Vital steps forward in placemaking review for National Park
We specialise in replacing wet belts on manufacturers such as Ford, Peugeot, Citroën and Vauxhall, we work with a wide range of engines - including Ford EcoBoost and EcoBlue, Peugeot and Citroën PureTech, Vauxhall 1.0 and 1.2 as well as other European models using wet-belt systems
• Many garages will refuse to replace wetbelts, not us!
• We always use the correct oils and genuine parts
• We have a qualified wetbelt team
• We can check to see if your wetbelt is due replacement (service history required)
Director
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Forthcoming Events
Join the Swan's Ladies Club at The Swan Hotel, Alresford! Are you looking for a friendly and engaging social group? The Swan's Ladies Club meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7pm for a delightful two-course dinner followed by an entertaining talk, demonstration, quiz, or more! We're excited to welcome new members to our club and are also seeking enthusiastic speakers to share their knowledge and experiences with our group. For more information or to become a member, please contact us at swanhotel@btinternet.com or call 01962 732302. Come join us for fun, friendship, and fabulous evenings!
New Alresford WI “Women of War”
Wednesday 4 February
From 7.30pm
St Gregory’s Church Hall, 1 Grange Road, Alresford SO24 9HD
Speaker Louise Morrish - How the true but forgotten life stories of a pioneering female doctor and a fearless female journalist during WWI inspired Louise to write her novel.
Alresford & District Horticultural Society AGM
Wednesday 11 February
From 7.30pm to 9.30pm
St Gregory’s Church Hall, 1 Grange Road, Alresford SO24 9HD
AGM for Members only. Followed by a talk on the Water Meadows from Roger Harrison of Itchen Mill. Visitors welcome, £3. Refreshments available. Further information at www.alresfordhorticultural.org
Cheriton Talks, 2026 Beyond Beliefs: One Family's Incredible Story with Dr Sohail Husain
Saturday 14 February
From 6.30pm
St Michael's Church, Cheriton, SO24 0PZ
From 6.30pm for canapés and a complementary glass of wine. Tickets £16.00 from www.cheritontalks. com and more information. Tickets will sell out fast: Book early to avoid disappointment!
Community Tea Concert‘A Sprinkling of Local Fame’ by Winchester Musicals & Opera Society
Sunday 15 February
From 3.15pm, Performance 4pm
St Peter's Church, Ropley, Alresford, SO24 0DS
Tea and cake from 3.15pm. Performance 4-5pm. Winchester Musicals and Opera Society present: “There is nothing quite the same as a sprinkling of local fame”, a short humorous entertainment on the ups and downs of putting on Amateur Dramatics! Featuring witty sketches and toe-tapping songs from the shows. Tickets can be bought here: www.stpetersropleyvenue.org.uk
Alresford Historical and Literary Society Talk. Mitchell - Father of the Spitfire a talk by Paul Beaver.
The Canterbury Tales
Thur 19 to Sat 21 February
From 7.30pm (Bar opens 6.30pm)
The Flower Pots Inn, Cheriton, New Alresford, SO24 0QQ
The Alresford Community Theatre Society proudly presents the Cantebury Tales at the Flower Pots Inn, Cheriton, SO24 0QQ. Bar opens 6.30pm, show sarts 7.30pm. Tickets available from ticket source: https://www.ticketsoource.co.uk/ alresford-community-theatre-society Tickets: £28 per person.
Alresford Antiques Fair
We offer a wide range of Decorative, Useful, Interesting, Unusual and Quirky items including good quality
Saturday 21 February
From 9.30m to 4.30pm
Alresford Community Centre, West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AG
Furniture, Silver, Jewellery, China and Glass. We will also buy. Free admission and good parking available nearby. Confirm future dates in Antiques Atlas: https://antiquesatlas.com/dbevents/ Contact: Instagram - carolfentumantiques Carol - 01264 335769 / 07870 432805
Cheriton Talks, 2026 - A hobby that got out of hand
Saturday 21 February
From 6.30pm for 7pm start
St Michael's Church, Cheriton, SO24 0PZ
A hobby that got out of hand: The Post Office scandal and cover up with Barbara Jeremiah JP MSc & Dr Kay Linnell OBE. From 6.30pm for canapés and a complimentary glass of wine. Tickets £16.00 from www.cheritontalks.com and more information.
Growing Cannas a talk by Keith and Christine Hayward. Visitors welcome £5. Free Parking.
Alresford Art Society: Demonstration
Friday 27 February
From 2.30pm
Bishop’s Sutton Village Hall, Alresford, SO24 0AH
Flowers and Foliage based on East Asian Painting by Christine Forbes. Non-members welcome - admission £3. For further information: 01962 733031 or visit www.artsociety. alresford.org
Cheriton Talks, Cornwall and Classical Music Petroc Trelawnley in conversation with Debbie Thrower. From 6.30pm
Saturday 28 February
From 6.30pm
St Michael's Church, Cheriton, SO24 0PZ
for canapés and a complimentary glass of wine. Tickets £16.00 from www.cheritontalks.com and more information.
New Alresford WI “The Saxophone”
Wednesday 4 March
From 7.30pm
St Gregory’s Church Hall, 1 Grange Road, Alresford SO24 9HD
A talk by Jon Woodhouse - Jon’s talk will include information about the saxophone, the people he met and his experiences as an army musician.
St Matthew PassionRomsey Abbey
Saturday 21 March
From 6.30pm
Romsey Abbey, Church Lane, Romsey, SO51 8EP
Looking forward to Easter… local choirs: Kingsgate Voices and Southern Voices will join forces with a host of famous soloists and firstclass orchestra to perform JS Bach’s St Matthew Passion on 21 March at 6.30pm (NB: early start time). Katharine Fuge, Malachy Frame, Jessica Gillingwater & Gareth Brynmor John will be joined by rising stars including Sebastian Hill accompanied on period instruments by London Baroque Sinfonia with Andrew Hayman conducting and Winchester Cathedral Girls Choir. Perhaps a once in a life-time opportunity to hear this great work –not to be missed and book early! Tickets £38, £28, £18 (concessions available): ticketsource.co.uk/ musicinromsey (0333 666 4466) and from Oasis Bookshop, 25 Church Street, Romsey (01794 512194).
If you would like to feature your event on this page FREE of charge simply email your contribution to editor@forumpublications.co.uk Please note that we are unable to guarantee publication.
Makeover Options
• Change all your drawers, doors, panels and plinths
• New worktops can be fitted
• Amendments to existing cabinetry and layout can be made
• Built in ovens can be changed to eye level ovens
• No one will know its a makeover, it will look like a brand new kitchen
• All doors made to order to any size
Our head fitters are ex-shipwright joiners so you are guaranteed excellent quality installation.
•
Ben, Owner Uk Happy Kitchens Ltd
We also design and install bespoke new kitchens, bedrooms, boot rooms, media walls, living room storage.
Updating your tired and dated kitchen has many benefits; not only does it make your kitchen new and inviting and a pleasure to be in, but it can also help considerably with the saleability and value of your home!
Happy Kitchens are quite unique as we are able to offer top quality products, available in any size, fitted by the best professionals in the business. Change your kitchen and bedroom with a makeover or design and install a new kitchen and bedroom, whichever suits your needs or price range. 8 year winner of the Best of Houzz award and one of the highest reviewed kitchen companies on Houzz in the UK
With interest and mortgage rates reducing, the property market in this part of Hampshire is enjoying renewed confidence and showing positive signs of recovery.
A name you can count on in a changing world…
The Alresford area remains a very desirable place to live. As well as local movers, there is a steady stream of people wishing to move here from other parts of the country, many of whom are in excellent buying positions and just waiting for their perfect property to come on to the market.
Our dedicated team is here to assist and are committed to giving you best advice suited to your own particular needs. If you are considering a move this year, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Call us today, or pop into our Broad Street office, to chat to one of our friendly team.
THE RENTERS’ RIGHTS ACT: WHAT ALRESFORD LANDLORDS NEED TO KNOW
From May 2026, landlords across Alresford and the surrounding Hampshire villages will face the biggest shake-up to renting in a generation. The Renters’ Rights Act introduces wide-ranging reforms that will permanently change how properties are let, managed and regained –understanding these changes early is essential.
The End of Fixed-Term Tenancies
One of the most significant changes is the abolition of Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs). From 1 May 2026, all existing and new tenancies will automatically become open-ended periodic agreements. Tenants will be able to give two months’ notice at any time, while landlords will no longer be able to use Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions. Instead, possession will only be possible using specific legal grounds under Section 8, making correct tenancy setup and ongoing management far more important than before.
When Can Landlords Regain Possession?
Landlords will still be able to regain possession, but only for defined reasons such as selling the property, moving back in, serious rent arrears, or antisocial behaviour. However, sale or owner-occupation grounds cannot be used during the first 12 months of a tenancy, and once used, the property cannot be re-let for another 12 months. If tenants do not leave voluntarily, court action will still be required.
For landlords, where rental stock is limited and demand remains strong, this reinforces the need for careful tenant selection and professional oversight from the outset.
New Rules on Rent
Rent increases will be restricted to once per year, using a formal notice and
with at least two months’ warning. Rent periods will be limited to monthly (or 28 days), and landlords will only be able to take one month’s rent in advance once the agreement is signed. Tenants will also gain stronger rights to challenge rent increases at a tribunal if they believe them to be excessive.
Pets, Families and Fair Treatment
Tenants will have the right to request permission for a pet, and landlords must respond within 28 days. Refusals must be reasonable – blanket “no pets” policies will no longer be acceptable. The Act also bans discrimination against tenants with children or those receiving benefits. While affordability checks are still permitted, they must be fair, consistent and based on individual circumstances.
What This Means for Landlords
These reforms are designed to improve security and standards for tenants, but they also bring greater responsibility and risk for landlords. Staying compliant will require up-to-date knowledge, accurate paperwork and a proactive approach to property management. For many local landlords, especially those managing property alongside other commitments, professional support will be key.
How We Can Help
At Hellards we work with landlords across New Alresford and the surrounding villages to ensure their properties remain compliant, well-managed and financially sound. Whether you need advice on tenancy changes, rent reviews, compliance requirements or full property management, our experienced local team is here to help you prepare for the Renters’ Rights Act with confidence.
Call us on 01962 736333 to discuss how the new legislation affects your property – and how we can help protect your investment for the future. www.hellards.co.uk
Luke 4:22 & Matthew 7:28,29)
New Farm Road, Alresford, Hampshire Sunday Services 10.30am Wednesdays 7.30pm (prayer and bible study on zoom) Tel: 07989 257707 (text or call) www.newfarmchapel.org.uk
St Swithun’s Prep Welcomes New Head of Sport, Kat Shoesmith
St Swithun’s Prep School is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Head of Sport, Kat Shoesmith, who brings nearly 20 years of teaching expertise across the UK and Malaysia.
Kat undertook her BA (Hons) in Physical Education at the University of Chichester and began her career at Grays Convent High School, an all-girls’ school in Essex, where she spent eight years as Head of Department. She later worked for seven years in Malaysia across two international schools - Garden International School and The Alice Smith School - teaching pupils from Early Years in prep through to Year 13.
Her own sporting background includes competitive gymnastics, regional level rugby at university and, more recently, adult netball in the Southampton Margaret Whittaker League.
Kat’s vision for sport at St Swithun’s Prep is a purposeful and positive culture. “My job is to inspire a generation who love being healthy and active through the medium of sport. I want girls to leave school with the tools and confidence to look after their health and wellbeing long after their school years.”
The new head of sport aims to strengthen the school’s already well-established sports provision. “My goal is a well-rounded curriculum that means girls are exposed to as many activities as possible,” she explains. “This way each student can discover a form of movement they enjoy, helping them build the foundations of a healthy and active life that is sustainable.”
St Swithun’s Prep believes participation in sport has long-term benefits for girls’ futures. Research shows that a significant proportion of female CEOs played sport in their youth (Forbes 2022) and we see sport as an opportunity to strengthen the future projection of each student, with a byproduct of essential life skills such as teamwork and resilience.
Reflecting on her approach to encouraging young girls to play sport, Kat says, “Don’t be afraid of failure – that’s where the magic happens.” She believes that failure is not falling but choosing not to get back up.
Liz Norris, Head of St Swithun’s Prep said, “We are delighted to have Kat championing
on Friday 13 March 2026. Find out more at: www.stswithuns.com/preschool-and-prepopen-days
sport and active wellbeing at St Swithun’s Prep. Her passion to foster a positive sporting culture will enrich each girl’s unique educational journey here.”
Meet Kat and the rest of our staff at our upcoming Prep Open Afternoon
PREP SCHOOL OPEN AFTERNOON
We warmly welcome families seeking places from our co‑educational Preschool through to Year 6. From Reception upwards, our Prep School offers an inspiring girls‑only environment in Winchester, Hampshire.
During the afternoon, you’ll meet our Prep School Head, Liz Norris, before enjoying an individual tour led by one of our current pupils.
Scan to book your place
stswithuns.com/preschool -and-prep-open-days
/stswithunsprep
/school/st swithun’s school /stswithunsschool /StSwithunsPrepSchool
ALRESFORD SURGERY NEWS
It’s time to talk
Time to Talk Day is a vital initiative focused on encouraging open conversations about mental health. Observed on February 6 this year, this day aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and promote understanding and empathy. https://timetotalkday.co.uk/
Healthier Together
It can be extremely stressful when your child is unwell. We know that there is a huge amount of information available at your fingertips, but finding something that provides clear and accurate information is not always easy!
The resources on the Healthier Together website have been developed in partnership between parents and healthcare professionals from across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. You'll find clear information on common childhood illnesses, including advice on what 'red-flag' signs to look out for, where to seek help if required, what you should do to keep your child comfortable and how long your child's symptoms are likely to last.
Blood Pressure
Have you taken your blood pressure recently? Why not use our machine in the waiting room, then pass the results to the receptionist. What is blood pressure? - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Spotlight on Phlebotomy
What does a phlebotomist do?
Phlebotomists are an instrumental part of the NHS team, making sure that the diagnosis of illness is done quickly and safely.
Phlebotomists take blood samples from patients which are examined in a laboratory and the results can be used to quickly diagnose diseases and conditions. Phlebotomists work at local NHS hospitals as well as GP practices, obtaining blood samples from patients and ensuring their safe delivery to the laboratory for testing.
As some patients are nervous about having their blood taken, Phlebotomists are trained to reassure patients and help put them at ease. We have 3 Phlebotomists at the practice in addition to all practice nurse team members being able to take blood from patients.
• equestrian maintenance • Ploughing
• field cultivation • Hedge cutting • Forestry
• spraying specialist • fencing • topping
• wood thining • Tree Felling & branch lopping
Load of logs - £80 per truck load
Tel: 01962 735452 / Mob: 07880 527049
www.appletoncontracting.co.uk
Daren George - your local pest controller from Alresford
The Spring COVID Vaccination Programme will run between 13 April 2026 and 30 June 2026. The following patients are eligible for a Spring COVID Booster:
• Adults aged 75 years and over
• Residents in a care home for older adults
• Immunosuppressed individuals aged 6 months+, as defined in COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a
We will contact all eligible patients to arrange a vaccination appointment including those who are housebound.
Afternoon Closure – Thursday 12 March
The surgery and dispensary will be closed from 12.30pm to enable all GPs & Nurses to attend a compulsory training meeting this afternoon. Our phone lines will not be open on this afternoon.
If you require urgent medical attention, please call 111.
Welcome to Kate
We offer a warm Alresford welcome to Kate who joined us at the beginning of January as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner. Kate has many years of experience as an ANP & she will be working a Monday, Tuesday & Thursday.
Trying to make the most of your money is no easy task. Researching your options, understanding the details, and putting a plan together can be time consuming and complicated.
This is where a skilled financial planner can prove invaluable. They can help you in several key areas:
• Pensions and retirement planning: understand how much you need for a comfortable retirement and create a resilient, tax-efficient plan aligned to your long-term ambitions.
• Inheritance and estate planning: carefully analyse your long-term needs and your succession plan to align the distribution of your assets according to your wishes.
• Financial protection: safeguard your family, loved ones, and business interests.
• Investing: helping you make your money work harder with expert investment management.
Planning that powers your ideas
To create a financial plan that gives your ambitions the best chance of success, working with a skilled financial planner is crucial. They have the expertise to consider your circumstances and create a personalised plan built around your values and goals.
They’ll ask about your family, career, lifestyle and property to understand your life and priorities. Using cashflow modelling, they can use this information to make specific recommendations and answer big questions such as:
• How much is enough to retire?
• How can I protect my family wealth for successive generations?
• How much should I gift – and when and how?
• How do I secure financial support for my family when I’m no longer around?
The
financial planning process
A financial planner’s approach is typically a straightforward, step-by-step process:
1. Getting to know you: spending time understanding your goals and objectives to inform a personalised plan.
2. Examining your options: analysing your situation and providing a detailed recommendation.
3. Agreeing the plan: discussing the plan with you and ensuring you understand and are comfortable with the approach.
4. Putting the plan into practice: implementing the agreed-upon plan, taking the administrative burden away from you.
5. Reviewing the plan: discussing the plan with you annually to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and objectives.
By taking control of your financial future and seeking the guidance and ideas of a skilled financial planner, you can unlock the full potential of your resources to help you achieve your goals with confidence.
We live and work local to you. We would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability.
Joy Moir Wealth
Manager
E: joy.moir@brewin.co.uk
Chris Barry Wealth
Manager
E: chris.barry@brewin.co.uk
46 Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8RY
T: 01962 798000
W: brewin.co.uk/our-offices/winchester
The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. This does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. You should always check the tax implications with an accountant or tax specialist. Forecasts are not a reliable indicator of future performance. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy.
RBC Brewin Dolphin is a trading name of RBC Europe Limited. RBC Europe Limited is registered in England and Wales No. 995939. Registered Address: 100 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AA. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the
WARNER AND RICHARDSON LLP ARE INDEPENDENT SOLICITORS LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC CITY OF WINCHESTER.
WE HAVE A STRONG, LONG STANDING REPUTATION FOR PERSONAL SERVICE AND HIGH QUALITY LEGAL ADVICE. FOR INFORMATION ON HOW WE CAN HELP YOU WITH ANY OF THESE MATTERS:-
• WILLS, PROBATE AND ESTATES
• RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING
• COMMERCIAL, AGRICULTURAL AND BUSINESS CONVEYANCING
PLEASE CONTACT US ON Visit our website:-
MR MAC - FEBRUARY NEWS
Apple’s Time Machine is a built-in backup utility available for free to all Mac users. After making the initial backup it will continue to take snapshots daily. This in an invaluable facility that lets you recover a failed machine or set up a new one. It is not possible to do this from the iCloud. The iCloud is there to synchronise your files between your various devices. Please call me if you would like me to explain this in more detail.
Many of you use ChatGTP and you may be interested to learn that their ChatGPT Health will help make sense of your Apple Health data. At launch, access is rolling out to users on ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus and Pro plans in many countries including the UK. If you want to try it, you can sign up for the waitlist and then select Health from the sidebar once you have access.
If you are travelling overseas and want to protect your devices and access UK content such as the BBC iPlayer and Sky Go search for Surfshark, a VPN that is simple to install, not expensive and best of all can be installed on multiple devices e.g. family members. It does what it says on the box!
Andy – Mr Mac - Tel: 07392 552 592
As The Alresford Assistant I offer remote or in-person admin, PA, book-keeping, retail and other help to local businesses and households who need ongoing, one-off or ad-hoc support.
If there are too many things on your to do list, why not get in touch to see if you can put some of them on mine?
Contact Beccy on 07957 600587 or at thealresfordassistant@gmail.com www.thealresfordassistant.co.uk
Helping you make the most of your Macs, Windows laptops and PCs. Wi-Fi, printer and email trouble shooting. 07392 552 592
On Your High Street
Enticing and eclectic items now available on your high street this Winter Stay local and support your diverse retailers!
D.Barker & Son
Silver Heart stud earrings by Kit Heath - £40 40A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU
Tel: 01962 732200 | www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
The Naked Grape “Reminiscent of Rioja with flavour and purity”
Stamped Biodynamic - CM Agriculture
- Carbon Proof
- Vegan Friendly Wine - Organic Wine Certified Drink well this February … 22% OFF Now £12.50 per bottle
The Old Exchange, Station Rd, Alresford, SO24 9JG
Tel: 01962 732002 | www.thenakedgrape.co.uk
Delilah Boutique
SALE NOW ON
Masai Clothing has returned for Spring ‘26 d delilah.boutique
Tel: 01962 738470 | www.delilahboutique.co.uk
D.Barker & Son
Silver gilt bracelet by Enamel Copenhagen - was £90, now £63 40A West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU
Tel: 01962 732200 | www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
Demeter
Tel: 01962 732200
www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
D. Barker & Son Ltd
D. Barker & Son Ltd
40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
ALRESFORD ROTARY NEWS
Forty Years On!
This year Alresford Rotary celebrates its Ruby anniversary! After initial local interest in Rotary had been established in late 1985 a group of about 25 (all men in those days) were, by mid-1986 regularly meeting at The Swan on a Monday night, enjoying each other’s company and learning about Rotary’s past and its future potential, worldwide and particularly in mid-Hampshire. An inaugural dinner of the interim club was held at Perins School on 2 October 1986 and the official “chartering” of Alresford Rotary Club took place on 23 January 1987, held at Winchester Guildhall, there being no location in or closer to Alresford sufficiently large to accommodate more than 300 guests.
From the outset Alresford Rotary has always prided itself on having somewhat maverick tendencies when it comes to following too closely the rules laid down by Rotary International, especially those with American traditions. Douglas Bader once said that “Rules are made for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men” and that has generally been the philosophy of Alresford Rotary. That started with the members of the Interim Rotary Club of Alresford casting tradition to the wind and inviting their wives (and their guests’ wives) to its chartering. These days Rotary is very much a dual gender organisation and in and around Alresford we are always looking to improve our diversity!
The traditional Rotary model was a weekly meeting and to maintain membership members were expected to attend 60% of the meetings. That tended to discourage interest from those with family and working commitments! Involvement was also discouraged by the view that all Rotarians should be “Professional or Business people” and the rule that each club should only include one member from any one profession! Fortunately those days have long gone. Alresford Rotary welcomes interest from anyone who has an interest in making a difference locally and internationally.
Thanks to support from the local community Alresford Rotary has for many years participated in the Rotary Wessex Christmas gift shoebox scheme for disadvantaged and displaced children in eastern Europe. Just before Christmas we received pictures from Romania showing the joy the shoeboxes bring!
Alresford Rotary looks to make a difference in mid-Hampshire working together with other groups such as the Alresford Pigs, the New Alresford Town Trust and the New Alresford Town Council, and other local community groups and organisations both in Alresford and the surrounding villages. Membership of Rotary used to be very much “by invitation only” but that is history! If you are interested in making a difference, we’d love to hear from you!
Our next social and fundraising event is “Probably Mid-Hampshire’s Quiz of the Year” 2026 at Itchen Abbas village hall on 27 March. Book early to avoid disappointment – selling fast!
(01962 738788 / wjrp@hotmail.co.uk)
James Pinniger - email:rotaryalresford@gmail.com Phone: 079737 47305 | www.alresford-rotary.org
ALRESFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWS
Member of the Month
Wilcan Motor Company Ltd
Wilcan Motor Company is a long-established, local, and reputable business, starting in 1990 as a two-man business with Malcom and Neil, with Andy joining them in 1998. With Neil and Malcom deciding to retire, Andy bought the business from them in 2014, having run the office and workshop for many years.
Wilcan prides itself in providing a personal, fast and effective service for all its customers, giving a friendly and personal touch. We understand the needs of customers and how much we all rely on our cars every day, and we try to keep the impact of being without your vehicle to a minimum.
Wilcan and our team of fully qualified technicians can reliably repair all makes of cars, vans and light commercial vehicles, ranging from old custom cars, campers, to drift cars, with the latest diagnostic equipment and vast experience. We offer value for money and quality customer service; consequently, this has meant we have a loyal, long term customer base.
The office is supported by Hattie, who deals with the day-to-day running and enquiries and administration for the company. Whether you just require a puncture repair, a full engine rebuild or some friendly advice we are happy to help and any enquiry is welcome. Just give us a call on 01962 736186 or drop into the office The Long Barn, Winchester Road, New Alresford, SO24 9EZ.
People and Places Survey 2026
The Chamber, with the support of NATC & WCC, has arranged for a People and Places Town Survey to be carried out. The last survey was carried out 10 years ago; and having a new survey carried out now will give us a huge amount of information that can be used to help inform decisions about the future direction of the High Street in our town. We are especially keen to gain information on visitor footfall and how businesses have changed within the town over the last decade.
We therefore ask for your help; if you should be stopped by one of the survey teams, it would be great if you could spare a little time to assist them. The information will allow us to ascertain the best marketing tools required to promote New Alresford in the best possible way to help keep our beautiful town thriving.
Call to New and Small Businesses
Are you a small business working from home and needing more space, or a new business looking for premises? There are freehold spaces for sale in the centre of town, and maybe now is the right time for that jump to take your business to the next level. Business owners in Alresford know this is a big step, and we would love to offer any information, advice, or help with expanding your business. Please feel free to contact the chamber at the email below, and we will put you in contact with the appropriate committee member.
Together we are stronger
Keep track of our events, follow us on Facebook @AlresfordChamberofCommerce | AlresfordCofC | info@alresfordchamber.co.uk | www.alresfordchamber.co.uk
We will buy your antique and quality vintage jewellery or gold watches.
We will also buy your unwanted or broken/damaged gold, silver or platinum jewellery.
• Jewellery with missing stones • Gold Watches • Gold or silver coins (sovereigns, krugerrands etc)
• Single or pairs of gold or silver earrings • Old rings – wedding & engagement rings
• Certificated Diamonds
Best prices paid from people you can trust
Simply bring along your Items in to our shop for an instant, free, no obligation cash offer. You will need to bring photographic ID and proof of address (driving licence or passport & utility bill). Payment methods - Cheque - Bank Transfer - Cash - Part Exchange.
*Diamantina Jewellers reserve the right to refuse to buy any items offered to us.
Our other services include:
Jewellery Design
Our pieces are not only featured in-store but appear in popups all over the world. Our designs will not only inspire you, they will transform you.
Jewellery Repair
We have a full range of jewellery repair and maintenance services. From cleaning and tightening to repairing breaks and resizing, our team can help you.
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AN UPDATE FROM NEW LEAF ALRESFORD’S COMMUNITY GROWING PROJECT
– FROM STEVE WELFORD, NEW LEAF ALRESFORD COMMUNITY GROWING LEAD VOLUNTEER
2025 marked the second year of the Community Growing project at Alresford’s Spring Garden Allotments. The plot now boasts a greenhouse to complement the revived shed (with thanks to Mike for help and advice and Winchester Roundtable for funding). It took a while to construct the foundation for the greenhouse, but after four months of prepping a second-hand 6ft x 6ft greenhouse was sourced to fit snugly in place.
New Leaf growers aim to follow Charles Dowding’s ‘No Dig’ (or minimal dig) method, using weed suppression, soil feeding and 3/4year crop rotation. In the first year we used cardboard with manure on top to suppress the weeds and planted into the manure three months later. Now the manure is surface spread in autumn rather than being dug in, to maintain soil integrity. In the second year of zero crop rotation we were amazed at how much better the winter brassicas were. Whether this was a fluke, good manure, the lovely summer, or the zero-rotation method, we can’t be certain! A third season growing the same crops in the same location will be interesting.
More organic plants were grown this year, some from seed, and the hope is to be fully organic in the future by saving our own seeds. The organic specimens also flourished, despite being fussy seedlings: black magic kale, romanesco cauliflower, santee broccoli, sakura tomatoes and groninger brussels sprouts.
Carrots grew well in the hot weather but were badly affected by carrot root fly larvae in the autumn. The team will look at ways to minimise this risk in future, such as ensuring loose carrots aren’t left out after pulling, building a proper surround, and companion planting onions amongst them. Any tips will be welcomed. This is the first time we have grown produce in a greenhouse and we were delighted to be given five different varieties of tomato plants by a neighbouring plot holder. The prolific yellow golden sunrise variety produced fruit well into November!
New Leaf would like to take this opportunity to thank their fantastic core of volunteers for getting the project under way; offering their time to shift manure, put up the greenhouse and shed, start and raise seedlings, plant, weed, and undertake general maintenance.
Now that the plot is relatively well established, we would like to open the project up to more people in the Alresford area. If you don’t have time or space for your own plot, you are interested in our methods and approaches, happy to share the work with others and have a bit of social at the same time, you’re welcome to join in.
You can find more information on New Leaf website: newleafalresford. org/community-growing And if you would like to get in touch please email enquiries@newleafalresford.org
JACKIE'S COUNTY CORNER
So - this councillor gave a new meaning to the Festive Break! Vacuuming just before Christmas is a dangerous hobbybut brilliant Winchester hospital’s A&E department was efficient, their staff were friendly and skilled and I was grateful for their care when they dealt with my injury. At times like this, we are all so pleased that Winchester’s A&E is here for us, and despite having to deal with an uncertain future only a few years ago, other new facilities are being opened on the site. The staff, who come from all over the world and the UK are here to help us. It truly feels like ‘our NHS’. Thank you Hampshire Hospitals Trust and the NHS!
The County Council’s Mineral & Waste Plan final consultation closes on 12 February. I was pleased that the Inspector took on board my concerns reflecting resident views about traffic, the impact of vibration, dust and pedestrian/cyclist safety when approving waste handling sites on redundant farms etc. As a result, some amendments are included in the final M&W plan.
The County has recently addressed two other safety concernsThe poorly surfaced cycle track under the mainline railway at Kings Barton has been tarmacked: it is quite a slope, but now safer for the ‘school bike bus’ and others.
Adding more signage following yet another incident of driving the wrong way on the A31 dual carriageway at night: is this caused by blindly following the ‘turn right’ instruction on SATNAV?
I visited Basingstoke and Dean’s presentation for their Local Plan (first draft) which includes over 4500 homes on Popham airfield, and on land north. Winchester City Council has made a strong response asking how they would mitigate the impact on many aspects of life for residents, businesses in the Micheldever area, asking to be kept informed and consulted as their plan develops. I have responded too.
School bus policies changed just before Christmas. Parents in the Worthys are in the unenviable position of needing to drive at least part of the way if they want their children to avoid a poorly lit 3 mile walk from Easter 2026. I am working with parents in The Worthys so that their children can get to school safely, and benefit from the rich education that their catchment secondary school provides. If you need help on this or Free School Meal funding please contact me.
I have recently met with an officer working to improve the efficiency and customer experience of reporting, tracking and completion of Highways complaints. If you report it on www.fixmystreet.com or on www.hants.gov.uk, then use menu bar to ‘report it’, I can now track it on the County member system.
Not exactly ‘See it, Sort it’ but it should enable me to deal better with those annoying case closed responses you receive. So, the new key point for you is to get a ref number for your complaint - and let me know so then I chase it up on my member system too. Thank you!
Finally - a shout out to a local business. Kevin Milner kindly took the happy photo at last year’s Alresford show for this year’s Christmas card. He covers rural and farm settings, drone footage and more. You can contact him at www.kevinmilnercountryside.co.uk
Jackie Porter 07973 696 085 jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk (use Facebook, but not X)
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New Alresford Town Council
All Aboard! New Play Boat Brings Fresh Adventure to Arlebury Park!
We’re delighted to share photos of the new boat that has recently been installed in the children’s play park at Arlebury Park. Set within a bright blue tarmac area, this colourful and imaginative piece of play equipment is a fantastic new addition and has already made the space feel more vibrant, welcoming and full of life.
Designed to spark creativity and adventure, the boat invites children to climb aboard, invent stories, and set sail on countless imaginary journeys. As well as encouraging imaginative play, it also provides opportunities for social interaction, helping children to play together, build confidence and make new friends in a safe and engaging outdoor environment.
This latest improvement forms part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing local play spaces and ensuring Arlebury Park remains a place where families can relax, connect and enjoy time outdoors. Early feedback has been incredibly positive, with the boat quickly becoming a firm favourite among young visitors.
We hope the new addition will be enjoyed by children of all ages for many years to come. Do come along to Arlebury Park to see it for yourself and watch the next generation of explorers set sail!
Help Shape the Future of Alresford’s Heritage Boards
New Alresford Town Council is beginning an exciting project to review and refresh the information boards located around the town, currently known as the Millennium Trail boardsT
These boards continue to play an important role in sharing Alresford’s rich history. However, the time
has come to update, improve, and reimagine them for today’s residents and for future generations.
At present, there are six boards located at the following sites:
• Broad Street
• West Street (by the Church)
• The Dean (near Shapla)
• The Avenue (The Toll House)
• Arlebury Park
• Station Car Park
As part of this project, the Town Council is looking to update the existing boards, relocate some where appropriate, and expand the scheme to include around 15 boards across Alresford. This will allow a broader and more engaging picture of the town’s heritage to be presented.
As the Millennium is now some time behind us, we are also keen to find a new name for the boards, one that better reflects Alresford today while continuing to celebrate its history.
A number of potential locations for additional boards have already been identified, including:
• Bell House
• Bowling Club, Sun Lane
• The archaeological site discovered at the new Sun Hill development
• Prospect Road
• Stratton Bates
• The water meadow off Drove Lane
At this stage, we would welcome and appreciate any comments. These should be emailed to Claire Boniface at: adminofficer@newalresford-tc.gov.uk
Hanging Baskets – Looking ahead for this year!
As the cooler autumn weather set in last year, New Alresford said goodbye to its summer hanging
baskets for another season. Removed ahead of the first frosts, the displays brought a welcome splash of colour to the town throughout the warmer months of 2025.
The baskets were particularly vibrant and full of life, and it was heartening to receive so many positive comments from residents and visitors. Over the summer, they became a familiar and much-loved feature, helping to enhance the appearance of the town and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
With the baskets safely down for the winter, attention is already turning to the future. Following the success of last year’s displays, plans are in place to return with hanging baskets in 2026. Residents and businesses across the town are encouraged to keep an eye out for hanging basket applications, which will be released in February 2026. Full details and guidance will be provided at that stage.
Thank you to everyone who supported and enjoyed the hanging baskets in 2025. We look forward to building on that success and bringing more summer colour to New Alresford in 2026.
February Calendar
Please see this months Calendar of events & meetings. You are very welcome to attend all meetings with an opportunity at the start of the meeting to share any thoughts or ideas. Meetings are held in the ground floor meeting room at Alresford Recreation Centre.
Please don’t hesitate to contact our Town Clerk Richard Doughty: townclerk@newalresford-tc. gov.uk
Planning Committee Meeting
Tuesday 3 February - 7pm to 9pm
Property Committee Meeting
Tuesday 10 February - 7pm to 9pm
Full Town Council Meeting
Tuesday 24 February - 7pm to 9pm
New Alresford Town Council
Recreation Centre, The Avenue, Alresford, SO24 9EP
Phone: 01962 732079
www.newalresford-tc.gov.uk
Authentic Chickpea Curry
A delicious, nutritional recipe from the best selling book, 'The Road from Karachi'. An ideal main for those colder evenings. Serve with chapatis or boiled rice.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 tin of chickpeas in salt water
(or any vegetable chopped in small bite-size pieces).
• 1 tsp of each of:
Cumin powder
Cumin seeds
Chilli powder
Coriander powder
Turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp Garam masala powder
• A pinch of salt
• 2 medium onions sliced
• 1 inch of fresh ginger
• 6 cloves of garlic
• Half a tin of tomatoes
• A small bunch of fresh coriander
METHOD
Step 1: In a pan add 2 tbsp of sunflower oil and toast 1 tsp of cumin seeds. Step 2: Then add the sliced brown onions. Add 2 tbsp of water when the onions have fried a medium brown in colour.
Step 3: Grate an inch of ginger and thinly slice 6 cloves of garlic and add to the onions. Add 1 tbsp of oil and stir for 5 mins then add 2 tbsp of water, and stir.
Step 4: Add all the spices and salt. 1 tsp of each spice apart from 1/2 tsp of Garam masala and salt to your taste. Add the quantity of chilli powder and salt to your taste.
Step 5: Add half a tin of chopped tomatoes into your pan.
Step 6: In the sauce, you can now add the chickpeas.
Step 7: Cook on a medium heat for 10 mins then simmer for another 5 mins.
Step 8: Add half of the fresh coriander and stir in when the chickpea is tender or the main ingredient of your choice is cooked and tender.
Step 9: Garnish your curry with fresh coriander.
Serve with chapatis or boiled rice.
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ALRESFORD & DISTRICT VOLUNTARY CARE GROUP (ADVCG) SEEK A VOLUNTEER
Alresford & District Voluntary Care Group (ADVCG) is looking for a volunteer to join the Co-ordinator Team – these are the volunteers who answer the central telephone line which people ring when they need help with transport to their medical appointments; the line is diverted to the landline or mobile of the duty Co-ordinator, so it can all be done from home.
Co-ordinators carry out a week manning the telephone line on a rota basis, once every seven weeks or so. Details of requested journeys are recorded on our web-based computer system, and the Co-ordinator then allocates the journey to one of our pool of approximately seventy volunteer drivers.
Co-ordinators carry out a very important and rewarding role for ADVCG, as they are the ‘bridge’ between members of the public who need assistance, and our volunteer drivers.
If you can spare some time, please either email us at alresfordvolcare@gmail.com or contact David Cooper, Chairman, on 07766 406704
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Cards / Chakra balancing / Crystal readings / Light Language Healing & Activation / Emotion Code & Body Code Facilitator Based in Alresford
Contact Louise on: 07719 011854 Psychic Medium / Rahanni & Reiki
Love Starts With You
February is the perfect time to prioritise self-care
February’s focus on love offers the perfect moment to reflect on body. At Saddle House Medi Spa, we see how taking time for self comfort, and overall wellbeing. Looking after yourself isn’t about indulgence—it’s about maintaining balance, supporting long-term health, and feeling your best from the inside out. This month, we encourage everyone to prioritise small, meaningful acts of self-care that nurture both body and skin.
February is the perfect time to prioritise self-care
Monitoring changes in your skin is an important part of long-term health. We are pleased to offer Map My Mole, an affordable and advanced mole assessment and skin lesion checking service that combines high-resolution imaging with expert review by a Consultant Dermatologist.
This service provides clarity and reassurance, helping to identify which moles are harmless and which may require further investigation — without unnecessary worry.
Why Choose Map My Mo le?
Affordable Medical-grade imaging and assessment
Specialist dermatology review by Consultant Dermatologists
Clear, easy-to-understand reports
Early identification of concerning changes
Reduced uncertainty and guesswork
Professional reassurance when no action is needed
It’s a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to skin health.
Map My Mole is a clinically approved digital mole assessment system used by medical professionals across the UK. During your appointment, detailed images of your mole or skin lesion are taken using specialised equipment and securely sent for review by experienced Dermatology Consultants..
You’ll receive a clear, written report explaining the findings and recommended next steps, whether that’s reassurance, monitoring, or onward referral.
B ook a Map My Mole
If you would like to book an appointment or discuss whether Map My Mole is right for you, please get in touch or book your consultation online.
Vital step forward in placemaking review for National Park
The process of reviewing the South Downs National Park’s Local Plan has moved another step forward with the completion of some key background studies around potential housing growth.
Following a major consultation earlier this year, the National Park Authority is now gearing up for the next consultation on the Local Plan Review in May 2026.
The award-winning South Downs Local Plan is being updated to ensure it addresses important issues such as nature recovery, climate change, affordable housing and helping local communities thrive. The revised Local Plan will enable appropriate growth in the National Park and will have a big focus on placemaking for all.
As part of the statutory process set out by Government, the Authority has to complete a number of background studies and some of these have now been published. They are evidence-based documents, rather than decisions, but will help guide the next version of the Local Plan going out for public consultation next year.
The first key document is the Land Availability Assessment (LAA) which has assessed the suitability, availability, and achievability of about 800 sites across the South Downs National Park. It comes after hundreds of sites were identified or put forward by agents, landowners and local communities to be considered for development opportunities. The LAA has recommended whether a site “has potential” for – or should be “rejected” or “excluded” from – further consideration in the South Downs Local Plan Review.
The LAA includes an online interactive map so that communities and site promoters can see which sites have been assessed and considered. The LAA does not determine whether a site should be allocated for development, but rather
provides an information hub to help identify potential sites for further consideration in the South Downs Local Plan Review. Subject to further technical work, it’s then for the South Downs Local Plan Review – or any future Neighbourhood Development Plans – to determine which sites should be allocated for future development.
Meanwhile, the evidence on housing needs has been updated in two studies. The National Park Authority believes the appropriate housing need figure for the South Downs is 323 homes per year – or 5,814 new homes between 2024 and 2042. This assessment of housing need is just a starting point as the Local Plan Review will need to take into account the statutory purposes of the National Park – the primary purpose laid out in law being to conserve and enhance its natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.
Tim Slaney, Director of Planning for the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “This Local Plan Review is the framework for the future of this incredible National Park. It shapes where and how development takes place, ensuring we conserve and enhance its wonderful landscape, provide for the needs of local communities, and conserve and enhance wildlife and heritage. In this way we can enable villages and towns to flourish. As always it’s about the right development, in the right place, and ensuring benefits flow from this, whether that be affordable housing, employment opportunities, new community facilities, infrastructure, or new habitats for wildlife.
“It’s really important to stress that these background studies are purely starting points to help inform the next stages of the Local Plan Review and no decisions have been made. There’s still a long way to go, but we’re making really good progress on the various formal stages of the process.
“We’re looking forward to engaging further with the public, parishes, landowners and partner organisations over the coming months as we gear up for the next consultation in May.”
Submission of the revised Local Plan to the Government’s Planning Inspectorate is expected in the autumn of 2026 and full adoption as planning policy by the National Park Authority in 2027.
The Local Plan Review and the various evidence documents can be viewed at: www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning-policy/thesouth-downs-local-plan-review/
• Earlier this year more than 1,000 people visited 20 consultation events across the National Park and over 10,400 people viewed the online consultation. More than 1,900 individuals responded to the consultation, making 3,714 separate comments.
• All the feedback so far will be considered as the Authority prepares the next stage of the Local Plan Review, with the second public consultation taking place between May and July 2026.
• The current Local Plan is available to read at: www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning-policy/southdowns-local-plan/local-plan/
• The South Downs National Park has one of the most unique built environments within a protected landscape in the UK. As Britain’s most populated National Park with over 113,000 residents, it spans 15 different local authority areas across three counties and has four bustling market towns. It boasts 167 conservation areas – more than any other National Park in the UK – as well as 18 distinctive landscape types, over 1,000 designated spaces for wildlife and well over 5,800 listed buildings. Dealing with around 5,000 planning cases a year, the National Park is one of the country’s top 30 busiest Planning Authorities.
South Harting by Chris Gorman
It’s good to be home
We’re here so your loved one can stay at home, where things are familiar and they feel at ease.
We’re here for you too, because when a loved one needs care, it can be a challenging time in your life as well.
Of course, it’s much more than that. They also get 1-to-1 support with everyday errands. Help with washing and feeding, someone to swap stories with, and a new friend who can help them see old friends. All this in a safe environment, with familiar routines, that can delay age-related illnesses such as early onset dementia.
You also get complete confidence that they are receiving premium support from a provider that’s proudly rated Outstanding by the CQC.
For outstanding-rated home care in Alresford, the Worthys & Itchen Valley, contact us today 01962 856 900 alresford@bluebirdcare.co.uk
It’s not just putting Mum at ease. It’s giving you peace of mind.
Fall Back in Love With Your Skin
Because confidence is the best Valentine’s gift
February is all about love, and that includes the relationship you have with your skin. At Face and Skin Clinic Wickham, we believe feeling confident in your skin can change the way you carry yourself every day. Whether it’s addressing long-standing concerns or simply giving your skin a little extra attention, thoughtful care can help you feel refreshed and renewed. This Valentine’s season, consider self-care the ultimate act of self-love.
Hydrafacial
Skin Tag Removal
IPL Treatments
Thread Vein Removal
Medical Grade Facials
Laser Hair Removal
Dermal Fillers
Wrinkle Treatment
Profhilo
Profhilo Structura
Viscoderm Hydrabooster
Regenerative Medicine
Medical Microneedling
Purasomes (Exosomes)
Your Vagina)
Ultra Femme 360 is the painless radio frequency treatment that promotes the body’s own natural collagen production to restore and tighten the vaginal area
From puberty to menopause, the vaginal area undergoes natural changes and ageing. Many women experience concerns such as laxity, stress incontinence, or reduced tissue quality. Ultra Femme 360 offers total vaginal rejuvenation in a quick, painless 8-minute treatment.*
What is Ultra Femme 360?
Ultra Femme 360 uses radiofrequency to stimulate collagen, tighten vaginal tissue, and enhance blood flow — all without surgery
Polynucleotides
The Perfect Peel
Face and Body Packages
Aqualyx
Chemical Peels
Fat Reduction and Toning
Pelvic Health & Bladder Weakness
Before After
Who can benefit from Ultra Femme 360? Does the treatment hurt?
Women experiencing post-childbirth or menopausal changes who want to restore comfort, tightness, and intimate confidence.
No — it’s completely painless and comfortable, takes just 8 minutes, and has no downtime.
Weekly sessions for three weeks are recommended.
Yes, You SHOULD Feel Good (About Your Vagina)
Those of us who have issues down there know the impact our vagina can have on our quality of life. But we should ALL feel good about our vaginas.
Ultra Femme 360 is the painless radio frequency treatment that promotes the body’s own natural collagen production to restore and tighten the vaginal area.
From puberty, childbirth, menopause, and all the fun stuff in between, our vaginas go through a lot, and we rarely give them the care they need. Our vaginal area is just as prone to damage and ageing as the rest of our body. Distressing problems with vaginal laxity, stress incontinence or reduced tissue quality are all experienced by most women at some point in their life.
The Ultra Femme 360 treatment provides total vaginal rejuvenation in one quick and painless treatment that lasts just eight minutes*.
What is Ultra Femme 360?
Ultra Femme 360 is a non-surgical solution for restoring the internal and external vaginal area. As the applicator is guided in and around the vagina, the radio frequency activates our own body’s natural collagen and elastin production, which tightens the vaginal canal and surrounding skin. The low levels of heat from the treatment also encourages blood flow to the area, further boosting the effects.
Feel good…
Who can benefit from Ultra Femme 360?
This is a safe and gentle treatment that is suitable for most women. If you have experienced vaginal changes since childbirth or menopause or have functional issues including stress incontinence or reduced sexual enjoyment, Ultra Femme 360 can tighten, restore, and rejuvenate your vagina for increased confidence and personal wellbeing.
Does the treatment hurt?
We understand that this kind of treatment can feel daunting. However, we aim to make you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the treatment, which is entirely painless and lasts only 8 minutes. There is no downtime, and you can return to your normal daily activities immediately afterwards. *Recommended one treatment per week for three weeks for the best results.
We are one of the first clinics in the country to offer this treatment and look forward to welcoming you at The Face & Skin Clinic.
Knowing Me, Knowing You
Beep-beep. The car behind was tooting its horn.
“If I’d gone on amber, he’d have been jumping the red!” Himself was indignance personified.
“I know…”
“And if he’d jumped the red and met oncoming traffic on the single lane, then what would he have done? Engage his Pegasus engines and make like a Harrier jump jet?” Himself was cross. She knew the signs; the tips of his ears had taken on a crimson tinge.
“Unlikely...” Soothingly, she patted the hand that rested on the gearstick. The light turned to green and they duly negotiated the roadworks and reached the High Street. Himself’s ears had resumed their usual hue as he turned to her and said, “You’re very quiet. Are you alright?”
“Yes, I was just thinking about the couples’ Valentine’s quiz. We’ll be OK if there’s a whole round on your speciality subject: ‘Rolls Royce military aircraft engines from WWII to 1959’, but it’s a tiny bit specific and a little unlikely. Sorry Darling.”
“That’s a shame.” Himself looked crestfallen.
“But there is a Mr & Mrs round. I think we’ll do really well at that. We know all there is to know about each other after all these years.”
“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather have a romantic dinner à deux instead of going to a pub quiz?”
“No thank you, besides, I think it’ll make a nice change.” Over the years, they’d eaten out on Valentine’s night many times; a tale of stressed kitchens and glum couples in silence. Worst of all was the hard sell at your table; apparently nothing said ‘Be Mine’ like an over-priced red rose in a plastic tube. “Time to mix it up,” she said as they braved the shops. They’d agreed upon no sentiment-filled cards and no expensive blooms for each other for Valentine’s day – but in their quest for a birthday card and some non-romantic flowers for a friend, they were presented with a red sea of hearts and roses.
“It’ll be fresh Spring colours and Easter eggs everywhere next week, once Valentine’s out of the way,” Himself muttered, rummaging amongst the bunches of red rosebuds to find a bouquet that didn’t scream ‘I Love You’.
“And I’ll be quite happy with that. Red’s my least favourite colour.”
“Is it?” She wondered how she didn’t know that about him, as she located a small corner of the card display crammed with all the non-Valentine
cards. Birth, Marriage, Get Well and In Sympathy jostled untidily for position with the Birthday cards. All life is here, she thought as she selected the only non-alcohol-related card for their tea-total friend. Nodding approval at the freesia and carnation bouquet Himself had selected, she said in passing, “She’ll love them. They’re beautiful and, like me, she doesn’t like roses.”
“Really?” Himself frowned. All these years, had he been oblivious?
“Yes, I thought you knew. You’ve never bought me roses and I’ve always appreciated that.” It gets worse, he thought – both oblivious and unromantic.
Valentine’s evening came complete with matching colds that put paid to their quiz. “Knowing us, we caught this during our foray to the shops. No pub grub for us - but feed a cold, my mum would have said, so we should eat,” she announced and they shuffled snuffily off to the kitchen to make some dinner.
Head and shoulders in the fridge she called out, “It’s probably just as well we didn’t go to the quiz, the Mr & Mrs round might have been a disaster.” She closed the fridge door. “Seems I don’t know you as well as I thought. Since when have you disliked red?”
“Always. And I didn’t know you didn’t like roses.”
They looked at each other appraisingly and with fresh eyes. Just for a moment they returned to a time when she knew nothing about him, nor he her.
“Well, that was exciting,” she said, “we thought we knew all there is to know about each other. And we didn’t - but now we do. We’ll have another shot at the quiz next year.”
Himself agreed. “Aha! Well, knowing you as I do, there are some Roses of the Cadbury variety that I’m confident you love.” Withdrawing a hand from behind his back, Himself produced a box of chocolates.
“Aha! And knowing you as I do, there’s something red of the meat variety that I’m certain you love as well,” she said as she unwrapped a large piece of steak.
Over dinner, Himself gazed into her eyes and confessed, “I don’t like roses either. Maybe that’s the real reason I never bought you any.”
“No way! Well, now I think about it, I’m not a fan of red myself...”
ALRESFORD MOTOR SERVICES
Winchester City Councillors' Report February 2026
Glass Collection Bins in the Station Car Park
WCC have put a sign on every bin urging users to follow the time restrictions for their use. The notice also points out that these are for domestic users. Bars and restaurants should be making their own commercial contracts to clear their waste. It is also clear from the photos that the bins are very much used by residents, despite the domestic glass collection service now rolled out. Your councillors have spent much time trying to address this thorny issue. Despite their best efforts no other site has been found. Other ideas such as ‘quiet’ bins have been explored, these were found to be ineffective. Neither is it possible to provide a second domestic glass bin. The weight of collected glass is already very high in the trucks. We do urge Alresford residents to respect the time limits and to recognise the sound of bottles crashing into the bins is a major disturbance for nearby residents.
National recognition for
WCC’s natural environment planning strategy
The Winchester Nutrient Mitigation Strategy has been recognised and commended at the prestigious Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) 2025 National Awards for Planning Excellence in the Planning for the Natural Environment category. The award celebrates outstanding projects that improve the natural environment through conservation, restoration or enhancement. The joint award submission by Winchester City Council and the Partnership for South Hampshire is based on the work that the city
council has undertaken to protect and improve the water quality of important rivers (Itchen) and chalk streams across the district, while still being able to provide new homes.
The project was previously nominated for the regional award for Best Project earlier this year, and at the national finals the judges commended this project for “its innovative phosphorus mitigation, which unlocks housing development and significantly improves water quality, setting a benchmark for sustainable planning.”
In April 2022 Natural England brought in a ban on any development that increased nitrates into local water courses. This brought all development, by builders big and small and householders to a screeching halt.
Fly Tipping Prosecution
A Fareham man has been successfully prosecuted by Winchester City Council after a fly-tipping offence in Titchfield. The successful prosecution followed a fly-tip offence caught on camera.
The court heard that a surveillance camera installed by Winchester City Council captured images of the culprit taking commercial waste, from the boot of his car and dumping it in bushes at the entrance to Tynefield Caravan Park in Whiteley Lane. The offence took place on the afternoon of Thursday 2 November 2023.
The culprit was ordered to pay a fine of £600, prosecution and clearance costs of £385.64, plus a victim surcharge of £240, making a total of £1,225.64. Winchester City Council Cabinet Member for Recycling and Public Protection Cllr Steve Cramoysan said: “Fly-tipping is a crime which causes huge damage to our local communities, wildlife and the environment, and at Winchester City Council we will continue our zero-tolerance approach, seeking to prosecute when possible. “A camera was key to success in this
case, but we also rely on reports and witness statements from the public to prosecute – I’d encourage anyone who witnesses or captures footage of someone dumping waste illegally in our district to report it.”
It is worth noting before being you deluge councillors with emails on this topic that cameras are usually not as effective as in this case.
City Council resolution of Protecting Streams and Rivers Across the Winchester District
At Council on 14 January following a wide-ranging and useful debate WCC resolved to:
• Restate this Council’s intention to lead by example to protect and restore our rivers and streams and their catchments.
• Continue to advocate to Government and national and regional bodies, including the Environment Agency, for the protection of our chalk streams and other freshwater ecosystems.
• Support local initiatives and citizen monitoring efforts that protect and restore river health, such as citizen science water testing and river fly monitoring, riparian buffer planting, natural flood management, creating wildlife corridors and sustainable agriculture partnerships.
• Support public engagement to raise awareness of the importance of chalk streams and rivers to Hampshire’s natural and cultural heritage.
• Request that the Environment Agency publishes an annual "State of the Rivers" report to track progress in protecting the aquatic environment, in collaboration with local environmental organisations.
These measures are practical and achievable. Some Councils are adopting ‘Rights of the River’, a pleasing idea but ill-considered and one fraught with complicated legal contradictions.
Margot Power
Russell Gordon-Smith
Clare Pinniger
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HEARING YOUR GOAL FOR 2026
HEARING LOSS typically develops gradually, making it easy to dismiss early warning signs. You might find yourself thinking, 'Everyone mumbles these days,' or 'The sound quality on TVs isn't what it used to be.'
Here are common signs that it might be time for a hearing assessment:
• Do You frequently ask people to repeat themselves?
• Do You turn up the TV or radio volume higher than others prefer?
• Do You struggle to follow conversations in noisy environments?
• Do You find phone conversations difficult to understand?
• Do You mishear words or respond inappropriately in conversations?
• Do You feel exhausted after social events from the effort of listening?
• Do Family members comment that you don't hear them calling?
• Do You avoid group conversations or social situations?
• Do You struggle to hear children's or women's voices?
• Do You miss sounds like birdsong, doorbells, or timers?
• Do You experience ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus?)
If several of these sound familiar, a comprehensive hearing assessment can provide clarity and, if needed, open the door to solutions that will help you reconnect with the world around you.
