Page 32 • The HERALD • 26th June 2025 v READ THE HERALD ONLINE: www.herald-publishing.co.uk v 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 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 A MELANCHOLY CASE OF DROWNING by Robin Somes, Fawley and Blackfield Memories Fawley Cottage, on the corner of Orchard Close, was home to several well-known gures, including A.C. Cossor, Chairman of the Parish Council, and omas de Grey, the Rector of Fawley. Here, another Fawley Cottage resident features; Dr. Henry Maturin. Born in Ireland, he moved to Fawley as a young, newlyquali ed doctor. Sadly, most records of him are newspaper reports of tragic deaths; this is no exception. He is joined by James Martin, son of the Jolly Sailor’s then proprietor, and John Webster, described as “… well-known in yachting circles, and who for many years has been captain of a yacht”. Webster was married to Priscilla Martin, James’s sister; John and Priscilla had a young daughter, Caroline. On 25th January 1873, the Hampshire Independent reported: “MELANCHOLY CASE OF DROWNING. An inquest was held by Mr R. Harfield, county coroner, at the Jolly Sailor Inn, Fawley, on Monday, on the body of John Clark Webster, a mariner, 44 years of age, belonging to Fawley. James Martin, of Ashlett, deposed that on Saturday he the stern of the boat, and she gave a lurch, and he fell overboard. Witness was steering, and tried to save him, but could not. He then put the tiller down, and in ten or fifteen minutes came alongside of the deceased, and got him on board. Deceased swam for five or six minutes, and then floated on his chest with his head under the water. After he was in the boat he neither spoke nor moved, and showed no signs of life. They did not land him at Calshot, but brought him to Ashlett, thinking they would obtain medical assistance sooner, and when they arrived there Dr. Maturin was sent for at once. Deceased was perfectly sober when he fell. Dr. Maturin, of Fawley, said he saw the deceased about a quarter past six o’clock, and to all appearance he was dead, as if from drowning. Hearing that his heart was beating feebly, witness had him placed in the most favourable position for the removal of water from the stomach; had him wrapped in blankets, and exercised artificial respiration for three-quarters of an hour, but without effect. Mustard plasters were put over the region of the heart, and he was also well rubbed. A verdict of ‘Accidental death’ was returned”. The Jolly Sailor and Ashlett from the top floor of Ashlett Mill (E.W. Mudge) went to Cowes with the deceased in a sailing boat, and left there to return about twenty minutes to four in the afternoon. It was a large boat, capable of carrying five or six tons. There was a fair sailing breeze, and they had two reefs in the mainsail, and one in the foresail. A young man named Charles Clark was also with them. When about half a mile from Calshot deceased went to Heritage Open Days in September Heritage Open Days – the country’s largest festival of history and culture runs from 12th–21st September and an exciting programme with thousands of events and experiences is already taking shape including some locally. e free festival is brought to you by the National Trust, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and delivered by thousands of local organisations and volunteers. Each year it brings over a million people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. From historic houses to factory oors, museums to music halls, churches to mandirs, and greenhouses to graveyards, a diverse array of places, spaces and community groups will o er up free events for all this Autumn. Liam Montgomery, Heritage Open Days Marketing & Projects Manager, said, “For many, architecture is about more than just buildings; it’s really all about people, and the ways we interact with the world around us. This year’s festival is a great opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of local stories across England. It’s an open invitation to explore, learn, and be inspired by people and place.” Founded in 1994, Heritage Open Days has been making history and culture more accessible for more than 30 years. Last year over 2,350 organisers and 41,700 volunteers ran 5,427 events across the country, attracting one million visits. Around one-third of visitors had not visited a heritage site/event in the past year while 82% of festival-goers said their visit made them more proud of their local area. ere’s still plenty of time to get involved, local organisations, community groups and enthusiasts have until 14th August to register their events by visiting the Heritage Open Days website. For further information, and to register your event, visit: www. heritageopendays.org.uk ‘Chat About’ Social Club Join Hythe Library on Wednesday mornings 10am to 12noon to meet and socialise with new friends who are also retired. Feel free to take along existing friends or get to know their regulars and enjoy a free hot drink and maybe even a biscuit. No need to book, they look forward to seeing you there.
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