Positively Planning

Happy New Year to you all after my nice long Christmas break. I hope most of you also managed a break of the positive variety, not of bones like a dear friend of mine. 

The calendar New Year is traditionally a time for taking stock and making fresh plans. And so to sharing some of mine.

This newsletter has now been running for nearly ten years. I know lots of you appreciate and look forward to receiving it, and I also enjoy writing it. As you can imagine though, behind the scenes a lot of work is involved. Member businesses do of course make a financial contribution but costs mount inexorably and as their circumstances change, some Members move on. Starting with Covid, and more recently since my husband's death has challenged my mojo, income has not kept pace with expenses. 

I'm going to make a more concerted effort this year to get everything back on track. And you can all help me! As you know Weekly What's On informs about upcoming events and activities, and also introduces, promotes and recommends local businesses, 'blowing their trumpets' for them and helping them to attract new customers. For businesses which host events as well, Lymington.com Membership offers fantastic value. That's because the events they add to the Events Calendar are also listed in the WWO Diary, which brings them directly to the attention of 7,000 newsletter subscribers - and brings more people to their events.

So first of all, every business or organisation which hosts or organises local events should be a Member! If you know any which you don't think are, please introduce us!

Then, if you are a local business - do consider Membership. As well as promotion of your events and offers, this includes a fully editable featured business page on the Lymington.com website which will not only inform your prospects but also increase your online presence generally, plus bespoke promotion across all our online media channels which include not only Weekly What's On but also Facebook, Instagram and for now also Twitter/X. There are different Membership options; do email me if you'd like a chat about it.

This week we feature BHG Marine with some brilliant New Year deals on a number of Jeanneau boats, a new take on 'dry' January from Scott Bailey, and a fabulous and free Wellness Festival at Careys Manor on Sunday 26 January.

And the Events Calendar is already packed with interesting things to do, see, eat, learn, starting even now in deepest midwinter. (A shout-out for Dessert On Us, Sharing Sliders and Mocktail Hour at Stanwell House this month. Also for the live screenings at the Malt Cinema including RBO The Tales of Hoffmann on 15 Jan and The Met: Aida on 25 Jan. And a fun day of Life Drawing with Tiptoe Yoga, also on 25 Jan.) So happy 2025 planning, beginning with the updated Diary below...

Coastline Consultation

A reminder about the ongoing consultation for the future of the coastline between Lymington and Hurst Spit.

The Hurst Spit to Lymington Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategy (FCRM) is exploring a sustainable future for the coastal frontage between Hurst Spit and the town of Lymington over the next 100 years. Climate change, rising sea levels and heavier rainfall are threatening our coastlines, rivers, wildlife and residents. It is not possible to keep maintaining the coastline as it is now. The Strategy being developed by the Environment Agency, in partnership with New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council, Natural England and with technical support from JBA Consulting, is exploring how best to adapt to these challenges to build a more resilient environment and community for future generations. If you click this link you can quickly get up to date and view the online exhibition including the draft 'Adaptation Pathways' being considered - and also if you wish to submit your own feedback at this stage. 

2025 New Forest Volunteer Fair

If one of your New Year resolutions is to find out about volunteering, the New Forest Volunteer Fair on 26 January  is not to be missed! You will have the opportunity to meet a myriad of organisations looking for volunteers in all sorts of guises. It's the perfect opportunity to find a role to suit your experience, skills and positive intentions!

Yesterday was stunning in the winter sunshine. Have happy - if chilly - weekends everyone.

Best wishes Jane
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Read the rest of this week's newsletter here

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