Upcoming events, things to do and businesses to support in Lymington and the New Forest
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Halloween Hunting
Owls are strongly associated with Halloween due to their nocturnal nature, silent flight and haunting calls, which connect them to mystery, the supernatural, and witchcraft. Historically, they were seen as omens of death or familiars of witches, a belief that has cemented their place in Halloween imagery and lore, where they are used to evoke spooky and mysterious feelings. And aren't they majestic to see, as they hunt their prey!
Today you have a few Halloween options including hopping on the Ghost Train at Exbury, Halloween at Hurst Castle, Tales of Folklore and Phantoms at Beaulieu and Wolver-ween at New Forest Wildlife Park.
And this evening once you've treated or tricked if that's still a thing, it's time for Halloween Night at Pebble Beach, where we're all invited to dress to impress or distress with a prize for the most chillingly creative look of the night, and then dance deep into the night to the moody vibes of 80s- dark synth duo ‘Ghost in the Machine’.
Happy Halloween
On a rather gentler note, I'm loving these charming hand knitted pumpkins, part of the current welcoming display in the fabulously friendly and increasingly well stocked Chapel Stores in East Boldre. For example, as well as daily freshly baked bread, newspapers, gorgeous greeting cards and more or less every weekly necessity, you can now also buy top quality locally reared and produced venison - from mince and burgers to steaks and roasting joints. With post office & banking facilities, free parking immediately outside and pop up cafe on Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings, if you haven't yet discovered this very special community shop in a beautifully converted former chapel, it's well worth a visit!
Meanwhile there's been fun at Colten Care dementia care home Linden House in Lymington, where residents welcomed 20 pupils aged 6 and 7 from Lymington Infant School for a Halloween party. Together they enjoyed pumpkin carving, dancing, dressing up and making Halloween-themed decorations.
Preparing to Remember
This year's poppy display in front of St Thomas Church in Lymington includes a spectacular cascade down the clock tower. It can be viewed by all who pass by on their way to and from the High Street - look out for it at tomorrow's Lymington Charter Market.
Meanwhile at St John the Baptist Church in Boldre, following 8 months hard work by a 50-strong group of 'Poppy Day Creatives', there's a cascade made from nearly 5,000 hand-crafted poppies fixed to a 23 square metres net from the 40 feet high tower. Stephanie Glen of Pilley Hill, who coordinated the project, said: “This has been a true community effort. Every single poppy has been made with care, and together they form a powerful reminder of the courage and loss remembered each November. We hope the display brings people together in gratitude and reflection. St John’s has a long and solemn connection to HMS Hood and to remembrance. This year’s poppy cascade will not only honour those who gave their lives, but also embody the love and dedication of today’s community.”
And then we are invited to beautiful Beaulieu Abbey Church on Saturday 8 November to Sing Fauré’s Requiem for Remembrance. Conducted by Chris Burton, this special evening including war poetry and readings offers a unique opportunity to reflect and remember through the power of music and words. Follow the link to sign up - scores can be hired and there's a rehearsal in the afternoon.
Christmas Calling
This year's Christmas Tree Festival in St Thomas Church takes place over the weekend of 27-29 November, which may seem early but coincides as always with Advent. Plans are well underway for the by now customary winter wonderland of Christmas trees, each sponsored and decorated - often with a special theme - by a local business or community group. Building on the success of last year when the whole footprint of the church, hall and courtyard garden was used, opening hours will be extended into the evening to exploit the magic of the winter darkness. As usual there will be seasonal refreshments, Christmas stalls, live music and a musical extravaganza on the last evening from 4pm onwards. If you would like to sponsor a tree there are still spaces in the courtyard garden-click here for details.
The following weekend Lymington will be turned red for Christmas by a Sea of Santas! Now in its 16th year and having raised more than £200,000 for the hospice, the annual Oakhaven Santa Dash on Sunday 7 December will be as ever a fun opportunity to gather with friends, family, and colleagues plus as appropriate decorated pushchairs, mobility scooters and dogs (on short leads!) to run, jog, walk, stroll, or even scoot around the streets of Lymington. Although some might be speeding to win, most choose to 'dash' far more sedately! Entry is £15 per adult and £7.50 per child, with a family ticket priced at £40. There is also a special ‘6 for £60’ ticket, perfect for groups of friends and colleagues. Ticket price includes your Santa suit - although regular 'Dashers' are encouraged to wear again any Santa suits they may have saved from previous years. All proceeds to the hospice: this lovely event is sponsored once again by John D Wood & Co, whilst Scott Bailey Solicitors are sponsoring the Santa suits!
Other News & Events
A recent survey has ranked Lymington as the happiest place to live in Hampshire (ahead of Beaulieu, Winchester, Southsea and Alresford) thanks to its architecture, high street, good schools and proximity to forest walks. It didn't, unsurprisingly, score so highly on provision of affordable housing, but special positive mentions were made of schools Our Lady & St Joseph, Lymington Junior and Priestlands, and the excellent Monkey Brewhouse pub - where live music continues on Fridays and Sundays, plus next Wednesday for Bonfire Night Open Mic Night with Phil Holbird.
Next Tuesday 4 November it's the Friends of St Thomas Church AGM. There will also be an illustrated talk by the Environment Agency with an update about the Hurst Spit to Lymington Strategy and the plans which could threaten the shoreline and river as we know them. Everyone is welcome, wine and nibbles provided.
The Lymington Society's next event on Friday 14 November is a fascinating talk about Grace Darling, who helped rescue 9 sailors from the wrecked steamship Forfarshire in 1838 and became the ‘poster girl’ of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, before dying from TB at the tender age of 26. Sign up here for Grace Darling and the Fine Art of Saving Lives at Sea!
And now happy if spooky weekends one and all,
Best wishes Jane
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