03/06/2026
Good Morning,
We’ve had quite a few customers asking why our benches are no longer on the Village Green, so I thought I’d explain.
During Covid, businesses overlooking the Green were given the opportunity to place up to three benches there so residents and visitors could enjoy food and drinks outdoors. At the time, only The Paddle and The Cave chose to invest in and provide benches.
Over the years we’ve loved seeing people use them. Although we bought and maintained our benches, we never saw them as “our” benches. We were always happy to see people enjoying food and drinks from any of the village businesses while sitting on them. To me, that’s what a village green is all about.
Following a review by the Parish Council, a new scheme was introduced involving allocated bench spaces and charges. While I completely appreciate that others may see it differently, I felt strongly that the Green should remain a shared community space and that any seating placed there should be available for everyone to enjoy.
For that reason, we chose not to take part in the new scheme.
However, I never wanted to see the benches disappear from the Green altogether. We’ve now gifted them to another participating trader so that residents and visitors can continue to enjoy them for years to come.
I genuinely wish all the businesses taking part every success this summer. Milford is a wonderful village and we’re lucky to have so many independent businesses working hard to make it a great place to live and visit.
I’ve always believed the Green is at its best when it brings people together, and I hope that’s something we can all continue to enjoy.
Donna
