About us
Local people working together
Your Brockenhurst Residents’ Association is an independent, volunteer-led community group.
We’re committed to protecting the qualities that make Brockenhurst such a special place to live while responding to local issues in a positive, practical and constructive way.
We work alongside Brockenhurst Parish Council, public bodies and other community organisations whenever partnership offers the best way to achieve positive outcomes for the village.
Key objectives
1
Support an informed, connected and resilient community
We help residents access useful information, strengthen local connections and prepare for issues that may affect the village.
2
Establish and support community working groups
We bring people together around shared priorities and support them in developing practical, well-organised community initiatives.
3
Strengthen Brockenhurst’s resilience
We support projects that help reduce local risks, improve preparedness and lessen the impact of disruptive events.
Our Principles
Everything we do is guided by a commitment to being:
- community-led
- inclusive and representative
- courteous and constructive
- informed and solution-focused
- respectful of relevant responsibilities and regulations
- committed to positive engagement with public authorities, and
- independent of commercial interests.
We recognise that people won’t always agree, and that’s perfectly natural. Different views can still be shared respectfully and discussed in a constructive way.
When working with public bodies, we aim to keep one simple question in mind:
How can we help you to help our community?
Our core team
Your Brockenhurst Residents’ Association is coordinated by a small team of lead volunteers, working alongside the leaders of individual projects, specialist advisers and our wider network of volunteers.
As the needs of the community change, our structure will continue to evolve alongside the projects we support.
Alan Bellenger – Treasurer
I spent the majority of my working career in IT, working for a large international insurance company. My expertise was Operations Management, which ironically, I enjoyed most when we had issues and needed to find solutions.
I took voluntary redundancy in late 2018, and then worked for a private client managing the renovation of his 4 properties, a complete change to IT, although the problem solution was a common factor. I later worked for a family insurance broker, who specialised in vintage tractors and classic cars.
We moved to Brockenhurst 3 years ago, although I have been coming here on family holidays since I was 6.
My hobbies include walking, pickleball, classic cars and cycling.
Christine Bellenger
My working life has been spent predominantly in a large international financial institution, providing me the opportunity to travel and also to work in many fields, including IT, Governance, Data Base administration and latterly working in Business Continuity during the Covid pandemic.
I moved to Brockenhurst in December 2023 with my husband Alan and our dog Topper, taking on a project of a house and garden.
My hobbies include fitness, walking, reading, cooking and eating!
Karen Bladen – Communications
My background is in publishing and exhibitions, which involved managing a team, and organising worldwide international trade exhibitions across a variety of industries, including IT, Security and Furniture. I have also held a variety of managerial roles in business organisations, the public sector and retail pharmacy, and have used my entrepreneurial skills to start a few businesses. My mantra is ‘Nothing can stop me!’.
My family has been in Brockenhurst since 1977, and I’ve been a resident since 2009. I’m passionate about helping others and making Brockenhurst a truly connected village for all to share and enjoy.
My hobbies include cooking, travelling and trying to run!
Roger Gomm, QPM – Resilience
Previously, I was a senior officer in the Metropolitan Police Service, with strategic (Gold) and tactical (Silver) command responsibility for numerous high-profile events, security operations, Royal ceremonial occasions, and major incidents across London.
I have supported the UK Resilience Academy and several academic institutions, advising and training organisations across the UK and internationally.
I have lived in Brockenhurst since 2022.
My hobbies include pickle ball, the Rotary Club and sailing.
John Stanton – Group Lead
With nearly 30 years international experience managing international supply chains in the consumer goods sector (involving large teams and budgets), I took early retirement in 2022.
I then co-founded ‘New Forest for Ukraine’ and established a local bike business. I’m a ‘social entrepreneur’ committed to bringing people together to find positive solutions to issues faced by the residents of Brockenhurst.
I have lived in Brockenhurst since 2004, moving back full-time after international assignments in 2016.
My hobbies include cycling, and supporting Liverpool FC.
Get involved
Whether you can offer professional expertise, local knowledge, practical help or simply a little of your time, your contribution can make a real difference.
