Pop Up End of Season Charity Shop Sale

The Bridge are holding a Pop Up End of Season Sale of stock from the two village Charity Shops from 9.30am to 1.30pm on Saturday 31st August 2024.

There will be lots of bargains!

Entry is free, and The Bridge Cafe will be open for drinks, snacks and homemade cake.

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The Bridge has a wide variety of entertainment with something for everyone. 

Check out what is coming up at www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk/whats-on.

The Bridge 

Formerly: Milford on Sea Community Centre

Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH

01590 644861

enquiries@moscommunitycentre.org.uk

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

www.facebook.com/MoS-Community-Centre

The Bridge Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

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Retro Grooves at The Beach House on Friday

Retro Grooves will be spinning original records from the 1960s, 70s & 80s from 4.30pm to 8.30pm on Friday 30th August at The Beach House.

The playlist will include a fun mix of classic rock, pop, soul, disco, ska, reggae, glam, folk, alternative, and more chosen by you! All music played in classic style on original vinyl.

You can even bring along a vinyl single from your collection for everyone to enjoy.

Free entry.

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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

To Read the history of Westover Hall 

before it became The Beach House, please click image above.

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You can also enjoy Retro Grooves at The Wash House

Retro Grooves spin the vinyl at The Wash House Every Last Sunday in the Month from 5pm to 8pm. 

Come along to an evening of the best party music, classics & anthems from the 1960s to late 1980s. A mix of soul, Motown, disco, funk, and R&B ensure a good time. 

At the same time, enjoy a drink as you step back in time with retro sounds.

Free entry, but booking is strongly advised, as these are very popular events.

Meet Retro Grooves: www.retrogrooves.co.uk

To book your seat please call: 01590 644665.

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Free Nature Walk on Wednesday

Milford on Sea Conservation Volunteers (MCV) are running a free Nature Walks for all, being led by David Horne, on Wednesday 28th August 2024 from 10am to 12.30pm. The meeting point is Hordle Cliff Car Park by the kiosk.

The Nature Walks are hosted by an experienced guide, who will take you to various places around the village to discover the nature that abounds nearby. 

Don’t forget your binoculars if you have them, as you never know what might turn up!

Ideal for all ages, and newcomers are especially welcome. Either fill in the online form, or just turn up on the day.

For more information: www.milfordconservation.org/events

The MCV also run regular Birding Sessions for all experiences and ages, as well as other nature events throughout the year.

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Twice monthly Drop in Birding Sessions

The drop in birding sessions are free and open to everyone of any age or experience.

Local bird experts are available to help identify birds and answer any questions. Scopes and binoculars are available to use, and over 120 species of birds have been recorded in recent times. 

Everyone of any age is welcome, and it is also a great way to introduce kids to the world of birds, so why not pop in and see what you can discover?

Free Drop in Birding Session: Keyhaven Observatory

1st Saturday of every month at Keyhaven Observatory: 10am to 12noon. 

click image to enlarge

The Keyhaven Observatory exists through the generosity of  the J & D Edgar Ltd. family with assistance from Simeon Morgan Farming, MCV has been given an occupancy licence for a redundant farm building (old pumping station) at the westernmost end of the Ancient Highway.  The brick-building has been converted into a small Bird Observatory looking up The Pans and across to the lower Avon Water.  The Pans has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its gatherings of winter wildfowl. 

Directions to Keyhaven Observatory: From Milford village, turn left at the bottom of the green towards Keyhaven. Pass the Keyhaven War Memorial green on your left and The Gun Inn on your right. Turn left into the NFDC car park. Pay and park and walk towards the track that leads round the northern part of the quay towards the coastal footpath and Iley Lane. After about four hundred metres, you will see the Bird Observatory gate and Welcome sign on your left. For location, please click here. 

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Free Drop in Birding Session: Sturt Pond Bird Hide

3rd Saturday of every month at Sturt Pond Bird Hide: 10am to 12noon.

Sturt Pond is a haven for swans, ducks, Brent geese, mallard, teal, shelduck & grebes. Two wooden bridges cross the stream which runs from Sturt Pond to the salt marshes. The bird hide is a hidden sanctuary to observe Keyhaven nature reserve.

click image to enlarge

Sturt Pond Bird Hide is open to the public every day from 9am to 5pm, or dusk if earlier. (Locked at night.)

Directions to Sturt Pond Bird Hide: The bird hide is located immediately behind the Lighthouse restaurant on the Hurst beach side. The bird hide can be found at the end of the concealed metal gated path between the Lighthouse restaurant and the black council sheds.

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Conservation Task

The Conservation Tasks are generally planned with the parish council, and wherever possible have a conservation theme. Most tasks are conservation management or maintenance and vary from lighter clearance work e.g. footpaths, bramble, rhododendron and hazel coppice, to heavier work like drainage, revetment or footpaths. Occasionally we do get opportunities to enhance or even create habitat for flora and fauna.

Volunteers should wear gloves and sturdy footwear, safety glasses and long trousers recommended. Bring waterproofs, sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate and bring your own water/refreshments.

If you would like to join in with the Conservation Task Team please fill in the contact form at www.milfordconservation.org/contact-us, you will then get details of the tasks to take place.

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Creeks & Saltmarsh Winter Birding Trips

Each month during the winter, from October to March, there are sailings from Keyhaven Hurst Marine Ferry Pontoon for an enjoyable boat trip around the creeks, channels and saltmarshes of Keyhaven.

  

If you are lucky, these trips can also involve a close up encounter with seals.

The trips are led by Keith Metcalf, a bird expert, and experienced nature & wildlife guide.

Space is limited, so pre-booking is essential. A small charge applies to cover costs.

Creeks & Saltmarsh Winter Birding Trips 2024

• Thursday 10th October 2024: Departing at 9am sharp
• Friday 22nd November 2024: Departing at 9am sharp
• Monday 9th December 2024: Departing at 9am sharp

Winter 2024 Birding Trips can now be booked with Keith Metcalf at: 

keithmetcalf2022@btinternet.com.

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About Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV)

Milford on Sea Conservation Volunteers are a group of local people who are dedicated to conserving and improving the wildlife and environment within the Milford on Sea and Keyhaven parish. MCV volunteers have regular tasks groups for logging, scrub clearance, balsam pulling and such like.

In 2020, MCV members were honoured to receive the country’s highest accolade for a voluntary group, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is equivalent to an MBE.

New volunteers, young and old are always welcome.

MCV also run other events related to local nature such as:

• Birding for Beginner Sessions on 1st & 3rd Saturday each month.

• Guided local Nature Walks are held on a monthly basis.

• Creeks and Saltmarsh Boat Trip each month. Sailing from Keyhaven Hurst Ferry Pontoon. This is a boat trip around Keyhaven Creeks and Saltmarsh, led by a bird expert. Held each month during winter (October to March). 

• Conservation Tasks

To see details of all MCV events, please click here.

Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV)

www.milfordconservation.org

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Beauty Therapist opportunity at The Retreat

The Retreat Beauty & Health Salon in Milford on Sea High Street are looking for a beauty therapist to join their friendly team.

Customer focused and friendly applicants qualified to Level 3 will be welcome.

Please send your CV to retreatbeautymilford@icloud.com

The Retreat Beauty & Health Salon 

76 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

01590 645151

retreatbeautymilford@icloud.com

www.retreat-milford.co.uk

www.facebook.com/RetreatBeautyMilford

Free Sign Language Open Day coming soon

Everyone in the village is invited to a Free Sign Language Open Day on Saturday 14th September 2024 from 1.30pm to 4pm (Changed from 11am to 3pm) in Milford on Sea Village Hall.

This informal Open Day will give simple tips on communicating with deaf people, or those hard of hearing, and an insight into how British Sign Language helps deaf and hard of hearing people communicate with their silent world.

It is likely that we all know someone who struggles with their hearing, a visit to the open day would give you ways to improve how you communicate with them.

Everyone is welcome to pop in to this informal afternoon, whether as an individual interested in understanding more about British Sign Language, a business or organisation. Just drop in for a chat.

PS: There is no obligation, but should you be interested, you can also find out more about the upcoming Introduction to British Sign Language Course.

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Introduction to British Sign Language Course

After two very successful Introduction to British Sign Language Courses in the village, another Ten Week Course is due to start from Monday 30th September 2024 until Monday 9th December 2024.

The course takes place on Mondays from 5pm to 6pm and is held in Milford on Sea Village Hall in Park Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH.

The aim of the course is for to discover how to communicate more effectively with deaf, or hard of hearing people. 

This valuable and caring skill can enhance the lives of those you meet who are unable to hear the world around us.

This fun and informal course is ideal for individuals who want to learn more about British Sign Language. 

Just imagine the smiles if you could communicate better with any deaf people you know or meet.

To read more about the course, please click here.

To find out more, or to register your interest, please contact Nancy at:

nancy@feelhear.co.uk.

PS: Courses suitable for businesses, groups, or organisations can also be arranged.

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To find out more about Nancy, please click here.

To view Signed Songs: www.youtube.com/@nancyweatherson2083

FeelHear

Nancy Weatherson

Deaf Communications Professional

nancy@feelhear.co.uk

www.feelhear.co.uk

Enhanced DBS Certificate holder | NRCPD Registered 213333

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Your Invitation to the Volunteer Meeting for the Milford Music Festival this coming Tuesday

Everyone interested in helping out the Milford on Sea Music Festival in 2025, are invited to come along to the Music Festival Volunteer Meeting. 

There are lots of roles for volunteers to help this free community event. At the meeting you will hear more and can decide if you would like to contribute a few hours to help out.

• Music Festival Volunteer Meeting on Tuesday 27th August 2024 from 7pm to 9pm in All Saint's Church Hall.

The next Milford on Sea Music Festival 2025 will take place on Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th July 2025.

Volunteers are needed to cover the following important roles, either as a Team Leader or Foot Soldier:

• 
  Health & Safety.
• Security and Medical.
• Site Building.
• Administration.
• Volunteer Co-ordination.
• Food Safety.
• Social Media.
• Sponsorship Sales.
• Sponsorship Administration.
• Email Response.
• Donation Buckets.
• Bar.
• Information Tent.
• Programme & Merchandise Sales.
• Litter and Waste Management.
• Toilet Management.
• Road Barrier Manning.

Key Service Providers that remain to be arranged are:

• Stage and Marquee Hire. 
• Bin Provider. 
• Portable Toilet Provider. 
• CCCTV Provider.
• Wi-Fi Provider.
• Radios Provider. 

The Music Festival Site Management is led by Paul White, Mike Thorpe, and Adrian Saunders. Bar Management is led by Jon Crouch.

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About the Milford on Sea Music Festival

The Milford on Sea Music Festival is a free community event created for the village to enjoy and organised entirely by village volunteers.

The music festival is funded by generous sponsors, Friends of the Festival, donations, programme sales, and commissions on festival stalls.

Milford on Sea Music Festival
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th July 2025
Milford on Sea Village Green
info@milfordonseamusicfestival.org
www.milfordonseamusicfestival.org

Spectacular photograph of the Milky Way from Milford on Sea

Ginny Campbell has captured this spectacular photograph of an extraordinary Milford on Sea night sky scene which features the Milky Way above The Needles.

The photo was taken around 11pm earlier this week as Ginny was out looking to shoot the Perseid meteor shower. She did see the meteor shower, but their unpredictability made getting a clear shot difficult.

However, who cares, because instead she took this incredible photograph of the Milky Way over the Needles. The beauty of natural world never ceases to amaze.

click image to enlarge

For the keen photographers out there, Ginny used a cropped sensor Fuji X-T2 camera with a 12mm lens at f/2 ISO 3200 for 15 sec. . (Nope, I have no idea what that means either!)

Become a Community First Responder

Community First Responders are an extremely valuable part of the Milford on Sea village community, and consist of a small group of local people who are ready to help out anyone in a medical situation.

South Central Ambulance Service are currently recruiting for new Community First Responders (CFRs) in Milford on Sea. Could this be you?

Community First Responders are volunteers who are based in the communities they live in, attending non life threatening and life threatening calls. These include, but are not limited too - Suspected heart attacks, suspected strokes, cardiac arrests, broken bones, severe bleeding, breathing difficulties.

South Central Ambulance Service provides full training so that you are fully equipped to attend these calls. The six-day training session leads to a level 3 certificate in ambulance first response. There is also the opportunity to complete additional training after six months.

The training covers basic first aid and life-saving skills, such as using an automated external defibrillator (AED). Once an ambulance arrives, Community First Responders work alongside a clinically qualified practitioner.

Community First Responders need to have a good level of physical fitness, to be available for a minimum of 20 hours per month and have the use of a car. These 20 hours can be carried out at any time that is suitable for you.

The next set of induction's and training's will take place between September and December 2024

If you would like an informal chat with your local CFR before applying, please contact John at john.blessing@sca-charity.org.uk.

To apply, please click here.

New Ranges & Designs from Duff-T

Milford on Sea based streetwear clothing & merchandise designer, Fiona MacDuff has added more designs to her Duff-T ranges for ladies, men and kids. 

Alongside her range of sustainable t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies, she also now has a range of Duff-T tote bags, tea towels, mugs, greeting cards and notebooks, all illustrated with her unique graphic designs.

Also, a latest edition to her streetwear range is the 'Reservoir Cats' collection.

All of Fiona's designs are fun and colourful, with a good choice of playful images on various organic and environmentally friendly garments. Click here to view.

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About Duff-T Tee's

The Duff-T ranges of 'planet loving' streetwear clothing and merchandise is designed by Fiona MacDuff in Milford on Sea. 

Ranges are available for women, men and kids and include t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and bags - all of which are made from 100% organic sustainable cotton, and/or use recycled or sustainable materials.

There is also a range of Duff-T tote bags, tea towels, mugs, greeting cards and notebooks, all illustrated with her unique graphic designs.

All of the Duff-T products are printed in the UK in a renewable energy powered factory. Please click here to find out more. 

Her design style is playful, colourful, creative & retro in various fun themes, which even includes rave!

To see the entire Duff-T range, please click here.

Duff-T

hello@duff-t.com

www.duff-t.com

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Kifi Creative

Another of Fiona's business ventures is Kifi Creative, where she creates brand identities, logos and websites for small to medium size companies.

She is always happy to discuss the services she can offer to your business or organisation, so just drop her an email.

hello@kificreative.com 

www.kificreative.com

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L8R Events

A passion of Fiona, & her partner Keith, is dance music from the old school rave scene. Through their events company, L8R they organise local DJ music events, all with original vinyl. She even has range of rave streetwear she has designed on her Duff-T website. 

L8R Events

Milford on Sea

www.facebook.com/l8revents

A Motorcycle Video Tour of Milford on Sea

Regular readers of Milford on Sea News will be familiar with local amateur photographer Chris Mabey and his Lakeland Terrier dog Archie, who together regularly document their travels around the village.

What people may not know, is that as well as being a keen photographer, Chris is a motorcyclist and he has now combined his two hobbies to produced his first short movie of our local area.

This short video guide of Milford on Sea by motorcycle is shot in glorious 4K so can also be viewed on a big screen.

Archie of course makes a guest appearance at one of his favourite places!

As this is Chris's first video on YouTube, I am sure he would appreciate a ‘Like’ and comment.

Please click here to view video

PS: Archie has become quite a Milford on Sea celebrity, and he has over 17,000 followers on his X (Twitter) page. To take a look, or to follow his travels, please visit: Archie@ArchieLakeland.

New Artisans Market This Saturday

A new Artisans Market is coming to The Bridge this Saturday 24th August 2024 from 10am to 4pm.

The Artisan Market showcases products crafted by local artisans, offering a variety of items such as: art, handmade crafts, elegant jewellery pieces, handbags, homewares, jams, food treats, and more!

Entry is free, and The Bridge Cafe will be open for drinks, snacks and homemade cake.

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Are you an artisan who would like a table? 

The next Artisans Market is for Christmas on Saturday 23rd November 2024.

For more details and future dates, please contact:

enquiries@moscommunitycentre.org.uk 

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The Bridge has a wide variety of entertainment with something for everyone. 

Check out what is coming up at www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk/whats-on.

The Bridge 

Formerly: Milford on Sea Community Centre

Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH

01590 644861

enquiries@moscommunitycentre.org.uk

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

www.facebook.com/MoS-Community-Centre

The Bridge Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

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Captain Crackers and The Curiosities and the 'The Ice Cream Lady Song'

Local band, Captain Crackers and The Curiosities have just released a new track called 'The Ice Cream Lady Song'. The song is inspired by Debbie, owner of Milford on Ice, the ice cream van at the Crabbing Bridge in Milford on Sea.

This first single by the much loved, (and certainly eccentric!), local band was recently recorded live at The Gun Inn, Keyhaven.

Mark from the band explains: "The song celebrates Debbie, our lovely ice cream lady, who has cheerfully provided ice creams to generations of walkers and crabbers down at the Crabbing Bridge on Saltgrass Lane between Keyhaven and Milford on Sea. We’re regulars and encourage everyone to go along, say hello, and buy an ice cream or two!"

"The song has a terrific tune and features a number of surprises including, a Magic Ice Cream Van, the world’s shortest (and most hilarious) piano solo and of course Debbie, our wonderful Ice Cream Lady!"

To listen to the song on Spotify, please click here - or Apple Music, please click here. 

Captain Crackers and The Curiosities are known for their unique brand of musical comedy and this song doesn’t disappoint!

The band will be back under the marquee at The Gun Inn, Keyhaven, at 4pm this coming Saturday 24th August 2024. Entry is free and Debbie will be attending in person if you fancy a chat about ice cream! The band hope to see you there.

To see all events coming up at The Gun Inn, please click here.

You can find out more about Captain Crackers and The Curiosities at:

www.captaincrackers.band

www.facebook.com/captaincrackersband

www.instagram.com/captaincrackers.band

Kate Danby Art Exhibition

Milford on Sea artist, Kate Danby is once again participating in Hampshire Open Studios this August with a colourful collection of coastal, country and still life paintings, together with prints and cards.

Her studio, at Old Walls, Church Hill, Milford on Sea (opposite All Saints Church) will be open from Friday 23rd August until Bank Holiday Monday 26th August 2024. 10am to 4pm each day.

Kate draws her inspiration and ideas from coastal and country scenes, and she works mainly in oils.

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Hampshire Open Studios is back again this year where artists & craft studios will be open on dates from the Saturday 17th August to Bank Holiday Monday 26th August 2024. 

The event features artists from Milford on Sea and the surrounding New Forest area. This year there are over 290 participants with six exhibitions taking place in Milford and Keyhaven. A full listing will be in next week's Milford on Sea News.

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To view All Exhibitions in Milford on Sea, please click here.

To view map of all Open Studios, please click here.

Hampshire Open Studios
www.hampshireopenstudios.org.uk/artists/newforest

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Everton Hyundai Trophy at Milford on Sea Bowls Club

The Everton Hyundai Trophy open triples competition was held at Milford on Sea Bowls Club on Sunday 11th August 2024. This competition has been held annually since 2009 and is kindly sponsored by Sean Willson from Everton Hyundai.

The competition is open to all members of the New Forest and Bournemouth & District Bowling Associations. Previous winners include Ringwood, West Moors, Lymington, Brockenhurst, Fordingbridge and Milford.

This year the competition was attended by 36 bowlers from Milford on Sea, Bournemouth and Fordingbridge. Following a hard fought series of heats and semi-final matches the final winners were Kate Wall, Janet Hackwell and Colin Haupt from Milford on Sea Bowls Club. Runners up were Rob Perkins, Howard Farmer and John Kitcher, also from Milford on Sea.

Cash prizes and a shield were presented to the winners and runners up by John Willson from Everton Garage Ltd.

Everton Hyundai 2024 Winners
Janet Hackwell, Colin Haupt and Kate Wall
with John Willson from Everton Garage Ltd

Everton Hyundai 2024

Winners and Runners Up with John Willson