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04/11/2015 09:18

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December

Edition of your local Andover Gazette Community Magazine!

Dear Residents, It has been an unusual two years, that is for sure and here we are in December 2021. I have to admit that I have had some difficulty ‘gearing up’ to the festive season, but I think I have finally decided to let my hair down and enjoy some time with family and friends, which is after all what this holiday period is all about for many. Good company, good food, time to laugh and appreciate each other. Our loyal local trades and services certainly appreciate all your calls and bookings. Each and every one of them wants to wish you a Happy Holiday Season and thank you for all your support over this particularly challenging time. Without you, some of these companies would have struggled much more, so a big appreciation from all of them! In the new year we are looking to add more local clubs and societies again, so please let us know if you would like some promotion. We are here to help you. If you have a business that would benefit from our thousands of magazines which go out every month, please give me a call or send an email. I would love to help you. Stephen, myself, Julie, Mel, Tracey, Steph, Chris and Jannike wish you a really special Christmas. May you eat, drink and be merry. Very Best Wishes,

Debbie & Stephen with their son Hayden

Contact Debbie: debbie@modernmagazines.co.uk or Tracey: 07500 592584 tracey@modernmagazines.co.uk

IN THIS ISSUE... 6 8 10 12 14 18 20 24 26 28 34 36 42 44

Springing up across Test Valley! Weyhill Electronic Organ Soc Pub Quiz Councillor’s Column Kevin McCloud Column Interview: Keanu Reeves Christmas Thank You Feature Andover Festive Events Alan Titchmarsh Column Monthly Walk Puzzle Answers Next steps in Local Plan Pets: Santa Paws... Recipe: Festive Biscuits

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Our magazines are printed in a factory that is FSC & ISO 14001 certiﬁed. Sustainable and environmentally friendly printing is part of our ethos. Using vegetable-based inks and recycling nearly 100% of our paper waste means you can be conﬁdent that this publication is not harming the planet.

Modern Magazines Ltd reserves the right to accept or reject any article or material supplied for publication or to edit material prior to publication. The opinions expressed or advice given in this publication are the views of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the publisher. Every care is taken when compiling this magazine, however we cannot accept liability for misprints or mistakes. Dates and information quoted are believed correct at the time of going to press, but are subject to change and no responsibility can be taken for loss, damage or omission of material due to error. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure they have permission to use any artwork which they supply to us or request for us to reproduce. Unless prior consent of the publisher is given, no part of this publication is to be reproduced.

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Springing up across Test Valley! Urban meadows are springing up across the borough and look set to grow in numbers after a successful first year trialling the project by Test Valley Borough Council. In spring, a change to the frequency of mowing grass was made across seven hectares of green space to encourage the growth of wildflowers and plants. The aim of this change was to help to reduce the number of visits, reducing the amount of CO2 into the atmosphere, and begin to improve the spaces’ biodiversity value. The sites across the borough include spaces at Picket Twenty, Smannell Road and Beech Hurst Park in Andover, Whitenap Open Space and Abbotswood in Romsey and a number of areas around Valley Park and North Baddesley. Volunteer recorders from Romsey and District Society, The Anton River Conservation Association (TARCA) and a number of local naturalists have been monitoring the sites over the summer and recording what species have popped up. Now, the council is assessing the sites and looking to increase the area of urban meadows over the next two years with the aim to have a total of 18 hectares of urban meadow space across the borough. Climate emergency and 6

countryside portfolio holder, councillor Alison Johnston, said: “The work creating these urban meadows has really given a wilder more natural feel to some of our green space. I’m delighted to say that the communities benefitting from these meadows have been positive about this change in management, and we are working to increase the area of meadows over the next two years. “The benefits are clear to see from an aesthetic point of view, as well as our work on the climate emergency action plan. Reducing our mowing is a step to changing the way we manage our spaces with the climate and environment in mind. “We are keen to work with communities who have ideas on where mowing could be relaxed to improve biodiversity. Please send ideas for new sites to nomowinfo@ testvalley.gov.uk.”

Urban meadow at Picket Twenty

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A ﬂavour of Christmas - Concert Preview 16 Dec 2021

Performing for the WEOS Christmas concert on Thursday 16 December is Steve Hubble from Broadmayne in Dorset, making his ﬁfth appearance for the Club. Originally from Birmingham, Steve is particularly noted for his musical arrangements and orchestral style of playing and

has performed many times on radio, including BBC Radio 2 and Radio WM. He is constantly in pursuit of top quality sounds, having worked with many of the leading instruments of the day, and was one of the ﬁrst artistes to use multi-keyboard set-ups. The concert commences at 7.30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) and tickets are available on the door at £6.00. Further information about the Club can be obtained by phoning (01264) 323213 or by visiting www.weyhill-eos.co.uk

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1. What is the opening line to 'Let it Snow'? 2. Which Christmas carol was originally written in Latin as 'Adeste Fideles'? 3. What type of pudding do the carolers sing about in 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas'? 4. Which carol includes the lyrics, 'Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis'? 5. How many types of birds are mentioned in the Twelve Day of Christmas song? 6. In the words of the famous carol 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing', to whom is glory proclaimed? 7. Which Christmas carol is commonly known by the title 'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire'? 8. Which famous Xmas song sends 'tidings of comfort and joy'? 9. Which Christmas carol was composed by Rector Phillip Brooks following a pilgrimage to the Holy Land where he had felt mesmerized by the town in which Jesus was born?

11. Which famous Christmas carol was written as a poem by C. F. Alexander, the same inspirational poet credited with having composed the hymn 'All Things Bright and Beautiful'?

12. The famous song 'White Christmas' originally featured in which 1942 musical ﬁlm starring

Bing Crosby, Fred Astair and Virginia Dale? 13. Which Christmas carol includes the lyrics, 'They looked up and saw a star, Shining in the east beyond them far, And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night'? 14. Christina Rossetti wrote a poem that was to become the basis of which famous Christmas Carol? 15. What is the ﬁnal line of the famous 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer' song? 16. Which carol was originally composed by James Pierpoint in 1857 for Thanksgiving? 17. In the words of 'Away in a Manger', what was the Lord Jesus asleep on? 18. Which Christmas carol begins with the lyrics, 'Sleigh bells ring are you listening'? 19. What type of tree is mentioned in the Twelve Days of Christmas song? 20. Which Christmas carol includes the lyrics, 'From now on, our troubles will be out of sight'?

10. Which song repeats the catchy lyrics, 'pa rum pum pum pum'?

Find the answers on Page 34

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Councillor’s Column This year has certainly been a better one than 2020, even though Covid hasn’t left our community - and probably never will. The good news though is that we are learning to live with it now that the successful vaccination programme has broken that link between infections, hospital admissions and deaths. At the time of writing, 11 people have died from Coronavirus in Test Valley since the beginning of March compared to 83 in the first two months of the year when the vaccine programme was in its infancy. I’m really proud of the work Test Valley has done this year providing the venues for vaccine clinics at The Lights Theatre & Chantry Centre in Andover and at Crosfield Hall in Romsey. It’s absolutely crucial that those eligible take up their booster jab to reduce the risk yet further – and my ongoing thanks go to the doctors, nurses, surgery staff and volunteers who are delivering this lifesaving service. As we look to the future, it’s also important we don’t forget the events of the pandemic and those who sadly lost their lives. To mark this moment in time, I was pleased to help the Mayor plant a tree in the Garden of Remembrance at St Mary’s Church in Andover recently. It’s one of a number of trees that have been planted across the Borough - with Test Valley making a tree available to every Parish - as a symbol of hope in their communities. This followed a poignant service in church attended by the families of those who lost loved ones. May they take strength from the new life people up and down the Borough have planted into the ground. 12

At Full Council last month, we considered our Medium Term Financial Strategy. A good opportunity to reflect on the £800k worth of reserves we’ve used in the last 18-months to help us through the cost of Covid. Meaning we could keep tax increases to £2.50 on an average Band D this year (broadly in line with inflation) rather than the assumed £5. Obviously, reserves can only be used once though, so it’s important we have a strong financial framework to deliver a balanced budget in this coming year. Talking of Budgets, I was pleased to see the Chancellor commit to another reduction in business rates for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. A great boost for the High Street as we move into 2022. On that note and at this time of year, I do hope you’ll join me in purchasing at least some of your Christmas shopping from the many small businesses that operate right across Test Valley. Small Business Saturday is on Saturday the 4th of December - and although it’s important we support our local enterprises all year round - at this time of year especially, I hope you can send some trade their way. Finally, I’d like to wish all readers a happy Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year..

Cllr. Phil North Leader of the Test Valley Borough Council

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A Design for Life… The Kevin McCloud Column Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the affable architectural business owner discusses the beneﬁts of mixing formal and contemporary, to great effect. Where two or more interior design styles meet, it can be for a number of reasons. Sometimes it’s down to ‘making do’ on a budget – there was perhaps never a more popular time for such contrasts of ideas, side by side, than after the Second World War. That necessity to get the country back on its feet in any way possible meant, in design terms, a whole new set of rules were laid down, where the beauty of aesthetics or the complementing of materials and fabrics could, frankly, wait for another day. It was more important to get our spaces back in a liveable condition. On other occasions where very polarised looks are worked in together, it can be because the person with the brief wants

to create something unique, or shock people, or just rip up the rulebook to do something different. In more recent times, I’ve noted that same acceptance to mix things up when it comes to sustainability. Where the environment and eco matters are concerned, there is an understanding that not everything is perfect; not everything needs to, or even should, ﬁt together with precision.

On Grand Designs, we have had both ends of the spectrum - people who are seeking to thatch their roofs, then others looking at solar panels. So when people ask me if there are going to be more futuristic looking buildings in the future, or if the traditional will stay in fashion, for me I think straight away about a whole band of architects who are there trying to evolve a style of architecture that does both. And when you drop in the word sustainability, I think there’s much more leeway, much more margin to perhaps do things that don’t ﬁt as well as we might want them to in the sense of everything matching up to the last piece of fabric.

Mostly, sustainability for me means people are looking both forward, in the sense of caring for and planning for the future, of course. Yet at the same time they are upholding traditional aims, often using an existing template. And that could be anything from the footprint of the house to the setting it is in.

It’s okay to incorporate natural materials with contemporary. It’s okay to mix gothic with country kitchen if what is represented is personal taste and style. And where sustainability is concerned, perhaps we should even be encouraging this new brand of diversity.

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12 Days of Christmas Wordsearch Words to ﬁnd: PARTRIDGE DOVES HENS BIRDS RINGS GEESE SWANS MAIDS LADIES LORDS PIPERS DRUMMERS Can you sing the full song? Here are some hints

10 11 12

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Reimagining the Matrix Another excellent – if familiar – adventure on the way for Keanu Reeves. Keanu Reeves doesn’t subscribe to cancel culture, and besides, there aren’t too many sins to account for! In fact, if skirting back over past behaviour is a determination of popularity in the years to come, then the 56-year-old Beirutborn star has stored up enough credits to last well beyond retirement. From queuing in the rain outside his own party because he didn’t want to make a fuss to bouncers, to redistributing his movie fees around support staff and special effects workers, through to acts of random kindness to strangers, such as giving up his seat on the New York subway. Add in charitable donations thought to exceed $100m, and the star clearly goes well beyond what is expected of him. “I don’t do things for any other reason than they feel right,” he says. “And that makes me no different to 99% of people out there – good people who give up their time

or their energy for something that doesn’t directly beneﬁt them.” While his behaviour onset is no less community spirited, it’s accurate to say the actor’s feelgood vibes haven’t directly translated into big hits in the past couple of years – his most recent movie being the semi-successful reprisal of Ted ‘Theodore’ Logan in the Bill & Ted franchise last year, and John Wick in 2019. “I think I’ve really taken a new view to it all in the past decade,” he says. “I don’t subscribe to the fanfare and the glamour. You’ve seen the way I live – I like basic things, I love motorbikes; I’d rather be out on a gravelly road getting mud on my boots than sat in the back of a limo. That’s just then person I am now. “Of course, I respect in others a desire to go after the bright lights, but I’d rather have a conscience that is more about people and worthwhile experiences, so I guess that leads me to do a lot of the things that I do. I’m not

doing it for any other reason than I want to.” For all the Speed, 47 Ronin and The Day the Earth Stood Still actor’s protestations, he might well be advised to prepare for a bit more press intrusion very soon with an expected triumphant return to form as the character of cybercriminal-turned apparent superhero Neo in the fourth instalment of The Matrix series of ﬁlms. “I am absolutely happy - I always feel I have to be totally committed to doing a role justice, particularly on a sequel, as you run the risk of sullying everything that went before it unless you get it right.” There seems little danger of that…

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Spot the Difference Can you find all 7 differences?

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Get ready for a ho ho whole host of spectacular events in Andover this Christmas! From marvellous markets, spectacular street performers, sensational Santas, a glorious grotto, terrific treasure trails and wondrous light shows, Andover will be positively bubbling with fabulous festive fun this year! The Christmas season launched at the end of November and with incredible interactive light and sound installations, warming mulled wine, delicious festive treats, live music, the return of the Window Wanderland, traditional fairground sideshow stalls, and beautiful gifts from a plethora of talented local traders at the Christmas Food and Gift Fair, there really will be something for everyone to enjoy. And to spread out the seasonal cheer, the council has worked alongside Andover Vision, Andover BID and Andover Town Council to develop a programme of wonderful festive events for all the family, on weekends throughout December. They will also be spread across the town, from Riverside Park to the Chantry Centre and from the High Street to St Mary’s Church. Details of all the events can be found at www.testvalley.gov.uk/christmasevents and www.inandover.co.uk Mayor of Andover, councillor Barbara Long said: “We are delighted to be working with Test Valley Borough Council to look at new and exciting ways for people to experience our town, and in particular, to celebrate Christmas and the season of sharing.” Leader of the council, Councillor Phil North said: “I’m really looking forward to Christmas in Andover this year. 24

Working with the town council and the BID, we’ve spread things out across a number of weekends to really prolong the festive cheer and offer a programme of events that will appeal to all ages and to individuals and families alike. It’s set to be a really magical few weeks. So, wrap up warm, soak up the atmosphere, wander between the different experiences and celebrations and support our amazing local businesses.” Steve Godwin, BID manager, said: “It’s been a tough 18 months for many people including our businesses, so we are hoping that Christmas will be a time for people to have some fun and enjoy the many activities taking place in the town. With over 200 businesses, plenty of parking and easy access, we hope that people will come and enjoy Andover town centre this Christmas.”

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Greenfingers… the Alan Titchmarsh column He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist and allround horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about making time for your garden to serve you as a place of creativity and contemplation. It was pointed out to me a few years ago that a lot of my novels contain a sort of yearning for something. That led me to think, maybe I’ve

got a deep in-built craving or hankering. Maybe we all have, and in life we’re all looking for something… something more. I think the lucky ones are those who ﬁnd it and know when they have found it. So where am I going with this? Well, I do sometimes feel a lot of those wants and desires can be arrested by going to a place that gives you quiet contemplation. It was John Lennon who said, “Life is what happens when you’re busy

making other plans”. Well stop being busy, stop making other plans, and for goodness’ sake get out in that garden of yours and enjoy it! You see, a real problem for a number of gardeners is the fact we spend hours, days, weeks and months tending to that glorious bit of land. We shovel, trim, cut, prune and pick until our hands are blistered and our knees are sore, yet omit to actually take a step back, or pull up a chair, or just sit on the blessed grass and soak it all in. Satisfaction in your garden sometimes comes in not gardening; it’s in the ability to stop! So as we get ready for when winter morphs wonderfully into spring, perhaps try to do less, not more.

is all those blemishes and ﬂaws that make nature what it is beautiful. I’ve got two gardens of my own and I’m very proud of them one in Hampshire, and a small coastal plot on the Isle of Wight. They are my achievements, my own little bit of land… but they’re only relevant and special if I remember to spend time in them, enjoying them, and sometimes, you know, doing nothing much at all!

I know that can be easier said than done; there are always jobs to do, and there will be those of us who cannot sit still in the garden - we ﬁnd it difﬁcult to stop, to accept a space how it is, always spotting imperfections here and there. In truth, it

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A clover leaf style of walk AROUND THE FRINGE OF TEST VALLEY This walk conjures up a great variety of terrain and covers woodlands and reserves in a remarkable area. At around 4. 5 miles this outing should take the regular walker about 90 minutes, but add more for halts at photo calls. There are 9 road crossings involved so care should be taken at these points. The meeting point is at The Hilt, Hiltingbury Recreation Ground, Hiltingbury Road, Chandlers Ford, SO53 5NP

1 where there is ample, free parking, servicing a variety of sporting venues at the ground (tennis, football, leisure centre and community centre).

By carefully crossing here we adopt the path that is directly behind the fence and weave gently downhill between a myriad of gardens to halt at North Millers Dale in around 600 metres. We actually cross this road and veer left to then enter Flexford Meadows after 100 metres. The path here can be wet and muddy, being part of the stream’s ﬂood plain; however we venture along for only 200 metres when we take the right hand wooden bridge that crosses part of Monks Brook and once again follow this path beside the brook and soon move away, heading through a gate then over a wooden bridge to ultimately re-emerge along North Millers Dale. A careful crossing here will take us into a path through more woods and ultimately veers left to halt at Flexford Road with another careful crossing into a gravel road.

On leaving the car we need to aim towards the perimeter path away from the entrance and turn right threading our way around the playing ﬁelds. Once at the T junction we take the right turn underneath the trees for 300 metres up to Hiltingbury Road. From there it is left along the footpath up to the main Hursley Road traﬃc lights. 28

3 This gravel track threads between houses, crosses a local road, and resumes it’s journey as far as Hook Crescent. We keep to the left down

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the Crescent until it takes a sharp right hand turn, which is the point where we aim directly forward into a nicely hidden footpath.

4 By following this narrow path for 300 metres we ﬁnally arrive at Hook Road and another careful crossover. Our next path enters Hook Woods and is about 100 metres across the road on the left and provides a steady climb amongst damp mud and shingle for some 400 metres until it levels out and we pass a wood stock compound on the right. Obviously stacked to season for future use. Shortly after this the gravel road meets a gate at which point we once again turn right into the woods to zig zag between the trees, over another crossing of Monks Brook (more a bog), before a steady climb and then coming back out beside Hook Road. This should mean we are now facing the crossroads into Hocombe Road, which is our next destination and the penultimate road crossing and a very busy junction so do take care. Keeping to the footpath we pass number 131 Hocombe Road and select the next delights of Hocombe Mead Nature Reserve on the right hand side.

We now descend into a truly boggy zone, cross a stream then turn left using the raised duckboards wherever possible up to a wide gate, pass through this and work round left, passing another entrance to the Reserve, then following right and uphill. Once on top of the hill we drop down again taking care across the slippery steps, aiming towards the bog and a section of further duckboards. Before that section do pause to view carvings in a tree trunk on the right,

6 then continue long the path that will eventually curtail at Hiltingbury Recreation Ground. We are now faced with just one more road crossing, then a trip around the playing ﬁelds in the reverse direction from much earlier – and retrieving the car. The nearest coﬀee house or refreshment lie a short distance along the main road heading towards Chandlers Ford, within a parade of shops. WRITTEN BY MALCOLM PRICE

the Crescent until it takes a sharp right hand turn, which is the point where we aim directly forward into a nicely hidden footpath.

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Andover Choral Society Anniversary Concert HANDEL MESSIAH Saturday 4 December 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Andover ANDOVER CHORAL SOCIETY WESTMINSTER CHAMBER ORCHESTRA AND PROFESSIONAL SOLOISTS Andover Choral Society are really excited to be back rehearsing so that we can bring you our Concert which heralds the beginning of Christmas in Andover. The evening, on Saturday 4 December at St Mary’s Church, Andover, also celebrates Andover Choral Society’s 50th Anniversary. I would be really grateful if you could pass this notice on to your contacts to advertise our ﬁrst concert in 2 years (a .pdf copy of our poster is attached). We will be bringing you Handel’s glorious Messiah, and other pieces of music, and once again accompanied by the excellent Westminster Chamber Orchestra and well renowned professional soloists, so this promises to be a delightful way to start the festive season. We look forward to sharing our evening of music and friendship with you. Sadly, due to Covid restrictions we are not allowed to oﬀer refreshments to celebrate our anniversary. There will however be an interval for you to stretch your legs! We welcome new members to join us rehearsing at Rookwood School 30

on Wednesdays from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. and aim to produce two concerts annually. You can either just turn up at Rookwood School, parking behind the main school via the ‘IN’ sign from Weyhill Road SP10 3AL or Email our Registrar, Alexandra King, at: alexi.king@ hotmail.com. Our onward programme is set to begin with rehearsing Mendelssohn’s Saint Paul when we resume in January. Concert date 7 May 2022 at St Mary’s Church, Andover. We do hope you will be able to join us in the newly refurbished St Mary’s church in Andover.

Handel

messiah Celebrating 50 years of Andover Choral Society

Andover Choral Society Westminster Chamber Orchestra

St Mary’s Church, Andover Saturday 4 December, 7.30pm Tickets £15, available from choir members and from The Lights box office on 01264 368368 www.andoverchoralsociety.org.uk

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STAR GAZING WRITTEN BY KATE EARL

kateearlastro@gmail.com

Welcome to the December Stargazing Page. Highlights this month include a line of bright planets in the early evening, and the chance of spotting elusive Mercury at the end of 2021. International Space Station The ISS can be spotted in the evening from the 1st - 10th, with the earliest sighting around 4.45pm. Viewing then moves to morning skies from the 18th, and anyone wishing to catch Santa returning home will need to look up at either 4.50am or 6.25am on Christmas morning. To establish exact timings please refer to www.heavens-above.com or a similar webpage for up-to-date information, remembering to set the location to your observing area.

Moon December’s full moon occurs on the 19th and is traditionally known by a variety of rather apt names, such as Cold Moon, Snow Moon, and Moon before Yule Moon. A crescent Moon joins the trio of planets in a line between the 6 – 9th. Object of the Month The recognisable ‘W’ constellation of Cassiopeia lies high in the north around 7pm. To locate it, ﬁnd the Plough asterism low in the north, locate the north star using its two pointers, and Cassiopeia is almost directly opposite on the other side of the pole star (see ﬁgure). Cassiopeia is one of several circumpolar constellations viewed from southern England. Circumpolar constellations never set below the horizon, and are visible throughout the night. Cassiopeia is a great place to scan with a pair of binoculars or small telescope, revealing areas of rich star clusters. Jupiter

Saturn

Events The annual Geminid meteor shower peaks on the night of 13/14th December. A bright gibbous Moon will spoil the show in the evening, so you’ll need to wait until the early hours of the 14th to see any shooting stars. Alternatively, try looking northeast earlier in the week when the Moon is less bright. Unusually, the Geminid meteor shower is caused by Earth passing through the trail of debris left over by asteroid 3200 Phaethon, and not by a comet. The Winter Solstice takes place on the 21st December; marking the shortest day and longest night.

Venus

View SW on 6th December at 5.15pm Cassiopeia

Mercury A diﬃcult planet to spot as it never strays far from the Sun as viewed from Earth, Mercury is visible during the last few days of December. You’ll need a clear, unobstructed view to the southwest (see ﬁgure).

Capella

Venus Venus is still low in the southwest, but by month end it is setting around 5.30pm. If you have a set of large binoculars or a small telescope, Venus will appear as a tiny, beautiful crescent, which due to its dazzling brightness is best viewed in twilight, rather than against a dark sky.

Vega

North/Pole Star

Mars The red planet is currently quite faint and only just visible before dawn. Jupiter and Saturn As the Sun sets both gas giants are visible in the southwest. Saturn sets by 7.30pm, and Jupiter by 9pm. They form a spectacular line of bright planets with Venus this month (see ﬁgure). 32

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Plough Asterism

View of the northern horizon upwards throughout December

Saturn

Venus

View SW on 6th December at 5.15pm Cassiopeia Capella

Vega

North/Pole Star

Plough Asterism

View of the northern horizon upwards throughout December Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

Answers Page PUB CHRISTMAS QUIZ 1) Oh the weather outside is frightful, 2) O Come, All Ye Faithful, 3) Figgy pudding, 4) Ding Dong Merrily on High, 5) Six types of birds: Partridge, Turtle Doves, French Hens, Calling Birds, Geese, and Swans 6) Newborn King, 7) The Christmas Song, 8) God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 9) O Little Town of Bethlehem, 10) Little Drummer Boy 11) Once in Royal David's City, 12) Holiday Inn, 13) The First Noel, 14) In the Bleak Midwinter, 15) You'll go down in history, 16) Jingle Bells 17) Hay, 18) Winter Wonderland, 19) Pear tree 20) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

2 4 3 5 9 7 1 6 8

5 7 6 8 2 1 4 3 9

1 8 9 6 4 3 5 2 7

4 9 8 2 1 5 3 7 6

3 1 5 9 7 6 8 4 2

6 2 7 3 8 4 9 1 5

9 6 2 4 3 8 7 5 1

7 5 4 1 6 9 2 8 3

8 3 1 7 5 2 6 9 4

9 7 2 6 5 3 8 1 4

8 3 4 1 2 9 6 5 7

6 1 5 8 4 7 3 9 2

4 5 8 9 1 6 2 7 3

3 9 1 2 7 4 5 6 8

2 6 7 3 8 5 9 4 1

5 8 3 7 9 1 4 2 6

1 4 6 5 3 2 7 8 9

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Plans in place for next steps in Local Plan The timeline for putting together one of the borough’s most important planning documents has been agreed as Test Valley Borough Council gears up for public consultation early next year. The Local Plan sets out the policies and guidelines for planning up and down the borough, and helps to look after the environment while making provision for the facilities and services that the community needs. Now, the next step in putting this plan together has been agreed, with a timeline now in place for the council to follow, and to consult with the public. An updated Local Development Scheme has been approved by the authority’s cabinet which outlines the timeline, with this next stage being undertaken in two stages. Early next year, the public will be asked to have their say on the Local Plan’s vision and objectives, housing and economic needs and how it supports our town centres, delivering masterplans for both Andover and Romsey. Other areas for consideration include the overall scale and broad strategy for the distribution of growth and the delivery of sustainability and design. Then, later in 2022, a consultation will be launched with the public on the full draft plan 36

which will have taken into account the first stage’s responses. Settlement boundaries and site allocations for housing and commercial development will also be open for discussion during this phase. Deputy leader, councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “I know that planning and its policies can be a complex system and often the first interaction around planning policy that residents can have is when they hear of an application. “We would love residents to get involved now, and tell us their opinions about all things to do with how we should shape our communities going forward. I made a commitment that our Local Plan consultation would be as accessible and wide ranging as possible, a two-stage approach means we can lead on evidence, while ensuring the public’s view is incorporated at every turn.”

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The health beneﬁts of skipping rope It’s incredible what 12 minutes per day skipping rope can do for your health! Every journey starts with the first step, so with your rope in hand - you can begin at your own pace, in your own space (you can skip anywhere!). Skipping rope does far more for our health than what most would assume. Are you aware than when you skip you are literally exercising your brain too? It’s called ‘Audio Spatial Perception’. What does it mean? Well skipping requires you to develop both the ability to concentrate on how your body is moving and what it should be doing as well as grow the perseverance and endurance to learn and maintain new rhythms of movement. As your communication between brain and body improves with simple movements when you first start out, with perseverance, you will move on to move challenging movements and full workouts. And by that stage, your brain will start training your body to do it with more ease, and you’ll 17 Colour Combinations Available

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Thousands awarded to boost energy efficiency A successful bid from Test Valley Borough Council has seen the authority awarded just over £30,000 to provide information, advice and assistance to private landlords who rent out properties in the borough which fall below the legal requirements in terms of their energy efficiency rating. Earlier this year, the borough council put in a bid to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for funding to train staff as domestic energy assessors. Now, the authority has been awarded just over £30,000, which means certain housing officers will be able to advise landlords on property improvements to make their building more efficient in saving energy. The training will also help to upskill council staff on enforcement action when it’s required. The Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) Regulations set a minimum energy efficiency level for domestic private rented properties. Since 1 April 2020, landlords can no longer let or

continue to let properties covered by the MEES Regulations if they have an EPC rating below E, unless they have a valid exemption in place. It is estimated that there are around 400 properties in Test Valley rated between F and G for energy efficiency, and it will be the landlords of those properties who will be approached and offered advice and assistance. The funding will also go towards an additional technology and database resource, which will enable property details to be automatically updated with energy efficiency standards. The system will also provide landlord guidance, letters and enforcement notices for the team to use. Housing and environmental health portfolio holder, councillor Tracey Tasker, said: “For us to be awarded this funding from central government is fantastic and will really help bridge the gap in the efficiency of our properties in Test Valley to ensure everyone is getting value for money in heating their homes, all while protecting the environment.”

General Knowledge Crossword #010 1

9 11

25 28

35 36

Across Clues: 2. Gruesome (7) 6. Pain (4) 8. All (4) 9. Flat plastic, narrow pointed teeth (4) 10. Appendage (4) 11. Pair (3) 13. To and (3) 16. Meals served (7) 19. Circular guitar (5) 20. Shoal (5) 21. Fool (5) 23. Beneﬁt (5) 25. Substance like glass, heated, plural (7) 28. Including (3) 30. Ocean (3) 32. Skin condition (4) 33. Formal promise (4) 34. Leaves used for cooking (4) 35. Ivy league college (4) 36. Insanity (7)

Down Clues: 1. Harshness (4) 3. Small quarters, shop (5) 4. Swim (5) 5. Reverberation (4) 7. Environment (3) 8. Fairy (3) 12. Large noodles, wheat ﬂour (4) 14. Competition (4) 15. To rear (7) 16. Laugh, very pleased (7) 17. Arctic toothed whales (7) 18. Excuse (7) 22. Important symbol (4) 24. Bottom (4) 26. Change, improve (5) 27. Disintegrate (5) 28. Culmination (4) 29. Apply (3) 30. Timid (3) 31. Capable (4)

Answers: Across: 2. Macabre, 6. Ache, 8. Each, 9. Comb, 10. Tail, 11. Duo, 13. Fro, 16. Canteen, 19. Banjo, 20. Reefs, 21. Idiot, 23. Avail, 25. Enamels, 28. And, 30. Sea, 32. Acne, 33. Oath, 34. Herb, 35. Yale, 36. Madness. Down: 1. Acid, 3. Cabin, 4. Bathe, 5. Echo, 7. Eco, 8. Elf, 12. Udon, 14. Race, 15. Upbring, 16. Chortle, 17. Narwals, 18. Absolve, 22. Icon, 24. Arse, 26. Amend, 27. Erode, 28. Apex, 29. Dab, 30. Shy, 31. Able.

Santa Paws is coming to town Christmas is almost upon us, time to get excited about trees, decorations, presents and food. Let’s not forget though to make Christmas a fun time for our pets as well. It seems that many of us are already planning on doing this according to an RSPCA survey: • 91% of people were planning on buying presents for their pets. • 26% of pets could expect to have their own advent calendars. • 55% would wake up on Christmas morning to their very own Christmas stocking. • 15% of owners will make a Christmas card for their pet • 26% will have their own special Christmas dinner cooked for them. • 18% of people admitted to spending more on their pets at Christmas than on their Mother-in –law! With an estimated 300 million pounds expected to be spent in the U.K on festive presents for pets, what would make a good gift? There are plenty of innovative and fun toys available for pets these days, many of which provide mental stimulation as well as exercise. Climbing frames for cats with hiding spaces and scratching posts included are great, especially for cats that are mainly indoors. These can help provide activities to reduce stress and increase

by John Chitty BVetMed of Anton Vets

exercise. There are also puzzle toys for both dogs and cats, in which they have to figure out a series of actions to release a food reward. You may want to buy a ball or soft toy for your pet, just remember to chose one that is of an appropriate size and material. Balls which are too small present a choking hazard, and if your dog is a chewer then softer toys may not last too long with the risk of squeakers or stuffing being swallowed as the toy is chewed up. You don’t have to spend a fortune on toys either, you can easily make fun toys from empty kitchen rolls or toilet roll tubes. For cats you can cut holes in them big enough to put a paw through and hide treats inside then stuff the ends with paper. They can then try and get the treats out. For dogs just stuff the rolls with treats then fill the ends with paper to pull out. You can even decorate the cardboard rolls with a Christmas theme! As well as the presents a huge part of getting into the Christmas spirit involves eating festive foods. Unfortunately many of the treats we like to enjoy ourselves are toxic to our pets, especially those containing chocolate or dried fruits such as raisins or sultanas. But there is no need for them to miss out, there are plenty of recipes for homemade biscuits and other treats for our furry friends. If your pet has a dietary intolerance though, be sure to check the ingredients first. Have a Merry Christmas!

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Spiced Festive Biscuits Introduction

Rustle up a little festive cheer with these delectable and delicately spiced biscuits, ideal for hanging on your tree or just for brightening up your tea break.

Ingredients

For the biscuits

350g plain ﬂour – plus extra for rolling 200g butter 175g dark brown sugar 1tbsp golden syrup 1tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 large egg ½tsp ground cinnamon ½tsp ground nutmeg ½tsp ground ginger For the decoration 100g white chocolate (melted) OR 100g icing sugar Sprinkles or silver baubles

Top Tips • Turn your biscuits into tree decorations by making a hole into each one before baking, using a skewer then thread through ribbon once cooled. • This dough can be made ahead by placing in the freezer after having been wrapped in cling ﬁlm to chill. Simply defrost and roll out to bake. • Pre-made icing or chocolate that is ready-to-melt in a tube is a great option for those who feel less conﬁdent using a piping bag.

Method

Top Tip

Decorated biscuits will last several days on a tree or up to a week in an airtight container.

1. Gently warm the butter, sugar and golden syrup over a low heat until it has melted. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl making a well in the centre to pour the wet ingredients into. Mix until a workable dough forms. Once cooled, wrap the dough in cling ﬁlm and place in the fridge for at least one hour to chill. 2. Preheat the oven to 190°C, fan 170°C, gas mark 5 and line two baking sheets with baking paper. Meanwhile, roll out the biscuit dough onto a lightly ﬂoured surface to around ½cm thick and cut out your biscuits using festive shapes of choice.

Reroll leftover dough and cut until you have none left. Bake for 10-12 minutes until a golden brown. 3. Once cooled, preferably on wire racks, place either melted chocolate or icing sugar – that has been mixed with water to form a thick paste – into a piping bag and use to decorate the biscuits, adding baubles and other decorations while the icing is still wet. Let dry completely before hanging.

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Advertisers Index

Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Gazette... Bathrooms

Garage Services

Pet Services

.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Ocean Bathrooms 19 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. Ashley's Mobile Tyres 21 ...................................................................................................................... Angel Paws 25 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. Bodyshop24 35 ...................................................................................................................... Anton Vets 43 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. Millway Vehicle Specialists 35 ...................................................................................................................... Foxcotte Veterinary Group 21 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. Motor Parts Direct Andover 35 Blinds, Curtains & Shutters ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. ReversePark 25 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Andres Blinds & Signs 5,21 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. Scratched Cars 45 Plumbers ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. Trickett Welding 39 ...................................................................................................................... GB Plumbing & Heating 45

...................................................................................................................... Humphrey & Crockett 21

Builders

...................................................................................................................... LDN Plumbing 31 SB Renovations .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Garden Services ...................................................................................................................... NO.1 PHD 11 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Willmont Building Services 20,45 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. Andover Patio Centre 21,48 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. Andy Meaden Landscaping & Garden 45 Maintenance Roofing Services Cameras ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. Rob Whiting Fencing Ltd 43 ...................................................................................................................... Right Roof 25 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Rocky Rock Cameras 23 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. Sunset Developments 5

Carpenters

Gifts & Collectibles

Serviced Offices

...................................................................................................................... The Commercial Centre 21 Input Joinery .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. My Fab Find 15 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Tucker Joinery 39

Gyms & Exercise Groups

Taxi Services

...................................................................................................................... 1-2 Call Cabs Ltd 19 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. Golden Gecko Climbing 23 ...................................................................................................................... Apex Cars 15 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... CJ Flooring 7

Carpets & Flooring

Chimney Sweeps

Habidashery

Tool Sales & Servicing

Cleaning Services

Hairdressers

Translation Services

Drainage Services

Hearing Services

Tree Surgeons

Events

Home Care Services

Vehicle Sales

Farm Shops

Memorial Stonemasons

Will Writing Services

Windows, Doors &

Fishing Tackle

Conservatories .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... OJ's Fishing 20 Mobility Products & Services ...................................................................................................................... All Trade Windows 21,48 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. DF Mobility 20 ...................................................................................................................... G S Windows Ltd 3 ...................................................................................................................... KJM 1 Funeral Directors ...................................................................................................................... Outlook Window Systems Ltd 47 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... S & J Maddocks 48 Opticians

Garage Doors

Fix My Garage Door .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 45 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Skandoor 17

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