Clubs, Classes & Sports

What's On

Sunday 25 March 2018

Cider Award for the Wash House

The Wast House are very excited to have been awarded second place in Southern Hampshire Cider Pub of the Year by CAMRA.

They always have a great selection of real ciders on tap and bottle so pop down and give them a try.




The Wash House
27 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF
www.thewashhousebar.co.uk



Tuesday 20 March 2018

Live Music at The Red Lion

click image to enlarge
If you enjoy local live music it is definitely worth checking out the programme that The Red Lion have just published for this year. (See below)

Everyone is welcome to go along enjoy the Free Entertainment.

The Red Lion features in CAMRA Good Beer Guide and have a full menu of home-made food available.



Sat 14th April 2018: Dog Ruff

Fri 11th May 2018: Recluse

Sat 30th June 2018: Go Go Five

July: Milford on Music Festival: Entertainment TBC

Sat 15th Sept 2018: Dog Ruff

Sat 13th Oct 2018: CUBO


The Red Lion
32 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD
01590 642236


Looking for Keith Garrard

We received the message below this week:

I have just found an old article on your web site from Keith Garrard in 2009 talking about his life in Milford. My mother in-law was sent to his mother's house, Mary Garrard, during the war as an evacuee.

I know it's a long shot but is he still contactable?

Many thanks,

Mandy.

If you might know where Keith Garrard may be, please email david@milfordonsea.org and we will let Mandy know.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

16th August 2009: Keith Garrard’s Memories of Milford.

As you might guess playing with this website keeps my free time pretty busy & it has plenty of rewarding benefits, not least of which is meeting interesting local people. A couple of days ago, totally out of the blue, I received an e-mail from Keith (R. Keith Garrard) recalling his days in Milford on Sea. His story has plenty of local interest, so I thought I would share it with you.

Keith Garrard’s story: “My parents moved to Carrington Lane just before WW2 when I was about 2 years old. Dad worked for Wellworthy transport section and joined the ARP. During the war years he was a corporal in the Milford on Sea Home Guard. One night during the second world war a sea mine was dropped by a German Ju88 aircraft which landed to the back of our house at 46 Carrington Lane. The bomb’s parachute got hooked up on a tree bordering our house and the field beyond, and thankfully failed to explode. Had it done so it would have caused considerable loss of life in the area. It took the Royal Navy bomb disposal squad a long time to dismantle it and my dad had a piece of it in his garden shed for years! Later, my dad ran the Milford on Sea boys club for about five years before his health deteriorated. The club was affiliated to the National federation of Boys Clubs and they used to meet twice a week in the old Church Hall in Sea Road.

Tramp Ships by Roy Fenton
click image to enlarge
I went to the local Church of England school and later to Ashley Secondary School. On leaving school I joined the Merchant Navy as an apprentice deck officer on tramp ships*. My first voyage to sea had been across Sturt Pond on a raft consisting of two 40 gallon drums and planks of washed up wood from the beach, but only after my cousin Roy’s dog had tested it for stability. I was the lightest child so I was nominated the first captain! Whilst in the Merchant Navy I took my second mates and master mariners certificates at Southampton School of Navigation. On gaining my Master Mariners certificate I joined Cunard S,S,Co and worked my way up to First Officer on R.M.S. Queen Elizabeth, before leaving the sea to take up the position of Port Agency Superintendent with Cunard, and later a managerial position on Southampton Container Terminal. I moved to Lymington in 1960 and various places subsequently to be near my workplace. 

Today I am now retired and live in Fordingbridge. My father died in 1968 and mother in 1999 after the move to Lymington. P.S. Most of my village friends have now passed away. PPS: I  still have a copy of Chris Hobby’s book of postcards of Milford on Sea and Lymington.” 


*Note: Tramp Ship: I didn’t know what a ‘tramp ship’ was, so here is the definition I found: ‘A merchant cargo ship engaged in the tramp trade is one which does not have a fixed schedule or published ports of call. As opposed to freight liners which operate to a fixed schedule.’ | ARP Warden: As part of the Civil Defence precautions set up by the government in 1935, the job of ARP (Air Raid Precaution) Warden was created. By the time war was declared in 1939, ARP wardens were already in place to cover cities, towns and villages. They had to see that the streets were cleared when the air raid sirens sounded and assisted with dealing with the damage after the raids. It was a dangerous job. The wardens patrolled the streets every night and anyone letting even a tiny chink of light out of their windows would be in deep trouble.

Friday 16 March 2018

Easter Fun at Hurst Castle

A family Easter egg trail is taking place at Hurst Castle from Friday 30th March to Sunday 15th April, with letters hidden around this mighty artillery fortress built by Henry VIII. Arts and crafts will also be available so children can get creative and wear their arty masterpieces home with pride. 

click image to enlarge
The castle will be open daily from 10.30am to 5.30pm, with the first ferry running from Keyhaven at 10.15am and then approximately every 20 minutes. Please note during the Easter weekend (from Friday 30th April to Monday 2nd April), the last ferry from Hurst Castle will be earlier than advertised due to exceptional low tides. 

These will be as follows: 
Good Friday (Friday 30th March): last ferry from Hurst Castle is at 2.30pm 
Saturday 31st March: last ferry from Hurst Castle is at 3.15pm 
Easter Sunday (1st April): last ferry from Hurst Castle is at 4pm 
Easter Monday (2nd April): last ferry from Hurst Castle is at 4.30pm 

The castle will remain open until 5.30pm during the Easter weekend for those walking back. 

For further information please visit www.hurstcastle.co.uk or call 01590 642500.

click image to enlarge

Thursday 15 March 2018

The relief of dismounting

An observant reader of these pages spotted the sign below by the toilets on Milford on Sea seafront.

Anyone who doesn't dismount in time could be in trouble!

click image to enlarge

Appetite for Adventure produces pedal power!

Greg James and Zoe Ball were fuelled by village business, Appetite for Adventure to complete Sport Relief Challenges

click image to enlarge
March 13 2018: Radio and television celebrity Zoe Ball recently completed her BT Sport Relief Challenge: Zoe’s Hardest Road Home, cycling more than 350 miles from Blackpool to Brighton in five days; and behind the scenes on her final day, bringing a taste of the great outdoors, was local event catering firm Appetite for Adventure. 

The catering team were fresh from supporting the previous week’s Sport Relief event, Radio 1’s Gregathlon, where DJ Greg James was challenged to cover 500 miles in five days, summiting Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis plus cycling between the peaks in all weathers. While Greg and the team didn’t quite make Ben Nevis due to being grounded in Moffat (Scotland) by the snow, he still raised over £700,000 for Sport Relief. 

Based in the Milford on Sea, Appetite for Adventure owners Jason Plevey and Adie Callaghan, amongst other catering services supported a number of charity challenges with delicious food. Adie said: "We were utterly delighted to support Greg, Zoe and all the support teams on these epic challenges, to be part of the emotional highs and lows was something we will never forget!"

Over the course of the challenges the Appetite for Adventure team produced a number of hearty breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks including Chicken & Chorizo Casserole, Thai Red Curry and full English breakfasts all cooked fresh on gas rings in various locations including car parks, lakeside laybys and snowy lanes! As passionate New Forest Marque members and advocates, the team pride themselves on supporting local suppliers and producers and took various New Forest supplies with them including Fluffetts Eggs, Village Veg fruit and vegetables and Lyburn cheese. Jason’s homemade sausage rolls with Appetite’s own ‘Red Onion Marmalade’ are always a big hit and good fuel boosters, as well as their own trail mix that they put together – Greg was grateful for Smarties in temperatures of -15 degrees! But one of the tastiest surprises was Jason’s homemade chocolate fudge provided for Zoe and the team on her final day, “LOVE the chocolate fudge!” was Zoe’s enthusiastic response! 

click image to enlarge

Said Jess Kirke, Senior Events Manager from Sport Relief: "Appetite for Adventure were a fantastic asset to the Sport Relief team - not only helping to keep up moral with great delicious food but also their high standards of event management professionalism. We have worked with them previously on the BT Sport Relief Challenge: Jo Brand’s Hell of a Walk in 2016 and hopefully we will welcome them onto other Sport Relief events in the future!"

Added Jason; "Our last few weeks have certainly seen some unique challenges of our own. At one point we were operating in the unrelenting cold storms, supplies were frozen and we had to adapt to the weather - but that's part of the excitement and why we enjoy what we do. To be part of the two challenges, which together have raised more than £1.2million for Sport Relief, is something we can all be really proud of."

See how Greg and Zoe got on with their challenges when Sport Relief 2018 airs on BBC One, Friday March 23rd. Sport Relief 2018 takes place for a week, starting on 17th. 


Appetite for Adventure 
Started in 2009 and offers a taste of the great outdoors. Based in Milford on Sea, Appetite for Adventure work across the U.K. and Europe offering a true culinary taste experience for all sorts of events and occasions from charity events through to festivals, private dining and more. With over 20 years’ experience in hospitality and event management Jason and Adie regularly work for national and international organisations as well as private individuals and local businesses. 

Social media – Facebook (Appetite for Adventure), Instagram (appetiteforadventurefoodies) and Twitter (AppetiteforA)

Saturday 10 March 2018

Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital Update

The NHS West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group has been investigating the needs of people living in and around Milford on Sea and the future vision of Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital and to this end carried out surveys and public meetings in conjunction with the League of Friends to obtain the views of the population. 


The preliminary report has been issued to the League of Friends and while the report is a detailed analysis of the views received and covers some 21 pages it seems appropriate to the League to share the initial conclusions with the residents of Milford 

click image to enlarge
“The information provided at the public listening events and in the survey demonstrated that there is considerable support within the local community for the continued provision of health and well-being services in Milford on Sea. 

Some people were adamant that the war memorial status of the hospital means it should be retained and brought back into use. Others acknowledged the proximity to Lymington New Forest Hospital and wide range of service provided from there, so were open to the idea of the old hospital building being replaced with something smaller. 

However, the key messages were that due to the higher than average age of the local population and poor public transport links, there is a need for some health and wellbeing services to continue to be provided ‘close to home’. 

The need for beds was highlighted most frequently. People expressed concern about the impact of bed blocking due to the lack of step down / respite / convalescent / cottage hospital or end of life beds in the area and lack of availability of care packages. They were also concerned about not being able to visit relatives and friends in hospitals elsewhere and that care being provided at home left older people on their own more isolated and vulnerable. 

When asked what services people would like to see provided locally, a huge variety of both health and wellbeing services were suggested – varying from antenatal services and those for children and families to services specifically aimed at older people. Local people also wanted to retain Milford Pharmacy. 

The information provided is being considered by NHS West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group and will be used to help inform the next steps in the decision making process around the future of Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital. 

Further public engagement work will be undertaken to ensure the local community is involved in the decision making process.” 

The Milford Hospital League of Friends will continue to work with the Commissioning Group and other interested parties to ensure that improved services are provided to the residents of the village and surrounding areas but to do so we need your help. 

There is no doubt that whatever the outcome of the deliberations there will be a need for finance and although the League has, in the past, contributed hundreds of thousands of pounds to maintaining the medical services in the village it cannot contribute large sums to any future developments without the help of the community. 

Membership of the League of Friends is open to all with Membership costing whatever you wish to contribute. I you are interested in becoming a member call the Membership Secretary Terri Boxall on 01590 641910 or if you are interested in hearing more about the report and possible outcomes why not come to the Annual General Meeting at the Community Centre on Tuesday 15th May at 3pm.

Thursday 8 March 2018

Learn to Lip Read

A Beginners Course for Lip Reading is soon to be held on Friday mornings. A recent Taster Session proved stimulating, and affirming with a lively tutor whose motto is "No-one can fail a Lip Reading Course". 

This course is highly recommended for those living with hearing loss, and it is also helpful for couples to learn together. 

Further information from Christine Luxon at 01590 719286 - please make contact before 24th March if possible.

Lauren singing on The Voice

Lauren Bannon grew up in Milford on Sea and has made it onto the ITV talent show, The Voice. 

click image to enlarge
All four judges turned for her when she sang 'Lean On' back in January and she has made it through to the battle rounds being shown on Saturday night on ITV at 8.30pm.

To see Lauren's audition for The Voice - click here. 

Lauren performed many times in Milford whilst growing up. When she was just 10yrs old her, and her sister Hayley, entertained the diners at '1 The High Street' (Currently 'Britannia Thai') on Christmas Eve and her first ever paid gig. 

click image to enlarge
Lauren was also the Milford Carnival Queen in 2006 and sang on stage at the Carnival for a couple of years. 

Fingers crossed for Saturday. Good luck Lauren!






click image to enlarge

Try Pilates, Yoga and More

Milford on Sea Community Centre hosts a vast variety of clubs and classes, the latest being Pilates with Jutta. 

She is now running a 5 week beginners class (Tuesday 6th March was the 2nd session) and there is also an intermediate class. 

There will be another 5 week beginners class starting on the 10th April 2018. 

Jutta said; "Our classes are small, never more than 8, to give you the individual attention so necessary to achieve your potential."

To join any of these classes please contact Jutta at:

To see all of the Clubs and Classes held at the Community Centre, please click here.


Monday 5 March 2018

Open Auditions for Show at Music and Arts Festival

The Music and Arts Festival has been a major highlight of the village calendar for many years, and it is a weekend that many people eagerly look forward too. 

This will be the first year that a dramatic production will become an as an integral part of the event. The 'Remembered' show will been performed in the Community Centre and the organisers are now looking for local people to take part.

Auditions will be held on Sunday 25th March at 4.15 pm at the Community Centre and everyone interested in getting involved are welcome to come along.

It is envisaged that most rehearsals will be late afternoon on Sundays. It may be necessary to increase this number nearer the time. Please let us know of any times you cannot make or holidays during this period. 

The Show Evenings, which will take place on 19th & 20th July, and will comprise of entertainment of a Dramatic and Musical nature with a themed supper at the interval. The Music and Arts Festival want to create an immersion in the time of the Great War, with décor, costumes and food to match. Although it is a serious subject there will be humour as well as pathos and audience participation. 

It is very much hoped that many of you will be able to join us in this exciting and fulfilling production. 

For further information please contact: Wendy Mason on 07833 606455

click image to enlarge


100th Birthday Celebrations for Milford on Sea WI!

In the chill of last Saturday evening 120 ladies in their finery arrived at the Village Community Centre to celebrate one hundred years of Milford-on-Sea's Women's Institute. Among guests from other local institutes, they were pleased to welcome Lynne Stubbings, NFWI Chair, Maureen Levenson, HCFWI Chair, Ros Cooper, WI Advisor and Sue Whitlock, Milford Parish Councillor. 

Milford WI President, Jan Gibbs and
NFWI Chair, Lynne Stubbings
click image to enlarge
All were warmly greeted by a handsome doorman/cloakroom attendant (David, husband of Jan Gibbs, President) and one of a smartly dressed team of gentlemen who had been 'volunteered' to staff the bar, the kitchen and wait at table. 

Andy Joseph headed a small team in the kitchen and produced a delicious meal worthy of at least two Michelin stars. Fortunately there was a lengthy pause before the candles were lit on a beautiful birthday cake, baked and decorated by Jacqui Evans. 

Shoo Shoo Baby with Lynne Stubbings
click image to enlarge
The artistic committee members had created sophisticated feathered table decorations to complement the glamorous cabaret act, Shoo Shoo Baby - a very talented, professional threesome who entertained everyone with their amusing and original act. An Amazing Raffle with very generous prizes kindly donated by local businesses - South Lawns Hotel, Gordleton Mill, La Perle, Raft Rocks, The Retreat and The Beachcomber at Barton on Sea rounded off an exceptional celebration of one hundred years of Milford-on-Sea WI.




A few of the "Waiting Staff" resting their legs!
click image to enlarge

The old WI Hall which was in Keyhaven Roadclick image to enlarge