Herald - Issue 409

Page 8 • The HERALD • 15th July 2021 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v We offer a Full Range of Carpentry and Building Services: • Full Design Service • Garage and Loft Conversions • Extensions • Fitted Kitchens and Bathrooms • Brickwork • Flat Roofs • Conservatories • PVCu Windows • Decking • Fencing, Pergolas and Gates D&G CARPENTRY & BUILDING Over 25 years experience, so for a fast and friendly service with free estimates call on 07767 833227 or 023 8089 9371 Wet clean or Dry clean • Carpets • Rugs • Upholstery • Cushions • Mattresses • Caravans & Motor Homes Your Local Professional Electrician • Complete Rewires • Periodic Inspection Reports • Fault Finding & Repair • New Consumer Units • New Circuits • Central Heating Wiring • Extra Sockets/Lights • PAT Testing • No Job Too Small • Part P Registered • Fast & Efficient Service • Free Estimates Telephone Gary on 07788 865081 forestelectrical@gmail.com G S D ecorating S ervices n Local Friendly Service n Fully Insured n Reasonable Rates n All Jobs, large or small For a Free Quote please phone Glenn 023 8089 9820 07930 279306 Send your local news to The Editor, The Herald, 2 High Street, Hythe SO45 6AH A BLAST FROM THE PAST - The Beaulieu Ice Carnival by Robin Somes, Fawley & Blackfield Memories Anyone regularly passing Beaulieu will eventually notice a post in the middle of the Mill Pond. In the freezing winter of 1990, I walked across the ice to the post, then to the Palace House side; foolish with hindsight and not to be condoned, but I survived. I had heard a legend of some historical activity where a rotating cartwheel was mounted on the post, but I never learned exactly why or sport which we believe is entirely peculiar to Beaulieu. Whoever the invention may be ascribed to, there is no doubt that it affords the youth of Beaulieu great fun and amusement. On Saturday, the sleigh, which is swung round at the rate of twenty-five miles an hour, was lit up with torches, and even the wheel itself was illuminated with benzoline. The fete was so successful that should the frost hold, it is most probable that it will be repeated on New Year’s Eve ”. Another report mentioned: “ It is many years since such a spectacle was witnessed, the last one taking place in the time of the Russian [ i.e . Crimean] war, when there were two ‘Grey Mares’ in operation ”. Other, even more spectacular, carnivals were held on Sowley Pond, and near Pennington, a few days later. It is unknown whether the Beaulieu carnival was ever repeated, but the post remains, as a reminder of one magical night. by blazing torches; the effect of this lurid light, as seen from the pond, was most weird-like, lighting up the gables of the old Millhouse and Mill, and casting fantastic shadows on all sides. The grounds of Palace House, which come down to the edge of the pond, added much to the charm of this garish picture, for from many branches hung Chinese lanterns of varied colours, looking like huge tropical fruit ready to be plucked; while here and there Bengal lights flitted about, and added to the fairy-like scene. The “Grey Mare” was in full swing, a when. Eventually, the Hampshire Advertiser from 31st December 1890 gave the answer, reporting an Ice Carnival, with a sleigh, known as the ‘Grey Mare’, spinning around the post: “ A most successful Ice Carnival took place at Beaulieu, on Saturday evening last. The ice on the large pond being 6 inches thick insured perfect safety to any number of people. The Beaulieu Band marched from the clock house preceded The Mill Pond, Beaulieu played host to the mysterious ‘Grey Mare’ Totton Library will be running a FREE Job Search skills course on Tuesdays in July and August. Starting on 27th July through to 24th August from 1.30pm until 2.30pm. A perfect opportunity for those who are looking for work to create a better C.V, improve job searching skills and become more employable. To book a place visit: www.hants.gov.uk/shop JOB SEARCH SKILLS COURSE