Hugh Retires from Hugh Whitlock Solicitors

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It’s all change at Hugh Whitlock Solicitors. You may have noticed the new signage - ‘Dagless and Whitlock Solicitors’. After 45 years as a Solicitor, 25 of them in Milford on Sea sole practitioner Hugh Whitlock has retired - as you can see he is rather relaxed in the photograph!

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Hugh is also known in the village in various disguises from a sleazy car/cow dealer to this year’s Genie of the Lamp in the village pantomimes.

Hugh qualified as a Solicitor in 1972 and worked with Richards Butler in the City of London before moving to Winchester and taking a partnership with Shentons. He then moved to the village to set up his own practice, first from a small office in the High Street and then moving to the existing offices at number 44. He was delighted to take on a partner - Louise Allonby – who had first worked with Hugh as a student on a work placement from university. Louise was with the practice for several years until she left to have her first baby - she now has three! So Hugh became a sole practitioner again.

Three years ago Niels Dagless joined the firm as an assistant Solicitor always with succession in mind. So, from the end of April of this year Niels has taken over, given the practice a new look along with an established staff of Billie, Ellie and Otillia and Hugh has become a consultant to the firm, working on a part time basis for the next year. Hugh will be pleased to see old and new clients and is delighted to be supporting the Dagless and Whitlock practice as a consultant. Not sure about next year’s pantomime though!

Scammers target Zaika

A reader has let us know of a scam phone call they received the other night.

The caller offered them the opportunity to buy some sort of VIP card for £55 which would give them various extras at Zaika Indian Restaurant in Milford on Sea High Street. 

Obviously they expressed surprise as the restaurant is currently closed, which the caller was unaware of.

The caller was ready to take payment over the phone on a card, but they wisely declined!

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The fate of Zaika Indian Restaurant remains a mystery. 

For some months now the window has carried a sign saying a new chef is on the way with an exciting new menu.

We have tried to contact the restaurant, but with no success. So, the news is that we have no news! (Quality journalism from these pages as always!)

I guess the new chef has either got lost on his way, or is still looking for ingredients for his new menu. - Either way, not having a curry house on the doorstep is giving me significant withdrawal symptoms!

Belle Epoque Reopens

The quirky Belle Epoque has reopened at the previous high street location of The Raft (which is now located at The Marine on Milford on Sea seafront, and serving great food and drinks all day and evening.)

Belle Epoque has a eclectic range of second hand and antique items for sale alongside a new lunch menu.

Belle Epoque

11 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

Milford Artist's painting sells for $32,000

A painting by a famous Milford on Sea resident has fetched $32,000 at a Christie's auction in the Rockefeller Center, New York on 23rd May 2017.

Montague Dawson, F.R.S.A., R.S.M.A. (British, 1895-1973) once lived at 1 Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY, and a plaque sits on the white walls of the property today.

The artwork is entitled: Bowling Along - 'The Glorious Lightning'.

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An interesting article appeared in The Daily Echo which told more about the life of Montague Dawson:

Food was so scarce in some parts of Hampshire during the Second World War that at one point artist Montague Dawson survived by living on soup made from lawn cuttings and nettles.

Mr Dawson survived this hardship and went on to become, in the 1960s, one of the world’s highest paid artists.

He enjoyed an annual income of £100,000 when in 1967 the average Southampton house cost £4,050.

Montague Dawson died at the Western Hospital, Southampton, on May 21,1973. He was buried at Boldre Church, Lymington.

You can read the full Daily Echo article by clicking here.

The latest book in The Hurst Chronicles

This time last year Robin Crumby launched a new book series 'The Hurst Chronicles' set at Hurst Castle in the aftermath of a flu pandemic. 

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Robin said; "The book seemed to strike a chord with locals who sent me several suggestions for historical references to include and plot lines for future books." 

He has just published book two in the series, titled 'Sentinel' which is now on sale. You can read the blurb and first few reviews by here clicking here. 

Robin also did an author interview which gives some interesting background. Please click here to see interview.

Robin Crumby (Author)

rob.crumby@gmail.com | www.hurstchronicles.com

No64 Biscuit House wins Shop of the Month

No64 Biscuit House in Milford on Sea High Street has won Coast Magazine Shop of the Month.

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This exciting and stylish new shop has only been open for 12 weeks, so it is pretty cool to get recognised so soon. 

If you haven't been inside the new shop yet, you can take a look at their range by clicking here.

Coast Magazine publishes a physical magazine and also has an online version that you purchase/subscribe to. Please click here.

No64 Biscuit House

64 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

www.No64.co.uk - Don't forget to visit the No64 Online shop!

01590 643765

Another Award for Milford Travel

Last Tuesday, Christina at Milford Travel in Milford on Sea High Street, won an award at The Global Travel Group Conference. 

The award was for the Best Increase In Sales Retail South 2017, and Christina said; "It was basically a recognition for how fabulous my customers are!!"

Christina was previously an air hostess, and knows many great places around the world - and the best ways to get there!

Milford Travel offers 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 - and supporting a village business!

Milford Travel

christinapegler83@gmail.com

78 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

Facebook: click here

CPR Training for Village Clubs & Societies

The Milford on Sea Community First Responders have recently been awarded CPR training equipment from the British Heart Foundation and would like to offer training to clubs and societies in the village.

The training kit will teach trainees how to recognise cardiac arrest and carry out CPR on adults and children.

It uses a film tutorial on a DVD to demonstrate CPR skills. Participants watch the film and practice the skills on portable manikins.

It also shows how public access defibrillators work and their role in the live-saving process, so trainees are aware of their importance and are more confident to use one, if needed.

Up to 10 trainees can be accommodated at a time, you just need a location big enough for everyone to practice (about the same sort of space you would need for yoga.)

If you would like to arrange training sessions for your Village Clubs or Society, please contact John Blessing on 07984 144109.

About the Milford on Sea Community First Responders

Milford on Sea now has a newly established Community First Responders group.

The Community First Responders support the South Central Ambulance Service and get deployed to appropriate emergency calls in the village.

All are volunteers who donate their time and expertise for free. The new group has been founded in 2017 by Ross Woolgar, Terri Newton and Conrad Curtis.

The advantage of Community First Responders is that in many cases they can get there before the paramedics and commence life saving emergency treatment at the earliest opportunity, which significantly improves patients chances of survival.

If you would like to find out more, or help out with a donation, please contact: Conrad Curtis at conrad.curtis@me.com

Happy Birthday to Us!

We launched our first Milford on Sea village website www.milfordonsea.org on 20th May 2008, so it is now nine year old & and I don't look a day older!

Milford on Sea Website: When we decided to create this village website, it was purely as a hobby and to provide some more local information for locals and holidaymakers. I say ‘we’, but there is only me, my wife (who inadvertently provides occasional story lines) & our two dogs (who contribute much less than they should!)

From day one we have always loved our independence, and as we take no revenue from anyone this means we can say & do exactly what we like!

We never really considered that people would enjoy what we built, however it is very satisfying to provide a service to the local community which a number of people seem to enjoy.

The site has now taken on a life of its own, and a small hobby has now turned into a big one! As a result, we now have a number of spin offs which have been created for specific purposes to inform and entertain people across the village.

To date: www.milfordonsea.org has had 1,585,336 visitors - over a million people with nothing better to read! We are also averaging around 250 visits to the website every day.

Milford on Sea Calendar: This website details anything we hear about that is happening in the village, plus things that may be of interest nearby. The calendar also contains sections of 'Clubs & Classes' and 'Church Services'. www.milfordonseacalendar.org

Enjoy Milford on Sea - News Bulletin: We are now up to Edition No. 377 and counting!

The News Bulletin has 2868 local people who regularly receive our e-mail, and 907 unsubscribed people who don't want to hear the village news at all!

Our News Blog keeps people informed with articles and news that is only village related. Some are factual, others embellished, and others simply made up. Over 25,000 News Pages get read every month, and with approaching 1 million page views since we started, it seems most people find something worth reading! www.milfordonseanews.org

We are always looking for more people to receive the village news, so if you can spread the word to any friends, family or neighbours who you think would like to get our newsletter, please just ask them to send an e-mail to: david@milfordonsea.org or complete the form here: www.milfordonsea.org/join-us. We can then ensure all of our community are kept informed of local news, which on some occasions contain actual facts!

Thanks for your support and for as long as you keep reading, I’ll keep writing!

Replacement Beach Huts Completed

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Three years after the 80mph+ winds tore down the Milford on Sea beach huts on Valentine's Day 2014, the new replacement huts are now complete.

The lower promenade is now open to the public and may be accessed from either end. Work is ongoing to the balustrades on the upper promenade - along the beach hut roofs. The Hurst Road west car park has also been opened for public use.

The majority of hut owners have collected their hut keys and will have a busy time decorating and furnishing huts to their taste. The majority of owners are pleased with the way in which the scheme has turned out.

The works to replace 119 beach huts and improve the seafront was carried out by Raymond Brown Construction Ltd from Ringwood.

Beach Huts-Concrete Panels
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The replacement beach huts have brightly coloured doors similar to the original ones. There are also concrete panels between the doors, and at the ends, which have a variety of designs which related to the local area or the sea.

There is also a new walkway with stainless steel handrails on top of the huts giving pedestrians a vantage point to take in the sea views.

Also new, is an access ramp at the western end near The White House which curves out to sea around the existing wartime pillbox.

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In front of the beach huts the pathway is now wider giving more room for walkers and people using the beach huts.

Whether you love them or hate them (and there are strong views on both sides!), it is a vast improvement on the building site that has been on the seafront for so long.

All we need now is for the sunshine we are currently having to stay, and then everyone can enjoy the seafront in all its glory once again.

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Valentine's Nightmare Storm

To read all that happened that night, please click here.

Crufts Friends for Life Award Winners at Dog Show

This year's Milford Fun Dog Show on Sunday 23rd July on the village green, will have the guest appearance of Haatchi and Owen, who won 2013 Friends for Life Award at Crufts, to go alongside the activities and festivities.

Here is a little about them...

Haatchi and Owen's story: One freezing night just over four years ago a man (never found) bludgeoned a five month old Anatolian Shepherd Dog over the head and left him to die on a railway line. The train driver spotted him seconds too late. The terrified puppy had one back leg and tail severed, but managed to crawl away. 

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Then followed a sequence of events to renew faith in human nature, through the people who saved his life, with those who were determined to find Haatchi a ‘forever home’ 

Owen Howkins, was a little boy born with a rare genetic disorder which causes his muscles to tense permanently, confining him to a wheelchair. It is isn’t everyone who could take on a giant, three legged dog, but from the moment Owen’s parents saw Haatchi interact with Owen when the two first met the morning after they had brought Haatchi home, Owen’s parents had no doubts that they would keep him. They are now inseparable and their lives were changed forever!

Just go along to meet this amazing pair at Milford Fun Dog Show and have a fun day out in support of the animal charity K9 Angels!

Milford Fun Dog Show also has a Trophy for ‘Best in Show’ Have a Go Dog Agility, 12 Doggie classes including the famous ‘sausage catching competition’, 26 Trade Stands, Refreshments and Cream Teas/Cakes in the Village Hall and much, much more!

Fed Up with Washing and Ironing?

No doubt most people find washing an ironing tedious, but not Karen O'Keefe, who is the owner of a local Hordle business Pressed2Impress.

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Karen explains: "I started Pressed2Impress a few years ago having moved to the New Forest from Surrey with my two children. I decided to advertise for evening ironing work in the local newspaper. Within a few weeks I had attained half dozen clients in the Lymington area, within a month I had increased that to a dozen and they just kept on coming! I realised there was really was a clear demand for a great quality, professional ironing service. 

Within 6 months the word had spread and I had more and more work by recommendation. I started offering laundry services, mainly to aid our yachting and business clientel. We were then approached by Lymington boat builders and a few charter companies to help assist with private clients yachts and chartered over night stays. 

Within a year our clientele had doubled in size. As far as we know, there was no one else in the area providing such a niche service combining locality with quality service and finish with a fast turnaround. As far as we know, we are the only service used for the marine industry.

Most of our work is now on recommendation we serve many professional people who demand a high standard of service. 

I pride myself on maintaining a quality service which is second to none, delivering 100% perfection together with a friendly efficient and personal service."

If you fancy saving yourself some time or tedium, please contact Karen.

Pressed2Impress (Karen O'Keefe)

3 The Ostlers, Hordle, SO41 0FT

Tel: 01425 540092

www.pressed2impressuk.co.uk

Vacancies on Milford on Sea Parish Council

There is a vacancy for two Councillors on Milford-on-Sea’s Parish Council. 

If you are on the electoral roll at Milford-on-Sea, have been a resident for at least one year and would like to be considered for this voluntary role, please send a brief résumé and a covering letter into the Parish Office.

Parish Councillors do not represent political parties on the Parish Council. The Councillors sit on some of the Committees and sub-Committees of the Parish Council and represent the interests of the village in many different ways. They are all volunteers and are not paid for their time or effort.

Deadline for applications is 12th June. Interviews will be held on 19th June.

For an informal chat about the role please contact the Parish Office on:

01590 644410 or e-mail: milfordpc@btconnect.com

Milford on Sea Parish Council

www.milfordonsea.org.uk

Christian Aid Week

Christian Aid Week 2017 begins on Sunday 14th May 2017.

It is 60 years since the first Christian Aid Week, which was initiated as a response to the post war situation of refugees in Europe.

As Alex Luxon explains: "This year all donations will go to helping those in different parts of the world who have faced these kinds of decisions: Do we die in a refugee camp than to die in a war? Do we risk our children’s lives in a plastic dinghy and leave behind everything and everybody we know? When the alternative is terror, starvation, bombs and bullets, almost anything is better.

This terrible choice is facing tens of millions of people worldwide - fleeing conflict, floods and earthquakes, making dangerous journeys in search of safety. Could you help Christian Aid to look after them in their camps?"

This week some streets will receive familiar envelopes, with invitations to contribute by taking donations to Mark in the Village News newsagent at the foot of the village green. Anyone can call in to donate and there will be also Street Collections on Friday morning 19th and Saturday 27th, and a Gardening quiz crossword at the annual Plant Fair on 20th May 2017.

The Wash House Micro Ale Bar is coming

A completely new business will be arriving in Milford on Sea high street in late June.

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Peg's Beautiful Launderette closed a couple of years ago, but it is now being transformed into The Wash House Micro Ale Bar.

Duncan Broomfield will be running the bar. His background is working in property, and some may know him, as he previously spent 6 years at Murray and Hayward, and time at Sullivan Mitchell estate agents, who were just across the road from his new bar. Now his career is taking a new direction, and one that I expect he is going to thoroughly enjoy.

Duncan Broomfield
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Duncan said: "I've always had a passion for craft beer which is different than the usual pint offered from your typical pub. The vast majority of our beers and produce on sale will all be local to the area, brewed by passionate micro breweries for us to enjoy."

With a range of great local beers, local gin, selection of wine coupled with traditional bar snacks there is sure to be a tipple or treat you fancy. The bar's coffee is coming direct from the Coffee Mongers Roasting company in Lymington. 

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When open, you will be able to take in your favourite Thai/Indian or Fish and Chip take away and enjoy them with your favourite drink.

The Wash House will also do take away beer direct from the barrel for your barbecue/party. All you have to do is consume it! ......... oh and pay of course!!

If you want to keep an eye on all that is happening at The Wash House, please click here to like their Facebook Page. 

The Wash House Micro Ale Bar

27 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

Lonely Bouquet Day Success

Twelve members of the Milford Floral Art Club met in All Saints' Church Hall last Friday and made approximately 30 small hand-tied bunches/bouquets. These were then randomly distributed throughout the village and surrounds as part of the national Lonely Bouquet Day. 

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Each bouquet had a label explaining what the event was all about and giving details of the Club Chairman, Jackie Parker, in order to collect feedback on where they ended up, and any other comments that the recipient wanted to make.

As you can see from the feedback below they were incredibly well received, making the whole enterprise well worth while - and one person is even considering joining the Club!

Well done ladies, so nice of you to make the effort to put a smile on peoples faces.

Feedback from the Lonely Bouquet Finders

“What a lovely surprise as when my husband was walking last thing before settling our “boys” 2 dogs, George our Labrador was attracted to this lovely table decoration on a step by Mr Pinks! So thank you so much to Milford Floral Art Club and to our dog for such a lovely surprise.”

“Thank you for my lovely bouquet I found today in Milford! Absolutely made my day - such a lovely thing to do & for me to receive. It will make me smile every time I look at them!” 

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“Molly found this beautiful bouquet yesterday in Milford on Sea.” (See picture)

“We were out walking the dog when we found this beautiful bunch of flowers. We have given them a good home at my mother's flat, she will be 80 on Sunday. What a splendid idea, we thank you and your friends for organising such an event.”

“Thank you so much for your 'lonely bouquet'.... Poppy the dog and I found it earlier today at Keyhaven. My wife and daughter were very happy to receive such a beautiful gift!” 

“Well! What a lovely surprise I had today. I live in Milford and had just set out to walk my dog when I saw this lovely bouquet of flowers laid on a bench. I picked it up thinking someone had left them by accident, and I was going to return them, until I read the note."

What a wonderful idea and a big thank you - they made my day. I didn't want to leave them as I felt they may have just been tossed away by someone else who doesn't appreciate flowers. On another note, I would love to join your flower club. If you would kindly send me details. Once again thank you for the beautiful flowers.”

“Yes I always go around with a smile on my face BUT just posted a couple of letters and I had a smile/largest grin on my face all the way home. Here is a picture of your lonely bouquet that isn't lonely anymore. 

Thank you Milford Floral Art Club for making my day splendid and my office is so happy to have some flowers on my crowded desk especially as my hubby would never dream of giving me flowers. HUGE THANK YOU”

“What a lovey surprise to find your bouquet of flowers by the bus stop in Milford this morning. Especially as for the last six weeks I have been feeling unwell, so the flowers helped to boost my spirits!

Thank you for your kind effort. I believe many other people will have felt the same as me today when they also found some flowers.”

"Thank you very much for the lovely bunch of flowers I found at the Milford on Sea Bus Stop. It was a lovely surprise and we are enjoying the flowers at home. It was a good end to the day, as I had walked with my husband from Naish Holiday Park and we were waiting for the bus to take us back to Bournemouth.”

“I was widowed last year and this wonderful "lonely bouquet" has made me smile.”

Shame about the mess

This is likely to be one of the most pointless articles written on these pages, as it relates to dog owners not clearing up after their pets.

I am delighted to say that the vast majority of time when you see a dog with their owners in the village it is a pleasure, and the person at the end of the lead clearly leaves no trace of their dog's walk.

We all know that people walk and children play on the village green and beachfront, and is a shame that a handful of owners leave a messy job for others to clear up, or worse still walk in.

Until the time a training course can be devised for dogs to pick up their own mess to put in a bin, the owners are stuck with the task, and it would be really nice if those that don't, do, if you see what I mean!

Local Resident Pass for Hurst Castle

Apart from the obvious benefits of living in Milford on Sea, you can now also get a Local Resident Pass for Hurst Castle.

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The pass provides unlimited admission to Hurst Castle and return ferry, plus saving for friends and family, and discounts on the cafe, cruises and rib rides.

The pass is only available to residents of Keyhaven, Milford on Sea, Everton and Hordle.

Individual: £28 - Family: £75 (2 adults & 3 children) - Available from below, or from the Hurst Shop in the high street.

Hurst Marine

47 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG

01590 642500

www.hurstmarine.co.uk

Milford Family Business Changes its Name

One of Milford on Sea’s oldest family businesses is re-naming. The company, formally known as Hurst Castle Services, will now be called Hurst Marine to ensure its future growth and allow its portfolio of business lines to be developed.

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Sean and Mary Crane established the company in 1984 to provide a ferry service from Keyhaven to Hurst Castle. Over the years, the business has expanded to include the management of Hurst Castle on behalf of its owners English Heritage.

The business as well as managing Hurst Castle and providing its ferry service, also runs a weekly high season ferry service from Keyhaven to Yarmouth, RIB rides in the Solent, private boat charter, ashes at sea and contract work to include the maintenance of moorings in the Keyhaven River.

Now under the management of Jason Crane, Sean and Mary’s eldest son, the company has rebranded to allow the other business lines, aside from the castle to be strengthened. 

In addition, Hurst Castle itself will also now be marketed within the English Heritage brand, providing instant recognition that Hurst Castle is one of the top days-out destinations in the New Forest.

Jason Crane, Director of Hurst Marine said: “Over the years our company has become known as Hurst Castle and although the castle is very much a core of what we do, it overshadowed the rest of our business. 

“With the castle now under the English Heritage brand it will help us drive visitors to the castle, whilst giving us the time to help our newly rebranded company, Hurst Marine the focus to strengthen our boat fleet and the range of other services we offer locally.”

Hurst Castle

www.hurstcastle.co.uk

End of Era Coming for Brocante

After 22 of selling quality antiques from her shop in Milford on Sea High Street, Julie will be closing at the end of this month. (31st May 2017)

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Julie has thanked her many friends and customers for their support and friendship in the local newspaper, and we wish her well on whatever she chooses to do next.

Brocante

58 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

Local Bird Watching Trips

The Milford Conservation Volunteers are continuing their bird watching trips around the 'creeks & saltmarshes' at Saltgrass Lane and Iley Point.

Eider Duck
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They currently have three spaces available on Saturday 13th May departing at 9am (£12.50) per seat and a new trip for Saturday 17th June departing at 10am (£13.50) per seat.

The summer visitors are now starting to arrive with sightings of Little Tern, Common Tern and Sandwich Tern. On two recent trips we have also seen Common (Harbour) Seal and a regular pair of Eider and regular Peregrine. The trips are on a Dory, so this flat-bottomed boat can get into shallow creeks to get up close to the birds.

Previous Trip
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To book the bird watching trip, or to find out more about the work of Milford Conservation Volunteers please visit: www.milfordcv.org

Gardeners' Warning

We have been asked by a local resident to alert to Milford on Sea gardeners (especially in the New Lane area), to small brown caterpillars which live in hedges and bushes.

Our avid local gardener was severely affected with an itchy, red rash on the upper part of the body, especially the head and neck. 

This happened after cutting a Grisallinia hedge with some of the caterpillars landed in her hair. It is believed that the fine hairs on the caterpillars cause the rash and they become air born if disturbed.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Day at Hurst Castle

This Sunday is our Stand Up Paddle Boarding Day at Hurst Castle run by The New Forest Paddle Sport Company in association with Hurst Marine, Starboard and Hutch SUP Wear.

All our tickets for the day have now sold out but if anyone wants to come over to Hurst Castle and see what all the fuss is about they are more than welcome! There will be SUP Polo to watch and Free demo's of all the New 2017 Starboard Paddle Boards. All you need is to have had some previous paddling experience before taking out a demo board.

There will also be local clothing supplier Hutch SUP Wear with their pop up shop selling t-shirts, shorts, hats and hoodies.

Peter from The Marine Conservation Society with also be there, he will have a stand offering people information on how they can best look after the waters and coast line which we are so lucky to have.

Many of our regular club paddlers will be around to chat to during the day so why not go over and get some information about our SUP Club and maybe you will be tempted into trying SUP this summer!

The New Forest Paddle Sport Company 

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

info@thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

www.thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

Mind the Age Gap

A new TV series called Mind the Age Gap starts at 10pm on Monday 8th May on Channel 5. 

Dee Major - 2nd left on sofa
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The show feature local Milford on Sea resident; Dee Major.

With society apparently more divided than ever, 12 volunteers from different generations attempt to bridge the gap by moving into a house together, where they are encouraged to talk about some of the most important issues that affect the world today. 

An attempt to get to know one another triggers uncomfortable debates revealing controversial opinions from the older generation. Tension is in the air, and gay marriage is the first topic that divides old from young. And while the older guests are keen to debate, the younger ones see an opportunity to party.

Befriending is Fun

Our Milford on Sea Befrienders provide a regular friendly visit to anyone who feels isolated or lonely in our community.

Just look at what people are saying …….

“We have a very close bond and never run out of things to talk about”

“We have lovely times together and I can tell her things and share problems, she always listens sympathetically and is a great help.”

“I wasn’t sure at first as I am nervous of meeting new people, now I would not be without my new friend.”

“Being a befriender is an enriching and rewarding experience for me. Chatting with my befriendee is always a pleasure.”

“We went for a little walk and had a cup of tea. Another lovely time as a befriender.”

“I feel really blessed to be able to do this, we both really look forward to our time together.”

If you’d like someone to visit you, or to join as a befriender, please contact:

Milford on Sea Befrienders
Steve Anderton on 01590 637088 or befrienders@steveanderton.com

Look Out for the Lonely Bouquets

Friday 5^th May could just be your lucky day!

The Milford Floral Art Club will be holding a workshop on May 5th in All Saints' Church Hall from 10.00am to midday in order to make 'Lonely Bouquets', and they will then be distributing them around the Village for people to find.  

The object of the exercise is to share their joy of Flower Arranging with others and, obviously, to promote the Club itself.

Other flower arrangers across the South will be leaving bouquets for members of the public to find to cheer their day up. So, keep your eyes peeled, they could be anywhere. They are known as “lonely bouquets” – flowers looking for a new home.

So, who is behind this random act of kindness? It is individual flower arrangers who are members of the great British institution NAFAS.

NAFAS is a charity that can teach you everything you ever wanted to know about flowers. From arranging flowers in your home, meeting up with friends to enjoy inspiring flower demonstrations, exhibiting in competitions, creating flowers for events – no matter what it is, NAFAS can teach it to you.

For the event, members of the clubs make up small bouquets of flowers and leave them in random places around their area for members of the public to pick up and enjoy. A label is attached with a request that the recipient contacts a named member of the Club to let them know where the flowers end up.

So, if you find a ‘Lonely Bouquet’ on 5th May, please take it with you and enjoy it!

Milford Floral Art Club

Sheila Quinney

sheilaquinney112@yahoo.co.uk

New Facilities & Open Day at Bowls Club

This week Milford on Sea Bowls Club opens their outdoor season. 

Situated right on the sea front, their clubhouse has over the Winter period been completely refurbished, with new toilets and changing room facilities, new double glazed windows, roof insulation, carpeting and a brand new kitchen. All paid for out of their own funds accumulated over a number of years for this purpose. 

Whilst contractors were brought in to do the main ‘heavy’ work the decorating and organising was carried out by members of the Club themselves. 

Many of Milford’s residents don’t realise that the bowls club has one of the highest rated greens in Hampshire and fields teams at all levels in New Forest and Bournemouth leagues. 

As in previous years Milford on Sea Bowls Club is holding Open Mornings on the 10th & 14th May where men and women can come along and try out the sport for free. 

 Now in its 84th year, the Club continues to see a great future ahead carrying Milford’s name in the world of bowls.

 

Councillor Alan Rice Serves for 44 Years

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Since April 1973 Councillor Alan Rice TD has been representing our village as Conservative Member for Milford and Hordle at Hampshire County Council.

Over the past 44 years Alan has been a stalwart, particularly on behalf of Milford on Sea and its organisations, and he is now standing down from his council duties.

Having been involved in local government for so many years is a significant achievement. He has been a member of Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council, and for a shorter period of just 19 years a member of New Milton Town Council. 

During this service Alan has been Chairman of HCC, Chairman of NFDC, and Chairman of NMTC. He also held the informal but venerable position of 'Father of the House' at HCC because of his long service.

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Alan was NFDC’s longest serving member, having been first elected to New Forest Rural District Council in May 1973, shortly before it became New Forest District Council on 1 April 1974. 

In April 2014 Alan Rice was bestowed the style rank & title of Honorary Freeman of New Milton.

We thank Alan for his support and service to the village, and wish him well in his next chapter of life.

Everton Village Festival Unveiled

Excitement and enthusiasm are building in Everton Village as the format for the fourth annual Festival is made public on newly designed Festival website www.evertonfestival.com. 

This year the Festival has been extended to cover a week, opening in the Village Church Hall on Sunday June 11th, with a light classical evening, a‘Summer Serenade’ and closing at the Festival Finale on Sunday June 18th with Swing Unlimited playing at Everton Nurseries. In between there are Vintage Cars and so much more...

As usual the Festival offers a wide range of musical evenings, jazz, folk, swing, classical, rock and blues and brass. There are workshops during the week for starters and improvers on the ukulele, with the hope that students will give a cameo performance during the popular Empty Frets Extravaganza on Saturday June 17th.

Everton Nurseries once again have generously offered their premises during the afternoon and evening of Sunday the 18th. Forest Youth Orchestra will be opening the proceedings outside Camellias at 11.30. Fathers Day is catered for too, as there’s a chance to spoil Dad in the afternoon with a Cream Tea whilst listening to the lovely Polly Morris, who is melodic, pretty and amusing. That is sure to be a hit! And of course there’s no better way to end the Festival week than an evening of foot tapping and jiving amongst the geraniums, with the great Community band, Swing Unlimited. All this entertainment can be sampled along with Wine, buffet food and supper boxes. Most of the entertainment is free, but any charge is very reasonable as costs have been kept down as the Festival is subsidised by the Everton Community Association and sponsored by Hyundai and Purewell. Ticket details are available on the website.

The Festival focus is on a different art form on June 12th when the Village hosts a Photographic Soiree…an evening in which wildlife cameraman Dr Manuel Hinge will be showing his acclaimed film of the New Forest ‘Ytene’. He will be accompanied by International award winner, local photographer, Louis Rumis who will be showing slides of his work in the New Forest. 

Photography and the environment are a key theme in the Festival this year. This kicks off with a Photography walk in the New Forest, during which ramblers will be encouraged to take photographs, which can then be entered into the Festival Competition, entitled, ‘Spring in the New Forest’. This Photography walk takes place on May 31st and is led by Volunteer Forest Ranger Steve Adams, and helped along by artist Carole Knighton. Please phone Steve 7754842731 to book a place. The competition is open to anyone, and photographs do not have to be taken on the walk. Entries will be judged by Louis Rumis and then exhibited at the Soiree. Details can be found on the website.

Finally, Vintage cars please…is the cry from the organisers as they set about joining in with the nationwide event, ‘the Great Get together’. This will be on the Everton Recreation Ground on Saturday the 18th. This community collective will have live music from 11.30, there will be a Hog Roast, refreshments, a beer tent, tombola, Birds of Prey, Punch and Judy, space hoppers and hula hoops, let alone a bit of Zumba, all alongside displays by local creative folk.

Bring a picnic for everyone is welcome and tables and chairs will be provided.(Hopefully set, in keeping with the event, with red gingham table cloths! )The Rec is a large flat open space and is ideal for exhibiting Vintage Cars, so if you do have one then please get in touch with Festival Co-ordinator Cheryl Fillmore. 01590 644865. There is no charge, and the Rec. also offers plenty of free and safe parking. 

All details and how to find the events can be found on the website www.evertonfestival.com and in the Festival Programme which will be available in May.