v EMAIL: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk v 16th July 2026 • The HERALD • Page 49 COFFEE & CHAT Every Thursday 10am until 12noon ALL WELCOME Hampton Lane, Blackfield SO45 1XA OUT & ABOUT Hands-On Farming Fun for The Whole Family During the School Holidays Bottle-feeding the kid goats and calves, holding cute u y chicks and guinea pigs, and feeding the ducks are just some of the hands-on activities the whole family will enjoy at Longdown Activity Farm during the summer holidays. ere are lots of other friendly animals to see around the farm, including cows, alpacas, pygmy goats, donkeys and ponies – including a Shire horse called Blue - pigs, ducks, chickens and geese, plus lots of babies, large and small. e all-inclusive outdoor play area o ers playtime fun for all visitors. It is surrounded by an accessible path and has a wheelchair swing suitable for all ages to enjoy. Other fun includes a zip wire, play tractors, swings, a climbing frame, the brilliantly bouncy trampolines, and a sandpit complete with accessible mud kitchens and diggers. Don’t miss the Little Farmers’ Play Yard, which needs lots of sweeping! Children will enjoy the Pitchfork and Putt crazy golf course*, as well as the ride-on toy tractors and go-karts. e popular (and very bumpy!) tractor and trailer ride is not to be missed! ere’s no extra charge (ground conditions permitting). If the weather takes a turn, the Piglets Seating Area is a large undercover area tted with plenty of seating for tired feet to recover, along with some piggythemed activities to amuse the children. Longdown Activity Farm is proud to o er a Changing Room facility, complete with an adult-sized changing bed and li ing hoist, for visitors who require specialist equipment. e Quiet Room o ers a sanctuary for any visitors who would like some quiet time away from all the excitement of the farm. e perfect way to round o the day is a visit to e Farm Shop to browse the range of delicious locally sourced produce, before you make your way home. *Small extra charge. Enjoying calf feeding at Longdown New Forest and Hampshire County Show It’s not long until the Showground at New Park comes back to life with traders, competitors, great food and an atmosphere that’s hard to beat, at this year’s New Forest and Hampshire County Show. With Horsepower Fury headlining the Main Ring, the Heavy Horse Musical Drive returning, and plenty more, it’s not one to miss. Tickets for the show on Tuesday 28th – Thursday 30th July are available from: https://newforestshow.ticketsrv.co.uk For the full line up of this year’s show visit: www.newforestshow.co.uk MARCHWOOD VETERANS BREAKFAST CLUB Are you a Service member of the Armed Forces, a Veteran or family member of someone Serving? If so, 17 Port & Maritime Regiment RLC would like to welcome you to their monthly Breakfast Club which is open to all current and ex-Military Services, all Ranks, all ages and families. e aim is to come together as an Armed Forces Family, catch up with friends, help social interaction and mental health, talk about current and past experiences, support towards housing (SFA’s and Social), Resettlement support for Civilian life, job networking and general wellbeing advice. Go along and enjoy a full English Breakfast at a very small cost of £7 with unlimited free brews at St Georges’ Restaurant, 17 Port & Maritime Regiment RLC, McMullen Barracks, Cracknore Hard Lane, Marchwood, SO40 4ZG, on the fourth Saturday of the Month between 10am and 12noon. All persons attending will need to book into the Guard Room on arrival and will require photographic ID. You will then be directed to St Georges. Ashurst WI is an active and growing institute, where members can look forward to an interesting programme of talks and events throughout the year. The next meeting takes place on Wednesday 12th August for their Summer Event ‘Accessories Swish Swap’. Meetings take place on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm at Colbury Church Rooms, Deerleap Lane, Colbury SO40 7EH. New members and visitors are always welcome. For more details email: ashurstsec@ hampshirewi.org.uk Accessories Swish Swap
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