Friends of New Milton Station celebrate community in second poetry competition
The Friends of New Milton Station welcomed Mayor David Rice-Mundy to the station waiting room on Tuesday 20 October, where he unveiled the judges’ five favourite poems from this year’s competition. Poets, judges and volunteers gathered to enjoy poetry and cake while making new community connections.
The competition attracted 22 entries exploring the many ways people understand community. The thought-provoking poems celebrated subjects ranging from New Milton, family, nature, and the station to the Wombles.
With no outright winner, the judges named five favourite poems:
- Feels Like Home by Lauren Morfett
- New Milton – Dig a Little Deeper by Danielle BW
- Our Community by Andrew Pavitt
- Our Community by Andrew Pavitt
- New Milton Wombles by Nikki Farbrother
- Ordinary by Louise Reeve
All 22 poems have been published by the Friends in a booklet supporting the renovation of the station buildings. Copies cost £3 and are available from the Friends’ website or Rumber Gift Shop at 43 Station Road, near the station.
The competition forms part of the Play on Words Festival, hosted by Artful Scribe from 22–28 October at venues across the area. Founded by two New Milton residents in 2018 and led by a steering group of local residents, writers and cultural organisations, this year’s festival celebrates local voices and the power of community across the New Forest.
The Mayor, who was also one of the judges, said: “What an exceptionally warm and joyful selection of poems—it was difficult to choose the top five. Each poem had so much character and heart. Well done, and thank you to all the poets.”
Mandy Hayes / info@newmilton.org.uk / 07552 834770