New heights

Round & About

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Hampshire

As we fly into a new year, why not volunteer for your local air ambulance charity and make a difference locally?

A new year… have you made any resolutions? Well if yours included spending some time helping as a volunteer, then your local air ambulance would love to hear from you – and will give you some training as well.

Volunteers provide invaluable support to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) throughout the year, fulfilling many important and rewarding roles. From giving talks to local groups, to distributing donation pots, attending fundraising events and presenting two highly successful educational programmes, volunteers play a key role in the day to day activities of the charity.

HIOWAA is seeking to recruit a wide range of volunteers from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and is keen to hear from anyone interested in volunteering, regardless of how much time they can give. They also recently launched a popular Volunteer Training Programme, offering volunteers training in areas including public speaking, first aid, health and safety, compliance and inter-personal skills.

In particular, HIOWAA is looking for volunteers to help present LifeLines, the charity’s newly launched educational programme for young people aged between 11 and 18. The volunteer role would suit anyone with teaching experience, or anyone comfortable presenting to groups of youngsters.

“Our volunteers playing a vital role in helping to keep the Air Ambulance flying and saving lives, says charity manager Sherie Williams Ellen. “They provide an essential link to our local communities and we simply could not manage without them. Our volunteers have busy lives and often have to fit volunteering around several other commitments. We are keen to hear from those who want to volunteer on a regular basis as well as those who can help out once or twice a year. Volunteering provides the perfect opportunity to support our life saving service and is also a great way to learn new skills and be a lot of fun.”

To find out more information on how you can help your local air ambulance, please visit www.hiowaa.org

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What Katie did next

Liz Nicholls

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Hampshire

Liz Nicholls chats to philanthropist, writer, TV presenter and former model Katie Piper

Q. Congratulations on your second baby. How did you find this pregnancy?
“I’ve really enjoyed it, other than the morning sickness in the first three months! Having a young child I’ve enjoyed being able to share the excitement with her and it’s special being able to watch the bump grow together – she’s even been telling everyone that she’s pregnant herself which is very funny!”

Q. Have you enjoyed creating your new maternity range [www.wantthattrend.com] and what are your fave items?
“I’ve loved creating it! During my previous pregnancy I struggled to find affordable maternitywear I liked and ended up wearing my husband’s wardrobe half the time. This time around I wanted to provide a maternity collection that gave not just me, but all pregnant women, the chance to feel good. I also wanted to ensure that no matter what the occasion – a party, picking up the kids from school, or even Christmas day – expecting mothers always have something to wear! I love all of the items. The Bardot Twist Front Detailed (£24.95) dresses are amazing but I love the Maternity Navy Strappy Wrap Over Culotte Jumpsuit (£24.95) for the day with a white T-shirt underneath and a comfy pair of white trainers!”

Q. What are your fondest memories of Hampshire growing up? “Hampshire is very close to my heart; I had a wonderful childhood there. I think my fondest memories would have to be in our family home with my lovely parents and brother and sister, Paul and Suzy, and just generally enjoying my youth at Harrow Way School.”

Q. Your foundation’s made a difference to so many others – what’s been the most rewarding moment so far?
“Thank you, The Katie Piper Foundation is so important and has been a huge part of my journey. I don’t think there’s one specific rewarding moment; each day I meet or hear from so many inspirational individuals.”

Q. What advice would you give to anyone going through the darkest of times?
“Remember, no matter how big or small your challenges might seem, there is always a confident way forward and people here to help.”

Q. What attitudes to body confidence do you most hope to pass to your children?
“It’s so important for parents to have a positive attitude about body confidence as this will be reflected in your child’s values and attitudes. So if I’m having a ‘fat’ day (let’s face it, we all have one in a while), I’d never say that to Belle. Words like ‘fat’ are an absolute no-go in our house; everyone is beautiful in their own way and it’s what’s on the inside that really matters!”

Q. Who are your heroes and why?
“My mum because she is so kind and resilient, and all of the amazing volunteers for The Katie Piper Foundation – I cannot thank them enough for their help and support.”

Q. What’s your favourite piece of music?
“Thriller by Michael Jackson – my favourite album and artist of all time!”

Q. I know you love writing – what is your favourite book?
“My favourite books are Richard Reed’s If I Could Tell You One Thing, Jo Malone’s autobiography and The Secret.”

Q. What’s your favourite food?
“It’d have to be something Italian; I love Italian, but I would only have it as a treat as normally I am very healthy!”

Q. What ambitions do you have for the future?
“To be happy and healthy. All I hope for is good health and happiness for all of my family. Work-wise, I have my first ever theatre tour What’s In My Head starting in March which is exciting as it will be intimate with my fans; I’ll discuss my own battles with anxiety and explain how I overcame it. Insecurities exist in us all of us and adversity is unavoidable but this is my chance to hopefully be able to help others learn how to manage it.”

Please visit www.katiepiperandyou.co.uk

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Flower Power

Liz Nicholls

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Hampshire

Liz Nicholls catches up with the nation’s favourite gardener Alan Titchmarsh who turns 67 this month and has written more than 50 books.

Q. What’s your favourite plant and why?
“I’m a huge fan of Cedrus libani – the cedar of Lebanon. I planted three in the land at the back of our house ten years ago and they are beginning to look lovely… though I’ll never see them at their glorious best. It gives me tremendous pleasure to think those who come after me will enjoy them.”

Q. Where did you love of gardening spring from?
“I was eight or nine and loved being outdoors. I found I could sow seeds and they would come up and it spurred me on. I built my own greenhouse when I was 10 or 11 from old bits of wood and polythene. It was my sanctuary, even then.”

Q. How well do you know Blenheim?
“I’ve always loved the grandeur and proportions of Blenheim and the way it sits so beautifully in the landscape. I’m a great fan of
Capability Brown and his work here is spectacular.”

Q. Do you get ‘mobbed’ by fans while you’re out?
“Not exactly mobbed – except at flower shows! People come up all the time – not always to ask advice. Sometimes just to say ‘hello’, which is really rather nice.”

Q. What do you love about where you live?
“I split my time between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight where we have a house by the sea. To be allowed to make two gardens – one coastal – has been a joy. I love the food at the Little Gloster restaurant in Gurnard, just outside Cowes. They do the best roast pork on a Sunday! I’m a Yorkshireman living away from home but have lots of friends in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight and my grandchildren live ten minutes away from us in Hampshire. Closeness to my family is the most important thing of all.”

Q. What is your favourite piece of music?
“The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams always moves me.”

Q. Do you enjoy writing? Any more books in the pipeline?
“I’ve written for a living since 1974 – first about gardening and subsequently about natural history and royalty. I wrote my first novel in 1998 and recently completed my tenth – Mr Gandy’s Grand Tour. I’ve loved writing since I left school, whether stories, newspaper columns or non-fiction. It’s just what I do. I have been commissioned for another two novels so I’ll have to get thinking. Heaven knows where the inspiration comes from, but I hope they are entertaining and thought-provoking.”

Q. What’s your favourite book?
“I would choose The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame – it’s a lovely story and the perfect evocation of the English countryside.”

Q. If you could grant one wish for Britain, what would it be?
“I hope we can keep our children and grandchildren connected with the natural world – screens seem to keep them away from it. I feel passionate about communicating the thrill of nature and growing things to the next generation. Without that understanding both they and the planet will suffer. Get them out there!”

Q. Is there any bit of gardening kit you treasure?
“I treasure my grandfather’s spade and I bless the day I bought pair of long-reach De Wiltfang secateurs that mean I can prune high branches without a ladder!”

Q. What advice would you give your younger self?
“Trust your instinct and remember you have as much right to be here as anybody else. Be open to opportunities that come from unexpected directions and prize generosity of spirit above all else.”

Q. Is there anything on your bucket list?
“I’d love to conduct an orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall!”

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