A Grateful Thank You from the RBL Milford on Sea Branch

A message from The Royal British Legion Milford on Sea branch committee: 

The Royal British Legion Milford on Sea branch committee would like to begin by expressing our sincerest thanks to the incredible performers who brought Armed Forces Day to life. 

Your talent, energy, and generosity made the event unforgettable. In particular, we extend our warmest appreciation to Mike Hartley for so brilliantly coordinating the performances and bringing such a vibrant lineup together.

To everyone who took the stage, you lifted spirits, inspired smiles, and turned the day into a true celebration. We are deeply grateful.

Thanks to your efforts, and the enthusiastic support of all who attended, we are proud to share that £1,000 was raised for the Poppy Appeal. This amount will go a long way in supporting the welfare of our veterans and their families.

To the wider public, thank you for showing up, joining in, and giving so generously. Your presence and kindness are what made this day such a success.

Warmest regards,

The Milford on Sea Branch Committee

Royal British Legion

Music Festival Cakes!

Bonnie of Nauti Treats has a range of fabulous cupcakes available to order in a variety of flavours and enjoy over the Music Festival weekend.

You can choose between smaller boxes of 4, or midsize of 6 or large of 12, ready for pick up on Friday/Saturday/Sunday ready to enjoy on the village green. Prices would be from £12.

Local delivery is also available. 

Bonnie is happy to create bespoke cupcakes or cakes to customer requests, so just drop her an email.

To avoid disappointment, place your orders early with Bonnie at:

nautitreatslymington@gmail.com. 

P.S.: Bonnie bakes cupcakes and cakes all year round for special treats or occasions. Just let her know what theme or flavour you would like, and she will do the rest.

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About Nauti Treats and Bonnie Marsden

Bonnie moved to Milford on Sea with her family in 2020, and prior to this, had a career in brand strategy with BBC Worldwide and Macmillan Cancer Support in London.

Having a long-time passion for baking and a young daughter, it felt like the natural next step for Bonnie to start her own cake-making business, and this is how Nauti Treats was born.

Bonnie specialises in custom cupcake orders, from Winnie the Pooh-themed christening cakes to gluten-free and dairy-free dark chocolate birthday cakes. Each cupcake is crafted not only to suit dietary needs but to enhance the celebration, adding a personal touch that elevates the entire experience. 

Whether catering for large parties or intimate gatherings, she takes pride in helping her clients create the special moments they’re after. She has even recreated wedding cupcakes for a special vow renewal. 

Nauti Treats have a 5-star hygiene rating, and Bonnie is also able to accommodate various allergens, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a Nauti Treat without worry.

Bonnie's experience with allergen-friendly baking began at home, as her daughter couldn't have dairy until she was two, and her mother-in-law follows a gluten-free diet. Baking with allergens in mind has since become second nature.

Bonnie would love to discuss any ideas you may have and create something special for you or a loved one.

If you'd like to order a box of cakes, or ask any questions, feel free to reach out to Bonnie at nautitreatslymington@gmail.com 

You can also see more examples of cakes on Instagram @nauti_treats.  

Local delivery is also available.

Nauti Treats

Bonnie Marsden

nautitreatslymington@gmail.com

www.instagram.com/nauti_treats

All Saints Bell Tower Appeal – Progress Report

The appeal to raise funds for the repair of the bell tower at All Saints Church is moving forward with a little over half of the £300,000 funds raised; however, the Church needs to continue to grow local contributions through pledges for significant donations and other fundraising.

Picture by Gillian Key

Grant applications have been submitted to the Garfield Weston Foundation and to the National Churches Trust (this is stage one of the process – if successful, the detailed application is then made) and conversations are under way with The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help shape an application in the format giving the best chance of success.

As previously highlighted, pledges are sought by 31st July 2025. This will help in the applications for grants by showing not only that, with the grants being sought, the Church will be able to raise all the funds needed, but also demonstrating the strong local support for, and commitment to, putting the Church into good shape for future generations. 

Donation pledges can be made using this Bell Tower Pledge Form.

No pledges will be called in until it is clear that the necessary funds are in place to allow the repairs to proceed.

Further information is available on the Church Website: www.allsaintsmilford.org.uk

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About All Saints Bell Tower Appeal 

All Saints' Church was founded between 1070 and 1086. It was extended during the 13th, 14th, and 17th centuries, and extensive repairs were carried out in the 1920s.

However, the render on the tower in the 1920s is now cracking and letting water in, damaging the stonework; two stained glass windows also need to be removed and repaired. Urgent repairs are required to preserve the tower before the damage becomes unmanageable. £300,000 needs to be raised through grants and fundraising.  

The Church is not just a place of worship. Still, the building is a community space asset, where we gather to celebrate baptisms, marriages, thanksgivings, school events and celebrations, Remembrance Day services and host charity fundraising concerts and other events.

Previous generations in the village have ensured the church has been maintained, and the responsibility has now passed to it. It is incumbent on the current generation to make the tower safe, preserve the building, and keep the bells ringing so that the church remains at the heart of the community for future generations.

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

Pop Up Charity Shop Sale this Saturday

The Bridge are holding a Pop Up Charity Shop Sale from 9.30am to 1.30pm this Saturday 5th July 2025.

The sale will feature stock from the two village Charity Shops, including Bric-a-brac, Toys, Jewellery, collectables, Books and Tombola. 

Entry is free, and The Bridge Cafe will be open for drinks, snacks and homemade cake. 

Every pound raised goes towards the running costs of The Bridge and the things they do to support our community.

The Bridge 

Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH

01590 644861

office@thebridgemos.org.uk
www.thebridgemos.org.uk

www.facebook.com/MoS-Community-Centre

The Knott Brothers at The Gun Inn on Saturday Afternoon

The Knott Brothers will be providing an afternoon of Free Live Music at The Gun Inn on Saturday 5th July from 3pm to 5pm. Free Admission.

Enjoy the afternoon with Indie Americana-style music under the garden marquee with this brilliant Duo.

Enjoy the free live music while enjoying a drink, meal, and a wander in the beautiful pub garden. Why not book a table now?

More Live Music coming: The Gun Inn has live music booked on Saturday afternoons every two weeks throughout the summer. More details to follow. 

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Regular Events at The Gun

Quiz Night at The Gun Inn

Every First Tuesday of each month from 7pm.

Teams of up to 6 people. Bring a team or come and meet new people on the night. 

(£2 entry fee per person).

Booking for the quiz is not essential as you can just come along and join in on the night, but booking a table is highly recommended if you bring a team.

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Folk Band & Open Mic Night at The Gun Inn

Every First and Third Thursday each month from 7.30pm.

Come along to an informal evening of singing, playing or listening to singers and musicians. All types of music, from folk to whatever you fancy.

At the same time, enjoy a beer, glass of wine, your favourite tipple, or a meal from the extensive menu, which uses the best British seasonal produce.

Everyone welcome.

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The Gun Inn

Keyhaven Road, Keyhaven, SO41 0TP

01590 642391

landlord@theguninn.co.uk

www.facebook.com/theguninnkeyhaven

www.theguninn.co.uk

The Gun is now Open Daily from 11.30am to 7pm. (Please check for kitchen serving times)

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Music Festival looking for Bar Volunteers

We have been asked by the Milford on Sea Music Festival to publish their appeal for Bar Volunteers.

Details below:

Urgently Seeking Fabulous Bar Volunteers

Dear Volunteer

Many of you have come forward offering help so far. Thank you! However, if you could spare some time on either Saturday 5th or Sunday 6th July to give a help out on the bar it would be very appreciated.

Maybe you know someone that would be willing to help who is not on the mailing list. Please feel free to send them this email.

Working behind the bar is a great way to enjoy the atmosphere of the festival, listen to some music, stay dry if it is raining and meet lots of friendly people.

If you think you could spare some time please click HERE and complete the short form. If the link does not work please copy and paste the following into your browser -https://forms.gle/8adGBmHmFg2wWiXD6.

Thank you!

Milford on Sea Music Festival Team

Meet some more Music Festival Bands

Meet some more of the 16 Music Festival Bands who will perform over the weekend of the 5th & 6th July 2025.

Bamboo Vipers

Alternative/Independent band. Sound originating from deep south bandit country, hitting it hard. 

Paddy’s Dog

5-piece Anglo-Irish Ceilidh Band. (6-piece including Paddy's dog.)

Roxanne Phillips

Singer/Songwriter. Original Folk and Sea Shanty musician.

Dog Ruff

Classic Rock and quite simply, Village Legends!

Tony Bryant

Ex-forces, builder, cabbie, and truck driver. Forever singing or fishing… always chirpy.

The Blues Machine

Heavy blues rock band.

To meet some more acts and bands who will be performing, please click here.

Please buy a programme to see which day and the time they will all be on stage.

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Milford on Sea Music Festival Programme

The Milford on Sea Music Festival Programme is now available in the Village News newsagents, some shops, and bars. The programme contains the Act Information and their Stage Times.

​​PLEASE BUY A PROGRAMME for just £3. 

The money generated from programme sales helps to fund the festival and keep it free to all.

There are only 1500 programmes, so please get yours soon.

Should any be left, they can be bought on the day from the programme sellers around the village green.

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Grab your Leisurewear for the Music Festival

Get in the festival spirit with planet-friendly organic Milford on Sea Music Festival leisurewear.

To see the leisurewear range, please click here.

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Become a Friend of the Festival

When you become a Festival Friend, your donation helps to ensure that this exciting village event can continue free to all.

​You can be a Friend of the Festival as an individual, couple, family, group or business.

Gold Festival Friend: £10 to £49

Platinum Festival Friend: £50 or more

It is appreciated that not everyone is in a position to donate. However, any amount the music festival receives, large or small, means that the whole village community can enjoy the festival together for free.

Every Friend is listed on the music festival website. Should you prefer to remain anonymous, that's fine, too.

You can become a Friend of the Festival by clicking here. 

Meet Our Festival Friends by clicking here. 

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About the Milford on Sea Music Festival
Saturday & Sunday 5th & 6th July 2025

The Milford on Sea Music Festival is a free community event organised entirely by village volunteers. The format features local musical talent across many genres for everyone in the village to enjoy.

The music festival is funded by generous sponsors, Friends of the Festival, donations, programme sales, and commissions on festival stalls and leisurewear. If any profit is made, a donation is made to a village charity.

Find out more at www.milfordonseamusicfestival.org

Milford on Sea Music Festival
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th July 2025
Milford on Sea Village Green
info@milfordonseamusicfestival.org
www.milfordonseamusicfestival.org

Milford on Sea Music Festival is a Community Interest Company (CIC)

CIC Company No.16336094

Visit the Milford on Sea Village Show on Saturday

The charming Milford on Sea Village Show takes place from 2pm on Saturday 28th June 2025. in All Saints' Church Hall.

At the show, you will see the competition winners and entries in the categories, which include fruits and vegetables, flowers and floral art, home produce and baking, crafts, and photography.

The raffle tickets are £1 each and will support Oakhaven Hospice. (This is a cash-only event)

Also, enjoy refreshments made by the WI in aid of the New Forest Parkinson's Society.

Milford on Sea Village Show

www.milford-on-sea-villageshow.org.uk

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About The Milford on Sea Village Show

The first recorded Milford on Sea Village Show was held in the village over 130 years ago.

The show features competitions in various categories, including fruits and vegetables, flowers and floral art, produce and baking, crafts, photography, poetry, and children's classes.

After a break, the Milford on Sea Village Show returned in 2024 and proved to be a very popular village event, attracting over 350 visitors and exhibitors.

To read a review, please click here. 

Milford on Sea Village Show

Di Cobbett

di@briddicott.co.uk

milfordonseavillageshow@gmail.com
www.milford-on-sea-villageshow.org.uk

Makeover for Gullwing Toilet Block

The Gullwing Toilet Block on Milford on Sea's seafront promenade, next to the Hurst Road Car Park, has had a makeover.

The sleek, all-black makeover could well split opinion, but everyone should be pleased that the toilets are now in pristine condition. 

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Cyclists Dismount

A curious 'Cyclists Dismount' sign sat on the front of the original building.

This provided a useful reminder for people who are used to being mounted on their bike whilst using the toilet, that this sort of behaviour is not acceptable in Milford on Sea!

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About the Gullwing Toilet Block

I wonder how many people notice a special architectural design feature of the toilet block in Hurst Road West Car Park near Milford on Sea Beach. 

The building was constructed in 2005, and was designed by John Pardey Architects. A lot of people may not realise that the toilet block features a distinctive gullwing roof, which is difficult to see from the promenade.

This innovative building was the third of the loos on the site. The challenging exposed location faces the promenade and the sea, and the design had to address its unique seafront position. 

The entrance doors to the toilets open from the seafront. As the front is exposed to rain and prevailing winds, sometimes up to 100-mile an hour, a covered entrance portico and protective wall was included. The wall is faced in blue-green slate. The area to the front of the wall has public benches, so users can sit and enjoy the views across the sea to the Isle of Wight and the Needles.

The gullwing roof is made from distinctive aluminium and has a 3m cantilever. Polycarbonate was used on the section beneath the roof to allow in obscured natural light. Glass was not used in this area as it would have been at risk from the frequent high winds that fling up pebbles from the nearby beach.

Vandal-proof uplighters are integrated into the floor, and this was the first public loo where covered lighting was introduced to each cubicle.

Armed Forces Day on the Village Green on Saturday

The Milford on Sea Royal British Legion are holding a Celebratory Picnic on the Village Green from 12noon on Saturday 28th June 2025.

Bring your Own picnic.

Sing and dance to the Music of The Jems, Mike Hartley, The Alan Pinkney Trio and The Unknowns.

This event is free of charge, but there will be a collection, so some cash donations would be appreciated.

All proceeds to the Royal British Legion Milford on Sea Branch Poppy Appeal.

The Rambling Men at Ray's Italian this Saturday

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

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

Meet the Village Historical Society

The Milford on Sea Historical Record Society (MOSHRS) was founded on the 25th January 1909 and is the oldest historical society in Hampshire and one of the oldest local history societies in the country.

In 2018 the Society became a registered charity run entirely by volunteers and adopted a new constitution. As well as a Board of Trustees, there is a committee to manage the direction and activities of the Society.

The Society 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 and everyone is welcome. 

Meetings: Doors open at 6.30pm with the Talk at 7pm. Held in All Saints Church Hall, Greenbanks Close, Milford on Sea SO41 0SQ

Programme of Talks 2025

Thursday 30th January 2025: 

MOSHRS AGM - The Annual General Meeting followed by: 

Talk– ‘Fighter-bombers in the Forest' by Chris Thomas

Thursday 27th March 2025: 

Talk: 'War Hero or Murderer’ by Paul Stickler

Thursday 29th May 2025: 

Talk: ‘Hurst Castle the Victorian Fortress’ by Duncan Williams

Thursday 10th July 2025:

Annual Outing  to Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson, Portchester, Fareham

Thursday 25th September 2025:

Talk: ‘Beaulieu Abbey’ by Robert Amis

Thursday 27th November 2025:

Talk: ‘The Funerary Hatchments of St Thomas’ Church, Lymington’ -Barry Jolly

MOSHRS has an excellent website with an extensive archive of over 10,000 local records and historical pictures featuring our village history. 

Search aids on the website include:

• A Research Library containing over 150 research articles prepared by the Society over the last 100 years.
• A Names Directory which searches through over 80,000 records of people or places associated with Milford.
• Parish Registers from 1595 – 1837 split into Baptisms, Marriages and Burials and containing nearly 20,000 records.

In the last decade major projects have been completed:

In 2017, the Bringing History Home project commenced with the aim to make more than 100 years of local records readily accessible to the residents of Milford on Sea as well as for those around the world who have connections with the area.

The project encourages the local community to explore and contribute to our rich historical heritage. 

The initiative is made possible through money raised by National Lottery, together with contributions from the Parish Council and from MOSHRS itself.

The project culminated in the launch of the website www.milfordhistory.org.uk in 2018.

Individuals can add to the archive by emailing editors@milfordhistory.org.uk.

In 2014 the Cornwallis Remembered project was conceived. 

This followed the discovery of Cornwallis’ grave in poor repair in All Saints' churchyard. The aim of the project was to give a fitting tribute to this distinguished admiral. 

MOSHRS was partnered in the project by The 1805 Club (which was founded in 1990 to preserve and care for the memorials and graves of those associated with the sailing navy of the Georgian era) 

The project was a major success and in July 2019 several important events were held to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Death of Admiral Cornwallis. 

To read more, please click here.

In 2022, Local History Lives! was a project the Society completed to place ancestry in Milford on Sea at everyone's fingertips. 

A video about the Local History Lives! project was featured at the British Association for Local History Annual Conference on 16th September 2023.

Next will be Hurst Castle Interpretation Project which will carry out research into the history of Hurst Castle. 

To find out more about joining MOSHRS; please click here.

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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