From Bank to Beauty

What is a man to do? So many beauty salons and not enough time to try all the treatments!

 

Looking good in Milford on Sea has always been easy, the backdrop is always attractive and with two fine beauty salons in the village, plus another in The Granary at Newlands Manor Farm, we have all been spoilt for choice.

 

Well, that choice is about to become harder, as a popular beauty specialist is opening a new beauty boutique at what was previously HSBC Bank in Church Hill, Milford on Sea.

Tu Sei Bella's founder is local girl, Caileigh Mann, her original beauty boutique was based in Sway, and she is now relocating to Milford on Sea village centre. Caileigh will be holding an Open Day next Saturday, 16th November 2013, where everyone is invited.

My own experiences of beauty salons can best be described as chequered. After a particularly good night out in London, a 'good' friend shaved my eyebrows off when I was asleep. I was later informed that this 'is funny'. (Only to the perpetrator me thinks.) The next morning I discovered to my disappointment that beauty salons can only pluck eyelashes, and not replace them.

 

On another occasion, I was on a particularly lively stag weekend, when one of the gathered bunch of idiots thought it would be a good idea if we all got our bits waxed. Fortunately, the majority disagreed.

As the stag evening progressed, the majority opinion slowly moved with each pint, and by 7pm we were all on the beauty parlour table being covered in hot liquid, ...with each tear of waxing strip creating a pitiful muffled group scream. None of us wanted to show our suffering, as we were of course 'real men'. Well, that was until one guy burst into sobs of tears, followed by a dozen guys wailing like a riled bunch of banshees. (This could have been a lot worse, as someone else had suggested a tattoo. Thankfully I prefer to personally choose my tattoos when sober, rather than them being chosen by a inebriated mob of imbeciles, or 'friends' as they like to consider themselves.)

 

These stories probably shouldn't be shared, but if it helps just one poor man along the way, then it will have been worth it.

 

Anyway, back to today's events. Tu Sei Bella (Italian for 'You are beautiful') is opening next Saturday (16th November). The professional and friendly new boutique offers you a wide range of beauty treatments in the heart of Milford on Sea.

Caileigh has lived in Milford on Sea since 2004 and is a qualified beauty specialist trained at VTCT. Her numerous qualifications include; Beauty specialist level 2, Reflexology level 2, Swedish massage level 3 and Electrolysis level 3. Most importantly, she loves making people look and feel great!

Tu Sei Bella welcomes female and male clients to relax and enjoy the treatments on offer, and the treatments can be adapted to suit your individual needs. Their services include; full body massage, luxury manicure, Eve Taylor facials, Hopi ear candling, Waxing, Pedicures, Reflexology, Fake Bake spray tanning, Lash and brow treatments.  If there is anything not on their list, they are also happy to do their best to accommodate you.

Right, I am off to book a 'Beauty Tour', with a treatment in each village beauty establishment. I will start with a full body massage, then a bit of exfoliation, a slim wrap, followed by a fake tan, and finally to compliment my new look, I shall finish with a complete gentleman's waxing.

I haven't told my wife, but I am sure it will give her a thrill, or perhaps a mild heart attack!

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Tu Sei Bella Open Day | Saturday 16th November - 10am to 4pm

Everyone is invited to go along, take a look around and to meet the team.

20% Discount for any bookings taken on the day | Winter Warmer Offers.

Enjoy a coffee or glass of wine whilst you are there.

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BEAUTY SALONS in Milford on Sea

 

The Retreat Beauty Salon

Tel: 01590 645151
www.retreat-milford.co.uk
76 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

JW Health & Holistics
Tel: 01590 645947
www.jw-milford.com
The Old Bank House, 5 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

Acacia Beauty Academy
Tel: 01590 645547
www.acaciabeautyacademy.co.uk
The Granary, Newlands Manor Farm, Milford on Sea, SO41 0JH

Tu Sei Bella
Tel: 01590 719384
www.tuseibella.co.uk
5 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH

 

 

Thai goes Tapas

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 enlarge

The Britannia Thai restaurant in the heart of Milford on Sea village has launched a new 'Tapas Menu'.

 

The new menu has been added to the existing A La Carte, Set Lunch & Takeaway Menu options, and now enables you to have as many small dishes as you wish at excellent value for money.

 

You can choose Three items for £10.95 which makes this choice ideal for a light sharing lunch, or for a relaxed and inexpensive evening supper with a glass of wine or lager.

You can check out the Tapas pictures to the left, the full menu below, or even better just pop in - and treat yourself to few dishes!

 

Even better, Suhel and his team invite you to: 

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Britannia Thai Tapas and Thai Wines Open & Tasting Evening

 Friday 29th of November between 5pm to 6.30pm

Customers are invited to come along and enjoy Free Samples from the Tapas Menu in an informal atmosphere

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Britannia Thai Tapas Menu

Three small dishes: £10.95

Additional small dishes: £3.65

 

Chicken Satay
Grilled marinated chicken in a bamboo stick, served with peanut sauce and vinaigrette dressing

 Sweetcorn Cake
Sweetcorn mixed with flour and coriander, deep fried and served with sweet chilli sauce

Thai Fish Cake

Spiced fish with curry paste mixed with chopped lime leaves and long beans, served with sweet chilli sauce

Vegetable Spring Roll

Stir fried cabbage, carrots, Chinese mushroom, and glass noodles, wrapped in a Thai pancake served with sweet chilli sauce

Steamed Mussels

Mussels steamed with lemongrass and basil leaves served with a seafood dip

Crispy Tofu

Golden fried tofu served with a sweet chilli dip with crunchy peanut, cucumber and coriander on the side

Prawn Tempura

Prawns deep fried in tempura batter, served with sweet chilli and plum sauce

Duck Spring Roll

 Deep fried spring roll filled with roast duck, carrots and mushroom, served with sweet chilli sauce

Scallops

Steamed scallops served with a seafood dip

 

Prawn Salad

Medium spicy prawn salad mixed with chilli oil paste, lemongrass, coriander, red onion and mint

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Since its official opening in 2008 The Britannia Thai Restaurant in Milford on Sea has received regular acclaim from diners, and has established itself as the premier Thai Restaurant in the The New Forest.

The atmosphere is relaxed & informal, with friendly traditionally dressed staff making a visit anytime of day a pleasure. Added to this, the opulent and comfortable restaurant interior sets the perfect scene for an authentic Thai dining experience.

 

The authentic wide selection of Thai dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients. Speciality a la carte dishes include Mixed Britannia Thai Starter, Roast Duck Tamarind and Sweet and Sour Pla (Fish).

 

Whatever the occasion, Britannia Thai offers good value for money, the finest Thai dining, and a stylish Thai restaurant experience that you will not forget in a hurry.

Booking in advance is recommended at weekends, but they love for you to just pop in whenever you fancy a quick bite to eat.

Menu Options

A La Carte Menu | Set Lunch: £7.95 | Tapas: 3 small dishes for £10.95 | Takeaway with 20% Discount

 

Britannia Thai Restaurant
1 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF
Tel: 01590 642226 & 01590 642212
www.thairestaurantnewforest.co.uk

Opening Times
Lunchtime: Daily: 12.00 noon to 2.30pm
Evenings: Sunday to Thursday 5.30pm to 10.30pm - Friday & Saturday 5.30pm to 11.00pm

Closed every Tuesday (Seasonal)
 

Scouting for Adults

Many of us will recall with affection our time in the Cubs, Scouts, Brownies or Guides.

 

My personal scouting history was mixed.

I was thrown out of the Brownies a number of times. Despite my best efforts, they were constantly insistent that only girls could join, and that wearing a skirt did not constitute a change of gender.

After this, I joined the Cubs and managed to become a 'Sixer' with an arm full of proficiency badges. I remember enjoying 'Bob a Job Week' at a time when it was considered OK for kids to talk to adults, and visa versa. I also remember vividly being on camp reluctantly doing the washing up, when Akela sent me to the camp shop for some 'Elbow grease'!

 

During these formative years the Cubs & Scouts taught me some handy skills, discipline, respect, independence and which was the correct way that the Union Jack should be flown.

I suspect that we would all like the young people in the village to experience the same, and with a little bit of effort, you can make sure they do.

Milford and Keyhaven Scout Group are very short of adult volunteers and our local Scout Leaders need people to to help or lead meetings, and to organize charity fund-raising.  They also we need experienced sailors to teach the children how to sail, so they can keep the long heritage of Sea Scouting at Milford and Keyhaven.

If you can spare a few hours to give some of your life experience to our local young people, please click here to contact Matthew. Simply e-mail him your contact details and he will get in touch to chat things through.

 

Milford and Keyhaven Scout Group

15th New Forest South

info@milfordseascouts.org.uk

www.milfordseascouts.org.uk

 

 

A Soapy Breakfast

Popular village residents, Katie & Simon Kemp, started a small charitable activity some time ago to help and support an Egyptian family in Cairo.

 

As Katie explains: "We started 'Rope Sole' around 10 years ago, the aim was to be a 'drop in the ocean' against the hopelessness we saw when visiting Egypt.

 

So we found Egyptian potters, artists, and artisans, set up the business and imported their wares. Many people in Milford on Sea supported us and (even though our particular drop only involved 4 containers of goods) now the Missionary led enterprise, South of the pyramids, which we bought from, is entirely run and owned by locals. Proving that Drops do work!"

Recently Katie & Simon had sad news from their adopted Egyptian family in Cairo that they looked for another 'drop' opportunity.

 

Whilst spending the last few month's aboard their boat (also named Rope Sole) in the Greek Mediterranean, they were bargaining for their usual garlic and tomatoes when they spotted a lovely stall with beautifully packaged jams, olive oils and ...a box of whitish blocks of Soap! After the usual game of Anglo/Greek charades and some dredged up English,  they understood that the soap is entirely natural and hand made by the Greek wife's father, and that it is great for hair/skin/feet and even clothes...and also for leather...that means leather sofas too.

 

Katie's business card used to describe her as ' Merchant of Artisan Wares' and that old self hove into view. Katie and Simon went back to the market and explained the plan, which was to buy lots of this fab Greek soap and bring it back to the village to raise funds for their adopted family. Their new soap making friend was so chuffed with their plan, that he gave them a 'special price'.

 

At the next Big Breakfast: This Saturday: 16th Nov: The BIG Community Breakfast: 9am to 10.30am at The Community Centre, they will have a basket and anyone who would like to support Maken and his family can make a donation in exchange for some great local Greek soap.  As a result One little village by the sea will be able to send a chunk of cash to a suffering little family in Egypt.

 

Everyone is invited to The BIG Breakfast, so why not pop along. it is a great way to start a day!
 

Meet a New Face at The Marine

The Marine
Stephen Caunter-Ryan Smith
click image to enlarge

Richard Thompson, founder of The Marine is extremely pleased to announce that Stephen Caunter, co-founder and former partner of The Lord Bute in Highcliffe, has joined the team.

Stephen is also joined by Ryan Smith as Duty Manager. Ryan previously worked at Captains Club in Christchurch.

With many years' experience in the hospitality industry, Stephen is a very welcome addition to the Marine Team, and he will be taking full responsibility for the Management of The Marine Cafe Bar and Restaurant.

Stephen brings with him many exciting ideas, which should really help to make The Marine one of South Coast's favourite restaurants.

Stephen & his team, shared some of his plans with the people who attended the Open Days held on Monday 4th & Tuesday 5th November. The guests and visitors also enjoyed canapés and a complimentary drink, whilst experiencing Guided Tours of The Marine behind the scenes.

The Marine is now taking Christmas bookings which you can check out on their website.

 

The Marine
Marine House, Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY
01590 644369

www.themarinemos.co.uk

Bowls Club Present Charity Cheque

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Milford on Sea Bowls Club held their club Presentation dinner at Bashley last Wednesday.

 

Club President Ron West presented Jill West from Oakhaven Hospice (the club charity for 2013) a cheque for £3350 which had been raised by the club and its members during the year.

 

Free Parking Day

New Forest District Council are holding a 'Free Parking for Small Business Saturday' where they are offering free car parking on Saturday 7th December to support local businesses.

Shoppers will be able to park for free in all council-run car parks to mark the UK’s first ‘Small Business Saturday’ – a national campaign aimed at encouraging people to shop local and support independent shops.

Leader of New Forest District Council, Councillor Barry Rickman, said: “We are pleased to show our support for local businesses by waiving our parking charges and I hope everyone will take the opportunity to shop locally in the run up to Christmas and support local businesses.”

The 2014 Brand New Forest card will also be launched in Burley on 7th December. The card scheme, now in its fourth year, is designed to stimulate local business activity by providing cardholders with special offers and discounts throughout the New Forest. The cost of a card is £5. For more information visit www.brandnewforest.com

The New Forest Business Partnership will be working alongside Brand New Forest to promote local businesses in the lead up to Christmas.

Cllr Rickman added: “Small businesses count for a significant part of our local economy. Small Business Saturday gives us a great opportunity to celebrate the role small businesses play and our own commitment to helping them to promote themselves to our residents and visitors. There are over 6000 small businesses in the New Forest and we are very pleased to help raise their profile on this important day.”

For more information on Small Business Saturday visit www.brandnewforest.com/sbs13

The free car parking offer only applies to car parks that are managed by New Forest District Council.

 

Salterns 24 hour Sail

Salterns Sailing Club
CiN 2012

Salterns Sailing Club in Lymington is once again supporting the BBC Children in Need Appeal by running their annual 24 hour Sail-a-thon on Friday 15th November for its young members.

 

The club, in its 15th year of Children in Need fundraising, hopes to smash a £100,000 target.

 

This year the club is running a series of on-going events, which started with their Children in Need Parent & Child Round the Islands Time Trials in September and a cake sale on Lymington High Street which raised an amazing £1160 - brings their tally to a very impressive £93,000 over the last 14 years.

 

The climax is the annual 24 hour Sail-a-thon running from 16h30 on Friday November 15th to 16h29 on Saturday 16th, where the children will keep a boat afloat for 24 hours. This year the fundraising is even more focused as the child who raises the most Sponsorship will win a priceless private lesson with Olympic gold medalist and America’s Cup hero - Sir Ben Ainslie CBE!

 

On Saturday 16th as the Sail-A-Thon continues, the club is organising a series of fun activities, kicking off with a presentation by the RNLI. There will also be a funky nail bar, throw a welly, guess The Pudsey competition, a temporary tattoo parlour, and a tombola – these will all encourage the strong turnout that is anticipated this year from the 200 families that make up the club’s membership.

 

Everyone is invited to visit the club for tea and homemade Pudsey cakes during the two-day event.

 

There will be a silent auction with lots including a ride on a Severn Class Lifeboat, a Gite in Cognac, a children’s “Survival” party, a Mercedes Day out for Four, a signed Americas Cup shirt signed by Sir Ben Ainslie CBE, a family day out on a yacht - to name just a few!Our Salterns donation to CiN charity sets us apart as a club for children and run by children giving tangible support to much less fortunate children.

Salterns Sailing Club
www.salternssailingclub.co.uk
 

 

 

Remember Them on Sunday

Remembrance Sunday is a time to reflect and honour all that have laid their lives for this country.

Milford on Sea's traditional remembrance services take place this Sunday and everyone is welcome to go along.

 

Sunday 10th November | 2pm: Keyhaven War Memorial

Service at The War Memorial at Keyhaven.

 

2.30pm: Village Green

Keyhaven War Memorial
click image to enlarge

The village uniform organisations Explorers, Scouts, Cubs, Guides and Brownies together with the standards of The Royal British Legion will gather on the Village Green, if fine, and will move in procession up to All Saints' Church. Following the service, during which young people will take a poppies up to the altar during the reading of the names of the fallen, a wreath will be laid at the grave of the Unknown Sailor who is buried in the churchyard.
 

click image to enlarge

3pm: All Saints' Church

The main village service will take place at All Saint's Church.

 

Monday 11th November: Village Green

The two minutes silence will be observed on the Village Green at 11 o'clock followed by prayers and wreath laying at the War Memorial Hospital (Which contains the Milford on Sea War Memorial Plaque.) in Sea Road.

 

If you can make it, please go along.

To read the stories of the men commemorated on Keyhaven War Memorial, please click here.

A Family Story for Remembrance Day, please click here.


Keyhaven War Memorial
Keyhaven Triangle, Harewood Green/Keyhaven Road, Keyhaven, SO41 0QZ

All Saints' Church
Greenbanks Close, Milford on Sea, SO41 0SQ
www.allsaintsmilford.co.uk
 

Dine in The Village this Christmas

Christmas is a time for celebration, and of course special meals! Our local Milford on Sea restaurants and pubs are now taking bookings for their special festive dining menus over the Christmas period, or even for Christmas Day.

Check out all of the menus below, and book now so you don't miss out!

La Perle
Christmas dining with French flair.
Festive Set Menu: 2 Courses £20.95 - 3 Courses £26.95 - click here to view menus
Not Open Christmas Day
01590 643557 - 60 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD
www.laperlerestaurant.co.uk

The Marine
Modern Classic Great British Christmas dishes.
Christmas Menu (Weds to Sat: Dec 4th to 21st) | Lunch: 2 Courses £15.95 – 3 Courses £19.95
Christmas Menu (Weds to Sat: Dec 4th to 21st) | Dinner: 3 Courses £24.95
Christmas Party Night Menu with Entertainment: £29.50 - click here to view xmas menus 
Christmas Day 5 Course Menu: £85 - click here to view xmas menus
01590 644369 - Marine House, Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY
www.themarinemos.co.uk

Verveine
Fine fish served with a Willy Wonka style Christmas twist.
'A Very Different Christmas' Menu:
6 Course Lunch £25 | 6 Courses Dinner £39 - click here to view xmas menus
Not Open Christmas Day
01590 642176 - 98 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE
www.verveine.co.uk

The Beach House
Traditional Christmas dining.
Christmas Celebration Menu: £18.99 - click here to view xmas menu
Christmas Day Menu: £49.99 - click here to view xmas menu
01590 643044 - Park Lane, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PT
www.beachhousemilfordonsea.co.uk

The Raft
Funky, tasty and modern bistro food.
Christmas Celebration Menu: To be confirmed
Not Open Christmas Day
01590 645300 - 11 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF
www.theraftmos.co.uk

Smugglers Inn
Christmas Party Menu: £15.95 / £19.95 - click here to view xmas menu
Christmas Day Menu: £59.95 - click here to view xmas menu
01590 644414 - 88 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE
www.pubsnewforest.co.uk

Great Dining Bus
Enjoy different courses, in different village restaurants - click here to see Dining Tours
Sat 21st Dec: Spice Dining Tour - 3 courses: £24
Sat 28th Dec: Strolling Dining Tour - 4 courses: £32
www.greatdiningbus.co.uk

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Pubs, Restaurants and other village dining places to check out for their Christmas Menus:

The Red Lion www.theredlionmilford.co.uk
01590 642236 - 32 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

The White Horse
01590 642360 - 16 Keyhaven Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QY

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

The Crown Inn - www.crowninneverton.co.uk
01590 642655 - Old Christchurch Road, Everton, SO41 0JJ

The Royal Oak - www.theroyaloakdownton.co.uk
Christchurch Road, Downton, SO41 0LA

South Lawn - www.bespokehotels.com/southlawnhotel
01590 643911 - Lymington Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0RF

Britannia Thai - www.thairestaurantnewforest.co.uk
01590 642226 - 1 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

Zaika - www.zaikanewforest.co.uk
01590 643084 - 69 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG

Cafés

The Village Coffee Pot
01590 641414 - 54 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

Inger-Lise's Coffee Shop - www.inger-lise.yolasite.com
01590 643518 - 106 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE

Polly's Pantry Tea Rooms
01590 645558 - 46 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

Needles Eye Café
01590 642458 - Seafront Promenade, Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY

Hurst Castle Café - www.hurstcastle.co.uk
01590 642344 - Hurst Castle, Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QU

Muffins Galore Tea Room - www.atbraxtongardens.com
01590 643601 - Braxton Courtyard, Lymore Lane, Milford on Sea, SO41 0TX

Camellias Coffee Shop & Restaurant - www.evertonnurseries.co.uk
01590 642155 - Farmers Walk, Everton, SO41 0JZ

The Cave Wine Bar - www.thecavemos.co.uk
01590 642195 - 2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH

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and finally, ...one for your diary: 7th to 13th April 2014

Milford on Sea Food Week | www.milfordonseafoodweek.org

 

RNLI Fair Raises Cash

click image to enlarge

The Milford on Sea RNLI Christmas Fair raised £628 last Saturday, plus another £730 from the sale of souvenirs and cards.

 

Josie Bemmer donated Paddy the hiking bear, who found a lovely new home with a little girl who correctly identified Dundee as the starting point of his long trek to Milford, he raised £35 in the process too!

 

The RNLI Team send many thanks to the team of stalwart helpers who baked, transported and toiled on the day.

 

 

Storm Brings Rare Bird

Last week's St Jude Storm bought a very unusual and unexpected visitor to Milford on Sea.

Red Breasted Goose
Picture By: Bernard Barwick
click image to enlarge

Whilst Sky News were camped out at the seafront awaiting a disaster to report, and a hardy group of bird watches stood in the seafront shelter keeping a keen eye out for a rare find on the strong winds, they all missed a feathered friend, way off course and heading for Carrington Park.

 

Local resident, and keen twitcher, Bernard Barwick was out walking with his grand-daughter, looking to get some dramatic, morning-after seascape photographs.

 

Much was as normal, so the photo opportunities were few. Well, that was until he spotted a very rare vagrant bird sheltering and feeding in the third field at Carrington Park!

 

Sitting happily in a very large flock of Brent Geese and Lapwings was a Red Breasted Goose. They are quite colourful on their own but merge very easily in a large flock of Brent Geese.

 

Bernard told us that "This type of goose is rated as 'V**' indicating a Vagrant seen in the UK only once or thrice a decade, that is quite enough to get the twitchers  juices running."

 

A subject Bernard is obviously well informed on, he went on the say; "Both types of geese breed in the Arctic Tundra, the Brents then fly south to UK and N Europe, whereas the Red Breasts fly much further, to Iraq. Very rarely a Red Breast attaches itself to a flock of Brents as a fellow traveller. This one was fortunate enough to be able to rest and feed up in the very wildlife friendly refuge of Carrington Park. I was delighted to be in the right place at the right time as I have started wildlife photography this year but sadly I did not have my big ‘twitching’ lens handy.  The pictures are not as good as I would have hoped for such a rare sighting, but still a delightful addition to my collection."

 

When you see the picture of the flock, it is quite amazing how Bernard managed to pick out our special visitor. It is clear, this exciting find will have many twitchers wishing that they were there.
 

Bomb Washed Up on Hurst Spit

click image to enlarge

Whilst walking the dogs along Hurst Spit this afternoon, my wife spotted a Royal Logistic Corps Bomb Disposal Unit alongside Sturt Pond.

It is not often you get the excitement of flashing blue lights charging through Milford on Sea village, so plenty of people must have wondered what was happening.

Yesterday, the country had of course suffered from a major storm, with 99mph winds recorded at The Needles may well have contributed to arrival of the unwanted wartime relic.

Sean Crane at Hurst Castle told us that they had called the bomb disposal team out, as there were a number of shells exposed by the Sunday night storm. He also told us; "You may remember that when the beach was rebuilt some years ago shingle was brought ashore from the shingle bank between Hurst Castle and The Needles. This was the area that was used for practise firing of the guns during WW1 and WW11 and had never been dredged before, so a great number of the practise shells were pumped ashore by the dredger and then bulldozed to form the spit that we know. After a bit of a blow these can be exposed and create a panic but as far as I am aware no really dangerous ones have been found."

In a sensible manoeuvre, and to ensure things were safe, Sean drove his tractor and Jason walked the newly exposed area. All came back in one piece, so the spit remained explosionless.

Living in Milford on Sea, we of course face this type of danger on a daily basis, but being a stoic bunch we never let it affect our daily lives!

That evening my wife & I were having a quiet drink in the village, and we were chatting about the days bomb events with our friendly blond barmaid (who I will not name, but she knows who she is!), when she said; "Was the bomb a new one?". Ah bless! Sometimes we all speak before engaging our brain!

February 2013: On 14th February 2013 the shell in the picture below was found by the Lymington Coastguard on Hurst Castle Spit. 

That particular bomb was dug out and removed by the bomb disposal unit from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). The device was later identified as from WW1 and inside was found remains of explosive and ball bearings.



click image to enlarge

January 2011: You can also read a ridiculous story about how another bomb found in 2011 disrupted my pleasant Sunday afternoon. click here to read.

Hurst Castle

Hurst Spit

Milford on Sea

Tel: 01590 642344

www.hurstcastle.co.uk

Hurst Castle can be reached by a 1.5 mile walk along the shingle spit, or by a sensible & comfortable ferry ride from Keyhaven harbour!

Opening Hours

The Castle is currently open weekends only till 31st March when they are open daily | Daily from April to September 10.30 am to 5.30 pm | October Daily: 10.30 am to 4 pm. 

Entry: Adult £4.50 : Child £2.50 : Senior £4.00 - Friendly dogs on leads welcome. 

 

A Pretty Big Storm

Sunday TV and radio spent most of the day warning the UK population of a night of doom to come, and the approaching potentially disastrous storm had been given the charming name of 'St Jude'.

My wife being ever resourceful decided to continue her new found (& very welcomed) baking skills and was soon underway making delicious cheese & bacon straws as emergency rations. I think she has got her baking inspiration from our friend Nikki, The Great British Bake Off and my uncanny likeness to Paul Hollywood. (or was it his older overweight brown eyed brother.)


Milford on Sea Storm-28.10.13
click image to enlarge

Eighty mile an hour winds and thirty foot waves were forecast for Milford on Sea, and we were being told that we were all about to face the worst storm since the Great Storm of 1987. The result of that fateful night was that Sevenoaks lost six of their seven famous oak trees, the country was in chaos and destruction, and I arrived at work to find an entire wall of our warehouse missing.

 

Michael Fish the veteran weatherman was even bought out of retirement to comment. This time he decided to go with the flow and not allay anyone concerns.

 

National announcements were already being made that Monday morning trains and ferries were cancelled, roads closed and people advised not to travel unless necessary.

 

Milford on Sea Storm-15.11.09
click image to enlarge

My wife suggested that tonight I may want to sleep on the beach and do some fishing, but I wasn't falling for that one, ...I knew it was not yet fishing season.

 

Things were blustery as we went to bed, but it takes more than Armageddon to stop us sleeping.
 

At 4am my bladder alarm clock woke me as normal and I blearily made my way to the little boys room. The storm was swirling around outside but there was no immediate evidence of mass destruction.

 

Returning to bed, my wife was looking the picture of sweetness & innocence, she was gently purring and only dribbling a little bit.

 

At 5am things were still merrily blowing outside, then at 5.15am I heard something like a dustbin fly into someones garage door.
 

Milford on Sea Storm-15.11.09
click image to enlarge

Laying listening, I was also half dreaming that I couldn't fit through a serving hatch. (Bit of a weird dream I admit, but no great surprise as there are few serving hatches I could fit through.)

 

At 5.30am it was time to face the world. Things all looked in place as I surveyed from the window with a cup of coffee. Even when I went outside for a cigarette (I know, I should give up!) their was no immediate evidence of destruction, just fences wobbling and bushes dancing in the wind. Well, that was until I noticed our neighbours had lost a couple of fence panels in their drive.

 

The TV was reporting 99 mile an hour winds at The Needles on the Isle of Wight. Across the country reports were coming in of power lines down affecting ten's of thousands of homes, trees down, scaffolding collapses, roads closed and train lines blocked. The storm was quickly moving northwards creating havoc as it went. Brockenhurst now had a tree down causing traffic disruption.

 

Milford on Sea Storm-15.11.09
click image to enlarge

Around 8am I decided to put on my shorts and tee shirt to go along the seafront to discover the state of affairs for myself. The wind was gusting but not too extreme.

 

At the seafront shelter I chatted with an intrepid group of birdwatchers keeping a keen eye out for any unusual and unsuspecting birds being blown in to somewhere they should not be. They had not had any luck with their twitching so far. For some reason they didn't believe me when I told them that I had seen an Emu down by The White House.

 

A guy in a NFDC fluorescent yellow jacket was already on the scene surveying what needed sorting, which was good to see. The promenade was scattered with pebbles blown up from the beach and a group of kerbing along the path edge had been lifted a foot or so away. Apart from that, much was as normal.

 

Milford on Sea Storm-15.11.09
click image to enlarge

Strangely, it appeared we had missed the worst of things whilst other parts of the country was still feeling the full force. By now our sky was blue with just a few dark clouds.

 

Indeed, the storm in Milford on Sea on 15th November 2009 feels to have been worse than the storm on 28th Octoer 2013.

 

On that occasion the sea was wild in the extreme and determined to get over the beach huts and as far inland as possible, everything that was not securely upright was soon on its side and our patio door kept threatening to unhinge itself and relocate to inside the lounge. Two beach huts even disappeared through the concrete bases.

 

I also recall (with a big smile) when my wife walked the dogs. She was kitted out a little like Chris Bonnington without a beard, and looked to be having a great time as she battled against the fierce wind with two furry kites flying behind her.

 

Milford on Sea Storm-The Sun 15.11.09
click image to enlarge

A little later my wife arose from her fairy slumberland. As she came into the room she said; "Its a bit windy, isn't it? I can't see much out of those windows". "Righto then, I'll get my bucket" I mumbled.

 

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Milford on Sea Storm 2013 Makes Sky News

 

Sky's Senior Correspondent David Bowden reported from Milford on Sea on the Hampshire coast as storm St Jude approaches the UK.

 

To see report on Sky News (It is the video on the right)  Please click here

 

Gwen Peden, formerly of Gwen's Ladies Fashion on Milford on Sea High Street, dropped us a line to say; "Our daughter Carole was listening to a Toronto radio station on Monday 28th Oct, when a news item came on reporting on the great storm along the South coast of England. To her utter surprise the report was coming from Milford, by a Sky news reporter. She was amazed to hear the latest news from her village. They called it Milford-on-the-Sea, but it was nearly Milford-under-the-Sea!".

 

Sky New's intrepid reporter David Bowden also interviewed Mark Clayson from The Bay Trees B&B and Guy Roche from The Smugglers Inn, Like any reporter worth their salt, I think he hoped for some form of disaster, but  we all survived fine!  Click here to view - after the adverts of course!

 

SkySkimmer above The Marine

The Marine Café Restaurant & Bar on Milford on Sea seafront has had a short film made to show the magnificence of their amazing location.

 

click here to view video

The film show the crisp lines of this 'modern Art Deco' building, great shots of the roof terrace and views across Sturt Pond to Hurst Castle and out to The Needles.

 

Click here to view The Marine Aerial Film

 

The film has bees made by a new village based company, Sky Skimmer Ltd. As I understand it, the film was made using a hand-controlled 'mini helicopter' with a mini camera attached.

The Marine

Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY
Tel: 01590 644369
www.themarinemos.co.uk

SkySkimmer Ltd
Tel: 07973 102256
simon@skyskimmer.com
www.skyskimmer.com

 

Heaven comes to The Retreat

We have heard from Lola at The Retreat Beauty Salon in Milford on Sea High Street, who tells me that they have now taken on a new natural and organic British skincare range called 'Heaven'.

 

Their signature facial The Bee Sting Facial sounds scary but is actually a very relaxing, lifting facial. Apparently, the facial does include Bee Venom in two of the products, that trick the skin into thinking it has been stung, the skin immediately tends to the area resulting in a more toned and plumped appearance.

 

To give everyone an opportunity to experience the new Heaven Range, and to see all of the other Beauty & Spa Treatments available, you are invited to:

 

Heaven Launch Evening at The Retreat on Thursday 7th November from 6pm to 9.30pm.

 

On the evening there will be demonstrations of the Bee Sting Facial, with the opportunity to lay back and indulge in a 'taster' facial and gain insight into Heavens' signature product the Bee Venom Mask.

Also on hand will be St Tropez, demonstrating many ways to give you that 'back from holiday' look or how to gain a festive high octane sheen!

The Retreat's ever popular Individual Lash Extensions by Sophie shall be demonstrated throughout the evening, whilst in reception you can enjoy canapés and refreshments while previewing the Christmas gift selection. Just some of the products available are; Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, Guinot, Environ, OPI, Heaven Skincare, The Milford Collection, Culture Mix and Espree Jewellery and Gentlemans cufflinks.

10% off Purchases / Gift Vouchers / Treatments on the night.

Please call The Retreat reception on 01590 645151 to book your place.

Thinking about it, if bee sting added to some quality lotion can make an excellent facial product, how how good could the venom of a riled woman be? Just off to poke my wife in the ribs and to see if I can capture any of her response in a test tube. You are cordially invited to the launch of our new skin care range
 

 

The Retreat Beauty Salon
76 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD
‎01590 645151
info@retreat-milford.co.uk
www.retreat-milford.co.uk

 

Food Week is Back in April!

If you don't want to miss any of Milford on Sea Food Week 2014, now is the time to get out your diary and block out Monday 7th to Sunday 13th April 2014! Milford on Sea is a true Foodie Destination and Food Week is a chance to show just how we appreciate and love food!

Our New Forest seaside village is fortunate to be blessed with many great places to eat and surrounded by quality local producers, so what better way to celebrate this than to have an entire week dedicated to the joys of food!

Everyone at every age is included, and Milford on Sea Food Week has over 100 activities including: Themed Dining Evenings, Professional Cookery Theatre, Celebrity Shows, Amateur Cookery Demonstrations, Educational Talks, Film Shows, Dining Offers, Wine Tastings, Kid's Events & a Sunday Food Market, all is organised by volunteers, local organisations, clubs, businesses and individuals.

As our event is truly ‘By the community, for the community’ your support is critical to us, and we thank you for getting involved by visiting and enjoying the events during Food Week.

Milford on Sea Food Week is certainly on the map for foodies, with local people enthusiastically involved and many visitors coming and discovering the delights of the village. At the last Food Week over 10,000 people enjoyed the many events taking place.

Like to Get Involved?: Food Week loves any village organisation, club, eatery or local business to take part. It is simple, you plan the event, and we publicise it!  If you are a local individual who loves food and wants to do a demonstration or talk, we can slot you in to the Cookery Theatre. However you want to get involved, just drop me a line and we can sort things from there. All ideas welcome!: david@milfordonsea.org

Become a Volunteer: Milford on Sea Food Week cannot be great without enthusiastic volunteers helping at the Information Centre, joining the Food Market team, selling raffle tickets ect. If you would like to give us a few hours as a volunteer, please drop me a line at: david@milfordonsea.org

Don't forget, get the dates in your diary, we want you at Food Week whether as a foodie visitor or participant!

Food Week is co-ordinated by a small dedicated group of volunteers supported by a generous group of sponsors & supporters. We are delighted to support local charities from all profits that are made.

Milford on Sea Food Week | Monday 7th to Sunday 13th April 2014
www.milfordonseafoodweek.org (*Please Note: The website will not be updated until January 2014)

Village Calendar Keeps You Entertained

 

Milford on Sea must be one of the most active villages in the country. Indeed, so much is happening it is hard to keep up!

The Milford on Sea Village Calendar keeps you up to date with what is going on and will give you plenty of choice of what to go along to.

Visit the calendar regularly and you won't miss a thing! click here to visit village calendar

PS: If you know of any events happening that you would like included in the calendar, please send the details to david@milfordonsea.org


Milford on Sea Village Calendar
www.milfordonseacalendar.org

 

 

Sunday Mail Recommends La Perle

click image to enlarge

With a village full of fabulous restaurant it may come of no surprise that they are now getting regular mentions in the national press.

 

Verveine of course recently made the Michelin Guide, and Lionel and his team at La Perle had a glowing review in the Sunday Telegraph in February.

 

Now the Mail on Sunday has discovered our wonderful Milford on Sea village French Bistro. In a review about Brasserie's across the UK they list La Perle top of their list of 'Five More To Try'. Couldn't agree with them more! 

 

If you would like to try a meal at La Perle they would love to hear from you, and it is worth checking out their website, as they run some excellent offers and themed evening.

 

If you fancy trying a few of our  Milford on Sea village restaurants in one meal, you cannot beat the unique dining experience offered by The Great Dining Bus. La Perle are of course one of the restaurants regularly on the Dining Tours. click here to find out more.

La Perle
60 High St Milford on Sea SO41 0QD
01590 643557
www.laperlemilford.co.uk
 

New Seafront Houses Emerge

click image to enlarge

The new seafront housing development immediately west of The White House is now reaching roofline level.

 

The devlopement  called 'Nautica', is in Ravens Way, Milford on Sea, and is being built by premier and local builders, Pennyfarthing Homes.

 

The houses are expected to be completed in the spring of next year.  The site will comprise of four 4 bedroom detached contemporary style houses with spectacular sea views and the very rare feature of having no road in between the houses and the beach.

 

They will have a guide price of £1,800,000,  .....so not many of us will be moving in then!

 

Penny Farthing Homes

Penny Farthing House, Fernhill Lane, New Milton, BH25 5TL
01425 613958

www.pennyfarthinghomes.co.uk

50 B4 50-The Hand & Flowers

On Tuesday my wife took me for a belated Birthday present, lunch at The Hand & Flowers in Marlow.

 

click image to enlarge

This is now our third visit to this wonderful 2 Michelin Star pub, run by the patron chef & owner, and our favourite chef, Tom Kerridge.

 

Tom was of course the headline show at Milford on Sea Food Week 2012. Whilst well known in culinary circles then, he has now become a familiar face on many TV cookery programmes, and he currently has his own series on Monday night BBC TV called ‘Tom Kerridge’s Proper Pub Food’.

 

Anyone who met Tom at Food Week will know that he is one of life’s good guys, with a great sense of humour and wicked Laugh. He is also a big lad just turned 40. A year or so ago he must have been 30 stone plus, and it is clear he has lost around 10 stone. Good on you Tom, but don’t forget, no-one loves a skinny chef!

 

When we arrived, some serious building work was taking place and the plans showed a new bar and dining area being installed. The work did not affect the restaurant, and when we went in it was as packed as ever.  Our waitress told us they were serving 84 people over two sittings on this Tuesday lunchtime!

click image to enlarge

The staff were like well-trained bees as they buzzed efficiently around the dining room. Our table was in a nice quiet corner, and we were soon enjoying a drink and studying the mouth-watering menu.

 

It was possible to have a set 3 course lunch for just £19.50. However, my wife was paying, so I was straight to the a la’ carte!

 

Choices made, we were then served with some complimentary Whitebait with homemade mayonnaise, fresh breads, mixed pepper, salt and butter.

 

My wife then noticed that Chris Evans was sitting on the table next to us with some mates. Fortunately he did not recognise me and I didn’t have to find an excuse to not appear on The One Show. (Although I wouldn’t have minded a ride in his fleet of super cars.) I have to say he seemed a nice genuine chap.

 

For starters we went for things we had never tried before, and the adventure was worth it as I enjoyed; Demi “En Croute” of Whole Baby Truffle with Foie Gras and Port, my wife had; Crispy Pig’s Head with Rhubarb, Pancetta and Greek Cress.

For main course my wife had; Corn Fed Baby Chicken with Hops, Ale and Hay, Thyme Roast Celeriac and Summer Truffle, whilst I was delighted to taste (again!) one of Tom's signature dishes; Beer Battered Fish with Triple Cooked Duck Fat Chips, Home Made Tatare Sauce and a Pea Puree, which is the best side dish I can remember.

The Noble Brewery lager was still going down well as the dessert menu arrived. The Hand & Flowers certainly know how to do puddings!  On a previous visit with friends that should remain nameless, but they won't, it was Jon & Stacey. Things got very messy as the wine flowed a bit too much. So much so, that not only did we have Dessert wines, we all also shared all of the eight desserts on the menu.

 

Today was much more refined, and I loved the Pear Soufflé with Caramelised White Chocolate Ice Cream and pear puree.

On the fireplace I noticed Tom’s new book ‘Tom Kerridge’s Proper Pub Food’ was on sale, and in a flash I secretly arranged for a copy to be signed by Tom to my wife. She was thrilled when this was bought to our table, and better still she did not twig I had added it to the bill she was paying!

 

As we sat in glorious satisfaction my wife said; ‘If I ever leave you, I am going to move in with Tom’. As I thought this through I felt a little hollow, mainly because, I had already decided that if my wife ever left me, I was going to move in with Tom!

 

Tom Kerridge's Proper Pub Food
BBC2 Monday's 8.30pm
Tom's book on Amazon click here

The Hand & Flowers
126 West Street, Marlow SL7 2BP
01628 482277
www.thehandandflowers.co.uk

 

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50 B4 50-DINING CHALLENGE
Michelin Stars Collected So Far: 25

3 Michelin Star

London | Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester - www.alainducasse-dorchester.com

Berkshire-Bray | The Waterside Inn - www.waterside-inn.co.uk

2 Michelin Star

London | Hibiscus - www.hibiscusrestaurant.co.uk

London | Pied a Terre - www.pied-a-terre.co.uk
Buckinghamshire-Marlow | Hand & Flowers - www.thehandandflowers.co.uk (*3 Times!)

France | Georges V Hotel, Paris - www.fourseasons.com/paris

1 Michelin Star

London | L’Autre Pied - www.lautrepied.co.uk

London | L’Escargot - www.lescargotrestaurant.co.uk

London | The Savoy Grill - www.gordonramsay.com/thesavoygrillLondon

London | Veeraswamy - www.veeraswamy.com

London | Quilon - www.quilon.co.uk
Hampshire | Terrace Restaurant (Montague Arms) - www.montaguarmshotel.co.uk

Hampshire | Vetiver (Chewton Glen Hotel) - www.chewtonglen.com/restaurant

*To read the review on any of the above restaurants, put 'restaurant name' in this blog's search box.

 

50 B4 50 Challenged explained: click here

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No Michelin Stars, but restaurants visited since July 2013 that are worth a mention:

 

Milford on Sea | Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant- www.verveine.co.uk
Amazing fish restaurant, creative dishes and flavours. A Michelin Star is surely only a matter of time.

London | Franco's - www.francoslondon.com
Smart Italian restaurant. Truffles abound and lasagne is excellent.

Milford on Sea | La Perle - www.laperlemilford.co.uk
Charming French bistro with classic dishes authenticly served, delightful desserts, good value and friendly service.

Mudeford | The Jetty - www.thejetty.co.uk/
Great restaurant in a spectacular waterside location on Christchurch Harbour. Top quality experience in the extensive menu, ingredients and service.

Yarmouth, IoW | The George - www.thegeorge.co.uk
Fine fresh crevettes & lobster dishes with delightful beachside dining on sunny days.
 

London | Dishoom - www.dishoom.co.uk

Described as a 'Bombay Café in Covent Garden. Completely different Indian dining, unexpected menu serving tasty spicy tapas style dishes.

 

London | J Sheeky Oyster Bar - www.jsheekeyoysterbar.co.uk

Excellent fish & seafood restaurant. Voted 3rd in Zagat ' Best Seafood Restaurants in London' .

click here
 

Did Anyone Know Edwin Noble?

click image to enlarge

St Barbe Museum and Gallery in Lymington are searching for anyone who remembers WWI War Artist, Edwin Noble, who was a Milford on Sea resident.

 

The museum is in the midst of researching and bringing together material for a special exhibition next year to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the World War 1. The exhibition will be entitled: ‘Home Lad Home - Hampshire's War Horses.’

 

They are hoping to include material about, Edwin Noble (Also known as John Edwin Noble), who was a popular illustrator and teacher who studied at the Slade School of Fine Art and served as a sergeant in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps during World War One, where he was employed as an official war artist, depicting horses and mules in charcoal and watercolour.

 

In addition to Slade, he also studied at Lambeth School of Art and the Royal Academy Schools. Subsequently he became instructor at Calderon’s School of Animal Painting and a lecturer on animal drawing and anatomy at the Central and Camberwell Schools of Arts and Crafts. He was a member of the Royal Society of British Artists and a Fellow of the Zoological Society and exhibited widely from 1898 through 1930 at the Royal Academy, the Royal Scottish Academy and the Fine Art Society.

He married Beatrice Greenwood (also an artist) and lived in Milford on Sea from 1922 until his death in 1941.

Edwin also painted colourful posters for Underground Electric Railway Company Ltd (now London Underground) in 1916. click here to see his posters  He also published a children's book; 'A little book of birds and beasts' with the same company.

Interestingly, there was a book published by 'Edwin Noble' in 2002 which was entitled Animal Drawing and Anatomy. The detailed illustrations are similar to his work, however due to the late publication date, it is unknown if they were his drawing, the modern work of a relative or simply a big coincidence.

St Barbe's are interested in finding out more about Edwin Noble, and wondered if there are relatives or family friends still in the area with memories, family archives, or any local photographs?

 

If you are able to help us with any of these, please get in touch with:

St Barbe Museum
Tel: 01590 676969 - office@stbarbe-museum.org.uk

or 'Post a Comment' below.