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News for period ending 30th
June 2003
MILFORD METHODIST
MINISTER TO RETIRE
The Reverend John
Buxton, who has given many years' service to the Methodists of Milford
in their lovely church in the middle of the village, will be taking his
retirement next month.
At the meeting of his
last service with them, the Milford Network president, Mrs. Paddy Lamb,
presented him with a very suitably named rose, 'Happy Retirement', when
she thanked him for all he had done for the Methodist church in Milford.
During his talk at the
service, Rev. John described his work in the Far East, in Wales and
finally on the South Coast. In this time of Pentecost his closing
words appealed to members to recognise the work of the Holy Spirit in
their own lives and in the work of their local church. Recognition
of the Holy Spirit of God would, he said, ensure 'a thriving and vibrant
church in the future'.
LYMINGTON RC SCHOOL
BACK ON THE STARTING BLOCKS....
The new school
building in Pennington for the school of Our Lady & St. Joseph, at
present at the bottom of Lymington High Street, is poised for resumption
of building. Even now, as my fingers fly across the keyboard,
negotiations with alternate builders are well under way, and it is hoped
that building will start soon enough to have a finishing date towards
the end of September.
More news as it comes
in.
MILFORD SCHOOL IN BRILLIANT GRANT
SUCCESS!
Milford Primary School's own
newspaper, Milford SchoolNews, came out with astounding information
about a generous grant to improve the school and its facilities.
The grant, which has been offered to only a few schools, comes
from the Local Capital Voluntary Aided Project fund, and will be worth
something in the region of £800,000!
Plans include the erection of three
new classrooms, a cutting edge IT suite, improvements to the library and
new toilet facilities.
There is a little hitch which
doubtless generous Milford will smooth out: there is a proviso
that the Church of England aided school must produce 10% of the cost of
any work. £50,000 of this has already been collected. The
latest influx of money has come from sales of the Milford SchoolNews,
the paper set up by six of the pupils. The journalists responsible
for its production scooped all the big newspapers with the news of the
grant, and have happily devoted all profits from the current
edition to the School Fund.
Milford is very lucky to have been
given this grant, as present government plans are likely to put an end
to this type of grant. Groups working to achieve this success were
the school governors, together with the Diocese and the Local Authority.
They have been working for two years to get everything arranged, and the
headmaster, Mr. Martin Pitman, felt that 'This is a once in a lifetime
opportunity for the school...' He added that the required extra £30,000
to £35,000 needs to be raised over the next two years.
Architects' plans are already drawn
up and it is hoped building work might start before the end of 2003.
News for period ending 21st
June
BUSY DAYS AHEAD FOR
MILFORD
Marcos Markoulli came
to rescue of Milford when he opened his shop this morning, to the cheers
of those gathered outside to watch Linx cut the red ribbon. There
was an immediate rush into the shop, and it wasn't just for the
excellent champagne and delicious eats that Marcos's mother Andrea had
ready and waiting for the eager shoppers. Business was transacted
in the first minute, and customers thronged the shop until Marcos began
to worry whether he had enough stock! He did, of course - and more
in the pipeline to arrive as soon as deliveries get through.
This isn't Marcos's
first venture in Milford as many of you will know. Among other
things for four years from 1978 he ran Milford's famous fish and chip
shop. He has also been running a valet service for cars, which is
still going strong.
We wish Marcos
and his family all the luck in the world with Milford's retort to
B&Q!
News for period ending 14th
June
FOREST AUTHORITIES
TARGET KITERS
A relatively new word
in sporting circles, 'kiters', people who fly kits, has come under the
spotlight of the Forestry Commission. The Commission is seeking to
ban kiting in the Forest which has raised the ire of those keen
followers of this new sport which is increasingly becoming a national
pastime with adults and young people alike.
The Forest would ban
the sport on safety grounds. Kiting has come a long way from the
simple sport of flying a kite by the Round Pond in the genteel
surroundings of Kensington. There are, for instance, things called
'kite buggies'. To find out more about this intriguing sport visit
their website [ Click here ].
The kiters are seeking
an early meeting with the Forestry Commission to put their case before a
ban is arbitrarily imposed.
SEA SCOUTS SCOOP
LOTTERY AWARD
The 15th Milford and
Keyhaven Sea Scout Group has been awarded £5,000 to develop its life on
the ocean wave - well, up the Keyhaven River and the Solent - in the
fields of kayaking and sailing. The Group has been going from
strength to strength in the last couple of years and membership is
expanding.
Anyone interested in
joining them can find more information by clicking on the picture below.
FLY TIPPING COSTS
TAXPAYERS MILLIONS
New Forest District
Council is so put out by members of the community who have a totally
selfish and irresponsible attitude to disposing of their junk. They're
happy just to drop it anywhere they can get away with it. However,
in these days of mobile phones, the Council hopes that people will ring
0845 3000 0630 when they see people junking anything from beds to old
carpets. Rubbish is dumped on the roadside, the beaches and in the
Forest - where local councils have to pay for removal, on farms - where
on average each farmer pays out £1,000 a year to get their fields
cleared of such junk, and it just isn't fair. So shop the dumpers!
LYMINGTON SCHOOL
BUILDING ON HOLD
Irene Cradick,
Head of Lymington Catholic School which caters for a large area of the
Forest, put on a brave face when work on the new school in Pennington
was brought to a standstill when the builders, TSL, went bust.
Sadly the builders' problems were caused by major
losses incurred on another contract.
The site at Ramley
Road has now been locked and guards posted while receivers deal with the
financial problems. Originally it was hoped the new school
building might be ready at the end of July, and at the moment it is
hoped that things will be ready by September. The official opening
by Bishop Crispian of Portsmouth is due to take place in December.
RESIDENT ARTIST MOVES
INTO HOUSE OF HAPPINESS
Any requests as to how
to get to the House of Happiness in Milford will be met with blank
expressions. Unless you translate it into Zulu, that is...
Ask for 'Jabulani' and you will be directed to the shop that used
to be known as 'The Holiday Shop', diagonally opposite the Post Office.
Sally Hamilton, a
water colourist who lives and works on the premises, offers original
paintings of scenes in the area - land and seascapes, which often
include delightful portrayals of children. Sally also stocks
limited edition prints of her work, mounted or fully framed.
Unframed prints can be had from a modest outlay of only £7.50.
She is also happy to accept commissions.
WAITING OVER FOR
MILFORD!
Milford's patience has
finally been rewarded! There will be a Gala Opening of the
new Milford Hardware Store at 9.00 am on Monday 18th June.
Its closure last year
was a real problem for the village, especially for those with transport
difficulties. With competition from superstores everywhere, it has
been increasingly difficult for the smaller hardware shop to survive.
One of the Milford's former glories was its hardware shop, for many
years run by two of the most loved shopkeepers in the village. It
was virtually impossible to go shopping in their premises and find the
sought-after item unobtainable.
We send our very best
wishes to the new owners and we'll be there on Monday morning!!
JOY FOR RESCUED BEAR
Milford in Yarmouth -
and he did ride a concrete cow!
The missing
bear, whose name, it appears, is Milford, will be shortly reunited with
his loved ones. We quote below an extract from an email just
received:
'We are so relieved to hear that you have rescued our errant teddy bear,
now named Milford, and trust that he is well and that he has been
behaving and not causing too many problems.
Milford was holidaying with us for a few days in your beautiful part of
the country but was getting a little fractious when we were about to
return home and we think that he must have jumped from our car as we
left Hillsman House on the outskirts of Lymington.
..... we were rushing home to see Elvis
Presley in concert ( honestly ) and did not notice our missing
passenger until later. At first we thought that he was hiding at home
but just as we were becoming seriously worried we were advised by
headmaster Patrick Barrett that a bear had been the subject of a
daring rescue and the photograph on the web pages of Milford on Sea
Online confirmed that it was indeed our Milford. We attach a photo
of him with the Old Gaffers in Yarmouth Harbour the day before his
accident and have others if you are interested, taken as part of the
Year One geography project. Milford is sorely missed and we would be
most grateful if you would assist in reuniting him with his playmates
and school friends......'
One
of the Milford web site's admirers had made this map of Milford the
bear's trip:
Milford is now on his
way home in a comfortable Owl Post Box, and we wish him happier landings
on this occasion.
PS He arrived
safely and they are all living happily ever after.
HOPES FADE FOR LITTLE
BEAR'S RESCUE
 In
spite of a couple of hopeful leads, nothing further has developed.
One piece of information suggested he had been last seen riding a
concrete cow into the sunset in Milton Keynes, but that was thought to
be a cruel hoax and no further communication has been received from the
school. However, there is a family anxious to adopt him and if
nothing is heard about his true owners in the next seven days he will be
starting a new life. Probably in a new pullover.
PARISH COUNCIL
DELIGHTED BY YOUNG PEOPLE'S INTEREST
As Milford Parish
Council reviewed its activities over the last year, which included the
opening in the teeth of quite a bit of opposition of the BMX track in
the pleasure gardens, one of the most notable developments was the rise
of interest in politics among the young. Tony Willcox welcomed it
as a 'healthy development' in local village life.
One of the new
councillors, Joey Owen, will be taking responsibility for the formation
of a youth council, so that proper communications can be established
between the PCC and the young. Tony Willcox reminded everyone at
the public meeting that 700 residents out of a total of roughly 4,600
were under the age of 19. He added that change in Milford was
inevitable and that to stop it happening would be 'unrealistic and
against the interests of the community' for our village.
BROADBAND COMING TO
MILFORD!
A recent survey
discovered that whereas urban areas had 96% possibility of choosing
Broadband connection, rural areas averaged around 7%. BT has
obviously been shamed by these figures and Broadband will now be
available in Milford from October. Any people who have set up two
lines to have a phone free and use their computer should be able to
revert ton one line for both, making a saving on having two telephone
accounts. This should balance nicely with the charge for accessing
Broadband!
For details [ Click here
]
KEYHAVEN COWS MOO
GOODBYE
Keyhaven's famous
black and white cows, whose contented faces for many years peered over
the fence at the cars driving down to Keyhaven have taken their leave.
In recent years they
spent most of their time indoors, producing the milk for which they were
famous, but now the herd of Holstein has been split and sold. The
farm, Aubrey Farm, will now be used for arable crops.
One of the reasons
given for the sale was the difficulty and expense of solving the problem
caused by the slurry. Its smell had caused a certain amount of
resentment in the village.
Our best wishes for
future success go to the family whose farming activities have for so
long been part of Milford's life.
70 YEARS OLD AND STILL
BOWLING STRONG
Milford's Bowling Club
recently celebrated their 70th Birthday, and the sun shone for them.
A rival battle of the Presidents was organised - Peter Harvey from last
year produced a tea which took on Diana Goodyear, this year's President.
The Lady had it her way this year, but by a trifling matter of only 5
shots.
The Cheese and Wine
Party, held after the needle competition of the afternoon, gave way to
the eating of a magnificent cake, presented to the Club by the men's
president, Jim Donaldson and bravely cut by Cyril Daniell, a former
President. Diana gave an interesting potted history of the Milford
Bowling Club, and after a Grand Raffle, members went home happy with the
launch of the new season.
MILFORD REMINDED OF
CHANGE IN MARINE CAFE PLANS
Mr. Peter Lee
dropped his hat as the Chairman of the Local Traders' Association in
Milford to remind those who are so upset at the possibility of losing
the Marine Cafe that the initial plans submitted to the NFDC included
proposals not only to refurbish the café
but also to add a full-scale
restaurant on the upper floor. Naturally this appealed to both the
Parish Council and the NFDC in their consideration of the plans, since
implementation would have added considerably to tourist amenities in
Milford. The present plans are merely for a truly luxurious dwelling,
with emphasis on the 'luxe' side of things..
Mr. Lee asks
those who are interested in retaining the café
for Milford and its visitors to express their opinion by letter to the
local press with a copy to the Parish Council, Milford Village Hall, 2
Park Road, Milford, SO41 0QU.
View of the present
plans are now available on the District Council's internet site.
To visit [ Click
here ]
PRIVATE CAR HIRE FIRM
CHANGES HANDS
John Hall, who has for
so long looked after Milford residents in sickness and in health, has
finally decided to retire. This is bad news for his former
customers, to whom he became a friend as well as chauffeur. They
send him through this site their best wishes for him in his
well-deserved retirement.
The good news though,
is that Jan Bird, a friend of many years' standing whose work has often
dovetailed with John's, is taking over the business which is now called
Ocean Cars.
[ Click here ] to visit their
website. Good luck, Jan and partners!
DEVELOPMENT ON BEAR
FRONT
We are receiving news
indicating there may be a result in the search for the owner of this
little bear. A letter was received late last night from the
Headmaster of The Ryleys School, from which we quote a portion:
It is quite
possible that it was lost by one of our pupils en route to a location
near to you. Our Year 1 boys were given a task as part of a study about
the world around us which involved taking a Ryleys teddy or a teddy with
the school cap and tie on with them on holiday and then sending back a
photo of the bear wherever he happened to end up.
He went on to say he
hadn't been advised that one had been lost but that when the boys
returned from half-term he would make enquiries and let us know.
Watch this space...
BEAR FOUND ABANDONED
ON MAIN ROAD
A daring rescue was
effected yesterday (Friday) on the main road between Everton and
Lymington when an unscathed bear wearing a yellow pullover marked with
the name of The Ryleys School in Cheshire was found lying on his face on
the roadside with a leg bent in an awkward position. He is now
recovering in a family home. Anyone who can give further
information of the bear's home should contact this web page [ e-mail
Webmaster ]
News for period to 31st May
2003
LOCAL FURY AT PLANS TO
REMOVE MARINE CAFÉ
An incoming
businessman, whose view of Milford gives the impression of a mini-gold
mine rather than a village to love and live in, has plans for the Marine
Café which have met with total disapproval by Milford residents.
His planning application presents a private and unbelievably luxurious
dwelling, with gym, swimming pool, TV/cinema room, sauna, jacuzzi,
whose exterior appearance would be more or less identical to the
existing café building. This plan is, presumably, to soften
opposition to his development project.
Richard
Thompson, for that is the name of the proposed developer, apparently
ignores the loss not only to the village but to the local tourist
industry of a charming café which offers refreshment to those enjoying
the long walk to Hurst Castle and back along the spit. It serves
thousands of tourists each year and does much to add to the local income
of Milford village.
Will tourists really
enjoy viewing an exclusive residence instead? Would prospective
buyers enjoy living in a property which has something in common with a
goldfish bowl? Ideal for a catering business, but not really for
private living.
STREETWISE KIDS DUMP
MAYPOLE DANCING
The May Day
celebrations were vicar's egg-like this year - good in parts. The
weather was excellent, the burger barbecue did a roaring trade, the
crowing of the May Princess was a great success, it was just the central
attraction of previous years which, along with sundry traditions like
the Fancy Dress and the Knobbly Knees competitions, failed to capture
popular support, particularly among the children.
It could be that the
variety of entertainments offered to children today are just too
tempting to lure them into hours of practice to do something which
probably seems very old-fashioned to them. Parents do a lot less
sewing and can be daunted by the business of costume making. New
fun things on the Green, like the Arts Festival, also require time to
prepare, and maybe there just isn't enough time to do them all.
Choices have to be made.
While many might
regret the passing of old traditions, that's life. As long as
jollies take place during the year on The Green, that's what really
matters.....oh, and the sun shining, of course!
'POLITICS FOR THE
YOUNG OF THE VILLAGE?
After the
representation by 79 youngsters to the Parish Council a few weeks ago,
perhaps some could explore the possibility of adding their own views to
the village at large, and at the same time learn something about the
structure of local politics.'
The above is a
quotation from the pages of this website from a couple of weeks or so
ago, It now appears that the NFDC is not only keen to find out
what the young think of their life in our part of the beautiful county
of Hampshire - they have actually done something about making it
possible to discover.
A survey will take
place between 11th and 16th May which will be completed in school.
This is to avoid the problem of parents filling in the questionnaires on
the internet!
It is now mandatory in
key stages 3 & 4 of the national curriculum that children learn how
a democracy runs, how local councils and communities function, and how
decisions are made.
Naturally, for them it
is much more interesting to find out such aspects of what might be
considered dry and dusty when they themselves have contributed their own
thoughts and opinions.
So parents, do
encourage your children in their taking part, even if you can't speak
for them!
Click
here
for
youth issues generally.
News for period to 10th May
2003
LOLLIPOP
PEOPLE IN SHORT SUPPLY
These
lovely people are in short supply in several areas of Hampshire,
Milford-on-Sea being one of them. Up to April last year the
Education Department was in charge of filling these posts. It is
now down to the County Councils. The Hampshire County Council is
anxious to hear from new possible crossing patrols: current salary
is £5.22 an hour, and the hours on duty are two hours a day, five days
a week. School Patrol officers are paid for Bank Holidays and
personal holiday entitlement, and during school holidays they are put on
half-pay.
Those
interested should ring 01962 846274 or [
Click here ] to e-mail direct.
BEWARE
THE 0870 TELEPH0NE NUMBERS
Mr.
John Futter of Dibden Purlieu, has made the pages of the Milford-on-Sea
website because a letter he sent to the Advertiser & Times,
otherwise known as the Lymington Times newspaper caught the webmaster's
eye this week. It is, for starters, a national rate number, and
many companies have now changed their normal phone numbers to have the
apparent 'exchange' represented and charged on 0870. You may have
noticed that calls to businesses there days are getting longer and
longer with all the instructions to press numbers to find your way
through the maze before you finally get to talk to a real person.
Mr.
Futter points out that companies using the 0870 number benefit from a
percentage of the cost of the call. It is therefore in their
interests to keep customers on line as long as possible.
Now,
it costs companies to send letters: they obviously prefer phone
calls. If, then, their customers can be bothered to start
'charging' the companies by putting in a bit more effort in writing
letters rather than making phone calls, it might protect pensioners'
coffers! If they ring in answer to your letters, tell them you'd
like it in writing please!
CARRINGTON LANE PLAY
PARK
The
equipment is all present and correct, and already giving a lot of
pleasure although it is not officially open. Now is the moment to
think of the beauty of the place, which does need some enhancement.
Friends of Carrington Lane Play Park are now seeking quotations for
trees and shrubs and the local WI is helping with sponsorship.
Perhaps
someone might suggest the purchase of a tree might be in memory of
someone who loved Milford?
PARISH COUNCIL STILL
BATTLING WITH THE NIMBIES
Rumours
continue to swirl round Milford with regard to the possible site/sites
which might be used for 'affordable homes'. These were vigorously
denied again at April's meeting of the Parish Council.
The
rumours were first dealt with by the PC in February, but they will not
lie down and die, and the land in question is still the possible site in
New Lane. Julian Davis, parish councillor, insisted that it was
imperative to find sites for houses which would enable younger members
of the village to stay in the village and keep it alive with a stake in
the future. But he also added that '...if the New Lane site came
up but residents didn't want them there, then they wouldn't be there.'
The
member of the public who raised the story again was asked to name his
source by the parish clerk, Keith Metcalf. The member of the
public appeared to take it as a rhetorical question...and furnished no
information on that subject.
WINCHESTER STUDENTS DO
WELL FOR MILFORD YOUTH
Three
young students from St. Alfred's College Winchester are doing a Drama,
Theatre and TV Course. Their brief was to produce a community
drama or documentary project.
With
the support of Parish and County Councillors, the Police, local youth
workers and enthusiasts, the three students, Jacqui Keenan, Catherine
Snook and Joey Owen with the cooperation of some of the young people of
the village themselves, produced a splendid collection of short films,
which were shown in a marquee lent by Waydelle Ltd. on The Green.
Among those who arrived to view the show and take part in the subsequent
discussion was the MP for New Forest West, Mr. Desmond Swayne.
The
entire venture was such a success that the trio are following it up by
organising a youth council and youth group for the village.
Four
local girls made a film highlighting the problems which arose when the
question of a skate park was mooted. There was another film on the lack
of lighting, lack paths along the busier road, lack of public transport.
Other topics included the BMX track, which was recently covered in this
site, and the possibility of a youth club, for which there is a crying
need in the village. The latter may now become reality, thanks to
the students from St. Alfred's College.
2003 FLOWER SHOW
CANCELLED
Milford-on-Sea's
famous Flower and Produce Show which has been running for almost 60
years will not take place this year, due to works on the Church Hall.
These works will create such limitations of display space and access
that it has regretfully been decided to give the show a break for this
year. It expects to be back in all its usual glory in 2004.
The
Milford-on-Sea Art Exhibition is expected to take place as arranged.
The
Plant Fair will take place on The Green on 17th May as in previous
years.
SPECIAL POPPY
FUNDRAISING
The
Women's Section of The Royal British Legion in Milford recently held a
fund raising thrash for their County Purse presentation. The
combination of a Sponsored Silence, Coffe Morning, House Collection and
Donations amounted to £1,085.00, and a cheque for the money was
presented at Winchester Guildhall to the County Patroness, Lady Carver.
Mrs.
Freda Cheyney M.B.E. - our Freda - makes a special 'thank you' to all
who helped reach that impressive total.
LOCAL ROBBERY
The
Old Smithy, High Street. 0001- 0630 hrs 28/04/03. Offender tried to gain
entry via side window but failed. Then smashed front door to gain entry.
Jewellery taken from two glass cabinets and an unknown quantity of other
property also taken. PC Andy BELL would like to hear from anyone who can
help him with his enquiries. You can contact PC Bell via the Crime Link
further down the page.
BANK HOLIDAY SPECIALS
On
Monday, 5th May, all the usual activities of the Spring Bank Holiday
will take place on The Green. Things will be happening whatever
the weather - unless it is like Noah's Flood! At 2.00 pm the May
Princess will be crowned, there will be Maypole Dancing, a Fancy Dress
competition, Side Shows, Craft in the Marquee and a Plants Stall.
We're just coming into the Summer Bedding planting so there may
well be something just right for your garden on sale.
The
May Fair is organised by the Milford-on-Sea Village Community Committee.
Fairly Traded Goods will also be on hand and happy to find
a home for your money!
Enjoy!
News for period to 3rd May 2003
MESSAGE FROM AUSTRALIA
Hi
- My name is Elizabeth James and I grew up in Milford-on-Sea.
I
went to school at the Milford-on-Sea C of E Primary School from 1960 to
1964 and lived at a house called "Dunsley" in Wood Lane (I
believe that it is now called "Danesmead").
I
am interested in contacting in anyone who may have been at that school
then or may know the house.
Optimistically
Liz
James
Brisbane Australia
Anyone
who would like to contact Liz James please email us by [ clicking
here ] and we will forward it to her.
News for period to 26th April
2003
ACT OF WITNESS ON THE
GREEN
The annual Good Friday
ecumenical Witness on the Green took place at mid-day on Good Friday in
warm sunshine with a little breeze. The musicians were in fine
tune, and the vicar and impromptu choir of those attending were in fine
voice.
The service was moving
and thought-provoking and thanks are due to those who arranged it.
Many thanks too for the hot cross buns which came round afterwards!
EASTER EGG FOR
MILFORD!
It's
now official! The gaping hole left by the closure of the wonderful
Milford Hardware Shop is about to be plugged. The shop fitters are
in, working hard while the sun shines, and those who have had trouble
getting light bulbs, screws, paint - plugs even - will soon be able to
go down to our own village shop instead of trekking to one of the out of
town superstores.
Hurrah!
Happy Easter and thank you to all the DIY people, the shop fitters and
the owner!
PARISH COUNCIL COMES UP TRUMPS FOR
YOUNG!
Milford Parish Council took pity on
the valiant efforts of the young BMXers who use the track in the
pleasure grounds, eight months after they ruled that the track should be
dismantled. The PC had been hunting for a suitable site for the
youngsters for about 6 years, without success - mainly due to the NIMBY
syndrome. However, the young went ahead with one which caused a
certain amount of angst, particularly in the bosom of Mr. Phil Gossling,
chairman of the Milford Environment Group. He reported that
motorcyclists had been using the track, that fires had been lit - a
specially worrying factor in view of the wooded surroundings. Ben
Purgavie, 15 years old and one of the young BMXers, presented the case
in defence of the continued use of the unofficial site.
He pointed out that he and his
friends were in equal danger as pedestrians from the indiscriminate and
selfish use of the motor bike riders, and that he found their presence
as undesired as the councillors. He condemned them suggested that
bars be fitted around the area, over which BMX bikes could be lifted but
which would be impossible for motor bikers to by-pass. Ben also said
that he and his friends had litter picks, and one of the local residents
explained that the litter which upset people was mainly left by visitors
who came by car and walked there, dropping their sweet wrappers, etc.
and by the motor bikers. Reg Miles, another nearby resident, said
that he was backing Ben, who not only delivered his newspapers, but also
presented a really responsible attitude to everything he did.
The question of sabotage by the
motor bikers was also raised, where nails had been hammered into one of
the main jumps, then had the tops cut off, making a lethal obstacle for
the young BMXers.
Tony Willcox explained that one of
the previous reasons for refusing permission originally had been the
problem of insurance. That he said, had now been sorted although
some questions had to be solved, like access by emergency services.
Mel Kendal said that he would ask the police to ensue the area remained
motor bike free, and to help with enforcement.
Members voted unanimously for a
6-month trial period, with the track to be contained in a fixed area
with barriers to keep out the motor bikes.
Well done, Ben!
MILFORD IN BAD ODOUR
Something will have to
be done to the evil smell enveloping Milford-on-Sea which emanates from
the Keyhaven direction. It is said to be something to do with the
keeping of cattle inside as opposed to on the fields and the subsequent
disposal of excretion. Maybe, maybe not. Perhaps the NFDC
could investigate.
While understanding
the problems of farming, especially when undertaken at a continuing
financial loss, it should be stressed that Milford's main income comes
from tourism, and if the stink which has affected the village so badly
over the last few months continues through the coming tourist season,
this income could disappear. Once lost, it take a very long time
to build up a tourist industry again.
News for period to 19th April
2003
MILFORD STILL DENIED
BROADBAND FACILITY
BT seems to be taking
exercise in relation to affording Milford to use of the so advertised
Broadband access: it is apparently really enthusiastic in the art
of moving the goal posts.
In late September last
year the number of people required to register an interest in order to
have the local exchange adapted were 'approximately 40 residential and
10 commercial users'. In May last year connection was
promised in 'August' Come August, enquirers were told 'Ah,
November.' Again, come November, the date had been postponed to
January, when the new figures materialised. At present the requirement
appears to be between 250 and 300 people.
Why does the UK have
to be at the tail end of any up-dating in modern systems? Even the
smallest village in the US has broadband connection and the same goes
for France as well as many other countries.
An interest can be
registered with your own ISP server - not direct with BT.
The cost of using Broadband is two-thirds or so the cost of Sky
Satellite TV and of course, there's live sport on the internet as well!
Sounds a worthwhile project for the future anyway....
News for period to 12th April
2003
DRAMA ADVENTURE FOR
VILLAGE YOUNG
Some
young students from Winchester, members of the Village Voices group, are
engaged in a drama and documentary project in Milford. They are
building a website at the moment and when it is ready there will be a
link here.
Their
project is focussing on the lack of affordable housing in Milford for
local residents, and effect this is likely to have on the community in
the coming years.
At
the moment they are running drama workshops every Friday (4.30 pm - 6.00
pm), Saturday (1,30 pm - 3.30 pm) and Sunday (4.00 pm to 6.00 pm) in the
Guide Hut on Sea Road for 12 - 15 year olds. These sessions will
culminate in a Lantern Festival - a gathering of sorts - on the Village
Green on Friday 4th April at 7.30 pm. This will involve elements
of performance and presentation.
The
group would be very happy to have some help from volunteers among the
adults in Milford who are aware of the looming housing problem for the
younger people of the village. People who could take part in the
drama workshops would be particularly welcome.
Miss
Jacqui Keenan, on 07769 701281, would be happy to talk to anyone who
might be interested in helping.
MILFORD BURGLARY
A
property in Park Lane was burgled last week when a collection of
Matchbox model cars was taken, together with a porcelain candlestick.
Milford residents cannot be too careful in ensuring their properties are
locked and protected where possible against the greed and malice of
thieves. This advice applies to both houses and garages.
CHINESE WALKIE-TALKIE
Trekking
on the Great Wall of China will be described with words and pictures by
Sally Read who 'dunnit' in All Saints Church Hall on Thursday, 10th
April at 7.30 pm. Tickets at £5, in aid of the Alzheimers Society
are available at Gwen's or from Sally on 01590 642917 after 6.00 pm.
If you're really keen, just turn up at the door, when we're sure money
will talk!
NAUTICAL INCOMPETENCE
A group of four
people, in their 20s and 30s and therefore at an age to have acquired
some common sense left Yarmouth last week in an 18ft fishing boat.
A dangling rope wound itself round the propeller. Having lost
engine power the boat was battered by moderately rough seas on Hurst
Spit. Those on board panicked and jumped in to the waves without
life jackets, and were eventually helped ashore by members of the
public. The individuals who had been rescued were lucky as a fog
was coming in, and had they been lost in that, it would have been very
difficult to find them, if not impossible according to a local
coastguard. There were no life jackets on board and no means of calling
for help. The hapless mariners were taken by ambulance to
Lymington Hospital, where three of them were found to be suffering from
hypothermia.
SUCCESSFUL END OF
MONKEY BUSINESS IN MILFORD
Joe,
a pupil at Milford C of E Primary School, takes possession of his new
friend, Jacques, who he won in a competition to celebrate the 1st
Birthday of Maison. Nikki, partner in the business, looks
reluctant to say 'Au revoir' to her Monkey friend who has been living in
the shop for some time, waiting to be claimed by the lucky child who
named him. There were so many contestants that in the end the
winner was decided by pulling out the lucky ticket from all those
selected by the competitors, which belonged to Joe. Nikki's
son Cameron was heartbroken he hadn't been allowed to enter the
competition and was very sad to have to say good bye to Jacques.
On the other hand, Nikki's partner in the business, Jaq, was delighted
to find the giant Monkey was to share his name, if not its spelling!
MYSTERY CANISTERS
GIVEN ALL CLEAR
The mystery canisters
looking like lost thermos flasks washed up on Hurst Spit have been
declared safe, and apparently contained nothing - not even a toxic
nothing! However, if any more should be discovered, maybe it would
be an idea to drop them into the nearest bin.
News for period to 5th April
2003
DOGS TO COMPETE FOR
CHARITY
A
charity formed as a result of the newly established role for dogs -
helping those whose health can benefit by a 'companion dog' - will
benefit from a Dog Show to be run in Ashley Heath Country Park near
Ringwood. The charity is known as 'Pets as Therapy'.
The
dog show, first of its kind to be run in this area, will be held under
new Kennel Club Rules and replaces an exemption dog show. It is
being run by Margaret and Peter Kidby. There will be up to 10 classes
for pedigree dogs as well as obedience, handling and novelty classes.
There will also be a class covering Companion Dog Club animals.
For
further information ring show manager Barry Bull on 01202 820185,
MILFORD BOWLING CLUB
Milford-on-Sea
Bowling Club is looking for new Members. This Club has been in
existence for almost three score years and ten - in fact their 70th
Anniversary will be celebrated at the Club on Saturday 3rd May.
Before
that they are offering a 'taster' for newcomers which will
be held on Wednesday,
9th. April at 10.30 a.m. at the clubhouse. The 'taster' also
includes a Coffee Morning....well worth a visit to find out how things
go at a bowling club!
An
enthusiastic welcome awaits both experienced bowlers and those wishing
to become bowlers. Find out more about the Club! [ Click
here ]
ALL
CHANGE FOR MAJOR MERGER
Local
plans are almost complete regarding the merger of Milford-on-Sea &
New Milton. The change will become official as from October 1st 2003
when the two villages, recently excluded from the proposed National Park
of the New Forest, become one. This will allow a good deal more
development between the existing villages with the minimum of planning
permission.
This
rearrangement of local boundaries reflects the decision made in Brussels
that small is uneconomic. The Boundary Commission of England and Wales,
together with NFDC's enthusiastic initiative, are continuing the push to
become more efficient and at the same time reflect the wishes of local
communities.
NFDC spokesmen
have suggested the new name of ‘Milfton-on-Sea’. The name however
has not been well received in some quarters because of the physical
difficulty of getting the tongue round the combination of the letters
‘lft’ as a single sound. Consultation continues and the public are
invited to submit their own suggestions. In view of the time scale, this
is becoming a matter of urgency. (Byline
A. PRIL1ST)
News for period to 29th March
2003
END OF SEASON RESULTS
After an exciting
first season of competition, when lots of experience was gained, and
some success, the U7s and U8s of Milford are to be congratulated for
putting their heads down and pressing on in spite of meeting some
disappointments. The U7s went down 0-7 against BSC Grange and the
U8s scored 1 goal against the Greenfield Boys' 5.
Next season they will
be able to build on the lessons of this one, and they have the
enthusiastic backing of Milford in their venture into the Bournemouth
Youth League.
The Milford-on-Sea
Youth Football Club are now looking for new players. Obviously
they should be interested in football, they should not be members of any
other club playing in the Bournemouth Youth League, and they should be
in School Year 3.
WHITBY ROAD AREA
TARGETED BY GARAGE SNEAK THIEF
Two
garages in a block in Cornwallis Road have been broken into at separate
times in the past week. It is not yet known what has been stolen but
with another garage break-in only a couple of weeks ago in Whitby Road
it appears that someone is targeting the area. Please keep your garages
locked and improve security arrangements where they are lacking. Any
information which might lead to finding out who is the person
responsible can be given in confidence to PC Keith Mitchell via 0845
045 45 45.
HOTEL OWNER MUST CARRY
ON COMMUTING...
The present owner of
South Lawn Hotel has had to brace himself to his daily chore of
commuting from Lymington to Milford, instead of looking at the hotel
through the windows of his own house. Permission to erect a
dwelling in the grounds of the hotel has been denied. It would
have contravened Green Belt restrictions. The inspector, Mr. David
Jenkins, suggested Mr. Chahboune, the hotel owner, might consider buying
a property in Milford, or, alternatively, take over some of the hotel
rooms if the commuting from Lymington was too onerous.
ANY MORE
"KIPPER FLEET" VETERANS IN HAMPSHIRE/DORSET?
Three members of the
Milford Bowling Club have only just discovered that 50 years ago they
were all together serving in the Royal Air Force in Iwakuni, a few miles
from Hiroshima in Japan. During the period 1950/52 they were
working on Sunderland flying boats, and at the time there were only 35
RAF personnel in Japan. Amazing that three of them should end up,
fifty years later, regularly playing Bowls on Milford's sea front.
Derek Newland, Sam Randle and Jim Donaldson would love to find out
whether there are any more of these very particular veterans enjoying
their retirement in Hampshire or Dorset. Anyone who was at RAF
Iwakuni during that period should contact Derek on 01590 642134.
To find out more about
RAF Iwakuni and connections [ Click
here ]
DEFENCE OF AFFORDABLE
HOUSING
Tony Willcox, Chairman
of the Milford Parish Council stoutly defended the PC's intention to
ensure that there are houses in the village in which young first-time
buyers will be able to afford to live. At the same time he
emphasized that there are several possible sites in the village for
small developments of lower-priced houses which would fit well into the
overall social mix and appearance of Milford. He also insisted
that the possibility of using a Green Field site was right at the bottom
of the list and extremely unlikely to be called into use at this time.
Mr. Willcox has
promised to make sure that the subject appears on the Agenda at every PC
meeting, and invites the public to go along to the meetings so that they
can hear the truth about what is happening. Moreover, he invites
anyone who is especially interested in the field of low-cost housing to
volunteer as a candidate at the forthcoming elections.
CLUES IN MILFORD
MYSTERY MONKEY PUZZLE
Our roving reporter
has tracked down the monkey to his shelf. "Not a very
comfortable home," the monkey commented, "but I'm hoping for
great things when someone wins me by guessing my name next
Saturday."
The nameless animal
lives as near as is possible in Milford to be in France. He lives
in 'Maison', the shop that is 'Juste un petit peu différent',
right opposite The Green on the South Side.
The owners, Jaq and
Nikki, have special gifts organised for Mother's Day next weekend with
prices from as little as £2. In fact the range of goodies to
tempt the discriminating shopper is enormous. From choice pieces
of French country furniture to soft furnishings, Christening gifts and
home accessories, there is bound to be something for you.
Maison also has a
complimentary gift-wrapping service for smaller items and free local
delivery on the larger ones.
The poor up-till-now
nameless ape lives at 54 High Street, Milford-on-Sea - telephone
01590-644722, and you can email Jaq & Nikki at maisonuk@aol.com
Advertisment
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
LOCAL OYSTERS OFF THE
MENU
Because of toxic algae
invasion in local waters, oysters obtained from the Keyhaven River, from
Beaulieu, Pennington and Lymington have not been approved for
consumption since 3rd March. Fortunately the season finishes on
21st March, which will give the fishermen of the area a chance for their
oysters to recover and be retested. Crabs and lobsters are not
affected, and will be available for eating as soon as the 'R' disappears
from the month, in May.
MILFORD'S GARDENING
CLUB FLOURISHING
This very successful
sector of life in Milford has just had its sixth AGM, at which its
success as a fund raiser for charity was underlined with the
announcement that Thrive, Oakhaven Hospice and the local branch of the
MS Society have benefited between them to the gift of £2,270. The
great Plant Fair on the Village Green raise £900 of that!
There are 150 members
at the moment, and anyone keen to join will have to join a waiting list.
For more information, ring Liz Bickle on 01590 643949.
AMBIGUOUS GIFT FOR
MOTHER'S DAY?
A Mother's Day gift
suggestion in the local paper has caused much merriment among its
readers as the Woodland Burial Ground is having a special 'Mothers'
Weekend' for 29th and 30th March.
It is, in fact, a
burial place in a beautiful setting, especially in this dry sunny
weather. The reception area is warm, welcoming and very
attractive. Still, the idea of proposing to your mother that she
spends part of her special weekend visiting a cemetery is little
weird, n'est-ce pas?
DANGEROUS CANISTERS
DRIFT ON TO BEACHES
Silver aluminium
containers have been washed ashore on Hurst Spit and other nearby
beaches. They have screw tops and resemble thermos flasks, but are
filled with 'Dangerous Goods' - as the lettering on the containers
proclaims. The first one found was opened by the finder who became
quite giddy shortly afterwards. Investigation by Naval teams
subsequently found that some were empty, some part-filled, and the
public are seriously warned against handling the canisters. Any
which turn up on the beaches should be reported to the Police or
Coastguards as soon as possible.
Hurst Spit has been
host to unfriendly objects for a very long time, and recently the Royal
Navy's Bomb Squad was called in to investigate a hundred-year-old shell
found by a member of the public. Lymington Coastguards put a
cordon round the object, which turned out to be a solid shot shell used
for testing at the beginning of the 20th century.
News for period to 22nd March
2003
ECUMENICAL DAY OF
RECOLLECTION AT ST. DOMINIC'S PRIORY
Mrs. Florence Iles,
who runs a Bed & Breakfast house in Briantcroft, was inspired by a
visit to the nuns at St. Dominic's Priory for a day of prayer in
January, and was so impressed that during the Week of Prayer for Church
Unity, she thought it would be great to have an Ecumenical Day of Prayer
open to all the Churches in Milford. Members from all four
Churches caught her enthusiasm and on Friday 14th March a total of 37
people, men and women, arrived in beautiful sunshine to spend a day at
the Convent. The nuns had carefully prepared a day which they
hoped would suit the different persuasions, and the unashamed
expressions of approval and thanks at the end of the afternoon testified
to their success.
Everybody felt they
would be very happy to come again.
RUBBISH IN MILFORD
Anyone walking round
Milford these days cannot avoid seeing the considerable increase in
rubbish - mainly wrappers from sweets, drinks cans and junk food which
litter the verges, gutters and pavements. Some good citizens are
kind enough to pick up pieces, but cannot keep up with those who are
presumably accustomed to people waiting on them, clearing up after their
every move. One assumes this must be the case as they casually and
consistently drop the debris of their street eating.
Dirty bits of paper
and rusting cans add nothing to Milford's appearance and local
businesses do need the custom of visitors who are unlikely to choose
dirty places to spend their holidays and their money.
TACK THIEVES ON THE
PROWL AGAIN
Horse owners are
warned that thieves are back in the Forest area again. Premises
should be well secured and vigilance maintained. Anyone offered
tack at apparent amazing prices should be suspicious...
SPECIAL COFFEE MORNING
THIS SATURDAY
The Royal British
Legion Women's Section is having a special coffee morning from 9.45 am
to Noon on Saturday, 15th March, at the Village Hall. It is
being staged to produce funds for a County Purse Presentation at
Winchester in aid of The Welfare Fund. There'll be a Tombola, a
Raffle, Bric-a-Brac Stall and Cakes, plus a novelty stall called the
'You May Need It Stall'. Freda, especially, will look forward to
seeing you there!
CINEMA AUDIENCE
AFFLICTED WITH SUDDEN DEAFNESS!
A worrying moment took
cinema goers by surprise in the Centre Cinema run by Lymington Community
Centre last week. Thirty or so paying customers had visited the cinema
to watch 'Mrs. Caldecot's Cabbage War' and as the pictures flashed on to
the screen in total silence the cinema goers began to wonder whether
they had suddenly gone deaf. This uncomfortable feeling also smote
the projectionist!
Subsequent
investigation revealed that the large loudspeaker which normally lives
behind the screen had been stolen. There was no sign of a break
in, and the very large machine needed two men to lift it. It is
assumed the loudspeaker, which is 30 years old, 20 of them spent in the
Lymington Community Centre, was stolen in broad daylight.
The Centre director,
Keith Cromar, was trying to borrow disco equipment to replace the
cinema's old friend on a temporary basis. Any information
regarding the fate of the aged piece of non-hi-fi equipment should be
reported to Keith on 01590 672337.
In the meantime, this
large petty theft will have caused disappointment to quite a few people,
many of whom find it impossible to go to Southampton or Bournemouth to
see films.
COUNCIL TAX BILLS
THUMP ON THE DOOR MATS
Notification arrived
this week at properties in Milford with the joyous news that the
increases really are on the way, and pretty horrendous they are.
The NFDC has kept its
increase to 3.5%, but the staggering rise in the Parish Council payment
by 43.5% really does need some explanation.
According to all the
HCC spokespeople, it's all the Government's fault. Complain to
your MP even though he isn't, strictly speaking, the Government but it's
all grist to the mill! Contact Desmond Swayne MP [ here
]
E-mails requesting
information can be sent direct to the Milford-on-Sea Parish Council if
you [ Click here
]
News for period to 15th March
2003
SUPER LUXURY HOUSES
RISE CHEEK BY JOWL
The current
development of two big houses complete with garages that look big enough
for a Granny annexe in Barnes Lane is causing considerable interest
among people using the short cut to the side of Hillyfield.
Rumours are rife about the eventual price of these properties, at
present a figure of £900,000 being bandied around in tones of
amazement. Maybe such close juxtaposition might bring that sort of
price in a big city, but in a village? Being at the bottom of a
hill, the houses will be overlooked by other houses close-by and privacy
will not be one of the luxuries proposed buyers will find. The
development may eventually look like an enclave, or even a ghetto, with
big gates to keep out the hoi polloi, but one has to ask whether such
developments do much for the village.
The properties will,
of course, do quite a bit for the County administrators with the Council
Tax due on such grand houses!
NOT FAIR, SAYS
COUNCILLOR KENDAL
Councillor Mel Kendal
has taken up the cudgels on behalf of the NFDC and the refund the New
Forest gets from the Integra project - remember those enormous rubbish
collecting juggernauts?
The NFDC has invested
heavily in the collection of rubbish into recyclable piles, and is now
one of the top ten counties in recycling waste in the country, disposing
of more than a fifth of all its waste to recycling. At the moment,
all the money raised by selling the sorted rubbish is pooled, and 15% of
that is used to fund the Integra project, the balance used to fund
partnership projects. The partners are 11 district councils, two
unitary authorities and Hampshire County Council itself.
As the balance after
expenses appears to be divided equally, Mr. Kendal pointed out that this
was very unfair. Between January 2000 and September 2002 the NFDC
had raised almost £100,000 whereas one council had raised nothing at
all and others just a few hundred pounds. Councillor Kendal
proposed 'a revised funding regime', which he realised would take time
to put into effect. Neverthless, he went on 'If we start the
process now, matters should be concluded in time for budget planning
procedures for 2004/2005.' With that he expressed the hope that
everyone involved would see that approach as reasonable and sensible.
OFFER OF MUSICAL
SCHOLARSHIP
The Music at Beaulieu
Trust is offering a new and annual award to encourage young musicians in
their studies. This year it is proposed to put up £2,000.
Musicians who are
interested should send a letter giving details of their current levels
of attainment and how they would spend the award. The names of two
referees should be given, who would vouch for their musical experience.
Applications should
reach the Music at Beaulieu Trust, c/o Mrs. J. O'Hara, The Ropeway,
Palace Lane, Beaulieu SO42 7YG by 10th April. Candidates who make
the first stage will be asked to an interview, during which they will
perform music on their chosen instruments.
CLOSE MATCH FOR
MILFORD UNDER 7s
Milford's Under 7s
bravely put their last match behind them and took on Christchurch Youth
with great optimism and confidence. After a good start with a goal
from Toby Edwards followed by half-time with another from Jack Corbett.
In the second half Milford faltered a little, and Christchurch held
their nerve after scoring one goal and finished the game with two goals
scored in quick time, bringing the score to 3-2, a score which remained
unchanged to the end of the game.
MILFORD ARTIST TO BE
HUNG IN LONDON
Barbara Rousseau, a
member of Milford Art Group, took up painting four years ago, and has
achieved an impressive coup by getting four of her paintings accepted
for this year's London exhibition by the Society of Women Artists.
The Society's 142nd Annual Exhibition is currently being held at the
Westminster Gallery and will be open until 18th March.
Congratulations to
Barbara on her remarkable success.
News for period to 8th March
2003
MORE SILVER SURFERS
COME ON LINE
In a partnership
between Brockenhurst College and the NFDC, funded by the European Social
Fund and the Learning and Skills Council, hundreds of older people -
complete with silver hair! - attended classes to find out how to
use the Internet. The means to do so had been installed at
twenty-nine sheltered housing projects, and many of those who followed
the course are now enjoying its fruits and find themselves in touch with
family in many different parts of the world by e-mail.
KIVERNELL
REDEVELOPMENT PLANS MEET ANOTHER IMPASSE
Another blow was struck for
residents of Milford who are desperate to keep height levels of new
flats to two storeys when another planning inspector, Mr. Peter Watson,
turned down permission for the proposed three-storey ten apartment block
to take the place of Kivernell House.
It wasn't as big a blow as
opponents of the scheme would have liked, since the decision did not
turn on the matter of the height of the building, but on the scale,
which Mr. Watson considered would conflict with the size and design of
other detached houses in the road.
MILFORD CLUB MEMBERS
SURVIVE AND PRESS ON.....
It seems that apparent
disasters for the longer-serving members of the Milford Club has
stimulated their interest. After the ladies were finally allowed
to join 50 years after its founding in 1905, this year there are now
more lady members than gentlemen, a bit to their chagrin. The big
upside seems to be that committee meetings are definitely shorter and
crisper and that the male members are definitely making more effort with
their appearance!
The other disaster of
the year, which perhaps should be written in much smaller print, was the
result of the Pumpkin Competition, in which Milford were roundly
trounced by Everton, after several years of phenomenal success. At
a thoroughly enjoyable senior citizens' party an impressive cheque for
£600 was presented to Milford Hospital. The money was raised as a
result of the Pumpkin Competition and the cheque was presented by the
Club's Chairman, Trefor Lunn supported by its Secretary, Eddie Impey to
Dave Davies of the Friends of Milford Hospital.
.....BUT MILFORD
YOUNGSTERS SAY THEY'RE BORED
Nearly 80 teenagers
put their complaints to the Parish Council last Monday claiming there
wasn't anything to do in Milford and two spokespeople (?) for the group
suggested that a Youth Club would be just the thing. Councillors
thought about it but where to put it seemed to be the major problem.
The Council decided
instead to remind the young that there were the Sea Scouts, the football
team etc. that they could join. It might also be worth pointing out that
the Milford Tennis Club is now open to all, as is the Keyhaven Sailing
Club.
GOVERNMENT DECISION
FORCES SAVAGE COUNCIL TAX RISE
The effect of the
Government's decision to 'even out' incomes between the North and the
South has forced southern counties' tax bills to rise to astronomic
levels - a Band D house in the Forest (and just outside!) will now incur
a bill of over £1,000. In Milford a Band D house will now be
charged £1,090.
Under the new
regulations Hampshire will be short of funds to the tune of £48,000,000
over the next three years.
While the County
Leader, Ken Thorber, was attending a breakfast reunion at 10 Downing
Street - a reward for being among the councils who scored top marks in
the recent audit inspection - he intended to point out the unfairness of
the present arrangement on the people of Hampshire. At the very
least, Councillor Thorber is quoted as remarking that he hoped the Prime
Minister would recognise that raising tax for Hampshire people by 15%
when inflation was so low, would not be compounded by additional demands
for £15,000,000 in 2004/5 and a further £12,000,000 in 2005/6.
COUNCIL SEEKS ADOPTION
PANEL WORKERS
Hampshire County
Council is interested in hearing from people who would be willing to
serve on Fostering and Adoption Panel as independent members. They
are particularly interested in hearing from individuals from ethnic
groups, who are under-represented on these panels.
Councillor Felicity
Hindson says that such members 'play a key role in assisting children to
get the care and support they need as well as giving them a chance at a
new start in life'.
ANOTHER VILLAGE SHOP TRIES THE
MILFORD WEB
Brocante,
situated on the south side of Milford Village Green, both buys
and sells antiques and decorative pieces. If you are looking
for a special gift, or an unusual item to enhance your decor, this is
where to go!
A free verbal
valuation service is offered without obligation.
Brocante
is open from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm every day
except Wednesday and Sunday.
You will find this
delightful shop, which is happy to welcome browsers, at 58 High Street,
telephone 01590 644151.
PARISH COUNCIL
SUSPECTED OF SECRET DEAL
At a public meeting
last Monday rumours persisted that a secret deal had been made regarding
the development of land in the New Road area of Milford.
Tony Willcox insisted
that there was no such deal in the offing and that in fact no decisions
had been taken. He continued by explaining that there were ten
possible sites, with whose owners the NFDC were negotiating, but even
the local council, it appeared, were unaware of the whereabouts of the
sites and could only guess at them.
However, nothing the
Parish Council could say would allay the fears of Milford residents, and
it was agreed that the council would write to the New Lane landowner to
pass on the fears of local residents.
We await developments.
Oh, perhaps a different word should have been chosen...
MATTHEW PASSES OUT AT
DARTMOUTH
Milford-on-Sea's
Matthew Parker, who joined the Royal Navy after obtaining an Honours
Degree in French, has successfully passed out from Dartmouth's Britannia
Royal Naval College. Now a Sub-Lieutenant, Matthew has joined HMS
Ark Royal for further training.
Matthew was a very
keen dinghy sailor while also following other sports. For a time
he was Assistant Scout Leader with Milford and Keyhaven Sea Scouts, and
himself won the Queen's Scout Award.
WWDP DAY COMES ROUND
AGAIN
The Methodist Church
are hosting this year's Women's World Day of Prayer. This day is
designed and run by women, but open to all. The theme this year is
the Holy Spirit and has been put together by the women of Lebanon -
appropriate in a year where the Middle East is so much in focus.
Services in Milford will be held in the afternoon at 2.30 in the
Methodist Church, followed by tea, and in the evening at St. Mary's
Everton, at 7.30. Refreshments will follow in the Church Hall at
Everton.
MP TO ATTEND FAIRLY
TRADED BREAKFAST
At 8.30 am in All
Saints' Church Hall on Saturday 8th March a breakfast have been
organised at which Mr. Desmond Swayne will be present. Fairly
traded goods will be on sale until 10.30. Those wishing to come
and enjoy the occasion should telephone Liz Jennings on 642717 or sign
up on the list at the back of All Saints' Church. Children would
be most welcome.
MILFORD TROUNCE THE
DEXTERS
Milford's youngsters
picked themselves up and went into battle in the Bournemouth Under-8s
with courage and flair. Isaac Hobby's magic boot scored first
after which he and Oliver Chambers did some sterling work in defence.
Niall Gallagher scored for Milford before the half-time whistle. Full of
confidence with two goals on the scoreboard, Milford played well in the
second half, finishing the game with another goad from Isaac Hobby, who
was named player of the match.
The Under-7s are
gaining experience, and will learn survival from their latest match with
Bashley. We can only wish them good luck. (The
score was 12-1 in Bashley's favour)
KIVERNELL HOUSE SITE
FLATS APPEAL DRAGS ON
Yet again an Inspector
hears the pros and cons of erecting a block of flats on the site where
Kivernell House still stands. This is another strand in the
mish-mash of proposed developments on the site, which include
development of the existing building into flats, four houses and the
'Odeon cinema or Tesco supermarket' style of architecture, which is how
the block of flats is described.
This time, the
architects, Tanner & Tilley and the developers, Pennyfarthing, argue
that their plans are for an 'honest block of flats' as opposed to the
previous design, turned down by a different inspector on the grounds it
'mimicked' the existing house. Small alterations in the current
design were designed to go some way towards making the proposed block
invisible to any who might object.
The principle of
producing a block with three storeys appears to be at the basis of the
present argument. Mr. Brian Giles suggested there was some urgency
in getting the permission through before the restriction to two-storey
buildings came into being with the adoption of the Village Design
Statement.
It would seem, judging
by the current building going on in the village at the moment, that
plans for a few very large and expensive houses instead of a block of
flats, no matter how invisible that might be, would be much more likely
to find the planners smiling on them. We shall see....
News for period to 1st March
2003
DANNY HALL MILFORD'S
MAN OF THE MATCH
Cannon Colts, one-time league leaders,
gave Milford's brave young team a bit of a drubbing, but the scoreline
does something of an injustice to Milford who played with plenty of grit
and were unlucky not to have collected more goals. The Colts took
the match 7 - 1 but the Player of the Match was a Milford lad, Danny
Hall.
All best wishes in their next match -
just don't get discouraged: just mark your opponent and keep your eyes
on the ball!
News for period to 22nd
February 2003
MIGHTY MITES COME A
CROPPER
After the stunning
performance which whacked the boys from Boscombe Albion into the
following week, Milford's Seagulls came down to earth this time losing
to Greenfields in the Bournemouth Under Eights grouping, 2 goals to 5.
The score belies Milford's performance: individuals played well,
and Danny Hall scored one of the goals. The other was an
unfortunate own goal, which can happen to the best teams.
The winning team fielded a side of great defenders as well as scorers
and great work from their goalkeeper. Better luck next time to our
boys!
The Under-7s in the
same Bournemouth grouping had a very hard time against the mo re
experienced Lymington. May those in charge and their supporters
give them every encouragement to do better in their next match.
DON'T COPY THIS
PLEASE!
A letter in the local
paper paints a fearsome picture of a medical practice in the Wootton
area, where patients have been advised that it will no longer be
possible 'to book ahead for routine or non-urgent medical appointments.
Appointments of any nature can only be made on and for the same day.'
After working out the implications of such a procedure, one has to ask
whether the instigator of such a barmy idea needs to make a personal and
immediate appointment for a psychiatric consultation!
SPRING-CLEANING ON A
GRAND SCALE
Shops are closing here
and there along the High Street, but this doesn't mean they're all going
out of business! Jammy Dodgers is the latest of those advertising
a temporary closure for refurbishment. They will be open again,
bright and sparkling on the morning of Saturday 22nd February...looking
forward to seeing both regular and new customers!
16th February:
Since the above was published last week lots more notices have appeared
around the village - any minute now it's going to be spot the shops that
aren't refurbishing!
...AND SPREADS EVEN TO
THE HOUSES!
There is a recent
invention which has come to our area which could offer an old and sad
oven - of which many lurk in Milford kitchens - a new and wonderful
lease of life. This is not an advertisement which some company has
paid for: it is news, experienced by a member of our staff....or,
more accurately, her aged oven.
A firm called OVENU,
which has a website you will find by clicking on the name, also has
franchises, and our local one, Terry, can be contacted on 01590 681025.
He deals with all kinds of ovens and uses no caustic chemical to clean.
He doesn't wear rubber gloves, and the results are hardly short of
miraculous. Mrs. X was on the point of junking a perfectly good
oven when she heard about Terry, and for £50 - plus £3 to replace a
light bulb, she has saved hundreds of pounds.
LOTTERY LUCK FOR
MILFORD
While the Oakhaven
Hospice's affair with the Lottery met with a second rejection, Milford's
Primary School was presented with £3,474 to establish and after-school
basketball club. The ways of the Lottery are indeed mysterious,
but it'll be fun for the kids.
MILFORD
RESIDENTS STUNG BY BUZZ?
While some Milford
residents may be feeling aggrieved after booking cars and hotels through
Buzz at Bournemouth Airport since they are unlikely to receive
compensation from Ryanair, others who booked tickets only will have a
full refund of their money.
Such a pity the Buzz
venture came to grief, although one did have to wonder how they could
possibly afford to run an airline on such low prices, let alone keep the
planes in good mechanical condition. Still, there are lots of
attractively placed provincial airports to be used on the continent,
such as Bergerac, to which it appears to be impossible to fly unless by
private aircraft or charter. Maybe one day.......but for now the
more interesting destinations serviced by Ryanair appear to be catered
for from Stanstead - a long way from Milford-on-Sea!
U-TURN BY NEW FOREST
TORIES
After the Tories came
to power in the Forest on a 'get rid of parking' ticket, they are now
making plans to re-instate them. A system of 'clock' cards are
being considered, and will be on sale at £5 a month - which does sound
slightly better than £60 a year. Council Leader, Mel Kendal pointed out
that present car parking conditions were anomalous, and it was becoming
increasingly urgent to sort out the chaos caused by the number of cars
using Forest towns and village. Mr. Kendal said that consultation
had shown that the 'clock' system would be acceptable to the public at
large, but that nothing would happen until serious consideration had
taken place with each town and parish council regarding the relative
parking problems in their areas.
SERIOUS BEACH HUT
VANDALISM
Last night - Monday
10th February - a gang of apparently mindless individuals spent part of
their evening down by the beach huts. As a result of their
excursion, several beach huts were seriously damaged and their contents
strewn along the beach.
Any information should
be given to the police or Crimewatch, and will be treated in strictest
confidence. Telephone 0845 045 45 45, or 999 in an emergency, if you see
something out of the ordinary taking place .
MORE
INTEREST IN LOCAL POLITICS
Three years ago the
number of people involved in the local Parish Council was reduced from
12 to ten because so few people were prepared to stand for election.
Things have change!
I now looks as though, with more people putting their names forward, an
approach will be made to the NFDC to approve a move back to 12 members
from 1st May this year.
WHO'S GOING TO THE
BALL?
At Beaulieu this
evening there is a Valentine Ball and Promises Auction to raise money
for the new Milford Millenium Hall project, black tie and all at £40 a
head. This was briefly mentioned in the recent Parish Newsletter
without a mention of the date, and the only way Milford-on-Sea Online
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