Weekly What's On Friday 31 July 2026
The Forest Through New Eyes
Equine flu in New Forest ponies and traditional drifts cancelled; a pony kick in a campsite leading to an investigation; heatwaves, hosepipe bans and devastating wildfires which could happen here... there are many factors involved but we're certainly living through new and extraordinary times.
It's uplifting though to look upon a beautiful hand-tied bouquet which you've created yourself from seasonal blooms! For this and other new opportunities in the forest stretching on into late summer, read on!
Seeing The Forest Differently...
Late summer is one of the loveliest times to experience the New Forest. The school holidays are in full swing, the woodland is alive with activity and energy and there's a sense of making the most of the season before autumn arrives. And Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa in Brockenhurst is offering four experiences worth making time for, over the coming weeks.
The first, in partnership with Wild New Forest, invites us to wander a little further and see familiar paths through fresh eyes. Two guided walks on 14 August and 4 September will offer the opportunity to learn about the wildlife, history and ecology that make this National Park so unique, before returning to Careys Manor's Cedar Walled Garden for a relaxed tapas lunch.
The second is to see the forest differently through the lens of a camera. The photography masterclass 'Moments in Focus' on 20 August will be a special opportunity to see through new eyes and capture the beauty of the New Forest in late summer: less about technical perfection and more about learning to slow down, observe our surroundings and capture the beauty that's often missed in everyday life.
For details of all four experiences, read on!
FOUR EXPERIENCES WORTH MAKING TIME FOR...
And He's Off!
Olly's Arc of the Alps (see 'In Beloved Memory' from 29 May) is underway: Olly set off at 4am yesterday from Trieste and achieved his planned 262 km including several gruelling climbs. He's struggling a little this morning after the intense heat of yesterday and may have to adjust his very ambitious timing plan - new eyes here too maybe...
All the links including to Olly's live tracker (he's number 1 of 1!) and daily updates on his rangarides Instagram page are also clickable from his main 'JustGiving' page, and once again an enormous thank you to all you lovely people including many we don't know personally, who have made a donation to Melanoma Focus. This charity is thrilled with the ever growing total raised and we shall now have the opportunity as a family to help determine how the money is spent.
The Future for Drill Hall
There's another Lymington man on a mega mission, in fact this might also be 'Lymington Through New Eyes'! Drill Hall on Bath Road is a former military site with nearly 160 years of local history, but last July following the final cadet parade it was closed and mothballed by the Ministry of Defence. Lacking listed building protection the site was then put up for sale, leaving its long-term community reuse or potential redevelopment uncertain.
Step in David Coppinger, spearheading the team effort to save and repurpose it for a new future as the Lymington Maritime Futures Hub. The vision is to give local people and visitors access to our proud maritime heritage, while creating opportunities for young people across the area to lead richer, more fulfilled lives. There's also the prospect of tying in with Lymington's shipbuilding history and especially the yachts Arrow and Alarm, part of the reason why Cowes Week which starts this weekend, is celebrating its 200th year. All quite exciting!
In the first instance you are asked to share your memories, photographs and ideas for the hall's future, so do click the link below to find out more!
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE MISSION
Your First London Marathon?
Olly's Arc of the Alps is superhuman! Running a marathon is do-able by ordinary mortals though, if you put in the hours of steady training over the preceding months - I even speak as one who's done it! If you enjoy running and would like to run your first London Marathon in 2027 to raise vital funds for Oakhaven Hospice, you are invited to apply. There is ONE single place available, you just need to explain why you would like it! What does Oakhaven mean to you? How much do you think you could raise and how? Applications by email only and by Friday 6 August, to
This Weekend
The moment has come! This coming Sunday Lymington and Pennington Town Council is delighted to welcome you to the much heralded and widely anticipated Summer Spectacular community festival in Woodside Park, promising an array of family activities and entertainment to fill your day! Free to attend, and with parking free too, this really is a day for everyone, including the spectacular headline attraction Live Jousting on Horseback from the Knights of Royal England, who will be bringing the excitement, colour and spectacle of medieval tournament action to the show ring.
There will also be falconry displays offering a close up look at magnificent birds of prey, ferret racing, a Skate Jam where riders can show off their skills and enjoy the energy of live action sport, and a brand new Arts and Crafts Village featuring 50 high quality stalls showcasing handmade work from talented artists and makers. The traditional huge car show will give visitors the chance to admire a wide range of vehicles on display and families can also enjoy the popular dog show, sports day races and a variety of activities designed to get people involved. Live music will help create a lively festival atmosphere, while local charities and emergency services will be on hand to meet visitors and share information about their work. With fun fair attractions, food and drink, and plenty to see and do across the event, Summer Spectacular promises a full day of fun, creativity and summer celebration!
This weekend is also Beaulieu Supercar Weekend (tomorrow and Sunday), more live music at the Turfcutters Arms (tonight and Sunday) and there's lots going on next week - don't forget to look at all the lists below plus there are as always many more events in the full Events Calendar.
Next week I'll be out and about in the Alps providing some support to Olly. Apologies in advance if I'm too far off grid to write and send this newsletter at its normal day/time but will endeavour at some point to send at least an updated diary.
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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