AS WITH many other Daily Echo readers, likely sharing the sadness conveyed by Pauline Poling’s ‘Many Happy Saturdays’.

Personal connection with Southampton stems from father having been born in Bevois Valley, while his own father – for some while a baker in the town – lost his life in military action towards the end of the Great War.

Earliest personal awareness of the Echo was as an eight year-old, purchasing it from WH Smith at Lymington railway station in September ,1939, that father might read of the outbreak of war.

From then on I became a regular daily reader over the past 60 or 70 years with a particular absorption for football and cricket.

There is also in treasured possession from former Saints footballer and Hampshire Country cricketer, Arthur Holt, an exceptional bound volumes of Echo cuttings dating from football season 1924-25.

Concerning Pauline Poling’s sense of Southampton Saturday loss, while making no claim to adequate compensation, it might be mentioned that there is in Lymington High Street, especially on a fine weather Saturday, a street market of considerable character and variety.

Further, within comfortable walking distance, an excellent sports ground with Saturday afternoon football, cricket, tennis and bowls.

Also nearby a flourishing community centre, a museum of real character and a highly rated branch of Hampshire's library.

Down the hill from the High Street a cobbled Quay Hill leading to a town quay that is truly a world of its own.

For spiritual refreshment above upper high street, a parish church of rewarding nature.

All in not lost Pauline, while Lymington on a Saturday cannot maybe match Southampton Saturday’s or years gone by, it can offer something of its own.

Give it a try?

Norman Gannaway

Lymington