Supporting our community through local projects
New Milton Memorial Centre
The Partnership has recently adopted the Memorial Centre
as a key
project in line with the "Centre for the Communities" Project from the
original Town Action Plan - 2005 - 2015. Measures carried out by
The Management Committee and the Friends of the Centre have
substantially improved not only the centre, but also its operational
viability. Redevelopment of the Centre is a long term necessity
but further short-term improvements need to be carried out. The Partnership will work with the Centre to launch a major
fundraising campaign in early 2012.
Memorial Centre Web Site
Annual Events Programme
In conjunction with other local service and community organisations and the Town Council, the Town Partnership has developed a new web site to showcase the major events that will occur in New Milton in 2012. Major Events Web Site
Following the harsh weather at Christmas 2010, it was decided that there would be a lower key Christmas event on 2011, primarily focused on "Shopping in New Milton". The Partnership has agreed however to stage a major Christmas Event in 2012 - "The New Milton Christmas Bonanza" which will see the return of both outdoor events and activities and a Christmas Community Fair at The New Milton Memorial Centre.
New Milton Crafts 2011/2
In early 2011, the Town Partnership decided that there was a niche
opportunity to hold Craft 
Fairs in the local area, not only to raise
funds for the Partnership - but to try and put New Milton firmly on the
Craft Fair map and to encourage more visitors to our town. Three
events were held at The New Milton Memorial Centre in 2011 in May, July
and November and all three proved an enormous success. On average
over 1400 people attended these events. Stallholders were largely
Hampshire and Dorset based and visitors to the events came from far and
wide. The Partnership has decided to expand on these events and in
2012 four New Milton Crafts 2012 Events will be held.
New Milton Crafts Web Site
NewBiz - The New Milton Business Group
In late 2011 it was decided that the Partnership should establish a Business Group to provide a platform for the voice of local businesses and retailers in the Town to be heard. NewBiz - The Town Partnership Business Group was established and after a number of meetings, the group is now firmly established with a strong committee to take it forward. The Chairman of the group is Keith Ingram of Station Financial Ltd. Meetings are now held at various locations around the Town on the third Tuesday of each month from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm. New Milton Business Group Web Page
Silver Surfer's Events - Internet Appreciation Courses
As part of the Government initiatives - "Get Online Week" and "Digital
Unite" - the Town Partnership decided to run a series of Internet
Appreciation Courses in 
conjunction with The Arnewood Academy.
Targeted at the 50+ age group, these events were primarily for those
with little or no experience of computers and the internet. All of
the 8 sessions which were run during 2011 were heavily oversubscribed.
Further such courses will be held in 2012 and it is hoped that a regular
series of Courses can be organised using the facilities at The Memorial
Centre and using some PC's which have become surplus to requirements by
The New Milton Town Council.
The New Milton Street Markets
Concern has been expressed by residents over the quality of
the
current weekly market and by some retailers about a drop in revenues
experienced on market days. The Partnership is liaising with the
Town Council over these issues.
The monthly Farmers' Markets and the occasional Continental Markets organised by The Partnership continue to be generally successful and these will continue though 2012.
Young People - Apprenticeship Scheme
Work is currently underway by The Town Development Officer and members of the Executive Committee in conjunction with The Arnewood Academy - in respect of Apprenticeship Schemes. It is clear that there is a requirement and interest by local businesses to take on Apprentices, and from school leavers for such opportunities
The Partnership and Arnewood Academy are currently investigating how best to take this project forward. One idea currently on the table to expand on this area is to stage a "Jobs Fair" locally during the early part of 2012.
Parking in New Milton
A review of Off-Street and On-Street Car Parking is currently underway by The Town Partnership together with a comparison to other local towns such as Lymington, Ringwood and Christchurch. Numbers of spaces and costs of parking are being considered against the backdrop of footfall and performances of local retailers. Concern has also been expressed about the lack of information and signage about Car Parks in the Town, especially at the entrances to New Milton.
The Young Citizen of the Year Award.
Started in 2007, this award is run in partnership with the Rotary Club
of New Milton which provides the monetary prizes and pays for the
advertising. NMTP provides
the admin support, the shields and organises the event which is held at
the Town Partnership's AGM. There is a Junior and
Senior category
Signage for Visitors and Residents
It is recognised that there are some deficiencies in local signage to assist visitors and residents alike. There are inadequate signs for Car Parks and access routes from the town to the beach for example are poorly signposted, if at all. The Partnership is currently reviewing this and is considering the use of locally produced and crafted "Waymarkers" for access routes.
Car Boot Sales
The Patrnership will once again this year participate in the highly successful series of Car Boot Sales to raise funds for local projects. The Sales are held at Fawcetts Field and are open to the Public from 8:00 am until approximately 1:00 pm. Sellers can setup from 7:00 am
The Dates for 2012 are :-
Sunday 6th May / Sunday 10th June / Sunday 8th July and Sunday 2nd September
Supporting our community through local projects
