La Perle Award Nomination & New Website

Since taking over as the the new Chef/Patron La Perle in Milford on Sea only a few weeks ago (and following on from the excellent work of previous owners Lionel & Emily), Sam Hughes has now reached the half way point in the The Good Food Guide Readers’ Restaurant of the Year Awards.

The Waitrose Good Food Guide Readers' Restaurant of the Year Award champions local eateries and recognises great food and service at restaurants, pubs and cafés across the UK. The current frontrunners for the South East are:

• La Perle, Lymington, Hampshire
• Chapter One, Locksbottom, Kent
• The Miller of Mansfield, Goring, Berkshire
• The Croft Kitchen, Biggleswade, Bedforshire

Sam has also launched the new La Perle website (click here.) The colourful website contains impressive pictures of his food, information on the restaurant and the all important restaurant menus.

La Perle now opens for Sunday Lunch with meat roasts and fish options, as well as a great value for money Set Lunch from Monday to Saturday alongside the tasty A La Carte menu at lunchtimes and in the evenings. 

The weekly events include: Fish & Chips on Tuesdays, Lobster Night on Wednesdays and Steak Night on Thursdays. A Saturday Brunch is also being prepared for launch soon.

There is no shortage of choice at La Perle, so why not take a look at the new website, or better still grab a table and give yourself a treat!

La Perle
60 High Street, Milford on Sea
Tel: 01590 643557
Email: info@laperle.co.uk
www.laperle.co.uk

Help Out at the Milford on Sea Youth Club

There are interesting volunteering opportunities available at the Community Centre Youth Club. 

The club are looking for people who wants to engage with young people in the village, and who can support them in their leisure activities.

This enjoyable experience working with our young people is a rewarding experience, and should you have an interest in the field of youth work it could also be a useful addition to you CV.

A regular commitment would be required and the details are as follows:- Monday and/or Tuesday evenings between 6.15pm and 8.45pm.

If you are interested please contact Amy Nelson by telephone at the Community Centre (01590 644861) and leave a message so that she can get back to you. Otherwise send an email to mosyouth@hotmail.co.uk

A Tribute to Joyce Grenfell

It is not usual for these news pages to promote events, this is for two reasons: 1. It would take far to long as so much happens in the village! - and 2. The Milford on Sea Calendar is the place to discover all that is happening: www.milfordonseacalendar.org

Joyce Grenfell

However, there is an exception being made this time. Over the last couple of years, the Milford on Sea Community Library Committee have done an excellent job in saving the library service for the village, and they are now running an event to raise much needed funds to help to keep the library open.

A Tribute to Joyce Grenfell presented by Jenny Rose will be an interesting and entertaining talk about Joyce Grenfell’s life, with some sketches.

Joyce Grenfell was a much loved British actress and entertainer famous for her monolgues, songs and of course the St Trinian's films.

So, grab your ticket, have a fun afternoon and support those that are working hard to keep our village library.

Milford on Sea Community Library presents A Tribute to Joyce Grenfell a presentation by Jenny Rose

Wednesday 22nd July 2015 | 2.30pm to 4pm

Tickets: £4 (which includes tea and biscuits) - On sale in the library and at the Village News. 

Milford on Sea Community Library

The Village Hall, Park Road, Milford on Sea SO41 0QU

Opening times:

Monday 2.30—5.30pm,
Tuesday 2.30—4.30pm,
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am—12.30pm
Phone: 07538 823509
Email: mosclibrary@gmail.com

New Novel from Village Author

Local Milford on Sea author, Maureen Farenden has published her sixth crime, murder novel Spoken Lies & Buried Secrets.

The new novel is a contemporary story about lost loves, murder, lies, betrayal and redemption.

The story line for Spoken Lies & Buried Secrets is described as: 

Every time Martin spoke a lie he buried another secret until his life was no longer his. Vicar Martin Snow lived a lie for twenty years, but now he has nowhere to hide when the past is dug up and the present becomes a living nightmare. Martin is a good man, who commits a deadly crime for the right reasons, but the consequences on his family, job and reputation are catastrophic. He must fight to protect his life, marriage, children and faith in a battle littered with casualties.

Spoken Lies & Buried Secrets can be purchased by clicking paperback or e-book.

Other novels by Maureen Farenden include 'The Inceptor Trilogy', 'The Diary' and 'The Last Train'.  All of her novels are currently available on Amazon at bt clicking here.

Discover the World from Milford

The new travel agent in Milford on Sea High Street is having an 'Open Day' to celebrate the launch of the new shop on Saturday 11th July from 10am until 4pm - and you are invited!

Milford Travel is owned and run by Christina Pegler (who used to own Bon Appetit on the High Street - now The Village Coffee Pot). Christina was previously an air hostess, and knows many great places around the world - and the best ways to get there!

At the Open Day Christina will explain over cakes and bubbly what services she can offer, and the benefits of using a local agent for your next adventure overseas. If anything takes your fancy, all bookings made from enquiries on the day will qualify for an incentive, ranging from discounts on holidays to free lounge passes, free taxis to free airport parking. 

Milford Travel (in what was formerly Clifford's hairdressers) offers a full range of travel services including; bespoke holidays, cruises, exotic trips, flights, and even coach trips.

Obviously a lot of holidays are now booked on the web, but to do this takes a fair bit of research, and ultimately nothing beats a nice dose of personal service - and supporting a village business!

Milford Travel

christinapegler83@gmail.com

78 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

Where has the News Bulletin Gone?

I hate technology!

Anyone who has any connection with e-mail will know it's great when it works, and when it doesn't it is harder to fix than a jet fighter!

Each week 2638 registered people receive (received!) the 'Enjoy Milford on Sea News Bulletin' e-mail, which highlights the latest articles on this website and lets people know the events happening in the village. 

Well, that has worked fine for 291 editions, (5.5 years), but rather than leaving me alone to meander along my merry way, our service provider decided the 'upgrade their servers'. This of course should have resulted in an even better service, ...but it hasn't!

Without informing us, the new servers no longer allow our e-mail to send bulk e-mails. The great new service now only allows 100 e-mails to be sent each hour. 100 an hour, arrggghhh!

So, to send the News Bulletin now would take over 26 hours. As you may expect that is pretty bad - ...but thing get worse, the programme we use to send the e-mail now thinks something is wrong when running for that length of time and therefore decides to time out and crash the system.

At least the few that get delivered are OK - just joking, we have also discovered that any now received by anyone with an 'aol.com' e-mail address are being considered 'spam' and we are now blacklisted from sending anything to an 'aol.com' address - in spite of those people requesting to receive our e-mail.

I now know what it feels like to be neutered by surprise and without being anaesthetised!

Now I am embarking on the painful process to identify and install a new system to take us all back to where we were. At this stage I have no idea how long that will take, but you will know it is sorted when you see the News Bulletin hit your inbox again.

Wish me luck!

The good news is that the latest news articles will regularly keep appearing here, so to read what is happening simply visit whenever you fancy. (www.milfordonseanews.org.)

To see the events happening in the village please visit:
www.milfordonseacalendar.org

Coastguard Storm Rescue Honoured

Following the excellent rescue work done by the Hampshire Coastguards at The Marine during the violent St Valentine’s Day Storm in February 2014, the team have receive a well deserved honour.

Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team

Benjamin Renouf - Top Left

(Pic from New Forest Post)

click image to enlarge

Last Tuesday ten coastguards from the Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team received the 'Chief Coastguard’s Commendation' for their role in rescuing the 32 diners who had been enjoy a Valentine Night meal when the devastating storm struck.

One of the coastguard team on the night was local landlord, Benjamin Renouf from The White Horse in Milford on Sea. Benjamin was one of the first people to arrive to help the stricken dinners trapped in The Marine after the Valentine's Night storm and floods.

click image to enlarge

Benjamin is a member of the volunteer coastguard, and immediately after getting the call, left his pub to become part of the rescue team.

As Keith Oliver ( The Chief Coastguard) made the awards he praised their bravery and dedication. Speaking after he awarded the commendation, he said: “This really is to recognise the professionalism and determination of the Lymington Coastguard Rescue team in what can only be described as challenging circumstances.”

click image to enlarge

To read the full story by Christopher Yandell in the New Forest Post: please click here.

Close to the Edge in Milford

A new BBC4 TV programme entitled 'Close to the Edge' is currently being recorded which features some characters from Milford on Sea.

The new programme is a scripted reality show, similar to existing hits like; Made in Chelsea and The Only Way is Essex, Close to the Edge is set in Bournemouth and follows the lives and loves of a group of real-life friends (rather than actors) in their 60s, 70s and 80s.

click image to enlarge

The cast is as yet unnamed, but will include "a business entrepreneur, a comedian dating again for the first time in 40 years, and a political activist".  A little bird has told us that the show will include Milford on Sea residents; Dee Major and Ann Bovingdon, 

The pre-show publicity says that: 'Later-life romance will pay a part in the drama, but the show will also examine issues such as loneliness, and how to rejuvenate a career. Impending death will also be a theme. According to the BBC, the show will look at how its cast feel about approaching "the end that will eventually greet us all". The cast are complex, funny and outspoken – and like most things in life, get better with age.”

The date of the shows broadcast has yet to be confirmed, but we will let you know as soon as we know - sounds like compulsive viewing to us!

New B&B in Village

Graham and Lynne Brown have opened a new Bed & Breakfast in their contemporary home in Milford on Sea.

click image to enlarge

Located at 2 Island View Close the modern, light and pleasant B&B bungalow has the sea is only a few hundred metres away and the village centre a level five minute walk. Two well appointed en-suite rooms with ample parking, no stairs to negotiate and a secluded rear garden. Each room has Freeview television, alarm clock radio, hair drier, tea and coffee making, free Wi-Fi, comfortable and quality bedding and a great breakfast.

Island Breeze Bed and Breakfast

2 Island View Close, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PZ

01590 636375 - 07792 271995

islandbreeze@btinternet.com

www.islandbreeze.co.uk

If you are looking for anywhere to stay, please click here: www.milfordonsea.org/where-to-stay

Ellen's EZGO Golf Wins

Local Milford on Sea schoolgirl, Ellen Mans had the honour of being selected for the Hampshire U9 County Tennis Team in May. Still only 9 years of age, Ellen has now turned her hand to another sport, and begun her participation in the Dorset EZGO Golf Tour. 

To date she has 3 wins in her first 3 outings awarding her with a maximum of 60 points. She won her first tour at Iford Golf Club by 14 shots and on Sunday she equalled the U9 EZGO course record at Crane Valley and won by 13 shots.

There are 4 remaining tours in 2015 - Ferndown Forest, Canford Magna, Canford School and Sturminster Marshall after which eachplayer's top 4 scores culminate in the Order of Merit and the winner plays in the EZGO Regional Final.

Ellen attends Durlston Court School, and is also a Junior Member at Barton on Sea Golf Club and a member of the Elke Jackson’s Hampshire Girls Golf Academy.

Keep Off Roof

There is something eccentric about Beach Huts. Not that any of us would realise, as they are part of our history, we have grown up with them and seeing them on beaches is quite normal to us.

Our foreign visitors no doubt wonder why we delight in sitting in sheds. boiling a kettle in all weathers!

click image to enlarge

As the Milford on Sea beach huts start to be demolished in the long process of rebuilding, a reader kindly send the photo to the left. It is good to see that health & safety extends to signage instructing you to keep off roofs that are simply not there!

Better still is the Union Jack Flag, which conjures up images of a beach hut stalwart sitting the other side, kettle on full whistle, and the flag fluttering to show that an "Englishman's home is his castle" - whatever the adversity!

It is great to be British!

New Forest Tour Bus Begins

The New Forest Tour begins operating again on the 27th June and runs the three daily bus routes across the Forest until 13th September 2015.

Brand New Forest - Tour Offer

click image to enlarge

If you fancy a day out from Milford on Sea you can hop on to enjoy The Blue Route which takes you from Milford on Sea seafront (or Keyhaven) to: Lymington – Brockenhurst – Burley – New Milton – Barton-on-Sea and then back to Milford on Sea. Plus of course, you can hop off and hop on whenever you like.

The complete tour has an approximate duration of 2 hours 5 minutes, and one day tickets cost: Adult: £15 - Child: £8 - Concession: £12.

You can also purchase a Brand New Forest Card from Milford News in the village to redeem numerous offers as you travel around the New Forest.

New Forest Tour 

Three daily routes run across the Forest from 27th June until 13th September 2015

www.thenewforesttour.info

Save Our Post Office: Update

The MoS Save Our Post Office group (SOPOg) has now met twice to discuss the future of one of the most essential services in our village. The situation in brief is as follows:

1. The existing Post Office will likely close when the Post Mistress sells her premises. There is no guarantee that a new Post Office will be approved by the PO authority for the existing building.

2. The SOPOg members have contacted the PO authority offices and have visited retail outlets in MoS that they feel could possibly be interested in having a Post Office in their premises. 

3. The PO authority has invited ‘Expressions of Interest’ from business places in MoS on their website. This invitation will close at the end of July when the selection process will begin. 

4. The PO authority offers signage, alarm system, safes, open plan service desk and full training for the successful applicant and staff.

5. We understand that at least two retailers have expressed interest with the PO authority and are waiting for the opportunity to put forward a business plan when the PO asks for one.

6. Any new PO operation will be on commission instead of salaried and therefore suits a retailer who is not looking for any significant income from the PO services but will benefit from the extra footfall that will be drawn through his or her retail premises.

7. The PO authority will provide a temporary PO service in a suitable village community facility (library, church hall, community centre etc.) if the length of process of approval, training and opening a full new PO business leaves the village without service.

8. If you have an interest in finding out more about running a Post Office in Milford on Sea then go to www.postoffice.co.uk and at the bottom of the page click under the heading Post Office Corporate, click Business Opportunities,then Latest Business Opportunities.

You can then explore the information and instructions in the Menu down the left hand side of the page. Register an Expression of Interest leaving email and other details with the PO authority and they will contact you.

The SOPO group will be happy to assist in any way we can with information or help in the process of establishing a new PO operation in our village. Just contact Dick Coe at: rwtcoe@gmail.com.

Milford Bowls Club Winners

Last Sunday saw over a 100 members, families and guests spend an enjoyable day at Milford on Sea Bowls Club to celebrate Presidents Day with this years Club President, Mrs Chris Capron.

L-R: Chris Capron  & Dennis Robinson Welsh
click image to enlarge

In 'good old English style' an afternoon of bowls was followed by a grand tea provided by club members, the event is organised by this year's Vice President, Dennis Robinson Welsh.

The members send a big thank you to all who worked so hard to give Chris such an special day.

Milford on Sea Bowls Club 

www.milfordbowls.co.uk

A club with a view!

Verveine goes to London

Ever in demand, David Wykes, chef/patron at Verveine was invited to join a special event promoting Hampshire food in London this week.

He joined chef James Durrant (of The Plough in Longparish) and other notable faces from Hampshire. James is the first Food Tourism Ambassador for the county. In fact, he's the first official food ambassador for any county in Britain.

The Taste of Hampshire lunch was hosted at Angela Hartnett's Merchants Tavern restaurant in Old Street, London. 

David prepared the fish course and transported everything from the rocks, to the dry ice, to complete his dishes to London. All that tasted it, said it was the stand out dish and all the journalists were apparently speechless!

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His fish course was a Milford on Sea food story on a plate (or rock!) Dave had sourced the sea bass from a local fishermen and the seaweed and sea herbs were from Milford beach. The frozen rock it was served on had local sea water poured over shells with liquid nitrogen to release a salty mist. the course was accompained by a New Forest inspired martini, infused with burnt wild sage syrup and Douglas fir vodka, served with Pernod-soaked grapes - all of which were hand made in David's kitchen.

To read the full experience, please visit: 

www.greatbritishchefs.com/community/a-taste-of-hampshire

Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant
98 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE
01590 642176 - info@verveine.co.uk

www.verveine.co.uk

Time for Fishing

Milford on Sea Beach and Hurst Spit are very popular with fisherman, and with the wide variety of fish to be caught that is of little surprise.

Dependant on the time of years the sea around Milford are great for catching many species, such as Rays, Sole, Bass, Bream, Turbot, Rockling, Dogfish, Pollack and even Smoothounds. In the winter months Cod, Pout and Whiting can be caught.

The bridge at Sturt Pond also provides a fun place for the kids to do some crabbing, providing great childhood memories.

We were recently sent a picture of a starfish found at low tide on the beach by The Marine. Thankfully it was not a jelly fish!

So, if you have a rod, grab some bait and see what bites!

Sam takes over at La Perle

Sam Hughes has become the new Chef/Patron at La Perle in Milford on Sea, after Lio & Emily decided to move on to pastures new. As a friend and former colleague of Lionel's, Sam is excited to be taking La Perle into the future and building on the restaurants already excellent reputation.

Sam Hughes
click image to enlarge

Sam is a talented chef who loves to create imaginative dishes, some will already know him from when he was the Head Chef at The Marine when it opened in 2010. Most recently he has been heading kitchens in some top London restaurants.

In his early career Sam worked at the award-winning ‘The Sir Charles Napier’ in Chinnor, Oxfordshire. He also has many years of experience working with some of the country’s finest chefs including Mark Broadbent at Mortons of Mayfair, Raymond Blanc at Le Petit Blanc, and Pierre Chevillard at Pebble Beach, following a 3 year apprenticeship in the kitchens of Kensington Place.

The ‘La Perle’ restaurant name will not change, but Sam is changing the emphasis of his menu to 'seasonal, local and ethical'. The concept is to source fresh local produce from Hampshire and Dorset using small local producers. The dishes will be seasonal and sustainable, and of course tasty!

Never shy of hard work, Sam aims to make virtually everything himself on the premises, such as the bacon, sausages, bread and butter, pickles, preserves, ice cream and more.

Since opening in April 2011, formers owners, Lio and Emily created a delightful restaurant with an excellent regional French menu, this was in addition to the warm and friendly service that everyone appreciated when they went out to dine. They are now moving on to other things, and our thanks go to them for what they have added to the village, and of course we wish them, and their young family, well for the future.

Sam, 35, is pleased to be returning to his roots, & the area where his family still live. He is setting up the business with the help of his brother Adam, and close family friend Ben, who will also be helping Sam in the restaurant by bringing his excellent knowledge of wines and spirits to enhance the dining experience. 

Sam will be re-opening La Perle on Friday evening 19th June, and thereafter will be opening all day, six days a week for Breakfast, Lunch, Cream Teas and Dinner (closed Mondays). Without doubt there will be no shortage of local diners looking forward to trying out Milford on Sea’s latest dining venue!

As a passionate chef who excels in creating fine dishes, Sam is excited about the people of Milford on Sea enjoying his creative food & I am looking forward to eating it!

La Perle
60 High Street, Milford on Sea
Tel: 01590 643 557
Email: info@laperle.co.uk
www.laperle.co.uk

Milford and Nelson’s Navy

The Milford on Sea Historical Record Society is engaged in a project to conserve the grave of Admiral Cornwallis and Captain & Mrs Whitby (all in the same vault) in All Saints churchyard and to repair and relocate the memorial to Admiral Peyton inside the church.

To do this the Historical Society and The 1805 Club need to raise nearly £6,500 incl. VAT and are hoping that some kindly local folk might feel it worthwhile enough to make donation.

If you would like to make a donation please send an email to david@milfordonsea.org in the first instance.

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Milford on Sea’s connection with Nelson’s Navy

Most local people will recognise the names Cornwallis and Whitby, if only from the village roads bearing their names, but they have a much wider significance. Admiral William Cornwallis and Mary Anne Theresa Whitby are possibly the most important figures in the story and development of Milford, along with Mrs Whitby’s descendants, the Cornwallis-Wests. Milford on Sea would not be as it is today without their influence.

Mrs Whitby was the widow of Captain John Whitby who was Cornwallis’ flag captain and friend.

Cornwallis acquired Newlands, between Milford and Everton, in 1800 and the Whitbys came to live with him. Whitby also served for a while under Nelson in the Mediterranean and died here in 1806 at the early age of 32. Cornwallis was regarded by Nelson as a friend, having brought Nelson back from the West Indies when he was seriously ill.

Experts and enthusiasts in the navy of Nelson’s time are of the opinion that Cornwallis is hugely under-recognised for his contribution to the wars with France in the final years of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Had he not commanded the blockade of the French channel ports with such efficiency, it is unlikely that Nelson would have been able to engage in, much less win, the Battle of Trafalgar. Andrew Lambert, professor of Naval History in the Department of War Studies at King's College London, in his entry on Cornwallis in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography says:

“……Cornwallis demonstrated the highest qualities of an admiral,……………only the accident of history, the one that denied him a great battle has kept him out of the pantheon of naval immortals. …………..His blockade of the coast of Brittany, through all seasons and all weathers, remains the ultimate achievement of seapower in the age of sail.”

Admiral Cornwallis
click image to enlarge

In his later years Cornwallis was a modest and retiring person; although willing to accept the recognition of his professional capabilities by promotion, he abhorred personal glorification. 

Unlike virtually every other ranking officer of his time, there is no known portrait of him above the rank of post captain. When he died, he left instructions that he was to be buried with his friend Whitby and that no memorial should be erected in his name. With the approach of the 200th anniversary of his death in 2019, we feel that the time has come for him to receive the recognition he deserves for his outstanding service.

Theresa West, Mrs Whitby’s daughter, felt such “affection, gratitude and admiration” for Cornwallis that she went against his wishes when her mother died 31 years after the admiral and had a memorial in the church made to the admiral and her parents. The memorial indicates that the remains of her parents and those of Cornwallis are together “in a vault at the western end of the churchyard”. For many years it was thought that the vault was either unmarked or lost.

All Saints, Milford is also the resting place of two other important admirals of the Georgian navy, John Peyton and Robert Man. 

Admiral John Peyton was one of Nelson’s ‘Band of Brothers’, captains who fought with him at the Battle of the Nile in 1798, and had a distinguished naval career. Thus he is another nationally important naval figure. He retired to Priestlands, Pennington, then in the parish of Milford.

David Wykes creates a unique evening

During the Milford on Sea Food Week, Julian Whittle successfully bid for meal at home cooked by David Wykes of the award winning Verveine Restaurant in Milford on Sea. Fourteen months later Verveine relocated to George Road for one night only. 

David created a mouthwatering menu and an amazing experience for this very special evening.

click image to enlarge

Julian explained:"Last year we won the auction to have David Wykes cook a meal for four at our home, he also promised to do the washing up. At the time of winning we didn’t have a kitchen and the rest of the house was full of dust. Since then life has moved on and some fairly significant building works have been completed. So a couple of Sundays ago, Michelin trained David and Chef Helen brought the famous Verveine taster menu to our humble abode.

Our good friends James and Tamsyn went in on the auction with us. James and I agreed our limit without consulting either of our wives (brave or what!), so on one of my ‘working from home days’ I was entrusted to bid on the team’s behalf. I knew the hours honing my skills on ebay would pay off eventually - victory was ours!

David Wykes & Helen Hatch
from Verveine
click image to enlarge

So a fortnight ago James and Tam joined my wife Sarah and I for the fabulous night. David even threw in a bottle of Champagne and a Beaujolais (served chilled – who knew!). The food was spectacular and surprising in equal measure, David and Helen were great company and taught us lots (most of which we’d forgotten by the end of the night thanks to our own additional vino). My description of the menu would not do it justice, but it included:

· Smoked mackerel pate with edible soil and radish

· Crab and samphire

· Lymington lobster

· See bass with white chocolate

· Sasheemi Tuna

· Burnt chocolate ice cream

· Panacotta

· Doughnuts

· Chocolate and beetroot stones

· Petit fours with edible rappers and fisherman’s friend macaroons

We all went to bed with bellies full and heads slightly spinning, a perfect Saturday night (unfortunately it was Sunday, so not the most enjoyable Monday commute – it was worth it).

A huge thank you to David and Helen for feeding us on their day off and their generosity, the new kitchen is well and truly christened. Also, a big thank you to the people of Milford for not out bidding us. In case you were wondering, yes they did do the washing up as promised – what service!"

The Food Week Team were delighted that Julian & Sarah and their friends James and Tam, had such a great evening, and we send our sincere thanks to David & Helen for their hard work and fabulous generosity.

Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant
98 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE
01590 642176 - info@verveine.co.uk

www.verveine.co.uk

MCV Sturt Pond Projects

This Sunday 7th June the Milford Conservation Volunteers team will be working alongside the New Forest Area Conservation Volunteers at the Bird Hide, next to Sturt Pond, Milford on Sea. There is vegetation to prune back and repainting of the hide, plus a litter pick around The Marine, salt marsh and paddock.

There is plenty to do for all abilities, and newcomers are always welcomed.

Paintbrushes for wood preserving would be useful, plus gloves, hedging tools, loppers etc. Don't forget the water if it is a warm day.

Meet time: 10am at Bird Hide.

On Friday 12th June the MCV team will be setting up Bill Smith's Tern Raft at Sturt Pond. A spare hand or two would be useful, and support for the occasion would be good. Pete Durnell is sending a helper and a boat to help tow the raft into position. If you would like to go along, please contact MCV as below.

Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV)

www.milfordcv.org or call 01590 645825

Everton Arts Festival

Following on from the success of last year’s inaugural Everton Arts Festival, the Village is all set to do it again from Wednesday June 24th until Sunday 28th June! 

This year’s Festival gets ahead of itself with an early musical taster on June 6th when popular ukelele based trio, Empty Frets set to strumming a wide variety of songs from Buddy Holly to Paloma Faith at Everton Nurseries. The fun starts at 11.30 outside Camellias Restaurant, (inside the Nurseries) which is also hosting a display of local art from that date onwards. There’ll be an opportunity to pick up a Festival Programme and buy a Raffle Ticket too. 

The Festival fun takes off in earnest on Wednesday June 24th with a Guided Walk to view the Sculpture Trail at Gordleton Mill. 

Andrew Doig

On Thursday evening, the Everton and Lymore Social Club will be opening their doors wide to host a Writing Workshop run by prize winning novelist Andrew Doig at an informal evening of Storytelling and Selfpublishing. Andrew is an Associate Professor at Solent University, amongst other things he has an MLitt in Creative Writing at Glasgow University, but in Southampton he’s dealing mostly with online educational developmental work. However, being as he’s a professional writer and editor, he still finds time for some freelance writing projects, one of which is to run the ‘Storytelling Nights’ at the Filly Inn outside Brockenhurst.

Story telling is just what it says, an open invitation to anyone to come along, bring their own material and tell their stories. But he’s the first to point out...you don’t have to, it’d be great if you just come along and listen!

Andrew’s novel ‘Wee Davy’ was the winner of the Daily Telegraph Competition ‘Novel in a Year’2007. 

On Friday you can polish up your dancing shoes for a 1940’s themed Tea Dance, at which spare dudes will be available! More information can be found on the website, detailed below. 

Under the direction of Steve Adams, local musician, The Festival Weekend, 26th to 28th June once again caters for a wide variety of musical tastes. Steve points out that ‘ At various venues around the Village you’ll find Folk, Jazz, Blues, Rock n’ Roll, and Classical concerts. the aim is to offer something for everyone. On Saturday the musical focus is on the Festival Field (Everton’s Recreation Ground) with a great line up from 10.30am through to 5pm.’

Whilst rocking along to the sounds, visitors to the Festival Field can enjoy various attractions such as vintage cars, pottery, woodcarving, wood turning and a variety of craft stalls, a hog roast, wraps, tea and cakes, and there’s ice cream and a wine and beer tent too! The music continues in the evening at the Social Club where all are welcome. 

Art and Photography enthusiasts are well catered for, close by on Farmer’s Walk, where not only will there be plenty of exhibitions, but scheduled intimate talks by artists which will be held at various times during the weekend. 

The Festival also offers local Poets and Photographers the chance to enter Competitions which will be judged prior to the event. Entries need to be submitted by 6th June.

Thanks to the generosity of Sponsors the Festival can offer, once again, free entry to all events, so look out for a Programme which will be widely available throughout June. Although entry is free to everything, reserving tickets is recommended for some indoor events, to do this or for more information please contact Cheryl Fillmore (Festival Co-ordinator) on 01590 644865.

To find out more, please visit website below:

Everton Village Arts Festival

www.everton-lymington.co.uk

Dismantling of Milford Beach Huts

On the 1st June work started to remove the damaged concrete beach huts at Milford-on-Sea, which will be completed in time to allow full use of the promenade and beach during the summer.

The beach huts, which were severely damaged or destroyed in the storms of last winter and spring, will be carefully dismantled by specialist contractor Keanes Ltd, appointed by New Forest District Council. The contractor will set up their site compound in Hurst Road West car park on 28 and 29 May, with work commencing on 1 June and planned to last for up to 6 weeks.

George Mackay, contracts manager for Keanes Ltd, said “We will be removing the beach huts in a controlled manner to ensure public safety and minimise inconvenience.”

An NFDC clerk of works will be on site daily to ensure the smooth running of the project. Lorries removing materials from the site will avoid Milford village and turn left out of Hurst Road West car park to follow the coast road.

Hurst Road East car park will remain open throughout the demolition, while part of Hurst Road West car park will be closed for use by the contractors. The promenade footpath between the Needles Eye Café and the White House will be closed off while the works are carried out. Footpath users will be diverted onto the footpath along Hurst Road. Every effort will be made to open the promenade to the public at weekends. Access to the public conveniences will not be affected.

NFDC’s head of environment services Colin Read said: “We’re sorry for any short term disruption, but I’m pleased that we are going to be able to restore the promenade and beach for residents and visitors to enjoy this summer. We do ask that people take notice of the signage and diversions while the works are going on.”

He added: “We would also encourage people to take advantage of the new coastal footpath to the west of the White House, which has now been reopened following the severe damage caused to it during the 2014 storms, while the promenade is closed.”

In March this year NFDC’s planning committee granted outline planning permission for the replacement of 119 beach huts and the concrete slab on the lower promenade at Milford on Sea. Detailed designs for their replacement will be developed to be taken forward as an application for full planning permission later in the year.

New Forest District Council

www,newforest.gov.uk

Sean Wins Junior Lawyer of the Year

Sean Reeves
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Many in Milford on Sea will know, or recognise Sean Reeves, who was the Chairman of the Arts and Music Festival until last year. 

Most recently, Sean has been made a Salaried Partner at Bernard Chill & Axtell Solicitors effective from 1st June 2015, and last week Sean won the Junior Lawyer of the Year at the Hampshire Law Society Annual Awards.

Sean learnt his trade at Hugh Whitlock Solicitors in the village before moving on to Bernard Chill & Axtell only 18 months ago. 

In this time Sean has demonstrated that he is a dedicated and talented conveyancer with an extensive experience in domestic & commercial property and the preparation of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. He has also already helped to transform the Conveyancing Department with his extensive knowledge and impressive work ethic and he played a key role in integrating the company's new Case Management System, 

Sean said: “I am so excited about becoming a Salaried Partner at Bernard Chill & Axtell. It’s a real honour to be part of such a great team, and I owe a great deal to the Partners at the firm, who have given me so much help and support since I started here. I am looking forward to working closely with them in my new role, and to benefiting even more from their knowledge and experience.”

Congratulations to Sean on his award and good luck as his career.

Sean Reeves

sean.reeves@bcasol.com

American RV Club at Carrington Park

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The American RV Club held a rally at Carrington Park last weekend. 

The numerous rigs were very impressive and they certainly seemed cause some interest as they came through the village.

The visit also means the owners spent money in the local hostelries, shops and restaurants, so that’s good news all round!

American RV Club

www.arvclub.co.uk

Carrington Park

www.carringtonpark.co.uk

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Marc van Hasselt Awarded Légion d’honneur

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Local Keyhaven man, Marc van Hasselt (formerly Captain van Hasselt) has been presented with France's highest military honour, the Légion d’honneur. 

Marc served in the Essex Yeomanry during World War Two, and his honour was made for services rendered to France during WWII.

His Légion d’honneur was presented to him in Lymington Council Chamber by Honorary French Consul Captain Francois Jean. Also witnessing the presentation were Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, Royal British Legion members and three standard bearers. The award is France’s equivalent to a knighthood in the UK.

Serving as a Forward Observation Officer on D-Day, Marc's destination was Gold Beach at Arromanches. 

A detailed account of Marc's WW2 reminiscences and experiences that led to his Légion d’honneur can be read on the Tinstar website by clicking here.

Verveine Makes Tatler Guide

The team at Verveine were delighted to hear that they had achieved an entry in the Tatler Restaurant Guide 2015. The guide features the best 300 restaurants in UK, so it is a significant accolade.

David Wykes, is the Chef/Patron of the award winning & Michelin recommended Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant in Milford on Sea. In both 2012 & 2011 David was recognised as 'Hampshire Chef of the Year', and it is believed by many that Verveine is fast on its way to being awarded a first Michelin Star.

The new recognition will come a little surprise to anyone who had dined at Verveine, as Dave's dishes are a amazing fusion of taste, flavour, creativity and art.

If you plan to go, the evening a la carte or tasting menus are a feast for your eyes as well as taste buds, and the lunch menu provides amazing value with Two courses for £17, Three courses for £21, or even Six courses for just £33.

The pictures of Dave's creations below should make the temptation to go to dine irresistible!

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Lick screen to taste!!

Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant
98 High Street
Milford on Sea
SO41 0QE
01590 642176 - info@verveine.co.uk
www.verveine.co.uk

The Milford Girls Still 'Can-Can'!

The 'Can Can' Girls
Mary Wheatley, Jill Reid
Suzie Watson and Val Brace
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As part of its continued commemoration of World War I and to celebrate VE Day, the Milford on Sea Branch of the Royal British Legion hosted a French themed four course lunch at the Community Centre on 15th May 2015.

The event was attended by some 90 members and friends, and the lunch was preceded by a glass of fizz and wine, which continued to flow freely during the course of the afternoon.

As light-hearted entertainment, a show of singing, dancing and sketches was performed by Legionnaires and their friends which was well received by the audience, - the 'Can Can' drew special applause - and the picture reveals the girls in all their glory!

Beach Huts Coming Down

Following their destruction in the Valentine's Night Storm of February 2014, the Milford on Sea seafront beach huts are being demolished prior to reconstruction.

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Colin Read, Head of Environment Services at New Forest District Council said: "It is anticipated that these works will be completed within 6 weeks starting on the 1st June. We are aware of the impact this may have on local businesses and we will aim to keep the disruption to a minimum. This week we will send letters out to the Bowls Club and the Café as well as those residents overlooking the huts."

The NFDC are also hopeful that there will be no demolition works taking place at the weekends, and that the promenade can be opened up for normal use. The aim in the have this work completed by early July before the start of the peak summer season.

Matthew & New Forest Business Expo

Matthew Lawson, who lives in Milford on Sea is keeping himself pretty busy at the moment, fulfilling two important roles as Managing Director at Escape Yachting, and also as chairman of the New Forest Business Partnership.

His current project is the New Forest Business Expo, which will be held in Lymington on 3 June, and which aims to connect and promote local business.

Matthew would be delighted is some of Milford’s businesses to exhibit, or even share a stand. He would also love to see business visitors from Milford.

The first New Forest Business Expo will be held at Berthon Boatyard, Bath Road, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 3YL in Lymington. The venue provides a stunning backdrop within a vibrant marine setting adjacent to the Lymington Waterfront.

The event, the first of its kind in the region, aims to attract New Forest businesses from a range of sectors, including Marine, Engineering, and Hospitality. Visiting the Expo will provide business owners, entrepreneurs and start-ups the opportunity to network with local businesses of all sizes, meet with industry experts and specialists, make new contacts, grow connections and demonstrate growth and entrepreneurialism in the New Forest region. 

Organising partners of the event are Brand New Forest, New Forest Business Partnership, The Best Of New Forest, Lymington Retail Group, Lymington.com, and Escape Yachting. The Expo is supported by New Forest District Council and Hampshire County Council. The business to business exhibition will feature over 50 exhibitors, to help provide imaginative ideas, leads and potential future clients. With an increasingly vibrant and ever dynamic local economy, The New Forest Business Expo will provide a superb business-friendly environment, making it a great opportunity to expand the participants’ business. 

Non-exhibitors are welcome to visit the exhibition free of charge. Local entrepreneurs, business owners, company buyers and members of the public are all invited to make the most of this exclusive opportunity to view, question and connect with a wide variety of New Forest businesses. 

The exhibition will be outdoors under cover of marquees, and refreshments will be available throughout the day. Fine Food 4 Sail, one of Lymington’s most prominent restaurants - who are based at Berthon Marina - are planning a special BBQ and a suitably tasty menu for exhibitors and visitors alike. 

​Other attractions will include an opportunity to take a pre-arranged tour of Berthon Boatyard, a world class boat-building and refitting yard. The Expo will be supported by local celebrities and dignitaries and will also feature a reception the night before, which will be aimed specifically at apprenticeships and showcasing young talent. 

Anthony Climpson, Employment & Tourism Manager at New Forest District Council said “We’ve been trying to find the right type of event to showcase local business excellence for a number of years. The New Forest has some world class marine, engineering and hospitality businesses and the concept of the New Forest Business Expo is a great opportunity to showcase their offer to regional buyers, local decision makers and the general public. We are looking forward to working with all our partners to deliver a great show in a great location”. 

The New Forest Business Expo runs between: 10am and 4pm on Wednesday 3rd June 2015.

For more information and to book exhibition places or visitor tickets please visit:

www.brandnewforest.com/new-forest-business-expo-2015

There is also a dedicated twitter feed that will provide new and information in the run up to the event @NForestBizExpo

If you would like to speak to Matthew, you can contact him below.

Matthew Lawson | Chairman
New Forest Business Partnership

- & Managing Director 

Escape Yachting 
01202 313607

matthew@escapeyachting.com

www.escapeyachting.com