The GREAT DINING BUS rolls into Milford

Milford on Sea have launched what is believed to be the first bus dining event in the UK.

 

The Great Dining Bus takes locals, holidaymakers and visitors on Dining Tours of the restaurants in Milford on Sea, with each tasty course being served in a different village restaurant.

 

Milford on Sea has become a 'foodie heaven', and when people see the dining options available, it is easy to see why the village is fast being recognised as the 'south coast destination for great dining'.

 

If you love food and great company, a lunch on the Great Dining Bus in Milford on Sea is for you. Simply book and ‘Jump On’ to enjoy each course in a different village restaurant.

 

Each Dining Tour gives people a great opportunity to experience fresh local ingredients and tasty creative dishes as the Milford on Sea village restaurants showcase their food offering and service. The village has a multi-award winning fish restaurant, French restaurant, cosmopolitan bistro, seafront British restaurant, and you can even enjoy authentic regional Indian & Thai food.

 

The Great Dining Bus is perfect as a treat, for spending time with friends, special celebrations, anniversaries, birthdays, or just a great excuse to enjoy a unique dining experience whilst savouring great food in excellent restaurants.

 

In addition to the Great Dining Bus (37.50pp), there is also a Strolling Dining Tour (£32pp), and a Spice Tour (£24pp). These other two tours give people the choice to walk the short distances between courses, for a different type of dining experience. The village is fortunate to have many of the restaurants close to the village green which enables people to take a leisurely stroll between courses.

 

Milford on Sea also has much more to offer; being blessed with a spectacular coastline, quaint seaside village & great places to stay, eat & shop. To go with our excellent restaurants, pubs & cafés, the village also has B&B's, hotels, self-catering, caravans & camping, in fact something to suit every taste and budget.

 

The Great Dining Bus is also encouraging people to come and ‘Stay & Dine’, making Milford on Sea a ‘destination for foodies’.

 

The Dining Tours run on a regular basis throughout the year, and dates are already available from June 2013 through to April 2014. (See Tour Dates here)  The courses each restaurant serves changes each time. Dining Vouchers make a great gift ith difference, and would be excellent for birthdays, celebrations, or just a great way to say thank you.  After all, who doesn't love a great meal and company!  the Dining Vouchers can be found on the Great Dining Bus website.

 

The Great Dining Bus tickets can be purchased in two ways:

Online at: www.greatdiningbus.co.uk

In cash from: The Community Centre Box Office, Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH  or from:

The Cave, 2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH.

 

Jump on board, this really is a trip worth taking!

 

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

 

About the Great Dining Bus

 

The Great Dining Bus first ran very successfully at MoS Food Week in 2012, and the Food Week team has now launched the Great Dining Bus as a regular and permanent event in the Milford on Sea village calendar. Around 16 Dining Tours will run in the next 12 months.

 

The Great Dining Bus team will be promoting this significantly locally and also looking for national exposure, as the concept is so unique.

 

On the Great Dining Bus, diners will enjoy a different course in a selection of Milford on Sea restaurants, where each restaurant will delight in showcasing a taste of their food offering and service.

 

If you have any queries at all, please contact: info@greatdiningbus.co.uk

To find out more please visit: www.greatdiningbus.co.uk - www.ticketsource.co.uk/greatdiningbus

Pizza's Go Chocolate

click image to enlarge

Hollands of Milford, our local village supermarket is now selling Chocolate Pizza. (Yes, really!)

 

The pizzas are made in Milford on Sea by Pippa's Chocolate Pizzas, and Paul & Maureen are now stocking them for those with large or small sweet teeth.

 

The Chocolate Pizzas have a Belgian chocolate base mixed with marshmallow and biscuit. This is then topped with 3 choices of toppings, from a list of dozens of delicious and naughty options. (I think I am dribbling.)

 

I think I might be trying these soon, but I will have to hide in the car park to eat it, as if my wife found out she would plan some painful retribution for me. She might even force me to eat devil vegetables like brocolli and sprouts.

 

Pippa’s Chocolate Pizzas were on Radio Wave 105 on Thursday 25th April 2013. They were helping to raise money for Clic Sargent on the 'Cash for Kids Day', and DJ Simon Clarke entered into a challenge to eat a 12 inch chocolate pizza.

 

Paul is a big supporter of local produce, and loves to find products from local artisan producer that he can stock in addition to his vast range of everyday and delicatessen items. they even now have fresh samosas made in Lymington, chutneys and sauces from Spice & Easy, and fresh and delicious cakes from Elmsleigh, all made in Milford on Sea.

 

What could be better than buying produce that has only moved yards rather than miles, and at the same time supporting someone who is making produce in the village.

 

Paul is always keen to extend his range of local foods, so if you know anyone who would like him to sell their produce, please just let him know.

 Hollands of Milford
49 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG
Tel: 01590 641882
www.hollandsmos.co.uk

Lord Montagu at La Perle

The team at La Perle had the pleasure of meeting Lord Montagu recently, when he came to dine at the chic Milford on Sea French restaurant.

Interestingly, Beaulieu is twinned with a beautiful French village called Hautvillers in Champagne, and that village is also the birthplace of Lionel, head chef & owner at La Perle.

 

Before moving to the UK, Lionel himself came to Beaulieu on a visit as a child more then 20 years ago.

 

La Perle are also delighted to have recently received a recommendation in the Sunday Telegraph on 19th March 2013. The article read: "With its chic monochrome décor, laid-back vibe (you can pop in for just a main course and glass of wine for £10), and fantastic French cooking, this bistro is a local hit. Try scallops with beurre noisette (£18.95)" I am sure this will once again raise the already high profile of this delightful French bistro in Milford on Sea.

 

It is difficult to choose when to go to dine in La Perle, as the menus are always great and excellent value.  In particular, Wednesday evenings now require early booking for their half of Lymington Lobster or Half Roast Chicken & a glass of wine for £19.95/£13.95. Both are served with Frites & Salad. You can even choose for your lobster cooked one of three ways; Thermidor, Cold or with Garlic Butter.

 

Tuesday Night they have Moules, Frites & a glass of wine for only £14.95. Choose your Moules cooked one of three ways; Mariniere style, Bacon & Tomato or Mouclade style.

 

Hampshire steaks are also served daily, and at £10pp the tasty lunchtime prix fixe menu is hard to beat. Tres bon!

 

So much to choose from, so it is up to you!

 

La Perle

60 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD
www.laperlemilford.co.uk

 

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

 

The Marine are running a tasty offer of 'Fish & Chips Weekends' with free pint of beer or glass of house wine with your meal at £9.75. Why not pop in on a Friday & Saturday between 6pm to 9pm.

The Marine
Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY
www.themarinemos.co.uk

 

Verveine has a New Look

click image to enlarge

Always creating magic with food, David Wykes has now also had a brand new website built, which showcases the extraordinary delights on a plate he serves. It also features their traditional village fishmongers, and much more.....

 

Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant continues to receive rave reviews, including articles in The Independent and Sunday Telegraph. It is no great surprise that David (Chef/proprietor), has been voted Hampshire Chef of the Year in 2011 & 2012 to go with the other major awards they have won in the past two years.

 

Verveine has also received a No.1 accolade for food from the Harden's Guide, which is the highest mark this respected national guide gives. I suggest it is only a matter of time before they get a lot more national recognition in a big way.

 

If you haven't yet eaten in Verveine their two course lunch is amazing value at just £14.95.  The a'la carte menu is of course more, but worth every penny if you love exciting, creative food, and of course fish!

 

Should you be one of the people that uses (or understands!) Twitter, David does regular tweets and you can 'get in his nest' or whatever it is Twitterer's do, by visiting his website, or clicking here.

 

To take a look at Verveine's new website please visit; www.verveine.co.uk

 

Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant
98 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE
Tel: 01590 642176
info@verveine.co.uk
www.verveine.co.uk

 

New at Clubhouse at HCSC

click image to enlarge

The new clubhouse at Hurst Castle Sailing club is now complete and being used by the members.

The impressive new building was built by our renowned village builders, Adcroft Building & Renovation. Another splendid project, yet again enhancing our village.

The formal opening ceremony will be on Saturday May 11th at 17.00 hours, (5pm to landlubbers!), when a plaque commemorating the occasion will be unveiled.

In keeping with the club's our self help ethos, three of their most long standing members, who have contributed a great deal to the fund raising over the years, will perform the ceremony for us.

The Lookout Platform is particulary impressive to watch the boats at play.

 To see more of the building as it came together, please click here.


STOP PRESS....  Up to date news about Hurst Castle SC opening is that Pippa Wilson. Olympic Gold medallist will cut the ribbon for the club.

Hurst Castle Sailing Club
HCSC Clubhouse, Keyhaven, SO41 0TR | www.hcsc.org.uk

South Lawn goes Bespoke

South Lawn Hotel in Milford on Sea now has new owners, Bespoke Hotels.

Looking at the groups website they have some very impressive hotels and seem to like buildings with character. South Lawn certainly fit that brief.

We hear that significant refurbishments are underway and planned, these will be done whilst the hotel remains open. With a bit of luck, this brave investment in these troubled times, could be an exciting development for the village.

Will be watching how this re-design progresses with great interest, perhaps we will have another fine restaurant coming our way in the month's to come!

www.bespokehotels.com
www.bespokehotels.com/southlawnhotel
 

Tasty Sweet Dreams

click image to enlarge

Having originated from Milford on Sea, Hannah Middlewick (formerly Chamberlain) now runs a charming local business called Sweet Dream Events.

At Sweet Dream Events, Hannah organises all kinds of events, and whether a wedding, children’s party, birthday, corporate event, hen party, or just an excuse for a get together, everyone gets personal attention and a day to remember.

Sweet Dream Events will take on an event from start to finish, and Hannah believes that your event should be a reflection of your personality, so, she takes the time to get to know you and your style.

Her personal service shines through whether designing and dressing a special day, to providing anything from a vintage tea party to sweet & dessert tables and tuck shops.

Hannah’s mum & dad still live in the village, and her brother, Tom runs Adcroft Build & Renovation, a village business that has worked across the south coast for several decades, and has become synonymous with a very high quality of workmanship and a strong attention to detail.

On Sunday, 16th June from 10am to 4pm, Hannah is organising a free to enter Garden Party in aid of Macmillan Nurses. The Garden Party will be held in in the gardens of Langtry House, Lymington Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QN.

Hannah will be styling and decorating the garden into a beautiful summer fete extravaganza, and aims to provide a relaxed environment where families can spend the day drinking tea & pimm’s, eating cake, sitting on the lawn listening to music, and enjoying the variety of local stalls whilst watching children playing games.

 

Everyone one is invited, so please go along. You can also see how the event is progressing and what will be there by clicking here.

Sweet Dream Events
hannah@sweetdreamevents.co.uk
Tel: 01202 428097|07999 223473
www.sweetdreamevents.co.uk

Adcroft Build & RenovationTom Chamberlain
01590 644351|07990 547591
www.adcroftbuild.co.uk

 

Sean Cracks Marathon

click image to enlarge

Our local assistant solicitor at Hugh Whitlock Solicitors, Sean Reeves, has taken a break from the office and organising a number of Milford on Sea events, to recently complete the London Marathon.  Thanks of course in no small part to my unique training advice.

 

As you will see from the pictures, Sean did not listen to all I taught him, as it appears that he has actually decided to run all of the way. He also ignored all of the bus routes and underground lines that I had meticulously planned for him to complete the course without sweating.

 

However, my personalised training programme kicked in a bit later, as you can see in picture two. I always say that the energy taken in drinking a pint of beer in 30 seconds is equivilent to a two mile run.  I am unable explain why the girl next to him is playing patience, but I expect that Sean may have been attempting to talk to her.

 

Sean completed the London Marathon in a respectable time of 4 hours 29 mins.  Whilst not quite the time he had trained for, no one had anticipated that it would be such a glorious day, after many hours of winter training around the zero mark.

 

Sean recalls that he hit 'the wall' at around 15 miles, and just after 26 miles he hit the bar.

 

Sean said: "My feet suffered an awful lot in the heat and I could feel every step, but I completed it which was the main thing. The crowds were amazing I have never had so many people scream and shout my name (it is estimated that there was in excess of 850,000 in the crowds!) they certainly kept me going when I was at the low points of the race."

 

You can see more of Sean's marathon pictures by clicking here and typing 'reeves' and then select 'Virgin London Marathon 2013'.

 

Having got the running bug, Sean's next challenge is the New Forest Marathon, shortly followed by the Bournemouth Marathon. He has also just entered the ballot for next years' London Marathon. (That is a lot of training beer to drink in the coming months.)

 

Finally, Sean wants to say a big thank you everyone who kindly sponsored him to raise in excess of £3,300 for charity. The money is being donated for Spinal Research (281325) and if you would like to add any more to his total, please click here.

 

 

Big Beach Clean Up

Join the fight against marine litter by taking part in the MCS Big Beach Clean-up this Saturday.

Over 110 beaches across the UK and Ireland are going to see volunteers coming together to do a beach clean and litter survey which will highlight the issues of beach litter around our coastlines.

The Milford on Sea beach clean and survey will last a couple of hours, leaving the rest of the day free for you to enjoy the beach. Everyone welcome.

What to bring: Water, Gloves and Suitable clothing.

Beach leader: Lymington M&S store team

Additional information: The beach clean will start at 2pm, so please arrive a few minutes beforehand.

Meeting place: In the car park next to the Milford on Sea Parish Council Bowling Green

Register here: www.mcsuk.org/foreverfish/details.php?beach=Milford-on-Sea or just turn up on the day.

Top Marks at School

Youngsters in Milford Pre-School appear to be benefiting from a great start in life. The local Milford on Sea school they attend has recently had their Ofsted Inspection, and they have come through with flying colours.

Milford Pre-School achieved the highest level ‘1 Grade’ in each measured category, with the statement that ‘This provision is outstanding.’ Current & future mum's and dad's must be very pleased what the school is doing for their kids'.

To view the full report please click here, and then click on the PDF Document as indicated below.

Milford Pre-School PlusLymington Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0RF
Tel: 01590 644684 | milfordpreschool@aol.com

www.milfordpreschoolplus.co.uk

Have Your Say!

The Parish Council are holding their third Community Engagement Event  this Friday & Saturday to present an update and to collect views on the Neighbourhood Plan.

A number of landowners have come forward with deliverable sites for development and you are now being asked for your preferences.

You will be able to see where the sites are located and learn about the potential for sustainability development of each site. You can talk to Steering Group members, make comments and raise your concerns and issues. At the event you can take your time to study the alternatives and then record your preferences anonymously and return your survey form to the Parish Office by Friday 24th May.

All the choices received by Friday 24th May will be used by the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group to prepare a multi-site proposal. Naturally some preferred sites might fit into a multi-site solution better than other preferred sites. The final proposal will be recommended to the Parish Council to go forward to our June Community Engagement Event.

Neighbourhood Plan  | Community Engagement Event

Friday 26th April between 2pm and 7pm and again on Saturday 27th April between 9am and 3pm. Venue: Community Centre, Sea Road, MoS.

They will then be holding their fourth Community Engagement Event in June and you will be asked to decide which you prefer: the Parish Council’s multi-site development or the District Council’s single site development (MoS1).

Neighbourhood Plan | Community Engagement Event

Friday 21st June between 2pm and 7pm and again on Saturday 22nd June between 9am and 3pm. Venue: Community Centre, Sea Road, MoS.

The website will carry information about the sites and how to record your preferences from Friday 26th April.

Further information on the Neighbourhood Plan can be found at www.ourplan.org.uk

Other local events: www.milfordonseacalendar.org

New Tourist Information in Village

Next time you visit The Village News in Milford on Sea High Street you will see a new Local Information Point.

The information service is organised by New Forest National Park, and Mark now has an attractive wooden sign outside, together with a well stocked rack of brochures of local attractions, days out and places of interest across the New Forest. He also has a full range of maps.

Naturally, this with be of great interest to our visitors, holidaymakers and tourists, but it will also be of use to local people in the village looking for ideas for a day out.

click image to enlarge

Mark as always, is looking to do something extra, he will also have a list of local B&B’s Hotels, Self Catering, Camping and places to stay for people not wanting to go home!

He is also happy for local accommodation providers and restaurants to drop in brochures and cards, which he is happy to give out on their behalf.

The new Local Information Point concept follows the demise of the New Forest District Council's TIC's (Tourist Information Centres) in Lymington and Ringwood. The New Forest National Park has selected local shops in nine villages to become places where leaflets and local information may be obtained.

Local Information Point at The Village News

74 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

Tel: 01590 645595

Village Doctor on The Run

I am sure many of you will have seen at least part of the London Marathon last Sunday. What you may have missed, was me running dressed as a Space Alien. The course was hard work, and twenty six miles is certainly a long way in draylon and foam. Fortunately, I did not hit 'The Wall', but I was tempted to slap a running Dustbin who trod on my intergalactic toe. The Dog who tripped the Duck was not so lucky.

The irony was that I was running for the 'UK Mascot Society', and the £7.50 I raised with go towards their planned new 'Mascot Anger Management Programme'.

My time wasn't quite as good as I hoped, as I stopped at each drink station looking for something eat, and my support team had filled my drinks bottles with Scotch & Coke. I had been going well, but then my refreshment meant that it took me over an hour to just zig-zag up The Mall to the finish.

Whilst I was making up this nonsense, one of our local doctors from Milford Medical Centre was running the London Marathon for real.

Dr Charlotte Woodward was running in aid of Prostate Cancer Research, and she completed the course in 4hrs 43 mins, 9 minutes (about an hour behind me), Charlotte's time was an improvement on her previous run.

Charlotte said; "I had a great day, the weather was perfect, the atmosphere amazing & the support from everyone fantastic. Thank you everyone who has sponsored me for such a great cause."

Charlotte has raised about £2000 so far, and she would like to thank all the patients of Milford Medical Centre who have sponsored her.

It is not too late to show your support for Charlotte and her great causes. If you can spare a few quid please sponsor her here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CharlotteWoodward

MiCo & Milford Memories

click image to enlarge

Whilst we prefer not to cover forthcoming events in this blog (as they are all detailed in www.milfordonseacalendar.org & it would take most of my life to mention them all in here!), we do think this one deserves a special mention.

 

The local kids from MiCo (Milford Community Organisation) are running an exhibition at St Barbe Museum in Lymington about their project based on the history of Milford and its people. (There is no payment to enter the museum to see MiCO's show)

 

 Also, on the 18th of May at 11am in the exhibition room some of the MiCO group are putting on a performance: A story of a girl who wishes to leave "boring" Milford for the more 'with it' life of McDonalds, Primark and better phone signal......(they did their research!) She meets a time traveller who takes her on a journey stopping at various points through Milford's past, and gently convinces her that Milford is much more interesting than she thought!

 

The exhibition will travel into Milford in June, firstly at the school, and then from the 10th to the 30th of June into the Community Centre.

 

The group are also doing smaller performances for St Georges' residents and Milford School children.

 

The children from across the village have gone to lot of effort to put on the show, and it would be great if as many of us from Milford could go along.  I am sure there are displays that will stir a few memories, and others that will tell us things we may not know about our village.

 

MiCo are also hosting an open tea party next week on Friday 26th April from 3:30pm to 5pm in the Community Centre, anyone is welcome to come in for some cake and tea and a good chat etc etc. The young group organise it themselves and will be baking up some treats.....

St. Barbe Museum & Art Gallery, New Street, Lymington, SO41 9BH

 

A Job in a Cave

As new business venture takes shape at The Cave in the village centre, an enthusiastic team is being assembled, who love wine and giving customers a great experience.

 

The owner/host, Jon Crouch, is also looking for some more people to join his team as:
Full-time or Part-time Bar Team Staff
Part-time Wine Retail Assistant

If, you, or anyone you know, may be interested please contact Jon on: jon@thecavemos.co.uk or call 01590 64219

I did apply, but I 'was deemed not suitable'. Apparently, 'The job did not involve tasting every bottle, and I could not be trusted to not drink all the stock'. Charming.

The Cave is an exciting new concept in enjoying wine. Situated opposite the picturesque Milford on Sea village green, there will always a warm welcome whether you are looking to taste, buy, learn, or simply enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or even coffee with friends. They also have gift vouchers for a present with a difference.

The Cave will be open seven days a week and if you have a taste for good wine, or beer, please pop in - there is plenty to browse and enjoy. Take a look at the website to find out more, or to register for the Newsletter or join the free Wine Club, please visit: www.thecavemos.co.uk

The Cave

2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH

Tel: 01590 64219 | jon@thecavemos.co.uk

www.thecavemos.co.uk

 

How to paint a lighthouse

The Hurst Castle team have been on the telly again!

This time they featured in the BBC2 programme 'Coast' on Wednesday 10th April 2013. The guys from the castle had been filmed leaving Keyhaven Quay with a couple of their boats to put the painters on the Needles lighthouse.

This was actually filmed two years ago, but it takes time for the show to make it to our TV screens.

It may not be so well known that Hurst Ferries have the Trinity House contracts for the day to day maintenance of the Needles and Hurst Point lighthouses which is certainly an interesting job, alongside running both the Hurst Ferry and Hurst Castle.

 

Sean, Mary and Jason do not however take responsibility for the Needles Lighthouse fog horn keeping people awake!

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

Addendum

 

What the show did not broadcast, was me, (in my rather tight luminous dungarees, which got several funny looks from the film crew and fellow painters) leaping 'gazzelle like' from the boat onto the Needles rocks. I then free-climbed up the outside of the lighthouse, racing the guys using the stairs to get to the top.

 

As I waited for them to arrive, I enjoyed the view, whist eating one of those tasty samosas from Hollands. My brand new set of brushes from Milford Hardware were poised, eager to get to work.

 

As we abseiled down the giant 'barbers pole' splashing paint in all directions, the boys decided they did not like the rather fetching shade of cerise paint I was applying. Apparently, the lighthouse was supposed to remain red & white. As I protested that a change of colour would be appreciated by the people from the shore, the rest of team did not agree, which they demonstrated by unclasping my harness. 

 

It is surprising how high the lighthouse is, which is particularly noticeable when you are falling past it at around 100mph.  As I swam to shore two things crossed my mind, firstly, it was time I gave up painting, and secondly, I did not know the difference between tight luminous dungarees and a mankini!

 

If only that last paragraph was true it would have made a good episode. My wife reckons I have better face for radio though.

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

Hurst Castle & Ferry
A short relaxing boat ride, or for the more energetic, a walk along the shingle Hurst Spit, however you get there, it is worth the visit!.
www.hurstcastle.co.uk
 

Meet new people in the CAFE

Our research department, (me & Taz), has heard of social organisation called The Coast and Forest Events Group (CAFE), which is a group within Meetup. The group is based in Milford on Sea and currently has 97 CAFE Go-ers.

Meetup is the world's largest network of local groups, and they makes it easy for anyone to organize a local group. More than 9,000 groups get together worldwide in local communities each day, each one with the goal of enjoying themselves or improving their communities.

This Meetup group is aimed at people who live in or around the southern, coastal part of the New Forest. It sets out to help members perk up each other's social lives, by making the most of the excellent leisure facilities and venues we have here locally, right on our doorstep.

 

If you are 'Mid-Life' and maybe find yourself unexpectedly single, there are times when you probably feel like going out to see a film or play or to a comedy night, for a meal, for a walk, for a drink, or even just for a coffee. There's lots to do, but it's not so much fun on your own. This could be the group for you.

 

They have a website where member post events and activities, and find other people who would like to go along. The group offers friendship and, mostly-inexpensive, local social activities (pub quizzes, meals, walks, live music, a drink at a country pub on a Sunday evening) - while also keeping an eye out for bigger local events, as well as those in Bournemouth, Southampton and beyond for when people feel like making the extra effort!

 

People of any age and location are welcome, but please bear in mind that most events may take place within an area roughly Lyndhurst to Lymington, Christchurch to Calshot, or close by, and that activities will be focused on the age range 45+.

 

While most members will be single, the group is open to sociable singles and non singles alike, living in the south of the New Forest or surrounding areas, and especially to those who want to actively contribute event ideas to the group! So, if you wish to meet new people, this sounds a good group to join.

CAFE Meet up is non-profit-making, and exists solely to help its members have Fun! The organisers give their time voluntarily, and reserve the right to exclude from membership anyone they believe intends to use the group for purposes other than …. Fun! Group running costs (website, admin etc) will be covered by a charge of up to £1, collected by the organiser, when you attend an event.

To join or find out more, please visit: www.meetup.com/C-A-F-E

 

Scouts Afloat

We have received a rather nice message from the Milford and Keyhaven Sea Scouts, who are thrilled to announce the arrival of 4 new dinghies on Monday to kick start the sailing season.

These dingies have been purchased thanks to the excellent support of the local community at a number of fundraisers, such as; the Community Centre’s First Friday Lunch Clubs, where the WI kindly donated the proceeds of their raffle, The Milford on Sea Music Festival Committee and Waitrose green token scheme.  They have also been fortunate to have been in the thoughts of members of our community that have supported them in their Wills and donations rather than flowers

The Sea Scouts have also been brilliantly supported by Topper International, who gave a substantial discount on the dingies to enable the troop to get on the water this season.

The troop leaders are now able to provide our local young people with an opportunity to learn to sail in our beautiful coastal area. The colony offers scouting skills for a whole range of ages groups, which can only be acheive through enthusiastic volunteers.

For the small group running and working with the Sea Scouts, it is quite an achievement to have raised the level of funds that they have, and the generosity of the village just goes on. They send their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped them along the way.

 

The Sea Scouts can never have enough support or volunteers, so if you would like to join them any areas such as; fundraising, organising the weekly meetings, hut maintenance or have invaluable skills in camping, kayaking, sailing or powerboating they would love to hear from you.

 

If you would like to help, please contact: Amy Cullen on amynaturally@hotmail.com or pop in to see Nigel Harper at Milford Models and Hobbies.

Having reached this excellent milestone, the fundraising is not yet over, as they would still like to purchase some new trollies, a safety boat and general sailing equipment.  

 

To continue the fundraising, they are holding another event, this time 'An Evening of Sea Shanties' on Friday 10th May at the Village Community Centre. Tickets can be purchased from the Community Centre Box Office or at www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk.

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

This could be my big moment..........

 

Thinking about it, I consider myself to be a bit of an 'old sea dog', as I have been across to the Isle of Wight on the ferry more than once, and was once master of a hire boat on the River Stour for over an hour. (Why we were late back to the hire point is another story.) 

I have heard that the Sea Shanty evening will feature some 'professional singers', but I am sure that it would be greatly enhanced if I took centre stage for a couple of 'shanties'.  To prepare I have been rehearsing in the bathroom, in spite of my wife banging on the door asking me to be quiet. (They were not her exact words!)  I have to say, the more rum I drunk, the better my singing got.

Having got my set perfected, my wife insists that 'Michael row you boat ashore', 'Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside', and Rod Stewart's 'I am sailing' are not sea shanties. My wife has never captained any sort of boat, so I am not sure how she would know? Sometimes I wonder who the master is in our house.

 

Ah, my wife has just reminded me, ....she is.

Cook Steak at The Granary

To celebrate their recent refurbishment, Local Cookery School, The Granary Kitchen have launched a 'Buy 1, Get 1 Half Price' offer.

The offer takes place on Saturday 27th April, and if you take a friend to the Morning session of their Cooking the Perfect Steak Cookery School - and you only pay £20!

I am trying to convince Christian to run a course on perfecting Beans on Toast, but he think that is a bit too simple. Easy for him to say, he should see my kitchen covered in splashes of tomato sauce and cremated toast when my wife leaves me to fend for myself!

If you fancy booking the Steak Course please click here or e-mail: cooking@thegranarykitchen.co.uk

The Granary Kitchen

The Granary, Newlands Manor Farm, Lymington, SO41 0JH
01590 673040 | cooking@thegranarykitchen.co.uk 
www.thegranarykitchen.co.uk



 

It’s good to care

Milford Community Care Group are looking for people happy to help some people in the need across the village.

Milford Community Care Group are a team of village volunteers who assist local people with transport to medical & dental appointments. 

 

The group are looking for anyone who is happy to contribute a few hours a month, in particular, taking phone calls in the office from villagers who need one of our volunteer drivers to transport them to medical appointments.

 

If you would prefer to be a volunteer driver, new people are always welcome to help out.

 

Becoming a volunteer for Milford Community Care Group also gives you a chance to meet lots of new people, and give someone a helping hand along the way.

 

If you have a little time you can give, please contact Wendy, on 01590 642882, or Val or Mike on 01590 645948. 

Milford Community Care Group
Winners of the 2012 Achievers Award
Community Centre Office, Sea Road, MoS
Tel: 08456 443628