solent life magazine - fareham issue - august 2011

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AUGUST 2011 l ISSUE 49

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contactusSolent Life MagazineTel… 01489 583800 • Fax… 01489 583803 Online… www.solentlife.co.uk • Email… [email protected] WEBB HOUSE, 20 BRIDGE ROAD, PARK GATE, HAMPSHIRE, S031 7GE

theteamEditorialDave Hill – Managing Editor Tel… 01489 583743 • Email… [email protected]

David Rose-Massom – Senior Journalist Email… [email protected] Advertising SalesSarah Kent Janet Grimm Tel… 01489 583815 Tel… 01489 583800 Email… [email protected] Email… [email protected]

Tina Maggs Barbara Smith Tel… 01489 584057 Tel… 01489 584010

Email… [email protected] Email… [email protected] Design & ProductionDesign by SolentLife Email… [email protected] • Online… solentlife.co.uk

Deadline for advertising copy & editorial for next issue: 17th August 2011 Publisher Published by Living Coast Media.© Copyright Solent Life 2011. All rights reserved. No part of Solent Life Magazine can be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part without the prior written permission of the publisher. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions contained within.

welcomeFAREHAM EDITION

ISSUE 49 • AUGUST 2011

20

features12… Solent ‘Life’ • Put some colour into your life

at an art exhibition.

20… The Human Race • Thousands of ladies take part in the race for life.

22… Beach Life • Oh we do like to be beside the seaside.

30… The Interview • Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Jimmy Chestnutt.

40… The Greatest Challenge • Our Fastnet Ladies head for the starting line.

regulars06… Weston Shore Walk • A stroll beside the Itchen.

10… Artist Review • BBC underwater artist of the year Samm McKinnon

18… Restaurant Review • Park your tractor for an evening at the Bold Forester.

28… Road Test • Hold on to your hats. The Abarth Punto Evo

31… Back to Nature • A busy month down in the marshes.

34… Gardening • Achieve a longer flowering period from your garden favourites.

46… What’s On Guide • Reviews, events, theatre and music coming your way.

49… Mindgym • Try out our latest puzzles.

in this issue…28

22

contents

Tel : 01489 578833

I am amazed to discover just how widely our magazine is read

every month. We have a huge online following in the UK and we

know of groups of readers in South Africa and Australia but we

have even had competition entries from Poland. If you are a reader

from beyond our shores, please send us an email and let us know

where you are.

Those who are following the journey of the Fastnet Ladies will

know that this month is the big race itself. We have organised a

quayside send-off party for the ladies which will be on Saturday

13th August – details are included in our feature.

We are all at sea this month with features on our region’s seaside

and beaches, a shore-side walk and the Fastnet Ladies; even our

Artist Review highlights an artist who specialises in underwater

scenes.

Now that the school holidays are well underway we take a tongue-

in-cheek look at kitting out the kids for that return to school.

As I write this the weather is still not particularly summery but

I hope everybody enjoys this holiday season. Wherever you might

be going, whether home or away, we hope you have a great time.

We will be here waiting for you when

you return – and rest assured, no

mobile phones have been hacked in

the making of our magazine.

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seasidewalk

For generations families have flocked to the shingle beach of Weston Shore on Southampton Water to enjoy the seaside experience and indulge in cones of swirling ice-cream,

but as I pulled into the car park that hugged the shoreline the sign for a nature reserve caught my attention and suddenly the waterside walk became the exploration of woodland. The green canopy was tightly-knit and what little sun was peaking through the clouds failed to reach much of the forest floor. That small amount of light though was enough to get the winged residents singing their hearts out; up in the trees the young close to fledging were also in loud voice as they cried out for more food from busy parents. The broad footpaths through the Westwood nature reserve are hard packed gravel and soil, and although not exactly wheelchair-friendly are certainly passable with a little pushing and bouncing, and depending on

the bounce capability of buttocks I would say worth the effort! Every now and again the scenery opens out into sunlit clearings and within yards of entering the woods I spotted a one-horned roe deer buck sitting among the stumps of cleared birch trees. He did not seem bothered by my arrival and sat happily as the camera lens pointed in his direction. He finally stood, turned his back on me as if to prove he was not bothered by the human intervention and with his one eight-inch antler standing proud he wandered off into the trees. Around a bend in the path another clearing had the footings of an old building surrounded by the purple hanging flowers of foxgloves; hardly noticeable at first, I had the feeling of being watched. A head moved and a doe’s face became clear through the flower display. Again this normally very nervous of creatures just slowly stood and wandered off, it seemed fearlessly. Butterflies were flitting everywhere and with it being a warm day they continued

A nature reserve, a long curving beach, a castle built for a king and a famous old ruin and all part of one glorious walk on an afternoon that went from cloud to sunshine; birds, butterflies and roe deer all met me and watched as I passed by.

words & images • david rose-massom

weston shorenature reserve&

…07solentlife.co.uk • AUGUST 2011 •

to dance above the flowers despite having a camera pointing at them ready for their close-ups. A bee was much more accommodating and he slid from plant to plant, allowing the trumpet flowers to engulf him each time as he searched for pollen and nectar. A muddy-bottomed stream passed under the path feeding a pair of brackish pools of water where pond skaters skipped across the surface. At a T-junction in the footpath where a signpost was missing its directional arrow I turned to the direction of where the sea would be, the breeze coming from there and bringing with it the smell of low tide and muddy shores. Another footpath climbed a steep hill into the trees; it was meant to be climbed, the roots of the trees making natural steps in the hillside. Out of the woods and into the afternoon sun, a green woodpecker flew across the wide-open grassland with its distinctive dipping and gliding motion and I followed him, once again moving away from the shore. This was turning out to be a much larger reserve than expected. Meandering down footpath after footpath, always following the most worn route and always aware of where to head because of where the shore was, each time it felt as if the route was heading back to my start point. I wandered away slightly aware that off to my left was Netley Abbey and the grey stone walls were part of my destination. Eventually the path emerged on the

roadside and a few dozen yards to my right along the road was an entrance that brought me out on the shoreline. My woodland walk had now become a stroll along the shore. The water sparkled with a million diamonds of reflected sunlight. Children played on the water’s edge or even ventured out further into Southampton Water. Boats, both leisure and commercial, ferried back and forth and from the front of Weston Sailing Club dinghies of several breeds set sail and were quickly powered by a stiff breeze. The footpath continues its route around the back of their clubhouse before once again hugging the shore. A vast expanse of green allowed families to picnic and play ball, while on the waterfront soggy dogs chased sticks thrown by adoring owners; a chocolate Labrador called Gilbert danced around on the shingle, the old boy becoming once again a lively puppy. Then the first history lesson of the day as the path crosses in front of the stunning soft grey walls of Netley Castle. I had always been told it was built as a hunting lodge for Henry VIII, but two sources of research informed that the castle was built around 1542 as part of Henry’s chain of coastal fortifications. It is believed that it operated as a fort from 25th March 1545, when the records for payments to the garrison began. Whatever its reason for being built, it is now a nursing home and a beautiful building. Another vast expanse of greenery, where children enjoyed the playground and couples

held hands and sunbathed – a real family destination for locals as it has been for generations. Leaving the sea behind I headed toward the heart of Netley and another few yards of roadside walking and there almost hidden behind a hedge were the magnificent ruins of the abbey which shares its name with the village. The ruined medieval monastery was founded in 1239 as a house for monks of the Cistercian order, and despite being a royal abbey it was never rich, produced no influential scholars or churchmen and spent most of its 300-year history in obscurity. The monks were best known for the generous hospitality they offered to travellers on both land and sea. In 1536 Netley Abbey was closed during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries and the building was converted into a mansion by a wealthy Tudor politician. It was eventually abandoned and a great part of the walls was used as building materials, leaving history, and us, with the wonderful ruins that remain. I came for a leisurely hour or so wandering the shoreline of Weston and Netley, maybe to relive some of my childhood which was spent on those shores, but the day ended with almost four hours of exploration through a wonderful nature reserve and I finally travelled through eight hundred years of history. A beautiful and varied walk on what turned out to be a wonderful summer’s day. l


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artistreview

A few years ago in the pages of Solent Life we featured an artist who to this day remains a firm favourite. After visiting her in her home studio

I had to purchase one of her ethereal undersea images and I began her story with the lines: ‘When the day is grey and miserable and the world has done its best to spoil life I stand in my lounge and look at a painting of an underwater scene. The sea in that painting is a deep blue with a ring of light filtering down from the calm surface; warm tropical sunlight filters downward until it captures in its warm glow a circling shoal of golden fish

– then whatever the mood my day is lifted and my life brightened.’ That still holds very true and now others have recognised her skill as an artist.Samm Mackinnon has recently been announced as the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year in the Beneath the Sea category, so

why on earth would she change her painting style and take on new subjects?Before she answered that question she explained what this prestigious award meant to her. “I went to pick up my work from the competition when they asked if they could hold on to one of them, and it took a while for what they were asking to sink in,” she said. “I was speechless for thirty seconds and then I just skipped back to my car – in my forties and I was skipping! It still hasn’t really sunk in,” she said beaming from ear to ear.Samm, who had been a finalist last year, explained that there were thirteen categories in the Wildlife Artist Awards and she was up against more than a thousand other entries from artists around the world.

“It was an amazing personal achievement; for a self-taught artist I do think this is an amazing achievement.”Almost as amazing was another achievement just a few months ago: the birth of her son Will, now six months old and

Samm Mackinnon has recently been announced as the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year in the Beneath the Sea category.


mckinnonsamm

Samm Mackinnon www.sammmackinnonart.com Email [email protected]


a welcome addition to the family of husband Don and other son Tom.One thing about all of Samm’s work is that her world travels have always influenced what she paints. Born in Guernsey but now living on the edge of the Solent Life area just north of Portsmouth, Samm has travelled extensively and it was her time in Australia that brought on the change of direction. Although she has produced just a few canvases of this new theme, she has already stamped an unmistakeable identity on her work; those who know her work always know when they are looking at a Samm Mackinnon.

“I did it because I had this photograph of some old cars which I had taken in Australia and it was something I had always wanted to paint; not only that I wanted to paint it big,” she said. “As your confidence grows as an artist then in many cases so does your canvas size; I have my eye on a 6’ by 8’ canvas now.

“No matter how good you feel or how good your work has become, or even how many you sell, there is something in your mind and you want to paint it. I was in Australia in 1994–95 and it just so happened the time had arrived for me to paint this image,” Samm continued. “I think it is a case of working the subject and style until it reaches a natural conclusion. You take on something new just to see if you can do it, especially when you have been self-taught.

“As an artist you read books and see other work for inspiration and then you go for it; it is all a learning curve. I would be worried if that process didn’t happen. The creative juices flow and it is nice doing the research for a piece of work following an idea.”

Does this mean that fish and undersea images have reached their conclusion? “I have always been attracted to the sea and I love bright colours, the light you get; I just love the sea.” As we reported before, Samm suffers from asthma and so cannot scuba dive but she can and does snorkel.

“Over the years I have honed the waves of light through the water and I like to create shoals of fish that would not normally swim together, but at least they would be in the same part of the ocean; it can only work like that in the sea!

“There will be more underwater images. I will not paint dolphins because I do not want my work to get too twee, but there is still plenty of underwater work to do, especially following the BBC award.

“There are certain fish that need exposure and I want to take people diving under the water with me,” she added.She is not finished above the waves yet though. “Skies look like being the next thing,” she admitted as we looked at a wonderful lighthouse image she recalls from when she was in New Zealand. Above the lighthouse are blue skies and wispy, dreamy clouds floating through the painting. “I did skies years ago and I have the feeling that I now want to do vibrant and dramatic skies. I will still do the fish and the children’s stuff that I have always done, but I do want to do some skies.

“It is a split second thing when looking at clouds as the light changes during different parts of the day, and then when the sun sets the colours change and they reflect on the sea. There is a freedom painting something so simple but I want to be able to catch that single moment.

“Most of my work does have a fantasy feel to it. My fish, for example, are real fish, but on occasion I take some artistic licence with colours and shades and so they are a representation of what I see but based on realism. My coral backdrops are all taken from one image that I have but I have never copied it exactly. I must have the right type of fish in the right environment but then I paint what I see in my mind’s eye.”Samm works first from very rough sketches, to ensure the balance of the painting is right. “Backgrounds first and then I chalk in the shapes of the fish, and the swirl of their movement has to be a happy shape and you just have to trust that you are seeing it right.”Samm Mackinnon may be changing direction occasionally and stretching herself as an artist but she will always come back to the scenes she loves and the light that glows from her undersea images. Her latest success in the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year is well-deserved and if you want something to brighten your life then take a look at her fish images, her cars in the Australian outback or her New Zealand lighthouse – in fact, any piece from this artist will be a piece to treasure and enjoy. l

ARTIST REVIEW SPONSORSHIPOur Artist Review is kindly sponsored by HISCOCK GALLERY, 11 Stanley Street, Southsea, Hampshire, PO5 2DS. 023 9282 5330. Creating quality with style wwww.hiscockgallery.co.uk


solent‘life’

Over the months and years we have highlighted some amazing artists here in the pages of your Solent Life and it is the time of year for many of those featured and for many more we have not managed to capture to show their work to the public at large.


M IWAS is the acronym for the Marwell International Wildlife Artists Society and their annual show in the stunning house

that sits in the grounds of the wildlife park is nothing short of spectacular. Artist in Residence for Marwell and organiser of the annual event Pip McGarry told Solent Life, “The exhibition this year will run from Thursday 25th August to Monday 29th August inclusive and be held in the beautiful grounds of Marwell Wildlife Park. It is the world's largest exhibition of wildlife art with over two hundred artists and sculptors exhibiting and around 600 exhibits on display in the main exhibition. There is also a large art market housed in a vast marquee adjacent to the exhibition in which artists and sculptors will be doing demonstrations and selling prints, cards, photos, 3D work and original paintings. There is a great atmosphere and every year we receive tremendous feedback from the many guests who attend the show.” Not only does this premier show grow in size and importance each year but so does the talent on display with some of the most stunning wildlife images and sculptures to be seen from both professional and amateur artists from around the world. The WARSASH ART GROUP is typical of

the art societies around the Solent Life area, full of talent, full of ambition and passionate about their art. No matter which art group is on display there are always works of note among them and year on year as we visit it is a magical experience to see the improvement and sometimes the change of direction for the members/artists. The group was founded way back in 1958 with the aim of furthering members’ interest in the visual arts and they currently have around 190 members who come from a wide area of south Hampshire. They include some professional artists, but most are enthusiastic amateurs and art lovers. Their evening meetings are held in St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Road, Warsash, on the first Thursday of each month except August, and this year their annual exhibition of members’ work is open to the public from 18th to 21st August at Victory Hall, Warsash Road, Warsash. The work is of a high standard, well-presented and includes a craft table with displays of pottery, wood carving and sculpture. If sculpture is your thing then your main destination this summer has to be Beaulieu and the grounds surrounding the Abbey and Motor Museum. SURREY SCULPTURE SOCIETY, which does include artists from all across the Solent Life region as well, has an

exhibition that will astound as well as often amuse. The Hon Ralph Montagu spoke to Solent Life as he welcomed guests to a special preview evening. “This is the second year that Beaulieu has hosted the Surrey Sculpture Society’s Summer Exhibition and it is a great opportunity for us to add interest to our grounds and gardens but it also offers a wonderful backdrop for the 53 artists participating in this year’s event.” All the pieces on display are for sale and the exhibition will run until 21st August and viewing is part of your entry to the world-famous attraction. If you want to plan a little day trip that will take in a dozen or so different artists all at work in their own studios – then the HAMPSHIRE OPEN STUDIOS is the event for you. Running from 20th to 29th August, this annual event takes in some 160 plus venues throughout the county and all genres of art. For details of studios in areas across the county pick up a brochure from your local library or visit the website. l

PIP McGARRY

www.miwas.co.uk www.warsashartgroup.co.uk www.beaulieuevents.co.uk www.hampshireopenstudios.co.uk

exhibitionsart


EXPLOSION Museum of Naval Firepower Upcoming EventsTel: 02392 505600 www.explosion.org.uk

Summer Holidays Fun at Explosion August 2011

Daily activities throughout the Summer Holidays, including ‘Hunt the Mice’ in the Museum galleries and ‘Giant Board Games’ on the Museum Green. FREE with a valid Museum Ticket.

Visit www.explosion.org.uk for more information.

Lee on Solent Art Group Annual Exhibition Thursday 18th - Sunday 21st August 2011 - 10am until 5pm

This exhibition, in the Museum Conference Hall, is a collection of works, all contributed by members of the Lee on the Solent Art Group. The display will include watercolours, acrylics, and many other styles. All works will be available for sale.

The exhibition is FREE to enter for all visitors. (does not include Museum entry).

Warships and Wargames Weekend 27th and 28th of August 2011 – 10am until 5pm

Join the Surface Warship Association for a displays of old and modern warships in the Conference Hall, including a chance to race remote controlled model boats on the Museum’s specially built Boating Pool. In addition, the Naval Wargames Society and its members will re-create many historic battles in miniature model form in the Grand Magazine. Both exhibitions are FREE with a valid Museum Ticket.


MARRIOTT (TO BE SUPPLIED)


theinterview

However, if you don’t have your own business keep reading, because chances are the company you work for is a member of this vital organization. If it is not

you should ask why. Solent Life visited the Chief Executive at the Chamber’s offices in Bugle Street, Southampton, the hub of inter-business relations, to chat about the role of the organization in our region, what it means to be a member and how this could be the difference between success and failure for your enterprise. Members of the Chamber can benefit from many services and privileges, which Jimmy explained. “Members find solidarity in talking to other members, in finding that they are not alone; we’re all part of the same club and we’re friends,” he said. “It’s a network of support and relationships, and that mutual support is very important. There are young people starting up their own businesses, but don’t yet have the business wisdom. I have people, mentors, who can sit down with them and help.” He went on to explain the importance of training provided by the Chamber. “We have a training programme, we carry out mentoring and we put people in touch with people through networking. We have a programme for companies that are just starting out and we can give them some

banking support, human resource support as well as legal support. Members can even phone free support advice lines and, of course, the Chamber can point you in the direction of other members that can help you out.

“It really is an organization run by the members, for the members, with a shared common goal which is to make their businesses succeed, to grow a community of companies which integrate and find customers and form relationships. Networking is just one of the many benefits and for some people that’s all they want; they join the Chamber to network.” But, as Jimmy explained, the Chamber is so much more than that. “It’s the lobbying power. I have a small team who do nothing else but research and produce documents for policy boards to consider so we can advise, cajole and complain to Government – and we do.” Jimmy added that there is no power as such with the Chamber, but because of the strength of the organisation they have a voice, and a strong one. “We are part of a national network of Chambers; in fact, that is an international network, but if there is a problem we can guarantee to put it in front of a minister. We don’t always get the result we want but at least we know we’ve been listened to. We have relationships with Chambers all over the world, which is beneficial to our members that do

international trade. Members have a voice that potentially reaches the most important people.” We asked whether it’s fair that some people see the Chamber as possibly old-fashioned and if they’ve had to move with the times.

“There’s something solid about the Chambers and their traditions, but on the other hand if you don’t adapt you die; we use Twitter, for example, and all the social media. Because we are such a large representative audience and because our members are active, you’re not allowed to remain static. I like to think we constantly reinvent ourselves. We have a large ethnic community in Southampton and so we have a strong Asian network, which is designed to try and get good working relationships within the whole business community, that is also proving extremely successful. The simple fact is the members are the dynamism of the Chamber

– they are the Chamber. I’m not the Chamber; I work with a team and we are constantly trying to do better than we did the previous year.” One of the hot topics governing politics, business and our general lives is that of the environment, and Jimmy is leading an initiative, a low carbon group, focusing on making our businesses greener.

“Southampton is very good at this,” explained Jimmy. “We have the district heating system which we’ve had for years.” This is the

Jimmy Chestnutt might just be the most important person supporting local business that you’ve never heard of. As Chief Executive of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce he has probably one of the most influential posts in the region, so if you’re aspiring to start up your own business or are lucky enough to have one already this interview has something for you.

words • roy moss

interviewthe


A huge concern in many communities in the Solent Life area is the invasion of the big chain supermarkets into small towns and villages.

geothermal plant which supplies heating to many of the businesses in Southampton, with its power plant in the heart of West Quay. “It’s very green and environmentally friendly. In the university we have a centre of excellence in wave and tidal power research as well as the potential for a wind farm off the Dorset coast. The aim, of course, is not just to put Southampton on the map as a low carbon city of excellence but through that mechanism get inward investment and job creation. This is typical of the way the Chamber helps the local community to encourage businesses into the area, and one of the region’s strong selling points is that Southampton and the surrounding areas are, and continue to be, aware of the environment. But it’s more than just awareness, it’s acting on ideas, which Southampton does very well, from research and investing in these initiatives.” And Jimmy noted, “If the wind farm gets the go-ahead there will be a need for many supporting industries and we want them to come here to Southampton rather than go somewhere else.” What businesses typically join the Chamber?

“We have some of the largest companies in Hampshire as members and some one-man bands. The bulk of these are medium-sized companies with up to 200 employees, but it’s the full spectrum. One of the reasons the larger companies join is

to give something back to the community they operate in. They provide directors, people on the committees and resources, without which, Chambers across the country would suffer.” A huge concern in many communities in the Solent Life area is the invasion of the big chain supermarkets into small towns and villages. Did the Chamber have a conflict of interests if both the larger stores and independent shops which are in danger were members? “Any Chamber member will regret the dumbing-down of our high streets. We still want to see the quirky individual shops, but on the other hand we all shop in the supermarkets. So the Chamber has the same quandary as the individual on the street,” Jimmy continued, showing that he has a great passion for businesses large and small as well as a real desire and hunger for all his members to succeed. Community is important to him and continuing to build on that is one of his goals. “The trick is to keep local focus!” he added. Another issue we wanted to bring up with Jimmy was the worry of a lot of university graduates having nowhere to go once they leave university and whether this was something the Chamber could influence or change. “We’re aware of it, and it is a country-wide problem. We work with the universities in trying to find work for the students. We need to make Southampton

the best place for graduates and somewhere where they want to work so that is what we’re trying to do.” Finally we asked Jimmy Chestnutt how he would best sell the Chamber of Commerce to local businesses who are potentially future members and want to be a part of this support network.

“Our sole purpose in being is to help our members grow their businesses and support them while they are in business. We can be as flexible as we need to be to achieve that, and at some stage every business needs just a little bit of help. The Chamber network UK-wide is, I think, an incredible organization. We are run by business, for business.” The Chief Executive’s energy and enthusiasm for the work the Chamber carries out shows with every word spoken; he happily admits to being just a small part of the team and from the board members down they are there for the members. As he puts it, “I’m entirely at the beck and call of my members and so is the board.” l

Solent Life thanks Jimmy Chestnutt for taking the time to talk to us. If you are interested in the Chamber of Commerce and want to find out more please visit their website… www.hampshirechamber.co.uk


thebold foresterThe country has come to town. The Bold forester is a pub that should be hidden away down some remote country lane and known only to a few farmhands and their friends. But this is a local hostelry with bright and colourful hanging baskets, a wagon overflowing with flowers, country gardens front and back, as well as a wonderful rustic interior.


Inside the surroundings are comfortable with heavy chairs and even heftier tables; from the ceiling hang dried hops and around the walls are knick-knacks and images that reflect the regional farming story and strawberry history.

The menu is as robust as the pub and has a real outdoor feel to it. From the specials board deep-fried crispy Brie caught my eye, and just below that a main course of beef olives: escalope of beef, filled with pork and horseradish stuffing, wrapped in smoky bacon and served in a mushroom and red wine sauce. I had chosen my meal without even opening the regular menu which I later discovered is filled with delicious dishes from sticky ribs to pan-fried calves’ liver. Whilst browsing that menu to see what I could

have had, the rustic and traditional charm of both the surroundings and menu provoked thoughts that perhaps I had parked a tractor outside and stepped into the bar straight from a day in the fields, instead of a leisurely drive through to Sarisbury Green. The Bold Forester is a family pub and through the open window next to my table and from the garden beyond came the gentle sounds of children having fun and the murmur of the parents relaxed and knowing the children were in a safe and comfortable environment. A row of tables pulled together played host to several families all enjoying a summer’s evening and some great food; along the table was everything from pizza to slabs of sticky-looking barbecue ribs. It highlighted the variety of customers from young couples out for an evening meal to whole families celebrating something special.

restaurantreview


As if to make the point, on another table a granddad was joined by family members who all brought gifts and cards to celebrate his birthday.With any establishment it is the fine detail that makes the difference and one only has to look around the gardens at the hanging baskets and flower beds to realise a great deal of effort is spent by all concerned to make the Bold Forester somewhere special to visit. Just driving past, the front is impossible to miss with the floral display on offer throughout the summer – that said, even in the more inclement months the frontage still looks attractive and inviting.The starter of crispy-coated deep-fried Brie arrived, looking good enough to eat! Most salad garnishes are delicate little displays but this was a rustic-looking dish with curves of coloured pepper, deep-green salad leaves and thin scimitars of sweet red onion, all coated in a clean-tasting dressing.The Brie had a real crunch from the coating and a creamy smooth, soft cheese inside and the delicate flavour of the Brie was lifted by one of the best tasting and aromatic onion chutneys it has been my pleasure to indulge in. The whole dish was a delicious and intense confection of tastes and textures.Between courses I pondered whether the main course was just a little too much in the way of ingredients and if it would

offer the blend of flavours its description had advertised. While considering the dish I gazed through the window to the magnificent giant willow with its dangling foliage and the scarlet flowers that broke up the green vista.Being totally honest, a good review of the Bold Forester was not going to be difficult as it is already a venue I have used for lunches from time to time, and there has never been a disappointment in the food or service. In fact, the service is always friendly, efficient and warm.With the main course placed on the table, the aroma from the rich sauce wafted toward me and induced an instant desire to get stuck in. The broccoli was just a touch overdone, but the new potatoes and the green beans were cooked as they should be, hot and slightly crisp. The consistency of the sauce was also just right, a little thick and slightly sticky, perfect, and the beef olives – well, I need not have pondered. Tender beef offers first texture, then the smoky flavour of the bacon slips through followed by the softness of the pork and horseradish stuffing. At first there seemed to be a lack of bite from the horseradish but as the pork flavour eased so that creamy bite came through. The beef olives, although a complex production, were delicious and like the script of a good play each part offered its own dialogue in the drama of the meal.

It was a full-bodied meal served in country surroundings and mentally I could almost hear the combine harvesters working in imaginary fields; strange that it was just a pub in Sarisbury Green, midway between Fareham and Southampton.With dessert the spotted dick and custard was tempting, as was the sticky toffee pudding, but after the heavy main course there was a need for something just a little more delicate. The Belgian chocolate cheesecake with ice-cream seemed to fit the bill and the decision was applauded as sensible by my waitress.Do I need to describe the rich smooth chocolatey flavour, or the headiness of the drizzle of chocolate sauce? Should I mention the refreshing chill of the slightly coarse and delicious ice-cream? Or would it suffice to say that it was the right decision and if the waitress should recommend the Belgian chocolate cheesecake just nod yes?The Bold Forester is a wonderful public house and restaurant and I think I have already mentioned a touch of the country in the town. It is an escape as, when the car is parked and you take your seat in one of the gardens or in the bar, it is very easy to forget where you are. The food, like the surroundings, is rustic and charming. All that was left as the sun began to set over the horizon on that summer evening was to remember where I had parked my tractor… l

THE BOLD FORESTER

Bridge Road, Sarisbury Green Telephone 01489 576400

Open seven days a week, weekday lunchtimes for food 12.00 noon till 2.30pm and from 6.00pm till 9.30pm evenings.

Food served all day Saturdays and Sundays.

Three-course meals without drinks are great value at around £18 to £25 a head.

www.theboldforester.co.uk

It was a robust meal served in country surroundings and mentally I could almost hear the combine harvesters working in imaginary fields…


charityfocus

liferace

for

Southsea Common was in the pink last month when women from across the South joined forces for the Race for Life. This amazing event raises millions for Cancer Research and every runner and walker takes part in the event for someone they know who has suffered with or beaten the disease. Solent Life met many of the runners, of all ages, as they headed for the start in a real party atmosphere.


SHARE YOUR LOVE OF MAKING, MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, AND MORE IN THE BREATHTAKING SOUTH DOWNS.

Playing at the

West Dean Festival

www.acalaid.com

TERmS & ConDITIonS

l�� The prize will be £200 worth of Hair and Beauty Treatments and Products.

l� Concessions not participating.

l� No purchase necessary.

l� winner will be contacted by phone.

l� There is no cash or prize alternative.

l� The prize is valid for 3 months.

l� �Employees of Acaláid are not eligible to enter.

l� Photocopies will not be valid.

Hair and Beauty

an Acaláidtreatment worth£200!H

To enter simply answer the following question. Which of the following was a daughter of Admiral Lord Nelson?

(A) Henrietta (B) Harriet (C) Horatia

To enter, email [email protected] quoting ‘Acaláid Experience’, with your name, contact details and answer! Alternatively post your entry to: Solent Life, Webb House, 20 Bridge Road, Park Gate, Hampshire, SO31 7GE. T: 02392 821448 Closing date 30.9.11 at 12 Noon

Win an Acaláid Hair & Beauty Treatment worth £200! Acaláid is a 5 star hair and beauty salon in the heart of Southsea. Enter our fantastic competition and you could win the Acalaid "Experience". A unisex, family friendly salon, we also afford a private area for our Asian and Muslim clients. All you have to do is answer a simple question and for a chance to win see below for details.

22… • AUGUST 2011 • solentlife.co.uk

daysout

FoA day at the seaside means sun block, hopefully, swirly and quickly-melting ice-creams, screams of delight

as the surf breaks over leaping children and a stress-free day for everyone. There is little to match a day at the seaside for fun and for memories in later life and we on the south coast are privileged to have some wonderful beaches and seascapes in some near-at-hand locations, even though they may not be sandy. We start our journey along Cliff Road and head from west to east along the coastline. An ice-cream van sits on the car park just off the shore with a snaking line of customers; couples and lively children promenade along the footpath toward the charming little harbour of Hill Head, while families relax on the shingle shore and swimmers dive over the lazy breakers in the clear waters of the Solent. As well as the pretty harbour and the chance to feed the swans and ducks with left-over picnic there is also Titchfield Haven bird sanctuary, which also has a fine café. Along the shoreline and past the traditional beach huts is a great place to watch windsurfers and kitesurfers as they energetically fight the wind and tide to get the best out of their sport. There is also a vast area of green which is a great place to take the picnic and indulge in some ball games and kite flying and there is an enclosed playground for the tiny ones in the family. One of the most popular eateries along the coastline is the first port of call as the beach reaches Lee-on-the-Solent. The Shack and its friendly owner Angela serve great cheesy chips and piping hot beverages with tables and chairs on the shingle where it is easy to

keep an eye on your little ones as they play in the gentle surf. A little further along and we reach the centre of Lee-on-the-Solent, with its tearooms, cafés and ice-cream bars. And if you need to leave the beach, a few yards along Pier Road there are all sorts of specialist and independent shops. Along this strip of shops it is possible at one end to buy a stunt kite or remote control helicopter and at the other some sensational shop-made sausages, as well as plenty else in between. Follow the coast road from Lee-on-the-Solent down past Browndown Nature Reserve and as you pass the Bayside Cabin Café, which along with the rest of this coastline has amazing views across to the Isle of Wight, the creamy curve of Stokes Bay beach sweeps around in front of you. It is one of my favourite views along the Solent. The water sparkles in the summer sun and with yachts and motor boats moored just a few yards from shore it appears more Mediterranean than Gosport. At the other end of the attractive curving shoreline is the Pebbles café and a well-respected wine bar and bistro. On the green across the road is a very popular crazy golf course that is enjoyed by families throughout the season. From Hill Head to Gilkicker Point, where the land comes to an end and close to where Portsmouth Harbour opens out into the Solent, there are paths to promenade along, green spaces to play on, clean shingle shores with room to spread out on and sparkling waters to swim in. From Gilkicker the views also spread across to Southsea. Southsea is the classic English seaside resort – beachside cafés, a funfair, the Blue

Reef Aquarium, the vast green expanses of Southsea Common with its stunning flower gardens and even, if your family loves museums, the wonderful D-Day Museum as well as the small but fun Natural History Museum. Southsea has an historic castle, built and designed by Henry VIII, and a clean beach that spreads down to the traditional pier and beyond. It has modern amenities yet remains a traditional English seaside resort. And, should the weather turn inclement or the family tires of the seaside, over the Common and a few yards beyond there are some wonderful streets of independent and national traders and shops. Wander the precinct and discover the secrets of Marmion Road or Albert Road or even visit the iconic Kings Theatre for a rainy day matinée. For a special treat at the far end of the beach and past the pier try the pitch and putt course and the wonderful 10th Hole café, with some very fattening but amazing home-made cakes, or how about the nearby canoe lake for a leisurely boat, or ‘swan’, ride? This summer don’t get caught in traffic queues, don’t suffer the cries of ‘Are we nearly there yet?’ when the car in front has not moved for at least half an hour. Get down to our beautiful local beaches and check out the many family entertainments, local traders, craftspeople, art galleries and cafés. In fact, go local for all your family summer fun, especially with the price of petrol today. You will get great beaches, clean seas and some very pleasant surprises l.

It’s summertime, the kids are home from school and the family wants a traditional day at the seaside, but the fun disappears when hour upon hour of your day is stuck in traffic as it crawls its way to the coast with even longer and slower queues on the way home. But there is no need to battle with the traffic jams when we have some superb seaside destinations right on our Solent Life doorstep.


there yet?are we


Portsmouth’s finest for antique items and house clearance...Tel: 02392 293040 | www.ianparmiter.co.uk fInD US AT ClAREnCE pIER, EASTnEY ESplAnADE AnD poRTSmoUTH’S gUIlDHAll SQUARE

☎ 07784 [email protected]

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WE SpECIAlISE In ITAlIAn ESpRESSo CoffEE AnD AlSo offER A DElICIoUS RAngE of fooD InClUDIng BAgUETTES, pAnInIS, JACkET poTAToES, pASTRIES AnD mUCH moRE.

WAkE Up AnD SmEll THE CoffEE!

NA Griffiths Butchers

131 high Streetlee on The SolentPo13 9bu

023 9255 0117

All subject to availabilityTelephone orders welcome

BBQ PACKSANY 3 FOR £10

Sausages • Rump Steak • Chicken FilletsRibs • Pork Chops • Diced Pork • Chicken

Pork Steaks • Flavoured Chicken

OWN MADE BURGERS4 FOR £2.49

Beef • Pork & Apple • Beef & Onion Chilli Beef • Lamb & Mint

HAMPSHIRE FARM

WATER BUFFALO BURGERS

...a must have for BBQs!

Breezes Cafe & Bistro at Hill Head A stunning beachside Café with amazing local walks and areas of interest

Café open 7 days a week 9.00 am – 5.00 serving, breakfasts, lunches & afternoon teas, all homemade and to order.

Bistro open Friday & Saturday eveningsOur venue is available for hire Free of Charge for that special occasion,

Office function, Funeral Wakes. We can cater for any event, you can even get involved with the style of menu, call or email to discuss your requirements.

The road which has been closed near the Café is due to open at the end of July/early August after a long running battle with Hampshire County Council. To celebrate this act we are holding (a date tbc in august) a Champagne and Canapes evening in conjuction with a fashion preview of Animo Clothing. Animo clothing offers Equestrian, Golf and high fashion, quality clothing, which you will be able to purchase on the night.

66-68 Hill Head Road, Hill Head, Fareham, PO14 3JP ☎ 01329 664141 E: [email protected] W: www.breezescafe.co.uk

Lee-on-the-SoLent

Waterfront BraSSerie

Gift Voucher

£10£10

valid unTil 30Th SePTember 2011 “ProbablY The beST SeaSide reSTauranT beTWeen bournemouTh and brighTon”

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL023 9255 4696

The Waterfront brasserie will discount your bill by £10 when you and a friend dine on any Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, friday or Saturday evening.

excludes bank holidays. only one voucher permitted per pair dining. Terms and conditions apply, details on request...

marine Parade West, lee-on-The-Solent Po13 9lW

WiTh STunning vieWS of The SolenT and The iSle of WighT.

The vieW iS beauTiful, The food iS PerfecT.


A gift shop selling more than you might think Open 7 days a week

Milvil Court, Milvil Rd, Lee-On-The-Solent Tel: 02392 553701 Web: www.finishingtouchesgiftshop.co.uk

Open Mon to Fri 9am – 5pmSat 9:30am – 5.30pm Sun 11am – 4pm

F r a m e w o r kLee-on-the-Solent’s bespoke framing specialists and art dealers

Excellent gift ideas for all the family

2 0 % o F F !All framing for military personnel and the emergency services on

production of ID cards. at FRAMEWORK Lee-on-the-solent.

✁

Contact Ken Sykes☎ 02392 550856W: www.solent-framework.co.ukE: [email protected]

Opening Hours09:00 - 17.00 Hrs (Mon - Fri)08.30 - 16:00 Hrs (Sat)Closed - Sunday

24 P ie r S t ree t , Lee-on- the-So lent , PO13 9LD

FrameworkFRAMEWORk is a Bespoke Picture Framing Service based in the beautifully scenic seaside location of Lee-on-the-Solent in Hampshire, on the South Coast of England.We have been here in Lee-on-the-Solent for over 20 years obtaining a healthy following of customers, including 2 local MoD bases on the South Coast.

As Specialists in Bespoke Picture Framing we are able to frame almost anything, from paintings and photographs to medals and jigsaws.

Framework has an outstanding reputation with our customers in the local area, mainly based upon our firm belief of providing the customer with the professionalism, support and satisfaction they deserve.

Along with our Bespoke Framing Services we also sell a selection of local artist work and pictures that are available to purchase in store.

l Professional and fully health registered

l Body piercing and ear piercing

l Jewellery and tattoo care products

l Friendly and approachable

Wednesday - Saturday 10.30 - Late

Tuesdays 10.30 - 16.30

Sundays & bank hols - 10.00 - 16.00

Mondays - By appointment only

2 mIlVIl RoAD, lEE on THE SolEnT, HAnTS, po13 9lX

Lee on Solent’s First Tattoo Shop

emmaSummER SALE NOW ON!EVERyThING REduCEdNEW AuTumN & WINTER STOCk

ArriviNG from SeptemBer

Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm 187, high Street, lee-on-The-Solent

☎ 02392 552248


The Hummingbird at Gallery 7777 HIGH STREET, LEE-ON-THE-SOLENT (OPPOSITE THE CHURCH)

Its been less than a year and yes, we have grown very quickly and

stock the hand crafted items of over 60 crafts people and artisans.

Original and unique is clearly popular. We have been amazed, not

only at the stunning products we sell, but because we have no space

left! So when the shop next door became vacant, there was our next

opportunity. To provide more exhibition space and craft lessons…the

next natural step. We are now proud to announce the opening of...

‘The Hummingbird’Dedicated rooms for crafting incorporated into Gallery 77 in Lee-on-

the-Solent. We are now four times the size and as from August 1st, we are running courses and workshops in:-

l PRECIOUS METAL CLAYl SILVERSMITHINGl TIFFANY STYLE STAINED GLASSl DECORATIVE GLASS OVERLAYl WATERCOLOUR AND DRAWING CLASSESl COLLOGRAPH PRINTING

Followed shortly by:-

FUSED GLASS, QUILTING AND PAPERCRAFT.We will be having ‘meet the tutor’ days, the first of which

is on August 9th.For full information on courses please call 02392556352

We are currently looking for tutors in all crafts:- Fused Glass, Art Clay and Textiles.

August is a busy time for us as we launch our first courses and workshops

✒ Drawing For Beginners (6 weeks)✒ Sterling Silver Jewellery ✒ Watercolours for beginners

(6 weeks)✒ Pure Silver Clay✒ Collograph Printing

Open Tuesdays to Saturday 10am till 5pm. From the beginning of August we will be open on Mondays.

The premier home of handcrafted art and craft in Lee-on-the-Solent. We stock a large range of individual and original gifts.Gallery 77 is proud to announce the opening of ‘The Hummingbird’Dedicated work space for crafting and art.

77-81 High Street, Lee-on-the-Solent (opposite the church)www.gallery-77.co.uk

☎ 02392 556352

Meet The Tutor on August 9th Coming soon, Tiffany style stained glass, quilting, papercraft, metal clay studio days, acrylic art and fused glass.

We are proud to host HAMpSHire Open STudiOS for Al WArner And Anne GrAnT 20TH-29TH AuGuST.


Eckersley White Property Management is a specialist letting division of Eckersley White Estate Agents who have been successfully trading for over 20 years.

Our letting division has established a good name for successfully letting properties, but also being aware of our clients’ interests and requirements.

We cover; Lee-on-the-Solent, Alverstoke, Gosport, Stubbington, Hill Head, Warsash, Locks Heath & Fareham, as our staff all live within this area, they are able to provide plentiful local knowledge.

All our tenants are professionally vetted prior to any tenancy, whether the landlord has opted for fully managed or tenant find only. We also have an independent inventory source plus rent warranty available.

We are well aware of being a service provider and intend for that service to be the best possible available.

LEE TOWER EXHIBITION - WE NEED YOUR HELPWe are looking for photos and stories from local people for an up and coming exhibition. Please visit our website for more information.

The home of Art, Framing and Printing - and of course Max the White Dog!

BUFFET CAREATERY

PAY US A VISIT AND MEET UP

FREE PARKINGWHEEL CHAIR ACCESS

DOGS WELCOME

OUTSIDE CATERING • WORkING lUNChESlIGhT lUNChES • ROOm hIRE

CREAm TEAS • FREE DElIvERY**Terms Apply

Enjoy a leisurely walk alongside the tranquil and unspoilt

Fareham Creek and discover one of Fareham’s best kept secrets.

Part of the stunning Cams Hall Estate set in acres of parkland,

the BUFFET CAR EATERY is the ideal setting to relax and enjoy

the array of home cooked foods. Parking is free and you can

enjoy the sunshine with our outdoor patio, or come inside to

warm up on cooler days. You can even feed the resident ducks!

Open Monday to Friday 7.30am - 3.00pm.

FIND US AT:Home Farm, Cams Estate,

Fareham PO16 8UT

01329 829611www. buffet-car.co.uk

M27

[11]

Cams Hall Estate

A27

A32

BUFFET CAR


The Bathroom ShopThe Bathroom Shop173 High Street Lee-On-The-Solent PO13 9BX173 High Street Lee-On-The-Solent PO13 9BX

For all your bathing needs from stock or next day at affordable prices

For all your bathing needs from stock or next day at affordable prices

Showers & EnclosuresBaths & TapsVanities & FurnitureCeramic Wall & Floor TilesMirrors & AccessoriesVinyl & Laminate FlooringDisabled / Mobility Bathing

Installation & Design ServiceDirectly Employed CraftsmenFor Bathroom RefurbishmentCeramic Wall & Floor TilingAdaption Works - Baths Out, Shower InAll Associated Building Electrical & Decoration WorkFree Home Visit & Estimates

Showers & EnclosuresBaths & TapsVanities & FurnitureCeramic Wall & Floor TilesMirrors & AccessoriesVinyl & Laminate FlooringDisabled / Mobility Bathing

Installation & Design ServiceDirectly Employed CraftsmenFor Bathroom RefurbishmentCeramic Wall & Floor TilingAdaption Works - Baths Out, Shower InAll Associated Building Electrical & Decoration WorkFree Home Visit & Estimates

AUGUST OFFER

550mm vanity unit in high white gloss,

including basin, tap and waste only

£230INC VAT!

SK Services (Southern) Ltd

02392 [email protected]

SK Services (Southern) Ltd

02392 [email protected]

Established in 1988 within the High Street, All Seasons Fruiterers has relied on the Community support and emphasis has always been on

sourcing whenever possible, local produce.

With the benefit of the butchers, bakers, fish shop and greengrocers, the united choice has gone against the trend of losses

within Communities nationwide.

Independent retailers such as the many to be found in Lee-On-The-Solent together form the basis for a sustainable future.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING LOCAL SHOPSLee Business Association

023 9255 3335

ALL SEASONS FRUITERERS

135 High Street, Lee-On-The-Solent PO13 9BU

All Seasons FruiterersLEE ON THE SOLENT has changed in many ways over past decades as a seaside location, Lee had its own pier and tower, with a wooden floored ballroom in the ower building providing many happy memories of days past.

If you required a deck, there was a hire facility or if cinema was your preference, then you could also visit the cinema, also incorporated within the Lee Tower building.

Whilst these facilities have now gone, the important remaining assets of Lee are the strong community village atmosphere and the unique shopping experience with the varied range of independent shops.

Lee Festival, August Bank Holiday Saturday 27th.

1 Milvil Court, Milvil Road, Lee-On-The-Solent, PO13 9LY

Tel: 02392 556879

✿�Luxury Cream Teas✿�Jacket Potatoes ✿�Sandwiches ✿�Toasties ✿�Cakes ✿�Soups

Traditional Old English Tea House

Opening TimesMonday to Friday: 10:00am - 5:30pm

Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am - 6:00pm We are looking forward to seeing you

Private functions ��reserved seating

The Tea RoomBehind the steamy windows of number 1 Milvil Court, there are many delights to be found. At The Tea Room you can treat yourself to home cooked breakfast in the morning , rustic sandwiches or soup of the day for lunch, or the ultimate treat – cream tea in the afternoon.

The decor is vintage chic and so is the cake stand upon which you are presented with a choice of sandwiches, warm home made scones with jam and cream and then, what can only be described as a slab of moist succulent cake. The plentiful tea, made from loose leaves comes in a traditional china pot and all is served with a smile from the polite and attentive waiting team.

So when you have had enough of sun, sea and sand (sorry pebbles!), cross the road to Milvil Court and enjoy tea beside the sea.


roadtest

ooomphsmallwith plenty of

W ell, we certainly bring you variety in our car tests and this month is no different with what has to be the ultimate dream of every

teenage boy racer – or the solution to a mid-life crisis with the Abarth Punto Evo with Essesse performance pack. Starting life as a fairly mundane reasonably-priced smallish family car, Abarth have performed a transformation that is quite remarkable. With a 1400cc engine one expects low fuel consumption and probably with that a correspondingly uninspiring performance. But add a high-pressure turbo, a carefully-mapped engine management system and new suspension and the transformation is extraordinary. As if that wasn’t enough, the Essesse performance kit provides even more. This is not just a few ‘go-faster’ stripes, oh no! – revised turbo charger, air filter and injectors for additional engine performance, suspension upgrades from Koni, drilled and ventilated brakes from Brembo, 18-inch wheels and an improved exhaust system. This takes the Punto Evo to another level again. For those who like the numbers: 180 bhp, 272Nm of torque, 0–62 in 7.5 seconds and close to 140 mph top speed, and all of this is delivered out of a 1.4 litre engine. Changes from the original Fiat Punto continue inside the car also. These changes

include sports seats, instruments, pedals and steering wheel etc. There is a lot in the overall package to justify its price tag of close to £20,000. The sports seats were firm and comfortable and importantly, with the lateral forces that this car can generate, lateral support was quite good also. Suspension was very firm and at low speeds on uneven surfaces gave a harsh, almost uncomfortable ride. Having said that, it is the compromise that one makes to achieve the superb handling performance achievable at higher speeds – and that really is outstanding. I am not sure I have ever driven a small front-wheel-drive car that inspired such confidence. On long sweeping curves the Punto gripped so well with little body roll and wonderful stability; on tighter curves, again stability and grip with direction changes that were accurate, sharp and beautifully executed. Just in front of the gearstick is a small switch – the Abarth Sport Driving switch – that allows selection of normal or sport modes. In normal mode the car feels quite comfortable to drive around town. One can coax a fairly smooth ride with engine performance somewhat subdued until the turbo boost pressure rises, then a lot of power is delivered but in quite a smooth, but brisk, way. Throttle responses are relaxed and progressive. However, select that sport mode and enter a different world of driving experiences. This unassuming switch alters the engine characteristics, throttle response, brakes and handling, as well as other things. The effect is striking and this feels like a really different car – very sporty and actually quite hard-line in the way it delivers. Touch the accelerator and there is an immediate response, the power delivery is much more dynamic and

the handling feels different. The change is so marked that whilst it is seriously enjoyable to drive, for everyday use it is almost impossible to drive it in a way that gives any passenger a reasonably comfortable ride. Whilst immeasurable fun, for me it is a mode that would be selected now and again to really enjoy. Fuel economy is claimed to be very reasonable with figures like 47.1 mpg (combined cycle), 58.8 mpg (extra-urban) and 34.8mpg (urban) – very reasonable figures indeed. However, I suspect that one would have to enlist the help of one’s grandmother to get anything close to these returns. With the turbo spun up and the engine delivering its full potential, basic physics dictates that to get this amount of energy out then there must be a corresponding amount of energy source (such as petrol) being put in. In sport mode it is difficult – no, impossible –not to drive it delivering everything it has. I didn’t look at the fuel consumption figures that I achieved, and despite the stop/start economy feature I know they were disgraceful – oh, but it was so much fun!

The logo of the tuning company, Abarth, is a scorpion – and our test car most definitely had a sting.

words • dave hill & janet grimm

His summary

Quickest way to lose a driving licence, you just will not be able to help yourself; passengers can’t keep quiet, either whooping with excitement and pure adrenaline or wails of fear and dismay from the unappreciative (generally more mature and sensible people). When I win the lottery I will definitely be adding one of these to my fleet.


N ow, I’ve been told that I’m not a bad driver and never before has my 18-year-old sitting in

the passenger seat shrieked and shouted as I drove. This time, however, his shrieks were of pleasure as I took him for a drive in the Abarth Punto Evo. ‘I want this car, Mum. Can we keep this one, please?’ he shouted as we put the car through its paces. His love for the Abarth knew no bounds even though the realization that he wouldn’t afford to insure it until he is nearly as ancient as me tempered his joy slightly. His delight was matched by that of an old friend of mine, thirty years his senior, but equally excited by this sporty little car. My clean (touch wood) driving licence would not stay that way for long as he shouted his encouragement to see what the Punto Evo could really do. Bizarrely this car had the outward appearance of being small, albeit perfectly formed, but actually turned out to be quite roomy, and the family fitted in well although the sports-style front bucket seats mean that legroom is slightly less generous in the back. Even the boot is big enough for the weekly shopping and for Bear the dog, although he may end up a little dishevelled as this little car is driven around every corner by taking the racing line. The seating is extremely comfortable,

front and back, although the front seat is not ideal for anybody under 5’4” as this means your head would be aligned with the hard Abarth logo set into the seat back. The steering wheel and controls are well thought out and the interior is extremely classy although not luxurious – no vanity mirror lights, for example, but who would need to bother with touching up their make-up if they were driving this beauty? The ICE was great and looked a little like a flat-screen TV. Most of all I loved the little graph indicating the build-up of the turbo power. In the Meridian Milano showroom there is a shelf filled with toy car versions of the Abarth Punto Evo and that is exactly what this car should be – a toy. It begs to be driven in sports mode, normal mode just seems too tame, but driving it to the max may prove to be a little too exhilarating in the long term, but what fun it would be to have one in the garage to bring out at weekends. l

Her summary

A fun little car that instills a sense of joy in all who enter. The Abarth Punto Evo doesn’t so much ‘torque’ as SHOUT!

The car tested was Abath Punto Evo‘Essesse’. Kindly provided by Meridian Milano.


Choose Havant Sixth Form CollegeIn August 2010 a 97% pass rate was recorded with 74% of students achieving A* - C grades at A Level which exceeds the sixth form college (SFC) national benchmark by 5%. 47% of students achieved the tougher A*- B grades, which again exceeds the national SFC benchmark.Our students achieved an outstanding 806.09 Average Points Score in 2010. This, together with our results, means that we are the best performing A Level provider in the area.At Havant Sixth Form College we offer you a wide choice of subjects to help you achieve your ambition and goals. You can choose your own personalised programme from 45 A Levels and a range of BTECs and GCSEs.The College’s Careers Service is second to none and enjoys a national reputation. Entry to university is our specialism. In 2010, 82% of our students were successful in their university applications, exceeding the national percentage of 69%. We also offer specialist support for Oxbridge, Medicine and Veterinary Science.The College has a fantastic Enrichment Programme. There are excellent opportunities to participate in a wide variety of trips and activities with overseas study trips to New York, Poland, China and Barcelona to name but a few destinations. We also have an excellent Sports Academy Programme and a great social life with our active Student Union.To apply for September 2011 or for more information visit our website www.havant.ac.uk or telephone 023 9248 3856.Our next Open Evenings for entry in September 2012 are Wednesday 13th & Thursday 14th October, 6.30 – 9pm.

New Part-Time courses for 2011/12

If you’re looking to expand your skills, learn something new or want

to get back into a certain line of work, then Fareham College is here

to help.

We are a medium-sized campus situated closely to Fareham

train station and the town centre. You can be part of our thriving

community of 2,100 full-time students and 2,000 part-time students

by enquiring now.

All of our facilities are of an industry standard and the lecturers are

all experts in their fields. There is a wealth of courses to choose from

with start dates in either September 2011 or early 2012 depending

on your course of interest.

Perhaps you need a first-aid qualification for the workplace, or

GCSEs in English in Maths to further your career. You might want

to change your profession and seek new opportunities, for example

in Beauty and Holistic Therapies, where there are many awards and

short or long courses available.

Whether you want to fulfil a personal interest or need to develop

your skills in your current employment, the following areas offer

something to fit in with your requirements and lifestyle:

Engineering; IT; Hairdressing; Access to Nursing; Air Cabin Crew;

Business and Accounting; Childcare; Education; First Aid; Food

Hygiene; Law; and Maths and English GCSEs.

For more information, call (01329) 815200 or email [email protected].


backtonature

A number of dragonflies including the Southern and Migrant Hawkers can be seen hunting around the water bodies and in the

meadows. They are mainly feeding on mosquitoes, midges and flies, although some of the larger species can also take butterflies and damselflies. They are high, agile and acrobatic in flight which allows them to catch their prey on the wing; many species also eat their prey in flight.If you are walking around the reserve keep an eye on the hedgerows, and in particular for the characteristic territorial displays of the Gatekeeper butterfly. This striking species is often found on clumps of bramble feeding on the flowers. The male holds a territory and can be seen chasing away rivals and other species of butterfly. This species has a single brood during the year. The females lay eggs singly on blades of grass. When the caterpillars emerge they feed on various species of grass, mainly at night to avoid predation. This species overwinters as a caterpillar, surviving the harsh weather conditions by burying themselves in the ground vegetation. The caterpillars enter the chrysalis stage in the spring before emerging as adults from early July. Many waders are starting to return from their breeding ranges this month, hopefully after having a successful season. Usually the adult birds return first with the juveniles following on later. Two of the commoner species, black-tailed godwit and greenshank, will be returning from their breeding ranges in Northern Europe. These birds have

the classic wader shape with long legs and long bills for probing around in the estuarine mud looking for food. They can be seen on the marsh at high tide where they spend the time resting, bathing or preening before returning to the harbour at low tide to feed. If you are keen to learn more about these birds then why not drop in on one of our bird watch sessions? Your local Wildlife Trust The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust works to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Island. As the leading local wildlife conservation charity, it looks after 61 wildlife reserves, has 27,000 members and 1,000 volunteers. The Trust manages its own land and advises other landowners how to manage their land with wildlife in mind. Staff and volunteers also carry out surveys and gather data to monitor how our local wildlife is doing. Find out more at www.hwt.org.uk Join us today…and enjoy the benefits of being a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. For more information contact our membership team on 01489 774408.

l� �Unlimited FREE visits to over 55 wildlife reserves in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and 2,500 reserves nationwide

l� �A welcome pack when you join Hampshire and Isle of Wight Natural World, the Wildlife Trust’s magazine, delivered to you (or your partner) three times a year

l� �The chance to take part in local group and community activities offering you

a variety of opportunities to be involved in more than 400 walks, talks and events throughout the two counties

l� �Join by direct debit and receive your FREE full colour Local Wildlife Reserve Guide.

Visit www.hwt.org.uk and discover your local Wildlife Trust

August is a busy month down on the marshes as we see the influx of wading birds returning from their breeding grounds. It’s also a great time to see the number of butterflies and dragonflies around the reserve.

words • nikki magee image • elliott fairs & steve page

Augustwildlife

at Farlington Marshes Wildlife Reserve…Farlington – Bird Watch 14th August • 11.00 am – 2.00 pmGet close to the hundreds of waders and birds on the marshes and lakes around high tide at Farlington Marshes Wildlife Reserve. Guides will be at viewing areas to help you identify the birds and tell you about their behaviour. Drop in any time during the session to improve your bird identification skills. Parking is available off the Eastern Road (A27/A2030) roundabout (map ref. SU 679 044). For further details please contact Jamie Marsh, Solent Reserves Officer, on 01489 774429. Suggested donation £1.50.

Can you help? We need help checking the cattle that roam the marshes. It is very simple, can be done as part of a walk around the sea wall and you do not need to get too close to the cows. If you can spare a few hours please call Jamie Marsh on 01489 774429.

Farlington Marshes Reserves Team Every TuesdayA small team of volunteers meets every Tuesday to carry out practical work on the reserve such as fence repairs, scrub clearance and path maintenance. No previous experience necessary. For further details about any of the above please call Jamie Marsh on 01489 774429.

Visiting Farlington Marshes Wildlife ReserveFarlington Marshes is 125 hectares of coastal grazing marsh situated south of the A27 between Portsmouth and Havant. The reserve is managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust on behalf of its owners Portsmouth City Council.

How to get there Rail: Hilsea train station is 1.5 miles from the reserve

with trains from Fareham and Portchester every 30 minutes.

Bus: 21 between Havant and Portsmouth Harbour. Closest stop is at Farlington Sainsbury’s, 15-minute walk to the reserve. Service is hourly Monday to Friday with a reduced service at weekends.

Road: The car park is off the Eastern Road roundabout (A27/A2030).

events

www.kabt.co.uk

FREE survey & quotationCALL 01329 830111 NOW!

Heming & Co The Square, Wickham PO17 5JT

Fit a new Kitchen/Bedroom or Transform the one you have

Steve and Gill Hudson have been running kitchen and Bedroom Transformations since the beginning of 2005. A solid client base has been built so that now a large proportion of work comes from referrals, or customers returning for another room to be ’transformed’. Steve and Gill are focused on providing a personal, friendly service that meets your needs and your budget. From changing doors or worktops, through to complete new kitchens or bedrooms, visit their showroom or contact them for honest advice and pricing – you will be very pleasantly surprised at what can be achieved with your budget.

kitchen and Bedroom Transformations provides a personal service, individually tailored to your needs. Steve Hudson says “Our customers really are the heart of our business and we will do our utmost to make all jobs, small or large, run as smoothly as possible”.

When having work carried out in your home, what do you expect? l A company who do what they say, when they say?

l Advice and professional guidance, but your point of view listened to?

l You, the customer, to be considered as an individual?

l Fitters who are professional, courteous, take pride in their work and respect your property?

l A local company with a reputation they care about very much and where you can talk to a real person at the end of the phone?

l A company with customers happy to recommend family and friends?

l Visit the showroom on the first floor of Heming & Co in The Square, Wickham, PO17 5JT. Open from 9am – 5pm on Mondays – Fridays and 9.30am – 12.30pm on Saturdays, the showroom is packed with door samples and displays in a wide range of styles and finishes to cater for all tastes.

kitchen and Bedroom Transformations can design a complete nEW kITCHEn oR BEDRoom, using the latest computer technology to produce plans and glossy photo prints, to show you what your new kitchen or bedroom can look like.

Alternatively, you can TRAnSfoRm your kitchen or bedroom, without the cost and disruption of ripping out old units, with kitchen and Bedroom Transformations.

If your kitchen or bedroom has sound cabinets, it makes sense to change the doors, drawer fronts and trims. It’s quicker, costs less and the disruption is minimal. There is a wide range of door styles and colours including some stunning wood effect finishes as well as solid wood and painted doors. Whatever you have in mind, kitchen and Bedroom Transformations can help, including plumbing or electrical work, carried out by fully-qualified tradesman.

If you want to find out more, with no obligation, Steve will visit your home offering friendly advice, showing samples and measuring to provide a fREE DETAIlED WRITTEn QUoTATIon. The Company philosophy is no pressure selling. Call in soon, phone 01329 830111 or visit our website – www.kabt.co.uk.

Kitchen & Bedrooms


homes


Established 1980

Telephone: 01329 232821

Northern Galleries 3 & 4, Fort Fareham Business Park, Newgate Lane, Fareham. Open 9am - 5pm (Mon - Sat)

Fax/Ans 01329 828921Website www.ironcraftfirecentre.co.uk

• Over 30 wood, multifuel, gas and electric stoves on display

• Liner, flues, spares and accessories • Full fitting service

Members of the carpet foundation

Summer Sale

Open

Monday to Saturday

FlooringKarndean

Real Wood Laminate

Vinyl

CarpetsGreendale

Brinton Cormar

Brockway

Bettons of Titchfield

Visit Us1 Church Street,

Titchfield, PO14 4AH

20% off All SToCk RUgS 10% off All greendAle cArpets

☎ 01329 844208Est. 1958

E: b etto n s o f t i tc h f i e l d @ b tco n n e ct .co mW: www. b etto n s - t i tc h f i e l d .co. u k

FREE PARKING AT REAR OF SHOWROOM

All enquiries welcome: [email protected]

01329 510209 177 West Street, Fareham PO16 0EF www.bathroomworldfareham.com

We specialise in quality bathrooms and display many designer bathroom brands including:

Laufen, Cifial, Hansa, RAK Elite and Vitra.Our showroom offers a complete service of free design, estimating and installation, including associated building

work and electrics to provide a one stop shop for our client.

Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling Specialist

• Domestic & Commercial Work Undertaken• Marble • Slate • Porcelain

• Ceramic • Limestone • Mosaic & More • Free Estimates

Mob: 07775 725098 Tel: 01489 572954Web: www.hubbard-tiling.co.uk

• Member of The The Tile Association • CSCS Registered

PAUL HUBBARD


greenfingersAugust

greenfingers

G ive flowering plants a weekly feed and deadhead regularly. As well as taking off the heads of flowering perennials, cut back stems to encourage new

flowers. Roses that have been pruned will bloom again well into autumn. If you need inspiration pay a visit to the garden centre and you might be tempted by a few additions for your garden that you can admire right into the autumn. Perennials are coming into their own now, with plenty of choice to fit whatever space you have available. Think about using the right combination of shrubs to set off the plants and the space around them – ask for advice if you’re unsure. If you have a gap to fill in your border try

rudbeckia. The cheerful yellow daisy-like flowers will brighten up your garden from now until October. Rudbeckia is an easy to care for hardy perennial that likes full sun or partial shade and spreads to about 60cm wide. Hydrangea is another favourite, either the big mophead variety or lacecaps with round, flat flowerheads. Look out for arborescens and paniculata varieties. If you have a large enough space they look good planted alongside the already-mentioned rudbeckia or leucanthemum for a real colour contrast and foliage drama. When planting shrubs mix in plenty of compost to give your new additions a good start. Bark mulch is ideal to use around newly-planted or drought-prone plants. It’s organic, long-lasting, retains moisture and prevents weeds, while encouraging wildlife and providing nutrients to improve soil texture. Soil is often dry in August, so keep everything well-watered. Use recycled household water or rainwater from your water butt wherever possible. Think about the bulbs you would like and start planting in late August and September. Choose now while there is a full selection and you’ll be glad of them next spring. Why not plant some in containers for early spring colour and position them where they will cheer you up? l

Here’s hoping for lots of fine weather in August so we can sit back and enjoy the garden. If you don’t want to say goodbye to your flowering plants just yet, with a little effort you can achieve a longer flowering period for many garden favourites.

words • anne watson

Scarecrows outstanding in their field£1,000 of prize money was awarded to the best scarecrows in an annual competition run by Garsons Garden Centre in Titchfield. The top prize of £500 went to Western Wards After School Club in Locks Heath, who will buy new equipment and games. Pictured are the winners, Sue Gasser (left) and Janina Ellis, with Neil Jackson from Garsons.

Jobs for this month: l Continue feeding your tomato plants

weekly to help them get ripe and tasty. Remove yellow leaves.

l Trim hedges if they need it, so new growth is ready for the colder weather.

l Cut back your lavender as soon as it’s finished flowering to keep it looking good for next year.

Until next time, happy gardening!


• Garden design & planning

• Landscaping

• Award winning environmental policy

OutsideSpaces LTDGarden Design

01329 289542www.outsidespacesltd.co.uk

Inspirational outside spaces where once there was just a garden

FLAMING ANDY BBQ Chef in conjunction with SAVOURY EXPRESS Let us come and cook your BBQ, to make it a special occasion. Rain or Shine we can cater for all your requirements. Contact Andy on 01329 511528 or 07919 447794 or visit www.savouryexpress.co.ukfor more photos and references.

Flaming Andy

Rooksbridge Poultry Farm

Rooksbridge Poultry Farm has been trading for over 15 years, selling top quality egg-laying poultry. Nestled amongst picturesque woodland in the beautiful Hampshire countryside, the farm is now under new ownership. All the poultry is free range and fully vaccinated and great care is taken to ensure their health is of top importance.

Rooksbridge Poultry Farm has a variety of breeds available and also has everything that is required to keep hens.

Phone or e-mail for an appointment to come and visit us.Tel: 01489 580278 Email: [email protected]

www.rooksbridgepoultry.com

Six acres of beautiful landscaped gardens offering a final resting place for the burial of your loved one’s cremated remains along with an individual memorial

Location: first left after crematorium entrance

01329 828250www.pmgardens.com

Valid Until 31/08/2011

Remembering Loved Ones…

The final resting place for your loved one is of special importance. As a family run, privately owned and independently operated public Memorial Garden we have had the personal experience of losing close family members and are sympathetic and fully understand how important the grieving process can be.

The gardens, linked together by meandering streams and pathways, are complemented by a beautiful lake and fountains which provide an unrivalled setting for reverence and reflection.

Unlike most crematoriums whereby the ashes are scattered and a plot reference issued, we are able to offer a personal individual grave for ashes to be laid to rest by casket burial or grave scattering. All our graves can have a memorial stone to personalise the tribute. A ‘memorial only’ option is also available.

Every year we hold a moving Memorial Service around our lake & temple area in remembrance of the deceased.

health&beauty

The Strawberry Workshop Hair and Beauty team are celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year.The spa themed salon is fully air conditioned with a welcoming relaxing atmosphere. The team’s reputation for delivering an excellent service in a friendly happy salon is well deserved.

New to their list of services is the widely acclaimed Brazilian

Blowdry... kerastraight. The only recommended straightening and

smoothing treatment lasting up to 4 months.

The specialist Hair team provide a

wealth of knowledge and are

known and recommended

for all forms of colouring

including a full organic

range and Wella

professional.

The 3 beauty therapists at

the Strawberry Workshop are

trained in Ascot,

Surrey and between them have

many years experience offering a full

range of beauty and spa treatments in comfortable surroundings.

For Summer, smooth, refine and tone the cellulite and remove the

lumpy orange peel effect with the renowned Technispa

treatment 25% off per course.

New for this season the team have added to their repertoire Eyelash

extensions, Minx , Gelac manicures and pedicures. The Gel crystal rocks

for that fantastic sparkle in the sun!

We are now looking to add to our team, and we have an opening

for an enthusiastic and motivated stylist and an experienced

beauty therapist.

50% offEnjoy 50% off a cut and blow dry on your 1st visit

25% offEnjoy 25% off a cut and blow dry on your 2nd visit

10% off* 25th Anniversary Celebration

free shampooReceive a free personally prescribed shampoo when you have a cut & blow dry on your 3rd visit

free mini manicure

Receive a free mini manicure with any beauty treatment on your 3rd visit.

Terms & conditions apply


Terms & conditions apply Terms & conditions apply

*Not valid with any other promotion

worth £12.50 worth £12.50



STRAWBERRY WORKSHOP.co.uk



50% offEnjoy 50% off a beauty treatment on your 1st visit

25% offEnjoy 25% off a beauty treatment on your 2nd visit




✁✁

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to thank our loyal customers valid until 30th of August 2011

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be part of our vibrant local team

Due to our continued success and impending launch of new products we are recruiting again. We are looking for a full time

Advertising Sales Representatives to join our exciting and successful sales team. Ideally you will have previous magazine advertising sales experience. You should be a team player, professional, innovative and flexible. Enthusiatic and self motivated you should be able to offer the best in customer service and to build consultative advertising business relationships.

Applications with CV to [email protected] Closing date 29th July 2011

www.solentlife.co.uk


ANdREW mCkELLAR25 yEARS A hEALER

Andrew McKellar has been healing for twenty five years, the thousands of testi-monials at the sanctuary speak for them-selves. As a young child Andrew knew he was born for a special purpose, and today he has become world renowned. People travel from all around the world to receive treatment from him. Cure after cure is seen at his sanctuary - Arthritis, Back Problems, Skin Disease, Frozen Shoulders, people deemed incurable only given weeks or months to live have been cured through Andrew’s healing gift. The list goes on and on. Medical science is backward when it comes to recognising spiritual healing. Andrew says “the results I see with the sick and suffering, the medical profession can only dream of achieving. Sooner or later they are going to have to accept Spiritual Heal-ing as a forefront health treatment of the future”. One question often asked is are there many gifted healers in the UK, An-drew says. “Beware of anyone calling themselves a healer. Most healers in the UK are not born with the gift and really do little to help”. Sufferers: when seeking out a healer one must seek out a miracle

healer. Andrew says “there are about five in the UK”. Andrew has appeared on television in both the UK and USA. Here are just a few of the thousands of grateful patients treated by Andrew McKellar:

Ken Gibson suffered years with back pain.“Chiropractor treatment was only temporary, I heard about Andrew, wow the man is amazing. My back pain vanished within a few visits, I was also awaiting a carpal tunnel operation. An-drew treated the condition and said I would not need the operation, and yes all pain and stiffness vanished. The op-eration was cancelled. He even cured a friend of mine of Chronic Bell Palsy”.

Solent Life reader Louise Newton had five spinal operations, but still suffered agonising pain for nine years. On en-tering Andrew’s sanctuary barely able to walk, after a few treatments all pain had dispersed. “I am pain free living a normal life, I carried on with the treat-ment just to make sure. I cannot be-lieve, all those operations and continued

suffering, I am so grateful for Andrew McKellars gift”. Andrew says, “even chiropractors have said to their patients, they wish they had my ability in treating spinal conditions”.

Nicki Desky suffered with chronic M.E. “For seven years being only just able to walk, and with great difficulty seeing my future in a wheelchair I managed to reach Andrew’s sanctuary. He transformed my life - I’m back to work full time. This would not have been possible without Andrew’s gift, he also cured my mum of chronic graves disease. My mum thought her life was over, when her doctor said to go and see Andrew - she is now cured.”

Maria White says “I crawled into An-drew’s sanctuary in agony after years of suffering. No doctor could help me - I walked out of the sanctuary upright and pain free. He is a miracle healer.”

The Testimonials go on and on, in their thousands. Andrew says he has no in-terest in religion, only in helping people become happy and free of suffering. It’s

a true blessing to work way beyond the boundaries of medial science. Twenty five years a healer and many more years to go and many more thousands of cures to unfold.

Healer Andrew Mckellar

Andrew is now on

63 Southampton Road, Park Gate, Southampton, Hampshire SO31 6AHT: 01489 581158 | F: 01489 582220 | E: [email protected]

www.titchfielddental.co.uk

Call us now on 01489 581158l Preventivedentalcareforthewholefamilyl Anxiouspatientsparticularlywelcomel Finelinereductionl Cosmetic treatments & whiteningl Dentalimplantsl Orthodontics (teeth straightening)

Look out for the green and white picket fence.

Combinedentalexcellencewithawarm, friendlyenvironmentandyouhavethe ingredientsforagreatfamilydentalpractice. Putustothetestandplaceyourdental wellbeinginthecareofourdedicatedteam.

More than just adentalpractice

Titchfield Dental Health is a forward thinking innovative practice which provides routine care or smile makeovers.

Patients are welcomed by the friendly reception team who offer

complimentary drinks in the comfortable waiting area.

The surgeons carefully listen to dental needs and wants and

together with the patient come up with options to meet

requirements.

The practice has had particular success treating nervous patients.

From the first phone call, time and understanding is given and

as the patient gets to know the team so the nervousness fades

away leaving happy people who are confident to attend on a

regular basis and also recommend their friends. The practice now

offers conscious sedation for those who feel unable to commit to

treatment without help.

If you are someone, or you know someone who is apprehensive

about coming to the dentist please ask them to call in or telephone

the practice on 01489 581158 and one of our team will show them

around or talk them through the dental journey.


adventure

The distinctive blue hull of koru battled its way out of Portsmouth Harbour, her only sail a fully-reefed mainsail. Even to get to the Cowes start line was going to be an uncomfortable ride. As the all-female crew turned their racing vessel across the front of the Solent forts and on toward Gilkicker Point the wind and tide made the going slow, but the atmosphere on board was one of excitement and determination, and the whole crew was smiling.


FROM THE COCKPIT

Crewmember Penny Priddy told Solent Life what it felt like to approach the start line following the team’s pulling out of the previous cross-Channel race due to foul

weather. “Absolute trepidation, but I was feeling more cross than anxious because we did not want to get beaten by the weather a second time,” she said in very determined tones.

“Reaching the starting line was a relief, especially when we cut the engines.” Penny explained it was an eerie moment in the crowded waters off Cowes as 173 boats circled for position. “It was a very strange moment when the engines were shut off; if you have the engine going once over the start line then you are out of the race, but the yachts out there were just like a great pod of whales as they circled waiting for the start gun.

“Once the start gun fired we were off and we headed east so we had the wind with us. We could see what other boats were doing which was helping us.” It was a week later that she spoke of it but the excitement that Penny felt that day was easily being relived.

“It was a release that we were going again and we thought of nothing but sailing. All

that my mind was set on was doing my job on the boat; there was nothing else going on in the world.” Penny works in the cockpit grinding the winches that set the sails. “You have to watch what you are doing at all times, but it is so tricky not to look down at the winch rather than up at the sail as you have to wind the handle just a little harder. You also have the harsh wind in your face and the cold, wet sea spray breaking all over you.

“Then once your job is done you have to climb uphill across the sloping deck as the boat is heeled right over, so that you can take your place sitting on the rail and being part of the counterbalance for the boat.” Three members of the crew are still battling with seasickness but the crew’s confidence has been built to deal with these problems following their sea-survival course. “We all know what we are doing now and how to look after ourselves and our crewmates and Jannine is such an experienced skipper that we have total confidence in her.

“Later in the race the wind dropped and the sickies got up, got their gear on and went back to work; we were all very impressed with them. The secret to looking after yourself to a great extent is to keep the intake of fluids up, which causes its own problems.” Laughter burst from Penny’s

mouth and she warned that the gory details were about to follow.

“We are all women on board so peeing is a problem!” The laughter grew. “When you come off watch you are tired and need rest, but you also need the toilet and that means removing layer after layer of clothing, and there are lots of layers. Then you have to sit on the loo when the boat is at 45 degrees; it is not an easy thing to overcome.

“That weekend we became a real team and we got a little cheekier and braver with each other.” Did they get to enjoy France once over the finish line? “Once over the line we just turned Koru around and headed back; we needed that to push us for the endurance we will feel during the Fastnet Race.

“As I climbed into my car back home at Clarence Marina I realised we had been at sea for 73 hours, and yet all I wanted to do was get back on board and sail off again. Now we are just six miles short of our 300-mile qualifying distance for the Fastnet.” As Penny finished her story she had one proud moment that stuck in her mind. “We put the spinnaker up at night, in the dark; everyone was just so good at what they were doing. Then when I got back I just had to thank Koru. I miss her when not on board

– she is a boat with heart!”

powergirl


LIFE ON THE FOREDECK

Chloe Porteous lives her sailing life at the sharp end. “There are actually two of us on the foredeck, me working at the mast and Vanessa at the bow,” she told Solent Life.

“Most foredeck work revolves around the spinnaker, so setting it up, gybing etc, and as mast person my extra height is certainly an advantage as it helps in being able to set up the spinnaker pole (which is not light!) and also being able to manhandle it in the gybes. Depending how often we gybe, it can be pretty hard work!

“We only carry one size of spinnaker, which means in reality there’s an upper limit of wind strength when we’d fly the spinnaker, so consequently we tend not to be down there when it’s blowing a gale – thankfully! Likewise we use a furling genoa, which means we’re also spared doing headsail changes while on the go.

“That’s not to say it’s without it’s hairy moments though – there have been a couple of occasions when we’ve been sailing hard to windward and someone needs to go down to the bow and set the spinnaker up on the leeward side, ready for a hoist when we come off the wind. It’s at times like that you can expect to get wet feet at the very least! The adrenaline certainly flows then, as you then realise how close to the elements you actually are.

“It would be a nice thought to think the foredeck team can lie back and take it easy when we’re not sailing downwind, but alas this is racing and as I’m learning there’s always something to do. My secondary task is therefore working the main sheet, which, as I found out on our St Malo trip, can be equally as demanding as it needs constant attention to make the best of the wind but also avoid any dramas with the gusts.

“Our race to St Malo was a great experience, and I have a real sense of fulfilment after completing it. We had just about every kind of weather on that trip, ranging from high wind and rain on the way out of the Solent and across the Channel to virtually no wind passing the Channel Islands on the way to St Malo. It’s times such as that when I’ve realised it’s as much about endurance than anything else.

“My one fear has been sleep deprivation, so this is something I’ve fixated on a lot. I mean, for someone who loves nothing more than a lie-in in the morning, having to work in constant three- to four-hour shifts for several days is a daunting prospect.”

“But the St Malo trip taught me that it’s manageable, particularly as there are times when you’re so tired that you’ll

have absolutely no problem falling asleep wherever you are! I’ve also found it is massively important to look after yourself as a whole though, so food, hydration and morale are important. For example, I found that I craved pot noodles when waking up in the middle of the night to start a shift – not the most nutritious of meals admittedly, but wonderful for my morale! What didn’t help me though was fantasising about being under a nice warm duvet at 4.00 am in the middle of a cold rainy English Channel with another 48 hours still to go!

“The fulfilment was having completed it as a

team, having managed it on a personal level and also having put in what I think was a great performance,” Chloe continued. “Many boats dropped out of that race for one reason or another, and although we were a long way off reaching a top position I’m enormously proud of what we achieved.

“Although I still have an enormous amount of trepidation about the Fastnet itself, I’m a lot more confident about how I’ll be able to handle it on a personal level. And, of course, I now have the ultimate excuse to have lots of lie-ins in the morning – it’s all part of my Fastnet race preparations!" l

I found that I craved pot noodles when waking up in the middle of the night to start a shift.

FASTNET FAREWELL Over the past few months we have been following the ladies of Koru as they prepare for the toughest week of their lives. Such has been the response from you, the Solent Life readers, that we are holding a bon voyage party on the quayside as they leave for the start. ROYAL CLARENCE MARINA, Weevil Lane, Gosport from 4pm til 7.30pm (Koru leaves the marina at around 7pm) on SATURDAY 13th August.

Supported by the developer of Royal Clarence Marina, BERKELEY HOMES, and G's WINE BAR & RESTAURANT it will be the chance to meet the crew before they set off for one of the toughest yacht races in the world.G’s will be offering BBQ cooked to order, as well as their normal extensive menu, and apparently there will be plenty of Pimms on offer!

www.berkeleygroup.co.uk/berkeley/royal-clarence-marina www.gsgosport.com/

WIN – there will also be the chance for one lucky reader to win a signed, framed mono image of the Koru picture on this page t by David Rose-Massom and will be presented by the skipper of Koru – WIN (Draw on the evening)


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Pippa Bugby, Berkeley Southern sales & marketing director of commented: “The transformation of Royal Clarence Marina is a real eye opener for most people who come here for the first time as they cannot believe that a luxury marina apartment with one of the best views of Portsmouth Harbour could be within their means. We have just launched a new phase of commercial units on the waterfront with our second restaurant and wine bar opening soon.”

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this months winner... Paul Stone (top)

runner up... Grace McSweeny

With digital cameras it is very easy to rush your shot; you have dozens, if not hundreds, of images within the capability of your camera’s memory and they cost you nothing to produce. There is no cost of film or developing and printing and so images, once you have the camera, are free.

words • david rose-massom

Mentally the good photographer must forget this part of digital photography; when planning your shots just imagine that you have only the 36 shots that would have been

available in the days of 35mm film. Take your time; plan your shot and check your peripheral vision. The clutter around the edges of a frame can spoil an otherwise cracking landscape. Then, and only then, when you have the image that was in your mind in the eyepiece of the camera, fire the shutter button. Then use those extra shots within your camera to experiment; change the aperture setting which in turn will alter your depth of field and the lighting of your scene. Then before taking the next shot, like a professional golfer getting ready to take his next shot, go through your set-up procedure all over again. Not only will your photography improve if you slow down, but your enjoyment of the process will increase; it becomes a far more satisfying experience. Then when the images are downloaded your post-production time and work decreases because the shot you wanted is in the camera and not in programmes such as Photoshop. l

photocomp

Please keep the entries coming for our London Camera Exchange sponsored Calendar Competition. Despite the difficulties we have had in picking winners we are thoroughly enjoying the process and looking through your images. Our thanks to the Fareham branch of LCE for their continued support. Also don’t forget we are looking for your autumn and winter shots to be emailed to us now so we can begin putting our 2012 calendar together. Entries should be emailed as high resolution JPEG versions to [email protected].

timed exposure

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION SPONSORSHIPOur Calendar competition is kindly sponsored by the LONDON CAMERA EXCHANGE FAREHAM & NIKON, 135 West Street, Fareham. T: 01329 236441. E: [email protected]


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REVIEW

The Point, Eastleigh Tel… 02380 652333

Chichester Festival Theatre Tel… 01243 781312

Salisbury Playhouse Tel… 01722 320333

Mayflower Theatre Tel… 02380 711811

Theatre Royal,

Winchester Tel… 01962 840440

King’s Theatre,

Southsea Tel… 02392 828282

Tower Arts Centre, Winchester Tel… 01962 867986

Ferneham Hall Tel… 01329 231942

Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham Tel… 01329 310600

The Concorde Club Tel… 02380 613989

If you have anything going on, tell us here at solent life and we will include it in our feature

Tel… 01489 583800 Fax… 01489 583803

Email… [email protected]

…What a glorious feeling Well, the rain was certainly coming down in Chichester on press night for Singin’ in the Rain, but it didn’t dampen any spirits in the theatre.

THAT’LL BE THE DAY Prepare yourself for a party as the legendary That’ll Be the Day, the nation’s favourite rock ’n’ roll variety show returns by popular demand with a brand new production. This hugely-entertaining rock ’n’ roll spectacular features an all-new line-up of the classic gold hits of the 1950s through to the ’70s, mixed with loads of new zany comedy routines to produce a show with a real feel good party atmosphere. Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, every Wednesday to Saturday from 31st August to 17th September. All at 7.45 pm. Tickets £23.50, £21, £19. Call the Ticketline on 0844 576 3000 or book online at www.bic.co.uk.

THE KING AND I Do you remember the thrill of The King and I when Yul Brynner wowed the ladies with his shaven head, and Deborah Kerr was the bossy schoolteacher the King of Siam appointed to teach his 77 children how to act like civilised Westerners? Judging from the excitement amongst the young cast the magic is still there at Ferneham Hall, where the award-winning Fareham Musical Society is putting the show on during September 2011. It is not for nothing either that the Society has won several awards for dancing and choreography, for the dancing schools of Fareham all work closely with FMS to ensure we continue the tradition of excellence. The King and I, based upon the true book Anna and the King of Siam, has strong tensions between the King and his appointee. Sometimes these tensions result in comedy, and at other times in discord. The tragic end begs the question who is the civilised and who the civiliser. The King and I is on at Ferneham Hall from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th September at 7.30pm, plus a 2.30pm matinée on 24th. Tickets are £13.00, with concessions at £11.00. Tuesday night’s tickets are all priced at £10.50. Website www.farehammusicalsociety.co.uk, tel 01329 231942.

Iam sure that many people know and love the MGM film musical with Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor and they

will not be disappointed with this production ably directed by Jonathan Church. The story, for those who don’t know it, revolves around the arrival of talking movies in Hollywood. Silent movie star Don Lockwood and his on-screen partner Lina Lamont are set to star in the studio’s first talking picture. Problem: Lina has a less than perfect voice. Help comes in the form of Don’s off-screen love Kathy Seldon, brought in to dub over Lina’s voice in secret, but when Lina finds out problems arise. Don Lockwood is played by Adam Cooper. His time with the Royal Ballet Company really shows in a very polished performance, especially the title piece Singin’ in the Rain which is beautifully delivered on a requisite rain-drenched stage with plenty of splashing – so avoid the front row if you want to stay dry. Scarlett Strallen makes a very good Kathy with a delightful voice and Daniel Crossley as the

loveable sidekick Cosmo Brown puts his own stamp on the amusing Make ’em Laugh. Lina Lamont is brilliantly portrayed by the very talented Katherine Kingsley, whose cringe-worthy accent and off-key voice is done to perfection. ‘All singing, all dancing’ sums up this show. Andrew Wright’s dazzling choreography is a joy to behold. The dance numbers are well-executed by a great-looking and enthusiastic chorus line. The costumes and set designs complement the storytelling and the clever use of black and white film clips gives a real feel of 1920’s Hollywood. The highlight of the show is the reprise of the title song performed superbly with energy and panache by the whole cast on a rain-washed stage, leading to a well-deserved standing ovation and a contented audience leaving the theatre with very definite smiles on their faces. This is a wonderful show with a real feel-good factor. Singin’ in the Rain is at the Chichester Festival Theatre until 10th September. For booking information and other productions visit www.cft.org.uk

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reviewed • sue brooks solentlife theatre correspondent

Music & Theatre


A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM There can be no better outdoor setting for this classic and popular Shakespeare play than the gardens and railway at Exbury. Chapterhouse Theatre Company will be performing this delightful family production as frolicking fairies, raucous workmen, song, dance and magical verse all combine to create an enchanting evening in magical surroundings. EXBURY GARDENS, near Beaulieu, on Saturday 27th August at 7.30 pm. Adults £12 and children £8 with family tickets available. Grounds open an hour earlier for picnics and bring your own blankets and low-back seating. Ticket information 02380 245750 or www.exbury.co.uk.

BRAZILIAN RHYTHMS This summer a taste of Brazil comes to Bournemouth with a series of performances of authentic Brazilian music and dance at the Bournemouth Pavilion. On Friday 19th August the Rio Summer Ball will include a spectacular dance show, authentic Brazilian dance bands, and dancing for all until late. This colourful and fun event gives the chance to experience a full evening of high quality authentic Brazilian entertainment set in the splendour of the Pavilion Ballroom. On Saturday 20th August there is the chance to relax in the afternoon with the cool summer sounds of top-class authentic Latin Jazz and Bossa Nova performed by Jandira Silva. Jandira is a highly-accomplished singer, having regularly performed at the National Theatre and the legendary London jazz venues 606 Jazz

Club and The Jazz Café. She will be accompanied by a quartet of top Latin musicians. Finally the Theatre Show on the evening of Saturday 20th August will be a presentation of the full two-act theatrical show Brasil – Eu Sou O Samba. This is a high energy, classy but fun, journey through the infectious rhythms of Brazil. The title of the show roughly translates as Brazil – I am the Samba. Bournemouth Pavilion, Friday 19th and Saturday 20th August. Call the Ticketline on 0844 576 3000, book online at www.bic.co.uk or visit the BIC or Bournemouth Pavilion Ticket Office in person.

SWANWICK, BURSLEDON AND WARSASH REGATTA Held annually at the Elephant Boatyard, Bursledon, the theme this year is the Venetian Masquerade Carnival. Events kick off on Saturday morning with dinghy racing in the River Hamble and then Saturday afternoon there is the usual fun and games on the water kicking off at 1.00pm. Events include barbecue, bar, canoe, rowing and swimming races, gig racing, fancy dress for children, tea tent, Venetian water carnival. There is a hog roast in the evening with a torchlight dinghy procession and Son et Lumière, and the finale is a fantastic firework display. Sunday morning there is yacht racing and in the afternoon gig racing. Always great fun throughout the weekend. The Regatta this year is on 3rd and 4th September. www.bursledonregatta.co.uk.

BUS ROUTE If buses are your thing then everyone from kids to adults will

love the Provincial Bus Rally with plenty of free rides on buses of yesteryear and something for all the family at this event on the main field at Stokes Bay between 10.00am and 4.30pm. Free entry for everyone. Enjoy face-painting, a bouncy castle and many other stalls as well as looking at buses and coaches from the past and present. Join in and watch the cavalcade of buses around the area. Best bus on parade judged by the Mayor of Gosport. The cavalcade leaves the site at 1.30pm. The seven-mile route is along Stokes Bay Road, Gomer Lane, Military Road, Brockhurst Road, Forton Road to the ferry and back along South Street, Privett Road to Jellicoe Avenue, then turning into Jellicoe Avenue to the rally site. Organised by a local transport registered charity the Provincial Society and supported by First Bus, Brijan Tours and Bus & Coach Preservation magazine. Further details can be found on our website: STOKES BAY, GOSPORT on Sunday 7th August, www.provincialsociety.org.uk.

WILD IN THE GARDENS A special exhibition of paintings of British wildlife, particularly the wild plants, birds, animals, insects and fungi found at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, is to take place at the Gardens in October. The incredibly lifelike watercolour paintings have been produced over the last two and a half years by Felicity Rose Cole, Audrey Hardcastle, Lizzie Harper and Christina Hart-Davies. These four eminent natural history artists worked together to illustrate the award-winning Collins Flower Guide published in 2009, and

their stunning artwork was shown at the Gardens in April that year. The subject matter has been widened for this exhibition, but the same superb artistry and detailed style is evident in their beautiful work. All the work will be for sale, and cards and prints will be available too. At least one of the artists will be in attendance most days. SIR HAROLD HILLIER GARDENS, Romsey, Saturday 15th to 23rd October. Open daily 10.00am to 5.00pm. Free entry to the exhibition. For more information contact Christina 01202 671190, Lizzie 01497 821578, [email protected] or [email protected].

END OF SUMMER BALL Featuring a dance demonstration by the present UK Professional Latin American champions Oleksii Ivanets and Lisa Bellinger-Ivanets. With compère Claire Taplin and music by Colin Mansbridge it promises to be a great evening for all ballroom dance fans. THORNBURY HALL, Bury Road, Gosport, on Saturday 24th September at 8.00pm. Tickets just £12.50 and available from Barry Sears on 02392 529768.

THAI FOOD AND CRAFT FESTIVAL There will probably be no more colourful festival than this during the summer. Costumes, crafts and great Thai cuisine, as well as demonstrations of Thai dancing and Thai boxing will be there for all to enjoy. Free admission as well. CASTLE FIELD, Southsea, Sunday 14th August from 11.00 am. www.bangkoksouthsea.co.uk.

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CREAM TEAS SERVEDOpen weekends 20th & 21st Aug,

27th, 28th & 29th AugFrom 10.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m


WARSASH CHORAL SOCIETY

The Society resumed their rehearsals on

Friday 29th July in readiness for their

autumn concert which will take place in

St Paul’s Church, Sarisbury Green, at 7.30pm on Friday 4th November. The work being

performed will be Mendelssohn’s Elijah.

The Society urgently requires extra voices to

sing in this lovely work. They would welcome

anyone who would like to go along and sing

(sopranos, altos and especially tenors and

basses). Rehearsals are on Friday nights in

the Bartholomew Room at the Victory Hall,

Warsash, at 8.00pm for an 8.15 pm start.

It is free and music is provided.

Josephine Wylie told Solent Life, “If your

readers are still on holiday for the first

rehearsals then do please come and join

us when they return; all will be made most

welcome.” Josephine Wylie (telephone

01489 892326)

HEARING DOGS COFFEE MORNING

South Hants Hearing Dogs for deaf people

will be holding one of their coffee mornings

on Saturday 6th August at Portland House,

29 High Street, Botley SO30 2EA, from 10.00

am till 12.30pm. Entrance £1.50 including tea

and biscuits with plants, books and lots, lots

more! All proceeds to Hearing Dogs for Deaf

People www.hearingdogs.org.uk. Further

information or directions call 01489 783118.

COUNTRY MARKET

Stubbington Country Market is held EVERY Friday in Stubbington Library from 9.30am

to 12.30pm. We will also be having a stall at

Stubbington Bank Holiday Fayre on Monday 29th August 2011.

SOLENT SOUNDS CHORUS Ladies, are you interested in singing

a harmony part with us? We sing

unaccompanied four-part harmony.

If so, a warm welcome is guaranteed.

To find out more call Terry Walker on 01329 282001 or Karen Harland on 01329 310084.

If you would like us to sing at your function

call Kathy Cooper on 02392 552225.

A JOY TO BEHOLD Solent Life reader, Liz Marshall, wrote asking

if we could mention a little thing they are

starting and it should bring some fun and

light into local lives. “My friend Gina and

I are starting the Fareham Glee Club in

September,” she told us. “We will be part of

Glee Club UK started just over a year ago

by a genial, enthusiastic, hugely-talented

40-year-old musician, Richard Whennell,

in Bracknell. We will be the first club on the

south coast.”

As the name suggests they are a singing

and dancing club for anyone over the age

of 16 with the main objectives of setting up

within local communities environments full

of warmth, friendliness, encouragement and

a little excitement to entice people to come

out and have FUN!

The first meeting of the Fareham West Glee

Club will be on Thursday 8th September. Venue: The United Reform Church, Warsash

Road, Warsash. Time 7.30pm. All can

be assured of a most warm and friendly

welcome – music, movement and fun

guaranteed! Email Liz Marshall for more

information: [email protected].

LOCAL HOTEL GOES GOLD The Gold Accolade for Green Tourism Award

has been won by Fareham town centre’s

premier independent hotel The Lysses House Hotel and Richmond Restaurant. This is the highest accreditation – a Gold

Award – in the national Green Tourism

Business Scheme, which recognises

reductions in environmental impact. As part

of the scheme the hotel will continue to be

assessed every two years against rigorous

criteria including energy efficiency, waste

minimisation and recycling, use of local

produce and support of public transport.

Front of House Director Nicola Stafford told

Solent Life, “This is a great award for our

hotel. With only five other Hampshire hotels

achieving the Gold standard, our Green

Team – the group of staff whose efforts

resulted in this great achievement – can feel

justifiably proud. Our customers can now be

confident in the knowledge that we take our

environmental responsibilities seriously and

that we care for our local community.”

FOOTLOOSE Stage One is a youth theatre group based

in Portsmouth that performs musicals at

Ferneham Hall and the group recently won

a NODA award for their production of Les

Miserables. For their next production they

will be tapping their toes with Footloose

the Musical, presented by Stage One Youth

Theatre at Ferneham Hall, Fareham, from

27th to 29th October. Curtain up 7.30pm.

Tickets £10:50 and concessions £9:00

IF YOU HAVE A LOCAL EVENT……you wish to promote then please contact us at [email protected]

community news

Your essential guide to all the local news and events in your community

August

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