New Pub Sign at The Smugglers Inn

The Smugglers Inn in Milford on Sea village centre have installed a new pub sigh at the front of the pub.

The sign now features an image of The Needles and Lighthouse, in place of the original sign which featured a smuggling pirate holding a barrel of contraband. 

On the side pub wall there is still an original sign which was painted by Peter J. Oldreive. 

Peter's father and grandfather were commercial artists, and he went to Portsmouth College of Art to study the Decorative Arts. The majority of his professional work was for breweries, mainly Whitbread, as a pub sign artist. Over 37 years he hand-painted over 2000 original English pub signs, primarily across South England. (Many of his signs can be seen by clicking here.) He also worked for the film industry painting backdrops and murals, working as far as Croatia and America. On retiring he turned to painting pictures for pleasure, specialising in aircraft.

About The Smugglers Inn

This traditional family friendly seaside village pub serves tasty home-cooked meals all day. 

The comprehensive food menu includes daily specials, home cooked dishes, Sunday roasts and vegetarian & vegan options. The drink options include all pub favourites, as well as quality cask ales & local gins. 

 

There are log fires in winter, a conservatory, and a family friendly large garden with a play area for the kids to enjoy. Children & dogs are welcome inside and out.

Live music, themed evenings, and quizzes are held on special occasions. Private parties are also catered for.

The Smugglers Inn

88 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE

01590 644414

smugglersinn@ymail.com

www.thesmugglersinnpub.com

www.facebook.com/Smugglersinnmos

Kings Coronation Motown & 70’s Disco

Celebrate the Kings Coronation at a Motown & 70’s Disco at the Milford Community Centre at 7.30pm on Friday 5th May.

It will be a fun night of music and dancing and will include a Coronation Raffle to raise funds for the Community Centre.

Tickets are available by Phone 01590 644861, online at the website or directly from the Box Office.

Invite your friends and have a fun evening. Tickets are only £10, so book now as they will be selling fast.

What's On at the Community Centre: please click here.

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

Summer Clothing from Milford's Duff-T

Milford on Sea based clothing designer, Fiona MacDuff has added more creative & retro designs to her Duff-T clothing and bag ranges for ladies, men and kids.

There are a lot to choose from, and all of the designs are fun and colourful with a good choice of playful images on various organic and environmentally friendly garments. Click here to view.

About Duff-T Tee's

The Duff-T ranges of 'planet loving' clothing & bags are designed and produced by Fiona MacDuff in Milford on Sea. 

Ranges are available for women, men and kids and include; t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and bags - all of which are made from 100% organic sustainable cotton, and/or use recycled or sustainable materials.

All of the Duff-T products are printed in the UK in a renewable energy powered factory. Please click here to find out more. 

click image to enlarge

Find Our more about Duff-T Tees in Milford on Sea. Please click here to read.

To see the full Duff-T Tees range: please click here.

Duff-T Tees

hello@duff-t.com

www.duff-t.com

Karen Pitt at JAM this month

JAM in Milford on Sea features the ever popular Karen Pitt Sextet performing on Friday 28th April.

This fabulous group of musicians is led by Swing Unlimited Big Band's talented songstress, Karen Pitt was founded the band in 2009 and has been wowing audiences ever since.

The musical talents of the Swing Unlimited Big Band are showcased in a more intimate manner with Karen’s vocals at the forefront of their beautiful jazz sound.

Entry: £12. Buy ticket in advance, or pay on door. Everyone welcome.

JAM: Jazz at Milford evenings feature Live Jazz and Swing and take place Every Month on the Fourth Friday.

To see tonight's act, or for more information: 

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk/whats-on

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

The Bridge

Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH

01590 644861

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

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

Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

Formerly: Milford on Sea Community Centre

Concert Club Live! in Milford on Sea

Concert Club Live! is for all music enthusiasts here at Milford on Sea. These live music concerts with top professional keyboard entertainers are hosted by the New Forest Organ Society include as wide a range of popular music as could be imagined. 

Whether you are a keyboard player yourself or just enjoy the music, the monthly afternoon concerts will have something to offer. And for Milford residents it's not far to go either - just up Greenbank Close to All Saints' Hall.

This friendly club, formed in 1979, has members across the New Forest but holds its monthly Concert Club Live! right here. The Covid pandemic halted club activities of course, but membership has now increased to 127 with new additions each month. Attendance at concerts has grown to around 80 members and guests but they need to gain more members if they are to continue to be viable into the future.

New members would be warmly welcomed, as would holidaymakers and your visitors. 

Tickets are not required - just pay at the door. Entry includes refreshments at the interval. A raffle is also held.

The next Concert Club Live! is at 2.30pm (with the doors open from 1.30pm) on Tuesday 9th May and features Elizabeth Harrison.  

To see the New Forest Organ Society's Concert Club Live! Diary, please click here.

The club usually meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 2.30pm in All Saints' Church Hall. 

• Members annual subscription: £7.50
• Members admission to concerts: £5 
• Visitors admission: £10

For any enquiries, please call Philip on 01590 644415.

New Forest Organ Society

www.organfax.co.uk/clubs/newforest

www.facebook.com/nfosmilfordonsea

People Helping People in the village

Milford Volunteer Drivers are quite simply, People Helping People. The aim of Milford Volunteer Drivers is to provide transport for adults who request it, to medical appointments at hospital, GP surgery, dentist, chiropodist, opticians, and physiotherapy, or similar. Our name clearly describes what this voluntary group in the village continues to do with enthusiasm, empathy and kindness.

Milford Volunteer Drivers base in the Community Centre is affiliated to Milford on Sea Charitable Trust, provide a volunteer driver service, to those living in Milford-on-Sea, Keyhaven, Everton and Downton.

Message from Milford Volunteer Drivers (MVD)

To ensure our continued excellent service to our community, as our client base continues to grow, we urgently need to recruit additional volunteer drivers and/or office coordinators. Drivers are paid 50p per mile for every journey undertaken, you decide when you are available and we provide personal liability insurance, cover car insurance excess and no claims discount. Office coordinators work in the Community Centre, for as little as 2 hours a month, organising client’s requests for transport.

We are also looking to recruit a volunteer as an administrator to take over the recruitment for the Group’s volunteer drivers and/or office coordinators. This is a home-based ad hoc role responding to prospective volunteer calls, sending application forms and any supporting paperwork to prospective volunteers and progressing applications to interview.

If you are interested in joining our friendly group as a volunteer, please leave a message on our prospective volunteer mobile 07716 118914 and we will respond as soon as possible.

To get involved with MVD or for more information please contact Will on 07716 118914.

To book a journey, please call: 01590 641700. 

About Milford Community Care Group

The Milford Community Care Group was founded in 1982 by two women from All Saints’ church who recognised villagers’ need for reliable transport to medical appointments. From these small beginnings the Group expanded into the Registered Charity it is today. At its peak the Group was driving 40 people a week to medical appointments. In 2022 the group was renamed to Milford Volunteer Drivers (MVD).  

Milford Volunteer Drivers (MVD) 

Part of Milford on Sea Charitable Trust. Charity No. 1172750

MVD Office, Milford on Sea Community Centre, Sea Road, SO41 0PH

01590 641700

The Gun Inn Reopens

The Gun Inn in Keyhaven has reopened after a number of refurbishments have been made to the kitchen. There is also a new menu of meals and small plates to compliment the kitchen, as well as an extension to the garden bar and a revamp of the garden itself.

The pub are now serving their constantly changing seasonal food menu and grill specialities, as well as light bite bar snacks. Sunday Roast Dinners start again on Sunday 23rd April. Bookings are now being taken for the restaurant. 

Added to this, the Open Mic Night is back on Every Thursday evening from 7.30pm, simply go along to play, sing or listen.

There is also a Quiz Night on Monday 1st May from 7pm with teams of up to 6 people (£2 entry fee per person).During the winter months 

The Gun is open from Wednesday to Sunday from Midday. Longer opening hours will be coming later this year.

To see the latest information, please click here.

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History of The Gun Inn

We think there has been a dwelling on the site of the Gun Inn since the 1600’s, but the earliest tangible reference is from the Churchwardens accounts of 1783 when it is referred to as ‘The House at the sign of the Gun’. By 1790 it is simply named ‘The Gun’. Various other sources mention ‘The Pot House’ or ‘Ale House’, so we have assumed that rate payers at this property were in fact ‘Landlords’.

We have found reference to 27 landlords since 1783. Two were drowned at Keyhaven, five were named George, two were women and most served for two to three years. The longest serving was Arthur Payne (pictured below) from 1871 until his death in 1909, some 38 years. The most recent tenants, Paul and Jacquie Hill, come in a close second at 33 years service. 

Due to his fame in the world of Wild Fowling, it has often been said that ‘The Gun’ was named for Colonel Peter Hawker’s punt gun, but Hawker didn’t make his first visit to Keyhaven until 1814, some 24 years after the first records appear naming the building as ‘The Gun’. We think it is more likely that the sign post for Hurst Castle simply had a gun on it, and that sign stood in front of the building which now carries its name.

To read the History of The Gun Inn; please click here.

The Gun Inn

Keyhaven Road, Keyhaven, SO41 0TP

01590 642391

landlord@theguninn.co.uk

www.facebook.com/theguninnkeyhaven

www.theguninn.co.uk

Opening Hours

During the winter months The Gun is open from Wednesday to Sunday from Midday. Please check with pub for longer opening hours in the summer.

Do you fancy playing Petanque?

Whilst not in Milford on Sea village, a good number of village residents play at New Milton Petanque Club, and it is only ten minutes away at Fawcetts Field.

The club is the most active petanque club in the local area and they meet throughout the year on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons at 2pm, plus Tuesday evenings in the spring and summer. 

They are a very friendly bunch of people catering for all levels of ability, up to and including their two teams that compete in the New Forest league. 

It can be daunting joining an existing club if you have never played before, so if you would like to try out the game before committing, the club will be running a few taster sessions in the spring for anybody who wants to give the game a try. They will explain all the rules and provide all the equipment necessary. It is a great fun game suitable for all ages.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Jonathan Ruddle at jeruddle@gmail.com.

New Milton Petanque Club

www.facebook.com/NewMiltonPetanque

Sassy's are hiring for Sunday's

Sassy's in Milford on Sea high street are currently looking for a sales assistant to work on Sunday's from 10am to 4pm.

Anyone interested in the opportunity can pop into the shop, or call Sally on 07985 274965.

About Sassy's New Forest

The Milford on Sea high street shop offers comprehensive selection of bags, clothing and accessories which combine the joy of colour and exciting design. 

Formerly known as Beyond The Skin Handbags, Sassy’s new venture in Milford on Sea, owned by Sarah Fitzgerald, is in addition to stores in Lyndhurst and Ringwood, as well as their range being available online through their website.

Sassy's New Forest

58 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG

01590 641909

www.sassysnewforest.co.uk

www.facebook.com/sassysnewforest

sassysnewforest@gmail.com

The Biscuit House, No64 Shop, Stay & Pizza

We have received update from Clare & Glenn at The Biscuit House, which now features No64, the home furnishings and accessories shop in the high street, No64 Pizza which had its first event over the Easter weekend, and Biscuit Cottage, a two bedroom luxury holiday cottage located in the heart of the village and launching soon.

Hello everyone, we hope you had an amazing Easter, by some miracle we got the weather for it, didn’t we, pity it didn’t last!!

So, No64, where are we at……?

Firstly, due to launching No64 Pizza & Biscuit Cottage, and re-modelling No64 Biscuit House (we’ve decided to launch a clothing section, to run alongside homewares, due to popular demand!), we’ve been somewhat rubbish with our blog posts, newsletters, and updating our online shop – please forgive us!

So, I’m thrilled to announce that No64 Pizza had its first event over Easter, at the incredible Palais des Vaches venue; we did the Saturday & Sunday (8th & 9th) and served 45+ pizzas each day, between midday and 2.30pm, and it was so amazing!!

Glenn did the Saturday with his friend, and fellow professional pizza vendor (the amazing Rural Pizza Company @ruralpizzacompany), Sophie. She’s incredible, very experienced, and had Glenn’s back should anything go wrong which, it didn’t…whoop whoop! Thank you so much Sophie!

Then, guess who did the Sunday, yep, little old me! The hubby & wife Biscuit House duo entered the world of street pizza and, I gotta say, I loved it! I took the customer orders, gave out the drinks, and then made sure Glenn had dough balls to hand so he could construct the pizzas, to order, and then cook them!

It was very busy, at times, but our feedback was incredible, and kept coming, and coming, and coming! I guess Glenn made the pizzas though (and the dough, and the tomato sauce topping, all by hand, and so I can’t really take too much credit!!).

And so, we’re up & running, and available now for bookings for events of all shapes and sizes, and we’d love to hear from you.

If you wish to contact us about No64 Pizza you can email enquiries@no64.co.uk, call us on 01590 643765, complete the contact form on our website www.no64.co.uk/contact or pop in and see us in the shop.

No64 Pizza now has its website too, www.no64pizza.co.uk as well as its Instagram @no64pizza which we’ll update regularly, as you can imagine we’re getting lots of new content, and bookings, and so keep watching!

We’ve got some great upcoming bookings, at public venues I mean (rather than private events), and so you’ll be able to come along and try our pizza – so stay tuned for our schedule which we’ll publish soon!

So, thank you to everyone who came to see over Easter, to all of you who sent your good luck wishes, and to all of your support in general; it’s kept us going, it really has!!

We’ll have some news about Biscuit Cottage, our brand-new holiday let, very soon and so stay tuned – we’re hoping to have our firsts guests in by May!! Check out our progress on Instagram - @biscuitcottage

See you soon and lots of love,

Clare & Glenn
No64 Pizza

No64 Pizza

64 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD

01590 643765

www.no64.co.uk/no64-pizza

No64 Biscuit House
64 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD
01590 643765

www.facebook.com/No64BH

www.No64.co.uk

Static Tandem playing at The Cave on Wednesday

The Cave had a lively night last Wednesday as new act Jon Bailey entertained an enthusiastic crowd - and the music continues..., as Millie Claxon from Static Tandem returns with her fabulous voice next Wednesday 19th April. 

This will be a night of free live music to really be enjoyed over a few drinks, and if you fancy, enjoy some tasty dishes from the Tapas menu. Either way, just go along to listen or dance, and have a good time!

To hear some of Millie's unique voice, please click here - and here!

www.facebook.com/statictandem

Click image to hear a blast from
Jon Bailey last week.

Upcoming Live Music Nights at The Cave: Emma Hardy & Paul Denson, Gavin & Chloe Wyatt and Lucas Raye. Entry is free, just come along.

Watch this space for more Live Music Nights at The Cave later in the year, or keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates on who's playing.

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

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About The Cave

The Cave is a popular and vibrant Wine & Gin Bar, as well as a Tapas Restaurant and Off-Licence. The venue specialises in premier quality wines, speciality gin & tonics, spirits and beers.

The venue also holds regular free Live Music Nights featuring a range of talented local artists as well as Tasting Evenings.

The Cave has stylish and relaxing surroundings, and is the place to meet friends at any time of day for a light lunch, afternoon tea/coffee, through to pre-dinner or after-dinner drinks to finish off your evening in style. 

This unique business has been in Milford on Sea since May 2013, and can be booked for private hire to host parties and gatherings.

The Cave

2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH

01590 642195

info@thecavemos.co.uk

www.facebook.com/TheCavewinebar

www.thecavemos.co.uk

New Railings on Beach Hut Step Seats

Walking along Milford on Sea Promenade you may have noticed that new metal frames have been installed on the back of the wooden bench seats on the steps to the beach hut roof walkway.

It is understood that these metal railings were installed following a site visit from the NFDC Health & Safety Team.

As the design of the wooden seats protrude from the steps, there was a concern than someone coming down the steps who may be partially sighted, or not paying full attention, may trip and fall.

The height of the railing are so that they are an appropriate height to match the other sea facing side railings on the top level walkway, any lower than that would create a potential trip hazard at the higher level. The double rail at the top prevents the top bar being used as a gymnastic bar.

Additionally, the railings can double as a back rest for the seat. 

So, not very pretty to some, but the practical reasons are explained.

Help the Milford Music Festival

As we all eagerly await the Milford On Sea Music Festival, which is back on Milford on Sea Village Green this year from 21st to the 23rd July 2023, help from sponsors is still needed.

There are number of tiered sponsorship packages for local businesses and individuals to support the volunteer run Music Festival: Sponsorship starts from £100, so whatever the size of your budget it is hoped that there is something that will suit you, and allow you to become part of the Milford Festival family! This isn’t just about displaying your name and branding, but about becoming part of the fabric of the festival – and the village itself.

To see full details on sponsorship please click here. 

For more information, please contact: info@milfordonseamusicfestival.co.uk

The Milford on Sea Festival is free to attend and the sales from the Festival Programme are very important to help cover the festival costs, so please buy one when they are available later this year.

If you would like to spend a few hours as a volunteer, please contact Fiona at the festival team.

Milford on Sea Music Festival

The Festival Team

info@milfordonseamusicfestival.co.uk

www.milfordonseamusicfestival.co.uk

www.facebook.com/MilfordonSeaArtsandMusicFestival

PS: Take a look a previous Milford on Sea Music Festivals, please click here.

Charity Shop Spring Fair on Saturday

This Saturday the Spring Fair for the Village Charity Shops is to be held in The Bridge (formerly Milford on Sea Community Centre) from 10am to 2pm.

The event is a great fundraiser for The Bridge to support our community. Pop in and see a great selection of:

• Clothes
• Books
• Artworks
• Bric-a-Brac
• Tombola
• Bargains galore!

The café will be open for Drinks and Snacks, including homemade cake by the fabulous Cakes on Sea!

What's On at The Bridge: please click here.

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

The Bridge

Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH

01590 644861

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

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

Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

Formerly: Milford on Sea Community Centre

Community Centre rebrands to The Bridge

Milford on Sea Community Centre has rebranded to now be known as The Bridge.

The new name of 'The Bridge' has been selected to encompass what the Community Centre aims to do; that is to bring together the whole community and all ages across the village. 

The new name has been selected to refresh the Community Centre’s image and to bring the branding up to date. 

The new logo can already be seen on the previously named Community Centre itself, and on the two charity shops which raise funds for the Community Centre/The Bridge; 'The Bridge on the Hill' in Church Hill, and the new 'The Bridge at No.78' in the high street which opened last weekend. 

The website and all other items featuring the logo will be updated over the coming weeks.

The Bridge

Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH

01590 644861

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

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

Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

Formerly: Milford on Sea Community Centre

Cliff Top changes through the years

A reader recently sent us a photo of the Milford on Sea cliff top towards The White House, taken by Carolyn Alison around six years ago in 2017.

This prompted me to take a picture from a similar position yesterday to compare the changes.

Over the six years you can see the row of beach huts have been lost to the sea, and also see that substantial rock sea defences have been installed over the past few years.

The images below show the changes to the cliff face over the decades, and hopefully the reinforced sea defences will slow the unstoppable power of the sea for years to come. 

click image to enlarge

New extension at front of South Lawn

South Lawn Hotel is undergoing another exciting development as the owners, Tim & Nikki Wedgwood continue to invest and improve this valuable local venue. 

In spring 2022, the construction of 24 new rooms were completed at South Lawn Hotel. (To read more about this previous extension, please click here.)

Tim & Nikki have now commenced building what will be an impressive extension to the front of the building, which will feature expansive glass windows and host an enlarged Cedar Tree Restaurant.

Since becoming the independent owners of the hotel in November 2015, Tim & Nikki have revived the hotel to a high standard with a warm welcome. 

Many locals will remember the extraordinary efforts the South Lawn Team made during the pandemic lockdown, including home deliveries of hot meals and a range of essential and quality dairy and bakery items. The team were supported by local people who volunteered as delivery drivers.

They also created a pop-up burger takeaway over this period and at the same time raised a significant amount of donations for Oakhaven Hospice.

Tim has made it clear that he wishes to continue to support the village, and this is demonstrated by his continuing investment to entice more visitors to Milford on Sea, which in turn also benefits our village businesses and the local economy.

Tim & Nikki got married last September and we send our belated congratulations.

This charming photograph was taken on Milford on Sea Beach by local photographer Carrie Bugg from www.carriebuggphotography.co.uk.

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South Lawn is a busy hotel in an enviable location with an excellent reputation for both the hotel and its restaurant, The Cedar Tree. 

This charming country hotel is set in five acres of landscaped grounds, close to Milford on Sea village and the coast. The hotel has 51 en-suite bedrooms with the majority having views over the gardens and beyond. The venue also boasts a self-contained banqueting suite which seats up to 150 people and features private bar facilities. 

The Cedar Tree Restaurant serves tasty breakfasts, great value lunches and dinners, as well as delicious afternoon cream teas, which can be served in the hotel gardens.

South Lawn is currently rated as 'Excellent' on TripAdvisor.

The South Lawn Hotel 

& Cedar Tree Restaurant

Lymington Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0RF

01590 643911

www.southlawnhotel.co.uk

www.facebook.com/southlawnhotel

events@southlawnhotel.co.uk

Open Day to try your hand at Bowls

Are you interested in learning to play bowls?, and perhaps joining Milford on Sea Bowls Club, then come along to the Free Open Day on: Wednesday 26th April from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

You will find out more about this friendly Club, and have the chance to try out the game for yourself.

Shoes, bowls and coaching available.

Everyone welcome!

About Milford on Sea Bowls Club

The club was founded in 1933 and provides an inviting seafront location for its members to enjoy the playing of bowls and participate in our social events.

The Club’s Green has 6 rinks that are amongst the finest in the area and are situated on Hurst Road, Milford-on-Sea enjoying spectacular views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and the Needles.

The outdoor playing season runs from early April until late September. The mixed membership has Club roll ups on Wednesday and Friday afternoons and the club participates in the New Forest and Bournemouth & District Leagues. During the winter months the players enjoy indoor, short mat bowls.

Open to the Public

Locals and visitors are invited to give bowls a go on some days of the week when there are no league matches, competitions and/or special events taking place. Shoes and bowls available to hire. You can see the weekly timetable on the clubs website.

If you would like to play on the bowling green, please speak to the Duty Steward at the club who will be able to help you.

Milford on Sea Bowls Club
Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY
www.facebook.com/milfordonseabowlsclub
www.milfordonseabowlsclub.org

Milford to Barton Cliff Path Open

The cliff top path which runs from Milford on Sea cliff top through to Barton Sea is open once again for Easter walkers to enjoy.

It appears care need to be taken in some places, but it is nice to see access to this walk open once again, providing the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular views of Christchurch Bay and across to the Purbeck Hills and The Needles.

Jazz and Opera Shows coming

Milford on Sea Community Centre have two very different shows coming later this month. If you love Jazz or Opera, or both!, these are the shows for you.

A Salute to Trad Jazz is an evening of live music with Chris Walker & The Predigree Jazz Band.

Very different, but equally entertaining with be What's So Great About Opera, a show which takes you on an hilarious romp through the highs and lows of opera. 

The bar will be open to enjoy at both events as well!

What's On at the Community Centre: please click here.

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