February Offers at The Cave

The Cave on Milford on Sea village green are running a number of Special Offers throughout February.

10% OFF: Monday to Friday - 5pm to 7pm:

• Draught Beers: Peroni, Krombacher, Meantime IPA and Guinness
• All Red, White & Rose House Wines

10% OFF: Monday to Friday - 6pm to 7pm:

• Sharing Platters & Tapas Style Dishes

Sounds like a nice way to start an evening!

The Cave
2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH
01590 642195
www.facebook.com/TheCavewinebar
www.thecavemos.co.uk

Will Hurst Castle be fully repaired?

The Advertiser & Times have published an article in which it says that English Heritage has been engaged in a major project to strengthen the coastal defences surrounding the historic fort, but it is warning that long-term plans for the castle will only become clear once a feasibility study has been completed.

Picture by Graeme Blackwood

To read the full article, please click here.

Hurst Castle

01590 642500

info@hurstcastle.co.uk

www.hurstcastle.co.uk

Success of Milford Village Pantomime!

A few words from Brenda Evans, Director of the Milford Village Pantomime:

A big thank you to everyone involved with “Sleeping Beauty” and to our audiences who were such a pleasure to entertain. The village has been abuzz with compliments and many people have said it was just what they needed after the last two years – a good laugh and lots of fun!

One of the highlights was “The Twelve Weeks of Lockdown Song” so we have now put it on YouTube so that you can enjoy it again.

To view video, please click here.

The pantomime is such a popular community event that every performance was sold out Not only does it provide top quality entertainment to audiences but it brings people together as volunteers in cast and crew who make lasting friendships. As one volunteer put it “It has changed my life”. It involves the local dance school, village children and adults and draws upon the multi talents and generosity of the inhabitants of Milford and surrounding areas.

Brenda Evans, Director

If you would like to be involved in next year’s panto please contact me at: brendavoce@hotmail.com or 07702 858987.

Hairdressing in your own home

Debbie Maidment is a Mobile Hairdresser who lives in Milford on Sea and she has 32 years experience in hairdressing. (Debbie can also been seen on occasions helping out Mark in the Village News at the foot of Milford on Sea green.)

Due to the pandemic, this busy mobile hairdresser now has a few regular spaces for new clients in the local area.

 

To have a chat about what you may need or to find out more, please click here for Debbie's phone number, or send her an email by clicking here.

Occasional Magazine from MoSHRS

The Milford on Sea Historical Record Society periodically publishes an Occasional Magazine full of interesting history of the village. The magazine is now in its 39th edition.

A recent article in the Hampshire Chronical gives an interesting insight to the 2022 edition of Occasional Magazine. Please click here to read.

The Milford on Sea Historical Record Society was founded in January 1909 and is still going strong with 200 members, and of course anyone is welcome to join.

Copies of the Occasional Magazine can be obtained from www.milfordhistory.org.uk.

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

The Milford on Sea Historical Record Society has an excellent website with a lot of information and old pictures of Milford on Sea in the past. 

The MOSHRS meet 5 times a year where you can hear an interesting talk and meet people from across the village. There are also annual visits to places of interest. Membership is just £10. 

To find out more; please click here.

MoS Historical Record Society

www.milfordhistory.org.uk 

 

Greening Challenge Reminder

Following the successful Greening Campaign’s Public Meeting on the 1st December, the organisers send their thanks to those who have already completed and returned their Greening challenge cards which were included in the December edition of the Village Voice.

There is still time for you to register your Greening Challenges by either using the QR code below, or by dropping the card off at the Parish Council Office, as we have extended the date to the 6th February. 

We are hoping to announce our community carbon saving at our next public meeting, which will be held on 30th March at All Saints Church hall at 7pm. Further details to follow shortly.

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

If you would like to become more involved or have some exciting ideas to share, the Milford on Sea Greening Campaign would love to hear from you. Please contact: 

anne.cullen@milfordonseaparishcouncil.gov.uk or take a look at the Milford on Sea Greening Campaign Facebook page.

Milford on Sea Greening Campaign

www.facebook.com/greeningcampaign

Lost Kitten - Felix

UPDATE: Felix has been found, he is now safe & well and back with his relieved owners. He was actually caught with the support of the Cat and Rescue Charity in the village and the enticement of food.

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

Some concerned owners are looking for a kitten named Felix.

Felix is a 7 month old and black & white with mostly white underneath. He was wearing a red collar and lives in the Carrington Lane, Northfield Road and Carrington Close area

If anyone reports him being sighted please contact David Farrow on 01590 644705 or 07981 217757.

Jazz at Community Centre on Friday

An evening of foot-tapping Jazz to enjoy at the Community Centre this Friday. You can book or pay on the door.

Milford on Sea Community Centre

01590 644861

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

Saturday: 10am to 1pm

Verveine seek new team members

Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant in Milford on Sea high Street are looking for a confident and polite person to join their small friendly team. 

The role will be mainly front of house. Experience is not essential as training will be given in-house. Excellent rates of pay and flexible hours are offered.

They are also looking for a part-time kitchen Porter, hours can be flexible and ideally suited for lunchtimes and some evenings. 

If you are interested in working at an award wining and innovate restaurant please contact them below or call: 01590 642176.

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

www.facebook.com/VerveineFishMarketRestaurant

A Year at Hurst Castle

Another excellent video has been created by Graeme Blackwood.

Graeme has documented A Year at Hurst Castle in an atmospheric 10 minute airborne video which includes the collapse of the East Wing of Hurst Castle and the ongoing repairs.

As you may expect, the images and scenery are stunning.

To view the video please click here. 

click image to view video

Hurst Castle

01590 642500

info@hurstcastle.co.uk

www.hurstcastle.co.uk

Friends of NCF supporting Ugandan Village

Did you know that Milford on Sea has a charity that supports a project for one of the largest slum communities in Uganda?

Friends of NCF (Namuwongo Community Foundation) is run by long-term village residents, Matthew & Nicola Brearley. Many in the village will know Nicola, as she was a teacher at the village school for 25 years & is now back again helping out in these Covid times.

The Friends of NCF fundraising goes towards village education of orphans, widows, and the disadvantaged, looking to break the cycle of poverty for some of the most vulnerable in the slums.

Friends of NCF was originally founded as 'Ray of Hope' in 2007 by Steve and Liz Jennings. This occurred after they visited Kampala where there they met some inspirational local Ugandans who had begun a small mission teaching slum children and supporting their families. They returned home determined to help the children and families living in the slum community in Namuwongo and ‘Friends’ was born. This work now continues through Matthew & Nicola and their supporters in the village.

The Friends of NCF supports the project has a primary school, a secondary, student sponsorship in vocational & university education, a medical centre, a social care programme, micro-business programme for vulnerable women, a feeding programme, and more. 

To find out more, or to donate, please click here.

Friends of NCF
www.friendsofncf.org

Quiz Night at La Perle

La Perle are holding another Quiz Night on Wednesday 26th January at 7pm where you can enjoy a 3 course meal with quiz rounds between courses.

MENU

Starters

La Perle Caesar Salad with Parmesan, Croutons and Crispy Parma Ham

or

New Forest Mushroom and Truffle Arancini, Pear, Walnut, Cherry Tomato Salad, Garlic Mayonnaise

Mains

Smoked Haddock, Cod and Salmon Fishcakes, Baby Spinach, Poached Egg, Hollandaise

or

Slow Cooked Pork Belly, Mustard Mash, Kale, Apple Sauce, Red Wine Sauce

Desserts

Sticky Toffee Pudding, Salted Caramel Sauce, Vanilla Ice Cream

or

Vanilla Creme Brulee with Homemade Shortbread

Teams of 4 / £24.95pp

To reserve your table please click here.

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

The La Perle Restaurant is open to Dine In on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and offering Home Deliveries on Mondays to Saturdays 5pm to 8.30pm.

To See the full Menu or to order your meal delivery please click here.

La Perle
60 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD
01590 643557
info@laperle.co.uk
www.laperle.co.uk
www.facebook.com/laperlemilford

Village Pantomime this weekend

The long-awaited and always enjoyed Village Pantomime takes place over various performances this weekend.

If you haven't got your tickets for Sleeping Beauty yet, please contact the Community Centre Box Office.

Milford on Sea Community Centre

01590 644861

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

Saturday: 10am to 1pm

Bio Resonance Therapy comes to Milford

A bi-weekly demonstration of Bio Resonance Alternative Therapy Healing is starting in Milford on Sea Community from Next Monday 24th January at 2.15pm, after that the demonstrations will be held every fortnight.

Organiser Tony Fisher said; "Bio Resonance Therapy is to help boost the immune system with naturally pulsed and frequency programmes based on the Acupuncture Meridians of the body. The process is used worldwide with effective health results and we operate safely administering this alternative healing in the comfort of peoples own homes."

 For more information and contact details please click here. 

Dorset Bio Health

www.dorsetbiohealth.co.uk

Recognition for Elmsleigh Cakes

Talented Milford on Sea cake maker, Mandy Black of Elmsleigh Cakes recently had a nice surprise when she discovered that she had been recognised as one of the Top Three Cake Makers in the New Forest for 2022.

Mandy commented; "After a two dreadful years where almost everything has been cancelled and or postponed, I’ll take that, it’s such a boost."

She was also delighted to provide a wedding cake last Saturday. The happy couple had previously had five other dates for their wedding before it actually took place.

Mandy said; "Can you imagine having to rearrange everything that many times, I felt so sorry for the couple, it was a huge relief when it finally happened." 

Hopefully things are now slowly beginning to return to normal and Mandy can get back to baking her excellent creations for lucky customers.

Elmsleigh Cakes can provide bespoke wedding, party, celebration cakes and cheese towers.

Please contact Mandy if you would like to enquire about any cakes by clicking here, or through Facebook and she will be happy to help.

Elmsleigh Cakes

elmsleighcakes1@aol.com

www.facebook.com/Elmsleighcakes

www.elmsleighcakes.co.uk

New Forest Cheese Cake Company

www.facebook.com/elmsleighcheesetowers

Milford’s Magical Christmas - a great success!

Magical Milford at Christmas duo; Tracy Haupt and Diana Brushwood created what many have suggested is the ‘best ever’ village display this Christmas. The ladies were taken aback by the amount of support received from the local community, which allowed them to purchase additional lights and larger trees for the village green.

"Lighting the lime tree at the top of the green created something quite magical and was appreciated by so many people” Tracy said. "It cost £2100 in lights and electrician’s bill, but was so worth it”.

"There are so many people to thank this year", said Di, and we would really appreciate everybody taking the brief survey at the end of this article, “but firstly to our sponsors & supporters”:

• Platinum Sponsor - The Smugglers Inn

• Gold Sponsor - Gen One

• Silver Sponsor - Pennyfarthing

• Bronze Sponsors - Atech Electrical New Milton, Coastal Bakery, Earsense Lymington, Hollands, Huddleston Fireplaces and Interiors, Ice Interiors Lymington, MD Windows and Guttering, Plover B&B Cottage, The Cave and Visit Milford.

Picture by Paul French

Di went on to say that “huge thanks must also go to a number of associations, councils and local churches”:

• Artisan Market (Alison Aldridge)

• Milford Parish Council

• Hampshire County Council

• District Councillors

• Milford W.I.

• Atech Electrical and

• the 4 Milford Churches; Baptist, Church of England, Methodist and Roman Catholic.

….and finally “Tracy and I can’t thank enough, individuals who made cash donations or donations via the JustGiving page. Every single contributor has been absolutely amazing this year and without them, we couldn’t have raised the £7,000 needed to produce the displays.”

Of course financial contributions are just one part of the support the ladies received. There were so many additional individuals who gave their time to create displays for the village green and surrounding areas:

• Pam Wright - litter bins, post box and telephone box.

• Carol Jordan and her team; Milford Floral Art Club - wheels on the bridge.

• Adrian Duckett - Men’s Shed - cutting out of the 3 kings.

• Gillian Key; local artist - painting of the 3 kings.

• Richard Wadley; local artist - additional 3 Christmas card scenes painted for The Smugglers Inn fence.

• Simeon and the guys from Aubrey Farm who erected our two main trees, ensuring they were safe and secure

• and the ladies who created the fabulous knitted snowmen on the bollards by the green; Lyn Atkins, Christine Calder, Lana Rose, Lauren Lilley, Anne Jones and Rachel Barnett.

Picture by Graham Wiffen

Last but by no means - huge thanks must go to all those who made The Carols on the Green such a special event this year. Di and Tracy could not believe the crowds that visited the village - it was amazing!

• Victoria Hopkins and other band members - Caroline Ellis, John Reid and Tony Sargeson.

• Christine Mulgrew and members of The Total Voice Choir.

• Terry Bufton - Audio.

• Keith Williams and others, from Becton Rotary - Marshalls.

• Laura Legg - Rainbows, Brownies and Guides singing festive songs

• Tasha Anderson; Vicar for organising the nativity trail, minced pies and mulled wine.

• Jane Etheridge, Rebecca Webb and Jamie - Santa’s Grotto

So, what now for Christmas 2022?

Di and Tracy are enjoying a welcome break right now, but will soon start planning their next vision for Christmas 2022. To help them, they would love to receive your feedback on the event. 

To complete a brief survey, please click here.

Picture by Graham Wiffen

La Perle brings back 'Dine at Home'

La Perle are once again offering a special 'Dine at Home' experience.

Let chef/patron Sam and his team do the hard work, then have your meals delivered fully prepared and chilled with simple cooking instructions.

Menu for Saturday 15th January 2022

Starter

• Lymington Lobster & Salmon Ravioli, Baby Spinach, Crab Bisque

Main

• Confit Gressingham Duck Leg with Fricassee of Puy Lentils, Pancetta, Baby Onions, French Beans, Red Wine Sauce

Dessert

• Dark Chocolate Fondant, Roasted Pistachios, Chocolate Crumble, Blackberry Coulis

Three Course Meal: £29.95pp

*Delivered to SO41 and BH25 on Saturday 4-5pm (or collect if preferred)

To Book your Make Saturday Special meals please click here.

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

Normal Menu Home Deliveries are now available for burgers and more 6 days a week.

*Delivered to SO41 and BH25 on Mondays to Saturdays 5pm to 8.30pm

To see the Home Delivery menu or order please click here.

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

The La Perle Restaurant is now open to dine-in on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and currently serving the: 'Chef’s January Menu.

To See the full Menu or to order your meal delivery please click here.

La Perle
60 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD
01590 643557
info@laperle.co.uk
www.laperle.co.uk
www.facebook.com/laperlemilford

Lots happening at The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse on Milford on Sea seafront is known for being a vibrant place to go and in the coming weeks they are putting on a number of events for people to enjoy their extensive fresh menu, cocktails and well stocked bar.

Below are just some of the things to look forward and full details can be found by clicking here. 

• Burns Night
• Valentine's Day
• Gin Tasting with Conker
• Cheese & Wine Night

Also, Thursday nights are now Mussels Night where you enjoy a bowl of Mussels and Drink for only £15 every Thursday evening. Plus, 2 for 1 Cocktails every Sunday from 12 noon.

The Lighthouse Seaside Bar & Dining

Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY

hello@thelighthousemilford.co.uk

www.thelighthousemilford.co.uk

www.facebook.com/thelighthousemilford

Community Care Group celebrates 40 Years

The Milford Community Care Group recently held a Tea Party to celebrate its 40th anniversary. 

The Group was founded by two women from All Saints’ church, who recognised villagers’ need for reliable transport to medical appointments. From these small beginnings the Group expanded into the Registered Charity it is today. At its peak the Group was driving 40 people a week to medical appointments. 

The Group has not been operating during the pandemic, but they are working towards safely reopening, and are in touch with the Community Centre. The aim is to have the office at the Community Centre up and running for the co-ordinators to accept bookings to take local residents to medical appointments near and far soon.

The group are also interested in meeting people who would like to be volunteer drivers or Office Co-ordinators, if you would like to help or find out more, please contact Anna on 01590 643376.

Milford Community Care Group

01590 641700

Community Centre, 9 Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH

Seasonal Set Menu at Ray's Italian

The very popular Ray's Italian Kitchen in Milford on Sea high street have launch a regular changing Seasonal Set Menu with 2 courses for just £18.

To see an example menu

please click image

If you fancy a light lunch to warm to cockles, you can pop in for a homemade soup with delicious homemade focaccia bread - or take it away for just £3.95. If something a little naughtier is to your taste, they have fresh homemade sausage rolls, scones, cookies and much more in the delicatessen! 

Opening Times

Light Dining & Delicatessen

Tuesday to Saturday: 9am to 4pm

Restaurant & Takeaway

Wednesday to Saturday: 5:45pm until last orders at 9.30pm

Ray’s Italian Kitchen
11 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF
01590 645300
info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk
www.raysitaliankitchen.co.uk
ww.facebook.com/raysitaliankitchen

Needles Eye reopens for inside dining

Having operated with just a takeaway services for many months, the Needles Eye Café has now reopened its doors to inside diners.

Visitors will find that the café has had an internal makeover and the friendly team are ready to welcome people back to enjoy the spectacular sea views and of course the all day breakfasts, freshly made cakes, ice cream and the wide variety of hot & cold food and drink menu.

The takeaway service continues, and dogs are welcome with their owners!

To View Menu
Please click image

Needles Eye Café 

Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY

needleseyecafe@btconnect.com 

www.facebook.com/needleseyecafe

The village currently has no Beaver or Scout Group

It is sad to hear that Milford on Sea currently has no Beavers or Scouts.  It is not clear why a once a thriving group has declined to this extent, but Covid will of course not have helped.

In a vibrant village like ours, surely we need these type of activities for the kids. 

A small number of existing volunteers are keen to make a restart, and they need people to join them.

The Chair, Secretary and Treasurer roles would suit some retired business folks who are looking to keep the grey matter ticking and support the community - and as always Volunteers are needed to help make thing happen.

Volunteering for Scouting is easier than you think. You don’t have to be an adventurer like Bear Grylls to get involved. 

Do you have first aid skills? Handy in the kitchen? Or a DIY whizz? We all have useful skills and you can volunteer and help in many ways. 

You can give as much or as little of your time as you like and you can fit volunteering around your work and social commitments. 

To find out more and who to contact, please click on the links below. Finger crossed for positive responses.

Scout Volunteers: Please click here.

Scout Chair: Please click here.

Pottery Courses at Vinegar Hill

Did you know we have an active and vibrant pottery in the village?

Dave & Lucy Rogers run one-day and long weekend pottery courses in the village both non residential for anyone living nearby, or residential using their B&B accommodation. 

There are 9 places per pottery course meaning they can tailor the classes to suit your level of skill and creativity! The courses are all based on the potter's wheel – learning the basic techniques of throwing the perfect pot.

Pottery Courses: Please click here.

Pottery Shop: Please click here.

About Vinegar Hill

Vinegar Hill Pottery is a small family-owned pottery and bed and breakfast that's very much a family affair. Lucy Rogers oversees the management and day-to-day running of this delightful three-room accommodation. Dave is a master potter who runs his workshop from the premises and offers tuition to aspiring ceramic artists.

Both originate from Lymington in the New Forest. Dave spent his murky college years studying ceramics at Farnham College of Art and Design and working at Wrecclesham Pottery. He graduated in Ceramics 1997 and then started up on his own. He moved to Bristol in 1999 where he set up his own work spaces at The Botany Art Studios.

With a degree in all things Latin American from Bristol University, Lucy spent time living and studying in Latin America before settling in Bristol and working for ten years for a travel company that specialised in offbeat Latin America. Her job involved travel to small, remote and unique lodges and hotels throughout the continent. This fuelled her passion for travel and gave her the experiences and know-how of what does and doesn’t work for individual, boutique accommodation, and the grounding for Vinegar Hill accommodation.

David's skill as a potter is matched only by his ability as a teacher and patience with those who are new to the kinetic delights of the potter's wheel - the ultimate hands-on experience. Regular pottery courses are open to residents and non-residents alike. There are no identikit rooms at Vinegar Hill. You can pick your accommodation from the spacious Garden Room, the secluded Hayloft or enjoy the delights of Rosie - a beautifully restored nineteenth century showman's wagon for a truly unique experience.

Vinegar Hill Pottery

Vinegar Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0RZ

01590 642979 (9am - 7pm)

info@vinegarhillpottery.co.uk

www.vinegarhillpottery.co.uk

Walk Maps and more at Bird Hide

A recent article about Local Walks (click here to read) has prompted Keith Metcalf of the Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV) to let us know that the Walks Maps are also available from the Bird Hide at Sturt Pond where there is an honesty box for people to put in their £1 coins. 

A 'Second-Hand' Book Rack has now also started at the Bird Hide and again there is a separate honesty box for that and finally, also at the Bird Hide we have installed an RSPB Pin Badge Box for anyone interested in collecting the many RSPB badges that not only includes lots of birds, but also butterflies, animals and bugs...and guess what?, there is also an honesty box there for these too. These boxes are emptied every day so that there is never any build up of cash left there.

Sturt Pond Bird Hide can be found in Hurst Road, Milford on Sea. Between The Lighthouse café/bar is a large black shed building and next to this is a gate leading into the public Bird Hide, which looks across the 27 acre Sturt Pond local nature reserve.

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

Keith has also informed us that he is forming the New 'Wings' Birding Heritage Group in the New Year. This is being set up primarily for pre-school nursery and junior schools and will include 'nature-story-telling' about real British wildlife and talks aimed at youngsters to give them a grounding at a very early age about what surrounds them in Milford-on-Sea and Keyhaven. Keith already has three young Milford Mum's and a granddaughter who have agreed to be his 'nature-story-tellers'. As they say; 'Watch this space!'

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

To find out more about Milford Conservation Volunteers, please visit: 

www.milfordconservation.org