Have Your Say about the Future of Milford War Memorial Hospital

The NHS is planning the future use of Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital in Sea Road, and they would like your views.

The hospital was built by residents as a War Memorial to commemorate the village fallen in World War One, it also houses our Village War Memorial. So, this is not a simple decision about an NHS facility, if the hospital cannot be justified on the services it provides, then it is feared that decision could be made which could affect this historic building in Milford on Sea.

It seems clear that we need a great idea to secure the future of this important local landmark. 

click image to enlarge

You will be able to discuss the future of services at Milford Hospital directly with NHS staff from West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group at 'Drop In Meetings' on the dates below.

There will be no formal presentation, and you are welcome to drop in at any time during the sessions.

• Milford Community Centre, SO41 0PH - Tuesday 31st October 2017: At any time between 1pm - 6pm

• All Saints Church Hall, SO41 0SQ - Wednesday 8th November 2017: At any time between 6pm - 8pm

If any groups or clubs in the village have any ideas on how the hospital could be used, suggestions would be welcomed in writing or person.

The hospital building itself is owned by NHS Property Services with the majority of services at the site provided by Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust and commissioned by West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

About Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital

click image to enlarge

On Friday 24 July 2015 an official Blue Plaque was unveiled at Milford War Memorial Hospital by Milford Hospital League of Friends to commemorate  that: 'Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital, opened in 1930, was built with public subscription by the families and friends of those who died in World War I. Registered War Memorial No 59027.'

The Blue Plaque was installed to remind people of the sacrifice of those who lost their lives and the families and villagers who contributed to build the hospital on its present site.

click image to enlarge

The Historical Record Society’s research, and persistence with official bodies, including the Imperial War Museum over some years, resulted in the Hospital being formally registered, and the Blue Plaque is now a permanent emblem of the Hospital’s importance as the village’s chosen way of honouring its War Dead.

The War Memorial Hospital also houses the Village War Memorial, and poppy wreaths are laid here every Armistice Day in November.

So, any decisions made about the future of the building are not simply about an NHS hospital, this building and its contents are enshrined in the fabric of our village history.

Whatever the future, why and how Milford on Sea Memorial Hospital was built must not be lost or forgotten.

Story of the Village War Memorial: click here to read.

Bomb on Hurst Spit

Last Sunday the bomb disposal unit was called to Hurst Spit to deal with a shell found on the beach.

A controlled explosion was completed by the emergency teams.

It is a common occurrence that WW2 bombs are washed up on the shore. Apparently, there was a test firing range on the Isle of Wight close to The Needles during the war, - hence there are a vast quantity of shells in the sea and some of these are washed up sporadically with the tide.

Garry Staincliffe captured some atmospheric photographs that we are happy to share below.

Picture by Garry Staincliffe
click image to enlarge

Picture by Garry Staincliffe
click image to enlarge

Inger Lise's Coffee Shop becomes Salt Water Cafe

On the 6th October last year (2016) Tony Michael became the new proprietor of Inger Lise's Coffee Bar in Milford on Sea high street.

One year on and Tony is reinventing his offering and has changed the name to Saltwater Cafe.

Saltwater Cafe can also now be found on Facebook and Instagram.

Tony has also added some different dishes, and is working on some more. We hope plenty of people pop in to give them a try.

Salt Water Cafe
106 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE
01590 643518

Watch Out for Portuguese Man O'War

Reports have been made of dangerous Portuguese Man O'War "jellyfish" washing up in UK, including Milford on Sea. 

It appears that beaches across the South coast are being invaded by the biggest concentration of deadly jellyfish in 15 years following hurricanes and extreme weather conditions.

Pockets numbering in their hundreds were reported initially on beaches across Cornwall with further instances in Dorset, Devon and Wales and sightings still occurring regularly as far east as Milford on Sea in Hampshire.

Swimmers off the South coast are being advised to wear full body suits to protect themselves, while parents taking children to the beach have been warned to exercise "extreme caution".

The fish, which have tentacles which can deliver painful and even fatal stings, appear like deflated balloons on sand and in shallow water.

Portuguese man-of-war, usually found in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, have purple tentacles which can reach up to fifty meters below the ocean's surface. 

According to the Marine Conservation Society, this year the number reported by members of the public since early September are in excess of 2000, eclipsing the annual average which ranges from 1000 to 1500.

The Marine Conservation Society encourages members of the public to continue reporting any sightings via their website at www.mcsuk.org

Milford Artist at Royal West Academy Exhibition

Local Milford on Sea artist Mary Williams has achieved success in having two paintings selected for a major art exhibition, The Royal West Academy 165th Annual Open Exhibition.

The Varnishing Lunch

Mary's paintings entitled “The Clearing” and “Entering the Enclosure” have been chosen from entries within the UK and beyond, and will appear alongside those of leading artists. Mary will be attending the Varnishing Lunch which originally was a day when exhibiting artists would add the final touches to their works within the galleries. However, it is now a celebration for the selected artists to meet prior to the private view.

The RWA Open Exhibition takes place in Bristol from 1st October until 3rd December 2017. www.rwa.org.uk

The inspiration for Mary's paintings comes from the forest landscapes and the magical reaction of watercolour or ink to the paper.

Mary's paintings have been previously selected for exhibitions at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, The Red House Museum in Christchurch and Forest Arts Centre in New Milton. She also shows her work through the Hampshire Open Studios event, Royal Lymington Yacht Club Art and Milford Art Group exhibitions and is a member of local art groups in both Milford and Lymington.

Milford on Sea Food Week Postponed

It is with a tinge of regret that Milford on Sea Food Week will not be taking place in April 2018.

However, Food Week is not dead, it is just resting!

To explain, planning for Food Week starts around 6 months in advance and takes up around 3 full days a week to put everything in place.

For a number of years I had been 'semi-retired', which provided the time to enjoy putting together this fun event.

Last year my chief executive moved on to pastures new, so I stepped back into my company on a temporary basis.

That temporary basis has now become full-time again, as the company is growing in all areas; from our industry business management software to our online sourcing subscription services. Added to this we have created two new major industry events to take place this September and then in February 2018, plus we are building an exciting new industry data sharing product for launch early in the new year.

The village businesses, clubs and residents, plus the fabulous volunteers, have all been so supportive over the years, I thank you all for that, and I am sorry to disappoint anyone. But as you may imagine it is difficult to devote the necessary time right now.

(The weekly village newsletter is not in danger, I can still fit that in!)

Food Week will be back, just don't know when at the moment!

PS: The silly stories about my weird life and experiences are few at present. Not because of a short supply material (I still get in trouble with my wife on a regular basis), but because of the time needed to write them - they will also be back at some time!

If you would like to read some of the more ridiculous stories published in the past, please click here.

Milford did have a Jewellers

Having be asked last week whether Milford on Sea ever had a jewellers were were interested to hear these replies:

No.1: Yes, there was a jewellers/watch repair shop in the village, I think it was "F Carter"? It was the shop just to left (Keyhaven side) of Monks, opposite "Telford Stone" and "Brooms" shops? I don't recall a fire but I moved out of village in the 70's after being born there in '53.

No.2: I think the lady must mean Carter's, who were both a watchmaker and had some jewellry - or that is as I remember the shop. Hugh Carter, who worked with his father, sadly died last autumn having fallen from his yacht moored at the end of the Keyhaven River. Their shop was in the row between Monks Fish shop and an old lady at the end who sold antiques, books etc. There was also a hairdresser.

The Cullinan Diamond

No.3: The Cullinan Diamond, the world's largest gem-quality rough diamond was discovered in South Africa and bought to Milford on Sea to be cut into smaller gems by a cousin of the diamonds discoverer.

No.4: Hugh Carter did have a fire at the shop. A heater was to blame I believe, and dear "old Hughie" suffered some burns.

No.5: David, Milford certainly had a watch repairer near Chris Monk our greatly respected fishmonger, when I arrived in 1984. It was at about 100 High Street. No impressive window display but I remember two elderly (male) sales staff and a pretty empty counter. They repaired a watch for me and also replaced a battery on another occasion. I do not remember any fire there. I think that like so many of our considerable number of shops in the past and also old soldiers, after reaching retirement age and no young willing to take over, the owners just "faded away".

PS: As you may guess, No.3 is complete nonsense and made up for no particular reason!

Fancy organising a bit of Hula Hooping?

We have been asked whether there is, or is there a demand for, a hoola hoop class in Milford on Sea?

If so, a coach/teacher is needed!

Apparently, it is a great exercise for waists, legs, arms and low impact, good fun and social. It is also an ideal way of keeping winter weight to a minimum and lookin’ good at party time as the festive season approaches. 

If you know of any classes, or would like to organise some, please add a comment below or email me at: david@milfordonsea.org


PS: As you can see in the picture, I have had a go at it on the village green, and I have to say I was pretty good at it.

Did Milford on Sea have a Jewellers?

We have had the interesting letter below, which someone may be able to help resolve:

Dear David, 

I grew up in the village, went to the local school, Priestlands comprehensive and Brockenhurst college. I moved away in my twenties and now live in Cardiff. My mum still lives in the village. We were just talking and I remember that there used to be a jewellery shop in the village, on the row of shops where Monks fishmongers used to be (and where Verveine is now). I thought that the shop had a fire in it, but mum said that the jewellers never did have a fire. Can you solve our argument?

I of course struggle to remember what day it is, so am unable to help - But If you can resolve this family conundrum please post your thoughts by hitting the 'Comments text' below.

Do You Need a Dog Walker?

Kaits Canine Care, founded by by Kait Houching, started a dog walking service in Milford on Sea a year ago.

Animal lover Kait is also currently studying a BA Course in Aanimal Anatomy, which in due course will lead her (forgive the pun!) to being able to offer dog massage.

Kait herself has 2 cavaliers, Alfie and Amber, and with her business expanding so fast, she has now teamed up with fellow animal lover and dog walker in the village, Ruth Elrington-Brown.

Kait says, "We offer a dog walking service in Milford on Sea, and surrounding areas. We can do up to 3 visits a day for dogs, hour long walks, half hour walks, cat visits including feeding and litter tray changing, reptile feeding, house sitting including taking in mail, checking over the home, watering plants and feeding of wild birds. We are so excited about our growing business, and we look forward to meeting local people and their lovely pets"

Kaits also explained that Kaits Canine Care is fully insured and police checked, and references can be provided if required.

If you would like to find out more about Kait & Ruth's services, please contact her below:

Kaits Canine Care

01590 719406 / 07799 947718

kaithouching@yahoo.co.uk

Discovering Admiral John Peyton

This week we had the following letter from Wendy:

Being clueless myself, I passed the question on to Bob Braid of Milford on Sea Historical Record Society - and as always, he came up with a brilliantly detailed answer. 

Dear David 

I very much enjoyed reading your blog and in particular your article about Admiral John Peyton as he was my Great (x5) Grandfather.

Unfortunately because of ill health in recent times I had not been able to pursue my research into this particular ancestor but finally managed to visit All Saints Church today and found it very moving when I located his memorial adjacent to the organ. Whilst I'd not previously been aware of the fund raising efforts to restore the memorial, may I I take this opportunity to thank those responsible. I did however make a donation in the church today.

What I have been unable to find out is where Admiral Peyton is laid to rest and wondered if you could offer me any information?

Many thanks in anticipation.

Wendy

--------

Dear Wendy,

Image: 359
click image to enlarge

Please see attached photo (359). The brass plate is on the left hand side (viewed from the tower end) of the nave towards the back of the church. Also attached are a photo of the memorial in its current position and a ‘mock-up’ of where we intend to have it replaced after conservation (north wall of the chancel at the end of the choir stalls).

Most interested to hear of your relationship. As part of the Faculty application to carry out the work, we were required to make efforts to contact any descendants. As far as we were able to determine, Peyton had no children; he had a stepdaughter from his wife’s first marriage (Mary Anne Gurnell) who married into the Armstrong family. Our synopsis provided with the Faculty application is below:

Memorial
click image to enlarge

Admiral Peyton married in 1799 Susannah Gurnell, widow; they had no children, but Susannah had a daughter, Mary Anne, from her previous marriage. With no heir, in his will (transcript available), Peyton left his property to his brother and nephew, but with the proviso that his widow could remain in his house for her life with adequate financial provision. 

He also made a substantial financial bequest to Mary Anne (referred to in the will as his daughter in law) who had married a John Armstrong. Their eldest son married a daughter of Col. John Scobell of Nancealverne House near Penzance. She later inherited the house from her half brother and the house has passed down through the Armstrong family [the line of descent can be seen by clicking here. Armstrong family of Nancealverne at the bottom of the entry]. 

A number of Admiral Peyton’s effects ended up at the house and remain in the possession of the current owner who is a direct descendant of Admiral Peyton’s step-

Future Memorial Position
click image to enlarge

daughter. Crucially, one of the artefacts in his possession is the hand-written draft of the inscription on the memorial to the admiral in All Saints Church, Milford on Sea. He has been contacted and is fully supportive of the proposal to repair and relocate the memorial.

Are you aware of this connection and could you please let us have some further details of your line of descent? We are planning a double rededication with the grave of Admiral Cornwallis to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the Admiral’s death in 2019 and will keep your details so that we can keep you advised of arrangements.

Best wishes

Bob Braid

Milford on Sea Historical Record Society

Belle Epoque now on Facebook

click image to enlarge

The re-opened Belle Epoque in Milford on Sea High Street now has a Facebook page.

The bistro is once again serving good value food, and is open from Midday on Thursdays through to Sunday Afternoon. They also offer a tasty Sunday lunch for just £9.95 between 1.30pm until 3.30pm. (Booking advisable)

You can keep in touch with what is happening at Belle Epoque, or add your own comments by clicking here.

Belle Epoque 

11 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

01590 645300

Remember to book a Flu Vaccination

We have been contacted by Milford Medical Centre to advise all over 65's of their Flu Vaccination program?

The centre will be operating their normal Saturday Flu Clinic on October 7th (appointment required) - and also have various other dates available.

Key Points:

• Remember to book a Flu Vaccination at Milford Medical Centre 
• Advised for all those aged 65 and over and at any age in other at risk groups e.g. asthma and diabetes 
• Help protect yourself, your family and the local community 
• By getting your vaccination at the surgery (rather than at a pharmacy) you are helping to support the future of your local practice 
• Various other dates are available

Milford Medical Centre
www.milfordmedicalcentre.com

No64 Biscuit House in Country Homes & Interiors

No64 Biscuit House, the delightful interior design shop in Milford on Sea high street have a full page in the October issue of 'Country Homes & Interiors' magazine, as their 'Favourite Shop for Scandi Style'! 

click here to read article

This is a big hitting monthly interiors magazine from the Time Inc. Group, subscribers will have this issue already (they have already had 3 customers through the door because they read the article) and it hits the shelves in a few weeks time for non-subscribers.

Clare said; "Obviously we're thrilled and delighted that little old No64 Biscuit House in tiny Milford on Sea, after just 6 months, have been featured in such a prestigious magazine, and with such an accolade as their 'Favourite Shop for Scandi Style'." 

No64 Biscuit House

www.No64.co.uk 

The Future of MoS War Memorial Hospital

Local people are being asked their views on how Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital should be used in the future. 

click image to enlarge

The hospital was opened in 1930 and is now used for local clinics including leg ulcers, iTalk, rheumatology and Parkinson’s.

However its clinical rooms and facilities do not meet modern healthcare standards. 

NHS West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is reviewing the services provided at Milford and is asking local people to tell them what services they use.

Chief Officer Heather Hauschild said: “Bearing in mind Lymington New Forest Hospital is only five miles away, we would also like to know what health and care services are important to local people.”

The CCG has opened an online survey to gather people’s views – paper copies are available at Milford Hospital.

The survey will be open until 31 October. 

To complete the survey, please visit: www.westhampshireccg.nhs.uk or click here.

Mini Bus for Local Residents

The Milford-on-Sea Charitable Trust has been offered the use of an 8-seater minibus several times a week. This is the first step to establishing a full time service with a larger minibus in the future. It is for the use of local residents on a non-profit basis.

The minibus can be used for various purposes such as a shopping trip; visit to the post office; going somewhere for coffee and there is no requirement to fill the minibus. There are some volunteer drivers but we could do with more. We hope people will take the opportunity to organise some trips so if you are interested in using this service, please contact Tony Harrison on 01590 645404 or milfordonseava@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Toad's Hole Found

Last week we published the article below looking to find the location of a painting believed to be from the local area.

We were fortunate to hear from Bob Braid of the Milford on Sea Historical Record Society, and it looks as if he may have identified the location of the painting, as it looks very similar to an old photo his archives held of Cliff Walk, Barton on Sea. Bob also found an interesting birds eye view of Taddiford Gap & Keyhaven on YouTube.

Only guessing, but on the painting in last week's article there was what looked like a hole in the foreground, that may just be 'Toad's Hole'?

Other readers have also suggested that Toad's Hole is possibly a reference to Taddiford Gap (Toad Ford) although the cliff has eroded so much it might be difficult to place exactly.

click image to enlarge

Taddiford Gap & Keyhaven Drone

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

Last Week's Article:

We have been contacted by an art dealer who is trying to identify the location of the painting below. The painting has a reference to Toad's Hole (Milford on Sea and Hordle.)

click image to enlarge

Can anyone throw any light on where this might be?  Doesn't seems to be a view that I recognise.

*Hit the 'No Comments/Comments' text below to add your thoughts.

Holly Gardens Macmillan World's Biggest Coffee Morning

Once again, Nev & Jean Wood, together with the 15 other families in Holly Gardens, will be supporting the Macmillan World's Biggest Coffee Morning by opening their lovely communal garden on Friday 29th September 2017 from 9.30am to 1pm.

This is a true community effort to make a special morning, and everyone is welcome to come along.

At the coffee morning there will be coffee or tea, some fine cakes. Book stall, plant stall, Bric a Brac Raffle etc.

In previous years, Jean Wood & Diana Barker-Benfield did all the organising & the men just lifted heavy weights & ate the cakes! 

Over the years they have raised an impressive amount to donate to this worthwhile charity. Nice work guys!

Thorny Questions for Milford Gardeners'

The Milford on Sea Gardeners' Club have a rather special guest for their September meeting.

click image to enlarge

Helen Yemm, a regular journalist for the Telegraph Saturday supplement is coming to talk to the Club at 2.30pm on Saturday 16th September at All Saints Church Hall. 

Helen's writes the 'Thorny Questions' newspaper column in which she answers gardening questions in her informative and quirky way. She will be talking at the meeting about a very topical subject of late summer colour.

Doors open at 2pm with tickets are at the door £1 for members of the Club and £4 for visitors which includes tea and biscuits.

Milford on Sea Gardeners' Club
www.milfordgardenersclub.co.uk

Anyone Heard of 'Toad's Hole'?

We have been contacted by an art dealer who is trying to identify the location of the painting below.

The painting has a reference to Toad's Hole (Milford on Sea and Hordle.)

click image to enlarge

Can anyone throw any light on where this might be?  Doesn't seems to be a view that I recognise.

*Hit the 'No Comments/Comments' text below to add your thoughts.

Learn more about Flower Arranging

Ever fancied doing a bit of flower arranging? Then, Milford Floral Art Club are organising some Basic Flower Arranging Classes.

The six week course commences on Thursday 12th October in All Saints' Church Hall from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

For further details please contact:
Sheila on 01590 641867 or Carol on 01590 641296

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

The club also have Irene Hickson, NAFAS demonstrator coming along to do a 'Dem and Do' on Thursday 14th September 2017.

This will consist of two demonstration pieces and one teaching piece.

After a break for tea and cake (Editors note: Yummm, that just got me interested!) there will be the opportunity for everyone to 'have a go' at the teaching piece.

For further details regarding what to bring please contact Carol on 01590 641296.

La Perle & Verveine in Good Food Guide Again

The team at La Perle were thrilled to discover that they are included in the Waitrose Good Food Guide for the second year running.

click image to enlarge

This delightful village restaurant makes many of their offerings from scratch, from the bread and butter to the ice creams and sorbets. The New Forest is a key source of many of Chef/Patron Sam’s ingredients with over 90% of his produce sourced from sustainable suppliers in Hampshire and Dorset.

Many of us have always know this is a restaurant well worth visiting, and it seems Waitrose agree!

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


Stop Press...

Just heard that Verveine have also again made the Waitrose Good Food Guide. A worthy accolade for this very special fish restaurant.

Verveine

98 High St, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE
www.verveine.co.uk

Job Opportunities at La Perle

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the ambitious young team at the award winning La Perle restaurant in Milford-on-Sea, working with the Head Chef/Patron who trained under Raymond Blanc. 

The restaurant is currently rated in the top 5 restaurants in the New Forest by Trip Advisor, and Sam & his team will continue to push for accolades and awards.

Chef

The successful applicant will be encouraged to stamp his/her identity on the menus and to drive the kitchen forward. The ethos of the restaurant is 'Seasonal, Local, Ethical' so expect to cook beautiful British cuisine using fresh, local ingredients.

Benefits: Excellent rate of pay and gratuities; Sunday, Monday and Tuesday lunch off; Meals provided on duty and a very friendly place to work!

There are also vacancies for other important team members:

Front of House Waiting Staff

La Perle are looking for enthusiastic part time waiting staff to join the expanding business. Hours to include day time, evening and weekend shifts. Some experience is required but a great personality and a 'can do' attitude will go a long way to securing the job.

Benefits include: Excellent gratuities; No Sundays or Mondays; Meals provided on duty and a very friendly place to work!

Kitchen Porter

La Perle are looking for a reliable person to join the small team at an award winning restaurant in Milford-on-Sea, working as a kitchen porter. Full training will be given.

Benefits include: Excellent gratuities; No Sundays or Mondays; Meals provided on duty and a very friendly place to work!

To apply, or for more information, please contact Sam or Bonny on 01590 643557 or email :info@laperle.co.uk.

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

Milford Music Festival - Your Feedback

The organising committee would like to ask all villagers and partakers of the Milford Music and Arts Festival to give them feedback on the festival by kindly completing the following survey. 

The Festival Team are really keen to know what is loved and what they could do even better. (If that's possible!)

Please click here to complete survey.

The Milford Music and Arts Festival

Next Festival - 16th to 22nd July 2018

www.milfordfestival.org.uk

Harissa burgers at The Wash House

The Wash House micro ale pub has teamed up with La Perle Restaurant in Milford on Sea High street to offer the harissa burger to enjoy with your drinks. The spicy burger comes in a brioche bun, served with a home made coleslaw and chips. 

The burgers are available: 

Tuesday to Sunday: 12noon to 2.30pm and 6pm to 9.30pm 

and 

Saturday: 12noon to 2pm and 6pm to 9.30pm. 

Price: £9.95.

Sam and the team at La Perle have been hugely supportive since Duncan opened The Wash House, and they are delighted to be able to work together filling their customers hunger pains!

The Wash House

27 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF
www.thewashhousebar.co.uk

St Barbe needs extra volunteers

Due to the overwhelming success of the re-opening of St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery in Lymington, the Museum is seeking more volunteers every day of the week for weekly or on-call ‘front of house’ duties. 

In particular it needs people to act as stewards in the museum area and in the art galleries themselves. So these vacancies would suit people who are good at dealing with the general public and who enjoy art as well as those who love local history. 

There are also vacancies for volunteers to work partly at the reception desk, where they will use an electronic till and also be involved in giving tourist information. 

Volunteers work for half a day a week and are part of a team, so the work is sociable.

Details of these roles and application forms are available from the reception desk at St Barbe or by emailing volunteers@stbarbe-museum.org.uk.

St Barbe Museum

www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk

Hillyfield's first annual BBQ

Hillyfield Rest Home have started a new tradition, they have just had their first annual BBQ! 

click image to enlarge

Sara Phillips, Registered Manager at Hillyfield Rest Home said; "With extreme luck with weather, our friendly Chef from The Pig in Brockenhurst in charge of the food, music by Retro Rita and amazing friends, family and community turn out we consider our first annual BBQ a huge success and we can’t wait for the next one!"

click image to enlarge

Everton Hyundai Open Triples Competition

On Sunday Milford on Sea Bowls Club held this years Everton Hyundai Open Triples Competition.

It is a round robin competition between 12 teams from Milford and other clubs in the area playing through 3 heats to reach the semi finals.

It was day of close matches with the Lymington Team of Ngao & Geoff Mapes and Vernon Cox beating the Milford club team of Tim Capron, Bob Ward and Peter Brett in an exciting final.

Thanks as always goes to Everton Hyundai for their sponsorship of this competition and to Sean Willson for his help and trophy presentations..

Lymington L-R: Geoff, Vernon, Sean, Ngao

Milford L-R: Bob, Peter, Sean & Tim

click image to enlarge

Explore the Hurst Lighthouses

International Lighthouse Heritage Weekend (ILHW) is a time set aside to promote awareness of all Aids to Navigation (AtoN), which include lighthouses, lightvessels and buoys. Over this particular weekend, as many lighthouses as possible will be opened to the general public, not only in the UK but also throughout the world.

International Lighthouse Heritage Weekend will be held at Hurst Point Lighthouse on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th August 2017.

The event spans the whole of the weekend and, at Hurst Point lighthouse, which is located by Hurst Castle at the end of the shingle spit, will be celebrated on both Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th August. 

On each day, members of the Association of Lighthouse Keepers (ALK) will be available in the ALK Museum Rooms at the far end of the west wing to answer visitors’ questions. 

Tours will be provided giving explanations of all the five lights at Hurst Point and how the acetylene gas was made and used to light the lamps in both the tall lighthouse and also the steel lighthouse on top of the castle wall. One tour will take place mid-morning and another mid-afternoon on both days. The tours are free of charge but a small donation towards the upkeep of the Lighthouse Museum within the castle would be very much appreciated. It is regretted that the lighthouse tower will not be open due to health and safety reasons.

Both the ALK Lighthouse Museum and the Trinity House exhibition rooms within the castle will be open on both days but normal entrance fees to the castle will apply. Light refreshments will be available from the Castle café on both days.

Travel to the Castle on the ferry [at Cost] – first ferry at 10.20am - or you can walk to the Castle via the 1½ miles long shingle spit.

Entry to the Castle is at cost. Free to members of English Heritage or the Friends of Hurst Castle

Lighthouse tours are free and start from the Lighthouse Museum at the far end of the West Wing in the castle.

There will be two tours each day at 11.30am and 14.30pm. (Tours will include the Acetylene Room but regrettable NOT the lighthouse itself due to health and safety reasons.

Over this same weekend the Christchurch Amateur Radio Society will be operating within the castle as part of the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend (ILLW). This is also a worldwide event where attempts are made to communicate by radio with as many lighthouses as possible. So why not visit the castle to see, first‑hand, just how many contacts have been made.

If you would like to know more about lighthouses and the ALK during this weekend, then please contact the ALK Hurst Castle Project Manager, Keith Morton, at hurst@alk.org.uk or on 01329-843883. Also, take a look at the ALK website www.alk.org.uk.

Great Taste Awards for Keyhaven Lamb

Several months ago we sent Keyhaven lamb, hogget and mutton off to be judged for the Great Taste Awards 2017. Here are the results and some of the judges’ comments:

click image to enlarge

Shoulder of Keyhaven Mutton - 3 stars 

"Judges were jostling to photograph and eat this. Melt in the mouth, tender, moist without being fatty with crisp skin. A stonking piece of lamb"

Rack of Keyhaven Lamb - 2 stars 

"Extremely tender with sweetness in the meat and the fat. Rounded flavour with the herbs from pasture coming through at the end. Cuts beautifully. Very moreish".

Leg of Keyhaven Hogget - 2 Stars

"Lovely smelling, extremely tender lamb. It was so easy to cut. Its beautifully strong, full flavour had a hint of gaminess and its savoury tasting, crispy fat was a delight. We would absolutely go back for more".

Keyhaven Barnsley Chops - 1 star 

"The aroma coming off this gleaming meat with its lovely strip of fat was heavenly. It cut beautifully to reveal tender and succulent meat that had a rich, long lasting lamb flavour. The fat was also sweet and melted in the mouth. A truly lovely piece of meat".

To put this in context there were 12,366 products with only 165 foods achieving the highest and most coveted rating, three stars, 1011 foods grabbing 2 stars and 3171 were awarded a 1 star. That means only 35% of entries were accredited.

The competition was tough and Lisa, Simeon and Keith (In picture) are delighted to receive this national recognition and it is great testimony of the hard work put in by the whole Lisa's Larder team.

They are planning a celebration when they open again on the 22nd & 23rd September and they will have news of their new online shop very soon.

It is official, Keyhaven Lamb tastes great! 

Lisa's Larder (Pop Up Farm Shop)
Aubrey Farm, Keyhaven Road, Keyhaven, SO41 0TH
www.lisaslarder.com

Milford to soon have Monsoori Heights

New shop front signs have gone up on the old Zaika curry house, and it looks like it is going to be called Monsoori Heights.

For those that love spice in their life (or more importantly on their plate) this is excellent news.

No idea who is operating the restaurant now, or when it opens, but who cares - the most important thing is appears that 'Milford's getting a curry house back!'

The Wash House Opens

A new micro-ale bar launched in Milford on Sea this week, further reinforcing the village’s reputation as one of the best places to drink and eat in the New Forest. The Wash House, aptly named due to the building being a former launderette, formally opened on Wednesday 26th July with the aim to provide a little oasis for craft beer, wine and gin lovers looking for a different experience. 

click image to enlarge

Working in close partnership with some of the region’s leading artisan producers, The Wash House is independently owned by Joe Woodsford and Darren Spinks and will be managed by Duncan Broomfield. The idea behind the micro-ale bar is to offer beer lovers something different from the standard pub offering. The Wash House team are also huge supporters of local producers and want to put the bar at the heart of the local community. 

The Wash House will stock craft ales, lagers and ciders from a range of producers across Dorset, Hampshire and the south coast. Alongside awarding winning Pothecary and Conker gins, Dancing Cows, Broken Bridge, Beavertown and Vibrant Brewery cask ales will be stocked throughout the summer, but, being independent, the guys plan to have an ever-changing selection of ales throughout the year. 

With the help of Lymington based wine merchants, Solent Cellar, they have developed a balanced wine list from both new and old-world vineyards. Their coffee will be freshly roasted by Coffee Monger’s and over the coming weeks Duncan hopes to introduce a range of pastries, cheeses and bar snacks that complement the drinks offering. 

click image to enlarge

Commenting on the launch, Wash House manager Duncan Broomfield said; “After months of planning and refurbishment on the bar, we are excited about opening our doors to both Milford locals and visitors from further afield. We have taken time to source a fantastic range of craft ales and spirits to ensure we’re offering beer lovers a new and more authentic experience.” 

“We are in the process of finalising a range of bar snacks and nibbles that will be perfect with a beer or a morning coffee. We won’t ever have a fully operational kitchen, but if people want to enjoy a take-away from one of Milford’s restaurants they can bring it into the bar and we’ll provide plates and cutlery. The bar is also available for private hire and can accommodate up to 40 guests, making it the perfect place for a celebration or event, especially as we can work with outside caters to take care of your every need.” Concluded Duncan. 

The Wash House will be open from 10am – 11pm, Sunday to Monday, serving alcohol from 11am. For more information or to stay updated on news please visit www.thewashhousebar.co.uk, Facebook or Instagram @thewashhousemilfordonsea

The Wash House

27 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

Another Successful Flower Festival

The Milford on Sea Flower Festival, which was a collaboration between Milford Floral Art Club and the Flower Arrangers of the Churches of Milford and Everton, took place in All Saints’ Church, Milford on Sea over the weekend 28th to 31st July 2017, and run alongside another very successful Art and Music taking place on the Village Green. All proceeds were divided equally between Oakhaven Hospice Trust and All Saints’ Church Building Repair Fund.

click image to enlarge

Ladies, Children and Men (!) produced a total of thirty designs using as their theme something which had ‘inspired’ them – hence the title of the Festival - 'Inspirations'. The titles of the ladies’ designs varied from biblical quotes through musical themes, pastimes and paintings to a very moving tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Passchendale.

click image to enlarge

The men used stepladders and old paint pots to depict their title ‘Gone to Lunch’ whilst the children used old pairs of ‘wellies’ into which they inserted plastic bottles and garden flowers to depict their title ‘Puddle Jumping’.

To add to the beauty of the flowers and the building musical interludes were included each day, consisting of flute groups, singers, recorder groups, harmonicas, organ music and even traditional jazz.

click image to enlarge

Refreshments were available every day provided and served by a wonderful team of volunteers.

The event was staged with much enthusiasm, laughter and thought hence producing an unforgettable, beautiful and successful weekend.

click image to enlarge