Round the Island Race this Saturday

Early this Saturday, 7th June 2025, the annual Round the Island Race will leave Cowes as the spectacular sailing fleet races up The Solent and around the Needles.

Not long after 8am, for around two to three hours, this enormous and colourful array of sailing yachts of all shapes and sizes is expected to pass Milford on Sea and Hurst Castle. 

If you have not seen this iconic event before, it is one of the most amazing sights in yacht racing.

The race features around 1,400 yachts and over 16,000 sailors. They start at Cowes in phases and race over 50 miles anticlockwise around the Isle of Wight. Depending on the type of yacht and the wind, the course takes from 3 hours to 10 hours to complete.

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Where to Watch the Round the Island Race

Hurst Castle and Hurst Spit are two of the best vantage points to watch this spectacular event as the fleet of yachts jostles for position. 

The Hurst Castle Ferry departs from the quay at Keyhaven Harbour to the castle from 8am. The ferry then runs at 45-minute intervals. No booking required. 

Refreshments

The Hurst Castle Café will be open for breakfast and refreshments. 

*If you also wish to visit Hurst Castle at the same time, you can pre-book your tickets at: www.hurstcastle.co.uk. 

The Lighthouse on the seafront at the village end of Hurst Spit will also be open from 8am. It will serve takeaway coffee, sausage sandwiches, hot snacks, and ice cream from 'The Hatch' on the building's side. 

The Lighthouse restaurant opens at 8.45am if you would like a full breakfast.

 If you would like to book a table for breakfast, please click here.

The Gun Inn in Keyhaven will open at 8am to offer tea, coffee, and bacon sandwiches for anyone heading to watch the Round the Island Race at Hurst Castle or Hurst Spit. 

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About the Round the Island Race

The race features around 1,400 yachts and over 16,000 sailors. They start at Cowes in phases and race over 50 miles anticlockwise around the Isle of Wight. Depending on the type of yacht and the wind, the course takes from 3 to 10 hours to complete.

www.roundtheisland.org.uk

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Hurst Castle

01590 642500

info@hurstcastle.co.uk

www.hurstcastle.co.uk

www.facebook.com/HurstCastle

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Save Our Ice Cream Lady: Campaign Update...

The Save Our Ice Cream Lady Campaign Gathers Momentum.

Thanks to all the wonderful people in Milford on Sea / Keyhaven, the petition to ’Save Our Ice Cream Lady’ now has over 856 signatures.

If you would like to help Debbie, you can sign the petition by clicking here.

Fran Carpenter, our hardworking (and long-suffering) County Councillor, has told us that she has forwarded the request to Hampshire County Council Parking Services.

Debbie (The Ice Cream Lady) hadn’t yet heard anything from the Parking Team.

At 11am on Sunday (8th June 2025), a group of local folk musicians plan to exercise their democratic right to collect signatures on The Village Green, Milford on Sea. We have been told you can't miss the (law-abiding) racket.

Finally, the campaign organisers have released the following video to rally support for this plucky lady and her ‘Magic Ice Cream Van’: To view, please click here.

PS Sunday's weather forecast is good!

Fresh from Fuel's Workshop

Hot on the heels of launching Fuel Barber and Barista in Milford on Sea High Street, Simon has dropped us a line to explain more about what he is offering:

What exactly is Speciality Coffee, and what sets us apart?

Speciality coffee isn’t just a fancy label, it’s a commitment. A promise that what’s in your cup has been cared for at every stage: from the soil it was grown in, to the hands that picked it, all the way to the way it’s roasted and brewed.

It starts at the source. Grown at high altitudes, in healthy soil, often under shade, and with sustainable farming practices, speciality-grade beans are nurtured for quality, not quantity. To earn the title, they must score 80+ out of 100 when tested by a certified Q Grader, coffee’s version of a sommelier. That score reflects clarity, sweetness, and balance of flavour. In short, it's the best of the best.

Unlike commodity coffee, which is mass-produced, blended, and traded for volume, speciality coffee is traceable, transparent, and deeply flavourful. Every bean has a story. You’ll taste where it came from, not just that it’s “coffee.”

It’s true that speciality coffee costs a little more than mass-produced coffee, but that extra cost goes a long way: better wages for farmers, more sustainable practices, cleaner processing, and a shorter, more honest supply chain. You’re not just buying coffee; you’re backing a system that values craft, community, and care.

That’s why at Fuel Barista, we choose to work with Moon Roast. They share our obsession with flavour and our values: sourcing high-scoring beans grown responsibly and traded fairly.

Each cup, including our decaf, is freshly ground, weighed, and extracted to a precise recipe, perfectly timed for balance, sweetness, and clarity. The consistency of the grind is constantly changing due to atmospheric and other elements (including the weight and freshness of the beans in the hopper!), so every cup made is scrutinised under Mesi's watchful eye.

Because at Fuel, we didn't want to just “do coffee.” We wanted it done with precision.

To read the previous article, please click here.

Fuel Barber and Barista

48 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG

01590 718992

fuelhairmechanics@gmail.com
www.fuelhairmechanics.co.uk

www.facebook.com/fuelhairmechanics

Free afternoon live music at The Gun Inn

Phil Holbird will play live at The Gun Inn from 3pm to 5pm on Saturday 7th June 2025. Admission is free.

Phil’s performance consists of impromptu participation with the audience.

He can play almost anything on your playlist. Simply request your favourite song, and he will perform his take on it.

Go along for an afternoon of good fun, laughter and wonderful music.

Meet Phil, www.philholbird.com

Enjoy the free live music while enjoying a drink, meal, and a wander in the beautiful pub garden. Why not book a table now?

More Live Music coming: The Gun Inn has live music booked on Saturday afternoons every two weeks throughout the summer. More details to follow.

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Round the Island Race

The Gun Inn have decided to open at 8am on race day, Saturday 7th June 2025, to offer tea, coffee, and bacon sandwiches for anyone heading to watch the Round the Island Race at Hurst Castle or Hurst Spit. 

The Hurst Castle Ferry departs from the quay at Keyhaven Harbour to the castle from 8am. The ferry then runs at 45-minute intervals. No booking required. 

 

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Regular Events at The Gun

Quiz Night at The Gun Inn

Every First Tuesday of each month from 7pm.

Teams of up to 6 people. Bring a team or come and meet new people on the night. 

(£2 entry fee per person).

Booking for the quiz is not essential as you can just come along and join in on the night, but booking a table is highly recommended if you bring a team.

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Folk Band & Open Mic Night at The Gun Inn

Every First and Third Thursday each month from 7.30pm.

Come along to an informal evening of singing, playing or listening to singers and musicians. All types of music, from folk to whatever you fancy.

At the same time, enjoy a beer, glass of wine, your favourite tipple, or a meal from the extensive menu, which uses the best British seasonal produce.

Everyone welcome.

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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 for kitchen serving times)

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Urgent call for help to maintain Milford on Sea’s Secret Meadow

Milford on Sea’s Community Meadow is in desperate need of willing helpers to join a team of volunteer gardeners.

Sue Crabb, Chair of Milford on Sea Gardeners’ Club and leader of the Meadow Gardeners, explains: 

Milford on Sea’s Community Meadow, also known as the “secret meadow,” can be found bordering the All Saints' Churchyard to the north of the church. 

This is a piece of land which was bequeathed to the parish by a Miss Gillespie who wished it to remain a quiet, open space for the use of the community. It’s accessed by a tall metal gate set in the yew hedge that borders the churchyard and the path leading to the main road into Milford. (I’m not talking about the piece of Meadow that has just recently been acquired.)

When it came into parish hands in October 2018, it was very overgrown, and Milford Conservation Volunteers cleared and chopped it extensively.

During the first half of 2019, a path and some raised planters were put in with the idea that various local groups would be able to garden there. 

Four benches were also installed, and some dedicated trees were planted. 

The Meadow was officially opened in June 2019 with a picnic, which was attended by many local people with an interest in the project.

With the emergence of COVID in early 2020 and subsequent lockdowns, everything ground to a halt. Weeds were becoming rampant on the cleared areas, and all the good work so far was in danger of being lost. 

I started making visits to the Meadow as part of my daily exercise and decided to take it on as a project, drawing up an accurate plan and some ideas of how the Meadow could be developed. I talked to Graham Wells in the Parish Office about my ideas, and since then, have been gardening at the Meadow with a small but great team of volunteers.

We have worked tirelessly over the last five years to get the Meadow to where it is now, and it is looking lovely. 

Sadly, I have reached a stage in my life when I no longer have the physical ability to keep this going. I simply can’t do it anymore.

My group of Meadow gardeners is dwindling. I have just four regulars, and nearly all of us are well into our 70s. We urgently need some new, younger, stronger people to take over. I would be devastated if the Meadow fell into disrepair, but that is what will happen unless we have some more volunteers to maintain it.

Surely someone can spare one or two hours a week or even every other week. Tasks include weeding, pruning, planting and watering and guidance can be given.

Seek out the Meadow if you haven’t yet found it. Sit on one of the benches and enjoy the bird song or just the peace and quiet. It’s a special place, right in the heart of Milford!

Sue Crabb

Chair of Milford on Sea Gardeners’ Club and leader of the Meadow Gardeners

Contact me at milfordgardeners@gmail.com

Questions answered on Lasting Power of Attorney - Part 2

Back in April, Tony from LPAs For Locals compiled his list of the Top 10 Questions received from those who attended his free weekly drop-in sessions, which continue to take place every Monday between 10.15am and 12 noon at The Bridge.

As a follow-up to his Top 10 Questions, Tony has sent the second part, which gives the latest 10 questions and answers. 

To read the latest Top 10 Questions, please click here.

To read the original Top 10 Questions, please click here.

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About LPA’s For Locals

LPA’s For Locals hold free weekly drop-in sessions every Monday between 10.15am and 12noon at The Bridge.

The sessions started in September 2024  and are run by Tony, a semi-retired local professional.

The sessions offer local residents free information and advice on Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), which cover taking care of property, financial, and health affairs when we might not be able to.

Simply drop in during the opening times, grab a free coffee, and get all of your questions answered. Find out what’s involved, how you can go about it and pick up some free printed information to take away. 

LPA’s For Locals

07985 143470

lpaforlocals@mail.com

This First Friday Lunch supporting Oakhaven

This month's First Friday Lunch on June 6th at The Bridge will support another local charity - Oakhaven.

Please come and enjoy some Lasagne and Trifle - no need to book.

Just arrive for a 1pm start and pay £8 at the door for a lovely lunch in good company while also helping a very worthy local charity.

Oakhaven

www.oakhavenhospice.co.uk

Afternoon 2-5 Soul Special with Solent Soul at The Bridge

Here is something a little different, an afternoon of classic soul music.

Solent Soul will play the very best soul and Motown from 2pm to 5pm on Tuesday 29th April 2025 at The Bridge.

Dance to the very best of music, and be home in time for tea!

To recreate the original feel from the era, your DJ's John and S-J will be playing all of the music from vinyl.

Bar and cafe open.

Tickets £5. Available from The Bridge Box Office or click here.

John & S-J from Solent Soul

Solent Soul

For all the latest Soul news, music and events: 

www.facebook.com/groups/solentsoul

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Retro Grooves at The Wash House 

You can also catch John from Retro Grooves at The Wash House every Last Sunday in the month. The next date is Sunday 30th March 2025.

Come along to enjoy popular retro classics, anthems, and party music, as John plays tracks from the best bands of the 1960s to late 1980s.

You can even bring your own favourite vinyl single to play on the night, and of course requests are accepted.

The evening will contain a mix of rock, pop, soul, Motown, disco, funk, ska, reggae and R&B tracks from the 1960s to 80's. All ensure a good time and bring back great memories.

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

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

To book your seat please call: 01590 644665.

Retro Grooves are the vinyl only mobile discothèque and all music is played in classic style on original vinyl with authentic sounds from the eras. Meet Retro Grooves at www.retrogrooves.co.uk

Retro Grooves

www.retrogrooves.co.uk

www.newforestdjservices.co.uk

www.facebook.com/retrogroovesdj

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The Bridge 

Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH

office@thebridgemos.org.uk

www.thebridgemos.org.uk

www.facebook.com/MoS-Community-Centre

Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

and occasional Saturdays

01590 644861

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Church Tower Appeal off to a strong start

Bank Holiday Monday, 26th May 2025, saw the successful launch of the appeal for funds to repair All Saints' Church Bell Tower at the Church Open Day and Bellringing event. £1254 was raised in donations, and the first significant pledges were made. 

All the slots for the bellringing were taken with a clear demand for more. 

The day also featured music from West Gallery Quire provided with lots of audience participation whilst enjoying delicious afternoon teas.

You can keep supporting the appeal by supporting the upcoming Tower Fundraising events. Next up are: 

17th June 2025 at 7pm, Choralia in All Saints' Church. Join Choralia for their final rehearsal of Sung Evensong for Salisbury Cathedral. Free entry.

22nd June 2025 2pm to 5pm, Open Garden at 73 Carrington Lane SO41 0RA with teas and plant sales. 

Donations being shared between the All Saints' Church Tower Appeal and Namuwongo Community Foundation (Friends of NCF).

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Pledges for the All Saints' Tower Appeal

Pledges for the Tower Appeal are being sought by 31 July 2025 to enable these urgent repairs to proceed. 

Pledges can be made by emailing: 

treasurer@allsaintsmilford.org.uk, using the pledge forms in the Church, or using the QR code to the left.

Pledges will be called in when enough funds have been committed to enable the works to go ahead.

All Saints' Church & Church Hall

Greenbanks Close, Milford on Sea, SO41 0SQ

01590 644992

office@allsaintsmilford.org.uk

www.allsaintsmilford.org.uk

www.facebook.com/AllSaintsMilfordOnSea

Milford on Sea Rowing Regatta Postponed and Rescheduled

After a very windy week, the organisers have been monitoring the forecast closely. Unfortunately, it has been decided this morning to reschedule the Milford on Sea Rowing Regatta from 31st May to Saturday 12th July 2025.

The wind is set to increase steadily throughout the day with strong gusts building, making launching from the steps at Milford particularly challenging and so, with a full progamme, safety must come first and the call has been made to reschedule rather than have to abandon the event after just a couple of hours.

To read more about the Rowing Regatta, please click here. 

Become a Friend of the Milford on Sea Music Festival

The Milford on Sea Music Festival has launched their Friends of the Festival fundraising programme.

When you become a Festival Friend, your donation helps to ensure that this exciting village event can continue to be free to all.

​You can be a Friend of the Festival as an individual, couple, family, group or business.

Gold Festival Friend: £10 to £49

Platinum Festival Friend: £50 or more

Any amount the music festival receives, large or small, means the whole village community can enjoy the festival together for free.

Every Friend is listed on the music festival website. Should you prefer to remain anonymous, that's fine, too.

You can become a Friend of the Festival by clicking here. 

Meet Our Festival Friends by clicking here. 

It is appreciated that not everyone is in a position to donate, and everyone can still support the festival by buying a programme and coming along to enjoy the weekend. 

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Music Festival Programme - Coming mid-June.

The programmes will be available in village newsagents, some shops, and bars starting mid-June. They can also be bought on the day from the programme sellers around the village green.

​​PLEASE BUY A PROGRAMME for just £3. The programme contains the Act Information and their Stage Times.

The money generated from programme sales helps to fund the festival and keep it free to all.

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About the Milford on Sea Music Festival
Saturday & Sunday 5th & 6th July 2025

The Milford on Sea Music Festival is a free community event organised entirely by village volunteers. The format features local musical talent across many genres for everyone in the village to enjoy.

The music festival is funded by generous sponsors, Friends of the Festival, donations, programme sales, and commissions on festival stalls and leisurewear. If any profit is made, a donation is made to a village charity.

Find out more at www.milfordonseamusicfestival.org

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

Milford on Sea Music Festival is a Community Interest Company (CIC)

CIC Company No.16336094

Petition to Save Our Ice Cream Lady!

We have received the petition below in an attempt to save a long-standing and well-loved local business.

Mark Law writes: 

In our well-meaning support for the Keyhaven/Milford on Sea Parking Scheme, we have unintentionally harmed Debbie’s (our beloved Ice Cream Lady’s) ability to trade.

We’ve started a petition asking Hampshire County Council to grant her an exemption.

Please click the link below to sign and share it to help protect a much loved member of our community.

https://www.change.org/Save_Our_Ice_Cream_Lady

Thank you so much.

The Issue & Why This Matters:

We, the undersigned, call on Councillor Fran Carpenter and Hampshire County Council to grant a written exemption to Debbie, our iconic and much loved Ice Cream Lady, from the proposed Saltgrass Lane / New Lane Parking Scheme in Keyhaven / Milford on Sea.

This scheme threatens the very survival of Debbie’s micro business, a treasured member of our community, which brings joy, comfort, and character to locals and visitors alike.

Who Is Debbie?

Debbie is not just a vendor, she’s a local legend and a heartwarming fixture of the Keyhaven/Milford on Sea experience. For the past 11 years, she has provided:

o Award-winning New Forest Ice Cream

o Crabbing tackle for children at the Crabbing Bridge

o Dog treats for our four-legged friends

o Lost property help

o Tourist information

o First aid support

o A friendly face and listening ear for all ages

Her van is a cherished part of the local landscape, especially for families with young children, and her presence brings life, charm and community spirit to our area.

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The Ice Cream Lady Song

Back in the summer of  2024, Local band, Captain Crackers and The Curiosities 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 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. 

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

www.captaincrackers.band

www.facebook.com/captaincrackersband

www.instagram.com/captaincrackers.band

Sir Desmond Swayne Hurst Spit Survey Results

Local MP Sir Desmond Swayne recently conducted a survey about the Environment Agency's plans to allow Hurst Spit to erode naturally.

This survey ran between 21st March and 18th April 2025, receiving 1198 responses.

The outcome included that:

87% of respondents showed strong public concern: they were 'very' or 'somewhat concerned' about the Environment Agency’s plans for Hurst Spit.

82% of respondents were over 45 years of age.

80% believe the risk of not maintaining Hurst Spit is too high.

To see Full Survey Results, please click here.

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Hurst Spit to Lymington Strategy Drop-In Sessions.

Click here to find out more.

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About 'Save Lymington and Keyhaven' (SLAK)

A local campaign group called 'Save Lymington and Keyhaven' (SLAK) are currently fighting the proposals for the planned long-term abandonment of Hurst Spit and the potential effect on the Danes Stream, Keyhaven and Lymington River.

To read more, please click here.

To follow SLAK and their updates, please visit:

Save Lymington and Keyhaven - SLAK

www.berthon.co.uk/lymington-marina/slak

www.facebook.com/groups/947175910479995

The Village in WW2 Display at The Bridge

You may have noticed a few changes happening outside the Bridge on Wednesday 28 May 2025 as we prepare to welcome people to 'A Nightingale Sang' in honour of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.

As well as enjoying a heartfelt, funny and moving tribute to life on the home front, you can step into a bit of history! 

The Anderson Shelter 
being built

The Anderson Shelter entrance leads to a display of Milford on Sea archives from World War Two provided by the village Historical Records Society and members of the local community.

There will be wartime memorabilia, video archives of the sights and sounds of the war, and a 1940s-themed makeover for the Cafe/bar.

This free display will also be available during the day (10am to 4pm) on Thursday 29 May and Friday 30 May 2025.

'A Nightingale Sang' Tickets: £16 from The Bridge Box Office.

Final tickets are now on sale. Please click here.

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The Bridge 

Milford on Sea Community Centre

Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH

office@thebridgemos.org.uk

www.thebridgemos.org.uk

www.facebook.com/MoS-Community-Centre

Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

and occasional Saturdays

01590 644861

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Voices from the Grave Walking Tour

The Voices from the Grave Walking Tour is back on Wednesday, 4th June 2025 at 7pm.

Hosted by Lymington Town Tours, the 1.5-hour walk starts from Lychgate, All Saints Church, Milford on Sea.

So many interesting people are buried in Milford churchyard – far too many to include in the Story of Milford walk! So this walk gives more time to tell you all about them.

Hear the stories of the Torpedo Man, the Battling Bishop, the Royal Scandal, the Murderous Pearl-Maker, and many more.

The tour will also look at the memorials inside the church if it is open.

There is no need to book; just turn up at the start point a few minutes before the walk time is shown so that you can meet the guide.

Suggested minimum donation of £5 per adult walker. School-age children and well-behaved dogs go free. Cash only. (Cards cannot be taken.)

Please note: Some parts of these walks may have uneven ground or restricted access at some points for wheelchairs or buggies and may not be suitable for those unable to walk easily.

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Programme of Walking Tours

Wednesday 4th June 2025 - 7pm.

Voices from the Grave

Meet at the lych-gate, All Saints Church, Milford on Sea.

Sunday 13th July 2025 - 11am.

Story of Milford Walking Tour

The tour starts on the Village Green and ends on the cliff top at The Beach House.

Wednesday 6th August 2025 - 7pm.

Voices from the Grave

Meet at the lych-gate, All Saints Church, Milford on Sea.

Sunday 17th August 2025 - 11am.

Story of Milford Walking Tour

The tour starts on the Village Green and ends on the cliff top at The Beach House.

Sunday 21st September 2025 - 11am.

Voices from the Grave

Meet at the lych-gate, All Saints Church, Milford on Sea.

Sunday 19th October 2025 - 11am.

Story of Milford Walking Tour

The tour starts on the Village Green and ends on the cliff top at The Beach House.

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Other Walks around Milford on Sea

- Village Walks. 4 to 7 miles: please click here.
- The Pleasure Grounds: please click here.
- Keyhaven Nature Reserve: please click here.
- Dog Friendly Walks: please click here.

- Guided Walk. Story of Milford: please click here.
- Guided Walk. Voices from the Grave: please click here.

WALK LEAFLETS: 

Available from The Village News, which is located at the foot of Milford on Sea Village Green.

- Local Village Walk 

- Nature Reserve Walk

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About Lymington Town Tours 

Lymington Town Tours is a not-for-profit organisation.

The tour guides are volunteers, and the organisation has no official financial backing. To cover administrative costs, please make a donation of £5 per head for each walk (cash only, please).

Private walking tours are available for individuals or groups.

Lymington Town Tours

info@lymington-town-tours.co.uk

www.lymington-town-tours.co.uk