Beavers Drop-In Open Session on Wednesday 21st May

Our local Milford and Keyhaven Scout Group are holding a Beavers Drop-In Open Session on Wednesday, 21st May 2025 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at Keyhaven Sea Scout Hut.

Discover how Milford & Keyhaven Beaver Scouts offer non-stop adventure for 6 to 8 year olds.

Simply drop in to see what Beavers is like.

To find out more, please contact

mandkbeaverscouts@hotmail.co.uk

or Eleanor Butler / Paul Priest at school pick up.

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Scouts Fundraising Summer Fete

Saturday 21st June 2025 - 12pm to 4pm

The Summer Fete at the Scout Hut in Keyhaven will feature stalls, a BBQ, homemade cakes with dairy-free and gluten-free options, games, arts & crafts, and face painting.

Entry to the Summer Fete is free to visitors.

Our local Sea Scout, Beaver and Cubs Group need funds to keep going, so visiting and enjoying the Summer Fete will help out. 

Also, if you would like to make a donation, anything would be gratefully received.

To have a stall, donate, help out, or for more information, please contact Nicola on nicoladpriest@gmail.com.

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Become a Scout Group Trustee

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? Do you have skills and experience in governance, finance, legal, HR, or fundraising?

If so, our local scout group needs you! 

To find out more, please click here.

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About 15th Milford and Keyhaven Scout Group

Our local Sea Scout, Beaver and Cubs Group is a vibrant and active group located in Keyhaven.

Their mission is to empower young people to develop skills for life through fun, adventure, and community service. As part of the worldwide Scouting movement they are dedicated to nurturing future leaders and responsible citizens.

Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is open to all boys and girls in various age groups:

• Squirrels: For 4 to 6 years
• Beavers: For 6 to 8 years
• Cubs: For 8 to 10½ years
• Scouts: For 10½ to 14 years

Whether a child becomes a Beaver, a Cub, or a Scout, all groups prepare young people with life skills.

Scouting is a worldwide youth social movement employing the Scout method, a program of informal education with an emphasis on practical outdoor activities, including camping, woodcraft, aquatics, hiking, backpacking, and sports.

Milford & Keyhaven Sea Scouts

Scout HQ, Keyhaven Road, Keyhaven, SO41 0TP

info@milfordseascouts.org.uk

www.milfordseascouts.org.uk

facebook.com/groups/MilfordKeyhavenSeaScouts

Fine Southern Gents at The Smugglers Inn on Friday

The Smugglers Inn in Milford on Sea have Free Live Music this Friday 16th May 2025 from 9pm.

The Fine Southern Gents will provide live music with popular tunes for you to enjoy, and if the mood takes you, even get up to dance.

The Smugglers' excellent menu will also be available. Table bookings are now open if you want to ensure getting a seat. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Just come down and enjoy the music over a meal, or just a few drinks!

To book: 01590 644414 -smugglersinn@ymail.com

Meet the Fine Southern Gents: www.facebook.com/finesoutherngents

Meet The Fine Southern Gents - please click here.

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About The Smugglers Inn

This traditional family-friendly seaside village pub serves tasty home-cooked meals all day. 

Children & dogs are welcome inside and out. 

There are log fires in winter, a conservatory, and a large, family and dog-friendly garden with a play area for the kids to enjoy. 

The comprehensive food menu includes daily specials, home-cooked dishes, Sunday roasts, and vegetarian and vegan options. The drink options include all pub favourites, as well as quality cask ales and local gins.

Live music, themed evenings, and quizzes are held on special occasions. Private parties are also catered for.

The Smugglers Inn

88 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE

01590 644414

smugglersinn@ymail.com

www.thesmugglersinnpub.com

www.facebook.com/Smugglersinnmos

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Art Exhibition at Pop Up Strawberry Gallery this weekend

Next up at the Pop Up Strawberry Gallery in 61 High Street, Milford on Sea, is New Forest artist Anne Byrne this weekend, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025 from 10am to 4pm.

The exhibition will feature a selection of monochrome limited edition prints by artist Ann Byrne.

Find out more about the artist at

www.annbyrne.co.uk.

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About The Strawberry Gallery

Gail Steggell opened her latest Pop-Up Contemporary Art Gallery at 61 High Street, Milford on Sea in January 2025, having previously been at 106 High Street from June to December 2023.

The former gallery hosted an eclectic collection of contemporary art and ceramics by predominantly locally based established and emerging artists.

The gallery also featured bespoke greetings cards, solo exhibitions, in addition to art courses and well-being sessions.

Gail formerly ran the popular Tradewinds Gallery in the village where she supported and promoted emerging and established artisans, potters, painters, jewellery makers and the like.

To see the latest happenings at The Strawberry Gallery, please visit The Strawberry Gallery Facebook page.

The Strawberry Gallery (Opposite The Smugglers)

61 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG

07809 431866

info.strawberrygallery@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/strawberrygallery

Girls Team Players & Coaches wanted for Milford on Sea Youth FC

Milford on Sea YFC is looking for coaches and players to start a brand new Girls' team. 

All ages welcome.

For more information, please contact AJ on 07795 221367 or contact:

enquiries@mosyfc.co.uk.

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About Milford on Sea Youth FC

 

The village football club was founded in May 2002 by three local ladies, Sarah Elliott, Sara Jeffcock and Hilary Short.

The club caters for girls and boys from ages under 8 to under 16 and competes in the Bournemouth Youth Football League on Sundays throughout the season in mini, 9-a-side and 11-a-side soccer.

The club has a Hampshire FA accreditation and is linked to Bashley FC, giving the U18 & U21 boys the best chance to progress from youth to senior football at an established senior football club.

The squad trains early evening on Thursdays, and play games every Sunday in the Bournemouth Youth League.

Everyone is welcome and new players are always invited.

 

Milford on Sea Youth Football Club
Barnes Lane Recreation Ground
Barnes Lane, Milford on Sea, SO41 0RP
enquiries@mosyfc.co.uk
www.mosyfc.co.uk
www.facebook.com/milfordyouthfc

New Forest for Ukraine continues donation appeal

John Allison, the New Forest for Ukraine organiser and Milford on Sea resident, together with his team of committed volunteers, continue to appeal for donations for people in the stricken region.

New Forest for Ukraine focuses on collecting and delivering the latest required aid directly to Ukrainian refugees still in Ukraine, and they do so quickly and efficiently.

They only work with vetted and trusted Ukrainian Charity Foundations to ensure the aid is distributed fairly and honestly. The proof-of-handover systems allow us to track aid, ensuring donations get to the people who need them most, including individuals and families sheltering near the conflict zones.

Any items below would be gratefully received:

www.newforestforukraine.org/requireddonations

The nearest drop-off points for your donations are:

www.newforestforukraine.org/drop-off-sites

If you want to meet or support the volunteer team, they will be at many events across the New Forest, which you can see here: www.newforestforukraine.org/events.

New Forest for Ukraine

info@newforestforukraine.co.uk

www.newforestforukraine.co.uk

Volunteers always welcome.

Free Taster Metafit Workouts with Katie

Katie Tomkins is offering free 30-minute Metafit workouts as taster sessions in the Natural Step Studio from 6.30pm to 7pm on Monday 12th May, and Monday 19th May. and Monday 2nd June 2025.

Booking is required as it’s a compact studio. 

To book, please contact Katie on 07581 155239 or katiesclasses2012@gmail.com.

Also, starting on Monday 14th July 2025, Katie will be holding new Monday HIIT Fitness Classes at both 10am and 6.30pm in the Natural Step Studio at Braxton Gardens.

Both classes will be HIIT-based (High Intensity Interval Training) and last 30 minutes. 

Katie specialises in exercise and nutrition for women, but she is happy to work with men, too, especially in her HIIT classes, where women, men, and anyone over 16 are more than welcome.

Katie has been a personal trainer in the Fitness Industry and has taught exercise classes since 1998. During this time, she has worked with Lenny Henry and Rosemary Conley, and in more recent years has been teaching HIIT, Yoga, Legs Bums and Tums, 'Metafit' and 'MetaPWR' classes.

She has taught HIIT classes since 2015.

Katie recently relocated from Worcestershire to be by the sea with her fiancé, Ron and spaniel Belle.

To register your interest in the new Monday HIIT Fitness Classes, please contact Katie on 07581 155239 or katiesclasses2012@gmail.com.

The Natural Step
Braxton Courtyard, Lymore Lane, Milford on Sea, SO41 0TX
Stu: 07787 427706
Jess: 07946 042263

info@thenaturalstep.co.uk
www.facebook.com/thenaturalstep

Everyone invited to Celebrate VE Day at Milford on Sea Club on Sunday

Milford on Sea Club has put up its outside decorations in readiness to celebrate VE Day on Sunday, May 11th, 2025, from 3pm to 5pm.

Everyone in the village is invited to go along, whether a club member or not, and entry is free.

Celebrate 80 years since VE Day with a joyful afternoon featuring enchanting 1940s melodies and wartime sing-alongs led by the talented Miss Katie Gates.

For the kids and their families, there will be games, a lucky dip, and glitter tattoos.

There will also be a pay-as-you-go BBQ and ice cream.

The club bar will be open, serving a wide variety of good-value non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks to be enjoyed inside or on the outside seating.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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The Bandwagon

Saturday 6th September 2025 from 8pm

The Bandwagon is one of the South's best cover bands, and they will be playing hits from across four decades!

Meet The Bandwagon:

www.facebook.com/TheBandwagonUK

Non-Members Welcome.

Entry: £2 per person. Please pay and complete the visitor book at the bar.

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Cabaret with Miss Dot Com

Saturday 20th September 2025

7pm to 11pm - (Over 18's only)

Miss Dot Com has been entertaining audiences across the UK for over twenty years.

Enjoy a professional drag queen and female impersonator who will perform with class, style, humour, and saucy elegance, ensuring great entertainment for the evening.

Meet Miss Dot Com:

www.dragqueenmissdotcom.co.uk

www.facebook.com/DragAct

Non-Members Welcome.

Entry: £2 per person. Please pay and complete the visitor book at the bar.

Milford on Sea Club

67 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG

01590 643209

milfordonseaclub@gmail.com

www.mosclub.co.uk

www.facebook.com/MilfordonSeaClub

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Postponed: Newcomers' Welcome Tea and Exhibition

Sadly, the Newcomers' Welcome Tea and Exhibition on Saturday 10th May 2025 from 2.30pm in All Saints' Church has been postponed. It is hoped that it can be rearranged for later this year.

With 25 Newcomers registered and only around 15 exhibitors able to attend, it was felt that a new date may suit more people.

Anyone wishing to visit the church, there is to be an event and tea in the church from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, 26th May 2025, and everyone is welcome.

For more information, please contact Ruth on ruth.bufton@btinternet.com

or 01590 641875.

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About the Newcomers Welcome Tea & Exhibition 

This charming annual community event is organised for newcomers to the village and provides a warm and informative way for new residents to be welcomed to Milford on Sea.

For many years, the event was a Newcomers' Supper & Exhibition; however, in 2025 it changed to become the Newcomers' Welcome Tea & Exhibition. 

This is where newcomers can discover all of the Milford on Sea Clubs, Societies, Classes, Charities, and Events. 

They can then decide what they might want to do, what they can join, where they can volunteer, and where to make new friends, keep fit, be entertained, etc! 

Newcomer Guests: If you are a new resident in the village, you are invited to claim your invitation to this Free Event.

Exhibitors: Any village club, society or community organisation are also invited to register to attend. 

To register for the Welcome Tea & Exhibition, or to exhibit, or for any questions, please contact Ruth on: ruth.bufton@btinternet.com - 01590 641875.

Both events are arranged by Ruth Bufton.

Nancy to become a Lipreading Tutor

The number of lipreading tutors in the UK has now dropped below 200. 

One of these is Caroline Court, who will retire in June 2026 and hand the reins of her Lipreading Classes in Milford on Sea to Nancy Weatherson. 

Nancy's many qualifications in the deaf and disability world include being a Level 3 lip speaker.

To enhance her qualification further, Nancy has been accepted as a student on the Lipreading Teachers Training Course at City Lit, Covent Garden. She is one of only 10 who made the grade.

Milford on Sea Community Lipreading Group is sponsoring Nancy's year-long course fees to add teaching qualifications to her repertoire.

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About FeelHear

Nancy founded Feelhear in 2018. Her business provides professional support services to deaf and disabled people. She also holds British Sign Language Courses for corporate organisations.

The BSL Act was passed in 2022, which recognises BSL as an official indigenous language in the UK.

In addition to being a British Sign Language teacher and lipspeaker, she is also a Sign and Electronic Notetaker for deaf and hard of hearing adults. 

Alongside this, she is currently running her fourth Introduction to British Sign Language Course in the village and also the founder and host of the New Forest Social Deaf Club each month at The Cave in Miford on Sea.

Nancy has over 20 years of experience in Hotel Management, where she completed her CIPD-HR Masters qualification. This is also where she started her love for British Sign Language when she passed BSL L1 back in 2006. She did this to enable her to communicate with deaf guests who visited her hotel.

FeelHear & New Forest Social Deaf Club

Nancy Weatherson

Deaf Communications Professional

nancy@feelhear.co.uk

www.feelhear.co.uk

www.feelhear.co.uk/new-forest-deaf-club

Enhanced DBS Certificate holder | NRCPD Registered 213333

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About The New Forest Social Deaf Club

The New Forest Social Deaf Club is a drop-in social get-together held on the First Tuesday of every month between 5pm and 8pm in The Cave, Milford on Sea.

Entry is free to enjoy this regular social evening and meet new people. Everyone is invited, whether hard of hearing or not. Pet dogs are also welcome!

The club was founded in February 2024 and is hosted by Nancy Weatherson, a local Deaf Communications Professional. Nancy also runs Introduction to British Sign Language courses in the village; just contact her to find out more.

To read more about Nancy and the New Forest Social Deaf Club, please click here.

More volunteers are urgently needed. Can you help?

Milford Volunteer Drivers urgently need more friendly people to join the team as volunteer drivers or coordinators.

Milford Volunteer Drivers take local people to medical appointments. In 2023, they made 700 trips, which increased to over 850 in 2024, benefitting 210 older residents.

Clients pay the petrol costs of the drivers (50p a mile). 

Coordinators, who arrange the journeys, can work from home, and even two hours a month is appreciated. 

Both roles make a real contribution to your community.

To find out more, please contact milfordvolunteerdrivers@gmail.com or  01590 641700. (If there is no answer, please leave a message and someone will call you back.)

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About Milford on Sea Volunteer Drivers

If you live in Milford on Sea, Keyhaven, Everton, Lymore, or the surrounding area and cannot access travel to medical or health-related appointments, Milford on Sea Volunteer Drivers (MVD) are here to help.

It might be because there is no public transport available, you can’t use other transport due to difficulty walking or a disability, or you need the support of a friendly person to go with you. They can take you to appointments at hospitals, surgeries, opticians, dentists, and any other health-related events.

The drivers are reimbursed at a rate 50p per mile. You will be told how much the journey will cost in advance, and you will pay it to the driver.

The telephone number for contacting us is 01590 641700. Please leave a message with your name and phone number, and they will call you back.

MVD is run by a dedicated team of Volunteer Drivers and Volunteer Coordinators, who arrange the journeys.

If you or anyone you know would like to join the group to help others, they would love to hear from you. Just leave a message.

The scheme is part of the Milford on Sea Charitable Trust (registered charity no. 1172750) and is affiliated with the Hampshire Good Neighbours Network. It is supported by grants, most recently from the Parish Council, and donations from people who use the scheme.

For more information on Milford on Sea Charitable Trust services, visit: 

www.milfordonseacharitabletrust.com

Milford on Sea Charitable Trust

Charity Commission (1172750)

charity@whitleyonsea.net

www.milfordonseacharitabletrust.com

Milford-on-Sea: Village on the Front Line

The Second World War lasted six years from September 1939 to August 1945, and for most of that time Milford on Sea village found itself on the front line.

First, following the evacuation of Dunkirk in May/June 1940, there was a real danger of invasion, and many communities along the South coast were considered vulnerable. Milford-on-Sea was a key part of the defensive front line, and measures were taken accordingly.

When the United States joined the Allied war effort in December 1941, the tide of war came to a standstill and then slowly began to flow towards the enemy. 

Milford-on-Sea was a key part of the offensive front line, supporting the build-up of men and materiel leading to the invasion of France in June 1944.

In just under a year, on 7th May 1945, the Allies were able to declare victory in Europe. The following day, Tuesday, 8th May 1945, was declared a holiday and celebrated as VE Day. 

Village on the Front Line Video

Watch “Village on the Front Line” a video produced by Milford-on-Sea Historical Record Society and experience living in Milford-on-Sea during the Second World War.

click image to view video

Milford on Sea Album: Village at War - Click here to view the album 

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Meet  the MOSHRS Chairman - Chris Hobby

The family name of “Hobby” has been synonymous with the area of Milford on Sea for many generations, in fact almost 250 years. 

Chris, sometimes called Mr. Milford on Sea, has spent much of his life gathering, collating and recording as much information as he can find relating to the village, people, buildings and his family.

Chris has held many role in the village from being a parish councillor to most recently leading a team of local historians in the 'Cornwallis Remembered' Project.

The project resulted in a permanent memorial being established for the famous Milford on Sea admiral in June 2023 at Portsmouth Royal Dockyard. The full story is told in the book 'Cornwallis Memorial Decade'.

He has also published his own hardcover book, full of fascinating photos entitled 'Album of Old Lymington and Milford on Sea'.

Chris is currently the chairman of the Milford-on-Sea Historical Record Society (MOSHRS), a staunch supporter of the Royal British Legion Milford on Sea Branch, and other village organisations.

click image to view

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Join the Milford on Sea Historical Record Society 

They are a friendly and social bunch, so why not contact MOSHRS on admin@milfordhistory.org.uk, then invest your £10 to join, and go along to the next meeting.

You can also register to join by clicking here.

Milford on Sea Historical Record Society

admin@milfordhistory.org.uk

www.milfordhistory.org.uk

Yacht Wreckage removed from beach

The clear-up of the yacht wreckage on Milford on Sea Beach has begun following the yacht's running aground and breaking up on rocks nearby on March 28, 2025.

The removal is being completed under contract with the New Forest District Council.

 

To read the original shipwreck article, please click here.

To read more in the Advertiser & Times, please click here. (The A&T article is behind a paywall.)

The 2nd Great Sunflower Competition

Residents around Carrington Lane are embarking upon the 2nd Great Sunflower Competition.

Buy seeds on Amazon

They all start with three precious seeds of the Mongolian Giant variety of Helianthus Annuus, and the challenge is to grow the tallest plant measured from the ground up to the start of the flower head. Only one plant is needed for success, and more seeds are available on request should any fail to germinate.

There is no competition entry fee, but at the conclusion of the event, each contestant will be asked to hand over £5 to the winner, who can then nominate a charity or alternative good cause to receive the money.

Last year's poor results were attributed to factors other than predation by creepy crawlies, such as the fact that judgment day was not announced in advance, preventing precision cultivation timing.

Judging will take place on the last Saturday in September, and we look forward to bringing you pictures of the winner and their giant sunflower.

At the Sunflower Award event, there will also be a Snail Race entitled The Grainger Stakes after Joyce, whose suggestion (and sole responsibility) it is. The contest will be a time trial, and because this will not be a handicap race, it will give small and nimble creatures the chance to outperform larger, more mature competitors. This advanced information is provided so that everyone will have ample opportunity to scout for promising talent and think about the racing colours.

If anyone is interested in joining in these (quite weird) events, please contact Graham and Holly at x.

Makeover and New Name at Milford Cards & Gifts

Sinan and Kayleigh Hisim at Milford Cards & Gifts in the High Street, Milford on Sea, have invested in some upgrades to their shop and changed the name to Milford Gifts.

When you next visit, you will discover a new floor, a new extended room full of greeting cards, and an ever-changing range of gifts, including Milford on Sea souvenirs.

A range of cards and gifts by popular local artist Shaun Stevens features images of local scenes.

At present, the shop is resplendent in Union Jacks to celebrate VE Day. When you step inside, you will find a limited stock of patriotic flags, bunting, balloons and bowls.

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About Milford Gifts

Sinan and Kayleigh Hisim opened Milford Cards & Gifts in Milford on Sea High Street on 24th November 2018.

The shop specialises in a wide selection of greeting cards, toys & games for children, gifts, Milford on Sea souvenirs, and party items.

Such as, Milford on Sea gifts, novelty items, buckets and spades, beach and crabbing items, swimwear, footballs, ball pumps, skipping ropes, tea towels, hats, sunglasses, wind-up torches, hairbrushes, party banners, ribbons, confectionery, and lots more.

The shop is full of gifts and fun items for adults and kids, and you will surely find something suitable for every occasion.

In 2024, the shop was delighted to be a RETAS Awards finalist and to be voted Excellent for Customer Service by the New Forest District Council.

In May 2025, Sinan and Kayleigh invested in a shop upgrade, including a new floor, new signage, an extended retail display, and changed the shop name from Milford Cards & Gifts to simply, Milford Gifts.

Milford Gifts

35 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

Facebook: click here

Pizza & Pasta Deals and The Rambling Men at Ray's Italian

Ray's Italian Kitchen have a special afternoon coming up with the ever-popular Rambling Men. 

Plus, small plates are back, and there are tempting Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtime & evening dining deals.

Check out below to decide which ones to book.

The Rambling Men

Saturday 28th June 2025 - 3pm to 5pm

Live music from the brilliant Rambling Men!

An afternoon of blues, country and folk with small plates and Cicchetti boards.

The village's favourite folk band are back in support of Counselling Together New Forest. 

Join us for live music whilst nibbling cicchetti and tapas.

Booking is highly recommended. A deposit is taken on booking.

To book, please speak to a team member, call 01590 645300, pop in, or email: info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk.

Small Plates are back

Ray's Italian are once again offering small plates for sunny lunchtimes in the courtyard garden.

You can choose from two Italian cicchetti with grissini, olives, and crostini.

Two small plates for £15, or the current special offer of £19.50, dishes served with spritz, Italian cider, or Moretti. (Additional plates £6. Non-alcoholic drink alternatives are available.)

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DINNING OFFERS

PIZZA AND A PINT FOR £18 

Tuesdays, Lunch and Dinner

Have any pizza and a pint of Peroni for just £18! 

Choose from a spicy Diavola, a moreish Pollo Picanti, or house favourite, Piedemonte, and enjoy it with a pint of Peroni to wash it all down.

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LASAGNE FOR 2

Wednesdays, lunch and dinner

£39 for two - Traditional pork and beef lasagne to share with flatbread & salad, plus a 175ml glass of house wine each.

Pre-bookings only. Vegetarian lasagne available.

To book, please call 01590 645300 or email: info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

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Wednesday Lunch Club

New Dates coming soon

The monthly lunch club features a curated and great value 2- or 3-course set menu.

Pre-bookings are only up to lunchtime the day before.

To discover more Dining Deals and Upcoming Events at Ray's Italian Kitchen,  please click here.

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Ray’s Italian Kitchen

11 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

01590 645300

info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

www.raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

www.facebook.com/raysitaliankitchen

Village Centre Road Closure for a week: Businesses Still Open

Wessex Internet is currently in the process of building a full fibre broadband network in the village.

As a result, there will be road closures in place from the junction of Church Hill to the car park by Barnes Lane and from Boots pharmacy to the Coastal Bakery. 

Work will commence from 8am Tuesday 6th May until 4.30pm Monday 12th May 2025.

Access for pedestrians and business deliveries will always be maintained.

The site will be marshalled for delivery access.

This will be tough for the businesses affected, so please support them the best you can.