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About FCRA
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General

  • FCRA exists to connect local residents and provide a forum for discussion and collection of views about our area. Our aim is to have constructive dialogue with those involved in governance, development and upkeep of this friendly and attractive area.

  • We keep a lookout for any developments, proposed changes or other events that might affect us. Through regular quarterly meetings, we aspire to create a community spirit for all to enjoy.

  • We have a strong environmental perspective and fully engage with BCP Council and local groups dedicated to environmental preservation and improvement.

  • FCRA is a voluntary organisation, with committee positions appointed each year at the AGM. A key element is the network of volunteer Road Representatives (Reps) who manage delivery of the quarterly Friars Forum magazine. There are no paid positions.

  • We ask residents to contribute £5 per household per year.  Should you wish to join, details are provided in this site. Alternatively check with your neighbours or the Friars Forum magazine that is delivered quarterly by your Road Rep. Contributions can be paid by direct debit (our preferred method due to efficiency), cash, cheque or BACS. Contributions are part of our audited accounts and cover website, meeting rooms and ad hoc printing costs. We also offer small donations to local causes (Small Grants Scheme). 

  • The FCRA needs a good team of local supporters to operate effectively, so please join us you are interested in helping out. Please also contact a committee member for an idea of different roles, or contact us through the link at the top of this page.

Committee Positions

  • Chair : Steve Alves

  • Vice-chair : Paul De Jonghe 
  • Environmental Officer : Louise Heybourne
  • Friars Cliff Forum Editor : Charles Newman
  • Head Road Representative : Sarah Webb
  • Membership Secretary : Meg Ward
  • Secretary : Louise Heybourne
  • Social Secretary : Sara Luder
  • Treasurer : Linda Lawrence
  • Webmaster : Kevan Ward

Road Representatives

  • In addition, we are indebted to our network of excellent Road Reps who deliver magazines & collect subscriptions.

Quarterly Open Meetings​

  • Each quarter we hold an Open Meeting with updates from our local councillors, council officers, police and often a guest speaker.

  • Topical discussions help to gather residents' views and contribute to consultations.

  • Meetings are held at 7:30pm in the Highcliffe Sailing Club on Mudeford Quay

  • Please join the FCRA to attend our Open Meetings

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Minutes of previous meetings

  • These are available by clicking the links below

Friars Forum

  • Our full colour quarterly publication delivered to residents containing minutes of meetings, topical articles contributed or suggested by local residents and adverts for local trades and services

  • All actions and campaigns undertaken by FCRA are communicated to residents through the Forum.

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FCRA Rules

  • The FCRA rules were updated in January 2025 and approved at the AGM on 6 March 2025.

  • A copy of the updated is available at the link below

​10 Mar 25

Working/Action Groups

  • The FCRA committee from time to time sets up Working or Action Groups to focus on specific issues in our area.

  • The groups will normally be chaired by a Committee Member, and consist of representatives drawn from a broad cross-section of residents. Details of current Issues and Initiatives are at the link below:

FCRA Small Grants Scheme

  • The Scheme: Our Small Grants Scheme is designed to support the interests of, and activities within, our local community. This might include an activity that benefits residents or an individual. 

  • The Committee was given approval at the AGM in March 2020 for a formal process for a scheme that provides transparency. The FCRA allocates up to £1000 per annum to support its aims and objectives, with individual grants available up to £250 maximum. 

  • Who Can Apply: Applications are welcomed from people primarily resident in the FCRA area. The Scheme has previously generally supported young people, societies that benefit young people, or local charitable actions; for example combatting loneliness. No person is excluded from applying on grounds of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious belief, ability or any other personal characteristic.

  • Note that the Scheme does not support charities that are consistently able to generate operational surpluses or which have built up considerable unrestricted reserves. School PTAs or school ‘Friends Groups’ are not eligible to apply to the Small Grants Scheme.

  • Please email completed applications to: enquiriesFCRA@gmail.com

  • The guidelines and application form can be downloaded in PDF or Word format at the links below: 

Our Councillors

  • The FCRA Committee maintains a close and productive liaison with our two councillors Lesley Dedman and Paul Hilliard.

  • Through this liaison we are able to pass news of BCP actions and initiatives to Friars Cliff residents, and we also collate local issues raised by residents and communicate these to our councillors for onward action.

  • We can unequivocally state that this liaison works very well in both directions.

  • We thank Lesley and Paul for the way they productively pick up our issues and vigorously pursue them.

Cllr Paul Hilliard: BCP Council and Christchurch Town Council

  • Paul was born in Barton on Sea, and has lived in Christchurch for the past 35 years. He shares his home in Highcliffe with his wife Helen and two sons, who both attended 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 Friars Cliff, Mudeford, Stanpit and West Highcliffe ward Councillor.

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  • He is also a Parent Governor at Highcliffe School, a founding Trustee at both the Mudeford Wood and Somerford ARC community centres, a Governor and volunteer at the University Dorset Hospitals Trust, and a Member of the Dorset & Wilts Fire & Rescue Authority.

  • In his spare time you will see him cycling around the area and enjoying our great open spaces and beaches.​

  • Paul.Hilliard@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Cllr Lesley Dedman

  • BCP Ward: Mudeford, Stanpit & West Highcliffe

  • Christchurch Town Council Ward: Friars Cliff

  • Lesley is part of the Christchurch Independents Group and is a former Mayor of Christchurch who is part of the BCP Overview and Scrutiny Board.

  • Lesley.Dedman@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

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