Clubs, Classes & Sports

What's On

Monday 26 February 2024

A Video History of Milford on Sea

Film production company, Dreamworking have published a video entitled: Milford on Sea - A Historical Journey.

The 15 minute documentary contains an interesting history of Hurst Castle and the Hurst Lighthouses, The White House, Admiral William Cornwallis, Camden Hurst Hotel, and an insight into Bay Trees, and historic Milford on Sea Shops.


To view the video, please click here.

Mick Ryan at Folk at the Bridge

This month, Folk at the Bridge are holding a Singers Night on Thursday 14th March 2024 at 7.30pm.

Folk at the Bridge is hosted by Bill Hesp and the guest singer will be Mick Ryan.

Mick is known on the folk scene as a fine singer of traditional & original material. Mick is a very fine singer who writes articulate, clever, funny, sad, different songs, many in a ‘traditional’ style with a modern edge.

Floor Singers from 7.30pm. 

Everyone invited.

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About Folk at The Centre

Folk at The Centre features live music performances Every 2nd Thursday of Every Month.

Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the live music performances from featured performers.

Entry is £5 with a ticket available in advance, or pay on door.

The bar opens at 7.15pm with the music playing until 10.30pm'ish.

Milford Folk Clubwww.milfordfolkclub.org.uk


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To see what else is on at The Bridge: Please click here.
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The Bridge (Formerly MoS Community Centre)
Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH
01590 644861

Box Office Open:
Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

Vinegar Hill Pottery looking for a Saturday Chef

Vinegar Hill Pottery looking for an occasional chef to join them on a few Saturdays each month.

The role will be to provide a two course lunch for 10 happy potters attending one of Dave's regular Pottery Courses. 

If you are interested, please contact Dave & Lucy on 01590 642979 (9am to 7pm) - or email:

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About Vinegar Hill Pottery

Vinegar Hill Pottery is a small family-owned pottery, and boutique bed and breakfast, which is very much a family affair. 

Dave Rogers is a master potter who runs his pottery workshop from the premises and offers tuition to aspiring ceramic artists. His wife, Lucy oversees the management and day-to-day running of this delightful three-room accommodation. 

Both originate from Lymington in the New Forest. Dave spent his murky college years studying ceramics at Farnham College of Art and Design and working at Wrecclesham Pottery. He graduated in Ceramics 1997 and then started up on his own. He moved to Bristol in 1999 where he set up his own work spaces at The Botany Art Studios.

Vinegar Hill B&B Accommodation

There are no identikit rooms at Vinegar Hill. You can pick your accommodation from the spacious Garden Room, the secluded Hayloft or enjoy the delights of Rosie, a beautifully restored nineteenth century showman's wagon for a truly unique experience.

With a degree in all things Latin American from Bristol University, Lucy spent time living and studying in Latin America before settling in Bristol and working for ten years for a travel company that specialised in offbeat Latin America. Her job involved travel to small, remote and unique lodges and hotels throughout the continent. This fuelled her passion for travel and gave her the experiences and know-how of what does and doesn’t work for individual, boutique accommodation, and the grounding for Vinegar Hill accommodation.

Vinegar Hill Pottery Courses

David's skill as a potter is matched only by his ability as a teacher and patience with those who are new to the kinetic delights of the potter's wheel, giving you the ultimate hands-on experience. 

Regular pottery courses are open to residents and non-residents alike.

To see next Pottery Courses: Please click here.

Vinegar Hill Pottery Shop & Gift Vouchers

Vinegar Hill Pottery offer Gift Vouchers to make a special present for someone you know.

Dave also sells his large range of high-fired stoneware pots, cups, plates, platters, and kitchenware.

All are all hand-made by him on his potters wheel. They are also oven proof, dishwasher proof and microwavable. He is happy to take commissions if you would like something bespoke.

You may have seen Dave's handmade basins featured on the BBC's 'The Great Pottery Throwdown'.

The high quality hand thrown ceramic basins and sinks come in a variety of styles and finishes. The Single bowl hand basins look great recessed into, or mounted on top of vanity units and washstands. 

To visit the Pottery Shop, please click here.

Gift Vouchers, please click here.



Vinegar Hill Pottery
Vinegar Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0RZ
01590 642979 (9am - 7pm)

Smuggling at Hurst Castle & Hurst Spit

Hurst Castle have published a short history of smuggling at Hurst Spit:

By the 17th century Hurst Spit was known for contraband when the smuggling of tobacco, brandy and wine was rife along the south coast.
 
Although in the 1680s a Preventative Station for Customs House officers was sited at Hurst Castle, smuggling continued.

In 1783 when smugglers carrying more than 2,000 gallons of brandy and gin and 9 tons of tea tried to land on Hurst Spit, the customs sloop (a small square-rigged sailing ship with two or three masts), caught the smugglers and the officers defeated them on the beach.

The garrison based at Hurst Castle was also thought to be in league with the smugglers when members of the garrison were found guilty of smuggling. 

In 1629, Captain George Barnes hid illegal tobacco in the castle. Thomas Wolveyris (the collector of customs at Southampton) complained that it is 'a fine world when the King's castles, erected for service, should be made dens for thieves or pirates and stolen goods from customers'.




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Hurst Castle reopens on Wednesday 27th March 2024

Hurst Castle has centuries of history which you can discover when they reopen for the 2024 season.

The castle is ideal for family visits. | Well behaved dogs on short leads welcome.

Opening Times in 2024:
  • 27th March to 31st October 2024 (Daily): 10am to 5.30pm
  • 1st to 3rd November 2024 (Daily): 10am to 4pm
  • 4th November to 31st March 2025: Closed

Getting There: Option to arrive by Ferry from Keyhaven Harbour (see below), or a 2 mile walk from Milford on Sea along the shingle of Hurst Spit. 

More information:

To read more about the history of Hurst Castleplease click here.


Hurst Castle
Hurst Castle, Milford on Sea, SO41 0TP
01590 642500

Sunday 25 February 2024

Kayleigh judges The Greats Gift Retailers Awards

Late last year, Kayleigh Hisim from Milford Cards & Gifts was invited to be a judge for 4 categories in The Greats Gift Retailers Awards 2024.

Last week, Kayleigh completed her judging of the categories; Cards, Wraps and Stationary, Children's Educational and Pre school, Games and Puzzles, and Novelty, Tech and Gadgets.

The finalists and the winners will not be announced around the middle of May, until then Kayliegh is keeping the results secret!

The Greats Gift Retailer Awards
www.thegreatsawards.co.uk

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About Milford Cards & Gifts

Sinan and Kayleigh Hisim opened Milford Cards & Gifts in Milford on Sea high street on 24th November 2018.

The shop specialises in a wide selection of greeting cards, gifts, beach & crabbing items, and toys & games for children, with something suitable for every occasion.

Milford Cards & Gifts
35 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF
Facebook: click here



Elton John Tribute Night coming to The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse on Milford on Sea seafront are hosting a Elton John Tribute Night on Friday 22nd March 2024.

The evening also includes a 3 courses meal with the live music for £60 per person.

To see the menu please click here.

To book a table, please contact: 
The Lighthouse at: 01590 718040

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About The Lighthouse

Situated on Milford on Sea seafront, The Lighthouse is an independent & relaxed seaside bar and restaurant serving up fresh, local dishes throughout the day seven days a week, including breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For bright days, the outside terrace is a great place for an alfresco drink or meal.

The Lighthouse also offer a takeaway service with hot & cold snacks, ice creams & drinks for beachgoers and walkers.

Throughout the year, regular entertainment events are held, featuring live music, tribute acts, and dining events.

Private dining and events can also be catered for in the Function Room for groups of 30 from Sunday to Wednesday, and 50 on Fridays and Saturdays. Ideal for getting together with loved ones, or for a meeting or group event. Sit down meal and buffet options available for exclusive use hire.

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The Lighthouse Seaside Bar & Dining
Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY
01590 718040

Girl Guides looking for 2nd Hand Uniforms

1st Milford on Sea Guides are looking for second hand guide uniforms and their custom neckerchiefs. 

If you have any Guide, Rainbow or Brownies uniforms that you are able to donate, or that the Guides can purchase, please message Alison Dixon by clicking here and then scrolling down the Facebook page.

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Volunteer with Milford on Sea Girlguiding 

Milford on Sea Girlguiding are always looking for volunteers to help with our local Girl Guides, Rainbows & Brownies.

 Applicants can be male (18+) or Female (14+).

Training and qualifications are available in leadership, first aid and safeguarding with lots of opportunities for friendship, adventure and fun.

If you or someone you know would be interestedplease click here or send a message through the Facebook page below.



1st Milford on Sea Girlguiding
Rainbows, Brownies and Girl Guides
Guide Hut, Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PG


Job Opportunities at The Smugglers Inn

As the season approaches The Smugglers Inn are now recruiting part time kitchen porters for evening and weekend work. (Age 16+)

The Smugglers Inn Team are a fun loving and dynamic bunch who enjoy a lot of laughs while working in this busy environment. 

Hours can be flexible for the right person, good rates of pay and company benefits.

Call Suzy on 01590 644414 - or email: smugglersinn@ymail.com

The Smugglers Inn
88 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE
01590 644414

Bar & Waiting Staff needed for the Lighthouse Team

The Lighthouse on Milford on Sea Seafront are looking for people to join their team. 

Full and part time bar and waiting work is  available. Must be over 18 and experience is preferred.

If you are interested, please send your CV to: hello@thelighthousemilford.co.uk.

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The Lighthouse Seaside Bar & Dining
Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY
01590 718040

Friday 23 February 2024

Milford on Sea Music Festival postponed until 2025

After a very successful Milford on Sea Music Festival in 2023, the festival's Facebook page has just announced that the next village Music Festival will be in 2025.

Read the published statement here:

"Hello all. It is with a huge heart that myself (design and event marketing) and Keith (compère) Bligh, and Jason, have stepped down from the crew. We delivered the very best music festival for 2023, but, work commitments, we all have young families, I have a teenager, means we cannot commit to producing a festival of this size without proper funding. 

All of us are running separate businesses, and this year is hard with mortgage rates rising, and the general cost of living.

Hopefully, the festival will return next year. If you want to be involved, pm here, and I can pass on to the relevant people.

In the meantime, myself and Keith are now running L8R, first event on the 24th February at the Bridge, playing 1990s dance music. Event is now sold out."

Fiona MacDuff
Milford on Sea Music Festival - Design & Event Marketing

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It is of course a disappointment for many that there will be no Milford on Sea Music Festival this summer, but the welcome news is that it will be back in 2025.

Fiona's explanation highlights the amount of work that she, (and the many other volunteers in numerous organisations across the village), put in for no financial reward. Each do what they do for the benefit of the wider community, and all should be applauded for the valuable contribution they make to enhancing our village life.

The scale of commitment, work and time in being part of a team organising something as big as the Milford on Sea Music Festival can be hard to appreciate, but the hours and pressure are more than most could imagine. When trying to balance this with need to earn a living and raise a family, Fiona's decision is quite understandable.

We send our thanks and best wishes to all of the organising team that are standing down, and wish the remaining volunteers, and anyone who joins them, all of the best for the Milford on Sea Music Festival in 2025. 

Looking forward to it already!

To relive the Awesome Days of the Milford on Sea Music Festival 2023, please click here.

Tuesday 20 February 2024

Lazy Lion recognised in prestigious Harden's Guide

The team at the Lazy Lion were proud to discover that they were presented a Certificate of Achievement for their High Quality Food by the prestigious Harden's Guide.

The Harden's Guide recognises the top places to eat throughout the UK, so it is a considerable achievement for The Lazy Lion to be featured.

Other local restaurants to receive recognition by the Harden's Guide in various categories include Verveine, Britannia Thai, Chewton Glen and Pebble Beach, so they now sit in esteemed company.

To book to experience the Lazy Lion's menu, please call 01590 641111.

About Harden's Guide

Similar to the Michelin Guide and New York's Zagat Survey, The Harden's Guide was established by restaurant lovers and brothers, Richard and Peter Harden in 1991, and Peter Harden still runs the business today. 

The Harden's Guide provides ratings and reviews based on the results of a reader survey.

At one point the reviews were also based on the personal visits of brothers and founders Richard and Peter Harden.

The survey on which the guide is based is also used to produce The Sunday Times Food List, an annual publication featuring the top 100 restaurants in the UK.

Harden's Guide

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Upcoming Events at The Lazy Lion

27th February 2024: Charity Quiz Night for The Burnt Chef Project with a Tapas Dinner.
10th March 2024: Mother’s Day Set Menu.
21st March 2024: Spring/Summer Menu Launch.
30th April 2024: Charity Quiz Night for Iain’s Tour de France Stage challenge. Menu to be confirmed. Dinner: £17.50 plus a £5 per person donation to the charity.
16th June 2024: Father’s Day with additional Special Dishes.
25th June 2024: Charity Quiz Night for Iain's Tour de France Stage Challenge. Menu likely to be quiche with salad and potatoes TBC. Dinner: £17.50 plus a £5 per person donation to the charity.
24th September 2024: Charity Quiz Night for The Burnt Chef Project. Menu: Sliders with salad and nachos. Dinner: £17.50 plus a £5 per person donation to the charity.
3rd October 2024: Autumn/Winter Menu Launch.
26th November 2024: Charity Quiz Night for Movember Foundation. Menu: Steak skewers with dips. Dinner: £17.50 plus a £5 per person donation to the charity.

Tour de France Stage Challenge: To read more about Iain's epic cycling challenge, please click here.

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More at The Lazy Lion

Pie & Pudding Night every Wednesday. Your choice of a tasty homemade pie, plus a dessert for just £17.50pp.

Light Lunch Menu every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. Served from 12pm to 4pm. Smaller portions for smaller appetites. 1 course: £10, 2 Courses £14, 3 Courses £17. 

English Breakfast Offer every Monday to Friday. Served from 8am to 10.45am. 2 x Full English Breakfast with tea or coffee and toast with marmalade for £15. (Vegetarian option available).

Specials Board: Special menu options change weekly, making sure you can enjoy the freshest, seasonal ingredients.

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About The Lazy Lion

The Lazy Lion is a popular village pub serving quality food for breakfast, lunch, and evening meals and situated in an historic Grade II Listed former eighteenth century inn with stables.

The pub is dog friendly, and they run regular events such as Quiz Nights & Dinner Evenings. They also have a Private Dining Area for to 20 people, and a large garden with outside seating, a gazebo, and children's play area.

B&B Rooms: If you have guests who wish to stay over, there are four comfortable double Bed & Breakfast Rooms.

The read more About The Lazy Lion and the buildings fascinating History (with contributions from the Milford on Sea Historical Record Society), please click here.

Monday 19 February 2024

Pickled Weasel raise close to £700 for Marie Curie

The fundraiser for Marie Curie organised by Pickled Weasel Bakehouse & Takeaway on Monday 19th February 2024 raised an astonishing £691.13 in just 4 hours! 

Alex and Lesley are normally closed on a Monday, but they opened purely to offer people a sweet or savoury Tasting Box in return for a donation to the charity.

The Marie Curie charity is very close to Alex and Lesley's hearts, and the ladies send a huge thank you to all the folks of Milford on Sea who made this happen, a fantastic result.

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About Marie Curie 

Marie Curie provide expert hospice care, support over the phone, and we push for a better end of life for all by campaigning and sharing research to change the system. www.mariecurie.org.uk

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PS: Freshly baked Quiche, available in Pickled Weasel now!


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

Debut Single from Captain Crash & The Magic Hats

Local band, Captain Crash & The Magic Hats features two long-term Milford on Sea village residents, and they are just about to launch their first radio friendly single entitled 'Anywhere'. The release date will be in March 2024.

Once released, the single will be available on all major music platforms such as Spotify, Apple iTunes, Amazon Music and other music sources.

The song was initially recorded with band member Arthur Rathbone Pullen, who is also owner, music producer and studio engineer at Sizzle Studios in Bournemouth, and then later remixed and remastered at HP Studios in Ringwood.

Captain Crash & The Magic Hats were born after a 2012 jam session with local musician Pauly Gordelier.

Their two demo albums blend bluesy rock with 60s/70s influences, adding psychedelic flair and ethereal melodies. Imagine The Smiths jamming with Lou Reed or Pink Floyd with Radiohead whispering in their ear.

Their music carries an ecological message, but it's the raw passion and storytelling that truly resonates. This is music for the soul, straight up and authentic.

Darrell 'Crash' Kennedy is the band's singer/songwriter & rhythm guitarist. He is based in Milford on Sea, and has lived here for most of his adult life. 

Darrell 'Crash' explains:

The song Anywhere depicts a protagonist searching for connection and meaning in a vast and possibly lonely universe. They feel insignificant, unsure of their place, and yearn for answers or companionship.

Despite facing silence and doubt, they are determined to keep searching, "traveling at the speed of sound" to reach "out there."

The song leaves the outcome open, but emphasizes the journey itself, questioning our own place in the universe and the possibility of finding connection.

Captain Crash & The Magic Hats Band Members:

Darrell 'Crash' Kennedy: Guitars and vocals
Greg Pepper: Drums and vocals
Pauly Gordelier: Bass and guitars
Arthur Rathbone Pullen: Synth

In early 2023, Captain Crash & The Magic Hats had a hit Number 1 on the ReverbNation UK rock charts.

Since forming in 2012 the band have creatively been writing their own songs, with the songs being expressions of both life experiences and imagination of the writers.

To watch and listen to video of 'Everyone (Remix)' and other tracks on Reverb Nation, please click here - and 'Hung Up' please click here.

Darrell & Greg are also members of The Strange Blues Band.

This  four-piece popular rock band features two guys from Milford on Sea, Darrell on vocals & guitars and Greg on vocals & drums.

The band can be seen at venues in the local region and in Milford on Sea village. They also appeared at the Milford on Sea Music Festival 2023, where their covers of classic rock songs and anthems got the large crowd on their feet singing and dancing!

Along with the classic rock, they often throw in to their performances some well-known blues, rock n roll, 60/70s pop and Americana.

Meet The Strange Blues Band: please click here. To hear the band, please click here.

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Captain Crash and The Magic Hats Bio from ReverbNation

The band have built up a portfolio of original songs, and have completed two albums, the latest being Traffic Jam.

The first album, Caramelised Biscuit is an indie/alternative mixing jangly guitar with ethereal mellotron. The songs carry ecological and sometimes social messages.

There is no particular dress code and they may play live as a duo or with friends, Paul (bass) and Arthur (keys). The bands aim is to produce music that is both listenable and meaningful without spoiling the party.

Captain Crash & The Magic Hats

Sandwich Fillers and Pork Scratchings at Butchers on the Green

To add to their extensive range of meats, ready made meals, and more, our local village butcher, Butchers on the Green are now offering freshly made Sandwich Fillers, and irresistible Pork Scratchings.

Sandwich Filler options include: Crab & prawn, Cheese and spring onion, Chicken with bacon & corn, Tuna & sweetcorn, Chicken tikka bhaji, Prawn marie rose, Lemon pepper chicken, and Mozzarella with pepperoni.

Click image to see range

To see more on offer at Butchers on the Green, please click here.

To keep up to date with the current offers and new ready meal dishes at Butchers on the Green, simply keep an eye on their Facebook page at:


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

*Closed on Mondays

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

Rioja Wine Dinner at Ray's Italian Kitchen

Ray’s Italian Kitchen in Milford on Sea high street are hosting a Rioja Wine Dinner next Thursday evening with Ruth from the House of Marques De Riscal in collaboration with Ellis Wines.

The evenings menu will feature Spanish food paired with Rioja by Chef Karl for £68pp.

To book, please contact 01590 645300.


Other events, starting tomorrow: 

MUSICAL DELIGHT 
Saturday 24th February 2024: 2.45pm to 4.45pm. 
Mike and Joey singing the Blues, plus much more from over the decades. With an offering of Italian Cicchetti and pizzetta all priced individually.
£10 per table deposit - redeemed on the day.

SICILIAN WINE DINNER 
Wednesday 27th March 2024.
Sicilian evening with Alivini.
Full payment on booking £68pp.
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To book any of the events above, please call: 01590 645300

To discover more about Ray's Italian Kitchen, please click here.




Ray’s Italian Kitchen
11 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF
01590 645300

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Sunday 18 February 2024

Donations at the Charity Shop Shed

If you have any unwanted household items that you would like to go to supporting a worthwhile village organisation, the Village Charity Shop would welcome any donations that would be suitable for sale in either of The Bridge's Charity Shops in Milford on Sea village centre.

Donations are accepted in The Charity Shop Garage (next to The Bridge at 9 Sea Road), which is open:
  • Mondays: 10.30am to 12.30pm.
  • Thursdays: 11.30am to 1pm.
The proceeds from both charity shops goes to The Bridge, and would enable them to continue to serve the local and wider community by providing diverse and varied entertainment & activities throughout the year.


Volunteer at The Charity Shop Garage

The Bridge need volunteers in the garage to accept and help sort our gratefully received donations.

Any time you can give would be greatly appreciated.

If you think that you may like to help, please contact:

The Bridge Team would like to thank everyone for their continued support with donations and custom at both the charity shops.

Note: The Bridge Charity Shop on Church Hill Milford on Sea will be closed for refurbishment from Monday 19th February and reopening on Monday 26th February 2024.
 

The Bridge (Formerly MoS Community Centre)
Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH
01590 644861

Box Office Open:
Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm