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.

The Bay Trees awarded Five Stars

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Mark and Sarah Clayson moved into the iconic Bay Trees Bed & Breakfast in the centre of Milford on Sea August 2011.

Sarah was born in Lymington and both are very familiar with the New Forest and surrounding area.

The Bay Trees was the former village Poor House and over the years has seen many owners and a number of trades including a drapers, lodgings, guest house, bank, restaurant and latterly a successful B&B

Since 2011 Mark & Sarah have worked hard to maintain their Visit England 4 Stars and Breakfast Award. As well as this they are listed in the prestigious Alistair Sawday guide: 'Special Places to Stay'.

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Now it is 2015 and many improvements to the building and garden have been made, a programme of new bathrooms, new beds and redecoration throughout. The Conservatory & Terrace has been refurbished with a new roof and new furniture. 

Mark & Sarah are keen to ensure that the breakfast served at the Bay Trees is locally sourced and of the highest quality. Wherever possible they buy from local producers and suppliers.

Last week Visit England made an unannounced inspection which included afternoon tea, an overnight stay and breakfast.

Mark & Sarah were delighted to receive the coveted Visit England 5 Stars and Breakfast Award. They believe they are the only Bed & Breakfast in the New Forest District to be awarded 5 stars from Visit England!

Sarah said "This is exciting for us, great for the Village and for all our visitors. We strive to use locally produced food to deliver great breakfasts and teas for our guests and we thank our local suppliers for helping us to achieve this award."

To find out more about The Bay Trees and see pictures of the rooms, please click here.

The Bay Trees

8 High Street

Milford on Sea

SO41 0QD

www.baytreebedandbreakfast.co.uk

Unlucky Fastnet Yacht called Lucky

The 63 foot American racing yacht, Lucky, was not so lucky on Sunday and needed the help of Yarmouth RNLI after becoming hard aground.

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A local village sailor (that's a sailor from the village, not a person that sails around the village!), and friend of this blog, noticed the lifeboat manoeuvring around on Sunday and eventually managed to work out what was happening.

Claire Hallett reported on the 'On the Wight' website; "On one of the busiest days in the Solent, the start of the Fastnet Race, the RNLI’s Yarmouth lifeboat was tasked with assisting one the competing yachts.

The launch request came from the Solent Coastguard at 4.40pm on Sunday 14th August following a distress call from the ironically named 63 foot American racing yacht Lucky, which had run aground on the notorious Shingles Bank in the western Solent.

When the volunteer crew of the Yarmouth lifeboat arrived on scene the stricken yacht, with a draft of 4.6 metres, was hard aground and heeled right over. The Y boat was immediately deployed from the lifeboat to check that the 18 strong crew were all uninjured and that the vessel was not taking on water.

Six of the crew were taken off by the yacht’s support RIB and it was then a long wait for the flood tide.

When the tide arrived a tow was established and Lucky was pulled clear by the lifeboat at approximately 9.30pm and made her own way back to the Hamble. The Yarmouth lifeboat returned to station at 9.55pm.

To view full article, please click here.

Legion Commemorate VJ Day

The Milford on Sea Club played host to the Royal British Legion commemorative dinner on Friday 14th August.

The meeting started in serious tones as Alec Luxon explained his life as a prisoner of the Japanese when he was interned as a child in China during World War 2. Alec stated that as civilians they were not mistreated by the Japanese but did suffer some hardships and that as children they did not have the same concerns as their parents. 

Alex's VJ day, (that is the day when the Americans freed them), was on 17th June 1945 and on that day the well armed Americans were surprised to be mobbed by a gang of kids who simply broke through the camp gates.

The 'Boogie-Woogie' Girls in action

After this introduction, the 46 members of the Legion, friends and supporters enjoyed a threee course dinner prepared by the Milford Club Steward, Paul, his wife and their team at the club.

After the meal the tone moved from commemoration to celebration with members and friends providing a comic sketch, a George Formby tribute style ukulele show, a humorous poem and as a finale three ladies dressed as The Andrews Sisters dancing and miming to "The boogie-woogie Girls of company B". The evening then concluded with a sing-along, Glenn Miller and other dance music.

A memorable evening that raised some £350 for the Poppy appeal.

Beach Hut Design Ideas

Milford on Sea Community Centre was a hive of activity yesterday as hoards people came to see the New Forest District Council present the new design ideas for the 119 beach huts on Milford on Sea promenade.

Since the devastating storm in February 2014, debates have raged as to what should happen with the future of the beach huts. Decisions to replace were made, and now things are under-way to decide what they will look like.

The presentation was made by Paul Bulkeley of Snug Architects, and he was supported by Helen Baker of Ramboll, Parish Councillor Sophie Beaton, & Steve Cook and Colin Read from NFDC.

Replacing the beach huts came with obvious limitations in terms of the height and footprint, so in the editorial office here (our lounge!) expectation were relatively low.

Well, I must make a note to myself to not be so dismissive of what creative designers can achieve.

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Serious journalism is of course unbiased, but as these pages are written by a amateur hack, there is no hesitation to show bias. 

So on that theme, we have only included a picture of Option A & B. There is an Option C, but as this simply turns the huts 180 degrees for the roof to slope the other way, and is really not very exciting, so we have excluded it!

In April 2015 these pages published an article which suggested that the promenade could be extended onto the beach hut roofs - click here to read. We expected this to fall on deaf ears, but either someone read it and agreed, or quite simply great minds... and all that. Either way, it is a pleasure to see this design concept included as an option.

There are also some creative and colourful ideas for the front facades and cladding. (Ignore 'Option C' unless you want the seafront to look pretty drab in the winter!)

In addition to this, there are also new ideas for the ramp near The White House, and a clever idea to frame the magnificent panoramic views.

To view presentation click here

Whether you are a supporter of the beach huts being replaced or not, it has been decided that they are coming back, so now is the time to have your say on what they should look like. 

Part of the massive charm of Milford on Sea is it being a living seaside village with a thriving community, natural beauty, and retaining some of the feeling of a bye-gone era. However, the old beach huts cannot come back, so we must look to the future.

The NFDC and Snug Architects have certainly given us all some interesting concepts to consider, for which they deserve praise. 

There is now a real opportunity to make the beach huts on the seafront look contemporary and stylish, which can only be good for tourism and all the businesses that benefit from the visitors to Milford on Sea. Plus of course, a final design that all of the local people can enjoy when visiting the seafront.

There is now a video available giving a shortened version of the presentations made by NFDC, and it is also the place where you can express your views -  please click here.

Free Wine at La Perle

La Perle restaurant in Milford on Sea high street have launched a new set lunch menu from 12th August 2015 - which includes a complimentary glass of wine.

The set lunch menu will change with the seasons and available local produce, but at the moment you can havethe menu below at £14.50 for 2 courses for £14.50, or 3 course for £18.50:

Starters: 
Romsey Watercress Soup
Hampshire Pork Terrine, Piccalilli, Toasted Sourdough
Lymington Crab Cakes, Pickled Veg, Avocado & Relish 

Mains:
Roasted Hampshire Hogget, Fried Potatoes, Rainbow Chard, Mint Sauce 
Dorset Mussels, Parsley, Garlic, Cream, French Fries 
Sautéed New Forest Mushrooms on Toasted Brioche, Fried Duck Egg, Rocket, Truffle Oil 

Dessert: 
New Forest Summer Berry Pavlova 
Rosary Goats Cheese, Caramelised Walnut, Fudges Crackers 
Homemade Mint Choc Chip Ice Cream & Cookie 

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Since taking over the restaurant from Lio & Emily in June, Sam Hughes the new Chef/Patron has been creating dishes and reviews that are building on the restaurants already excellent reputation.

As well as the comprehensive and delicious a la carte menu, Sam also offers a number of great value themed nights -

Tuesday Evenings: Fish & Chip Night Sustainable Beer Battered Fish, Triple Cooked Chips, Pea & Mint Purée, Tartare Sauce.

Wednesday Evenings: Lobster Night Half a Lymington Lobster with Salad & Triple Cooked Chips.

Thursday Evenings: Steak Night New Forest Steaks & Sauces with Salad & Triple Cooked Chips or Fries.

There is little doubt that there is something to tempt you, so why no book a table to taste it!

La Perle

60 High Street, Milford on Sea
Tel: 01590 643 557
Email: info@laperle.co.uk
www.laperle.co.uk

Opening Times

Tuesday: Dinner 6pm to 9.30pm 

Wednesday to Saturday: Lunch 12 to 2.30pm | Dinner 6pm to 9.30pm 

Sunday Lunch: 12 to 3pm

New Rosie and Poppy Book

Local Milford on Sea author and accomplished painter, New book by Shaun Stevens has launched another book in her 'Rosie and Poppy' collection.

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Rosie and Poppy - Snowflakes For New Forest Friends' is a charming Christmas story that features Shaun's two Working Cocker Spaniels who are Mother and Daughter.  It is about their adventures at Longslade Bottom, Sway and how they and their friends helped save Christmas across the New Forest.

Also included are two dot to dot pictures for you to make your own drawings of Rosie and Poppy.

The books are £5.99 and will be on sale during Shaun's art exhibition at Keyhaven Scout Hut from Saturday August 8th to 31st, and at the Hurst Castle Office in Milford on Sea. They will also be coming soon to Waterstones, Lymington.

What’s next for Milford Seafront?

Residents and visitors to Milford on Sea will have the chance to view and comment on design ideas for the replacement of 119 beach huts for Milford on Sea at a public event on Friday 14 August 2015

New Forest District Council and the design team appointed to the project will be on hand to explain options for the design and layout of the huts and the lower promenade at Milford Community Centre between midday and 8pm. 

Visitors to the event will see plans showing three options for the layout of the huts on the promenade. Three possible designs illustrating how the huts might look will also be displayed. People will be invited to comment on the layout and design options and the contribution that the new structures might make to the seafront. The designs and layouts will be available for people to drop in and view throughout the afternoon. The design team will also give a presentation on the proposals and take questions at three points during the afternoon.

Paul Bulkeley, Managing Director of Snug Architects, will lead the event. “The opportunity for us to discuss our ideas with users of Milford seafront and hear their views and priorities at this early stage will give us a broader understanding of the issues and help us deliver a design that reflects their needs,” commented Paul. “It’s also an important opportunity for us to discuss the constraints on the project, from the challenging environmental conditions to the limitations of space and budget.”

The council’s portfolio holder for the environment, Councillor Sophie Beeton, said “I know there has been lively discussion locally about the future of the promenade, so I hope people will take this early opportunity to meet the design team, express their views and learn more about the project and the design process.” 

The designers are expected to present detailed design options to a panel of councillors, officers and beach hut owners’ representatives in early autumn. The panel will decide which option will be developed to be taken forward as a planning application.

Drop in between midday and 8pm at Milford on Sea Community Centre, Sea Road, SO41 0PH

Design presentation followed by question and answer sessions at:

1.00pm – 1.45pm

3.00pm – 3.45pm

5.30pm – 6.15pm

If you would like to express your views, you can do it here:
www.newforest.gov.uk/beachhuts

See Live Classics by Satellite

Milford’s Community Centre is thrilled to announce the addition of satellite broadcasting to its busy and successful entertainment programme.

Made possible by funds raised by the hard-working volunteers in the Village’s Charity Shop, this extraordinary technology brings international theatre, opera and ballet live as it happens to screens across the world with amazing definition and quality . The Centre is so pleased to have joined this international community and to be able to offer these special screenings to the people of Milford.

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The season opens on:

Thursday 3rd September with a live broadcast direct from the National Theatre of Georges Farquhar’s much loved comedy The Beaux’ Stratagem. 

Other productions from the National Theatre include an “encore” production of the Donmar Warehouse’s acclaimed interpretation of Shakespeare’s Coriolanus on 24th September. 

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Benedict Cumberbatch performs live in the title role of Hamlet on 15th October, the hit Broadway production of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is broadcast on 19th November and Bristol Old Vic’s bold and dynamic re-imagining of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre on 8th December.

From the Royal Opera House on Tuesday 22nd September comes the Royal Ballet with Kenneth MacMillan’s famous version of Shakespeare’s most romantic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, set to Prokofiev’s magnificent score, often considered a perfect opera, Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro screens on 5th October displaying the composer’s genius at its most lively and delightful.

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On Wednesday 16th December a Christmas treat for the village with the Royal Ballet’s seasonal production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. English National Opera’s iconic hit of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera The Mikado set in an ever-so English 1930’s seaside hotel opens the Christmas festivities on Thursday 3rd December.

To make the Centre comfortable and welcoming, seats will be arranged round small tables with just 60 available for each screening and of course the Bar will be open. Tickets will be £12 each for this first season and are available now from the Box Office (01590 644861) or on line via the Centre’s website moscommunitycentre.org.uk.

James Flintoff who has led this project for the Trustees says “It’s unbelievable that technology has advanced to the point where a small village on the UK’s south coast is able to bring live productions from the greatest opera houses and theatres in the world direct to its Community Centre in such high quality and for everyone. Just stunning!”

Book early to enjoy this special experience.

For more information, please contact: 

James Flintoff: 01590 643393 -  jcflintoff@gmail.com

Sue Whitlock: 01590 643404 -   milfordonsea@gmail.com