v THE HERALD, 2 HIGH STREET, HYTHE, SO45 6AH v No 475 • FREE Every 3 Weeks • 5th-26th June 2025 Est: 1994 The Your Community Magazine 7 & 9 The Marsh, Hythe SO45 6AJ • 023 8084 4131 • hythe@pearsons.com To book a complimentary Consultation Appointment call 023 8066 8886 www.dentureconfidence.co.uk Steve Martin D.D. (Hons), Dip CDT RCS (Eng) Denturist, Clinical Dental Technician GDC number: 140520 THE COMPLETE DENTURE CENTRE Helping you rediscover your smile • Dentures that look like natural teeth • Denture repairs with On-site laboratory • Expert denture advice • Referral processes for ALL your dental needs • Relaxed atmosphere for anxious patients BEFORE AFTER Established 2004 Call for a FREE Quotation 023 8078 3031 www.gasworks.co.uk Visit our showroom at 299 Shirley Road, Shirley, Southampton SO15 3HU Hythe, Waterside & New Forest: 023 8084 0257 Boiler Installation Services & Repairs 0% Finance Available Accredited Installer ANXIETY - PANIC ATTACK? Stay Calm, in Control & Relaxed. Break Free from a Fear or Habit. Regain Confidence & Happiness. Fast & Effective, Lasting Results. Call 07786 376980 E: alan@alanjoneshypnotherapy.com • 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 NEW FOREST LADY PUBLISHES BOOK RAISING OVER £6,000 FOR CHARITY In 2018 Ann Blake from Godshill was diagnosed with muscular-dystrophy – a muscle wasting disease, her son was also diagnosed with the genetic condition in the same year. Wanting to leave something behind to help others and inspire them on their journey, Ann came up with the idea of producing a book similar to e Boy, e Mole, e Fox and e Horse. Ann had 55 artists come forwards to help her to create her book ‘A Legacy of Love’ including many local artists from the New Forest, along with some big names including Jools Holland, his drummer Gilson Lavis, actress Karen Attenborough and sculptor Nic Fiddian-Green. Ann met Jools backstage at a recent concert and when she gave him a copy of the book, he asked her to sign it rst! Published earlier this year, over 400 copies of the book had been sold in the rst few months, raising £6,200 which has been split between the charities Muscular Dystrophy UK and Dog Aid UK who train assistance dogs for disabled adults. Ann has her own assistance dog, Snoopy, who has been a life changer and goes everywhere with her. e money donated to Dog Aid UK has allowed the charity to expand their services to include a trainer in the Lymington area. Ann meeting Jools Holland and his drummer Gilson Lavis Continued on page 3
Page 2 • The HERALD • 5th June 2025 v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v PICK UP YOUR COPY FROM HYTHE • Admin No 1 • Age Concern • 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 • Jane Bidwell Flowers • J R Hardware • KJ’s Mobility • Luis Liu • LW Repairs • The Malt • The Maples • Marchwood Motorways • Master Spares • McColls • Meraki Beauty Salon • 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 • The Travellers Rest • Visual Cuts • Waitrose • Warings • Waterfront & Solent Surgery • Waterside Furnishings • Waterside Health Centre • Waterside Physiotherapy & Osteopathy Clinic • Waterside Tours DIBDEN PURLIEU & BUTTS ASH • Age UK • Arrosto Di Caffé • Badgers Holt • Benjamin Wells • Coppice Gate • Forestside Dental • Forestside Health Centre • The Glen • The Heath Hotel • Joyners • Netley View Post Office • NuiBu Outdoors • Sam Long Fruit & Veg • Shawfix • St Andrew’s Church • St Anne’s Community Centre • Tails 2 Fish & Chips • WH Smith Local (Dibden Purlieu Newsagents) 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 Soiicitors • 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 • Forest Gate Surgery • Goodies • Graysons Hairdressers • Hairtalk • Hairway Barbers • Hanger Farm • HCC • Images Hairdressers • Jalfrezy • King Rufus • 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 • Peggy May’s Coffee Shop • 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 5th June 2025 • 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 • ROOFS • PATIOS • GUTTERS • CONSERVATORIES • WINDOWS ✦ Fully Insured ✦ 07960 915741 info@mossbossuk.com www.mossbossuk.com • 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 Becky 07860 844401 Andy 07516 723151 sales@srwservices.co.uk 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 Ann’s story has been covered on local TV and Radio, as well as nationally in publications including Dogs Today, Woman’s Weekly and People’s Friend. A copy of the book has also been sent to Buckingham Palace a er Her Royal Highness e Princess of Wales heard about the book and requested a copy. Ann recently found out that she has been nominated for a President’s Award for Muscular Dystrophy UK. Ann comments: “Thank you to the artists, my family and friends who have helped me to make my dream a reality! All I can say is if you have a dream – do it! A smile is a curve that straightens everything out!” Ann’s book is available to buy online from: www.alegacyo ove.co.uk or from: Wolvercro Garden Centre, Woodgreen Community Shop, Fordingbridge Petrol Station, Cranborne Garden Centre and Rebecca at Lover Luxury Beauty. Snoopy, Ann’s Assistance Dog NEW FOREST LADY PUBLISHES BOOK RAISING OVER £6,000 FOR CHARITY Continued from front page Easter Hunt Raises Over £1,400 For Hythe Alive Hythe’s 3rd annual Easter Egg Hunt, organised by Waterside Mortgages and Hythe Alive has raised £1478.05 which will go towards future Hythe Alive events as well as helping to fund the Christmas lights in the village. Local traders came out in force to help support the event by sponsoring Easter eggs for the trail, as well as generously donating ra e prizes. In addition to the Easter trail, Hythe was alive with activities going on around the village, Hythe Sea Scouts ran a human fruit machine, Meeple Play Café were o ering free cra s, children could ride for free on the Hythe Pier Train, Planet Kids ran a pick a lolly stall, Coach4U were there with toys and games, Brock Ice was selling New Forest Ice cream, and sale outside their o ce, with £98.45 raised from their bake sale. KJ Mobility held a lucky dip and guess the name of the rabbit stall outside their shop on e Marsh raising a further £38.30. e event was a huge success and enjoyed by hundreds of local families. ank you to all the businesses that helped to make the Easter Hunt possible: Hythe Post O ce, Fully Woolly Yarns, Prescents -Your Beauty Salon, Cards For All Occasions, Toys Ahoy, Mulberrys Hairdressers, LWRepairs, TMT Legal Services LLP, Alpha Tattoos, Oyster Financial Planning Ltd, Howley Co ee Co, Pearsons Estate Agents, Waterside Mortgages, Waterside Tours, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Meeple Play Café, Tilley’s Bakery, Heat Wave Tanning, Dawkins & Easter Bunny visiting KJ Mobility’s stall Hythe Sea Scouts there were also stalls with bubbles, facepaints, cakes and sweets. Forest Rose Care on the High Street are always keen to get involved in community events, this time hosting games, photos and a cake Lodge Opticians, Philpotts Fish & Chips, Back to Roots, Tidal, KJ’s Mobility and e Maples Guest House.
Page 4 • The HERALD • 5th June 2025 v SEND ALL YOUR LOCAL NEWS TO THE HERALD v KDL PLUMBING & HEATING Immersion heaters,Taps, Broken toilets, Ballvalves, Showers, Cylinders, Radiators and more FREE ESTIMATES 07475 128249 • 023 8009 0856 • 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 Celebrating VE Day 80 in Fawley On ursday 8th May the country came together to celebrate 80 years of VE Day. Fawley Parish Council (FPC) hosted two events to commemorate the day. Chairman of FPC Alan Alvey said: “It was an honour to put on these two events and see the community come together to remember the Victory of Europe 80 years ago. Thank you to all that made these events happen.” Over 50 people came together at Jubilee Hall for a sh and chip lunch and music from New Forest Big Band. Stories were shared about what people did on VE day and how the country celebrated. ey were joined by Sir Julian Lewis MP, Cllr Alexis McEvoy and several Fawley Parish Councillors. is event was funded by Chairman Alan Alvey, Cllr Alexis McEvoy, Fawley Co ee Morning, Culture in Common and Arts Council England. Many Thanks to the volunteers from Fawley Events Committee for assisting on the day and Doreen Hosey for the wonderful cakes! In the evening, the Waterside’s only Beacon lighting took place at Gang Warily Recreation Centre at 9.30pm, as beacons of peace were lit across the whole Commonwealth. e beacon was lit by Chairman Alan Alvey and the tribute was read by Cllr Laura O’Halloran who personally funded the commemorative VE Day shrouds on the beacon. e Jingle Ladies put on a wonderful show and the Lighting the Beacon at Gang Warily VE Day celebrations at Jubilee Hall at Gang Warily Recreation Centre for assisting on the night, Pete Pullin representing Fawley British Legion with their standard, Malcolm Rumsey from Hardley Fire Station, Howley’s Co ee Co for keeping everyone topped up with refreshments and Unique Events for providing the sound system free of charge. community came together to sing ‘I vow to thee my country’. Many thanks to the sta VE Day Commemoration in Hythe Hythe and Dibden Parish joined in celebrations around the country for VE Day on 8th May. Residents, councillors and children came together for a commemorative ag raising outside e Grove. ose that attended took part in the nationwide 2-minute silence that followed a thank you and speech from local Councillor Philip Dowd. e silence was brought to a close by the Town Crier who read the proclamation while the ag was raised by students from Hythe Primary School Council. e school council also got a chance to see inside of Hythe and Dibden Parish Council Chambers and have plans to visit again. e children were presented with the o cial pin badge for VE Day 80 a er meeting a local resident who was the Victory Queen in the 1945 celebrations. It was an event enjoyed by all that attended and the Parish Council were pleased to see involvement from councillors Vicky Joynes, Malcom Wade and Philip Dowd as well the children from Hythe Primary School. Raising the VE Day 80 Flag at The Grove
v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v 5th June 2025 • 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 07742 436650 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 Handmade Poppy Tribute Goes On Display At Buckler’s Hard For The 80th Anniversary Of VE Day On ursday 8th May, Buckler’s Hard proudly joined the nation in marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. To remember the courage, sacri ce, and resilience of those who served, the team at the 18th century village of Buckler’s Hard in the New Forest worked together to create a meaningful visual to mark the anniversary. Over the winter months, members of the Buckler’s Hard team dedicated their time and care to knitting and crocheting hundreds of poppies. ese handmade poppies were arranged on a large cargo net to form a striking “memorial curtain,” which was displayed outside the entrance of the Buckler’s Hard Museum. Buckler’s Hard team, Susan, Sharon, Linda and Lisa in front of the VE Day display outside the Buckler’s Hard Museum VE Day display outside the Buckler’s Hard Museum Buckler’s Hard Assistant Manager, Sharon, said: “When we found out that this year marked the 80th anniversary, we knew we wanted to do something special to mark the occasion. It felt like an important moment to remember and show our appreciation for everything those who served gave up for us.” e poppy display remained in place until Friday 9th May, allowing visitors to pause and re ect as they entered the museum during this signi cant week. It will also return to the museum front later in the year to mark Remembrance Sunday. Buckler’s Hard holds a unique connection to the events of WWII. It served as a motor torpedo base and played a role in building parts of the Mulberry Harbour, a vital infrastructure for the D-Day landings. While not all vessels and crews completed their missions, their stories begin here, on the Beaulieu River, and they were honoured and remembered by the display.
Page 6 • The HERALD • 5th June 2025 v PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 30 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 ALL ASPECTS OF ELECTRICAL WORK UNDERTAKEN • Full Rewires • New Circuits • Consumer Unit Replacements • Electric Vehicle Charging Points • Landlord Certification • Smart Homes • Central Heating Controls 023 8089 0932 or 07534 343631 www.alnelectrical.co.uk info@alnelectrical.co.uk Acorn Building Contracts Ltd u Reliable, local builders offering affordable, quality workmanship u Our employees are fully qualified and fully insured u All aspects of building undertaken including extensions, structural alterations, roofing, ground works, kitchens, bathrooms, carpentry and plastering u Drawings arranged u Insurance work undertaken u Local Authority Approved Contractor For free quotations and friendly advice please call Office: 023 8024 3336 Mobile: 07786 656865 Email: acornbuilding@gmail.com or visit our website: www.acorn-builders.co.uk You will not be disappointed EXPERT DOMESTICS APPLIANCE SERVICES Sales and Repairs to All Makes and Models 169-171 LONG LANE, HOLBURY • TEL (023) 8089 0054 POSSIBLY THE ONLY INDEPENDENT MAIN DEALER IN THE NEW FOREST For Bosch, Belling, Britannia, Candy, Ebac, Hotpoint, Hoover, Indesit, Ice King, LG, LEC, Liebherr, Miele, Neff, Sebo, Siemens, Stoves, Whirlpool, Zanussi and more... Free Standing & Built In Sales Centre Over 300 appliances in stock www.expertdomestics.co.uk To advertise your business in The Herald, contact Sue on 023 8084 0815 or email: sjones@herald-publishing.co.uk KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON! To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, local author Michael Southgate has published a description of wartime life in Totton and its neighbourhood under the title ‘Keep Calm and Carry On!’ During almost six years of war, the ‘Home Front’ became a vital element in the extended struggle against a seemingly all-powerful enemy. Following Britain’s declaration of war against Nazi Germany and its allies in September 1939, the port of Southampton became a prime strategic target, so that people living in Totton and the Waterside also became vulnerable to attack from the air. e lives of civilians were in fact as much at risk as those of members of the armed forces. At a later stage in the con ict, Southampton, the New Forest and southern Hampshire played a key role in the build-up to an Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe and the eventual defeat of the Nazi regime in Germany. Priced at £7.50 (plus postage if required), the publication is available directly from the author please email: michaelsouthgate54@ gmail.com Keep Calm and Carry On HEALTHY HAVEN SUMMER OPEN AFTERNOON An invitation from the Healthy Haven Garden Team Come and join us at the Healthy Haven Garden on Saturday 7th June, 1pm–4pm, for an open a ernoon behind the Waterside Health Centre, Beaulieu Road, Hythe. Visit our beautiful community garden and enjoy refreshments, garden tours, a tombola and plant stall, with proceeds going to the Healthy Haven, (please note that this is a cash only event). For those of you that have not yet visited us, the garden is run as a communal garden space for patients of the Healthy Haven Garden practice, practice sta and our community and is maintained by local volunteers, do come along and support us.
5th June 2025 • The HERALD • Page 7 Rehau Smarts
Page 8 • The HERALD • 5th June 2025 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…… A&D Morrison Builders Ltd FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS • Renovations • Alterations • Cedral cladding • Groundworks • Flat Roofs • Drives & Patios 07768 599704 adlmorrison@sky.com Free Estimates • Fully Insured • Based in Dibden Purlieu • Maintenance New Outdoor Features Invite Residents to Relax, Explore and Enjoy Nature Green spaces across Totton & Eling have been refreshed with new features designed to make the outdoors more enjoyable, welcoming, and inspiring for local residents and visitors. With a focus on creativity, wellbeing, and community spirit, nine new benches have been installed throughout the town. Made from sustainable oak and galvanised steel, these thoughtfully designed bespoke benches individualised to the Town to complement the natural surroundings and o er peaceful spots to rest and take in the view. In the Town Park, a newly developed rockery, a set of unique play equipment, and a human sundial now o er a mix of tranquillity and curiosity. e rockery brings a so , natural setting to sit and relax, while the sculptures provide an immersive artistic experience that encourages people to engage with nature in a new way. e human sundial is a fun and interactive addition that allows visitors to use their shadow to tell the time, adding a gentle educational element to the park. Along the town’s popular Green Route, a community-led project supported by the Council has introduced handcra ed ceramic mushrooms made by local residents. ese whimsical installations add a touch of discovery and charm to the path and re ect Totton’s growing sense of civic pride and creativity. Above: One of the new benches Right: New rockery area 50 YEARS TO CELEBRATE! It was with great pleasure that 10 Hythe & Waterside Rotarians and their partners attended the 50th Anniversary celebrations of their “sister” club, New Forest Rotary. A er enjoying a splendid dinner, guests were treated to a slide show which captured the many highlights of New Forest Rotary’s rst 50 years. Hythe & Waterside Rotary all wish New Forest Rotary continued success for the future. Guests at the celebration dinner HPHA Receive Another £242.57 From Foreign Currency Donations Hythe Pier Heritage Association (HPHA) would like to thank everyone that has donated their old or foreign currency to the pot in e Herald o ce. e latest donation has raised £242.57. A further two bucket loads of currency have recently been sent o to Cash4Coins to be exchanged for pound sterling. If you have any foreign currency le over from your holiday, or nd some old currency when you are having a clear out please consider donating it to HPHA to help them with their work.
5th June 2025 • 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
Page 10 • The HERALD • 5th June 2025 v F @heraldpublishing v FLAT ROOFING SPECIALISTS All Roof Repairs Tel: 023 8184 5632 Mobile: 07880 508415 Email: steve@braithwaiteroo ng.co.uk THE FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST WILLIS DECORATING & JOINERY SERVICES Est Since 1986 Hand-painted Kitchens - Transform your Kitchen Interior & Exterior Painting and Decorating Call David on 023 8084 9800 or 07946 048261 E: david.willis24@btinternet.com Before After New Forest Scaffolding All aspects of scaffolding undertaken • Extensions • Chimneys • Re-Roofing • New Builds etc For a friendly, local, reliable service and a free quotation Telephone: 07734 476855 www.newforestscaffolding.co.uk Full Liability Insurance Lychette Cottage, Roughdown, Blackfield SO45 1XG A Big Step Forward at Teddy’s Farm: Natural Wastewater Treatment Is Now Live! Local Farmer Teddy Powell has spent the winter creating a Natural Wastewater Treatment system for the pop up campsite at his family farm in the New Forest. Teddy’s Farm near Boldre, has been o ering pop-up camping to visitors to the New Forest since 2016. Over the winter, Teddy has been busy creating a willow evapotranspiration system - a clever, selfcontained setup that’s been long in the planning and is now fully up and running. e system lters all the grey water from the campsites showers, washing-up areas and the thunderboxes - through a clay-lined bed planted with hundreds of fast-growing willow trees. ese willows absorb the water and release it naturally back into the air, using just sunshine and wind. Teddy comments: “Campers staying with Teddy’s Farm over the summer can now enjoy a proper outdoor experience, knowing their environmental impact is minimal. This has been a deeply worthwhile project and we’re proud to be doing something that genuinely helps protect the New Forest.” Teddy’s Farm o ers a laid-back camping experience available for a limited 28 days each year, campers staying at Teddy’s Farm can experience an ecofriendly escape on a working family sheep farm, as the rest of the year Teddy is busy tending to his ock of pasture-fed sheep! ere are two expansive elds set across about 17 acres with views across to the Isle of Wight, campers can pick their own spot as there are no xed pitches. ere are 6 hot showers available 24/7 and the composting loos are clean and wellmaintained. Every morning e Baa-rista o ers freshly brewed coffee and Fridays campers can savour the delights of local street food vendors. All on-site power is generated by solar energy, ensuring an eco-conscious stay. For more information about Teddy’s Farm visit: www. teddysfarm.co.uk/ or email: info@ teddysfarm.co.uk As they do their work, they also lter out harmful nutrients like nitrates and phosphates, helping protect the local environment. Because the system is fully sealed, nothing enters nearby watercourses. Over time, the beds will become a small wetland habitat, attracting birds, insects and other wildlife - a quiet but valuable addition to this corner of the New Forest. e project was quite an undertaking, work started in January to dig the two trenches for the willow beds, which are both 38 x 8 metres. 450 metres of associated pipework had to be laid from the showers, sinks, toilets and urinals on the campsite to the willow beds. e area was then clay-lined before Aerial photo of the trenches Willow cuttings ready for planting The willow starting to grow over 800 willow cuttings were prepped ready to be planted by Teddy with help from his sons and wife.
5th June 2025 • 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.newforestplumbing247.com Contact us on 07912 092557 or 023 8194 0237 newforestplumbing@yahoo.com GET SET FOR WET N WILD FUN RUN support to anyone a ected by cancer in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. To sign up for Wet N Wild, visit: www.wessexcancer. org.uk/event/wet-n-wild-2025/ Fancy slipping and sliding your way through a new family fun run that’s coming to Fordingbridge this summer. Wessex Cancer Support is hosting Wet N Wild, an aqua assault course featuring in atable obstacles, a foam tunnel, water jets, bubbles and colour clouds. Held at Jubilee Camping on Saturday 2nd August, Wet N Wild is open to families, friends and corporate teams. “We’re really excited about this, as it promises to be the perfect fun event for the summer,” said Lorraine White, Interim Head of Community and Events Fundraising. “There are obstacles to overcome, plus we will have water jets, foam and colour clouds all thrown in too. One thing’s for sure - you WILL get wet! Gather your friends, family or colleagues and walk, dance or run your way over the finish line.” ere will be two start time options – 11am and 12noon – and all nishers will receive a special Wet N Wild medal. Teams of over three people will receive a 20% discount on the entry fee, while anyone who raises more than £100 by Wednesday 2nd July will become a ‘Star Fundraiser’, enabling them to claim a free event T-shirt. Camping discounts are also available to participants. Money raised will help Wessex Cancer Support provide free, local and personalised emotional Get set for wet n wild fun run! Rotary Charity Dinner A Success Another successful annual Charity Dinner by Hythe & Waterside Rotary (H&W) was held in the Domus in Beaulieu, courtesy of Lord Montagu. Guest speaker, South Today News Presenter Jon Cuthill, gave a factual and o en humorous insight into his work at the BBC and what goes on behind the scenes. H&W Rotary would like to thank Jon, and all those Jon Cuthill and his wife with H&W Rotary President Terri Whitehouse, and Rotarian Ralph Ellis who organised the event who made the evening so enjoyable and a great success. Special thanks go to those local businesses who gave their support by donating ra e and auction prizes, and to the catering and waiting sta who worked so hard. All pro ts raised by this event will be used to support local, national and worldwide Rotary charities. Waitrose 118 Dibden is Turning 50! from Waitrose Dibden We would like to invite all present and past Partners who have worked in the branch since August 1975 to come and help us celebrate this monumental achievement, we will be holding a Party in Seashells on Sunday 10th August, 5pm–9pm. ere will be a hot and cold bu et and a little glass of something on arrival. If you would like to attend please contact Karen ColeBailey on: 023 8084 4717 or email: 76515737.mail@ waitrose.co.uk
Page 12 • The HERALD • 5th June 2025 v EMAIL YOUR NEWS: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk v 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 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 All aspects of Plastering undertaken Fully Qualified, Reliable, Quality Service 20% OFF until end of June 2025 Free Quotations Call Joe: 07713 724610 Internal & External Decorating Wallpapering & Dustless Sanding FULLY INSURED PROFESSIONAL PAINTER & DECORATOR MARK 1 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Upcoming InterSection Concert InterSection, a well - known group of local singers are busy practicing for their upcoming concert, along with several familiar friends to help out with some delightful quartet pieces. Most songs will be sung A Capella, meaning unaccompanied, with just a couple where they are joined on the piano by another friend of the group. As usual, the concert aims to include something for all tastes; with some secular pieces by Mendelssohn and Mozart, a little of Noel Coward, and some more modern songs made famous by Walt Disney’s Hercules, Fishermans’ Friends, e Greatest Showman, Wicked, Neil Young and Ed Sheeran to name just a few. at must surely whet your appetite! This friendly group would very much like to expand to include a top soprano and a tenor to join them on Tuesday evenings to have fun singing together (teach tracks provided). e best way to make up your mind is to check them out at the concert on Saturday 7th June, 7.30pm, at St John’s Church, New Road in Hythe. Entry is £10, to include a glass of wine. If you prefer to book your place, please contact: jason.foxwell@ outlook.com InterSection LANGLEY HUB UPDATE from Langley Hub Fawley Parish Council’s Chairman, Councillor Alan Alvey, recently presented Christine Galpin with the Chairman’s Cup during the Annual Parish Meeting held on Wednesday 30th April. She was awarded the cup for her work with the Langley Community and Langley Hub. Christine accepted the cup on behalf of Langley Hub saying that the community events Langley Hub have organised were a team e ort. However, without Christine, Langley Hub would never have been formed. When it was announced in November 2023 that St Francis Church, Langley, would be put up for sale, Christine felt it would be ideal if the building could be bought by the Langley community to be used as a community centre. To investigate the feelings of the local residents, to such a suggestion, she organised a meeting which was well attended. As a consequence of this initial meeting, Christine accepted the role of Chairman and took on all the administration tasks that arose, such as researching how funding to purchase the building could be raised, emailing various organisations, keeping the group informed by regular meetings and emails. Unfortunately, the selling of the church progressed too quickly for the local residents to even begin to organise themselves to raise su cient funds to buy it. However, Langley Hub was formed by a few of the regular attenders of the “Save the Church” group with Christine becoming Chairman. Christine is the linchpin of Langley Hub; leading, informing and helping to encourage community engagement in Langley. Thank you Christine for everything that you do for Langley Hub. If you would like to join Langley Hub, then do please look at our website for more information: www.langleyhub. co.uk or email: Langleyhubnewforest@ gmail.com Come along to one of our regular meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at e Langley, Lepe Road, Langley from 7pm to about 8pm. Fawley Parish Council’s Chairman, Councillor Alan Alvey, presenting Christine Galpin with the Chairman’s Cup Summer Exhibition From Cowprint Artists Group Cowprint Printmakers are delighted to return for the 2025 Exhibition program in the Five Arrows Gallery at Exbury Gardens from 7th June - 13th July. Meet the artist opportunities and demonstrations throughout the exhibition. Free with gardens admission or Friends of Exbury membership. Kate and Mandy, Cowprint Members, will also be running a beginners Lino Printing workshop at Exbury on 14th June if you are inspired to have a go yourself. Pre-booking essential: https://www. exbury.co.uk/linoprinting-workshop2
5th June 2025 • 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
Page 14 • The HERALD • 5th June 2025 v READ THE HERALD ONLINE: www.herald-publishing.co.uk v The Square, Fawley, Southampton SO45 1DD T: 023 8112 3112 E: office@zebra-ltd.co.uk All Plumbing Works Undertaken Full Bathroom Installation Toilet Fix from £75 Fully Insured Free Quotes No Job Too Big or Too Small PLUMBING & BATHROOMS • Re-Skimming • Rendering • Coving • Dry Lining • Tacking • Artex Covered • Floor Screeding www.tbrownplastering.co.uk Call: 07919 183989 Friendly • Reliable • Professional • Free Estimates 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 • 0800 0923347 • 023 8124 3319 • 07944 846057 gstevenspropertysolutions@gmail.com www.gstevenspropertysolutions.com H Fully insured H BEST-OF-THE-BEST TURN OUT IN STYLE FOR e best-of-the-best were recognised and celebrated at Brockenhurst College’s Sports Awards in April. e evening black-tie event took place in the main hall, with more than 200 guests taking their seats around large tables. irty-eight awards were presented in total – a signi cant increase on the 24 handed out in 2024. is was down to a format change that saw new categories introduced to recognise outstanding performances from every team within each Sports Academy. Deputy Principal, Judith Munro, kicked-off proceedings, taking the stage to welcome all the guests o cially. She then handed over to Assistant Principal, Steve Jenkin, who invited each Sports Academy Head up to announce the winners, read citations and present trophies. e night’s biggest winner was footballer Charlie Hensley-Jones from Poole. He picked up awards for Men’s Football 1st Team Coach’s Player of the Year; Men’s Football 1st Team Players’ Player of the Year; and Contribution to Sport. Charlie said a erwards: “I have to give my teachers the credit they deserve – they always made themselves available to support me academically, personally, and in my football as well.” AFC Bournemouth player, Molly Gladwell, from Corfe Mullen, won the award for Women’s Football Academy Player of the Year. She studies at Brock under a special scheme the college runs with the club to provide academic learning alongside excellence in sporting development. Molly said a erwards: “It’s been a great night – such a great atmosphere and so much fun. My life at Brock has been a very happy one, and that’s mainly down to the staff here.” Eye-catching features from the evening included an elaborate balloon-arch and a photo booth. Interim Head of Curriculum for Sport, Kirsty Buckland, closed the ceremony by thanking everyone for their sporting contribution. She said a erwards: “Here at Brock we’re a sporting powerhouse thanks to our committed staff and excellent facilities, as well as our numerous initiatives aimed at achieving sporting excellence. Our Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme is just one example of why gifted and disciplined young athletes continue to choose Brock.” Other notable winners included the Basketball Academy 1st Team, who won Team of the Year. Meanwhile, equestrian Gemma Hobbs received the Sporting Excellence Award. Brockenhurst College Sports Award Winners: Men’s Football 4th Team Coach’s Player of the Year – Braydon Newman Men’s Football 4th Team Players’ Player of the Year – Preston Amos Men’s Football 3rd Team Coach’s Player of the Year – Daniel Pinckney Men’s Football 3rd Team Players’ Player of the Year – Ed Quartley Men’s Football 2nd Team Coach’s Player of the Year – Yanis Dibden Men’s Football 2nd Team Players’ Player of the Year – Yanis Dibden Men’s Football 1st Team Coach’s Player of the Year – Dragos Neagu Men’s Football 1st Team Players’ Player of the Year – Charlie Hensley-Jones Men’s Football 1st Team Coach’s Player of the Year – Charlie Hensley-Jones Women’s Football 2nd Team Coach’s Player of the Year – Robyn Coleman Women’s Football 2nd Team Players’ Player of the Year – Annabelle Bockle Women’s Football 1st Team Coach’s Player of the Year – Kaitlyn Elliot Women’s Football 1st Team Players’ Player of the Year – Eithne Patten Women’s Football Academy Player of the Year – Molly Gladwell Netball 3rd Team Coach’s Player of the Year – Jess Drury Netball 3rd Team Players’ Player of the Year – Maya De Silva Netball 2nd Team Coach’s Player of the Year – Bethan Moran Netball 2nd Team Players’ Player of the Year – Evie Cobbs Netball 1st Team Coach’s Player of the Year – Aimee Puttick Netball 1st Team Players’ Player of the Year – Meg Josey Netball Academy Player of the Year – Emily Fowkes Men’s Rugby Coach’s Player of the Year – Dan Williams Brockenhurst College Sports Awards Basketball team Continued on page 15
GUTTERS CLEANED AND REPAIRED • FASCIAS • SOFFITS • GUTTERING • ROOF CLEANING • CONSERVATORIES • ROOFS • GUTTER REPAIRS 07946 222820 info@hunterwgc.co.uk www.hunterwgc.co.uk v THE HERALD - YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE v 5th June 2025 • The HERALD • Page 15 MM INSTALLATIONS Double Glazing Repairs • Locks • Handles • Hinges • Glass • Fascias • Soffits • Guttering • Velux Glass Replacement Over 25 years experience Tel: 07787 878228 Email: mminstallations515@gmail.com Put Your Repairs in Safe Hands 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 Approved by Trading Standards Men’s Rugby Players’ Player of the Year – Jack Gallacher Men’s Rugby Academy Player of the Year – Max Burnell Women’s Rugby Coach’s Player of the Year – Felix Kemp Women’s Rugby Players’ Player of the Year – Jess Horsburgh Women’s Rugby Academy Player of the Year – Sophie Pidgley Volleyball Academy Coach’s Player of the Year – Archer Chen Volleyball Academy Players’ Player of the Year – Julia Belke Volleyball Academy Player of the Year – Phoebe BROCKENHURST COLLEGE SPORTS AWARDS Award – Charlie Hensley-Jones Sporting Excellence Award – Gemma Hobbs Team of the Year – Basketball 1st Team Above: Charlie Hensley-Jones Left: Molly Gladwell Continued from page 14 Martin Basketball 2nd Team Coach’s Player of the Year – Kristian Kanev Basketball 2nd Team Players’ Player of the Year – Michael Perry Basketball 1st Team Coach’s Player of the Year – Toby Tetlow Basketball 1st Team Players’ Player of the Year – Michael Dodds Basketball Academy Player of the Year – Joe Faulkner Contribution to Sport Carnival Time in Copythorne Copythorne Carnival is taking place on Saturday 7th June, at the Scout HQ on Romsey Road, the day event starts at 1pm, with the Carnival procession starting at 5pm. ere will be fun rides, oats, barbeque and lots of fun for all the family. e evening event is 7pm – 11pm with live music, food and a bar. Sunday 8th June is Rally Day, open from 11am with vintage cars, classic tractors, traditional machinery, a variety of stalls and much more. Entry to the Rally Day is £6 Adults, £3 Children (under 5’s free) or £15 for a family ticket for 2 adults and up to 3 children age 5–18. e Carnival weekend nishes with the Copythorne run on Monday 9th June. For full details about the events follow: @CopythorneCarnival on Facebook.
Page 16 • The HERALD • 5th June 2025 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v How Many Jobs Are You Missing Without Even Realising It? If you’re a solo tradesperson - plumber, electrician, landscaper, roofer - then Dave Ward of PFMR has a statistic that should worry you: Up to 65% of inbound enquiries to small businesses go unanswered. That’s phone calls not returned, website forms ignored, direct messages left unread. Now, ask yourself, if you had responded to all of them, and been able to convert just 1 in 5 into a paying customer, how much more would your business be making right now? That’s exactly what PFMR’s AI Sales Assistant solves. For less than £5 a day, you get your own 24/7 digital employee - no sick days, no missed calls, no forgotten leads. Here’s what it does: · Responds instantly on every channel: SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram and Live Chat on your website · Follows up missed calls within 2 minutes · Starts conversations when someone submits your website form · Collects contact info, asks qualification questions, and even books appointments · Can take booking deposits if needed So, whether you’re up a ladder, under a sink, or nishing up on-site, you’ll never lose another lead. Instead, your AI Assistant is working in the background - turning cold enquiries into con rmed bookings while you’re still doing the job. It’s like hiring a full-time sales team for the cost of a co ee. Discover how the power of AI can help your business grow, today. To see this powerful tool in action, visit PFMR. co.uk for a live demo. Alternatively, you can call: 023 8001 2561 to chat and get your own AI Sales Assistant set up. It’s been a year since we opened our little bespoke cattery in Dibden Purlieu. It has been a huge success, with all the cats thoroughly enjoying their stay. But how do you know how to choose a cattery that’s purrfect for your cat? First of all, and most importantly, David Ward, PFMR Choosing A Cattery by Tracey Smith of The Purrfect Cat Ladies does the cattery have a license? Issued by NFDC, this is not an easy license to achieve, so always double-check when booking. Next, take the time to check out the premises. Before we built ours, we had years of experience looking a er a large cattery, so could use the knowledge and experience from that time. Cats need space and light, requiring warmth in the winter and somewhere cool in the summer. Whilst our cattery has limited spaces, we have a large run for up to four cats in the same family, a double chalet, and a single, which we have purposefully built for elderly or nervous kitties. e cattery is also close to the house, so the cats can watch our daily comings and goings, especially in the summer when we are in the garden. We understand that catteries don’t work for everyone, so e Purrfect Cat Ladies also do pop-in home visits. is has been extremely popular over the past 18 months. If you would like to know more about any of the above, please give us a call on 07769928203, or check out some of our stories on Facebook.
5th June 2025 • The HERALD • Page 17
Page 18 • The HERALD • 5th June 2025 v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v Next Level Scaffolding Ash 07702 082961 Next Level Scaffolding Josh 07896 883508 ashcarroll@nextlevel-ltd.co.uk WHY CHOOSE US? With over 25 years of experience in the building trade, we offer quality workmanship, competitive pricing, and provide unparalleled customer service. We offer a complete service and can provide expertise in all aspects of the construction industry. We are fully insured and a member of the prestigious Federation of Master Builders. SERVICES PROVIDED: • Extensions and new builds • Roofing and carpentry • Renovations and remodelling • Bathroom and Kitchen installation • Landscaping and Hardscaping • Project management • Building Maintenance And many more…….. We take great pride in all of our work and strive to make your building experience hassle free and enjoyable. Let us make your building dreams a reality and experience the difference with M G Webber Building and Construction Limited. Mike 07554 007203 • Mgwebber44@gmail.com Whether new to driving or wanting to get back on the road we can help Automatic Driving Instruction Grade A Instructor with over 20 years experience Specialist in nervous and anxious pupils www.learn-2-drive.org.uk • Call 07796795028 Learn2Drive Artist Raises Funds For Wildlife Through Nationwide Art Project A nationwide art initiative led by Hampshire-based artist Cy Baker has raised an impressive £8,511 so far, with proceeds directly supporting nature recovery e orts at Wildlife Trusts across the UK, including Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Cy, who lives in Netley, created a unique collection of detailed pen-and-ink drawings inspired by 53 Wildlife Trust nature reserves he visited across the UK. ese include ve sites in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight: Copythorne Common, Alverstone Mead, St Catherine’s Hill, Deacon Hill, and Swanwick Lakes. Partnering with e Wildlife Trusts, Cy used his intricate artwork and accompanying detailed diary entries to raise awareness of British wildlife. e stunning collection captures the sights and sounds of each reserve, o ering a powerful and personal celebration of UK wildlife and habitats. Cy said: “Despite so much nature loss in the UK, much remains, particularly on The Wildlife Trust reserves. I’m over the moon to share that with people through my art and to help in some small way. All the pieces completed for this project only show the habitats and species that squirrel, a regular visitor to Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve. e pieces were auctioned on 24th April, drawing enthusiastic bids from both nature lovers and art collectors. All 53 sketches created during Cy’s visits to the reserves were sold, with just two original artworks still available for purchase. e project is on track to raise a total of £13,000 for e Wildlife Trusts. Cy adds: “I’m absolutely delighted with the response to the auction. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that these pieces - which reflect what I actually saw at each site - will now help fund the protection of those same places. Despite the challenges our wildlife faces, there is still so much beauty out there, and I wanted to shine a light on that.” Elenya Lendon, Marketing and Communications Manager at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust added: “Cy’s artistic talent and his deep connection to Hampshire’s landscapes have provided a unique way to raise both awareness and funds for conservation. The auction’s success highlights the power of community and creativity in driving action to protect local wildlife. We are thrilled with the response and grateful for the funds raised, which will directly support The Wildlife Trusts’ mission to safeguard these irreplaceable habitats.” For more information about the auction please visit: wildlifetrusts.org/cy-baker Cy Baker drawing red squirrel at Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve I have seen on my visits, so the artworks really are a reflection of what people might experience if they visit these special places.” e collection includes original artworks and sketches featuring species such as the iconic red Celebrating Rural Champions: Nominations Open For The 2025 New Forest National Park Awards The New Forest National Park Authority and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) have launched their annual awards, celebrating the remarkable individuals and organisations making a di erence across the Forest. The New Forest National Park Awards, now in their 12th year, recognise outstanding contributions to the environment, rural economy and local communities in and around the National Park. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony and drinks reception at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show on 30th July. e event is supported by Moore Barlow and the New Forest Agricultural Show Society. is year, as the New Forest National Park marks its 20th anniversary, a new award – Commoning Champion – has been introduced to recognise individuals playing a vital role in sustaining this unique practice which helps maintain the Forest’s landscape and biodiversity. Nominations are now open for the following categories: • Sustainability Champion • Young Farmer (aged 35 and under) • Best Supporter of Local Produce • Young Environmental Champion (aged 25 and under) • Farming and Nature Champion • Commoning Champion (new for 2025) Individuals, businesses and organisations can nominate themselves or be nominated by others. All nominees must live, work or operate within the New Forest Awards area. Nominations close on Sunday 8th June. Full criteria and application forms are available at www. newforestnpa.gov.uk/newforestawards
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