'Every town needs an Alan' - New Milton stalwart honoured by town council

A COMMUNITY stalwart who has helped organise many events in the New Milton area over the years has been honoured by the town council.

Carnivals, concerts and fetes are among the calendar fixtures in which Alan Watson plays a significant role while juggling a variety of local responsibilities including being chairman of the local residents’ association and president of the RNLI’s New Milton & Barton branch.

Mr Watson was presented with a special recognition award at Monday’s full town council meeting, having been nominated by deputy mayor Cllr Alvin Reid.

“I think it’s recognised that every town, every parish and every district needs an Alan,” Cllr Reid said.

“Each of the organisations being staffed by volunteers who give all their time and effort I liken to an orchestra. Everyone is good at playing their instruments, but they need a conductor to keep them together – Alan is that conductor. I think this award is right and proper.”

Speaking of how his role as mayor had allowed him to find out the parts that various volunteers play in the community, Cllr David Rice-Mundy said Mr Watson was an individual who stood out.

“He makes our town much better to live in, for us and our children,” he said, telling Mr Watson: “I want to thank you for everything you have done for the town. It’s absolutely fantastic.”

Speaking of how honoured he was to receive the award, Mr Watson thanked all the volunteers and groups for their support over the years. These included fellow members of the New Milton Lions Club, on which he heads up the activities committee, and their president, John Alcock.

“In all my years of organising events, I have never come across a team more fantastic than the New Milton Lions Club,” he said.

Recent successful events in which Mr Watson played a significant part organising included two marking the centenary of Armistice Day. The first of these was a sold-out concert called Pack up Your Troubles at New Milton Memorial Centre on 3rd November.

The second saw hundreds of people flock to Barton clifftop for the area’s part in ‘Battle’s Over – A Nation’s Tribute’ on Remembrance Sunday evening.

A host of interactive displays of First World War vehicles, munitions and even food complemented a large uniformed parade and a beacon lighting timed to coincide with others being lit along the UK coastline.

Both events collected donations for three chosen charities – the Royal British Legion, SSAFA (previously known as the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s Families Association), and the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Mr Watson announced on Monday that a ceremony would soon take place, featuring “local celebrities” when nearly £4,500 will be handed to the charities. He described the sum as “a measure of all the support from the community”.

He added: “Finally, thanks to ‘er indoors’, my long-suffering wife Jean. This award is for all that support. Thanks very much for this award, which I shall treasure.”

Cllr Rice-Mundy announced a plaque would also be placed on a bench in the town to spread awareness of Mr Watson’s achievements.

The plaque reads: “Alan Watson – in recognition of arranging community events & inspiring others.”

The council also presented Mrs Watson with a floral arrangement.