Celebrating the Dads on Solstice Sunday
I think it's rather nice that Father's Day has become an increasingly popular annual occasion for appreciating dads. And in summer, especially when the weather is clement, there are lots of practically free options like simply packing up a picnic to take on a family walk with the dog. It's the time together which counts - and perhaps that's the perfect excuse for a spot of Strawberry Picking together at Goodall's!
Father's Day this year falls on the Summer Solstice Sunday 21 June, the midsummer date with the longest amount of daylight and the shortest period of darkness; at 09.24 it also marks the official start of astronomical summer. And best of all, it looks set to be a spectacularly sunny day.
Here's some of what's on offer (there's more on https://www.lymington.com/events):
- Father’s Day Papa’s Paddle to the Pub with New Forest Activities invites you to take Dad on a relaxing family paddle through the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve, ending at the Master Builder's pub on the riverside where Dad can enjoy a nice cold beer: 'boating and bevvies'!
- Another one for the promised fine weather is Dads Go Free at Hurst Castle: Dads and Grandads get in free when accompanied by their children or grandchildren. And as ever the ferry from Keyhaven makes it possible also for those for whom it's not feasible to include the lovely walk along Hurst Spit.
- Another fabulous spot to enjoy the gorgeous weather is Pebble Beach, where it's Chill Sunday with DJ John.
- Then there's the Custom & American Show at Beaulieu, also on Sunday and bound to be a Dad pleaser.
- Splash out on a special treat Father’s Day Lunch at Cambium: Careys Manor’s contemporary New Forest restaurant, where Head Chef Dylan James has carefully crafted a seasonal menu based on the finest locally sourced ingredients and modern British flavours.
'Father's Day' can be an occasion also to remember and celebrate the dads who are no longer with us, including if so inclined having an extra 'chat' with them in our heads, which I'll be doing!
Balmy Summer Days at Balmer Lawn
Whatever the season and time of day, set foot inside Brockenhurst's Balmer Lawn and you'll be enveloped in the wonderfully relaxed vibe of this family owned, country house hotel. From morning coffee in the bar with friends or colleagues to lunch in Beresfords Restaurant or the al fresco 'Lodge' with views across the forest, to a sumptuous wine-and-dine evening experience in Beresfords, the welcome will be warm, the fare generous, locally sourced and nature-inspired wherever feasible, and your comfort for both body and mind assured.
The new Spa & Wellness Centre including treatments and relaxation areas boasts not only a Steam Room with Natural Crystal Features and a Finnish Sauna featuring a Volcanic Salt Brick Wall for respiratory and skin health, but also an invigorating Ice Room which complements the heat therapies in an altogether more enjoyable way than leaping into freezing water (in my opinion!).
Right now if you're casting around for a treat for Sunday, there's a special Father's Day Savoury Afternoon Tea which begins with a complimentary pint on arrival! As they say: 'sometimes the best gift is good food, a drink in hand and time spent together'.
Meanwhile, now that the summer season is properly underway, the woodfired pizza is firing daily and midweek Happy Hour drinks are being served on the terrace: Monday to Thursday from 5pm to 7pm for 2 for 1 drinks with friends, colleagues or the family and freshly made pizzas.
Balmer Lawn is also a stunning wedding venue with a dedicated team to plan the perfect day, and popular for other celebrations and corporate events too. The hotel's owners, Chris and Alison, have inspired every member of their team through their own positive energy and genuine dedication to guests. If you haven't yet had the pleasure to visit Balmer Lawn, go and discover it this summer!
DISCOVER THE BALMER LAWN HOTEL!
Hear it from the Horse's Mouth!
Next Wednesday 24 June offers a very special opportunity to discover the remarkable story of the New Forest, from someone who has lived and breathed it his entire life. Jonathan Gerrelli, Head Agister, lifelong commoner and guardian of the Forest’s animals, will guide you through:
- The Verderers and Agisters – their origins, traditions, and how their roles have evolved
- The Commoning System – the unique Rights that allow commoners to graze animals freely
- Forest Management Today – how Agisters work alongside the NPA and Forestry England
- The Animals of the Forest – why commoners’ livestock is essential to maintaining this rare and beautiful habitat
Jonathan’s deep roots in the Forest make this talk especially compelling. Born and raised here, educated in Pilley and Lymington and later Brockenhurst College, he has spent his entire life working among the trees, heathland and livestock that define the New Forest. After early years with the Forestry Commission and local forestry work, he became an Agister in 1991 and has served as Head Agister since 2003. He continues his family’s commoning tradition with his own herd of registered New Forest ponies.
This is a St Barbe Heritage talk, which is being held at Sway Village Hall. It's going to be popular and numbers are limited, so book now!
TALK BY JONATHAN GERRELLI - BOOK HERE
Other News and Upcoming Events...
Last weekend's Buckler's Hard Wartime Weekend which drew crowds from near and far was by all accounts a big success (by the way last evening there was a repeat showing on BBC2 of Ben Robinson's 'Villages by the Sea' about Bucklers Hard which encapsulates its whole fascinating history, catch it on iPlayer!). Then yesterday's packed and most enjoyable New Forest Business Show was a fantastic demonstration of the growing strength of our business community.
Next weekend 26-28 June is the annual Summer Beer Festival at Monkey Brewhouse, featuring its own beers and three great days of live music.
And next Saturday 27 June is the big fundraiser for Oakhaven Hospice, its annual Family Fun Day; see details in the panel below and note that the theme this year is pirates!
Next Wednesday there's a fascinating sounding Forage, Ferment & Feast Lunch at Lime Wood.
Meanwhile, tomorrow the Friends of St Thomas Church Mid Summer Fayre includes plentiful refreshments and the ever popular Morris Dancers, 'Have a Go' at ringing the church bells, all manner of creations at the artisans market and bargains galore at the friends' own sales tables. And to entertain the children, courtesy of the Countryside Education Trust chickens will be roaming about too!
Also tomorrow it's the much loved annual South Baddesley Primary School & Nursery Summer Fete. And before that at Chapel Stores East Boldre, don't forget the Book Launch: Keeping the Lights Burning. And tonight there's Live Music at the Turfcutters Arms and also the regular Friday night music at Monkey Brewhouse!
As always there's a long list of upcoming events below, and many more in the full Events Calendar.
Happy Sunny Weekends Everyone!
Best wishes Jane
Read the rest of this week's newsletter here
And check out What's On in the Diary of Upcoming Events!
Opt to receive Weekly What's On e-newsletter
Never miss out! Weekly What's On is sent out as an e-newsletter weekly on Friday mornings, click here to receive it direct to your inbox week in and week out, and never miss out on What's On and Coming Up!
