January 2016 | Issue 122 | £1.50 where bought

AUTOBIOGRAPHIESAllnewMazdaMX-5

January BluesFun things to do with the kids

HOUSE AND GARDENS

25 Planning Matters...… it really does. Whether you’re applying or livingin a neighbourhood, what goes on (or up or isremoved) can be important to our community.Take a look at the latest applications.

MOTORING

12 Auto BiographiesThe all new Mazda MX5. Smooth lines, roof off andiconic goodlooks. What did Tim make of this newroadster?

BUSINESS

30 Martin LewisWinter tips from Martin this month - he asks us todust off your long johns, grab a cup of Bovril andsnuggle up with his checklist to keep your costsdown and the heat up.

COMMUNITY

6 Christmas and CarolsJoin Reverend Andy and the community thisChristmas at one of the popular festive services.

7 Alverstoke Christmas Tree FestivalDon’t miss out on this lovely event that saw over3000 attend last year - it’s ready and upon us!

ASTROLOGY

16 Russell GrantWhat will the new year bring for you? Check outthe centre spread for your star sign and see whatthe stars have in store.

january issue 2016

THIS MONTH..

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“What’s your idea of success”?

This was a question that we asked our kids on one ofour longish jaunts in the car recently.

We were on our way up to see my Auntie Lynda in Derby who, according to ourlittle people, “lives in a mansion and must have lots of money”.

Auntie Lynda, a successful children's author, is a literary genius and modest withit. Her house décor is traditional yet homely and everything needs to have historyor a story to pass the gates and be kept treasured.

The 20ft or so Christmas tree in the stone floored hallway has the children ingasps every year and when they run up and down to the cellars or come hurtlingaround the sweeping staircase it’s no wonder they feel like they’re on the set of aclassic film.

So knowing they were travelling to such a wonderful venue it got us onto thesubject of what they’d like to achieve or own when they were ‘grown up’.

Lucy is pretty easy to guess. Aged 9 she’s developed a passion for sign languageand will no doubt be happy living out of a VW camper van, with a guitar (yet tolearn), painting things and training hearing dogs for the deaf.

The boys quickly listed all the material possessions they would need (including aten bedroom mansion, Olympic size swimming pool and an Apache gunship onthe driveway) and Ava didn’t know, as long as cake featured somewhere. Alt-hough she’s only 7, Sean and I couldn’t help feeling this was actually a cover forour wide-eyed youngest who is likely to become a Lara Croft/James Bond typecharacter with her Teflon skin and obsession with noticing when something haschanged.

Sean and I, on the other hand, have a different view of success. But it wasn’t onewe wanted to share with the kids until we achieve it one day, in a ‘ta dah’ sort ofway. The New Year is a good timeto re-evaluate where you are andwhat you might want to achieve.Have a go as you never knowwhere you might end up, Apacheor no Apache.

Stay healthy, safe and look aftereach otherMuch love

C oralie and Seanx

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Life Matters at St Mary’s

Advent is a bit of an adventure, butrather than the continuation of thestory that will thrill many when theyenter again the world of Star Warsthrough the blockbuster thisChristmas, it is more the adventure ofsomeone coming to stay with us andthe surprise of all that they will bringwith them (like Mary Poppins arrivingand only then does the adventurebegin!).

Advent really means ‘dawning’ or‘coming’. It’s a time of our waiting -and we’re called to wait eagerly, withthe energy of anticipation andreadiness. It’s a bit like waiting in athome for a delivery of a parcel likeone that has just arrived at theRectory!

In Advent Christians are calledeagerly to await the arrival of Jesuswith the same energy, expectation,hope and the excitement that a

special parcel brings. At Christmaswe celebrate Jesus’ first comingwhilst during Advent we await hissecond coming as Godalmighty. What an angel trumpetblast will herald that day! It will beamazing and what a hope it brings.

The world needs hope at the momentin the devastations of wars arising outof the aspirations for freedom ofpeoples only to be hijacked by thehatreds and terrorism of radicalisedreligion or fervent nationalisms; in thedespair of refugess, in the slaveryinflicted by violent criminals denyinghuman dignity; or in the individualfears and sufferings of our ownfriends and loved ones throughsickness and grief. As we enter 2016so much can lack hope andconfidence for the future. But, thecelebrations of Christmas only existto give us hope looking forward to thepromise of Jesus coming to save; his

second advent.

It is with this hope that the ADVENT-ure of faith continues in 2016, and inthat hope the New Year can beentered with confidence. We canembrace 2016 with prayer for thepain and grief of the world and of life,whilst the New Year calls for newpledges to serve each other, ourcommunities and our world withcompassion, mercy and faith.A HAPPY NEW YEAR’SADVENT-URE TO ALL.

Revd Andrew Norris

Church Office: 02392 580551Rectory: 02392 503308

rector@alverstokeparish.orgwww.stmarysalverstoke.org.uk

NEWYEAR ADVENT-ure!

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St Mary's Alverstoke Christmas Tree FestivalThe event has become a much anticipated community event by the people of Gosport and surrounding area and is now in its 7th year! In 2014 over

3000 visitors attended the spectacle of 78 Christmas trees individually decorated bybusinesses and charities, and wide ranging music provided by 975 musicians.

THIS YEAR THE FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD ONFriday 11th December 11-6pmSaturday 12th December 11-6pm

Sunday 13th December 12noon-6pm

Adults £3 Seniors £2 Under 16's Free.Refreshments available.

Parish Centre Green Road Alverstoke.

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Picture a grey January day and kids goingcrazy from being cooped up indoors.Children it seems are immune to ‘badweather’, but without sun or snow totempt us out of our cosy centrally heatedhomes, we adults sometimes need anudge. If you’re looking for someinspiration on those cold grey Januarydays, then mother of two and author SueGascoyne is on hand with some tried andtested fun ideas for things to dooutdoors:

Make a mud pit as this is great forsplashing in; experimenting withconsistency for creating mud pictures;mixing up hearty concoctions with oldpots and pans; and of course, makingmud pies.

Make ice sculptures to hang on the trees.Simply arrange holly and other foliage orsliced citrus fruit in transparent plastictakeaway containers. Add a loop of stringfor hanging, fill with water, put the lid onand leave to freeze over night. Freezingaccentuates the colours in the leaves,berries and fruit creating a trulymesmerising display guaranteed to melteven the frostiest heart!

Use icicles as magic melt in your handpens!

Collect sheets of ice form a puddle andadd slowly drops of food colouring towatch the colour spread like fingersthrough the ice.

Go puddle jumping as there’s somethingirresistible about cracking the glass-likelayer of ice on a puddle. Add powderpaints for some fun welly printing!

Fill an old ice cube tray with mud andleave outside overnight to freeze. Turnthe mini bricks out for lots of building fun.Add small toy animals for firingimagination.

If you don’t fancy getting messy, makefrozen mini ice bricks instead to buildigloos with or to create a polar landscapecomplete with frozen shaving foam snow,glass cubes, a safety mirror andpolystyrene pieces.

If it’s damp and cold outdoors then whynot create a fire pit for charcoal making,toasting of marshmallows and warmingchilly fingers by the fire? Share a flask ofhot chocolate for the best snack ever!

Go on a family walk, armed with a list ofthings for you all to spot. Include a mix ofunusual as well as unexpected things thatwill add challenge and excitement.

In Winter time birds can really struggle tofind enough food to eat so why not makebird cakes and encourage an interest inbird spotting? Heat up some lard andcarefully mix with bird seed. Use thewarm mixture to fill coconut shells, smallterracotta plant pots or recycled yoghurtpots. (You will need to make a small holein the bottom of the containers and insert

and knot a loop of string to hang it.) onceset cut away the plastic containers if usedthen hang in a position where you canspot which birds it attracts. Children cancreate a tally to record and identify thewinged diners or why not get involved ina national Birdwatch campaign.

If your New Year resolution was recyclingmore why not upcycle your old deadChristmas tree into a didgeridoo? You’llneed to be patient as the wood needsseveral months to dry out, but what anawesome project to do with an adult. Ifthat’s too much machinery and time youcould craft a bird feeder instead. Simplycut the tree into smaller pieces, about 30cm long would work well. Drill out thetrunk to create a hole for the bird seedand prepare to watch the birds flock toyour garden sculpture. If these projectshave whet your creative appetite there’salways coaster making or sculptures, togive you a head start on Christmaspresents!

One of the best things about getting coldoutdoors is the pleasure of warming upafterwards with a cup of hot chocolateand a roaring fire. There’s nothing like thetingle of cold cheeks to make you feelalive, so what are you waiting for, theoutdoors awaits!

Sue GascoyneFor fun sensory play activities, Sue’s latest

research, resources and training go towww.playtoz.co.uk.

sue@playtoz.co.uk 01206 796722

It’s al l child’s playJanuary Blues

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The all-new Mazda MX-5 rocks. It reallydoes.

And it’s not just me that thinks it - theawesome sports car has already beennamed Roadster of the Year in Britain.

But why does the MX-5 rock? And why is itawesome? Well, quite simply, the car is abrand icon. It is brilliant fun to drive – andthat has been the case in all of itsincarnations over the last 25 years.

Having made its British debut at the 2015Goodwood Festival of Speed, the all-newfourth-generation Mazda MX-5 has anexcellent power to weight ratio, rear-wheeldrive, perfect 50:50 weight distribution and

more comfort and tech than everbefore.

The MX-5 is offered with a choice oftwo petrol engines, and with ninemodels across five trim levels, themighty yet minute Mazda looksalready set to repeat the Japanesemotor manufacturer’s influence withinthe reasonably priced sports carsector.

Maintaining the driver-focused naturethat has made the MX-5 the best-selling two-seater sports car of alltime, it is obvious the engineeringphilosophy behind the up-to-the-minute model has allowed Mazda toretain the dexterity, enjoyment andengagement that has alwayscharacterised it.

The lightest MX-5 since thecelebrated original, the fresh car isshorter, lower and wider than theoutgoing one, with the smallestoverhangs and lowest centre ofgravity yet. These dynamicproportions combined with Mazda’sKODO: Soul of Motion design valuesensure that the model’s styling reflectsits emphasis on driving pleasure in anunmistakably contemporary andenergetic way.

Featuring Mazda’s award-winningSKYACTIV technology, theMX-5’s ultra-efficient lightweight petrol poweredengines deliver new heights ofperformance and economy. Across theline-up the MX-5 features alloy wheels,LED headlights, a leather steeringwheel, as well as a light and sleekfabric hood.

SE-L models add LED daytime running lights,climate control air-conditioning, DAB radio,Bluetooth and cruise control, plus Mazda’sconnectivity and infotainment system withseven-inch colour touch-screen display andMultimedia Commander. SE-L models withthe 2.0-litre 160ps engine are distinguishedby 17-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels and pianoblack door mirrors, and benefit from a struttower bar and limited slip differential.

Step up to Sport trim and both the 1.5 and2.0-litre cars feature rain sensing wipers,rear parking sensors, smart keyless entry,Premium Bose Surround-Sound and heatedleather seats. With the 1.5-litre engine,Sport trim MX-5’s come with 16-inchGunmetal alloy wheels and piano black doormirrors. Sport models with the 2.0-litre160ps engine benefit from a

dynamic set-up that includes Sportssuspension featuring Bilstein dampers, alimited slip differential and strut tower bar,while visually, they are marked out by their17-inch Bright alloy wheels and bodycoloured mirrors.

But perhaps the most amazing aspect of theMX-5 is that when the original model waslaunched in 1990, it cost £14,249 (equal to£31,687 in today’s money), yet quarter of acentury later with far more standardequipment, the all-new Mazda MX-5 costsfrom £18,495. This means, more than ever,the car sets the benchmark as the one of theworld’s best and most affordable sports cars.

Indeed, it seems with its lightweight design,cool cabin, exquisitely engineeredmechanicals and balanced handling the all-new Mazda MX-5 is ready to further boostits place in the hearts of automotiveaficionados.

FAST FACTS

Max speed: 133 mph

0-62 mph: 7.3 secs

Combined mpg: 40.9

Engine layout: 1998cc, 4cylinder, 16 valve petrol

Max. power (bhp): 158

Max. torque (lb.ft): 148

CO2: 161 g/km

Price: £18,495 - £23,295

PROS ‘N’ CONS

Fun √Handling √Looks √Equipment √Limited room X

Auto biographies All New Mazda MX-5Tim Barnes-Clay @carwriteups

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CHRISTMAS EVENTS AT THE GOSPORTDISCOVERY CENTRE

Christmas Magic Story Time Special - Saturday 19th December 11am to 12 noonWhen Santa is stranded in Firefly Wood, he’s sure that Christmas will have to becancelled. Can Russell the Sheep come to the rescue with a magic all of hisown? Pick up the adventure with us and see if Russell can save the day thenmake your own Christmas lantern to take home. Suitable for children aged 3 –10 and must be accompanied by an adult.FREE, No need to book but places are limited. Donations appreciated

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171 - 173 High StreetLee-on-the-Solent

PO13 9BX

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P lanning MattersGOSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL

REF LOCATION PROPOSAL STATUS

15/00580/FULL 43 Western Way,Gosport, Hants, PO122NF

Erection of two storey side/rear extension,balcony, single storey side extension, roof canopyand bow windows

Decided—permissiongranted.

15/00548/FULL 102 Jellicoe Avenue,Gosport, Hants, PO122PF

Erection of part single, part two storey rearextension.

Registered

15/00606/FULL 2 The Paddock, Gosport,Hants, PO12 3PZ

Erection of two storey rear extension and roofalterations to include increased ridge height.

Registered

15/00615/FULL 15 Solent Way, Gosport,Hants, PO12 2NR

Erection of single storey front and rearextensions.

Registered

15/00587/HHGDO

1 Grove Road, Gosport,Hants, PO12 4JH

GPDO part 1 notification—erection of singlestorey rear extension with depth of 3.5mmaximum height and height of eaves 3m

Registered

15/00626/FULL 10 Brockhurst Road,Gosport, Hants, PO123DE

Change of use from dwelling (class C3) to office(class B1) and creation of parking area.

Registered

A monthly round up of planning applications submitted since 1 November 2015

For more details visit http://www.gosport.gov.uk/welcome/

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@MoneySavingExpertMartin LewisDust off your long johns, grab a cup of Bovriland snuggle up with my checklist to keepyour costs down and the heat up.

Save £250+ on energy bills.

Winter is of course the highest-use energyperiod. So the key is to ensure you’re on thecheapest possible deal – that may bechanging tariff with your existing provider, itmay be switching. The move across takes 17days, so do it now to ensure you’re on theright deal before the cold snaps.

Those who worry about this, don’t – it’s thesame pipes, gas, meter and safety, and youdon’t lose supply. The only difference is priceand customer service. But savings can behuge.

About 70% are on their provider’s standardtariff – across the big six this is an average of£1,095/year based on typical usage. Yet thecheapest open market’s deal is around £830a year – that’s £260 a year saved, much ofthat in the winter months.

However, as your exact cheapest depends onwhat you use and where you live – to findout, always do a comparison. Just make sureyou select ‘all tariffs’ on a comparison site.You can use my www.CheapEnergyClub.comwhich also gives switchers up to £30cashback and then monitors you tariff afterto check no one beats it, or anyOfgem.gov.uk approved comparison site.

Switch energy now and you could get £100sback.

If you pay by direct debit, it’s likely you’re incredit after the low-use summer. Mostproviders give it back automatically, but ifthey don’t, call and ask. If you’ve switched inthe past five years, your old supplier may stillowe you too.

Asking for it back is simple and here’s asuccess to encourage you: “The balanceowed to me from 17 months ago (which theynever got back to me about) was £1,364.22.A brilliant result but I do feel an idiot for notknowing how much I'd overpaid, so I urgeeveryone to do the same as me and check.” –Col.escargot.

Free winter car check.

Halfords.com is offering a free £15 winter carcheck, which includes checks to your battery,bulbs, wiper blades, oil and screenwashlevels. You don’t need to book in advance,

though you can online if you want, and thecheck should take about 15 minutes. There isno obligation to buy anything, but beprepared that staff might try to upsell you.The winter car check is on until spring 2016.

Are you entitled to any extra winter help?

Winter is a tough time for many as the coldsets in. But there are funds which may help…

Winter fuel payments. If you were born on orbefore 5 January 1953 (and met otherqualifying criteria throughout the weekcommencing 21 September 2015), you’reeligible for the up to £300 winter fuelpayment. If you get certain

benefits, eg, state pension, pension credit orjobseeker’s allowance, you’ll usually get itautomatically – otherwise you may have toclaim it. You do that by calling 03459 15 1515.

Cold weather payments. Anyone on certainbenefits, eg, specific income support,jobseeker’s allowance, pension credit, gets£25 for every seven days where there aresub-zero temperatures. It’s paidautomatically from 1 November 2015.

Choosing between heating and eating? Ifyou’re seriously behind, or in generalfinancial hardship, you may be eligible forspecial tariffs/help. Try theHomeHeatHelpline.org.uk on 0800 33 66 99.

Do you know where your water cock is?

Everyone should know where their mainwater off-switch is, otherwise known as astopcock. Frozen pipe bursts create anaverage of £4k of damage, worse if you can’tfind the off switch as your home floods. So ifyou don’t know, spend five minutes nowfinding out – typically it’s under the kitchensink, in the boiler cupboard, or outside.

Full service car breakdown cover £41, basicfor £16 – and if you’re renewing, haggle.

Problems are more likely in winter and theconsequences are more severe. Forbreakdown, home start and onward travelcover, AutoAidBreakdown.co.uk charges£41/year, though if it sends a truck anddriver you pay, then reclaim.

Or if you’ve got cover and are at renewal,haggle. In a recent poll I conducted, 84% ofAA and 78% of RAC customers who tried gotlower rates, like Graham did: “Thanks for the

haggling advice. Just spent five minutes onthe phone to the RAC and got my renewalslashed from £252 to £151. Just over £100for about five minutes’ work – that’ll donicely!” Full help to do this in www.mse.me/breakdown

For basic policies, buy through a cashbacksite like Topcashback.co.uk or Quidco.comand you can reduce the cost, eg, RAC basic is£27.99 a year and you get around £12cashback, AA is a little more.

Free loft/cavity wall insulation, open to all.

Energy firms face sanctions if they don’tmeet Eco quotas, so some, eg, BritishGas.co.uk, EDFEnergy.com and Npower.comgive free insulation to anyone in England,Scotland or Wales with a suitable home (youdon’t have to be their customer or on a lowincome). If you paid for this commercially, itcould cost around £700.

The savings can be huge. The Energy SavingTrust estimates you’ll see a reduction in billsof £300 a year compared with a typicaluninsulated home. On average it takes 3-4weeks to book a survey and a further twoweeks for the insulation to be fitted (thoughit can take longer).