Two Greyfriars ex-chairmen, Ann Pedersen and Rowan Brockhurst, take their ease on the new Friends of Greyfriars seat, where the cedar tree used to be.
Relax and Reflect, as it says on the seat back. The past is also there in the outline of the Cedar Tree, which had been planted possibly in the 1850s by the Edwards family (or their gardener James Guy); the salmon, which Gillian Habbin used to enjoy fishing from the Avon; and the deer which is an essential part of the Greyfriars logo.
The eye-catching dark red blossom behind the seat is on a Harry Baker crab apple tree, given by Ringwood Garden Club in memory of Harry who had been Fruit Officer at RHS Wisley, a past President and long time member of the Club. Look out for dark red apples in the autumn!
Ringwood Floral Decoration Society had to take the difficult decision to close but has donated their remaining funds to a garden project as a memorial to Gillian Habbin who was founding member and past president of the Society. The bed beside the tree will be a lasting memory of Gillian who was one of the creators of so many beautiful floral displays and tributes in the Centre over the years.
Greyfriars is a place to relax in. The Friends of Greyfriars reflect on the future and how the Community Centre is being helped to be here for generations to come. They run the 74 Club monthly draw and gratefully accept gifts and legacies.
As you reflect on all that you enjoy at Greyfriars remember the Friends and everything they work for. https://greyfriarsringwood.org.uk/support-us/friends/
A big thank you to Mike Osborne for your wonderful words.
