Wishing you a happy New Year
I hope you’ve had a lovely autumn, whether you’ve been off on adventures or enjoyed making the most of what’s on our doorstep in this beautiful county.
Back in the August and September issues, I mentioned that I had set myself a challenge to track down all 23 Paddington Bear statues dotted across the UK and Ireland in celebration of the 2024 ‘Paddington in Peru’ film. I’m delighted to say I’ve now completed it — finishing with a spontaneous short break (race-across-the-world style!) to Northern Ireland and the West Coast of Ireland in October to find the final ones.
It’s been such a joy, and I’ve met some wonderful people along the way. A friend’s daughter asked if I’d be getting a badge for my efforts. Sadly not, as this was really a challenge of my own making, but I do have 23 amazing memories to treasure and I look forward to sharing some of them with you all in future magazines.
Have you taken on a challenge recently, or are you thinking about setting yourself a new one for the year ahead? Whatever it may be, make sure it’s something for you — and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Most of all, enjoy it.
Christchurch river pageant celebrates fundraising success
Back in August, Christchurch and Boscombe & Southbourne Rotary clubs organised a spectacular river pageant on the River Stour. Taking place during the annual Christchurch Carnival, the procession featured 45 watercraft including boats, rafts, canoes, paddleboards and more, as well as three local dragon boat teams.
The organisers have now revealed how much money was raised and donated during the pageant in 2025. The grand total came to £2,835!
The money was split equally between three beneficiaries — Hengistbury Head Outdoors, Pink Champagne Breast Cancer Survivors and
the Bourne Water Dragons — and given to them during a brief presentation at Christchurch Sailing Club on Thursday 20 November.
Organiser Gerry Clarke said: “My thanks to everyone who contributed and helped make this unique waterborne event such a great success.”
Highlights from the river pageant © Gerry Clarke
CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS FOR THE BON JOVI EXPERIENCE
THURSDAY 5 MARCH AT 7.30PM AT THE REGENT, CHRISTCHURCH
Get ready to rock with the only show to be endorsed by Jon Bon Jovi himself. Immerse yourself in a celebration of Bon Jovi’s timeless classics as ‘The Bon Jovi Experience’ recreates the magic that defined an era.
Featuring such smash hits as ‘Livin’ On a Prayer’, ‘Always’, ‘It’s My Life’, ‘You Give Love a Bad Name’, ‘Bad Medicine’ and many more.
The show’s talented musicians and charismatic front man, Tony Pearce, will deliver an authentic and high-energy rock ‘n’ roll extravaganza that will have you singing and dancing all night long.
To be in with a chance of winning two tickets to the show, all you have to do is locate Sammy Seagull who is hiding somewhere inside this month’s magazine (excluding this page).
Send an email with the subject line ‘Sammy Seagull’, the page number where he appears and your contact details to competition@themudefordmag.co.uk.
Closing date is 31 January 2026
REGENT CENTRE BOX OFFICE
01202 499199
TICKETS £29.50
PREVIOUS WINNER:
Two tickets to see Radio Gaga on Saturday 4 October were won by Cherise Painter, who found Sammy hidden away on page 28. Congratulations, Cherise!
Coffee Break Time
How to solve codeword
Every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number.
All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number.
To start you off we reveal the code for 3 letters.
Solutions on page 46
sponsored by Louis P Creative
Coffee Break Time
A leap of faith
On Sunday 28 September, two care home workers conquered their fear of heights and completed a 10,000ft skydive to raise money for a vital church restoration fund.
Ruth Wildman and Denise Marks, home manager and companionship team leader respectively at Colten Care’s Avon Reach, took to the skies in aid of the repair and rebuilding project at All Saints Church in Mudeford.
The church was severely damaged during an accidental electrical fire in the summer of 2022, which required 50 firefighters to tackle it, at one point using water pumped from Mudeford Quay. In the following years, the whole community has rallied to fundraise for repairs to the church’s roof and interior.
The skydive took place at Old Sarum Airfield near Salisbury, and care home residents at Avon Reach were invited to come along to watch from the ground.
Bruce Eynon, who made the minibus trip, said: “They were very brave, and I enjoyed seeing them go up — and come down.”
Recalling the moment when they jumped from the plane and experienced 30 seconds of freefall before their parachutes opened, Ruth said: “We were really scared when we were sat in the plane. When the moment came, as it was a tandem jump with an expert instructor, you didn’t have time to think about it.
“It’s difficult to put into words how to describe the feeling of flying but it was truly amazing and exhilarating. We both said we would do it again. We’re grateful to Bruce for his kind words, I think he was heartily relieved when he saw us come into land.”
In total, the pair raised £2,064 thanks to sponsorship from friends, families, colleagues and the wider Avon Reach community.
Ruth added: “I really didn’t think we would raise that much money. We sincerely thank everyone who supported us.”
The dynamic duo arrived safely back on the ground at Old Sarum Airfield
Denise Marks, left, and Ruth Wildman awaited their 10,000-ft jump with care home resident Bruce Eynon
How to stay well this winter
Apart from repeatedly being told about the dangers of excessive heat, we seem to get through the summer without too many health warnings.
However, with the first frost, we are bombarded with guidance about how we can guard against failing health. So here are 10 tips from Healthwatch to add to that advice.
1. Get your flu jabs and Covid booster – if you are eligible.
2. Wrap up with lots of layers of thin clothes.
3. Keep doors closed to block draughts.
4. Try to heat rooms you regularly use to at least 18 degrees C.
5. Keep moving. Move around indoors and get out for a walk if you are able. Avoid sitting for more than one hour.
6. Wear layers to bed, including socks, and keep your windows closed at night. Use a hot water bottle or an electric blanket (but not together). Also, did you know your hot water bottle should be replaced every two to three years? The rubber deteriorates over time, increasing the risk of leaks or bursts that can cause serious burns. The date is usually found on the neck of the bottle.
7. Eat a balanced diet with lots of seasonal fruit and vegetables. Try to eat at least one hot meal a day.
8. Hot drinks can help you keep warm.
9. Make sure you have the right medicines at home in case you become unwell.
10. Protect yourself and others by washing your hands with warm, soapy water and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
It’s also important to get a flu jab. The NHS provides free vaccinations to anyone over the age of 65, those under 65 who are in a clinical risk group, care home residents and staff, children, and pregnant women.
As of late October 2025, over 1.2 million flu vaccinations had been administered in the South West.
NHS consultant Dr Matthew Dominey said: “Flu can be a serious or life-threatening illness, and we are already seeing a rise in the level of flu circulating in our communities. Getting your flu vaccine is the best protection against flu and, as the flu virus changes every year, it’s important to get a vaccination each year to ensure your protection and help reduce the spread to others.”
Other ways to stop the spread of flu include washing your hands regularly with soap and water, staying at home and avoiding close contact with others if you’re not feeling well, and using tissues to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
A perfect gift for romance fans
First-time author Brian Case, from Christchurch, has published a new book called ‘A New Forest Christmas’.
If you’re a fan of watching Christmas romance movies on a lazy afternoon, this story may be just for you. Brian and wife Sandie are also fans of these cheesy yet addictive films, but Brian realised that the stories are always set in America, Canada, Scotland or Ireland. He wondered if a story could be set in the local area of the New Forest, Bournemouth and Southampton, and ‘A New Forest Christmas’ was the result.
The short story follows Kymberley and Ajay who are busy in their individual lives preparing for the festive season. Kymberley is getting impatient with her boss Martyn with whom she has been having an affair and who has promised he will leave his wife for her this Christmas. Meanwhile, Ajay is a successful businessman who has everything he could wish for, including a loving wife, Tia. Returning from a business trip, he can’t wait to get home to her loving arms.
Unbeknown to them both, their idyllic lives are about to be shattered in one snowy evening just before Christmas when their lives take a dramatic turn.
‘A New Forest Christmas’ is dedicated to Brian’s wife, Sandie. This novella about deceit, kindness and Christmas romance is available to buy from Amazon for £2.99
Work your body
By Elizabeth McPherson
In 2021, I was introduced to an online personal training coach, an experience that has proven transformative. Since then, I have incorporated weightlifting into my daily routine, which has significantly enhanced both my physical and mental wellbeing.
Current research supports the benefits of weightlifting for women, highlighting improvements in strength, bone density and metabolism, all of which contribute to effective weight management and overall health.
Personally, weightlifting has enabled me to feel stronger both physically and mentally — an important factor as we age. At 60, I now feel fitter than ever before.
Among the notable advantages are:
• Increased bone density, which helps mitigate the risk of osteoporosis
• Improved balance and coordination, reducing the likelihood of falls
• Decreased blood pressure and improved cholesterol profiles, lowering the risk of heart disease
The positive impact extends beyond physical health. Feeling stronger has increased my energy levels and enhanced my productivity — which means I am better for my clients.
Recommendations for those beginning this journey include:
• Select a trainer who aligns with your needs, whether online or in-person
• Set specific goals, and remember that age should not be a limiting factor — many women thrive while lifting weights well into their 70s
Additional mental and emotional benefits of weightlifting include:
Improved mood and reduced stress: weightlifting releases endorphins, which help improve mood and alleviate stress and anxiety.
Increased self-esteem and confidence: achieving fitness milestones through weightlifting can significantly boost self-esteem and confidence.
Reduced risk of depression: regular exercise, including weightlifting, is associated with a decreased risk of depression.
Improved sleep quality: strength training may promote better sleep, an essential component of overall wellbeing.
Enhanced cognitive function: some studies suggest a link between strength training and cognitive improvements.
In summary, weightlifting offers a comprehensive range of physical, mental and emotional benefits for women at any age.
My kitchen/dining room is my gym, which just proves that even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into a place where you can find the new you.
With Love Beth www.thelifestyleconcept.co.uk
recipe:
By Colin Nash | Head Chef colinnashrestaurant.co.uk
Pheasant Wellington
It’s pheasant season in our restaurant, and pheasant Wellington is one of my favourites on Sundays. Of course, you can replace the pheasant with chicken if you prefer, but remember that it will need cooking for longer. We stuff our breast with caramelised quince, which is seasonally available. You could stuff the breast with forest mushrooms and Parmesan, pine nuts, apple and bacon — the list can go on and on. Or you could keep it plain, as in this recipe which serves four people.
INGREDIENTS:
4 skinless pheasant breast/chicken breast
1 tsp English mustard
100g puff pastry
1tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs
1 egg
1 tbs plain flour
1 tbs olive oil
20g finely diced onion
Salt and pepper
Method:
First, season your meat with table salt and pepper. Then, in a hot frying pan, fry both sides until golden brown in the olive oil.
Remove from the frying pan and leave to cool. Add your diced onion to the frying pan just to soften. Meanwhile, cut the puff pastry into four pieces and roll into squares using the flour. The squares should be quite thin and large enough to wrap around the meat.
Brush the English mustard onto the meat and sprinkle with the chopped herbs. Place the meat in the middle of the pastry, evenly sprinkle with your softened onions, and bring all four corners together to seal in the meat (it doesn’t matter if it overlaps).
Turn the Wellington over and place it down onto a greased baking tray, then brush with a beaten egg.
Put it in the oven at 180 degrees or gas mark 6 for 20 minutes until golden brown. Leave to rest in a warm place for 10 minutes, then serve.
In the picture, we have served with curly kale, mashed potato and game jus. However, you can serve with roast potatoes, gravy or even New Forest mushrooms. Happy cooking!
Colin Nash Restaurant
Lyndhurst Road, Hinton, Christchurch, BH23 7EF
T: 01425 200050
W: www.colinnashrestaurant.co.uk
Discover the CHOG bird hide at Hengistbury Head
By Tom (CHOG)
Have you explored the CHOG bird hide tucked away at Hengistbury Head? If not, it’s well worth a visit the next time you’re heading toward Mudeford Sandspit. Just a short stroll off the main path, this peaceful spot offers a front-row seat to the lively world of woodland birds. From blue tits and great tits to chaffinches, goldfinches and robins, the feeders attract a delightful variety of feathered visitors.
Opened in 2021, the hide is open daily from 9am to 4pm and welcomes everyone. It’s the perfect place to pause, take a breath, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Inside, you’ll find information boards sharing the hide’s fascinating past: once a gardener’s store, later a bird-ringing hut, and more recently a ranger’s equipment store.
Before you leave, don’t forget to jot down your sightings in the Wildlife Sightings Book. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply curious, we hope you enjoy your visit and return often to see what’s new.
Calling all young nature enthusiasts!
CHOG is thrilled to welcome younger members into our community and encourage more young people to get involved with our work. We’re planning a series of walks and nature-based activities designed especially for children, teens, and families — perfect for exploring the outdoors, learning about local wildlife and having fun together.
Keep an eye on our upcoming events calendar on chog.org.uk/young-member-events and bring your friends — we can’t wait to see you there!
2026
calendar
CHOG is an independent organisation and registered charity, which is dedicated to recording, promoting and conserving the wildlife of the Christchurch Harbour area.
To find out more about CHOG, scan the QR Code or head to chog.org.uk for the latest bird and wildlife sightings, details on how young nature lovers (ages five to 24) can join for free, and to order your 2026 CHOG calendar — featuring stunning photos of our local birdlife.
The calendar is only £9.99 including UK delivery, with profits raised from sales going towards recording, promoting and conserving the birds and wildlife of the area, including Hengistbury Head, Stanpit Marsh and Wick Fields.
Barn Owl Calendar cover photo by Scott Usher
CHOG hide photos by Tom (CHOG)
The fountain of Fountain Roundabout
By Julie Ratcliffe, Christchurch History Society
Thousands pass by it every day, but how many people notice the pink granite former fountain at the end of Bargates? Now Grade II listed and adorned with flowers, it is a monument to a former Mayor of Christchurch, Samuel Bemister — and it is the reason why the roundabout got its name.
Samuel Bemister was born in 1818. Like his father, he became a gunsmith, but later changed careers to become the town’s Relieving Officer, whose role was to assess applications for poor relief. He was also an overseer of the poor and a member of the Burial Board. He was involved in many local causes, including Clingan’s Trust and the Magdalen charity, was Treasurer of the Working Men’s Institute, and an auditor of the Tuckton Bridge Company. He was a stalwart member of the Congregational church. Additionally, he was a member of the Old Corporation and later the Town Council, becoming Mayor of Christchurch seven times.
When he died in April 1900, his funeral was a large affair, with a long procession carrying his coffin from the Congregational Church in Millhams Street to the cemetery off Jumpers Road. One of the remarkable orders of service is preserved in the Christchurch History Society’s archive.
His family chose to remember him by commissioning a memorial fountain, which was built at the end of the high street. Made from Scottish pink granite, it served as a horse trough as well as a drinking fountain, and even had a lower dish for thirsty passing dogs. It also had a lamp. It was built outside the Wagon and Horses pub, which subsequently changed its name to The Fountain.
Horses were eventually replaced by horsepower, and in the 1950s it was decided to create a roundabout to ease traffic at the junction of High Street and Barrack Road.
The memorial fountain was in the way, so it was moved to Quomps at the corner with Whitehall. The roundabout was named Fountain Roundabout and remained so when reconfigured following the construction of the bypass, which terminated there.
In 1994, Samuel Bemister’s fountain was moved from Quomps to its present position, not far from its original site.
TALKS:
Held at Christchurch Junior School, Clarendon Road, BH23 2AA. Doors open at 7pm.
3 February 2026 — 1,000 years of falconry, by Paul Manning
3 March 2026 — Wild New Forest projects and fieldwork, by Marcus Ward
For more information, visit historychristchurch.org.uk.
The fountain on Quomps © CHS
The fountain today © Julie Ratcliffe
The original position of the fountain © CHS
Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes:
‘We have to restore faith in politics’
The Labour MP for Bournemouth East came onto Your Voice | Dorset Podcast to discuss his first year in office
Tom Hayes was elected the Labour MP of Bournemouth East in the 2024 General Election.
Originally from Salford in Greater Manchester, Tom’s experience includes running a charity that offered mental health, domestic abuse and homelessness services, and he was a councillor for 10 years at Oxford City Council.
In August, he came onto our podcast to discuss his first year in office with host Luke. Here are some highlights from that interview.
Luke: Why did you get into politics?
Tom: I grew up caring for two disabled people, my mum and dad. We just did not have very much money at all.
That experience, of having to support the people you love most in the world from a very early age [and help them] navigate systems that continually let them down, burned into me that sense of injustice.
I was very lucky. We had neighbours around us [who] would go the extra mile to help me out. I had teachers who let me stay beyond the school day to make sure I had somewhere warm and safe to do my homework. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the contributions they made. So that combination of feeling like ‘it’s just wrong’ and I owe it to people who helped me to get on in life, is why I got into politics.
Luke: How have you found this first year of being an MP?
Tom: The course of the first year [has] been about becoming really quite rigorous with how we spend our time, because the next four years are going to fly by, and we need to be able to show to the people that I represent that the trust and the faith they put in us, to elect Labor for the first time in Bournemouth, is being repaid.
That after 14 years of feeling so let down and seeing services hollowed out, and our town, frankly, in decline, that things are starting to feel better. And that’s particularly important, because
I feel like we’re at a particular moment in our country’s history where people feel less faith and confidence in the ability of politics to get things done, and we have to restore that faith.
Luke: You’re concerned about playgrounds and play areas. Why?
Tom: Play is so important for developing children’s ability to make friendships, for parents to sit on benches beside each other, getting to know each other, sharing parenting tips and then becoming friends.
As a society, the playground is a place where so much of our community can happen. By closing those playgrounds, we sent the signal that community matters less, and we’ve taken away opportunities for communities to build.
If I can do anything as an MP in Bournemouth East in the next four years, that makes such a big difference to building community, giving children opportunities to thrive and also makes our communities look better, it will be about introducing more play equipment into our playgrounds around our town.
To listen to the full interview, search for @dorset_view on YouTube. Contact Tom Hayes via tomhayes.org.uk.
Royal Sovereign Lighthouse
By Keith Morton | Association of Lighthouse Keepers | alkhurst@gmail.com
We are now close to the end of our lighthouse tour of England and Wales, and on the South Coast, just off Eastbourne, we come to a lighthouse with a difference.
About eight miles out into the English Channel from Eastbourne, there is a shoal or sandbank. The water in this location is very shallow, and mariners needed to be warned. In 1875, a lightship was positioned here, but lightships are very expensive to operate as they require a crew of at least seven — mainly because they are ships which need seamen to manage the vessel, in addition to lighthouse keepers to manage the light and the fog signal.
In 1971, Trinity House decided to replace the light vessel with something more akin to a lighthouse, but the seabed in this area is very sandy and would not support the foundations required for the brick structure of a conventional lighthouse. So, the plan was to produce a large hollow rectangular base that could be laid on the seabed, upon which a column would be mounted to support a rectangular top structure for the lighthouse and the keepers’ accommodation. The lighthouse tower would be positioned on one corner of the accommodation building so that the remaining area could be used as a landing pad for helicopters bringing relief crews and supplies.
The base structure was constructed on Newhaven Beach as a skeleton so that it would float. When completed, it was towed out to the required location and then sunk. It was then filled with shingle to ensure it was heavy enough not to move on the seabed. A column was fitted to support the keeper’s accommodation, which would be added later. Once the base was in place, the keeper’s accommodation, complete with the lighthouse structure, was towed out and positioned over the column at low
tide. The column had an internal section that was jacked up so that the keeper’s accommodation stood some 73ft above low water.
The design life of this lighthouse was 50 years, so it was not surprising that in 2021 the structure had reached the end of its service life, and Trinity House decided to replace it with a modern lighted buoy. Plans were put in place to remove the structure using heavy lifting equipment that could only operate in calm seas. The first part to be removed was the lighthouse section which, once ashore, was taken to Bexhill, where it will form the focal point of a new maritime museum being created on the seafront.
The replacement buoy is now managed and controlled remotely by the Trinity House Planning Centre in Harwich.
Royal Sovereign Lighthouse in August 2019 © Keith Morton
Celebrity Apex and the Norwegian fjords
When we boarded Celebrity Apex in Southampton early in September, we soon discovered that we were not just getting to explore Norway — we were also boarding a holiday destination in its own right. There are numerous restaurants on board where you can taste flavours from around the world. The ship carries nearly 3,000 passengers, but with several bars and lounges and plenty of deck space, it’s always possible to find somewhere quiet. Our sailing to the Norwegian fjords was full, yet the ship never felt crowded, and we never had to queue.
Aimed at bringing the indoors and outdoors together, Celebrity Apex offers a whole new way to see the world by sea. Attentive service, a rooftop garden, and a vibrant on-board theatre help make the ship very special. Add the Magic Carpet — a cantilevered floating platform that reaches 13 storeys above sea level — and you’ve got a cruise liner like no other. The Magic Carpet has comfortable seating and a full bar, with space for live music performances.
Celebrity Apex has been designed for all types of travellers, with single rooms for solo adventurers and connecting suites built with families in mind. If you choose a suite, you will have access to The Retreat, which offers exclusive services and amenities, including Luminae Restaurant, a separate sundeck and a lounge. There are four main dining restaurants on board: Cosmopolitan, Cyprus, Normandie and Tuscan. You are free to choose where and when you dine, and we never had to wait more than a couple of minutes for a table. The menus are slightly different in each restaurant. Suite guests can dine in Luminae at The Retreat and AquaClass guests dine in Blu. There are also speciality restaurants, including Fine Cut Steakhouse and Le Grand Bistro, for which a cover charge applies.
Our cruise was seven nights, sailing roundtrip from Southampton. I had never been to the Norwegian fjords before, so this was a great opportunity to experience the stunning scenery
Celebrity Apex in Flam, Norway
and enjoy Celebrity Apex, which will be sailing from Southampton in summer 2026 and 2027, offering a variety of itineraries including the fjords and the Mediterranean. It’s so easy to sail from Southampton; no airport stress and no luggage restrictions.
After leaving Southampton, we had a day at sea before arriving at Haugesund, our first port of call. This was followed by Flåm, Geiranger, Bergen and then another sea day before arriving back in Southampton. Throughout the cruise, we were lucky enough to have blue skies and sunshine — the scenery was stunning. In each port of call, there were opportunities to take excursions including boat trips, train rides, cycle hire and walking tours.
If you would like to know more about Celebrity Apex and sailings for 2026 and 2027, or you would like to discuss any other holiday plans, please get in touch.
SALLY PULLEN TRAVEL COUNSELLOR
T 01202 375150
M 07929626156
E sally.pullen@travelcounsellors.com
W www.travelcounsellors.com/sally.pullen
Sally Pullen and a Norwegian fjord
How to stick to your New Year’s resolution
By Luke Graham
It’s estimated that 80 per cent of New Year’s resolutions fail by the first week of February. This is no surprise: change is hard, especially trying to make major life changes in the middle of winter.
But some of the reasons resolutions fail can be changed. Many choose resolutions with unrealistic goals, set their expectations too high, or don’t have a plan for how to achieve them. Trying to make big changes in one go is more likely to fail than making small, incremental changes. So how can you pick a
resolution you can stick to? Make it SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. It’s a framework used to set effective goals and objectives. Try to pick a resolution that is specific — target a particular area or part of your life for improvement. Choose something measurable — can you track your progress? “Being healthier” is hard to measure, but “eating at least one salad a week” is measurable. Is your resolution achievable, or attainable? In
other words, is it realistic? Your goal should stretch your abilities but still be possible. Make it relevant to your life. Does your resolution align with your goals and personal values? Does accomplishing it feel worthwhile to you? If not, it will be harder to motivate yourself to do it.
Finally, time-bound refers to setting a timeframe for your resolution. Set a deadline to focus on and work towards.
Follow the SMART principle; you may actually stick to your resolution in 2026.
Huge success for ElderFest
By Revd Sandra Prudom, Christchurch Community Partnership chief executive
ElderFest hugely exceeded our expectations! We welcomed at least 326 Christchurch residents and over 30 organisations showcasing their services and support. There was a real buzz of excitement throughout the day, and the presentations were all excellent — with the talk by Damian from Dorset Police on scams proving particularly popular, as it is clearly an issue affecting many of our residents.
The Health Science University team did a roaring trade with their free health and musculoskeletal checks, and the NHS Vaccination Team dispensed Covid and flu jabs to those eligible. There were so many fantastic organisations offering advice and support — too many to mention individually here — but we
are hugely grateful to them all. Special thanks to both Barchester and Colten Care, who not only provided delicious refreshments, but also served over 300 cups of tea and coffee to our thirsty guests.
The event was declared a resounding success by everyone involved, and the question on many lips was: “When are we doing it again?” Aargh!
Thank you to everyone who participated, especially our fellow organisers Prama, Age Friendly Communities, Public Health, and our amazing Social Prescribers. I particularly loved the little packs of sweets — shoutout to Caroline Green, our fabulous BCP Community Development Worker!
Sandra Prudom
Stalls
ElderFest sweets
Puzzle solutions
Sudoku
Codeword
RNLI Mudeford Fundraising Crew Newsletter
The Mudeford Fundraising Crew is pleased to reflect on a full year of successful fundraising activities, and it looks like 2026 is gearing up to be just as busy with an eclectic range of FUNdraising events.
We would also like to reflect on, and thank, all our amazing volunteers who make things possible. Too numerous to name everyone individually, but each event takes a lot of planning and organising behind the scenes before the day, as well as lots of manpower on the day itself. And no event is complete without a raffle and some tasty home-baked cakes.
The season is over for our popular souvenir and second-hand book and jigsaw stalls on Mudeford Quay, co-ordinated by Beryl, Annie, and Jean. However, unless the weather is bad, our team of hardy bucket collectors, organised by Sue Wigley, can still be found every Saturday and Sunday outside the Noisy Lobster on Avon Beach. Do come and say hello if you’re out for a walk, or get in touch if you’d like to join our team. All of this, of course, is to support our wonderful and brave volunteer lifeboat crew. Many hands make light work.
Join us
For more information on our events or monthly meetings, please contact our Chair Adele at adele.orr.63@gmail.com.
We are always pleased to welcome new volunteers for our fundraising team. We meet at 2.15pm on the first Wednesday of the month at Stanpit Village Hall.
Beetle Drive © Hazel Stubbs
Beryl and Adele manning the souvenir stall © Chris Scade
Pirate Day at Avon Beach © Janice Coulson
Charity of the Year
Celebrating a year of fundraising
By Eve Thomas, co-founder of Dorset Cancer Care Foundation
Financial hardship on top of a cancer diagnosis can feel like a burden that is just too heavy to bear. Thankfully, our fundraisers have helped the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) award over £850,000 in non-returnable grants since 2012 to local people struggling to make ends meet during cancer treatment.
These grants have enabled patients and their loved ones from across the county to pay for everything from transport to and from hospital to specialist equipment, household bills, and even potentially life-extending drug treatment.
Here, we look back with huge gratitude on some of the amazing fundraising events undertaken for us in 2025, all of which have helped local families in need.
Fearless friends Beccy Soulsby and Clare Wing from Shaftesbury made an incredible jump for us, skydiving from a plane at 15,000ft.
Schoolteacher Samantha Bumford abseiled 100 heart-stopping metres down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.
Friends Chris Helberg and Chris Bryer-Ash attempted to run seven marathons in seven days in March, raising over £99,000 for the charity.
Charity of the Year 2026
It is time once again for Pulford Publicity to announce its charity of the year for 2026.
Jack Miller from Ringwood ran an incredible 100k in one single day.
Meanwhile, NHS workers Jane Austin and Judith Baker were so moved by their friend Win Wood’s fight against cancer, they walked a marathon in one day from Lulworth to Portland Bill, raising over £2,000.
The charity is immensely grateful to editor Luke Graham and his team for giving us the opportunity to raise awareness of our work in the pages of this magazine.
Anyone wishing to support the DCCF in 2026 is asked to please get in touch. For more information, visit dccf.co.uk.
We’re pleased to announce that our next Charity of the Year will be Julia’s House, the children’s hospice which supports families of seriously ill children in Dorset and Wiltshire, providing respite care and emotional support. Visit juliashouse.org to learn.
Samantha Bumford abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower for the charity
These four ran for the DCCF at Run Bournemouth in October
Murder at Christmas by G B Rubin, hardback £16.99
Sharpen your sleuthing skills and have your magnifying glass at the ready for this interactive festive mystery that casts YOU in the role of the detective. The decisions you make will take you on your own path to the final unmasking of the villain, or not! What will you choose? Can you unravel the mystery without losing your festive spirit, your reputation… or your life? Perfect for fans of ‘Murdle’ looking for their next clever crime fix.
Book Reviews
By Kirsty Robinson
Eleanor by Alice Loxton, hardback £18.00 In 1290, England mourned the death of a queen, Eleanor of Castile, beloved wife of King Edward I. Her body was carried on a 200-mile journey from Lincoln to London, a solemn procession that would become immortalised in stone. To mark the places where her cortege rested, a heartbroken Edward commissioned 12 magnificent Eleanor Crosses. More than seven centuries later, bestselling historian Alice Loxton set herself an epic challenge to follow in history’s footsteps by walking the 200-mile funeral route on the corresponding dates. As Alice journeys in search of England’s forgotten Queen, over ancient paths and modern motorways, history comes alive in surprising ways. Lively and entertaining, Eleanor uncovers the extraordinary life and formidable character of this lesser-known royal, revealing her inspiring legacy and the hidden history of Britain.
Impossible Creatures: The Poisoned King
by Katherine
Rundell,
hardback £11.99
The brilliant author Michael Morpurgo has said: “There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell.” In this story, when Christopher Forrester is unexpectedly woken by a miniature dragon chewing on his face, his heart leaps for joy. For months he’s dreamed of returning to the Archipelago, the secret islands where all the creatures of myth still live. But he did not know it would involve a rescue mission on the back of a sphinx, or a plan to enter a dragon’s lair. Nor did he imagine it would involve a girl with a flock of birds at her side, a new-hatched chick in her pocket and a ravenous hunger for justice…
Why not pop into the shop to have a browse and see lots of great present ideas for adults and children? Contact us on 01202 418403, email sales@bh6booksandhome.co.uk or find us on social media @bh6booksandhome to place orders and discover all that we have to offer at BH6 Books and Home, 69 Southbourne Grove, BH6 3QU.
Short Story
Lost in Woodbury Forest
by Della Galton
“I have a horrible feeling we’re lost,” Mick said, as Laura caught up with him at a crossroads in the path. He glanced to their left where a glittering archway of pines led deeper into the snowy forest. “I’m sure we’ve seen that archway of trees before.”
Laura looked. “I haven’t been paying too much attention,” she confessed. “But we can’t be that lost. We’re in Woodbury Forest, aren’t we?”
Mick spread out their map on a handy frozen tree stump, shaped like a table, and frowned. “Well, yes, but we’re not on the path I thought we were. According to this map, we should have come out at the top of a hill by now, which would lead us down to a lake – and then we’d be back in the village.”
“I don’t think we’ve been going uphill,” Laura agreed. “If anything, we’ve been going down. Could we be going the wrong way?”
“I can’t see how.” Nick pointed at the map. “We came into the forest here, although we could be going in circles I suppose.”
She squeezed his hand. “It’s not too much of a problem, is it? We’ve got plenty of daylight. It’s only three.”
And it would be dark by four, she thought, but neither of them voiced this. It was deceptively bright beneath the trees; the light reflecting off the drifts of snow and glitter-coated pines.
“We’ll soon get back on track,” Laura murmured, and she really believed they would, until they’d spent another 15 minutes walking in a circle and ended up exactly where they’d started with the avenue of trees on their left and the table-shaped tree stump on their right.
The temperature had dropped too. “I think we’d better call the hotel and ask for help,” Laura suggested. “I don’t fancy a night in the forest, however beautiful it is.”
Mick nodded, but she could see he was reluctant.
“There’s no shame in getting lost. It probably happens all the time.”
“I’m not ashamed of being lost.” His blue eyes were worried. “I’m just wondering how they’ll find us. This forest is huge. They could be searching for hours.”
Laura felt the first flicker of trepidation. He did have a point. “Well, why don’t we retrace our steps? That shouldn’t be too difficult in the snow. Sooner or later, we’ll be back at the point where we entered the forest.”
“Good plan,” Mick said, and they set off cheerfully.
15 minutes later it started to snow again. Fat, silent flakes which drifted softly down through the trees, settling on the branches and changing the way everything looked – but even more worryingly, covering up their footprints so that soon it would be impossible to follow them.
“I’ll phone the hotel,” Mick said, rummaging in his pocket for his phone and then going suddenly quiet.
“What is it?”
“It’s not here. I must have dropped it.” His brow furrowed. “Possibly when we climbed over that gate where we came in.”
“As in – the gate we’re trying to find?”
“Mmmm.”
“Good job I’ve got mine then,” Laura said, retrieving it and feeling a small shiver that had nothing to do with the cold go down her back.
“No signal. It wasn’t very good earlier, come to think of it.”
For the first time the seriousness of their predicament hit her. “We can’t stay out here all night, Mick – we’ll get hypothermia.”
“I’ll keep you warm.” He slid a comforting arm around her shoulders. “It’s going to be fine, Laura, I promise.”
But as the darkness settled around them like an unwelcome cloak, they both stopped talking, with only the squeak of their footprints on fresh snow to break the silence.
It was Laura who heard the faint but unmistakeable ring tone of Mick’s phone.
She stopped in her tracks. “Mick did you hear that? Which direction is it coming from?”
After a couple of false starts they were finally heading in the direction of the ringing, which got louder as they stumbled through the trees, both of them intent on getting to the phone before whoever was calling Mick rung off.
Then to Laura’s intense relief, they emerged in a clearing by a gate, the top bar of which was already covered in an inch of fresh snow. Mick’s face lit up with relief as he bent to pick up the phone which stopped ringing as he touched it.
They were still a few miles from the hotel, but at least they were on a road and could use What3Words to call a taxi.
“Who was calling?” Laura asked him a few minutes later as the cab drew up beside them. “We owe them a drink – we might still be wandering around lost if it wasn’t for them.”
Mick scrolled through the call register and frowned. “It’s showing your number,” he said puzzled.
“Well, I didn’t phone you.” Laura pulled out her phone which still didn’t have a signal. “Unless I did it by mistake. I forgot to lock my phone when I put it back in my pocket.”
They smiled at each other, the relief of being safe overriding the feeling that it was a pretty amazing coincidence.
And behind them – a breath of wind rustled through the trees of Woodbury Forest, swirling snowflakes in its wake. Had anyone been around to hear it, they might have likened it to a drawn-out sigh of relief, as if the forest knew its human visitors had outstayed their welcome. As if the forest was pleased to get back to welcoming its more regular nocturnal visitors as they began to go about their nightly business.
Della Galton from Dorset is a bestselling author of romantic comedies. Her latest book ‘A New Family at Puddleduck Farm’ is available now.
Tackling the challenge of e-scooters
By David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner
The topic of e-scooters sparks a lot of debate and concern among members of the public. The frustrations I know many of you feel about the irresponsible and illegal use of both electric scooters and electric bikes is the reason why I have consistently raised this issue since I came to office in 2021. Whether it’s the sudden appearance of these scooters zipping through pedestrian areas or the links to crime and antisocial behaviour, it’s clear you want to see robust enforcement — and I want you to know Dorset Police are treating this seriously.
From day one, I’ve made it a priority to engage with the public, Dorset Police, and the relevant authorities to ensure your voices and concerns are heard. I’ve taken your concerns to the Force and to operators such as Beryl UK, which runs a bike and scooter hire scheme in the BCP area. I’ve challenged them directly on reports of dangerous riding and misuse of their vehicles, including under-age users and instances where more than one person is on an e-scooter at a time, and pressed for stronger enforcement measures.
This is because road safety is a key priority of my Police and Crime Plan. I’ve backed Dorset Police as they take a robust approach to tackling the illegal use of e-scooters and e-bikes. Already this year, more than 50 e-scooters and 33 illegal e-bikes have been seized. Officers have also launched a targeted operation to deal with illegally modified bikes and scooters, making arrests, increasing patrols in anti-social behaviour hotspots, and crushing and recycling seized vehicles.
Innovation is also playing a role in how we address this problem. The Force’s Innovation Board has invested in SmartTag forensic
spray, which can help identify offenders and link vehicles to incidents. Partnering with Bournemouth University, Dorset Police are analysing data to build an evidence base that supports more tactical and effective enforcement going forward.
Let me be clear on the legal position. Unless you’re using a rental e-scooter as part of an authorised trial scheme, it is illegal to ride a privately owned e-scooter on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or in pedestrian zones. They can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.
I strongly believe we need updated legislation that is fit for purpose. What this legislation looks like remains to be seen. In my view, it should include mandatory number plates and insurance for all e-scooter users, minimum age limits, speed caps set by manufacturers, and potentially a basic competency test. I also believe that when it comes to hire schemes, there must be greater accountability, with visible number plates and real consequences for misuse. If companies fail to ensure their vehicles are used safely and legally, they should face penalties.
I know Dorset Police will continue to act decisively to tackle illegal and unsafe e-scooter use, seizing these vehicles and crushing them.
And as Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue to lobby for clearer and more robust legislation to deal with those who knowingly flout the law and put others at risk with their reckless behaviour.
The Force will seize and crush illegal and unsafe e-scooters © Dorset Police
L-R: Jim Day, New Forest National Park Authority ranger, Charlotte Belcher, Forestry England community manager, Mark Thurston-Jones (owner of local firm Thurston), Keith Mansbridge, vice chair of New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association, and Gilly Jones, New Forest Roads Awareness
New Forest drivers urged to watch out for animals
Up until 20 October 2025, there had been 62 accidents involving animals on New Forest roads, with 36 animals either killed or injured.
Consequently, road safety campaigners are asking businesses to help promote safer driving.
Companies with staff who drive in the New Forest are being encouraged to join the New Forest Drive Safe campaign to raise awareness among employees of Forest ponies, cattle and other animals on or close to roads.
The newly launched group is urging as many local firms as possible to sign up to the scheme, which will provide support and advice to help make staff more aware of the risks of driving near livestock and what to do if they are involved in an incident with an animal.
Companies can join free of charge by filling out the form on the New Forest Commoners’
Defence Association website: realnewforest.org/ about/business-group.
It is a legal requirement to report an accident involving New Forest livestock to the police as soon as possible and within 24 hours, even if the animal has run off.
Gilly Jones from New Forest Roads Awareness said: “Many people who drive through the Forest every day are aware of the risks but don’t always realise how unpredictable animals can be, especially in poor light or bad weather.
“The New Forest Drive Safe campaign gives businesses a way to help share that awareness among their teams.
“It’s about changing habits, encouraging drivers to slow down, and reminding everyone that the Forest’s animals always have right of way.”
New Year, not a New Me
By Kat Amey, life coach
At this time of year while we’re enjoying the festivities and perhaps some extra sweet treats, there is this narrative that bubbles away in the background that asks: who are we going to become when New Year arrives?
In recent years, I’ve found myself asking: why do I need to become a new person every year?
Whether it’s dry January, Veganuary, 30-day fitness bootcamps or setting big goals, most of us approach January as if it is some kind of transformational month that we must dedicate to self-improvement through fear that if we don’t, the year will be wasted.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea of opening my shiny new planner, setting a focus word for the year and some goals alongside this. But does January have a superpower that allows you to fast track into this new version of yourself? I’m not convinced.
Let’s be realistic. By the time the festivities are packed away, and we’ve returned to some sort of normality, half of January has passed. Why do we feel the need to add the pressure of figuring out a new version of ourselves, too?
I know what you’re thinking. Do I just do nothing then and stay as I am? Well, that’s up to you!
I like to begin a New Year by exploring who I want to become (the identity) versus what I want to achieve (the goal setting).
Once I have clarity on this, it helps me to focus my thoughts and create goals for the year that align with this new version of myself.
For example, at the start of 2025 I knew that I wanted to become someone who was confident presenting in public, so I set myself a goal of securing in-person workshops. I was asked to offer a journaling talk at a wellness festival and multiple workshops for other wellbeing events. I’ve become that person who now seeks out these opportunities.
For 2026, I want to share more of my knowledge, so I’ve set myself a goal to start a podcast — and now you’ll have to hold me accountable!
Here are some questions to ask before you sign up to the January challenges and burn out before spring:
1. How would I like to feel in 2026? Write down five feeling words.
2. How would I like people to describe this version of me?
3. What sort of things will I say yes to? And what will I say no to?
4. What am I celebrating when 2026 ends?
And an action: choose your focus word for 2026. This is an anchor word that will help guide your decisions and goals. I’ve been doing this practice for about eight years, and I’ve found it extremely helpful as a gentle reminder when I feel like I’ve diverted away from my intended path.
A final reminder to finish on and one I want you to read and read again: you are enough, just as you are.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
W www.kathrynamey.com
E kathryn@kathrynamey.com
Kat Amey is a life coach who helps people ditch expectations and timelines and create a life that brings them joy. As well as offering life coaching, Kat hosts journaling workshops and retreats in Dorset.
Kat’s challenge in 2025 was to present in public
Plans for car parking charges
Car parking charges are always an emotive subject, so Forestry England’s plan to introduce fees at all 129 car parks across the central Crown Lands of the Forest – around 50 per cent of the National Park – by spring 2026 is unlikely to be welcomed by motorists.
Subsequently, the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) called on Forestry England to reinvest all income generated from the new car parking scheme back into the New Forest National Park.
Forestry England is the land manager for the Crown Lands of the National Park – the NPA doesn’t own any land.
The NPA has no remit in approving or refusing the Forestry England scheme, as any changes are classed as permitted development and don’t require planning permission. It is also not in line to receive any of the income generated by the car parking scheme.
NPA Deputy Chairperson Victoria Mander said that with Forestry England facing a national deficit, with its budget from Defra reduced by 50 per cent over the past decade, and future funding for commoning unresolved, it is vital that this new income helps support the Forest’s long-term future.
Forest funding
Small and micro producers in the New Forest can boost their business thanks to a new £20,000 small grant scheme.
The New Forest National Park Authority in partnership with New Forest District Council is offering small grants of up to £1,000 to New Forest micro and small producers in the food and drink and art and craft sectors.
Businesses are encouraged to apply by completing an application form which can be downloaded from the New Forest National Park Authority website.
Applications are accepted any time until the budget is fully allocated, with decisions made in four to six weeks. All spend must be complete by 31 March 2026.
In September, a total of 50 people dressed in neon and tutus to take on an 18-mile walk in the New Forest to raise funds for the Batten Fighters Forever charity. The ‘Sassy Walk’ raised £9,000 to support children with Batten Disease, a rare and sadly incurable condition that causes progressive loss of sight, speech, mobility, and cognitive ability in children. The walk’s colourful crew set off and finished at The Elm Tree pub in Ringwood. To find out more, visit battenfightersforever.com.
Forestry England’s Beachern Wood car park, Brockenhurst
Photo © Rachel Cooper of Ember & Light Photography.
Crafty Beer Boy
By Ryan Perry
Discovering the dark side with Pig Beer’s Chery milk stout
I’ve always believed there’s a beer style out there for everyone. But like many others, before my craft beer journey began, I thought beer was just that classic golden lager. Now don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with a crisp, refreshing lager. But the beer world is vast, diverse, and absolutely delicious.
And the best part? You don’t have to travel far to explore it. Here in Dorset and Hampshire, we’re incredibly lucky to have some outstanding local brewers right on our doorstep.
One of my current indulgent favourites? Pig Beer Brewery’s Chery, a fantastic milk stout with a decadent twist.
Now, I know darker beers can be a little intimidating. Fear not… this one is rich, inviting, and incredibly smooth.
Pouring a moody dark brown with a creamy, off-white head, it looks every bit the classic stout. But take a sniff, and things get interesting.
The roasted malts deliver bold aromas of dark chocolate, coffee and vanilla. Then, just as you’re about to dive in, a wave of sweet, ripe cherry rises to the top. The combination is pure dessert, like an orchestra of rich, indulgent aromas.
On the palate, those notes come together beautifully. Expect silky smoothness, a touch of sweetness, and a gentle bitterness for balance. The standout pairing of cherry and dark chocolate will instantly transport you to the nostalgic flavours of a Black Forest gâteau (yes, think 80s dessert trolley heaven).
This is a beer to sip, savour, and get lost in, perfect by the fire or at the end of a good meal. Speaking of which, stouts such as Chery pair like a dream with chocolate desserts: brownies, mousses, anything rich and cocoa based. But it’s also stunning alongside soft, creamy cheeses like brie, where the fruity richness of the beer plays off the delicate savouriness of the cheese.
Beer and food pairing can be every bit as satisfying as wine, if not even more fun and versatile.
If you fancy treating yourself to this decadent drop, you can grab it directly from Pig Beer’s festival-style taproom near Brockenhurst, or via their online shop.
Whether it’s your New Year’s Eve sipper or a well-deserved January treat, we all deserve one now and then. Chery is a little local gem worth discovering.
Until next time, happy exploring, happy sipping…
Cheers!
For more from Crafty Beer Boy, visit tiktok. com/@craftybeerboy.
Bisterne Advanced Landing Ground
By Friends of the New Forest Airfields (FONFA)
In readiness for D-Day, it was realised that additional airfield capacity would be required along the south coast of England to support the operation. This would be provided by ‘Advanced Landing Grounds’ which were temporary airfields created by staking ‘Sommerfeld tracking’ (a wire mesh) or steel plates to fields to act as runways. Service personnel lived in tents, often in muddy conditions.
In 1942, land to the south of Ringwood was earmarked for use as an Advanced Landing Ground, and construction was completed by September 1943.
However, it was not until March 1944 that the first aircraft arrived, in the shape of USAAF 371st Fighter-Bomber Group Republic P47 Thunderbolts. These were very heavy aircraft (around seven tons in weight) and after a number
of heavy landings, the Sommerfeld tracking began to tear. As a result, between 10 April and 14 May, flying was temporarily transferred to Ibsley whilst repairs were undertaken by laying gravel and repairing the tracking.
As part of the D-Day operations, the aircraft flew escort missions and carried out dive-bombing ahead of the troops as they landed on the beaches. They then moved to airfields in France during June 1944. The aerodrome was then dismantled and the land was returned to agricultural use.
The Thunderbolt aircraft.
Photo courtesy of New Forest Knowledge
The camp at Bisterne. Photo courtesy of John Leversley
Parish Council to fund Highcliffe festival
The 2026 Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival will take place with the help of grant funding from Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council.
The annual festival features food, drink, arts and craft stalls, as well as music stages and cooking demo tents. But running costs continue to climb.
The grant was announced in October. Festival Chair Mary Reader said: “We so appreciate the support of the Parish Council, business sponsors and local residents in enabling it to happen.
“There are many unavoidable costs in putting it on, including the road closure, health and safety, security and traffic management, signage, and administration. Although many volunteers give their time to help in running the festival, the total outgoings each year exceed £60,000, and it would not be possible to continue without significant financial support from the Parish Council and local sponsors, for all of which we are most grateful.”
2025’s festival won the silver award for Event of the Year at the Destination Management Board’s Tourism Awards in November.
The 11th Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival will be on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June 2026.
The festival team at the Tourism Awards
Nature’s Footprints
The UK’s favourite bird
Report by Janine Pulford | Photos by Danny Howe Photography
Little robin redbreast sat upon a rail Niddle noddle went his head, wiggle waggle went his tail
There is a less polite version of this rhyme on the internet that is said to have been published around 1744. It has been used in nurseries as a fingerplay since the 1920s and could account for the reason why the iconic, tiny, red-breasted robin was chosen as the UK’s favourite bird: it topped a poll in 2015 when more than 200,000 people voted for it as the country’s first national bird.
With its bright orangey-red breast, the robin has become synonymous with the festive season and often features on Christmas cards.
The scientific name for the European Robin is Erithacus rubecula. Its conservation status is green, which is unsurprising as the UK breeding
population, according to the RSPB, is listed on their website as 6,700,000 territories.
Both male and female robins have red breasts, so it’s impossible to tell them apart. Their broods, however, are brown when they fledge and their breasts are speckled with golden brown spots. The babies’ underbellies show the promise of white, which will eventually contrast with their smart red breast when they become adults.
Robins have a distinctive upright stance, as if they are proud of their red breasts, and they bob about, hence the famous song ‘When the Red Red Robin Comes Bob-Bob-Bobbin’ Along’ by Al Jolson. How many other birds can claim to have rhymes and songs written about them?
Extremely territorial robins defend their plots of land aggressively; their breasts are used as warning signs and not in courtship. In summer, a mated pair will defend their territory (around 0.55 ha in size) and in the winter, single birds hold smaller winter territories. Come summer or winter, robins will join you in the garden when they see you digging and will bob about almost within touching distance if they spy tasty grubs being unearthed.
These charming little birds sing all year round — sometimes late into the night if they live near a lamppost — which makes them even more endearing.
Rare fungus arrives in forest
People walking in the New Forest recently might have spotted something rather unusual.
A rare fungus, the elegant Candelabra Coral (Artomyces pyxidatus), has been seen in several areas for the first time.
It is notable for its distinctive appearance thanks to its crown-tipped creamy white branches resembling a candelabra.
One of the discoveries was made by Professor Russell Wynn, director of Wild New Forest, at a site that is part of the Species Survival Fund (SSF) project, which is led by the New Forest National Park Authority.
“The sudden arrival of the Candelabra Coral in the New Forest this autumn is remarkable,” he said.
“We are already aware of at least six sites where it has been found in recent weeks. Given it is a relatively distinctive and identifiable species, it is unlikely that it would have been overlooked in the past.
“The arrival in the New Forest also parallels similar first appearances elsewhere in southern England, although the exact drivers are unclear.”
Candelabra Coral is typically found on decaying deadwood, such as rotting beech and silver birch logs, and thrives in moist woodland environments.
The fungus, which can grow up to 10cm high, was thought to be extinct in the UK, with no records during the 20th century. However,
it was rediscovered in Suffolk in 2012, and in the last five years it has been recorded in at least 10 English counties.
Wynn added: “The New Forest National Park is a national biodiversity hotspot with an estimated 20,000 species of animal, plant and fungus. Fungi are an important part of the ecosystem, so we ask people to look but not pick, and to leave fungi for wildlife and other people to enjoy.”
Candelabra Coral in the New Forest.
Photo by Russell Wynn / Wild New Forest
PRIORY VETS BRINGS
LOCAL, INDEPENDENT CARE TO LYMINGTON
By Priory Vets
Priory Vets will soon be opening a new Lymington branch at Efford Park near Pennington.
Founded over 65 years ago in Christchurch, Priory Vets has been part of the New Forest community for generations. Built on a commitment to thoughtful, tailored care, the practice continues to grow to make its services more accessible to pet owners in and around Lymington.
“We’ve always believed that good veterinary care is about relationships — taking the time to listen, to understand each pet, and to support the people who love them,” said Jess Roose, director and veterinary surgeon at Priory Vets.
“As an independent practice, we can stay true to those values and focus on what really matters: providing genuine, personal care for every pet.” She added: “Opening our Lymington branch means we can bring that same trusted, family-style care a little closer to home, while still offering access to our full hospital facilities and 24-hour support in Christchurch.”
The Lymington branch will be headed up by Imogen Else, a familiar face to many local clients and a long-standing member of the Priory team. With years of experience across general practice, she’s particularly valued for her collaborative approach with owners and her commitment to thoughtful, individualised care.
“We’re really excited to become part of the Lymington community and look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new clients through our doors,” Imogen says.
The new branch will offer all day-to-day care, from vaccinations and health checks to neutering and other routine procedures. Nurse-led clinics will provide practical support and advice, including puppy life skills and ongoing health care. And for those times when more advanced diagnostics or overnight care are needed, our Christchurch hospital is just around the corner, offering seamless continuity and complete peace of mind.
Registered clients will also have access to the Priory Pet Club, the practice’s monthly membership that helps spread the cost of veterinary care and includes discounts on selected services. It’s designed to make proactive and preventative care simple and affordable, guiding owners through every stage of their pet’s life and offering reassurance that help is always accessible, day or night.
New to Priory Vets? Join the thousands of local pet owners who already enjoy peace of mind knowing their pets are in trusted hands. Registration is simple; just scan the QR code to fill in our online form, and we’ll take care of the rest, including transferring your pet’s records for you. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your pet’s care is in hand, and we’ll keep you updated as the new branch takes shape.
Alternatively, to learn more about our independent, community-based approach to veterinary care and follow the branch’s progress, visit prioryvetgroup.com or follow @PrioryVetGroup on Facebook.
01202 484466 | office@prioryvetgroup.com www.prioryvetgroup.com
Priory Vet Group, 59 Purewell, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1EN
Surviving Winter appeal
For the 15th year running, Dorset Community Foundation is asking local people to help keep the elderly and vulnerable warm through the colder months.
The Surviving Winter appeal, run in partnership with Citizens Advice in Dorset, distributes £200 grants to pensioners and people aged 60 and over with a disability who are living in fuel poverty. The funding also helps the Citizens Advice energy team identify people at risk so they can offer the grants, as well as a range of other support.
Community Foundation Chief Executive Grant Robson said: “Every year in Dorset, an average of 590 people die of cold-related illness because they can’t afford to heat their homes properly.”
Donate to the appeal at dorsetcommunityfoundation.org or send a cheque or bankers draft, made payable to Dorset Community Foundation, to: The Surviving
Winter Appeal, Dorset Community Foundation, The Spire, High Street, Poole, BH15 1DF. People can also donate by calling 01202 670815, or through a BACS transfer via: Charities Aid Foundation Bank
Sort Code: 40-52-40
Account Number: 0008 3897
(Please use payment reference: SW)
If you need energy support from Citizens Advice, contact them on 01929 775500 or email energy@edpcitizensadvice.org.uk.
Toad Patrol wants you
Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol has issued a call for new volunteers to help protect the area’s amphibians
Finding a toad in your garden or while walking in nature can be a nice surprise. But alarming recent research by Cambridge University shows that the number of amphibians in the wild has fallen dramatically: almost half of the UK’s toads have been lost in just one generation.
The loss of ponds and natural habitats, as well as changing weather patterns, is partly to blame for this decline. But many toads are also killed by traffic, especially when they crawl slowly across busy roads as they migrate to breed and lay their eggs near water.
They begin their migration in January, and that’s when the Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol starts to turn out every evening along a local toad “hotspot” to help them make it safely across the road. And the Patrol is looking for more volunteers who can help.
For the past 37 years, Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol has worked tirelessly to help the area’s wildlife. Every night from January to the middle of spring, volunteer patrollers take turns driving slowly along the road from the North Poulner crossroads to the Moyles Court ford
below Rockford Common from dusk until 11pm, stopping to pick up toads and carry them across the road so they can safely continue their journey down to the water’s edge.
“The shocking decline in toad numbers means that every life we can save is more precious than ever,” said Nicola Yorke, who runs the patrol.
“The particular route we look after on the edge of Ringwood next to Blashford Lakes can be especially dangerous for them, as they risk being killed under the wheels of cars and vans. So, we’re looking for more willing volunteers who can spare a couple of hours one evening every week from mid-January through to the end of March.”
As well as calling for new volunteers, Yorke urged drivers to slow down, be patient and keep an eye out for toads on the roads, in order to avoid future fatalities.
“The toads crawl down from the wooded hills above Blashford Lakes to find a mate and breed,” she added. “By early spring, after their eggs are laid, they make the return journey, once again facing the dangers of the busy road.
“They only move when it’s warm enough
— five degrees and above. They love wet nights, but they’ll also cross when it’s not raining, particularly early in the season when they’re keen to get down to the water. And with toad numbers falling, we need to carry on helping them to stay safe, which is why we need more volunteers to join our friendly, inclusive group of passionate, dedicated patrollers.”
In 2025, Toad Patrol saved 416 toads, as well as 22 frogs and 146 newts. The volunteers’ hard work and efforts to protect the local toad population were recognised in May when the patrol was given a prestigious Community Award by Ringwood Town Council.
To help raise awareness of Toad Patrol, volunteer Louis Pulford (who is also this magazine’s lead designer) has put together a photo exhibition called ‘Amphibians Are Friends: A Tale of Toad Patrol’. The gallery will be on display at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest from 10 January to 12 July.
If you are interested in volunteering with Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol, please email rptoadpatrol1@gmail.com.
Is it a firearm? Is it a shotgun? No… it’s a tripod
A simple mistake led to armed police descending on a woodland in Burley
Three local photographers had a close brush with the law after a camera tripod was thought to be a shotgun, leading to local police deploying half a dozen armed officers and a helicopter to confront the ‘gunman’.
On Wednesday 1 October, Ryan Seymour was late meeting two fellow photographers in a woodland in Burley near the Picket Post junction. Upon arrival, he rushed into the woods to catch up with his friends, gripping his tripod underarm and briefly saying hello to a dogwalker.
Retelling the event, photographer Lee Cooper said: “He grabbed his tripod, put his gear on and ran into the woods. I think he ran post a lady with a dog [who] mistakenly thought it was a shotgun and called it in to the police as a firearm.”
An hour later, one of the trio, Matt, returned to the carpark, only to be stopped by several black-clad authorised firearms officers from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, who had shut the road and deployed a helicopter.
“Meanwhile, Ryan and I were in the woods, completely oblivious,” explained Lee. “We walked up the other side and, in the sky, saw a helicopter. I thought ‘Oh interesting, I wonder what’s going on?’”
Fortunately, Matt had explained the situation and everyone was fine; the police officers were able to see the lighter side of the situation.
Lee said: “They had a little laugh about it. Obviously, it was an expensive mistake: a helicopter, full road closures, several units deployed.”
Lee found the situation “unbelievable”. So, will Ryan arrive on time in future?
“Oh, he’ll still be late,” said Lee. “But I don’t think he’ll dress up in a full camo hoodie and run into the woods with a tripod in his arms anytime soon!”
Lee then answered a phone call from an unknown number. It was the head of the armed response team, who politely asked him and Ryan to come back to the car park.
“He said, ‘Hi Lee, just to inform you, everything is fine, but there are six armed police officers waiting for you at your vehicle. If you could please come back and approach slowly with no sudden movements, that would be great’.
“I turned to Ryan and said: ‘That helicopter there? That’s for us. Apparently, we have a shotgun!’”
Ryan and Lee with the officers
Ryan Seymour with his ‘shooter’ © Lee Cooper
