Milford on Sea Music Festival Saved

As you may have read here in recent months, the future of Milford on Sea Music & Arts Festival has been under threat. Over the past ten years a dedicated small group of volunteers have done a fantastic job building the festival to what we have all come to love & enjoy. However, changing circumstances and commitments has meant that a number of important volunteer organisers were moving on and there was insufficient new blood to maintain the annual event as we know it.

The great news is that following appeals in these pages and elsewhere locally, sufficient volunteers have come forward to make the necessary additions to the remaining committee. Our supportive community never ceases to amaze me, and once again people have pulled together, sacrificing their own time to create enjoyment for others. Well done to you all, I know it is appreciated by many.

I am delighted to say that the 10th Anniversary Milford on Sea Music Festival 2011 will run from the 7th to 10th July with events on the first two evening & full day and evening performances on the Saturday & Sunday. If you have never been before, this is a very special weekend where you can enjoy rock bands, folk groups, swing bands, classical music, opera, dance groups, local talent, youth bands and lots more. The village green becomes alive with the main stage and various off-stage entertainment such as variety entertainers, stalls and local food. Unbelievably, the event has no official funding and yet the whole event is free to all visitors. All costs are covered by local fundraising and most importantly from programme sales. So please buy a programme, as the money helps keep the festival going.

If anybody would like to support the festival, the committee have launched a ‘Friends of the festival’ campaign, and any donation is welcomed. For those in a position to make a larger financial commitment they are also seeking ‘Sponsors’ for all aspects of the event.

The committee as pleased to say that they now have a solid team, but of course there is always room for new faces & pairs of hands, so if you have ‘administrative skills’, or would simply like to just help out on the day you would be warmly welcomed.

For further details on becoming a volunteer, ‘friend of the festival’ or sponsoring the event - please contact Pamela Allen at:
pamela@allenp76.fsnet.co.uk

Milford Tennis Club Re-Opens on Saturday

Milford Tennis and Squash Club will officially re-open their new clubhouse in Lucerne Road next Saturday (Feb 26th). Former Great Britain Davis Cup finalist Mark Cox will formally open the new facility at 1pm before playing a number of exhibition matches against selected Milford players throughout the afternoon. Club chairman, Ken Burbidge commented: “Saturday the 26th will be a very important day in our 82 year history. We are delighted to welcome Mark Cox to open our new clubhouse. We are now fully functioning and anyone interested in joining any of our sections would be very welcome to come along and watch the tennis from 1:45pm."

The original building, parts of which were 80 years old, was destroyed in a fire on Boxing Day 2009 and after a year of rebuilding the new clubhouse is finally up and running. The club's tennis and squash members have continued to play throughout the rebuild, making use of the indoor areas saved by swift action of the fire service and a small marquee has also been used for club business. The bridge, art and mah jong sections have had to find alternative premises for over a year but will now be welcomed back.

http://www.milfordtennisandsquash.net/

Village News turns into a banana

Having spotted that The Village News in Milford on Sea High Street had turned into a banana colour I thought I would see if Mark was now also doing greengrocery. Happy to find out he was leaving selling fruit & veg to Marjories, I discovered the outside makeover was courtesy of the Daily Mail. Mark’s shop has been recognised as a significant newspaper distributor and has been be upgraded to also distribute the regular free gifts given with newspapers. (Such as CDs etc.) So, people no longer have to leave Milford on Sea to get the free gifts.

Mark (now minus the sailors beard which appeared on his face a few weeks ago) also has a great display of the ‘Food Week Goodies’ range and programmes, and I was pleased to hear they are already selling well It seems lots of people are, quite rightly, getting ready to make the most of Food Week!

Newcomers welcomed to Milford

On Saturday night anyone new to the village in the past year was invited to a free supper at the All Saints Church Hall in Milford on Sea.  Prior to eating, the guests were able to attend a ‘mini exhibition’ of the clubs, associations & services in the village.  Over 40 representatives met & greeted the newcomers, explaining the offerings they had for them. 

Not being new to the village I had wangled an invitation on the basis of being an organiser of Food Week.  It wasn’t long before I was back into the patter I had once used at Petticoat Lane & the Ideal Home Exhibition many years ago.  No one was going to get past without hearing about the special event the village will be enjoying in April.  It was fun jumping out & scaring people, before explaining about this website, & our new village 'foodie' event just before Easter. 

It was enjoyable to hear how everyone I met was so delighted to be now living in the village & they were astounded at all that was available to participate in.  Most places I know are wary of newcomers, but our special little place goes out of its way to welcome them with a warm heart. 

The ‘mini exhibition’ was followed with a sit down meal for the newcomers.  Now at this stage I should have gone home, but I decided to put on an apron to pretend I was working with the girls in the kitchen.  This enabled me to see what happened next.  All of the 120+ guests were the welcomed by various notaries from the village, each giving a little speech.  My favourite was Rev Barbara Jefferies, she had a warm smile & excellent sense of humour.   As the meals were about to leave the kitchen, I disrobed from my apron (just in case I had to do any work) & suddenly felt hungry, so I made for an empty space on the packed tables. 

We were informed that the main meal & salads were done by the teams from the Methodists & CofE and the puddings done by the catholics.  Seconds were even available if you wanted, guess who accepted the offer! It was close, but the cathollics just won it for me!  The evening then ended with some entertainment from our local music masters. Full to the brim, I then left for home to check if my wife had noticed I had gone out.  This evening will leave a special memory for many who attended & it was predominately the work of one lady, supported by an enthusastic team of volunteers.  Ruth Bufton & your helpers please stand up & take a bow, you deserve it!

Cook with The Chef

Next Tuesday provides an opportunity for local cooking enthusiasts to enjoy a 'Cooking Day' at Verveine Fishmarket restaurant in Milford on Sea.  As you can see below it sounds pretty exciting.

Since opening fourteen month's ago, the restaurant has built a spectacular reputations with contast glowing reviews from diners, and they really do create 'Theatre on a plate!'

Full details of the event are below, and if you fancy this, Ii suggest booking quick as I know it is nearly sold out.

Tel: 01590 642176 | www.verveine.co.uk



Vectis-Zephyrus

We have had an e-mail last week informing us that a competition is currently underway to name the Wind Park proposed south of Milford on Sea. Last year Eneco held exhibitions in the area to present their proposals on the project.

The naming competition is now gathering pace, and one of our own has made the shortlist. David Godfroy’s suggestion was ‘Vectis-Zephyrus’. He idea is based on the Roman name for the area which was ‘Vectis’ and ‘Zephyrus’ was the Roman name for west wind. (Clever eh!) There are other names on the shortlist such as: Knollsea, Jurassic Coast, Wessex Array, Wight Wind, Jurassic Array, Solent Breeze, Navitus Bay, Jurassic Future, Wind Needles.

My own suggestion of ‘Eyesore’ or ‘One Good Turn Deserves Another’ for some reason did not make the shortlist.

If you would like to support David’s suggested name you can vote by advising your preference by email at namethewindpark@mistral-pr.co.uk or using Freephone 0800 848 8464

www.enecowindoffshore.co.uk/Name-the-Wind-Park.aspx

New Pet Shop in village

Jaws, Paws & Claws opens it doors this Saturday and welcomes all our furry friends & their owners!  The new shop in Church Hill, Milford on Sea is next to HSBC Bank and where 'Allure' once traded.

Our new village Pet Shop will provide Pet Supplies, Food, Toys and Accessories. The pet food range includes many major brands and now provides a local supply in the village. So if you are looking for anything relating to your dog, cat, fish, rabbit or horse why not pop down & take a look.

This new venture is owned by Nici & Lionel Illgner, who also own 'Hardware@Milford' in Keyhaven Road.

If you would like to know more you can pop in, or contact Nici or Lionel below:

Tel: 01590 641684 | E-Mail: info@hardwareatmilford.co.uk

Jack Boothroyd Memorial Competition starts soon

The world record attempt football tournament being organised in memory of Jack Boothroyd is fast approaching. There is still time to get involved and just by entering you'll be helping to raise money for Wave 105 Cash for Kids.

The competition is being run for schools up to adults, each within their own category. So whether you're a 5-a-side team or just want to get your friends or work colleagues together for a football tournament then register now... Ladies teams are welcome too!!

They also still need volunteers for refereeing and marshalling for the 26th, 27th February and 5th March at Priestlands School.

To get involved please visit: www.wave105.com/jack

There are also sponsorship opportiniunities at the event. 2m x 1m banners around the event with company logo's combined with event logo are from £60 (£30 goes to Cash for Kids). Please contact: Mark Ketchen: markdketchen@gmail.com - 07967 547639

Milford on Sea Club is also holding a fundraising 'Auction & Prize Giving Night' starting at 7.30pm on Saturday 5th March.

The evening will  feature entertainment from 'Frank Sinatra' and members and guests can bid in the auction for an England Ashes 2010 cricket bat signed by the whole team, a Southampton FC signed shirts, Chewton Glen Spa Day, Holiday in France, Exercise bikes and lots more.

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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.

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 February half term.

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

Food Week Programme & Goodies now in shops

The Milford on Sea Food Week Programme is now on sale in several village shops, and is still being ditributed far & wide. The programme contains the full listing of the 100+ events taking place throughout the week, and information on the many events taking place in the 'Cookery Theatre'.  Tickets for the major events are now on sale click here, or you can just pop into Gwen's.

We hope you enjoy the events planned!

This year we also have a range of ‘Food Week Goodies’, these are now in stock at ‘The Village News’ newsagent. The jute shopping bag is eco-friendly, and is already proving very popular.

I actually treated myself to a 'Food Week Cooks Apron', and looked magnificent as I supervised my wife cooking my dinner last night!

PS: We are pleased to say that the Food Week programme is also being sold by the Visitor Centre's in Lyndhurst, Lymington & Christchurch.  If you have a local business & would have like to lend us a hand by selling a few programmes to your customers please let us know & we will drop some round.

http://www.milfordonseafoodweek.org/

Les to ride the British Coast

Local Milford on Sea classic motor cycle enthusiast Les Spicer, is taking a break from his Applecrust B&B at September Cottage, to complete a motorbike ride for charity.

Les had planned to do this last year, but a broken shoulder put paid to his plans.  However, Les is now back in the saddle and ready to start his epic trip on 4th April 2011.

Les will be riding his classic 1968 Triumph Tiger 100 (500cc), He plans to travel 3200 miles around the coast of Britain over the next month. His ride will also raise funds for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, a valuable local emergency service which depends entirely on voluntary contributions.  

During his ride Les will where possible stay with friends & relatives, at other times he has a tent in his kit to spend the night at one with nature. Enjoy the ride Les!

If you would like to support Les with a donation please visit his charity website:

www.justgiving.com/LesSpicerRideAroundBritain

Inger-Lise's launch Cake Pop's

Inger-Lise's, our village coffee bar at the Keyhaven Road end of the High Street, has launched a new 'sweet treat'.  The Cake Pop in a delicious mini cake on a lolly stick.  They are now available to enjoy in Inger-Lise's.  They would also make a fun addition to a childrens birthday party.

Christine also now has a delightful range of gift wrapped homemade cup cakes at just £1, and boxed handmade chocolates from the Beaulieu Chocolate Studio for £1.75.

During February half term Inger-Lise's will be welcoming children and families with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained. It will also be a good time to try a 'Cake Pop!'

http://www.cakepopco.com/

Youth Group restarts

The Milford on Sea Youth Group is soon to restart at the Community Centre.  The relaunched two Youth Group's will cater for all 11 to 14 years plus.

The meetings for those aged 14 years and above will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6.30 to 7.30pm starting from 2nd March 2011.

On Wednesday February 16th 2011 there will be a 'Meet & Greet' Open Evening where the 14 years+ can meet the new leaders and they can meet you.  Everyone welcome to come along.

Tuesday evenings will be for the 11 to 13 year Youth Group, which starts at 6.30 to 7.30pm starting from 12th April 2011.

On Tuesday April 5th there will be a 'Meet & Greet' Open Evening for the 11 to 13 years to meet your new leaders and for them to meet you. You do have to be member to attend.

 

The Youth Group evenings are led by qualified Youth Leaders, who are supported by volunteers. Any young person living in the Parish is entitled to belong and is made very welcome.

The meetings are held in the purpose built Youth Room and activities include: Creative art, table tennis, pool, cookery and more... In addition you have visits by outside agencies for fun ideas such as circus skills and t-shirt printing. Alongside this specialists in heath education work with small groups on subjects ranging from drug awareness to sex education.

The room is equipped with 3 computers, a film projector and sound system as well as facilities for hot and cold drinks and snacks.

Full members of the club can have subsidised coaching at the local Tennis Club.

The 'Meet & Greet Evenings' are free ot attend, so why not go along nad meet everyone.

Entrance on club nights is 50p at the door.

http://www.theyouthclub.org.uk/

NFDC Public Consultation in Village tomorrow

The NFDC are holding a Public Consultation at the Milford on Sea Community Centre tomorrow (Thursday 3rd February) between 3 & 9pm.

Here you will be able to view the ‘Sites and Development Management Development Plan’ (DPD) document. (Snappy title eh!!)

Here are some of the issues being considered in the document, upon which Milford parish residents will have a view and may want to have their say:

1. Two sites are being considered for Affordable Housing (only one site is likely to be adopted)

2. Additional children's play space

3. Additional public sports pitches

4. The provision of 5 full size allotment areas

5. The provision of a safe 'pick-up/drop-off' area for Milford Primary School

6. The provision of a footpath on the eastern side of Carrington Lane

7. Cycle routes: Manor Road to Milford Crescent (via Chaucer Drive, Keats Avenue, Wolsey Way and Knowland Drive), Milford-on-Sea to Downton via Blackbush Road and Milford Primary School to Keyhaven Road via Lyndale Close and Carrington Lane.

8. Amended green belt boundary to reflect development allocations (Re 1. above)

NFDC Officers will be on hand to answer questions. The DPD covers a wide range of subjects, many of which are planning related, such as transport schemes, cycle routes, footpath provision, affordable housing, Coastal Change Management Areas, open space provision, recreational playing fields, children's play space, allotments, vehicular access, school pick-up & drop-off points, enhancing biodiversity, green-belt, green infrastructure, coastal erosion, shopping frontages, Sites of Importance for for Nature Conservation and Local Nature Reserve's.

Although Thursday's Public Meeting is important, residents will still have until the 11th March in which to respond, but in our opinion, there is insufficient public notice being given, so if you are interested attending the Public Consultation could prove worthwhile.

Apparently, this is the most important local consultation document to come out from the District for many years and it is extremely important that as many residents as possible have the opportunity to look at the plans and ideas that are to be considered as, whatever is eventually adopted by NFDC will serve to guide Milford-on-Sea parish in planning terms until the year 2026.

The NFDC Public Consultation period starts tomorrow, 28th January and lasts for six weeks, ending on 11th March.

The Document and relevant background information are all available to view on the Council’s web-site at the following link:

www.newforest.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=10281

French conversation at Belle Epoque

From the beginning of February the team at Belle Epoque, our local wine bar & café, will be holding ‘Informal French Conversations’ on every Wednesday, Thursday & Friday mornings between 10am & 12noon. Everyone is welcome to drop in for just ten minutes, or a whole morning for a ‘le conversation’ (Real French, impressive!) with Patrice, Sarah or Marie. I am not sure if Mike will be speaking in French, or just using a funny accent?! In addition to taking the opportunity to improve your vocabulary, there will also be French newspapers, French books and magazines to browse through as you chat in ‘français’. Those that haven’t met Patrice, Belle Epoque’s manager, will not be surprised to know that he is a real ‘Frenchmen’ when you find out his full name is ‘Patrice Bieuy Pargue’. If you fancy some refreshments, there will be coffee, croissants, and gateaux all available for £5.

So, if you like the idea of improving or brushing up on your French this could be fun. I may well pop in, but our regular readers will know I need no improvement to my French language skills, having once emigrated to France. Mon épouse continues to insist that six weeks in France is not ‘emigration’ but a ‘holiday. She also insists that wearing a beret and drinking Pastis every day does not mean that I now half French, however the Gauloises I now smoke I think proves that indeed I am!

PS: If you have any no longer wanted French reading material, please drop them in for our local francophiles to enjoy!

Milford Croft win Five Stars & Gold Award

One of our village self catering holiday bungalows have once again been awarded the ‘VisitBritain Five Star rating & Gold Award’. This is the highest self catering accreditation awarded by VisitBritain, and was decided following an annual inspection and assessment.

So, not only is Milford on Sea one of the best places to visit in the country, Colin & Tricia also have one of the best places to stay! If you fancy seeing their property or availability please visit: http://www.milfordcroft.co.uk/

Milford on Sea Food Week: Seven great days for ‘Foodies’!

Milford on Sea Food Week celebrates all that is great about food. This New Forest seaside village is fortunate to be 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, Film Shows, Cookery Competitions, Wine Tastings, Dining Offers, Kid's Events & a large Sunday Food Market, all organised by local organisations, clubs, businesses and individuals. A Programme detailing all of the events is on sale in the village shops.

Food Week is co-ordinated by a small dedicated group of volunteers who provide their expertise and time for free. They are also fortunate to have a generous group of sponsors & supporters. 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. Food Week is delighted to support local charities from any profits that are made.

During Food Week, Milford on Sea village will be alive with a wide variety of activities for everyone in the family. The website contains a full programme of the numerous daily events & the closing day Sunday Food Market. In addition to the many locally organised events happening across the village, this year’s Food Week also has a number of ‘celebrity events’ featuring Dick Strawbridge, Hardeep Singh Kolhi, Milford’s Three Tenors (a trio of nationally renowned opera singers) and Alex Aitken as compere at ‘The Big Cook Off’ with chefs competing from Verveine & Westover Hall verses Chewton Glen & The Jetty in Christchurch. On the Wednesday there is also a ‘CakeFest! & Village Food Fair’. Tickets for events are available from the online ‘Food Week Ticket Office’ as well as in the village.

All of the village restaurants are running themed evenings & special offers throughout the week. Some of the entertainment includes; Indian Elvis, a Spring Ball, Tapas & Spanish Guitar Night, Chocolate & Champagne Extravaganza!, Italian & Opera Dinner, a Sixties Day, Thai Dancing Night, Choir & Cake Concert, French Connoisseur Evening, Shellfish Night, a Bollywood Lunch and a party night featuring local band ‘Dorsal Fin’.

There is also a full programme of events to entertain the kid’s on half-term throughout the week. The professional Cookery Theatre is providing a varied programme of events and activities that should excited every ‘foodie’.

On the final Sunday, the Food Market takes centre stage with over 40 stalls on the village green & along the High Street. Local producers from throughout the New Forest will be selling tasty fayre, and various types of hot food will be available. You can also visit the many village shops that will be open. Last year over 6000 people attended the Food Market, and this year all visitors will be entertained by a jazz quartet as they shop.

David Long one of the organising team said “Milford on Sea is a great place to eat & fun place to visit, so we wanted to celebrate this with a series of varied food related events around the village for all locals & visitors to enjoy and learn. Why not come & join in the fun!”

To find out more please visit:
http://www.milfordonseafoodweek.org/ 

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 Any enquiries please contact:

David Long, Food Week Organiser | david@milfordonsea.org

*If you would like specific information on any event please let me know.

Construction starts on Westover Island

Construction has started on the new developments on Westover Island. A piano has now been installed for the alfresco dining area of the 'Canute Restaurant'. 

click image to enlarge

Opening dates have yet to be announced.

*If this story makes no sense to you, (which is likely!) please read the 'comments' link at the foot of the 'Local’s stake a claim to ‘Westover Island’' story. All we become clear!

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