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.

Holland's Present £500 to Guide Hut Roof

Holland's of Milford have made a generous donation of £500 towards the Guide Hut Roof Fund.

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The cheque was presented by Maureen Holland from their 'Make a Difference Locally' fund, to Mrs Jean Halliday (centre) and Mrs Pat Armitage (right) both long serving members of the Milford-on-Sea Guide Headquarters Management Committee.

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Our eighty year old village Guide Hut is a unique local meeting place which was built in 1936 by the local Guide Company. The roof is now in need of essential repairs, and the fundraising efforts are now underway.

The next fundraising event takes place with a Jumble Sale in the Guide Hut this Saturday (21st March) from 10am to 12noon.

Click here to read more about the Guide Hut Roof Fundraising

If you would like to make a donation, please contact the Treasurer of the Milford on Sea Guide Headquarters Management Committee: Jane Etheridge on 01590 642349 or jane.etheridge2@btinternet.com.

Milford on Sea Brownies

milfordbrownies@gmail.com

Holland's of Milford

www.hollandsmos.co.uk

New Brasserie with a view

The Marine now has a new enthusiastic general manager, Greg Noble. Since joining, Greg has been busy creating a new 'Brasserie Menu', together with a selection of 'Daily Specials', which will be served at various times in the Brasserie Bar which is now both on the ground first floor.

The Marine accommodates everything from quality breakfasts & lunches to tasty dinners, as well as providing luxury bed and breakfast rooms.

The appearance of the First Floor Restaurant has now become more relaxed by introducing tables and some soft seating. From this weekend you can now enjoy drinks and food in the First Floor Restaurant at all times of day from Wednesday to Saturday. The café/bar remains open from Mondays to Sunday.

On sunny days you will also be able to use the Roof Terrace, with drinks available from the more relaxed environment now in the First Floor Brasserie Bar.

We will be down to check out the new Brasserie Menu soon, but if you would like to see them now, they are available on the website link below.

The Marine
Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY
www.themarinemos.co.uk

The King's Road is coming

Seven years ago, Heather Lewis, a Lymore resident, wrote a script based in the last few weeks of Christ’s life until the time of Pentecost, told largely by the women who were closest to him. 

Other local residents, Alyson Furness researched the music & Sonia Collyer directed the first production of ‘Passion to Pentecost’ in All Saints church in 2007. It proved to be a moving, powerful experience for audience & cast alike – unable to remain as simply onlookers, but drawn into the questions being posed. 

Now all involved are delighted by a new production – this time renamed ‘The King’s Road’ as a reminder that Christ did not remain in Palestine but is with us in as we along a busy road.

Rehearsals are well under way in All Saints church for the next production of this moving play. 

The event will be in aid of Milford Primary School & Oakhaven Hospice on Thursday 9th April 7pm and Friday 10th April 3pm and 7pm. Tickets are available from Milford on Sea Community Centre Box Office. 

For further information please phone: Christine Luxon 01590 719286 or Stewart 01590 643964.

Wartime Sea Defences Removal

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It is hard to imagine today, but during World War Two Milford on Sea beach was out of bounds and the length of the coast was a line of steel defences designed to thwart any invading troops and their landing equipment.

The Wartime Sea Defences were built in 1940/41 by troops of the Wiltshire Regiment. At the time of being laid on the surface, within two tides they had sunk to around 16 inches deep.

Removal of these Wartime Sea Defences is taking a bit longer than they did to erect.

Courtesy of MoSHRS
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The Milford on Sea Historical Record Society have generously share two newspaper articles which show winter removals using a 'Sea Mule' and small gang of men, and then further removal work in Spring 1949. 

Courtesy of MoSHRS
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It is evident that this was not easy work, not least because of the defences having now sunk to a depth of many feet.

Locally we have a hardy group of people who are members of the Milford on Sea Swimming Society, who regularly swim in the sea all year round. Their Facebook page often mentions sighting of steel tubing as they swim. 

Last month, and 75 years after their construction, the council returned again to once again remove what they could of the remaining Wartime Sea Defences in front of Hordle Cliffs.

Photo by Brian Pearson of MoSSS
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Brian Pearson. an active member of Milford on Sea Swimming Society, captured some excellent photographs of the steel removed and it is quite amazing the volume of the remaining defences that has been removed.

With a bit of luck it is all gone now! 

Photo by Brian Pearson of MoSSS
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Who Nicked Our Pill Box?

If you have known Milford on Sea for a long time you may be able to help throw light on a local mystery.

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The photograph (to the left) shows two World War Two Pill Boxes on the seafront outside of The White House. The first small pentagonal pill box to the left in the picture will be familiar to many, as it still stands in the same position today. 

To the right in the photograph is the much larger pill box which give us our mystery.

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The large pill box looks a substantial structure with more windows than would normally be expected. The roof also appears to have been camouflaged.

It is unclear what the purpose of this second pill box might have been? - As it would not be usual to have two constructions so close together.

Possibly, military commanders felt Milford on Sea was particularly vulnerable and required bolstered defences, but this is just a guess.

So basically, we are trying to find out 'Who Nicked Our Pill Box'?

If you know, or have any ideas on why the larger pill box was built, please drop a line to david@milfordonsea.org

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Milford on Sea Bridge

Another curiosity in the village is something all of us see hundreds of times a year, but many fewer know that this WW2 throw back is there, - or not there, to be exact.

I am talking about the stone capping on top of Milford on Sea Bridge. 

When the bridge was built it had a carved inscription reading 'Milford on Sea Bridge Rebuilt in 1929'. During World War Two, the section containing the words 'Milford on Sea' was chiselled out to make it unreadable, leaving just the inscription 'Bridge Rebuilt in 1929' as we see it today.

All local road signs had also been removed during WW2. This had been done to try to disorientate any invading troops. 

A gallant effort, but not sure it would really have held them up very much!

Save Our Village Post Office

A group of local Milford on Sea village residents are considering forming a group of organisers and investors to purchase the Milford on Sea Post Office in the high street, in order to maintain postal services for the village. 

At some time or other, it is likely we all find our local Post Office useful, and many of our more elderly residents actually find it vital.

Purchasing the Post Office would be no mean feat, and an expensive exercise, as the property also includes a substantial flat upstairs.

The initial concept would be that a company would be set up, and anyone in the village could buy shares. The company would have Articles of Association to ensure that whilst the property is owned by the group, it would run as a Community Post Office with staff paid from shop profits and rental income from the flat, plus the income from the Post Office operation. This is simply a broad outline to get the juices flowing, and everything is up for discussion by those who get involved.

Whilst the investment is not designed to provide dividends for shareholders, the value of shares may have a capital appreciation based on future property values. The shares would be transferable by inheritance or purchase should a suitable shareholder be found.

There would be many hoops to jump through, not least coming to arrangements to run the Post Office under a new type of structure.

Naturally, there would be an awful lots of things to discuss and organise, but the initial group are confident that sufficient skills lay within the village from experts who may wish to get involved.

Naturally, the biggest challenge will be to raise the funds to found a company to purchase the Post Office.

So, to see if the project has any legs at all, if you are interested in getting involved in the organising group, or just find investing in this venture potentially worthwhile, please drop an e-mail to david@milfordonsea.org and your details will be passed on to the organising group.

If we lose the Post Office it is very unlikely the services will reappear anywhere else in the village. So if you would like this to happen please get in touch.

Time to Time Travel

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New sign at Sturt Pond for anyone interested in time travelling - see you there!

We went the Thursday before last and really enjoyed next Saturday.

Planning to go again last Thursday to visit Cheltenham Races tomorrow, we can then pick a winner to back today.

Join the Festival Team!

Milford on Sea’s Arts & Music Festival, now in its fourteenth year, is a hugely popular fixture in the local calendar. The 2015 Festival will run during the week beginning 20th July, culminating with a live music line-up on the Village Green over the weekend of 25th and 26th July.

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The festival attracts over 10,000 visitors, and it is an unparalleled showcase for the village. Organised and run by a team of volunteers who handle everything from planning the line-up to managing the site, it’s challenging work, but immensely rewarding.

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But the news is not all good. 

The Festival is in real danger of being lost to the local community because of a lack of volunteers and team members. Several of the Festival's dedicated organisers are stepping down this year, so they are in urgent need of ‘new blood’ to handle roles such as:-

• site management & security

• sponsorship & advertising

• fundraising

The key committee positions of chairman and treasurer need to be filled and, as always, we need lots of volunteers during the Festival to help with activities such as stewarding, selling raffle tickets, manning the helpdesk and working behind the bar.

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In return, we can promise you a lot of fun, a tremendous sense of achievement and a truly rewarding place at the heart of your community.

If you’d like more information, please contact the team at committee@milfordfestival.org.uk.  

You can also check out the Streetlife page and the Festival's website on www.milfordfestival.org.uk.

50 B4 50-Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

At last the day had come to enjoy one of our belated Wedding Presents to Matthew & Kayleigh. Any present is of course best shared, so we had decided to go along too.

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The day did not start great, as the heating and hot water broke. However, my wife must have liked me a little bit this day, as I was not directly blamed for her cold shower!

Soon we were on the train to Clapham Junction, then a short taxi ride to Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea.

I have to be honest, my expectations were not too high, as it seems the 'Ramsey Brand' has become somewhat confused, also having taken a look at the menu on-line it had not jumped out at me.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay holds three Michelin stars, and is one of only four in the country to have this accolade. Today the Chef Patron is Clare Smyth MBE, and it was nice to hear she was actually in the kitchen creating her modern French cuisine for this lunchtime service.

The restaurant is small, but beautifully decorated, and there was a clever use of the space to generate a grand effect. The greeting was warm, and everyone of the many staff went out of their way to smile and say hello as we were taken to our table.

At the perfectly laid table there was a 'handbag stool', and nice touch for the ladies - and so French!

We had opted for the Menu Prestige, effectively the eight course taster menu. As we were offered drinks, the wine list also arrived, it was thicker than 'War & Peace' and the weight of a paving slab!

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I was drawn to a South African wine simply called 'The Chocolate Block'. Jan Kontezki, the head sommelier explained that it was a mixture of Syrah, Grenache & Cabernet, - and that name came from the concept 'that once opened you couldn't stop until you had finished!' The bottle was a magnum, but with four of us it was worth the treat.

As the feast started we were all waiting in anticipation. Then as the courses flowed we were not let down, indeed everything just seemed to be an exquisite new experience.

Over the four hour meal, we were busy enjoying both each others company, and the ridiculous conversations we were having. The girls were delighted to be facing the full restaurant, as they could also do plenty of 'people watching' and report on the activities taking place on the tables we could not see. It was obvious who were people like us having a very special treat, and those that were used to dining like this most days.

When we arrived at the main course we knew the previous courses of Foie gras, Ravioli of lobster, Isle of Gigha halibut must be almost impossible to beat. But no, the pigeon was the best ever, and the jus must have taken days to create judging by its amazing depth and richness. There was no doubt we were having one of the ultimate dining experiences.

The Hot Towel 'Chicken'
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The two sweet courses and cheese board continued the excellence, and the wine had been flowing nicely. So, when the hot towels arrived, we decided to do out party piece and make them into a 'chicken', - which we then sent into the kitchen with the 'diners compliments.' Not sure this happens every day, but the waiting team smiled, - either through amusement, or embarrassment!

Throughout the meal the deep and exotic flavours, were combined with perfectly matched ingredients and textures. It was also impossible not to notice that great thought had gone into all of the crockery, ensuring each dish also became a work of art to please the eyes as well as palate.

The whole experience had been as wonderful as it had been unexpected, and the numerous waiting staff had pulled off the difficult trick of providing formal attentive service with an informal air. The Maitre D', Jean-Claude Breton was friendly and chatty, and it was clear he was watching every corner of the dining room to ensure that everyone got the ultimate service experience to go with the sublime dishes.

Before visiting, we thought we had a clear Top 3 restaurants, - however Restaurant Gordon Ramsay has now thrown our list into turmoil!

Menu Prestige

Baked potato mousse with bacon in egg shell with black truffle
~

Pressed foie gras with green apples, turnips, watercress and smoked duck

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Ravioli of lobster, langoustine and salmon poached in a light bisque, oscietra caviar and sorrel velouté

~

Isle of Gigha halibut with Atlantic king crab, finger lime and ras el hanout infused broth

~

Cotswold lamb and winter vegetable “Navarin”, braised shank and confit breast

or
Roast pigeon with fennel, sautéed foie gras, lavender, honey and orange

~

Selection of cheeses from the trolley or Mango, jasmine and passion fruit soup

~

Cucumber sorbet, salad burnet, lemon verbena and mint

~

Lemonade parfait with honey, bergamot and sheep’s milk yoghurt sorbet

or

English peppermint soufflé with bitter chocolate sorbet

~ 

Coffee &  Petit Fours

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

68 Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4HP
www.gordonramsay.com/royalhospitalroad

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50 B4 50-DINING CHALLENGE

Michelin Stars Collected So Far: 67

50 B4 50 Challenged explained: click here

3 Michelin Star
London: Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
London: Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester**
Berkshire-Bray: The Fat Duck
Berkshire-Bray: The Waterside Inn
Belgium-Bruges: De Karmeliet

2 Michelin Star

London: La Gavroche | Dinner by Heston Blumenthal | Hibiscus | Marcus | The Square
Berkshire: Michael Wignall at The Latymer**
Buckinghamshire: Hand and Flowers**** (Hand and Flowers at Harrods)
Oxfordshire: Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
France-Paris: Georges V Hotel

1 Michelin Star
London: Outlaw's at The Capital | Pétrus | Social Eating House** | Pied a Terre** | L’Autre Pied | The Savoy Grill | Hakkasan (Mayfair) | Lima (Fitzrovia) 
London (Indian): Benares | Quilon | Gymkhana | The Cinnamon Club | Tamarind | Veeraswamy | Amaya | Trishna 
Cornwall-Padstow: Paul Ainsworth at Number 6
Hampshire: Terrace Restaurant at Montague Arms | JSW Restaurant
Surrey: Drakes**
Surrey: The Tudor Room at Great Fosters Hotel
Sussex: Ockenden Manor
The Netherlands-Ubachsberg: De Leuf

**Visited Twice  | ***Visited 3 Times or more!
*To read the review on any of the above restaurants, put 'restaurant name' in this blog's search box.

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

London | Street XO - www.streetxo.com
London | Mere - www.mere-restaurant.com
London | RAC Club - www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk

Cornwall: Padstow |  The Seafood Restaurant (Rick Stein) - www.rickstein.com/eat-with-us/the-seafood-restaurant
Devon | River Cottage HQ - www.rivercottage.net/hq 

Dorset: Mudeford | The Jetty - www.thejetty.co.uk
Hampshire: Farnborough | The Aviator - www.aviatorbytag.com
Hampshire: Brockenhurst | The Pig - www.thepighotel.com
Hampshire: Lymington | The Mill at Gordleton - www.themillatgordleton.co.uk
Hampshire: Lymington | The Elderflower - www.elderflowerrestaurant.co.uk
Hampshire: Lymington | The Haven - www.havenrestaurant.co.uk

Hampshire: Lyndhurst | Hartnett Holder & Co - www.limewoodhotel.co.uk/hartnett-holder-and-co
Hampshire: Milford on Sea | Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant - www.verveine.co.uk

Hampshire: Milford on Sea | La Perle - www.laperlemilford.co.uk
Hampshire: New Milton | Vetiver (Chewton Glen Hotel) - www.chewtonglen.com/restaurant
Isle of Wight: Yarmouth | The George - www.thegeorge.co.uk
London | The Ivy - www.the-ivy.co.uk
London |  L’Escargot - www.lescargot.co.uk
London | Dishoom - www.dishoom.co.uk

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

London | Franco's - www.francoslondon.com
London | Winter Garden (Landmark Hotel) - www.landmarklondon.co.uk/en/marylebone-bar-restaurant/winter-garden  
Surrey: Guildford | Brittens - www.brittensrestaurant.com

Surrey: Ripley |Toby Cottage - www.tobycottage.co.uk
West Sussex: Brighton | A Taste of Sahara - www.atasteofsahara.com
West Sussex: Brighton | 64 Degrees - www.64degrees.co.uk

40 B4 40: click here

There's Variety in Milford!

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They say variety is the spice of life, and it looks like a forthcoming Milford Palace of Variety Show is going to be another fantastic entertainment event at Milford Community Centre.

This exciting Variety Show has been devised, directed and delivered by Milford Entertainers, and is a very modern take on “The Good Old Days”. A boisterous Chairman will guarantee riotous, rollicking and uproarious entertainment! 

The programme includes: Comedians - Stanley Holloway and Max Miller impersonations; Dancers - Ballet: Pas de deux to the music from the film Amelie – For artistic appreciation! Belly dancers - For fun!

There are also hilarious melodramas* over-acted in true Edwardian style by the local thespians you know and love; Sketcherism Spoon (one of Ronnie Barker’s famous sketches), and lots of Music from the orchestra, singing and sing-alongs!

You can even dress up if you want!

Milford Palace of Variety Show - Performances:

Friday 20th March 7.30pm

Saturday 21st March 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Tickets are on sale now at £6 each from the Community Centre Box Office 01590 644861 or visit www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

Love Milford Week in Pictures

Whether you were at events during Love Milford Week from 16th to 22nd February 2015, or missed some bits, you can now see or re-live the week in the photo albums below:

Love Milford Week Events: click here

Love Milford Week Shopping Challenge: click here

Exotic Car Show: click here

Love Milford Week will be back in 2017, and next year we see the bi-annual return of the ever popular Milford on Sea Food Week in April 2016. - Be there, or be square!

Milford on Sea Food Week

www.milfordonseafoodweek.org

Love Milford Week

www.lovemilfordweek.org

Help the Guide Hut Roof

The Milford on Sea Guide Hut roof is in need of essential repairs, and the fundraising efforts are now underway. 

Guide Hut
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Our village Guide Hut is a unique local meeting place which was built in 1936 following five years of fundraising (mainly through Jumble Sales) by the local Guide Company.

During the Second World War it was requisitioned by the ARP (Air Raid Precautions) as their meeting place for the duration of the War.

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The main structure is as originally built. The roof which is now nearly 80 years old has developed leaks and is not repairable. Therefore the roof needs replacing and insulating in order to enable this historic meeting place to continue to serve as a venue for the many local groups that use it, such as Milford Guides, Brownies & Rainbows, Arthritis Care, Royal British Legion (Women’s Section), Total Voice Choir, WI Craft & Drama groups, Stamp Club, local bands, art and craft groups.

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The Fundraising Sub-Committee are working hard, and have already participated in the New Milton Rotary Swimathon where hardy swimmers took part from Milford Brownies.

They are also planning a "Brownies Have Talent Night" on Monday 30th March, and a First Friday Lunch has been booked in August as a fundraiser.

Another fundraising project is 'Used UK & Foreign Stamp Collecting'. Envelopes for folk to collect and send away their own stamps, with postage paid for, can be found by clicking here - please enter the charity name: Milford on Sea Guide Hut.

A Quiz Night and Jumble Sale are in the offing, along with all sorts of other events on which more details will be available shortly.

Also during the Love Milford Week Craft & Produce Show, a stall was run on behalf of Milford Guide Hut mainly by Milford Brownies and their parents.

So far the team have managed to raise £17,000 towards their target of £25,000 - and any additional donations would be very much appreciated from local people or businesses who want to help the target be achieved.

We were delighted to hear that Paul Holland has pledged £500 to the new roof on behalf of Holland's of Milford.

If you would like to make a donation, please contact the Treasurer of the Milford on Sea Guide Headquarters Management Committee: Jane Etheridge on 01590 642349 or jane.etheridge2@btinternet.com.


Milford on Sea Brownies
milfordbrownies@gmail.com

Holland's of Milford
www.hollandsmos.co.uk

New Village Guides for All

Two new free Village Guides have been published, and are now available in the village newsagents and most village shops, cafés and pubs.

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The 'Eat, Shop, Play & Stay' Village Guide, is for Milford on Sea villagers and tourists alike. As titled, it carries details of all our village eateries and shops, gives ideas on thing to do and visit in the village, where to stay, plus community information, medical services & support groups, village charities, events and local clubs & classes for both adults and children. 

The Village Tradesmen & Professional Services Guide is for everyone in the village to find village businesses that they may find of use - and there are a lot of them! 

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This guide will give you details of village builders, handymen, plumbers, electricians, home cleaners, hairdressers, painters & decorators, plasters, tilers, window cleaners, gardeners, car repairers etc.  Plus professional village services such as; architects, interior designers, web designers, photographers, marketing services, consultants and solicitor. The guide even has all our local cake makers, chutney maker and so much more...

Collectively, the guides have over 900 entries, and all are in Milford on Sea!  It is quite unbelievable how much goes on in our small community.

These guides were designed and created for free by www.milfordonseanews.org, and the printing costs funded by Food Week. The guides were also generously sponsored by the Brand New Forest Card and Hall & Woodhouse, owners of The Beach House, both of whom are great supporters of events & activities in Milford on Sea.

Pick up your free copy in the village newsagents today.

Lisa becomes Best Practice Childminder

Milford on Sea resident, Lisa Lynk of Little Poppins, has been recruited by Action for Children as a ‘Best Practice Childminder’.

Lisa qualified as a primary school teacher before in 2011, moving on to become a Childminder, and to run the very successful Little Poppins in the village.

Lisa said; "It is the best move I ever made! The little ones I look after become like part of the family and I enjoy watching them grow and develop in my care. We have lots of fun exploring the countryside, playing outside and learning in my home and through play, nurture and encouragement they grow and thrive."

Little Poppins is fully subscribed, and Lisa hates having to turn people away, so in becoming a Action for Children ‘Best Practice Childminder’ she is looking to help local parents in other ways.

This includes:

1) Making parents aware that there is funding available for childcare (free early years education) for all 3 and 4 year olds and eligible 2 year olds through OFSTED registered childcare providers e.g. approved nurseries, childminders, pre-schools etc. 

Two year old funding is a national scheme that allows children a head start! An opportunity free of charge to play, paint, read, cook, climb, sing and dance, dress up, run around, build, play outside and most importantly to learn alongside other children. It allows up to 15 hours a week for parents/carers to work, have a break, get things done, study or to look for work. (The criteria for 2 year old eligibility can be found by clicking here.)

Good early years education from a young age can help boost your child’s development, giving him/her the opportunity to learn, thrive and play.

2) To promote childminding as a career - if you love children it could be the ideal job! Just some of the benefits are: Being your own boss, Flexible working hours, Working from home, Being at home with your own children, making a positive contribution to children learning and providing a valuable service to your community.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of funding, or to talk about childminding as a career, please contact Lisa as below:

Lisa Lynk
Outstanding Ofsted Registered Childminder
01590 642925 / 07710 174869
lisa@little-poppins.co.uk
www.little-poppins.co.uk

Little Poppins
www.little-poppins.co.uk

Dominic Holland Writes a Winner

Top comedian, Dominic Holland, recently enthralled a full house at his show during Love Milford Week. His sharp observations, quick wit and well honed funny bones had the audience eating out of his hands and in fits of laughter.

The 'bloke in the coat' sitting in the front row, must really have wished he had taken if off by the end of the night!

As everyone discovered during the evening, there is a lot more to Dominic than comedy, not least that he is also an extremely good author.

Prior to his visit I decided to read his latest book 'Open Links', and which I have now finished. I enjoyed it so much, that I was unusually prompted to post the following review on Amazon:

"The last thing I would ever chose to read would be a book featuring golf and including a schoolboy with an illness as one of the characters. But, having previously read and really enjoyed the 'Ripple Effect' by the same author I decided to give it a go. - If ever it was true to never 'judge a book by its cover', this is the perfect example.

From the first page I was gripped, and delighted to be reading a 'can't put this down' book. The story was funny and inspiring, the warm characters formed clear pictures in my head and the writing flowed effortlessly without a dull moment. There were several laugh out loud moments, and I have to admit an occasional tear fell on my cheek.

To top it all, all the proceeds are going to a great charity. A five star read all round, and a chance to do a little good for someone else at the same time. - two great reasons to buy it!"

For less than four quid you can have several hours of excellent reading, which sparks a whole range of emotions.

To buy Open Links, please click here.

Dominic also regularly writes an insightfully and amusing blog, to check that out, please click here.

Another Jam Award for Jen

Local producer, Jen Williams of the Naked Jam Company, has won yet another national award to add to her growing collection!

Jen's Lime and Chilli Marmalade has won a Gold Award at The World’s Original Marmalade Awards & Festival at Dalemain.

As an artisan jam maker, Jen makes batches of jam by hand, and only a dozen or so jars are made at a time. She is dedicated to producing conserves of the highest quality where the flavour of the fruit is the most important ingredient. Jen is well known for foraging a lot of her ingredients and using seasonal local fruit.

The locally sourced fruits that go into naked jam are the best quality, ensuring great flavours. Artificial colours and flavourings, setting agents and preservatives have no place in any naked jam jar.

But, don't take my word for it, just give one of her jars of loveliness a try!

Naked Jam Company

www.naked-jam.co.uk

Milford on Sea's Exotic Cars

The NFDC comes in for quite a bit of flack one way or another, but credit where credit is due, - we want to say a big thank you to the Car Parks team at the council for granting us permission to use the Hurst Road Car Park for the Exotic Car Show in Love Milford Week on Sunday 22nd February 2015.

The day’s weather started fine, but soon deteriorated. However, the great mix of cars were not deterred, and 58 cars arrived around 10.30am, staying until the rain was imminent at 12.30pm. During this time we had hundreds of visitors despite the cold. So, pleased to say another successful tourism event for the village.

Ferrari 458 Italia V8 GT (2013)
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There is no doubt people loved seeing the cars, and enthusiasm is high for us to do it again at some time, hopefully in better weather! This could become a significant attraction to the village and will help boost trade in village shops and eateries.

Facel Vega (1960)
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The event could not have taken place without the council's support, so once again, grateful thanks for helping us out. 

To see the pictures from the Love Milford Exotic Car Show – Which is a quite a unique collection, and all the cars are Milford on Sea owned! – please click here.

Vidibiz and Southpoint Films Partnership

Paul French, Milford on Sea resident, and owner of local company Vidibiz has announced that his company are combing resources with Southpoint Films to benefit both new and existing clients

The partnership comes after a long relationship between Southpoint Films Managing Director Rowan Johnson and Paul. 

Customers of both businesses will experience immediate benefits of the partnership, from additional production capacity to use of now-shared facilities such as Southpoint Films' wide range of high end video production equipment and the fully equipped Vidibiz studio located in the New Forest.

As part of the partnership both businesses will now be operating through the Southpoint Films brand.

Southpoint Films Managing Director Rowan Johnson gave the following statement:

"Paul and I have always had a close business relationship and I am delighted that we are formally pulling together resources to strengthen our already leading video production services. I am certain that his experience in business, particularly locally and within the New Forest, will aid Southpoint Films in offering our excellent service to a range of customers who never would have heard about us before, as well as opening up new business opportunities such as our new broadcasting service Southpoint Live."

Off the back of the partnership Southpoint Films is launching a brand new initiative ‘Southpoint Live’. The service is focussed on bringing high end online live broadcasting services to businesses of all sizes, opening up their localised events and training sessions to a wider audience. By utilising the latest web streaming technology Southpoint Live aims to provide a high end broadcasting service at a fraction of the costs asked by major broadcasters.

The complementary abilities and combined resources of both Southpoint Films Ltd and Vidibiz will ensure they continue to create and deliver the highest quality promotional, training and event videos that their respective customers are accustomed to, as well as aid with new initiatives.

Vidibiz 

www.vidibiz.co.uk

Southpoint Films

www.southpointfilms.com

Milford on Sea in BBC Country File Magazine

Milford on Sea had a substantial feature article in a recent edition of the BBC Country File Magazine.

The article gave numerous reasons for people to visit, and some of us are even more fortunate to be able to live here!

To read article click here.

MCV: March Newsletter

Milford on Sea Conservation Volunteers (MCV) are a local group of people dedicated to conserving and improving the parish wildlife and environment of Milford.

Formed in 2012 as an amalgamation of Milford Environment Group and the Wildlife Recording Group, the volunteers undertake a range of valuable local projects to improve habitats for wildlife across the parish, and report on the sightings and activities of local wildlife.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM), being held on 13^th March at 7.00pm in the Milford on Sea Community Centre, is a perfect way to find out more about the MCV and see how you can get involved. The great thing is you don’t have to be a wildlife expert – an interest in local wildlife is all you need. The experts in the group are always on hand to share their knowledge and experience, so not only is a good way to meet new people, it’s also a great way to build on your existing wildlife knowledge.

The business part of the AGM will be followed by a talk by Sarah Harvey, owner of a Dexter cattle herd, explaining how grazing can be such a benefit to wildlife.

So please go along and find out more about Milford’s wonderful wildlife and the work that MCV are doing to preserve and enhance the local environment.

For further details, please contact:

Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV)
www.milfordcv.org or call 01590 645825