Can you pour a cup of tea?

The Milford on Sea Community Centre Café is looking for some volunteers for an hour a so a month, - or for some time at forthcoming Love Milford Week Events.

Helping out can be a lot of fun, and if you can pour a cup of tea - you are more than qualified!

An hour or so of your time a month would be gratefully received and it's a great opportunity to meet new people and help out your local community at the same time.

To help out, please contact: Kathleen 01590 644481- or Jan 01590 642150.

Pass on Your Cooking Skills

After a successful men’s Community Cooking Course pilot in 2013 the NFDC would like to start the programme up again in the New Forest.

Could you teach someone to cook a dish like this?

This is a great opportunity to share your passion for cooking, nutrition and food, and also to be trained to deliver an exciting ‘What shall I cook tonight?’ Community Cooking Class for men.

The class is designed for men who perhaps have to cope on their own, maybe after a bereavement, or as a carer, or who just want to know a bit more about cooking and healthy eating.

The role will particularly suit retired cookery teachers, those that are interested in cooking and are looking to build up their CV, and those that are looking to gain experience in training.

Volunteers will have their expenses paid, and be provided with free training to deliver the course. The course will provide prescribed topics including week by week recipes, food labelling and reducing salt, sugar and cholesterol.

They are now actively seeking volunteers to run a local Community Cooking Classes. Volunteering would be for for 2-3 hours per week for 6 weeks (during the course duration).

There are a number of venues available across the forest which include Lymington & New Milton. If you would like to join in, please contact: 

Daniela Raffio

Health & Policy Development Manager
Public Health & Community Safety

Tel: 023 8028 5588
Email: daniela.raffio@nfdc.gov.uk | Website: www.newforest.gov.uk

Defibrillator for Village

Plans are under way to install a defibrillator in the village centre.

The project has been led by Colin Holdsworth and Wendy Swann, and having identified the suitable equipment, activities are now under way to raise the necessary funds - and to identify and gain permission for a suitable site. To be of best use the centre of village is ideal, and finding a suitable location is underway.

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Milford on Sea Food Week have pledged an initial amount to kick the project off, and requests are being made to the Parish Council and Local County Councillors for financial support. If anyone know of any other organisations who may be willing to contribute, please let us know. (david@milfordonsea.org)

The briefcase-sized box on the wall will there for anyone to use on someone in cardiac arrest.

It is simple and safe and you don't need training to use one. Once the defibrillator is open, all you have to do is follow the spoken instructions. When in position, the defibrillator detects the heart's rhythm and it won't deliver a shock unless one is needed. 

It is a harsh fact that after a cardiac arrest every minute without CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillation reduces someone's chance of survival by 10 per cent.

It is aimed that our local ambulance trust will know about the defibrillator's location, then should anyone call 999, the operator can point the person in the right direction.

The British Heart Foundation advises that; "If you come across someone who is not breathing or breathing erratically, the most important thing is to call 999 and start CPR. If you're on your own, don't interrupt the CPR to go and get a defibrillator. When you can, send someone else to find one."

Hopefully we will be able to report good news on the installation soon.

Seventies Pupil School Reunion

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A group of ex-Milford Primary School pupils from the seventies are having a get together at The Smugglers Inn pub in Milford on Sea.

Sheila is looking for everyone who left the school to go onto secondary school in July 1973. 

Sheila Harrod (Now Prouten) used to live with brother Rex in Orchard Cottage, which is the thatched cottage, next door to the parish church. Today she lives in France. 

The groups of '50 somethings' from the same school year are invited to join Sheila and other school friends for a drink and a chat, from about 6.30pm on Saturday 25th April.

You can find and contact Sheila on Facebook, or send me your details and I will pass on to her: david@milfordonsea.org

Sheila Prouten

https://www.facebook.com/sheila.prouten

Milford on Sea Primary School

www.mosps.co.uk

Elvis Sal on TV

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Sal Bashir is a showman from the top draw, which would be agreed by anyone who saw him in his electrifying ‘Elvis Show’ at last year’s Food Week, ...and now he is back with us in a new show for Love Milford Week.

Sal will be appearing in episode 3 of BBC Three series ‘Southside Story’ this coming Monday (9th February). Tune in to see one of Milford on Sea’s favourite performers. 

Tickets are selling out fast for Sal’s Rock & Roll Show on the Saturday of Love Milford Week, so if you want to get yours before they all sell out, please visit the Community Centre Box Office, or click the link below.

Love Milford Week

www.ticketsource.co.uk/lovemilford

Pancake Party at The Raft

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This year Pancake Day falls on the Tuesday of Love Milford Week (17th February 2015)

To celebrate, Deny at The Raft is holding 'The Great Pancake Party', where they will be serving a Sweet & Savoury Pancake Menu throughout the day. Profits from the pancake sales will be donated to charity.

Yummy, who doesn't love a pancake!

Fellow organiser, Dick Coe has handed over the pans in anticipation of the event, and on the day he will be on site adding some fun fundraising in aid of the Cardiomyopathy Association. For just £1 you can toss a pancake. Sounds like a great chance to demonstrate your skills or the complete opposite - either way it is a bit of fun for a very good cause!  

The Raft

11 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

www.theraftmilford.co.uk

Cardiomyopathy Association

Dick Coe - rwtcoe@gmail.com

www.cardiomyopathy.org

Love Milford Week

www.lovemilfordweek.org

A Milford Thai Mistress

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I know I keep banging on about how brilliant the Britannia Thai in Milford on Sea is now, ...but I can't help myself - it just is!

The magic word 'curry' automatically get my taste buds dancing, and given any excuse I am off to Zaika. But now, if my wife says shall we go to 'the Thai instead', I have a dilemma, - rather than my usual automatic argument that we should go Indian, and pointing out that lemon grass tastes like an air freshener and pak choi being the vegetable of the devil, I have to succumb to now knowing that the Britannia Thai has many delights on their menu.

Quite frankly, I have no idea how Thai food can taste so good, but a look at these pictures will get you wanting to dive in. (Sadly, licking the pictures will not give you the amazing favours.)

The dry-cured beef is a starter I have never experienced before, but I could eat it all day, and don't get me onto the Massaman or Thai Red curries, Weeping Tiger steak, the Slow Cooked Lamb Shank or the fresh Salt & Pepper Squid, all are delicious. Most extraordinary of all; vegetables are something I will normally only eat if forced or threatened with a vicious assault in a delicate place.... But now I find myself actually ordering the Green papaya salad with a spicy crushed cashew nut dressing because I like it. (Did I really just say 'salad' and 'like' in the same sentence?!)

Born in Thailand, Head Chef Songkiat Surin speaks little English, but he obviously has magic in his fingers.

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Curry has been my companion in joy and sorrow for many decades now, indeed we have been through a lot together and spent lots of time in each others company across the globe. 

But now, my new Thai dining mistress is fighting hard for my affections. 

I will never leave curry, and I will still find many excuses to eat the fine curries at Zaika, but forgive me if I give in to Milford on Sea Thai temptation now and again. (Thai food mistress that is, not the other kind, which would result in my wife torturing me for hours, then bundling me up before chucking me from the tower at Hurst Castle!)

Anyway, don't take my word for it, just find an excuse to try the Britannia Thai for yourself!

Britannia Thai
1 High St, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF
01590 642212

www.thairestaurantnewforest.co.uk

Cliff Top Path Repairs

It appears that repairs to the cliff top path will commence this week. This will be good news for all I suspect.

The NFDC have now completed the necessary negotiations with the various landowners, enabling them to move the path further away from the eroding cliff top, and almost a year after the destruction from the Valentine's Storm, things on the seafront may at last commence returning to normal.

All we need now is for the beach hut saga to move to an end result and then Milford on Sea seafront will no longer look like a war zone!

Not Valentine's Night at The Marine

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OK, it’s being held just before Love Milford Week, but how could we miss Valentine’s out of our village celebrations? 

All couples are invited, and if you have no partner, no problem - all solos are also welcome to come along to meet new people are to come along and to enjoy the Free Disco.

So, please join us, meet new people, enjoy a drink and dance the night away.

Not Valentine’s Social Night: Friday 13th February at The Marine. Free Disco and optional Tapas Platter. | No upper age limit!

7pm: Tapas Platter Served

8pm: FREE ENTRY Doors Open for Non-Diners and Free Disco

Optional TAPAS PLATTER TICKETS: £12 - Must be ordered in advance.

Book your Tapas at: The Marine 

Hurst Rd, Milford on Sea, Hampshire SO41 0PY

Tel: 01590 644369 | E-Mail: info@themarinemos.co.uk

www.themarinemos.co.uk

Love Milford Week

www.lovemilfordweek.org

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Are You Single?

C.A.F.E. are a Meetup group aimed at people who live in or around Milford on Sea and the coastal areas of the New Forest. They set out to help members perk up each other's social lives, by making the most of what is on our doorsteps. If you are 'Mid-Life' and maybe find yourself unexpectedly single, there are times when you probably want a bit of fun and to go out for an evening - we could be the group for you. 

To find out more about The Coast and Forest Events Group (C.A.F.E.): click here

Village Cubs Under Threat

Many of us guys will remember happy days from our time in the cubs.

I have fond memories of being a sixer in 2nd Kingsbury Scout Group and it was a foundation for teaching us our formative social & practical skills, team building and perhaps most valuable of all, respect.

Embarrassingly, many years ago, I was skiving whilst doing the washing up at cub camp and Akela sent me to the camp shop to buy some 'elbow grease'. - Yes, I did go! (Being sent to the camp shop to get some 'elbow grease', or perhaps some 'left-handed tent pegs' is the sort of thing children should continue to learn from!)

It has therefore been particularly sad to hear that the Cubs (and Beavers) at our own local 15th Milford & Keyhaven Sea Scout Group is under threat of closing.

The former leader has resigned and if a replacement cannot be found by Easter it looks like the Cubs (and Beavers) might have to close.

Many local parents and their children love going to the Cubs and it will be really disappointing if it was to be lost to the village.

So, a new leader is urgently needed. Can you help?, or do you know someone who would like to get involved with forming valuable skills in our young people?

If so, please contact: District Leader, Nigel Harper: mmhmos@ymail.com - 07588 149092

Tea Dancing at Braxton Gardens

Muffins Galore, the charming tea shop in Braxton Gardens are now holding a regular Afternoon Tea Dance on the 2nd Friday of every month from 2pm to 4.30pm.

No dance experience is required, but as I discovered at the last Tea Dance, break-dancing is 'not the done thing', neither is requesting some heavy rock to do some head-banging.

A gentle bit of ballroom is the scene and everyone is welcome. Dancing, cake and tea has to make an excellent afternoon!

If you fancy going along, (I promise I won't go again), tickets are just £4.50 and include a Pot of tea or cafetiere of coffee and a slice of home cake or one of Muffin Galore's delicious scones with jam & butter.

To book your tickets please email sarah@muffinsgalore.co.uk or call 01590 643633, or just turn up on the day.

Muffins Galore at Braxton Gardens 

Braxton Courtyard, Lymore Lane, Milford on Sea, SO41 0TX
Tel: 01590 643633

www.muffinsgalore.co.uk
www.atbraxtongardens.co.uk

Royal British Legion Newsletter

The Royal British Legion | Milford-on-Sea Branch

BRANCH NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2015

1. Branch Changes.

As you know Gordon Barnett joined us as President a year ago and the branch has benefited greatly from his experience and wise counsel. This was particularly so when we were approached by Hordle Branch with a suggestion that it might become a sub branch of Milford on Sea. Gordon had past experience of creating a sub branch in his former life at Sonning and I am pleased to report that both Hordle Branch and Milford on Sea Branch have approved this proposal and are awaiting confirmation and approval from Headquarters.

Your Committee now Comprises:-

President. Colonel Gordon Barnett MBE

Chairman Peter Gibbs TD

Vice Chairman & Welfare. Mike Reed

Secretary and Membership. David Bell

Treasurer Alec Luxon

Members Ted Goddard

Chris Hobby

Alan Rice TD

Standard Bearer. David Graham

Gloria Grantham-Hill, President and Acting Chairman of the Women's Section attends our Branch Meetings as does Jan England the Poppy Appeal Organiser who did a great job this year. We look forward to welcoming a representative from Hordle at our Meetings.

2. Past events.

▪ 1st February. The Women's Section organised“ Freda's Supper” at the Church Hall. At the conclusion of this successful event the gentlemen present gave an unrehearsed rendition of “To be a Farmer's Boy”.

▪ 20th June Our 80th Anniversary lunch , organised by Sally Reed also marked the Centenary of the start of the first world and the 70th anniversary of the D day landings and Armed Forces day. This was a great success and the introduction of “pop up speakers” was greatly appreciated by all present..

▪ 28th June. Armed Forces Day was marked in the village by a display of Militaria on the village green where the Women's Section had several stalls.. 

▪ October. The Poppy appeal throughout the Country was extremely well supported this year and Milford on sea was no exception. Of its own volition Milford on Sea Club held an evening event with food, entertainment and an auction. Overall this one event raised £2,900 . Our thanks are due to the club which plans on making this an annual event..

▪ November. The village showed its respect in the usual way at Keyhaven. and All Saints Church on N ovember 10th and on the Village Green and War Memorial Hospital on 11th. The Annual General Meeting of the Branch took place on 18th November. 

▪ 24th January. Freda's Supper at the Church Hall. Tickets £16 from Milford News. This is the Women's Section 80th anniversary event so please try to attend.

Don't forget that Johnson Beharry VC will be at the Community Centre at 3.p.m. Tickets £15

3. Forthcoming Events.

▪ 13th February. RBL and Poppy Appeal Stand at the “I Love Milford” clubs, charities etc exhibition in the Community Centre. 

▪ 7th March. Concert by the Central Band of the RAF at the Church Hall at 7pm. Tickets cost £17.50 each from the community Centre or Milford News. 

▪ 15th May. Branch Anniversary lunch ( with a French theme) at the Community Centre

▪ 27th. June . Armed forces day on the village Green

▪ 31st October. Launch of Poppy appeal with Encore in Concert at All Saints Church.

▪ Date to be advised Milford on Sea Club event as part of the poppy appeal..

▪ November 8th and 11th. Remembrance services

▪ November 17th Annual General Meeting.

NB. The Women's Section Meetings are open to members of the Branch and the February Lecture on Wills and Inheritance may be of particular interest.. See Attached Appendix B.

4. Welfare. 

Providing assistance to members of our service families is one of our main objectives so if you are aware of anyone from the ex-forces community who is in need of assistance please let Mike Reed, our Welfare Officer, know about this so that he can ascertain how the Legion can help.

5. Chairman's meanderings.

The public response to the Centenary of the start of the first World War has been phenomenal. The statistics of that war are horrifying but each individual death had a huge impact on their immediate family and even now the thought of what happened is painful to the descendants of those who fell.

Branch members have been kind enough to agree that I can share their stories with you.

Suzie Watson and her husband Paul are fairly new members to the Branch but this is an extract from Suzie's story.

“My grandfather Harry Sidney Davis was born on 12th January 1881 and worked on the Great Western Railways before serving 12 years in the Royal Navy .He left the Navy in March 1911 and within four years was back in uniform in the Somerset Light Infantry. His Division, the 21st, arrived in France in September 1915and was sent almost immediately to the concentration area for the battle of Loos. There was much disagreement between the commanding generals as to when the attack should take place due to lack of ammunition and the weary condition of the troops.

However on 26th September the 24th and 21st Divisions advanced between Loos and the Hulluch-Vermelles road.

The Divisions had not been taught how to fight and advanced in extended lines to be cut down by enemy machine gun fire. The two Divisions lost 8,000men.The battle lasted for several more days and some 43,000 British soldiers were lost..

The body of Private Harry Sidney Davis of the Somerset Light Infantry was never found.. His death is recorded on the Loos memorial along with 20,000 others from that sector who have no known grave .He left behind a widow and four children.”

---------------------------------------------

Ken Wheatley is a member of Lymington Branch and he and his wife, Mary, a member of Milford on Sea Women's Section made a pilgrimage to the Menin Gate, Ypres on 11th November 2014.

He has agreed to share his experiences with us.

“Together with many veterans and other British Legion members I joined the remembrance procession in the main square outside Ypres, St. Martin's Cathedral, marshalled by an ex-Sergeant Major we were offered some remembrance petals. We were there to honour our grandfather and two great uncles who had died with no known grave.

We marched up through the Museum square outside the Cloth Hall on up to and through the Menin Gate. Holding the British Legion supplied wreath I was led round with other marchers to the side wall waiting area. “Who are you remembering” asked a fellow. “Grandad, Joseph Archibald Wheatley of the Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment)”, I replied, looking ahead and seeing an array of wreathes from all over the world. “ Take a look at the top of the wall immediately on your left” urged the fellow who had just asked a while earlier. There it was, Grandfather's inscription, just at the spot where we were standing. A feeling of warmth came over me. Needless to say, a welling up and emotion could not be stopped. I bowed my head and an attendant took the family wreath and placed it on the accumulated collection. Thank you Grandad, we do remember you."

Thank you Suzie and Ken for sharing these very personal moments with us.

Each year we remember those who fell in the First and second World wars but less so the Koraen war where so many National Servicemen served. 

They are not forgotten. One of our members, John Griffiths, late of the Shropshire Light Infantry was recently invited to attend the unveiling of the Korean War Memorial outside the MOD on the Victoria Embankment on 3rd December.

The memorial was unveiled by the Duke of Gloucester and Lim Sungnam the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea and Yung Byung-Se, Minister of foreign affairs.

Lest we Forget

Those who were at the 8oth anniversary lunch will remember Bill Price who was born in 1914. The Branch sent him a Certificate of Congratulations on his 100th birthday and bill sent the Branch a Christmas card in return. The card shows Bill in Uniform in 1938. Well done Bill.

Thanks to all of you and to my committee for your support in 2014 . In my third year in office I still need you.

Thank you. 

Peter Gibbs

Branch Chairman

Royal British Legion Women's Section
Programme of Events for 2015

24th January. Freda's supper. All Saints' Church Hall
27th January. Tony Harrison. Village Agent. 7.15pm. Guide Hut (GH)
24th February. Adam Johnson. Wills Myth busting and Tax Savings. 7.15. GH.
7th March. RAF Central Band concert.7.p.m. All Saints Church .
24th March.. Anne and Gwen Perrett. Old Milford and Keyhaven. 7.15. GH
26th March. County lunch. The Guildhall Winchester. 12.30 for 1. £2.
15 &16 April. National conference. Bournemouth.
28th April. Karen's quiz &fish and chip supper. 7Pm for 7.30. GH
15 May. RBL French themed lunch. Community Centre.
26 May. Mr. Aitken. Antiques quiz. 7.15. GH.
3rd June. County Cream Tea. Bishops Waltham.
23rd June. Mrs Joey Own. Travelling to Nepal and helping children. 7.30. GH.
27th June. Armed forces day. Village Green.
28th July. Mary's Quiz. 7.15. GH
22nd. September. Harvest thanksgiving and auction. 6.30. GH
27th October. AGM. 7.15. GH

Members of the Milford on Sea Royal British Legion Branch are welcome at all Milford based events.

If you would like to become a Royal British Legion member, please contact:

The Royal British Legion | Milford-on-Sea Branch

Peter Gibbs: Spring Cottage, 16 Sea Road, Milford-on-Sea, SO41 0PG

01590 645873 - gibbsrisk@aol.com

Whoops...

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On dear… made the mistake of taking my wife for a lunchtime drink in The Cave. 

Once she is on the Gin Menu she becomes nailed to the bar stool, ...and when I did get her home… she was a nightmare to get out of the car!

Headteacher appointed at School

Following a thorough formal application process, the Governors of Milford on Sea Primary School are pleased to announce that Matthew Hill has been appointed to the role of Headteacher at Milford on Sea Primary School.

Mr Hill has been teaching at the School for eight years and took over as interim head last April. He has already made a number of positive changes, one of which is the introduction of Forest schools to the youngest children. 

If you would like to see how this is working please look at the podcast on the School website. www.mosps.primarypodcast.com is the link. Then look for YR Pebbles and Shells – Forest School. 

Congratulations Matthew.

Milford on Sea Primary School 

www.mosps.co.uk

Join the Village Cricket Team

Milford on Sea's local village cricket club dates back to at least 1772. 

With such a significant history, it is sad to have heard that it is currently in danger of not being able to field a side for the coming season which starts in May.

The club which plays in the beautiful surroundings of the Barnes Lane Recreation ground has lost many of its key players over the past few years and sadly there has been a lack of interested young talent coming through to replace them. Hopefully this announcement will change that.

Given the history of the club, it would be very sad indeed if the familiar sound of leather on willow were no longer to be heard on a summer’s afternoon.

The club plays in a regional division of a Hampshire league and has held its own over the past few years. The standard of cricket is such that players of all capabilities could be accommodated in the team.

Any cricketers old or young who know which end of the bat to hold and have time to spare on a Saturday afternoon would be most welcome as new members of the club.

The club has an extensive supply of good quality equipment so all that is required is a few enthusiasts who would like have a bash. Furthermore, the club has a good social atmosphere so there is always the opportunity to talk your fellow team mates through your innings over a pint or two in the bar after the game.

History

Milford-on-Sea Cricket Club dates back to at least 1772 when The Hampshire Chronicle reported on the 7th of September a match being played at Beestem near Ringwood “for a considerable sum of money by the noted players of Milford against Ringwood, Fordingbridge and Downton.”

The club has enjoyed many successes over past years including:-

• 1995 and 2010 Winner of the Stone Cup
• 1996 New Forest Division 1 Champions
• 1998 New Forest Division 3 Champions

Who to Contact at Milford on Sea Cricket Club

Chairman: Iain Robertson - iain@thelazylion.co.uk

Secretary: Barry Torah  - barry.torah@sky.com

Treasurer: Colin Brown - cbrown1360@aol.com

Club Captain: Dave Brown - decbrown1991@hotmail.co.uk

Calling All Pre-School Mums

Here We Go Looby-Lou have started a fun filled music class on Thursdays for babies and pre-school kids.

Lots of nursery rhymes, counting songs, knee bouncers, musical instruments and finger puppets.

The classes are 1.15pm to 1.55pm at Milford on Sea Community Centre. (and Pennington on Thursday mornings.)

Just go along and pay on the day. (Child over 6 months: £4 | Sibling £2 | Babies 0 to 3 months: Free Entry | 3 to 6 months £2)

To see 'Here We Go Looby-Lou' on Facebook please click here.

An Inspirational Man

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Admiration, laughter, tears, inspiration, gratitude and respect - Just a few of the emotions 150+ people shared today when they met and heard the remarkable man Johnson Beharry VC. 

His Victoria Cross tattoo on his back shows his pride, - and his grandmother's face on his left shoulder shows he will never forget who taught him right from wrong.

Proud to have met you Johnson. Your humility, honesty and selflessness shone through, ...and your determination to live with pain, to inspire others and to keep youngsters on the right path is a lesson to us all.

More Old Camden Hurst Pictures

Having seen the recent pictures we published of Camden Hurst Hotel, Bob Braid of the Milford on Sea Historical Record Society has generously shared with us some pictures from their archive.

Hopefully you will enjoy seeing them as much as we did.

Camden Hurst -1901
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Camden Hurst -1925
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Camden Hurst Hotel Brochure
Cover 1964-5
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Camden Hurst Hotel Brochure
Cocktail Lounge 1964-5
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Camden Hurst Hotel Brochure
The Ballroom 1964-5
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Camden Hurst Hotel Brochure
Lounge & Tennis 1964-5
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Camden Hurst Hotel Brochure
Swimming Pool 1964-5
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Camden Hurst Hotel Brochure
Tariff 1964-5
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Camden Hurst Hotel
Press Advert
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To see previous pictures published please click here.

Barbara at Major National Art Exhibition

Local Milford On Sea Artist Barbara Rousseau’s has achieved success in Major National Art Exhibition.

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Barbara’s painting entitled 'Dead Structure' has been selected from over 600 entries to appear alongside some of Britain’s leading Pastel Artists. 

The Pastel Society’s annual exhibition takes place at the Mall Galleries near Trafalgar Square from 24 February to the 7 March. 

The inspiration for her painting was taken from a visit to Patrick’s Patch in Beaulieu village last autumn.

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Barbara’s work will also be on display locally at Exbury Gardens alongside other studies by members of the 4 Seasons Art Group during their 10th annual exhibition from 12 April until 7 June 2015

Barbara is a member of the Society of Floral Painters (SFP) and numerous local art groups. She has had her paintings hung in many local exhibitions including the Salisbury Playhouse and St Barbe's Museum, Lymington. Her pastels have also been selected for exhibitions in London at both the Westminster and Mall Galleries for the Royal Society of Marine Artists and the Society of Women Artists. 

Dead Structures by Barbara Rousseau
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In February 2012 she was acknowledged by her peers, when she had her painting "Storm over Dubrovnik" selected for exhibition by the Pastel Society at the Mall Galleries. 

She was the SAA Artist of the Year in 2006 having won first place from over 4000 entries, with her painting of a Sally Lightfoot Crab from the Galapagos Islands. A Photo of the painting may be seen in her "Sold Gallery" on her website below.

Barbara has a passion for the tactility and vibrancy of pastels. Her subjects are gathered from extensive travels around the world. She will paint anything that touches her heart. She teaches private lessons on a one to one basis to suit you. 

Barbara has recently become an author. She has written a series of small books for children based around a theme of recycling plastic.

Barbara Rousseau SFP | Pastel Artist

barbarty@aol.com 01590 644811|07710 485341 

www.barbararousseau.co.uk

Last Few Tickets

The last few tickets are available to hear and meet the remarkable Johnson Beharry VC this Saturday (24th January) at the Community Centre. There are two shows, one at 3pm, the other at 7pm.

Tickets are available on the door, or in advance from: the Community Centre Box Office, or online from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/lovemilford.

Come along to meet the man, and to hear the remarkable life story of Lance Sergeant Johnson Beharry VC, the first living recipient of the Victoria Cross in more than 30 years.

Johnson is inspiring, charismatic and humorous. His talk will tell you about his inspirational life experiences; including his tough childhood, his determination to make something of his life, and ultimately how he faced unimaginable challenges in battle and life.

This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet an extraordinary man who has been awarded a VC, and to see the medal he won so valiantly.

*All profits to 'Every Man Remembered' campaign run by the Royal British Legion. | Ticket prices include a charitable donation.

Why the Shopping Challenge?

Some people have asked; Why the Shopping Challenge?, and others have asked 'Why February?'.

Well, the concept was pretty straightforward really; February is a tough trading time for our village shops, so the Shopping Challenge was created to encourage all of us to shop in the village for a week.

Love Milford Week has been timed to coincide with School Half Term & close to Valentine’s Day to fit in with the ‘Love Milford’ theme. It will also now run in alternate years to Food Week.

Things then started to grow a bit (a lot!), with additional ideas to include everyone in the village in one way or another - so we soon added shows and entertainment, and also ways for people to meet others in the village who are local producers, craft makers, home businesses, tradesman, professional services, artists, authors, musicians, - plus the chance to discover village clubs, classes, support groups and charities, and much more...

The end result is: Love Milford Week.

Anyone who lives in, or visits, Milford on Sea will know what a fabulous place it is to be. So, what better than to spend a week celebrating what makes the village so special, and at the same time to boost trade and community interaction. 

As previously mentioned, the core to the week is the 'Shopping Challenge'. So, we are challenging everyone to only shop in the village during Love Milford Week. - No visits to large supermarkets, no cheating, just spending time showing the shops you love them. As a village of just 5000 people, we are fortunate to have such a wonderful array of shops and we need to do all we can to ensure people use and appreciate all that they have to offer.

Many of our village shops will be running exclusive special offers throughout the week, and there will be a Free £50 Prize Draw, giving two great reasons to stay out of the car and to enjoy shopping around the village.

Food Week is generously supported by the shops and restaurants as sponsors. However, we are running Love Milford Week differently, as this time we want to keep the cash in their tills.

Indeed the entire event has only one sponsor; Hall & Woodhouse, the generous owners of The Beach House, and we also very well supported by Brand New Forest.

All of the events are run by volunteers, but there are of course expenses for the programmes, posters and other marketing, so the net result is that the Love Milford Week will run at a loss, but life is not all about money, - and all that really matters is that everyone has a great time!

Friend of Love Milford Week

For those who would like to show their support as individuals, families or as a local businesses it is just £25 to become a Friend, and we are delighted with the generosity shown across our village community so far. Why not join us?

To become a Friend please click here.

To see our Friends to date please click here.

Love Milford Week

www.lovemilfordweek.org

Tom, Dick & Harriet on DVD!

If you missed the excellent Village Pantomime this weekend, you can now watch it on DVD - Oh, no you can't, oh yes you can!

Of course if you were there you can also get a copy, and re-live many familiar faces from the village creating laughs a plenty.

It is now sadly too late to see the production in the flesh as the live performances have now ended - Indeed; 'it's behind you!'

The Tom, Dick & Harriet DVD's are £10 each and have been produced by Paul French.

You can obtain a copy from Marguerite Willcox at the Community Centre, or contact Paul directly as below.

Vidibiz

Paul French - paul@vidibiz.co.uk

07525 405999|01590 645578

www.vidibiz.co.uk

Beach Hut Update

click image to enlarge

Decisions and actions following the destruction of the Milford on Sea Beach Huts has been painful slow, and the seafront continues to look unloved and forlorn.

It is now almost a year since the Valentine's storm, and we have heard that NFDC are now submitting an application for Outline Planning Permission to replace all of the huts between the 'Needles Eye' and the White House. 

If the permission is granted demolition of the remaining huts will be undertaken, leaving the lower promenade clear for the summer of 2015.

We understand that the ugly metal mesh fencing will go, to be replaced by a lower barrier to protect the drop between upper and lower promenades. There might also have to be some type of barrier at the seaward edge of the lower promenade where there's also a drop. The lower promenade will remain in place until 2016 after the huts have been cleared. Then, next year it will be removed and a new slab put down and new huts built. The new slab and the new huts will give increased protection to the aged sea wall.

There will then be a design study and application for detailed Planning Permission to be sought later in 2015 followed by the construction of 119 new replacement huts in 2016. They will be of a similar size to the original 50 year old huts, but the design may alter within the same height and footprint. (It will take a genius to come up with a new radical design with the constraints in place!)

Owners of the huts will pay a considerable amount towards building the new replacement huts, and the NFDC will also be carrying out sea defence work to the slab on which the huts stand.

Things become a little more complicated should the Outline Planning Application be rejected, as the owners of the 80 or so huts still standing will be able to make repairs. In most cases the hut roofs would have to be replaced as they are of doubtful strength.

Should this be the outcome, those who had huts which were demolished will be free to pursue rebuilding after obtaining their permissions individually.

It is clear that many opinions exist as to what the future of the seafront should be, but everyone surely agrees that the storm has caused distress to many people, plus the way it currently looks is pretty depressing for locals and visitors alike. Whatever the outcome, it would be nicer if it come sooner!

Meet the Village Tradesmen & Professionals

Finding tradesmen and professional services can be a lottery, and little is better than meeting the people in the businesses before inviting them into your home.

The Local Tradesmen & Professional Services Exhibition will provide the opportunity to do just that.

From 3pm to 6pm on Thursday 19th February, there will be numerous village small and home based businesses waiting to meet you, and to explain what services they can offer.

This will include; Interior Designers, Handymen, Builders, Electricians, Plumbers, Painters, Decorators, Beauty Care, Home Services, Home Cleaning, Transport, Child Care, Healthcare, Counselling, Pet Care, Architects, Marketing Services, Web Builders, Solicitors, Accountants, Consultants and more.

It is great to support and use local village businesses, so please make a diary note to come along to Milford on Sea Community Centre, Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PG, entry is free and the café will be open.

Would you like your village business to be in the exhibition? 

It is free and simple to join in, just drop an e-mail to: david@milfordonsea.org

Lisa & Simeon on James Martin

Lisa & Simeon Morgan from Aubrey Farm were on James Martin Home Comforts TV show this afternoon with their great lamb.

Local award winning chef, David Wykes at Verveine were also featured, where Dave cooked an amazing dish from the delicious meat.

The feature showed the farm and explained about the pedigree Zwartbles sheep and the unique benefits of seaside grazing.

Lisa & Simeon than visited James Martin's home to enjoy him cooking a slow cooked Indian Spiced Lamb with Bombay Potatoes.

You can watch the programme on BBC iPlayer; just click here. 

If you fancy trying Lisa's lamb for yourself, you can but it a Lisa's Larder pop up shop. Click the links below to see the opening hours.

Lisa's Larder

Aubrey Farm, Keyhaven Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0TH

Tel: 07702 556207

www.lisaslarder.com | www.facebook.com/lisaslarder
www.simeonmorganfarming.co.uk

Sunset Over Milford

Sunset over Milford on Sea
Photo by Steve Hood

We have been sent a couple of rather spectacular photographs of Milford on Sea at Sunset.

The pictures were taken by Steve Hood, who is a hobby photographer, - with an obvious natural talent!

Sunset & Rocks
Milford on Sea
Photo by Steve Hood 

Steve tells me that the photo with the rocks was taken using a 30 second exposure with a dark filter, which allows the use of slower shutter speeds without over exposing the image. As the water is constantly moving, the photo results in being blurred and misty looking.

The other photo was a handheld shot zoomed in at 300mm.

I did actually take some pictures myself which may be a lot better than these... But, I put my roll of 24 Exposure 135mm film in the freepost envelope (along with my Benidorm holiday snaps), - and they haven't come back from TruPrint yet!

If you understand that last paragraph - you are getting on a bit!