Verveine sweeps Hampshire Awards

Thursday was the night of the Hampshire Life Food & Drink Awards 2011. 

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As we got ready for this lavish annual event, I was unsure how long I would be able to breathe, due to my wife having shrunk my dinner suit trousers since the last time I had worn them.  After a few hours getting ready, and only a few minutes late, my wife had scrubbed up well for a night of glitz & glamour.  We were soon on our way to the Four Seasons Hotel at Dogmersfield House near a remote northern town called Hook.  As we arrived, we cruised up a long sweeping drive to discover the magnificent neo-classical Georgian Dogmersfield House.  At the entrance we were greeted by the very smart hotel team, who were reminiscent of the lines of staff welcoming renowned people at Buckingham Palace.  I asked if the welcome party was just for me, and the manager adeptly ignored my comment and discreetly asked; ‘Are you OK sir, you look a bit red.’  My wife just said ‘He always looks like that when his blood circulation is cut off’, and headed for the waiters with champagne trays.

On the terrace I was pleased to see a few other portly guys also struggling for breath. Starting to recognise some of the esteemed guests, it dawned on me that ‘the great & good in Hampshire food’ was in attendance.  The Hampshire Life Magazine team took the time and trouble to come and introduce themselves, and each one was delightful.  The Verveine team then arrived in all of their finery.  Most other award nominees were in one’s and two’s, but Milford on Sea’s Verveine came mob handed, with none of the team left out of this special occasion.  Their excitement was palpable and infectious.

 

Dogmersfield House was a spectacular and impressive venue, and as we were all invited to take our places for dinner in the ballroom, the wow factor got even bigger.  Magnificently laid tables, grand surroundings and a stage with large plasma screens like an Oscar ceremony.  As over 200 people took their seats, I just looked at the chair and then my trousers, wondering whether it would be the waistband or crotch that gave way first?!  The conversations just flowed as we enjoyed a four course meal, including a spectacular local 'loosehanger' cheese board.  We were even given copious and complimentary wine by local wine merchant Berry Brothers.  I bet our chef, Cyrille Pannier, felt just a little pressure cooking for the array of foodie diners he had in tonight!  Our table was pretty noisy, with the Verveine team having a great time, albeit a little apprehensive for what excitement may lay ahead.

Just after nine, it was time for the ten ‘Food & Drink Awards’ awards of the evening.  Hosting the awards ceremony was Sally Taylor from BBC South Today.  First up was ‘Chef of the Year’.  This award was for the chef considered to demonstrate freshness & quality in their menus, high food standards and raw passion.  The nominees were David Wykes from Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant, Andrew Donovan from the 5 star Aviator Hotel in Farnborough and Damian Brown Executive chef at Chesil Rectory in Winchester.  To raise the tension, a short film was shown on each person.  Then…. ‘The winner is……. David Wykes!’  Our table spontaneously erupted, and it would have been of no surprise to discover one of us had wet ourselves.  It is amazing to think that this extraordinary Milford on Sea village fish restaurant only opened in February 2010.  As David collected his award the celebratory emotions ran high, with the entire Verveine team of David, Stacey, John, Mary Kate, Jackie, Jess & Graham all beside themselves with excitement. David’s wife, Sarah, was also there to share in his proud moment of deserved recognition.  My wife was there mainly because she loves a good party.

 

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A couple of awards later it was time for the ‘Restaurant of the Year’.  This award was to recognise quality of food and service, value for money and the overall dining experience.  This time Verveine were again up against serious competition from Pebble Beach in Barton on Sea and Chesil Rectory in Winchester.  Another film, more tension.  Then Sally said; ‘And the winner is… Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant!’.  Our table exploded again, everyone jumping in the air, hugs all round and kisses were everywhere.  I think I took the unknown lady on the table next to us by surprise when I kissed her on the lips.  But in a funny way I think she enjoyed it, although she tried to feign resistance by punching me hard in the kidneys.  It did hurt, but in a strange way I was pleased that it had taken my mind off of my strangulating waist band.  Stacey & David proudly collected their award from the stage to a room of loud applause.  It is clear they were popular winners, and anyone who has dined at Verveine can only be impressed by the creative menu, fresh ingredients, slick service and the theatre of the entire experience.     

The last award of the evening was for ‘The Hampshire Recognition Award’.  By this stage my bow tie had gone, shirt undone, jacket off and I was one stage from undoing my trousers.  So, it took me a bit by surprise when my name was called.  I was also a bit embarrassed, as all I do is pull together other peoples hard work.  I was the most unkempt person in the room, so I was guaranteed to spoil all of the nice photos the organisers had been taking so much trouble to get perfect all night.  As far as I am concerned, this award is genuinely for everyone in the Milford on Sea community who work so hard organising or getting involved with Food Week events for all ages groups, and of course for everyone in the village who enthusiastically turn out to support the many and various events throughout Milford on Sea Food Week.  It is more than enough for me just to see a village full of smiling people.  I am now a bit unsure where to put this unexpected trophy, so I may drop it round to a random house in the village and ask them to pass it on each day.

As the evening drew to a close it was evident that many new friendships had been forged, and all of the Hampshire food providers had been drawn a little closer together, which can only be good for everyone who enjoys food in our county.  As everyone boarded the Milford on Sea bus home it was clear that the driver was going to have to endure the continued celebrations of the Verveine team for quite a while!

Well done and thank you to everyone at Hampshire Life, ….you put on a spectacular evening.  Big congratulations also go to all in Milford on Sea, the village won three out of the evenings ten awards, and all because you support the efforts so many are making to put Milford on Sea on the map for great food.  Keep eating!

www.verveine.co.uk

Saturday is Carnival Fun Day!

Don’t miss out on the late summer fun on Milford on Sea village green this Saturday.  The Milford Carnival Fun Day starts at 10am and runs right through until 8pm. The day has lots of free live music & entertainment for the family, with plenty to keep you refreshed, such as a BBQ, fresh Doughnuts and Pimms.  There is also loads for the kids to enjoy, including a Bouncy Castle, Climbing Wall and Assault Course.  Keeping the traditional theme going, you can also have a go on the Coconut Shy, Bat the Rat, Tombola, Raffle and other traditional village green games.

This year, whilst no carnival procession, there is a Fancy Dress competition with the theme of ‘Children’s TV characters’.  Contestant will gather at 4.15pm in the High Street where the judging will take place.  The first prize in the Fancy Dress Competition is a family passport ticket to Longleat.  (Entry forms are now available from Gwen’s, or by e-mail from sean@hwsolicitors.com)  The day’s festivities are drawn to a close with the Grand Raffle Draw at 7.45pm.  Enjoy your Carnival day, it’s always a good one!

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Organised by Milford on Sea Village Community Committee

Big Cat sighting in village

We had an interesting story in this week, which reported a sighting of a ‘big cat’ in Milford on Sea. (Unlike a lot of the nonsense stories on these pages, this one is actually true.)

This all happened around 8am on Monday 22nd August.  A local village resident was walking their dog down New Lane (Milford on Sea) towards Carrington Caravan Park and is convinced she has seen something very unusual.  It was definitely not a dog or a big domestic cat, but looked like a very black big puma sized cat.  The 'big cat' was between the woods and the open fields.  The person in question is absolutely sure it was something out of the ordinary, and asked me to ensure everyone that she hadn't been drinking!

Anyone else seen anything strange out there?   Let me know: david@milfordonsea.org

Suzanna cuts way to award

Suzanna Reeves recently won a National Hair Dressing Federation Competition in the bridal section.  Suzanna lives in the village and is 24 years old.  She has been involved with hairdressing for 10 years, and a qualified hairdresser for the past 7 years.  She has also had compliments on her work from TV’s style team ‘Trinny and Suzanna’ and completed a photo shoot for Women's Own magazine.  Having managed a hair salon, she recently decided to take the bold step to set up her own business called ‘Home Hair Professional’ in Milford on Sea village.  Suzanna brings the salon experience to clients homes, including complimentary hand and arm massage and all necessary equipment to do; Men's hair, Children, Small Bridal parties, highlights, colouring, cutting, setting, perming, and prom hair.

If anyone is interested in trying Suzanna’s friendly & affordable home service, she is happy to give a 10% discount for any new clients who mention this article. (This excludes men's and children’s cuts, as these can’t get any cheaper!)

Suzanna: 07964 375463 | homehairprofessional@gmail.com

Keep Fit & Speak Spanish

As the school holidays draw to close, many of the adult classes are restarting around the village.  Milford on Sea is of course a place with lots going on, but did you realise just how much?

The village has scores of clubs and classes, where you can keep fit, paint or even learn Spanish.  If you would like a way to fit in more than one activity at time, you could even try the Monday Keep Fit and Dance sessions in the Community Centre!  Whatever class or club you would like to get involved with, you are sure of a warm welcome.

Unfortunately, I can’t join some of the classes, as I am banned from the Dance Studio after spontaneously doing an impressive break dance and damaging the floor.

You can take a look at all that is happening in September on the link below, just click on the entry to find full details, contacts and the venue.  View Milford on Sea Community Calendar by clicking here.

To find the ‘Clubs & Classes Calendar’ at any time, just go to the main Milford on Sea Calendar and select from the drop down as below.

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www.milfordonseacalendar.org

Fastnet at Westover

Last Sunday was of course the internationally famous Rolex Fastnet Race, where 300 yachts race over a course of 608 nautical miles from Cowes, IoW, rounds the Fastnet Rock off the southwest coast of Ireland and then finish at Plymouth. The first Fastnet Race was held in 1925 with 5 entries, today the field includes some of the most technically advanced, and spectacular yachts in the world.

The best vantage points to watch this sea racing spectacle are at the narrowest part of the Solent at Hurst Castle or on Hurst Spit, or from Milford on Sea beach, where you can see the racers sail past The Needles and out across Christchurch Bay.  Now with this big build up I suspect you are waiting for me to tell you how I was dragged in the sea by a cephalopod as I was trying to walk along Hurst Spit, or how I had been a senior crew member on the winning yacht.  However, whilst probable, neither would be true.  In fact, I missed most of the race boats coming through, as I was preparing for a Sunday lunch at the Westover Hall.  No special occasion, other than my wife thought it was a good idea for her to have a day off cooking, and our friends like any excuse to eat out.

Thankfully, our good neighbours did a fine job in keeping an eye on the Fastnet Race activity for us.  The first casualty they spotted was a 40ft Princess cruiser motor yacht called ‘Don't Ask’ registered in Poole.  The name ironically proved somewhat apt. Apparently ‘Don't Ask’ very nearly came ashore on Milford on Sea beach, before it temporarily got its motor going again for a brief stint.  Seastart (a sort of marine AA owned by local man Nick Eales) got to it when it was anchored about 100 yards out in front of the bowling green. (See picture.)  The bowlers ignored it of course - very British.  After some pumping out, it limped off towards Keyhaven in a cloud of black smoke.  It is unknown whether the captain & crew had sufficient qualities of gin on board to survive through their ordeal.

The second stricken vessel was a 30-40ft cruiser with its spinnaker wrapped around its hull & problems with its jib. (I also have problems with my jib’s, mainly because my wife likes to give me regular rabbit punches there when I am not looking.)  After about a half hour of struggling, it got help from the lifeboat, who eventually managed to tow it to safety.

Still not out of the Solent, one of the Fastnet competitor yachts then got into trouble, making Strontium Dog the 3rd casualty spotted off of Milford on Sea.  It seems it drifted in from well out before the Yarmouth lifeboat came on the scene. Strontium Dog was also towed by the lifeboat. (separately of course.)  To assist the general mayhem, the wind force was at 6.  So, all in all, an average afternoon in Milford!

Whilst all this was happening we were eating too much with our friends.  Well, I say eating too much, but the truth is that my friend, who wishes to remain anonymous, (Colin) is an extremely bad influence, and he had insisted we had a couple of drinks in the bar before eating.  After a couple, and pleasant catch up with our great hosts, David & Christine, we wandered (not in a straight line) to the formal, but extremely relaxed One Park Lane Restaurant.  We had a great view of the race from the window, but I was chatting (my wife seems to describe this more as ‘talking nonsense’) so much I forgot all about the Fastnet Race.  Originally we had planned to have the twelve pound something Sunday roast, which has always been great value, but a few a la carte dishes caught our eye.  A fine onion soup with homemade rolls soon arrived along with a bottle of wine, then delicious surf & turf, followed by more wine and a delightful deconstructed Eton mess.  The Westover kitchen team certainly know how cook!  Suitably refreshed in all areas, it was now time to go home.  But, other plans soon took over, as we boys ordered cheese and port.  The wives had matching faces of complete distain for their red cheeked husbands.  In spite of missing the beginning of the race we had had a great lunch, and for some reason the walk home was longer than the walk there.  I suspect that after this outing it was a bit optimistic to expect to stay awake to watch any afternoon Fastnet action.  So, if any happened in the afternoon you have my wife and anonymous friend to blame for it not being reported.

A few days later, and in a vain attempted to recover any small remaining credibility I had as a local reporter, I decided to do some ‘after the event’ research.  I discovered that the remaining competitors in The Fastnet Race descended on the finish line between 0000 and 0200, and that only 105 boats, or just over one third of the record-sized fleet, crossed the finish line.  I have no idea what day this was on, as the website was not clear, and deciphering the ‘sailing speak’ was too much for a mere occasional sailor like me.   So, it might have been anything from one to six days, which was either really fast, or really slow, absolutely no idea!

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PS: Mike Collison took a more grown up approach to the Fastnet Race, by deciding to miss Sunday lunch and watch the race properly. Mike's impressive Fastnet photos are below.

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www.fastnet.rorc.org

Faster Broadband on way

We were told some welcome news this week by Felix, one of our readers.  He recently spoke to BT about the perennial problem of poor internet speed in Milford on Sea.  He was told that in March 2012 we will see our internet exchange updated to ADSL2+.  Basically this means that we will get speeds up to 24Mbps download and 1.4Mbps upload.  In other words, the internet will get faster for everyone.  Fingers crossed that we will all be saying 'Nice one BT!' next Spring.

What’s happening on Bank Holiday

If you fancy seeing all that is happening in Milford on Sea and nearby for this weekend, and next bank holiday weekend, please click the link below:

www.milfordonseacalendar.org

PS: Don't miss Milford on Sea Carnival Funday on the village green next Saturday!

Artists at work!

It is probably no surprise that the natural beauty of the Milford on Sea coastline and surrounding countryside creates inspiration for many local artists.  For most of the year they are hidden away quietly creating works with their brushes, and this is the time of the year they emerge to show us the results of their efforts.

Today of course the village has ‘Art on the Green’, with an exhibition & sale of paintings from local artists. Refreshments also being served, so why not pop along to the village green.  Last weekend was Milford Art Group Exhibition, organised by the talented artists of Milford Art Group & Lymington Art Group.

From next Monday 15th August, until 29th August there is a Local Artists' Art Exhibition featuring: Tessa van Hasslet, Kate Danby, Shaun Stevens & Tony Clegg at Keyhaven Scout Hut (In car park opposite The Gun Inn pub). The exhibition is Free Entry with refreshments available in aid of Keyhaven Sea Scouts.

Hot on their heals follows the annual Hampshire Open Studios from Saturday 20th August until Bank Holiday Monday 29th August.  The Hampshire Open Studios is held at various studio locations across Milford on Sea (& New Forest), just follow the pink signs to find all of the local artists exhibiting in our village & nearby. The artist studios include art in many forms including: paintings, sculpture, woodwork, jewellery and pottery.

Where to find Milford on Sea artists: (All Free Entry)

Tessa van Hasslet, Kate Danby, Shaun Stevens & Tony Clegg at:
Keyhaven Scout Hut.
Joyce Grainger, Christine Rix & 'Bradley The New Forest Bear!' at:
Carrington Studio, 73 Carrington Lane, SO41 0RA
David Rogers: Vinegar Hill Pottery, Vinegar Hill, SO41 0RZ
Splinters Art Group with 8 local artists: All Saints' Church Hall
Maryvonne Hallet: 8 Glebefields, SO41 0WW
Eileen & Peter Sey: Coppins, Barnes Lane, SO41 0RR
Christina Young: Creek End, Saltgrass Lane, Keyhaven, SO41 0TQ

To see all that is happening, please visit:

www.milfordonseacalendar.org
www.hampshireopenstudios.co.uk/locations/new-forest

Hal of a Comedy Night

Milford on Sea has another top name comedian visiting the Community Centre at the end of September.  Hal Cruttenden is one of the UK’s top stand up comics, and fresh from television appearances on ‘Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow’ (BBC1), ‘Comedy Rocks’ (ITV) and ‘The Rob Brydon Show’ (BBC2). If you have caught Hal on TV, I guess there a good chance that you may share my opinion that this guy is at the top of his profession.  I think his style was well put by ‘The Stage’: ‘Certainly not your typical comedian - and this is where he wins hands down over most others. Instead of relying on tired, old cliches for his humour, he actively sets out to attack and dismantle them, thus opening up those obvious new ways of seeing the world. Immensely satisfying.’

If you fancy seeing some snippets of Hal at work please click here:
www.halcruttenden.com/video

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The next Milford Comedy Club is on Thursday 29th September, and tickets are available from Gwen’s in the High Street, or from:

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

Library offers something Shiny, Tiny or Techy

Milford on Sea Library has a good news story in these times of austerity and cuts.  Like every other library, their services have been under threat, however it appears they are safe for at least the time being. The local village community have certainly been vocal in their support, and also active in using its services.  If you have never visited our friendly neighbourhood library, it is situated in the Village Hall, Park Road (behind Mr Pink’s Chip Shop).  Some of the services offered include: Books, Audio Books, Large Print Books, Children's Books, Internet Access, Colour Printing and DVDs.  There is also a Library Club, on the second Wednesday of every month, for the housebound. (Transport provided)

Not standing still, Milford on Sea Library is also now offering regular Leisure Classes, the first being a Jewellery Workshop at 1pm - 4pm on 28th September.  For the mum’s, there is Toddlertime, which provides rhymes and stories for the under 5s from 9.30am - 10am on the first Friday of every month. (Starting Friday 7th October), and finally for those that wish to understand computers more, there are Free Computer Taster Sessions on Wednesday mornings (By arrangement), where you can discover how to use email, the internet and even how to print photos and more.  Let’s hope the new services available are popular, and that our library continues to received its well deserved support.

Milford on Sea Library Opening Hours

Monday 2.30pm - 5.30pm

Tuesday 2.30pm - 4.30pm

Wednesday 10am - 12.30pm

Friday 10am - 12.30pm

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/library/milford-on-sea-library.htm

New Forest Pub Guide

CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) have published their latest New Forest Pub Guide.  As you may expect some great pubs across the New Forest are included in the 190 listings, and all of our excellent Milford on Sea village pubs are also included.  The guide features information on the facilities of each pub, and its breweries & beers.  If you would like a copy of the guide, it is available in Milford on Sea from The Red Lion and The White Horse.

http://www.shantscamra.org.uk/beer/newforest

Hurst Castle Ferry Crew in rescue mission

Last Wednesday (3^rd August) the crew of the Keyhaven Ferry, which runs between Keyhaven Quay and Hurst Castle, spotted a yacht in distress on the Keyhaven River. Immediately in action to help, ferry skipper, Jason Crane called for one of his smaller boats and went to assist along with Ewan Brown, one of his crew.

On arrival, the yacht (Altaire) had run aground and Ewan calmly performed CPR on the skipper. It appears he had suffered a heart attack & no pulse was evident. During the emergency, the single inexperienced crew member on the Altaire did all he could to help, and was understandably shocked & distressed.

The Hurst Castle Ferry guys called the Coastguard and briefed the air crew what to expect whilst waiting for helicopter to take the patient to hospital. The Keyhaven river warden was also soon on the scene. Sadly, despite everyone’s valiant efforts, it appears the yacht skipper did not ultimately survive.

Reading a couple of blogs on the emergency, it appears Jason & Ewan were extremely calm and professional in a serious situation. And their swift action and seamanship were exemplary.

Knowing people like Jason & Ewan are around makes the world a better place.

www.hurstcastle.co.uk/ferries.html

David Mans on way to The Pole

Among six sailors attempting to make history by rowing all the way to the magnetic North Pole is Dave Mans, the son Keith Mans, a Milford on Sea resident and councilor at the National Park Authority. Dave’s epic journey is now underway and their 450-mile voyage is expected to take between four and six weeks to complete.

The expedition is led by Polar explorer Jock Wishart, and they are rowing in a specially designed craft, built by Rossiter Yachts in Christchurch, Dorset.

The expedition party also includes a BBC cameraman and adventurer, Mark Beaumont. Mark is making a documentary about the expedition for TV.  (My wife suggested that I should apply to join the crew, apparently it would be good for my soul and I need the exercise.  She said she would really miss me for six weeks, but she would cope with the disappointment.  I suspect that really means, it would be great to lose you for six weeks, so I can go shopping endlessly, watch Eastenders without me loudly tutting, and meet with friends to talk about nothing for hours on end.  However, when I discovered they were not staying in luxury hotels each night I became less enchanted with the idea.  I then considered my aversion to the cold and hard work, and decided it was best I stay in the warm, continue to irritate my wife, and just read about how they get on.)

Dave Mans is a 28-year-old and currently serving as an Army Officer with The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment in London. His eight years’ service has seen him serve in locations such as Afghanistan, Nigeria and Norway. To gain his place on the team, Dave beat a list of 47 international competitors who were invited to compete head-to-head in a Pole Position Challenge Day in November last year. They were tested on their physical and mental abilities, took part in a two and a half hour endurance row, group interviews and psychometric tests.  (Hmmm, not sure I would have got through that bit.)

Dave’s father, Keith was also in the military, having had a career as a pilot with the Royal Air Force.  He was the Member of Parliament for Wyre in Lancashire for ten years and from 1998 Chief Executive of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He is Chairman of the Oakhaven Hospice, Chairman of the Air League and a Trustee of the Hampshire Air Ambulance Trust.  It is evident where Dave gets his energy from!

If you would like to follow Dave's exciting adventure, you can do so on the weblink below:

www.rowtothepole.com/latest-news

Robbie & Bublé coming to Milford

We have heard that Robbie Williams and Michael Bublé are to be in Milford on Sea in September.

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Well, not actually the real ones, but a highly acclaimed tribute performer, by the name of Max Hutton.  Max is without doubt one of the UK’s top tributes to Robbie Williams.  Over his 10 years performing as Robbie, Max has played to large crowds all over the UK and worldwide, appeared in one of Robbie’s pop videos and even performed as the man himself, live at Knebworth!  He also seamlessly transforms into Canadian crooner and swing sensation Michael Bublé, performing a set of his international chart hits.

The shows are taking place at Zaika Indian Restaurant, and as you may expected there is also a tasty meal to accompany the nights musical excitement.

According to Kalam, tickets are already selling quickly for the ‘Robbie & Bublé Party Night’, so if you fancy going along with your partner, group of friends, or even for a girl’s night out, it might be worth booking now.

Zaika also have a new website that may be worth checking out.  The link is below for anyone interested.

www.zaikanewforest.co.uk | Tel: 01590 643084
www.maxhutton.co.uk

B&B’s boom in Milford

Milford on Sea has a new addition to the B&B accommodation available to holiday makers. New to the B&B community, ‘Dee's B&B by the Sea’, is in Knowland Drive and run by Dee Clarke.  Dee is now offering a double en-suite room in her recently built chalet bungalow.

Dee, along with her husband Tony, also run a company called Nuts & Berries, which sells wholefoods, nuts, berries, dried fruits & pulses.  You may have seen them at the Food Market during Milford on Sea Food Week.  I did briefly, but it all seemed to healthy, so I quickly moved onto the pies, chocolate & cake stalls!

Our village is of course a great holiday destination, but unlike places such as Bournemouth or Blackpool, the plethora of accommodation available is not evident as you travel around the village.  However, it might surprise you to know that the village has 17 Bed and Breakfast establishments.  It also has 36 self-catering properties, 2 hotels, static holiday homes at Carrington Park & Dowton, Lytton Lawn Touring & Camping Park, and Shorefield Country Park with holiday homes, chalets and caravans.  That’s a lot of beds!

Milford on Sea is also quickly becoming a ‘Foodie Destination’.  Our growing number of quality restaurants, added to the great pub food and café culture, is now attracting visitors for more reasons than just our spectacular location.  Whatever reason people chose to visit, they are all warmly welcomed as far as I am concerned, as they help keep our village shops and businesses alive, and contribute a lot to keeping our village vibrant.

www.milfordonsea.org/where-to-stay

www.deesbnb.co.uk

A Song for the village

Milford on Sea Total Voice Choir unveiled a new song in their repertoire at last weekend’s Royal British Legion event. This time, Choir leader Christine and her second lieutenants, did not simply add a popular classic or rock tune, they added an old song with new lyrics about the village. I don’t know how many of our readers will be able to recall the sixties band, The Kinks (Knowing Milford on Sea’s demographic, I suspect most will!), some may even remember their song ‘Village Green Preservation Society’. Well the tune is the same, but now the Milford singing crew sing about our shops, pubs, festival and local attractions. As you may expect, the choir belt out this new number with all of the gusto and enthusiasm for which they are becoming well known.

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If you would like to hear the new ‘village song’, Total Voice will be performing at the Milford on Sea Carnival Fun Day on the village green, on Saturday 27^th August.

www.totalvoice.co.uk

David Mans on way to the North Pole





Among six sailors attempting to make history by rowing all the way to the magnetic North Pole is Dave Mans, the son Keith Mans, a Milford on Sea resident and councilor at the National Park Authority. Dave’s epic journey is now underway and their 450-mile voyage is expected to take between four and six weeks to complete.

The expedition is led by Polar explorer Jock Wishart, and they are rowing in a specially designed craft, built by Rossiter Yachts in Christchurch, Dorset.

The expedition party also includes a BBC cameraman and adventurer, Mark Beaumont. Mark is making a documentary about the expedition for TV.  (My wife suggested that I should apply to join the crew, apparently it would be good for my soul and I need the exercise.  She said she would really miss me for six weeks, but she would cope with the disappointment.  I suspect that really means, it would be great to lose you for six weeks, so I can go shopping endlessly, watch Eastenders without me loudly tutting, and meet with friends to talk about nothing for hours on end.  However, when I discovered they were not staying in luxury hotels each night I became less enchanted with the idea.  I then considered my aversion to the cold and hard work, and decided it was best I stay in the warm, continue to irritate my wife, and just read about how they get on.)

Dave Mans is a 28-year-old and currently serving as an Army Officer with The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment in London. His eight years’ service has seen him serve in locations such as Afghanistan, Nigeria and Norway. To gain his place on the team, Dave beat a list of 47 international competitors who were invited to compete head-to-head in a Pole Position Challenge Day in November last year. They were tested on their physical and mental abilities, took part in a two and a half hour endurance row, group interviews and psychometric tests.  (Hmmm, not sure I would have got through that bit.)

Dave’s father, Keith was also in the military, having had a career as a pilot with the Royal Air Force.  He was the Member of Parliament for Wyre in Lancashire for ten years and from 1998 Chief Executive of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He is Chairman of the Oakhaven Hospice, Chairman of the Air League and a Trustee of the Hampshire Air Ambulance Trust.  It is evident where Dave gets his energy from!

You can follow their progress on the weblink below:

www.rowtothepole.com/latest-news

Milford on Sea, Home to award winning chutney!

Anyone who has spotted & bought the chutneys made by Spice ‘n’ Easy on the shelves of Hollands of Milford, will already know how tasty they are.  To his credit, Paul works hard to support and promote products made near to home.  Indeed, the more you visit Hollands, the more you spot ranges of various local produce. 

Spice ‘n’ Easy’s range of chutneys, sauces, spicy cooking pastes & marinades are all made here in Milford on Sea by Claire Lee.  She uses locally grown raw ingredients where ever possible, combined with herbs and spices from around the world to create delicious unique exotic flavours fresh from the New Forest.

At the recent national ‘Great Taste Awards 2011’, Spice ‘n’ Easy won two Gold Great Taste Awards.  Claire’s ‘Spiced Carrot & Pumpkin Chutney’ won gold in the Mixed Vegetable Chutney Class, and ‘Sweet Onion Marmalade’ won gold in the Savoury Marmalade Class.

The Great Taste Awards are organised by the Guild of Fine Food.  The awards are now in their 18^th year, and 7481 products were entered from 1600 companies this year. It took 350 experts, 34 days to blind taste all the entries and decide which entries would achieve the coveted one, two and three star gold awards.  (Now that’s a job I’d like to have!)  Bob Farrand, Chairman for The Great Taste Awards, said: “Winning Gold in the country’s largest and most respected independent food accreditation scheme is a massive pat on the back for any producer - independent proof their products are of the highest quality.“  I am guessing Claire is feeling pretty proud, and so she should be.  Yet again something else putting Milford on Sea on the map for food!

Claire founded Spice ‘n’ Easy in 2002 after returning to Milford on Sea from living and travelling in Malaysia and the Far East.  Claire said; “I am really delighted to have won these awards. Spiced Carrot & Pumpkin Chutney is my best selling product so I think all my customers should give themselves a pat on the back as they obviously have award winning taste!! Onion Marmalade is one of my firm favourites great in a sausage sandwich and delicious with a creamy goat’s cheese.”

The ‘Spiced Carrot & Pumpkin Chutney’ is one of the original Spice ‘n’ Easy products. The range now has grown to around 30 different lines including the ever popular fresh Curry and Chilli Pastes, with seasonal specialities such as Marinades for the summer, and unique Christmas goodies including Spiced Mulling Syrup and Christmas Mincemeat with Whiskey & Ginger.

The award winning chutney & marmalade are available for sale in Hollands.  Also, Simon and Sarah Relph (the extremely friendly new owners at Braxton Garden Tearooms) have also selected Carrot & Pumpkin Chutney to accompany their Ploughman’s lunch, and Christine at Inger-Lise's Coffee Shop serves the Onion Marmalade on her menu.  You will also be able to find Claire with her Spice ‘n’ Easy stall in the Local Food and Farming section at this year’s New Forest Show. Look for the Chilli Windsocks!  So, there are no shortages of places to go where you can get a literal ‘Taste of Milford on Sea’!

If anyone is interested in becoming a Spice ‘n’ Easy stockist please contact Claire Lee on 01590 645646 or info@spiceneasy.co.uk

www.spiceneasy.co.uk

JW opens in village

You may have seen the refurbishment work going on at The Old Bank House in Milford on Sea High Street over the past few months.  Well, all is now revealed, and we now have a new hair, hair and holistic establishment.

A quick look at their new website and I discovered more.  It appears that Jane Watkins, the new owner and styling director, has been a hairdresser for many years, having trained under L’Oreal in many of London’s famous salons, including Fenwick’s of Bond Street, Fortnum and Mason, Selfridges and many more.   Jane made her home the Forest area 20 years ago, she has owned a number of salons locally, and is widely acknowledged to be the top specialist in Bridal hair in the New Forest and surrounding area.  She is also a Matrix / Biolage Training Consultant.

The new salon appears to cover a wide range of service including hairdressing, beauty treatments, refexology, reiki and jin shin jyutsu. (The last one sounds like a martial art to me!)  The list of other services is also extensive, and they include a spa capsule (which looks a bit like a space capsule, but doesn’t actually go anywhere)  and even a psychic clairvoyant medium.

If you fancy finding out more, here is JW’s new website: www.jw-milford.com