Clubs, Classes & Sports

What's On

Friday 21 August 2015

Vote on New Beach Hut Designs

Last week we published an article about the new beach hut designs being considered for Milford on Sea seafront. Click here to read article.

click image to enlarge
Our Facebook page has received a number of comments, all supporting the design that extends the promenade onto the beach hut roofs, which is also our favourite.

There are obviously a lot of beach hut owners who are likely to vote, and I wonder if they would take the opinion to share the magnificent views they enjoy, or consider the roofs 'their territory'?

We suspect that everyone has a clear view of the design they want to see on the village seafront that we are all emotionally attached too, but sadly most people are unlikely to vote. Without participating, people run a big risk of ending up with a design they do not want!

So please, join us by voting for your preference. We voted last week. (B!) The form started off painfully, but we were relieved that it became easier and our vote was soon cast!

Make sure that you get your favourite design - Vote on New Beach Hut Designs now: click here

------------------------

More information on beach hut designs: please click here.


Thursday 20 August 2015

The Bay Trees awarded Five Stars

click image to enlarge
Mark and Sarah Clayson moved into the iconic Bay Trees Bed & Breakfast in the centre of Milford on Sea August 2011.

Sarah was born in Lymington and both are very familiar with the New Forest and surrounding area.

The Bay Trees was the former village Poor House and over the years has seen many owners and a number of trades including a drapers, lodgings, guest house, bank, restaurant and latterly a successful B&B

Since 2011 Mark & Sarah have worked hard to maintain their Visit England 4 Stars and Breakfast Award. As well as this they are listed in the prestigious Alistair Sawday guide: 'Special Places to Stay'.

click image to enlarge
Now it is 2015 and many improvements to the building and garden have been made, a programme of new bathrooms, new beds and redecoration throughout. The Conservatory & Terrace has been refurbished with a new roof and new furniture. 

Mark & Sarah are keen to ensure that the breakfast served at the Bay Trees is locally sourced and of the highest quality. Wherever possible they buy from local producers and suppliers.

Last week Visit England made an unannounced inspection which included afternoon tea, an overnight stay and breakfast.

Mark & Sarah were delighted to receive the coveted Visit England 5 Stars and Breakfast Award. They believe they are the only Bed & Breakfast in the New Forest District to be awarded 5 stars from Visit England!

Sarah said "This is exciting for us, great for the Village and for all our visitors. We strive to use locally produced food to deliver great breakfasts and teas for our guests and we thank our local suppliers for helping us to achieve this award."

To find out more about The Bay Trees and see pictures of the rooms, please click here.

The Bay Trees
8 High Street
Milford on Sea
SO41 0QD

Wednesday 19 August 2015

Unlucky Fastnet Yacht called Lucky

The 63 foot American racing yacht, Lucky, was not so lucky on Sunday and needed the help of Yarmouth RNLI after becoming hard aground.

click image to enlarge
A local village sailor (that's a sailor from the village, not a person that sails around the village!), and friend of this blog, noticed the lifeboat manoeuvring around on Sunday and eventually managed to work out what was happening.

Claire Hallett reported on the 'On the Wight' website; "On one of the busiest days in the Solent, the start of the Fastnet Race, the RNLI’s Yarmouth lifeboat was tasked with assisting one the competing yachts.

The launch request came from the Solent Coastguard at 4.40pm on Sunday 14th August following a distress call from the ironically named 63 foot American racing yacht Lucky, which had run aground on the notorious Shingles Bank in the western Solent.

When the volunteer crew of the Yarmouth lifeboat arrived on scene the stricken yacht, with a draft of 4.6 metres, was hard aground and heeled right over. The Y boat was immediately deployed from the lifeboat to check that the 18 strong crew were all uninjured and that the vessel was not taking on water.

Six of the crew were taken off by the yacht’s support RIB and it was then a long wait for the flood tide.

When the tide arrived a tow was established and Lucky was pulled clear by the lifeboat at approximately 9.30pm and made her own way back to the Hamble. The Yarmouth lifeboat returned to station at 9.55pm.

To view full article, please click here.

Sunday 16 August 2015

Legion Commemorate VJ Day

The Milford on Sea Club played host to the Royal British Legion commemorative dinner on Friday 14th August.

The meeting started in serious tones as Alec Luxon explained his life as a prisoner of the Japanese when he was interned as a child in China during World War 2. Alec stated that as civilians they were not mistreated by the Japanese but did suffer some hardships and that as children they did not have the same concerns as their parents. 

Alex's VJ day, (that is the day when the Americans freed them), was on 17th June 1945 and on that day the well armed Americans were surprised to be mobbed by a gang of kids who simply broke through the camp gates.

The 'Boogie-Woogie' Girls in action
After this introduction, the 46 members of the Legion, friends and supporters enjoyed a threee course dinner prepared by the Milford Club Steward, Paul, his wife and their team at the club.

After the meal the tone moved from commemoration to celebration with members and friends providing a comic sketch, a George Formby tribute style ukulele show, a humorous poem and as a finale three ladies dressed as The Andrews Sisters dancing and miming to "The boogie-woogie Girls of company B". The evening then concluded with a sing-along, Glenn Miller and other dance music.

A memorable evening that raised some £350 for the Poppy appeal.



Saturday 15 August 2015

Beach Hut Design Ideas

Milford on Sea Community Centre was a hive of activity yesterday as hoards people came to see the New Forest District Council present the new design ideas for the 119 beach huts on Milford on Sea promenade.

Since the devastating storm in February 2014, debates have raged as to what should happen with the future of the beach huts. Decisions to replace were made, and now things are under-way to decide what they will look like.

The presentation was made by Paul Bulkeley of Snug Architects, and he was supported by Helen Baker of Ramboll, Parish Councillor Sophie Beaton, & Steve Cook and Colin Read from NFDC.

Replacing the beach huts came with obvious limitations in terms of the height and footprint, so in the editorial office here (our lounge!) expectation were relatively low.

Well, I must make a note to myself to not be so dismissive of what creative designers can achieve.

click image to enlarge
Serious journalism is of course unbiased, but as these pages are written by a amateur hack, there is no hesitation to show bias. 

So on that theme, we have only included a picture of Option A & B. There is an Option C, but as this simply turns the huts 180 degrees for the roof to slope the other way, and is really not very exciting, so we have excluded it!

In April 2015 these pages published an article which suggested that the promenade could be extended onto the beach hut roofs - click here to read. We expected this to fall on deaf ears, but either someone read it and agreed, or quite simply great minds... and all that. Either way, it is a pleasure to see this design concept included as an option.

There are also some creative and colourful ideas for the front facades and cladding. (Ignore 'Option C' unless you want the seafront to look pretty drab in the winter!)

In addition to this, there are also new ideas for the ramp near The White House, and a clever idea to frame the magnificent panoramic views.

To view presentation click here
Whether you are a supporter of the beach huts being replaced or not, it has been decided that they are coming back, so now is the time to have your say on what they should look like. 

Part of the massive charm of Milford on Sea is it being a living seaside village with a thriving community, natural beauty, and retaining some of the feeling of a bye-gone era. However, the old beach huts cannot come back, so we must look to the future.

The NFDC and Snug Architects have certainly given us all some interesting concepts to consider, for which they deserve praise. 

There is now a real opportunity to make the beach huts on the seafront look contemporary and stylish, which can only be good for tourism and all the businesses that benefit from the visitors to Milford on Sea. Plus of course, a final design that all of the local people can enjoy when visiting the seafront.

There is now a video available giving a shortened version of the presentations made by NFDC, and it is also the place where you can express your views -  please click here.

Free Wine at La Perle

La Perle restaurant in Milford on Sea high street have launched a new set lunch menu from 12th August 2015 - which includes a complimentary glass of wine.

The set lunch menu will change with the seasons and available local produce, but at the moment you can havethe menu below at £14.50 for 2 courses for £14.50, or 3 course for £18.50:

Starters: 

Romsey Watercress Soup
Hampshire Pork Terrine, Piccalilli, Toasted Sourdough
Lymington Crab Cakes, Pickled Veg, Avocado & Relish 

Mains:

Roasted Hampshire Hogget, Fried Potatoes, Rainbow Chard, Mint Sauce 
Dorset Mussels, Parsley, Garlic, Cream, French Fries 
Sautéed New Forest Mushrooms on Toasted Brioche, Fried Duck Egg, Rocket, Truffle Oil 

Dessert: 

New Forest Summer Berry Pavlova 
Rosary Goats Cheese, Caramelised Walnut, Fudges Crackers 
Homemade Mint Choc Chip Ice Cream & Cookie 


click image to enlarge
Since taking over the restaurant from Lio & Emily in June, Sam Hughes the new Chef/Patron has been creating dishes and reviews that are building on the restaurants already excellent reputation.

As well as the comprehensive and delicious a la carte menu, Sam also offers a number of great value themed nights -

Tuesday Evenings: Fish & Chip Night Sustainable Beer Battered Fish, Triple Cooked Chips, Pea & Mint Purée, Tartare Sauce.

Wednesday Evenings: Lobster Night Half a Lymington Lobster with Salad & Triple Cooked Chips.

Thursday Evenings: Steak Night New Forest Steaks & Sauces with Salad & Triple Cooked Chips or Fries.

There is little doubt that there is something to tempt you, so why no book a table to taste it!

La Perle

60 High Street, Milford on Sea
Tel: 01590 643 557
Email: info@laperle.co.uk
www.laperle.co.uk

Opening Times
Tuesday: Dinner 6pm to 9.30pm 
Wednesday to Saturday: Lunch 12 to 2.30pm | Dinner 6pm to 9.30pm 

Sunday Lunch: 12 to 3pm

Friday 7 August 2015

New Rosie and Poppy Book

Local Milford on Sea author and accomplished painter, New book by Shaun Stevens has launched another book in her 'Rosie and Poppy' collection.

click image to enlarge
Rosie and Poppy - Snowflakes For New Forest Friends' is a charming Christmas story that features Shaun's two Working Cocker Spaniels who are Mother and Daughter.  It is about their adventures at Longslade Bottom, Sway and how they and their friends helped save Christmas across the New Forest.

Also included are two dot to dot pictures for you to make your own drawings of Rosie and Poppy.


The books are £5.99 and will be on sale during Shaun's art exhibition at Keyhaven Scout Hut from Saturday August 8th to 31st, and at the Hurst Castle Office in Milford on Sea. They will also be coming soon to Waterstones, Lymington.

Wednesday 5 August 2015

What’s next for Milford Seafront?

Residents and visitors to Milford on Sea will have the chance to view and comment on design ideas for the replacement of 119 beach huts for Milford on Sea at a public event on Friday 14 August 2015

New Forest District Council and the design team appointed to the project will be on hand to explain options for the design and layout of the huts and the lower promenade at Milford Community Centre between midday and 8pm. 

Visitors to the event will see plans showing three options for the layout of the huts on the promenade. Three possible designs illustrating how the huts might look will also be displayed. People will be invited to comment on the layout and design options and the contribution that the new structures might make to the seafront. The designs and layouts will be available for people to drop in and view throughout the afternoon. The design team will also give a presentation on the proposals and take questions at three points during the afternoon.

Paul Bulkeley, Managing Director of Snug Architects, will lead the event. “The opportunity for us to discuss our ideas with users of Milford seafront and hear their views and priorities at this early stage will give us a broader understanding of the issues and help us deliver a design that reflects their needs,” commented Paul. “It’s also an important opportunity for us to discuss the constraints on the project, from the challenging environmental conditions to the limitations of space and budget.”

The council’s portfolio holder for the environment, Councillor Sophie Beeton, said “I know there has been lively discussion locally about the future of the promenade, so I hope people will take this early opportunity to meet the design team, express their views and learn more about the project and the design process.” 

The designers are expected to present detailed design options to a panel of councillors, officers and beach hut owners’ representatives in early autumn. The panel will decide which option will be developed to be taken forward as a planning application.

Drop in between midday and 8pm at Milford on Sea Community Centre, Sea Road, SO41 0PH

Design presentation followed by question and answer sessions at:

1.00pm – 1.45pm
3.00pm – 3.45pm
5.30pm – 6.15pm

If you would like to express your views, you can do it here:
www.newforest.gov.uk/beachhuts


Saturday 1 August 2015

See Live Classics by Satellite

Milford’s Community Centre is thrilled to announce the addition of satellite broadcasting to its busy and successful entertainment programme.

Made possible by funds raised by the hard-working volunteers in the Village’s Charity Shop, this extraordinary technology brings international theatre, opera and ballet live as it happens to screens across the world with amazing definition and quality . The Centre is so pleased to have joined this international community and to be able to offer these special screenings to the people of Milford.

click image to enlarge
The season opens on:

Thursday 3rd September with a live broadcast direct from the National Theatre of Georges Farquhar’s much loved comedy The Beaux’ Stratagem

Other productions from the National Theatre include an “encore” production of the Donmar Warehouse’s acclaimed interpretation of Shakespeare’s Coriolanus on 24th September. 

click image to enlarge
Benedict Cumberbatch performs live in the title role of Hamlet on 15th October, the hit Broadway production of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is broadcast on 19th November and Bristol Old Vic’s bold and dynamic re-imagining of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre on 8th December.

From the Royal Opera House on Tuesday 22nd September comes the Royal Ballet with Kenneth MacMillan’s famous version of Shakespeare’s most romantic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, set to Prokofiev’s magnificent score, often considered a perfect opera, Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro screens on 5th October displaying the composer’s genius at its most lively and delightful.

click image to enlarge
On Wednesday 16th December a Christmas treat for the village with the Royal Ballet’s seasonal production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. English National Opera’s iconic hit of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera The Mikado set in an ever-so English 1930’s seaside hotel opens the Christmas festivities on Thursday 3rd December.

To make the Centre comfortable and welcoming, seats will be arranged round small tables with just 60 available for each screening and of course the Bar will be open. Tickets will be £12 each for this first season and are available now from the Box Office (01590 644861) or on line via the Centre’s website moscommunitycentre.org.uk.

James Flintoff who has led this project for the Trustees says “It’s unbelievable that technology has advanced to the point where a small village on the UK’s south coast is able to bring live productions from the greatest opera houses and theatres in the world direct to its Community Centre in such high quality and for everyone. Just stunning!”

Book early to enjoy this special experience.

For more information, please contact: 
James Flintoff: 01590 643393 -  jcflintoff@gmail.com
Sue Whitlock: 01590 643404 -   milfordonsea@gmail.com