YOUNG PEOPLE CHILL OUT AT NEW MILTON YOUTH CENTRE

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Young people in New Milton kick started their summer holidays with a guest band who played at their monthly music `Chill Out Zone'.

The `Chill Out Zone' is part of Hampshire County Council's Youth Service community initiative and offers a range of activities for 14 to 19 year olds, including music and band performances, sport and workshops chosen by the young people, all of which are supervised by adults.

The young band, `Route 215' travelled from London to play at the centre during the `Chill Out Zone' evening on Friday 26 July. The band excited many of the youngsters from the centre with one young person stating that they are, "one of the most underrated pop-punk bands in the world."

The `Chill Out Zone' aims to encourage young local bands to come forward and play in front of others. On a usual night the centre sees talented young people playing to the crowds, with many of the bands composing their own music and writing their own lyrics.

The `Chill Out Zone' is part of an eight month pilot at New Milton run in partnership with Hampshire Police and supported by New Forest District Council, the New Milton Lions and the New Forest Marathon Association. Through the project, which runs until October, young people not only be involved in activities, but they will have the opportunity to learn about each of the partners and understand what services each agency provides, as well as giving the agencies the opportunity to meet the young people involved.

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Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Education, Councillor Don Allen, said: " Music plays an important role in young people's lives. It is good to see the community initiative in New Milton encouraging young people to become involved in music as well as giving individuals the chance to make new friends and further develop their personal and social skills with the organisations involved."

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Andrea Smith (01962) 847368

1 August 2002

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