New Greek Restaurant in village

Milford on Sea is about to get a brand new Greek Restaurant called Faros. Based at Marine House on the seafront which previously housed the very popular restaurant The Raft Rocks.

The grand opening takes place next Wednesday 13th February and bookings are currently being taken on 01590 644999.

They are showing some rather lovely plates on their Facebook Page (click here), but I very much doubt that these will get smashed at the end of a great evening!

This sounds another tasty addition the the vibrant Milford on Sea dining scene, why not find out what they have to offer for yourself.

As I say, if in doubt, Eat Out!

Faros Greek Restaurant
Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY
Tel: 01590 644999

info@farosgreekrestaurant.co.uk
www.facebook.com/FarosGreekRestaurant
www.farosgreekrestaurant.co.uk - Website coming soon.

Milford Community Care Group - Annual New Year Party

We are tough cookies in Milford! Over 20 guests braved Friday afternoon’s harsh wintery weather to attend the Milford Community Care Group's annual new year party in All Saints’ church hall. 

Arriving to the wonderful ukulele music of The Strumpets, the afternoon got off to a lively start. The four female ukulele players were supported by “honorary strumpets” in the shape of two cheerful male guitar players. 

The musicians performed a very humorous song about love in later life --- but that is probably best not repeated in a family website! 

There was a splendid song specially written about Milford, and there were many opportunities for joining in the singing of old familiar songs. The session ended with “Bring me sunshine”. By this time, snow was gently falling again, so the song was more of a wish than an order! 

That was followed by the glamorous Nicole in her striking costume of vibrant red evening gown with white bolero, who treated the guests to beautiful singing, giving them songs from the shows, and some classical pieces. 

Tea was then served, with home-made sandwiches and cake, and guests were invited to take home with them the flower pieces on each table. 

The afternoon drew to a close with a lovely session of swinging music from the Windmill Quintet. 

Guests were returned safely home, and will be looking forward to the Milford Community Care Group's summer outing in warmer weather! 

To help MCCG, simply phone 01590 641700 to offer your services as a driver or as an office helper. You will be very warmly welcomed!

SLAM Group are Fundraising

We have received below from the SLAM Group who are looking to protect land around School Lane and Manor Road from developers. 

"As you may know the SLAM group was formed to help protect land around School Lane and Manor Road from developers. The main opposition to this was that they would not be building enough affordable housing but a small percentage compared to large profitable houses. 

Planning was refused and now the developer, Pennyfarthing, has appealed this decision. With this in mind we wanted to ensure that the village had a voice at this appeal and we delivered around the village the attached leaflet asking if people wanted to donate to a Crowdfunding site to allow us to employ a planning consultant to ensure we have a voice and who would attend and represent us at the 3 day hearing on the 12th to 14th February in Lymington. 

In just a few weeks the Crowdfunding site, has raised a total of £2675 - very near our total of £3000. click here to visit funding site.

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With the majority of money raised we have identified and instructed a planning consultant to represent us. We will be holding a meeting in the community centre on 4th February at 8pm for as many people in the village as possible to attend so we, the SLAM group, can update them on the appeal process in February and also they can meet the planning consultant plus there will be a Q&A session with him. As time will be limited we ask if any questions can be sent in ahead of the meeting - if possible! 

The whole SLAM team want to thank all of the villagers who have sent letters, already attended meetings and donated to the fund as we wouldnt be in the position without the help and support of the villagers. To donate, please click here."

Many thanks, the SLAM Team

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Need to shift some aches and pains?

I guess we all need to shift some aches and pains, and Sally Morris at New Forest Sports Massage on the seafront can help.

Remedial or sports massage is a great way to help with the common muscular issues we face today because of poor posture or just getting older. Medical massage can help with spinal pain, tennis/golfers elbow, frozen shoulder, runners knee and plantarfascilitis as well as many other soft tissue problems that can affect your body, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Sally has been providing relief and rehabilitative exercises since qualifying in 2009, and currently has her practice in the Seafront Clinic at 10 Hurst Road, Milford on Sea. Patients see Sally for all day to day or sports injuries along with a more remedial massage to keep any aches and pains away.

A customer, Mrs. Broomfield said; "Sally has made a significant difference in my life. Every visit she welcomes me warmly, puts me at ease and enquires about my general health. Before beginning each treatment she explains carefully how she is going to proceed and talks through each stage as she works with friendly professionalism. I have every confidence in her skills and already feeling benefits from her excellent work!" 

For more information click here.

To book an appointment call: 07824 876884 or Email: sally@newforest-sportsmassage.co.uk

Sally Morris

New Forest Sports Massage

10 Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY

07824 876884

www.newforest-sportsmassage.co.uk

Verveine wins Book of the Month

The year has started brilliantly for David Wykes chef/patron at Verveine restaurant in Milford on Sea village. 

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Following being placed in 62nd position in The Harden's Restaurant Guide Top 100 restaurants in the UK (Ahead of many renowned Michelin Star restaurants) David's book 'Verveine' has won 'Book of the Month' in Edit Food & Travel. They quote; "A must for all lovers of food photography, chef David Wykes from Verveine has created the ultimate in recipe books which is a treat for the senses."

To read the full article please click here.

Great work Dave!

Verveine Restaurant
98 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE
01590 642176
www.verveine.co.uk

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 More About the Verveine Book

David Wykes chef/patron at Verveine restaurant in Milford on Sea village has 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.

Dave can deliver the book anywhere in the UK for a total price of £40, (or it is available for £35 on Amazon). 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.

La Perle hold raffle in aid of School

Sam at La Perle in the High Street is running a raffle to raise funds for Milford on Sea Primary School Smart Board Appeal.

For just £5 you could win:

First Prize: An Entertaining Cookery Demonstration by Chef /Patron Sam of La Perle, followed by a 3 Course Meal for 6 - Delicious!
Second Prize: A £100 Voucher for La Perle Restaurant. Voted to be in the top 2% of restaurants in the whole of Hampshire!
Third Prize: A Superb Magnum of Wine to savour!
  

The winners draw will take place on 31st January 2019. All details are on the poster below.

To buy your tickets please just pop in. Thank you very much! 

La Perle 

60 High Street, Milford-On-Sea 

01590 643557 

www.laperle.co.uk

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Are you interested in the history of the village?

Milford on Sea is a fascinating village, with a fascinating history - and it is easy for you to find out more.

The Milford on Sea Historical Record Society meet throughout the year at All Saints' Church Hall at 7.45pm and newcomers are always welcome. Annual membership is just £10 per year and this invites you to all talks and special events.

Take a look at the Milford-on Sea Historical Record Society Programme 2019 below, and then pop along:

Thursday 31st January Annual General Meeting followed by update on ‘Cornwallis/Peyton Commemorations’ by Chris Hobby & Chris Sanders

Thursday 28th March ‘Nelson and Trafalgar 1805’ a talk with local interest by Commodore Adrian Munns OBE RN (Ret’d)

Thursday 30th May ‘Calshot—a place in time’ An illustrated talk on the History of Calshot by Colin Van Geffen.

Friday & Saturday 5th & 6th July Cornwallis/Peyton Commemorations — Summer Festival
and Service of Dedication to Commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Death of Admiral Sir William Cornwallis. Full details will be announced nearer the time.

Thursday 26th September ‘Our Ancestors and their lives in Dorset’ an illustrated talk by
Paul Cheetham, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Archaeology at Bournemouth University.

Thursday 28th November ‘Thomas Budd, the Vanishing Vicar’ an illustrated talk about Milford Church during the Civil War by Chris Saunders.

Meetings take place at All Saints Church Hall, Milford on Sea at 7:45 p.m.
Complimentary coffee or tea or soft drinks will be available from 7.15 p.m.


Milford on Sea Historical Record Society
www.milfordhistory.org.uk

Ellen’s Hockey Hat-trick secures Dorset win over Somerset

Normally preferring her lies on the Barton on sea golf course where she has a Handicap of 7, Ellen’s hockey hat-trick helped secure a 4-1 win over Somerset on Sunday in the U14’s County Hockey.

Images from Simon Carlton Photography
https://carltonphotography.smugmug.com
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On a brisk but sunny day the Dorset team displayed superb skills to beat a strong Somerset side.

Ellen, 13, from Milford on Sea, plays for Bournemouth Hockey Club, Dorset U14’s County Hockey team and Dorset U18’s 1st team Golf. She is the U18 Hampshire Handicap County Golf Champion.

Images from Simon Carlton Photography
https://carltonphotography.smugmug.com
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Hidden House on Cliffs goes on sale

The Mail Online published an interesting article this week revealing a house in Milford on Sea that many of us would not have known was there.

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Taddiford House has stunning sea views out to the Isle of Wight and is surrounded by farmland on one side, a prestigious Barton on Sea links golf course on the other with The Solent to the south.

The white-painted four bedroom house has become a vandalised and rundown former holiday home and is now being sold for £1.5million by Caldwells Estate Agents in Lymington. 

Not only can we not see the house due to it's secluded location, it was even painted black in World War 2 so the Luftwaffe couldn't use it as a navigational landmark!

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To read the full article please click here.

If you want to buy Taddiford House click here!

Having a clear out?

If you are having a clear out, or have some unwanted articles, the Village Charity Shop in Church Hill, MoS welcomes donations if you feel being generous.

Please bear in mind when donating but that the items need to be resold, so broken, chipped, or incomplete sets are of little use. 

The Village Charity Shop is run solely be volunteers who work hard raising funds for the community centre and the better the goods, the more they raise!

Do pop in to see what can be accepted, or see what you may fancy buying....or why not even join the team for a few hours a week? New volunteers are always welcome, just go and say hello!

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'.

click image to enlarge

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. 

click image to enlarge

click image to enlarge

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