Clubs, Classes & Sports

What's On

Wednesday 17 February 2021

Step Up, Safe Space Easter Appeal

Step Up, Safe Space is a volunteer run community interest company with volunteers operating in Milford on Sea and with 400+ members around the New Milton area.

They have set up an Easter Appeal which is explained in the image of the leaflet below.

The organisation accepts food: tinned and dried, baby and child related items, men’s clothes and trainers, sleeping bags, small pop up tents. Baby boy clothes are particularly always in need as are toiletries, especially Men’s.

They also need soft and feel children’s books, tactile books, fiddle toys, knitted and sewn tactile blankets and learning resources for sensory and self-sooth boxes and home learning for children and adults.

To find out more, or to offer a donation please contact Suzanne Moore by clicking click here.



About Step Up, Safe Space (Taken from website)

Aims: 
The Overall aim of our community group Step-up, Safe Space is to address unmet health needs, both physical and emotional, in a holistic way, that are not been address by other agencies in New Milton and all surrounding areas. In addition to provide individualised self-sooth and sensory boxes for adult and children with sensory disorders. And to also address practical needs with food, clothes and small household goods. We are a none profit making organisation run by volunteers.

Background and history:
We are a community support group, primarily in New Milton, but covering all surrounding areas, called Step up, Safe Space, we formed in November 2020 and became a community interest company on the 19/01/21 our number is: 13143815.

The Directors background is as a family crisis support officer and two main volunteers who support in the running and development of the group have vast experience of public health nursing and in early years care and education.

Objectives:
To offer advice re obtaining support on unmet health issues, including mental health issues, ensuring food needs are met adequately, ensuring all safeguarding issues including domestic abuse concerns, are referred to the appropriate agencies within national guidelines. The group has a designated safeguarding lead.

To also offer practical support with referrals to other community groups, like the New Forest basic food bank. To ensure all donated food is effectively delivered to those in need and donated food is not wasted. This includes delivering to those currently in isolation and those currently suffering from the virus. And other support services including dropping off shopping and collecting and delivering prescriptions.

To also promote community cohesion with a sense of community pride, by enabling easy donation of quality goods from the local community. These are distributed to those that would benefit from the donations, across the area by members of the team. These donations are food, clothes, all baby and children’s items and small household items ( electrical items are PAT tested.)

To visit the Step Up, Safe Space websiteplease click here.

To visit or join the Step Up, Safe Space Facebook page, please click here.

Exciting Expansion Plans at South Lawn

South Lawn Hotel, with its team led by Tim Wedgwood & Nikki Rowe have more than proven their worth to the village since becoming the independent owners of the hotel in November 2015.

During the past five years the hotel has seen many refurbishments and The Cedar Tree Restaurant had become established as a quality venue to eat before Covid19 hit. 

Since the start of the pandemic, the team have a fought hard to make the business survive by providing a variety of services to the village including home delivered hot meal and a range of quality dairy and bakery items. Over the summer, they even raised significant amount of donations for the Oakhaven Hospice.

Tim wishes to continue to support the village and is prepared to make significant investment to entice more visitors to Milford on Sea. If he can achieve this it would have clear benefits for our village businesses and local economy.

A recent article in the Advertiser & Times provides more background information and details of the planning application for the side extension currently being considered. Please click here to read the article.

New Planning Proposed

Note: A previous planning application for a roof extension has been dropped as it has been found to not be economically viable.

Original Planning Proposal - Now Dropped



The South Lawn Hotel 
& Cedar Tree Restaurant
Lymington Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0RF
01590 643911

Children's Books from Read with Rosie

Rosie Miller is a hairdresser who lives in Milford on Sea and like many her livelihood has been curtailed by Lockdown.

It is always admirable when someone tries something new, so I'm pleased to share the post below that Rosie made on Facebook. I hope people can support her and wish her good luck with her new venture.

"Hello Milford On Sea community! 

I have lived here all my life and have always supported our beautiful village. I've been a hairdresser since I left school but as you all know these difficult times have led to a lot of us not being able to work, including myself. So I just wanted to post in here to let you all know I have started a new journey selling Children's books for Usborne Publishers. Reading is something I am so very passionate about and I believe is so important for our children. I have made a Facebook page called Readwithrosie. (Click here to visit page.)

So please feel free to take a look. I can get free delivery on all books so happy to deliver Covid securely to your doorstep! Rosie x"


Read with Rosie

Lockdown Shops & Services in Milford on Sea

In March last year we published a list of 'Lockdown Shops & Services in Milford on Sea', who would have thought that 11 months later we would still be in Lockdown?!

But, here we are, and with luck we are much closer to the end of Lockdown than the beginning.

As a reminder I thought it might be useful to remind everyone of what our village shops can offer by re-running the article. 

It might be worth using the contact details to check that the details are still correct if you are interested in any business listed.

To view the article please click here.


PS: Since publishing the list we also now have these establishments also offering goodies:

The Coastal Bakery: click here for more information.

Ray's Larder Kitchen: click here for more information.

The Pickled Weasel: click here for more information.


Fish Pies from Verveine

David at Verveine has been busy in the kitchen cooking his delicious fish pies.

Each pie is topped with a mustard mash and Cornish Gouda cheese to make them the perfect comfort food for a cold or rainy February day. 

The individual fish pies are £4.50 or £6.00 for the larger size. Both are available to buy from the Verveine Fish Mongers from Thursday morning.

Go on... everyone needs some Omega 3 in their life!


Verveine
98 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE 
01590 642176

Takeaway Burger Evenings from Saltwater

Saltwater are holding Takeaway Burger Evenings on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th February.

You can see the menu below:
click image to enlarge

To order, please phone 01590 634518 (and leave a message) or click here to send a message to book or ask any questions.


Saltwater Café
106 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE
01590 643518



Sunday 14 February 2021

Hospital Troops based at South Lawn Hotel

You may have seen in the local press/Facebook that the army have been helping out in hospitals to relieve some of the pressure the NHS is under and they joined New Forest Hospital in Lymington last week. 

That is good news in its own right of course, but even better to know that South Lawn has been given the privilege of looking after them. The hotel currently have 8 rooms occupied by the troops and they are providing them with dinner bed and breakfast until the end of February with the likelihood of the assistance continuing.

The Royal Engineer troops are wearing their uniforms for their role at the hospital so if anyone sees them please don't be concerned and I'm sure they would appreciate a smile, friendly wave or a thank you. 

Despite South Lawn Hotel being closed to the general public, they remain very busy with meals and grocery deliveries. 

The team have also delivered a few of their regular customers for their vaccination jab at the medical centre and are providing a parking base for the Community First New Forest Mini Bus which is also providing a valuable service in helping the vaccination programme.

There is no doubt that South Lawn have done all they can to support the community throughout this difficult time.


To see South Lawn Hotel's latest Delivery/Take Away Menu: please click here.


The South Lawn Hotel
Lymington Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0RF
01590 643911
events@southlawnhotel.co.uk
www.southlawnhotel.co.uk

New Delivery Menu at South Lawn

Tim, Nicola and the South Lawn Team have been supporting the Milford on Sea community from the very begining of the Coronavirus crisis. 

During this time they have provided a delivery & takeaway service from The Cedar Tree restaurant's menu of tasty hot meals, Sunday lunches and a range of home diary essentials and treats. Also, they created innovative pop-up food options for the village which included a Drive Through Burger Bar last summer.

South Lawn have now launched its latest menu with some old favourites such as the much loved Liver and Bacon. This menu is the 14th Edition during Lockdown!  To view the menu, please click here.

New Menu at South Lawn
click image to enlarge

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Tim and his team also continue to support the village with:

Dairy, Bakery and Meal Deliveries 
Fresh bakery deliveries and dairy products each morning along with an extensive menu for deliveries of lunch and dinner within 5 miles of South Lawn. Please click here to see menu

Deliveries & Takeaways 
Lunch & Dinner delivered Monday to Saturday, with Sunday Lunch also available, as are celebration cakes if you need one! 

To see South Lawn Hotel's latest Delivery/Take Away Menu: please click here.


The South Lawn Hotel 
& Cedar Tree Restaurant
Lymington Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0RF
01590 643911
events@southlawnhotel.co.uk
www.southlawnhotel.co.uk

Friday 12 February 2021

Milford on Sea Unsung Lockdown Heroes

Throughout this pandemic Milford on Sea must have had many 'Unsung Lockdown Heroes' who deserve a thank you. People who have helped others with acts of kindness however large or small. 

This could be local people who do anything from supporting a neighbour by getting their shopping or prescriptions, it could be friends who have kept your spirits up, a kind stranger who has lent a helping hand, or people volunteering to help other people in the community in any way. It could also be a village business or organisation who are going that extra mile to get the community through this crisis.


There must be a lot of people out there who deserve a thank you, so please don't be shy or hesitant in sending us the information. Nothing would give us more pleasure than to give some small recognition to those that are helping others and keeping our community together.

To let us know about your 'Unsung Lockdown Hero' please send us:
  1. The Name of the Unsung Lockdown Hero.
  2. A brief sentence of what they have done or are doing.
  3. A photo of the hero. (Please ensure you have their permission to publish.)
  4. Send all to: david@milfordonsea.org

We will then let you know the 'Unsung Lockdown Heroes' we hear of each week. It will be a pleasure to say thank you to them.

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TO SEE OUR LOCKDOWN HEROES, Please click here.


Thursday 11 February 2021

Handmade Chocolate Boxes by Verveine

Verveine have created boxes of handmade 64% Valrhona chocolate caramels. 

These delicious bespoke chocolates are available to purchase at the restaurant at £5 for a box of 6. An ideal gift for Valentine's Day, a present or just an indulgence for yourself!

Verveine have also announced that delicious handmade chocolate bars to follow later in the week.

All great news for chocoholics!


Verveine
98 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE 
01590 642176

Wednesday 10 February 2021

New Seasons Valentine's Flowers

New Seasons Florists in Milford on Sea high street are taking Valentine's orders by phone or email, for either for delivery or collection on Saturday or Sunday.

Brighten someone's day from a a wide selection of Valentine flowers; romantic lily or red rose bouquets and spring flowers available. Just call Nichola on 01590 641001 for advice and prices.

No set minimum price for a bouquet, £50 for a red rose bouquet, £3.50 for a single rose.

If you would like b
ouquets or arrangements all year round, they will all be individually prepared for you and delivered free locally. (Deliveries can be made throughout the New Forest for an extra charge.)

New Seasons also stock Helium balloons and a full range of vases, pots and florist sundries.

Regular stock of fresh flowers and plants continue to be delivered to the shop, so if there is anything in particular you would like, please let them know.

To find out what can brighten your home or to arrange a delivery please call Nichola on: 01590 641001 or contact:

New Seasons Florist
High Street, Milford on Sea
01590 641001

Your Valentine's Treat

Valentine's Day is traditionally a time for dining out, which of course is something none of us can do right now.

But, no-one can stop us eating at home!

There are many options for enjoying a meal at home across the village including; Valentine's specials, British classics, Thai, pizza, kebabs, Cook at Home meals and more...

To see what you can choose from please click here. The list contains contact details and using the links on the list to a visit to the restaurants Facebook Page will show you any latest offerings. 

Charcuterie and Cheese at Pickled Weasel

Alex at The Pickle Weasel has just let us know that they have a 50% sale on Charcuterie and Cheese at the moment.


Pickled Weasel
54 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD
01590 641155

Tuesday 9 February 2021

Additional houses at The White Horse rejected

A latest application for housing behind the closed village pub, The White Horse in Keyhaven Road has been rejected.

Bayview Homes was given consent to construct three properties on land adjoining The White Horse but an application for a larger development has been refused by the district council.

Chris Yandell has reported more details in the Daily Echo. Please click here to read.


Downton Holiday Park for sale

A recent article in the Daily Echo has reported that Downton Holiday Park is for sale at guide price of £2.9million.

The caravan park has been in the same family for 72 years and covers 3.6 acres near the beach at Milford on Sea.

To read the full article please click here.

Downton Holiday Park
Picture by Daily Echo

Monday 8 February 2021

New Forest Basics Bank Wish List

The New Forest Basics Bank has a Wish List on Amazon which identifies the thing they most need and which people can order to donate. (Click here to view)

Recently they published a touching message from a food parcel recipient:
"I've ordered some stationery for you. It's coming in three separate deliveries. You were very kind and delivered my family a food parcel a few weeks ago and we wanted to say thank you. Thank you for all the help you give everyone. I almost cried at the generous delivery and it really helped, I wasn't expecting to be able to get so much. You are angels"

The New Forest Basics Bank Team also sent their thanks to their volunteers, and the generosity of their supporters we can help so many families who are struggling at the moment. This includes:
  • Boots in Milford on Sea for donating 53 Kg of toiletries
  • The Rotary Club, including members from Milford who empty the crates three times a week and deliver all the food to the Basics Bank.
  • The local churches who are still collecting donations even though they are not meeting.
  • Local schools who are fundraising for them to buy food.
  • The customers at Hollands in Milford on Sea
  • and of course everyone that has bought so many goodies from the Amazon Wish List.
If you would like to contribute, you can do so on the New Forest Basics Bank Wish List on Amazon (Click here to view)

For further information on the work of New Forest Basics Bank and how you can donate or volunteer your help please click here.

Cook at Home Meals from Ray's

If you would like to savour a wonderful array of individual meals or a pre-prepared 3 course meal in your own home which have been created by professional chefs, Ray's Kitchen Larder can provide just that.

All meals come with cooking instructions and all you have to do is warm them up & enjoy. You can even pop them in your deep freeze for later.

Cook at Home Meals -
Chicken Breast stuffed with Mozzarella & Sun-Dried Tomato: £2.95 each
Confit Duck Legs: £3.50 each
Chicken Kiev’s: £3.50 each
Fish Pie: £4.85
Braised Venison: £3.95 each
Chicken, Ham & leek pie: £4.85
Steak & Ale pie: £4.85
Chicken & wild mushroom pie: £4.85
Steak & kidney pudding: £5.90
Pork Fillet stuffed with Gorgonzola, wrapped in Prosciutto: £3.95 each
Coq au Vin: £4.75 each
Beef Bourguignon: £5.25 each
Lasagne: £4.85 each
Lamb Rogan Josh: £4.85 each
Chicken Balti: £4.85 each
Braised Feather Blade of Beef: £4.95 each
Cheese Soufflé: £4.95 each
Thai King Prawn Curry: £5.95 each
Braised Lamb Shank: £5.95 each
Braised Venison Shank: £5.95 each
Braised Venison Suet Pudding: £5.95 each
Baked Cod with a tomato, chickpea & chorizo cassoulet: £6.50 each
Beef Fillet stuffed with blue cheese, wrapped in pancetta: £6.95 each
Salmon en Croute: £9.95 each
Beef Wellington: £11.95 each

Sides -
Cauliflower Cheese: £2.50
Honey Roast Vegetables: £2.50
Crushed Swede: £2.50
Dauphinoise Potatoes: £2.75
Mac & Cheese: £4.25

Sauces -
Traditional Gravy: £1.95 each
Dianne Sauce: £1.95 each
Red Wine Sauce: £1.95 each
Peppercorn Sauce: £1.95 each
Blue Cheese Sauce: £1.95 each
‘Chip Shop’ Curry Sauce: £1.95 each

Dessert -
Sticky toffee pudding: £4.50 - (Enough for 2)
Apple & Blackberry crumble: £4.25 - (Enough for 2)

Takeaway Pizza's available on Friday's.

Valentine's Day Menu just £22.50 per person. Please e-mail for the menu if you are interested.

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Ray's Kitchen Larder is Open:
Tuesday to Friday: 9am till 3pm
Saturday mornings: 9am until 1.30pm.
Free Local deliveries available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Minimum order of £30

Cook At Home 3 Course Menu:
Order by email or phone by Thursday noon, to collect on Friday /Saturday

Please contact Stacey to place your order at info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk


Ray’s Italian Kitchen & Kitchen Larder
11 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF
01590 645300
info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk
www.raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

Sunday 7 February 2021

Afternoon Cream Tea from Saltwater

There is little that screams 'English Tradition' more than an afternoon cream tea, and Saltwater Café can now offer you an opportunity to partake in this glorious and delicious activity.

Saltwater Cream Tea for One

If you fancy a treat, or wish to give someone a gift for a celebration, as a thank you, or just to put a smile on their face, this could be the answer. - They even do gift cards.

Saltwater Afternoon Tea

All cakes and scones are freshly baked at Saltwater. Tea includes
  • 2 x scones (1 plain and 1 blueberry)
  • clotted cream and raspberry jam
  • 2 x mini cakes
  • 4 x cheesecake bites or brownie pieces
  • 1 x mini loaf sandwich
  • 1 x mini bap sandwich
  • 2 x mini bagel sandwich
  • 1 x sandwich
  • 2 x teabags (see choice below)
Afternoon Cream Tea: £15 per person

Additional extras
  • Individual bottle of Prosecco or Prosecco Rosè - £5.00
  • A gift tag card free
  • Additional cakes, sandwiches or scones just ask!
  • Cake selection and sandwich filings may differ from photos. GF and Vegan available.
  • Choice of teas: English breakfast, decaf english breakfast, lemon and ginger, earl grey, masala chai, berry hibiscus, chamomile, peppermint, organic rooibos, blueberry rooibos, green tea, tropical green
Free delivery (locally) or collection (must be booked in advance) 

To order, please phone 01590 634518 or click here to message us to book or ask any questions.


Saltwater Café
106 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE
01590 643518



Saturday 6 February 2021

Transport to vaccinations

Community First New Forest is using its minibuses to transport passengers to the Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital for their vaccinations. 

You would be collected from your home, and the driver will wait while you have the jab and take you back home afterwards. 

Only one person is taken at a time and the size of the vehicle is such that social distancing can be maintained. All drivers are DBS checked. 

The fare is £3.00 and donations to the charity are welcome. There is now a bus located in Milford on Sea for these trips and after every trip the bus is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

The contact number to book a trip is the Community First New Forest Office on 01425 482773. 

Please note: There was an article in the Lymington Times last week about the service but the paper inadvertently published the incorrect fare.

Something to make your day...

Fancy seeing something really uplifting?

What would you do if you had four kids and stuck at home during Lockdown? 

Well, The very talented Marsh family have added some brilliant lyrics to well known songs. They are not only joyful and amusing, they are also almost guaranteed to brighten your day.

I'm not sure; it might be their creativity, it might be their enjoyment, or it might simply be seeing a family together during Lockdown that might just bring a tear to your eye.

'Totally fixed where we are'
click image to view

'Have the new jab'
click image to view

'One day more'
click image to view

To see The Marsh Family full catalogue of parody's please click here


Friday 5 February 2021

A cool new offering at Verveine

Something cool is happening at Verveine.

To add to the excellent food and fish they already offer, chef/patron David Wykes is now creating ice cream, and anyone that knows David will know that will not be anything ordinary!

The current ice cream flavours include: 'Coffee and donut', 'Cream tea', 'Wild Strawberry and hay', 'Tonka bean and blackcurrant', 'burnt chocolate and pistachio' and 'Sherbet Fountain'! 

The ice creams are now available to buy from the Verveine shop, and if your are ordering a kebab from them tonight you could pick up a pot for a delicious dessert.

I guess there is only one way to find out which is your favourite, and that's to pop in the discover the delights of the new Verveine Ice Cream Parlour when you can.


Verveine
98 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE 
01590 642176

Valentine's Meal at Home from Ray's

Ray's Italian are offering a special Valentine’s 3 course ‘at home’ meal for next week.

The menu consists of: 
  • Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé - Twice Baked with Parmesan and Old Winchester Crust.
  • Beef Wellington - Fillet of Beef Wellington.
  • Chocolate Fondant - Rich, dark chocolate “cake” oozing chocolate centre.
To add to this superb meal you can complement with Sides & Sauces:

  • Red Wine Sauce £1.95 each.
  • Peppercorn Sauce £1.95 each.
  • Dauphinoise £2.75 each.
  • Cauliflower Cheese £2.50 each.
  • and fresh Vegetables (uncooked): Purple sprouting, kale, tender stem and mixed chantennay carrots.

Valentine's Meal: £22.50 per person. 
(Minimum delivery £30, delivery can be arranged when ordering)

Please order by noon Thursday (11th) February, for collection 12th & 13th February.

To order please email info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

Ray’s Italian Kitchen & Larder Kitchen
11 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF
01590 645300
info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk
www.raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

Sponsor the Milford School Leavers

A message from Milford on School PFA:

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Sponsorship opportunity - Milford-On-Sea Primary Year 6 leavers celebration

Please help us to make this school year memorable for the right reasons!

There is no doubting that the last year has been tough for everyone. With schools closed for large periods of time, many children have found themselves isolated from friends and their learning severely interrupted. This has perhaps been felt hardest by children in Year 6 – a critical year to develop social skills and consolidate academic achievements before the big leap to secondary school in September.

With this in mind, we are launching a campaign to support Year 6 children at Milford-On-Sea Primary school. We want to try and help them end their last primary school year on a positive note. But to be successful we really need some help! So, we are on the hunt for some amazing supporters from the local community who can help us make this happen.

Leaving primary school is an important milestone in every child’s life. At Milford-On-Sea Primary School this is usually marked by creating special activities and items for the Year 6 children including a yearbook featuring every year 6 child. In normal times these would be funded by proceeds from events set up by parents throughout the year – cake sales, raffles, etc. However, this is no normal school year and it has not been possible to support the year 6 children by raising money in this way.

This is where we are asking please for some much-needed support in helping us to give these children something positive to remember about this difficult school year, and to create some happy memories with them as they progress to the next step.

We are looking for a series of sponsors from the community. Those who understand how important this time is and would be kind enough to donate towards the costs of a yearbook, and a series of events (physical or virtual depending on restrictions) for the year 6 leavers.

Support like this would make such a difference and we would be incredibly grateful. In return we would ensure that your donation is well promoted. All sponsors will be recorded in the yearbook, shared on social media posts from the school and the PFA, and shared within the entire school community via newsletters etc. Sponsors would also be featured in news about the campaign shared with local media.

We are looking to raise around £100 from each sponsor. If you feel you would be able to help us reach this target and would like more information about how to get involved and support this campaign, please contact Kerry Wills at thebigbash@yahoo.com

With thanks from all of the Year 6 Parents at MOSPS!

Wednesday 3 February 2021

A Milford man's life in the Royal Navy

A local man, Kevin Perrett has completed an impressive 22 year career in the Royal Navy. He has served his country from basic training, supporting civilian emergencies and a variety of worldwide deployment.

To mark his service, Kevin has put together an intriging video of his time over the past two decades and more.

To view the video, please click here.

Your thoughts on the Christmas Decorations

As it is just 3 questions, could you find the time to provide your feedback on this year's Christmas Decorations:

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The volunteer organisers of this year's Milford on Sea Christmas Decorations would like to find out whether Milford was more Magical this Christmas?

Now that all of the Christmas decorations have been removed from the village, both Diana Brushwood and Tracy Haupt would very much like to hear your thoughts and comments on what worked well, what wasn’t so good and what you’d like to see this coming Christmas. 

The feedback is very important to this year’s planning, so please spend a few minutes completing the survey (Just 3 questions) by clicking here or if you prefer, email your comments and ideas to: tracyhaupt01@aol.com

Planning for Christmas 2021 decorations will commence soon. For those who feel it’s too early for us to be having these discussions, please understand it all takes a lot of time, planning and discussion with many organisations, to get such an event organised. 

Thank you in advance for completing the survey – Diana and Tracy hope this year will be very different to last year and that we’ll all be able to enjoy a normal life very soon.


Monday 1 February 2021

Do you like your jam naked?

Local jam maker, Jen Williams normally supplies her range of fine jams and marmalades to boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts and delicatessens across the New Forest. Most are currently closed due to the lockdown, so Jen is now offering her lovely preserves online at naked-jam.co.uk/shop

If you enjoy something tasty on your bread or toast the range is certainly worth a look.

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About Naked Jam: The story so far…

Naked Jam was inspired by my sister, and by the confidence of winning an award at marmalade awards, 2011. I like to use seasonal local fruit and more often than not it’s foraged. ( I have been known to fall out of trees!) I love to develop new taste combinations, combined with traditional cooking methods.

I spent my childhood in Wales, where my mother was a Cook to a retired Colonel. They had an extensive kitchen garden and a hot-house supplying exotic fruits year-round, so that my mom could cater for the royal and overseas guests who sought the Colonel’s wise counsel.

I learned how to forage for flowers and fruits in a way we would now label ‘sustainable’. Whether collecting rosehips, sloes, blackberries, or rowanberries, we harvested only what we could reach easily – everything else was for birds and animals. At Christmas, I made gifts of jams, jellies and chutneys using ingredients from the garden and hedgerows, bottling and labelling as I went and learning that you can only make the best with the best.

My mom is my inspiration, a woman intent to get the best out of food, to give us the delight of her pallet and her cooking. She not only passed down her cook books but a love and passion for food, working with seasons and wild fruit.

It’s these fruit seasons that inspire my taste buds to dance, from oranges in January to autumn raspberry’s that capture the last of the summer sun. As I pick them from the bush I can imagine tasting that fresh burst of sunshine in a layered cake in November.

But ultimately I am inspired by my taste imagination capturing a season in a jar. The fruit changes as the seasons unfold so I channel my imagination and I use them to create unique recipes.

Naked Jam

A Year of Sea Defence Rebuilding

Graeme Blackwood has published a new film which has recorded a fascinating record of the rebuilding of the sea defences for Milford on Sea over the past year.

Graeme has created a record of the repairs from the air using a drone.

To visit his page to view his films please click here


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The 'Save Milford from the Sea' Facebook Group has been set up to 'To make Milford-on-Sea residents aware of the consequences for the village of failure to repair the sea wall and maintain coastal defences.'

This Facebook Page has a fascinating insight into the issues, progress and details on a petition to save the sea defences long-term.

To visit the Facebook Group please click here.

Sunday 31 January 2021

MOSHRS Podcast: Did Dr Who visit Milford?

Milford on Sea Historical Record Society have launched their latest podcast, this time the subject is: Did Dr Who visit Milford?

200 years ago communities were more self-contained than today. Life revolved around the parish, where most people would spend their whole lives. The parish was in the charge of the parson. 

But, what happened if the vicar never turned up? In 1820 Milford’s vicar was Dr George Thompson but he was never here! Find out more in our latest video podcast.

To view the podcast, please click here.

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The Milford on Sea Historical Record Society has an excellent website with a lot of information and old pictures of Milford on Sea in the past. 

The MOSHRS meet 5 times a year where you can hear an interesting talk and meet people from across the village. There are also annual visits to places of interest. Membership is just £10. 

To find out more; please click here.


MoS Historical Record Society