Green Flag Eco Award for our school

Fabulous news, Milford on Sea Primary School have once again gained their Green Flag Eco Schools Award. 

This is a tribute to all the hard work everyone puts into global learning in the school. 

The fact that they have been able to get this without even being in school, shows just how much has been achieved and the vast amount of evidence they have of children participating in high quality eco/global activities and learning continuously (Curriculum Work, Beach schools, Forest Schools, global themed work, climate strike awareness etc... the list goes on!)

Congratulations go to all staff, pupils and parents that have helped the school achieve this prestigious award once again!

The Green Flag Eco Schools Manager commented as below:

"Thank you very much for your recent Green Flag application, I am very pleased to say your school has passed. Congratulations on achieving your 3rd Green Flag!

I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you for continuing to work on your Eco-Schools Green Flag during these unprecedented times- it is a true reflection of your schools determination to make a real difference. If possible please pass on my thanks to your Eco-Committee, I really loved your Eco-Board time line and that you had used the SDGs too.

Once again well done and thank you for all your hard work

Lee Wray-Davies

Eco-Schools Manager, England

Milford-on-Sea CE Primary School Academy Trust
Lymington Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0RF
Tel: 01590 642945
www.mosps.hants.sch.uk
www.facebook.com/MilfordOnSeaPrimarySchool

Go Mexican at Saltwater Cafe

Saltwater are offering Mexican Takeaway Evenings on Friday19th & Saturday 20th March.

You can see the menu below:

click image to enlarge

To order, please phone 01590 634518 (and leave a message) or click here to send a message to book or ask any questions.

Saltwater Café

106 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE

01590 643518

www.facebook.com/saltcafe106

Could Hurst Castle have been saved?

A comprehensive and thought provoking article has appeared in The Critic following the wall collapse at Hurst Castle last week.

To read the article, please click here.

Ray's Italian Kitchen prepares to reopen courtyard garden

Stacey at Ray's Italian Kitchen in Milford on Sea High Street is making plans for the future, having had to modify her business a number of times over the past twelve months in order for the restaurant to survive the pandemic.

The pop-up shop, Ray's Kitchen Larder has gone well, but in order to prepare the restaurant to reopen, she needs some of the space back.

So, from Wednesday 17th March another change will take place, with the pop up shop changing to become a small deli counter at the front of the restaurant. The delicatessen will have lots of  Italian and Mediterranean influences.

Plus, from the 13th April Ray's Italian Kitchen courtyard garden will be open for coffee, cake and light lunches.

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Ray's Kitchen Larder is Open:

Tuesday to Friday: 9am till 3pm

Saturday mornings: 9am until 1.30pm.

Free Local deliveries available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

Minimum order of £30

Cook At Home 3 Course Menu:

Order by email or phone by Thursday noon, to collect on Friday /Saturday

Please contact Stacey to place your order at info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

Ray’s Italian Kitchen & Kitchen Larder
11 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF
01590 645300
info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk
www.raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

The Gun Inn is recruiting

Pelican Taverns, the new owners at The Gun Inn in Keyhaven are currently recruiting for bar staff in preparation for reopening.

If you have a positive, friendly and fun attitude, with loads of enthusiasm and all the attributes necessary to consistently deliver high quality food & drinks, excellent customer service and maintain a friendly welcoming environment and have a passion for the hospitality industry.

You will be expected to serve and present beverages quickly and efficiently and are able to adapt to meet our standards/methods, assist in keeping the bar, front-of-house, cellar and toilets clean and tidy at all times. maintain a high standard of dress and personal grooming, cope with high pressure situations and manage customers and orders appropriately, all the while maintaining excellent levels of service.

You should have excellent time management skills, are well mannered and polite, respect colleagues; actively willing to work in a team. Strive to complete all tasks together and willing to share resources to benefit the team.

Acknowledgement to guest’s needs are first in every aspect of your work and understanding all aspects of the required service criteria. Consistently exceed guest’s expectations and look at further opportunities to improve their experience with us.

Experience is preferred but not essential as full training will be provided.

You should be able to commute easily to work and be able to get home at night.

Must be over 18.

If you feel you fit the criteria then please get in touch with your CV.

Contact: Paul@pelicantaverns.co.uk

We also spotted this message currently on the Gun Inn website:

Dear Locals,

I’m pleased to say that with the extra time given to us by Boris, we are now in good shape to open as and when it becomes possible.

The first phase kitchen has been installed, the decoration is almost complete and the new beer management and taps have been installed. It’s really beginning to look like the old local.

Once again I want to thank all the wonderful local trades who have continued to support our endeavors and look forward to pulling a few pints in celebration of their efforts, just as soon as we are able.

I’d also like to continue to thank all the friendly passers by for your encouragement. We have met so many inquisitive folk and cant wait to share some hospitality with you. We are grateful as ever, for your patience and understanding.

Fingers crossed that the Covid vaccine cracks the deadlock and that we are all able to live our lives more normally soon.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year.

Yours sincerely

Pete, Jim, Paul and the rest of the new team at The Gun Inn.

The Gun Inn

www.theguninn.co.uk

Milford on Sea Christmas Decorations update

The organisers of the village Christmas decorations, Tracey Haupt and Diana Brushwood have now reviewed the results of their survey relating to this year's festive village decorations.

They thank the 130 people who took the time to answer the 3 questions and therefore help to plan for this year's Christmas displays.

Tracey said; "It’s interesting how many of you would like to see the shop windows even more festive (this last year was an improvement on previous years) and all the traders trees adorned with lights (preferably of the same colour), so I’m wondering if any of the shops would be prepared to form a small working group to try and make this happen? Get in touch with me if you think you can help us."

Contact: tracyhaupt01@aol.com / dianabrushwood@gmail.com.

To read further comments: please click here.

Cakes galore in Milford on Sea

If you don't like tasty cakes then this article might not be for you. But if you do, it is your lucky day!

Did you know that Milford on Sea has numerous cake makers who create bespoke hand-made baked goodies for everyday treats, special occasions - and of course Mother's Day?

So whether you fancy some brownies, cup cakes, or a celebration cake they can all be made for you within the village - and at great value too.

Liz Hines of Cakes on Sea recently published a photo on Facebook of a a special cake she made that reflected the lucky person's love of gardening. The pretty flowerpot cake has a lemon curd filled sponge cake inside and there are sugar roses and sugar trowel nestling in the chocolate earth. Brilliant!

If you need a cake (and who doesn't?!), please take a look at the list of bakers in Milford on Sea below, and if you click on the links you can see the creations they make and how to contact them.

I wonder how many you look at before you lick your lips?!

SWEET TREATS - from across the village

Elmsleigh Cakes 

www.facebook.com/Elmsleighcakes

www.elmsleighcakes.co.uk

Mandy: elmsleighcakes1@aol.com

07914 586441

Celebration Cakes from South Lawn

Tim: events@southlawnhotel.co.uk

01590 643911

Cakes on Sea

www.cakesonsea.com

www.facebook.com/groups/1561569377488694/user/100006628005704

Liz Hines

The Little Cake Company 

www.facebook.com/LittleCakeCoMilford

Amanda: tlcc2212@gmail.com

01590 719869  or 07809 280178

Hello Cheesecake

www.facebook.com/hellocheesecakehordle

Shannen: shannenwest23@gmail.com

07713 570551

Coastal Bakery

25 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

www.facebook.com/TheCoastalBakery

07809 280178

Plus of course, our village Cafes and Coffee Shops have cakes for you to enjoy eating in or out.

Virtual Birdwatching Tour of Hurst Spit with Bird Aware

Bird Aware Solent raise awareness of internationally-protected birds. Each ranger has selected one of their favourite sites from around the Solent coast to show in a virtual tour.

Ranger Julie explores Hurst Spit, Sturt Pond and the surrounding Milford on Sea area and shows some of the amazing birds who call this special place home.

Click here to view the virtual tour.

click here to view tour

About Bird Aware Solent

Bird Aware Rangers engage with communities along the coast, particularly over winter, to protect the special areas of the Solent and their wildlife.

The Solent is of worldwide importance for birds. Bird Aware Solent raise awareness of internationally-protected birds that overwinter on our coast, and help people enjoy our special coastline responsibly.

The coastline of the Solent stretches from Hurst Spit to West Wittering, and includes the northern shore of the Isle of Wight, more than 225km in total. It is an extremely busy area for commerce, shipping, recreation and leisure.

It is internationally important for wildlife, with a number of protection designations, including three Special Protection Areas (SPAs). These are part of a Europe-wide network of sites for nature conservation.

Every winter thousands of birds take refuge in the Solent to feed and rest, including 90,000 waders and over 10 per cent of the global population of Brent Geese. Many come from areas high in the Arctic.

Many birds can only find the food they need on the foreshore at low tide. During winter the few hours of daylight limit time available for feeding. Bad weather also has an impact on foraging.

People visiting the coast often unintentionally disturb feeding and roosting birds. This reduces their precious feeding time further, and can use up energy supplies if the birds need to fly away. If disturbed too often birds may not survive the winter or make the journey back to breeding grounds in the spring.

www.facebook.com/BirdAwareSolent

www.solent.birdaware.org

Milford Community Care Group looking for volunteers

The organisers and volunteer team at the Milford Community Care Group are looking forward to resuming their service, hopefully in late summer.

The Milford Community Care Group provide a valuable service to anyone in the village who needs transport to medical appointments, near and far.

The group are in touch with the Community Centre in Sea Road about their re-opening, and soon after that, they hope to have our own office up and running for the co-ordinators to take your bookings.

Anyone wishing to volunteer either as a co-ordinator in the office, or as a driver, please contact Valerie Newell on 01590 645948.

This is a great way to help the community whilst also meeting new people.

Hurst Castle wall collapses

Hurst Castle experienced a partial collapse of an outer wall today. 

In recent years, the castle's owner, English Heritage have carried out work to reinforce the sea defences and stabilise the foundations of a different part of the castle, the west wing.

The collapse occurred at East Wing Battery where the sea had weakened the foundations. Structural engineers were in the process of assessing the damage and planning remedial works, although it was thought that 'there is no immediate risk to Hurst Castle.'

The Advertiser & Times wrote about the threat only 2 days before the collapse. Please click here to read the article.

Sadly, the worst fears of some who warned this could happened has come true.

The Advertiser & Times also published a video showing the destruction from the seaward side. Please click here to view the video.

Picture taken by James Brooke on BBC Article
click here to read

The two dramatic pictures below were captured by Helen Renouf, New Forest based professional photographer.

Renouf Design
www.renoufdesign.co.uk
www.facebook.com/RenoufDesign

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About Hurst Castle

Hurst Castle was built by Henry VIII at the seaward end of a coastal spit, it was one of the most advanced artillery fortresses in England. Commanding the narrow entrance to the Solent, it offers stunning panoramic views.

The castle was used as a prison for eminent 17th century captives, including Charles I. It was later strengthened during the 19th and 20th centuries and played a role in defending the western Solent from invasion threats from the Napoleonic Wars to the Second World War.

Hurst Castle is managed on behalf of English Heritage by Hurst Marine.

www.hurstcastle.co.uk

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Have a giggle next Thursday

Comedy is back in Milford next week.

Laughs were hard to come by last year, so the Community Centre are delighted to welcome back Stephen Grant to host a second online Comedy Club Quiz Evening via Zoom next Thursday 4th March at 8pm. 

The evening is Free to join - although donations are of course really welcome. 

To register please click here.

There are places for up to 250 households, and after registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Fingers crossed for a comedy night at the Community Centre in July.

New Milford Website supports staycation boom

Two local Milford on Sea residents look set to put this seaside village on the map as the go-to staycation destination with the launch of a new website.

The website – visitmilfordonsea.co.uk – is to drive tourism to this lively village known for its events such as the Milford Music Festival and to boost the local economy that has suffered like many in the recent pandemic.

Behind the website are marketing consultants and Milford on Sea residents, Rachel Lewis and Linda Scott, who have created a new brand identity for the village as part of its drive to increase visitor numbers.

Rachel said: “The website is all about creating a one stop shop for visitors, newcomers and locals to get all the information they need about this amazing village, whilst giving it a fresh, modern look.”

The website will be supported by its own social media channels that will encourage user-generated content to market the village and will support local businesses by promoting its activities.

Linda added: “Now more than ever the demand for domestic holidays is soaring and the launch of our new website is timely in positioning Milford on Sea as a top choice in the UK holiday market.

“Our local businesses have suffered huge losses by the pandemic and a bumper season is needed to get them back on track.”

Rachel Lewis and Linda Scott

The website will go live on the 1st April and if any businesses are interested in becoming a member (fee applies) then please email hello@visitmilfordonsea.co.uk for more information.

Latest Milford on Sea Unsung Lockdown Heroes

Over the past 3 weeks we have been receiving nominations for Milford on Sea 'Unsung Lockdown Heroes', these are people who have helped others with acts of kindness however large or small. 

This could be local people who do anything from supporting a neighbour by getting their shopping or prescriptions, it could be friends who have kept your spirits up, a kind stranger who has lent a helping hand, or people volunteering to help other people in the community in any way. It could also be a village business or organisation who are going that extra mile to get the community through this crisis.

To view the latest Milford on Sea 'Unsung Lockdown Heroes', please click here.

We will continue to add nominations, so please keep sending them in to: david@milfordonsea.org.

The Good News Newsletter: No.31

To view of the latest edition of The Good News Newsletter: please click here.

To subscribe to get a regular copy please email: mosclibrary@gmail.com

About The Good News Newsletter

An enterprising group of local people have put together a 'Good News Newsletter' with the aim of keeping everyone informed and amused during this difficult time.

The Good News Newsletter has been created by Milford Library, Milford Mutual Aid Group, The Village Voice and MoS News Bulletin.

We will be publishing a copy of each edition here online and for those in the village who do not use digital communication, the Parish Council are printing some paper copies which will be available in some village shops and some distributed by volunteers.

To subscribe to get a regular copy please email: mosclibrary@gmail.com

 

Guess who is baking Pecan Biscotti?

Who can resist delicious Pecan Biscotti fresh out of the oven, or would like to try Duck Fat Oat Cakes, Rum Canelés or Cinnamon Madeleines.

Well, you can probably guess that it is David Wykes at Verveine who has been creating baked treats like no other!

All of the above are now for sale in his shop, alongside tasty fish pies, bespoke chocolate bars, ice cream with crazy flavours and more.

Not to forget, there are also takeaway Kebabs to enjoy at the weekend!

Verveine
98 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE
01590 642176
www.verveine.co.uk

www.facebook.com/VerveineFishMarketRestaurant

Milford Boots supporting The Hygiene Bank

An announcement on the 'Positively Milford on Sea Facebook Page' informs everyone that Boots in Milford on Sea is now working with The Hygiene Bank and are becoming an official drop off point. 

The Hygiene Bank is a charity fighting hygiene poverty.

All donations will be shared with people locally through official charities, helping to ease the pressure on those who need support. 

So, you can donate any new products through the Boots store in the high street; this could be from shampoo & conditioner to toothpaste & toothbrushes, or hygiene products for women, men or children. 

Hygiene poverty is a problem that we can help solve together. Anyone in store will help you with any products you'd like to donate. 

About The Hygiene Bank (From their website)

At The Hygiene Bank, we believe it is not right that feeling clean should be a luxury or a privilege for anyone in our society, yet many are living in poverty and cannot afford to stay clean. That is why our network of projects exists – to give people access to the basics they need.

We are a grassroots, people-powered charity and social movement, grounded in community. Our passion stems from the injustice that people may be unable to fully participate in society due to hygiene poverty. This is why we work to inspire social change.

To find out more; please click here. 

To visit the 'Positively Milford on Sea Facebook Page'; please click here.

New Forest Paddle Sport Company bookings open

Sean at The New Forest Paddle Sport Company in Milford on Sea high street was pleased to hear that following the Prime Minister's national Coronavirus announcement on Monday that, all being well, they will be able to reopen for on-water activities from 29th March.

Sean said; "Last year when we reopened we booked up fast so we recommend pre-booking for all our on water sessions for Easter 2021 and beyond to avoid disappointment. We look forward to seeing you on the water soon."

You can book online or contact Sean by email. 

All are dates and sessions are online to book at:

www.thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk/booknow.

The New Forest Paddle Sports Company

46 High Street, Milford On Sea, SO41 0QD

01590 645270 

info@thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

www.thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

www.facebook.com/thenewforestpaddlesportcompany

Mediterranean Kebab Wednesday at La Perle

 La Perle have launched a new menu for Mediterranean Kebabs which is available on Wednesdays.

All Mediterranean Kebab Meals are served with a luxury Greek Pitta, your choice of homemade sauce and two sides.

Chargrilled Tiger Prawn Skewers

Marinated in Chilli, Garlic & Lime

Price includes 2 Prawn Skewers, a Luxury Greek Pitta, your choice of 2 Sides and a Sauce - £16.95

Chargrilled Free Range Chicken Breast Skewers

Marinated in Lemon Zest, Garlic & Thyme

Price includes 2 Chicken Skewers, a Luxury Greek Pitta, your choice of 2 Sides and a Sauce - £15.95

Chargrilled Lamb Rump Skewers

Marinated in Blood Orange, Garlic, Chilli, Rosemary & Black Pepper

(Price includes 2 Lamb Rump Skewers, a Luxury Greek Pitta, your choice of 2 Sides and a Sauce - £17.95

Click here to see Mediterranean Kebab Menu.

Click here to see all La Perle delivery menus

La Perle

60 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

01590 643557

www.laperle.co.uk

 

Brownies now available at Saltwater

If you love a brownie, then we hear you will not be disappointed by the tasty Saltwater Café Brownies.

These are not bite size, they are big chunky slices and come in 6 delicious flavours:

• Milk chocolate
• Salted caramel
• Milk and white chocolate marble
• White chocolate and blueberries
• Chocolate orange
• Dark chocolate

*Gluten-free

Orders of any combination taken, minimum order 4 brownies.

The brownies can also be sent by post for next day delivery. 

To order for collection, or to find out more about brownie deliveries, please phone 01590 634518 (and leave a message) or click here to send a message to book or ask any questions.

Saltwater Café

106 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE

01590 643518

www.facebook.com/saltcafe106

Seals at Hurst Castle

Even though Hurst Castle is still closed for the lockdown, nature continues and the seals keep visiting!

The Hurst Castle Team said; "It’s nice to see our regulars checking in! If you’ve seen them, from a safe distance, we’d love to see your photos too!" Click here to send any pictures.

click image to view video

Hurst Castle
www.hurstcastle.co.uk
www.facebook.com/HurstCastle