Start of the Fastnet 2019 and finish for some

Local Lymington Rogers Contessa 32 in continuation of historic story from 1979

It seemed like a good proportion of Lymington folk with any means to be afloat last Sunday were on the Solent enjoying the hugely impressive spectacle of the Fastnet yachts reaching past Hurst Castle and out into Christchurch Bay on their way to that little rock which has been the subject and cause of so much past challenge, delight, tribulation and indeed tragedy.

You can watch a video of the amazing sight of the start and early stages of the race, and listen too to the history of this legendary race, by clicking this link to the official website.

More below including reflections back to 1979 when things were so different in so many ways...

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Records broken and amazing feats of endurance

Meanwhile this year's 32 metres long Ultrim trimarans hoped to complete the race in an unbelievable sounding 24 hours. 

And they nearly did it, not quite but still smashing the record and finishing in as spectacular a fashion as their start with Maxi Edmond de Rothschild pipping MACIF at the final post on the finish line at Plymouth.  Read more about the trimarans and their dramatic finish on the official Rolex Fastnet website here  

Anybody can go aground

However not everybody out on the water on Sunday will have spotted the ignominious sight of the magnificent full sailed Maxi shortly after passing Hurst suddenly coming to a grinding halt on one of those pesky shingle banks!

Apparently the skipper said the bank must have moved...because they were prepared... it was not marked.... hmmm! Would we who think we know our local waters have known better to beware?!

Maxi wasn't the only one either, as you can see here from this rearview!

Smallest boat, biggest message

At the other extreme of the fleet was the 1972 vintage Contessa 32 Assent from Lymington, sailed by members of the famous Rogers Lymington yacht design/boat building dynasty created by Jeremy Rogers: the crew his sons Kit and Simon together with their respective eldest children Jonah and Hattie.

Remembering 1979

Assent is this year not only the lowest rated boat across the entire 320 boat fleet racing under IRC for the Fastnet Challenge Trophy, but she was also the last boat home in the 1979 Fastnet which is being especially remembered this year as it is the 40th anniversary of that tragic race which cost 19 lives.

Willy Ker and Assent

Tiny Assent, skippered by Willy Ker and his son Alan, “was the one and only boat in Class Five during the 1979 race to finish out of 58 starters....Retired Major Ker was also renowned for taking Assent multiple times to the Arctic and Antarctic. For decades Ker held the unofficial record for having sailed the furthest north in a sailing boat. During his escapades he mapped much of the north of Greenland.”

You can read a really detailed account of the Assent story, including all about Willy Ker and 1979, and the current Rogers Family aboard in 2019, on the official Rolex Fastnet website   

You can also follow Assent’s progress on the Rogers family's own Facebook page  - latest at time of writing this is that they rounded the rock on Tuesday evening!  STOP PRESS FRIDAY MORNING THEY HAVE FINISHED!  Hoorah and congratulations!

Now the wind is building, the gales are on their way, weekend events are already being cancelled, our thoughts are with the little boats which have safely made their way home in relatively fair winds this week.

And a Steamship!

Those out waiting for the Fastnet yachts on Sunday also had the treat of watching the Steamship Shieldhall on her Solent jaunt between Southampton and the Needles. 

Shieldhall is the largest working steam ship in Britain. A member of the National Historic Fleet she serves as a sea going tribute to Britain's maritime heritage.

As a passenger you too can experience the golden age of steam by booking on an excursion or visiting her in Southampton. 

We found her website; we'll find out if they'd like to tell you more...

 

 

 

Selective Photo Gallery 

For those who haven’t been glued all week to the official and very comprehensive Rolex Fastnet website, for the record of a brilliant sight on the Solent we thought you might like to see a few more of our own amateur photos.  (Our team's Solent photographers:  Giles Lloyd Williams, Tracey Thompson, Jane Porter, Tanya Baddeley)

 

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Weekly What's On from Lymington.com

Every Friday we email our FREE Weekly What's On detailing detailing what's on in the New Forest and Lymington area, including many community events which are free of charge (or low charge).

Subscribe free of charge to receive the Weekly What's On from Lymington.com below. You can also follow us on Facebook (Lymington Hampshire), Twitter (@lymingtondotcom) and Instagram (@lymingtondotcom) 

In addition, our Events Calendar details what's on locally all year round - and there are new events added every day! Plus this summer take a look at our guide to What's On over the Summer Holidays...

Lymington Seafood Festival – all the information you need to plan your visit

Including the lowdown about how to get there, kitchen demonstrations, music and seafood

Lymington's fabulous Seafood Festival will be taking place on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August once again celebrating local culinary excellence, with 90 artisan producers, live music and some of the region’s top chefs in action. 

An estimated 12,000 people attended last August and, now well-established in its third year, the 2019 festival has a topical focus on sustainability and a fundraising drive for the RNLI.

An excellent day out, whatever the weather (as we found out last year, there are plenty of covered areas where you can shelter from showers in inclement weather) - here's the lowdown on how to get there, what's on when and planning your day. 

No need for tickets - free entry to the Lymington Seafood Festival!

Entry to the Lymington Seafood Festival is completely free of charge. Gates open 11am-8pm on Saturday and 11am-6pm Sunday.

Getting to the Lymington Seafood Festival: parking and other logistics

Parking is limited in Lymington so where possible think about how your car can be left at home for the day. 

Park and Stroll. Park all day for just £5 in the main festival car park at Woodside Park lower fields (Ridgeway Lane, Lymington SO41 8AA), from where there is a pleasant 15-20 minutes walk along All Saints Road and Stanley Road to Bath Road Park.  If you consider the walk as part of the day the time it takes won't be an issue!

Train and Stroll. The train from Brockenhurst to Lymington Town Station takes 8 mins and runs every 30 mins, with additional carriages laid on over the weekend. See Trainline for times. 

From Lymington Town Station it’s a pleasant 15-20 minute stroll, that takes in Lymington's famous cobbled Quay Street and Town Quay before heading along Bath Road to the park.  

Bus and Stroll. If you are traveling from Southampton, Ashurst or Lyndhurst, Blue Star run regular services (Number 6) through out the day, stopping at Gosport Street. If you’re heading in from Bournemouth, Christchurch or New Milton, More Bus run regular X1 and X2 services throughout the day, stopping at Gosport Street.

From Gosport Street it's a pleasant 15-20 minute stroll, that takes in Lymington's famous cobbled Quay Street and Town Quay before heading along Bath Road to the park.

Make even more of an adventure by arriving in Lymington on the open-top New Forest Tour Bus! Both Green (Beaulieu, Hythe, Brockenhurst) and Blue (New Milton, Holmsley) routes stop at Lymington High Street, with buses running throughout the day. Walk down the High Street to Quay Street and the Town Quay before heading along Bath Road to the park.

Planning your day – leading chefs in the demo kitchen!

The region’s leading chefs will be showing their skills in the demonstration kitchen. Led by The Jetty’s Alex Aitken, he’ll be joined by 2016 Masterchef winner Jane Devonshire and a number of top chefs throughout the weekend:

Saturday Demonstration Kitchen

11.00am Luke Mathews (Chewton Glen)

12.30pm Ian Gibbs (Gordleton Mill)

1.30pm Steve Hall (Noisy Lobster)

2.30pm Jane Devonshire (2016 Masterchef Winner)

4.00pm Davina Tibbets (Le Creuset)

Sunday Demonstration Kitchen

11.00am Steve Bulmer (Chewton Glen)

12.30pm Kerry Witt (Chocolates by Miss Witt)

1.30pm Matthew Whitfield (Montagu Arms)

2.30pm Marc Wilkinson (Lakaz Maman)

Planning your day - toe tapping music throughout the weekend!

The soundtrack to the weekend will include soul, blues, rag-time, pop and rock performers live on the New Forest Cottages Music Stage. The final line up of top local musicianshas now been announced as follows:

Saturday Live Music

11.00am Emma Hardy

12.00pm Royal T's Trio (Kev Jackson)

2.00pm Dorsal Fin

4.00pm Zac and the Zeros

6.00pm Tom & Clementynes

Sunday Live Music

11.00am FB Pocket

12.30pm Carley Varley

2.00pm Café Mondial

3.30pm Emma Hardy

Food and drink at the Festival

With around 90 stands nestled into Bath Road Park, you'll be spoilt for choice.  Definitely don't worry about bringing a picnic as your taste buds will be thoroughly stimulated by the fabulous seafood choice on offer - in our experience, your only issue will be choosing between the many delicious offerings!  

Festival menus will include the divine and ever popular crab mac'n'cheese, 'finger-licking' giant garlic buttered prawns, oysters prepared in a variety of ways, salt and pepper calamari, mussels, hot smoked salmon, paella, Asian style dumplings, sushi, sashimi and poke bowls. And of course the classic British fish'n'chips! 

And that's just a taste of what is on offer! Prices we think are very reasonable and will enable most people to sample more than one delectable delight as you wander, stop to chat and listen to the music. So definitely bring an appetite!

For those with a sweet tooth, hunt out the freshly cooked churros with chocolate sauce, vegan brownies and the 'to die for'mojito and pina colada iced lollies!

And to drink? Ringwood Brewery has created a special festival ale named Shoreline - perfect for supping on the banks of the Lymington River! Also enjoy award-winning English sparkling wine from Exton Park Vineyard based in Hampshire’s South Downs National Park, just outside Winchester. We'll be seeking out the Dorest Dry Gin from Bournemouth-based Conker Spirit - and will be intruiged to sample the RNLI Navy Strength Gin, which is distilled in honour of the RNLI.

Lymington RNLI, this year's event charity

This year the Lymington Seafood Festival is supporting the Lymington Lifeboat. A vital part of our coastal community, our local volunteer Lifeboat crews provide a 24 hour rescue service. RNLI crews have saved over 140,000 lives since they started in 1824 - and they are much more than a rescue service.

The RNLI works hard to influence, supervise and educate people through Community Safety teams, who provide critical water safety information in our Lymington coastal waters. It costs around £100,000 to run the Lymington station, and some of the Festival businesses have given generosity a fantastic range of raffle prizes. Given the Seafood Festival is free to enter, do make sure you dig a bit deeper in your pocket to donate to the RNLI and help change someone’s life.

Stop and chat with local businesses 

Do stop and chat with some of the local businesses which are both supporting and exhibiting at the Festival. You'll have the opportunity for example to learn about the work of Lymington Harbour and their plans for Lymington Town Quay and to meet the highly regarded New Forest Cottages team whose fantastic portfolio of self catering properties across the Forest is all locally managed - good to know about not only if you are thinking about letting your own property but also for visitors and guests.

Also interesting pop along to see the FlexiSail team, Lymington-based boat share membership business, and find out how you can own your own yacht, without having to buy one (they have some great festival offers!) Those who already own a boat might be interested to chat to Lymington-based Beds on Board about how you can earn money from your boat. And if you're looking to do something a bit different, take a look at all the fabulous places around the world where you can now stay on a Beds on Board boat! 

Where to stay

If you're visiting the Festival from further afield, take a look at our comprehensive Accommodation Directory - whether you're seeking a charming self catering cottage, local pub with rooms or bed and breakfast, find it here! From luxury hotels to campsites, we have loads of great places to stay in Lymington and the New Forest - including Beds on Board, staying in the marina on a boat!

Our personal top tips for seeing as much as possible and having a great day out

The Lymington Seafood Festival is a wonderfully mellow event. Bring along your picnic rug and/or camping chairs and relax with friends and family, listening to the excellent live music on the bank of the Lymington River. Tempt your tastebuds with the multitude of delicacies on offer and treat yourself to some top notch local drinks.

Definitely make time to visit the Demo Kitchen, where you're bound to pick up some useful tips from some of the regions top chefs! And it'll definitely be interesting to chat to the local businesses who have supported the show, it's often easy to miss the wealth of great opportunities and enterprise on our doorstep!

Families with younger children will love the playground at Bath Road Park, adjacent to the festival (our sons always enjoyed this playground when younger, especially watching the ferry and yachts going past from the climbing frame!)

In addition, the Seafood Festival is just a stone's throw from the Lymington Sea Water Baths, our lifeguarded open-air lido. With the Seafood Festival being a free event, it is really easy to combine your day between both - activity on the inflatibles at the Sea Water Baths followed by relaxing with excellent food and drink at the Festival just down the road (or better still, families with older children could pop them into the Sea Water Baths and then chill out and 'wait' for them at the Seafood Festival! (NB: Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult at the Sea Water Baths). 

On Saturday it is Lymington's famous Charter Market, those who have not experienced our historic market which dates back to the 1250s really should have a wander on their way to the Seafood Festival! 

Another excellent walk that could be combined with the Seafood Festival is the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that takes in our incredibly picturesque coastline, mudflats and salt marshes, which in centuries gone by were Lymington's thriving salt industry!

It just remains to say that we hope you all enjoy the Lymington Seafood Festival - it's a great day out!

July 2019

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To keep up to date with everything else happening in Lymington and the New Forest this summer do sign up for our FREE Weekly What's On newsletter, emailed every Friday.  

 

Sale of fabulous holiday homes at wonderful locations in the New Forest

Shorefield Holidays near Lymington is offering up to £10,000 discount plus moving in pack worth £2,500  

Promotional article for Shorefield Holidays

"Shorefield Holidays have been providing holiday home ownership for over sixty years and we now offer a wonderful selection of seven New Forest and South Coast Parks with holiday home ownership options for you to choose from. Each of our parks offers something different and if the prospect of owning your own holiday home appeals to you then now is a great time to see what Shorefield Holidays has to offer.

We’ve just launched our Summer Sale and we’re offering up to £10,000 discount on your dream holiday home! Plus, anyone who purchases a holiday home between now and 31^st August will receive a free ‘moving in pack’ worth up to £2,500.

Summer really is our favourite time of year on the parks and it is the ideal time to find your perfect holiday home and enjoy this great weather, longer evenings and stunning facilities on our parks. With prices starting at just £27,995 for a pre-owned holiday home and £42,995 for something brand new we’ve something for every taste and budget.

A great starting point is figuring out which of our parks will be best suited for you. Please take a look at our ownership locations page which will give you the information you need about each of our parks and how they cater for a variety of tastes and needs.

• Save up to £10,000 on your dream holiday home
• Receive a FREE ‘moving in pack’ worth up to £2,500
• Choice of plots available across seven landscaped ownership parks
• All holiday homes include your 2019 site fees and rates
• Several finance & funding options available
• Excellent letting potential
• Access to exclusive leisure facilities and events
• A family business you can trust
• Discover our 2019 range from the leading UK manufacturers

If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment to view any of our parks or holiday homes please make an enquiry here

The New Forest Show – all the information you need to plan your visit

Focusing on all the lowdown about how to get there, what’s on when, and planning your day

The wonderful three day celebration of equestrian excellence, country pursuits, farming, food and family fun which is the annual New Forest and Hampshire County Show is almost upon us, everybody will be wondering what the weather’s going to be which will determine a number of decisions including footwear. First Top Tip – even if it’s not wellie weather protect your toes! 

Buying New Forest Show tickets

Although the early bird deadline has already passed you can still buy tickets online at a reduced price and there’s no admin charge for online purchases so we suggest it’s a good idea, see ticket details and sales here. Well worth buying online in advance if you're planning to travel by train - see below!

Getting to the New Forest Show, parking and other logistics

For all the lowdown about getting to the Show this year, parking and other logistics there is a dedicated page on the New Forest Show website: click here: "Getting Here"  

The Show organisers work hard to minimise queuing for as many visitors as possible and at the same time to disrupt local traffic as little as possible too. They’re constantly calculating traffic loads and flows and as a result tweaking routes from different directions. Non-show-bound locals should when necessary take suitable alternative routes (which we should all know!)

If you’ve bought an advanced ticket or are a Member you can travel free on the Shuttle Bus between Brockenhurst Station and the Showground.

Food and drink at the Show

Taking some food and drink with you will save money of course, but there will be a fantastic array of delicious food to tempt you as you wander – not only the food stands conveniently close to the tables and benches where you can rest your weary feet, but also Hampshire’s finest producers including the artisan food producing New Forest Marque members in the Local Produce Market - and the 51 stands from around the world in the Food Hall! 

Naturally you'll be able to refill water bottles at various locations.

Planning your day – what’s on when

If you want to get the most out of your day with a plan, you might find it useful now to take a look at the timetable of what’s on each day including the main show rings. 

Download a map of the showground to help with your planning

You can also download a free showground map from the Show website.

Main arenas: heavy horses, top class show jumping, meet the hounds and tractor tug of war (to name a few!)

For us, the highlight is always watching the majestic pairs of gleaming heavy horses, their sparkling harnesses jingling, in partnership with their immaculately turned out drivers brilliantly performing their perfectly synchronised Heavy Horse Musical Drive – such a special mix of sight and sounds to behold, there isn’t an adjective to do it justice, suffice to say it regularly prompts tears of emotion and is almost guaranteed to delight all ages.

Also not to be missed are the livestock parades and the top class show jumping, and great for the children is the opportunity to literally “meet the hounds”, and this year the tractor tug of war too.

Family entertainment at the Show

See more below in our top tips but as well as the usual (and very popular!) Family Fun Area and Discovery Zone, there are a couple of new entertainments this year including a canine arena with dog agility racing - own dogs welcome to take part but bear in mind it’s a long day out for a hot dog!

Our personal top tips for seeing as much as possible and having a great day out

It’s a big show, it would be easy to miss something you want to see unless you have a bit of a plan.

Ours is to have a good wander in the morning and try and cover as much of the Show as possible  - including a walk through the livestock area early on when all the classes are taking place, and for families (and some adults!) a visit to the show farm where there’s the opportunity to hold chicks and stroke rabbits!

For both families and child-free a walk through the shady Forestry Commission corner is a very special experience.

Then in the afternoon we like to allow some time to just sit, watch and enjoy what’s going on in the main arenas.  We love the show jumping in which top national horses and riders compete along with the aspiring, and the action packed pony club mounted games. Whichever day of the Show you attend don't miss the heavy horses musical drive!

For those so inclined there are lots of opportunities to “get involved” (e.g. baking, cooking workshops...) Meanwhile the flowers are fabulous (especially the Fairweather’s Agapanthus displays), the enormous vegetables astonishing.

Later on a visit to the countryside area affords a chance to watch demonstrations and displays you'd wouldn't normally get a chance to see: not just gundogs and terriers but falcons and ferrets too, and a wander through the craft tents often introduces locals and visitors alike to something new, incredibly creative and desirable which one would never otherwise have discovered.

It just remains to say that we hope you all enjoy your day at the New Forest Show, however you decide to spend it!

July 2019

To keep up to date with everything else happening in Lymington and the New Forest this summer do sign up for our FREE Weekly What's On newsletter, emailed every Friday.  

 

Health and Fitness special offers at Shorefield Country Park this June

Fabulous fitness facilities a stone's throw from Lymington, the perfect place to get fit and unwind!  

Shorefield Country Park has been offering health & fitness memberships to the local community since 1990. Members can use any of their fantastic facilities whenever it suits them, including a state-of-the-art gym featuring Matrix resistance machines, free weights and cardiovascular equipment. There’s also an indoor pool with sauna, steam room and hot tub - perfect for some post-workout relaxation or to relieve aching muscles. If you’re looking for something a little different, there’s a variety of other ways to get active with Shorefield, such as a floodlit, all-weather five a side football and tennis court, fitness classes and a seasonal outdoor pool, open from the end of May until September.

Fantastic June special offer!

Shorefield Holidays currently have a fantastic offer until the end of June for all new members - Get two months free when you sign up to the Health & Fitness Club at Shorefield Country Park, based in Milford on Sea. Just quote the code ‘C2GF’ and you’ll receive November & December’s membership for free! With membership options from just £33.75, there's so much more to keeping fit with Shorefield than you might expect.

Members get free month when friend takes up membership!

Already a member? Shorefield Holidays have a great offer for you too - refer a friend and you’ll receive one month’s free membership. Your introduced friend just needs to take up full membership for a minimum of three months and then you’ll get a month free as a thank you for the referral.

Flexible health & leisure membership with lots of benefits

In addition to use of the facilities on site, members also receive the following benefits as part of their membership:

• An hour's FREE personal training each week
• Free access to fitness classes
• Discounts at Reflections Day Spa
• Discounts in our bars and restaurants
• Discounts on activities across all parks
• Discounts to selected local attractions
• Access to The Showbar and entertainment
• Pay monthly or annually

Perry Emery, Fitness Club Supervisor at Shorefield Country Park, said “We would love to show you around our health & fitness club, so you can see the huge number of benefits to becoming a member for yourself. We offer several flexible membership options to suit you, meaning that you’ll have everything you need to get your fitness regime underway.”

Contact the health & fitness team at Shorefield Country Park today on 01590 648335 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and a member of the team will get back to you.

Find out more about Shorefield Holidays here

On your bike! Care home residents get up close with nature

Colten residents are quite literally getting on their bikes to enjoy the beauty of the New Forest.

Colten Care has joined forces with PedALL which provides cycling sessions for people who face a barrier, such as lack of mobility, to accessing the New Forest off-road cycle network.

Up to 200 residents at Colten Care homes in Brockenhurst, Mudeford, Lymington, New Milton and Salisbury will be savouring nature at first hand from the comfort of their specially adapted bikes during the summer. So far residents at Colten Care’s Linden House and Court Lodge homes in Lymington have enjoyed the cycling sessions with organisers describing the feedback as “absolutely fantastic.”

Ben Benson-Breen, Senior Companionship Team Leader, said: “For some of our residents, it’s the first time they have been back in the saddle for many decades.

“The reaction has ranged from ‘I never thought I would do this again’ to ‘I can feel all my anxiety blowing out of the window.’

“The volunteers at PedALL, as well as our own companionship team, are brilliant in not just accompanying our residents but doing the hard physical work of pedalling the bikes.

“We have lots more rides booked over the summer and are also running a study to discover the impact on our residents, ranging from changes in self-confidence and communication to social interaction and mood.”

One of the latest rides involved seven residents from Court Lodge who enjoyed a 30 minute ride in the New Forest from PedALL’s Burley base. The route followed paths allowing close-up contact with everything from flowering heathers to New Forest ponies. The length of the bike rides ranged from one to three miles. 

Graham Burley, 86, who was accompanied by his daughter, Sue, said: “It’s been enormous fun and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Gareth Jones, PedALL’s Inclusive Cycle Ride Leader, added: “You really do get close to nature on these rides and the reaction from those taking part is always positive. It’s hard work doing the pedalling but very rewarding.”

   

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Find out more about Colten Care's New Forest homes

Family owned Colten Care has 21 quality care homes across Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex and Wiltshire, including six residential nursing and care homes in the local area, including three in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House. There are also homes in Brockenhurst (Woodpecker's), New Milton (Kingfisher's) and Mudeford (Avon Reach). Click on the links to find out more about each home...

    

    

 

Shorefield Holidays are recruiting for lots of different jobs across the business

Build your career with Shorefield Holidays and the recently launched Doctor Pollock Acadamy

Shorefield Holidays is one of the leading holiday park operators in the New Forest, with its head office based at Shorefield Country Park just outside Milford-on-Sea. It has always been family owned and operated and the third generation of the family now works in the business.

Shorefield Holidays, which runs eight holiday parks, employs 213 permanent staff and contributes more than £27m every year to the local economy.

Simon Pollock, managing director of Shorefield Holidays, said: “We are proud of our staff training and development programmes, and especially of our team, many of whom come from the local area. We are an Investor in People and especially want to foster local talent.

“Having been a family business since 1958, we have a strong teamwork culture that encourages and supports hard work and success and are looking for people who want to work in this kind of environment.”

The Doctor Pollock Academy

The company recently launched The Doctor Pollock Academy named after the founder of the business – a venture to identify and develop future managers of the business through placements with other organisations, certified training for professional qualifications and in-house training.

In recent years Shorefield has seen significant growth across its parks, both for holidays and holiday home ownership.

Whatever stage you’re currently at in your career if you are looking for a change then the team at Shorefield Holidays would love to hear from you. There are some great benefits for all staff including: free health & fitness club membership, birthday holiday, pension scheme to name but a few.

Shorefield Holidays are currently recruiting for a range of jobs across all areas of the business, including: Receptionists, Bar & Waiting Staff, Virtual Reality Operator, Housekeeping Manager, Sales Advisors, Cleaners, Cleaner Team Leaders, Beauty Therapists, Shop Assistants, Maintenance Assistants and more!

For more details of roles currently available along with information about how to apply please visit the Shorefield Holidays careers page. 

 

Find out more about Shorefield Holidays

 

Lymington's Golf Centre and Adventure Golf open to all

Nine hole golf course open to non members and new miniature adventure course for children and adults

Does everybody know about this fabulous and friendly golf facility on the edge of Lymington? Whether you're local or visiting the area, Lymington Golf Centre and New Forest Adventure Golf offer the perfect day out. 

Lymington Golf Centre consists of a 9 hole golf course with fabulous views of the Solent and beyond, which is open to non members on a pay and play basis at very reasonable rates. In 2018 the adventure golf course opened, offering a fun way for all ages to spend time with friends in this lovely spot with Solent views. 

New for 2019 - PGA professional joins as club coach

Brand new for 2019, popular local boy now fully qualified PGA professional Matt Vineer has joined Lymington Golf Centre as the club's new coach, offering coaching for adults and children, beginners and improvers alike.

Matt  grew up locally and has a most impressive pedigree. He is now offering a range of coaching at the Centre from individual, group and course playing lessons, for everybody from complete novices to elite players - read more about Matt here.

Welcoming, friendly atmosphere

There’s a welcoming, friendly, easy going atmosphere at this unique golf centre on the edge of Lymington in its beautiful location up on the southern side of Walhampton Hill, with far reaching views across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight.

New in 2018 - New Forest Adventure Golf

Since opening in 2018, New Forest Adventure Golf has proved increasingly popular with adults as well as the children for whom it was originally designed!

The Adventure Golf course is an exciting new concept in mini golf, a beautifully landscaped 18 hole miniature golf course designed by golf course architects and created by a professional golf course builder. Although built with children in mind, it's also fun and challenging for adults and is becoming increasingly popular for birthday and similar friends "gatherings".

The course is a high spec 18 hole "Adventure". It's also a "discovery" of the New Forest itself, with each hole named after a town or village in the New Forest area, plus a brilliant and unique working Isle of Wight ferry to move you from hole to hole across the "Solent." There are shallow "rivers" to make things exciting for the over eager putters (usually reachable with the golf club, although we found a 9 year old in waterproof shoes rather useful!) and the score card includes New Forest animals and birds for you to spot on your way around the course.

Between the 9th and 10th hole, we highly recommend a pitstop at the kiosk, which serves drinks, snacks and (importantly for young adventure golfers) ice cream. This also gives you the opportunity to watch others giggling their way around the course!

"New Forest Adventure Golf is a brilliant way to spend time with your family or friends - in any weather. And the strawberries are delicious too." - Harry (aged 10)

Pick your own fruit too in the summer months

In summer months it’s even better news – this is also the site of the infamous Goodall's Pick-Your-Own Fruit Farm including the tastiest strawberries you’ll find in Britain! What better to do after a round of golf or adventure golf than pick your own delicious berries (or buy some that have been freshly picked for you) and relax with a delicious cream tea on vintage crockery in the summertime 'tea garden' - utter bliss!

The whole enterprise is the creation over many years of the Goodall family who have long been farmers of the fertile land in this lovely spot.

 

Read more about Lymington Golf Centre and New Forest Adventure Golf here.

Read more about Goodalls Strawberry Farm and Pick Your Own here

Find out how your business could be promoted like this on the Lymington.com Channel

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Coastal Comedy in Lymington, with TV headliner Adam Bloom

3 hilarious comedians at the Lymington Centre on 22 September, with Piddle Beer too!

Adam Bloom was 18 months old when his parents nicknamed him The Voice, and when he was 10, he told them he was going to be a comedian. By the age of 23, he was. Adam has appeared on various stand-up and panel shows on TV, and has recorded three series of his own Radio 4 show, The Problem with Adam Bloom.

Ricky Gervais says: Adam Bloom has been one of his favourite comedians for ten years: ‘…Bloom not only has meticulous, brilliant lines, but also an intense and fragile honesty.’

The Independent describes him as being ‘…in the premier league of comedy,’ and The List says: ‘Bloom is perhaps the perfect comedian.’

He’s also a Time Out Award winner for best stand-up and has been hired to write for numerous TV and radio shows.

As seen on:

• Never Mind The Buzzcocks (BBC2)
• Mock The Week (BBC2)
• Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC2)

3 great acts plus host, including Leo Kearse and Linda Larkin

Opening the show is the hilarious lanky scot Leo Kearse – Scottish Comedian of the Year Award winner! Leo is part of the new wave of raw, bold, American-inspired comedians taking the big UK clubs by storm. He works for all the major comedy clubs.

"A giant of the art"Chortle
"Kearse is seriously good. Quick, funny, smart and to the point...hilarious" The Scotsman

Also appearing on the night is the sensational Linda Larkin:  Funny’s Funny Female Comedian of the Year 2012; and runner-up in the NATY New Act Of The Year competition in 2013, and third placed in the Leicester Square Old Comedian Of The Year competition in 2015,

‘Excellent. Her punchlines were as hilariously off-kilter as they were well-devised’

Proper beer to accompany the comedy with sponsor Piddle Brewery 

To top this all off the show is sponsored by Piddle Brewery! You can purchase their delicious beer on the night! What could be better? With a name like Piddle, you’d think they don’t take anything seriously. But, they do….brewing.

The night is hosted as always by Adrienne Coles.

Advance tickets just £15: http://www.wegottickets.com/event/430369

See also events calendar

Just £15 for advance tickets available in person from the venue or online at Wegottickets.

Venue: The Lymington Centre, New Street, Lymington, SO41 9BQ

Show starts at 8:30pm ends 23:00

First falconer in centuries appointed for new Beaulieu exhibition

Official Falconer will give falconry demonstrations this half term as part of Beaulieu's Spies and Solders activities.

Lord Montagu has rekindled Beaulieu's ancient association with the art of falconry by appointing the first official falconer in three centuries.

The history of falconry at Beaulieu can be traced as far back as the 11th century and Paul Manning is believed to be the first falconer endorsed by the Montagu family for over 300 years.

Paul will be based in Abbot’s Mews in the grounds of 13th century Beaulieu Abbey. The former ticket kiosk at the old gateway to Beaulieu will become a classroom for falconry tuition and activities, as well as an exhibition for attraction visitors to learn more about kings, queens and nobleman who practiced falconry.

Paul will give falconry demonstrations at Beaulieu as part of Spies and Soldiers themed half-term activities from May 26th - June 3rd, telling visitors about the role of falconry in World War II and how it helped to prevent enemy spy messages from being delivered.

Paul said: “It is a real honour to be Lord Montagu’s falconer, particularly with Beaulieu’s rich history of falconry. The wonderful thing about falconry is that it is truly living history, as what I do is exactly the same as 700 years ago. Nothing has changed, from the birds to the skills or equipment.

“I’m really pleased with the Abbot’s Mews exhibition and it is a wonderful base for the falconry school. UNESCO has classed falconry as an example of intangible cultural heritage, as it was traditionally practiced all over the world by many different cultures. However, today it is seen as quintessentially British and has been enjoyed by some of the most powerful people in Britain, including King John, King Henry VIII and King James I.”

Visitors to Abbot’s Mews can discover the full story of falconry at Beaulieu and its royal patronage, which has been researched by Paul. He has been delighting visitors with the sight of his magnificent birds of prey in flight as part of Beaulieu’s Living History for 10 years.

Paul also offers introductions to falconry, corporate events and photography days on a bespoke basis.

The new Abbot’s Mews exhibition and May half-term activities are included in a general admission ticket to Beaulieu, which also includes entry to the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, the Montagu ancestral home of Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey and the stunning grounds and gardens. Tickets can be bought in advance online. For tickets or details see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

Find out more about Beaulieu here.

Book now to visit the Hod Rod and Custom Drive-In Day at Beaulieu on Father's Day 17th June.

Falconry at Beaulieu Fact File:

The earliest evidence of hunting with trained birds is from 4,500 years ago in Anatolia (modern Syria), while falconers of the New Forest were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. 

Birds of prey were powerful status symbols, with Lord Montagu’s ancestors choosing different winged creatures for their shield crests. Drogo De Monte-Acuto (born c.1040), comrade of William Duke of Normandy, bore a griffin on his shield during the 1066 invasion of Britain, while Ralph de Monthermer (1270-1325) chose an eagle for his shield.
Montagu ancestor John Writhe, father of Beaulieu’s first owner Thomas Wriothesley, was granted the right to bear the white gyrfalcon on his family coat of arms in recognition of his service as Falcon Herald and first Garter Principal King of the College of Arms.

King John (1167-1216) was a passionate falconer and he founded Beaulieu Abbey in 1204, in the heart of his royal hunting ground. Equally enthusiastic about the sport was King Henry VIII (1491-1547); his dissolution of the monasteries in 1538 saw the end of Beaulieu Abbey.

Various Abbots of Beaulieu Abbey were almost certainly practicing falconers, such as Acius of Gisors, who would have acquired extensive falconry knowledge when sent on missions to Germany and Rome by King Henry III (1207-1272).

As well as being an invaluable hunting aid, birds of prey reflected social rank. The highly-prized gyrfalcon was the preserve of kings only, with the peregrine falcon reserved for princes and dukes, the saker falcon for knights, female sparrow hawk for priests and the kestrel for knave servants or children.

Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton (1573-1624) was the only known patron of William Shakespeare. The bard’s poems dedicated to the Earl, Venus and Adonis (1593) and The Rape of Lucrece (1594) demonstrated a detailed knowledge of falconry.

The reign of King James I (1566-1625) was a high point for the popularity of falconry, the king describing it as a ‘great stirrer-up of passions’. Hunting with birds of prey was a key part of his nine visits to Beaulieu over the years.

Although falconry almost died out in Britain following the introduction of firearms, a revival was led in the 19th century by the Hon. Gerald Lascelles (1849-1928). Deputy Surveyor of the New Forest and 2nd cousin and friend of John, 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, Lascelles was the secretary of the Old Hawking Club, which was based in nearby Lyndhurst from 1880 to 1914. It is highly likely that Lascelles and John, Lord Montagu practiced falconry on the Beaulieu Estate.

Paul’s new Abbot’s Mews base within the walls of Beaulieu Abbey may look medieval but is in fact the 20th century admissions ticket kiosk for visitors. After being replaced in the 1950s, Abbot’s Mews was later used for storage but has now found a new lease of life.