v THE HERALD - PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY v 16th July 2026 • The HERALD • Page 37 Call for a FREE Quotation 023 8084 0257 www.gasworks.co.uk Visit our showroom at 299 Shirley Road, Southampton SO15 3HU 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 Theo Somes And The Home Guard by Robin Somes, Fawley and Blackfield Memories Marc Heighway’s book, “Exbury’s War” is a fascinating account of the role played by Exbury and its residents in World War 2. One of the characters mentioned in the book is my uncle, eo Somes. With poor eyesight from childhood, he couldn’t join the regular forces, but played his part in the Home Guard; his diaries make interesting reading. In his mid-20s, and living with his parents in Fawley, much of his diary revolves around village and family life, and trying to decide whether his heart was set on Dorothy, or Joan. More signi cant was his work as a carpenter and joiner at the British Powerboat Company in Hythe, his Home Guard patrols, and news about the war’s progress. e diary begins in July 1943, prefaced by handwritten instructions for the Sten Mark II 9-mm machine carbine; the rst day’s entry (19th July) mentions “Rome bombed for the first time in daylight”. As the summer progressed, the Allied forces advanced: “British in sight of Italian mainland. Kharkou1 nearly isolated by Russians”. Closer to home, “Had a raid on Boscombe last night, planes over & slight gunfire. Had three alerts today, Huns over”. Two days later, eo mentions his evening’s Home Guard activities in the re nery: “Went down to the AGWI main gate & were taken inside, detailed into squads & were taken the rounds”. Whilst he was interested in the war’s progress, and willing to do his bit, it’s clear he found the routine drilling, and the regulations, a little dull, as many did, no doubt. On 10th August, he recorded: “Went on parade tonight & wasted time. Just got detailed off for various guns & stood around doing nothing”. On the 31st, his frustrations got worse: “… heard about the new patrols. 8 till 11 cycle patrol, no mileage, no issue of batteries, no nothing, no absentees or else – 2 evenings a week & a parade as well. Car patrol once every 6 days. We have got to stop all civilians on route if strangers, & examine identity cards & passes, & having none, to take them to the police station. This idea needs no comment, it’s too blasted ridiculous for words. How can we examine cards without a light?” Despite eo’s frustrations, he continued to serve in the Home Guard until its disbandment a er the war. Subsequently he rejoined when it was reprised in 1952 as a result of the Soviet threat, and served as a Corporal until 1956, receiving a certi cate from the War O ce thanking him for his service. Like many thousands, who all quietly did their bit. 1 Kharkiv, in modern-day Ukraine, recaptured from the German invaders. Theo Somes in 1950 BATTLE OF THE BANDS IDEA from Emily Black An idea for a Waterside battle of the bands has started forming. ere would be opportunity for kids aged 16-20 to take part in a competition across di erent schools and groups. Currently just an idea, there would be a chance for bands to be formed across di erent schools and towns. Alongside actual bands performing there would also be an opportunity for young people to get involved with lighting, sound, promotion and event management. If you know someone that would be interested in joining in please email: Emily.black@hytheanddibden. gov.uk for more information.
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