Page 22 • The HERALD • 28th March 2024 v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v A.M.H. Handyman Services Internal & External Painting All aspects of DIY Work • Flat Pack Assembly Power Washing: Driveways, Patios, Paths & Decking Gutter, Fascia Boards & Window Cleaning (Bungalows only) Call or email Andy for a free estimate Tel: 07961 443623 handyandyharding@gmail.com Local and Reliable FREE ESTIMATES • 10 YEAR GUARANTEE HYTHE: office.atlaswindows@gmail.com FAX/PHONE 023 8084 0441 Unit 2, Hardley Ind Est, Southampton ESTABLISHED FOR 30 YEARS THE LOCAL WINDOW COMPANY WITH THE BIG REPUTATION SUPPLY & INSTALL • Windows • Porches • Conservatories in PVCu • Doors • Choice of Colours & Woodgrain Your Local Professional Electrician • Complete Rewires • Periodic Inspection Reports • Fault Finding & Repair • New Consumer Units • New Circuits • Central Heating Wiring • Extra Sockets/Lights • PAT Testing • No Job Too Small • Part P Registered • Fast & Efficient Service • Free Estimates Telephone Gary on 07788 865081 forestelectrical@gmail.com SOLENT SKIP HIRE LTD FOR ALL YOUR COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC WASTE MINI ~ MIDI ~ MAXI SKIPS ALSO CUBIC YARD BAGS OWN BAG COLLECTION AVAILABLE 023 8066 0123 01590 619700 • 01962 588288 Email: office@solentskiphire.co.uk Send your local news to The Editor, The Herald, 2 High Street, Hythe SO45 6AH or email: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk A CURIOUS CASE OF ARSON by Robin Somes, Fawley and Blackfield Memories Most people know the Falcon Hotel in Fawley, and the tale of its haunting by the landlord, Mr. Waterman – and there is a long story in that for next time. For now, let’s look at a curious case of arson. e Falcon Inn, as it was known then, was attached to a large area of farmland, and Mr Waterman, who started running the Inn around 1860, held the land as well. On ursday 7th July 1870, Luke Barns, or Barnes, aged 67, was in the tap room around 10pm, having taken a drink or two, when Mr Waterman ordered him out. Barnes started ghting, but was ejected. e Hampshire Advertiser reported: “Within a quarter of an hour afterwards, about half-past 10 o’clock, [Mr. Waterman’s] attention was called to a fire in his rickyard, which appeared to have been lighted only a short time. A dung cart subsequently caught fire from the burning rick, as well as a quantity of other wood and a stack of hay, which were all destroyed, as well as the straw rick which was first ignited. Henry Dumper, residing at Fawley, saw the fire from his door, and as he was going towards it, he met the prisoner coming along the road between Mr Waterman’s and the house in which prisoner slept, about 300 yards from the fire. Witness said to him ‘Where is that fire?’ Prisoner replied, ‘Where?’ to which he replied ‘Out there,’ and prisoner said ‘So there is’, and subsequently said he had not seen the fire before”. Being homeless, Barnes had been sleeping in an outhouse belonging to James Caton, who lived nearby. On getting home, Caton warned Barnes “Don’t go in there with any pipe or matches, because someone has set Mr Waterman’s straw rick on fire. No doubt someone went down there drunk, and laid down his pipe, and that is how it caught fire.” Barnes was apprehended by a constable the following day, and found to be carrying a pipe and tobacco, but no matches. At Hythe Magistrates, Barnes consistently denied involvement, saying he was overcome by drink, and knew nothing about it. He was committed to Winchester Assizes, promptly declared guilty, and sentenced to 7 years in prison. Was it simply his annoyance at being thrown out of the inn that led him to start the re? ere is one other circumstance that might be related; the previous landlord of the Inn was George Barnes, and an Eliza Barnes had worked as a servant for Mr Waterman. Perhaps there had been some long-standing family grievance at work, that night? A er his release, Barnes died in a workhouse in Colbury in 1880, and was buried nearby. The Falcon Inn, 1900’s Donkeys Back in Totton e annual Totton and Eling Donkey Derby returns to Eling Recreation Ground on Saturday 18th May. is year they are planning the biggest event yet with more activities and a larger site but keeping the same great donkey races. For over 25 years, the event has been organised for the community of Totton by one of two local Scout groups. is year, both groups are joining forces to bring this tradition to you. With donkey races, bounce zone, activities, games and stalls from amazing local sellers. around 2,000 people. Find out more by emailing: 5thtestwooddonkeyderby@gmail.com before they all ll up! It’s their biggest year yet, having a great day out and raising vital funds for two local Scout groups, delivering skills for life to young people in Totton from ages 4 to 18. ey still have spaces for local sellers to join the event. Plus there are still spaces for adverts and to sponsor a donkey in a race to get your business seen in the event programme that is given to every attendee – that’s New Table Top Sales will be taking place at Copythorne Parish Hall starting on Sunday 28th April, 9am to 12noon. With future sales booked in for Sunday 26th May, Sunday 30th June, Sunday 28th July and Sunday 25th August all 9am-12noon. Tables are £5 each, to book a table please call Joy on: 07766 732242. Buyers admission is 50p, the café will be open and there are toilets onsite. NEW EVENT! TABLE TOP SALES IN COPYTHORNE
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