New Milton Advertiser 18th December 2020

12 · Friday 18th December 2020

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

News

Work starts on new nature haven cottage

Forest councillor promoted after HCC resignation

Crime victims volunteer award A MILFORD volunteer who supports victims of crime has been honoured for her out- standing contribution. Lorraine Perry-Murdoch was recognised by Hamp- shire’s police and crime commissioner, Michael Lane, at his annual Safer Awards which was held through a virtual ceremony on 2nd December. “Volunteers really matter,” said Mr Lane. “They help us to connect with the commu- nity. The value they add to the work of the constabulary, the wider criminal justice system and partners is enor- mous.” AN Ashley man was ordered to undergo alcohol dependen- cy treatment for six months after he admitted damaging a doctor’s surgery door. Matthew Goldsmith (46), of Milford Road, targeted the Barton Surgery premises on 11th August. He also pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards a man on the same day. Southampton magistrates handed him an 18-month community order, fined him £100 and ordered he pay £178 compensation to the surgery. Man damaged surgery door

A NEW Forest councillor has been promoted following a resignation from Hampshire County Council’s Conservative administration. Cllr Seán Woodward, HCC cabinet member for recreation and heritage, quit after he was deemed by a standards panel to have breached the code of con- duct though a “lapse of judge- ment” over a £15,000 grant, al- though there was no suggestion of “dishonesty”. In his absence, Cllr Edward Heron will be expanding his countryside and rural affairs portfolio to include recreation and heritage. Cllr Heron said: “I am delight- ed to be taking on this expand- ed role on the county council’s cabinet and look forward to continuing the excellent work for Hampshire residents, un- dertaken across the recreation, heritage, countryside and rural affairs portfolio.” Cllr Heron was first elected to Hampshire County Council in 2009, representing what is now the Lyndhurst and Fording- bridge division. He is also New Forest District Council’s depu- ty leader and a member of the national park authority. He was first appointed to the county council’s cabinet in 2018

Facility named in memory of teen naturalist Cameron

BY CAROLYN GRIFFITH

WORK is under way on a new residential education centre in the New Forest in memory of a young naturalist. Cameron’s Cottage, at the se- cluded RSPB woodland reserve Franchises Lodge in Nomans- land, will provide accommoda- tion and a research facility for students and small groups to embed themselves in nature for days at a time. After planning permission was granted by the national park authority at the end of last year, work has now begun at the cottage, which is named after 16-year-old Cameron Bespolka, who died in an Austrian skiing accident in 2013. He was an avid nature lover, whose passion for conservation was ignited at a similar outdoor retreat in Florida at the age of 15. Project organiser the Cameron Bespolka Trust has worked with the RSPB to cre- ate a new sanctuary for wildlife there. Richard Snelling, Franchis- es Lodge site manager, said: “We’re excited that renovation work is finally under way. “There’s no doubt that the people that stay in the cot- tage will come away with a life- long love of nature and hope- fully they will enjoy sharing the property with some of A NEW York music teacher stranded in the New Forest by the pandemic launched an ex- traordinary music project to give lessons to students simul- taneously on both sides of the Atlantic. Dr Sue Carpenter, an arts ed- ucator, left the New Forest as a teenager but has returned near- ly 45 years later during a sab- batical from the City University of New York. She has been a guest at Southampton University’s City for Research in Inclusion where she was investigating opportu- nities for students with learning disabilities when the lockdown began. During her studies Dr Carpenter met Dr Ceri Ed- wards-Hawthorne, who teaches at the Sheiling in Ringwood for students aged 19-25 with com- plex learning disabilities. The two women teamed up to launch a unique collaboration in which Dr Carpenter, based in Brockenhurst, put her training in

Cllr Edward Heron

as member for countryside and rural affairs. HCC leader Cllr Keith Mans said: “I am delighted that Ed- ward will be taking on a great- er role in the county council’s cabinet adding recreation and heritage to his role of country- side and rural affairs. He brings a wealth of experience and ex- pertise to this portfolio.” HCC said Cllr Woodward, who represents Fareham Saris- bury, left citing “personal rea- sons and pressure of work” but will remain a councillor.

The cottage is being turned into an education centre in memory of Cameron Bespolka (inset), who died in a skiing accident in 2013 (Photo: Matt Pringle)

the creatures on the reserve too.” Bats, including some rare species, will reap the benefits of the new woodland residence, with the entire loft and roof of the adjoining classroom being dedicated to them. Special boxes will also be in- corporated into the building for nesting swifts during the spring and summer, while the gaps in the cladding will provide habi- tat for species including robins

and sparrows during the winter months. A Site of Special Scientific Interest, the woodland is home to many special plants and an- imals including rare fungi and a high population of breeding toads. Currently the public can access the nature reserve via the public right of way. Cameron’s mother Corinne Bespolka, who co-founded the trust, said: “Cameron was an active young RSPB member

and it is therefore even more special that we are now part- nering with the RSPB. This partnership has enabled us to work together to create Camer- on’s Cottage. “It’s one small way of giving young people opportunities to experience nature first-hand and encourage them to make our planet a better place, instil a life-long love of nature as well as reap the huge benefits that being outside brings.”

Teacher’s transatlantic lessons

– through the vehicle of singing. “When they ‘meet’ on a Wednesday afternoon their rep- ertoire includes folk, action and Tin Pan Alley songs like Daisy Bell and You Are My Sunshine. “Last week, the Sheiling stu- dents played a piece on hand bells for the Brooklyn students and one of them sang Twinkle Twinkle in Chinese Mandarin.” Dr Edwards-Hawthorne said many of the trainee teachers have really enjoyed meeting students from the UK. She add- ed: “It’s a new experience for them and many of them com- mented on the enthusiasm and energy in their classroom.” The two women are hoping to continue the program and in- volve more classes. Dr Carpenter said: “We have all heard so many stories and instances of isolation and lone- liness during the pandemic, but this was one instance where unique, unusual and beneficial connections weremade through music ‘across the pond’.”

Dr Ceri Edwards-Hawthorne and (inset) Dr Sue Carpenter

in a community music outreach, participants are encouraged to make eye contact, take each other’s hands and make a per- sonal connection with others. “This was not possible via Zoom but, even online, a con- nection was made between the students and staff at the Sheil- ing and with those in Brooklyn

communitymusic outreach to use. Together they now give week- ly music lessons to pupils at the Sheiling together with stu- dent teachers at Kingsborough Community College in Brook- lyn, part of the university in New York, via online video-con- ferencing website Zoom. Dr Carpenter said: “Ordinarily

We believe that a Care Home is a Home first and foremost…… And there’s no place like home.

Man racially abused while delivering takeaway

POLICE are appealing for wit- nesses after a man was racially abused while delivering a take- away in Marchwood. The victim, a 32-year-old man from Southampton, was drop-

ping off food to an address on The Crescent at about 7.30pm on Saturday. He was approached by two men outside the property, whom he believed were waiting

for the takeaway. The pair assaulted the victim, during which he suffered minor injuries, and subjected him to racial abuse, Hampshire police said. The suspects were white, aged between 17 and 18 years old, of slim build and about 5ft

8in tall. Police want to speak to any- one who has information about the incident, saw it or were driv- ing in the area at the time and may have dashcam footage. Call police on 101 or Crimes- toppers on 0800 555 111, quot- ing reference 44200476995

A re you feeling isolated? Do you or a loved one need company in a small,

friendly, family-run home, that is welcoming and engaging, where you can relax and be cared for with delicious home cooked meals, fun activities and trips out as the current situation permits. We provide respite, permanent or even care in your own home whichever care suits your needs. We have a GOOD rating by CQC and have been COVID free throughout the pandemic. We follow all government guidance to ensure that our residents are safe and well.

Your Home from Home

www.quakerhouse.org.uk | reception@quakerhouse.org.uk

£1 MILLION REFURBISHMENT COMPLETED Osborne Lodge is a well-established family run care home situated within walking distance of New Milton town centre, GP surgeries and community centre Welcoming and friendly atmosphere All rooms have en suite facilities Choice of all meals Long term highly qualified staff Full range of activities RESPITE & DAY CARE FOR THE ELDERLY Are you looking after a loved one at home? Do you need a few hours to yourself? Or are you living alone in need of stimulating company? Have you had a fall and need to regain your confidence? We cater for clients wanting ongoing or short-term day care, or day care that can be called upon occasionally, whenever the need arises HALF AND FULL DAY CARE AVAILABLE Including lunch and activities (full day includes evening meal) Contact tel: 01425 618248 Email: enquiries@osbornelodge.co.uk www.osbornelodgecare.co.uk

F ollowing the Quaker ethos of kindness, respect & friendship in our care, we welcome anyone to take up our services. Our aim is to make a real difference to the lives of the people who choose to join us at Quaker House.

We pride ourselves on putting you first, tailoring care to your specific needs and wishes, whilst continually promoting your independence. We offer a range of care, from short-term respite and reablement to extra care for those people who need more than their own carers can manage. Our staff have the heart and desire to provide a confident and competent service whilst also being highly trained professionals.

We have a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (registered provider No. 1-101663819) and are a registered charity (number 1156022)

Please call Alison or Kate on 01590 642121 for an informal chat, when we can talk through what care would suit you or your loved one best, there will be no obligation to take on the care if you feel that it is not right for you at this time.

We look forward to hearing from you!

We welcome families and friends at all times. Why not come and get to know us? You are very welcome to visit us for a day or stay for a short term before committing yourself to this major change in your life. You are equally welcome to move straight in and enjoy everyday life with us.

www.hillyfieldresthome.co.uk 01590 642121 • manager@hillyfieldresthome.co.uk

40-44 Barton Court Road, New Milton BH25 6NR reception@quakerhouse.org.uk | call 01425 617656