Verveine Sweeps the Board!

This year’s prestigious annual Hampshire Life Food & Drink Awards were held at the luxury Four Seasons Hotel in Dogmersfield Park last night

Having had fabulous success in winning ‘Restaurant of the Year’ and ‘Chef of the Year’ in 2011, the Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant team from Milford on Sea sat nervously awaiting the announcement of this year’s award winners.  Achieving recognition is tough, but repeating it is even harder.

Incredibly, they beat last year’s two awards, by winning three awards this year!  The glass trophies for ‘Chef of the Year’, ‘Best Local Menu’ and ‘Best Customer Service’ will be sitting in the restaurant next time you visit.

Verveine were also recently recognised as 'Hampshire's Best Fish Restaurant' by Trip Advisor.  Quite a performance by David, Stacey, Jon and the rest of the team.

What makes this story even more extraordinary, is that David & his business partner, Stacey, only opened Verveine in February 2010.

Verveine is an award winning contemporary dining venue in the heart of Milford on Sea village. The menu features fresh local produce cooked in innovative ways, and the team aim to bring you fine dining with quality local ingredients at affordable prices.

Uniquely, the restaurant also has an ajoining traditional village fishmongers offering local fresh fish & seafood.

The regularly changing restaurant menu consists of personal touches like freshly smoked salmon from the in-house smokery, homemade daily baked fresh bread, plus their own pasta, ice cream and sorbets. Believing that the New Forest has the best to offer all year round, they try their utmost to source all ingredients on the doorstep whether its wild bass from The Solent, crab and lobster from Lymington, local cheeses from Sway or pheasants from a local shoot in the New Forest.  You will also find even more is homemade, from the butter and artisan bread, preserves & pickles, and of course fish from their own fishmongers.

To ensure the freshest ingredients, David and his team can often be seen foraging for samphire and purslane in Keyhaven, elderflowers and dandelions in the village, or picking brambles, gooseberries and potatoes at the local farm.

Modern British cuisine is the speciality, with fresh fish and seafood dishes, complimented with exciting meat & pasta dishes. The kitchen prides itself on making every effort to make dining at Verveine a special experience, whether you are visiting for a light lunch or enjoying the evening dining menu.

Chef proprietor David Wykes trained in Michelin starred kitchens in France & the UK.  His initial apprenticeship was served at the 5 Star Grand Hotel in both Jersey and Brighton. David then moved to Oxford, where he worked at the Michelin Star and 3 AA Rosette kitchen in the Bath Place Hotel under the direction of Jeremy Blake O'Conner (Formerly executive chef at The Gavroche.)   From Oxford, David moved to France where he worked his way up through the ranks of many multi Michelin Star French kitchens including; restaurant L'Univers, Les Viviers, Auberge D'Azur, Restaurant Jules Albert, and the world famous Restaurant Chantecler at the Hotel Negresco in Nice.  As a head chef, David has won multiple AA Rosettes in his own right in Oxford and Royal Tonbridge Wells.

Ultimately, David has a passion to create quality food using only the finest produce. Nothing makes David's day more, than seeing people delighted by the food he creates.

The Verveine team always look forward to giving you a warm welcome whenever you dine with them, so why not book now to see why the are winning awards from every corner of the food world!

www.verveine.co.uk | Tel: 01590 642176

Join The Parade

Visit:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF_OK1FS7nw
to see 2010 Carnival

The Carnival Committee are still hoping to get more young people involved in the Milford on Sea Carnival Parade (This Saturday 25^th August), especially as the route is shorter so easier for little ones to walk. 

 

Walking individuals and groups can still join in.  The theme is the Olympics, so even if the children just want to wear some sports gear and hold sporting equipment they are welcome to enter, or maybe they would like to be more imaginative?

 

The judging is going to take place as the parade passes the green, with the head judge being Rob Smith, the infamous ‘Lymington Olympic gold medal letter box painter’. 

 

Each entry will have a chance of winning their category and a trophy or shield.  Each child taking place will be given a rosette. 

 

So if you fancy joining in, just The parade is meeting in Swallow Drive from 3.15pm for registration and leaving at 4pm. 

 

Whether taking place or not, don’t miss all the fun on the green from 10am to 8pm, and of course the Carnival Parade at 4pm.

 

www.milfordcarnival.com

 

 

Care Group Winners

The Milford on Sea Carnival Achievers' Awards night was a huge success, with an excellent turn out and great party atmosphere.

 

The Milford Strummers and Total Voice performed on the night, and were warmly appreciated by the party goers.

 

Being the Carnival Achievers' Awards night, many were thrilled when it was announced that the Milford Community Care Group had won.  The group received a  £100 prize, which no doubt will be put to good use for local people.

 

Attached is a photo of the chairman of the sub-committee, Sean Reeves, presenting the cheque to Helen Lister from Milford Community Care Group.

Friends Knee’s Up

The Friends of Hurst Castle have been pretty busy, first they assisted in the International Lighthouse Day and now they are selling tickets for ‘The Good Old Days’ in the Garrison Theatre inside Hurst Castle.

 

The International Lighthouse Day held at Hurst Point Lighthouse Acetylene Room was an vent to bring everyone’s awareness to our lighthouses and other aids to navigation, and their importance to all forms of maritime activity, from large cargo ships and liners right down to small sailing craft, of which there are many in our locality.

 

Locally, this particular day was celebrated on Saturday 18th August on Hurst Spit, where the Acetylene Room, adjacent to the Hurst Point lighthouse, was opened up for visitors to learn about its use and operation.

 

At around 11am members of the Association of Lighthouse Keepers, Philip Hyde, Neil Deacon, Andrew Wyard and Keith Morton, opened the Acetylene Room and then gave a series of tours, each lasting about 20 minutes. The tours described the operation of the room between1923 and 1965, during which time it produced acetylene gas to light both the Hurst Point High Light and also the Low light – the grey steel one on the Castle Wall which, during its time of operation, was painted red.

 

The weather on the day started with very low cloud, very grey, and quite cool but that did not detour some 100 visitors to the Acetylene Room to partake in the tours. Later in the day the sun did shine but, by then, most visitors were making their way home for tea.

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The Friends of Hurst Castle have pleasure in presenting for your entertainment, The Good Old Days.  This will be held in the atmospheric Garrison Theatre within Hurst Castle on Friday 14th September. 

 

Get out your boaters, bonnets and boas and come and have a sing song.  Solent Rose will leave Keyhaven at 6.00pm and return about 9.30pm. There will be wine and soft drinks for sale and time in the interval for a picnic

 

Tickets £12 from Gwen’s of Milford, or Bette on 01590 673985.  Everyone welcome.

 
For more information about the Association of Lighthouse Keepers and also the Friends of Hurst Castle go to:

www.alk.org.uk | www.hurstcastle.co.uk/friends

 

or email: hurst@alk.org.uk

 

 

Paddling Handbag

A local Milford on Sea resident took advantage of the warm weather last Thursday, and ventured into the sea for a paddle.  This gentle excursion turned into a small drama when her handbag was suddenly washed out to sea on a strong wave.

As the beige/cream handbag made it’s exit, a lipstick, pen and plastic container could be seen slowly escaping from the bag.  Vain efforts to grab the bobbing bag from the incoming roll of the surf were thwarted by the strong draw of the tide.

The next day a kind soul handed in the found purse to Lymington Police Station.  All of the purse contents were in order and the police even dried the notes before returning them to the owner.

The handbag itself, and the rest of the contents remain missing.  So, if you have spotted, Two sets of house keys (one has a Citroen key fob & Spanish boat mascot, the other has a Mercedes key & yellow top key), a very soggy cheque book, or the handbag in question, please let me know by e-mail, and they can be returned to their car keyless owner.

david@milfordonsea.org

End of An Era at Gwen's

Milford on Sea are about to lose a pillar of village life.  Gwen Peden has decided to close Gwen's Ladies Fashion Shop in Milford on Sea High Street towards the end of this year, after 48 years of trading.

The delightful Gwen, and Anne (her sister) plan to take a well earned retirement.  Gwen's daughter Michele, is also moving on to something new.

There can only be a few in the village that have not visited Gwen's shop at some time.

This is not to say that Milford is full of male cross-dressers, but many men boldly cross the threshold to visit the village's ticket sales office.

Whoever you are, male or female, young or old, the welcome has always been warm, and time for a chat the order of the day.

Generations of the whole family were born and still live in the village and have served local people in many ways.

I always found my visits fun and educational.  They all know so much about village days gone by, yet have embraced change and always had a warm welcome for people new to the village.

I remember them telling me how their father had been a butcher in a couple of shops in the village, including the current Gwen's.  Incredibly, where they stand behind the counter now, it is in the same location as the 'Butchers Paying Kiosk' they once stood in as children.  If I remember correctly, one of 'Dad's' old butchers shop even had an abattoir at the back.

Running a business is challenge enough, but the girls have also willingly provided support to many groups and organisations running events in the village.  The way they manage ticket sales is impressive and there efforts have made a major difference to the success of so many events.  The whole service is also always done with a smile and great efficiency.  I know this because they have been a wonderful help to me and the Food Week organising team.

It may surprise many, but they have never take anything for providing this service, they simply take pleasure in helping others.  How amazing and rewarding.

The shop itself is 'for the older stylish woman' and the range of stock pretty extraordinary.  Each customer has always been dealt with personally, and nothing is too much trouble.  Shops like these are lost forever once they go.

Retiring is often a time for mixed emotions, proving both a wrench and relief at the same time, I hope this retirement is simply full of happy memories.

Gwen is currently holding a 'Retirement Closing Down sale' with up to 50% off, I might even pop in myself, I have always thought I would look good in a 'two-piece'!

Personally, I will miss them, and send my thanks for all the support they have given me and Food Week, I loved dealing with you all.  I am sure there will be many other people with warm things to say in the coming weeks.

The village owes Gwen, Michelle, and Anne so much. Their tireless effort on behalf of the community has been nothing short of amazing, and all have more than earned a long, happy and healthy future.

Hopefully, living in this wonderful part of the world, they will all now get more time to enjoy it! 

Total Voice at Westquay

Milford on Sea’s very own Total Voice Choir are singing at Westquay Shopping Centre in Southampton on Saturday 10th November.  The choir has been invited to perform for the Southampton Hospital Charity to raise money for the Neonatal Unit, a charity choir leader Christine is fond of supporting.

Christine and the choir are all very excited and are hoping to enlist a rent a crowd from Milford on Sea to enjoy the performance!

Always busy, they are also hosting the ‘Total Voice: In Session with Rachel Button’ on Saturday 22^nd September.  This is a Vocal Performance & Workshop to be held in the Guide Hut.

This event is a chance for singers of all ages and abilities to learn from a superb contemporary singer.  During the evening you can learn effective warm ups and exercises, get performance tips from a professional and sing backing vocals for Rachel.

You can also buy a ticket if you simply want to come and watch.

Tickets are £8.50 and available from:

info@totalvoice.co.uk | 07824 966912 | www.totalvoice.co.uk

Retreat Moves Forward

The Retreat Beauty & Health Salon in Milford on Sea High Street have launched a new website.

click image to visit website

The website highlights the wide range of treatments and therapies on offer; Facials, Massage, Manicures, Pedicures, Hair Removal, Body Wraps, Hot Stone/Thai Poultice Massage and application of make-up for weddings or special occasions.  In fact, loads of things us guys do not have a clue about.

If you fancy pampering yourself, or enjoying some time with the girls, there are special packages available for groups of friends, a visit could be a great way to relax and unwind.

I might even consider getting my wife a voucher, then whilst she is out, I can go to the pub with my mates.

Why not give Lola and her team call?

The Retreat Beauty & Health, 76 High Street, Milford on Sea

Tel: 01590 645151
info@retreat-milford.co.uk
www.retreat-milford.co.uk

Carnival Party Night

Our local Community Centre in Sea Road is preparing for a big Carnival Party Celebration next Friday, 17^th August.

Having basked as a nation in the heroic performances of our athletes at the London 2012 Olympics, it is now time for Milford on Sea to have our own celebration.

Everyone in the village is invited to join in with an evening of music, nibbles and a serving bar.  During the evening the Carnival Committee will be announcing the winner of our 'Local Achiever', who will then go on to lead this year’s Carnival Procession on Saturday 25th August. The lucky winner will also be awarded a £100 prize.

Admission to the evening is free, so please just go along. The bar will open at 6pm and the entertainment will start with the Milford Strummers and Total Voice Choir.  All ages are welcome so bring the kids.

The Carnival Team hope to see as many of you there as possible to show a huge support for the amazing people in our community that really have achieved great things for others.

Carnival Procession Coming

The Milford on Sea Carnival Procession is back this year, and the organisers are looking for some marshalls during the procession. 

They need around 20 marshalls to be on duty at several places around the route and so far they have only found 6 volunteers, so they are struggling a bit! 

All it takes is to stand by the barriers between 3pm and 6pm on the 25th August whilst the procession makes its way around the village. 

Many of teams usual helpers are either involved in the procession or away as it is a Bank Holiday weekend, so any additional help anyone can offer will be vital to the smooth running of the Procession, and of course you would be part of yet another special day in Milford on Sea.

If anyone can help please contact Steve Carter on:
scarter321@hotmail.com or on mobile 07795 034434.

Discover the Lighthouse

click image to enlarge

International Lighthouse Day is the one day in the year when the importance and the role of lighthouses, and all other aids to navigation, are brought to the attention of the general public, not only in the UK but also worldwide.  This year the Acetylene Room, adjacent to the Hurst Point Lighthouse close to Hurst Castle at the end of the Spit, will be open from 1100 to 1630 on Saturday 18th August. Tours lasting about 20 mins will be provided by members of the Association of Lighthouse Keepers (ALK) to give an insight into the operation of this facility from 1922 to 1965. The tours are free but, as usual, any donations would be gratefully received.

The two lighthouses on the Hurst Spit, the tall tower and the small one on the Castle wall, were originally powered by oil lights and the keepers tending them lived in cottages attached to the lighthouse.  In the early days, the Castle was a military garrison and the keepers were not allowed inside the Castle to tend to the low light sitting on the Castle wall.  A door in the outside of the wall was provided and accessed via an external staircase. Trinity House, who manage all the lighthouses in England and Wales, are always striving to provide better lights and, in the 1920s, acetylene gas was developed for use in vehicle lights and also for lighthouses.  To light the lamp in a lighthouse quite a large quantity of gas was required and so, at Hurst Castle, a special facility was built to manufacture the gas, and this is what you will see described if you visit Hurst on International Lighthouse Day.  The lights at Hurst were lit with acetylene gas from 1922 to 1998, after which the Lighthouse was fully automated and illuminated by a battery powered electric light.

It is regretted that Hurst Point lighthouse will not be open but, on this special weekend, other lighthouses will be open where you will be able to climb to the top to admire the view.  The nearest such lighthouses are at Portland Bill and St Catherine’s on the Isle of Wight.  They are  open on Sunday 19th August so why not make a weekend of it and visit the Acetylene Room on Saturday and either Portland or St Catherine’s Lighthouses on Sunday.

Access to the Acetylene Room is via Hurst Ferries, which run every 20 minutes from Keyhaven, or you can walk along the spit from Keyhaven, a distance of some 1¼ miles.  Refreshments are available in the Gatehouse of Hurst Castle but it is regretted that you will have to pay the Castle entrance fee to gain access to the Castle Café – unless you are a member of English Heritage or a member of the Friends of Hurst Castle, in which case don’t forget to bring your membership card.

International Lighthouse Day – Saturday 18th August 2012

For additional information see:
www.alk.org.uk/events.html
www.hurstcastle.co.uk/lighthouse.html

or email: hurst@alk.org.uk | Telephone 01329 843883 or 07778 520059

Needles Winners at Bowls Club

click image to enlarge

Milford on Sea Bowls Club saw excitement on the rink last Sunday in the annual Needles Competition which is sponsored by Murray & Hayward.

Sixteen pairs of players battled it out to win the much sort after prizes of John Bird pictures of the Needles.

This years winners were Alan J Burn & Colin Jarrett who beat Rod (club president) and his wife Geraldine.

The commemorative pictures were presented to the winners & runners up by Martin Scott from Murray & Hayward.