COUNCIL'S APPETITE FOR PARKING CHARGES MAY BE KILLER

RETIREMENT OF PARISH PRIEST

WHY DOES IT KEEP RAINING WHEN THEY FORECAST SUN?*

There is a simple answer to this vexing question which always amazes us here.  For some days now we have heard about lovely weather on the way and day after day the sky is covered with cloud.

If you click above on the word 'Satellite' in the list of places to visit, you will get a picture which shows what's coming in from the Atlantic, in other words the prevailing direction from which weather arrives in this country. The white bits, unsurprisingly, are clouds.  Go and have a look for yourself, and then you can join us here as we wonder why the weather 'experts' will keep forecasting all this sun. . . where do they get their information from?

ALPHA COURSE STARTS TODAY - 29th SEPTEMBER

If you've been thinking about 'doing' the Alpha Course at all All Saints's Church we thought it would be worth posting a reminder.  [ Click here ] to find out what an Alpha Course is.  It starts at 7.30 pm, don't eat before you come - there will be supper.  Everyone is welcome - even those who have already taken part in earlier years.

LYMINGTON AREA CASTIGATED BY BBC

BBC's Radio 4 this morning - Monday - is suggesting that Lymington must be the snootiest place in Britain because it has turned down an application from Weatherspoon to open a giant pub in the town.  How terribly BBC! 

Perhaps it is not much of a surprise after all the general dumbing down to an egalitarian society that is the aim of so many BBC producers, presenters, and newsmen.  The actual reasons as to why the planning application for permission was turned down would probably not enter the minds of such people.  The property concerned is bang next door to a very flourishing parish church which is constant use for all sorts of reasons beyond one or two services on a Sunday. 

At the moment Lymington is a town where people can go out at night without much fear of slipping on vomit; it does have the occasional drunk like most places, but not great gaggles of sectors of young people whose education in recent decades has been insufficient to instil any kind of responsible attitude to life, work and unselfish behaviour and can find nothing better to do in their free time than raising many glasses to their willing lips - apparently unaware of the damage alcohol can do to their brains.  This type of behaviour generally goes with very large premises, where an individual can feel hidden and protected by a phalanx of co-revellers.

We do not all have to say yes, yes, yes to keep the social boat from rocking under the influence of the me, me, me generation.  We can just say no.

THE GREAT TAX DISASTER

Yet again the income tax authorities have boobed: from tomorrow onwards people will begin to receive notification about their tax position regarding over/under-payment of tax.

If you get mail regarding a refund, leave it there.  Any refund will arrive  automatically.  You do not have to apply for anything, and any web site that appears pretending to be the official way of getting the rebate is a scam:  DON'T TOUCH IT!

If, however, you are informed that you owe the tax people money, appeal immediately - the information will tell you how to do this.  Failure to appeal could cost you - we all know how difficult the tax authorities make it for us to find out how we can avoid paying money we do not truly owe.  So, if you are one of the unlucky people who have been adversely affected by the inefficient working of the tax authorities, APPEAL.  The faceless mass of the tax authorities are awful, but the individuals are kind, helpful and will do everything they can to help you through the problems caused by the horrors of computers gone wrong and computer operators who are not 100% efficient - probably as we would be if we had to sit at the screen/keyboard end of the operations.  Patience all round will help everyone.

M&S COMES UP TRUMPS TO RESCUE ELDERLY PARTY-GIVER

A Milford resident, who had invited nearly 30 people to a party to celebrate her forthcoming 75th birthday, made all the necessary arrangements for the 'do' including ordering the party food from Marks & Spencer's in Lymington.  Everything was well in hand until she went to collect her boxes of goodies from the store.  Alas, the poor shop assistant's face blanched as she read the completed order form and receipt, and she was barely able after a few moments to get the words out: she had sent off the order with another customer in addition to her original order.

Naturally, with five days' notice required it was going to be impossible to replace the order when the previous customer, who now had the goods for free, refused to return them to the store.  The impression given was that it was Marks & Spencer's fault and they could sort it.  The food, it appeared, had gone to sustain a funeral party on a larger and more impressive scale than originally planned!

Undaunted, M & S despatched a member of staff by car to go over to Christchurch and do the best they could to provide the birthday girl with alternative yummies, the food to be delivered by the firm to the deprived party-giver's house, together with a birthday cake, a bottle of bubbly, a total refund, an additional £10 voucher, a potted cream rose in flower and a gracious and charming smile on the face of the deliverer!

M & S:
here is a bouquet for you and everyone involved in sorting out the mini-disaster
with the compliments of Milford's premier web site,
coming up for its own 12th birthday!

NEW FOREST SUPPORT FOR THE BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT

The National Park Authority has set up the Big Butterfly Count to find out the present state of Britain's butterfly population.  Altogether there are 58 varieties in the UK - one more than Heinz!  Among other things, this year has been designated the International Year of Biodiversity.  Butterfly numbers and health are good indicators of what changes are occurring in the environment and the New Forest is an ideal place to spot there are the range of habitats there are quite wide.  The best time to spot them, it seems are early in the morning, late evening and any time when the weather isn't particularly warm because that's when the urge to hunt out mates dominates their behaviour - much more difficult to spot and recognise as they flit from flower to flower via any delightful specimen of the opposite sex.

For more information and to download the spotter's guide visit www.bigbutterflycount.org.  A wildlife calendar of what to look for is available at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/wildlife_calendar.

Milford's residents have been keeping their talents under wraps for some years now since its famous Flower and Produce Show went into hibernation - or should it be aestevation? - and for the first time in several years they were again put on display in the enlarged Church Hall where there was plenty of room to circulate.  After the previous Show's incarnation where famous names performed their wondrous talents year after year it was fun to see new names on the prize-winners' Certificates.  It was also great to see children's photographic talents on display right beside those of adults and to see what a high standard they had reached.  Like the brilliant wall frieze shown at the top of our page last week, Milford's schoolchildren's first-class gardening skills were on display and their presentation of a Collection of Vegetables was stunning - they are fortunate children indeed to have a teacher who can encourage them to learn so well.  It's that kind of teaching that inspires the young to carry on and develop the quality of gardening ability which powered the earlier Flower and Produce Show to last without a break for 100 years and will during their own lives give huge pleasure not only to them but to the people among whom they grow up!  Wonderful - congratulations all round.

The new classes were very exciting, and the children again came up trumps with the decorated napkin rings, and the sole entry it seemed for the Potato Head had a charm which warmed the heart.  There were some magnificent knitted garments, several using completely new tactile patterns which were reminiscent of knitting one's granny did but which had a new modern look to them.  The cakes looked as delicious as usual, and there was the familiar longing to taste which comes when good food is laid out before the eyes. . .

Our thanks must go to Dr. David Badham, whose grown-up vegetable display rivalled that of the children and our hopes are that he will continue to go forward with a renewed Milford Flower and Produce Show into at least a decade ahead!

IT'S BACK AGAIN - HURRAH!

Let's celebrate the return of the Milford Flower and Produce Show!  The Schedule is still available in Gwen's and other shops round the Village so there's still time to enter something - there's a magnificent range of possibilities.  There are classes for Vegetables, Flowers, Floral Art, Produce and Handicrafts - and children are invited to take part in most classes.  The Schedule is free and contains the Entry Form.  Fees are 20p a Class - when did you last get something for 20p?  Amazing!  And entry on the great day, 17th July, is a mere 50p.  Start working on it now and let's have another wonderful, classic summer afternoon - only days away now!

KEEP YOUR EYE FIRMLY ON WHAT'S GOING ON:

IT'S EVERYTHING!

So the village did explode into the increasingly famous Milford Art and Music Festival and it's off to a terrific start. Much of what was, is and will be happening is kept strictly to the programme, which is available in shops all over the Milford. 

As the new Community Centre rises skywards we can all now see what the fundraising over the last ten years has been about and every programme sold swells the funds which will make our Community Centre one of the wonders of Milford.  It will enhance life here - and be very 'green', of course, because the majority of us will be able to walk to the events held there.  Another benefit will be - that just doing that - will tone up our muscles and perhaps return our bodies to the fitness we have sacrificed by too much in our cars to get somewhere!

The Milford Arts and Music Festival is one of the major events of the year in Milford and very shortly there will be physical evidence of the Great Happening as decorations, tents etc appear on The Green.  All is at present something of a mystery which will be revealed as the days go by.  However, publicity is already circulating in the village about the Service on the Green, which happens on the final Sunday, 11th July, at 10.00 am. While the passion for the World Cup has now abated with no British representative, the timing has ensured it will not interfere either with footie time or with vroom-vroom time for GP addicts.  A case of all this and heaven too?

MILFORD'S ROYAL BRITISH LEGION (Women's Branch) CELEBRATES!

We had hoped to be able to bring you photographs of at least some of the splendid celebrations arranged by members of the Royal British Legion in Milford to mark the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the Women's Branch in Milford, run successfully by the amazing women of Milford.  It was set up in 1935, in the teeth of their male RBL counterparts who fought a rear guard action over three years before a persistent Violet Beckingsale won their reluctant permission to set up a women's branch which has become one of the best known Women's Branches in - not only Hampshire - but in the whole of the United Kingdom.

After the rousing march through Milford, the honoured guests, led by Dame Mary Fagan DCVO, JP and Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, accompanied by Mr. Desmond Swayne MP, TD, made their way to All Saints' Church, where they were greeted by Rev. Dominic Furness who conducted a Service of Thanksgiving and Re-Dedication on Saturday 19th June.  After the Service, the Salute was taken by Dame Mary and Mr. Desmond Swayne at the entrance to the Church Hall car park.

This article will be extended further in the next day or so, but in the meantime we apologise, yet again, for a misdemeanour by our photographer who had inadvertently left her camera running on video.  This explains why there is no photograph to accompany this article.  If anyone has a photograph they would be happy to see published here, please email it to the Webmaster.

CAMERON v OBAMA

Despite battling campaigners who hoped to dissuade the local council from removing free parking in the Lymington area during the period from the end of October to the beginning of March, the council are going ahead with their plans.  This of course includes those car parks in Milford which are currently subject to charges from March to October.

When do any voters who put councillors in power ever get any council decisions rescinded?  The electors just have to sit and fume and wait until the next elections, by which time - alas - they will have forgotten the stupid decisions made during the council's time of office and the men-who-claim-expenses are back with their feet cosily ensconced under the council table.

A council spokesman is reported to have said 'The Council believes the cost should be borne by the users, not the general council tax payer.'

Tourists are here in the summer, locals up to now have paid £x with annual increments, and both pay for parking in the crowded times in the summer.  The council bought new money-eating machines for parking a few years ago and set prices where it was often necessary to put in pounds plus smaller coins which visitors and locals often lacked, requiring the insertion of another pound coin.  There are parking machines which give change but the local council, in its rapacious wisdom, ensured that the machines they purchased did not give change, thus boosting their income, which they will now continue to do for a further 6 months.

Referring again to the remark above made by the council spokesman, who are the users during the winter but the same general council tax payers he is trying to please? Are there any there any elections due next year, we wonder?

Keyhaven car park is now due to incur charges and doubtless there will be a guardian who will go round to stick tickets on offending cars.   Next year the council tax will rise because the guardians, also known as traffic wardens, will have to be paid - much more, of course, than the council will gather by charging the very few naughty cars which might use the car park during the winter months.

This is, of course, a really busy time of year for the Gardener's Club but months of hard work goes on behind the scenes.  The Open Gardens  venture, where you can visit local gardens between 11.00 am and 5.00 pm, enjoy refreshments and buy plants, this year takes place  on 13th June.  Tickets at £5 with details and a map can be obtained from Gwen's between 1st and 12th June, from the Village Green on the day or from any of the almost 20 participating gardens from 11.00 am, and there will be signs round the village to direct you the show gardens.

Proceeds from the Open Gardens go together with those from the Annual Plant fair.  Milford Gardeners' Club celebrates ten years of existence this year, and during that time their fund raising efforts have raised over £4,000 for the various charities which are chosen by the Club every year. For further information contact Jan England 642291/644489.

OBAMA, SCHWARZENGGER AND LOCAL PLANNING

And what do all the above have in common?  At first glance not a lot. . .

However, by scrolling down this very page you will see a short paragraph talking about the prospect of oil drilling taking place here in Milford later in the year.  In it a quotation from the CEO of the company interested in local exploration for oil notes that  'we have to get the local population on board and to do the public relations work'. 

This morning's news states that Arnold S has reversed any policy of underwater drilling for oil in California and that Barack O is so appalled by the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico that he too has made a about-face turn regarding any more off-shore oil exploration.  Perhaps when feelers are put out later in the year by Wessex Exploration we should take the same tentative steps and go nowhere that puts our village and homes in jeopardy.

SCAM WARNING FOR TRAVEL HEALTH COVER IN EU

A member of our staff is rushing round clutching her burnt fingers:  if you need an EHIC, which used to be known as an E111, and which you need for free emergency health treatment while travelling in an EU country, be aware that there is a cheating company set up which does a terrific scam, for which it would be nice to see them toasting in hell!

POLICE RECLAIM PLACE IN PUBLIC'S EYE-VIEW

After a spell in Milford village centre last week, these coppers were spotted in Tesco's car park in New Milton renewing their familiarity with the public after years of invisibility. On Friday two coppers were seen strolling along the High Street as they used to do.  We have grown so cynical nowadays that our immediate thought is to suspect it's something to do with pre-election publicity of how good HM's Government it is at listening to the public and giving them what they want.  The probability is not, as it would have taken quite a time to organise this splendid van to whisk our local police round and about in the Forest!

Whatever: it is good to see them back as formerly when we felt the police were on our side to keep us safe instead just being there for reprimands to be dished out everywhere and scowling rather than smiles were the order of the day. Let's hope it lasts!

OIL DRILLING PLANS FOR MILFORD

Planning permissions are being sought to initiate preliminary surveys and drilling for oil in the Milford/Hurst Castle area.  Wessex Exploration is hoping to start work later this year.  Frederik Dekker, the company's Managing Director, is stated to have said 'we have to get the local population on board and to do the public relations work'.  That should be interesting!

Before we all panic with visions of a huge oil refinery messing up the Solent, it has to be pointed out that several of these types of survey have been conducted in the area over the years.  One launched in Lymington in the 1980s ended in failure.

ROAD CLOSURE IN MILFORD

The Disaster Emergency Committee for the Haiti Earthquake Appeal and the funds it has been give will enable the coordinate rescue and reconstruction efforts by all the major charities in the UK and will help avoid wasteful overlapping of all attempts to restore some sort of reasonable life to the inhabitants of Haiti.

Even small amounts that we can give will enable the charities to go on helping people in Haiti long after the instant compassionate reaction has passed.  The Haitians are going to need help for many years.  It's not a question of here today and forgotten tomorrow.

You can make a contribution on line or you can telephone them on 0370 60 60 900.  Further details on ways to donate can be found elsewhere on the internet (go to Google to find well-known and reputable charities) or just [ Click here ]

UPDATE FROM YOUR FRIENDLY LIBRARIAN

THIEVES ATTACK TREES

Feathered thieves are invading the red May trees and for the first time we are able to show the damage as they eat their way through the blossoms only, gourmet style, in Milford.  The unloved birds have been noticed for years, as large groups of grey pigeons perch among the sweet-scented flowers and gorge on the flowers which obviously taste delicious to the birds.  Their predations don't affect the white or pink May trees, only the red.  Have they invaded your May trees yet?  Do you have bunches of flowerless stalks along your branches?  Is there any defence against these feathered vandals?

One visitor suggests trying this [ Click Here ]

Milford's Annual Plant Sale, run by the redoubtable Milford Gardeners' Club in aid of chosen charities, took place last Saturday.  The weather was fresh, vaguely damp and beautifully green between the people.  In fact at the moment, everywhere people seem to be somewhat thin on the ground - the shops, the churches, charity do's, car parks and even the garden centres.  The habit of hibernating which really got going during our cold winter seems to be continuing and people are still sitting at home - which is going to be a bit of a pity if the warmer weather really comes and our gardens are bare of bedding plants.

John Churcher was there as usual, a regular plant grower who always comes down from Winchester for our plant sale.  He raises not only plants but money for Royal British Legion funds.  This year he was showing more exotic ferns, palms and showy flowers like cannas.  Prior to his retirement John was head gardener at Hilliers Garden Centre in Braishfield, and he has obviously find it impossible to keep his hands off the plants!

If you want a change of view from you windows overlooking the garden or indeed if you feel you cannot cope with gardening any more, maybe it's time to call in the professionals.  Among the exhibitors on The Green were Debbie and Katie, not to mention Steve!  Katie's web site is still under construction which should be ready soon.  Katie, a qualified Botanist, Plantswoman, Gardener and Garden designer can be contacted evenings on 01590 623300 and offers a very comprehensive service from concepts to whole-garden design and also maintenance schedules.  Debbie will be giving a talk at the May meeting of the Milford Gardeners' Club in the local School Hall at 7.00 pm on 19th May - Wednesday evening - on the principles of designing a garden.

This is, of course, a really busy time of year for the Gardener's Club but months of hard work goes on behind the scenes.  The Open Gardens  venture, where you can visit local gardens between 11.00 am and 5.00 pm, enjoy refreshments and buy plants, this year takes place  on 13th June.  Tickets at £5 with details and a map can be obtained from Gwen's between 1st and 12th June, from the Village Green on the day or from any of the almost 20 partcipating gardens from 11.00 am, and there will be signs round the village to direct you the show gardens.

Proceeds from the Open Gardens go together with those from the Annual Plant fair.  Milford Gardeners' Club celebrates ten years of existence this year, and during that time their fund raising efforts have raised over £4,000 for the various charities which are chosen by the Club every year. For further information contact Jan England 642291/644489.

MILFORD'S WONDERFUL PLANT FAIR ON THE GREEN
ON SATURDAY

While we humans have been wandering through recent weeks moaning about the cold, our friends the plants have been strutting their stuff without a word of complaint and are looking lovely!  You'll be able to buy some for your own garden from 8.30am to 1.30 pm on Saturday 15th May - yes, that's this week - as the annual fund raiser for chosen charities blooms on Milford's Green.  Saturday is reported to be the warmest day of the week with - by recent standards - loads of sunshine.  As usual there'll be lots of things to buy and do and the going underfoot should be great!  Very little sign of mud these days. . .it might frighten the horses who don't like the going to be so hard but people will be happy to walk on the grass!

ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW

Faced with a big change - which at first didn't look like a change, as we woke after the election to the news of a 'hung parliament', perhaps it is now time to readjust our ideas from the 'them' and 'us' syndrome.  Have a read - it made me feel much more relaxed. [ Click here ]

BBC BEING MONITORED FOR POLITICAL BIAS

The continual downsizing of the Conservatives, who are at the moment ahead of both Liberal and Labour, is becoming apparent to anyone listening to BBC Radio 4.  While the Conservative lead in the last few days has been as much as 8 points ahead of Labour and 3 or 4 ahead of the Liberals, the BBC was strangely silent about any poll. As the gap narrows Polls are being mentioned again.  In the meantime, the amount of time spent extolling Nick Clegg and discussing Gordon Brown has been unproportional.

This web site has no political affiliation (religious yes, political no!) but it is beginning to be noticed in the real world where people talk to each that the BBC itself appears to be taking a hand in directing - rather than reporting on - the election campaign.   Jobs at the BBC are almost exclusively advertised in The Guardian and The Independent and via word of mouth through their own staff.   Liberal view points prevail - liberal with a small 'L' of course - and doubtless their riposte to this charge would be that the BBC are impartial.  Alas, it doesn't sound like this in many listeners' ears.

An e-mail complaining to the BBC about this very matter was not aired on 'Today' to whom it was addressed and a copy of that email was sent to Desmond Swayne's office.  The local MP replied and both are quoted below:

For May Day pictures
[ Click here ]

POLITICAL SHENANIGANS II

The major political parties in the United Kingdom, also have junior tentacles - for lack of another word for the moment - in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  This set-up adds disruption to efforts to organise some sort of coalition in Westminster.  An attempt to frustrate this plan was  made clear in a discussion programme this afternoon on the radio which presented a very dog-in-the-manger attitude from the Scottish minority. It is a minority in the United Kingdom but these particularly Scottish politicians are indeed a spanner which could be wielded to wreck the whole machine.  The female spokesman expressed her conviction with seeming bitterness, on behalf of political parties in Scotland, that they would do anything to frustrate the Conservatives having power in the United Kingdom. 

One of the parties fighting for dominance in England already has a rather more than its fair share of Scots, complete with Scottish accents, in their top political structure.  What the English will be thinking of demanding, as complications make easy political alliances harder and harder to make, is an English parliament.  Why do those who wanted devolution from the United Kingdom and Westminster seem to have the best of both worlds and insist on having power at Westminster as well as in Belfast, Ulster and Edinburgh?

Just asking, but with all this chat about fairness and equality, where is it in England? Will it to be calling for Devolution?  And if not, why not?

POLITICAL SHENANIGANS I

Do you get the feeling we are being manipulated by the media?  Is there any way that news can be given without bias, especially when there are axes to grind in political minefields?  Probably not, but there does seem to be a persistent drip on Radio 4 to chivvy listeners into voting Liberal, to go in for tactical voting and above all, don't look too much at political planning by potential governments: the main aim of the BBC appears to be 'keep Cameron out' at any price.

Mind, having moaned for several days about how potential governments are saying nothing about their actual plans/specific policies, the minute one group does, i.e. the Tories, their leader is slammed as being complacent and overly confident as he announces plans about what the Tories propose to do if they should win.

Incidentally, don't worry if you can't find your polling card - they are sent round to help us remember to vote and encourage us to do the same. They are not a requirement or a necessity to be able to vote.  Some form of identification might be asked for so take something with you when you go to put your kiss of approval on the bit of paper!

Try to enjoy the whole thing anyway: lay in a bottle of something to celebrate with or drown your sorrows and whatever government we end up with on Friday morning let's try to be good citizens.  Milford will always be a lovely place in which to live.  We hope . . .

YOUNG SEA CADET DIES IN FALL FROM RIGGING

A young sea-cadet fell from the rigging into the Solent overnight from the sail-training ship 'TS Royalist'.  It is the first fatality the ship has experienced since it was launched in 1971.  He was rescued by members of the crew of TS Royalist and flown by helicopter to the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth but was confirmed dead on arrival.  [ Click here ] for further information. 

We send our sympathy and prayers to and for all those who mourn the youngster, who was 14 years old. (May Bank Holiday weekend)

MILFORD FOOD WEEK NUMBER 1

And how lucky can Milford be with the weather?  After weeks of the kind of stuff that boosts everyone else's tourism and makes us flee our own, the sun has arrived, for the moment at least the rain is away and the temperatures are rising, with good weather - well, maybe a hiccup on Wednesday - for the rest of the Festival.

The profits, of course, go towards our Community Centre which is rising skywards in Sea Road. Click on the poster for comprehensive details on what's gone, what's on and what tomorrow will offer - all very yum-yum indeed! Good luck to the continuing venture and Bon Appetit to all!

While it would be lovely if the money would actually flood Milford with banks notes or gold coins,  the £60,000 involved is to replace the sheet pile flood defences on the Danestream.  If you know nothing about sheet piles apart from the ones lying  around waiting to be ironed, the picture will show what this is all about!  Look familiar, don't they?

The money to cover the cost of this improvement is part of a £700,000 grant which has been allocated to protect vulnerable areas across the entire New Forest.

MILFORD CONTINUES TO STRIVE FOR GASTRONOMIC HEIGHTS

Yet another restaurant has arrived to titillate the taste buds of Milford.  Formerly the much-loved and Rick-Stein-recommended village fishmongers Monks,  Michelin-trained David Wykes, with Stacey Crouch, have taken over the premises in order to convert the former shop.  After a great deal of hard work this has now been converted into a gourmet fish restaurant and a kitchen which will not only provide food for lunchers and diners but also space for would-be chefs as cooking courses are also going to be on offer.  The restaurant's name is Verveine.  On top of all that, guess what?  You will still be able to buy high-quality locally sourced sea-food for your own kitchen at Verveine, one of the very few places where it is still possible to buy fresh fish in the Forest area.

Anyone walking through the village will have noticed that almost every shop is showing posters advertising a Foodfest to eat our way through more edible delights starting on Easter Monday.  It all looks very exciting and will be a great curtain-raiser to the  delights of Milford as the new tourist season opens. Click below to read all the details to give yourself time to plan your week - maybe even invite friends to come and stay!

WOMEN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

On the first day we could really believe Spring was on its way.  This year it was the turn of the Milford Baptist Church to host the service for the worldwide day of prayer, which this year was organised by the women of Cameroon in West Africa. It is an interesting country with a huge variety of outstandingly beautiful scenery but it is a very poor country.  Those who attended the Women's World Day of Prayer will be sad to learn of news which has percolated to the west from Cameroon that one of the markets where the 'buyem-sellem' ladies do much of the trade that goes on in the country, Tiko, was burnt down on Tuesday last.  To read about this fire which has been disastrous for about 800 families [ Click here ].

We were very fortunate this year to have Renée Alsandor, an elegant lady who wore a beautiful African dress with one of the head-dresses that women in England would love to know how to tie!  Renée is over in England from Houston, Texas, where she and their three children have joined her husband on a posting over to England.  She herself is taking a sabbatical from her normal work and concentrating on the family while she is in England.  She has an MA in mechanical engineering but works as an expert on intellectual copyright in that field.  At present she worships at the Baptist Church in Lymington.

The Baptists, led by Chris Steadman with support of the congregation, have been battling valiantly in the kitchen recently, what with the party organised for Eric and June Parker (see below) and the wonderful range of cakes and sandwiches which were available today for the tea after the service this afternoon.  They also led the service in the evening at St. Mary's, Everton, where there is always a service regardless of which of the Milford churches hosts the afternoon service for the WWDP.  This is done to make it easier for people who are in full-time work to attend the services which each are are designed by women of a different country.  Next year it will be put together by the women of Chile.  The evening service also entertains those who have come to Everton: on the posters it says 'Coffee/Tea and Biscuits' but that is almost always a far too modest  description!

The Reverend Eric Parker and his lovely wife June were given the full treatment at a party organised by his parishioners to mark Eric's retirement from active ministry at Milford's Baptist Church last Saturday, 27th February, the day he celebrated his 65th Birthday.  This beautiful cake was made by Frances Humphrey, one of the Baptist congregation in Milford: the top-left panel represents the back drop to the altar in the Baptist Church off Barnes Lane and the house  on the bottom right is, of course., a copy of the house into which June and Eric are due to move.  They would have been there now if it hadn't been for the freezing winter during the course of which pipes froze and subsequently burst, leaving the house to which the Parkers were due to move, ruined.  Drying out from the flood which flowed unnoticed for several days has taken a good while and serious repairs had to be put in hand, some of which are still be done. Eric and June will be staying in Milford until the house is finally ready.

Eric studied for the ministry at Spurgeon's College as a mature student.  Leaving his career in Marketing he felt called to the Ministry and towards the end of his studies his ordination he and June spent time in California where he gained wider experience in the Baptist field.  Eric then spent time in Jarrow as an ordained Pastor, followed by 18 years in Angmering-on-Sea.  There were several people at Saturday's party from Angmering who had come to renew their friendships with their former pastor and his wife and to add to the festivities.  Moving from one part of the South Coast to another Eric and June then spent several years in Milford where they made many more friends.  They will both be very much missed after their departure to Hythe - in Hampshire - and we wish them both many happy years in retirement when it is very unlikely that they will sit in cosy armchairs in front of the television for the rest of their lives.  They both have far too much joie de vivre to merely sink back into the cushions! 

"HOW LONG?"
"WHAT? THAT LONG!"

While another very successful "'Newcomers' Supper" took place earlier this month, it is quite fun to think that the whole celebration to welcome all those people who have moved into Milford-on-Sea during the previous 12 months was the child of Pop-In, born in 1996, fourteen years ago.

This weekly Coffee Morning, where you can just talk, was a venture by all the churches in Milford to get together to add something to the social life of the village, something which would be particularly welcoming to people who retired to our wonderful village and needed to get to know people quickly.  The idea of the Pop-In was given a great reception and continues faithfully every Thursday.  If you haven't yet visited make a date between 10.30 am to Noon in The Village Hall. You may well be asking '. . .which is the Village Hall?  There are so many halls in Milford!'  That is true but the Village Hall must be the versatile one since it doubles as the Library when its entire appearance is transformed.  It is also used for card groups among other regular uses.  It is just opposite the HSBC bank in Park Road, so very handy to fit into your village shopping.

The original aim of the Pop-In, founded as a non-profit making group, was that any profits which came from the donations made by the coffee-drinkers and the biscuit-eaters would be given to Naomi House, the children's hospice in Sutton Scotney.  To date we have sent them £3,000.

A couple of years' later it was decided to expand the idea of the Pop-In to include a welcoming supper for newcomers to the village.  As well as supporting Naomi House from the donations, some of the profits now go to the Newcomers' Supper which adds so much to the way Milford works, as a community where people get to know each other quickly, help and welcome each other, so that everything runs smoothly.

The Pop-In, of course, is for everyone in Milford.  Do come and support it, make new friends, cement old ones and keep in touch with each other.  For further information or help with transport, ring Sonia Collyer on 643943. 

See you there - Thursday at 10.30!

COULD THAT NASTY LUMP IN THE ATLANTIC MEAN U.S. SNOW IS HEADING OUR WAY?

While America suffers the worst snow for 90 years, and Germany freezes in its heavy snow overcoat, what is our fate going to be?  Oh, dear, we shall just have to wait and see what's going to happen to the filling in the sandwich. . .

STORMY DAYS AHEAD?

Nothing so far seems to have been mentioned on the weather forecasts but a quick look at our Satellite weather chart [ Click here ] shows something not only nasty but very big building up in the North Atlantic which looks very much as though it is on its way to visit us!  We cannot recall having seen a depression that big since we set up this link not long after the start of www.milfordonsea.com many years ago.  At the moment, whether it moves to the north or the south, it doesn't look as though we can escape  Matter of wait and see, but at least we can prepare for all eventualities!

For period to end of January 2010

GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CUT FORCES' POST OFFICE TO SAVE MONEY

A petition has been set up by the wife of a serving officer asking the Government to reconsider their current plan to do away with the BFPO services in mainland Europe.  So far Afghanistan has not been mentioned, but this concession which has for so many years been one of the few perks Britain offers its armed services when they are living abroad, will have other disadvantages than making friends and relatives use overseas rates of postage when sending necessities, gifts and home comforts.  [ Click here ] to read an open letter from Lord De L'Isle MBE DL and if you wish to support the petition, you will find the link to the official site at 10 Downing Street at the bottom of his letter.

BYE-BYE SNOW!

For the moment anyway Milford is almost free from snow and temperatures are predicted to rise over the rest of the week.  The last of the snow can be seen here and there where it was used to build the snowmen who looked so smart, not to mention surprisingly tall, on their first appearance! 

There will be some rain ahead, occasionally heavy, between here and Sunday, which looks as though it is going to be the nicest day we have had on the weather front for quite a while.  It's cheering to think that at this time of the year every day we get through is another one nearer lighter evenings and all the delights of Spring.

But it is still only January , and we may yet see another blanket of the white stuff. . .

MILFORD FLOWER AND PRODUCE SHOW SET FOR RESURRECTION

Many who were saddened at the passing of the Milford Flower and Produce Show just as it had reached its centenary will be thrilled to know that this year it will make a reappearance.  This news coincides nicely with the time when additional plants are being chosen to adorn our gardens and old ones given a chance to shine again.  As the English have to do every year, we must also renew our hopes that the weather will be just perfect for growing at a time when a more traditional winter has finally arrived.  Perhaps we're in for a proper spring and summer this year. . .fingers crossed!

But it is good to see an old friend again: schedules will be available from April with many of the same or similar classes as in earlier years so get planning and planting, making and growing ready for the great day, which this year will be on 17th July - no fear of a clash with Wimbledon finals this time!

FORMER THRESHERS' UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

It is a pleasure to see a familiar face or two in the new shop on the Hill: it's new decor will arrive shortly when another name will appear - Wickham Winery.  At the moment old stock is to be had at very advantageous prices and it is very good to see that the village has not lost yet another shop.  We all wish the owners great success but that will not be achieved if we don't use Wickham Winery!  With petrol set to rise yet again, perhaps a useful New Year resolution - even if we have to start again, having already broken the first - would be to walk more and do more shopping in the village.

The Milford Tennis and Squash Club was badly damaged on Boxing Day.  Generally referred to as 'the Tennis Club', for many years it formed a vital and well-remembered part of the history of Milford.  The young of several generations enjoyed the opportunities it offered for sport and many of the elderly and not-so-old of Milford will remember high points of their youth as they think back and reminisce about the past.  It was the 1920s section of the Club which was most damaged but it seems that the space at the back of the squash courts has survived intact which should please those who might remember the romance of youthful moonlit evenings! 

It is thought most likely that the fire was an accident caused by an electrical fault.  The only reason that 'deliberate ignition' was considered at all, according to Fire Investigation Officer Dave Lock, is because it appeared that an external door has been left unlocked.

Because the roof was an asbestos one, fears of dangerous strands of the material spreading enforced the sealing off of the site on Tuesday when it was realised the tennis courts were covered with asbestos debris.  The parts of the club damaged in the fire include the committee room, reception, bar and toilets as well as the coach's office.  This area had been refurbished in the last couple of years to the tune of £145,000.  Fortunately most of the club treasures were saved, including a flag from the 1916 Battle of Jutland, in which Prince George, later King George VI, served as a turret officer aboard HMS Collingwood.

Most of the festivities arranged for the second week of the Christmas and New Year holiday have either been cancelled or relocated - something pretty difficult at the moment as the Community Centre's former temporary home is no longer available while the new building continues on the original site.

The club secretary Mrs. Linda Nicol thanked the Fire Brigade on behalf of the committee and members.  She said 'They were fantastic to save everything that they did.  They really were so good.'  She extended her thanks to all the members who had come to the rescue including those who had erected the tarpaulins over the damaged roof in the very wet weather.  Her final comment: 'We need to look on the bright side — nobody died.'

THIRTEEN HOUSE CLIFF-TOP DEVELOPMENT PLANNED

The care home in Raven's Way which closed last year may become a courtyard housing scheme.  According to the A & T, the latest 'proposals are a joint bid by the landowner, Hampshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Pennyfarthing Homes Ltd.'

The Parish Council Planning Committee, under the chairmanship of Brian Giles, certainly plan to ensure that the proposed new buildings will harmonise with the area, in particular the Grade II listed White House, and that other neighbours' light and privacy are secured.  Pennyfarthing plans a 'design-led development'.  The owners of the thirteen properties planned will share 28 parking spaces and the houses themselves will be set in terraces, one of seven houses and the other of six.

While the development should offer 'a great opportunity to dramatically improve the quality of a small section of the sea frontage' in Milford, one has to wonder what will happen to those people whose lives were protected in the former care home: where did they go?

** STEAM TEAM SUFFERS SETBACK BY BURGLARY **

For the British Steam Car to appear at public events, the team relies on sponsorship and the sales of merchandise to fund its tour. From the outset of the project, one of the goals was to inspire young people and students by stimulating interest in engineering and technology, hence her name “Inspiration”.

Her first national public event was at the Autosport International Show last weekend, and whilst the car proved a huge visitor attraction, the team was blighted by a burglary. Over £6,000 worth of branded merchandise was stolen. This will have serious repercussions for the on-going tour.

As the only retailer of such apparel we would like to appeal to everyone, if you see steam car team merchandise on sale, please report it to us!

If you see or hear of any bulk team merchandise being sold, please report it to us immediately

If you can help the tour appeal, please contact Rebecca Nicholls on
01452 260063 or email her at Rebecca@eventspr.co.uk

RESCUE FOR MILFORD AREA ARTISTS

Litchfield Artists in Southampton Road, Lymington (opposite Waitrose) felt themselves quite isolated with the disappearance before Christmas of Hodgkinsons - stationers and artists materials and lots else - which went into liquidation on 11th December.  Both firms are really keen to help artists with anything they might need, and if one or other were short of the desired item, they would contact each other to make sure the artists were able to get the materials they needed.

The glorious news is that Hodgkinsons is risen again and is now under new ownership - with many of the former staff back in post.  The new owners took over the stock and assets just before Christmas and it will  be flourishing again in time to celebrate a centenary of years of service to the artists in the areas - many of whom are now nationally known.  The new owners are Stephanie Downs, a former assistant and Paul Moxey, an accountant, both of whom live in New Milton.  The shop will continue offering all the previous services as well as a new book department which will include a section devoted to local interest.

We wish both Litchfield Artists in Lymington and the new Hodgkinsons in New Milton all the very best in their aim to look after our local artists and creative - and in the case of Hodgkinsons the computer-literate members of our communities during the coming years!

MILFORD'S ALTITUDE HELPS THAW

This morning, Wednesday, the dawn will reveal lots of grass and a very small amount of dirty grey dead snow.  Of the virginal white which adorned our life a week ago, barely a trace.  As yet it can't be said how long this will last but forecasters are suggesting steadily rising temperatures in the coming days.  Now that is pretty good news to start the day - for those who live in Milford.

In streets and near the houses our snow has lost its beauty and it is now very icy underfoot.  The old snow is now criss-crossed with old footprints, many of which have turned into icy patches.  It is difficult to walk on and if it is possible to stay in the warm, so much the better.  Would-be walkers are warned to take things very carefully.

There are occasional warnings of snow showers from the met people but in today the word 'rain' has appeared, and this will only make things worse.  It is possible that things may improve towards the middle of the month, they say, which would indicate at least 5 days more of this very cold weather.

COLD WEATHER SET TO CONTINUE

Thursday morning: the snow may not be deep and even but it is certainly crisp.  The temperatures are so low that car doors cannot even be opened.  Sadly we will probably find that all our de-icing gadgets and materials are probably locked firmly inside the cars, so unless our transport finds itself somewhere where the sun might shine, the cars will probably remain frozen for the rest of the day!

We might now find ourselves imprisoned in and just outside our houses if we are brave enough to venture outside at all.  One of our staff has found a way to keep warm without putting up the heat: decide on an early spring-cleaning war.  It also makes more time available to do more exciting things when the weather changes.

Certainly there is at least one reason to be thankful for all this chilly weather - it gives the BBC something else to talk about besides politics and  another is the fact that as we freeze, many of the smaller and more unwelcome disease-carrying inhabitants in the garden will be frozen to death and will not be around to damage the plants which will surely appear as the days grow longer.  Natural pest control!

SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT IN WEATHER - OR DID WE SPEAK TOO SOON?

It is 9°C warmer in Lymington than it was this time yesterday but at the moment, coming up to 9.00 am, the snow is frozen.  It's not a matter or going out with a broom.  It is not too bad underfoot but bits with apparently no snow are likely to be icy, so if you do go out, go with very great care.  Leather soles are not a good idea!  As far as driving is concerned, unless it really is a matter of life or death, better leave the car keys in the house and stay indoors.

Milford, already shivering in icy temperatures, stands threatened by heavy snow and icy winds.  the current temperature in Lymington is -9°C which is very cold indeed!  There is worse to come and by tomorrow morning we shall probably be looking out of the window to see everything covered with snow.

Dress in as many layers as you can put on - and don't forget to wear gloves, a scarf and a hat - covering both heads and hands does a huge amount  towards keeping warm.  If all this makes you look gigantic sideways, your reward will come with the Spring when people comment on how slim you look!

Incidentally it may well be time today, while the roads are still clear, to lay in a stock of milk, bread and eggs if there isn't much in the freezer or on your shelves.  While the cold weather lasts, it is also a time too to keep a close eye on our neighbours and people who are living alone, especially the elderly or those with small children and babies.

For period to end of December 2009

FORECASTERS PREDICT THE GROWN-UPS' FAVOURITE

Adults - especially those involved in family get-togethers and caters in our area - have some cause for rejoicing as it seems there may be a relaxation in the severe weather from which have been suffering for some days now.  Let us hope they are right - we all prefer our nearest and dearest to be safe while travelling while those involved in Christmas catering will be mighty relieved that they now appear to have the chance to nip out for the suddenly remembered last-minute items and that their labours in the kitchen will in time be rewarded by the smiles of the well-fed.

Children, you can always hope for a bit of snow and there's bound to be plenty on TV if not in Milford and surroundings.  Don't worry though: if you've been good and get to bed early and sleep tight, Father Christmas will come whatever the weather,  just you wait and see!

Sonia Collyer can now allow herself a moment of relaxation!  After working hard as the show's director with all its rehearsal angst and hassle, as every good director should, Sonia can now leave it to the cast and crew and relax as the show finally gets on the road - and what a successful road!

Everyone pulled together to give a wonderful evening to those who had braved the extreme cold to make their way to All Saints' Church.  Follow The Star was first performed some six or so years ago and reviving it for Christmas this year was a master stroke.  To those who have never seen it, the first half is a direct descendant of the old Miracle Plays, so popular in Medieval times.  Some good jokes, good leads, buffoons and a splendid baddie in the role of Herod - played 'magnificently',to quote in Herod's own words, by Martin Pitman.  How good it is to see him still taking part in village activities after his move from years as Headmaster of Milford C of E Primary School to fresh fields in the care of the young at Barnado's!  The supporting cast gave the principals all the backing they needed to present the audience with a splendid show. 

Under the musical direction of Alyson Furness, the singers excelled.   Special mention has to be made of Valerie Kidd, whose rendering of the beautiful song which introduces the quiet and less boisterous second half of Follow The Star reduced several in the audience to tears.  Part 2 changed the mood and pointed the audience to the future and the great events at the end of the Baby's life which led to our Redemption.  Herod is temporarily frustrated in his plans and is booed off the stage to the delight but underlying regret of the audience who of course know his future history.

The costumes were effective and novel - based, as most were, on everyday clothes with a touch of fantasy which lifted them from their everyday appearance - Gretta Purgavie's creative whimsy visible there!

It isn't possible to mention everyone who made this show a lovely village Christmas show, though it has to be said we are lucky to have the Hobby family in the village.  They are generous with their talents and Isaac made a splendid fist of portraying the Angel Gabriel rising to the occasion into a very tall angel from a fairly dwarf-like beginning!  Sister Mary-Kate is well into the swing of portraying Mary and she brought a touch of real pathos into her performance in the second-half.  Daisy and Theo played respectively an angel and a shepherd - are we seeing the rise of a new theatrical family in this country?

Congratulations to Sonia and the cast and many thanks to everyone who worked so hard backstage and front-of-house to give Milford another entertaining evening and reminder of the true story of Christmas.  It is great to see something holding back the tide of secularism which is working so hard to reduce our lives to commercialism and the limitation of our hopes and dreams.

WONDERFUL OVERTURE TO CHRISTMAS

Monday evening came at the end of a day of depressing rain and heavy winds but took place under a starlit sky!  Everything started about six and Christmas music played while stallholders and shopkeepers worked to fill people's insides on a cold evening and to help sort out unfinished Christmas present lists.  Little children and not so little scattered through the crowd, many in wonderment at the freedom they were being allowed to roam with their friends while the cast of the Nativity Tableau were gently organised into place with cardboard cotton-wool covered lambs.  In our picture the star of the show valiantly held her Star-on-a-Stick which was so high our photographer didn't manage to fit it into the picture and we hope she will forgive him

.

Reverend Eric Parker has led the Carol Singing on the Green since 2002, and sadly he will be retiring early in 2010 so this is the last time he will officiate at this annual ceremony.  He will be very much missed and was thanked and applauded for all the joy he has added over the years to the Carols on the Green.  He was officially thanks and presented with a gift.  The Lymington Town Band accompanied the carol singing which began with three Carols especially for the children and which brought back many memories for all those who are no longer children.  The singing was tremendous this year!  Father Christmas arrived most punctually this year and was allowed to drive into the High Street which made it even more exciting.  It is more than possible that Lymington Rotary Club had a hand in his appearance. . .

WAS HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II SNAPPED IN MILFORD?

We have had an enquiry from David Fagan who is trying to find some pictures of a visit to Milford-on-Sea made by Her Majesty in 1965 or 1966 when she drove past Milford C of E Primary School.  David tells us that all the children, Scouts, Cubs, Brownies etc were lined up to see her and wave as the car drove past.

If there are any any photos out there, do please let us know and we can let you have David's email address so that photos can be scanned and sent to him if the owner is willing to share them without losing them! 

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

How many people have noticed a change in big store shopping?  We have received a surprising number of reports that going to West Quay is becoming too much of a chore.

While shoppers agree the stocks are splendid, it is getting more and more difficult to pay for things.  Several people seen and talked to on recent trips to John Lewis, Marks and Spencer and similar stores can be seen wandering round with stuff - mainly garments from 0 - 6 months up to something Granny would enjoy wearing draped over their arms.  Eyes hunt for a sign indicating 'Pay Here' and light for a few moments before they spot the queues lining up waiting to spend.  They stand in the queues and moan to each other, then finally with a snort of annoyance retrace their steps to return the garments to their base.  When they get there there is a dearth of staff and consequently un-bought items are replaced without explanation.  Absent members of staff won't even notice that sales are going down the pan . . . or even worse, shoplifting figures are rising!

SOLUTION TO ABOVE?

There is an alternative to shopping in the cities: shop locally.  While it's true that Milford now has more eating places than actual shops, you can still find shops to buy things as presents and both Lymington and New Milton offer opportunities for original and thoughtful presents.  New Milton is getting difficult for parking so before going anywhere explore your own village.

The side streets in Lymington offer results for discriminating hunters:  foiled in a suitable purchase of clothes for a one-year-old, one of our friends found a wonderful choice of traditional wooden toys hidden away in Lymington Photographic in Cannon Court at the bottom of Lymington High Street - a really affordable prices.  For an older child, it might be fun to awaken an interest in fossil collecting.  There is a selection of lovely examples which are presented in a box with a built-in magnifying glass and notes about the item inside.  At £2.50 they could be the start of a life-time passion for collecting and as we live so near to one of the world's major fossil collecting spots in Lyme Bay the problems of what to get over the next few years - or even longer - could be solved. 

Oh, a very sad note on the shopping front:  Hodgkinson's - the wonderful stationer, art material and office machinery spares, cake papers and art and craft hobbies has closed.  What are we going to do without this wonderful store?  Surely not back to W.H.Smith again?  And of course, there's no Woollies now - it just goes to show, if you don't use these jewels of shops, you lose them! 

PLUMBING THE DEPTHS

Whatever one might think of the banality of The X-Factor the damage done to our young people by the media diet of pop music has reached a staggering level of depravity where the seeming No.1 of Top of the Pops for Christmas features the F-word mouthed - is it 17 times? - from young singers disfigured in their photographic portrayal into something barely human.

So many of the singers and composers in the pop world lead lives apparently distorted by drugs,  polluted by too much money, too much sex and alcohol, driven by desire for instant gratification in all areas, a vision presented in much of the media as the way to live. offering a total lack of ideals.   In the latest hit the song aims to use shock tactics to get over the message in favour of social justice.  Apart from the obscene language hardly any other words are intelligible.  What's the use of that?

Shame that the only way of delivering even good ideas has sunk to a level where reason has vanished.  Among the young, vocabulary has now become so limited that it has become almost impossible to express ideas and emotions other than in the way that babies do, namely howling with rage and frustration. . .

CHANCE OF WHITE CHRISTMAS DIMINISHES

Father Christmas is already busy organising wheeled transport as a back-up to his usual form of transport - just in case.  The forecasters are predicting a gradual improvement in temperatures in the south together with the prospect of clouds covering the lovely blue sky we have enjoyed recently - even though we have been shivering.  However, this should make for better transport where less people will be stranded where they don't want to be for Christmas.  Keep up with the forecasts, but a glance at the barometer will show a major drop in pressure which normally means weather is coming from the west and unless it meets really cold air indicates rain rather than snow.

UP, UP, UP SHE GOES!

Milford's Christmas Tree is now upright on The Green, waiting for the moment when she gets all lit up!  Little trees are sprouting from all the shops in the village though sadly there are altogether too many gaps in memory of those who have gone out of business this year.  Let's give them all a thought this Christmas and send up prayers that they may all have a better year in 2010. 

Do support our village shops and traders on the Late Night Opening on Monday, even if lots of it happens under brollies!  Let's all be in it together as we sing our Christmas carols.

HERE COMES THE TREE!

The tree arrives on The Green on the 1st day of December and the best day of the week!  At least the sky was blue and the sun shone.  Yesterday it was lying, apparently exhausted and taking a rest before it is hauled into place and prettied up to join the festivities, of which there are plenty to come.  Ah, while we're talking about those, don't forget to make sure you book your tickets for 'Follow the Star' from Gwen's or ring 01590 642310.

Milford's Royal British Legion Women's Section will be holding its Christmas Bazaar in the Guide Hut from 9.45 am on Friday 4th December.

On 5th December, 11.30 pm to 2.00 pm, Milford C of E Primary School holds its Christmas Fete, and on Sunday 6th the delightful Christingle Service is held at All Saints' Church at 4.00 pm at which everyone is welcome.

Next Monday on 7th December, Christmas Carols will echo round The Green, the shops will open late and good old Father Christmas will be rolling towards us in his sleigh to add to the jollifications.  Things usually get going after 6.00 pm.

MILFORD SUFFERS SEVERE STORMS

Milford continues to be battered by ferocious winds this morning as the Autumn gales persist in their fury due to an exceptional area of low pressure in the eastern Atlantic.  Fortunately the high tides of last week are behind us but we are not yet out of trouble and travellers to and from the Isle of Wight should check before setting out on Sunday when it is very likely the new high-sided ferries will be cancelled.

SWINE FLU LATEST

Local press is reporting that all the surgeries in the New Forest have now been supplied with Swine Flu vaccine and will be starting the inoculations in the coming week.  They will be advising people in order of urgency by phone and other publicity and we shall try to get extra information to put up on this web site.  If the surgeries' own sites have been updated the best thing to do would be to [ Click here ]

For current national details about the second phase of the swine flu pandemic [ Click here ]

Things are looking better at the moment although it is thought that might be due to the half-term holiday.  For most people the swine flu appears to be a very mild type of flu but unfortunately there are some people - and it is a very small minority - who have a serious reaction to the virus, and for their sake, remember normal hygiene and the little rhyme which ran through all the war years 'Coughs and sneezes spread diseases, catch them in your handkerchieveses' - or more commonly nowadays, use your tissues and bin them straight away - don't just drop them!

On a wind-swept Green the Royal British Legion led the Remembrance Service with its 2-minute silence at 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month 91 years to the day after the first Armistice which brought the first terrible world war to an end in 1918.  Many of the residents of Milford made the effort to come out and play their part in spite of the threat of bad weather which had been around all morning but which gave a respite to those who attended the service.

Those who were not present might find this picture a little strange: the appearance of a cenotaph in the middle of the Green was something new, but after the initial amazement at seeing one where earlier there had been nothing, people seemed to welcome it.  A recent suggestion was made by a new resident who felt that not having a cenotaph in the centre of a village was something of a loss, but a survey found that people didn't want a replacement for the one in the Churchyard and the Memorial in Milford's Hospital.  This year's arrangement seems to have met with something approaching approval.

JOB-HUNTERS' SPECIAL

If you are surfing hopefully because you aren't otherwise engaged at the moment, or if you know someone who is actively job-hunting at the moment in these days of post-crash difficulties when jobs seem rather fewer and further between than they used to be, it may be that a course offered in Milford-on-Sea could be just the thing to give you or you friend a boost.  We have an expert here who knows just what you might need to present yourself as a possible saviour for a business looking to employ someone just like you. 

Marie is holding a day's course in the Church Hall at St. Francis of Assisi in Milford-on-Sea on Wednesday 28th October, 10.00 am to 3.30 pm.  The course is free and confidential advice will be given on the art of producing a CV, dealing with job advertisements, how to cope with application forms, to write a letter which will impact on the reader, how to deal successfully with interviews etc.  The course will show you how to identify your own valuable qualities and abilities and how to pinpoint areas where you might perhaps improve your presentation skills. Telephone 01590 643579 for further details and to book a place.

Bring a packed lunch - perhaps with a view to sharing. . . 

It looks as though we will know later on today because those Thresher branches which are to close will be starting to dispose of their stock at discounts from today, Friday 6th November.

It seems that not all Thresher shops will be closing.  According to main news reports of a total of 1,500 stores, 373 are to close and many of those have already been shut, so Milford's branch may survive in spite of local competition in the village itself as well as from superstores which surround us.  Let us hope our Threshers manages to keep going.  There are many local residents who are unable to travel to the cheaper multi-stores and have been happy with our own branch which has served us well for many years.

D.A.M.A.G.E. GROUP'S 16-YEAR BATTLE ENDS IN DEFEAT

While the New Milton Sand & Ballast company rejoice in their victory to allow them to extract 810,000 tons of gravel from a quarry to be established at Downton Manor Farm, the D.A.M.A.G.E. group, (Downton and Milford Against Gravel Extraction) are reeling from the shock after winning round after round in its 16-year fight against the imposition of such a development in a tourist area, where heavy lorries will now be cluttering up the access roads. only to meet with final defeat.  It appears that only the discovery of some legal error in the documents authorising the making of such a quarry can stop things moving forward.

There has been a 3-year delay in the proposed site at Ringwood which has been one of the reasons which affected the Inspector's decision.  It does seem very odd that one Inspector can uphold local objections and another one, presumably with the same training, can view things in a completely opposite way.   Rightly or wrongly, we are left with the assumption that the Inspector in question lives out of the area and has made sure that the development will not fall within his back yard! 

Mr. Trevor Poole, a joint director of NMSB points out that one big advantage is that the local area will have lots of gravel for its own use.  Its own use, or that of the housing developers? Mr. Poole also points out that 'It is good news for the people of Walkford, Highcliffe and Christchurch'  Well, bully for them!

If, and it is a much smaller 'if' now, Milford and Downton are faced with the horror of giant, dirty and noisy lorries ploughing up and down our roads leaving mud everywhere, it will be for a limited time. OK, many of us will be dead and gone before that day, but NMSB are obliged to leave a beautifully landscaped area before they leave, and if all this stuff is used to produce more and more houses, our descendants may be grateful to find a bit of green anywhere.  That is, assuming the whole area is not going to fall into the quarry when nearly a million tons of stuff is extracted. . . Some of us will see the day, the rest hopefully will be in the far better place envisaged by Sidney Carton in Dickens' Tale of Two Cities!

RUMOURS OF INCOMPETENCE VEHEMENTLY DENIED

There is no truth at all in the whispers circulating in the Milford area that its housewives are incapable of producing anything in their kitchens as yet another High Street property is set to open its doors to the world to regale it with comestibles, this time a bistro and wine bar.  It is just that  local councillors think that such a venture will bring back 'vibrancy' to Milford, which of late has apparently been languishing in the doldrums. . .

In fact, the High Street will not look very different from the way it is today.  The new sustenance provider will open at the back of the recently opened Milford Studio.  The Studio is a real browser kind of antique shop where all sorts of memorabilia and collector bargains lure in shoppers seeking nostalgia or the chance of an amazing find worth hundreds of pounds.  The owner, Michael Halliwell - who formerly ran the successful Old Bank House in Lymington - has no plans to change the traditional appearance of the building and hopes that the new little bar-restaurant will encourage more customers to come into the shop where he is planning to sell second-hand books, many on behalf of the British Legion.   The bistro will offer a mixture of English and Mediterranean dishes and will afford an even wider choice to residents as well as to visitors, whose goodwill and purses allow Milford to remain the charming resort it has been since it was set up more than a hundred years ago to cater for those wishing to retire or to holiday by the sea.

We wish Mr. Halliwell good luck in his new venture!

Yes, we're getting towards that time of year again and we all know the driving force behind the records of Milford's generosity to this fund, particularly in time of war. . . However, this is not so much about the future when Remembrancetide is foremost in our thoughts, as about the past, namely July, when one of our Freda's other passions came to the fore.

Mrs. Freda Cheyney MBE has devoted much of her life to the Girl Guides movement which this year celebrated the 100th Anniversary of their foundation.  Freda has worked unstintingly since she became a Lieutenant of the 1st Milford-on-Sea Guides at the age of 18 and recently celebrated 70 years of guiding, although strictly speaking 50 is supposed to be the maximum anyone can serve!  Ah, but we all know Freda!  Because the information came from a lady who grew up in the village I am going to quote from her letter:

All this happened at a Barbecue advertised as the Hurst Castle Guides Division BBQ to which Freda, all unsuspecting, had been invited.  The occasion was hosted by the Division Commissioner, Carole Deacon.  It was attended by many who had been Guides themselves and who had known Freda for many years.  Photographs of many of the events which happened in the course of Freda's long an illustrious Guiding career were available which all gave a wonderful impetus to the reminiscences of past times - especially trying to recall the names of many who appeared in the photos.

We are late with this news - it would have been lovely to publish it at the time, but we thought now that it would be a nice record for the future to be stored on this site.  Our thanks go to Gill Dawson (nee Twiss) and also to the daughter of Mrs. Joan Knight, who ran the sweet shop in the High Street.  At that time it was she who had the Village Diary before in became Gwen's Diary!  Janet Knight, now Mrs. Reed, kindly supplied the name of the County Commissioner, Janet Parker, who presented Freda with her award. 

For period to end of October 2009

MILFORD'S SCHOOLCHILDREN CARING FOR THEIR VILLAGE

Milford's Wildlife Recording Group (WRG) is working with our primary school to work on three very interesting projects in the next few months from Autumn to Spring.  Matthew Hill, a teacher at the school, runs the bird group.  The junior ornithologists have been given exclusive out-of-hours rights to a use a hide in Milford to watch some of the rarer visitors with wings to Milford and Keyhaven.   Others will be collecting acorns, hazelnuts and ash saplings, growing them on and getting them ready for planting in the Pleasure Ground woodlands reserve in the spring.  During the winter existing birds' nests will be cleaned out ready for the new breeding season and additional new ones added.  The boxes, desirable little residences for blue tits and great tits, will be monitored by the children.

Keith Metcalfe, the WRG co-ordinator, expressed his delight that Matthew Hill shares his vision about the importance of getting the younger generation interested and involved in conservation work.  Hands-on experience outside the classroom will ensure that the youngsters develop a personal relationship with the natural world surrounding them.

CONTINUING TERROR AND VIOLENCE IN THE CONGO

13th October 2009

This is an extract from an email received today from a young Priest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The typing errors have been corrected and his name withheld in case it should come to the attention of the foes he faces along with other priests  in the region.  Please pray for all those in great peril in this area.

'Regarding security, things are not good in the region: 9 days ago priests in nearby parish were attacked and taken by force in the bush where they were to be killed if a costly ransom was not paid for,  and the beautiful parish house was burnt down. 2 days later, it was the turn of the Marist brothers whose house and boarding school were attacked. Yesterday a truck transporting people was shot and military officers assassinated. The situation is so tense that our Bishop had to cut the African Synod in Rome to come back to Congo. Church institutions seem to be aimed at.  Lord,save us!
Who are these perpetrators of evil? Armed people in uniform. 
The situation is such that blood is likely to be poured, Other war is likely to happen and our parish is in a very dangerous position. Please, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.  Amen.'

This time last year he was still celebrating the joy of his Ordination as a Priest at the end of August. . .
 

MRS HILARY SIMS

The Milford-on-Sea Online web site has rarely dabbled in politics which is somewhere way down at the bottom of its list of interests.  However, this picture has been flashed around the country with a description of David Cameron being caught 'quaffing £140-bottle of champagne' at the Tory Conference in Manchester.

Does the reporter not know 1) the difference between champagne, what might be Buck's Fizz and orange juice? and 2) that nobody puts decent champagne into a Buck's Fizz? 

There are some funny people around as well as mean ones who like to stir up envy and resentment from nothing. . .

AND HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GLOW?

We have visited one of the company's beautiful gardens and are delighted to recommend them.  For additional details [ Click here ]

ANOTHER BOOST FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Hundreds of little yellow ducks, brave enough to swim away without a lifebelt, competed along the Danestream at the Mount Lake end in a altruistic swim to raise money for the Community Centre aided by the income from the doughnut stand which provided sustenance for the gamblers as they cheered on their particular ducks amid a symphony of giggles.  The weather was beautiful - on this year's August Bank Holiday Monday following one of the most dismal Sundays seen for at least two weeks - and the jolly afternoon raised £935 for the great community centre project. 

The building of the real thing is about to start, and in the meantime various other centres in the village are helping to house well-established 'doings' like the Jazz Club and special occasions as the Cabaret evening with Mr. Michael Mates MP entertains, which moves to the Barton-on-Sea Golf Club.  For details see Gwen's Diary or look in 'The Village News' shop window.

TWAM!  TWAM? WHAT'S TWAM?

Tools With A Mission - that's TWAM!  Twam has a Milford-based arm which collects unwanted tools - carpentry, sewing, knitting which are then transported to a central depot in Ipswich where they are sorted, cleaned, overhauled and made to look attractive. After that they are sent to third world countries to fulfil requests from international charities like Christian Aid and the Red Cross.  The Milford end of the Charity is a certain Gordon Whitefoot who can be reached on 644570, Working with him is New Milton's Sewing Machine shop provides the charity with old and no longer wanted sewing machines.

Don't look at the stuff in your garage growing old and rusty and think all the old tools are 'past it'.  Just ring Gordon who will be happy to come and take them away. They can all be restored to a usable condition by TWAM for would-be growers of food and makers of clothes where supermarkets don't grow and 'life-style' is an unheard-of concept!   (Visit Kiva to see how the other half can live with a little help!)

Jenny's Bears - JD and Tian
Click on the picture for details

LATEST PHONE SCAM

If you click on the phone above you will reach a site which describes exactly what happens if you answer your telephone and a chap supposedly from BT advise you that unless you pay an outstanding bill your phone will be immediately disconnected.  It will actually be a scam but don't believe a word he/she says and hang up.  If you read all about it now, in the unlikely event it should happen to you, you won't get caught.  Remember above all not to tell anyone at all your credit card pin number details at any time, ever.  That's the information they are trying to get!

This scam has been run before but it is again back on track and you have been warned.   As usual when we are notified of such viruses we checked with http://www.snopes.com/. . . This is an excellent site to check whether there is any truth in the emails which arrive on your screen forecasting dread happenings.  The vast majority are indeed hoaxes, but every now and then one slips through.  It is, however, very unlikely indeed that a catastrophic virus will be notified in this way - anything really serious will have hit the world's news headlines long before your mates manage to get a warning out through e-mail!

TV LICENCES REQUIRED?
Click on the camera to do it on line

An intriguing e-mail arrived on our screen a couple of days ago telling us that in Swallow Drive  a man was spotted circulating the pavements carrying an aerial - perhaps not like the camera above but it was the nearest thing we could find in our picture library.  He pointed the aerial at each of the houses in turn.  Our informant, who describes herself as 'Nosey but nice',  decided the instrument he was carrying looked rather like the 'type of thing you see on a nature programme' when the naturalists are trying to 'track an animal that has a radio collar on. . .'

We'd love to receive any further information!  Can you help? Could it perhaps be a modern TV detector?

Are you due to renew your licence?  Click on the'camera' above and you will arrive where you can fix it on line.

BIG DEAL FROM BRITISH GAS

After the very recent news about how much the fuel companies are ripping off their captive customers, in spite of all the well-publicised possibilities of competitive prices being so much to customers' advantage, it is good news to wake up to the current big deal announced by British Gas.  This stupendous offer has presumably been made to make us feel that British Gas loves us and we won't notice they take rather too much of our money.

They are offering their customers a free swim. . . Hurrah!

Do they think we are completely dim?

BRITISH GIRL WINS US OPEN

Heather Watson of Great Britain brought her campaign to win her first junior championship title at Forest Hills to a glorious conclusion when she beat Yana Buchina of Russian in straight sets.  So far little is known of young Miss Watson but we are obviously going to hear more of her.   In a close contest Yana beat our Laura Robson in the semi-finals 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 .  It is really good to have not just one but two young representatives at that level and we can hope for great things in the future for both girls.

DO YOU KNOW WHO MIGHT HAVE LOST A MEMORY STICK LATELY?

If you do, please let us know. [ Click here ] and no, this is absolutely nothing to do with Senior Moments - it's a computer thing.

One has been found in the churchyard at All Saints' Church, Milford.  It contains photographs which will be a sad loss to the owner, plus other information which alas, gives no clue as to who might own it.  If you email us, we will be happy to unite you to your digital records, subject, of course, to ensuring it goes to the right person!

CAN WE HAVE SOME TRUTH ABOUT SWINE FLU?

As the reported figures - very quietly reported one has to say - show the dwindling number of people falling victim to swine flu each week, the hysteria regarding this disease is beginning to assume an inverse proportion to its shrinkage. 

People are much happier to look on the black side of related items as reported in the more lurid tabloids and on the BBC - and assume that this 'terrible disease', which is rapidly assuming the potency of the Black Death of the 1300s, is the most dangerous and death-dealing thing around on the planet.  People are getting more and more frightened of catching it, and even married couples during church services are nodding up and down to each other like toy clowns on ball bases rather than touch each other.  Yet, what do people do for the rest of their day?

They get into cars where the latest figures for deaths and injuries total 28,567 of which 2,538 were fatalities.  They drink their beer, wine and whisky [ http://www.ias.org.uk ], many still smoke with deep contentment although it is estimated that in the UK as many as 114,000 die as a result of smoking every year.  People eat junk food, indulge in casual sex, overeat on the good food. . .and feel quite happy about all of those ways of living although most of those who take part in such activities know that they all dangerous to good health and are likely to lead to earlier death, something which terrifies so many people to the point they're not even able to talk about it.

Poor old swine flu, which generally seems to be milder than even seasonal flu, has a death rate so far among those who have caught it of 0.8%. Only officially confirmed with the illness, a total of 206 people out of every 1,000,000 in this country have suffered from it.  Swine flu is labelled as a severe death threat despite the fact that up to 14th August 2009, only 49 people have died of it and many of those previously suffered underlying health problems.  [Click here ] for details.

With those statistics, why are we allowing the media and those in power over us to push us over the brink to hysteria?  Life is for living, of course, but in this world it doesn't last for ever.  For goodness' sake, let's live it to the full while we've got it!

BRITAIN'S (and Lymington's) STEAM SPEED QUEEN HAS DONE IT!

Go on down to The Green!  Rumours are the sun's going to shine today so why not wander on down and have a look at the paintings.  You might go on to find somewhere in the village for a nice cup of tea or coffee and something delectable to nibble. . . Who knows?  You might buy a work of art as a souvenir of a good holiday or day out.  Or maybe a birthday, wedding or Christmas present? A bit of retail therapy in these cash crunch days could do sellers and buyers a world of cheering up!

Anyone driving round the Forest - or walking even - will have noticed the great collection of foals around this year.  Strong and pretty, they're great and it does look as though the decision to restrict the number of stallions in the Forest was the right one.  If you haven't seen them yet, go, look and above all, drive carefully.  Make the most of this year, because  none of the stallions are being given their head (head?) to keep the ladies happy for the mating season this autumn.

This is also the time of year to enjoy other young in the Forest.  There are very young donkeys as well as Shetland ponies - the babies are much smaller than you expect, so do watch out for them.  Can you think of much worse than finding you've run over one?  Except telling your children you did it. . .

TIME TO BE KIND TO BEES

The site tells you how to give sugar to the bees.  Click on the picture.


Photo Jane Sears RSPB
Great Yellow Bumblebee

SONGS OF PRAISE AT KEYHAVEN 2009

The weather may not have been as beautiful as last year but it wasn't actually raining and the wind may have been blowing a gale, but those who attended found the service inspiring and uplifting. Maybe the very wind reminded those present of the dangers faced by those who 'go down to the sea in ships' to bring the fruits of the labour of many people in many countries to enrich our lives at peril of their own.  The music of the band and the voices of the people of and visitors to Milford and Keyhaven were in full throttle and the memory will live on for another year when people will meet again at Keyhaven to enjoy the singing and remember the seafarers in their prayers.

MILFORD FESTIVAL ENDS ON A HIGH NOTE

Another very successful Festival - Milford's third Art and Music Festival - came to a close on a sunny evening under a cloudless sky.  Many sat relaxed on the Green while they enjoyed the beautiful singing of Pippa (soprano) and Colin Judson (tenor) and their talented baritone friend,  Luke Williams.  They sang to the accompaniment of the South Wessex Opera Company (Musical Director - Patricia Bonelli) and the Festival Orchestra conducted by Daniele Rosina.  Fittingly with the title Opera Favourites, arias from some of the most popular operas in the repertoire regaled the audience.  There were excerpts from Madame Butterfly, Carmen, Tosca and La Traviata.

The whole Festival came about through the work of many people, who are willing to work together to make Milford such a lovely place to live.  There is of course, as there always is in any venture of this kind, a hard core who take more than average responsibility to make everything work well, and to all of them, from the person who does the least important bit of work which is often forgotten, like the clearing up, to the movers and shakers at the top of the tree, we owe our very best thanks.  Each one is vital to the whole.  Thank you to everybody from all who had a wonderful time at the Milford Arts and Music Festival 2009.

For anyone who particularly like the poem of praise by Luci Shaw, 'Very Early Morning', [ Click here ] to re-read and some details about Luci.

Two surviving founder members, Ted Langley and Paul Pritchard of the Milford Probus Club, with their wives  Ellen and Anita were able to celebrate the Silver Anniversary of the club at a festive dinner at Barton Golf Club with its present chairman Peter Harvey and his wife Sybil.   The function was attended by almost 70 members and guests.  Ocean Harmony, the local men's barbershop singers, under their director Laurence Prestage, provided the entertainment and the excellent evening crowned twenty-five years of successful and much appreciated fellowship with Milford's own Probus Club.  [ Click here ]

AMBULANCE WRITTEN OFF IN MILFORD-ON-SEA

Reports are coming in that while, travelling along Hordle Cliff Road, an ambulance on an emergency call collided with a dark-coloured estate car entering the road and as a result crashed into a Ford Escort van.  The estate car failed to stop  The drivers of the ambulance and the van received minor injuries and were taken to Bournemouth Hospital for treatment.

BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S ASPIRATIONS

The British government, which is fighting daily battles in an attempt to restore confidence in its ability to put failings behind it and move forward in a new and inspiring direction, has today announced that children in English schools should no longer be taught the rhyme which in the past helped many youngsters to sort out one of the most important problems they face during their education, namely 'I before E except after C'.  

Reports from an unnamed source indicate that this phrase is either to be put into the Home Office Secret Files (Category TOP) or published -  strictly for viewing by teachers  - in a new publication 'Redacted Rules of English Grammar' which will shortly be issued to be available on the internet.

Cheers and good luck!

CLEVER MARKETING

Fairy liquid has been repackaged - still the same pretty colour, still the same promise of being 50% stronger - looks good. What isn't mentioned is that there is 10% less in the bottle.  To discover this you actually have to look for the difference and the manufacturers know that most people don't bother so  unsurprisingly this last point is not part of the advertising programme.  Unfortunately we can't find an old bill with the former price.  If there has been a change, do let us know.  The current price is 90p.  [Click here] to e-mail us.  We might find the manufacturers are on our side, though judging by the cost of most washing materials recently where prices have been leaping up we don't have much confidence in this possibility. . .

FR. VERVENNE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS A PRIEST

Father Vervenne, who almost ten years ago offered to rescue the church of St. Francis of Assisi in Milford after the retirement of Fr. Dunne, celebrated his Ruby Jubilee yesterday at a special Mass at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in New Milton.   Bishop Crispian Hollis was present with eleven of Fr. Vervenne's priest friends joining the congregation made up of people from both churches together with members of Fr. Vervenne's family who came over from Holland where he was born. 

The celebration, on a lovely sunny evening, was a joint one,  shared with Rev. Mike Welch, Deacon to both Churches.  Mike, a former rugby international, celebrated the Silver Jubilee of his Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate on 17th June.

We offer congratulations, our thanks and best wishes to both of them, who have done and continue doing a great deal for the people of St. Francis in Milford and Our Lady of Lourdes in New Milton.

WIGHTLINK CHIEF STEPS DOWN

Andrew Willson, under whose leadership the beautiful new but unloved ferries were introduced, has stepped down just weeks before the law steps in to make a decision on the controversial choice of increasing the size of the ferries to make the crossing easier for trade vehicles to use.  Unfortunately it seems that a miscalculation may have been made because the new system is having an adverse reaction on both foot passengers and cars.  The ecology lobby is deeply unhappy at the possible effect the size of the new ferries may have both on the Lymington river and at Yarmouth on the Island.  In the meantime, people who have paid for summer bookings already will be panicking that their holiday arrangements may be at risk, very problematical in a year when people are flocking to the South Coast for holidays at home while the credit crunch tightens its jaws.

Oh dear, what a mess!  Let us hope it can be happily resolved, with new homes found for the Wight boats which received such a poor reception and something suitable found to tide Wightlink over to ferry all those travellers who not only want to cross over the Solent to the peaceful and deliciously relaxing Isle of Wight but who want to get there to work.

WIGHTLINK FAST FERRY RUNS AGROUND

News is just coming in that one of Wightlink's fast ferries sailing out of Portsmouth has run aground on Ryde sands with 60 passengers on board while trying to negotiate its way through yachts finishing their Round the Island Race.  Doubtless there'll be more interesting news as time goes by. It doesn't sound as though anyone has been injured - more a matter of inconvenience and a good tale to chat about as time goes by!

BUNGALOW PERMISSION REFUSED IN MANOR ROAD

Apropos the business of planning permissions, we note that planning permission has been refused to the owners of a property in Manor Road in Milford-on-Sea.  In view of the enormous development which has been going on in Manor Road over the last couple of years and which is definitely, in the quoted words of the planners, 'out of character within a defined area of special character', whatever that might mean. it seems that to refuse permission in a road which has already been transmogrified from its previous style into a 'let's build a house in the garden and make a bit of money' road, somewhat unreasonable.  Go on, Mr. Marles, fight it and take it to appeal!

WIGHTLINK IN THE WARS AGAIN

Poor Wightlink! At the moment it doesn't seem to be able to do anything right - last weekend it was overwhelmed by foot-passengers - which seems odd as the new boats look so big.  However, they brought another boat Wight Sun, which they have used on occasion before when business was particularly brisk.  However irritated some people may be, it is very unfortunate for people who would like to go to and fro the Island to have to put up with the present disembarking problems because planning permission is being withheld.  The whole business of planning in this area seems to be shrouded in secrecy, whether to do with building domestic or business premises, and whether the planners like it or not, those who voted them into power would like a lot more transparency about the whole matter.

THE PARACHUTING LADIES' LEAP FOR CASH

We have sent out our reporters to sniff around for the latest news:  we do know they survived, which is good news.  If they hadn't, it would be all over the media so we can relax on that score. . . We'll put up some details as soon as they are in our hands or emails!

So far we have received promises amounting to £40 - on this site.  If you would like to add to this total [ Click here ] and send an email for further details or ring 01590 643845 quoting Pat and Val's jump.

QUIET VISIT BY HER MAJESTY TO TANK MUSEUM

Boom, boom!  Love the idea! 

The Tank Museum has been upgraded at the cost of £10m and 10 years' work and earlier this week Her Majesty the Queen with Prince Philip  opened the new wing.  The Queen was making a private visit to one of her regiments although she also met people from the local area, including families who live in the Garrison.  For details click on the picture.  The Tank Museum belongs to the Royal Tank Regiment & Royal Armoured Corps. 

World War II buffs will enjoy a visit to this extremely interesting museum, and little boys will be in their element, however much one might hope to bring up a gentle and peace-loving adult. . . The Museum are putting on a Tankfest at the end of June with some spectacular displays of historical  heavy weaponry.

June 6th 2009 - 65th Anniversary of D-Day

General Douglas McArthur talking to British Paratroopers June 1944

WORLD WAR II FILM REELS
American Sourced

WORLD WAR II
BBC source

flickr collection for 6th June 1944
Some of these photographs are 'doubles'
and if you look carefully you can get an
excellent 3-D effect. It's worth trying.

After all the miserable weather experienced this May it did come up trumps for the monster fundraiser walk for Oakhaven.  Hundreds of walkers, the young - and not so young - gathered outside the Keyhaven Sea Scouts HQ on a mild dry evening under a full moon to set off along the spit to Hurst Castle.  Mike Denny, who runs the fundraising for Oakhaven must have felt like the Pied Piper as he led the large group of over 800 people along the spit, crunching the way along the shingle.

The running costs of our hospice is around £2m a year, the Government funding a fifth of the total.  The rest has to be raised from the good will of sponsors of fundraising efforts and from donations and legacies.  Oakhaven has already been forced to postpone a £2.5m expansion plan due to the dreaded 'Crunch' which has put paid to many building improvement plans over the last year or so.

HORDLE HOUSE CAMPAIGNERS LOSE FIGHT

Efforts by local residents have failed to stop the development of 14 homes which include a four storey block of flats in place of the former council-run care home Hordle Cliff House.  No pictures of the proposed plans are available but it does have to be said that some of the more attractive recent developments along the coast by Pennyfarthing are more attractive than many existing ones.  It might also be said that both developers and buyers are on the brave side, bearing in mind what has happened over the years to the cliffs between Milford and Barton.  Good luck to them!

HOUSE PRICES BEGIN TO RETURN TO NORMAL - ish

While we live with le crunch it does make some sense to see house prices tending to stop floating around in Cloud Cuckoo land to the point where we can envisage new neighbours moving into the empty houses currently littered with 'To Let' signs.  Even a fashionable townhouse in the recently - well, relatively recently - developed Grade ll-listed White House on the sea front is now going for well under £1m.  It has two reception rooms, four bedrooms, and two bathrooms - no suddenly finding yourself sitting on a plastic duck in this property.  It obviously has the usual offices in the way of kitchen etc. and is set in attractive communal gardens.  True, there are not many houses on the market as yet but this probably reflects the decision of many people who might like to move to 'wait and see what happens'.  It is still possible to get a mortgage.  The desire for capital gain is what got so many people into difficulty.  Instead of actively seeking a place to make into a home perhaps weighing out whether you now get on with your life and settle for that instead of waiting to make a fortune while you age or even leave the world on a permanent basis could be a really positive approach.  Among the houses for sale locally this week are several well under £300,000 and they haven't been there for a long time.

AT THE WEEKEND IT WAS THE PLANT FAIR. . .
. . .and no, the flowers didn't get blown away!

Milford Gardeners' Club 9th Annual Plant Fair took place in the village on Saturday, 16th May from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm and in spite of the wind, it was a success - such things as the weather don't put the sterling residents of Milford to fright.

Another of Milford's wonderful annual treats, there is no admission charge to this event, which raises money for local Charities.  Look out for unusual shrubs and perennials as well as the old favourites.  There was clematis for sale and the plants which thrive even in the smallest gardens, the lavenders and herbs.  For nature lovers there were be Bee and Butterfly plants and of course summer bedding, basket and trough plants.  There were garden ornaments for sale and the home produce stalls were there to tempt your taste buds! All we need in this excellent growing year is more sun!

Josh is a somewhat soppy animal when he has the chance - just look at the way he's looking at Pat in the photograph - but he is always very defensive of his 'Mummy',

Pat and Val are looking for sponsors.  Sponsorship forms will shortly be available around the village, details will follow. Alternatively [ e-mail ] your promises to us here at Milford-on-Sea Online, together with an email address and contact number.  You will be called upon to honour your promise after the jump.  It would be easy to sponsor both ladies as one, which means they will have to divide the contribution by two, but it would be kinder to sponsor one or the other.  However, if it is one and the other, it would be really generous to double your contribution!

Go on, go for it!

Well, there may have been one or two drops but that really was all.  Milford turned out in force to support all the people who had arranged a splendid May Day in spite of the clouds.  It was almost impossible to walk between the stalls and the whole affair was given a jolly background to the music of the Windmill Swing Band who played their hearts out even if their actual bodies were somewhat on the chilly side!

Hildah Matfumi, a little beauty originally from Zimbabwe and this year's Milford May Queen, was crowned as she sat on her scarlet-draped throne and she is seen here with her lovely attendant, Rosalind Henderson.

During the proceedings a cheque for £1,717 was handed over to Oakhaven - money raised by various functions organised by the Milford-on-Sea Club.

There were other young hopefuls - who are here on this page because they had lovely smiles!

HOLLANDS ENTERS A BLUE PERIOD

Like Picasso, Hollands of Milford has launched itself into a blue period.  Of course, the new decor has done nothing to improve the service, which remains at its former impeccable standard, and the goods on the shelves continue to please.  We are very lucky in Milford to have two such good providers for our needs who unlike most of the major names in supermarkets really do their best to look after us.  The impression this leaves us with is that we are the most important factor in the staffs' reckoning: if the customers are happy, their accounts will reflect it.

We should really use our own shops before going further afield, particularly while the credit crunch is with us.  With some of the money we save we could always splash out and try the coffee shops which have been appearing lately. . .

KEEP TRACKS ON THE SWINE!

CELEBRITIES FLANK OUR VILLAGE STARS

It's ahoy there and all smiles aboard HMS Warrior asAlan Titchmarsh stands behind Anne as she. Gwen and Michele hold the Certificate they won, and which is displayed in the shop.  On Michele's left stands a smiling Councillor John Rees-Evans, Head of Economic Development with Hampshire County Council, whose special baby the Awards were.

Our girls decided the whole event had been most exciting and had given them all a great deal of fun.  The village enjoyed it too!

BRAND NEW PARISH OFFICES FOR MILFORD-ON-SEA

The Parish Offices are now ensconced in one of the iconic buildings of Milford.  Although their web site is somewhat out of date [ Click here ]  to view it.

ANOTHER SHOP CLOSURE

Those nimble fingers and artistic hearts who enjoyed the craft shop on the corner of the village must be really sad to see it go.  It should be a lesson to residents that our shops really will disappear if we don't use them and at this time of financial retrenchment they are unlikely to be replaced.  If we start looking like a dead village we will also lose our tourists who do so much to keep Milford alive.  

The trouble is once people start saving, that becomes almost as addictive as spending:  we owe it to the people who work in our village to spend some of our money and not hoard it. Capitalism may have some bad points but like it or not, money does make the world go around, the world go around. . .

Parish Councillor, James Read, is taking on the might of the New Forest District Council in an effort to protect the southern roads of Milford - Sea, Lucerne and Island View - from the current upsurge during heavy rain where all sorts of undesirable effluent is rising through lavatories and drains giving the present local inhabitants a very unpleasant invasions of smells and more tangible evidence of human effluent.

Mr. Read is complaining that the NFDC is giving out increasing planning permissions despite the serious sewage problems experienced in the village.  The area where the proposed extra four new bungalows in Island View Road has some of the more expensive houses in Milford.  The proposal that the problem might be circumvented by building a 'holding tank' in the Sturt Pond area to pump up some of the overflow.  One has to ask where to?  If it is into the sea at that point it suggests that no one has thought of the residents of the less expensive properties further along the coast.  Sturt Pond has recently been designated a local Nature Reserve (more anon: scroll down after this article. . .)  While the real problem could be overcome by replacing Milford's connection to the Pennington sewage works, it appears that not only is the cost somewhat prohibitive at £3m - £4m but Milford is rather low down on the list of priorities.

Mel Kendal, he of recent fame as being among the highest paid local councillors in the country and to our surprise still operating in the NFDC,  denied that allowing more houses would aggravate the current problem.  He said it was a condition that new developments have their own soakaways to disperse rainwater without adding pressure to the sewage system.  Alas, soakaways can be quite a problem when they are so close to the sea and near sea level as are all the properties in Island View Close.  In spite of protests from people living in the area, it looks as though NFDC is quite happy to steamroller local interests in order to get houses built (more incoming money for the NFDC!) because, since the area outside Milford has been accorded National Park status where new building is not allowed, Milford is a handy place to put up more houses to increase income for the NFDC.

RETIREMENT OF POPULAR LOCAL DOCTOR

After 33 years working as a GP in Milford-on-Sea, Dr. David Badham is due to retire on 31st March, though in fact he had taken leave in order to fly away to the Caribbean for a celebratory holiday in the warm sunshine.  With him goes his wife Julia, who has devoted much of her time in Milford  working with Milford Hospital's League of Friends.

Since he began working in Milford he has seen big changes to the work place, which started as a small surgery and has graduated with the expansion of the NHS to a larger and much smarter facility - the Milford Medical Centre.  The latest phase was opened by HRH Prince Edward a few years ago.

Popular with his patients, Dr. Badham will be available to help out at the surgery from time to time when he has settled down after return from holiday.  Our new doctor, Dr. William Turner will be joining the practice in April.  He qualified from St. George's Hospital and has been a GP for seven years, during which time he has been mentoring medical students and trainee GPs.

. . . BOOTS ARE GOING TO WALK ALL OVER YOU!

Ah, those old words!  Don't they just bring back the old music, shades of Frank and Nancy Sinatra?

Today's boots though are a different sort - more Boots than plain boots.  While many of us have been hibernating over the winter and keep our pence and pounds in our purses, the chemist Boots has been munching its way through the smaller chemists so that all that can be found in most chemist shops lately is what Boots wants to sell us.   Individual choice is shrinking.  For example, 'Fisherman's Friend', a tried and trusted relief for the sort of cough that has been plaguing many of us this winter, is now reduced the a choice of one: the strong original.  Over the last several years the Lofthouses, owners of the famous firm, have introduced several new varieties of 'Fisherman's Friend', a selection or all of which were stocked in many of the smaller chemists in the area, most notably in Milford-on-Sea which carried the full range.

Our former chemist carried a really interesting range of goods and it was also a pleasure to walk round the shop making discoveries either for gifts or for personal use.  Now, it's full of Boots products.  It has obviously taken notice of Tesco's unfortunate habit of look-alike goods.  Recently one of our staff arrived home from one of new versions of a local chemist with a tried and tested indigestion product, selected from a shelf below waist-level surrounded by other indigestion remedies. It wasn't until the package was opened shortly afterward in a hurry that she realised the shape was different - round instead of square and definitely not what the customer ordered - but at a quick glance perfectly satisfactory.  Same cannot be said for the taste or effect, alas!  The pharmacy at Waitrose isn't exempt either - later in the year it will be going the same way.

'HAMPSHIRE NOW' MAGAZINE - Spring Issue

Hampshire County Council have recently distributed - presumably to all households for which they are responsible and need votes - the Spring Issue of their magazine.  While we do appreciate it is not a glossy extravaganza it does seem like something of a waste of money in these cash strapped days when you don't get out for nowt.  Still, maybe 16p per household doesn't sound very much even if it does amount to £80,000.

Never mind, we do get to see how much money is coming in to the Council although that isn't altogether clear on p.8.  It says 'We plan to spend' £1,749,000,000 - or, you prefer and they're so much more fashionable now, £1.749 billion on services this year, compared with nearly £100 million pounds less last year.  They don't actually say where this money comes from, but they do say that on top of that they get money from the government and from other sources here and there which will give them a budget of £675,000,000 - an increase of £14,000,000 to spend on services.  We are not very clear what that actually means but we're plumping for the fact they are going to spend nearly £2,500,000,000 on us this year - £2.5bn in modern-day parlance.  That doesn't look quite so impressive without all the zeros does it?  Maybe that's why they've shortened the format.

In their PR Magazine, Hampshire County Council sets out how much money goes in all sorts of directions from a Band D property council tax, the highest amount they quote goes to - guess what? - social care for the aged and adults with disabilities (sympathetic chorus of ooohs and aaahs heard offstage)  and the next highest amount goes to - who do you think?  The children of course (excluding school costs).  More ooohs and aaahs. . . There follows a list of other items, headed by recreation, heritage, including libraries, museums and other services, all very worthy causes.  Recreation etc. cost just a quarter of the amount spent on social care for the aged etc.

All the figures they quote for expenditure add up exactly to the Total Band D Council Tax.  Are those items the only expenditure the council has? It's arranged to look like that. . . brilliant!

We are all wondering how much money goes to council members' salaries - or are these expenses?  Whatever.  They don't appear anywhere in the list nor anywhere else in the magazine.  But Hampshire, as we recall from last year's news, has one of the highest paid councillors in the country, and we don't expect he's standing there all alone.  What do the councillors take from our taxes in remuneration of various kinds? Wouldn't it be fascinating to know?  Perhaps it's worth a hunt on the internet on an idle afternoon . . .

Or is it a State Secret?

CONGRATULATIONS TO GWEN'S!

On a beautiful April evening which was warm enough to enjoy a glass of wine on the top deck of HMS Warrior, our ladies from Gwen's gathered in their finery to meet Alan Titchmarsh and discover whether they had been successful.  Of course they were!  They were pipped to first place and they are now the runners-up - bar none - to the title the Best Village Shop in Hampshire!  Congratulations to the Gwen and her ladies who help to keep the feminine half of Milford among the best-dressed villagers in Hampshire!  Thank you for all your hard work for us.

Commander Dave Davies, RN (Retd), Chair of the very excellent Milford Parish Magazine nominated our Gwen's for the Hampshire Village Shop of the Year and on St. Patrick's Day this year Gwen heard that her - and our - shop is in the last three.  It has caused great excitement and pleasure as you can see from the photograph of  (L to R) Michele, Gwen and Anne, Gwen's sister when they were interviewed for our web site.  On Wednesday next they will be off to a truly glamorous black tie Reception aboard HMS Warrior, where they will meet their 'competition' for the Hampshire Village Shop of the Year.  They take with them our best wishes for a wildly successful evening where the presentations will be made by Alan Titchmarsh!

'Gwen's', whose name is known to regular visitors of this site through 'Gwen's Diary', is situated right in the middle of the village.  It has survived two other excellent dress shops whose owners retired, two 'New to you, Madam' shops, and now reigns supreme.  It is always an exciting shop to go into - rather like an Aladdin's Cave.,  You never know what delightful new additions to your wardrobe you might find, what new jewellery designs will twinkle at you in from their display, and you always know where to find your favourite regular buys.  Combine that with excellent and cheerful service at all times and you will know why Gwen's has become a loved and cherished part of Milford's life.

While we are absolutely not surprised to find Gwen's on the list of best Hampshire village shops, it has to be said we wouldn't be surprised if the other two also turned out to be situated in Milford-on-Sea!  This is an outstanding village which owes much of that accolade to the standard of its shops and everything else in Milford.

The Awards Competition for various classes is run by 'Hampshire - The County Magazine', not to be confused with the magazine referred to in the following article . . .

MILFORD'S WEB SITE BACK UP AND RUNNING WITH STUPENDOUS NEWS!

What a splendid day to get the news of the Lottery Award of £500,000 to our wonderful Community Centre on the day that Milford's website totalled 500,000 hits on its website which has been running for almost 10 years.  Both of them were set up to mark the Millennium and it is due to the work of volunteers that both have lasted all this time and borne fruit.  Isn't it wonderful to be living in such a wonderful village?  The 'Pop-in Coffee' had also celebrated its ten years . . . the whole business of the Millennium certainly injected something into village life which energises its people. Long live Milford-on-Sea!  [ Click here ]

There was a small printer's error in the leaflet indicating Easter services in all the Milford churches and at St. Mary's in Everton. Unfortunately it involves the timing of one of the most popular Masses for both visitors and parishioners on Easter Sunday which is held at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Mount Avenue, New Milton.  Late risers will be pleased to learn that there is a 10.30 am Mass held there and not just one at 8.00 am!

And, alas, alas, there was another one from another source, at the moment we are not sure which.  The Easter Vigil Mass at New Milton on Saturday, 11th April, actually starts at 8.00 pm, not 8.30.

Well, none of us are perfect, but we are working towards it . . .  Have a wonderful Easter!

SPRING COMES TO MILFORD

OK, we pick one of the coldest starts in a few weeks to welcome Spring to Milford but it is true there is a green veil round the branches of the trees which by the end of next week should have turned firmly to leaves.  The daffodils have been around for some time - though this year they did appear to be coming out later than in recent years when they were almost over by the time Easter arrived.

Gwen's Diary will shortly be updated but there are a whole lot of goodies about to burst on the Milford scene to liven things up as we all start to come out of hibernation.  Don't forget to keep up with what is going on in our splendid Community Centre (see above).  This Thursday the film is one of the most talked about over the winter with Keira Knightly as 'The Duchess' - in a story based on the life of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire.  If you would like to know more about what films are coming to Milford Movies in the current season send an email to our stalwarts at the Community Centre or ring James on 01590 643 393.

As well as films, of course, there are lots of other fascinating things to do at Milford's Community Centre, which has added so much of pleasure and interest to our village.  As we often say, major thanks are due to those people who set it up in the first and to those who have continued to work so hard to make it the success it is.

We are hopeful that all will be well later today and that this message will not go unread before we come to the end of April 2nd.

In January there was a report in the local press dealing with the establishment of a bird-watching hide in the new Sturt Pond Local Nature Reserve. [ Click here ] for details.

We recently received an email from  Ms. Karen Quantrill,  a keen bird-watcher and frequent visitor to Milford and Keyhaven, has been searching in vain for this splendid facility.  Is there anyone out there and reading this article who can help?  Please email us here and let us know!  Surely Karen can't be the only keen ornithologist to fail to find the hide.  Great for the birds of course, but not for those fascinated to know more about them.

DEPUTY HEAD TO TAKE OVER AT MILFORD'S SCHOOL FOR SUMMER TERM

Christian Malone, at present Deputy Head of Milford's C of E Primary School, will pick up the reins as Acting Head in the absence of a new Head who has been appointed for September.  We don't know anything about him/her yet but as soon as we have some news you will be able to read it on this web site!

In the meantime we extend our best wishes to Christian: it is never the best news to know one is appointed as an Acting Chief on a temporary basis.  In our time the best example of a job extremely well done under these circumstances has to be Margaret Beckett, who did a first-class job during the interim period between the death of John Smith and the winning of the leadership of the Labour Party by Tony Blair in 1994.   She didn't complain and her support of the new leader and subsequent Prime Minster was never at fault.

WINDFALL FOR MILFORD

The urgency of repairs to Milford's sea defences has been recognised by the Government which has approved advance funding after the violent storms which affected the sea wall under the promenade during the summer. Such an injection of money into the project - £700,000 + a 20% Contingency Allowance means that the initial works will be completed much earlier than anticipated.  This short-term solution to on-going problems with Milford's battle with the sea should b e completed without cost to the NFDC by April next year.  Other funding from the Environment Agency has protected NFDC's pocket.

It is hoped that these precautions will, among other depredations, save further loss of any beach huts after three fell into the hole which resulted from the summer's adverse weather conditions.

Longer term protection is estimated to cost something in the region of £3m - £4m and would take a year or two to implement.

Many will have read with dismay that Martin Pitman, who for the past 8 years has led Milford's Church of England Aided Primary School to academic, artistic and  spiritual excellence, has now decided to widen the scope of his work for children from beyond a purely educational sphere to become the Community Fundraising Manager for the South of England for Bernados.  Martin's resignation will take place at the end of the Easter term and we can only pray that we shall be able to find a replacement of similar calibre.

The children of Milford who have been lucky enough to find themselves in such capable hands have been given an excellent start to their academic studies and more.  The Head of a school is not only responsible for the children, but even more his responsibility to his staff marks the standard of the school as he is primarily involved in the selection of retention of his staff,  and this is another part of his career in Milford which has paid dividends to the community.

There will be other tributes as the days and weeks go by but we on the Milford website would like to offer our thanks for everything Mr Pitman has done for the village in the time he has served as the Headmaster of our school.  Not only have the academic standards have been praised time and again by the Ofsted inspectors but the buildings, equipment and furnishings have been upgraded during his time here in Milford.  Martin Pitman will be leaving behind him a splendid monument of the love and care he has invested in the school, a school of which everyone in Milford-on-Sea can be very proud. 

MILFORD'S HISTORICAL SOCIETY BECOMES HISTORY ITSELF

The Milford Historical Society, established 100 years ago opened its year of celebrations with a mix of descendants of who set up the society in 1909 and together with other who are also associated with the Society today.  They met in All Saints' Church Hall together with 120 of the current membership for the Annual General Meeting and a lecture about the founders of the Society which everyone enjoyed.  After the AGM there was a ceremonial cake-cutting to mark the occasion with, of course, something with which to wash it down! 

How fortunate we all are to live in Milford - it might have been a big, bustling seaside resort had a few residents not caught typhoid!  If you don't yet know that story, Milford's Historical Society will be putting on a special exhibition telling its story.

There will be several other events to mark such a landmark, including the exhibition in the first week of August.  The Society's Diary has recently been updated.

BOY FRIEND DELIGHT!

It is now becoming obvious to anyone who enjoys live theatre in the local area that if you see a Sonia Collyer production advertised, just go!

Her recent production of 'The Boy Friend' by Sandy Wilson, in the Performing Arts Centre  at the Ballard School in New Milton,  first seen in the London of 1954, is a delightful tribute to the mad years of the 1920s.  Set in a Finishing School - ah, how many of us are left who went to such an establishment? - in the South of France, it was the perfect vehicle for a young cast, many of whom are already studying drama at Brockenhurst.  The choreographer, Stephanie Constantine-Smith, had a splendid opportunity to direct the actors in the exciting dances of the period, notably of course the Charleston and the mature adults strutted their stuff in splendid style.  It was sheer pleasure to those who attended, and in view of Sonia's record, attendance was as high as it should have been for an excellent piece of theatre.

Well done, everyone!  And what a piece of luck to have such a gifted producer who can deliver the goods without reducing the players, the backstage crew and the front of house staff to tears and angst.  Everyone enjoyed not only the hard work but the pleasure of reaping the reward of giving the audiences a series of wonderful and memorable evenings.

THIEVES TARGET MILFORD OVER WEEKEND

Police have revealed that an entire safe full of valuable jewellery was stolen from a house near the Church in Milford over the weekend.  Although the police are actively working on the case and a 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the theft and is currently being held in Lyndhurst, they are not divulging any details about the missing items.  Enquiries, however, are being made round jewellers and antique shops to see whether any of the missing jewellery has been offered for sale.

As usual, of course, many of the items are of great sentimental value and the loss is causing a good deal of distress.  People are advised to check that everything is securely locked when they are away from the house though sadly, and this appears to have been one of them, a break-in is always more difficult to avoid unless a burglar alarm is fitted to protect the property.

THEFT OF GIANT FLOWER POTS

Worshippers arriving at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi on Sunday morning found that their flowerpots had been stolen during the night.  Mrs. Anne Croll, who has been tending the flowerpots outside the church for over 40 years, was distraught when she arrived at Mass around 9.00 am. and found they had disappeared in the interval between inspecting them on the Saturday evening around 5.30 pm when she last checked that everything was growing well to ensure their flowering for Easter.  Anyone who saw anything strange going on during that time is asked to inform the police.  {Tel 0800 551 111 or 0845 045 45 45). It would have certainly have needed more than one person to hoist such heavy pots on to some form of transport.  At the same time the posts along the front of the church received another attack and the chain between them had been undone.

The pots, roughly 2 - 3 ft diameter were the traditional hooped wooden variety, stood either side of the main door.  Over the years they have bloomed according to the seasons and given a great deal of pleasure to members of the congregation and to Anne herself, who has worked tirelessly to brighten the outside of the Church surrounded by so much stonework.

These large pots were purchased several years ago to replace a pair of smaller ones which had also been stolen. 

When one of the brand-new ferries was damaged while docking in Yarmouth, little Cenred was called out of retirement to do the donkey-work after the glamourous new multi-million pound Wight Light was withdrawn from service for repairs.

It's such a pity the new ferries are running into problems like this, though there will be those who are rubbing their hands with glee.  However, for the sake of those who have family and friends on the Island and for those whose businesses on the Island are being ruined in the current downturn, we can only hope that Wightlink will get its act together very soon.  Timing in all things is of the essence, and Wightlink  do seem to have made a major boob in their planning.

CLIFF PATH LATEST

An extremely helpful telephone call was received in the absence of our compositor explaining the reason for the closure of the cliff path between Milford and Barton.  It appears that at the Taddiford Gap end of the path, just beyond the car park, there had been a severe slippage.  However, we are assured that all efforts will be made during this week to make sufficient repairs to enable to path to be reopened by Friday next.

What a pleasure to receive such courteous help from our local council and a special thank you to Kate in the office!

MILFORD-ON-SEA MEMORABILIA ON E-BAY

The postcard above was apparently taken in 1908 - over 100 years ago!  A click on the picture will take you to E-Bay's page on some of the items for sale relating to Milford, of which this is an example.  If you are interested in the the history of Milford-on-Sea, it's also worth letting your mouse click [ Here ].

This charming little bird belonging, we think to the parrot family and about the size of a pigeon, flew into a relative's garden in Boldre over the weekend.  It was gently captured on Sunday morning and is lodging with something of an expert in the area.  Do you know anyone who has lost a bird like this?  He seems to be a fairly tame little chap but I expect he would like to be back home.  If you know who he - or she - might belong to, please ring 01590 6*0*6*.  He needed to be moved, as he had flown into a pussy cat house - indeed, a hungry moggie stood gazing hungrily while a temporary cage, which happened to be a cat cage, waited to house the bird after a possible successful capture.

WHY IS THE CLIFF PATH CLOSED?

We have received an enquiry from one of our visitors enquiring about the apparent arbitrary closing of the cliff path.  A regular walker along the path,  Pamela Stevens noted that without notice the path from Hordle Cliff to Barton-on-Sea had been closed.  As she explains, she had walked the path the previous day and had been unable to see anything which might account for the closure by the following morning.  Yesterday there was a barrier across the path, and the foot path from Taddiford Gap car park was also barred and taped.

We have contacted the local council and hope to receive a prompt answer.  Miss I'm-the-only-Kate in the Office promised to contact the right department and let us have the information so that we can circulate the news.

Unless, of course, it's a State Secret. . .

Fairtrade Fortnight started on Ash Wednesday and tomorrow, Saturday, 28th February, is the day when you can get up, dress and go out of the house to Breakfast at All Saints.  This takes place from 8.30 to 9.30 am.  It may be a bit late to suddenly decide to go, but it's worth a try and you can always contribute something to the donation box if you can't get anything to eat!   It'll buy a breakfast at another time for someone else in a place where breakfast isn't really on the menu every day.

If you have never heard of Fairtrade, click on the logo above and find out about it.  One of our staff was in Tesco today and sadly the only available Fairtrade bananas were still green:  come on Tesco - you can do better. 

Oh, maybe everybody's bought the rest - so Tesco needs to order more with ten days of Fairtrade to go . . .

NEWCOMERS' SUPPER THIS SATURDAY

This year's Newcomers' Supper arrives on the scene tomorrow, having moved from its previously established timing in November.  It was felt that too many things on the party front happened in November and December and it would be a good idea to brighten up what is often a rather dreary month - 'Can anything be drearier than November?'  ' Yes! February!' - so tomorrow Milford offers its welcome to all who have moved into the village during 2008.

The evening kicks off at 6.00 pm at All Saints' Church Hall.  The evening is organised by Churches Together in Milford, and is for people who have moved into Milford since November 2007.  Bon appetit to everyone who is going to be there. . .

MUGGER ON THE LOOSE IN MILFORD - POLICE SEEK HELP

Late last Saturday afternoon, 24^th January, a mugging occurred in Carrington Lane. A man in his 70s was returning home after shopping in the village when someone crept up behind him and hit him.  He demanded money and the pensioner concerned simply said he hadn’t got any.  The attacker then ran up Carrington Lane and is described as wearing a pale grey hooded jacket and light-coloured track-suit bottoms.  His victim was more shaken than hurt but it was an unpleasant thing to happen to anyone.

Police are now appealing for information and are hoping to contact a man seen walking his dog around that time, between 6.30 and 7.00 pm.  It is thought this man may possibly have been approached by the attacker. The  mugger appeared to be aged around his late teens/early twenties and to be about 5ft.10in tall.

Anyone with information is asked to contact CID at Lyndhurst Police Station on 0845 045 4545 or on the anonymous Crimestoppers line which is 0800 555 111

Nothing like the skirl of the pipes to set the pulses racing in anyone who has a drop of Scottish blood and the clans and their supporters gathered enthusiastically to celebrate the 250th anniversary on 25th January of the birthday of Rabbie Burns himself.  The Burns Night supper and dance was organised by John MacLean while Jim Garrioch did a Captain Mainwaring and piped in the mighty haggis after it had been honoured with the address by Charlie Robertson.   Sue Ramsay and the Bournemouth Caledonian dancers were there to encourage the dancing while Kate Carpenter and Skara Brae provided the music.  A worthy tribute to the Bard of Ayrshire, or as he is simply known North of the Border, The Bard.  The profits went towards the Church Hall Refurbishment funds and an amount of £400 will swell the coffers.

COUNCIL PLANNERS DON'T KNOW WHY CAR PARKS ARE NEEDED

We do have to wonder where they're coming from, particularly when this ignorance regards the parking at the much trumpeted new hospital in Lymington - our hospital.  How can they ask for  'further information to justify the car park numbers proposed'?

Having recently been made aware of the size of salaries available in local council employment for those in the upper echelons, maybe the decision makers don't actually use the NHS.  Maybe they don't know what the parking has been like at our new hospital since it opened but anyone who has any experience of it will know that the parking facilities there for staff and public alike are at present lamentable.  All these people, which of course includes 'us', have been having a terrible time finding somewhere to park and are very knowledgeable about the  requirement for a much larger number of car-parking spaces.  We, of course, do know the reason for applying for additional parking. . .

It was such good news to know that the land had become available for additional parking after the mistake made in the original plans!  It is now very disappointing to find that the abysmal ignorance of planning people will entail a further continuation of driving round and round, wasting petrol, as it is a question of 'No change - still no more parking'.  For at least eight weeks longer than we needed to have waited it seems:  apparently  the turn-around time for a change in council decision making - every time? - is eight weeks.

When do we have a chance to vote again?

MILFORD BYPASSED BY MASSIVE WINTER STORM

A large and unexpected rise in the barometric pressure overnight has ensured that Milford has escaped the ravages of the storm forecast for the south of England over Monday and Tuesday, though the heavy rain on Monday certainly cast gloom over its residents' spirits.  This morning looks equally grey but there is a definite hope of sunshine later today for which we can give a rousing three cheers.  If you don't believe us, go and have a quick look at the Satellite weather chart (see above) and have a nice day!

As promised, the sun arrived but it also revealed that a good deal of flooding had gone on through the night.  Milford Road, between Milford and New Milton, was flooded at the junction with the road to Downton, just where the overflow to relieve Milford flooding crossed the main road.  The water was too deep to drive through and cars were diverted past Shorefield to the A337.theroad from Everton to New Milford.  A couple of hours later the Milford Road was still closed.  Drivers were fortunate to have the little car park to turn round to return to the New Milton roundabout to take the alternative route to Lymington.

The forecast is looking rather better - for the moment. . .