A new function space has been made available to the residents of Ringwood’s Bickerley Green Residential and Nursing Home thanks to the financial support of the Ringwood & District Old People’s Welfare Association (ROPWA) and the legacy of Michael Lingam-Willgoss, known to all as ‘The Voice of Ringwood’.

A bland ‘resource’ centre was repurposed as the ‘Inn on The Green’, a multi-purpose traditional pub-themed space for residents, families and friends to enjoy each other’s company and appreciate the atmosphere of a “good old British pub”.

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The venture was made possible with the support of Michael Lingam-Willgoss who died in 2022 and left money in his will to support the work of ROPWA. Marni, Michael’s widow, spoke of how exciting the project was and how she felt sure that Michael would have wholeheartedly approved of the idea of creating a social area for residents, friends and families to meet in a pub-themed space.

On Wednesday, February 7, members from ROPWA, Bickerley Green staff, several residents, Marni, and her daughter, Candice, gathered to celebrate this new venture. Marni proudly cut the opening ribbon and declared the ‘Inn on the Greene’ officially open.

Keith Adams, committee member of ROPWA, said: “ROPWA has a long tradition of supporting the work of Bickerley Green, as it is an essential part of the local community. All members of the committee who were able to attend the opening celebration of the ‘Inn on the Greene’ took great delight in seeing how ROPWA’s continued support, along with the legacy left by Michael, can benefit every resident and their family/friends to have a sociable space to enjoy.”