v THE HERALD - OUR 32ND YEAR - 1994-2026 v 17th September 2026 • The HERALD • Page 23 Free Estimates • Fully Insured • Quality Service Tel: 023 8194 0878 • Mobile: 07710 464093 Email: mark@markparsonsdecorating.co.uk Web: www.markparsonsdecorating.co.uk Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating Services DECORATING Interior and Exterior Established 1985 07867 528307 mark.blake.decorating@gmail.com Raven The Extraordinary New Forest Pony e new children’s book, Raven the Extraordinary New Forest Pony, is inspired by the real-life pony, Raven, and his human, Jessica. e story is written by Jessica’s mum, Michelle Burgess, and beautifully illustrated by artist, David Tovey. Raven, the star of the story, thought he was just an ordinary little black pony running on the Forest with his friends. He was never the fastest pony and always ended up being the one trying to catch up with the others when playing chase. Sometimes, he would see horses being ridden across the open Forest and then he would dream of nding his own human and sharing adventures together. One day that happened and he turned his head to see a little girl walking towards him. “Hello, I’m Jessica,” she said. Suddenly, the ordinary little pony, understood the words his mother had o en spoken to him, “Raven, believe in yourself. You are extraordinary!” When Raven and Jessica rst met, he was four years old and she was ve. ey instantly adored each other. Up until then, Raven had been running with his herd out on the Forest. Jessica, who happens to have Down Syndrome, and Raven had a lot to learn. in person. If you would like to attend the book launch, please contact Jenny Knowles, the publisher, by text: 07768630393 or email: jenny@littleknollpress.co.uk ey worked and played together down at the eld, building trust and con dence. Over time they became more adventurous and started to ride out onto the New Forest heathlands where Raven spent his early years. Adventures o en crop up, and in this story, an adventure comes to nd them. Raven the Extraordinary New Forest Pony will be released at a book launch on Saturday 26th September at Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Aikman Lane, Totton, SO40 8FT, with a chance to meet the real-life characters Raven and Jessica Lord Mayor Visits Local Art Club On 24th August e Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Pat Evemy, visited the opening day of the Oaklands Art Club Summer Exhibition, held during this year’s Hampshire Open Studios. e Lord Mayor viewed the artwork by the various club artists. e Oaklands Art Club is a small group of amateur artists who meet at the Oasis Academy, Lordshill, Southampton every Tuesday evening, 7pm-9pm. Activities include open studios, videos, demonstrations, member critiques, group drawing activities and exhibitions, such as the Summer Exhibition. For more information visit: www.oaklandsartclub.org The Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Pat Evemy with members of the Oaklands Art Club
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