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30 April 2025

Happy 17th Birthday To Us!

It's our birthday! Milford on Sea News was founded in May 2008 and has gone from strength to strength over the past 17 years.

Hopefully, you are enjoying the journey, and we thought you might like to look back to see where we have come from.

Our aim is simple: To inform and entertain people with local village news, local history, random stories, and to promote all that is happening in the village. 

We also look to help keep the village vibrant by promoting & supporting village businesses the best we can.

All is done purely for the benefit of the community; we are self-funded, and not a penny is charged for anything we do.

From day one, one man and his dog have always loved their publishing independence and enjoyed sharing good news from around the village.

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The Milford on Sea News Bulletin is sent free each week by email to over 2,500 people with all of the latest village news. For your copy, simply click here.


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Summary of Our History

To date, the Milford on Sea News website has had  4,037,496 page views, and the website now averages around 30,000 page views per month.

The original Milford on Sea Website, launched in May 2008, was viewed over half a million times before being rebranded as Milford on Sea News in 2011. 

In April 2025, we published edition No.827 of our free weekly e-mail News Bulletin. To date, we have written 5,885 news articles.

The News Bulletin informs people about the articles added to the village news website that week.  

Not all of our articles are serious, as people who have read our April Fool's Day and other occasional humorous articles will know.

To see all past April Fool’s articles, including our 2025 spoof, please click here. 

We never really considered that people would enjoy or appreciate what we built; however, it appears people do, and it is satisfying to provide a local service with a smile to the local community.

Today we have 2,538 people, from a village population of c.5,500, who each week receive our Free weekly Milford on Sea News Bulletin. (Get your copy here)

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Village Community Events and Publications

In the past, we have also created village Community Events and Publications.

Milford on Sea Food Week took place in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2104 and 2016, and each Food Week featured over 100 food related events across the village. 

This included celebrity shows in the Cookery Theatre with appearances from renowned chefs such as Tom Kerridge, Rosemary Shrager, Angela Hartnett, Dick Strawbridge, and winners from The Great British Bake Off & Master Chef also appeared. 

There were also themed events in the local restaurants, pubs & cafes.

Village groups & organisations also got involved with many of their own demonstrations and events. Added to this, there were cookery competitions, food tastings, tours, parties, picnics, entertainment and much more.

The finale of Food Week was the very popular Sunday Food Market, with over 50 food stalls on the village green and surrounding streets.


In 2010, the first Where to Eat & Stay Guide was launched. This was expanded to various Village Guides from 2012 and 2015, which included where to eat, shop, stay, visit and what to do.

In 2010 and 2013, a Community Directory was published. This featured local clubs, organisations, events, home services, charities, churches, kids' stuff, and lots more.

In 2015, a separate Village Tradesmen & Services Guide was published.

These hard copy publications are no longer in print as the information is now readily available online.

In 2016, the Milford on Sea What's On Calendar was created to let people know about events & activities happening in the village.

In 2023, the What's Calendar became so full, so we decided to separate the Clubs & Classes into their own calendar.

Anyone can add their event, club, class, or regular activity to either of these calendars for free. 

In 2020, over 4,000 historic photos from Milford on Sea were loaded to a Village Photo Album. The albums include many historic photos from years gone by, as well as a number of past village events, plus memories from the pandemic years.

You can see all of the village photo albums by clicking here. 

The Where to Eat in Milford on Sea Guide continues to this day online. The guide features all of the places to eat in the village, as well as the village takeaway & delivery services.

In 2023, a separate Kids Dining Guide was produced.
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Other Community Events Organised:

The Great Dining Bus ran from 2013 to 2015, Love Milford Week took place in 2015, including the Exotic Car Show, and The Queen's 90th Birthday Picnic was held in 2016.


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To read more, covering our complete history in detail, please click here.

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Spread the Word & Join Us!

Spread the Word to any friends, family, or neighbours who you think would like to get our free weekly 'Milford on Sea News Bulletin' with all of the latest village news. 

It is easy for them to sign up, simply click here and send them the weblink.

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Are Tesco coming to the village?

Rumours have been circulating for some time about Tesco opening a new store on the site of the former Milford Car Wash, located at the corner of Keyhaven Road and Laundry Lane.

It appears that the Parish Council has not been officially notified of any new store's arrival, and there is no obvious planning application on file with NFDC.

However, Tesco are currently advertising for a Store Manager for a new Tesco Express store in Keyhaven Road, Milford on Sea.


Milford on Sea already has The Co-op and One Stop. Ironically, One Stop is a convenience store franchise chain, owned as a subsidiary by Tesco, and which offers Tesco's own-label products.

Should the new store arrive, it remains to be seen how these stores, along with other small independent shops in the village, such as the greengrocer, butcher, florist, newsagents, and bakers, would be impacted.

Online, there is concern for our much-valued independent shops, and that the fabric of the village could change.

No doubt, all will become clear in due course.

PS: As of the 1st May 2025, the former car wash and Milford Autos garage was still advertised for lease or sale with Goadsby. Click here.


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29 April 2025

Wine of the Month at The Cave

A lot of us enjoy a glass of quality wine, so you may fancy trying the Wine of the Month at The Cave.

Two interesting and tasty Italian wines are featured.

Firstly, the Feudi di San Gregorio is made with Greco grapes, which has notes of apricot, peach and delicate balsamic.

Alternatively, the Tomassi Bardolino is made with Corvina, Rondinella & Molinara grapes and features notes of cherries, strawberries & raspberries.

Tempted to try a glass with some tapas?

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MONTHLY QUIZ NIGHT
First Monday of Every Month at 8pm 

Prizes for Winning Team & Runner Ups, plus a chance to win a Cash Prize in 'Play Your Cards Right'.

No need to book, just come along. Singles welcome, The Cave will find you a team.

Teams of 6 - £2 per player.

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2 for 1 COCKTAILS 
Monday to Thursday from 6pm

Choose any 2 cocktails from The Cave Cocktail List and just pay for 1.

*Offer end 31st March 2025

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SOCIAL DEAF CLUB
First Tuesday of Every Month. Drop in between 5pm to 8pm

Hard of hearing or not, everyone is welcome. The New Forest Social Deaf Club is a drop-in social gathering held at The Cave. 

Drop in anytime from 5pm to 8pm, and you are welcome to bring your dog!

To find out more, please click here.

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TAPAS AT THE CAVE

Tapas dishes include mixed meat & cheese platters, smoked salmon platters, king prawn, calamari, Boquerón's, pate, falafel, tortilla, marinated olives, fresh breads, and regular specials, like meatballs. All are perfect with a glass of your favourite wine, a speciality gin & tonic, or a premium beer.

To see The Cave Tapas Menu please click here.

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About The Cave

The Cave is a popular, friendly, and vibrant Wine, Gin & Cocktail Bar, Off-Licence, and Tapas Bar.


Dog Friendly: Furry friends are always welcome in The Cave.

The Cave
2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH
01590 642195


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The Village News Customer Dog Gallery

Milford on Sea has many dedicated dog owners, and who doesn't love to see pictures of these wonderful companions.

Mark at The Village News is currently collecting and adding pictures of customer dogs to his Facebook & Instagram Pages.

Simply pop in to get your faithful friend added to the gallery.

To constantly see all of the new doggie additions and up-to-date news from The Village News, please give his online pages a like and follow.


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About The Village News

The Village News is a traditional village newsagent and also a Local Information Point for the New Forest National Park.

This dog-friendly shop, owned and run by Mark Cummings, sells newspapers and magazines, greeting cards, wrapping paper, gift tags, bows, and gift bags.

There is also a wide range of chocolate bars and boxes, sweet bags, retro sweets, vegan sweets, gift packs, batteries, cables, stationery, crab lines for crabbing at Sturt Bridge, lottery tickets, and more.

Mark often stocks interesting and unexpected new lines which make great gifts, so it's always worth popping in to see what's new.

Beautiful Bespoke Boxes of Belgian Chocolates can also be made according to your requirements, or you can let the experts choose for you.

The orders are made up in their sister shop, Truffles of Lymington, and you can collect them at The Village News.

When you next visit, look up and you will see a fine collection of framed classic comic book covers and other interesting pieces of popular culture memorabilia.


The Village News
74 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD
www.instagram.com/thevillagenewsmos

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Celebrate VE Day with Hyde Band in GI Style

Our village branch of The Royal British Legion will be taking everyone back to the 1940s for the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.

Tickets are now on sale for VE Day Sing-a-Long with Hyde Band in GI Style at 1.30 pm Saturday 10th May 2025 in The Bridge. Doors open at 1pm.

Enjoy the Hyde Band playing live as the community celebrate and commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. 

This nostalgic afternoon is filled with live music, as the band takes the stage in GI-style outfits, bringing the spirit of the 1940s to life. 
 
Savour light refreshments reminiscent of a traditional VE Day street party with tea, sandwiches, and cake, just as they might have been enjoyed 80 years ago.  

Dress in 1940s fashion to truly immerse yourself in the atmosphere (Optional, of course), and take part in a raffle for a chance to win exciting prizes! 
 
Tickets: £15 to include 1940s style tea from The Bridge Box Office. (No coupons required!)

Bar/Cafe open.

Hosted by the Milford on Sea Branch of The Royal British Legion. All profit to RBL Poppy Appeal.

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The Bridge 

Box Office Open:
Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm
and occasional Saturdays
01590 644861
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28 April 2025

Our April Fool's Day through the years

Our recent April Fool article, 'Fury as The Lazy Lion to become a Night Club' had a massive response, with over 10,000 visits to the Milford on Sea News website during the week it was published.

There were also several hundred likes on the Facebook post, along with many happy comments from people that the spoof story tickled - and a few who believed it! 


If you would like to revisit some of our old April Fool's Day articles, please just click on the titles below:










If you have too much time on your hands... there are even more ridiculous articles to be found by clicking here.


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Free Live Music Bank Holiday Afternoon with China Wolf Band at The Gun Inn

The China Wolf Band will be playing live at The Gun Inn from 1pm to 3pm on Bank Holiday Monday 5th May 2025 with Free Admission.

The China Wolf Band have a distinctive style with a repertoire that includes music by Adele, Coldplay, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Led Zeppelin, Snow Patrol, Carly Simon, Lady Gaga, Fleetwood Mac and many more. "Fabulous sound, classy, original and a lot of fun."

Meet The China Wolf Band: www.facebook.com/CWB2019

Enjoy the free live music as you enjoy a drink, meal and a wander in the beautiful pub garden. Why not book a table now?


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Regular Events at The Gun

Quiz Night at The Gun Inn

Every First Tuesday of each month from 7pm.

Teams of up to 6 people. Bring a team or come and join up with new people on the night. 
(£2 entry fee per person).

Booking for the quiz is not essential as you can just come along and join in on the night, but booking a table is highly recommended if you are bringing a team.

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Folk Band & Open Mic Night at The Gun Inn

Every First and Third Thursday each month from 7.30pm.

Come along to an informal evening of singing, playing or listening to singers and musicians. All types of music, from folk to whatever you fancy.

At the same time, enjoy a beer, glass of wine, your favourite tipple, or a meal from the extensive menu using the best British seasonal produce.

Everyone welcome.

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The Gun Inn
Keyhaven Road, Keyhaven, SO41 0TP
01590 642391

The Gun is now Open Daily from 11.30am to 7pm. (Please check for kitchen serving times)

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Calling Village Organisations for the Newcomers' Welcome Tea & Exhibition

Quick message for all village clubs, organisations and events.

If you are planning, or wish, to attend as an exhibitor at the Newcomers' Welcome Tea and Exhibition, can you please let Ruth know by Sunday 4th May 2025. 

Please contact Ruth on: ruth.bufton@btinternet.com or 01590 641875.

Confirmed exhibitor numbers are currently low and putting the event in jeopardy.

The Newcomers' Welcome Tea and Exhibition will take place on Saturday 10th May 2025 from 2.30pm in All Saints' Church.

The event is free, and newcomer guests are by invitation.

Every year, Newcomers are welcomed to the village, and this year's event will change from a Newcomers' Supper to the Newcomers' Welcome Tea and Exhibition.

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About the Newcomers Welcome Tea & Exhibition 

This charming annual community event is organised for newcomers to the village and provides a warm and informative way for new residents to be welcomed to Milford on Sea.

For many years, the event was a Newcomers' Supper & Exhibition; however, in 2025 it changed to become the Newcomers' Welcome Tea & Exhibition. 

This is where newcomers can discover all of the Milford on Sea Clubs, Societies, Classes, Charities, and Events. 

They can then decide what they might want to do, what they can join, where they can volunteer, and where to make new friends, keep fit, be entertained, etc! 

Newcomer Guests: If you are a new resident in the village, you are invited to claim your invitation to this Free Event.

Exhibitors: Any village club, society or community organisation are also invited to register to attend. 

To register for the Welcome Tea & Exhibition, or to exhibit, or for any questions, please contact Ruth on: ruth.bufton@btinternet.com - 01590 641875.

Both events are arranged by Ruth Bufton.

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Join the Coda Street Band Project as they prepare for Milford on Sea Music Festival

Culture in Common is supporting the new Coda Street Band Project as they prepare to perform at the Milford on Sea Music Festival, and they are inviting local musicians to get involved. 

If you play a brass, woodwind, or a percussion instrument and are looking for a fun new way to get involved with music and your local community, this could be just the thing for you.

The Coda Street Band will hold an open taster session from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm on Saturday 3rd May 2025 at CODA Music and Arts Trust in Christchurch, BH23 5QL

To let them know you are coming, please click here, or just turn up on the day.

The Coda Street Band will then have weekly practice sessions, leading up to their first performance at Milford on Sea Music Festival on Saturday 5th July 2025.


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About Coda Music and Arts Trust 

Coda Music and Arts Trust exists to provide the local community with opportunities to engage in, and benefit from, music and the arts, as they believe this has the power to change lives.

Using music and the arts as tools for personal and social change, Coda offers a broad range of artistic and creative services, providing a space to learn, train, and develop, while also offering help and support through participation and therapy.

Coda Music and Arts Trust aims to provide universal access to the arts, music, and creativity, continuing to devise and deliver innovative education and health programmes that positively impact the lives of local people.

Coda Music and Arts Trust

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About Culture in Common

Culture in Common is part of Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme (CPP). 

Creative People and Places is about more people taking the lead in choosing, creating, and participating in arts and culture experiences in the places where they live. Culture in Common runs various New Forest projects, each located in a place where people previously had limited opportunities to participate in arts and culture.

Culture in Common is also supporting the Milford on Sea Music Festival in 2025.

Culture in Common
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About the Milford on Sea Music Festival
Saturday & Sunday 5th & 6th July 2025

The Milford on Sea Music Festival showcases a host of local talent across all genres of music. This exciting community event is volunteer-run and free to all.

The music festival is funded by generous sponsors, Friends of the Festival, donations, programme sales, and commissions on festival stalls.

A donation will be made to a village community organisation if any profit is generated. In 2025, this will be the Milford on Sea Charitable Trust.

Find out more at www.milfordonseamusicfestival.org

Milford on Sea Music Festival
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th July 2025
Milford on Sea Village Green
info@milfordonseamusicfestival.org
www.milfordonseamusicfestival.org

Milford on Sea Music Festival is a Community Interest Company (CIC)
CIC Company No.16336094


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Cake Making Classes with Amanda Black Cakes

Many may know of the spectacular wedding and celebration cakes Mandy from Amanda Black Cakes makes in the village; however, did you know that she also holds Cake Making Classes?

These can be one to one day classes to make that special cake you want or group classes learning a new skill for everyone. 

Later in 2025, Mandy we will have a new studio as a dedicated classroom for workshops and classes.

For more information, or to discuss any special cake you may need, please contact Mandy.

Amanda Black Cakes
07914 586441


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About Amanda Black Cakes

Mandy founded her company in Milford on Sea as Elmsleigh Cakes in 2011.

Mandy's journey so far has taken her from being a computer operations manager who started making cakes for her kids, and on to making cakes for everyone, including our royal family.

Mandy makes impressive celebration cakes, such as wedding cakes, and cakes for a birthday, anniversary, engagement, baby shower, and other special events. 

In 2022 (and again in 2023), Mandy received worthy recognition of her talents as a baker and cake artist when she was recognised as one of the Top Three Cake Makers in the New Forest.

In summer 2023, Mandy was invited to be a Cake Judge at the New Forest & Hampshire County Show.

In September 2023, she attended a week-long intensive course led by Paul Bradford, holder of the Disciples D’Escoffier award, and one of the world's most respected cake designers. Here she honed her already exceptional cake-making skills.

During the same year, Mandy rebranded her company to Amanda Black Cakes to reflect the individuality of her ever-evolving cake designs.

In November 2023, Mandy was personally invited by Paul Bradford to feature her cakes in his display at Cake International, the biggest cake show in the world at Birmingham NEC.

At the show, Mandy stood shoulder to shoulder with the big names in cake design from around the world. People that she looked up to, and whose books she bought when first starting creating amazing cakes.

In March 2024, Mandy won the Cakeflix Cake of the Month competition, this was quickly followed in May 2024, when four of her cakes were featured in an article in the Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding Magazine.

In August 2024, she was commissioned by the Beaulieu National Motor Museum to design and bake a cake to celebrate the 50 Year Anniversary of the Beaulieu Monorail.

In November 2024, Mandy's Charles Dickens Christmas Cake design won the Silver Prize at Cake International.

To see more of Mandy's amazing cake designs, please visit her current website at: www.elmsleighcakes.co.uk.

If you would like to enquire about any cakes, please contact Mandy by clicking here, or through Facebook, she is always happy to help.


Amanda Black Cakes
(Formerly Elmsleigh Cakes)
07914 586441

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