Clubs, Classes & Sports

What's On

Friday 4 May 2012

Locals in The Telegraph

click image to enlarge
Sue Hill from The Village Voice, spotted that two local Milford on Sea residents found their letters published in The Daily Telegraph this week.

Annie Smith had written suggesting MP's pay should become performance related, to match the plans for teachers.  Now, wouldn't that be fun!

Noel Baptiste had a novel idea to fine water companies for leakages.

Good plan by my reckoning.  Fortunately, the torrential rain over the last few weeks has numbed the effect of the hosepipe ban, and my wife has not had to worry about getting out into the garden to save some plant or other green thing.

Tuesday 1 May 2012

Nominate our Restaurants

click image to enlarge
Nominations are now taking place for the Hampshire Life Food & Drink Awards 2012.

This provides us with a great opportunity to give well deserved recognition to the great places we all have to eat in Milford on Sea, and it will only take a couple of minutes of your time. 

You can vote in a number of categories, including ‘Tea Shop of the Year’, (We have plenty of these worth nominating!), Restaurant of the Year’, ‘Chef of the Year’ and ‘Food Producer of the Year’. (Which would suit our village producers like Claire at Spice n’Easy, or Nicola at Yum)

Competition across the county is going to fierce, but if enough of us nominate we can win.

Last year Verveine won the ‘Restaurant of the Year’, and David Wykes won the ‘Chef of the Year’.  It would be great to keep these awards in the village in 2012!

Milford on Sea is fast becoming recognized as a ‘Foodie Heaven by the Sea!’, and another award or two for our great restaurants, tea shops and producers would not go amiss!

The Hampshire Life Food & Drink Awards aim to celebrate all that is great about our local food and drink industry, and give valuable recognition to restaurants, producers, growers, suppliers and hospitality venues around the Hampshire region.

A sparkling awards ceremony will be held for the nominees at the Four Seasons Hotel, Hampshire on Thursday, August 23, 2012.

Please make your nomination today, as if your favourite isn’t entered, it can’t win!

Nominate by clicking here! http://kwiksurveys.com/online-survey.php?surveyID=LCIDHO_9947e28a&u=hampshirelifeawards

Closing date for nominations is 31st May 2012.

www.spiceneasy.co.uk

www.hampshire.greatbritishlife.co.uk
www.hampshirelifeawards.greatbritishlife.co.uk

40 B4 40- Gaucho Charlotte, London W1

cick image to enlarge
No. 12A:  I hope you can keep a secret.  As this week, Alistair and I had a business meeting in London.  Alistair, is both my business partner, and surrogate wife. (Although he doesn’t perform ironing and a couple of other duties.)
Anyway, my real wife knew we had a business meeting, what she did not know was we were having it over lunch at Gaucho in Charlotte Street.  As she was not with us, this should not of course qualify for the 40-B4-40, however I reckon it does deserve a mention.
Our business guests had come down from Sheffield, and we met for the initial meeting in the Charlotte Street, with coffee’s and pastries, naturally.  Lunchtime was soon upon us, so we concluded business, as it was time to eat properly and head for the Gaucho.
The sumptuous décor would give any vegetarian a migraine in a matter of seconds.  Cow skin wall and chairs, leather furniture and crystal chandeliers were a unique and impressive combination.  It will come as no surprise that this is an Argentinian Steak restaurant.
Our charming and humorous waitress looked after us superbly, from when we ordered our first bottle of wine, through showing us every cut of Argentinian steak and the various marinade options, until our third bottle and final drinks.  She even informed us that the rump steak could be eaten with a spoon.
Naturally we all had three courses, all were tasty, but the steaks were by far the star of the day.  When the main meals arrived the meat was truly amazing and meltingly tender, and the accompanying mushroom sauce was a delight.  Our waitress then bought a spoon and duly cur Alistair’s steak with ease and a round of applause.  Only last week I had enjoyed what I considered one of the best fillet steaks I had ever had in La Perle in Milford on Sea, almost unbelievably, this steak hit the same massively high mark.  Things got even better when washed down with some very nice Malbec  As you may imagine, there was little talk about business over lunch and the company and conversation were great fun.
Lunch was over around 3.30pm and unfortunately our full and satisfied guests were on their way back to sunny Sheffield.  The food had been great, the meeting successful and the bill a bit painful!
Not getting out much, Alistair was up for ‘a session’.  It would have been rude not to have joined him in the pub, so it was a bit of a surprise when I got a text reminding me we had guests for dinner tonight.  Whoops, I had forgotten that.  I consulted Alistair on the best strategy to use, and he just giggled and ordered us both another pint.
Life becomes a bit confusing when your senses are saying; “Just one more”, and your brain is saying; “Have you any idea how much trouble you are in!”
There was only one thing for it, I had to be honest, so sent my wife a text saying; “A circus elephant has escaped at Waterloo, and all trains are suspended”.  I reckon that bought me an hour.
A pint or so later another text arrived.  “When will you be home?”.  Hmmm.  Having had enough beer we decided to change venues whilst we looked for a suitable rely.  A reply was duly sent; “Elephant is fine, on way to station”.
Whist we were on the way to the station, I fancied a cocktail.  We made it through Old Compton Street, and Alistair was disappointed that no-one even gave him a second glance. Perhaps he will now believe me that his jacket did not go with his shirt. 
Arriving at the Criterion Restaurant in Piccadilly we though this could be the place for a cocktail, but after a couple of attempts, we decided that neither of us was in a fit state to navigate the revolving doors, so we carried on walking in the rain.
As we got more drenched in the Haymarket, the first suitable port of call was Planet Hollywood.  Not ideal, but they do cocktails.  A cocktail or two later, it was time for home and another text.  “I luv u!” was sent to my wife by Alistair from my phone.  When things reach this level even an idiot like me knows it is time to go home.  Alistair’s efforts in pleading and tantrums for ‘just one more’, fell quite rightly on deaf ears.
Also, with his bald head a glowing bright red through alcohol consumption, he really should not have been out in public any longer.
On getting home it was of course great to see Steve & Viv, our evenings guests.  It was also a bit frightening to see my wife.  “I couldn’t see anything on the web about an elephant at Waterloo” she subtly mentioned.  Pretending I hadn’t heard, I chatted to our friends about their day, trying to avoid any more mention of mine.
Understandably, I passed on the evening meal of home-made paella, but accepted the offer to share the wine, and a few more drinks until I could take no more.  Viv and my wife were up to the early hours talking about things only girls talk about, and most importantly, this deflected any further questions on why I was late home.  However, I bet it has been registered to reappear at some time in the future though!  
 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Gaucho Charlotte, 60A Charlotte Street, London W1T 2NU
If you are wondering what the 40 B4 40 Dining Challenge is all about, please click here and all will be explained.


May Fayre on Monday

Milford on Sea’s traditional May Fayre takes place on this Bank Holiday Monday 7th May.

This charming village event, will be on the village green and is open from 10am to 4pm.

This year the May Princess is Maisie Bungey and her attendant is Sammy Fraser, both aged 11 years from Milford Primary School.  The crowing takes place at 2pm followed by May Pole dancing by the school children.

There will be plenty to keep the kids entertained with Punch and Judy or the Great Magic Show, there is also the climbing wall, assault course and Body Zorbs, a great experience for those brave enough to try them out.

In addition to this there are lots of stalls, music and BBQ, in fact something for everyone.

Rain, or shine, the volunteers from the Milford on Sea Community Committee will be ensuring everyone will havs fun!


Mole Men Send Report

Some of you with nothing better to do may have been following the stories about the spurious roadwork’s around Milford on Sea village, covering up the true work of the Mole Men building a subterranean town. 



We have been contact by Paul Rose, claiming to be the Operations Manager at Southern Gas Networks. (Yes, really.)  Paul wishes to explain that they were called to Cliff Road for a public reported gas escape some time ago.  After several attempts to repair the main they found there to be further problems along the line.  To deal with the problem once and for all, Paul said they needed to replace a section of the pipe that was most effected,  as done a couple of years ago on the last section to the east.  Now, subject to weather, all reinstatement is expected to be complete and off the road before the bank holiday with only some top soil to be spread.

Paul has sent Southern Gas Networks sincere apologies for the delays and disruption caused during the essential works.  He has also offered the village the offer of some resource from Southern Gas Networks Community Action Programme.  This is where every resource working for Southern Gas Networks can have one paid day to work on a community project.

I have no reason to believe Paul is not genuine, although it would be funny if he had a furry face and whiskers.  It was also interesting that he did not mention, or deny, the creation of the underground Mole Men community.  Better to say nothing in the hope we believe their cover story I reckon. 

His community project offer got me thinking, what could be do with some Southern Gas Networks people for a day?

Perhaps we could have a seawater swimming pool dug on the beach, or perhaps the boys with the hard hats & spades could do a 'Full Monty Show' for the over 80's on the Village Green.  In fact, how about getting them to build a canopy outside of Mr Pink's to stop us all getting wet when queueing for Friday night fish and chips in a storm!

I suppose with their exceptional experience of ‘digging & clearing,’ they would be well suited to giving out local Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV) a hand.  So we will see what we can do.

When they do come, I think we should study them all very closely, looking for mud under the claws and strange nose twitching movements.  My guess is they will all wear glasses to disguise their poor eyesight. 

On leaving, I suggest we follow them home, as I still suspect they are living right under our feet.





More Parking Increases

We hear that the New Forest District Council are 'consulting' the Parish council over their plan to charge at the Milford on Sea seafront car parks through the winter.

In their on-going quest to remove every spare penny from your pocket, the council appear to be looking to raise funds yet again.  It is beyond me how official bodies feel better equipped to spend my money than I am.

Parking charges are a irritant for many, and more importantly a determent for others.  Less visitors, means less income for local traders and damage to our local economy.

Perhaps the council could use the additional income to pay for more parking attendants, who can then issue more fines and raise even more money.

I suppose the council believe they can spend the additional money wisely, but I have news for them, so can the people who have it at the moment!


Float into the Carnival

Hopefully you are aware that the Milford on Sea Carnival Procession is back for this year, having not taken place in 2011.

The organising committee have also decided to move away from the traditional Carnival Queen and have opted for recognising achievement in the village.  We would like people to nominate a local child, parent, grandparents, friends, brothers, sisters etc. for something they have achieved, whether it be great exam results, raising money for charity, doing something for the village, meeting personal challenge etc.

Do you have anyone in mind?  If so, please nominate them.

Nomination Forms are now available from: sean@hwsolicitors.com

The Carnival is looking to make it easy for any group, business or individual to enter a Float in the Milford on Sea Carnival Procession.  This year a ‘Float’ can be a walking display, decorated pram or motorised in the form of a car, van, lorry – in fact pretty much anything can join in!

If you would like enter any kind of ‘float’ at the Carnival, or help out in anyway, please contact Sean.

01590 644777

J Class Regatta Coming

We have heard from Sean at Hurst Castle that there is a new spectacular regatta that will pass Hurst Castle and Milford on Sea as they race around The Needles.
The J Class Solent Regatta is organised by The Royal Southampton Yacht Club and the J Class Association. With the possibility of six, or even eight J Class yachts racing, this is expected to be an outstanding regatta, both for the competitors and spectators.

A three-day competitive round the cans race Series is planned in and around the Solent on 18th to 21st July 2012, which can be viewed from the many vantage points along the shore and on the water.

The Solent was the traditional home of J Class racing in the UK during the 1930s, and The Solent Regatta will be hosted by The Royal Southampton Yacht Club (RSYC).

Race Programme

Wednesday 18th July: West Solent based race 20nm - Start 11am (Course around Christchurch Bay)
Thursday 19th July: Central Solent based race 20nm - Start 11am
Friday 20th July: East Solent based race 20nm - Start 11am

Hundred Guinea Cup Race

Saturday 21st July: Cowes around the Isle of Wight (Clockwise) 75nm - Start 10am

The Hundred Guinea Cup Race will be sailed over the original clockwise course around the Isle of Wight.  This was the course for 1851 Hundred Guinea Cup Race, which is now known as the “America’s Cup”.

About J Class Yachts

The 1930s era saw the birth of the Js - one of the greatest sailing Classes ever created.  Just 10 yachts were constructed, six in the USA and four in England. During this period there were never more than four J yachts racing together. Only three originals survived the Second World War - Shamrock V, Endeavour and Velsheda. They rested and rotted in mud berths, until their rebuild and rebirth as 21st Century racing superyachts.

With the formation of the J Class Association (JCA) in 2000, the possibility existed for replicas from history to be built and race again. New yachts have been launched and some are under construction. Most of these projects are expected to be completed by 2012, creating a fleet of the biggest, finest racing yachts the world has ever seen. Rainbow is expected to launch in 2011 and could line up against Endeavour, repeating the historic races for the America's Cup of 1934.

"No other class requires a crew 30 plus experienced sailors, handling more than 10,000 square feet of sail, driving a 200 ton hull at 16 knots around the course" In the 1930s they were the ultimate racing yachts. Now, with advanced rigging, hydraulics, carbon masts, composite ropes and electronic navigation systems, the new Js still represent the most demanding yachts in the world. Sailors just off TP52s, Volvo and America's Cup yachts declare their awe at the power, loadings, size, skill and management required to race these monsters, which are around 40 metres (140 feet) long and have a draft of 5 metres (16 feet).

Changing a genoa on a downwind leg takes 10 minutes and commits almost all the crew to lift and reposition sails, making every tactical decision critical. Yet these yachts are incredibly manoeuvrable, making them probably the ultimate racing yacht. And with no guard rails, spectacular to watch.



New Beauty Playground

A new beauty business has opened on the edge of Milford on Sea village. Acacia Beauty Academy, run by Pauling Crates, was formerly based in New Milton.

The new salon now offers all kinds of skin care, hand care, make up, massage and more.  If you would like to visit or find out more please click the weblink below.
Acacia Beauty Academy

The Granary, Newlands Manor Farm, Everton, SO41 0JH

Tel. Acacia 01590 645547 - Mbl: 07766 686204
Home Office: 01590 675310
www.acaciabeautyacademy.co.uk

Thursday 26 April 2012

Food Week in Pictures

Thanks to a whole team of volunteers we have had several million photos from Milford on Sea Food Week 2012!
You can now see a selection to give you the taste, flavour & fun of Food Week.
To view Food Week pictures, please click here
There will also be more to follow from Nick’s Foodie travels around the village.

*Thanks go to all of volunteer photographers: Nick, Val, Colin, Mark & Derek.
--------------------------------------------------

Total Voice Flash Mob
If you missed it first time around, below is another chance to see our village choir's surprise performance at the Milford on Sea Food Week Market. (Turn up volume to hear the singing.)


http://www.milfordonseafoodweek.org

Who lost the Monkey?

At the end of the Milford on Sea Food Week Market we found a lost monkey. 

Looking forlorn and obviously missing its owner, monkey is awaiting reconciliation.
If you know monkey’s master please let us know and we can arrange for them to be reunited.
Please reply to: ‘It’s my monkey” at david@milfordonsea.org
PS: Anyone over 40 years of age claiming the monkey is their's will not be believed. 

Village Service for Authors

Milford on Sea now has a consultancy service for authors and writers.  Fortunately, I have no involvement, so serious writers will benefit and the grammar will be fine.
Wordshaker is run by Sandra Cain and offers a variety of means and methods to help you on your writing adventures, including copy editing, structural advice and manuscript appraisal, ghost-writing, training in e-publishing, copywriting, creative writing workshops, author talks and book promotion and marketing.
Sandra is an author, senior lecturer, and a regular contributor at writing festivals and international conferences.  She has also written many books, fiction, non-fiction, children's, young adult and academic. Working alongside Sandra are a number of high profile writers, authors, screenwriters, film-makers and social media experts.
Sandra says; “Wordshaker offers a full service writing consultancy alongside our e-publishing arm. We are happy to hear from any aspiring authors who would like to learn how to write, format and upload their books to Amazon's Kindle e-reader. We also offer a full marketing consultancy from blog tours to designing and developing book trailers. We are lucky that Milford is a literary village full of wonderful writers and aspiring writers. Milford is a truly inspirational place to live.”
That’s getting me thinking, a book on ‘The Adventures of an Idiot in Milford on Sea’ could be my first top-seller.  Perhaps my wife would be happy to type it up for me?  I will ask her when I have sufficient courage.

If putting pen to paper is your thing, Wordshaker will be running a full one day workshop teaching aspiring writers how to design their book cover, write their blurb, format and upload their book to Amazon's Kindle. 

To find out more about the course running on Saturday 26th May please visit: www.milfordonseacalendar.org

www.wordshaker.co.uk

Food Week Raffle Winners

The draw for the Milford on Sea Food Raffle was made on Sunday 15th April at the Food Market on the village green.  The winners list can be seen below.
click image to enlarge

Sunday 22 April 2012

40 B4 40-La Perle


click image to enlarge
No. 12: Today being ‘Adopt a Pensioner Day’ (Adopter un chiot Jour) in my spiritual homeland of France, I was in a bit of a quandary.

My wife seemed to be misled in thinking it was actually ‘Adopt a Puppy Day’. However, being the fluent French speaker in the family, I knew I was of course correct.

I popped out to find a pensioner, but after knocking on a several doors it soon became clear that no-one was at home anywhere. It is strange, but this often happens when I call on neighbours, they must be busy people.

Despondently, I returned home. Still insisting I should be looking for a puppy rather than a pensioner, my wife then mentioned our friend Colin was coming around at 11am. Knowing his other half was away, and that he was suitably qualified, I decided he would be our adopted pensioner for the day.

On arriving I gave him the good news. At first he didn’t understand me, as I had told him in French, but when I reverted to English he just looked at me with complete disdain. I then told him the day included lunch at La Perle, and within seconds he was asking where he need to sign the adoption day papers. “It is Adopt a Puppy Day” my wife again insisted. Colin, with his mind firmly on his stomach, concurred that he had read in this week’s edition of La Monde that it was indeed ‘Adopt a Pensioner Day.’

I booked lunch for three at La Perle, our chic Milford on Sea village Bistro & Restaurant. I think they liked the reservation being made in fluent Gallic, although I repeated my booking request in English when requested. One step into the door and I was immediately transported back to when we had emigrated to France, this little haven in Milford on Sea High Street would have been just as at home on La Planche in Deauville, Normandy. (La Planche is the ‘Boardwalk,’ not ‘Ironing board’ as a weird friend of ours once thought.)

A sweet French voice greeted us and led us to the table. Being a lunchtime you might expect the restaurant to not be that busy, but all of the tables we full, which reflected the excellent reputation that Leo and Emily have already created since opening in June last year.

Leo, the proprietor chef, is a genuine Frenchman, from Epernay in the Champagne region of France. His passion is to serve authentic and rustic French dishes, and his past experience in working in kitchens with One & Two Michelin Stars shines through in the quality of ingredients and presentation. When we chat, for some reason he always finds my Gallic accent and version of French amusing. I am not sure why, but who can explain how any Frenchman’s mind works.

We were soon enjoying the homemade bread and French butter, my wife had a glass of red wine, and myself and our ‘geriatric for the day’, were supping a cool pint of French Kronenbourg. Having translated some elements of the menu to my wife and guest, (they pretended they knew already) I decided it might be a friendly gesture to pop around the other diners to ask whether they had any translation issues I could resolve for them.  My wife, second guessing my thought process, managed in one smooth simultaneous movement to stab my hand with a fork and start a conversation with Colin to cover up my muffled scream.

As I read the menu (with one hand), a selection of delights were jumping off the page. The ‘Prix Fixe Lunch’ seemed amazing value at £10 for one course including a glass of wine or beer. The choices of Moules mariniere & frites, Chicken chasseur & buttered mash, Mixed seafood pancake & salad, Beef Bourguignon & buttered mash, or lighter options like, Croque Monsieur, fries & salad or Omelette with choice of 3 ingredients, made this menu a definite for our next visit.

For the steak lovers, we read that La Perle has a ‘La Grillade du Jeudi’ available every Thursday. The Thursday grill provides the opportunity to have a ‘SteakFest’, as on that day, in addition to the normal menus, they serve a choice of Fillet, Sirloin or Rib eye steaks in 8oz or 10oz sizes (cut to order). Each steak can be accompanied with pomme pont neuf, French fries or buttered mash potatoes, plus a choice of Bearnaise, Peppercorn or Butter compound sauce. Another note for the diary!

However, as it was a special day for the adopted aged, we decided to go for the ‘A La Carte’ menu. Although the ‘Les entrées’ of, 'L'escargot' garlic & parsley snails, Moules mariniere, and Rabbit terrine with gherkins & salad had all looked tempting, we all chose the same starter, the ‘Soupe du jour’, which was ‘Mushroom and Tarragon’. We were all more than happy with our choice when we discovered the soup was delicious, displaying a true rustic feel in its chunky presentation and fresh flavour.

For main course my wife went for Beef Bourguignon & buttered mash, Colin and I went for the 6oz Steer fillet steak & frites, field mushrooms & grilled tomato. It took a while to make our choices as many other dishes like, 'Pintade roti' breast of guinea fowl and leg confit, pilaf rice & spring vegetables, Fillet of Gilt bream, saffron turned potatoes, basil ratatouille & parsley sauce, all looked worth a try. Most interesting was the Côte de porc façon grand mère', pork cutlet, wholegrain mustard mash & grand mère garnish. I suspect that the English people in the restaurant did not have my linguistic skills, and did not realise that ‘Grand mère' means ‘Grandmother’. Whilst I am sure Lionel’s grandmother is delicious, I did not fancy her for lunch.

When we ordered, I asked our waitress if the French had their own word for ‘Bourguignon’, she simply looked at me, smiled, and then gave a sympathetic look to my wife.

As we awaited our main courses, Mon épouse was telling Colin about how someone had commented to her about her ‘sunny disposition’ during Food Week, I then suffered a sharp kick in the shin when I added; “I think you misheard, I am sure she said ‘funny disposition’".

With my shin throbbing and stinging, the main dishes looked great when they soon arrived, and there was only compliments and complete satisfaction as we all tucked in. The steaks were mouth-watering and they cut as if they were butter. That was without doubt one of the best Fillet steaks I have eaten.

Now it was time for the best bit, pudding. Pathetically, I was struggling to choose, and my wife, and our adoption of the day, had already abstained, which added a dose of distress. Things got worse when it occurred to be me that in all of the excitement of finding a pensioner, I realised I had forgotten to tell the restaurant that it was my wife’s birthday. (It wasn’t, it is actually in, err, later this year sometime. I think.) Whilst she doesn’t find this ruse funny, it does normally get her a treat from the house, - which I then eat.

My table partners were enthralled when I told them that ‘Bistro’ is actually ‘Bistrot’ in France, and that the ‘t’ was dropped in the UK to make the word more attractive. My wife reminded me that she had also been to France, and I thought the added comment; ‘unfortunately with you’ was a little cutting.

When Emily came to take our order for the ‘les desserts’, I was still deliberating between the Blanc manger aux amandes & poached fruit, the Tart tatin, honey & ice cream, and the Dark and white chocolate mousse with cappuccino Chantilly. Being charming, (and probably wishing she could clear our table as soon as possible,) she said’ leave it to me monsieur’. ‘Oooo, surprises, I like them’; I said.

The sweet duly arrived, and it was a great surprise - Emily had bought one of each. My table guests were each given a spoon, and to my dismay started to tuck in. How is it that; “No sweet for me thanks”, becomes “I’ll just try a bit" when the pudding arrives at the table?

I wished my fellow diners ‘Bon Appétit’ and heard mon cherie whisper to Colin, “I wish he was next door in Bon Appétit Creperie right now”.

All of the spoons were soon a blur as the sweets were demolished. The Tart tatin was a classic that any French patissier would have been proud to have created, and the Chocolate mousse was quite literally heaven in each spoonful from the dish.

We sat, full and truly satisfied, as I enjoyed a liqueur coffee. Leo then came around all of the tables for a casual chat. This is something he does at the end of every service, and the guests love to meet the master from the kitchen, and he must get great satisfaction to hear how people have enjoyed his food.

As he arrived at our table I greeted him with three sloppy kisses and a lick on the cheek. It was hard to tell if he liked it or not. At first we started the conversation in French, but he was struggling to answer my questions, it was evident that his French has slipped since he left his homeland, meaning the conversation was at no stage two way. Both giving up, we reverted to English.

Leo let us into a little secret, when we discovered that his sous chef had put his back out this morning, and that he had single-handedly cooked every meal for the full restaurant with only the assistance of the guy who did the dishes. Pretty impressive, as the food was superb and there was no delay or sign in the restaurant that the kitchen was under any pressure.

He then offered us all of glass of ‘Marc du Champagne’ (a Champagne liqueur.) Having fallen for this once before, we declined. Last time I accepted his offer, my legs didn’t stop wobbling for a week.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.laperlemilford.co.uk/

La Perle, 60 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD | 01590 643557

Open Tuesday to Saturday for both lunch and dinner.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

If you are wondering what the 40 B4 40 Dining Challenge is all about, please click here and all will be explained.



Music Festival on the Way


Plans are well underway for the Milford on Sea Music Festival from the 12th July until 15th July 2012.

As with all other village community organised events they could always do with a few extra pairs of hands, whether as a raffle ticket seller, selling refreshments or running a stall or workshop.

There will also be one or two vacancies on the Committee next year as a couple of people are standing down after several years involvement, so anybody who would like to join the Music Festival Committee next year might like to be involved with their particular area of interest this year to get a feel for it.

To cover the Festival costs, sponsors are of course also a critical part of the whole event. If you have a local business who can support the festival, or if you would personally like to become a ‘Friend of the Festival’, the team would love to hear from you.

If you are interested in getting involved in any of the above ways, please contact: Sean Reeves at: sean@hwsolicitors.com

http://www.milfordfestival.org.uk/

Lend a Shed


Bit if a weird one, but Milford on Sea Community Centre are looking for somewhere to paint scenery for forthcoming show productions and the pantomime.

Previously the youth room in the Community Centre has been used, but moving the structures in and out constantly has became a real pain.

If anyone has a large spare shed, workshop or garage that they would be happy for the scenery men to work and store their scenery in for a few weeks, it would be gratefully received.

If you can help, please contact: Sue Whitlock on 01590 643404
susan@hwsolicitors.com

Flower & Produce Show Entries


The free entry form and schedules for the Milford on Sea Flower and Produce Show are now available at Gwen’s. The show takes place on the 21st July and it hopes to attract new and novice entries, as well as old hands to take part in the Greatest Produce Show in Milford.

There are lots of classes to enter including Craft, Photography, Baking, and more for the non gardeners, there are also childrens' classes to encourage a new generation to get involved in our village activities.

Admission to visit the show has been held at 50p and accompanied children are admitted free. Not quite the Chelsea Flower Show, but a lot cheaper and local fun!

Curry Cash for Hospital

Our local Indian Restaurant held a Hospital charity night went great raised £310 Thursday 19th April in association with Milford Hospital League of Friends.

The evening had a ticket price of £20, which included a 10 item ‘eat as much as you like’ buffet.

A good night was had by all, and half of the nights total ticket sales were donated to the charity, raising £310 for Milford on Sea Hospital.

http://www.zaikanewforest.co.uk/

Thursday 19 April 2012

What a Food Week!

click image to enlarge
It was very difficult to identify which part of my body hurt the most come last Sunday evening.  Marathon runners talk about 'hitting the wall', well, us foodies suffer just as much when we 'hit the plate'.

Before Food Week kicked off, the Information Centre, housed in the promotional trailer generously lent by Shorefield Country Park, was open on the village green, and manned by a host of volunteers giving information to anyone passing.

Easter Bank Holiday Monday arrived, and Milford on Sea Food Week was underway with the CakeFest.  The weather felt like the end of the world, but it soon became clear that a few massive thunderstorms were not going to stop anyone getting to the cakes and WI lunch!

Milford on Sea, may be a small seaside village on the South Coast edge of The New Forest, but it is fast becoming recognised as a ‘Foodie Heaven by the Sea’, due to the wonderful selection of dining options provided by the twenty excellent places to eat in the village, and of course, the now annual Milford on Sea Food Week.

This year over 100 food related events took place, all involved local people organising, participating and enjoying a vast variety of fun food related activities.

Around 12,000 people visited a least one event over the seven days, some coming from miles around, and from every generation, young and old. There was plenty for everyone to enjoy whatever their age or preference, basically, if you love food, you will have loved Milford on Sea Food Week!

Milford on Sea Food Week included themed dining nights in all of the restaurants, wine talks and tastings, a food market featuring over 55 local producers and a surprise ‘Flash Mob’ performance by the village Total Voice Choir, community organised breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas, lots of fun and educational activities for the children, food quizzes, live music dining shows, a professional Cookery Theatre which hosted renowned top chefs from across the New Forest & our own village, and which also included cookery demonstrations from local amateur village cooks, bakers, nutritionists, vegetarians, and chocolate, jam and chutney makers. A number of lucky diners jumped on ‘The Great Dining Bus’ to enjoy a separate course in four different village restaurants, and the two weekend headline shows, ‘An Evening with Tom Kerridge’ and ‘Comedy & Cake Night’ starring Jo Caulfield were both a storming success.

Milford on Sea Food Week is a fabulous demonstration of true community spirit in action, and all of the community group food events were fabulously attended, the village restaurants were all full, and all themed events and ticketed shows sold out. 

Many village shops have said that they benefited from the extra people visiting the village, and there were certainly people around who had booked a holiday to visit Food Week.  The thought of the tills ringing a bit more in our village centre shops is tremendous. 

The Sunday Food Market was also extremely busy, so we are thrilled that a lot of local businesses have been given a well deserved boost. Best of all, it was great to see the smiling faces on the kids, families & our older generation throughout the week.

In my mission to visit as many events as possible, my leg muscles now look like Steve Redgrave's on a bad day.  Fortunately, at most stops there was something tasty to eat, so the pain was soon eradicated for a minute or two!  It was quite pleasing to hear that most chefs and café owners in the village could hardly walk by Sunday!

The effort scores of volunteers put into making Milford on Sea Food Week such a spectacle is immense, none receive any fees or expenses, everything is done just to have a good time, promote our village businesses, and to provide enjoyment for the local community, with any profits going to local charities.  This year Wave Radio Cash for Kids and the Community Centre will be getting a £1000 cheque each.  Next year we would like to start a fund for something everyone would like to see in the village.  We don't know what yet, but we will be asking you early next year, so get your thinking caps on!

Throughout Food Week it is amazing how many people want to put themselves out to provide enjoyment for others, and it is great that every crumb of effort is repaid many times over when they all see the smiling faces and excitement about food!

---------------------------------------------

PS: The link below takes you to a video of the Total Voice Choir ‘Flash Mob’ singing at Milford on Sea Food Week Sunday Market.

The fourth Milford on Sea Food Week will happen all over again next year, from Bank Holiday Monday 1st April until Sunday 7th April 2013, so now seems a good time to get it in your diary. 

PS: Perhaps a note to diet a few weeks before might not be a bad idea as well!

PPS: Our first event for next year has already been planned.  There will be a 'Throw the Hot Cross Bun Competition' on the Seafront on the Monday 1st April.  There will be prizes for age groups Under 12, 12 to 16 yrs, 16 to 30 yrs, 30 to 40 yrs, 40 to 80 yrs, and Over 80 yrs.  Ah, got you guessing now, am I serious, or not?!

http://www.milfordonseafoodweek.org/

---------------------------------------------
Weekly MoS E-Newsletter: We would like more people to receive our weekly e-mail Newsletter which contains village news stories, silly local adventures and the ramblings of a big bloke in Milford!

Please e-mail all your friend and ask them to register.  All they have to do is send me an e-mail saying 'Please send me the newsletter' - send to: david@milfordonsea.org  Thanks!

Flash Mob Hit Food Week Market

click image to enlarge
Around midday at the Sunday Food Market finale of Milford on Sea Food Week, the lucky thronging crowd were all taken completely by surprise.

As they happily shopped at the local producer stalls or enjoyed hot food from the stands or shops, music suddenly fired up with a familiar tune.  As they looked around to see what was happening, random people in the crowd started singing, with more and more joining in as the verses progressed.

With the song 'Food Glorious Food' ringing around the village green, the Total Voice Choir Flash Mob slowly appeared from the crowd and gathered in front of the Food Week Information Centre.  Still singing, the final choruses were enjoyed by everyone watching this surprise and fun entertainment.

The whole performance was a well kept secret in the village, so much so, that one member of the choir was standing with their family, and they all wondered whether she had lost it when she unexpectedly started singing in full voice!

If you would like to see our village choir's performance, you can see it below. (Turn up volume to hear the singing.)