Page 8 • The HERALD • 8th October 2026 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v Services: Handcrafted Traditional Oak Framing & Local Installation Call us today for a Free No Obligation Quote 023 8198 0182 Opening Hours Monday-Friday 9.30am to 4pm Hello@newforestoak.co.uk www.newforestoak.co.uk Garages, Porches, Canopies, Pergolas, Gazebos, Garden Structures and more…… Happier Ageing Starts at Home Compassionate Home Care from Nurse Next Door Southampton At Nurse Next Door Home Care Southampton, we believe ageing should be a positive and fulfilling experience. We are dedicated to Making Lives Better by providing compassionate, personalised care that helps people remain safe, independent, and happy in the comfort of their own homes. Led by Angela Neill, Registered Manager, our team goes the extra mile, going above and beyond to bring happiness, comfort, and peace of mind to our clients and their families. Our services include: • Personal Care • Companionship • Transportation & Accompaniment • Medication Support • Meal Preparation • Dementia Care • Respite Care • Post-Operative Care • Catheter Care • Overnight Care • End-of-Life Care We provide flexible care tailored around each individual’s needs, choices, and lifestyle. FREE, no-obligation home care consultation available. Supporting Happier Ageing across Southampton and surrounding areas Contact Angela Neill – Registered Manager • 023 8202 9933 • angela.neill@nursenextdoor.co.uk Nurse Next Door Home Care Southampton Making Lives Better®, one visit at a time. RNLI Great Waterside Raft Race Another Splashing Success! e gusts and occasional downpours did not deter spectators from turning out in their numbers for the 2026 RNLI Great Waterside Ra Race on Sunday 30th August. e whole side of Hythe Marina was lled with spectators, with others watching from Prospect Place and Hythe Pier. 13 ra s with nearly 100 crew competed for trophies and medals. is year’s race and trophy winners were: Decorated Race: 17 Port & Maritime Regiment in ra HMS Budget Cuts Formula 1 Race: Ebenezers in ra EbiGeezers Ladies Race: Ebenezers in ra EbiGeezers Pub Race: Ebenezers in ra Ebi-Geezers Kayak Race: Chris Hendy e Big Race: 1st 17 Port & Maritime Regiment in ra HMS Budget Cuts, 2nd Gentlemans Club in ra e Bamboo Express, 3rd Ebenezers in ra EbiGeezers Most Ingenious Trophy: Jolly Sailor Best Presented Trophy: MC Truck & Bus e Ashmore Cup for best overall e ort: 17 Port & Maritime Regiment RNLI Hythe & Calshot Fundraising Branch Press O cer, Dan Poole said: “It was yet another superb effort from competitors to helpers alike, and we were absolutely delighted with the turnout, especially as the weather on the day was unsettled. With 13 rafts competing, there was a great atmosphere. Each year, our small team of volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the event goes to plan, so I am pleased it has paid off once again. With the money still being counted, it is too early to report the final sum, but we can be sure it was another successful fundraiser. Special thanks must go to our Chairman, Terry Ashmore, who spends several months organising and planning the event each year”. New to the ra race this year was Calshot Tower National Coastwatch Institution (NCI), whose members are constantly keeping watch along the coast and monitoring radio channels to provide a listening watch in poor visibility. e NCI and RNLI Calshot Station entered a joint ra named ‘Not On Call’ for the rst time. As usual, there was a Fun Fair, RNLI Sea Safety, RNLI Souvenirs, Vibrant Forest Brewery, Howley Co ee Co, hot food and refreshments, and various other stalls. Main event sponsor - Vibrant Forest Brewery, were on hand to present the trophies and medals, and the ra e was drawn by Sir Julian Lewis MP, where several excellent prizes were won, donated by local shops and businesses. e commentary was once again provided by John McGuinn, and St John Ambulance were on standby in case they were needed. Since it began in the 1980s, the race has been organised by RNLI Hythe and Calshot Fundraising Branch. is year it has raised just under £6,500, so far, with funds still coming in. The Branch would like to take this opportunity to thank sponsors, volunteers, and competitors for all their hard work and kind support, not forgetting the many spectators for their continued generosity. Next year, the race will be held on Sunday 18th July, when they will be celebrating the ra race’s 40th anniversary. 2026 RNLI Great Waterside Raft Race (Credit: Darren Ashmore)
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