Page 14 • The HERALD • 22nd August 2024 v READ THE HERALD ONLINE: www.herald-publishing.co.uk v 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 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 A.M.H. Handyman Services Internal & External Painting All aspects of DIY Work • Flat Pack Assembly Power Washing: Driveways, Patios, Paths & Decking Gutter, Fascia Boards & Window Cleaning (Bungalows only) Call or email Andy for a free estimate Tel: 07961 443623 handyandyharding@gmail.com Local and Reliable Call Richard on 07554 421544 or 023 8178 8299 PEST CONTROL All aspects of control and treatment undertaken including: Rodents, Insects, Moles, Wasps, Birds and Property Proofing Licensed waste removal of all types of waste Local Friendly Family Run Business • Fully Trained & Insured NEW FOREST CHAMPIONS RECOGNISED IN 2024 AWARDS e New Forest National Park Authority and the CLA have announced the winners of the 2024 New Forest Awards. e annual awards, now in their 11th year, celebrate the people who work hard year-round to support the National Park’s landscape and economy. e winners were recognised at a special ceremony at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show, with individual trophies presented by President of the New Forest Show Society, Hallam Mills. Christian Newman, whose ponies graze at Copythorne, won the Young Farmer/Commoner award for his understanding and respect for the heritage of commoning, his drive to establish himself and to improve on tradition. While he comes from a family of commoners, he started commoning from scratch only three years ago, researching his family’s stock bloodlines to reintroduce them today. e judges were impressed with how much he’s achieved in such a short time and his long-term ambition for the Forest. Christian comments: “It feels great to have won this award. It’s important to support young commoners for the future of the New Forest. I started commoning from scratch, which hasn’t been easy at times, but hotel. We strongly believe that every business should support the local community and reduce their carbon footprint as much as possible.” Sustainability Champion was awarded to Rebecca Gabzdyl, the driving force behind East Boldre Community stores. e shop, recently converted from a Chapel, uses energy-e cient chillers, air source heating, salvaged materials and LED lighting, while solar panels have reduced electricity bills by half. e shop is stocked with local produce which reduces food miles across the National Park and is within walking distance to people in the community. e judges called East Boldre Community Stores ‘a shining example of what it means to be sustainable’. Rebecca said: “It’s great after five and a half years of work that our efforts to make our shop sustainable have been recognised. One of the drivers to keep the shop in the village was to reduce vehicle miles which we’re also doing by supporting local produce. Making the business energy efficient is essential to make it financially viable. Thanks to our customers for their support, and to other local community shops kind enough to share their knowhow with us.” Winner of Young Environmental Champion was Gemma Hobbs whose passion for protecting the Forest shone through. Gemma, 17, comes from a commoning background, and looks to empower the younger generation to treasure the Forest’s landscape and wildlife whenever possible. She’s Vice Chair of Beaulieu Young Farmers Club and has given many talks on common land and its upkeep, as well as on the vital role of commoning. She has also featured in numerous national newspaper articles on young environmentalists. Gemma comments: “Winning the award for Young Environmental Champion is a profound honour that highlights the importance of youth leadership in conservation. This recognition not only validates the hard work and dedication of young environmentalists it feels like my work and input into the Forest has been recognised and appreciated.” Cottage Lodge Hotel in Brockenhurst won Best Supporter of Local Produce, with owner Maurizio Redaelli demonstrating unwavering support for a huge array of local food and drink producers. e hotel supplies everything from local sausages and bacon, to jams, honey and English sparkling wine. Maurizio’s passion for educating guests in New Forest produce is unparalleled, and he has set up a separate website: Yellow Forest, selling local goods. Maurizio said: “We are extremely proud to receive this award. Since we took over the Cottage Lodge Hotel five years ago, we have made it a priority to support local businesses, and we proudly use many Brockenhurst and New Forest products in the New Forest Awards winners 2024 at the New Forest Show, with Hallam Mills (President of the New Forest Show Society), and representatives from the NPA, CLA, Moore Barlow, New Forest Commoners Defence Association, and the New Forest Marque Continued on page 15
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