Issue #2 August 2010

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A Day Out With Thomas!A jewel in the Mid Hants Railway’s crown and a perfect activity for the summer holidays!

Issue #2, August 2010

ISSN 2044-7884

ALFI and Alton GreeningWorking hard for a greener Alton and Holybourne.

Art, SeenFind out about illustrator Gemma Milly

Healthy Living | August & September Event Guide | Gardening | Onlooker

Last Night of the PromsReview of the record breaking event on 17th July

Alton Food Festival Review of the 5th annual Alton Food Festival

Special!

Plus:Mill Cottage Farm Experience, Summer Holiday

activities, Cactus Brass and lots more

Introducing Alton’s Independent Lettings Agency…

Call us on 01420 87409

or visit www.wprhomes.co.uk

or email [email protected]

78 High StreetAltonHampshireGU34 1EN

Joanna SantosRichard Santos

Fast lets to reliable high quality tenants and all at a competitive rate

As an independent local partnership Warren Powell-Richards Lettings offers a level of service far higher than many of our competitors. We focus on finding our landlords a fast let, to a reliable high quality tenant and all at a competitive rate. We offer a first class management service combined with excellent customer and tenant care. The lettings team is headed up by Richard Santos.

Why Warren-Powell Richards Lettings?

• Competitive rates

• Over 20 years of experience

• Specialist in the Alton market

• A friendly and individually tailored approach for each of our landlords

• Inclusion on Rightmove.co.uk website

• Independent inventory clerks

• Specific rent, landlord protection and landlords buildings and contents insurance

• Regular high profile newspaper advertising and marketing

• Prime High Street location and fully refurbished offices

• A proactive traditional approach mixed with modern technology

When you ask Warren Powell-Richards to let your home you know you will be dealing with an independent local partnership with a passion for the service that we offer.

Special Introductory

Offers For Landlords

Welcome to issue #2 of This is Alton.

So much has happened since the release of issue #1 on 2nd July, I cannot begin to tell you. The feedback the magazine has received has been overwhelmingly positive. It seems to have struck a chord with a lot of people which is great. Thank you so much for your encouraging e-mails and messages!

Issue #1 has been read more than XXXX times so far, which is amazing!

We now have Facebook and Twitter accounts too. You can visit them by following this links off the website. www.thisisalton.co.uk.

This ginormous issue is packed with local reviews, events and information that you’ll have to read it to find exactly what’s here this month! There’s so much! Plus . . .

With more news on the supermarket front recently, we thought it would be a good idea to ask them all why they think they are best for the town. So we did. See page 43 for their responses. Interesting, I hope you’ll agree.

All the best for now,

Martin Saban-Smith, Editor

Page 3www.thisisalton.co.uk

Page 4 Photograph of the Month

Page 6 ALFI and the Greening Campaign

Page 8 Mill Cottage Farm Experience

Page 11 Tiger Summer Fun

Page 12 A Day Out With Thomas

Page 14 Cactus Brass

Page 16 August & September Event Guide

Page 18 Alton Food Festival

Page 22 Last Night of the Proms

Page 27 What happened at Butserquest?

Page 28 Art, Seen

Page 32 Allen Gallery

Page 34 Make do and Mend

Page 36 Healthy Living

Page 38 Green Fingers

Page 40 Onlooker

Page 43 SUPERMARKET SPECIAL

Th i s i s A l t o n , Augu s t 2010.. .

‘This is Alton’ Electronic Magazine is published on the third Friday of the month. ISSN 2044-7884. This e-zine is published by Martin Saban-Smith. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor, Publisher, Sponsors or Advertisers. Where Links take you to other sites, the Editor, Publisher and Webmaster cannot be held responsible for the content of those sites. Every care has been taken to ensure the information contained in this publication is accurate. However, neither Martin Saban-Smith or any contributing writer cannot accept any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by any errors or omissions in relation to this publication. All images within this publication are used with the authorisation of the copyright holder and are credited as such. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction of any material is permitted without express permission of the respective owners.

Edited & Published by: Martin Saban-SmithWeb: www.thisisalton.co.ukemail: [email protected]: 01420 542020Address: 17 Normandy Street, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 1DDth

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This month’s cover shot:Thomas at Ropley by Tim Beere.

Page 4 www.thisisalton.co.uk


Pho t o of t h e Mon t h . . .

Bees, by Jason PassinghamTaken at Broadway Tower.

Want to submit a picture for Photo of the Month? Tell us at www.thisisalton.co.uk/contact


I n t r odu c i n g . . . .The Greening Alton and Holybourne Campaign (GAHC) is a fast growing environmental organisation made up of local residents. Right now it has two active campaigns – one focused on helping people save energy and the other on local food. Here Penney Hames, a volunteer with the campaign, writes about what the local food project – The Alton Local Food Initiative (ALFI) – is up to.

Rooted in the Community

In the early spring half a dozen people got to work with spades and a rotavator to clear a patch of land at the corner of Westbrook Road and Lenten Street. The patch of land had been offered by the Town Council and the gardeners – all members of the Alton Local Food Initiative – the food project run by the Greening Campaign – were making a bed for vegetables. On that first day Ed and Gill emerged from their home overlooking the patch to offer the use of their outside tap whenever the group needed it. A kind and thoughtful gesture and an indication of things to come. When the working party reconvened the following week Ed and Gill’s next door neighbour, Jane, suggested that the group might use the vegetable plot in her large garden, as she could no longer manage it herself.

Two ALFI volunteers contacted some interested local residents and within weeks Hayley, Gill and Denise, had cleared the patch and were planning their planting schemes. Since then, as the vegetable patches on Westbrook Road and in the private garden nearby have taken shape, as seeds have sprouted into seedlings and seedlings grown to maturity, connections with local people have continued to thrive and bare fruit. Two residents from Barton End have regularly filled the dustbin, which stands in for a water butt, with water from their garden hose, others have offered cups of coffee and the odd plant and

people walking past have simply paused and passed the time of day. Even people cycling past have called out cheery and appreciative comments! But the good will isn’t only one way. Lesley, one of the regular gardeners on the plot says ‘I gave a lettuce to an elderly couple walking past on a Sunday morning, and the man said “Oh, I haven’t had a fresh lettuce since I had to give up my allotment” and the thoughtful couple who fill our “water butt” told me that a lettuce I gave them did for four meals!’

As everyone with an allotment knows, there’s something about people working the soil and growing their own food that encourages people to stop and talk to each other. There’s something that slows people down, something that connects with food.

Sharing the harvest


Now the three regular gardeners on the plot, Lesley, Gill and Chris have been joined by Ann, who lives on Westbrook Road. Ann brings her five-year-old daughter, Erin and her eleven-year-old son, Joseph, to help her with the watering. ‘I haven’t grown vegetables before’, says Ann, ‘but perhaps, if we have more space next year I might be able to get a group of people who live in the road to take it on as their project’. The good news is that the Town Council are considering approving ALFI extending the plot at Westbrook Road. What started in a small way, with just a few pairs of hands, is growing.

At the beginning of July ALFI had a stall at the Food Festival in Alton and invited people to swap herbs they had grown or to take some away for a donation. Over a hundred people stopped to talk – some offered their gardens to share, others asked about sharing someone else’s. Some stopped to ask for advice about their vegetables and others to give advice about plots of land that they thought ALFI could grow on. People said they really liked to see the vegetable plots at Westbrook Road and ALFI’s other plots and planters at the station side gate, opposite the Railway Inn and in the High Street, taking shape.

We love how ALFI is growing. It feels appropriately organic – putting down roots where the soil is fertile – and we want to grow the idea of local food further.

If you’d like to get involved on one of our plots, if you’d like to garden share, if you know of any land on which we could start a larger community-run growing scheme or if you have any ideas at all for ALFI’s activities, please call ALFI’s secretary, Lesley on 01420 83416. She’d love to hear from you.

For more information about the Greening Campaign, visit their website at www.greeningalton.org.uk for ALFI visit www.alton-in-partnership.org/indalf.htmlALFI’s station vegetable garden

Marigolds and Lavender at Westbrooke Road

Hanging vegetable baskets at the station.


I n t r odu c i n g . . . .

We are Tom & Sarah Main and have lived on our smallholding in Holybourne since September 2005. It was only ever supposed to be a hobby; a way of becoming more self sufficient and a way of making Sarah start eating meat again. To that end, we have ticked all the boxes. We cannot pretend to be completely self sufficient, but we do produce a lot of the food we eat.

However, a change of direction was needed in March 2008 and Sarah was the first to begin taking the animals out as an educational experience. As a primary teacher with ten years experience, this was a dream come true – running an outdoor educational experience at a cost schools can afford!

As one of our clients put it, “You are so much more than a petting farm - you really are educational too”. And that is spot on – just what we set out to be. Tom joined the business full time in June 2009 so that we can run two trailers a day, both with two members of staff on board.

There are other groups in our local (and not so local) community who have also benefitted from a visit from our animals. We have visited folks aged 0-106 years now, and I have yet to come across someone who didn’t like the experience!

We have often been asked how we started, and why. . .Why would two adults in their 30’s with stable professional jobs decide to commit career suicide and embark on what could become a highly risky adventure?

Birthday parties

Out in thecommunity


We are particularly delighted to have been able to attend some of the Alton town centre events. Spending time in our local community and encouraging those we meet to become more self sufficient is a passion. We have particularly enjoyed our visits to Wootey Infant and Junior Schools, where we have brought the animals along as an educational experience for the younger pupils, hired an incubator out and discussed crops with the older pupils and also attended the school fair.

Recently, we have enjoyed visiting Alton Community Centre, and despite the showers, we shared our animals with the Playgroup which meets there as well as the Day Care group for older Alton residents. Proving that we are here for all, Stephen, James & Jerry the goats had their picture taken with a member of Alton Community Centre staff. Not to be outdone, Marmite & Bovril the piglets and Chester our dog met the local PCSO - all in the line of duty, I am sure! We love meeting people - so do our animals - and interaction is our thing. Thank you for all the wonderful conversations we have had over the years, from discussing the personalities of different breeds of pigs, to remembering the animals that families kept in the war. We are so glad so many of you get so much pleasure from meeting our animals.”

For more information and bookings:Contact: Sarah MainTel: 01420 86206Web: www.mcfe.org.ukEmail: [email protected]

Marmite & Bovril Meet a PCSO

Alton Day Care’s experience

Milking a goat - unique learning with theMill Cottage Farm Experience



Summer Ho l i day Ac t i v i t i e s . . .

T iger Summer Fun! Alton Buckle Out of School Clubs are putting on a six week long summer play scheme starting on 26th July at the Wootey Schools site. It’s called Tiger Summer Fun and is open to youngsters aged 4-11.

The company is a social enterprise and seeks to support all families in finding the high quality, affordable childcare they need throughout the long summer holiday. There are opportunities for children to try new things, meet their friends and have fun in a safe, well resourced environment. ABOSC currently runs after school and breakfast clubs at 5 local schools. Staff from all these clubs will be at the summer scheme at some point, so there should be some familiar faces.

The company was set up by volunteer directors as part of the Government ‘Extended Schools’ initiative. Its aim was to plug the gap in before and after school care and school holiday play opportunities in Alton and the surrounding villages. The company now has a large staff team, but has kept its volunteer directors and ethos of meeting the needs of families. The company has set up a Bursary Scheme to subsidise the fees for families needing extra help.

This year the directors have gone out into the community to find ways to make the scheme even more fun for the children. Amongst others, Alton Local Food Initiative, the tennis club, the Curtis Museum and the library staff are all getting involved. Other fun activities include Japanese dancing and den building. All this means that it really is a community event this summer.

The directors are always keen to hear from people who would like to get involved – call Clare Allen on 01420 88951.

To book a place on the Summer Scheme call Justine on

07769 226779

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Even t Pre v i ew . . . .

Visit the Watercress Line during 7-15th August and meet everyone’s No. 1 blue engine Thomas the Tank Engine and lots of his friends as they celebrate their 65th anniversary.

There is so much to see and do for all the family as they travel the full length of the 10 mile line behind one of large steam engines such as Henry or Daisy the diesel railcar. There is something to see and do at each station.

Thomas is based at Ropley station where he gives rides. Toad will also be giving rides here hauled by another of Thomas’ friends. Sir Topham Hatt, the Fat Controller, is on hand to ensure everyone behaves; even those troublesome trucks!

Thomas and Friends™ celebrates its 65th Anniversary at the Watercress Line this Summer.

FREE children’s entertainment is provided by Mr Wizard and there’s sure to be a special sing-song and cake for Thomas. Plus there’s a bouncy castle slide and miniature railway for all to enjoy. Refreshment stands, picnic areas and complimentary buggy parking is available too.

Diesel will be giving cab and brake van rides all day at Alresford station where families will also find Bulgy the bus and Trevor the Traction Engine on display outside the station entrance. Visit the ‘Imagination Station’ in the Old Goods Shed with colouring, face painting and DVD showing ‘Hero of the Rails’, the all new Thomas feature film.

The ‘Day Out With Thomas’ event starts each day at 9.30 am and finishes at around 4.30 pm, with passenger trains departing at regular intervals. The travel ticket gives all day unlimited travel on the passenger trains, miniature railway and character rides and all of the entertainment is free. It’s recommended that visitors arrive before lunch so that they have time to fit everything in!


FREE car parking is available in the field at Ropley station, which is clearly signposted from the A31 Alton

to Winchester road by Yellow AA Signs. Or travel via South West Trains services from London Waterloo to Alton Station; the Mid Hants Railway ‘Watercress Line’ shares the same station and is on platform 3.

Pre-book your tickets now online at www.watercressline.co.uk or telephone 01962 733810. All day tickets are priced at £15 for adults, £9 for children (aged 2-16 yrs), or a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) for £45 – children under 2yrs are FREE.

*Price includes booking fees. Ticket price is the same for tickets purchased on the day of your visit. Entrance to the event is by travel ticket only - no vouchers or discounts are available during this event. All activities are subject to availability on the day of your visit.

It’s a great day out for all the family and the last chance to see Thomas and his friends at the Watercress Line this year.

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Even t Pre v i ew . . . .Cactus Brass are delighted to be back in Alton on August 15th for the fourth year running bringing you a selection of music which will include The Dambusters, the James Bond Theme, music from Abba, Disney and Tom Jones and some sing-a-long party favourites.

Cactus Brass is a local quintet who provide quality and varied music for bandstands, fetes, regimental dinners, parties, charity events, weddings and ceremonial events of any kind. The story behind the name Cactus Brass is that being a small band they rehearse in their own homes, and as brass players need somewhere to empty their water! Linda’s house is used the most and has a cactus readily available. This became the obvious place to empty out. The cactus is thriving but the debate as to whether it is because of the water or the quality of the playing is ongoing!

CACTUS BRASSSunday, 15th August

3pm till 5pm, Alton Public Gardens

The band started off in November 2002 as a quartet. A local garden centre was having an open evening to start the Christmas period. Dave Edwards quickly compiled some music to play and the evening was such a success the band was asked to repeat the performance at another garden centre a week later. They enjoyed themselves so much that they volunteered their services at

the local pub for Christmas carols.

So, after the C h r i s t m a s period they

decided to keep the band going but as a quintet. Since then they have played regularly at Garden Centre Open Evenings, for various Christmas events, several weddings and representing the Twinning Association of Rushmoor in Germany and France. Please ask if you have a particular favourite and if they have it they will endeavour to play it for you!

Cactus Brass are Dave Edwards, Linda Hodges, Ray Somers, Lisa Garrison and Ossie Osborne.

More information about Cactus Brass can be found on their website:www.cactusbrass.co.uk



AltonEvent GuideAugust & September 2010

Alton’s busy programme of events continues into the Autumn with free events, a touch of France, classic cars, locomotives and popular markets.Saturday 24th JulyBinsted FeteDozens of stalls to experience at the fete from 2pm today. Kids attractions, welly throwing, bar and food. Also, the 102nd Flower Show in the Big Marquee

Friday 6th AugustWobbly Wizzard*Childrens’ magic show with this stalwart of the Public Gardens! Performing between 2 and 3pm this afternoon.

Saturday 7th

Farmers’ and Craft MarketsVery popular events spanning the High Street and Market Square.

Saturday 7th - Sunday 15th

‘Day Out With Thomas’Fantastic childhood fun for big and small children on the Mid Hants Railway with Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. See the spread on page 12 or, for availability and ticket information visit www.watercressline.co.uk

Friday 13th

Teddy Bear’s Picnic*If you go down to the Public Gardens today between 2 and 3pm, your children can join in this annual kiddies favorite. Includes teddy magic show and contests.

Sunday 15th

“Cactus Brass”This brass quintet return to the Public Gardens for the firth year running! From classical pieces to Abba and Disney, Cactus Brass appeals to all tastes! See page 12 or Visit www.cactusbrass.co.uk for more information.

Friday 20th

Pinky the Clown*Fun and mischief with this popular clown in the Public Gardens for more free kids entertainment from 2pm.

Saturday 21st

Farmers’ and Craft MarketsVery popular events spanning the High Street and Market Square.

Friday 27th

Jester Giggles*From 2pm this afternoon, let Jester Giggles keep the children

entertained in the Public Gardens

Sunday 30th

Pride and Prejudice Open-air production by Chapterhouse Theatre Company at Gilbert

White’s House in Selborne. Grounds open form 6pm for picnics. See

www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk for ticket details.


Not all of these events are free of charge. Please contact the organisers directly for information of costs. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accurate information, we cannot be held liable for any changes to events or disappointment caused by incorrect information.

*In the event of inclement weather, entertainment for children will take place in Alton Assembly Rooms on the High Street. See posters in Public Gardens for more details.

Help us make this guide bigger and better!If you are putting on an event and want to tell people about it? Let us know by emailing [email protected].

Bank Holiday Monday 30th

Live on the Lawn One of the premiere events of the summer in the Public Gardens. From 2pm, bands will entertain the gathered crowds for an afternoon for music. Please contact Alton Town Council on 01420 83986 for

details as they become available. www.alton.gov.uk.

Friday 3rd SeptemberStevo The Magician* Ever popular Stevo the Magician returns to the Public Gardens to round off the summer of free kids entertainment from 2pm.

Saturday 4th

St. Lawrence Furniture Sale Between 9am and 12:30pm. at the Parish Centre on Vicarage Hill, come and peruse the furniture, bric-a-brac and other items for sale. More information from the Parish Administrator on 01420 83234.

Saturday 4th

Pirate Festival! Pirate fun for all the family at Alton Assembly Rooms between 10am and 3pm. Adults and children can come dressed as your favorite pirate. Competitions and prizes! Call 01420 82203 for information.

Friday 10th - Sunday 12th

Mid Hants Railway Steam Gala Celebrating the restoration of the ‘Black 5’ at the Mid Hants Railway’s popular steam gala. She’ll be working a special time table along with other locomotives. Stations at Alton, Four Marks, Ropley and Medstead. See www.watercressline.co.uk or ring 01962 733810 for more information.

Saturday 11th

Farmers’ and Craft MarketsThe High Street will be closed for the finest produce from Hampshire Farmers and Craft workers between 10am and 2pm. www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk

Thursday 16th - Saturday 18th

Allo’ Allo’ The Holybourne Theatre’s production of this much loved entertainment show. Visit www.holybournetheatre.co.uk for tickets and availability.

Friday 17th - Sunday 19th

Mid Hants Railway Mixed Traffic Gala A special time table of steam and diesel trains will be running to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Class 33 Diesel locomotive. See www.watercressline.co.uk for more details.

Saturday 18th

A Night with The Marx Brothers Band This well known and popular local band perform at the Alton Assembly Rooms tonight in aid of Andrews’ Endowed School. For

tickets and information visit www.andrewsendowedfundraising.co.uk

Saturday 25th

Liss Band2 - 4pm in the Public Gardens

Saturday 25th

Food and Produce MarketBetween 8am and 4pm the High Street will be home to a Food and Produce Market on this busy September Saturday!

Saturday 25th

Health FairAlton Assembly Rooms hosts the fifth annual health fair with over 24 displays giving advice on health issues. Free bloody pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checks. 10am to 3pm.

Saturday 25th

Alton Herald Classic Car ShowThe town centre will host the very popular annual Herald Classic Car Show.


Even t Re v i ew . . . .Alton Food Festival, Saturday 10th JulyThe sun shone and more than 6,000 people turned out to enjoy the 5th annual Alton Food Festival. This year’s event was run by Alton Chamber of Commerce and Industry, working with Hampshire Farmers’ Markets, Alton Lions and Alton Town Council.

The Food Festival filled Alton’s High Street from the top of Crown Hill to Cross and Pillory Lane, running round into the Market Square. The event was masterminded by Heather Andrews, formerly of Alton Craft Centre, so our thanks are due to her for making sure it all came together. Heather emigrated to Australia just before the Food Festival, so Alton Chamber’s Stephen Lewis stepped into the breach to run the event on the day, helped by number of willing volunteers who also deserve our thanks.

The Alton Food Festival is one of the many independent events that make up the Hampshire Food Festival which runs for the whole of July to showcase Hampshire’s wide range of interesting and wholesome foods. The regular monthly Hampshire Farmers’ Market (HFM) was increased by a large number of different stalls and were joined by further food and drink stalls between the Swan and the Crown, some of which came from further afield. The Farmers’ Market reported a 40% increase in footfall over their normal monthly markets and many of Alton’s retailers benefitted from extra trade. Toby Bowtell of HFM said that they were very happy working with Alton Chamber of Commerce and look forward to another successful event next year.

Crown Close, site of the old Alton Eastbrook Fair, fittingly became home to the Mill Cottage Farm Experience animals for the day.

The Hampshire Museum Service offered children’s activities including badge-making, and they topped the event off with a historic Thornycroft flatbed lorry parked opposite the Curtis Museum. Many local retailers also took advantage of the day and the weather by setting up their stalls outside their shops, and the Craft Market organised by the Lions Club of Alton stretched from the bottom of Cross and Pillory Lane into the Market Square.

The centre-piece and highlight of the day was the Cookery Demonstration programme which took place outside the Swan Hotel between 10am and 3pm. The excellent mobile kitchen showcased the skills of chefs and cooks from the Rose and Crown Pub in Farringdon, the Alton Grange Hotel, O’Connor’s Secret Garden Bistro, the River Wey Café and Kerri’s Catch. They demonstrated a diverse range of menus from dressed crab to cup-cakes and three-course meals.

The River Wey Cafe’s Heather Korbey and

her scrumptious cup cakes.


‘Alton had a real community spirit and a proper market town feel’

1949 Thornycroft ‘Nippy’ flatbed lorry.

David Heath of the Grange Hotel shows off his delicious desserts.

Wool spinning demonstration.


Alton Food Festival, continued

As well as inspiring people to cook for themselves, the demonstrations encouraged people to sit and linger, spending their money in the market and in the shops, helping to keep local money in Hampshire. We also hope that the event encourages people to buy more local produce in the future, helping to support Hampshire’s many farmers and food producers.

The large crowds and the fine, sunny day gave the centre of Alton an exciting buzz which caused visitors who were spending a weekend break in the town to remark that Alton had a real community spirit and a proper market town feel. This was enhanced by the Last Night of the Proms later. They were really impressed.

Stalls in the Craft Market

Mill Cottage Farm Experience ‘Kune Kune’ Pigs.See page 8 for more on the MCFE.

Words: Alton Chamber of Commerce and IndustryPhotos: Stephen Lewis, Chamber Secretary

Peter O’Connor of O’Connor’s Secret Garden Bistro demonstrates a dish of mussels


Even t Re v i ew . . . .

The Last Night of the Proms! Saturday 10th July

After a blisteringly hot day, what better way could there have been to relax than with a picnic, a bottle of wine and a free public concert?

Hundreds of people turned out to see the Alton Concert Orchestra, Community Choir and Choral Society perform an exhilarating 2 hour programme of wartime greats and traditional Proms numbers at the forth event hosted by the Town Council in the Public Gardens.

Trio ‘The Three Belles’, dressed in Army, Navy and Royal Air Force uniforms, in honour of this year’s Battle of Britain theme, wowed the crowd with ‘The Chattanooga Choo Choo’, ‘Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree’ and ‘The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’.

The Alton Community Choir followed suit with lovely vocal performances of ‘A Drop of Nelson’s Blood’ and a moving rendition of Dylan’s ultra famous ‘The Times They Are ‘a Changin’’ together with two other well rehearsed songs..


The Last Night of the Proms! Saturday 10th July

After a blisteringly hot day, what better way could there have been to relax than with a picnic, a bottle of wine and a free public concert?

Hundreds of people turned out to see the Alton Concert Orchestra, Community Choir and Choral Society perform an exhilarating 2 hour programme of wartime greats and traditional Proms numbers at the forth event hosted by the Town Council in the Public Gardens.

Trio ‘The Three Belles’, dressed in Army, Navy and Royal Air Force uniforms, in honour of this year’s Battle of Britain theme, wowed the crowd with ‘The Chattanooga Choo Choo’, ‘Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree’ and ‘The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’.

The Alton Community Choir followed suit with lovely vocal performances of ‘A Drop of Nelson’s Blood’ and a moving rendition of Dylan’s ultra famous ‘The Times They Are ‘a Changin’’ together with two other well rehearsed songs..

Local composer and former Choral Society Conductor Chris Gardner premiered his ‘Hampshire Suite’ to much appreciation.

Perhaps the highlight of the second half was the orchestra and Choral Society’s rendition of ‘Zadok the Priest’, a rousing number full of excitement and majesty.

As the sun began to set, the flags were waving in earnest to Pomp and Circumstance, Jerusalem and the other well loved patriotic proms numbers.

Alton’s own ‘Britannia’ this year was local soprano Jane Mabbitt whose amazing voice made one’s spirit soar and sing at the top one’s own voice!

Our proms is turning into a tradition all of it’s own as Altonians and ‘foreign’ visitors come to see and hear this annual spectacle in ever greater numbers.


Town Mayor David Willoughby

opens the show.MC Paul Le Feurve

The Three Belles: Edith Wilmot, Suzy Dean and

Barbara Rayner

Chris Gardner conducts

his ‘Hampshire Suite’

Julian Zambra and his flag waving party

Key figures of the proms. From left: Orchestra conductor David Budd, Composer Chris

Gardner, Soprano Jane Mabbitt, Town Mayor David Willoughby, MC Paul Le Feurve and

Orchestra Chairman Dr Chris Leggett

Photo courtesy of Stephen Kirkby


Soprano Jane Mabbitt

Alton Community Choir and audience

Julian Zambra and his flag waving party The view from the Brass Section

For more photographs and information about this event, please visit: www.lnotp.co.uk or www.alton.gov.uk for

administrative details.

Alton Concert Orchestra: www.altonconcertorchestra.org.ukAlton Community Choir: www.altoncommunitychoir.org

Alton Choral Society: www.altonchoral.org.ukThe Three Belles: www.weyvalleywellbeing.co.uk/singing/belles.html

Photographs © Martin Saban-Smith 2010

Please note that from September 2010, we will be charging for all business/commercial advertising not relating to events. See page 42 for details.

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OUR WEBSITE ATWWW.WATERCRESSLINE.CO.UKAND SUBMIT AN ENQUIRY USING THE GU34

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Even t Re v i ew . . . .

The people of Alton were treated to a musical extravaganza last weekend with two events in the Alton Public Gardens in two days. Following The Last Night of the Proms on Saturday 10 July, Butserquest (Sunday 11 July) was aimed at a rock audience, with local bands and some travelling from as far away as Bristol and Cambridge to compete to be one of the opening acts on the main stage at Butserfest 2010 on Saturday 11 September. The event - organised by the Make It Happen team from Amery Hill School, with support from East Hampshire District Council and funding from Hampshire County Council’s Youth Opportunities Fund - included a solo singer, heavy metal bands, pop-punk acts, indie bands and more. The acts played in the marquee originally used for the proms the day before, kindly provided by Alton Town Council. As well as enjoying the live music and lying in the sun, people attending the event were given the chance to vote for their three favourite bands to play at Butserfest, the results of the vote will be announced soon.

Butserfest band booker Lucy Soal said, ‘all of the bands were great. I’m glad we have the votes to help us to decide who makes it onto the main stage. We really appreciate everyone who came along on the day and the team from Amery Hill School who made it happen.’

Butserfest tickets are available now from ticketsouth.co.uk (023 8071 1818), leisure centres around East Hampshire and some schools. For more information, go to Butserfest.co.uk, or search for Butserfest or Butserquest on MySpace, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

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Alton band Mr Temper

Photos: Chris Pearce


Art , Seen . . .Claire Hearse at The Little Green Dragon introduces us to a talented local illustrator studying for her MA at Kingston University.

GemmaM i l l y

Gemma already has a BSc in French and International Management and worked for 6 years in Advertising and Design.

But it was only a matter of time before she decided that what she really wanted to do was illustrate.

Her commissioned work ranges from greetings cards, portraits and prints to fashion illustration.

Gemma also regularly illustrates for ‘Amelia’s Magazine’ (www.ameliasmagazine.com)and has been featured in ‘Grafik Magazine’.

She really enjoys fashion illustration and has worked with designers and magazines on a number of projects during London Fashion Week.

She would love her work to appear in ‘Elle’ or ‘Nylon’ magazines. Gemma has also begun work on her own magazine - So much energy!

All pictures © Gemma Milly


London Fashion Week showing work by Carlotta Gherzi for SADOillustrated by Gemma Milly

Would you like to see your own picture here? If so, contact us via the website or contact Claire at the Little Green Dragon on Normandy Street. We’d love to hear from you!


P i c t u re of t h e Mon t h . . .



Museum and Ga l l e ry . . .Visitors to Alton’s Allen Gallery during August are in for a visual delight – a selection of photographs by award-winning wildlife photographer Michael Huggan who lives in Four Marks.

Local photographer Michael Huggan

Cheetah photograph © Michael Huggan


A look at the pictures on display confirms Michael’s talent for capturing his subjects, whether it’s the stateliness of a Scottish Red Deer, the very soul of a lion in Kenya or the wonderful horses of the Camargue.

Michael’s interest in photography started at an early age. Since then he has refined his skills in the only way he knows how – through trial and error, although he concedes that a number of factors need to come together if a photographer is to be successful. In his case, success in the form of an Associate Distinction in Nature Photography with the Royal Photographic Society, a Gold Medal for an equestrian image, two Bronze Medals for animals and a Bronze Medal from the Photograph Society of America.

On view at the Allen Gallery in Church Street, Alton from Saturday 3rd to Saturday 28th August.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday, between 10am and 5pm and admission is free.

Cheetah photograph © Michael Huggan

Michael sums up his work very simply “You need to know what you are doing, know your equipment and have a picture in your mind of what you are trying to achieve, otherwise you shoot everything and get nothing. It’s a split second thing and there’s an element of luck, but if you are ready and you have your wits about you 9 out of 10 times you’ll get it.”

Now whilst that doesn’t sound too difficult, why can’t everyone take award winning photos? It’s the creativity, the ability to make a connection with the subject, the interpretation of the scene, and the acceptance that every shot is a challenge, that makes the difference. But Michael adds “and the best lenses you can buy” and he is wed to Nikon. Perhaps that’s where the rest of us go wrong?


Se lf Suff i c i e n cy . . . .

The cold process method of soap making can seem daunting and can be potentially harmful to both the maker and the user, so its important to follow instructions very carefully. I wouldn’t recommend this as a children’s activity unless they just help with the oils part. However making your own soap can be easy and fun and I’ve used a table here that has all the calculations done for you, but it must be followed exactly.

First of all you will need to get everything together. Preferably wear old clothes as splashes will be caustic and damaging to material. You will need :

· Scales· Timer· Rubber Gloves· Goggles· Selection of large medium and small glass plastic or stainless steel containers and bowls· Wooden spoon· Large metal whisk· Heat source· Old towel· Thermometer (two ideally)· Caustic Soda· Bottled or rain water· Oils and Additions.· Moulds (prepare your moulds first)

You will need to choose and weigh very carefully oils from table 2 (required) and table 3 (optional). Once you have everything ready and weighed and your gloves and goggles on you can start.

TABLE 1The Lye SolutionWater 250gramsCaustic Soda 125grams

TABLE 2Choose oils from each column and add by weightA B COlive Sweet Almond CoconutSoy Sunflower LardPeanut Hazelnut ShorteningSafflower HempCorn AvocadoSunflower 350grams 250grams 400grams

TABLE 3Luxury oils and additionsAdditive Amount QualityEssential Oil up to 1TBS Fragrance Fragrance Oil up to 2TBS FragranceHoney up to 1TBS EmollientColouring up to 1TSP ColourSpice Powder 1TSP Colour and FragranceHerbal Tea 1-2 Sachet Fragrance Oats 1-2 TBS TextureGrains or seeds up to 1TBS Exfoliating

Making Soapwith Make Do And Mend


Very carefully add the caustic soda to the water and stir until dissolved, put to one side. In the sink is ideal. Then put the weighed oils into your pan, I use a stainless steel maslin pan, but you can do this bit in a glass container and use a microwave if you wish. Heat the oils slowly and mix them well together. Here you can see the bowl with the caustic solution and the maslin pan with oils melting together.

Once your oils are ready measure the temperature of both oil and caustic solutions. Ideally both should be at around 100-110 F. They need to be the same temperature to combine properly.

Now you are ready to mix the two together! Very carefully add the caustic solution to the oils and start to mix briskly, I use a balloon whisk to do this. I find that electric mixers splash the liquid and that must be avoided!! Now you are going to bring the soap to ‘Trace” which is where the soap begins its chemical reaction. When the whisk is lifted out and across the soap it will leave a trace hence the term. This part can take up to 50 minutes or can be much quicker, it depends on the oils you have chosen, some speed the trace for example palm oil, and some slow the trace. Next add the ingredients from table 3 again stirring well to combine. Add colour at this stage too if you wish.Make sure your prepared moulds are on a safe surface and once trace is achieved pour into the mould.

Being careful not to let the towel touch the liquid wrap up the mould and leave in very safe place to finish the chemical reaction. Leave overnight, then demould and store for three weeks to ‘cure’ before use. I test with litmus paper to ensure that the resulting soap is safe!! Simple!! I hope you enjoy having a go.

Heating the oils

Mixing!

The moulds

Finished soap!

All ingredients are available at:Make Do And Mend

Market SquareAlton

07947 592669

Make Do And Mend


Hea l t h y L i v i n g . . .Food manufacturers have a lot to answer for encouraging us to eat more refined sugar than ever before! Clever advertising campaigns for cheap, ready-to-eat, or cook with, convenience foods prey on our subconscious everywhere we turn. Roadside billboards, vehicles and premises, magazines, television . . .

Mary-Anne Barber’s informative piece this month discovers that what is ‘naughty, but nice’ may be a little more naughty than we first thought!

As we respond by continually demand more of these foods, the health of the nation is in serious decline. It is not only tooth decay that has become an issue. We are seeing increases in body weight within the general population as never before. The greater incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes (associated with diet and lifestyle) is placing us at increased risk of heart, kidney and a host of other health problems. And worse, our children are being affected at younger and younger ages. It is a sad truth that, while over the last hundred years or so life expectancy has increased, this trend may not continue if we do not mend our ways.We clearly recognise the need to control our body weight because most of have tried some form of diet. We are coerced, again by the media, to view diet products as a cure-all, to keep us slim, trim and healthy. Needless to say, as time goes on hidden dangers are becoming apparent with these as well! How many of us have followed a strict diet only to find that, as soon as we stop, the weight (and more) piles back on!

Part of the problem lies in our love affair with sweet foods.

Yes, our ancestors did consume more calories than we do, but they were much more physically active almost from dawn till dusk. They ate fresh foods, a more savoury diet, while we have come to rely on highly refined cane and beet sugars. And, when we cut down on these, we look to synthetic replacements, themselves not good news for our health . . .

Although not all claims have yet been proven, reports repeatedly indicate that:· Aspartame is associated with headaches, mood changes and cancer in rats, · Acesulfame is linked to cancer in rats but, more importantly, stimulates insulin (the sugar-controlling hormone) resulting in dangerously low blood sugar levelsOther common sweeteners, such as sucralose (e.g. Splenda), are produced from sugar by altering the chemical structure with the addition of, for example, chlorine!

Perhaps worse, artificial sweeteners and so-called low calorie foods feed a craving for sweet foods without satisfying it, just as junk foods do.


Consequently we may ultimately ingest more calories provided by refined and sweetened foods to feel satisfaction, thereby entering a vicious circle of craving.

So what is the answer?Ultimately, the only sure way to control weight and maintain health is to make permanent changes in diet and lifestyle. · Reduce calorie intake to a level appropriate to activity levels. · Cut down on all sugars. Keep within the recommended daily allowance (RDA) – about 10% of calorie intake. This is up to 50g for those eating 2000 calories a day. Research suggests that those with a serious weight problem may unwittingly consume up to four times this amount. Remember, too, the RDA includes hidden sugars present in processed foods, both sweet and savoury. · Ensure a balanced diet selecting from all the major food groups. · Opt for wholegrain cereals that are processed more slowly, avoiding peaks and troughs of blood sugar associated with diabetes, mood swings, dizziness, etc. Basmati rice and especially quinoa not only provide slow release of energy to sustain us between meals but also introduce more essential vitamins and minerals to our diet making them an excellent source of fuel.· Remember your ‘five a day’. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Instead of canned fruit, eat fresh, seasonal fruits. Drink fresh fruit juice rather than squash adding sparkling water to quench that thirst.· Select healthy snacks. There is a lot in the adage that ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ . . . This readily available fruit satisfies hunger and does not provide a sugar overload! · Read the label! As a general rule, high sugar foods are those with 15g per 100g or more while low sugar foods have 5g per 100g, or less. Watch out for the less obvious ingredients that would suggest high sugar content: glucose, dextrose, fructose, invert syrup, corn syrup, glucose syrup, lactose, maltose, hydrolysed starch or treacle. · Ideally, prepare food yourself. That way you can control those hidden sugars.

In most cases there is no harm in the occasional sweet treat. The hazards come from making these a regular feature of the daily diet. By adjusting to a more savoury diet, you are more likely to enjoy them as just an occasional treat. In addition, not only will your health benefit, you will notice the effect on your waistline and in the improved condition of your skin. Where sweeteners are necessary, choose more naturals polyols, e.g. xylitol, and avoid those that have been chemically produced or modified. Polyols may also be used in baking to satisfy that sweet tooth but, because they are metabolised differently to refined sugars, they have a low glycæmic load making them more suitable for diabetics. The drawback of these is that, if used to excess, they may have a laxative effect. A question of ‘everything in moderation’!

If you are diabetic or have a problem metabolising sugar, remember that the advice from the British Diabetic Association is always to watch how much sugar you consume. Keep to complex carbohydrates where possible and beware foods labelled ‘diabetic’ as they may still have high sugar content, especially if prepared with fruit sugar. They may also contain as much fats and calories as regular foods.

Finally, do enjoy your food but, above all, always read the label! Keep to that balanced diet and avoid refined sugar, white flour and processed foods. If you do have a health problem, discuss your diet with your doctor or other health professional!


Green F i n ger s . . .In this month’s ‘Green Fingers’, Chris Feldon from Garthowen Garden Centre in Four Marks, continues her monthly column more hints and tips on what to do in your garden in the (hopefully) hot and sunny month of August.

The Garden should be looking spectacular now as the summer is warm and sunny but watering is a problem. Those of you lucky enough to have been to Hampton Court may be feeling inspired to make changes., don’t forget that the planting time for bareroot plants is not until October at the earliest so don’t go trying to move plants around just yet. Take time out to enjoy your garden as the summer always seems so short. Tomatoes and runners should be cropping well by now but keep up the watering. Start thinking about what to plant this autumn. It has been really dry this month and the water in the bird bath may well be stale ( and a breeding site for mosquitoes) so refresh regularly as you water the plants. General Garden

- Prune Wisteria by reducing this year’s growth to just five or six buds. They grow like mad after flowering is over. - Deadhead Roses regularly, and spray to control blackspot and aphids. Sadly two different sprays will be necessary as the combined spray has been withdrawn for the market. Tie in and train new growth on climbing and rambling Roses.- Dead head Sweet Peas and annuals to increase the flowering season. Water Camellias and Rhodos regularly as they are now forming next year’s flower buds.

- Water newly planted shrubs and perennials in dry conditions. - Put pots of plants into gaps in the borders. Bedding Plants

- Trim dead flower heads regularly to encourage the growth of lots of new flowers. Prune back any straggling trailing plants. Replace plants that that are past their best, there are still some annuals available at the Garden Centre.- During the hot weather, always water plants in the evening to reduce the amount of evaporation. Water containers twice a day during the hot weather, even if there has been some rain.- Prune to shape any shrubs that have finished flowering.- When going on holiday, move pots to a lightly shaded spot, easily located for neighbours to water, so they don’t dry out as quickly. For maximum protection, line a strong cardboard box with a plastic bin bag, fill the bottom with about 2.5cm (1”) of water and place the plants inside.- Continue to mow grass raising the height of cut in dry weather.

Keep your garden watered in hot weather


Fruit

- Check nets on fruit cages to make sure that they have not moved or been damaged. - Finish training fruit trees by removing side shoots. - Cut out one or two of the older stems in current bushes to allow new growth. - Remove straw from under Strawberries that have finished fruiting. - Finish picking Raspberries and prune summer varieties down to ground level. The Vegetable Garden - Concentrate on watering plants in flower and fruit. - As vegetables are harvested, clear the ground and prepare it for other crops. - Water and feed Runner Beans. - Take out the tops of Tomato plants and reduce the amount of watering and feeding towards the end of the month. - Keep onions well watered to achieve the best size. - Sow salad crops directly into the ground to continue getting fresh plants. - Regular hoeing will keep weeds down and prevent seeds being dropped on to the soil to create problems for the following year.

The Greenhouse - Pinch out side shoots on tomatoes and feed with a tomato food regularly. - Shade plants to prevent scorching. Use netting or shade paint on the outside. - Ensure that all vents are working and close them on cool evenings.

Ponds - Continue to feed pond fish. - Remove any blanket weed by twirling it around on a stick. - Check filters on pumps to ensure that they are not blocked. - Remove any plant material that has fallen into the pond to prevent the build up of disease. - Top up as and when necessary.

Raspberries should be

perfect for picking!

Keep ponds topped up!

For personal gardening advice and for all your gardening requirements, visit

Garthowen Garden CentreAlton LaneFour MarksGU34 5AJ

Tel: 01962 773225


On l ooker . . .In the current climate of increasing prices and VAT, many of our high street retailers are offering loyalty cards that they advertise as rewarding us for being loyal to them, and

showing us that they truly appreciate our custom! It sounds so simple - in return for presenting our cards at the checkouts, we are sent ‘money off’ and other rewards. The only catch is that these vouchers have to redeemed in their stores, and have no cash value – so it makes you wonder if they are really loyalty reward cards, or clocking-in cards?

No matter where you seem to go nowadays you are asked ‘do you have one of our cards?’ and if you answer ‘No’ they are all too ready to hand you the leaflet on how to apply for one – but why? The truth is that these cards are nothing more than customer surveys that capture data on spending patterns and brand preferences, meaning that we as the customers are in fact saving them thousands of pounds per year in lifestyle and business consultants, not to mention advertising which they plaster all over their carrier bags (some of which we pay for – but that is not a bad thing) which we then happily parade up and down the High Street like an old fashioned sandwich board!

So, is this now the mechanics of modern retail? Have we, the customers become the advertisers and consultants, or have we just become cash cows that these companies herd up by offering us ‘something for nothing’ and we have followed them ‘blinkered’ into the milking shed with ‘no questions asked’?

Having looked through my ‘collection’ of loyalty cards, I was surprised to find that I had somehow managed to accrue a staggering amount, many of which seemed to be for companies that offered the same product or service, so how am I being loyal to all of them, and how does the system work when all these stores are offering a card?

Basically; it boils down to the fundamental common denominator of money! My Nan always said ‘if you take care of the pennies, the pounds will take care of themselves’, and she was right. As a nation we must truly believe that we are being given something back for all the money that we have spent with these companies, or why else would we be so happy to allow them to take all this data to help improve their sales and profits?

So who is the real winner in all this? Well that is one thing you can be sure of, and that is it will not be the consumer, because it is very true (and always will be) that there is no such thing as a free lunch!

Please note: The views expressed here are the views of The Onlooker and may not necessarily be those of the publisher.

Have we just become cash cows?


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Initially, we didn’t want to charge for advertising as we felt we needed to prove that an e-zine would work. And it does. We only told 36 people about the magazine, and these readership figures give you an idea on how well received issue #1 was:

Readership Figures for 3rd - 22nd July:Total Readers: 965Total Page Views: 3842Unique Readers: 638Unique Page Views: 4967

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Our town has grown a lot over the past decade or so, and with the 2020 plan publicly available for scrutiny, is it any wonder then why there has been so much interest recently by some of the UK’s biggest supermarket chains?

With planning applications and public exhibitions by the interested parties, we thought we’d get in touch with each of them and ask them to submit an article for this issue of This is Alton as to why they feel they are best for Alton.

Here, for the first time publicly, are the arguments in one place so you can compare each of them. And to be fair, we contacted Sainsburys too for their take on the situation.

Why not have your say?Vote in our poll on the website:

www.thisisalton.co.uk


Supermarke t S pe c i a l . . .


Following their planning refusal on 5th July, Tesco have submitted the following statement:

Background photograph: The old Hampshire Commercial site on Mill Lane that Tesco hope to be able to develop. Photo: © Martin Saban-Smith


Speaking about the Government’s Inspector’s decision to reject Tesco’s appeal to build a supermarket at Mill Lane, Alton, Tesco’s spokesperson, Juliette Bishop said, “Whilst we are disappointed with the decision, the Inspector firmly recognised the benefits that the scheme would bring in terms of extending choice and competition for local shoppers. We also welcome the Inspector’s confirmation that the size of the proposed Aldi and Waitrose schemes would not be adequate to address those important needs. We also note the Inspector’s advice that “… there is a need for a better and more detailed scheme for improving the bus services to provide a convenient, attractive and reliable link between significant parts of the residential areas and the appeal site by the town centre”. We will therefore be carefully considering the opportunities available to us to address the remaining concerns that stand in the way of bringing significant enhancements to the provision of supermarket shopping in Alton”


Discovery Properties Limited and Waitrose has submitted plans to build a new Waitrose food store on Station Road that is next to Alton’s railway station and close to the High Street.

If approved, the new store would be 25,000 sq ft gross with a net sales area of 15,000 sq ft and will create approximately 120 jobs for local people. It will include a 165-space decked pay and display shopper’s car park with a ticket discount for those who use the store.

The bid to bring a Waitrose to Alton is being led by Hugo Hawkings, chief executive of Discovery Properties who believes a quality food offer which Waitrose will bring will not only complement the existing retailers in Alton but is by far the best option for a new supermarket in the town.

Hugo said: “With a definite and identified need for a new foodstore in Alton, of all the sites under consideration, this one is closest to the town centre and ideally suited for public transport.

“The scheme is of a scale and design that sits comfortably within its surroundings and we believe that such a food store will bring people in to the town centre.”

As it is close to the public transport network the Waitrose proposals present a good opportunity to encourage people out of their cars. The site has been carefully selected and the developers believe the store will be a catalyst for regeneration of the town.

As a principally food only retailer, unlike other supermarkets which sell clothing, hardware and other items, Waitrose stores require less space. In respect of food sales area the proposed Alton Waitrose will therefore be comparable to the current offering by Sainsbury’s.

The Waitrose stores in Petersfield and Farnham, which have a similar range to the one proposed for Alton, both provide the Sainsbury’s stores in those towns with more than effective competition.

Totally Deliverable

Discovery Properties has a contract for all the land at Station Road necessary to deliver its proposals with Hugo and his team fully committed to bringing a Waitrose to the town.

Hugo said: “We were interested to see Morrison’s speculative approach, and it is perfectly entitled to put forward proposals on land they do not control, but it does not affect our plans, along with Waitrose, to build a food store in Station Road.

“The Morrison’s proposal has no realistic chance of succeeding as Discovery Properties has no intention of selling the land. Our scheme is also entirely deliverable and if the go ahead is given it could be trading by Christmas 2011.


“We understand the importance of delivering a store that will not only complement existing retail in the town, but provide shoppers with true value and help ensure expenditure remains in the town.”

The Waitrose scheme will also help bring forward land for more station car parking and proposed improvements to the Station forecourt. It is also likely to galvanise further investment into the surrounding area.

Price Comparison

Those who believe Waitrose is expensive may be surprised to find out that prices are more often than not comparable with both Tesco and Sainsbury’s. Independent online research by consumer site Supermarket Own Brand Guide also showed that Waitrose was the biggest price cutter of last year.

James Armstrong, from Waitrose said: “We are aware that there is a common misconception that Waitrose is expensive but it is fully committed to keeping prices competitive and checks thousands of prices at Tesco and Sainsbury’s on a weekly basis to ensure its prices are fair and in line with the market.

“Waitrose’s ‘Price Match’ lines match either Sainsbury’s or Tesco on the biggest brands and we run hundreds of promotions each month.

“Waitrose also has in place a policy of sourcing and using local produce from small growers and suppliers close to individual Waitrose stores. This helps support the local economy, local framers and growers and gives the store a local identity.

“And unlike other major supermarkets, Waitrose isn’t owned by shareholders. Instead, as part of the John Lewis Partnership, it’s owned by everyone who works for the Partnership. This creates an extraordinary high level of committment amongst those who work in our stores and is why they’re interested in what they do and are knowledgeable about what they sell.”

Resident’s Backing

Hugo and his team have ensured the people of Alton have been able to voice their opinions on the proposals. At a public consultation exhibition held at The Assembly Rooms earlier in the year of those who completed a comment form, 93% said they would like to see a new Waitrose store in the town.

And when asked if they thought the Station Road site was suitable for a new food store, 89% said they agreed. And when asked having viewed the proposals if they were supportive 88% said yes.

Hugo said: “The feedback from the event clearly shows that an overwhelming majority feel this is the best location for a food store. We now look forward to working closely with the planners and hope that given consent we will be able to bring Waitrose to Alton.”


Wm Morrison Supermarkets and Morbaine Property Developers have a proven track record working together with local communities and recognise Station Approach to be an important gateway to the town.

Their plan is a vision for the regeneration of the whole Station area through a sustainable, mixed-use development. The map opposite shows the extent of the plan.

The UK’s fifth largest food manufacturer, Morrisons owns farms, fruit & vegetable pack houses, meat and cheese processing plants and bakeries. They are proud that they sell more freshly produce food than any other Supermarket retailer. And, they have ethical trading standards as well as sourcing local produce.

By coming to Alton, Morrisons can:

- Provide a full range supermarket with UK sourced food at it’s heart.

- Offer a genuine choice for the people of Alton.

- Stem trade leakage to neighbouring towns.

- 200 new jobs for local people.- provide a catalyst for further development in the neighbourhood.

David Childs MRICS of developers Morbaine says “Since we announced our proposals for the Station area, the report of the independent planning inspector who heard Tesco's appeal has been published. His findings fully support our case, that Alton needs a new supermarket of sufficient size to compete properly with Sainsburys, and a new Morrisons at Station Road would provide this in a sustainable way. We understand rival developers are saying that, just because they have a contract on one parcel of land in Staion Road, theirs is the only scheme that can be built. This is patently not true and we could equally claim to have agreements with other key landownerships, needed to implement a properly designed scheme. No, this debate is not about who currently controls which piece of land and the real question is "what is best for Alton for the next 20 years?"


Mr Childs continues “In the light of recent events, what the public and local authorities are now focussing on is which of the various competing schemes would provide the town with the right development, in the right place and deliver the most sustainable solution to Alton's long-term aspirations. In promoting a mixed-use regeneration of the wider Station Approach area, with all it's attendant benefits, we firmly believe our proposals offer the answer to the question and we hope this will be recognised when our plans are fully considered.”


Daryl Copper, Alton store manager, said:‘‘The location of our store in the centre of Alton has enabled Sainsbury’s to be an active part of the community since we arrived in the town 12 years ago.

‘‘Sainsbury’s in Alton is a vibrant store which draws many people into the centre of town and, because the store complements the range of shops on the High Street, more than 90% of our customers tell us they link their trips to the store with a trip to Alton town centre.

‘‘Our stores are at the heart of the communities they serve. For us, this is about making a positive difference, playing a key role in the community and being a good neighbour. For example, our Alton colleagues volunteer their time every week to help run a coffee morning for the Salvation Army, their Local Charity of the Year, and have assisted with an elderly persons lunch club, which is run by a local Methodist church, for the last three years. The store also has links with local schools, including the Treloar School, to provide talks on healthy eating and Fairtrade products and to provide work experience and educational support.


‘‘As well as supporting good causes such as fundraising for our ‘Local Charity of the Year’, Sainsbury’s has a longstanding partnership with Sport Relief and Comic Relief. Last year, Alton store colleagues and customers raised more than £2,000 for Hampshire Air Ambulance and one colleague alone raised more than £600 for Sport Relief by running a marathon on a treadmill in the store.

‘‘As a company, Sainsbury’s has been donating surplus food to charities since 1998. At Sainsbury’s in Alton, bread, fruit and vegetables are donated to Birdworld and Miller’s Ark Farm and flowers to local churches, doctors’ surgeries and care homes.

‘‘From complementing and attracting people to the heart of Alton to supporting local good causes, Sainsbury’s is proud to play a core role in making a positive difference to the local community.’’

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Documents

Issue #2 August 2010