Meet Winston Grit

Milford on Sea has a lot more artists and authors than many would expect, and recently we came across another one, Fred Webb.
 

Fred’s book is ‘The Zombie at the Sandy Palms Golf Club’, a humorous ‘disjointed’ tale of 24 hour irritable knees; Zombies by night and a sadistic moron by day. He is also soon to launch his latest book: ‘My Knees are my Children’.

 

If you would like to read more about Fred’s book, please click here.

 

Another venture for Fred is his character ‘Winston Grit’. Winston provide light fun for children on his website at: www.winstongrit.com

 

40 B4 40-The Tamarind Tree

No.22: The Tamarind Tree, Wokingham

click image to enlarge

Having just had a great time in London celebrating my son Matthew's birthday, it was now my birthday on the 9th October.

 

As they had enjoyed our company so much at the weekend, my wife had arranged for them to enjoy our company again!

 

This time we were going to their house to visit what they claimed to be one of the best curry restaurants they had visited.  (& over the years I have taken him to many!)

 

On this occasion, and quite surprisingly my wife felt drawn to write a review on TripAdvisor, so here she goes:

 

I have to admit, Indian food is not my 1st, 2nd, or 3rd choice of cuisine - I have to be in the mood for it.

 

Considering Indian is the husbands 1st, 2nd and 3rd favourite food, and it was his birthday, and his son recommended this restaurant (and treated us), that was plenty of good reasons to go :-).

 

From the time we walked in, we had a friendly welcome and good service. The meals on the neighbouring tables all looked lovely while we made our own selections. The chutney tray was the one of best my husband had ever seen and we happily tucked into the lovely fresh papadoms while we continued browsing the menu. Everything was described well and we all went for something other than the usual choices.

 

When the food arrived it looked and smelt delicious, it tasted even better. The place was busy even on a Tuesday evening and clearly a popular place for good reason. The nann bread was light and crispy, not the usual heavy doughy stuff you get, the meat was clearly good quality as the chicken was delicious. Good ingredients really make the difference.

 

We left feeling well fed but not having big stodgy food belly's. If we get invited again to this neck of the woods, we will most certainly be back, and if all Indian restaurants were as good as this one, Indian food would almost certainly make my top 3 favourite choices.

 

Matthew: Chicken Tikka Bhuna Balti | Kayleigh: Chicken Tikka Masala | David: Chicken Pathia | Ella: Shobuj Chicken. Marinated pieces of chicken cooked with yogurt, chilli, garlic & coriander.

 

So, there you go, my wife's first review, and I agree with every word. (Now, that really is unusual, I am sure normal disagreements will resume soon!)

 

 www.thetamarindtree.co.uk

 

If you are wondering what the 40 B4 40 Dining Challenge is all about, please click here and all will be explained.

 

40 B4 40-Lowlander Café

No.21: Lowlander Café, London WC2

After weeks of meticulious planning between my wife & my son's girlfriend, we were off to the West End.

 

Having arrived the night before for a birthday treat, Matthew & Kayleigh were busy enjoying a romantic two night London stay, little did he know Daddy was on his way! (NB: This is being written late, the date was 6th October 2012)

 

click image to enlarge

On arriving it was time for lunch, so we popped into the Lowlander Grand Café, a traditional style European café & brasserie in Drury Lane in the heart of London.

 

The decor has the feel of a grand European café, with packed tables, floor to ceiling bar stacked with an unimaginable array of beers and a really friendly and buzzing atmosphere. They served 15 European beers on draught and some 50 by the bottle, they ranged from elegant Trappist ales to exotic fruit beers, from majestic Belgian golden ales to Dutch micro brews, the only sadness was, we did not have time to try them all!

 

For lunch we settled on a proper Steak Sandwich, full of a marinated, flash grilled 4oz sirloin steak in a warm baguette with mushrooms and home made relish, and a Lowlander Club Sandwich, consisting of a warm, toasted baguette packed with succulent chicken, bacon, avocado, egg mayonnaise and fresh greenery, both were ordered with frites, or course!

 

Tasty, fun and great value was the best way to describe our flying visit.

 

Next, it was time to put into action our covert plan, so sneaking low level passed parked cars, and ducking across the road, we were soon at the door of the pub.  Our surprise meeting was about to take place.  Through the window we could see Matthew perched on a bar stool, looking like a garden gnome who had got the cream. Kayleigh was looking around as if she was expecting a herd of wildebeast to crash through the door any minute. Well, it soon did, ....and as Matthew turned, his face went stark white as he realised that his romantic weekend had just got cut short!

 

As he recovered over another beer, we revealed we were taking him to a puppet show for his birthday.  How he managed to hide the obvious immense joy from his face we will never know.  Drinking our beers up, we were off.  This time being able to walk normally down the street.

 

A few doors down and we were soon at The New London Theatre, and another bar.  This time we were all waiting to take our seats to watch War Horse. By now Matthew had accepted our intrusion was not the disaster he first thought, and we got some Maltesers and Chocolate Raisins.  The girls were well stocked with tissues, but us tough boy's knew sweets divert any emotions.

 

The show was simply amazing at every level.  Incredible, awe-inspiring, clever, and any other superlative you can think of.  It even had truly funny elements.  Some say at times there wasn't a dry eye in the house.  Me, I'm saying nothing.

 

A fantastic experience over, it was of course now time to eat.  So, off to China Town.  As we sat and relived the afternoon over crispy duck, sweet and sour, and all the usual Chinese treats (excluding pak choi, as that is the devil's vegetable) we laughed and as always, really enjoyed each others company.

 

All too soon it was over and time for fond farewells, As we headed off to catch our train, and they headed back to their hotel, Matthew's face had just a hint of over-eating, a warm smile and a barely hidden relief that that his romantic weekend still had twenty four hours to run without us!

 

On the train home we basked in our great day, and even more so in the two wonderful people we had just spent the day with.  Life really doesn't get much better than being with the one's you love.

www.lowlander.com
www.warhorseonstage.com

If you are wondering what the 40 B4 40 Dining Challenge is all about, please click here and all will be explained.

 

New Head Chef at The Marine

The Marine Team will be saying a fond farewell to Head Chef & General Manager, Sam Hughes, on Saturday 20th October.

 

Sam has been with The Marine since October 2010, during which time The Marine has established an enviable reputation for exceptional quality, well presented meals in both the Cafe Bar and the Restaurant.

 

Sam, has taken an opportunity as Head Chef of Hardy’s of Marylebone, a well establishes London Brasserie & Wine Bar, and although he will be greatly missed at The Marine, the Team wish him the very best for his future career.

 

Sam’s position of Head Chef will be taken by Mark Speller, who has worked with Sam at The Marine for the last twelve months, and Mark will be putting his own twist on the well established Menus that he and Sam have been working with over recent months.

 

Mark has an impeccable CV and during his 4 years at New Park Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst, he gained the restaurant a second Rosette, so The Marine Team are looking forward to Mark putting his name to an exciting new Menu this Autumn.

www.themarinemos.co.uk

 

U3A Launched in Milford on Sea

A new U3A has been launched for people in Milford on Sea and the surrounding area.

 

U3A stands for the University of the Third Age, which is a self-help organisation for people no longer in full time employment providing educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment.

 

 The Inaugural Meeting will be on: Tuesday November 6th at 2pm Community Centre in Sea Road, and all “third agers”, and anyone else interested are encouraged to go along!

 

Local U3As organise interest groups, which draw upon the knowledge, experience and skills of their own members. The groups meet mainly during the day in members’ homes or use local facilities.

 

Members lead the groups themselves so the teachers learn and the learners teach. The U3A approach to learning is learning for pleasure. There is no accreditation or validation and there are no assessments or qualifications to be gained, and no one needs a qualification to lead a group.

 

At the launch meeting a wide range of topics were suggested, including Painting, Art Appreciation, Handicrafts, Social History, Local History, Genealogy, Spanish, French, Italian, Flower Arranging, Theatre trips, Outings, Computer Skills (beginners and improvers), Book Club, Walking, Current Affairs, Scrabble, Basic First Aid, Bridge, Yoga, Keep Fit, Music Appreciation, Choir, Mah Jong and many more.

 

At the meeting on November 6th you will hear more about the U3A and be able to think about which groups you would like to join. If you cannot make the meeting in November, the monthly general gatherings, usually with an entertaining speaker, will be on the first Tuesday of every month at 2pm in the Community Centre.

 

The membership for the initial period from now until the end of March will be £10. Members will be asked to make a small contribution to the cost of refreshments but there is no charge for attending a group.

 

A committee has been formed to establish the Milford on Sea U3A. If you would be interested in joining the steering committee or helping in any way please email the Chair, Bill Jowett billju3amos@btinternet.com or telephone 01590545180 or 01425638836 or 01590644039

 

So why not pop along and find out more?  I know this friendly new group are looking forward to meeting you!

 

 

Zaika Tuesday Buffet is Back

The ever popular and tasty Zaika Indian Restaurant in Milford on Sea High Street is re-introducing thier budget busting Tuesday Night Buffet.  The food is a great as ever, and a four course Indian meal for just £9.95 has to be a winner.

 

At last, a great new excuse to pop out for a pint & curry with an old mate! 

 

 

www.zaikanewforest.co.uk

 

 

Food Week 2014 & The Great Dining Bus

I thought I would let you be first to know that Milford on Sea Food Week is taking a break in 2013. Don’t worry though, it will be back with a vengeance in 2014!
 

As you may know, I semi-retired a couple of years ago, well at least I thought I had! All was going rather well, and then the calm was broken! Last year my business launched a major annual industry networking event, and right now we are heavily into organising a brand new industry exhibition for January 2013. On top of all this, we are building & planning a new business management software package to be launched to the industry in March 2013. As you may expect, all this activity is pretty exciting, and I have been drawn back into the business full time until all of these project are complete.

 

This may also explain why my wife & I have not been seen out and about in Milford on Sea over the past few months!

 

As a result, I simply do not have the time to organise of Food Week 2013. To do so, takes around three days a week from October until April, and sadly, I will now be fully committed elsewhere.

 

Having come so far with the help of great volunteers, the support of local restaurateurs and the enthusiastic attendance of so many from the village, it has been a big decision to make. Particularly, as I just love great food! However, I hope everyone will understand. This is a one off change, and I remain totally committed to what has been created into a significant village event over the past few years.

 

The Great Dining Bus: We do have some exciting news for next year though. The Great Dining Bus will again be on the village roads, taking you for a gourmet experience in all of our best village restaurants. The programme is going to be planned to take place in April 2013, and will be launched early in the new year. The restaurants don't know the details yet (as I haven't yet spoken to them!), but I know they are all keen to participate, and to have you all visit. They will all be involved in the planning towards to end of this year.

 

Having run the first Great Dining Bus during last Food Week we know many people missed out on the delectable and fun experience. Our aim is that more people can participate this time, enjoying each course in a different village restaurants, whilst making new friends and enjoying the company of who you come with.

 

For lovers of Food Week, don’t panic, we will be back from Monday 7th April 2014 to Sunday 13th April 2014, and it will be bigger and better than ever!

 

(School Holidays are Holiday from Mon 7th to 21st April 2014. Good Friday is 18th April and Easter Monday is 21st April 2014, so as always we are making sure the kids can be fully involved.)

Visit the Great Dining Bus Website: www.greatdiningbus.co.uk
 

www.milfordonseafoodweek.org

 

 

Box Office Volunteers Needed

With the impedding retirement of Gwen and the closing of her wonderfully unique shop, the village is also losing its Box Office for local shows and events, - or is it?

 

The team at Milford on Sea Community Centre have decided that is now going to launch a village Box Office run by enthusiatic volunteers.

 

As yet, the 'enthusiastic volunteers' don't know who they are, but I am sure they will soon!

 

A meeting is being held this Friday at 1pm (19th October), for anyone who would be interested in doing a stint in the new Box Office.  If you fancy helping out, please just go along, you will be very welcome.

 

Psst, I haven't said this, but you will get to see what is coming up first, and be able to make sure you don't miss the best shows in the village!

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

 

Changes at Bon Appetit

Very soon there will be a new name above the door at Bon Appetit in Milford on Sea High Street. Christina has been travelling daily from Totton, near Southampton, to serve us with delicious coffee, great breakfasts and lunches, crepes and other tasty treats for around three years now, and as you may imagine a lot of time has been spent driving!

 

Sadly, for us, Christina has decided to be nearer her husband and daughter and is planning to open a new café in Totton in mid-November. Her last day will be Thursday 18th October. Not completely losing her connection with Milford on Sea, her new café is going to be called ‘Bon Appetit!’

Christina has asked us to say thank to all of her past customers, she will miss them, and we will certainly miss her cheery smile and the care with which she presented and served her food.

 

As yet we haven’t met the new owners, but they plan to re-open on Sunday 21st October under a new name. We have heard on the grapevine that the new café may be called ‘The Village Coffee Pot’. As soon as we find out more we will let you know!

 

www.bonappetit-milford-on-sea.co.uk

 

 

All change at Church

We have heard of good news and bad news for the Milford on Sea Methodist Church.

 

The bad news is that the NFDC planning department has refused their application to render the front of the building, move the notice boards onto the front wall and erect a hanging sign depicting the Methodist Church symbol as it was not felt to be in keeping with a conservation area.

 

The much better news is that work has already started on the rest of the refurbishment which is only subject to Building Regulations approval which has been granted.

 

The work includes creating a disabled toilet, refurbishing the kitchen installing a new sound loop system, a new energy efficient boiler and where applicable improved insulation. Doorways are being widened to take wheelchair access and new carpet and lighting fitted and then redecoration.

 

The outside may not look like our original vision but don’t judge a book by its cover as the Methodist church will welcome everyone to come in and see the improvements.

 

 In the meantime Sunday services are still being held in the church while possible and a notice will be displayed on the front doors should the venue have to be changed.

 

The once a month Thursday lunch club has moved to the Community Centre as a temporary measure and details of all other arrangements can be obtained by contacting Alan Boyce at ajbconsultancy@yahoo.co.uk or on 01590 641189.

 

 

The White House in the 1950's

Having read a previous story about The White House on Milford on Sea seafront (read here), we have being contacted by Sharon Wickham.

 

Sharon’s mother, Carole Hobson, and her cousin John Neale, were both patients in The White House in the early 1950's.

 

Her mum is to be 70 this year, and Sharon is making a scrapbook of her life, and would like to try and put a few pictures of her time at the White house in it.

 

If you have any old pictures of The White House, or even your own memories, I am sure Sharon would like to hear from you. She can be contacted at: sharonwickham100@gmail.com

 

 

Miflord Music Festival Needs a Friends Help

After a very wet 2012 festival this year, and despite good attendance, the volunteer committee have been left with a shortfall of some £4000.

 

It takes almost 12 months, close to £25,000, and a lot of hard work by the committee and volunteers to put on this spectacular 4 day event, which it totally village organised, and remains free to attend.

 

They have informed us that they desperately need help form the village if they are to make the Festival happen again next year. To ensure that the Festival can continue to be staged, they need to replenish reserves that are held to finance the event and are looking to raise funds in a variety of ways throughout the year.

 

One way in which you can help is by becoming a Friend of the Festival at an annual cost of £50, which in addition to providing regular and invaluable support to the event will entitle you to attend the Friends’ reception before the festival. As a registered charity such subscriptions allow the festival to reclaim tax under the Gift Aid scheme at no cost to you, provided that you are a taxpayer.

 

If you want more details or a Gift Aid form then please contact our Treasurer, Alan Boyce at ajbconsultancy@yahoo.co.uk . Alternatively, look out for the Music Fesival charity collection boxes which are vivid purple so they can't be missed and are placed all around the village in pubs, restaurants and most of the shops. (Thanks go to Tim Ball of Ampress Digital for printing the labels on the collection boxes.)

 

Please make a donation however large or small, as without your help they may not be able to continue.

 

Should you wish to become a 'Friend', help out during the run up and or over the Festival weekend then please contact Sean Reeves at sean@hwsolictors.com  

 

Let's hope ths shortfall can be met, and that we can all look forward fantastic Festival in 2013.