Upcoming events, things to do and businesses to support in Lymington and the New Forest
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Families...
So May is out but don't cast those clouts because June certainly isn't flaming yet - but it's got a way to go so here's hoping!
'Family' means different things to different people, but for most of us, it’s at the heart of what matters most. Whether we’re surrounded by young children, caring for older relatives, staying connected to loved ones near and far, or a big mix of all of the above which in my case includes incredulity that both my children are now over 30 (where did that time go!), family is a constant thread running through our lives: with or without children we all belong to a family in some shape or form.
So, perfect timing to get dates in diaries for this year's Picnic in the Park on Sunday 3 August in Woodside Park, and a jam-packed day of fun for family members of all ages with live music and a big dose of community spirit, right in the heart of Lymington.
And the first thing to say is that both Entry and Parking will be FREE. Just bring your people and picnic blankets!
The second is that this day of will have something for EVERYONE including:
- Massive Car Show: with several hundred cars on display, a must-see for motoring fans of all ages.
- Ferret Racing: fun and excitement for the whole family.
- Skate Jam: hosted by local legends Smith and Feeble, and MC’d by Cam, the Lymington teen who won the GB Championships. Suitable for all ages and abilities.
- Live Music Stage: performances from four amazing music groups throughout the day – the perfect soundtrack to your picnic!
- Try a Sport: have a go at Pétanque, Croquet, Football, and more – a great chance to get active and try something new.
- School Sports Day Races: let the children burn off some energy with classic sports day races – sack race, egg and spoon, and more!
- Food & Drink Traders: from tasty street food to refreshing drinks, something to satisfy every craving.
- Art & Craft Stalls: browse a wonderful selection of local handmade goods and creative treasures.
- Coles Family Fairground: thrills and laughter guaranteed with fairground favourites for all ages!
Click here for all the details and lots more pictures.
Of course our area is packed with opportunities for family fun: from outdoor adventures in the forest to seaside escapades, local attractions, and creative workshops, there’s always something to keep children entertained and parents happy. The Lymington.com Events Calendar is the go-to guide for families looking to make the most of weekends and school holidays. It's free to add events (and new events are added daily) and free to use - so do use it freely!
This week is Volunteers Week, so a shout out for all the wonderful people who volunteer tirelessly for our local charities and organisations. They are everywhere! And right now it just so happens that you could help young volunteer Archie Kitcher of East Boldre to win the Young Person Award in the Plunkett Rural Community Business Awards, by voting for him here. Here's why. Last year, aged 15, Archie played an big role helping to strip the chapel ahead of building works for the Chapel Stores and was one of the first volunteers to sign up to help in the shop once it opened. He got his food safety certificate to make sandwiches and vac-pack goods in the shop, helps with date checking and shelf stocking and leads deep cleaning tasks, cleans gravestones and presents at community open days. Last November, Archie decided to organise East Boldre’s first ever Christmas show. Over 50 entrants participated in this lovely event baking mince pies and Christmas cakes, knitting hats and making wreaths. It raised over £1,000 to benefit Oakhaven Hospice - thanks to Archie's initiative and hard work. Vote here - it's really easy!
Fortunately the Hammersley Homes Spinnaker Tower Abseil Challenge is NOT taking place this weekend because it looks like blowing a hooley. Louise and Sarah, whilst feeling nervous about their 100 metres descent in 2 weeks time, would love a couple more volunteers to join them (no charge; normal cost £140) and help them fundraise for the so important cause of support for vulnerable adults who live with enduring mental ill-health conditions like psychosis, paranoia and delusion. It's horribly difficult to access help, needed not only by those who suffer these conditions but of course also by their carers. There's more about this here if you'd like to read it, and especially if you fancy a memory-making leap in 2 weeks time!
Meanwhile hold onto your hats - especially if you're planning to watch the Round the Island Race - and have a good weekend!
Best wishes Jane
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PS Wishing all the New Forest Academy of Dance families a fun time at Miss Kayleigh's 10th Anniversary Party tomorrow!
FAMILY FIRST!
It doesn’t get any more family-friendly than a ‘Kids Stay for Free’ break, this summer at the fabulous Montagu Arms Hotel in Beaulieu, perfectly situated for coast and country explorations and surrounded by nature.
The Montagu Arms Kids Stay for Free break carefully blends the comforts of home with the indulgences of a hotel stay and includes family friendly rooms, menus to keep every appetite happy (child friendly meals are made with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce), special welcome hampers including surprises, plenty of on-site activities from fun garden games, board games and a colouring station to a ‘pick ‘n’ mix post, and exclusive access to discounted local activities like bike hire and canoeing, and great family-friendly attractions like Beaulieu, Exbury Gardens and Paultons Park. Click here for the details!
(With no queues to worry about and the constant are we nearly there? refrain, consider this for a home from home holiday too, with quality time to enjoy our beautiful New Forest away from all the chores!)
KIDS STAY FOR FREE AND MUCH MORE AT THE MONTAGU ARMS
FUN FOR COOKS AT THIS YEAR'S SEAFOOD FESTIVAL!
June will hurtle past and in no time it'll be July and time for this year's fabulous Lymington Seafood Festival.
To mark 10 years of fine dining at its Cambium restaurant, Careys Manor Hotel is teaming up with the Festival to find the New Forest’s most talented amateur chef. If you love cooking and have a passion for local flavours, this is your chance to step into the spotlight and show off your skills in the very first Big Careys Cook Off.
Open to enthusiastic home cooks, the challenge is to create a dish that celebrates the vibrant flavours of the New Forest. The winner will be crowned Big Careys Cook Off Champion, receive a prize bundle worth over £400, and earn some serious bragging rights!
To enter, just send in a picture of your best culinary creation along with your name and a few words on what makes it special. The team of judges including TV’s Chris Bavin and Cambium Head Chef Dylan James will then select 8 winners to attend the festival Saturday 12 July, to compete at the ‘Grand Final’. Read more here!
Read the rest of this week's newsletter here
And check out What's On in the Diary of Upcoming Events!
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