Once again, at this time of year, may I wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year. It doesn’t seem very long since there was great excitement over a brand new millennium beginning, and now we are into the 10th year of it! I trust everyone enjoyed their Christmas activities, whichever and wherever they were, and now here at Greyfriars we look forward to the Spring, and the New Year Supper should be a very good start. Our Challenge Quiz begins soon, and even if you haven’t a particular team to support, come along and enjoy the evening, it is all good fun. The last year’s winners were the team from the Ringwood & Fordingbridge Footpath Society, who then went on to represent us at the Inter-Community Quiz held in the autumn. We congratulate them on winning that as well. It was our turn to host the event, and we are indebted to our indomitable quiz master Julian Titt for organising it all, (except the winning, of course, the Footpath Society did that themselves). It will be quite an adjustment for us all to have a change of manager. Janet has been in the post for nearly 15 years, and we do thank her for all the hard work, time and worry she has put in during that time. However, I don’t suppose she will be let off lightly, as I know she has already been roped into the Special Events Committee for a “more hands on” approach a she put it! She will be a hard act to follow, but I am sure our new joint managers, Mimi and Jan will cope very well. I wonder if I might draw your attention to the art exhibitions held in the Megan Holman Coffee Lounge? These change every month, and if you don’t go in there very often they are certainly worth seeing. We have a lot of talent in the area! Also a member of the Camera Club has produced some excellent greeting cards of Greyfriars for us, which are available to purchase from the office, and I recommend them to you. Lastly I would like to mention a new activity we enjoyed a few weeks ago. You may remember it being mentioned in the last Newsletter. A group of students from Ringwood and Testwood Schools came to meet some of our more mature (!!) members to share memories and experiences, as part of their Diploma in Health & Social Care. I am sure we all enjoyed it, and I hope they did too. It is such a shame that although our schools are full of wonderful young people, all we hear about from the press are the ones who let the side down. It was certainly heartening for us to see the best. Once again, very best wishes for the coming year. Many thanks for all the work and support which makes Greyfriars so special and “see you around” as they say.
Jeane Todhunter President
From the “Retiring Manager” As this is the last Newsletter I will be “putting to bed”, I would like to take this opportunity to say “au revoir”. Not “goodbye”, because I am by no means leaving Greyfriars completely. I will still be around quite a lot, helping where I can. Since I became Manager in September 1995, I have met some wonderful people, and made a lot of friends. The job has been extremely rewarding, but I could not have done it without the help and support of a lot of people: the Association’s officers and all the various committee members; office helpers; canteen helpers, mini-bus drivers and escorts; and the Caretaking and cleaning staff, to mention just a few. I would like to wish Mimi and Jan every success, and I am sure they will do a wonderful job in taking Greyfriars further into the 21st Century, so that it remains at the heart of Ringwood’s life.
Janet Dolby
Retiring Manager’s Reception
Friday 15th January 2010 12 noon – 2 p.m.
Finger Buffet
Tickets £5.00 per person, available from the office (to include one glass of wine)
Greyfriars “74 Club” Beat the Credit Crunch!!
By joining and subscribing to the “74 Club” you stand a much greater chance of winning than if you invest in the United Kingdom or even the European Lottery!! By investing just £1.00 per month, you stand to win any of 10 monetary prizes each month, varying between £37.00 and £3.00, with the additional prospect of winning a fabulous £100.00 in the December/Christmas draw. For more details CLICK HERE; ask at the Greyfriars Office where you will be given an Application Form, together with details of how to subscribe, by monthly or annual Bankers Order. They have all the forms.
By joining the “74 Club” you are helping Greyfriars. What could be better than that? Go on. You don’t know how lucky you are until you have tried.
Geoff Newsome
MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS WERE DUE ON 1ST SEPTEMBER PLEASE RENEW PROMPTLY(RENEWAL FORM ENCLOSED)
IF YOU WISH TO JOIN ANY OF THE GREYFRIARS CLUBS (LISTED ON PAGES 2 AND 3 OF THE PROGRAMME) WITH THE EXCEPTION OF GREYFRIARS PRE-SCHOOL YOU MUST ALSO JOIN T H E C O M M U N I T Y A S S O C I A T I O N
IF YOU ARE A TAXPAYER PLEASE ALSO COMPLETE THE GIFT AID DECLARATION FORM
Car Parking
Just to remind everyone please that the small car park on the left of the driveway is restricted to individual paid up members of Greyfriars. Car park stickers (red this year) are available from the office, price 50p. All other users of the building should park in the library or Blynkbonnie car parks. Please note also that the roadway into Greyfriars is “one-way”, and cars must exit onto the Bickerley, not onto the mini-roundabout. If you witness anyone using this roadway incorrectly, or driving at an excessive speed, please report it to the office. Thank you
Ringwood Town Diary
For the benefit of anyone organising events and functions in Ringwood there is a diary kept just inside the main door at Greyfriars, in which to record the dates. All event organisers are welcome to use this, and hopefully it would avoid the clashing of dates which occurs sometimes, which obviously does nobody any good!
Your Clubs Report
Anglo-Italian Society Secretary: Hazel Dinelli Telephone: 476091
On the 11th January 2010 Ann Cole is sharing her cruise with us which included much of Italy’s Mediterranean coast. On 1st February the Italian Chef and Proprietor of The Olive Tree Cookery School at Corfe Castle will visit to tempt our taste buds and on 1st March we will take a look at the Cinque Terre, five villages perched on the Ligurian coast. Talks are always IN ENGLISH and end with a glass of wine. Come along and meet us on the first Monday evening of the month at 7.30 pm in the Ann Rose Hall. Further info: 01425 476091 or 478312 Bickerley Bridge Club Frank Collins Telephone: 403508
Kate Henderson Telephone: 746568
The Club meet on a Thursday evening for a game of friendly bridge. We are not affiliated to the English Bridge Union so do not give master points. We have several social events during the year including two weekends away in the Spring and Autumn. This Autumn we are going to Stratford on Avon. We meet in the Ann Rose Hall at 6.45pm to begin play at 7pm and finishing at approximately 10pm, with a break for refreshments in between. Please feel free to come along as a visitor and see what a friendly club we are.
Friendship Bridge Club Secretary: Isobel Nicholson Telephone: 470711 The Club meets on Thursday afternoons at about 1.00 until 4.00, for cut-in rubber bridge – you do not need to bring a partner. There is a friendly, happy atmosphere, with a pause for tea and chat at 3 p.m. New players and visitors are always welcome.
Greyfriars Bridge Club Secretary : Sue Watts-Phillips Telephone: 478920
Greyfriars Bridge Club meets for Duplicate on Fridays at 6.45pm for a prompt start at 7pm. It also meets for Rubber bridge on Wednesdays at 1.30pm. We have our own website (www.bridgewebs.com/greyfriars/) showing the results for each duplicate session. On November 13th the Club took part in the simultaneous pairs organised by ECATS for “Children in Need” fund. We raised £78 and the Committee would like to thank all Members who contributed to this charity event. We welcome new players and will try to organise a partner for anyone who needs one. Please contact Sue Watts-Phillips for further information on 01425 478920
Greyfriars Forum Club Gillian Habbin Telephone: 472805
Forum Club was started 40 years ago by Ann Rose and Audrie Jerromes. The membership is full and a waiting list is maintained, but this year we have been able to invite six people from the waiting list to become members. A dedicated team of four members provide excellent meals and the standard of speakers is very high. Our 41st year started with a talk about the Red Arrows, followed by a witty sketch on “The Art of Being Perfect”. The success of the club is due to the willingness of members to volunteer for the many tasks needed to be done for the smooth running of the evening. We thank them all. Best wishes for 2010.
Greyfriars Playreading Group – Late afternoon Chris Wightman Telephone: 475082
A new young reader in our group is a rare and welcome event and has just given us an appropriate Catherine in a dramatisation of Jane Austin’s ‘Northanger Abbey’ (coinciding with the BBC’s ‘Emma’). After reading the late Derek Enfield’s hectic farce ‘Post-horn Gallop’, I was surprised to find the characters and plot mirrored in his earlier ‘Wild Goose Chase’, which turns out to be one of a trilogy and under consideration by Poulner Players. Another late theatre and television person was Barry Letts, whose passing legitimises my already planned reading of a ‘Doctor Who’ adventure, ‘The Daemons’, which Letts produced, as part of our now occasional science-fiction theme. Remembrance Day also reflected our choice of plays.
Ringwood Antiques Club Chairman: Richard Serjeantson Telephone: 473815
We are a friendly, vibrant group of people who enjoy learning about all manner of antiques. Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month from September to May in Greyfriars Hall at 7.30 p.m. We are very proud of the quality of our speakers, which this year has included Davie Battie from the Antiques Roadshow, and a colleague Ian Harris; also Clive Stuart-Lockhart and James Taylor speaking on subjects as varied as Victorian Art and The Maharajas’s Gems. Hopefully something for everyone. Wine is available at our meetings, and guests and new members always welcome. For the full programme and details of the other speakers please contact Dick, as above. Ringwood Clover Club Mrs Shirley Taylor Telephone: 475539
Well another year has flown by and at our AGM in September we had the pleasure of presenting Hampshire & Dorset Air Ambulance with a cheque for £719.55p. Our chosen charity for 2009/10 is the Stable Family Home Trust at Bisterne. Mrs Gillian Habbin was our guest speaker in November, in December we had our annual Christmas Dinner and where entertained by Jubilaté. In 2010 we have a good selection of speakers once again. New members are always welcome we meet the 4th Thursday every month at 7.30pm in Ebenezer Hall.
The club for everyone who loves gardens, but not necessarily gardening! We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month between September and April, enjoying a wide range of talks from guest speakers. Our spring plant auction is April 1st a great way to stock your garden. A trip to RHS Wisley is planned to see the spring bulbs and there will be two further coach outings during the summer. Some of our members will open their gardens and put on refreshments. Future talks include, Plants for Winter Interest, Friends or Foe, Aquilegias, Garden Design and Problem Places. It’s a great mix, something for everybody, come and join us as a new member or guest.
Ringwood Machine Knitting Club Secretary: Daphne Lodge Telephone: 01980 610659
As I write, many of our members are knitting in preparation for the coming festive season. Knitted hats are always a favourite – some will be in basic pom-pom style whilst others will be more fancy and decorated with twisted cable stitches, beads of all colours and of course the old favourite, fairisle. Recently we enjoyed a very interesting talk by a speaker who brought along knitting patterns and books dating back to the mid 1800’s with a display of garments made from some of the patterns. 2009 has been a year where we have had several “new” speakers as well as “old favourites”. We will be pleased to welcome anyone who would like to join us during 2010.
Ringwood Philatelic Society Hon. Publicity Secretary: Keith Clements Telephone: 01202 581886
Following a Members’ Evening in September with mini displays and bring and buy, October saw our first guest speaker of the season Cdr. George Gibson, RN (Retd). His talk “Travels with a Donkey” traced his career in the Royal Navy from 1949 to the 1970’s. His entertaining anecdotes were accompanied by a huge display of philatelic and other material amassed on his tours in the Mediterranean, the Pacific, Far East and North Atlantic seaboard. In November we welcomed James Podger with his display “Cayman Islands”. The Christmas gathering was open as usual to members and partners and accompanied by sherry and mince pies and saw the welcome return of Revnd. Stuart Timbrell with Pt. 5 of “Discovering Dorset”.
Ringwood Scottish Country Dance Club Secretary: Margaret Bully Telephone: 654763
We started the season well with several new members and are enjoying using the new Ebenezer Hall. We also have a new teacher, Mrs Mary Phippard and are appreciating her music and programmes. Some members are planning to go on dancing holidays to the Isle of Wight, Cyprus and Newquay. We successfully organised a Halloween Dance at Braeside Hall which was attended by about 80 people. The Club meets on Tuesdays from 7-9.30 pm. Beginners and experienced dancers welcome.
Ringwood Table Tennis Club Secretary: Mrs Pat Baldwin Telephone: 476343 E-mail: chris_Baldwin@talktalk.net
Summer League is now over, with Merton A1 winners of this years competition. The normal seasons Bournemouth and Poole Leagues are now well under way, with both A and B teams in the Bournemouth 2nd and 4th Divisions in the top three. In the Poole League both teams are in the top half. Club membership has increased from last year, and the club nights are always well attended. The normal Christmas Handicap Tournaments were also being held, with mince pies etc. which was a good night. The club is looking to hold a skittles night in March. Anyone wishing to come along on Friday Club Nights and have a go, would be made very welcome.
Ringwood Travel Club Chairman: Ann Cole Telephone: 478764/475734 E-mail: annmcole@aol.com
In September Liz Morris relived her cruise from Southampton to Antarctica, with glimpses of ports along the way to the ice and penguins. Dr Own Plunkett showed the stunning scenery of Nepal and its people, especially at the much needed school founded by the charity he supports. Jean McMillan enthusiastically recalled her holiday in Venezuala – so many interesting facts about the way of life illustrated with excellent slides. At our Christmas meeting a glass of sherry and mince pies were preceded by Ann Cole’s lighthearted recollections of the cruise that did not go according to plan! 2010 programmes will feature Japan, Zambia and USA. We welcome new members, and visitors – for a maximum of three evenings per year.
Young at Heart Club (formerly Greyfriars Disabled Club) Poppy Garvey Telephone: 477740 e-mail alpopgarvey@talktalk.net
The Club caters for the older people of Ringwood who may be less able, housebound, or just need social companionship! We meet on the first and third Thursday afternoon each month at 2.15 p.m. in the Activities Centre. We have a friendly chat and afternoon tea, with entertainment which this Autumn has included singers, a travel talk, Scottish Country Dancers, and Handbell Ringers! Transport is available to and from your door. We currently have vacancies for new members so if you are interested, please contact Poppy Garvey.
From the Affiliated Organisations
All Saints Parish Church, St Leonards and St Ives Churchwarden: Mr Martyn Morris Telephone: 479936 Churchwarden: Mr Bill Seward Telephone: 470383
A new year brings new challenges in the life of our church and community where we continue to offer a rich and varied pattern of church services, to meet the needs of many different ages and church backgrounds. A special service for Epiphany will be held on Sunday 10th January, followed by a lunch in the Centre, Pancakes and a Quiz on Shrove Tuesday, before the start of the period of Lent. All our services and activities can now be found on our website: www.allsaints-online.co.uk
Avon Valley Concerts Music Society Tickets: Alastair Hardie Telephone: 01202 855719
Avon Valley Concerts launched its 2009/10 season of classical concerts on 2nd October, 2009 at the Ringwood School with a well-attended, clarinet recital performed by Emma Johnson, MBE, and accompanied on piano by John Lenehan. This was followed in November by the lively Sacconi String Quartet at the Burgate School in Fordingbridge. On 15th January, 2010, Duo Dorado will present their ‘Baroque Musical Feast’ at the Trinity Centre, Ringwood. On 19th February, we return to the Ringwood School for a recital by the up-and-coming pianist, Ashley Wass. The Armonico Consort Soloists conclude the season with ‘Glory of Old England’ in St Mary’s Church, Fordingbridge. Please come along!
Braeside Bowling Club Secretary: Adrian Morris Telephone: 473699
Friendly matches away at Bath and Keynsham were enjoyed by everyone. At home we entertained clubs from Jersey and Swindon. Next year we have accepted an invitation from Eastbourne. Our Ladies had a mixed season, winning the Top Club, Singles and Triples. The Men’s second Team, lead by Alan Watts were promoted in both the B & D and the New Forest Leagues and also won the new Ringwood Cup. The Winter Triples Club league is well underway and the competition is fierce. Skittles evenings have continued and we all enjoyed the Annual Dinner & Dance at Bashley. Several new members have joined the Club and are enjoying Bowling outdoors throughout the winter months. Applications see Secretary above.
Carlton Wine Society Secretary: Christine Ford Telephone: 477235
The Carlton Wine Society was established in 1982. Since then we have sampled approximately 2,000 wines from all over the world, varying from the cheapest supermarket bargains to fantastic Grand Cru Burgandy at over £100 a bottle, and all for the same monthly tasting fee: currently £10. We are moving to Greyfriars for our tutor led monthly meetings held on the second Wednesday each month at 8.00 p.m. In addition we hold a Summer event in July, and an annual Christmas Dinner. We invite new members to join us and to have fun and to learn, and enjoy with us, the secrets of vine and wine. We look forward to welcoming you.
We have several new members following our social evening. The programme of illustrated talks continues with a woman whose mother was a member of the French Resistance and one entitled ‘French Oddities’. English weather permitting, we will have our Pétanque evening in June.
We now have a website atwww.ringwoodcercle.org.uk . Why not visit it for more information and come and join us?
Subscriptions: £15 pa: social evenings, £15 pa: French classes. Visitors: £2.50: social, £2.50: French classes.
Christchurch U3A Local Contact: Dawn D’Arcy Telephone: 476849
Creative Writing – The Next Chapter. As a ‘self help’ group, we take turns in suggesting topics to write upon, including poetry, and we have even attempted Haikus and Sonnets. We meet fortnightly on Thursday afternoons from 2 - 4 pm. Mind Gymnastics. We are still happily endeavouring to crack those enigmatic clues, amid much merriment and great triumph, when we succeed in solving the seemingly impossible. We meet on the first and third Monday of the month, from 2 – 3.30 pm. To find out more about the various learning and interests and activities Christchurch U3A has to offer, please contact the office on 01202 480027 (open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10.15 – 12 noon) The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship Chairman Ray White. Telephone: 476037 e-mail: rmwhite@waitrose.com
New faces are always warmly welcomed at our monthly coffee mornings, which take place on the first Friday of the month at 10 a.m. The only requirement is that you or your partner will have been a serving civil servant at some time in your career. At our meetings we have talks, which have appeal to a wide audience and cover many diverse interests and subjects. There are also regular social events including a garden party, annual lunch, special Christmas festivities and regular monthly pub lunches at various hostelries in the area. Our February talk is particularly topical “The History of the Valentine Card”. Please come along you will be made to feel very welcome.
Crowe Hill Methodist Church Claire Telephone: 470310
A friendly church set in peaceful surroundings at Crowe Hill. We wish all readers a happy and peaceful new Year. January sees the start of our Tuesday evening course entitled ‘Freedom of Christ’, which will lead into our Lent meetings with Churches together in Ringwood. Regular monthly healing services in the church (First Monday at 7.30 pm), together with the third Thursday from 1.00 pm, when a quiet time opportunity precedes the meditative worship at 2.00 pm. Soup, roll and tea are available. There is “All Age” worship on the first Sunday morning of each month. Junior church and an adult “Meeting Point” on the other Sundays, all at 10.30 am. Afternoon Services are held every Sunday at 3.00 pm. A warm welcome awaits.
Crowe Hill WI Pat Rake Telephone: 476368
At the Annual Meeting of Crowe Hill WI the President, Kathleen Vandervelde, reported on a very full and successful year with all the usual activities. A fish and chip supper, sausage supper, coffee mornings, scrabble and craft meetings, an outing, Gardeners Question Time and regular skittles evenings at the Hall made for packed diaries. The Institute and individual members did well in WI competitions at the New Forest Show, and a team won the Group skittles. The President and Secretary attended the AGM at the Royal Albert Hall, and several members went to Council Meetings at Portsmouth and Basingstoke. This really is an exciting time in the WI. Log onto WI web-sites and you might be encouraged to join us.
Crowe Hill WI meet 2nd Thursday, 2 pm, WI Hall, Crowe Lane, Ringwood.
Dyslexia Action is a national charity and the UK’s leading provider of services and support for people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties. Dyslexia Action at Greyfriars offers tuition for students of all ages – from primary school through to adult. An individual programme of support, tailored to an individual’s profile of strengths and weaknesses, is devised after assessment at our Winchester Centre. Lessons use structured, multi-sensory methods. Study Skills courses are also run for older students. For more information contact Dyslexia Action on the above number.
Hampshire Genealogical Society Group Leader: Paul Pinhorne Telephone: 01202 383736 e-mail: Ringwood@hgs-online.org.uk
The Group meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month in the Ann Rose Hall.
Our programme is advertised on-line on www.hgs-online.org.uk, and at Greyfriars. Visitors and new members are always welcome.
Ibsley & District Horticultural Society Secretary: Philippa Wareham Telephone: 477577
We had a successful Annual Horticultural Show in September. A lovely display of fruit, vegetables and home produce. Roger Finn (of BBC South Today) kindly presented the prizes. There was a pumpkin competition and tea/cake was on sale. It was enjoyed by all who attended. On club night, the last Thursday in each month, 7.40 p, at Ibsley Village Hall, the speakers are: 28th January – Douglas Patterson – the Eden Project 25th February – Diane Guy – The World of Hellebores 25th March – Bob Symes – Growing Vegetables for Showing Please come and join us. Visitors made welcome. Maybe think about becoming a member.
New Forest Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers Secretary: Jean Woods Telephone: 619536
Over the autumn period we have continued to welcome members and visitors at our monthly meetings. Our AGM was held in October when we also had a talk about the rescue and use of an historic but redundant jacquard loom. The speaker in November spoke about and demonstrated wool combing and blending. In the same month our annual competitions brought many entries showing a variety of techniques and a high standard of skill. Anyone interested in observing or learning our crafts is welcome to come to meetings as a visitor.
It is a proven fact that swimming provides individuals with many benefits. Some of them include improved strength and flexibility, enhanced muscular stamina and balance, a stronger heart, and better physique or figure. Apart from this, swimming also works as a fast and effective remedy for healing muscles, improvement from strokes, accidents, even depression. Membership currently stands at 70 as referrals flood in from Fordingbridge Hospital and physiotherapists.
Ringwood Floral Decoration Society Jennifer Davies Mobile 07885 876 980
As always it has been a busy quarter having held a coffee morning for our two designated charities, our Christmas lunch ( at which our own members did floral arrangements for us), a workshop showing us how to use autumnal foliage or make decorations for Christmas, and our usual excellent monthly demonstrations programme. Congratulations to three members of our club who won awards at the New Forest Show last year. Good luck this year ! Once again we have been pleased to provide arrangements in the Homes for the Elderly in Ringwood at Christmas, and elsewhere throughout the year. New members and visitors are welcome at meetings held on the last Thursday of each month at 2.15pm. Ringwood Meeting House Association
The Ringwood Meeting House has continued to hold successful exhibition and events. Was are continuing to progress with our Heritage Lottery Fund application. Having successfully passed through stage one, we are now working hard to complete the second stage, which we should be submitting early December for a March 2010 decision. After the Memorial exhibition finishes we shall have the Ringwood Camera Club displaying some wonderful pictures I am sure. We are open every morning for teas and coffees, or pop in to take advantage of the considerable information and local records that are held in the Meeting House. Please come along and join us if you can.
Ringwood Musical & Dramatic Society Secretary: Val Garner Telephone: 475252 e-mail: valgarner@tiscali.co.uk
We do hope you had a very happy Christmas and we wish you a healthy and prosperous 2010! Another exciting RMDS season has started and we are all very much looking forward to our production at Ringwood School Theatre from 13-17 April. Our choice this year is “CAROUSEL”, one of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most memorable musicals, filled to the brim with glorious songs – “If I Loved You”, “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over” and many more. Please don’t miss it! If you would like any further information on the Society or you would like to join us as a patron or member, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Ringwood Natural History Society Pat Holder Telephone: 01425 672724
The Society’s 50th anniversary year has been marked by an enjoyable day out at the Barnes Wildfowl Reserve, and was celebrated further at our Christmas Social. Over the years, our membership has increased from 7 to over 100, and we frequently have over 70 at our bi-monthly evening meetings. We hear talks, often illustrated by superb photographs, on a wide range of subjects relating to wildlife. Our programme also includes walks, during which we enjoy observing a variety of plants, and animals. Winter walks usually end with the option of a pub lunch. If you are interested in the flora and fauna of our area, do come along. New members are always welcome.
Ringwood Parish Church Anne Osborne Telephone: 476327 By the time you read this, the joy and flurry of all the Christmas services and events should be behind us. Apart from the Christingle, the Midnight Communion on Christmas Eve and the United Family service on Christmas Morning, we were pleased to welcome various schools for their carol services, and the RMDS Choir, who kindly gave an excellent concert in aid of church funds. A new venture was the first “Bring the Family” service in mid December - the next one, to which all families are welcome, will be on Sunday 10th January, 4pm in the Parish Church, followed by tea and cake.
Ringwood Society Secretary: Maureen Mills Telephone: 479514
Since its inception in the sixties this pro-active club has been influential in protecting the character of Ringwood. We are not against change and growth but we would like it to be in character. If you agree with this view why not join the society and support its work. The bigger we are the more strength we have. The society meets twice a year but the committee meets monthly to forward the ideas generated at these meetings. Ringwood is a lovely town, the conservation area is very special, come and help us to keep it so. For more information contact the secretary as above.
We had our Garden Party in August, the weather was awful and we had to hold it inside! But everyone enjoyed it, we had games and a quiz, and a cream tea. Our September speaker Mr John Combes took us down the Avon River from Christchurch to Salisbury, enjoyed by all. Our Harvest Tea was a great success. We have attended some Federation events within the New Forest Guild; and had some mini-bus outings to Wimborne and Haskins. We have several speakers to look forward to in the coming year. We meet in the Hilary Christy Room on the first Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. all visitors welcome.
If you think church can’t be fun you’ve obviously never been to Ringwood Vineyard Church. We meet every Sunday morning at Greyfriars Activity Centre at 10:30am coffee, tea and snacks are available from 10am throughout the service on a help-yourself basis. You’ll be guaranteed a warm welcome, we’re a friendly bunch. Our services are informal and our worship is lively and contemporary. If you would like to know God personally, find out how relevant Jesus is today and see your life transformed by the power of God’s Holy Spirit, come and see what God can do for you.
For details of all our activities call or e-mail us on one of the above number.
Ringwood and District Old People’s Housing Society Ltd Mrs June Scammell Telephone: 470002
Society flats do become available from time to time for independent persons over 60 with Ringwood connections. You may like to apply or know someone who would benefit from moving to Guys Close, Christy Close or Mary Mitchell Close. The flats are centrally heated, well-located and comfortable. A warden visits each one every day. Most have one bedroom, sitting room, shower room and small kitchen area. Rents are set at below market levels, reflecting the objectives of the Society to provide affordable accommodation for people who do not own a house. Details are available from above.
Ringwood & Fordingbridge Club for the Blind Chairman: Eric Love 01425 480057 Secretary: Lynda Jones 01425 477864
After a very successful Bring and Buy sale in November to help boost funds, we ended our two club sessions for 2009 with entertainment from the Tee-Gees and the Cranborne Ladies Choir entertained us at our Christmas Party. Our 2010 programme commences with a New Year Luncheon at Tyrrells Ford Country Hotel and for our second meeting in January the Ladies Circle Party will take place, which is always an occasion that we look forward to. We are urgently seeking a Volunteer Transport Co-ordinator to arrange transport for blind and visually impaired members and volunteer drivers for the Fordingbridge areas. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at Greyfriars Activities Centre, Ringwood.
Ringwood and Burley Band Secretary: Mrs Christine Harris Mobile: 07742 636662 E-mail: Christineband@btinternet.com
The band under Musical Director Mr. Bernard Lawson LRAM AMusLCM has had a busy summer season, a variety of engagements have been fulfilled, cruise ship playaways, bandstands, religious, commemorative services, concerts in Ringwood and Ferndown. The band is a member of the Wessex Brass Band Association and is primarily a concert band, we participate in the Wessex contests. During the summer the band has added to its membership and has almost a full complement, there are positions vacant, new members are welcome, particularly in the cornet and bass sections. The band practises in the Ebenezer Hall at Greyfriars Ringwood on Friday evenings, 8 and 10 pm.
Information, news and updates on the band's engagements can be obtained on our website www.ringwoodandburleyband.co.uk Ringwood and Hangersley WI Elsie Telephone: 474186
We welcomed 5 new members during 2009 and we had some very interesting speakers. Sally has continued to organise theatre trips and these have proved to be very popular. We start the new year with our annual dinner and in February we have an evening of "ribbons, roses and flowers". This will be part demonstration and partly "hands on". We like to have-a-go! In March the subject of our talk will be "Search for wild elephants in Nepal" a conservation project with the Scientific Exploration Society under the leadership of Colonel John Blashford-Snell. We invite you to join us on the third Thursday of the month at Crowe Hill W.I. Hall at 7.30p.m. for education, fun and laughter.
Ringwood and Fordingbridge Footpath Society Alison Sherman Telephone: 654237 Our evening meetings this season have been very enjoyable with superb photography shows by John Combes and Paul Surgess. We had an enjoyable Christmas Party in December, and are looking forward to the New Year Luncheon at Tyrrells Ford Hotel. Work has continued on clearing the old railway line, now south of Breamore. In the next few weeks we hope to check our Walk Leaflets, to keep up to date with path and other changes. They are popular with local people and visitors, and can be purchased at local Information Centres, Sandy Balls, and local shows, where we attend. We have welcomed several new members this Autumn. Please come and join us if you enjoy walking.
Rotary Club of Ringwood Laurie Dormer Telephone: 475440 e-mail: laurie.dormer@sky.com The new President, Geof Kynaston, has nominated as his charities for the coming year two local organisations whose activities are both community based and, at the same time, international. The first is “Tools for Self Reliance” who recently launched their Ringwood branch on the Castleman Trading Estate. Since then thousands of unwanted tools have been donated by local residents. Now their need is for volunteers to help refurbish them so they can be shipped to impoverished communities in Africa to enable them to work their way out of poverty. The second is the 1st Ringwood Girl Guide Group whose premises have long since passed their “sell by date”. The local Rotarians are going to find ways and means of helping them to make the building more habitable and user friendly. The plan is to complete this project within the next 12 months.
Royal Air Forces Association – Ringwood Branch PRO: Geoffrey Cornell Telephone: 471282 The main purpose of our existence is to raise funds for the Association’s welfare work, and our Welfare Officer, Ron Perry, is undoubtedly one of the most conscientious and hard-working in the country. Fund raising is by way of our annual Wings Appeal each September; the raffle at our monthly meetings; and the Cream Tea afternoon, held in a member’s garden each year. We also organise an annual Brass Band concert at The Barrington Theatre, Ferndown, each October, with the wonderful support of Ringwood and Burley Band. Alongside these activities we provide a social programme for our members at our monthly meeting on the first Tuesday, held in the Carlton Suite at the Conservative Club, who also give us constant support.
Royal British Legion - Women’s Section Secretary: Mrs W. Hobbs Telephone: 01202 573822
The women’s section meet at Greyfriars on the 3rd Monday of the month at 7 pm. We have recently had a very successful AGM. Visitors are welcome to our meetings and some become members. You don’t have to have a service connection, but that is our aim to support them and their families. We have a very good varied programme for 2010, so come and join us.
S A Silver Threads Club Anne Kershaw Telephone: 480172
During the autumn we took our members for an afternoon drive around the forest, then onto a garden centre for afternoon tea. We meet on Monday’s at 1.30 – 3.30 pm. during the winter months. We have a varied programme. Anyone is welcome to join with us for tea and a chat. Thank you to all those who have supported us during the past year. We meet again on January 11th.
Spinnaker Club Club Administrator: Sarah Revers-Jackson Telephone: 01425 483692
Situated on the outskirts of Ringwood, the club is perhaps one of the New Forest's best-kept secrets. For 50 years it has been home to an enthusiastic band of dinghy sailors. Attracting families from all over Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire the Club is used for sailing all year round and offers members a varied menu of gentle cruising, fleet racing, team racing as well as a comprehensive selection of sailing related training courses. When time is short Spinnaker is the place to sail - anytime, any conditions, you can be on the water with a minimum of delay. For further details please contact our Club Administrator on the number above.
Trinity United Church, Ringwood Church Secretary: Pauline Sunderland Telephone: 478510
As a church we support a number of charities at home and overseas. One of these is Action for Children (formerly National Children’s Home), and we will be fundraising for this charity with a Sponsored Swim at Ringwood Health and Leisure Centre on Saturday 13th March. If you are interested in keeping fit and helping children at the same time, please contact me on 01425 478510 for a registration form. Why not join us for Sunday worship at 10.45 am each week with a Family Service on the 4th Sunday of each month.
U-Nite Club Chris Johnson Telephone: 479185 Alan Wilkinson Telephone: 476752
The Club for ‘special people’, learning difficulties and mild disabilities continues to meet at Greyfriars every other Tuesday for games and refreshments between 7.00 – 9.00 p.m. On entry check the notice board as we now meet in the slightly larger Hilary Christy Room or Anne Rose Hall when available otherwise the Megan Holman Coffee Lounge. Membership is still strong with many of our members enjoying this special night meeting friends and playing games. If you know anyone that might benefit from this type of social club please pass on, carers welcome. Further details from contacts detailed above.
Viisions Life Force Foundation (UK & USA registered Charity) Geraldine Brolan Lynda Shelton Telephone 07764 270627 www.viisionslifeforcefoundation.com A non profit making organization set up by Lyn and Gerry, two local girls born in Ringwood, to help Indigenous Nations of the Native American Indians who have a strong cultural belief and are one of the few peoples who still hold our Planet Mother Earth with great respect. With support from various fund raising activities we are able to send monies to various tribal people to help them with their struggle to bring awareness to us all of how we can help repair the Earth and allow a natural healing process to begin, thus enabling our children and our children’s children to live with the natural beauties that surround us all. We have also started the building of a Healing Centre for the Navajo at Lukachukai, New Mexico, contributed to the high medical costs of operations, provided books, computer, funeral expenses, shelter as well as funding the winter feed bills for the last five years for the Sacred White Buffalo, formerly of Flagstaff Arizona, now relocated to Oregon with our help, and more. Fund raising activities include Mind, Body, Soul & Craft Fayres held at Greyfriars and around Hampshire, as well as our first Alternative Healing Day to be held at Greyfriars on February 6 and sponsored swim and dog walks. We have books published and a quarterly magazine in circulation across the UK, USA, even going to Sweden and Spain.
Feel free to call Lyn on the above number if you wish to ask questions. Registered Charity Number - 1112598 Linen Hill Farm, Bachelors Lane, Holtwood, Wimborne, Dorset. BH21 7DS England.
W E A – Ringwood Branch Doris Hughes Telephone: 478764 E-mail: wearingwooduk@aol.com
The Music class with Grant Bocking has enjoyed selected works from 18th Century composers and continues in January with the 19th Century. The course on Ancient Greece was postponed but Henry Merritt gave Poetry of World War I instead. This seemed a topical subject and well subscribed. Local Industrial Archaeology with Peter Stanier was hugely popular with a long waiting list. A repeat, or similar, will be given in the near future. Edwardian History with Roger Ottewill was not as popular as the Victorian Era but was well attended and enjoyed. Topics were related to Ringwood where possible. Next Term: Mondays – Music, Tuesdays – Advanced Digital Photography ( Class Full), alternating with Churches, Fridays – Art: 9 Italian Masters.
WRVS Christine Baehr Telephone: 473856
The office telephone number is 474110 and is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10am-1pm.
Published by Ringwood & District Community Association Registered Charity No: 301929 Greyfriars Community Centre, Christchurch Road, Ringwood, BH24 1DW Telephone: 01425 472613 e-mail: Ringwoodca@lineone.net
