ABOUT US
Formed in 1957 the Friends of Brockenhurst, otherwise known as ‘FoB’ or ‘The Society’, tries to meet its constitutionally stated aims and objectives.
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In addition to giving attention to planning matters the Society supports local groups and organisations. This is usually, but not always, in the form of financial grants or work undertaken.
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This has included the refurbishment of the Wheel from the Village Forge, located at the entrance to Brookley Road Car Park, providing medals for the annual pancake races, plus donations to; Brockenhurst Youth Football Club to help provide equipment, Brockenhurst Primary School PTA for their forest school, a new bowling machine for Brockenhurst Cricket Youth teams, on-going support to Holidays at Home and donations to Oakhaven Hospice.
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If you know of a deserving cause, please let any Committee member know or contact us.
MISSION STATEMENT
Brockenhurst is one of the four designated villages in the New Forest. It is an open village in the centre of the New Forest where large stock are allowed to roam .It is a village of great character surrounded by natural beauty and steeped in history. Change in the village is inevitable but can be better managed.
The Friends of Brockenhurst was formed in 1957 with a mission to preserve and improve the character of our unique village. It aims to complement the Parish Council and concentrate especially, but not exclusively, on planning, environment and welfare of the community.
OUR COMMITTEE
JONATHAN DOUGHTY
CHAIRMAN
Jonathan has worked in the hotel and restaurant industry all his life. He originally trained as a chef, but then completed a Diploma and a Degree in Hospitality Management. After managing restaurants and hotels he went on to run his own restaurant consulting business around the world. He sold in 2014 and he has since then worked for family funds, high net worth individuals, property companies and of course hospitality businesses as an advisor, based in the village. He brought his family back in 2019. His parents also live in the village and with his wife, Michaela, they are raising their two young children in the New Forest. Jonathan is involved in many aspects of village life in addition to his role in Friends of Brockenhurst, including the Community Speedwatch scheme. He has previously been a Trustee of Kew Gardens and special advisor around the UK to many historic buildings.
RACHEL SMITH (Lady Cable)
PRESIDENT
Alongside managing a small livestock farm in the New Forest for 35 years, Rachel worked in developing affordable housing and chaired New Forest Villages Housing Association until 2018.
Rachel was a Parish Councillor for 12 years and chaired Brockenhurst Parish Council from 1988 to 1991.
PHILIP BUTT
HONORARY SECRETARY
Philip is a retired director of financial companies. He has had a home in Brockenhurst since 1996. He is also a member of the Planning & Transport Committee of Friends of the New Forest.​
TIM ANGEL
TREASURER
Tim has been a member of FoB for over 15 years and has been the Hon Treasurer for the last ten years. It is Tim's hope and ambition that through the sustained efforts of the Committee and Members of FoB that the unique character of Brockenhurst can be maintained and improved for the benefit of its current and future residents.
DAVID BENNETT
PLANNING
David Bennett was a journalist for the first part of his career, mainly for the BBC, including as News Editor for Radio Solent. He then moved into PR, running communications for Dorset County Council and Southampton City Council. Finally, he ran his own media company before retiring. He was also a reservist in the Royal Air Force and served as a senior officer in Iraq and Afghanistan. Growing up, his family had always lived around the New Forest and he moved with his own family to Brockenhurst in 1998. He is Co-Chair of the New Forest Dog Owners Group, runs the national Cuneo Society (Terence Cuneo was a noted artist including railways) and writes history books many of which, with John Purkess, are about the village.
DAVID ELEY
COMMITTEE MEMBER
David is a retired International Banker and Magistrate. He moved from London to Brockenhurst with his wife on retirement. David has always been involved in the voluntary community sector and now volunteers with Brockenhurst Care Cars and a Charity offering various community services throughout Hampshire.
GERALD PARKER
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Gerald retired from a senior management career in the food industry; was a former local magistrate and has previous experience elsewhere as village Friends Group Chairman. He is interested in local issues, events and outdoor life.
BRONYA SZATKOWSKA
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Bronya has over 25 years experience working in brand design consultancies. Having grown up in Brockenhurst, she returned with her young family 15 years ago. She is a busy member of the local community and is involved with a variety of groups and clubs. Being busy is in her nature, but her downtime includes walking her two Cocker Spaniels on the forest.
TBC
COMMITTEE MEMBER
