Sammy Miller of Motorcycle Museum fame, recognised
He is being granted the freedom of New Milton
Lucy England
Sammy Miller is to be given the freedom of the town of New Milton on September the 25th in recognition of his lifetime’s work in the motorcycle industry. There will be a presentation at the Town Hall and a reception at the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum (See John Newman's story about it from his visit a few years ago) in his honour.
Sammy has been an illustrious citizen of New Milton since moving there in 1964, that’s a while ago now. Before that he was the works rider at the Ariel factory, but was asked by Spain’s Bultaco motorcycles to move closer to New Milton to use his expertise to help with the design and development of the Bultaco Trials bike. This machine went on to become the most successful trials bike of all time and change the trials scene, establishing Spain’s supremacy in the sport.
Historically Sammy was a coastal child born in Belfast by the sea, and says he always missed the sea while living in Birmingham, so was delighted to relocate to the New Forest with Barton on Sea so close by. He loved the fresh air and being out of the city, so the trade off in difficulty for international journeys has been well worth it, to live in such a beautiful environment.
During his time there, Sammy has promoted New Milton round the world, leading to a stream of national and international visitors beating a path to the Museum’s doors.
Sammy says:
“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."
Sammy has such a number of amazing accolades to his name: he founded the world famous Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, is a trials and road racing motorcycle champion, has been awarded an MBE and was a winner of the RAC Historic Awards Collection Category 2022, to name but a few of his achievements.
Thus, in recognition of his exemplary service to the town, the Town Council of New Milton “will 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.”
Well what a deserving case indeed! Go Sammy, it’s nice when recognition comes to those who deserve it! Especially when they’re motorcyclists!
Have you been to the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum? If not it’s well worth a visit.
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