We are coming to the end of February, how quickly has this month passed us by, time is flying, and we are nearing the day of reopening after all the renovations.

Work is still continues; Martin has changed all the brown doors in the Sawn and Kingfisher’s to lovely oak doors. The painting and decorating continue and what an amazing job Tim is doing for us. The houses are looking lovely and bright, it has made such a huge difference changing all the brown woodwork to white gloss, the lighting for spotlights and new led wall lights in the hallways. The icing on the cake is going to be when the new carpets get fitted next week. The cloakrooms in each of the houses are almost complete and what a transformation they are. All the hard work and stress has been worth it, and I can’t wait to welcome you so that you can see it for yourselves.

It hasn’t stopped there; we are currently about to start work outside. The patios and garden area will be resurfaced with resin, smartening the whole area up. Hoping to finish in the next couple of weeks (weather dependant). This winter really has been non-stop with all the work that has been completed, but WOW, what a transformation.

Talking about the weather, well Storm Eunice, you outperformed. The strongest gust ever recorded at the Needles on the Isle of Wight, 122mph on February 18th, 2022. We managed to batten everything down at Riverside, but more strong winds were forecast over the weekend and early into the following week, with exceptional high tides. There has been some damage locally with overturned boats, uprooted trees but nothing too major. Hoping the wind will calm down soon and the temperature starts to pick up as we move forward into March.

I have just had the Discover New Forest Guide delivered to me. Did you know that the New Forest is England’s smallest National Park? Christchurch lies on the border of the New Forest, by car it will take approximately 10 minutes maximum. There is so much to see and do, apart from the natural attraction’s wildlife and woodland, you can hire bikes, visit the New Forest Water Park, discover Hurst Castle, visit Farms and Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World. Always remember to follow the New Forest Code https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/ I am sure that whatever you decide to do in the New Forest you will have a wonderful time.