Big Bash Quiz Night at The Smugglers Inn

Every year, the parents of the Year 6 children at Milford-On-Sea Primary School come together to raise funds to hold an End Of Year Party for the children, known as The Big Bash.

The event consists of a 'Festival' Type Party on the school field with Fairground Rides, Inflatables, Photo Booth, BBQ, Disco & Ice Cream Van. Each child is also supplied with a personalised 'Leavers Hoody'.

As you may expect, this event doesn't come cheap, costing around £3000.

Below are details on a Big Bash Quiz which has been organised to raise funds.

The Parents Friends Association (PFA) are also looking for local businesses who can help in any way. If you would like more information, the Big Bash Team would love to hear from you on:

milfordbigbash2023@gmail.com.

Big Bash Quiz Night at The Smugglers

Wednesday 22nd February. Arrival from 6.30pm - Quiz starts at 8pm.

Teams of 4 to 6 people.

Tickets: £15pp including meat or vegan lasagne.

To book: Please call The Smugglers Inn on 01590 644414

WHAT'S ON: See all the village events and activities: please click here.

The Smugglers Inn

88 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE

01590 644414

smugglersinn@ymail.com

www.thesmugglersinnpub.com

www.facebook.com/Smugglersinnmos

Support the Friends of NCF

Milford on Sea based charity, Friends of NCF (Namuwongo Community Foundation) funds a school for over 400 children who live in poverty in the slums of Kampala, Uganda. They also provide meals, social & medical care.

The charity aims to keep education at the heart of all they do in order to transform the lives of some of the neediest people in society.

However, they face a great dilemma and challenge this year, as they need at raise at least an additional £30,000 to continue the NCF Secondary School, £10,000 to maintain the scale of Primary School, as well as £5000 to sustain the feeding programme.  This is over and above what they will raise in 2023 through committed giving, corporate sponsorship, events & fundraising. Without the funds there is a fear that children and students may return to the slums to face a life without great hope.

Milford on Sea resident, Matthew Brearley is the Chair of Trustees and he said; "As with so many charities, the fundraising challenge is difficult & never ending. We’re facing some really tough decisions for the kids & vulnerable families in the Namuwongo slums. We would like to increase our subscriber numbers and would welcome anyone who would like to join to us to fundraise, support us with donations, or just provide moral support."

Matthew and his wife Nicola are currently visiting the project in Uganda. this is a critical trip as they plan, prioritise and agree the way forward for NCF given the financial and sustainability challenges.

They have also taken with them charity bags which are full with school uniform, medical supplies and books/games for the school library.

Upcoming Friends of NCF Events:

Sue's Coffee Mornings in support of the Friends of NCF are held on the first Saturday of every month from 10am. Everyone is welcome, please just go along to 33 Whitby Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0NE. The next coffee morning is on Saturday 4th February 2023.

Friends of NCF Project Update: Saturday 25th February, 2.30pm to 4pm at All Saints Church Hall, Milford on Sea.

Enjoy Ugandan tea & coffee and homemade cakes. Hear the latest news, photos & videos following Matthew & Nicola's visit to Uganda with an opportunity to ask questions & find out more.

Everyone is welcome to go along. The event is free and no booking is required.

Milford on Sea Open Gardens: Sunday 25th June, 2pm to 5pm. Always a favourite in the village's annual events calendar. More information to follow nearer the event.

Would you consider opening your garden this year? The Friends of NCF would love to add new gardens in Milford on Sea to the event. All you need is an interesting garden of any size, shape or design - and a warm welcome. If you are interested please let Steve Jennings know at: friendsofnamuwongo@yahoo.com.

To see more information on the work of Friends of NCF, please visit:

www.friendsofncf.org.

Friends of NCF also provide a free newsletter for moral or financial supporters, and welcome anyone wishing to do a fundraising event or challenge. To find out more please contact Matthew at: office@friendsofncf.org

Donations can also be made on the website.

Friends of NCF (Namuwongo Community Foundation)

office@friendsofncf.org
www.friendsofncf.org

Black Swans at Sturt Pond

When taking any walk around the coastline in Milford on Sea it is always a delight to see the birds and wildlife that share this beautiful area with us.

On a recent walk, two local residents came across some stunning black swan signets and took the pictures below.

It is always a privilege to see unusual sights in nature.

The birds were spotted close to Cut Bridge where Sturt Pond connects to to the sea. The simplest pleasures can bring the biggest smiles.

Picture by Tracy Newham

Picture by Tracy Newham

Picture by John Allison

Chance for children to win £1000 in Green BEE Project

In partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, New Milton Sand and Ballast have launched their Green BEE competition, which will give entrants the chance to win £1,000 to run their own environmental project for the local area.

Open to children under the age of 14, the competition invites participants to put forward a proposal for a project that can be implemented locally, using the £1,000 prize money. 

For those wanting to take part, they must register by no later than Friday 3rd February – with judging taking place during the Easter holidays.

The ‘Green BEE’ Environmental Competition was launched 20 years ago, and was created to help raise awareness about the importance of the natural world amongst children in the community. The organisers are encouraging entrants to focus on creating places that feel fresher, healthier and wilder, to support both people and nature.

Children are encouraged to be imaginative, ideas can range from educational dipping ponds, sensory gardens using recycled materials, to more intricate rainwater harvesting systems.

The Green BEE competition will have three winning categories; primary school, secondary school and community groups, with each category being awarded £1,000 toward their plans. Children can work in small groups or as a class. 

Upon registration each entrant will receive a welcome pack, which will include a step-by-step guide on entering the competition as well as a link to a video from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, giving an insight into the Wilder initiative. Throughout the process, participants will also receive a further interactive online session with the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust team to discuss their ideas and receive feedback on their plan.

Applications to enter the competition should be submitted by the 31st January 2023 (and no later than Friday 3rd February). However, full project submissions are not required until Friday 31st March 2023. Submissions must be sent electronically, and can include drawings, photos, and text. Winners will be announced after the Easter holidays, via email.

For further information on the Green BEE competition, please visit:

www.nmsb.co.uk/community/education

Invite Friends and Family to enjoy MoS News

I am delighted that over 3500 people in the village currently receive a free copy of  the Milford on Sea News Bulletin by email each week. 

Since launching in 2008 we have published over 700 Weekly Village News Bulletins, are now approaching our 4,000th article, and almost unbelievably, the MoS News website has been visited nearly 3 million times!

Milford on Sea News is not a business, but just a free community service with the aim to celebrate the wonderful village we live in, provide news on all that is happening, and to keep people informed of activities and events they can enjoy in the village.

With around 5000 people in the village, there are still people who do not get a copy of the News Bulletin - and don't even know about it!

So, we wondered if you might be happy to tell your friends and family who enjoy the village about MoS News - and invite them to register for a free copy of the News Bulletin?

Also, our recently launched Milford on Sea What's On Calendar is already getting lots of visitors. The calendar contains everything that is happening in the village such as; events, activities, clubs, classes - and it is a lot! 

Check it out at: www.moscalendar.org.

Perhaps you would be happy to forward this article to your friends & family?: At the foot of this article are a couple of ways to do this:

• Use the 'Facebook Icon' to post on Facebook.
• Use the 'Envelope symbol' where you can forward this article by email.

- or you can simply copy and paste the text below and send to whoever you like by email - with (or without) a forwarded copy of the News Bulletin:

I have been asked by David at Milford on Sea News to let you know about the free weekly Milford on Sea News Bulletin. We get a free copy each week and it is certainly worth a read.

If you are not one of the 3500 people in the village to get a copy you might like to take a look at: www.milfordonseanews.org. You can also register for a free copy of the weekly Village News Bulletin on the website or by emailing david@milfordonsea.org . I hope you enjoy it.

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Thanks taking the time to visit MoS News, as long as you keep reading, I will keep writing!

The Rambling Men playing at Ray's Italian

Ray's Italian are delighted to be presenting live music from local band, The Rambling Men on the afternoon of Saturday 18th February. Bookings now being taken.

PS: Our website is now back!

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Ray’s Italian Kitchen is a family owned restaurant and delicatessen offering morning coffee and cake, great value set lunches, and an evening Italian inspired menu full of home-made dishes with restaurant service.

They also offer authentic Italian pizzas to eat in or takeaway - and the delicatessen is full of home-baked sweet & savoury treats alongside an extensive range of Italian produce to enjoy at home.

Ray’s Italian Kitchen

11 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

01590 645300

info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

www.raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

www.facebook.com/raysitaliankitchen

Table Top Sale this Saturday

The first Table Top Sale of 2023 takes place this Saturday from 10am to 1pm at Milford on Sea Community Centre.

Come along to find a bargain or something interesting. You are also welcome to book a table top for your own fundraising.

Visitor Entry: Free

Stallholder Tables: £10 Book by email enquiries@moscommunitycentre.org.uk or phone 01590 644861.

Next Table Sale Top Events: Saturday 25th February & Saturday 25th March.

This is a fundraising event for the Community Centre.

WHAT'S ON: See all the Village Events & Activities: please click here.

Milford on Sea Community Centre

01590 644861

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

www.facebook.com/Milford-on-Sea-Community-Centre

Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

Valentine's Night at Ray's Italian Kitchen

Celebrate a romantic Valentine's Night at Ray's Italian Kitchen with a very special menu.

Places are booking fast, so if you would like to go, please book now on 01590 645300 or contact: info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk.

Please click image below to see full menu.

click image to view menu

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Ray’s Italian Kitchen is a family owned restaurant and delicatessen offering morning coffee and cake, set lunches and an evening full Italian menu full of home-made dishes with restaurant service.

They also offer authentic Italian pizzas to eat in or takeaway - and the delicatessen is full of home-baked sweet & savoury treats alongside an extensive range of Italian produce.

Ray’s Italian Kitchen

11 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

01590 645300

info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

www.raysitaliankitchen.co.uk

www.facebook.com/raysitaliankitchen

Retro Grooves at The Wash House Each Month

Retro Grooves will be playing the vinyl Every Last Sunday in the Month at The Wash House, starting this coming Sunday.

About Retro Grooves: www.retrogrooves.co.uk

Enjoy a drink as you step back in time with the classic sounds from late 50s to the late 80s. 

To book your seat please call: 01590 644665.

WHAT'S ON: To see all the village events and activities: please click here.

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The Wash House loves great beer, stocking ales from talented local brewers. There are also, ciders, gins, wines and a great choice of organic soft drinks.

They are constantly on the look-out for new craft ales to offer the beer lovers. Once again, CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) have listed The Wash House in Milford on Sea in their The Good Beer Guide 2023.

This cosy venue also holds live music and rocking party nights, so it is always worth keeping an eye on their Facebook page to see what is happening.

So, if you are partial to a variety of quality real ales or craft drinks, or enjoy live music you don't have far to go!

The Wash House Micro Ale Pub

27 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

01590 644665

www.thewashhousebar.co.uk

www.facebook.com/thewashhousemilfordonsea

Free Home Deliveries & More by Butchers on the Green

Living in Milford on Sea village many of us want to support the village shops, but sometimes it is tricky to fit into a busy schedule, or physically to difficult to get into the village centre.

Well, did you know that you can get Free Home Deliveries by Butchers on the Green with no minimum spend and within a 5 mile radius of Milford on Sea. If you just want a 1lb of mince or wish to place an order to stock your freezer, they are always willing to help.

Fresh Fish

Did you know that you can also order fresh fish from Butchers on the Green? All orders placed by a Wednesday are delivered on the following Friday. No minimum order, and you can pick up fresh, or they are happy to freeze your order for you.

Meat Pack for the Week - Ideal for 4 people (Limited Time Promotion)

• 1x whole fresh chicken 
• 4x pork loin steaks 
• 4x gammon steaks 
• 8x pork sausages of your choice 
• 600g minced beef steak
• 4x beef braising steaks 
• 600g diced chicken breast 

All of this for just £39.99 (Saving you over £16.50 and working out to c.£1.42 per person per meal.)

*Half pack at half price for 2 person households.

Everyone that buys one of these packs is entered into a draw to win free steak for their family. (4 steaks maximum) 

PS: Their everchanging variety of creative and easy to cook pre-prepared meals are also always worth checking out.

To place an order, or to find out more, please pop in, call them on 01590 642136 or send them a Facebook message with your order.

Butchers on the Green are an independently owned butchers shop offering an everchanging variety of creative and easy to cook pre-prepared meals - plus meat cuts & joints, handmade burgers, numerous flavours of gluten free sausages, traditionally cured bacon, mince, pies, pasties, ham, pate, chorizo, BBQ packs, fresh fish, cheese, eggs and  They even offer hog roasts for private events.

Butchers on the Green
3 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QU

01590 642136
butcherbythebeach@gmail.com
facebook.com/butchersonthegreen

*Closed on Mondays

Butchers on the Green hold a 5 Star Food Hygiene Rating.

The Village News goes Retro

Mark at The Village News is now stocking a range of retro sweets to transport us back to our childhoods.

Sherbert fountains, Dip dabs and black jacks..., if you are of a certain age you will remember these sweets and perhaps even recall school tuck shops! 

Mark also now stocks a range of Warmies. These warming cuddly soft toys contain dried French Lavender, sourced from growers in Provence. They are fully microwavable and designed to provide stress and anxiety relief as well as promote restful sleep.

For centuries lavender has been synonymous with tranquillity, relaxation, serenity, soothing and calming to provide wellbeing and wellness.

The Village News is a traditional village newsagents and also a Local Information Point for the New Forest National Park.

The dog friendly shop sells greeting cards, chocolate, sweet bags, retro sweets, gift packs, batteries, cables, crab lines for crabbing at Sturt Bridge and more.

When you next visit, look up and you will see a fine collection of framed classic comic book covers and other interesting pieces of popular memorabilia.

The Village News

74 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

www.facebook.com/thevillagenewsmilfordonsea

Live Blues Night Next Week

Live music at the Community Centre this coming Saturday featuring Dick Taylor:

WHAT'S ON: See all the village events and activities: please click here.

Milford on Sea Community Centre

01590 644861

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

www.facebook.com/Milford-on-Sea-Community-Centre

Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

Warm Spaces in Milford on Sea

As winter takes hold and heating bills soar, there are a number of 'Warm Spaces' now open in the village.

Warm Spaces are where everyone is welcome, there are book, puzzles, games and more. You may also get a hot drink & snack. If you would like to meet people, there is always someone there for a chat, and if you prefer 'quiet time' that's fine too.

Please see poster below for more details. The session are also in www.moscalendar.org

• Wednesday: 10am to 12noon at The Library
• Thursdays: 12noon to 4pm at The Guide Hut
• Fridays: 12noon to 4pm at The Community Centre

WHAT'S ON: See all the village events and activities: please click here.

Milford on Sea Community Centre

01590 644861

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

www.facebook.com/Milford-on-Sea-Community-Centre

Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

Magical Milford Christmas Feedback

With the Christmas lights well and truly packed away for another year, the organisers of Magical Milford would love to hear your thoughts and views on the Christmas lights and decorations a few weeks ago.

The survey only takes a couple of minutes, but your feedback will really help with plans already being made for next year.

The Christmas lights and decorations created by the Magical Milford Team in the past few years have been a true delight, really bringing the festive season to life in Milford on Sea. Your feedback and views would be really appreciated.

To complete the quick survey, please click here.

Memories of the Danestream

Following publishing the article 'Danestream bursts its banks' a few days ago we have received these memories from Alice Yeandle. Alice was bought up in Milford on Sea, having moved to village from Worthing at 5 years of age. She now lives in France.

"From my little Milford on Sea information booklet dated 1931 it is marked Danestream. We knew the Pleasure Grounds as the Pleasure Gardens.

In the 50´s we would spend our Saturday afternoon’s building dams, unfortunately they were cleared in the week so hard work commenced again until dusk, dragging branches and general dam making items until we had achieved our task!  What fun.

In the area where we built our dams, near the bridge leading up to Barnes Lane, there was an area with many different flowers, one of which was Fritillaries which I found amazing with the squares of pale mauve and white on the petals so maybe that was why there was the name Pleasure Gardens.

Oh, to be young again and live in Milford and not the other side of the water.

Good wishes to you for the New year.

Alice Yeandle"

As an aside, Alice's 1931 booklet shows that the Milford on Sea village population was 2372 at the time. (Men 965 - Women 1407). Today the village population has more than doubled to c.5000.

click image to enlarge.

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The 'Pleasure Grounds' through which the Danestream runs, is understood to have only got its name around the 2000's. Previously it was known as 'The Pleasure Gardens'; as it had been planted up as an ornamental garden and it was part of the 19th century Georgian attempt to turn Milford on Sea into a prominent and gentrified seaside resort. 

 

Some long-standing village residents also refer the area simply as "Pledge". 

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We also heard from Bob Braid of the Milford on Sea Historical Record Society. He has shared some photos and newspaper cutting from 1968 and 1982.

Bob commented; "This is how the village used to be before the Downton 'Dam'! 1968: I think the estate car was owned by the owner of Bay Trees who got fed up with vehicles sending waves through his front door; until the police told him to move it."

PS: Lazy Lion Reopens after flooding

Having needed to close for a few day following their cellar being flooded in last weeks heavy rains, The Lazy Lion is now open again and welcoming customers for tasty breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

To read the original 'Danestream bursts its banks' article, please click here.

Live Screenings and a Milford Movie

Milford on Sea Community Centre always has something interesting going on, and there are two Live Screenings and a Milford Movie coming up soon. Tickets are on sale now, so treat yourself to a night of entertainment.

Events such as these are run on a regular basis, so it is always worth keeping an eye on the Community Centre website, they will also feature in www.moscalendar.org 

NTLIVE: The Crucible by Arthur Miler

Thursday 26th January - 7pm

A witch hunt is beginning in Arthur Miller’s captivating parable of power with Erin Doherty (The Crown) and Brendan Cowell (Yerma).

Raised to be seen but not heard, a group of young women in Salem suddenly find their words have an almighty power. As a climate of fear, vendetta and accusation spreads through the community, no one is safe from trial.

Lyndsey Turner (Hamlet) directs this contemporary new staging, designed by Tony Award-winner Es Devlin (The Lehman Trilogy). Captured live from the Olivier stage at the National Theatre.

Entry: £15 - Tickets on sale now. Box Office details at foot of page.

Milford Movie: EMILY

Thursday 2nd February - 7pm

 

Emily imagines Emily Brontë’s own Gothic story that inspired her seminal novel, ‘Wuthering Heights.’ Haunted by the death of her mother, Emily struggles within the confines of her family life and yearns for artistic and personal freedom, and so begins a journey to channel her creative potential into one of the greatest novels of all time.

Entry: £15 - Tickets on sale now. Box Office details at foot of page.

Live Screening: The Royal Opera

The Barber of Seville

Thursday 16th February -  7pm

When Rosina falls in love with a mysterious young suitor who calls himself Lindoro, she must use all her cunning –and a little help from her local barber –to outwit her calculating guardian Dr Bartolo. Expect heart-melting serenades, ridiculous disguises and a fairytale ending waiting just out of reach. From the barber’s famous opening number ‘Largo al factotum,’ with its cry of ‘Figaro! Figaro!,’to Rosina’s feisty aria ‘Una voce poco fa,’ Gioachino Rossini’s comic opera is a riotously entertaining affair. Rafael Payare makes his Royal Opera House debut conducting an outstanding international cast that includes Andrzej Filończyk, Aigul Akhmetshina, Lawrence Brownlee and Bryn Terfel.

Language: Sung in Italian with English subtitles. Running time: 3 hours and 45 minutes (including one interval)

Entry: £15 - Tickets on sale now. Box Office details at foot of page.

WHAT'S ON: See all the village events and activities: please click here.

Milford on Sea Community Centre

01590 644861

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

www.facebook.com/Milford-on-Sea-Community-Centre

Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

Mister Pink's 5 Star Rating

Mister Pink's have retained their 5 Star Hygiene Rating. This comes as no surprise, as it is a great fish & chip shop. 

Sadly, inflation is hitting everyone, and the fish and chip industry is being hit very hard. In spite of that, Mister Pink's are doing all they can to keep fish & chips an affordable takeaway for us all.

Everyone loves a treat of fish & chips, it is a British tradition, and still value for money in light of inflation everywhere at present. So what are you going to have tonight, cod, haddock or sausage?! 

Mister Pink's

Church Hill, Milford on Sea,SO41 0QH

01590 642930

Simon Heaps Interview on BBC South

Simon Heaps delayed interview on BBC South Today aired on Tuesday 17th January 2023.

If you missed it, you can still watch Simon's interview where he tells his story and ambitions. To view, please click on the video image belo2.

To read more about Simon's journey as a para-athlete, please click here. 

Milford on Sea WI support New Forest Basics Bank

The Milford on Sea WI sold a range of items at a recent table Top Sale in the Community Centre, and once again supported the New Forest Basics Bank by donating all of the funds raised.

New Forest Basics Bank thanked volunteer Suzie Watson and the wonderful ladies at the Milford-on-Sea WI for the donation which was gratefully received. The funds will enable the Food Bank to purchase additional food & basics for local families and individuals in crisis.

New Forest Basics Bank provide Food And Basics For People In Need Across The New Forest.

The Basics Bank offers non-perishable food items, personal hygiene items, and basic household essentials. The food parcels have sufficient supplies for one week for one person and is increased to cover the number of family members for which a request is made. 

There are many reasons why people may find themselves needing the support of a food bank. For example when the main earner in the household looses their job, a medical condition, a change in personal circumstances or a large unforeseen bill that leaves inadequate or no money for food. All parcels are a stop gap to support clients through troubled times.

 

Find out more about the good work the Basics Bank does in providing food and other essentials for local people in need. Please click here.

New Forest Basics Bank

www.basicsbank.org.uk

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Find out more about the Milford on Sea Women's Institute by clicking the link below:

Milford on Sea WI

moswi@outlook.com

milfordsec@hampshirewi.org.uk

hampshirewi.org.uk/wi-page/milford-on-sea-wi

Olivia Inspires Talk at Milford and District Ladies Luncheon Club

Olivia Inspires trustee, Alistair Brien recently gave a talk to the Milford and District Ladies Luncheon Club at South Lawn Hotel.

He spoke about his days as Headteacher at Bournemouth School for Girls and the work of local charity Olivia Inspires. (The charity was founded in the memory of popular Milford on Sea schoolgirl Olivia Burt, and Alistair had been her headteacher at the time she had been the Head Girl.)

He also chatted about his new career as a wedding celebrant, public speaker and his exploits as a magician member of The Magic Circle.

The charity passes on their thanks to all of the ladies for their generous donations.

Oliva Inspires

www.oliviainspires.org.uk

www.facebook.com/oliviainspires

https://twitter.com/olivia_inspires