Harvest Service for New Forest Basics Bank
New Milton Town Council hosted a Civic Harvest Service at St Mary Magdalene Church on Sunday 28 September, in support of the New Forest Basics Bank, with the Milton Parish newly inducted Reverend Jon Westall conducting the service.
New Milton Town Mayor, Cllr Alvin Reid, welcomed the congregation to the Church Service, with a particular warm welcome to the award-winning Highcliffe Percussion Ensemble, and guest speaker, Deputy Chairman of New Forest Basics Bank, David da Cunha.
David da Cunha addressed the congregation highlighting the work of the charity in the southern part of the New Forest, managed by nearly 300 unpaid volunteers including eight trustees, supporting those in need. He also acknowledged the support of local agencies, New Forest Primary Care, Citizens Advice New Forest, Ashley Baptist Church, Step Up Safe Space, Christians against Poverty, and NFDC Housing support team.
In sharing some of the statistics of NFBB’s operations David said “Currently New Forest Basics Bank send out about 80 parcels per week, and in the 12 months between September 2024 and August 2025, we provided 4,459 parcels feeding 10,016 people.”
“To manage this service, we are entirely reliant on the generosity of our wonderful community, grants from local authorities, other charities, and generous friends. I thank everyone for their ongoing support”.
The congregation enjoyed the Highcliffe Percussion Ensemble’s outstanding performance during the service. The talent and dedication of the Highcliffe School students playing a variety of drums was a real treat. Many of the congregation were nodding their heads and tapping their feet to the rousing drum rhythms.
In addition to donating an array of food and toiletries, the generous congregation donated over £200 to the retiring collection for New Forest Basics Bank.
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