New Milton Advertiser 11th Dec 2020

Friday 11th December 2020 · 29

news@adt.press · advertising@adt.press · 01425 613384

Christmas spirit lives on in Highcli e as village gears up for festive season

It may not be like last Christmas when 2,000 people gathered to cel- ebrate the lights switching on but Highcliffe is making the most of the festivities in the current season of social distancing. In fact the spirit of giving and goodwill has been reverberating throughout the village ever since March when the pandemic began. Neighbours have offered to shop, deliver and run errands for the housebound, those self isolating and others in need. Jane Dean, communications of- ficer of the Highcliffe Action Team (HAT) said that the Christmas spirit showed itself soon after the Coro- na Virus lockdown began. She said: “It has been truly re- markable. The help on hand has been overwhelming. People have been shopping for frail, elderly and housebound neighbours, calling on them at a distance to make sure they are ok and ensuring that their medical needs are being met. The generosity by some villagers has been incredible. “People from as far away as London installed and the shops, cafes and restaurants are open for business once again. The lights are up, the Christmas tree has been

the Lymington Road festive lights set up in time for the Christmas season, to add a bit of festive cheer following such a gloomy year. Jane Dean said: It’s been a real challenging time, but we are de- lighted with the impressive lights displayed at Tesco Express. The reaction from local residents on our #LoveHighcliffe Facebook page has been most encouraging as people welcome a semblance of tradition back into their lives, after such a difficult year. “One person came up to me and said: ‘I can see these from my win- dow, it’s so nice to see while I’m at home all day’.” HAT had been filming their pop- ular Christmas advert which was featured in main stream and social media last year and is set to the do the same this year. Jane said : “But the second lock- down put paid to it so we hope to get it completed by the end of the week. Working with South Snap Media, we have been filming in local areas popular with our resi- dents, to include our award-win- ning beach, plus our landmark Castle and surrounding areas. We have some stunning shots of real reindeer and some cameo perfor- mances from the talented High- cliffe Charity Players.” HAT are also thrilled to an- nounce that the headline duo ‘The Shires’ have consented to HAT us- ing their very emotive song “Crazy Days” as the backing track for the video. Jane added : “The words reflect the sentiment felt by so many this year as it has been pretty crazy!” The completed version will be shared on its social media sites @ LoveHighcliffe and on its website- www.highcliffevillage.com BBC Radio Solent have also fea- tured the making of the video on its breakfast show. #LoveHighcli e and Shop Local HIghcliffe has a range of shops to meet all needs- from furniture to food, a butcher and a baker and cafes and restaurants serving everything from pizzas to pastas and oriental to fish and chips. There are also beauticians, a variety of hairdressers, fireplace specialists, designer label clothing outlet, a pet shop, betting shop, so- licitors, a holday coach travel shop, car showrooms and many others. HIghcliffe Sports and Social Club has also reopened its doors.

Festive entertainment Meanwhile if you’re stuck for what to do with the kids over the Christmas period another kind of school will be open – the Elf School at nearby Hoburne Park. Youngsters attending this spe- cial school will be able to earn an Elf School Diploma from Father Christmas. Children will be able to help Hoburne Elves, Glitterpants and Brightsparks to prepare the Christmas gifts on time, all under the watchful eye of Father Christ- mas. There is an interactive 30-45 minute session that includes a meet and greet from Father Christ- mas and presentation of your very own Elf School Diploma. The school, for those age 3 to 8, plans to take place five times a day every weekend until Christmas. . Meanwhile the recently re- opened Lord Bute Hotel in High- cliffe has tribute and celebration evenings coming up this month, including Tom Jones and Frankie Valli and The Cliffhanger is plan- ning to have Christmas With Santa Breakfasts for chldren and adults alike. All events state they will be observing social distancing guide- lines including Santa who will also be wearing a mask.

Christmas at the Lord Bute 2020

Festive Afternoon Tea AT THE CASTLE KITCHEN TEAROOMS Finger Sandwiches Baked Scone  Sweet Treats Unlimted traditional & flavoured teas & Fairtrade coffee £15.95 per person Christmas Lunch AT THE CASTLE KITCHEN TEAROOMS Starter  Main  Dessert 3 Courses £24.95  2 Courses £21.95 per person

have been posting on social media to say how impressed they were with the support given by the people of Highcli e to those less fortunate than themselves.”

Enjoy a sumptuous festive meal during the lead up to Christmas!

Pre Christmas Lunch - £26.95 per person Pre Christmas Dinner - £36.95 per person Available Tuesday – Saturday

Christmas Eve Lunch - 3 course menu £40.00 per person Christmas Eve Dinner - 3 course menu £44.00 per person We are also open in between Christmas and New Year! Contact us for details. Join us for New Years Eve and enjoy a drink on arrival followed by a 4 course dinner whilst our saxophonist plays throughout the evening - £110.00 per person Reservations mail@lordbute.co.uk 01425 278884

Meanwhile the village has been gearing up for the festive season with the Christmas lights now strewn along the Lymington Road while nearby Highcliffe Castle opened its doors to visitors as oth- er venues were busy planning for Christmas events. Although the village’s well-at- tended Christmas lights switch-on was cancelled due to the coronavi- rus outbreak this did not put a halt to this year’s switch on, albeit more of a low key affair. The very active Highcliffe Ac- tion Team (HAT) has been working alongside the BCP Council to have

Booking Essential Please Call 01425 276190

The

The Wardrobe Designer Dress Agency

Maximum of 6 guests per booking Available daily through December

Tearooms

181-185 Lymington Road, Highcli e, Dorset. BH23 4JS

422 Lymington Road, Highcli e, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 5HE Telephone: 01425 276928 HALF PRICE SALE starts ursday 7th January at 10am For a wonderful selection of Designer Clothes, Hats, Shoes and Accessories including:

PROTECT YOUR HOME AND BUSINESS with

Please come along and view our superb selection A personal and friendly shopping experience at prices that are our little secret.

Local, professional family-run security specialist company with over 30 years experiance. We Design, Install and Maintain:

Alesco Care Services is a small locally run home care company here to support you in your own home and support you to access the community. Times are hard at the moment and if you are looking for someone to support you with life’s everyday tasks including support with your shopping and cleaning. Or if you just want someone to have a chat and a cup of tea with then Alesco is here to help you with Companionship. All our carers are fully trained and training is regularly updated to support the needs of our clients. If you feel that Alesco could help you or a loved one please contact us on 01425 276208

282 Lymington Road Highcliffe Christchurch Dorset BH23 5ET Intruder Alarms CCTV Fire Alarms Safes Access Controls

Dont Forget... to pick up your copy of next week's Advertiser & Times for our second festive Christmas in Highcliffe feature To advertise your business in this special feature please contact Carol on 07734 384687 or via carol.shears@adt.press

www.capstansecurity.org.uk Call us on: 01425 270 527 Need a Security System?

or admin@alesco.care www.alescocare.co.uk