6th August 2026 • The HERALD • Page 31 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v Traditional chimney sweeping for open fires & log burners • Stove servicing • Flu camera inspections and Drone surveys. HETAS registered • Fully insured • Certificates issued No stress, No mess Areas covered: SO15, SO40-43, SO45 SO51 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: Jim - 07379 383 307 Waterside Woodcarvers Exhibition Members of Waterside Woodcarvers will be displaying a wide range of carvings on Saturday 15th August, 11am - 2pm, at St Andrews church hall, Dibden Purlieu. is is a great opportunity to see how this traditional skill is being kept alive. Entry is free. ere will be a prize draw for an exquisite carved nuthatch: tickets £2 each available on the day. ere will also be a small number of carvings for sale (cash please) and a chance to vote for Best in Show. A local husband-and-wife team are bringing a fresh approach to luxury sailing on the Solent with the launch of Big Cat Boat Charters, based in Beaulieu. Owners Dale and Rachel Toms aren’t just o ering private sailing experiences - they’re sharing the remarkable story of RaRa, their Lagoon 39 catamaran, which they personally sailed more than 3,000 nautical miles home from Greece. eir journey took them across the Mediterranean, through Gibraltar, along the coasts of Portugal and Spain, across the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel before nally arriving in Hampshire. Every mile was documented, and that adventure now forms the heart of their new business. Operating under the motto “Sailing Beyond Ordinary”, Big Cat Boat Charters is based in Beaulieu and serves ports and marinas throughout the Solent, including Lymington, Cowes, Yarmouth, Hamble and Southampton. Every private experience is tailored to guests and can accommodate eight to ten people, depending on the experience. Guests enjoy breakfast, tea and co ee, so drinks, use of paddleboards, the spacious swimming platform, Fusion marine sound system, Starlink internet, an onboard BBQ, shing rods and snorkelling equipment. “Our aim isn’t simply to take people sailing,” said Dale. “We want every guest to experience the Solent in a way they’ll remember long after they’ve stepped ashore.” Rachel added: “RaRa has already given us the adventure of a lifetime. Now we’re Enter the prize draw to win this exquisite carved nuthatch Local Couple Launch Luxury Sailing Experiences From Beaulieu excited to share that experience with others and showcase everything our beautiful local coastline has to offer.” Big Cat Boat Charters caters for families, friends, celebrations, corporate hospitality and special occasions, combining relaxed luxury with professional hospitality and local knowledge. For more information, visit: www.bigcatboatcharters.com or contact Rachel Toms: rachel@ bigcatboatcharters.com Right: Dale and Rachel Toms, Big Cat Boat Charters
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