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September 2015 | Issue 90 | £1.50 where sold

See our new wedding feature on pages 6-7

Your special day

Meadowside Music FestivalImage courtesy of ©Whiteley Rotary

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HOUSE AND GARDENS

22 Planning MattersCheck out this months round up of planningapplications in and aroundWhiteley.

26 AsterThis plant of the month may look a touch like agiant daisy but they’re not weedy at all.

CHILDREN, PETS & EDUCATION

30 Kids PageOne of our favourite sports is covered this monthwith the kids page - enjoy the Rugby theme!

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

10 Childcare costs

Martin Lewis covers this minefield of complexity inhis easy to read style.

COMMUNITY

6 Your special dayCheck out this new feature on Weddings. Whetheryou’re looking to tie the knot yourself, or knowsomeone who is planning their special day thentake a look at our special piece this month onpages 6-7

september issue 2015

THIS MONTH..

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SmSmalal ltalkltalk

Pearl Publications

01329 630630

Joint Editors

Coralie Todd & Sean Middletoneditor@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk

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Stubbington & Hill Head, Lee onSolent, Locks Heath, Warsash &Sarisbury Green and Gosport.

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“Instead of wondering where your next vacation is, maybe youshould set a life you don’t need to escape from” said SethGodin.

I rather like Seth Godin’s musings on life and business as hethoughtfully provokes what you believed to be set in concrete touncover ideas that suddenly ring true like church bells in your head.This quote is one of my favourites and resonates well especially atthis time of the year. I sat watching my facebook feed this morninglooking at several postings from families doing a countdown to theirannual summer holiday. Some were going to Greece, some weregoing much further afield and of course they were all preceded withcries of “yippee, only 4 days to go”.

With 2 businesses to run and 4 children to amuse over the next 6weeks I had an initial pang of envy. The thought of a blissful,uninterrupted vacation, somewhere in the sun (remember that?!)seemed alluring and indulgent.

I allowed my thoughts to continue in this vein until I pulled myselfback to my reality with a rather pleasant pop. After all, who hascreated the life that I’m living? Who is responsible for the actionsthat I take and the choices that I make each day? Well of course theanswer to that lies totally between my ears so if I don’t like what I’mdoing then I jolly well need to change things. And you know what? Irather love what I have. I can choose to start work at 6am so that Ican leap up every now and then to cut up magazines for the girls toturn into a craft project, or hang out the next load of washing thatkeeps magically appearing for me. I can choose to stop lateafternoon to enjoy a cup of tea and colouring with the children.

And best of all we’re workinghard towards a lifestylewhere I very much hope thatinstead of uninterruptedweeks, we’ll have someuninterrupted months off toenjoy the world.

Much love until next monthCoralie and Sean x

ONTH..

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Reliably delivered by our local teams, reaching over 35000homes each issue, SEVEN editions of Big Voice provideexceptional monthly coverage of our area every single month.Call our friendly team now on 01329 630630, jump on ourwebsite and have a chat or link up with us on Facebook.

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The saying ‘It’s not what you know butwho you know’ rings in my ears as I havebeen brought up with it and I can usuallyfind a ‘who’ for most enquiries that comein to our businesses. We have beendiscussing the fine line between whetherthe ability to plan your wedding budgetdown to the last penny with acontingency to boot, or the adrenalinrush / anxiety associated with scrabblingfor the last few pounds to pay thebalance off for your venue in the last fewweeks is the best course of action whenplanning your big day yourself. We bothagreed that knowing well in advancewhat you needed to spend your moneyon, what you could have bespoke or offthe shelf and the associated costs of both

are essential to not letting your‘bridezilla’ side get way out of control.

We could never cover a full list here ofevery item you would need to add toyour wedding plan as we are all vastlydifferent and want to follow differingtraditions, or in our cases eccentricities,but good planning and organisation isdefinitely key. Come for a consultation,hear what we have to say, but have yourbudget and timeframe firmly in mindwhen you do; that way if you love aservice or product you can at least workout what you will need to spend less on,like cutting out knives and forks!

Charlie suggests:

Using a dream board to collate your idealwedding day in pictures, what colours,theme or feelings do you wish to invoke?

Sit down and realistically work out yourbudget. Is it a grand figure or do youneed to work out what you can affordper month for the next year or two?

Look at venues that can be suited to yourtheme. Our venue decor service can turnthe look of most venues, using props,drapes and lighting so do keep an openmind when viewing, but be realistic - doyou want somewhere to dance forexample, or is it all about the food?

Look for an event coordinator (like us!)

Planning the big day yourself

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or separate suppliers (also like us!) toorganise your venue decor, entertainment,catering, finishing touches, bridal wear,transport etc.

Please remember that a good price is notalways the cheapest option; ask potentialsuppliers for recommendations, pictures oftheir work (portfolio) and ensure they arehappy to supply their insurance details ifyou enter into a contract with them. It canbe costly to have to source another supplierat the last minute, or mortifying to not getthe service you expected.

If you have your heart set on thatsomething special, handmade or bespoke,factor this in when looking at theming yourcentrepieces and other decor options, toenhance and not work against yourbeautiful item.

Lastly, if you are unable to pay for yourservices in a lump sum consider making apayment arrangement with your suppliersensuring that all of your little details arepaid for well in advance of the run up toyour big day (when you are supposed to beglowing with anticipation and not wiping

sweat from your brow!) Having regularcontact with your suppliers keeps youlinked in to them, they can advise on yourplanning and the inevitable lists well inadvance, everyone gets to the week beforeand wonders what they have forgotten agood coordinator or group of trustedsuppliers will have already checked your listtwice!

Janet Mist has some great ideas:DIY weddings are massive, brought aboutby Pinterest gorgeous photographs, BridalBlogs, wedding magazines and Bridal BootFairs popping up all over the country.

A lot of themes are inspired by all thingsmix and match vintage and a stand-up tothe modern throwaway society: to savemoney and recycle.

Here are my tips to pull off a DIY wedding:

Decide on a colour or theme to pull it alltogether, like starting from a focal piece onan interior design scheme.

Put a Pinterest page together, or scrapbookwith pictures with ideas to base it from. Do

your homework and be realistic, do youreally want the handmade look? Are youable to create, afford and make the bits youneed? Is it really going to save you money?If the answer is no then do your homeworkand seek bits needed within your budget, oradjust accordingly.

Set a budget for everything and don’t wastemoney on impulse spends on ebay and carboots if you’re not going to use them - youwill regret it later. Make lists for eachcategory and decide what is the mostimportant and spend accordingly.

Remember, a good wedding planner canactually save you money so it’s always goodto seek advice first before you waste lots ofmoney thinking you can do it all yourself;trust me...you cant.At the end of the day it’s all about havingthe best day with your new husband andnot stressing over the little details. Just behonest and set realistic goals.

And enjoy every single minute x

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This is an important warning foranyone who pays for childcare. Thereare major changes due to take place tothe system this year – and you need todecide rather soon how they affectyou. If you leave it too late, you couldmiss out on thousands of pounds.

Are you eligible for childcare taxcredits?

The most important start point is tocheck if you’re entitled to what’stechnically called the ‘ChildcareElement of Working Tax Credit’ – this isNOT the same as Child Tax Credit. Youcan usually claim it for children up toage 15, provided you pay for approved(Ofsted or equivalent) childcare.

Sadly the eligibility criteria are verycomplex. So I’ve tried to distil it in asimple rule of thumb: ‘if you’re a singleparent working 16+ hours a week, or acouple BOTH working 16+ hours aweek, and your total household incomeis under £46,000, you should definitelycheck out if you’re entitled.’

Please read this carefully – I’m not

saying you are entitled, just that it isworth checking, as this is big money.The average pay out is around £60/week. That’s over £3,000/year.

If you’re not entitled to tax credits,decide now which other scheme worksfor you

This is where everything is changing. Ifyou’re eligible for tax credits, you’relikely to be better off getting that. Ifnot, there are other schemes to lookat.

This autumn, the new ‘tax-freechildcare’ scheme launches and thecurrent childcare vouchers scheme thatlets many pay for childcare from theirpre-tax income will close for newapplicants. So if you're eligible forvouchers, but won't be for the newscheme, get in quick.

- New tax-free childcare scheme: Ifyou're a single parent who works, or acouple where BOTH work, and youeach earn under £150,000, for every80p you put in a new childcare account,the government will add 20p on top

which can be used to pay for Ofstedapproved (or equivalent) childcare forunder-12s. The maximum theGovernment will contribute is £2,000per child per year.

Most childminders, after-school clubsare Ofsted approved, as are manynannies.

- Current childcare voucher scheme.Here you usually trade in your pre-taxsalary for vouchers. For example, abasic-rate taxpayer can swap £1,000 ofsalary, which after tax and NationalInsurance is only £700ish in your paypacket, for £1,000 in childcarevouchers. So you're up £300 per£1,000.

The maximum you can get is £55/weekper year per parent, which would be again of £930 for a basic-rate taxpayer.Any parent can do this, even if theirpartner doesn't work, provided youremployer offers it (many do, but manydon't). Yet if you’re not signed up tothis by the time the new scheme starts,you can’t do it after. So if it’s right foryou – sort it soon.

Childcare

@MoneySavingExpertMartin Lewis

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- Tax-free childcare vs childcarevouchers. If you're a couple where onlyone works, the vouchers win handsdown, as you won’t be eligible for thenew scheme. Plus, if your childcarecosts are low, it's likely vouchers windue to the tax and National Insurancesavings.

Yet for the self-employed, those whosefirms don’t offer the vouchers, or thosewith more than one child and highchildcare costs, the new schemewins. This is just the tip of the iceberg– full analysis of which wins at mse.me/childcare.

What about free childcare for threeand four year-olds?

The Government have announcedplans to give working parents withthree and four-year-olds 30 hours offree childcare per week. If made law,pilot schemes will start in Sep 2016,though there's scepticism aboutwhether it's deliverable.Yet already for at least 38 weeks a year

(each week of the school year), ifyou’ve a three or four-year-old, you’reentitled to 15 hours a week of freechildcare. Families with a low incomemay also get free early education fortwo-year-olds.Contact your local council to check ifyour child qualifies at (a good place tostart is gov.uk/find-free-early-education). If they do, go tofinder.familyandchildcaretrust.org forinfo on which childcare providers youcan use under the scheme. You thenliaise directly with the provider to getthe free childcare.

Is there help for paying for summerschools?

If you’ve got older children and work,check whether there are any summerschools in your area that they can goto. Some schools, community centresand youth groups have their ownschemes.

Most are Ofsted (or equivalent)registered, so if you pay for them, you

qualify for childcare tax credit or youcan use childcare vouchers to pay forthem.

Mont Blanc – A Digital Feat“The astonishing majesty of thisimpressive white giant is too wide tobe represented either in words orimages. You have to be there to feelit. But now, you can grab thatrarefied atmosphere through thehighest resolution panorama evermade: a way to know, explore andfeel the Mont Blanc. No matter ifyou’re not an alpinist or aphotographer: from now onwardsthe highest mountain in Europe willbe part of your life like never before”these are the words describing thisfantastic digital feat which you can allsee at: http://www.in2white.com

Windows 10 – ReleasedIt’s easy to get your free upgrade –here’s how:

Reserve1. Toreserveyour freeupgrade,click ontheWindows

10 icon located in the lower right sideof the system tray.Don't see the Windows 10 icon? First,try running Windows Update andinstall any available required andrecommended updates for yourexisting Windows 7 or Windows 8 PC.Still don’t see the icon? Click hereRight bottom corner of the desktopwith a circle aroundThe Windows icon2. Once in the Get Windows 10 app,click “Reserve your free upgrade” inthe app window.3. Enter your email if you want

confirmation of this reservation.4. We’ll download Windows 10 toyour device and notify you when it’sready. You can cancel yourreservation at any time.Note: This free Windows 10 upgradeis available for PCs and tablets; thefree Windows 10 Mobile upgrade willbe available for most phones startinglater this year.UpgradeAfter you have reserved, you are inthe queue for your upgrade. Watchfor your notification from the GetWindows 10 app to arrive in thecoming days or weeks. At that point,you can upgrade immediately or picka time that works for you.EnjoyAfter you’ve upgraded, you haveWindows 10 for free on that device.

CC ompuomputeterr KnoKnow How How!w!

Brought to you by Hypersonic

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On Saturday July 7th The Rotary Club andTown Council in Whiteley Hampshire com-bined forces to host the third Meadowside

Music Festival.

The Best Ever enthused the 3,000 residents andfriends who turned out to enjoy the music anda picnic in the sunshine. Small children dancedto the steel band while the adults enjoyed a

cream tea from the Dreams Come True tent ordrank real ale from the bar. WRC raised over£800 from a grand raffle; all the prizes were

donated by members.

It was hard work, especially keeping the siteclear of litter, but it was worth it to see all the

happy smiling faces.

Pop the date for next year intoyour diary now—Saturday July 9th!

EVERYONE WAS SMILING - IT WAS LIKE A DAY ON THE BEACH!

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EVENTS COMING UP AT BURSLEDONBRICKWORKS INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM

We have the following events this year (after theWW2 Event on 9th August):

20th September Train Event.1st November Steam Up and Halloween.15th November Winter Flower Festival and

Arts & Crafts.6th December Christmas at the Brickworks.

All from 11 until 4.

Bursledon BrickworksIndustrial Museum,Swanwick Lane,

Swanwick, SouthamptonSO31 7HB. Tel 01489

576248

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Number 12 Bistro, located on the edge of the Hamble River, isbringing you a touch of theMediterranean with its new offering

of Turkish/Greek mezes.

Under new management from January this year, Number 12 hasundergone many exciting changes, the main addition being the openingof a new and vibrant bar, offering an extensive range of spirits, wines,beers and freshly made cocktails. The launch of a new evening menu,which offers a delicious selection of Turkish/Greek mezes, makesNumber 12 a great choice for any occasion.

The Bistro is owned and managed by a young couple who gave up theircareers and lives in Torbay to follow the dream. Engin has been acocktail bartender for over 13 years and has always been looking forthe right opportunity to run his own business whilst continuing to dowhat he loves. Sonia’s passion lies with cooking, making them theperfect team, all they needed then was the perfect premises!

After a time of not finding anything they loved closer to home, Soniadecided to follow her heart and not her head, and step away from hercareer as a chartered accountant so that together they could pursuethe dream of owning their own business. Number 12 was a chance findfor the couple as they did not know the area. They stayed in a nearbyhotel by chance and fell in love with the Hamble River and Swanwick,

they never thought thatjust two weeks laterNumber 12 would goon the market – thisdefinitely was one ofthose ‘it was meant tobe’ moments.

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A SPECIAL GIFT FROM ROTARY TO THE CHILDREN OF WHITELEY

Pat Thew, the President of Rotary Club of Whiteley and Vice President, Greg Quick, presentedDictionaries 4 Life to the Year 6 pupils at Whiteley and Sarisbury Primary Schools as a memento of theirtime spent at primary school.

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Interia are a highly successful Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroomshowroom, situated on the first floor of the Locks Heath ShoppingCentre. They offer an extensive range of modern and traditionaldesigns that are tailored to meet each customer’s specific budget andrequirements. Their extensive and inspiring showroom displays areupdated regularly in order to showcase the newest and mostinnovative designs on the market. Last year they launched a new rangeof German inspired kitchens, by Kesseler, which have been a hugesuccess due to their superlative quality and modern, contemporaryfeel.

Interia have achieved a 5 star Neff Master Partner rating and theexperienced and friendly team are able to offer advice on the newproducts as well as offer fantastic value on all Neff appliances. If youare just replacing your appliances, they also offer the full range fromBosch, Neff and Siemens as well as core ranges only available to MasterDealers.

Interia would also like to extend an invitation to our readers to attend acelebratory cooking demonstration in their show kitchen on Saturday26th September 2015, running between 10 am and 4 pm.

So if you are looking for a full installation or supply only, pop along tothe showroom for expert advice and service.

invites you to visit their showroom

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FAREHAM COUNCIL

REF LOCATION PROPOSAL

P/15/0739/TO 19 Steinbeck Close WhiteleyFareham PO15 7EX

Fell two suppressed ash trees at 19 Steinbeck close and removeone overhanging branch from ash tree at 20 Steinbeck close.Trees protected by tpo183 (w2)

P/15/0646/TO 17 Steinbeck Close WhiteleyFareham PO15 7EX

Fell one ash protected by tpo 183.

P/15/0647/TO 23 Lipizzaner Fields WhiteleyHampshire PO15 7BH

One oak: tip reduce lower lateral branches on west side of treeback to previous pruning points, maximum diameter of livepruning wounds <75mm. One oak: remove two lower lateraldescending branches on south side of tree back to branch collar-maximum diameter of live pruning wounds < 150mm &shorten several lower lateral branches on south side of tree tonatural target pruning points to provide 6 metres clearanceabove ground level, maximum diameter of live pruning wounds< 100mm. One maple: crown raise to 5 metres above groundlevel by removing small diameter branches < 50mm & remove 3lowest lateral small diameter branches on west side of tree tonatural target pruning points <75mm. The trees are protectedby tpo 183 & tpo 184.

WINCHESTER COUNCIL

15/01049/FUL 8 Lovage Road Whiteley FarehamHampshire PO15 7LD

Erecting a new UPVC/glass double glazed conservatory in gardenat the rear of the house.

15/01580/AVC Site Cabins At The CinemaWhiteleyShopping Centre Whiteley WayWhiteley Fareham Hampshire PO157PD

1 No. Business premises fascia sign located above the frontentrance doors.

P lanning MattersA monthly round up of planning applications submitted since 1 July 2015

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Over 60 free events in Gosport 10th-13th September 2015!Over the four Heritage Open Days in September (Thurs 10th–Sun 13th), there will be 66 separate free events andactivities, all celebrating the story of Gosport past and present. All the events are free to enter and many allowaccess to places which are not normally open to the public.

There is plenty for all ages, interests and abilities to enjoy: music; classic buses; stalls, twilight submarine visits;exhibitions; guided walks; tours; quizzes and competitions. There are also several new attractions.The 2015 Events schedule is now live at www.gosportheritage.co.uk.The full programme of events is available from the Tourist Information Centre and other public centres aroundGosport. All events are free entry but some events with limited space require booking in advance. Booking inperson opens on Saturday 15th August at the Discovery Centre, Gosport High Street from 9am. From Sunday 16thAugust, booking can be done by e-mail (tickets@gosportheritage.co.uk) or by telephone to the Tourist InformationCentre (023 92522944).

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Looking a lot like a giant daisy, an aster springs forth with a starry shaped head providing colour in late summer andautumn when many of the other blooms may have already faded away.

These plants can grow up to 8ft in height depending on the variety chosen so they’re a great choice for many gardensgiven their flexibility. Make sure that you don’t plant the annual varieties in the same place each year in order to

prevent plant disease such as Aster wilt.Nature lovers take note – these flowers attract butterflies so you’ll be able to enjoy watching new wildlife too.

Aster

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Parrywood Pre-School, Burridge is based inBurridge Village Hall, we are a small and friendlysetting where the children learn through play in alovely rural location.

The Pre-School - formerly Curdridge Caterpillars -is registered with Ofsted and approved to provideEarly Years Funding and 2 year old funding aswell as accepting a wide range of ChildcareVoucher schemes.

Give your child the best start and come and havea look around.

Please call 01489 881081 or emailburridge@parrywoodchildcare.co.uk to

arrange a visit.

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SPONSORED BY KIDDI CARU

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