Local’s stake a claim to ‘Westover Island’

Some local villagers have identified a unique opportunity for emigration to their own paradise island. As you may know, a strange tidal activity has been occurring over the past few months which has resulted in a significant ‘shingle bank’ raising to the surface due south of Milford on Sea & north west of The Needles. To date the bank has stubbornly refused to retreat back under the waves, and added to this, the shingle bank was initially identified as ‘Dolphin Bank’, which has proved to be incorrect. This of course now means that this new ‘Island’ has no known sovereignty. Therefore, the local villagers of Milford on Sea have decided to stake a claim.

click image to enlarge

The new shifting land mass is estimated to be approximately 1.5 miles wide at low tide, and is constantly seen several feet above sea level, this prime land may even continue to increase in size. Finding the opportunity too good to miss, local residents are now planning the colonisation of the island. The initial plan is to start with the building of beach huts, a number of luxury holiday homes, four pubs, six restaurants & a watersports centre. (Health Spa’s have been banned by the interim government) Debate has raged amongst the few daft people who have come up with this idea, particularly on the subject of what name to give the new ‘Island’. Such procrastination is of course delaying the submission of planning applications. As the instigator of the habitation concept for the island, and in saner moments owner of Westover Hall Hotel on Milford on Sea cliff top, David Smith has won the naming argument, based on his theory that the ‘island’ would have once been part of his Westover Hall garden during the ice age. So, ‘Westover Island’ has been ‘officially’ declared the shingle banks new name. Discussions continue on the most suitable ‘National Anthem’ & ‘National Flag’. So far, the front runners are to create new words to the tune of ‘We’ll meet again’ or ‘Always look on the bright side of life!’. The flag is currently looking like it might be ‘A rainbow of multi-colour horizontal stripes‘, I have tried to explain to the others that whilst pretty, this colour choice may get misconstrued and that a rethink may be necessary. 

As planning permission and design concepts for the planned Island developments may take some time to complete, it has been decided to take the opportunity to celebrate part of ‘Milford on Sea Food Week’ on ‘Westover Island’ in the meantime. The village is fortunate to have numerous fisherman & leisure sailors, so the plan is to commandeer their boats to ferry out dining tables & parasols in preparation for a ‘Gala Seafood Banquet’. The menu will of course be locally caught and cooked by the Westover Hall chefs. To ensure the whole event is taken seriously, the diners must at least have a ’25 Yard Swimming Proficiency Certificate’. The dress code for the evening will be swimming costume, trunks or unisex sarongs. Any gentlemen arriving wearing a ‘mankini’ will be turned away at the temporary jetty. An ‘Oyster Diving Competition’ is also being proposed for the Food Week activities, the competition will have ‘Under 60’, ‘60 to 80’, and ‘Over 80’ categories. It is anticipated that the final two categories will attract the greater number of local entries.

The new sovereignty of ‘Westover Island’ has decided to retain UK currency, but it has chosen to be a tax haven with no duty on alcohol. Demand for building plots is expected to be significant, so only residents of Milford on Sea who can run 100 yards in under 12 seconds are able to apply at this stage. No passport will be required initially, however it has been agreed to produce a postage stamp. The image to feature on the stamp is as yet undecided, but it has been agreed to put the glue on both sides just to confuse everyone.

Suggestions of the creation of a road bridge, or tunnel from the mainland were dismissed as ridiculous nonsense. A further idea to build a tunnel entrance in Cherbourg, signposted to Westover Island was accepted with numerous immature giggles, after the proposer explained that the tunnel would be built to accept traffic, but the tunnel would come to a halt halfway across the English Channel. The idea of setting up a stall selling 'Milford on Sea Souvenirs' at the tunnel's end is still under consideration. 

Applications for the new post of ‘King of Westover Island’ are now being invited. Suitable candidates must have some previous experience of running a country or parish council. Please send your application to: ‘I want to be King’, Westover Hall, Park Lane, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PT. To ensure true equality is maintained, potential Queens may also apply. (My wife made me put that bit in!) Closing date for applications is 1st April 2011.

Food Week Ticket Sales get off to a flyer!

Since the Food Week Ticket Office opened a couple of weeks ago, ticket sales have topped £3500 with over 250 tickets sold for Food Week events. One event has even sold out already!

If you would like to see the Event Tickets on sale please click here

Laughter, Beanstalks & Pumpkins

Christmas was extended in Milford on Sea due to the Community Centre Pantomime taking place over last weekend. The local village cast gave four sell out performances of 'Beanstalks & Pumpkins', written by our local amateur impresario’s, Penny & Bob Bishop, with a helping hand from Marguerite Willcox. The village’s first pantomime was a definite smash hit with all that came along.

As tradition has it, many of girls in the cast were dressed as men, with some men dressed as women (& some of the guys seemed surprisingly comfortable in their reversed roles!) We do know that Sue & Sean were in the ‘Panto Cow’, but how Sean drew the short straw for the ‘back end’ we are not so sure! (& it is probably best not to know!) Cinderella was played with great charm by the delightful Katherine Sim. There were also many fine performances, and seeing Hugh Whitlock our village solicitor as a rather convincing ‘dodgy pedlar’ was irony at its finest. Some fine character names of ‘Hermaphrodite Hardup’ & ‘Transvestia Hardup’ were created for Maurice & John, performing as the Ugly Sisters. As you may imagine from those names there was also a smattering of hidden ‘grown up’ entertainment for the adults. In fact, on the whole, most of the adults immediately reverted to childhood as they enthusiastically cried out ‘He’s behind you’, and other random & sometimes hilarious heckles!

The village’s ability to draw keen amateurs to jump on stage and put in fine Panto performances, is a testament to both our community spirit and the abundance of local talent. It is only a shame that we cannot mention them all by name here, however everyone did a fine job! The kids from Zapp School of Dance were enthusiastic & enthralling in their roles as elves, mice & dancers, and helped make the show a great success. However, Cameron Howard, as Jack Skint was far too young, talented & good looking for my liking. It was evident that a lot of hard work was done by all involved onstage & behind the scenes, and all the effort proved worthwhile when around 600 people passed through the doors of Milford on Sea Community Centre, and then left having been thoroughly entertained. Roll on next year!

It’s not Dolphin Bank

One of our more intelligent & studious readers (I know, we don’t have many that fit that description), has contacted your editor to point out that it is not in fact Dolphin Bank that is current in view west of The Needles. Apparently, accordingly to ‘Admiralty Charts’, it is in fact part of ‘Shingles Bank’. (And I didn’t even know the Admiralty made records, never seen them mentioned in my copy of ‘Smash Hits’ magazine)

Dolphin Bank is in fact further west. Fortunately, I do not pride myself on the accuracy & factual content of my ramblings, so I am happy to take his word for it! Brian has also let us know that jet skiers have now been spotted using this bank to jump off the ramp! Although I am pretty confident he was not one of them.

Settled snow was seen on the bank over Christmas, this of course means that the bank has remained permanently above sea level. Brian makes an interesting point relating to the many tons of shingle laid on Milford on Sea beaches each year, and their subsequent disappearance! Could our new ‘shingle bank’ be their new home? What is clear, is that this area of ‘Shingle Bank’ has not been seen before by long standing residents in such size or duration. Perhaps global warming is working in reverse with sea levels falling! Al Gore is welcome to visit anytime to explain what is happening.

Milford on Sea Arts & Music Festival at risk

I guess this is not the sort of news that any of us want to hear, but the Milford on Sea Arts & Music Festival is seriously at risk. The past & present volunteer committee have all done a magnificent job in organising the Music Festival for the past nine years, but it appears that festival may not make its tenth year, as it is desperately in new of new volunteers. The current committee is so reduced in strength and numbers that the wonderful annual event may not even happen at all.

All they need is a few willing hands and they could spread the workload to make everything happen. If you feel you could lend some time as one of the organisers, or as a helper please drop me an e-mail and I will pass it on. Hopefully we can save our Music Festival somehow.

If you can help, please contact me at: david@milfordonsea.org

The Island is back!

The shingle bank has once again raised it's sustantial presence above sea level just west of The Needles. Dolphin Bank is rarely seen, but it just keeps popping up this year.

If you fancy finding out more, please read our previous story 'New Island off The Needles', which was published in November.

Nigel in Daily Mail

Nigel Swann, a local businessman, & reader of these ridiculous pages, had one of his astute observations published in The Daily Mail on 7^th January.  Nigel wrote: ‘I think seasonal sales are over-hyped. I went to the local Pound shop and they didn’t have any reductions at all.’  I don’t think anyone can argue with that!

Food Week Calendar & Website Now Online

All of the events at Milford on Sea Food Week have now been added to the Milford on Sea Community Calendar.  Please don't let these stop you buying a programme when it comes out in a couple of weeks, as the income from the programme helps cover the costs of Food Week!

To view the Food Week Calendar please click here.

The Food Week website has undergone a ‘makeover’.  If you fancy a look there is a link at the bottom of this article.  As it now looks so pretty, I asked my wife if she would like me to do her a ‘make over’, unsurprisingly she declined, and continued searching the web for plastic surgeons who specialise in liposuction.  ‘You’re not fat’, I told her.  Mischievously she replied, ‘It’s not for me you idiot’. If you fancy a look at the Food Week site please visit:
http://www.milfordonseafoodweek.org/

Swimming Banana in Milford

If you wandered along the seafront on Sunday lunchtime you may have seen a banana swimming in the sea. Our fruity friend was accompanied by several other hardy souls, all in fancy dress. The sea was pretty cold, so the most suitable costume was probably the guy dressed as a penguin!

As this is not the normal swimming attire for Milford on Sea beach we decided to investigate. We discovered that they were taking part in the Portage Plunge, which was in aid of Ashurst Hospital near Southampton.

I did offer to go in, wearing just my ‘furry lounge suit’, but they said the charity was not that desperate!

You can watch the Portage Plunge here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQwWHkHWMb8

Get Involved in Food Week

Events: Lots of people are now well underway with planning their involvement in Food Week (11th to 17th April 2011)  If you would like to be involved in running an event, or know someone else who would like to, you will need to be quick!, as we are sending the Food Week Progamme for printing this week. 

So, please let me know if you are interested in adding any events asap please. david@milfordonsea.org

Food Week Volunteers: We now have a list of around 20 volunteers who are happy to be invited to help out when we need a hand at an event.  Our volunteers simply select or reject any requests they receive.  Luckily, we do not need to beg very often!  'The BIG Family Breakfast' has already had four volunteers agreeing to lend a hand on the Saturday of Food Week.

If you would like to be on the Food Week Volunteers List, please drop me an e-mail at: david@milfordonsea.org

Another Live Bomb on Hurst Spit

This is spooky! Last year, well to be exact, on a Sunday afternoon at around 3.30pm on 8th February 2010, the flashing blue lights from a Bomb Disposal Unit truck was spotted driving though Milford on Sea village. 

click image to enlarge

Your intrepid reporter was enjoying an afternoon of relaxation after a particularly spectacular Sunday lunch with friends at Westover Hall. (Surely the pastry chef, is one of the finest masters of his craft in the country. His sweets are so amazing that we had ordered five between the four of us.) I digress, so back to the bomb disposal. I now had a duty to find out what’s going on, but couldn’t really be bothered.

I then decided to wake my sleeping wife to tell her of the excitement - this is always a dangerous manoeuvre.

Not sure why, but she wasn’t greatly impressed. Her speech is quite incoherent when unexpectedly woken, but I guessed she was trying to tell me how much she adored being with me. I quickly asked ‘Do you fancy a walk to Hurst Spit?’, ‘Grrrr, if I must’ she said as clearly as she could under the circumstances.

For some inexplicable reason, her eye’s became glazed with that ‘mass murder look’ when I replied: ‘Great, can you find out what’s going on & tell me when you get back’. I was a bit worried for my life for a few seconds, but mustered the courage to explain that I had just got comfortable & was watching the rugby. Without her saying anything, I got the impression that my wife was not the least concerned about my afternoon sporting pleasure.

Anyway, my wife soon trotted off with our two sniffer dogs, both of whom would be willing to help out if the bomb disposal guys needed a hand. At around 4pm I heard a loud explosion. Dutifully, my wife later reported back that the Bomb Disposal guys had detonated a device on the beach just along the Spit after the bridge. My wife had failed to investigate what type of bomb it was, but I thought it best not to mention her error to her, as I hear ‘strange accidents’ can happen to husbands when a wife is annoyed!

This year, it happened again on a Sunday afternoon at around 3.30pm, but this time on 2nd January 2011.  We were returning along the seafront after another delicious Sunday lunch at Westover Hall, when we could see in the distance a large crowd on Hurst Spit. This was almost immediately followed by a loud bang, and a plume of smoke. The Bomb Disposal guys had detonated yet another WW2 bomb. As I eagerly turned towards my wife, she simply said ‘If you value your manhood, don’t even think of asking me to go down there.’ I did, so I didn’t.

Food Week Ticket Office Now Open!

Tickets are now available online for key Milford on Sea Food Week Events!

This year we have an online Ticket Office for the ‘Major Ticketed Events’.  There will also be lots more free events during Food Week, all of which will be featured in the ‘Food Week Online Calendar’ and in the printed ‘Food Week Programme’, which is due in the village shops during early February. 

Last year many people were disappointed, due to all of events selling out early. So, this year you will not miss out if you order your tickets for your favourite events online now. There are a lot of new shows this year, so please click here to visit the ‘Ticket Office’ and take a look.

Of course, not everyone has access to the internet, so to be fair to all, the quantity of ‘online tickets’ are limited, and we shall have others available to buy at the ‘Food Week Box Office’, which will be held on advertised days before Food Week.

Tickets will also be on sale at Gwen’s for selected events from this Friday.

Food Week Calendar: We also have many ‘Free Events’ taking place during Food Week 2011. So, to view everything that will be happening please click here.

________________________________________

Milford on Sea Food Week is a celebration about all that is great about food. Our village is blessed with great places to eat and surrounded by quality local producers, so what better way to celebrate this than to have an entire week dedicated to the joys of food!

Everyone at every age is included, and Milford on Sea Food Week has over 100 activities including: Themed Dining Evenings, Professional Cookery Theatre, Celebrity Shows, Cooking Demonstrations, Educational Talks, Competitions, Dining Offers, Kids Events & a Sunday Food Market, all organised by local organisations, clubs, businesses and individuals.

Food Week is co-ordinated by a small dedicated group of volunteers who provide their expertise and time for free. Any income generated by Food Week 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 charities from any profits that are made.

As our event is truly ‘By the community, for the community’ your support is critical to us, and we thank you for getting involved by enjoying the events during Food Week.

http://www.milfordonseafoodweek.org/

Gingerbread House Results

Local brother and sister Ursula and Ben Nealon were recently announced joint winners of the ‘Gingerbread House Painting’ Competition.  The competition was run by Chris at Inger-Lise’s Coffee Bar, with many local children popping in to try there hand at creating a masterpiece, competition judge, Sally from Landfall Gallery, found choosing a winner difficult. So, she decided the only option was to have two winners!  Kev (Chris’s husband) apparently had great fun assembling the prize house, he said 'it was as technical as building a real one!'  Chris sends her thanks to everyone who entered, and hopes to see all soon for other themed competitions for the kids.

It's snowing again!

I was abruptly woken this tediously cold winter morning by a gloved slap in the face. I immediately wondered what I had done wrong now. As there was no follow up to the initial assault, I just laid assessing the situation and realised it was simply a subconscious action from my snoring wife. How such an angelic voice and face when sleeping can sound like a warthog at feeding time is beyond me.

As I laid waiting for the sting to subside, I realised that l was now sleeping with a fully kitted out close relative of ‘Scott of the Antarctic’. To think it was only fifteen years ago that bedtime attire for my wife was only a subtle squirt of perfume, and me just in my ‘furry lounge suit’. These days my wife takes what feels like hours to arrive in bed, going through a ritual process of adding numerous layers of ridiculously coloured warm bedwear. I on the other hand still only wear my ‘furry lounge suit’, although it is quite a different shape & size these days.

As I turned my bruised head towards the window, I could just see though my black eye that it was snowing heavily again. Hmm this weather did not go so well last time.

As I got up to start yet another exciting day, I heard my wife bark two clear instructions from deep within her cocoon of bedding. ‘Before you starting writing any more rubbish on your website, you can take the dogs for a walk’. Ah, my turn to wrap up in layers of clothing now!

Kids Drawing Competitions in the Village

Two of our children friendly village shops have got into the Christmas spirit by running Drawing Competitions for children. In Inger-Lise’s Coffee Bar, at the ‘Keyhaven end’ of the High Street, any children can draw their pictures at specially prepared tables, whilst mum or dad enjoy anything from a full English breakfast, lunch, sandwich, cake or just a coffee or hot chocolate. The coffee bar even has a children’s menu and baby changing facilities for the very young ones. All entered pictures will be put on display, with the winning picture being judged on Thursday 23rd December. Christine will be providing the winning entry will win a ‘Christmassy Gingerbread House’.

Down at Sullivan Mitchell, one of our local estate agents, there was another ‘Children’s Drawing Competition’ open to any children at pre-school or primary school age. This ended on the 18th December with Lesley awarding a 1st prize of a £10 Milford Models voucher and 2nd prize of a £5 Milford Models vouchers to the winners in two age group categories. It is nice to see are village shops helping to entertain the kids.

White Horse Fundraising closes in on £50,000

The White Horse pub in Milford on Sea has for the past six years entered an enthusiastic team in the 'New Forest Bike & Hike'.

The event allows people to cycle or hike in this ever popular community fun event. Routes are of varying lengths to suit all ages and abilities. Singles and seniors, families and friends, clubs, pubs, schools, youth groups and company teams. There is even a 'Buggy Routes' for Mums, Dads & little ones.  The sponsors are Ringwood Brewery and the event is in aid of Oakhaven Hospice.

 

This year's team of staff, customers and friends from The White Horse raised an amazing £11,307, which makes a total of £49,985 that they have raised over the past six years.



It looks like 2011 will see the £50,000 barrier well and truly smashed! Congratulations to Pat & all from The White Horse for such a great effort.



White Horse Team 2009



Hardeep is coming to Food Week

The planning for Milford on Sea Food Week 2011 (11th to 17th April 2011) is now well underway. We have already had the pleasure to announce 'An Evening with Dick Strawbridge', and we are now delighted to confirm that we have booked Hardeep Singh Kohli, another high level celebrity. Hardeep will be performing his 'Nearly Naked Chef Show' on Saturday 17th April 2011 in our purpose build professional Cookery Theatre which will be in the Community Centre Main Hall.

Tickets will go on sale online soon, and we will also have a 'Box Office' on selected days before Food Week for people without internet access to also buy tickets for the major events.

So, grab a seat and tuck in, as a guest of Hardeep Singh Kohli. This celebrated broadcaster, raconteur, writer and cook combines comedy with inventive cuisine in a wonderfully funny, laid back evening's entertainment.

Just think Ready Steady Cook but with great cooking (Hardeep was runner-up on the first series of Celebrity Masterchef) and funny anecdotes, all delivered by Glaswegian Hardeep in his own unique, articulate and utterly charming way.

Having debuted at the 2009 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where the show played to sell-out audiences, this is an extended, two-course version of The Nearly Naked Chef, combining more of Hardeep’s winning talents and recipes.

‘Kohli’s evening of cookery and anecdotes… left a reassuringly warm aftertaste.’ **** The Times

‘I was mightily impressed by his ability to keep a capacity crowd in the palm of his hand for almost two hours. His concoction on the night? Haggis and butternut squash vindaloo. Even funnier, it was delicious.’ The Sun

Click link to find out more about Hardeep:
http://www.hardeeplive.com/

 

Milford on Sea Food Week: http://www.milfordonseafoodweek.org/

MoS Club Advertising Opportunities

Milford on Sea Club in the High Street, have recently installed a new media system which is all singing and dancing! As well as providing entertainment, the screens have advertising space. Any local business can advertise their services for a very reasonable cost. Companies could have full screen spreads with pictures, videos and logos etc, or just have data in a ‘ticker stream’ on the bottom of the screen.

To receive a price list or to find out more please contact: Mark Ketchen: markdketchen@gmail.com - 07967 547639
Milford on Sea Club, 67 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG

Join in the Guinness World Record Attempt

There is still time to join in the Jack Boothroyd Memorial 5-aside football competition, and to try and set a new Guinness World Record.

A world record attempt football tournament is being organised in memory of Jack Boothroyd. Jack was a popular Milford on Sea teenager who tragically passed away in October. He attended Priestlands School and was a regular member of Milford Youth Club. Friends at the club have asked if the youth room at the new community centre can be renamed to the Booth Room. His friends from school have posted numerous & emotional tributes on Facebook, and Head teacher Chris Willshire sang the praises of Jack, who he described as ‘a lovely boy’. Jack loved caring for animals & spending time on his BMX bike, and from everything we have heard, his mum & dad, Belinda & Mark, must be very proud of their son.

Mark Ketchen and Richard Millbery are organising the Jack Boothroyd Memorial Competition on behalf of Milford on Sea Club. The competition will be a Guinness World Record Attempt to achieve the Largest 5-a-Side Football Tournament. Pre-final matches will start soon and can take place anywhere. A comprehensive guide pack will be issued to all teams that enter. Mark & Richard also hope to raise money for a children’s charity, and they are using all schools in the area to increase the number of participants. The competition can have many categories, so more teams, and volunteers old or young are needed. The competition will be in a mini league format with finals to take place at Priestlands School during the weekend of 5th March 2011.
If you would like to take part or help out please contact:
Mark Ketchen: markdketchen@gmail.com - 07967 547639
or Richard Millbery: 01590 643209
Milford on Sea Club, 67 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG

New Beer in Milford on Sea

Our friends at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust have let us know that a local Hampshire brewer, Bowman Ales, has just produced a special 50th Anniversary ale for the Trust called 'Warbler'. The beer is described as "A conker coloured premium bitter with an initial sweetness giving way to a dry chestnutty finish, smooth, full bodied & fragrant."

If you fancy a taste, the Co-op in Milford on Sea village will be stocking bottles, and Paul at the Red Lion is going to make it available as well.  We also hope to have the beer featured during Milford on Sea Food Week.

www.hwt.org.uk/pages/warbler-anniversary-ale.html

Bowman Ales is a micro brewery based near Droxford in Hampshire.  Find out more here:

http://www.bowman-ales.com/

William Rickman & Milford House

Recently we received an interesting e-mail from a historian in Charles City County, Virginia, USA. Oh yes, we are now an international resource for historical research! Which is quite a surprise, as I normally make most things up! Anyway, Patrick is researching a certain eighteenth century William Rickman.

William Rickman, was born about 1715, probably in England. William Rickman studied medicine, and is believed to have served as ship’s surgeon on the Launcet, a Royal Navy ship. If so, he left the Royal Navy and settled in Virginia about 1760. At the outbreak of the American Revolution he was appointed director-general of Continental Army Hospitals for the state of Virginia, with the rank of colonel. Dr. William Rickman married sometime before the year 1770; his son Jesse Rickman, was born on May 2 of that year. Jesse was born on his father’s farm near Charles City, Virginia, known as Kittewan. Jesse’s mother died while he was still a small child, and in 1775 his father remarried. Dr. Rickman’s young bride was Elizabeth Harrison, sister of future U.S. President William Henry Harrison. She was 24 when she married the 60 year old Dr. Rickman. After William Rickman died in 1783, her stepson Jesse promptly left the family property, possibly due to a quarrel with his stepmother.

Patrick tells us that William Rickman’s home, which was built in the 1770’s, was called Milford, and wonders if there is any connection with Milford House in Milford on Sea? Our own research found the following: ‘Milford House is a splendid Georgian House in red brick. The central part is the oldest, with castellated parapet being built in about 1730 for William Rickman. He died in 1764 and William Reynolds became the new owner of the Manor’. The dates do not appear to exactly fit, so I have no idea if this is the same ‘William Rickman‘? If you can throw any more light on this story please let me know. david@milfordonsea.org

Magical Milford Monday

A freezing evening chill did not prevent an impressive turn out for the annual ‘Carols on the Green’. Yet again the evening had a wonderful Christmas feel, as Milford on Sea High Street became a winter wonderland. From early evening many of the shops remained open and were serving mulled wine, mince pies and other Christmas goodies. The High Street itself had brave stallholders offering hog roast, paella, crepes, hot chestnuts, candy floss and more. The giant lighted Christmas tree on the green provided the backdrop for the carol service, which was led by village’s own Total Voice Choir. As around 300 people joined in the community singing it was hard not to be moved by the magical atmosphere this created. Everyone that had braved the freezing night certainly felt the effort had been worthwhile. As a great finale, Father Christmas arrived on his sledge. The children’s faces were a picture as he & his helpers handed out sweets to everybody. Well done to the Village Community Committee on organising another great night.

For some the night was still not over as they made their way to the Community Centre to see Milford’s Three Tenors in ‘Mistletoe, Mischief & Mince Pies’. Our own Colin Judson opened the show with ‘O Sole Mio’, with his fellow tenors joining him on stage from various directions as the song progressed. The audience had expected to see ‘Wynne Evans’ and were disappointed to find out that he was stuck in Glasgow due to the snow. I don’t know how Colin managed it, but at the last minute he had been able to get John Hudson to join the team. Colin described John as England’s best tenor for the past ten years, and having heard him who could argue. The great arias kept coming, as people were hypnotised by the power and quality of the singing. The infectious humour of the guys between songs really added to the night. The smooth blend of the individual tenor’s voices mesmerised, and when in harmony they created an incredible sound, espacially when singing Nessun Dorma, which sent a wonderful chill down the spine. It was amazing to think these guys are normally playing the Royal Albert Hall, or international Opera Theatres, yet there we all were, watching them in our own community centre. The Christmas themed second half bought songs for everyone to join in with, and with the words to some of the songs not known by all the tenor’s, their play fighting over the scripts made everyone giggle. Colin had one last closing surprise for us all, but I won’t reveal it now as there is still another show to go. If you are going to the Friday Show be prepared for a spectacular evening!

http://www.colinjudson.co.uk/

Footnote: Having enjoyed Monday evening so much, my wife managed to get two last minute returns to go to the Friday show.  After another spectacular performance she excitedly told me; 'we must do that again'.  'What?, see The Three Tenors?' I asked.  'No, I meant I must always remember to get two single tickets miles apart' she giggled.  Oh, she is so funny, so very funny!

Ravenhurst Planning Update

The planning Inspector rejected the appeal from the developers (Penny Farthing) of the unoccupied NHS site at Ravenhurst (next to the White House on seafront) last week. However, the ‘Protecting Milford's Heritage’ group consider that this has been a hollow victory, because apparently even before the Public Inquiry had ended, Penny Farthing had already lodged a new application with the NFDC to change the planning use to Residential.

Several local residents have again objected to the new application, including our local Parish Council who support the view that the site be restored to its original Greenfield status. The revised application is going before the Planning Committee on Wednesday 8th December (9am: Lyndhurst Council offices). We have been advised that the officers report of the NFDC says the application should be granted despite local objection, and also says the developer could then further amend the plans and application without having to seek any further approvals or consultation! It is also reported to say that only 5 local people have objected. However, the ‘Protecting Milford's Heritage’ advised us that there are 8 letters of objection or expressing concern on the website, and some neighbours have stated their letters sent some weeks ago have not yet been registered on the website, so presumably not counted. Desmond Swayne. our local MP has also asked questions on the groups behalf.

Due to the short notice, it is unlikely that  many cannot attend the planning meeting, but anyone who wishes to support the ‘Protecting Milford's Heritage’ group and add their voice they can attend the Planning committee and object, or email members of the planning Committee, Chief Executive of NFDC and copy the Parish Council to quickly register their protest. 

If you need the e-mail addresses we have a list provided bu PMH available on request.

Milford Fights the Snow

Last week, arctic conditions gripped the whole country, bringing chaos almost everywhere. The stoic people of Milford on Sea were mainly undeterred though. Paul Watson sent us the picture above, as he wasted no time in checking whether the snow had drawn out the ‘Molemen’ living under the green. He reported no sign of our furry Subterranean neighbours, however they seem to have erected a Christmas Tree in the dark of the night.

Terry and Jean Langford send their congratulations to those that kept the village functioning whilst many places drew to a standstill; ”Jean and I would like to commend and congratulate all the people in the various services and shops who turned out to work in Milford and our local area during the severe weather. Of particular mention for us should be the newspaper deliveries, on time on Thursday and Friday (ca 6.30am) as if it had never snowed, and the milkman whose footprints were the first I saw in the snow as I went to get the papers from our gate box. These two deserve medals and our continuing business.”

Another arctic adventurer was Mike Collison, who braved the snow to capture some delightful photographs as shown.

A Milford Bloke Trapped in Guildford

As some of you may know I have to return to Guildford every now and then to do some occasional ‘real work’ in my business.

Our house in Surrey is on a hill with nice views of Guildford Cathedral and the South Downs. Normally this is a pleasure, but Wednesday turned out to be slightly different. The more observant amongst you will have noticed that there has been snow across the country recently, and we had already been genuinely snowed in for two days.

No worries though, provisions were high and my wife was unusually calm and friendly. Wednesday morning greeted us with the delightful scene of the crisp white undulating landscape, and with the glistening snowy rooftops of the town a joy to be seen. In an idyllic family scene the dogs were soon frolicking in the eight inch snow, and the laughter of children rang excitedly across the sparkling snow covered streets. That was of course, until my wife ran screaming into my study, shouting something about a pigeon that was stranded in our garden. I think she is under the misguided impression that I am some kind of ‘Bill Oddy’ style wildlife expert or a professor of ornithology at the local bird school. I helpfully said I would ‘see to it in a minute’ (& as you guys know, this is never the right answer from a husband). Apparently the dogs couldn’t return to the garden due the risk that they would eat our uninvited visitor. However conversely, they needed to go into the garden absolutely immediately, or their bladders would increase to the size of a hot air balloon and they may then disappear into the sky on their way to the industrial North. (Little does she know, that when she is out, I leave them for hours on end without a visit to the garden, and neither of them has exploded yet!) As I did not immediately jump to this mammoth crisis, ‘Eskimo Nell’ kitted herself out with arctic clothing & headgear, and made her way out into the drifts of eight inch snow, all without the aid of snow shoes or the back up of an air ambulance. Once her one lady rescue mission reached her patient - it was stone cold dead. I ignored her sobbing, and helped out by passing my little Inuit a black plastic bag. A hot drink or two later, life had returned to as normal as our life can be.

Well, that was before we saw my wife’s car drive past our house. This was only slightly strange. To explain, my wife’s car had gone in for a service a couple of days earlier & the ice and snow on our hill had made it impossible for it to return the day before. It was also impossible for it to return today, but for some reason the garage hadn’t seen the latest weather report in Guildford. As we were discussing how the car had managed to get up the hill at all, we spotted the man from the garage taking the (unused) temporary hire car he had left with us off of our drive. We watched slightly bemused as he reversed out, and then just slid almost gracefully from view. For some reason we did not spot him passing our house again to get into my wife’s car just a little way up the hill. The first we saw, was when my wife’s car was being driven towards the drive of our house, - and then past it uncontrollably, straight into the back of the temporary hire car.

By the time we had donned our outdoor gear to investigate, our friendly ‘garage man’ has left his hire car, which was now at a right angle across the road. He was determined to complete his mission to deliver my wife’s car to her. I think he then wished he hadn’t bothered, especially when he tried to enter the drive again, but just slid and wedged the car against the gate post. My wife was not too happy, but I reminded her that quite a few of her car panels hadn’t been damaged at all. Obviously things could not get worse. That was until I decided to help the guy recue both cars. First we released my wife’s car from the vice like grip of our gate post, discovering in the process that buying a four wheel drive Audi for snowy conditions was actually a waste of money. The best we could do was dump it somewhere near the kerb in the hope no one else fancied taking a chunk out of it. Next, we were off to save the hire car blocking the road. Spade in hand, we dug & pushed to get this little mechanical monster facing the right way. It would be hard to believe that as I went inside to get some gloves, that the ‘garage man’ now managed to lock the keys in the car! A full one & a half hours later the car was released and somehow we had got it to the bottom of the road to let our ‘garage man’ on his way back to wherever he came from.

Thinking the drama was over for the afternoon we settled back down to do some work. So far no cars has made it successfully to the top of our mountainous road. That was until we saw a flash BMW 4x4 stride effortlessly past our house and park further up the hill. The driver then trudged knee deep in the snow past our house, and we gave him a spontaneous round of applause. No sooner had we started clapping, he disappeared without taking a bow. About ten minutes later we saw his BMW 4x4 again. This time he was not in it. The car had simply slid down the hill from its previous parking slot, only stopping when it crunched into the neighbours car opposite. To spectacularly finish the ‘Strictly Come Dancingesque’ manoeuvre, the car then spun gracefully to directly face our house, and conveniently provided a new road block for our cul de sac. My wife had the great idea that ‘I should do something?!’. When I asked what I was supposed to do about the two ton driverless locked car spread across the road? She just said ‘typical, you are useless in a crisis’. Great, all of the sudden the skiing BMW had become my problem, and It wasn’t even our car involved this time! As we watched various unconnected observers visit the scene of destruction there was still no sign of the car’s driver. About an hour later the bewildered man reappeared, and it will come as no surprise that he was shocked to find his car not quite where he had left.

Once again I was sent outside under my wife’s instructions ‘to do something’. As I approached the shocked driver he wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry, so I just asked him ‘have you been driving long?’. I have to admit an undisguised snigger when he told me it was actually his wife’s new car. Our neighbours crushed bumper was still caressing the BMW’s back corner as my new mate from Reading tried to examine the damage. Not being able to see clearly he decided he should try and move his car to see the carnage his lovely wife’s car had caused. All was going to plan, that was until his front wheels were facing down the hill. Before he knew it, the car was on an uncontrolled slalom down the steep incline. I could hear his expletive ridden screams & curses as he missed my wife’s car (just), avoided the stranded BMW 7 Series and finally swerved again to miss the Toyota 4x4 towards the bottom of the hill. If it were not for the enormous crash he made as his new 20 inch alloys hit the kerb with an almighty smash, he may well have ended up in a nice couples garden across the other side of the road at the bottom of ours. Shaken and shocked yet again, he struggled back up the hill, falling over only once, saying ‘I didn’t mean to do that!’. As he left to inform the owner of the innocent and distressed vehicle with a smashed front, I wished him well on explaining to his wife what he had done to her new car.

Later that evening my mate Colin e-mailed me to say Milford on Sea had received a 'dusting' of snow, but they were coping! He didn’t mentioned if his car had survived the day undamaged, but I guessed it had. As the evening drew to a close it was a pleasure to retire to bed, even if it did mean sleeping with ‘Scott of the Antarctic’ dressed in two nighties, woollen socks and a bobble hat.

Food Week Meeting Update

Following an enthusiastic attendance at the Food Week Public Meeting a couple of weeks ago, we now have a good number of Volunteers enlisted to help out during Food Week. We have no idea with what yet, but if you would like to join the list please send your details to david@milfordonsea.org and we will give you the choice to lend a hand somewhere if you would like.

Events for Food Week are now coming in thick and fast, as we try to tie down all of the activities in order to send the programme for printing in January. All of our local charities have also been invited to join in to raise funds for their own good causes. Our local eateries, shops and businesses have been generous in providing support & sponsorship, so everything is well on track.

If you, or your organisation, would like to get involved by running a ‘food related’ event of any kind, just let us know your ideas as soon as possible, the more the merrier! This is truly a ‘real community event’ with no expenses taken and all profits going to local good causes. A complete cross section of the village is involved from The Guides, to local people doing demonstrations in the Cookery Theatre, through to all of our pubs, cafes and restaurants. We are doing everything we can to make next year’s event really special so why not join in, or just make sure you are around from 11th to 17th April 2011 to enjoy the fun!

http://www.milfordonseafoodweek.org/

Are you new to the village?

Each February a ‘Newcomers Supper’ is held at All Saints Church Hall in Milford on Sea. Anyone that is new to the village since February 2010 is able to apply for an invitation and the event is entirely free. The evening consists of two parts. In the first hour or so, there is a ‘mini exhibition’, where you can wander around and informally meet representatives from the many clubs, associations & organisations in the village. They can tell you anything you want to know, and if you fancy getting involved you can. This is then followed by a sit down supper with the chance to meet new people & have a bit of fun.

Most years the event has over a hundred people attending, and it is a great way to meet new people, and to get a warm welcome to your new home. The village is full of friendly people and the ‘Newcomers Supper’ is a fast-track way of getting to know all about our village life.

The ‘Newcomers Supper’ is funded & hosted by all of the churches in the village & tirelessly organised by Ruth Bufton. The event is by invitation only, so if you are new to the village this year & would like to come along please contact: Ruth Bufton on ruth.bufton@btinternet.com or 01590 641875

Christmas comes to Westover Hall

I wandered in Westover Hall the other day for a quick cup of coffee. Always a lovely place to visit anytime of the year, but right now it is like a Milford on Sea Christmas wonderland, with an enormous tree, beautiful decorations and a crackling log fire in the comfortable panelled lounge. As I chatted to Christine the owner, I was impressed to hear that their recent ‘Spanish Night’ held in November has raised £1000 for Naomi House Children's Hospice. David then enticed me into choosing a hot toddy, mulled wine or tea & coffee, as throughout December they all come with a complimentary mince pie from the hotel’s splendid pâtissier Mike. Coffee and a free mince pie was perfect for me.

As the welcome was as warm as ever, and they even humoured me for wearing shorts in the freezing weather, I am now planning to take my wife for a Christmas Lunch, Dinner or Afternoon Tea as I heard that they are serving some special complimentary seasonal canapés. I also found out that they are doing the seasonal canapés for ‘informal get togethers’ or ‘drinks parties with friends’, but I don’t have enough mates for that!

http://www.westoverhallhotel.com/  |  Tel: 01590 643044

New Island off The Needles

A new island has appeared from the sea, due south of Milford on Sea, and just west of The Needles in Christchurch Bay. Not sure it will be suitable for habitation though, as it is likely to disappear beneath the waves again soon.

For the past week Dolphin Bank has become a temporary home for seabirds and a new local attraction for seafarers and jet skiers.

Approximately 400 metres of Dolphin Bank can be been seen several feet above sea level, with a further 800 meters or so, clearly identifiable by the waves breaking on more of the bank lying just below the surface. Dolphin Bank is made up of predominantly sand & shingle. It is some 7km in length, and 1.4km broad at its maximum breadth, with an elevation of up to 14m above the almost featureless seabed. Dolphin Bank should not be confused with The Shingles Bank, which runs parallel to the Isle of White and into the Solent. Nor, Brambles Bank, which is near Calshot Spit, and where the annual cricket match is played between the Island Sailing Club and the Royal Southern Yacht Club!

The bank has revealed itself due to the current ‘Neap Tide’. Spring and Neap tides are created by the relationship between the Earth and the Moon during each lunar month. Spring tides (high tides) occur shortly after New and Full Moon, and Neap tides (low tides) occur shortly after the Moon is in its First and Third Quarter.

If you are quick you may still see it!

*Map from: www.scopac.org.uk 

Fancy a curry tomorrow?

This Saturday (Tomorrow, 27th November) there is a Curry & Quiz Night at All Saints Church Hall. Everyone is welcome to the fun night, which will include a curry meal, quizzes & games for all ages.  All of the curry chefs are from the All Saints' Church Boys Youth Group.

The lads are really excited about hosting the night, so why not support their enthusiasm by popping along?

Tickets are £10 & £6 for Kids under 12 and available from Claire on 01590 644707 (allsaintsyouthminister@googlemail.com) or All Saints' Church Hall: 01590 644707 & also from Gwen's. There are plenty of tickets still available.

The event is in aid of Friends of Ray of Hope. To find out more about Friends of Ray of Hope please visit:
http://www.friendsofrayofhope.com/

Swap Appeal for Three Tenor Tickets

We have been asked whether anyone would be prepared to swap 2 tickets for the Milford's Three Tenors 'Mince Pies, Mistletoe and Mischief' Show on Friday 10th December? 
A desperate Milford resident has 2 tickets for the same show on Monday 6th December in exchange.

If you can help please e-mail david@milfordonsea.org & we can also explain the ‘sob story’ that goes with the request!

Milford’s Race to Infinity

We ran the story below at the beginning of November, and to date the 'Milford Residents Votes' are now up to 125 votes out of a total of 3,498.  Looks like we will miss out on faster broadband unless more people vote online.

The story below explains:

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We recently heard from two observant, & I have to say intelligent readers, who have made us aware of an opportunity for us all to apply for superfast fibre optic broadband in the village. BT are running a ‘Race to Infinity’ campaign to decide which communities will get superfast broadband. With enough votes, our village connection could increase to speeds of up to 40Mb. In other words, a totally transformed internet, where downloads, uploads, chat and play can all happen at once. Suddenly, all those things that used to take forever on the internet, don't. So far 32 Milford on Sea resident households have voted out of a total 3498.

In order for Milford on Sea to be connected, we need to demonstrate support within our community. So, to ensure we can gain an up to date infrastructure for village homes, businesses and community services, please ‘Vote Now’ using the website link below:

www.bt.com/racetoinfinity

If we are successful in getting the broadband upgrade, all we need next is a mobile phone company who can provide a service where I can get a signal inside my house!

Christmas Shopping & Singing in Village

Late Night Opening in the village shops is on Monday 6th December. Most shops will stay open from 5pm until around 8pm, with the community singing at ‘Carols on the Green’ starting around 7pm. If you haven’t been before, you will find this one of the most enchanting evenings of the year. The village is alive with atmosphere, song & lights, with hot food, Christmas stalls, a hot chestnut stand, & loads of fun for the kids & adults alike.

It is also a great time for your Christmas shopping, The Old Smithy has some really lovely things especially for Christmas, Jabulani has charming gifts & affordable art, and Landfall Gallery has a whole range of unusual contemporary art, gifts & pottery items which would make lovely presents. Brocante Antiques Shop have some lovely small gifts, and for the kids (& adult big kids!) Milford Models & Hobbies have some great games and presents, plus Joy also has a range of specialist soft toys in the same shop. It is also worth checking out the drink offers in Hollands, Wine Shak & Co-Op, there seem to be some great offers in store. For the ladies, Gwen’s has a range of ladies garments of the season. New Seasons Florist is enriched with the sweet smell of Christmas and some beautiful floral arrangements for the home & table, they also, have a specially themed window display. Irene at Ellis Hairdressing also has a charming nativity scheme in her window, which is always a delight for children.

Should like to really pamper someone, you can buy gift vouchers from Lola at The Retreat, and from some of the village hairdressers. If you have some keen DIY’ers to buy for, Hardware @ Milford is certainly worth a look. For the bargain hunters, our two charity shop have a great selection of everything! Christmas cards can be found in the newsagents, post office & gift shops. To support our village butchers, why not this year, order your Christmas turkey & joints, and fruit & vegetables, from The Butchers Shop, DJ Gregory or Marjories Greengrocers. With such a list, it seems we could also complete our Christmas shopping without leaving the village! Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant even has a £10 menu for the evening from 6pm to 9pm. Rather than giving your Christmas cash to the large supermarkets & stores, it would be great if we could support our own village shops as much as possible this Christmas.

If you would like some other gift ideas available in the village, please take a look at ‘Village Services - Health & Beauty’ in:
http://www.milfordonseadirectory.org/

Free ‘Late Night Shopping’ parking in the Sea Road car park from 12.00 midday. (we think!)

If you would like to eat out this Christmas, please click this link: Dining Offer Calendar for December, for Christmas Day & New Years Day events please click here.