Page 58 • The HERALD • 6th August 2026 v THE NEXT HERALD IS OUT ON 27TH AUGUST v KIDS ZONE Applemore 14th New Forest Solent Scout Group have available places for boys and girls for Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, 5 years to 15 years. It’s great for children to learn self-reliance and character building. Also Helpers and Leaders needed. For information contact: 07708 849040 or 07856 248678 Hythe Youngster Has Eyes On The Prize For Creative Charity Competition A creative eight-year-old from Hythe is celebrating a er winning a charity competition to design the front cover of an exciting adventure book, inspired by journeys, mysterious quests and amazing discoveries in real or magical worlds. In the national competition organised by Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care, Dmitriy Safronov won a £50 book voucher and a notebook with his design on the front. Youngsters were invited to submit their designs with all entry proceeds from the £1 suggested donation going to Alzheimer’s Society. Maryanne Lowe, branch manager at Scrivens on Hythe High Street, said: “Alzheimer’s Society is our chosen charity and this activity has been a fantastic way to engage children while raising awareness of its vital work. This year’s competition invited youngsters to let their imaginations run wild by designing the front cover of an exciting adventure book. Dmitriy’s colourful animal-themed entry really stood out and captured the fun and creativity of a brilliant adventure.” Dmitriy’s mum, Deha, said: “Dmitriy was so excited to hear that he had won and was absolutely thrilled with his prizes. He really enjoyed thinking about what an adventure book cover could look like and spent time adding lots of imagination and colour to his design. We are very proud of him and it has been lovely to see his creativity recognised in this way, especially as the competition is also supporting such an important charity.” Scrivens is supporting Alzheimer’s Society for an 11th successive year. A family-run business, it was established in 1938 and now has 166 high street stores across England and Wales and over 1,000 employees. For more information, visit: www. scrivens.com Maryanne Lowe, branch manager at Scrivens on Hythe High Street, Dmitriy Safronov and his mum, Deha NEW LONGDOWN BOOK FOR SALE One of the hardest workers on Longdown Activity Farm is not a farmer. It’s not even an animal. It’s a red Massey Ferguson tractor, called Ruby. Join Ruby, and Farmer Toby, as they get ready for another day of bumpy tractor rides, taking school groups and families on trips around the eld. is is the eighth picture book in the popular Longdown Activity Farm series, and the rst book not to feature an animal. With tractors being such a captivating sight, especially with children, Longdown’s tractor driver Farmer Toby (Toby Francis) put pen to paper to write a tale about his experiences with this exceptional machine. As always, illustrations are provided by long-time Longdown collaborator Simon Chadwick, bringing Ruby’s story to life. Toby Francis is a former paramedic who now leads an equally exciting life taking Longdown visitors on bumpy tractor rides. is is his rst book. Simon Chadwick has illustrated dozens of children’s picture books and covers, beginning with the New Forest Friends series over thirty years ago. All Longdown Activity Farm books are available at: ceratopiabooks.co.uk School Project Honours Three Southampton War Heroes A special celebration was held in Guildhall Square in Southampton on 1st July to mark the culmination of a 14 year long project between Hook and Warsash Church of England Academy, and Sholing Junior School. During the project the children had researched the stories of three war heroes: Wing Commander James Nicolson VC, Pilot O cer Martyn Aurel King and Private Albert Henry Warne. Tutor Richard Hutchinson and other citizens felt that these men deserved recognition for their bravery during World War 2. anks to the children’s research, the men are now honoured for their bravery with a new infographic board detailing their stories and a plaque in the Square. e event was attended by Lady Lewis, Madame Sheri Councillor Kat Barbour, relatives of the heroes, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Southampton, Wing Commander Jonathan Rooke, Philip Wright and local Dignitaries. Reverend Commander Mike Terry RN Retired led a remembrance ceremony by the plaque. Jim Nicolson, nephew of James Nicolson read out the welcome address, Wing Commander Jonathan Rooke read out the citation for the Victoria Cross awarded to Wing Commander James Nicolson. Albert (‘Bert’) Warne’s son in law spoke about Bert and Marc Heighway spoke for Martyn Kings family. e RAF prayer was read followed by the Far East Prisoner of War poem. A bugler played the last post marking a 2 minutes silence. 7 children from the schools then each laid a red and a white rose beneath the plaque, poppy wreaths from the families and local organisations were also laid. A er refreshments the ceremony continued in the Sir James Matthew Lecture eatre, where lm and graphics researched by the children, working in close partnership with the University of Southampton, were shown. e relatives of the three Heroes then spoke about the brave deeds of their relatives and the part they played. Jim Nicolson nephew of James Nicolson nished his short speech by saying: “How humbling to know the amount of work that the children have put into this project. Remembering their success was not in vain if they knew what the children have done.” Guided by Tutor Richard, the children, one by one, spoke about their involvement in the project. e ceremony ended with thanks to all the people who had aided and assisted this long project. Tragically throughout the term of this project 3 children, who had attended the schools, died in separate circumstances. Each year there is a marathon walk to remember these children and their families. One of the children – Indigo - was awarded a medal at the ceremony on behalf of the brain tumour charity, for supporting all of the walks. Special thanks also went to Marc Heighway for his generous help in quickly raising the much needed funds to help towards this ambitious project. The stories of Wing Commander James Nicolson VC, Pilot Officer Martyn Aurel King and Private Albert Henry Warne will be covered in future issues of The Herald. Children with the new infographic board and plaque
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