Herald - Issue 425

Page 62 • The HERALD • 23rd June 2022 v THE HERALD - INDEPENDENT AND PROUD OF IT v v ON THE HOME FRONT v Barking Mad Street Pawty in Totton Kicked off Platinum Jubilee Events Corgis, Collies and Chihuahuas kicked o the Royal celebrations with a barking mad Platinum Jubilee street pawty of their own to toast the Queen. e celebrating canines tucked into pup-cakes, doggy tea and a range of tasty training treats as they settled at tables and chairs for the street pawty in their own Barkingham Palace outside Healthy Pet Store in Totton. ere was even a pup- arazzi photographer to capture the antics of the party animals for their street party celebrations. ere were lots of waggy tails on display with a bit of barking and the guests enjoyed their treats and the chance to play with some new friends. Deborah Burrows from Healthy Pet Store brought in tables, armchairs, and Plans to o er tax breaks to pensioners looking to downsize their homes, have been welcomed by leading property group the National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB). e proposals could help to free up the market at a time where supply is fast becoming an issue. Mr Rolande’s comments come days a er the plans for a stamp duty cut were rst revealed. New proposals could also see buy-to- let landlords given incentives, such as lower capital gains tax, to sell their second homes to rst-time buyers. Rising numbers of young people are struggling to get their foot on the property ladder and prices are still rising. Yet, at the same time, almost four in ten properties are o cially ‘under- occupied’, meaning they have too many bedrooms for those living there, and could be more e ectively used by families with children. e new ideas follow Housing Secretary Michael Gove’s decision to ditch most of the Government’s changes to the planning system in England. ese would have forced councils to ensure a certain number of homes were built but sparked a backlash in the Tory shires. Last November a minister said he wanted to encourage elderly people ‘rattling around’ in houses too big for them to downsize. No stamp duty is paid on the rst £125,000 of a house’s value, 2% on the proportion up to £250,000, 5% on the amount up to £925,000, with higher rates therea er. e average price of a home in Britain is £367,501, a record high for the fourth month in a row as demand soars a er the pandemic, said website Rightmove. According to their data, the number of buyers contacting estate agents is 14% down on the stamp-duty holiday- fuelled market of this time last year, but is still up by 31% compared with the more ‘normal’ pre-pandemic market of 2019. e number of properties available to buy is 55% down on the levels seen in 2019, meaning that supply and demand look likely to remain out of kilter for at least the rest of the year. e number of sales agreed is up by 12% in the year to date compared to 2019 even with restricted choice, though is down 17% compared with the ‘exceptional’ market of the same period last year. A Stamp Duty Cut for Pensioners Could Help Boost the Property Market by National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB) Jubilee decorations to make it feel like a right royal celebration. e team also ran a charity tombola with all proceeds going to Cats Protection and Dogs Trust. . All the dogs even went home with their own pawty bag which included lots of snacks, treats and a KONG keyring. Deborah said: “We were delighted to host so many owners and their dogs to our first doggy-tea party, everyone had such a fun time and the pup-cakes and dog-friendly tea went down a treat. The Queen loves dogs and we’re sure she would love the idea of dogs celebrating with her by enjoying some tea and cake. We thought a dog tea-party was such a fitting way to celebrate.” For more information about Healthy Pet Store and its events, please visit: healthypetstore. co.uk Canine Jubilee Street Party in Totton Knowing Two British Eccentrics Are you over 55 and want to make the most of life once you’re no longer in full time work by exploring and sharing new ideas, skills and interests with your local U3A? Across the UK, U3A members are learning, staying active and having fun in later life. It’s local, social, friendly, low-cost and open to all. Totton U3A is now open to new members so why not join them . ey meet every second Wednesday of each month at 1.45pm in Lexby Hall, Lexby Road, Totton. eir next meeting is on Wednesday 13th July for a talk by Sue Howe titled ‘Knowing Two British Eccentrics (John Betjeman & Siegfried Farnon, James Herriot’s Partner)’. Various interest groupsmeet throughout the month to participate in learning and leisure activities and perhaps you can bring a new skill to share with others. For more information just contact: 07845 237053, or email: Michaela.page@ btinternet.com or just go along to their monthly meetings. Give it a try; you can be sure of a warm welcome! Friends of Lepe Summer Activities Friends of Lepe Members will hold their Annual General Meeting on 14th July in the Lookout at Lepe and will be followed by a Ploughman’s Supper featuring local Hampshire produce and their Summer Barbecue will be on 17th August . Later in the year a visit to RNLI Calshot is planned and a talk about the White Tailed Eagles released onto the Isle of Wight is scheduled for 8th December . e Friends volunteering activities continue throughout the year. Opportunities to assist the sta at Lepe include practical conservation tasks, gardening in the Sensory garden, wildlife recording (birds, bees, butterflies, reptiles and wild owers), helping with events, manning the park reception desk at the Lookout and litter picking. If any of these appeal to you, why not join the Friends and become involved with your local Country Park. For just £5 a year you will receive 4 newsletters per year to keep you updated and the opportunity to take part in walks, talks, visits and social events many of which are free to members. Please contact their membership secretary for more information via email: friendso epemembership@outlook.com WATERSIDE VETERANS COFFEE CLUB The newly established Waterside Veterans Co ee Club (WVCC) is held on the 3rd Saturday of every month from 10am at Fawley Royal British Legion, Exbury Road, Black eld, SO45 1XD, with their next meeting scheduled for Saturday 16th July . All veterans, serving personnel, their families and dependents are invited to attend and enjoy the usually good humour, refreshments and occasional visiting guests. If you would like further information on this great venture please do get in touch by calling Lucy on: 07979 673343 or emailing: wvcc@btinternet.com 023 8084 4131 • hythe@pearsons.com • 7-9 The Marsh, Hythe SO45 6AJ