Milford Family Business Changes its Name

One of Milford on Sea’s oldest family businesses is re-naming. The company, formally known as Hurst Castle Services, will now be called Hurst Marine to ensure its future growth and allow its portfolio of business lines to be developed.

click image to enlarge

Sean and Mary Crane established the company in 1984 to provide a ferry service from Keyhaven to Hurst Castle. Over the years, the business has expanded to include the management of Hurst Castle on behalf of its owners English Heritage.

The business as well as managing Hurst Castle and providing its ferry service, also runs a weekly high season ferry service from Keyhaven to Yarmouth, RIB rides in the Solent, private boat charter, ashes at sea and contract work to include the maintenance of moorings in the Keyhaven River.

Now under the management of Jason Crane, Sean and Mary’s eldest son, the company has rebranded to allow the other business lines, aside from the castle to be strengthened. 

In addition, Hurst Castle itself will also now be marketed within the English Heritage brand, providing instant recognition that Hurst Castle is one of the top days-out destinations in the New Forest.

Jason Crane, Director of Hurst Marine said: “Over the years our company has become known as Hurst Castle and although the castle is very much a core of what we do, it overshadowed the rest of our business. 

“With the castle now under the English Heritage brand it will help us drive visitors to the castle, whilst giving us the time to help our newly rebranded company, Hurst Marine the focus to strengthen our boat fleet and the range of other services we offer locally.”

Hurst Castle

www.hurstcastle.co.uk

End of Era Coming for Brocante

After 22 of selling quality antiques from her shop in Milford on Sea High Street, Julie will be closing at the end of this month. (31st May 2017)

click image to enlarge

Julie has thanked her many friends and customers for their support and friendship in the local newspaper, and we wish her well on whatever she chooses to do next.

Brocante

58 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

Local Bird Watching Trips

The Milford Conservation Volunteers are continuing their bird watching trips around the 'creeks & saltmarshes' at Saltgrass Lane and Iley Point.

Eider Duck
click image to enlarge

They currently have three spaces available on Saturday 13th May departing at 9am (£12.50) per seat and a new trip for Saturday 17th June departing at 10am (£13.50) per seat.

The summer visitors are now starting to arrive with sightings of Little Tern, Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. On two recent trips we have also seen Common (Harbour) Seal and a regular pair of Eider and regular Peregrine. The trips are on a Dory, so this flat-bottomed boat can get into shallow creeks to get up close to the birds.

Previous Trip
click image to enlarge

To book the bird watching trip, or to find out more about the work of Milford Conservation Volunteers please visit: www.milfordcv.org

Gardeners' Warning

We have been asked by a local resident to alert to Milford on Sea gardeners (especially in the New Lane area), to small brown caterpillars which live in hedges and bushes.

Our avid local gardener was severely affected with an itchy, red rash on the upper part of the body, especially the head and neck. 

This happened after cutting a Grisallinia hedge with some of the caterpillars landed in her hair. It is believed that the fine hairs on the caterpillars cause the rash and they become air born if disturbed.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Day at Hurst Castle

This Sunday is our Stand Up Paddle Boarding Day at Hurst Castle run by The New Forest Paddle Sport Company in association with Hurst Marine, Starboard and Hutch SUP Wear.

All our tickets for the day have now sold out but if anyone wants to come over to Hurst Castle and see what all the fuss is about they are more than welcome! There will be SUP Polo to watch and Free demo's of all the New 2017 Starboard Paddle Boards. All you need is to have had some previous paddling experience before taking out a demo board.

There will also be local clothing supplier Hutch SUP Wear with their pop up shop selling t-shirts, shorts, hats and hoodies.

Peter from The Marine Conservation Society with also be there, he will have a stand offering people information on how they can best look after the waters and coast line which we are so lucky to have.

Many of our regular club paddlers will be around to chat to during the day so why not go over and get some information about our SUP Club and maybe you will be tempted into trying SUP this summer!

The New Forest Paddle Sport Company 

46 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD - 01590 645270

info@thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

www.thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

Mind the Age Gap

A new TV series called Mind the Age Gap starts at 10pm on Monday 8th May on Channel 5. 

Dee Major - 2nd left on sofa
click image to enlarge

The show feature local Milford on Sea resident; Dee Major.

With society apparently more divided than ever, 12 volunteers from different generations attempt to bridge the gap by moving into a house together, where they are encouraged to talk about some of the most important issues that affect the world today. 

An attempt to get to know one another triggers uncomfortable debates revealing controversial opinions from the older generation. Tension is in the air, and gay marriage is the first topic that divides old from young. And while the older guests are keen to debate, the younger ones see an opportunity to party.

Befriending is Fun

Our Milford on Sea Befrienders provide a regular friendly visit to anyone who feels isolated or lonely in our community.

Just look at what people are saying …….

“We have a very close bond and never run out of things to talk about”

“We have lovely times together and I can tell her things and share problems, she always listens sympathetically and is a great help.”

“I wasn’t sure at first as I am nervous of meeting new people, now I would not be without my new friend.”

“Being a befriender is an enriching and rewarding experience for me. Chatting with my befriendee is always a pleasure.”

“We went for a little walk and had a cup of tea. Another lovely time as a befriender.”

“I feel really blessed to be able to do this, we both really look forward to our time together.”

If you’d like someone to visit you, or to join as a befriender, please contact:

Milford on Sea Befrienders
Steve Anderton on 01590 637088 or befrienders@steveanderton.com

Look Out for the Lonely Bouquets

Friday 5^th May could just be your lucky day!

The Milford Floral Art Club will be holding a workshop on May 5th in All Saints' Church Hall from 10.00am to midday in order to make 'Lonely Bouquets', and they will then be distributing them around the Village for people to find.  

The object of the exercise is to share their joy of Flower Arranging with others and, obviously, to promote the Club itself.

Other flower arrangers across the South will be leaving bouquets for members of the public to find to cheer their day up. So, keep your eyes peeled, they could be anywhere. They are known as “lonely bouquets” – flowers looking for a new home.

So, who is behind this random act of kindness? It is individual flower arrangers who are members of the great British institution NAFAS.

NAFAS is a charity that can teach you everything you ever wanted to know about flowers. From arranging flowers in your home, meeting up with friends to enjoy inspiring flower demonstrations, exhibiting in competitions, creating flowers for events – no matter what it is, NAFAS can teach it to you.

For the event, members of the clubs make up small bouquets of flowers and leave them in random places around their area for members of the public to pick up and enjoy. A label is attached with a request that the recipient contacts a named member of the Club to let them know where the flowers end up.

So, if you find a ‘Lonely Bouquet’ on 5th May, please take it with you and enjoy it!

Milford Floral Art Club

Sheila Quinney

sheilaquinney112@yahoo.co.uk

New Facilities & Open Day at Bowls Club

This week Milford on Sea Bowls Club opens their outdoor season. 

Situated right on the sea front, their clubhouse has over the Winter period been completely refurbished, with new toilets and changing room facilities, new double glazed windows, roof insulation, carpeting and a brand new kitchen. All paid for out of their own funds accumulated over a number of years for this purpose. 

Whilst contractors were brought in to do the main ‘heavy’ work the decorating and organising was carried out by members of the Club themselves. 

Many of Milford’s residents don’t realise that the bowls club has one of the highest rated greens in Hampshire and fields teams at all levels in New Forest and Bournemouth leagues. 

As in previous years Milford on Sea Bowls Club is holding Open Mornings on the 10th & 14th May where men and women can come along and try out the sport for free. 

 Now in its 84th year, the Club continues to see a great future ahead carrying Milford’s name in the world of bowls.

 

Councillor Alan Rice Serves for 44 Years

click image to enlarge

Since April 1973 Councillor Alan Rice TD has been representing our village as Conservative Member for Milford and Hordle at Hampshire County Council.

Over the past 44 years Alan has been a stalwart, particularly on behalf of Milford on Sea and its organisations, and he is now standing down from his council duties.

Having been involved in local government for so many years is a significant achievement. He has been a member of Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council, and for a shorter period of just 19 years a member of New Milton Town Council. 

During this service Alan has been Chairman of HCC, Chairman of NFDC, and Chairman of NMTC. He also held the informal but venerable position of 'Father of the House' at HCC because of his long service.

click image to enlarge

Alan was NFDC’s longest serving member, having been first elected to New Forest Rural District Council in May 1973, shortly before it became New Forest District Council on 1 April 1974. 

In April 2014 Alan Rice was bestowed the style rank & title of Honorary Freeman of New Milton.

We thank Alan for his support and service to the village, and wish him well in his next chapter of life.

Everton Village Festival Unveiled

Excitement and enthusiasm are building in Everton Village as the format for the fourth annual Festival is made public on newly designed Festival website www.evertonfestival.com. 

This year the Festival has been extended to cover a week, opening in the Village Church Hall on Sunday June 11th, with a light classical evening, a‘Summer Serenade’ and closing at the Festival Finale on Sunday June 18th with Swing Unlimited playing at Everton Nurseries. In between there are Vintage Cars and so much more...

As usual the Festival offers a wide range of musical evenings, jazz, folk, swing, classical, rock and blues and brass. There are workshops during the week for starters and improvers on the ukulele, with the hope that students will give a cameo performance during the popular Empty Frets Extravaganza on Saturday June 17th.

Everton Nurseries once again have generously offered their premises during the afternoon and evening of Sunday the 18th. Forest Youth Orchestra will be opening the proceedings outside Camellias at 11.30. Fathers Day is catered for too, as there’s a chance to spoil Dad in the afternoon with a Cream Tea whilst listening to the lovely Polly Morris, who is melodic, pretty and amusing. That is sure to be a hit! And of course there’s no better way to end the Festival week than an evening of foot tapping and jiving amongst the geraniums, with the great Community band, Swing Unlimited. All this entertainment can be sampled along with Wine, buffet food and supper boxes. Most of the entertainment is free, but any charge is very reasonable as costs have been kept down as the Festival is subsidised by the Everton Community Association and sponsored by Hyundai and Purewell. Ticket details are available on the website.

The Festival focus is on a different art form on June 12th when the Village hosts a Photographic Soiree…an evening in which wildlife cameraman Dr Manuel Hinge will be showing his acclaimed film of the New Forest ‘Ytene’. He will be accompanied by International award winner, local photographer, Louis Rumis who will be showing slides of his work in the New Forest. 

Photography and the environment are a key theme in the Festival this year. This kicks off with a Photography walk in the New Forest, during which ramblers will be encouraged to take photographs, which can then be entered into the Festival Competition, entitled, ‘Spring in the New Forest’. This Photography walk takes place on May 31st and is led by Volunteer Forest Ranger Steve Adams, and helped along by artist Carole Knighton. Please phone Steve 7754842731 to book a place. The competition is open to anyone, and photographs do not have to be taken on the walk. Entries will be judged by Louis Rumis and then exhibited at the Soiree. Details can be found on the website.

Finally, Vintage cars please…is the cry from the organisers as they set about joining in with the nationwide event, ‘the Great Get together’. This will be on the Everton Recreation Ground on Saturday the 18th. This community collective will have live music from 11.30, there will be a Hog Roast, refreshments, a beer tent, tombola, Birds of Prey, Punch and Judy, space hoppers and hula hoops, let alone a bit of Zumba, all alongside displays by local creative folk.

Bring a picnic for everyone is welcome and tables and chairs will be provided.(Hopefully set, in keeping with the event, with red gingham table cloths! )The Rec is a large flat open space and is ideal for exhibiting Vintage Cars, so if you do have one then please get in touch with Festival Co-ordinator Cheryl Fillmore. 01590 644865. There is no charge, and the Rec. also offers plenty of free and safe parking. 

All details and how to find the events can be found on the website www.evertonfestival.com and in the Festival Programme which will be available in May.

Fundraising Success for Community First Responders

The MoS Community First Responders a great fundraising week.

Last Saturday the White Horse rocked to the sound of the New Forest Yokels all in aid of the First Responders. A large crowd turned up to enjoy the evenings' entertainment and the landlord Paul Rand laid on a free buffet for all.

Other businesses from around the village supported the event by donating many very desirable raffle prizes. The raffle, together with a door fee of just £1 raised a staggering total of just over £500 which was added to by a further donation of £360 from Arthur Gjoka from the Milford Car Wash next door, representing £1 for every car washed during the previous week.

A further cash donation of £300 from Hollands Supermarket and other donations through JustGiving mean that the CFR team will soon be able to kit out a further responder for the village.

The CFR team wish to publicly thank the support and efforts of everyone involved and in particular Gerry Rickman of the New Forest Yokels who arranged the car wash and evening of entertainment at White Horse. Conrad said; "We’ve received such enormous support from the community since we started fundraising last year and we’re now in a great position to give our support back to Milford in the future. Thank you!"

About the Milford on Sea Community Responders

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

The Community First Responders support 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.

If you would like to find out more, or help out with a donation, please contact: Conrad Curtis at conrad.curtis@me.com

Growth Mindset at Village School

We have learnt the Milford on Sea Primary School are currently using a new approach to learning which the children have really taken to and it is something that can benefit adults and children alike. 

click image to enlarge

For the past ten years Carol Dweck, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, has researched the theory that pupils' mindsets (how they perceive their abilities) plays a key role in their motivation and achievement. 

Her team found that if they changed pupils' mindsets, they could boost their achievement. More precisely, pupils who believed their intelligence could be developed (a growth mindset) outperformed those who believed their intelligence was fixed (a fixed mindset) and when students learned through a structured program that they could “grow their brains” and increase their intellectual abilities, they did better. 

Finally, they found that having children focus on the process that leads to learning (like hard work or trying new strategies) could foster a growth mindset and its benefits.

At Milford-on-Sea Primary School, a key element of the school improvement plan is to embed the use of growth mindest language and attitudes into the day-to-day work of the school. Children refer to displays in and out of the classroom to support their growth mindset thinking and the teachers are careful to use the language of growth in their lessons.

If you fancy trying a Growth mindset, you can start of by adapting your language from fixed to growth - the table above illustrates some basic examples of the approach that they are using at school.

Footnote:

How school has changed since I went to a North London Comprehensive, where the teachers threw the backboard rubber at you if you talked, and if you were chewing gum, the PE master would stick in the hair behind your ear - oh those happy days!

Award for No 19 Interiors

For the second year in a row Val Plummer of At No 19 Interiors has been awarded A Best Customer Service award on Houzz, the leading online platform for home renovation and design.

Val Plummer

Over the past 10 years Milford on Sea based At No 19 has assisted numerous homeowners throughout Hampshire, Dorset and West Sussex improve and refurbish their homes. The Interior design firm was chosen by more than 40 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from amongst more than one million active home building, renovating and design industry professionals.

The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually and Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of recent client reviews a professional received. A “Best Of Houzz 2017” badge will appear on the winners’ Houzz profile, as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every specialist area and in different geographical locations on Houzz.

Commenting on the award, Val Plummer stated "Having been members of Houzz for just over 16 months, At No 19 are extremely honored to have once again received this Best Customer Service Award which is bestowed only on the top 3% of professionals in this field. It is testament to our commitment to always putting our clients wishes at the forefront of their project whilst we guide and steer them through the design process"

“Anyone building, renovating or decorating look to Houzz for the most talented and service-oriented professionals” said Andrew Small, Managing Director of Houzz UK. “We’re so pleased to recognize At No 19, voted one of our “Best Of Houzz” professionals by our enormous community of homeowners and design enthusiasts actively renovating and decorating their homes.” 

At No 19

www.atno19.co.uk

www.houzz.co.uk/pro/valplummer/at-no-19

About Houzz

Houzz is the leading platform for home renovation and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish – online or from a mobile device. From decorating a small room to building a custom home and everything in between, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community empowered by technology, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. For more information, visit: www.houzz.co.uk.

Bombs Stolen

Two unexploded shells which disappeared from Milford on Sea beach are being sought by Hampshire Police.

The explosives were found by a member of the public at Hurst Spit on Thursday night.

click image to enlarge

Police said the munitions disappeared overnight, before bomb disposal experts arrived in the morning.

Officers described one of the shells as "unstable and potentially dangerous" and said anyone seeing them should call 101.

The man who made the discovery picked up the shells before alerting the emergency services, police said.

Despite being warned to leave them and get out of his car, he returned the shells to the top of the spit before officers arrived.

Ch Insp Rob Mitchell said: "The explosive ordnance disposal team advised they would attend at first light.

"A decision was made to set up a cordon around the shells and officers returned to the scene in the early hours of the morning to find the shells still in situ.

"When officers attended the scene again shortly before 07:30, the shells had gone but the police tape and the towel they had been placed on were still there."

Article from BBC News click here.


and there are more...

Four WW2 Mortar bombs found at Hordle Cliffs. Please click here.

Hurst Bridge Meeting Erupts

Stormy scenes were witnessed as protesters from Milford on Sea made their views known at a recent Hampshire County Council Planning Meeting.

The meeting chairman, Councillor Jazz Dupp, only managed to restore order with the threat of calling the police.

After a five year consultation process the proposals for Hurst Bridge were presented for decision by the council.

Protesters tried to make the point that the Milford on Sea community had not been directly consulted and objected that all meetings had taken place in Winchester. These arguments fell on deaf ears.

Hurst Bridge is planned to run from a new bridgehead to be constructed next to Hurst Castle across to Totland Bay on the Isle of Wight.

Councillor Dupp made the point that the new bridge is key to the regeneration of the Isle of Wight and will increase tourism trade for the island. He also said; "Hurst Castle have a great opportunity to expand their café offering to travellers wishing to rest before crossing the bridge."

Plans were then revealed to create a suitable access road, the Village Green would be narrowed in order to widen Church Hill. Shouts erupted from the viewing gallery as protesters heckled, banged their walking sticks and threw various objects and unidentified liquids into the council chamber. As police dragged away the final protester, the livid Milfordian made it clear where the council could stick their bridge.

Eventually order was restored. Councillor Dupp, in a slightly agitated state, reopened the meeting by saying; "Some people simply do not appreciate what we do for them. Those people from Milford on Sea are always trouble. Why is it that so many retired people have nothing better to do that get in the way of our great ideas." 

Councillor Hugh Jass apologised for Councillor Wyn Dupp's ageist outburst, and went on to say; "We also wish to make it easier for people from Milford on Sea to reach the island, and saver cards will be made available to all residents which will offers discounts for journeys made on foot or disability scooter."

The chairman then asked the council to vote on the Hurst Bridge proposal. The proposal was approved by a majority of 11 to 1 with the construction of Hurst Bridge to commence on the first day of April 2018. 

Local residents are now planning a sit-in protest and barricades on Church Hill the moment the roadwork team arrives. To draw further attention to the village's plight, their are plans to have 24 hour sessions of community yoga and Gregorian chanting on Milford on Sea Village Green.

If you wish to make your feelings known, please contact:
u.beenhad@hampshirecc.gov

*Due to the serious nature of this Hurst Bridge decision, please share this story with your friends in Milford on Sea, we must stand united!

Anthony Climpson moves on from NFDC

Not many people reading this will know of Anthony Climpson, but he has headed up the New Forest tourism at New Forest District Council for numerous years, and in that time has been a big supporter of promoting Milford on Sea.

click image to enlarge

In his 30 years with NFDC Anthony has done an excellent job and received accolades both national and international as well as an OBE.

A restructuring at NFDC has meant that Anthony is still looking after New Forest tourism, but now as chief executive of a start up community interest company called Go New Forest. He will also be joined by Carol Seymour, who has worked closely with him for many years. 

At his NFDC leaving event, there were gracious words from the Council Leader (Barry Rickman), from NFDC's Chris Elliott and an amusing response from Tony with reminiscences and quotations. 

Anthony was also presented with a compiled picture/quotations book and a large picture of a New Forest scene. 

The Food Week Team send our thanks and good wishes for all the help Anthony and Carol have given us in the past.

Hurst Castle Opens for Season

click image to enlarge

Hurst Castle reopens for the season from this Saturday 1 April 2017. To celebrate there will be a Family Easter Treasure Trail & Crafts, there are also wildlife activities for the kids. To find out more please click here.

Hurst Castle Information

The castle will welcome visitors seven-days-a-week from Saturday, 10.30am to 5.30pm, from 1 April to 30 September. Then open from 10.30am to 4pm in October.

Entry prices to the castle are as follows:

Adult: £5.00

Concession: £4.50

Child (5-15 yrs): £3.00

Family (2 adults & 3 Children): £15

click image to enlarge

Ferry from Keyhaven will depart from 10am daily then every 20 minutes. Last ferry from Hurst Castle is at 5.30pm. 

Return fares: 

Adult £6.50

Child £3.50 (children under 3 free)

Singles fares:

Adult:£3.50

Child:£2.50

Hurst Castle

www.hurstcastle.co.uk

Mr Pink's Open Again

Mr Pink's has now reopened following the damaging chip pan vat fire on the evening on Wednesday 24th August 2016

Lovers of the Great British classic of fish & chips can now again enjoy the delights of Mr Pink's. 

Milford on Sea without its chippy just didn't feel right!

Become a Friend of Milford Community Library

Milford Community Library is now 2 years old, and they are launching a new fundraising initiative called Friends of Milford Community Library. 

Also, to celebrate their birthday, the library team are holding a Coffee Morning on Saturday 1st April from 10am to 12.30pm, everyone is invited to join them for tea/coffee and homemade cake.

Hampshire County Council still provide the stock and librarian support once a week, and our local MoS Community Library Committee and volunteers are responsible for staffing the library and raising enough money to cover the rent and other expenses.

For only £5 per year, you can help support the library and keep it open, and you will be sent a regular newsletters to let you know of up-coming events and other news from the library. 

To become a Friend of Milford Community Library please click here, or you can pick up a form from the library.

Milford on Sea Library

Park Road, Milford on Sea SO41 0QU

mosclibrary@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/mosclibrary

Milford Village Association Registered Charity Number: 301889

Opening times: 

Monday and Tuesday 2.30 to 5.00pm 

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am to 12.30pm

1st Saturday of each month 10am to 12.30pm