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For news from
October 1999 to December 1999 [ Click here
] [ HOME ] News from 22nd - 31st December 2002 MILFORD FACES MORE FLOOD DAMAGE The heavy rains of Saturday night dumped so much water in Milford that when the high tides arrived on Sunday morning the water level in the Danestream rose to a level which covered all the ground between the stream and the Millennium Pond. This happened in spite of all the careful work to reduce the problem which has taken place over the last few years. Unfortunately the forecast for the coming week is none to good, with rain continuing. With holiday time approaching, there are no sandbags lying around the village, and the likelihood of their appearing in the next couple of days is unlikely. Let's hope the forecasters are wrong
News from period ending 21st December CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL One of the trees which caught the eye was one decorated in royal blue silk handmade items and was made up by the University of the 3rd Age which operates in Lymington. You can find out more about this group which offers a lot to interest older people with free time to fill. All you need to do is [ Click here ] The winners were Milford Patchwork Group with their pretty Christmas decorations - all beautifully made. This group appears to be elusive, and if it would like to write to us we shall publish their details so that praise may go to where it is due! Another tree which caught the eye was entered by the Lymington branch of Save the Children was covered with most children's best friends - a plethora of teddies does wonders to warm the heart! There was an undecorated tree entered by a certain prominent shop on The Green, whose owners must have been overwhelmed with work and missed the date! However, it had been given a title: 'I am as God made me'....Much appreciated bit of wit - and truth! The children's prize was won by the Pardoe Family, whose tree was hung with silver beads and decorated with white angels. Its title was 'The Heavenly Host' and it was striking in its simple beauty.
VILLAGE RAISES CASH FOR PLAYGROUND A major benefactor who has strong connections with Milford was behind a charitable donation of £2,500. Terry Kenny, a trust director of the Rufford Foundation, considered the venture a worthy project, hence the generous gift. The balance was raised from traders in the village: Edgar's Dairies, Jupe Developments, Hurst Castle Ferries and the Co-op on Church Hill whose combined gifts totalled £700; Milford Community Committee contributed a further £1,000 and 12 residents donated between them another £200. All this generosity means that the Onyx grant is now secure, and work is scheduled to start at the end of January. Weather permitting, all will be finished by the time Spring bursts on us: it is estimated the work will take four to five weeks. The Rufford Foundation has a very
interesting site. If you would like to know more about it,
LOCAL CATHOLIC CHURCH BURGLED St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church was broken into some time this morning, Thursday. The break-in was discovered by Father Vervenne, who looks after the Parish in Milford since the retirement three and a half years ago of Fr. Thomas Dunne. The intruders gained access via a back basement window and entered the sacristy where they obviously hoped to find something. There was nothing there so they searched Fr. Vervenne's office and found some keys which opened nothing. They then broke open a door behind which they hoped to find cash. There was none to be found and the burglars left by the back door. Police are investigating the crime and scene of crime officers will be attending the premises.
ALL SAINTS' CHURCH INVESTIGATED On the same day as St. Francis was burgled, it appears that an unsuccessful attempt was made to enter All Saints' Church. Police have been informed.
WEATHER THE SPOILER MAN AGAIN! All the hard work of the traders who organised a wonderful Christmas fair was dampened by the miserable cold and wet weather than swamped Milford last Saturday. There were, however, considering all this, a brave crowd who supported the events, some of which had sadly to be cancelled. The Wandering Jazzmen couldn't expose their brass instruments to the wet, and the Piper too was frustrated. The youngsters singing carols round the tree were frozen after a short while but there will still customers for the Tombola and the goodies rustled up by Piccolo Mondo and Rouillé. The little decorated steam train gave its rides and given the appalling weather, things could have been worse but for the stiff upper lips of those who attended. Among those was Santa Claus who arrived in a horse driven sleigh, and later made an appearance in Santa's Grotto, which delighted the children and gave them a few moments in the dry! Proceeds of the affair will be known in January, and the total handed to Mr. Tapper, whose company handled Dr. Kerr's funeral. Anyone who was perhaps unable to go to the Fair might like to make a donation: this could be handed in to Jean at Jammy Dodgers or direct to Tappers who know the details of Dr. Sue Kerr's wishes for charity donations.
News from period ending 14th December MILFORD-ON-SEA'S CHRISTMAS FAIR All sorts of delights have been lined up in the Village this afternoon and evening - stalls with prizes, Santa's Grotto - sponsored by Milford News; there's a Steam Train, a Stagecoach, Wandering Jazz Musicians, Street Entertainments - Crumpets they say too! There will be a Piper, Carol Singers, Face Painting, Mulled Wine, Buskers, Mince Pies...a whole amazing host of delights topped off at 4,00 pm when Santa himself will be leaving Westover Hall in a super jolly mood to entertain the revellers. Be there!
News from period ending 7th December POLICE ON PROWL IN MILFORD Entry to various roads in Milford last week was made difficult by police stopping traffic to check the validity of entry into the road, where burglaries in daylight had been considerable over the last few weeks. Aspiring burglars should note that police presence in the area has been raised!
PLEA FOR TWO-STOREY LIMIT THROWN OUT New Forest planners have decided to ignore the pleas of the Parish Council regarding restrictions on the height of new buildings in Milford to two storeys - i.e. three floors. They argue that since there are buildings of four storeys already on the sea front, developers would be able to point to these existing constructions and enquire why they are being 'picked on'. While blocks on flats on the sea front - although being brave constructions if the crumbling capacities of our local cliffs - are tolerable, the idea of such high buildings in the centre of the village would undoubtedly spoil the existing village character of Milford. While some members of the NFDC were very sympathetic about local worries, the general feeling was that a blanket prohibition would be unenforceable.
DELIGHT FOR DANIELLA'S DANCERS The Milford Club has come to the rescue of the little lost dancers after they faced eviction from the new Scout Hut. They have offered Daniella use of a large room which is perfect for rehearsal.
News from week ending 23rd November UPROAR OVER DOG IN THE MANGER ATTITUDE AT KEYHAVEN The Sea Scouts are in low esteem in the village at the moment after they announced that their excellent new premises will no longer be available for hire by other groups in Milford-on-Sea. This has caused particular acrimony since over half the cost of the upgrading of the premises was raised by the Milford community, together with a contribution of nearly £3,000 was donated in memory of Nick Cowell who died in a tragic car accident eleven years ago. His untimely death deprived Milford of an active and enthusiastic worker in community affairs. One of the groups whose use of the hall has indirectly given a great deal of the pleasure and fundraising to the village is Daniella's dancing team. Daniella was given no notice of having to leave the hall. She was merely informed by telephone that she could no longer use the premises. This, of course, means that her dancers, some of the young of the village who have so little opportunity to fill their time with activities in Milford, will be at a loose end until alternative premises can be found. The basic problem seems to be the time and energy required to run the hall efficiently on a letting business. The now thriving Scout group does take a lot of time to manage, but surely among the residents of Milford there must be someone who would be prepared to give their time for nothing to take over this chore? Perhaps it would be a good idea if an experienced member of the community stepped forward to offer their services for pleasure - as opposed to cash - so that overworked Akela types and colleagues could concentrate on the Scouts while the village, who contributed so much support for the Scouts in their lean years, could benefit from the splendid new hall.
AIRFIELD REMEMBRANCE SERVICE The new memorial at Holmsley aerodrome, unveiled in August this year, was the venue for a Remembrance Service, commemorating all those who who served at Forest airfields during wartime. It is likely that this will become an annual affair, but also that the date be changed to coincide with the D-Day anniversary, to avoid clashes with the national Remembrance Day services in November. This year at Holmsley the service was led by Canon Ray Hubble, and terminated with the playing of the Last Post and the National Anthem.
MILFORD COMMUNITY COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES In spite of a tremendous amount of hard work, the enthusiastic celebration of Jubilee Year has resulted in an overall deficit for the year of £3,492, although the treasurer assured everyone that the committee was '...still in a very healthy position, after all the activities we have organised this year.' These were certainly impressive: The biggest money spinner of course was the Carnival, but there were also extra jollies this year to celebrate its importance. After 27 donations to beneficiaries which included various Milford Charities, Oakhaven and Naomi Hospices, a sum of £722 was left to plough back. Commemoration Royal Mint commemoration medals were presented to all children under the age of 11 in the village. Two large play items were paid for which will be presented to the Carrington Lane play park. The Forest Bus was given £1,750 and a £300 boost was made to the newly formed Seagulls Milford Football Team. Christmas activities made a loss: the Christmas children's party combined with a 'one-off' investment in upgrading the Christmas tree lights resulted in a deficit of £671. The Christmas party will take place this year on 8th December in All Saints' Church Hall. On 9th December there will be carol singing in the Village with Lymington Military Band accompanying the usual enthusiastic singing. Keep an eye open to find out start time!
UPDATE ON APPEAL FOR RECREATION CENTRE While there is money coming in to create a situation where the charity Onyx will underwrite a generous contribution to the improvement of the recreation park for youngsters in Carrington Lane, time is running out. Donations have been received from as far away as London, from people who have properties here, and local support is good. However, more is still needed - and fast - in order to comply with the condition that the £4,800 must be found by the end of the month. The committee would be very pleased to hear from you! Details in the following article: URGENT COMMUNITY APPEAL We
have been asked to include an urgent appeal on behalf of the "Friends of
Carrington Lane Play Park." [ For more info on the Onyx Environmental Trust, click here ]
MILFORD HOSPITAL BEDS FOR STROKE PATIENTS There is concern at the loss of 10 beds in Milford Hospital to cover the shortfall with the closing of Lymington Infirmary. These beds, at present used for terminally ill patients and for recovery from orthopaedic operations, will form part of a stroke unit if proposed plans are accepted. The intention is to offer accommodation for all areas of the New Forest, which would mean that for many people having to use the facility, visiting possibilities would become severely limited. At a recent consultation meetings held in Milford, Mrs. Ann Smith, Director of the New Forest Primary Care Trust, pointed out that two extra beds were due to come into operation at Milford Hospital, which would in fact mean the loss of beds would be 8 rather than 10,
News from week ending 23rd November NEW SYSTEM FOR MEDICAL NIGHT EMERGENCIES Night emergencies for both Milford Medical Centre and the Wisteria practice in Lymington are now being dealt with by New Forest Doctors On Call Ltd. This is formed by all 19 local GPs in the Milford, Lymington, Brockenhurst, Sway and Barton areas. All calls made between 6 pm and 8 am to either of the surgeries will be passed to a dedicated nurse-run telephone at the offices of NHS Director. Advice calls and visits will then be forwarded to the doctor on call, who will be a fully accredited GP. Please note that suspected heart attacks should be notified to 999 service, as before.
MILFORD-ON-SEA PLAY PARK SLAMMED BY COUNCILLOR Julian Davis, Milford-on-Sea Parish Councillor declared he would not allow his daughter to play in the Carrington Lane play park. He considered the facilities extremely dangerous and the standard of the equipment available 'appalling'. Much of it seemed to be plagued by rust. Work recommended by RoSPA in May had not been attended to since a grant had been hoped for from the Onyx Environment Trust. In the meantime of course the equipment had further deteriorated. Both Chris Hobby and Brian Giles expressed the opinion that if the grant didn't materialise the toys would have to be removed. 'It would be wise,' said Mr. Giles,'to remove it tomorrow. You don't wait for an accident to happen.' While none of the equipment was graded as 'high risk' in May, it's worth noting that that is now six months and an awful lot of rain away.
FURORE OVER CHANGES ON THE HIGH STREET Hugh Whitlock, whose elegantly painted and restored shop front has caused consternation in Milford, is at a loss to understand why the situation has arisen. This is where the whole business of Men from Mars and Women from Venus comes into the open: women like to look into shop windows. Men prefer a bit of elegant - never mind what's going on behind! Plain blinds bring to the female mind bookies and male secrets, Pretty things to buy in windows turn the chaps off but does wonders for the lasses.....that's life! Sorry, Hugh! You can't win, but your clients will be grateful for the privacy as they consult their solicitor!
ST FRANCIS CHURCH FAIR It was all go yesterday at St. Francis as members of the congregation set out their ware for today's Fair! Red and gold angels peer down from the walls at some excellent bargains and delicious cakes which can be bought or even consumed on the premises with tea or coffee!
News from week ending 16th November MILFORD-ON-SEA COMMUNITY COMMITTEE The M-o-S Community Committee will be holding its AGM in the Guide Hut in Sea Road on 13th November at 7.30 pm. If you have enjoyed some of the events they have organised this year, like the Carnival and the Arts Festival, why not go along and see if you can offer your talents to help in the coming year? You will be welcome!
News from week ending 10th November MILFORD WELCOMES ROYAL VISITORS The Count and Countess of Wessex came to Milford in the middle of a very busy day to officially open our beautiful new Medical Centre. They were shown all over the new building and parts of Milford Hospital. Milford's children gave them a big welcome. They had been waiting patiently since 10.00 am to greet their Royal Highnesses and were a credit to the village.
MILFORD FC PRESENTED WITH £350 A 'resurrected' road race raised the sum of £350 was presented to the newly formed Milford FC - to be known as the Seagulls - by Elizabeth Everard. With Graham West, a committee of two was formed to set up the race and Pc Keith Mitchell acted as race director. Mrs. Everard said that she hoped the race would become an annual event, and that they wanted to encourage local sport, which was why the money raised was donated to the new football team, still in its very early stages, when encouragement was so necessary.
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR DOCTOR SUSAN The Memorial Service for Dr. Susan Kerr was held at Hordle Parish Church on Tuesday, in heavy rain. This in no way deterred the number of those who wished to pay their respects, and it is estimated that around 400 people attended, many standing in the aisles and porch, and even outside in the rain. It must be some consolation to her family that she was held in such affection and high regard by those she served.
PLEA FOR HEIGHT RESTRICTION IN NEW BUILDINGS The Parish Council has bravely suggested to the NFDC that future residential development in Milford be restricted to two storeys. They have also expressed the wish that this apply to flats as well as houses. As far as commercial and non-residential buildings were concerned, it argued for new buildings to be no taller than those they might be replacing unless it was considered something higher might look acceptable in its proposed surroundings.
News from week ending 2nd November NEW RULES & REGS ON BURNING LEAVES The NFDC are aiming to teach gardeners how to deal with the annual downfall of the leaves but suggesting they be composted. No, don't laugh: there are people who are new to gardening! They also suggest that leaves be binned rather than burnt, but binned in grey bags - not the black or transparent ones, which are used for household and recyclable rubbish. They grey bags are obtainable from Council Offices for 80p each. The advantage of using these is that they will be removed by the council at no additional charge at the same time as the normal household rubbish put out during the week.
500 NEW NURSING HOME BEDS FOR FOREST AREA Over the next 18 months to two years the first beds in a new series of nursing home beds for people in the Forest area are set to come on stream. Counterbalancing to some extent the recent loss of amenities for the increasingly ageing population in the Forest, the new beds will be built mostly on Council land attached to its existing residential homes. They will be run by Hampshire Social Services and cater for older people whose needs have outgrown their own homes with carer help and residential homes. They will also be available for older people to leave hospital until they can manage in their own homes. These 500 beds will complement the existing 3,600 beds still available in the private sector and Hampshire County Council's 1,100 beds already attached to their residential care homes.
MILFORD BOWLING GREEN
ATTACKED Not the two-legged variety but the larva of the six legged 'daddy-long-legs' or cranefly have attacked the green with dire results. Unfortunately the damage they cause can be further aggravated by birds pecking at the yellow patches on the lawn caused by the larva to extricate the leather jackets for a special meal! The damage has been creeping up over the last four or five years, and sadly membership has been dropping because of the deteriorating green. According to a representative from the English Bowling Association it will take approximately the same amount of time to restore the green to its previous glory. On top of time, money would be required in handsome dollops to repair the damage, and the relevant department of the council has been deputed to give serious thought to what needs to be done and how much needs to be found. A figure of £9,000 to £10,000 has been mooted.
MILFORD LEFT OUT OF BROADBAND OPTION While Hordle and Pennington businesses and individuals can access the internet at all times and use their phone at the same time, the Broadband system has not be offered to Milford as BT appear to consider it so full of aged and computer illiterates that they haven't even considered it. A great enthusiast has now set up a web site to let everyone in Milford who want to know exactly what Broadband is, what are the benefits - and most important, what is the cost. We didn't realise how much prices have come down since Broadband first appeared on the scene. [ Click here ] to visit the site and find out more.
News from week ending 26th October SUNDAY,
DETERIORATING WEATHER THREATENS VILLAGE The storm is expected to abate through the evening, and Monday's weather might be a bit gusty but it will be a good deal calmer than Sunday. Don't go out or drive unless it is really necessary as there is a strong danger of flying debris.
DIFFICULT CHARACTER WITH PASSION FOR VILLAGE Richard Poole, whose description of himself provides the title for this snippet, has decided to stand again for the parish council after resigning over the ring-fencing of £20,000 earmarked for the new community hall planned for the centre of the village. The £20,000 is being protected so that it will be available if and when it is needed. In the meantime, of course, the site has been let for four years. Mr. Poole's contention is that the money is being reserved for a project he views as pie in the sky when it might be needed for something definite in the village. Having resigned, Richard Poole states that many people have since asked him to stay on the council, since according to himself, he was 'one of the few people on the council' who 'stands for the village and nothing else'. Mr. Poole is against being merely co-opted on to the council, as he was initially, and insists that being elected is a much proper course of action, even though it will cost something in the region of £1,000 to arrange. A completely new council is in any case due to be elected in May 2003.
SECOND HIT FOR WEBMASTER'S CAR An unexpected deer dashed out in front of this poor car the other evening in a totally unexpected place, only a couple of days after the car's beauty had been restored following its recent battle with the bollard. A policeman who attended the scene remarked that deer were not normally seen on the road between Pennington and Everton so drivers are now warned to take great care on that stretch, especially at night.
MILFORD'S PROTESTS FALL FLAT New Forest planning authorities have no sympathy with Milford's expressed desire to cut down the number of flats mushrooming in the village. The recently approved plan to erect four two-bedroomed flat plus a three-bedroomed bungalow on the site of 2 Hurst Road went through despite objections from 7 local residents and the Parish Council. The agent, Mr. Jerry Davies, stated that it was within the limits of 32 dwellings to the hectare and he also pointed out that there was a strong demand for flats in Milford, and that applications for planning permission for flats could not be ruled out simply on the grounds that they were flats. Mr. Brian Giles, chairman of the parish council's planning committee asked the pointed question as to whether the officer who had recommended the proposed buildings was 'on the side of the developer'. It appeared that neither the planning officer nor the developer seemed to care anything for the opinion of the local people of Milford. Mr. Giles also commented that there were flats in Milford which had been sitting on the market for more than 18 months, and that prospective purchasers were actually looking for houses. In this connection, several people living in areas like The Orchard had received letters from complete out of town strangers asking whether owners would care to sell their houses.
News from week ending 19th October DEATH OF DR SUSAN KERR The first piece of news the Webmaster discovered on her return from hospital
on Saturday was the death of Dr.
Susan Kerr, who was for many years her doctor.
LETTER TO HER PATIENTS We are proud to quote the letter Dr. Susan Kerr wrote to her patients in a letter dated for the day of her retirement, 30th September. She died on 2nd October. 'To all my patients, I am writing to let you know how much I have enjoyed being a Milford GP. It has really been a blessing to meet such wonderfully kind and gracious people. I have felt both humble and fortunate to have had the opportunity to be your doctor. It is the friendship and warmth that you all have extended to me that have made my job so special. I greatly enjoyed coming into work every day because I knew that I would be treated with such kindness and compassion and it would be a day spent among good friends. You have all taught me so much and helped me to become a better doctor and person; it has really felt like a two way street and not just a doctor-patient relationship. It is with the deepest sadness that I retire from general practice as I have so thoroughly enjoyed my years here at the surgery. I could not have hoped for a better place to work than Milford; I have been surrounded by such fantastic people and made such wonderful friendships. It has given me so much joy to be able to help people and to be your doctor. Thank you. Signed: Susan J. Griffiths'* *Dr. Kerr's married name. She was married to Mr. John Griffiths and is survived by him and their two sons.
NEW SURGERY TO BE OPENED 'OFFICIALLY' BY ROYALTY After a successful Fete and Open Day, Milford's spanking new Surgery, already open for business, announced that the official opening would be held on 4th November. The opening will be presided over by the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
MILFORD'S TEAM IN TEARS OVER PUMPKIN FIASCO First win for Everton since 1997! Smashing all previous records, Bob Dore's massive pumpkin, weighing in at 494 lb together with his wife Chrysta's 'baby' at 410 lb, pulverised Milford's attempt to retain the glorious title of past years. Even worse, Milford could only muster 7 pumpkins this year. Among them, shining in the sunshine was Ian Paton's monster - well, mini-monster this year - at only 409 lb and well below his previous record-holder at 435 lb Bob Dore explained the virility of his pumpkin by the fact it had been fed on Viagara but offered no comment regarding the suggestion that Everton had acquired pumpkin-devouring germs from S.H. (c/o GPO Iraq) to sabotage Milford's efforts. Everton's total this year was 2,418½ lb against Milford's 1,182 lb. Last year's figures were Milford 1,863 lb against Everton's 1,664 lb. Massive (even if offered with a lump in the throat and green lights flashing in the eyes) congratulations to Everton.
News from period ending 12th October EXPANSION TO MILFORD CHURCH HALL GETS GO-AHEAD In the teeth of furious opposition from members of the PCC, New Forest planners have granted permission for the amended alterations to go ahead. Mr. Monks, who lives opposite the hall in Greenbanks Close, and residents of Church Hill had protested strongly against the proposed changes. He commented that since there were listed buildings in the area, what was the point of giving them that status if subsequently it was going to be disregarded? Since so much building has gone on over the last 20 or more years in the area this seems to be a fatuous argument. After the planning authorities allowed the building in Church Hill of so many oversized houses - second homes in many cases - it would be strange indeed had they not allowed a small extension to the hall and car park to benefit the residents of Milford.
COMMUNITY CENTRE SITE GETS TENANT The cleared space in the middle of the village, site of the proposed new Community Centre, is to become home for 4 years to a childcare company, whose activities will take place in a temporary building to be erected on the site. These four years together with its income will give the whole project of the new centre time to raise the money to finance its building. After some initial apathy among the residents of Milford, they seem to be coming round to the idea that a meeting place in the middle of the village, with up-to-date facilities, might be rather a good idea. So far more than £20,000 has been raised, and David Young, chairman of the Community Centre Trust, will be happy to hear from anyone who might have some ideas about more fundraising. He pointed out that it would be '...filling a huge gap - offering exciting new recreational facilities for all age groups. Activities ranging from computer classes, internet chatting, youth groups and carpet bowls could be held there.' He also added that before all that could happen there was a great deal to be done. Among them was the job of applying to the National Lottery for a grant to go towards the building costs, which are estimated to run to something in the region of £450,000.
THANK YOU TO KNIGHTS IN SHINING ARMOUR! Milford-on-Sea Online's Webmaster impaled her car on one of the wooden pointed dragon's teeth on the right-hand side of the disabled parking slot on The Green in the High Street this morning. Unfortunately, the remains of it were impaled in the windscreen washer's reservoir, and it proved impossible to move the car. Lo and behold, eight wonderfully able-bodied angels appeared and lifted the car off the spike and it was drivable to a garage to confirm it was safe on the road. Thanks to the Lord it was! The webmaster was so grateful, and being of a holy turn of mind, could only offer up prayers for each individual who was so helpful. Thank you and God bless you all! HIGH TIDES - ALL CLEAR. Milford was on Flood Watch this week, for news directly from the Enviroment Agency Information System [ Click Here ] Or Call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for more information. When prompted enter your quickdial number which gives you faster access to information for Milford to Calshot. The Milford to Calshot "quickdail" number is 012211. To understand the Flood Alerts
System Click
Here
WOMAN ASSAULTED IN MILFORD A 31 year old woman was assaulted after leaving the bar at Shorefield Country Park to return to the caravan where she was staying. The woman cannot recall the incident which occourred between 2300 hours on 25th and 0200 hours on 26th. Also, during the same period a car belonging to a member of staff was badly damaged whilst left unattended in a nearby car park. Police believe that the two incidents are connected. Were you at Shorefields between those times and able to shed some light on what happened? If so, please contact PC Keith MITCHELL at New Milton on 0845 045 45 45. The above paragraph is an extract from the Police report which appears under Hampshire Constabulary on this page. Do get used to using it. Today you can go just by [ clicking here ].
MEMORABLE DAY FOR EDDIE & SHEILA Eddie & Sheila Tyndall were feted at the Keyhaven Yacht Club to-day where it seemed most of the 1700 members had turned to wish them both a fond farewell as retirement overtook them both. After the 14 years they have spent ministering to members behind the bar and coming up trumps on the food front when required, they will be very much missed. Eddie's constant courtesy and interesting conversation lightened many a pleasant session at the club and when fever pitch reigned as the party season blossomed, Sheila was always there as his right-hand support. They were presented with several gifts, topped off by a generous cheque presented on behalf of all the members. Sheila and Eddie will both be remembered for many years with pleasure and thanks for the service they gave Keyhaven Yacht Club during their time there, and the members and committee wishes them long life and every blessing.
END OF BURIALS IN CHURCHYARD APPROACHING? It would seem that the new cemetery at the New Milton crossroads has only just been established in time. It is now no longer possible to erect even a 'tooth' - the little tombstones - which line the back wall of All Saints' Churchyard and along one of the paths. Current practice, in line with - we are reliably informed - 'instructions from higher up', means that those buried there from now on will be entitled to a 12" x 12" granite slab with black letters. Shared plots with share a single slab. The slabs will be laid flat, and must all look identical, apart from the names. This might well bolster future takers at the new cemetery since it is such an unattractive alternative. Ooh, could that be the basis for the new arrangement, I wonder?
HORRID NEW SCAM UNVEILED! The police have requested that as many
people are alerted as possible. Unfortunately it is a genuine scam. After a knock at the door, you open it to
find a respectable looking woman, probably middle-aged, in some distress.
She explains her car has broken and she needs to ring her husband to get him to
rescue her. Would you mind if she used your phone? She then rings and
discovers her husband is at a meeting and she has to wait while they get him to
come to the phone. The conversation sounds quite genuine. Because of
the inefficiency of her husband's office, she is on the phone for two or three
minutes before she can get him so she then explains where she is. Then she
tells him all about her problems... Be careful! News from period ending 29th September RETIREMENT OF POPULAR
LOCAL DOCTOR
INNOCENT MAN BEATEN UP IN BED A man approaching his thirties was attacked in his own bed by three assailants who thought that he had supplied illegal drugs to a 12-year-old. A friend, who shared the house, was tied up with electrical flex prior to the attack. After the attack, one of the intruders sat on the victim while two others ransacked the house in a search for money. The victim spent four days in Poole Hospital. Among his injuries was a jaw, broken in two parts. The attack took place in Lawn Road, off Keyhaven Road, and the assailants made their getawy in a white Ford Fiesta. Anyone with information should call Dc Barrie Woodley on 0845 045 45 45.
OAKHAVEN FUN-DAY ON WHEELS 2 WEEKS AWAY! The New Forest Experience is organising a sponsored guided walk and bike challenge in aid of the Oakhaven Hospice. This will take place on Sunday, 29th September. Entry forms can be obtained from Oakhaven shops or by telephoning either 01590 672251 or 01590 674946 So far, among Girl Guides, lovers, families and pub teams, more than 170 people have registered to use either legs or wheels to raise funds for Oakhaven. Advance registration for bikers is £6 and for those aged 6 - 16, a mere £3. Walkers, along the same categories, pay either £4 or £2. Sir John Curtiss, Oakhaven Trust's chairman, now in his eighth decade and in spite of a dislocated hip last month, will be cycling for cash if not necessarily glory - join him!
CHEERFUL VOLUNTEERS FOR GOLDEN OLDIES! The three cheerful lassies pictured above were willing volunteers to keep the 'senior' members of the Keyhaven Yacht Club well fed and watered at their annual lunch on 24th September. Members from years back (at least 30!) joined together for a delicious lunch and an opportunity to remember the days of wine and roses when they were young and lovely! Still lovely, they enjoyed the present day of wine and a delightful lunch into which so much work had been put by volunteers. They celebrated memories of lovely days spent at Keyhaven in the past and drank a toast to now and to future delights afforded by this popular sailing club, which is open to all passionate sailors and would-be sailors in Milford and Keyhaven. Cheers!
News from period ending 22nd September MORE PLANNING PROBLEMS FOR HORDLE SCHOOL SITE The assorted problems encountered by the developers of the Hordle School site continue as there is now likely to be a public enquiry into the revised plans. In May approval was granted for the conversion of existing buildings to provide 17 units of accommodation together with six affordable new homes. Shortly after this, the developer, Mr. D. Grayson, applied to have all the older buildings demolished and replaced with 23 dwellings, which, he argued, would mean the construction overall of 29 units, much closer to government recommendation of 30 units per hectare. Any comments on this appeal should be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate at Bristol by 18th September. They can be reached at Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN.
LYMINGTON VERY CCTV Over the summer gigantic camera posts have sprung up all over Lymington. For the most part they are so tall they are not immediately noticeable. Suddenly, you realise that in front of you there is something very large, wide and black and it becomes difficult to see anything else. A particular instance of this is as you turn right to go into the town centre having passed Safeway. The one installed there obstructs the view of oncoming traffic from the Brockenhurst direction. Has anyone else noticed this?
SERIOUS HUNT FOR NURSES Nurses of all grades are desperately needed by the New Forest Primary Care Trust to staff Community Hospitals at Milford-on-Sea and Lymington among other places in the area. Applications for full and part-time staff can be made by getting in touch with the recruitment hot line 023 8087 4088. There is also a need for occupational therapists, physiotherapists, care assistants and support workers. There is an informal Recruitment Coffee Morning (children welcome) at Lymington Hospital on 21st September from 9.00 am. There ex-nurses can find out more from Return to Practice Staff, who run special training courses for former nurses who want to update their skills.
News from period ending 14th September PRIEST STUNG AT ALTAR Father Gerrit Vervenne, parish priest of St. Francis RC Church in Milford (as well as of Our Lady of Lourdes in New Milton) felt something crawling up his leg during Mass on Saturday evening. It seemed very persistent...was it a spider? Father Vervenne found out soon enough as he tried surreptitiously to kick it away with the other leg only to be stung. As it flew out of the long dark trouser-leg tunnel while he was giving Holy Communion Father Vervenne realised it was a wasp!
KEYHAVEN CLUB RESCUE BOAT IN OWN DRAMA Keyhaven River warden Tony Wilkinson went to the rescue of the KYC Rescue Boat when its own propeller became fouled by a sail while trying to rescue a couple of scows. The little boats had met with trouble when the winds shifted up towards Force 6 and those aboard were in danger. The first scow hit problems, and the second which went to its rescue capsized. The KYC boat, Watchdog then went to the rescue of both. Fortunately Tony Wilkinson had been watching events, and he went and rescued both Watchdog and one of the scows as well as their crews. The other scow was washed out to sea but later rescued by the Coastguards. Earlier forecasts in the day had promised reasonable weather with light winds, but they were underestimated.
MILFORD ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP AT WORK The 'Meg' pool, as it is called by those who tend it, is one of the finest growing sites in the village. After all the original plans regarding its creation, it seems the really hard work was not the establishment but the maintenance of the pond. Today, a really beautiful morning, members of MEG were joined by the New Forest Conservation Volunteers and some serious clearing began. By the end of the afternoon, under the firm direction of Phil Gossling, a transformation had taken place and the pond was looking ready to face the winter and its rains.
CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP FOR 'THE BAY TREES' The previous owners having moved on to take over the Lord Bute in Christchurch, a triumvirate have moved in to give new life to The Bay Trees. Richard Wolstenholme, Stephen Caunter and Sally Hamilton have enlarged the scope of the business. For sale are antique prints, copper, brass and pine as well as modern products. Among the latter are exquisite prints and originals of land and seascapes of the area done by Sally Hamilton herself. The Bay Trees continues to offer bed and breakfast facilities in comfortable and beautifully furnished accommodation. Unknown to all but those fortunate enough to stay there is the most beautiful garden which extends to the Danestream.
News from period ending 7th September NEW NURSERY OPENS IN KEYHAVEN Rosi Trehearne open a nursery which caters for children from 2 - 5 years old in September. It will be open every day except for Christmas and New Year week and Bank Holidays, and the operating hours are from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. The Carousel Day Nursery will be staffed by qualified teachers who hold certificates in First Aid, Food Hygiene and NVQ, and one member of staff holds a Certificate in Health and Social Care. The nursery is situated in a beautiful garden, and the premises have been converted from a former stable. Further details can be obtained from Rosi Trehearne on 01590 644655.
HIGH JINKS AT HURST CASTLE Earlier to-day the people in the above picture were the trailer for a snippet about what went on last night at Hurst Castle. David and Katy Passmore, together with David's brother Don (right) who had travelled from South Africa to be there, were among revellers who set out from Keyhaven in the bright evening sunlight to the fleet of Hurst Ferry. They had arrived in coaches and minibuses and were decanted in front of the yacht club to walk the stony path to the quay. Beautiful young ladies dressed up to the nines and sporting exquisite strappy shoes bravely ignored the entry of dust and sharp stones under their toes as they made their way to the boats. The wise ladies and it must be said, the local ladies, knowing that the other end was even more dicey, wore boat and pebbleworthy shoes and carried their tart trotters in a handy bag to be donned on reaching their destination. The Ball was held in aid of Oakhaven funds, to which all profits went, and took place above the dungeons, much to the relief of the participants. It was organised to celebrate the Summer Party of The Lower Woodside Light Horse, whose annals have to be read and totally disbelieved. An extract from 'Regiments of the British Army' by Maj.Gen. J StJ hhardleigh-Seign reads: 'In the best tradition of irregular forces, the LWLH attended most of the minor skirmishes of the 18th and 19th Centuries, hovering on the fringes of the action, partaking of the spoils, and at the first signs of any reverse, retiring on their ponies which were fast enough to outrun all but the most determined infantryman. However, their most prized Battle Honour, 'Waterloo II' dates from modern times. The Regiment is the only unit of the British Army affiliated to the Pony Club.'
ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY COLLECTION The latest collection for the Alzheimer's Society in Milford amounted to £422 compared to £426 in New Milton.
CRIME ON THE UP AFTER CARNIVAL After the Carnival the baddies were back on the block rampaging around the Hordle beach huts and damaging eleven of them. On the same night, 7 bicycles were stolen from Lymore Lane. Anyone who can give any information should contact the police on 0845 0454545.
News from week ending 1st September CRICKET CLUB BUILDING GETS EXPANSION APPROVAL Milford-on-Sea Parish Council has agreed that in principle the Barnes Lane recreation ground pavilion should be enlarged. The Cricket Club is keen to make larger changing rooms which were too small for both sports played on the ground - namely football and cricket. In addition it is proposed to extend the front of the pavilion and lengthen the tearoom area. This latter proposal would be that the scorers could work under cover when it was wet. Noel Baptiste said that most of the work would be done by the cricket club members, and in his plea for approval, he pointed out that earlier improvements had raised the value of the pavilion, which in fact belong to the Parish Council.
CARNIVAL NEWS The float which carried the Milford Carnival Queen and her attendants was decorated in patriotic colours and was one of the prettiest seen for several years. This picture was taken towards the very end of the procession's travels through the village, and in spite of the fact it was rather cold by this time, the lovely girls on board still managed to smile with utter conviction and wave cheerfully to the waiting crowds. While there were many fewer floats this year, there was a big increase in individual entries which were of a high standard. Elvis and family stood out particularly well, and the clowns were a colourful and well-turned out group, and covered a wide age range. Sadly, because of the punitive insurance charges for floats nowadays, there were many fewer of these, but praise must go to the hard work involved in producing the space float which, as far as could be seen, was not based on a lorry, with all the intricate details in the costumes. According to our research, this insurance problem also had a serious effect on the Notting Hill Carnival as well. Maybe those who are so keen on suing at the drop of a hat or the prick of a pin might begin to realise they are spoiling things for the rest of us! And perhaps, though less likely, the government of the day might notice that nannying does have a downside. For more pictures [ Click here ]
SPORTING COUNCILLOR ELECTED Milford Parish Council has elected a new member with sporting interests as part of his pedigree. Other interests include planning, education business and village conservation, and Julian Davis has been appointed to the planning committee. Mr. Davis has lived in the village for six years with his wife Sarah and two young children. He is president of the Milford Cricket Club, and a member of the Barton Golf Club as well as the Keyhaven Yacht Club. He played - in his younger days, at the moment he is 43 - for the combined counties southern region under 19s Rugby and Soccer teams. How good it is to see new people willing to give up time to what amounts to voluntary work to make the village work. Our best wishes go to Mr. Davis in his generous intent to serve Milford.
News from fortnight ending 24th August RED ARROWS FOR LOCAL FLY-PAST The Red Arrows will be doing a fly-past in honour of all those who served on the 12 New Forest airfields which existed during World War II. The Ceremony to mark the occasion will be held at the Holmsley south airfield on Friday 16th August when an official memorial will be dedicated. Depending on weather conditions, the plan is that the Red Arrows will flu past at 12.24 pm. The occasion has been set up by the Friends of the New Forest Airfields, who hope that the contribution all involved with the airfields to the success of the war effort will not be forgotten. To learn more about the Red Arrows, [ Click here ] to visit their site.
TRAVELLERS TRAVEL ON The travellers moved from the car park last Sunday, 4th August. This has now been padlocked - but presumably only at night.
NFDC OUT TO SQUEEZE SMALL BOAT OWNERS Moorings at Keyhaven will rise by 13½% if the NFDC gets its way. With the level of inflation at its lowest for years, one cannot help wondering what reason they can have for even thinking of such an increase. There has been no apparent major work on the river since the last increase. A breakdown of figures as displayed in the A & T of this week include a figure of £19,230 for support to the one full time warden and a part time seasonal assistant on top of the salaries paid to them of £35,870. One cannot but help wonder what sort of the 'support' this is. 'Supplies & Maintenance' amount to another £28,250 - but 'Corporate and Financing Costs', whatever they might be, amount to another £28,290. The Commodore of the Keyhaven Yacht Club with the support of the Commodore of Hurst Castle Sailing Club are making strong representation to the NFDC seeking an explanation of the figures. They both believe, in common with the fishermen whose livelihood comes to a large extent from the river, that the management of the Keyhaven River could be more efficiently and certainly more economically run by a committee comprising the users, namely the Keyhaven Yacht Club, the Hurst Castle Yacht Club, the Fishermen's Association, Hurst Castle Ferries and West Solent Boatbuilders. All parties would accept a rise based on the current rate of inflation, but see no justification in a hike of such massive proportions. Council members everywhere wonder why people are so uninterested in local politics nowadays. It doesn't seem to occur to them that the apparent greed of unreasonable demands makes local politicians rather unattractive. The public might well be interested in voting for people they admire. Now there's a thought!
YOUTH IN THE FOREST 2002 This venture proved a great success with those who attended - both the children for whom it was designed and the young people who came to Milford as leaders. The facilities offered by the Methodist Church in their superbly equipped kitchen meant that the evening meals arranged on three of the nights by a different church were able to cater not only for the leaders of the scheme but also to several children who arrived to share the goodies. The Baptists were able to use their kitchen for the night they were on duty which gave the participants a different venue to eat together before sharing in the evening's entertainment. The weather wasn't brilliant, but it didn't drown anybody, though on the Thursday evening Sandy White valiantly cooked the barbecue in the pouring rain. While the food itself cooked under cover, Sandy's rear was exposed to the downpour! Clergy from all the churches attended at least one of the evening meals on the three days of YF02, It turned into an excellent meeting of supporters of the Christian faith without any angst and hassle over the different faith routes of those present. Of all the activities, the one which seemed to be the most successful was the tidying up of the hospital gardens. At the end it was felt that the work done here was a general benefit to the people of the village, and it might be a good idea if all the Milford churches could take on the work of keeping the hospital gardens tidy, cared for and pretty for everyone's benefit. Keep watching this space!
HURST CASTLE HOSTS LOCAL AMATEUR RADIO FEST To celebrate the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend 2002 Hurst Castle hope to entertain lots of visitors just before, during and after Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August. Visitors will be able to see Amateur Radio stations in operation and talk about their operation to the people who use them. Hurst Castle is accessible via the ferries which operates from Keyhaven every half-hour at a cost of £3.50, or by walking along the spit. For further information call Selwyn Cox on 0777 835 49 76. Read here the site of the man who set the whole thing up - mad about lighthouses and amateur radio [ Click ] [ Click here ] to go to Trinity House site - fascinating!
MILFORD GARDENERS' CLUB What an excellent addition to the village is the Gardeners' Club! Not only does it give pleasure to its many members, but it also does a good bit of fund raising for charities. The Plant fair in May raised almost £1,000 was raised for charity. The charities which benefited included Oakhaven Hospice and the Lymington MS Society, and Thrive, a foundation to help people with garden therapy. Milford Gardeners' Club really deserves an award! The gardening opening venture in June, in adverse weather condition, nevertheless managed to raise a record £1,300 for the same charities. The group is also taking care of the Centenary Copse Garden. The copse was named in 1994 to celebrate 100 years since parish councils were set up. It does belong to the parish council, and the club adopted it to create a 'wild garden' as a millennium project. The tender loving care they have lavished on the little garden has paid dividends and it is now looking very good. Different outings are arranged to interesting gardens, and a three-day trip is planned visiting Sissinghurst and Great Dixter in East Sussex, with visits to other gardens en route. Travel is by coach - there may still be a few places left. For further details about this and about joining the Gardeners' Club, ring Liz on 01590 643949.
KEYHAVEN SHELLFISH AT RISK Robbie Russell, a Keyhaven fisherman, spoke bitterly about the amount of effluent flowing into the Keyhaven River through the sluice gates. In spite of making consistent reports to the authorities, he says '...nothing gets done.' At present the standards of shellfish caught in Keyhaven meet the required levels of the Food Standard Agency, but Steven Stone, a senior environmental official expressed a warning that any increase in the present levels of e-coli taken from the river may been the area's classification being downgraded to which would obviously have an adverse effect on the livelihood of local fishermen. It might be possible in theory to get any affected fish cleaned, but there are no relaying beds available in southern England. To send them further afield would make the local shellfish industry commercially unviable.
MILFORD ART GROUP'S EXHIBITION This year's Exhibition was again full of vibrant paintings and shows once more the depth of talent lurking among Milford Art Group's members.
News from week ending 10th August TRAVELLERS IN TROUBLE AGAIN All round this area in the Forest come the moans about the travellers. How long is it going to be before local councils accept the fact that there are people who choose to live an ambulatory life-style, and who have been doing so in many cases for generations? The travelling people's visitations cause angst every time they appear, but interviews have frequently shown that what they would like is the possibility of a site with facilities, rather like the camp sites which are spread through the Forest for people who just like to flirt with the travelling life-style and who are called campers. To avoid 'hangers-on' who just drift into the way of life, it should be possible to register as a bone fide travelling family with an entitlement to use such a site. If people are treated as social pariahs, they tend to behave that way and to become aggressive. It's not a lot of fun feeling you're unwanted! Mightn't it be worth considering meeting them half-way? In the local paper there is news of one couple who have land available to provide such a site, and who have applied, unsuccessfully, for planning permission. They have paid hefty fines, but are still prepared to have another go.
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WASHED OUT ON THE GREEN Well, there we have it! While the people were a bit thin on the ground, the raindrops came by the million. All very disappointing for the people involved, who had worked so hard to make the day a success. If you feel as sorry for them all as we do, you might put a contribution in the post and send it c/o Mrs. Freda Cheyney MBE, making cheque payable to Royal British Legion Milford-on-Sea Branch and send it to her in Barnes Lane, Milford-on-Sea, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 0RL The Band of the Royal Corps of Signals and The Fort Cumberland Guard (Victorian Military Display) appeared. but because of the terrible weather were unable to perform. Of course, they cost just the same!! The veteran cars crouched in the rain but one bright spark at least glowed with heart-warming generosity, when a sympathetic soaking wet lady pushed a £50 donation into Freda's amazed hand.... Click on the underlined names above to find out more about the would-be performers.
KICK-OFF FOR YF02 Youth in the Forest kicks off on Sunday with an Ecumenical Service at All Saints' to launch the programme - 10.00 a.m. at All Saints' Church. Young people participating will take part in assorted activities from gardening to puppeteering, hosted in the main by young students and other young leaders from the community. The leaders will be entertained by each of the churches in turn for lunch and supper during the days from 6th to 9th August. All those involved hope the venture will prove a great success for the young of the village. Any further information can be obtained from Jeff Hill (645965) or Sandy White (643043).
News for week ending 3rd August BRITISH LEGION ON THE GREEN Let's hope the sun shines on Saturday, 3rd August: Freda will be there, keeping her fingers crossed that the great Golden Jubilee Summer Fete will go with as much - or even more - of a bang as last year, when all records were broken. The Band of the Royal Corps of Signals and The Ford Cumberland Guard (Victorian Military Display) will be going through their paces. There will be fun for all the family: where else can you have such a great time with free admission? Nowhere - so be there on The Green. Everything kicks off at 10.00 a.m. and continues through to 3.;30 p.m. Click on the underlined names above to find out more about the performers.
News for period ending 27th July 2002 A BOUQUET FOR AMY
Miss Amy Hilbord, whose age is recently in double figures, came to the rescue of Milford-on-Sea Online when she found a bank card belonging to them in Tesco, where it had been inadvertently dropped on to the floor. She promptly handed it in, much to relief of the Webmaster! Our sincere thanks to Amy with the hope that she will enjoy her flowers.
MILFORD'S ARTS FESTIVAL WOWS THE CROWDS The organisers of the Arts Festival can sit back after the success of the first Milford Arts & Music Festival and congratulate themselves. Not only did they raise something the area of £4,000 but the public and performers enjoyed themselves enormously. The magnificent weather no doubt helped everything go well but it will long be a day to remember. A large choice of photographs is available in what was Julie Bromiley's shop in the High Street at low prices, and a website has been set up with lots more details. [ Click here ] to visit.
SUMMER HOLIDAYS LOOMING So often do we hear in Milford that 'There's nothing for the young to do!' This year the Churches of Milford-on-Sea have got together to produce YF02 - Youth in the Forest 2002. They are planning all sorts of activities to cover 'Kids by Day' and 'Teens by Night' from 4th to 9th August. For younger children activities have been arranged in green sites and church halls round the village. Obviously with a background of Christian faith, the project seeks to train and empower young Christians from all walks of life to share their faith in practical ways through love and service in communities across the forest. After 5 pm the focus changes to work with young people. There are a number of 'green' projects covering areas around the village which could do with a bit of TLC and it is hoped that this might give some of the 'older' youngsters an idea of different things they could look at in their attempt to find something to do outside school. After the work, it is proposed to offer volleyball and BBQ on the beach. At the end of the week there are central Christian events at Brockenhurst College which it's hoped people will enjoy attending. YF02 slips will be coming your way with the Parish Magazine and it's hoped that adult members of the Community will be willing to help in some way. These slips give details of how this can be done. It is a great opportunity to serve the young people of the village and make more people aware of the seriously plus side of the Christian faith in the way we live.
ECUMENICAL SERVICE AT RC CHURCH An ecumenical prayer service was held at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Park Lane on Tuesday, 24th July at 6.00 pm to pray for the success of the YF02 venture. For such an event attendance was higher than expected and those who were there found themselves invited to a mini-social in the Crypt after the service.
KIVERNELL LATEST Plans to redevelop Kivernell House made an amended appearance to meet with the same fate as earlier efforts. The new plans reduced the number of flats proposed from 11 to 10, and according to protesters the main objection voiced by Councillor David Scott was that the design looked like a 'monolithic bulk building' which would be 'gross and oversize' in an 'area of special character'. There appeared to be some support for houses rather than flats, which gave rise to the contentious question of how many. Two was considered too low to allow the developers a decent profit, three was considered possible where four would mean too many. Then there was the possibility that Pennyfarthing might produce three monster houses, which wasn't acceptable either. It appears to be back to the drawing board for the developers again....
MARINA AT KEYHAVEN? A report in the local A & T newspaper reports an incident of slurry poisoning at Keyhaven Marina. This caused raised eyebrows and some worries among the sailing fraternity who use the quiet harbour at Keyhaven before they decided this Marina must be the pontoon where members of the local sailing clubs launch their scows. Joking apart, it was prompt action by the environmental authorities who managed to rescue many of the hundred or so grey mullet struggling to survive that the incident was not much worse. The ditch through which the poison was entering the water was stopped up and the source of the slurry has been identified. An investigation is now under way to avoid any repetition of the incident.
BREAKS FOR CARERS Hampshire County Council are to introduce a system of 'Take a Break' voucher schemes. This will enable those who find themselves looking after family, partners or friends who are in need of help because they are ill, frail or have a disability, to take a break. This might happen when the carers themselves are in need of finding cover at short notice, say for a medical appointment. They might wish to save the vouchers to take longer breaks to be away, perhaps to visit other members of their family who live at some distance. The scheme has been tested in Havant & Portsmouth with great success and will now be brought in to cover the county. For further details ring the carers' helpline on 0845 7221 122 or visit http://www.hants.gov.uk/socservs/
CUBS & SCOUTS FACING HARD TIME Jim Bailey is appealing for urgent help in continuing to run both the Cubs and the Scouts. The current Cub Leader is unable to continue and the Scout Leader is also looking to find a replacement. With so little for the young to do in this village, it is imperative that new leaders are found to enable these flourishing groups of young to continue. Cubs run for 6 - 7 pm on Tuesday evenings, and Scouts from 7 - 9 pm on Fridays. For those who might be interested but lack the confidence to jump in with both feet, it might help to know that no experience is needed as training will be available. Parents of present members might consider taking a chance for the benefit of their children. It is a way that many adult leaders of the Scout and Guide movement find themselves involved and it can be a very satisfying way of offering something to the community. Note: Milford Scouts [ Click here ]
'ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE...' All sorts of excitements awaited Milford to-day: as well as the Flower Show, the Arts' Festival bursts into life with an array of entertainments on the Green in a major effort to raise money for the proposed Milford Millennium Hall. Among them all Milford welcomes a famous Bollywood star, Kuljit Bhamra, who has taken time off from his appearance in Andrew Lloyd-Webber's latest extravaganza in London to perform for us here. He came down on Friday evening, performed at our festival and rushed back to London to appear in to-day's matinee. One of the most influential musicians in the Asian music world, he stars in Bombay Dreams, playing percussion on stage. Western audiences will have encountered his talent in Bhaji on the Beach and Bend It Like Beckham. where his drums reverberate, but he also appeared as an actor in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Towering overall was Andy Walker on his enormous stilts. There are rumours that the Catholic Church may approach him to see if he could help change a light bulb in the unreachable set of lamps above the main altar! Judging by the crowds of people gathered in the unaccustomed sunshine of this year's Summer the whole Festival has been an enormous success. If you have any comments or information about the day and its effect on the local community, please click [ Here ] and tell the organisers. All the artists appeared for free, and profits go to support the Milford Community Centre and Cancer Research UK. FLOWER SHOW WINS BATTLE As always, Milford gardeners were not deterred by the onslaught of the weather. From 8.30 on Saturday morning entrants in the floral and vegetable classes put the finishing touches to their entries, and when the show opened at 2.30 pm, visitors were thrilled as usual at the riot of colour which greeted them. A detailed list of prizewinners will appear in the A & T in the next week or so. One of the most delightful aspects of the Show this year was the display of the children's art and poetry round the walls. Congratulations to all those concerned. It was really good to see so many new names among the prize winners and to know that the Flower Show is still going from strength to strength as the years go by and new people move into Milford. This is why it is such a successful and dynamic place, and a lovely village in which to live.
News for period ending 13th July 2002 MILFORD MOVES INTO THE WORLD OF ARTS' FESTIVALS Fundraisers for Milford's proposed new Community Centre deserve a pat on the back for coming up with a brilliant scheme to raise money for the project. They are hoping to raise thousands of pounds at an Arts and Music Festival to be held in the village on 13th July. This coincides with the Milford Flower and Produce Show, although it misses the Milford Art Group Exhibition which runs from 27th July to 10th August. There are plans for many fascinating aspects of the arts to be represented, from fire-eaters and jugglers through poets and storytellers, all to be 'overseen' in an original way by Andy Walker - a stilt-walker. There will be face-painting and body art to be experienced for free; an army tank and a fire-engine will be available for exploration purposes. Jazz lessons, poetry workshops will be there - raffles - all sorts of delights - so BE THERE! People go to so much trouble to arrange things in the village and we should at least be kind enough to go and support them.....talking of which.....
ALL PAPERED-UP - Part II Two letters have been received with the exciting news that this splendid double-fronted premises is to be a solicitor's office! While we wish the new tenant every success and agree that those who use the solicitor will find it much easier to visit than where he is at present, it won't be nearly as much fun as peering into Julie Bromiley's windows to see what new and interesting stock she has found for our delight.
FLOWER SHOW THREATENED BY CONTINUING BAD WEATHER The non-stop wind and rain is threatening the success of this year's Flower & Produce Show, at least from the viewpoint of the roses, which are so much a feature of this popular exhibition. Vegetables, on the other hand, particularly the green-leafed varieties are flourishing. Soft fruit is having a hard time of things with the lack of ripening sunshine. The show needs our support, both in entries and in attendances on the day. As well as all the usual garden produce classes, there are others which don't depend at all on the weather, and entries can be received in all classes except Section E (Floral Display Section), space permitting, as late as Friday evening between 6.30 and 7.30pm at All Saints' Church Hall. Help to make the Milford Flower & Produce Show a success: we all need to do something to cheer the hearts of Milford which are failing at the sight of leaden skies every morning. Our sympathy goes out to the holidaymakers who add so much to Milford's economy - let's give them something to enjoy!
DEATH OF LOCAL RESIDENT
The death occurred on Tuesday last of Mr. David Bell, one of Milford-on-Sea Online's staunchest supporters. Born in China, he first came to live in Milford in 1933. Nine years later he joined the Royal Air Force from Cambridge and went to Canada where he trained as a pilot. Towards the latter end of WWII David was part of the research for GCA (Ground Controlled Approach) landings and worked as a test pilot. After the war he returned to China as a junior Air Attaché where he served in Beijing - or Peking as it was at that time. In 1948 he returned to the UK and pursued his career with the RAF until 1961, when he took early retirement and turned his energies to finance and banking. David's first wife, Wendy, was holidaying in Milford when she and David met. They were aged 12 and 14 at the time. They married in 1947 and had two children, Sally and Timothy. Sadly Wendy died in 1953. In 1956 David remarried, and he and Sarah had three more children. The whole family spent a great deal of time in Milford, which always held a large place in David's heart, and he and his wife retired permanently in the village in 1988, having bought a little house in Windmill Close as a holiday home ten years earlier. David will be much missed by the people who knew him. His funeral took place at St. Francis of Assisi church on 12th July. RIP
SURPRISE, SURPRISE! Welcome back! Congratulations to the Parish Council: The George & Mary Lamp post has been resurrected for the third time! Many residents may not know the history of this lamp post. It was installed in 1912 to mark the Coronation of King George and Queen Mary and lasted happily in black and gold dress until 1970, when it was knocked down. Subsequently replaced, the new model lasted until 2001, when that one was removed to fit in with the road planners' dreams for smoothly-circulating traffic in Milford. In the move, the lamp broke just below ground level and had to be replaced by yet another one. The new and currently multi-coloured one,
sporting garlands of flowers, was finally installed on Sunday morning.
It will shortly be painted black and gold, and the name plaque refitted with
appropriate brackets for the slightly larger lamp.
HEALTH CENTRE SETTLING DOWN To visit the Health Centre without moving [ Click here ] Although the outside still needs lots of attention, and the immediate entrance is still under construction work inside the imposing porch and door, the air of calm and serenity in the waiting room is nicely balanced by the gaiety of the children's corner in the next door room. While it's rarely a pleasure to visit the clinic, present arrangements will make it a much less stressful occasion, and obviously the staff are loving their new working conditions. There is an additional bonus for people working there. The Health Centre will now be closed from 1 - 2 pm, but a box will shortly be fitted in the main entrance hall for prescriptions to be left.
BROWNIES COFFEE EVENING Our Brownies are planning an evening's revelry in the Guide Hut. They have been working extremely hard over the last few weeks to make this an evening to remember. It runs from 6.30pm to 7.30pm and all sorts of exciting plans have been devised to amuse visitors. It is so nice to see the young working for the village it would be great to see good support for their venture. It all happens on 8th July - Monday - and not a lot happens on Mondays, so mark it as an not-to-be-missed date in your calendars!
News for period ending 6th July 2002 ALL PAPERED-UP Right in the middle of Milford High Street is a highly desirable shop whose windows are covered with paper. Naturally there is huge interest on just what is going on behind it. Of course, if you know something we don't
know, just click here and put us in the picture. The whole village will be grateful!
BOMB EXPLODES IN MILFORD Prompt action by an eagle-eyed passerby resulted in the arrival of a Bomb Disposal Unit to deal with a WWII bomb on the beach at Milford. They activated a controlled explosion, causing a frisson of horror before Milford returned to its normal placid self.
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