A brief history of Avonway Community Centre (Fordingbridge & District Community Association)

Church Commissioners erect the building, now known as Avonway, in Shaftesbury Street. The land and buildings are still owned by the Diocese of Winchester. The original school, comprising 240 children at its inception, is a single room with a stone-flagged floor.

the South Room is built for the boys at a cost of £350.

the Annexe is constructed (£600) to accommodate the girls.

365 pupils of all school ages are on the register, so some are taught at the Town Hall.

pressure on space is eased with the opening of the new secondary school at Burgate.

some classes move to the new site at Penny’s Lane.

the Shaftesbury Street site eventually closes as a school.

Fordingbridge & District Community Association is first registered with the Charity Commission.

the building is extended with the addition of a new entrance hall, an office, toilets and a kitchen.

following extensive refurbishment by Hampshire County Council, the annexe opens as Stepping Stones pre-school.

the East and West rooms are totally refurbished by the local Rotary Club.

following the receipt of grants, the roof over the main building is fully replaced.

Avonway becomes a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

Stepping Stones pre-school moves to a premises at Fordingbridge Junior School.