Herald - Issue 456

Page 14 • The HERALD • 18th April 2024 v READ THE HERALD ONLINE: www.herald-publishing.co.uk 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.newforestplumbing247.com Contact us on 07912 092557 or 023 8194 0237 newforestplumbing@yahoo.com Chris Hopkins Painting, Decorating, Carpentry, Tiling Free Estimates Photographs & references available on request Telephone: 023 8081 5210 Mobile: 07986 806277 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 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 WESTWOOD BUILDING BUILDING & LANDSCAPING WE ARE A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS WITH OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE BASED IN THE NEW FOREST. WE OFFER FREE QUOTATIONS AND ADVICE WHAT WE DO: • PATIOS • DRIVEWAYS AND BLOCK PAVING • GROUND WORKS • BRICK WORK • EXTENTIONS • GARAGE CONVERSIONS • CHIMNEY REPAIRS • ALTERATIONS • WE OFFER A FULL PLANNING AND DESIGN SERVICE TO SUIT YOUR PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS • FREE ESTIMATES • GUARANTEED WORKMANSHIP Call: 07725 002162 Email: westwoodbuilding@outlook.com • Foxhills, Ashurst, SO40 7ED Send your local news to The Editor, The Herald, 2 High Street, Hythe SO45 6AH HELP LOCAL BEEKEEPERS TO FIGHT AGAINST DESTRUCTIVE INVASIVE SPECIES Local members of the British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) are calling on everyone to be vigilant and look out for Asian Hornets and nests as we head into the warmer months. Asian Hornets are an incredibly destructive invasive species that specialise in preying on honeybee hives - one Asian Hornet alone can kill 30-60 honeybees per day. First discovered in the UK in 2016, the insect has travelled to our shores from northern Europe, where there are now over half a million nests annually in France alone. By 2022, just 16 Asian Hornet nests had been discovered in this country. But in 2023, this increased dramatically to 72 nests in 56 di erent locations, with Kent and the South East most predominantly a ected. But there have been sightings in many other locations, including as far north as Scotland, and a credible sighting already reported in January this year, sparking fears the non-native insect may become established in the UK. Last September 3 nests were located and destroyed on the Waterside so increased vigilance is needed in the local area. We are on the front line of this ght to stop this invasive insect gaining a permanent foothold in our Country. Please report any sightings through the ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ app or online: www.bit.ly/ asianhornetreport Experts are keen to point out that this is not just a problem for beekeepers, but poses a signi cant risk to public health. Asian Hornets are aggressively defensive of their nests, which are o en built in hedgerows and brambles, meaning disturbances by unsuspecting individuals could have dangerous consequences. is defensive behaviour could a ect anyone working near a nest, gardeners, allotment owners, dog walkers, farm workers, horse riders and many others. An Asian Hornet can be identi ed by its very distinct markings - they’re a similar size to a European Hornet, which is two or three times the size of a common wasp, and are black with distinct yellow lower leg. Once a sighting is reported via the app or online form, expert teams from the National Bee Unit, part of Defra, will be deployed to track hornets back to their nests, which are then destroyed. Reporting a possible sighting of an Asian Hornet is quick, free, and easy and has the potential to make a huge di erence in the ght against this invasive species. Hythe Shed (at the Pier) Builds New Storage for Waterside Craft Club From Waterside Craft Club Waterside Cra club is a wonderful warm and welcoming oasis of creativity on an otherwise dull ursday a ernoon. Its aim is to provide a safe and welcoming space for creative adults of all abilities to come together to imagine, design, create and learn from each other. e club operates in some form every week of the year for those who enjoy the consistent support and warmth of friendship. We have a creative committee who plan and lead the activity sessions with support from members on the day who are familiar with the chosen topic. Over the two years since the club’s inception, we have accumulated many exciting cra items from paper and paint to sewing machines which were stored in committee members’ homes. e Sea Scout Hut on Shore Road, where we meet every ursday a ernoon, kindly gave us space for storage. However, we needed to raise funds to enable the cupboard to be built. We were kindly supported by donations from the following groups in Hythe community: Hythe Shed (At the Pier), Cllr. Malcolm Wade, e Scratch Project, Waterside Women, Sea Scouts and Waterside Cra Club members. Members of Hythe Shed (at the Pier) spent three weeks building and painting our shared cupboard space and we and the Sea Scouts are thrilled with the build. We can nally store our supplies on site. We welcome new members of all abilities from seasoned cra ers to those just starting out - on Thursday afternoons 12.45pm to 3pm. Sessions are pay as you go and depending on the activity the cost can range from £3 per session to £5 per session to participate. If you would like to bring your own cra and be social it’s only £2. Refreshments are included for both options. Come and join us, make new friends and have fun! Find us at: www.watersidecra club.co.uk or: www.facebook.com/watersidecra club Rob Sullivan and Ben Webster from the Hythe Shed (at the Pier) fitting the new cupboards

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