Verveine in Harden’s Best 100 UK Restaurant 2019

Dave Wykes Chef/Patron at Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant in Milford on Sea village has won the prestigious accolade of appearing in Harden’s Best 100 UK Restaurant 2019.

The Harden's Restaurant Guide sits alongside the Michelin Guide when it comes to restaurant reviews.

Better than just being in the Top 100 restaurants in the UK, Verveine was placed in 62nd position, and above such renowned dining rooms (and numerous Michelin Star restaurants) as: 

67. Nobu, Metropolitan Hotel, London
68. Amaya, London
69. The Greenhouse, London
75. Roux at Parliament Square, RICS, London
78. Story, London
80. Hélène Darroze, The Connaught Hotel, London
82. Marcus, The Berkeley, London
83. Pollen Street Social, London
87. Outlaw’s at The Capital, London
92. Trishna, London
93. Murano, London
95. The Kitchin, Edinburgh
97. The Ritz, London

Congratulations Dave, the recognition is really well deserved!


Still Looking for a Christmas Present?

Dave has also launched his own cook book entitled 'Verveine'.

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The book is packed full of amazing recipes, flavour guides and incredible photography. 

It is unlikely that we can all have the pleasure of eating at Verveine daily, so it is great that everyone can now enjoy Dave's passion and talents in pictures. The food at Verveine is art without a doubt.

It has long been Dave's dream to create a cook book, and it is a pleasure to see his dream realised, particularly as he has created this whilst being full-time in his restaurant kitchen delighting diners on a daily basis.

If you are looking to cook something wonderful at home, or to create a dish to impress friends at a dinner party, then look no further.

It would also make a great Christmas Present!

Dave can deliver the book anywhere in the UK for a total price of £40. Just give them a call to order your copy today on 01590 642176. 

The book is a must for any keen cook, food or photography lover. 

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Verveine Restaurant

98 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE

01590 642176

www.verveine.co.uk

Granary Kitchen launch 2019 Cookery Courses

The Granary Kitchen have launched their new 2019 Cookery Course dates which can be booked on www.thegranarykitchen.co.uk.

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The Granary Kitchen is the brainchild of Christian Rivron who has spent many years working and training in a variety of different establishments including country parks, hotels, and restaurants in Lymington and the surrounding areas along the south coast. He has gained knowledge and experience of using the fresh, local and seasonal produce available in the New Forest, Hampshire and Dorset. Christian is now excited to share his passion, enthusiasm and creativity, to help people increase their confidence in entertaining guests in the comfort of their own homes.

Cooking Course dates for 2019

• Meat & Game Saturday 26th January 
• Italian Saturday 23rd February 
• Fish & Shellfish Saturday 30th March 
• Healthy Eating Saturday 27th April 
• Mediterranean Saturday 11th May 
• Desserts & Pastries Saturday 15th June 
• Greek Saturday 20th July 
• South American Saturday 17th August 
• French Saturday 28th September 
• Winter Warmers Saturday 19th October 
• Meat & Game Saturday 23rd November 
• Christmas Made Easy Saturday 30th November 

The Granary Kitchen also offer Private Dining & Event Catering, Private Dining events, Private Cookery School, Corporate Team Building and Gift Vouchers, so take a look at the website to see how any of these might suit you.

The Granary Kitchen

Newlands Manor Farm

SO41 0JH

www.thegranarykitchen.co.uk

Late Night Shopping & Xmas at No64 Biscuit House

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We all like to support our village shops, so here is a message from Clare and Glenn at No64 Biscuit House detailing all that is happening in their shop throughout December:

"By popular request No64 Biscuit House decided to open late one night before Christmas, so the pressure's now on us to choose the right night to suit everyone.....gulp!

So for those of you finding it tricky to get to us during the day, and with festive family gatherings preventing some of you getting to us on the last 2 weekends before the big day, we're now going to be open until 8pm on Thursday December 20th.

We're also going to be open on the last Sunday before Christmas (December 23rd) , between 10am & 4pm, for those last minute gifts you may still have to buy.

And don't forget we also do gift vouchers, for any amount to suit you, which can also be redeemed online if you would like to send one to someone afar.

In fact, as we get asked an awful lot, here's our opening days / hours for the rest of 2018 (9.30am – 5pm unless stated):

• 13th - 19th December - Open as usual (closed Sunday 16th) 
• Thursday 20th – Late Night Opening until 8pm 
• 21st & 22nd – Open as usual 
• Sunday 23rd – Open 10am – 4pm 
• Christmas Eve – Open 10am – 4pm (& then party next door at La Perle from 8pm – all welcome!) 
• 25th to 27th – Closed 
• 28th & 29th – Open 10am – 4pm 
• 30th December – January 21st – Closed

Annie Sloan (paint & accessories) enthusiasts please note: we are closed from 30th December until January 21st and so if you've a project planned for early new year do please stock up with what you need before we close on December 30th.

We hope that suits everyone, and of course we hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and an amazing New Year!"

Clare and Glenn
No64 Biscuit House
www.No64.co.uk
01590 643765

School Art from Waste

We have heard from Kate Crawford, Headteacher at Milford-on-Sea C of E Primary School who tells us about the Beach Schools

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This is where their Y5 and Y6 pupils have been out and about on Milford Beach over the last few weeks and have got into the festive spirit by making ‘litter wreaths’ out of the rubbish they have found. 

The Beach School participants continue to be amazed by the strange and harmful items that make their way into our oceans and washed up onto our shores. They have also been busy identifying shells and seaweed common to our shores and every child has made a shell necklace to wear themselves or give as a Christmas gift. 

Kate would like to thank all of School's Volunteers, who have worked with the children this term, whatever the weather! 

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Milford-on-Sea C of E Primary School are always looking for volunteers to help with their Forest and Beach Schools Sessions.

If you have a free afternoon and would like to offer your time, please contact: 

t.hussey@mosps.hants.sch.uk or call the school on 01590 642945

PS: The wreath's look great, nice work all!

Award for village Paddle Sport Company

We were pleased to hear that The New Forest Paddle Sport Company in the high street was last night a winner in the New Forest Business Awards.

They won the Go New Forest Award for Outstanding Contribution to Visitor Economy.

Congratulations to Sean and his team.

The New Forest Paddle Sport Company 

46 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD - 01590 645270

info@thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

www.thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

Ray’s Italian Kitchen Now Open

The hugely anticipated new restaurant, Ray’s Italian Kitchen is now open in the village, welcoming guests to its 65- cover newly refurbished eatery.

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It will be offering dishes big on flavour, such as Salsa di Noci, a spinach and ricotta tortellini, Insalata Mediterranea with rosary goats cheese, figs and pomegranate and the classic pizzas, Quattro Stagioni and Diavola.

There is also the option of a ‘Small Plate’ grazing menu of Ham Croquettes Gigantes Beans, Lentils, hake fillet and sauce vierge and Chickpea, feta, basil, tomato red onion salad, ideal for sharing.

Every detail of the restaurant has been obsessed over by owner, Stacey down to the sophisticated interior in tones of gold and blue, creating a place for eating, drinking, talking and sharing.

Going back to her roots, Stacey can be found in the kitchen, ensuring that the quality of food is of the highest standard.

To book please call 01590 645300 or email: info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

Ray’s Italian Kitchen

11 High Street 

Milford on Sea 

SO41 0QF

www.raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

Local ladies look to improve village Christmas Tree

For several years now the village Christmas Tree has not been what most residents and visitors would like to see.

Whilst Father Christmas obviously exists, it is not his elves who put the Christmas Tree on the village green. In fact, I'm not even sure who does fund it, but it may be the Parish Council. Anyway, whoever it is, I am sure they do their best with the resources they have. Even though the time of year is magical, getting the tree there at all, costs money.

Added to this, volunteers give their time to erect the tree on the village green, including Simeon Morgan from Aubrey Farm who has been up with his team and heavy equipment to help out in past years.

With the Christmas Tree being so large, it is difficult to make it spectacular without a significant budget.

Val Plummer and
Bob Bishop,
Parish Council Chairman

In 2016 village based interior designer, Val Plummer personally donated a new set of lights to improve the tree for all. Her generous donation was welcomed and made the village centre that little more bright.

This year Tracy Haupt approached Graham Wells at the Parish Council (who has been very supportive) and he agreed she could help to oversee the lights going on the tree this year. Tracy saw this as a start to making the tree look more attractive for this year. She then spoke to a number of her friends (Diana Brushwood, Denise Gardiner, Eileen Maycock, Mayve Larke, Shelagh Richardson & Judith Say) and they decided to make 100 sparkly silver bows for the tree. These would be quick and easy to make and relatively inexpensive too (the cost of the ribbon and floristry wire came out of their own pockets).

Ultimately, the team have now made 100 bows - 50 sparkly silver and 50 of the red and white. Plus, some very large bows - not sure how many but probably 35/40.

The tree is being delivered to the village on Tuesday 5th December and the ladies will be there to attach their bows. They’d like to have done far more, but with the limited resources and time left, will do their best to improve the look of the tree for this year.

LtoR: Tracy, Denise, Diana, Mayve and Judith.

(Eileen not in picture.)

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Looking ahead to 2019, they would like to see representatives from various local associations and schools coming together to set up a ‘Xmas Decoration Committee’. This group would decide on how best to decorate the village and tree and the funds required. Meeting initially in April/May would allow plenty of time for the making of decorations throughout the summer, getting the whole community involved. 

An official donation page could be set up to raise funds from residents, associations and local businesses and that way, we could decorate this wonderful village to a level we would all be so proud of.

It is exciting that our village Christmas Tree will be a lot more sparkly this year and if you‘re interested in helping the ladies grow this project further, by joining the ‘Xmas Decoration Committee’ then please let Graham in the Parish Council know. He’ll keep a list of names until the first meeting is called. 

Come along to see the Christmas Tree in all of its glory anytime, and take the opportunity to buy your Christmas treat or gifts from the village shops, or to make it a bit special, join the crowds for Carols on the Green This Friday. The band starts at 5.45pm to be following by the carol singing about 6.30pm. (7th December). The shops will also stay open late.

Memory Tree helping to light up the lives

Sue Whitlock, Parish Councillor and Trustee of the Community Centre switched on the lights on the Memory Tree outside the Centre this week. 

The Memory Tree is aimed to light up the lives of people living with dementia and their families.

People can buy bows and baubles in memory of loved ones to raise money for Milford's Dementia Action Group, which funds some of the groups in the village, as well as providing free information sessions about dementia. 

The Group have been overwhelmed by the support of the village during the past year. South Lawn Hotel and Verveine are among the many businesses who have offered support and the U3A and the WI have organised events, said Jenny Whitley, on behalf of the Group. "We are delighted that the WI are running this week's First Friday Lunch for us. The food will be great and it's raising money for a very worthwhile cause."

Stacey reveals winning team

With less than a week until opening, Milford’s latest restaurant, Ray’s Italian Kitchen reveals its team, set to make this place a huge success among locals and tourists.

A familiar face known to many of us is James Jewell, who is taking on the role of Bar Manager, with his vast knowledge of wines and the ability to make a mean cocktail.

Ryan, Stacey, Star and James

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Joining James is 24-year-old, Star Lewis, previously at the Mill at Gordleton and the Royal Oak, Downton and Star will be responsible for the restaurant’s front of house operations.

In the kitchen, Stacey will be taking centre stage and going back to her roots of cooking, with assistant chef, Ryan Light, also previously from the Mill at Gordleton.

Stacey said: “I am so proud of this team and absolutely delighted to be working alongside them to make Ray’s Italian Kitchen a success.”

Ray’s Italian Kitchen will be open every Tuesday to Saturday with coffee & cake, lunch menu and evening service from Thursday 6th December 2018.

Advanced bookings are recommended and can be made by contacting: 01590 645300 or at info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

Ray’s Italian Kitchen

11 High Street 

Milford on Sea 

SO41 0QF

www.raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

Village Carols on your Mobile Phone

Next Friday 7th December is late night opening for the village shops, and then at 5.45pm the band starts playing, to be followed by carol singing which starts around 6.30pm, making this one of the most charming evenings of the year takes place on the village green.

Our local choir will be leading the carol singing, with the evening compered by Reverend David Hellsten on behalf of the united village churches.

This year you can join in the singing using your mobile phone. Simply hit the link below to view or download the carols song sheet.

A little later, Father Christmas arrives with treats for the kids.

Bring the family, bring yourself, and have a good time kicking off the Christmas season.

View or Download your Carols Song Sheets:
click here

Join the Festival Team

The Milford on Sea Arts & Music Festival are seeking two volunteers to perform the role of Treasurer and Secretary. Basic bookkeeping/accountancy skills are required for the Treasurer role, administration and organisation skills for the secretary, most importantly a passion for staging a wonderful event in our community calendar. 

Can anyone interested in helping out please contact: Amanda at info@milfordfestival.com.

Milford on Sea Arts & Music Festival

www.milfordfestival.com

Three R's Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, and Dancing

Local Milford on Sea children's author, Frederick Webb has updated his website. Click here to view. 

In the Happy Acorn club section, is the three 'R''s song and dance, a star jump for tiny tots, plus a song for them and their parents, educational fun that costs nothing. 

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Also there is the 'Original Vowels Owls', a name Frederick introduced in the late nineties early 2000's. Vowels Owls is a moving home adventure and consists of a book and posters which is designed to help children read before they are five. Together cost £20 and are available through his website, as are other books in Frederick's 'Grow with Grit' series. 

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Frederick Webb - Author

www.frederickwebb.co.uk

Does anyone know about Madeline Agar (1874-1967)

We have been contacted by a lady who is  researching the life and work of the landscape gardener, Madeline Agar.

Madeline was one of the first women professionals in this field and was also a founder member of the Institute of Landscape Architects.

It is believed that her father Edward Agar, owned Milford House and that the Agar family remained in the area after his death in 1927.

At one time Madeline is thought to have lived with her niece at Thurston, Sea Road, Milford on sea.

If any of the Agar family still live in the area or if anyone knows more about Madeline, please contact: Leanne Newman by clicking here.

National Lottery support for Cornwallis Remembered

Milford-on-Sea Historical Record Society [MOSHRS] has was National Lottery support for the Cornwallis Remembered celebrations which will take place in the village and surrounding areas next Summer 2019.

Cornwallis Remembered is focussed on celebrating the bicentenary of the death of Admiral Sir William Cornwallis, Milford on Sea’s most distinguished resident. 

MOSHRS has won the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund for its exhibition on the Navy, the New Forest and the Napoleonic Wars which features the three admirals who all lived in Milford at that time: Admiral William Cornwallis, Admiral John Peyton and Admiral Robert Man. The role of the New Forest in providing timber and ship-building skills will be highlighted in the exhibition.

The commemoration and exhibition are also receiving the active support of The 1805 Club, the New Forest National Park Authority and the St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery. Events will focus on the weekend of 5th-7th July and will be underpinned by the exhibition which will run from 4th June to 31st August 2019. Preparations for the exhibition have now started.

There will be a commemorative service at All Saints Church on Friday 5th July 2019, followed by a re-enactment of the arrival of the news of Trafalgar together with events on the village green. During the weekend of 6/7th July activities are planned to include visiting a Royal Navy craft moored at Lymington, exploring our naval connections at Buckler’s Hard, and walking part of a new Naval Heritage trail between Milford and Buckler’s Hard, taking in Lymington, Boldre and South Baddesley.

Local communities and organisations will have the opportunity to learn about our strong naval tradition and the pivotal role played by Admiral Cornwallis in the defeat of Napoleon’s invasion threat.

Admiral Cornwallis
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Since 1066, there have been three times when England has been under serious threat of imminent invasion: the first was against the Armada sent by Philip of Spain in 1588; the most recent in 1940 when Hitler assembled his forces in the continental ports opposite the English coast; and, sometimes forgotten, in 1803/5 we stood alone against Napoleon as he planned his invasion of England.

Napoleon had to gain naval control of the English Channel to execute his invasion plans, saying “Let us be masters of the Channel for six hours and we are masters of the world."

It was Admiral Cornwallis, as Commander in Chief of the Channel Fleet, who was responsible both for successfully preventing the French invasion of Britain and deciding on the necessity of creating and dispatching to Spanish waters the nucleus of that fleet that his friend Nelson was to command at Trafalgar.

“We are delighted to have received the support of National Lottery players for our exhibition to commemorate Admiral Cornwallis and to provide our community with the opportunity to learn about an important part of our naval heritage.” Chris Hobby, chairman MOSHRS.

About Milford-on-Sea Historical Record Society (MOSHRS)

Milford-on-Sea Historical Record Society was founded in 1909 and is one of the oldest established local history groups in England. We are custodians of nearly 10,000 records of Milford. Many of these are original historical documents including letters, house deeds, rate books, newspaper cuttings, postcards, photographs, paintings, drawings and maps.

The Society's Research and Discussion Group provides a forum for the interchange of ideas and information, leading to articles on matters of local historical interest being published in our Occasional Magazine.

About the Heritage Lottery Fund

Thanks to National Lottery players, we invest money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about - from the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife. www.hlf.org.uk. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #HLFsupported.

About The 1805 Club

Please visit: www.1805club.org

For more information please contact: Milford-on-Sea Historical Record Society

Chris Sanders – project manager chris@moshrs.org.uk

www.moshrs.org.uk

Mark & Bev get engaged

Our popular village newsagent, Mark Cummings has got engaged to Bev Laimbeer. The big event happened on Bev's birthday on the 4th November 2018.

Mark and Bev
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As Bev explains; "When Mark proposed on my 'big birthday' he had already asked my parents permission a few weeks before which was quite sweet. He managed to last all day without letting it slip, and then after a lovely meal in Lymington we had a walk down the quay where he got down on one knee with my ring in his hand. (I did say yes, and then helped him up!)" "It was just perfect and very unexpected and romantic. We are both really happy and looking forward to the future."

Bev formerly ran The Village Coffee Pot in Milford on Sea high street, and now has 'Truffles' sweet shop in Lymington high street. Mark has been at The Village News at the bottom of the village green for many years and is a great supporter of village organisations and activities providing an important hub for the village.

Our congratulations are added to those of their many friends in the village and we wish them a long and happy future together.

The Village News

74 High Street, Milford on Sea, Lymington SO41 0QD

Straight Banana in a Library

Milford on Sea Community Library in The Village Hall is run by a team of volunteers and they have to fund raise to cover the cost of rent and other expenses. Any proceeds from all they organise goes towards keeping the library open for our village community.

Whilst we publicise all village events on the Village Calendar (click here) rather than in this news site, we just wanted to mention the popular village cappella group 'Straight Banana' who will be providing a light entertainment show with a truly eclectic mix of songs from their repertoire – everything from music hall through folk to a wonderful piece specially composed by a group member to coincide with Remembrancetide. 

The six ladies who make up “Straight Banana” all perform regularly as members of Total Voice Chamber Choir. They have been singing a cappella together for about three years, following a one-off Christmas song which led to the formation of the group. They have recently performed at Milford Folk Club, the Newcomer's Supper and the Total Voice concert at St Francis of Assisi RC Church. 

If you’re intrigued to know where “Straight Banana” comes from, then come along to the Library on the 28th November and you may find out!

Straight Banana Musical Entertainment and a cup of tea/coffee at 2pm on Wednesday 28th November 2018 at Milford on Sea Community Library.

Tickets £4 per person, including refreshments, are on sale at Milford on Sea Community Library.

Milford on Sea Community Library 
The Village Hall, Park Road, Milford on Sea SO41 0QU

Opening times:
Monday and Tuesday: 2.30pm - 5pm
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 10am - 12.30pm
First Saturday each month 10am - 12.30pm

Email: mosclibrary@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/mosclibrary

Stacey reveals new restaurant name

Ray’s Italian Kitchen has been revealed as the new name for Milford on Sea’s latest restaurant, lovingly named after owner, Stacey’s father. 

The restaurant, set to open on Thursday 6th December will offer carefully selected dishes, big on flavour and taste, plus the option of a ‘Small Plate’ grazing menu for sharing. 

Stacey
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Stacey said: “It’s been quite an emotional ride for me these last few weeks with buying the business and then to see my dad’s name incorporated into the restaurant’s logo, I couldn’t be happier. 

“My dad had such a big impact on my life and I know he would have been excited and proud of me for returning to what I love the most – running my own restaurant.” 

Ray’s Italian Kitchen will be open every Tuesday to Saturday with coffee & cake, lunch menu and evening service from Thursday 6th December 2018.

Advanced bookings are recommended and can be made by contacting: 01590 645300 or info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

Ray’s Italian Kitchen

11 High Street 

Milford on Sea 

SO41 0QF

www.raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

Centre Administrator sought for Community Centre

Centre Administrator 

The Community Centre Trustees are seeking to recruit an Administrator to help with the smooth day to day running of Milford on Sea Village Community Centre, which provides a vital role in the village offering a wide range of activities, social support and information. 

The Administrator will be the main point of contact for the public and users of the Centre and will require experience in general office administration with good IT skills. Should also have experience in: management of bookings, preparation of invoices and maintenance of diary and petty cash records together with handling enquiries from the public and engaging with users of the Centre as well as supporting the Trustees’ activities. 

This is a part time permanent position of 20 hours per week with hours to be worked mainly Monday – Friday 10am to 2pm. Some flexibility on these times may be required. 

Salary range will be between £10,000 and £13,000 commensurate with experience. 

If you feel you are the right person for this role & can respond to what is needed please apply by sending your CV to pware.lane@yahoo.co.uk

Choir thrill at Remembrance Concert

Milford on Sea Village Royal British Legion fundraiser, Jan England is delighted to announce that last Fridays 'Immortal Heroes' Remembrance Concert by the Bournemouth Male Voice Choir at All Saints' Church was a great success and very well attended.

The performance was a fusion of music, narrated history of particular WW1 events and some of the poetry written at the time.

Entry to the concert was free and the church was full despite the weather. Jan said; "The standing ovation at the end of the concert was the first I've seen in the church and great to see." She also sends her thanks to all that supported the event.

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On leaving the concert there was a retiring collection for the Poppy Appeal which raised an impressive £1220.

Community Centre seeks Trustees