Thesis sponsors popular Lymington-based athlete Vale

Thesis Asset Management in Lymington is sponsoring international ultra marathon runner Valeria Sesto

Which is a win-win we hope for Valeria (known to her many friends as Vale) who does so much good work in the community, notably training aspiring young runners to follow in her footsteps, and also for Thesis who put so much unseen work into supporting our local community too.

Vale is originally from Argentina and didn't even start running until 2007 after her second child, when she set about getting in shape and accidentally found herself qualifying for the elite start in the London Marathon.  Since then she has always completed the London Marathon in under 3 hours, once only two places behind Paula Ratcliffe who of course had run all her life!  She now regularly competes in ultra-long distance races around the world - which is an expensive undertaking!  (See explanation about ultra-marathon below.) She has won 100km races in Argentina and China this year and is now preparing  for the Comrades Ultra-Marathon in South Africa and 100km world championships in Croatia.

Vale is also very active in the local community as a coach and mentor, recently helping to coach and prepare 12 young people to swim across the Solent and raise over £13,000 for charity.

Meanwhile Thesis has been active in recent years in helping local communities around its offices,  including charitable support for the St Barbe Museum in Lymington, New Forest Show, Heritage Open Days and Dragon Boat Racing.

Giles Marriage, director of the Lymington office at Thesis, said: “We are delighted to help support Valeria for the next six months as she embarks on another year that will hopefully bring well deserved success, both competitively and for her work in Lymington. Valeria is a superstar both in the ultra-marathon world and in the local community so we saw this as a great opportunity to work in partnership to help her make a difference.”

Vale added: “I would like to thank Thesis for the help and support they have offered for the next six months. It would not be possible for me to volunteer and be active within the local community without a supportive company such as Thesis."

And went on:  “My work in the community helps motivate me during my ultra-marathons and I’m delighted that Thesis wants to help me in making a difference.”

About Thesis Asset Management Limited

Thesis Asset Management has approximately £13.6 billion of funds under management and administration (as at 30 June 2017), and invests on behalf of private clients, charities, pension funds and trusts. Thesis specialises in developing partnerships with professionals in financial advice, law, accountancy and tax, and creates both bespoke solutions and model portfolios.  You can contact the Thesis Lymington office on 01590 613580 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or visit the Thesis website.

About the ultramarathon 

"An ultramarathon, also called ultra distance or ultra running, is any footrace longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometres (26.219 mi).

There are two types of ultramarathon events: those that cover a specified distance, and events that take place during time - with the winner covering the most distance in that time. The most common distances are 50 kilometres (31.069 mi), 100 kilometres (62.137 mi), 50 miles (80.4672 km), and 100 miles (160.9344 km), although many races have other distances. The 100 kilometres is recognised as an official world record event by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the world governing body of track and field.

Other distances/times include double marathons, 24-hour races, and multiday races of 1,000 miles (1,600 km) or even longer. The format of these events and the courses vary, ranging from single or multiple loops (some as short as a 400-metre to point-to-point road or trail races, to cross-country rogaines. Many ultramarathons, especially trail challenges, have severe course obstacles, such as inclement weather, elevation change, or rugged terrain. Many of these races are run on dirt roads or mountain paths, though some are run on paved roads as well. Usually, there are aid stations every 20 to 35 kilometres apart, where runners can replenish food and drink supplies or take a short break. Timed events range from 6, 12, and 24 hours to 3, 6, and 10 days (known as multi-day or "stage race" events). Timed events are generally run on a track or a short road course, often one mile (1.6 km) or less.

Considered to be an even tougher event are self-supported ultramarathon stage races where each competitor has to carry all their supplies including food to survive the length of the race, typically a week. A good example of this is the Grand to Grand Ultra, America's first ever self-supported ultramarathon stage race.

The International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) organises the World Championships for various ultramarathon distances, including 50 kilometres (31 mi), 100 kilometres (62 mi), 24 hours, and ultra trail running, which are also recognised by the IAAF. Many countries around the world have their own ultrarunning organizations, often the national athletics federation of that country, or are sanctioned by such national athletics organizations. World records for distances, times, and ages are tracked by the IAU."

Source:  Wikipedia

If you're inspired to get running...

If you're feeling inspired to get running, talk to Valeria!

She organises local run training most weeks in which all are welcome who want to have a go.

At the other end of the spectrum there are some interesting facts and tips about ultramarathon racing in this Telegraph article!

Christmas at Colten Care Homes - Carols and Cinderella

Candlelit Carols at Linden House and Cinderella at Woodpeckers

Residents at Colten Care homes in Lymington and Brockenhurst were busy before Christmas, gathering together to enjoy professional pantomime performances and atmospheric candlelit carol services. 

People with dementia enjoy singing songs known well known in the past

The words of songs sung regularly in the past are remembered by many people with dementia long after other treasured memories have faded, making the experience of singing a particularly enjoyable and beneficial experience even when dementia is advanced and everyday speech fails.

Residents of Linden House Dementia Care Home in Lymington gathered together with relatives and the children of some of the carers to enjoy the very special atmosphere of the candlelit carol service, and joined enthusiastically singing along with the team of Companions who led the proceedings.  They then enjoyed mince pies, mulled wine and hot chocolate together .

Pantomime participation a Christmas treat for former panto dame  

Meanwhile former panto dame Stanley now resident of Woodpeckers Care Home in Brockenhurst. met some modern day ugly sisters when a  band of actors brought a festive performance of Cinderella to entertain the residents.

Stanley, 91, explained: “As a young man I moved from Liverpool to Gloucestershire to work on a farm. I didn’t know anyone so I joined the local amateur dramatics club to meet friends.  Little did I know that I would meet the love of my life Betty and also discover a talent for playing dames!” 

Stanley and Betty were married for 48 years and enjoyed many happy years of performing together on stage.

Stanley said: “It was my wife who had all the talent. I think I got parts mainly because I was tall and had quite a soft voice. My particular favourite was playing Widow Twanky.
“But they were good times and I now have a scrapbook of many happy memories.”

Stanley added: “It’s been lovely to see the show today and meet the actors. I did manage to show them a few of my dance moves which gave them a laugh. But nowadays it’s nice to sit back and leave it to the professionals!”

Caren Pearson of the Woodpeckers Companionship team said: “Everyone has had a lovely time watching the show.  “Carousel came to us all the way from Chiswick in London and put on a fabulous performance - and it was great to see Stanley so in his element.”

With more than 30 years’ experience, Colten Care is an award-winning local family-owned care home company. It has 20 quality care homes covering Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex and offers a range of services spanning residential, nursing and dementia care.  

Colten Care's Linden House in Lymington is a dedicated specialist dementia care home which has recently been given the rating "Outstanding" by the independent authority the Care Quality Commission, whilst Woodpeckers is a lovely residential Colten owned care home set in peaceful and beautiful gardens on the edge of Brockenhurst village.

Linden House Care Home is Outstanding

CQC official rating- one of the top dedicated dementia homes 

CQC Care Quality Commission rates Linden House one of only 55 "Outstanding" dementia homes and in the top 1% of all care homes in England

Colten Care's Linden House Care Home in the middle of Lymington is celebrating after being officially rated as one of the top dedicated dementia homes in the country -  one of only 55 dementia homes in England to be declared ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC),  the independent and highly respected regulator of all health and social care services in England.  

The rating also places the New Street home in the top one per cent of all care homes in England. 

CQC Inspector Pauline Kelsey was among the guests at a tea party marking the home’s success together with residents, relatives and staff and presented the  ‘Outstanding’ certificate to Sam Reid, Interim Home Manager.  

Linden House was assessed across five criteria – being safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led – during an intensive two-day inspection. The 22-page report singled out staff for particular praise, saying they supported residents in an “exceptionally personalised way.”  Pauline said: “We found staff at Linden House were welcoming, whatever their level of seniority. Nothing was too much trouble.”

The report added: “Families felt the service went above and beyond and were extremely experienced at looking after people living with dementia. People received excellent care that was based around their individual needs and that ensured care was personalised and responsive.”

Our personal experience of exceptional care 

Amongst the team who run Lymington.com and the members of the Lymington Dementia Action Group several of us have our own relatives living at Linden House and we know full well how outstanding it is.  Day and night an enormous team of wonderful people cherish our loved ones as if they were their own.  The reality of dementia is that sometimes it's challenging and distressing.  Yet every member of the team from care to nursing to cleaning has those vital qualities of kindness and patience in abundance.

I have written previously about the care my own mother receives – it’s nearly six years now that she's been in a Colten Care home and her Alzheimers is very advanced.  Yet despite her sleepiness the carers regularly get her up with the hoist into a splendid enormous mobile throne so that she can experience different environments and atmospheres including the concerts and other entertainments which take place regularly so that at some level she can still take part in the things she used to love like music and singing.  She was 90 in September but all the lines on her face seem to have disappeared which I can only put down to how relaxed and comfortable she feels, cocooned and cosseted as she is.

Tribute to the Linden House team

Mark Aitchison, Chief Executive, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Linden House is our first dementia home to be rated ‘Outstanding’. I read the inspection report with immense pride.

“It is great news that Linden House is one of only 55 dementia homes in England to be declared ‘Outstanding’. It is actually even better, when you look at care homes that are solely dedicated to elderly dementia care and also provide nursing care as there are then just a handful across the country, including Linden House, achieving this accolade. That is an amazing achievement and one to be very proud of.

“It’s a huge tribute to the wonderful team at Linden House. There is a fantastic team spirit and ‘can do’ attitude at the home which puts our residents at the heart of everything we do.

“We were particularly delighted that CQC Inspector Pauline Kelsey was able to take time out from her busy schedule to personally present us with the ‘Outstanding’ certificate. “This is the second ‘Outstanding’ rating for one of our homes and demonstrates how our ‘One Team’ approach to everything we do is clearly working for our residents.”

Other guests at the party included Lymington Mayor Cllr Barry Dunning.
He said: “We’re very proud of Colten Care and to have an ‘Outstanding’ rating is amazing. My warmest congratulations to you all.”

Family owned Colten Care has 20 quality care homes across Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex and Wiltshire.

Earlier this year the company’s Kingfishers home in New Milton was also rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission.

How to view the CQC report

The inspection report on Linden House can be found at http://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-1228683337.

For more information about the home, visit http://www.coltencare.co.uk/linden-house

Beaulieu VW Santa Run delivers presents to hospital.

Lord Montagu waves off biggest ever VW Santa Run to Piam Brown unit. 

Lord Montagu waved the tinsel-adorned starting flag as 116 VWs set off from Beaulieu to deliver Christmas presents to youngsters at the Piam Brown unit at Southampton General Hospital.

Numbers for the colourful convoy were at an all-time high, with 235 adults and 94 children riding in impressive classic and custom VWs laden with gifts, making the annual charity run the biggest and most successful yet.

Not only were presents gathered for the Piam Brown unit for children and teenagers with cancer and haematological disorders, but there were enough gifts for children spending December in other wards across the whole hospital.

In beautiful winter sunshine, Lord Montagu presented Beaulieu’s gifts to event organiser Phil Ashby, before the assorted VW Campervans and Beetles hit the road to collect even more gifts en route. Phil led the procession in his classic T2 camper, while stewards and outriders on motorcycles accompanied the convoy.

Prizes were given to the most eye-catching participants who entered into the Christmas spirit, with jolly festive costumes for themselves and their VWs. Ken Griffin, from Winchester, was dressed as Father Christmas and won the Best Dressed Van award for his bright yellow 1995 VW T4 with Beano comic graphics. Ken had laden his van with strands of tinsel and secured cuddly toy animals to his roof-rack.

The Best Dressed Family award went to Sheryl, Katie, Scott and Adam Hayward, from Holbury near Southampton, who arrived on their VW-powered custom trikes in North Pole-style attire, dressed as an elf, reindeer, Christmas gift and Father Christmas. Taking the Best Dressed Family and Dog title were Tamara and Martin Andrews, from Ferndown near Bournemouth, who along with their Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Oscar were dressed in elf costumes. Lord Montagu presented all of the winning families with a VW cushion, special Beaulieu biscuits and Beaulieu bear key ring.

Sunday’s event (Nov 26) was the fourth Santa Run at Beaulieu which collected and delivered gifts for youngsters in hospital, as well as the doctors and nurses who work there.

Beaulieu continues to celebrate the festive season with a magical Victorian Christmas on December 9th and 10th, then 16th to January 1st. Palace House will come to life as the Montagu family, played by costumed actors, prepare for a Christmas pantomime in 1889 and visitors are invited to get on stage to be part of the seasonal tomfoolery. There will be carol singing and festive music, craft activities making Christmas cards and tree decorations and a Christmas tree in every main room of Palace House. For photo opportunities, see the sleigh and wicker reindeer and life-size gingerbread house and marvel at one of the largest decorated Christmas trees in the New Forest. Find out more about Victorian Christmas at Beaulieu here.

Beaulieu is open every day except Christmas day from 10am-5pm, while on the weekends of December 9th - 10th and 16th - 17th Palace House will be open until 6pm.

Find out more about what Beaulieu has to offer. 

Sleigh bells ring as New Forest care homes host winter wonderland

Colten Care's New Forest homes celebrate Christmas with fundraising events for charity.

Opportunity for informal visit to see what care home life is really like

A sparkling sprinkle of festive fun is under way as five New Forest care homes celebrate the Christmas season with fundraising events for charity. Winter Wonderland at Colten Care features fairs, markets, live music, food and drink, and visits to Santa’s grotto – all involving residents and open to the community.  These are good opportunities for anybody considering a care home to visit informally and see what life there is really like.

First to stage a bazaar was Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst, adorned with 5,000 fairy lights and hosting a dozen stalls sporting Christmas gifts. In arts and crafts sessions leading up to the event, residents and team members made items to sell including tea light lanterns, decoupage stars and hearts, bath bombs, handwarmers, and jars of mincemeat and onion chutney. Visitors included children from Brockenhurst Primary School and performers from the New Forest Singing for Fun choir.

Home Manager Janie Pearman explained the idea of having a winter wonderland season stemmed from seeing so many members of the community involved in summer events with Colten Care. These included the Lymington Carnival and a Mary Poppins stage show at Woodpeckers.

Janie said: “Christmas is another ideal chance to dress up and have fun, with outfits and decorations from the sublime to the ridiculous. All of us - residents, relatives and team members - have been really looking forward to another great community event. It gets everyone excited and residents always welcome the chance to do their bit for charities they choose to help.”

Among those supported by the Winter Wonderland season are Oakhaven Hospice, Bramshaw Riding for the Disabled, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, and Honey Pot Children’s Charity.

Community organisations helping the homes include the Sway-based plant nursery Agrumi who are providing topiary reindeers.

Following Woodpeckers, the other Winter Wonderland events, all free to attend are detailed below -  click on the links for more information;

• Kingfishers, The Meadows, New Milton, BH25 7FJ, at 10.30am on Thursday, 30 November
• Belmore Lodge, Milford Road, Lymington, SO41 8DJ, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Thursday, 30 November
• Linden House, New Street, Lymington, SO41 9BP, at 2pm on Saturday, 2 December
• Court Lodge, Court Close, Lymington, SO41 8NQ, all day on Sunday, 3 December
  

Considering a care home? 

If you're considering a care home whether for yourself or a relative this is a good opportunity to pop in informally and get the feel of one or more of the local Colten Care homes, experience for yourself how the staff work together as a caring and supportive team, how happy and involved the residents become in the Christmas festivities - above all how natural and homelike the atmosphere is.

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...

Lights, carols, action in Lymington this Christmas!

Christmas lights up late night shopping evening in Lymington

If you missed the Christmas Lights and Late Night Shopping evening in Lymington on Friday 24th November then you're in for a treat. Steve Elson was out and about with his camera again this year, capturing the spirit of Christmas in Lymington...

Remember - this Friday the Christmas lights will be switched on in Pennington with a dazzling walkway of lights, Santa in his grotto, choirs, bands, street entertainers, fair rides, Christmas market, food and drink - and reindeer will be visiting! Come and join in the fun. Free entry - click here for more information.

So here we have Starboard Home looking straight out of Country Living Magazine on Quay Hill! (Click here to find out more about all the lovely things they sell, including a 360 degree virtual tour...) And the fabulous Belle Ella (who'll soon be opening a second shop in Lymington, dedicated to Evening and Occasionwear!) FW House have another beautiful Christmas window display as do Truffles and Willow - take a look at the pictures, enjoy the atmosphere and the crowds from the comfort of your armchair - and do send us your photos of Lymington this Christmas if you take some good ones!

New-Biz Young Employee and Best Employer Awards 2017

local business and people successes are celebrated!

The NewBiz  Gala Awards Dinner took place on Wednesday 22 November at the East Close Hotel which proved a smart, spacious and hospitable venue for 60 local businesspeople to congratulate the finalists of the 2017 “Young Employee” and “Best Employer” awards which celebrate the best of New Milton and District employers and young employees.

Chairman of New Milton based networking and business debating group NewBiz Dr Mike Horswell stressed the high quality of nominations for this year’s awards and the awards sponsored by Redmayne-Bentley and GD Print (also impromptu photographer for the evening!)  were presented by Avril Owton MBE to:

“Young Employee” winner Lily Campbell-Smith sales assistant at PMG Schoolwear, and finalists George Richman trainee account handler at A-One Insurance and Harry Rodgers, waiter at the East Close Hotel.

“Best Employer” winner Neil Stevenson MD of Double H Nurseries, and finalists Alex Jennings MD of Heppenstalls Solicitors and Lia Martin for Ian Penfold, MD of A-One Insurance Group.

Pre dinner guest speaker well known psychologist and author Shay McConnon used magic to illustrate key messages to remind employers to listen to the needs of their employees to everybody’s benefit.  Whilst after dinner speaker Avril Owton told her story by now familiar to many, new and inspiring for these young people starting their careers: how positive attitude and hard work helped a dancer with no previous business experience to overcome tragedy and all obstacles in her way to turn the Cloud Hotel Brockenhurst into a successful business.

It was uplifting for all to share the enthusiasm and commitment of the three finalists all under 23 years old whose fledgling careers will surely receive a boost from this well organised event!

The comprehensive printed programme prepared by NewBiz organisers Teresa Walker of Woodpecker First Aid Training and Gill Hepburn from Station Financial included resumes for each of the six finalists and the evening’s raffle raised funds for Oakhaven Hospice.

Careys Manor for small groups looking for big Christmas party atmosphere

A Christmas party should be an affair to remember, and for small groups wanting a big party atmosphere, Careys Manor Hotel has the solution.

The luxurious country house hotel in the heart of the New Forest is offering a choice between a fun-filled celebration of the classic comedy Allo Allo at its French bar and bistro, or a sophisticated Christmas Ball with a champagne reception.

Listen very carefully – I shall say this only once…

If you want your evening to have a little ooh la la, the French bistro Le Blaireau gives you an authentic taste of France in the New Forest.

Sitting in the grounds of Careys Manor, Le Blaireau has a quirky interior based on the streets of Paris – complete with a 2CV parked just beyond the bar. This Christmas, why not dress in character as you step back in time to 1940s occupied France with Le Blaireau’s maitre d’ Richard Naulleau, who takes on the role of hapless café owner René Artois?

The evening begins with a fabulously French three-course dinner, which includes starters like chestnut velouté with roquefort mousseline and chestnut mushroom chips, and mains of stuffed chicken with chestnuts and cranberry, stuffed cod confit, or braised fennel in saffron broth. This is followed by a selection of French cheeses, and then either a Buche de Noel chocolate Christmas log or a creamed vanilla bavarois.

After dinner, guests can dance the night away to music alongside Allo Allo regulars Officer Crabtree and Yvette Carte-Blanche.

An Allo Allo party at Le Blaireau is available to book between December 1 and December 17 and costs £28.50 per person from Monday to Thursday, and £32.50 per person on Friday and Saturday.

Sophistication meets festive cheer at the Careys Christmas Ball

For a Christmas party with a sprinkling of glitz, why not opt for a Careys Manor Christmas Ball?

A champagne reception sets the scene as guests are welcomed by the mellow sound of a saxophonist playing a selection of favourite Christmas songs.

Then it’s through to the dining room for a four-course dinner filled with mouthwatering delights such as game terrine, roast turkey with fondant potato, and dark chocolate delice with milk ice cream and honeycomb. 

Afterwards, put on your dancing shoes and let Careys Manor’s resident DJ provide the soundtrack to Christmas 2017.

Careys Manor Christmas Balls can be booked between December 1 and December 17 and cost £55 per person.

And when all the poppers have been popped, and your feet refuse to dance another step, why not make a night of it and complete your Christmas celebration with an overnight stay in one of Careys’ luxurious bedrooms?

Rooms in the original 18th century manor house exude character and charm, and for something extra special, a Four Poster Manor Room is the perfect romantic Christmas present.

With sumptuous drawing rooms, cosy fires and a beautiful tree twinkling with golden lights and sparkling decorations, Careys Manor is everything you want in a quintessential English country house Christmas.

Find more information or to make a reservation.

The Countryside Education Trust  - connecting people of all ages with the countryside

The Countryside for everyone

Established in 1975 and based at Home Farm at Beaulieu in the New Forest The Countryside Education Trust’s mission is to connect people with the countryside. Its role is to introduce people to the wonders of the British countryside, rural life and farming. In a very special location close to woods, river, heathland and the sea with variety of habitats on the doorstep, a wide range of environmental and bush craft activities is taught. Schools visit from a week to a day, whilst regular playgroups Owlets (0-2), Little Owls (2-4) and Big Owls (4-6) are run for local families together with a variety of events and courses throughout the year to introduce people to country living, rural crafts and wildlife.

A magical place of education and learning

The Countryside Education Trust has several strings to its bow but what binds everything together is that each string uses the countryside as a tool for educating and learning.

Whether it be the Little Owls, local young children who come to the Centre and use it as a playschool, or older children who come with their schools: some local who come for the day and others not so local, whose schools lie in areas of economic deprivation, and who benefit from the accommodation, lessons and facilities the Centre provides.

As well as this the Centre provides courses for adults along the same lines. Not only day courses and weekend courses in foraging, archery and wild medicines for example, but also team building days for work weary executives and groups of colleagues and friends just wanting a day of fun, something a bit different.

The Countryside Education Trust runs out of Home Farm in Beaulieu. This is where, not only can you find the office but also the centre itself, surrounded by the farm. There are accommodation facilities for school children and adults, a large kitchen ably manned by CET staff providing nutritious meals for those staying all day or for longer. A huge and comfy sitting area overlooks a garden with benches and barbeques.

The Farm itself has animals of all shapes and sizes that are used to the comings and goings at Home Farm and are loved by all. Their gentle nature is a revelation to some and the animals provide all kinds of lessons –lifelong ones as well as the more formal key stage lessons for schools. The farm is surrounded by woodland where anything goes! Learning about tree species and building dens, archery and coppicing for older learners: it is truly amazing how the countryside can be used as a learning tool.

So, in a myriad of ways the Trust encourages young and old to learn about the countryside in a fun way. Sometimes it is just for fun, sometimes it’s for team building or school key stage projects but everyone goes away with a sense that as well doing what they thought they were going to, (in itself a good start!), a more fundamental lesson is learned too...

....Working on the farm or in the countryside slows down the pace of life and learning, helping interaction and thoughtfulness, creating a sense of wellbeing and clam that is sometimes missed in today’s world.

Christmas Fair and all year round - volunteers and fundraising

The annual CET Christmas Fair is the big local fundraiser of the year, run entirely by volunteers and for many years a key date in the diary for many  locals and visitors for Christmas planning, shopping, and generally getting into the Christmas spirit! 

However funding is needed throughout the year to support the hard work of the volunteer teams in running the farm and to buy the materials, tools, animals, plants for upcoming developments.  And currently a major project is fundraising to enable transformational residential visits for children from disadvantaged families.

On the list also are:

• Planting new trees for the orchard

• Fundraising for a new goat so that visiting children can experience milking as part of their daily activities (our last goat was not very compliant!).

• Planting a new hedgerow on the farm to provide additional wildlife habitats

• Owls’ clubs need some new gardening equipment to care for their plots

• Fundraising to provide a free day visit to the farm for families with a child who has a life limiting illness.

• 50 dormouse boxes are being installed in the woods (fingers crossed for a sighting!)

• Planning a sensory garden to increase the range of people who can benefit from a visit to Home Farm.

Recent success stories

Thanks to the generosity of donors biomass is now providing the heating, the fantastic “Tremendous Tree Trail” opened in the woods this year and has been greeted with great enthusiasm by schools and public alike. A water harvesting and waste treatment project is underway with another charity to mitigate waste at Home Farm. The Shetland Sheep were shown for the first time at the New Forest Show and achieved three seconds, and volunteer help is creating a lovely new bird hide overlooking the ponds.

Volunteers always welcome!

If you would like to volunteer to help us or find out more about fundraising for the CET, they would love to hear from you. Call 01590 612401 to find out more. (And keep an eye on the CET website for open events www.cet.org.uk.)