v THE HERALD, 2 HIGH STREET, HYTHE, SO45 6AH v No 471 • FREE Every 3 Weeks • 13th March-3rd April 2025 Est: 1994 The Your Community Magazine Call for a FREE Quotation 023 8078 3031 www.gasworks.co.uk Visit our showroom at 299 Shirley Road, Shirley, Southampton SO15 3HU Hythe, Waterside & New Forest: 023 8084 0257 Boiler Installation Services & Repairs 0% Finance Available Accredited Installer To book a complimentary Consultation Appointment call 023 8066 8886 www.dentureconfidence.co.uk Steve Martin D.D. (Hons), Dip CDT RCS (Eng) Denturist, Clinical Dental Technician GDC number: 140520 THE COMPLETE DENTURE CENTRE Helping you rediscover your smile • Dentures that look like natural teeth • Denture repairs with On-site laboratory • Expert denture advice • Referral processes for ALL your dental needs • Relaxed atmosphere for anxious patients BEFORE AFTER Established 2004 ANXIETY - PANIC ATTACK? Stay Calm, in Control & Relaxed. Break Free from a Fear or Habit. Regain Confidence & Happiness. Fast & Effective, Lasting Results. Call 07786 376980 E: alan@alanjoneshypnotherapy.com 7 & 9 The Marsh, Hythe SO45 6AJ • 023 8084 4131 • hythe@pearsons.com • Reliable and Efficient Service • Serving Trade, Domestic and Commercial Customers • Three sizes of bags available GRAB BAGS - A CHEAPER FLEXIBLE ALTERNATIVE TO A SKIP Tel: 023 8081 1757 • www.abbeygrabbag.co.uk • Call us for Prompt Delivery of a Bag • Fill Like a Normal Skip • Call again for a swift collection. • We can also collect your own grab bags 15 Marsh Parade, Hythe 023 8084 4741 FRAME SHOP HYTHE PICTURE FRAMING Foxlease Park Open For Bookings! Following the success of Foxie’s Future CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organistion) in purchasing Foxlease Park in Lyndhurst and the dedication of an army of volunteers the site is now open for bookings. e charity raised over £4 million to buy the site, which included a signi cant grant of £1.78 million from Round 3 of the Government’s Community Ownership fund. Foxie’s Future CIO are so grateful to everyone in the local area who have supported them. Foxlease Park is now open for bookings for camping, residential events and day use of the site for youth uniformed groups, clubs and societies as well as adult groups. ey look forward to welcoming you on site! ey will also be running fundraising and social events as well as cra and special interest workshops. Foxlease Park is particularly looking forward to hosting an immersive Alice in Wonderland theatre experience on 19th and 20th April. Visit: foxiesfuture.co.uk for details of all upcoming events. If you would like to support Foxie’s Future CIO by booking a visit, volunteering on site or by making a donation please follow the links on their website: foxiesfuture.co.uk. If you would like to follow the progress to reopening they are chronicling the rst 100 days of ownership at: foxiesfuture.co.uk/blog View of the main house at Foxlease Park
Page 2 • The HERALD • 13th March 2025 v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v PICK UP YOUR COPY FROM HYTHE • Admin No 1 • Age Concern • BeBe’s Café • Bells Furnishing • Beyond the Fringe • The Boathouse • BH Marine • Boots • Cards for all Occasions • CGM Solicitors • Chip N Tails • Citrine Estates • Cornerstone • Crew Barbers • Dancewise Studios • Direct Carpets • Ebenezer’s • Eden Health & Beauty • The Frame Shop • Fred.Olsen Travel Agents • Freedom Boat Club • Fully Woolly • Havencourt • Headquarters • Herald Publishing • Hythe Chiropractic Centre • Hythe & District Social Club • Hythe Community Centre • Hythe & Dibden Parish Council • Hythe Ferry Office • Hythe Hospital • Hythe Kebab Centre • Hythe Library • Hythe Photographic & Electrical • Hythe PO • Hythe & Waterside Lettings • Jane Bidwell Flowers • J R Hardware • KJ’s Mobility • Luis Liu • LW Repairs • The Malt • The Maples • Marchwood Motorways • Master Spares • McColls • Meraki Beauty Salon • Millie’s Tea Rooms • MM Sales & Lettings • Mockingjay • Modern Chinese Takeaway • Oxfam Bookshop • Oyster Financial • C A Parfitt & Son • Paul Jeffreys • Pearsons • Pebbles • Philpotts • Rocco’s • Room 13 • Seadown Vets • Seashells • Shell Garage • St John’s Hall • Tenovus • Toys Ahoy • The Travellers Rest • Visual Cuts • Waitrose • Warings • Waterfront & Solent Surgery • Waterside Furnishings • Waterside Health Centre • Waterside Physiotherapy & Osteopathy Clinic • Waterside Tours DIBDEN PURLIEU & BUTTS ASH • Age UK • Arrosto Di Caffé • Badgers Holt • Benjamin Wells • Coppice Gate • Forestside Dental • Forestside Health Centre • The Glen • The Heath Hotel • Joyners • Netley View Post Office • NuiBu Outdoors • Sam Long Fruit & Veg • Shawfix • St Andrew’s Church • St Anne’s Community Centre • Tails 2 Fish & Chips • WH Smith Local (Dibden Purlieu Newsagents) DIBDEN & MARCHWOOD • All Saints Church • Applemore College • Berkeley Parks Church Farm • Clayfields Post Office • Horrill Centre • Premier Express • Pococks • The Podium • The Roebuck • Tesco Petrol Station • Waters Edge • Welcome • White Horse BLACKFIELD & LANGLEY • Age Concern • Blackfield Baker • Blackfield Garage Services • Blackfield Newsagents • Compuco • Fawley Royal British Legion • G J’s Plaice • Gang Warily • Harts & Mortons Hair & Beauty • Langley Tavern • Lepe Beach Café • New Forest Bistro • Priest Croft • Tesco • Wendys Café • Zoutorias FAWLEY & ASHLETT • All Saints Church • B’s Garage • Calshot Activities Centre • Charisma • Charles Ley Court • The Falcon • Fawley Garage • Jolly Sailor • Jubilee Hall • Premier Fawley Express/PO • Sundial Cottage Rest Home • Yew Tree Workshop HOLBURY • Boots • Computaplace • Expert Domestics • Eyre & Elliston • Forest Home • HairWorks • Holbury Dry Cleaners • Holbury Fish Bar • Holbury Pets • Holbury Service Station • Holbury Tool Hire • Jasper Vincent Soiicitors • ML Convenience Store • Old Mill Inn • PC Buildings Supplies • Travis Perkins • Vibrant Forest Brewery • Walbank Opticians • Waterside Carpets BEAULIEU, BROCKENHURST, EAST BOLDRE, EXBURY & PILLEY • Belle & Blossom • BH Marine • Chapel Store, East Boldre • Drift Inn • Exbury Club • Exbury Gardens Shop • Fairweathers Garden Centre • Pilley Stores • The Royal Oak • Turfcutters Arms, East Boldre TOTTON • AFC Totton • Age Concern • Arrosto Di Caffé • Best One • Calmore Community Centre • Calmore Service Station • Castle Investments • Complete Bathrooms • Debra • Eling Heritage Centre Café • Footner & Ewing • Forest Gate Surgery • Goodies • Graysons Hairdressers • Hairtalk • Hairway Barbers • Hanger Farm • HCC • Images Hairdressers • Jalfrezy • King Rufus • Masons • Maydays • McColls • More Than Hair • The Old Farmhouse • Salmon Leap • Sunnyfields • Sweet Thoughts • Tesco Express • Testwood Arms • Three Score Club • Totton Civic Centre • Totton Community Centre • Totton & Eling Bowls Centre • Totton & Eling Tennis Centre • Totton Library • Water Lane Post Office • West Totton Centre • West Totton Launderette ASHURST, CADNAM, COPYTHORNE, LYNDHURST & NETLEY MARSH ASHURST: Forest Inn • Happy Cheese • Longdown Farm Shop • New Forest Inn, Ashurst • Welcome CADNAM/ COPYTHORNE: • Coach & Horses • Co-op • The Empress of Blandings • Le Chateau • White Hart Inn • Woodington Feeds LYNDHURST: Fox & Hounds • Fenwick2 • The Greenwood Tree • Lyndhurst Community Centre • The Lyndhurst Tea House • Lyndhurst Working Mens Club • Mailmans Arms • Peggy May’s Coffee Shop • Waterloo Arms MINSTEAD: Trusty Servant NETLEY MARSH: • Discount Warehouse ROMSEY AREA • Age Concern • Carlo’s Tea Rooms • Co-op, Halterworth • Crosfield Hall • Gilberts Nursery • Home Hardware • Luzborough Inn • Nisa • North Baddesley Community Library • The Phoenix • Ray Meader & Son • Romsey Library • Seafare Two • Teacups Café • The Duke on the Test • Wellow Village Stores SURROUNDING AREA BRAMSHAW/BROOK: The Bell • Bramshaw Village Stores • The Green Dragon • Sir Walter Tyrrell NURSLING: • The Four Horseshoes OWER: • Mortimer Arms Hotel CALL 023 8084 5700 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A PICK UP POINT Advertising: 023 8084 0815 Editorial: 023 8084 5700 E: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk W: www.herald-publishing.co.uk Distributed FREE across the area and also available online Brockenhurst
v CALL US: 023 8084 5700 v 13th March 2025 • The HERALD • Page 3 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY Prints and Paintings for sale by local artists Mirrors made to order THE FRAME SHOP, 15 MARSH PARADE, PYLEWELL ROAD, HYTHE SO45 6AN PICTURE FRAMING 023 8084 4741 Est: 1987 • Fascia and Guttering • Loft Insulation and Boarding • Conservatory Repairs • Glazing • General Maintenance • Conservatory Roof Insulation • Windows and Doors Free Quotation or Advice 0800 014 1404 Becky 07860 844401 Andy 07516 723151 sales@srwservices.co.uk • ROOFS • PATIOS • GUTTERS • CONSERVATORIES • WINDOWS ✦ Fully Insured ✦ 07960 915741 info@mossbossuk.com www.mossbossuk.com Over £9K Raised for Local Good Causes by the Waterside Christmas Fire Engine Christmas may seem a distant memory now we are approaching spring, but the Treasurer of the Waterside Christmas Fire Engine has been busy counting up all the donations made during the 2024 rounds and events, and coordinating the payments to the chosen nominated local good causes. Waterside Christmas Fire Engine ank you to everyone who made donations and volunteered to help with the 2024 rounds. Keep your eyes peeled later in the year when the Committee will ask for suggestions for recipients of the 2025 collection. anks to the generosity of the wonderful Waterside Community the 2024 festive collections raised an incredible £9,496.38! The following local charities and organisations were chosen by the Waterside Christmas Fire Engine Committee from those nominated to receive a portion of the collection: • Age Concern New Forest • Black eld & Langley Youth and Pan • Dementia Care Hub • Families Matter • Fawley Youth Life • Hythe Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club • Hythe Pier Garden • Hythe Pier Heritage Association • Hythe Sea Scouts • Little Haven Care Home • Noadswood School • Flexible Learning Provision • Oakhaven Hospice • Orchard Pre School • Prazin’ Hands Puppet Group • Solent Rescue • e Honeypot Children’s Charity • Waste Not Want Not • Waterside Foodbank Hythe Fire Station Breakfast Catch Up Hythe Fire Station Breakfast Catch Up is a monthly event for former and serving Hythe Fire Station members to enjoy the social interaction and a catch up over a co ee and a breakfast. e Hythe Fire Station Breakfast Catch Up meets up monthly on alternate rst ursday’s and rst Saturdays of each month at Seashell’s Restaurant & Bar in Hythe at 10am. e dates for the next Hythe Fire Station Breakfast Catch Ups are: Saturday 5th April, Thursday 1st May, Saturday 7th June, Thursday 3rd July and Saturday 2nd August. For more details please contact Phil Gittings on: 07850 267616 or nd additional details and monthly reminders on the Hythe Fire Station (Hampshire) Facebook page. CAKE & CRAFT FAYRE Totton Sun owers WI invite you to join them at their Cake & Cra Fayre on Saturday 5th April at the ree Score Club in Totton (next to the Library carpark) between 10am and 3pm. Entry is free. ere will be a pop-up café with fabulous homemade cakes and many local cra ers selling their unique products. A great opportunity to shop for gi s or simply treat yourself!
Page 4 • The HERALD • 13th March 2025 v SEND ALL YOUR LOCAL NEWS TO THE HERALD v • Fascias • Soffits • Guttering • Cladding • Repairs • EPDM Rubber Roofs • Flat Roofing • Moss Removal • Exterior Painting 15% OAP Discount • All Maintenance Work Call 07776 476913 gcgutteringandflatroofing@gmail.com 20 year Guarantee G C GUTTERING & FLAT ROOFING The Difference is Clear Local family run company offering • TV & Radio aerials installed, serviced • Digital Reception Specialists • Sky Digital & BBC Digital Problems • Foreign Satellite Channel Specialists • Satellites & Video Distribution • Telephone Extension Points APPROVED MEMBER OF THE CAI NO CALL OUT CHARGE 023 8086 8074/07855 793675 Waterside based Locksmith with over 40 years’ experience within the window and door industry. YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT TRUSTED LOCKSMITH CORGI REGISTERED, NCFE AND CITY & GUILDS QUALIFIED WITH OVER 400 GENUINE LOCAL REVIEWS • NO CALLOUT FEE OR VAT CHARGED • FREE ON-SITE QUOTE/ADVICE • FREE 12 MONTH WARRANTY • HIGH SPEC PARTS FITTED, 1ST CLASS SERVICE & THE LOWEST PRICES TO MATCH! Book us through Checkatrade and get a free £1,000 guarantee If you need a lock think KeyLock Locksmiths • Lost keys • Locked out - Non-destructive entry • Onsite Key Cutting Service • Moving home - New locks & keys required • Door lock adjustments with repair and replacements for all multipoint locking systems • Door realignments/servicing • Hinge repair/adjustments • Broken/misted double glazing units replaced CALL 023 8089 9989 OR 07771 994536 24HRS TO SPEAK TO A LOCAL FULLY QUALIFIED LOCKSMITH Wet clean or Dry clean • Carpets • Rugs • Upholstery • Cushions • Mattresses • Caravans & Motor Homes Contact Chris for a free estimate and advice. We have full liability insurance 023 8104 0185 07770 792361 clean-u-up@hotmail.com We provide one of the best professional Carpet & Fabric cleaning Systems Herald Readers Donating Unwanted Currency Raises Over £2K for HPHA Hythe Pier Heritage Association (HPHA) would like to say a big thank you to everyone that donated their old or foreign currency in 2024 via the donation bucket in e Herald. Donations of unwanted old money or le over foreign currency from trips abroad raised an amazing £2,349.14 last year alone. e bucket is quite o en over owing before HPHA e money donated gets packaged up and sent o to cash for coins to be sorted and exchanged for £ sterling. Anthony Smith, Chair of HPHA comments: “We are extremely grateful to The Herald for their long-term support of HPHA and their ongoing encouragement of the local community to contribute through donations of foreign currency. Thank you to everyone that has made a donation.” If you have returned from a winter get away and have foreign currency le over or perhaps come across some old currency when you are having a spring clean please consider dropping it into the donation bucket in e Herald o ce, it’s amazing how a bit of loose change can soon add up! Treasurer Tina Brown has a chance to come and collect it, sometimes requiring a few trips back and forth due to the weight of the donations. Anthony Smith, Chair of HPHA, with The Herald team Lions Helping Local Young Carers Romsey & Waterside Lions have presented a cheque for £500 to Romsey Young Carers (RYC) following the RYC’s appeal for help as they nd themselves under severe nancial pressures. ey have struggled to obtain new grants in recent times for various reasons which would help them in the long term. But as they are currently helping around 170 young carers, they are also in need of some immediate help. e group covers not only Romsey but also North Baddesley, Rownhams, Nursling and the villages and rural areas surrounding Romsey. Lion President Andrew Trowbridge presenting a £500 cheque to Charlotte Anthony, Romsey Young Carers (RYC) and ZoeGabriella Olakanpo one of the Charity’s helpers MURDEROUS COMIC MAYHEM IN COPYTHORNE! Copythorne Amateur Theatrical Society’s next show is ‘Sleighed to Death’ by Peter Gordon. Set in 1930s England, bumbling aristocrat Sir Walton Gates and his wife Grace are preparing for Christmas. His daughter from a previous marriage arrives with her new beau, dashing James Washington. At the same time, Sir Walton’s estranged brother Archie turns up out of the blue a er years spent in Australia. Enter England’s most incompetent police officer, Sergeant Pratt, to cause mayhem and hilarity with his failed magic tricks and mangling of the English language. Will there be a murder and, if so, will the hapless Pratt be able to solve it? Go along and nd out at Copythorne Parish Hall on Saturday 22nd March at 7.30pm and Saturday 29th March at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 for adults, £5 for under 16s and a family ticket is £22 for 2 adults and 2 under 16s. Tickets are on sale at Bartley Post O ce or via the box o ce on: 07759 232134.
v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v 13th March 2025 • The HERALD • Page 5 DECORATOR INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING General Small Maintenance Works Reliable, Prompt with a High Standard of Work Fully Insured • Free Estimates NICK CROUCHER 07395 042193 MPL Roofing & Guttering Services • Fascias, Guttering, Soffits, Cladding and much more PVCu work • All roof repairs, gutters, flat roofs, chimney repairs • Moss removal 15% Discount for OAP’s Established 30 years 07742 436650 023 8087 9135 mplroofing@hotmail.com Two More Pass Outs For Calshot RNLI Calshot RNLI recently celebrated the successful pass out of two of its volunteer crew members, Ant Hole and Kyle Robbertze on the stations Atlantic 85 B Class Lifeboat. Kyle successfully passed out as Tier 1 B Class Crew Calshot RNLI volunteer crew members Ant Hole and Kyle Robbertze (Credit:RNLI/Mike Atwell) having reached the required standards in anchoring, veering, towing, mooring and berthing, locate and assist techniques, VHF radio operation as well as demonstrating a strong level of local knowledge. Ant, who is already a Helm for Calshot’s D Class Lifeboat, successfully passed out as Tier 2 B Class Crew, having previously achieved Tier 1 status. Tier 2 requirements include risk assessment, watchkeeping, hydrology and hull types, helming, helicopter operations and navigation introductions. Commenting on the achievement, Calshot RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Mike Atwell said: “The RNLI Operational Competence Framework is designed to ensure that volunteer crew members across the 238 stations across the UK and Ireland are trained to the same rigorous standards. It is a testament to the hard work that Ant and Kyle have both put in, comprising hundreds of hours of online and practical training as well as operating on service when paged. The commitment and dedication of our volunteers ensures that we can continue to deliver life saving services across our patch.” Kyle’s next step will be to work towards Tier 2 and Ant will be progressing with his B Class Navigator training before eventually moving to the B Class Command component. WATERSIDE VETERANS COFFEE CLUB e Waterside Veterans Co ee Club 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 15th March. 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 Spring Craft Fair A Spring Cra Fair is taking place on Saturday 15th March, 10am–2pm, at Totton and Eling Community Centre. An opportunity to buy some unique Mother’s Day and Easter gi s, whilst supporting local cra ers. Penny’s Tasty Treats will be there plus tea and co ee. Entry is free and free parking is available in the Memorial Car Park.
Page 6 • The HERALD • 13th March 2025 v PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 30 YEARS v Waterside Furnishings & Re-Upholstery 023 8020 7895 16 Marsh Parade, Hythe (Opposite Hythe Club) Est 2006 REPAIRS ANTIQUE, MODERN & MARINE REFURBISHED FURNITURE FOR SALE RE-UPHOLSTERY EXPERT DOMESTICS APPLIANCE SERVICES Sales and Repairs to All Makes and Models 169-171 LONG LANE, HOLBURY • TEL (023) 8089 0054 POSSIBLY THE ONLY INDEPENDENT MAIN DEALER IN THE NEW FOREST For Bosch, Belling, Britannia, Candy, Ebac, Hotpoint, Hoover, Indesit, Ice King, LG, LEC, Liebherr, Miele, Neff, Sebo, Siemens, Stoves, Whirlpool, Zanussi and more... Free Standing & Built In Sales Centre Over 300 appliances in stock www.expertdomestics.co.uk ALL ASPECTS OF ELECTRICAL WORK UNDERTAKEN • Full Rewires • New Circuits • Consumer Unit Replacements • Electric Vehicle Charging Points • Landlord Certification • Smart Homes • Central Heating Controls 023 8089 0932 or 07534 343631 www.alnelectrical.co.uk info@alnelectrical.co.uk Send your local news to The Editor, The Herald, 2 High Street, Hythe SO45 6AH The Waterside Gateway Club Thank the Totton & Eling Bowls Club for Supporting Them e Waterside Gateway Club is very grateful to have received a donation from the Totton and Eling Bowls Club. Steven Brice, the President of the bowls club, recently presented Nigel Cooper, Chairman of the Waterside Gateway Club, with a cheque for £1,693. Steven had nominated the Waterside Gateway Club as the President’s Charity for 2024. Events at the club and members donations raised this fantastic amount and will fund an outing for the Gateway Club later this year. e club wants to say a big thank you to Totton and Eling Bowls Club for their generous donation; they are looking forward to visiting the bowls club for a fun a ernoon. Cheque presentation to Waterside Gateway Club Experience the Rhythms of the World: Touki Live in Fawley! As part of the ongoing Waterside Arts Presents programme, acclaimed world musicians Amadou Diagne and Cory Seznec, performing as Touki, are set to bring their vibrant sounds to your doorstep in Fawley on Saturday 29th March, 7.30pm at Jubilee Hall. is tour follows the release of their latest album, “Plastic Man,” and promises a multiinstrumental tour-de-force with powerful beats, driving grooves, and silky vocals. Amadou Diagne, a West African multiinstrumentalist and composer, is a member of L’Orchestra National du Senegal and has performed with top West African stars. Since moving to England, he has developed his own musical identity, releasing acclaimed solo albums featuring the kora, guitar, and percussion. Cory Seznec, in uenced by blues and ragtime, discovered ngerstyle guitar and clawhammer banjo in the US. Now based in Paris, his style has evolved through travels and encounters in Ethiopia and Kenya, blending syncopated, polyrhythmic, and cross-pollinated sounds. Touki’s music infuses East and West African styles with Appalachian banjo, folk motifs, and orchestral arrangements. For this tour, Amadou and Cory are joined by accordion virtuoso Michael Ward-Bergeman. Recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, their latest album, “Plastic Man,” addresses climate change, environmental activism, and spirituality. Join them for an evening of thought-provoking and captivating music. Tickets and further information are available from: www.watersidearts. org.uk or call: 07743 028469. ere may be tickets on the door but they advise booking in advance to avoid disappointment as the last 3 events were sold out. Touki
13th March 2025 • The HERALD • Page 7 Rehau Smarts
Page 8 • The HERALD • 13th March 2025 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v Services: Oak Framing, Summer Houses, Porches, Car Ports Call us today for a Free No Obligation Quote 023 8198 0182 Opening Hours Monday-Friday 9.30am to 4pm Hello@newforestoak.co.uk www.newforestoak.co.uk Decking, Pitched Roofs, Sleeper Walls, Garages, Fencing, Furniture, Gates, Mantels, Stables and more…… PVCu FASCIAS & GUTTERING CLEANING SERVICE Gutters checked for leaks and repaired Also new installations Driveway, Patio and Decking Cleaning and Restoration Service Very reliable and fully insured Good Rates and Professional Service Special Rates for OAP’s Call us now for a free quote Holbury 07884 112416 or 07368 661548 ACT YOUR AGE Waterside Arts is working in partnership with Forest Forge to bring Act Your Age, the active drama group for ages 55+ to the Waterside. Sessions started on 3rd March and run Mondays, 1.30pm – 3pm, at St Andrews Centre in Dibden Purlieu, SO45 4PT. £5 per session, payable on the door. Act Your Age is a lively adult drama group for ages 55+, in which drama games and theatre skills are used to explore theatre making and devising. But this is not your usual amateur dramatic group! Using Forest Forge’s ensemble theatre ethos to explore storytelling, movement, character and improvisation in a safe and supportive environment that is full of laughter. Sessions last an hour and a half, and are always followed up with a cuppa and a chat. “The best of drama groups! Learn, make new friends, laugh a great deal and you will wonder why it has taken you so long to join. I have been a member for ten years and the class is a highlight of my week! Don’t worry you don’t need to know how to act. It is like a playgroup for adults!” Ringwood Act Your Age Participant. To go along for a free taster session please email: lucy@ forestforgetheatre.co.uk Act your age THANK YOU FROM PRAIZIN’ HANDS PUPPET GROUP A BIG thank you to the Waterside Christmas Fire Engine for their donation to Praizin’ Hands Puppet Group of £400. e money will be used to develop puppet presentations, which support schools, with PSHE topics, helping children to make sensible choices in their lives. The volunteers of the Waterside Christmas Fire Engine work very hard over the weeks leading up to Christmas to bring joy to so many families. Thank you to all those who have made donations to support a number of charities and groups on the Waterside. Ceilidh with Fiddle Paradiddle Swing your partner, round you go! Go along and do just that at a fun evening of folk dancing at a fantastic Ceilidh on Saturday 15th March at Cornerstone Church in Hythe. Fiddle Paradiddle is a professional ceilidh and barn dance collective that has performed at over 300 events across the UK and Europe since 2012. eir high energy playing, clear and informal calling style, and traditional tunes with a modern twist have made them a rst choice for hundreds of events up and down the country. With Fiddle Paradiddle there’ll be a threepiece band made up of ddler, guitarist and drummer. e musicians double up as callers and bring the dance oor to life as they explain and demonstrate the dances to you before getting started with the music. e evening is from 7pm-9.30pm (doors open 6.45pm). Take your own drinks and nibbles, though cold drinks, tea and co ee will be available. Tickets at £10 (£5 under 18) are available from Cornerstone Church O ce, New Road, Hythe, (023 8084 5005) and e Herald o ce in Hythe.
13th March 2025 • The HERALD • Page 9
Page 10 • The HERALD • 13th March 2025 v F @heraldpublishing v The Square, Fawley, Southampton SO45 1DD T: 023 8112 3112 E: office@zebra-ltd.co.uk All Plumbing Works Undertaken Full Bathroom Installation Toilet Fix from £75 Fully Insured Free Quotes No Job Too Big or Too Small PLUMBING & BATHROOMS Mario The Wheel Builder & Mechanic • New Hand Built Bicycle Wheels • Spoke Repairs • Wheel Trueing • Shimano, Mavic, DT Swiss, Campagnolo • Fully Insured Bicycle Mechanic E: mariotinge@hotmail.co.uk M: 07768 957901 www.mariothewheelbuilder.co.uk WILLIS DECORATING & JOINERY SERVICES Est Since 1986 Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating Wallpaper Hanging Hand-painted Kitchens & Spray Finishes Wardrobes, Bookcases, Radiator Covers Call David on 023 8084 9800 or 07946 048261 E: david.willis24@btinternet.com A&D Morrison Builders Ltd FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS • Extensions • Renovations • Alterations • Groundworks • Roo ng • Drives & Patios 07768 599704 or 023 8194 8673 adlmorrison@sky.com Free Estimates • Fully Insured • Based in Dibden Purlieu • Cedral cladding HANNAH’S ELECTRICS Your Local Female Electrician NEED AN ELECTRICIAN? From simple upgrades to complete house re-wiring - and everything in-between, Hannah’s Electrics is the perfect choice. A trusted tradeswoman with sensible rates covering Southampton, New Forest & Waterside areas CONTACT HANNAH 07585 778136 W: www.hannahs-electrics.co.uk • E: hannahelectrics@gmail.com Like us on Facebook Young Mechanics Presented Award Certificates for Classic Car Restoration Lord Montagu of Beaulieu has presented award certi cates at the National Motor Museum to students who successfully participated in the Mechanix course and restored a classic Hillman Super Minx personally donated by National Motor Museum’s Chief Executive, Jon Murden. Jon Murden says, “About a year ago I donated a Hillman Super Minx mk3 I had rescued from a farm in Worcestershire to a local youth group who run an annual course for young people to learn about cars. I had acquired the car with the intention of restoring it and had made gradual progress. However, following a personal set-back, I re-assessed what I could now reasonably do and decided that the project was beyond me. When I met the organisers of the “Mechanix” group I was so impressed with what they do for young people in Hythe, on the spur of the moment, I offered it to them with no prior car mechanic experience challenged to bring cars up to MOT level during evening courses. e students used manuals as their guide as they repaired the Hillman and a VW Beetle in a working garage in Dibden, learning essential car maintenance activities and carrying out practical MOT test procedures in the process. Local vocational centre Totton College guaranteed that all Mechanix students who passed the course could progress to an interview for Higher Level mechanics courses, providing them with an opportunity to develop their skills further and become professional mechanics. is Mechanix course was organised by St Andrew’s & All Saints’ Church in Dibden. Major local businesses including ExxonMobil, Draper Tools and Shaw x Autos played a pivotal role in supporting the course. Reuben Shaw from Shaw x Autos says, “This was the first-time students will have encountered tappets, or carburettors and the students had no diagnostic tools. We are really pleased that these students have stuck with the course and got their qualifications. Over the last months, they have gained several practical skills and learnt about teamwork. The personal development goals that they each achieved are a real credit to them. I’d like to thank the volunteers, parents and sponsors who have shown great support to these students.” Reverend Peter Toller of St Andrew’s Church, Dibden Purlieu says, “People often ask why a church is running a project involving cars. Whilst Mechanix is about spending time under the bonnet, it’s also about investing time in young people. We want to show young people they matter, that we see them, and we’re interested in their future flourishing. In this way, we’re following Jesus’ example. Our aim is for young people to grow in workplace skills and confidence to equip them for the future. Our prayer is that they know they matter.” e Hillman Super Minx is due to return to Beaulieu on short-term loan this summer before being taken to auction, with the proceeds going to fund future courses. as a gift in the hope that it would do some good in our community and inspire some new classic car enthusiasts. Twelve months on, I saw the car at the end of their project, and they have done an amazing job of restoring the car. I am so delighted the Hillman has gone on to a good home and has a new life. And I was utterly thrilled to have met the young people who worked so hard and learned so much restoring it.” The presentation of certi cates in the museum was followed by a tour of the collection given by the museum’s Learning team. Lord Montagu said: “Whilst we are a national museum, this course happens to be run on our doorstep, so I am especially pleased that we have been able to host the presentation once again. The course offers a great opportunity for students to learn the skills which will be needed in the years ahead when some of the cars of today are in need of repair and restoration.” Mechanix sees a group of young people aged 14-17 MechaniX certificate presentation by Lord Montagu accompanied by Jon Murden at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu (Credit: ©National Motor Museum/Adrian Pennells)
GUTTERS CLEANED AND REPAIRED • FASCIAS • SOFFITS • GUTTERING • ROOF CLEANING • CONSERVATORIES • ROOFS • GUTTER REPAIRS 07946 222820 info@hunterwgc.co.uk www.hunterwgc.co.uk 13th March 2025 • The HERALD • Page 11 v SHOP LOCALLY FOR SERVICE & VALUE v NEW FOREST PLUMBING AND MAINTENANCE 24/7 LTD *YOUR LOCAL 24 HOUR EMERGENCY CALL OUT PLUMBER* We provide a wide range of plumbing services, with an established reputation for quality, service and customer satisfaction. www.newforestplumbing247.com Contact us on 07912 092557 or 023 8194 0237 newforestplumbing@yahoo.com Make your dreams come true ‘Bringing people together’ Just Hampshire Introductions A Personal, Caring and Confidential service for people of all ages from 20yrs to 95yrs Gold, Silver or Bronze memberships. Choose your partner from photo-profiles in the comfort of your own home. No computerised matching or listings. One to ones, Social events and more. Call Mel today on 07712102150 Or visit our website www.justintroductionsgroup.co.uk HPHA Receive Donations from Local Groups and Business A donation of £600 was also received from the Waterside Christmas Fire Engine team. HPHA welcome any further donations via its website: www.hythepierha.org.uk Hythe Pier Heritage Association (HPHA) received a quartet of very welcome donations during January and early February. e Eyeworth Walk Christmas Lights Display committee donated 50% of the monies it raised from its spectacular festive lights display. Bob Kelly was on hand at Hythe Pier to accept a cheque for £1,250 on behalf of HPHA from Gavin Rogers and Crystle Kinch from Eyeworth Walk. A cheque for £1,489 was presented to HPHA Directors Anthony Smith and Jill Gower aboard the Hythe Pier train by the 2024 Ladies Captain Debbie Campbell on behalf of the Ladies Section of the Bramshott Hill Golf Club. Be-Be’s Café raised a sum of £620 from a curry night it held on behalf of HPHA. e donation was handed over by Be-Be’s manager Sarah Lynch and received by Anthony Smith and Jill Gower on behalf of HPHA. Bob Kelly of HPHA accepting cheque from Crystle Kinch and Gavin and Trevor Rogers of Eyeworth Walk Debbie Campbell presenting cheque to HPHA directors Jill Gower and Anthony Smith on behalf of Bramshott Hill Golf Club, Ladies Section Anthony Smith and Jill Gower accepting donation from Be-Be’s manager Sarah Lynch (right) and staff members Celia, Chloe and Nicole Jumble Sale in Bramshaw Go along to Bramshaw Village Hall on Saturday 15th March, from 2pm for a Jumble Sale. Entrance for adults is 50p (cash). Refreshments will be available. Donations will be received at the hall from 10am. REGRETTABLY NO ELECTRICAL, LARGE ITEMS OR SHARPLY POINTED KNIVES CAN BE ACCEPTED. MUSIC IN ROMSEY e next concert in Romsey Abbey takes place on Saturday 15th March at 7.30pm for Haydn’s Nelson Mass, performed by Hampshire County Youth Orchestra, who will be joined by the choir of Liebigschule Giessen (Winchester’s twin town). Saturday 29th March, 7pm, Romsey Choral Society will perform Handel’s Saul, a wonderfully colourful work that deserves to be as well-known as his ubiquitous Messiah. e story focuses on the rst king of Israel’s relationship with his eventual successor, David. It begins with David’s triumph over Goliath, but the relationship turns from admiration to envy and hatred, ultimately leading to the downfall of the eponymous monarch. e work has exciting and exotic choral and solo writing, featuring several instruments unusual for the time. Tickets available from: ticketsource.co.uk/ musicinromsey or from Oasis, Church Street (01794 512194).
Page 12 • The HERALD • 13th March 2025 v EMAIL YOUR NEWS: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk v FLAT ROOFING SPECIALISTS All Roof Repairs Tel: 023 8184 5632 Mobile: 07880 508415 Email: steve@braithwaiteroo ng.co.uk THE FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST DECORATING Interior and Exterior Established 1985 07867 528307 mark.blake.decorating@gmail.com • Re-Skimming • Rendering • Coving • Dry Lining • Tacking • Artex Covered • Floor Screeding www.tbrownplastering.co.uk Call: 07919 183989 Friendly • Reliable • Professional • Free Estimates Kitchen & Bathroom Showroom with free design service Tel: 023 8084 3787 Email: showroom@pcbuildingsupplies.co.uk Web: www.pcbuildingsupplies.co.uk Send your local news to The Editor, The Herald, 2 High Street, Hythe SO45 6AH INTRODUCING SEWING BUTTERFLY – A NEW SEWING CLUB IN HYTHE From Natalie Haigh We are delighted to introduce Sewing Butter y, a brandnew sewing club in the heart of Waterside, designed for anyone who loves to sew or wants to learn! Meeting every Wednesday afternoon from 1.45pm at Hythe Library and lasting for 3 hours. Our friendly and welcoming group provides a space for creativity, connection, and skill-sharing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, we’d love for you to join us. At Sewing Butter y, we provide materials, guidance, and a supportive environment where participants can work on their own projects and receive assistance from our on-hand sewing expert(s). e club costs just £5 per session, thanks to the generous funding from Culture in Common, which will support us until the end of March 2026. Spaces are limited to 10 per week, so we encourage those interested to book their place early online. You can reserve a place up to 21 days in advance. Find more details and secure your spot by visiting: bookwhen.com/ watersidecra club. Our rst session took place on Wednesday 13th February, and was a fantastic success, lled with creativity and camaraderie. is is primarily a social club where you bring your own sewing machine, fabrics, and project ideas. Our professional tutors will be on hand to provide guidance, help, and encouragement to enhance your sewing skills - no matter your starting level. You are welcome to attend as many sessions as you like. However, due to limited spaces, please ensure you book online in advance. If you are unable to attend a er booking, kindly cancel your place so someone else can take it. Refreshments are provided as part of the class. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements or need to borrow any equipment when booking your place. Our goal is to encourage and inspire sewers, no matter their experience level, and to foster a welcoming and supportive sewing community. Let’s get Waterside sewing! Come and be part of Sewing Butter y! Whether you want to develop new sewing skills, meet like-minded people, or simply enjoy a creative a ernoon, we look forward to welcoming you. For more information or to book your place, visit our social page: www.facebook.com/sewingbutter y/ or the booking page: bookwhen.com/watersidecra club. is Club is run by the same team that runs Waterside Cra Club. www.watersidecra club.co.uk Enjoying the first Sewing Butterfly session
13th March 2025 • The HERALD • Page 13 WILTON ROYAL BALMORAL 40oz Normally £24.99m2 .........NOW £14.99m2 WILTON ROYAL CHARTER 40oz Normally £31.99m2 .........NOW £14.99m2 WILTON ROYAL WINDSOR 100% WOOL Normally £21.99m2 .........NOW £19.99m2 STAIN FREE WILTON Normally £37.99m2 .........NOW £29.99m2
Page 14 • The HERALD • 13th March 2025 v READ THE HERALD ONLINE: www.herald-publishing.co.uk v M. C. HALL LTD 4 Carpentry 4 Fencing 4 Decoration 4 Extensions 4 Kitchens 4 Loft Conversions 4 Bathrooms 4 New Build First Rate Building & Carpentry Work Start to Finish Service • References Available • Fully Insured • 1 year guarantee Free Quotations and Friendly Advice Given Contact: mchall126@btinternet.com or call 023 8089 8456 or 07976 937941 Website: www.mchallltd.co.uk 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 To advertise your business in The Herald, contact Sue on 023 8084 0815 or email: sjones@herald-publishing.co.uk Dee Cee Upholstery Re-upholster 100 Chairs in 10 Days at La Pergola Dee Cee Upholstery in Portswood and La Pergola in Lyndhurst share a common goal – ensuring their customers can sit in comfort. As one of the largest Italian restaurants in the UK, La Pergola takes pride in o ering exceptional cuisine in an inviting, traditional setting. Running a restaurant of this scale and calibre is no small task, but La Pergola manages to combine high standards with a warm, intimate atmosphere. So, when the restaurant needed to re-upholster 100 chairs in just 10 days, they turned to Dee Cee Upholstery for their expertise. Never ones to shy away from a challenge, the Dee Cee team got straight to work, replacing the foam and recovering each chair in La Pergola’s signature sumptuous green fabric. Despite the tight deadline, quality remained paramount. “We love a challenge, and we love working with Customers will be sitting comfortably on newly reupholstered chairs upholstered chairs and are welcoming customers back after our short break. Derek and the team at Dee Cee were highly organised and professional, fully understanding the need for top-quality workmanship while also ensuring we could reopen as quickly as possible. We’d like to express our sincere thanks to Dee Cee Upholstery for a job exceptionally well done, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to both businesses and private customers alike.” Dee Cee provides local people and businesses with fantastic quality new and renovated upholstered furniture, including sofas, armchairs, and rise and recline mobility chairs. ey also stock a range of DIY supplies and foam. To visit Dee Cee’s store, please call in advance to schedule an appointment and enjoy a personalised service. Derek Caplen (F.A.M.U. & S.F.) Fellow of e Association Of Master Upholsterers & So Furnishers, call: 023 8055 5888 – 24-Hour Answer Phone. fantastic local businesses”, said Derek Caplen of Dee Cee. “La Pergola prides itself on quality and excellent service, so we ensured every chair was upholstered with meticulous care and attention. While time was against us, we saw this more as a marathon than a sprint – much like when we re-upholstered 500 seats at the Mayflower Theatre back in 2007.” Ruth, Partner in La Pergola, was delighted with the results: “We’re thrilled with our newly Charity Concert for Hampshire Ambulance New Forest Brass Band are performing at a charity concert in aid of Hampshire Ambulance, on Saturday 12th April at 7.30pm at St John’s Church in Hythe. e concert has been organised by a local lady from Dibden Purlieu, who was keen to raise money for Hampshire Ambulance. Tickets are £10 and available in advance from e Herald o ce in Hythe and the Post O ce in Dibden Purlieu, as well as on the door on the night. Refreshments will be provided by St John’s Church during the interval with money raised from the refreshments going to St John’s Church. All proceeds from the ticket sales along with money raised through a ra e on the night will go to Hampshire Ambulance.
v THE HERALD - YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE v 13th March 2025 • The HERALD • Page 15 BUSINESS FOR SALE Ladies and Gents Hairdressing Salon Consistently pro table and highly regarded Hair Salon in Hythe, Southampton Long-established local business under the same ownership for over 20 years Recently refurbished and updated. Gross weekly turnover is circa £2,000 Price £15,000 plus stock at valuation Please contact George Cooper at Goadsby, Winchester on 01962 896145 for further details Free Estimates • Fully Insured • Quality Service Tel: 023 8194 0878 • Mobile: 07710 464093 Email: mark@markparsonsdecorating.co.uk Web: www.markparsonsdecorating.co.uk Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating Services Local Male Choir to Celebrate 30th Anniversary Party plans are being drawn up as one of the South’s favourite choirs prepares to celebrate a major birthday. Romsey Male Voice Choir (MVC) marks its 30th year in 2025 and members are inviting supporters from in and around the town to join their forthcoming celebrations. e 60-strong choir will be performing in the ancient and wonderful Romsey Abbey on 11th October as the major event marks its birthday. A special repertoire is being prepared to re ect 30 years of entertaining and raising vital funds for charity through harmonious concerts at home in Romsey, nationally and abroad. e choir was launched in 1995 by Keith Lawrenson and fellow chorister John Taylor. Keith, then a local solicitor and former chairman of the Budleigh Salterton Male Voice Choir, had moved to Romsey from Devon some years earlier and looked to continue his passion of male voice choir singing. Keith is now president of Romsey MVC and at the centre of exciting plans to stage another memorable evening at the Abbey. He said: “It is marvellous to see how the choir has grown over the years and enhanced its musical performance and popularity. The Romsey Male Voice Choir is more than a choir but a family providing friendship, camaraderie and support to its members. The wellbeing and benefits gleaned from singing are well known and established and evidenced by our wide ranging membership. The choir has raised many thousands of pounds for local and national charities. It is committed to the involvement and support of youth wherever possible and our anniversary concert will be in support of two local charities assisting youth in the community.” e choir - whose motto is ‘Singing fun, taken seriously’ - has been led by several di erent musical directors since 1995 and is enjoying great success under the guidance of current Musical Director, Marion Maxey. Keith added: “Marion has added greatly to the choir’s performance, bringing sympathetic interpretation, light and shade and musical nuance to our singing. We are truly fortunate to have such a talented and experienced musician as our musical director.” Tickets for the anniversary concert will go on sale in May and will be available from Ticketsource. Details of this and other concerts can be found on their website: www.romseymvc.co.uk. Romsey MVC’s door is always open to new members. Rehearsals take place every Monday evening 7.30pm-9.30pm, please visit: www. romseymvc.co.uk for further information. Romsey Male Voice Choir
Page 16 • The HERALD • 13th March 2025 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v WATERSIDE NETWORK GROUP: MEMBER FOCUS by Simon Chadwick All of us have been a ected by the jump in the cost of living. One of the greatest jumps of all can be that of mortgage payments – where xed-term deals have ended or variable rates, so favourable for so long now, have been creeping upwards. If this is a situation you’re facing, then you need to talk to Sue Johnstone of Busy Bee Mortgage and Protection Solutions. Sue can help you by searching the entire mortgage market for the best deal – a task that can be both overwhelming and time consuming to those without the knowledge and experience. As a certi ed broker, Busy Bee Mortgage and Protection Solutions can guide you through the process and help you avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that, otherwise, could end up costing you more. Perhaps your mortgage still has a short time to run. It’s worth knowing that Sue can help you secure a deal up to six months prior to your current term ending, so it’s well worth exploring the market to see where you stand. Sue’s lived on the Waterside most of her life, and has raised a family here, so she not only understands the mortgage industry, but has a solid knowledge of the area too. Let Sue help you make a smart and informed decision about your mortgage, which in turn should make your cost of living a little easier. Get in touch with Sue at Busy Bee Mortgage and Protection Solutions today at the contact details opposite. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Busy Bee Mortgage and Protection Solutions Limited is an Appointed Representative of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. TERRIFIC TEETH FOR YOUR DOG by Morgan Ware, The Hound Lounge e Hound Lounge, in Holbury, are excited to introduce Emmi-Pet ultrasonic dog teeth cleaning! is gentle, non-invasive, and silent method helps maintain your dog’s oral health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup - without stress or discomfort. is process is not a replacement for veterinary dental treatments. e aim is to help prevent plaque buildup and support healthy gums, so dogs with advanced dental disease may still require professional cleanings under anaesthesia. However, regular EmmiPet ultrasonic cleaning sessions can help prevent the need for such procedures. So why choose Emmi-Pet ultrasonic cleaning? It’s silent and stressfree, meaning that the lack of noise, movement, and vibration makes it ideal for nervous dogs. It gently removes plaque and bacteria, supporting fresh breath and healthier gums. Dental issues are prevented through the regular cleaning which can delay the need for veterinary dentals. Pleasingly, there’s no anaesthesia required – it’s a safe, noninvasive way to maintain oral hygiene. At e Hound Lounge, our trained professionals use the Emmi-Pet system to provide a comfortable, e ective cleaning experience. Book your dog’s session today at: www. thehoundloungegrooming.co.uk or call: 07553 965675, and keep their smile fresh and healthy. Sue Johnstone, Busy Bee Mortgage and Protection Solutions
13th March 2025 • The HERALD • Page 17
Page 18 • The HERALD • 13th March 2025
13th March 2025 • The HERALD • Page 19 v F @heraldpublishing v PVCu DOOR SPECIALIST LOCK PROBLEMS? We Can Help with ALL types of Locks • Fix or Replace • Gain Entry Call us on 07453 327708 or 023 8155 0025 (24hr Service) • Police Approved Key Safes • All Work Guaranteed • Fully Insured • No Call Out Charge • No VAT YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT LOCKSMITH Successful Volunteer Fair in 20-year Anniversary of New Forest National Park www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/communities/volunteer/ For volunteering roles speci cally aimed at young people visit: Junior Rangers (ages 11-17) programme: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/communities/youngpeople/youth-schemes/junior-rangers and youth volunteering opportunities (ages 18-30): www. newforestnpa.gov.uk/communities/volunteer/ volunteer-with-us/volunteering-opportunities-for18-30-year-olds/. ese are funded through the Youth for Climate and Nature (YouCAN) scheme, supported by the National Lottery Communities Fund. Over 450 prospective volunteers attended the biggest New Forest National Park Volunteer Fair yet. e Fair, held at the end of January, had over 50 stalls of organisations from across the New Forest and surrounding areas and marked the start of the 20th anniversary of the National Park. e aim of the New Forest National Park Volunteer Fair is to encourage and enable people from all walks of life to make a real di erence to the environment and community around them, while also bene tting their own health and wellbeing. Since the Fair began in 2011 over 5,000 people have passed through its doors, helping to create a ‘Team New Forest’ to care for the National Park. is year’s Fair focused on encouraging more young people to get into volunteering and becoming community advocates, which is why it was opened with speeches from New Forest Youth Board members Fran and Toby, as well as New Forest National Park Authority CEO, Alison Barnes, and New Forest East MP Sir Julian Lewis. Organisations that attended included the Countryside Education Trust, Flourish in Nature, Freshwater Habitats Trust, PEDALL New Forest Inclusive Cycling, Guide Dogs, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Litter Pickers of the New Forest, the RNLI and RSPB. Many gave short talks in the café, including members of the Youth Board and a playful rubbish-themed take on ‘ e 12 Days of Christmas’ performed by Litter Pickers of the New Forest. In total there were 54 organisations present, 19 talks and 453 attendees. New Forest National Park Authority Access and Learning Manager Jim Mitchell said: “It was really encouraging to see so many people wanting to get involved and help out in community life in and around the National Park. It’s the dedication of volunteers that special habitats we have like the heathland, the ancient woodland, and the wetland areas. And hopefully create more joined up areas for wildlife in the areas surrounding the New Forest.” Step by Step Charity Champion Kitty Judd said: “We had some great conversations and made some exciting new contacts. It was a fantastic event, and despite the weather, there were lots of people.” You can nd volunteering opportunities for all abilities and interests with the National Park Authority and a host of other organisations on the NPA’s website: Left to Right: New Forest East MP Sir Julian Lewis, New Forest National Park Authority CEO Alison Barnes, New Forest Youth Board members Fran Nicholas and Toby Pearse (Credit: New Forest National Park Authority) supports so many groups to do their incredible work. We know volunteers’ health and wellbeing really benefits too from the activities, from the new skills they learn and new friends they make.” New Forest Youth Board member Fran Nicholas said: “I think our generation has known about climate change and biodiversity loss from a young age, so I think volunteering is a good way to combat that eco-anxiety and to turn it into positive action. I hope we can continue to protect the New Forest and all the rare species that are associated with the New Forest National Park Volunteer Fair 2025 (Credit: New Forest National Park Authority)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTIyNzI=