Upcoming events, things to do and businesses to support in Lymington and the New Forest
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Local Heroes
Hello and hmmm to the continuing deluges and new lakes across the soggy forest (normally 1,000 ponds, rivers, streams and other wetland areas according to the National Park Authority) but it's still early days for February...here's hoping for a big change soon!
The photo above is not new news, it's actually from late 2024, when the the New Forest Basics Bank with its 279 volunteers received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service - the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and equivalent to an MBE.
And this week it's a big cheer for all our local volunteers who venture out whatever the weather, with a special spotlight on a veritable army of local heroes, the Trustees and Volunteers of New Forest Basics Bank.
Gifts Which Make a Difference
Local holiday cottage company New Forest Escapes normally gives gifts at Christmas to business partners and home owners. This time however, aware of the scale of need faced by many in our community, the team decided instead to donate £2,000 to New Forest Basics Bank (NFBB).
Managing Director Jane Wilkinson said: “We are delighted to support the New Forest Basics Bank at what is, in the winter months and post-Christmas, a difficult time for many. Here in the New Forest, we are very fortunate to live and work in such a beautiful and affluent part of the country. Yet, this can mean that the scale of need in the area is often not realised - making it important that local businesses, like ours, support those in our community facing hardship."
Hilary Tudor, Operations Manager pictured along with the other trustees of NFBB above, said “This contribution from New Forest Escapes is very welcome. Without donations of food and money, the food bank could not function. In 2025 it provided 4,405 food parcels to households, feeding 9,772 people. It is a lifeline for people facing hardship in the local area, providing essential support, connecting people with help, and strengthening social solidarity.”
NFBB operates from a building in Cannon Street East car park, Lymington, just round the corner from New Forest Escapes’ office. Providing food and other essentials for families and individuals in need across the New Forest, it currently supports around 90 households every week with demand remaining high due to ongoing cost of living pressures. It also provides food to six local schools on a weekly basis for breakfast and after school clubs for children who otherwise have not been fed.
The Basics Bank is run entirely by volunteers and is always happy to welcome new faces; the current need is for people who can deliver food parcels in their own vehicles.
And the team at New Forest Escapes hope they'll be setting a trend for other local businesses to consider too.
And Now, in Anticipation of Valentine's Day Next Week...
Valentine’s Day in the New Forest: A Romantic Escape at Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa
We're fortunate indeed to have Careys Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst on our doorstep, the more so with its brilliant award winning SenSpa, inspired by ancient Thai healing practices, and including its atmospheric Zen Garden Restaurant. This Valentine's Day, Careys Manor proposes a range of options for couples seeking luxurious whilst unpretentious celebration.
Click here or the button below to read the story and details of a range of special offers including 10% off both the Wellbeing Spa Day and the Evening Indulgence experience at SenSpa, 20% off a two nights or more stay, or simply dining in one of the hotel's three very different restaurants:
- Cambium showcases refined, seasonal British dishes rooted in local produce — perfect for an elegant dinner.
- Zen Garden offers vibrant Thai flavours in a relaxed, atmospheric setting, ideal for sharing dishes and lingering conversations.
- Le Blaireau brings classic French-inspired comfort, from rich sauces to timeless favourites.
VALENTINE'S DAY AT CAREYS MANOR
Upcoming Events
A shout out too for the SenSpa Wellness Discovery Day on 21 February. This is a FREE open day event being held in partnership with Technogym. It's an immersive introduction to a new way of training, restoring and understanding our wellbeing. It includes tea, coffee or smoothie on arrival, a talk with Technogym Educator, Nicola Falconer, a guided meditation with SenSpa Trainer, Jess and a Prize Draw to win dinner for 2 at the Zen Garden restaurant, plus a hamper of SenSpa goodies!
Some more interesting new events have been added this week to our Events Calendar including Countryside Workshops with the Countryside Education Trust: on 21 February a Farmland Bird Walk led by talented ornithologist, Graham Giddens, including the opportunity to participate in some citizen science by taking part in the Big Farmland Bird Count 2026, and a chance to spot curlew, fieldfare and bullfinch among others. Also on 1 March an Introduction to Coppicing - if you've ever fancied learning how, this is your chance!
Next week we'll do a round-up of Half Term Events, because half term is rapidly approaching, too. (If you're organising any and haven't added them yet to the Events Calendar, here's your reminder to do so!)
Meanwhile wishing you all wonderful, not tooooo wet, weekends!
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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