Friends of New Milton Station celebrate achievements amid judging for Stations in Bloom award

VOLUNTEERS celebrated efforts to make New Milton railway station a more welcoming place as it was judged for a Stations in Bloom award.

The Friends of New Milton Station (FNMS), led by Mandy Hayes, recently welcomed judge Derek Beer to assess not only the horticulture and sustainability of their work but also community involvement.

Derek was shown around the platform planters by New Milton Horticultural Society members.

They designed the scheme based on the town’s unique position ‘twixt forest & sea’, with planters on the north side representing the Forest and the south side, the sea.

Derek also spoke to many involved in improving the station, including New Milton Men’s Shed members who built the wooden planters.

Among others were New Milton Sands WI who maintain the FNMS bookshelf, and New Milton Residents’ Association whose grant paid for much of the planting.

The South Coast Model Railway Club is also creating a model of the station, while Tesco donated cold drinks and bedding plants.

As well as these, the Milton Heritage Society has helped with historical information for the station’s mural, created by artist Nicky Judd.

Inspired by NMRA chair Sue Larking’s suggestion it could be ‘a whole town project’, the FNMS has 23 volunteers who have worked 2,119 hours in the past year, and has over 150 supporters on its newsletter mailing list.

A proud Mandy told the A&T: “It's been a real team effort over many months to get the station looking so lovely.

“Sincere thanks to the volunteers and all the local organisations and businesses who have helped with this project.

“It really did show New Milton at its best.”

The Stations in Bloom results will be announced later this year.

For more information, or to sign up for the newsletter or make a donation, visit newmilton.org.uk