5th Most Expensive Seaside Homes in UK

The Daily Echo this week published an article stating that Lymington (including Milford on Sea) has been named the fifth most expensive seaside town in Britain, with the average property selling for £426,112.

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It was reported that three years ago the average house price in the area stood at £340,944 – with the average property now selling for £426,112.

The average cost of homes in seaside communities across the UK is said to have risen by 32-per-cent since 2006.

Sandbanks in Poole has the dearest homes at £664,655, but regional variations mean Port Bannatyne in Scotland has the cheapest at £77,132.

Sadly, this makes things even harder for local youngsters to get on the property ladder.

To read the full Daily Echo article; please click here.

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Top 10 Expensive Seaside Town
(Research by Halifax)

1. Sandbanks, Dorset, £664,655

2. Salcombe, Devon, £539,950

3. Padstow, Cornwall, £443,396

4. Aldeburgh, Suffolk, £439,379

5. Lymington, Hampshire, £426,112

6. Dartmouth, Devon, £401,361

7. Fowey, Cornwall, £379,003

8. St Mawes, Cornwall, £373,746

9. Wadebridge, Cornwall, £373,351

10. Budleigh Salterton, Devon, £360,984

Yellow Line Frustration

Local resident, Rob Askin has felt provoked to write in order to highlight what he considers a ridiculous waste of public money on double yellow lines where they are not necessary, and ignoring the real points of need. 

Rob explains: “I have been trying to get double yellow lines at the eastern end of Whitby Road for some time, due to the parking on both sides of the road of cars associated with St. Georges. I have been advised that there is not a road safety issue that would justify this, despite several near misses of both myself and my neighbours exiting our drives.

I have now learnt that the local council are proposing to impose additional parking restrictions in De La Warr Road, a quiet road with hardly any traffic, due to road safety issues. This follows the painting of double yellow lines half way up Church Hill at the gated entrance to 4 houses, where there is patently no parking space to be protected. Similarly when Victoria Road, a wide, quiet road, was recently re-surfaced parking restriction yellow lines were immediately re-painted despite there again being no real justification or need.”

If you would like to express your point of view, please post a comment by clicking the 'comment/no comment' link at the foot of this article.

Beach Hut Rebuild Start Date

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The Council have contracted Raymond Brown Construction (of Ringwood) to carry out the seafront work and they are due to start early in September 2016 once the schools' summer holidays are over. 

While work is ongoing access to the seafront will be blocked from the path to the west of The White House and the western Hurst Road Car park closed. Pedestrian access to the toilet block will be maintained but both promenades shut from The White House to the slipway by the seafront shelter. 

If the weather permits building work to continue through the autumn and winter the contractors expect to have finished by February 2017.

Jazz Sundays at La Perle

Jazz Sundays are back at La Perle throughout August. 

If you enjoy dining with a bit of mellow background music, then Sam's classic Sunday Roast with fantastic live jazz duo will be for you.

A Three Course Sunday Lunch is available for just £29.95.

Tables are available from 12pm, with the live jazz from 12:30pm to 3pm.

Book now to avoid disappointment!

La Perle
60 High Street, Milford on Sea SO41 0QD
01590 643557
www.laperle.co.uk

Tom's Channel Relay Swim

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Tom Chamberlain from Milford on Sea was part of a small team of swimmers who embarked on a Channel Relay Swim from Dover to France on Saturday 30th July 2016.

Although 21 miles in a straight line, the tide dictates a large ‘S’ shape curve that is ultimately and unavoidably followed and consequently the distance is more like 40 miles in length. Whilst big swells were present, conditions were generally favourable and Team Tiger Fish completed the iconic swim, wearing just swimming trunks and goggles (no wetsuits allowed) in just over 13 hours.

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“I have wanted to swim the English Channel for many years now”, said Tom “and have had a pot of Goose Fat sat in the house as a half joke/half incentive. To be part of a small team of like-minded swimmers made the challenge less of a lonely experience, although still an incredibly physical and mentally challenging one.” Tom’s intensive training involved swimming several times a week, often in sea temperatures of only just over ten degrees and night swimming in the darkness of Milford on Sea.

Swimming the English Channel is considered by many to be the ultimate long distance swimming challenge. It isn’t just the distance that is the challenge, but the variable conditions, cold water, jellyfish and the passing traffic of 600 tankers and 200 ferries daily. Needless to say, when Tom landed in France it was to the cheer of a welcoming French crowd and with just enough time to grab a handful of French sand as a keepsake, he dived back into the water to the support boat waiting to take him back to Dover.

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Tom has raised £2,650 for the spinal cord injury charity Aspire. Every eight hours someone in the UK is paralysed by Spinal Cord injury. Disability is expensive and Aspire gives grants and temporary housing so that people can lead more independent lives. The charity visits newly injured people in hospital to offer support, advice and training, with on-going support once they are back home.

To top the experience off, Tom got to sign his name on the walls of the world famous pub, “The White Horse” in Dover; a privilege that only those who have swum the English Channel have the honour to do.

And so for the next challenge? “Who knows”, says Tom, “I’m sure they’ll be something, but in the meantime I’m enjoying getting back to swimming “just for fun”.

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Milford on Sea Community Library Update

An update from Jill Neill, Volunteer Coordinator – MOS Community Library

Have you ever asked the question “What happened next?”  Like many people, your answer will have been “yes”, because lots of us have an abiding interest in what makes human beings tick, why they do the things they do and what happens to them afterwards. It is the stuff of many novels, plays and films. So, to cut to the chase, as they say in all good movies, this is the latest chapter in the life of Milford on Sea Community Library.

It was in April 2015 that Hampshire County Council relinquished both financial support and the day to day running of what is now Milford on Sea Community Library. I must say that Hampshire’s Community Librarians were an inspiration and a lifeline in the early days, training volunteers, answering endless queries, suggesting strategies and keeping us supplied with many lovely books for our readers. Thank you, Sharon and Ann.

Being a Community Library means that we have to pay rent for our premises and provide volunteer staff to cover all shifts, whilst Hampshire continues to rotate our stock and send a visiting librarian once a week. So our interesting story began with the Milford Village Association giving us a rent free year in which to raise funds and learn how to be a library! 

This was initially daunting, but we experienced such huge support from both village residents and organisations that we were able to start paying hall rental in 2016. So thank you to all those people who sang in concerts, donated money, time or expertise, came to coffee mornings, entertainments,  bag sales, cake sales, book sales, plant stalls, dinosaur and “Revolting Recipes” afternoons – we could not have done this without you.

The “community” part of our title is important, so we have welcomed both Rainbows and school reception classes. In addition we were thrilled when Churches Together in Milford suggested we should open during their regular Thursday coffee morning. This means that we are open every weekday and generally on the first Saturday of each month. On Mondays “Knit and Natter” meet during the Library session and a number of these ladies are also volunteers.

Quite simply, our Library could not function without the volunteers who work regularly on a day which suits them. We have a four monthly rota, a system of team leaders for each day and an organising committee of seven people. The system is designed to cover holidays and emergencies and whilst we have had the odd glitch, it is settling down. If you’d like to help, please give me a ring!

One of the things many volunteers really enjoy is getting to know our readers. Some people keep meticulous records of every book they have ever read and eagerly await a new publication by a favourite author. Others ask our advice, or give us theirs. Sharing reading likes and dislikes forms a major part of our library interaction.  Recently, we have set up a reading group and the four books we have read so far have yielded interesting discussions on slavery, female emancipation, forensic science and brittle bone disease.

On 10th September 2016 we are planning a new venture – a writers’ workshop. This whole day event (10 – 4 p.m.) is for aspiring authors seeing to unlock their creative potential. Leading the day is Sandra Cain, Founder-Director of Wordshaker UK and Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing; she is a regular contributor at writing festivals and international conferences. So do join us for an inspiring day: Cost £30, including tuition, lunch, refreshments and a useful information pack with Sandra’s tips on where to begin, writing techniques, how to get published and so on. Further information and booking forms are available from Milford on Sea Library or you can email mosclibrary@gmail.com and we will send you the details.

What happens next? Who knows? But you can find out more on our Facebook page: facebook.com/mosclibrary or simply drop in to see us!

Jill Neill, Volunteer Coordinator – MOS Community Library.

Library opening times: 
Monday and Tuesday 2.30—5.00pm
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am—12.30pm
First Saturday each month 10am—12.30pm (except January and November)

Milford on Sea Community Library
The Village Hall, Park Road, Milford on Sea SO41 0QU
Email: mosclibrary@gmail.com
Tel: 07950 941818 (Opening hours only)
www.facebook.com/mosclibrary

£10 Paddle Board Taster Sessions

Since opening last year, The New Forest Paddle Sport Company in Milford on Sea High Street has been going from strength to strength.

Due to increasing demand and popularity they have now added more taster sessions during August.

Why not book into a Kayak or Paddle Boarding Taster session? The cost is just £10 per person for 1 hour, with Taster Sessions running almost everyday.

To see the available Taster Session please click here, If there is no time slot online that suits you please contact Sean and he will see what we can offer.

The New Forest Paddle Sport Company 

46 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD - 01590 645270

info@thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

www.thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

Pikemen at Hurst Castle

This year is the 30th Anniversary of The Friends of Hurst Castle, and as part of the celebration the friends have arranged for The Company of Pikemen and Musketeers Display (The Ceremonial Bodyguard to The Lord Mayor of London.) to give a display of their drill and uniforms at Hurst Castle

The display is free at 3pm Saturday 24th September 2106, but normal ferry and castle charges will apply.

This is a unique opportunity to witness part of our countries heritage, and to see a bit more of the good work the The Friends of Hurst Castle do.

Friends of Hurst Castle

www.hurstcastle.co.uk/friends

Fancy Playing Chess?

Do you enjoy playing chess?

Local Milford on Sea resident, Peter Ashwood organises New Milton Chess Club who welcome players of any standard for enjoyable games in a friendly setting.

The Club meets at the Conservative Club, Station Road, New Milton, on Tuesday evenings from 7pm. and Thursday afternoons from 2pm. The would be delighted for anyone who fancies a game to go along.

We are also running teams in Division 2 and Division 4 of the Bournemouth and District Chess League in 2016-17. 

More information is available from: Peter Ashwood: 01590 644876 or Barry Jolly: 01425 291122

Successful Flower and Produce Show

The annual Milford Flower and Produce Show was held the Church Hall of All Saints Church, Milford-on-Sea on Saturday 16th July 2016.

This years show was very well supported and many new people put in entries. There were some very good entries by children, including the Guides Cubs and Brownies, Rainbow. Milford Preschool also entered and were very successful winning the Helen Cookson Cup.

The Challenge cup this year was won by Mike Jones. Mike also won the Jim Asher Cup in the Fruit Section and the Weatherhead Cup in the Vegetable section.

Also in the Vegetable Section, Jan Press won the Joanne Weatherhead Cup.

There were several new entrants this year and the Liz Jones Cup for newcomers was won by Diana Corbett.

In the Fruit Section, the Polson Cup, for the most points was won by David Badham.

In the Flower section Dennis Eason, once again won the Margaret King Cup for his roses and also the Dorothy Nightingale Cup - this was for the most points in the Flower Section.

The President’s Cup for the best entry in the Flower Section “C” was won this year by Jill Spencer. The Fairbairn Rose Plate was won, this year, by Marigold de Jongh. 

There were some lovely entries for the Floral Art Section and the cups awarded were as follows : The Lucey Bowl for “A Touch of the Tropics” to Sue Erler. The Molly Miller Cup for “Gardener’s Delight to Phyllis Kervell. The Danby Cup for “Sea Spray” to Joyce Grainger. The Hatchard Bowl for “Breakfast in Bed” to Lyn Atkins.

There were some wonderful fruit cakes in the Produce Section and some lovely bread and jam making The overall winner was Christine Twyford who won the Patterson Produce Cup.

The John Pither Cup for Handcrafts was won by Joyce Grainger 

The Photography Section was won by Keith Twyford, who was presented with the Photography Frame.

The George Dowland Cup was won by Megan Smith for the most points by an individual child.

The Show was a great success and from reports afterwards … was enjoyed by all.

Milford on Sea Bowls Club Presidents Day

Mel Kendal with Howard Farmer
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Mel Kendal, District Councillor joined Milford on Sea Bowls Club members and associates in a celebratory tea, prepared by the ladies section to mark this years Presidents Day for Howard Farmer.

The weather stayed fine for an afternoon of fun bowls before tea was served.

Time for Walkies!

Do you fancy joining in the Walkies Charity Dog Walk? 

Nicky Carter is organising a Charity Dog Walk in aid of K9 Angels and the Soi Dog Foundation which last year raised over £2000.

The walk starts from the car park outside The Gun Inn and then a circular walk around the sea wall for approximately 3.5 miles.

Walkies Charity Dog Walk

Sunday August 14th at 10.45am

Starting from the car park outside The Gun Inn

Entries £3 per dog, 2 plus dogs £5.

Your dog is also welcome to join in the: Milford Green Dog Show

Sunday 31st July from 10.30 onwards.

For more information please visit: www.milfordonseacalendar.org

Polly's get Award for Excellence

Polly's Pantry are delighted to have been awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for consistently good levels of service. 

This makes them the first café in the village to achieve such a standard. 

Nick Morgan, owner said; "I am incredibly proud of my team for all their hard work and the skills they offer and equally grateful to all my loyal customers"

If you enjoy a great breakfast, tasty lunch, or afternoon treat why not pop in to try a good old British tradition for yourself.

Polly's Pantry

46 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

British Legion Celebrates the Queen's 90th Birthday

The Milford on Sea Community Centre was the venue for a most successful event run by the Milford on Sea Branch of the Royal British Legion to mark the Queen's 90th birthday.

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The Mayor and Mayoress of Lymington together with a further 75 attendees including members, partners and guests partook of a glass of sparkling wine offered by the Branch President Colonel Gordon Barnett, before sitting down to a sumptuous four course dinner prepared by a team of volunteers led by an enthusiastic local chef.

During the meal a rolling montage of the life of the Queen was screened and this was well received by all present as was the letter of thanks received from the Queen in response to loyal salutations sent from the Branch on the Queen's Birthday.

The Branch Chairman, Peter Gibbs, thanked all of those present for their support and in particular the Chef and his team of volunteer helpers who had worked so hard in sourcing and preparing the meal and in its serving. As a token of the Branch's thanks the Chairman presented each member of the volunteer staff with a bottle of wine.

Once the dinner and formalities were complete all present enjoyed an evening of dance and entertainment provided by Ricky Zalez a talented singer.

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Thanks to the enthusiastic efforts of volunteers and support given by locally based traders in the form of discounts, free strawberries and raffle prizes some £1600 was raised for the work of the Royal British Legion.

Vigil & Service

The Branch also organised a vigil and service on the Village Green on 1st July to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme.

Commencing at 0600 hrs the silent vigil was broken every 15 minutes for poems and writings of the period and at 7.30 whistles were sounded after which Canon Ray Hubble, the Branch Chaplain led the attendees in prayers followed by the Exhortation, Silence, the Kohima Epitaph and hymns. Some 100 people participated in the event and wreathes on our temporary War Memorial were laid by the Branch President and President of the Women's Section.

Kayaking for Crohn's Disease

John Harcombe, son-in-law of Milford residents Chris and Wendy Thomas, is undertaking the challenge of kayaking the 100km round the Isle of Wight this Friday 8th July.

Starting at Sturt Pond at 5.30am, he aims to circumnavigate the island within 24 hours as he fundraises for research into Crohn's Disease. John's eldest son, 14 year old Alex, suffers from this debilitating disease, for which there is currently no cure. Alex has subsequently missed a lot of school, and struggles to enjoy activities in which his peers participate.

More information can be found on John's blog: www.kayakingforcrohns.org

If you would like to help out, any donation would be appreciated - Please click here.

New House for Seahorses

The Seahorses Community Stay and Play Group were delighted to unveil their new Wendy House this week.

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The Wendy House now sits happily in the courtyard area behind the Community Centre in Sea Road.

The play group is entirely volunteer run and they raised their own funds, with a little help from a Food Week donation, to provide this the nice addition for our kids to enjoy on pleasant days.

The Wendy House contains a fully functioning bar and great sea views from the roof. Sorry, getting it confused with the new Raft Rocks on the seafront.

Seahorses Community Stay and Play Group meets on Fridays from 9.30am to 11.15am, during term time at the Milford on Sea Community Centre. The group is for babies and toddlers under school age and is run entirely by volunteers and supported financially by the Community Centre.

Name the Music Festival Beer

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Following its huge success last year, the Milford on Sea Arts and Music Festival beer tent will again be selling a range of lager, cider and wine along with nine real ales.

Back by popular demand is Vibrant Forest Brewery www.vibrantforest.co.uk, from Lymington  and this year the team are delighted to be introducing Dancing Cows Brewery www.dancingcows.co.uk, whose owners live in Milford on Sea and brew in Lymington, they will be supplying not only beer but also, new to the Festival bar, a small batch gin from their still ‘Sarah’. 

Even more exciting, Dancing Cows will also be brewing the events very own Festival beer, and which the people of Milford are invited to name! The winning suggestion will get to sample the first pint on the Thursday evening of the Festival.

Beer Name Suggestions can be sent to committee@milfordfestival.org.uk. To find out the winning name, visit the bar during the Festival.

The Festival team has been working hard to bring a variety of exciting acts to the event, both local and from further afield.

The music for this year’s Festival is made up of new acts along with some old favourites, and featuring some amazing local musical talent. Our pubs and bars will be hosting music evenings all week as part of the Festival, starting on Monday 18th July. 

To give you a taste of what’s on, the fantastic Dolly will be visiting the marquee on Thursday night in conjunction with Milford Folk Club. On Saturday 23rd July we are excited to announce that we have internationally-renowned musician Matt Hales and his band Aqualung who will be playing tracks from his new album 10 Futures. In addition, Alex Hall and his band Boy and A Balloon are performing, followed by the popular local band Clockwork Carousel. 

The headline act has a huge UK following and will be performing on the main stage on the Saturday evening. To find out more, please buy a programme (this helps to fund this free event), or check out the website and Facebook page for more details.

Bar Volunteers: The organising committee are also still in need of volunteers to help behind the bar, so please email Jonathan Mulgrew at j.mulgrew@me.com if you are able to help.

Milford on Sea Arts and Music Festival 2016

Monday 18th to Sunday 24th July.

www.milfordfestival.org.uk

Community Café Seeks Volunteers

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The Community Café at Milford on Sea Community Centre is looking for some friendly volunteers to spare a few hours behind the counter.

The café is a great place to meet people whilst providing a valuable service, and if you can pour a cup of tea you are eminently qualified!

To help out your community, please contact: Jan Anderson - Cafe Administrator: djembejan2882@gmail.com

Milford on Sea Community Centre

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

Hire a wetsuit & go splashing

Fancy getting into the water when the sun eventually arrives?

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Well, our local water sports company are now offering wetsuit hire for £10 for half day and £15 for a full day.

They are also selling their ex-hire suits at £45 a suit.

Why not squeeze into one and get splashing around!

The New Forest Paddle Sport Company 

46 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD - 01590 645270

info@thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

www.thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

Music Festival Programme Launched

The ever popular Milford on Sea Arts & Music Festival have launched the programme for this years event, which takes place from 18th to 24th July 2016.

As always an eclectic mix of entertainment has been put together by the enthusiastic volunteer committee, and this year the performers include; Dolly!, Aqualung, Clockwork Carousel, Boy & a Balloon, Sound of Music Singalong, Saints of Sin, Richard lll, plus more! - and there will also be a Mini beer festival.

The Milford on Sea Arts & Music Festival is free to attend, and it is funded by programme sales, bar takings, sponsorship and donations. The Festival programme is now out, so please grab your copy from the Village News, Hollands, the Community Centre, Milford News, Inger Lise's Café or The Co-op for only £3. Buying a programme is important to help ensure that the Festival can continue!

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The festival revolves around the village green and there is an information point in the main marquee. The Festival’s central aim is to promote art and culture in the local area and to give an outlet for performers of all kinds to promote their art and to develop cultural understanding for all.

Milford has many shops and services, mostly arranged around the centre of the village and it would be great if you could support them during your visit to the 2016 Festival. 

The Festival has always been free to attend and its continued success depends upon the support of generous sponsors, advertisers and Friends of the Festival. To ensure that we can continue to promote this fantastic event, please give a donation, buy a programme and support our local businesses. 

If you would like to enjoy the benefits of becoming a Friend, or like to join the friendly group of volunteers please contact the organisers below. 

Most importantly, enjoy this fabulous village event!

Milford on Sea Arts & Music Festival

committee@milfordfestival.org.uk

www.milfordfestival.org.uk

Sam tells his La Perle Story

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Sam Hughes, chef patron at La Perle in Milford on Sea high street was recently interviewed by Travel Zoo. In the article Sam discusses his career to date, the top chefs who have influenced him, his current food passions and more. 

Since taking over La Perle a year so ago, Sam has ensured that the restaurant has remained a star in the Milford on sea dining scene, and his constant high scores on Trip Advisor are testimony to the quality of his menu and the consistency of the food.

La Perle has been shortlisted for this year's Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year South East award and many locals are no doubt routing for him to win.

To read Sam's full interview in Travel Zoo, please click here.

PS: Sam is looking for people to join his front of house team, if you are interested, please contact him at info@laperle.co.uk or on 01590 643557.

La Perle

60 High Street, Milford on Sea SO41 0QD

01590 643557

www.laperle.co.uk

Village Celebrates The Queen's Birthday

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See full album: click here

The weather was kind for the Queen's 90th Birthday Village Picnic last Saturday (11th June) on the village green.

Around 300 people came with tables, chairs, picnic hampers and wine to create colourful array across Milford on Sea village green.

In the pre-event promotion, everyone had the opportunity to order some tasty picnic options offered by Britannia Thai, Hollands, Polly’s Pantry, Verveine and Jones & Co Delicatessen. Picnickers who preferred to bring their own picnic were encouraged to buy their contents in the village shops, this was all done to help boost village trade a little.

As everyone settled into their picnics they were entertained by an eclectic mix of music from local musicians throughout the afternoon, the artists included; Alex Hall, Nomad, Southbound, The Empty Frets, Tony & Liam White, The Milford Strummers and Jo & Emily Vezey.

It was clear to see that whether young or old, the entertaining range of music was really enjoyed by everyone throughout the afternoon. 

Each performer donated their time for free and we send them our grateful thanks.

Big thanks also go to the generous group of volunteers (in particular Steve Carter) who were stewards and first aiders on the day to ensure that everything went smoothly.

I think it would be fair to say a good time was had by all!

To see the full photo album from the day; please click here.

Ballard School Coastal Management Survey

We have heard from Rachel Wright, a Geography teacher at Ballard School in New Milton, and would like to give her a hand.

To explain, Rachel's current Year 10 pupils, several of whom are Milford residents, are completing a GCSE study about coastal management in Milford on Sea. The devastation to the sea front during the 2014 storms generated their interest on this topic. 

The pupils would like to know the views of local people about coastal management and also wondered if locals feel that they have had a voice in the decision making process, particularly with respect to the rebuilding of the beach huts. 

The pupils have compiled a questionnaire and have put letters through the door of some Milford residents inviting them to log on to take part. So far they have had 21 responses from 130 letters.

Ideally they would like to generate a higher number of responses so that their study accurately reflects the views of Milford residents.

Having completed the questionnaire myself, the questions are straight forward and only takes a couple of minutes.

To help out the students, you can complete the questionnaire by clicking here. 

If you have any questions about the study, please contact Rachel as below.

Rachel Wright

Geography Teacher

Ballard School

wrighrac@gmail.com

07891 499694

Take Aways at Hurst Castle

If you are one of the intrepid souls who take the walk to Hurst Castle, or more like me who prefers the ferry and glorious scenery along the way, you will be pleased to hear that Hurst Castle has now launched a new take away service.

Walkers and visitors to Hurst Castle can now enjoy a take away service of hot drinks, cold drinks and sandwiches.

The refreshments are now available in the castle’s ticket office for those wanting a little pick-me-up, without paying castle admission prices.

A nice addition to an excellent place to visit.

See the Pre-School's Award Winning Garden

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Milford on Sea Pre-School is naturally very proud of their RHS award winning garden. The garden is tended daily by the village's 2-4 year olds, and they grow lots of fruit, vegetables and wild flowers.

It is great to see the children are getting practical learning, whilst no doubt enjoying themselves with the mud and bugs. 

Everyone has an opportunity to see the garden for themselves this weekend, alongside many gems tucked away across the village at the Garden Open Day organised by Milford Gardeners' Club.

The Garden Open Day is this Sunday (12th June) and you can visit the 15+ villages gardens open for charity. 

Tickets and a programmes are available in advance for £5 for Milford Community Centre Box Office 01590 644861 (or Club 01590 644489), or on day £7 from 10am on Village Green or participating gardens. Children under 16 free. 

Milford Gardeners Club

www.milfordgardenersclub.co.uk

Patient Group for Milford Surgery

Our local doctors surgery is looking to engage closer with their patients through the Milford & Wistaria PPG (Patient Participation Group). 

The PPG is a group of patients who work in partnership with the surgery and who act as a 'critical friend', fostering the strong relationship which is essential to achieving high quality, responsive care. 

If this interests you, you have an opportunity to become involved as a member of the 'Virtual PPG' and influence the care that you receive. 

The PPG now need a much wider group of patients to give us their thoughts and views on a whole range of subjects. This would be done by email so no need to attend regular meetings. With just occasional contact, questions would be brief and to the point. Topics can vary from opening times, parking, and patients' priorities to the services that the surgery offers or could offer in the future. 

So why not add your name and email address to receive occasional group emails and take the opportunity to influence how the surgery is run? 

To join the 'Virtual PPG' please send an email to wistariamilfordppg@gmail.com

All information is of course confidential and secure. To ensure a balanced group the PPG would like to hear from younger members (i.e. middle aged and below!) 

Finally, there is a PPG Awareness Week 6th to 11th June, so look out for posters and information in the surgery and, to find out more or have a chat, please email your phone number and we'll get back to you. 

Please note: That the PPG is not a forum for individual complaints - there is a well-established NHS procedure for personal complaints at the Surgery. Members of the Virtual Group must be registered with the Milford or Wistaria Surgeries.

Beach Hut Replacements Delayed

The re-building of the Milford on Sea seafront Beach Huts destroyed on Valentine's Day 2014 has again be delayed.

We understand that at a recent NFDC meeting it was revealed that tenders from four contractors had all been received with costs substantially above those previously expected.

It is understood that the lion's share of the increased costs comes from the works associated with alterations to the create an upper promenade on the beach hut roofs with ramped access.

Further NFDC meetings now need to take place to decide the next step, meanwhile it seems unlikely that the seafront will see any new beach huts in 2016.

Whilst the saga continues, Milford on Sea Parish Council are considering initial design and layout for seafront play facilities. We believe the ideas were discussed at a recent meeting, but as yet we do not know of any proposals.

Superfast Broadband: Milford Update

We have had an interesting email from Alexandra Paton, Marketing Officer at Hampshire Superfast Broadband Programme

Alexandra said: "We saw your piece on broadband in Milford on Sea and wanted to get in touch to thank you for bringing the issue of superfast broadband in Hampshire to the attention of your readers.

We would like to reassure you that Milford on Sea does not fall into the final 5% of premises that we cannot afford to connect to superfast broadband, a topic often raised in the news. Milford is in fact remarkably well covered under both wave 1 and wave 2 of our projects. The map below, taken from our website www.hampshiresuperfastbroadband.com, shows the location of 9 cabinets that have been upgraded in Milford on Sea, with 2 further north in Everton; these cabinets serve some 2900 premises and were all upgraded in 2014 and 2015 as part of wave 1 of our programme. 

A further 7 cabinets will be upgraded under wave 2 of our programme, between July 2017 and June 2018. These upgrades will cover a further 700 premises.

We would like to encourage your readers to visit our website and register with us to check if they can access superfast speeds. So far only 183 residents in Milford on Sea have registered with us (one of the lowest numbers in the county) and this suggests that residents are not aware that we undertaking this work and that services may already be available to them. As a result, we would like to encourage any residents that haven’t already done so to register on our website: www.hampshiresuperfastbroadband.com.

The map below shows areas covered under wave 1 of our project (red) and the wave 2 (blue) due for completion by September 2018. As you can see, Milford, Keyhaven and Everton are covered by our programme.

The Raft Rocks!

It is exciting to see that The Marine is going to see new life very soon.

Deny Cornette, a successful local restaurateur, and owner of The Raft in Milford on Sea High Street is opening a brand new restaurant on the ground floor of The Marine on the seafront.

New Interior at The Raft Rocks
click here to enlarge

Named The Raft Rocks, the new venture will replicate the eclectic decoration of the original Raft, with a slightly revised menu, and knowing Deny there will be plenty of exciting twists to keep his customers happy.

The bar will also welcome people wanting to pop in for a drink and to chill for a while.

The Raft Rocks opens on Wednesday 1st June, so get down as soon as you can to enjoy another hot dining spot in the village.

The Raft in the high street will remain open until at least September when decisions will be made on the future lease.

Deny is currently looking for people to join his team, so If anyone would like to work at The Raft Rocks please contact Deny at denycornette@yahoo.co.uk - or message him through is Facebook page.

As Deny put it on Facebook: "Hi there Rafterers n Rafterettes The wait is over! - Very exciting, very windy, very daunting, very rocky n very tired!"


A bit more news - Blue Horizon: It is  understood that the Blue Horizon restaurant which was upstairs at The Marine, has now closed.

The Raft
Marine House, Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY - and
11 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF
www.theraftrocks.com
Facebook: click here

Charity Shop raises £800+

The Village Charity Shop held a successful Summer Sale in the Community Centre on Saturday 28th May.

Daina and Penny have dropped us a line to ask us to thank all who helped and supported the sale with donations or coming to buy.

The day impressively raised over £800 for the Community Centre.

Award for Milford Travel

Christina Pegler, owner of Milford Travel in the high street, had an unexpected surprise when she attended the Global Travel Group Conference in Dubai.

As she sat enjoying the Award Night event her name was suddenly called and Christina discovered that she had won the 'Best Newcomer in the South' Award.

Christina said: "I was really pleased, proud and very surprised to receive this award!"

Since opening her travel agency in Milford on Sea village in March 2015, Christina has bought traditional service values to finding the ideal holiday or travel arrangements for lots of local people. 

Christina was previously an air hostess, and knows many great places around the world - and the best ways to get there!

Milford Travel (in what was formerly Clifford's hairdressers) offers a full range of travel services including; bespoke holidays, cruises, exotic trips, flights, and even coach trips.

Obviously a lot of holidays are now booked on the web, but to do this takes a fair bit of research, and ultimately nothing beats a nice dose of personal service - and supporting a village business!

Milford Travel

christinapegler83@gmail.com

78 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

Facebook: click here

Take Your Classic Car to the Everton Festival

Preparations are now taking place for the Everton Village Festival 2016, and the organisers are looking for local classic car owners to join in the fun.

The Picnic in the Park will feature a Classic Car Show at the from 12noon on Saturday 18th June 2016.

If you have a classic or vintage car that you would like to take along please contact Cheryl Fillmore: cherylfillmore@hotmail.com - 01590 644865

Everton Village Classic Car Show
Saturday 18th June 2016 - 12 noon

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

Everton Village Arts Festival
www.everton-lymington.co.uk

Would you like to be a Befriender?

A Steering Group has been formed to launch Milford Befrienders (In Association with the Hampshire Good Neighbours Support Service)

Their goal is to provide a regular friendly visit to anyone in the Milford area who feels isolated or lonely.

If you would like to get involved, they  are looking for one or more Volunteer Co-ordinators. 

Could you offer a few hours a week to support befrienders and match them with people who would benefit from the scheme? 

The Steering Group are hoping to find an enthusiastic person or persons with an appreciation of volunteering, to share the desire to build this neighbourhood scheme. 

Milford Befrienders intend to start in a small way, building and developing as they gain more experience. Full training and support will be offered through the Hampshire Good Neighbours network and the Co-ordinator(s) will also be supported by the Steering Group.

Do you have the following skills:

• Good communication and organisational skills
• The ability to support and empathise with volunteers
• An understanding of the issues faced 
• An understanding of the need for confidentiality 

Befrienders 

The Milford Befrienders  are also looking for volunteers to offer friendship to local people (young and old) who may feel alone or isolated and would benefit from a friendly face; are you able to spare an hour or two a week? That’s all it takes to make a difference to someone’s life. 

 Full training and support will be provided.

For more information in the first instance, please contact Chair Tony Harrison on 01590 645404 or email milfordonseava@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

DIY for Marie Curie

Milford on Sea village now have a local fundraising group for Marie Curie terminal care which will be raising money for this very worthwhile charity over the next few months somewhere near you. 

The group covers everywhere from Brockenhurst to Barton-on-Sea and to help advertise events they would really like a couple of wooden A-boards. 

So, they have asked if there is anyone out there who either has some spare wood and/or can make the A-boards and has the time to help out this worthy cause? 

Any help would be very gratefully received and potentially rewarded in home-made cake made by Kate! 

If you can help please contact: Kate Wall on 07788 970 933 or kjwall@hotmail.com

Picnics for the Queen's Birthday Village Picnic

The Queen's Birthday Village Picnic is coming on the Village Green from 12noon to 4pm on Saturday 11th June 2016.

Choose Your Picnic
- click here

To support our village businesses it would be great if you would buy a picnic from the tasty menu below, - or if you wish to bring your own picnic, please make the extra effort to buy all of your picnic contents in the village shops.

Organised by the Food Week Team, we are hoping everyone will come along for a relaxed afternoon, and enjoy some mellow live music by local performers, whilst surrounded by friends, family and fellow villagers.

Dress Up for Queen's Birthday Village Picnic. If you would like to dress up it will add to the afternoon's fun. Click here to view some ideas, or click here.

Please Note: This is a community event organised by the community, for the community. Everyone coming are responsible for their own safety, kids and property. Please take all you litter home with you, or a small group of people are lumbered with clearing up!

Queen's Birthday Village Picnic Menu

Britannia Thai
Chicken Thai Picnic - Chicken pad Thai, Chicken satay and Prawn crackers. £6.50
Vegetarian Thai Picnic - Vegetable pad Thai and vegetable spring roll. £5.50
(Plus, Free optional Prawn crackers)
Tel: 01590 642226 or Call in to order

Hollands
Classic Picnic - Ham or cheese salad demi-baguette with a can of drink and standard bag of crisps. £4.00
(Also, 10% Off our takeaway fresh bean coffee all day.)
Tel: 01590 641882 or Call in to order

Polly’s Pantry
Polly’s Royal Cream Tea - 2 large fruit scones, clotted cream, jam and two teas. £5.00
Tel: 01590 645558 or Call in to order

Verveine Restaurant
Her Majesty’s Picnic - Magical and majestic home-made bread sandwich, surprise extras and treat – All made with Dave Wykes creative flair! (Call in for details) £7.00
Tel: 01590 642176 or Call in to order

Jones & Co Delicatessen
Balmoral Picnic - Traditional scotch egg, Salad and Coleslaw.£5.50
Windsor Vegetarian Picnic - Falafel Scotch egg (vegetarian), Salad and Coleslaw. £5.50
Sandringham Picnic - Pastrami, horseradish and pickles sandwich with sea salt and crushed pepper crisps. £5.75
Buckingham Palace Picnic - Brie, Apple and fig chutney sandwich with sea salt and crushed pepper crisps. £5.20
Tel: 01590 643837 or Call in to order

A Thriller at Hurst Castle

A new thriller book, 'The Hurst Chronicles' has been written by a local author Robin Crumby, and it is and based in and around Hurst Castle.

Better still, a free copy of the Kindle version of the 'The Hurst Chronicles' can be downloaded absolutely free for 48 hours from today (Sat 21st May). To get your free copy, please click here.

click image to enlarge

Extract from the book; The survivors of the Millennial Virus now face a much greater danger: each other. 

Civilization has collapsed following the outbreak of a pandemic virus that devastated the world’s population. Those that survive scrape a living in remote outposts. Hiding behind high walls, far away from the smoking ruins of the cities, waiting, hoping. 

At the end of the world, surrounded by the tidal waters of the Solent, Hurst Castle stands alone. Its seventy-four occupants united in a struggle for survival against all the odds. The Millennial Virus is the least of their concerns.

When the arrival of outsiders threatens to tip the balance of power, Hurst is faced with a desperate choice: set aside their differences and join an alliance that promises new hope or unite against the newcomers and their plans for reconstruction. Who can be trusted? Only time will tell.

The battle for Hurst has begun.

If you've ever read 'Day of the Triffids' or 'The Road' or 'The Hunger Games', you'll probably like this. So even if you're vaguely curious now's your chance!


The Hurst Chronicles 
by Robin Crumby
click here for your copy