£100,000 extension nearly complete at Greyfriars (From Salisbury Journal)
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£100,000 extension nearly complete at Greyfriars
6:00pm Monday 25th June 2012 in News By Karen Bate
£100,000 extension nearly complete at Greyfriars
A WELCOMING new reception area that is being built as a lasting legacy to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee at Greyfriars Community Centre in Ringwood, is almost complete.
The final touches are being made to the £100,000 extension, that will serve residents, families and the scores of community groups that are housed in the busy centre.
The project has been made possible thanks to £100,000 of grants from the Stephenson Trust and New Forest District Council and the dedication of the Friends of Greyfriars over the last three years.
The inconspicuous former sliding doors have been replaced by a large porch, which boasts a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Plaque with the dates 1952 - 2012, at the front.
The reception area has increased in size, along with the bookstore room and office. And it is hoped that the Greyfriars logo of a deer and a fish will be carved on the front wall in time for the opening, which is planned for the beginning of July.
Chairman of Greyfriars Community Centre Anne Pedersen said: "We needed to build a more imposing entrance, with more space in the office for our volunteer workers and the office staff.
"The new building will benefit so many people especially the pre-school whose members will now be able to enter the centre with their buggies. Our fundraising group have been tremendous in their efforts to support the project, it would not have been possible without them.
"The new, spacious reception will be more welcoming for everybody."
Greyfriars Community Centre was formed in 1958, operating from a Georgian House. It has now grown into a healthy complex, which still maintains the house as its focal point.
Greyfriars is used by more than 80 community groups, charities, clubs and associations.
It also hosts a luncheon club for older people and owns and operates the two Greyfriars community minibuses.
More information about Greyfriars Community Centre can be found here.
