Sammy Miller to receive the Freedom of New Milton Town in honour of continued local contributions

In recognition of over 40 years of service to the town of New Milton, motorcycle racing legend Sammy Miller MBE is set to receive the title of Honorary Freeman. 

Miller is the owner and founder of the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum in Hampshire, which houses roughly 500 rare and exotic motorcycles spanning multiple decades and sees around 21,000 visitors annually. 

Although the award does not carry any specific privileges or financial gain, it is the highest honour that a Borough can bestow to a citizen and is used to recognise significant and valuable contributions made by a person to their community. 

Following the confirmation of the decision, Miller said: “Besides my business activities and museum, I am very proud to have promoted New Milton throughout the world.  

“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.”

Born in Belfast in 1933, Miller has previously won 11 British trials championships and has reportedly seen success in 1400 competition events around the world. 

Although best known for his trials riding accomplishments, he also competed successfully in enduro, motocross and road racing – earning silver replicas at the Isle of Man TT, victory at the North West 200, and making a number of international grand prix appearances. 

Now aged 90, Miller continues to restore motorcycles for public display in his museum, which is considered one of the finest collections of two wheeled classics globally. 

The museum first opened in 1980, before moving to its current premises in 1996, undergoing several expansions since. For more information, head to sammymiller.co.uk now.