v THE HERALD, 2 HIGH STREET, HYTHE, SO45 6AH v No 484 • FREE Every 3 Weeks • 11th December 2025-8th January 2026 Est: 1994 The Your Community Magazine Quickstep Laminate Floors, Luxury Vinyl Tiles FOUR SEASONS DENTURE CENTRE MORE THAN JUST A DENTAL LABORATORY If you want the best quality dentures in a relaxed, friendly and professional environment then call today for a free consultation Tel: 023 8084 6443 Mobile: 07919 074360 1 HOUR DENTURE REPAIRS North Road, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton SO45 4RE NEED NEW DENTURES? STAIRLIFTS STAIRLIFTS Freedom Stairlifts Straight Stairlifts Curved Stairlifts freedomstairlifts.co.uk SJ SAVAGE BUILDING & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE • Extensions • Loft Conversions • All aspects of building works including Decorating 07788 868262 stevesavo@hotmail.co.uk Vehicle Servicing Garage For all your mechanical needs Tyres, Servicing, Clutches Diagnostic work, Brakes Cam Belts, Tyres, Exhausts, MOT’s arranged Servicing from £69.99 See main advert page 79 Free local collection Courtesy cars available 114-118 Hampton Lane, Blackfield SO45 1UB www.rightautos.co.uk • 023 8089 0600 15 Marsh Parade, Hythe 023 8084 4741 FRAME SHOP HYTHE PICTURE FRAMING • 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 f d f f d f Testwood Lakes Sailability Honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service e volunteers at Testwood Lakes Sailability, in Totton, have been honoured with e Kings Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK, which is equivalent to an MBE. Testwood Lakes Sailability, is a charity run entirely by volunteers, which gives people with learning or physical disabilities, including wheelchair users, the chance to experience the freedom and joy of dinghy sailing. Some participants simply enjoy a relaxing sail on the lake, while others develop their skills - and a few even go on to sail solo. Whatever their ability, the independence and pleasure that sailing brings are truly life-enhancing. Run by a dedicated team of unpaid volunteers, Testwood Lakes Sailability o ers opportunities for everyone to get involved - whether as skippers, on reception, helping with life jackets, assisting on the pontoon, supporting administration, or even making the all-important tea. Testwood Lakes Sailability is one of 232 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. eir work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them. Testwood Lakes Sailability volunteers have be honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service Continued on page 3
Page 2 • The HERALD • 11th December 2025 v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v PICK UP YOUR COPY FROM HYTHE • 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 • Dibden Purlieu Newsagents • Forestside Dental • Forestside Health Centre • The Glen • The Heath Hotel • Joyners • Netley View Post Office • Sam Long Fruit & Veg • Shawfix • St Andrew’s Church • St Anne’s Community Centre • Tails 2 Fish & Chips 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 Solicitors • 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 11th December 2025 • The HERALD • Page 3 • 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 023 8251 4723 sales@srwservices.co.uk • ROOFS • PATIOS • GUTTERS • CONSERVATORIES • WINDOWS ✦ Fully Insured ✦ 07960 915741 info@mossbossuk.com www.mossbossuk.com MERRY CHRISTMAS 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 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 e King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty e Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty e King. 2025 marks the third year of e King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, e King’s Birthday. Representatives of Testwood Lakes Sailability will receive the award crystal and certi cate from Nigel Atkinson, Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire in the coming months. In addition, two volunteers from Testwood Lakes Sailability will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June, along with other recipients of this year’s award. e Trustees said: “How incredibly proud and delighted we are to have received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2025! This honour recognises the amazing contribution and hard work that our volunteers, past and present, have made over the years to grow Testwood Lakes Sailability into not only a successful but also an enjoyable charity to be involved in. It enables us to offer the freedom of dinghy sailing to a greater number of people with disabilities. Thank you to all our sponsors and everyone who has made our work possible.” This award celebrates the spirit of inclusion, teamwork and joy that de nes Testwood Lakes Sailability - proving that with the right support, the water truly is open to everyone. Testwood Lakes Sailability Honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service Continued from front page Out on the water with Testwood Lakes Sailability Christmas Tree Collection and Recycling Raising Money For Oakhaven From Thursday 8th to Monday 12th January, Oakhaven Treecycle volunteers will be collecting Christmas trees from houses in the SO41, SO42, SO45 and BH25 postcodes* and taking them to be recycled in return for a donation to Oakhaven Hospice. To take part in the Oakhaven Treecycle, book your collection online at: www. oakhavenhospice.co.uk/treecycle the suggested minimum donation is £15, which will help Oakhaven to provide vital hospice care services to local patients and their families. A member of the team will be in touch nearer the time to con rm which day your collection will take place, along with instructions for the collection. Oakhaven Hospice is extremely grateful to their sponsors Heppenstalls and New Forest Escapes, for supporting the Oakhaven Treecycle in this inaugural year. If you would like to volunteer to help with the Oakhaven Treecycle, please contact Hannah Davies on: fundraising@ oakhavenhospice.co.uk or call: 01590 677773. Every donation made for the Oakhaven Treecycle will help fund Oakhaven Hospice’s running costs, which currently amount to more than £24,500 each day. * Tree collections in some areas may be limited, subject to volunteers.
Page 4 • The HERALD • 11th December 2025 v SEND ALL YOUR LOCAL NEWS TO THE HERALD v 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 • 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 Waterside Veterans Coffee Club Donates “Happy to Chat” Bench to Patrick’s Patch at Fairweather’s Garden Centre in Beaulieu e Waterside Veterans Co ee Club (WVCC), part of the Royal British Legion, has donated a “Happy to Chat” bench to Patrick’s Patch in Beaulieu. e bench is intended to encourage conversation, connection and community spirit for visitors of all ages. e WVCC was established over four years ago to provide companionship and camaraderie for veterans and serving personnel from all branches of the Armed Forces. Founded by Fawley & District Royal British Legion Branch Vice Chairman Jon Smith, Pete Pullin - both ex-military - and their wives Lisa and Lucy, the club has since grown into a well-supported community hub. Patrick’s Patch, named a er its creator Patrick Fairweather, owner of Fairweather’s Garden Centre, is a vibrant and sustainable fruit and vegetable garden that supplies its café throughout the seasons, with help from volunteers and school children. Designed to inspire learning Patrick welcomes families, gardeners and anyone with an interest in nature and wellbeing to visit. Speaking about the donation, Jon Smith said: “Waterside Veterans Coffee Club was created to support our veteran community and began as an idea from Lucy Pullin. Since then, the local community has embraced us and helped the club thrive. Our Happy to Chat benches are a small way of giving back, offering support not just to veterans but to everyone. The idea is simple: take a seat, pass the time of day and perhaps meet a new friend. Both Pete and I have seen how deeply mental health challenges can affect people, while and enjoy the simple pleasure of chatting with someone new.” e WVCC has also been approached to provide additional Happy to Chat benches in Hythe, Fawley and across the Waterside, further extending its community impact. e Co ee Club meets on the third Saturday of every month at 10am at the Fawley & District Royal British Legion, Exbury Road, Black eld. Jon adds: “You don’t need to be an RBL member to attend, though many who join us go on to become members and enjoy the benefits of being part of an organisation that supports the Armed Forces community - including opportunities like applying for Festival of Remembrance tickets at the Royal Albert Hall.” e Royal British Legion emphasises that just one day of service quali es an individual for its support, and membership is open to everyone, whether they have served or not. and we hope the bench offers comfort to anyone feeling lonely or low. Patrick and Fairweather’s have supported us from the very beginning, so placing the first bench in Patrick’s Patch felt entirely fitting for such a welcoming and uplifting space.” Speaking about receiving the bench, Patrick Fairweather said: “We are delighted to welcome this thoughtful gift from the Waterside Veterans Coffee Club. Patrick’s Patch has always been a place to wander at an easy pace, to enjoy the garden and feel part of something greater. The Happy to Chat bench reflects that spirit wonderfully. It offers time to pause, share a moment and perhaps strike up a conversation that lifts the day. I warmly encourage visitors to stroll through Patrick’s Patch, take in the changing seasons, sit for a (Left to Right) Peter Pullin – Fawley & District RBL, Standard Bearer and Volunteer at Waterside Veterans Coffee Club, Jon Smith – Vice Chairman of Fawley & District RBL and Volunteer at Waterside Veterans Coffee Club and Patrick Fairweather – Owner of Fairweather’s Garden Centre with the new bench Plaques on the new bench
v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v 11th December 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 07920 122984 023 8087 9135 mplroofing@hotmail.com FLAVOURFUL FESTIVE FRUIT AND VEG THAT WILL LAST INTO THE NEW YEAR Whether you are feeding 2 or 22 this Christmas, local Greengrocer Sam Long will have everything you need for your festive feast, with avourful fruit and vegetables that are so fresh they will last you into the New Year. To ensure all her customers have the freshest produce, Sam will be opening her stall outside St Andrews Church in Dibden Purlieu on Monday 22nd December, 7am–2pm and Tuesday 23rd December from 6am–2pm. Sam is a very dedicated Greengrocer, who is passionate about providing her customers with the highest quality produce and minimising the amount of time from eld to plate by supporting local, English and British farmers and growers as much as she can. e fruit and vegetables on Sam’s stall are bought daily and are carefully selected for the best avour and at the optimum freshness so that they keep for longer. Sam’s stall will be well stocked with everything you need for your Christmas dinner and beyond with English grown potatoes and beautifully plump parsnips perfect for roasting, sprouts, carrots and red cabbage. Fruit for your Christmas punch, cocktails and desserts, Romsey laid eggs for your Christmas baking and giant jacket potatoes and salad to go with your le over cold meats. With budgets tight and to help with food waste you can buy as little or as much as you need from Sam and with minimal plastic packaging. Sam comments: “I love coming to Dibden Purlieu each week and am very grateful to all my customers for their continued support. A big thank you to the team at St Andrew’s, who have kindly allowed me to continue setting up my stall each week, even throughout all the recent building work that has been taking place.” Sam and her team will be taking a well-deserved break over Christmas and New Year and will be back at the stall in Dibden Purlieu from Wednesday 14th January. Get your fresh and flavourful fruit and vegetables from Sam Long this Christmas Romsey Country Markets will take place at Romsey Town Hall and Community Café from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Fridays 12th December and 19th December. 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 Romsey Country Market
Page 6 • The HERALD • 11th December 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 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 news to The Herald by email: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk Hythe Cinema 20th Anniversary September marked a remarkable milestone for Hythe Cinema, as the much-loved community venture celebrated its 20th anniversary. What began as an idea to bring lm and art to the heart of Hythe has grown into a cherished local institution - one that continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of its volunteers and the enthusiasm of its audiences. e cinema was founded in 2005 by Helen Bradley, who at the time worked for Hythe and Dibden Parish Council. With a deep passion for lm and the arts, Helen placed an advert in e Herald seeking volunteers to help her set up a local cinema group. e response was heart warming - a small but passionate team came together, united by a shared love of cinema and a desire to o er something special to the community. Over the years, Hythe Cinema has screened hundreds of lms, from classic dramas to modern blockbusters. Popular titles such as Downton Abbey and e King’s Speech drew such large crowds that the team had to add extra screenings - boosting from two showings to three to meet demand. Some days have seen audience numbers topping 200, a testament to the loyalty and enthusiasm of local lmgoers. simply couldn’t continue without them. Apart from a short pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hythe Cinema has shown a lm every month for 20 years. Attendance remains strong - the recent showing of Conclave saw organisers scrambling to fetch more chairs as the audience swelled beyond expectations. Currently, the cinema holds its screenings on the third Tuesday of every month at Hythe. However, from 2026, there will be a small but significant change: showings will move to the fourth Tuesday of each month. is adjustment aims to make it easier for members of local groups, including the U3A, to attend and enjoy the screenings. To mark the 20th anniversary, the audience and volunteers were gi ed Community Spirit badges, with a thank you note attached. An upgrade on biscuits and free tea and co ee to celebrate before the lm (Mr. Burton) that played on the 20th Anniversary. If you attend the cinema frequently and did not receive a badge, please ask Emily at the next viewing you do attend. As Hythe Cinema steps into its next chapter, its success stands as a shining example of what community spirit and a shared passion can achieve. Here’s to the volunteers, the audience, and the enduring magic of cinema - and to many more years of stories on the big screen. Amazingly, many of the same volunteers who answered Helen’s advert two decades ago still help run the cinema each month. eir commitment and energy are the heart of the operation, ensuring each event runs smoothly and that every screening is lled with joy, laughter, and community spirit. As the current organisers proudly note, the cinema Hythe Cinema Volunteers
11th December 2025 • The HERALD • Page 7 Rehau Smarts
Page 8 • The HERALD • 11th December 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…… 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 The Waterside Foodbank Thanks Royal British Legion for Vital Support During Refurbishment Foodbank the use of its building free of charge, allowing the foodbank to store stock and continue operations without interruption. Staff described the temporary venue as warm, welcoming, and a pleasure to work from. On 11th November, at 11am, Foodbank representatives joined the Royal British Legion parade to show their support. Later in the day, they returned to present a small token of appreciation for the Legion’s hospitality and outstanding support. e Foodbank has now moved back into its refurbished premises and will operate from there throughout the busy Christmas season. Due to high demand at this time of year, every inch of space will be needed. A grand reopening event is planned for January, when the Foodbank will o cially launch as a community hub and warm space. From January, visitors will be able to access professional advice from partner organisations, enjoy hot drinks, chat with a friendly face and nd a welcoming place to visit. Christmas remains one of the busiest periods for the Foodbank. Last December, more than 220 food parcels were provided to local households, and a similar demand is expected again this year. Anyone wishing to donate is encouraged to check the Foodbank’s “most wanted items”: Cereals Rice and pasta Savoury and sweet snacks Tinned fruit Coffee Tinned meat Tinned vegetables Tinned spaghetti Soup Juice/squash UHT milk Tinned Fish Instant mash Toiletries Laundry and cleaning products Donations can be made to the Waterside Foodbank in Black eld during opening hours or to the donation points in local supermarkets. e Waterside Foodbank has expressed its heartfelt thanks to the Royal British Legion for the generous support provided over recent months. As many will know, the Foodbank temporarily relocated earlier this year while its original premises underwent refurbishment. During this period, the Royal British Legion o ered the The Royal British Legion and The Waterside Foodbank came together for Remembrance Day Lions Helping Local Young Carers Romsey & Waterside Lions have presented a cheque for £500 to Romsey Young Carers. e charity is currently helping around 150 young carers. e group covers not only Romsey but also North Baddesley, Rownhams, Nursling and the villages and rural areas surrounding Romsey. Lion Treasurer Sandra Trowbridge handing the £500 cheque to Chris Hall from Romsey Young Carers
11th December 2025 • The HERALD • Page 9
Page 10 • The HERALD • 11th December 2025 v F @heraldpublishing v 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 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 • Digital Aerial & Satellite Installations • Repairs & Servicing • TV Distribution Points • TV Wall Mounting & Installations • Freesat HD/Freeview HD • Sky, Sky+, Sky HD • SMATV & IRS Systems • DAB/FM Aerial Installations CAI Company of the Year 2014 Humphries Digital Aerials Keith Humphries & Son All Areas Covered Tel: 023 8066 7362 Email: humphriesaerials@btconnect.com • Website: www.humphriesdigitalaerials.co.uk A Family Firm Est 1971 New Forest Scaffolding All aspects of scaffolding undertaken • Extensions • Chimneys • Re-Roofing • New Builds etc For a friendly, local, reliable service and a free quotation Telephone: 07734 476855 www.newforestscaffolding.co.uk Full Liability Insurance Lychette Cottage, Roughdown, Blackfield SO45 1XG DECORATING Interior and Exterior Established 1985 07867 528307 mark.blake.decorating@gmail.com New Community Building Coming To The Waterside Gateway Church (formerly New Forest Community Church), started as a prayer meeting in someone’s house in the 1970s. As the gathering grew, a new church was formed and for the last 25 years or so, members have been meeting in Marchwood Village Hall. is has been a great space to hold their Sunday services and some other events, but it has always been a dream that one day the Gateway Church would own its own building. One where they could put on more events, and serve the community better. Over the years, members of the congregation have been generously giving to a ‘building pot’ to make that dream a reality. A suitable building is actually rather hard to nd in the Waterside! In April this year, a er a couple of disappointments, they were thrilled to purchase what was formerly the Colours Youth Club situated next to Li New Forest school, the Church has already started developing links with the school. is building and the generous grounds (nearly an acre) that came with it has been just what they were looking for! Gateway Hub will be the new home of Gateway Church and available for hire and to serve the community. One of the most amazing parts of this journey is how they have come together as a church to make this project a reality. Not only is it funded solely from donations from their members, but the renovations are being carried out almost entirely by volunteers. ey have been working hard to create a space that not only serves the needs of the church, but o ers a high quality space and facilities for the community. e building will be able to o er facilities for small meetings, larger gatherings, children’s and youth clubs, parties, outdoor events and community fairs. ey are excited to be able to o er the space for hire and get to know the community around the Hub. Coordinator. Likewise, if you are interested in renting the space regularly or as a one o , please do get in touch via email: sarah.sellen@gateway.community On Sunday 21st December at 4pm, Gateway Church will have carols around the Christmas tree at the Gateway Hub. You are welcome to join them! ey are looking forward to meeting their neighbours. It is also an opportunity for you to see all the progress they have made so far. New Gateway Hub e aim is to open this coming spring and they are working hard to make that happen. ey would like to ask if there are any trades people who would like to contribute a few hours of free labour towards this community project (kitchen tters, plumbers, painting and decorating etc)? If this is something you would be interested in, please contact the Site ShelterBox Emergency Disaster Relief ShelterBox have launched a Christmas appeal to provide shelter across the World. Hythe & Waterside (H&W) Rotary have donated to ShelterBox on many occasions in the past and have agreed to provide a Shelter box towards the Appeal this Christmas. e Shelter box contains a family tent and everything that a family might need to survive the winter. e need is immense. 120 million have been made homeless by disasters and con icts. A shelter box aims to transform despair into hope for the future. e Shelter provided is in response to an emergency. Can you help by making a donation to H&W Rotary this Christmas? Text HWBOX to 70470 or scan the QR Code to donate £10. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message. e full amount of your donation will go to ShelterBox and assist families to stay in their own country. Rotary also support causes locally. Your donations this Christmas give hope for the future to those in despair. Shelter box Scan the QR code to donate £10
11th December 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.newforestplumbing.co.uk Contact us on 07912 092557 or 023 8194 0237 newforestplumbing@yahoo.com Local Primary School Brings Festive Cheer to Village Centre showcase the power of community creativity. e Council can’t wait to collaborate with another local school again next year! Hythe and Dibden Parish Council recently partnered with Hythe Primary School to create new Christmas bunting for Hythe village. Each pair of pupils designed their own pendant, lling it with colour, creativity, and plenty of Christmas cheer. e result is the bright and joyful bunting that now decorates Hythe High Street, helping to spread the festive spirit throughout the community. Hythe Primary was chosen for this project as a local school with strong community values, making it the perfect partner for this creative collaboration. e project was organised by Hythe and Dibden Parish Council as part of the Community Projects and Engagement O cer’s on-going work to bring people together and add some extra sparkle to Hythe over the festive season. Teachers at Hythe Primary shared that the children loved getting into the Christmas spirit and thinking about their favourite things during the holidays. Each class worked on their designs at the same time, creating a real sense of teamwork and excitement across the school. Even those who missed the rst session were given the chance to join in the following day - ensuring that everyone could take part and see their creativity represented in the nal display. Hythe and Dibden Parish Council hopes the bunting not only brings smiles to people’s faces, but also supports local businesses by encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy the High Street this Christmas. A huge thank you to Hythe Primary School for their fantastic e ort and enthusiasm - projects like this truly Designing the bunting The new bunting in Hythe High Street Lions Donate To Local Foodbank In Time For Christmas Romsey & Waterside Lions Club have made another donation of food to the Romsey Foodbank to help them re-stock their shelves with essential supplies, plus some Christmas goodies. e Lions continue to support two local foodbanks at regular intervals; the other one being the Waterside Foodbank, since the pandemic their donations to both have amounted to over £8,000. Lion Caroline Egg presenting the most recent food donation to Carolyn Chart at the Romsey Foodbank
Page 12 • The HERALD • 11th December 2025 v EMAIL YOUR NEWS: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk v 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 Hythe Wives Supporting Hythe Pier Heritage Association Help Protect Pensioners From Winter Fuel Payment Scams Advice from Age Concern New Forest Hythe Wives Social Club were delighted to present a cheque for £710 to Hythe Pier Heritage Association (HPHA), their chosen charity for 2025. e majority of this has been raised by the members holding bring and buy sales at the club throughout the year. Anthony Smith, HPHA Chairman gave a presentation and talk providing an update on the work that has already been completed and the work still to be done on the pier and train. He said the money will de nitely help to restore the latest carriage. Pensioners are being warned to look out for Winter Fuel Payment text message scams following a surge in activity from opportunistic criminals ahead of payments. These scams – which see fraudsters exploit pensioners by posing as government o cials processing Winter Fuel Payment applications – had begun to drop o a er a peak in June but are now increasing again ahead of payments being made. e Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment for households that include someone born before 22nd September 1959. Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, and the Government will never ask for bank details by text. Anyone who receives a text message inviting them to apply for a payment should not engage with it and instead forward it to 7726. If you are eligible, you will have received a letter in either October or November saying how much you will get. Most eligible people will receive payment in November or December 2025. If you want to discuss eligibility for Winter Fuel Payment or ask any other questions, please call the Age Concern o ce on: 023 8084 1199 Monday to Friday between 10am and 1pm. Hythe Wives presenting the cheque to Hythe Pier Heritage Association Want to make a di erence, meet new people, or learn something new? Wessex Cancer Support is looking for friendly volunteers to join their shop at Unit 1, Fairview Parade, Beaulieu Road, SO45 5GT. e shop is open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am - 4.30pm, and volunteers help with donations, displays, and serving customers, full training is provided! Every year, the shops raise over £150,000 to support local people living with cancer. By giving just a little JOIN THE WESSEX CANCER SUPPORT SHOP TEAM! of your time, you’ll help make a big di erence in your community. Get involved today! Email: volunteer@ wessexcancer.org.uk, call: 023 8067 2200, or pop into the shop for a chat. Upcoming Event: Friday 12th December: Jolly Jumper Day. Visit the website for full details and join the festive fun! Wessex Cancer Support provides free, local emotional support for anyone a ected by cancer across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. Wessex Cancer Support’s Waterside Centre can be found at e Grove, 25 St John’s Street, Hythe, SO45 6BZ. Call: 023 8178 0409 or email: waterside@ wessexcancer. org.uk for more information. Follow the QR code for further information. Scan the QR code for more information
11th December 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
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v THE HERALD - YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE v 11th December 2025 • The HERALD • Page 15 ABOUT US Our roofers are the best in the business and are ready to give your roof a full and completely FREE inspection MM INSTALLATIONS Double Glazing Repairs • Locks • Handles • Hinges • Glass • Fascias • Soffits • Guttering • Velux Glass Replacement Over 25 years experience Tel: 07787 878228 Email: mminstallations515@gmail.com Put Your Repairs in Safe Hands SP DECORATING Painting & Decorating Specialist Simon Perks Tel: 07889 091420 Email: simonperks@rocketmail.com • Interior & Exteriors • Wallpaper Hanging • Prompt & Reliable Service • Free Quotations & Expert Advice • Fully Insured 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 ANXIETY? PANIC ATTACKS? STAY CALM, IN CONTROL AND RELAXED Break Free from a Fear or Habit. Regain Confidence and Happiness Fast and Effective Solution, Lasting Results CALL 07786 376980 E: alan@alanjoneshypnotherapy.com YEAR 7 STEM DAY AT APPLEMORE College for providing such an entertaining and inspiring day. Your hard work was much appreciated and made the day a fantastic success! Thank you!” Year 7 students at Applemore College recently enjoyed a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Day, funded by e Ambitious For All Foundation. e day was a whirlwind of hands-on science and technology activities, designed to inspire young minds and create lasting memories. Students took on the challenge of Lego Robotics, meticulously programming their robots to navigate a course avoiding tricky obstacles and reach a nal target. eir scienti c curiosity was ignited when they grew crystals, carefully heating salt solutions using Bunsen burners and watching in awe as delicate crystalline structures formed before their eyes. Next was an unforgettable close-up encounter with nature’s wonders including scorpions, tarantulas and even hedgehogs! e highlight of the day was the breathtaking ying display with an array of magni cent birds of prey, including owls, a kestrel, falcon and Harris Hawk. All Year 8 students joined Year 7 and shared in the excitement of watching the fabulous display. is unforgettable day perfectly showcased the importance of Science and Technology education, opening up new horizons and sparking a lifelong passion for discovery in the next generation. Students comments about the day included: “It was awesome!”, “It made me realise I want to create stuff when I am older.”, “It made me think science could be fun”. e Ambitious For All Foundation Trustees comment: “We would like to thank all the Year 7 students for their enthusiastic participation and brilliant energy – you made our day! Finally, our thanks also to BJPCE Limited, for the Lego Robotics; Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre and the Science staff at Applemore Year 7 students enjoying the STEM Day at Applemore College Help To Spread The Festive Joy By Gifting Toys This Christmas Tesco customers have the opportunity to give new toys to local children who need it most this Christmas. Until 15th December, Tesco’s Hythe Superstore and Southampton Superstore are holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for local good causes, which will then distribute the toys to local children. Abbi Hanniford, at the Hythe Superstore, said: “We take pride in supporting our local community during the year. This year’s toy donation campaign is a fantastic way for customers to help local families in need and ensure children in our community have something to open on Christmas Day. We are so grateful to our customers who donate what they can to help bring a little festive joy to local families this Christmas.” For the campaign, each of the stores will have a dedicated toy donation point where customers can donate new, unwrapped toys purchased in store. Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said: “Our stores are committed to supporting local children and their communities year-round, and thanks to the generosity of our customers and colleagues, the annual toy donation campaign is a wonderful way to make a difference at Christmas. It’s great to see these Southampton stores partnering with local good causes this year to ensure that every child experiences the magic of Christmas.” Last Christmas Tesco customers donated a total of 125,000 toys, with the retailer looking to beat that number this year. Spread the festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas
Page 16 • The HERALD • 11th December 2025 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v WATERSIDE NETWORK GROUP: MEMBER FOCUS by Simon Chadwick is issue we’d like to introduce you to Gary Smith of Forest Electrical Services. It’s likely that many of you will have come across Gary already where he’s helped you with those essential electrical services throughout your homes. Gary is professional, friendly and reliable, and with over 30 years of experience behind him in domestic, commercial and industrial electrical installations. To further reassure you that you’re getting the right person for the job, he’s fully insured, quali ed to the latest edition of the wiring regulations, and is a member of NAPIT. is means he is able to notify Local Authority Building Control of any works carried out that fall under Part P of the Building Regulations. Forest Electrical Services cover all aspects of electrical works, installing new circuits, creating additions to existing circuits, and tting new consumer units (what many of us call fuse boxes) that conform to modern standards. In recent years Forest Electrical Services have been able to o er a new specialism. With the growth in popularity of electric vehicles, Gary made sure he took the necessary quali cations to be able to t the charging units. Consequently, he has already tted dozens of them in the area. If you’re considering getting an electric car, or are moving home and need a new unit installed, then Forest Electrical Services are the experienced and reliable choice to get the job done. Forest Electrical Services are based on the Waterside and cover the New Forest, Southampton and Winchester. You can be assured of the highest quality at a fair price. For a free estimate, get in touch with Gary Smith of Forest Electrical Services today to arrange a visit to your property. You can contact Gary using the details opposite. Gary Smith, Forest Electrical Services Entertain Your Child For Free Finding reliable and a ordable ways to entertain children is always a challenge, but one relatively new innovation is the children’s story podcast. ere are many out there and they’re ideal for car journeys, bedtime, or even running in the background while your child’s playing. And one of the most popular independent children’s podcasts is based right here on the Waterside. e podcast is called Animal Tales and the stories are all based around wildlife, pets, mythological creatures and dinosaurs. Children email in with an animal suggestion, then the Animals Tales’ writers cra a tale around it. New stories are available every Monday and Wednesday, with a Premium episode every Friday, and all previous stories (over 450 of them) are always available. e writers are local author and illustrator Simon Chadwick and his daughter Alice, with the stories being read by Simon’s wife, Josephine. ey have regular listeners all over the world, including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, South Africa and even the Cook Islands in the middle of the Paci c. Much of the success is down to the quality of the storytelling, and the calm and pleasant way the stories are delivered. Animal Tales is available through all podcast providers – and it’s free to listen. Entertain your child for free with the Animal Tales podcast
11th December 2025 • The HERALD • Page 17
Page 18 • The HERALD • 11th December 2025 Mr & Mrs Carpets Carpet, Vinyl & Laminate Husband and wife team, with over 30 year’s experience in the flooring trade who both fit (We don’t employ contract fitters) Home selection service (we bring samples to you) • Free Advice • Free Measuring • Fully Insured • All leading brands • Subfloor Repairs (Ply/Screed) • Furniture Moved • Old flooring uplifted and removed • Doors Trimmed • Adaptions and repairs All major credit/debit cards accepted F Mr&Mrscarpets Email: mrandmrscarpets@aol.com We have flooring to suit all budgets, call/message 07557 055327 for advice/quotations We offset our carbon footprint by planting ECO-FRIENDLY
11th December 2025 • The HERALD • Page 19 v F @heraldpublishing v UPVC, WOODEN DOOR, WINDOW SPECIALIST LOCK PROBLEMS? We Can Help with ALL types of Locks • Fix or Replace • Gain Entry 24hr Emergency Call Outs • Specialised Non-Destructive Entries • Safe Unlocking Expertise • Broken Key Removals • Insurance Purpose Lock Changes & Repairs • Swift Burglary Repairs, Extra Door & Window Security Upgrades • Police Approved Keysafes – Emergency Boarding • Anti-Burglar Bars/Grilles For Windows & Doors, • Free Security Checks • Crime Prevention Advice Awarded Police Recognition, Donald Bugsy Edwards • All Work Guaranteed • No Call Out Charge • No VAT YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT LOCKSMITH BE WISE CALL KEYWISE 07453 327708 or 023 8155 0025 24 HOUR SERVICE 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 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 NEWS FROM WATERSIDE HERITAGE from Waterside Heritage We are continuing our task of organising, ling and digitising the archives at Waterside Heritage. In our ongoing tidying and sorting we have found six delightful watercolour paintings of local scenes. ese were done by a Miss Irene M Hobart between 1892 and 1896. Miss Hobart, whose watercolours have been sold at auction at prices up to £120, lived in Langdown House and later in Mullins Lane. Pictured is one is of South Street in Hythe, obviously before the railway bridge was built. e black and white copy here does not do it justice, so if you would like the see the original, together with the others which are just as good, please pay us a visit at the Heritage Centre (the old railway station) in Dominy Close on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays, open 10am to 12noon. ey are not actually out on display to try to preserve the colour but they can be easily accessed. We are experiencing some challenges with our email system and telephone. e telephone is disconnected as it can only be answered for the 6 hours a week that the Centre is open. We think we have the email system working again – the address is: centre@ watersideheritage.org.uk In the meantime, if you experience di culty in contacting us, contact the Chairman, Dr Mike Gibson: mikegibson47@ btinternet.com or 07977586147. South Street in Hythe by Miss Irene M Hobart Waterside Craft Club – Winter Update Waterside Cra Club will be open every week throughout the winter, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. e Club meet at the Sea Scouts Hut on Shore Road in Hythe every Thursday afternoon from 12.30pm to 3pm. Wishing everyone a joyful and creative holiday from Waterside Craft Club - may your crafting bring you plenty of fun and inspiration. If you’re looking for a warm, social space to make, chat, and spark new ideas, go along and join them! e Dorset Cricket Society is in its 23rd year, with members joining from across the New Forest and the wider Hampshire area at their weekly meetings held in Hurn Bridge Sports Club, Christchurch, BH23 6DY. e line-up of speakers for this season includes ex international players, as well as others that are prominent in other aspects of the game. Meetings take place every Thursday afternoon commencing 1.45pm, running until late March 2026. Upcoming talks: 11th December Jamie Cox, ex captain, now head of Somerset cricket, 18th December Andy Murtagh, ex Hampshire cricketer, author. For more information please contact Graham Jones, Webmaster and Membership Secretary via email: grahamc.jones@ ntlworld.com or call: 01202 248211. Dorset Cricket Society Upcoming Talks
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