Beach Huts Move Forward & Backwards

The NFDC Planning committee met on the morning 13th January 2016 and approved the planning application for the replacement Milford on Sea Beach Huts.

click image to enlarge

Following representations by beach hut owners, it was agreed that the coloured doors would be of a greater width that the original plans. Also, the balustrade top rail will lean a further 100mm landward with the base of the balustrade being as planned. This is being done to slightly improve privacy for the beach huts.

The engineers and architects now have to complete their work so that tenders to build may be sought. 

click image to enlarge

Nice to see things moving forwards – or backwards in the case of the balustrade!

Santa's House wins Emily a Bike

One lucky Milford on Sea six year-old, Emily Smith won a fabulous new bike for Collins & Butler just before Christmas.

Emily had entered in a contest to create a colour drawing of Santa’s House, which was run by Milford on Sea estate agents, Collins and Butler in partnership with Milford School. The whole idea captured the imagination and saw more than 300 youngsters submit pictures of Santa’s House in all colours and designs.

To find the winner, the entries were judged by a panel from Milford Arts Group.

L to R: Robin Butler, Adrian Smith, Beverley Smith and

Emily Smith with competition judges Tony Clegg and Julia Ayres

*Picture from Advertiser & Times

click image to enlarge

Robin Butler, from Collins and Butler, said: “We were completely overwhelmed with the number of entries we got and the wonderful effort that all children put into their designs. “Emily was absolutely delighted with her new bicycle — which was fantastic to see — and due to the success of the contest we have now decided to make it an annual event.”

Emily’s Santa house is now on display in the window of the High Street estate agents.

Collins & Butler

57 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG

01590 643033

www.collinsandbutler.co.uk

Enigma Machine Hero Lived in Milford on Sea

Enigma machine

Lieutenant Commander David Balme, who seized the Nazis’ top-secret Enigma machine while raiding a sinking U-Boat has died aged 95, having lived at St George's nursing home in Milford on Sea in his final years.

Lt-Cmdr Balme was born London on 1st October 1920 and joined the navy in 1934.

David served aboard the Portsmouth-based destroyer HMS Bulldog, and he led a team that stormed the German ship U-110 and seized the Nazi code machine.

Sir Winston Churchill acknowledged that those involved in the code-cracking operation had helped shorten the war by two years.

DAILY ECHO PICTURE
Lt-Cmdr David Balmeclick image to enlarge

New Forest East MP Julian Lewis presented a certificate from David Cameron to Lt-Cmdr David Balme at St George's nursing home before his passing.

To read the full story in the Daily Echo - click here.

Tastes of France at Blue Horizon

Stephen & Ryan in their new venture at the Blue Horizon Restaurant (above The Marine) have launched a new regular French themed dining night.

These night will take place on every fourth Thursday of 2016. 

The Tastes of France evenings will consist of a 6 course tasting menu with wine accompanying each course, a glass of bubbly on arrival, and coffee & petit fours to finish the meal.  The cost will be £75pp with each menu being published on their website a few weeks before. www.bluehorizonrestaurant.co.uk

Sounds tres bon to moi!

Tastes of France at Blue Horizon
Fourth Thursday Dinner of every month:

February 25th 2016 – Dinner - Brittany
March 24th 2016 – Dinner - Alsace
April 21th 2016 – Dinner - Normandy
May 19th 2016 – Dinner - Champagne
June 23th 2016 – Dinner – Loire Valley
July 21th 2016 – Dinner - Burgundy
August 25th 2016 – Dinner - Provence
September 22th 2016 – Dinner – Rhone Valley
October 20th 2016 –Dinner - Bordeaux
November 24th 2016 – Dinner – Cognac
December 22th 2016 – Dinner (Xmas special) – Central

To book please call: 01590 642003

*Blue Horizon is shutting for 10 days from the Monday 11th January for minor refurbishment. The new opening hours below start from Wednesday January 20th (When they will be doing breakfast and afternoon tea.) 

Blue Horizon Restaurant 

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

Opening Times | Wednesday to Sunday

Breakfast: 9am to 10.30am
Lunch: 12noon to 2.30pm
Afternoon Tea: 3pm to 5pm (Not Sunday)
Dinner: 6pm to 9pm (Not Sunday)

www.bluehorizonrestaurant.co.uk

Baking with Howard at Food Week

click image to enlarge

Any one who is an avid watcher of The Great British Bake Off, will instantly recognise the exuberant and entertaining Howard Middleton.

Howard is looking forward to coming to Milford on Sea Food Week where he will talking about his baking journey so far, including his time on the Great British Bake Off, whilst he demonstrates how to bake some of his delicious recipes from his new book 'Delicious Gluten-Free Baking'.

It may be a baking event, but with Howard's exuberant personality don't expect anything too serious!

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

BAKING with HOWARD MIDDLETON

Tickets: £12.50 | Click here to buy - *Tickets also available from Community Centre Box Office.
Friends of Food Week receive 10% Discount on all tickets purchased for this event - click here to find out more.

MILFORD ON SEA FOOD WEEK

Bank Holiday Monday 28th March to Sunday 3rd April 2016

If you love food, you will love Food Week!

www.milfordfoodweek.org

Want to know more about Food Week? - please click here.

An Enlightening Debate

Have you ever been to The Red Lion for a couple, meandered over to Zaika for a curry and beers, - and then had a nightcap or two at The Smugglers?

Well I know two blokes who did just this other night, and on leaving the pub they were filled with wonderment (and excessive alcohol) as they stood staring at the lamp posts. 

click image to enlarge

Not that they hadn't seen the 'gas light' lamp post before, but in the rain there is nothing better than to stand and have a debate as to when they date back to, when the gas was removed and are they made out of plasticine? 

As they (we) stood and stared aimlessly, another futile debate commenced trying to work out who might have stolen the hanging baskets, or if removed for winter, where are they stored?

Obviously these are big questions, and they seem strangely weird now, but perfectly logical at the time!

Naturally, this unexpected and pointless diversion meant we were later home than promised, and I was surprised to find the my wife was not really interested in an in-depth discussion about our village street architecture. 

In fact, it was a bit of luck that we had eaten a curry, as my dinner would certainly have been in the dog that night! 

click image to enlarge

Sponsors & Friends flock to Food Week

Since running the article about Southern Coop, previously our largest sponsor, having to reduce their support of Milford on Sea Food Week (read here), local businesses and individuals have really stepped up to the plate to help out, and everything is looking good. 

Milford on Sea Food Week is a community event run entirely by a small dedicated group of volunteers who provide their time and expertise for free. The Food Week organisers are more than satisfied that their only reward is in seeing people enjoying themselves.

As a 'not for profit' community event, the income generated is used to cover promotional costs, and this can be substantial when you consider printing 25,000 free programmes, banners, signs, flags, celebrity fees, insurance, first aid, road closure fees, the list goes on...!

Replacing £3000 of sponsorship is a mammoth task, - but like eating an elephant, it can be done, - if you do it in bite size chunks!

Eating an elephant does not daunt us, because we are fortunate to have a generous group of sponsors, friends & supporters - and many more businesses and individuals have joined us over the last few weeks.

To see our Business Sponsors please click here - to see our Friends of Food Week please click here.

A special mention goes to our Main Sponsors for 2106: Brand New Forest, Hall & Woodhouse (The Beach House), Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, Hollands of Milford, Shorefield Country Park, Co-op Supermarket, Everton Hyundai Garage, The Montagu Arms & Careys Manor and The Cedar Tree at South Lawn Hotel.

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

You can help if you would like by: 

• Becoming a Friend of Food Week from £25 (click here)
• or a Business Sponsor: Silver £75 or Gold £150 (click here)

*Friends of Food Week receive 10% Discount on all tickets purchased for Celebrity Events - click here to find out more.

To be in the 25,000+ Food Week Programmes, please let us know by Friday 8th January, after that your support can only show on the Food Week website.

Thanks to everyone who has already given their generous support, Food Week could not happen without you.

MILFORD ON SEA FOOD WEEK

Bank Holiday Monday 28th March to Sunday 3rd April 2016

If you love food, you will love Food Week!

www.milfordfoodweek.org

Want to know more about Food Week? - please click here.

Inger Lise's Gingerbread House Winners

Christine at Inger Lise's Coffee Bar again ran her annual Gingerbread House Colouring Competition over the Christmas period.

Lots of local kids enjoyed the free fun and crayoned to their hearts content.

The winners were sisters Isabelle and Caitlin Johnson, we hope they enjoyed eating their prize!

This year will be different

I will do it, really do it, ...yes really - well maybe. (Hmm, probably not.)

MasterChef Champion, Ping coming to Food Week

click image to enlarge

Food Week are delighted to announce the first of several Celebrity Shows with Ping Coombes, MasterChef Champion 2014, joining us on: Saturday 2nd April 2016.

Ping will be demonstrating some of her wonderful fusion recipes and chatting about her food journey so far.

Ping was born in Ipoh, a small town in Malaysia and her love of food stems from her mum, who is an incredible cook. Anyone who watched Ping on the iconic BBC TV cooking show will know she has a delightful personality and a fabulous ability to create art on a plate.

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

COOKING with PING - MasterChef Champion

Tickets: £15 | Click here to buy - *Tickets also available from Community Centre Box Office.

Friends of Food Week receive 10% Discount on all tickets purchased for this event - click here to find out more.

MILFORD ON SEA FOOD WEEK

Bank Holiday Monday 28th March to Sunday 3rd April 2016

If you love food, you will love Food Week!

www.milfordfoodweek.org

Want to know more about Food Week? - please click here.

Santa's Over Done It!

Hope you got all of your presents. Looks like Santa over did it in a Milford on Sea pub last night!

Food Week finds Fabulous Friends

After last week's article about losing our main sponsor for the Food Week Cookery Theatre, - the village has responded brilliantly! (Read original article here.)

Replacing a sponsorship of £3000 is a tall ask, but amounts from £25 to £150 have been coming in from people becoming Friends of Food Week & Business Sponsors.

Whilst a long way till to go, we can certainly see that people are pulling for us, and willingly donating some money for us to make Food Week 2016 the best yet.

Food Week will definitely take place in all of its glory one way or another, we will not let it fail, and in the immortal words of Del Boy; "He who dares wins, he who hesitates... doesn't!"

You can help if you would like by: 

• Becoming a Friend of Food Week from £25 (click here)
• or a Business Sponsor: Silver £75 or Gold £150 (click here)

*Friends of Food Week receive 10% Discount on all tickets purchased for Celebrity Events - click here to find out more.

To be in the 25,000+ Food Week Programmes, please let us know by 31st December, after that your support can only show on the Food Week website.

Thanks to everyone who has already given their generous support, Food Week could not happen without you and we are very appreciative. - If you supported us last time, and are happy to do so again, please let me know as soon as possible. (david@milfordonsea.org)

As you may notice from our sponsors, we do not approach any large organisations unless they have a direct connection with Milford on Sea. Our event is by the village community, for the village community.

MILFORD ON SEA FOOD WEEK

Bank Holiday Monday 28th March to Sunday 3rd April 2016

If you love food, you will love Food Week!

www.milfordfoodweek.org

Want to know more about Food Week? - please click here.

The Marine Café Shuts its Doors

Things are changing at The Marine on Milford on Sea seafront.

A few months ago the Blue Horizon Restaurant opened on the first floor, run by Stephen Caunter. This new venture is doing well, and will continue to go from strength to strength.

The downstairs café-bar is however a different story.

click image to enlarge

Richard Thompson rebuilt this impressive art-deco style building five years ago, taking inspiration from the original building from the 1930's.

Although, a period design, the inside is modern, with expensive fittings and facilities which were destined to give customers a great experience. There is even a underground wine cellar with a glass roof in the café/bar floor. Add to this the inspiring and spectacular sea views over The Needles and Christchurch Bay - on paper everything was set for an successful business.

However, the spectacular location proved a major problem. On a bright summers day there are few places you would rather be, and if you ever took a drink on the roof terrace in the sun it would still stir delightful memories.

Although relatively close to the village centre, a cold, wet or windy day or night was enough to ensure that the café was empty more often than not. The bar element never took off, as people did not realise they could call in as a bar, rather than just a café.

Then of course there was the freak Valentine Night Storm in 2014, which flooded and destroyed so much of the building. 

After many difficult months, Richard painstakingly put the building back together and reopened - now facing even greater premiums for his insurance.

Richard has tried many things to make the café-bar work all year round, but the harsh reality is that the weather dependant and seasonal nature of the location means that the business simply does not work. Indeed, there are numerous times when the takings have not even covered the staff wages.

So, unable to continue running at a loss, Richard made a decision with a heavy heart, to cease trading and shut the doors of  The Marine Café-Bar for the final time last Saturday. (19th December 2015.)

To try and make this wonderful building into a true asset to the village, Richard has now submitted a Planning Application to NFDC, to seek permission to change the ground floor cafe-bar into additional B&B Accommodation. There are already B&B rooms upstairs that are well used and enjoyed by regular visitors, and these will remain alongside the Blue Horizon Restaurant.

It is sad to see The Marine Café-Bar go, but no-one can run a business for ever at a loss.

Blue Horizon Restaurant

From 1st January 2016: Open for Breakfast, Morning Coffee, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner.

www.bluehorizonrestaurant.co.uk

Manners Maketh Man

I am of course a bit old to be going to school, and having spent most of my school days in detention, bunking off or getting the cane, it was with some trepidation that I accepted an invitation to go to meet with Matthew Hill, the headmaster at our village primary school. 

The last time I was summoned by a headmaster my palms throbbed for a week.

Anyway, I arrived. I was a little late, as my wife had forced me to change from the grey short trousers and school jumper I had spent over 30 minutes squeezing in to.

I was taken through to the reception area to await my meeting to discuss Food Week with Mr Hill and Rachel Lewis of the PFA. (Note: What the kids are going to do for Food Week is awesome, and will be excitedly revealed in due course.)

click image to enlarge

In the reception area I was immediately drawn to a poster on the wall which raised my spirits and gave me a satisfied glow.

Our village children are being taught manners!
(Please click image to see the poster)

Doesn't it make you feel good that our teachers see manners as a priority in the building blocks to becoming a good adult.

In a world that moves so fast, and changes all the time, it is heart-warming to know that that some real human values are not being lost, and indeed, they are being embraced at our village school.

After our meeting, Matthew (I couldn't help but call him 'Sir'), took me on a school tour. I say school, but it is in fact a Tardis.

From the outside the school looks like a quaint Victorian village schoolhouse, but once inside the vista opens up into a modern teaching environment with impressive facilities and lots of bright and airy classrooms.

As we passed the main hall the entire school were practising their songs for a Christmas performance to the parents. Seeing and hearing happy children singing is one of life's simple and pure delights.

The school is currently nurturing 380 pupils, which shows that we have lots of young families in the village. (Who said you have to be retired to live in Milford on Sea!)

As we crossed the Pre-School playground a sign on the wall drew my attention. Yet again there was list of values to provide any child with a great way to live their life. (Please click image to see the sign)

In the primary school grounds there was more to discover, like the vegetable beds where the children were growing, amongst other more ordinary things, sea kale and asparagus. Both of which they intend to sell to village restaurants/shops, not only raise funds, but also to give the kids experience of small business.

There is also a full size swimming pool, and fenced off 'secret place' with a pond, den making, and camp fire where the children cook, play & learn in the summer.

The recently installed and impressive 'Eco Pod' is equipped with microscopes where the kids can examine insects that they gather from the pond.

To complete the tour we went to see the chickens, which the children look after, and collect eggs from on a daily basis.

It is clear that our school is quietly creating a generation of people to be proud of in our plain sight.

Total respect goes to Matthew and all of his team of teachers, administrators and other helpers - It is impressive that things like manners are valued so highly as it will give all of the children a great start in life.

Milford on Sea Primary School
www.mosps.co.uk

Food Week Loses Largest Sponsor

Since the first Food Week in 2010 we have been delighted and grateful that Southern Co-op have been a fabulously generous sponsor, by paying around £3000 for the Cookery Theatre hire every year.

Sadly for us both, these difficult economic times have meant that they are no longer able to provide support to such a high level.

Lucky for us, they are still giving us excellent support by sponsoring the CakeFest! for £500, and the village store manager, Alina is fully supporting Food Week by arranging a number of events with her team.

We would like to thank Southern Co-op for the generous support that they continue to give us.

As Karl Marx said; "The only constant is change."

What Now

As you will have worked out, we now have a big hole in the finances for Food Week 2016, so effectively we need to place an advert in the Lonely Hearts section of the Advertiser & Times reading; 'Big Bloke seeks new main sponsor!'

Food Week 2016 has over 100 events arranged, and it is normally only large commercial operations that would take on such an extensive week long event. We however are down to earth village folk and our Food Week is totally created by volunteers who gain no more than the pleasure they see when everyone enjoys what is created.

Behind the scenes the Food Week volunteers are able to create and manage for free the website, blogs, social media, PR, artwork, design, accounting, raffle ticket sales and loads of administration and running around!

However, to make Food Week what it is, there are essential expenses which appear from every corner for the things that you do see; free programmes, banners, posters, flags, etc. - then there are the things that you do not see, like the painful and costly administration for road closures, liability insurance, raffle licensing, etc. Added to this, each celebrity show only washes its face if we sell all of the tickets, so we nervously face a loss if they are not successful.

Anyway, as you can see we need to raise a few quid pretty sharpish.

Food Week will definitely take place in all of its glory one way or another, we will not let it fail, and in the immortal words of Del Boy; "He who dares wins, he who hesitates... doesn't!"

You can help if you would like by: 
Becoming a Friend of Food Week for £25 (click here)
or a Business Sponsor: Gold £150 - Silver £75 (click here)

Thanks to everyone who has already given their support, Food Week could not happen without you and we are very appreciative. - If you supported us last time, and are happy to do so again, please let me know as soon as possible. (david@milfordonsea.org)

As you may notice from our sponsors, we do not approach any large organisations unless they have a direct connection with Milford on Sea. Our event is by the village, for the village.

Cookery Theatre Sponsor 

I know this is a long shot, but there might just be someone out there who could help, or who knows someone who might help. 

Become Our Cookery Theatre Sponsor. What you get:

• Your Logo/Name and Sponsorship Support displayed on Cookery Theatre all week.

• Your Logo/Name and Sponsorship Support displayed on Food Week Banners.

• Main Sponsor Entry and a Gold Sponsor Entry printed in the Food Week Programme (20,000+ Free copies circulated) 

• Quarter Page (Landscape) Advert in Food Week Programme. (Sponsor to provide artwork.)

• Main Sponsor Entry in the Top Right Hand Corner of the Home Page with Web Link on www.milfordfoodweek.org

• Free additional Gold Sponsor Entry with Web Link on website. (click here)

Cost: £2500
For more information please contact David on david@milfordonsea,org 

As my mum always says; "If you don't hold your pudding up, you won't get any treacle." - so, fingers crossed, it is Christmas after all - and surprising things happen!


MILFORD ON SEA FOOD WEEK

Bank Holiday Monday 28th March to Sunday 3rd April 2016

If you love food, you will love Food Week!

www.milfordfoodweek.org

Want to know more about Food Week? - please click here.

Seals Spotted at Hurst Castle

click image to enlarge

The beauty of Milford on Sea and its surrounding areas never ceases to enchant, and to add to this, seals have recently been spotted at Hurst Castle.

Having spoken to both Sean & Jason (Hurst Castle Guardians) in the past, this is not a particularity rare occurrence, and when they list the wildlife they see throughout the year it is quite amazing.

click image to enlarge

PS: If you are in the village, check out Shaun Steven's new Porcelain Hurst Castle Mugs and Coasters which are now available in the Hurst Castle Shop.

Hurst Castle
www.hurstcastle.co.uk

Shaun Stevens Art
www.shaunstevensart.com

Eco School Green Flag for Pre-School

Milford on Sea Pre-School are very proud to have been awarded the top award from Eco Schools, and they are one of few pre-schools to achieve this.

The award was achieved by maintaining their Action Plan in areas such as recycling, gardening and energy. Since joining the project they have learnt lots of new eco-language and changed their daily routines to incorporate the action plan. The pre-school has also had visitors to see demonstrations of the pond dipping, recycling and composting.

click image to enlarge

Milford on Sea Pre-School have also held an open garden and toy swap. They are now recycling batteries, paper, printer ink, yoghurt pouches, after having recycled 400 milk bottles to construct an igloo.

All the parents and children are involved, and they are delighted to have learnt so much, as they enthusiastically carry on and now look to share their practices with other pre-schools.

Well done all!

Fancy doing a Food Week Demo?

Love baking bread?, make good pie?, or anything else...

Then please come and do a local cook demo in the Cookery Theatre at Food Week.

We would like as many local people taking part as possible. Food Week is for every corner of the community, young or old - there is something for everyone.

A great week is being put together to feed, educate and entertain - come and join us!

Drop me a line before next Monday (believe it or not, the Food Week Programme has to go to print very soon) to find out more: david@milfordonsea.org


MILFORD ON SEA FOOD WEEK

Bank Holiday Monday 28th March to Sunday 3rd April 2016

If you love food, you will love Food Week!

www.milfordfoodweek.org

Want to know more about Food Week? - please click here.

Food Week Show Tickets as Xmas Pressies

How about buying Food Week show tickets as Christmas presents? - click here

The first Food Week shows are now on sale online: the delightful talent of Ping Coombes MasterChef Champion 2014 and the irrepressible Howard Middleton from Great British Bake Off - more shows still to follow in coming weeks!
www.ticketsource.co.uk/milfordonseafoodweek

(Note: Tickets available online right now, or from the community Centre Box Office.)

MILFORD ON SEA FOOD WEEK

Bank Holiday Monday 28th March to Sunday 3rd April 2016

If you love food, you will love Food Week!

www.milfordfoodweek.org

Want to know more about Food Week? - please click here.

School Seeks a New Clerk

Milford on Sea Primary School are looking for a Clerk to the Governing Body.

This would make a great part time job for someone with admin/minute taking experience looking for flexible working hours in a stimulating environment with the ability to work partially from home. Full training and support available.

Please see below for Job Description.

Application Procedure - Closing date: Wednesday 16th December 2015

For an application pack please phone Julie Turner, Admin Manager, on 01590-642945.

For a visit or any questions please contact Sue Towndrow, Chair of Governors, on 01590-645442.

Milford-on-Sea Primary School 

www.mosps.co.uk

Milford-on-Sea Primary School | Clerk to Governing Body - Job Description
 Closing date: Wednesday 16th December 2015
 Contract/Hours: Permanent, Part-time
 Salary Type: EHCC/Support Staff
 Salary Details: Scale D
 Hours of Work: Approximately 30 hours/term with the ability to work from home for the majority of the time
 Location of role: Milford-on-Sea Primary School
 Contact e-mail address: adminoffice@mosps.hants.sch.uk
Job/Person Spec
We are looking to appoint an organized, flexible and reliable Clerk to the Governing Body to provide high quality clerical and administration support. You will be required to attend approximately 30 meetings a year as well as advise the Governing Body on matters of procedure and to prepare and maintain records. The clerk’s role is to ensure that the business of each Governing Body meeting is conducted efficiently, operates within its powers and follows agreed and proper procedures. Full training and support will be provided.
The duties include:
 Providing advice on governance, constitutional, legal and procedural matters
 Providing effective administrative support
 Ensuring the Governing Body is properly constituted
 Managing information effectively in accordance with legal requirements
 Maintaining and storing policies and records
 Agenda setting in liaison with Committee/Governing Body Chairs and the Head
 Minute taking
 Co-ordinating meetings
 Producing policy documents and minutes
 Dealing with Governors’ correspondence and enquiries
The successful candidate will:
 Be able to demonstrate a high standard of efficient, accurate and confidential record keeping
 Be able to understand and follow procedures and policies
 Have good IT skills
 Have good communication skills
 Have experience in a clerical or administrative post
 Be able to demonstrate an ability to work under own initiative
 Keep up to date with current legislation
Previous experience of Governing Body Clerking or working in a school is desirable.