Page 12 • The HERALD • 9th October 2025 v EMAIL YOUR NEWS: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk v Next Level Scaffolding Ash 07702 082961 Next Level Scaffolding Josh 07896 883508 ashcarroll@nextlevel-ltd.co.uk 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 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 All aspects of Plastering undertaken Fully Qualified, Reliable, Quality Service Free Quotations Call Joe: 07713 724610 @jbplastering92 M.D.S. DIGITAL INSTALLS/SERVICE • DIGITAL AERIALS/FREEVIEW • SKY DIGITAL/FREESAT DIGITAL • EXTRA TELEVISION POINTS • TELEPHONE LINES/POINTS • TELEVISION SYSTEMS SETUP/TUNED • WALL MOUNTED TV’S QUALIFIED, FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE FREE SURVEYS/QUOTES BEAULIEU: 01590 611011 MOBILE: 07717 194441 HEADLINERS CONFIRMED FOR NEW FOREST’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL, PLAY ON WORDS ArtfulScribe is pleased to share details on this year’s line-up for Play on Words, running from 23rd October until 3rd November. ere’s a strong focus this year on wellbeing and resilience for individuals, communities, and the natural world around us, and a diverse line up of acclaimed writers including award winning poet Luke Wright, conservationist and author Jake Fiennes, New Forest Writer in Residence and children’s author Yarrow Townsend, upcoming historical ction writer Katie Daysh and musician, songwriter and bookseller Paul Arm eld as well as local author Alice G May. e festival o ers a vibrant mix of spoken word, literary events, creative workshops and activities for adults, children and young people in venues across the New Forest. Continuing to grow in ambition and with events taking place in more locations, this year’s highlights include: • Luke Wright, poet, playwright and dazzling raconteur, presenting an exclusive preview performance of his forthcoming show Later Life Letter at e Bridge, Milford on Sea: a warm and honest story of his adoption, the life he leads and the one he might have done. • e popular Book Lovers Lunch, a two course lunch with a view of the sea and a chance to hear from Katie Daysh, author of the Nightingale and Courtney trilogy, the latest of which, A Merciful Sea, has been named amongst e Times’ best historical ction of 2025. • Writing the Landscape at Forest Arts, New Milton: an evening of poetry, prose and stories with New Forest Writer in Residence Yarrow Townsend, Emma Jones, Dr Craig Jordan-Baker and other writers, exploring the New Forest landscape, the Beaulieu River, and more. • Stewarding the Soil: an a ernoon of talks on nature, farming and the living landscape at Walhampton School with Jake Fiennes, Dr George McGavin and Carry Ackroyd. • e inaugural Poetry and Jazz Café at Coda Music and Arts Trust: an evening of blue note jazz and smokin’ spoken word. • Singer, songwriter and veteran bookseller Paul Arm eld headlining a special showcase edition of the Play on Words Open Mic at Forest Arts, a monthly warm and supportive space for sharing poetry, live literature and other written and spoken words. • An epic night of otherworldly trivia with the Sci-Fi and Fantasy Quiz Night at Vibrant Forest Taproom in partnership with the Imaginarium Bookshop. • A free performance of Forest Forge’s Suitcase Stories: Little Red Riding Hood at Hythe Library • A day of writer development sessions with ArtfulScribe at St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery, including Wellbeing for Writers with Joanna Barnard, a panel discussion with local author Alice G May and the Rejected Writers Club podcast host Anna Britton, followed by the evening’s Local Writer Showcase. Founding steering group member and New Milton resident Sarah Conacher says: “Since it was founded in 2018, Play on Words has always had a focus on local writing talent and it’s been incredible to see how, with the support of ArtfulScribe, Culture in Common and all our other valued partners, the programme has naturally evolved since it re-launched in 2023 after the pandemic. This year we’ve really honed in on support for the local literary community by offering new, aspiring and experienced writers opportunities to showcase their work and to connect with others in a variety of friendly and inspiring activities. I’m so proud to see what we’ve built together.” e Play on Words Steering Group is always keen to hear from anyone who can help spread the word by putting up a poster or sharing yers; volunteering at festival events; or signing up to the newsletter to hear more as further events and activities are con rmed. Play on Words is part of ArtfulScribe’s NEWRITE literature development programme for the New Forest, working with and supported by Culture in Common, New Forest National Park Authority, May ower, Artswork, St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery, Coda Music and Arts Trust, Spud, Forest Arts, Hampshire Cultural Trust, e Imaginarium Bookshop, Hampshire Libraries, Fluid Motion eatre Company, e Tower, Read Easy New Forest, New Milton Town Council, New Milton Residents Association, and with public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. For details of all the events taking place during this year’s Festival visit: www.playonwords.org.uk Luke Wright Alice G May Paul Armfield (©Alice Armfield) Katie Daysh
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTIyNzI=