26th June 2025 • The HERALD • Page 27 v INDEPENDENT, LOCAL AND PROUD v Waterside Carpet Cleaning PROFESSIONAL CARPET CLEANING! Using Prochem Equipment and Materials • SPOT/STAIN TREATMENT • Fully Insured 023 8066 0878 or 07770 337917 www.watersidecarpetcleaning.com ABOUT US Our roofers are the best in the business and are ready to give your roof a full and completely FREE inspection MEETING ALL YOUR GLASS AND MIRROR NEEDS • Glass cut to size • Mirrors made to measure • Broken glass repaired • Misted up or broken double-glazed units replaced • Glass table tops • Heat-resistant glass for woodburners 75 Rumbridge Street, Totton Tel: (023) 8086 3074 TOTTON GLASS HANDY HANDS HANDYMAN SERVICES Your Local Handyman For ALL Your Small Jobs • Gutter Clearance & Clearing • PVCu Fascias, Gutters, Soffits & Conservatory Cleaning • Pressure Cleaning of Paths & Patios • Window Cleaning • Interior & Exterior Painting • Grass Cutting, Strimming • Hedge Trimming • Shed Re-treated/ Roofs Re-felted • Flat Pack Assembly Fully Insured Free Estimates Work Guaranteed References on Request T: 023 8084 0096 M: 07840 860202 To advertise your business in The Herald, contact Sue on 023 8084 0815 or email: sjones@herald-publishing.co.uk illusions. Still, these explanations arrived long a er the tree had been silenced and o ered no rm evidence. Gilpin’s version remains the most matter of fact, containing natural observation rather than sensationalism. According to his account, the groans ceased when a curious landowner named Forbes decided to bore a hole into the tree’s trunk, hoping to identify the source of the sound. From that day on, the groaning stopped. e tree was eventually felled and removed, but no internal cause was ever discovered. However, it is worth noting here, that Gilpin did not witness this for himself. He didn’t arrive in the New Forest until 1777 – the incident was alleged to have taken place in 1750, so perhaps he was victim of a prank too? It wouldn’t be The Mysterious Groaning Tree of South Baddesley Continued from page 26 the rst time that someone from “out of town” had been told a tall story by a New Forest dweller. Today, as far as I know, no trace remains of the Groaning Tree, nor is its exact location clearly marked. South Baddesley remains a quiet hamlet surrounded by elds and woodland, its most famous mystery now little more than a footnote in old books and newspapers. Yet the tale still surfaces from time to time in local folklore and ghost stories, just as I am telling it to you today. Whether an odd quirk of nature, a forgotten prank, or something more inexplicable, the Groaning Tree of South Baddesley captured the imagination of many, both in the New Forest and further a eld, even royalty. Sometimes, even in an age of reason, the woods still whisper back. Ladies - Are You Recently Retired and Looking for Your Next Adventure? Why Not Become a Puppeteer? From Praizin’ Hands Puppet Group You are never too old to learn a new skill! Why not come along to a Taster Session on Wednesday 23rd July, 10am to 12 noon and give Puppetry a try? Why not consider joining Praizin’ Hands Puppet Group as a volunteer puppeteer in their Big Hands team? Praizin’ Hands Puppet Group is a local charity, their Big Hands (adult team) visit schools and residential homes, sharing the Christmas story and Easter story, to thousands of children/adults in the lead up to Christmas and Easter. Our ‘Big Hands’ team is a very friendly and caring group of ladies who love to welcome new members. is team meet to rehearse on Wednesday mornings from September, in Black eld, and then spend 4 weeks doing performances, before Christmas. Don’t be shy! Being a puppeteer is ideal for people who tend to be a bit shy as it is an ideal way of expressing yourself but with the safety of being hidden behind the puppet stage! No experience is needed as full training will be given. If you feel puppetry is not for you, how about helping with signs and props in our performances? We welcome men to be part of the team, too by helping as stage and lighting crew. If you are interested in coming along to the Taster Day to have ‘a go’ and to nd out more about the charity, please email info@praizinhands.org.uk or call 07842 142269 to nd out more information. We would love to hear from you! Why not have a look at the Praizin’ Hands website for more information about what we do? www.praizinhands. org.uk Why not be part of this exciting adventure sharing the joy of the Christmas and Easter stories in fun, creative ways using puppets, music and drama? We look forward to hearing from you…
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