Mole Men Close Road

We have received an e-mail claiming to be from Scott Glover, Assistant Highway Engineer for Hampshire Council. I actually suspect it is from our old friend the Master of the Mole Men.

Scott/Mole Master said: As part of the programme of works being undertaken by Operation Resilience we will be undertaking carriageway resurfacing in B3058 Lymington Road from A337 junction to Barnes Lane. The works are programmed to start on Thursday 11 July 2013 and are expected to last for 13 nights. In order to undertake the works safely it will be necessary to close the road from approximately 19:00 to 07:00hrs. The road will be open to through traffic during the day and weekends.

The signed, approved diversion is along the B3058 Cliff Road and A337 Lymington/Christchurch Road. There will however be approximately 3/4 nights when the A337 junction with B3058 will be closed. The diversion will then be signed along A337, B3058, A35, A326 and B3054. Site operatives will be located at closure points to advise public of extents of access during the works.

Information signs advising road users of the works will be erected before the start of works. A letter will be sent to local residents and an email will be sent to New Forest District Council to advise them accordingly.

Should you have any questions or require further information please contact the Operation Resilience team on 0845 603 5633 or email operation.resilience@hants.gov.uk

At first glance this appears an official document, however, I think we all know the nighttime road closure is for a totally different purpose.

Over the past years we have reported how excavations have taken place in local roads around Milford on Sea claiming to be gas, electric, telephone, fibre optic and drainage works etc. The reality of course, is that the 'works' are actually being done by the 'Mole Men' who have been stealthily building a subterranean town below our village.

If you are sceptical, try to recall how often you see men working at the sites. Hardly ever I suspect, and when you do, they are always from a distance, and you cannot spot that they are lifelike inflatable models.

The true short-sighted furry workers of course operate under the darkness of  night, and burrow below our houses preparing more living spaces for their community.

We have heard a rumour that the latest batch of Mole Men may actually be French (Le Mole Men), but we are unable to confirm this at this stage.

The latest 'Roadworks' (Yeah, right!) involves a road closure at night, this is so that their large pieces of furniture can be moved in without being observed.

Should you encounter a Mole Man in Hollands or a village pub, we know they do not bite, so have a chat and post a comment below to let us know what they have said.

Should you encounter a French Mole Man, do not fear, the language barrier can be overcome, as I am of course here to translate, or you can pop in to grab Lionel, our resident French chef at La Perle.  

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If you enter: 'Mole Men', into the ‘Search Box’ above, you will discover all of our previous stories on the adventures of Mole Men”!

Christine Goes Alone

Christine Mulgrew, founder of Total Voice Choir, is stepping forward to the microphone in ‘An Evening with Christine Mulgrew & Friends’.

 

Normally Christine is coordinating other singers, and helping them to improve and enjoy singing. This time, it is her voice that will be centre stage.

 

During the show, she will be joined by Peter Hill, Victoria Hopkins, Eddie Peacock, Kirsty Purves & Brian Towlson. Also, on the evening there will be a bar, cabaret tables and space for those keen enough to dance!

 

Christine has done a great job in getting so many people in the village to join Total Voice, and now she is looking forward to singing herself. Her set will include a broad variety of her favourite songs with an all singing all dancing live band. Christine said; “Singing with me will be my Total Voice business partner Victoria Hopkins and awesome local singer Peter Hill. I can't wait!"

An Evening with Christine Mulgrew & Friends | Sponsored by The Cave
Saturday 27th July at MoS Community Centre

Tickets £9.50 from: Box Office or www.milfordcommunitycentre.org.uk

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About Christine & Total Voice Choir

Christine had have many years of singing and performing experience and was studying for a degree in music performance and technology when she had an idea for a community choir.

 

A short while later she decided to see if her home village of Milford on Sea had an appetite for a choir that would learn and perform rock and pop songs, and would be open to all.

 

The first rehearsal took place the Milford on Sea Guide Hut in January 2010. The weather was absolutely dreadful, with thick ice on all the roads. Only seven people made it to the venue that night, but the following week, after a thaw, the numbers began to climb. Nowadays, the hut is packed every week with up to sixty singers. The choir has performed at all sorts of local events and festivals and has gained a reputation for its well-known tunes, relaxed style and boundless enthusiasm.

 

Victoria Hopkins was one of the seven who battled through the snow and ice (all of two hundred yards from her home) to be at the first rehearsal. An experienced classical choral singer and soloist, Victoria enjoyed singing a completely different style of music. When Christine needed a break after her son was born, Victoria stepped into the fray and led the choir.

 

Following her return to work, Christine began working with Victoria on new arrangements and projects. The two decided to go into business together and expand Total Voice into a company offering a range of workshops and events for singers and public speakers in addition to the Total Voice Contemporary and Chamber Choirs.

 

Many of you will have heard our very own village community choir, Total Voice, performing in an around Milford over the last few years, and it is clear that Christine and Victoria are passionate about spreading the joys and benefits of singing for everyone.

Please visit the Total Voice website at www.totalvoice.co.uk for more information.

 

New Campsite on the way

Local residents around Shorefield Way have received a letter from The Camping & Caravanning Club inviting their views regarding an application to set up a small campsite on a property in the road.

The new Milford on Sea site would be for the exclusive use of members of The Camping & Caravanning Club, who are bound by the club's Code of Conduct. The club would carry our regular inspections to ensure standards are continually maintained.

 

A maximum of 5 caravan or motor homes would be allowed at any one time. To receive a certificate certain criteria regarding space and amenities must be met.

It is understood that the site does not actually need formal planning permission, however the Parish Council are discussing the application at their meeting in the Village Hall at 6.30pm on Monday 15th July 2013.

 

As with any change, there are likely to be two opposing views. Some may be concerned about the additional local traffic in the approaching roads, potential expansion or noise. Others may see it as a fair opportunity for the owners to enhance their income, and also a source of valuable additional income for the shops and eateries in the village.

 

Me? Well I cannot understand why anyone would want to sleep outside on the floor or in a mobile tin can. As so many people do it I must be missing something, so I suppose it must be a bit like an outdoor B&B, but you bring your own bedroom and breakfast.

 

Personally, I am more a bar, restaurant and comfortable bed sort of guy.

 

 

Milford's Missing Geocach

We received an e-mail the other day from Teresa, a new resident to Milford after holidaying here for many years. She was enquiring about a 'missing Geocach'.

 

As you may expect, I had no idea what it was, let alone why it may be missing.

 

A bit of research was required, and I soon discovered that Geocaching is a free real-world outdoor treasure hunt, where players try to locate hidden containers, (called geocaches), using a smartphone or GPS and can then share their experiences online.

This weekend Teresa had some friends visit them and they went hunting for Geocaches in Milford on Sea. Apparently, there are quite a number of hidden Geocach containers in and around Milford on Sea, Hurst Spit and Keyhaven.

 

Teresa's party discovered the first Geocach they were searching for in the village, however they were unable to find another one, which was supposed to be near the churchyard on Church Hill. When searching for a Geocach there should be have been an item near the church which has a group of clues to help find it.

So, we have a mystery for anyone who understands this high-tec game. Does anyone know about the whereabouta of the All Saints' Church Geocach?

 

Teresa suggested our dogs may be able to help, but the thought of them digging in the churchyard is not perhaps one people would appreciate.

 

If you have any information please post your thoughts below.

 

Should you wish to find out more about Geocaching in Milford on Sea , please click here. 

 

 

Max in The New Forest

A new book has just been printed and published about "Max" and the New Forest.

 

The board book is a touchy-feely story aimed at pre-school children about the New Forest. Max's adventure takes him on a learning journey through the Forest, touching on the subjects of seasons and what animals he can find in the Forest.

 

The illustrations are hand drawn and painted and the touchy-feely elements include a sticky mud effect. The author and illustrator are both Brockenhurst residents and came up with the idea because they felt there was a lack of children’s books aimed at the preschool age, about the New Forest.

 

More information and contact details can be found on the website: www.bwpublishing.co.uk and they are happy to answer any questions or queries you have.

 

Music Awards in Milford

Local Milford on Sea music teacher, Jenny Davies has once again guided her pupils in passing their Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations.

 

One of her students, Niall passed his grade 3 violin examination with merit, Josh passed his grade 1 classical guitar examinations with merit and Phoebe passed her grade 1 classical guitar examination.

Jenny is an experienced teacher and has been teaching pupils to play a wide range of musical instruments since 2003.

 

If you would like to learn to play a musical instrument, or improve your current skills, you can contact Jenny on 07766 592425 or jenanda@hotmail.com
 

Milford's Art Deco Delight

click image to enlarge

MSN Travel recently ran an online article featuring 'The best of Britain's art deco'.

Iconic buildings, such as the Hoover building in West London, and the Daily Express Building in Fleet Street were featured, as was The Marine on the seafront in Milford on Sea.

 

It is an impressive achievement for a modern building to sit alongside such iconic structures.

The Marine is just as impressive internally, and with a Café Bar and Restaurant it is easy to get inside to take a look at how modern technology and classic architecture can be seamlessly combined.

The Marine was born of a vision inspired by the unique location, and former elegance of the original 1930’s Art Deco building. The new building was conceived and designed by its current owners, Richard & Sue Thompson, and is built in a ‘Modern Art Deco’ style, which reflects the previous architecture of the original building on the site.

 

Please click here to view the MSN Travel article.

 

Lionel's Stuck

News has reached us that a resident of Milford on Sea is stuck in South Africa and he is at present unable to return to the UK, after visiting his homeland to renew his visa.

 

Lionel Illgner has lived in Milford on Sea for a number of years and is a familiar and popular face in the community. Since arriving, he opened 'Milford Hardware' in Keyhaven Road 3 years ago, and recently started a new venture 'Lionel's Home Maintenance'.

 

Lionel also has a partner in the village, Ali. We have heard that he has been refused a visa on the grounds that it was not believed his relationship was truthful. I understand his friends would vehemently argue this not to be the case.

 

We have also heard that he has also been told that if he returns, he can't work for six months, which of course puts both his business, and a valuable shop for the village, under severe risk.

 

It seems pretty unfair when an honest hardworking bloke, who has invested time, money and a lot of effort in building a life here, can then have it all put under threat or just taken away by bureaucracy.  The emotional and financial stress must be immense.

 

Roz Waters of the Lymington Times broke and covered the story last Friday, and it is nice to see that his case is receiving publicity.

 

There is hope that resubmitted evidence may provide a solution, and we certainly hope that common sense prevails and that we soon see Lionel back behind his counter in the village.

 

 

Jobs at The Marine

A number of Full & Part Time positions are now available at The Marine.

They are soon to open a number of rooms for overnight and holiday stays, and are currently looking for someone to come in as a part-time housekeeper to look after the rooms after guests have visited.

There are also vacancies for experienced bar & waiting staff, and a kitchen assistant.

If you, or anyone you know, are interested please call Richard on: 01590 644369

The Marine
Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY
www.themarinemos.co.uk | 01590 644369

Sam at Hardy's

We recently heard from Sam Hughes, the former head chef at The Marine.

Sam is now head chef at Hardy's Brasserie in Marylebone, London. As with many chefs, Sam's career in the kitchen has meant spanning the country.

Before arriving at The Marine, Sam trained with Rowley Leigh at Kensington Place and also worked under Raymond Blanc. He then spent several years as head chef at the celebrated Sir Charles Napier in Oxfordshire. Last year you may also have seen him in the latest series of 'Masterchef: The Professionals.'

If you fancy looking him up and trying his latest menus, you can find him at Hardy's.

Hardy's Brasserie

53 Dorset Street, London, W1U 7NH
www.hardysbrasserie.com

The Marine
Hurst Road, Milford on Sea
www.themarinemos.co.uk

Phil Wins Lifetime Achievement

Local teacher and Milford on Sea resident, Phil Hill was nominated by his school and shortlisted for a German Embassy Lifetime Achievement Award for German teaching.

His nomination gained him an invitation to the 'Sommerfest der Deutschen Sprache' (Summer Party) at The German Embassy in London, hosted by Ambassador Boomgaarden. Elizabeth Truss MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Education and Childcare, was the keynote speaker for the event.

The glamorous Summer Party took place on Tuesday, 25 June and due to the prestige of the event it even got a mention by Chris Evans on his radio show.

Phil Hill,
German Ambassador Boomgaarden
 and Elizabeth Truss MP
*Pic Courtesy of German Embassy

The purpose of the Award is to recognise outstanding achievement by individual teachers of German in the UK, to pay tribute to the work of German teachers in the UK and to highlight the commitment of the winners' schools to modern language teaching.

Over 200 teachers and representatives from the education and language teaching sectors came from all over the UK to join the celebrations.

As Phil enjoyed the surroundings and hospitality, the award ceremony got underway. To his immence surprise and pride it was then announced; The Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Philip Hill of Highcliffe School. Cue one delighted professional from Milford on Sea.

Phil is married to Sue Hill, who runs the very informative Village Voice Magazine. He is due to retire at the end of July, however he has no concern about keeping busy, Sue has plenty of plans, and he has many interests, one of which is playing keyboards in the party funk, soul & rock band 'Dorsal Fin'.

In his career, Phil has acted as Deputy head of department, School publicity officer and more recently co-director of Language College, but German has always remained his passion and focus.

His Year 11 German class produced the best set of GCSE results across the entire school in 2012 and this year he has had the pleasure of seeing one of his Year 13 students accepted at Oxford University to study German. He played a key, inspirational and driving role in the successful designation of Highcliffe School as a Language College in 2000.

Highcliffe School say; "It is true to say that Philip Hill has been a towering influence on German teaching".

Congratulations Phil!
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PS: I am keeping a close eye on the post, as I understand the French Embassy also do awards for service to the French language and culture. Must only be a matter of time for moi nomination to arrive.

Dorsal Fin Band
www.dorsalfin.co.uk

Chewton Glen comes to Milford

Luke Matthews
(with James Martin)

Chewton Glen’s very own Executive Head Chef, Luke Matthews is going to be cooking at Milford on Sea C.E Primary School.

He hasn't changed his job, but The Parents Friends Association have been fortunate enough to have been able to organise an evening of fine food and tasting with Luke and his team.

This is a unique opportunity to join Luke and some of his team from his Michelin Star  kitchen, in an entertaining and engaging evening of cookery demonstrations, audience participation and tasting! The school will be filled with delicious aromas, as the audience will be shown how to cook six mouth-watering dishes, including Tortellini and Crispy Beef Vietnamese Salad – just to name a few!

Luke Matthews has been at Chewton Glen since 1993. He worked for ten years as Senior Sous Chef and in 2003 was appointed Executive Head Chef. Luke has honed his skills and developed a fabulous team and a well-recognised style of cuisine, whose secret lies in the quality of the ingredients selected and a deceptively simple approach to their preparation.

Luke's passion is the preparation of fish dishes and combining a lighter healthier style of cooking to all the dishes that he creates. Coming from Christchurch, Luke is married to Claire and they have two young children.

Tickets are priced at £18 per person and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, and tickets are limited so please get in early.

To book your tickets please call the school office on 01590 642945.