Herald - Issue 487

v THE HERALD, 2 HIGH STREET, HYTHE, SO45 6AH v No 487 • FREE Every 3 Weeks • 19th February-12th March 2026 Est: 1994 The Your Community Magazine 7 & 9 The Marsh, Hythe SO45 6AJ • 023 8084 4131 • hythe@pearsons.com Call for a FREE Quotation 023 8078 3031 www.gasworks.co.uk Visit our showroom at 299 Shirley Road, Shirley, Southampton SO15 3HU Hythe, Waterside & New Forest: 023 8084 0257 Boiler Installation Services & Repairs 0% Finance Available Accredited Installer To book a complimentary Consultation Appointment call 023 8066 8886 www.dentureconfidence.co.uk Steve Martin D.D. (Hons), Dip CDT RCS (Eng) Denturist, Clinical Dental Technician GDC number: 140520 THE COMPLETE DENTURE CENTRE Helping you rediscover your smile • Dentures that look like natural teeth • Denture repairs with On-site laboratory • Expert denture advice • Referral processes for ALL your dental needs • Relaxed atmosphere for anxious patients BEFORE AFTER Established 2004 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 16 HIGH STREET, HYTHE SO45 6AH Local Golf Club Raises More Than £34,000 For Cardiac Charity A local golf club has raised more than £34,000 in aid of Southampton cardiac charity, Heartbeat. South Winchester Golf Club in Romsey will be donating the above-par total of £34,680.24 to its chosen charity Heartbeat which supports cardiac patients receiving care at the Wessex Cardiac Unit at the University Hospital Southampton. roughout the year, the club has supported Heartbeat with its dedicated charity golf day and held a number of tournaments to drive its fundraising e orts. In June, Alex Ind – son of Heartbeat CEO Mark Ind and heart patient himself – joined six fellow golfers to take on a 24-hour golf challenge across the greens. As well as clocking up 90,000 steps over 60km, the team successfully raised more than £13,000 for the charity. Commenting on the staggering amount, Mark Ind said: “The team at South Winchester Golf Club have truly gone above and beyond in supporting us. We were delighted to hear we’d be the golf club’s chosen charity for 2025 and the end result is outstanding. It will mean we can continue ensuring those with heart conditions and their loved ones receive the very best of care – whether that’s through specialist equipment or emotional support - throughout a course of treatment.” Mark Payne from South Winchester Golf Club said: “It’s been a really busy year of fundraising for us and we’re very proud of the amount we’ve raised. When we were deciding our chosen charity, we knew we wanted to work with one that’s making a positive difference right on our doorstep so Heartbeat was clearly the perfect choice. I know the final total will make a huge difference.” South Winchester Golf Club members presenting the cheque for £34,680.24 to Heartbeat

Page 2 • The HERALD • 19th February 2026 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 19th February 2026 • The HERALD • Page 3 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY 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 • ROOFS • PATIOS • GUTTERS • CONSERVATORIES • WINDOWS ✦ Fully Insured ✦ 07960 915741 info@mossbossuk.com www.mossbossuk.com • 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 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 Eyeworth Lights Raise Over £2700 for Local Charities e magical Christmas lights display at Eyeworth Walk once again brought smiles to many visitors faces during the festive season. Organisers Gavlar and Crystle recently presented the money donated during the display to two local charities. An amazing £2767.72 was raised from this year’s light display with £1383.86 going to Wessex Cancer Support and the Hythe Pier Heritage Association. Gavlar and Crystle comment: “Thank you all the wonderful people and shops who donated raffle prizes: Trant, Stu Mcllwraith, New Forest District Council, ExxonMobil, Hythe Post Office, Emma’s Nails, Chip ‘N’ Tails in Hollybank, Adams Cafe, Meeple Play Cafe & Bar, Jane Bidwell Flowers, Tranquil Touch Skin Therapies, Waterside Keepsakes from Penrux, Cutting Hythe Pier Heritage Association receive their donation to Ryan and Reece who played the Grinch and to Kevin, Bob and Sath from Hythe Pier, who gave up their own time to help build the Christmas light display.” Watch out for an even bigger display in November this year! House, Tesco and to family and friends for all their kind generosity and wonderful donations. Thank you to the Waterside Christmas Fire Engine for coming to switch on night and again on 23rd December, Waterside Cancer Support Centre presented with their donation Railway Society To Make Donation To Local Charities At Annual Exhibition On Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th March the Romsey & District Railway Modellers Society will be holding their annual exhibition in the Cros eld Hall in Romsey. ere will be een visiting layouts and eight society layouts plus displays. Ron Lines will have his trade stand. Refreshments available and car parking is free on the Sunday. e price has been held at £7 adult, £3 child and £17 for family (2 + 2 ) ticket. The Society will be making charitable donations to the Community First Responders and Romsey Young Carers. Example layout

Page 4 • The HERALD • 19th February 2026 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 SOLENT SKIP HIRE LTD FOR ALL YOUR COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC WASTE MINI ~ MIDI ~ MAXI SKIPS ALSO CUBIC YARD BAGS OWN BAG COLLECTION AVAILABLE 023 8066 0123 01590 619700 • 01962 588288 Email: office@solentskiphire.co.uk NEW WATERSIDE COMMUNITY HUB OPENS IN BLACKFIELD from Waterside Foodbank e Waterside Community Hub is o cially opening its doors alongside the long-running Waterside Foodbank, marking an exciting new chapter for our community. e hub will be a welcoming space where people can access professional advice from partner organisations, enjoy a hot drink, and just as importantly share a chat with a friendly face. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support the Waterside Foodbank continues to receive. We have been truly fortunate. Alongside the many generous food donations, local groups and businesses have gone above and beyond, lending their time, skills, and resources to help transform the Foodbank space itself. is renovation has been named Project Horizon, a tting title suggested by one of our wonderful volunteers, George. It re ects not just a physical refurbishment, but a renewed sense of hope and possibility for the people we support. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our amazing community. In particular, we are grateful to the building company, Rob Watkins Builders, Bob Greenaway Flooring, Howdens of Hardley for providing a brand-new kitchen, Clive Joyner for supplying a window and St Andrew’s and its congregation for their very generous cash donation towards the renovations. and compassion, always putting the needs of the community rst. Alongside Jan were a small group of committed volunteers some whom continue to give their time to the Foodbank, big thanks to Dawn, Denise, Diane, Eileen, Fran, George, Jill, Linda and Phylis. eir continued involvement speaks volumes about how important this Foodbank is. It is through all the volunteers hard work, determination, and belief in supporting others, combined with the generosity of the Waterside community that the Foodbank has been able to grow and expand, leading to the opening of this new Community Hub. Laura Holloway the Foodbank’s Project Manager says: “This project shows what can happen when a community truly look after one another. We’re so grateful to everyone who donated, volunteered, or simply believed in what we are trying to do here.” Fran who has been volunteering for nearly 10 years said: “We see every day how much a little kindness can mean, it’s a safe welcoming place where people can come in, take a breath, and feel supported. I feel incredibly proud to be part of that.” is project is a true re ection of what can be achieved when a community comes together, and we are deeply thankful to everyone who played a part in making Project Horizon a reality. As always, our thanks would not be complete without recognising the Fawley Royal British Legion, who kindly allowed us to use their premises free of charge throughout the refit. eir continued support made it possible for us to keep operating while the work was underway. We must also give our heartfelt thanks to Jan and Colin Hayter, who founded the Foodbank back in 2008. For over 14 years, Jan and her husband Colin ran the Foodbank with unwavering dedication Foodbank Manager and some of the volunteers giving their thanks

v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v 19th February 2026 • 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 Ancient Tradition Raises Over £2000 For Local Learning Disability Charity King George, the Turkey Snipes and Little Johnny Jack were brought to life again as the New Forest Mummers toured the local pubs and hostelries with their traditional East Boldre mummer’s play, raising money for a local charity at the same time. ey raised a glass to all the generous patrons and the welcoming landlords who helped them raise £2,325 which they presented to learning disability charity Minstead Trust on 13th January. e New Forest Mummers have been performing the script every year for the past 59 years but the play dates much earlier with its origins back in the 16th Century. Minstead Trust is a fantastic local charity focused on removing barriers for people with learning disabilities. Lesley Brooks from Minstead Trust said: “We are so very grateful to the New Forest Mummers and all the pubs and their patrons for their generosity. We rely on voluntary donations to support people to thrive, and it is really wonderful that over the Christmas period the local community can come together like this and raise a brilliant amount of money to help our work.” Keith Petty has been part of the group for over 40 years. “On behalf of all of us I would like to say thank you to everyone who helped us raise this fantastic amount. Mumming is a true Christmas tradition and it’s great that we can keep it alive here in the New Forest, performing in over 35 venues across the Forest over the Christmas week.” If you are interested in getting involved this December then please contact Keith on: 07986 353362 or via Facebook: www.facebook.com/NewForestMummers New Forest Mummers presenting the cheque to Lesley Brooks from Minstead Trust Waterside Repair Café If you have an item sitting at home, not working, take it along to the Waterside Repair Café on the last Saturday of each month. eir volunteers will do their best to repair it, and if they can’t they might know someone who can. If your item is beyond repair the team will tell you the best way to dispose of it. From clocks, household electricals to umbrellas, they have seen it all. Go on down and say hello and enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake whilst you wait. e Repair Café takes place on the last Saturday of each month from January to November at the Black eld Baptist Church Hall. Doors open at 10.30am, with the last repair checked in at 1pm. Free parking is available on site. Follow the Waterside Repair Café Facebook page for regular updates.

Page 6 • The HERALD • 19th February 2026 v PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 31 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 Independent Jewellers established in 1993 vvvvvv Local experts in jewellery, watches, luxury gifts and services and repairs We buy unwanted jewellery and scrap gold and silver Visit our shop at 10-11 Marsh Parade, Hythe, Southampton SO45 6AN Tel: 023 8251 7621 • amberleyjewellers.co.uk A&D Morrison Builders Ltd FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS • Renovations • Alterations • Cedral cladding • Fascias & Guttering • EPDM Rubber Roofs • Drives & Patios 07768 599704 adlmorrison@sky.com Free Estimates • Fully Insured • Based in Dibden Purlieu To advertise your business in The Herald, contact Sue on 023 8084 0815 or email: sjones@herald-publishing.co.uk Waterside Tennis Club Charity Event Raises £2000 On Friday 9th January Waterside Tennis Club held a charity event at the Dibden Golf Centre, supporting, three local charities, Honeypot Children’s Charity, Waterside Foodbank and e Crossings, £2000 was raised. Local band e Underdogs provided the fabulous live music, 200 tickets were sold and a good time was had by all. If anyone is interested in joining the Waterside Tennis Club, please call: 0238084 2214 or contact the Club via the Facebook page: facebook. com/WatersideTennisHolbury Waterside Tennis Club’s Charity Event Presentation to The Crossings Hythe & District Voluntary Car Group Issues Urgent Appeal for Volunteers As Demand Surges e Hythe & District Voluntary Car Group is issuing an urgent call for new volunteers as a signi cant whom are elderly and manage mobility or disability issues - enabling them to attend essential medical appointments, including doctors, hospitals, dentists, and grief counselling. e group is currently seeking volunteers for two key roles: • Volunteer Drivers: Home-based volunteers who use their own vehicles to transport clients, with mileage reimbursed. Assignments are allocated weekly based on the driver’s own availability. • Call Handlers: Based at the group’s o ce in Hythe Community Centre, volunteers answer the phone and take bookings Monday - Friday, between 9am and 11am. e more volunteers they have, the more local people they can help. Even a few hours of volunteering a week can make a life-changing di erence to a resident in the Waterside area. If you are interested in supporting the community and would like to learn more about the volunteering roles contact Maggie on: 07806 432616 or email: hythecargroup2@outlook.com For more information visit: hythevcg.org.uk increase in demand for its services has le the group struggling to ful l all booking requests. The group, which provides a vital door-todoor transport service for adults in the Waterside area, completed approximately 2,000 trips last year. However, due to an increase in demand, the organisation has been forced to restrict the number of bookings it can accept, meaning some of the community’s most vulnerable residents are being turned away. e service is a lifeline for local adults - many of

19th February 2026 • The HERALD • Page 7 Rehau Smarts

Page 8 • The HERALD • 19th February 2026 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…… Testvale Squares Supporting Motor Neurone Disease Association During the latter half of 2025 Testvale Squares raised money for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association, something close to the Club’s heart. At the Tramps Ball in October they raised a small amount with a ra e, then at the nal Christmas Club dance of the year they held a further ra e and a Christmas Cra Sale. Many Club members are ‘cra y’ and the sales table had beautiful examples of items for the Christmas Dinner table and small gi s for family and friends. ese included macramé, embroidered and button Christmas trees, decorated notebooks and pen holders, small fabric ‘crackers’ to hold a gi such as a small bottle of wine or chocolates, embroidered and handmade Christmas cards and many other lovely items. In total £400 was raised for the MND Association and on Monday 19th January the Club were invited to present the cheque to the local branch who meet monthly in the Club House at Totton Football Ground. Dawn Pond, the MND Area Co-ordinator, and her wonderful team of volunteers were very welcoming as were those attending the get-together with partners and carers. Large slabs of cake were laid on by the Club, along with tea and co ee. Margaret Weaver, one of the volunteers completed a 100 mile walking challenge in January for MND, not all at once but a gradual accumulation of miles over the month. If you’d like to donate to her challenge, visit: www.justgiving.com/ page/margaret-weaver-8 Later this year, hopefully in September, they’ll be having a Hoedown Dance at Testvale Squares, with all proceeds going to MND. Visit: testvalesquares.co.uk over the coming months for more details of this and other events they are running throughout the year. MND volunteers, Carol Gerrey from Testvale Squares on the right and Dawn Pond 3rd from right Ashurst & District Ladies Probus AGM Ashurst & District Ladies Probus are a very friendly group of Ladies and would love to see you. ey meet on the 3rd Thursday of every month at e Happy Cheese, Ashurst at 11am. ey have a speaker every month on a great variety of topics and a erwards most of the members stay for a lunch and general chat. eir next meeting is Thursday 19th February for their AGM. ey would love you to go along, it’s a lovely way to spend the morning, with some interesting, informative speakers. If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact Marian Quantrell, Treasurer on: 023 8029 2381 or: 07849 410323.

19th February 2026 • The HERALD • Page 9

Page 10 • The HERALD • 19th February 2026 v F @heraldpublishing v FLAT ROOFING SPECIALISTS All Roof Repairs Tel: 023 8184 5632 Mobile: 07880 508415 Email: steve@braithwaiteroo ng.co.uk THE FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST Internal & External Decorating Wallpapering & Dustless Sanding FULLY INSURED PROFESSIONAL PAINTER & DECORATOR MARK 1 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE The next Herald is out on 12th March • Airflex Storm Technology • End of Tenancy/Martime • Carpets Deep Cleaned • Domestic & Commercial • Hard Floor Deep Clean • Professional Deep Clean Carpet Technicians • Sanitisation • Fully Insured www.stormfloorcare.com 07525724263 stormfloorcarepro@gmail.com Facebook: @ Storm Professional Carpet Cleaning & Floorcare Instagram: @ storm.floorcare trained and certified Give Your Floors An Accredited Spring Clean With Storm Floorcare! With warmer months just around the corner many of you may be thinking about spring cleaning your home and perhaps having your carpets and oors cleaned and refreshed. But did you know that many carpet cleaners have had no formal recognised training? Storm Floorcare o er accredited and fully insured professional carpet cleaning and oor care across the waterside and the New Forest. Originally set up by John Munro, his son Conor has now taken on the business. Conor has completed training with both Prochem for hard oor cleaning and maintenance and Solution World of Clean for carpet and upholstery cleaning. Although John has retired he still plans to help Conor on larger jobs, John is an associate member of the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA) - the only nationally recognised trade association dedicated to the cleaning and maintenance of carpets, hard ooring and so furnishings. Based locally in Langley, Storm Floorcare o er cleaning services for carpets, hard ooring and upholstery across domestic homes, commercial properties as well as end of tenancy projects. Every oor is di erent, and regular maintenance is important to remove surface soiling and bacteria. Having had bre recognition training Storm can provide appropriate cleaning solutions and professional equipment to safely deep clean your carpet and hard ooring areas. Even the most stubborn spots and staining can be tackled with their comprehensive range of bre safe solutions. For wooden ooring they o er a complete wood oor scrub, polish and oil service breathing life into your ooring. Storm Floorcare is experienced in working with commercial businesses from small o ces through to pubs and restaurants. For more information about Storm Floorcare or to book a free no obligation site survey please visit: storm oorcare.com or call: 07525 724263 or email: storm oorcarepro@gmail.com Conor Munro, Storm Floorcare CHARCOAL BURNING Copythorne Parish History Society meets on the 4th Thursday of each month, in the main Copythorne Parish Hall at 7.30pm and welcomes anyone who wishes to go along. Entry is £2 per person. eir next meeting is on Thursday 26th February for ‘Charcoal Burning’ by Peter Jameson. For more information please contact Clare on: 023 8081 2167 or email: anniesapp@hotmail.com

19th February 2026 • 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 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 Honeypot Children’s Charity Marks 30 Years Of Supporting Young Carers e Honeypot Children’s Charity is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, marking three decades of life-changing support for young carers and vulnerable children aged 5–12 across the UK. Founded in 1996, Honeypot supports children who take on caring responsibilities for sick or disabled loved ones - o en from a very young age. Over the past 30 years, the charity has supported more than 25,000 children through its residential respite breaks, outreach services and family support. e scale of Honeypot’s impact is signi cant. To date, more than 17,000 children have attended respite breaks, over 1,300 have taken part in Social & Emotional Active Learning (SEAL) breaks, and more than 8,000 children have bene ted from outreach services. e charity has also delivered over 45,000 birthday and Christmas gi s to children at home, alongside hundreds of wellbeing grants, food vouchers and leisure vouchers for families facing nancial pressure. e anniversary celebrations have already attracted messages of support from well-known public gures, including actor Tom Holland, who praised the charity’s work supporting children with caring responsibilities. He said: “Congratulations to everyone at Honeypot for reaching this important 30th anniversary milestone. You are all doing an amazing job and I have huge respect for each and every one of you caring for a loved one. Have a fantastic birthday and enjoy all the celebrations.” To mark the milestone, e Honeypot Children’s Charity has launched its anniversary campaign, “What’s Your 30?”, inviting supporters to get involved by sharing birthday messages, taking part in 30 minutes of joy, fundraising in creative ways inspired by the number 30, and helping raise awareness of the challenges young carers face. Honeypot CEO Simmi Woodwal comments: “As we celebrate our 30th birthday, my first words must be of thanks. This journey has only been possible because of the incredible community around us – our dedicated staff, funding partners, referring partners, and the families who trust us to support their children. Most of all, we are honoured to walk alongside the young carers themselves. Looking ahead, we have ambitious plans to open more houses across the UK so that even more young carers can experience the joy of a break away.” For more information on how to get involved in Honeypot’s 30th anniversary celebrations, visit: www.honeypot.org.uk Young carers on a Respite Break

Page 12 • The HERALD • 19th February 2026 v EMAIL YOUR NEWS: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk v A.M.H. Handyman Services Internal & External Painting All aspects of DIY Work • Flat Pack Assembly Power Washing: Driveways, Patios, Paths & Decking, Gutters, Fascia Boards Call or email Andy for a free estimate Tel: 07961 443623 handyandyharding@gmail.com Local and Reliable All joinery and carpentry requirements undertaken • Bespoke wooden windows, doors and staircases • PVCu windows and doors fitted • Decking, pergolas and out buildings • Custom made wardrobes and cupboards • Fencing and gates Contact us for advice and quotes Tel 023 8066 8021• Mobile 07467 594993 fillisjoinery@outlook.com Professional quality joinery for over 25 years • Airport & Seaport Specialists • Highly Competitive Fares • Friendly, Reliable Service • Comfortable 6 Seater MPVs • Any Distance - Minimum Fare £10 Before booking your journey please call us for a free quotation 07770 967198 or 023 8194 8754 www.kazcarz.co.uk DECORATING Interior and Exterior Established 1985 07867 528307 mark.blake.decorating@gmail.com The next Herald is out on 12th March GREAT START TO 2026 FOR THE WATERSIDE CHRISTMAS FIRE ENGINE e Waterside Christmas Fire Engine committee extend their sincere appreciation to Doreen Longman and her line dancing and Zumba classes for their generous donation of £500 towards the upkeep and maintenance of the Waterside Christmas Fire Engine. is contribution marks an excellent beginning as they aim to raise £3,000 annually to ensure the re engine remains operational, enabling Santa’s visits across the Waterside each December. To support the fundraising e orts, the re engine will be present at local summer fetes and welcome donations of gi s and bottles for the tombolas. Please contact Pat on: 07771 518484, via Facebook: @watersidechristmasengine or email: waterside reengine@gmail.com For those who wish to contribute directly, donations can also be made via GoFundMe: gofund.me/ d320466fd Doreen Longman and her line dancing class present a donation to Pat Canning, Chair of the Waterside Christmas Fire Engine New Forest Aquaponics CIC Receives £20K Of National Lottery Funding New Forest Aquaponics CIC is celebrating a er being awarded £20,000 in National Lottery funding to support its work. New Forest Aquaponics CIC has been running since 2018, sta ed solely by volunteers. Focused on reducing the environmental impact of food production, aquaponics is a sustainable food-growing system that combines aquaculture (raising sh) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil). In this closed-loop system, the sh waste fertilises the plants, and the plants help purify the sh water, reducing water use, resource waste, and environmental impact. anks to the National Lottery funding, the project is now ready to ful l a long-term ambition to educate and inspire people about aquaponics, from their site in Boldre, in the heart of the New Forest. The new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest community funder in the UK, will see hands on workshops, community events, and an accessible education programme - both on-site and online - that raises awareness of aquaponics as an environmentally friendly method of food production. At the same time, the group will be able to press on with plans to complete a move from their original site and increase opportunities for local people, schools and groups to visit, volunteer and learn about aquaponics. Lucie Mann, founder of New Forest Aquaponics CIC, says: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. Now, thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to press on with our plans to develop a centre of excellence, encouraging people to consider Aquaponics as a sustainable alternative for food production. It opens the doors for people to understand more about Aquaponics and make informed choices on how they want food to be grown. This is important because Aquaponics uses 90% less water than traditional farming, it grows healthy food and fish without the use of chemicals, can be set up in a small space, supports the environment and feeds communities.” To nd out more about New Forest Aquaponics, the project and opportunities to get involved, visit: newforestaquaponics.com e National Lottery Community Fund recently launched its strategy, ‘It starts with community’, which will underpin its e orts to distribute at least £4 billion of National Lottery funding by 2030. As part of this, the funder has four key missions, which are to support communities to come together, be environmentally sustainable, help children and young people thrive and enable people to live healthier lives.

19th February 2026 • 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

Page 14 • The HERALD • 19th February 2026 v READ THE HERALD ONLINE: www.herald-publishing.co.uk v YOUR JUST INDOOR WINDOW CLEANER HOUSE CLEANING ALSO CALL JEN 07398 422924 EXPERT DOMESTICS APPLIANCE SERVICES Sales and Repairs to All Makes and Models 169-171 LONG LANE, HOLBURY • TEL (023) 8089 0054 POSSIBLY THE ONLY INDEPENDENT MAIN DEALER IN THE NEW FOREST For Bosch, Belling, Britannia, Candy, Ebac, Hotpoint, Hoover, Indesit, Ice King, LG, LEC, Liebherr, Miele, Neff, Sebo, Siemens, Stoves, Whirlpool, Zanussi and more... Free Standing & Built In Sales Centre Over 300 appliances in stock www.expertdomestics.co.uk All aspects of Plastering & General Decorating Covered Free Quotations Fully Insured Mobile 07941 255335 Phone: 023 8089 8324 parkesij@yahoo.co.uk www.ijs4plastering.co.uk ‘Tree-mendous’ Recycling Project Raises £5,000 For Oakhaven Hospice ursday 8th and Friday 9th January saw the inaugural ‘Oakhaven Treecycle’ campaign raise vital funds for Oakhaven Hospice. e project raised £5,000 thanks to costs being covered by sponsors Heppenstalls Solicitors and New Forest Escapes. e new initiative was very well received, with Oakhaven taking over 200 orders to collect trees from the BH25, SO41, SO42 and SO45 areas. roughout November and December, supporters were encouraged to book a tree collection and make a donation to Oakhaven Hospice. Volunteers were then organised to collect the trees, saving homeowners the hassle of disposing of their unwanted Christmas trees a er the festivities. Hannah Davies, Oakhaven’s Community Fundraiser who led the campaign, commented: “Many thanks to everyone who supported Oakhaven Treecycle, in particular our sponsors, Heppenstalls Solicitors and New Forest Escapes. Their sponsorship has helped by covering our costs, ensuring that all donations made with the bookings will directly support our services helping local families. Many, many thanks also to the thirty enthusiastic volunteers who donated their time to drive vans and collect the trees. Not even storm Goretti could dampen their spirits or stop them from collecting nearly 220 over two days! Working with our dedicated Oakhaven Hospice patient drivers and volunteers, invaluable support was given by staff at SLB, NFU Mutual, SME HR Consulting, Shorefield Holiday Parks, and HSBC ensuring every tree could be collected on time. In addition, we are very grateful to This Is Eco in Parley for their support in responsibly recycling these trees into mulch, free of charge. This new fundraising event was supported by several New Forest Christmas tree retailers including Agars Nursery, Everton Nurseries, Fairweathers Garden Centre, Moles Country Stores, Redcliffe Garden Centre meaningful ways to give back to our community and reduce our environmental footprint. This partnership not only supports vital hospice care but also ensures that something as simple as recycling a Christmas tree can make a real difference — both for people and the planet.” All funds raised by Oakhaven Treecycle will help to fund Oakhaven’s day-to-day running costs, which last year amounted to £9 million. With only 11% of funding covered by the NHS, your local hospice relies on kind donations, fundraising, gi s in wills and income from its charity shops and home care provider, Oakhaven Care Ltd, to cover the remaining 89% of costs. and Strawberry Fields Christmas Tree Farm. Such was the success, Oakhaven Treecycle will be back this Christmas and will incorporate even more areas, including the SO40 and SO43 areas.” Clarissa Ronchese from Heppenstalls, said: “We’re thrilled to have been the headline sponsor of the Oakhaven Treecycle. It’s a fantastic way to support our local community, raise vital funds for Oakhaven Hospice, and help recycle Christmas trees across the New Forest.” Jane Wilkinson from New Forest Escapes, commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to have partnered with Oakhaven Hospice for the first year of the Christmas tree recycling initiative. As a proud B Corp, we’re always looking for Treecycle Volunteers from SLB collecting Christmas trees for recycling Treecycle Volunteers from NFU Mutual collecting Christmas trees for recycling The new Treecycle project raised funds for Oakhaven Hospice

v THE HERALD - YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE v 19th February 2026 • The HERALD • Page 15 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 Send your news to The Herald by email: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk JOIN CARE UK’S NATIONWIDE ‘BIG DEMENTIA CONVERSATION’ from Carpathia Grange, Care UK Did you know that nearly four in 10 people (39%) avoid visiting relatives living with dementia because of how di cult it can be to communicate and connect? Dementia can change the way someone communicates. Messages in the brain may take longer to reach the right place, which can make conversations more challenging. As dementia progresses, families and friends may feel unsure how to stay connected. In a national survey, nearly all respondents (93%) said communication barriers made meaningful interaction harder, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Understanding why communication becomes more challenging is the rst step in remaining connected with your loved one. Staying connected We know many families feel they don’t have enough support with communication a er their loved one develops dementia. at’s why Care UK has created Staying connected: a guide to dementia-friendly conversations. e guide is available for free in your local care home and online as part of ‘The Big Dementia Conversation’ online advice hub. is hub is all about sharing knowledge and real-life experiences to support those who are looking a er someone living with dementia. If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia and need a little extra support, why not visit our website to discover more ways we can help you and your loved one. Join us for our next event at Carpathia Grange: Staying connected: A guide to dementia-friendly conversation. Friday 6th March, 2.30pm - 4pm. Carpathia Grange Join us as we explore how to communicate more e ectively with people living with dementia. Learn simple, practical ways to stay connected - helping to build understanding, ease frustration and create more meaningful moments in everyday life. To book your free place, call: 023 8255 2602 or email: ellie. peters@careuk.com If you’re considering care, call your local care home Carpathia Grange on: 023 8255 2602 or visit: careuk. com/carpathia-grange

Page 16 • The HERALD • 19th February 2026 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v PRACTICAL BUSINESS COACHING Susan Hayward founded e Hayward Hub over 13 years ago, driven by a passion for helping people and organisations thrive through practical, human-centred training and coaching. Today, e Hayward Hub is a multiaward-winning consultancy supporting individuals and micro and small businesses to build capability, con dence and sustainable success. The Hub brings together three complementary strands of work. e rst is business coaching and business skills training for owners and leadership teams in organisations of up to 50 employees. is includes leadership, communication, decision-making, resilience and performance – the skills that underpin healthy, e ective businesses in 2026. Being self-employed or a solopreneur doesn’t have to be lonely anymore. e second strand is mental health and neurodiversity training. e Hayward Hub delivers high-quality Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Awareness courses for adults and those supporting young people, helping organisations create safer, more inclusive workplaces. Susan is also accredited to deliver three Neurodiversity in the Workplace programmes. e third strand is personal development (life) coaching and mentoring, supporting individuals to gain clarity, strengthen con dence and take meaningful steps towards their goals – professionally and personally. Working with a coach and trainer gives business owners space to think, challenge assumptions and plan for growth. You gain an experienced, independent perspective: honest, supportive and focused on what will genuinely move your business forward. As pressures on people and organisations continue to rise in 2026, investing in both business skills and wellbeing is no longer optional – it’s essential. Based on the Waterside, Susan has over 35 years experience across coaching, training and leadership development. She o ers a free two-hour business review for business owners and a free onehour exploratory conversation for those considering coaching or mentoring. Ready to take the next step? If you’d like practical support that strengthens your business, your people and your con dence, Susan would love to hear from you. Visit: www.HaywardHub. co.uk to explore your options, or get in touch using the details opposite to start a conversation with no pressure and no obligation. WELCOME BACK TO NEW FOREST PHYSIOTHERAPY e Waterside Network Group is glad to welcome back New Forest Physiotherapy Clinic, one of its earliest members. Now based in Marchwood, it is run by Adam Smith-Connor, a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and registered with the Health & Care Professions Council. He treats all types of musculoskeletal pain including back pain, whiplash, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, knee pain, sprained ankle and rehabilitation following orthopaedic surgery including total knee replacement, total hip replacement and back surgery. Training at Birmingham University, he quali ed in 1994. His rst job was in She eld at the Northern General Hospital, where he developed an interest in sports injuries and orthopaedic surgery rehabilitation. Adam has worked at the World Masters swimming competition, for the Armed Forces, NHS and Private Health sector. Prior to setting up New Forest Physiotherapy Southampton Adam worked at BUPA Southampton Hospital where he built a close working relationship with local Orthopaedic and Neuro Surgeons. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Southampton, which included modules on Cognitive Behavioural erapy, Extended Scope Practice in Spinal Pain, and Principles of Rehabilitation. Research proposals by Adam include Exercise Performance at High Altitude and Joint Position Sense following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. To find out more, visit: www. newforestphysio.co.uk or call: 023 8008 9120. Susan Hayward, Hayward Hub

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19th February 2026 • The HERALD • Page 19 v F @heraldpublishing v History Day Exhibition Saturday 7th March Copythorne Parish History Society are holding a History Day Exhibition at the Parish Hall, Pollards Moor Road, Copythorne, SO40 2NZ. e Exhibition will cover many topics of past life and times in the Parish, including artefacts. As well as the chance to meet up with friends, family, neighbours and people you’ve never even met. Entry to the exhibition is £2 per head. ere will be the usual refreshments available. Doors will be open from 10am-5pm. ey look forward to seeing you there! Learning in Libraries Courses e following Learning in Libraries Courses are starting soon at Hythe Library: Sing Your Way to Better Mental Health starts on Tuesday 3rd March, running weekly until 31st March, 10am–11am. Develop con dence and expression in your singing by learning a range of techniques and enjoy the bene ts of singing in a group. e course costs £34. Ukulele Follow On course starts on Tuesday 3rd March, running weekly until 31st March, 12.10pm–1.10pm. Continue your musical journey with a ukulele for improvers course. e course costs £37. For more information or to book a place visit: shop.hants.gov.uk/ collections/learning-inlibraries? lter.p.tag=Hyt he+Library or call: 023 9223 2957. Cake and Craft Fayre Totton Sunflowers WI invite you to join them at their Cake and Cra Fayre on Saturday 28th March at the ree Score Club, Totton (next to the Library carpark) between 10am and 3pm. Entry is free. ere will be a pop-up café with fabulous homemade cakes and many local crafters selling their unique products. A great opportunity to shop for gi s or simply treat yourself! Waterside Christmas Fire Engine Raises Over £9,500 for Local Charities and Good Causes Although Christmas is behind us and spring is approaching, the Treasurer of the Waterside Christmas Fire Engine has been hard at work tallying donations from the 2025 December events and ensuring payments reach the selected local charities and good causes. anks to the incredible support of the Waterside Community, the festive collections for 2025 raised a remarkable £9,629.50! 14 local charities and good causes, from community nominations, have each received shares of these funds: Honeypot House, Hythe Sea Scouts, Scarf New Forest, Solent Rescue, St John’s Church in Hythe, All Animal Rescue, e Handy Trust, Friends of Hythe Primary School, New Forest Outreach, Waterside Foodbank, Families Matter, Noadswood Flexible Learning, Warren Copse and Holbury Manor Conservation Group and New Forest Guide Dogs.

Page 20 • The HERALD • 19th February 2026 v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v FLAT ROOFING SPECIALISTS All Roof Repairs Tel: 023 8184 5632 Mobile: 07880 508415 Email: steve@braithwaiteroo ng.co.uk THE FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST Acorn Building Contracts Ltd u Reliable, local builders offering affordable, quality workmanship u Our employees are fully qualified and fully insured u All aspects of building undertaken including extensions, structural alterations, roofing, ground works, kitchens, bathrooms, carpentry and plastering u Drawings arranged u Insurance work undertaken u Local Approved Contractor For free quotations and friendly advice please call Office: 023 8024 3336 Mobile: 07786 656865 Email: acornbuilding@gmail.com or visit our website: www.acorn-builders.co.uk You will not be disappointed GIVE YOUR KITCHEN A FRESH LOOK – WITHOUT THE COST OF A FULL RENOVATION Langley based Kitchen Door Rescue can help you to give your kitchen a fresh new look without the cost of a full renovation, o ering vinyl wrapping for your existing doors, drawers and cabinets. Vinyl wrapping o ers the perfect sustainable solution for anyone wanting to revamp their kitchen on a budget whilst still achieving that showroom-quality nish. Kitchen Door Rescue have a wide range of vinyl to choose from with budget options for low tra c areas and premium options for high tra c areas, available in a range of colours and nishes from traditional wood and marble through to gloss and glitter. A small kitchen with 4 drawers and 5 doors can be revamped for as little as £350. In addition to kitchens, Kitchen Door Rescue also o ers vinyl wrapping for other furniture including bathroom and bedroom cabinets and wardrobes, caravan interiors, as well as appliances and window frosting. If your business premises are in need of a refresh, Kitchen Door Rescue also o er services for commercial properties, the team can help to transform reception desks, retail sales desks, walls, restaurant spaces and more. Before After vinyl wrapping For more information visit: www.kitchendoorrescue. co.uk call: 078 0101 0100 or email: enquiries@ kitchendoorrescue.co.uk of community drama groups. It promises a vibrant programme of performances showcasing a wide range of styles. e annual One Act festival is a ‘Stage One’ of the All England National One Act eatre Festival and the winning group from Totton will go forward to the Western Area Final where they will compete for a space in the English Final. Audiences can expect an exciting mix of comedy, drama, and original work, all performed by passionate community actors and actresses from across the south. The Totton Festival of Drama is not only great entertainment for enthusiastic theatre goers at a reasonable cost it is also a celebratory platform for grassroots theatre. Performances will be adjudicated by professional adjudicator Annie Rees, offering constructive feedback and recognition for excellence in acting, direction, lighting, writing and production. “The festival is about bringing people together through live performance,” said Chairperson Mike Farleigh. “It’s a chance for local drama groups to share their work, learn from each other, and perform to an enthusiastic audience.” Audiences can see up to three plays each evening. It is curtain up at 7pm each night and the evenings will nish at approximately 10pm. ere will be a Saturday Matinée starting at 2pm which will be followed by a Ploughman’s supper (to be booked) before the nal at 7pm, evening performances on the 21st March will culminate with the award ceremony. Tickets are £10 (£9 students) including booking fee. “Don’t forget book for three or more nights and you get £1 off each ticket!” adds Mike. To book your tickets visit: www. hangerfarm.co.uk or phone: 023 8066 7683. For more information on the festival and the weeks programme visit: www.tottondrama. co.uk/2026, www. facebook.com/ tottondrama or email: info@tottondrama.co.uk Four Days of Brilliant Community Theatre in Totton e Totton Festival of Drama is Back at Hanger Farm Arts Centre from the 18th – 21st March with four days of brilliant community theatre. The festival brings four days of engaging, thought-provoking and entertaining short plays to local audiences, celebrating the talent and creativity

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