New Milton Advertiser 18th December 2020

Friday 18th December 2020 · 3

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

News

Sculpture trail idea carved out for town

School’s sprinting Santas run up cash for hospice

ART lovers could soon be able to enjoy a Covid-secure display of exhibits across New Milton, under proposals for a sculpture trail. The idea was suggested in an email from Jack Irwin, project manager of Art Trails in South- ampton, which was read out during a recent online meeting of the town council’s amenities committee. Observing that the pandemic had forced the cancellation of many of New Milton’s commu- nity events in 2020, Mr Irwin said the trail would be a “Cov- id-friendly community art pro- ject”. The recreation ground, the town centre and Ballard Lake

were among the possible loca- tions he suggested to host the installations. Committee members agreed that town clerk Graham Flex- man should contact Mr Irwin for more information. This discussion came after councillors supported the in- stallation of a Covid-secure Nativity Trail, which is now in place at the recreation ground, off Old Milton Road. Set up by the New Life Church in Gore Road, the at- traction is a route marked out by seven signs illustrated with characters from the Nativity. QR codes can be scanned with smartphones to unlock a page of fun activities and questions.

Pupils and staff dash around site to raise funds for Oakhaven

and anxiety-provoking times.” He added: “It is without a doubt that without the com- mitment from the whole staff team at Southlands, we would not have been able to provide a little bit of normality here in our Southlands bubble. “Our staff team made sacri- fices with their own families to continue to provide the struc- ture, care and education for the students at Southlands.” Rebecca Sheen, school tran- sition manager, said: “Although Southlands is a small school, we recognise the importance of raising money for a wide range of charities throughout the school year. “To be able to raise money for such a wonderful organisation as Oakhaven and dress up at the same time has been a really joyous occasion for the school. “Helping our local commu- nity as they help us by provid- ing wonderful work experience placements and opportunities for our students is just a small thank you.” to give the same amount to every new claimer throughout 2020/21. An expected increase in new winter claimants has not mate- rialised because of the extension of the furlough scheme. However, Covid-19 has already affected council tax collections and the report said NFDC is ex- pecting increased arrears and a greater amount of debt to be carried over into 2021/22. Taxpayers in arrears are al- ready signposted by NFDC to Citizens Advice for help. Often there are “multiple issues”, the report added, and advisors can assist by taking a wider view in- cluding, for example, issues such as mental health and homeless- ness.

BY ANTONELLA LAZZERI

YOUNGSTERS spread some Christmas cheer with their own Santa Dash to raise funds for Oakhaven Hospice. Southlands School, a special- ist residential site near Lyming- ton, caters for children with au- tism, many of whom have found lockdown difficult. Staff wanted to give pupils a little bit of festive joy so or- ganised a week of Christmas activities – which culminated in the sponsored run around the school site. As reported in the A&T, due to the pandemic Oakhaven was unable to stage its tradition- al annual Santa Dash through Lymington this year, and in- stead appealed to fundraisers to hold their own – a challenge which Southlands accepted.

Southlands principal Andrew Simmons starts the race (Photo: Steve West)

DON’T JUST SELF-ISOLATE. DECORATE!

Around 50 youngsters aged between seven and 19 took part with several members of staff. It was followed by a buffet for the whole school. Principal Andrew Simmons said: “I have been at South-

lands for over 25 years. It is a school that takes pride in sup- porting each and every student to achieve their personal best. “When the first national lock - down was announced we had to react quickly to reassure our

students, parents and the ex- ternal professional services that we could continue to meet the needs of our student cohort. “I could not be more proud of how our students have coped in these challenging

BenjaminMoore ®

Council earmarks £25k funds for debt advisor

FUNDING of £25,000 has been set aside by New Forest District Council to help recruit a trained debt advisor for a year in the wake of the coronavirus pan- demic. Cllr Jeremy Heron, the cab- inet member for finance, ap - proved handing the money to Citizen’s Advice New Forest. It will come out of about £886,500 of help the authority has been given by the govern- ment to provide support to res- idents. A report signed off by Cllr Heron said that NFDC has used nearly £561,000 of the aid, main- ly through handing £200 to every claimant in receipt of Council Tax Support in April this year to help them cope. It has pledged

Historic carriage restoration on track Volunteers have replaced panels and repainted the first carriage (Photo: Garry Brown)

WE CAN DELIVER STRAIGHT TO YOUR DOOR

A TEAM of conservationists are making fast progress on reno- vating a historic train carriage which is part of a set that once carried royalty along Hythe pier. Hythe Pier Heritage Associa- tion (HPHA) recently set out a £220,000 plan of works to safe- guard the future of the histori- cal structure. The organisation intends on relaying the tramway as well as restoring all the existing carriages and the two original tractor units which power the train. It is currently working on carriage 4. Volunteers have been joined by members of Hythe Men’s Shed to work on the first car - riage, which was one of two to

be delivered in 1922. They have strengthened the structure by adding new frames along one side and new panels. In May 1944 King George VI rode along the pier in carriage 2 while visiting the area to view the vessels assembled in prepa- ration for the D-Day invasion. A plaque to commemorate the event was placed in the carriage – but was later stolen. More recently, a period penny has been mounted on the back- rest of the seat upon which the King sat. Project leader Tina Brown said: “Work is currently under- way on the repair and re-stain- ing of the carriage doors in an- other workshop nearby and, once all the external refurbish-

ment is complete, replacement glass panes will be sought to comply with the British Stand- ard specified for rolling stock. “The internal paintwork will need cleaning and preparing for a fresh coat of paint. The orig- inal seats, although nearly 100 years old, are beautifully made and show the carpentry skills of that time. “These have been given a good clean and only a touch up in keeping with restored furni- ture.” The HPHA is aiming to have the restoration complete in time to mark the pier’s cente- nary in July 2022. Donations to the project can be made at www.hythepierha. org.uk

012 0202 6663 sales@peterrobbins.co.uk www.peterrobbins.co.uk

Make your DREAM A REALITY WITH

Drivewayselite

 Block Paving: We o er a wide range of paving using only the best products and brands  Tarmac Driveway: We will design and install your tarmac driveway to your specific requirements.

 Resin: We can provide resin driveways and paths  Shingle Driveway  Concrete bases  Patio’s: Designed and installed

We also o er a Driveway cleaning service

B

E

L

R

E

A

C

T

I

N



53 G  







NO DEPOSIT Payment only on completion 100% satisfaction guaranteed

For a fast, e cient and friendly service please contact us today for any of your requirements on 01202 255451 07884 088991

Y

E

A

R

S





CALL US TODAY 01425 612391 Freephone 0800 0921919 NEW MILTON SHOWROOM 19 Station Road, New Milton, Hampshire BH25 6HN www.dpr-windows.co.uk

South Coast Contracting & Developments Ltd Building and Property Development 01590 679026 info@southcoastcontracting.co.uk • www.southcoastcontracting.co.uk

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP · HONESTLY PRICED