Help to Support Others

Sadly many people endure loneliness and bad days, and it is important to help if you can.

Mandy Preece
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Mandy Preece, soul midwife (holistic end of life companion) and volunteer ambassador for Macmillan Caring Locally, will be attending the Positive Living Group next Wednesday the 8th November to share her knowledge and offering a fresh look at how to listen and be supportive. She calls this Being Rock.

Being Rock is a simple concept of being able to support anyone when they are struggling or just having a bad day. And the great news is we can all do it! Mandy believes we just have to follow some simple ‘Rock rules’ to become better partners, parents, friends and work colleagues.

Humorous, inspiring and thought-provoking, Being Rock changes our perception of what it means to listen. 

Mandy will be sharing ways that can help us to be more compassionate and capable at helping others in their time of need. 

Please click here for more details.

Hurst on the Hill Pop Up

Hurst on the Hill in Milford on Sea village centre, held their first 'Pop Up Restaurant' on Saturday 28th October 2017.

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Accomplished village chef, Jesse Wells served a seven course tasting menu for 14 lucky dinners. Helping with the organisation and front of house was his partner, Mary-Kate who is also very experienced in the restaurant trade, and at other times she can also be found in The Cave with a cheery greeting for all customers.

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The evenings dishes used ingredients that the kitchen team foraged and shot themselves. (Including pigeon and duck.)

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Jesse has learnt his trade in a number of local restaurants, including Verveine and La Perle, he also worked with Simon Rogan at the 2 Michelin star L'Enclume restaurant in Cumbria.

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Hurst on the Hill will be holding their next 'Pop Up Restaurant', again with foraged ingredients, this coming Saturday Saturday 4th November 2017 - and Jesse is looking forward to many more exciting evening in Hurst on the Hill.

Hurst on the Hill

4 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH

01590 643837 

eat@hurstonthehill.co.uk

www.hurstonthehill.co.uk
Also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@hurstonthehill)

Home Made Pies at The Wash House

The Wash House Bar in Milford on Sea high street is now offering La Perle's Home Made Pies to go with your Pint.

La Perle is one of the village's leading restaurants and have been providing burgers to Wash House customers for the past few months.

Just order at the bar and your meal will be brought to you freshly cooked and delivered from the La Perle kitchen.

You can choose from the following options – all served with Peas, Mash or Fries:

• Longhorn Steak, Field Mushroom, Dorset Blue Vinney, Vibrant Brewery Ale
• Ham Hock, Field Mushroom, Wholegrain Mustard, Orchard Pig Cider, Mint
• South Coast Fish Pie, Coastal Cheddar and Dill
• Butternut Squash, Tomato, Aubergine, Halloumi, Ginger and Sultana

And for just £9.95 it's a perfect accompaniment to your pint on these chilly Autumn days!

Home Made Soups and Sandwiches also available at Lunch Times from £4.95.

So there you have it, yet another top place to enjoy the delights of the great food available in Milford on Sea.

...and, if you want to know 'who ate all the pies' - it was me!

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The Wash House

27 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF
www.thewashhousebar.co.uk

First Birthday for Milford Befrienders

The Milford Befrienders are now one year old, and are delighted to have made over a dozen successful matches.

Our village Befrienders provide a regular friendly visit to anyone who feels isolated or lonely in our community. 

Here are some comments from both the people benefiting and the Befrienders alike... 

"It is heart warming to hear about the difference Befriending has made to peoples lives." 

“We have a very close bond and never run out of things to talk about.” 

“We have lovely times together and I can tell her things and share problems, she always listens sympathetically and is a great help.” 

“I wasn’t sure at first as I am nervous of meeting new people, now I would not be without my new friend.” 

“Being a befriender is an enriching and rewarding experience for me. Chatting with my befriendee is always a pleasure.” 

“We went for a little walk and had a cup of tea. Another lovely time as a befriender.” 

“I feel really blessed to be able to do this, we both really look forward to our time together.” 

If you’d like someone to visit you or someone you know, or to join us as a Milford Befriender, please contact Steve Anderton on 01590 637088 or befrienders@steveanderton.com

Plan your night out at The Cave

There is plenty of time before Christmas, and The Cave have organised some special nights to get you away from deciding the delights of 'what to buy who, and who to buy what' for Christmas!

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The Cave

2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH

01590 642195

www.thecavemos.co.uk

Samaritans Purse Shoebox Appeal

Samaritans Purse Shoebox Appeal - Operation Christmas Child is one of the world's largest children's Christmas projects. 

They will be holding workshops at All Saints' Church Hall on Wednesday 1st November and 15th November 2017 between 2pm to 3.30pm to fill shoeboxes with goodies for children aged 2 to 14. 

Thr group has already had one successful workshop and they desperately need more donations of the following in order to fill the shoeboxes: Beanie hats, face cloths, toothpaste, bars of soap (no liquids allowed), small toys (especially something for the older boys), hairbrushes and hair bobbles for the girls. 

Please take any item you can donate to put in a shoe box to the All Saints' Church Office on Tuesday to Thursday mornings between 9am and 12 noon. Thanks!

 Any further details from Beverley on 01590 643427.

Community Centre Expansion Research Results

The Milford on Sea Community Centre Trustees are delighted with the community’s response to the recent survey regarding the best use for the proposed extension, and are grateful to the 321 people who completed the questionnaire.

Of the four proposed ideas for the new extension, over half considered “creating a relaxing and comfortable space” the most appealing. In addition over a third of respondents added their own thoughts on possible uses for the extension and suggestions for improvements to the current facilities – including the possibility of a swimming pool, which sadly the limited space would not permit! 

Almost all respondents had attended the Community Centre in the previous 6 months, and the most popular activities were Live Screenings (42%) and Milford Movies (41%). Also popular for around a third of respondents were Group Meetings (eg U3A, Seahorses, and Stroke Club), regular music evenings (Folk, Jazz and Blues nights), daytime classes, and popping in for coffee and using the internet facilities.

Trustee Chairman, Bob Bishop, said “We have had a great response and the Trustees will be giving careful consideration to the many ideas that have been suggested.”

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For further information contact:

Celia Jones – ccandjones@gmail.com, 01590 718723

Background

The Community Centre purchased the adjacent land in the summer of 2017 and decided to set up a short research project to assess the views of the community on the best use for the proposed extension.

The survey included questions on age, gender and locality of respondents together with details of their current involvement with, and usage of, the Community Centre and their thoughts on possible uses for the extension.

The survey was launched on 13th July, both online and a paper version, and closed on 8th September. Overall, 321 responses were received.

Curry is back in Milford!

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We are delighted to report that a beautiful leaflet has been circulating the village - a village curry house is opening!

The new Monsoori Heights is opening today (Thursday 19th October 2017) in the building previously occupied by Zaika Indian Restaurant.

If you can get hold of one of the flyers, you can get 10% off of the food between the 19th to 26th October 2017.

It will come as no surprise to find out that I will be visiting very soon, with a flyer in hand!

Monsoori Heights
69-71 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG
01590 644441
www.monsooriheights.com

(Not working at time of this articles publication.)

Can you give the May Fayre a hand?

We have been informed that a May Fayre meeting will be held at 6pm on Wednesday 25th October 2017 at Belle Epoque in Milford on Sea high street. - Anyone who is interested in getting involved in any way is invited.

The meeting is to discuss last year and to plan for next year.

Organiser, Henrietta imagines that the meeting will be about an hour and then the group may hang around longer for drinks and/or food.

There’s no obligation, but please do go along to see if you can help in any way next year, or if you have any ideas about the way the May Fayre is run. Everyone is welcome, - also please bring friends and extend the invitation.

Please let Henrietta know if you’re coming or not so that she can make sure there is enough space for everyone - and a drink!

Henrietta Winstanley
Milford-on-Sea May Fayre
Stables Cottage, Wainsford Road, Lymington, SO41 8LA
07745 365558
henri.mayfayre@gmail.com

Community Centre's Tenth Birthday

The current Milford on Sea Village Community Centre opened in September 2010 replacing the 'Old' Community Centre which had simply been portacabins since 2007. 

The Community Centre is now ten years old, and has been a great success in offering a wide range of activities for all ages. There are many entertainment events, films, exercise groups, clubs and classes housed in the Centre aimed at whatever the village community requires.

The main hall and the adjacent kitchen can cater for parties, exhibitions and concerts. The smaller committee room houses workshops and meetings. The youth room, as well as providing a meeting place for young people, can be hired for craft workshops or small parties.

Community Centre until Sept 2009

In addition a separate studio has been equipped for dance and exercise.

The Community Centre also has a Cafe, which has free internet access from 9am to 4pm on weekdays and 10am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Most recently the Community Centre have purchased the adjacent land and are currently evaluating the best way to use this new expansion opportunity. Click here for more information.

David Young 

David Young, a Chartered Surveyor with 50 years experience, spoke at the Lymington & District Probus Club held at Elmer's Court Country Club on Monday 20th December 2010. David explained the saga of the efforts required to raise the funds for and the building of the new community centre in Milford on Sea.

David’s story started in 2001 when with £5001 in the bank a small committee mainly of parish councillors sought to replace a hundred year old hall with a traditional design which had cost £5000 to design and obtain full planning permission. The site was cleared and a temporary structure was built to house a nursery on a 5 year lease. During this time a revised committee with a number of professionals worked on an improved idea. By buying the temporary building with a grant in 2006 and using it as a community hall a detailed business case was developed and fund raising began in earnest. The Lottery was approached for £500,000 and matching funds had to be pledged through the NFDC, HCC and the Parish Council, plus some government agencies supporting both youth activities and eco-friendly construction. In 2008 a detailed business plan was finalised and an eco-friendly design produced. The lottery grant was obtained and the pledges fulfilled such that the new building was completed in a year and now is fully utilised with facilities for stage work, internet café, youth centre, kitchen able to cater for 200 people and a committee room for 16 members. The structure has a special ventilation system, is largely made of wood and highly insulated. A key feature is the wood pellet burning boiler which is unique and brings its own challenges.

A Community Centre was opened in the portacabin format on 27th October 2007 .

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To celebrate their 10th Birthday, the Community Centre is holding a song and dance evening featuring Axel and the Big Wheels and local band, the Empty Frets. Tickets are available now and details can be found on the poster to the right.

Milford on Sea Village Community Centre

2 Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PU

01590 644861

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

Have Your Say about the Future of Milford War Memorial Hospital

The NHS is planning the future use of Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital in Sea Road, and they would like your views.

The hospital was built by residents as a War Memorial to commemorate the village fallen in World War One, it also houses our Village War Memorial. So, this is not a simple decision about an NHS facility, if the hospital cannot be justified on the services it provides, then it is feared that decision could be made which could affect this historic building in Milford on Sea.

It seems clear that we need a great idea to secure the future of this important local landmark. 

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You will be able to discuss the future of services at Milford Hospital directly with NHS staff from West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group at 'Drop In Meetings' on the dates below.

There will be no formal presentation, and you are welcome to drop in at any time during the sessions.

• Milford Community Centre, SO41 0PH - Tuesday 31st October 2017: At any time between 1pm - 6pm

• All Saints Church Hall, SO41 0SQ - Wednesday 8th November 2017: At any time between 6pm - 8pm

If any groups or clubs in the village have any ideas on how the hospital could be used, suggestions would be welcomed in writing or person.

The hospital building itself is owned by NHS Property Services with the majority of services at the site provided by Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust and commissioned by West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

About Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital

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On Friday 24 July 2015 an official Blue Plaque was unveiled at Milford War Memorial Hospital by Milford Hospital League of Friends to commemorate  that: 'Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital, opened in 1930, was built with public subscription by the families and friends of those who died in World War I. Registered War Memorial No 59027.'

The Blue Plaque was installed to remind people of the sacrifice of those who lost their lives and the families and villagers who contributed to build the hospital on its present site.

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The Historical Record Society’s research, and persistence with official bodies, including the Imperial War Museum over some years, resulted in the Hospital being formally registered, and the Blue Plaque is now a permanent emblem of the Hospital’s importance as the village’s chosen way of honouring its War Dead.

The War Memorial Hospital also houses the Village War Memorial, and poppy wreaths are laid here every Armistice Day in November.

So, any decisions made about the future of the building are not simply about an NHS hospital, this building and its contents are enshrined in the fabric of our village history.

Whatever the future, why and how Milford on Sea Memorial Hospital was built must not be lost or forgotten.

Story of the Village War Memorial: click here to read.

Bomb on Hurst Spit

Last Sunday the bomb disposal unit was called to Hurst Spit to deal with a shell found on the beach.

A controlled explosion was completed by the emergency teams.

It is a common occurrence that WW2 bombs are washed up on the shore. Apparently, there was a test firing range on the Isle of Wight close to The Needles during the war, - hence there are a vast quantity of shells in the sea and some of these are washed up sporadically with the tide.

Garry Staincliffe captured some atmospheric photographs that we are happy to share below.

Picture by Garry Staincliffe
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Picture by Garry Staincliffe
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Inger Lise's Coffee Shop becomes Salt Water Cafe

On the 6th October last year (2016) Tony Michael became the new proprietor of Inger Lise's Coffee Bar in Milford on Sea high street.

One year on and Tony is reinventing his offering and has changed the name to Saltwater Cafe.

Saltwater Cafe can also now be found on Facebook and Instagram.

Tony has also added some different dishes, and is working on some more. We hope plenty of people pop in to give them a try.

Salt Water Cafe
106 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE
01590 643518

Watch Out for Portuguese Man O'War

Reports have been made of dangerous Portuguese Man O'War "jellyfish" washing up in UK, including Milford on Sea. 

It appears that beaches across the South coast are being invaded by the biggest concentration of deadly jellyfish in 15 years following hurricanes and extreme weather conditions.

Pockets numbering in their hundreds were reported initially on beaches across Cornwall with further instances in Dorset, Devon and Wales and sightings still occurring regularly as far east as Milford on Sea in Hampshire.

Swimmers off the South coast are being advised to wear full body suits to protect themselves, while parents taking children to the beach have been warned to exercise "extreme caution".

The fish, which have tentacles which can deliver painful and even fatal stings, appear like deflated balloons on sand and in shallow water.

Portuguese man-of-war, usually found in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, have purple tentacles which can reach up to fifty meters below the ocean's surface. 

According to the Marine Conservation Society, this year the number reported by members of the public since early September are in excess of 2000, eclipsing the annual average which ranges from 1000 to 1500.

The Marine Conservation Society encourages members of the public to continue reporting any sightings via their website at www.mcsuk.org

Milford Artist at Royal West Academy Exhibition

Local Milford on Sea artist Mary Williams has achieved success in having two paintings selected for a major art exhibition, The Royal West Academy 165th Annual Open Exhibition.

The Varnishing Lunch

Mary's paintings entitled “The Clearing” and “Entering the Enclosure” have been chosen from entries within the UK and beyond, and will appear alongside those of leading artists. Mary will be attending the Varnishing Lunch which originally was a day when exhibiting artists would add the final touches to their works within the galleries. However, it is now a celebration for the selected artists to meet prior to the private view.

The RWA Open Exhibition takes place in Bristol from 1st October until 3rd December 2017. www.rwa.org.uk

The inspiration for Mary's paintings comes from the forest landscapes and the magical reaction of watercolour or ink to the paper.

Mary's paintings have been previously selected for exhibitions at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, The Red House Museum in Christchurch and Forest Arts Centre in New Milton. She also shows her work through the Hampshire Open Studios event, Royal Lymington Yacht Club Art and Milford Art Group exhibitions and is a member of local art groups in both Milford and Lymington.

Milford on Sea Food Week Postponed

It is with a tinge of regret that Milford on Sea Food Week will not be taking place in April 2018.

However, Food Week is not dead, it is just resting!

To explain, planning for Food Week starts around 6 months in advance and takes up around 3 full days a week to put everything in place.

For a number of years I had been 'semi-retired', which provided the time to enjoy putting together this fun event.

Last year my chief executive moved on to pastures new, so I stepped back into my company on a temporary basis.

That temporary basis has now become full-time again, as the company is growing in all areas; from our industry business management software to our online sourcing subscription services. Added to this we have created two new major industry events to take place this September and then in February 2018, plus we are building an exciting new industry data sharing product for launch early in the new year.

The village businesses, clubs and residents, plus the fabulous volunteers, have all been so supportive over the years, I thank you all for that, and I am sorry to disappoint anyone. But as you may imagine it is difficult to devote the necessary time right now.

(The weekly village newsletter is not in danger, I can still fit that in!)

Food Week will be back, just don't know when at the moment!

PS: The silly stories about my weird life and experiences are few at present. Not because of a short supply material (I still get in trouble with my wife on a regular basis), but because of the time needed to write them - they will also be back at some time!

If you would like to read some of the more ridiculous stories published in the past, please click here.

Milford did have a Jewellers

Having be asked last week whether Milford on Sea ever had a jewellers were were interested to hear these replies:

No.1: Yes, there was a jewellers/watch repair shop in the village, I think it was "F Carter"? It was the shop just to left (Keyhaven side) of Monks, opposite "Telford Stone" and "Brooms" shops? I don't recall a fire but I moved out of village in the 70's after being born there in '53.

No.2: I think the lady must mean Carter's, who were both a watchmaker and had some jewellry - or that is as I remember the shop. Hugh Carter, who worked with his father, sadly died last autumn having fallen from his yacht moored at the end of the Keyhaven River. Their shop was in the row between Monks Fish shop and an old lady at the end who sold antiques, books etc. There was also a hairdresser.

The Cullinan Diamond

No.3: The Cullinan Diamond, the world's largest gem-quality rough diamond was discovered in South Africa and bought to Milford on Sea to be cut into smaller gems by a cousin of the diamonds discoverer.

No.4: Hugh Carter did have a fire at the shop. A heater was to blame I believe, and dear "old Hughie" suffered some burns.

No.5: David, Milford certainly had a watch repairer near Chris Monk our greatly respected fishmonger, when I arrived in 1984. It was at about 100 High Street. No impressive window display but I remember two elderly (male) sales staff and a pretty empty counter. They repaired a watch for me and also replaced a battery on another occasion. I do not remember any fire there. I think that like so many of our considerable number of shops in the past and also old soldiers, after reaching retirement age and no young willing to take over, the owners just "faded away".

PS: As you may guess, No.3 is complete nonsense and made up for no particular reason!

Fancy organising a bit of Hula Hooping?

We have been asked whether there is, or is there a demand for, a hoola hoop class in Milford on Sea?

If so, a coach/teacher is needed!

Apparently, it is a great exercise for waists, legs, arms and low impact, good fun and social. It is also an ideal way of keeping winter weight to a minimum and lookin’ good at party time as the festive season approaches. 

If you know of any classes, or would like to organise some, please add a comment below or email me at: david@milfordonsea.org


PS: As you can see in the picture, I have had a go at it on the village green, and I have to say I was pretty good at it.

Did Milford on Sea have a Jewellers?

We have had the interesting letter below, which someone may be able to help resolve:

Dear David, 

I grew up in the village, went to the local school, Priestlands comprehensive and Brockenhurst college. I moved away in my twenties and now live in Cardiff. My mum still lives in the village. We were just talking and I remember that there used to be a jewellery shop in the village, on the row of shops where Monks fishmongers used to be (and where Verveine is now). I thought that the shop had a fire in it, but mum said that the jewellers never did have a fire. Can you solve our argument?

I of course struggle to remember what day it is, so am unable to help - But If you can resolve this family conundrum please post your thoughts by hitting the 'Comments text' below.

Do You Need a Dog Walker?

Kaits Canine Care, founded by by Kait Houching, started a dog walking service in Milford on Sea a year ago.

Animal lover Kait is also currently studying a BA Course in Aanimal Anatomy, which in due course will lead her (forgive the pun!) to being able to offer dog massage.

Kait herself has 2 cavaliers, Alfie and Amber, and with her business expanding so fast, she has now teamed up with fellow animal lover and dog walker in the village, Ruth Elrington-Brown.

Kait says, "We offer a dog walking service in Milford on Sea, and surrounding areas. We can do up to 3 visits a day for dogs, hour long walks, half hour walks, cat visits including feeding and litter tray changing, reptile feeding, house sitting including taking in mail, checking over the home, watering plants and feeding of wild birds. We are so excited about our growing business, and we look forward to meeting local people and their lovely pets"

If you would like to find out more about Kait & Ruth's services, or for references, please contact her below:

Kaits Canine Care

01590 719406 / 07799 947718

kaithouching@yahoo.co.uk