Clubs, Classes & Sports

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Friday 28 June 2013

Jobs at The Marine

A number of Full & Part Time positions are now available at The Marine.

They are soon to open a number of rooms for overnight and holiday stays, and are currently looking for someone to come in as a part-time housekeeper to look after the rooms after guests have visited.

There are also vacancies for experienced bar & waiting staff, and a kitchen assistant.

If you, or anyone you know, are interested please call Richard on: 01590 644369

The Marine
Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY
www.themarinemos.co.uk | 01590 644369

Sam at Hardy's

We recently heard from Sam Hughes, the former head chef at The Marine.
Sam is now head chef at Hardy's Brasserie in Marylebone, London. As with many chefs, Sam's career in the kitchen has meant spanning the country.
Before arriving at The Marine, Sam trained with Rowley Leigh at Kensington Place and also worked under Raymond Blanc. He then spent several years as head chef at the celebrated Sir Charles Napier in Oxfordshire. Last year you may also have seen him in the latest series of 'Masterchef: The Professionals.'
If you fancy looking him up and trying his latest menus, you can find him at Hardy's.

Hardy's Brasserie
53 Dorset Street, London, W1U 7NH
www.hardysbrasserie.com

The Marine
Hurst Road, Milford on Sea
www.themarinemos.co.uk

Thursday 27 June 2013

Phil Wins Lifetime Achievement

Local teacher and Milford on Sea resident, Phil Hill was nominated by his school and shortlisted for a German Embassy Lifetime Achievement Award for German teaching.

His nomination gained him an invitation to the 'Sommerfest der Deutschen Sprache' (Summer Party) at The German Embassy in London, hosted by Ambassador Boomgaarden. Elizabeth Truss MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Education and Childcare, was the keynote speaker for the event.

The glamorous Summer Party took place on Tuesday, 25 June and due to the prestige of the event it even got a mention by Chris Evans on his radio show.

Phil Hill,
German Ambassador Boomgaarden
 and Elizabeth Truss MP
*Pic Courtesy of German Embassy
The purpose of the Award is to recognise outstanding achievement by individual teachers of German in the UK, to pay tribute to the work of German teachers in the UK and to highlight the commitment of the winners' schools to modern language teaching.

Over 200 teachers and representatives from the education and language teaching sectors came from all over the UK to join the celebrations.

As Phil enjoyed the surroundings and hospitality, the award ceremony got underway. To his immence surprise and pride it was then announced; The Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Philip Hill of Highcliffe School. Cue one delighted professional from Milford on Sea.

Phil is married to Sue Hill, who runs the very informative Village Voice Magazine. He is due to retire at the end of July, however he has no concern about keeping busy, Sue has plenty of plans, and he has many interests, one of which is playing keyboards in the party funk, soul & rock band 'Dorsal Fin'.

In his career, Phil has acted as Deputy head of department, School publicity officer and more recently co-director of Language College, but German has always remained his passion and focus.

His Year 11 German class produced the best set of GCSE results across the entire school in 2012 and this year he has had the pleasure of seeing one of his Year 13 students accepted at Oxford University to study German. He played a key, inspirational and driving role in the successful designation of Highcliffe School as a Language College in 2000.

Highcliffe School say; "It is true to say that Philip Hill has been a towering influence on German teaching".

Congratulations Phil!
----------------------------------------------

PS: I am keeping a close eye on the post, as I understand the French Embassy also do awards for service to the French language and culture. Must only be a matter of time for moi nomination to arrive.

Dorsal Fin Band
www.dorsalfin.co.uk

Chewton Glen comes to Milford

Luke Matthews
(with James Martin)
Chewton Glen’s very own Executive Head Chef, Luke Matthews is going to be cooking at Milford on Sea C.E Primary School.

He hasn't changed his job, but The Parents Friends Association have been fortunate enough to have been able to organise an evening of fine food and tasting with Luke and his team.

This is a unique opportunity to join Luke and some of his team from his Michelin Star  kitchen, in an entertaining and engaging evening of cookery demonstrations, audience participation and tasting! The school will be filled with delicious aromas, as the audience will be shown how to cook six mouth-watering dishes, including Tortellini and Crispy Beef Vietnamese Salad – just to name a few!

Luke Matthews has been at Chewton Glen since 1993. He worked for ten years as Senior Sous Chef and in 2003 was appointed Executive Head Chef. Luke has honed his skills and developed a fabulous team and a well-recognised style of cuisine, whose secret lies in the quality of the ingredients selected and a deceptively simple approach to their preparation.

Luke's passion is the preparation of fish dishes and combining a lighter healthier style of cooking to all the dishes that he creates. Coming from Christchurch, Luke is married to Claire and they have two young children.

Tickets are priced at £18 per person and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, and tickets are limited so please get in early.

To book your tickets please call the school office on 01590 642945.

Sheep & Dogs Don't Mix

Our local farmers, Simeon and Lisa from Aubrey Sheep Farm in Keyhaven recently got back from a couple of weeks holiday to find that one of their lovely ewes was attacked by a dog on the 8th June and was so badly injured that she had to be put to sleep.

The ewes and lambs are now in residence at their summer grazing down by Sturt Pond and the Crabbing Bridge in Keyhaven and are a real pleasure to watch as you enjoy the spectacular scenery, so it is a bit of a shock to hear of this sad news.

Their are clear signs up that clearly state that it is within the farmers rights to shoot any dog that worries their livestock. Naturally they would never want a situation to come to that, but the farmer has to consider the distress caused to the ewe, the lambs she leaves behind and the staff who have to deal with it.

I suspect we all hope this is an isolated incident, but should you spot any dogs worrying the sheep you can contact Simeon or Lisa below. The police also have a rural crime department on the 101 non-emergency number.

Aubrey Sheep Farm
Simeon: 07767 688399
Lisa: 07702 556207

Sunday 23 June 2013

Verveine on BBC Food

The word on the amazing food being created at Verveine is certanly spreading far and wide.
This week, a video and article appeared on BBC Food featuring David Wykes and his Milford on Sea restaurant.
The interview was carried out by Anna-Louise Taylor, and focuses on ‘deconstructed cuisine’ and how David is using different smoking techniques on seasonal ingredients. 
click image to see full interview

Anna-Louise discovers how he does a lot of smoking with a cold smoker "to control the flavour a lot more." He also uses a "smoking gun" to infuse a dish under glass, and he says; "We smoke things with dried elder flowers, berries, cigars, to give a different level of finish." 
David is a fan of smoking anything from vanilla pods, fish, flour for bread, vegetables, lobster shells for bisque's through to langoustine shells to make oils, as it; "imparts a noticeable flavour".

David does not simply smoke some of his dishes, he is also known to include Smokey elements in some drinks, such as straws made from vanilla pods, or smoked seaweed-infused martinis.
Two things are guaranteed at Verveine. One: You will see something totally unexpected on the menu, and Two: The dining and taste experience will be somthing to savour!
We look forward to the day Verveine gain national recognition, surely it cannot be too far away.


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

Saturday 22 June 2013

Restore Old Photos in Milford

On our travels we have discovered another interesting business in the village.
 
AB Design is an online based business that revives and restores old and damaged photos and pictures. The company is based in Milford on Sea, and Anna Banton is the company’s Founder and Creative Director.
 
The photo restoration is done using the latest in photo editing software, and their retouching service is intended to be competitive and affordable. In fact, it appears that they could do just about anything with a photograph, such as Photo Tinting, Colouring Black and White, Combining Photographs, Photographic Collage, and Replacement of Backgrounds.
 
so, if you have any old photos you would like restored to their former glory it may be worth giving them a call.
 
Anna’s business also offers affordable static websites, e-commerce websites, full colour printing and logo designs.

AB Designs | Anna Banton
www.abdesigns.org.uk


Thursday 20 June 2013

Knees in Milford


Local village author, Frederick Webb (Alias; Archpip Plumtree) has published his second book.
 
Totally tongue in cheek and designed to amuse, his new work 'My Knee's are My Children', follows his first book 'The Zombie at the Sandy Palms Golf Club'.
 
The book is simply an attempt to generate amusement from decades of painful knees, a tongue in cheek account of the effect they had on every aspect of his life. The knees belong to the Archpip Plumtree, founder of the Plum Tree faith.
 
Archpip Plumtree (Fredrick) says: 'We should never let our infirmities dominate our lives, it is not British. And in an area where the retired outnumber the working, the dread disease of Premature Prunification is a special danger, it can cause an incurable disease which wrinkles the skin and kills the mind.'
 
Fredrick also has plans to create a 'Knees Blog'; The Nine O'clock Knees will go out every Friday at Nine PM, and incorporate the Knees of the World; and Kneesweek, plus Kneesflashes from kneeshounds all over the world.
 
Either of Frederick's books (My Knees are My Children | The Zombie at the Sandy Palms Golf Club) can be obtained from: www.winstongrit.com

If you would like your copies signed, he is happy to do so, just call: 01590 642026

 

School Lane Housing Plans Go Ahead

At a recent meeting, the Parish Council have approved the New Forest District Council Local Plan (Part 2) objective to place 30 homes on the Green Belt site at School Lane (MoS1).

Some time ago a number of objections had been raised against the MoS1 Plan, and a Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group had been formed. We understand that their recommendations were not satisactory for a number of reasons, and therefore not accepted at the meeting.

The Parish Council have provided a full statement to explain the situation and their resulting decision as below:


STATEMENT
SITE SELECTION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND
FORMAL PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
 
17th June 2013
 
“This was a very difficult decision. Our original and long standing preference was for small clusters of units. However despite our best efforts only a limited number of sites were offered by landowners.
 
The Parish Council decided that none of the options for allocating the units between the sites available was satisfactory. The Parish Council therefore instead decided to accept the proposal from NFDC to develop the site at School Lane. We recognise that some residents are disappointed, but decisions of this kind are inevitably controversial.
 
The Inspector at the current Public Inquiry has now made it clear in the following statement that any development at School Lane must deliver important new public facilities:-
 
MOS1: Land north of School Lane
 
Land north of School Lane is allocated for residential development specifically to provide for local housing needs in accordance with Policies CS12 and CS15(b) of the Core Strategy, and for public open space. 70% of the dwellings provided will be affordable housing. The site will be developed in accordance with the following site-specific criteria: 
  • provision of a maximum of 30 dwellings on the southern part of the site (on the land within the defined built-up area)
  • on site provision of public open space in accordance with Policy CS7, including the provision of play space for children within the residential development
  • a minimum of 2 hectares of formal public open space (playing fields) in the northern part of the site (east of the Milford Primary School)
  • provision of suitable land for a minimum of 5 full size allotment plots within the site
  • provision of vehicular access from Lymington Road at the southern end of the site (diverting School Lane at its western end through the site, with the existing route of School Lane being retained as a pedestrian and cycle route and for access only to existing properties in School Lane and Lymefields)
  • provision of off-road cycleway along the site frontage with Lymington Road with links through to public open space provided on the site 
  • pedestrian access to the site from Lymington Road and School Lane
  • provision of a safe pick-up and drop-off area for Milford Primary School
  • provision of car parking sufficient to serve the playing fields and available for dual use with the school
  • significant landscaping to integrate the different elements within the site and with adjoining features and to create an appropriate transition from built development across the playing fields to the wider countryside beyond. 
Planning permission will not be granted for any built development until a comprehensive plan has been prepared showing how all the required elements can be satisfactorily accommodated and integrated within the site and any phasing for the provision of the different elements.
 
Built development shall not commence until arrangements are in place to ensure that the land for playing fields would be made available for that use in accordance with the planned phasing of the development or other clear timetable.
 
The Parish Council will be fully involved in the proposed development to ensure we win the best possible result for Milford-on-Sea”.
 
Cllr Julian Davis
Chairman
Milford-on-Sea Parish Council
 
 
 
 

Wednesday 19 June 2013

40 B4 40-L'Autre Pied

No.36- L'Autre Pied (London W1)

Some days you just know it is going to be a good day, ....and this was one of those.
 
Today we were dining at L'Autre Pied in Marylebone London with our good friends Alistair & Natalie. Alistair is not one for the sun, mainly due to his pasty skin and bald head, so it was no surprise when following the recent good weather he arrived looking like a beetroot on fire.

L'Autre Pied has a Michelin Star, and is the sister restaurant of Pied Ă  Terre, a restaurant we have had the pleasure to dine in before, and where Alistair says he had his best meal ever. Expectations were understandably high.
 
Each year we like to visit a nice restaurant to celebrate the girls forthcoming birthdays. (My wife's birthday celebrations tend to last for a month before and month after!) On this occasion she had seen a great deal on Groupon, offering the 7 Course Taster Menu at £75 for 2, which is around half price.

click image to enlarge
Before dining, we decided to have pre-lunch drinks at the Artesian Bar in The Langham Hotel which was apparently voted 'The World's Best Bar' by Drinks International. The lounge is a glamorous cocktail bar with a taste of exotic Orientalism and nostalgia. We discovered that the bar is named after the 360ft-deep artesian well under the hotel and specialises in exclusive rum creations, but as it was going to be a long day we stuck to some London brewed beer and gin & tonic.

Suitably watered, we made our way to L'Autre Pied.

The restaurant had a contemporary interior and was pretty hot when we arrived. A quick word with a member of the friendly front of house team and the door was opened and the problem over.

As we commenced our dining marathon, it soon became evident why this restaurant holds a Michelin Star. The service was sharp and the dishes created by Head Chef Andy McFadden were simply incredible creations of flavour, texture and art on a plate.

The first course arrived a nice time after we had settled and enjoyed our first drink. We then had the pleasure of the following menu:

7 Course Tasting Menu
  • Compressed Cucumber with Black Onion Seeds, Avocado Puree and Cucumber Granita
  • Salad of Radishes with Black Quinoa, Creme Fraiche, Fennel and Dill
  • Heritage Potatoes with Creamed Jersey Royals, Black Garlic, Onion Jam and Nasturtium.
  • Grilled Mackerel and Tartare with Hazelnuts, Apple Tapioca, Celery and Miso
  • Roast Suckling Pig with Glazed Aubergine, Ras el Hanout, Green Olives and Sambal
  • Apple Custard with Passion Fruit Sorbet and Pistachio
  • Strawberries with Coconut, Yoghurt and Lime
As you may have spotted, the menu contained two sweets. so, there was I, anticipating a nine course meal. The first pudding went to plan, as my 'no pudding for me' wife simply passed it to me.  Then, shock, horror, she ate the second one!
 
Thankfully, the bread had been plentiful and delicious. My favourites were the Onion Brioche and Walnut & Raisin, whilst others also enjoyed the Guinness Bread and Mini French Baguette.

Amongst our various conversations, the girls were taking a practical angle, and working out the volume and logistics of washing up the complete cutlery sets provided with each course. Alistair and I had no idea what they were talking about, and concentrated on creative ways of insulting each other, whilst savouring the few bottles of wine that accompanied our meal. It was nice that the Vouvray and Gamay de Touraine were pretty fair value for Central London.

The whole event was completed with coffee and Mini Carrot Cake Petit Fours.
 
The restaurant team had managed to leave a perfect time between courses for both our digestion, and time to chat and enjoy each others company. All to soon it was over, and around three hours later we were on our way in a very satisfied frame of mind.
 
The day was still young, so the natural course of action was to find a cocktail bar. Soon we were inside No.5 Cavendish Square trying some alcoholic concoctions.  Alistair was glowing and almost burst when he cracked a joke about a 'couple of pies'. This was pretty strange, as it was actually funny, not Alistair's normal track record with jokes.
 
Whilst having our cocktails we spotted an outside terrace on the floor above. On enquiring, we were told that this was a private Middle Eastern Shisha Lounge. Having never tried Shisha before, we all decided it was worth trying to see if they would let us in for a new experience.
 
Climbing the grand staircase there was no signage whatsoever, only a closed carved oak door. We knocked, explained we would like to come in, and the guy took us to a table on the terrace.

Around us were a number of groups, all appeared Arabic in origin, and experts in the art of the Shisha. The men were looking cool whilst simultaneously puffing and using their mobile phones, there was also a party of girls in a smoke filled corner, and a TV was playing an episode of Arab Idol. One floor up, and a complete change in atmosphere and continent!
 
The waiter helped us through the menu and we decided to share two Shisha's (Hookah), one flavoured Water Melon, the other a Cherry 'Fruit Head'. We did our best to work out how the Hubba Bubba Pipes worked. Apparently, the bottom vase contain water and the bowl is then covered with a perforated foil sheet on which hot coals are placed. This causes the tobacco in the bowl to heat up and create smoke. By sucking on the hose, the smoke is drawn down through the down stem, underwater and then smoked, .. or something like that.
 
It all looked so easy, but it took real long draws to pull the smoke through, only to create a coughing fit when it hit your throat.  We did our best to look as though we knew what we were doing, but we all failed. Indeed, Alistair ending up drawing so hard his head became a smoke filled receptacle with grey clouds appearing from just about every orifice.
 
Having had our fun, and our lunch now running into its seventh hour, it was time to make for Waterloo station and home. But... not before a quick final drink at The Cabin. How we all managed to share some Hot Chorizo Sausage Rolls and Pork Pie & Mustard I am not quite sure, but it did go well with our nightcap.
 

L'Autre Pied: 5-7 Blandford Street, London W1U 3DB
www.lautrepied.co.uk

Pied Ă  Terre: 34 Charlotte Street, London W1T 2NH
www.pied-a-terre.co.uk

Langham Hotel - Artesian Bar
1c Portland Place, Regent Street, London W1B 1JA
www.langhamhotels.co.uk
www.artesian-bar.co.uk

No.5 Cavendish Square
5 Cavendish Square, Oxford Circus, London W1G 0PG
www.no5cavendishsq.com

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





 

The Big Village Sing!

The Milford on Sea Arts and Music Festival has a twist this year, with an amazing send-off; The Big Village Sing!  Th idea is to pack as many singers as possible onto the Village Green to sing The Hallelujah Chorus.
 
The singing will be lead by Milford on Sea's Total Voice Choir, and The New Forest Orchestra on Sunday 4th August at around 5.30pm.
 
Don’t worry if you’ve never picked up a piece of music in your life or you’ve only ever sung in the shower – you will be surrounded by people of all levels of experience and ability. If you are a complete novice, there will be lots of others in the same boat, as well as dozens of experienced singers to carry you along. If you’re already a choral singer, come and join in what we hope will be an unforgettable event.
 
Because the organisers know that there will be lots of people who want to get involved who don’t know a crotchet from a treble clef, you can find the words & music as well as a practice track at:
www.milfordfestival.org.uk/bigvillagesing
 
Sounds like it will be a fun end to the festival!
 
--------------------------------------------------------------
 
Milford on Sea Arts and Music Festival
 
The annual Arts and Music Festival has been running successfully for twelve years. It celebrates and promotes the high quality and sheer number of talented local people involved in music and the arts.
 
In fact the festival’s raison d’etre is to promote art and culture in the local area and to give an outlet for performers of all kinds to promote their art and to develop cultural understanding for all.
 
In 2012 a successful application was made to the Charities Commission and the festival is now a registered charity (no. 1148001).
 
Their Chartiable objectives are as follows:
  • To advance, improve, develop and maintain public education in, and appreciation of, the arts, music and culture in all aspects and by any means the trustees see fit, including through the presentation of public concerts and recitals
  • To further such charitable purpose or purposes as the trustees in their absolute discretion shall think fit but in particular through the making of grants and donations.
The festival has always been free to attend and its continued success depends upon the support of generous sponsors, advertisers, Friends of the Festival, villagers and visitors.
 
If you would like to get involved as a volunteer, to become a 'Friend', or give a donation, please contact: committee@milfordfestival.org.uk
 

Milford on Sea Arts and Music Festival
www.milfordfestival.org.uk

The Big Village Sing
www.milfordfestival.org.uk/bigvillagesing
 

Tuesday 18 June 2013

The Cave Goes Yummy

The team at The Cave in Milford on Sea Village Green appear to be on a mission to entertain the village!

Over two of the past weekends they have held live music on their 'Lazy Sunday’ afternoon's and we understand both had an excellent turn out.

From Monday 24th June, The Cave team are launching the 'Yummy Mummy Coffee & Cake Club' to give busy mum's a break and chance to get together. The get togethers will be every Monday & Friday from 10am to 12 noon. 

Whether you plan to meet with friends, or just fancy going along to meet new people, everyone is welcome. A special deal will also be available, with Coffee & Cake for £2.95, and a second cup of coffee for £1.

To ensure that there is something for everyone, from next Monday, The Cave are also starting a 'Happy Hour' from 5pm to 7pm every Monday to Thursday. Each evening will see a number of special offers on International wines, specialist beers and spirits.
 
The Cave, 2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH
 
Find out more at: www.thecavemos.co.uk

 

Monday 17 June 2013

Award for Hurst Castle Museum

The Association of Lighthouse Keepers has gained an award for Conservation and for providing a new Lighthouse related Museum and visitor attraction in Hurst Castle.
 
Anyone interested in lighthouses, museums, or the heritage of the Solent area will love the new museum extension recently opened by the Association of Lighthouse Keepers (ALK) at Hurst Castle.
 
Beautiful lighthouse lenses, lighthouse artefacts, a lighthouse interior reconstruction, very large information boards detailing the Needles lighthouse in particular and fascinating interactive displays are all here as an exciting part of the castle experience.
 
The qualities that led the Solent Protection Society to grant a Conservation Award to the ALK Museum at Hurst Castle were the dedication, ingenuity and perseverance of a small number of skilled and enthusiastic ALK volunteers. Lights, lenses and artefacts were found or borrowed, interactive exhibits from other museums were acquired and also a full size replica of a portion of the Kitchen in the Needles lighthouse has been constructed. In the replica, the 1850s furniture that would have been in the Needles lighthouse when it was built in 1859, has been faithfully recreated with many parts being specially made to suit. To contain a vast number of artefacts that the ALK acquired from ALK member Jim Coleman, a redundant conservatory was cannibalised to make a superb display case. This sounds an interesting new place visit, and of course a trip to Hurst castle is always a pleasure.
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Association of Lighthouse Keepers
The Association of Lighthouse Keepers was formed in 1988 to specifically record the vast history of lighthouse keeping which stretches back over many hundreds of years, when the automation of lighthouses and consequent redundancy of lighthouse keepers was on the horizon. Records of the history of lighthouse keeping takes the form of an archive, both storing and displaying the vast documental record and also examples of physical hardware from lighthouses; the museum at Hurst Castle fills this latter role.
 
The ALK also provides a forum for everyone interested in lighthouses, lightships and other aids to maritime navigation. The automation of navigational aids and the introduction of modern technologies such as GPS means that the wonderful lighthouses around our coast are under threat. Active, unmanned lighthouses are already becoming increasingly fewer hence the ALK is preserving their history and memories and also seeks to protect these unique structures. There are a number of serving attendants and former keepers amongst the membership who are involved in the day to day maintenance of existing lights. However being an ex-lighthouse keeper is not a requirement for joining the Association! The ALK organises visits to some of the lighthouses throughout the British Isles and occasionally to the near Continent as well.
 
For more information about the Association of Lighthouse Keepers visit: www.alk.org.uk
 
Solent Protection Society
Solent Protection Society exists to ensure the ecological and environmental wellbeing and wise management of the Solent area, its natural beauty and amenities, so that these can be enjoyed by present and future generations. It is a small charity funded by private members (including several bequests), numerous yacht clubs and commercial companies throughout the area. The Society recognises some of the outstanding work in the Solent in two ways:
YA Conservation Award. This is a small plaque that can be displayed by the recipient. The presentation of the award offers a publicity opportunity Small grants, usually less than £5000, to facilitate a project that assists with the protection and conservation of the Solent. The Solent is a complex area that has to satisfy the , sometimes conflicting, demands of its many users. SPS seeks to explain how the Solent works, and to comment on proposed and actual legislation for the benefit of Solent users. A series of winter talks is being planned to take place in various parts of the area, If you would like to help SPS support and encourage people who strive to protect the Solent, you are welcome to join. The current annual subscription is £12. The application forms can be found on the SPS website at http://www.solentprotection.org/join
 
Visiting the ALK Museum at Hurst Castle
Hurst Castle is accessible by ferry from Keyhaven, or on foot along Hurst Spit from Milford on Sea More to do at Hurst Castle In addition to the ALK museum there are numerous other fascinating things to see at Hurst castle. Hurst Castle was the perfect location to defend the western approach to the Solent. The castle was built by Henry VIII as one of a chain of coastal fortresses and was completed in 1544. Charles I was imprisoned here in 1648 before being taken to London to his trial and execution. The castle was modernised during the Napoleonic wars and again in the 1870’s when the enormous armoured wings were constructed. Two of the huge 38-ton guns installed in the 1870’s can be viewed in their casemates. During World War II, Hurst was manned with coastal gun batteries and searchlights. Since the castle has been opened to the public many more exhibits and exhibitions have been installed. In addition to the ALK Museum, Trinity House also have a major display. For more information about the venue visit http://www.hurstcastle.co.uk/index.html

Contacts
Association of Lighthouse Keepers: Keith Morton, ALK representative at Hurst Castle
hurst@alk.org.uk | Tel: 01329 843883
 
Solent Protection Society: Jeremy Clark (Chairman)
Jeremy.clark589@btinternet.com | Tel: 02380 402767

MoSYFC Win Charter Award

MOSYFC have been awarded the 'FA Charter Standard Club of the Year' in the Bournemouth League.
 
The Charter Standard awards aim to recognise and reward people across the country who make a difference to grassroots football in their local community – the people who dedicate their time to developing tomorrow’s young talent and help ensure safety and best practice in tens of thousands of clubs up and down the country.
 
The award is an impressive accolade and congratuulations go to all the coaches, committee members and parents who give their time voluntarily to make this club a fun and safe place for local children to play and enjoy football.

The players at the club follow the club's ethos, and have a reputation of playing with enthusiasm, fairness and respect for each other and their opponents.

Milford on Sea Youth Football Club play on Barnes Lane Recreation Ground and cater for girls and boys from ages under 6 to under 16. they compete in the Bournemouth Youth Football League on Sundays throughout the season in both mini and 11-a-side soccer.

If you’re interested in joining the club, please contact the respective coach. (Details on website: www.mosyfc.co.uk)

Alternatively, why not go along and watch one of the younger teams train on a Saturday morning at Barnes Lane to get a sense of what we are all about?
 
Milford on Sea Youth Football Club
 

Priestival Gets Rocking

A new music festival is coming soon at Priestlands School.

The Priestival line up is currently being compiled and will be made from past and present Priestlands School pupils. A lot of Milford on Sea students have attended Preistlands School so a a strong village representation is expected on stage.
 
Priestival Music Festival take place on Saturday 6th July from 5pm to 11pm, and will also feature a selection of food, such as a hog roast and paella, as well as cakes and cream teas run by the scouts. There is also a licenced bar.
 
The organisers hope people of all ages will come along to enjoy the fun.

Tickets are available from: www.priestlands.org.uk or the School Office.

Priestival is organised by Priestlands Parent Association and all funds go to Priestlands School. For any queries, please contact Nicky on: 07585 895283


Priestival Music Festival
www.priestlands.org.uk

www.milfordonseacalendar.org


 

Friday 14 June 2013

40 B4 40-Café Shore

click image to enlarge
No.35: Café Shore (Sandbanks)

As the sun broke through the bedroom window on Sunday morning my head was slightly fuzzy. Saturday had been a glorious sunny day and we had celebrated by spending a late afternoon and early evening sampling an impressive selection of the wine and beer menu at The Cave. My son, Matthew found a friend in the special blend of Stella Artois 4, his fiancée Kayleigh got a taste for Sancerre, and my wife just downed everything that was put in front of her.

Not sure if we chose to move on, or if we were thrown out, but we then found ourselves in The Raft, drinking more beer. As you may expect, we were by now peckish, so we indulged in some tasty starters and great pizza’s in the courtyard garden.

The future happy couple were up bright and breezy Sunday morning to attend a church service and specifically, to meet the vicar, in St Stephens Church in Kingston Lacy. This is to be the venue for their wedding next year. My wife was also up, but still in the mumbling stage as she had not yet had her second cup of tea. We debated about going along to meet the vicar, but logistics with our two dogs proved tricky, and their ability to sing hymns was a bit suspect. My wife also though that it might not be a good move for the vicar to meet me just yet. So, we decided to meet them a bit later at The Sandbanks Hotel, the venue for their forthcoming wedding reception. The hotel is in a fabulous position on Poole Harbour with excellent facilities and a very impressive seafront vista.

After a good look around and being impressed by their choice of wedding venue, we wandered along the sandy beach in the sunshine for lunch at Café Shore.

The restaurant was extremely stylish and it was evident that someone had exceptional taste and design skills, not to mention a deep pocket.

Our table overlooked Poole Harbour through the wall of windows. the view was spectacular both inside and out.

It took a while to order our drink and starters, but when they eventually arived it was immediately evident that the kitchen was cooking with skill and using some lovely ingredients. Between us we enjoyed Salmon Tartare with Plantain Crisps, Asparagus with Poached Egg & Hollandaise Sauce, and finally, Tempura Prawns with Sweet Chilli Sauce.

It was a shame that the front of house team did not match the kitchen efforts, when we had to wait too long for our plates to be cleared and for our main courses served.  When they did arrive, they were again very good. We enjoyed; Thyme & Garlic Roasted 28 Day Aged Beef, Horseradish Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Potatoes & Seasonal Vegetables, Beer Battered Fish & Chips with Garden Peas & Tartare Sauce, and a Sea Bass dish. (Which was a replacement for the Black Bream on the menu.)

Our sweets were Lime Cheesecake with White Chocolate Ice Cream, Lemon Curd Pot with Shortbread Biscuit, and Dark Chocolate & Salted Caramel Tart with Crème Fraiche. We all voted them well placed on the 'Yummy scale!'.

Throughout our meal it was bemusing to watch how just about every member of the waiting team avoided eye contact and could not somehow see out table had people on it!

As the bill arrived Matthew & Kayleigh insisted on paying, which was rather nice after a tasty meal and lots of fun conversation.

At 2 Courses for £20 and 3 Courses for £25, the lunch was good value, and had the service matched the environment & the food, it would have been excellent. We will give it another try on another day.

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Café Shore
10-14 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7QB
The Sandbanks Hotel
15 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7PS
www.sandbankshotel.co.uk

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

Tuesday 11 June 2013

Sun Shines on the GREAT DINING BUS

The first in a regular monthly programme of the Milford on Sea Great Dining Bus Tours was sold out and took place on Saturday lunchtime on 8th June 2013.

As the twelve diners arrived at The Marine for a welcome drink and canapés, the sun shone and everyone enjoyed the breathtaking panoramic views from The Marine Roof Terrace.

After boarding the Great Dining Bus, the guests then visited Verveine, The Raft and La Perle, where they enjoyed a different course in each restaurant, which showcased each of the individual restaurants' style and menus.

Most diners did not know each other on arrival, but by the end of the afternoon they had enjoyed the informal and friendly company of their fellow diners. The last diners left the final lunch venue just before 5pm, so it seems everyone had a good time!

One of the diners, Mark Clayson said: “We love the Great Dining Bus concept and you will not be surprised to hear that we really enjoyed our long lunch yesterday. The afternoon was relaxed and very well spent with friends new and old! The Dining Bus gave us of several delicious courses, and a glimpse of what the excellent Milford on Sea restaurants have to offer, … we will be back to enjoy them even more!”

The next Dining Tour takes place on Saturday 29th June 2013

Future Great Dining Bus tickets can be purchased in two ways:

Online at:
www.greatdiningbus.co.uk - or - In Cash from: The Community Centre Box Office, Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH or from: The Cave, 2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH.

Jump on board, this really is a trip worth taking!

To find out more, or to see the upcoming tour dates and details, please visit:

www.greatdiningbus.co.uk - www.ticketsource.co.uk/greatdiningbus.co.uk

Dining Gift Vouchers can also be found on the Great Dining Bus website.

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About the Great Dining Bus

The Great Dining Bus first ran very successfully at Milford on Sea Food Week in 2012 is believed to be the first regular bus dining event in the UK.


The Food Week team launched the Great Dining Bus as a regular and permanent event in the Milford on Sea village calendar in June 2013, and around 16 Dining Tours run every year.

The Great Dining Bus takes locals, holidaymakers and visitors on Dining Tours of the restaurants in Milford on Sea, with each tasty course being served in a different village restaurant.

Milford on Sea has become a 'foodie heaven', and when people see the dining options available, it is easy to see why the village is fast being recognised as the 'south coast destination for great dining'.f you love food and great company, a lunch on the Great Dining Bus in Milford on Sea is for you. Simply book and ‘Jump On’ to enjoy each course in a different village restaurant.

Each Dining Tour gives people a great opportunity to experience fresh local ingredients and tasty creative dishes as the Milford on Sea village restaurants showcase their food offering and service. The village has a multi-award winning fish restaurant, French restaurant, cosmopolitan bistro, seafront British restaurant, and you can even enjoy authentic regional Indian & Thai food.The Great Dining Bus is perfect as a treat, for spending time with friends, special celebrations, anniversaries, birthdays, or just a great excuse to enjoy a unique dining experience whilst savouring great food in excellent restaurants.

In addition to the Great Dining Bus (37.50pp), there is also a Strolling Dining Tour (£32pp), and a Spice Tour (£24pp). These other two tours give people the choice to walk the short distances between courses, for a different type of dining experience. The village is fortunate to have many of the restaurants close to the village green which enables people to take a leisurely stroll between courses.

Milford on Sea also has much more to offer; being blessed with a spectacular coastline, quaint seaside village & great places to stay, eat & shop. To go with our excellent restaurants, pubs & cafés, the village also has B&B's, hotels, self-catering, caravans & camping, in fact something to suit every taste and budget.

The Great Dining Bus is also encouraging people to come and ‘Stay & Dine’, making Milford on Sea a ‘destination for foodies’.The Dining Tours run on a regular basis throughout the year, and dates are already available from June 2013 through to April 2014. (See Tour Dates here) The courses each restaurant serves changes each time.

Dining Vouchers are also available. They make a great gift with difference, and would be excellent for birthdays, celebrations, or just a great way to say thank you. After all, who doesn't love a great meal and company!

The Great Dining Bus team will be promoting the tours locally and also looking for national exposure, as the concept is so unique.

On the Great Dining Bus, diners will enjoy a different course in a selection of Milford on Sea restaurants, where each restaurant will delight in showcasing a taste of their food offering and service.

If you have any queries at all, please contact: info@greatdiningbus.co.uk

To find out more, or to see the upcoming tour dates and details, please visit:

Dining Gift Vouchers can also be found on the Great Dining Bus website.

Milford on Sea Food Week: www.milfordonseafoodweek.org


Monday 10 June 2013

Local Cheese & a Little Port

As I popped to the village to grab something for our lunch, I was soon drooling at the delicatessen counter in Hollands of Milford.

My eyes soon spotted a rather tasty looking new cheese which I hadn't seen before. It turned out to be locally made by Fernhill Cheese Company, an Artisan Cheese maker based on a farm in Sway. The makers, I discovered are Clare Elizabeth Holmes and Sara Jordan, and the cheese is a Brie type made from organic pasteurised cows milk. A wedge of the French style classic was first in to the basket for my lunch quest. 

This was soon followed by a freshly baked stick of French baguette. I then decided to add a jar of Pretty Pickle made by Claire at Spice & Easy in Milford on Sea.

My impromptu plan for our French lunch had suddenly taken shape. I am not sure the girls behind the counter had not realised my shopping adventure had turned French, and they looked suitably bemused as I chatted away in French and asked them if they took Euros.

Arriving home, my wife was slightly nervous of what was going to be revealed from my shopping trip, particularly as I have returned in the past having totally forgotten to buy the lunch I had been sent out for. However, she was pleasantly surprised when I showed her the cross-channel lunch theme contained in the bag.

She was somewhat less impressed with my rendition of 'Alouette'. As I reached the verse with 'Je te plumerai la tĂŞt, Je te plumerai la tĂŞte' for the ninth time, she emerged from the kitchen brandishing a knife, advising me if I wanted to keep my head I should refrain from singing any more. I mumbled; 'You don't scare me' in French and under my breath, thankful she did not hear me.

Lunch was soon served, and it seem appropriate to have an accompanying glass of port, or two.... My wife declined a glass, but I am not sure if she understood my invitation in Gallic.

As we ate lunch, my wife shared her wisdom; - 'You know what happens when you drink at lunchtime; you will be asleep in half an hour'.  'Not me' I insisted as I poured another glass, 'Being almost French, I am genetically built for a continental lunch'.

The cheese was excellent, creamy & flavoursome, the bread fresh, soft and full of memories of our past emigration to Deauville. The chutney added another dimension and the port felt like liquid sunshine lighting up the orchestra of flavours.

An hour or so later I awoke on the sofa with the verses of 'Alouette' still ringing in my head. A note was on my chest. 'Gone to see Stacey. Told you it would put you to sleep'. Don't you just hate it when you wife is always right!

Hollands of Milford



Milford to Andalucia

Casa Girasol
Milford on Sea contains many people who have relocated to be by the sea, with familes spread far and wide, so connections to Milford on Sea are not surprisingly spread across the globe.

When travelling, the mention of Milford on Sea, either prompts a vacant blank look, or a response like; "Oh, do you know so & so".

One such couple is Nigel & Wendy Swann, who's eldest daughter, Debbie, is now settled in Spain.

Nigel & Wendy's eldest daughter, Debbie, has recently featured in a couple of UK publications about life in Spain, and the casita she has renovated with her partner, Jay.

In addition to running an adjoining small self-catering apartment, Debbie also runs small classes teaching English to the Spanish, which could be a useful addition to my excellent version of French.

Casa Girasol is situated in breath-taking olive groves in the heart of rural Andalucia between the ancient and historic cities of Granada and Cordoba at the gateway to the Subbetica National Park.

Debbie and Jay offer you a casa-rural teaming with rustic charm married to breath-taking vistas and old fashioned comfort. Having renovated their 'forever' home and attached guest casita on the edge of the friendly Spanish village of Las Navas they are proud of every stone and paint-stroke.

Untouched by time, Andalucia still offers goats with bells, hand made cheeses, free tapas with your rioja, paellas big enough to feed the village, fiestas, siestas and a chance to sample the real Spain.

I hear that the local wine and cava is extremely inexpensive, which is another good reason to visit in itself.

If it sounds the sort of place for you, you can find Debbie & Jay at:


Casa Girasol (Sunflower House)
Las Navas 78, Priego de Cordoba, Cordoba, 14800, Spain
www.casagirasol.co.uk

Handy Lionel

If you have ever needed anything for a DIY project, or any general household hardware or car accessory item, it is quite likely that you have visited 'Hardware @ Milford' in Keyhaven Road.

The store is a surprising Aladdin's Cave, with everything you may need for your home, garden or car, and plenty you wouldn't have expected to be available in Milford on Sea. You can even get a new key cut and fun stuff for the beach.

Lionel Illgner, the stores owner, is now providing even more services through Lionel's Home Maintenance. He is now offering general domestic home repairs, tiling, assembly of furniture, bathroom & kitchen fitting, painting, decorating, fencing, plus a gardening service for lawn mowing, strimming and hedge cutting.

No job is too small, so I am about to give hom a call to sort out the bathroom light bulb that needs changing!

If you have anything that needs doing, it sounds like it is worth having a chat with Lionel.

Hardware @ Milford
20 Keyhaven Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QY
01590 641684 | 07814 456963
www.hardwareatmilford.co.uk


Opening HoursMonday to Friday: 9.30am - 5pm
Saturday: 8.30am - 5pm

See the Methodist Makeover

The refurbishment of the Milford on Sea Methodist Church is now completed and the team are holding an Open Morning to show everyone the new facilities.

The Open Morning will take place on Saturday 6th July from 10am to 12 noon. The church's website also show all the refurbished work that has been completed. This includes a hearing loop system in the Santuary which is a system that links any hearing appliance to the broadcast sound system for discrete hearing support.

There is also a video projector, full central heating. Behind the main worship area there is a medium sized meeting room which can be hired by any club, organisation or group by contacting Sheila Hall. As can the good size and well equipped kitchen. The toilets have also been upodated and now separate gents & ladies, and a toilet for the disabled in the entrance lobby, which also has baby changing facilities.

The Methodist Church in Milford on Sea is situated in the heart of the community it serves. They try to meet the needs of their own members as well as those of others who live in the village along with the many holiday makers that are attracted to the area. The church are now hoping to get planning permission sometime in the future to modernise the front of the church. A key mission is to extend the hand of fellowship to all in the community.

MoS Methodist Church, 108 High Street, Milford on Sea,SO41 0QE
www.milfordmethodist.org

Sheila Hall: bookings@milfordmethodist.org

Saturday 8 June 2013

40 B4 40-East (Ventura at Sea)

No. 34: East (Ventura at Sea)

Three generations were off on a three night P&O cruise and life could hardly feel better. A short drive to Southampton, and then straight through the port gates to the drop off area. A quick check in, and our cases were taken from the boot next to be seen in our cabins, as our car keys were handed over for valet parking. The welcome from everyone was friendly and smiling, and these seemed people who actually enjoyed their job and were genuinely happy to help. A simple 20 yard walk into the terminal, up the escalator, through security and we were onboard Ventura. This is how simple cruising from Southampton is.

First stop, of course, was The Beach House Restaurant, - and the holiday had started!
My Wife, my Mum, my Son Matthew, and his lovely fiancĂ©e, Kayleigh, were soon surveying the tempting delights on offer, as we watched the tiny outlines of people below boarding and preparing the ship for our voyage.

As Matt & Kayleigh were tucking into lunch, they were still trying to comprehend the size and grandeur of the ship. Mum has cruised before, so she was concentrating on her prawns.
click image to enlarge
Over the next 3 days we would explore a number of the various restaurants for breakfast, mid-morning snacks, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and even a midnight buffet. (But not all, as we ran out of time and stomach capacity!) Room service was also available, but we never got that peckish!
My wife even seemed to like me, with no imminent threat of her wanting to push me overboard, so things were going pretty well.

I could write about so much; the great live entertainment, the quaint beauty of Bruges, the pleasure of sitting around the pool drinking Pina Colada’s in the sunshine overlooking St Peters Port Guernsey, the efficient and friendly crew, the fabulous food that is available 24 hours a day, the swanky bars, the laughter and great moments, and the warm glow of spending relaxed quality time with people you love. However, I am going to stick to one special meal that stood out amongst all others.

Throughout the ship, the quality of dining and snacks were of a high order everywhere, and a highlight were the curries served in the self-service restaurants. They had a real authentic feel, which was likely to be a reflection of the Indian members of the kitchen team. My wife could not comprehend how I could eat a curry, then pickings of various other personal favourites, and then finally a treacle sponge. But I guess she is the one missing out on the celestial delight of culinary grazing.
The ship had two fine dining restaurants for a small supplement; The White Room with a menu by Marco Pierre White, and East with the dishes created by Atul Kochhar.
Atul was the first Indian chef to be awarded a coveted Michelin star in Britain. He made his name, and was awarded his first Michelin star, in 2001 at London's acclaimed Tamarind restaurant. In 2007 he founded Benares, where he earned his second Michelin star in his own flagship fine dining Indian restaurant in Mayfair, London.

The White Room menu did not really excite us, but the menu at East certainly did. So, on the formal black tie evening, we booked a table and were greeted by a charming waitress with a warm personality and great sense of service and fun.

Some dishes on the menu looked familiar, but we were to discover that each had a twist and flavours that delighted the taste buds and mind. Top chef’s that put their names to restaurants are often a disappointment, this was not one of those occasions.

East is an Asian Fusion restaurant that features various dishes with Chinese, Japanese and Thai influences, and all recipes are created by master chef Atul Kochhar. The deep red and dark wood interior give it a distinctive Oriental feel and an intimate atmosphere. Quite an experience to feel like you are in Mayfair, yet actually cruising in the middle of the English Channel.
click image to enlarge
Our meal started with an unexpected complimentary Prawn Spring Roll, as we enjoyed explosive Singapore Sling and Rose Petal Martini cocktails.
The price of all drinks onboard was very reasonable, with cocktails at around £5 and a bottle of decent wine from about £15.
As you may expect, we were more than happy, so we ordered a bottle of light and cheeky Beaujolais wine to go with our starter course of Chiang Mai Pork (Braised Ribs marinated in Candied Ginger, Garlic and Chilli) and Thai Fish Cakes. The ribs simply jumped from the bone as the fork approached, and the tender meat was infused with a myriad of exotic spices.
For our main courses we had chosen the 24 Hour Slow Cooked Lamb Rendang, and Atul’s Signature Plate (Khmer King Prawns, Thai Green Chicken Curry & Lamb Korma), - nothing was as expected, as an explosion of contrasting flavours just kept revealing themselves, - pure delight!
To complete our meal we had the guilty pleasure of Deep Fried Banana with Vanilla Ice Cream and Warm Chocolate Fondue, and Sweet Rice Pudding with Mango. The meal and experience was a triumph at every level.
Our adventure on the seven seas was over far to quickly, and you know you have had a great holiday when you are a little sad to leave the place and people you have been spending precious time with.
We were a little sad, but extremely happy to have shared great memories on a wonderful cruise.

About Ventura
Ventura was launched in 2007 and is one of the largest cruise ships in the P&O Cruises fleet. It features 14 passenger decks, carries up to 3574 Passengers and has 1220 Crew.

She has a large choice of facilities with 7 bars, 11 restaurants/diners, casino, 4 swimming pools, a sports court, spa and theatre. For entertainment the ship has a theatre with full production shows, a cinema, two lounges for cabaret, comedy and dancing and even Metropolis, an atmospheric bar with a panoramic video wall brought to life by a different city skyline each evening.

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P&O Ventura
East - Atul Kochhar Restaurant
www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/ventura/ship-overview

Benares
12a Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, W1J 6BS
www.benaresrestaurant.com

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

Tuesday 4 June 2013

Squirell's Home


After last week's story about a missing family cat, Squirell, we are pleased to let you know that he is now home safe and well.
 
Clare Johnston wrote to us to say: "I’m very happy and relieved to be able to let you and your readers know that Squirrel returned home early this morning. He was very hungry and tired but otherwise seems none the worse for his adventure.
 
She also said: "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all our kind neighbours who checked their sheds/garages, kept a lookout for him and phoned us with sightings. Everyone we spoke to during our search was so sympathetic and concerned for him. It has just confirmed to us that moving to Milford is one of our best decisions in life (not that we ever had any doubts). There is a real sense of community and looking out for each other. We kept saying to each other 'you wouldn't get this in London'. "