About the Centre
The Lymington Community Association has grown over the years from its original home in the Malt Hall in 1948. The Association now provides 16 meeting rooms of various sizes which are available to rent on a regular or one off basis.
Opening Hours
Reception Desk
Monday – Friday: 9.00am to 4.30pm
Saturday: 9.30am to 4:00pm
Outside these hours a message may be left on the telephone answering machine.
Centre Cafe
Monday – Friday: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Saturday: 9.30am to 12 Noon
Find us at Lymington Community Association, New Street, Lymington, SO41 9BQ.
General Information
Tidal Boutique
We have a pre loved Clothing Charity shop here at the Community Centre. This shop is open Monday to Saturday. If you would like to donate, please drop these items to Tidal during opening hours or to Reception when the shop is closed. All funds raised, go directly to help keep the Centre open.
Book Sales
We are currently accepting books on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Please place any donations on the Trolley located by the New Street Entrance. The shelves in the Walter Simmons Gallery offer a wide selection of books, DVD's and puzzles all for sale. Our books are looked after by a Group of volunteers. Book Fairs are held periodically throughout the year. Over £200,000 has been raised since the scheme began.
Disabled and Baby Changing facilities
We have disabled/accessible facilities in the Main Building and also disabled facilities in the Gates Hall. A radar key is available from Reception on request. Baby Changing Facilities are available in the Gates Hall.
Lift
There is a lift available for users of the Centre to access the1st floor of the main building. This is located by the Pre School (Robert Hole Room) close to Reception desk.
Safety and Security
First Aid Kits are sited throughout the Centre.
Fire Alarm Bells will sound throughout the buildings in the event of fire. Call points are positioned at various positions around the Centre. Visitors and Centre users should familiarise themselves with fire precautions and evacuation procedures. These are available from Reception. Emergency exits must be kept clear at all times. Get out. Get the Fire Services Out. Stay Out!
The premises are covered by CCTV surveillance system. The Community Association does not accept responsibility for the loss of or damage to any personal property brought in to the Centre or its grounds. Any lost property found will be disposed of after a one month period.
History
Lymington Community Association was founded by a group of residents encouraged by Mr Robert Herrington Hole. He gathered a few individuals from local businesses and private individuals and called a meeting at his own home.
At the meeting it was agreed that there should be an Association formed for the residents of Lymington and Pennington. It was also agreed that the priority was to find a building in which both cultural and other activities could be housed in one centre. Many activities were already being run in areas around the town, and it would be beneficial to have one location.
A Committee was formed, and the Association was officially created in May 1946. It began with an annual subscription of 2/6 (2 shillings and 6 pence) and a target of £5.000 to be raised by March 1947. The Old Malt House and the three-quarter acre site was purchased for £1,500, with the help of the Ministry of Education providing a grant of £1,000. The Centre was finally opened in November 1948 and the Association acquired Charitable status in September 1962.
The Centre developed rapidly over the years and soon began to run many different activities including arts, crafts, exhibitions and lectures hosting many different Clubs and Organisations.
Today, the Community Centre still strives to achieve its key objectives by working to bring together residents of all ages, voluntary and other organisations, and Local Authorities in a common effort to advance education and provide facilities for recreation. The day to day running of the Community Centre is run by the Centre Manager and a team of staff and volunteers. The affairs of the Association are managed by a Board of Trustees.
The Community Centre is in the heart of Lymington and is open to everyone to enjoy, learn and make new friends. Please do pop along and see what our wonderful Centre has to offer.
Funding
How does the Association generate its funds?
The Community Centre is a Registered CIO Charity 1188765 and is entirely dependent on its membership subscriptions, fundraising activities, room hire, donations, local support including businesses and the yearly support from the Lymington and Pennington Town Council for its existence. Without this support, the Association could not survive.
The overall day to day running of the Association is funded by income from room hire, Café and Bar, Preschool, Cinema/Theatre, membership, book sales and Tidal Boutique.
Development and Facility Improvement is funded through donations, 200 Club, Community Lottery, Grants, Lymington and Pennington Town Council, Local Councils, fundraising events and legacies.
The Association was awarded a Pledge of £900K from Lymington and Pennington Town Council towards the much-needed refurbishment and redevelopment of the Centre which will cost more than £2,000,000. This pledge had to be match funded by the Association.
Malt Cafe & Bar
Tucked away in the heart of Lymington is the Malt Café and Garden area. One of Lymington’s hidden treasures and loved by so many!
The Malt Café is open to everyone, serving breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and snacks. In addition Chefs specials are served daily.
The Malt Café serves a delicious variety of sandwiches, Paninis, Quiches, Salads, Jacket Potatoes, sweet treats including Cakes and Tray Bakes, Tea, Coffee, fruit teas, and lots more. Gluten Free options also available. Free WiFi.
Come and relax in our beautiful walled garden and enjoy the sunshine. Everyone is welcome, just pop on in the Lymington Community Centre.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday 9:30am- 4:30pm and Saturday 9:30am-2:30pm.
Breakfast Served 9:30am – 11am.
Find us – Lymington Community Centre, New Street, Lymington,SO41 9BQ.
The Malt Lounge Bar
The Malt Lounge Bar is a fully licensed bar and is normally open when there is a Cinema or Theatre Production on. The Bar opens 45 minutes prior to any screening.
The Malt Lounge area is also used for private functions and meetings.
