Culture, Hampshire | Posted on May 1st, 2025 | return to news a social group for men in Fordingbridge and Alderholt at their monthly event on Thursday 17 April The 93 Club was founded in 1993 (hence the name) while the Shed was founded in 2020 Avon Valley Shed’s founder Gary Knight spoke to the attendees about the group’s history Knight talked about how the Shed has grown so fast He was also very careful to explain that the main purpose of the Men’s Shed concept is to provide a space for people to connect with each other maybe engaging in practical activities and learning new skills all while reducing social isolation and improving mental and physical wellbeing The concept offers a welcoming environment where members can pursue their interests share experiences and contribute to the community Avon Valley Shed meets on Wednesday mornings at Fordingbridge Town Hall and on Friday mornings at a workshop in Alderholt to focus on their projects For further details about the 93 Club and/or the Avon Valley Shed, contact Derek Ayling on 01425 650770 or by email to hippotrain@BTInternet.com Subscribe to the online magazine news letter and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" DORSET VIEWDana HouseSpinneys LaneFerndownDorsetBH22 9BZ © Dorset View 2025 | Terms & Conditions  |  Copyright  |  Privacy Policy  |  Cookie Policy Home   News   Article A HANDYMAN who murdered four people in Fordingbridge in a case of “indescribable brutality and cruelty” has died while in custody George Stephenson (73) – who was turned down by a Parole Board for release in 2023 – passed away in hospital on 20th April Stephenson was jailed in 1987 after being found guilty at Winchester Crown Court of being part of the horrific incident at Burgate House As reported in the A&T a hearing to consider his request for release was held in 2023 but the panel ruled Stephenson – who was also convicted of rape and robbery – was still too dangerous It also turned down a request to move him to an open prison A Prison Service spokesperson told the A&T: “HMP Full Sutton prisoner George Stephenson died in hospital on 20th April 2025 the Prison and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.” Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Adrian Usher confirmed the death was being investigated a judge recommended he spend at least 25 years in prison before he could bid for release But when that term expired in 2001 the then-Home Secretary Jack Straw said the crimes were so bad he upped the minimum time behind bars to 35 years In 2008 Stephenson was refused a request it be put back to the original 25 years was sent down with two other men: brothers John and George Daly On 1st September 1986 the trio interrupted a dinner party between Joseph Cleaver (82) retired director of a publishing company; his disabled wife also 82; son Thomas (49); daughter-in-law Wendy (46); and live-in nurse Thomas and Margaret were bound and gagged in an upstairs room where petrol was poured over them Wendy was taken to another bedroom and repeatedly raped before being strangled to death Stephenson had worked as a handyman at the house with his wife of 10 months but was sacked after he hit her in repeated rows three weeks before the killings he and the Daly brothers made off after the raid with shotguns Stephenson went on the run and Hampshire police launched a large manhunt He gave himself up two days later at Roundhills campsite in Brockenhurst drinking at the Foresters Arms and smoking pot with two nurses on a camping holiday jurors unanimously found Stephenson guilty of four of the murders who had admitted rape and robbery from the outset was found guilty of the manslaughter of Joseph branded the crimes as acts of indescribable brutality and cruelty leader of The Salvation Army in Fordingbridge is looking forward to a weekend of celebration and youthful adventure.   I am filled with anticipation and joy for the wonderful programmes we have planned for our children we are not only celebrating the resurrection but also fostering a spirit of community and belonging I look forward to days filled with outdoor activities and nurturing the hearts and minds of our youth we will create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds that unite us.”    with a Tea & Play Café Easter Family Fun event for children aged 0-5 and their parents or carers Families will gather at The Salvation Army Hall on Roundhill at 9:30am before heading to the Community Garden for planting and outdoor activities The morning will wrap up with a cozy Tea & Play Café back at the Hall the fun continues with an Easter Holiday Club for children aged 8-12 offering a lively morning of creativity and teamwork The Salvation Army will host an Easter Family Fun event for all ages The church also has regular social events and support groups that provide a sense of belonging and reduce isolation which can be a significant factor for people experiencing financial hardship These include a 'Tea and Play Cafe' Monday and Friday mornings for those with preschool children - it is free to attend with refreshments available at a low cost.  For more information about The Salvation Army in Fordingbridge: Fordingbridge | The Salvation Army.  Copyright © The Salvation Army 2025 The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity in England (214779) Scotland (SC009359) and the Republic of Ireland (CHY6399) The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters Eco & Environment, Hampshire | Posted on May 1st, 2025 | return to news Development of new affordable homes has begun in Fordingbridge according to an announcement by New Forest District Council (NFDC) A total of 42 homes are being built by Cala Homes at an estate called Knightwood Chase It will include 28 homes for rent and 14 shared ownership properties through a mixture of apartments and two- and three-bedroom houses The rented homes will be allocated to households on New Forest District Council’s housing register Shared ownership allows people to purchase part of a property -typically 25 per cent to 75 per cent – and pay rent on the rest The homes will start to become available from summer 2025 The new homes are energy efficient and include sustainable technology such as solar PV panels and air source heat pumps with electric vehicle charging points available for all residents The properties also include bird and bat boxes Local councillors visited the estate on Wednesday 26 March to mark the start of the development portfolio holder for Housing and Homelessness said: “We know how important affordable housing is for local people and this development is a fantastic example of how we are increasing the supply of high-quality homes By offering both rental and shared ownership options we’re ensuring that more residents have the opportunity to stay in the area and live in homes that are modern said: “We’re very proud to bring high-quality affordable housing to Fordingbridge Addressing local housing need means providing a range of fantastic homes available through a range of tenures for future residents and we’re so pleased to have achieved that in partnership with New Forest District Council “Our commitment to the local area reaches beyond delivering homes we look forward to our collaboration with local residents to provide further support for Fordingbridge.” To find out more about the development or register for a property, visit https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/3949/New-housing-development-Knightwood-Chase-Fordingbridge The lessons are held every Monday evening between 7pm and 8:30pm at The Salvation Army church at Roundhill  Sessions are led by expert trainer and director of Makaton Charity who teaches participants conversational Makaton Tea and coffee are on offer during lessons.  Makaton is a unique language programme that combines signs and speech to enable people to communicate in a different way It is designed to support spoken language It is used by children and adults with communication or learning difficulties.  Sharing his enthusiasm about this programme the Fordingbridge Salvation Army Corps Leader said; “We’re excited to offer these sessions as part of our commitment to support our community When Zanna approached us to engage more people with Makaton We want to help people who may struggle with every day communication feel included and understood.” Mike added that the initiative is deeply aligned with The Salvation Army’s mission of supporting people who may feel marginalised in society the church aims to create space where everyone can learn to communicate better and engage with those who face communication challenges This is also an opportunity to learn a new skill while connecting with others in the community While the lessons are open to anyone in the local community there are a limited number of places so if people would like to take part they’re advised to book their space by contacting Zanna on 07500844084.  For more information about the Makaton visit the Makaton Charity website: About Makaton.  ATTACKING someone resulted in a Fordingbridge man being banned from all Morebus services in Dorset for six months pleaded guilty to committing the common assault against a man on Castle Lane East in Bournemouth on 25th September 2024 Poole magistrates handed him a six-month community order The defendant was also told to pay £250 compensation to the victim with this taking priority over any other court charges A THIRD boy has been charged with the rape of a 14-year-old girl in Fordingbridge The incident occurred on land adjacent to Fordingbridge Recreation Ground on Friday to appear at Southampton Youth Court on June 2 a 14-year-old boy from Fordingbridge had already been charged with rape possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place and kidnap/falsely imprison a person with intent to commit a relevant sexual offence Both will face trial at Southampton Crown Court None of the young people charged can be named Follow us on Facebook Subscribe to the Newsletter The New Blackmore Vale Magazine Salisbury &Avon Magazine The Purbeck Gazette