Fury as The Lazy Lion to become a Night Club

Locals are outraged at the news that The Lazy Lion is to become a Night Club.

Since unexpectedly closing its doors on the 23rd September 2024, The Lazy Lion pub has sat empty with forlorn beer pumps and the once popular restaurant sadly inoperative.

Speculation has been rife as to what was to become of this popular village pub situated in an historic Grade II Listed former eighteenth century coaching inn.

Many expected the pub to reopen as a bar and restaurant, but it appears that will not happen now.

Submitted artist's impression

The New Flim-Flam Night Club is part of The Imagine Entertainment Group and they have numerous venues across the UK.

Bobby Dazzle, general manager of the new night club said: "Our aim is to make the night club accessible to all and to become part of the local community. We are looking to cover a variety of genres of music during the week, and at weekends the club will focus on a mix of rave and grime music until we close at 2am. I have a lot of respect for local residents, so we will stop playing music from 1am during the week."

To fully utilise the building, during the day there will be dance classes for those who want to learn classic rave moves. The classes will be open to all ages and will be taken by Tommy Twinkle. Tommy also choreographed all the rave dance sequences on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

It is also understood that there is existing planning permission for an elevated decking area connected to the rear of the property extending to approximately 646 sq. ft. Flim-Flam has plans to make this into a jacuzzi complex for ravers when the night club is open. During the day, the facility will be available to local naturist groups.

Layout Plan for the Future Interior

Recently, a village protest group has been formed to lobby the New Forest District Council to reject the premises license application from Flim-Flam.

The group, Neighbours Against Flim-Flam (NAFF) is led by Ivor Issue who lives close to the back of the new venue.

Ivor commented, "This is not a welcome addition to the village and the pub will be sorely missed. The dance classes with Tommy Tinkle are all well and good and claim to be inclusive, but there is no mention of including those who love to rave but are now using walking frames."

Fellow local resident, Bill Peeper said, "It is going to be bad enough having banging music until into the early hours of the morning, but my real issue is that I will have to hang out of my window to see the naturists in the jacuzzi area during the day."

If you would like to join NAFF and have your views heard, please contact Ivor at ivor@ubeenhad.org.

PS: If you are interested in the original history of The Red Lion, please hit the button below:

The Lazy Lion

32 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

Village Winners in A&T Food & Drink Awards

Milford on Sea was strongly represented at the A&T Food & Drink Awards at a special reception held at Balmer Lawn Hotel, Brockenhurst on Tuesday 25th March 2025.

The awards aim is to give credit where it is truly due and recognise those who work tirelessly to deliver exceptional food and drink.

The village had three finalists nominated for awards in the A&T Food & Drink Awards, which ended in success on the night. 

David Wykes at Verveine won the Chef of the Year. We also had two runner's up: Sammy's Café in Coffee Shop of the Year, and The Smugglers in Pub of the Year.

Picture by Advertiser & Times

As an aside, established chef Shintaro Ito, who learnt his skills after three years in Australia, three years in Canada and ten years in Tokyo, and now he owns and runs the Japanese fish restaurant, Kyoto Kitchen in Winchester.

In a recent interview, Shintaro revealed that his favourite place to eat in Hampshire is Verveine Fish Market Restaurant; commenting "I love the playfulness, the composition of ingredients, techniques, texture, colour and taste." - High praise from a fellow professional chef.

Verveine is also number 50 position in the top 100 restaurants in the prestigious Hardens Restaurant Guide for 2025. To put this into perspective, this ranking puts them higher than iconic dining rooms such as The Ritz, The Fat Duck and other Michelin Star restaurants.  www.hardens.com/top-100-uk-restaurants

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Winner: Chef of the Year

David Wykes (Verveine)

www.verveine.co.uk

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Runner Up: Tearoom/Coffee Shop of the Year

Sammy's Café

www.sammyscafe.co.uk

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Runner Up: Pub/Bar of the Year

The Smugglers Inn

www.thesmugglersinnpub.com

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Winner: The Food Producer of the Year

New Forest Ice Cream

(Whilst the company is not based in Milford on Sea, the owners do live here, and they also own The Needles Eye Cafe.)

www.newforesticecream.com

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A&T Food & Drink Awards

To see all winners, please click here. 

(The A&T article is behind a paywall)

Yacht destroyed on Milford on Sea Rocks

A drama unfolded on Milford on Seafront around lunchtime on Friday 28th March 2025. The weather was fine with a relatively calm, yet choppy sea when a yacht got into trouble.

It is unclear what the issue was, but it appeared mechanical, as the sailor was seen to be battling to save his yacht from grounding on the rocks near The White House.

Sadly, the tide was too strong, and his efforts were unsuccessful as it entered shallow water.

Thankfully, the stricken craft was soon attended by the Coastguard and RNLI Lymington Lifeboat waded in to take the yacht skipper safety ashore.

Photo by Miggy Flux

The yacht was flying a red ensign flag, which indicates that it is a British registered vessel. The yacht's name could not be identified from the shore.

It is understood that the RNLI tried to recover the yacht, but the tide went out too fast and it has been said that there appeared to be an issue with a trapped anchor. It is assumed that the recovery could continue on a high tide.

Photos by Miggy Flux

However, after a still night, it was discovered on the Saturday morning that the yacht had broken up on the rocks and the shipwreck was strewn across Milford on Sea beach.

A classic example of the power of the sea, even when all appears calm on land.

Hurst Castle Reopens on Tuesday 1st April 2025

Hurst Castle Reopens on 1st April 2025 and they have a season packed with fun and history.

Here are some of the family and adult fun events for your diary:

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80th Anniversary of VE Day

Saturday 5th April until Easter Monday 21st April 2025

Take part in our special VE Day Trail, complete the trail and claim your reward! 

There will also be arts & crafts to mark this important occasion, making this a great family day out filled with fun and learning.

All activities are included in your castle admission.

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Tudor Experience

Tuesday 29th April 2025 and Tuesday 10th June 2025 - Starts at 2pm.

Discover Tudor life whilst in a Tudor castle with an afternoon of activity.  

The experience includes:

• Talk about the Tudor period when Hurst Castle was built, with a focus on life as a Tudor lady and her costume.
• Two Tudor craft activities, to make and take home.
• Cream tea.
• All day castle admission.

This fun, immersive experience will be led by costumed characters and is suitable for all ages. 

Please note, the Tudor Experience must be pre-booked. Ferry booking extra if required.

Tickets: £20 per person.

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‘Hurst Sea and Sky’ Watercolour Painting Course

Thursday 15th May 2025 and Tuesday 17th June 2025 - Starts at 10am.

Enjoy a Watercolour Art Course at Hurst Castle with artist Aimee Durnell. 

Join Aimee Durnell to the otherworldly Hurst Spit to learn the joys of painting watercolour.  Inspired by the beauty of this reserve let Aimee show you how to make the most of your paintbox, creating waves and shorelines, using colour and texture to explore fresh vibrant watercolours.

Included in the course:

• Castle admission
• Return ferry
• Cream tea
• 3-hour painting course

Please bring your own paints, paper and a packed lunch for a fun day of painting adventure.

Tickets: £55 per person

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Lighthouse Tours

Every Monday - Weather and volunteer numbers permitting. 

Tours of the Low Light Lighthouse, built in 1911 which is located inside the castle, will be available from our volunteer group on Mondays throughout the season.

Call 01590 642500 in advance to confirm tours taking place.

To pre-book any event above, or for more information please click here.

To see more upcoming events, please click here.

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HURST CASTLE OPENING TIMES 2024: 

1st April 2025 to 2nd November 2025 - 10am to 5.30pm Daily.

• Adult: £8.50 - Concession: £7.50 - Child: (5-17 years) £5.50
• Family: (2 adults, 3 children) £25 - Children under 5: Free
• A Local Resident Annual Pass is available for people living locally to Hurst Castle

Well behaved dogs on short leads welcome in Castle and on Ferry.

Take the Ferry to Hurst Castle: www.hurstcastle.co.uk/how-to-get-here

For further information about your visit please call 01590 642500 or email:
info@hurstcastle.co.uk

See What's On at Hurst Castle, please click here.

Hurst Castle

01590 642500

info@hurstcastle.co.uk

www.hurstcastle.co.uk

www.facebook.com/HurstCastle

Friends of Hurst Castle

www.hurstcastle.co.uk/friends-of-hurst-castle

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Apply for a Parish Councillor Vacancy

Milford on Sea Parish Council have a current vacancy to co-opt an additional Parish Councillor.

As a Parish Councillor you have the opportunity to make our community an even better place to live, work and relax.

If you would like to make a difference, find out more from the Parish Office, call 01590 644410, or e-mail clerk@milfordonseaparishcouncil.gov.uk.

Deadline for applications: 4pm on Tuesday 15th April 2025

Milford on Sea Parish Council

The Old Clockhouse, 22 High Street, Milford on Sea SO41 0QD

01590 644410

clerk@milfordonseaparishcouncil.gov.uk

www.milfordonseaparishcouncil.gov.uk

The Parish Office is open most days from 10am to 3.30pm on Monday to Friday.

The Go Go Five Live at The Bridge

Local and lively band, The GO GO FIVE will once again be bringing their an eclectic mix of Motown, '1960s Soul, Jazz, Blues & Rock n Roll to The Bridge at 8pm on Saturday 12th April 2025.

The Go Go Five often include a Motown Revue as part of their uplifting, inspiring and truly exciting show…but frankly, anything can happen on the night.

The band will be joined by 2 excellent guest singers at this energetic night full of classics: Suzy Mac and Roy Gayle.

Foot tapping essential, dancing optional, but encouraged!

Tickets: £12 - Please click here.

Doors open at 7.30pm - Bar on night. *Find out more about the band below.

click image to watch video of the The Go Go Five in action

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About The GO GO FIVE

Jazz, blues and rock musician Ivan 'Chuck' Chandler moved to Milford on Sea in April 2016. 

By the time Ivan was 20, he was playing keyboards for Dusty Springfield, Lulu and Cat Stevens. He went on to hold senior management positions in the music industry including 8 years at Motown International’s London office in Mayfair. He formed his own Music Copyright & Licensing company, Musicalities Ltd, in 1994, and then seven years later, he founded The Go Go Five.

The band’s co-founder Jonathan MacDonald has played guitar for the Jamiroquai, Madness and Brand New Heavies. 

The GO GO FIVE play a mix of Motown, 1960s Soul, Jazz and Rock & Blues at regular gigs in many venues, including Milford on Sea.  

The GO GO FIVE

www.thegogofive.com

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The Bridge 

Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH

office@thebridgemos.org.uk

www.thebridgemos.org.uk

www.facebook.com/MoS-Community-Centre

Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

and occasional Saturdays

01590 644861

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New Ladies That Lift classes at The Natural Step

The Natural Step at Braxton Gardens continues to expand their offering of a variety of fitness and wellness activities.

Ladies That Lift 

Classes now run Every Thursday from 11.30 am to 12.45pm.

Technique and Education driven classes; teaching you safe, effective and proven exercise protocols to increase muscle mass, strengthen bones and speed metabolism.

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Radiant Heart. 

Saturday 29th March 2025. 4pm to 6pm. - £30pp | More dates coming.

The monthly sessions enable participants to relax and recharge with a restorative Yin Yoga session, Pranayama, and healing Mantras.

Doterra essential oils used throughout the session to enhance your wellbeing.

This will be followed by a deeply restorative Yoga Nidra (guided meditation) with Tibetan singing bowls and chimes to bring a deeper sense of inner peace, balance and harmony.

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1-2-1 Boxing Coaching

Friday 28th March 2025. 6pm to 6.45pm. - £10pp | More dates coming.

Boxing is often recognised as one of the best forms of fitness. Join Stu to learn some of the key boxing moves and for a full-body workout.

45 minute boxing based workout including pad work, boxing bag, strength & conditioning stations. £10 per person.

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PS: Also new: Sunrise Yoga: Every Friday at 7am.

To book any of the above, or to find out more, please contact: Jess on 07946 042263, Stu on 07787 427706 or email: info@thenaturalstep.co.uk.

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Classes at The Natural Step

The studio offers a range of small group yoga and a variety of fitness classes for all ages and abilities.

Take a look at their current timetable (to the left) and see which activities you would like to join in with.

Stu & Jess also lead Free Community Runs on Saturday mornings, meeting at 8.15am on the village green.

If you simply want assistance in achieving structure and balance to your life then why not book a free consultation/chat with Jess.

You can also follow all that is happening at The Natural Step at: 

www.facebook.com/thenaturalstep.

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About The Natural Step

The Natural Step is a friendly and welcoming Fitness and Holistic Lifestyle Studio located in the peaceful grounds of Braxton Gardens, Milford on Sea. 

They offer ‘pay as you go’ small group classes for Yoga, Reiki, and Meditation Classes, together with Fitness Classes and lifestyle Coaching, Private Mini Retreats, Group Retreats and Workshops.

All of the classes are for all levels, ages and abilities, these include: Strength and Conditioning, and Run Coaching.

Stu & Jess also lead Free Community Runs on Saturday mornings, meeting at 8.15am on the village green.

The Natural Step
Braxton Courtyard, Lymore Lane, Milford on Sea, SO41 0TX
Stu: 07787 427706
Jess: 07946 042263

info@thenaturalstep.co.uk
www.facebook.com/thenaturalstep

Community Defibrillator at Milford Early Years Centre

The village have six defibrillators dotted around the village, and the one outside was installed thanks to the parents at Milford Early Years Centre. 

The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at the Milford on Sea children's nursery raised £1,334 to provide the village with an additional lifesaving defibrillator.

The money was raised through a series of fundraising initiatives that included a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses, a quiz night and additional raffle hosted by The Lazy Lion pub before it closed, and a Christmas hospitality event.

The Early Years Group then paid for the electrical work to install the lifesaving kit and has also pledged to maintain it.

The defibrillator is fitted to the wall outside Milford Early Years Centre at The Old Bank House on the village’s west side, and is for public use. In an emergency, users can simply dial 999 to obtain a code that will unlock the equipment’s casing.

L to R: Eliza Wright, Lucie Kempton-Brown,
Lorna Batteson, Holly Wallis, Nicola Priest.

PTA member Lorna Batteson said: “Milford on Sea has a tremendous community spirit, and we were really thrilled to see such a surge in support from local people and local businesses for our cause.”

The Early Years Group area manager Eliza Wright said: “We are really proud of our nursery PTA’s efforts in getting this initiative up and running.

“Meanwhile, the generosity local people left us in no doubt that The Early Years Group should contribute by financing the defibrillator’s installation.”

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Defibrillators in Milford on Sea

The six village Defibrillators are now located at:

1. Coop. On side wall in village centre.
2. The Bridge Community Centre, Sea Road.
3. Milford Early Years Centre, The Old Bank House, High Street.
4. All Saints' Church Hall, Greenbanks Close.
5. Shingle Bank Drive (Bottom of road)
6. Milford on Sea Club (Behind the bar. Available to anyone if club is open.)

How to use: Although each defibrillator casing is slightly different, they all indicate a phone number to call. This takes you through to the emergency services who can give a code to open the case and provide instructions on what to do.

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Free CPR & Defibrillator Training Sessions 

If you have a group that may be interested please contact John on 07984 144109 or john.blessing@sca-charity.org.uk. 

There is no charge for the session, but donations to the Community First Responders is appreciated.

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Two Line Training owned and run by local resident Frances Lines, provide affordable defibrillator, first aid, and medical training for employers and individuals.

For more information, call 07852 771619 - www.twolinetraining.com

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About Milford Early Years Centre

The Milford on Sea based nursery Milford Early Years Centre, they took over operations from Milford Explorers Day Nursery and Beach School on 1st May 2024. 

On opening, the nursery became the fifth site in a small group of nurseries owned by The Early Years Group. 

Gemma & Hannah

The Early Years Group was founded in 2017 by Gemma Shergold and Hannah Green when they had the dream to offer the very highest quality early years education.

Both Gemma & Hannah, are passionate early years professionals with over 15 years experience. They strive to offer the very best quality care for the children who attend their settings, with a very home from home, child centred approach to things.

Milford Early Years Centre

5 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

01590 644448

enquiries@milfordearlyyears.co.uk

www.facebook.com/Daynurserymilfordonsea

www.theearlyyearsgroup.co.uk

Table Top Sale at The Bridge on Saturday

Another Table Top Sale takes place this Saturday 5th April 2025 from 9.30am to 1pm in the Bridge.

A variety of stalls including crafts, bric a brac, clothing, jewellery, handmade preserves and much more. - it changes every time!

Come along for hot drinks and cakes, and to discover some bargains!

Visitor Entry: Free. Café open for drinks and cake.

This is a fundraising event for The Bridge.

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New Stallholders Welcome: You can book a table at this and future Table Tops Sales' to sell your own items.

Stallholder Table Chairs: £10. To book please contact:

enquiries@moscommunitycentre.org.uk

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The Bridge 

Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH

01590 644861

office@thebridgemos.org.uk
www.thebridgemos.org.uk

www.facebook.com/MoS-Community-Centre

Tickets on sale for VE Day Sing-a-Long

Our village branch of The Royal British Legion will be taking everyone back to the 1940's 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. 

Come along in 1940s dress. (Optional of course.). There will also be a raffle.

Tickets: £15 to include 1940's 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 

Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH

office@thebridgemos.org.uk

www.thebridgemos.org.uk

www.facebook.com/MoS-Community-Centre

Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

and occasional Saturdays

01590 644861

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Stroke Recoverer’s Talking Group

If you have been affected by a stroke, the Stroke Recoverer’s Talking Group meet Every Wednesday from 10am to 11.45am.

The group offers a regular meeting point to increase social interaction and rebuild confidence after a stroke.

No need to book, everyone is welcome to just go along.

The group is hosted by Milford on Sea Community Library.

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To find out more about Milford on Sea Community Library, including their history and all they offer, please click here.

Milford on Sea Community Library

Park Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QU

01590 644040
mosclibrary@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/mosclibrary

MP's Future of Hurst Spit Survey

Sir Desmond Swayne, MP for New Forest West, is running a short, confidential survey to gather constituent’s opinions on the Environment Agency’s management of Hurst Spit to help shape local policy responses. 

As the Hurst Spit to Lymington Strategy currently stands, the draft plan is to maintain the existing shape of Hurst Spit for the next 10 to 20 years. After which, active management would be reduced, eventually allowing the shingle formation to return to a more natural form.

In other words, changing from a 'Hold the Line' strategy to a 'Managed Retreat'.

To read more, and to discover how SLAK are fighting to Save Hurst Spit, please click here.

To complete the survey, please click here.

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Hurst Spit to Lymington Strategy. To find out more, please visit

www.hurstspit2lymington.co.uk

To follow SLAK and their updates, please visit:

Save Lymington and Keyhaven - SLAK

www.berthon.co.uk/lymington-marina/slak

www.facebook.com/groups/947175910479995

New Milford Youth Theatre looking for Young Performers

The recently founded Milford Youth Theatre and the leader Christine, is calling all young performers from ages 9 to 16 years to come and join in.

This new venture provides the chance to develop their acting, singing, and dance skills in a relaxed but inspiring environment.

Led by Christine Mulgrew (Choir Leader for Total Voice) and supported by experienced industry guest tutors, this exciting new youth theatre will work towards a fully costumed production each year, featuring professional sound and lighting, to be performed on stage at The Bridge.

This year’s production will be Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, and you can already save the date performance on Saturday 19th July 2025.

This performance will be the perfect opportunity to showcase everything they’ve learned and kick-start the summer holidays.

Additionally, the youth theatre members will have access to various opportunities to collaborate with local, regional theatre companies, and projects/workshops, providing additional experiences for them to expand their skills, confidence, and stage presence!

Free Trial Session, by contacting Clara on office@thebridgemos.org.uk.

Rehearsals: Every Tuesday from 4:30 to 5:30 pm (Term Time) in The Studio at The Bridge.

Cost: £15 per month (15% Sibling Discount)

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The Bridge 

Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH

office@thebridgemos.org.uk

www.thebridgemos.org.uk

www.facebook.com/MoS-Community-Centre

Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

and occasional Saturdays

01590 644861

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