Milford on Sea Local News Archives

Welcome to my online web blog. Below is a summary of all of our 'old' news stories. Click on the 'news page' link to read the latest Milford on Sea news articles.

*Please see 'Whats On' for local events

Local Milford on Sea News Story Archives

20th October 2009: My trip to the Community Tourism Group.
On Tuesday I was invited to a meeting of the Parish Council, Milford-on-Sea Community Tourism Group. Now, like most people who have run their own business, committees are something avoided like the plague. I was unsure what to expect. (That’s not true, I expected to be bored rigid for a couple of hours). Surprisingly, what actually happened was that I left pretty impressed. The meeting ‘s chairman, Bob, was a down to earth sort, who had a knack of getting to the point. The gathered attendees were high profile local people representing important local groups & businesses in the community, & I could see that they were a sharp bunch of commercial professionals. Paul from New Forest District Council was young & dynamic, and obviously keen to support the village where he can. It seems the Parish Council are happy to accept external ‘expert advice’ & that was as good to see, as it was unexpected. My own invitation was to speak about my vision for the website. It was good to explain to the group what we are trying to achieve in binding, informing, supporting & entertaining the village & our visitors. It was a bit of surprise to find that about half of the meeting hadn’t seen the site, but my years in marketing tells me that it takes a long time to establish a product or brand. We are well on the way though, as we are now getting over 350 visitors every day, with around 70% of these being new visitors who find us daily. Listening to the groups plans & feedback was interesting & seemed well directed. As I was sitting comfortably listening, & considering whether to have another biscuit, I was unaware that I was about to make a fatal mistake. Unwittingly, I made a suggestion for a new village event. As soon as the words left my mouth I could hear my dad on my shoulder shouting his mantra from his army days – ‘never volunteer for anything son!’ Well, it was too late, the outcome of my enthusiasm was that yours truly is now championed with the task. Luckily, whilst no longer quick on my feet, my mind is still sharp, so I immediately asked Jon from Bon Appetite to help with the project. With the collective direct gaze from fourteen eminent people, how could he refuse! (That’s what you get for getting to know me!) The new event could be really exciting, but I can’t reveal what it is yet, as we need to do some feasibility work, look for funding & then get approval from the Parish Council. On returning home my wife was thrilled that I had embarked upon yet another new adventure, although she didn’t quite put it like that, & hid her delight as only she can. Anyway, if it works we can all look forward to having a good time early next year. If it doesn’t, I will naturally blame the committee process, and probably Jon (for some reason yet to be made up), thus leaving my pride intact. | PS: I hope the Parish Council weren’t responsible for the new custard road or my new project may be very short lived! I love living on the edge!! | Milford on Sea Parish Council website – www.milfordonsea.org.uk

21st October 2009: New Ride & Read Service from the Library.
We have read of a new community service in the news section of the MilfordonSea.com website. Hopefully they won’t mind us sharing the information with you. | Our Milford Library based in the Village Hall in Park Road, is planning a new venture to help local people who find getting to the library difficult. Milford on Sea Library Club are looking to provide transport for a return trip from your home, to the Library once a month. There will be time to choose some books, enjoy a chat over a cup of tea & a snack, plus the chance to make new friends who share your interest in reading. Milford on Sea Library Club plan to operate the service regularly on Wednesday’s, and it will be available to anyone who may have difficulties in accessing the library. You can ring the library on 01590 679585 for more details.
 
In addition to an expected array of books, the library also has 2 public computers, free internet cafe, colour printing, scanner, DVDs and audio books. The library is open Monday & Tuesday afternoons & Wednesday & Friday mornings. You can see the exact opening times on the website link below.
 
Whilst writing, we would like to congratulate Sarah on her 10th Anniversary since creating the www.MilfordonSea.com website. The site was founded in the ‘pioneering days’ of the web & must have been one of the first ‘community sites’ in the country. Sarah has done a sterling job and provided much to the community over those years. | Milford on Sea Library website: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/library/library-finder/milford-on-sea-library.htm

22nd October 2009: Who's nicked our Community Centre.
Life is full of surprises. Early this morning, as we strolled along the promenade we came to the car park where we spotted four lonely, yet massive, arctic low loader lorries. Apart from those monster machines the rest of the tarmac was empty. As I have a duty to keep you informed (with trivia), I decided to investigate. Firstly, no drivers? Well, my wife is a policeman’s daughter & she concluded they had all gone to The Needles Eye Cafe to have breakfast. The next thing spotted was the precision in which they have parked, all inch perfectly aligned side by side & all backing onto The White House fence. It was now my turn to speculate as to why they were there. My first guess was that the village had organised a Truck Racing circuit around the streets & along our new ‘custard High Street’, my wife didn’t think so. Ah, I know, the Milford on Sea Bowls Club has organised a ‘Truck Pull Competition’ for their members. My wife didn’t comment on this one, as she had by now walked off. I did hear her saying something like ‘you are so stupid’, but I am not sure what the little chap walking past had done to upset her. Annoyingly, I then saw the four drivers coming back from the cafe, but I had no intention of letting her know she was correct. The mystery was soon solved by our intrepid ‘news hound’, (Colin) (it was not what I thought it was), he told us they were here to take away the Community Centre, he even captured a picture of a section being loaded for us. He also found out that each section of the old Community Centre weighs 6 tonnes & they are currently on their way to Beverley in Yorkshire. (I wonder what she is going to do with them?) The new Milford on Sea Community Centre is due to open in August 2010 & it is going to be pretty impressive from the plans I have seen.

24th October 2009: Attic Attack Sale | Wine Bar Update.
No reasonable offer is being refused at Attic Attack as Mike Halliwell clears the bric-a-brac stock in preparation for his new wine bar. If you do pop in it may also be a good time to have a look at the Used & Vintage Clothes and Accessories in Julie’s area of the current shop. Apparently we will see the first stage of the changes in the next few weeks, when the front of shop is to become an off license run by John James of VA Wines. (Also known as Vine Associates) The wine bar will be introduced at the rear of the premises, probably early next year & may also include a Bistro serving Mediterranean dishes.

24th October 2009: Care Group Drivers needed.
Milford on Sea Community Care Group are urgently looking for drivers to lend a hand in taking local people to & from medical appointments. Please call Valerie Newell on 0845 644 3628 if you have a couple of hours you could spare.

24th October 2009: New ‘Ride & Read’ Service from the Library.
We have read of a new community service in the news section of the MilfordonSea.com website. Hopefully they won’t mind us sharing the information with you. | Our Milford Library based in the Village Hall in Park Road, is planning a new venture to help local people who find getting to the library difficult. Milford on Sea Library Club are looking to provide transport for a return trip from your home, to the Library once a month. There will time to choose some books, enjoy a chat over a cup of tea & a snack, plus the chance to make new friends who share your interest in reading. Milford on Sea Library Club plan to operate the service regularly on Wednesday’s, and it will be available to anyone who may have difficulties in accessing the library. You can ring the library on 01590 679585 for more details.
 
In addition to an expected array of books, the library also has 2 public computers, free internet cafe, colour printing, scanner, DVDs and audio books. The library is open Monday & Tuesday afternoons & Wednesday & Friday mornings. You can see the exact opening times on the website link below.
 
Whilst writing, we would like to congratulate Sarah on her 10th Anniversary since creating the www.MilfordonSea.com website. The site was founded in the ‘pioneering days’ of the web & must have been one of the first ‘community sites’ in the country. Sarah has done a sterling job and provided much to the community over those years. | Milford on Sea Library website: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/library/library-finder/milford-on-sea-library.htm

26th October 2009: Runners galore in Milford on Sea.
The annual Milford on Sea 5 Mile Road Race took place yesterday with about 300 runners setting out around the streets of Milford on Sea. I was of course not spotted running, mainly because I would rather swim in shark infested boiling water than don a pair of running shoes. My wife tried to encourage me to join in by saying ‘it was a shame to deny people the sight of my fine legs’, but I think she was just trying to find a way to get me out of the house for a few hours. My own lack of enthusiasm for participating did not however prevent the enjoyment many had from the day. Plenty of people came out to cheer the runners on & they all looked pleased with their achievement when arriving at the finish on the village green. The run was in aid of local good causes including Oakhaven Hospice, so it looks like the day had plenty of winners. Perhaps I will get in training for next year, it seems a shame to keep these fine legs to myself.

26th October 2009: Local girl to quiz MP’s.
Katie Braid is 13-year-old from Milford on Sea, who has suffered from debilitating migraines since she was five. She and her mother Ann have been invited to the House of Commons by the Migraine Action charity to take part in an event tomorrow, which will follow a similar format to the BBC TV programme Question Time. The invited guests will challenge politicians about the support offered to children with health conditions during their education.
Read full story from the Daily Echo on the Daily Echo link below: www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/4701935.Teenager_to_question_MPs/

26th October 2009: Sharpen your voice: We have a choir to join!
We have hot news that a contemporary gospel choir is about to be founded in Milford on Sea. Christine Mulgrew is preparing to turn us from unknown shower singers into stars of the stage. Everyone’s welcome, whether a complete beginner or an experienced singer. If you have watched any of the recent BBC TV series about the journey Gareth Malone took the South Oxhey Community Choir on, I would suspect you will be very interested in this. The choir will also be a great way to boost your confidence, feel inspired and meet new friends. I reckon this will be great fun for all that join in & who knows where it might lead. Anyone know where we can hire a coach to the Royal Albert Hall? | Total Voice Gospel Choir starts January 7th 2010. Meetings Every Thursday: 7.30 to 9.30pm. Location: The Guide Hut in Sea Road, Milford on Sea. If you are interested please call Christine 07826 748625 or email on info@totalvoice.co.uk Website: www.totalvoice.co.uk | You will also find the full details in our ‘Village Clubs’ page.

28th October 2009: Bon Appetit has new owners.
Our local village creperie at Bon Appetit yesterday changed hands & we will let you know more about the new owners soon. In the meantime why not pop in to buy a coffee & say hello. Former owner, Jon Couch, is now planning his new long term options & with a bit of luck he will decide on something new that benefits the village. In the meantime, I guess there will not be much of a break, as he will be lending a hand to Stacey (his wife) & her business partner, David Wykes, as they continue the transformation of Monks by adding a new top quality fish restaurant to the current fishmonger shop. We hear the restaurant will have a new name, but that is being kept under tight wraps until nearer the opening. Jon is also working with yours truly on a new event for the village next year. We hope we can make some announcements soon, so they everyone can get involved – we will definitely need everyone’s help in participating or supporting! All we can tell you for now, is that it will be fun!