v THE NEXT HERALD IS OUT ON 19TH NOVEMBER v Page 78 • The HERALD • 29th October 2026 YOUR LOCAL TRUSTWORTHY GARAGE • MOT • DIAGNOSTICS • SERVICE • REPAIRS Daniel Parkes • Tel: 07711 135196 Email: parkesautos@gmail.com Unit 4, Hardley Industrial Estate, SO45 3NQ VAUXTECH LOCAL GARAGE Tel: 023 8086 9496 Unit 5, New Forest Enterprise Centre, Totton, Southampton SO40 9LA LOCAL GARAGE EST 30 YEARS • Servicing & Repairs • MOT’s (arranged) • Brakes • Clutches • Tyres • Air Conditioning • Collection & Delivery Locally Friendly & Reliable Onsite Café Facilities All Makes & Models Mayflower Theatre Reopens Following £12 Million Capital Investment May ower eatre Trust are delighted to announce the completion of a self-funded capital investment of more than £12 million in the historic Grade II-listed May ower eatre, marking a signi cant milestone in the organisation’s ongoing commitment to the venue as well as the local community and wider theatre industry. e substantial investment has been delivered to meet the needs of current and future audiences as well as the productions of tomorrow and includes a replacement to the original 1928 grid above the stage, upgrading and increasing the toilet facilities across the theatre and a new double-height studio which backs onto the stage and will support both modern touring productions and o er new opportunities for creating work. Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive of May ower, said: “The building works on this project have spanned the last 18 months, with the theatre being closed through the summer to enable a new grid to be installed which offered us the opportunity to undertake other capital projects at the same time. Seeing these projects complete is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved. programmes. May ower has also utilised this period to undertake the most signi cant refurbishment of its toilet facilities in its 98-year history, whereby they have increased total capacity from 43 to 62 cubicles (including 12 new universal facilities), reintroduced urinals in male toilets, and provided 30 additional wash basins. Matt Goode, Chief Operating O cer of May ower, said: “Creating the best possible experience for our customers is at the heart of everything we do, and we knew our toilet facilities were an area where we needed to do better. Working closely with our heritage architects, we have increased the number and size of cubicles, improved accessibility and created facilities that complement the character of this historic building. As Mayflower Theatre approaches its centenary, this refurbishment demonstrates our commitment to investing in both our audiences and the long-term future of one of the country’s finest theatres.” Whilst largely unseen by audiences, the grid above the stage plays a vital role in supporting scenery, lighting and stage equipment. Replacing the original 1928 grid will ensure May ower eatre continues to accommodate some of the world’s largest and most technically demanding touring productions. It is thrilling that we have been able to create a modern, high-performing space within a historic, working theatre. This was a huge challenge, but the result is something we can all be incredibly proud of. This new development gives Mayflower the facilities and flexibility we need to keep growing, while making sure accessibility, sustainability and the future of our theatre remain at the heart of what we do. And we were delighted that producer, Michael Harrison, came to officially open our studio as part of a staff familiarisation event. We’re incredibly excited to see how this fantastic new space comes to life. It gives performers, visiting companies and our communities the modern, accessible facilities they deserve and creates even greater opportunities for creativity to flourish.” In addition to the studio, the capital investment has also seen a new Reception and Stage Door, plus additional accessible dressing rooms as well as more connections between the administration building, which was added in 2010, and the Grade II-listed theatre. ese developments will create a high-quality environment for both professional touring companies and May ower’s extensive Participation and Education Mayflower Theatre’s new toilets (Credit: Stuart Martin) The new rehearsal studio (Credit: Stuart Martin) Waterside Veterans Coffee Club e Waterside Veterans Co ee Club is held on the 3rd Saturday of every month from 10am at Fawley Royal British Legion, Exbury Road, Black eld, SO45 1XD, with their next meeting scheduled for Saturday 21st November. All veterans, serving personnel, their families and dependents are invited to attend and enjoy the usually good humour, refreshments and occasional visiting guests. If you would like further information on this great venture please do get in touch by calling Lucy on: 07979 673343 or emailing: wvcc@btinternet.com Tadburn Meadows Local Nature Reserve, located in Romsey (SU367214) will be holding a Veg Management/non-native removal on Sunday 22nd November, from 10am to 2pm, at Tadburn Meadows. Meet at the entrance to the reserve at Eight Acres. Tadburn Meadows Local Nature Reserve is hidden amongst the houses and covers almost 12 acres and provides a home for a variety of Britain’s best loved wildlife and some nationally threatened species. e site boasts a variety of habitats, from a stream more characteristic of the New Forest to wet woodland and grassland. Tadburn Conservation Volunteers are a local group working on Tadburn Meadows Local Nature Reserve, Romsey. Contact: tadburn.meadows@gmail.com Veg Management/ non-native removal at Tadburn Meadows
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