Page 30 • The HERALD • 15th May 2025 v THE HERALD - YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE v NOW OPENED IN DIBDEN PURLIEU 5 Merriemeade Parade, SO45 4PY We have vacancies for experienced local Barbers and Ladies hairdressers, successful applicants will receive up to 60% of their personal takings Please contact Rob for a confidential chat on 07778 814934 • Re-Skimming • Rendering • Coving • Dry Lining • Tacking • Artex Covered • Floor Screeding www.tbrownplastering.co.uk Call: 07919 183989 Friendly • Reliable • Professional • Free Estimates THE NEWS FROM THE 1770’S, PART 2 by Robin Somes, Fawley and Blackfield Memories To continue our look at local news from 250 years ago, we have a selection of tragedies, misdemeanours, and occasional adverts – so not very di erent, in principle, from today’s news. In October 1772, the Hampshire Chronicle reported: “On Monday last the body of James Phillips, of Elyn (Eling), was thrown upon the sea shore in the parish of Fawley. He had been missing since the 2nd … and had been accustomed to go on the Southampton river in any boat he could find, without oars; from which it is imagined he fell over-board. The Coroner’s inquest have sat, and brought in their verdict – accidental death”. A year later, Mary Howe placed an announcement for her services: “Mrs. Mary Howe, of Hythe, in the Parish of Fawley, in the County of Southampton, begs Leave to acquaint her Friends and the Public in general that she intends carrying on the Business of MIDWIFERY, as she flatters herself, by the long Experience and good Success she has had, she needs no further Recommendation. Those who please to favour her with their Commands, will be duly obeyed on the shortest Notice. – Mrs Howe will very readily attend on the Poor of the Parish she now dwells in, gratis, and all other People according to their Abilities. Mrs. Howe intends on taking in pregnant Women, and Board them, on good Security”. Turning now to the tragedy, on September 26th 1774, the Hampshire Chronicle reported: “On Friday night last the body of one Richard Jones, of Fawley, was found dead in a ditch. – An inquisition was taken on the body by Mr. Lipscomb, Coroner, when the Jury presented his death to be by the visitation on God of an epileptic fit, with which he had been affected for some years past”. Let us nish with some good oldfashioned roguery; a meeting between a smuggling gang and (presumably) the Preventive men, in October 1775. Some distance from our own parish, but worth the e ort nonetheless: “Last Wednesday morning a party of smugglers, to the number of forty, guarding upwards of sixty horses loaded with tea and liquors from the shore, near Sowley, between Bewley and Lymington, were pursued by the Captain of a cutter from Cowes, and several of his crew (some of them armed with cutlasses). About a mile distant from the shore they came up with some of them, seized on ten of their horses, cut the bags of tea open, staved several casks, unloaded other horses of their treasure, mounted them, and proceeded forward to seize the rest, when the whole gang exasperated turned back, and revenged their injury, by beating them in a most unmerciful manner, retook their property, and sent them in a feeble condition to their boat, charging them to beware, in future, not to overact their parts in coming on shore to seize, but to keep to their own station, the cutter. After delivering this feeling admonition, they proceeded in triumph, and lodged their goods safe”. One can only wonder from which side the newspaper obtained the story. Robin’s latest book ‘Digging deeper: more Waterside stories’ is on sale for £6 (cash only) from The Herald office or via Robin’s online shop: shop.robinsomes.co.uk BEAULIEU WALK It’s that time of year again! Time to register for the Hythe & Waterside Rotary Beaulieu Walk - individuals, groups, clubs, charities and organisations who want to raise money for their own good causes and/or just enjoy the beautiful surroundings, in parts of the Beaulieu Estate not normally open to the general public. e walk takes place in the a ernoon of Sunday 29th June with routes from 1.5k to 6k including a route suitable for wheelchairs. Plus a fun bug hunt for those who wish to use their observation skills! Dogs welcome. Refreshments provided. For more information or to register for the walk visit: www.walkwithrotary. org.uk Previous walkers having fun Coming soon! e popular Southampton Grad Band is returning to the Waterside for a great concert on Saturday 17th May at 7.30pm at Cornerstone Church in Hythe. e band is technically a “Wind Band” and play favourites old and new including Mancini Magic, West Side Story, alongside hits of the 60’s and In the Miller Mood. is is a great concert not to be missed! Tickets at £10 (£5 under 18), which includes a programme (interval refreshments will be available) are available Monday - Saturday mornings from the Cornerstone Church O ce, New Road, Hythe, Tel: 023 8084 5005 or enquiries@ cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk and from e Herald o ce, High Street, Hythe. Southampton Grad Band
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