'll find plenty of wonderful local advertisers inside ready to help, with many offering exclusive deals and special offers. Do let them know you found them in Choice Magazine.
Are you a local business looking for more customers? Book an advert in our next editionI'd love to help, so get in touch!
Have a lovely August, everyone!
Jigsaw Plumbing & Gas
Another savoury recipe this month! One that works for this summer weather. Great for a meal at home, a picnic or when you’re asked to bring a plate of something for a gathering. Don’t be put off by the hour long cooking time you can water the garden whilst it’s cooking!
• 2 large fennel bulbs (600g), trimmed and cut into 2cm wedges
• 2 red onions, peeled and cut into 2cm wedges
• 2 lemons, 1 cut into wedges, 1 juiced
• 8 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1½ tsp fine sea salt
• 50g picked flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 2 green jalapeño chillies, stems removed, flesh chopped
• 40g unsalted shelled pistachios
POTATO & LENTIL SALAD WITH PISTACHIO CHIMICHURRI
Method
Heat the oven to 220C (200C fan)/425F/gas 7. If you’re cooking the lentils from scratch, rinse them well, tip into a small saucepan for which you have a lid, and add enough cold water to cover by 2cm. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat, put on the lid and simmer for 12 minutes, until the lentils are cooked but retain a little bite. Drain and leave to cool down in a sieve, so they don’t continue cooking.
Put the potatoes, fennel, onion, lemon wedges and six of the minced garlic cloves in a large roasting tray, pour over 75ml oil and sprinkle over a teaspoon of salt. Toss to coat everything, then roast for 50 minutes, until all the vegetables are looking bronzed, the potatoes are crunchy and the fennel is starting to crisp at the edges. Add the lentils, stir everything together, then return to the oven for five minutes, to warm the lentils through.
While the vegetables are roasting, whizz the parsley, the remaining two cloves of minced garlic, the chillies, pistachios, two tablespoons of lemon juice, half a teaspoon of salt and 75ml (or another five tablespoons) of oil to create a thick sauce, then leave to marinate.
To serve, stir most of the chimichurri dressing into the hot vegetables and toss to coat. Turn out on to a platter or individual plates and top with a little more chimichurri.
Recipe by Meera Sodha meerasodha.com
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YOUR OWN SEASIDE ESCAPE
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Wall germander, Teucrium chamaedrys, is a small plant in the family Labiaceae. Other members of the family are mint, rosemary, thyme, lavender and dead nettle. Like most members of the family, T. chamaedrys, has a square stem together with fragrant leaves and flowers. In Crescent Garden this plant is most easily seen surrounding the roses in the circular Repton Basket near the centre of the western lawn of the garden. It was planted 2 years ago and is now developing into a hedge-like structure with clusters of purple/pink flowers from July to September. It has small, shiny almost oak shaped leaves which stay on the plant all the year round, giving winter interest. These leaves give the plant its specific name, chamaedrys, from two Greek words, khamai meaning ‘on the earth’ or ‘dwarf’ and drus meaning oak. Historically the plant was often called ‘ground oak’. The generic name, Teucrium, comes from an ancient king of Troy called Teucer, who is said to have used the herb medicinally.
In medieval times it was used extensively for medical purposes. It was, for example thought to cure dropsy, jaundice, gout and relieve head colds if inhaled regularly. If the flowers were steeped in wine for 24 hours, this drunk over a period of time would kill worms. In more recent times it could be bought in health food shops for various uses
Crescent Garden
IN AUGUST
including slimming diets and treatment for mild diarrhea. T. chamaedrys leaves have also been used to flavour liqueurs and wines. It was, however, banned in France in 1992 and USA in 2017. It is said to cause liver damage. For some people it is a skin irritant, so it is best to wear gloves when handling it.
Wall germander is native to a wide area, throughout Europe (including the British Isles) and east as far as Iran. It will happily grow in almost any type of soil as long as it is not waterlogged. It flowers best in plenty of sunshine and can withstand drought conditions; so a good plant for your garden if UK is to continue having summers like this one is turning out to be. (I wonder if it will be pouring with rain when this is published in August!!) It is generally pest and disease free and the fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies to collect the copious nectar. For these reasons, and also that the leaves emit a spicy aroma when brushed past, it has long been a staple of “Cottage Garden” planting schemes. It was also very commonly used in Elizabethan times to create the formal geometric gardens known as “knot” gardens. If cut back carefully after flowering it can still be made into a small hedge, so if you are wondering what to have in your garden instead of a box hedge stricken by the box moth this may be the answer.
So; an attractive, easy to grow plant. Good to have in your own garden perhaps.
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
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.)
Local Events
HAMPSHIRE OPEN STUDIOS 22nd - 31st August
In the week leading up to the Bank Holiday Monday, galleries, artists and art groups open their doors to exhibit original artwork to the public. See what studios are open at hampshireopenstudios.org.uk
SHORE LEAVE HASLAR MEMORIAL GARDEN
Wednesday 12th Aug 11am-2pm.
Crafts, plants, produce for sale. Homemade cake and drinks. Walk around the peaceful garden. Please park in main Haslar site. Free entry. Donations gratefully accepted.
STUBBINGTON LIBRARY FAIR Fridays 9:30-11:30am
Home-baked cakes, jams, and chutneys, unique handmade crafts, plants & vegetables. Come along and enjoy a wonderful selection of home-baked cakes, jams, and chutneys Quilts, jewellery, painting kits and more!
INTERNATIONAL FOLK/CIRCLE DANCING
August 4th,11th, 25th 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
ST EDMUNDS (CROFTON OLD CHURCH) Services
9.30am every Sunday. 1st & 3rd Sun Holy Communion (BCP). 2nd & 4th Sun Morning Service. 5th Sunday Communion Service with hymns in the Common Worship style. Coffee is served after the Morning Service. 18th August 10am-12pm Open for visitors/private prayer.
FOCOC (FRIENDS OF CROFTON OLD CHURCH) will be manning a stand at Stubbington Fayre Monday 31st August selling jigsaws and preserves. Do come along and support us.
Around the garden
• Summer prune wisteria
• Deadhead your dahlias
• Prune lavender
• Prune climbing & rambling roses once they've finished flowering (unless they’re repeat-flowerers in which case leave them).
• Sow hardy annuals
• Plant autumn bulbs
• Remove suckers from roses
• Keep deadheading to encourage more flowers
In the greenhouse and on the veg patch
• Sow salad leaves and a last sow of beetroot
In the
Garden
DURING AUGUST
• Keep harvesting courgettes before they become too big!
• Pinch out the tops of outdoor tomatoes, as further flowers are unlikely to produce fruits that have time to ripen
• Remove lower leaves of cordon tomatoes up to the lowest truss, to let more light and air reach the fruits
• Lift onions and shallots once their tops die down, then leave to dry in the sun
• Cut back herbs to encourage a new flush of leaves that you can harvest before the frost. Any not used fresh can be dried or frozen.
• Cut back leaves on grapevines to let the sun ripen the fruits
Grinding
Shrubs:
•
Nash, our Centre Manager doing diagnostic work
Jake our Apprentice
Entries open on 1st September. Please check out our website stubbingtongreenrunners.net and/or racesignup.co.uk if you are interested in being on the start line.
The event continues to be very popular with the running community as the course is predominantly flat and has some great 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 main event starts at 10:30am and there is also a children’s race for our younger runners starting at 10:45am.
Stubbington
The race will start and finish in Stubbington Village and as per all previous years there will be some road closures, and 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 2027 race.
Look forward to seeing everyone on 10th January 2027 for another successful race.
Sara Bamberger Race-Director@stubbingtongreenrunners.net 10K RETURNS 10TH JANUARY 2027
HIDDEN TREASURES HIDDEN TREASURES
Local Events
SUMMER IN LEE - SEAFRONT PROMENADE
Marine Parade, Lee on the Solent
Friday 21st Aug 7-11pm
Saturday 22nd Aug 10am-10.30pm
Sunday 23rd Aug 10am-7.30pm
Free event for the public to attend raising funds for Children with Cancer UK. Music performances. Children entertainment with circus tricks/balloon animals and a bubble man, climbing wall and the Smile Emporium. montserratevents.co.uk
CROFTON PROBUS CLUB Monthly lunch 12pm
Lee-on-the-Solent Golf Club. An organisation of retired and semi retired professional/ businessmen missing the social camaraderie of their workplace. Lunch is followed by a topic of mutual interest from a guest speaker. Why not come along to a trial meeting before joining? New members welcome. For info 07508711299 or morton.wouter@gmail.com
CROFTON WI 2nd Wednesday of each month
2pm Baptist Church, Jay Close, Stubbington
For further info please call either 01329 664573 or 01329 664864. Visitors warmly welcomed.
STUBBINGTON STITCH AND KNIT GROUP
Meet Fridays 2-4pm Foster Room, next to Holyrood Church. We make things to sell, to raise funds for 13 local charities. Our next sales:
29th August 10am-12noon. St. Columba's Church Hilson Drive
31st August 10am-4pm. Stubbington Fayre Cash only please. For info Chris 07970 826044. We sell knitted garments, craft items, many of which make lovely gifts for all ages.
Lions have arrived across Portsmouth, each one uniquely designed and painted by talented artists and sponsored by local businesses. As part of The Pride of Portsmouth and the Portsmouth 100 celebrations.
Leo, Jewel of the Sea is created by local Hill-Head based artist Ruth Hudson. Ruth creates bright, bold and graphic imagery inspired by rainbows, sitting somewhere between surrealism and pop art. Working with both acrylic paint and digital design, her style is immediately recognisable for its dreamlike feel and confident use of colour.
Her work explores themes of inclusivity, identity and joy, often using recurring motifs such as drips, eyes, clouds, rainbows and stylised shapes. Influenced by pop art and surrealism – including artists such as Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein –she blends playful symbolism with contemporary design, celebrating diversity through vibrant, unapologetic artwork.
Alongside original paintings, she also creates digital
Meet Leo
JEWEL OF THE SEA
designs that are sublimated onto clothing and everyday products, bringing art into daily life. Her pieces are often described as the brightest works at any event, created to stand out and encourage connection.
Leo, Jewel of the Sea takes inspiration from Portsmouth’s crest and coat of arms, drawing on the city’s maritime history and the sea lion found in the original emblem. Elements such as the sea and the anchor run throughout the piece, reflecting Portsmouth’s long-standing naval heritage and its close relationship with the water.
These traditional symbols are reinterpreted through the artist’s distinctive style of neon rainbows, flowing drips and bold graphic shapes. The design blends heritage with modern expression, celebrating Portsmouth as both a historic port city and a vibrant, inclusive community. The lion also aligns with Portsmouth being named the UK City of Pride in 2025, marking a moment of visibility, celebration and unity.
The sculpture trail has started already and runs from the 13th of July to the 13th of September, so it's purrrrfect for a family outing.
Check out more details about the trail at prideofportsmouth.co.uk
Find out more about Ruth Hudson at elysiancharmstudios.co.uk
The annual art trail is back this year. From 22nd-31st August. During this time galleries, artists and art groups open their doors to exhibit original artwork, give talks and demos to the visiting public. Entry is free. We’ve listed studios on your doorstep here but more are listed on the HOS website hampshireopenstudios.org.uk
CARPENTERS' YARD STUDIOS
A collection of 9 studios in the heritage buildings of with views over the harbour. Priddy's Hard, Heritage Way, Gosport, PO12 4JL
COFFEE POD CREATIONS
A wide range of colourful jewellery and accessories all upcycled using aluminium coffee pods.
11am - 5pm 22nd-25th & 27th-31st August
3 Ellerslie Close, Hill Head, PO14 3LH www.coffeepodcreations.com
This friendly vibrant art group invite you to view an eclectic mix of paintings, craft,jewellery, woodwork and other interesting items.There will be light refreshments with delicious cakes available.
10am - 4pm 26th-30th August
Holyrood Church Hall, Stubbington, PO14 2AS
LOWRY ART GROUP
A wide range of original artwork (watercolour, acrylic, mixed media) and prints to view/purchase. Crafts, textiles, jewellery and cards for sale. Cash/cards accepted. Tea, coffee and cake available.
11am-4.30pm 22nd August
St Faiths Parish Centre, Victoria Square, Lee on the Solent, PO13 9NF
Elaine Reed
MISTY CERAMICS
Celebrate The Coast through Art! Discover Karen Townsend's sea-themed pottery, enjoy demos all week. Step into her welcoming studio, and feel inspired by coastal creativitymaybe even have a go yourself!
10am-5pm (late night Thurs 27th til 8pm) 22nd31st August
37 Cottes Way, Hill Head, PO14 3NQ www.mistyceramics.co.uk
OLLIE CHAPPELL & DEE MCNAMARA
Delightful venue set in a quirky Tropical garden, where Ollie produces unique Raku, Saggar and Stoneware pieces. Dee is exhibiting her colourful kiln formed glass inspired by the natural environment
Wheel-thrown and hand-built stoneware. Functional, timeless ceramics. Meet the makers, explore new collections, and discover beautifully made pieces for everyday use.
10am-5pm 22nd-31st August
Prospect Cottage, 5 Coach Hill, Titchfield, PO14 4EE www.prospectpottery.co.uk
SOLENT ART SOCIETY
On display will be art and craft created by our members in a wide variety of styles and media.
10am-5pm 22nd-31st August
Royal British Legion, 155-157 High Street, Lee-on-Solent, PO13 9BX solentartsociety.co.uk
STRANDLINE
Elaine Reed paints with watercolour to represent the beauty and mystery of the natural world. Chris Lewis paints, collages and makes work with a coastal theme. Sue Wells crafts jewellery with semi-precious gems and silver.
10am-5pm ( except Sundays 1.30pm-5.30pm) 22nd-31st August
8 Osborne View Road, Hill Head, Fareham, PO14 3JN www.elainereed.co.uk
SUE WATSON, JACKIE BOGGELN
Sue creates fused glass art for home & garden, wall art, bespoke kitchen / bathroom splashbacks.
Jackie uses mixed media for original seascapes & sunset images of The Solent & local scenes. 10am-5pm 22nd-31st August (Thursday 27th late evening to 8pm)
Affordable paintings and photographs of landscapes, seascapes and animals in a range of media and styles. Also colourful handmade home textiles, cards, prints and other crafts.
Enthusiastic amateur artists, Nicky and Daisy, exhibit handmade crafts, ceramics, illustrations, embroidery and paintings.
11am - 5pm (Late night until 8pm Wed 26th) 22nd-31st August
2 Shell Pier Cottages, Hardway, Gosport, PO12 4JS
TONY MUNFORD & JO HUDEK
An exciting colourful collection of mixed media and oil paintings, collage, hand made prints and cards inspired by the British and Mediterranean landscape, urban environment and coast.
10am-4pm; 22nd-23rd & 28th-31st August
8 Darren Close, Stubbington, PO14 2LU
TWO FOR JOY ART GALLERY
A vibrant celebration of Gosport’s artistic spirit, featuring original art, prints, glasswork, pottery, distinctive collectables, and one-of-a-kind treasures.
10am-5pm (except Saturday 4pm-7pm) 22nd23rd, 26th-27th, 29th-31st August
11 North Cross Street, Gosport, PO12 1BE www.Twoforjoyartgallery.com
W L S
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.
