Harry Redknapp coaches Milford on Sea Youth FC

Harry Redknapp was recently a prestigious visitor to Milford on Sea Youth FC. Harry had joined a club coaching session as part of 'The Sun Footie For All campaign'.

The Sun have teamed up with Tesco’s 'Stronger Starts Campaign', which funds healthy foods and activities for children, to support kids’ football clubs after shocking figures showed 94 per cent of grassroots teams were struggling in the face of soaring costs.

Milford on Sea Youth FC have been awarded a £1,000 grant which they will use for footballs, ball launchers for goal scoring drills, bibs, cones etc. for all their teams.

Under-15s coach and club secretary AJ Aitken said to The Sun: “We have to say a massive thank you to The Sun for awarding us this funding. It’s wonderful that something like this is available to teams across the country, as having a kid doing sport can cost a fortune. Allowing us to buy all the equipment we need means we can keep fees low for families, meaning parents don’t worry, and the kids can just focus on being part of a team. 

Click image to watch The Sun video of
Harry Redknapp's visit to Milford Youth FC.

AJ continued; "It also elevates it from a kickabout in a muddy field to something with structure. For the lads, having Harry come to visit has been brilliant. They’ll remember it for ever, and I know they’ll be telling all their pals at school about training with him.”

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About Harry

Now 77 years old, Harry is known by the younger generation as a TV personality and the 2018 winner of 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!'

Prior to this, Harry was a professional midfield football player. His career started at 15 years old playing for Tottenham Hotspur youth team. 

Still a schoolboy, in 1963 he moved to West Ham United where he broke into the first team in the 1965/66 season, making seven appearances and scoring one goal. His teammates included, 1966 World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore, World Cup Final hattrick hero Geoff Hurst, and England midfielder Martin Peters. Harry spent 10 years at West Ham United making 175 appearances and scoring eight goals.

In 1972 Harry joined AFC Bournemouth from West Ham before ending his playing career in the North American Soccer League (NASL) as player/coach with Seattle Sounders between 1976 and 1979.

Harry then moved into football management with AFC Bournemouth, West Ham United, Portsmouth, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Queens Park Rangers and Birmingham City. 

In his seven years managing West Ham United they finished eighth in the Premier League in 1997/98 and a record-high of fifth the following season. The summer of 1999 also saw West Ham win the UEFA Intertoto Cup and qualify for the UEFA Cup for the first time since 1980.

During his second spell at Portsmouth, he managed the side to win the 2008 FA Cup. He then went on to guide Tottenham Hotspur into the UEFA Champions League at the end of the 2009/10 season.

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Get Involved with Milford on Sea Youth FC

Milford on Sea Youth FC are always looking for both boy and girls players from the age of seven to 16. They are also happy for managers, coaches and general volunteers to join them to inspire the players throughout the season. 

No experience needed, just a love for the game and a commitment to get involved. Please contact the club for more information.

A number of the teams have had a lot of previous success, and the club are always looking to challenge in the league and County Cups. Ultimately the teams are a pathway to U18 and U23 football in the Southern football leagues with Bashley FC.

A Milford on Sea Youth FC player who has made it through to the professional ranks is Eddie Beach, who is a goalkeeper on Chelsea FC's books. Please click here.

The squads train locally, and play games every Sunday in the Bournemouth Youth League.

If you are interested please 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

Halloween for Kids in Milford on Sea

Have fun this Halloween in Milford on Sea. There is plenty to choose from to keep the kids entertained:

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Halloween at Hurst Castle

Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd October 2023 - 10am to 4.30pm

It’s time to muster your courage and join us for all things Halloween at Hurst Castle this October half term.

This fearsome fortress was prison to two unfortunates who were kept within its bleak walls – are you brave enough to descend deep into our basement to solve the clues and escape from our Prisoner of the Castle Ghost Maze!

Or roam through every corner of the castle to find the clues to solve our Treasure Trail then you can sit back and get creative with our arts & crafts designed to keep little ones busy.

With so much to see, do and explore make sure you join us for Halloween and follow in the footsteps of the castle’s prisoners!

All activities are included in your castle admission.  

Ferries depart Keyhaven at 10am then approximately every 20-30 minutes.

Hurst Castle

01590 642500

info@hurstcastle.co.uk

www.hurstcastle.co.uk

www.facebook.com/HurstCastle

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Juniors Halloween Party at Milford Tennis & Squash Club

Friday 27th October from 3pm to 5pm

Age: 4 to 12 years. Non-members welcome.

Frightful forehands, spooky serves, ghostly backhands and vampire volleys.

Come in fancy dress with a carved pumpkin for on court tennis games, music and hot dogs with prizes for the best fancy dress and pumpkin creations.

Members £5 - Non Members £8

To book, please click here.

Milford Tennis & Squash Club

Lucerne Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PL

club@milfordtennisandsquash.net

www.milfordtennisandsquash.net

www.facebook.com/milfordtennissquash

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New Forest Emporium Halloween Weekend Event

Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th October 2023

Get ready for a spooktacular weekend. 

We have got the fantastic intuitive tarot and oracle reader Sarah Ellen from Jupiter Sun Healing, coming down to read your tarot cards. At just £10 per person.

All children who come in dressed up will receive a goodie bag.

We can’t wait to see you at our spooktacular event.

New Forest Emporium & Cafe

New Forest Water Gardens, Newlands Manor Farm, Milford on Sea, SO41 0JH

07534 442215

info@forestemporium.co.uk

www.facebook.com/newforestemporium

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Kids Halloween Party at Milford on Sea Club

Sunday 29th October 2023 - 2pm to 5pm

Non Members welcome: £5 per child.

Bring the Kids and enjoy a Halloween Fancy Dress Party. 

Afternoon includes games with prizes. 

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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Monday Madness: Creepy Crawly Halloween at The Bridge

Monday 30th October 2023 - 2pm to 4pm

Celebrate Halloween at this Creepy Crawly Party for Under 10’s and their families. Children must be accompanied.

Featuring Small World Reptiles, where crawly animals will creep from lap to lap in a spook-tacular handling session.

Other activities include ghoulishly fangtastic disco, Halloween themed fancy dress competition, boo-tastic face painting, creepy crafts, lots of spooky fun and games with prizes to be won

Open to all, book your tickets now.

Tickets: Child £6 - Pre-schoolers £3

Children must be accompanied - Free Pre-school area.

Tickets from Box Office:

Open Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

01590 644861

enquiries@moscommunitycentre.org.uk

The Bridge

(Formerly Milford on Sea Community Centre)

Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH

01590 644861

office@moscommunitycentre.org.uk

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk/whats-on

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The Village Pumpkin Hunt

Tuesday 31 October 2023

Numerous village shops and businesses will be hosting a Halloween decorated pumpkin for you to find. To join in the hunt, just register below.

Those joining in the Pumpkin Hunt are encouraged to wear a Super Hero costumes.

After the Pumpkin Hunt, you can visit All Saints’ Hall between 5.30pm to 6pm for Hot Chocolate and doughnuts.

To register to take part in the Pumpkin Hunt, please click here.

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The Village Pumpkin Hunt is coming

The Village Pumpkin Hunt will take place on Tuesday 31 October, and you can decorate a pumpkin, host a pumpkin, or just take part in the Pumpkin Hunt.

Numerous village shops and businesses will be hosting a Halloween decorated pumpkin for you to find. To join in the hunt, just register below.

Those joining in the Pumpkin Hunt are encouraged to wear a Super Hero costumes.

After the Pumpkin Hunt, you can visit All Saints’ Hall between 5.30pm to 6pm for Hot Chocolate and doughnuts.

To register to take part in the Pumpkin Hunt, please click here.

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Create or Host a Pumpkin

The organisers are now looking for people to create decorated pumpkins, or to host them in a window to be found.

The designs required are not after scary faces but beautiful designs to spread joy and light throughout the village.

Find out more below:

To decorate a pumpkin, please click here.

To host a pumpkin, please click here.

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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

A glimpse into Milford on Sea's past

Local historian, Barry Shurlock of MoSHRS recently had an interesting article on the history of Milford on Sea Historical Record Society published in the Hampshire Chronical.

Barry writes: 

The latest work of a long-established historical society wonderfully demonstrates how many stories there are still to tell…

Local history societies come and go. They generally depend on a few people, often outsiders. Fitting the bill, and still going strong after more than a hundred years is the oldest society in the county, Milford-on-Sea Historical Record Society.

Issues of its Occasional Magazine, edited by former naval officer and prize-winning local historian Barry Jolly, is full of interesting stories that belie the view of its committee in 1959, which decided “that all possible research on Milford had been completed”.

Charles 1

A fascinating article by Lynton Robins tells of the time when in 1648 “for 19 days Milford’s local history ran in tandem with England’s political history”. This was the period when Charles I was staying at Hurst Castle “on the royal road to death”.

This is a serious piece of research that contrasts with conventional accounts of the county during the Civil War. Whilst battles were being fought in the north – at Cheriton, Alton, Andover, Basing and elsewhere – Milford remained out of the fray. It was an “island of peace” and “apart from its illustrious visitor” stayed clear of any conflict.

Until Milford had been recognised in the nineteenth century as an agreeable place to spend time or retire by the sea, it had little going for it. Life was difficult for ordinary people like Charles and Mary Crowfoot, who in 1814 came from Norfolk to Milford to work in service. Their lives were hardened by the fact that five of their children had hearing impairments (‘deaf and dumb’).

Also, three of the daughters with impairments had illegitimate children. It was only the enlightened attitudes of some people in the village that ensured they were not cast into homes for ‘fallen women’. Largely due to the Crowfoots’ employers, they were therefore able to “experience a fairly normal existence for working-class people”.

Under the rubric ‘a life of silence’, Anne and Bob Braid, together with Barry Jolly, have in this article opened up a subject that is difficult to research and often taboo, yet powerfully illustrates an important facet of life in the past.

Just published, the 2022 edition of Occasional Magazine demonstrates the importance of biography as a window on the past. The “roving eye” of Captain Thomas Symonds (1817-1887) gives one picture, whilst Samuel Manktelow’s “short but eventful stay in Milford” in the building boom of the 1890s gives another.

Anne and Bob Braid write: “In the short space of a little over two and half years, Samuel Manktelow came, established a building business and steam-powered saw mill, was landlord of the Red Lion, dabbled as a potato merchant, became bankrupt and left.”

In another piece Bob tells the story of another failed cause, a short-lived golf course in Milford that was lost to development (plus ça change!), despite support from a famous golfer of the day, James Braid (no known relative).

Less dramatic, but probably more typical of the comfortable middle classes who came to settle in the village was Mrs Catherina Chetham-Strode. Her father was a wealthy cleric, her first husband an Army officer “later venerated as a national hero”, and her second a wealthy landowner.

She retired to Milford, initially to a substantial house with 22 acres of land, and a few years later benefited from a share of £2,595 (about £260,000 in today’s money) from slaves owned in Jamaica following the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833.

These articles, and many more like them, demonstrate thoroughly researched, carefully written local history that goes beyond the immediate locality. Almost every piece in MOSHRS Occasional Magazine sheds light on issues outside Milford. Eagerly awaited are plans for digitising the entire run – now standing at 39 editions – as part of a wider digitisation project.

The story of MOSHRS has itself become a classic example of local history in action. It started on January 25 1909, as told in the centenary issue of the magazine by current chairman, Chris Hobby and Joanna Close-Brooks. On that day seven people came together and decided to set up a society. Three months later, with retired chest specialist Dr Vincent D. Harris in the chair, a committee of eight was chosen and 13 members elected.

The idea came from Edward Agar, whose father WT Agar had made a fortune selling land for King’s Cross Station and in 1867 bought Milford House and other properties in the village. On his father’s death in 1906 Edward and his wife and nine children took up his inheritance and moved south.

William Ravenscroft

`The committee included architect William Ravenscroft, who later became Vice-President of the Hampshire Field Club and “had a profound effect on the architectural character of the village in the first four decades of the 20th century”. The members included a GP, a retired Army officer, a former teacher at Eton, and a professional geologist.

Another member was the largest landowner in the area, Col. William Cornwallis-West, who in the 1890s tried to develop Milford as a resort (he added the ‘On-Sea’). MOSHRS celebrate his illustrious ancestor Admiral William Cornwallis, who had a lifelong reputation for “less than decorous conduct” and passed his retirement with Mrs Whitby, the widow of his Flag Captain.

Col. William Cornwallis-West

Unlike today, membership of MOSHRS in 1909 was not automatic. “One was not lightly a member – the question was carefully considered and one’s attainments and social position were weighed and to be elected was a real distinction”, according to founder member Hylda Bruce, writing in 1960.

For nearly 50 years MOSHRS held meetings and published five volumes of papers, each with six parts. By 1934, a growing membership meant that meetings were no longer held in members’ houses, but in a local hotel. There were visits to places of local interest and the growing archive was stored in a cupboard in the hotel.

In 1944, MOSHRS membership stood at a healthy 73, although curiously it was decided to limit it to 70 (today it stands at c.200). This was hardly necessary, as by the late 1950s it had taken a plunge and the committee decided to dissolve the Society and move the ‘archive cupboard’ for safekeeping to the church.

But there was obviously an ongoing appetite for local history and in 1972 MOSHRS was revived, largely due to the local incumbent, Rev. Marling Roberts, and Ursula Danby and Jean Bower, grand-daughters of founder members Edward Agar and Arthur Woodd. It has since published eight volumes of the Occasional Magazine.

Over the years, local historians in Milford have demonstrated just how much can be found out about one small place by those with an interest. Copies of the Occasional Magazine can be obtained from www.milfordhistory.org.uk.

To read the full article in the Hampshire Chronicle, please click here.

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About the Milford on Sea Historical Record Society 

The society has an excellent website with a lot of information and historical pictures of Milford on Sea's past.

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

To find out more; please click here.

Milford on Sea Historical Record Society

admin@milfordhistory.org.uk

www.milfordhistory.org.uk

Vote for Milford on Sea Bowls Club in National Award

​Milford on Sea Bowls Club have been shortlisted for a Bowls England Award in the Fit for the Future category. 

Their nomination is based around the successful inclusion of Paul, who has autism and is now a full and active club member.

Paul, wanted to give bowls a go and went to an Open Day at Milford on Sea Bowls Club.

The members were unaware of his Autism to begin with, but it soon became apparent that he was struggling to follow the Coaching guidance throughout his time on the green. His limited verbal communication skills also impaired.

One of Milford on Sea’s coaches had a wealth of knowledge and experience of working with people with learning difficulties, so she took over Paul’s coaching with a clear focus on his abilities and not his disabilities.

The coach now delivers one-to-one coaching sessions with Paul, ensuring every stage is adapted to his own individual learning needs. A short talk was given to all members about Autism and Paul’s individual needs to ensure more understanding of some of his difficulties. Raising awareness amongst our membership was critical to the success of Paul’s inclusion.

Initially, Paul regularly played in the club roll ups with the one-to-one support of a few key supportive members, plus the combined support and understanding of all playing members. He even entered a competition, succeeding in winning his first round. Paul has also successfully engaged with the club’s special bowls and social events. As a club, Milford on Sea took pride in ensuring that every bowls event at the club was accessible to Paul to ensure full inclusion.

Paul is now a full member of Milford on Sea Bowls Club and participates regularly in roll ups, competitions and social events. Considerable improvements can be seen in Paul’s social and communication skills, which highlights the benefits of playing bowls in an inclusive manner.

To vote for Milford on Sea Bowls Club, please click here and scroll down to the voting link in the Fit for the Future section. (Strangely, It appears that you need to vote in the 'Unsung Hero' category before being able to vote for Milford on Sea Bowls Club in the 'Fit for the Future' category.)

Voting closes at 3pm on Thursday 19th January 2023.

The decision about who wins is down to a public vote, so they need your help! 

About Milford on Sea Bowls Club

The club was founded in 1933 and provides an inviting seafront location for its members to enjoy the playing of bowls and participate in our social events.

The Club’s Green has 6 rinks that are amongst the finest in the area and are situated on Hurst Road, Milford-on-Sea enjoying spectacular views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and the Needles.

The outdoor playing season runs from early April until late September. The mixed membership has Club roll ups on Wednesday and Friday afternoons and the club participates in the New Forest and Bournemouth & District Leagues. During the winter months the players enjoy indoor, short mat bowls.

Open to the Public

Locals and visitors are invited to give bowls a go on some days of the week when there are no league matches, competitions and/or special events taking place. Shoes and bowls available to hire. You can see the weekly timetable on the clubs website.

If you would like to play on the bowling green, please speak to the Duty Steward at the club who will be able to help you.

Milford on Sea Bowls Club
Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY
www.facebook.com/milfordonseabowlsclub
www.milfordonseabowlsclub.org

Wartime Flying Hero Talk at MoSHRS

The Milford on Sea Historical Record Society (MoSHRS) audience recently settled down to hear Rt. Hon. Dr. Julian Lewis MP give his talk on Samuel ‘Kink’ Kinkead, the extraordinary wartime flying hero.

Dr. Lewis has published a biography of Kinkead and described the exploits which contributed to his reputation as a flying ace and his talk was illustrated by many of the original photographs he had collected for his book. His short life was marked by a poignant irony; after surviving countless wartime aerial conflicts, he died when his plane crashed into the Solent during an attempt to break the speed barrier during the peacetime of the interwar years.

(Since his talk to MoSHRS, Dr. Lewis has been knighted in the New Year Honours List for his political and public service.) 

The next MoSHRS talk will be given by Will Reid, from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, at 7.30pm in All Saints Church Hall on Thursday 26th January. In addition to talks, outings and access to podcasts,  MoSHRS also offers members numerous opportunities to participate in active research of their locality. To find out more; please click here.

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About the Milford on Sea Historical Record Society 

The society has an excellent website with a lot of information and historical pictures of Milford on Sea's past.

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

To find out more; please click here.

MoS Historical Record Society

www.milfordhistory.org.uk

Ellie qualifies for Junior Golf Championship in Portugal

Milford on Sea schoolgirl, Ellie Mans continues to impress in her golfing career.

A recent article in The Telegraph featured Ellie in a piece entitled; 'Meet the 12 talented girls who have qualified for the 2022 Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship in Portugal'. Click here to read.

The championship takes place from the 31st October to the 5th November. This is probably Ellie’s final National Competition as A levels will be her focus in May 2023.

Ellie is just 17 years old with a golf handicap of +0.1. Her golfing hero is Seve Ballesteros, who she is studying for her Spanish A-Level extended research project.

The article explains that Ellie got into golf after playing her brother for a chocolate bar prize at the age of six. She is the current Dorset junior golf champion and competed in another Justin Rose Series event earlier this year. She is also a Dorset county hockey player, and has ambitions of being a ski instructor.

We understand that one finalist playing alongside Ellie, hits her 8 iron further than Rory McIlroy, so she is in some esteemed company.

Let us know your Unsung Lockdown Hero

Over the past few weeks we have been receiving lots of worthy nominations for Milford on Sea 'Unsung Lockdown Heroes'; these are people who have helped others with acts of kindness however large or small.

This could be local people who do anything from:

• supporting a neighbour by getting their shopping or prescriptions, 
• it could be friends who have kept your spirits up, 
• a kind stranger who has lent a helping hand, 
• or people volunteering to help other people in the community in any way. 

It could also be a:

• village business or organisation who are going that extra mile to get the community through this crisis.

We will continue to add nominations, so please keep sending them in to: david@milfordonsea.org.

See who has been nominated over the past few weeks:

To view the latest Milford on Sea 'Unsung Lockdown Heroes', please click here.

Milford on Sea Unsung Lockdown Heroes in Person

Throughout this pandemic Milford on Sea has had many 'Unsung Lockdown Heroes', these are people who have helped others with acts of kindness however large or small.

Below are the individuals and local businesses who have been nominated so far for a thank you by friends and customers who appreciate all these people do for others:

Stacey at Ray's Italian

I would like to nominate Stacey at Ray's Italian. She has been delivering hot meals to the vulnerable in the village throughout all 3 lockdowns, and outside of the lockdown too (to keep the vulnerable safe) on Wednesday and Fridays. She has also kept her restaurant takeaway service and new delicatessen business going through hard work, determination and growing to provide what the village needs throughout such difficult times. Stacey has worked nights and days to ensure that she can provide all of her loyal customers with something to look forward to! She has been a part of this village for many years and is, in part responsible for why this village has such a fantastic vibe and sense of community. She is kind, considerate and so caring. She has done all of this whilst looking after her family and friends.

Stuart O'brien

Stuart is consistently litter picking on the spit and keeping Milford on Sea tidy. He is very passionate about keeping the sea clean for us all. 

Sarah Rix

Sarah is the manager of Milford Pre-School Plus and throughout the lockdowns she has worked throughout. Even when the school was closed she worked producing daily videos with exciting things for parents and kids to do to maintain learning and to help parents keep the kids occupied and engaged. She even borrowed our dog to go on colour hunting walks around the Danestream. She spent many hours planning, sourcing items, researching activities. In addition to this each parent and child received personalised emails to see how they were and to give them ideas of things to see and do.

 

Now that pre-schools are staying open she is diligently at work, keeping the kids out in the open as much as possible and making learning outdoors so much fun for them. I know she adores her job and I also know that the kids love her. 

Her son Benjamin is now part of the metropolitan police force so he’s out there on the front line, her dedication and kindness has obviously passed on down the generations.

She will kill me for sending you this, but I guess you can see I’m very proud of my mate.

Michael Stockting who works for the NHS in AMU (Acute medical unit) at Poole Hospital.

Mark at The Village News

Mark has kept his business as normal as possible for the community and keep everything cheery for customers. He also volunteered to take an elderly resident, who has no local family, to get his jab otherwise they would have had no way of getting there.

Personally he has kept me sane, and supported me during the days I struggled, due my shop being closed. He really is my hero.

Amanda Maidment

Amanda is a great friend and always so busy looking after other people. She supports and looks after her friends, her elderly neighbour, and all her other neighbours. She also volunteers to shop for vulnerable people, - all whilst running The Coastal Bakery in the village, which she opened during the pandemic! 

During previous lockdowns she held a pop up bakery on her drive which was a highlight to some during such hard times, and she and her husband delivered afternoon teas all over the New Forest all whilst looking after a young family of their own.

Amanda is Chair of the PFA so is also spending many hours on top of her already busy schedule raising much needed money for Milford on Sea Primary School & this takes up more time than anyone knows! 

She also (out of her own pocket) supplied and held cake sales to help Sean Wilson raise £10,000 for his Channel Swim! In addition to all of this, she has been supporting the Olivia inspires charity.

She is a true hero and deserves this! 

Milford on Sea Girlguiding & Scout leaders and helpers (Lindsay Ratcliffe, Pippa Tate, Jane Etheridge, Sean Reeves, Gill Maclean-Arnold) have all done so much to try and create a 'normal' for our children. Most hold down full-time key worker jobs as well as giving so so much of their time. Their efforts are over and well above. Thank you!

Milford on Sea Women's Institute

Di Cobbett and her Team at The Milford on Sea Women's' Institute (WI) have given unstinting support to Becton Rotary Club in their support of the New Forest Sewing for the NHS & the Local Community project to provide PPE for the NHS, and lately the Rotary Hearts project where they have been a major contributor to an activity that has brought so much comfort to patients and families suffering separation due to Covid 19 infection. Heroes all, thank you from Becton Rotary.

Ross Walgar who is working on the frontline as an Ambulance Paramedic.

Christians Together in Milford on Sea and Everton

The Christians Together group in Milford on Sea and Everton wish to express its thanks to all the people who have helped us all cope during the pandemic.

To see their extensive list, please click here.

Other People in our Community Nominated with comments sent in:

I would like to nominate all the staff at Holland’s especially Clair and Amy who have kept the shop up and running with smiles on their faces throughout the pandemic.

Jenny Whitley is a worthy unsung hero. She is the present chairman of the U3A here in Milford on Sea, a job she does most efficiently, but she is always thinking of the next idea for virtual get-togethers, and is always so positive and full of chat, and thinking of people who might be lonely in this interminable lockdown. She always seems to have time for anyone. I admire her energy and her consideration, and feel she falls well into your category of unsung hero.

Rebecca Webb at All Saints Church for supporting parents and their young children.

Throughout lockdown Rebecca has been organising trails around the churchyard, delivering craft packs and sending positive emails each week. She always asks how we are and offers her time to go for walks if we need support and someone to talk to. She continues to do it and has more planned to keep us entertained in the near future. She’s great at planning them so that they’re Covid safe and suitable for most age groups - which is a task in itself!

They’ve all been so helpful to keep my daughter entertained. She’s almost 2 now and has a very small attention span as you can imagine! These things have really helped us through the wet, cold days and it’s been comforting to know she’s there.

Ruth Bufton for all the years that she has run the Newcomers Supper and created Welcome Packs for everyone joining our community which contains information of all the village local clubs, societies and organisations.

All of the staff at St George's Nursing Home.  Everyone knows how difficult it has been for care homes during the pandemic and I believe our fantastic staff deserve a mention for the dedication they have shown in keeping our residents and each other safe throughout.

Village Postman in George Road area of the village, who works tirelessly delivering joy (and some bills...!). He has even been known to assist with home security when someone may have inadvertently left a door open upon leaving the house  - we don’t know his name but we love him!

Our postman, Jordan Ainsworth who has delivered post with a smile a throughout these difficult times and in all weather!

David our postman in Keyhaven. - Don't know if same one - but Postman Dave! Although let's be honest - they're all doing a stellar job!

Stacey from Rays Italian Restaurant, she has been so kind and caring to me during this lockdown I would like to thank her.

All the teachers at Milford on Sea School who have turned their front rooms into classrooms for online teaching or are still within the school working with the children that are still attending.

Kate Crawford, Headteacher and the amazing teachers and teaching assistants at the village school who are keeping our little people going with their structure and routine. They have also been there to offer support to the many parents who are completely stumped at ks2 maths! They are all worthy of a huge thanks.

My lockdown hero is my son Harry Smith. Harry was diagnosed with colitis just before Christmas and has been so poorly with it, but he still managed to go to work at Tesco and also do shopping for shielding neighbours. Added to this, he still manages to make us laugh.... he’s my hero.

Jenny Whitley who founded Milford on Sea Covid 19 Mutual Aid and established a group of village volunteers to help the vulnerable.

Every brilliant Mum and Grandmothers who are home schooling around work and personal time and Dads and Grandads too, of course.

The South Lawn Team who have gone way beyond their obligations to serve the community. In addition to delivering meals & groceries, the team have delivered a few of their regular customers for their vaccination jab at the medical centre and are providing a parking base for the Community First New Forest Mini Bus.

All the people who work in the village shops and delivering to their shielding customers.

All the refuse collectors.

All the carers, and anyone that works within the GP surgeries.

Needles Eye Café, exceptional quality service, even in the current 'Beast from the East', which they have to face head on. Staff always charming and helpful. 10/10

My fiancée Steve Ray he works for Pennington pharmacy, has worked all the way through all 3 lockdowns, he delivers much needed medicines all over the New Forest, to the vulnerable, to hospitals, care homes and shielding people. He brings a lot of cheer into a lot of people's lives in these hard times. 

Everyone at St. George’s Nursing Home who have been working through the pandemic keeping everyone safe.

Care workers in Milford on Sea and NHS Staff too.

All the staff at Wistaria & Milford Surgeries.

The volunteers across the village that have helped the vulnerable in the community with shopping, prescriptions etc. I know lots are still doing this a year on.

All the wonderful Mutual Aid volunteers in Milford, Everton and Keyhaven. 200 people volunteered in the first wave and many have continued offering support ever since. Also our pharmacists at Milford pharmacy and Boots, and Our Parish Clerks, who have worked continuously, in cooperation with the volunteer teams. It has been an amazing team effort.

I would like to thank all the staff at Holland’s who have been taking my weekly order for nearly a year, and particularly Holly who has cheerfully delivered it to my doorstep without fail.

Milford on Sea CO-OP, thank you to all of the team for supporting and feeding us during lockdown.

Do you have someone you know to add? - If so, please see below...

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ABOUT MILFORD ON SEA UNSUNG LOCKDOWN HEROES

Throughout this pandemic Milford on Sea must have had many 'Unsung Lockdown Heroes' who deserve a thank you. People who have helped others with acts of kindness however large or small. 

This could be local people who do anything from supporting a neighbour by getting their shopping or prescriptions, it could be friends who have kept your spirits up, a kind stranger who has lent a helping hand, or people volunteering to help other people in the community in any way. It could also be a village business or organisation who are going that extra mile to get the community through this crisis.

There must be a lot of people out there who deserve a thank you, so please don't be shy or hesitant in sending us the information. Nothing would give us more pleasure than to give some small recognition to those that are helping others and keeping our community together.

To let us know about your 'Unsung Lockdown Hero' please send us:

1. The Name of the Unsung Lockdown Hero.
2. A brief sentence of what they have done or are doing.
3. A photo of the hero. (Please ensure you have their permission to publish.)
4. Send all to: david@milfordonsea.org

We will then let you know the 'Unsung Lockdown Heroes' we hear of each week. It will be a pleasure to say thank you to them.