The Cave Goes Yummy

The team at The Cave in Milford on Sea Village Green appear to be on a mission to entertain the village!

Over two of the past weekends they have held live music on their 'Lazy Sunday’ afternoon's and we understand both had an excellent turn out.

From Monday 24th June, The Cave team are launching the 'Yummy Mummy Coffee & Cake Club' to give busy mum's a break and chance to get together. The get togethers will be every Monday & Friday from 10am to 12 noon. 

Whether you plan to meet with friends, or just fancy going along to meet new people, everyone is welcome. A special deal will also be available, with Coffee & Cake for £2.95, and a second cup of coffee for £1.

To ensure that there is something for everyone, from next Monday, The Cave are also starting a 'Happy Hour' from 5pm to 7pm every Monday to Thursday. Each evening will see a number of special offers on International wines, specialist beers and spirits.
 

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

 

Find out more at: www.thecavemos.co.uk

 

Award for Hurst Castle Museum

The Association of Lighthouse Keepers has gained an award for Conservation and for providing a new Lighthouse related Museum and visitor attraction in Hurst Castle.

 

Anyone interested in lighthouses, museums, or the heritage of the Solent area will love the new museum extension recently opened by the Association of Lighthouse Keepers (ALK) at Hurst Castle.

 

Beautiful lighthouse lenses, lighthouse artefacts, a lighthouse interior reconstruction, very large information boards detailing the Needles lighthouse in particular and fascinating interactive displays are all here as an exciting part of the castle experience.

 

The qualities that led the Solent Protection Society to grant a Conservation Award to the ALK Museum at Hurst Castle were the dedication, ingenuity and perseverance of a small number of skilled and enthusiastic ALK volunteers. Lights, lenses and artefacts were found or borrowed, interactive exhibits from other museums were acquired and also a full size replica of a portion of the Kitchen in the Needles lighthouse has been constructed. In the replica, the 1850s furniture that would have been in the Needles lighthouse when it was built in 1859, has been faithfully recreated with many parts being specially made to suit. To contain a vast number of artefacts that the ALK acquired from ALK member Jim Coleman, a redundant conservatory was cannibalised to make a superb display case. This sounds an interesting new place visit, and of course a trip to Hurst castle is always a pleasure.
 

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

 

Association of Lighthouse Keepers

The Association of Lighthouse Keepers was formed in 1988 to specifically record the vast history of lighthouse keeping which stretches back over many hundreds of years, when the automation of lighthouses and consequent redundancy of lighthouse keepers was on the horizon. Records of the history of lighthouse keeping takes the form of an archive, both storing and displaying the vast documental record and also examples of physical hardware from lighthouses; the museum at Hurst Castle fills this latter role.

 

The ALK also provides a forum for everyone interested in lighthouses, lightships and other aids to maritime navigation. The automation of navigational aids and the introduction of modern technologies such as GPS means that the wonderful lighthouses around our coast are under threat. Active, unmanned lighthouses are already becoming increasingly fewer hence the ALK is preserving their history and memories and also seeks to protect these unique structures. There are a number of serving attendants and former keepers amongst the membership who are involved in the day to day maintenance of existing lights. However being an ex-lighthouse keeper is not a requirement for joining the Association! The ALK organises visits to some of the lighthouses throughout the British Isles and occasionally to the near Continent as well.

 

For more information about the Association of Lighthouse Keepers visit: www.alk.org.uk

 

Solent Protection Society

Solent Protection Society exists to ensure the ecological and environmental wellbeing and wise management of the Solent area, its natural beauty and amenities, so that these can be enjoyed by present and future generations. It is a small charity funded by private members (including several bequests), numerous yacht clubs and commercial companies throughout the area. The Society recognises some of the outstanding work in the Solent in two ways:

YA Conservation Award. This is a small plaque that can be displayed by the recipient. The presentation of the award offers a publicity opportunity Small grants, usually less than £5000, to facilitate a project that assists with the protection and conservation of the Solent. The Solent is a complex area that has to satisfy the , sometimes conflicting, demands of its many users. SPS seeks to explain how the Solent works, and to comment on proposed and actual legislation for the benefit of Solent users. A series of winter talks is being planned to take place in various parts of the area, If you would like to help SPS support and encourage people who strive to protect the Solent, you are welcome to join. The current annual subscription is £12. The application forms can be found on the SPS website at http://www.solentprotection.org/join

 

Visiting the ALK Museum at Hurst Castle

Hurst Castle is accessible by ferry from Keyhaven, or on foot along Hurst Spit from Milford on Sea More to do at Hurst Castle In addition to the ALK museum there are numerous other fascinating things to see at Hurst castle. Hurst Castle was the perfect location to defend the western approach to the Solent. The castle was built by Henry VIII as one of a chain of coastal fortresses and was completed in 1544. Charles I was imprisoned here in 1648 before being taken to London to his trial and execution. The castle was modernised during the Napoleonic wars and again in the 1870’s when the enormous armoured wings were constructed. Two of the huge 38-ton guns installed in the 1870’s can be viewed in their casemates. During World War II, Hurst was manned with coastal gun batteries and searchlights. Since the castle has been opened to the public many more exhibits and exhibitions have been installed. In addition to the ALK Museum, Trinity House also have a major display. For more information about the venue visit http://www.hurstcastle.co.uk/index.html

Contacts
Association of Lighthouse Keepers: Keith Morton, ALK representative at Hurst Castle

hurst@alk.org.uk | Tel: 01329 843883

 

Solent Protection Society: Jeremy Clark (Chairman)

Jeremy.clark589@btinternet.com | Tel: 02380 402767

MoSYFC Win Charter Award

MOSYFC have been awarded the 'FA Charter Standard Club of the Year' in the Bournemouth League.

 

The Charter Standard awards aim to recognise and reward people across the country who make a difference to grassroots football in their local community – the people who dedicate their time to developing tomorrow’s young talent and help ensure safety and best practice in tens of thousands of clubs up and down the country.

 

The award is an impressive accolade and congratuulations go to all the coaches, committee members and parents who give their time voluntarily to make this club a fun and safe place for local children to play and enjoy football.

The players at the club follow the club's ethos, and have a reputation of playing with enthusiasm, fairness and respect for each other and their opponents.

Milford on Sea Youth Football Club play on Barnes Lane Recreation Ground and cater for girls and boys from ages under 6 to under 16. they compete in the Bournemouth Youth Football League on Sundays throughout the season in both mini and 11-a-side soccer.

If you’re interested in joining the club, please contact the respective coach. (Details on website: www.mosyfc.co.uk)

Alternatively, why not go along and watch one of the younger teams train on a Saturday morning at Barnes Lane to get a sense of what we are all about?

 

Milford on Sea Youth Football Club

www.mosyfc.co.uk

 

Priestival Gets Rocking

A new music festival is coming soon at Priestlands School.

The Priestival line up is currently being compiled and will be made from past and present Priestlands School pupils. A lot of Milford on Sea students have attended Preistlands School so a a strong village representation is expected on stage.

 

Priestival Music Festival take place on Saturday 6th July from 5pm to 11pm, and will also feature a selection of food, such as a hog roast and paella, as well as cakes and cream teas run by the scouts. There is also a licenced bar.

 

The organisers hope people of all ages will come along to enjoy the fun.

Tickets are available from: www.priestlands.org.uk or the School Office.

Priestival is organised by Priestlands Parent Association and all funds go to Priestlands School. For any queries, please contact Nicky on: 07585 895283


Priestival Music Festival

www.priestlands.org.uk

www.milfordonseacalendar.org


 

40 B4 40-Café Shore

click image to enlarge

No.35: Café Shore (Sandbanks)

As the sun broke through the bedroom window on Sunday morning my head was slightly fuzzy. Saturday had been a glorious sunny day and we had celebrated by spending a late afternoon and early evening sampling an impressive selection of the wine and beer menu at The Cave. My son, Matthew found a friend in the special blend of Stella Artois 4, his fiancée Kayleigh got a taste for Sancerre, and my wife just downed everything that was put in front of her.

Not sure if we chose to move on, or if we were thrown out, but we then found ourselves in The Raft, drinking more beer. As you may expect, we were by now peckish, so we indulged in some tasty starters and great pizza’s in the courtyard garden.

The future happy couple were up bright and breezy Sunday morning to attend a church service and specifically, to meet the vicar, in St Stephens Church in Kingston Lacy. This is to be the venue for their wedding next year. My wife was also up, but still in the mumbling stage as she had not yet had her second cup of tea. We debated about going along to meet the vicar, but logistics with our two dogs proved tricky, and their ability to sing hymns was a bit suspect. My wife also though that it might not be a good move for the vicar to meet me just yet. So, we decided to meet them a bit later at The Sandbanks Hotel, the venue for their forthcoming wedding reception. The hotel is in a fabulous position on Poole Harbour with excellent facilities and a very impressive seafront vista.

After a good look around and being impressed by their choice of wedding venue, we wandered along the sandy beach in the sunshine for lunch at Café Shore.

The restaurant was extremely stylish and it was evident that someone had exceptional taste and design skills, not to mention a deep pocket.

Our table overlooked Poole Harbour through the wall of windows. the view was spectacular both inside and out.

It took a while to order our drink and starters, but when they eventually arived it was immediately evident that the kitchen was cooking with skill and using some lovely ingredients. Between us we enjoyed Salmon Tartare with Plantain Crisps, Asparagus with Poached Egg & Hollandaise Sauce, and finally, Tempura Prawns with Sweet Chilli Sauce.

It was a shame that the front of house team did not match the kitchen efforts, when we had to wait too long for our plates to be cleared and for our main courses served.  When they did arrive, they were again very good. We enjoyed; Thyme & Garlic Roasted 28 Day Aged Beef, Horseradish Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Potatoes & Seasonal Vegetables, Beer Battered Fish & Chips with Garden Peas & Tartare Sauce, and a Sea Bass dish. (Which was a replacement for the Black Bream on the menu.)

Our sweets were Lime Cheesecake with White Chocolate Ice Cream, Lemon Curd Pot with Shortbread Biscuit, and Dark Chocolate & Salted Caramel Tart with Crème Fraiche. We all voted them well placed on the 'Yummy scale!'.

Throughout our meal it was bemusing to watch how just about every member of the waiting team avoided eye contact and could not somehow see out table had people on it!

As the bill arrived Matthew & Kayleigh insisted on paying, which was rather nice after a tasty meal and lots of fun conversation.

At 2 Courses for £20 and 3 Courses for £25, the lunch was good value, and had the service matched the environment & the food, it would have been excellent. We will give it another try on another day.

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

Café Shore

10-14 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7QB

www.cafeshore.co.uk
 

The Sandbanks Hotel
15 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7PS
www.sandbankshotel.co.uk

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

Sun Shines on the GREAT DINING BUS

The first in a regular monthly programme of the Milford on Sea Great Dining Bus Tours was sold out and took place on Saturday lunchtime on 8th June 2013.

As the twelve diners arrived at The Marine for a welcome drink and canapés, the sun shone and everyone enjoyed the breathtaking panoramic views from The Marine Roof Terrace.

After boarding the Great Dining Bus, the guests then visited Verveine, The Raft and La Perle, where they enjoyed a different course in each restaurant, which showcased each of the individual restaurants' style and menus.

Most diners did not know each other on arrival, but by the end of the afternoon they had enjoyed the informal and friendly company of their fellow diners. The last diners left the final lunch venue just before 5pm, so it seems everyone had a good time!

One of the diners, Mark Clayson said: “We love the Great Dining Bus concept and you will not be surprised to hear that we really enjoyed our long lunch yesterday. The afternoon was relaxed and very well spent with friends new and old! The Dining Bus gave us of several delicious courses, and a glimpse of what the excellent Milford on Sea restaurants have to offer, … we will be back to enjoy them even more!”

The next Dining Tour takes place on Saturday 29th June 2013

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

Online at:

www.greatdiningbus.co.uk - or - 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!

To find out more, or to see the upcoming tour dates and details, please visit:

www.greatdiningbus.co.uk - www.ticketsource.co.uk/greatdiningbus.co.uk

Dining Gift Vouchers can also be found on the Great Dining Bus website.

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

About the Great Dining Bus

The Great Dining Bus first ran very successfully at Milford on Sea Food Week in 2012 is believed to be the first regular bus dining event in the UK.

The Food Week team launched the Great Dining Bus as a regular and permanent event in the Milford on Sea village calendar in June 2013, and around 16 Dining Tours run every year.

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'.f 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 are also available. They make a great gift with 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 Great Dining Bus team will be promoting the tours 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, or to see the upcoming tour dates and details, please visit:

www.greatdiningbus.co.uk - www.ticketsource.co.uk/greatdiningbus.co.uk

Dining Gift Vouchers can also be found on the Great Dining Bus website.

Milford on Sea Food Week: www.milfordonseafoodweek.org

Local Cheese & a Little Port

As I popped to the village to grab something for our lunch, I was soon drooling at the delicatessen counter in Hollands of Milford.

My eyes soon spotted a rather tasty looking new cheese which I hadn't seen before. It turned out to be locally made by Fernhill Cheese Company, an Artisan Cheese maker based on a farm in Sway. The makers, I discovered are Clare Elizabeth Holmes and Sara Jordan, and the cheese is a Brie type made from organic pasteurised cows milk. A wedge of the French style classic was first in to the basket for my lunch quest. 

This was soon followed by a freshly baked stick of French baguette. I then decided to add a jar of Pretty Pickle made by Claire at Spice & Easy in Milford on Sea.

My impromptu plan for our French lunch had suddenly taken shape. I am not sure the girls behind the counter had not realised my shopping adventure had turned French, and they looked suitably bemused as I chatted away in French and asked them if they took Euros.

Arriving home, my wife was slightly nervous of what was going to be revealed from my shopping trip, particularly as I have returned in the past having totally forgotten to buy the lunch I had been sent out for. However, she was pleasantly surprised when I showed her the cross-channel lunch theme contained in the bag.

She was somewhat less impressed with my rendition of 'Alouette'. As I reached the verse with 'Je te plumerai la têt, Je te plumerai la tête' for the ninth time, she emerged from the kitchen brandishing a knife, advising me if I wanted to keep my head I should refrain from singing any more. I mumbled; 'You don't scare me' in French and under my breath, thankful she did not hear me.

Lunch was soon served, and it seem appropriate to have an accompanying glass of port, or two.... My wife declined a glass, but I am not sure if she understood my invitation in Gallic.

As we ate lunch, my wife shared her wisdom; - 'You know what happens when you drink at lunchtime; you will be asleep in half an hour'.  'Not me' I insisted as I poured another glass, 'Being almost French, I am genetically built for a continental lunch'.

The cheese was excellent, creamy & flavoursome, the bread fresh, soft and full of memories of our past emigration to Deauville. The chutney added another dimension and the port felt like liquid sunshine lighting up the orchestra of flavours.

An hour or so later I awoke on the sofa with the verses of 'Alouette' still ringing in my head. A note was on my chest. 'Gone to see Stacey. Told you it would put you to sleep'. Don't you just hate it when you wife is always right!

Hollands of Milford

www.hollandsmilford.co.uk

Fernhill Cheese Company
www.facebook.com/pages/Fernhill-cheese-company/627959613897422

Milford to Andalucia

Casa Girasol

Milford on Sea contains many people who have relocated to be by the sea, with familes spread far and wide, so connections to Milford on Sea are not surprisingly spread across the globe.

When travelling, the mention of Milford on Sea, either prompts a vacant blank look, or a response like; "Oh, do you know so & so".

One such couple is Nigel & Wendy Swann, who's eldest daughter, Debbie, is now settled in Spain.

Nigel & Wendy's eldest daughter, Debbie, has recently featured in a couple of UK publications about life in Spain, and the casita she has renovated with her partner, Jay.

In addition to running an adjoining small self-catering apartment, Debbie also runs small classes teaching English to the Spanish, which could be a useful addition to my excellent version of French.

Casa Girasol is situated in breath-taking olive groves in the heart of rural Andalucia between the ancient and historic cities of Granada and Cordoba at the gateway to the Subbetica National Park.

Debbie and Jay offer you a casa-rural teaming with rustic charm married to breath-taking vistas and old fashioned comfort. Having renovated their 'forever' home and attached guest casita on the edge of the friendly Spanish village of Las Navas they are proud of every stone and paint-stroke.

Untouched by time, Andalucia still offers goats with bells, hand made cheeses, free tapas with your rioja, paellas big enough to feed the village, fiestas, siestas and a chance to sample the real Spain.

I hear that the local wine and cava is extremely inexpensive, which is another good reason to visit in itself.

If it sounds the sort of place for you, you can find Debbie & Jay at:

Casa Girasol (Sunflower House)

Las Navas 78, Priego de Cordoba, Cordoba, 14800, Spain

www.casagirasol.co.uk

Handy Lionel

If you have ever needed anything for a DIY project, or any general household hardware or car accessory item, it is quite likely that you have visited 'Hardware @ Milford' in Keyhaven Road.

The store is a surprising Aladdin's Cave, with everything you may need for your home, garden or car, and plenty you wouldn't have expected to be available in Milford on Sea. You can even get a new key cut and fun stuff for the beach.

Lionel Illgner, the stores owner, is now providing even more services through Lionel's Home Maintenance. He is now offering general domestic home repairs, tiling, assembly of furniture, bathroom & kitchen fitting, painting, decorating, fencing, plus a gardening service for lawn mowing, strimming and hedge cutting.

No job is too small, so I am about to give hom a call to sort out the bathroom light bulb that needs changing!

If you have anything that needs doing, it sounds like it is worth having a chat with Lionel.

Hardware @ Milford
20 Keyhaven Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QY
01590 641684 | 07814 456963
www.hardwareatmilford.co.uk


Opening HoursMonday to Friday: 9.30am - 5pm
Saturday: 8.30am - 5pm

See the Methodist Makeover

The refurbishment of the Milford on Sea Methodist Church is now completed and the team are holding an Open Morning to show everyone the new facilities.

The Open Morning will take place on Saturday 6th July from 10am to 12 noon. The church's website also show all the refurbished work that has been completed. This includes a hearing loop system in the Santuary which is a system that links any hearing appliance to the broadcast sound system for discrete hearing support.

There is also a video projector, full central heating. Behind the main worship area there is a medium sized meeting room which can be hired by any club, organisation or group by contacting Sheila Hall. As can the good size and well equipped kitchen. The toilets have also been upodated and now separate gents & ladies, and a toilet for the disabled in the entrance lobby, which also has baby changing facilities.

The Methodist Church in Milford on Sea is situated in the heart of the community it serves. They try to meet the needs of their own members as well as those of others who live in the village along with the many holiday makers that are attracted to the area. The church are now hoping to get planning permission sometime in the future to modernise the front of the church. A key mission is to extend the hand of fellowship to all in the community.

MoS Methodist Church, 108 High Street, Milford on Sea,SO41 0QE
www.milfordmethodist.org

Sheila Hall: bookings@milfordmethodist.org

40 B4 40-East (Ventura at Sea)

No. 34: East (Ventura at Sea)

Three generations were off on a three night P&O cruise and life could hardly feel better. A short drive to Southampton, and then straight through the port gates to the drop off area. A quick check in, and our cases were taken from the boot next to be seen in our cabins, as our car keys were handed over for valet parking. The welcome from everyone was friendly and smiling, and these seemed people who actually enjoyed their job and were genuinely happy to help. A simple 20 yard walk into the terminal, up the escalator, through security and we were onboard Ventura. This is how simple cruising from Southampton is.

First stop, of course, was The Beach House Restaurant, - and the holiday had started!

My Wife, my Mum, my Son Matthew, and his lovely fiancée, Kayleigh, were soon surveying the tempting delights on offer, as we watched the tiny outlines of people below boarding and preparing the ship for our voyage.

As Matt & Kayleigh were tucking into lunch, they were still trying to comprehend the size and grandeur of the ship. Mum has cruised before, so she was concentrating on her prawns.

click image to enlarge

Over the next 3 days we would explore a number of the various restaurants for breakfast, mid-morning snacks, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and even a midnight buffet. (But not all, as we ran out of time and stomach capacity!) Room service was also available, but we never got that peckish!

My wife even seemed to like me, with no imminent threat of her wanting to push me overboard, so things were going pretty well.

I could write about so much; the great live entertainment, the quaint beauty of Bruges, the pleasure of sitting around the pool drinking Pina Colada’s in the sunshine overlooking St Peters Port Guernsey, the efficient and friendly crew, the fabulous food that is available 24 hours a day, the swanky bars, the laughter and great moments, and the warm glow of spending relaxed quality time with people you love. However, I am going to stick to one special meal that stood out amongst all others.

Throughout the ship, the quality of dining and snacks were of a high order everywhere, and a highlight were the curries served in the self-service restaurants. They had a real authentic feel, which was likely to be a reflection of the Indian members of the kitchen team. My wife could not comprehend how I could eat a curry, then pickings of various other personal favourites, and then finally a treacle sponge. But I guess she is the one missing out on the celestial delight of culinary grazing.

The ship had two fine dining restaurants for a small supplement; The White Room with a menu by Marco Pierre White, and East with the dishes created by Atul Kochhar.

Atul was the first Indian chef to be awarded a coveted Michelin star in Britain. He made his name, and was awarded his first Michelin star, in 2001 at London's acclaimed Tamarind restaurant. In 2007 he founded Benares, where he earned his second Michelin star in his own flagship fine dining Indian restaurant in Mayfair, London.

The White Room menu did not really excite us, but the menu at East certainly did. So, on the formal black tie evening, we booked a table and were greeted by a charming waitress with a warm personality and great sense of service and fun.

Some dishes on the menu looked familiar, but we were to discover that each had a twist and flavours that delighted the taste buds and mind. Top chef’s that put their names to restaurants are often a disappointment, this was not one of those occasions.

East is an Asian Fusion restaurant that features various dishes with Chinese, Japanese and Thai influences, and all recipes are created by master chef Atul Kochhar. The deep red and dark wood interior give it a distinctive Oriental feel and an intimate atmosphere. Quite an experience to feel like you are in Mayfair, yet actually cruising in the middle of the English Channel.

click image to enlarge

Our meal started with an unexpected complimentary Prawn Spring Roll, as we enjoyed explosive Singapore Sling and Rose Petal Martini cocktails.

The price of all drinks onboard was very reasonable, with cocktails at around £5 and a bottle of decent wine from about £15.

As you may expect, we were more than happy, so we ordered a bottle of light and cheeky Beaujolais wine to go with our starter course of Chiang Mai Pork (Braised Ribs marinated in Candied Ginger, Garlic and Chilli) and Thai Fish Cakes. The ribs simply jumped from the bone as the fork approached, and the tender meat was infused with a myriad of exotic spices.

For our main courses we had chosen the 24 Hour Slow Cooked Lamb Rendang, and Atul’s Signature Plate (Khmer King Prawns, Thai Green Chicken Curry & Lamb Korma), - nothing was as expected, as an explosion of contrasting flavours just kept revealing themselves, - pure delight!

To complete our meal we had the guilty pleasure of Deep Fried Banana with Vanilla Ice Cream and Warm Chocolate Fondue, and Sweet Rice Pudding with Mango. The meal and experience was a triumph at every level.

Our adventure on the seven seas was over far to quickly, and you know you have had a great holiday when you are a little sad to leave the place and people you have been spending precious time with.

We were a little sad, but extremely happy to have shared great memories on a wonderful cruise.

About Ventura
Ventura was launched in 2007 and is one of the largest cruise ships in the P&O Cruises fleet. It features 14 passenger decks, carries up to 3574 Passengers and has 1220 Crew.

She has a large choice of facilities with 7 bars, 11 restaurants/diners, casino, 4 swimming pools, a sports court, spa and theatre. For entertainment the ship has a theatre with full production shows, a cinema, two lounges for cabaret, comedy and dancing and even Metropolis, an atmospheric bar with a panoramic video wall brought to life by a different city skyline each evening.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
P&O Ventura

East - Atul Kochhar Restaurant
www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/ventura/ship-overview

Benares
12a Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, W1J 6BS
www.benaresrestaurant.com

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

Squirell's Home

After last week's story about a missing family cat, Squirell, we are pleased to let you know that he is now home safe and well.

 

Clare Johnston wrote to us to say: "I’m very happy and relieved to be able to let you and your readers know that Squirrel returned home early this morning. He was very hungry and tired but otherwise seems none the worse for his adventure.

 

She also said: "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all our kind neighbours who checked their sheds/garages, kept a lookout for him and phoned us with sightings. Everyone we spoke to during our search was so sympathetic and concerned for him. It has just confirmed to us that moving to Milford is one of our best decisions in life (not that we ever had any doubts). There is a real sense of community and looking out for each other. We kept saying to each other 'you wouldn't get this in London'. "

Jamming Sessions at The Gun

The Gun Inn in Keyhaven have launched regular Jamming Sessions on every other Thursday evening.

All are invited to come to enjoy the music, or to rock up and play a song or two at the live music night. Everyone is welcome from the ages of 18 to 80+.

The evenings are all acoustic, and a lot of Milford on Sea’s musical talent is anticipated to come along.

The Gun Inn is run by Paul, Jackie & Nathan Hill and is well-known for their extraordinary whisky selection and local crab sandwiches & dishes. Over 240 malt whisky’s are on offer, each with their own tasting notes. Could be quite hobby to work your way through the entire list!

Since being built in the 1700’s The gun Inn has had a number of incarnations, including being a mortuary and bakers.

The next Jamming Session at The Gun is next Thursday 6th June, and then every other Thursday from then onwards. Entry is free, so why not pop along and check it out!

The Gun Inn
Saltgrass Lane, Keyhaven, Lymington, SO41 0TP
01590 642391
www.theguninn.com

Check out event dates in: www.milfordonseacalendar.org

 

Milford Businesses Come Together

If you run any type of small home-based business, or retail shop operation in the village, you may find this of particular interest.

Local village businessman, Paul French, is forming the Milford Business Forum. Having had a successful career, Paul is looking to give something back, by bringing together our local village business owners.

The primary purpose of the Milford Business Forum is to provide a relaxed, friendly, supportive network where local new or long established businesses can meet people, make contacts, exchange ideas and develop their business. The feeling of isolation is a problem for many business owners, especially small business owner-operators who sit, alone, in front of a computer all day or those with few staff members to bounce ideas off and look to for guidance when issues arise.

The Milford Business Forum meetings will be relax, as business issues are discussed over a coffee. The forum is also completely independent and non-profit making.  

The business topics to be discussed will be wide and varied, and indeed tailored to fit the requirements of the group. Subjects such as; Business Planning, Financial Management, E-mail Marketing, Google, Networking Skills are all possible, as are many others that people may wish to include.

The Milford Business Forum is normally free to attend for all businesses in the village, with regular meetings every Friday morning in the Milford Community Centre between 10:30 and 12:00am. There will be occasional workshops or meetings at other times at other locations as shown on the local event diary which may incur a small cost.

Paul still runs his own video Production company, and is also a Micro-Business Mentor working with Job Centre Plus ‘New Enterprise Allowance’ project, where he is appointed by JCP to assist persons develop their Business Plans etc. He was also a past chairman of both the New Forest branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, and the New Forest Business Partnership. 

Paul would love people to come along experience the concept. Everything is very informal, and there is no commitment, simply come again if you can see a benefit for your own development or benefits for your business.

The first meeting of the Milford Business Forum will be 10:30am of Friday 7th June in the Committee Room of the Milford Community Centre. 

For more details, or to register your attendance please contact:

Milford Business Forum
Paul French MIOEE
Direct Line: 01590 645578 | 07525 405999 | paul@vidibiz.co.uk
12 Greenways, Milford on Sea, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 0RU

 

Music on a Lazy Sunday

Local singer, Hannah Evans, will be performing live during ‘Lazy Sunday’ at The Cave in Milford on Sea this coming Sunday afternoon (2nd June). Then, there is more live music on Fathers Day afternoon with a trio named ‘Captain Crash and the Magic Hats'. They will be playing bass guitar, acoustic guitar and single drum. (Fathers Day is 16th June, for anyone who has forgotten!)

Hannah will be accompanied on guitar by Josh Lines, whose parents, Paul & June were landlords of the Red Lion until earlier this year, after which Stuart & Jayne Grieves took over. (The Red Lion is of course another place who hold regular live music worth listening to.)

Hannah is an accomplished and keen singer, and she has previously appeared on stage at the Milford Arts & Music Festival.

In April 2004, when just 13 years old, Hannah appeared on national TV in the ‘Stars in their Eyes Kids show’. TV audiences saw her battle it out with five other contestants, as she was transformed for the broadcast into US singer Vanessa Carlton. After undergoing a full makeover and sporting a brown wig, Hannah sang one of her favourite tracks by the American artist, A Thousand Miles.

Despite not reaching the glittering finals, Hannah was delighted to get as far as the hotly contested heats, beating off competition from thousands of other hopefuls. But in the end, it was 14-year-old Kenny Davies from Leeds who wowed the audience with his performance as Bobby Darin singing jazz classic Mack the Knife.

 

Hannah and Josh will be playing numbers to suit the mood of a relaxed Sunday afternoon, whilst further entertainment can be had in The Cave, with a Beer Tasting by Hunters Brewery from Newton Abbott in Devon.

 

The cave will also be serving their full wine list and nibbles as usual.

Lazy Sunday: 2pm to 5pm | Free Entry | Live Music & Beer Tasting

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

 

Find out more at: www.thecavemos.co.uk

 

Anyone Seen Squirrel?

A well loved family pet has gone missing, and we have been asked to see if anyone can help please.

He is called Squirrel and has been missing from Pless Road since Monday evening (27th May). He is 16 years old and is wearing a red collar with id tags (unless he’s lost it). Picture attached.

If anyone has found him or seen him, it would be great if you could please contact: Clare or Peter Johnston via this sites contact details.

They would be very grateful, and no doubt relieved.

The Tudors are Coming!

A friendly invasion is on its way to Milford on Sea, as Tudor and Stuart History Comes Alive at Hurst Castle.

Pop along between 10.30am to 5.30pm on Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd June 2013, to see the Tudor and Stuart re-enactors at Henry VIII's original castle, with authentic costumes, demonstrations of crafts and skills (including net-making, a barber surgeon and lace making) and a special focus on dining, food and etiquette.

 

 There will also be lots of opportunities to interact with period soldiers and learn about their weapons or the games they used to pass the time, and even serve as a juror on a court leet.

We have heard that there will be things to see and do all day, with special events timetabled throughout, so plently to interest the whole family.

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

The event jointly mounted by: St. Barbe Museum & Art Gallery and Hurst Castle

Castle Admission: £4.50 adult - £4.00 senior - £2.50 child

Return Ferry from Keyhaven: £5.50 adult - £3.30 child

For more information contact: Hurst Castle | T: 01590 642344

www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/hurst-castle

Musical Milford

click image to enlarge

Milford on Sea is not only a great place to live, visit and eat, but is also the home to a plethora of talented people.

Behind the scenes, the village has quite an amazing number of musicians, artists and authors.

One is a local band named Allegro, a Female Contemporary Trio. Jo Vezey formed Allegro in 2008 when she couldn't find a local group who performed her type of music, so she set about forming her own!

Allegro are a contemporary trio who enjoy performing both together and as soloists, singing all types of music from Chicago to Eva Cassidy, from Adele to Paloma Faith.

Jo says: "For as long as I can remember, I have always loved music and grew up listening to my Dad strumming his guitar and singing 'Puff the magic dragon', (Ed: They don't sing this one any more!) 'Mull of Kintyre' & 'Yesterday'. This is where my love of music began."

The group started through an advert in the Lymington Times, from which Jo met Joy & Pam who immediately committed to regular rehearsals. From those somewhat erratic meetings, 'Allegro' was formed.

Agreeing a suitable name for the group was their first challenge. They all put several suggestions into the pot, and because they particularly wanted something related to music, they chose 'Allegro' - which is a musical term for cheerful or brisk, & also a term that most definitely applies to the girls at times!

Sadly, shortly after 'Allegro' formed, Jo's Mum, Anne, who had been in remission from skin cancer, became ill again, and she passed away on the 21st August 2009. 

Anne became the focus and inspiration for 'Allegro's' first charity concert, 'Seasons of Love', in her memory. 'Seasons of Love', was a huge success & something Jo is immensely proud of.

At the time, Jo was a member of Milford on Sea's Total Voice Choir & she asked choir leader, Christine Mulgrew, if the choir would like to support Allegro at the brand new Community Centre in the village centre. The collaboration worked brilliantly, and they raised almost £3,000 on that very special evening.

Since then 'Allegro' haven't looked back, and they have raised close to £5,500 for their favourite local charities; Oakhaven Hospice, the Piam Brown Ward in Southampton Hospital & Wave 105's Cash 4 Kids appeal.

Jo originally moved to Milford on Sea with her Mum, Anne Metcalf, her Dad, Keith Metcalf, & two younger brothers just before she turned 16. Jo say; "I think I sulked for several weeks after leaving all of my friends behind!"

Anne worked at Milford Medical Centre in Milford for around 20 years & was well known to many in her role as Practice Manager. Not only could she pronounce all sorts of seemingly impossible medical words, but she could also spell them! Keith is Parish Clerk in Milford on Sea & has many other hobbies outside of work that keep him extremely busy. Not least, the Milford Conservation Volunteers.

Jo said: "When we first moved to Milford, he and my Mum ran one of the youth Lymington Sprite teams & would often fine the boys for not tucking in their shirts! I'm sure it stood them in good stead for the real world!"

Jo initially trained as a Dental Nurse, a job she really loved & returned to briefly after she had her children. After meeting her husband, she made a career move to Imports/Exports & she is still happily commuting to Southampton each day. (Except on the days when the traffic is appalling & Jo is feeling a little grumpy!). Jo and her family moved to Hordle in 2000, when her daughter, Emily, was barely a year old. As her family continued to grow, so did her house and the long term extension project is nearly completed!

Because Jo has a full time job in Southampton, Joy, who travels to rehearsals in Hordle from the other side of Southampton each week, acts as 'Allegro's' Admin Assistant. Joy is the bands right hand and provides a huge amount of support in organising events & dealing with all sorts of communications. Even more importantly than this, Joy has always loved singing musical theatre and pop songs, and she is viewed as a talented vocalist. Allegro has provided Joy with a great platform to experience the buzz of performing and to share her vocal talent.

Pam has always been involved with local bands and musical theatre, and in the 70's toured the UK, Europe and the USA as a session singer. Her experience gives 'Allegro' a unique flavour, as well as her very honest opinion!

The musical talent continues in Jo's family, and 14 year old daughter, Emily has a wonderful talent for singing. This would be confirmed by anyone who heard her sing at The Milford's Got Talent Night at the Marine. Emily made her debut performance at 'Seasons of Love'. As well as singing 'Castle on a Cloud' from Les Miserables beautifully, she sang the duet 'For Good' with Jo in tribute to Anne.

The group goes from strength to strength & as Jo says: 'It is a great hobby to have!'

You can catch Allegro performing live at The Marine on Saturday 15th June:
 

click image to enlarge



Allegro: www.allegro.me.uk
The Marine: www.themarinemos.co.uk
Milford Conservation Volunteers: www.milfordcv.org
 

 

 

Splashing Around in The Solent

This July, Joey Owen, local Milford on Sea villager and leader of MiCO (Milford Community Organisation), is taking part in 'Swim the Solent'.

 

My own training is also underway.

 

Swim the Solent will place on Sunday July 21st 2013 starting from Hurst Castle on the mainland at 9.40 am.

 

Joey is determined to raise as much as she can for the Samaritans even though as she puts it; 'It is quite a task because the sea is freezing and the tides are strong!'

 

Joey and fellow swimmers have been training all winter, bravely wearing swimming costumes in the waters at Milford on Sea beach. She is hoping that plenty of people sponsor her, so that she doesn't 'chicken out at the last moment.......'

 

The Samaritans provide such an important service on the island and this is their main fundraiser of the year, so every penny means an awful lot to them and their dedicated work.

 

As I mentioned, I am also in training for the same event.  The full body waxing took some doing, and whilst my 1985 Speedo's are a bit tight, I am willing to take the pain for a good cause.

 

Call me old fashioned, but there is something pleasurable about covering yourself head to toe in lard before wandering down to the seafront for training.

 

My wife refuses to help apply the lard, murmouring something about an 'oversize turkey'. She did however buy me a sea blue swim hat, to replace the bright yellow one I had for safety purposes. Apparently, the new colour 'suits me better', but I suspect her motive is more connected to the hope that I get separated from my safety boat.

 

When I arrive for training on the beach, many people pretend to ignore me and then whisper as I pass, I am pretty sure that this tells me I must cut an impressive figure.

 

So far I have been unable to train with my fellow event swimmer, sadly they are unavailable at any time I suggest, and a few seem to have changed their telephone numbers. It is a shame, as I would like to show them my 'Swimmer of the Year' trophy from 1968.

 

The organisers have recently asked me if I am happy to swim in the opposite direction and possibly on another day. My wife thinks this is a good idea, and that I should increase my challenge by doing it at a time when the shipping movements are busiest.

 

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

 

If you would like to sponsor Joey, you will find her JustGiving page here:

www.justgiving.com/joanna-owen3

 

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

 

Swim the Solent for Isle of Wight Samaritans began in 2007 when the director of Isle of Wight Samaritans at that time, swam from the island to Hurst Castle on the mainland and raised £3,500 in sponsorship for IW Samaritans. It has now become an annual event.

 

The swim date is when the tides are most favourable nearest to that day, and it takes place in the morning when there is least traffic on the Solent. The distance is a mile and a quarter, so swimmers must be fit and able to swim that distance in not a great deal more than an hour.

 

The two Freshwater Lifeboats and some Ribs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) accompany the swimmers, and there are also kayaks to guide the swimmers who are paired up according to how long it takes them to swim the distance in the pool, 90 lengths of a 25 metre pool. The Lifeboats and Ribs take swimmers over from Yarmouth and drop them in at Hurst and they swim from there.

 

For Isle of Wight Samaritans the money raised is absolutely vital, it is half of thierr income and enables them to keep the centre running and phone lines open.

 

Isle of White Samaritans: www.iwsamaritans.org.uk

 

A wander around Milford on Sea

Lymington Tour Tours have published their programme for 2013, which includes visits to Milford on Sea for: The Story of Milford Tour.

 

You can join the village The Story of Milford Tour for a leisurely walk through Milford on Sea on Sunday 26th May. Starting at the Village Green at 11am and ending on the cliff top about 1 hour 40 minutes later.

 

Your guide will explain how the sleepy hamlet of Milford changed its name and tried to rival Eastbourne. Hear the story of the string of Pearls seven yards long. The walk includes some footpaths and some uneven ground.

 

Lymington Tour Tours is run by volunteers and do not make a formal charge, however they will ask for a realistic donation towards their costs.

 

There are five other Milford walks during the season, and seven other walks in Lymington. Please see web-site for details: www.lymington-town-tours.co.uk

 

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

 

These tours are in addition to the 'Discover Milford on Sea Walking Tour', which is a casual stroll around the village with a local guide, who will help you to discover our history & tell some fascinating village stories.

No need to book, just meet on the Village Green at 10.30am.

 

The tour lasts around one and a half hours and ends at All Saints' Church, with a cup of tea!

Everyone is welcome, and there is something of interest for locals and holidaymakers alike.

The 'Discover Milford on Sea' tours are just £1 for Adults and Children Free

 

Why not stick a date in your diary now: 10.30am: Wednesday 5th June, 3rd July, 7th August and 4th September.