Clubs, Classes & Sports

What's On

Saturday 30 March 2013

Our Pork & Sausage King!

David Gates, Our award winning local butcher, who is already famous in the village for his sausages, bacon and hog roast, has won another set of accolades to add to his already impressive array of awards.

David has won two golds, four silvers and one bronze awards at the South of England Butchers Road Show for products from their range, including hickory smoked back bacon and Jubilee pork sausages.

The Butchers Shop in Milford on Sea village cure and smoke their own pork and bacon on the premises, which offers us all a excellent selection of local produce.

David also supplies grass fed free range New Forest beef from local farms, free range outdoor reared pork, and local Dorset and Hampshire lamb. It is no surprise to know that David is the current Hampshire Bacon Champion. To compliment their meat products, other quality items such as fresh cheeses, chutneys, pickles, mustards, honey, and local free range eggs from Kitts Merries Farm in Romsey are available.

David also does free home deliveries when you find leaving the house difficult. To complete his range of services, he also does a tasty Hog Roast for parties and events.

We of course are lucky enough to have two butchers in the village, with Dave Gregory also providing fresh meat from his butchers shop in the Keyhaven Road end of the High Street. Enjoy eating local!

The Butchers Shop, 3 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH
Tel: 01590 642136
www.gatesbutchers.com


Thursday 28 March 2013

Money raised on the organ

On Sunday 24th March, the New Forest Organ Society hosted a lunch and concert in support of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Service.
 
The Society is 34 years old, and their home hall is All Saints Church Hall in Milford on Sea, where they regularly enjoy an audience of 180 people.
 
The musicians are all top professionals and arrive from all over the UK bringing their own electronic organs and keyboards. They play a wide variety of music: big band, Latin, jazz, light classical and much more. (Not church music)
 
On this occasion the event was at Hoburne Bashley and all tickets were sold.  The attendees enjoyed a 2 course lunch, an afternoon concert followed by a cream tea and a raffle which raised many hundreds of pounds. The musician was Ian House who plays a Yamaha TYROS4 organ set up. Ian travels a lot for Yamaha playing concerts all over the UK and generously Yamaha sponsored Ian for this special event.
 
A successful and happy afternoon for 216 people resulted in the New Forest Organ Society announcing that £2900 had been raised for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Service.
 
The organisers thank everyone that helped to achieve this excellent sum of money.
 
The New Forest Organ Society has held a concert at All Saints' Church Hall in Milford on Sea every month for more than 30 years!, and has 250 members.
 
Anyone interested in coming to a concert in Milford please contact Sandra Ebbetts: 01590 644724.
 
 

Wednesday 27 March 2013

Brownies Got Talent

Last Monday 1st Milford on Sea Brownies put on an extravaganza at Milford Village Community Centre. The girls were kindly given the use of the facilities to stage 'Brownies Got Talent', and were able to showcase the wealth of talent which lies within our local Brownie Pack. They were also lucky enough to secure the services of Adrian Ellis who took control of the sound and lights.
Thirty one girls took to the stage in an evening of song, dance, drama, poetry and magic. Having had very little rehearsal time, and none on the stage itself, the girls confidently performed to a packed audience of family members, Trefoil Guild and representatives from the Guide Hut Committee and VCC.

Muffins baked at their Brownie meetings by the girls themselves, were on sale during the interval and a raffle took place, raising funds jointly for Hampshire West Showtime and 1st Milford on Sea Brownies.

The Brownies are now looking forward to their next event at Milford Community Centre on Friday 2 August when the older girls will host a First Friday Lunch.

If you or your daughter would like to know more about joining or volunteering at Rainbows, Brownies or Guides please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested or call 0800 169 5901. Alternatively you can email the local team at milfordgirlguiding@gmail.com

Tuesday 26 March 2013

40 B4 40-Hibiscus

No. 31: Hibiscus, Mayfair, London

It was our company’s 10th Anniversary, so we decided everyone deserved a special day out. To do things in style we booked the private dining room at Hibiscus, a 2 Michelin Star restaurant owned by Chef Patron, Claude Bosi in Mayfair, London. The restaurant features in the Top 100 World’s Best Restaurants and is 8th in the Good Food Guide, so things were looking good for a gastronomic treat.
 
click image to enlarge
Not everything went as planned! The evening before I was struck down with a mystery bug, however not wishing to miss our special day I made it to our first watering hole; The Burlington Arms, in Old Burlington Street. The team were in good spirits and I did my best to numb the bug with alcohol whilst trying to keep my germs to myself.
 
We were soon on our way across Mayfair to Hibiscus. The restaurant was stylish yet minimalist. The private dining room was downstairs and the ideal size for our party of 12. Not long after arriving the wine was flowing and the homemade bread with both salted and unsalted butter was joined by a rather tasty cheese puff canapé. Things were not looking good as I was struggling to eat either. Coughing was not however proving a problem!
 
Next came an ‘amuse bouche’ of a pomegranate and hibiscus foam, sounds weird, but delicious I heard. The starters of Celeriac Risotto, Slow cooked Hens Egg Yolk, Pomelo Fruit, or Smoked Label Anglais Chicken & Leek Terrine, Smoked Grape Seed Emulsion & Chicken Liver Parfait looked delicious and we soon devoured by the team.
 
Sadly, I was struggling just to breathe, and then the unthinkable happened, I had to give up and admit the only place for me in bed. I made swift apologies and headed for home.
 
click image to enlarge
Although I was now missing it, I wanted the team to have a great party, and they did when they tucked into the main courses of Confit of Rabbit Leg, Mustard Crust, Jerusalem Artichokes cooked in Hay, Artichoke & Mustard Puree, or Roast Cornish Cod, Pomelo, Wild Mushroom Orzo, Langoustine & Parmesan Sauce. This was followed by a sweet of Iced Blood Orange Givre, Orange Polenta Cake or Vanilla Pineapple Rice Pudding, Candied Walnut.
 
Finally, I heard some amazing petit fours were served with coffee.
 
Next on the agenda was a visit to Mews of Mayfair for cocktails. After a few concoctions, the team headed for the Cabin Bar at Waterloo Station which became a little more crowded as our lot enjoyed a couple of night caps!
 
In the following week, everyone in the company was infected with the bug and the office looked like the Marie Celeste at times. However, all had enjoyed a good to day out, so it was worth it.
 
Next time I will make it to the end!

Hibiscus
29 Maddox Street, London, W1S 2PA
www.hibiscusrestaurant.co.uk

Mews of Mayfair
10 Lancashire Court, New Bond Street, London, W1S 1EY
www.mewsofmayfair.com

If you are wondering what the 40 B4 40 Dining Challenge is all about, please click here and all will be explained.





 

Monday 25 March 2013

Milford in Atmospheric Images

We have come across a local photographer who has done some atmospheric images of Milford on Sea. To see the pictures please click here.
 
The photographs were taken by Adam Lynk, of Lynk Photography. Adam has lived in Milford on Sea for 11 years with his wife, Lisa and two children who go to Milford Primary School.
 
Adam trained as a photographer at Bournemouth and Poole College of Art design in the 80's and 90's but ended up pursuing a career in recruitment. About 5 years ago he fell back in love with photography and over the last 6 months have been a professional photographer on a full time basis. He offers portraits, and has recently carried out a couple of commissions for local architecture. He also loves local landscapes, but living in Milford on Sea you can't help that! His mantra is; "Find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life!" A great thing to do if you can.
 
Adam’s wife, Lisa is an Accredited Network Childminder in the village, and runs ‘Little Poppins’ child-minding service. Little Poppins is within walking distance of Milford on Sea Primary School and Pre-school, and has a large enclosed rear garden, which provides lots of fun for outside play. The large decked area provides opportunities for playing with cars, sand and water, painting, chalking etc. Further down the garden there is a wooden playhouse, trampoline and a large raised flowerbed for children to grow vegetables and plants in. There is also a dedicated playroom which includes opportunities for messy play, early writing, role-play, construction, reading and much more including a quiet cosy corner.
 
It is always nice to discover businesses thriving in the village and to let people know about them.
 
Little Poppins: www.littlepoppinschildcare.co.uk

Lynk Photography: www.lynkphotography.co.uk

Valley Gate, Sycamore Close, Milford on Sea, SO41 0RY
Tel: 07590 333313 | sales@lynkphotography.co.uk

 

Thursday 21 March 2013

Hollands Deals Now Online

One of the great delights of Milford on Sea is the great independent shops we have in our village centre. One of the busiest, and most popular, is Hollands of Milford, an independent family grocer and supermarket situated in the centre of the High Street. 

Paul & Maureen Holland opened their independent village supermarket in 2000, and they now stock over 2500 Products, including all of the big brands you would expect to see elsewhere, and indeed everything you may need for your daily meals, naughty treats, kitchen cupboard stocks, household daily use and celebration times.
 
They also love to support local suppliers and stock a tasty range of local New Forest Marque produce. Another delight is the cheese counter & cold meat delicatessen, which is hard to beat for miles around. You can even get your lottery tickets, although winners can’t be guaranteed!
 
It is likely that you have shopped there many times, and like me, have been amazed how much can fit into such a small space! I wonder however if you realise all that they do? 

To keep you informed they have just launched their new website which tells you everything you need to know, and more importantly it regularly updates, and carries all of their current Special Offers, so a regular look at the website could certainly save some of your well-earned cash. You can view the current Special Offers by clicking here.  

Hollands of Milford certainly do their bit for the community, they constantly support village events and are always willing to help out wherever they can. Their Opening hours of Monday to Saturday: 7am until 8pm and Sunday: 8am until 7pm ensure they are open when you need them, and they offer so much more than your daily groceries.

All at Hollands of Milford pride themselves on the wide range of products and local services that they offer, all with competitive prices to make you smile. Paul & Maureen, with son, Rob and the team delight in serving our local village, happy holidaymakers and day trippers, and are always looking to offer a little bit more...  

The shop also offers a full Takeaway Service, with filled rolls & sandwiches made to order using you own choice of fillings from the wide range of options on the yummy deli-counter. The fresh bake ovens are constantly on the go, producing hot sausage rolls, pasties, fresh breads, croissants and other tasty hot delights. If you fancy a drink, there are hot takeaway teas and coffee, as well as cold drinks from the chiller cabinets. If you would like to order your filled rolls, sandwiches, hot snacks or picnic ready for your collection, please call the Takeaway Hotline on: 01590 641882.

Hollands also stock a wide selection of wines and beers along with some great offers, and they also have a glass loan service for your function or party. In fact, if you want something very different for your party, how about a Cheese Tower created with the stores delicatessen cheeses and made by Mandy at Elmsleigh Cakes.

Paul’s van is a regular sight around the village as he makes his home deliveries, and yet another way Hollands serves our local village. The Home Delivery Service provides a convenient and friendly way of doing your shopping. Anyone can use the service, you can simply place your order by telephone for later collection, or for Paul to deliver by calling: 01590 641882. Now of course, you can also see all of the current special offers on the website to aid your shopping selections. Alternatively just pop in and select your own shopping and have it delivered. Delivery is free for all orders over £50.

Hollands of Milford are also part of the 'Making A Difference Locally' Charity. This is a national charity which was launched to help independently-run local stores to add value in their communities through donations to local charities or good causes - such as local football teams, hospices or one of a thousand charities that run throughout the UK. The scheme is truly local as money is raised over time through the sale of specific products in our shop. We then choose the beneficiary for the money and a donation is paid to the charity or cause by the Making A Difference Locally Charity. To date Hollands have made donations of £1500, and they have £650 in the pot for our next donations. www.makingadifferencelocally.com
 
If you are not familiar with the shop, you will find Hollands of Milford right in the centre of Milford on Sea High Street, next to the village green. The High Street has free parking, and there are also a pay & display car park in Sea Road, opposite the store.

A unique village shop offering so much deserves our support, and I for one will try and buy more locally rather than using the large supermarkets so much. Why not join me, although best to come in when I am not there, I am pretty difficult to pass in the aisles!

See hollands new website now: www.hollandsmilford.co.uk

Hollands of Milford
49 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG
www.hollandsmilford.co.uk | Tel: 01590 641882 | hollandsmilford@aol.com

 

Tuesday 19 March 2013

Young Voices of Milford

Young Voices of Milford, the children’s choir started at MoS Baptist Church last year, participated in the New Milton Music Festival last Saturday.
 
We are delighted to let you know that they gained a 'Certificate of Distinction' from the adjudicator. They were very pleased, and we add our congratulations as well!
 
 

Monday 18 March 2013

Open Top Tour Bus coming to Milford

click image to view the Blue Route
We have just discovered some very exciting news, the New Forest Open Top Tour Bus has a new summer 'Blue Route' for 2013, which includes Keyhaven & Milford on Sea.
 
The Parish Council and their Tourism Group have been pushing to be included for several years and it now looks as though their efforts have paid off.
 
The new 'Blue Route' will cover Lymington, Keyhaven, Milford on Sea, Shorefield Country Park, Barton on Sea, New Milton, Bashley, Burley and Brockenhurst. To do the complete round trip is around one hour.
 
The timetable starts in June 2013, and you will be able to buy your tickets from the driver when you get on. There is an option of 1, 2 or 5 consecutive day tickets.
 
The great news is that this will bring extra visitors in to the village from the New Forest area and provide an excellent boost for our local shops and eateries. It also recognises Milford on Sea as a tourist attraction within the New Forest, which has to be be good news for our local B&B's, hotels and self catering providers.

click image to view timetable
 

The Music Festival gets local support

It is that time again where the Milford on Sea Arts & Music Festival is fast approaching and this year’s committee are working tirelessly to make it bigger and better than it has been in previous years.
 
You may have seen our new collection boxes in many of the local shops which is a new initiative this year for the festival to help fund raise to ensure the longevity of this unique and free event.  To date over £364 has been collected.  The organisers thanks, as always, go to all the local traders who have allowed the collection boxes to be situated in their business, and especially to Deny at The Raft who has to date raised in excess of £300 – thank you.
 
The organisers would also like to express their thanks for the recent donation of £200 from The Big Community Breakfast. This is a very helpful dent in the £2,849.00 loss the festival made at last year’s event. (A copy of the accounts are now available on the website).
 
To keep fully informed as to what is happening, and when the acts are announced, please keep an eye on the website www.milfordfestival.org.uk There is also an active Facebook page: click here

The dates for this year's festival are the 1st to 4th August 2013 – so don’t forget to put it in your diaries!!

If you would like to support the festival by becoming a friend or volunteer during the event please email Sean at: sean@hwsolicitors.com 
 

Saturday 16 March 2013

Try your hand a bowls


Do you fancy giving bowls a try? If you do, then why not come along to MoS Bowls Club and have a go for fun. 
 
Milford on Sea Bowls Club are holding a Newcomers Coffee Morning at 10.30am on Wednesday 24th April. The open day is free and shoes & bowls provided.

The club was founded in 1933 and is situated in Hurst Road on Milford on Sea seafront enjoying spectacular views of the Isle of Wight and the Needles.  The Clubs Green has 6 rinks that are amongst the finest in the area, and they have an extensive social calendar as well as plenty of opportunities to play competitive or fun bowls.
 
In its 80th anniversary year Milford on Sea Bowls Club will also be celebrating with a full calendar of events and competitions. Members of the public are always welcome to come along and watch the action, whilst enjoying the great panoramic sea views from the bowls green.

The summer season is from early April until late September with the Short mat bowls season taking place most days in the clubhouse during the winter.

Experienced bowlers moving to the area and any residents wishing to play this enjoyable sport are welcome to contact the club secretary for further details.

You can even try your hand at lawn green bowls at other times during the year to see if you like it. A Club Steward (a playing member of the club) is on hand during the open sessions to help and give advice if required. The public visitor sessions are just £5pp including hire of shoes and bowls, and the fun is free!

www.milfordbowls.co.uk

 


 

Thursday 14 March 2013

Entertain the Kids'!


The Easter Holidays are fast approaching and you may be looking for ways to Entertain the Kids'!

Milford Pre-School Plus Ltd organise Holiday and After-School Clubs - for all primary school aged children.

Children can come along on a casual or arranged basis, all the Pre-School need is a registration form!

Holiday: 8.45am to 3pm - £16.50, 3pm to 5.45pm - £8.00
After-School: 3.15pm to 5.45pm - £8.00
Please call in or telephone to book: Lymington Road, Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire, SO41 0RF.

Telephone: 01590 644684 - milfordpreschool@aol.com
www.milfordpreschoolplus.co.uk

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Friday 12th April: Kids’ Workshops – Chocolate & Cup Cakes

 Kids’ love nothing better than getting messy with food! Why not book to bring them along to a morning or afternoon workshop session at All Saints’ Church Hall.

£10pp including ingredients.

To Book Tel: 07796 171008 or nicola@loveyum.com
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Space Academy | Holiday Club: 10am to 12noon - Monday 8th to Friday 12th April
The Holiday Club is held at the Baptist Church in Barnes Lane. It is open for all children aged 5 to 11 years. The cost is only £1 per day. Email the church in advance, or just register on the day.

Everyone welcome, come along and have some fun!!
www.milfordonseabaptist.org.uk
 

Temporary Road Closure

NEW FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE | B3058 LYMINGTON ROAD MILFORD ON SEA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that New Forest District Council, acting as agent to the traffic authority, Hampshire County Council, proposes to make an Order to allow carriageway reconstruction works to be carried out , as follows:

ROAD TO BE CLOSED:  That length of B3058 Lymington Road Milford on Sea between its junction with A337 Milford Road and its junction with Barnes Lane.
 
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: From the northern point of closure west via A337 to its junction with B3058 at New Milton; southeast via B3058 to the southern point of closure and vice versa.     

PERIOD OF CLOSURE: From 1st April 2013 for a period of 12 months or until completion of works whichever is sooner. (Notwithstanding the above it is expected that the closure will be required for no longer than 6 days.)
 
Reasonable facilities will be provided to allow access to adjacent premises while the work is being carried out.
 
If you have any queries regarding the above please contact Hampshire County Council, Highways Department on 0845 603 5633 or email operation.resilience@hants.gov.uk
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We understand that the works might take place anytime between the 1st April and end of June, but is likely to take up to about 6 days. The Parish Council said:
 
“The Parish Council has worked closely with Highways and County Cllr Mel Kendal in getting this resurfacing works undertaken. It has taken quite a while to get to this point and while the closure will affect us all, the new surface will ensure that the B3058 is safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who use the Everton to School footpath”.
 
 

Sunday 10 March 2013

The Cave on the Green!

We have heard of a new venture coming to the village soon. I am sure many of us have seen the mass of renovation work taking place in Church Hill, next to The Butchers Shop.  Well, I can reveal that this will be a new family owned Independent Wine Shop and Bar.
 
The Cave is the unique creation of Jon & Stacey Crouch. Having spent many years in the hospitality industry, originally training & meeting in the one of the finest UK hotel chains. Since then Jon & Stacey have continually demonstrated that they are natural entrepreneurs with a burning passion for service, as well as recent parents to little Sam, and well respected members of the Milford on Sea community.
 
In recent years they have been involved in a number of successful local restaurant & café ventures in Lymington & Milford on Sea, not least of which is Verveine, Hampshire's finest fish restaurant and winner of numerous quality & service awards. Today the restaurant continues to prosper in Milford on Sea under the sole ownership of former partner & head chef David Wykes. www.verveine.co.uk.
 
Jon's passion for wine & hospitality is expected shines through at The Cave. He loves to see people enjoy good company, and experience quality wines and beers at any budget. His 'tasting sessions' are certainly not to be missed!
 
A warm welcome is expected at any time of day, from morning coffee through to a fabulous selection of drinks to enjoy in comfort, or to take home.
 
If you are dining in the village, you will soon be able to enjoy an aperitif before enjoy a great meal at one of the village's great eating places.
 
No date has yet been set for the opening, but we understand when it does open, they will be open 7 days a week.
 
The Cave, 2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea
 

The Great Tram Hunt

Word has reached us that an interesting story has recently appeared in ' British Trams - Online news.'
 
It appears that somewhere in Milford on Sea village, in a garden, is the remains of a Tram that used to pass through Bournemouth?

Hmm, intriguing, can anyone throw any light on the subject?

Click here to read full article
 

La Perle in Fizzing!

If you have a taste for champagne, then a visit to La Perle, French Bistro in Milford on Sea High Street will tickle your taste buds.  Not only is there a rather nice selection of champagnes, even more fascinating are the stories that go with each.

Many of you will know that La Perle was opened two years ago by chef/proprietor Lionel Sene, who was originally from Hautvillers, Epernay in the beautiful Champagne area of France and the capital of Champagne.  Today, Lionel serves champagnes that he has carefully selected from in and around the village of Hautvillers, where his family still have vineyards.

Champagne Lombard et Cie
Lombard & Cie House of Champagne was founded in 1925 and situated in Epernay, the capital of Champagne. Lionel's father worked for many years for Monsieur Lombard, and the Champagne house is highly regarded. All the grapes come from the selected areas of the highest quality due to the soil, area & exposure.

Billecart-Salmon Champagne House
Still under the ownership of the original family, Billecart-Salmon also has close ties to Lionel's family. Lionel's brother-in-law is the Maitre Chai, looking after the vineyards & creating new blends & variations. The blend varieties used in the non-vintage wine has not differed in over 50 years & is a classic mix of varieties in the region.

Champagne Pessenet-Legendre
Pessenet-Legendre is owned by Sylvie et Cyrille Pessenet. Sylvie grew up in Hautvillers with Lionel as a child and is a close family friend. The grapes are harvested from the vineyards in Hautvillers where the family have lived & owned vineyards for generations. A young family with two small children, the Champagne is named after their eldest daughter Cléo.

Charles Heston Champagne.
The Cooperative Les Six Coteaux is based in the village of Pouillon, 6 km to the North of Reims. Using only grapes from their vineyard, they launched their own brand, Champagne Charles Heston, in 2010 and have already won many rewards from prestigious wine competitions. La Perle are pleased to offer a selection of these fantastic champagnes at our restaurant.
 
So there you have it, quite a unique selection, and certainly worth a try on the next visit, or special occassion.
 
Keeping to a more modest budget, some of the dining offers La Perle are currently running look worth a try; 1/2 Lymington Lobster & Frites on Wednesday nights for £19.95 (with 1/2 corn fed Roast Chicken for meat preferers - £13.95). Both include any glass of wine from the pouring list. The Lymington Lobster is from our local Fisherman who docks & fishes from Lymington Quay.
 
The 'Grillade' is now available every day. = Lio buys 28 day aged Hampshire Rib Eye, Bavette & Sirloin 'the entire loin' and steaks are cut and tempered to order, and prices start from £12.95.
 
Feeling hungry yet?!

(PS: Did you know, in France they say Bistrot rather than Bistro.  The 'T' was dropped in the UK to make the word look more attractive.)
 
 
 

Good Food Guide Again

The Marine on Milford on Sea seafront has once again gained an entry in the prestigious 2013 edition of The Good Food Guide. Entries are awarded based on restaurant nominations from customers, and susequent inspections by The Good Food Guide inspectors.
 
This is the second consecutive year that The Marine been featured in The Good Food Guide, since opening their doors for business in August 2010.