Herald - Issue 413

Page 8 • The HERALD • 7th October 2021 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v • New flooring & repairs • Interior & exterior fitted windows & doors • Fitted kitchens • Stairs & decking • Architrave & skirting • Pergolas & car ports • Gates made & fitted • Bespoke Summer houses • Garden structures & landscaping structures • Roofing & Fencing • Fencing • Structural wooden repairs James Powell Carpentry Jamespowellcarpentry .co.uk and find on Check a Trade Contact 07500 113098 Call for a no obligation quote MADE TO MEASURE SOFT FURNISHINGS inc. Curtains, Cushions, Roman Blinds and Bedding Alterations Also Available Phone Hazel Gardiner 07311 283702 or 023 8084 1402 EXPERT DOMESTICS APPLIANCE SERVICES S ales and R epairs to A ll M akes and M odels 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 TRU-FLOW PLUMBING SERVICES For all your Domestic Plumbing, Tiling, Painting and Decorating Requirements • Fully Insured • Discounts for Senior Citizens Please Contact Andy Tel: 023 8087 0145 • Mobile: 07962 590089 Send your local news to The Editor, The Herald, 2 High Street, Hythe SO45 6AH A BLAST FROM THE PAST MISS BARNETT OF OWER GREEN by Robin Somes, Fawley & Blackfield Memories On the double bend on the Calshot road, overlooked by the remnants of the power station, lies Ower Green. Nowadays just a triangle of neat grass with a telegraph pole in the middle, there used to be a black-painted wooden hut called “ The Nest ”, that was home to Miss Barnett. I remember going there one December in the 1970’s, with my mother, who had taken pity on her, “ the poor old thing, all alone ”, and brought her a box of food for Christmas. Well-known and respected, she had evidently lived there for many years. Tony Mursell, a lifelong local resident, recalled: “ My sister moved to Calshot just after the war and we often cycled/walked past intelligent, educated lady, fluent in many languages. In 1946/7 (my 6th form years) she gave me extra tuition in French to help me with my school leaving exams. I am not sure why she returned to Britain - possibly her age, might have been World War II. Eventually, she and her dwelling were moved to a plot outside Ower Farm “. Many other locals recall the kindly lady, a vicar’s daughter, entertaining local children with bible stories, and visiting families on Sundays to give bible readings, play the piano and sing hymns. How or why, she came to Fawley will probably never be known, and it’s unclear when she passed away, but she was one of the many unusual characters who have gravitated here for unaccountable reasons. Perhaps they always will. With thanks to Tony Mursell for his recollections. Ower Green, Calshot Road the ‘Black Hut’ on our visits to her. RAF personnel were often there visiting, and it was said it was in connection with the Church. I seem to recall posters of a religious nature in the window too ”. Outside the shack was a hand-painted sign saying “ Home for H.M. Forces ”; indeed, she provided bread, butter, tea, and friendship for the young servicemen stationed far from home. She also wrote and had printed a pamphlet lled with uplifting stories and instructions for living a righteous life, which she gave to all who would listen. When she rst came to the area, she lived at nearby Spratts Down. Hazel Abbott, a long-time resident there, wrote: “ Miss Barnett arrived on Spratts Down in the early 1940’s. She returned to Britain after having spent many years in Africa as a missionary. She was a very The Wessex Cancer Trust Sing for Life choirs have been meeting via Zoom since March 2020 and members have returned to live rehearsals. If you have been touched by cancer and would like to join their friendly group the Totton choir will be restarting sessions at Hounsdown Hall on Wednesday a ernoons. Please contact Jean on: 07790 142408, or email: sue.edmonds@wessexcancer.org.uk e choir are also looking for a volunteer helper. If you have some singing experience and would be interested in directing the choir sometimes they would love to hear from you. Return to Singing Excitement