Why the Shopping Challenge?

Some people have asked; Why the Shopping Challenge?, and others have asked 'Why February?'.

Well, the concept was pretty straightforward really; February is a tough trading time for our village shops, so the Shopping Challenge was created to encourage all of us to shop in the village for a week.

Love Milford Week has been timed to coincide with School Half Term & close to Valentine’s Day to fit in with the ‘Love Milford’ theme. It will also now run in alternate years to Food Week.

Things then started to grow a bit (a lot!), with additional ideas to include everyone in the village in one way or another - so we soon added shows and entertainment, and also ways for people to meet others in the village who are local producers, craft makers, home businesses, tradesman, professional services, artists, authors, musicians, - plus the chance to discover village clubs, classes, support groups and charities, and much more...

The end result is: Love Milford Week.

Anyone who lives in, or visits, Milford on Sea will know what a fabulous place it is to be. So, what better than to spend a week celebrating what makes the village so special, and at the same time to boost trade and community interaction. 

As previously mentioned, the core to the week is the 'Shopping Challenge'. So, we are challenging everyone to only shop in the village during Love Milford Week. - No visits to large supermarkets, no cheating, just spending time showing the shops you love them. As a village of just 5000 people, we are fortunate to have such a wonderful array of shops and we need to do all we can to ensure people use and appreciate all that they have to offer.

Many of our village shops will be running exclusive special offers throughout the week, and there will be a Free £50 Prize Draw, giving two great reasons to stay out of the car and to enjoy shopping around the village.

Food Week is generously supported by the shops and restaurants as sponsors. However, we are running Love Milford Week differently, as this time we want to keep the cash in their tills.

Indeed the entire event has only one sponsor; Hall & Woodhouse, the generous owners of The Beach House, and we also very well supported by Brand New Forest.

All of the events are run by volunteers, but there are of course expenses for the programmes, posters and other marketing, so the net result is that the Love Milford Week will run at a loss, but life is not all about money, - and all that really matters is that everyone has a great time!

Friend of Love Milford Week

For those who would like to show their support as individuals, families or as a local businesses it is just £25 to become a Friend, and we are delighted with the generosity shown across our village community so far. Why not join us?

To become a Friend please click here.

To see our Friends to date please click here.

Love Milford Week

www.lovemilfordweek.org

Tom, Dick & Harriet on DVD!

If you missed the excellent Village Pantomime this weekend, you can now watch it on DVD - Oh, no you can't, oh yes you can!

Of course if you were there you can also get a copy, and re-live many familiar faces from the village creating laughs a plenty.

It is now sadly too late to see the production in the flesh as the live performances have now ended - Indeed; 'it's behind you!'

The Tom, Dick & Harriet DVD's are £10 each and have been produced by Paul French.

You can obtain a copy from Marguerite Willcox at the Community Centre, or contact Paul directly as below.

Vidibiz

Paul French - paul@vidibiz.co.uk

07525 405999|01590 645578

www.vidibiz.co.uk

Beach Hut Update

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Decisions and actions following the destruction of the Milford on Sea Beach Huts has been painful slow, and the seafront continues to look unloved and forlorn.

It is now almost a year since the Valentine's storm, and we have heard that NFDC are now submitting an application for Outline Planning Permission to replace all of the huts between the 'Needles Eye' and the White House. 

If the permission is granted demolition of the remaining huts will be undertaken, leaving the lower promenade clear for the summer of 2015.

We understand that the ugly metal mesh fencing will go, to be replaced by a lower barrier to protect the drop between upper and lower promenades. There might also have to be some type of barrier at the seaward edge of the lower promenade where there's also a drop. The lower promenade will remain in place until 2016 after the huts have been cleared. Then, next year it will be removed and a new slab put down and new huts built. The new slab and the new huts will give increased protection to the aged sea wall.

There will then be a design study and application for detailed Planning Permission to be sought later in 2015 followed by the construction of 119 new replacement huts in 2016. They will be of a similar size to the original 50 year old huts, but the design may alter within the same height and footprint. (It will take a genius to come up with a new radical design with the constraints in place!)

Owners of the huts will pay a considerable amount towards building the new replacement huts, and the NFDC will also be carrying out sea defence work to the slab on which the huts stand.

Things become a little more complicated should the Outline Planning Application be rejected, as the owners of the 80 or so huts still standing will be able to make repairs. In most cases the hut roofs would have to be replaced as they are of doubtful strength.

Should this be the outcome, those who had huts which were demolished will be free to pursue rebuilding after obtaining their permissions individually.

It is clear that many opinions exist as to what the future of the seafront should be, but everyone surely agrees that the storm has caused distress to many people, plus the way it currently looks is pretty depressing for locals and visitors alike. Whatever the outcome, it would be nicer if it come sooner!

Meet the Village Tradesmen & Professionals

Finding tradesmen and professional services can be a lottery, and little is better than meeting the people in the businesses before inviting them into your home.

The Local Tradesmen & Professional Services Exhibition will provide the opportunity to do just that.

From 3pm to 6pm on Thursday 19th February, there will be numerous village small and home based businesses waiting to meet you, and to explain what services they can offer.

This will include; Interior Designers, Handymen, Builders, Electricians, Plumbers, Painters, Decorators, Beauty Care, Home Services, Home Cleaning, Transport, Child Care, Healthcare, Counselling, Pet Care, Architects, Marketing Services, Web Builders, Solicitors, Accountants, Consultants and more.

It is great to support and use local village businesses, so please make a diary note to come along to Milford on Sea Community Centre, Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PG, entry is free and the café will be open.

Would you like your village business to be in the exhibition? 

It is free and simple to join in, just drop an e-mail to: david@milfordonsea.org

Lisa & Simeon on James Martin

Lisa & Simeon Morgan from Aubrey Farm were on James Martin Home Comforts TV show this afternoon with their great lamb.

Local award winning chef, David Wykes at Verveine were also featured, where Dave cooked an amazing dish from the delicious meat.

The feature showed the farm and explained about the pedigree Zwartbles sheep and the unique benefits of seaside grazing.

Lisa & Simeon than visited James Martin's home to enjoy him cooking a slow cooked Indian Spiced Lamb with Bombay Potatoes.

You can watch the programme on BBC iPlayer; just click here. 

If you fancy trying Lisa's lamb for yourself, you can but it a Lisa's Larder pop up shop. Click the links below to see the opening hours.

Lisa's Larder

Aubrey Farm, Keyhaven Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0TH

Tel: 07702 556207

www.lisaslarder.com | www.facebook.com/lisaslarder
www.simeonmorganfarming.co.uk

Sunset Over Milford

Sunset over Milford on Sea
Photo by Steve Hood

We have been sent a couple of rather spectacular photographs of Milford on Sea at Sunset.

The pictures were taken by Steve Hood, who is a hobby photographer, - with an obvious natural talent!

Sunset & Rocks
Milford on Sea
Photo by Steve Hood 

Steve tells me that the photo with the rocks was taken using a 30 second exposure with a dark filter, which allows the use of slower shutter speeds without over exposing the image. As the water is constantly moving, the photo results in being blurred and misty looking.

The other photo was a handheld shot zoomed in at 300mm.

I did actually take some pictures myself which may be a lot better than these... But, I put my roll of 24 Exposure 135mm film in the freepost envelope (along with my Benidorm holiday snaps), - and they haven't come back from TruPrint yet!

If you understand that last paragraph - you are getting on a bit!

The Old Camden Hurst Hotel

Camden Hurst Hotel
Italian Garden
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Before Camden Hurst became a complex of flat and apartments on Cliff Road in Milford on Sea, it was preceded with the Camden Hurst Hotel.

Being a pretty rubbish amateur journalist, I have no idea when the hotel was built, but there are pictures showing a 1950/60s extension to the original grand building, - which only planning departments of that time would allow!

The site is now home to many Milford on Sea residents, who still have access to a private Swimming Pool & Tennis Courts.

To see a small collection of pictures of the old Camden Hurst Hotel on Facebook please click here.

If you are not on Facebook here are some images:

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Do You have a Great Neighbour?

There are plenty of special people around who do good for other people without wanting any reward or recognition. Indeed their pleasure is no doubt in simply being able to help someone else.

We have be told that Hampshire County Council are inviting nominations for their Good Neighbour Awards.

Sadly, businesses cannot be included, as I would like to vote for Paul Holland, of Holland's of Milford who enjoys delivering shopping and providing a brief bit of company to so many of the older members of our community.

No doubt there are many worthy people across the village, and now is your chance to let them know how much they are appreciated. 

To make your nomination of a Good Neighbour you know of, please visit:

www.hants.gov.uk/goodneighbourawards

Comedy with Dominic Holland

Love Milford Week is delighted to be bring multi-award winning comedian Dominic Holland to Milford on Sea.

Dominic is instantly recognised from his countless television and radio appearances including; 'Have I Got News For You', The Royal Variety Show, and The News Quiz, as well as his two BBC Radio 4 series.

Dominic’s quick wit and topical material ensures a great show every time.

The show will take place at Milford on Sea Community Centre with Tickets at £12, and the bar will be open on night from 7pm.

This is going to be fun, so Book your Tickets at:

Milford on Sea Community Centre Box Office: Open from 10am to 4pm on weekdays, and from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays. (Tel: 01590 644861)

or Buy Tickets Online by clicking here

Not long to get your tickets to Hear & Meet Johnson Beharry VC.

Shows are next Saturday 24th January.

Don't miss the chance to hear this inspirational man, Tickets on sale at Community Centre Box Office or click here.

Get Your Johnson Beharry VC Tickets

The Community Centre Box Office is now open to get your tickets to hear and meet the remarkable Johnson Beharry VC in Milford on Sea on Saturday 24th January. There are two shows, one at 3pm, the other at 7pm.

Come along to meet the man, and to hear the remarkable life story of Lance Sergeant Johnson Beharry VC, the first living recipient of the Victoria Cross in more than 30 years.

Johnson is inspiring, charismatic and humorous. His talk will tell you about his inspirational life experiences; including his tough childhood, his determination to make something of his life, and ultimately how he faced unimaginable challenges in battle and life.

This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet an extraordinary man who has been awarded a VC, and to see the medal he won so valiantly.

*All profits to 'Every Man Remembered' campaign run by the Royal British Legion. | Ticket prices include a charitable donation.

Buy tickets online here: www.ticketsource.co.uk/lovemilford or from Community Centre Box Office.

Missing Black Cat

Can you help find a missing loved cat?

Paul and Catherine are on holiday here in Milford for Christmas and New Years in 20 Windmill Close. Their cat, "Scrap", went missing on the evening of the 29th December. 

She was last seen heading into the garden of Windmill House, which is adjacent to the Close, but they don't think that she is in that garden any more. After 6 days she may have covered some distance. 

Paul and Catherine  have canvassed the neighbourhood with posters and fliers, but there have been no sightings. Think think that she is probably hiding in a small space somewhere, she is a small cat and can hide in a space as little as 3 inches high. 

Scrap is all black apart from a very small white patch on her tummy. She is missing the tip of her left ear and she was wearing a blue collar and a back harness. She has a chip so if she is found and scanned by a vet they will know who she belongs to. She is 4 years old and is a rescue cat from Oman, and she is very timid and easily spooked, and is afraid of strangers.

If you spot her please contact: Catherine Olesen - 07950 035 542 or Paul Simpson - 07590 553 560

Or ring either: Janette Frankland of the Lymington Cat Rescue on 01590 678 663 Or Sheila Perham on 01590 643 516.

Would be great if someone finds her.

Become a Friend of Love Milford Week

As a community event run by volunteers it is always great to have some extra support to make the event the best it can be.

Becoming a Friend of Love Milford Week as an individual, family or business is easy, - simply send an e-mail to david@milfordonsea.org, saying you have sent your £25, and tell us what name/s you would like to appear on our 'Friends of Love Milford' page. 

To see Our Friends, so far, please click this link: www.lovemilfordweek.org/friends-of-love-milford

Send your £25 payment (or more if you like!) by either:

1. BANK TRANSFER - Please use reference 'LM Friend'

Bank: HSBC Lymington

Beneficiary: MoS Food Week

Sort Code: 40-33-43

Account Number: 00006017

Reference: LM Friend

2. CHEQUE: Make payable to: Food Week - and

Send to: Colin Holdsworth, Beach Cottage, 3 Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY

It's your support that makes everything happen, and thanks to everyone who becomes a friend.

*Receipts available on request.

*Please Note: We use the Food Week Bank Account as Love Milford Week is a sister community event run by the same volunteer organisers.

Austin 7's in Milford

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A brave bunch of Austin 7 owners from Dorset made their way to Milford on Sea on New Year's Day morning.

Around 20 classic cars lined up along the seafront in Hurst Road, and on a freezing cold day, they all enjoyed a breakfast in The Needles Eye Café, whilst some hardy walkers admired the nostalgic parade.

Whilst my extremities froze, I got some quick pictures, then back home for a hot toddy and mince pie!

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Dorset Austin 7 Club
www.da7c.co.uk

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New Finger Post Signs in Village

Hampshire County Councillor's Mel Kendall (who lives in Milford on Sea) and Alan Rice (who lives in New Milton) have each provided an individual grant to install new Finger Post Signs in Milford on Sea.

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The first is a wooden sign is now outside the Needles eye Café, pointing people to the Bird Hide, Hurst Castle, Nature reserve, Hurst Spit Walk and Village Shops.

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The second is a metal sign now outside The Smugglers Inn in the village centre, which points out Keyhaven, Hurst Castle & Ferry, Norman Church, Community Centre, Seafront and the village shops.

Both signs are thoughtfully in keeping with the local environment.

Thanks guy's, a nice addition to the village.

PS: A suggestion has been made to add an additional finger to the sign (as below) to commemorate the Naked Rugby that took place on New Year's Eve 2013. (click here to read story) - Not sure the Parish council will approve this! 

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Don't Miss Johnson Beharry VC

Have you got your tickets yet to Meet the remarkable Johnson Beharry VC in Milford on Sea?

Come along to meet the man, and to hear the remarkable life story of Lance Sergeant Johnson Beharry VC, the first living recipient of the Victoria Cross in more than 30 years.

Johnson is inspiring, charismatic and humorous. His talk will tell you about his inspirational life experiences; including his tough childhood, his determination to make something of his life, and ultimately how he faced unimaginable challenges in battle and life.

This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet an extraordinary man who has been awarded a VC, and to see the medal he won so valiantly.

*All profits to 'Every Man Remembered' campaign run by the Royal British Legion. | Ticket prices include a charitable donation.

Buy tickets online here: www.ticketsource.co.uk/lovemilford

or from Community Centre Box Office, which reopens on Monday 5th January 2015.

Can You Help to Deliver LMW Programmes?

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After stuffing ourselves with turkey, chocolates and plenty of drink, a wander in the village may be just the tonic.

If you fancy delivering some Love Milford Week Programmes to a few shops on Friday 2nd January, please drop me a line at: david@milfordonsea.org 

Merry Christmas!

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If you are flying away for Christmas, make sure the pilot is careful - we all want our presents tonight! 

Enjoy Christmas, and may all your mince pies be mincey!

Got a Local Business, Club or Class?

Love Milford Week is going to provide a perfect opportunity for local businesses to find new customers, and for Clubs & Classes to find new members.

The Local Services Exhibition takes place from 3pm to 6pm on Thursday 19th February, and provides a perfect opportunity to meet Village Tradesmen and Other Useful Village Services for Your Home.

The village has numerous small and home based businesses who provide a wide variety of services; Interior Designers, Handymen, Builders, Electricians, Plumbers, Painters, Decorators, Beauty Care, Home Services, Home Cleaning, Transport, Child Care, Healthcare, Counselling, Pet Care, Architects, Marketing Services, Web Builders, Solicitors, Accountants, Consultants and more.

If you have a business you would like to come along, Free Table Tops are still available, so please contact: david@milfordonsea.org

It is great to support and use local village businesses, and everyone is invited to come along to discover the local service available, entry is free and the café will be open.

There is also a Clubs, Classes & Charities Morning taking place from 10am to 1pm on Tuesday 17th February. 

It is amazing to believe, but Milford on Sea has over 48 Clubs for adults, youth and kids, numerous Charities & Support Groups, and over 40 Classes.

Table Tops are Free for any village Club, Class, Charity or Support Group that would like to come along, just drop a line to david@milfordonsea.org 

Everyone in the village are invited to come and discover all that is happening in the village, - and if anything takes your fancy you can join!

Both events will be held in the Milford on Sea Community Centre, Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PG, we hope to see you there.

Carols with the Guides

As the guides continue their quest to raise money for a new roof on the Guide Hut, they will be singing Carols & Christmassy songs at Tesco in New Milton tomorrow between 12.30pm and 1.15pm.

Please pop along to support the 1st Milford on Sea Rainbows, Brownies & Guides if you can, and of course enjoy the fun.

PS: Don't forget to buy what shopping you can in the village, - and give our shops a Christmas treat!

Hearty Lunch for £5

It is not often you get the chance for a Hearty Lunch for £5, together with the opportunity to meet new people.

The First Friday Lunch funnily enough happens on the first Friday of every month. It is held in the Community Centre and everyone in the village is invited. Why not give the next one try?

Starting at 1pm, the next First Friday Charity Lunch is on Friday 2nd January and will be in aid of the Ebola Crisis Appeal and all proceeds will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee.

This lunch is a joint effort by the usual First Friday Lunch helpers and volunteers. They be serving a hearty soup and fruit crumble. If anyone wants to donate a raffle prizes on the day it would be appreciated by the organisers.

So for a homely lunch, simply go along, pay £5 entry on the door and have a great time.