v THE HERALD, 2 HIGH STREET, HYTHE, SO45 6AH v No 488 • FREE Every 3 Weeks • 12th March-2nd April 2026 Est: 1994 The Your Community Magazine Vehicle Servicing Garage For all your mechanical needs Tyres, Servicing, Clutches Diagnostic work, Brakes Cam Belts, Tyres, Exhausts, MOT’s arranged Servicing from £69.99 See main advert page 75 Free local collection Courtesy cars available 114-118 Hampton Lane, Blackfield SO45 1UB www.rightautos.co.uk • 023 8089 0600 SJ SAVAGE BUILDING & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE • Extensions • Loft Conversions • All aspects of building works including Decorating 07788 868262 stevesavo@hotmail.co.uk Quickstep Laminate Floors, Luxury Vinyl Tiles FOUR SEASONS DENTURE CENTRE MORE THAN JUST A DENTAL LABORATORY If you want the best quality dentures in a relaxed, friendly and professional environment then call today for a free consultation Tel: 023 8084 6443 Mobile: 07919 074360 1 HOUR DENTURE REPAIRS North Road, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton SO45 4RE NEED NEW DENTURES? STAIRLIFTS STAIRLIFTS Freedom Stairlifts Straight Stairlifts Curved Stairlifts freedomstairlifts.co.uk • Reliable and Efficient Service • Serving Trade, Domestic and Commercial Customers • Three sizes of bags available GRAB BAGS - A CHEAPER FLEXIBLE ALTERNATIVE TO A SKIP Tel: 023 8081 1757 • www.abbeygrabbag.co.uk • Call us for Prompt Delivery of a Bag • Fill Like a Normal Skip • Call again for a swift collection. • We can also collect your own grab bags 15 Marsh Parade, Hythe 023 8084 4741 FRAME SHOP HYTHE PICTURE FRAMING LOCAL BREWERY TO SPONSOR RNLI GREAT WATERSIDE RAFT RACE RNLI Branch Chairman, Terry Ashmore, who has been organising the ra race for 25 years, said: “After nearly 40 years of the raft race, which is such a unique event to the area, it is still evolving. The RNLI saves lives at sea, so what better way to raise money than to have an event based on the sea for local people to have a fun day out, either on a raft, or as a spectator? I’m delighted that, this year, we have Ryan and the team at Vibrant Forest Brewery coming on board. I am sure it will be a great partnership”. Vibrant Forest Brewery General Manager, Ryan Dack, said: “Supporting the Raft Race was an easy decision for us. It’s a brilliant event with a huge amount of heart behind it, and we’re really keen to play a part in helping it grow and raise as much money as possible this year. The Raft Race is everything we love about local events — fun, community-driven, and for a great cause. We’re excited to support it this year and help take it to the next level”. RNLI Hythe & Calshot Fundraising Branch and Vibrant Forest Brewery are delighted to announce that Vibrant Forest Brewery will be the O cial Sponsor of the RNLI Great Waterside Ra Race 2026, taking place on Sunday 30th August. Terry Ashmore and Ryan Dack at the Vibrant Forest Brewery
Page 2 • The HERALD • 12th March 2026 v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v PICK UP YOUR COPY FROM HYTHE • Age Concern • Amberley Jewellers • BeBe’s Café • Bells Furnishing • Beyond the Fringe • The Boathouse • BH Marine • Boots • Cards for all Occasions • CGM Solicitors • Chip N Tails • Citrine Estates • Cornerstone • Crew Barbers • Dancewise Studios • Direct Carpets • Ebenezer’s • Eden Health & Beauty • The Frame Shop • Fred.Olsen Travel Agents • Freedom Boat Club • Fully Woolly • Havencourt • Headquarters • Herald Publishing • Hythe Chiropractic Centre • Hythe & District Social Club • Hythe Community Centre • Hythe & Dibden Parish Council • Hythe Ferry Office • Hythe Hospital • Hythe Kebab Centre • Hythe Library • Hythe Photographic & Electrical • Hythe PO • Hythe & Waterside Lettings • The Indian Kitchen • Jane Bidwell Flowers • J R Hardware • KJ’s Mobility • Luis Liu • LW Repairs • The Maples • Master Spares • Millie’s Tea Rooms • MM Sales & Lettings • Mockingjay • Modern Chinese Takeaway • Oxfam Bookshop • Oyster Financial • C A Parfitt & Son • Paul Jeffreys • Pearsons • Pebbles • Philpotts • Rocco’s • Room 13 • Seadown Vets • Seashells • Shell Garage • St John’s Hall • Tenovus • Toys Ahoy • Visual Cuts • Waitrose • Warings • Waterside Furnishings • Waterside Health Centre • Waterside Physiotherapy & Osteopathy Clinic • Waterside Tours • WessMaps DIBDEN PURLIEU & BUTTS ASH • Age UK • Arrosto Di Caffé • Badgers Holt • Benjamin Wells • Coppice Gate • Dibden Purlieu Newsagents • Forestside Dental • Forestside Health Centre • The Glen • The Heath Hotel • Joyners • Netley View Post Office • Sam Long Fruit & Veg • Shawfix • St Andrew’s Church • St Anne’s Community Centre • Tails 2 Fish & Chips DIBDEN & MARCHWOOD • All Saints Church • Applemore College • Berkeley Parks Church Farm • Clayfields Post Office • Horrill Centre • Premier Express • Pococks • The Podium • The Roebuck • Tesco Petrol Station • Waters Edge • Welcome • White Horse BLACKFIELD & LANGLEY • Age Concern • Blackfield Baker • Blackfield Garage Services • Blackfield Newsagents • Compuco • Fawley Royal British Legion • G J’s Plaice • Gang Warily • Harts & Mortons Hair & Beauty • Langley Tavern • Lepe Beach Café • New Forest Bistro • Priest Croft • Tesco • Wendys Café • Zoutorias FAWLEY & ASHLETT • All Saints Church • B’s Garage • Calshot Activities Centre • Charisma • Charles Ley Court • The Falcon • Fawley Garage • Jolly Sailor • Jubilee Hall • Premier Fawley Express/PO • Sundial Cottage Rest Home • Yew Tree Workshop HOLBURY • Boots • Computaplace • Expert Domestics • Eyre & Elliston • Forest Home • HairWorks • Holbury Dry Cleaners • Holbury Fish Bar • Holbury Pets • Holbury Service Station • Holbury Tool Hire • Jasper Vincent Solicitors • ML Convenience Store • Old Mill Inn • PC Buildings Supplies • Travis Perkins • Vibrant Forest Brewery • Walbank Opticians • Waterside Carpets BEAULIEU, BROCKENHURST, EAST BOLDRE, EXBURY & PILLEY • Belle & Blossom • BH Marine • Chapel Store, East Boldre • Drift Inn • Exbury Club • Exbury Gardens Shop • Fairweathers Garden Centre • Pilley Stores • The Royal Oak • Turfcutters Arms, East Boldre TOTTON • AFC Totton • Age Concern • Arrosto Di Caffé • Best One • Calmore Community Centre • Calmore Service Station • Castle Investments • Complete Bathrooms • Debra • Eling Heritage Centre Café • Footner & Ewing • Goodies • Graysons Hairdressers • Hairtalk • Hairway Barbers • Hanger Farm • HCC • Images Hairdressers • Masons • Maydays • McColls • More Than Hair • The Old Farmhouse • Salmon Leap • Sunnyfields • Sweet Thoughts • Tesco Express • Testwood Arms • Three Score Club • Totton Civic Centre • Totton Community Centre • Totton & Eling Bowls Centre • Totton & Eling Tennis Centre • Totton Library • Water Lane Post Office • West Totton Centre • West Totton Launderette ASHURST, CADNAM, COPYTHORNE, LYNDHURST & NETLEY MARSH ASHURST: Forest Inn • Happy Cheese • Longdown Farm Shop • New Forest Inn, Ashurst • Welcome CADNAM/ COPYTHORNE: • Coach & Horses • Co-op • The Empress of Blandings • Le Chateau • White Hart Inn • Woodington Feeds LYNDHURST: Fox & Hounds • Fenwick2 • The Greenwood Tree • Lyndhurst Community Centre • The Lyndhurst Tea House • Lyndhurst Working Mens Club • Mailmans Arms •Oakhaven • Peggy May’s Coffee Shop • Tesco • Waterloo Arms MINSTEAD: Trusty Servant NETLEY MARSH: • Discount Warehouse ROMSEY AREA • Age Concern • Carlo’s Tea Rooms • Co-op, Halterworth • Crosfield Hall • Gilberts Nursery • Home Hardware • Luzborough Inn • Nisa • North Baddesley Community Library • The Phoenix • Ray Meader & Son • Romsey Library • Seafare Two • Teacups Café • The Duke on the Test • Wellow Village Stores SURROUNDING AREA BRAMSHAW/BROOK: The Bell • Bramshaw Village Stores • The Green Dragon • Sir Walter Tyrrell NURSLING: • The Four Horseshoes OWER: • Mortimer Arms Hotel CALL 023 8084 5700 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A PICK UP POINT Advertising: 023 8084 0815 Editorial: 023 8084 5700 E: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk W: www.herald-publishing.co.uk Distributed FREE across the area and also available online Brockenhurst
v CALL US: 023 8084 5700 v 12th March 2026 • The HERALD • Page 3 THE FRAME SHOP Prints and Paintings for sale by local artists Mirrors made to order THE FRAME SHOP, 15 MARSH PARADE, PYLEWELL ROAD, HYTHE SO45 6AN PICTURE FRAMING 023 8084 4741 Est: 1987 • Fascia and Guttering • Loft Insulation and Boarding • Conservatory Repairs • Glazing • General Maintenance • Conservatory Roof Insulation • Windows and Doors Free Quotation or Advice 0800 014 1404 023 8251 4723 sales@srwservices.co.uk • ROOFS • PATIOS • GUTTERS • CONSERVATORIES • WINDOWS ✦ Fully Insured ✦ 07960 915741 info@mossbossuk.com www.mossbossuk.com Waterside Carpet Cleaning PROFESSIONAL CARPET CLEANING! Using Prochem Equipment and Materials • SPOT/STAIN TREATMENT • Fully Insured 023 8066 0878 or 07770 337917 www.watersidecarpetcleaning.com Local Scout Raising Money To Attend World Scout Jamboree in Poland e World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) is the largest scout camp on the planet, and one young man from e Waterside has been lucky enough to be selected to represent Hampshire in Gdansk, Poland in summer 2027 when the next WSJ takes place. WSJ is held every four years and was the vision of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting. He wanted to create a gathering that would unite Scouts from all nations. e rst jamboree took place in 1920 in London with 8,000 Scouts from 34 countries attending. Nowadays over 35,000 young people from nearly every country in the World attend. All participating in a giant festival of learning and global friendship with carefully designed activities developing leadership skills, personal growth and environmental stewardship. Between now and the actual WSJ taking place Matthew Rolfe, of Waterside Warriors Explorer Scout Unit will be meeting up with the other members of his WSJ Unit so that they can get to know each other before ‘going global’. e Unit is made up of 36 other Scouts from across Hampshire who all took part in the rigorous selection process before being selected. is won’t be just an amazing experience for Matthew, but an opportunity to learn some great stu that will be brought back to the Scout Unit where he also volunteers as a Young Leader once a week, thus giving back to the community and giving back to others. As a Young Leader he has become part of the Leadership Team helping to plan, run and organise activities, and other parts of the programme. Starting as a Beaver and progressing through Cubs onto Scouts he knows how important the Scouting movement is and what young people can gain from it and is enjoying repaying this whilst gaining skills for life. is amazing experience isn’t free though… He must raise over £3,000 to attend. As such he has been busy, with the support of his parents and his Explorer Scout Unit completing fundraising activities from China Smashes, to Teddy Tombola’s, to cat sitting and many more in between! He is currently a third of the way there. No doubt you will see him at various events around e Waterside during the next 18 months. If you do, pop along and say hi. He would love to hear your own Scouting experiences, especially if you have attended a Jamboree yourself. To nd out more or to make a donation to help Matthew please visit his GoFundMe page by scanning the QR code or visit: www.gofundme.com/f/ bf2d2r-world-scout-jamboree-2027 Scan the QR code to make a donation Matthew is raising money to attend the World Scout Jamboree in Poland CURRY NIGHT RAISES MONEY FOR LOCAL CHARITIES Be-Be’s Café in Hythe recently held their annual Charity Curry Night. An amazing £2370 was raised on the night, with the money split between two local charities that provide wonderful support to the community - Wessex Cancer Support’s Waterside Support Centre and the Waterside Foodbank. e team at Be-Be’s we would like to thank everyone for their continued support.
Page 4 • The HERALD • 12th March 2026 v SEND ALL YOUR LOCAL NEWS TO THE HERALD v • Fascias • Soffits • Guttering • Cladding • Repairs • EPDM Rubber Roofs • Flat Roofing • Moss Removal • Exterior Painting 15% OAP Discount • All Maintenance Work Call 07776 476913 gcgutteringandflatroofing@gmail.com 20 year Guarantee G C GUTTERING & FLAT ROOFING Waterside based Locksmith with over 40 years’ experience within the window and door industry. YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT TRUSTED LOCKSMITH CORGI REGISTERED, NCFE AND CITY & GUILDS QUALIFIED WITH OVER 400 GENUINE LOCAL REVIEWS • NO CALLOUT FEE OR VAT CHARGED • FREE ON-SITE QUOTE/ADVICE • FREE 12 MONTH WARRANTY • HIGH SPEC PARTS FITTED, 1ST CLASS SERVICE & THE LOWEST PRICES TO MATCH! Book us through Checkatrade and get a free £1,000 guarantee If you need a lock think KeyLock Locksmiths • Lost keys • Locked out - Non-destructive entry • Onsite Key Cutting Service • Moving home - New locks & keys required • Door lock adjustments with repair and replacements for all multipoint locking systems • Door realignments/servicing • Hinge repair/adjustments • Broken/misted double glazing units replaced CALL 023 8089 9989 OR 07771 994536 24HRS TO SPEAK TO A LOCAL FULLY QUALIFIED LOCKSMITH 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 East Boldre Village Hall Refurbishment Begins e Trustees of East Boldre Village Hall, the last surviving WW1 Air eld building on the Forest and important community space, have successfully raised over £450,000 for their refurbishment project. Treasurer, Gina Antczak said: “We would like to thank all the organisations and individuals who have generously donated so far. This will cover the majority of the building costs but we’ll need to raise more to do everything on our wish list so we will reach out to the local community and our following of heritage enthusiasts in a crowdfunding appeal at a future date”. Lord Montagu, Patron of East Boldre Village Hall, visited the site as the builders started and said: “I am pleased to see this building which has significant historical interest and is at the heart of the community being given a new lease of life. The refurbishment will benefit everyone who uses the hall in the future”. e project will transform the hall and make a huge di erence to the community. Not only will the building have a much improved kerb-side appearance but internal changes will allow for a greater number sound for lm, theatre and talks together with the increased seating capacity with new, more comfortable chairs will enhance the user experience. Cushioned ooring in the theatre hall will bene t those attending exercise and dance classes. Chair, Mike Husband said: “We are thankful to the volunteers for their help and the time they have invested. A focus group has given the trustees invaluable help and advice on the new kitchen and decor, and we’ve received kind offers to help with clearing the hall, the kitchen refit, carpentry, decorating and more but we are always looking for extra volunteers. Thank you also to all the hall users who are managing the disruption so well. We know that the waiting will be worth it. The hall will feel warmer, lighter, more comfortable, user-friendly and above all, more welcoming. We look forward to inviting everyone back when the hall re-opens.” e hall is expected to re-open during early Summer 2026. You can follow the progress on the East Boldre Village Hall Facebook page. For more information visit: www.eastboldre.org/ ebvhmain.html to make an advanced booking please email: bookings.ebvh@gmail.com Any donations would be gratefully received via Just Giving: www.justgiving.com/charity/ eastboldrevillagehall or email: ebvillagehall@ eastboldre.org Jacob Whitmarsh, Darren Cowley and David Burt from Westmade Builders. Gina Antczak, Lord Montagu, Michael Husband and Michael Upton, 3 of the Village Hall Trustees and broader range of activities to be provided. Westmade Ltd, Building Contractors, will oversee the works and the rst job will be to remove the wall between the seating area and old store room. Planned features include extending the theatre hall by nearly 50% and improving access to the Robert Coles Room. ere will be a new, larger and more modern kitchen and modernised and refurbished toilets. Upgraded stage facilities with projection and Lord Montagu helping with the first wall that will be removed The New Forest Awakening Festival Led by the New Forest National Park Authority with a range of partners, New Forest Awakening Festival runs each year throughout the whole month of March. rough a series of events, talks, workshops and initiatives, you can discover why the New Forest is so special, its role in the climate and nature emergencies, what people are already doing to protect it, and how everyone can help. To nd out more visit: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/ conservation/climate-and-natureemergency/new-forest-awakeningfestival-2 The Life Of A Crown Keeper In The New Forest Boldre Parish History Society are meeting on Friday 13th March, 7pm, at Boldre Memorial Hall for a talk by Sandy Shore, ‘ e Life of a Crown Keeper in the New Forest’.
v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v 12th March 2026 • The HERALD • Page 5 MPL Roofing & Guttering Services • Fascias, Guttering, Soffits, Cladding and much more PVCu work • All roof repairs, gutters, flat roofs, chimney repairs • Moss removal 15% Discount for OAP’s Established 30 years 07920 122984 023 8087 9135 mplroofing@hotmail.com DECORATOR INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING General Small Maintenance Works Reliable, Prompt with a High Standard of Work Fully Insured • Free Estimates NICK CROUCHER 07395 042193 PRAIZIN’ NEW PREMISES St Andrew’s Church has welcomed Praizin’ Hands Puppet Group, a Christian puppet ministry with more than 22 years of community outreach, into a new dedicated Puppet Hub on its premises. e move gives Praizin’ Hands a warm, dry and secure base, following years of operating from a storage building where damp and lack of space threatened equipment and limited growth. Founder Beverly Eyres said the new venue has already made a signi cant di erence. “Our puppets were getting ruined by damp, it was freezing cold, and we ran out of room,” she said. “This new space has completely transformed how we work.” Praizin’ Hands elds three teams of puppeteers and delivers performances and workshops in schools, churches and community venues across the Waterside, Southampton, the New Forest and beyond. e teams work with around 40–50 schools and establishments, reaching approximately 14,000 children and adults each year, including pupils with special educational needs, young people studying PSHE topics, and residents in care settings. Trustee Cary Joyce said the hub allows the team to focus more of their energy on outreach. “It doesn’t change what we do – we’re still out in the community all the time – but it makes life far less stressful and allows us to do more,” she said. e partnership with St Andrew’s has grown from long-standing relationships, with many Praizin’ Hands volunteers coming from the church community. e new Puppet Hub will support rehearsals, planning meetings, youth activities, script development and recording, and volunteer training. Praizin’ Hands is also inviting new volunteers, including young people and adults, as well as prayer and nancial supporters. “Never underestimate the power of a puppet!” Beverly said. “Children listen differently when a puppet is telling the story.” With a permanent base now secured, Praizin’ Hands is looking ahead with con dence as it continues serving schools and communities across the region. Praizin’ New Premises - Beverly Eyres and Cary Joyce with puppets Waterside Scrapstore Easter Holidays Opening Hours e Waterside Scrapstore based at Sunny elds Farm, Jacobs Gutter Lane, Totton, will be open as usual on Saturday 4th April from 10am-12noon. However, please note that it will be closed on Bank Holiday Easter Monday 6th April and will open again on Tuesday 7th April 10am-12noon. For more details and updates, follow the Waterside Scrapstore on Facebook: @WatersideScrapstore
Page 6 • The HERALD • 12th March 2026 v PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 31 YEARS v Waterside Furnishings & Re-Upholstery 023 8020 7895 16 Marsh Parade, Hythe (Opposite Hythe Club) Est 2006 REPAIRS ANTIQUE, MODERN & MARINE REFURBISHED FURNITURE FOR SALE RE-UPHOLSTERY 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 Send your news to The Herald by email: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk Brock Students Give The Great British Bake Off Musical ‘All The Right Ingredients’ Actors, dancers, singers, musicians, designers and technicians from across Brockenhurst College joined forces to stage e Great British Bake Off Musical at Brock’s Kemball eatre in February. e show ran over four consecutive nights, encompassing a cast of 26 lead roles and an ensemble of 20 students All pro ts from the show will be reinvested in the Performing Arts and Music department, helping to support the overall teaching and learning experience for students, both present and future. e musical was written by Jake Brunger, and Pippa Cleary, whose mother lives locally and was keen to attend the closing night. from across the College. It featured a crew of 22, who completed the production as part of their Foundation Production Arts courses, as well as a live band, supported by sta from the Performing Arts and Music Department. Tickets sold out in record time, adding to the sense of anticipation and general buzz on campus. To keep the show fresh every night, organisers decided to go with TWO separate casts – the Cake Cast and the Bread Cast. Taking the leading role of Pam in the Cake Cast was Summer Shearing, from Holbury, who studies the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts. Summer said: “The Great British Bake-Off musical is fun, energetic and such an exciting experience. As my last communal performance at Brock, it has been emotional, but full of so much joy. Playing my role in the production has widened my skill set, and I have met a bunch of kind and caring people. We are very supportive no matter the outcome, and for me personally, I could not have gotten through this show without every member of this production.” e Great British Bake O Musical charts the journey of eight contestants on the hit TV show, as they share the ups and downs of erce competition and grow as people. It blends the TV format with personal stories, friendships and struggles, as well as light humour and, of course, the music. e show was directed by Curriculum Leader for Performing Arts, Music and Dance, Moira Rock, who was joined by Chris, Course Leader for Dance, as choreographer. Piano teacher and accompanist Vincent Shaw worked as musical director for the project. Moira said: “This group has gone above and beyond to make this show an electrifying, feelgood event with a very positive message. The chemistry among the students has been magnificent – they have given the show all the right ingredients. As in the television programme, success is sweet, failure is frequent and resilience is essential. This time of year is always a highlight for the department, showcasing the talents and skills of the motivated students we are lucky enough to work alongside.” The Great British Bake Off Musical at Brockenhurst College Do You Enjoy Painting But Don’t Seem To Have The Time? e Marina Art Group meets every Thursday morning in the Hub at Hythe Marina from 10am until noon, so that the members have a dedicated time to enjoy their hobby each week. ey are a very friendly group who help each other when needed, using various mediums with tea or co ee and a fair amount of chat along the way. New members are welcome - you do not have to live on the Marina to join. Members pay an annual subscription and go along when they can. is year members will have the chance to participate in an exhibition on the Marina in November. If you are interested please go along to a meeting, or contact Sue on: 07895 193018, please leave a message if there is no reply.
12th March 2026 • The HERALD • Page 7 Rehau Smarts
Page 8 • The HERALD • 12th March 2026 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v Services: Oak Framing, Summer Houses, Porches, Car Ports Call us today for a Free No Obligation Quote 023 8198 0182 Opening Hours Monday-Friday 9.30am to 4pm Hello@newforestoak.co.uk www.newforestoak.co.uk Decking, Pitched Roofs, Sleeper Walls, Garages, Fencing, Furniture, Gates, Mantels, Stables and more…… Wet clean or Dry clean • Carpets • Rugs • Upholstery • Cushions • Mattresses • Caravans & Motor Homes Contact Chris for a free estimate and advice. We have full liability insurance 023 8104 0185 07770 792361 clean-u-up@hotmail.com We provide one of the best professional Carpet & Fabric cleaning Systems Living in a Kenner - My New Forest Romani Gypsy Family A new book by Heather Cooper is coming out soon. ‘Living in a Kenner - My New Forest Romani Gypsy Family’ tells the story of Heather’s New Forest Romani Gypsy family, and is dedicated to her mother, Harriet Witcher (granddaughter of Priscilla Wells), who was born on Shave Green in 1926, one hundred years ago. 1926 was signi cant because it was the year when the compounds were established in the New Forest and Romani people were no longer permitted to wander around the Forest and move from place to place to nd work, food and shelter that suited the season. Instead, they had to stay in designated compounds. On the compounds they were not allowed to lay down a oor or put up a shack. Very few of the New Forest Romani had vardos (traditional gypsy caravans) and so for decades they lived in bender tents made of bent hazel sticks with tarpaulin stretched over the top. e nearest water tap was a mile away from Shave Green compound and the children would use old pram wheels and milk churns to fetch clean water for cooking. At the start of WW2, Heather’s mum and dad were courting, but her dad had to go and serve in Burma, and he was there for three years. A er the war, the authorities started to move everyone out of the compounds and Heather’s mum and dad, along with her older brothers and sister, were moved to a Nissen hut and later a house. Heather was born in a house (a kenner) and she has lived in caravans, a mobile home and a house with her husband, Burt. Both Heather and Burt try to keep alive the traditional Romani ways. e book shares their rich heritage through stories, photographs, poems and more. e book, Living in a Kenner - My New Forest Romani Gypsy Family, will be launched on Saturday 11th April, 10.30am–12.30pm, at the New Forest Heritage Centre, Lyndhurst. Please put the date in your diaries and go along – all are welcome. Burt, Marnie, Heather and Missy the dog BRAMSHAW WI JUMBLE SALE Bramshaw WI is holding a Jumble Sale on Saturday 14th March from 2pm in Bramshaw Village Hall. Entrance is 50p for adults, cash only. Tea/co ee and a slice of cake will be available for £3 cash. Donations will be received at the hall from 10am, no electrical or large items or sharply pointed knives please.
12th March 2026 • The HERALD • Page 9 When money is tight and needs are urgent, use Budget for all your residential and commercial rubbish, recycling and clearance requirements. We are fully licensed and insured RUBBISH CLEARANCE Regardless of whether you have the odd item to get rid of or a major clear up of your home, garage or garden, we’re here and able to remove it for you quickly and inexpensively. ● House clearance ● Garden rubbish and waste collection and disposal ● Garage sorting and rubbish removal ● Scrap Metals ● Loft and attic emptying ● Sheds and outbuilding ● Lock-up clearance ● Leaf collections and snow clearance Call the office on 07545 651776 or Karen on 07595 823253 for an immediate response www.budgetrubbishltd.co.uk Visit our website to see our full services, testimonials and to contact us via email Local Collection Point for Wate Licence Number: CBDU322475
Page 10 • The HERALD • 12th March 2026 v F @heraldpublishing v Independent Jewellers established in 1993 vvvvvv Local experts in jewellery, watches, luxury gifts and services and repairs We buy unwanted jewellery and scrap gold and silver Visit our shop at 10-11 Marsh Parade, Hythe, Southampton SO45 6AN Tel: 023 8251 7621 • amberleyjewellers.co.uk ELECTRICIAN/HANDYMAN FULLY QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN (30YRS EXPERIENCE) • Mains Upgrades • Testing • Extra/Replacement Points/Lights • Outside Lighting • Sockets • Ponds • BT/TV Points • Ethernet Points • CCTV • Fire/Intruder Alarms • Basic Plumbing Repairs • Outside Taps • Showers • Heating Problems • Blinds/Poles Fixed • Flatpacks • Loft Work Boarding, Tidying etc ALL OTHER DOMESTIC WORK CONSIDERED Call Mick on 07738 166453 or email: michaelshelley80@googlemail.com All aspects of Plastering undertaken Fully Qualified, Reliable, Quality Service Free Quotations Call Joe: 07713 724610 @jbplastering92 To advertise your business in The Herald, contact Sue on 023 8084 0815 or email: sjones@herald-publishing.co.uk Hythe Shed At The Pier Community Spirit by Greg Dawe, Hythe Shed at the Pier In October the Hythe Shed at the Pier was approached by Orchard Pre-School in Dibden Purlieu for advice and assistance towards building a ‘mud kitchen’ for the children to use and enjoy in their newly rejuvenated play area. As many of the Shed members hold the title of ‘Grandad’ within their family circle there was a good level of understanding as to what was required to assist the younger age groups to engage with the practice of learning through fun, courtesy of the sta at Orchard Pre-School. e task of creating the mud kitchen was eagerly accepted by Shed members Clive and Jim to make the ideas become reality. Plans were roughed out and ideas discussed regarding the actual practicalities The music wall constructed by Hythe Shed at the pier members for Orchard Pre-School creative pieces of items so far include the following: a kitchen island; large blocks and beams, a water wall, a music wall, size-appropriate outside seating utilising a large wooden cable drum, tu -tray stands, and currently under construction is a 6-seater play car. e picture shown illustrates the music wall which was constructed with the assistance, in the form of ideas and practical input from several other Shed members. Using many di erent commonplace items from large cooking pots to wooden wind-chimes, plastic buckets and metal meat trays, the wall can show the children so many di erent sounds which can be found and used to re their imagination. All of the items made were constructed wherever possible using reclaimed timber and recycled items, being put to use to enhance the education of children rather than the local rubbish tip or a bon re. A bene t to all. is is just one example of the community spirit consistently displayed by the creative and dedicated members of the Hythe Shed at the Pier. Please do take the time to visit the Hythe Shed shop and the Hythe Pier Museum adjacent to the entrance to the pier where you can see some of the other items we make, talk to some of our members and spend some time perusing the very informative museum and learn about the history and heritage of our pier and the little train. We look forward to seeing you soon. of building this piece of equipment. The overarching constant thought process was, apart from the methods used for actual construction, to keep it interesting, safe and unique in design. It should be said that this is something that the intrepid and skilled members of Hythe Shed do excel at, and many examples of their work can be seen in and around our community. e mud kitchen was duly completed and delivered to the Orchard Pre-School. Such was the positive response from the school that our creative and imaginative team were soon commissioned to design and construct several more special items of play equipment for the children. e impressive list of
12th March 2026 • The HERALD • Page 11 v SHOP LOCALLY FOR SERVICE & VALUE 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.newforestplumbing.co.uk Contact us on 07912 092557 or 023 8194 0237 newforestplumbing@yahoo.com 07946 222820 info@hunterwgc.co.uk www.hunterwgc.co.uk WINTER’S HERE - GET YOUR GUTTERS CLEANED OUT & REPAIRED Domestic & Commercial • WINDOW CLEANING • FASCIAS • SOFFITS • GUTTERING • CONSERVATORIES • GUTTER REPAIRS Local Folk Singer And Dementia Choir Leader’s New Album Going Down A Storm On BBC Radio 2! Amy Hopwood, a local songwriter, artist and community singing leader released her new album “Gone to flowers” on 19th February. Before its o cial release Amy’s album received wonderful reviews and lots of radio play. Prior to the launch more than 50 radio DJs had played tracks from it, with several making it their album of the week. Amy says the icing on the cake was hearing her track “Breadcrumbs” being played by Mark Radcli e on the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show. “I had no idea it was going to be played! I received a text from a friend saying they’d just heard me on the radio, so I rushed off to listen on catch up and there he was talking about how fascinating and compelling he found the song and also recommending people go and watch the animated music video I had made. I didn’t stop smiling for at least 24 hours!” “Gone to flowers” features 13 quirky new songs, around the theme of endings and mortality. e songs are mostly in the folk genre, but with surprises like a Mexican Day of the Dead feel on the traditional English folk song “Like a leaf”; Eastern European avours on “A nice wooden bench” and a bit of Americana with “It doesn’t matter now”. You’ll hear 21 layers of harmonic vocals on “All shall be well”; eld recordings from nature on many of the tracks and the voices of her social media followers and dementia choir members whispering their favourite proverbs on the song “Breadcrumbs”. Her fantastical stories include a hubristic man who gets eaten by a magical cat “Igor Potemkin meets Bayun the cat”, and an evil fairy who gives her unwanted birthday gi s on “I’d rather be older (than dead)”. e songs are accompanied by a CD booklet of Amy’s artwork and various handcra ed characters which she animates in beautiful and painstaking stop-motion videos. You can listen to the album on Spotify, Apple, Amazon or buy the CD from Bandcamp or from www.amyhopwood.co.uk Amy grew up locally in Dibden Purlieu, she now lives in Boscombe and runs the popular Forget-menot Singing Club for people with dementia and their friends on Fridays, 2pm in Brockenhurst Methodist Church Hall. Amy said “I’m really excited to finally share this new music! Although the subject matter of the album is quite dark – divorce, ageing, death – people keep telling me how comforting and reassuring they find it. I think perhaps using music and animation (and a little humour) makes it easier for us to look at the harder aspects of being human. Working with people who have dementia and their families, that is something I can’t shy away from”. Recent reviews: “A winning thing… Fascinating!” - Mark Radcli e, BBC Radio 2 Folk Show. “If you like songs that are fun, witty, clever, poignant and perceptive then this is an album for you.” - Bob Amy Hopwood Ford, Folk and Roots Show, Sherbourne Radio. “I’m already thinking about it now it has finished, some things just get under your skin”, “One for you, John Peel, wherever you may be” - Get Ready to Rock webzine.
Page 12 • The HERALD • 12th March 2026 v EMAIL YOUR NEWS: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk v Kitchen & Bathroom Showroom with free design service Tel: 023 8084 3787 Email: showroom@pcbuildingsupplies.co.uk Web: www.pcbuildingsupplies.co.uk PVCu FASCIAS & GUTTERING CLEANING SERVICE Gutters checked for leaks and repaired Also new installations Driveway, Patio and Decking Cleaning and Restoration Service Very reliable and fully insured Good Rates and Professional Service Special Rates for OAP’s Call us now for a free quote Holbury 07884 112416 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 The next Herald is out on 2nd April LEGO EXHIBITION DELIGHTS VISITORS AT ST JOHN’S CHURCH A vibrant Lego exhibition was held at St John’s Church in Hythe on Saturday 7th February, delighting visitors of all ages. e exhibition was created by local Adult Fans of Lego (AFOLs), who came together to share their passion for the Lego brick and showcase their creativity. Following on from last year’s successful event, this year’s exhibition featured an array of exciting new displays. Among the highlights was an impressive otilla of pirate ships, complete with a towering 3-foot pirate gure of Captain Redbeard. ere trains continuously circling the setup. Surrounding the tracks were numerous buildings and construction scenes, where Lego workers could be seen hard at work on various projects. Local pride was on display too, with iconic Hythe landmarks recreated in Lego form, including the town’s Pier, the Lantern Building and St John’s Church itself. is was just a small taste of what was on show. Visitors also enjoyed Brickheadz characters, stunning oral builds, and even a Lego piano playing a selection of tunes. In the Jordan Room, a pre-loved Lego sales table proved popular, with many visitors leaving inspired and already planning how to recreate some of the displays at home. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day for all, and discussions are already underway for an even bigger and better exhibition next year. was also “all the fun of the fair”, with detailed and fully operational models including roller coasters, a haunted house, and a carousel wheel, all beautifully lit and brought to life. Space enthusiasts were treated to a fascinating space exhibition featuring a variety of spacecra . A large and intricate train layout drew plenty of attention, with seven Captain Redbeard Intricate train layout with 7 trains running All the fun of the fair Dancing in Hythe If you enjoy dancing, go along to Hythe and Dibden Parish Hall in West Street, Hythe, on Wednesday afternoons, 1pm–3pm for Ballroom, Latin and Sequence dancing. Admission £5. Refreshments provided.
12th March 2026 • The HERALD • Page 13 WILTON ROYAL BALMORAL 40oz Normally £24.99m2 .........NOW £14.99m2 WILTON ROYAL CHARTER 40oz Normally £31.99m2 .........NOW £14.99m2 WILTON ROYAL WINDSOR 100% WOOL Normally £21.99m2 .........NOW £19.99m2 STAIN FREE WILTON Normally £37.99m2 .........NOW £29.99m2
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v THE HERALD - YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE v 12th March 2026 • The HERALD • Page 15 Harveys of Hythe Your local family run shop from filled baguettes, hot pies & sausage rolls, New Forest Ice Cream, Mozzo coffee, and our wonderful selection of cheeses. The next time you are in Hythe why not pop in to see what we can tempt you with. Proudly supporting British Cheese Makers Pop in to see us at High Street, Hythe (opp. Waitrose) or visit our website: www.harveysofhythe.co.uk Give us a call on 023 8084 4644 SP DECORATING Painting & Decorating Specialist Simon Perks Tel: 07889 091420 Email: simonperks@rocketmail.com • Interior & Exteriors • Wallpaper Hanging • Prompt & Reliable Service • Free Quotations & Expert Advice • Fully Insured MEETING ALL YOUR GLASS AND MIRROR NEEDS • Glass cut to size • Mirrors made to measure • Broken glass repaired • Misted up or broken double-glazed units replaced • Glass table tops • Heat-resistant glass for woodburners 75 Rumbridge Street, Totton Tel: (023) 8086 3074 TOTTON GLASS Testvale Squares Celebrates A Slightly Late Burns Night the Gay Gordons, a lovely dance which just about anyone can do under guidance. It was a fabulous evening shared with members and their guests. A couple of weeks later than planned, Testvale Squares held their Burns Night Supper on 6th February at the Totton and Eling Community Centre. Club Members Carol and Alan Gerrey Rory, Neil, Helen, Roger, Angela, Fiona salads, cheeses, then cakes, teas and co ees. A er supper they had some ‘Burns’ poetry from Paul, a few silly games, including ‘Guess what’s in the Sporran’ where the ladies had to decide what the squishy things inside the men’s sporrans were, not quite sure who enjoyed that more, then Kay directed them through and their guests were asked to wear something tartan and they didn’t disappoint – the tartan army turned up en masse! e Haggis was ‘piped’ in by Alan and 6 others on recorders, all very tuneful. ey then had a fantastic sit-down supper prepared by Carol, Alan and other members of the Club with hot-smoked salmon, gammon ham, potatoes and The Home Of The Very Best Local Cheeses To Enjoy For Easter from Harveys of Hythe As you may already know, Harveys certainly is the place to be for delicious cheeses in Hythe, with their renowned expertise and service. Jonathan, Amanda and Pippa have been hard at work selecting cheeses for Easter, when they will have the counter bursting with the very best local cheeses to enjoy, and some rather unique specialty cheeses from further a eld. Whether you are looking for a cheese board to accompany an Easter dinner, Easter gi s or to enjoy by yourself, Harveys is here to help. e counter will be full of the pinnacle of local cheeses with Jonathan selecting ve from the counter that highlight the superb cheese making skills that surround us. Jonathan says: “We are very lucky to have some wonderful cheesemakers around us. I want to give our fantastic customers the opportunity to try cheeses from all around us this Easter. The five cheeses I wanted to highlight from our selection is the unctuous soft and bloomy cheese made by the Isle of Wight Cheese Company, the rich and ever so creamy Dazel Ash Goats by Rosary in Landford, the striking buttery Cranborne Blue by Book and Bucket Dorset, a savoury edged Garlic and Nettle flavoured hard cheese by Lyburn Landford, and lastly the moreish creamy sweetness of Golden Saye from Village Maid Cheeses Berkshire. I can’t wait for you all to try these!” ese ve cheeses can be bought together to form a full cheese board selection, or they are available alongside the special local selection on the counter individually. is year you can also order cheeses in advance for collection. To place an order, you can visit the shop in Hythe or ring them on: 023 8084 4644. You will be able to order cheeses for Easter from 16th March - 24th March at 2pm. e team at Harveys look forward to seeing you all soon for your Easter cheeses. As well as the very popular Hythe Market held on the High Street, you will also nd an Indoor Market on Tuesdays in St John’s Church Hall from 9am to 2pm. e indoor market has been running for over 30 years, o ering a wide variety of stalls from local cra ers and sellers. e regular stalls include baby hampers, clothes and gi s, greeting cards, jewellery, homemade cakes, preserves and jams, knitted and textile cra s, engraved wooden gi s and much, much more! You can also take a break from the shopping whilst you are there and enjoy a hot drink from the small café, enjoy a tea, hot chocolate or a choice of co ees, accompanied with a biscuit or two! e Indoor Market will be running fortnightly, until 7th April when the market will be weekly. Hythe Indoor Market
Page 16 • The HERALD • 12th March 2026 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v ARE YOU ON THE RIGHT TRACK? Changes to the inheritance tax treatment of pensions and changes to ISA rules mean that now is a good time to review your investments, get to grips with what those changes mean to you, and make sure youe’re on the right track to live the lives you’ve been working so hard towards in your retirement. Straight Talk Wealth Management in Holbury are here to guide you through this. For some, the nancial path they are walking is ne. For others, some simple tweaks and pivots to their investment strategy can work wonders. For everyone, getting a fully independent whole of Walbank Opticians is entering an exciting new chapter with a full practice re t and rebrand designed to modernise the space and better re ect what the brand truly stands for. e refreshed look will bring a brighter, contemporary feel to the practice, creating a welcoming environment that blends style, comfort and clinical excellence. While the surroundings and the name may be di erent, the heart of Walbank Opticians remains exactly the same. Patients will continue to be greeted by the familiar, friendly faces they know and trust. e same experienced team, delivering the same high standards of professional eyecare and awesome eyewear styling that we are known for. e rebrand is not about changing who Walbank Opticians is, but about expressing it more clearly – combining modern style with personalised care. It’s a fresh new look, built on the same strong foundations, ensuring clients feel con dent, cared for and right at home. e work begins on the 23rd March with a provisional reopening date of 8th April. Keep up to date by visiting: www.walbankopticians.co.uk or on our Facebook and Instagram. market adviser to guide you will give peace of mind. ere’s no one size ts all solution, so you don’t want a one size ts all adviser. Clever investing needn’t be complicated, but it does need to be considered. Most of these changes contain more nuance than there is space for here, but the essential headlines on the ISA changes are that, from the 6th April 2027, and for those aged under 65, the annual limit to invest into a cash ISA will reduce to £12,000. However, overall you can still invest £20,000 into ISAs, which means even if you invest the full £12,000 into a cash ISA you still have £8,000 each year to put into stocks and shares ISAs. Which is no bad thing. Whilst Cash ISAs have a level of safety to them, Stocks and Shares ISAs o er a greater opportunity for growth. You can contact Straight Talk via the details opposite. e o ce is open Monday to Friday, 9am till 5pm (4pm Fridays). Straight Talk Wealth Management is a trading name of Straight Talk Financial Planning Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA register number 463676). A Refreshing Change by Twinkle Patel of Walbank Opticians Caroline Rupik, Straight Talk Wealth Management Twinkle Patel, Walbank Opticians
12th March 2026 • The HERALD • Page 17
Page 18 • The HERALD • 12th March 2026 v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v Waste Licence Number: CBDU560170 Internal & External Decorating Wallpapering & Dustless Sanding FULLY INSURED PROFESSIONAL PAINTER & DECORATOR MARK 1 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Your Local Professional Electrician • Complete Rewires • Periodic Inspection Reports • Fault Finding & Repair • New Consumer Units • New Circuits • Central Heating Wiring • Extra Sockets/Lights • PAT Testing • No Job Too Small • Part P Registered • Fast & Efficient Service • Free Estimates Telephone Gary on 07788 865081 forestelectrical@gmail.com The next Herald is out on 2nd April Four Days of Brilliant Community Theatre in Totton e Totton Festival of Drama is back at Hanger Farm Arts Centre from the 18th–21st March with four days of brilliant community theatre. e festival brings four days of engaging, thoughtprovoking and entertaining short plays to local audiences, celebrating the talent and creativity of community drama groups. It promises a vibrant programme of performances showcasing a wide range of styles. e annual One Act festival is a ‘Stage One’ of the All England National One Act eatre Festival and the winning group from Totton will go forward to the Western Area Final where they will compete for a space in the English Final. Audiences can expect an exciting mix of comedy, drama, and original work, all performed by passionate community actors and actresses from across the south. e Totton Festival of Drama is not only great entertainment for enthusiastic theatre goers at a reasonable cost it is also a celebratory platform for grassroots theatre. Performances will be adjudicated by professional adjudicator Annie Rees, o ering constructive feedback and recognition for excellence in acting, direction, lighting, writing and production. “The festival is about bringing people together through live performance,” said Chairperson Mike Farleigh. “It’s a chance for local drama groups to share their work, learn from each other, and perform to an enthusiastic audience.” Audiences can see up to three plays each evening. It is curtain up at 7pm each night and the evenings will nish at approximately 10pm. ere will be a Saturday Matinée starting at 2pm which will be followed by a Ploughman’s supper (to be booked) before the nal at 7pm, evening performances on the 21st March will culminate with the award ceremony. Tickets are £10 (£9 students) including booking fee. “Don’t forget book for three or more nights and you get £1 off each ticket!” adds Mike. To book your tickets visit: www.hangerfarm.co.uk or phone: 023 8066 7683. For more information on the festival and the weeks programme visit: www.tottondrama.co.uk/2026, www.facebook.com/tottondrama or email: info@ tottondrama.co.uk Thank You For Your Donations To The RNLI On Saturday 24th January, RNLI Hythe and Calshot Fundraisers collected a fantastic £477.30 in donations at the Tesco Superstore (Dibden). e Branch would like to thank Tesco and all the volunteers who gave their time to help, but especially those who donated so generously. Support such as this is crucial in enabling the RNLI to save lives at sea. Terry and Chris Ashmore collecting at Tesco
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