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Christmas Dining in Milford on Sea

08 January 2017

Does Milford Need Its Own Minibus?

The Milford on Sea Community Advisory Panel (Also known as the 'Community Panel') and a number of local organisations believe the village needs a minibus to serve groups and individuals in the Milford Parish. 

This would be over and above the Community Care transport currently taking people to medical appointments and the Community First New Forest bus taking people shopping to New Milton and Lymington once each week. A further minibus could potentially provide transport within and outside this locality. 

To support the case for setting up this proposed service, The Community Panel need to determine who the customers might be and what their needs are.

A questionnaire will soon be going out to selected clubs and organisations, but the group need to make sure they don’t miss any potential individual or organisation users, and they also wish to understand the needs of individuals who are not affiliated to any groups.

If you, or your organisation would like to register your interest in this initiative, would you please contact Terry Bufton on 01590 641875 or e-mail him on terry.minibus@btinternet.com.



The White Horse Closes Again


After a lot of effort, and significant investment (particularly in the childrens' play area), the doors of The White Horse again closed on Monday 9th January 2016.

After its previous closure on 7th September 2015, The White Horse had reopened with Julia, Liz and Steve (JLS Publicans) as the new landlords on the 2nd December 2015. Everyone hoped that with their track record in running pubs that they could make The White Horse successful once again.

The future of this historic village pub is again unclear at present, but The White Horse Inn, (and The Red Lion and The Gun) are pubs in the village that are Grade II listed buildings.

On the 25th January 2016 South Hants CAMRA (the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale), successfully achieved an application to have The White Horse listed as an AVC (Asset of Community Value) for five year. This gives the building some protection from development and a breathing space for someone to make a go of running it as a going concern.

Behind the pub is copious land which if developed would be a prime location for housing.

The actual Building and business is owned by Enterprise Inns.


To read previous article relating to The White Horse, please click here.


The White Horse
16 Keyhaven Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QY
01590 642360
www.whitehorsemilfordonsea.co.uk - which no longer works.

07 January 2017

Santa’s House wins Millie a Mountain Bike

Following on from the success of last year’s Santa’s House competition at Milford on Sea Primary School, local estate agent Collins & Butler once again sponsored this great event.

click image to enlarge
This time the children had to use all their wonderful imagination to make a model of what they thought Santa’s House looked like, using materials from clay, twigs, cardboard, gingerbread or anything else they could think of.

14 fantastic models were produced and judged by Collins & Butler staff, who were staggered by the efforts of the children.

click image to enlarge
All children received a voucher for their hard work and Collins & Butler presented the winner, 9 year old Millie Coetzee, with a brand new mountain bike.

05 January 2017

Village Exhibition & Newcomers Supper

At the beginning of each year two excellent events take place where you can discover more about the village in which you live.

Firstly is the free Milford on Sea Village Exhibition which is Open to All, and takes place from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 25th March 2017 in All Saints Church in Milford on Sea. .

This is a great opportunity to come and meet representatives from Clubs, Societies and Services across the village. 

Exhibitors Information
  • Set up in the morning or before 2pm.
  • Application for space before 1st March 2017. 
  • Stand position is on a first come first choice basis. 
  • Exhibitors to provide a card table sized table for their stand. 
  • Supper it is £3.50 a head.
Milford Businesses

Although the exhibition does not have the space for businesses to have a stall, Ruth is keen for everyone to have an opportunity to promote themselves. After all, we love our shops and local traders!

To get involved, simply provide Ruth with an A5 handout, A6 slips of information and supply about 70 business cards - before 1st March. These will then be to put in the goody bags that will be given to each Newcomer on the evening.

To exhibit or advertise your business please contact Ruth on: 01590 641875 or ruth.bufton@btinternet.com - 15 Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY



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The ‘Newcomers Supper’ is held to welcome all newcomers to the village in All Saints Church Hall in Milford on Sea.

Anyone that was new to the village in 2016 is able to apply for an invitation, - and the event is entirely free.

This informal evening is great to meet other new people to the village & a selection of village people. (That's residents, not the old pop group!)

The Milford on Sea Newcomers Supper evening consists of two parts: 

Newcomers arrive at 6pm to visit the exhibition and wander around informally meeting representatives from the many clubs, associations & organisations in the village. They can tell you anything you want to know, and if you fancy getting involved you can.

At 7.15pm the exhibition is followed by a free sit down supper with the chance to meet new people & have a bit of fun.

Come & enjoy a free drink & supper meal, together with entertainment, lots of fun and laughter, and which ends with the Milford song!

Most years the event has over a hundred people attending, and it is a great way to meet new people, and to get a warm welcome to your new home. The village is full of friendly people and the ‘Newcomers Supper’ is a fast-track way of getting to know all about our village life.

The ‘Newcomers Supper’ is funded & hosted by all of the churches in the village & tirelessly organised by Ruth Bufton.

The event is by invitation only, so if you are new to the village this year and would like to come along (Adults only), all you need to do is to contact: Ruth Bufton on: ruth.bufton@btinternet.com or 01590 641875.

First Single for The Manatees

The Manatees are a four piece indie pop band featuring guys from Milford & Lymington. 

Since getting together in August 2016, the band members; Jay Harris, James Brearley, Tyler Bloor and James Miller have gigged regularly across the south coast including noticeable headline and main support slots at venues such as The Joiners in Southampton.

As well as spanning the south coast from Brighton to Bournemouth the band have performed in London including a headline slot at the O2 Academy2 in Islington.

The Manatees have big ambitions having released their debut single and music video 'Avoiding Glances' on January 1st 2017 and their first EP being released on January 13th 2017.

To find out more on Facebook please click here


12 December 2016

Village School Seeks Sponsorship

The austerity agenda means it is increasingly difficult for the school governors to balance the Milford on Sea Primary School budget and they are increasingly reliant on goodwill and the PFA (Parent Friends Association) to provide the ‘extras’ so enjoyed by pupils at the school.

Milford on Sea is not alone in struggling to balance the books, with most schools reporting financial challenges for the foreseeable future. The financial challenges also mean that is becoming difficult to keep the school grounds and buildings in top-notch condition. 

The National Association of Head Teachers report that two thirds of schools will not be able to balance their books in four years’ time. The NAHT questioned more than 1,000 headteachers and found that 64 per cent are making “significant” cuts or dipping into reserves to stave off deficits. 

With this in mind, Milford on Sea Primary School are seeking sponsorship, charitable funding or practical support for two projects in 2017 that they simply don’t have the funding for. 

1) The School Hall has to work very hard! It’s used for Collective Worship, PE, lunchtimes, shows and an array of after-school clubs. As the focal point of the school, it should reflect the values and aspirations we have for our pupils and school community. However, it is presently rather ‘down at heel’ and needs decorating, new curtains and display boards. It is estimated that the total cost of the work to be about £5,000.

2) Forest School – Forest School is an inspirational process that offers our youngest pupils regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in our very own Forest School setting, ‘Little Wood’. To sponsor Forest School at MOSPS would cost a company about £4,500 PA.

(This year the School Governors have asked parents for a voluntary contribution for Forest School but would rather not do this moving forward.) 

The school can offer various forms of acknowledgment in return such as plaques, signs and copy to the school parents and community, not to mention coverage in www.milfordonseanews.org

Please pass this on to anyone you think might be interested in supporting these projects. 

To find out more, or to get involved, please contact Mrs Deborah Cummings, the School Business Manager or Mr Hill on 01590 642945 if you have any suggestions, questions or offers.

08 December 2016

Crib Festival at St Mary's, Everton

click image to enlarge
For the first time St Mary’s Church at Everton are holding a Crib Festival. 

There will be many different cribs on display, some from other countries and some made locally.

The displays will delight young and old, so why not pop along, there will be a warm welcome.

The Crib Festival is on from:
Friday 9th December and Saturday 10th December from 10am to 3pm
and then on Sunday 11th December from 1.30pm to 3pm.

Free entry with donations to Scripture Union and refreshments in the Church hall.

click image to enlarge

click image to enlarge

01 December 2016

Christmas Tree Lights Go On

Val Plummer and
Bob Bishop, Parish Council Chairman
The Milford on Sea Christmas Tree was turned on this week, resplendent in the new lights donated by village based interior designer, Val Plummer.

Tonight, Friday 2nd December is late night opening for the village shops, and then from 6.30pm one of the most charming evenings of the year takes place on the village green.

Our local choir will be leading the carol singing, with the evening compered by Reverend David Hellsten on behalf of the united village churches.

A little later, after working hard in his Grotto in the village, Father Christmas arrives with treats for the kids.

Bring the family, bring yourself, and have a good time kicking off the Christmas season.

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Carols on the Green Offer for 1 day only!

Sean & Claire at The New Forest Paddle Sport Company are offering 10% on all stock items excluding Shaun Stevens Cards, Hutch SUP Wear and Monika Interior Art.

46 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD - 01590 645270
www.thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

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Local Artists at Carols on the Green: Shaun Stevens and Tessa van Hasselt are open in the Hurst Castle Shop (next to the co-op from 5pm to 8pm) Greetings cards, paintings, fridge magnets, mats, mugs, tea towels, Hurst bags, miniatures, all sorts of Christmas presents for sale.

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To find out more about At No 19 - please click here.

www.atno19.co.uk 
01590 641804
info@atno19.co.uk

Lisa's Larder launches New Product

After months of planning, testing, tasting and designing, Lisa's Larder is pleased to announce the launch of its very own branded Black Sheep Kitchen range of condiments for meat, preserves and gift items at its shop opening this Friday (2nd Dec) from 9.30am to 3pm and Saturday (3 Dec) from 9.30am to 1pm. 

click image to enlarge
Made for Lisa's Larder in Somerset, the label features an image taken by local photographer Adam Lynk and Lisa is hoping this new range will help to put Keyhaven and her lovely Black Sheep even more on the map.

As well as the launch of the new range of condiments, this weekend we will also see the marquee going back up and Lisa will be tempting customers with tasters from all her range, with several of her favourite suppliers in attendance. This should be a great opportunity to try some new things, while also making some Christmas food purchases.

Lisa's Larder is located at Aubrey Farm in Keyhaven.



28 November 2016

A fitting tribute to Chris Monk

All Saints Parish Church was packed to standing room only to bid farewell to Chris Monk at the Celebration of and Thanksgiving for his life. 

His widow Pauline led the mourners of all ages from small children with family and friends, joined by so many from all sections of Milford village life – those in trade, clubs, former customers and neighbours and friends. It was such a tribute to someone everyone described as “A lovely man”.

Christine Andress, his colleague for 38 years spoke this eulogy (abbreviated).

Chris lead a full and varied life, born in Southampton in 1942, moved to Sherfield English near Romsey then in 1956 while on a visit to Milford, his father, (a butcher by trade) spotted a “For Sale” sign outside Jupes Fishmongers shop. He bought it and so Monk and Son began. Chris wanted to be a farmer but Tom had other ideas and so Chris entered the business. In the beginning he was responsible for deliveries on a Lambretta with the fish in a storage box secured over the back wheel. 

One day he stopped to talk to some friends on the Green, but as he left let the clutch out too quickly and kangarooed down the road shedding fish in all directions. During his teenage years he developed a love of motor bikes and spent most week-ends trialling: he became very successful at this. He was Secretary and a very popular member of the Lymington Cycle Club for many years.

Chris met Pauline when she was working in the hairdressers, now Polyanna - they were married in 1967 and lived in Hordle until his father died suddenly in 1969 when they moved over the shop and ran the business with his Mum. Christine joined the business in 1971 just before Ian was born and they worked together. Their first son Ian was born but sadly died of leukaemia at 19 months, then three years later Tony was born to the great joy of everyone.

Chris kept the business going through thick and thin helped by his Mum, Christine, her daughter Jill who did the deliveries, Chris Hatton and our little Saturday girl Mary-Kate Hobby. As well as selling fish, Christmas was the time for pheasants, some of which came from local shoots for us to pluck and prepare for the shop. 

The business continued to thrive resulting in long queues on Fridays and Saturdays. No-one ever complained as there was the latest edition of the long-running weekly poems to keep everyone amused.

We did many sponsored walks and bike rides, the proceeds going to local charities. We also had successes on the Milford Carnival float competitions, dressing the window for Carnival Night and at Christmas. Chris served on many Milford Committees. He was also a member of Barton Golf Club and Monday afternoons were sacrosanct, when he played with the Milford Mafia, many of whom are here today.

Chris sold the business in 2007 and worked part-time for Tony at Westover Group delivering car parts, a job he loved. The greatest joy during his retirement was being with his beloved grandchildren, Josh and Zac and a proud moment in September when Tony married Linda, a joyful day for us all.

I feel I must mention at this juncture that holidays were an unnecessary evil for Chris. The skid marks through the village were from his heels as we dragged him to Bournemouth Airport. Chris preferred to be busy and every Christmas he could be seen helping to erect the enormous tree on the Green – and latterly he joined the team at All Saints keeping the church yard neat and tidy.

Chris was a large part of this village of Milford that he loved and we will miss him in very many ways.

Eds Note: Monk and Son were at 98 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE which is now the location of Verveine, a restaurant and still the village fishmongers.

Community Library update

The library continues to run smoothly five days a week due to all the hard work put in by our army of volunteers, for which we thank them. If you are interested in joining our team of volunteers, please contact Jill Neill on 01590 644592 or email moslibrary@gmail.com. The commitment is not onerous with most volunteers working one or two shifts per month.

We also have a regular reading group that meets at 2pm on the 3rd Wednesday of each month (except December). There is one place left so if you would like to join please contact Jill Neill on 01590 644592. The next meeting is 25th January. There is a small charge of £1.50 per person to cover the room hire, refreshments and the annual registration fee.

For nursery age children, we have Rhymetime on the first Friday of each month at 11.15am. Next one is on Friday 2nd December. Just come along.

Recent events have included a Creative Writing Workshop run by Jill Neill. This was so successful that the group want to continue meeting, with Jill as facilitator, to discuss their writing. The next workshop is on 21st January from 10-12noon. There are a couple of places left; please contact Jill on 01590 644592 if interested. £5 to cover room hire and refreshments.

On Armistice Day we held a coffee morning and raised over £130 for the Poppy Appeal. Many people dropped in for refreshments before and after the Remembrance Service on the green. Thanks to Chris Hobby and Liz Everard for loaning us a selection of memorabilia, medals and “souvenirs” from the wars.

If you know anyone who loves reading but can no longer make the journey to the library, volunteers from our Home Library Service can borrow and deliver books, audio books and large-print books to anyone living locally. For more information please contact Tony on 01590 645404 or Jill on 01590 644592.

As you probably know, we have to raise enough money each year to cover the rent and other running costs of the library. We would like to thank the Milford on Sea Music and Arts Festival for the generous donation of £500. 

Our next fundraising event is our Christmas Fair on Saturday 3rd December from 10am to 12.30pm. We will have the usual books for sale as well as delicious cakes, Jane’s lovely bags, handmade crafts, Christmas decorations and knitted gifts. Refreshment and mince pies will be available as well as a tombola, so please come along and support us.

Forthcoming events:
  • Friday 2nd December 11.15am Rhymetime
  • Saturday 3rd December 10-12.30 Christmas Fair and Open Library
  • No Reading group in December
  • 26th December – 2nd January Library closed
  • Friday 6th January 11.15am Rhymetime
  • Saturday 7th January 10-12.30 Open Library
  • Saturday 21st January 10-12 Creative Writing Group
  • Wednesday 25th January 2-4pm Reading Group

Library opening times:
Monday and Tuesday 2.30—5.00pm
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am—12.30pm
First Saturday each month 10am—12.30pm 


Milford on Sea Community Library
The Village Hall, Park Road, Milford on Sea SO41 0QU
Tel: 07950 941818 (Opening hours only)

25 November 2016

Local Interior Designer Funds New Xmas Tree Lights

Milford on Sea based interior designer, Val Plummer, who set up At No 19 Interior Design, is celebrating the company’s tenth anniversary this year by funding new eco friendly, energy efficient lights for the village green Christmas tree.

“I now work throughout Hampshire, Dorset and West Sussex, but I wanted to do something to thank my local clients who helped me when I started, and who have continued to be supportive in helping to develop my business over the past 10 years.

“As a way of saying thank you to them, and after discussions with the Parish Council, I offered to buy 2000 of the very latest LED technology tree lights. I hope they will provide a magnificent display for everyone to enjoy when the lights are switched on, on 2nd December,” said Val.

Val is passionate about all things to do with interior design and thrives on and enjoys any project that she takes on no matter how big or small. Her business, At No 19, has developed over the last 10 years to become a local success story. A testament to her success is that 80 per cent of clients are referrals and 55 per cent is repeat business.

The majority of her clients are individual home and business owners, property developers and estate agents, but other challenges she has worked on include a hotel, nursing home, Masonic function room, retail property and a retirement village of 58 houses in Devon!
Val Plummer

When it comes to private homes she is happy to assist with everything from a pair of curtains, a single room or re-designing an entire property.

According to Val: “People are sometimes overwhelmed when they move into a home and discover what needs doing. I am happy to offer a free of charge consultation within a 20 mile radius of Lymington so that I can get to know new clients and have an opportunity to talk about the project and their budget.

“I get a real buzz helping people and providing them with innovative ideas that they might not have thought about, which do not necessarily have to cost a lot of money".

“Understandably, if they haven’t used the services of an interior designer before they are cautious, but I work closely with them and include any preferences or styles they like. I can incorporate existing furniture or provide a complete re-design tailored to their specific requirements.”

An increasing area of business for At No 19 is assisting clients who have purchased a property ‘off plan’ achieve the look they want. Val’s extensive experience in space planning and insight into the construction process of new builds, which is where her career began, has proved to be invaluable

Many people also choose this area to have a holiday home and this is an area Val has worked in extensively. Living remotely they find having an interior designer on the ground with a full team of trusted trades-people, who work to her own exacting standards, hugely valuable. Many testimonials on her website are testament to this.

According to Val: “Looking back over the past 10-years, there’s never been a dull moment and I’ve had some fun assignments. You just don’t know what the next telephone call will bring. I’ve done everything from transforming a very run down pet shop in Boscombe into a stylish contemporary travel agency to giving two static caravans on Carrington Park a facelift!"

“The most rewarding, however, was designing the interior for The Coates Centre, a new facility built in the grounds of Oakhaven Hospice to provide information and support to those whose lives have been impacted by illness.”

Whether building, buying, selling or updating a home or business Val offers her At No 19 clients a blend of creativity, close attention to detail, combined with personal friendly service.

At No 19 has been a positive success story for Val, who always looks forward to the next phone call or email bringing her the next new project. 

 To find out more about At No 19 and see examples of completed projects visit: www.atno19.co.uk or telephone 01590 641804 or email info@atno19.co.uk.

Lymington Gin wins the Hampshire Life Best Drinks

Lymington Gin won the Hampshire Life 'Best Drinks Product of the Year 'at their recent Awards ceremony.

Richard Baker, distilled the award winning local gin at the Dancing Cow Distillery in Lymington, which is a few miles from his home in Milford on Sea.

If you fancy trying some, it is now available in The Cave.



Dancing Cows Ltd
Richard Baker

07952 639465

Recognition for La Perle at Food Awards

Sam Hughes, patron/chef of the outstanding La Perle restaurant in Milford on Sea village, was delighted when La Perle were announced as a runner up in the Restaurant of the Year Award at the Hampshire Life Food & Drink Awards 2016 this week.



La Perle
60 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD
01590 643557


Fundraising Lunch for Community Responders

On Friday 18th November, the Milford on Sea Methodist Church hosted a lunch to raise funds for the Milford on Sea Community Responders. There were over 40 people who attended and enjoyed a two-course lunch prepared by Margaret Boyce and her team, who run the twice monthly Lunch Club at the church.

Two of the volunteer Community Responders, Conrad Curtis and Terri Newton came along and explained a little about their role and displayed the equipment that they need to carry out their duties. Their current equipment is on loan from Ringwood and the plan is for each of the Community Responders based in Milford to have their own equipment so that it does not have to be passed around depending upon who is on call.

The event proved to be enjoyable, informative and successful as the amount raised was £413.35 and the Milford on Sea Methodist Church agreed to match the amount raised increasing the amount being paid over to £826.70 which will pay for about two thirds of the cost of the equipment required for one Community Responder.

Thanks for the generosity of all of those who attended and a big thank you to those who organised the event.


About the Milford on Sea Community Responders

Milford on Sea now has a newly established Community First Responders group.


The Community First Responders work for the South Central Ambulance Service and get deployed to appropriate emergency calls in the village. All are volunteers who donate their time and expertise for free. The group has been founded by Ross Woolgar, Terri Newton and Conrad Curtis.


The advantage of Community First Responders is that in many cases they can get there before the paramedics and commence life saving emergency treatment at the earliest opportunity, which significantly improves patients chances of survival.

The volunteer Community First Responders have been trained by the South Central Ambulance Service in basic lifesaving skills and operation of emergency equipment. They are not paramedics. People should just call 999 in an emergency as they normally would and the control room will make the decision whether to deploy our Community Responders and, if so, page or call they.

The lifesaving kit they carry is rather expensive and because of this can't be funded by South Central Ambulance Service so, currently, the three medics are sharing one set of kit which has kindly been lent to them by the Ringwood Community First Responder team. The objective is of course, for each first responder to have their own kit.

The Milford on Sea teams first priority therefore, is to raise enough cash, somewhere between £5k to £10k initially, to fund their own kit to make sure they are able to help everyone in the village if ever needed.

Milford on Sea Community Responders will be planning fund raising events to do this but they are going to need some help from the community for what we hope everyone would agree is a very worthwhile cause. 

Better still would be if anyone is generous enough to make a donation, the sooner the money is raised, the sooner a full service will be available. To donate please click here.

To kick things off, Food Week have donated £500, and hopefully the target will be hit soon - Personally I also hope I never see Ross, Terri or Conrad coming round my house with their shiny new kit!

Footnote:

We can already report an operational success story. Not long ago a Community First Responder was called to an incident at Keyhaven Yacht Club where a gentleman had collapsed with breathing difficulties. The CFR was able to start early treatment ahead of the arrival of an ambulance crew. The result was a good outcome for the gentleman involved and demonstrates the worth of having community based First Responders.

Every little you could contribute would help - To donate please click here.


18 November 2016

Milford Arts and Music Festival 2017 – End of the road?

This year the village had a particularly successful Milford on Sea Arts & Music Festival in terms of numbers attending and levels of enjoyment. From Dolly on the Thursday, through to Coldplay on Saturday and to the orchestra and chorus finale on Sunday - the event was ultimately a memorable occasion on many levels. 

As the weekend was fortunate weather wise the organising committee able to make a surplus financially and in turn, have been able to help local groups in the village. The Green Club, which helps elderly village residents, and the village library both received £500 donations and £4000 will go towards the fund to establish a village minibus which will benefit many village groups.

However, the organising committee now find themselves in a difficult position. Several members have announced their intention to stand down after the 2017 Festival. 

Particularly key are the roles of bar manager and booking the acts for Friday and Saturday. The team may also be losing at least 2 other members. Therefore, they need to recruit new members as soon as possible so that they can work alongside the existing team and gain a full understanding of what the role involves before taking over for 2018. 

Sadly as these roles are crucial if replacements cannot be found then everyone has to face the possibility that 2017 may be the last festival. As we have already lost the village carnival it would be a great loss to be unable to continue this wonderful event.

If you, or anyone you know may be able to help please contact the festival team on: committee@milfordfestival.org.uk and Save The Festival!

Sean wins National Courage Award

Owner of Hurst Castle Services, Sean Crane has been presented with a prestigious national award; the Adult Courage Award (65+) The award was made at The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards at the Dorchester Hotel in  London on the night of Wednesday 16th November 2016.

The award was in recognition of Sean’s passion and commitment in helping other stroke survivors in Milford on Sea following his own stroke in 2014.

As part of his recovery, Sean attended the Stroke Association communication support workshop at Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital. He went on to set up a group for other stroke survivors in Milford on Sea’s Community Centre, where they meet fortnightly and provide support for a number of people who struggle to find their words after a stroke.

He also organised a major fundraiser for the Stroke Association in May 2015, in which the Hurst Lighthouse was light up purple to mark the Stroke Association’s annual stroke awareness month.

Sean’s son Jason Crane said: “Dad’s stroke was a massive shock to all the family. From being such an active man to driving ferries and climbing lighthouses, Dad couldn’t move or speak.

“We were told by the consultant that the best we could hope for was moving him from bed to chair. But Sean being Sean, his resilience and passion we all know and love has given him the strength and courage to live with what has happened, but also given him the determination to help others and do things the consultant never thought possible.”

Two years on from his stroke, Sean can now drive himself around Milford on Sea village in an electric wheelchair, walk with the aid of a frame and has plans to be back on the ferries again next year, this time as a passenger.

The Stroke Associations Life After Strokes Awards (LASA) recognise the achievements of everyone affected by stroke and celebrate stroke survivors for showing spirit and determination.




16 November 2016

Dancing Cows Distillery and Brewhouse Tours

The Dancing Cows Distillery and Brewhouse are now running a schedule of tours in the run up to Christmas. The tours will be on most Wednesdays and Fridays from 6.30pm until 8.00pm.

On the tour, you will discover how we make our spirits and beers and there will be lots of sampling as Richard takes you on a humorous journey through the history of alcohol from 6000BC to the present day.

For Tour details and bookings please click here.


Psst: Rumour has it that The Cave will soon be stocking The Dancing Cows Distillery Lymington Gin.



Dancing Cows
Richard Baker
Sadlers Farm, Lower Pennington Lane, Lymington, SO41 8AL
01590 676071|07952 639465

11 November 2016

Hurst arrives on the Hill

Hurst Castle keeper, Jason Crane is celebrating the castle’s history and its connection with his own family for 60 years by opening a new café venture,'Hurst On The Hill', in the heart of Milford on Sea village.

L to R: Hurst Castle chefs,
Jesse Wells and Alex Cummings
with owner Jason Crane 
The café will honour the castle’s history and the Crane family’s links with the castle and Hurst Spit by featuring items of the castle’s heritage. These links include Jason’s grandfather, William Crane, who was castle keeper from 1956 and his uncle, Peter Hobby, the last castle lighthouse keeper at Hurst from 1952-1989.

The café will be run by the current Hurst Castle chefs – Jesse Wells, formerly of La Perlé and Verveine in Milford on Sea and Alex Cumming of Stanwell House. It will offer modern, fresh, seasonal food from a selection of meze style salads, sandwiches, bagels, soups and daily specials, offering customers the best of what is in season.

Owner of Hurst On The Hill, Jason Crane said: “I’m passionate about Hurst, food and our local community so when the opportunity came up to open a café in the heart of the village, I decided to go for it. Our food will all be about the flavour at realistic prices for everyone to enjoy.”

There are also future plans to open the café as a private dining experience for small parties, offering seasonal tasting menus.

The café will be open to the public from Wednesday 16th November from 9am and will open seven-days-a week from 9am to 4.30pm.

Pop in for a leisurely light meal or to grab something quick if you’re on the go. You can enjoy café style coffee, pastries or Alex’s renowned cakes, or at breakfast or lunchtime find a range of sandwiches, bagels, soups and meze style salads to choose from, topped with fish, cheese or meat. Why not even try to make time one day to devour one of Jesse’s legendary Club Sandwiches!

Hurst on the Hill
4 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH
01590 643837 
www.hurstonthehill.co.uk
Also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@hurstonthehill).


10 November 2016

Collins & Butler Transform Huts for School


Over the summer holidays a transformation was seen at Milford on Sea Primary School.

In the reception childrens playground the slightly tired looking sheds were given a makeover courtesy of the local independent estate agents, Collins & Butler.

Collins & Butler are proud of the affiliation that they have with the primary school and on this occasion four sheds were transformed in to lovely pastel coloured beach huts.


Collins and Butler
57 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG
01590 643033
www.collinsandbutler.co.uk


PS: A date for your diary:

click image to enlarge