Plain sailing for ex-Prime Minister Theresa May with visit to Buckler's Hard

IT was plain sailing for former Prime Minster Theresa May when she paid a visit to Buckler’s Hard over the bank holiday weekend.

In contrast to her previously rocky Brexit negotiations, the now backbench MP for Maidenhead cruised up the Beaulieu River aboard a luxury Sunseeker yacht with her husband Philip.

Since her resignation as PM, the former Conservative Party leader and ex-Home Secretary, has been able to indulge her own pastime as a keen sailor.

For her visit to Beaulieu, Mr and Mrs May’s yacht moored at the bottom of Buckler’s Hard High Street on late Saturday afternoon.

They had afternoon tea on deck before being led on a personal tour of the facilities by The Hon Mrs Mary Montagu-Scott, sister of Lord Montagu, director of the Maritime Museum and Commodore of the Beaulieu River Sailing Club.

The pair took in the former shipbuilding village where vessels were built in the 18th century for Lord Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar. They also visited the Maritime Museum and the rest of the village.

“It was a pleasure to share our passion for Buckler’s Hard and the Beaulieu River and the story of its fascinating past,” Mary said.

“This is a very special place and we were honoured that they chose to make a personal visit.

“Mr and Mrs May were both particularly interested in British history and had recently been reading about the role that Buckler’s Hard played during World War II. They have both said that they thoroughly enjoyed their time here and their visit to the Maritime Museum.”

Their tour also included exploring the Shipwright’s Cottage and Chapel of St Mary’s, with its smugglers’ cellar beside the altar.

End-of-summer visitors to Buckler’s Hard can enjoy the same features, see living history characters bringing its past to life until 1st September and trips on the river cruise until 22nd September.

For tickets and details see www.bucklershard.co.uk or call 01590 616203.