New Milton Advertiser 25th December 2020

Friday 25th December 2020 · 13 News

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Cash boost in battle to stop the plant invaders

BY ANTONELLA LAZZERI Charity offers help as money running out for Forest initiative A CASH injection of £5,000 has been made by a charity to keep alive efforts to rid the New For- est of invasive plants. The award was given to the New Forest Non-Native Plants Project which works to restore and conserve the area’s special habitats by stop- ping the spread of harmful weeds. Hundreds of volunteers have helped remove swathes of un- wanted flora, such as Himala - yan balsam, from riverbanks allowing wildflowers to flourish. Catherine Chatters, New For- est non-native plants officer, said: “By volunteering with the project, people are able to increase their appreciation, knowledge and understanding of the New Forest, not only its flora and fauna but also the vi - tal role that commoners and their animals perform in the conservation of this very spe- POLICE have launched inves- tigations into a string of raids on sheds and outbuildings in the New Forest and are warning residents to ensure they keep theirs secure. At least 10 of the structures were targeted between last Thursday and Monday, with all but one of them happening in Dibden Purlieu. Bicycles and electric bikes were among items taken, as well as power tools and garden- ing equipment. People are being urged to come forward if they can HUNDREDS of children have been receiving bags filled with Christmas-themed crafts and activities thanks to the hard work of church volunteers. The team at Avon Valley Churches, made up of the par- ishes of Fordingbridge, God- shill, Hyde, Breamore and Hale, has been busy individually wrapping craft components and providing instructions for 1,000 bags during the count- down to Christmas. Canon Gary Philbrick has already blessed more than 200 goody bags live on Facebook before they were delivered to excited pupils at Forres San- dle Manor School in Sandle- heath. The remaining 800 have been dropped off to primary schools in Fordingbridge, Hyde, Brea- more, and Hale, as well as to nurseries and toddler groups. The daily activities will be supported by an online vid- eo posted each morning from Monday to Christmas Day on the church’s YouTube channel, showing parents and kids how to assemble the crafts. There was also due to be an

hosted by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and supported by the Our Past, Our Future landscape partnership scheme. That is run by the na- tional park authority but Na- tional Lottery funding ends this year. The new cash came from the Love the Forest scheme, which is part of the New Forest Trust conservation charity. It works with businesses to raise funds for conservation and education projects, as well as providing grants to local or- ganisations. Businesses provide opportu- nities for their customers to add a donation on a room stay, meal or product. Some businesses donate directly or run fundrais- ing events and the scheme has so far raised £265,000 for New Forest groups and organisa- tions. William Ziegler, chair of the New Forest Trust, said: “The New Forest’s internationally recognised biodiversity must be protected. This includes the important work of controlling invasive non-native plants and as such we are happy to sup- port such a project.” tails of belongings such as serial numbers for electronic goods online at www.immobi lise.com The police spokesperson added: “You know your local communities. If you notice an- ything out of the ordinary, such as someone tampering with a lock on a neighbour’s shed, please report it to us via 101.” Anyone with information should contact Hampshire po- lice on 101, quoting the relevant crime reference number, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. wrapping paper with foil or glit- ter cannot be recycled.” He added: “It’s also better for the household budget to plan meals and use up leftovers rath- er than buy too much food only to end up throwing some of it away. “This year more than ever we have been doing a lot of our Christmas shopping online, so if people end up with extra pack- aging and their own recycling bin is full, remember that lots of items can be still taken to the nearest household waste recy- cling centre (HWRC). “Please take empty glass bottles to local bottle banks or use your kerbside glass collec- tion service where this is avail- able.” HWRCs in Hampshire will have slots to reserve seven days a week, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Book online: www.hants. gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/recy clingcentres/book-appointment

Grateful care home’s community awards Oaklands manager Nicola Ray (centre) with Waterside Self-isolation Support Group members David Morris and Donna Osman

VOLUNTEERS have rallied round to help vulnera- ble people self-isolating during the pandemic have been crowned community champi- ons by grateful care home res- idents. The Waterside Self-Isolation Support Group won a spe- cial accolade in a competition launched by Oaklands Rest Home in Marchwood to cele- brate the many unsung heroes who have tried to keep spirits high this year. The team was said to have been a “vital lifeline” to those most in need, having been set up by Donna Osman, David Morris, Julie Game, Sue In- gram, Justine Harnett, Michael Osman and Katherine Pinck- ney. The volunteers showed true community spirit, collecting shopping, delivering prescrip- tions, and walking dogs. They also hosted online quiz- zes which raised £8,000 for sev- eral local charities including Honeypot children’s charity, Jack and Jill Community Play- group, Cancer Research UK New Forest and Waterside, and the local RNLI. A spokesperson for Oaklands who

Rest Home praised the support group for going “above and be- yond”. “The volunteers have been amazing during lockdown,” she said. “And they continue to keep the community connected at a time when support, friend- ship and love has never been more important.” Waterside Self-Isolation Sup- port Group volunteer David Morris said it had been a “privi- lege” to help keep morale in the community high during such difficult times. “I have to say that the team as a whole has been inspiration- al, and it was a joy to assist,” he added. Care home manager Nicola Ray said the efforts of those in the community who have given their time freely to help others “should not go unnoticed”. “We wanted to celebrate them, and the Waterside Com- munity Champion Award was a chance to do just that,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who nominated their colleagues, friends and loved ones for this award. It is lovely to see com- munities come together in such positive ways.”

New Forest Non-Native Plants Project volunteers Gill Rowlands, Patsy Baverstock, Brian Matthews and Claire Benton pull Himalayan balsam from the east bank of the Avon Water (Photo: Catherine Chatters)

cial area. “The project will contin- ue to make a difference by

controlling and eradicating invasive non-native plants, thereby restoring habitats and

allowing our native wildlife to thrive.” The activity is a partnership

Thieves take bikes and tools from sheds

help officers track down those responsible for the bur- glaries. A spokesperson for the Hampshire force said: “Did you notice anything suspicious? “Did you see someone hang- ing around the area? Perhaps you have CCTV or Ring door- bell footage?” Break-ins took place at addresses all in Oak Road sometime between 3am and 3.20am last Friday (crime ref- erence number: 44200487571), around 4.50pm last Friday (44200487571), shortly after

6pm last Friday (44200487653), around 8.35pm last Friday (44200487811), around 1am last Friday (44200487811); and during last Thursday night (44200487653). Addresses in Oak Close were also hit around 6pm last Friday (44200487654) and last Thurs- day night (44200487654), as well as one in Beaulieu Road some- time between 2am and 3am last Friday (44200487654). An outbuilding in Lanehays Road, Hythe, was broken into around 2.20am on Sunday (44200488122).

In the wake of the raids, out- building owners have been re- minded of steps they can take to ensure they do not fall victim to such incidents. These include locking them every evening with a reliable and robust lock, and mark- ing any valuable possessions with a property or police-ap- proved forensic marking solu- tion only visible under Ultravi- olet light. Residents should also en- sure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of their property, and record de-

Churches chip in to give Santa a hand Council: try scarves instead of wrapping

£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

RESIDENTS are being urged to be more eco-friendly this year by wrapping their Christ- mas presents in plain paper or scarves. Hampshire County Council has suggested alternatives to traditional materials with foil or glitter which it said cannot be recycled and risks adding microplastics to the environ- ment. It also advised buying real Christmas trees which can be turned into chippings. Cllr Rob Humby, HCC cabinet member for economy, transport and environment, said: “Christ- mas can traditionally be a time of excess, but we can have an equally good time whilst taking simple steps to reduce wasted food and packaging by planning ahead as we shop. “We are asking people to remember that extra items bought over the holiday period can be recycled, such as empty biscuit tins. Plain brown wrap- ping paper can be recycled, but

Pupils at Forres Sandle Manor School were among hundreds to receive their goody bags

extra Christingle service video on Christmas Eve at 4pm for children and their families to enjoy. Jo Heath, children and fami- lies development worker, said: “We want to show that Christ- mas isn’t cancelled. “All those things that have al- ways been important to us still are, so we inviting everyone to celebrate this special time of year with us from their homes.” A church spokesperson said

the move follows on from the “hugely successful” Messy Church in a Bag delivered to children during October half- term. “This was received with grat- itude by so many, particularly during a time of isolation,” she said. “The response Avon Valley Churches has received online so far for Christmas in a Bag has been amazing, with so many grateful messages.”

Your Home from Home

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

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

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.

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

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