Herald - Issue 409

Page 4 • The HERALD • 15th July 2021 v SEND ALL YOUR LOCAL NEWS TO THE HERALD v Acorn Building Contracts Ltd u Reliable, local builders offering affordable, quality workmanship u Our employees are fully qualified and fully insured u All aspects of building undertaken including extensions, structural alterations, roofing, ground works, kitchens, bathrooms, carpentry and plastering u Drawings arranged u Insurance work undertaken u Local Authority Approved Contractor For free quotations and friendly advice please call Office: 023 8024 3336 Mobile: 07786 656865 Email: acornbuilding@gmail.com or visit our website: www.acorn-builders.co.uk You will not be disappointed FLAT ROOFING SPECIALISTS All Roof Repairs Tel: 023 8184 5632 Mobile: 07880 508415 Email: steve@braithwaiteroo ng.co.uk THE FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST TRU-FLOW PLUMBING SERVICES For all your Domestic Plumbing, Tiling, Painting and Decorating Requirements • Fully Insured • Discounts for Senior Citizens Please Contact Andy Tel: 023 8087 0145 • Mobile: 07962 590089 Send your local news to The Editor, The Herald, 2 High Street, Hythe SO45 6AH or email editor@herald-publishing.co.uk MARINE PROJECTS MAKING A SPLASH IN THE SOLENT THIS SUMMER Secrets of the Solent will continue to highlight the fascinating marine life around our coast in new ways this summer through a variety of projects. e rst project to get underway is a vibrant artwork by street artist ATM. e striking piece, featuring a spider crab, will adorn a wall space at Hythe Pier, where it is hoped it will inspire visitors to learn more about the hidden wildlife roaming the waters beneath their feet. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, which commissioned the mural, held an online poll for the local community to choose their favourite marine species from six options, with the spider crab being the overwhelming winner. e painting is part of the Trust’s National Lottery Heritage Fund supported project, Secrets of the Solent, which is raising awareness of the important marine habitats and wildlife in the waters surrounding Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Artist ATM is well known for his striking, nature- inspired street art, which juxtaposes detailed acrylic portraits of wildlife with the urban and suburban areas in which they are painted. is is ATM’s second painting for the Trust, with the former – his rst-ever marine portrait – being a huge cuttle sh mural outside Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery. Artist ATM said: “I wanted to paint a spider crab as it fits so well into the wall space at the pier. The subject in fact proved to be very difficult, with its eight legs and two claws, each with their complex and subtly articulated joints. It’s so fascinating painting murals for Secrets of the Solent; as well as being privileged to paint such beautiful creatures I always learn something new about each one.” Alan Titheridge of the Hythe Pier Heritage Association commented: “Hythe Pier Heritage Association is honoured to be hosting the first of the murals of this exciting project on Hythe Pier. We are looking forward to visitors coming along to view our spider crab and hope it will promote a greater understanding of the need to preserve our local marine environment.” e busy summer continues with the launch of two new Seabins in the Solent. ese devices collect marine litter, protecting wildlife from dangerous plastic pollution. e team installed the rst Seabin in May at East Cowes Marina on the Isle of Wight and plan to install the second device in early August at Lymington Harbour. Secrets of the Solent Communications O cer, Siân Addison, commented: “The Solent is home to a surprising array of fascinating species and important habitats which greatly need our protection. We have a busy and exciting summer ahead with many new activities lined up which we hope will inspire people to learn more about the amazing underwater world on our doorstep.” Artist ATM painting the Spider Crab on Hythe Pier. (Photography by Michael Moroney)