Murray James releases single

We may be on the verge of having a real life pop star in the village.  Milford on Sea born Murray James has his first single due for release on 9^th October.

Murray draws on soul, reggae and hip hop influences and combines them with his unique lyrical insight.  Writing his own material, he is also currently working with Producer Dan Grech Marguerat (The Vaccines, Scissor Sisters), on his debut album for the iconic Deconstruction label.

You can watch Murray’s new single ‘Protect Me’, by just clicking here:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWUHsEbSPYk

You can also hear a preview or pre-order Murray’s Debut 4-track EP 'Protect Me' here: http://bit.ly/qZpadw

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Milford on Sea born Murray James was nominated for a Q Award as the ‘Next Best Thing’ in 2010, and also dubbed ‘a superstar’ by The Sun.   Murray James is actually a ‘stage name’ & he may be known better locally by his real name of James Billet. Now pursuing a career as a singer songwriter, Murray has signed a recording contract & he is in the process of writing his debut album between the UK and the USA.  Murray’s musical style is a mix of soul, blues and reggae inspired songs, with a distinct vocal style that defies his appearance.  He has already supported names such as Amy Macdonald, Candi Staton, Natalie Imbruglia, Joe Purdy, and Sir Elton John, at his only UK concert this year.  The concert was performed to a sell-out crowd at Watford FC’s Vicarage Road Stadium in May 2010.

 

The 21st anniversary of the star-studded Q Awards were held at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Monday, 25th October 2010.  Some artists who received awards on the night included Sir Paul McCartney, Take That, Florence Welch, Chemical Brothers, Bryan Ferry & Kasabian.  So it looks like he is moving in the right company!  Murray was nominated in the shortlist for the ‘Next Big Thing award'.  The shortlist was chosen by a panel comprised of Columnist Of The Year Caitlin Moran from The Times, Radio1's new music guru Huw Stephens, The Sun's Showbiz Editor Gordon Smart and Q Editor In Chief Paul Rees.  From a long list of 20 acts the panel shortlisted the list to six acts.  Sadly, it wasn’t Murray’s night to pick up an award, but it sounds like he had a good time anyway according to the message he put on Twitter; “That was an unbelievable night... I'm so hung-over that I can barely move my arms! Russian vodka gets a big thumbs up!”  We hope that this is the start of a great musical career for one of our very own.

I broke them!

You may notice as you read old news stories, or view events in the Milford on Sea Community Calendar, that a lot of the pictures have been cleverly replaced with a ‘black box & warning circle’.  This is because your resident idiot has managed to destroy all of links to the original images.

Whilst I take complete blame for fiddling with settings needlessly, I would still like to the designer responsible at Picasa to be tied to a chair and covered with lumpy custard, whilst he explains why the system does not offer a warning of what happens when a moron changes album settings!

To explain, if you use Google Picasa Web Album’s you can set the ‘viewing properties’ on each album.  What I did not know was, if you change the properties of an album, each ‘url address’ on every image also changes.  You would think that if you changed the setting back, the original ‘url address’ would reappear, but oh no, you get another new one!  The consequence of this is that any link you have made to those images is lost forever.  Thinking about is, perhaps ‘url’ actually stands of ‘unique reference lost!’.

So there you have it, if you use Picasa Web Albums and link to images anywhere else, change the ‘album settings’ at your peril!

Ah well, I only have over 1000 image which now have broken links, and each has to be re-entered individually.  Fortunately I was looking for something to do over the next year or so!

Things could be worse I suppose, and at least it is not raining.  Ah, yes it is!

www.milfordonseacalendar.org

Bench Disappears

It appears that some little loves have amused themselves by nicking a bench from Studland Common. The bench had previously been in the middle of the area of the Pleasure Grounds in Milford on Sea and was a popular meeting place for dog walkers.

As it is extremely unlikely the bench will be recovered or mysteriously replaced in the dark of night, many local people feel that it is important to replace the seat.  Stepping up to the plate is Milford on Sea resident, Amanda Tanner, who has started a campaign to raise the funds for a replacement. The Parish Council have estimated it will cost £300, so Amanda has set about trying to raise the funds.

We know times are tough, but if you are willing to donate, contributions can be put through Amanda’s door (at Woodside, Pless Road) or dropped into Hugh Whitlock’s office, clearly marked “Bench”.  Alternatively please contact Amanda Tanner on 01590 645119, or amandatanner@sky.com

Lionel’s up in the air

We have heard that Lionel Illgner is jumping out of a plane.  Rather him than me!  Lionel & his wife Nici, are busy people in the village, running three Milford on Sea businesses, ‘Hardware@Milford’ (the shop that has everything for home DIY jobs!) and ‘Jaws & Paws & Claws’ (the pet shop) in the village, they also own the bed & breakfast at Carrington Farmhouse Cottage. 

My wife tried to organise a ‘Skydive’ for me once, but when she realised I would be given a parachute she lost interest. 

Anyway, Lionel’s Charity Tandem Skydive is on the 25th September, and in aid of Leukaemia Busters.  I f you fancy chipping in a pound or two I know he would be very grateful.  If you want to donate, you can do so here:
www.justgiving.com/Lionel-Illgner

www.skydivesouthcoast.co.uk

www.hardwareatmilford.co.uk

Tel: 01590 641684

A new Zest in the village

We heard of a new business in the village this week.  Zest Services have been set up by a young local couple who live MIlford on Sea.  Carley & Andy are now offering home cleaning, or domestic help services to local people.  To keep things simple all round they have a fixed price structure, and to give additional value they have a loyalty scheme which offers ‘freebie’ services for continued custom.  In addition to cleaning, they also undertake other services as well (for example ironing, washing, shopping, gardening, basic handyman services etc), as well as commercial cleaning  for Offices and shops, etc.

Andy said “We aim to give a high quality service that customers are happy with and will tell their friends about.  We would be happy to offer your readers a 10% discount on their first clean and with our already low rates, that is great value."

If you would like to find out more about Zest Cleaning, their prices & offers, please take a look at their website.

www.zest-services.com

info@zest-services.com | Tel: 07543 294830

The Milford Beach Sign Mystery

We received a report this week that the ‘Tourist Information Sign’ in Sea Road car park contained a picture of a strange beach. Naturally I felt compelled to investigate, but not compelled enough to go and look myself. Instead I cajoled my long suffering friend in to yet another favour, by asking him if he would take a picture of the sign for me.

Although he agreed, like myself he also couldn’t be bothered to go into the village to look. He did however take a picture of the ‘Tourist Information Sign’ at The Needles Eye Café. (Where no doubt he had popped in for a fried breakfast he shouldn’t be eating.)

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The picture of the sign was soon on my desk, and on taking a look I could see no problem with the picture of the beach at all. I duly went back to the whistle-blower who had given me the information in the first place, to be told the other sign is different. If she had worked out that I was too lazy to look for myself, she was far too polite to say anything.

Back to square one, I now needed a Plan B. It had also now become a personal challenge to resolve this without leaving my desk. I considered asking my wife to participate in the research, but as a policeman’s daughter, she already knew the current progress on this case, and simply suggested I got off my ample rear to look myself. (Her actual words were slightly different.) Undeterred, and immune to insults, I called my friend again. My luck was in, as he was going to buy a newspaper, so within the hour I had a picture of the Sea Road car park tourism sign. Yep, my informant was right, a picture of a beach, but certainly not Milford on Sea beach.

So, there we have it. A unknown beach on one of our tourist signs, and a confused and clueless reporter at this desk. I will do my best to sleep whilst this sand based mystery remains unresolved, but be assured, as soon as someone can explain the whole affair without me having to leave my desk, you will be the first to know.

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Guess the Beach Competition

If you have any idea where the mystery beach may be, please ‘Add a comment’ below. I fully expect some ridiculous comments and look forward to providing some suitably ridiculous replies!

Katie's talent shines

Katie Gates, a local girl born & bred in from Milford on Sea (and also daughter of our Village butcher, David Gates from The Butchers Shop) has been given the big thumbs up by judges at the Open Mic UK auditions. Along with other impressive acts, Katie has made it through to the Regional Finals and will now be performing at the live showcases of Open Mic UK 2011.

Open Mic UK 2011 is an exciting national talent competition which searches for the UKs best singers, singer/songwriters, rappers and vocalists of all genres who perform either covers or original material.

One contestant who has evidently caught the judge’s eye is local talent  Katie Gates, now competing for a place in the National Final at The O2 in London and the chance to grab a breakthrough recording contract. Thousands of hopefuls entered nationwide and hundreds of auditionees queued patiently on the day for their turn to impress the judges. The overall winner of Open Mic UK 2011 will be offered a recording contract, with up to £30, 000 investment! They’ll also have the opportunity to tour across the UK.

Good luck Katie, it would be great to have a new recording star from Milford on Sea!

 

Listen to Katie on her Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=270225002995869&sk=yoursettings#!/pages/Katie-Gates-Open-Mic-Regional-Finalist-2011/270225002995869

www.openmicuk.co.uk

The Marine makes the Good Food Guide

Yet another Milford on Sea restaurant has made its mark on the National culinary scene.  The Marine Restaurant & Bar on the seafront in Hurst Road has been awarded an entry in ‘The Good Food Guide 2012’.  This is an excellent accolade for a restaurant that only open around one year ago.  All entries in the guide are based entirely on readers' recommendations and inspection reports, so congratulations are certainly in order.  Owner Richard, Head Chef Sam, and all of the rest of The Marine team must be extremely proud.

 

Every day it feels that Milford on Sea is fast becoming a ‘foodies heaven’.  Along with Verveine winning the ‘Hampshire Restaurant of the Year’ and ‘Chef of the Year’, we also have the exciting new French restaurant ‘La Perle’, the constant high quality & AA Rosette Westover Hall Hotel & Park Lane Restaurant, the deliciously spicy Zaika Indian Restaurant, The Britannia Thai Restaurant with authentic dishes, plus the many fine pubs and cafes all serving great food to suit any taste or budget.  If there are still eating places in the village you have yet to try, go on… treat yourself to a great meal!

www.themarinerestaurant.co.uk

Carol Singers Wanted

Jan Rook at Seahorses Community Playgroup is looking for some carol singers to appear at the Seahorses Christmas Fair. 

The Fair takes place from 10am to 12 noon at the Community Centre on Saturday the 10th of December.  Along with the stalls, coffee, cakes and Father Christmas she would love for a choir or some gifted amateurs to sing some carols for the visitors.  If you & a group of friends fancy giving the day a special festive feel please get in touch with Jan.

Seahorses Community Playgroup | Jan Rook | 07801 624324

seahorses@btinternet.com

New Fundraising idea for clubs & charities

Gary Price, local businessman, and editor of The Barton Bugle, has launched ‘Peel2Save’, which is a new fundraising idea for charities, schools, clubs, churches, youth groups and other non-profit organisations to raise much needed money.

The Peel2Save fundraising card is full of local discounts and savings from more than 20 businesses including Westover Hall Hotel, Verveine, Westover Hall, La Perle, The Marine, South Lawn Hotel, Smuggler's Arms, Brittania Thai, Sears Barbers, Bon Appetit and New Seasons Florists.

 

Elliotts of Lymington, The Mill at Gordleton and Vitality Day Spa in New Milton.  Basically, the fundraiser sell the cards for £10 each and get to keep £5 from every card sold.

 

Gary aims aim to raise £50,000 for New Forest groups in his first year with this project.

If you would like to find out more, Gary is running a presentation at 41 Farm Lane South, Barton on Sea on Wednesday 14^th September between 12noon-2pm or Thursday 22^nd September between 7pm-9pm.  If you would like to go along, please let him know.

 

RSVP: gary.prince@peel2save.co.uk  or ann.henderson@peel2save.co.uk  or call 01425 629841.

www.peel2save.co.uk

Be a part of the ‘Big Wildlife Garden’

Everyone has the opportunity to help create the UK’s largest nature reserve from today – with the launch of the ‘Big Wildlife Garden’ (BWG) competition.  The competition is being run by The Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Horticultural Society, with funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The Big Wildlife Garden competition encourages everyone to do some wildlife gardening on their doorstep.  Anyone is eligible to take part – including individuals, communities, businesses and schools – and no space is too small to be transformed; be it a window box, school playing field or retail park in a town, city or in the countryside.  There are six categories and entry is free via the BWG website www.bigwildlifegarden.org.uk 

It is hoped that, through showcasing some of the best wildlife gardens in the UK, the competition will inspire everyone to take action and turn their gardens into wildlife havens; a great way of getting active and fit.

Natalie Rogers, Wildlife Information Officer for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust says "Gardens are vitally important for wildlife and create a patchwork of habitat for local plants and animals. The Wildlife Trust's 'Living Landscapes' vision involves linking up habitats to conserve nature, and gardens will play an important role in this. Hampshire and the Island have some wonderful wildlife gardens so please enter the competition to show the UK how fabulous our two counties are for wildlife!"

Entries for the BWG competition can be submitted now. The competition closes on Sunday 20 May 2012.  Prizes include a wildlife gardening masterclass at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, where the prize-giving ceremony will take place, along with membership of the Wildlife Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society.

The BWG website contains top wildlife gardening tips and links entrants to a community of gardeners throughout the UK, with a facility to view BWG entries in their locality.  It also includes a ‘My Garden’ page where information about gardens can be uploaded and stored.  To find out more visit the BWG website www.bigwildlifegarden.org.uk

To find out more about Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust see www.hwt.org.uk

Police Alert for Mum's

Milford on Sea Police Alert: On 29th August a male possibly of Asian appearance was seen driving a silver Vauxhall Corsa, stopping in a quiet residential area and giving sweets to a young boy.

Please be aware of children's safety and report anyone acting suspiciously.  Also, please pass this information on to any Mum’s with young children you may know.

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Andy Brown | PCSO 13355

Safer Neighbourhoods Team | Lymington Police Station | SO41 9GH

External Tel: 0845 045 45 45

Mobile Tel: 07901102272 

andrew_brown@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

Have you seen any nude sunbathers recently?

At last, a bright sunny summer day welcomed my early awakening in glorious Milford on Sea. Having walked & fed the dogs, I was waiting for my wife to arise from her slumbers to let me know what I was doing today. As I patiently waited for her dreams of me to cease, I thought it might be interesting to find out a bit more about our Milford on Sea village beaches from my friends at Google. I started with ‘Paddys Gap’ and identified a ‘smuggling connection’. Point noted to research at a later time. I then did a search for ‘Taddiford Gap’. As some of you may know there is a Second World War pillbox on the cliff top, and during World War 2 the gap was 'plugged' with the concrete obstacles commonly known as 'dragons teeth'. There are still a few remains of the anti-tank defences (dragons teeth), some of which have now fallen to the beach from the eroding cliffs. 

A bit more delving and I found out a bit more than I had expected. Oooo, it appears I had found an unofficial local nudist beach! I felt like Kojak when he had just latched onto an unexpected case, other than I was eating a KitKat rather than a lollipop. I obviously now had a choice, continue looking into information about the local beaches, or research the nudist bit a little more. I think you probably know what I decided.

I have to say, on previous walks on Taddiford Gap beach I had never seen any exposed ‘wobbly bits’. I can’t make up my mind if I was fortunate or not, however my intrepid research needed to continue. One web search revealed the statement that: ‘Taddiford Gap is an unofficial naturist beach. The area to the west of the access point is much favoured by nudists. Naturists might also learn something about wildlife in the area’. Good point, I suppose a bit of bird watching whilst nude sunbathing can be educational. 

I also found out that a couple of years ago the British Naturism website was requested to remove the beaches location from their directory of naturist beaches. The request had been made by Longdown Management Ltd, on behalf of the landowners of this beach (The Trustees of the Barker-Mill Discretionary Trust.) Reading one of the web entries, I have to say I did giggle immaturely when they mentioned the ‘Pay & Display’ car park! Why is it that any beach with a name containing ‘Gap’, and an association with nudists, just gets me sniggering like a five year old.

Milford on Sea of course need more signs on the seafront, so how about one saying; ‘Attention: Nude bathing is prohibited, but encouraged’.

 

Now, I have never been, or even knowingly known a naturist, so to find out more I felt we had to visit to research the beach in person. I suggested to my wife that we should go ‘under cover’ to blend in. I have never seen her so horrified! Her complexion changed from warm pink to stark white, her mouth dried in front of my eyes and she wobbled as if her legs were about to give way. It was obvious this plan was not going to work.

Oh well, I would need to diet before going anyway. So for now, I think I will pop down to Boots for a heavy duty body razor and some sun cream oil in preparation for next summer.

All Total Voice Need is Love



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Total Voice, our very own Milford on Sea village choir are holding a very special charity concert on the 15th October.  The concert will be a celebration of songs about love and friendship with performances from the adult and children's choirs as well as solos and smaller groups. 

The concert is being held to raise money towards parental rooms at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton.  Choir leader Christine Mulgrew said "The charity we are supporting is very close to my heart as the Neonatal Unit took care of my little boy Archie who was born in February this year.  Archie was in the unit for just a few days before coming home with us but the care we received was outstanding and I really wanted to do something to say thank you.  I also know there are other families within the choir whose children or grandchildren have been taken care of by the Neonatal Unit at Princess Anne Hospital so it means a lot to us.  Do come along and support us, as ever we promise a night of great songs and performances packed with fun and enthusiasm.”

The Princess Anne Hospital provides specialist care to around 600 sick term and pre term (premature) new born babies a year from Southampton, Bournemouth, Poole, Chichester, Dorchester, Basingstoke, Isle of Wight, Salisbury, Winchester and the Channel Islands - with such a wide-spread 'catchment' many parents do not have the option to go home.  The Neonatal Unit has already raised £75,000 towards a new suite of parental rooms, Christine aims to bring them even closer to their £100,000 target.

Christine is also looking for sponsors, raffle prizes and donations.  Perhaps you have a Beach Hut and would be willing to offer a week’s use for a raffle prize?  Maybe you could take someone out on your boat?  Ideally she would like some unusual raffle prizes that people would really, really want, as well as the delicious meals from our lovely local restaurants!  So if you fancy getting involve please drop her an e-mail.

Total Voice are also performing a concert for the RNLI on Sat 24th September in the Community Centre.

Tickets are now on sale at Gwen’s in the High Street and buying one will give you a great night out, whilst doing good for those less fortunate.

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If you are able to help with any of the above please contact Christine Mulgrew on 07824 388263, or email: info@totalvoice.co.uk  |  www.totalvoice.co.uk

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Michelle joins Gardening Magazine

Michelle Wheeler is a local Milford on Sea resident and young mum, who has landed a new job as a weekly garden writer with Amateur Gardening magazine.  As you might expect Michelle is a keen gardener with a great knowledge. 


She trained at Sparsholt College in RHS qualifications, and then worked at Fairweathers for a while.  Before her latest career adventure, she had worked at River Cottage in Devon in Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall kitchen garden.  

Michelle lives with her family in Keyhaven Road, and her ever expanding garden has made an interesting visit for many during Milford on Sea Food Week.  The variety of herbs, vegetables and plants is impressive, particularly as she grows them in this unforgiving seaside environment.  Michelle really enjoys writing about gardening and is always be on hand to give advice to people in the village.  She is now just waiting from some decent rain to do some more planting, and looking forward to welcoming more visitors at next year’s Food Week.

8,000 year old Solent wood & string

They say you learn something new every day, well today I learnt two things.  First, I learnt that my wife goes apoplectic if I put my finger in the middle of her mouth as she is yawning.  Secondly, I discovered that The Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology (HWTMA) have been carrying out internationally important excavations and research of the submerged pre‐historic site of Bouldnor Cliff in the Solent.   Bouldnor Cliff is 11 metres below the surface and approximately 250 metres offshore of Bouldnor, near Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight and lies within the Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation.

Excavations have been on‐going at Bouldnor Cliff since the Mesolithic settlement was first identified in 1999, when a lobster was seen throwing Stone Age worked flint tools from its burrow.  Since then the site has yielded numerous secrets, including the oldest piece of string and more than a quarter of all the worked Mesolithic timber that has ever been recovered in this country.  The material so far recovered has already demonstrated that the technology of the era was 2,000 years ahead of what archaeologists previously believed.  Trust director Garry Momber outlined that ‘Bouldnor is one of the most important Middle Stone Age sites in the world’.

The fast flowing tidal conditions of the Solent pose numerous problems for archaeologists working at Bouldnor, and several new techniques have been developed to make work easier.  These have included ‘Box Sampling’ which allowed sections of seabed to be lifted in a case and excavated on dry land. In addition, earlier this year, divers managed to lay a line between two parts of the site that lie 450 metres apart. This finally links numerous excavation areas along the underwater cliff face using what is probably the longest underwater archaeological base line in the world.

The site is constantly being eroded by the Solent’s tides and the HWTMA continue to monitor the site and to undertake rescue recoveries and excavation when significant material is under threat.  This year is no exception and further survey, sampling and recoveries will be undertaken by diving archaeologists between the 5 – 9 September.

I am still a bit bemused as to how Mesolithic man lived under the sea, and why a lobster decided to use flint tools.  However, this may be a piece of learning I will need to leave for another day.

Further information:

The Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology (HWTMA) is a charitable Trust that seeks to promote and preserve maritime archaeology around the country, but particularly in the South.  More information can be found on www.hwtma.org.uk

Verveine sweeps Hampshire Awards

Thursday was the night of the Hampshire Life Food & Drink Awards 2011. 

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As we got ready for this lavish annual event, I was unsure how long I would be able to breathe, due to my wife having shrunk my dinner suit trousers since the last time I had worn them.  After a few hours getting ready, and only a few minutes late, my wife had scrubbed up well for a night of glitz & glamour.  We were soon on our way to the Four Seasons Hotel at Dogmersfield House near a remote northern town called Hook.  As we arrived, we cruised up a long sweeping drive to discover the magnificent neo-classical Georgian Dogmersfield House.  At the entrance we were greeted by the very smart hotel team, who were reminiscent of the lines of staff welcoming renowned people at Buckingham Palace.  I asked if the welcome party was just for me, and the manager adeptly ignored my comment and discreetly asked; ‘Are you OK sir, you look a bit red.’  My wife just said ‘He always looks like that when his blood circulation is cut off’, and headed for the waiters with champagne trays.

On the terrace I was pleased to see a few other portly guys also struggling for breath. Starting to recognise some of the esteemed guests, it dawned on me that ‘the great & good in Hampshire food’ was in attendance.  The Hampshire Life Magazine team took the time and trouble to come and introduce themselves, and each one was delightful.  The Verveine team then arrived in all of their finery.  Most other award nominees were in one’s and two’s, but Milford on Sea’s Verveine came mob handed, with none of the team left out of this special occasion.  Their excitement was palpable and infectious.

 

Dogmersfield House was a spectacular and impressive venue, and as we were all invited to take our places for dinner in the ballroom, the wow factor got even bigger.  Magnificently laid tables, grand surroundings and a stage with large plasma screens like an Oscar ceremony.  As over 200 people took their seats, I just looked at the chair and then my trousers, wondering whether it would be the waistband or crotch that gave way first?!  The conversations just flowed as we enjoyed a four course meal, including a spectacular local 'loosehanger' cheese board.  We were even given copious and complimentary wine by local wine merchant Berry Brothers.  I bet our chef, Cyrille Pannier, felt just a little pressure cooking for the array of foodie diners he had in tonight!  Our table was pretty noisy, with the Verveine team having a great time, albeit a little apprehensive for what excitement may lay ahead.

Just after nine, it was time for the ten ‘Food & Drink Awards’ awards of the evening.  Hosting the awards ceremony was Sally Taylor from BBC South Today.  First up was ‘Chef of the Year’.  This award was for the chef considered to demonstrate freshness & quality in their menus, high food standards and raw passion.  The nominees were David Wykes from Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant, Andrew Donovan from the 5 star Aviator Hotel in Farnborough and Damian Brown Executive chef at Chesil Rectory in Winchester.  To raise the tension, a short film was shown on each person.  Then…. ‘The winner is……. David Wykes!’  Our table spontaneously erupted, and it would have been of no surprise to discover one of us had wet ourselves.  It is amazing to think that this extraordinary Milford on Sea village fish restaurant only opened in February 2010.  As David collected his award the celebratory emotions ran high, with the entire Verveine team of David, Stacey, John, Mary Kate, Jackie, Jess & Graham all beside themselves with excitement. David’s wife, Sarah, was also there to share in his proud moment of deserved recognition.  My wife was there mainly because she loves a good party.

 

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A couple of awards later it was time for the ‘Restaurant of the Year’.  This award was to recognise quality of food and service, value for money and the overall dining experience.  This time Verveine were again up against serious competition from Pebble Beach in Barton on Sea and Chesil Rectory in Winchester.  Another film, more tension.  Then Sally said; ‘And the winner is… Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant!’.  Our table exploded again, everyone jumping in the air, hugs all round and kisses were everywhere.  I think I took the unknown lady on the table next to us by surprise when I kissed her on the lips.  But in a funny way I think she enjoyed it, although she tried to feign resistance by punching me hard in the kidneys.  It did hurt, but in a strange way I was pleased that it had taken my mind off of my strangulating waist band.  Stacey & David proudly collected their award from the stage to a room of loud applause.  It is clear they were popular winners, and anyone who has dined at Verveine can only be impressed by the creative menu, fresh ingredients, slick service and the theatre of the entire experience.     

The last award of the evening was for ‘The Hampshire Recognition Award’.  By this stage my bow tie had gone, shirt undone, jacket off and I was one stage from undoing my trousers.  So, it took me a bit by surprise when my name was called.  I was also a bit embarrassed, as all I do is pull together other peoples hard work.  I was the most unkempt person in the room, so I was guaranteed to spoil all of the nice photos the organisers had been taking so much trouble to get perfect all night.  As far as I am concerned, this award is genuinely for everyone in the Milford on Sea community who work so hard organising or getting involved with Food Week events for all ages groups, and of course for everyone in the village who enthusiastically turn out to support the many and various events throughout Milford on Sea Food Week.  It is more than enough for me just to see a village full of smiling people.  I am now a bit unsure where to put this unexpected trophy, so I may drop it round to a random house in the village and ask them to pass it on each day.

As the evening drew to a close it was evident that many new friendships had been forged, and all of the Hampshire food providers had been drawn a little closer together, which can only be good for everyone who enjoys food in our county.  As everyone boarded the Milford on Sea bus home it was clear that the driver was going to have to endure the continued celebrations of the Verveine team for quite a while!

Well done and thank you to everyone at Hampshire Life, ….you put on a spectacular evening.  Big congratulations also go to all in Milford on Sea, the village won three out of the evenings ten awards, and all because you support the efforts so many are making to put Milford on Sea on the map for great food.  Keep eating!

www.verveine.co.uk

Saturday is Carnival Fun Day!

Don’t miss out on the late summer fun on Milford on Sea village green this Saturday.  The Milford Carnival Fun Day starts at 10am and runs right through until 8pm. The day has lots of free live music & entertainment for the family, with plenty to keep you refreshed, such as a BBQ, fresh Doughnuts and Pimms.  There is also loads for the kids to enjoy, including a Bouncy Castle, Climbing Wall and Assault Course.  Keeping the traditional theme going, you can also have a go on the Coconut Shy, Bat the Rat, Tombola, Raffle and other traditional village green games.

This year, whilst no carnival procession, there is a Fancy Dress competition with the theme of ‘Children’s TV characters’.  Contestant will gather at 4.15pm in the High Street where the judging will take place.  The first prize in the Fancy Dress Competition is a family passport ticket to Longleat.  (Entry forms are now available from Gwen’s, or by e-mail from sean@hwsolicitors.com)  The day’s festivities are drawn to a close with the Grand Raffle Draw at 7.45pm.  Enjoy your Carnival day, it’s always a good one!

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Organised by Milford on Sea Village Community Committee

Big Cat sighting in village

We had an interesting story in this week, which reported a sighting of a ‘big cat’ in Milford on Sea. (Unlike a lot of the nonsense stories on these pages, this one is actually true.)

This all happened around 8am on Monday 22nd August.  A local village resident was walking their dog down New Lane (Milford on Sea) towards Carrington Caravan Park and is convinced she has seen something very unusual.  It was definitely not a dog or a big domestic cat, but looked like a very black big puma sized cat.  The 'big cat' was between the woods and the open fields.  The person in question is absolutely sure it was something out of the ordinary, and asked me to ensure everyone that she hadn't been drinking!

Anyone else seen anything strange out there?   Let me know: david@milfordonsea.org

Suzanna cuts way to award

Suzanna Reeves recently won a National Hair Dressing Federation Competition in the bridal section.  Suzanna lives in the village and is 24 years old.  She has been involved with hairdressing for 10 years, and a qualified hairdresser for the past 7 years.  She has also had compliments on her work from TV’s style team ‘Trinny and Suzanna’ and completed a photo shoot for Women's Own magazine.  Having managed a hair salon, she recently decided to take the bold step to set up her own business called ‘Home Hair Professional’ in Milford on Sea village.  Suzanna brings the salon experience to clients homes, including complimentary hand and arm massage and all necessary equipment to do; Men's hair, Children, Small Bridal parties, highlights, colouring, cutting, setting, perming, and prom hair.

If anyone is interested in trying Suzanna’s friendly & affordable home service, she is happy to give a 10% discount for any new clients who mention this article. (This excludes men's and children’s cuts, as these can’t get any cheaper!)

Suzanna: 07964 375463 | homehairprofessional@gmail.com

Keep Fit & Speak Spanish

As the school holidays draw to close, many of the adult classes are restarting around the village.  Milford on Sea is of course a place with lots going on, but did you realise just how much?

The village has scores of clubs and classes, where you can keep fit, paint or even learn Spanish.  If you would like a way to fit in more than one activity at time, you could even try the Monday Keep Fit and Dance sessions in the Community Centre!  Whatever class or club you would like to get involved with, you are sure of a warm welcome.

Unfortunately, I can’t join some of the classes, as I am banned from the Dance Studio after spontaneously doing an impressive break dance and damaging the floor.

You can take a look at all that is happening in September on the link below, just click on the entry to find full details, contacts and the venue.  View Milford on Sea Community Calendar by clicking here.

To find the ‘Clubs & Classes Calendar’ at any time, just go to the main Milford on Sea Calendar and select from the drop down as below.

click image to enlarge

www.milfordonseacalendar.org

Fastnet at Westover

Last Sunday was of course the internationally famous Rolex Fastnet Race, where 300 yachts race over a course of 608 nautical miles from Cowes, IoW, rounds the Fastnet Rock off the southwest coast of Ireland and then finish at Plymouth. The first Fastnet Race was held in 1925 with 5 entries, today the field includes some of the most technically advanced, and spectacular yachts in the world.

The best vantage points to watch this sea racing spectacle are at the narrowest part of the Solent at Hurst Castle or on Hurst Spit, or from Milford on Sea beach, where you can see the racers sail past The Needles and out across Christchurch Bay.  Now with this big build up I suspect you are waiting for me to tell you how I was dragged in the sea by a cephalopod as I was trying to walk along Hurst Spit, or how I had been a senior crew member on the winning yacht.  However, whilst probable, neither would be true.  In fact, I missed most of the race boats coming through, as I was preparing for a Sunday lunch at the Westover Hall.  No special occasion, other than my wife thought it was a good idea for her to have a day off cooking, and our friends like any excuse to eat out.

Thankfully, our good neighbours did a fine job in keeping an eye on the Fastnet Race activity for us.  The first casualty they spotted was a 40ft Princess cruiser motor yacht called ‘Don't Ask’ registered in Poole.  The name ironically proved somewhat apt. Apparently ‘Don't Ask’ very nearly came ashore on Milford on Sea beach, before it temporarily got its motor going again for a brief stint.  Seastart (a sort of marine AA owned by local man Nick Eales) got to it when it was anchored about 100 yards out in front of the bowling green. (See picture.)  The bowlers ignored it of course - very British.  After some pumping out, it limped off towards Keyhaven in a cloud of black smoke.  It is unknown whether the captain & crew had sufficient qualities of gin on board to survive through their ordeal.

The second stricken vessel was a 30-40ft cruiser with its spinnaker wrapped around its hull & problems with its jib. (I also have problems with my jib’s, mainly because my wife likes to give me regular rabbit punches there when I am not looking.)  After about a half hour of struggling, it got help from the lifeboat, who eventually managed to tow it to safety.

Still not out of the Solent, one of the Fastnet competitor yachts then got into trouble, making Strontium Dog the 3rd casualty spotted off of Milford on Sea.  It seems it drifted in from well out before the Yarmouth lifeboat came on the scene. Strontium Dog was also towed by the lifeboat. (separately of course.)  To assist the general mayhem, the wind force was at 6.  So, all in all, an average afternoon in Milford!

Whilst all this was happening we were eating too much with our friends.  Well, I say eating too much, but the truth is that my friend, who wishes to remain anonymous, (Colin) is an extremely bad influence, and he had insisted we had a couple of drinks in the bar before eating.  After a couple, and pleasant catch up with our great hosts, David & Christine, we wandered (not in a straight line) to the formal, but extremely relaxed One Park Lane Restaurant.  We had a great view of the race from the window, but I was chatting (my wife seems to describe this more as ‘talking nonsense’) so much I forgot all about the Fastnet Race.  Originally we had planned to have the twelve pound something Sunday roast, which has always been great value, but a few a la carte dishes caught our eye.  A fine onion soup with homemade rolls soon arrived along with a bottle of wine, then delicious surf & turf, followed by more wine and a delightful deconstructed Eton mess.  The Westover kitchen team certainly know how cook!  Suitably refreshed in all areas, it was now time to go home.  But, other plans soon took over, as we boys ordered cheese and port.  The wives had matching faces of complete distain for their red cheeked husbands.  In spite of missing the beginning of the race we had had a great lunch, and for some reason the walk home was longer than the walk there.  I suspect that after this outing it was a bit optimistic to expect to stay awake to watch any afternoon Fastnet action.  So, if any happened in the afternoon you have my wife and anonymous friend to blame for it not being reported.

A few days later, and in a vain attempted to recover any small remaining credibility I had as a local reporter, I decided to do some ‘after the event’ research.  I discovered that the remaining competitors in The Fastnet Race descended on the finish line between 0000 and 0200, and that only 105 boats, or just over one third of the record-sized fleet, crossed the finish line.  I have no idea what day this was on, as the website was not clear, and deciphering the ‘sailing speak’ was too much for a mere occasional sailor like me.   So, it might have been anything from one to six days, which was either really fast, or really slow, absolutely no idea!

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PS: Mike Collison took a more grown up approach to the Fastnet Race, by deciding to miss Sunday lunch and watch the race properly. Mike's impressive Fastnet photos are below.

click image to enlarge

www.fastnet.rorc.org