Beatons New Milton - Charity of the Year Announced!

left-right: Steve Anderton and Jo Kane from HOPe
and Beatons New Milton Tearooms Owner
Angela Thorn
Helping Older People New Forest (known as HOPe) is to be Beatons New Milton’s first charity of the year. Well and truly rooted locally, founded by and serving the local community, it aims to support its older local residents − especially those feeling isolated and vulnerable.

How? Through all kinds of support – advisory, practical and emotional. Its latest new initiative is a Befriending Scheme which Beatons are particularly keen to support. We regularly see the benefits of customers being encouraged to share a table and then watch friendly connections being made.

When Beatons' latest Tearooms Owner, Angela, discovered HOPe New Forest she immediately spotted a match with the part of Beatons’ Constitution which reads:

‘We value individuals whether customer, franchisee, supplier or any other stakeholder because unless people are heard and nourished they feel disconnected and alone’. 

HOPe’s aim is to be there for people when they feel lost and don’t know where to go. Their latest initiative − a Befriending service − involves volunteers visiting people who feel isolated and who would welcome a cup of tea and a chat.  We know just how important that is! Heading up this project is Steve Anderton who explained, ‘There’s something very special about looking forward to a friendly visit and a nice chat, especially when you don’t have anyone else. That’s what we provide, and it makes a real difference to people’s lives.’

HOPe was founded in 2011 by two likeminded ladies and funded by a legacy. Since they started, the charity has secured nearly half a million pounds for local people which is spent locally. I had the pleasure of delivering the good news that HOPe had been chosen as Beatons New Milton’s Charity of the Year to Jo Kane, their Manager.

She was delighted and said, we’re very grateful to have been chosen. We would like to thank Beatons New Milton for their promise of support and look forward to enjoying a decent cup of tea and piece of cake!’ HOPe has a great shop only a stone’s throw away from where Beatons New Milton will be based, in Station Road. They are always looking for support and volunteers and you read more about them here.

How we help:  Each Beatons has their own Charity of the Year and has events to support it.  Our main contribution is giving 50p from every sale of The Charlton (soda) and our Community Chai Latte throughout the year.

Come and Support! Our first Beatons New Milton charity event will be our Open House, on Bank Holiday Monday, 7th May 2018. You’ll have a chance to meet members of the HOPe team, enjoy a free cup of our Beatons New Milton House tea – ‘Jasmine Blossom’ – and sample some of our home-baked cakes and scones. More importantly, there’ll be a little entertainment, a celebrity guest and a great opportunity to start raising more funds for HOPe!

Watch out for posters around the town, pop into Beatons’ New Milton when it opens around Easter, or come back here for full details soon!

Why did we choose New Milton as a great location for a Beatons?  Read more here.


Liz Darcy Jones
Non−Executive Director & House Poet