Memories of Milford Events

Milford on Sea Carnival 2010
click image to enlarge

Milford on Sea is full of memories for many generations, not least from the wonderful array of community events that have taken place on the village green over the years.

Jennie Savage is currently looking for old photos and videos for inclusion in an exhibition as part of the Milford on Sea Arts & Music Festival in July.

So, if you have any images of people enjoying themselves at previous Carnivals, May Fayres, Food Week, Dog Shows, Christmas Carols, Festivals, Fetes, etc., plus any photos of people in fancy dress, singing, dancing and generally having a great time - please send them in!

Don’t worry about the quality or artistic merit of any pictures, Jennie is just looking to capture the atmosphere of great days gone by.

Music & Arts Festival 2010
click image to enlarge

Please send by 14th May to Jennie Savage c/o Milford on Sea, Parish Council Office, 22 High Street, SO41 0QD - or email digital files to: jennie@jenniesavage.co.uk

*Please send prints with a label including your name and address in order that they may be returned to you after being scanned.

Milford on Sea Arts & Music Festival

Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th July 2015
www.milfordfestival.org.uk

New Beach Hut Design Idea

Beach Huts | Grand Hotel, Swanage
click image to enlarge

Whatever your view, the beach huts on Milford on Sea seafront have been approved to be re-built. So, what now appears most important is to make the seafront look great and accessible for all.

We understand the beach hut design is currently under some lengthy tendering process, and we know that there are numerous constraints in building something on the same footprint and not increasing the height.

Recently a reader made us aware of the new beach huts being built at The Grand Hotel in Swanage. Their concept is very swanky inside, but outside there is little real difference.

The glass doors with roller shutter protection looks a great concept, but may not be possible due to the cost involved and practicalities.

However, and it is a big however, they have one design idea we strongly believe we should nick! 

Having seen the design there is a great solution to the beach huts being 'a barrier' to the sea view, it also resolves the beach hut roofs being an 'eyesore' from the land side - and like most great ideas it is really simple - Make the beach hut roofs into part of the promenade! 

Quite simply, making the roofs into viewing platforms would look great, and enable people to be able walk out onto the roofs to enjoy the spectacular sea view.

Cost wise, the barriers will be needed anyway (would be nice if they were stylish), and strengthening the roofs and building a step and ramp connection to the promenade would be minimal in the scheme of things.

This may also enable the beach huts to be moved back a couple of feet, filling the ridiculous and dangerous gaps currently behind the huts. In moving the beach huts back, the promenade in front of them also becomes wider and a happier place for all to enjoy.

No doubt someone in authority will quickly say that, it is too late now, there is no ventilation for the rear of the hut (Grill in steps would resolve that), and then add another number of other bureaucratic reasons why it can't be done - But... no matter how late, the reality is, if this is best for the village then the idea needs to be seriously considered. After all, today's decision will last decades and life tells me that 'where there is a will, there is always a way'. 

Hopefully someone in authority or influence out there will recognise that this could be a massive improvement to Milford on Sea seafront, and then have the will and determination to make it a reality.

Milford on Sea Library Re-Opens

Milford on Sea Library in the Village Hall in Park Road will re-open, run by volunteers on Tuesday April 7th at 2.30pm.

The tremendous support from volunteers has enabled the library to continue in its new guise of a Community Run Library.

Already a new session has been established and the new opening times are:

Monday 2.30pm to 5.30pm, Tuesday 2.30pm to 4.30pm, Wednesday 10am to 12.30pm, Thursday 10am to 12.30pm (new session) and Friday 10am to 12.30pm.

The organising team and volunteers have done a great job to keep the library open, and hopefully many Milford on Sea residents will go in and use it.

A Towel with a Local Tale

Local artist, Shaun Stevens has deigned a tea towel with a design depicting Hurst Castle and The Needles.

The tea towel is 76cm x 46 (30" x 18"), made in 100% cotton and screen printed in the UK. If you would like one, they are £6 and available from Hurst Castle and the Hurst Castle Shop in the village.

As well as being an accomplished and popular artist of local scenes, she has a book; 'Hurst Castle-An Artist's View', as well as a 200 piece jigsaw puzzle featuring 'The Owl & the Pussycat sailing around Hurst Castle'.

Hurst Castle Shop

High Street, Milford on Sea
Normal opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9.30am to 1.30pm

Shaun Stevens Art
shaunstevensart@gmail.com

Public Meeting: Save Our Post Office

For more information please contact: 

Michael Penney: mgp.milfordpo@btinternet.com

Weird Application for School Governor

Last week their was an article about the chance to become a School Governor and my subsequent application for the post. Click here to read.

Following my application I have now received this unofficial and fictitious rely:

Dear Big Bloke,

Thank you for your application for the position of School Governor at Milford on Sea Primary School.

I have to advise you that yours is the only application so far, however we are unable to even consider letting you loose on the destiny of our pupils bright future.

We would comment on your 'Automatic Control & Manifesto Ideas' as follows:

• The internal hallway fencing system idea has merit, but would just tend to confuse the staff finding their way around. At the same time the children would just find ingenious ways to get over it, leaving the staff trapped.

• Magnets on seats tend to severely interfere with all of the electronic wizardry that is in classrooms these days, we already have issues with many adults of a certain age barely understanding the technology.

• We are concerned that a fleet of bendy buses would seriously impede the free flow of zimmer frames around the village.

• We have to admit, free sweets for Governors is a good idea.

• Obviously the Governors are unable to sanction any racing (where there are winners and losers), space hopper or otherwise.  This is mainly because, at previous sports days the Governors have always cheated, so competition become pointless.

• We simply cannot understand why you have not suggested custard doughnuts at meetings?  

• Whilst we get your point on the structure of meetings in more than one location, we are unable to endorse any particular local hostelry.  

We have to say that Governors are busy people and whilst we warmly welcome valid applications, this is not the case this time. 

Your complete unsuitability has delayed us in considering valid candidates, so can you please contact me to come in to do 30 minutes detention in the coming week. 

When you arrive, we need you to write 1000 times; 'I am an idiot and must not waste intelligent people's time'. Please be aware that we no longer have blackboards and your lines will be done on a computer, please do not consider copy and pasting as this will result in further detentions.

Anyway. Good luck with the 'adult gene' problem.  

Hopefully mummy or daddy might know someone with a personality we could seriously consider.

Regards,

Mrs Bossman

Milford on Sea Primary School

~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~

Naturally I am very disappointed, and my wife is now refusing to leave the house due to 'acute embarrassment'. 

However, I felt a reply was in order, ...but not sure how much it will help.

~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~

Dear Mrs Bossman,

Thank you for your rather direct and harsh reply.

It was certainly not my intention to confuse the school staff any further than they already are.

Really chuffed you liked the sweets idea.

Perhaps the 'magnets on seats' could be replaced with straps?

I had forgotten about the ‘winners & Losers’ thing.

It appears we do have quite a serious difference of opinion in one particular area and I have to say, that there is no way that custard doughnuts should be considered, they are simply wrong. Custard is for puddings, not bakery, anyone thinking different must be a bit weird. Jam is of course the only option for a doughnut and a happy life.

I understand your point on not being able to 'endorse any particular local hostelry'. This can simply be resolved by having a pint in every pub before concluding Governor Meetings. From experience, decisions become better the longer a meeting in this form goes on.

I will be working on the ‘lack of adult gene problem’, however medical advice is not giving me much hope.

PS: I will be in for detention on Wednesday.

PPS: Could I be considered as a Teaching Assistant?

PPPS: Should you reconsider and recognise my obvious qualities, would I get a Ford Consul GT like Jack Regan in The Sweeney?

Regards,

Big Bloke

~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~

Dear Big Bloke,

Please just go away.

In immense frustration,

Mrs Bossman

Milford on Sea Primary School

~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~

A Proper Message for Grown Ups 

The school is now looking for (real) new Community Governors. 

If you wish to find out more about this important and interesting voluntary role, please contact the newly elected Chair of Governors, Sue Towndrow, by email: susan_towndrow@hotmail.com. 

Milford-on-Sea Primary School 

www.mosps.co.uk

Plans Submitted for Milford Pier

An unexpected and contentious plan has been submitted to Hampshire County Council to build a pier in front of The White House on Milford on Sea seafront.

The concept has emerged after several ideas have been explored for the future of Milford on Sea seafront following the destruction of the beach huts in the Valentine's Storm of 2014. 

William Cornwallis-West

click image to enlarge

It might surprise people to discover that a pier is not an new idea - in 1886 William Cornwallis-West inherited the Newlands Manor Estate and attempted to convert Milford into a premier seaside resort to rival the Duke of Devonshire's project at Eastbourne. He commenced by changing the name of the village to Milford on Sea. 

His plans included the construction of a pier, railway station, public baths, health spa, hotel, houses and golf course. The scheme finally failed primarily due to a lack of funds and market interest, however the project did start, and the Victoria Hotel and some surrounding houses were built. Many roads on the cliff top were constructed at the time, and the road names still bear reference to his friends and family, and apart from a handful of houses, this is about all that remains of his original vision today. 

The Milford on Sea Pier would be a ultra-modern design with multi-purpose facilities. This will include a jetty to moor boats and entertainment areas.

Milford on Sea Pier
click image to enlarge

We understand that the ideas being considered for the entertainment area include an amusement arcade, clairvoyant, poetry corner, speed boat & donut rides (with discounts for the over 65's), and a peeping wall, where people can enjoy themselves as either a peepee or peeper.

When clairvoyant, Mrs T. Leeves, was asked if she knew whether the pier would be a success, she said she didn't know.   

Local objections are already being received, and a village debate is under way as to whether the pier will be a benefit or detraction for the village.

Bill Ding, of the construction company, Doolittle and Bodgit commented; "We are very much looking forward to delivering this project, and if the water is warm enough I may get to use my new swimming trunks when the foundation pilings are laid."

The Parish Council are as yet to make an official statement, but it is believed that they are split between the significant benefits for tourism, against concerns that residents from the Isle of Wight may come as day visitors and then remain claiming refugee status in the village.

Anyone wishing to express their views can do so by emailing Mr Joe King at ivebeenhad@hcc.com

Everton Village Festival Seeks Cars

Preparations are now taking place for the Everton Village Festival 2015. The five day celebration will include a variety of events and activities, including a Classic Car Show on Saturday 27th June 2015. 

As part of the festival Toby Sears is looking for cars to join a display at the Everton Recreation Ground. (Open to the public 11am to 5pm.)

If you have a classic or vintage car that you would like to take along please contact Toby so he can ensure that you have a space. Toby Sears, 01590 644269 or 07790 533619 - themings@yahoo.co.uk - 46 Wainsford Road, Everton, SO41 0UF

The Everton Village Festival has a wide variety of events to provide fun and entertainment for all.

The festival will run from Wednesday June 24th to Sunday 28th June 2015, and below gives you a flavour of what will be happening:

MUSIC: Southampton Youth brass and Quintet first thing, then a Blues Duo, a couple of 60s and 70s cover bands and another Blues band all interspersed with dancing going on all day till 5pm and Ukelele band

ATTRACTIONS incl: Wildlife Photography exhibition, Adam Lynk Photography, Woodturners exhibition, Woodcarvers, Pottery demo and ‘have a go’ tent with the chance to throw your own pot/vase etc.to take home, Stained Glass jewellery, Designer jewellery sale, Patchwork and Quilters sale and demo, Cross Stitch artist, Sandy Davis Textiles sales and demo, various further exhibitions along Farmers Walk and Everton Nurseries. Cards and Books sales, Raffle with some seriously good prizes;- A days cookery course, £195 photo shoot, a free MOT, Chiro-practic treatments to the value £100, one night stay in Elmers Court inc. dinner and breakfast, a Power hedge Trimmer, some very upmarket cookware to name but a few!

FOOD AND DRINK: There is Hog Roast, wraps from The Raft, beer tent, wine bar, tea, coffee and cakes, ice creams.

Everton Village Classic Car Show
Saturday 27th June 2015 - 11am to 5pm

The Recreation Ground, Greenmead Avenue (off Wainsford Road), Everton, SO41 0UF

Everton Village Arts Festival
Wednesday June 24th to Sunday 28th June 2015

www.everton-lymington.co.uk

Village Post Office | Update 1

Following our recent story about efforts being made to save Milford on Sea Post Office, we are pleased to report that around a dozen people have come forward to either invest or help out on the project.

It is still early days, but things are now under way to form a group of local Milford on Sea village residents willing to get involved as either organisers or investors to purchase the Milford on Sea Post Office in order to maintain postal services for the village.

We have also heard that the local Advertiser & Times newspaper has picked up on the project and we hope an article will be featured in their newspaper this week.

If you would like to get involved in helping to save the Village Post Office you can: please click here to read full story

Could you be a School Governor?

After many years of valued service, Julian Davis and Alan Rice have recently stepped down from their roles as Governors of Milford on Sea Primary School. During their time they have done sterling work for the children in the village and they leave with grateful thanks from all.

The school is now looking for new Community Governors. 

If you wish to find out more about this important and interesting voluntary role, please contact the newly elected Chair of Governors, Sue Towndrow, by email: susan_towndrow@hotmail.com. 

Our village school has an impressive level of performance, and in 2014 achieved a score of 95% at 'Level 4 or above in reading, writing and maths', against an average of 78% across all schools in England.

To see some recent initiatives and activities on the school podcasts, please click here.

Milford-on-Sea Primary School 

www.mosps.co.uk

Pointless School Governor Application

Having heard that Milford on Sea Primary School are looking for new School Governors I thought, ...just the job for me.

Initially I was unclear what a 'Governor' actually did, so after some research I discovered that it was; 'A device that is used to provide automatic control.' 

I was now struggling to work out ways to 'automatically control' the children, and how to convince Sue, the Chair of Governors, that I could fulfil this role effectively.

Soon I was chatting to myself about ideas like; a system of fences in the corridors where the gates automatically switch to corral to kids to classes quicker, school chairs with special magnets that keep kids in their seats during lessons, and to remove any lateness, a fleet of bendy buses to collect all children from their homes.

Just then, my wife came over, and simultaneously threw a head butt whilst sharply kicking me in shins, She then angelically shouted in my ear; "A Governor is a person who governs, - you idiot."  Through the pain I was grateful of her clarification, and had I not have been the recipient of the assault I would have been very impressed with her swift moves now that she is over 40. 

Undeterred, I started listing the top three key points in my Manifesto: 

1. Free sweets for Governors on every day with a 'd' in it.  
2. Space Hopper racing for Governors at Sports Day
3. Future Governor Meetings to be held in two parts. Part One: Jam doughnuts on arrival, then maximum of 10 minutes discussion in meeting room. Part Two: In The Red Lion.

I was about to submit my application when my wife pointed out that the form clearly stated that all applicants had to be responsible adults and that I had insufficient adult genes to qualify. However, I could see no way that valid facts should get in the way of an excellent (albeit unsuitable) candidate, so we will see.

Thoughts on Nicked Pill Box

Following our recent story; 'Who Nicked Our Pill Box' (click here to read) - we have received a few replies.

The first grown up response was from Phil Cooper, who said; "I did some research when you first posted the article. It seems that this was an observation or section post, possibly to control and coordinate the search light batteries and other defences located in the Milford on Sea area. As such it was probably not as substantial as the pillbox on the front and therefore more easily dismantled. No idea who nicked it though…."

image courtesy of
www.britainfromabove.org.uk
click image to enlarge

Phil also told us of the 'Britain from Above' website, which records wartime defence placements: click here to read, - and some more information on the local Searchlight Batteries: click here.

It was also delightful to also receive a ridiculous reply.

Richard Braginton (a keen village cyclist who may have come off his bike hitting his head once to often), suggested; "

It was in fact the land equivalent of a Z Ship (armed ships disguised as merchant ships during the second world war). It is completely mobile although being made of concrete and was powered by two Sherman tank engines. Soldiers would sit on the open top deck disguised as civilian holiday makers whilst on the lower deck powerful guns where hidden should the enemy put in an appearance the whole thing moved up and down the promenade during daylight hours it was unfortunately lost during a party to mark the end of the war when it was driven into the sea and was lost forever."

(NB: When I say 'Village Cyclist, It means Richard lives in the village, not that he only cycles around the village!)

Jocelyn's Last Day in Library

As many are aware the Milford on Sea Library has been under threat of closure as a Hampshire County Council Service. 

The Milford Village Association trustees under the leadership of Mrs Grantham-Hill, together with tremendous response from Milford residents, took up the challenge in an effort to keep our librarian Jocelyn in her role as Library Manager. 

Regrettably this has failed and Jocelyn's last day in Milford Library will be Tuesday 31st March and we hope that many of you will wish to call in to see her, say goodbye and wish her well. 

Jocelyn will be greatly missed not only for her knowledge and assistance with choosing books but also for her friendship and her affinity with the residents of Milford. 

We all wish her the very best for the future.

MCV: Nature Reserve

Helping Milford’s extensive Nature Reserve

We should be proud of every patch of our parish that contributes to the preservation of plants and animals. It is not only our designated nature reserves but many of our gardens that are stars. All our residents, second homers and visitors can do something. 

Here are six suggestions for tidy but effective action. 

1. Choose and cultivate plants that provide food and shelter for birds, insects, amphibians etc. In my smallish garden during the middle of March I have been watching song thrushes build a nest in a pittosporum tree kept down to size to provide dense cover, and noticed bumblebees (queens and workers) already collecting food from specially planted flowers like pulmonaria for the young in their nests (the evidence is the yellow blobs on the bumbles’ hind-legs – the pollen bags).

The nurseries and web-sites are full of advice,
e.g. www.bumblebeeconservation.org. It’s free if your conservation activity includes digging up young nettles, thistles and brambles and moving them to a wild corner, and allowing ivy support for climbing. 

2. Make rich compost. Store it in containers with apertures big enough for frogs, wild bees, etc to gain access for breeding and hibernation. Some people if short of space put compost under garden seats, but the toads and wild wasps may find it so have your friends got a sense of humour?

3. Make a pond, however small. You’ll be surprised how quickly newts even maybe including palmates will turn up, in my case in a tiny raised basin beside my veranda. You can see them best at night by shining a torch into the water. In summer dragonfly larvae will climb up from the water onto pond plants to hatch. Gorgeous blue demoiselles will come visiting. What’s not to like?

4. Do everything you can to control cats, with night curfews, and tinkling bells on necks. 

5. Talk to your neighbours and involve them in the whole enterprise with plant swaps and support.

6. Keep your ideas and information up to date. Dig out the action leaflet on wildlife gardens that all Milford households received last year, or contact giles-darvill@foxhat.freeserve.co.uk for a free copy. Also useful: the wildlife gardening section of the Hants Wildlife Trust website (www.hiwwt.org.uk). 

Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV)

www.milfordcv.org or call 01590 645825

Biodiversity Action Plan Published

The Milford on Sea Biodiversity Action Plan has now been published.

This document has been produced by the Milford Conservation Volunteers with support from the Community Wildlife Plans Project, New Forest Land Advice Service and New Forest National Park Authority. 

click image to enlarge

Its production has taken two years from the point of the idea being discussed, agreed and supported by Milford-on-Sea Parish Council in 2012 to getting the first draft version available for consultation. 

The process has been lengthy for several reasons. There has been an important journey of determining what should be included in a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and what the community’s own Milford-on-Sea BAP should look like, followed by much essential research into, and the bringing together of, the wealth of wildlife information available for Milford-on-Sea.

Interpretation Board at
Gate 12 entrance to
Studland Meadow & Common
click image to enlarge

There has been consultation with as many residents of Milford-on-Sea as possible to bring all this together into a readable, attractive and useful document that will help inform planning decisions and strategies for the future benefit of the wildlife and the part they play in amenity value we all enjoy. Acknowledgements Jenny Spenser has chaired the ‘Milford Biodiversity Action Plan’ steering group meetings since 2012 with steering group members being local wildlife enthusiasts Tony Locke, Hugh Corry, Keith Metcalf, Anne Jenks, Janet Miles, Peter Hutchings and more recently Chris Sanders. 

The group has been driving forward work on this document over the last two years along with running community wildlife surveys and practical wildlife conservation events within the Parish. The Milford Conservation Volunteers group has had many active ‘wildlife champions’ for over twenty years carrying out numerous practical conservation tasks and wildlife surveys and many continue with these tasks. 

Support from Angela Peters from the Community Wildlife Plans Project (within the New Forest Land Advice Service) has helped provide technical expertise towards the production of this document and practical help in involving the local community. Members of staff from the New Forest Land Advice Service (Julie Melin-Stubbs and Rhys Morgan) and Georgianna Barnard (now with the Forestry Commission) have also contributed to the conservation advice in Milford-on-Sea. 

Several members of staff at the New Forest National Park Authority including Zoe Caals, Andy Bell, Jo Holmes, Tracy Weeks and Lucy Page have assisted in the production of the maps and graphics. Photographs used in the document have been supplied by the following people: Keith Metcalf, Anne Jenks, Angela Peters, Gary Palmer, Alan Sutton, Nik Knight, Victoria Freke, RPS Group PLC, Great Britain Non-Native Species Secretariat, Lucy Page and Mike Read (2005) www.mikeread.co.uk.

All residents were invited and many attended, the various events, some made specific points on the Action Plans.

To view the full Milford on Sea Biodiversity Action Plan - please click here. (The 5 Action Plans will be found in the Chapter 6 section.)

For further details, please contact:

Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV)
www.milfordcv.org

Royal British Legion Newsletter

The Royal British Legion

Milford-on-Sea Branch

Branch No. BR1886

BRANCH NEWSLETTER

Spring/Summer 2015 | 18th March 2015

As winter, albeit a rather mild one, gives way to summer I take this opportunity to report to you on recent and Forthcoming events.

Freda's Supper organised by the Women's section was well attended and all present appreciated the entertainment provided by the Women's Institute. All men present attempted to serenade the ladies with a selection of tunes from WW1. However, failure of the backing music made their efforts rather more amusing than melodic. The ladies made no complaint.

Concert by the Central Band of the RAF

This was a coup for the Legion and for the village. The following report by Chris Hobby says it all.

For those members present the concert performed by The Central Band of the Royal Air force, under their Director of Music Flight Lieutenant Richard Murray, at All Saints Church on 7th March was a fantastic and most memorable evening. With almost a full church of nearly 300 people the audience was treated to a variety of music to suit all tastes. With a full compliment of 35 band personnel they took over all the carpeted area from the communion rails to the back of the choir stalls in the chancel. To the tune “Old Comrades”we were able to parade the Branch Standard and that of The Women's Section together with The Standard of the ATC New Forest Squadron - our thanks to the standard bearers for their efficiency and smartness on parade. From the opening music it was so evident that we were privileged to have such a top class military band playing for us. With pieces from the film War Horse to Shepherds Hey, Nassun Dorma and West Side Story the quality of their playing was such that the music “talked” to us. Under Flight Lieutenant Murray's excellent comparing the evening's programme flowed smoothly along. Who could not be moved with the rendition of The Evening song and Sunset-no wonder that we all stood for that!

With the addition to the Band's own vocalist of Corporal Matthew Walker of Miss Mehreen Shah, from Sway, we were treated to a sentimental reminder of some of the favourite songs of the last war. Meheen then led us in a last night of the proms finale of Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory in which our Union Jack Flags were well and truly waved and our patriotic voices came to the fore.

To stage the event was as you would have expected very costly and we are grateful to the generosity of the sponsorship received from those purchasing the the advertising space in the programme and in particular to our former chairman David Green who gave us a very large personal cheque to help defray the cost of the evening. At the end of the Concert the cadets from the ATC were on hand to help relieve us of any spare cash in the collecting buckets and peoples generosity was such that over £425 was collected thus enabling us to make a profit in excess of £2,500 from the event for the Poppy Appeal.

Our very grateful thanks to Jan England, Mike Reed, Chris Hobby and their team of helpers for their hard work in achieving such a wonderful result. 

Gallipoli Campaign Commemoration Service

The Gallipoli Campaign in the First World War started with an unsuccessful attempt to force the Dardanelles by Naval bombardment. When this failed assault landings were carried out on Cape Helles and Anzac Cove on 25th April. Initially the campaign went well but there was a slow build up of men, ammunition and war materials and the small advances were halted on 1st May.

By the 8th May realistic hope of a breakout was gone and our troops efforts was focussed on holding the ground held. Further landing at Sulva took place in August and once again, after initial success this stalled. Finally in November evacuation was ordered and this was completed by January 1915.

There were 115,000 British casualties in this campaign three of whom came from Milford-on-Sea.

• William George Green of the Hampshire Regiment
• Charles Reynolds of the Hampshire regiment
• Justus Watts George of the Dorset Yeomanry

These men were never found and their names are recorded on the Helles Memorial.

A short service of commemoration will take place at All Saints Church at 3pm on Tuesday 28th April.

The service will be conducted by Canon Ray Hubble and the standards of Milford on Sea Royal British Legion, the Women's Section and the Hampshire Comrades will be paraded.

Every one is invited to attend and to take tea and biscuits in the Guide hut after the service.

Royal British Legion Summer Lunch

Following the success of last year's 80th Anniversary lunch at South Lawn we have decided to try a less formal approach this year as we continue to commemorate the first world war and also VE Day in World War 2.

This will take the form of a French themed lunch at the Community Centre on 15th May. The catering, serving and entertainment will be provided by our own members, supporters and friends and it gives us an opportunity, once more, to combine commemoration and comradeship.

Further details are shown on the attached booking form and I urge you to respond quickly as we can only accommodate some 80 guests.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Armed Forces Day will take place on 27th June and the Royal British Legion, Women's Section and other charities supporting the ex services community will be on the Village Green from 10am to 3pm together with representatives of the cadet forces. There will be a display of militaria as well as several stalls offering a range of goods. 

Thank you for your continuing support to the branch. I look forward to seeing you at our forthcoming events.

The Royal British Legion

Milford-on-Sea Branch

Peter Gibbs - Branch Chairman

e mail. gibbsrisk@aol.com

Timeless Fabrics Workshops

Timeless Fabrics in Milford on Sea High Street have published their extensive range of craft workshops for the next three month.

There are workshops for kids as well as adults, and owner, Claire Deegan will be delighted to welcome anyone wishing to book and go along.

April 

Wed 1st 2-4.30pm        Rag Rugging £30

Thur 9th 2-5.00pm       Make a Pull-on Skirt with pockets £35. 

Thur 16th 2-4.30pm     Free Motion Embroidered Birds £35

Sat 18th 10-12.00pm    Kid’s Club (7-12 year olds) £15

Wed 22nd 2-5.00pm     Drop in Sewcial.  Bring your own project £5

Thur 30th 7-9.30pm     Get to know your sewing machine £35

May

Wed 6th 2-5.00pm       Drop in Sewcial.  Bring your own project £5

Sat 9th 10-12.00pm      Kids Club (7-12 year olds) £15

Tues 12th 2-5.00pm     Intermediate Crochet £30

Thur 14th 7-10.00pm   Sewing with Jersey - Make a T-Shirt £40 

Sat 16th 10-4.00pm      Learn English Paper Piecing Patchwork £110 day 1 of 2

Wed 20th 2-5.00pm      Drop in Sewcial.  Bring your own project £5

Sat 23rd 10-4.00pm      Learn English Paper Piecing Patchwork - day 2 of 2

June

Wed 3rd  2-5.00pm      Drop in Sewcial.  Bring your own project £5

Sat 6th 10-12.00pm      Kids Club (7-12 year olds) £15

Thurs 11th 7-9.30pm   Sunglasses Case £35

Wed 17th 2-5.00pm      Drop in Sewcial.  Bring your own project £5

Sat 20th 10-5.00pm      Design & quilt a Mini Whole cloth £110 day 1 of 2

Tues 23rd 7-10.00pm   Make a pair of Beach Shorts £40

Sat 27th 2-5.00pm         Design & quilt a Mini Whole cloth – day 2 of 2

       

Refreshments included!

Call Claire on 01590 642808 to book your place.

Timeless Fabrics
61 High Street, Milford on Sea
Tel: 01590 642808 | Mobile: 07713 498459
www.timelessfabrics.co.uk

Can You Pour Coffee?

The Milford on Sea Community Centre Café is looking for some volunteers to join the team for one, or even two sessions per month.

Helping out can be a lot of fun, enjoyable and you meet people along the way. If you can pour a cup of coffee or 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 join the team, please contact: Kathleen 01590 644481- or Jan 01590 642150.

Exhibition to Discover Village Clubs & Societies

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A new event is entering the village calendar. Previously, Village Clubs and Societies have had an annual opportunity to meet 'newcomers' to the the village. - However, this year a new afternoon Village Clubs and Societies Exhibition is being created to which everyone in the village is invited.

Milford on Sea has an amazing array of clubs and societies covering just about every activity you can think of. Many you may not even know exist, so this is the perfect opportunity to pop along to All Saints Church between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday 11th April to take a look at what is happening - you may even become inspired to join in with something.

*Any Clubs or Societies wishing to apply for a table are reminded that the Deadline for applications is the 22th March. Please contact Ruth Bufton on: ruth.bufton@btinternet.com or 01590 641875

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Newcomers Evening: At the beginning of each year a ‘Newcomers Supper’ is held for all newcomers to the village in All Saints Church Hall in Milford on Sea.

This year the supper will be held on Saturday 11th April 2015. Anyone that is new to the village since February 2014 is able to apply for an invitation and the event is entirely free.

The Milford on Sea Newcomers Supper Evening consists of two parts. In the first hour or so, there is a repeat of the ‘Clubs & Societies Exhibition’, where you can wander around and informally meet representatives from the many clubs, associations & organisations in the village. They can tell you anything you want to know, and if you fancy getting involved you can. This is then followed by a sit down supper with the chance to meet new people & have a bit of fun - you will even get to hear the 'village song'!

Most years the event has over a hundred people attending, and it is a great way to meet new people, and to get a warm welcome to your new home. 

The village is full of friendly people and the ‘Newcomers Supper’ is a fast-track way of getting to know all about our village life.

The ‘Newcomers Supper’ is funded & hosted by all of the churches in the village, & tirelessly organised by Ruth Bufton. The event is by invitation only, so if you are new to the village this year & would like to come along please contact: Ruth Bufton on: ruth.bufton@btinternet.com or 01590 641875

Bar Billiards back at The Gun

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Customers and visitors alike will be pleased to hear that old bar billiards table at The Gun Inn is now back in action. 

Having been out out of service since last July it had been sent around the country trying to be repaired. It has finally taken the skilled hands of Mr Hugh Carter, The gun's resident clock-master, to fix the machines timing mechanism so she's now finally operational again.

This charming 18th century dog friendly coastal pub has low beams, roaring fires and an impressively large walled garden. Known for serving well kept cask ales and a massive range of whiskies, (Which gained them an entry in Famous Grouse's Top 100 Whisky Pubs) they also serve traditional pub food, home-made daily specials and their speciality of fresh local crab.

If you are into music, it it is worth a visit to The Gun Jamming Sessions every other Thursday. These live music session nights have free entry and are all acoustic. People are welcome to come listen and support, or rock up and play a song or two. Everyone welcome from 18 to 80 years of age. 

The Gun Inn

www.theguninn.com

Morwenna & Nathan Hill
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Morwenna Hill (Wife of The Gun's manager, Nathan) is running the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 26 April 2015.

She is enduring the 26.2 miles of road running in aid of the charity Regain. (Regain improves the independence of all British men and women who have become tetraplegic as a result of a sports or leisure injury)

If you would like to sponsor Morwenna with a few penny's please click here.