Upcoming events, things to do and businesses to support in Lymington and the New Forest
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Strictly Fun!
I think I might be the only person who didn’t watch Celebrity Traitors! I never got started and then completely missed the moment. Strictly, on the other hand, is different. You don’t have to catch every episode to enjoy it and share the fun. And this weekend, Lymington has its very own Strictly: full of glitz, glamour and local stars, all competing at Lymington Community Centre for the Strictly Lymington glitter ball!
But before we get swept up in sequins, a word about Lymington Community Centre — and something many of you may not realise.
From the long queues for the Malt Cinema’s latest releases, to the exciting new café taking shape, to the many regular activities running like clockwork under the calm and competent guidance of manager Rachel Smith, it’s easy to assume all is well. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Despite being busier than ever, the Centre is facing real financial pressure. Rising employment and energy costs, combined with reduced external funding, mean the Centre is struggling to meet its day-to-day costs — the very costs that keep its facilities available for all of us.
So I asked Rachel what we, as a community, can do to help. Here’s what she suggested:
- Become a member of the Centre. There are plenty of benefits — including discounts at the Malt Cinema!
- Donate when you de-clutter. Tidal Boutique, the Centre’s charity shop, welcomes good-quality items.
- Fundraise for the Centre. Although the Community Centre does so much for us, it’s often overlooked when it comes to fundraising. Beyond making a donation, Rachel would love more people to become Fundraising Champions — organising events big or small. A golf day, a challenge, an evening event… or even a coffee morning, cake stall or garage sale. Every effort helps, and it all adds up.
- Businesses can help too. Local companies could nominate Lymington Community Centre as their Charity of the Year, and raise funds with their own events.
Tomorrow’s Strictly Lymington is a brilliant example of what happens when community support comes together. The Centre provides the perfect venue for the New Forest Academy of Dance to put on another of its wonderful shows — great for the performers, great entertainment for all of us, and essential revenue for the Centre. Everybody wins.
As Rachel puts it: “We have a small team and simply don’t have the capacity to arrange lots of fundraising events. We rely on people like Kayleigh and Kevin, who are organising Strictly Lymington. We can support with the venue, ticketing and logistics — but we need the community to lead the fundraising.”
So there you have it. Food for thought?
Recognising and Rewarding
In a continuing good news story, our favourite, friendly, local solicitors Scott Bailey whose practice continues to grow, are delighted to announce the promotion of Daniel Ratcliff and Victoria Smalley to Associate Partner, effective from 1 November 2025.
These latest appointments reflect Scott Bailey’s ongoing commitment to recognising and rewarding talent from within, as well as its continued growth across the New Forest and Hampshire region.
Daniel and Victoria are both highly valued members of Scott Bailey’s Conveyancing team, which is led by Partner and Head of Property, James Burford. Commenting on their promotions, James said: “These well-deserved promotions recognise Daniel and Victoria’s exceptional contribution to the firm. Their professionalism, commitment, and drive have been key to the continued growth and success of our Property team in particular. It’s a privilege to work alongside them, both as colleagues and as friends.”
DANIEL RATCLIFF AND VICTORIA SMALLEY - READ ON!
A Timeless Christmas at The Montagu Arms: Where Heritage Meets Something New
There's a myriad of reasons to visit the Montagu Arms in Beaulieu this Christmas season, and we're all invited! Beaulieu is an exceptionally Christmassy village (its Victorian Evening is enduringly popular) and the hotel sits in a strategic spot between historic abbey church, picturesque river and pretty cobbled street. Inside the enormous oak panelled front door you'll find welcoming staff, roaring log fires, twinkling lights and garlands galore, all of which combine to transform the hotel to a haven of warmth and wonder at Christmas time.
Do read this month's feature article by the Montagu Arms; it summarises everything on offer at the hotel this Christmas including: Festive Dining, Festive Stays, Festive Afternoon Tea, Winter Flower Arranging Workshop, New Year’s Eve Party and New Year Breaks. A wonderful gift would be a Christmas Gift Experience Voucher giving the recipient the choice: from luxury Afternoon Tea, Sunday Lunch or Lunch at Monty’s Inn, to a Classic Car Break, Dog Afternoon Tea, or a Bed & Breakfast stay in an elegant room. 'Heritage meets something new, where historic charm and contemporary luxury come together to create a truly unforgettable Christmas!'
CHRISTMAS AT THE MONTAGU ARMS - CLICK HERE
Recycle Your Christmas Tree For Oakhaven in January -
Book Now!
'Oakhaven Treecycle' is Oakhaven’s brand new fundraising initiative. Online bookings are now open to request the Treecycle volunteers to collect your Christmas tree, after Twelfth Night when you'd like it to disappear! The suggested donation is £15.
In this first year, collections will be made between Thursday 8 and Monday 12 January, from postcodes BH25, SO41, SO42 and SO45 (with expansion to more postcodes planned for next year). The number of trees able to be collected will also depend on the number of volunteers willing to help provide the service. If you're willing to volunteer (as an individual, a group or a business), you’re sure to have a very fun and worthwhile day! If you'd like to help, please contact Hannah Davies on
Meanwhile, Make a Christmas Wreath
Christmas Wreaths are all the buzz this year! If you fancy making your own and having some fun doing it, do take a look at the Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Careys Manor Hotel on 27 November - plus a number of others in the Diary below!
A reminder to all of you adding events to our Events Calendar: the 'short description' field is what Google picks up, so please try and make sure yours includes at the least the name of the event, and when and where it's happening.
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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