Page 78 • The HERALD • 11th December 2025 v THE HERALD - INDEPENDENT AND PROUD OF IT v Long established family business • MOT TESTING • SERVICE & REPAIR FOR ALL MAKES AND MODELS • CLUTCHES • DIAGNOSTICS • CAMBELTS • SERVICE TO MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATION • FREE COLLECTION & DELIVERY • USED CAR SALES 128-132 Calmore Road, Totton. SO40 8GQ 023 8086 4424 www.calmoreservicestation.co.uk 023 8084 9370 Prospect Place, Hythe SO45 6AU • MOT’s • MOT Repairs • Air Con • Auto Electrics • Servicing • Welding • Diagnostics • Suspension • Tyres • Clutches • Cam Belts • Brakes THE NEW FOREST MARQUE CELEBRATES A YEAR OF GROWTH WITH LOCAL PROVENANCE AT ITS HEART e New Forest Marque is celebrating a record year as membership reaches almost 200 and awareness of the quality of local produce continues to rise across the region. e New Forest Marque is a local produce accreditation scheme that started over 20 years ago originally set out to support farmers. e distinctive Marque emblem is found on display in New Forest shops, outlets and eateries, and certi cation is only awarded to those businesses that meet strict criteria relating to local provenance, making it a sought-a er stamp of quality. Backed by the New Forest National Park Authority, the New Forest Marque champions and celebrates local produce linked to the landscape that creates amazing food, drink, cra s and more. Centuries of unique farming practices and traditions such as commoning, alongside an abundance of free-roaming livestock and rare native wildlife, result in a delicate balance of community, local economy and nature which exists nowhere else. e Marque prides itself on having a distinct community ethos developed through regular social gatherings, events and training opportunities for members, with a strong emphasis on collaboration. A New Forest Marque ‘Inspired’ category has also been created especially for artists inspired by the beauty of the New Forest with nearly 50 members regularly coming together for creative endeavours and successful showcases. New Forest Marque events have included a sold-out Flavours of the Forest dining evening at Stanwell House Hotel, Lymington, showcasing the best in local artisan food and drink, producer markets at Everton Nurseries and the New Forest Show, and a Cra Producers Exhibition at the New Forest Heritage Centre in the spring. e quality and avour of Marque accredited produce continues to shine. Six members were honoured with Great Taste Awards this year and New Forest Shortbread earned international recognition with a prestigious World Taste Award. Media coverage has included a feature in Waitrose Weekend newspaper titled ‘20 Secrets of the New Forest’. Meanwhile, 10,000 copies of the Marque’s Local Produce Guide have been distributed across the New Forest, showcasing members’ stories and listings. It’s been a productive year online too, with the New Forest Marque’s social media reaching over half a million people. e New Forest Marque’s Interim Chairman, David Bence said: “It’s been a challenging year for many small businesses, which is why the Marque’s events, network, training and joint marketing is proving so valuable. Choosing local and seasonal often means fresher, healthier, more traceable produce, and this is becoming more sought-after. In the New Forest, people are keen to support the small businesses linked to the landscape on their doorstep.” If you’re a local producer, maker or business sharing a passion for the New Forest apply for membership today at: www.newforestmarque.co.uk New Forest Marque Members’ Manager Helen Spiller with Jennifer Williams owner of Naked Jam at the Autumn Producers Market - Everton Nurseries
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