Page 34 • The HERALD • 20th November 2025 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v FOOD FOR THOUGHT Christmas is on the horizon and we’re beginning to prepare for the busy run-up to the big day. We have placed our festive orders with our local suppliers so that you can enjoy a wonderful selection of mouth-watering local seasonal foods for your Christmas feasts. Your loyalty and support for local producers really does make a di erence, and we have two new innovative suppliers for you to try. Launched in 2021 by Ian and Kelly, e New Forest Tea Company is an award-winning tea company based in Lyndhurst. eir company o ers the tea lover a large selection of premium leaf teas ranging from the ‘Everyday’ and ‘Brockenhurst Breakfast’ to the ‘Minty One’, ‘Earl Grey’, and a choice of unique premium blends. With sustainability and ethical practice very much at the heart of the business, e New Forest Tea Company are determined to ‘leave no trace’; therefore, all their packaging, including the bags themselves, is plastic-free and compostable. e tea leaves are sourced from the world’s nest estates that are either part of the Ethical Tea Partnership or independently audited, ensuring better working conditions for tea pickers. Not just ‘a cup of tea’, e New Forest Tea Company o ers ‘an experience in a teacup’ – do buy a sample to sip next time you come to e Farm Shop. We are excited to announce that we are now o ering a range of responsibly sourced dog treats supplied by local suppliers, Green & Wild. e treats contain natural ingredients and are packed full of nutrients and goodies essential to canine health and wellbeing. ere are so many excitingly delicious and unique treats to choose from, including venison hide chews, sh crunchies with chamomile, pheasant chews, seaweed snacks, and so much more. Catering for dental care, gluten-free and grain-free diets, low-fat diets, and other requirements, you’ll nd the perfect healthy treat for your dog. A local supplier that we have used for many years now is Paul Tanner Turkeys, and our Farm Shop seasonal turkey book is now o cially open and already lling up fast. Paul’s birds are ethically managed, and their welfare is of the utmost importance. As the colder weather edges in, and the game season starts our thoughts naturally turn to rich and warming stews and casseroles. Local venison, supplied by Newhouse Game as steaks, diced cuts, burgers and mince, is particularly popular in the Farm Shop. Venison is lean and rich in protein and is generally lower in fat and cholesterol than beef or lamb, making it a popular choice for healthy diets. For those preferring birds, pheasant and partridge are also in season – their lean meat and unique avour pro les provide the perfect base for a hearty and wholesome dish. If you would like to place your order for a turkey or any other Christmas meat, or if you need more information at this stage then please pop in, and we can discuss your requirements. Keep an eye out for the Longdown Farm Shop hampers, currently on display. These are very popular, as they are the ideal gi for friends and family. As always, we’ll have a great selection for you to choose from, beautifully presented and in a range of sizes and prices. You’ll be able to pick these up in-store, pre-order them, or even make your own selection to meet your individual requirements. Last year, the fruit hampers proved to be very popular, but these do need to be preordered to ensure the best quality and freshness. Please remember that although the Farm Shop is open daily throughout November and December, we are observing winter hours, so close slightly earlier, at 4.30pm each day. Hope to see you soon, Wayne, Rich and Lisa Locally Sourced For The Festive Season from Longdown Farm Shop Locally sourced turkeys are available to order from Longdown Farm Shop Bells Ring Out at Carol Concert for Honeypot Young Carers Honeypot’s Christmas Carol Concert at Romsey Abbey at 7pm on Friday 12th December will be an unforgettable evening of festive music, handbells, and heartwarming stories - all in support of local young carers. is festive evening is all about music, community, and making a di erence for young carers aged 5-12, who spend their childhood looking a er someone they love. is year’s programme is packed with incredible local talent. Enjoy the upli ing harmonies of e Funky Little Choir Company from Christchurch, the stunning vocals of e Queen Bees a cappella group, and the inspiring Romsey Youth Chamber Choir. Adding a unique sparkle to the night, the Bournemouth Youth Handbell Team will perform their enchanting melodies. Jack, who was supported by Honeypot 20 years ago will be sharing his story and how Honeypot shaped his life - a truly special moment you won’t want to miss. A er the concert, there will be the opportunity to meet the performers and speakers over a glass of prosecco or a so drink and taking part in the ra e, all while helping raise vital funds to give young carers the chance to enjoy carefree childhood moments. e costs of this event are kindly covered by headline sponsors Selwood and Watermaiden and programme sponsors Fairweathers Garden Centre, A ord a Print and Breckenridge Agency. Funds raised during the evening will be included in Honeypot’s Christmas appeal and doubled by match funders. Tickets are just £15 and free for children aged 5–12 to book tickets visit: www.honeypot.org.uk/events or contact Viv Carter: viv@honeypot.org.uk or 07384 831820. Let’s make this Christmas unforgettable - for you and for the children who need it most. Honeypot fun at Christmas time at Honeypot House. A Young carer on a respite break enjoying pulling a cracker with Father Christmas! The Waterside at War Totton South u3a (TSu3a) will meet at Colbury Memorial Hall on Friday 21st November doors open at 1.30pm. e presentation will be given by Marc Heighway on ‘ e Waterside at War’. Prospective new members are welcome to go along as visitors. Application forms to join TSu3a are available via the website, by searching for Totton South u3a, plus further details on all activities. TABLE TOP SALES Every 2 weeks on a Tuesday morning from 9.30am to 12noon there’s a great TABLE TOP SALE at Cornerstone Hythe URC in New Road. ere’s always a great selection of electrical items, jewellery, collectables, kitchenware, glassware, bags, toys, brica-brac, a great many jigsaw puzzles and an extensive library of paperback books, CDs and DVDs. Co ee, tea and biscuits are always available in the Foyer too. All proceeds go to the Cornerstone Building Repairs Fund. e next sale is Tuesday 25th November. Romsey Country Market Romsey Country Markets will take place at e Corn Exchange from 8.30am to 3pm on Saturday 6th December. At the Romsey Town Hall and Community Café from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Fridays 28th November and 5th December. At Braish eld Village Hall (SO51 0PN) from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday 29th November. ey love to cook, cra and grow just for you, so go along for a great range of home produced items such as seasonal fruit, vegetables, cakes, preserves, plants and cra s. Please check the Facebook page: www. facebook.com/romseycountrymarket or visit: www. hampshirecountrymarkets.co.uk
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