The Community Association, whose headquarters is at Greyfriars, Christchurch Road, Ringwood, was formed in 1958 and has grown from small beginnings in an elegant Georgian House to a healthy complex which nevertheless still proudly maintains that house as its focal point. The County Library is in close proximity, together with parking space for Association members. Entry to the car parks is from Christchurch Road, but exit is only via The Bickerley. Parking is also available in the New Forest District Council's Blynkbonnie Car Park with pedestrian access to the Library and Greyfriars complex.
Management of the Association is by elected officers and committee. A Council encompassing a representative from each affiliated organisation, from the local authority and from each Greyfriars club is the governing body of the Association. The day to day running of the centre and the carrying out of the Council policies is under the jurisdiction of the Manager (Mrs. Janet Dolby) who is available at Greyfriars each morning and alternate afternoons and evenings.
A coffee lounge (The Megan Holman Lounge) is available to members and their friends daily between 10.00 a.m. and 12 noon. Afternoons and evening by arrangement. All help in this lounge is entirely voluntary. If you have any spare time to give for voluntary work please contact the Manager.
Voluntary Helpers are the backbone of Greyfriars - they man the canteen, act as duty officers, drive the mini-buses and act as escorts, work hard at fund raising events and generally keep the welfare services available at the Centre running smoothly.
The buildings at Greyfriars include three delightful halls, each with its own kitchen, and The Activities Centre. These all provide a pleasing setting for concerts, suppers, dances, slide shows, wedding receptions, etc. Further details and hiring charges are obtainable from the Manager. A loop and audio system is available to hirers of The Activities Centre and Greyfriars Hall. For organisations or individuals catering at Greyfriars a cold store is available. The office is situated on the ground floor, at the rear of the building, and all the ground floor is now accessible to wheelchair users.
The buildings are 'non-smoking'.
Annual Membership. The Membership year starts on 1st September and it is a considerable help if members pay their subscriptions early and complete a Gift Aid Declaration.
