The Marine Café Shuts its Doors

Things are changing at The Marine on Milford on Sea seafront.

A few months ago the Blue Horizon Restaurant opened on the first floor, run by Stephen Caunter. This new venture is doing well, and will continue to go from strength to strength.

The downstairs café-bar is however a different story.

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Richard Thompson rebuilt this impressive art-deco style building five years ago, taking inspiration from the original building from the 1930's.

Although, a period design, the inside is modern, with expensive fittings and facilities which were destined to give customers a great experience. There is even a underground wine cellar with a glass roof in the café/bar floor. Add to this the inspiring and spectacular sea views over The Needles and Christchurch Bay - on paper everything was set for an successful business.

However, the spectacular location proved a major problem. On a bright summers day there are few places you would rather be, and if you ever took a drink on the roof terrace in the sun it would still stir delightful memories.

Although relatively close to the village centre, a cold, wet or windy day or night was enough to ensure that the café was empty more often than not. The bar element never took off, as people did not realise they could call in as a bar, rather than just a café.

Then of course there was the freak Valentine Night Storm in 2014, which flooded and destroyed so much of the building. 

After many difficult months, Richard painstakingly put the building back together and reopened - now facing even greater premiums for his insurance.

Richard has tried many things to make the café-bar work all year round, but the harsh reality is that the weather dependant and seasonal nature of the location means that the business simply does not work. Indeed, there are numerous times when the takings have not even covered the staff wages.

So, unable to continue running at a loss, Richard made a decision with a heavy heart, to cease trading and shut the doors of  The Marine Café-Bar for the final time last Saturday. (19th December 2015.)

To try and make this wonderful building into a true asset to the village, Richard has now submitted a Planning Application to NFDC, to seek permission to change the ground floor cafe-bar into additional B&B Accommodation. There are already B&B rooms upstairs that are well used and enjoyed by regular visitors, and these will remain alongside the Blue Horizon Restaurant.

It is sad to see The Marine Café-Bar go, but no-one can run a business for ever at a loss.

Blue Horizon Restaurant

From 1st January 2016: Open for Breakfast, Morning Coffee, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner.

www.bluehorizonrestaurant.co.uk

Manners Maketh Man

I am of course a bit old to be going to school, and having spent most of my school days in detention, bunking off or getting the cane, it was with some trepidation that I accepted an invitation to go to meet with Matthew Hill, the headmaster at our village primary school. 

The last time I was summoned by a headmaster my palms throbbed for a week.

Anyway, I arrived. I was a little late, as my wife had forced me to change from the grey short trousers and school jumper I had spent over 30 minutes squeezing in to.

I was taken through to the reception area to await my meeting to discuss Food Week with Mr Hill and Rachel Lewis of the PFA. (Note: What the kids are going to do for Food Week is awesome, and will be excitedly revealed in due course.)

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In the reception area I was immediately drawn to a poster on the wall which raised my spirits and gave me a satisfied glow.

Our village children are being taught manners!
(Please click image to see the poster)

Doesn't it make you feel good that our teachers see manners as a priority in the building blocks to becoming a good adult.

In a world that moves so fast, and changes all the time, it is heart-warming to know that that some real human values are not being lost, and indeed, they are being embraced at our village school.

After our meeting, Matthew (I couldn't help but call him 'Sir'), took me on a school tour. I say school, but it is in fact a Tardis.

From the outside the school looks like a quaint Victorian village schoolhouse, but once inside the vista opens up into a modern teaching environment with impressive facilities and lots of bright and airy classrooms.

As we passed the main hall the entire school were practising their songs for a Christmas performance to the parents. Seeing and hearing happy children singing is one of life's simple and pure delights.

The school is currently nurturing 380 pupils, which shows that we have lots of young families in the village. (Who said you have to be retired to live in Milford on Sea!)

As we crossed the Pre-School playground a sign on the wall drew my attention. Yet again there was list of values to provide any child with a great way to live their life. (Please click image to see the sign)

In the primary school grounds there was more to discover, like the vegetable beds where the children were growing, amongst other more ordinary things, sea kale and asparagus. Both of which they intend to sell to village restaurants/shops, not only raise funds, but also to give the kids experience of small business.

There is also a full size swimming pool, and fenced off 'secret place' with a pond, den making, and camp fire where the children cook, play & learn in the summer.

The recently installed and impressive 'Eco Pod' is equipped with microscopes where the kids can examine insects that they gather from the pond.

To complete the tour we went to see the chickens, which the children look after, and collect eggs from on a daily basis.

It is clear that our school is quietly creating a generation of people to be proud of in our plain sight.

Total respect goes to Matthew and all of his team of teachers, administrators and other helpers - It is impressive that things like manners are valued so highly as it will give all of the children a great start in life.

Milford on Sea Primary School
www.mosps.co.uk

Food Week Loses Largest Sponsor

Since the first Food Week in 2010 we have been delighted and grateful that Southern Co-op have been a fabulously generous sponsor, by paying around £3000 for the Cookery Theatre hire every year.

Sadly for us both, these difficult economic times have meant that they are no longer able to provide support to such a high level.

Lucky for us, they are still giving us excellent support by sponsoring the CakeFest! for £500, and the village store manager, Alina is fully supporting Food Week by arranging a number of events with her team.

We would like to thank Southern Co-op for the generous support that they continue to give us.

As Karl Marx said; "The only constant is change."

What Now

As you will have worked out, we now have a big hole in the finances for Food Week 2016, so effectively we need to place an advert in the Lonely Hearts section of the Advertiser & Times reading; 'Big Bloke seeks new main sponsor!'

Food Week 2016 has over 100 events arranged, and it is normally only large commercial operations that would take on such an extensive week long event. We however are down to earth village folk and our Food Week is totally created by volunteers who gain no more than the pleasure they see when everyone enjoys what is created.

Behind the scenes the Food Week volunteers are able to create and manage for free the website, blogs, social media, PR, artwork, design, accounting, raffle ticket sales and loads of administration and running around!

However, to make Food Week what it is, there are essential expenses which appear from every corner for the things that you do see; free programmes, banners, posters, flags, etc. - then there are the things that you do not see, like the painful and costly administration for road closures, liability insurance, raffle licensing, etc. Added to this, each celebrity show only washes its face if we sell all of the tickets, so we nervously face a loss if they are not successful.

Anyway, as you can see we need to raise a few quid pretty sharpish.

Food Week will definitely take place in all of its glory one way or another, we will not let it fail, and in the immortal words of Del Boy; "He who dares wins, he who hesitates... doesn't!"

You can help if you would like by: 
Becoming a Friend of Food Week for £25 (click here)
or a Business Sponsor: Gold £150 - Silver £75 (click here)

Thanks to everyone who has already given their support, Food Week could not happen without you and we are very appreciative. - If you supported us last time, and are happy to do so again, please let me know as soon as possible. (david@milfordonsea.org)

As you may notice from our sponsors, we do not approach any large organisations unless they have a direct connection with Milford on Sea. Our event is by the village, for the village.

Cookery Theatre Sponsor 

I know this is a long shot, but there might just be someone out there who could help, or who knows someone who might help. 

Become Our Cookery Theatre Sponsor. What you get:

• Your Logo/Name and Sponsorship Support displayed on Cookery Theatre all week.

• Your Logo/Name and Sponsorship Support displayed on Food Week Banners.

• Main Sponsor Entry and a Gold Sponsor Entry printed in the Food Week Programme (20,000+ Free copies circulated) 

• Quarter Page (Landscape) Advert in Food Week Programme. (Sponsor to provide artwork.)

• Main Sponsor Entry in the Top Right Hand Corner of the Home Page with Web Link on www.milfordfoodweek.org

• Free additional Gold Sponsor Entry with Web Link on website. (click here)

Cost: £2500
For more information please contact David on david@milfordonsea,org 

As my mum always says; "If you don't hold your pudding up, you won't get any treacle." - so, fingers crossed, it is Christmas after all - and surprising things happen!


MILFORD ON SEA FOOD WEEK

Bank Holiday Monday 28th March to Sunday 3rd April 2016

If you love food, you will love Food Week!

www.milfordfoodweek.org

Want to know more about Food Week? - please click here.

Seals Spotted at Hurst Castle

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The beauty of Milford on Sea and its surrounding areas never ceases to enchant, and to add to this, seals have recently been spotted at Hurst Castle.

Having spoken to both Sean & Jason (Hurst Castle Guardians) in the past, this is not a particularity rare occurrence, and when they list the wildlife they see throughout the year it is quite amazing.

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PS: If you are in the village, check out Shaun Steven's new Porcelain Hurst Castle Mugs and Coasters which are now available in the Hurst Castle Shop.

Hurst Castle
www.hurstcastle.co.uk

Shaun Stevens Art
www.shaunstevensart.com

Eco School Green Flag for Pre-School

Milford on Sea Pre-School are very proud to have been awarded the top award from Eco Schools, and they are one of few pre-schools to achieve this.

The award was achieved by maintaining their Action Plan in areas such as recycling, gardening and energy. Since joining the project they have learnt lots of new eco-language and changed their daily routines to incorporate the action plan. The pre-school has also had visitors to see demonstrations of the pond dipping, recycling and composting.

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Milford on Sea Pre-School have also held an open garden and toy swap. They are now recycling batteries, paper, printer ink, yoghurt pouches, after having recycled 400 milk bottles to construct an igloo.

All the parents and children are involved, and they are delighted to have learnt so much, as they enthusiastically carry on and now look to share their practices with other pre-schools.

Well done all!

Fancy doing a Food Week Demo?

Love baking bread?, make good pie?, or anything else...

Then please come and do a local cook demo in the Cookery Theatre at Food Week.

We would like as many local people taking part as possible. Food Week is for every corner of the community, young or old - there is something for everyone.

A great week is being put together to feed, educate and entertain - come and join us!

Drop me a line before next Monday (believe it or not, the Food Week Programme has to go to print very soon) to find out more: david@milfordonsea.org


MILFORD ON SEA FOOD WEEK

Bank Holiday Monday 28th March to Sunday 3rd April 2016

If you love food, you will love Food Week!

www.milfordfoodweek.org

Want to know more about Food Week? - please click here.

Food Week Show Tickets as Xmas Pressies

How about buying Food Week show tickets as Christmas presents? - click here

The first Food Week shows are now on sale online: the delightful talent of Ping Coombes MasterChef Champion 2014 and the irrepressible Howard Middleton from Great British Bake Off - more shows still to follow in coming weeks!
www.ticketsource.co.uk/milfordonseafoodweek

(Note: Tickets available online right now, or from the community Centre Box Office.)

MILFORD ON SEA FOOD WEEK

Bank Holiday Monday 28th March to Sunday 3rd April 2016

If you love food, you will love Food Week!

www.milfordfoodweek.org

Want to know more about Food Week? - please click here.

School Seeks a New Clerk

Milford on Sea Primary School are looking for a Clerk to the Governing Body.

This would make a great part time job for someone with admin/minute taking experience looking for flexible working hours in a stimulating environment with the ability to work partially from home. Full training and support available.

Please see below for Job Description.

Application Procedure - Closing date: Wednesday 16th December 2015

For an application pack please phone Julie Turner, Admin Manager, on 01590-642945.

For a visit or any questions please contact Sue Towndrow, Chair of Governors, on 01590-645442.

Milford-on-Sea Primary School 

www.mosps.co.uk

Milford-on-Sea Primary School | Clerk to Governing Body - Job Description
 Closing date: Wednesday 16th December 2015
 Contract/Hours: Permanent, Part-time
 Salary Type: EHCC/Support Staff
 Salary Details: Scale D
 Hours of Work: Approximately 30 hours/term with the ability to work from home for the majority of the time
 Location of role: Milford-on-Sea Primary School
 Contact e-mail address: adminoffice@mosps.hants.sch.uk
Job/Person Spec
We are looking to appoint an organized, flexible and reliable Clerk to the Governing Body to provide high quality clerical and administration support. You will be required to attend approximately 30 meetings a year as well as advise the Governing Body on matters of procedure and to prepare and maintain records. The clerk’s role is to ensure that the business of each Governing Body meeting is conducted efficiently, operates within its powers and follows agreed and proper procedures. Full training and support will be provided.
The duties include:
 Providing advice on governance, constitutional, legal and procedural matters
 Providing effective administrative support
 Ensuring the Governing Body is properly constituted
 Managing information effectively in accordance with legal requirements
 Maintaining and storing policies and records
 Agenda setting in liaison with Committee/Governing Body Chairs and the Head
 Minute taking
 Co-ordinating meetings
 Producing policy documents and minutes
 Dealing with Governors’ correspondence and enquiries
The successful candidate will:
 Be able to demonstrate a high standard of efficient, accurate and confidential record keeping
 Be able to understand and follow procedures and policies
 Have good IT skills
 Have good communication skills
 Have experience in a clerical or administrative post
 Be able to demonstrate an ability to work under own initiative
 Keep up to date with current legislation
Previous experience of Governing Body Clerking or working in a school is desirable.

Delightful Carols on the Green

You just have to love Milford on Sea...

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Friday night was chilly, but a warm coat and an optional silly hat can deal with that. 

Carols on the Green saw hundreds of people entranced by a very special night in the village.

The Christmas tree on the village green stood tall and bright as David Hellsten hosted the service on behalf of the village churches, and with some dodgy Christmas jokes! 

Total Voice Choir once again led the community carol singing accompanied by the enthusiastic throng of villagers.

The village shops also stayed open for a bit of extra festive trade, and hot food was sold in the street by village traders to many a hungry carol singer.

Gwen even went to the trouble of putting decorations in her vacant shop. 

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As the locals met, mingled and chatted, Father Christmas arrived on his motorised sleigh to round the evening off and to delight the kids in the village with small present.

This was a fabulous night of true community spirit, and the organisers from 'Churches Together in Milford' and their volunteers deserve a big thank you for keeping this village tradition not just alive, but really kicking.

Wonderful memories are made for all generations on nights like these.

'How rude!'
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Footnote: The only downside was that Santa wouldn't give me any sweets. Never mind, the real one comes at Christmas!

Thank You from Christine & Kev

Christine & Kevin from Inger Lise's Coffee Bar in the High Street want to thank Christine Mulgrew and all the members of total voice who came into the café on Friday night after the carols.

They all had a lovely evening and raised £100 for Clic Sargent children's cancer charity - a charity close to Christine & Kevin's heart.

Also, Inger Lise's will be holding there Annual Xmas Colouring Competition to win a gingerbread house. Simply take in your children to colour the drawings Christine provides and then they can enter the competition.

I have suggested that I am quite good at colouring in, and a bit partial to gingerbread, but sadly Inger Lise's have not decided to run an adult category!

The Cedar Tree Restaurant Opens

As Tim Wedgwood & Nikki Rowe, the new owners at South Lawn settle in, they are already making striking improvements to the hotel and restaurant. (To read our previous article - click here)

The Cedar Tree at South Lawn Hotel

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In the past six weeks the entire restaurant has been redecorated and refurbished with a new modern style and fresh look. Now re-branded as The Cedar Tree, executive chef  Gavin Levens is now serving dishes of high quality.

Not to simply focus on one thing, five bedrooms have also had new bathrooms installed and there is an exciting plan in place to continually bring new life, contemporary style and personality into the whole building.

Tim & Nikki have impressive track records, yet they simply want to make South Lawn a really nice place for locals and visitors to spend their time. They now live in the village and plan to make South Lawn their crowning glory and a real treasure for everyone in the village.

Naturally, with Milford on Sea Food Week coming at Easter we are delighted to see another quality restaurant in the village.

Why not give it a try soon, and also check out the Christmas and New Year menus on their website below, they look to be great value. They are also innovative, - have you ever heard of Christmas Day diners being given turkey to take home for Boxing Day? No, me neither, it certainly shows that Tim & Nikki like to add creativity to what they do.

South Lawn Hotel & The Cedar Tree Restaurant
Lymington Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0RF

www.southlawnhotel.co.uk

New Deli Opens in Village

A new delicatessen is opening in Milford on Sea village centre this weekend.

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This new venture is called Jones & Co. and is owned by Nick Jones, who was previously a sports coach and involved with Milford on Sea School.

Jones & Co. will provided specialist teas and coffees, cheeses, artisan breads, charcuterie and locally sourced product. The range of products are available to eat in or to take away.

The new deli is located in Church Hill where Jaws, Paws & Claws was previously, and the interior of the building has been completely refurbished to give it a sleek and contemporary feel.

We wish Nick and his team at Jones & Co. every success, and hope that rather than reduce trade for other village stores and cafés that they entice more local people to shop in, and visit the village centre for the benefit of all.

A very interesting market study once proved that the best place to open a new Chinese restaurant, is next to other successful Chinese restaurants - when this happens, both the existing and new were observed to thrive - proving that good products and services attract more customers for everyone!

Jones & Co.

4 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH‎

01590 638437

www.jonesdelicatessen.co.uk

Opening Times

Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 5.30pm

Saturday: 9am to 5.30pm

Sunday: 10am to 4pm

Polar Bear Spotted on Isle of Wight

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A Polar Bear has been spotted on the Isle of Wight by an eagled eyed passenger sailing past The Needles on P&O's Adonia.

Before showing my wife the picture, I asked her: "Where do you find polar bears?", in her inimitable style she immediately said; "It depends on where you lost them." 

She's a laugh a minute to live with.

I did not give up on my intended zoological lesson and asked; "What's the difference between a polar bear and a panda?" - The girl proved herself far too sharp when she answered in mega speed; "About 1500 miles."

I had nearly lost the will to live, but I still made the mistake of attempting one last question. "Have you ever seen a man-eating polar bear the love of my life?" - "No, but down at Verveine I saw a man eating a fish."

Boom! - I was down and out.

Not sure I will bother showing her the picture after all.

Beautiful Award for Shorefield

Shorefield Country Park has been awarded a coveted Gold in the Holiday Park of the year of the Year Category at the Beautiful South Awards 2015.

Left to right –
Mark Warnes (Hoseasons)
Lesley Lawrence (Shorefield)
Bobbie Lawrence (Shorefield)
Nigel Smith (Tourism South East)
click image to enlarge

Held at the iconic Grand Brighton Hotel last night, the presentation evening celebrated the fantastic visitor experiences available across the South and South East of England. 

Established over 20 years ago, the Beautiful South Awards reward excellence, quality, innovation and customer service. As a recipient of this prestigious accolade Shorefield is now invited to champion the South East at the national VisitEngland awards in 2016.

Commenting on the awards, Nigel Smith, CEO of Tourism South East said, “It was a fantastic evening at the Grand Hotel and a real privilege to be in the company of so many dedicated and passionate tourism businesses. The excellent quality of facilities, service and approach makes our role of promoting the South East so much easier and is one of the main reasons why we are one of the most popular UK tourist regions outside London.”

Simon Pitman, Group Head of Marketing at Shorefield Holidays added, “We are thrilled to have scooped the Gold award for Holiday Park of the Year. We pride ourselves on offering a holiday experience that provides a range of accommodation, facilities, activities and local attractions across our six parks, and we’re very thankful to the judges for presenting us with this great award.”

“We aim to continue improving and increasing the appeal of Shorefield Holidays and hope to work towards more awards like this in the near future.”

Shorefield Country Park

www.shorefield.co.uk

The White Horse Reopens Their Doors

We are delighted to report that The White Horse in Milford on Sea is open once again.

The new landlady, Liz was previously at The Plough in Tiptoe, which is still being run by her business partners Steve & Julia.

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On a quick visit this week it was nice to see that the bar areas appear to have been de-cluttered and the whole place has a fresh feel.

Today a friend visited for lunch and commented that they enjoyed a meal of excellent quality and value.

An empty closed pub is a sad sight, but thankfully an open pub lights up a village - Welcome back White Horse!

The White Horse
16 Keyhaven Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QY

Get Out Your Bra's Girls

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The Community Centre are supporting a bra recycling scheme which also helps Breast Cancer Charities.

BCR collect and send old bra's to developing countries to be sold in local markets. This makes them more accessible and affordable, and also supports their local economy. Any bra's donated which are past re-use are recycled.

BCR weigh all of the bras received, and give £1 per kilo to Breast Cancer Charities.

Women in developing countries are seen to have prestige if they are wearing a bra. Bras are in short supply, and are expensive, therefore most women don’t own one. It is reported that women wearing a bra are less likely to be raped, as they are seen to have prestige or come from a more affluent background.

The Community Centre now have a ‘Bra Bank’ collection point in the Community Centre Centre, so clearing out your bra drawer now has a whole new meaning. Someone’s rags could literally become another’s riches, so sort out your bra's girls.

Editors Note: Has anyone considered collecting blokes old pants?

Lisa Wins Best Farm Shop

Lisa Morgan, of Lisa's Larder has one again scooped a prestigious award at the Hampshire Life Food & Drink Awards 2015.

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Lisa's Larder is now the proud holder of The Best Farm Shop Award 2015.

Lisa is inviting everyone to celebrate this wonderful achievement with mulled wine and mince pies when her shop is next open on: Friday 4th & Saturday 5th December (9.30am to 1pm both days)

This will also be your last chance to place your Christmas Order instore, or you can place your order online.

Congratulations Lisa, it is great to see this wonderful shop just go from strength to strength. 

Lisa's Larder
Aubrey Farm, Keyhaven, SO41 0TH
www.lisaslarder.com

Spot Father Christmas and an Elf at Sea!

Sean Scott and Claire Hanscombe-Vinton from The New Forest Paddle Sport Company, and owners of the kayak and stand up paddles board hire and sales shop in the High Street, Milford on Sea, are planning to paddle from Keyhaven to Hurst Castle this Sunday, 29th November 2015.

To make sure you can spot them, they will be dressed as Father Christmas and an elf!

Steve & Claire will start paddling around 11am and are offering a prize for the best photo of them out paddling in their festive outfits.

If you take any photos and want to join in, please post your pictures on Facebook and tag The New Forest Paddle Sport Company and also Hutch Sup Wear. Then, the photo with the most likes and shares will get a Hutch T-Shirt and a Free Hire Gift Voucher from The New Forest Paddle Sport Company.

The New Forest Paddle Sport Company

46 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 1QD

info@thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

www.thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

Enid Blyton's Famous Five Discovery

A intriguing story appeared in the Daily Telegraph on 19th November 2015, which featured Roger How of Picture Perfect Picture Framers in Barnes Lane, Milford on Sea.

To explain, his mother, Mary Gernat, was an illustrator for many of the Enid Blyton Famous Five Books, and he and his brothers were often used as models in her work.

click image to enlarge

When a customer was visiting Rogers framing shop recently she commented on a box of old paperbacks full of Enid Blyton titles. Roger told her of the story behind the covers and this prompted him to look for the original illustrations, which he found in his father’s house.

As a result, Roger is now planning an exhibition of the original illustrations that have never been seen publicly before, this is after they they has spent half a century in the loft. He also discovered some finished drafts for books at the same time.

Mrs Gernat, who lived with her engineer husband, Michael, and their sons on the Hampshire coast, illustrated Blyton books from 1963 to 1970. She stopped working in 1972, and died in 1998 at 72.

Sounds like an exhibition well worth visiting when it happens.

Reminiscence Session from Dementia Action Group

Milford on Sea Dementia Action Group are preparing to launch a twice monthly Reminiscence session to be held at the Community Centre on the second and fourth Thursday of the month between 10.30am and midday, commencing on the 14th January 2016.

The sessions will be lead by Richard Tuck who until recently was providing this popular gathering across the New Forest for Alzheimer's Society. 

Unfortunately lack of future funding meant these enjoyable groups ended in October at which time Milford on Sea Dementia Action Group stepped in. Chair of the group Jane Rowlatt commented "we recognise the great benefits reminiscence and memories bring to people living with Dementia their relatives and carers we are committed to ensuring as a Dementia Friendly Community the continued development of the reminiscence groups " We wish to thank Milford on Sea Arts and Music Festival for funding this fantastic initiative in the village.

Richard Tuck added " During my time running these Reminiscence groups I have witnessed the great benefit to both the group members with Dementia and interestingly their relatives and carers - some of whom attend the sessions and are able to participate in interesting topics - at another group we saw the spouses and carers gather during the session for a relaxing coffee and chat in a nearby coffee shop where they were able to share there experiences and gain valuable support from those around them".

For further details of the initiative do call Richard Tuck on 01590 719341 or email r.tuck3@btopenworld.com he will be happy to answer any questions and welcome new members to the group in the new year." 

Food Week is Back Next April

Milford on Sea Food Week is back from Bank Holiday Monday 28th March to Sunday 3rd April 2016 

Enjoy Food Week

During Food Week our village will be alive with Celebrity Shows, Themed Dining Evenings, Cooking Demonstrations, Educational Talks, Wine Tastings and Dining Offers. We also have lots of Kids Events to keep them entertained during the Easter Holidays, and the large & very popular Sunday Food Market gives you a chance to savour the best of local produce and street food.

Everyone of every age is included, and there are over 100 village events & shows, many of which are free, and all organised by local organisations, businesses, clubs and individuals.

Our New Forest seaside village is fortunate to be blessed with great places to eat and surrounded by quality local producers, so what better way for Milford on Sea to celebrate this than to have an entire week dedicated to the joys of food!

We hope that you can come along to enjoy the fun at as many events as possible.

Get Involved

Food Week can only operate from the generosity of time or donations from local people. Everyone is welcome to get involved:

Do a Demonstration or Talk: Any amateur local resident can demonstrate their family recipes or favourite cooking styles, or do a talk on your favourite food or wine subject. We supply the venue, you supply the skills!

Run an Event: Any local Charity, Organisation or Club can organise a food related event and this will be publicised as part of Food Week. You of course keep any funds that you raise.

Join the Team: We are totally dependant on volunteers to make things happen. We need people at event and selling raffle tickets, so if you have any time to spare for either and would like to meet some new people, please let us know.

Become a Sponsor: Local businesses can be a Gold Sponsor for £150, or Silver Sponsor for £75 - and get a high profile advert on our website and in the 30,000 free programmes circulated.

To find out more about anything above please contact David on:
david@milfordonsea.org 

Become a Friend:  Becoming a Friend of Food Week is simple, shows you care, and helps to fund events to entertain and educate. All Food Week Friends a listed on the website and in the free programmes.

You can be a Friend of Food Week as an individual or family from just £25. please click here

About Food Week

Milford on Sea Food Week is coordinated by a small dedicated group of volunteers who provide their expertise and time for free. We are also fortunate to have a generous group of sponsors, friends & event organisers. 

As a 'not for profit' event, any income generated is only used to cover promotional costs and no fees or expenses are taken by any of the Food Week organisers. We are delighted to support local good causes from any profits that are made.

Every corner of the village community participate with food related events and demonstrations, including local amateur cooks, professional chefs, all village restaurants, pubs & cafés, plus many local village organisations, clubs and charities. 

Food Week is always held in Easter school holidays, and we ensure that there is lots for the family and the kids enjoy.

To promote Food Week 30,000 Free Programmes are circulated, there is a website, together with posters and banners throughout the village which leaves people in no doubt that something special is happening!

Whilst not a fund raising event, Food Week has been fortunate to generate profits and to involve local charities with events, from which around £20,000 has been raised for local village adult, youth and children charities/organisations in the past 4 events. 

Food Week is very proud that it is exclusively run by volunteers, whose sole reward is in the enjoyment gained by others.

Food Week is truly ‘By the community, for the community’ and your support is critical to us, we thank you for getting involved whether by participating or simply enjoying the many events throughout the village

MILFORD ON SEA FOOD WEEK
Bank Holiday Monday 28th March to Sunday 3rd April 2016

If you love food, you will love Food Week!
www.milfordfoodweek.org

New Milton Parade, Markets and Music

We do not normally published events as an article, (as they are all covered in www.milfordonseacalendar.org), but to support our friends in New Milton we thought you may like to hear about the impressive events they are staging during the New Milton Christmas Festival.

The event kicks off with The New Milton Christmas Festival Artisan’s Market – “The Christmas Crafts, Gifts and Local Produce Show” which will be open from 10:30 am until 4:00 pm on Saturday 21st November at The New Milton Memorial Centre in Whitefield Road. 

This opening event of the 2015 Christmas Festival will bring together a unique collection of independent artists, crafters, designers and producers from the New Forest area. Amongst them they will be offering a wide range of strictly handmade and handcrafted items, gifts, arts and crafts and much more. Within the show, there will be chocolate cabins, wooden toys, ceramics and hand-thrown pottery, jewellery, home-made chocolates and Christmas cakes, leather handbags, belts and much more.

Alan Watson – one of the members of the Festival Steering Group and Organiser of this event, comments “I hope that the people of New Milton and surrounding areas will come along to this unusual event on the 21st , as 100% of the proceeds of this event go towards staging the main Festival Event on the 28th November. I am sure many will appreciate, the Main Festival is a very costly event to stage and we rely heavily on this Show to ensure we can stage the best ever Christmas Festival in our Town”

By helping to secure the funding for the Main Festival Event, the Organising Team can say that that this year’s Christmas Festival Event on Saturday 28th November will be the biggest and brightest to date. Over 125 Stalls, an authentic French Street Market, a whole afternoon of live entertainment will fill the Town Centre from 12 noon until 6pm. 

At 5pm, there will be The Lions Club of New Milton Illuminated Festival Parade which will travel the length of Station Road and then follow a circular route up Elm Avenue, into Old Milton Road and then back up Station Road North. The Parade will be followed by the traditional switch-on of the Town’s Christmas Lights at 5:50 pm and these have once again been enhanced by The Town Council from a number of very generous donations from local Businesses and Organisations.

Everyone can keep in touch with the latest Festival News on the Web Site – www.newmiltonchristmas.co.uk and if anyone can also lend a few hours of their time to help marshal the event, or would like to nominate someone or a group as a “New Milton Achiever”, then please email xmas@newmiltonevents.co.uk

For More Information :-

Alan Watson

Christmas Festival Steering Group

The New Milton Town Partnership

Tel : 01425 610052 / 07771 754025

E-Mail : a.d.watson@btinternet.com 

      

Increased Doctor Surgery Hours

A local Milford on Sea resident who is a member of the local Patient Participation Group and has informed us of some interesting news about the NHS Vanguard Project where local GP's initiative has been successful in getting funding from the Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund for a trial project.

This all sounds very grandiose, but it has a direct benefit for everyone in Milford on Sea. 

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Seven local GP surgeries have recently joined together to open an extra doctors surgery at Lymington Hospital. This extra surgery is called ‘The Practice’ and is available now.

It should now be easier for you to get an appointment at a time to suit you, as The Practice is Open from 8am to 8pm Seven Days a Week. A team of local GP’s, nurses and other health professionals will staff the surgery. (This is not a Walk In Unit, and it is based on an appointment service only.)

If you wish to make an appointment or need same day attention you should first contact the Milford Medical Centre Surgery, they will agree the best place for you to be seen. Our Local Surgery is computer linked to the ‘The Practice’ so if your appointment is there, then your medical history will be available and notes can be added to your records as usual.

Outside usual Milford Medical Centre Surgery hours you can telephone The Practice to make an appointment on 01590 630545.

If this arrangement proves successful the plan for the future is to create a ‘one stop’ service, based at Lymington, which works closely with diagnostic services, including X-Ray, endoscopy and phlebotomy and adjacent to the Minor Injuries unit and Community Health teams.

Do register on the Milford Medical Centre website to keep up to date with future service developments (www.milfordmedicalcentre.com), simply select 'Online Patient Access' in the right hand menu for details. Alternatively complete a registration form that is available from reception in the surgery.

Once you are registered you will be able to book your GP or Nurse appointments and order repeat prescriptions on line.

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The national news have regularly covered stories relating to the Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund: which has the objective of 'Improving Access to General Practice.'

The National Association for Patient Participation (N.A.P.P.) was pleased to see the initial evaluation of the Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund. N.A.P.P. welcomed the range of projects that have increased patient access to GPs, including through extended hours, increased telephone access, and the introduction of online diagnostic and video consultation technology. The evaluation also indicates a reduction in people going to Accident & Emergency in participating areas, helping to take pressure off the wider NHS.

The Practice at Lymington Hospital is part of this project, and a partnership of seven local GP practices, including Wistaria and Milford Surgeries. Thisr pilot was chosen by NHS England to be amongst 37 schemes nationally to test new ways of organising, delivering and involving people in the design of local healthcare. This is an additional service to the one provided by Wistaria and Milford Surgeries. Patients should consider 'The Practice' as a branch of their own surgery.

Milford Medical Centre

www.milfordmedicalcentre.com

Big Learner Relay Raises Over £90,000!

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Local driving instructor Louise Walsh, and founder and organiser of The Big Learner Relay has raised an astonishing £90,000 (yes, ninety thousand!) for the Children in Need Appeal 2015.

Louise (Daughter of Sue Whitlock) had ‘a bit of an idea’ whilst watching the Children in Need Appeal in 2013, she thought perhaps driving instructors could get together to raise money, and this small spark turned into a raging fire!

This years 2,800 mile relay started in Northern Ireland on Monday 26th October 2015 and finished in Swindon on the 13th November, which was Children in Need Appeal Day 2015. The relay covered England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales with 180 lead driving lessons and many hundreds of instructors and pupils joining the convoy. Louise travelled the whole of the UK in the back of participation driving instructor cars.

This month's First Friday Lunch at the Community Centre alone raised £545, so a big thanks go to everyone who supported the lunch. 

Well done Louise and everyone who got involved, the results all all the hard work are massively impressive.

Big Learner Relay 

www.biglearnerrelay.webs.com

Donation Page: Please click here

Phantom Fryer Found

Last week we published an article after been asked to track down the Fish and Chip Van that visits Everton every week.

Well, thanks to an eagle eyed reader - We have found him!

The Phantom Fryer of Everton is unmasked as Mr Brennan of JBs Mobile. He come from Pennington and his contact details are: 01590 676469 - brennanjpb@aol.com.

We are told that he has been freshly frying fish and chips for the Everton Ladies Evening Group (LEGS) (who fortuitously meet on Monday evenings) for many years and comes highly recommended.

Job done!

Seeking the Phantom Fryer

Here in the Milford on Sea Newsroom we get a number of requests, some are physically impossible and others we just make up the answers to.

We have now been asked about the Fish and Chip Van that visits Everton every week?

My wife has now told me where Everton is, but knows nothing about the van.

Apparently, a mobile fish and chip van visits Everton every Monday evening – and has done for many years.

It starts off in Roberts Close at around 6pm, moves to Plantation around 6.15 and finishes in Buckstone Close around 6.30.

If you can put a name and contact details to the phantom fryer please drop us an e-mail at: david@milfordonsea.org

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Addendum

Thanks to an eagle eyed reader - We have found him!

The Phantom Fryer of Everton is unmasked as Mr Brennan of JBs Mobile. He come from Pennington and his contact details are: 01590 676469 - brennanjpb@aol.com.

We are told that he has been freshly frying fish and chips for the Everton Ladies Evening Group (LEGS) (who fortuitously meet on Monday evenings) for many years and comes highly recommended.

Sorted!

Verveine in Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants

David Wykes and he extraordinary food just goes from strength to strength, and the accolades keep coming!

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The latest recognition of his culinary brilliance is the prestigious listing for Verveine in the Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants - this adds to the Michelin Recommendation Verveine already holds.

The full Top 100, including rankings and an overall score was revealed in The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants on Sunday 8th November 2015.

Taking first place was Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham, followed by Midsummer House, Cambridge and in third; L'Enclume in Cartmel which also ranks as one of the most expensive restaurants in the list, at £150 per head.

The list is compiled by The Sunday Times in association with Harden’s – now in its sixth annual edition, it is based on 63,000 reviews from almost 7,000 diners.

The South East has 13 entries in The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants, which makes it the region with the most restaurants in the list outside of London.

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Dave now finds himself among famous South East restaurants such as; The Fat Duck and Waterside Inn in Bray, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons in Oxfordshire, André Garrett At Cliveden, Cliveden House in Taplow, Drake's in Ripley, Surrey and The Latymer, Pennyhill Park Hotel in Surrey.

As this award is made based on 7,000 diner reviews, rather than the opinion of critics, it feels that bit more special.

Anyone who has dined at Verveine will see that this a justified and well deserved accolade. Well done Dave and the team!

Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant
98 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE
01590 642176 - info@verveine.co.uk

www.verveine.co.uk

The White Horse to Re-Open?

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Pssst.... Word on the street has it that The White Horse will reopen on 27th November.

Rumour has it that the new landlords may previously have been at, or may still be at, The Plough Inn in Tiptoe.

The Plough's website mentions Julia, Liz and Steve (JLS Publicans) as the managing team, so perhaps they are on their way to Milford on Sea, or perhaps not. Who knows!

As you can see no journalist investigation has gone into this article, but a man can a only spend so much time in 'a pub doing research' before he is facing divorce and having to do his own shopping, cooking and ironing!

We are delighted to have published another pointless article!

The White Horse
16 Keyhaven Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QY
www.whitehorsemilfordonsea.co.uk - which no longer works.