Fancy a Quality Cuppa?!

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A brand new business has opened its doors in Milford on Sea. The Great Tea Co. is the brainchild of local man, Ben Mair.

Previously, Ben had trained successfully as a chef, and spent some of his time in the Verveine kitchen alongside award winning chef David Wykes.

 

Ben however decided to take his career in another direction after discovering the exciting world of blends and exotic teas.

The Great Tea Co. is a tea expert, who knows the latest innovations and will always share its knowledge with its customers and consumers to deliver the Great Tea experience. They will always strive to have the widest range of teas and accessories in order to deliver the Great Tea experience.

Ben is inspired to source great quality, great value teas from around the world to offer you an extensive selection of delicious all natural teas. He has the perfect tea blends and accessories to match every occasion and mood, from the familiar classics to the more unusual, adventurous blends. So whether you want to enjoy a soothing, comforting cup of tea, or a blend to stimulate and invigorate, whatever you desire, he can help you 'Make everyday a Great Tea day'.

According to Chinese legend, tea was invented accidentally in 2737 B.C. by Emperor Shen Nong. He was a scholar and herbalist, as well as a creative scientist and patron of the arts. Among other things, the emperor believed that drinking boiled water contributed to good health. One summer day while visiting a distant region, he and his entourage stopped to rest. The servants began to boil water for the emperor and his subjects to drink, but dried leaves from a nearby camellia bush fell into the boiling water. The emperor was fascinated with the new liquid due to its pleasing aroma, so he drank the infusion and discovered that it was very refreshing with a delightful flavour. He then declared that tea gives vigour to the body, thus….Just like Emperor Shen Nong, Ben believes that tea is great!

 

Ben will be providing tasting of his teas and displaying his tea related accessories at the CakeFest at Milford on Sea Food Week on Monday 7th April 2014, he will also have a stall in the Community Centre on Food Week Saturday alongside other local producers.

As well as supplying tea lovers, he also hopes to provide his teas to local shops, cafés, restaurants, hotels, and B&B's.

 

To find out more about his teas you can contact Ben on ben.thegreatteaco@gmail.com - 01590 641972, or visit his website below.

The Great Tea Co.
www.thegreatteaco.co.uk

 

Bowls Club Panto

The Milford on Sea Bowls Club got into the Christmas spirit recently when they held their annual Christmas Panto in All Saints' Church Hall, Milford on Sea last Tuesday.

The performance had an enthusiastic audience of 120 club members and friends.

This year's story was 'Alice in Space', which was both written and performed by members of the club.

 

A delicious American Supper followed the show and a most enjoyable evening was rounded off by some hearty singing of well known Christmas carols. All members are now looking forward to the 2014 production......... Oh yes they are!

 

Milford on Sea Bowls Club

www.milfordbowls.co.uk

Keep an Eye on Hurst Spit

Ever wondered what is happening at Hurst Spit in stormy weather?,

 

Ever pondered on what the view might be like from the top of Hurst Castle?,

 

Ever asked 'Why doesn't superglue stick to the inside of the tube'?

Well, thanks to Steve Cook, Coastal Engineering Team Leader, we can now answer the first two. No idea on the third.

 

Steve has told us of a couple solar powered cameras out on Hurst Castle that relay the scene 24 hours a day. You can see what is going on right now from the link below.

 

Should any one be in a new or amorous relationship, please be aware if you are looking for a quiet place, the castle might not be a great idea - there may be cameras watching!

 

Vision Link at Hurst Castle: www.vision-link.co.uk/live-camera.php

 

Elvis is coming to Food Week!

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The first show of Food Week 2014 has now been booked, so get your 'Blue suede shoes' ready, as Elvis is on his the way!

The ELVIS EXTRAVAGANZA show is a fantastic, authentic & showstopping tribute to Elvis 'The King'; by the world's only Pakistani Elvis!

Award winning Sal Bashir's show has two 45 minute sets of legendary rock music: Early Elvis 50-60's and then the Las Vegas years of the 70-80's. This show will have you rocking around the Community Centre!

Why not grab some tickets now, they make an ideal extra Xmas present, stocking filler, Xmas table gift, surprise New Year present, thank you gift, birthday present, I Love You trinket............ OK, I'm just trying to give you reasons to buy some tickets now, but it will be worth it, and we expect this one to sell out quickly!

Chicken Tikka with Small Naan, Mint Sauce & Salad Garnish served in the interval. The bar will also be open on the night.

Other New Shows are coming soon, including 4 Michelin Star Chefs and a fabulous TV Comedian.

If you would like to consider any of the new shows for Xmas Presents,  drop me a line at david@milfordonsea.org and I can tell you who they are, and arrange tickets as Xmas gifts for you.

Tickets on Sale Now: £15 incl Tikka Snack - Available from the Community Centre Box Office or Online Ticket Office - click here.

Meet Sal online: www.sallikeelvis.co.uk

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10% Discount for 'Friends of Food Week' on all community organised shows: click here to find out more.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FOOD WEEK - please click here

Milford on Sea Food Week

Monday 7th to 14th April 2014

www.milfordonseafoodweek.org

About Milford on Sea Food Week

Milford on Sea Food Week

Monday 7th to 14th April 2014
www.milfordonseafoodweek.org

During Food Week our village will be alive with Themed Dining Evenings, Professional Cookery Theatre, Celebrity Shows, Cooking Demonstrations, Educational Talks, Dining Offers, Wine Tastings and the unique Great Dining Bus. We also have lots of Kid's Events including Cookery Classes and a Food Treasure Hunt. To end Food Week there is the chance to savour local produce our very own large & popular Sunday Food Market.

Everyone at every age is included, and there are over 100 village events & shows all organised by local organisations, businesses, clubs and individuals.

Our New Forest seaside village is fortunate to be blessed with great places to eat and surrounded by quality local producers, so what better way for Milford on Sea to celebrate this than to have an entire week dedicated to the joys of food!

Milford on Sea Food Week is co-ordinated by a small dedicated group of volunteers who provide their expertise and time for free. We are also fortunate to have a generous group of sponsors, friends & supporters. As a 'not for profit' event, any income generated is only used to cover promotional costs and no fees or expenses are taken by any of the Food Week organisers. We are delighted to support local good causes from any profits that are made.

Food Week is truly ‘By the community, for the community’ and your support is critical to us, we thank you for getting involved whether by participating or simply enjoying the many events throughout the village.

Free Programme in Village Newsagent and various village shops from March.

Ticketed Events: Tickets available online from: www.milfordonseafoodweek.ticketsource.co.uk or from the Community Centre Box Office, Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH. Tel: 01590 643404.
Box Office Open: Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm and Saturday: 10am to 1pm.

10% Discount for 'Friends of Food Week' on all online ticket sales. To Find Out about becoming a Friend of Food Week please click here.

To View our 2014 Shows & Events please click here.

Gold & Silver Business Sponsorship are available (click here to see our sponsors ads) To find out more please contact: david@milfordonsea.org

Join In!  If you would like to get involved in Food Week at any level, run an event, do a demonstration or would like to be a volunteer and haven't yet been in touch, please drop me a line at: david@milfordonsea.org

To See the Food Week Website please visit: www.milfordonseafoodweek.org

Food Week is 'Not for profit', and run entirely by volunteers. We are a true 'By the Community, For the Community Event!'. If you would like to know more, please contact: david@milfordonsea.org 

Milford on Sea Food Week

Monday 7th to 14th April 2014
www.milfordonseafoodweek.org

Ainslie at Hurst Castle

We hear that the BBC has been filming at Hurst Castle recently with Olympic & America's cup hero, and local sailor Ben Ainslie.

 

It is understood that the piece relates to the 'BBC Sports Personality of the Year', which will be on air next Sunday evening. (15th December)

 

The winner of the award will come from a shorlist of 10. The nominees alongside Ben are: Athletes Mo Farah, Christine Ohuruogu and Hannah Cockroft are included, as well as tennis star Andy Murray and cyclist Chris Froome.

 

Golfer Justin Rose, jockey AP McCoy, cricketer Ian Bell and rugby union player Leigh Halfpenny also make the list.

 

 

A Night on the Port!

Things started quite simply. My mate Colin’s other half was away for a few days, and he was under strict instructions to attentively look after the dog. I on the other hand, had explained to my wife that our friend was obviously lonely and that I should keep him company. She agreed.

 

We of course interpreted the dog instructions, & approval of companionship, as an opportunity for a boy's night out. - We chose the Port Tasting Night at The Cave.

 

click image to enlarge

As we set off for the village centre our pace was moderate, on the basis that walking isn’t our favourite hobby. We however covered the 10 minute journey in around 15 minutes.

 

This did not include the couple of minutes we spent admiring the massive Christmas Tree on Milford on Sea village green. Simeon and his team from Aubrey Farm had done an excellent job, erecting a monster of a tree for us all to enjoy, and then Ray & Bob had put on the lights. Ellis Hairdressers again has a wonderful Christmas themed window, and many of the village shop decorations were twinkling away in the night sky. Romance was in the air, but we decided not to kiss.

 

We were warmly greeted at The Cave, and before the evening commenced I warmed up with a perfectly chilled glass of Leffe Belgian beer, and my cohort had some warm real ale which he apparently found impressive and I saw as pointless.

 

The Cave has three long wine tasting tables, and these were lined up with various glasses and a detailed list of the Ports to be tasted this evening. There was also a glossy Ramos Pinto leaflet explaining the appropriate serving temperatures, storage advice and suggested glass shapes for each type of port, there was also exotic suggested paired food dishes which best complemented each port. I intend to pass this onto my wife as dining suggestions for next week, but have to say; I don’t fancy my chances!

 

Plenty of people were in The Cave having a social drink or coffee, when quite quickly, the ‘Tasting Night’ crowd arrived from all directions. As we all took to the tables, the group was a mix of couples, and groups of mates, who did not know each other, but soon everyone was chatting and introducing themselves. After all, we all had a hobby of drinking in common!

 

I am sure several people hoped we didn’t sit at a table with them, but unfortunately Sylvia & John and Wyn & Roy were unlucky. We hadn’t met before, but very soon we were enjoying their company and they were wondering why they had made the mistake of sitting on the same table as us.

 

Our host Jon, introduced us all to our expert for the evening; Mark Leveson-Gowers. Mark is the Director of Maisons at Marques et Domaines, a company formed by Louis Roederer champagne house. As Mark spoke it was evident he was well bred and had a warm and engaging personality. His Passion for Ports was immediately obvious, as he told us how Port is made from red grapes. The process is very similar to the making of wine. However, the fermentation stage is ended earlier by the addition of a clear brandy, which ends the fermentation and retains the sweetness.

 

This has now become my new 'favourite fact', relegating my previous 'favourite fact' that, the city with the 6th largest number of French inhabitants is London.

 

The evenings proceedings started with a couple of Portuguese wines to set the palate. They were interesting, but the main event was soon with us – the Ports!

 

First served was the least expensive, RP Adriano Reserva NV, a white Port. The gathering were enthralled by the unexpected explosion of taste. Technically this was described as ‘well integrated with gentle tannins & a soft elegant finish’, we simply thought it tasted great, and at £14.90 seemed a good price for something a little bit special.

 

Next we moved to the more traditional Red Port. Mark explained the making process which we found interesting. All of Mark’s Ports come from red grapes which go into stone troughs and are then foot trodden to crush the grape skins into the juice, the more the crushing, the richer the colour. Bearing in mind we were by now chatting, drinking and not paying full attention, this may need checking on a proper website. Oh, I forgot to mention bread and Cheddar cheese was also served with this Port.

 

We moved then onto the PR Collectors Ruby Port NV, which was the same price as the White Port. Again the rich flavours did not disappoint as our taste buds gratefully bounced around in glee. Mark described the Douro Region of the Ports origin, its perfect climate and spectacular landscapes. We simply drank and enjoyed the full glass with the Brie cheese now in front of us.

 

We next received a generous tasting of the RP Late Bottle Vintage 2008. Mark explained the story of the LBV, which was something to do with bottling being late. As you will now notice, I was more focused on tasting than listening. The Port itself was served with Dorset Blue Vinny on a cracker. The LBV Port immediately gave a warm satisfying glow, and we also realised that we were also particpating in an unadvertised ‘Cheese Fest!'.

 

At this stage I decided to wander the other tables. Everyone was very friendly as they engaged in conversation. No idea what we chatted about, and pretty sure they thought they had just met the village idiot as I moved on.

 

Our next tasting was Ramos Pinto Vintage 2000 at £35 a bottle. The refined taste was immediately evident and enjoyed. Port is a delight at any level, but this one took a step up and was a treat to taste. The accompaniment of Roquefort cheese on crisp toasts went perfectly. Apparently we learnt, all Ports are ideal to be ‘laid down’, and by this stage a lay down sounded a pretty good idea.

 

The final tasting was a PR 10 Year Old Tawny with chunks of Comté and Piemonte cheese. Both were a delight and it re-confirmed my long-term belief that there is not much better in life than an evening with Port & Cheese. Mark explained that Tawny Port is made by vestal virgins, using the elixir from the gods, with the grapes trodden barefoot by a Pearly King from the East End and a donkey in clogs. (I think I may not have been listening clearly at this stage, and possibly drinking slightly too much!)

 

At £12.50 a ticket for the Port Tasting Evening was like an early Christmas present. The value was excellent, the learning fun, and the company great.

 

Milly enjoying another
hilarious comment!

Obviously, after such a good evening it was now a sensible time to go home - so, not being of the sensible types, we decided to move the two yards to Sam's Bar for a nightcap.

 

Soon a number of locals we did not know were gathered and we all chatted merrily, having quite a giggle about the night, sharing a couple of jokes and basked in the general warm humour good Port creates. Our charming barmaid, Milly, was enthralled by some of the hilarious stories, although she pretended not to be!

 

We eventually noticed the time, and realised we were now in the wrong place according to our other half's.

 

I have no idea how long our journey home was, but I do know that we still somehow resisted a kiss under the twinkling village Christmas Tree, and our direction wasn’t particularly straight. We then spent most of the time on our walk home working out excuses for our lateness for my wife and Colin's dog.

 

Fortunately for Colin, his dog was pleased to see him when he got back!

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The Cave run all sorts of tastings on International wines and beers throughout the year, each is hosted by an expert who will expand you knowledge and give you an evening to remember. It is certainly worth keeping an eye on their website in the new year to see what events are planned.

 

We also now know where we will be buying our Port for Christmas, and as their wine selection, gift box selection looks just as good, there could be quite a few bottles on the way to our place to be emptied before the New Year!

 

The Cave

2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH
01590 642195
www.thecavemos.co.uk
 

New Shop for Xmas

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Many villagers will be delighted to see the lights on once again in what was 'The Salad Bowl' in Church Hill, Milford on Sea.

For many years the very first shop you see as you enter the village has laid dormant and decaying. What was once a vibrant and colourful fruit & veg shop, with a charming Georgian style bowed panel window shop front, had sadly become ravaged by the effects of time.

Many villagers will be pleased to hear that the new owners will be completing a full renovation, and a new permanent shop will emerge, plans of which are yet to be revealed.

Excitingly, a Pop Up Gallery, called The Gallery at Milford is taking residence for December, which will give added life and colour to the village centre, and at the same time provides an oppotunty for some local creative souls and traders to show their creations.

The Gallery at Milford is being organised by local photographer, Adam Lynk and the items on sale will include photographs from Lynk Photography, click here to view examples of his work.

Another village resident,  Jo Vane will be presenting her beautiful hand-made jewellery from the Jo Vane Jewellery collection. Click here to view ranges.

The final range on offer with be interiors and home accessories from Maison. Some may recall Nikki, who's Maison shop was once where The Village Coffee Pot now occupies. See website.

Sounds like this will be worth a look, it is be a long time since anyone went through the doors of The Salad Bowl to buy something tasty!

The Gallery at Milford opens its doors for December on Friday this week, why not pop in to say hello and see if they have any Chistmas presents you may want:

Christmas Viewing on Friday 6th December: 7pm until 10pm - Live music, wine and mince pies.

Christmas Opening: All December until Xmas Day - 7 Days a week, Monday to Sunday 10am until 6pm.

The Gallery at Milford (Pop Up Shop)

1 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH

Tel: 07590 333313

hello@extraordinaryphotography.co.uk
www.facebook.com/thegalleryatmilford

Adam Lynk Photography
www.adamlynk.co.uk

Shipwrecks Ahoy!

Next August brings the centenary of the First World War, and the Hampshire based charity, The Maritime Archaeology Trust, are looking for more shipwreck researchers in the local area.

 

The Maritime Archaeology Trust is launching an advance campaign to improve the research available of First World War shipwrecks and archaeological sites in the Solent.

 

Many of these sites of archaeological significance occur in the waters around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and are often a forgotten part of the region’s history. One such example is the SS Londonier, wrecked off the southwest coast of the Isle of Wight.

 

On 13th March 1918 the Londonier crossed the Channel en route from Calais to the Bristol Channel before suffering an attack by a UC-71 a German submarine. The vessel was abandoned as it sank with 13 men managing to reach the ship's boats and rafts but 12 tragically lost their lives.

 

Today this shipwreck site has undergone some archaeological research and is frequented by sports divers but Amanda Bowens, Education and Outreach Manager for the Maritime Archaeology Trust, says there is more that can be done to explore sites such as these: “We’ve just completed a Heritage Lottery Funded development phase for a project looking at shipwrecks and sites along the South Coast associated with the First World War. This has shown tremendous public appetite for information about this often under-represented aspect of the conflict. A recent historic research session with volunteers at the National Archives in Kew proved really popular and we’re now looking to do more similar research with volunteers in Hampshire.

 

“Raising awareness of these largely hidden and forgotten sites is so important, especially in the run up to next August’s First World War centenary. We’re trying to encourage communities to get involved in our maritime heritage through active research of the sites and the human stories associated with them.”

 

The charity is seeking volunteers who live in Hampshire from now until the end of March 2014 to help research ships, wrecks and sites along the South Coast.

 

If you have an interest in our local history, and are willing to spare time to research from home or using local, regional or national archives, please contact the charity for details by emailing info@hwtma.org.uk, or by phone on 02380 593290.

 

The Maritime Archaeology Trust

 www.maritimearchaeologytrust.org

 

The Ladies are Back!

Our good friends at 'Ladies Who Lunch in Hampshire' have been having a cyberspace nightmare!

 

As technical stuff is very boring, it is suffice to say that their website was broken, and as a result they have had to rebuild the whole website over the past few months. I think that is what is described as a 'real pain', to say the least.

 

I am delighted to let everyone know that the Ladies Who Lunch in Hampshire's website is now once again up and running. (click here to view.) The site contains reviews and information on scores of restaurants across Hampshire, and information on our own Milford on Sea dining places.

 

The  'Ladies Who Lunch in Hampshire' (LWL) are a lively group of four Hampshire women, who enjoy great food (and the odd glass of wine or two!). For several years now, they have liked nothing more than trying out just about every restaurant across Hampshire, and then sharing their experiences with a full unbiased restaurant review on their website: www.ladieswholunch-in-hampshire.co.uk

 

The website also contains a Discount Directory, where you’ll find all the locations offering discounts when you present a Ladies Who Lunch in Lunch in Hampshire Discount Card. The exclusive LWL Discount Card gives you access to a lifetime of savings at many restaurants all across Hampshire. 

 

The cards are available for a single payment of £15 (+£2.00 p&p) with no expiry date & no annual fee. Currently the LWL are having a Christmas Sale, and Discount Cards are available for £10 +pp until midnight on Sunday 15th December 2013.

 

For more information please visit the website, or contact: contact@ladieswholunch-in-hampshire.co.uk

 

Giant Bunting Project

How about this as a brilliant idea from our local kids?

 

MiCO are putting together a Giant Community Bunting Project over the next few months. The idea came from one of the young MiCO members.

 

The concept is that as many organisations, businesses, groups, clubs or even streets get the chance to represent themselves on a giant flag that will be displayed on the village green for a couple of weeks in June 2014. The focus is to get everyone represented right in the centre of our community, and working together under the same 'banner' (excuse the pun!)

 

There will also be a giant community picnic on the green to open the display. Is it quite a mammoth task, and we are at the early planning stages, and need as many hands to help as possibe. MiCO would like to invite you to a meeting about the project on the Friday the 13th of December (only unlucky for some) at 5pm in the Methodist Church Hall - it shouldn't take too long, just to let everyone know what is happening and to see who is interested in creating a flag and how we are going forward with making it a reality!

 

Please let Joey know if you can come and please spread the word.....anyone who wants to join in is welcome! It will be giant!

 

Contact: Joey Owen,  Community Development Officer
MiCO (Milford Community Organisation)
01590 644961 | 07557 658495

www.mico.org.uk

 

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About MiCO

 

MiCO (Milford Community Organisation) is a youth led community group set up to promote community cohesion and development, and to bring together diverse sections and ages of the community.

 

MiCO provides a forum for people of all ages to come together and discuss issues relevant to village life, and explore ways of promoting positive action to enhance the village community.

 

As a development of ‘Milford Youth Group’, over the last 3 years MiCO have carried out a number of projects enabling young people to explore what it means to be a young person growing up in Milford, and how young people ‘fit in’ and are seen by other members of the community. More recently we have also worked with people of all ages to explore and record the rich cultural heritage of Milford and Keyhaven.

 

Our vision is of a village where every member of the community feels valued, and has the confidence and means to have a positive input into village life.

 

 

Waitress Required at La Perle

Our excellent French Bistro, La Perle in Milford on Sea, High Street is looking for Saturday Waitresses to cover lunchtimes from 11am to 3.30pm. Ideal for a student.

 

If you, or anyone you know are interested, please contact Emily on: 01590 643557 - laperlerestaurant@yahoo.co.uk, or pop in for an application form.



La Perle
60 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

01590 643557
www.laperlemilford.co.uk