Enjoy Milford on Sea

12 June 2024

Round the Island Race this Saturday

Early this Saturday 15th June 2024, the annual Round the Island Race will leave Cowes as the spectacular sailing fleet race up The Solent and around The Needles.

Not long after 8am, for around two to three hours, this enormous and colourful array of sailing yachts of all shapes & sizes are expected to pass Milford on Sea and Hurst Castle.

If you have not seen this iconic event before, it is one of the most amazing sights in yacht racing.

The race features around 1400 yachts and over 16,000 sailors. They start at Cowes in phases and race over 50 miles anticlockwise around around the Isle of Wight. It takes from 3 hours to 10 hours to complete the course depending upon the type of yacht and the wind.

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Where to Watch the Round the Island Race

Hurst Castle and Hurst Spit are two of the best vantage points to watch this spectacular event as the fleet of yachts jostle for position.

The Hurst Castle Ferry departs from the quay Keyhaven Harbour to the castle from 6.30am and then every 45 minutes. No booking required.

The Hurst Castle Café will be open for breakfast and refreshments.

*If you also wish to visit Hurst Castle at the same time, you can pre-book your tickets at:

www.hurstcastle.co.uk.

The Lighthouse on the seafront at the village end of Hurst Spit will also be open from 8am. They will be serving takeaway coffee, sausage sandwiches, hot snacks and ice creams from 'The Hatch' on the buildings side.

The Lighthouse restaurant opens at 8.45am if you would like a full breakfast.

If you would like to book a table for breakfast; please click here.

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Live Tracking of the Round the Island Race

Once the race starts, the yachts can be tracked here in real time: Please click here.

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About the Round the Island Race

www.roundtheisland.org.uk

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Hurst Castle

01590 642500

info@hurstcastle.co.uk

www.hurstcastle.co.uk

www.facebook.com/HurstCastle

The Lighthouse Seaside Bar & Dining

Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY

hello@thelighthousemilford.co.uk

www.thelighthousemilford.co.uk

www.facebook.com/thelighthousemilford

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Half Price Steaks to celebrate Euro 2024 at Butchers on the Green

To celebrate the launch of Euro 2024 this week, Butchers on the Green in the centre of Milford on Sea village, have a excellent value half price offer on their Hampshire reared sirloin steaks.

You can now get their sirloin steak at £19.66 per kg, which is over half price, and saves over £20 per kg.

Butcher Alex commented: "In homage to our only ever cup winning campaign as a nation, we are offering sirloin steak at just £19.66 per kg. We must be crazy!"

This offer will run until England get knocked out (or perhaps even win?!)

Butcher Shop Made Ready Meals

It is also always worth popping in to see what delicious ready meals Alex has created, any of which you can enjoy for your coming meals in the week.

Being a former chef, Alex knows what tastes good, and below are some pictures of some new dishes he has created this week, and which are available now.

Choose from beef, pork, lamb or chicken:

Main dishes £5.95 - Side dishes £2.95
Or Main and Side for just £6.95
Truffles £3.95 each

To keep up to date with the current offers and new ready meal dishes at Butchers on the Green, just keep an eye on their Facebook page at: facebook.com/butchersonthegreen.

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The Euro 2024 Matches are being shown on large screens in Milford on Sea Club on the high street.

Everyone is welcome, and it is just £2 entry for non-members with great value beers and other drinks available. Simply sign in at the bar.

To see the fixtures for The UEFA European Football Championship, please click here.

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About Butchers on the Green

Alex Farr is an experienced butcher and former chef, and the owner of Milford on Sea's independently owned traditional butchers shop.

As you may expect, you can buy butcher prepared prime meat cuts & roast joints, steaks, numerous homemade sausage flavours, gluten free sausages, handmade burgers, traditionally cured bacon, mince, ham, pate, chorizo, savoury pies & pasties and in the summer BBQ packs.

Picture by the
Advertiser & Times

He also offers an ever changing variety of creative, handmade pre-prepared ready meal dishes which are easy to cook and great value.

Added to this, Butchers on the Green regularly have great value Meat Bundles Offers, tasty homemade sandwich fillers, pork scratchings, and a range of cheeses, chutneys, relishes and eggs.

There is also frozen fish available, which includes cod, salmon, haddock, smoked haddock, hake, sea bass, skate wings, dressed crab, king prawns, jumbo fish fingers, and gluten free fish cakes. If you have a favourite fish, Alex can order it in for you. Single portions available.

Butchers on the Green can even offer hog roasts for private events.

Meat Gift Vouchers

£10 Gift Vouchers are something different as a present, and available all year round as the perfect practical gift.

To read more about Butchers on the Green, please click here.

Butchers on the Green
3 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QU

01590 642136
butcherbythebeach@gmail.com
facebook.com/butchersonthegreen

*Closed on Mondays

Butchers on the Green hold a 5 Star Food Hygiene Rating.

11 June 2024

New Total Voice Generations Family Choir starts on Wednesday

The brand new village family choir, Total Voice Generations, for children aged 7+ and their grown ups, meet for the first time on Wednesday 12th June 2024 from 6pm to 7pm at The Bridge.

All new singers will be warmly welcomed when they come along for the free taster session.

No previous musical skills are required and you don’t need to read music or audition, just come along and have fun.

The idea is the create a place where families can enjoy an activity together, so kids will come with a grown up whether that’s a parent, grand parent or other family member or friend.

As our kids get older we often end up just dropping them off at various activities, however with this new choir everyone takes part singing fun and uplifting songs together.

The Total Voice Generations family choir will then meet every Wednesday in term time from 6pm to 7pm in The Bridge, Milford on Sea. Just contact Christine, and go along to try it out.

The Total Voice choirs are friendly, community focused groups for local singers of all abilities, and love welcoming new members.

To find out more, please contact Christine:

Total Voice Generations

07824 388263

christine@totalvoice.co.uk

www.totalvoice.co.uk

Free Nature Walks & Birding Events around the village

Did you know, that as well a leading conservation projects across the village, the Milford on Sea Conservation Volunteers (MCV) also run regular free Nature Walks for all, Birding Sessions for all experiences and ages, as well as other nature events throughout the year.

Next Free Nature Walks:

26th June 2024: 10am to 12 noon.

Sturt Pond to Keyhaven Coastal Path

17th July 2024: 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Studland Common

The Nature Walks are hosted by an experienced guide, who will take you to various places around the village to discover the nature that abounds nearby. All ages and families welcome.

Don’t forget your binoculars if you have them, as you never know what might turn up!

Ideal for all ages, and newcomers are especially welcome.

To book, and for more information: www.milfordconservation.org/events

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Twice monthly Drop in Birding Sessions

The drop in birding sessions are free and open to everyone of any age or experience.

Local bird experts are available to help identify birds and answer any questions. Scopes and binoculars are available to use, and over 120 species of birds have been recorded in recent times.

Everyone of any age is welcome, and it is also a great way to introduce kids to the world of birds, so why not pop in and see what you can discover?

Free Drop in Birding Session: Keyhaven Observatory

1st Saturday of every month at Keyhaven Observatory: 10am to 12noon.

click image to enlarge

The Keyhaven Observatory exists through the generosity of the J & D Edgar Ltd. family with assistance from Simeon Morgan Farming, MCV has been given an occupancy licence for a redundant farm building (old pumping station) at the westernmost end of the Ancient Highway. The brick-building has been converted into a small Bird Observatory looking up The Pans and across to the lower Avon Water. The Pans has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its gatherings of winter wildfowl.

Directions to Keyhaven Observatory: From Milford village, turn left at the bottom of the green towards Keyhaven. Pass the Keyhaven War Memorial green on your left and The Gun Inn on your right. Turn left into the NFDC car park. Pay and park and walk towards the track that leads round the northern part of the quay towards the coastal footpath and Iley Lane. After about four hundred metres, you will see the Bird Observatory gate and Welcome sign on your left. For location, please click here.

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Free Drop in Birding Session: Sturt Pond Bird Hide

3rd Saturday of every month at Sturt Pond Bird Hide: 10am to 12noon.

Sturt Pond is a haven for swans, ducks, Brent geese, mallard, teal, shelduck & grebes. Two wooden bridges cross the stream which runs from Sturt Pond to the salt marshes. The bird hide is a hidden sanctuary to observe Keyhaven nature reserve.

click image to enlarge

Sturt Pond Bird Hide is open to the public every day from 9am to 5pm, or dusk if earlier. (Locked at night.)

Directions to Sturt Pond Bird Hide: The bird hide is located immediately behind the Lighthouse restaurant on the Hurst beach side. The bird hide can be found at the end of the concealed metal gated path between the Lighthouse restaurant and the black council sheds.

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Conservation Task

Tuesday 18th June 2024: 9am

The Conservation Tasks are generally planned with the parish council, and wherever possible have a conservation theme. Most tasks are conservation management or maintenance and vary from lighter clearance work e.g. footpaths, bramble, rhododendron and hazel coppice, to heavier work like drainage, revetment or footpaths. Occasionally we do get opportunities to enhance or even create habitat for flora and fauna.

Volunteers should wear gloves and sturdy footwear, safety glasses and long trousers recommended. Bring waterproofs, sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate and bring your own water/refreshments.

If you would like to join in with the Conservation Task Team please fill in the contact form at www.milfordconservation.org/contact-us, you will then get details of the tasks to take place.

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Creeks & Saltmarsh Winter Birding Trips

Each month during the winter, from October to March, there are sailings from Keyhaven Hurst Marine Ferry Pontoon for an enjoyable boat trip around the creeks, channels and saltmarshes of Keyhaven.

If you are lucky, these trips can also involve a close up encounter with seals.

The trips are led by Keith Metcalf, a bird expert, and experienced nature & wildlife guide.

Space is limited, so pre-booking is essential. A small charge applies to cover costs.

Creeks & Saltmarsh Winter Birding Trips 2024

Thursday 10th October 2024: Departing at 9am sharp
Friday 22nd November 2024: Departing at 9am sharp
Monday 9th December 2024: Departing at 9am sharp

Winter 2024 Birding Trips can now be booked with Keith Metcalf at:

keithmetcalf2022@btinternet.com.

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About Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV)

Milford on Sea Conservation Volunteers are a group of local people who are dedicated to conserving and improving the wildlife and environment within the Milford on Sea and Keyhaven parish. MCV volunteers have regular tasks groups for logging, scrub clearance, balsam pulling and such like.

In 2020, MCV members were honoured to receive the country’s highest accolade for a voluntary group, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is equivalent to an MBE.

New volunteers, young and old are always welcome.

MCV also run other events related to local nature such as:

Birding for Beginner Sessions on 1st & 3rd Saturday each month.

Guided local Nature Walks are held on a monthly basis.

Creeks and Saltmarsh Boat Trip each month. Sailing from Keyhaven Hurst Ferry Pontoon. This is a boat trip around Keyhaven Creeks and Saltmarsh, led by a bird expert. Held each month during winter (October to March).

Conservation Tasks

To see details of all MCV events, please click here.

Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV)

www.milfordconservation.org

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Live Music with Jon Bailey at The Cave this Friday

Jon Bailey will be playing live at The Cave from 8pm on Friday 10th May 2024.

Entry is free for the live music evenings and everyone is welcome.

So, go along to enjoy the music over a relaxing glass of your favourite wine, a speciality gin & tonic, or a premium beer, - and if you fancy, grab a tasty plate of meat, fish or vegetarian Tapas.

Friday 14th June 2024: 9pm to 11pm - Jon Bailey

Jon is a solo singer and acoustic musician who enjoys entertaining with good time covers from the 1990’s & 2000’s with some 'good old vintage material thrown in.

Meet Jon:

www.facebook.com/JonBaileySingerGuitarist

------ UPCOMING EVENTS at The CAVE ------

Friday 28th June 2024: 9pm to 11pm - Brendan Coles

Brendan will dazzle you with his amazing talent on his electric guitar. A real crowd pleaser, and Cave favourite, he will have you singing and dancing along to some classics from the past to the present. You won’t want to miss this one!

Watch Brendan in action: please click here.

Friday 12th July 2024: 9pm-11pm - 3 Go Mad

3 Go Mad have been one of the most popular bands in the south for over a decade. This exciting 3 piece band play an eclectic mix of great rock and pop song covers with a few special acoustic tracks thrown in.

Meet the band: www.facebook.com/4GoMad

Wednesday 24th July 2024: 8pm to 10pm - David Mein

David is a local singer & guitarist, music teacher and also in the band Sunstroke. A popular & regular act enjoyed at The Cave, playing his eclectic range of tracks spreading from the 1960’s to the modern era will have you up on your feet and singing along.

Meet David: www.davidmeinmusic.com

Friday 2nd August 2024: 9pm to 11pm - Jon Bailey

Jon is a solo acoustic musician from Verwood who enjoys entertaining covers from the 1990’s & 2000’s with 'good old' vintage material thrown in.

Meet Jon:

www.facebook.com/JonBaileySingerGuitarist

Tuesday 6th August 2024: Cigar and Spirits Evening

More details to follow.

Wednesday 7th August 2024: 8pm to 10pm: Marky Dawson

Marky is a charismatic talented pianist showman with a huge voice which can cover musical theatre jazz and rock. He has a real flair for entertaining and an ability to get his crowds singing.

Meet Markey: www.markydawson.co.uk

Friday 16th August 2024: 9pm to 11pm: Emma Hardy

Emma is a local singer, songwriter, guitarist & musical theatre performer. She played the part of Doralee in ‘9 to 5 The Musical’ at The Regent Theatre.

She is a favourite every time she performs in the village, and she will have you glued to every word in an electric mix of contemporary songs.

Meet Emma: www.facebook.com/EmmaHardyMusic

Tuesday 20th August 2024: South African Wine Night

The South African evening will be hosted by Ronda Estate in Stellenbosch.

Taste wines from Guardian Peak and Rust en Vrede with food pairings for each wine.

£25/person. Start time is 7pm. Bookings essential as limited availability.

Wednesday 21st August 2024: 8pm to 10pm: Acoustix

Acoustix are a local upbeat four piece acoustic band, delivering infectious three-part harmonies to classics to get your feet tapping.

Meet the band: www.facebook.com/AcoustixSouth

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About The Cave

The Cave is a popular, friendly, and vibrant Wine & Gin Bar, Off-Licence, and Tapas Restaurant.

This unique business has been in Milford on Sea since May 2013 serving premier quality wines, speciality gin & tonics, spirits, and an exciting range of premium beers, which are always available to enjoy in the bar or take home.

The Cave has stylish and relaxing surroundings and is the place to meet friends at any time of day.

Pop in for a morning or afternoon tea/coffee, a tasty Tapas lunch or evening meal, or simply enjoy the extremely well-stocked bar from 12 noon, or to finish off your day in style.

Events: There are also regular Live Music Nights and Tasting Evenings. To keep in touch with the latest events at The Cave, please keep an eye on their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/TheCavewinebar.

Private Hire: The Cave can be booked for Private Hire to host parties and gatherings.

Dog Friendly: Furry friends always welcome in The Cave.

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New Forest Social Deaf Club

Hosted by The Cave and held on the First Tuesday of Every Month between 5pm to 8pm.

Hard of hearing, or not, everyone is welcome. Free Entry. The New Forest Social Deaf Club is a 'Drop-in' event where anyone can come into The Cave to chat & meet new people.

To find out more, please visit: www.feelhear.co.uk/new-forest-deaf-club.

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The Cave

2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH

01590 642195

info@thecavemos.co.uk

www.facebook.com/TheCavewinebar

www.thecavemos.co.uk

One Stop Makeover well underway

The extensive makeover is well underway as part of the ongoing shop improvement plans at One Stop in the centre of Milford on Sea village.

The shop closed temporarily from end of Saturday 1st June 2024 for the work to be completed, with a grand reopening planned for Friday 21st June 2024.

The One Stop shop was formerly Holland's of Milford, until purchased in March 2024 by Punit Patel. (He is also happy to be known as Nick). The store is independently owned, and has the added benefits of being a One Stop franchise, which is part of the Tesco group and the shop carries a number of Tesco lines.

When the shop reopens after the extensive refit it will be rebranded as One Stop Working with Milford.

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The Shop History & Previous Owners

To read about the History of the Supermarket & Previous Owners, please click here.

To read more about the new One Stop store owners, please click here.

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About One Stop

One Stop is a retail franchise model where franchisees operate as independently owned businesses, and at the same time benefit from the buying organisation and processes of a large group.

The One Stop franchise operation is a subsidiary of the nationally recognised brand, Tesco.

One Stop Working with Milford

49 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG

01590 641882

www.facebook.com/onestopmilfordonsea

Formerly; Holland's of Milford

10 June 2024

Opportunity for a Salon Assistant at Pollyanna Hair Salon

Pollyanna Hair Salon are looking for a Salon Assistant to help with shampooing and general duties around this friendly hair salon.

This is a part-time vacancy and would suit school hours.

Full training would be given if needed.

For more information please call: 01590 642101 or pop into the salon at 104 High Street, Milford on Sea.

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About Pollyanna Hair Salon

The Pollyanna Hair Salon is both a ladies hairstylist and gents barber who have been established in Milford on Sea village since 1991 and is owned and run by Annie Pratt.

The professional and experienced team offers you solutions and the latest trends in haircuts, colour, hair care and styling.

Pollyanna also use L'Oréal Professionnel products to achieve the best look for you.

Pollyanna Hair Salon

104 High St, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE

01590 642101

General Election Hustings at The Bridge

The Bridge will be hosting a General Election Hustings on the evening of Wednesday 26th June 2024 from 7pm to 9.30pm.

This is the first time that General Election hustings have been held in Milford on Sea village.

All seven local MP candidates for the New Forest West constituency are being invited to attend, and five, including our sitting MP, have already confirmed.

This evening provides an opportunity to be face-to-face with, and to hear directly from the candidates, about their party’s main policies.

You will also have the chance to ask them your questions on the topics that affect you and our community the most.

If you are interested in attending, please put the date in your diary.

More information will follow here in Milford on Sea News. At that time, an email address will be published for anyone to send in their questions for the candidates to answer on the evening.