Happy 16th Birthday to Us!

It's out birthday! Milford on Sea News was founded in May 2008 and has gone from strength to strength over the past 16 years. 

Hopefully you are enjoying the journey, and we thought you might like to look back to see where we have come from.

From day one, one man and his dog, have always loved their publishing independence and enjoyed sharing good news from around the village.

Our aim is simple: To inform and entertain people with local village news, local history, random stories, and to promote all that is happening in the village. We also look to help keep the village vibrant by promoting & supporting village businesses the best we can.

All is done purely for the benefit of the community; we are self-funded, and not a penny is charged for anything we do.

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Each week we publish a Free email 'Milford on Sea News Bulletin' to close to 2,500 people with all the latest village news. For your copy simply click here.

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Summary of Our History

The original Milford on Sea Website, launched in May 2008, was viewed over 2 million times before becoming Milford on Sea News in 2011. 

To date the Milford on Sea News website has had over 3.5 millions views and now averages around 50,000 page views per month.

Not all of our articles are serious, as people who have read our April Fools Day, and other occasional humorous pieces, will know.

We never really considered that people would enjoy or appreciate what we built, however it appears people do, and it is satisfying to provide a local service with a smile to the local community.

Today we have 2,394 people, from a village population of c.5000, who each week receive our Free weekly Milford on Sea News Bulletin which contains all of the latest village news. (Get your copy here)

Milford on Sea Food Week took place in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2104 and 2016 and featured over 100 food related events across the village. 

This included celebrity shows in the Cookery Theatre with appearances from renowned chefs such as Tom Kerridge, Rosemary Shrager, Angela Hartnett, Dick Strawbridge, and winners from The Great British Bake Off & Master Chef also appeared. 

There were also themed events in the local restaurants, pubs & cafes. Village groups & organisations also got involved with many of their own demonstrations and events. Added this, there were cookery competitions, food tastings, tours, parties, picnics, entertainment and much more.

The finale of Food Week was the very popular Sunday Food Market, with  over 50 food stalls on the village green and surrounding streets.

In 2010 the first Where to Eat & Stay Guide was launched, this was expanded to various Village Guides from 2012 and 2015 which included where to eat, shop, stay, visit and what to do.

In 2010 and 2013 a Community Directory was published which featured local clubs, organisations, events, home services, charities, churches, kids' stuff, and lots more.

In 2015 a separate Village Tradesmen & Services Guide was published.

These hard copy publications are no longer in print as the information is now readily available online.

In 2016 we launched the Milford on Sea What's On Calendar to let people know about anything happening in the village.

In 2023 the What's Calendar became so full, so we decided to separate the Clubs & Classes into their own calendar.

Anyone can add their event, club, class, or regular activity to either of these calendars for free. 

In 2020 over 4,000 historic photos from Milford on Sea were loaded to a Village Photo Album. The albums include many historic photos from years gone by, as well as a number of past village events, and memories from the pandemic years.

You can see all of the village photo albums by clicking here. 

The Where To Eat in Milford on Sea Guide continues to this day online. The guide features all of the places to eat in the village, as well as the village takeaway & delivery services.

In 2023 a separate Kids Dining Guide was produced.

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Other Community Events Organised:

The Great Dining Bus ran from 2013 to 2015, Love Milford Week took place in 2015 including the Exotic Car Show, and The Queen's 90th Birthday Picnic was held in 2016.

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To Read our complete history in detail, please click here.

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Spread the Word 

Spread the Word to any friends, family, or neighbours who you think would like to get our free weekly 'Milford on Sea News Bulletin' with all of the latest village news. - It is easy for them to sign up, simply click here and send them the weblink.

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Cessna Aircraft on Village Green this Bank Holiday

The coming early May Bank Holiday, on Monday 6th May 2024 from 10am to 4pm, will see a Cessna 150 aircraft on Milford on Sea village green.

This is an event for all the family and everyone is welcome.

There will be a Cessna 150 aircraft on the Village Green where you can try out the pilot’s seat for size. There will also be a flight simulator so you can try your hand at landing the plane!

The event is being organised between Christians Together in Milford on Sea and Everton and Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF).

There will be an opportunity to talk to people involved in Mission Aviation Fellowship so you can find out about the vital work that they are doing around the world.

On Sunday 5th May 2024 there will representatives of Mission Aviation Fellowship giving talks about its work at All Saints’ Church, St Francis of Assisi RC Church, and the Methodist Church. A similar talk will be given at the Baptist Church on a Sunday in June 2024.

About Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF)

The Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is a Christian mission organisation that has pilots and planes to deliver relief workers, doctors, pastors, school books, food, medicines to isolated people in areas of the world where everything can only be safely and speedily transported by air. 

There is a MAF plane taking off or landing every six minutes.

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF)

www.maf-uk.org

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Live Music for Bank Holiday Monday at The Cave

As you relax on Bank Holiday Monday, The Cave welcome Danny Hall playing live from 5pm to 7pm on Monday 6th May 2024.

Entry is free and everyone is welcome. So, go along to enjoy the music over a relaxing glass of quality wine, a speciality gin & tonic, or a premium beer, - and if you fancy, grab a tasty plate of meat, fish or vegetarian Tapas.

Monday 6th May 2024 - 5pm to 7pm: Danny Hall

Local lad Danny, also known by his artist name FJ Law, is a singer, songwriter and music producer who works hard at his craft. 

He plays a great range of cover songs and some originals. 

Meet Danny: Please click here.

COMING LIVE MUSIC at The Cave

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Friday 10th May 2024 - 9pm to 11pm: The Three Acoustic Trio 

Adrian Withers & his two mates. This trio of good friends have been playing together since the start of time! 

They will cover some of the great songs of the era’s, along with favourites & classics from the 60’s until now. 

You don't want to miss out on this highly entertaining performance.

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About The Cave

The Cave is a popular, friendly, and vibrant Wine & Gin Bar, Off-Licence, and Tapas Restaurant.

This unique business has been in Milford on Sea since May 2013 serving premier quality wines, speciality gin & tonics, spirits, and an exciting range of premium beers, which are always available to enjoy in the bar or take home.

The Cave has stylish and relaxing surroundings and is the place to meet friends at any time of day.

Pop in for a morning or afternoon tea/coffee, a tasty Tapas lunch or evening meal, or simply enjoy the extremely well-stocked bar from 12 noon, or to finish off your day in style. 

Events: There are also regular Live Music Nights and Tasting Evenings. To keep in touch with the latest events at The Cave, please keep an eye on their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/TheCavewinebar.

Private Hire: The Cave can be booked for Private Hire to host parties and gatherings.

Dog Friendly: Furry friends always welcome in The Cave.

The Cave

2 Church Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QH

01590 642195

info@thecavemos.co.uk

www.facebook.com/TheCavewinebar

www.thecavemos.co.uk

L8R Rave Art and Donation to Olivia Inspires

L8R are a Milford on Sea based music events organiser and play the very best 1990s vinyl house music whilst recreating memories of club nights and raves of yesteryear.

Their first event was a very successful House Music Charity Night held at The Bridge on Saturday 24th February 2024.

Milford on Sea based organisers, Keith & Fiona explained that due to the number of people who wished to attend, they discovered that they needed a larger capacity and purpose built bar. So, their next event moved from the village, and was held at the New Milton Memorial Centre on Saturday 13th April 2024.

On the evening, Keith, host DJ and organiser was joined by the DJ Joe Muggs, lifelong DJ & music journalist, who has played at some of London's most legendary 1990s venues, including Ministry of Sound, The End and most recently he was the warm up DJ for the Leftfield Tour 2023 at the O2. Joe started the night with some classic vocal house from the 1990s, all on Vinyl.

Making the evening fit the era, there were plenty of people in 1990's outfits, smiley faces, bucket hats and definitely ready to dance.

Once again the evening was a great success and Keith & Fiona raised an valuable £440 for Olivia Inspires, a very worthy Milford on Sea based charity. Every penny will go towards helping a young person in the New Forest. 

Supporting Olivia Inspires

£2 from every L8R event ticket sold supports Milford on Sea based charity, Olivia Inspires.

Find out more about Olivia Inspires at:

www.oliviainspires.org.uk

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Art at L8R

This atmospheric painting of L8R was created by Weaver, a local artist and Art & Textiles Teacher.

The artwork was painted during the early part of L8R event in April 2024 and it captures the vibe of the music and the spirit in the room with bold colours and energetic lines. 

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About L8R

L8R host DJ and event organiser, Keith Willsher, (formally known as Marco Polo), plays iconic house & trance records from the 1990's.

L8R events are played on original vinyl records from the era, creating a euphoric night of dancing and great house music.

During the 1990's Keith performed at some of London's top nightclubs, including having a residency at Peach in Camden Palace, Bagleys, and The Coliseum.

To read all about the previous event held at The Bridge, please click here.

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L8R Merchandise by Duff-T

Men's & Ladies Planet Friendly Tee Shirts. The Duff-T streetwear range is designed and supplied by Fiona at Duff-T, based here in Milford on Sea. 

Each tee shirt is 100% sustainable & organic, and the range is available from www.duff-t.com/L8R. 

There are also plenty more planet friendly & funky tee shirts, sweatshirts, and more, to see at www.duff-t.com.

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To keep in touch with all happening at L8R, please click here.

L8R Events
Milford on Sea

www.facebook.com/l8revents

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Have a Stall at Milford on Sea School Summer Fair

There is an opportunity for anyone locally who may be interested in having a stall at the Milford on Sea Primary School Summer Fair on Friday 28th June 2024 from 3.15pm to 5.30pm.

The Summer Fair will be held in the school and will be run by The Parent Friends Association (PFA) to raise funds to support equipment and projects for our local children.

If you would like to have a stall, please contact Carrie for more information on carriebugg@hotmail.com.

The Summer Fair is lots of fun, with entertainment such as Bouncy Castle, Friendly Farm, Donkey Rides, Face Painting and Toddler Zone.

There is also, live Music, BBQ, Pizza, Sweet Treats, Ice Cream, Beer & Pimms. Along with a raffle & tombola - All bottle donations welcome.

The school PFA are always very grateful of any support.

PS: Volunteers are always welcome at the Milford on Sea Primary School Summer Fair and you do not need to be a PFA Member to help out. Please just get in touch.

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About the PFA

The Parent Friends Association (PFA) are a committee of volunteer parents of children currently at the school. 

The PFA is a registered charity working to raise funds for our village school. At the start of each school year, they work with the teachers and pupils to understand what they would like to have at their school, and then embark on a range of fundraising ideas and events to help to provide those little, and not so little, extras that the school budget cannot cover.

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Milford on Sea Primary School

Lymington Road, Milford on Sea, Lymington SO41 0RF

01590 642945

adminoffice@mosps.hants.sch.uk
www.mosps.hants.sch.uk

Milford on Sea Primary School PFA

mospspfa@outlook.com
www.facebook.com/PFAatMOSPS

New Kids Book by Village Author

A Milford on Sea based new author, Lisa Dillane, has published her first book for children & teenagers, entitled Jensen and the Planet.

The book is about being kind to our world, and designed to discuss a serious subject without fear and through the fun of poetry.

Lisa spent many years working in a corporate environment, and she explains that: "The birth of my first grandchild filled me with wonder and inspired me to do something very different. I hope that, in a small way, this book will inspire him and hopefully many other children, to look for small ways that they can help our planet."

If you would like a copy of Lisa's book it is available through Pegasus Publishers for £9.99. Please click here.

Open Day at Keyhaven Yacht Club

Keyhaven Yacht Club are holding an Open Day between 10.30am to 3pm on Saturday 11th May 2024. 

Pop along to discover more about about what our local sailing club can offer from its idyllic location with panoramic views over the Solent.

During the day you can meet group leads, members of the management committee and enjoy the friendly club surroundings. 

You can also learn about all that Keyhaven Yacht Club has to offer, including:

• Club Boat Hire
• Cruising Programme
• Dinghy Racing Programme
• Junior & Youth Sailing
• Kayaking & SUPS
• RYA Affiliated Courses for Members
• Women on Water Group

Refreshments available on the day.

Keyhaven Yacht Club

The Club House, Keyhaven Road, Keyhaven, SO41 0TR.

01590 642165

secretary@keyhavenyc.co.uk

www.keyhavenyc.co.uk

www.facebook.com/keyhavenyc

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New Website for Melleford & 'Time for a Cuppa'

Melleford, the new restaurant/cafe which opened in Milford on Sea High Street in March 2024, have launched their new website.

As the Melleford website explains:

"Tony and Becca first came to Milford in Sea in 2016 and Saltwater was born.

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In June 2023 Saltwater's sister, Melleford was opened with the continued ethos of having a menu that supports the best local suppliers by serving fresh delicious seasonal meals.

​Throughout the day breakfast, brunch and lunch meals are served, cooked to order, our meals are complimented with coffee and teas served from local suppliers (or a cocktail or a glass of wine!)

The name melleford originates from the Domesday Book when the village (now called Milford on Sea) was a saxon settlement. Melleford over looks the green which is the last remain ancient common land.

​We are extremely proud of our relaxed and friendly restaurant and hope that you enjoy our beautiful environment. it is recommended that you book a table so you can enjoy your food and drink."

Melleford is now open, and everything is made fresh to order, and totally delicious, using local suppliers and ingredients from around the immediate area. The Melleford Team are always on hand to answer questions and provide excellent service whilst your dining with them.

Future: There are plans to add a new exciting Evening Menu with homemade desserts and fabulous cocktails. As soon as this happens, we will let you know on these Milford on Sea News pages.

Supporting Dementia UK 'Time for a Cuppa'

Melleford and Saltwater are supporting the Dementia UK 'Time for a Cuppa' fundraising campaign.

Time for a Cuppa is Dementia UK’s annual tea party. When you bake and brew for Dementia UK, you’ll be helping more families access the life-changing support their specialist dementia nurses.

Time for a Cuppa’s official week takes place from Wednesday 1st to Wednesday 8th May 2024, but you can host your event whenever you like.

Please click here for a fundraising pack.

To read more about Melleford and Saltwater, please click here.

To visit the new Melleford website, please click here.

Opening Hours

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday: 9am to 3pm
• Wednesday: 9am to 3pm
• Thursday: Closed
• Friday: 9am to 3pm
• Saturday: 9am to 3pm
• Sunday: 9:30am to 2pm

Melleford

60 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE

01590 718390 - 07726 773485

melleford@outlook.com

www.melleford.com

www.facebook.com/melleford

Saltwater

106 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE

01590 718100

saltwatermilford@aol.com

www.saltwatermilford.com

www.facebook.com/saltcafe106

Lucas Raye at The Wash House on Friday

The ever popular, Lucas Raye will be performing at The Wash House on Friday 3rd May 2024 from 7.30pm.

Lucas is an accomplished musician, singer and songwriter who writes, records and produces his own music whilst performing all over the UK.

He has appeared on various FM radio stations, and played at numerous festivals and gigs around the country.

Lucas uses a loop pedal, drum sampler and acoustic guitar to build up a full live sound without relying on pre-recorded material. The sound is incredible - why not come and have a listen to his extensive set list packed with popular covers.

Meet Lucas: www.lucasraye.com

To book your seat please call: 01590 644665.

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Join the Team at The Wash House

The Wash House are looking for a friendly person to join our their enthusiastic team.

Part-time shifts behind the bar to include one day/evening during the week and weekend shifts.

Experience not essential.

To find out more, please contact the team at The Wash House on 01590 644665 or  thewashhousebar@gmail.com

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Upcoming Live Music Events at The Wash House

Friday 7th June 2024 at 8.15pm: Hugh Budden

Saturday 15th June 2024 at 8pm: Phil Mills

Regular Events at The Wash House

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Pub Quiz at The Wash House

The Wash House Pub Quiz takes place Every Wednesday at 7pm. 

Entry is £2 per person with a prize for the winner and fun spot prizes along the way. 

Everyone is welcome. To guarantee a place, please book, as it will be busy.

To book your table with friends, please call: 01590 644665.

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Retro Grooves at The Wash House

Retro Grooves spin the vinyl at The Wash House Every Last Sunday in the Month from 5pm to 8pm. 

Come along to an evening of the best party music, classics & anthems from the 1960s to late 1980s. A mix of soul, Motown, disco, funk, and R&B ensure a good time. 

At the same time, enjoy a drink as you step back in time with retro sounds.

Free entry, but booking is strongly advised, as these are very popular events.

Meet Retro Grooves: www.retrogrooves.co.uk

To book your seat please call: 01590 644665.

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About The Wash House

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

Having opened in the former village launderette in July 2017, they are constantly on the look-out for new craft ales to offer the beer lovers. CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) constantly list The Wash House in Milford on Sea in their The Good Beer Guide.

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

Dogs and children are welcome in the bar, and there is even chest of games to keep the kids amused. 

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 pub is also Dog Friendly.

The Wash House Micro Ale Pub

27 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

01590 644665

www.thewashhousebar.co.uk

www.facebook.com/thewashhousemilfordonsea

Keyhaven Parking Charge Plan being reevaluated

In March 2024 we reported on a Public Consultation on Parking Charges in Saltgrass Lane and New Lane, Keyhaven, and the outcome is that the plans are to be reevaluated.

A recent article in the Advertiser & Times by Roz Waters has reported that the plans for on-street parking charges are going back to the drawing board and the plans are to be re-examined.

To read the full A&T article, please click here.

The original plan was to introduce:

• Daily on street pay & display parking spaces from 10am to 6pm.
• No waiting at any time.
• Motor Caravans will not be allowed to park from 8pm to 8am.
• Parking Charges would be £1 per hour and £8 for all day.

Initially, it was thought that only the issue of overnight parking was to be addressed, but daily parking charges were in the notice, which means that there would no longer be any free parking close to the beach for locals or visitors in Milford on Sea or Keyhaven.

Locally, there is an issue with the volume of Motor Caravans parking overnight, and antisocial behaviour from a small minority. However, the initial proposals did not simply address this one issue.

As always seems to be the case, the people and families that can least afford to pay the charges will be hardest hit. A free two hour period would be a fairer action in our opinion.