Upcoming events, things to do and businesses to support in Lymington and the New Forest
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Wondrous Winter
A rather belated Happy New Year to you all. In the wider world, so much seems to have happened in a very short time and the global landscape has shifted dramatically; here’s hoping it can somehow settle into a calmer norm.
With some of the most spectacular Christmas and New Year sunshine, sunsets and moonlit nights in my fairly long life’s memory, living in the New Forest these past few weeks has felt even more of a privilege. The photo above was taken on New Year’s Eve, when the forest held on to the fog – but even that had its own quiet magic. Our family and friends’ walk with canine companions at Wilverley was then enlivened by the passing spectacle of the annual Brockenhurst Young Farmers Tractor Run. As well as showcasing the Young Farmers, the event was also raising funds for Lymington Hospital Friends. Click here for photos from that noisy, joyful occasion.
A few more photos below as a reminder of a very special Christmas and New Year in the New Forest - including the just-past-full Wolf Moon in broad daylight last week and a rare frozen Hatchet Pond on Monday morning.
This morning though, I hope everyone is ok as Storm Goretti continues to wreak its havoc across the country...
All Year Round Relaxation at the Montagu Arms
To kick off the New Year in style, we have a promotional article from the Montagu Arms Hotel in Beaulieu, inviting us at any time during the coming year to escape the rush of everyday life and step into a world of calm — which already feels like a rather enticing prospect. As Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day come into view, a brief restorative break could be just the ticket! With no long journey to plan or endure either, just an enjoyable drive across the forest to reach this welcoming retreat.
STEP INTO A WORLD OF MONTAGU ARMS CALM
Icy Idyll?
Do those two words really go together? Actually yes, because I’m talking about my recent experience of the ‘ice room’ in the brilliant new Balmer Lawn Hotel spa. (In this instance, it was followed by a sumptuous afternoon tea in the hotel’s lounge, which I decided looks better for the photo than a pile of ice.)
Switching from a hot sauna or steam room to a cold plunge - a practice known as contrast therapy - is said to offer numerous physical and mental health benefits. For most of us though, jumping (or even slowly climbing) into freezing water is simply too much of an ask.
Step into the ice room though, take a seat, and the dry cold air does the job in a surprisingly pleasant way. When the chill sets in you simply return to the sauna or the steam… and then back to the ice. It’s invigorating, and easier than any cold plunge could be!
Balmer Lawn's Tranquillity for Two Spa Day is designed for couples or friends and includes full access to the thermal suite, indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzi and outdoor spa deck. You can stay as long as you like, for £99 per 'couple', Sunday to Thursday. There are also discounts on treatments you take whilst there (pre-booking advised). Do try it! Details here.
A Selection of Upcoming Events
I've just spent several enjoyable hours reading about, approving and publishing all the events you've been adding to the Events Calendar over the past 3 weeks. I'm now going to pick out a few Member events (also listed below through to the end of March) which seem to be nicely on the theme of wondrous winter.
- On Sunday it's the first of five Wedding Showcases at Balmer Lawn Hotel this year, so if you're in the early stages of planning this is your chance to envisage a true 'winter' wedding, in a winter forest wonderland!
- On Friday 23 January at 10.30, there's a Parkinson and Dementia Friendly screening of Song Sung Blue at the Malt Cinema. Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together. These special screenings for people with Parkinson's and/or Dementia with their carers are designed to put everyone at ease, with the sound slightly lowered and the lighting on low to ensure everyone is comfortable, and an interval half way through the film. Limited wheelchair spaces are available, pre-booking for these is advised via Reception. Disabled facilities throughout the Centre are available. Everyone attending is also invited after the film to the quiet room to enjoy a selection of sandwiches and cake with unlimited tea, coffee and orange juice - making it into a very nice social occasion too.
- On Thursday 29 January at 2pm also at the Centre, there's a new LCA Virtual History Tour around Lymington: a one off talk with Lymington Town Tours, starting with a little ancient history then virtually walking through the town pointing out some of the more interesting buildings, and highlighting a few of the individuals who had some interesting effect or influence on the town. The talk then explains what made Lymington rich and successful only to become a poor backwater before becoming the town we know today. Following on from this talk will be series of other local interest and history talks at Lymington Community Centre on Thursdays; see below and for dates beyond March, the Events Calendar.
- On Friday 30 January at 6pm there will be A Winter's Evening Concert: Walhampton and Canford Schools come together to present a joint choral concert. The evening will include a welcome drink, two course supper and musical performances including Beatus Vir by Monteverdi. The concert will be held in the Chapel at Walhampton School and proceeds will be donated to the Walhampton School Foundation Trust.
- Sonic Freedive at Lime Wood (various dates) is an incredible sounding 'deep dive' into breath and sound with Musician and Gong Master Rich Hale and Breathwork Facilitator Tracey Howes, focusing on breathwork techniques with a free-diving theme to optimise breathing habits for life. It sounds absolutely amazing, do click the link for details. See also Forest Bathing and Contrast Therapy at Lime Wood!
The lovely Sen Sound Sessions at Careys Manor resume on 28 January too, with one each month until the end of March.
See below also for all the upcoming films at the Malt Cinema, including as usual many fresh from general release, conveniently offered in our own town!
Important Public Meeting about the Future of Lymington
The Lymington Society is calling on all residents who care about the future of our town to attend a Public Meeting about the forthcoming Neighbourhood Plan Referendum, at 6pm next Thursday, 15 January 2025, at the Baptist Church, New Street, Lymington
The Neighbourhood Plan will help shape how Lymington evolves over the coming years—how development is managed, how our heritage is protected, and how the needs of local people are balanced with the pressures facing the town. The Lymington Society has organised this meeting so residents can clearly understand the plan’s aims, the thinking behind its policies, and the real world implications of a “Yes” or “No” vote.
Speakers at the meeting will explain how the plan was created, what it seeks to safeguard, and how it could influence planning decisions affecting housing, infrastructure, and the town’s historic environment. There will also be time for questions, ensuring everyone has the chance to raise concerns, seek clarification, and make an informed decision in the referendum.
Don Mackenzie, Chair of the Lymington Society, says: “This referendum will influence decisions that affect every one of us—from the character of our streets to the protection of our green spaces. It’s vital that residents understand what the Neighbourhood Plan contains and what their vote will mean. We urge everyone who cares about Lymington’s future to come along, ask questions, and make their voice count.”
And finally... registrations opened on 1 January for the 2026 Oakhaven Walk, which this year will take place on Saturday 16 May, offering as usual a choice of three distances along stunning seafront and coastal paths: approximately 26 miles from Sandbanks, 13 miles from Mudeford or 8 miles from Barton-on-Sea, with everyone finishing at Oakhaven Hospice. Until 31 January you can enter at special ‘Early Bird’ registration prices; click here for all the lowdown!
And now after the storm, until next week...
Best wishes Jane
Read the rest of this week's newsletter here
And check out What's On in the Diary of Upcoming Events!
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