Did the Shopping Challenge in Love Milford Week Work?

In conjunction with all the celebrations during Love Milford Week there was the fun, yet serious activity of the 'Shopping Challenge' which was designed to boost the trade of the village shops and eateries. 

click image to enlarge

February was chosen to hold Love Milford Week as this is a particularly tough time of the year for our village shops. It was also seen as important to hold the event during the school half-term in order for the local kids to be involved in the numerous activities. This bought us close to Valentine's Day - hence a further link to the event name: 'Love Milford Week'.

For a village of just 5000 people, we are fortunate to have such a wonderful array of shops and places to eat. So, core to Love Milford Week was the 'Shopping Challenge', where we aimed for people to explore shops and eateries they may not normally use, to discover what is on their doorstep all year round.

Shopping Challenge and Free Prize Draw

click image to enlarge

The concept was simple; everyone was challenged to only shop in the village during Love Milford Week - No visits to large stores, no cheating, just spending time showing the shops you love them!

To support the event, many of our village shops & eateries ran exclusive promotions throughout the week, giving people a great reason to stay out of their cars to enjoy shopping around the village. The offers were publicised by individual posters in the shops. There were also large Love Milford Week banners, signs and flags around the village, together with 8000 printed programmes.

Prior to the start of Love Milford Week it was clear that many villagers were preparing to actively take part and enjoy themselves throughout the week.

There was also a Free £50 Prize Draw (10 x £50 prizes were funded by Food Week), whereby every time anyone visited any shop or eatery they were given a Free Prize Draw ticket, which they then completed and returned to the entry boxes in strategic places around the village. The idea of only have a limited number of entry boxes was to encourage people to visit shops or eateries they not normally go to.

Ultimately, there were over 2000 Free Prize Draw tickets completed and entered by shoppers.

click image to enlarge

The Free Prize Draw winners were asked to select One Village Shop/Café/Restaurant or Milford on Sea Tradesmen/Home Business. The £50 was then given to whoever they selected in the village, and the winner then visited them to spend the money. This structure ensured that all the prize money stayed within the businesses in the village.

In spite of a couple of nasty rainy days, the village was noticeably busier during Love Milford Week. (Some shopkeepers recalled that the equivalent half-term week last year was fine and dry.) Throughout the week a wide variety of events took place which bought people into the village, and on the Saturday a 'Busking on the Green' event was held featuring local musicians. The Saturday weather was good and this added atmosphere throughout the day, creating smiling faces and a reason to stay shopping in the village.

click image to enlarge

Christine from Inger Lise's Coffee Shop commented; "Love Milford Week was a roaring success. As well as all the visitors for half term week, we definitely had more locals coming in and supporting us. When they came in, it was for more than just a cup of coffee, it was often for lunch as well."

The Raft reported an excellent days trading at their Pancake Party, and reluctantly they had to turn some customers away as they ran out of room.

Holland's of Milford reported they were over 10% up on the same week last year, with owner, Paul Holland commenting; 'It would be great to hear how our customers found the experience of shopping with us in Love Milford Week.'

click image to enlarge

La Perle reported an increase of 20% on the normal week's trade, with people particularly taking advantage of their lunchtime offer. Friday night was unusually slow - because of the Love Milford Week 'Dine In Friday'! The Old Smithy also reported a significant increase in trade during Love Milford Week.

The Cave's 'Wine Sale' stocks had to be replenished after selling out during the week. Marjorie’s Greengrocers said trade was much busier, and The Butchers Shop were happy with their week. Verveine Fishmongers said Friday & Saturday had sales with a larger value than normal, and The Red Lion enjoyed a busy night when the Total Voice Choir performed on Saturday evening. 

The Village Charity Shop declared that sales were 30% up on last year, and Mark at The Village News sold out of Brand New Forest Cards as people became more aware of their availability throughout the week, he also said his greeting card offer bought in new customers to look at his range of cards.

No shop reported any negative effects or decrease in turnover during Love Milford Week. Indeed, all of the shops and eateries saw the event as positive for both the village and their businesses and they would welcome Love Milford Week being repeated in two years' time. (Food Week is back again in 2016)

Whilst Love Week is not designed as a fundraising event, we were delighted to hear that the village charities that participated in events during the week collectively raised over £4200 for their own good causes, including £305 being raised for the Cardiomyopathy Association at the Pancake Party at The Raft.

click image to enlarge

So in summary, The Shopping Challenge and Free Prize Draw were universally hailed as a success and many people from the village were delighted to see so many of the shops all pulling together and looking so colourful. Our thanks go to the shops and eateries for getting enthusiastically involved.

Now that more people have discovered what is their doorstep, we hope that villagers will continue to take some extra time to shop or eat in the village. We are lucky we can buy gifts, groceries, meat, veg, flowers and so much more locally, and we can even pamper ourselves in one of our beauty salons!

During Love Milford Week many will have shopped in the village on occasions when they would not normally do so. We hope that it was a pleasurable experience, and that villagers who enjoyed shopping locally will continue to do so throughout the coming year.

See the Love Milford Week Photos:

• The week in pictures: click here
• The Shopping Challenge: click here
• The Exotic Car Show: click here

Love Milford Week
www.lovemilfordweek.org

*Village Shop photos taken by Lynk Photography Studios, 25 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF | 01590 642925 - www.adamlynk.com 

RAF Band coming to Milford

click image to enlarge

The Milford on Sea Branch of the Royal British Legion have somehow managed to bring the Central Band of The Royal Air Force to the village.

This world renowned group of musicians have never visited us before, so this concert performance is a significant coup.

Everyone is invited to come along to watch and hear them, that is if the tickets don't sell out soon!

Music has always been an integral part of military life and since its formation in 1920, the Central Band of the Royal Air Force has boasted a proud and distinguished heritage.

In 1922, the Central Band became the first military band to broadcast on BBC Radio and remains the most frequently featured on the airwaves. Alongside this broadcasting success, the musicians of the Band are well recognised for their recording prowess. Beginning in 1955 with the release of Eric Coates’ 'The Dambusters March' (HMV), the Central Band became the first military band to make a long-playing record and remains at the forefront of military band and contemporary wind ensemble recording.

As well as travelling the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, the Central Band maintains a strong international presence; indeed, the band has the distinction of being the first outside the USA to be awarded the 'John Philip Sousa Citation for Musical Excellence'.

There is, however, another side to the sterling accomplishments of Central Band musicians. As serving members of the Royal Air Force, musicians also undertake to support key operational roles, with many having served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkey and the Falkland Islands. Our musicians are required to fulfil a diverse range of operational roles, from detainee handling in Afghanistan to driving ambulances in the Falkland Islands.

From the concert stage to operational theatres around the globe, Central Band musicians display, in their conduct and performance, the excellence for which the Royal Air Force has become renowned during its illustrious history.

Concert: Saturday 7th March at All Saints' Church 

Tickets are available from the Community Centre Box Office.

Who's Lost a Koi?

A village resident has reported seeing a huge goldfish (Koi Carp?) whilst walking alongside the Danestream towards the village bridge.

As she watched the fish another local resident walked by, and said he was going straight home to ring the RSPCA. (or perhaps going to get a net!)

Approximately an hour later, our gallant fish whisperer returned to see if it was still there, and they were pleased to find it was still swimming slowly by the bridge.

In an effort to identify why our friend the Koi was in the Danstream I wandered down to take a look.

As I peered over the bridge, local fisherman Bob Finn came along and started to explain to me that it is well known that Koi Carp regularly breed in the stream. He added that around October-time salmon can be seen fighting the flow to return to their spawning grounds upstream near Shorefield. He then went on to explain that this is also the time that the Grizzly Bears come out of the Pleasure Grounds to feed in preparation for their hibernation.

I checked Bob's story with the Milford on Sea Conservation Volunteers, who confirmed my theory that Bob is a bigger idiot than me.

So, if anyone has lost a Koi Carp, from their pond it was in the Danestream yesterday (or perhaps caught by the bloke with a net, or eaten by a Heron!)

Fortunately it was not a dolphin that was reported in the Danestream, as I would have simply put the report down to the fact that the bridge is very near The Smugglers Inn ...and we get many weird sightings after people have had a few too many at the welcoming bar!

Naughty Buoy!

click image to enlarge

An eagle-eyed reader spotted a rogue channel marker buoy misbehaving on Monday.  

The buoy had broken from it's secure (or not so secure) fixings and was having lots of fun bobbing around willy nilly just off Milford on Sea beach.

As our reader continued to monitor the buoy's playtime, a ship made a number of unsuccessful attempts to recover it.

After getting bored with performing for anyone who happened to be watching from inside The Marine, the little scamp made a run for it.

This however was not a good move, and our little friends fun day was about to turn for the worse. When he gleefully rounded Hurst Spit giggling at his adventure, he was obviously not paying full attention, and the buoy hit the rocks and was smashed into pieces by the fierce tide. 

What a naughty buoy, - his Mum will be furious!

Comedy for Children comes to Milford

Laura Lawson
click image to enlarge

Milford on Sea now has a professional comedian, Laura Lawson, living in the village. 

Laura is a former comedy performer who co-founded The School of Comedy for children along with fellow performer Tara Carr. The School of Comedy, which uses three venues across London, is now also coming to Milford on Sea.

Laura initially started the kids workshops as an after-school club while drama teaching in 2005. In 2007, she built a stage show around the original troupe of children and took it to the Edinburgh festival. This eventually formed the basis of an E4 television show; 'School Of Comedy', which is a sketch show in which fledgling comics take on the world of adults. The show has so far had two series.

click image to enlarge

The initial Easter Holiday Comedy Club starts in Milford on Sea Community Centre on the 7th to 10th April and is for all kids 6+ who can join in for one or all four days.

The children will have a journey through many aspects of comedy and the aim is to encourage all the children to have the confidence to get up and perform in front of their peers without them even knowing they have done so.

For boys, especially, it's a chance to perform without worrying about being considered uncool. "This they can say is cool," says Laura.

Laura also intends to hold more School of Comedy events in the village later this year. - Go on, give your kids a giggle!

School of Comedy
Laura Lawson
laura@schoolofcomedy.com
www.schoolofcomedy.com

"The best after school club there is." - Emma Freud

"School of Comedy is my daughter's favourite club."Mariella Frostrup

New Village Travel Agent

A popular face is returning to the village shops, and this time opening a completely new venture.

Christina Pegler used to own Bon Appetit on the High Street (now The Village Coffee Pot) and she is now coming back to Milford on Sea in a whole new guise! 

In the next three weeks, Christina will be opening Milford Travel in what was formerly Clifford's hairdressers. Her travel agency will offer a full range of travel services including; bespoke holidays, cruises, exotic trips, flights, and even coach trips.

Obviously a lot of holidays are now booked on the web, but to do this takes a fair bit of research, and ultimately nothing beats a nice dose of personal service!

Christina was always a friendly face around the village and no doubt everyone who knows her will be delighted she is back, and if you haven't met her yet, please pop in to say hello when she opens - you will be sure of a warm welcome. 

Milford Travel

christinapegler83@gmail.com

78 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

Calling All Dad with Little Un's

If you are a dad with young children you will like The 'Daddysaurus Club'.

On the First Saturday of Every Month (Excluding August) from 9.30am to 11am, Dad's with young children are invited to come along to meet and chat over a coffee and bacon sandwiches.

The 'Daddysaurus Club' takes place in All Saints' Church Hall and all Dad's in the community are invited, and you don't have to be 'churchy' to attend.

If you fancy meeting some fellow Dad's whilst amusing the kids, just go along.

The 'Daddysaurus Club'
Sheila Hopkins
familyworker@allsaintsmilford.co.uk
07969 476148

Paul Walks for Heroes

Paul Fisher works in an office behind Collins & Butler as a Chartered Architectural Technologist.

Spending much time behind a desk, Paul has decided he wants to raise some cash for Help for Heroes.

So, on the 2nd May he is doing the Isle of Wight Challenge with a friend. The challenge involves walking around the entire island in a day, this is a distance of 106km (65 miles).

Should anyone wish to make a donation to make his sore feet worthwhile, you can do so by clicking here to go to Paul's Just Giving page. Every little bit helps, as they are aiming to raise £950.

Paul Fisher BSc (Hons) MCIAT

Chartered Architectural Technologist

57 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG
Tel: 01590 642773 - Mbl: 07968 971811
info@planit-design.co.uk 

www.planit-design.co.uk

Milford Minnie in Fiennes Film

Proud dad, and village resident Mark Nineham was surprised to spot in the Community Centre 'What's On' magazine that Milford Movies will soon be screening the Ralph Fiennes film 'The Invisible Woman'. 

The reason for his pride, well, Mark's daughter Minnie was one of 3 children in the film and can be seen in one of the scenes where he walks down an alleyway in Old London Town.  

The scene was shot at Luton Hoo in 12th May 2014 and Mark said; "We had such a great day out. We had our own trailer, called to costume and then make up.....a real insight into the movie industry.  On the day we shot from 6pm until Midnight and Minnie was just a star and didn't complain once about being away from daddy and being held by a very strange woman!  I had to pop her into the scene each time with Ralph and he did comment once of 'hello cutie' to which of course I replied 'thank you!'"

I am sure Mark would let Minnie open the screening at Milford Movies if the audience want to meet an actual star from the film!  Minnie hasn't yet written an autobiography, but no doubt she would be happy to autograph copies of the 'What's On' magazine!

Have you seen Tilley?

Lost Dog: Tilly, a rough coated, sandy coloured terrier has been missing in Milford on Sea since Sunday. 

If you see her, please call 07769 611658 to reunited her with her anxious owner.

Watch Out for Cliff Road Speed Camera

Be aware, - the new speed camera below is now on Cliff Road!

Farm Open Day Cancelled

Sorry mum's & kids, it is with great regret that due to family illness Lisa has had to cancel the Farm Open Day on Friday. We wish her and her family well.

Love All Around in Milford on Sea

click image to enlarge

Across the village people are celebrating all that is great about Milford on Sea in Love Milford Week.

The Shopping Challenge has got off to an excellent start, and it is great to see the shop windows adorned with the special offers each shop is running for the week. A number of shopkeepers are already saying that business is better than normal for them - please keep it up all week, and they could all have a beaming smile by Saturday night!

It is also great to hear that so many people are preparing to entertain friends, family or neighbours on 'Dine In Friday' at the end of this week. (On this Friday funnily enough), This is a 'Do It Yourself' Event, simply invite someone and get together for something to eat on Friday evening. There is only one rule, that is that all of your meal ingredients and wine needs to be bought in the village.

Go on, give it a go, and then after Love Milford Week let us know what you did with some pictures and we will feature your night here in Milford on Sea News.

Clubs, Classes & Charities Morning
click image to enlarge

Today there was a great buzz at the packed Clubs, Classes & Charity Morning. Over 60 tables greeted visitors and enjoyed explaining how people could get involved. The table holders also got to meet each other and the Community Centre Café till was ringing like a manic bell, so a good start all round.

This was followed by around seventy people gathering to see Carolyn Brown, (Radio 4 presenter and villager), launch Milford on Sea as a Dementia Friendly Village. Forty three village businesses and organisations, including the primary school, have completed the requirements to officially become 'Dementia Friendly'.  It was humbling

click image to enlarge

to witness the wonderful local people who support the people struck with this unfair condition. It was also heart-warming to watch how they all responded and sang to the wonderfully played instruments. This was a real lump in the throat moment, and time for a 'but for the grace of god' thought. www.dementiamos.org

The History Night on Wednesday, and Film Night on Thursday are both already sold out.

From 3pm to 6pm on Thursday we have the 'Local Tradesmen & Professional Services Exhibition'. Sounds a bit of a mouthful, but it is simply a place to meet people that live in the village who provide local services for the home or individuals. There will be around 50 businesses to meet, and it would be great to have a good turn out to discover the village businesses that exist, and to meet the people whose services you may want to use at some time. We hope you will take the time to come along to support this first time event.

click image to enlarge

It's also worth checking out our local village restaurants, café and pubs, many are running special events or deals for you to Dine Out. The Raft's 'Pancake Party Day' today certainly proved extremely popular.

Friday is Kids Day and there is so much going on at the Church Hall, Community Centre and Aubrey Farm. Click here to see the details.

The weekend then brings a mass of events; on Saturday the Art & Authors Show, the Gardening and Sustainability Show, and Sal's rock & Roll Show, then on Sunday; the Craft Market, Exotic Car Show and bringing the whole week to a close is an excellent show from top comedian Dominic Holland.

The Exotic Car Show has 63 fabulous cars registered to come, from a new Lamborghini to a 1909 Paterson - and every car coming is owned in the village. This event will be weather dependant, so let's hope for good weather on Sunday!

We have a feeling that something in this week of events will tickle your fancy! - If not, we have no idea how your fancy gets tickled.

The whole week is run by fabulous volunteers, they all work hard, so if you see them on your travels around Love Milford Week please give them a soothing stroke.

So there you have it, don’t miss a thing, grab a Love Milford Week programme from either of the village newsagents and get involved. (You can also visit: www.lovemilfordweek.org)

Last Chance to Book Shows

click image to enlarge

Tickets have already sold out for the History Night on Thursday (tomorrow) of Love Milford Week,

The good news is, if you are quick, there are a last few tickets remaining for: Sal's Rock & Roll Show at 7.30pm on Saturday night. Sal's was a sell out success at the last Food Week and many people are enthusiastically awaiting his return.

Then, on Sunday, we have Dominic Holland coming to give us all a great laugh with his intelligent and perfectly delivered comedy. It is likely you will recognise his face from his many TV appearances and now's the chance to see this top comedian here in Milford on Sea.

Both show will take place at Milford on Sea Community Centre with Tickets at £12, and the bar will be open on night from 7pm.

This is going to be a fun weekend, so Book your Tickets at:

Milford on Sea Community Centre Box Office: Open from 10am to 4pm on weekdays, and from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays. (Tel: 01590 644861)

or Buy Tickets Online by clicking here

Love Milford Week
www.lovemilfordweek.org

Dine In Friday Explained

click image to enlarge

Dine In Friday during Love Milford Week seems to need a bit of explaining. 

It's quite straightforward really, you simply invite friends, family or neighbours to come and Dine In on Friday. 

That is of course if you are not going out. Now, its fine to go out if you are going out to Dine In. This is because, the people who you are Dining In with will be Dining In, so in turn you are also Dining In with your Dine In hosts. 

For clarity and to put it another way, if you have an invite to go out, you are not going to dine out, you are going out to Dine In. Once you are out, your are Dining In rather than dining out.

However, if you are not going out, but Dining In, then anyone you invite will be going out to Dine In.

It may also be a problem to Dine In without going out, as the rules say all your meal ingredients must be bought in the village, so you have to go out before you can Dine In.

Finally, beware of going out to Dine In if you have nowhere to go. In this instance you won't be Dining Out or Dining In, you will just be out.

No idea why some people have thought the Dine In concept was a bit complicated!

Love Milford Week

www.lovemilfordweek.org/dine-in-friday

Dominic's Fun for Golfers

I have just bought a book that I haven't yet read.

I have however bought a previous novel by the same author, and found it a well written story that was both funny and heart-warming. It gave me a wonderful feeling, just like eating a donut with a cup of strong tea in front of a roaring winter fire, 

If you would like to know why I am telling you about this, all you have to do is click here.

How many authors do you know who write a book and then donate everything to a worthy charity?

So, I will get straight to the point, if you like golf and reading, then you might like to buy this book: Open Links click here.

When I bought my copy today, I then posted on Dominic's blog: "Hi Dominic, I find golf painful to play and more painful watch. However, your motives for writing your book inspired me to just buy it for my Kindle. I will read it, and no doubt (having already read The Ripple Effect, about a real sport - football!) enjoy it. Doesn't matter really, it is great you are doing something so worthy for a cause that can really make a difference to real people who have just been unlucky. Life is unfair, so enjoying every day and laughing as much as you can, while you can, seems the best way forward for those of us lucky enough to be able do so. I really hope your efforts will make a difference to as many people as it can - and that you keep us smiling. See you Sunday week."

This article was not written as a plug for Dominic's comedy show in Love Milford Week, but I was simply reading his blog, (and unusual for me), I thought buying and reading his book was the least I could do. 

Naturally, it would be daft not mention that you can see and enjoy the top comedy of Dominic Holland next week. This was not written to sell tickets, every word is true and buying his book can truly help someone less fortunate than us. 

click image to enlarge

The show will take place at Milford on Sea Community Centre with Tickets at £12, and the bar will be open on night from 7pm.

This is going to be fun, so Book your Tickets at:

Milford on Sea Community Centre Box Office: Open from 10am to 4pm on weekdays, and from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays. (Tel: 01590 644861)

or Buy Tickets Online by clicking here

Love Milford Week
www.lovemilfordweek.org

Rock It at Love Milford Week

click image to enlarge

Anyone who came to see Sal Bashir as the 'The World's Only Pakistani Elvis' during Food Week will remember not only what a great singer Sal is, but also how he got everyone dancing in the aisles with his spectacular show!

Well, Sal is back, - this time with his high energy 'Rock & Roll Show'.

Come and enjoy a spine tingling evening of 1950 & 1960's classics from artists such as Elvis, Billy Fury, Buddy Holly, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Fats Domino, Gene Vincent, Dean Martin, The Monkees, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Eddie Cochran, Ricky Nelson & many more!

Be quick, this is going to sell out fast.

Book your Tickets at:
Milford on Sea Community Centre Box Office
Open from 10am to 4pm on weekdays, and from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays.
Tel: 01590 644861

or Buy Tickets online by clicking here

Find out more about Love Milford Week
www.lovemilfordweek.org

Not Valentine's Night This Friday

click image to enlarge

Saturday is Valentine's Day, but why not celebrate 'Not Valentine's' on Friday as well - or instead!

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

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

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

Go Thai for Love Milford Week

Britannia Thai are celebrating Love Milford Week with some excellent entertainment and children offers to suit all of the family.

• Thai Tapas and a Magician: Next Monday (16th Feb)
• Thai Dancing and 3 Course Meal: Wednesday (18th Feb) 
• All Children Meals at Half Price Monday to Friday lunchtimes and evenings.

click image to view menus

All are hard to resist, especially as people are now raving about the high quality authentic Thai food now being served - Why not book now for a treat?

Britannia Thai

1 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

Tel: 01590 642226 & 01590 642212

www.thairestaurantnewforest.co.uk

Love Milford Week
www.lovemilfordweek.org

Laugh in Love Milford Week

click image to enlarge

Dominic Holland is coming to Milford on Sea, and he is instantly recognised from his countless television and radio appearances.

Dominic's quick wit and topical material ensures a great show every time. The Sunday Times described Holland as "The UK’s master of observational comedy" and Daily Telegraph commented that "he is a top notch stand up who everyone should see."

Dominic won the Perrier Best Newcomer Award in Edinburgh in 1993, and he has supported Eddie Izzard on his national tour.

His many TV appearances include: Have I Got News for You, They Think It's All Over, and The Royal Variety Performance. He has been a regular panellist on the daytime debate show The Wright Stuff, and has made numerous guest appearances on such television shows The Clive James Show, The Brian Conley Show, The Des O'Connor Show, and Never Mind the Buzzcocks. 

He also on well-known on radio with The Small World of Dominic Holland, a radio programme written and presented by Holland. His second radio series on Radio 4, Holland's Shorts was a series of comic monologues. He has also been on Radio 4's The News Quiz, hosted by Sandi Toksvig,  and co-written and appeared in Hal, a sit-com commissioned by BBC Radio 4 starring Hal Cruttenden. He also made regular appearances in the early seasons of BBC Radio 5 Live's comedy sports panel show, Fighting Talk.

As a writer, he has written material for Bob Monkhouse, Lenny Henry, Harry Enfield, Des O'Connor, Clive Anderson and many others, and as an author he has three novels under his belt.

Dominic's son, Tom Holland is an English actor and dancer, best known for playing the title role in Billy Elliot the Musical as well as for starring in the 2012 film The Impossible.

Love Milford Week is delighted to be bring multi-award winning comedian Dominic Holland to Milford on Sea.

click image to enlarge

The show will take place at Milford on Sea Community Centre with Tickets at £12, and the bar will be open on night from 7pm.

This is going to be fun, so Book your Tickets at:

Milford on Sea Community Centre Box Office: Open from 10am to 4pm on weekdays, and from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays. (Tel: 01590 644861)

or Buy Tickets Online by clicking here

Love Milford Week
www.lovemilfordweek.org

Meet our Love Milford Friends

We want to say thank you to everyone who has become a Love Milford Friend so far: Inger-Lise's Coffee Shop | Michael & Geraldine Penney | Lionel & Heather Allery | Michael and Alison Jennings | Yvette & Mike Frost | Paul & Jackie Garton | Nick and all the team at Polly's Pantry | Christopher Beeton | Paul & The Team at Hollands of Milford | The Village Voice | Jon & Stacey at The Cave | Roy & Wyn Culligan | The Village News | The Carter Family | Mary & John Cox | Milford Tennis & Squash Club - (Click to see all Friends)

Thanks to support and donations like this we are able to create the events for Love Milford Week. As this community event is run solely by volunteers it is always great to have some extra support to make the whole event the best it can be.

Becoming a Friend of Love Milford Week as an individual, family or business is easy, -
simply donate your £25 payment (or more if you like!) as below, and then send an e-mail to david@milfordonsea.org, saying you have sent your £25, and tell us what name/s you would like to appear on our 'Friends of Love Milford' page. 

You can donate by either:

1. BANK TRANSFER - Please use reference 'LM Friend'

Bank: HSBC Lymington

Beneficiary: MoS Food Week

Sort Code: 40-33-43

Account Number: 00006017

Reference: LM Friend

2. CHEQUE: Make payable to: Food Week - and send to: Colin Holdsworth, Beach Cottage, 3 Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY

It's your support that makes everything happen, and thanks to everyone who becomes a friend.

*Receipts available on request.

*Please Note: We use the Food Week Bank Account as Love Milford Week is a sister community event run by the same volunteer organisers.

Safe Stolen from Community Centre

Can you help?

The Community Centre's safe containing a week's takings was stolen on Sunday Afternoon. (8th Feb). 

Every penny taken had been money raised by volunteers, who work to help their fellow residents. This includes the efforts from those in the Charity Shop, the café and box office volunteers, and several people who cooked for hours to create the meals at recent fundraising events. Quite understandably, lots of people are both shocked and feeling sad that anyone could do this to a place that is so welcoming.

 .

If you saw any suspicious cars or activity, please call in to let the Community Centre Team know, or email: Bob Bishop at bob.bishop211@btinternet.com

Becoming a Dementia Friendly Village

Milford on Sea is launching as a Dementia Friendly Village as part of Love Milford Week at 1pm at the 'Clubs, Classes & Charities Morning' on Tuesday 17th February (10am to 1pm) in Milford on Sea Community Centre. Everyone is invited to come along.

The Dementia Action Group would like to thank everyone who has supported them by becoming dementia friends, either individuals, businesses or other organisations, and cordially invites them all to come to the Village Community Centre and join the party to celebrate this great achievement.

We are delighted that Milford on Sea now the first Dementia Friendly school and also the first Post Office in Hampshire to become Dementia Friendly - thank you to all those involved.

At the launch, there will be a choir, a guest speaker (Carolyn Brown of Radio 4 fame) and all dementia friends will be awarded their official window stickers. There will also be a glass of something available to toast the continued success of the project post launch. 

Please come along, find out more and join in.

Milford on Sea Dementia Action Group

www.dementiamos.org

Launch of Dementia Friendly Village: 1pm at the 'Clubs, Classes & Charities Morning' on Tuesday 17th February (10am to 1pm) in Milford on Sea Community Centre. Everyone is invited to come along.

Our Hospital - Our History

click image to enlarge

So often one hears comments about the now closed Milford War Memorial Hospital, how long has it been closed?, how did it become a War Memorial Hospital?, has it always been located here ? and so on.

All the answers to these questions and a lot any others, can be found in a book entitled 'Our Hospital. A history of Healthcare in Milford on Sea'. The book was written by the late Robert Coles and first published in 1994. 

The Milford on Sea League of Hospital & Community Friends have now had the book reprinted in his memory. 

Sales of the book will be launched as part of the Love Milford Week celebrations. You can get a copy of 'Our Hospital' book for £5 at the 'Clubs, Classes & Charities Morning' on Tuesday 17th February - 10am to 1pm in Milford on Sea Community Centre. Everyone is invited to come along.

Any profit arising from the sale of the book will go into the general funds of the League of Hospital & Community Friends , details of which will be announced at the League's AGM on the 11th May in All Saints' Church Hall commencing at 3pm. 

On reading the book, one begins to understand why so many residents in the Parish, wish to see the Hospital with its well kept gardens, re-open for the benefit of the community. Buy a copy to discover a special past of our village history.
  

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.

click image to enlarge

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

click image to enlarge

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

click image to enlarge

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

click image to enlarge

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