ABOUT US
Mudeford Wood Community Centre was opened in the 1980’s by Christchurch Borough council (now BCP).
Unfortunately, it was set for closure in 2009, which set in motion the local residents to create Friends of Mudeford Wood in an attempt to save the centre.
The friends of Mudeford wood were successful in saving the centre in proving it was a valuable resource to the community.
In August 2010, Friends of Mudeford wood formed into Mudeford Wood Community Trust, an incorporated charity and took over management of the centre, leasing it from the Council.
In April 2012 the Trust became responsible for the day to day running of the centre, with continued support from the council.
Mudeford Wood Community Centre is set within the heart of community, just a short distance from both Christchurch and Highcliffe, surrounded by woodland walks and the River Mude and adjacent to a large recreational ground and children’s playground.
The Centre has been extensively modernised over the past 13 years, creating a clean, safe and vibrant space for the local community.
Our motto is ‘something for everyone’ and we really do have a fantastic range of clubs, classes, and educational facilities for all ages and abilities to enjoy.
The Centre consists of a large main sports hall, 2 other rooms, preschool suite as well as a large kitchen. Our facilities can be hired out on a regular basis or for private parties, functions and celebrations.
Outside the Centre we have a newly refurbished (2024) multi- purpose All Weather Pitch for Football, Netball and Tennis on a regular or Ad Hoc basis. We are proudly home to Mudeford Wood Tennis Club and from September 2025 also the home of Christchurch Netball Club.
All our clubs and classes are run by the Community, for the Community.
Meet Our Trust
Liz Sabey
Chairperson
Liz has experience of voluntary work spanning 40 years – including helping the building and management of a village hall. A Community College Development and Training Director. Director of Housing Associations, (prioritising in community involvement). Liz has 20 years experience of being self-employed in the Service industry and was an NHS employee for 13 years dealing with vulnerable and diverse groups of people of all ages. Now happily retired and able to devote time to the CommunityCentre.
Paul Hillard
Tresurer
Paul was born in Barton on Sea, and has lived in Christchurch for the past 25 years. He shares his home in Highcliffe with his wife Helen and two sons, who both attend Highcliffe School. He has a background in finance, economics and customer service working initially with Barclays Bank, and latterly with HSBC. Paul is active in the community as the Mudeford, Stanpit and West Highcliffe ward Councillor on BCP Council, and representing Friars Cliff ward on Christchurch Town Council. He is also a Parent Governor at Highcliffe School, a Governor of the Royal Bournemouth & Christchurch Hospitals Trust, and a Member of the Dorset & Wilts Fire & Rescue Authority.
Roger Burge
Treasurer
Roger joined the Centre as a Trustee in September 2024. His professional background is in corporate finance and treasury management. Roger took over the role of Treasurer in April 2025. The key responsibilities of the Treasurer are to ensure that the centre has sufficient funds to operate; to maintain and update cashflow forecasts; to ensure that all contracts and financial transactions are properly managed and recorded in the accounts, and to ensure compliance with the legal and financial requirements of the Companies Act and Charity Commission.
Debbie Stephens
Finance Trustee
I have been with Mudeford Wood Community Trust since the beginning in 2010.
I am responsible for day-to-day finances; setting up payments to creditors and issuing invoices to all regular account customers. I provide monthly reports to the bookkeepers for their accounts. I attend the centre office for a shift on Friday afternoons and often on Sundays. I sit on the Trustee Board, the management committee and attend volunteers’ meetings (both of the latter meet monthly).
In my role as Company Secretary, I am responsible for preparing for and managing officers’ reports for Trustee Board meetings, taking minutes and keeping files of important documents.
Vicky Fuller
Trustee – Human Resources
I have played badminton at the Community Centre for many years and in 2012, when the Trust took over running it, I became the Volunteer Co-ordinator in order to develop roles for volunteers from working in the office to putting on events. In 2013, I was nominated to be a Trustee. We endeavor to provide a space for our community to undertake various sports, learn new skills, enjoy music, meet socially and enjoy a cuppa. We always welcome new volunteers to bring in new ideas; improve the way we manage old ideas and make new friends. Junior volunteers are welcomed to help on Saturdays, this role often helps to improve confidence, learn skills for the future and help identify your interests. Looking forward to our future, as despite all our planning, we are never sure what it will bring.
Mike Scott Johns
Trustee
For the first twenty years of his professional life, Michael worked in actuarial and finance departments of several life assurance companies then became an accountant with HSBC until retirement in 2003. Since retirement Michael has been carrying out accounting functions for several charitable organisations, including a church and a food bank and he is secretary of the New Milton Table Tennis Club.
Richard Ashdown
Trustee
Richard Ashdown spent the first twenty years of his career in the Royal Navy seeing active service in a number of areas of conflict and tension around the World. Richard is currently Managing Director of a Business Consultancy Company and holds executive and non-executive positions in a number of other prominent companies and charities including Chairman of a large Housing Association. Richard is also qualified as a Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Assessor and Trainer, RYA Senior Sailing Instructor and Power Boat Instructor.
