Monthly Archives: July 2024

Introducing the Test Valley Rambler Bus Service, operating between Andover and Romsey every Sunday 21st July – 15th September.

“There really couldn’t be a better time of year to explore this beautiful part of the country. The Test Valley Rambler is perfect for those looking to discover a new place, heading out for a walk or seeking a tipple in a quaint pub”.

The bus from Andover Bus Station will follow a scenic route along the Test Valley, following much of the former Spratt & Winkle rail line and will link favourite destinations; Hawk Conservancy Trust, Army Flying Museum, Danebury Iron Age Hillfort, Stockbridge, Houghton Lodge Gardens, Horsebridge – John O’Gaunt Pub, Mottisfont Abbey and finally Romsey

The service will be operated by Blue Star buses in co-operation with Hampshire Community Rail Partnership and Three Rivers CRP with funding from SWR Customer & Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF)

“We’re expecting the service to be well-used throughout the summer. And, any single journey along the whole or part of the route is capped at £2, as part of the Government’s Help for Households scheme. Concessionary passes are also accepted.”

Bus schedule: https://bustimes.org/…/tvr-romsey-mosttisfont…

Children’s animation production company, Plane Characters Productions Ltd, is thrilled to announce that it will showcase its successful, animated children’s educational travel series ‘Let’s Go See’ at the UK’s largest family fundraising festival, CarFest 2024 from 23rd – 25th August, at Laverstoke Park Farm in Hampshire. This time featuring subtitles.

CarFest is the UK’s largest family fundraising festival, created by radio presenter Chris Evans, for the sole purpose of raising funds for hugely deserving charities. Since its conception, the festival has raised millions for its partner charities and is about so much more than just music or cars! CarFest 2024 hosts seven festivals in one: AdventureFest, KidsFest, FoodFest, RetroFest, SpaFest, StarFest, and, of course, CarFest! www.carfest.org

Plane Characters Productions produces the animation series ‘Let’s Go See’ along with Edtech products, merchandise and mobile apps for young children that focus on travel and adventure whilst being educational, inspiring, and entertaining.

For the first time, because of the educational benefits, CarFest screenings of the ‘Let’s Go See’ series will all be shown with subtitles. Screenings take place in the KidFest area of CarFest, with viewings every 30 mins within a large, themed marquee seating 20, located in the STEM area within the KidFest zone of CarFest. All children must be accompanied by a parent or carer.

Congratulations to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Laverstoke, which has won a prestigious  international conservation award with the help of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s Chalk Stream Champions!

The distillery has received the 2024 Wetlands Project Award from the Wildlife Habitat Council, beating strong competition from projects around the world

This success was partly due to support from an amazing group of volunteers, who monitor the distillery’s stretch of the Upper Test as part of the Watercress and Winterbournes scheme.

Congratulations to Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants for their stunning display at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival and their well deserved RHS Gold Medal. For further details, visit Hardy’s website and Facebook page.