Herald - Issue 455

Page 48 • The HERALD • 28th March 2024 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPECIALISTS v ANIMAL MAGIC Caring for your animals when you can’t be there Vanessa Rouse ex-RSPCA Inspector Experienced & Insured 07742 848265 www.purlieuanimalcare.co.uk ere will be waggy tails and wet noses in abundance at Buckler’s Hard on Saturday 13th April, when hundreds of dog walkers gather to raise money for national charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. e walk, which is supported by Specsavers Audiologists, is the second of 12 similar events to be held in picturesque locations across the UK as part of one of the charity’s most important annual fundraisers, the Great British Dog Walk. By taking part in either the 4km or 7.5km sponsored dog walk, people will be helping to train more incredible hearing dogs to alert partners to lifesaving and important sounds and help them reconnect with life. Alongside the walk, the event will feature a fun dog show and tombola. Buckler’s Hard also has a museum, and those taking part in the Great British Dog Walk are eligible for a 20% discount. A free dog bandana is also included with every adult ticket. e Great British Dog Walk is run by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, the national charity that trains dogs to alert deaf children and adults to important and life-saving sounds. Tickets are £12 in advance for adults and are available online: www.hearingdogs.org.uk/ support/events/gbdw-2024-bucklershard/ or £15 on the day. Children under 16 go free. A grey seal pup which was recently born on the Beaulieu River is believed to be the rst of its kind in Hampshire waters. Conservationists have been keeping a watchful eye to give it every chance of survival. e Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour team has been safeguarding the pup from disturbance by river users, while working with Natural England, the Seal Alliance, British Divers Marine Life Rescue and Wild New Forest Guided Tours to help protect it. Harbour Master Wendy Stowe said: “This is very exciting news, as grey seals don’t usually breed in these waters and we believe it is the first pup to survive here. We would like to thank all of our river users for acting responsibly and helping us to keep the seal pup safe and undisturbed during its all-important first month. We are looking forward to watching it grow and join the grey seal colony on the Beaulieu River.” Seal pups grow at a very quick rate on a diet of high fat and protein milk from their mothers and this new pup has now survived its rst month. Pups triple their body weight from 10 to 40kg in their rst three weeks, as their white fur is replaced by a shorter patterned coat. Grey seals are a native wildlife species which has naturally colonised on the Beaulieu River but only recently started to breed locally. Over a third of the world’s grey seals live in UK waters, with as many as 88% of those in Scotland. ey are not the only wildlife to make their home on the Beaulieu River, which is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) as well as a Site of Special Scienti c Interest (SSSI). Its unique habitats provide a lifeline as a feeding ground for more than 200 species Take part in Great British Dog Walk at Buckler’s Hard Great British Dog Walk at Buckler’s Hard of birdlife. It has remained a special place by the custodianship of the Montagu family for over four centuries and the Beaulieu Estate takes a proactive role in promoting best practice standards. at commitment is re ected in recent awards, with Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour being highly commended for its sustainability practices in e Yacht Harbour Association’s rst Sustainable Marina Awards and receiving their International Clean Marina accreditation for helping to protect the UK’s oceans and waterways. It is also part of The Green Blue, a joint environmental programme by British Marine and the Royal Yachting Association which promotes sustainable boating for healthier waters. Wendy Stowe added: “We feel fortunate to share such a wonderful area of the New Forest and have a duty of care to protect that environment and its inhabitants. We ask river users to continue to help us give this new 18th century shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard, with its maritime museum. A packed events calendar also o ers regular opportunities to bring together new and old friends in the Beaulieu River community. For moorings and berths see www.beaulieuriver.co.uk, email: harbour.o ce@beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 616200. To follow the latest news, visit Facebook and Instagram /beaulieuriver. First Seal Pup in Hampshire Waters is Born on the Beaulieu River pup the best chance for its future.” For tips on how to watch seals well, visit https:// www.sealalliance.org/ blog/give-seals-space Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour offers full marina services, an open policy boatyard and chandlery and a range of bene ts. A restaurant, bar and tea shop are on the doorstep at the New grey seal pup on the Beaulieu River Picture by Lazy Daze skipper Jeff Semple Hardley Runners Beginners Course Hardley Runners are delighted to announce that they will be o ering their Free Beginners Running Course in the local community again this Spring. Supported by Quali ed Run Leaders o ering tips, advice and support along the way, it’s a great way to meet new people, have fun and get t... and it’s free! e course will start on Monday 1st April at Dibden Inclosure and run for 10 weeks. Please arrive for 6.15pm for introductions, meeting on the long eld, parallel to the A326, near the pylon (what3words/// unfair.soup.lo s). A er the rst week, the sessions will run each Monday at 6.30pm. If you are interested and want to discuss what’s involved, and nd out if it’s for you, please email Chris Harris: energybar6@btinternet.com or just turn up and introduce yourself! e Hardley Runners are a friendly, mixed ability club and want to help EVERYONE on the Waterside achieve their running goal, whether you are an accomplished runner, a lapsed runner or an absolute beginner you will always be made to feel welcome. For more information please visit: www.hardleyrunners. co.uk EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT! JOIN US AT OUR BRAND NEW DROP-IN COFFEE MORNING from Waterside Foodbank Calling all community members! We are thrilled to introduce our latest initiative – a warm and welcoming co ee morning right in the heart of Fawley at the Jubilee Hall. We invite every one of you to partake in this wonderful opportunity. Feedback from various corners of our community has highlighted a pressing need for accessible spaces, especially for those with limited income. In Fawley, where social gathering spots are scarce, the need is even more pronounced. is gathering is open to all. It’s a place to connect with old friends, sip on a cosy drink, and perhaps forge new friendships. Should you need guidance or support, our doors are wide open. As we embark on this journey, expect a variety of activities and fresh faces to grace our co ee mornings. Plus, we’re excited to announce the presence of a Citizens Advice advisor, expanding the range of support available to you. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for updates and announcements. Together, let’s build a stronger, more connected community. See you at the co ee morning! Starting 26th April the Co ee Mornings will take place on Fridays 10am–12noon. ART IN TOTTON Join Totton Art Society on Tuesday 9th April for an Art Extra Workshop, 2pm to 4pm, £3. Wednesday 17th April for Adventurous Artists Sketching at 2pm Looking ahead on 24th April the fantastic Jamel Akib (www. jamelakib.com) will give a demonstration not to be missed and sure to inspire. Both animals and people conveyed in a beautiful expressive way. Tuesday 14th May for an Art Extra Workshop, 2pm to 4pm, £3. All evening meetings are held at the ree Score Club (SO40 3RS) at 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Tea and co ee with a biscuit are available. Visitors are welcome to go along on the night for a small fee of £4pp. Tuesday Art Workshops take place at Calmore Community Centre, Calmore Drive, Calmore, Southampton SO40 2ZU for members only £3 per session. Places are booked with Workshops Manager Claire Palmer, take your own materials and work with you, for informal advice and chat. For more details of all the activities visit: www.tottonartsociety.org

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