Upcoming events, things to do and businesses to support in Lymington and the New Forest
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Autumn Edibles
After that lovely long summer, October seems to be racing by. Autumn's well and truly here, its colours already spectacular (see more below); with its scrumptious produce in abundance there's plenty of temptation to 'gorge', too! It's perfect timing to tickle the tastebuds with some local autumn offerings in the edibles department.
And this coming Sunday, New Forest Chefs are 'on Parade' at Beaulieu, supporting the Countryside Education Trust as it continues to mark its 50th Anniversary year. BBC South presenter Sam Fraser is host for an evening of fund raising entertainment. Chefs from Lime Wood, The Montagu Arms, Balmer Lawn, Careys Manor and Taste will each present a live cookery demonstration of their signature dishes which then, with matching wines, will be auctioned to eat on the night. There will also be a raffle and an auction, with prizes contributed by the supporting hotels. And nobody will go hungry: during the interval canapes will be served, courtesy of the chefs.
Then next weekend it's the New Forest Marque Autumn Market about which more below, and on 16 November New Forest Eats 'n' Treats at Brockenhurst College. There will of course be lots of other eating events taking place over the next few autumn weeks, if you're organising any do add them to the Events Calendar! (If you haven't done this before, you'll need first to register your business or organisation, then can add up to 3 events free of charge.)
Edibles Galore - Marque These Two Days
The members of New Forest Marque are a wide ranging community of farmers, producers, makers and craftspeople, with a common purpose to support each other, their local communities and the wider New Forest. The distinctive blue & white New Forest Marque logo has over the last 20 years become synonymous with some of the best local produce in the area.
Next Saturday and Sunday (25-26 October) is the New Forest Marque Producers Autumn Market, a hugely popular event which has been held for several years in both spring and autumn, in the spacious venue of Everton Nurseries. Here you'll be able to meet members of the Marque and browse and buy their delicious New Forest food and drink, as well as handmade products and gifts from ‘Marque Inspired’ art and craft members. With all this on offer it's a lovely opportunity not only to taste some new treats but also to start your Christmas shopping, all supporting local businesses. The stalls will be located at the back of Everton Nurseries, which will be open as normal and where you can also of course browse for your garden. And the popular and spacious Camellia’s Cafe will be open for tea, cakes and other refreshments. There's plenty of free parking, and dogs are welcome!
Top Tip: if you haven't yet discovered Marque member Tracy Thew's New Forest Shortbread, it's spectacularly delicious, not too sweet, and has a perfect soft crunch - if that makes any sense. I especially rate the rosemary! You'll be able to find it at the Market, on the New Forest Cider stall...
And The Greatest Of These Is...
Whatever our beliefs, most of us will be familiar with those words from 1 Corinthians 13. The core values upheld by Lymington Infant School are 'love', 'courage' and 'respect'. 'Community' plays a big part too. And the children have been working hard to prepare both their Harvest collections and their Christmas shoeboxes. Harvest donations this year went directly to Basics Bank and the shoeboxes will soon be on their way to children who would otherwise receive very little at Christmas time. This week they are also learning a little about their local hospice and its role, and next Friday they will be wearing Green for Oakhaven. They are also excited to start a special weekly intergenerational project with specialist dementia care home Linden House, which begins after half term. Giving to charity and considering others reinforce those core values and show children that their loving actions, no matter how small, can make a difference.
Lymington Infant School is hosting Open Mornings next Wednesday 22 October and Wednesday 19 November, and an Open Evening on Wednesday 12 November. If your child is starting school in September 2026 you are warmly invited to a short presentation and a tour of the school. If those times are not convenient, the school will be happy to welcome you for an individual tour.
The Good, The Bad And...The Hopeful?
That very special moment when the setting sun lights up the trees in its 'view' has to be captured swiftly - it lasts but a minute or so! What a very special autumn we're enjoying.
Do now also enjoy the Diary section below - plus as usual there's lots more in the full Events Calendar.
And finally this week, because positivity is my remit having stayed silent on so many sad and bad recent happenings: mention of a story about yet another local hit and run by a driver, of and away from an obviously badly damaged pony. Thanks to the actions of the observant dog walker who later called the agister, expert veterinary attention and the passion and determination of her owners, 3 years old Bea is now receiving extensive, expensive care in the hope of eventual recovery - albeit, if she makes it, with the prospect of early onset osteoarthritis. One of the many good wishes the owners have received resonated especially with me: 'We absolutely love visiting the New Forest, just wish drivers would respect these beautiful animals, it’s their home and we are just passing through.'
Best wishes Jane
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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