Dozens celebrate unveiling of mural by Friends of New Milton Station and Milton Heritage Society, depicting history of town and its railway as part of nationwide Railway 200 festivities

Dozens of residents and dignitaries turned out for the unveiling of a special mural depicting the history of New Milton railway station.

There was music and cake, and whistles were handed out to children, during the event held at the station on Saturday as part of Railway 200 – nationwide celebrations marking the launch of the railways in 1825.

Conservation group the Friends of New Milton Station (FNMS) had hit upon the idea of covering four ugly concrete fence panels on the station’s main approach.

One of its volunteers, Nicky Judd, created the four-panel artwork as A4 images, which were then blown up onto vinyl panels by local company Sign Envy.

Supported by Milton Heritage Society, the mural includes text as it tells the story of how the arrival of the station created the town of New Milton.

Each panel represents a different era, from the building of the railway in the 1880s up to the present day.

Hosted by FNMS, the unveiling’s attendees included the mayor, town, district and county councillors, and representatives from South Western Railway and Community Network Rail.

The Sangrose Ensemble entertained the crowd as the New Milton Sands WI served cakes.

FNMS chair Mandy Hayes welcomed everyone and encouraged the children to practice their whistling.

Milton Heritage Society chairman Nick Saunders told the story of how the railway created New Milton.

There was more celebratory whistle blowing from youngsters as the mural was revealed by SWR safety and security director Jane Lupson, Mrs Hayes, SWR senior regional development manager Phil Dominey and Ms Judd.

Mrs Hayes said afterwards: “It's amazing what a small group of like-minded volunteers and local businesses can do if they put their mind to it!

“We now have a colourful mural brightening up the gateway to our town and celebrating our station and New Milton.”

She thanked local businesses for their donations which made the project a reality – Sign Envy, Mitchells Estate Agents, Pure Kitchens & Carpentry, Bashley Landscaping and The Tower Radio.

Praising the mural, Mr Saunders said: “The artist has done an impressive job in managing to incorporate so much of our local history into the paintings. The interpretive text adds historical context to each image.

“Not only has this created an important new local history exhibition at the railway station it also significantly contributes to enhancing the area around the station, turning it into a welcoming gateway to our town.”