Skatepark for the Kids

Milford on Sea Parish Council are considering how best to improve the outdoor play facilities for young people in the village.

The village has been allocated funds by New Forest District Council from “Developers’ Contributions” which must be spent on open air sports facilities.

In earlier consultations over 70% of young people surveyed indicated they would like a skate park and more space for sports pitches.

The village's principal play area is Carrington Lane Playpark where there have been modest improvements in recent years, but the facilities now need significant updating and improvement. The Parish Council is therefore seeking views on a proposal to create a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), a small skate park facility and improvements to the toddler play area.

Please let the Parish Council know your views by completing the quick (9 question) survey - please click here.

The Big Learner Relay is Back

Local driving instructor Louise Walsh (Daughter of Sue Whitlock) had ‘a bit of an idea’ whilst watching the Children in Need appeal in 2013, she thought perhaps driving instructors could get together to raise money, and this small spark turned into a raging fire!

Amazingly, Louise's 'bit of an idea' raised £65,500 and culminated with Louise’s guest appearance on the Queen Vic set during BBC TV Children in Need programme in 2014.

Louise in
BBC Children in Need Studio
with Shane Richie

This years 2,800 mile relay starts in Northern Ireland on Monday 26th October 2015 and finishes in Swindon on the 13th November: Children in Need Appeal Day 2015. The relay will cover England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales with 180 lead driving lessons and many hundreds of instructors and pupils joining the convoy. The English leg starts in Lymington on 30th October 2015.

Louise will not miss a thing, as she will be travelling the whole of the UK in the back of participation driving instructor cars.

To support the cause the First Friday Charity Lunch on the 6th November at 1pm will be supporting the Big Learner Relay, everyone is invited to enjoy lunch for £5 on a first come first served basis. There is no need to book. just go along. There will also be a special raffle, including a bicycle generously donated by Halfords, and a vist from Pudsey bear. 

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Look out for spotty cars - the Big Learner Relay intends to get bigger and bigger.

Big Learner Relay 

www.biglearnerrelay.webs.com

Donation Page: Please click here

New Website for All Saints' Church

Our friends at All Saints' Church have send us their latest exciting news:

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All Saints Church, Milford with St Mary's, Everton has a new website, developed with a colourful sea view backdrop and an easy-to-find menu of pages to show visitors and locals alike that we are here for the whole community with our long-term aim 'to know Jesus better and to make Jesus better known'. 

The variety of services and other activities taking place each week at both churches, together with specific meeting points for families and youth are all clearly listed and there are specific links to the Church Facebook page and to the weekly blog run for the 'All-Saintly Youth' by Youth Minister Craig McNinch. 

In addition, most sermons in All Saints' Church at the 10 am service are recorded and these can be downloaded from the Sermons subpage, where they are listed by date, topic and preacher. 

Among other resources available as audio talks or downloadable documents are helpful discussions on the Real Meaning of Christmas or the Evidence for the Resurrection. 

Alongside our notices for the week, you will find an ongoing events calendar as well as details for those considering a wedding or family baptism. Links to other major websites and churches in the community, a daily verse from the Bible Gateway website and a wide range of photos of recent events help to make this a most useful guide to all who live in or visit this beautiful spot between the Forest and the Sea.

To find out more go to: www.allsaintsmilford.co.uk.

Win a Car for the Poppy Appeal

Milford on Sea Club have launched a spectacular year long raffle to Win a Car.

This exciting fundraising activity is to raise funds for the Royal British Legion in conjunction with the Milford on Sea Branch Poppy Appeal.

Everton Hyundai have generously donated a great deal to provide the prize car.

Last year on 15th November 2014, Milford on Sea Club held a very successful 'Every Man Remembered Day'. So successful in fact, that they raised £2900 for the Royal British Legion.

They are now looking to smash that donation amount in 2016 - and with the known generosity of people in Milford on Sea this is quite likely to be achieved.

The event organisers, and Milford on Sea Club committee members, Mark Ketchen and Richard Millbery have military ties. Mark served 18 years in the Grenadier Guards, and helping our ex-servicemen is close to both of their hearts.

Tickets will soon be on sale around the village, and for just £5 you might win yourself a new Hyundai i10 car!  If you do, can you give me a lift home when I have been into the village for a drink!

To donate to 3 Veterans & a Car please click here.

Milford on Sea Club

High Street, Milford on Sea

www.mosclub.org

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Royal British Legion Facts

• More than 9 million people in the UK are eligible to call on us for help. 
• The Royal British Legion's mission is to reach out to the 500,000 in the greatest need - the financially vulnerable, those who are socially or emotionally isolated, and those in poor health or living with a long-term illness. 
• The Legion are there for them at life's critical events - injury, bereavement, at times of financial hardship and when they need care in old age. 
• The Legion spent over £114 million on its work in 2010. We spend nearly £1.4 million a week delivering health and welfare support to Service people young and old, and their families. 
• Our Benefits and Money Advice service helped to write off £18.3 million in debt for beneficiaries struggling to copy financially during 2010 and to claim £9.1 million in additional income for those not receiving their full benefit entitlement. 
• We provided immediate assistance to 11,230 beneficiaries in a temporary crisis to the value of £6.1 million in 2010. 
• Our campaigning helped change the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme under the review led by Admiral Lord Boyce - with total estimated increases in compensation in excess of £40 million for those injured or ill as a result of their Service. 
• The Legion was founded in 1921. 
• The Legion is one of the UK's largest membership organisations, with around 350,000 members (including the Women's Section). Anyone can be a member, ex-Service or not. 
• You don't have to be a Legion member to receive assistance - but you must be an ex-Service person or a dependent. Anyone who has been in the British Armed Forces for seven days or more (and their dependants) is eligible for help. 
• People as young as 17.5 years can be sent on active service, so veterans are often much younger than people realise. Nearly a quarter of those we help now are below the age of 44. 
• Since 2003 we have provided financial help to over 10,000 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan operations - and we are investing £50 million in Personnel Recovery Centres and our Battle Back Centre to care for the wounded of current conflicts. 
• There has only been one year (1968) since the Second World War when a British Service person hasn't been killed on active service. 
• Each year the Legion answers thousands of calls for help via Legionline our information helpline. 
• Our help covers a huge range of issues, including counselling, job retraining, skills assessment, getting the right pensions and benefits, money and career advice, welfare grants, pilgrimages to war graves, convalescent and nursing care, and home and hospital visits. 
• The Legion has close links to many other charities, organisations and trusts, enabling it to draw on the best resources and expertise, and to refer people to those best equipped to help them. 
• The Legion will be needed for as long as people continue to be affected by conflict. It doesn't advocate war but is simply there to support those who have been prepared to make a personal sacrifice through serving in the British Armed Forces. 
• In 2010, we raised £115.2 million - including a record £35 million for the Poppy Appeal. Apart from donations, funds come from legacies, sponsorship, corporate support and fundraising events. 
• 300,000 staff and volunteers organise the Poppy Appeal each year. 
• More than 40 million Remembrance poppies, 500,000 poppies of other types, 5 million remembrance petals, 100,000 wreaths and sprays, 750,000 Remembrance Crosses and other Remembrance items are made at the Poppy Factory in Richmond, Surrey, each year 
• More than 70% of the workers at the Poppy Factory are disabled or suffer from chronic illness. The Factory was designed to offer jobs to such people and its remit remains the same today.

www.britishlegion.org.uk

Help Out at the Glitz & Glam Sale

The Village Charity Shop is looking for volunteers to help to sort out the Christmas boxes for their 'Glitz & Glam' Christmas Sale. Help is needed on Friday 20th November, - and at the sale on Saturday 21st November at the Community Centre.

Any new or previous helpers will be warmly welcomed, and they will get first choice of goods at a discounted price!

If you are able to help out, please contact: Penny at: pennysteel@talktalk.net

The Village Charity Shop Glitz & Glam Pop Up Sale will feature Party Clothes & Shoes, Jewellery & Accessories and lots of Christmas Decorations! 

During the sale on Saturday 21st November between 10am and 4pm the Community Centre Café will open for all to enjoy, and all proceeds from the sale go towards supporting the village community.

Memories of Flying Concorde

Most of us have, or have had jobs and careers, but few of us had the good fortune to be part of an iconic part of British history.

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Well, Milford on Sea resident Sally Armstrong certainly fell into the second category when she worked on Concorde for seven years as a stewardess. During her time she experienced the Royal flights, exclusive charters, round the world trips, displays at air shows and flying with the Red Arrows - and now she has written a book recounting the life she led.

Sally's book is entitled; Vintage Champagne on the Edge of Space.

Concorde flight crew have written technical books on this supersonic aircraft that became one of, if not the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century. However no one before has written about the life of the cabin crew.

For all those who loved to see Concorde, those who may have been lucky enough to have travelled on her or those who mourned the loss of her departure from the skies, this sounds the book for them.

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Sally recalls; "Concorde was like an exclusive club as Sir David Frost once described it. The flights to New York and Washington regularly included movie stars, rock stars and leading politicians. Names like Paul McCartney, Elizabeth Taylor, Robert de Niro, Tom Cruise, Sir Richard Attenborough, Pavarotti ,Sir Yehudi Menhuin were just a few of the many famous people I met. It was a very special working life, flying as we were on the edge of space at 58,000 feet and at twice the speed of sound."

On Thursday, Sally was on BBC South Today being interviewed about her book, although they thought she was from New Milton rather than Milford on Sea!

To buy a copy of: Vintage Champagne on the Edge of Space: The Supersonic World of a Concorde Stewardess - please click here.

Book Signing for "Vintage Champagne on the edge of space"
at Moss on the green on Saturday 21st November, 10:30 till 12:30.

Moss on the Green
1 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH
www.mossonthegreen.com
Tel: 01590 643867

End of Life Planning

Thinking about what will happen after we are gone is never a great pastime, and thankfully there is nearly always something more fun to do.

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However, it is not a great idea to leave a pile of problems for the people you care about. 

Milford on Sea Community Panel have organised a practical and informative day at the Community Centre in Sea Road, where 'Hampshire Carers Together' are running a workshop to provide information, advice and support for anyone interested in planning for a good end of life. 

The End of Life Planning day runs from 10am to 3pm on Tuesday 17th November with the day's agenda covering: Lasting Power of Attorney – Health and Welfare, Lasting Power of Attorney – Finance and Property, Advanced Directives (Living Wills), How do you start difficult conversations? and Creating a personal profile of your preferences and arrangements.

This event is for anyone at any stage of life who wishes to take a realistic approach to what needs to be in place for either themselves or a family member or friend. 

Refreshments will be available including a simple lunch. The event is free but we will asked to make a small donation towards the costs.

End of Life Planning Tickets are available from the Community Centre Box Office.

Prosecco on the Horizon

Blue Horizon restaurant on Milford on Sea seafront are offering a free glass of Prosecco to any lunchtime diners who are readers of this News Bulletin. 

To claim, simply book, or go along, any lunchtime between Wednesday to Saturday and enjoy a 2 course lunch for £15 (starter & main or main & sweet) with items chosen from the 'a la carte menu'.

If you mention that you are a Milford on Sea News Bulletin reader you will be given a complementary glass of Prosecco or fruit punch.

Blue Horizon

Marine House, Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY

01590 642003 | info@bluehorizonrestaurant.co.uk

www.bluehorizonrestaurant.co.uk

Opening Times | Wednesday to Saturday

Lunch: 12pm to 3pm

Afternoon Tea: 3pm to 5pm (Bookings Essential)

Dinner: 6pm to 9pm

Sunday Lunch: 12.00pm - 5pm

Meadow Donated to Village

An eagle eyed reader has spotted that a section of Old Milford Meadow, which has been untouched for centuries and abuts All Saints' Church in Milford on Sea village, has been gifted to the Parish.

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The offer of meadow land left by the late Miss Diana Gillespie will be discussed at Milford on Sea Parish Council meeting to be held on Monday 19th October 2015 in the Village Hall at 6.30pm. 

Previous planning applications for a section of the land was rejected by the Parish Council on 20th October 2014.

Diana Gillespie passed away peacefully on 4th June 2015. Tapper Funeral Service published this memory: Youngest daughter of the late Ronald and Kathleen Gillespie of The Old House, Milford-on-Sea; sister to Heather and the late John (killed in action 1944), niece of the late Douglas and Thomas, who died for their country in 1914/15. Artist, gardener, servant of All Saints Church, Milford on Sea and St Marks Church, Pennington and long term carer to her late parents. 

The offer to donate the meadow land to the village is a generous gesture by this long term resident, who clearly understood the uniqueness of Milford village and the need to keep this green land close to the village centre and Norman church for the benefit of the residents now and in the future. 

The Parish Council now need to decide whether to accept the legacy, as of course it come with the responsibility of maintenance costs. Hopefully they will see that this land is a benefit to the community as a whole.

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Note: The outcome bequest of will be published in the Meeting Minutes on the Parish Council website, please click here.

Another Note!: We have just heard that the Parish Council have agreed to accept the bequest.

Raffle Prizes for School Fair

The School is looking for some raffle prizes for their Christmas Fair.

This year Milford on Sea C.E Primary School  are holding this fun annual event in conjunction with the Pre-School on Saturday 5th December 2015.

If you can help out with any raffle prizes at all, please drop your prizes into the Pre-School (next to the main village school) addressed to Sarah Rix. Ta!

Hurst Castle Christmas Cards

Local Milford on Sea artist Shaun Stevens has just brought out her colourful and fun Christmas Cards for this year.

Only about 70 days to go!

"Christmas Regatta at Hurst" cards are available from the Hurst Castle shop in the village, in packs of 10 cards for £3.50.

All proceeds will be going to help fund the installation of disabled facilities at Hurst Castle.

From Holocaust to Living Hope

Sylvia and Ralph Barnes have lived in Milford on Sea for almost six years, and having run a Creative Arts Christian Ministry for the last 19 years they are now arranging a very usual way to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day in 2016.

There is a real risk in putting on such a thought provoking event, which is believed to be a first for Milford and the New Forest area.

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From Holocaust to Living Hope is an afternoon presentation in song, dance, music, drama and the spoken word in commemoration of the Holocaust and other victims of terror.

The afternoon will comprise of a series of creative cameos designed to thoughtfully re-kindle awareness of the Holocaust and the plight of other victims of violence, and persecution happening in the world today. The event is not intended to be full of gloom and negativity but rather to draw together a number of creative strands that produce a timely heart statement that is not just reflective of the past but of the times we live in.

From Holocaust to Living Hope takes place on Saturday 30th January 2016 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm at Milford on Sea Community Centre.

Xalt has been an itinerant Ministry who have organised workshops, worship events and conferences locally and nationally. They have had the privilege of supporting local churches, worked with Ministers and Pastors from many denominations and hosted speakers from around the world.

Six years ago Brian Nicol an artist from London brought Sylvia and Ralph's attention examples of his very moving charcoal drawings of the Holocaust. This has led them organise an event where these could be seen and have the desired impact.

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The Creative Team include Artists, Musicians, Poets, Drama Actors, Dancers, and International Speaker Barry Barnett who lives in London near Golders Green. He has worked with Youth With a Mission, ministering to needy children and is now on the staff of Jews for Jesus. He also enjoys acting and directing plays.

Carl Woodward is a freelance Theatre practitioner, an Associate Lecturer at the University of Chichester and Vice Chair of the Bournemouth and Poole HMD Committee, he will be directing a short drama entitled “Don’t Stand By”

There will be no charge for the event an offering will be taken to help with costs. Additional revenue will be donated to Springs of Hope a charity supporting victims of terror.

Places are limited. Tickets can be obtained (from 5th January 2016): 

at The Village News 74 High Street Milford SO41 0QD

or: by email info@xalt.org - or Tel (from 1st December 2015): 07934 163155 - Please let us know your name and number of tickets required, you can then pick them up on the door. 

(Note: Under 12’s at parent’s discretion as images from the concentration camps will be shown.)

For further information please contact:

Sylvia and Ralph Barnes

Tel: 07934 163155

info@xalt.org

Website: www.xalt.org

Hope for The White Horse

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As The White Horse in Milford on Sea stands looking unloved and forlorn - South Hants CAMRA, the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, are currently submitting an ACV application.

An AVC is an 'Asset of Community Value' and provides a vehicle to block pubs from from being converted to retail or other uses without the submission of a planning application. The Localism Act 2011's Community Right to Bid allows community groups to nominate land and buildings as ACVs to allow them more control over their future use.

The White Horse application is not so easy to deal with as the pub has already closed, but a show of support from the 'locals' will go a long way to help. 

To assist in the application for The White Horse, South Hants CAMRA need support for the ACV application by obtaining at least 21 local signatures and addresses. It would also be particularly useful for any 'groups' that used the pub to also complete a form. No other commitment is involved other than signature.

Forms can be collected from Mark at The Village News. (Opposite the bottom of the village green.) Please take the time to support the effort to save an important part of the village heritage.

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This process has already been utilised by  South Hants CAMRA to request listing of The Red Lion in Milford on Sea and an ACV application is currently being considered by NFDC.

To read previous article relating to The White Horse, please click here.

The White Horse
16 Keyhaven Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QY
www.whitehorsemilfordonsea.co.uk - which no longer works.

Colm Splattered at Tory Conference

It was a peaceful Sunday morning as local Milford on Sea resident, Colm Lock dressed himself smartly to attend the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, at the same time hundreds of anti-austerity protesters were gathering outside of the conference centre to vent their fury at the Conservative Party.

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As Colm and his mates approached the steps into the conference hall a TV crew and large baying crowd gathered around them. It is not known if Colm is long-sighted, but to me the crowd was far too close for comfort!

Anyway, there he stood stoically gazing at the crowd as they became more and more agitated and at times aggressive. It was unclear whether has was amused or simply bemused, but he was certainly smiling.

Sadly there was no political debate, with the crowd preferring to hurl insults and a constant chant of 'Tory scum'.

Still he did not budge. As he smiled away, he looked every part the professional in his grey pinstripe suit, blue shirt, immaculate tie and a Union Jack handkerchief in his top pocket. In his hand was a copy of the Sunday Telegraph which was running a feature on Margaret Thatcher, and when folded Maggie's face was staring out. The crowd did not take it too well when Colm appeared to wave the newspaper in their direction.

He had obviously missed the official party advice for delegates to keep a low profile!

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As the baying protesters became more agitated, an egg was hurled and hit him square in the forehead. It has to be said, it was a 'cracking' shot.

Standing next to Colm at the time was a women wearing a pig mask, making the weirdest picture of bacon and eggs!

As the yoke dripped down his face and jacket he was still smiling before the security team hustled him away.

Colm was not quoted as saying: "The whole eggperience was quite eggordinary and eggciting. Thankfully it did not boil over, and luckily I have a thick shell and was not frytened.

I eggcept that political views are six of one and a half dozen of the other, some just appear more scrambed than others. I always like to look on the bright side and keep things sunny side up.

I hatched the idea to attend the conference a while ago. The mood inside of the hall was eggsellent and eggstremely eggsemplory, which is eggsactly what I had eggspected. The speeches became eggs-ponentially better as things went on and I was able to eggstrapolate plenty of the new ideas as they were eggsplained. I even managed to poach some good yolks that cracked me up! As they say, every suit has a golden egg lining."

On Monday Colm had become the talk of the national press and was all over social media.

Colm turns 20 years of age next month, and amongst other things, he has provided his time to support the community behind the scenes at events like Food Week. He is polite, considerate and bright - and whatever side of the political divide you sit his dignity in handling the situation has to be admired.

When Colm got up on Sunday morning I don't expect for one minute that he realised that he was about to become the face of the Conservative Party Conference, but had he realised, he may have preferred that his face was not covered in egg!

I hope the cost of his dry-cleaning was not over egged!

To see Colm splattered with an egg, please click here.

Jon in New York Times

Some things in life are very random.

For example, there I was sitting at my computer when up popped a notification that Milford on Sea had appeared in the New York Times.

As you will have heard, the USA has exposed Volkswagen for fixing their emission test results. The whole debacle is full of irony, - the European Green lobby set emission levels to save the planet, the UK government set tax thresholds based on those emission levels, and then someone at Volkswagen thought it would be a good idea to fix the results so that they can continue to sell their cars.

The net result is that the planet has not been saved, and now Germany (who has around one on seven workers dependant on the car industry) faces a potential economic meltdown. A great example of 'The Law of Unexpected Consequences'!

Furthermore, the Germanic engineering of the Volkswagen family of cars is actually still as good as ever, but, thanks to one bright spark, the company will now be spending several years dishing out vast wheelbarrows of dosh to cover fines, prosecutions and no doubt individual claims for the 'emotional distress' suffered by individuals who can't live with themselves knowing that their emissions have been higher than they thought. 

As a result, the money that Volkswagen may have been investing on scientific research to genuinely reduce emissions will evaporate into the ether along with their understated diesel fumes. The whole disaster might even be slightly amusing, if it wasn't so tragic.

Anyway, back to the New York Time article, which you may have guessed was about Volkswagen. 

It was ironic to read about London planning to penalise, or even ban, older diesels by 2020. These are the same diesel cars that the government encouraged us all to buy only a few years ago with tax breaks, cheaper fuel and miles per gallon to delight!

In the United States however, with much lower 'gasoline' prices, there is no point buying a diesel, and the article explains why the Europeans’ embrace of diesels made perfect sense. “Essentially, growth came because consumers are economically rational individuals.” 

So, it is likely that American car makers are revelling in Volkswagen's current self inflicted pain.

As I approached the end of the article, Jon (of Harvest House B&B) was featured, quite how the Volkswagen crisis made it way to Milford on Sea I am not sure, however, this is how Jon was quoted:

"Jon Devereux, who drives a diesel-engine Volkswagen Touareg, manages a hotel in Milford on Sea, in southern England. Each winter, he takes the four-wheel-drive vehicle to his winter home in the French Alps. The Touareg, he said, has “been brilliant for 10 years.”

But when it comes time to replace it, his next diesel will not be a Volkswagen. The emissions scandal has soured Mr. Devereux on the carmaker. “Would you buy a VW car or any car in the VW group?’’ he asked."

I wonder if they know that Jon also has a magnificent collection of historic classic cars - all of which run quite happily on good old fashion petrol!

To read the full New York Time article, please click here.

Harvest House B&B

www.harvesthouse-newforest.co.uk

Join in Highcliffe Christmas Carnival

Our friends and neighbours in Highcliffe have invited the folks of Milford on Sea to join in with the Highcliffe Christmas Carnival & Fayre which takes place on Saturday 12th December.

The Carnival has been going for over a decade now and features an all-day Festive Gift Fayre, followed by the early evening Carnival Procession.

The organising team would like everyone to go along to enjoy the fun – but they would also like to encourage any groups or organisations in Milford on Sea to get involved by entering a float or a walking entry into the procession. To enter a float, please download the entry form from: www.highcliffecarnival.org.uk

The events starts at 11am with the Craft Fayre, which is mostly held in the courtyard of Hoburne Holiday Homes in Lymington Road, and there are other stalls, food and drink vendors along the main road as well. There is also entertainment during the day, and during the evening - with the Carnival Procession travels along the main road through Highcliffe at 6pm.

The Highcliffe Carnival currently supports local charities & worthy causes by asking visitors to come and show their support on Carnival Day and to throw all loose change into the charity buckets! 

Last year, this event had many people visiting the Craft Fair and enjoying the entertainment in Highcliffe during the day, and a crowd of over 5,000 watched the early evening procession.

Highcliffe Christmas Carnival & Fayre 

www.highcliffecarnival.org.uk

Holly Gardens Raise Over £810

Nev & Jean Wood, together with the 15 other families in Holly Gardens, supported the recent Macmillan World's Biggest Coffee Morning by opening their lovely communal garden on Friday 25th September 2015  This was a true community effort to make a special morning.

As last year, Jean Wood & Diana Barker-Benfield did all the organising & the men just lifted heavy weights & ate the cakes! 

The event was blessed with fine weather, and great support from everyone who came to enjoy the tasty coffee and delicious cakes, as well as the fun things that were laid on for the kids.

As a result they raised an impressive £810 to donate to this worthwhile charity. Nice work guys!

Beach Hut Design Moves Forward

The plans for the replacement Milford on Sea Beach Huts has taken as further step forward, and the recommended designs below will be considered by New Forest District Council’s cabinet on 7th October 2015.

The new contemporary designs and repositioning will no doubt please many, and disturb others. 

A little bird has suggested that some beach hut owners may be unhappy if their modest sized huts are made narrower in order to squeeze 119 huts into a smaller area. (Due to the removal of the block in front of the Needles Eye Cafe). On the other hand, the fabulous sea views in front of the Needles Eye Cafe will become unobstructed.

There will also be only two access points between the beach huts to the lower promenade, however, the news ones are not far apart, so it is debatable whether that is an issue.  

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You can read the full NFDC press release below.

Council’s cabinet to consider Milford seafront designs

The outline design and layout of 119 replacement beach huts at Milford-on-Sea will be considered by New Forest District Council’s cabinet on 7 October. Recommendations have been made to cabinet by the Beach Hut Project Board, which is made up of council officers, representatives of Milford Parish Council and the New Forest Beach Hut Owners Association, and chaired by the council’s portfolio holder for the environment, Councillor Sophie Beeton. 

The proposals being put forward would see the rebuilt huts being set back into the upper promenade, enabling the lower promenade to be widened and reducing their exposure to the elements. The upper promenade would be extended out over the hut roofs, widening it and improving the views. This would also remove the hazardous gap which previously existed between the rear of the huts and the upper promenade. The privacy of the beach huts would be maintained by positioning a balustrade some way back from the edge of the extended upper promenade and the roofs of the beach huts would be thoroughly sound-proofed. A stainless steel wire balustrade is proposed to ensure views from local houses are preserved. 

The recommendations would see the beach huts clustered in three terraces, allowing all huts to be removed from the eastern, most exposed end of the lower promenade and increasing the uninterrupted sea views from the upper promenade around the Needles Eye café. They would be built in concrete with coloured wooden doors. A new curved access ramp would be developed for the western end of the site to improve access to the lower prom. Portfolio holder for the environment, Councillor Sophie Beeton said “I am pleased to recommend to cabinet what I believe to be an innovative design that will enhance Milford seafront. We have worked very hard with the design team to come up with a viable solution which takes account of the challenging coastal environment and the preferences of local residents and the beach hut license holders.” She continued, “I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who attended the public event on the design options and who gave us their views via the questionnaire.” 

Around 600 people attended a public event in Milford on 14 August where a number of design options were displayed. The public could also view the designs online and complete a questionnaire indicating their preferences. The council received 355 responses, of which 114 were beach hut license holders and almost 70% lived in Milford. The majority of respondents selected the inhabited roof design (with the beach huts set back into the upper promenade) as their favourite option for the form of the roofs. 

When asked about construction materials, most people favoured concrete with coloured doors. Respondents were asked to consider the design of a new access ramp at the western end of the promenade. The majority chose a curved ramp design around the existing pill box structure. All of these preferences are being recommended to cabinet. Most respondents preferred a layout in which the beach huts were arranged in four terraces starting at the eastern end of the promenade below the Needles Eye café, with larger gaps between the terraces. The beach hut board will not be recommending this option because beach huts located at the eastern end of the promenade would be at much greater risk of wave impact damage. Analysis of the Valentine’s Day storm of 2014, during which many of the old huts were severely damaged, confirmed that the wave forces hitting the beach huts at the eastern end were almost four times those hitting the huts at the western end. Cabinet will be asked to agree to the board’s recommendation to cluster the beach huts into three terraces further to the west. Priorities which emerged from respondents’ comments included a wish to see improved disabled access along the lower promenade, the need for safety measures on the upper promenade and soundproofing of the huts if the inhabited roofs option were developed. The design team will be working to address all these issues. 

If cabinet agree to the proposals on 7 October consultant engineers Ramboll UK Ltd and Snug Architects will develop detailed designs to be submitted as a planning application by the end of the year. There will be a formal consultation process as part of the planning application.

Milford Behaving Badly on TV

It will come as no surprise to hear that Milford on Sea contains many characters, and on Tuesday 6th October at 10pm you can meet some of them in a new BBC4 TV programme entitled 'Close to the Edge'.

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The new series is a scripted reality show, similar to existing hits like; Made in Chelsea and The Only Way is Essex. Close to the Edge is set in Bournemouth and follows the lives and loves of a group of real-life friends (rather than actors) in their 60s, 70s and 80s.

The cast includes "a business entrepreneur, a comedian dating again for the first time in 40 years, and a political activist".  A little bird has told us that the show will also include Milford on Sea residents; Dee Major and Ann Bovingdon. 

The pre-show publicity says that: 'Later-life romance will pay a part in the drama, but the show will also examine issues such as loneliness, and how to rejuvenate a career. Impending death will also be a theme. According to the BBC, the show will look at how its cast feel about approaching "the end that will eventually greet us all". The cast are complex, funny and outspoken – and like most things in life, get better with age.”

Sounds like compulsive viewing to us!

A New Shop for Splashing About

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It is great to see a new shop open opposite The Post Office in Milford on Sea high street.

The New Forest Paddle Sport Company is a kayak and stand up paddles board hire and sales shop owned by Sean Scott and Claire Hanscombe-Vinton.

Not many of you will know, but looking so good in a wet suit (albeit creating very strange shapes), my wife often encourages me onto the water, and she has suggested I hire a kayak to see how long it would take me to get to Cherbourg. I popped into the shop to ask how long the crossing might take, but apparently 'kayaks are not suitable for this type of journey'. 

Something tells me that my wife's suggestions was a subtle hint wrapped in warped humour, but being a bloke I have no idea what the hint might be...

The vibrant new shop will be open for half term week and weekends till March next year, and then we will be open 6 days a week.

The New Forest Paddle Sport Company will offer local and visitors to opportunity to explore the scenic coast line of the New Forest in a Sit On Top Kayak, Fishing Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board. They have a wide range of new and well maintained equipment to suit every paddler aged from 6 and beyond!

They also offer trolleys, inflatable boards and inflatable roof rack systems allowing you to take the kit away for a day or even a weekend, and happily sell you new and used equipment from boards - wetsuits - accessories. Everything you need for your paddling experience!

Half Day hire is 3 hours and Full Day is 6 hours, with Summer Evening Sessions also available for 2 Hours.

We are not sure if they offer discounts for the over 80's, but it is suggestion that we plan to make.

See you on the water! (I'll be the big bloke struggling to breathe in a rubber cocoon!)

Tenuous Footnote: Milford on Sea also has a connection with a famous face from the Kiteboard world; Mark Shinn. Mark was born in the village, is the former 2002 Professional Kiteboard Riders' Association world champion and the 2002 Kiteboard Pro World Tour champion. He was a former pupil of Milford Primary and Arnewood Schools. Today he is a partner in Nobile Kiteboards and has his own kite centre on Tenerife, where he now lives.

The New Forest Paddle Sport Company
46 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 1QD

info@thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk
www.thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

It's All Going Potty

As most of the country remains gripped by one of the following: Great British Bake Off, Strictly Come Dancing, Great British Menu or X-Factor, another show is soon to be on the scene.

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BBC2 will soon unveil the Great British Pottery Throw Down, in which presenter Sara Cox will lead the search for Britain's best potter.

A little bird has told us to keep an eye on the series, as David Rogers, our very own village potter at Vinegar Hill Pottery will be in one episode when one of his basins is used as the expert example.

This new show is made by the team behind The Great British Bake Off, and is described as 'Bake Off’s messier cousin'.

Some may remember that fifty years ago, the BBC used a four-minute film, The Potter’s Wheel, as a soothing test-card.

Others will have their imagination sparked by the  infamous “erotic pottery” scene in the 1990 film, Ghost. Not sure the programme will have scenes like this though!

To see trailer of the show, please click here.

Vinegar Hill Pottery

David Rogers

Mockbeggars, Vinegar Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0RZ

info@vinegarhillpottery.co.uk

www.vinegarhillpottery.co.uk

Classic Pictures of Classic Porsches

Last weekend's Classic Porsche Rally in Milford on Sea have been captured magnificently on film by local village photographer, Adam Lynk.

Adam used every vantage point available to create some exciting shots of this unique gathering on the village green.

To view to Classic Porsche Gallery please click here.

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If you need any photography, you can contact Adam below:

Adam Lynk
Tel: 07894 037689

hello@adamlynk.com

www.adamlynk.com

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About the Classic Porsche Rally

Milford on Sea Village green saw a magnificent collection of classic and rare Porsche cars on Friday. 

The international gathering was hosted by Amanda & John from Harvest House B&B, who had invited friends and enthusiast owners of this classic marque.

Amanda & John are real Porsche enthusiasts and they have bought many rare and historic Porsches from across the globe, restoring each one to their magnificent former glory.

The visiting group exclusively consists of classic Porsche cars and around 29 cars are expected to join the Milford on Sea rally, including many owners of the iconic 1955 Porsche 356. Their itinerary included a visit to show their historic machines at the Goodwood Revival, which runs from the 11th to 13th September 2015.

The cars are also expected to meet again in Milford on Sea before the end of the weekend is out, so you may just get to see this multi-million collection of iconic and historic sports cars.

Foraging with The Wildcook

A great new book 'The Wildcook - Ceps, Shrubs and Rock’n’Roll' has been launched by forager extraordinaire, and Milford on Sea resident, Garry Eveleigh.

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As well as telling Garry's foraging story, it includes a dish of each of the 50 or so ingredients from the incomparable James Golding, Chef Director of THE PIG Hotels group. James lives locally, and is also the chef ambassador for Dorset Food & Drink and The New Forest Marque.

Garry's book featured earlier in the week on Rebecca Parker's ‘The Goodlife’ programme on BBC Solent.

If you would like to see more, you can flick through the book preview by clicking here, which we hope not only makes you hungry but encourages you to own this fantastic book. 

For more details, please go to www.wildcook.co.uk.

Changes at Milford on Sea Club

Milford on Sea Club has undergone a number of changes over the past few weeks, and after a brief closure for refurbishment of the bar, the club re-opened with a full house last Saturday, as an enthusiastic crowd came along to see Anthony Adams who entertained all ages with his excellent Frank Sinatra Tribute Act.

The Milford on Sea Club is now under new management, and the committee and members send a warm welcome to new Bar Manager, Mandy Pedder. 

Mandy and her team are looking to offer great customer service and the vibe is all about fun family nights and entertainment.  She has over 14 years experience hosting at both Milford and Pennington Club and has huge support from the members and committee alike.

This Saturday night the club welcome DJ Smith, an Ibiza regular..... from 8.30pm.

Plus, all of the regulars events are still in play, like; Bingo Nights, Pool and Snooker Nights, Darts, Poker on Tuesdays, and the Meat Draw on Fridays!

The club is also a comfortable way to watch the Rugby World Cup, major football matches and important sporting events on Sky TV and BT Sports.

There are plenty of Entertainment Nights being planned, so look out for some great acts to come each month. Entry is free to members, and guests are welcome for the price of a ticket.

Milford on Sea Club have always been keen to support charity, in particular the Royal British Legion. 

The club are currently looking forward to their annual Poppy Appeal Charity Night. Last year the night included some fabulous entertainment from the retro act, The Diamonds and a great Dad's Army Tribute from the members. The evening boosted the RBL Poppy Appeal by the good people of Milford on Sea to a level which hit the local press!

Milford on Sea Club also hosted The Royal British Legion VE Day Event earlier this year.

With so many social clubs and good pubs across the country under threat of closure, Milford on Sea Club continues to thrive due the commitment and enthusiasm of it's members, staff and committee. 

If you haven't been inside the club before, why not pop in and say hello, we are sure you will get a warm welcome.

MoS Club

67 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG
www.mosclub.org

Porsche on the Village Green

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Milford on Sea Village green saw a magnificent collection of classic and rare Porsche cars on Friday. 

The international gathering was hosted by Amanda & John from Harvest House B&B, who had invited friends and enthusiast owners of this classic marque.

Amanda & John are real Porsche enthusiasts and they have bought many rare and historic Porsches from across the globe, restoring each one to their magnificent former glory.

The visiting group exclusively consists of classic Porsche cars and around 29 cars are expected to join the Milford on Sea rally, including many owners of the iconic 1955 Porsche 356. Their itinerary includes a visit to show their historic machines at the Goodwood Revival, which runs from the 11th to 13th September 2015.

The cars are also expected to meet again in Milford on Sea before the end of the weekend is out, so you may just get to see this multi-million collection of iconic and historic sports cars.

click image to enlarge

Performing Arts at Hurst Castle

Jennifer Essex at Hurst Castle
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As part of the Fleetwood Initiative, Hurst Castle have welcomed their the resident artists, Jennifer Essex & Harry Man until 13th September 2015.

Jennifer is a dancer & dancemaker, and her partner, Harry Man is a poet.

Before arriving they have been researching the castle's history and making work that responds to the architecture and stories that surround us.

Jennifer Essex in
The Needles Lighthouse
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You can see more of the work they have been doing by clicking here, - or of course pop to the castle to see them.

Jennifer Essex

www.jenniferessex.com

Fleetwood Initiative

www.fleetwoodinitiative.org

Hurst Castle

www.hurstcastle.co.uk

Changing Times at The White Horse

Rumours abound about the future of The White Horse in Milford on Sea.

We understand the pub closed it's doors on the 7th September 2015, but it is unclear if this will be temporary or permanent.

There is local speculation about changes in ownership, lease renewals and redevelopment of the site. 

It would be of little surprise if the copious land behind the pub was to be developed into prime location housing. (A hotel has even been speculated.) Whether any development will encompass the pub remains to be seen.

We are led to believe that former landlords Benjamin and Vicky have moved on to other business ventures.

The White Horse Inn, (and The Red Lion and The Gun) are pubs that are Grade II listed buildings in the village, and we are aware that South Hants CAMRA, the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, being a permitted body, are currently submitting an ACV application to have The White Horse listed as an Asset of Community Value, which gives it some protection from development and a breathing space for someone to make a go of running it as a going concern.

As with our usual standard of journalism, we have no idea what the facts are!

We do however wish Benjamin and Vikki, the friendly team behind the bar, and the team in the kitchen, all the best for whatever the future holds.

When we discover more we will let you know.

The White Horse
16 Keyhaven Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QY
www.whitehorsemilfordonsea.co.uk - which no longer works.

Vote on New Beach Hut Designs

Last week we published an article about the new beach hut designs being considered for Milford on Sea seafront. Click here to read article.

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Our Facebook page has received a number of comments, all supporting the design that extends the promenade onto the beach hut roofs, which is also our favourite.

There are obviously a lot of beach hut owners who are likely to vote, and I wonder if they would take the opinion to share the magnificent views they enjoy, or consider the roofs 'their territory'?

We suspect that everyone has a clear view of the design they want to see on the village seafront that we are all emotionally attached too, but sadly most people are unlikely to vote. Without participating, people run a big risk of ending up with a design they do not want!

So please, join us by voting for your preference. We voted last week. (B!) The form started off painfully, but we were relieved that it became easier and our vote was soon cast!

Make sure that you get your favourite design - Vote on New Beach Hut Designs now: click here

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More information on beach hut designs: please click here.