Settling In To Spring
With the busy-ness of Easter Weekend over and further catastrophe in the Middle East at least temporarily averted, our heads should be a little less full and our diaries a little less hectic, allowing time to enjoy the simple pleasures of spring. For the rest of the month the volume of dawn and dusk birdsong will continue to increase and the ever greening grass will be growing apace. ('Magic' day, as I learned on the Archers this week, is the day in April when grass growth on the farm surpasses demand - an important and welcome demarcation.)
Mind you, do include a Great New Forest Marque Breakfast in your April calendar: see below for when and where you can find one, or host your own! In fact while I've been planning this week's quieter theme, quite a lot of April events have been newly added to the Events Calendar, and a message has even hopped in from the New Forest Activities Easter bunny that there are eggs still hidden on the riverside, and egg hunting in a canoe could be the perfect way for families to end the Easter holidays! Click here (dates extended).
Looking ahead, a reminder that on Saturday 16 May the Oakhaven Walk beckons; everybody is invited to join this wonderful spring 'party' along our spectacular local coast, with a choice of distances to suit different levels of fitness and desire, all raising vital funds for our local hospice! Click here to find out more and register.
Grab a Great New Forest Breakfast!
Over the two week period 18-30 April, we are all invited to attend a Great New Forest Marque Breakfast - at a participating host venue, or hosting one of our own, and appreciating the quality produce we have right on our doorstep.
In the words of New Forest Marque... 'the New Forest is home to some fantastic producers who are intrinsically linked to the landscape including Commoners, beekeepers, fruit and vegetable growers, fishmongers, free-range egg producers, and jam makers. Breakfast is the perfect meal to showcase these ingredients on one plate, giving everyone the opportunity to experience how easy, accessible and delicious it can be to support local.
Local producers face the pricing and convenience pressures of large supermarkets, but choosing local can be a better option all round. Food travels fewer miles, reducing carbon impact and helping retain freshness. Ingredients are traceable, production is on a smaller scale, and spending locally supports the area’s rural economy.'
Voluntary donations at breakfasts will support the New Forest Trust - think ‘Macmillan Coffee Morning’, but with a New Forest twist!
Saturday 18 April: Spring Craft & Gift Fair
If you're planning to be in Lymington next Saturday, do pop in to the Community Centre and visit the Spring Craft & Gift Fair. It's free to enter, and a wide selection of stalls will include Cards, Gifts, Pottery, Art, Knitted Items, Bags, Jewellery, Books, and more. The Centre's charity shop Tidal Boutique will also be open, and refreshments will be available. Funds raised will support the Centre, helping with the day to day running costs and refurbishment projects.
The Only Requirements are: Energy and Enthusiasm!
On Saturday 25 April (yes another newly added April event!) at Lymington Community Centre, the award-winning, fabulous New Forest Academy of Dance will be offering something for adults this time: their Broadway Jazz Dance Workshop.
This high-energy session will explore classic Broadway-style jazz, combining technique, musicality and performance in a relaxed, supportive environment. You’ll learn a short routine inspired by the stage, focusing on confidence, expression and enjoying the movement. No previous dance experience is necessary – just to be ready to try something new and have fun. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.
Spring Means - Visiting a Garden Centre!
And, depending on how expert or otherwise we are and how weatherproof our greenhouses, we might be looking for anything from replacement forks, trowels and gloves, to seeds or ready established plants to make the jobs easier.
We all have our favourite garden centres, some shop around for best prices, but for me it's always a treat to have the excuse for a wander around Fairweather's in Beaulieu, finding everything I need and top quality too, whilst there also picking up a couple of gorgeous gifts and enjoying tea and a slice of home-made cake at Steffs.
Nestled in the heart of Beaulieu, Fairweather’s is a much-loved destination for garden lovers, foodies and families alike. Rooted in the New Forest and passionate about sustainability, it's proud to offer a warm welcome, exceptional quality and a slice of countryside charm all year round.
More upcoming events
A reminder that next weekend 18-19 Apr is Lymington Town Sailing Club Open Weekend - whether you’re completely new to sailing or looking to get back on the water, it's the perfect opportunity to find out all that's on offer at this super-friendly Club!
And a correction from last week: the Sway Open Gardens event will take place this year on Sunday 7 June. Sway Gardening Club and the Villagers of Sway look forward to welcoming you to their very special event with more than 17 beautifully-tended gardens open for you to explore plus plant stall, refreshments, musical entertainment and a raffle, and all proceeds to Oakhaven Hospice.
Lots of new May and June events have been added this week to the already substantial list below, so do scroll down and see what you fancy. And have wonderful weekends everyone.
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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