Scintillating Summer 

What a sizzler of a week and with more gorgeous weather apparently to come for the  Summer Solstice tomorrow and hopefully too for Midsummer's Day on Tuesday: what an enormous treat it all is and a privilege to live close to both forest and sea. (In which I swam for the first time this year last evening at Hordle Cliff, where others were enjoying their paddleboards and bbqs in the still warm sunshine!)

Strawberries have been grown on Goodall land since Herbert Goodall started in 1912: on a glorious elevated site just past the IOW ferry and overlooking Lymington River to the Solent. Today, picking the best tasting strawberries at Goodall's is a far cry from even just a few years ago when stooping and crawling were integral to the experience - it's now almost entirely a standing up activity. There are lots of other fruits to pick too - right now including enormous juicy cherries. Pauline also runs a seasonal shop selling mainly homemade and very locally made produce (see above), all absolutely delicious. Goodall's is open 9-5 weekdays and Saturdays, and 10-4 Sundays. 

We are spoiled locally because we are also on the doorstep of New Forest Fruit Company, one of the largest soft fruit producers on the South Coast. Thanks to the passion and extensive experience of owner and driving force Sandy Booth, the company is constantly investing in improvements and implementing exciting new technologies such as harnessing solar energy, rainwater harvesting and creating wildlife corridors that support the pollination of the fruit, encouraging nature and wildlife to prosper alongside the farm's extensive activities. New Forest Fruit Snacks are made from pure fruit which once ripened to perfection is hand picked, then with a little fruit wizardry pulse dried, locking in all the flavour and healthy benefits for a fruit snack like no other. And you can buy these along with delicious fresh strawberries and other fruits at many local independent shops in the New Forest. 

'Tis the Season of Fetes and Fayres 

Summer fetes or fêtes, also known as fairs or fayres, evolved from medieval fairs and marketplaces where people gathered to trade goods and celebrate. They are local outdoor events, often organised by villages, churches and schools, all of which have two main objectives: to bring people together for fun, and to raise money. They typically feature a variety of stalls, games, food, and entertainment, creating a lively atmosphere for all ages. A raffle is usually an important fundraising element, with donated prizes ranging from high value and desirable to lowly cast-offs - whichever you win, you're expected to join in the spirit of the endeavour and be pleased!

Whilst fetes are not exclusive to Britain, the characteristics and cultural significance of the summer fete with its emphasis on amateurism, community spirit, and traditional games and activities, are often seen as particularly British.

An enormous volunteer team effort goes in to the planning and organisation for each and every fete. The greatest potential friend or foe is the weather. Significant non-recoverable costs will have been incurred ahead of the day but safety is paramount and if neither of the two objectives can realistically be achieved, cancellation may be the lesser of the evils. On the other hand a beautiful summer's day can greatly uplift attendance and make a gigantic difference to both profits and joie de vivre - and a positive experience sets the scene for next time too. 

So here's wishing mild dry days with only a gentle breeze for all our upcoming fetes, then the most important thing is to support them and that's up to all of us! 

Upcoming Fayres, Fetes and Fun Days

Tomorrow it's the Friends of St Thomas Church Midsummer Fayre which celebrates 775 years since the founding of a place of worship on the site that is now the church. Inside the church there will be musical entertainments, sales tables, bottle tombola, plant stall, children's games and top notch refreshments. The New Forest Meddlars Morris Dancers will perform three sets during the day and an Artisan Market will take place in the Church Hall with local craftspeople selling their high-quality items including jewellery, artwork, cards, pottery, luxury linens, shortbread and lots more.

Next Saturday 28 June in the beautiful Oakhaven gardens between 12-4pm you are invited to the Oakhaven Hospice Family Fun Day, this year with a circus theme including prizes for the best circus fancy dress outfits. Plus the usual popular stalls, Pimms tent, strawberries and traditional tea room; for the children the Miller’s Ark Animal Farm and a great range of games and other entertainment. Everyone is welcome, entry £2 per adult, £1 per child (under 2s free). Just 11% of Oakhaven’s costs are covered by the NHS. The remaining 89% of the £9 million it takes to provide Oakhaven’s vital services each year is raised through the generosity of our community’s kind donations and fundraising, in which the Oakhaven Hospice Family Fun Day plays a very important part!

There are several other events to support next weekend: also on Saturday it's the ever popular Friends of South Baddesley School Summer Fete and the summer Flower Festival at St Thomas Church. And taking place alongside all next weekend's fetes and fayres is the Monkey Brewhouse Summer Beer Festival which runs from Friday through Sunday.

Then on 5 July there's the Boldre Church & Village Fete, and 19 July the Beaulieu Village Fête and 3 August Picnic in the Park: more on  those later!

Other News 

(Arguably the biggest treat in this beautiful weather is getting out early in the morning—thanks to reader Nicky for capturing this lovely moment at Salterns!)

Next week is English Wine Week (23-29 June) and Stanwell House is offering a special opportunity to enjoy Hattingley Valley wines: perhaps a midsummer excuse to swap coffee for a glass of excellent English sparkling! (There's also a Wine Tasting event on Wednesday for which a few places remain.) 

Also to highlight is the rather charming sounding New Forest Ponies Pop Up Shop at Countryside Education Trust next Thursday.

There's lots more in the Diary below. And a reminder as ever to add your events to the Events Calendar. It's free to add up to 3 events; please follow the guidelines here. 

Best wishes and happy midsummer! Jane
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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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