Weekly What's On Friday 2 October 2026
Finally Drifting Into Autumn
Autumn simply cannot be real in the New Forest until the pony drifts have begun! Following encouraging news that the equine flu epidemic is no longer a threat to the herds, the 2026 drifts or round-ups are finally set to begin - today. Agisters and Commoners will once again be working across the Forest, gathering ponies for important checks and care. Adjacent forest car parks will be closed, and ponies and riders will at times be moving at speed. If you come across a round-up while driving please slow right down and give everyone involved plenty of space.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PONY DRIFTS
Amicable Divorce - What Does It Really Mean?
Many people considering divorce want things to remain amicable. They may want to protect their children, avoid the stress and expense of going to court or simply end their relationship in a way that reflects the importance of the time they shared together.
Amicable does not necessarily mean easy though, and in this month's article Scott Bailey Solicitors explain why and how getting legal advice early can help both parties understand their position, manage expectations, and identify where reasonable compromises can be made. Ultimately, it's about approaching difficult decisions constructively, understanding what a fair outcome looks like and trying to minimise unnecessary conflict along the way.
With offices in Lymington and Lyndhurst, the experienced and empathetic members of the 'Family' team at Scott Bailey LLP advise on divorce, separation, financial arrangements, children matters, cohabitation agreements, pre-nuptial agreements and more.
HOPING FOR AN AMICABLE DIVORCE - CLICK HERE!
Bath Road Recreation Ground Redevelopment Plan:
Have Your Say!
Perfect waterside venue for the fabulous and increasingly popular annual Lymington Seafood Festival which this year celebrated its 10th birthday; the iconic Bandstand a special place to stop, relax and enjoy wonderful concerts. Bath Road Park as it's affectionately known is a very special part of Lymington.
Notice was only received earlier this week that there would be an all-day drop in session on Wednesday about plans for its redevelopment - so too late for that! However the plans are also online, and we are now invited to have our say: https://newforest.govocal.com/en-GB/projects/lymington-bath-road/surveys.
The intention is to create a 'more accessible, welcoming and flexible community space' that 'better serves local people, supports community wellbeing and can be enjoyed for generations to come'.
Proposed improvements include a larger, enclosed playground with new accessible play equipment and picnic areas; wider, more accessible pathways linking the town, car park, marina and seafront; a performance space replacing the existing bandstand, suitable for events and recreation; and an improved biodiversity through new planting, trees, hedging and landscaping.
In considering the plans and our responses we should bear in mind that to be viable the Seafood Festival needs sufficient 'usable' space. You might also be interested to know that in a survey of local residents carried out recently they preferred to fix the pond rather than fill it in, keep the bandstand and improve but not expand the playground.
So now it's over to all of us to have our say - until 21 October.
Other News and Upcoming Events
I was sorry to miss Durlston School's inaugural Dog Show, even more so having heard what fun it was. Dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds were there (with eleven categories including Best Puppy, Best Veteran Dog, Best Rescue Dog and Best Young Handler there were plenty to choose from), visitors came from far and wide and £884 was raised for Oakhaven Hospice, too. All so successful that the plan is to do it again next year.
However, I have just signed up for Run Beaulieu 2026 on Sunday. Haven't run for ages but I'm sure I can manage 5k, in a lovely venue and in aid of such a good cause as the Countryside Education Trust! Options are 10k, 5k and even 3k - and the weather's looking perfect. Anyone else for a late decision? We can always walk!
(Having previously not known about the Beaulieu/Rod Stewart/Maggie May connection, I'm also looking forward to tomorrow's 'Paul Metcalf is Sir Rod Stewart' at Beaulieu Village Hall, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. I think the concert is now sold out, but the story on the hall's website is fun to read if you're interested!)
Helpful news from The Arches Physiotherapy: the team is launching an osteoporosis education and strength class. Following feedback from patients and identifying a need in the community, the aim will be to tackle the myths surrounding how to manage osteoporosis, provide tools to slow progression of this condition and potentially even reverse some of the changes. The plan is to hold a quarterly 1 hour education class on a Tuesday and weekly osteoporosis specific classes on Thursdays led by Physiotherapist Roz Heys-Limonard. Get in touch for details!
In other local news, Oakhaven Hospice has been presented with the 'Armed Forces Covenant Bronze Award': a promise that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces with its unique challenges, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect. Captain Mark Pedler RN and Commander Stephen Walton RN visited Oakhaven last Friday to present the award in person to trustees and members of the Oakhaven clinical team and Commander Walton said: “Oakhaven Hospice is clearly an extraordinary place, providing free care and support to so many families across the New Forest and beyond. We were honoured to visit, to see your exceptional facilities and learn more about the many ways you support the local community. May I wish you and the team all the best for the future.”
The emotional goodbye letter written in preparation for her death by long term New Forest resident, amazing and much loved Dame Esther Rantzen includes “If any of you would like to donate something to charity in my name as a celebration of what we have had together...the Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington has been wonderful to me."
That's rather special.
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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