A Museum for Milford?

Keith Metcalf has floated the idea of creating a Milford on Sea Museum. 

Keith is retiring as Parish Clerk in October, and in addition to his sterling work for Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV) he is also willing to coordinate the setting up of a group to found a Milford on Sea Museum.

Below is a report from Keith, it is pretty lengthy, but interesting, and worth reading to understand the whole picture. Keith's report not only details the current position with the library, but also raises a proposal for a Milford on Sea Museum to run alongside the library.

We are interested in your view as to whether a Museum would be of benefit to the village.

Please complete our Milford on Sea Museum Survey: click here

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

Milford Library Report and a Milford on Sea Museum?

There was an excellent turnout of about 80 residents who crammed into the Village Hall to listen to Hampshire County Council’s explanation as to why the Library is likely to close in 2015 and possibly be replaced with a Volunteer Library or a one-day a week Mobile service.

Chairman of the Milford Village Association Mrs Gloria Grantham-Hill said that she was delighted to see such a good response from potential volunteers and welcomed and introduced Executive Leader of the County Council – Cllr Roy Perry (to our knowledge, the first Leader of HCC ever to have attended a meeting in Milford-on-Sea). Cllr Perry was joined by a number of Senior Officers, including Nicola Horsey - Assistant Director of Libraries and Information; Alec Kennedy – Head of Library Operations and Jane Selby – Group Manager of Libraries.

County Cllr Alan Rice was in attendance and had personally invited the Leader of the County Council to attend what was likely to be a ‘tricky’ meeting. Mrs Grantham-Hill gave a brief summary of the history of the Village Hall and invited Mr Kennedy to explain why there was a need to change things from the way they were. Following some light-hearted heckling of Mr Kennedy from a member of the audience; Mr Kennedy explained that he had been asked to report on the two options for Milford residents to consider. This immediately raised resident hackles and an accusation that the County had already discounted a third option, which would be to leave things exactly as they are.

Cllr Perry stepped in to explain the background to why it was necessary to make some very difficult decisions and in particular why it was necessary to cut library services. He said that Government had reduced the HCC funding grant by £100,000,000 and that to be able to continue to support old and young people’s services, cuts had to be found from somewhere. In earlier reports published on the web, Cllr Perry had said that; ‘In a bid to save 12% of budget, senior management jobs would be reduced and community safety officers known as ACSOs would be taken off the streets’. Cllr Perry said that he was committed to avoiding the soft option, which would have been to put up council tax, which had been held for a fifth consecutive year.

Residents pressed to be given accurate figures as to what savings would actually be made by removing the two part-time library assistants. Mr Kennedy said that the savings would amount to somewhere between £8,000 and £10,000 pa, including £2,000 rent to the MVA. 

Residents appeared astounded by such a low potential saving and suggested that cuts should be made elsewhere for such a paltry amount. Cllr Perry said that in order to maintain essential services like those being protected for old and young people, it was right that small cuts should come from across all services and provisions. Cllr Perry added that there are over 300 villages across Hampshire and that the vast majority of them do not have a County run library service like we do in Milford-on-Sea. 

Mr Kennedy said that here was an opportunity to retain a library service in Milford-on-Sea and that the County would continue to supply replacement books, provide training for volunteers, provide weekly support from trained professional library staff and that the County Council insurance scheme would indemnify volunteers against accidental misuse or damage of their expensive self-service IT equipment. 

Further statistics for Milford Library were provided: 

• Opening hours per week = 10 
• Book issues in 2012/13 = 12,484 (This is one of the four lowest in Hampshire) 
• Active borrowers 2012/13 = 571 (These are the lowest in Hampshire) 
• Average number of customers borrowing items at least once a month = 197 (This is one of the four lowest in Hampshire) 
• % of people living in the parish using the library = 12% (These are amongst the lowest in Hampshire) 
• On average only 18 people visit the library per opening hour 
• On average only 25 items are issued per opening hour 
• Issues of books and other items decreased by 5% between 2011/12 and 2012/13 
• A three-month survey had been undertaken by handing survey forms to users visiting the library over a three month period from 2nd February 2014 
• Since February there had been a further decline in user numbers 
• There had been 107 responses to the survey 

(There are approximately 4,800 residents who live in the Parish of Milford-on-Sea)

Councillor Kennedy said that the recommendation going forward from the Culture and Communities Select Committee to the Executive Member for Culture, Recreation and Countryside on the 2nd September 2014 is that:

‘Discussions will continue with the Trustees of the Village Hall at Milford-on-Sea until the end of October, with a further report to the Executive Member, Culture, Recreation and Countryside at his Decision Day on 4th December 2014’

Residents asked whether it would be possible to retain the excellent services of Jocelyn and Chris (the two p/t library assistants) if local funding/sponsorship could be secured. It was also suggested that the Parish Council could commit to providing financial support by increasing the annual precept. Cllr Perry said that, that would be a matter for the Parish Council to decide, but was unable to say whether such an arrangement could be made between a third party and HCC library staff.

County Cllr Alan Rice said that as County Councillor for the Milford Ward, he might be able to provide some financial support towards staffing costs, but said that he also has to consider providing funds to other parts of his ward such in New Milton.

Mrs Grantham-Hill thanked everyone for attending and the meeting closed.

A PERSONAL VIEW ON THE FUTURE

Cllr Perry and his Library Service team gave assurances that no decision had yet been taken on the closure of Milford-on-Sea Library. They said that they would provide further factual figures, which could help the community and Trustees make some decisions for the future. They said that they would continue discussions with the Hall Trustees. However, the likelihood of them coming back to say that Milford’s Library will be given a second stay of execution is probably unlikely in its present form!

Milford Village Association has provided the venue for the library service since the 1980s. 

Out of the 4,800 residents we have in our parish, it seems that 4,229 do not use the facility. The old saying of ‘Use it or Lose it’ seems to be coming home to roost and the emphasis might now fall on the shoulders of the whole community to make the best of what HCC offer.

So what should we do now? As far as the Library is concerned, we need to wait for answers to the questions raised by residents at the meeting. The next critical event is when HCC reach their verdict on Decision Day on the 4th December 2014.

Whatever happens, we need to find a way of increasing footfall. The current users of the Library are exclusively residents, and we now know just how few of us are actually using the facility.

So why are we not using the Library? We know that books are diminishing because of the growing electronic book reader market, but basically it seems that, most of us are just not visiting our library, probably for a variety of reasons including the fact that half the time we don’t know which days or times it is open! Put simply, books just don’t interest us enough to pull us in for this alone!

Equally, visitors or holidaymakers do not use the Hall. Why? Because there is nothing of interest to attract them either?! 

So the question might be, can we and do we want to address the loss of the facility and make it more interesting for holidaymakers and residents to visit? Personally, I think absolutely YES and I cannot think of anyone who would disagree.

So what else do we know about future potential users? We know that between Shorefield County Park and Carrington Park there is in the region of 3,000 new holidaymakers visiting these sites every week of the summer. Thanks to David Long’s fantastic Milford website, Food Week, the community run Arts & Music Festival and all the other village green events that are held each year, many of these visitors come into the village to eat, drink and to be entertained. We don’t have an arcade (thank goodness) but visitors I am sure enjoy exactly the same things we do as residents. We try our best to retain the Victoriana feel to the village centre, which is very much part of its charm. We get the numbers of visitors here, it is just a case of giving them something else to do once they have fed and watered themselves!

A MUSEUM FOR MILFORD?

Melleford 1086 + Melneford & Mulneford 1100-1135 + Milneford 1152 + Mylforde 1575 - Milforde 1690-1720s + Milford 1780 + Milford-on-Sea 2014. 

First recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book, Milford has 1,000 years of history. Where can you see this history? Nowhere, unless the Historical Record Society are putting on one of their all too infrequent and delightful exhibitions.

My late wife and I regularly travelled to villages across the country, but primarily down to the west-country. We inevitably found that many had rural museums that we would visit. Most were very small. Many were unmanned and some used voluntary helpers to impart local historic knowledge and information. All the museums had ingenious ways of encouraging visitors to part with a donation of a few pounds to help with the Museum running costs. 

In talking to residents and visitors around the village over the past few months to see whether they would like to see a Milford Museum where interesting documents and artefacts could be permanently displayed, everyone is either being very polite when I ask, or they are genuinely interested in seeing and reading about our history. It’s also a fact that the Historical Record Society has been crying out for many years for somewhere to store and display their historic materials. What better location for them to do this than in the centre of the village in the Village Hall alongside what will almost certainly turn out sometime in 2015 to be a Voluntary Library? Why should the County Council Records Office and Lymington’s St Barbe Museum have all Milford’s historic papers and artefacts tucked away where nobody ever sees them?

Many may argue that our community-owned Trustee-led hall facilities have become too insular. There appears to have been little or no cooperation between what they see as their individual domains which they continue to protect come hell or high water. Trustees across all of our halls and facilities need to be seen by the community to work closer together to provide the very best that Milford-on-Sea can offer to benefit the whole community and the many thousands of holidaymakers that visit each year.

Practicalities: Nobody will underestimate the enormous amount of hard work that we would need to do to be successful. Nothing worth doing ever is!

• First there would need to be a change in mind-set about working closer together. 

If Trustees are willing to work together for the benefit of the wider community, so much the better. If not, maybe they need to ask themselves the question; ‘Should I be a Trustee’? There will undoubtedly be other willing volunteers prepared to step up to the plate.

• A parish-wide survey could help us see if a voluntary led Milford Library/Museum idea would be a welcome addition to our village centre facilities?

• This would of course mean there would be a need to relocate some floor space users of the Village Hall to alternative community facilities, of which there are several other venues. 

Outline Proposal:

If there was ever a time that the community, its community halls and their trustees need to work together, surely now is that time.

Will the community support a combined Village Library and Museum? There is not much doubt that this would be a welcome addition to local facilities; somewhere we could all pop into once in a while, where many of our groups and associations would love the opportunity to put on a display for a month and help guide visitors and tell them a little more about their group, the village and point library readers in the right direction.

Maybe now is the time to make some personal sacrifices and some positive decisions that will benefit our Village for the next generation and beyond.

Keith Metcalf – Milford-on-Sea Resident

Please complete our Milford on Sea Museum Survey: click here

Eco Classroom at School

Children at Milford on Sea C.E Primary School Academy Trust will be getting closer to nature after it opened its new eco outdoor classroom last Friday (12 September).

The new classroom, known as the Eco-Pod, is a recycled shipping container, which is situated within the existing school garden and nature reserve. It will enable pupils to experience hands-on learning, whilst being in the outdoors.

click image to enlarge

Bi-fold doors have been fitted to the front of the shipping container, which allow the classroom to be opened up to the existing school ground, while giving it its open feel.

Pupils at the school have been involved in the build of habitat panels that have been attached to the sides of the classroom, which will encourage nesting birds and other local wildlife. A viewing window has also been installed inside, from which children can quietly observe the local wildlife in the nature reserve area, which includes a small pond.

Mr Hill, Headteacher at Milford on Sea C.E Primary School Academy Trust said: “Outdoor learning helps make core subjects rich and relevant to pupils and also gets them excited about learning. So to have this wonderful eco-friendly classroom, which is totally different to what we already have at school has not only got the children excited but the teachers too!”

IKEA Southampton, who has kindly donated all its products to provide the children a fun place to learn in, has internally designed the Eco-Pod. It has also contributed outside furniture so that the school can maximise the decking space surrounding it.

Katie Cadman from IKEA said: “As soon as we heard about this project, we knew immediately it was something we wanted to be involved with. To have our products utilised in such a sustainable environment, with an educational element really excited us.”

Other companies, including Southern Water, Christchurch Timber, Antler Homes, New Forest Lofts, Arum Design and Adcroft have contributed to the classroom build. As well as a number of parents who have kindly given up their time to ensure its success, including Andy Sadler, Rachel and Clive Foster, Rob Lister and Claire Lambert.

We would add our congratulations to the school's Parents Friends Association (PFA) who worked hard to raise funds towards the project, and also thank all the local companies and individuals that contributed to make this excellent new facility for our local children happen.

For further information please contact Rachel Lewis: Tel: 07780 703063

Milford on Sea C.E Primary School 

www.mosps.co.uk

It's Disco Night!

The friendly bunch down at Milford on Sea Club are launching a Friday Night Disco at 8pm tonight, and then the Disco will take every Friday night from now on.

Everyone is welcome, whether a member or not. Non-members simply pay £2 on the door. The club also has some attractive bar prices to enjoy.

The music will span the era's, but many of us will remember the heady days of Disco when white suits, John Travolta and embarrassing clothes were the order of the day. 

In those days my own wardrobe consisted of shirts with tulip collars, bell-bottom trousers, tank tops, a fine selection of platform shoes in an array of colours and designs, and glossy hair flowing well over my shoulders. Oh, yes I was a real catch for any girl that was daft enough to come in my direction!

So, get your dancing shoes on, pop into the club and dance the night away!

Milford on Sea Club
67 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG
01590 643209

Loving Cheese in Milford

click image to enlarge

An interview with Mandy Black, of Milford on Sea cake maker Elmsleigh Cakes, featured in an article in the latest September edition of the Solent Life magazine.

As Mandy is a talented cake maker in the village it may be natural to assume that the two page spread would be full of yummy sweet treats, chocolate delights and moist sponge pictures, but not this time..., as I was preparing to lick the pictures on the pages, I discovered the story was about Cheese Towers!

These savoury towers are created by Mandy as a fantastic focal point for any celebration you may have. (Wedding, Birthday, Random Celebration or perhaps even a divorce!)

Mandy works in conjunction with Paul at Holland's of Milford to provide a choice from hundreds of artisan cheeses. As you many imagine, not only does the tower feed your guests, but it also becomes quite a talking point at your event. A Cheese Tower, also supplied with pickles and crackers can easily cater for up to 80 hungry cheese lovers.

click image to enlarge

Mandy's decorating skills come into their element when she adds fresh fruit, edible or non edible decorations, flowers and more, she can also provide all the trimmings to go with your tower with baskets of crackers and breads.

Keeping the trade in Milford on Sea village, Mandy has also teamed with our local and award winning pickle supplier Spice 'n' Easy for that additional special touch.

Personally, I could do great damage to one of these towers. I would happily sit on my own munching through the stack accompanied by a bottle or two of Port. Sadly, my 'you have had enough' radar is broken, so I would only know when to stop when I slide off the chair and can no longer reach the cheese.

However... much as I enjoy savoury, cake is of course my first love. Correction second. (My Wife says unless I put her a first I will get a kick in the groin and no dinner tonight.)

click image to enlarge

Having tasted Mandy's bespoke hand-crafted cakes, I can happily say she is great at both sweet and savoury.

You can find home-baked cakes and lardy breads from Elmsleigh in Holland's of Milford, and they can be purchased by the slice or ordered as a full cake, or if you pop into The Raft, you can treat yourself to a slice along with a coffee.

Whilst writing this I have been dreaming about cakes, but My Wife refused to go out and get me one, so I had to make do with some biscuits as I hit the keyboard.

It also worth mentioning Nicola of Yum, who also creates excellent cakes from her kitchen in Milford on Sea. (The amazing chocolate fudge cake is my favourite!) You can never have too many cake makers I say! 

If you are looking for cakes, or would like to try a Cheese Tower, you can get in touch with Mandy or Nicola below - go on, indulge yourself!

Elmsleigh Cakes
Mandy Black
07914 586441
elmsleighcakes1@aol.com
www.elmsleighcakes.co.uk

Yum Cakes
Nicola Goode

nicola@loveyum.com

www.loveyum.com

Hollands of Milford

49 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG

www.hollandsmos.co.uk

Spice'N'Easy

Claire Lee

01590 645646

www.spiceneasy.co.uk

Calling Library Volunteers

Following the recent public meeting when the future of the village library was well and truly debated, the likelihood of the library remaining as it is looks bleak.

It is however felt that the Milford on Sea Library may be able to continue if run on a volunteers basis.

A Volunteers Meeting is now to be held on Wednesday 17th September at 7pm in the Village Hall/Library. 

At this important meeting information will be obtained on how a Community Run Library operates with Sharon Rhymes, who is in charge of training, and a member of North Baddesley Library. Alec Kennedy, Head of library operations at Hampshire County Counci will also present. 

If you would like to find out more, join the band of volunteers, or if you volunteered at the meeting, please come along.

Any queries, please contact: Liz Everard on 01590 645429.

Gallic Flair on Milford Seafront

Being a fluent French speaker (my own version) and on occasions a temporary honorary resident of Deauville in Normandy, I was delighted to see the local council has bought some Gallic flair to Milford on Sea.

click image to enlarge

If you have been fortunate enough to visit Beaune, the capital of Burgundy wine, you may also have seen the magnificent multicoloured roofs of the Hospices de Beaune. Built in 1443, this medieval building has impressive deep roofs covered in glazed multicoloured tiles arranged in decorative geometric patterns. 

Having been constructed so long ago, my French brothers did the best they could with the materials, tools and technology they had to hand at the time.

Sadly, after the Valentine's Night Storm in February this year, the seafront at Milford on Sea remains looking like a warzone. For anyone old enough, it must bring back memories of the barbed wire beach defences during WW2.

Whilst the future of Milford on Sea Zoo remains in doubt (click here to read), and the replacement of the beach huts continues with endless debates and discussions, some progress has at least been made.

Having been severely damaged in the storm, the Seafront Shelter has now been restored for people to take in the magnificent views through the mass of fencing and out across to The Needles.

click image to enlarge

The Seafront Shelter now boasts its own decorative geometric patterns to rival the roofs of the Hospices de Beaune. The tiles are not glazed or multicoloured, but they stand resplendent in their own way.

When asked what the roof patterns represent, the head of design at the council said; "There were holes in the roof, and we had some tiles laying around so we filled the gaps with them. We are thrilled that this approach has created a abstract design to delight art lovers."

As we walked the dogs I gazed at the seafront shelter and asked My Wife what she thought the tile design represented. She looked at me, gave a big sigh as she said to herself; "Why did I have to be the one to marry the village idiot", she then swiftly kicked my dodgy knee and as I fell to the ground caught me with a perfect uppercut. I can only assume that she is not one that appreciates the wonders of modern art.

We understand that this new art installation on Milford on Sea seafront is strongly rumoured to make the short-list for the Turner Prize 2014.

News Bulletin 250 & Still Going

The weekly 'Enjoy Milford on Sea News Bulletin' has now hit edition number 250.

Everything started with the launch of the 'Enjoy Milford on Sea' website in May 2008. Since then, the site has had over a million visitors. (To be exact 1,119,601 to date) 

The News Bulletin is now sent to 2355 e-mail addresses across the village, and keeps people informed of the occasional worthwhile news story, but more often useless information and stupid observations of what is happening locally.

The village news website alone now receives over 15,000 page views every month.

If you would like to read some of the ridiculous stories published over the years, please click here.

Should you have any friends, family or neighbours who would like to receive the News Bulletin, please just ask them to send their Name & E-Mail Address to: david@milfordonsea.org 

Over the years more community websites and events have been added as you can see from the list below. 

Unashamedly, it has been a pleasure to promote the village, our restaurants, shops, events and many of the excellent activities that that place in this wonderful community by the sea.  

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

If you would like to find out more about what happens in Milford on Sea, please visit our village websites below:

Milford on Sea Website: www.milfordonsea.org
Milford on Sea News: www.milfordonseanews.org
Milford on sea Calendar: www.milfordonseacalendar.org
Milford on Sea Food Week: www.milfordonseafoodweek.org
Love Milford Week: www.lovemilfordweek.org
Great Dining Bus: www.greatdiningbus.co.uk

The Bodyguards are coming

Hurst Castle are excitedly awaiting the arrival of The Company of Pikemen & Musketeers at 2.30pm on Saturday 13th September, who will be doing a 45 minute display.

click image
to enlarge

The Company of Pikemen & Musketeers are a ceremonial unit of the Honourable Artillery Company and one of only six royally warranted bodies in the UK.

The members of the Company are dressed and equipped as they would have been in the 1640s and are tasked with providing a ceremonial bodyguard for the Lord Mayor of the City of London and escorting him when he is on official business. These duties are primarily at Guildhall and Mansion house but also at livery halls and other City events. The Company also provides guards of honour and carpet guards at Armoury House, headquarters of the Honourable Artillery Company when guests are being entertained. 

Ferries will be running from Keyhaven Quay to the castle and normal castle admission charges will apply.

The café will also be open for snacks, cake and drinks.

Find out more at: Hurst Castle Shop

47 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG | 01590 642500
hurstferry@aol.com
www.hurstcastle.co.uk

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

Footnote:

Poem read on by Radio 5 Live at The Lord Mayors show.Queens Silver Jubilee 1997.

Supplied to us by: Mike Halliwell (Major. TD. Late RA. HAC)

He said that they looked an elderly lot.
"No good in a war"was his passing shot!
The radio man spoke of my friends.
He hadn't a clue,so I'll make amends.
Forget for a moment the passing of time, These men have all put their lives on the line.

Regular service, Reserve and TA
Is honoured,respected and only the way
To earn them the right to carry a Pike.
To March with and guard The Lord Mayor and his like.
A sharp eye can see from deep in the crowd The bearing and purpose,head still held proud.

Pageantry is but part of the script.
It raises the pulse.Encourages conscripts.
Behind all this show there's a serious chore Done by these folk who are "too old for war"!
The TA is part of one army alone
And they cannot fight lest some "hold the phone"

Mark up the maps and brief all the "stars"
As to who has moved where while they've been "at the war"
So just you remember when you commentate That they also serve who "just stand and wait"
Lets hear then no more of "too old to fight "
A soldiers a soldier till he "puts out the light"

If there's a role where he can be part
He'll give it his best with all of his heart.
Back in HQ,the Map room or 'phone
He doesn't mind and he won't be alone.
And if he's to March with pride with his Queen There's nowhere on earth he would rather have been!

New Collection for Moss on the Green

New Collection
click image to enlarge

Moss on the Green Boutique & Gallery are having a promotional weekend to launch their new Autumn / Winter fashion collections.

Trish Ray
click image to enlarge

Since opening the shop on 28th June, owner Trish Ray is delighted things have gone so well, even having to make a mad dash to London to top up her summer stock, as the hot weather continued to grow demand.

Now the weather is starting to change and the evenings becoming more autumnal, Trish has the warmer fashions arriving at the shop, from brands such as Adini, Marble, Bianca and Peruzzi. 

The new ranges with be unveiled at the New Collection Launch from 10am to 5pm on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th September, everyone is welcome to come along.

The boutique & gallery also carries a lovely range of accessories, scarves and fashion jewellery, together with artwork pieces painted by Trish herself.

 Moss on the Green

1 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH
01590 643867
info@mossonthegreen.com
www.mossonthegreen.com

Open: Tuesday to Saturday - 10am to 5pm

Cleaning Job Available

The Beach House at Westover is looking for somebody who might want to help them out during the week by doing a few cleaning / housekeeping hours.

If you, or anyone you know may be interested please contact Marina on 01590 643044. 

The Beach House at Westover
Park Lane, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PT
01590 643044
www.beachhousemilfordonsea.co.uk

Charity Coffee Morning at The Beach House

The team at The Beach House at Westover are taking part in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support on the 26^th September 10:30am to 12 noon. 

If people want to bake cakes and bring them with them that would be great so we have more to sell for charity! 

There will also be a raffle for a 2 night bed and breakfast break at this rather special hotel. Raffle tickets will be £1 each, and all money raised from the cakes and raffle will be going to the charity.

The Beach House at Westover
Park Lane, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PT
01590 643044
www.beachhousemilfordonsea.co.uk

Battle to Save Library

The battle to save Milford on Sea Library continues.

The Milford on Sea Village Association (as the Landlords to Hampshire County Council Library Service) thanks everyone who attended the meeting in the Village Hall on Wednesday 27^th August regarding volunteers and the future of Milford Library. 

Gloria Grantham-Hill, Trustee and Chairman of Milford Village Association said; "We were greatly honoured by the attendance of the Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Roy Perry and County Councillor Alan Rice TD who both made very helpful contributions to the debate."

At the meeting very strong feelings were voiced regarding keeping the status quo and with the apparent small savings that may be made by introducing a voluntary service, it proved to be 'lively meeting' with a packed house!

Anyone wishing to make their views known before Hampshire County Council makes the momentous decision on the fate of Milford Library, please send them (within the next 10 days) to:

Councillor Keith Chapman, Bracken Lodge, The Glen, Pamber Heath, Tadley. RG26 3DY

Please also send a copy to: M.V.A. Trustees, c/o Milford Village Hall, 2 Park Road, Milford-on-Sea.

The more Milford protests, the more chance of saving the library for the many local people that use it.

High Street Shop to Let

It was sad to see Milford Model & Hobbies shop close their doors last week, and we look forward to seeing Nigel & Victoria re-inventing their business nearby soon.


This has of course now left a prime position shop to let in Milford on Sea High Street. Owner, Joy Ayling is keen to hear from anyone interested in renting the shop and can be contacted below.

Whilst a new permanent shop keeper is found, Joy intend to open the shop as Milford Collectables on a part-time basis.

Joy had previous run Milford Model & Hobbies and has always continued to sell an extensive range of teddy bears for gifts or collectors including Steiff, Merrythought & more. Milford Curio's are also expected to stock a range of other interesting gift ideas.

Milford Collectables - Opens on 6th September at 10am until 2pm

Opening Hours: To be announced on opening day, and can then be found on shop door.

Shop to Let: 48 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF
Contact: Joy Ayling
mmh1@dsl.pipex.com
01590 645029 | 07533 854889

Artistic Scenes of Milford

click image to enlarge

Local creative photographer, Adam Lynk is now displaying a range of spectacular limited edition Milford on Sea seascapes, scenes and sunsets for sale in his high street gallery.

The compositions are not something from a camera phone or box brownie, but artist and atmospheric images from our fabulous seaside   

Adam also offers family and children portraits, the pictures can be either taken in his high street studio or on location, he is also happy to do commissions and business photography shoots.

click image to enlarge

If you are looking for an impressive piece for your wall, or a present for someone special, it is certainly worth going to take a look.

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 2pm until the end of September and other times by appointment.

click image to enlarge

Lynk Photography Studio

25 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

01590 642925 | 07590 333313

hello@adamlynk.com

www.adamlynk.com

Babes in Business

Two local Milford on Sea women with small businesses have founded Babes in Business to provide group support, networking and development.  

Babes in Business is an informal, independent ladies networking group for those who live in and around the New Forest, who are running a part-time business alongside their ‘day job’. Your goal is for your part time business, to become your sole income!

The meetings are relaxed and friendly, and they are very welcoming towards first time visitors and guests. 

The Babes in Business ethos; is informal and informative. They aim to allow like-minded business women the chance to introduce themselves and their part time business, to the group. It is an opportunity to share contacts, local events, tips and experiences, lend each other any personal development books/cd’s, request a particular subject to be presented by a volunteer or guest or to bounce ideas and to generally provide a support network and have some fun along the way; it’s as simple as that!

Babes in Business also have a dedicated, closed group, Facebook page; where you can place ideas, tips, post your events and be updated about meetings.

There is no joining fee; all you have to do is complete a member request form. You will then be contacted to discuss your part-time business to ensure that there is no conflict within the group. We would ask for your commitment to meet up each month to ensure we maximise the group’s input and support.

Babes in Business meet on the first Tuesday of every month, between 8pm and 9.30pm at The Monkey House, Southampton Road, Lymington, SO41 9HA. 

If you would like to come along or speak to us, feel free to call Ellie Whitehall: 07712 484852 or Clare: 07778 209670.

Local Tennis Finalist!

Local girl Ellen Mans was Runner Up in the U9’s Hampshire & IOW Junior County Championships 2014 at Winchester Racquets and Fitness on Sunday 24th August. 

Ellen had been unseeded in the tournament, but triumphed through three rounds to reach the final where she finally was beaten 4-7 5-7 by Kirsty Da Silva. Kirsty is a Hampshire County player and was the number one seed for the tournament. 

Ellen plays tennis locally at Lymington Tennis Club, and only turned nine on 4th August. We look forward to seeing Ellen win many trophy's as her career develops.

Left: Ellen Mans- Runner Up (Milford on Sea) and Kirsty Da Silva- Winner (Basingstoke)

Right Top: Tournament Group players

Right Bottom: Ellen receiving her Runner’s Up medal from Jenny Savage - LTA Event Organiser 

Last places on Great Dining Bus

The next Milford on Sea GREAT DINING BUS is already half full for lunchtime on Saturday 27th September 2014 

The unique dining tour will take happy dinners to enjoy 4 Courses in 4 different restaurants, and as they get to know each other, they will experience four of the excellent restaurants Milford on Sea has to offer.

The tour starts at The Raft for canapés and a welcome drink, then goes to La Perle for the starter, then to The Marine for the main course, & finally dessert is served at Verveine, Plus, each course includes a house paired or non-alcoholic drink.

Since the launch of GREAT DINING BUS it has captured the imagination of foodies, attracting both locals and people from far afield to dine in Milford on Sea.

It is not too late to book, and at just £37.50 the Dining Bus Tour offers excellent value as well as a great experience, there are also Strolling Tours starting from £26.

If you are looking for a birthday or Christmas present with a difference, or simply want to treat yourself, your partner or just have a great day out with friends, this is the thing to do!

Buy Great Dining Bus Tickets here: www.greatdiningbus.ticketsource.co.uk

Find out more about the Great Dining Bus Tours: www.greatdiningbus.co.uk

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

About the Great Dining Bus

Milford on Sea runs what is believed to be the first & only Dining Bus Event in the UK.

The Great Dining Bus is perfect as a treat, a gift, 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.

The first Great Dining Bus ran very successfully at MoS Food Week 2012, and the Food Week team now operate the Great Dining Bus as a regular and permanent event in the Milford on Sea village calendar.

The Great Dining Bus is for the pleasure of village foodies and people from outside of Milford on Sea, with the added benefit of bringing trade to various businesses in the village. Your can even have your own bespoke 'Private Party Dining Tour'.

On the Great Dining Bus diners are driven to enjoy a different course in a selection of four Milford on Sea restaurants. Also, as the village is fortunate to have great restaurants close to the village green there is also the 'Strolling Dining Tour', which enables people to take a leisurely stroll the short distances between courses, for a different type of dining experience. 

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, and whichever way you arrive to dine, each restaurant will delight in showcasing a taste of their food offering and service.

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

The Great Dining Bus is designed for diners to experience our excellent village restaurants, and as the concept is so unique, we hope to attract local and national exposure, and to put Milford on Sea on the map as a 'Foodie Heaven'!, whilst becoming recognised as the 'South coast destination for great dining'.

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’, which is great for the visitors' experience and for local businesses.

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

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

Shaun's Book Launch

Local village artist, Shaun Stevens, has the launch of her new book 'Hurst Castle-An Artist's View' at Waterstone's in Lymington next Saturday 23rd August between 12 noon and 1pm.

At the same time Shaun will also be launching her new 'Hurst Castle Notebook', which is a A6 notebook illustrated with paintings of Hurst Castle, local boats, sailing clubs and views. 

The 'Hurst Castle-An Artist's View' book is full of Shaun's paintings of Hurst, includes some historical background, paintings of the local views, Keyhaven, bird life, boats and the sailing clubs.

Also included are illustrated guidance notes on how to paint some of the pictures together with a walking guide to the Castle.

Copies of 'Hurst Castle-An Artist's View' and 'Hurst Castle Notebook' are available at the new Hurst Castle Shop in the High Street Milford on Sea, at Hurst Castle and St Barbe Museum in Lymington at £8.50.

There are some delightful images to enjoy, so why not take a look.

Ship Runs Aground on Spit

Alarms were raised about 5pm on Saturday evening when a cruise liner ran aground on Hurst Spit.

click image to enlarge
P&O Oceana?

As the coastguard was called, Jason and the team from Hurst Castle were first on the scene.

First reports indicated that the ship had become entangled in a fisherman’s line and dragged to shore. The shocked fisherman said; “I thought I had hooked a big one, but I didn’t realise how big!”

As the crowds gathered, Jason tethered the ship to his Land Rover, and after three attempts, managed to pull the ship free. After which, the happy passengers were able to continue their cruise to Fantasy Island.

None of this is of course true. However, thanks to Frances, a regular reader, we have these two pictures of medium sized cruise liners passing through the West Solent exit, along the Needles Passage, past The Needles and out across Christchurch Bay.

click image to enlarge
Cunard Queen Victoria?

In the past, it was a regular sight to see cruise liners coming & going, but this has declined significantly in recent years. The only cruise line that appeared to regularly use this way in to & out from Southampton was Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, who’s ships were generally smaller than most of today’s international cruise fleet.

In the past few days, our eagled eyed photographer captured these two ships passing. We suspect the first one may be the P&O Oceana? and just above, probably Cunard's Queen Victoria?

There is little doubt that seeing magnificent ships against the backdrop of the Isle of Wight is a great sight. From some it may just be a nice thing to watch, for others it may get them wondering what it may be like to on-board and cruising to a foreign shore, and for previous cruisers it is most lightly to rekindle great memories of time at sea and the thought of sitting in a floating bar, cocktail in hand, literally watching the world go by.

click image to enlarge

We always assumed that the declined in cruise ships passing this way was due to the potential shallow water and significant & moving sand banks. The cruise liners being spotted are certainly not the largest afloat, but they are still massive floating hotels with up to something like 2000 passengers on-board, plus around 900 crew. (The current largest cruise liner is the Royal Caribbean International Oasis The Seas and the Allure of The Seas both carry up to 6,296 passengers & 2,384 crew!)

It would be interesting to know why more cruise liners are now passing near Milford on Sea?

If you have any answers or ideas, please click link below to Post a Comment.

50 B4 50-La Gavroche

Le Gavroche

At last we were to visit a restaurant we had wanted to dine in for many years. 

Having booked several months in advanced my wife, our hollow legged friends J&S and me arrived at at Waterloo. J. was feeling a little under the weather, but the poor little soldier soon perked up after a quick pre-dinner drink in The Cabin before we took a taxi ride to Mayfair for the experience to start.

We had a friendly greeting as the door was opened for us, then we were taken through the plush bar, and down the stairs to the restaurant. The sumptuous dining room has a classical decoration with deep reds and golds.

The tables are well spaced and elaborately decorated with a silver table centre piece, 'Le Gavroche' moulded into the cutlery and fine china. (We were to discover that 'Le Gavroche' was the young street urchin from Les Miserables) The chairs were large and comfortable, just perfect for the four hours we were about to spend there.

Le Gavroche has become an iconic dining venue since it opened in 1967, and in 1974 attained its first Michelin Star, in 1977 it achieved its second. In 1982 it was the first Restaurant in Britain to received the maximum 3 Michelin Stars. In 2004 it reverted to 2 Michelin Stars, and a host of other awards have continued almost annually.

To get the full Le Gavroche experience we decided to have the nine course Menu Exceptionnel. Before the meal began, we were brought a selection of breads to choose from, along with some canapés.

Being a wine buff, J. was give control of the wine list. A slightly dangerous move, as it was quite possible the drink bill could have been four or five times the food! He sat with a warm satisfaction as he read the substantial wine list for about fifteen minutes. We just ignored him as he mused about his memories or knowledge of this vineyard and that. Having ordered a bottle of red, one white, a half bottle of port and some dessert wine he returned to conversation around the table, and we were to later discover that he chosen well, and that we did not have to pawn any jewellery or heirlooms to cover the bill. 

We started our extravagant meal with the 'Le Gavroche signature dish'; the Soufflé Suissesse. What a delight! The cheese soufflé was double baked in double cream, lighter than air, fluffy and an explosion of cheese-fest flavour. It would take something simply amazing for any starter to beat this.

Next came the foie gras terrine, soon to be followed by the delicious Seared Langoustines in a Pea and Spring Onion sauce.

As we sat chatting, my wife slowly slipped from her chair to the floor. It was then we realised Michel Roux was visiting our table for a chat. My wife & S. became all starry eyed as they babbled asking for a selfie. I of course, being part French, engaged Michel in conversation in our native tongue. It must have been some time since he was in France, as he did not appear to understand what I was saying.

The dishes just kept coming, but somehow they managed to space the courses perfectly for us to all chat and digest this marathon feast.

Next we had Stone Bass with Arabian Spices, Red Rice and Meat Jus. As a fish dish it was pretty 'meaty' with lots of flavours going on. 

click image to enlarge

The service was relaxed and ultra efficient. All of our wines has been decanted after the bottle shown to and tasted by J. at the table. From then on, each glass was never empty as an invisible ninja appeared to ensure constant refills. The same ninja tactics somehow constantly replaced the cutlery without being noticed.

Still feeling very content, the two meat courses were to follow next. The Braised and Smoked Pork Cheek, Crispy Belly Ravioli with Red Cabbage Condiment also had a piece of crispy pig's ear crackling. Not one for the vegetarians, but a joy for carnivores who like to eat fat in various ways. 

The only course that did not blow me away was the Squab Pigeon with Corn Waffle and Sweet Blackcurrant Sauce. The only reason being, I not a big one for rare meats, everyone else was very happy though.

As is par for the course with J&S, the nonsense content in our conversations significantly increased relative to the alcoholic intake. True to form, we were now talking a good deal of rubbish.

The cheese trolley then trundled its way to our table, laden with a vast array of the delicious cow and goats products. What to choose was almost impossible as the waiter went through the soft, hard, blue and smelly selection. The cheeses were served with melba toast, chutney and a tasty quince jelly. The port accompaniment made everything in the world perfect at that moment.

A perfect meal of course always ends in chocolate, and if things go well, I also get my wife's (as it is too sweet, she's too full, watching her weight etc, etc.) The Bitter Chocolate Truffle, Sorbet and Cherries was an ideal end to an fabulous meal. My enjoyment was slightly hindered as I spotted my wife moving her spoon to her dish. Thankfully though our perfect day out was not spoiled, as she tried a small bit and then passed her plate to me.

After coffee & petit fours, we made our way around the corner to the Red Bar in the Grosvenor House Hotel for a final drink before the train home.

As we chatted, we all agreed that Le Gavroche had proved well worth the wait to experience. Only trouble is, we will all need to substantially replenish our wallets before we can make the next visit we would all like! 

Menu Exceptionnel

• Soufflé Suissesse (Cheese Souffle Cooked on Double Cream)
• Terrine Marbree de Foie Gras aux Epices, Gelee au Madere et Croque aux Champignons (Spice Crusted Foie Gras Terrine, Madeira Jelly and Mushroom Toast)
• Langoustines Poelees, Petits Pois, Cebette et Jambon de Bayonne (Seared Langoustines with Peas, Spring Onions and Air Dried Bayonne Ham)
• Filet de Maigre Parfume au Ras-el-Hanout Fenouil et Riz Rouge de Camargue (Stone Bass and Pastilla scented with Arabian Spices, Fennel, Red Rice and Meat Jus) 
• Joue de Porc Braisee et Fumee, Cromesquis de Couennes (Braised and Smoked Pork Cheek, Crispy Belly Ravioli, Red Cabbage Condiment)
• Supreme de Pigeon, Gaufres au Mais et Sauce aux Cassis (Squab Pigeon, Kohnrabi, Chantenay Carrot, Corn Waffle and Sweet Blackcurrant Sauce)
• Le Plateau de Fromages Affines (Selection of French and British Farmhouse Cheese)
• Truffle Chocolate or Noir et Sorbet, Cerise Pochees et a l’Eau de Vie (Bitter Chocolate Truffle, Sorbet and Cherries)
• Café et Petits Fours

La Gavroche
www.le-gavroche.co.uk

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

50 B4 50-DINING CHALLENGE

Michelin Stars Collected So Far: 36

50 B4 50 Challenged explained: click here

3 Michelin Star
London: Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
Berkshire-Bray: The Waterside Inn

2 Michelin Star

London: La Gavroche, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Hibiscus, Pied a Terre
Berkshire: The Latymer (Penny Hill Park Hotel),
Buckinghamshire: Hand & Flowers (*3 Times!)
France-Paris: Georges V Hotel

1 Michelin Star
London: Benares, L’Autre Pied, Quilon, Social Eating House (*Twice!), Veeraswamy, The Savoy Grill, L’Escargot
Hampshire: Terrace Restaurant (Montague Arms), Vetiver (Chewton Glen Hotel), JSW.
Sussex: Ockenden Manor

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

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

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

Milford on Sea | Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant- www.verveine.co.uk

London | Franco's - www.francoslondon.com
Milford on Sea | La Perle - www.laperlemilford.co.uk
Mudeford | The Jetty - www.thejetty.co.uk
Yarmouth, IoW | The George - www.thegeorge.co.uk
London | Dishoom - www.dishoom.co.uk

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

Lymington | The Elderflower - www.elderflowerrestaurant.co.uk
London | The Ivy - www.the-ivy.co.uk
Lymington | The Haven - www.havenrestaurant.co.uk

Devon | River Cottage HQ - www.rivercottage.net/hq 

Milford Models on the Move

The only little change to your story for the blog, is perhaps not to mention that we will hopefully be returning to a different location within the village, as we are finding it very difficult to find a suitable location at a reasonable price locally. We don't want to get anyone's hopes up, only to disappoint. However, we will keep looking!

We were particularly disappointed to hear the news that Nigel & Victoria are to close their Milford Models & Hobbies shop. Sadly, it has been difficult to maintain this charming traditional shop with the continued increase in online spending, tough economic climate and a pending rent rise. The door will be reluctantly closed on 21st August 2014. They do however have plans to continue trading from a new location in the village, and their large selection of railway models, Oxford Diecast models and Victoria’s excellent bespoke ‘Crafty Cushions’ range will continue to be available from their website.

click image to enlarge

The Milford Models & Hobbies shop has been a feature of the High Street in Milford on Sea for many years, and one which has contributed to giving the village its unique and quaint character. If you are a man of a certain age, on entering the shop you are immediately transported back to your childhood by the railway sets and model cars from yesteryear. Over the years, many children must has been entranced by the train set running across the window and into the shop, but sadly, the train will only be trundling around the window for a little while longer.

Since arriving in the village, both Nigel & Victoria have fully immersed themselves in the community, and in addition to running the shop and being a popular couple, Nigel is also our local scout leader.

The good news is that, if they can find suitable premises (which is tricky), Nigel is looking to re-invent the shop elsewhere close by. Whilst it is unlikely to be on the high street, and may not happen too quickly, he hoping that it will be somewhere easily accessible for everyone. He also intends to expand the laser cutting side of his business at the same time.

If you know of any suitable premises, or wish to speak to Nigel, his Tel No. will continue to be: 01590 642112. 

After five years working against the tide, the family and dog now intend to take a well-earned weeks holiday, and we hope they have a great time before starting their new venture. 

Milford Models & Hobbies

01590 642112

www.milford-models.co.uk

Studland Common Update Report

The ten-year Scrub Management and Grassland Restoration Project (for Studland Common) is being funded by Natural England until 2022. Most recently capital funding has been provided to re-fence much of the Common, which is divided into two grazing compartments: the Meadow and the Common. 

click image to enlarge

A comprehensive Update Report (August 2014) has been jointly published by the Milford on Sea Parish Council and Milford Conservation Volunteers. Not only does the report detail activities that have taken place, it also gives an update on wildlife activities, The Orchard project and more. 

To read the full Studland Common report, please click here.

Parish Council 

www.milfordonsea.org.uk

Milford Conservation Volunteers

www.milfordcv.org

MCV: August Newsletter

Wild flowers at home…

This is a time of year to enjoy your garden. There are yellow gifts from nowhere. My beds are benefiting from plenty of tall and shapely fennel which is very popular this time of year with lots of different kinds of wild 

bees and wasps and other insects whose names I don't know. I am very grateful to wild fleabane which flew in a few years ago and is now spreading. The same applies to evening primrose. It helps to memorise what the spring showings of these look like so you don't weed them. These three plants perk up the beds when so much is already over.

Marjoram is coming into its own, another plant very popular with insects, requiring no work except protection from clumsy weeding. Its colours are subtle (aka a little restrained) but the bees don't mind.

My viper's bugloss, such a winner for insects during June and July, is nearly over (early this year?) so I have cut them right down in hope of some late flowering shoots. Again, keep the trowel away from very young plants, which look rather like young evening primrose. Leave both!

Do you have grandchildren coming during the holidays? Take them on a creepy crawly hunt in your garden. Dragon and damsel flies, maybe a toad, the small brown butterflies whose names I haven't learnt. You might find some nests. Dig up a couple of superfluous 'weeds' such as the ones mentioned above for them to take home and plant in their own bit of their parents' garden.

How about taking part in the Big Butterfly Count?  Click here to visit the website which will give you help with identification and if you want to take part in the survey you can.

Enjoy your garden!

To find out more about Milford Conservation Volunteers, please visit;

www.milfordcv.org

Our Village Library Needs Help

Many villagers have great concern that Milford on Sea is in danger of losing its library on Park Road. 

The library has been part of village life for many years and is particularly appreciated by elderly residents unable to travel to Lymington or New Milton libraries.

Present Hampshire County Council proposals are to either supply a mobile library for one half day per week, providing parking can be found, or to oversee a service run by volunteers.

If the second proposal is agreed, would you be prepared to volunteer help run a library session for a few hours per week - or a fortnight? If you wish to volunteer please telephone Elizabeth Everard, Secretary and Trustee, Milford Village Association on 01590 645429 and leave a message if she is not available.

More details will be given regarding the future of the library on Wednesday 27th. August at 7.30pm at a public meeting in the village hall when Mr Alec Kennedy, Hampshire County Councils Head of Operations - Libraries and Information will be attending, together with Ms Jane Selby, Manager Hampshire Libraries and Ms Sharon Rhymes who leads the current community libraries.

The Man Behind the Music

The 2014 Milford on Sea Arts & Music Festival has been another huge success. We've enjoyed excellent music, theatre, workshops and activities, and all in glorious sunshine.

click image to enlarge

Everyone who attends and benefits from the festival will appreciate that a huge amount of work goes into planning and running the event. Over the last five years, the linchpin of that effort has been the outgoing Chairman, Sean Reeves. He has kept the festival on track through thick and thin and put in hundreds of hours of work, all the while building a successful career as a solicitor. 

The 2014 Festival Committee said; "Thank you Sean, for everything you have done for the Festival. There will always be a place behind the bar for you!" 

No doubt those thanks are echoed by the many who enjoyed yet another excellent Festival.