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27 May 2023

County Councillor Surgeries coming Monthly

Fran Carpenter, who is the Hampshire County Councillor for the Milford On Sea, Everton and Keyhaven areas, will be available to talk to about any County Council matter at the Pop In Café at Milford Library on the following dates in 2023:

  • Thursday 22nd June: 10.30am to 11.30am
  • Thursday 17th August: 10.30am to 11.30am
  • Thursday 14th September: 10.30am to 11.30am
  • Thursday 19th October: 10.30am to 11.30am
  • Thursday 16th November: 10.30am to 11.30am
  • Thursday 14th December: 10.30am to 11.30am
  • Please note: No Councillor Surgery in July
Surgery Venue: Milford on Sea Village Hall/Library, Park Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QU

If you have a County Council or Highways matter you would like to discuss with Fran, please just come along and she will be happy to have a chat over a coffee or tea. There may be a short wait if she has other residents to meet. Alternatively, you can get in touch with her on the email address and phone numbers below.

Everyone welcome.

Cllr Fran Carpenter

Hampshire County Councillor for New Milton North, Milford & Hordle Division.


If you need to contact your New Forest District Councillors about a District Council matter, their contact email addresses are:

David Hawkins: david.hawkins@nfdc.gov.uk - 07860 158633
Alvin Reid: alvin.reid@nfdc.gov.uk - 07414 896006
Christine Ward: christine.ward@nfdc.gov.uk - 07706 091188

Xmas Lights Switch On: Date for your diary

This year, the Christmas Lights & Decorations Switch On will take place on Milford on Sea village green at 6pm Friday 1st December 2023. 

This will also be the evening for the Carol Singing Service on the Green, and the Late Night Shop Opening.

Photos by Graham Wiffen
click image to enlarge
The Christmas Lights & Decorations will be once again be organised and created by the team at Magical Milford at Christmas, lead by Diana Brushwood and Tracy Haupt.

Support funding will hopefully come from generous local business sponsors and private individual donations as in the past.

If previous years are anything to go by, we can expect the bar to be raised again, and even though we are just getting into summer, this give us something extra sparkly to look forward to at the end of the year! 

25 May 2023

The Milford on Sea Music Festival is coming!

About the Milford on Sea Music Festival 

As the village eagerly awaits the Milford on Sea Music Festival, which takes place on the village green from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd July 2023, a festival clothing range has been launched and an announcement about the programme made.

This special free weekend will be headlined by John Illsley, the legendary Dire Straits bass guitarist, and there will be another 19 talented local music acts performing for our free entertainment.

There’ll also be a well-stocked and well-staffed bar, a range of wonderful local food trucks, and all other facilities you’d expect from a professional festival, including attention paid to sustainability and disabled access.

Music Festival Clothing Range

The tour style clothing range carries the colourful Milford on Sea Music Festival logo and includes Festival Hoodies, T-Shirts and a Tote Bag. Items can now be ordered, by clicking here. Please buy yours now to show your support with a comfortable piece of memorabilia!



Milford Music Festival Programme

The sustainably sourced paper Milford on Sea Music Festival Programme contains the full line up and timings of the band performances, and will be available in shops around the village.

These will cost just £3, so please buy a copy, as the sale of programmes make an important contribution to funding the Milford on Sea Music Festival.


Festival Volunteering

This whole event is being put together by a small enthusiastic group of  local volunteers, consisting of just 10 people. 

AdultsNearer the event, other volunteers will be needed for various roles for a hour or two.

Teenagers: The organisers are keen to engage with, and to get the youth in the village involved in the music festival. If you are a parent or guardian of teenager you think would like to be part of the music festival behind the scenes, please contact Fiona.

To volunteer in any way, please drop a line to Fiona at:


Sponsorship

There are number of tiered sponsorship packages for local businesses and individuals to support the Music Festival.

click image to enlarge
Sponsorship starts from £100, so whatever the size of your budget it is hoped that there is something that will suit you, and allow you to become part of the Milford Festival family! 

This isn’t just about displaying your name and branding, but about becoming part of the fabric of the festival – and the village itself.

To see full details on sponsorship please click here. 

For more information, please contact: info@milfordonseamusicfestival.co.uk

About John Illsley

John is best known as bass guitarist of the rock band Dire Straits with whom he received multiple BRIT and Grammy Awards. In 2018 Dire Straits were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Today, he is also an accomplished artist.

The Milford on Sea Music Festival is organised by a well-connected team of volunteers (musicians, writers, designers, event organisers, sound and stage crew) who have come together to make this festival an event to remember. This year the festival will have its highest production values yet, with top quality staging and sound system.


Milford on Sea Music Festival
The Festival Team


PS: Take a look a previous Milford on Sea Music Festivals, please click here.

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WHAT'S ON: See all the village events and activities: please click here.
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Free Bank Holiday Live Music at The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse seaside bar and restaurant on Milford on Sea seafront will be hosting free live music with Sophia on Bank Holiday Monday 29th May from 4pm.

Come along for a meal or drink whilst you enjoy the music.

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Summer Sundowners from 6pm Every Friday during June until the beginning of September. 

The free live music is outside on the terrace, if the weather is not great, it can sometimes be moved inside. No need to book, just grab a drink and a spot on the sea wall to kick start your weekend!

Artists performing at Summer Sundowners:
  • 2nd June Richard Quain
  • 9th June Lucas Raye
  • 16th June Kirk Ensor
  • 23rd June Ed Martin Duo
  • 30th June PR Dewhurst
  • 7th July Ed Martin Duo
  • 14th July David Mein
  • 21st July Lucas Raye
  • 28th July Richard Quain
  • 4th August Ed Martin Duo
  • 11th August Krista Green
  • 18th August Kirk Ensor
  • 25th August Lucas Raye
  • 1st September Ray Foster
More Event Information & Menus:

All events or restaurant tables can all be booked online or by giving The Lighthouse a call on: 01590 718040.

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WHAT'S ON: See all the village events and activities: please click here.
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About The Lighthouse Seaside Bar & Restaurant

Situated on the seafront in Milford on Sea, The Lighthouse is an independent seaside bar and restaurant serving fresh, local dishes 7 days a week across Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner… and the bits in between! 

Enjoy Free Live Music at the Summer Sundowners, which are held at 6pm Every Friday during June to the beginning of September. The live music is outside on the terrace, if the weather is not great, it can sometimes be moved inside. No need to book, just grab a drink and a spot on the sea wall to kick start your weekend! 

The Lighthouse run a variety of special deals and entertainment throughout the year. To see their latest offers and events, please click here.

Private Function Room at The Lighthouse. Celebrate any occasion in the function room which can cater for private dining and small functions of 8 to 20 people. Ideal for a party, meeting or group event.

 

The Lighthouse Seaside Bar & Dining
Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY

Retro Grooves at The Wash House on Sunday

Retro Grooves will be playing the vinyl on Sunday from 5pm to 9pm this Bank Holiday weekend.

About Retro Grooveswww.retrogrooves.co.uk

Enjoy a drink as you step back in time with the classic sounds from late 50s to the late 80s. 

To book your seat please call: 01590 644665.


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WHAT'S ON: See all the village events and activities: please click here.
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The Wash House loves great beer, stocking ales from talented local brewers. There are also, ciders, gins, wines and a great choice of organic soft drinks.

They are constantly on the look-out for new craft ales to offer the beer lovers. Once again, CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) have listed The Wash House in Milford on Sea in their The Good Beer Guide 2023.

This cosy venue also holds live music and rocking party nights, so it is always worth keeping an eye on their Facebook page to see what is happening.

So, if you are partial to a variety of quality real ales or craft drinks, or enjoy live music you don't have far to go!


The Wash House Micro Ale Pub
27 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF
01590 644665

Free Live Music at The Cave on Wednesday

Come down and enjoy the free live music at The Cave on Wednesday 31st May with Lucas Raye.

Musician, singer and songwriter from the south coast of England, Lucas writes, records and produces his own music and performs all over the UK. He has appeared on various FM radio stations, played at numerous festivals, hundreds of events and performed thousands of gigs.

Lucas uses a loop pedal, drum sampler and acoustic guitar to build up a full live sound without relying on pre-recorded material. The sound is incredible - you should come and have a listen.

With an extensive set list packed with popular covers, Lucas is ideal for a good night out!

Find out more about Lucas: www.lucasraye.com.

Enjoy this evening of live music over a few drinks, and if you fancy, you can also enjoy some tasty dishes from the Tapas menu.

Watch this space for more Live Music Nights at The Cave later in the year, or keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates on who's playing.


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WHAT'S ON: See all the village events and activities: please click here.
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About The Cave

The Cave is a popular and vibrant Wine & Gin Bar, as well as a Tapas Restaurant and Off-Licence. The venue specialises in premier quality wines, speciality gin & tonics, spirits and beers.

The Cave has stylish and relaxing surroundings, and is the place to meet friends at any time of day for a light lunch, afternoon tea/coffee, through to pre-dinner or after-dinner drinks to finish off your evening in style. There are also regular Live Music Nights and Tasting Evenings.

This unique business has been in Milford on Sea since May 2013, and can be booked for private hire to host parties and gatherings.


The Cave
2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH
01590 642195

24 May 2023

Lazy Lion Charity Quiz Night on Tuesday

 The Lazy Lion are holding a Charity Quiz Night on Tuesday 30th May.

The Quiz will start at 7pm prompt, so please arrive early. As always you can enjoy a tasty home-cooked meal and warm welcome before or at the same time.

Come and enjoy a night of quiz whilst enjoying a tasty meal. Bring your friends too!

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Forthcoming Lazy Lion Events

Pie & Pudding Night every Wednesday. Your choice of a tasty homemade pie, plus a dessert for just £17.50pp.

Taster Dinner Evenings. Launching their new seasonal menus:
  • Thursday 29th June: Summer 5 course Taster Dinner
  • Thursday 26th October: Autumn 5 course Taster Dinner
Charity Quiz Night
  • Tuesday 26th September
  • Tuesday 28th November


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WHAT'S ON: See all the village events and activities: please click here.
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About the Lazy Lion

A popular village pub serving quality food for breakfast, lunch, and evening meals and situated in an historic Grade II Listed former eighteenth century inn with stables.

The pub is dog friendly, and they run regular events such as Quiz Nights & Dinner Evenings. They also hold a Pie & Pudding Night every Wednesday with a changing menu of tasty homemade pies.

Garden: The pub has a large garden with outside seating, a gazebo, and children's play area.

Private Dining Area: should you wish to enjoy a meal with family or friends (Up to 20 people) a private dining area is available.

B&B Rooms: If you have guests who wish to stay over, there are four comfortable double Bed & Breakfast Rooms. Each have modern facilities such as free Wi-Fi, en-suite bathrooms, tea and coffee facilities, and of course optional lunch and evening dining on hand.

The Lazy Lion was formerly known as The Red Lion until being renamed after a major refurbishment in July 2019 by current landlord Iain Robertson.

To read the history of the pub and building with contributions from the Milford on Sea Historical Record Society, please click here.



A Right Royal Half-Term at Hurst Castle

Celebrate A Right Royal May half-Term at Hurst Castle from Saturday 27th May until Sunday 4th June - 10am to 5.30pm.

Lots of Royal fun, perfect for all your Kings, Queens, Princes & Princesses!

Children can let their creativity run free when they make and decorate their own crown before choosing from one of our royal outfits - or simply wear your own favourite from home! Then it’s time to take your place on our throne for your family and friends to take a ‘Royal portrait’.

With Royal trails and plenty to explore within the Tudor castle built by Henry VIII in 1544 which was also a prison for King Charles I in 1648 – it’s the perfect day out for all the family and to celebrate our new King!

If you are visiting on Bank Holiday Monday 29th May, you may bump into Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon – as they are visiting us to check out Hurst Castle! 

Plus, on Thursday 1st June you’ll be able to add a touch of sparkle to your royal outfit as our face painter will also be with us.

All the activities are all included in your castle admission fee – book online now to secure your place on the throne! www.hurstcastle.co.uk

Ferry available from Keyhaven from 10am and then approx. every 30 mins. or approx. 2 mile walk along Hurst Spit.


See What's On at Hurst Castleplease click here.

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WHAT'S ON: See all the village events and activities: please click here.
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About Hurst Castle

Hurst Castle was built between 1541 and 1544 by Henry VIII as one of a chain of artillery defences protecting key ports and landing places around southern England from continental attack.  This Tudor castle was also a prison for King Charles I in 1648. At the heart of Hurst Castle is the Tudor fort and you can discover the interesting history of the castle over the years when you visit.

Hurst Castle Open: 27th March to 31st October - 10am to 5.30pm Daily.

  • Adult: £6 - Concession: £5.50 - Child: (5-17 years) £4
  • Family: (2 adults, 3 children) £19 - Children under 5: Free
  • A Local Resident Annual Pass is available for people living locally to Hurst Castle

Well behaved dogs on short leads welcome in Castle and on Ferry.

Take the Ferry to Hurst Castle: www.hurstcastle.co.uk/how-to-get-here

For further information about your visit please call 01590 642500 or email:
info@hurstcastle.co.uk

Your family history at your fingertips!

Milford on Sea Historical Record Society (MOSHRS) has just launched the final piece of its suite of online search aids for the local historian and family history researcher as part of its Local History Lives! project.

If you are trying to track down your family links in Milford, Keyhaven, Lymore, Everton and Pennington then make sure you take a look in the Parish Registers on the MOSHRS website at www.milfordhistory.org.uk.
 
You can trace your family back to 1594 when the registers began and continue until 1837 when Civil Registration started. The registers are freely available at your fingertips and are divided into Baptisms, Marriages and Burials. 

The ancient parish of Milford comprised of Milford Church and three chapels: Hordle, Milton and Pennington. The registers for the east of the parish (Milford and Pennington) are now available. Next, MOSHRS will add the registers for Milton and the west of the parish, and finally those for Hordle.

Milton Heritage Society are completing the Milton Parish Registers for inclusion in the online Parish Register. Hordle kept a separate register from 1754 onwards and transcriptions will be required up to 1837. 

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About the Milford on Sea Historical Record Society 

The Milford on Sea Historical Record Society was founded on the 25th January 1909 and is the oldest historical society in Hampshire.

MOSHRS meet 5 times a year where you can hear an interesting historical talk and meet people from across the village. There is also an Occasional Magazine and annual visits to places of interest. Membership is just £10pp pa. 

The society has an excellent website with an extensive archive of nearly 10,000 records and historical pictures featuring our village history. 

MOSHRS is a registered charity run entirely by volunteers. 

To find out moreplease click here.

Milford on Sea Historical Record Society

Spaces at Milford Explorers Day Nursery and Beach School

Milford Explorers Day Nursery and Beach School have limited spaces available for September 2023.

There is currently a Half Price Registration Offer for a limited time only.

The nursery has an ethos for outdoor learning with exciting beach school opportunities, ensuring they show their children our beautiful community on daily walks around the village. 

Situated in the village centre and near the beach in Milford on Sea, this child led nursery has a big emphasis on outdoor learning and an ITMP approach. 

They are also an Ofsted Good Rated Day Nursery and Pre-School.

If interested please email Olivia or Leilamilfordexplorers@gmail.com or send a message via Facebook.


Milford Explorers Day Nursery and Beach School
The Old Bank House, 5 High Street, Milford On Sea, SO41 0QF
01590 644448

23 May 2023

Can you help map All Saints' Churchyard Flora and Fauna?

All Saints' Church are looking for anyone who can help them to map the flora and fauna in the churchyard.

This would suit anyone who is interested in nature or a knowledgeable conservationist. 

If you would like to know more, please get in touch with the Church Office: 01590 644992 - office.allsaintsmilford.org.uk.


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Coming Soon:

FAMILY ACTIVITY AFTERNOON at All Saints' Church. Sunday 4th June from 2pm to 3pm in All Saints' Churchyard.


The Family Activity Afternoon is part of the 'Churches Count on Nature' and 'Love Your Burial Ground' project, where churches around the country are looking to map and respond to the biodiversity within our churchyard. During the afternoon you will be surveying the wildlife as well as enjoying some activities for children and their families.

The afternoon is followed by a Vicarage Cream Tea for children and families from 3pm to 4:30pm.

Everyone is invited.

All Saints' Church & Church Hall
Greenbanks Close, Milford on Sea, SO41 0SQ
01590 644992
office.allsaintsmilford.org.uk
www.allsaintsmilford.org.uk
www.facebook.com/AllSaintsMilfordOnSea

Wetsuit & More Sale at New Forest Paddle Sport Company

New Forest Paddle Sport Company are running a Winter Wetsuits and Accessories on Monday 29th from 10am to 1pm at their Container Shop in The Boatyard, Keyhaven.

The sale has 35% OFF C-Skins Winter Wetsuits and Accessories including:
  • Beanies
  • Gloves
  • Socks
  • Zipped Boots
  • Mens & Womens Wetsuits
Plus, Bargain baskets for end of line clearance items. Pop down and grab a bargain.




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About the The New Forest Paddle Sports Company 

Since 2015, Sean, Claire and their team have been based in Milford on Sea and providing courses and various fun activities for paddleboarding, kayaking, wing surfing and wing foiling. One hour Taster Sessions are available for anyone wanting to give any activity a go. 

They also offer Dinghy Sailing Tuition at Keyhaven Quay with a experienced RYA Instructor.

Their shop hawater sports gear & equipment for hire or sale, as well as kayaks to rent for the day. The shop is based in West Solent Boat Builders at The Boatyard, Keyhaven  stocking many items for your water sports needs. The shop is open on Monday to Friday 9:30am to 3pm. They also have an 'Online Shop' on their website.

All activities are available all year round, so if you fancy getting some fun and exercise on the sea you can find more details on the links below:


The New Forest Paddle Sports Company
The Boatyard, Keyhaven, Milford on Sea, SO41 0TR
01590 645270

New Beer Garden & Menu at The Gun Inn

The revamped garden and 'The Gun Fire' outdoor kitchen at The Gun Inn are now fully open and ready for bookings or walk-ins.

Over recent months numerous refurbishment works has taken place at this historic pub, making it a great place to visit for a drink or meal.

The pub are now serving their constantly changing seasonal food menu and grill specialities, as well as light bite bar snacks and Sunday Roast Dinners. Bookings are now being taken for the restaurant, to view some sample menus, please click here.

Added to this, the Open Mic Night is back on Every Thursday evening from 7.30pm, simply go along to play, sing or listen.

The Gun is open from Wednesday to Sunday from Midday and Bank Holidays. Longer opening hours will be coming as they move into summer.

To see the latest information, please click here.


Following the first round of voting, the Gun have been shortlisted as Regional Finalists in the Best Destination Pub category in this year's Muddy Stiletto Awards.

To vote for them again in the final, please click here.



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History of The Gun Inn

We think there has been a dwelling on the site of the Gun Inn since the 1600’s, but the earliest tangible reference is from the Churchwardens accounts of 1783 when it is referred to as ‘The House at the sign of the Gun’. By 1790 it is simply named ‘The Gun’. Various other sources mention ‘The Pot House’ or ‘Ale House’, so we have assumed that rate payers at this property were in fact ‘Landlords’.

We have found reference to 27 landlords since 1783. Two were drowned at Keyhaven, five were named George, two were women and most served for two to three years. The longest serving was Arthur Payne (pictured below) from 1871 until his death in 1909, some 38 years. The most recent tenants, Paul and Jacquie Hill, come in a close second at 33 years service. 

Due to his fame in the world of Wild Fowling, it has often been said that ‘The Gun’ was named for Colonel Peter Hawker’s punt gun, but Hawker didn’t make his first visit to Keyhaven until 1814, some 24 years after the first records appear naming the building as ‘The Gun’. We think it is more likely that the sign post for Hurst Castle simply had a gun on it, and that sign stood in front of the building which now carries its name.

To read the History of The Gun Innplease click here.


The Gun Inn
Keyhaven Road, Keyhaven, SO41 0TP
01590 642391

Opening Hours
During the winter months The Gun is open from Wednesday to Sunday from Midday and Bank Holidays. Please check with pub for longer opening hours in the summer.

Morgan Sports Cars visit South Lawn

The Morgan Sports Car Club New Forest Centre held their Annual Lunch at South Lawn Hotel on Sunday 21st May 2023. 

This spectacular array of Morgan Sports Cars made a great display of classic British design on a gloriously sunny day. 




The Morgan Sports Car company was established in 1909 by H.F.S Morgan with the design of the classic Morgan Three Wheeler. This was followed, in 1936, by the Morgan 4-4, based on the Morgan steel chassis, with the car's hand-crafted frame continuing to be made of ash wood. These iconic British cars are still made today at the Morgan factory in Malvern, Worcestershire.


Morgan Sports Car Club New Forest Centre: Established in 1979 the Morgan Sports Car Club, New Forest Centre (known as LogMog) encompasses a wide area of South and West England, taking in the whole of Dorset, South Hampshire and parts of Wiltshire. You are sure of a friendly welcome at their regular meetings held at different locations across the area. Members are always pleased to share their experiences of Morgan motoring and to offer friendly advice where possible. www.logmog.co.uk

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About South Lawn Hotel and Cedar Tree Restaurant 

South Lawn is a busy hotel in an enviable location with an excellent reputation for both the hotel and its restaurant, The Cedar Tree. 

This charming country hotel is set in five acres of landscaped grounds, close to Milford on Sea village and the coast. The hotel has 51 en-suite bedrooms with the majority having views over the gardens and beyond. The venue also boasts a self-contained banqueting suite which seats up to 150 people and features private bar facilities. 

The Cedar Tree Restaurant serves tasty breakfasts, great value lunches and dinners, as well as delicious afternoon cream teas, which can be served in the hotel gardens.

South Lawn is currently rated as 'Excellent' on TripAdvisor.


The South Lawn Hotel 
& Cedar Tree Restaurant
Lymington Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0RF
01590 643911

Polar Bear spotted at The Needles

We came across this excellent photograph revealing a Polar Bear on the Isle of Wight cliffs beside The Needles and the Lighthouse.

The photo demonstrates how the everchanging light on the cliffs can evoke unexpected images.

Photo by Terry Robinson

A Google Search for 'The Needles polar bear' reveals even more images to enjoy.
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We are always delighted to see wildlife on Milford on Sea beach. 

Seals at Hurst Castle are a regular sight, but around the time of the Covid Lockdown, the seafront became a lot quieter and Chris Mabey captured this excellent photograph of a seal on Milford on Sea Beach in April 2020.


PS: I might have made these other ones up...!