Clubs, Classes & Sports

What's On

Thursday 12 February 2015

Rock It at Love Milford Week

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Anyone who came to see Sal Bashir as the 'The World's Only Pakistani Elvis' during Food Week will remember not only what a great singer Sal is, but also how he got everyone dancing in the aisles with his spectacular show!

Well, Sal is back, - this time with his high energy 'Rock & Roll Show'.

Come and enjoy a spine tingling evening of 1950 & 1960's classics from artists such as Elvis, Billy Fury, Buddy Holly, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Fats Domino, Gene Vincent, Dean Martin, The Monkees, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Eddie Cochran, Ricky Nelson & many more!

Be quick, this is going to sell out fast.

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

Find out more about Love Milford Week
www.lovemilfordweek.org

Tuesday 10 February 2015

Not Valentine's Night This Friday

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Saturday is Valentine's Day, but why not celebrate 'Not Valentine's' on Friday as well - or instead!

OK, it’s being held just before Love Milford Week, but how could we miss Valentine’s out of our village celebrations? 

All couples are invited, and if you have no partner, no problem - all solos are also welcome to come along to meet new people are to come along and to enjoy the Free Disco.

So, please join us, meet new people, enjoy a drink and dance the night away.

Not Valentine’s Social Night: Friday 13th February at The Marine. Free Disco and optional Tapas Platter. | No upper age limit!

7pm: Tapas Platter Served
8pm: FREE ENTRY Doors Open for Non-Diners and Free Disco

Optional TAPAS PLATTER TICKETS: £12 - Must be ordered in advance.

Book your Tapas at: The Marine 
Hurst Rd, Milford on Sea, Hampshire SO41 0PY
Tel: 01590 644369 | E-Mail: info@themarinemos.co.uk

Love Milford Week

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Are You Single?

C.A.F.E. are a Meetup group aimed at people who live in or around Milford on Sea and the coastal areas of the New Forest. They set out to help members perk up each other's social lives, by making the most of what is on our doorsteps. If you are 'Mid-Life' and maybe find yourself unexpectedly single, there are times when you probably want a bit of fun and to go out for an evening - we could be the group for you. 

To find out more about The Coast and Forest Events Group (C.A.F.E.): click here

Go Thai for Love Milford Week

Britannia Thai are celebrating Love Milford Week with some excellent entertainment and children offers to suit all of the family.
  • Thai Tapas and a Magician: Next Monday (16th Feb)
  • Thai Dancing and 3 Course Meal: Wednesday (18th Feb) 
  • All Children Meals at Half Price Monday to Friday lunchtimes and evenings.
click image to view menus
All are hard to resist, especially as people are now raving about the high quality authentic Thai food now being served - Why not book now for a treat?

Britannia Thai
1 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF
Tel: 01590 642226 & 01590 642212


Love Milford Week
www.lovemilfordweek.org

Laugh in Love Milford Week

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Dominic Holland is coming to Milford on Sea, and he is instantly recognised from his countless television and radio appearances.

Dominic's quick wit and topical material ensures a great show every time. The Sunday Times described Holland as "The UK’s master of observational comedy" and Daily Telegraph commented that "he is a top notch stand up who everyone should see."

Dominic won the Perrier Best Newcomer Award in Edinburgh in 1993, and he has supported Eddie Izzard on his national tour.

His many TV appearances include: Have I Got News for You, They Think It's All Over, and The Royal Variety Performance. He has been a regular panellist on the daytime debate show The Wright Stuff, and has made numerous guest appearances on such television shows The Clive James Show, The Brian Conley Show, The Des O'Connor Show, and Never Mind the Buzzcocks. 

He also on well-known on radio with The Small World of Dominic Holland, a radio programme written and presented by Holland. His second radio series on Radio 4, Holland's Shorts was a series of comic monologues. He has also been on Radio 4's The News Quiz, hosted by Sandi Toksvig,  and co-written and appeared in Hal, a sit-com commissioned by BBC Radio 4 starring Hal Cruttenden. He also made regular appearances in the early seasons of BBC Radio 5 Live's comedy sports panel show, Fighting Talk.

As a writer, he has written material for Bob Monkhouse, Lenny Henry, Harry Enfield, Des O'Connor, Clive Anderson and many others, and as an author he has three novels under his belt.

Dominic's son, Tom Holland is an English actor and dancer, best known for playing the title role in Billy Elliot the Musical as well as for starring in the 2012 film The Impossible.

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

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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

Love Milford Week
www.lovemilfordweek.org

Meet our Love Milford Friends

We want to say thank you to everyone who has become a Love Milford Friend so far: Inger-Lise's Coffee Shop | Michael & Geraldine Penney | Lionel & Heather Allery | Michael and Alison Jennings | Yvette & Mike Frost | Paul & Jackie Garton | Nick and all the team at Polly's Pantry | Christopher Beeton | Paul & The Team at Hollands of Milford | The Village Voice | Jon & Stacey at The Cave | Roy & Wyn Culligan | The Village News | The Carter Family | Mary & John Cox | Milford Tennis & Squash Club - (Click to see all Friends)

Thanks to support and donations like this we are able to create the events for Love Milford Week. As this community event is run solely by volunteers it is always great to have some extra support to make the whole event the best it can be.

Becoming a Friend of Love Milford Week as an individual, family or business is easy, -
simply donate your £25 payment (or more if you like!) as below, and then 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. 

You can donate 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.

Safe Stolen from Community Centre

Can you help?

The Community Centre's safe containing a week's takings was stolen on Sunday Afternoon. (8th Feb). 

Every penny taken had been money raised by volunteers, who work to help their fellow residents. This includes the efforts from those in the Charity Shop, the cafĂ© and box office volunteers, and several people who cooked for hours to create the meals at recent fundraising events. Quite understandably, lots of people are both shocked and feeling sad that anyone could do this to a place that is so welcoming.
 .
If you saw any suspicious cars or activity, please call in to let the Community Centre Team know, or email: Bob Bishop at bob.bishop211@btinternet.com

Saturday 7 February 2015

Becoming a Dementia Friendly Village

Milford on Sea is launching as a Dementia Friendly Village as part of Love Milford Week at 1pm at the 'Clubs, Classes & Charities Morning' on Tuesday 17th February (10am to 1pm) in Milford on Sea Community Centre. Everyone is invited to come along.

The Dementia Action Group would like to thank everyone who has supported them by becoming dementia friends, either individuals, businesses or other organisations, and cordially invites them all to come to the Village Community Centre and join the party to celebrate this great achievement.

We are delighted that Milford on Sea now the first Dementia Friendly school and also the first Post Office in Hampshire to become Dementia Friendly - thank you to all those involved.

At the launch, there will be a choir, a guest speaker (Carolyn Brown of Radio 4 fame) and all dementia friends will be awarded their official window stickers. There will also be a glass of something available to toast the continued success of the project post launch. 

Please come along, find out more and join in.

Milford on Sea Dementia Action Group

Launch of Dementia Friendly Village: 1pm at the 'Clubs, Classes & Charities Morning' on Tuesday 17th February (10am to 1pm) in Milford on Sea Community Centre. Everyone is invited to come along.




Our Hospital - Our History

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So often one hears comments about the now closed Milford War Memorial Hospital, how long has it been closed?, how did it become a War Memorial Hospital?, has it always been located here ? and so on.

All the answers to these questions and a lot any others, can be found in a book entitled 'Our Hospital. A history of Healthcare in Milford on Sea'. The book was written by the late Robert Coles and first published in 1994. 

The Milford on Sea League of Hospital & Community Friends have now had the book reprinted in his memory. 

Sales of the book will be launched as part of the Love Milford Week celebrations. You can get a copy of 'Our Hospital' book for £5 at the 'Clubs, Classes & Charities Morning' on Tuesday 17th February - 10am to 1pm in Milford on Sea Community Centre. Everyone is invited to come along.

Any profit arising from the sale of the book will go into the general funds of the League of Hospital & Community Friends , details of which will be announced at the League's AGM on the 11th May in All Saints' Church Hall commencing at 3pm. 

On reading the book, one begins to understand why so many residents in the Parish, wish to see the Hospital with its well kept gardens, re-open for the benefit of the community. Buy a copy to discover a special past of our village history.
  

Can you pour a cup of tea?

The Milford on Sea Community Centre Café is looking for some volunteers for an hour a so a month, - or for some time at forthcoming Love Milford Week Events.

Helping out can be a lot of fun, and if you can pour a cup of tea - you are more than qualified!

An hour or so of your time a month would be gratefully received and it's a great opportunity to meet new people and help out your local community at the same time.

To help out, please contact: Kathleen 01590 644481- or Jan 01590 642150.

Pass on Your Cooking Skills

After a successful men’s Community Cooking Course pilot in 2013 the NFDC would like to start the programme up again in the New Forest.

Could you teach someone to cook a dish like this?

This is a great opportunity to share your passion for cooking, nutrition and food, and also to be trained to deliver an exciting ‘What shall I cook tonight?’ Community Cooking Class for men.

The class is designed for men who perhaps have to cope on their own, maybe after a bereavement, or as a carer, or who just want to know a bit more about cooking and healthy eating.

The role will particularly suit retired cookery teachers, those that are interested in cooking and are looking to build up their CV, and those that are looking to gain experience in training.

Volunteers will have their expenses paid, and be provided with free training to deliver the course. The course will provide prescribed topics including week by week recipes, food labelling and reducing salt, sugar and cholesterol.

They are now actively seeking volunteers to run a local Community Cooking Classes. Volunteering would be for for 2-3 hours per week for 6 weeks (during the course duration).

There are a number of venues available across the forest which include Lymington & New Milton. If you would like to join in, please contact: 

Daniela Raffio
Health & Policy Development Manager
Public Health & Community Safety
Tel: 023 8028 5588
Email: daniela.raffio@nfdc.gov.uk | Website: www.newforest.gov.uk

Defibrillator for Village

Plans are under way to install a defibrillator in the village centre.

The project has been led by Colin Holdsworth and Wendy Swann, and having identified the suitable equipment, activities are now under way to raise the necessary funds - and to identify and gain permission for a suitable site. To be of best use the centre of village is ideal, and finding a suitable location is underway.

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Milford on Sea Food Week have pledged an initial amount to kick the project off, and requests are being made to the Parish Council and Local County Councillors for financial support. If anyone know of any other organisations who may be willing to contribute, please let us know. (david@milfordonsea.org)

The briefcase-sized box on the wall will there for anyone to use on someone in cardiac arrest.

It is simple and safe and you don't need training to use one. Once the defibrillator is open, all you have to do is follow the spoken instructions. When in position, the defibrillator detects the heart's rhythm and it won't deliver a shock unless one is needed. 

It is a harsh fact that after a cardiac arrest every minute without CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillation reduces someone's chance of survival by 10 per cent.

It is aimed that our local ambulance trust will know about the defibrillator's location, then should anyone call 999, the operator can point the person in the right direction.

The British Heart Foundation advises that; "If you come across someone who is not breathing or breathing erratically, the most important thing is to call 999 and start CPR. If you're on your own, don't interrupt the CPR to go and get a defibrillator. When you can, send someone else to find one."
Hopefully we will be able to report good news on the installation soon.

Friday 6 February 2015

Seventies Pupil School Reunion

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A group of ex-Milford Primary School pupils from the seventies are having a get together at The Smugglers Inn pub in Milford on Sea.

Sheila is looking for everyone who left the school to go onto secondary school in July 1973. 

Sheila Harrod (Now Prouten) used to live with brother Rex in Orchard Cottage, which is the thatched cottage, next door to the parish church. Today she lives in France. 

The groups of '50 somethings' from the same school year are invited to join Sheila and other school friends for a drink and a chat, from about 6.30pm on Saturday 25th April.

You can find and contact Sheila on Facebook, or send me your details and I will pass on to her: david@milfordonsea.org


Sheila Prouten

Milford on Sea Primary School

Tuesday 3 February 2015

Elvis Sal on TV

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Sal Bashir is a showman from the top draw, which would be agreed by anyone who saw him in his electrifying ‘Elvis Show’ at last year’s Food Week, ...and now he is back with us in a new show for Love Milford Week.

Sal will be appearing in episode 3 of BBC Three series ‘Southside Story’ this coming Monday (9th February). Tune in to see one of Milford on Sea’s favourite performers. 

Tickets are selling out fast for Sal’s Rock & Roll Show on the Saturday of Love Milford Week, so if you want to get yours before they all sell out, please visit the Community Centre Box Office, or click the link below.

Love Milford Week

Monday 2 February 2015

Pancake Party at The Raft

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This year Pancake Day falls on the Tuesday of Love Milford Week (17th February 2015)

To celebrate, Deny at The Raft is holding 'The Great Pancake Party', where they will be serving a Sweet & Savoury Pancake Menu throughout the day. Profits from the pancake sales will be donated to charity.

Yummy, who doesn't love a pancake!

Fellow organiser, Dick Coe has handed over the pans in anticipation of the event, and on the day he will be on site adding some fun fundraising in aid of the Cardiomyopathy Association. For just £1 you can toss a pancake. Sounds like a great chance to demonstrate your skills or the complete opposite - either way it is a bit of fun for a very good cause!  


The Raft
11 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

Cardiomyopathy Association
Dick Coe - rwtcoe@gmail.com

Love Milford Week

Sunday 1 February 2015

A Milford Thai Mistress

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I know I keep banging on about how brilliant the Britannia Thai in Milford on Sea is now, ...but I can't help myself - it just is!

The magic word 'curry' automatically get my taste buds dancing, and given any excuse I am off to Zaika. But now, if my wife says shall we go to 'the Thai instead', I have a dilemma, - rather than my usual automatic argument that we should go Indian, and pointing out that lemon grass tastes like an air freshener and pak choi being the vegetable of the devil, I have to succumb to now knowing that the Britannia Thai has many delights on their menu.

Quite frankly, I have no idea how Thai food can taste so good, but a look at these pictures will get you wanting to dive in. (Sadly, licking the pictures will not give you the amazing favours.)

The dry-cured beef is a starter I have never experienced before, but I could eat it all day, and don't get me onto the Massaman or Thai Red curries, Weeping Tiger steak, the Slow Cooked Lamb Shank or the fresh Salt & Pepper Squid, all are delicious. Most extraordinary of all; vegetables are something I will normally only eat if forced or threatened with a vicious assault in a delicate place.... But now I find myself actually ordering the Green papaya salad with a spicy crushed cashew nut dressing because I like it. (Did I really just say 'salad' and 'like' in the same sentence?!)

Born in Thailand, Head Chef Songkiat Surin speaks little English, but he obviously has magic in his fingers.

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Curry has been my companion in joy and sorrow for many decades now, indeed we have been through a lot together and spent lots of time in each others company across the globe. 

But now, my new Thai dining mistress is fighting hard for my affections. 

I will never leave curry, and I will still find many excuses to eat the fine curries at Zaika, but forgive me if I give in to Milford on Sea Thai temptation now and again. (Thai food mistress that is, not the other kind, which would result in my wife torturing me for hours, then bundling me up before chucking me from the tower at Hurst Castle!)

Anyway, don't take my word for it, just find an excuse to try the Britannia Thai for yourself!

Britannia Thai
1 High St, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF
01590 642212

Cliff Top Path Repairs

It appears that repairs to the cliff top path will commence this week. This will be good news for all I suspect.

The NFDC have now completed the necessary negotiations with the various landowners, enabling them to move the path further away from the eroding cliff top, and almost a year after the destruction from the Valentine's Storm, things on the seafront may at last commence returning to normal.

All we need now is for the beach hut saga to move to an end result and then Milford on Sea seafront will no longer look like a war zone!

Not Valentine's Night at The Marine

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OK, it’s being held just before Love Milford Week, but how could we miss Valentine’s out of our village celebrations? 

All couples are invited, and if you have no partner, no problem - all solos are also welcome to come along to meet new people are to come along and to enjoy the Free Disco.

So, please join us, meet new people, enjoy a drink and dance the night away.

Not Valentine’s Social Night: Friday 13th February at The Marine. Free Disco and optional Tapas Platter. | No upper age limit!

7pm: Tapas Platter Served
8pm: FREE ENTRY Doors Open for Non-Diners and Free Disco

Optional TAPAS PLATTER TICKETS: £12 - Must be ordered in advance.

Book your Tapas at: The Marine 
Hurst Rd, Milford on Sea, Hampshire SO41 0PY
Tel: 01590 644369 | E-Mail: info@themarinemos.co.uk

Love Milford Week

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Are You Single?

C.A.F.E. are a Meetup group aimed at people who live in or around Milford on Sea and the coastal areas of the New Forest. They set out to help members perk up each other's social lives, by making the most of what is on our doorsteps. If you are 'Mid-Life' and maybe find yourself unexpectedly single, there are times when you probably want a bit of fun and to go out for an evening - we could be the group for you. 

To find out more about The Coast and Forest Events Group (C.A.F.E.): click here

Village Cubs Under Threat

Many of us guys will remember happy days from our time in the cubs.

I have fond memories of being a sixer in 2nd Kingsbury Scout Group and it was a foundation for teaching us our formative social & practical skills, team building and perhaps most valuable of all, respect.

Embarrassingly, many years ago, I was skiving whilst doing the washing up at cub camp and Akela sent me to the camp shop to buy some 'elbow grease'. - Yes, I did go! (Being sent to the camp shop to get some 'elbow grease', or perhaps some 'left-handed tent pegs' is the sort of thing children should continue to learn from!)

It has therefore been particularly sad to hear that the Cubs (and Beavers) at our own local 15th Milford & Keyhaven Sea Scout Group is under threat of closing.

The former leader has resigned and if a replacement cannot be found by Easter it looks like the Cubs (and Beavers) might have to close.

Many local parents and their children love going to the Cubs and it will be really disappointing if it was to be lost to the village.

So, a new leader is urgently needed. Can you help?, or do you know someone who would like to get involved with forming valuable skills in our young people?

If so, please contact: District Leader, Nigel Harper: mmhmos@ymail.com - 07588 149092

Tea Dancing at Braxton Gardens

Muffins Galore, the charming tea shop in Braxton Gardens are now holding a regular Afternoon Tea Dance on the 2nd Friday of every month from 2pm to 4.30pm.

No dance experience is required, but as I discovered at the last Tea Dance, break-dancing is 'not the done thing', neither is requesting some heavy rock to do some head-banging.

A gentle bit of ballroom is the scene and everyone is welcome. Dancing, cake and tea has to make an excellent afternoon!

If you fancy going along, (I promise I won't go again), tickets are just £4.50 and include a Pot of tea or cafetiere of coffee and a slice of home cake or one of Muffin Galore's delicious scones with jam & butter.

To book your tickets please email sarah@muffinsgalore.co.uk or call 01590 643633, or just turn up on the day.

Muffins Galore at Braxton Gardens 
Braxton Courtyard, Lymore Lane, Milford on Sea, SO41 0TX
Tel: 01590 643633

Royal British Legion Newsletter

The Royal British Legion | Milford-on-Sea Branch

BRANCH NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2015

1. Branch Changes.

As you know Gordon Barnett joined us as President a year ago and the branch has benefited greatly from his experience and wise counsel. This was particularly so when we were approached by Hordle Branch with a suggestion that it might become a sub branch of Milford on Sea. Gordon had past experience of creating a sub branch in his former life at Sonning and I am pleased to report that both Hordle Branch and Milford on Sea Branch have approved this proposal and are awaiting confirmation and approval from Headquarters.

Your Committee now Comprises:-

President. Colonel Gordon Barnett MBE
Chairman Peter Gibbs TD
Vice Chairman & Welfare. Mike Reed
Secretary and Membership. David Bell
Treasurer Alec Luxon
Members Ted Goddard
Chris Hobby
Alan Rice TD
Standard Bearer. David Graham

Gloria Grantham-Hill, President and Acting Chairman of the Women's Section attends our Branch Meetings as does Jan England the Poppy Appeal Organiser who did a great job this year. We look forward to welcoming a representative from Hordle at our Meetings.

2. Past events.

▪ 1st February. The Women's Section organised“ Freda's Supper” at the Church Hall. At the conclusion of this successful event the gentlemen present gave an unrehearsed rendition of “To be a Farmer's Boy”.

▪ 20th June Our 80th Anniversary lunch , organised by Sally Reed also marked the Centenary of the start of the first world and the 70th anniversary of the D day landings and Armed Forces day. This was a great success and the introduction of “pop up speakers” was greatly appreciated by all present..

▪ 28th June. Armed Forces Day was marked in the village by a display of Militaria on the village green where the Women's Section had several stalls.. 

▪ October. The Poppy appeal throughout the Country was extremely well supported this year and Milford on sea was no exception. Of its own volition Milford on Sea Club held an evening event with food, entertainment and an auction. Overall this one event raised £2,900 . Our thanks are due to the club which plans on making this an annual event..

▪ November. The village showed its respect in the usual way at Keyhaven. and All Saints Church on N ovember 10th and on the Village Green and War Memorial Hospital on 11th. The Annual General Meeting of the Branch took place on 18th November. 

▪ 24th January. Freda's Supper at the Church Hall. Tickets £16 from Milford News. This is the Women's Section 80th anniversary event so please try to attend.

Don't forget that Johnson Beharry VC will be at the Community Centre at 3.p.m. Tickets £15

3. Forthcoming Events.

▪ 13th February. RBL and Poppy Appeal Stand at the “I Love Milford” clubs, charities etc exhibition in the Community Centre. 

▪ 7th March. Concert by the Central Band of the RAF at the Church Hall at 7pm. Tickets cost £17.50 each from the community Centre or Milford News. 

▪ 15th May. Branch Anniversary lunch ( with a French theme) at the Community Centre

▪ 27th. June . Armed forces day on the village Green

▪ 31st October. Launch of Poppy appeal with Encore in Concert at All Saints Church.

▪ Date to be advised Milford on Sea Club event as part of the poppy appeal..

▪ November 8th and 11th. Remembrance services

▪ November 17th Annual General Meeting.

NB. The Women's Section Meetings are open to members of the Branch and the February Lecture on Wills and Inheritance may be of particular interest.. See Attached Appendix B.

4. Welfare

Providing assistance to members of our service families is one of our main objectives so if you are aware of anyone from the ex-forces community who is in need of assistance please let Mike Reed, our Welfare Officer, know about this so that he can ascertain how the Legion can help.

5. Chairman's meanderings.

The public response to the Centenary of the start of the first World War has been phenomenal. The statistics of that war are horrifying but each individual death had a huge impact on their immediate family and even now the thought of what happened is painful to the descendants of those who fell.

Branch members have been kind enough to agree that I can share their stories with you.

Suzie Watson and her husband Paul are fairly new members to the Branch but this is an extract from Suzie's story.

“My grandfather Harry Sidney Davis was born on 12th January 1881 and worked on the Great Western Railways before serving 12 years in the Royal Navy .He left the Navy in March 1911 and within four years was back in uniform in the Somerset Light Infantry. His Division, the 21st, arrived in France in September 1915and was sent almost immediately to the concentration area for the battle of Loos. There was much disagreement between the commanding generals as to when the attack should take place due to lack of ammunition and the weary condition of the troops.

However on 26th September the 24th and 21st Divisions advanced between Loos and the Hulluch-Vermelles road.

The Divisions had not been taught how to fight and advanced in extended lines to be cut down by enemy machine gun fire. The two Divisions lost 8,000men.The battle lasted for several more days and some 43,000 British soldiers were lost..

The body of Private Harry Sidney Davis of the Somerset Light Infantry was never found.. His death is recorded on the Loos memorial along with 20,000 others from that sector who have no known grave .He left behind a widow and four children.”

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

Ken Wheatley is a member of Lymington Branch and he and his wife, Mary, a member of Milford on Sea Women's Section made a pilgrimage to the Menin Gate, Ypres on 11th November 2014.

He has agreed to share his experiences with us.

“Together with many veterans and other British Legion members I joined the remembrance procession in the main square outside Ypres, St. Martin's Cathedral, marshalled by an ex-Sergeant Major we were offered some remembrance petals. We were there to honour our grandfather and two great uncles who had died with no known grave.

We marched up through the Museum square outside the Cloth Hall on up to and through the Menin Gate. Holding the British Legion supplied wreath I was led round with other marchers to the side wall waiting area. “Who are you remembering” asked a fellow. “Grandad, Joseph Archibald Wheatley of the Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment)”, I replied, looking ahead and seeing an array of wreathes from all over the world. “ Take a look at the top of the wall immediately on your left” urged the fellow who had just asked a while earlier. There it was, Grandfather's inscription, just at the spot where we were standing. A feeling of warmth came over me. Needless to say, a welling up and emotion could not be stopped. I bowed my head and an attendant took the family wreath and placed it on the accumulated collection. Thank you Grandad, we do remember you."

Thank you Suzie and Ken for sharing these very personal moments with us.

Each year we remember those who fell in the First and second World wars but less so the Koraen war where so many National Servicemen served. 

They are not forgotten. One of our members, John Griffiths, late of the Shropshire Light Infantry was recently invited to attend the unveiling of the Korean War Memorial outside the MOD on the Victoria Embankment on 3rd December.

The memorial was unveiled by the Duke of Gloucester and Lim Sungnam the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea and Yung Byung-Se, Minister of foreign affairs.

Lest we Forget

Those who were at the 8oth anniversary lunch will remember Bill Price who was born in 1914. The Branch sent him a Certificate of Congratulations on his 100th birthday and bill sent the Branch a Christmas card in return. The card shows Bill in Uniform in 1938. Well done Bill.

Thanks to all of you and to my committee for your support in 2014 . In my third year in office I still need you.

Thank you. 

Peter Gibbs
Branch Chairman




Royal British Legion Women's Section
Programme of Events for 2015




24th January. Freda's supper. All Saints' Church Hall
27th January. Tony Harrison. Village Agent. 7.15pm. Guide Hut (GH)
24th February. Adam Johnson. Wills Myth busting and Tax Savings. 7.15. GH.
7th March. RAF Central Band concert.7.p.m. All Saints Church .
24th March.. Anne and Gwen Perrett. Old Milford and Keyhaven. 7.15. GH
26th March. County lunch. The Guildhall Winchester. 12.30 for 1. £2.
15 &16 April. National conference. Bournemouth.
28th April. Karen's quiz &fish and chip supper. 7Pm for 7.30. GH
15 May. RBL French themed lunch. Community Centre.
26 May. Mr. Aitken. Antiques quiz. 7.15. GH.
3rd June. County Cream Tea. Bishops Waltham.
23rd June. Mrs Joey Own. Travelling to Nepal and helping children. 7.30. GH.
27th June. Armed forces day. Village Green.
28th July. Mary's Quiz. 7.15. GH
22nd. September. Harvest thanksgiving and auction. 6.30. GH
27th October. AGM. 7.15. GH

Members of the Milford on Sea Royal British Legion Branch are welcome at all Milford based events.

If you would like to become a Royal British Legion member, please contact:

The Royal British Legion | Milford-on-Sea Branch
Peter Gibbs: Spring Cottage, 16 Sea Road, Milford-on-Sea, SO41 0PG
01590 645873gibbsrisk@aol.com