Page 10 • The HERALD • 2nd April 2026 v F @heraldpublishing v A.M.H. Handyman Services Internal & External Painting All aspects of DIY Work • Flat Pack Assembly Power Washing: Driveways, Patios, Paths & Decking, Gutters, Fascia Boards Call or email Andy for a free estimate Tel: 07961 443623 handyandyharding@gmail.com Local and Reliable M.D.S. DIGITAL INSTALLS/SERVICE • DIGITAL AERIALS/FREEVIEW • SKY DIGITAL/FREESAT DIGITAL • EXTRA TELEVISION POINTS • TELEPHONE LINES/POINTS • TELEVISION SYSTEMS SETUP/TUNED • WALL MOUNTED TV’S QUALIFIED, FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE FREE SURVEYS/QUOTES BEAULIEU: 01590 611011 MOBILE: 07717 194441 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 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 All joinery and carpentry requirements undertaken • Bespoke wooden windows, doors and staircases • PVCu windows and doors fitted • Decking, pergolas and out buildings • Custom made wardrobes and cupboards • Fencing and gates Contact us for advice and quotes Tel 023 8066 8021• Mobile 07467 594993 fillisjoinery@outlook.com Professional quality joinery for over 25 years Pompom Tree Gifted Back To Horrill Centre! In the 485 issue of e Herald we featured a story about the Horrill Centre’s entry to the Christmas Tree Festival in St John’s Church. Marian Connolly and Debbie along with others from the Horrill Centre had created a wonderful Pompom Christmas tree for the festival and were hoping to win the tree back in the silent auction, but they had competition and were outbid. All however is not lost, as the article was seen by the lady that won the tree and she kindly gi ed it back to e Horrill Centre recently, much to the shock and delight of the sta and attendees! Marian Connolly (day care attendee), Nicky, Debbie, Mandy and all the Horrill Team would like to say a huge ‘ ank You’ to the lovely anonymous lady! A small independent café in the heart of Hythe recently found itself on the national stage when a journalist from the BBC visited Meeple Play Café on Pylewell Road to speak with young workers about the economic realities facing their generation. e interview, recorded in March, featured café employee Imogen alongside another young woman who works locally in the village. Marian Connolly reunited with the tree BBC Visit Shines Spotlight on Hythe’s Meeple Play Café e segment aired as part of Newsbeat on BBC Radio1 and BBC Radio1Xtra in connection to the Spring Statement, and is still available via BBC Sounds. Locally and across the UK, independent hospitality businesses are facing some of the toughest trading conditions in decades. Rising costs for energy, ingredients, sta ng, rent, and taxation have created a perfect storm for small venues trying to stay a oat. At the same time, households are tightening their belts, with the occasional co ee date, lunch out, or family treat o en one of the rst luxuries to be reconsidered. Yet communities like Hythe are fortunate to have a vibrant high street lled with independent cafés, bars, restaurants, and pubs. ese businesses give the village its character and warmth - but they also rely heavily on local support to survive. Meeple Play Café was founded with the aim of o ering something more than a traditional co ee shop. Alongside specialty co ee a delicious menu, and locally baked treats, the venue o ers an array of screen free fun for all ages. You’ll notice play doh on every table, a huge library of board games for customers to explore, paint your own pottery, decoupage, a packed schedule of classes, clubs, and special events, as well as its famous children’s play village. Designed for families, friends, and hobbyists of all ages, it has become a place where people gather not just to eat and drink, but to connect - whether through games, conversation, or community events. On Tuesday 9th March, the venue hosted its rst SEN-friendly play session, designed to create a calmer, more supportive environment for children with additional sensory needs. e session featured lowered lighting, quiet, relaxing music and a variety of sensory toys and play equipment not usually available. Adding something truly special to the day was the presence of hairdresser Beulah from Visual Cuts, another much-loved local independent business. Beulah o ered SEN-friendly haircuts in a calm and playful environment, helping children who might otherwise struggle in a traditional salon setting feel comfortable and con dent. One parent shared their experience on Facebook: “My son had the best experience with Beulah — she was so patient and won him over in an instant! …we will definitely be going back.” Following the success of the rst event, the café plans to run SEN-friendly sessions on the first Tuesday of every month, continuing its mission to make the space welcoming for everyone. Upcoming events at Meeple Play Café include: 5th April Paint your own pottery Bottomless Brunch, 8th April Kids Character Needlefelt, 9th April Tarot Social Event, 16th April 16-25 year old games night, 17th April Men’s Mental Health night 21st April Kids handprint/footprint pottery workshop.
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