NEW FOREST & WATERSIDE NEWS AND NOTICES
All Creatures
New Forest’s Seadown Veterinary Practice is now 100 years old. It started in a shed behind the home of one of its founders and now has an animal hospital at Hythe plus smaller branches at Totton and Lymington.
Knight of the Realm
New Forest East MP, Julian Lewis, was knighted in the New Year’s Honours list for his political and public service. He was elected in 1997 and chairs the Commons’ powerful intelligence and security committee.
Full Steam Ahead
There is overwhelming support to open a New Forest railway line closed to passengers since 1966. Network Rail say 84% of people backed the commuter comeback on the Totton to Hythe branch line.
Boost to Fundraising Drive
Multimillion plans by Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum to modernise the award winning attraction have been given a £200,000 boost by Whitehall and The Wolfson Foundation. The entrance area will be transformed into a new welcome area.
New Aldi
German shopping discount giant Aldi have been given the green light for a supermarket at Little Testwood Farm, Salisbury Road, Totton, next to AFC Totton’s training ground and stadium.
Curry Favour
Lymimgton’s Rivaaz Indian Restaurant has been named Best Asian Restaurant on the South Coast with five consecutive wins at the prestigious Asian Curry Awards.
Hospital Makeover
Multimillion pound plans are in the pipeline for a major makeover of Ashurst Hospital, which was a former workhouse. Proposals include a 70-bed care home and unit for teenagers with severe mental problems.
Crest of the Wave
Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has been crowned Marina of the Year at the British Yachting Awards after beating off competition from five other facilities. The New Forest marina celebrated its 50th anniversary by completing a £2 million upgrade.
Walrus Wonder
Thor, the wandering walrus, became a star attraction as sightseers flocked to see him on Calshot Beach to snap a rare photo opportunity before he headed north.
Ball Rolling on Soccer Plans
Proposals to upgrade Southampton Football Club’s 42-acre training ground at the Staplewood Campus, Marchwood, have been given the go ahead.
Balmer Lawn a Finalist
The Balmer Lawn Hotel are thrilled to be finalists in the annual Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards for 2023. They would like to thank all the couples for their feedback and reviews, as well as their Wedding Executive, Ruth, and team.
Tributes to Skipper
Tributes have been flowing for former Hythe Ferry skipper John Malkinson who made more than 100,000 crossings over 32 years, and who has died aged 92. He worked on the iconic Cunard liner Queen Mary and other famous liners before joining the ferry.