Drifts in the New Forest National Park.

Dates and locations to avoid due to pony round-ups.

The​ ​Drift​ ​(or​ ​Round​ ​up) is​ ​an​ ​annual​ ​tradition​ ​that​ ​is​ ​carried​ ​out​ ​in​ ​many​ ​areas​ ​of​ ​the​ ​country​ ​that have​ ​wild​ ​or​ ​semi​ ​feral​ ​stock. It​ ​is​ ​an​ ​essential​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​management​ ​of​ ​the​ ​stock​ ​to​ ​maintain the​ ​health​ ​and​ ​welfare​ ​the​ ​animals.

In​ ​The​ ​New​ ​Forest,​ ​Drifts​ ​are​ ​organised​ ​in​ ​the​ ​autumn​ ​to​ ​check​ ​on​ ​the​ ​health​ ​and​ ​well​ ​being​ ​of the​ ​ponies.​ ​Over​ ​30​ ​drifts​ ​happen​ ​in​ ​Forest​ ​each​ ​year​ ​with​ ​a​ ​small​ ​area​ ​done​ ​at​ ​a​ ​time.​ ​This helps​ ​Commoners​ ​(the​ ​owners​ ​of​ ​the​ ​stock)​ ​to​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​check​ ​the​ ​ponies​ ​that​ ​are​ ​brought​ ​in. Not​ ​every​ ​pony​ ​comes​ ​in,​ ​the​ ​main​ ​aim​ ​is​ ​to​ ​get​ ​mares​ ​with​ ​foals.​ ​The​ ​5​ ​agisters​ ​of​ ​the​ ​New Forest​ ​constantly​ ​monitor​ ​the​ ​animals​ ​to​ ​make​ ​sure​ ​they​ ​are​ ​fit​ ​and​ ​healthy,​ ​anything​ ​looking poor​ ​is​ ​taken​ ​by​ ​the​ ​owner​ ​back​ ​to​ ​they​ ​small​ ​holding​ ​at​ ​any​ ​time​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​year.​ ​The Agisters​ ​work​ ​with​ ​the​ ​Commoners​ ​who​ ​attend​ ​to​ ​ensure​ ​as​ ​many​ ​as​ ​possible​ ​are​ ​'rounded​ ​up' Not​ ​an​ ​easy​ ​task​ ​as​ ​New​ ​Forest​ ​ponies​ ​are​ ​clever​ ​and​ ​it​ ​is​ ​not​ ​possible​ ​to​ ​get​ ​every​ ​pony​ ​in. Each​ ​pony​ ​is​ ​checked, wormed​ ​and​ ​has​ ​it's​ ​tail​ ​clipped​ ​to​ ​show​ ​they​ ​have​ ​been​ ​in,​ ​and​ ​which Agister​ ​has​ ​checked​ ​them.​ ​Each​ ​Agister​ ​has​ ​his​ ​own​ ​unique​ ​cut. Foals​ ​are​ ​either​ ​branded​ ​and​ ​'turned​ ​back​ ​out'​ ​or​ ​taken​ ​off​ ​from​ ​their​ ​mother​ ​to​ ​be​ ​weaned. Every​ ​Commoner​ ​has​ ​an​ ​individual​ ​brand.

Walkers, cyclists and horse riders please avoid the drifts

Following​ ​two​ ​incidents​ ​in​ ​2012​ ​when​ ​members​ ​of​ ​the​ ​public​ ​unwittingly​ ​became​ ​involved​ ​in​ ​a pony​ ​drift,​ ​as​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Verderers​ ​review​ ​into​ ​safety​ ​during​ ​the​ ​drift​ ​season,​ ​the​ ​Verderers decided​ ​to​ ​provide​ ​advance​ ​notice​ ​of​ ​upcoming​ ​activities.​ ​

Drifts​ ​are​ ​to​ ​be​ ​avoided​ ​by​ ​the​ ​public. It​ ​is​ ​unsafe​ ​for​ ​people​ ​to​ ​attend,​ ​as​ ​the​ ​ponies​ ​are​ ​unpredictable. Al​though​ ​the​ ​round-up​ ​is​ ​a coordinated​ ​activity​ ​it​ ​is​ ​not​ ​without​ ​risk,​ ​which​ ​is​ ​why​ ​only​ ​experienced​ ​commoners​ ​assist​ ​with the​ ​drifts.​ ​Many​ ​of​ ​the​ ​riders​ ​on​ ​the​ ​drifts​ ​now​ ​wear​ ​body-protectors,​ ​which​ ​lessen​ ​the​ ​risk​ ​of injury​ ​to​ ​their​ ​necks​ ​and​ ​backs,​ ​should​ ​an​ ​accident​ ​occur.​ ​The​ ​Agisters,​ ​who​ ​are​ ​expert horsemen,​ ​also​ ​take​ ​added​ ​precautions​ ​and​ ​wear​ ​the​ ​new​ ​style​ ​air​ ​vests​ ​that​ ​inflate​ ​if​ ​the​ ​rider is​ ​disconnected​ ​from​ ​the​ ​saddle.

A​ ​spokesman​ ​for​ ​the​ ​New​ ​Forest​ ​Verderers​ ​said:​ ​“For​ ​their​ ​own​ ​safety,​ ​the​ ​public​ ​are​ ​urged​ ​to avoid​ ​each​ ​area​ ​on​ ​the​ ​day​ ​of​ ​the​ ​drift.”

Upcoming Drift Dates

Please​ ​note:​ ​the​ ​dates​ ​of​ ​the​ ​New​ ​Forest​ ​drifts​ ​are​ ​advertised​ ​to​ ​alert​ ​visitors​ ​and​ ​road-users​ ​to beware,​ ​The​ ​Public​ ​will​ ​be​ ​asked​ ​to​ ​move​ ​on​ ​for​ ​their​ ​own​ ​safety,​ ​and​ ​that​ ​of​ ​the​ ​animals. The next drifts will take place on:

• Thursday 22nd September at Brockenhurst Weirs
• Saturday 24th September at East Boldre 
• Tuesday 26th September at Appleslade
• Friday 29th September at Wootton
• Sunday 1st October at Ober. 

More information can be found on Shared Forest and at www.newforestcommoners.com.

Any future drift dates will be advised on http://www.verderers.org.uk

A new playground for Pennington

New Playground officially opened by the Town Mayor

Pennington Playground was officially declared opened by the Town Mayor Barry Dunning on 26 September. The opening was attended by children from nearby primary schools and playgroups who received goodie bags from the playground supplier and installer Wicksteed.

Also in attendance were the Chairman of the Playground subcommittee, Councillor Penny Jackman, and the Chairman of the Amenities Committee, Councillor Peter Allen and the who were both instrumental in ensuring this playground got off the ground and completed to the specification of the local children’s chosen pieces of equipment.

The newly refurbished play area on Pennington Common gets the thumbs up from local children!

The newly refurbished playground on Pennington Common unofficially opened on the 25th August, just before the Bank Holiday weekend.

The Town Council invested £65,000 in a complete overhall of the play park, adding innovative and exciting pieces of play equipment to challenge and suit children of all ages and mobility.

The playground includes a donkey springer that echo's the Donkey Derby event in the summer and the common’s grazing history: at the time of Lymington's salt industry, donkeys were used to transport salt from the marshes to the main road and would graze on Pennington Common.

The playground was installed by Wicksteed and has been sensitively designed in wooden apparatus where possible to blend in and enhance the SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) status of the Common.

Back in February a consultation went out to the schools, nursery and preschool in the vicinity, where the children voted for their top 3 items they would like to see installed in this playground. The Town Council received back 757 responses, with the trampoline coming out in first place, the zip wire second and the 4m pirate's lair being third. These were included in the chosen scheme along with the following pieces: pick up sticks, buddy board, 2 multiplay pieces, inclusive roundabout, 3 way cockerel, donkey springer, 2 cradle swings for toddlers, 2 flat swings and a basket swing – totalling 13 pieces of play equipment.

The new playground will be officially 'opened' at the end of September. Check back here for more details soon!

launch of YOUNG EMPLOYEE and EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR 2017 awards

NewBiz awards - open to all businesses in the New Forest 

Deadline for entries:  30 September 2017

The hunt is on for this year's Outstanding Young Employee.  Last year's winner, Hollie Bentley from Bradbeers, is pictured above with NewBiz and New Milton TC officials.  Plus this year there's a new award, for Outstanding Employer.

Businesses and employees in New Milton, Lymington, Ringwood, Brockenhurst, Hythe and all New Forest towns and villages - get nominating now!

Businesses in the New Forest -  nominate your best young employees!

And, employees working in the New Forest - nominate your employer!

Following last year’s launch of the NewBiz Young Employee of The Year competition, this year sees the launch of the complementary award of NewBiz Employer of The Year. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner in November - details below.

Outstanding Young Employee of the Year

NewBiz is looking for an outstanding Young Employee, under the age of 23, who is making a positive difference to their business.

Download the young employee of the year nomination form here.

Outstanding Employer of the Year

Likewise, employees who believes that their employer provides an outstanding place to work, are asked to nominate them.

Download the employer of the year nomination form here.

All nominations will be screened and those shortlisted will have the opportunity to make a short presentation at a NewBiz meeting in October on why the employee is so special or the business is such a good place to work (help will be provided if nominees have not done this type of presentation before).

The successful winners will receive a trophy, a cash prize and the accolade of the NewBiz 2017 title.

For more details of the competition and all enquiries, please email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.(Awards Co-ordinator)

PLEASE NOTE THE DEADLINE DATE FOR ALL ENTRIES IS: 30th September 2017

Entries can be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or posted to: NewBiz Awards, c/o 26 Station Road, New Milton, BH25 6JX

All the lowdown is here   

NewBiz Awards Gala Event

The successful winners will receive a trophy, a cash prize and the accolade of the NewBiz 2017 title.  Which will be presented on Wednesday 22nd November 2017 at 7pm, at The East Close Hotel.  Finalists will receive a complimentary ticket to attend this event.  Tickets are £40 per person which includes a 3 course meal, opportunities to Network and to hear from 2 Guest Speakers  Shay McConnon (International Speaker and Author) and Avril Owton M.B.E. (Author, Hotelier for over 35 years & Speaker).

More detail and how to book

NewBiz - active New Milton based New Forest business networking group  

NewBiz meets regularly in New Milton to promote trade, business partnerships and a friendly, supportive network to those who want to trade within the town and surrounding areas. The group has a diverse range of businesses ranging from one man/woman ventures to much larger companies. New Biz extends a warm welcome to new members.

NewBiz is looking to promote New Milton and area with its many thriving businesses not only as a great place to do business with other businesses, but also as a desirable location in which to base your business!

If you're interested in coming along to a meeting as a guest please get in touch!

For more details visit the NewBiz Website

 http://newbiz.org.uk/home/

CROQUET GETS LYMINGTON CARE HOME RESIDENTS IN THE SWING!

COURT LODGE RESIDENTS TRY SOMETHING NEW AT WOODSIDE GARDENS

Croquet on the lawn helped a Lymington care home party prove it’s never too late to try a new sport.

More than a dozen residents from Colten Care’s Court Lodge enjoyed a gentle afternoon at the town’s Woodside Gardens park receiving tips from members of Lymington Croquet Club.

Among those swinging the mallet for the first time was 87-year-old great grandmother Phyllis Walbanke. 

“It’s so nice to come along here and try something new,” said Phyllis, a former photographer for Woman’s Own magazine who has Lived in Lymington for 40 years.

Phyllis and fellow resident Eileen Simpson were the first to knock a ball through the hoops under the guidance of Club Chair Margaret Skeldon and Deputy Chair Gordon Carter.

Margaret said: “We were only too pleased to welcome our friends from Court Lodge and give them a taste of what is a very sociable sport that is becoming more and more popular.”

As well as the chance of some hands-on practice, the visitors were treated to afternoon tea at the club house.

Home Manager Sam Reid said: “The idea of playing croquet was mentioned at one of our regular residents and relatives’ meetings. The club is virtually on our doorstep and we thought we would give it a go. Everyone has had a super time and I’m sure we’ll want to come back again. We thank all at the club for their help.”

Lymington Croquet Club was founded in a back garden in Sway in 1995 and now has a dedicated lawn at Woodside Gardens.

According to the Croquet Association, there are more than 200 croquet clubs in the UK with top players competing internationally.

Lymington Croquet Club plays both Golf Croquet and Association Croquet, and has use of the lawn and part of the nearby Woodside sports pavilion seven days a week - morning, afternoon and evening - unless the pavilion is in use by another organisation. The club offers three free sessions for you to try the game. Free coaching is available for beginners and the club has mallets you can borrow. Find contact details for Lymington Croquet Club here.

Croquet is just one of the fun activities organised for residents living in a Colten care home. If you or somebody you know would be interested to see what it's like to live in a quality care home, the special short stay offer is still available at Court Lodge:

Court Lodge special short stay offer 4 weeks for the price of 3 

 For full details visit Court Lodge website ...

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COLTEN CARE'S LOCAL HOMES

Colten Care operates 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...

‘Inspirational’ Joan celebrates 105th birthday

Lymington author and poet joined by family and friends for a tea party

A Lymington author and poet described as “an inspiration” has celebrated her 105th birthday with a tea party for friends and family.

Joan Stephens, who was born and bred in Pennington, is a resident at Colten Care's Belmore Lodge in Lymington. The home is built on fields where Joan used to play as a child.

One of ten children, Joan's family had lived in the village for many generations. Her grandfather, Joseph Tizard, was a stonemason who worked on the Hurst Castle lighthouse when it was restored in 1858.

Joan met her husband, Alfred, while attending school in Lymington, and the couple later married in 1940.

Formerly an active member of the church and the Women's Institute, Joan has written two books about her birthplace - 'Pennington Remembered - A Pictorial Collection' and 'Snippets from a long time ago in Pennington.'

Belmore Lodge marked Joan's special day by organising a tea party for family and friends together with a specially baked cake.

Claire Fryer, Activity Organiser, said: “Joan is truly an inspiration to us all. She has an absolutely amazing memory and can pretty much name every building or road. If it doesn’t exist anymore then she will be able to tell you what was there originally.

“Joan really enjoyed her tea party with bubbles and getting together with her family and friends. She said she had the best time and everything was just right. It was a very happy occasion.”

The image above shows Joan celebrating her 105th birthday with grandson Paul Stephens (right), fellow resident Ted Hawkins and Colten Companion Amy Bicknell.

Once again the companionship and fun aspects of living in a Colten care home were on display for all to see and experience.  And, if you or somebody you know would be interested to see what it's like to live in a quality care home, the special short stay offer is still available at Court Lodge (see details below).

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COLTEN CARE'S LOCAL HOMES

Colten Care operates 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...

Court Lodge special short stay offer 4 weeks for the price of 3 

 For full details visit Court Lodge website ...

Garden party celebrates community fun

‘in the most delightful way’

Residents from four of Colten Care's local care homes came together for a Mary Poppins-themed garden party complete with acting and music.

More than 100 guests enjoyed the singing, dancing and costume spectacular at Woodpeckers home in Brockenhurst, including residents from Court Lodge, Linden House and Belmore Lodge in Lymington. 

Spirit of Lymington Carnival continued...

The get-together at Woodpeckers was designed to continue the spirit of the Lymington Carnival held earlier in the summer, at which a 70-strong ‘Team Colten’ led the community parade. Residents and staff had chosen Mary Poppins as the theme of their float, spending weeks beforehand making dresses, kites, umbrellas, a merry-go-round horse and other props associated with the much-loved magical nanny.

The garden party showed the fun didn’t stop there, with the props re-used and songs and scenes from the musical performed by team members amid smiles all round.  Face-painting, stocks and a giant snakes and ladders game were among other activities laid on for families with children.

Among the guests were members of the Lions Club, organisers of the Carnival.

Court Lodge Home Manager Sam Reid said: “We had a fantastic party to continue our summer of fun. It was lovely to see so many residents, families and friends coming together and having a great time. A great deal of preparation went in to make it all happen but as Mary Poppins would say, ‘in every job that must be done, there is an element of fun’ - and we certainly found it!”

Enjoy a short film of the garden party!  

Once again the companionship and fun aspects of living in a Colten care home were on display for all to see and experience.  And, if you or somebody you know would be interested to see what it's like to live in a quality care home, the special short stay offer is still available at Court Lodge

Court Lodge special short stay offer 4 weeks for the price of 3 

 For full details visit Court Lodge website ...

Lymington brothers to row the Atlantic Ocean

Ocean Brothers transatlantic journey in memory of father and in aid of British Skin Foundation

Two local brothers are preparing to row 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to raise money for the British Skin Foundation. Dr Greg Bailey and Jude Massey have planned their once in a lifetime challenge in aid of their beloved late father and stepfather, Peter Massey, who passed away in August 2015 after an arduous 16 year long battle with skin cancer.

Lymington Ocean Brothers

Awareness of the Ocean Brothers and their forthcoming challenge has been rising over the summer months, with the brothers appearing regularly at local events, including the Lymington Carnival (dressed as pirates), on the BHG Marine stand at the New Forest Show and at the Summer Spectacular. Next week, Greg and Jude will be on hand to speak about their challenge at the Southampton Boat Show - find them on the BHG Marine stand every day.

Jude has lived in Lymington all his life and learnt to sail here aged 8. He has worked his way up to performing at international level in the 420 class.

Greg also loved sailing small dinghies on the Solent as a boy. Professionally, Greg has trained and worked as a ski and rock climbing instructor and is a qualified Mountain Leader. In 2014 Greg qualified as a junior doctor and currently practices medicine in accident and emergency.

"We'd like to thank the Lymington Community for all their support so far," said Greg. "People have been really interested in what we are planning and incredibly supportive."

3000 mile journey

The Ocean Brothers will set off across the second largest ocean in the world in January 2018 from Gran Canaria. They will row day and night swapping for one hour shifts each. Greg and Jude will be unaccompanied for their epic challenge; they will single handedly propel the rowing boat for over 3000 miles to Barbados. The journey is likely to take between 5 and 11 weeks of continuous rowing and will test the brothers' psychological and physical strength.

The brothers will rely entirely on solar panels to power a water maker which provides them with vital drinking water together with fresh water for rehydrating freeze-dried meals. It is expected that during the crossing Greg and Jude will gradually starve as they expend more calories than they consume.

Throughout the crossing, the brothers will be at the mercy of the elements, potential hurricanes, capsizes, electrical failure, passage of large vessels, large marine life, sea sickness, traumatic injury and equipment breakages.

The crossing should be aided by the 'Canary Current' which is a body of moving water which feeds off the Gulf Stream between West Africa to the Caribbean. However, should sea or weather conditions become too unsafe to row, the brothers will deploy a para-anchor, a submersible parachute shaped piece of equipment which will keep the boat pointing into the waves and reduce the likelihood of capsize as they stay in a watertight cabin.

So how will the brothers train for such an arduous challenge? Dr Greg Bailey said: "We’re doing a lot of research about a really tailored training regime to make sure we leave that start line as well prepared as we possibly can. It’ll mostly be cardio based training, lots on the rowing machine obviously."

Ocean Brothers - Rowing for Skin Cancer 

The Ocean Brothers aim to raise £100,000 for the British Skin Foundation's research into skin cancer. 

"My father passed away from skin cancer and we both decided that the most appropriate charity to raise funds for would be the British Skin Foundation as they fund vital research into finding a cure for skin cancer," said Jude.

Sponsor the Ocean Brothers

A number of local businesses have already pledged sponsorship for the Ocean Brothers, the first of which was BHG Marine. 

New Forest Cottages are the latest local business to sponsor the Ocean Brothers.

Find out more about sponsoring the Ocean Brothers. 

Donate to the British Skin Foundation with the Ocean Brothers on Justgiving.

Learn more about Ocean Brothers on their website: www.oceanbrothers.co.uk

Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE:

"Brothers Jude and Greg coming together and battling the full force of the Atlantic Ocean on this tremendous voyage for such a moving and deeply touching cause is an inspiration to any family suffering the loss of a loved one to skin cancer. Go boldly into that dark night Ocean Brothers!"

the American South comes to lymington

A taste of the American South comes to Court Lodge Care Home Lymington for its summer barbecue

The sights and sounds of the American South came to Court Lodge Care Home in Lymington when it adopted a country and western theme for its recent annual barbecue.

Residents and guests tucked into a tasty selection of American-inspired dishes including hot dogs, burgers and – by special request – barbecued ribs.

Chefs Fiona Roebuck and Matt Jerrard, together with Catering Manager Paddy O’Driscoll, also created a number of themed cakes including Devil’s Food, Hummingbird, Rocky Road and Red Velvet cakes.

Potatoes, herbs and edible flowers on the desserts were home-grown with input from residents and support from Court Lodge’s gardener, David Aylieff-Sansom.

Entertainment was provided by country and western guitarist/singer Nigel Revell, aka The Lone Reveller, while a horse called Toffee proved a particular hit.
The 17-year-old grey gelding, from Ampfield Riding Stables in Romsey, was accompanied by her owner, Anna Beck.

Residents entered into the spirit of the occasion by donning Stetsons with one, Peter Woolgar, 95, dressing as a Sheriff complete with fake moustache and badge.

4 weeks short stay for the price of 3  at this Lymington care home - with activities and fun on offer every day too.

Colten Care is still offering "4 for 3" short or "respite" stays at Court Lodge - enquire here.  Short term guests get a chance to experience for themselves the wonderful warm welcome and incredibly high standards of care extended to all residents.  

As for its being a "home from home" - it is, but also a world away from a home alone where even though you're still living in your familiar surroundings, you could nevertheless be aching with loneliness.  Life at Court Lodge brings new friends, plus activities and organised fun every day - but only if you want to join in.

Going back to the barbecue:  Sam Reid, Court Lodge Home Manager, said Court Lodge chooses a different theme for the eagerly anticipated barbecue every year:  “Everyone – carers, housekeepers, nurses, activity organisers and, of course, our fantastic chefs – work together to put on this event.   This year's was a huge success and our guests, including residents, relatives and people from the local community, had a lovely time. The feedback has been fantastic.”

Enquire here about the short stay offer and arrange to see Court Lodge for yourself

Memories revived with mini classic car show at Linden House

rescue from edinburgh for norma and special memories for chris

Six vintage cars, dating back as far as 1925, were on display at Colten Care's specialist dementia care home in Lymington earlier this month and residents were taken to view the cars and sit in the vehicles.

The mini-show was the brainchild of Linden House Activity Organiser Donia O’Connor whose friend, Liz Comber, is the proud owner of a restored 1964 Austin Healey 3000 MK3.

She, in turn, enlisted the help of five other classic car owners who generously agreed to come to the New Street home with their respective pride and joys.
The vehicles included a 1925 Singer, 1932 Austin Seven, 1934 Ford Woodie Wagon, 1965 E-Type Jaguar and 1976 Triumph Spitfire.

Memories of Austin Seven ownership and rescue missions 

The 1932 Austin Seven owned by Keith Bloodworth and named Agatha, brought back special memories for resident Chris George.
“It’s absolutely superb. I briefly owned a car like this and it does take me back to those days,” he said.

While memories were also stirred for the family of another resident Norma Davis: in a bitter fifties winter long before motorways, her then suitor subsequently husband of 56 years Geoffrey (who died in 2010) drove his own pride and joy Austin Seven from London to Edinburgh to “rescue” nursing sister Norma who had been taken ill, and take her to her family home in Wales to recuperate. At one point the car broke down and though sick she got out in her fur coat to push!

Donia said the afternoon, which finished with cream teas, had been a huge success and was immensely grateful to the car owners.

Highest standards in all aspects of care

Colten Care is determined to set the highest standards in all aspects of care of the older person. This is just one of the many “go the extra mile” events which the staff initiate and organise themselves, which in turn help to give the homes a real buzz. Anybody thinking about that step to a specialist dementia care home is encouraged to go and have a look around Linden House, meet some of the staff and residents and experience the positive atmosphere for themselves.  Click here for Linden House website  

BHG Marine celebrates 70th Birthday.

This year Lymington’s BHG Marine celebrates 70 years as a family business in the marine industry.

BHG Marine, now celebrating their 70th year in the Marine Industry, are specialists in the supply, sales and service of outboard motors and small trailerable boats, Jeanneau Powerboats and distributors for key brands such as PropGuard, Drainman, Turboswing and Hurley davits.

The showroom and parts counter is based in Lymington, whilst the BHG Service workshop and new BHG Chandlery is based at Bucklers Hard near Beaulieu.

BHG Marine exports world wide, offers a customer focused service, and have many loyal longstanding customers in the retail, trade and commercial sectors.

At the helm of BHG Marine is Paul Martin, third generation of the BHG Marine family with nearly 30 years experience in the Industry. 

As well as running BHG Marine, Paul is Chair of the British Marine Trade Association and a National Boat Shows Director. He is also a Harbour Commissioner in Lymington and still enjoys working with his father David, who has an active role within BHG Marine. Paul plays an active role in the local Lymington communit; a governor at Lymington Junior School for many years and active supporter at many local events and causes - such as towing this year's Lymington Carnival Queen and Princess around the procession in a RIB.

We talk to Paul about seven decades of BHG Marine and the secret of the company’s success. 

The early days at ‘BHG Marine’

Bucklers Hard Garage and Marine (BHG Marine), started trading in 1947. It was founded William Martin (known as Bill Martin, pictured opposite), Paul’s grandfather.

Bill Martin was asked by the Beaulieu Estate to set up a facility that could look after both the Auto and Marine machinery on the Estate that had remained after World War II.

Life was tough after the war. Bill built the new premises virtually on his own and the winter of 1946 was very cold with large quantities of snow. As with any new business, the first few years were hard, but Bill combined the business with a taxi service for the area and his wife Rhoda (Paul’s Grandmother) also operated a small village shop from a shed next to the garage. It was all very much a family business!

In 1966, BHG Marine looked after Sir Francis Chichester on his record solo global sail on Gipsy Moth IV, which is now back on display at Bucklers Hard. BHG Marine looked after his generator on board and Paul’s Grandmother supplied all the provisions for the trip.

Also in 1966, the Auto side of the business moved to a new facility with William’s son, Chris Martin, and the marine side of the business stayed at Bucklers Hard, where Paul’s father, David Martin, worked alongside Bill.

“In those days the mentality was very much ‘make do and mend’ and new kit and machinery was fairly scarce. Everything, wherever possible, was recycled for another purpose and throwing anything away was very rare,” reminds Paul. “Even back in the late 1980’s I can personally remember locals bringing in garden implements for Bill to repair.”

“Nowadays, it is often easier and cheaper to replace with a new replacement item or unit, and people tend to take little care of their kit, knowing it can easily be replaced.”

Paul has many great memories of going to work with his father and spending the day at Bucklers Hard playing from a very early age: “I started working part time from the age of 11, doing odd jobs and keep floors swept and serving petrol (imagine an 11 year old serving petrol now!!). From there I worked weekends, school holidays and special events. It was very much a way of life.”

International success

BHG Marine has been closely involved in the motorboat market for many years.

“During the early 1980’s we started to see the a trend for the modern RIB, and we worked closely with Avon,” says Paul. “The Avon Searider was certainly the first mass produced RIB in the UK and BHG Marine were very much involved in this early market. From there our power boat sales developed and grew. We now sell inboard cruisers up to 46’. Ironically one of our tag lines is ‘BHG – from a canoe to a cruiser’ !”

BHG Marine first became Yamaha Outboard Dealer of the year in 1993 and has been one of Europe’s biggest Yamaha dealers ever since.

The company achieved a £million in turnover in the late 1990’s and doubled the size of their premises in 1997, opening a new, larger, purpose-built facility at Ampress Park in Lymington. It was a huge calculated gamble, with 15,000 sq ft of undercover boat display.

“In our sector of the industry it was a unique throughout Europe and we reaped the rewards from 2004 to 2006. Unfortunately the recession saw a huge downturn across the Marine Industry and we managed to sell the premises at Ampress Park four years ago.”

BHG Marine now have a more centrally located site in Lymington on Bridge Road. This year they have opened a new chandlery and workshop at Bucklers Hard Boat Yard, in addition to the original premises, so now have three sites in total with well over twenty members of staff.

Surviving the decades

We asked Paul how BHG Marine has managed to survive and maintain success.

“We have managed to adapt our business several times over the years and have learnt not to rely on one particular sector of the market. Therefore we retail, supply trade customers, service commercial customers and also distribute key boat brands and products throughout Europe. Spreading ourselves over these different markets enables us to focus on certain markets that are doing better than others.

We have also remained a family business, with an ethos that reflects this, focusing on good service and honest trading. We have invested heavily in our brand and logo over the years, and our customers can clearly identify us from our competition.”

The future of the marine industry

“The biggest concern I have is understanding the market in 10-20 years time. The current generation lease their cars, rent their music from spotify and do numerous pastimes, gaining as much experience as possible. They have a monthly set expenditure amount and what to do as much as possible with it. Will owning a boat be part of this?”

“My generation buy their kit, whether its a CD or a car or a boat. Knowing this, what will boat ownership be like? Will people still buy or will everyone rent a boat? I am currently part of a special assignment group within British Marine trying to get our heads around this issue.”

And Paul’s vision on the future of BHG Marine?

“Since I joined the business, the company has grown and become internationally recognised. I would like to see this continue, open additional sites and grow a network.”

Find out more about BHG Marine

Visit the BHG Marine website