Suzanna cuts way to award

Suzanna Reeves recently won a National Hair Dressing Federation Competition in the bridal section.  Suzanna lives in the village and is 24 years old.  She has been involved with hairdressing for 10 years, and a qualified hairdresser for the past 7 years.  She has also had compliments on her work from TV’s style team ‘Trinny and Suzanna’ and completed a photo shoot for Women's Own magazine.  Having managed a hair salon, she recently decided to take the bold step to set up her own business called ‘Home Hair Professional’ in Milford on Sea village.  Suzanna brings the salon experience to clients homes, including complimentary hand and arm massage and all necessary equipment to do; Men's hair, Children, Small Bridal parties, highlights, colouring, cutting, setting, perming, and prom hair.

If anyone is interested in trying Suzanna’s friendly & affordable home service, she is happy to give a 10% discount for any new clients who mention this article. (This excludes men's and children’s cuts, as these can’t get any cheaper!)

Suzanna: 07964 375463 | homehairprofessional@gmail.com

Keep Fit & Speak Spanish

As the school holidays draw to close, many of the adult classes are restarting around the village.  Milford on Sea is of course a place with lots going on, but did you realise just how much?

The village has scores of clubs and classes, where you can keep fit, paint or even learn Spanish.  If you would like a way to fit in more than one activity at time, you could even try the Monday Keep Fit and Dance sessions in the Community Centre!  Whatever class or club you would like to get involved with, you are sure of a warm welcome.

Unfortunately, I can’t join some of the classes, as I am banned from the Dance Studio after spontaneously doing an impressive break dance and damaging the floor.

You can take a look at all that is happening in September on the link below, just click on the entry to find full details, contacts and the venue.  View Milford on Sea Community Calendar by clicking here.

To find the ‘Clubs & Classes Calendar’ at any time, just go to the main Milford on Sea Calendar and select from the drop down as below.

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www.milfordonseacalendar.org

Fastnet at Westover

Last Sunday was of course the internationally famous Rolex Fastnet Race, where 300 yachts race over a course of 608 nautical miles from Cowes, IoW, rounds the Fastnet Rock off the southwest coast of Ireland and then finish at Plymouth. The first Fastnet Race was held in 1925 with 5 entries, today the field includes some of the most technically advanced, and spectacular yachts in the world.

The best vantage points to watch this sea racing spectacle are at the narrowest part of the Solent at Hurst Castle or on Hurst Spit, or from Milford on Sea beach, where you can see the racers sail past The Needles and out across Christchurch Bay.  Now with this big build up I suspect you are waiting for me to tell you how I was dragged in the sea by a cephalopod as I was trying to walk along Hurst Spit, or how I had been a senior crew member on the winning yacht.  However, whilst probable, neither would be true.  In fact, I missed most of the race boats coming through, as I was preparing for a Sunday lunch at the Westover Hall.  No special occasion, other than my wife thought it was a good idea for her to have a day off cooking, and our friends like any excuse to eat out.

Thankfully, our good neighbours did a fine job in keeping an eye on the Fastnet Race activity for us.  The first casualty they spotted was a 40ft Princess cruiser motor yacht called ‘Don't Ask’ registered in Poole.  The name ironically proved somewhat apt. Apparently ‘Don't Ask’ very nearly came ashore on Milford on Sea beach, before it temporarily got its motor going again for a brief stint.  Seastart (a sort of marine AA owned by local man Nick Eales) got to it when it was anchored about 100 yards out in front of the bowling green. (See picture.)  The bowlers ignored it of course - very British.  After some pumping out, it limped off towards Keyhaven in a cloud of black smoke.  It is unknown whether the captain & crew had sufficient qualities of gin on board to survive through their ordeal.

The second stricken vessel was a 30-40ft cruiser with its spinnaker wrapped around its hull & problems with its jib. (I also have problems with my jib’s, mainly because my wife likes to give me regular rabbit punches there when I am not looking.)  After about a half hour of struggling, it got help from the lifeboat, who eventually managed to tow it to safety.

Still not out of the Solent, one of the Fastnet competitor yachts then got into trouble, making Strontium Dog the 3rd casualty spotted off of Milford on Sea.  It seems it drifted in from well out before the Yarmouth lifeboat came on the scene. Strontium Dog was also towed by the lifeboat. (separately of course.)  To assist the general mayhem, the wind force was at 6.  So, all in all, an average afternoon in Milford!

Whilst all this was happening we were eating too much with our friends.  Well, I say eating too much, but the truth is that my friend, who wishes to remain anonymous, (Colin) is an extremely bad influence, and he had insisted we had a couple of drinks in the bar before eating.  After a couple, and pleasant catch up with our great hosts, David & Christine, we wandered (not in a straight line) to the formal, but extremely relaxed One Park Lane Restaurant.  We had a great view of the race from the window, but I was chatting (my wife seems to describe this more as ‘talking nonsense’) so much I forgot all about the Fastnet Race.  Originally we had planned to have the twelve pound something Sunday roast, which has always been great value, but a few a la carte dishes caught our eye.  A fine onion soup with homemade rolls soon arrived along with a bottle of wine, then delicious surf & turf, followed by more wine and a delightful deconstructed Eton mess.  The Westover kitchen team certainly know how cook!  Suitably refreshed in all areas, it was now time to go home.  But, other plans soon took over, as we boys ordered cheese and port.  The wives had matching faces of complete distain for their red cheeked husbands.  In spite of missing the beginning of the race we had had a great lunch, and for some reason the walk home was longer than the walk there.  I suspect that after this outing it was a bit optimistic to expect to stay awake to watch any afternoon Fastnet action.  So, if any happened in the afternoon you have my wife and anonymous friend to blame for it not being reported.

A few days later, and in a vain attempted to recover any small remaining credibility I had as a local reporter, I decided to do some ‘after the event’ research.  I discovered that the remaining competitors in The Fastnet Race descended on the finish line between 0000 and 0200, and that only 105 boats, or just over one third of the record-sized fleet, crossed the finish line.  I have no idea what day this was on, as the website was not clear, and deciphering the ‘sailing speak’ was too much for a mere occasional sailor like me.   So, it might have been anything from one to six days, which was either really fast, or really slow, absolutely no idea!

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PS: Mike Collison took a more grown up approach to the Fastnet Race, by deciding to miss Sunday lunch and watch the race properly. Mike's impressive Fastnet photos are below.

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www.fastnet.rorc.org

Faster Broadband on way

We were told some welcome news this week by Felix, one of our readers.  He recently spoke to BT about the perennial problem of poor internet speed in Milford on Sea.  He was told that in March 2012 we will see our internet exchange updated to ADSL2+.  Basically this means that we will get speeds up to 24Mbps download and 1.4Mbps upload.  In other words, the internet will get faster for everyone.  Fingers crossed that we will all be saying 'Nice one BT!' next Spring.

What’s happening on Bank Holiday

If you fancy seeing all that is happening in Milford on Sea and nearby for this weekend, and next bank holiday weekend, please click the link below:

www.milfordonseacalendar.org

PS: Don't miss Milford on Sea Carnival Funday on the village green next Saturday!

Artists at work!

It is probably no surprise that the natural beauty of the Milford on Sea coastline and surrounding countryside creates inspiration for many local artists.  For most of the year they are hidden away quietly creating works with their brushes, and this is the time of the year they emerge to show us the results of their efforts.

Today of course the village has ‘Art on the Green’, with an exhibition & sale of paintings from local artists. Refreshments also being served, so why not pop along to the village green.  Last weekend was Milford Art Group Exhibition, organised by the talented artists of Milford Art Group & Lymington Art Group.

From next Monday 15th August, until 29th August there is a Local Artists' Art Exhibition featuring: Tessa van Hasslet, Kate Danby, Shaun Stevens & Tony Clegg at Keyhaven Scout Hut (In car park opposite The Gun Inn pub). The exhibition is Free Entry with refreshments available in aid of Keyhaven Sea Scouts.

Hot on their heals follows the annual Hampshire Open Studios from Saturday 20th August until Bank Holiday Monday 29th August.  The Hampshire Open Studios is held at various studio locations across Milford on Sea (& New Forest), just follow the pink signs to find all of the local artists exhibiting in our village & nearby. The artist studios include art in many forms including: paintings, sculpture, woodwork, jewellery and pottery.

Where to find Milford on Sea artists: (All Free Entry)

Tessa van Hasslet, Kate Danby, Shaun Stevens & Tony Clegg at:
Keyhaven Scout Hut.
Joyce Grainger, Christine Rix & 'Bradley The New Forest Bear!' at:
Carrington Studio, 73 Carrington Lane, SO41 0RA
David Rogers: Vinegar Hill Pottery, Vinegar Hill, SO41 0RZ
Splinters Art Group with 8 local artists: All Saints' Church Hall
Maryvonne Hallet: 8 Glebefields, SO41 0WW
Eileen & Peter Sey: Coppins, Barnes Lane, SO41 0RR
Christina Young: Creek End, Saltgrass Lane, Keyhaven, SO41 0TQ

To see all that is happening, please visit:

www.milfordonseacalendar.org
www.hampshireopenstudios.co.uk/locations/new-forest

Hal of a Comedy Night

Milford on Sea has another top name comedian visiting the Community Centre at the end of September.  Hal Cruttenden is one of the UK’s top stand up comics, and fresh from television appearances on ‘Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow’ (BBC1), ‘Comedy Rocks’ (ITV) and ‘The Rob Brydon Show’ (BBC2). If you have caught Hal on TV, I guess there a good chance that you may share my opinion that this guy is at the top of his profession.  I think his style was well put by ‘The Stage’: ‘Certainly not your typical comedian - and this is where he wins hands down over most others. Instead of relying on tired, old cliches for his humour, he actively sets out to attack and dismantle them, thus opening up those obvious new ways of seeing the world. Immensely satisfying.’

If you fancy seeing some snippets of Hal at work please click here:
www.halcruttenden.com/video

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The next Milford Comedy Club is on Thursday 29th September, and tickets are available from Gwen’s in the High Street, or from:

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

Library offers something Shiny, Tiny or Techy

Milford on Sea Library has a good news story in these times of austerity and cuts.  Like every other library, their services have been under threat, however it appears they are safe for at least the time being. The local village community have certainly been vocal in their support, and also active in using its services.  If you have never visited our friendly neighbourhood library, it is situated in the Village Hall, Park Road (behind Mr Pink’s Chip Shop).  Some of the services offered include: Books, Audio Books, Large Print Books, Children's Books, Internet Access, Colour Printing and DVDs.  There is also a Library Club, on the second Wednesday of every month, for the housebound. (Transport provided)

Not standing still, Milford on Sea Library is also now offering regular Leisure Classes, the first being a Jewellery Workshop at 1pm - 4pm on 28th September.  For the mum’s, there is Toddlertime, which provides rhymes and stories for the under 5s from 9.30am - 10am on the first Friday of every month. (Starting Friday 7th October), and finally for those that wish to understand computers more, there are Free Computer Taster Sessions on Wednesday mornings (By arrangement), where you can discover how to use email, the internet and even how to print photos and more.  Let’s hope the new services available are popular, and that our library continues to received its well deserved support.

Milford on Sea Library Opening Hours

Monday 2.30pm - 5.30pm

Tuesday 2.30pm - 4.30pm

Wednesday 10am - 12.30pm

Friday 10am - 12.30pm

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/library/milford-on-sea-library.htm

New Forest Pub Guide

CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) have published their latest New Forest Pub Guide.  As you may expect some great pubs across the New Forest are included in the 190 listings, and all of our excellent Milford on Sea village pubs are also included.  The guide features information on the facilities of each pub, and its breweries & beers.  If you would like a copy of the guide, it is available in Milford on Sea from The Red Lion and The White Horse.

http://www.shantscamra.org.uk/beer/newforest

Hurst Castle Ferry Crew in rescue mission

Last Wednesday (3^rd August) the crew of the Keyhaven Ferry, which runs between Keyhaven Quay and Hurst Castle, spotted a yacht in distress on the Keyhaven River. Immediately in action to help, ferry skipper, Jason Crane called for one of his smaller boats and went to assist along with Ewan Brown, one of his crew.

On arrival, the yacht (Altaire) had run aground and Ewan calmly performed CPR on the skipper. It appears he had suffered a heart attack & no pulse was evident. During the emergency, the single inexperienced crew member on the Altaire did all he could to help, and was understandably shocked & distressed.

The Hurst Castle Ferry guys called the Coastguard and briefed the air crew what to expect whilst waiting for helicopter to take the patient to hospital. The Keyhaven river warden was also soon on the scene. Sadly, despite everyone’s valiant efforts, it appears the yacht skipper did not ultimately survive.

Reading a couple of blogs on the emergency, it appears Jason & Ewan were extremely calm and professional in a serious situation. And their swift action and seamanship were exemplary.

Knowing people like Jason & Ewan are around makes the world a better place.

www.hurstcastle.co.uk/ferries.html

David Mans on way to The Pole

Among six sailors attempting to make history by rowing all the way to the magnetic North Pole is Dave Mans, the son Keith Mans, a Milford on Sea resident and councilor at the National Park Authority. Dave’s epic journey is now underway and their 450-mile voyage is expected to take between four and six weeks to complete.

The expedition is led by Polar explorer Jock Wishart, and they are rowing in a specially designed craft, built by Rossiter Yachts in Christchurch, Dorset.

The expedition party also includes a BBC cameraman and adventurer, Mark Beaumont. Mark is making a documentary about the expedition for TV.  (My wife suggested that I should apply to join the crew, apparently it would be good for my soul and I need the exercise.  She said she would really miss me for six weeks, but she would cope with the disappointment.  I suspect that really means, it would be great to lose you for six weeks, so I can go shopping endlessly, watch Eastenders without me loudly tutting, and meet with friends to talk about nothing for hours on end.  However, when I discovered they were not staying in luxury hotels each night I became less enchanted with the idea.  I then considered my aversion to the cold and hard work, and decided it was best I stay in the warm, continue to irritate my wife, and just read about how they get on.)

Dave Mans is a 28-year-old and currently serving as an Army Officer with The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment in London. His eight years’ service has seen him serve in locations such as Afghanistan, Nigeria and Norway. To gain his place on the team, Dave beat a list of 47 international competitors who were invited to compete head-to-head in a Pole Position Challenge Day in November last year. They were tested on their physical and mental abilities, took part in a two and a half hour endurance row, group interviews and psychometric tests.  (Hmmm, not sure I would have got through that bit.)

Dave’s father, Keith was also in the military, having had a career as a pilot with the Royal Air Force.  He was the Member of Parliament for Wyre in Lancashire for ten years and from 1998 Chief Executive of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He is Chairman of the Oakhaven Hospice, Chairman of the Air League and a Trustee of the Hampshire Air Ambulance Trust.  It is evident where Dave gets his energy from!

If you would like to follow Dave's exciting adventure, you can do so on the weblink below:

www.rowtothepole.com/latest-news

Robbie & Bublé coming to Milford

We have heard that Robbie Williams and Michael Bublé are to be in Milford on Sea in September.

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Well, not actually the real ones, but a highly acclaimed tribute performer, by the name of Max Hutton.  Max is without doubt one of the UK’s top tributes to Robbie Williams.  Over his 10 years performing as Robbie, Max has played to large crowds all over the UK and worldwide, appeared in one of Robbie’s pop videos and even performed as the man himself, live at Knebworth!  He also seamlessly transforms into Canadian crooner and swing sensation Michael Bublé, performing a set of his international chart hits.

The shows are taking place at Zaika Indian Restaurant, and as you may expected there is also a tasty meal to accompany the nights musical excitement.

According to Kalam, tickets are already selling quickly for the ‘Robbie & Bublé Party Night’, so if you fancy going along with your partner, group of friends, or even for a girl’s night out, it might be worth booking now.

Zaika also have a new website that may be worth checking out.  The link is below for anyone interested.

www.zaikanewforest.co.uk | Tel: 01590 643084
www.maxhutton.co.uk