With a name inspired by the church’s young people, Fordingbridge’s new Rainbow Centre was dedicated on Sunday 5th February in a celebration attended by the Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor and Mrs Connolly, church members and invited guests. In his address the Revd David Langford, United Reformed Church minister, spoke of the [...]]]>

Cutting the tape

With a name inspired by the church’s young people, Fordingbridge’s new Rainbow Centre was dedicated on Sunday 5th February in a celebration attended by the Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor and Mrs Connolly, church members and invited guests. In his address the Revd David Langford, United Reformed Church minister, spoke of the encouragement that people get when they see a rainbow but commented that it can only be seen when turned away from the sun and facing dark clouds. He also paid tribute to the team work of church members and professionals who had refurbished the Old Manse adjacent to the church in Salisbury Street to create this new ecumenical and community support centre.

The Rainbow Centre already houses the administrative office for The Avon Valley Partnership which comprises the benefices of Fordingbridge and Ellingham, the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, the young persons support and counselling service ‘It’s Your Choice’, and is the base for the annual Poppy Appeal of the Royal British Legion. The centre offers a number of rooms admirably suited for committee and small meeting purposes.

Before cutting the celebration cake, Mr Nick Lowe, URC Wessex Synod Treasurer, said that he was delighted to take part as the priorities of ecumenical co-operation and community service exactly fitted the aims of Synod.

The church is now working on its next project to create The Rainbow Gardens, a community garden situated in the former manse garden and plans to have this ready by the spring. The aim is to benefit local residents who do not have any ground to cultivate, especially those living in nearby flats who miss their gardens.

Here are pictures taken at the traditional celebration of Burns Night with Jim Lamb.

Saturday 21st January 2012 at 6.30 p.m. at the United Reformed Church

Church members Yo and Peter Beech look forward to another three open days at their beautiful gardens on Sundays the 1st, 22nd and 29th July.

More details at www.sandlecottage.co.uk