Superfast Broadband: Registered Your Interest

You may recall that in June this year we ran an article entitled: Superfast Broadband: Milford Update which featured Alexandra Paton, Marketing Officer at Hampshire Superfast Broadband Programme.

In the article Alexandra said; “A further 7 cabinets will be upgraded under wave 2 of our programme, between July 2017 and June 2018. These upgrades will cover a further 700 premises.”

Shorefield Country Park have recently initiated a CFP (Community Fibre Partnership) with BT to understand the funding needs behind putting Fibre into these cabinets that don’t have it. They have been contacted by BT and are currently building a list of names, addresses, landlines and cabinet details from people in the local area.

Shorefield's would like to put Wi-Fi across their Lytton Lawn park as soon as possible, and it is likely that a number of residents and businesses want fibre broadband now, and not between 2017 and 2018. 

Once Shorefield's have built a substantial list, they aim to send this to BT to move onto the next step of the CFP, which will mean receiving rough pricing for installing the fibre infrastructure. 

It would be an extreme help to Sam at Shorefield Country Park if anyone is interested in getting Fibre into these cabinets to add their details by clicking here.

If you need any further information please don’t hesitate to contact: Sam Turner at Shorefield Country Park | sam.turner@shorefield.co.uk - Direct Tel: 01590 648 379 - Head Office Number: 01590 648 300

It's going to be Wicked!

Some of you may remember the vocal talents of Emily-Jane Slade who sang with her mum, Joanne at the village's Queen's Birthday Picnic. Her grandfather is Keith Metcalf, former Milford on Sea Parish Clerk.

If you would like to hear Emily sing again, she is in the cast of an exciting show called The Wizard is Wicked which is coming to the New Forest Arts Centre in New Milton on the the 4th & 5th November.

Please click on the image of the poster for more information.

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It is never too soon to get your tickets!

Saving the Admiral Cornwallis Gravestone

A famous ex-resident of Milford on Sea is Admiral William Cornwallis and 2019 sees the bicentenary of his death. 

Experts and enthusiasts in the navy of Nelson’s time are of the opinion that Cornwallis is hugely under-recognised for his contribution to the wars with France in the final years of the 18th and the early 19th centuries. Had he not commanded the blockade of the French channel ports with such efficiency, it is unlikely that Nelson would have been able to engage in, much less win, the Battle of Trafalgar.

His grave ledger has deteriorated. It is broken in two, the inscription is almost illegible and it has extensive lichen growth. It is in danger of further deterioration from ground moisture and mowing operations. 

Conservation and repair of the ledger will cost in the region of £3,000, including VAT. In addition, it is proposed that interpretation and information material be produced detailing Cornwallis’s naval career and achievements, his connection with Milford alongside those of John Whitby, Whitby’s widow and Admirals John Peyton and Robert Mann who are also buried in Milford on Sea.

It is anticipated that, in 2019, some form of rededication ceremony will be arranged with significant naval presence and media coverage. The Museum of Army Chaplaincy holds a set of memorial communion plate given by the Whitby’s daughter in memory of Admiral Cornwallis and it is hoped that this will be made available for display at the service.

The Milford on Sea Historical Record Society is therefore raising funds for the restoration of the Cornwallis and Peyton Memorials at All Saints Church, Milford on Sea.

People, Places and Things is a A talk by Chris Hobby and Bob Braid about Milford on Sea, which will be held on Saturday 22nd October at 7.30pm, at All Saints Church Hall, Milford on Sea.

Tickets are £5 (to include a drink and nibbles). Tickets available from The Village News, High Street, Milford on Sea, from Chris Hobby (01590 645164, hobbychristopher@gmail.com), and on the door.

Pick the Hordle Token at Tesco

Sarah Pitt, Milford on Sea's Assistant Parish Clerk, who is also a school governor, has dropped us a line to let us know that Hordle (CE) Primary School has been shortlisted to receive a grant from Tesco to make major improvements to the nature area of the school so it can be transformed into a wildlife garden. The whole community will be able to access the garden, to enjoy and learn about nature and the importance of conservation and sustainability.

Every time you shop in Tesco, Caird Avenue, New Milton between 26th September and 9th October you will receive a token from the checkout. Sarah and all Hordle (CE) Primary School would be so grateful if you could please place it in the Hordle Primary School slot on your way out of the store, and also vote for them to win up to £12,000 for this exciting and important project. 

Please spread the word to your friends and family too!

Thank you on behalf of all the pupils, staff and wider community of Hordle.

New Development Near Village Green

It is likely that few people will be aware that there is a large empty house (Named Merlin) with a significant amount of land which lies up the gravel drive of Oasis Dental practice, and spreads across to Barnes Lane. 

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Development of this plot will be discussed at the Parish Council Meeting on Monday 19th September 2016. (6.30pm in the Village Hall/Library)

We understand that a chartered Surveyor will be at that meeting ascertaining public opinion for the developers who are preparing plans. 

If you would like to express your opinion, or if you are simply interested in hearing the discussion, please go along to the meeting.

Watch New Beach Huts Being Built

The rebuilding of the Milford on Sea beach huts is underway following the devastating storms on Valentine's Day 2014.

Thanks to company called Vision Link' you can now watch the building progress through a camera located on the sea front promenade overlooking the new beach hut. the construction is being carried out by Raymond Brown Construction Ltd.

The camera operates from Dawn to Dusk, 7 days a week, and updates its images every hour. The tecnology is 100% solar powered and uses a 3G data network connection for transmitting images. 

To see the beach hut camera: Please click here.

There is also a Twitter account for the camera which you can visit by clicking here.

Anyone for Tennis?

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the village is the Milford Tennis & Squash Club which has around 700 members. Newcomers are always warmly welcomed, and you can pop along to visit any time to meet the friendly club members and to see the impressive facilities. 

The club are now starting their Autumn Tennis Programme, and if you fancy getting involved with any of the activities below, please get in touch.

Adult Coaching Programme: click here

Junior Coaching Programme: click here

Cardio Tennis Course: click here

The Tennis section has 7 all weather courts (5 with floodlights) with both adult and junior members. Full adult tennis and junior tennis programmes are run throughout the year. 

The Squash section enjoys two heated courts, with around 80 members playing social and competitive games.

To complete the services offered, the club also provides a full range of other activities, including a social activities programme, an art group, bridge, table tennis and mah jong.

To find out more, please contact:

Russell May  Head Professional @ Milford Tennis

Director of RMAcademy

T: 07793 539 275

Milford on Sea Tennis & Squash Club

Lucerne Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PL

www.@milfordtennisandsquash.net

Birding for Beginners with the MCV 'Birding Team'

Did you know that Over 120 species of birds have been seen at the Sturt Pond Bird Hide since February 2009?

Would you like to learn about our local feather wildlife, and help in identifying the local birds at Sturt Pond?

If you would, you can now meet the MCV 'Birding Team' at the bird hide every Saturday morning in September between 10am and 11am. (Starting this Saturday 10th September 2016.)

Experienced bird watchers will be on hand each week and visitors will have free use of binoculars, telescopes and identification books. There will also be sound recording of most of the birds likely to be encountered and the team can explain some simple techniques to help identify the birds you are likely to see along our coastline.

Youngsters under 18 years old are welcome but need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. A small donation to the MCV can be made by placing coins in the security donations box in the Bird Hide.

Venue: Bird Hide - Gate is in car park next to The Marine/The Raft on seafront in Hurst Road, .

Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV)
www.milfordcv.org
Contact: Keith Metcalf – Conservation Officer
Tel: 01590 643400 or E-mail: keithmetcalf@btinternet.com

Nominate Sean in the New Forest Business Awards

Our exciting water sports business in Milford on Sea high street has had an excellent summer, and their service have been regularly used by locals and visitors alike.

So pleased were some customers that they have nominated Sean's business in the New Forest Business Awards.

If would of course be nice for them to win an award for the village, so if you would like to also nominate them you can do so by using the information and link below.

Company Name: The New Forest Paddle Sport Company

Tel No: 01590 645270

E-Mail: info@thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

Category: New Business

Place you vote here.

The New Forest Paddle Sport Company

46 High Street, Milford On Sea, SO41 0QD

Tel: 01590 645270

info@thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

www.thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

Enjoy Facebook? - Help the Befrienders!

A new 'Befriending Scheme' is currently being set up in Milford on Sea Village, and things are going well.

Steve Anderton, has recently joined as the team co-ordinator and there are 5+ potential 'Befrienders' in line for induction training etc.

The team are now looking to set up a Facebook page and are looking for someone to maintain this in the future and keep it updated with various materials. (Other community organisations looking for similar.)

If you would enjoy being on Facebook for half an hour or so a week for a very good cause, please drop Amanda Tanner an e-mail at: amandatanner@sky.com

Fancy some Art Classes?

Local artist, Helen Theobald has been running successful art classes for several years in Milford on Sea, with a new term about to start, Helen has a few spaces left to fill on a ten week course on Thursday mornings at Keyhaven, starting on 22nd September 2016.

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If you have ever fancied trying painting with acrylic paints now is your chance!

Acrylic is a great medium to use - for beginners or anyone who likes to experiment with paint. It dries quickly, so it takes no time to build up different layers of paint and textures. If you feel your painting has failed, you just paint over it and reuse the paper! It is possible to paint on paper, board or canvas and is very durable.

Acrylic paint is very versatile and much easier to use than watercolour because you can paint over your mistakes! It can also be used with oil pastels, collage, charcoal etc to create exciting mixed media paintings.

You can see examples of Helen's own work at www.helentheobald.com

To find out more about the art course, please contact Helen at:
paul.theobald@btinternet.com

La Perle in Good Food Guide

Sam Hughes, chef/patron at La Perle in Milford on Sea High Street has once again received an accolade for the wonderful food he serves.

La Perle are to be featured in the Good Food Guide 2017 sponsored by Waitrose, and the guide will be published on the 5th September 2016.

We hope Sam's entry in this prestidious guide will attract diners from far and wide to try his wonderful dishes, - and also discover the other great places we have to eat in the village!

La Perle

60 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

01590 643557

www.laperle.co.uk

Fire at Mr Pink's

Lovers of the Great British classic fish & chips meal will be disappointed when they discover that Mr Pink's in Milford on Sea has had a fire and is going to be closed for the foreseeable few weeks.

As the chip shop team prepared to open for the evening on Wednesday 24th August 2016 the oil in one of the chip pan vats caught fire. Taking place at the height of the holiday season, and with the village hostelries and holiday parks full of families, means lots of disappointed customers and of course a significant loss of trade for our local chippy business.

Fortunately no one was hurt in the incident, although there was substantial internal damage including to the ceiling.

The Fire Service were quickly on the scene with five crews attending from Lymington, New Milton and Brockenhurst. The crews used breathing apparatus to go inside to gain control of the blaze and to minimise damage or spread to neighbouring buildings.

A sign now sits in the shop door window informing customers the chip shop will be 'Closed until further notice.' We hope that they will reopen soon - Milford on Sea without its chippy just doesn't feel right!

Sue on her bike from London to Windsor

Local Milford on Sea resident, Sue Forward is embarking on a 29 mile cycling challenge from London to Windsor in aid of Oakhaven Hospice Trust on 4th September 2016.

Lymington's Oakhaven Hospice offers loving support to so many, and Sue is aiming to raise money in the memory of Robin Murray-Walker a wise and supportive true gentleman.

If you would like to sponsor Sue, please click here.

A Pink Place Lunch

Milford on Sea is of course as good a place as you can get to live, but sadly this does not make people immune from personal tragedy. 

Sonia Sewell, a stalwart volunteer for several causes and events in Milford on Sea, is also very close to The Pink Palace, a Hampshire based breast cancer charity set up by her daughter, Julia Dingwall. Tragically Julia was taken by this awful condition, but thankfully the good work of her charity carries on. 

To continue to raise funds for this very worthy cause, Sonia will be running a Charity Lunch in aid of The Pink Place on Friday 2nd September at 1pm at the Community Centre. The lunch cost £5pp.

Please wear something pink!

The lunch is the latest in the First Friday Lunch programme which runs regularly at the Community Centre. At each lunch a local charity or good cause is invited to be the hosts and beneficiaries, and over the years many thousands of pounds have been raised.

Go on, give it a try, eating and doing good is just my type of charity work!

The Pink Place

www.thepinkplace.org.uk

Milford Artists by the Sea

In the late nineteenth century Newlyn and St Ives in Cornwall became famous for attracting artists who enjoyed painting in the  impressionistic style on subject matter drawn from scenes of local life.

Today it appears Milford on Sea attracts and inspires many artist who record the beautiful area we  are so fortunate to live in.

If you would like to see their work, then you can meet many of them when The Hampshire Open Studios runs, once again, from Saturday August 20th through to Bank Holiday Monday 29th August 2016. This is an annual art trail where local residents and visitors can meet the artists in their homes, studios, local halls and galleries. Milford on Sea and Keyhaven has 8 venues:

Eileen and Peter Sey are exhibiting from ‘Coppins’ in Barnes Lane, Jules Carpenter and Guests from Downlea at 23 Downton Lane, Mary Williams, Christine Calder and Joyce Grainger in All Saints Church Hall, George Woodford at 14 Champion Close, the Splinters group at the Community Centre whilst Kate and Laura Danby are at Church Hill Studio, Old Walls, Church Hill.

There is also Christina Young at Creek End on Saltgrass Lane, Keyhaven and Keyhaven Artists are at the Scout Hut Hall.

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Kate Danby’s paintings are dominated by local landscapes mainly worked in acrylic and mixed media. Prints and cards are also available. Laura is a printmaker inspired by iconic Scandinavian design and the bold colours of the 1950’s. You will find a unique selection of bright cards, gifts, colourful animal illustrations and acrylic animal jewellery. Church Hill Studio is open 11am to 5 pm.

Full details are available at:
www.hampshireopenstudios.org.uk or pick up a brochure in one of the participating venues.

Dancing Cows on TV with Pig the Dog!

Milford on Sea resident and local master brewer, Richard Baker had a surprise visit to his Dancing Cows brewery/distillery on Wednesday last week.

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Unannounced, they were invaded by a television crew filming actress Sarah Parish walking along the coastal path between Lymington and Keyhaven with her dog called Pig.

After a friendly welcome, they all picked some angelica on Lower Pennington Lane, tasted the botanicals going into the new foraged rowan berry and oat gin and then sampled a few measures of different spirits….and all before 10am!

The Channel 4 TV programme is called ‘Coastal Walks with my Dog’ featuring a different celebrity each week with technological highpoints including a ‘dog-cam’ to show the walk from the pooch’s perspective.

It is not very known when the programme will be screened, but we will let you know when we find out.

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Dancing Cows

Brewery/Distillery

make a full range of tasty craft beers and their really popular Lymington Gin which is distilled to 43% with juniper, coriander seeds, angelica root and seeds, orris root, bitter orange peel, cardamom, fresh lemon zest and sweet almonds. The finished gin is then infused with hops to give a heady aroma, increased texture and a flavour that really goes well with lime.

If you would like to find our more about Dancing Cows beer or spirits, please contact Richard Baker below:

Dancing Cows Ltd.

Sadlers Farm Workshops, Lower Pennington Lane, Lymington.
www.dancingcows.co.uk
07952 639465

Dancing Cows Brewery/Distillery
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Objection to Housing Development Housing Plan

A number of local residents are commencing an action group campaign to object to the Milford on Sea sites which ave been ear-marked for housing development in District Council Local Plan review

The New Forest District Council has earmarked two sites in Milford-on-Sea for possible housing development (270 homes on sites north of Manor Road and west of Barnes Lane) over the next 20 years as part of its Local Plan review. 

The public consultation started on 15th July and runs until 16th September. Plans are available to view in the Parish Office or through New Forest District Council’s website. click here.

Andrew Peters, together with other residents have set up 'The Save Milford' website. (Which should be up and running by Monday afternoon.) The website will assist villagers with concerns and how to go about voicing them in the correct way. 

For those interested there is a Parish Council Meeting: 15th August at 6.30pm in Village Hall, the agenda is to include housing development plans.

Save Milford Action Group (Housing Development Objection)

www.savemilford.co.uk

Support for People with Sight Loss

Visual impairment is a difficult thing to live with and it really useful to know about all the equipment and information that can help out on a daily basis.

A 'Sight Loss Information Day' is being held at the Community Centre, and if you know of anyone who may benefit from this we would appreciate you letting them know please.

At the ‘Sight Loss Information Day’ you can see the latest smart phones and tablets specifically made for those with sight problems and there will be all manner of aids for the home. Exhibitors of holidays and retreats that cater for blind and partially sighted guests will also be on hand and an audio library will be present.

On this special day you can also see demonstrations of an exciting new intuitive wearable device which has a smart camera fitted onto spectacles. It has been designed to help people who are blind, visually impaired, or have a reading disability. You can go to www.orcam.com to see how this appliance will read text after being instructed by a pointing gesture from the user. It will read newspapers, books, road names, product labels, shop names etc. This new device can also be trained to recognise people who are familiar to the user. Further development of this product to become interactive could be a real break through for those with sight loss.

This is a great opportunity to try a vast range of aids and equipment for the visually impaired, so get the details below in your diary! 

SIGHT LOSS INFORMATION DAY: Exhibition of Information and Equipment

Tuesday 13th September 2016 - Milford On Sea Community Centre - Drop in any time between 10am to 3pm. Free Entry, Refreshments available.

EXHIBITORS LIST

Action for Blind People - RNIB

Associated Optical – Eschenbach Magnifiers

Calibre Audio Library

Dolphin - Assistive Technology for Life

Macular Society

Open Sight

Optima - Low Vision Experts

Pamtrad – Products for Blind People

Professional Vision Services

Sight & Sound Technology

Synnaptic – Tablet Computers

Talking News – New Milton

*Torch Trust for the Blind – Christian Books & Holidays

Vision Hotels – For Visually Impaired Guests

*Local Milford on Sea resident, Sinclair Campbell is also a volunteer with New Forest Torch Fellowship which meets monthly on third Saturdays at New Milton. (Torch Trust is a Christian organisation with a worldwide vision for people with sight loss. www.torchtrust.org) For more information you can contact Sinclair on 01590 644926 - campbells2@tiscali.co.uk.

For further details on Exhibition:

Open Sight

Pam Bateman

02380 646380 or Pam.Bateman@opensight.org.uk

   

A Chance to Discover More About Hurst Lighthouse

The lighthouse at Hurst Point is always a great photo opportunity, but getting the chance to find out about its history is  special occurrence.

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There have been five lighthouses at Hurst Point and the team would like to tell you their story and also that of the historic Acetylene Room (Which is now found within Hurst Castle.). 

The lighthouse exterior will be open to the public on Sunday 21st August when the Association of Lighthouse Keepers are celebrating International Lighthouse Heritage Day at Hurst Castle. (Sorry, access into the lighthouse is not allowed.)

Tours start from the ALK Museum Rooms within Hurst Castle at: 11am, 12pm, 1.00pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

Tours are free but Hurst Castle and ferry fees apply and there is no public entrance to any of the lighthouses. The Acetylene Room can be visited separately from the Castle.

There will also be an ex-lighthouse keeper on site who can give a first-hand account of what it was really like.

The Christchurch Amateur Radio Society will also be operating from within the castle on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st August as part of International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend and attempting to contact as many lighthouses as possible

Come and see them in action from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

Give a Fun Fruit Bouquet

A innovative new business, run by a familiar face has started at Braxton Courtyard.

Inger-Lise, the original founder of Inger-Lise's Coffee Shop in Milford on Sea village is now making and supplying fresh fruit bouquets. The edible bouquets feature fresh fruit arranged like flowers, and the mouth-watering and eye-catching bouquets can be made with or without chocolate.

They of course make perfect gifts, ideal for weddings, and just about any occasion. There is even a range for kid's birthday parties.

Whatever you choose to give one for you are guaranteed to be delighted with these healthy, tasty, fruit flower arrangements!

Please visit the website to choose your fresh fruit bouquet. www.fruit-temptation.co.uk

Fruit Temptation – Fun Fruit Bouquets

www.fruit-temptation.co.uk
Unit 2, Braxton Courtyard, Lymore Lane, SO41 0TX | Contact: info@fruit-temptation.co.uk, call 01590 643578 or visit.

5th Most Expensive Seaside Homes in UK

The Daily Echo this week published an article stating that Lymington (including Milford on Sea) has been named the fifth most expensive seaside town in Britain, with the average property selling for £426,112.

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It was reported that three years ago the average house price in the area stood at £340,944 – with the average property now selling for £426,112.

The average cost of homes in seaside communities across the UK is said to have risen by 32-per-cent since 2006.

Sandbanks in Poole has the dearest homes at £664,655, but regional variations mean Port Bannatyne in Scotland has the cheapest at £77,132.

Sadly, this makes things even harder for local youngsters to get on the property ladder.

To read the full Daily Echo article; please click here.

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Top 10 Expensive Seaside Town
(Research by Halifax)

1. Sandbanks, Dorset, £664,655

2. Salcombe, Devon, £539,950

3. Padstow, Cornwall, £443,396

4. Aldeburgh, Suffolk, £439,379

5. Lymington, Hampshire, £426,112

6. Dartmouth, Devon, £401,361

7. Fowey, Cornwall, £379,003

8. St Mawes, Cornwall, £373,746

9. Wadebridge, Cornwall, £373,351

10. Budleigh Salterton, Devon, £360,984

Yellow Line Frustration

Local resident, Rob Askin has felt provoked to write in order to highlight what he considers a ridiculous waste of public money on double yellow lines where they are not necessary, and ignoring the real points of need. 

Rob explains: “I have been trying to get double yellow lines at the eastern end of Whitby Road for some time, due to the parking on both sides of the road of cars associated with St. Georges. I have been advised that there is not a road safety issue that would justify this, despite several near misses of both myself and my neighbours exiting our drives.

I have now learnt that the local council are proposing to impose additional parking restrictions in De La Warr Road, a quiet road with hardly any traffic, due to road safety issues. This follows the painting of double yellow lines half way up Church Hill at the gated entrance to 4 houses, where there is patently no parking space to be protected. Similarly when Victoria Road, a wide, quiet road, was recently re-surfaced parking restriction yellow lines were immediately re-painted despite there again being no real justification or need.”

If you would like to express your point of view, please post a comment by clicking the 'comment/no comment' link at the foot of this article.

Beach Hut Rebuild Start Date

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The Council have contracted Raymond Brown Construction (of Ringwood) to carry out the seafront work and they are due to start early in September 2016 once the schools' summer holidays are over. 

While work is ongoing access to the seafront will be blocked from the path to the west of The White House and the western Hurst Road Car park closed. Pedestrian access to the toilet block will be maintained but both promenades shut from The White House to the slipway by the seafront shelter. 

If the weather permits building work to continue through the autumn and winter the contractors expect to have finished by February 2017.

Jazz Sundays at La Perle

Jazz Sundays are back at La Perle throughout August. 

If you enjoy dining with a bit of mellow background music, then Sam's classic Sunday Roast with fantastic live jazz duo will be for you.

A Three Course Sunday Lunch is available for just £29.95.

Tables are available from 12pm, with the live jazz from 12:30pm to 3pm.

Book now to avoid disappointment!

La Perle
60 High Street, Milford on Sea SO41 0QD
01590 643557
www.laperle.co.uk

Tom's Channel Relay Swim

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Tom Chamberlain from Milford on Sea was part of a small team of swimmers who embarked on a Channel Relay Swim from Dover to France on Saturday 30th July 2016.

Although 21 miles in a straight line, the tide dictates a large ‘S’ shape curve that is ultimately and unavoidably followed and consequently the distance is more like 40 miles in length. Whilst big swells were present, conditions were generally favourable and Team Tiger Fish completed the iconic swim, wearing just swimming trunks and goggles (no wetsuits allowed) in just over 13 hours.

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“I have wanted to swim the English Channel for many years now”, said Tom “and have had a pot of Goose Fat sat in the house as a half joke/half incentive. To be part of a small team of like-minded swimmers made the challenge less of a lonely experience, although still an incredibly physical and mentally challenging one.” Tom’s intensive training involved swimming several times a week, often in sea temperatures of only just over ten degrees and night swimming in the darkness of Milford on Sea.

Swimming the English Channel is considered by many to be the ultimate long distance swimming challenge. It isn’t just the distance that is the challenge, but the variable conditions, cold water, jellyfish and the passing traffic of 600 tankers and 200 ferries daily. Needless to say, when Tom landed in France it was to the cheer of a welcoming French crowd and with just enough time to grab a handful of French sand as a keepsake, he dived back into the water to the support boat waiting to take him back to Dover.

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Tom has raised £2,650 for the spinal cord injury charity Aspire. Every eight hours someone in the UK is paralysed by Spinal Cord injury. Disability is expensive and Aspire gives grants and temporary housing so that people can lead more independent lives. The charity visits newly injured people in hospital to offer support, advice and training, with on-going support once they are back home.

To top the experience off, Tom got to sign his name on the walls of the world famous pub, “The White Horse” in Dover; a privilege that only those who have swum the English Channel have the honour to do.

And so for the next challenge? “Who knows”, says Tom, “I’m sure they’ll be something, but in the meantime I’m enjoying getting back to swimming “just for fun”.

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Milford on Sea Community Library Update

An update from Jill Neill, Volunteer Coordinator – MOS Community Library

Have you ever asked the question “What happened next?”  Like many people, your answer will have been “yes”, because lots of us have an abiding interest in what makes human beings tick, why they do the things they do and what happens to them afterwards. It is the stuff of many novels, plays and films. So, to cut to the chase, as they say in all good movies, this is the latest chapter in the life of Milford on Sea Community Library.

It was in April 2015 that Hampshire County Council relinquished both financial support and the day to day running of what is now Milford on Sea Community Library. I must say that Hampshire’s Community Librarians were an inspiration and a lifeline in the early days, training volunteers, answering endless queries, suggesting strategies and keeping us supplied with many lovely books for our readers. Thank you, Sharon and Ann.

Being a Community Library means that we have to pay rent for our premises and provide volunteer staff to cover all shifts, whilst Hampshire continues to rotate our stock and send a visiting librarian once a week. So our interesting story began with the Milford Village Association giving us a rent free year in which to raise funds and learn how to be a library! 

This was initially daunting, but we experienced such huge support from both village residents and organisations that we were able to start paying hall rental in 2016. So thank you to all those people who sang in concerts, donated money, time or expertise, came to coffee mornings, entertainments,  bag sales, cake sales, book sales, plant stalls, dinosaur and “Revolting Recipes” afternoons – we could not have done this without you.

The “community” part of our title is important, so we have welcomed both Rainbows and school reception classes. In addition we were thrilled when Churches Together in Milford suggested we should open during their regular Thursday coffee morning. This means that we are open every weekday and generally on the first Saturday of each month. On Mondays “Knit and Natter” meet during the Library session and a number of these ladies are also volunteers.

Quite simply, our Library could not function without the volunteers who work regularly on a day which suits them. We have a four monthly rota, a system of team leaders for each day and an organising committee of seven people. The system is designed to cover holidays and emergencies and whilst we have had the odd glitch, it is settling down. If you’d like to help, please give me a ring!

One of the things many volunteers really enjoy is getting to know our readers. Some people keep meticulous records of every book they have ever read and eagerly await a new publication by a favourite author. Others ask our advice, or give us theirs. Sharing reading likes and dislikes forms a major part of our library interaction.  Recently, we have set up a reading group and the four books we have read so far have yielded interesting discussions on slavery, female emancipation, forensic science and brittle bone disease.

On 10th September 2016 we are planning a new venture – a writers’ workshop. This whole day event (10 – 4 p.m.) is for aspiring authors seeing to unlock their creative potential. Leading the day is Sandra Cain, Founder-Director of Wordshaker UK and Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing; she is a regular contributor at writing festivals and international conferences. So do join us for an inspiring day: Cost £30, including tuition, lunch, refreshments and a useful information pack with Sandra’s tips on where to begin, writing techniques, how to get published and so on. Further information and booking forms are available from Milford on Sea Library or you can email mosclibrary@gmail.com and we will send you the details.

What happens next? Who knows? But you can find out more on our Facebook page: facebook.com/mosclibrary or simply drop in to see us!

Jill Neill, Volunteer Coordinator – MOS Community Library.

Library opening times: 
Monday and Tuesday 2.30—5.00pm
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am—12.30pm
First Saturday each month 10am—12.30pm (except January and November)

Milford on Sea Community Library
The Village Hall, Park Road, Milford on Sea SO41 0QU
Email: mosclibrary@gmail.com
Tel: 07950 941818 (Opening hours only)
www.facebook.com/mosclibrary

£10 Paddle Board Taster Sessions

Since opening last year, The New Forest Paddle Sport Company in Milford on Sea High Street has been going from strength to strength.

Due to increasing demand and popularity they have now added more taster sessions during August.

Why not book into a Kayak or Paddle Boarding Taster session? The cost is just £10 per person for 1 hour, with Taster Sessions running almost everyday.

To see the available Taster Session please click here, If there is no time slot online that suits you please contact Sean and he will see what we can offer.

The New Forest Paddle Sport Company 

46 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD - 01590 645270

info@thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

www.thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

Pikemen at Hurst Castle

This year is the 30th Anniversary of The Friends of Hurst Castle, and as part of the celebration the friends have arranged for The Company of Pikemen and Musketeers Display (The Ceremonial Bodyguard to The Lord Mayor of London.) to give a display of their drill and uniforms at Hurst Castle

The display is free at 3pm Saturday 24th September 2106, but normal ferry and castle charges will apply.

This is a unique opportunity to witness part of our countries heritage, and to see a bit more of the good work the The Friends of Hurst Castle do.

Friends of Hurst Castle

www.hurstcastle.co.uk/friends

Fancy Playing Chess?

Do you enjoy playing chess?

Local Milford on Sea resident, Peter Ashwood organises New Milton Chess Club who welcome players of any standard for enjoyable games in a friendly setting.

The Club meets at the Conservative Club, Station Road, New Milton, on Tuesday evenings from 7pm. and Thursday afternoons from 2pm. The would be delighted for anyone who fancies a game to go along.

We are also running teams in Division 2 and Division 4 of the Bournemouth and District Chess League in 2016-17. 

More information is available from: Peter Ashwood: 01590 644876 or Barry Jolly: 01425 291122

Successful Flower and Produce Show

The annual Milford Flower and Produce Show was held the Church Hall of All Saints Church, Milford-on-Sea on Saturday 16th July 2016.

This years show was very well supported and many new people put in entries. There were some very good entries by children, including the Guides Cubs and Brownies, Rainbow. Milford Preschool also entered and were very successful winning the Helen Cookson Cup.

The Challenge cup this year was won by Mike Jones. Mike also won the Jim Asher Cup in the Fruit Section and the Weatherhead Cup in the Vegetable section.

Also in the Vegetable Section, Jan Press won the Joanne Weatherhead Cup.

There were several new entrants this year and the Liz Jones Cup for newcomers was won by Diana Corbett.

In the Fruit Section, the Polson Cup, for the most points was won by David Badham.

In the Flower section Dennis Eason, once again won the Margaret King Cup for his roses and also the Dorothy Nightingale Cup - this was for the most points in the Flower Section.

The President’s Cup for the best entry in the Flower Section “C” was won this year by Jill Spencer. The Fairbairn Rose Plate was won, this year, by Marigold de Jongh. 

There were some lovely entries for the Floral Art Section and the cups awarded were as follows : The Lucey Bowl for “A Touch of the Tropics” to Sue Erler. The Molly Miller Cup for “Gardener’s Delight to Phyllis Kervell. The Danby Cup for “Sea Spray” to Joyce Grainger. The Hatchard Bowl for “Breakfast in Bed” to Lyn Atkins.

There were some wonderful fruit cakes in the Produce Section and some lovely bread and jam making The overall winner was Christine Twyford who won the Patterson Produce Cup.

The John Pither Cup for Handcrafts was won by Joyce Grainger 

The Photography Section was won by Keith Twyford, who was presented with the Photography Frame.

The George Dowland Cup was won by Megan Smith for the most points by an individual child.

The Show was a great success and from reports afterwards … was enjoyed by all.

Milford on Sea Bowls Club Presidents Day

Mel Kendal with Howard Farmer
click image to enlarge

Mel Kendal, District Councillor joined Milford on Sea Bowls Club members and associates in a celebratory tea, prepared by the ladies section to mark this years Presidents Day for Howard Farmer.

The weather stayed fine for an afternoon of fun bowls before tea was served.

Time for Walkies!

Do you fancy joining in the Walkies Charity Dog Walk? 

Nicky Carter is organising a Charity Dog Walk in aid of K9 Angels and the Soi Dog Foundation which last year raised over £2000.

The walk starts from the car park outside The Gun Inn and then a circular walk around the sea wall for approximately 3.5 miles.

Walkies Charity Dog Walk

Sunday August 14th at 10.45am

Starting from the car park outside The Gun Inn

Entries £3 per dog, 2 plus dogs £5.

Your dog is also welcome to join in the: Milford Green Dog Show

Sunday 31st July from 10.30 onwards.

For more information please visit: www.milfordonseacalendar.org