Awesome cloud above the Needles

A spectacular photo of a Rectangular Cloud above The Needles and the Isle of Wight was captured by Trevor Machin on Monday 15th April 2024.

This awesome sight was enhanced by the sun giving the cloud a fire yellow appearance.

Certainly not something you see every day!

Rectangular Cloud Photo by Trevor Machin

Chris & Archie visit Braxton Gardens & Tea Room

If you are a member of the 'We Love Milford on Sea' Facebook page, you may well be familiar with local amateur photographer, Chris Mabey and his Lakeland Terrier dog Archie, who regularly document their travels around the village.

In fact, Archie is quite a Milford on Sea celebrity, and he has over 17,000 followers on his Archie@ArchieLakeland page on X (Twitter).

Recently, they visited a local oasis at Braxton Gardens Tea Room to relax and enjoy some homemade cake and coffee. The Tea Room menu also includes light lunches and even more sweet & savoury treats to choose from. 

To see menu: Please click here.

If you have never been, or not been recently, this short video give a flavour of the charming gardens and their irresistible cakes!

To view the video, please click image.

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About Braxton Gardens & Tea Room

To find out more, please click here.

Good dogs and children welcome. Check website or Facebook for opening hours.

Braxton Gardens & Tea Room

Lymore Lane, Milford on Sea, SO41 0TX

01590 641501

braxtongardens@icloud.com

www.braxtongardens.co.uk

www.facebook.com/braxtongardens

Thanks from The Bridge

The team at The Bridge would like to send their thanks to everyone that made the recent Clearance Sale such a success on Saturday 13th April 2024.

There was a very good number of visitors to the sale who bought goods and Tombola tickets, and also enjoyed refreshments in The Bridge Café.

Generously, local businesses kindly donated Tombola prizes which helped to make the day a financial success. All proceeds will go towards funding The Bridge and all the work they do in the community, none of which would be successful without their team of wonderful volunteers.

Special Thanks for Tombola prizes go to:

• Hayward Fox
• The Co-Op
• Coastal Bakery
• Passford House Hotel
• New Seasons Flower Shop

To see what else is on at The Bridge: Please click here.

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The Bridge 

Formerly: Milford on Sea Community Centre

Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH

01590 644861

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

www.facebook.com/MoS-Community-Centre

The Bridge Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

WINGS AGM on Friday

WINGS (Wings Wildlife Heritage) are holding their AGM, including a free talk on 'Nature Recovery', at 7pm on Friday 19th April 2024 in The Bridge, Sea Road, Milford on Sea.

Everyone is invited and admission is free.

For more information, please contact; Keith at:

keithmetcalf2022@btinternet.com.

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About WINGS

Wings Wildlife Heritage (known simply as ‘Wings’) was set up in 2022 by Keith Metcalf and friends when they launched their ‘Nature Story-telling’ sessions for youngsters on the Village Green at the May Fair 2022.

The group is ‘not for profit’ and aims to encourage youngsters, and ‘those still young at heart’, to help our depleted local wildlife. Keith's message is that; “Everybody is welcome to help us in our quest to inspire others and enable wildlife recovery on our doorstep”.

To join the WINGS group, please contact Keith.

WINGS

keithmetcalf2022@btinternet.com

Beach Hut devastation on BBC News

BBC News visited the devastated beach huts at Hordle Cliff Milford on Sea for a live TV report this morning.

Photos by Graham Wiffen

Presenter Alexis Green broadcast live from the beach, and award winning local photographer Graham Wiffen, was on hand to capture some pictures when the live programme took place.

He also saw the NFDC Coastal Team arrive to assess the situation.

In the past few years it was decided that the beach huts under Hordle Cliff could no longer be protected. Since then, with every storm, more beach huts are being reclaimed by the sea.

Beach Hut owners are aware of the situation and can remove their huts should they be in a position to do so. The destroyed beach huts and debris will be removed by the council in the coming weeks, in what is likely to be a continual process for some time yet.

Indeed, as reported in The Sun, one enterprising owner has already relocated their beach hut, and it is now a shed in their garden. Please click here to read article. 

It is sad for many to see the beach huts disappear. Hopefully, people can retain the years of memories engrained in the shattered pieces of wood.

Photos by Graham Wiffen

Photos by Jan Anderson

Builder Signage & Kids Builder Toys needed for Pre-School

Milford on Sea Pre-School Plus are looking for builder signs and toys to create their own Builders Shed.

The team at the Pre-School would welcome any suitable donations of builder signage, or builder related toys, for the kids to play with.

If you are able to help, please contact: 01590 644684 or milfordpreschool@aol.com.

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About Milford on Sea Pre-School Plus

The Pre-School are an active, energetic, nurturing and developing pre-school that has been established for over 30 years. They encourage children to learn through play and have extensive knowledge, expertise, space and resources to help children develop in line with the EYFS curriculum. 

The Pre-School's vibrant, engaging indoor space includes Role Play Stations, a Technology Corner, Creative Area, Reading Snug and Loft Playhouse. The large outdoor space includes a Forest School, Allotment, Outdoor Play Area, Mud Kitchen and Sand Pit.

They accept children aged 2 years and 9 months upwards, and help prepare children with their transition to Primary School.

Milford on Sea Pre-School Plus also run a Holiday Club, and After School Club for Milford on Sea Primary School. 

Milford on Sea Pre-School Plus

Lymington Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0RF

01590 644684

milfordpreschool@aol.com

www.milfordpreschoolplus.co.uk

Milford on Sea Primary School win Hampshire County Netball Final

A recent article by James Henley in the Advertiser & Times reported on another success for the Milford Jets netball team from Milford on Sea Primary School.

Photo by Advertiser & Times

The Milford Jets had already competed at qualifying events to earn their place in the Hampshire County Netball Finals recently held at Southampton Sports Centre.

At the event, competing against 25 teams from schools across Hampshire, the team progressed to their third Hampshire County Final in a row.

In the final, a tight match against Awbridge Primary School, saw Milford Jets emerge as 8-6 winners.

The school's younger team, The Spitfires, emerged in a very well merited fourth place.

Congratulations to all the children that took part.

To read the full article, please click here.

Milford on Sea Primary School

Lymington Road, Milford on Sea, Lymington SO41 0RF

01590 642945

adminoffice@mosps.hants.sch.uk

www.mosps.hants.sch.uk

Free Breakfast Draw at Melleford

To celebrate the launch of their second café in Milford on Sea, Melleford (located at the foot of the village green), are giving away an exceptionally delicious breakfast for two to one lucky winner.

To get a chance to win a free breakfast, simply visit the Saltwater Facebook page and read the recent post with details on how to enter. Please click here.

The winner will be announced on 18th April 2024. Good luck.

To read more about Melleford & Saltwater, please click here.

Melleford

60 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE

01590 718390

melleford@outlook.com

www.facebook.com/melleford

Saltwater

106 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE

01590 718100

saltwatermilford@aol.com

www.saltwatermilford.com

www.facebook.com/saltcafe106

International Ska & Reggae Festival, The Big One 2024 coming to Shorefield Country Park

Shorefield Country Park have announced that they are hosting an International Ska & Reggae Festival, The Big One 2024 from Friday 8th November through to Sunday 10th November 2024.

The event will feature international bands and DJ’s, as well as a variety of stalls.

Individual day tickets are now on sale for people who will not be requiring accommodation on site:

Tickets: Friday £17 - Saturday £25 - Sunday £25 - Full Weekend £60. (Plus booking fee.)

To buy tickets: All ticket options are at the foot of page when clicking here.

Until the end of May 2024, there is a discount of 15% Off Caravans, and 25% Off Lodges. To find out more call 01590 648333 or click here.

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About Shorefield Country Park

Shorefield's have a wide range of pet-friendly self-catering caravans, luxury lodges, houses & treehouse accommodation.

The Beachcomber Complex is packed with fun-filled family facilities including indoor & outdoor swimming pools, gym, spa, bar, restaurant and first-class entertainment at no extra cost.

In 2023, Shorefield Country Park won an Award for Excellence, and Dog Friendly Business of the Year, in The Beautiful South Awards.

Shorefield Country Park 

Shorefield Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0LH

01590 648306

www.shorefield.co.uk/holidays/locations/shorefield-country-park

Chatty Café at Everton Nurseries

Do you enjoy chatting and meeting new people? If so, then the Everton Nurseries 'Chatty Café Scheme', may be just the thing for you.

Anyone is invited to come into the Everton Nurseries Coffee Shop and sit at a 'Chatter & Natter' table for a chat with a stranger that could brighten the day for you and them.

On Wednesdays from 9.30am until 11.30am, a table is set aside with a yellow table sign displayed in the middle showing an image of a tea cup with a C inside.

Simply buy a drink or bite to eat from the menu, take a seat, and chat away!

Everton Nurseries & Camellias Restaurant

Christchurch Road, Everton, SO41 0BF

01590 642155

gc@evertonnurseries.co.uk

www.evertonnurseries.co.uk

www.facebook.com/evertonnurseries

The Big Speakeasy is coming to the Beach House

The Big Speakeasy night of Jazz and Burlesque is taking place at The Beach House on Saturday 20th April 2024 from 6.30pm to late.

The evening includes a lavish three-course meal as you get ready to groove to the tunes of Nick Ward and The Jelly Rolls, with a sultry burlesque shows to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Dress to impress in your finest vintage gear and dive headfirst into the seedy underbelly of the prohibition era.

Tickets: £70 including all the entertainment.

Places are almost sold out so please book via:

www.newforestevents.uk.

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Future Events:

Supper Club - Musicals Cabaret

Friday 28th June 2024 - at The Beach House

Join a musical journey through 1920s America, Berlin, Hollywood, and the Swingin’ Sixties. 

Enjoy a two-course meal at the Beach House, dress for the occasion, and sing along for an old-style music hall experience. The event promises a magical night of food, drinks, and timeless tunes across different eras, concluding with a celebration of the Swingin’ Sixties.

Tickets: £65

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Miami Nights 

Saturday 21st September 2024 - at The Beach House

Step into the vibrant world of Miami nights, where every moment is an opportunity to embrace the glitz and glamour of a the 1970s. As you don your shimmering dress and feel the rhythm of the music pulsating through your veins,

In this retro supper club, you are not just a guest – you are a part of a community united by a love for celebration and all things extravagant.

Tickets: £90

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Murder Mystery Night

Saturday 12th October 2024 - at The Beach House

Join in for a night of murder and mystery, It’s the 1980s. Your hosts regularly invite you for sumptuous dinner party at their stately home which involve nothing but the best wines, fine cuisine and traditional after dinner chat. This evening was to be no exception. Murder anyone? 

The evening includes a two course dinner, and lots of silliness as the evening reveals that someone has been bumped off. Enjoy being part of the action in this intimate evening at The Beach House Milford on Sea.

Tickets: £75

New Forest Events

Nova Milesko - Event Organiser

07894 588002

hello@newforestevents.uk

www.newforestevents.uk

The Beach House

Park Lane, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PT
01590 643044
www.beachhousemilfordonsea.co.uk
www.facebook.com/thebeachhousehw

Mindfulness in Milford on Sea

For the spiritual in the community, local Resident Yolanda Brooks, from Letting the Light In, runs the Milford on Sea Women’s Circle on Wednesdays.

The Milford on Sea Women’s Circle is described as: 'A simple, safe space for soul sharing and sacred silence. Leave your mask at the door, come as you are.'

Yolanda says; "Every one of us has within us the answers to our own questions, but without the collective wisdom of fellow tribeswomen, we’ve forgotten how to find them.

In addition to the quiet time in which we sit with each other and witness each others stories, there will be space for sharing ideas, thoughts, even solutions."

Yolanda has experience in somatic therapy & holistic life coaching, and she is happy to chat through any questions you may have about the Milford on Sea Women’s Circle. Her contact details are below.

To book, please click here.

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Mindfulness & Meditation Sessions

Yolanda also runs a number of other mindful activities, on Sunday's. The sessions cover 'Ways to be mindful and how to meditate.'

To take a look, please visit her website at:
www.linktr.ee/lettingthelightin - or click here.

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The GCC Business Network 

Finally, Yolanda also runs The GCC Business Network, held at The Beach House in Milford on Sea.

This group is for connecting like-minded local business owners & to grow together. The aim of the networking group is 'To change the way independent and small business owners in my own local area and create lasting and collaborative relationships.'

To find out more, please click here.

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Letting the Light In - Yolanda Brooks 

Somatic Therapy & Holistic Life Coaching

yolanda@lettingthelight.in

www.linktr.ee/lettingthelightin

07812 593966

Flying Visit around New Forest Emporium

If you haven't yet visited New Forest Emporium, take a look at the video below for a quick guided tour. The video shows a small selection of what is on offer and there is much more to see when you arrive.

The New Forest Emporium at Newlands Manor, Milford on Sea features numerous traders who offer antiques, vintage, retro, contemporary, and collectables. The emporium is crammed with an unbelievable variety of antiques, jewellery, furniture, glass, china and curios to choose from.

There is also a cafe on site for you to enjoy.

Dogs welcome.

click image to view video

New Forest Emporium Café

During your visit you can get a delicious cake, coffee, or lunch in the New Forest Emporium Café.

The cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, coffee & cake all day from 9.30am to 4:30pm.

To book a table in advance please call 07811 767510 or contact:
info@forestemporium.co.uk.

April Afternoon Tea

Selection of sandwiches, fruit scones and an assortment of sweet treats. Pot of tea with a range of flavours and a complimentary glass of sparkling prosecco.

£18.50pp.

Ring or email to book.

New Forest Emporium & Café
New Forest Water Gardens, Newlands Manor Farm, Milford on Sea, SO41 0JH
07534 442215
info@forestemporium.co.uk
www.facebook.com/newforestemporium

Located in the Water Gardens at the junction of Christchurch Road A337 and Lymington Road B3058 which becomes the High Street in Milford on Sea.

Clearance Sale on Saturday

There is a Clearance Sale at The Bridge from 9.30am to 1.30pm this coming Saturday 13th April 2024.

The sale will feature item for clearance from both charity shops operated by The Bridge in the village.

Great selection of clothes, lovely china and collectibles, bric-s-brac, books, toys and jewellery all at bargain price. There will also be a tombola with special prizes.

The Bridge Café will be also be open serving tasty coffees, teas, hot chocolate and delicious homemade cakes.

Free Entry.

To see what else is on at The Bridge: Please click here.

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The Bridge 

Formerly: Milford on Sea Community Centre

Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH

01590 644861

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

www.facebook.com/MoS-Community-Centre

The Bridge Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

Cakeflix Cake Competition Win for Mandy

Amanda Black from Amanda Black Cakes has won the Cakeflix Cake of the Month competition for March 2024.

The competition included many high quality cake makers, so Mandy is delighted to have come out on top.

Her entry was the wedding cake that she made for a lucky couples big day. 

Mandy has now qualified for the Cakeflix Cake of the Year competition which will take place in November 2024.

Mandy is always happy discuss making any cake you may like for just an everyday treat, or any special occasion. Her range runs from inexpensive cupcake boxes, through to elaborate cakes for special family & friend events.

If there is anything that you fancy, please contact her at: 

07914 586441 - elmsleighcakes1@aol.com.

PS: To see more of Amanda's cakes, please visit:

www.facebook.com/Elmsleighcakes

www.elmsleighcakes.co.uk

Just a few of Amanda's creations

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About Amanda Black Cakes

Mandy initially 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.

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 which he was awarded for his dedication to sharing his cake honing her already exceptional cake making skills, and one of the world's most respected cake designers.

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 who’s books she bought when first starting creating amazing cakes.

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

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

Amanda Black Cakes

(Formerly Elmsleigh Cakes)

07914 586441

elmsleighcakes1@aol.com

www.facebook.com/Elmsleighcakes

www.elmsleighcakes.co.uk

Gelato Gold Ice Cream back at Pickled Weasel

The Pickled Weasel Bakehouse & Takeaway are once again offering a selection of award winning Gelato Gold Ice Creams.

The favours include Madagascan Vanilla, Strawberries & Cream, Sea Salted Caramel Ripple and Chocolate Chunk. Everyone will have favourite, but that is not a reason not try them all in the coming months!

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About Pickled Weasel

Pickled Weasel is a popular Bakehouse & Takeaway in the centre of Milford on Sea Village.

Owners & bakers, Alex & Lesley have been freshly baking a delicious and ever-change range of savoury & sweet treats daily since 2020.

Their takeaway menu includes; tasty breakfast sandwiches, a lunchtime range of filled sandwiches & ciabatta, inventive flavour focaccia bread, quiche, pizza slices, healthy salads, olives, and a great selection of delicious pastries & an irresistible range of cakes. Plus, some excellent coffee. 

In the summer, there is award winning Gelato Gold ice cream, - and in the winter, they offer takeaway Sunday roasts dinners and desserts.

The Pickled Weasel has a 5 Star Hygiene Rating.

Pickled Weasel Bakehouse & Takeaway

54 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

01590 641155

www.facebook.com/PickledWeasel