Just fantastic!

Organised by the very dedicated team from Common Ground (New Forest) Trust, this was a wonderful day at Fawcetts Field, filled with modern music of all types from a rock choir to 70s disco funk! And, of course, our very own Rumer headlining during the afternoon. This was, quite simply, New Milton at its very best!

Estimates vary, but I would say there must have been at least 2,500 people on the site – and there was absolutely no trouble. We took in some of the acts in the dedicated Acoustic Tent, sponsored by the new Park Culture magazine publishers. Do watch out for a copy, it’s going to be a valuable guide to arts in the New Forest area.

The New Milton based Crescendi Choir performed an excellent set, including the premiere of Common Ground, specially written by Rachael Muller as a fund-raiser for the charity. My official task for the day was to introduce Rumer to the stage. She held the crowd spellbound for a little over an hour, culminating in an emotional performance of Goodbye Girl together with Crescendi.

A number of other acts appeared during the evening finishing with Groovemeister, who had hundreds dancing in front of the stage until the finish at 10pm.

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Following the Jubilee things have quietened down a little, allowing me time to breathe!

In the middle of June, a couple of engagements stand out:

• We spent a wonderful evening at the Memorial Hall for the John James Newman concert in support of Common Ground, dedicated to supporting arts for young people. Excellent support was added by our own Fabulous Four Ply and the Crescendi Pop Choir.
• A couple of days later found me at The Arnewood School at an early hour. This was for the launch of StreetSense, the Hampshire County Council campaign for road safety for young people.

On the 5^th July we attended the AGM of the New Forest Disability Information Service where our Deputy Mayor, Cllr Valya Schooling, spoke about her own experience of being Mayor last year. NFDIS is one of our town’s most important resources and they provide assistance to thousands of local residents.

On the 12^th July, we attended the Speech Day at Ballard School. During the event some of the students sang and played music – what very talented students they are.

Finally, on the 15^th July, we were delighted to be invited by the Mayor of Ringwood to watch the Pedal car GP with him and his wife. I can only describe the racing as “controlled mayhem”! A most enjoyable afternoon and I look forward to the return of the GP to New Milton in 2013.

What a busy time in the run up to Jubilee weekend, and the weekend itself!

On the 30^th May Betty and I attended the 1^st New Milton Cubs for their Heroes Awards evening. A number of well-deserving people received certificates of recognition from the Cubs, for work they have performed in the community. Among them was Cllr John Ward, who was instrumental in raising the funds to build the Scout Hut in Caird Avenue – this was extremely well deserved in my opinion.

The following day, 31^st May, we attended Sports Day at New Milton Junior School, where I was delighted to present the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals to the team captains. Later in the afternoon we went to Arnewood School where a commemorative tree was planted and we enjoyed a delightful tea prepared by the students, accompanied by some excellent music played by other students.

On the 1^st June, I was pleased to assist Station Financial: with their Diamond Jubilee Afternoon Tea and raffle in aid of Oakhaven Hospice.

During the Jubilee weekend, we attended the “Street Party on the Rec” on the Saturday, and the Bashley Jubilee Party in the Village Hall on the Monday. Both events were well attended and I offer my sincere thanks to all the unsung heroes who organised these. Also of note were the excellent musicians at the Street Party – one of the groups (Shrunk in the Wash) consisted of students in their last year at Brockenhurst College, all of whom are going on to study music at well-known establishments.

Town Mayor Cllr Neil Tungate and Students together with Robin Ede and John Evans from the Jubilee Committee.

A few weeks ago, Robin Ede of the Jubilee Committee came to our Finance Committee meeting to ask if the Town Council would be prepared to help provide a Diamond Jubilee commemorative item to each schoolchild in New Milton. The Council agreed to help with the funding and it was decided to produce bookmarks bearing the Town’s badge and a message commemorating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

It was with great pleasure that we welcomed representative students and staff from each of the town’s schools (Ashley Infants and Juniors, New Milton Infants and Juniors, Arnewood, Ballard and Durlston Court) to the Town hall on Thursday 24^th May. Robin Ede welcomed all those present and spoke a little about the Queen’s 60 years. We then distributed the bookmarks to the representatives, and I said a few words about books and the importance of reading.

The Jubilee Committee primarily hosts the biennial Pedal car race in New Milton but does, as in this case, also get involved in other projects. It is supported by the local Lions, Rotary and Round Table clubs.

This was a wonderful event, my first formal engagement since being elected Mayor.

Cllr Alan O'Sullivan presenting the chain of office

On a rather damp and misty evening last Friday 18^th May I was delighted to welcome my fellow councillors and representatives of other local authorities, charities, and local community groups, to the official investiture ceremony held at Fernhill Cricket Ground. Around 50 people attended, including our MP Desmond Swayne.

Unfortunately Cllr Valya Schooling, Mayor for last year, was unable to attend so the chain of office was presented by Cllr Alan O’Sullivan, her Deputy.

It was a very pleasant evening and I was pleased to meet a good number of people with whom I hope to work during the coming year.

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A torch competition is currently running for all children attending New Milton’s schools. Design and build your own torch, with a flame that is battery powered or simply a piece of fabric, its up to you! Bring it along to the Pageant of Sport on the Recreation Ground in Whitefield Road on Saturday 21^stJuly. If you wish to take part please enter your details on the form below and be ready with your torch at the Tennis Pavilion (near the courts) at 10.15am on the day. All participants will be lead around the Rec by the Town Mayor Councillor Neil Tungate, circling the display arena and signifying the start of the event. The winner will be chosen by the Mayor and attached to the events promotional vehicle for the day.

You are welcome to wear your sports kit and trainers if you wish to get into part!

For more information and regular updates please visit the New Milton Events website.

New Town Mayor - Cllr Neil Tungate

It is a great honour to be chosen by my colleagues to be Mayor of New Milton for the coming 2012/13 session. I have been a member of New Milton Town Council for some 17 years during which time I have held the post of Council Chairman in 2000/01 and have been Chairman of the Finance Committee for the past 10 years.

Back in 2000, the role of Chairman was very low-key compared with the current Mayoral role, and I would estimate that I probably attended six or seven events during that year. Today the Mayor is in great demand and attends several events every month, so it is as well that I have recently taken early retirement, giving me the time to give my full attention to the role.

My theme for the year will be “Arts and Sport” – New Milton is blessed with many excellent musicians, artists, actors and sports participants and I hope to be able to meet as many of you as possible.

I also look forward to meeting, during the coming year, many of the great people of our town who give their own time so freely in voluntary roles. Without our voluntary organisations, our town would be a much poorer place, and I salute all your efforts.

Results of this evenings Mayoral and Town Council committee election results are as follows:

The Town Mayor and Town Council Chairman for 2012/13 is Cllr Neil Tungate, with Valya Schooling as Vice Chairman / Deputy Mayor.

Committees: 

F&GP – Alan O’Sullivan (Chairman), Glyn Riley (Vice)
Amenities – Geoff Blunden (Chairman), Janette Duke (Vice)
Planning – Steve Clarke (Chairman), Valya Schooling (Vice)

Friday April 13th marked the opening of the long awaited play park at Long Meadow. After a consultation period with residents the proposals for a play park at Long Meadow plans were drawn up by New Milton Town Council, in partnership with New Forest District Council. The play park vision was realised earlier last month when residents gathered for the grand opening which featured BBC Radio Solent’s Julian Clegg who previously resided in Grove Road, opposite the meadow when he was younger.

After many months of hard work and addressing numerous questions from those members of the public who objected to the proposals which were equally countered by those in favour; it gave me great pleasure to witness the opening of the “Grove Play Area” in Long Meadow, Barton by Julian Clegg on Friday 13th April.

I have visited the facility daily since its opening and speaking with the parents and the children who are using it I am pleased to hear their voices expressing appreciation to the council for the facility and to notice the great pleasure and enjoyment they are deriving from the challenges the play ground presents to them.

- Cllr Goff Beck

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Wednesday 4th April 2012 marked the Annual Towns meeting where Cllr Mrs Valya Schooling, Town Mayor presented her annual report alongside the Chairmen of each committee.

Prior to the formal start of business the winner of the annual Citizen of the Year award was announced. The COTY award aims to recognise outstanding contributions to the community and each year the award is presented by the Town Mayor to a local community-spirited individual based on the following criteria:

• Someone who has shown service to the community
• Shown courage in overcoming/coping with disability and service to the community
• Demonstrated an act of bravery
• Shown a helping/caring attitude to someone disadvantaged

“It has been an honour and a pleasure to be Mayor and Chairman of the Council and I wish to thank my Councillor colleagues and Council staff for all their hard work and support throughout the past year. ” – Valya Schooling, Town Mayor

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