New Milton Advertiser 6th Nov 2020

Friday 6th November 2020

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Ready for lockdown  Traders urge shoppers’ support  Two Covid deaths in district  Forest car parks to stay open  MP blasts restrictions ‘disaster’

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Cash crisis sees New Milton Memorial Centre close for rest of year Page 5 Warning after driver fined for failing to report pony collision Page 7 Review for jail sentence given to policeman who killed his lover Page 9 NMA Price Rise 03

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ford, Marchwood and Somerley, near Ringwood, have stayed open, and domestic waste col- lections will continue as nor- mal. Lymington’s Saturday mar- ket will also carry on running through November, said the town council, but only for “essential” stalls including food, hardware and pet sup- plies. Garden centres have been al- lowed to keep trading and pubs can sell takeaway food. In Mil- ford, stores stayed open until 8pm on Wednesday to help vil- lagers stock up. Forestry England confirmed that, unlike in April, it will not be making any lockdown clo- sures to its New Forest car parks, other than for ongoing maintenance. In New Milton, a support group which launched for the first lockdown in April was im- mediately reactivated to help vulnerable residents with shop- ping and prescriptions. Hampshire County Coun- cil’s country parks, including Lepe, will stay open and the cafe will operate takeaway only. Car parking will be as normal and toilets will not be closed. HCC libraries will be closed for browsing but the Ready Reads click-and-collect service will

run and reservations can still be picked up. An extra 172 New Forest cas- es of Covid-19 were reported in the seven days to Tuesday, bringing the total to 1,205 since the start of the pandemic. On Tuesday Testwood School in Totton reported two pupils had recently tested positive, with parents informed if their chil- dren needed to self-isolate. Lymington hospital reas- sured residents it was better prepared than in the spring for any surge in infections and urged people to attend ap- pointments as usual. However, Matthew Lawson, chair of the New Forest Busi- ness Partnership, said trad- ers would be “very concerned” about another shutdown. He told the A&T: “It is abso- lutely essential that local res- idents support our local busi- nesses over the next month, including deliveries, takeaways, online shopping and vouchers.” Anthony Climpson, chief ex-

BY STAFF REPORTERS

LOCKDOWN descended on the New Forest and Christchurch yesterday (Thursday) amid warnings from local businesses that their survival depends on public support and the restric- tions easing in December. The new national rules, an- nounced by the Prime Minister on Saturday over fears of rising infection rates, came in as two more people died from Covid-19 in the New Forest – the first fa- talities reported in six weeks. There were four deaths in the BCP Council area. As well as pubs, restaurants and “non-essential” shops, the doors have closed on New Forest and BCP council lei- sure centres, plus theatres and grassroots sport. NFDC has furloughed the majority of its leisure staff. Remembrance Sunday cer- emonies have also either been scaled right back or held ear- ly in some places, with others ready to broadcast online. From Monday Wightlink said it will cut sailings on its Lym- ington-Yarmouth car ferry to a two-hourly service using one ship. However, the household waste recycling centres at Ef-

Index Business Obituary

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Some Remembrance Sunday events, such as this one in Keyhaven, have been held early as communities prepare scaled-back and online commemorations – full story on page 6 (Photo: Paul French)

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14 Christian Comment 16 Letters 16 From Our Files 19 Puzzle Corner 19 Food and Drink 21 Planning 22 New Forest Notes 23 Classifieds 24-27 Motoring 28-29 Family Announcements back page 9 771353 222036 9 771353 222036 43 9 771353 222036 44

Man ‘froze to death’ at home

A MAN died from hypothermia after alcohol-induced paraly- sis trapped him on the floor of his cold Lymington flat for 12 hours, an inquest heard. When police broke into Nicholas Lindeman’s proper- ty in Campion Way they found the 63-year-old wearing just a dressing gown and shivering, Winchester Coroner’s Court was told. He was semi-conscious with blue lips and hands, and could barely talk.

Mr Lindeman was rushed to Southampton General Hospital and underwent scans, but due to his long medical history and unlikely recovery, he was made comfortable until he died later that day. The inquest heard police were alerted on 14th March by Debbie Millward, landlady at Mr Lindeman’s local pub, the Borough Arms. She said he “turned up like clockwork” at lunchtimes but she had not seen him for four days.

Neighbours who lived be- neath Mr Lindeman’s flat told police they had not seen him for a similar period but had heard noises around midnight on 13th March like moving furniture. When PC Christopher Fry and a colleague gained entry at around midday they found Mr Lindeman in a “distressed state” and called paramedics. Coroner Christopher Wilkin- son explained that hospital doctors said it was most likely he suffered a seizure because of a neurological condition, Wer- nicke’s encephalopathy, which is caused by prolonged alcohol abuse, although a toxicology re- port revealed he had no alcohol in his blood at the time. A secondary aspect can be

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Family firmwon £100m government PPE deals

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A LUXURY packaging firm in Lymington which had just £46,000 in the bank in its last published accounts was hand- ed nearly £100m of contracts by the government to supply vital PPE. Brandology Ltd was awarded a £69.6m contract in June and another worth £29.3m in July, according to information pub- lished by the Department for Health and Social Care.

Details available online said the smaller contract started on 1st June and ended a day later, while the larger one started on 17th June, ending the same day. The contracts have not gone through a tender process since the government has cited the emergency of dealing with coro- navirus as a reason to short-cir- cuit the process. No description was given for the larger contract but of

the smaller deal, the govern- ment said: “The Department of Health and Social Care… has awarded a contract to Bran- dology Ltd for the supply of personal protective equipment (gloves) to protect health and care workers from contracting the Covid-19 disease.” Records onCompaniesHouse list the firm as having two direc- tors: Hannah Halstead-Morton

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News ‘Property tax’ access row

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“As to the scale of increase – it sounds outrageous.” In response, an FE spokes- woman denied the rises were “unscrupulous”, adding: “In an era when public funds are being severely squeezed this ability to generate funds to support our work is vital. “Some of the work we do is visible and includes provid- ing hundreds of car parks and miles of footpaths and trails, while other projects may seem less visible but are equally as important, such as monitoring tree health and enhancing hab- itats for wildlife.” She added that many UK land managers and local coun- cils also issued property owners with access licence agreements. “Historically, licence fees were related to the rateable val- ue of properties. However, the current licence fee represents a small proportion of the value of a property and spread over 60 years equates to £83.33 per year,” she said. “The licence can be trans- ferred for the remaining period of any licence to the new own- er, however short or long that period may be. This is not a property tax, householders are merely paying for the privilege of making use of their neigh- bour’s land. “Arranging for a new licence before selling is just one of the many things a vendor might have to do in preparation for a sale, such as obtaining retro- spective planning consent for alterations, or getting an Ener- gy Performance Certificate.” “Given the disastrous start for local tourism this year, a brilliant summer and early au- tumn have helped stabilise the local tourism industry,” he said. “From a tourism perspective, if there was a ‘best’ time for a month-long closure it would be now. Plus, in a normal year it’s also one of our quietest months.” Many Go New Forest mem- bers were “grateful” for fi - nancial support from central government via the extended furlough scheme, he added. could be the lifeline many of them so desperately need. Last week Sir Chris added his objections in the Com- mons, saying lockdown was the “wrong strategy”. New Forest East MP Julian Lewis, currently an Independ- ent, also voted against the lockdown measures. He told the A&T: “It is a very indiscriminate reaction to a disease which varies hugely between different ar- eas and age groups. The fact that the ‘4,000 deaths a day’ prediction was based on out- dated information has been the final straw. “The government seems determined to listen only to one group of scientists whilst ignoring others – equally qual- ified who offer alternative points of view.” The coroner said it appeared as though Mr Lindeman had chosen to “self-isolate” for a few days in March, possibly as he was ill, and the sound heard by his neighbours was likely his collapse. “The 12-hour period is very likely, in the circumstances he was found, to have caused the hypothermia from which we now know is his clinical and medical cause of death,” Mr Wilkinson said. How he came to fall was most likely because of the seizure re- lated to his past abuse of alco- hol, he said, ruling out a heart attack, stroke or self-harm. He ruled Mr Lindeman’s death was due to natural caus- es, adding they arose because of unexpected circumstances. Had he been discovered be- fore, there may have been a chance to save him, Mr Wilkin- son said, adding: “Sadly on this occasion that was not to be the case.” high quality products.” The A&T understands Mrs Clabburn’s father was a peer, Major the Honourable Peter Charles Baillie, who died in 2017. He attended Eton as a young man and was well known throughout the New Forest, having been instrumental in setting up the Fortune Centre for Riding Therapy. He also owned Wootton Hall, near New Milton, was a Forest- ry Commission verderer, British Deer Society member and local magistrate. He was also a mainstay of the New Forest Show, hosting its offices at Wootton Hall for many years and acting as joint show president with his wife, Jenny, in 1988.

Forestry England criticised for £5,000 ransom strip fees

BY JON WALLER

ALL TYPES OF WATCH AND CLOCK REPAIRS Kris Perlowski 6 Spartina Drive, Lymington

FORESTRY England has re- jected accusations of levying a “property tax” on New Forest homeowners after the price of licences for access over verges soared more than 80-fold. The agency defended the ris- ing costs by arguing the £5,000 fees for the so-called ransom strips enabled “vital” mainte- nance work to continue amid squeezes on central govern- ment funding. Forestry England (FE) re- sponded after Burley man Maurice Jackman complained about the scale of the rises to New Forest West MP Sir Des-

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mond Swayne – who described them as “outrageous”. The row concerns homeown- ers having to pay for a 60-year

Ready for lockdown Continued from front page licence to get access to their properties from the road over parcels of ground which are part of the New Forest Crown Lands, managed by FE. The charge dates back to the 1949 New Forest Act. The issue has been highlight- ed by Mr Jackman, who wants to develop three properties which for each he must pay the licence fee of £5,000 – which is 83 times higher than the cost of just £60 in 1988. Speaking to the A&T, Mr Jackman reported instances where homeowners agreed a sale of their home only to have to reduce it by £5,000 to take into account the purchase of a new licence. Buyers had also found their bank unwilling to advance money on homes where the ex- ecutive of tourism group Go New Forest, described lock- down as a “major problem”. He said many of the group’s 200-plus members stressed they would avert disaster this winter only if the clampdown ends as planned on 2nd December. James Hiley-Jones, manag- ing director of Greenclose Ho- tels which owns Careys Manor in Brockenhurst and The Mon- tagu Arms in Beaulieu, said: “In areas such as weddings and business tourism, the impact will be significant, particular - ly if restrictions are not lifted quickly. “Whilst the pandemic has cre- ated a deep and lasting impact on cash flows, if we can enjoy trading throughout December and beyond then the damage should not be permanent.” He added that second-wave restrictions were “frustrating” as the group was reaping the benefits of a “best ever Octo - ber”. Steve Lorton, commercial director at Paultons Park in Ower, said the new rules were “far from ideal”. “We learned a tremendous amount during the first lock - down so the hope is we can minimise the impact this time round,” he said. “But it will be crucial we are able to reopen for Christmas.” Michael Clitheroe, manager of Balmer Lawn Hotel in Brock- enhurst, said he was hopeful the next four weeks would be a “large bump in the road to re- covery” rather than a total dis- aster. “But this will only be the case Todd’s paresis which renders the sufferer incapable of mov- ing, which indicated why Mr Lindeman had remained on the floor. Mr Lindeman took a number of medications daily, including anti-depressants and anti-con- vulsing medication, but they were at therapeutic levels. The coroner noted a GP re- port said Mr Lindeman suffered historical episodes of self-harm, took an overdose in the late 1990s, and had conditions in- cluding hypertension and high blood pressure. He had also suffered several mini-heart at- tacks and strokes over the past 15 years. Mr Lindeman spent time in Southampton General Hospital in November last year for con- ditions consistent with alco- (36) and her mother, Elizabeth Clabburn (61). The company address is giv- en as Lynwood Court, but on its LinkedIn page Brandology said it was based at South Barn, Ef- ford Park. Published accounts for the year ending 30th September 2019 show Brandology had £46,000 in the bank while its net assets were just under £450,000. It had earned £2m from debtors in the period, and paid out roughly £1.8m to cred- itors. Neither of the two directors has commented publicly on £100m PPE deal Continued from front page ‘Froze to death’ Continued from front page

isting licence did not have long enough to run to cover the peri- od of the mortgage. Mr Jackman added: “Sever- al people I have spoken to are not aware of the current licence fee. It is possible that a family may have bought their proper- ty when the fee was much low- er and are not financially able to pay £5,000 when it becomes due, not anticipating the in- creases that FE have imple- mented.” Sir Desmond told the A&T he would explore making “en- quiries and representations” with Forestry England. He added: “So-called ‘ransom strips’ are a complex area of law. The liability ought to have been drawn to their attention when their solicitor dealt with the purchase on their behalf. if we can actually reopen in ear- ly December,” he warned. “The things we’re worrying about most are refinancing our debts and whether the buoyant con- sumer confidence of the early autumn will return for the fol- lowing few critical months after reopening.” However, Mr Climpson in- sisted the situation was not all doom and gloom, saying a post-lockdown surge in trade had provided a vital shot in the arm for businesses. Companies have reported record trading levels during a very busy sum- mer, Mr Climpson said, which

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MPs rebel against PM’s new rules THE new lockdown laws were voted through the House of Commons on Wednesday despite rebellions by Con- servative MPs Sir Desmond Swayne of New Forest West and Sir Chris Chope of Christchurch. His Liberal Democrat chal- lenger at the 2019 general election, Cllr Jack Davies, called the MP a “dangerous buffoon” and accused him of “putting lives at risk” with “false information”.

Sir Desmond, who on Twit- ter has attacked the latest Covid-19 restrictions as a “dis- aster”, declined to comment to the A&T before the vote. Instead, he pointed to his website on which he claimed: “I conclude that the pandem- ic ended in the summer and that the increase in cases aris- es from the testing of healthy people on an industrial scale, using a methodology that throws-up false positives. “I will not be persuaded that a deadly pandemic is again in progress until it re- veals itself in excess deaths (and that those excess deaths genuinely arise from the virus and not from other untreated conditions).”

hol misuse and influenza-type symptoms, the inquest heard. Mr Wilkinson said he had been told the deceased was a divorced man who lived alone and was known to be a “chronic alcoholic”. He had sought help from the local Inclusion Service for his alcohol intake, but chose to disengage with it for good in 2015. their company being awarded the contracts, and the pair de- clined to comment to the A&T. Little is known about Bran- dology, which was founded five years ago. Its website is currently under construction, although on its LinkedIn webpage it says it has 11-50 employees. The LinkedIn profile adds: “We design, source and manu- facture market-leading, luxury packaging solutions and pro- motional items in a range of industries such as health and beauty, charities, alcohol and gifting. “Everything we create is be- spoke and designed to meet your requirements and reflect your brand values, while main- taining competitive pricing and The inquest was heard at Winchester Coroner’s Court

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Dance school shines on the world stage

Man admits theft intention A RINGWOOD man who ad- mitted trespassing with the intention of stealing goods from Boots has been given a suspended prison sentence. Ashley Brown (37), of Meeting House Lane, com- mitted the offence at Boots in Lymington on 27th Sep- tember. Southampton magis- trates heard how Brown had gone equipped and targeted expensive items to steal. The Bench imposed a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. Brown must also pay £100 compensation and £30 costs. New prints tech for police force DORSET Police is set to be- come one of the first forces in the country to use a new technology which remotely transfers fingerprints at crime scenes directly to a fingerprint bureau. Ryan Howell, a regional forensic coordinator, said: “This new technology means that identification will now be achieved in min- utes and hours, rather than days or weeks. “It will allow us to ap- prehend suspects quickly, prevent possible further offending and ultimately lead to swifter justice for victims.” Praise for care home residents RESIDENTS at a New Mil- ton care home were among those praised for their response to a Rotary Club appeal for Christmas gifts for disadvantaged children in eastern Europe. Kingfishers was among 21 Colten Care properties which helped fill a total of 240 shoeboxes with presents including scarves and gloves knitted by residents. The packages will be sent out by Rotarians to parts of Albania, Montenegro, Mol- dova and Romania.

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Academy teachers ‘shell-shocked’ with international prize

BY ROZ WATERS

A WATERSIDE-based dance academy has seen off competi- tion from around the world to take a top accolade at the In- ternational Dance School of the Year Awards. Shine Studios, based at the New Forest Academy in Hol- bury, won a gold award in the 100-150 students category after judges were impressed by out- reach work to support disad- vantaged and terminally ill chil- dren in the local community. The dance school, run by Katie Day and Emma Wil- liams, operates the Shine Stu- dios Foundation Fund which gifts vouchers to sick children as well as funding tuition for youngsters when their parents have faced life-changing cir- cumstances. It was up against internation- al entries from the US, Austral- ia and Bahrain. Judges hailed the pair for the academy’s work to develop a purpose-built dance studio and the inclusion of male dancers in ballet classes. Katie said: “We were abso- lutely shell-shocked to win the gold award. A REMEMBRANCE silhouette of a nurse has been stolen from Sway village centre in an act described as “despicable”. The metal figure was erected by the parish council near the Jubilee Oak, which is adorned with poppies, on 25th Septem- ber but vanished last Wednes- day night. Parish clerk Katie Walding told the A&T: “It is on a stake which is hammered into the ground a good foot and a half, so to take the whole thing must have required some effort. “It is 6ft tall and quite heavy, so we assume someone took it away in a vehicle. “Why anyone would want to steal it we don’t know. It is very sad to do this, especially as it was a nurse and with everything the NHS has done this year it had special meaning.” She added: “We are very up- set about it. It really is despica- ble especially at this time.” Villagers have been looking for the silhouette of the nurse since it disappeared but no trace has been found. Ms Walding said: “Last year

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Shine Studios won gold in the 100-150 students category

“It was wonderful to be amongst so many incredible dance schools from across the world and it proves what a modest dance school can achieve whilst standing side by side with the local community. We work tirelessly.” Emma added: “We wish to thank our dancers, their fami- lies, staff and local schools for their support.

“In particular, thanks goes to our host school, New For- est Academy, for sharing our vision in regards to being a hub for community performing arts which has now been recognised at international lev- el.” Now in their eighth year, the Dance School of the Year Awards were founded by Anne Walker MBE to celebrate the

Television blaze in village shop FIREFIGHTERS responded to a blaze involving a television at a shop in Hythe village centre on Tuesday night. The alarm was raised around 8.40pm, with reports the appli- ance had caught light in a re- stroom at the High Street retail premises – understood to have been the Waitrose supermarket. Crews from the town, Beaulieu, Hardley and Redbridge con- tained the small fire within 20 minutes. achievements of dance schools, with the 2020 competition at- tracting a record number of en- tries. This year the usual red-car- pet award ceremony was re- placed by a virtual event which was livestreamed around the world. To find out more about Shine Studios visit www.shinestudios. co.uk

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vandals decapitated the nurse and a silhouette of a soldier, but we had them repaired. “When that happened, we found the heads nearby in bushes. But this time the nurse is nowhere to be seen. It really is frustrating. “We would really like her back; I can’t think of what use she is to anyone.” One villager called the theft “simply despicable”. Commenting on social me- dia they said: “People, like the nurse depicted, gave us the lives we can enjoy now. “I hope that the nurse is found and those who removed her dealt with appropriately.” As reported in the A&T, the figures have been targets of vandalism before. In July last year a sailor sil- houette in Christchurch had its head taken off. The following month, a sol- dier figure suffered the same fate in Fawley. Those with information about the Sway silhouette should contact the parish coun- cil by ringing 01590 718116 or by emailing clerk@sway-pc.gov.uk

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as £300 of cosmetics and toiletries from Highcliffe Phar- macy. Birks also pleaded guilty to stealing goods valued at £70 from Co-op in Totton and £44 of meat products from the chain’s Lyndhurst branch.

The defendant also admit- ted breaching a 12-month con- ditional discharge for threat- ening behaviour and resisting arrest. In addition to the prison term, the Southampton Bench told Birks to pay £156 court costs.

A SHOPLIFTER who stole hundreds of pounds of goods from a string of stores this year was jailed for 30 weeks. Danny Birks (27), of Shell Court, Marchwood, ad- mitted taking £446 of grocer- ies from Asda in Totton as well

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Forest hospital ‘better prepared’ this lockdown

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own is really safe and has been proven so.” Dr Anderson welcomed the announcement of the second lockdown, explaining: “Person- ally I am relatively glad to have a chance to stop and reset. “That’s because even here in the New Forest, which is prob- ably among the best places in the country for low rates, it feels like this is a good time to try and reset before the worst of the winter.” As to whether it had come too late, Dr Anderson said: “From a medical point of view it probably could have come sooner but from an economic point it’s a hugely difficult call – in the end we have to live with the decisions that are made. “I have to say the public have been amazing. “We’ve made many changes at the hospital because they be- came necessary – such as mak- ing people book for blood test appointments – and they’ve just got on with it.” The hospital will be maintain- ing its other clinics – such as en- doscopy and cardio – as well as blood test and X-ray bookings and conducting appointments either face to face, virtually or over the phone.

Rise in cases expected, but outlook brighter this time, says medic

BY JON WALLER

LYMINGTON hospital is bet- ter prepared to fight any sharp rise in coronavirus cases this lockdown, a senior medic has pledged. Not only do medics have a much greater knowledge of Cov- id-19, but the Ampress-based hospital also has plentiful stocks of a drug that has been discovered to curb its effects in certain patients. “We have made the hospital as safe as possible,” said Dr Ra- chel Anderson, clinical lead of Southern Health NHS Founda- tion Trust, which runs the hos- pital. “We are not seeing people get it in a healthcare setting, so do not feel nervous – if you need to come in and see us, please do that. “Otherwise please lock down so that we can get on top of this and get better and get back to normal. It’s four weeks, so get your head down and stay in- side.” She added: “Use your exer- cise time, keep yourself con- nected virtually with people and keep in contact with your neighbours. We can beat it. If you do it properly, you will really support us.” In an interview with the A&T, respiratory consultant Dr An- derson confirmed Lymington New Forest Hospital is current- ly treating five patients who have tested positive for corona- virus. But she knew of rising lo- cal Covid rates, and said: “It feels very similar to March and April. “We currently have five Cov- id positive patients, which is a drop from last week when it was seven and since two were able to leave from the hospital all well and good. “We can definitely feel there is more coming. We are get- ting presentments of the type 19 Fir Avenue, New Milton • Double glaze your whole house

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Lymington hospital is currently treating five patients for coronavirus, says Dr Rachel Ande rson (inset)

Lymington market to stay open in lockdown LYMINGTON’S popular Sat- urday market will remain open to traders selling what the gov- ernment has deemed “essential items” during November’s shut- down. The National Association of Local Markets has confirmed that stalls selling food, licensed alcohol, plants, and hardware, bike, pet, agricultural and newsagents’ supplies can con- tinue to trade. Lymington and Pennington Town Council said the event will still be operating predominate- ly on one side of the road and set back from the pavement to allow additional space to com- ply with social distancing rules. of patients that may well have it, hearing of more things and know of more people who are getting it.” However, Dr Anderson was keen to stress the outlook was much brighter ahead of the second lockdown compared to the first, thanks to more knowl- edge of the virus and the drug Dexamethasone, which has been proven to reduce mortal- ity rates of those suffering Cov- id-19 and needing ventilators in hospital settings. Dr Anderson added: “We can also recognise Covid-19 much better, treat it better, we know what it looks like and also how it can cause effects in certain patients – such as there was an issue around blood clotting, which we now know how to pre- vent.” Mental health services were “very busy”, Dr Anderson said, adding it was “hugely impor- tant” people looked after their mental health.

Asked for her tips on the lockdown, Dr Anderson said people needed to self-isolate effectively and get regular ex- ercise. “I think it’s really important we all do one or two things to make this go away. The first is to self-isolate, as following the rules

will make a massive difference. “Two, people need to keep exercising. We really saw quite a lot of deconditioning for peo- ple in the first wave. People or patients were not getting out and about in the beginning of this when we knew little about it – but exercising out on your

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Two Covid-19 deaths in Forest as new cases rise by 172 TWOmore people have died in the New Forest from Covid-19, according to official numbers. There was one death in hos- pital and another in a care home in the district, reported the Office for National Statis- tics (ONS) in its weekly up- date. have died in the conurbation from Covid-19 so far. The provisional figures from the ONS published on Tues- day related to cause of death for fatalities up to 23rd Octo- ber but which were registered up to 31st October. 100,000 people – compared with 742.2 in Blackburn, one of the worst-hit areas of the country. The BCP area rate was 207.9, with the total amount of new weekly cases coming to 822. It brings the combined number to 4,089 since the start of the pandemic.

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Separate weekly govern- ment figures for the seven days to Tuesday showed 172 new cases of Covid-19 in the New Forest, bringing the total so far to 1,205 since the start of the pandemic. The local rate is 95.5 per

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THE much-anticipated reo- pening of the Regent Centre in Christchurch following a major £350,000 refurbishment has been put back due to the country’s second lockdown. The High Street venue was due to open for film screenings on 12th November after com- pletion of the renovation, which started back in June. The venue now plans to open on 4th De- cember. Regent manag-

temporary closure. Classes have moved online, but the planned Christmas show, which brings in significant in- come for the venue, is set to be cancelled in the event of an ex- tended lockdown. Sharon Lawless, CEO and cre- ative producer at Forest Forge, said: “We have suffered and con- tinue to suffer a financial loss during these challenging times, and this second

A spokesperson for the coun- cil said: “We are doing our ut- most to support traders con- tinuing to operate during these difficult times. “Please come along to sup- port the market traders, en- suring you are wearing a face covering when queueing, using hand sanitiser and adher- ing to social distancing guide- lines.” Following the country’s first lockdown back in spring, Lym- ington market began tentative- ly operating again in June, with significantly fewer stalls. Big Enough to Cope, Small Enough to Care 35+ YEarS ExpEriEnCE

wave will throw an- other shadow of un- certainty over our future.” Forest Forge is currently plan- ning a fundraising campaign, and will continue to of- fer a range of online courses, including a writers group and im-

er Matthew Vass- White said: “The main impact for us is that the re- lease dates for new films will be pushed back further, meaning there are fewer new films to screen.

A TEAMof so-called Covidmar- shals will be out on the streets of Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole from tomorrow (Sat- urday). Seven marshals wearing high-vis jackets will be making sure people are sticking to the rules of social distancing and mask-wearing, undertaking spot checks and passing on in- formation to police when “fur- ther action” is required. They were recruited by BCP Council after it received funding from the government. “Marshals will provide a vis- ible presence in priority areas and hotspots, signposting busi- nesses and residents to guid- ance and advice,” said a council spokesperson. As reported in the A&T, New Forest District Council was in the process of hiring its own marshals after receiving a “But we know from our initial on-sale period that there is still confidence in cinema-going, so we’re just going to need to find inventive ways to programme the venue for a little while.” He added: “We will be oper- ating at a budget deficit until a national solution is found and we very much appreciate the support of our customers who continue to purchase tickets, buy gift vouchers and make do- nations with us.” Forest Forge Theatre Co in Ringwood is also suffering a fi- nancial loss. It reopened on 30th September and was getting back on its feet with the launch of adult and youth theatre groups before lockdown forced another

£71,000 government grant. However, in light of the new national restrictions, a spokes- person said plans are currently under review. Cllr May Haines, cabinet member for community safe- ty at BCP Council, said: “We would like to welcome the sev- en new marshals to the BCP Council team, and look forward to all working together to help people adhere to current Cov- id-19 guidance with the shared goal of keeping our communi- ties safe.” Government guidance says the marshals, who will patrol ar- eas such as town centres, parks and train stations, will have no enforcement powers, such as arrest or on-the-spot fines. Instead they should “engage, explain and encourage best practice and national Covid-19 secure guidance”. provisation course. Activities at Hanger FarmArts Centre in Totton had started to pick up post-lockdown, with the café back up and running, groups returning and socially distanced cinema viewings tak- ing place. A spokesperson told the A&T: “This month, we had hoped to run the first of our live shows, so this latest lockdown is especially disappointing. “It also puts our Christmas programme of shows under threat, traditionally a very im- portant time of year for the arts centre.” Meanwhile, virtual stage shows go out online on Friday evenings at www.hangerfarm.co.uk

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Popular hall closes as funding dries up

Raiders take £7,000 haul from home

THOUSANDS of pounds of jewellery, cash and fragrances were stolen by thieves from a Barton home. The perpetrators targeted Debbie and Ian West’s proper- ty in Barton Lane at some time between 11am on Tuesday 27th October and 2pm on Thursday 29th, Hampshire police said.

Speaking to the A&T, Debbie said the couple wanted to warn people to “not to let their guard down”. She added: “These guys seemed very proficient in what they did. They gained access and left no footprints and there was very little trace in the house.”

A police spokesperson con- firmed a number of items in - cluding jewellery, cash and fra- grances were stolen from the property, with an approximate value of £7,000. Anyone with any informa- tion should call 101 quoting 44200419985 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ton and Bournemouth, and we can seat 50 people at two me- tres’ distance all around. So we can comply with all the Covid and government legislation.” Mr Davis said the centre’s manager and assistant manag- er recently changed their ca- pacity to voluntary, and an on- line fundraising page was being planned. Speaking to the A&T on Wednesday, Mr Luker pointed out the concerts and festivals the centre was renowned for hosting were its primary source of income before the Covid crisis. This profit was complement - ed by sales made from the bar, which has since had to be cleared. Since March, income has mainly been from smaller use, such as a local dance club and presentations by local his- tory group the Milton Heritage Society. “We really are running at a loss – the costs are more than it makes to keep it open,” Mr Luker said. Despite the rejected grant aid bid, Mr Luker was heart- ened by the town council’s con- tinued support for the centre, citing proposals to transform it into New Milton’s community and cultural hub. However, this scheme – part of the emerging Neighbourhood Plan – is still some years in the future. The centre is on the lookout for more volunteers to help. Anyone interested is asked to contact manager Pat Dowdall by emailing manager@mem centre.co.uk or calling 01425 629451. uary and September this year from 776 during the whole of 2019. People are reminded to en- sure their waste is disposed of properly by a licensed waste carrier by checking the Envi- ronment Agency directory on- line at bit.ly/3eseBQG Anyone with information about the piano can contact FE in confidence by calling 0300 067 4601 or emailing southern. enquiries@forestryengland.uk

Biggest venue in area suffering as events income disappears

BY CHRIS MARCH

FAILURE to secure extra fund- ing has forced New Milton Me- morial Centre to close its doors to all but essential use for the rest of the year to remain afloat. The busy facility, off White- field Road, usually hosts a range of events including con- certs, indoor markets and exer- cise classes. But it has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandem- ic, with its use heavily limited since March. A £10,000 government handout in April provided a much-needed boost to the run- ning of the centre, which oper- ates as a charity. However, David Luker, chair of the board of trustees, said in an application to the town council for a £5,000 grant that the £10,000 was “nearly ex- hausted”. As well as scaled-down and socially distanced use such as Zumba classes, the centre has continued to host NHS blood donor sessions and the Little Angels nursery – both classed as essential services. Mr Luker stressed costs con- tinued to be incurred by clean- ing and maintenance work throughout the lockdown – even at a reduced level. “By December there will be insufficient funds to keep the centre open,” he wrote. FLYTIPPERS struck a bum note when they dumped a vin- tage piano at a New Forest beauty spot. The Hermann Stahl Berlin upright piano, complete with fitted candleholders, was an un - expected sight for David Hunt- er as he took a morning stroll at Holmsley Inclosure, near Bur - ley, last Thursday. “It was just a surprise to see it there,” Mr Hunter, from New Milton, told the A&T. “I often walk or cycle in the Forest and I have occasionally seen flytipped rubbish down there, but not a piano! “My first thought was why would anyone dump a piano in the rain which could have prob- ably been restored? “It could have been easily ad- vertised, for example on eBay or a free site. “Having been soaked in the rain it now looks ruined.” A Forestry England (FE) spokesperson said the piano was due to have been removed

e New Forest’s leading centre, o ering you quality and choice of Trees, Shrubs and Hardy Plants homegrown on our own 25 acre nursery. Our garden centre will remain open throughout lockdown, normal hours still apply.

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Trustees chair David Luker outside the memorial centre

situated in our garden centre car park, open for business 7 days a week beginning on Thursday 5th November. Camellias Restaurant will unfortunately be closed in line with government instructions to hospitality business. We do expect to commence Christmas lunches on the 3rd December, telephone bookings being accepted now.

tee, confirmed it was closing its doors from yesterday (Thurs- day). It will still host the nursery, as well as the blood sessions which take place around once a month. “The biggest charge is util- ities – the electric, water and gas. These are exceedingly large amounts of money that have to be paid even if we’re not using the centre,” he told the A&T. “We’ve just got to hang in there a bit now. Once we get to the end of December, beginning of January, we should begin to pick up – we have had many en- quiries from groups. “We’ve got the largest hall anywhere between Southamp-

But following a private de - bate during Monday’s online finance and general purposes committee, town councillors turned down the application. They said the £5,000 sum made up the entirety of the town council’s grant aid pot for 2020/21, from which it hands out up to £600 a time. Town clerk Graham Flexman said: “We are sorry we cannot help financially at this stage, but we are keen to work with the memorial centre in ensuring its facilities remain available for the community as a whole.” Disappointed by the refus- al, Pete Davis, chairman of the centre’s management commit-

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The piano was dumped at Holmsley Inclosure (Photo: David Hunter)

on Wednesday at an estimated cost of several hundred pounds due to its weight and size. “Unfortunately this is yet an- other example of flytipping in the New Forest and the lack of respect some people have for this special landscape,” the spokesperson said. “Leaving unwanted items in this way not only endangers

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