Summer events in the Lymington and New Forest area

Whether you're interested in music, art, film, food, cars or the countryside, there's something for everyone 

Holidaying in the Lymington and New Forest area this summer? Or local and planning a staycation?

Whether you're planning a visit to Lymington and the New Forest or are local to the area, you'll be spoilt for choice at the events on offer this summer. Take your pick from the fantastic line up of local events...

9-23 July: Rick Stein's Sunset Cinema at the Chewton Glen

The Pop-Up Picture Company, creators of unique food and film experiences, have teamed up with Rick Stein to bring Sunset Cinema to Chewton Glen. Whilst you watch a classic film on a compfy outdoors, you'll be served a two-course set meal curated by Rick Stein himself. Experience diverse menus featuring plenty of Rick’s signature seafood dishes and Tom Kerridge's famous Hand & Flowers ice cream in the interval. Discover a film you’ve never seen, or enjoy a classic in a unique new way – the choice is yours. With comfy sofas, a luxurious location and indulgent alfresco dining, it’s the perfect cinematic experience. It's not too late - a few tickets do still remain (if you're quick!). Find out more.

16 July: Lymington Carnival and Fete

This year, Lymington's annual Carnival celebrates the Lions Club international centennial with the theme '100 years of musicals', which will undoubtedly give endless possibilities for entrants to show off their imagination and flare. The Carnival Procession will start at the Town Hall, with event sponsors Colten Care stepping in time with their Mary Poppins themed entry! The procession lasts approximately 1-1.5 hours and if you're not taking part then it is well worth watching and cheering along the route (NB roads will be closed for the duration). The procession is followed by the carnival fete at Lymington's Sports Ground, with stalls and fun activities for everyone. Find out more.

21-23 July: Curious Arts Festival

The Curious Arts Festival is for everyone of all ages!  This quirky festival, set close to Lymington in the grounds of Pylewell Park on the Solent Shore, has been quietly growing and gathering followers - and this year has received a lot of national publicity including the Saturday Telegraph. This is a festival for for literary as well as music lovers (headline acts this year Izzy Bizu and Tom Odell), with absolutely tons on offer for people of all ages, including children and families. The weekend simply oozes creativity and fun. Take part in a songwriting workshop, join in a yoga class, try new things! You don’t have to attend the whole weekend there are day tickets for families and adults. Find out more.

25-27 July: New Forest and Hampshire County Show

Taking place just outside Brockenhurst in the heart of the National Park, the New Forest and Hampshire County Show is one of the top ten agricultural shows in the country, offering visitors thirty acres of showground to explore. For the New Forest this is THE event not just of the summer but the whole year, and a real must if you’re holidaying in the New Forest that week! Each year the magnificent Heavy Horses Musical Display brings a tear to many eyes and the showjumping attracts the top riders plus there's a host of entertainment for all. There’s something new every year too and in this its 97th year the New Forest Polo Club will be demonstrating their skills and educating visitors about the equipment used and their polo ponies. Surrounding the main arenas are lanes of stalls, agricultural and countryside displays and shows and fun for everyone. Find out more.

29 Jul–5 August: Cowes Week

Cowes Week is one of the UK's longest running and most successful sporting events and is a key highlight of the British sporting summer. Around 8,000 competitors now participate, ranging from Olympic and world class yachtsmen to weekend sailors. The spectacle that the racing provides, together with the vibrant festival atmosphere attracts over 100,000 visitors to Cowes during the event. It is easy to travel to Cowes from Southampton, alternatively watch the yachts as they pass from Calshot beach or Lepe Country Park - in particular, the Friday night fireworks are usually worth watching. Find out more.

5-6 August: Supercar weekend at Beaulieu

No list of local events would be complete without mention of world famous Beaulieu Motor Museum! The Supercar Weekend would be a good weekend to visit - a family-friendly spectacular that brings some of the world’s most exclusive and desirable motors to Beaulieu; prestigious supercars with their distinctive engine notes as they unleash their horsepower on the demonstration run! Tickets include entry into the Motor Museum, as well as the other attractions Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey and the World of Top Gear. Find out more. 

6 August: Lymington Summer Spectacular and Classic Car Show

This year heralds the 18th annual Summer Spectacular and Classic Car Show at Woodside Park. A fantastic day out with lots to do, with live music (Zac and the Zeros are headlining). In the "Events" arena the Interactive Magic Circus will be inviting children to join in. The ever popular Birds of Prey will be featured as will Punch and Judy and the Cara Fun Dog Show. Huge car boot sale and a full size Fairground. The Classic Car Show is a major part of the show with over 270 Classic Cars in relaxed surroundings. Find out more.

12-13 August: Lymington Seafood Festival

This is a first for the historic market town of Lymington and much anticipated! Entry is free, to then get a chance to sample the produce of some of the region’s most exciting chefs, restaurants and artisan producers. The Festival will play host to an array of over 60 producers and pop-up restaurants across the weekend, including renowned New Forest based Chewton Glen, The Montagu Arms and Carey's Manor. Taste lobster, local hand dived scallops, clams, crab, mackerel….the list goes on. In addition to pop-up food stalls there will be an arts and crafts area as well as live music across the weekend with leading bands and artists playing a mix of soul, blues, ska and rag-time – plus a 12-strong sea shanty band. Well worth a visit! Find out more.

27 August: Bath Race at Lymington Sea Water Baths

This hilarious event organised by Lymington Town Sailing Club now takes place annually at Lymington's famous Sea Water Baths. The contestants make a standard bath into a sea-worthy, racing craft to take part in the paddle driven heats in the Sea Water Baths. Adults and children have a wonderful time competing for the much wanted Bath Trophy. Combine the event with a walk along the sea wall (otherwise known as the Lymington - Keyhaven nature reserve, picking up a New Forest Icecream from the kiosk at the Sea Water Baths along the way! Find out more.

31 August–3 September: Bournemouth Air Festival

Award-winning and internationally renowned, the Bournemouth Air Festival is the UK’s biggest air festival providing four days of action and entertainment in the air, on land and at sea. Take a look at the website for a taste of last year’s festival and confirmed times for the Red Arrows on display. The festival also provides a reason to visit Bournemouth - a very pleasant seaside town with lots going on at all times and a fabulous sandy beach. The town does get very busy for the festival, so it is well worth checking out the event park and rides or travelling by train. Find out more.

Keep up with all the events happening in and around Lymington and the New Forest with our Events Calendar and by subscribing (for free) to receive our weekly 'What's On' email at www.lymington.com

Lymington's Summer Carnival will be Supercalifragilistic-expialidocious!

Headline sponsor, Colten Care, prepares to step in time at Lymington's musical-themed Carnival

Spit spot! It’s time to dress up and enjoy the magic of this weekend’s musical-themed Lymington Carnival.

At care homes run by Colten Care, the finishing touches are being made to costumes, decorations and props inspired by the celebrated fictional nanny Mary Poppins. The message from ‘Team Colten’ residents and staff is clear: look out for us on the parade, give us a wave and cheer us on.

Nimble fingers have been hard at work at four homes with needles and thread, scissors, pins and paintbrushes to help get everything ready for the big day.

Janie Pearman, Home Manager at both Belmore Lodge in Lymington and Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst, said: “There has been a really lovely buzz among our residents and team members in the weeks leading up to the Carnival and we’re all raring to go. It’s all about having fun, going out and about in the community and even showing off some imagination and flare. We can’t wait for Sunday.”

While some will join the procession, those Colten Care residents, relatives and guests who simply want to watch will have exclusive use of a raised verge by the Town Hall so they can sit in comfort, sample cakes and refreshments, and view the proceedings close up. “By all means, come and say hello to us,” said Sam Reid, Home Manager at Court Lodge in Lymington. “We always like welcoming old friends and meeting new ones too.”

Belmore Lodge resident Joyce King said: “I love watching the procession. We had such fun last year and I can’t wait to ‘fly my kite’ on our Mary Poppins theme this time.”

Ian Duncan, President of Carnival organisers the Lions Club of Lymington and Brockenhurst, said: “We chose the theme of 100 Years of Music to help celebrate the Lions’ centenary this year. We’re thrilled that Colten Care, our headline sponsors once again, have been getting into the spirit with their Mary Poppins costumes and props. It’s all shaping up to be a superb community event.”

Come along and support the Carnival Procession and Fete this weekend! Find out more...

(including procession route map and how to enter!)

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COLTEN CARE'S LOCAL HOMES

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the local area, including three in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House. There are also homes in Brockenhurst (Woodpecker's), New Milton (Kingfisher's) and Mudeford (Avon Reach). Click on the links to find out more about each home...

Help Lymington care homes knit their way into the record book!

Colten Care are attempting to knit the world's largest tea cosy and need your help

Sew cosy!

Colten Care are attempting to knit the world's largest tea cosy and are already a third of the way to knitting 3,000 8 x 8 inch squares. If successful, the eventual tea cosy will be bigger than a 4 x 4 family car once all the squares are put together.

The current world record stands at 1,924 squares or 11.1 metres in circumference.

Time for tea!

Once they have knitted the tea cosy, the aim is to build a giant teapot in which tea parties can be held. The Colten Care team will then take it out on the road, to each of their homes and into the community with the aim of raising funds, and publicity, for Dementia UK.

Colten Care is absolutely passionate about raising awareness of dementia which touches all our lives. Residents at several Colten Care homes are already taking part in the world record bid with relatives and the wider community also being encouraged to get involved, including Belmore Lodge and Court Lodge in Lymington.

Now that the record attempt has been launched, Colten Care has two months to complete the tea cosy challenge and submit it to Guinness World Records.

How can you help:

Would you like to help the Colten Care residents to acheive their world record?  You can help by knitting some squares and dropping them off at your nearest Colten Care home. All squares should be 8 inches by 8 inches, no particular stitch or needle size.

Any wool that you would like to donate would be greatly appreciated, again, please drop it to your nearest Colten Care Home.

See below for details of your local Colten Care home.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COLTEN CARE'S LOCAL HOMES

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the local area, including three in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House. There are also homes in Brockenhurst (Woodpecker's), New Milton (Kingfisher's) and Mudeford (Avon Reach). Click on the links to find out more about each home...

Community-minded Lymington Dentist receives national honour.

British Citizen Award given to Dr Donald Mackenzie for services to the community

A generous Hampshire dentist who has devoted more than three decades to his local community has been recognised with a national honour. Dr Donald Mackenzie, of Lymington, has been given a British Citizen Award for his services to the community.

The British Citizen Awards (BCAs) were launched in January 2015, to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on society. BCAs are awarded twice annually, and recognise ‘everyday’ people whose achievements may otherwise be overlooked.

Dr Mackenzie, aged 67, has been actively involved in promoting and supporting many organisations and helping safeguard the heritage of the town of Lymington since 1981.

Whilst being a highly successful professional – a dental specialist in Prosthodontics – Dr Mackenzie has still found time to devote to causes which benefitted the community. He has undertaken several community roles and has numerous successes attributed to him.

His first initiative was leading a major campaign to relaunch the Chamber of Commerce including designing and building their first website and database and helping to set them on a new more sustainable path.

In addition, for the past 20 years he has volunteered with the Lymington Society freely giving his time, expertise and effort as an active member of the Lymington Society Committee.

As its first Press Spokesman working with his colleagues he helped to revive the Society which grew from a membership of 130 to over 400. Dr Mackenzie was responsible for obtaining listed building status and thereby preventing the demolition of “The Masters House” a significant local building which stands on the site of the old work house, helping to preserve the history of the town.

Working for the Lymington Society, Dr Mackenzie organised a petition and a public meeting which successfully persuaded the planners to stop overdevelopment of blocks of flats in the town and cut down on unsuitable over-development as well as further public meetings on important local issues.

Through his determined efforts and commitment to the community he was responsible, with the help of a small committee for bringing Christmas Lights back to Lymington in 2008 after a break of several years having raised over £20,000 to ensure that new lights were purchased and that all the new safety rules and regulations were followed. Now taken over by the Town Council, these lights are still in use today ensuring the town has Christmas Lights to be proud of.

He has been a significant donor to local charities St. Barbe Museum and the Solent Music Festival and has sponsored local sports clubs, and many cultural events

As one of the Trustees he has been actively involved in the regeneration of the St. Barbe Museum, which saw him play an important role in raising £610,000 for the project. He has helped oversee the upgrading and enlarging of the museum, which will soon be reopened and will have a completely new museum display and be able to show a much bigger range of exhibitions as well as show works of national importance.

He is currently Chairman of the project to restore the Walhampton Monument to Admiral Sir Harry Burrard Neale – Lord of the Admiralty. He has led the project from the start, working with colleagues to generate funds to landscape the land surrounding the monument so that instead of an overgrown wasteland there is now open community space which as well as having a new accessible foot path, will soon have a picturesque pond.

Dr Mackenzie is known and respected in the community for passionately pursuing the public interest, fighting for what he believes in and getting things done. Against a backdrop of public sector financial uncertainty, Dr Mackenzie has used his economic, political, IT and negotiating skills to make a huge difference to this New Forest community. He has utilised the internet to connect the community and advance the communication of his causes and subsequent fundraising capability.

At a time when many rural and coastal towns are suffering from a downturn in fortunes or the threat of over-development, Dr Mackenzie has helped various organisations steer a course which has seen the town maintain its heritage and improve its appeal to the community. His donations have benefitted the town and his sponsorships have benefitted local organisations.

Dr Mackenzie is one of 30 medallists who will be honoured at a prestigious ceremony on July 6, at the Palace of Westminster. All BCA recipients have positively impact society undertaking various activities in support of a number of causes. Each will receive a Medal of Honour, inscribed with the words ‘For the Good of the Country’. Medallists are also invited to use the initials BCA after their name.

Speaking about his nomination, Dr Mackenzie said: “I was thrilled to find out about the award. It’s great to get recognition for the projects that I have been involved in but their success is really down to the hard work of a lot of people, not just me, and I would like to share this honour with them.”

The awards are in partnership with customer experience management company, InMoment, and are supported by the world’s largest optical retailer, Specsavers; one of the largest property and leisure management, development and regeneration companies in the UK, Places for People; leading ethical law firm Irwin Mitchell; the UK and Europe’s leading palletised freight distribution company, Pall-Ex, owned by BCAs Patron Hilary Devey; and specialist marketing, PR and communications agency, Lime Marketing – who each had representatives at the assessment day and will be presenting the awards in July.

Dr Mackenzie was nominated for a BCA by MP Desmond Swayne, who said: “Dr Mackenzie has given freely of his time, expertise and effort and has donated generously to local charities. He is well-known and respected locally for his efforts on behalf of the community.”

New Forest nursery just keeps on growing!

Experts in Agapanthus, Fairweather's export throughout Europe

A business in the heart of the New Forest is having an influence over the way gardens throughout Europe are going to look in the future. Fairweather’s Nursery in Beaulieu now export more than 25% of their turnover to France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The export sales have been developed over the past 10 years and are made up entirely from the sale of young Agapanthus plants.

Fairweather’s have developed many new strains of Agapanthus that offer new colours, more compact selections, improved hardiness and extend the traditional flowering season. Agapanthus gets their name from the Greek word agape=love and anthos= flower and are also called Lily of the Nile.

In order to offer uniform and vigorous plants all the 60 varieties that are commercially offered are produced in vitro, using tissue culture techniques that are also used on human cells. Initiation of the plants takes place in a UK laboratory with volume production then transferred to India and China.

Fairweather’s hold the Plant Heritage National collection of Agapanthus which contains over 500 named cultivars that are gathered from breeders across the world. The breadth of genetic variation and range, help the company make judgments about the introduction of new selections. Unique new plants that have good commercial prospects are protected in Europe by Plant Variety Rights and in the US by a patent.

Visit the Fairweather's Nursery on July 29th and 30th

Fairweather’s Nursery opens its doors once a year for the public to see the collection and its wholesale production nursery on July 29th and 30th 2017. Tours of the nursery with Patrick Fairweather will start at 11.30am and 2.30pm, including a demonstration of how to get the best from your Agapanthus, including tips on watering, feeding and dividing. Agapanthus, Lavenders and other perennials will be on sale throughout the weekend at special prices.

Visitors will also be able to see plants that form part of the Royal Horticultural Society Agapanthus trials which are also being held at RHS Wisley, that are being judged for the Award of Garden Merit.

The adjacent garden of Aline Fairweather who runs Fairweather’s Garden Centre in Beaulieu with her son is open all day for Cream Teas and refreshments.

Entry is £3.00 per person to the National Gardens Scheme. To date Fairweather’s have given over £10,000 to the charity which provides valuable support to Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Hospice UK plus other worthwhile charities.

Find out more about Fairweather's Garden Centre

Mamma Mia! Lymington's Italia Festival was HOT!

Thousands flocked to Lymington on Sunday for the Italia Festival 2017

Thousands flocked to Lymington on a beautifully sunny Sunday 2nd July for a taste of Italy. Now in its fourth year, Lymington's Italia Festival is fast becoming a popular annual attraction for the town and this year raised funds for The Stroke Association. 

In the morning, Lymington Yacht Haven welcomed the Ferrari Owners' Club and fifty Ferraris, visitors were able to get a good look at the cars before the grand procession around the town to Lymington's High Street. The Ferraris then parked along the top of the High Street opposite an Italian market selling Italian leather goods and a variety of Italian food.

Throughout the day, thousands of locals and visitors came to admire the Ferraris, try the Italian food and raise funds for national charity The Stroke Association through donations and a raffle.

Lymington & Pennington Town Council’s Town Mayor, Councillor Barry Dunning, was able to present the Stroke Association with a donation of £4000 raised during the day.

"What a stupendous event, even better than last year", said Lymington Mayor, Barry Dunning. "It's fantastic that all 50 cars arrived in convoy into the High Street, which was lined with crowds of people from far & wide – locals, holiday makers, campers and those who travelled miles just to come to this fantastic charity event.

The sound of the Ferrari engines coming up the High Street to great fanfare and car horns was absolutely amazing!" 

He added: "There were more Italian stalls than ever selling hot food, ice cream, drink and leather goods , with an array of prices to suit all budgets - and weren’t we extremely luck with the weather."

This annual event is organised by Lymington & Pennington Town Council and the Wessex Ferrari Owners Club.

(Photo: Left-Right: Mayor Barry Dunning, Andrew Peters (Deep Blue Financial) Tammy Angus (Stroke Association), Yvonne Hobbs (Stroke Association) & Rob Heard (Ferrari Club UK).

Outstanding news for Colten Care's New Milton home

Kingfishers gains top marks in independent inspection

A local family-owned residential and nursing home has received some ‘outstanding’ news after gaining top marks in an independent inspection. Colten Care’s Kingfishers in New Milton, Hampshire, held an afternoon tea party to celebrate its official Outstanding rating from industry regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The assessment means the home is among the best one per cent of nursing homes nationally. The home was assessed across five criteria – being safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led – with sufficient elements reaching the highest standards to achieve the overall rating.

Inspectors praised team members for delivering “exceptional care and compassion”, noting the “service was personalised to meet people’s individual needs in a positive, open, transparent culture”.

The report quotes a GP who described the home as a “centre of excellence”, adding: “The care provided to people and relatives continues to be the best I have witnessed.”

In her comments, Deborah Ivanova, Deputy Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care at the CQC, said: “It was inspiring to find the staff at Kingfishers constantly looking for ways to improve care so people had positive experiences and led fulfilling lives.

“Excellent links with the local community, schools and charities have been developed to support the home and involve those living at Kingfishers.

“There was a real focus on developing staff’s knowledge and skills in order to provide high quality care.

“The home had a culture of promoting people’s independence, recognising their individuality and providing care and support that embraced their culture and diversity."

The celebration party featured a sponge cake specially baked by Kingfishers’ chefs and iced with the Colten Care logo and one word: Outstanding.

Mark Aitchison, Chief Executive, told guests: “While all our homes are already rated Good, this is the first overall Outstanding rating for one of our homes and it’s absolutely fantastic. Care is what we’re all about - one team, working 24/7, 365 days of the year. That’s quite some undertaking and the team should all be incredibly proud of this achievement.”

Also attending was CQC Inspector Tony Smith who said: “I am just the messenger. I only write what I find and this is an outstanding home.”

Home Manager Beata Brzozowska said: “We’re thrilled with the inspectors’ report. It really is a testament to the commitment of our whole team. This is the happiest day of my life. Thank you all so much. We showed everyone that we can reach for the highest.”

Her views were echoed by Tania Ruzheva, Senior Care Lead, who added: “We work hard, supporting and respecting each other. This is the best prize a team can achieve and we’re all honoured to be part of it.”

Resident Eric Sinclare, 97, said: “The staff are wonderful, the place is wonderful and the activities are wonderful. What more can I say?”

Other guests included Cllr David Hawkins of New Milton Town Council who commented: “I was Mayor for three years and visited Kingfishers on many occasions. It’s a fantastic home and you can feel how family orientated it is as soon as you walk through the doors. Staff are always smiling. I think we should count ourselves very lucky that we have such an outstanding home in New Milton.”

The inspection report can be found at: http://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-430575391.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COLTEN CARE'S LOCAL HOMES

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the local area, including three in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House. There are also homes in Brockenhurst (Woodpecker's), New Milton (Kingfisher's) and Mudeford (Avon Reach). Click on the links to find out more about each home...

Reward raised to £5,000 to stop pony deaths in the New Forest.

Do you have information on any hit-and-run incidents where New Forest livestock has been injured or killed?

One of the distinctive features of the New Forest National Park are the open areas where ponies, cattle, donkeys, sheep and pigs roam free. All of the animals are owned by commoners and it is their free grazing across the forest that is vital to shaping the landscape that we know and love. 

The New Forest is one of the few areas in England where drivers often come face-to-face with animals on the road, both in daylight and at night. Unfortunately accidents do happen. Every animal killed is a great loss to the New Forest, and to its owner. One of the issues most regularly presented at the Verderer's Court are concerns about the numbers of commoning livestock killed or injured on the Forest roads.

This month, the Verderers announced an increase in the reward for information leading to the conviction of hit-and-run drivers who injure of kill New Forest livestock to £5,000. The move follows a series of fatalities this year. The hit-and-run scheme previously offered up to £1,000 but a cash injection from the New Forest Pony Breeding and Cattle Society, the Commoner’s Defence Association and international charity World Horse Welfare has resulted in the increase.

The reward will come into effect immediately and will be offered in connection with any incident occurring from 1st January 2017.

The animals have right of way

In a statement, the Verderers said the move was to encourage people to report drivers responsible for incidents involving New Forest livestock. A spokeswoman said: “This is a good moment to remind everyone who drives on the unfenced roads within the forest that the animals have right of way.

Slow down as you pass animals 

“Some of the more important measures that have been taken recently to reduce animal accidents include regular cutting back of roadside vegetation by the Forestry Commission to improve sight lines, making reflective collars available free of charge to all commoners for their ponies and donkeys and changing signs at various locations to warn drivers of the risks. We believe that if drivers slow down as they approach animals grazing on the verge and move over a little as they pass, a significant reduction in accidents would result.”

You must report any incidents within 24 hours

If you hit a New Forest animal, you must report the incident, even if the animal runs off. It may be in distress, have serious injuries that require immediate veterinary attention or have fatal injuries that would necessitate the animal being put to sleep. Some animals run away in fear and panic, even on broken limbs which can make you believe that it is unhurt. As a result the animal can suffer unnecessarily.

The Verderers state that if a collision with a Forest animal occurs (for whatever reason) drivers are required to report it to the authorities as soon as practicably possible, and certainly within 24 hours.

Drivers must not leave the scene of an accident (unless it is to call for help), particularly if the animal is still on the highway as it may cause a further accident.

Anyone with information regarding a hit-and-run incident in the New Forest, involving a commonable animal, is asked to ring the Verderers’ Office on 023 8028 2052, or Hampshire Police on 101.

The Official Verderer also announced to the Court that drivers on the New Forest roads can also expect to see more activity from the mobile traffic cameras. 

Download here a handy card with these emergency numbers.

Remember, Forest animals have no road sense and they have right of way. Drive slowly, especially at night, and give animals a wide berth. 

Learn more about the rules of the New Forest and how we can help to avoid injuring animals.

Announcing the winner of our JoJo Maman Bébé competition

Woodside Gardens is the best place for children in Lymington.

Last week our flash summer competition asked you where is the best place for children in Lymington.

The beautiful Woodside Gardens was the most chosen place - and we're not surprised! With it's fairies, space to kick a ball or have a picnic, playground, skatepark and sports areas it is perfect for all ages! 

Also suggested was Salterns Sailing Club, Lymington Seawater Baths, feeding the ducks at the Town Quay, Lymington's new JoJo Maman Bébé shop, Lymington Health & Leisure, walking along the sea wall, our local beaches, the shell souvenir shop, New Forest Icecream Parlour and even 'Grandma and Grandpa's house'!

Thank you to everyone who entered our competition on Facebook and by email.

The winner of the competition is: Kirsty Horne

Kirsty wins a £50 voucher to spend in Lymington's new JoJo Maman Bébé store on the High Street. Congratulations!

(and thanks to Ali Lansley for the great photo of the tulips at Woodside) 

Win a £50 voucher for Lymington's new JoJo Maman Bébé!

Where is the best place for children in Lymington?

We've teamed up with Lymington's new JoJo Maman Bébé to bring you a flash summer competition! Tell us where you think is the best place for children in Lymington. The winner will receive a £50 JoJo Maman Bébé gift voucher!

Where is great for children in Lymington?

Is it a particular local playground?

Or playing on the inflatables at the Seawater Baths?

Perhaps jumping in puddles in the New Forest?

Crabbing off the town quay?

Or maybe checking out the gorgeous toys and clothes in Lymington's new JoJo Maman Bébé?! 

To enter our Facebook Competition, go to Lymington.com's Facebook page (Lymington Hampshire) and find the post with this competition.

• LIKE the Lymington Hampshire Facebook page and
• TAG a friend who might also like to enter the competition and 
• WRITE in the Comments where you think the best place is for children in Lymington.

Deadline: midnight on Saturday 1st July 2017.

We will select the winner at random and announce on Sunday 2nd July 2017.

NB: If you are not on Facebook and would like to enter the competition, email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by midnight on Saturday 1st July 2017.

JoJo Maman Bebe opening in Lymington 23 June 2017

Exciting new arrival will delight those with new arrivals!

In 1993 when fashion choices for expectant mothers were hard to find, Laura Tenison, Founder of JoJo Maman Bébé decided a revolution in maternity fashion was needed. So, from beginning as a one woman start up, Laura worked tirelessly to bring JoJo Maman Bébé to life. Inspiration from Laura’s time living in Brittany, France, can still be seen in the nautical designs and 25 years on, there are now 80 JoJo stores across the UK and Ireland, with many more in the pipeline.

JoJo’s latest boutique is opening on Friday 23rd June at 127-128 High Street, Lymington

There will be lots of exciting activity to celebrate the opening of the new shop - JoJo will be giving away goody bags to the first 100 customers who spend in store on the day and will also be giving away hop along bunny balloons throughout the opening weekend.

Lymington’s thriving town centre is the perfect spot for parents to enjoy visiting this lovely store, complete with facilities including a baby changing room and customer WC, nursing chair and children’s colouring corner. There is also a gorgeous maternity section where pregnant customers are welcome to take their time trying on the exclusive maternity range and take advantage of the free maternity bra fitting. JoJo’s store teams are given in-depth training at the head office and understand the needs of pregnant women and new parents. 

The team at JoJo Lymington are looking forward to seeing you in store soon!

JoJo Maman Bébé
127-128 High Street
Lymington
Hampshire
SO41 9AQ
www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

A care home in Lymington where you can continue to live independently...

... in a beautiful environment, eating delicious meals (you don’t have to make yourself), doing the things you did before which you still want to do, making new friends and trying new activities...

It really is time to reconsider previously held assumptions about care home living, many fostered upon us by the media. The negatives don’t apply to modern professionally run care homes like Colten Care’s, and a visit to Court Lodge in Lymington reinforced so many of the positives that we must share them with you in case you’re considering – perhaps dreading – taking what seems such a final step.

Court Lodge Residential Care Home Lymington

Put simply, this is a home from home, run and managed by a lovely team of professional friendly staff, and the emphasis is totally upon you, your needs, and how you want to live your life. Some of it is hard to explain in words and really has to be experienced which is why it can be so valuable to take a short break and experience it for yourself. But even a short visit will enable you to get a sense of this lovely home and what it might be like to live there. 

A haven of tranquility and a leisurely and leafy home from home

The building is a quadrangle with a lovely feeling of indoors and outdoors mingling together: the main rooms on the ground floor and the well appointed single bedrooms above look out on to a beautiful leafy central courtyard garden bursting with greenery and colour, with plenty of seating in both sun and shade.

Residents are actively encouraged to maintain their previous interests and live as independently as they wish thanks to the support of a remarkable team of professional staff. Everybody lives together in peaceful harmony coming together for meals and activities they wish to share but living independently.

Close to Woodside Gardens and a comfortable walk from the centre of Lymington

Court Lodge is situated in a quiet residential area off Ridgeway Lane close to Woodside Gardens and a comfortable walk from Lymington town centre, the Quay and the Marinas – and it really does feel close to all the facilities and amenities of Lymington.

Open doors yet feels very private, safe and secure 

The building was carefully modernised from a private residence and from the moment you set foot in the door has a welcoming and homely feel. Greeted by Home Manager Sam and her team you feel distinctly at home and nothing seems too much trouble. On the day we visited Activities Coordinator Julia welcomed us with an enormous smile and immediately whisked us off on a tour of the home greeting residents as we met them along the way.

A happy and relaxed atmosphere

From the moment you step inside Court Lodge you get a sense of the bonding between staff and residents. Even in a heatwave in the middle of a power cut which had affected the local area everybody seemed chilled! Hot lunch had been calmly switched to sandwiches and a generator had already arrived and was being set up.

Colten Care’s longest serving employee Margaret celebrated her 70th birthday recently.

This YouTube film shows Margaret a few years ago talking about how she loves her job, which includes chatting with residents who stay in their rooms brightening their days while she cleans and tidies for them! 

Do whatever you want to do

A day at Court Lodge can be as similar as a day in your own home as you want it to be. And whatever you used to enjoying doing when you lived in your own home, you can continue to do if you wish.

A typical day begins with getting up at whatever time suits you with a choice of breakfast to suit your mood and appetite in bed, pyjamas, or dressed for the day in the dining room enjoying the view out to the beautiful garden.

Then there are lots of activities and outings organised by the staff in which you’re welcome to take part if you’d like to. Many new arrivals make new friends with people they’ve just met and take up new activities together. Some of the men especially like to sit together at lunch and chat about those subjects which have always interested them. But if you prefer to take yourself out alone or with other friends or relatives on foot or wheels that’s fine too. And if you prefer to stay in your room that’s fine too. It’s all about you spending your time in the way you like best.

Live the life you want to live

Before he moved to Court Lodge, John swam daily at the Leisure Centre – which became conveniently just a short walk from his “new” home so he was able to continue as if nothing had changed!

Joan had always wanted to go on a balloon ride and with Julia’s help was able to realise her dream. She had also been a keen cyclist and fancied getting on a bike when Colten Care homes were raising money for Children in Need – so aged well over 100 she duly did her stint on the exercise bike.

If you’re a sailor, or a golfer, or a bird spotter, whatever your calling if you want to keep on doing it, you can! And if you want to do something but mobility issues are making it harder than it used to be, the staff will do their utmost to make it happen – often it’s simply a case of providing a little support.

As Sam says: “We hope our residents will stay as independent as possible for as long as possible! Whatever you like to do at home you should be able to just carry on doing here. If you don’t want to get up until 11 that’s fine by us. If you want to eat in the middle of the night you can – there’s always somebody on hand to get you a snack or a sandwich.”

Stay local and close to your friends

If you’ve been living in or near Lymington for some time and have lots of local friends but know the time has come, Court Lodge is about as close to your own home in spirit as you could get, but with none of the chores!

Leave loneliness behind and make new friends

It’s often a wonderful discovery that the loneliness and tedium of living alone become history when you move to Court Lodge.

Try before you buy

Moving out of your own home is an enormous decision, it would be nice to test it!

A short stay at Court Lodge is the ideal way to see what it’s like to live there, and whether you like it. Two separate ladies recently came for a two weeks short stay, one stayed for six weeks and the other for eight! Both are now planning to move in long term. Another lady had a short respite stay at Court Lodge: three times her daughter came to collect her, each time  she declared said she wanted to stay longer!

Take a look at the Court Lodge website and if you’d like to visit just contact Sam!

And more information can be found by clicking on the links below:

More about Court Lodge 

Short breaks and respite at Colten Care homesShort breaks and respite at Colten Care homes 

Local Colten Care homes