1

December 2015 | Issue 98 | £1.50 where bought

Last Posting Dates

Granny’s Xmas Pudding

2

3

4

THIS MONTH..

HOUSE AND GARDENS

28 In House ChatAre you in one of the top 10 most expensive roadsin PO13?

FOOD AND DRINK

8 Granny’s Christmas Pudding

A tried and tested recipe to completely fill you upafter your main meal this Christmas.

MOTORING

12 AutobiographiesTim Barnes Clay takes a look this month at the newJeep Cherokee. A rather chunky looking beast -take a look and see what you think.

COMMUNITY

6 St Faiths’ ChurchAlan Millard takes a fond look back at hisinterviews during 2015 and the lovely people andgroups he has met along the way.

CHILDREN, PETS & EDUCATION

10 Kids PageA Festive themed page for you this month - a spotof Elf and Safety!

december issue 2015

5

SmSmalal ltalkltalk

“When you stumble, keepfaith…

...And when you’re knocked down, get right back up and never listen toanyone who says you can’t or shouldn’t go on” said Hillary Clinton.Gosh this couldn’t be more apt for us at the moment, and I’m sure for manyof our readers. Not to mention the English Rugby Team too who, forwhatever your theory, just couldn’t make it through to the finals atTwickenham.

I feel as though we have had more than our fair share of knocks of late. Iwon’t list them all, but you know how it goes… things either come in threesor just when you’ve got over one ‘bash’ or another the next one comes at youlike a Tsunami, grinning, whilst you’re on wobbly feet having only justrecovered from the last wave.

And it’s more often, when you get battered around with things that feelrather unjust, that they often are. Unfounded, unfair and unprovoked. Soyou could just curl up in a big heap and sob, lick your wounds and complainabout how jolly rubbish life can be sometimes. Or you can choose to get backup. Think differently about life and decide that what you have, right now, isgood enough. Whether it seems that way or not, it is your choice and yourattitude to your circumstances that will shape your future.

So whether you are religious or not it’s that time of year again where we allget a little hope from the festive season, whether it’s from twinkly lights,children singing in their nativity plays or just the thought of having somespecial time with loved ones. Look around youand see if there is anyone whosecircumstances might perhaps be worse thanyours. Could you leave them a little gift ontheir doorstep? Could you offer to get themsome shopping? Or just make a good old-fashioned cup of tea. That can fix so much.

This Christmas, have an open heart, a patientmind and more importantly a strong outlookthat everything will be OK. Because you neverknow, with a smattering of mistletoe andsomething special from Santa, peace andhappiness might just be what you get thisChristmas.

Much love until next month,

Coralie and Sean

Advertise with us!

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.

Pearl Publications

01329 630630

Joint Editors

Coralie Todd & Sean Middletoneditor@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk

Advertising Sales

sales@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk

Distribution

This Big Voice Bigazine is deliveredto residents and businesses in Leeon the Solent and Cherque FarmFor distribution enquiries pleasegive us a call and speak to Sean.

Six other editions are alsopublished in Alverstoke, Whiteley,

Titchfield Park and Burridge,Gosport, Locks Heath, Warsash &Sarisbury Green, Stubbington &

Hill Head

Whilst Big Voice Directories aim to provide aquality publication for local reference, it cannotbe held responsible for the services, reputation orcost of any of the advertisers, and content ofadverts or editorial herein. Readers must maketheir own enquiries to establish the credentials ofeach entry. Reproduction in whole or in part isstrictly prohibited without prior writtenpermission from the Publishers. The magazinesare produced on paper sourced from FSCapproved paper mills and printed using vegetablebased inks. They love being recycled but pleasepass to a friend first!

Magazine, adverts, design, layout and content ©Copyright Pearl Publications Ltd

Follow us on Twitter@BVDirectories

Visit our Facebook pageBig Voice Directories

Visit our websitewww.bigvoicedirectories.co.uk

6

St Faiths’ C ommunity

A wonderful 2015 in the communityAt this time of year, as well as lookingforward to Christmas, I enjoy lookingback over the past year at the peopleI had the pleasure to meet.

In January I found myself at StubbleeHill, in the ‘Action for Children’centre where Denise MacDonald, theAdmin and Business Support Officer,told me about the activities formums-to-be, families and childrenunder five. I remember coming awayimpressed both by the opportunitiesprovided and dedication of the staffinvolved.

In February I wrote about my visit tothe Isle of Wight where I met PeterSutton, St Faith’s last vicar, nowArchdeacon of the Island’s 58churches. After a meal with him, hiswife Pippa and Karen Schmidt, once acurate at St. Faith’s, I enjoyed awhistle top tour of the Island’s ‘wildwest’ in Karen’s car to see the five

churches for which she wasresponsible and later caught the St.Faith’s ferry home after a day full ofhappy memories. Karen has sinceretired and is living at Cirencester.

Back on terra firma, March gave methe chance to meet Richard Dewland,the amazingly energetic andenthusiastic musician who conductsthe Lee Choral Society. I look forwardto hearing them at their next concertin St. Faith’s (details below).

In April I attended he launch of theICANGO bus service sponsoredEckersley White and run byvolunteers for anyone wanting lowcost transport in one of the Jollybuses, so named after Connie Jollywho, with Lawrence Brodley, startedthe scheme (contact no. 07787292666)

I met Joyce Dawson in May who

chairs St Faith’s Pastoral Ministrygroup which provides pastoral carefor those in need. The group can becontacted via the church office (seebelow).

June gave me the chance to meettwo wonderful nonagenarians whohave worshipped and served at St.Faith’s church for nearly seventyyears. Bob Jepson, once a butcher inLee, and his wife Rachael told me allabout their past lives. If newcomersto St, Faith’s serve the church for aslong and as loyally as they have, itsfuture is assured.

In July I visited the Knit and Nattergroup which meets in the LowryRoom every Friday from 2 – 4 pmknitting for various charitable causes.I enjoyed it so much that I still call in,mainly for a natter. New membersare welcome so do come and jointhem.

7

August brought me to the Rowan’sHospice shop in Lee where I spent anafternoon at the back drinking teaand hearing about the work of thevolunteers from the manager, AnneWressell and her team. Havingbenefitted from the Rowan’s Hospicewhen my late partner was ill, I knewit would be a cause worthchampioning and it was. Do supportthem!

It was back to music and the LeeChoral Society in September, thistime to share in one of therehearsals for the Christmas service.Hilary Bremner, who chairs thecommittee, told me all about thegroup which rehearses onWednesday nights in the Bulson Hallfrom 7.30 – 9.15. New members arewelcomed – especially men!

In October I met our new curate andhis wife, Steve and Jayne at theirhome in Fareham and completed the

year in November with a review ofthe Lee Art group. I enjoyed everymoment with everyone I met and,should you want to re-read any oftheir stories, you will find them at onthe church website (st faithslee.org)under ‘News & events’.

And so to Christmas and the NewYear when the church service timeswill be at 8 am, 9.30 am, and 6.p.m.with a new service at 11 am(beginning on Advent Sunday,November 29th) which promises tobe something different! Meanwhilewe hope to see you at one of ourChristmas events and/or servicesand I wish you all a Happy Christmasand all you wish for in the yearahead.

AlanOur wonderful St Faiths contributor, Alan Millard can be contacted via St

Faith’s Church, Lee on the Solent.

Parish Office

Mondays - Fridays 10:30am - 12:30pm

023 9255 6445

Dates for your diarySaturday, December 5th Christmas Fayre, St Faith’s Church, 10 am – 2 pmSaturday, December 12th St Faith’s Church, 7.30 pm. Lee Choral Society Concert: Schubert’s

Mass in C and The Manchester Carols (words by Carol Anne Duffy).Sunday, December 20th Carol Service, St Faith's Church at 6pmThursday, December 24th Crib services, 3 pm and 4.30 pm (Bring children dressed as Nativity

characters – sheep, wise men, shepherds etc.)Midnight service 11.30 pm

Friday, December 25th Christmas Day services: 8am and 10 am.

8

9

10

11

12

Jeep is celebrating its most fruitful year inBritain ever. It is a vital market for thecompany because we Brits buy moreCherokees than anywhere else in Europeor Africa.

The American auto maker aims to echothis success in 2016. But how is it going todo it? Well, one way is to give theadmired Cherokee line-up more ‘oomph’.

So, that’s why the good-looking Jeep isnow obtainable with 185hp and 200hpoutputs. It offers an appreciably widerspread of pulling power from low revs,giving greater bang for your buck. But itisn’t just about enriched performance,the 2.2 Cherokee oil-burner now offersbetter fuel economy than the departing

two-litre 170hp automatic lump.

Available only with Jeep’s smoothchanging nine-speed automaticgearbox, and paired to thecompany’s Active-Drive four-wheel-drive systems, the all new Cherokee2.2 versions are inundated withequipment.

The range now has more spec asstandard, including an electricallyadjustable driver’s seat, anautomatic anti-dazzle rear-viewmirror with built-in microphoneand an electric tailgate. Perhapsmore significantly, though, allCherokees score highly with safety– achieving the maximum 5-stars inEuro NCAP’s tough tests.

But back to the new engine underthe bonnet. It is assembled for ourmarket in the Pratola Serra plant,near Avellino, Italy. Armed with the4x4 Jeep Active Drive I system, theCherokee 2.2 MultiJet II 200hpreaches a maximum speed of127mph. It accelerates from zero to62mph in 8.5 seconds, has a typicalcombined fuel consumption figureof 49.6mpg and CO2 emissions of150g/km.

The Cherokee 2.2 MultiJet II 200hpwith Active Drive II and low-rangehas a top speed of 126mph, 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds, and acombined fuel consumption of46.3mpg, with 160g/km of CO2

emissions.

Finally, Longitude and Longitude+ trimlevels are provided with a 2.2 MultiJet II

185hp variant, in combination with 4x4Jeep Active Drive I and the nine-speedautomatic transmission.

Prepared in this way, the Cherokeereaches a maximum speed of 125mphand gets from zero to 62mph in 8.8seconds. Combined fuel economy andemissions are 49.5mpg and 150g/km.

Behind the wheel of the quickest diesel –the 2.2 MultiJet II 200hp Limited 4WDautomatic with Active Drive I - I foundeverything rapid enough. Certainly, themore commanding motor is a real step-upfrom the unit it supersedes. You no longerhave to work the engine like a dog tomake spirited progress. It is even quitesoothing when you’re not pushing thepace.

Undeniably, one of the Cherokee's fortesis its ride. For a mid-sized sport utilityvehicle (SUV) with off-road know-how,the Cherokee handles adeptly. The onlytime you notice the Jeep get a littleunsettled is if you throw it in to a bend.Then there is perceptible body roll.

The new 2.2 MultiJet II engine certainlyplaces the Jeep Cherokee towards thecrest of the mid-size SUV class for pace,poise and proper efficiency. It is no BMWX3 but it brings the fight to the likes ofHonda’s CR-V – and is sure to put thefabled motor manufacturer on track foreven more success in the United Kingdomnext year.

The Jeep Cherokee range starts at£26,095 for the 2.0 MultiJet II 140hpLongitude FWD manual, rising to £37,995for the 2.2 MultiJet II 200hp Limited 4WDautomatic.

FAST FACTS

Max speed: 127mph

0-62 mph: 8.5 secs

Combined mpg: 49.6

Engine layout: 2.2 turbo-charged diesel

Max. power (bhp): 197

Max. torque (lb.ft): 324

CO2: 150g/km

Price: £36,795

PROS ‘N’ CONSEquipment √

Comfort √Automatic Transmission √

Efficient √

Some body roll X

Auto biographiesBy Tim Barnes-Clay www.carwriteups.co.uk @carwriteups

13

14

15

16

ChristmaA little note for your diaries, Friday 4

The tree will be lit, carols sung, Santa and his elvfairground rides for the children and for the adult

mince pies toA French Market will be open all day , there will be cthe shopkeepers of Lee on the Solent will be openinThis is a fantastic opportunity to explore the hugift for all your friends and family or enjoy the enThe cafes, tea rooms and coffee houses will be o

unseasonably warm as we head inThe children from Lee on the Solent School will b

tree in the HRaffle tickets will be available to purchase on th

fantastic cash prize of £250 for 1st prize, £1So come and join us on

It promises to be a fantastic,

17

tmas in Leeday 4th December 2015 4:30pm to 8pm.

his elves will be waiting in the grotto. There will beadults there will be plenty of gluhwein flowing andies to tuck into.

ere will be craft stalls to browse for Christmas gifts ande opening late to welcome you to their businesses.e huge variety of shops in Lee and find the perfectthe entertainment as you stroll from shop to shop.be open for refreshments and (if the weather staysead into December) even ice cream!will be singing and helping to light up the Christmasthe High Streeton the evening and the draw will be made to win arize, £100 for 2nd prize and £50 for 3rd prize.us on 4th December 2015.astic, fun filled and festive event!

18

19

20

21

22

23

171 - 173 High StreetLee-on-the-Solent

PO13 9BX

24

25

26

27

28

In house chat 10 MOST EXPENSIVE ROADS IN PO13

Mark Rowe,MD & Owner of RPS Estate and

Letting Agents

Recently I was looking at a helpfulwebsite called Mouseprice.com, I’veused it before to keep up to date withlocal property data and a few otherfeatures it offers too. It’s a helpfulsource and is worth a look if you have aspare few minutes.

Mouseprice.com uses a mixture of soldhouse price data from the land registryand their AVM (Automated ValuationModel), to produce interesting reportslike the one below.

I think it’s important to note that I’mnot a huge advocate of automatedsystems that ‘predict’ values, as I feelthe human element will always beneeded to assess a properties fullvalue within the current marketplace.However, using this information to gaina quick snapshot of the highest valuesmakes for an interesting read!

There are many other factors thatdecide a properties price and this table

only uses data on transactionscompleted since January 1995 and thepublished prices are often calculatedbased on average selling prices so priceincreases over time can distort therankings. The data is also based onaverage current values instead ofaverage historic values. This is achievedusing a combination of the MousepriceAVM technology and Land Registrydata.

As you can see Crofton Avenue comesout on top for PO13, but we must take

into account that there will always berecent large house sales that maybump average prices up. It’s importantwhen looking at data like this to takean overall view and assess demandlevels from local and national buyers atthe same time. What would someonebe willing to pay? Demand is andalways will be the driving force behindproperty house price.

Anyway, if you use it wisely andalongside other data sources, it’s agreat little website for getting a snapshot of the local property market!

29

30

31

32