Solent Dolphin Boat Trips Men s Sheds Hythe Pier Refill New Forest Grants WIN A CURIOUS ARTS FESTIVAL FAMILY PASS

Solent Dolphin Boat Trips Men s Sheds Hythe Pier Refill New Forest Grants WIN A CURIOUS ARTS FESTIVAL FAMILY PASS & A FAMILY TICKET TO BEAULIEU MOTOR MUSEUM

2 New Forest Messenger CONTENTS Your Voice In The Forest Welcome to our first issue for 2018. How we love this season of crocuses, snowdrops, bluebells, pussy willow and catkins; the birds waking us up in the morning and long hours of daylight at last! I must mention our fantastic cover photo by Cathy Anning. This photograph of a seal was taken in the River Test, Totton. Cathy captured it in February last year. What an amazing shot! It just had to go on this Spring cover. I always get very excited when the time comes to chose the cover photo. This one is going to be remembered, I am sure, like last Summer s sandynosed donkey. We still love it that you all like the competitions we run and this year I have introduced a new one: Name The Object. It s just for fun but I hope you enjoy this guessing game as much as the others. Our main feature is the Solent Dolphin charity, and we are also highlighting the Men s Shed Association, as it looks as though we may get one in our area soon. Don t forget, if you have an event for the community board let us know in plenty of time. If you are a charity we can put your events on our Facebook page, as well. Can I remind those who send competition entries in the post, please save your stamps and put them all in one envelope. Happy Easter, everyone! Kathy Baker Editor Solent Dolphin 4-5 Men s Sheds 7 Spot In The Woods 9 Where Am I? 10 Life After Stroke 12 Poetry Competition 14 And The Winner Is... 15 Race For Life 17 Our Own Local Hero 21 Competitions/Puzzles 22-23 ExxonMobil Support 25 Community Grants 25 Curious Arts Festival 29 Hythe Pier Update 31 In The Garden 33 Refill New Forest 33 The Red Box Project 35 Volunteering Roles 36 Competition Winners 37 Distribution Points 38 Caption Capers 39 Community Board 41 Published by New Forest Messenger, Business Mail, PO Box 300, Southampton SO45 9AW. Tel: 023 8019 2944 or 07774 545008 Website: newforestmessenger.co.uk Email: messengermag@yahoo.co.uk All content New Forest Messenger. Reproduction of any material, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without the prior written consent of the publisher. All material is sent at the owner s risk and, whilst every care is taken, New Forest Messenger will not accept liability for loss or damage. Design and layout by Ceratopia Ltd: ceratopia.co.uk Cover photo & page 2 photo by Cathy Anning

New Forest Messenger 3 Find Olly The Owl Competition In Issue 10 of the New Forest Messenger, Olly The Owl was spotted by a number of readers so their names were put in a hat and Mr K Williams of Dibden Purlieu was declared our winner of the 30 gift voucher. Olly is again hidden in one of the adverts in this issue of the New Forest Messenger magazine. To be in with a chance of winning: 1. State clearly the name of the advertiser and the page number you saw it on. 2. Please say where you picked up your copy of the New Forest Messenger. 3. Send your answer by email to: messengermag@yahoo. co.uk or by post to: Business Mail, PO Box 300, WIN 30 voucher Southampton SO45 9AW. The competition closes on May 12, 2018. Good luck! Holidays 2018 023 8084 4788 watersidetours.co.uk 1A High St, Hythe DATE HOLIDAYS/COUNTRY DAYS PRICE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT 13 APRIL 2018 DUTCH BULBS - HALF BOARD 4 315 61 21 APRIL 2018 ROSES, SPAIN - HALF BOARD 10 729 165 25 MAY 2018 TALL SHIPS REGATTA - LIVERPOOL - HALF BOARD 4 249 85 4 JUNE 2018 BRIEF ENCOUNTER AT ST ANNES - HALF BOARD 5 309 29 8 JUNE 2018 CHATSWORTH FLOWER SHOW - HALF BOARD 4 269 60 14 JUNE 2018 PARISIAN PALACE & GARDENS - HALF BOARD 5 449 130 24 JUNE 2018 MOSELLE VALLEY, GERMANY - HALF BOARD 5 339 49 4 AUGUST 2018 SONNE HOTEL, LANDECK, AUSTRIA - HALF BOARD 8 535 45 6 AUGUST 2018 LAKE DISTRICT STEAM & CRUISE - HALF BOARD 5 380 60 19 AUGUST 2018 NORFOLK BROADS & SANDRINGHAM - HALF BOARD 5 355 80 24 AUGUST 2018 CENTRAL LONDON 4 STAR HOTEL - B&B 3 179 125 3 SEPTEMBER 2018 DURHAM - HALF BOARD 5 385 95 15 SEPTEMBER 2018 ALASSIO, ITALY - HALF BOARD 8 669 140 24 SEPTEMBER 2018 LLANGOLLEN - HALF BOARD 5 375 40 4 OCTOBER 2018 LITTLE RAILWAYS ON THE RHINE - HALF BOARD 5 425 55 8 OCTOBER 2018 BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS - HALF BOARD 5 249 Nil 14 OCTOBER 2018 WESTERN IRELAND S COASTAL DELIGHTS - HALF BOARD 7 485 120 19 OCTOBER 2018 YPRES - B&B 4 295 101 19 OCTOBER 2018 EMMERDALE TOUR - HALF BOARD 4 245 55 12 NOVEMBER 2018 CELTIC ROYAL/WINTER WARMER - HALF BOARD 5 259 99 14 NOVEMBER 2018 DISNEYLAND ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS - B&B 4 Please call Various prices 30 NOVEMBER 2018 VALKENBERG CHRISTMAS MARKET - HALF BOARD 4 340 70

4 New Forest Messenger Do you know your exact skin type? Let Emma at SkinCo@185 advise you. Vast range of skincare and beautiful unique retail items available including Katie Loxton, Joma Jewellery, DermaQuest, Glo Mineral make-up and 3D Face Lifting Cream. 023 8178 1811 185 Lyndhurst Road, Ashurst www.skinco185.co.uk A truly independent funeral directors and monumental masons. We give continuity of care and a commitment to provide only the very best. With professional caring staff here for you 24 hours a day. Bank House, The Square, Fawley 023 8089 0339 Boat Trips For The Disabled By Kathy Baker Solent Dolphin is a charity which operates the M/V Alison MacGregor for the sole purpose of taking people with disabilities out for free trips on Southampton Water. I first heard of this charity from Mike and Viv Hutchinson of Heatherdene B&B in Dibden Purlieu. Mike is one of 20 volunteer skippers on the boat, which operates up to three times a day between May and September. Leaving from Hythe Marina, the two-hour trips take in either the Itchen or Hamble rivers and sometimes Southampton docks, depending on the weather, tides, and which cruise ships are in. The boat has ramp access with each trip carrying a maximum of 12 people, whether groups or individuals. Last year it completed 342 trips with 3,575 passengers including 422 wheelchair users. The charity was started in 1987 and this is the third

New Forest Messenger 5 vessel to be used. After four years of fundraising, the charity launched its first purpose-built boat in 2012. She was named by the charity s Patron, Simon Weston CBE. As well as the 20 volunteer skippers, the charity has another 87 volunteers in different roles, running Solent Dolphin so that 100% of all contributions go to operating the boat. The crew were friendly, efficient, cheerful and helpful at all times. Every effort was made to make us comfortable, from the provision of extra blankets, and hot cups of tea. Thank you very much for the lovely day out on your boat Alison MacGregor. The residents thoroughly enjoyed it, and talked about it for a long time afterwards. Solent Dolphin All trips leave from the pontoon near the Lock-gate Office of Hythe Marina ALL TRIPS MUST BE PRE-BOOKED Mornings 10.30am-12.30pm May 1 - September 30 (excluding Bank Holidays) Afternoons 2pm-4pm May 1 - September 30 (excluding Bank Holidays) Evenings 6pm-8pm Monday to Friday only, June 1 - August 31 solentdolphin.co.uk solentdolphin@gmail.com 023 8084 8774

6 New Forest Messenger Your local flooring and made-to-measure curtain store Visit our Holbury showroom for quality carpet, stylish anti-slip vinyls and laminate flooring Superb range of fabrics from I-liv and Blendworth 53 Long Lane, Holbury 023 8089 8460 Specialising in all residential and commercial hard flooring Stylish and practical design flooring in wood and stone effect finishes Including Karndean, Moduleo, Altro, Camaro and TLC 49 Long Lane, Holbury 023 8089 0005 Visit our showrooms or choose our free home selection/estimating service at a time to suit you Prompt expert fitting and free easy parking Opening times: Monday Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Saturday 9.00am to 4.00pm Email: info@watersidecarpets.co.uk

New Forest Messenger 7 First Shed In The Forest? By Kathy Baker With the emphasis on tackling loneliness and isolation in the news right now, I decided to write about the UK Men s Sheds Association. Men s Sheds are community spaces for men to meet, chat and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together. The Men s Sheds movement started in Australia in the late 1990s. The UKMSA charity was launched to support their development in the UK, helping men to ease the transition from full-time employment to other activities in retirement, although they are open to men of working age, too. Members (or Shedders) are able to share their skills with others and learn new ones, at the same time as building new friendships. They often help their local communities with projects, as well. Skills can include woodwork, electronics, art, model-making, metalwork, gardening and restoration. Although called Sheds, they can be held in warehouses, garages, Portakabins, empty offices and community halls whatever is available. At the moment, our nearest Sheds are in Romsey, Southampton, Eastleigh and Christchurch, although there is talk of one starting at Gang Warily, near Blackfield. The UKMSA website offers information and support on starting your own Shed, too, so I hope to hear about the launch of our own New Forest Shed soon! UK Men s Sheds Association Tel: 0300 7729626 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) E: admin@ukmsa.org.uk W: menssheds.org.uk

8 New Forest Messenger Unrivalled Quality at competitive prices Specialists in all blinds including Conservatory blinds Shutters Awnings Roman Wood Venetians Roller Vertical Pleated INTU Perfect Fit Your local family business with over 55 years experience Call for a free home design visit or advice 023 8084 0505 Unit 1 Trident Business Park, Shore Road, Hythe, Southampton, SO45 6GJ www.watersideblinds.co.uk

New Forest Messenger 9 Spot In The Woods In February, Hotel TerraVina in Woodlands, Netley Marsh, closed its doors for the last time. But owners Nina and Gerard Basset immediately applied their experience to a new venture, Spot in the Woods, at the same premises. This boutique B&B has rooms offering a private terrace, complimentary wi-fi, coffee machine and laptop safe. Together with the new B&B rates on offer, these special touches are sure to make it stand out as a perfect place to stay in the New Forest. Changes continue with a new Kitchen Café replacing the restaurant. The Kitchen Café offers breakfast, lunch and light bites all day from 8am-5pm daily with carefully sourced local ingredients wherever possible, and tailor-made dishes for those with special dietary requirements. With Gavin Barnes at the helm, you can be assured that the menu will continue to delight. Nina said: We re very excited about the launch of this new venture. Spot in the Woods is aimed at delivering a real, thoroughly inclusive, social and relaxed experience for everyone including families, dogs, muddy walkers and cyclists! But what we re delighted to have been able to achieve through all the changes is the retention of so many team members. Spot in the Woods aims to ensure all its customers leave rested and revived whether enjoying an overnight stay or popping in to the Kitchen Café for a bite to eat. The Kitchen Café at Spot In The Woods. LJM BOOKKEEPING SERVICES Self Employed/Small Businesses Bookkeeping to Trial Balance Computerised Accountancy Credit Control Preparation of Final Accounts for Sole Traders VAT Returns Self Assessment Tax Returns Payroll Holiday Cover can also be provided for hourly rate charged Contact Lynda on 07774 790543 ljmbookkeepingservices@gmail.com

10 New Forest Messenger WIN Afternoon Tea For Two courtesy of Waterside Blinds How well do you know our local area? Do you recognise the place in this photograph? Photo by Cathy Anning Where Am I? You could win Afternoon Tea For Two at a local venue by entering this competition, sponsored by Waterside Blinds. To be in with a chance of winning, simply let us know the name of the location in this photograph and send your answer, along with your name and contact details, by email to: messengermag@yahoo. co.uk or by post to: New Forest Messenger, Business Mail, PO Box 300, Southampton SO45 9AW. Please let us know where you picked up your copy of the magazine. The competition closes on May 12, 2018. NEW FOREST CARS We stock over 25 Quality Used Cars which have been Prepared to the Highest Standard RAC 82 Point Approved Preparation Check 6 Months RAC Warranty as Standard FREE 12 Months RAC Breakdown Cover RAC Accident Care Part Exchange Welcome Finance Packages Available All Major Debit & Credit Cards Accepted 57 Long Lane, Holbury SO45 2LG Open 7 Days a Week www.newforestcars.co.uk 023 8181 9121 07769 959981 We MOT Motorcycles, Trikes, Quads, Reliants, Cars & Light Commercials Free Local Collection & Delivery Courtesy Cars Available B s Garage Calshot Road, Calshot SO45 1BE Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm Saturday 8am - 1pm

New Forest Messenger 11 Easter Egg Trail! Easter Sunday, 1st April 11.30am until 3.30pm Come and take part in our Easter Egg Trail. Choose your trail colour then go in search of clues around our gardens. Once you have completed the trail stop by at Reception to collect your prize! 2 per child www.newparkmanorhotel.co.uk 01590 623467 Lyndhurst Road, New Forest, Hampshire, SO42 7QH

12 New Forest Messenger KJ s Mobility Repairs and servicing carried out on mobility scooters, wheelchairs and walkers. Local collection and return service available. Mobility scooters, wheelchair and triwalker hire available. Mobility scooters and batteries Wheelchairs Wheelchair & scooter covers Walkers Walking sticks Bathroom, shower, toilet, dressing, household & bedroom aids Cushions Rise & recline chairs Premiercare mobility scooter, wheelchair, stairlift, rise & recline chair insurance Range of wrist, knee, elbow and back supports Incontinence products Stairlifts 12 High Street, Hythe, Southampton SO45 6AH 023 8084 4886 kjsmobilityltd@gmail.com www.kjsmobilityltd.co.uk KJ s Mobility Life After Stroke Are you a stroke survivor or suffered a brain injury? Would you like to try new activities? Ferndown Leisure Centre has teamed up with the New Forest Paddle Sport Company to offer stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking to stroke survivors. Why not book on to try these sports with fully qualified instructors? As long as you are happy to go into the water and don t mind falling in the rest is easy. If you would like to add your name to the list for other trial activities or to book on to this one please contact Jo at joannesinclair@ pfpleisure.org or call 01202 877468. Small Household Jobs The Handyman Van I can help you with your home maintenance! Plumbing Plastering Tiling Electrics Window cleaning Garden clean ups Do you have endless odd-jobs that you never seem to have the time, or perhaps the necessary equipment to do? From putting up curtain rails to hanging pictures, my professional service is designed to help you with all those jobs that you simply can't do yourself. Perhaps it s help with assembling the furniture, maybe it s some decorating, which you really just don t have the time to do so, and would like someone skilled and trusted to be able to undertake it for you? Whatever handyman service you require, at a minimum charge of just 30 minutes, my excellent skills and professional service is just what you need! The handyman services I provide are Electrics, Plumbing, Plastering, Tiling, Window cleaning, Small household jobs and Garden clean-ups. Call me on 07734 364830 or visit thehandymanvan.co.uk handymanvanuk @handymanvanuk

MY CONFIDENCE HAS GROWN ENORMOUSLY! I found the diet really easy to stick to and noticed great results from the first week, which gave me the motivation to carry on. I ve always enjoyed food and was very active when I was younger and played lots of sports. As I got older I stopped playing sports and started to eat more and the weight piled on without me noticing. When I was finishing the first year of my Architecture degree, I started to feel like I was shying away from getting involved in things and this upset me. My confidence was low and I felt like people would judge me if I got up to do a presentation and that s when I realised, If I m like this now how am I going to be in my career? My husband and I also run a fruit and veg business and I was so awkward working there as I felt that people were judging me on my size especially considering I ran a healthy shop. The day I was asked by a customer if I was pregnant was the last straw and I knew I had to make a change. I had overheard a customer in our shop talking about Cambridge Weight Plan so I decided to reasearch it on the internet and give it a go. I found the diet really easy to stick to and noticed great results from the first week which gave me the motivation to carry on. I really enjoyed cooking meals from the Cambridge Weight Plan recipe books for my evening meal, which my husband loved too. My confidence has gown enormously. I now have a huge circle of friends at university who I socialise with all the time. New Forest Messenger 13 Don t delay, start today! * The weight lost and time frames are particular to this slimmer. Everyone s weight loss journey is unique to them.

14 New Forest Messenger Poetry Competition WIN 50 GIFT VOUCHER SPONSORED BY RYAN FENCING Calling all poets: We have a new challenge to replace the photography competition. Send in your original poetry (maximum 16 lines) to be in with a chance of winning. The prize for our favourite poem is a 50 One 4 All gift card, sponsored by Ryan Fencing Limited. The voucher can be spent in a wide variety of shops and businesses, including John Lewis, Boots and B&Q. Send in your poems before May 12, and our favourites will be featured in the Summer issue of New Forest Messenger. Email to messengermag@ yahoo.co.uk or post to Business Mail, PO Box 300, Southampton SO45 9AW. For Quality Fencing & Gates RYAN FENCING All types of fencing carried out. Closeboard with concrete posts specialists. For a prompt, professional service, call: 07769 706516 or 023 8084 1203

New Forest Messenger 15 And The Winner Is... Here are our favourite pictures sent in for the Issue 10 photography competition, entitled New Forest Rivers, Ponds or Beaches. Our winner, Den Childs, receives a 50 gift voucher, kindly donated by Ryan Fencing Limited. Left: Our favourite image, sent in by Den Childs. Clockwise from above: Our runners-up, by Barry Armstrong, Hannah Parish and Trevor Brookes.

16 New Forest Messenger Bespoke orders are our speciality Based in Marchwood, we have been established for more than 20 years, providing a bespoke flower service for birthdays, weddings and funerals. MCT Electrical For all your electrical requirements Extensions and new builds Full or partial rewires Consumer unit replacements Additional sockets and lighting points LED lighting installed External lighting and power sockets Hot tub supplies installed For a free no obligation quotation please call Mike: 023 8048 0818 07796 710581 Carol: 023 8066 3717 or 07788 561 734 www.abcflowersandballoons.co.uk Private Hire Services Jameson Private Hire is ideal for business, family or group travel when you want something a little special, whilst still at a competitive price. Think of us for: Airport Transfers - reliably driven from Southampton to Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted and all South of England Regional Airports Business meetings and events - travel in style and comfort Wedding Guest Transport - ideal for the bridesmaids too Event Transfer - let us take you to Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood, Wimbledon Holiday Travel - we have loads of space for that luggage Days Out - travel in style, forget the stress of parking (London, Hampton Court, Brighton...) 07721 896 411 023 8084 2305

New Forest Messenger 17 New Race For Life Event Children are being invited to get muddy for a good cause at a brand new event from Cancer Research UK s Race for Life. Southampton has been chosen to host Race for Life Pretty Muddy Kids for the first time on The Common on June 30. Pretty Muddy Kids is a new obstacle course designed just for children. From scramble nets and space hoppers to mud chutes and muddy pools, children will face a range of muddy obstacles. The Race for Life family of events also includes the traditional 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy courses, which thousands of women will take part in at the same venue on June 30 and July 1. Georgina Horne, Cancer Research UK s Southampton Event Manager, said: Race for Life events are not competitive and children can complete the Pretty Muddy Kids course at their own pace - climbing, jumping, walking and laughing their way around. Whether they plan to wade their way through the mud or make a big splash, every muddy step they take will help to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but more people are surviving the disease now than ever before. The entry fee for Pretty Muddy Kids is 10. The event is open to boys and girls aged from 5 to 12 years old and there is a minimum height requirement of 1.2m. All children must be accompanied by an adult, who have free entry to the event. To enter Race for Life Pretty Muddy Kids go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

18 New Forest Messenger Oakhaven Hospice Our kind sponsors Quacky Races Sunday 15th April Sturt Pond Milford on Sea Starts midday Buy a Lucky Duck - only 2 Quacktastic prizes to be won! Further information visit www.oakhavenhospice.co.uk/events call Fundraising on 01590 677773 or email penny.marriage@oakhavenhospice.co.uk Registered Charity No 900215 / An Oakhaven Hospice fundraising initiative

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE New Forest Messenger 19 Lasting Power Of Attorney: Do I Need One? It is a sad fact that any one of us could have an accident or suffer an illness at any time, leaving us with mental health difficulties and/or physical difficulties as a result. With 1 in 6 people being diagnosed with dementia, we need to think about how we would manage our lives if something happened to us. Most people assume that their family would be able to manage their finances and care needs if they could not do it for themselves but, without an LPA in place, this is not possible. So what is an LPA? Well, it is a safety net: a legal document that ensures that the person or people that you choose are able to manage your affairs and care. LPAs cover decisions about your finances and property, and/or your care needs. Having someone in place who is able to discuss your care By Elaine Ewing needs and medical treatment is important. If you became ill and lost mental capacity to make decisions about where you live or any medical treatment, it would be comforting to know that the person making those decisions did so knowing how you would have made them if you could have done so. The same applies to managing your money; it must be better to have someone who knows and understands you making those decisions. The Finance LPA has an added benefit, as it can be used while you have mental capacity. So, for example, if you became ill with a virus, your attorney could go to the bank for you or deal with official correspondence under your instruction. From experience, the one thing that worries people when considering LPAs is that they think they are going to lose control over their own affairs. This is not the case; while you have mental capacity the Finance LPA can only be used under your instruction, so nothing changes. The Welfare LPA can only be used if you lose mental capacity to make your own welfare decisions. It is because of the myths and fears that surround LPAs that I started Willow Future Planning. So, if you would like to have an informal chat to see if an LPA is right for you or someone you know, contact me on the number below. Willow Future Planning Tel: 01202 510503 or 07827 472003 www.willowfutureplanning.co.uk

20 New Forest Messenger We believe everyone deserves the right to high quality care The Private Ear Clinic can help with: Water Free Wax Removal Swim Plugs Managing Tinnitus Hearing Tests General Ear & Hearing Care We offer individual treatment sessions at The Private Ear Clinic, and we are committed to your full care, comfort and satisfaction. With over 40 years combined experience in ear health, we understand your needs and offer a service with the highest standard of care. We have clinics at: Romsey Hospital Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital Waterfront & Solent Surgery, Hythe Lymington Hospital 07514 417 556 info@the-private-ear-clinic.co.uk

New Forest Messenger 21 Our Own Local Hero Just before Christmas, Eddie Irons and ATAG Heating Technology got together to give one local family a Christmas present they would never forget. Eddie Irons, Laura Venables and Tony Rees of ATAG. E Irons Gas, Plumbing & Heating Friendly professional service Installations, Repairs & Servicing Domestic, Commercial & Catering Appliances T: 023 8087 9533 M: 07894 946 407 E: eirons@eddie-i.net Gas Safe No: 558676 Eddie s idea was to find a deserving family who needed a new boiler; he would do the installation free of charge, while ATAG promised to gift the boiler and Travis Perkins would supply the radiator valves. With the help of Donna and Michael Osman of the SO45 Online charity, the search began for the deserving family, and it wasn t long before Laura Venables heard that her application was the winner! The installation was done in record time and Laura and her family had a brand new ATAG boiler in time for Christmas. Well done to Eddie, ATAG Heating Technology and everyone involved. We truly do have a community spirit that is second to none!

22 New Forest Messenger Caption Challenge This picture of a chicken was taken by Cathy Anning and we thought it would be fun to see your captions for it. Our favourite will win this pair of men s slippers. Email your caption to: messengermag@ yahoo.co.uk or enter our Prize Wordsearch as well and post the completed page to the address below. PRIZE WORDSEARCH Win A Family Ticket to the National Motor Museum Beaulieu AGISTER COMMONER COW DEER DONKEY FOREST GORSE HEATHLAND PANNAGE PIG PONY TREES VERDERER WOODLAND Caption: Words may be hidden horizontally, vertically, diagonally or back to front. P C F D W C R E N O M M O C A O D B O G R T J V K Y M G N J N S O H T F S L P W O C N N P Y D T D F R B W Z M F A H M Q L K G O R S E S H B G N R R A C X R Q Y W L P B E J E S N P Y E S N V S S R K E W T D W R S X D G Y M E D L K P R E J T L V E T H R N H G V T B N T R K J Q D E D P R S P C N L N E R R P D F N I Q R G J O Q S E G K R C G H G K L D C H M N S P E A B M D N A L H T A E H D V Name Address Phone Number To be in with a chance of winning this prize, complete and send the page to: New Forest Messenger, Business Mail, PO Box 300, Southampton SO45 9AW. The competition closes on May 12, 2018.

Sudoku 6 1 7 8 3 6 1 4 5 7 2 9 1 4 9 2 7 5 3 2 3 7 8 7 6 1 8 9 3 6 5 New Forest Messenger 23 Dingbat Puzzles Can you work out the phrases or sayings? cut cut cut cut C C C ABCD FGHIJ KLMNOP QRSTUVWXYZ ROU GH V T E N E U O R L little LARGE little LARGE little little LARGE MIND I N N I 9ALL5 DNIM Guess The Object What do you think this is? bout Word Wheel Each word must use the central letter and each letter can be used only once per word. Use this space for your words: Summer Winners Our Summer Wordsearch was won by D Strehlau from Blackfield. The Curious Arts Festival Weekend Family Pass was won by Lyn C Vallence of Godshill.

24 New Forest Messenger Just What The Doctor Ordered ExxonMobil at Fawley The Fawley site which consists of Esso Petroleum Company and ExxonMobil Chemical has been an integral part of the history of the Waterside for over 90 years. The Fawley site is the largest refining and petrochemical plant in the UK processing over 270,000 barrels of crude oil everyday, producing one fifth of the fuel used on the country s roads. We firmly believe in being responsible neighbours and are committed to supporting our community and protecting the environment for the good of our neighbours and workers alike. To learn more about ExxonMobil Fawley s commitment to the Environment, Education & Career Opportunities and our Community please visit the two websites listed at the foot of this advertisement. New software for information and education screens at two health centres has been installed thanks to a 1,500 contribution from ExxonMobil Fawley. As well as informing patients when the medical staff are ready to see them, the screens at Blackfield Health Centre, Blackfield, and Waterside Health Centre, Hythe, also display a rolling programme of useful information and advice. Dawn Poole, Operations Manager for Blackfield Health Centre and Waterside Health Centre, said: The information screens are an important resource for us. As well as letting patients know that the doctor or nurse is ready to see them, they are a great way for the practice to get across some important messages to patients about how they can help themselves to stay healthy and also give information about local health services which are available for the patients to use. www.fawleyonline.org.uk www.exxonmobil.co.uk We are very grateful to ExxonMobil Fawley for helping us to make sure we can provide this service to our patients.

New Forest Messenger 25 Community Grants From NFDC New Forest District Council recently gave 218,020 in community grants to 15 local not-for-profit and voluntary groups. Martin Lander, of Friends of Copythorne Playground, who received a grant of 23,000, said: The need for a playground was recognised by two local mums who founded Friends of Copythorne Playground and have been working for two years to get one built. There has been tremendous local support and we have raised over 50% of the 50,000 cost. We are so grateful to NFDC for granting us the remainder of the funds. Dawn Poole, Blackfield Health Centre and Waterside Health Centre Operations Manager, Angharad Vaughan, Community Affairs Adviser at ExxonMobil Fawley, and Phil Sayers, Practice Business Manager. Angharad Vaughan, Community Affairs Adviser at ExxonMobil Fawley, said: One of our key priorities as a site is to be a good neighbour and support the local community where we can. As such, we were delighted to make this contribution towards the new software for the information and education screens at the Blackfield and Waterside health centres. The largest single grant went to Community First New Forest, with a total of 56,000 to support three initiatives: voluntary sector support services and the volunteer centre; operating the Night Stop programme of emergency overnight accommodation for the homeless; and continuing the Healthy Walks programme. Community grants towards capital projects also included 28,600 to Fawley Rugby Club to install floodlights and 20,000 to Marchwood Girl Guides to help them build a hall for Marchwood. Grants also went to four local community arts organisations, including Forest Forge Theatre Company and Forest Arts Centre.

26 New Forest Messenger with Slimming World MONDAY BLACKFIELD 5.30 & 7.30 QEII Hall, Thornbury Avenue PJ 07862 727743 NEW MILTON 5.30 & 7.30 New Milton Baptist Church Kathy 07528 832540 TUESDAY BASHLEY 9am & 11am Bashley Village Hall Janice 01425 270714 FAWLEY 5.30 & 7.30 Jubilee Hall, The Square Alice 07709 837866 HORDLE 6pm WI Hall, Ashley Lane Michelle 07795 275633 MARCHWOOD 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30 Marchwood Village Hall Sue 07917 891196 TOTTON 9.15, 11.15, 5.30 & 7.30 Totton Christian Centre Liz 07955 898 323 WEDNESDAY BROCKENHURST 9.30am Brockenhurst Village Hall Tina 01425 277946 HYTHE 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30 St John s Church Hall, Karen 023 8086 2990 LYMINGTON 6.30pm United Reformed Church Sally 07983 621459 NEW MILTON 6.30pm Community Centre, Osborne Rd Michelle 07795 275633 TOTTON 9.15am Totton Christian Centre Liz 07955 898323 WEST TOTTON 5.30 & 7.30 Totton & Eling Cricket Club Sue 07917 891196 THURSDAY CALMORE 1.30, 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30 Calmore Community Centre Ems 07817 968028 DIBDEN PURLIEU 5pm & 7pm Noadswood School Michelle 07716 664548 HYTHE 9am & 11am St John s Church Hall Morag 07541 373469 LYMINGTON 5.30 & 7.30 United Reformed Church Sally 07983 621459 PENNINGTON 9.30am The Guide Hut, Priestlands Road Sally 07983 621459 FRIDAY CALMORE 9.15am & 11.15am Calmore Community Centre Ems 07817 968028 HYTHE 9am & 11am St Anne s Community Centre, Warry s Close PJ 07862 727743 SATURDAY NEW MILTON 9am New Milton Memorial Centre, Whitefield Road Kathy 07528 832540 PENNINGTON 8.30am Pennington Junior School Sally 07983 621459 TOTTON 9am & 11am St Theresa Church Hall, Beaumont Road Alice 07709 837866 slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE New Forest Messenger 27 Sue Is Slimmer At 60 And Feeling Super! Dibden Purlieu resident Sue Smith has been sharing her slimming success after dropping more than three stone. Sue met local Slimming World Consultant Alice Corby in January 2017 while she was promoting her new group in Fawley and, after chatting, Sue decided that she would join the group. She was very nervous about walking through the doors for the first time, but soon realised that she had nothing to worry about as the group and Consultant were so friendly. Sue had struggled with her weight for quite a while and had got to a size 16 and was suffering with some health problems. She had tried to lose weight previously without success. She was really excited to discover how flexible Food Optimising was and being able to still enjoy a variety of Free Foods such as fruit and vegetables, lean meats, fish, rice and pasta, the weight soon started falling off! She says: After what seemed like only a few weeks I noticed the weight was coming off and before long I was getting lots of good comments from my family and friends which made me realise this was the best thing I had done for a long time! Twenty-three weeks on and I had lost 3 stone 2lb and I reached my target weight! Not long after my 60th birthday in June I felt so proud of my achievement. Dropping from a size 16 to a size 10 was amazing, I felt fantastic, and many of my health problems have improved significantly. My GP is certainly happy with me, too! I love going to group every week. I ve made new friends there and the support and encouragement we share is fantastic. I always stay to the group sessions, too, as I find it really helps and inspires me each week. I would recommend to anyone who is looking to lose weight to try Slimming World you will be so glad you did! Sue attends the Fawley Slimming World group with Alice on Tuesdays. If you would like to join, call Alice on 07709 837866 or see our advert opposite for other sessions.

28 New Forest Messenger Call for a free no-obligation quote TAKE MY LEAD Den Childs 07706 705 662 dchi.co.uk Bathroom and Kitchen design & installation Tiling Re-grouting and silicone Painting and decorating NO JOB TOO SMALL FULLY INSURED https://m.facebook.com/den.dchi DOG WALKING PUPPY POP-IN VISITS SMALL ANIMAL FEEDING & CARE Contact us to discuss your needs: 07715 635210 jane@takemyleadnewforest.co.uk Perhaps you struggle to walk your dog or need occassional help, then I can help. Maybe you need to go away and want someone to feed your small animals, then I can help, too! I will take care of your pet as if it was my own. I can even help with trips to the vets. Situated within the Sunderland Hangar and with truly spectacular views the Café Bar at Calshot Activities Centre is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee, a wholesome, delicious meal or a snack. Draught and bottled beers, wines and soft drinks are available. OPEN EVERY DAY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR @CalshotCafeBar www.hants.gov.uk/calshot 023 8062 4729

New Forest Messenger 29 Curious Arts Festival Returns The Curious Arts Festival takes place in the New Forest on July 20-22 and the Messenger has a Family Weekend Pass worth 225 for one of our readers to win. Chart-topping singer-songwriter John Newman (pictured) will headline Saturday s music line-up. Win FAMILY TICKET The festival offers comedy, music and workshops, taking place at Pylewell Park, near Lymington. Outlya, Flyte, HMS Sweet Charity and Razorlight frontman Gus Robertson will perform, alongside a literary programme featuring Adam Kay, Lemn Sissay and Russell Norman. Small is beautiful at this festival, which has a capacity of 5,000. Expect illuminating adventures, lively literary chat, breakfast briefings on the day s news, cocktail masterclasses, cartoon clubs, the return of MJ s pop-up choir, a fine array of food providers, and fireworks. Children s events include puppetry, pop-up theatre events, story-telling and comedy. Visit curiousartsfestival.com for more details. Enter Competition For the chance to win a Family Weekend Pass to Curious Arts Festival 2018, send the words Curious Messenger 2018, along with your contact details, to messengermag@yahoo. co.uk before July 10 and a winner will be selected at random. Terms & Conditions: This prize consists of a Family Weekend Pass to Curious Arts Festival 2018 (two adults and up to three children, aged 13 and under). The festival runs from Friday 20 July to Sunday 22 July. All festival goers are invited to camp at no extra charge. The festival site is open for camping from noon on Friday to 10am on Monday. The winner s tickets will be emailed to them by the ticketing company Eventbrite.

8 30 New Forest Messenger Headline Sponsor Celebrate those who have survived, inspire those recently diagnosed and support local families in your community. A sponsored walk taking place in the New Forest National Park, Burley on Sunday 10th June 2018. Choose from 10 mile or 20 mile route Individual Reg: 25 Team Reg: 90 Sponsorship Goal Per Person: 200 You will receive Official Walk for Hope T-Shirt Medal Fundraising pack Hildon water provided #Walk4Hope2018 @wessexcancer Wessex Cancer Trust Register at: www.wessexcancer.org.uk/event/walk-for-hope-2018 Registered Charity No. 1110216

New Forest Messenger 31 Hythe Pier Update Hythe Pier Heritage Association announces new status. Photo by Penny Wade After months of campaigning, the Hythe Pier Heritage Association has been registered by the Financial Conduct Authority as a Community Benefit Society. This means that it now has a legal status and structure and is able to apply for grant funding to protect, preserve, restore and redevelop the historic pier, the associated buildings and the railway. Hythe Pier and the ferry are owned by Blue Funnel and the firm has committed to working with the association to secure the long-term future of both for the benefit of the community and the wider public. The association has devised a five-year repair project which could cost up to 2 million. Spectacular Spring Flowering Come and join us for a fabulous day out! Steam Railway, Restaurant & Café, Play Area Gardens open 11th March 4th November Tel: 02380 891203 www.exbury.co.uk

32 New Forest Messenger We offer a huge range of high quality products and professional service Windows Doors Conservatories Fascias FREE QUOTATION All work is guaranteed for 10 years and Certass Fenestration Registered 023 8087 9098 07717 753457 blueskywindows@live.co.uk

New Forest Messenger 33 Refill New Forest Photo by Nicholas de Rothschild Spectacular Springtime By Susie James Of Exbury Gardens With the very cold snap that we ve just had and the large snowfall that looked as though it was a carefully laid blanket of white over the roads and gardens, it was quite hard to imagine that at the same time last year, bulbs were popping up and new buds were appearing everywhere! Spring brings with it the most amazing scenes of colour with daffodils, bluebells, rhododendrons, magnolias, camellias and azaleas all vying for position. Soon enough, gardens and roadsides will be ablaze with the most beautiful blooms, providing a stunning backdrop for walks, picnics and a saunter in the sunshine. Now is the time to clear up flower beds and borders, order your bulbs and seeds, clean out your shed or greenhouse and check over your bird boxes ready for the nesting season. March is the perfect time to get seeds sown indoors and children will love watching them grow! Garden centres literally come to life at this time of year and are on hand for excellent advice on ways to enhance whatever it is that you re doing. Time to dust down the kneeler and gloves and get out gardening! Refill New Forest launched in January with the aim of tackling plastic pollution in the New Forest by making it easier to locate free tap water. This is part of a national campaign, which now has over 1600 refill points in the UK. The Refill App allows people to search for the nearest location to fill up their water bottles. Participating cafes, bars, museums, shops and other businesses simply put a sticker in their window alerting passers-by to the fact they re welcome to come on in and fill up their bottle, for free! Gus Hoyt, Refill Programme Manager at City to Sea, said: We are over the moon that the New Forest is joining the Refill Family. As a child I spent many a happy summer camping in this beautiful part of the world which we all need to help protect from litter and pollution. Businesses that want to join Refill New Forest can phone 01590 675613 or email refillnewforest@gmail.com. Those wanting to fill up their bottles should download the app from www.refill.org.uk.

34 New Forest Messenger Willow TREE & GARDEN SERVICES All kinds of trees expertly felled with crown reduction, thinning and lopping, including all fruit trees pruned Root grinding Hedges trimmed Overgrown gardens tidied and cleared away Rotovating, turf laying and seeding All types of fencing Driveways regravelled All types of rubbish clearance Patios jet washed Mini digger available Fully insured Registered waste carrier References available on request No jobs too small or large For a free estimate call: 01794 323207 or 07811 970152 Need new dentures? FOUR SEASONS DENTURE CENTRE 1 HOUR DENTURE REPAIRS More than just a Dental Laboratory If you want the best quality dentures in a relaxed, friendly and professional environment then call today for a free consultation 023 8084 6443 07919 074360 North Road, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton SO45 4RE

New Forest Messenger 35 The Red Box Project By Kathy Baker I recently heard about The Red Box Project, the brainchild of three ladies from Portsmouth: Anna Miles, a teacher; Jo Willoughby, an artist; and Liesl Rose, an holistic therapist. The idea is to help prevent girls from missing school because their families cannot afford sanitary items. It was such a shock for me to hear that this Collection Points Totton: McColl s, Water Lane; Co-op Food, Salisbury Road; Stars Dancewear, Rumbridge Street; Totton College. Hythe: Oyster Finance; Tesco Express; Laswerwords; Emmi s Beauty Room. Dibden Purlieu: Joyners happens, I felt I needed to highlight the issue. According to recent figures, there are 6,027 children living in poverty in the New Forest. When money is tight, spending 5 a month on sanitary towels/tampons is impossible for some, so girls are missing school. Clare Williams and Taryn Cole from Totton and several ladies in Hythe are helping to provide schools with Red Boxes. Next time you go shopping, please buy a pack and drop it off at one of the collection points. See redboxproject.org for details.

36 New Forest Messenger Volunteering Opportunities If you would like to try something new, gain experience of working with older people or want to give something back to the local community, then you will find that volunteering for Age Concern New Forest is an enjoyable and rewarding way to achieve this. You will be surprised at the many different ways you could help us! WATERSIDE GOOD NEIGHBOURS SERVICE With the growing population of older people, could you spare one or two hours per week to volunteer and carry out small tasks such as shopping, taking clients for a medical or hairdressing appointment, picking up prescriptions, dog walking, and so on, as many of our clients can no longer drive or get out easily. Travel expenses will be paid. Please contact our Coordinator, Dorothy Haden, on NEW FOREST Registered Charity No: 1076585 023 8084 3676 (9am-11am, Monday to Friday) for an application form and further information. BEFRIENDING SERVICE Volunteers visit an older person in their own home, on a regular basis to share interests and provide friendship and company. Travel expenses will be paid. Please contact our Coordinator, Dorothy Haden, on 023 8084 3676 (9am-11am, Monday to Friday) for an application form and further information. HANDYMAN Do you have one or two hours a week to volunteer for us to carry out minor repairs, maintenance and decorating at our shops and office in the Waterside. Travel expenses will be paid. Please contact our office on 023 8084 1199 (10am-1pm, Monday to Friday) for an application form or ask for Teresa Blakey, CEO, for further information. TRUSTEES Volunteers who have skills, especially a financial background, to bring to our Management Committee and are responsible for the charity and ensure that it meets the needs of local older people. Approximately six hours per month. Please contact Teresa Blakey, CEO, on 023 8084 1199 for further information. Whatever skills you have to offer and regardless of how much time you can spare, you can play an important part in the continued success of this local charity.

New Forest Messenger 37 Competition Winners In Issue 10, we offered readers the chance to win a set of five of Simon Chadwick s New Forest children s picture books. Our winner was Mrs C Forrest of Totton. PRIVATE HIRE Local and long distance service available. We also can collect shopping and prescriptions and do other small errands. Our vehicles can carry wheelchairs and walking aids and our friendly and helpful team will always offer you door to door assistance. 0238089 8194 8754 0679 07770 967 198 or book online at www.kazcarz.co.uk Simon s books are on sale in local shops and from ceratopiabooks.co.uk Our Issue 10 Wordsearch prize was a set of three pastel prints by local artist Susan Kerrigan-Harris (skhportraits.co.uk), which was won by Mrs S Farmer of Landford. Our Where Am I? winner in Issue 10 was Mrs J Ford of Hythe. Mrs Ford wins Afternoon Tea For Two, courtesy of Waterside Blinds. Hedge trimming Grass cutting Turfing Patios Planting Weeding Landscaping Fences Call Dominic Bottrell for a FREE quote. All work guaranteed. All waste removed and disposed of correctly. Fully Insured t 023 8089 7263 m 07956 346183

38 New Forest Messenger New Forest Messenger Distribution Points Calshot/Fawley Calshot Cafe Fawley Village Hall Zebra Home Services New Forest Funerals Premier Express & PO Alam Spice Takeaway Royal British Legion Blackfield/Exbury Gang Warily Sports Centre Blackfield Bakery Priest Croft Exbury Gardens Holbury Easton Residential Snack Attack The Co-Operative Food Sandra s Florist Cambridge Diet Centre The Pet Shop Beaulieu Fairweathers Garden Centre Pallets Tea & Coffee House Hollybank MasterSpares The Modern Chinese Takeaway Hythe The Grove Council Office Post Office Hythe & District Social Club Oakhaven shop St John s Hall Waters Green Hythe Library KJ s Mobility Waterside Tours Hythe Pier Community Centre Langdown Firs Lawrence House Homeborough House Seadown Vets Dibden Purlieu Arrosto Coffee & Ice WH Smith Local Joyners Age Concern The Lovely Little Cafe Heathlands Court St Andrew s Centre Muir House ShawFix Autos Dibden Clayfields Sports Centre Church Farm Close Marchwood Telephone Box Library Community Centre The Co-operative Food Totton Hanger Farm Arts Centre Goodies Fish & Chips West Totton Centre Totton & Eling Bowls Club The Library Totton Community Centre Totton & Eling Town Council Calmore Community Centre Three Score Club Testwood Working Men s Club Bartley Post Office Forest Pharmacy Cadnam Wyevale Garden Centre Copythorne Parish Hall Ashurst Post Office Minstead Village Shop & Tea Room Lyndhurst The Library Community Centre Tip, Leaf & Bean Cafe Wellow Carlo s Ices & Tearooms Bramshaw Village Stores Landford Wyevale Garden Centre Post Office & Stores Romsey Hillier Garden Centre World of Water Cafe The New Forest Messenger is also available to pick up from all these New Forest pubs: The Anchor Inn, Eling The Bold Forester, Marchwood The Bell Inn, Brook The Coach & Horses, Cadnam The Compass Inn, Winsor The Drift Inn, Beaulieu The Empress of Blandings, Copythorne The Forest Home, Holbury The Forest Inn, Ashurst The Gamekeeper, Woodlands The Green Dragon, Brook The Happy Cheese, Ashurst The Haywain, Bartley The New Forest, Ashurst The Old Mill Inn, Holbury The Pilgrim Inn, Marchwood The Roebuck Inn, Marchwood The Royal Oak, Beaulieu The Trusty Servant, Minstead The Turfcutters Arms, East Boldre The White Hart, Cadnam The White Horse, Marchwood The White Horse, Netley Marsh If you would like to be a Distribution Point, email messengermag@yahoo.co.uk or call 07774 545008

New Forest Messenger 39 Caption Capers Our favourite caption for this picture sent in by Cathy Anning was from Mrs J Bailey of Blackfield. Mrs Bailey wins a Peony and Linden Blossom Candle and Tea Lights. Stop acting the goat and get off the table! Mrs J Bailey, Blackfield. Here are some of the other captions sent in. Hey, Kid, Mum said no sitting on the table! Mrs J Holyoke, Hythe You sit and hold the table and I ll go and get the drinks. Rob Tennant, Dibden Purlieu Are you up for lunch? Annette Staples, Lyndhurst Romsey Wellow Landford Bramshaw Copythorne Cadnam Totton Bartley Minstead Ashurst Marchwood To advertise in the New Forest Messenger please call Kathy: 07774 545008 Lyndhurst Distribution Area Dibden Hythe Hollybank Dibden Purlieu Holbury Beaulieu Blackfield/Exbury Calshot/Fawley Adverts should be supplied as a CMYK 300dpi print-ready PDF or a CMYK 300dpi uncompressed JPEG. Alternatively, our design team could create an advert for you. If you have news or a story to tell, email messengermag@yahoo.co.uk Your Free Local Community Magazine

40 New Forest Messenger HEATHERDENE Bed & Breakfast BEAULIEU ROAD, DIBDEN PURLIEU, SOUTHAMPTON SO45 4PW www.heatherdenebandb.com Telephone 023 8084 6485 The Potty Gardener Grass Cutting Hedge Cutting Border Maintenance, Pruning, Weeding Treating of Fences/Trellis/Outbuildings Pressure Washing of Patios/Decking Contact Kev on 07585 115569 or 023 8084 8638 The Happy Fryer Mobile Fish & Chip Van Tuesday: Haydon Tyres, Cadnam 6pm-7pm Thursday: Church Farm Close 5pm-5.45pm Thursday: Drapers Copse 6.15pm-7pm Friday: Calmore Road 5pm-6.30pm Also available for private functions Keith and Dawn 07716 837147 The Pet Shop HOLBURY PRECINCT, HOLBURY DROVE, HOLBURY SO45 2PW 10% off with this voucher! OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9AM-5PM FREE DELIVERY WITHIN 3 MILES 023 8089 8654