The
Association in its original form was established as long ago as 1905 -
and therefore is over 115 years old.
The first ever issue of Focus was published in January 1963 by the then Ratepayers' Association and it has now reached almost 700 issues.
Back in
1964, the then Editor of Focus encouraged an exchange of views on serious
subjects affecting the people of our area (e.g. over intensive
development, cliff erosion and car parking charges). Not surprisingly,
some of these subjects continue to be concerns for the Association.
Our Aims and Objectives
We will continue this year to work towards the same principles that have
successfully guided the Association over the last 115+ years :-
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To use our best endeavours within the constraints of existing legislation to protect the character of the town and the quality of its environment.
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To seek to ensure, with members' support, that any new development is compatible with that objective.
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To encourage the maintenance and improvement of local amenities.
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To promote care in the community and awareness of the needs of others.
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To provide a forum where members can express their views and concerns publicly.
Amongst the projects the Association is/has been involved in :-
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Participation in the Britain in Bloom Competition which helped New Milton achieve a Gold Award.
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Sponsorship of The Station, Town Centre and War Memorial floral displays.
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Sponsorship of the Wild Flower Meadow on the Lymington Road at it's junction with Station Road.
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Sponsorship of the Display Panels for the Milton Heritage Society's Displays in The Memorial Centre.
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Donated the Two "Gold Benches" on the Recreation Ground in honour of New Milton's Two Paralympic Gold Medallists - Alice Tai and Mikey Jones.
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NMRA are the Sponsor of the Christmas Lighting on the large tree outside of Boots.
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The Resident's Representatives on the New Milton Neighbourhood Plan Working Party.
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Regular contact with Hampshire Constabulary highlighting problem areas in the Town together with hosting of the Monthly 'Beat Surgeries' at The Town Hall.
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Regular contact with New Milton Town Council on issues relating to living, working, and playing in New Milton.
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N
In the
Past
Most of the time, the Association works silently in the background for
the benefits of all of the residents in the town
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One of the more public issues over the last 20 years or so, which the Association became closely involved in, was the issue of increased Gravel Extraction from Ashley Manor Farm on the A337. The Association and in particular its then Chairman - John Trott, was closely involved in the original public enquiry back in 1995 and again in 1998 during the second major enquiry. Subsequently and in some following years there were further negotiations and enquiries and we finally won our case to stop this over-development.
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In the past we made donations and replaced trees in different parts of the area, where they had either died or been damaged.
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The Association was involved in discussions and planning of some of the Cycle Ways in New Milton
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During recent years, the Association has donated 5 Benches, at the Recreation Ground; Brooke Avenue/Fernhill Lane; Outside the Town Hall; Caird Avenue and most recently at the Ballard Water Meadow.
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The Association was closely involved in the consultations about the Navitus Bay Wind Farm and successfully lodged strong objections alongside other local organisations which resulted in the Plans being shelved.
NMRA regularly supports local causes including the Poppy Appeal and
donations towards the Christmas Lights in the town each year. In the
recent past we have also donated £1,000 to provide equipment for our
local ambulance and donations were given to all three of our Local
Surgeries.
