See the vast range at the New Forest Emporium

Although they are about to celebrate their first anniversary, some people are yet to discover the vast range of curios and antiques in the New Forest Emporium at New Forest Water Gardens.

Their stock is always interesting and eclectic, and changes all of the time.

They recently posted pictures of 76 items currently for sale on their Facebook page, so if you would like to see what's available without having to make a trip to the showroom, please just click the image below.

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1st Anniversary Sunday Fayre: 21st  July 2024 - 10am to 4pm.

To celebrate their one year anniversary the New Forest Emporium is hosting a Sunday Fayre.

There will be market stalls, face paints, raffle, and a clairvoyant.

The Nako Cafe will be open and serving food and drink.

If you would like more information, or to get involved as a trader at future events, please contact Wendy on 07811 707510 or contact: 

info@forestemporium.co.uk.

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Weekly Sunday Market 

The Sunday Market at the New Forest Emporium takes place every Sunday.

There is a variety of stalls to wander around and enjoy, plus of course the cafe should you fancy a breakfast, lunch, or a coffee break with cake.

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About The New Forest Emporium

The New Forest Emporium features numerous traders who offer antiques, vintage, retro, contemporary, and collectables. The emporium is crammed with an surprising variety of antiques, jewellery, furniture, glass, china and curios to choose from.

There are also many items to spruce up your garden, such as bistro tables & chairs, ornamental obelisks & metal work, Haddon stone ornaments and fire pits, trees, shrubs, roses. Plus ponds, pumps  fish food, and water plants. 

Dogs welcome.

The Nako Café: The onsite cafe serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon cream tea, and coffee & home-made cakes, and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 4:30pm. Tables can be booked in advance.

Venue Hire: The inside, or outside spaces at The New Forest Emporium, can be hired by the hour, or full day. The spaces provide an ideal environment for workshops, community groups, classes, pop-ups. wakes, events and more.

New Forest Emporium & The Nako Café

New Forest Water Gardens, Newlands Manor Farm, Milford on Sea, SO41 0JH
07534 442215
info@forestemporium.co.uk
www.facebook.com/newforestemporium

Located in the Water Gardens at the junction of Christchurch Road A337 and Lymington Road B3058 which becomes the High Street in Milford on Sea.

The Cave Now Open 7 Days a Week

The Cave in Church Hill by Milford on Sea Village Green have started their 7 day a week summer opening hours.

As the sunny days arrive, what better place to enjoy a special glass of wine, an exotic cocktail or refreshing beer. 

You can enjoy your choice in The Cave, or on their benches on the village green.

Summer Opening Hours

• Monday to Saturday: 12noon till late
• Kitchen Hours: 12noon to 2pm & 6pm to 8.30pm.
• Sunday: 12pm to 8pm
• Kitchen Hours: 12pm to 6pm.

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About The Cave

The Cave is a popular, friendly, and vibrant Wine & Gin Bar, Off-Licence, and Tapas Restaurant.

This unique business has been in Milford on Sea since May 2013 serving premier quality wines, speciality gin & tonics, spirits, and an exciting range of premium beers, which are always available to enjoy in the bar or take home.

The Cave has stylish and relaxing surroundings and is the place to meet friends at any time of day.

Pop in for a morning or afternoon tea/coffee, a tasty Tapas lunch or evening meal, or simply enjoy the extremely well-stocked bar from 12 noon, or to finish off your day in style. 

Events: There are also regular Live Music Nights and Tasting Evenings. To keep in touch with the latest events at The Cave, please keep an eye on their Facebook page at: 

www.facebook.com/TheCavewinebar.

Private Hire: The Cave can be booked for Private Hire to host parties and gatherings.

Dog Friendly: Furry friends always welcome in The Cave.

The Cave

2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH

01590 642195

info@thecavemos.co.uk

www.facebook.com/TheCavewinebar

www.thecavemos.co.uk

The History of Westover Hall

Have you ever wondered about the History of Westover Hall?

There are many fascinating stories. Such as, the failure to install a seawater swimming pool, how the building was saved from being demolished, the owner who died falling from a roof, the hotel being lost due to a financial scandal, and much more...

Past Owners of Westover (Later to become known as Westover Hall)

1897 to 1928: Alexander Siemens. German born electrical engineer who created the world’s first public electricity supply. He was President of the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

He was prominent in introducing domestic and industrial products including lighting to prestigious buildings such as the British Museum, and The Albert Hall. He also laid direct telegraph cable to Canada and the USA.

The land was purchased from the Newlands Estate. Alexander Siemens then had Westover Hall built as a family summer house in 1897. 

The house was built in the Arts and Crafts style by renowned architect Arnold Mitchell, and it was once judged the most luxurious residence on England’s south coast. The total cost to build the house was £4000.

Alexander Siemens married Louisa Dodwell in 1881. She didn’t like the Victorian style of décor which resulted in the wonderful stained glass windows instead of traditional heavy drapes. The imposing windows were designed by Oscar Patterson, who was renowned for his work in the Glasgow style and portray Pre-Raphaelite scenes from the 'The Enchanted Wood'.

The interior includes the original magnificent banqueting hall with the stained glass windows, surrounded by the minstrels' gallery.

The house also featured solid oak panelling, an oak staircase, hand-carved oak figures, carved oak doors, ornate solid silver door handles & locks, plaster ceiling friezes, and decorative stone wall carvings.

This interior alone originally cost £2500 in 1897.

The house also featured William de Morgan tiles set in the carved stone fireplace. He is often remembered as the most inventive and innovative designer of the Arts and Crafts Movement.

In addition to the grand banqueting hall, there was also a library, billiard room, and a private beach at the bottom of the large, landscaped garden.

Rumours circulated that Siemens’ was interned during WW1, however the family confirmed that he spent the war years either at their flat in London, or at Westover. He wrote to his institute, pointing out that he was a naturalised British subject and had every sympathy with the Allies and none with Germany. The letter was published in The Times.

In retirement Alexander Siemens lived at Westover Hall, where he died, from heart failure on 16th February 1928.

1930 to 1932: William Morris. Founder of the famous car manufacturer, Morris Motors. 

Later he became Lord Nuffield and one of Britain's greatest philanthropists. He is remembered as the founder of the Nuffield Foundation, the Nuffield Trust and Nuffield College, Oxford.

Later to become Lord Nuffield, he was one of Britain's greatest philanthropists. He is remembered as the founder of the Nuffield Foundation, the Nuffield Trust and Nuffield College, Oxford.

During his time at Westover Hall, Lord Nuffield attempted to build a saltwater swimming pool in the garden with an engine house to pump and heat the sea water for the pool. He was warned that any pipe built out to sea would not stand up to a storm. After two gallant attempts the warning proved to be true and the project unfeasible.  

During his time at Westover Hall, Lord Nuffield attempted to build a saltwater swimming pool in the garden, with an engine house to pump and heat the sea water for the pool.

He was warned that any pipe built out to sea would not stand up to a strong storm. After two gallant building attempts the warnings proved to be true and the project unfeasible.

Westover Pump/Boiler House Chimney built at the bottom of Westover’s gardens
for William Morris’ Swimming Pool c.1930-32
Photos by Lt Col Bill Nelson: Taken Late 1950s-1960 as Sea Wall being built.

Stan Hobby, who worked at Keepings Garage as a buyer and salesman for 30 years, recalled in a newspaper article from the time how Sir William drove a specialty built Morris Oxford six-cylinder car, which Stan would drive back from Brockenhurst when Sir William travelled on by train to his Cowley Car Works. At the time, Stan commented; “He had worked his way up in business, and I found him most likeable and down to earth.”

Rumour had it that, Lord Nuffield’s application to join Milford Country Club (Now Milford Tennis Club) was turned down as he was considered as 'In trade'. Considering the village unwelcoming, he and his wife decided to sell the property soon after.

1932 to 1939: Noel Trotter. Postmaster General of the Straits Settlements, a former British crown colony on the Strait of Malacca, comprising of four trade centres, Penang, Singapore, Malacca, and Labuan. He retired in 1907.

He later became an influential figure in Milford on Sea, becoming President and a generous benefactor to the original Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital in Sea Road, as well as other local causes.

In June 1935, Westover Hall was the First house to be floodlit locally, when Mr & Mrs Trotter hosted an evening party to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of George V. 

In 1936, at 78 years old Noel wished to visit a sick friend in Hastings. A seasoned flier, rather than choosing smaller options available, he chartered a 12 passenger de Havilland Express Air Liner as used by Jersey Airways for his journey.

In 1937, Noel Trotter purchased and presented to Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital a house known as Hawkslea including half an acre of grounds. This was the former home of Dr G. Fuller England was situated next door to the hospital. 

During his time at Westover Hall, it was said that he brought the whole of the premises to life again. Fully staffed, the beautiful gardens were well cared for and a delightful period for the property ensued until his death at 79 years of age in 1939.

1939 Convalescent Home (Nearly!): Lymington Town Council agreed to a request from the Middlesex County Council to allow Westover, the residence of the late Mr. Noel Trotter, to be used by them as a convalescent home.

This same authority had two years previously taken over The White House on Milford on Sea seafront. However, the sale of the property to the Middlesex County Council was delayed owing to the war, and ultimately never proceeded.

Westover Hall: Sales Document 1939

1939 to 1945: British Army. The house was requisitioned by the War Office and used as Officers' Quarters for the whole World War 2 period.

The Green Howards, Lancashire Fusiliers, East Surreys, and London Scottish were billeted in Westover Hall over the six year conflict.

During this time, the internal oak panelling in the house was covered for protection by the Milford on Sea Historical Record Society. 

The oak panelling and stained glass windows suffered no damage during this period.

1945 to 1976: R.F. Knowlson: Reginald Knowlson was an industrialist who travelled round the world promoting his precision engineering business based in London and the Midlands. His work in this field contributed significantly to the technological advancements of the time.

That same year his son and daughter-in-law Jack and Pat Knowlson moved into a cottage next door and worked Lea Green Farm at nearby Downton.

Reginald Knowlson successfully achieved a change the use from a private house to a hotel.

In 1949, in a field next to Westover, between the main road and sea, an unknown minefield was discovered whilst being ploughed. The land mines were of American origin. A demolition squad detonated the found mines and the resulting blast blew in some windows at Westover. Around this time Mr Knowlson also purchased Newlands Manor.

In 1956, Mr Knowlson had a planning application to build five houses on five acres of land adjoining Westover Lane refused.

In 1957, Mr Knowlson offered a field belonging to Westover for the formation of an Archery Club in the village. However, Mr. D. Murray of Milford Parade felt that the expenses of keeping the grass mown might be too heavy a drain on the resources of the club.

1974: Historic England made Westover Hall a Listed Building Grade II.

1977: Local developers planned to demolish the building. Thankfully, the house was saved by what was at the time the Neighbourhood Council, which is now the Parish Council.

1978 to c.1983: James & Helen Perkins. James Perkins was a teacher for ten years before becoming a hotelier in Bournemouth for five years.

With a plan to refurbish and restore the building to its former glory, James had a change of use granted by the New Forest Development Committee, changing Westover Hall from being a private house to a restaurant.

They established the buildings first licensed restaurant, which was described as serving: ‘The finest English and Continental cuisine with wine in elegant and comfortable surroundings'.

There was an a la carte menu, or a table d'hote dinner with 4 courses for £5.95 + vat. Sunday luncheons were 4 courses for £4 including vat. James Perkins has travelled to vineyards in Germany & France to select chateau bottled and vintage wines for the 90 bin wine cellar.

In December 1979, the restaurant was well established, however, the business was at risk of shutting down due to the buildings high maintenance costs. An application was made to allow two rooms to become a Proprietary Members Club with snooker as the primary attraction. The application was granted on the condition that members were segregated from the public dining area, 'Private Members Only' signs were displayed on the room doors, and the club must be served by waiting staff.

In 1981, Mr & Mrs Perkins submitted an application with alteration plans to change the basement use from storage, to build a bar, lounge, dance floor, wine store, and new toilet accommodation.

In 1982, the application was granted subject to conditions, as was an extension of the car park. However, the alterations were not completed.

1983: Copegrove Ltd. In April 1983, plans for an outdoor swimming pool in the centre of the garden was granted to Copegrove Ltd. The swimming pool was however never built.

It is unclear whether Mr & Mrs T Gain were owners on Westover Hall at the time.

1983: Mr & Mrs T Gain. In June 1983, an alternative design for a swimming pool was approved by New Forest District Council. 

This design was an unusual ‘grotto style pool house’ which was intended to be an extension on the house to an underground swimming pool built into the lower garden lawn. This swimming pool complex was never built either.

Around 1983, Part of the gardens at Westover Hall had been sold to build the Spanish style houses in Shingle Bank Drive.

1984: Anthony Ruddle. Anthony ran Westover Hall with his wife, Margaret. The hotel had 11 bedrooms, and the restaurant ran on a silver service basis.

They had lived at nearby Kivernell Road. Margaret Ruddle previously had a career in nursing at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. Sadly, she passed away in November 1988 at the age of 54.

1988 to c.1996: Peter (Pierre) & Edina Roth. Peter was Swiss and Edina French. Pierre was the son of a banker and originated from Watwill, Switzerland. 

Prior to purchasing Westover Hall Hotel, Peter had built extensive experience at The Palace Hotel in St Maritz, and managed one of the largest hotels in Vienna, Austria for ten years. Before coming to Westover Hall Hotel, he and his wife Edina had run a hotel in Wimbledon for two years.

In 1990, a planning application was submitted, under the name of Hales Properties Ltd, to demolish adjoining properties, Westover Mews, Westover Cottage, and garages. The proposal was to replace them with a 39 bedroom hotel extension. This application was refused.

In 1991, Peter Roth died from falling thirteen metres from a roof whilst helping the publisher Paul Hamlyn in opening a new hotel in an old chateau in Lyon, France. He was 48 years of age.

In 1994, Edina Roth was still running the AA & RAC 3-Star hotel.

1995 to 2006: Stewart & Robert Mecham and Nicola & Robert Musetti.  The Mechem and Musetti family purchased Westover Hall Hotel in 1995, reportedly for £309,000, and managed the business as resident proprietors. 

Stewart Mechem had previously enjoyed a successful  career in the fashion industry and was a former marketing director for the premium clothing company Aquascutum. 

His sister Nicola Musetti, and her husband Robert, an accomplished chef, had previously owned a popular restaurant in central London for  over thirty years.

 

Their parents also joined the venture. Robert Mechem was a former senior civil servant, and his wife Judith, a former Bluebell Girl in Paris. 

In June 1996, The Westover Hall Hotel Restaurant was soon awarded a prestigious AA Red Rosette, as the family began a programme of renovation and refurbishments.

Over their 11 year tenure, Stewart & Nicola transformed Westover Hall into a Top 200 AA hotel, and the restaurant went on to gain Three AA Rosettes.

Westover Hall was successfully marketed as one of the first 'boutique' style hotel with entries achieved in stylish premium hotel guides including Mr & Mrs Smith, Hip Hotels, and through the bespoke concierge company, Quintessentially. 

The business became a destination hotel known for fine dining, quality accommodation, and excellent service attracting many locals,  celebrities, fashion designers, business leaders and journalists with favourable reviews in The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Times, Country Living and Good Housekeeping amongst many others.

1996 Civil Weddings: In March 1996, the hotel had a license approved to conduct Civil Weddings. The weddings took place in the hotel’s oak panelled Nuffield Suite.

1996 Local History Room: In July 1996, The hotel owners generously allowed the Milford Historical Record Society, founded way back in 1909, to establish a Local History Room in what was the original library, which had excellent sea views.

With the help of the Hampshire Record Office who provided display cases, a display in the form of records, illustrated material and maps was created. There was also a display of artefacts to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Royal British Legion.

1997/98, Around this time, the family managed to track down granddaughters of Westover’s first owner, Alexander Siemens.

 

They were invited to stay and recalled many fond memories of earlier visits as children. They identified the original use of many of the rooms which were then named, such as 'The Cooks Room', ‘The Nursery', and 'The Alexander Siemen's Suite'.

1997 Centenary Year and Exhibition: The hotel hosted the Milford Historical Record Society free to visit Victorian Exhibition, to coincide with the Centenary Year of Westover Hall.

Alongside the societies exhibits, the exhibition also featured collections from Milford on Sea villagers. Items included amongst other things: Souvenir crockery, pewter inkwells, candlesticks, mother of pearl counters, miniature dominoes, and an 1897 Ordnance Survey map.  

1998 Milford Historical Record Society AGM: Two granddaughters of Alexander Siemens were in attendance. Mrs Mariana Wooley was in her in ninetieth year, and Mrs Cecilia Scurfield in her eighties.

The presentation subject at the AGM in February 1998 was ‘A child’s eye view of Westover’. This featured Mariana’s recollections and experiences of times spent at Westover with her six sisters during the 1910/20's.  

 

This included playing ball sports in the main hall, gathering treats and whilst the adults dined, sneaking on the roof to eat them. 

She remembered Indian Army soldiers, who had been injured whilst fighting for the British Army in WW1, being billeted in Milford on Sea for convalescence. They were known to spoil the local children with sticky sweets, and the Sikh soldiers sometimes washed their long hair in the Danes Stream. 

It was further revealed that only female staff had been employed in Westover, and this included around a dozen maids.

 

The ladies had requested to be reacquaint themselves with people they had known when residing at Westover, and they met with members of longstanding village families, such as the Hobby’s, and the Keepings. 

Earlier in the day, a larger gathering of the Siemens family met at Westover Hall. Cecilia could not bring herself to walk in the greatly diminished gardens, as much of the original gardens had become the Shingle Bank Drive housing estate.

      

In 2006, the family decided to sell the hotel whilst trading was successful. Nicola Musetti returned to live in London and the Mecham's continued to live in Lymington.

Stewart Mecham began painting whilst running Westover Hall. Stewart’s bold metre square canvases take their cue from the colours of the sea and coastline. 

Stewart has held solo and group exhibitions in London and went on to become an artist.

Stewart now co-owns 'Coastal Gallery' in Lymington and more recently has partnered with the de Rothschild's of Exbury at 'Palais des Vaches' art gallery and venue.

2006 to 2012: David & Christine Smith. During their tenure at Westover Hall Hotel, David & Christine maintained the hotel’s fine dining reputation with the 'One Park Lane' Restaurant which held two AA Rosettes, as well as offering the 'Vista' bistro for casual dining.

In 2007, Westover Cottage, a building next door, received planning permission to be used as two hotel family suites.

David & Christine were friendly and hospitable couple who spent several years, and made significant investments, in building the business and entertaining customers, before ultimately losing the hotel in the height of the recession in 2012. 

This was in no small part due to becoming victims in the Barclays Bank 'Interest rate swaps' miss-selling scandal.

Along with around 1700 other small business owners their case was taken up by the 'Bully Banks' Campaign Group. Their experienced was covered on Sky News in 2013.

2012 to Present: Hall & Woodhouse. Hall & Woodhouse purchased Westover Hall Hotel with an appreciation of the building and its heritage. The purchase price was reported as £1.5million.

 

A £1m+ refurbishment followed, and the pub, restaurant & hotel had a new name of: ‘The Beach House’ when it reopened a few months later. 

Editors Anecdote

In 1997 my now wife & I saw Westover Hall Hotel in a book entitled Best Loved Hotels. Prior to this we had not even heard of Milford on Sea. So, we booked and visited for a weekend.  

I particularly recall the palatial room we stayed in, which was on the first floor far right as you look out to sea. The views were magical, and the hotel elegant and grand. 

I also remember sitting in the lounge after a fine meal and enjoying a port (or two!). We got talking to a very friendly couple, they told us all about the village, and we discovered that they lived just down the road. After they left, we decided this was the place we wanted be. After numerous holiday visits were finally bought our property in the village in 2007, and as they say, the rest is history!

You can keep a copy of this article by clicking above

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About The Beach House

and owners: Hall & Woodhouse

Hall & Woodhouse was built on brewing beer, and they have come a long way since 1777.

On buying Westover Hall in 2012 for a reported purchase price of £1.5million, Hall & Woodhouse then carried out an extensive £1m+ renovation.

When reopened the establishment was renamed to: ‘The Beach House’. This was to reflect how the Siemens family had always used the magnificent house.

In March 2012, Hall & Woodhouse had been awarded the Publican Awards 'Best Tenanted/Leased Pub Company' at an awards dinner held at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London.

 

The Beach House pub, restaurant & hotel serves all day classic food in the ornate yet comfortable dining room, or the relaxed lounge full of original features.

The bar has everything you would expect, plus of course their own brewery's Badger Beer brand. There are also 14 charming hotel rooms, each one unique and boutique styled.

The extensive gardens have raised patio areas and great views across to The Needles and the Isle of Wight. 

The pub is also dog friendly, and if you want a bowl of water or even a little treat for man’s best friend, please just ask.

The Beach House, with the backing of Hall & Woodhouse, are strong supporters of the local community and are known to generously contribute to local community events & charity activities.

Every year, to celebrate the Hall & Woodhouse brewery birthday, their locations do something extra for their local community. The Beach House team annually head out on a litter pick and around The Beach House and in the village. Hall & Woodhouse also support local communities in other ways.

The company remains family-owned and is based in Dorset.

Read more about Hall & Woodhouse:

ww.hall-woodhouse.co.uk/brewery/history-of-brewing

The Beach House

Park Lane, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PT
01590 643044
beachhouse.reception@hall-woodhouse.co.uk

www.beachhousemilfordonsea.co.uk
www.facebook.com/thebeachhousehw

Calling the Community for the Milford on Sea Music Festival 2025

The ever popular Milford on Sea Music Festival will be back in July 2025, and the planning is already underway.

After the brilliant Music Festival on the village green in 2023, the Organiser Team are now looking for volunteers to help out at this favourite village event next year.

This Sunday there will  be live music throughout the Music Festival Volunteer Open Afternoon for you to enjoy.

The Milford on Sea Music Festival is a community event organised and run entirely by village volunteers, and without them, the event simply couldn't take place.

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Music Festival Volunteers Open Afternoon & Music on the Green

Sunday 21st July 2024: 12noon to around 7pm on Milford on Sea Village Green.

Everyone is invited to come along and chat with the music festival organisers. They are looking for anyone who is willing to get involved in helping out with whatever time you can spare.

There are a variety of small and larger roles to fit your available time.

It probably goes with out saying, but the success of this village event depends on the local community getting involved by helping, so please go along to find out how you can become a part of the music festival in 2025. 

There are also opportunities for people to become a Friend of the Festival, or for a local business to become a Sponsor.

Volunteering is fun, satisfying, and a great way to meet new people. Pop along to meet the team, and find out more.

The Milford on Sea Music Festival will be taking place on Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th July 2025.This time the music festival is being organised by Paul White, along with Paul Noble and other members of the organising committee, - and hopefully a host of great volunteers.

It will be exciting, so please put the dates in your diary.

Find out more about the Milford on Sea Music Festival at: 

www.milfordonseamusicfestival.org 

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Powerboat Racing this Saturday

If you enjoy the thrill of Powerboats, the UKOPRA Solent 80 Powerboat Race will be taking place on Saturday 20th July 2024, and you can see these impressive speed machines from Milford on Sea Beach, Hurst Spit or Hurst Castle.

The boats leave from Haslar Marina in Gosport, and are expected to enter Christchurch Bay at approximately 11.30am.

Other annual UKOPRA Powerboat Races that can be seen from Milford on Sea:

• May: Round the Island
• June: Poole Bay 100
• July: Solent 80
• September: Lymington Challenge

For more details please visit: www.ukopra.co.uk

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Cowes Powerboat Festival 

The British Powerboat Racing Club based in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, organises the Cowes Torquay race which has been running since 1961. This was the first powerboat race outside the USA and is the longest running race in the world. International teams compete in different classes, and the race covers a challenging 210-mile course along the south coast of England. Boats reach speeds in excess of 100mph, with the fleet racing non-stop across Christchurch Bay to Torquay, or Poole, and back to Cowes.

Saturday 24th August 2024

Cowes-Torquay-Cowes Powerboat Race: Starts from Cowes at 9.30am.

Cowes-Poole-Cowes Powerboat Race: Starting from Cowes at 10am. 

Sunday 25th August 2024

Round the Island Open Race: Starting from Cowes at 10am.

 

This race was founded in 1968 for all sizes of both race and leisure boats, old and new.

For more details please visit: www.cowestorquaycowes.co.uk.

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Madcrab Offshore Racing Team

The local powerboat Madcrab Offshore Racing Team consists of Keyhaven & Milford on Sea racers Rob Lister, a former European champion, & Nick Crouch. Both are former British Champions.

In 2023 whilst sitting third place in the UKOPRA British Offshore Championships the boys led class 3D in the Lymington Challenge Race until The Needles, where a fuel filter housing failed, resulting in lost fuel pressure and power. Despite the disadvantage, the team crossed the line third in their class.

During a race in August 2023, a blown gearbox 5 miles from the finish put paid to the season.

Cowes-Torquay-Cowes Powerboat Race 2021

Rob & Nick won their Honda Four Stroke class in the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes Race in 2021, they were also 3rd overall in all classes.

The Cowes-Torquay-Cowes is a spectacular British Powerboat Racing Club race and one of the biggest events in the powerboating calendar. 

Over 30 teams, including boats and drivers from the UK, America, Germany and Italy competed in this exhilarating run to the Dorset coast and back.

The 200-mile Cowes-Torquay-Cowes race has long been recognised as one of powerboating’s toughest challenges, and comparisons have been made with motorsport events such as Le Mans and the Indy 500.

Photo by Clare Horton

The race crosses Christchurch Bay and provided great entertainment for those watching from Milford on Sea beach.

In December 2018, Rob Lister and Nick Crouch were crowned UKOPRA Offshore Class 3 British Champions.

Perry McCarthy, aka BBC Top Gear’s 'Stig', presented the Class 3 trophy at the Royal Southern Yacht Club.

Rob and Nick started the season well, excelling in rough conditions at Falmouth. Then disaster struck when whilst leading at Poole they were forced to retire due to propeller failure. Finally, a crucial win in rough conditions at Cowes Torquay/Poole Race earned them the British Class 3 title.

They also won the Tim Powell Trophy for “most outstanding performance”.

UKOPRA

United Kingdom Offshore Powerboat Racing Association
www.ukopra.co.uk

The Gun Inn gains a Five Star Hygiene Rating

Following a recent inspection, The Gun Inn have been awarded the highest level, 5-Star Hygiene Rating.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) inspects businesses across the country, assessing hygiene and safety, structural compliance and confidence in management, the team came out with flying colours.

This historic inn’s kitchen features an Argentine Grill and looks to serve best quality seasonal and locally sourced food. The menu showcases classic British dishes with an imaginative touch by talented head chef, Mark Young.

Alongside their fully stocked pub bar, is an attractive & extensive landscaped garden containing 'The Gun Fire' an outdoor grill kitchen, and a large, covered tent to cater for up to an additional 60 diners.

The Gun Inn pub also hosts regular live open-mic music nights, quizzes, and other events.

The Gun Inn

Keyhaven Road, Keyhaven, SO41 0TP

01590 642391

landlord@theguninn.co.uk

www.facebook.com/theguninnkeyhaven

www.theguninn.co.uk

The Gun is now Open Daily from 11.30am to 7pm. (Please check website for kitchen serving times)