THE founder of a world-famous motorcycle museum will be given the freedom of New Milton.

Sammy Miller will be recognised with the freedom of the town on September 25 with a presentation at the town hall and a reception at his museum – the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum.

He spoke of his history of the town, moving first to the area in the winter of 1964 when he left the Ariel factory as works rider and designer to join the Spanish Bultaco factory.

“The Rickman Brothers were the UK importer of Bultaco Motorcycles, so Senor Bulto requested that I move close to them in New Milton to help with the design and development of the Bultaco Trials Bike which turned out to be the most successful trials bike of all time, changing the world trials scene and helping establish Spain’s dominance of the sport,” Sammy said.

(Image: Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum)

“I was born by the sea in Belfast and I always missed the sea when I lived in Birmingham.

“To have Barton on Sea and the New Forest on my doorstep has been a privilege as it is a great environment and a great contrast to city smog.

“Although New Milton was more difficult when it came to international travel, I’ve found it’s been well worth the longer journey.

“Besides my business activities and museum, I am very proud to have promoted New Milton throughout the world. “Our test rider and reporter, Alan Cathcart, is one of the world’s leading authorities on motorcycles and writes articles for 39 magazines around the world.

“One of the stipulations is that the New Milton and the museum must be promoted with every article he submits with the result that we now see a steady stream of visitors from around the world arriving at our doors!

“I’m so pleased to have played a part in putting New Milton firmly on the world map.

“It is a great honour to receive the Honorary Freedom of New Milton Town and I will carry on doing all I can to help sort out problems with the carnage on our roads so that New Milton can continue to be a safe and wonderful place to live.”

(Image: Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum)

A declaration from the town council on Sammy’s recognition says: “Founder of the world-famous Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum – a trust in New Milton, and being a championship winning motorcycle racer, in both road racing and trials, appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2009, the museum was winner of the RAC Historic Awards Collection Category 2022.

“Now therefore having rendered distinguished and eminent service to the people of the town for over 40 years, and in recognition of that valuable and unselfish service, it is now unanimously agreed and resolved that the Town Council of New Milton does hereby confer upon the said Samuel Hamilton Miller, MBE, the rights, privileges and advantages attaching to the style rank and title of Honorary Freeman of New Milton.”