Newly-formed friends group gets to work at New Milton railway station
NEW Milton railway station’s newly-formed friends group launched its weekly work parties, with improved seating and seasonal decorations among plans.
Twelve enthusiastic volunteers attended the first 11am Tuesday session run by the Friends of New Milton Station (FNMS).
The group recently became an official station adopter and was set up by its chair, Mandy Hayes, and fellow residents Julia Stamper and Val Sargeson.
Its aim is to “celebrate our station’s heritage and create a welcoming hub for passengers, community and nature”.
As well as coming up with future plans at the first meet-up, the group started work, including litter picking and deadheading of flowers.
The sessions will continue every Tuesday, weather permitting.
One of the first projects planned is to have seat pads made for the waiting room chairs to make them less cold and uncomfortable during the winter.
South Western Railway was also set to display posters designed by FNMS to promote the station and all aspects of the town. This includes its history and encouraging people to shop local.
Other ideas include decorations and events to celebrate Christmas and VE Day, as well as next year’s Railway 200 – the bicentennial of the birth of the modern railway.
It is also hoped a book swap shelf can be installed, a ladies’ ‘essentials’ box provided in the toilet, and floral displays put up for special occasions.
The group’s biggest project is the 10 large platform planters currently tended by the town council.
It is working with the New Milton Horticultural Society, which is designing a planting plan to reflect New Milton’s unique position ‘betwixt the Forest and the sea’.
Watering of the planters will continue to be carried out by the town council due to no water being available at the station.
A recent amenities committee meeting heard New Milton’s displays had been nominated in the Stations in Bloom awards.
Mandy Hayes will attend the ceremony in Sherborne on 16th October with the town council’s estates and facilities supervisor, Rob Stevens.
For more information, or to find out about volunteering, visit newmilton.org.uk and sign up for the FNMS newsletter.
