Novice Lymington fencers shine at 2015 Lashmars Invitation Cup 

Lymington and Sway Fencing Club hosted the second annual Lashmars Invitation Cup on 3 May at Walhampton School.

The competition, sponsored by Lashmars Tax Accountants in Lymington, was a huge success, giving novice fencers, new referees and trainee coaches the opportunity to take part in a fun and friendly environment.

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The Inaugural New Forest Business Expo:  

10am-4pm, Wednesday 3 June 2015, Berthon Boatyard, Lymington

New Forest Business Expo – 70 businesses registered to showcase in Lymington on 3 June

New Forest Business Expo stands have now sold out with over 70 businesses now signed up to exhibit at the first ever Business Expo in the New Forest! Visitors will be able to speak to businesses from all sectors of the local economy including 5 star hotels , marine, financial, leisure, electrical, marketing, retail, digital, energy, networking groups and business organisations.

The Expo takes place in Lymington at world class boat building and refitting yard Berthon, in a waterside location which is rarely open to the public.

Local entrepreneurs, business owners, company buyers and members of the public are all invited to make the most of this opportunity to view, question and connect with a wide variety of New Forest businesses which do not have a “shop front”.

Register now to attend the Expo free: www.brandnewforest.com/new-forest-business-expo-2015/

A pre-event networking breakfast will be held at Fine Food 4 Sail, the on-site restaurant, from 8.30am – 10.00am, when the Expo itself opens. Berthon is also offering a unique opportunity for free tours of their working boatyard during the exhibition – these will take place at 12 and 2pm and must be pre-booked.

To register to attend the Expo, and book a tour, please visit: www.brandnewforest.com/new-forest-business-expo-2015/

You can also follow the Expo on Twitter @NForestBizExpo

Celebrating, connecting & promoting local business

Notes about the Expo

• Lymington has been selected to host the Expo because of its status as 2015 Brand New Forest Town of the Year
• It’s a great connecting and networking opportunity too whilst touring the exhibition
• Visitors can also sign up to take part in a guided tour of the working Boat Yard at Berthon – this must be pre-booked
• Exhibition entry and the guided tour are both FREE
• Food and drink will be available at Fine Food 4 Sail, including breakfast, snacks, and a £10 Expo BBQ Lunch
• Visitors are also welcome to join an informal networking breakfast at Fine Food 4 Sail at 8.30am before the Expo opens.

www.brandnewforest.com/new-forest-business-expo-2015/

Follow the Expo on Twitter @NForestBizExpo

Tours of Berthon Boat Yard at 12pm and 2pm

Berthon, our hosts, has kindly offered to give visitors to the Expo the chance to tour their boatyard premises & facilities. This is a unique opportunity not to be missed. There are two tours, one at 12.00 noon and one at 2.00pm lasting approximately half an hour each. If you would like to see first-hand the diverse array of vessels being worked on by the 100 strong skilled workforce and apprentices, including RNLI Shannon Class Lifeboats and the restoration of a 1925 Berthon built West Solent One design, then please click here to book your placeas soon as possible as places are limited.

Business Networking Breakfast 8.30 am at Fine Food 4 Sail

There will be an informal networking breakfast on the morning of the Expo from 8.30am – 10.00am for businesses and individuals to come and meet up and meet new people. This will be held at Fine Food 4 Sail, a café located on the boatyard premises. Choose from a Boatmans (full English) or Smoked salmon & scrambled eggs – both at special Expo price of £8. No need to book, just turn up and mingle!

TWITTER @NForestBizExpo

Please follow our New Forest Business Expo Twitter page @NForestBizExpo

And please TWEET to your own customers and colleagues, to help us make this first ever New Forest Business Expo a success!

Organisation and Support

Organising partners of the event are Brand New Forest, New Forest Business Partnership, TheBestOf New Forest, Lymington Retail Group, Lymington.com, and Escape Yachting.  The Expo is supported by New Forest District Council and Hampshire County Council.  

Residents at Forest Oaks Care Home, Brockenhurst benefit from regular chair seated yoga classes.  They become more flexible, increasing core strength, cognitive awareness and improved blood pressure.  Evidence suggests that starting yoga as a preventative regime will keep individuals fitter for longer.  To read full article simply click here.

The Background to Dementia Awareness Week 2015

Alzheimer’s Society flagship awareness raising campaign, begins again on Sunday 17th May-Saturday 23rd May 2015.

The theme is ‘Life doesn’t end when dementia begins’ and the campaign is designed to help people understand how they can hold on to their lives and the things they love for longer as well as helping local communities feel better prepared to manage dementia.

 
As the population ages we all face the risk of one day developing dementia or being affected by it in some way. It is however possible to live well with this disease, and those who have been affected by dementia have said that the most important thing is to be met with awareness and understanding.

In the New Forest there are 3,600 (2012) people living with dementia, this number is set to rise to 4,400, by 2020 new cases in the New Forest will increase by 43.2%

The Alzheimer’s Society is working closely with local dementia action groups, who are co-ordinating local businesses and organisations around local residents affected by dementia. Events such as those set out over these pages are generally co-ordinated and managed by local volunteers who can help signpost local services and promote local events.

Jane Rowlatt, Dementia Support Manager for Alzheimers Society said:

‘Dementia has replaced cancer as the health condition people fear most. It is therefore no surprise that many people feel confused or even ashamed to talk about it. We all bury our heads in the sand from time to time but it is important to seek help. The sooner you know what you’re dealing with, the sooner you can get on with your life and feel in control again. Dementia Awareness Week is a great opportunity to find out more about how Alzheimer's Society can help you.’

Another key message being promoted across Hampshire is that you must not ignore dementia if you are worried in any way. Visiting your GP, discussing your concerns and getting a diagnosis is a positive step. First of all, it allows you to take control of the situation rather than letting it control you. And it unlocks the door to legal, social and practical support, which will help you and your loved ones to live well, for longer.

The good news is, there are people to help you with every aspect of coping with dementia. You don’t need to feel alone; there is support and help on hand.

Tim Wookey, Chairman of the Lymington Dementia Action Group says, ‘In the New Forest area, more and more local dementia action groups are springing up, to help their communities live better with dementia. This seems to be because people who have been affected by the disease are keen to help others and also because local groups are gathering tremendous support from the West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group and their GPs, District, Town and County Councils and local businesses. It’s all very encouraging’

What is happening this Dementia Awareness Week?

A team of Staff and Volunteers from Alzheimer’s Society and various local dementia action groups including Milford on Sea, Ringwood and Bransgore and Lymington Dementia Action Group will be working together throughout South Hampshire to make Dementia Awareness Week really count. We are organising events to raise awareness throughout the week. 

Click this link for detaiils of what's happening during the week

Events and Activities Dementia Awareness Week Lymington 2015

How WE can help – Through our Dementia Advice Service

We are a consistent point of contact and support from when you first receive a diagnosis and throughout your journey living with dementia.

WE will
• Listen to you and answer your questions.
• Help you to identify what information you need and how to find it.
• Provide you with tailored information to help you live your life to the full.
• Help you to access the services you need.
• Support you to plan for the future.
• Guide you to our Dementia Support Workers who are professional, fully trained and experienced staff offering individualised one to one information and support.
• Signpost you to Support Groups, Activity Groups, Music Groups, Art Groups, Remembering Sport and Dementia Cafes.
Contact Vicky Growcott Dementia Adviser on 01590 644679 0r This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

How YOU can help -
• By becoming a Dementia Friend.
The Dementia Friends initiative led by Alzheimer’s Society is about giving more people an understanding of dementia and the small things that could make a difference to people living in their community. Anyone can become a Dementia Friend by attending an information session. To find out more visit www.dementiafriends.org.uk or contact your local dementia action group
• By Volunteering – together we can achieve great things for people living with dementia. Most dementia action groups are looking for more people to help in a variety of ways
• By becoming a Befriender –
People with dementia can sometimes feel lonely and isolated. The Befriending Scheme puts people living with dementia in touch with trained volunteers.

DEMENTIA AWARENESS WEEK IN FULL FORCE IN LYMINGTON! 17-23 May 2015

It’s Dementia Awareness Week next week, as Lymington Dementia Action Group continues to reach out to people affected by dementia  and seeks to make Lymington one of the most Dementia Friendly communities in the South of England.

Tim Wookey of the Lymington Dementia Action Group hands over Lymington’s first Dementia Information point to Jackie Coup of the Lymington Community Centre.  This is one of ten information points that will be sited in Lymington and will be packed with dementia information relevant to Lymington people.  Six other sites for these Information Points have been confirmed to date including Waitrose, The Coates Centre at Oakhaven, Webb-Peploe Surgery, Chawton House Surgery and Lymington Hospital.  The points have been funded by some of the hosting organisations as well as the Lymington and Pennington Town Council and BBC Radio Solent’s Community Chest.

On Sunday 17 May there will be an information stand at the Milford Fun Day from 11 am till 2pm. The stand will provide information about Dementia and the support services available. If you have an interest in finding out more about dementia or you are a full time carer for someone living with dementia, please come and meet the volunteers of LDAG.

Especially via the ongoing Dementia Friends Information sessions held regularly at Linden House and with extra sessions taking place during Dementia Awareness Week at various locations and times, we seek to help an increasing number of individuals and businesses to become more aware of and sensitive to the needs of people with dementia and their carers.

http://lymington.com/dementia-friendly-events/dementia-friends-information-sessions

FREE – Giant Lymington Tea Dance!

Saturday 23 May  2-4pm at the Community Centre (Fuller McLellan Hall)

Dance to the sounds of live music provided by the Blue Tides Band.

Bring elderly family, friends and neighbours to this free event.

Traditional afternoon tea and cakes will be  served on traditional china whilst listening to the music.

Marvellous cakes!  Baked freshly by expert chefs at Colten Care, with

gluten free and diabetic options available.

Supported by Colten Care, The Lions Group, the Alzheimers’ Society, Hampshire County Council, Lymington Town Council and Bluebird Care.

The event is free of charge but donations are welcome.

Whilst specific care services are not available at this event, there will be plenty of volunteers on hand, and people living with dementia will be warmly welcomed.

 To help with catering requirements it would be helpful if you could let us know if you plan to join us on the day:

email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01590 678340.

East Boldre Airfield Remembers World War 1 -

And you're all Invited!  

If you've never been to East Boldre there's a very special reason to visit next week and over the Bank Holiday weekend, when lots of events are taking place to commemmorate the village's role in WW1, the airfield and the flying school for some of the earliest pilots.  

A drama "From Forest Field to Western Front" takes place in the Village Hall on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Stop Press went to the first show this evening it was the most amazing and fascinating history lesson, and very moving.  The production was really clever using lots of very evocative images as the backdrop including the vivid reality of many planes which crashed locally killing their very young and mainly very inexperienced pilots.  There was a wonderful narration, and little cameos, mainly local "actors" playing their parts eg Lord Montagu (Malcolm Ross was excellent and authentic!), village people, and the young airmen.  The drama is sold out now but sets the scene for a very promising weekend...

Then over the Bank Holiday weekend there will be a fascinating exhibition together with a flying display and other events which recreate what life was like in East Boldre during WW1.

Weather permitting this will also include a spectacular aerial dogfight over the village, in memory of Second World War flying ace Doug Gregory who was tragially killed recently aged 92 in a hit and run accident in Blackfield.  Less than five years ago in 2010 Mr Gregory made a fabulous aerial display flight over East Boldre as part of the Jubilee celebrations.

The special aerobatic display scheduled for Saturday 23 May will take place over the former airfield in East Boldre, as part of a week long programme of events to commemorate the centenary of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) arrival in the village 100 years ago.  This will now be dedicated to Mr Gregory, who was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross after surviving almost 70 missions over Nazi-occupied Europe.  A founder member of the Great War Display Team, he built a 1917-style biplane and became Britain's oldest stunt pilot before retiring in 2013 with a final celebratory sortie on his 90th birthday.

Nine aircraft are expected to take part in the East Boldre event, including five British planes and four German, all replicas of aircraaft flown by pilots involved in the 1914-18 conflict.

It promises to be a very special air display - the planes are so much slower than today's and people should be able to see exactly how the dogfieghts were carried out.

The week long programme of planned events includes :

Tuesday 19th, Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st May

● 7:30 pm - "From Forest Field to Western Front" -

A dramatic production by John Smith depicting how the arrival of a large number of RFC airmen and WW1 impacted on the day to day life in East Boldre.

Tickets £5 to include the Souvenir Programme.

Doors open 7:00 pm.

Tickets from East Boldre Post Office or call Sue Adams
on 01590 612887 to reserve.

Friday 22nd May

● 1:00 pm - Schools' Service of Remembrance at St. Paul's Church, East Boldre. (By invitation only.)
● 7:00 pm -Official Opening by Hon. Ralph Montagu with a small preview of the new exhibition material.
● Julian Lewis MP - Talk and Q&A session on the Politics of WW1.
● The Four Seasons Singers lead a WW1 sing-along. Tickets £5 to include the Souvenir Programme. Tickets
from East Boldre Post Office or Sue Adams on 01590 612887.

Saturday 23rd May
● 10:00 am - Preview of the exhibition for invited guests.
● 11:00 am - The Exhibition Weekend is open to the public. You'll be able to view hundreds of newly
discovered photographs and documents from the WW1 RFC/RAF Training Station at East Boldre. The
photos, never before shown publicly, were taken by servicemen stationed at East Boldre during WW1 and
have spent the last hundred years hidden away in private photo albums and attics. Other exhibitors include
The New Forest National Park Authority, Friends of the New Forest Airfields, the RAF Association and the
New Milton Heritage Group. Officers of 84 Squadron, the only surviving RAF squadron formed at East Boldre
a century ago, will be flying in from Cyprus to attend the event.
● 11:30 am - Illustrated talk by Terry Butcher of the 84 Squadron (RAF) Association.
● Guided Airfield walks at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.
● Between 1:00 - 3:00 pm - Reserve date for flying display with a reduced number of aircraft.
Refreshments, BBQ and Tombola.

Sunday 24th May
● 11:00 am - The exhibition will be open with refreshments, BBQ and Tombola.
● 11:00 am - Service of Remembrance at St. Paul's Church conducted by Canon Ray Hubble, a retired RAF
Chaplain. Poppy tributes will be laid at the 21 war graves by local Air Cadets.
● 12:30 pm - The service to process to and conclude at the village hall war memorial to hear a RAF brass
quintet and see the 84 Squadron Crest unveiled by Flt. Lt. Peter Towill of 84 Squadron RAF.
● 2:00 pm - Illustrated talk by Terry Butcher of the 84 Squadron (RAF) Association.
● Guided Airfield walks at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.
● 3:00 pm - Reserve date for flying display if postponed from Saturday.

Monday 25th May
● The exhibition will be open from 11:00 am with refreshments, BBQ and Tombola.
● Guided Airfield walks at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm
● Between 1:00 - 3:00 pm - Great War Display Team to fly nine replica WW1 war planes in a 15 minute display
(weather permitting). Reserve date Saturday 23rd May.
Entry to the exhibition weekend is free. All events will be held at East Boldre Village Hall unless otherwise stated.

Please donate unwanted Christmas gifts and any other suitable items for our Tombola Stall.  Hand them in to Maggie at East Boldre Garage.

See www.eastboldre.talktalk.net for the most up to date information.  Contact the Chairman, Michael Husband at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further details.

Residents at Forest Oaks residential and nursing care home in Brockenhurst benefit from weekly visits from Pets as Therapy volunteers.  Merlin the golden retriever brings a smile to their faces and residents love chatting, drinking coffee and catching up with him and his owner Gill. Click here for the full story.

Great Lymington Scramble

The Inaugural Great Lymington Scramble is now live!  DETAILS HERE

Announcing the Second Annual Twenty 20 Art Exhibition and Auction in aid of Oakhaven Hospice

Stephen Lees full size original contemporary painting can be won in prize draw

Oakhaven Hospice have asked lymington.com to help publicise the second Twenty 20 Art Auction and this article is by Melanie Stone, Oakhaven Fundraiser.

Twenty 20 Art made its debut in 2013, generating quite a buzz amongst local artists and collectors alike, and we are all holding our second event on Thursday 2nd April 2015 at the Coates Centre within the grounds of Oakhaven Hospice.

All of the wonderful art is 20cm by 20cm and we have some talented artists who have created masterpieces for the event. We have a vintage styled painting by talented local oil painter Will Rochfort, along with floral favourite Yvonne Coomber and Dave White known for his pet portraits and seascapes, a doodle by footballer Matt Le Tissier and Royal Society Portrait Painter Jason Sullivan has included a piece of his work.

Making a repeat appearance is equestrian fine artist Rosemary Welch, John Illsley of Dire Straits fame and Mary How illustrator of many of Enid Blyton’s books with her distinctive pen and ink drawings. You can view all of these paintings as well as the full collection of over 100 pieces of art on our website (www.oakhavenhospice.co.uk) and facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Twenty20Art) pages or pop into the Oakhaven Hospice shop form the 28th March to see the paintings in all their glory.

We have the additional scoop of being able to offer a Stephen Lees full size original contemporary painting in our prize draw. Entries in the draw with be taken at the pop up exhibition within the shop or here at the Hospice. The winner of this beautiful seascape will be drawn at the Twenty20 auction taking place on Thursday 2nd April 2015, 7pm in The Coates Centre in the grounds of Oakhaven Hospice.

If you would like any further information please call Penny on 01590 677773 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

New Bus Stops set to take car park spaces from Lymington High Street

Valuable car parking spaces along Lymington High Street are in danger of being lost following the imminent closure of the town’s bus station.

No dates for the closure have yet been made public, but new bus stops on either side of the High Street are being planned in order to compensate for the loss of the station.

It is feared that two new 30-metre stops would drastically reduce the level of car parking available to visitors and negatively impact the economy of the High Street.

The closure of the station was first announced in April 2013, with Go Ahead-owned morebus announcing it was to sell the station due to government and local authority subsidy cuts and an increase in fuel duty, which made a dedicated bus station no longer viable. Morebus is part of GoSouthCoast.

Hampshire County Council’s executive member for economy, transport and environment, Cllr Seán Woodward, said: “With GoSouthCoast planning to close Lymington Bus Station, the County Council is exploring how best to ensure that passengers continue to have easy access to shops and businesses in the central section of the High Street. For those who are less mobile this is a considerable walk from the existing bus stops.

“We are considering installing new stops on both sides of the road in the vicinity of the current bus station. No decisions have yet been made on their exact location or size, or whether parking bays will be removed, but the interests of bus passengers, car drivers, shop owners and others will be taken into account before any decision is made.”

Ed Wills, operations director at morebus, added: “When Lymington Bus Station closes later this year, we are working closely with the council to look at the provision of extra bus stops along the High Street, making it easier for local people and visitors to board our buses here. 

“We also believe having bus stops in suitable locations will help to attract more people to Lymington throughout the year - and this is likely to have a positive effect on businesses trading in the town centre.”

However, town Mayor, Cllr Michael White, who sits on Lymington and Pennington Town Council, said he was “appalled” by the situation and raised his concerns. 

He said: “The High Street is under pressure through business rates and high rents and we do not need the significant reduction in car parking that is being thrust upon us without any consultation.”

It is understood that the closure will take place in May. 

Iain Akerman for lymington.com, 26 February 2015