Welcome to our summer news letter, when the flowers and trees are all beginning to reappear and the winter’s bad weather just a memory. Some meetings and classes had to be cancelled but I think most people had extra ones later to wake up. Our Greyfriars New Year Supper was postponed but turned out to be a great success in the end, the special events committee putting on an excellent meal, as usual and Fiona Brockhurst, a professional. French Horn player, giving us a wonderful talk, with music played on her instruments, both modern and antique. The St. George’s Day Luncheon looks like being a sell out as I write, and we are looking forward to another of Yeoman Warden Tony Strafford talks. I am happy to say that our past manager, Janet & her husband are still organising the film evenings which have been going on all the winter season, so many thanks to them. I might mention here the day schools run by Doris Hughes, the last one being “Archaeology in the New Forest” which proved very popular. The Greyfriars’ Challenge Quiz has been running as usual under the guidance of Julian Titt – not quite so many entrants this year, so don’t be shy, try and put in a team next year, it’s all good fun. Congratulations to this year’s Winners Ringwood and Fordingbridge Footpath Society. Book stalls are still going very profitably with a few different times being tried this year – see elsewhere. Our new managers, Mimi & Jan, have settled in very well, no mean task, having to start straight away in January with, as someone remarked, “no overlap”, however I am pleased to say that Janet is still around and being roped in for all sorts of help in all directions (as, for instance, already mentioned!) . We had a very enjoyable reception to mark her retirement and to introduce Mimi & Jan, perhaps you were there? In passing I might say that although we are all delighted with the refurbishment of Ebenezer hall our committees are not resting on their laurels but are now thinking of phase 2 of developments and improvements to the centre; starting this August with the toilets and kitchen near Greyfriars Hall. The kitchen improvements have been made possible by a very generous legacy from one of our friends, and further fund raising will begin in the autumn. As usual may I wish you all a very happy summer with lots of sunshine to cheer us up, and lots of enjoyment hear at Greyfriars.
Jeane Todhunter President
Farewell to Janet Dolby!
Greyfriars and the association have been remarkably well served by their Wardens – or Managers as we now call them – for they play a pivotal and totally indispensable role in the running and management of both. It is a great tribute to them and their staying power that the last three of them together served no shorter period than fifty years - Cyril Houston from 1960 until 1969, Gillian Habbin from 1969 until 1995 and Janet Dolby – to whom we have now had to say farewell – from 1995 until 2010. We said that the first two would be hard acts to follow but Janet did that with great success making the job her own and serving us so well for fifteen years. She came with the best of antecedents with a long involvement with Greyfriars having been for some time a member of our Executive Committee – and indeed having, not long before her elevation to managerial status, taken over as the Association’s Chairman following the untimely death of Ken Brooke – which role, of course, she had to give up when she became manager. We were delighted when she said she would take on that very different role and the expectations we had of her then were amply fulfilled. Throughout her period in office, Janet rose to the many challenges she faced – and she was in post during a challenging and busy period. For example she saw us celebrating the Association’s Golden Jubilee year with all the activities that that involved. We also undertook more building and refurbishment work – culminating, of course, in the Ebenezer Hall project – and such work always means chaos and confusion to be overcome – and she had to cope with a seemingly ever increasing wealth of new legislation affecting buildings and organisations such as ours. Really much more importantly, however, she ensured that the Association’s affairs were always efficiently and effectively administered, that the ever growing building complex was properly maintained, that the decisions of our Committees were carried into effect and most particularly that everyone involved with Greyfriars has been kept happy and content – whether we come here as members, visitor, caretakers, volunteer helpers, committee members or otherwise. Throughout Janet was supported by her husband Adrian and he too has always been a good friend to the Association. We thank them both and wish them both well in Janet’s retirement.
Rowan B Brockhurst
Needed - STAMPS
Used Stamps needed for the British Red Cross Please bring any used stamps to the office
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
Over the past 27 years our illustrated talks have taken us all over Italy. We have visited cities and the countryside and learnt about art, music, history and, of course, Italian food and wine. Some of our destinations are well loved and well known, others are way off the tourist routes and definitely worth a detour. All our talks are IN ENGLISH and absolutely no knowledge of Italy or the language is necessary to enjoy our meetings. We end with a glass of wine and nibbles on the first Monday evening of the month in the Ann Rose Hall.
For information call 01425 476091 or 01425 478312 Bickerley Bridge Club Frank Collins Telephone: 403508 E-mail:
frank.h.collins@googlemail.com Kate Henderson: Telephone: 476568
The Club meet on a Thursday evening for a game of friendly duplicate bridge. We are not affiliated to the English Bridge Union so do not award master points. We run a host system so can accommodate players without a partner. We have several social events during the year including two weekends away in the Spring and Autumn. We meet in the Anne Rose Hall at 6.45pm to begin play at 7pm and finish at approximately 10pm, with a break for tea and biscuits 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 Secretary: Gillian Habbin Telephone: 472805
Our 41st supper season concluded with the annual general meeting followed by a superb meal and ended with Dave Foot telling us about his travels on railways throughout the world. A surplus of £1,061.07 was made last season enabling us to donate £1,000 to Greyfriars towards the refurbishment of the toilets and kitchen. Each supper a raffle is held and the proceeds, rounded up to £100, are donated to a charity of the speaker’s choice. These were the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society, St. Nicholas Church, Brockenhurst and Fernheath Play Association, Life Education, Wessex. Last season, we welcome Walter Charles as Chairman and David Baldwin as Speaker Secretary. Have a very happy summer.
Greyfriars Lace Club Chair: Helen Cowling Telephone: 01202 824814
Our club is celebrating its 35th year. We hope our founder, the late Miss Ella Osmotherly, would be very proud at the standard of work being produced and the fact that her club is still flourishing. One founder-member, now living in Lancing, has sent her best wishes and is still making lace. Two new members have recently been welcomed and we all look forward to Monday mornings.
Greyfriars Men’s Club Secretary: Geoffrey Cornell Telephone: 471282
Why not come and join us, and leave those chores for one morning a week. The club meets every Thursday morning between 10.15 and 12 noon. Members enjoy informal discussions on subjects raised by the members themselves, and they are therefore wide-ranging – from local to national and international issues. We “put the world to rights” every Thursday over a cup of coffee or tea.
Greyfriars Playreading Group – Late afternoon Chris Wightman Telephone: 475082
Blessedly, reader numbers have not so far been further reduced this Spring, but we still miss departed males (in case any men are interested in this easier way to enjoy participating in theatre!). There have been several comedies lately, including ‘Cash on Delivery’ by Ray Cooney’s talented son Michael, but also a rare Tennessee Williams curiosity. Another American play, Fred Carmichael’s ‘Out of Sight…Out of Murder’, proved a gem and an ingenious trawl through American Whodunnit literature and its stock characters. As Easter approached, we tackled appropriate themes, including those raised in a Noughties’ dramatisation of Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’, which works very well dramatically and without sacrificing the poet’s language. In the Summer, we shall again seek out a Musical to perform, though with songs on record!
We meet every Wednesday morning and have a good social gathering as well as spinning and weaving to make yarn to knit and weave into garments, bags etc. New skills are passed on to newcomers by having work shops as well as support during our usual sessions. We welcome newcomers and are happy to teach those with no knowledge how to spin. There is always a spinning wheel available if anyone wishes to have a try before joining us on a permanent basis. For more information please contact one of the above numbers.
Ringwood Antiques Club Chairman: Richard Serjeantson Telephone: 473815
Ringwood Antiques Club is 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 pm. We are very proud of the quality and variety of our speakers and our programme starting in September is equally varied including lectures on The Corkscrew, Tribal Rugs, and English Railways and Stations. Closer to home Paul Atterbury will speak on Poole Pottery. Hopefully, something for everyone. Wine is available at our meetings and guest and new members always welcome. For the full programme and details of the other speakers please contact Dick Serjeantson on the above number.
Ringwood Art Society Membership Secretary: Mary Palmer Telephone: 01202 887053
Our meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of the month from 7:30pm. in the Greyfriars Hall. The talks and demonstrations of various techniques and media are well attended and the demonstrators are often asked to follow up with a Saturday workshop. The 2nd Tuesday of the month is usually a tutored life drawing/painting afternoon from 2p.m., please book! Our members exhibit at various places in addition to our Annual Summer Exhibition at Greyfriars. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist you will be welcome, so why not come as visitor? For more information see our web site at www.ringwoodartsociety.org Ringwood Clover Club Mrs Shirley Taylor Telephone: 475539
New members are always welcome we meet the 4th Thursday every month at 7.30pm in Ebenezer Hall.
Ringwood & District Ex–Tablers Club John Kennedy Telephone: 01425 479663 E-mail: johnjk.kennedy@btinternet.com Ringwood & District Ex–Tablers Club John Kennedy Telephone: 01425 479663 E-mail: johnjk.kennedy@btinternet.com www.ringwood41club.co.uk
At the AGM in March, outgoing Chairman, Graham Hoyle, presented a summary of the year. The Club has enjoyed a full and entertaining twelve months; some highlights have included members visiting the Downton Cuckoo Fayre; the Somme, when Graham was given the opportunity to make an address at the Menin Gate; and winning a category 1st prize with our Brian Air float in the Carnival. There have also been a number of social events with themes, such as Trouble at the Mill and ‘Allo ‘Allo, and monthly meetings continue to be lively with speakers and discussion. New Chairman, Peter Lomax, looks forward to another eventful program for 2010-11.
The Ringwood And Burley Band Secretary: Mrs. Christine Harris Telephone:01202 877515 Chairman: Tony Mist Telephone: 01425 473542
The band has a busy summer season ahead of them, engagements include cruise ship playaways, concerts, bandstand appearances and religious services. After a difficult start to last year when the band was down to 14 musicians we have increased our numbers to 27 under our Musical Director Bernard Lawson. The band is also in a good financial position having had a full programme of engagements during the past year. The band is a member of the Wessex Brass Band Association, we meet for practice on Friday evenings in the Ebenezer Hall 8 – 10 pm, new playing members welcome.
We meet on the first and third Thursday of the month between September and April, enjoying a wide range of talks from guest speakers, plant growers, enthusiasts who create their own gardens, specialists sharing their expertise on favourite plants and gardeners who visit gardens and plant havens around the world. We have Spring and Autumn plant auctions, a lovely way to stock your garden and to share plants. This summer we have two outings, to East Lambrook Manor and Broomhill gardens and the second to Saville Gardens Windsor. Some members open their gardens and provide refreshments, which makes a lovely afternoon out. It’s a great mix, something for every keen gardener, come and join us as a member or guest.
Ringwood Machine Knitting Club Secretary: Daphne Lodge Telephone: 01980 610659
Despite extremely cold weather Ringwood Machine Knitting Club held their meetings with a good number of members able to attend. Our December meeting was, as always, a Christmas Party. Committee members provided the buffet and a photograph of all attending has been published in the magazine Machine Knitting Monthly. This is most pleasing as it is the only Machine Knitting magazine published in the UK. We have since been fortunate to have a visiting speaker who demonstrated her skill and techniques on a Brother machine and held the attention of everyone present. On a sad note, we said our last goodbyes to one of our members who, after a long illness, died just before the turn of the year.
Ringwood Philatelic Society Hon. Publicity Secretary: Keith Clements Telephone: 01202 581886
In February Gavin Fryer, Past President of the Royal Philatelic Society, provided a fascinating display of King George V1 postal history on covers (envelopes) tracing major events from 1937 to the early 1970’s (decimalisation). March saw Annual Competition Night; John Davies and Alan Whittaker were the trophy winners with “War Tax Stamps of Canada” and “Australia/New Zealand Air Mails 1934-51”. Our Chairman, Colin Mount, entertained us in April with “Pig in the Post”, a history of the pig on stamps, postcards etc. May’s highlight was a free coach trip for members and their partners to “London 2010” International Stamp Exhibition. New members will be most welcome at our 2nd Tuesday of the month meetings (7.30 p.m.)
Ringwood Scottish Country Dance Club Secretary: Margaret Bully Telephone: 654763
The Club meets on Tuesdays from 7.00 – 9.30 pm. The Club is well attended and we have welcomed a few new members this year. Everyone enjoys the varied programmes arranged by our experienced teacher, Mary. Some members attend dances organised by other clubs in the areas. In February there was a weekend of dancing in Shanklin, Isle of Wight which was a memorable event. Recently some of our members enjoyed a week of dancing and walking in Cyprus. We are planning to hold another Halloween Dance this year as last year’s event was great success. Experienced dancers and visitors are always welcome but beginners should apply to the Secretary as above.
Ringwood Table Tennis Club Secretary: Mrs Pat Baldwin Telephone: 476343 E-mail: chris_Baldwin@talktalk.net
We are now nearing the end of the league season. In the Poole Premier Division, the B side is in top position at present with two matched to go. In the Bournemouth League Division 4 Ringwood is in the runners-up spot. A skittles evening has been arranged in April at Hurn Bridge Sports Club, and the clubs AGM is to be held in the Greyfriars main building on Thursday May 20th. The usual summer League competition is due to start mid may on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Pont Audemer Table Tennis Club are hoping to come over for a visit in September for their usual “friendly” match against Ringwood. Friday club nights are still proving very popular.
Ringwood Travel Club Chairman: Ann Cole Telephone: 478764/475734 E-mail: annmcole@aol.com
Phil Colley opened our 2010 programme with excellent slides to give a very informative in depth look at the cultures of the Japanese people. With Mike Owen we explored, on foot, the remote wild parts of Zambia, its wildlife, and saw the problems of survival of its people. In March we were richly entertained by the birding enthusiast Simon Woolley on his hot and humid travels to find the fantastic bird creations of Papua New Guinea. We still have the National Parks of the USA to come and our AGM & a talk by Jane Lane on her work in a Rwandan school. We start again September 15 in Greece with Tony Bates. Meetings are 3rd Wed. 7.30pm at Greyfriars.
Young at Heart Club (formerly Greyfriars Disabled Club) Poppy Garvey Telephone: 477740 e-mail alpopgarvey@talktalk.net
Meetings are held in the Activities Centre at 2.15 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. We provide afternoon tea, entertainment, and transport to and from your door if required. This year, our Club for the elderly residents of Ringwood, has been pleased to welcome a number of new members! Entertainment has included wildlife photography, a ballad singer, and a wonderful talk by Mrs Maureen Rose on her years as Court dressmaker for Her Majesty the Queen. If there are any volunteer drivers who would be willing to come on to our reserve list , please contact Poppy
From the Affiliated Organisations
All Saints Parish Church, St Leonards and St Ives Churchwardens: Mr Martyn Morris Telephone: 479936 Dr. Nina Gregson Telephone: 01425 474544 E-mail: allsaints1972@yahoo.co.uk
Following our successful national advertising for a Priest-in-Charge/Vicar there was a final shortlist of three excellent candidates, who met members of the PCC socially at an informal evening on 10th March, with a familiarisation tour of the area the next day, followed by lunch, and subsequent interviews. At the time of writing the new appointment has yet to be formally confirmed, however we can now see a light at the end of a long interregnum tunnel and can look forward to having a new leader and striding purposefully forward together into the future.
AVAS Avon
Valley Archaeological Society. Chairman: Mark Vincent Telephone: 01425 473677 Secretary: Bill Atkinson Telephone: 01722 326978
AVAS is enjoying continued success. We hold evening meetings in The Ann Rose Hall Greyfriars from September until May, on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm, With a varied and interesting range of Archaeologically based speakers. For the more active members, who enjoy a hands on approach to archaeology, we have ongoing Fieldwork projects throughout the year. We also have several social get togethers, such as our Summer BBQ. For more information on this friendly society please visit our website www.avas.org.uk
Avon Valley Concerts Music Society Tickets: Alastair Hardie Telephone: 01202 855719
Our final concert this season was given by the Armonico Consort on 19th March, 2010 in St Mary’s Church, Fordingbridge. The candlelit church proved an evocative setting for the seven soloists as they sang 17th century music by composers - Thomas Tallis and William Byrd. The previous day, the Armonico had given an inspiring Workshop, ‘A Musical in a Day’, to Year 5 of the Fordingbridge Junior School.
After only a few hours of singing and drama tuition, the children were able to produce an exhilarating, ten-minute Musical for the assembled school and the teachers.
Our AGM will be held at Greyfriars on 7th July, 2010 at 7.30 pm. Please come along if you would like to become involved.
Braeside Bowling Club Press Officer – H W Hipkiss Telephone No: 01425 461853 E-mail: h_hipkiss@sky.com
Our Winter Competitions were played on the 28th March and the winners were Mary Lamb, Ladies’ Singles, Tony Brunt, Men’s singles and Joan Brooks and John Phipps in the pairs. The Men’s Winter Triples was a very close run League, where the final positions were determined on the last day. Despite the economic situation, the applications for membership are up and we look forward to competing in both the Bournemouth and District and the New Forest Leagues for both men and ladies, during the summer. We have 17 friendlies arranged, with new ventures in Eastbourne and Dunmow, as well as the older traditional ones. The club remains very active on the social side, culminating with the Annual Dinner/Dance at Bashley on the 24th November. Applications to join should be addressed to the Secretary Adrian Morris.
Carlton Wine Society Secretary: Christine Ford Telephone: 477235
If you are interested in learning more about wine, or if you just enjoy drinking it, we invite you to come along and explore with us the wines of the world. We meet at 8.00 pm at Greyfriars on the second Wednesday of every month. There are nine tutored tastings of commercial wines each year, with usually 8 wines per tasting. We have so far tasted around 2000 different wines from all over the world, from the cheapest supermarket bargains to fine grand cru burgundy at over £100 a bottle, and all for the same monthly tasting fee. We’d be delighted to see you and you’ll receive a warm welcome.
This friendly, english-speaking French appreciation circle meets on the second Friday of the month in the Ann Rose Hall at 7.45 pm. An informal French language class meets every fourth Friday in Room 1. We have two more speakers this season, Alain Jourdain on “French Matters” and Annie Carpenter-Thom speaking about her mother’s experiences during the Resistance. The season closes with the pétanque evening in June on the lawn at Greyfriars.
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
Website: www.ChristchurchU3A.org.uk 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 meeting we have talks, which have appeal to a wide audience and cover many diverse interests and subjects. The talk at the May meeting is “Andes to the Atlantic via the Amazon” and the one in June is “Stunts in T V and Film”. There are also regular social events including a garden party, annual lunch and regular monthly pub lunches at various hostelries in the area. 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.
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 E-mail: prake@tiscali.co.uk
Members attending the Spring Council Meeting at Portsmouth Guildhall heard of numerous County federation activities, an address by the National Chairman, entertainment by a School Steel Band and a revealing talk by Sir Bernard Ingham, one time PPS to Margaret Thatcher. Log on to www.hampshirewi.org.uk to see what the WI offers. Our own activities include interesting speakers at our meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month, 2pm, at WI Hall, Crowe Lane, with craft, scrabble and skittles sessions at other times in the month. Social events such as coffee mornings, cream teas and a visit to a local garden, as well as the Group Meeting already fill our diaries. Join us for fun and friendship.
Diabetes UK Secretary: Betty Slatter Telephone: 01425 477202
We meet on the second Monday of every month except in August. It is very friendly and we are here to help. We have very interesting Speakers including Doctor’s and other Medical people. We also enjoy an outing either in June or July. Our main reason for being here is to help because there are so many people being diagnosed with Diabetes, young and old. Hope you will come along with your partners or friend and enjoy our very happy meetings.
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
Supported by Hampshire County Council
Greyfriars Community Centre is on Christchurch Road, Ringwood BH24 1DW; phone 01425 472613 - CLICK HERE for a map and more details.
