Spice 'n' Easy Trophy

Claire Lee, founder of Spice ‘n’ Easy in Milford on Sea has won two top food producer national awards.

All of the Spice ‘n’ Easy produce is made in Milford on Sea village. Claire’s range includes delicious handmade Chutneys, Relishes, Pickles, Dressing and Sauces.  The word ’local’ in ‘local produce’ is important to Claire, and she ensures that her products include locally sourced raw ingredients from local suppliers.

Following the four Hampshire Life awards shared between the Milford on Sea food businesses, Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant and Simone Farming at Aubrey Farm last week, Claire has now added more recognition for food excellence to the village.

At Christmas time, on top of the regular Spice ‘n’ Easy product list, there is also a range of Christmas specialities, including Christmas Mincemeat with Whiskey & Ginger and Spiced Mulling Syrup for making Mulled Wine.

This year the Spice ‘n’ Easy Christmas range was nominated in the Guild of Fine Food Great Taste Awards.  This is a National Competition where products are judged by a panel of food experts, who blind taste each product to reach their conclusion.

Claire was thrilled to recently be informed that the Spice ‘n’ Easy Christmas Mincemeat was awarded 3 Gold Stars (The top award).  The premier 3 Gold Stars were only made to 123 products out of over 8807 entries.  To add to Claire’s award cabinet, the Spice ‘n’ Easy Spiced Mulling Syrup was also awarded 2 Gold Stars.

These awards have now attracted the attention of the food buyer for Fortnum & Mason who will be stocking Spice ‘n’ Easy’s award winning products in their Piccadilly Store this Christmas.

On top of this, Spice ‘n’ Easy was exhibiting at the last New forest Show during July when the Queen paid a visit as a finale to her Jubilee tour.  Her majesty was presented with a hamper of locally produced food which included Spice ‘n’ Easy’s Great Taste Award winning products from 2011 - Spiced Carrot & Pumpkin Chutney and Sweet Onion Marmalade.

You can buy a great selection of the Spice ‘n’ Easy range from Hollands Supermarket in Milford on Sea.  Paul & Maureen always look for local produce and unusual items to run alongside the regular range of daily food items. They also have a great ‘Deli Counter’ which include some fantastic local cheeses which would go great with the Spice ‘n’ Easy chutneys!  It is a privilege to have such a forward thinking independent supermarket in Milford on Sea village.

You can also find Spice ‘n’ Easy produce on the menu at Braxton Gardens Tearooms and at Inge-Lise’s Coffee Shop in the High Street, two place that are certainly worth a visit for a break or treat.

All in all, there is no doubt that; ‘Great cooks do it by the sea!’

www.spiceneasy.co.uk

Sunday for Others

The very popular Sunday Lunch Club has been running for over five years  - both in the old Community Centre, then during the building of the new Centre at the Church Hall and, for the last two years in the new Community Centre.

At the beginning there were only forty people on the Sunday Lunch Club list;  this has grown until now there are ninety members  - and a waiting list currently of twelve people.

The lunch club meets once a month – on the third Sunday – and usually numbers around 75 people.  The lunch club is designed for people who live on their own in Milford and it is a very lively and happy meeting.

Diners are given a glass of sherry or apple juice on arrival, a two course freshly cooked meal  - not always a traditional Sunday lunch and after pudding there is tea or coffee and chocolates.  The bar is open and diners can buy wine or beer or soft drinks to accompany their meal.

The lunches are not designed to be fundraising but, at a charge of £6 the organisers still find that there is a surplus for Community Centre funds.   They always do a raffle too  -  which the diners very generously subscribe to and which has provided lots of kitchen equipment to make cooking for large numbers a not so difficult task.

There are lots of helpers who do a great job  -  lunches happen like a well oiled machine. But, the team really would value some extra helpers so that no-one has to feel that this is a monthly commitment.  

Some helpers come at about 10.30 to help to set tables  (always linen tablecloths, napkins and flowers) and will stay to help serve.  Others come later and serve and then help to clear  -  there are stalwarts who are wonderful dishwasherers.  Other helpers offer their services to give lifts.    The more the better and then helpers may only have a few sessions a year  - unless they’d like to come every month of course.  The lunch is usually cleared and the centre vacated at about 2.30pm.

If anyone out there would like to join the team  -  why not drop in on September 16^th and see the club in action  -  or email or phone Sue on suemilfordonsea@gmail.com - 01590 643404 or Marguerite on 01590 644212. 

The organising team do, though, have a really pressing need for more people who might join the cooks team.   If you feel that this is something you could help with then please do get in touch  -  they can team you up with a ‘regular’ cook so that you learn your way around the kitchen (very well equipped) and get a feel for what’s involved.    Again  -  this wouldn’t be every month  -  the more people the more flexible we can be. 

Sunday lunches are good fun and very rewarding.   Why not lend a hand, halping others is pretty rewarding!

Local Farm Wins Top Award

click image to enlarge

Our local Simeon Morgan Farming at Aubrey Farm in Keyhaven, which is operated by Simeon and his wife, Lisa, had an unexpected surprise this week.

The sheep farm had been shortlisted for the ‘New Forest Marque Producer of the Year Award’ by the Hampshire Life Food & Drink Awards, and Lisa had been planning which frock to wear to last Thursday’s gala dinner. The spectacular and glitzy evening was light years away from her normal days on the farm and as a busy mum.

The Hampshire Life Awards celebrate the finest restaurants, food and produce that Hampshire has to offer and give valuable recognition to restaurants, producers, growers and suppliers.

The awards night was held at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel at Dogmersfield Park, near Church Crookham, where the great and good from across the food industry in Hampshire enjoyed a a fine dinner and were eargerly awaiting the award announcements.

As the award announcements were made, our very own Milford on Sea Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant proudly picked up an unprecedented three awards, ‘Chef of the Year’, ‘Best Local Menu’ and ‘Best Customer Service’.

As Lisa & Simone celebrated both their friends and Milford on Sea’s success, the next Hampshire Life Food & Drink Award nominations were announced.  Alongside the other local producers who had made the shortlist were: Loosehanger Cheeses and Tatchbury Manor Farm.  Simeon Morgan Farming's nomination was in recognition of their fabulous locally produced lamb.

Then, …’The winner of Best New Forest Marque Producer of the Year is...... Simeon Morgan Farming’. The ‘Milford on Sea contingent’ in the room erupted, and Stacey from Verveine, being pregnant, almost wet herself with excitement!

Simeon Morgan Farming owner, Simeon, said; “We are delighted that our customers took the time to nominate us for this prestigious award. We get a tremendous sense of pride when we sell our meat and get a real buzz when we are told how much it has been enjoyed. It makes all the hard work worth it. We are passionate about offering a very personal service supplying a high quality product; promoting the importance of animal welfare, food provenance and generally educating about food production and farming in the New Forest. We are pleased that our award may assist us in reaching a wider audience and in promoting Zwartbles sheep, a breed relatively new to the New Forest area.”

Lisa added: ‘We get a tremendous sense of pride selling our meat and love to hear how much it has been enjoyed! We are passionate about supplying a high quality product; promoting animal welfare and educating people about food production and farming in the Forest.’

Congratulations go to both Aubrey Farm & Verveine for their combined four awards.  Milford on Sea is certainly at the top on the 'Hampshire Food Map'!

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A bit more about Simeon Morgan Farming at Aubrey Farm  

During the last Milford on Sea Food Week in April, the farm held ‘Keyhaven Lambing Live!’, where over 300 local people, families and children were all delighted to see behind the scenes at this arable and sheep farm. Simeon & Lisa are very much Milford on Sea people and enjoy welcoming school visits and explaining about all the food and animals they produce.

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About the New Forest Marque

Managed by the New Forest National Park Authority and New Forest District Council, the Marque gives businesses a distinctive 'New Forest' banner under which to sell their goods and services and help customers identify quality New Forest produce. It encourages people to ‘buy local’ and reduce the environmental impact of transporting food long distances, while helping to sustain the New Forest’s local economy.

Explaining about the New Forest Marque, Sarah Hunt, New Forest Marque Manager, said: ‘It is a privilege to see so many New Forest Marque members nominated. These awards are chosen by the people who live and shop in Hampshire. It reflects the high quality of produce and service here in the New Forest. ‘The Marque is unique and it is the only scheme like it in the country. It is a contracted scheme that audits its farmers and producers to ensure a minimum content comes from the New Forest. Producers also have to adhere to a series of stringent standards before the product receives its ‘marque’ of approval.’

Verveine Sweeps the Board!

This year’s prestigious annual Hampshire Life Food & Drink Awards were held at the luxury Four Seasons Hotel in Dogmersfield Park last night

Having had fabulous success in winning ‘Restaurant of the Year’ and ‘Chef of the Year’ in 2011, the Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant team from Milford on Sea sat nervously awaiting the announcement of this year’s award winners.  Achieving recognition is tough, but repeating it is even harder.

Incredibly, they beat last year’s two awards, by winning three awards this year!  The glass trophies for ‘Chef of the Year’, ‘Best Local Menu’ and ‘Best Customer Service’ will be sitting in the restaurant next time you visit.

Verveine were also recently recognised as 'Hampshire's Best Fish Restaurant' by Trip Advisor.  Quite a performance by David, Stacey, Jon and the rest of the team.

What makes this story even more extraordinary, is that David & his business partner, Stacey, only opened Verveine in February 2010.

Verveine is an award winning contemporary dining venue in the heart of Milford on Sea village. The menu features fresh local produce cooked in innovative ways, and the team aim to bring you fine dining with quality local ingredients at affordable prices.

Uniquely, the restaurant also has an ajoining traditional village fishmongers offering local fresh fish & seafood.

The regularly changing restaurant menu consists of personal touches like freshly smoked salmon from the in-house smokery, homemade daily baked fresh bread, plus their own pasta, ice cream and sorbets. Believing that the New Forest has the best to offer all year round, they try their utmost to source all ingredients on the doorstep whether its wild bass from The Solent, crab and lobster from Lymington, local cheeses from Sway or pheasants from a local shoot in the New Forest.  You will also find even more is homemade, from the butter and artisan bread, preserves & pickles, and of course fish from their own fishmongers.

To ensure the freshest ingredients, David and his team can often be seen foraging for samphire and purslane in Keyhaven, elderflowers and dandelions in the village, or picking brambles, gooseberries and potatoes at the local farm.

Modern British cuisine is the speciality, with fresh fish and seafood dishes, complimented with exciting meat & pasta dishes. The kitchen prides itself on making every effort to make dining at Verveine a special experience, whether you are visiting for a light lunch or enjoying the evening dining menu.

Chef proprietor David Wykes trained in Michelin starred kitchens in France & the UK.  His initial apprenticeship was served at the 5 Star Grand Hotel in both Jersey and Brighton. David then moved to Oxford, where he worked at the Michelin Star and 3 AA Rosette kitchen in the Bath Place Hotel under the direction of Jeremy Blake O'Conner (Formerly executive chef at The Gavroche.)   From Oxford, David moved to France where he worked his way up through the ranks of many multi Michelin Star French kitchens including; restaurant L'Univers, Les Viviers, Auberge D'Azur, Restaurant Jules Albert, and the world famous Restaurant Chantecler at the Hotel Negresco in Nice.  As a head chef, David has won multiple AA Rosettes in his own right in Oxford and Royal Tonbridge Wells.

Ultimately, David has a passion to create quality food using only the finest produce. Nothing makes David's day more, than seeing people delighted by the food he creates.

The Verveine team always look forward to giving you a warm welcome whenever you dine with them, so why not book now to see why the are winning awards from every corner of the food world!

www.verveine.co.uk | Tel: 01590 642176

Join The Parade

Visit:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF_OK1FS7nw
to see 2010 Carnival

The Carnival Committee are still hoping to get more young people involved in the Milford on Sea Carnival Parade (This Saturday 25^th August), especially as the route is shorter so easier for little ones to walk. 

 

Walking individuals and groups can still join in.  The theme is the Olympics, so even if the children just want to wear some sports gear and hold sporting equipment they are welcome to enter, or maybe they would like to be more imaginative?

 

The judging is going to take place as the parade passes the green, with the head judge being Rob Smith, the infamous ‘Lymington Olympic gold medal letter box painter’. 

 

Each entry will have a chance of winning their category and a trophy or shield.  Each child taking place will be given a rosette. 

 

So if you fancy joining in, just The parade is meeting in Swallow Drive from 3.15pm for registration and leaving at 4pm. 

 

Whether taking place or not, don’t miss all the fun on the green from 10am to 8pm, and of course the Carnival Parade at 4pm.

 

www.milfordcarnival.com

 

 

Care Group Winners

The Milford on Sea Carnival Achievers' Awards night was a huge success, with an excellent turn out and great party atmosphere.

 

The Milford Strummers and Total Voice performed on the night, and were warmly appreciated by the party goers.

 

Being the Carnival Achievers' Awards night, many were thrilled when it was announced that the Milford Community Care Group had won.  The group received a  £100 prize, which no doubt will be put to good use for local people.

 

Attached is a photo of the chairman of the sub-committee, Sean Reeves, presenting the cheque to Helen Lister from Milford Community Care Group.

Friends Knee’s Up

The Friends of Hurst Castle have been pretty busy, first they assisted in the International Lighthouse Day and now they are selling tickets for ‘The Good Old Days’ in the Garrison Theatre inside Hurst Castle.

 

The International Lighthouse Day held at Hurst Point Lighthouse Acetylene Room was an vent to bring everyone’s awareness to our lighthouses and other aids to navigation, and their importance to all forms of maritime activity, from large cargo ships and liners right down to small sailing craft, of which there are many in our locality.

 

Locally, this particular day was celebrated on Saturday 18th August on Hurst Spit, where the Acetylene Room, adjacent to the Hurst Point lighthouse, was opened up for visitors to learn about its use and operation.

 

At around 11am members of the Association of Lighthouse Keepers, Philip Hyde, Neil Deacon, Andrew Wyard and Keith Morton, opened the Acetylene Room and then gave a series of tours, each lasting about 20 minutes. The tours described the operation of the room between1923 and 1965, during which time it produced acetylene gas to light both the Hurst Point High Light and also the Low light – the grey steel one on the Castle Wall which, during its time of operation, was painted red.

 

The weather on the day started with very low cloud, very grey, and quite cool but that did not detour some 100 visitors to the Acetylene Room to partake in the tours. Later in the day the sun did shine but, by then, most visitors were making their way home for tea.

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The Friends of Hurst Castle have pleasure in presenting for your entertainment, The Good Old Days.  This will be held in the atmospheric Garrison Theatre within Hurst Castle on Friday 14th September. 

 

Get out your boaters, bonnets and boas and come and have a sing song.  Solent Rose will leave Keyhaven at 6.00pm and return about 9.30pm. There will be wine and soft drinks for sale and time in the interval for a picnic

 

Tickets £12 from Gwen’s of Milford, or Bette on 01590 673985.  Everyone welcome.

 
For more information about the Association of Lighthouse Keepers and also the Friends of Hurst Castle go to:

www.alk.org.uk | www.hurstcastle.co.uk/friends

 

or email: hurst@alk.org.uk

 

 

Paddling Handbag

A local Milford on Sea resident took advantage of the warm weather last Thursday, and ventured into the sea for a paddle.  This gentle excursion turned into a small drama when her handbag was suddenly washed out to sea on a strong wave.

As the beige/cream handbag made it’s exit, a lipstick, pen and plastic container could be seen slowly escaping from the bag.  Vain efforts to grab the bobbing bag from the incoming roll of the surf were thwarted by the strong draw of the tide.

The next day a kind soul handed in the found purse to Lymington Police Station.  All of the purse contents were in order and the police even dried the notes before returning them to the owner.

The handbag itself, and the rest of the contents remain missing.  So, if you have spotted, Two sets of house keys (one has a Citroen key fob & Spanish boat mascot, the other has a Mercedes key & yellow top key), a very soggy cheque book, or the handbag in question, please let me know by e-mail, and they can be returned to their car keyless owner.

david@milfordonsea.org

End of An Era at Gwen's

Milford on Sea are about to lose a pillar of village life.  Gwen Peden has decided to close Gwen's Ladies Fashion Shop in Milford on Sea High Street towards the end of this year, after 48 years of trading.

The delightful Gwen, and Anne (her sister) plan to take a well earned retirement.  Gwen's daughter Michele, is also moving on to something new.

There can only be a few in the village that have not visited Gwen's shop at some time.

This is not to say that Milford is full of male cross-dressers, but many men boldly cross the threshold to visit the village's ticket sales office.

Whoever you are, male or female, young or old, the welcome has always been warm, and time for a chat the order of the day.

Generations of the whole family were born and still live in the village and have served local people in many ways.

I always found my visits fun and educational.  They all know so much about village days gone by, yet have embraced change and always had a warm welcome for people new to the village.

I remember them telling me how their father had been a butcher in a couple of shops in the village, including the current Gwen's.  Incredibly, where they stand behind the counter now, it is in the same location as the 'Butchers Paying Kiosk' they once stood in as children.  If I remember correctly, one of 'Dad's' old butchers shop even had an abattoir at the back.

Running a business is challenge enough, but the girls have also willingly provided support to many groups and organisations running events in the village.  The way they manage ticket sales is impressive and there efforts have made a major difference to the success of so many events.  The whole service is also always done with a smile and great efficiency.  I know this because they have been a wonderful help to me and the Food Week organising team.

It may surprise many, but they have never take anything for providing this service, they simply take pleasure in helping others.  How amazing and rewarding.

The shop itself is 'for the older stylish woman' and the range of stock pretty extraordinary.  Each customer has always been dealt with personally, and nothing is too much trouble.  Shops like these are lost forever once they go.

Retiring is often a time for mixed emotions, proving both a wrench and relief at the same time, I hope this retirement is simply full of happy memories.

Gwen is currently holding a 'Retirement Closing Down sale' with up to 50% off, I might even pop in myself, I have always thought I would look good in a 'two-piece'!

Personally, I will miss them, and send my thanks for all the support they have given me and Food Week, I loved dealing with you all.  I am sure there will be many other people with warm things to say in the coming weeks.

The village owes Gwen, Michelle, and Anne so much. Their tireless effort on behalf of the community has been nothing short of amazing, and all have more than earned a long, happy and healthy future.

Hopefully, living in this wonderful part of the world, they will all now get more time to enjoy it! 

Total Voice at Westquay

Milford on Sea’s very own Total Voice Choir are singing at Westquay Shopping Centre in Southampton on Saturday 10th November.  The choir has been invited to perform for the Southampton Hospital Charity to raise money for the Neonatal Unit, a charity choir leader Christine is fond of supporting.

Christine and the choir are all very excited and are hoping to enlist a rent a crowd from Milford on Sea to enjoy the performance!

Always busy, they are also hosting the ‘Total Voice: In Session with Rachel Button’ on Saturday 22^nd September.  This is a Vocal Performance & Workshop to be held in the Guide Hut.

This event is a chance for singers of all ages and abilities to learn from a superb contemporary singer.  During the evening you can learn effective warm ups and exercises, get performance tips from a professional and sing backing vocals for Rachel.

You can also buy a ticket if you simply want to come and watch.

Tickets are £8.50 and available from:

info@totalvoice.co.uk | 07824 966912 | www.totalvoice.co.uk

Retreat Moves Forward

The Retreat Beauty & Health Salon in Milford on Sea High Street have launched a new website.

click image to visit website

The website highlights the wide range of treatments and therapies on offer; Facials, Massage, Manicures, Pedicures, Hair Removal, Body Wraps, Hot Stone/Thai Poultice Massage and application of make-up for weddings or special occasions.  In fact, loads of things us guys do not have a clue about.

If you fancy pampering yourself, or enjoying some time with the girls, there are special packages available for groups of friends, a visit could be a great way to relax and unwind.

I might even consider getting my wife a voucher, then whilst she is out, I can go to the pub with my mates.

Why not give Lola and her team call?

The Retreat Beauty & Health, 76 High Street, Milford on Sea

Tel: 01590 645151
info@retreat-milford.co.uk
www.retreat-milford.co.uk

Carnival Party Night

Our local Community Centre in Sea Road is preparing for a big Carnival Party Celebration next Friday, 17^th August.

Having basked as a nation in the heroic performances of our athletes at the London 2012 Olympics, it is now time for Milford on Sea to have our own celebration.

Everyone in the village is invited to join in with an evening of music, nibbles and a serving bar.  During the evening the Carnival Committee will be announcing the winner of our 'Local Achiever', who will then go on to lead this year’s Carnival Procession on Saturday 25th August. The lucky winner will also be awarded a £100 prize.

Admission to the evening is free, so please just go along. The bar will open at 6pm and the entertainment will start with the Milford Strummers and Total Voice Choir.  All ages are welcome so bring the kids.

The Carnival Team hope to see as many of you there as possible to show a huge support for the amazing people in our community that really have achieved great things for others.

Carnival Procession Coming

The Milford on Sea Carnival Procession is back this year, and the organisers are looking for some marshalls during the procession. 

They need around 20 marshalls to be on duty at several places around the route and so far they have only found 6 volunteers, so they are struggling a bit! 

All it takes is to stand by the barriers between 3pm and 6pm on the 25th August whilst the procession makes its way around the village. 

Many of teams usual helpers are either involved in the procession or away as it is a Bank Holiday weekend, so any additional help anyone can offer will be vital to the smooth running of the Procession, and of course you would be part of yet another special day in Milford on Sea.

If anyone can help please contact Steve Carter on:
scarter321@hotmail.com or on mobile 07795 034434.

Discover the Lighthouse

click image to enlarge

International Lighthouse Day is the one day in the year when the importance and the role of lighthouses, and all other aids to navigation, are brought to the attention of the general public, not only in the UK but also worldwide.  This year the Acetylene Room, adjacent to the Hurst Point Lighthouse close to Hurst Castle at the end of the Spit, will be open from 1100 to 1630 on Saturday 18th August. Tours lasting about 20 mins will be provided by members of the Association of Lighthouse Keepers (ALK) to give an insight into the operation of this facility from 1922 to 1965. The tours are free but, as usual, any donations would be gratefully received.

The two lighthouses on the Hurst Spit, the tall tower and the small one on the Castle wall, were originally powered by oil lights and the keepers tending them lived in cottages attached to the lighthouse.  In the early days, the Castle was a military garrison and the keepers were not allowed inside the Castle to tend to the low light sitting on the Castle wall.  A door in the outside of the wall was provided and accessed via an external staircase. Trinity House, who manage all the lighthouses in England and Wales, are always striving to provide better lights and, in the 1920s, acetylene gas was developed for use in vehicle lights and also for lighthouses.  To light the lamp in a lighthouse quite a large quantity of gas was required and so, at Hurst Castle, a special facility was built to manufacture the gas, and this is what you will see described if you visit Hurst on International Lighthouse Day.  The lights at Hurst were lit with acetylene gas from 1922 to 1998, after which the Lighthouse was fully automated and illuminated by a battery powered electric light.

It is regretted that Hurst Point lighthouse will not be open but, on this special weekend, other lighthouses will be open where you will be able to climb to the top to admire the view.  The nearest such lighthouses are at Portland Bill and St Catherine’s on the Isle of Wight.  They are  open on Sunday 19th August so why not make a weekend of it and visit the Acetylene Room on Saturday and either Portland or St Catherine’s Lighthouses on Sunday.

Access to the Acetylene Room is via Hurst Ferries, which run every 20 minutes from Keyhaven, or you can walk along the spit from Keyhaven, a distance of some 1¼ miles.  Refreshments are available in the Gatehouse of Hurst Castle but it is regretted that you will have to pay the Castle entrance fee to gain access to the Castle Café – unless you are a member of English Heritage or a member of the Friends of Hurst Castle, in which case don’t forget to bring your membership card.

International Lighthouse Day – Saturday 18th August 2012

For additional information see:
www.alk.org.uk/events.html
www.hurstcastle.co.uk/lighthouse.html

or email: hurst@alk.org.uk | Telephone 01329 843883 or 07778 520059

Needles Winners at Bowls Club

click image to enlarge

Milford on Sea Bowls Club saw excitement on the rink last Sunday in the annual Needles Competition which is sponsored by Murray & Hayward.

Sixteen pairs of players battled it out to win the much sort after prizes of John Bird pictures of the Needles.

This years winners were Alan J Burn & Colin Jarrett who beat Rod (club president) and his wife Geraldine.

The commemorative pictures were presented to the winners & runners up by Martin Scott from Murray & Hayward.

La Perle Go Gold

click image to enlarge

Since opening in April last year, Milford on Sea has been enjoying the culinary delights of our own village boutique French bistro.

On a daily basis, Leo conjures up French classics and rustic masterpieces on a plate.  The £10 fixed price menu is proving very popular, and trying to getting a table at a weekend takes planning, and a bit of luck.

Recently, the La Perle team had a visit from the ‘Ladies Who Lunch in Hampshire’.  For several years, the Ladies have been reviewing restaurants across the depth and breadth of Hampshire. During this time, they have sampled many a great meal and numerous quality wines.

Recently, their path found its way to La Perle, where they enjoyed a cross section of the menu accompanied by a selection from the drinks list.  Reading the review there is no doubt they enjoyed their dining experience, which was reflected in both their highly prized Gold Score of 22 out of 25, and the quote; “With this standard of food it is not surprising that they were very busy so booking is highly recommended. It is obviously a very popular venue for the locals, always a good sign!”

You can read the full review by clicking here.

La Perle is now open six days a week, Monday to Saturday for lunch from 11.30am, and dinner from 6.30pm.

If you haven’t been, you are missing a treat!

www.laperlemilford.co.uk

Fun for Kids at Library

Our local Milford on Sea library must surely be one of the most proactive in the country.  Led by Chris Minifie, Assistant Manager, our little library holds regular events for children, the older members of our community and also work to help the partially sighted.

In a time when we regularly hear of library closures, I would expect our local library is constantly under threat, and should it ever be lost it would affect so many in our village.

With the summer holidays now upon us, the team are working hard to give mums some free fun for little ones.

Toddlertime is taking place on the 3^rd August (9.30 to 10am) where toddlers can enjoy action rhymes and fun!  Big brothers and sisters are welcome too - there will be colouring and, of course, books available for them to read if they don't want to join in.

A Family Workshop by Creation Station is on Thursday 16^th August (2 to 3pm),  this is for ages 18 months to 7 years, and based on "Sharing a Shell" by Julia Donaldson. The activities will explore children's imaginative and creative play ideas, by using books as inspiration.  The afternoon will also include a Treasure Box discovery, an opportunity to create a framed 'sand-art' picture and shell character for a lolly stick book mark.

There is also a Story Making Workshop run by local author Cate Sweeney on Wednesday 22nd August (2 to 4pm). All children ages 7 tp 11 years can just go along and enjoy making stuff up and playing with words.

Local author Cate Sweeney said; “The aim is to get kids realising there is a lot of fun to be had in making up stories as well as reading them,” Cate is the author of children’s play Cloud Cuckoo Land as well as grown up novels. “I would never have written the stories I have without my local library. As a child I would always be borrowing books, reading plays, then later revising for exams. Libraries have always been places of wonder and escape for me. We should celebrate them as something that is living and breathing still.” The workshops will be drama based and show children the building blocks of storytelling as well as releasing the power of the imagination.

Both workshops have limited places, so please collect your FREE ticket, in advance, from the library.

For all of these activities parents/carers will need to remain in the library.

This year's ‘Story Lab’ Summer Reading Challenge is a celebration of story and imagination.  Read six books between 16th July and 14th September to collect stickers (be warned some of them stink!), a certificate and a medal.  When you have completed the challenge you name will be entered into a free prize draw for a set of children's classic books.

Each year the Challenge is based around an exciting theme which seeks to inject fun and creativity into reading to motivate primary school children aged four to 11 to read for pleasure. This year’s theme “Storylab”, takes them on an imaginative adventure based on the power of stories.

Milford on Sea Library is open:  Mon 2.30 - 5.30pm; Tue 2.30 - 4.30pm; Wed & Fri 10am - 12.30pm.

Tel: 01425 627013 | christine.minifie@hants.gov.uk