Art Group - March 2025 meeting

Pictures created by the Art Group at the March meeting. The theme was 'Sea Life'.

Craft Group - March 2025 meeting

Some pictures of the Slow Stitching, made at the March meeting.

SAS (Social Active Strollers) Friday 28th February, 2025

On the last Friday of each month, Debs Malone and Alison Fulton organise a short local walk, followed by a cuppa. This month, the walk started at the Kiosk at Hordle Cliff down towards the Needles Eye Cafe for a coffee and then back up again to Hordle Cliff. A stunning morning out, enjoyed by all!

Coffee Morning - Thursday 27th February, 2025

Today, a number of our Members wore odd socks at the coffee morning, to raise awareness of Huntington's Disease.

One of our lovely ladies, who has this disease, has recently agreed to be an Ambassador for this charity and we are supporting her in every way we can, in this important role.

Please see the attached link for further information:

https://www.hda.org.uk/information-and-support/huntingtons-disease/what-is-huntingtons-disease/

Craft Meeting - February 2025

What amazing skills our Craft Group has! Here they are, having made button flower pots.

Brockenhurst Christmas Show 2024

We had a total of 24 items entered from our WI.

Marion was awarded 'First Placed' for her cross stitch Skandi Gnomes; all the other ladies received a flurry of stars. Well done to all who entered and here's a selection of their work.

The Salterns Group Christmas Carol Service

Tuesday 3 December at St Thomas' Church - 5pm.

This was a very special evening set in a beautiful church - the perfect way to start feeling the Christmas spirit! Also an opportunity for everyone to see our Christmas Tree, decorated with all the lovely ornaments made at the November meeting.  

Refreshments were served after the service.

A representative from Oakhaven gave a brief talk about the care they offer to residents and families and was presented with a cheque for £100 from our WI along with donations from the other WI's in the Salterns Group.

Making of Christmas Decorations at our monthly meeting - Wednesday 13th November, 2024

Everyone had a super time making the Christmas decorations for the Christmas Tree Festival in St Thomas' Church, Lymington. 

The winning team (each with their Chocolate Oranges) produced the best Christmas Tree Decorations of all, at the meeting. Well done Ladies! 🎄

Craft Group and Christmas Cards made - 12th November, 2024

Friday 8th November, 2024

A great evening playing skittles at The Huntsman in Brockenhurst! 

November 2024

Oh so cute ...a group of felt mice!

Four ladies from the knit & natter group (with Jacqui there as a guest), got together to create these most wonderful white mice. Such talent x

Poppies on our Village Green - October 2024

These were knitted or crochet by members of our Knit & Natter group that meet twice a month to knit, crochet, natter and eat cake - a lovely group of ladies all supporting each other and having fun. 

Awards for the New Forest Show 2024

Helen received the award for coming 3rd in the Food Co-Operative 'beach bag picnic for two' category and Margaret for 3rd joint place with Barton Bees for the Craft Co-Operative 'I do like to be beside the seaside' category. Well done to all involved!

Visit to Marchwood Household Waste Recycling Plant

Wednesday 9th October 2024

Sue Towndrow organised an absolutely fabulous trip for 10 ladies to have a tour of the Marchwood Recycling Plant. It was fascinating to learn how our black bags arrive at this plant, (from a central depot in Lymington) are then incinerated and the electricity generated, sold back to the grid! A tour that really everyone should go on, so with any luck we'll get another group there next year. 

Craft Group making lavender bags for the First Friday Lunch in December



Wednesday 2nd October, 2024

Talk by Charlie Dimmock - Salterns Group - hosted & paid for, by Hordle WI

Despite some technological issues, Charlie gave an absolutely brilliant talk to the Salterns Group. She talked about 'Ponds' - her passion in any garden and how to build a pond, the plants to select and also fish (if required). The talk was very informative whilst also humorous and she also talked about some of her 'experiences' whilst filming with Tommy Walsh and Alan Titchmarsh for Ground Force; a TV programme that ran from 1997 and 2005.

Pennington WI Group provided a superb array of cakes, served with tea, all in China cups and saucers! A huge thank you to them.

Macmillan Cake & Produce Sale: Friday 20 September 2024

A joint venture between Boots the Chemist and ourselves, was held on the village green, between 9am and 12pm. A stall was set up and lots of our members baked some wonderful cakes and biscuits and also made chutneys and jams.  Boots organised a tombola with some fabulous prizes. Sales went very well (who doesn’t love a WI homemade cake!) and in total, £650.00 was donated to Macmillan with £322.00 coming from the sale of WI cakes, biscuits, chutney and jams.

Walk: Wednesday September 18th, 2024

Jill and Lindy led a wonderful walk, from Ashurst to Beaulieu Road and back - some 5 miles in total. The weather was perfect and the route thoroughly enjoyable. Great views, company and conversation. Well done to Jill and Lindy!

Bring and Share Lunch - Wednesday August 7th, 2024

Linda, who runs the second Food and Produce Group, had a wonderful get together and with some amazing food to enjoy!

New Forest Show - how did we do????

After months of hard work, the results are in:

* Helen Howells came 2nd in the summer cordial category.

* Jan Gibbs came 2nd and Marion Webb came 3rd in the knitted/crochet mermaid category - photograph attached.

* Ginny Campbell came 2nd in the photography category.

* Veronica Crowley came 3rd in the postcard category.

* The food co-operative came 3rd in the 'beach bag picnic for two' category - photograph attached.

* The craft co-operative came joint 3rd with Barton Bees WI in the 'I do like to be beside the seaside' category - photograph attached.

A special thanks to all the ladies who volunteered to steward the exhibition for the three days and also to Helen who did an amazing job in coordinating the entries and arranging the stewards. 

The New Forest Show WI Committee thanked Milford on Sea ladies and said that without the huge support of stewarding provided, the exhibition would not run as smoothly as it does.  Well done to all involved!

Bring and Share Lunch - Wednesday 3rd July 2024

Our two Food and Produce Groups got together to have a thoroughly enjoyable buffet lunch. Everyone brought along along a dish and we ended up with such an amazing spread. Prosecco was poured and the rain outside was forgotten about!! Thank you to Helen for hosting this event again at her house - tables in her kitchen worked out just great and everyone had a fabulous time.

Quilt made by Patchwork Group for donation to Oakhaven Hospice

What an amazing achievement from our Patchwork Group! Huge thanks to all of you for your time and creative abilities in creating such a wonderful quilt.

Annual Tea Party - Wednesday 10th July 2024

South Lawn Hotel

A wonderful afternoon tea consisting of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream and an array of individual cakes, was thoroughly enjoyed by our ladies.

Due to the quantity of food supplied by the hotel, many took home cakes for their friends/partners, which I'm sure were gratefully received! 😁😋

Milford on Sea Village Show - Saturday 6th July 2024

Huge thanks must go to Veronica Crowley and Di Cobbett for volunteering to bring this show back to the village, after so many years. Also to all members of the Village Show Committee (in picture below), especially Carol and Wendy who served tea and cakes, Carolyn and her helpers; Mary Jane and Diane, for running a fantastic raffle, the 18 ladies who made cakes and of course to Cheryl who was a steward. Finally, thanks to all that entered the show...there wouldn't have been one without you.

Am amazing day and just incredible to see the range of skills we have within our W.I. Whether it's painting, floral arrangements, baking, home grown produce, crochet, sea glass pictures etc...they are so very talented!!

Walk on the Isle of Wight - Wednesday 19th June, 2024

Huge thanks must go to Kath for organising a superb walk on the island. Once off the ferry in Yarmouth, we all boarded the bus to take us to Colwell Bay. Most got off there, whilst others chose to stay on and continue to Alum Bay. There they enjoyed a cuppa whilst waiting for the rest of the group to join them.

Sandwiches were enjoyed on the top of Tennyson Down and then tea and cake or ice creams, ended the day in style at Off The Rails - a cafe very close to the ferry terminal.

Everyone had a most enjoyable day. Lots of good times and the weather was just perfect too!

Oakhaven Sponsored Walk - Saturday 18th May, 2024

Eleven of our members and two friends helped Oakhaven to raise an amazing £90,000 and donations are still being received!

Some walked from Mudeford (13m), whilst others started at Barton (8m) and also Milford (4.5m). Tremendous achievement by all involved. 👏👏👏

Day Outing to Arundel Castle and their Tulip Festival

Thursday 18th April, 2024

What a wonderful day was had! The sun shone for some 41 members who joined this day outing. Tracy organised the event, liaising with the Castle and sourcing a coach (paid for by the WI). The entry fee of £25pp gave entrance to the Castle and the Grounds, where over 100,000 tulips were on display! Unfortunately the tulips had come out a lot earlier than expected (because of the weather) but there were still lots to see. Tracy is working on another trip somewhere for early September.

Walking Group - Wednesday 17th April, 2024

Again Kath organised a fabulous walk but this time, from Boltens Bench in Lyndhurst. 5m. It was surprisingly dry underfoot and as a bonus we met a Ranger who was assessing overhanging branches on the cycle paths.

If only he was in charge of pot holes! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Walking Group - Wednesday 20th March, 2024

Kath organised a 4.5m walk starting at Bolderwood Car Park. It was mostly on gravel paths due to all the rain we've had. Flasks were taken and a steaming cuppa was enjoyed by all at the end.

Walking Group - Wednesday December 20th, 2023

A bracing walk was had, from Highcliffe car park to Steamer Point.

Many thanks to Kath for organising this.

Food & Produce Christmas Lunch at Ray's Italian, Milford On Sea

Wednesday 6th December, 2023

A wonderful lunch was had, with 26 ladies present. Both groups came together to enjoy good food and lots of chat.

Magical Milford at Christmas 2023

Once again, we were happy to make a donation to this wonderful event on the village green. This year we sponsored a garland and added a tag, wishing everyone a Happy Christmas. 

Walking Group - Wednesday 15th November 2023

16 ladies, joined forces with some walkers from the Sway W.I Group. The day turned out to be a perfect sunny and dry autumnal day (a real bonus just at the moment!) and a great walk was had. The walk started in Sway, was around 4 miles and ended at The Forest Deli - a cafe in Sway.

The whole event was planned and run by Lydia, a joint member of both W.I's.

Huge thanks to Lydia for organising such a lovely walk.

Social Outing to Exbury Gardens - Friday 6th October, 2023

25 members thoroughly enjoyed a day out at Exbury Gardens. Theo, our guide, provided a historical insight in to The De Rothschild family and how they created the magnificent gardens of today. The hour and a half tour included a visit to The Gallery where they had an exhibit of Nerines. There were 1,000 cultivars on show, many of which are displayed at Exbury each autumn. In bright light the petals appear to sparkle silver or gold. The display was just out of this world. The group were also permitted to go 'behind the scenes' in to the working area, where these beautiful plants are grown. Before leaving, some of the group enjoyed the steam train through the gardens.

Food and Produce "Bring and Share" Luncheon

Wednesday 16th August, 2023

9 ladies, from Linda's Food and Produce Group, gathered together in her garden, to enjoy their "Bring and Share" lunch. Wonderful sunny weather was had and of course, fabulous food!

Food and Produce "Bring and Share" Luncheon

Wednesday 2nd August, 2023

21 ladies, from Tracy's Food and Produce Group, had a most wonderful lunch at the Milford and South Hants Members Club. Prosecco and canapés were served, followed by a sumptuous buffet and an array of desserts (all items provided by the group). Tracy has run this group for 4 years and is now handing it over to Helen Howells and Di Cobbett.

A celebration indeed!

"Milford Celebrates" - Monday 8th May, 2023 on the Village Green

The lovely ladies from Milford on Sea WI have been out decorating the green for "Milford Celebrates" - including some new flowers and a crown for the post box!

Presentation to Olivia Inspires (our charity): Wednesday May 3rd, 2023

Di presented a cheque for £2500 to Paula and Nigel at the Annual Meeting on May 3rd. They were absolutely thrilled and spoke of the many projects they have been able to contribute to, over the last year. The money raised by our WI would, they said, enable them to continue to make a difference.

Trip to Sculpture by the Lakes, Dorset

Wednesday 26th April, 2023

A fabulous day out arranged initially by June Borley and then Carolyn Harbridge.

17 members visited The Sculpture Park, which has 120 pieces of sculpture to view, local produce to buy in The Pantry, gifts and goodies in The Store and exhibition pieces to see in The Gallery. Well worth going and some stunning pieces (all of which were for sale!). Coffee enjoyed at 11am, followed by a super lunch at 1.30pm.

Walk: Wednesday 19th April, 2023

Tracy Haupt led a 6.5 mile walk from Anderwood car park, on what turned out to be a glorious day 😎. Six members joined her, with all enjoying the company, conversation and easy going paths. A stop at Smoky Hole with KitKats / Orange Club's were of course an added bonus, courtesy of Tracy!

Many thanks to Sue Townsend and Anne Haigh for driving everyone there.

Christmas Drama Group: Wednesday 14th December, 2022

An outstanding production, led by Maureen Askin. Thanks to all those who participated and especially to Joanne Hope who had to step in at the last moment in three different sketches!

Well done to all. So funny and superbly arranged.

Food & Produce Group Christmas Lunch - Wednesday 7th December, 2022

The Lazy Lion Pub, Milford on Sea

25 ladies from the Group had a most wonderful 2 course lunch, at The Lazy Lion. There was a great atmosphere (so much chatter!! 🤣🤣) and delightful food produced and served. Well done to all staff at the pub.

WI Walk: Wednesday 16th November, 2022

Despite the rain over the previous few days, 10 members joined Tracy Haupt, who led a 6m walk from Boltens Bench, Lyndhurst. A very enjoyable walk through Denny Wood and Pondhead Inclosure and so lucky with the weather. Fabulous colours along the way and a refreshment stop with KitKats, courtesy of Kath!

Christmas Cards for sale: courtesy of the Craft Group

Margaret Snelgar and 14 other ladies in the Craft Group made a number of Christmas cards, all for sale with proceeds going to our charity; Olivia Inspires.

They will also be available at the First Friday Lunch on 2nd December 2022.

Group Walk with Ranger: Wednesday 19th October, 2022

11 ladies joined Steve to enjoy a 6m walk from Cadnam Cricket Ground. We were shown parts of the forest, not explored before, with wonderful sightings of various fungi.Thank you to Kath for organising it (and for the KitKats too!😁🤣🤣) 

Group Tea - October 5th, 2022

Approx 60 people attended this event. It was a fabulous session with everyone enjoying the selection of home made cakes (mostly supplied by members of the Food and Produce Group) and a Race Day run by Beryl Odbert.

23 of Milford’s ladies helped to make cakes, lay up tables, serve, clear away or wash up, plus another 14 paid to attend the event. Excess cakes were sold at the end of the event, raising £35 for our charity; Olivia Inspires.

New Forest Walk - 20th July, 2022

Minstead

10 ladies joined the walk, led by Jill Reid, from Minstead (as Kath had Covid).

Great time was had, as always.

Afternoon Tea - Barton on Sea Golf Club

Wednesday July 13th, 2022

A wonderful afternoon was had at Barton on Sea Golf Club. Stunning views across the golf course, sun shining and an excellent platter of sandwiches, cakes, scone and jam per person, served to 52 ladies. Lots of chatter and good times had, plus the chance to meet Paula and Nigel Burt who joined us for the afternoon tea and said a few words about our new charity; Olivia Inspires.

Group photo below and then the Committee in all their glory! 😁🤣🤣🤣🤣

Craft Group - Tuesday 12th July, 2022

Margaret Snelgar (Group Leader) had a lovely time with the group this morning, making fabric flowers. Some were made into hair ties, (Anne and Di left sporting theirs!), Margaret hot glued a couple onto hair ties, others to be used to adorn clothing. There are so many different uses for these lovely little flowers.

Gins Farm Group Lunch: Monday 27th June, 2022

Lunch at Gins Farm was most enjoyable...22 ladies joined the Salterns group of local WI's in a beautiful location on the Beaulieu River and in glorious sunshine 😎

Platinum Jubilee Planter - Village Green - Wednesday 1st June, 2022

Nine ladies came together on the 1st June to add plants to a recently purchased planter, donated for the Jubilee celebrations. A mixture of lavender, begonias and geraniums were added to the self watering planter.

Colwell to Yarmouth - Wednesday 18th May, 2022

12 intrepid ladies put their lives in the hands of Kath Brookes, on this Isle of Wight 8m walk. They set out from Colwell Bay to Totland, avoiding the waves crashing onto the sea wall. Then up to Headon Down for glorious views of Hurst Castle and Milford. They then walked downhill to Alum Bay and then onwards and upwards to the Tennyson Monument. After a good rest and a packed lunch, the 13 ladies descended to Freshwater passing beautiful purple wild orchids.

Sitting outside in the sun, they enjoyed tea and cake/scones and of course, clotted cream! Everyone continued walking back to Yarmouth for the ferry home. An amazing day - great company - wonderful scenery and yes! 8.3m in total. Well done to all and huge thanks to Kath for organising the route.

Zumba session at our Annual Meeting!

4th May, 2022, 7pm

After our Annual Meeting, members were treated to a Zumba session, courtesy of Karrina. Many ladies took to the floor and followed along, swirling their hips and having a fun time.

Basics Bank - stall on green - Easter Saturday - 16th April

9am - 12pm.

25 bags of groceries were received and £163 donated.

Thanks to everyone who contributed by helping to set up the gazebo, meeting and greeting donors and those who gave produce and cash. A brilliant effort.

Oakhaven Bunny Walk - 14th April, 2022.

About 20 members donned their bunny ears to complete a 3km walk.

They collected £200 in the tins whilst walking and along with the fee, for doing the walk, plus the raffle at the last meeting, a total of £500 was raised for Oakhaven.   

Great time was had by all and didn't they look sensational in their bunny ears?!

Guided walk in the New Forest - Thursday April 7th, 2022

Whitefield Moor Car Park

Kath Brookes arranged a fabulous Easter walk today. 16 members attended and despite it being extremely windy, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the walk (of just under 4 miles), hearing lots of interesting information courtesy of Steve Adams, our Ranger. Looks like there was a welcome snack break too along the way...😁😁😁😁

New Forest Walk - Tuesday 29th March 2022

Tracy led a 6 mile, 2 hour walk from Millyford Bridge (near Emery Down), visiting the Portuguese Fireplace and the Knighthood Oak on route. It stayed dry until the very end and the event was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

104th birthday meeting!

Wednesday 9th February, 2022. 7pm, Village Community Centre

Prosecco and an evening of bingo were the order of the day, to celebrate Milford on Sea's W.I running for 104 years. An incredible achievement and one to be celebrated. 56 members and 3 visitors attended the evening and had an amazing time. Such fun was had playing bingo and the silence deafening, as the anticipation of winning was felt amongst the audience. Thanks to Veronica Silander for being our 'bingo master' - a superb evening and a wonderful way to celebrate our birthday.

Walk in the New Forest - Hawkhill Car Park - Wednesday 9th February 2022

Led by Tracy Haupt

Nine members thoroughly enjoyed a walk, just under 6 miles, from Hawkhill Car Park. It was a lovely sunny day and midway Kath surprised us all with the 'customary Kit Kat!'. Varying terrain was walked and despite returning to our cars with some mud on our boots, the walk was a great success.

Drama music and entertainment at our December monthly meeting!

Cicely gave an opening speech for the drama, which some ladies may not have heard completely, so we decided to add here:

There is no pantomime this year

I'm sure that's not what you want to hear

But lockdown really wasn't good

For Cinders and Red Riding Hood.

Her grandma couldn't have a chat..

Social distancing put paid to that.

The ugly sisters couldn't call

In shops for dresses for the Ball.

The dame couldn't make a tasty pavlova ...

Her sugar was stuck in a van down in Dover.

As theatres closed, there were no chairs

For Goldilocks and her three bears.

And Sleeping Beauty!, Well may you ask

What a kiss feels like without a mask!?

The Wicked Queen had to isolate

And her poisoned apple passed its sell-by date!

Dick Whittington's cat had to work from home

And those wretched rats were free to roam.

Alice found all flights were banned

And she couldn't get back from Wonderland

She searched in vain through her Looking Glass

To try and find a Covid pass.

And Snow White couldn't find a cab

To take her dwarfs for their Covid jab.

A golden egg no-one could get

They weren't available on the internet!

Jack's beans wilted in the soil

And then my friends to cap it all

Aladdin's lamp ran out of oil!!

But don't despair just stay right there

And our cast will serve up some festive fare....

The event was excellent, with much laughter and enthusiastic audience participation, especially during The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Jan Gibbs presented Maureen with a lovely gift and other gifts were given to those who had helped to produce the event.

First Friday Lunch - Friday December 3rd, 2022. 1pm at the VCC

This was a huge success thanks to the hard work of the members. 80 people were served, £130 taken on the craft stall (huge thanks to Margaret for organising this) and £190 on the raffle (many thanks to Linda Byrne and Cheryl Moreton!). Overall a profit of £773.50 was made and this will be donated to the local group of the MND charity.

Food and Produce Group - Wednesday 1st December

Napkin folding demonstration

What a fun afternoon was had when Tracy demonstrated a number of napkin folds, perfect for your Christmas table.

The Candle, Fan, Crown, Christmas Flame, Lilly basket, Elf Shoe, Christmas Tree and Fleur-de-Lys. Members of the group also received a step by step guide to making the folds, so they can practice at home!!

Food and Produce Group - Wednesday 3rd November, 2021

Icing a Christmas Cake - demonstration, plus the making of Snowmen!

Kate Wall, our guest speaker, took us through the icing of a Christmas Cake, offering "tips for success" along the way. This was followed by her making a snowman which we all had a go at too. What a fun afternoon we had and at the end of the session, we all took our snowmen home for their place on our very own Christmas cake. Thanks to Kate - a really great session enjoyed by all.

Guided walk in the New Forest - Wednesday October 13th, 2021

Shatterford Car Park

Kath Brookes arranged another fabulous walk for our ladies today. 17 members attended a walk of 3 miles, with lots of interesting information courtesy of Steve, our Ranger.

Macmillan fundraiser: Friday 24th September 2021

Big Coffee Morning - Boots, Milford on Sea

At this wonderful fundraising event, with a barber shop quartet, an acoustic quartet, raffle and "Brave the Shave"....our W.I ladies made an array of cakes and preserves to sell. They raised £440 in just 4 hours!! A huge thank you to all that made them and also of course, to those who bought them.

Walk beside The Itchen River: Eastleigh to Winchester

9th September, 2021

After watching Chris Packham's programme "The Walk That Made Me", 10 ladies decided to follow in his footsteps.

Train to Eastleigh and from there a 9 mile walk, ending at Winchester railway station. A lunch stop at The Bridge Pub in Shawford and a cuppa plus slice of homemade cake, at St Cross Hospital.

Fabulous walk, lovely scenery alongside the river and with our tour guide; Fiona Stewart-Cox giving us snippets of history as we progressed!

Huge thanks to Kath Brookes for organising this walk. Her timings were on point all day long!

St Cross Hospital - a fabulous setting. They offer tours, so possibly somewhere we'll return next year.

Cream Tea at Acres Down Farm

Wednesday 1st September, 2021 - 2.30pm

16 ladies from the Food and Produce Group had their monthly meet up at this farm cafe.  A wonderful afternoon was had, enjoying 2 scones per person, served with two jams; apricot and raspberry and heaps of cream plus a slice of homemade cake (6 options to choose from!). Of course a large pot of tea too. £6.80 was the charge - can you believe it?



Afternoon Tea at South Lawn Hotel

Wednesday 14th July, 2021 - 3pm

Our first get together as a large group (52 members) to enjoy a glass of Prosecco on arrival / soft drink, followed by scones, jam and cream, tea or coffee.

Everyone had a fabulous time seeing so many faces they hadn't seen for so long.

Of course Covid restrictions were adhered to, so once inside the marquee, circulation amongst tables was not permitted. 

A raffle was drawn, with amazing prizes having been donated by local businesses. This raised £294 for our chosen charity; the local New Forest Motor Nerone Disease support branch.

Dick Whittington Panto: 2019

Writer: Maureen Askin, Set Design: Gillian Keys, Cast: Milford on Sea Drama Group

WI Ladies 

Emergency First Aid Awareness Course: November 2019 

May Fayre Event. 2019

Happy cake sellers!

A walk with Steve Adams; Ranger.

The New Forest: 20th March 2019

Happy WI Gardeners in 2019.

Look out Monty Don!

Woolly Spiders Webs