June Newsletter

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🌼 Maiden Newton & Frome Vauchurch Parish Council Newsletter – June 2025 🌼
Here’s a round-up of what’s been happening in the parish and what’s coming up. It’s been a busy few weeks – read on for all the updates!
🪑 Village Improvements
We’re delighted to report the village seats have had a fresh coat of paint and the Millennium Stone has been weeded – giving the village a well-deserved spruce-up!
🌊 Flooding & River Management
The Chair and Cllr Jeremy met with the Environment Agency, flood officers, and our ward councillor to look at ongoing flooding concerns. A very productive meeting! Residents affected by flooding will be invited to a smaller meeting with EA officers soon – a great opportunity to have your say.
🛣️ Highways & Rights of Way
A pothole on Back Lane has been fixed (finally!).
White lines will only be repainted if they’re more than 70% worn – worth keeping in mind.
🛠️ Parish Property & Projects
The accessible gate at the play area has been repaired, and moss under the equipment has been treated.
New repairs to the play area fencing and improved access from the car park were approved – better and safer for everyone!
The old noticeboard in Maiden Newton will be replaced – we’re looking into eco-friendly options.
The MUGA resurfacing project is progressing, with quotes expected soon.
The allotment track is getting attention – repairs are in the works, and further quotes will be gathered.
The Old Fire House restoration is gathering momentum. The PC are looking to assist the group to manage the project funds in a ring-fenced account and funding applications are on the horizon!
🚌 Transport Update
The transport rep reminded us that the Ring & Ride service is under review. If not enough people use it, we risk losing it – please use it where possible.
👋 Welcome, James!
We’re thrilled to welcome James Meatyard to the Parish Council! James is keen to contribute to village life – we’re excited to have him on board.
💻 Digital & Community Connections
We’re trialling a Village WhatsApp Group! A great way to stay connected and share updates. If you’re interested, let us know – we’ll spread the word via the newsletter and word of mouth.
Also, with The Herald no longer running, residents asked about advertising local events. Cllrs are exploring the idea of a regular printed newsletter, to be left in local shops for those not on Facebook. In the meantime, this newsletter will be printed and available locally.

📅 Next Meeting
Our next Parish Council meeting is on 3rd July – we’ll be discussing the allotment track, the new noticeboard, Newsletter and plans for the flood meeting.
A reminder: residents can raise questions or ideas at every meeting. Your voice matters!

For more info see the noticeboards and Parish website where you will find the contact details of Councillors.
Get in touch- For inquiries or assistance please contact the Clerk/RFO
Mrs Michele Harding, C/o West Elworth Farm, Portesham Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4HF.
Email clerk@maidennewtonandfromevauchurch-pc.gov.uk Tel: 07831 029677
Website: www.maidennewtonandfromevauchurch-pc.gov.uk

Warm regards Maiden Newton and Frome Vauchurch Parish Council

MNFVPC Newsletter May 2025

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MAIDEN NEWTON AND FROME VAUCHURCH GROUP PARISH COUNCIL

📣 Parish Council Newsletter – May 2025 Meeting Highlights

The meeting opened with a minute’s silence in honour of VE Day, remembering all who served and those who gave their lives.

🗳️ Elections

  • Chair 2025–26: Trena Fox was re-elected and signed the acceptance of office.
  • Vice-Chair 2025–26: Jeremy Edwards was also re-elected.

👥 Council News

  • Cllr Lawrie Goff has resigned. Our thanks go to Lawrie for his dedicated service. The vacancy will be filled by co-option – please get in touch if you’re interested in joining the Council.

💧 Flooding Update

  • Dorset Council & Environment Agency met on 19th May to discuss flood incidents. The PC have been  gathering as much evidence as possible with dates/photos of flooding.

☀️ Croxton Solar Farm

  • Planning application now submitted. A £20,000 Community Benefit Fund is being offered. Public consultation closes 7th June – have your say!

🏀 MUGA Refurbishment

  • Project cost: Approx. £36,000 + VAT + contingency
  • Essential works include surface repairs, fencing updates, and safety improvements.
  • Aiming for a September 2025 start, or Easter 2026 if delayed.
  • Councillors agreed to proceed and will apply for additional funding

🛠️ Village Maintenance

  • ✅ New disabled access sign installed
  • 🔧 Repairs needed: play area fence, allotment fencing, and hall gates
  • 🛑 Webbers Bus Shelter: To be made safe
  • ❄️ Grit bin plans in progress – aiming for installation by autumn

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Community Engagement

  • No VE Day event took place due to lack of volunteers. Councillors are now building a list of residents willing to help with future events – please get involved!

🧾 Governance & Finance

  • All key governance documents and audit reports were approved.
  • Public audit inspection period: 3rd June – 14th July

🏡 Planning

  • Croxton Solar Farm: Supported by the Parish Council
  • The Surgery, Bull Lane: No objections raised to the conversion proposal

🛣️ Highways

  • White lines in the village are wearing, but will only be repainted once 70% worn, per Dorset Highways policy.

📅 Next Meeting: June 2025

  • Agenda to include: co-option, MUGA update and flooding feedback.

💬 Public Forum
A reminder: residents can raise questions or ideas at every meeting. Your voice matters!

👉 Interested in joining the Parish Council or helping with events? Please message us or speak to the Clerk. Community involvement makes all the difference!

For more info see the noticeboards and Parish website where you will find the contact details of Councillors.

Get in touch- For inquiries or assistance please contact the Clerk/RFO

Mrs Michele Harding, C/o West Elworth Farm, Portesham Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4HF.

Email clerk@maidennewtonandfromevauchurch-pc.gov.uk  Tel: 07831 029677

Website: www.maidennewtonandfromevauchurch-pc.gov.uk   

Warm regards Maiden Newton and Frome Vauchurch Parish Council

April newsletter

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MAIDEN NEWTON AND FROME VAUCHURCH GROUP PARISH COUNCIL

                                                    🌿 PARISH NEWSLETTER April 2025
🏛️ A Year of Positive Change

This year marked the first joint Annual Parish Meeting following the successful formation of the Grouped Parish Council in May 2024. The change has brought smoother operations, greater collaboration and fresh ideas from new Councillors.

Our thanks go out to everyone who helps keep the parishes running smoothly—from our footpath monitors and flood wardens to the Community Speed Watch (CSW) team, village maintenance volunteers and the Poo Fairies.

🚨 Tackling Flooding and Road Safety

  • Flooding has been particularly severe in the village, with some residents forced to evacuate. The Parish council, along with Dorset Council, the Environment Agency, and local flood wardens, are actively working on solutions.
  • A major effort has gone into highlighting speeding issues. A public survey revealed that 84% of residents support a 20mph speed limit in parts of the parish, and a formal request has been made to Dorset Council.

🧒 Youth and Community Highlights

  • Maiden Newton Youth Football Club now supports 120 children, including a successful U12 Girls team reaching the County Cup final!
  • The Youth Centre is now managed by the Football Club, with upgrades funded by the Community Land Trust (CLT).
  • Friends of the Play Area are fundraising for new trampoline surfacing and future improvements (current funds: £4,779).

🏘️ Village Hall & CLT Updates

  • The Village Hall installed solar panels, redecorated the main hall, and is planning further improvements for 2025.
  • The CLT continues to support local projects and holds grant funding available for community use.

🩺 Health & Transport

  • Maiden Newton Surgery has improved appointment availability, recruited new staff, and upgraded the dispensary.
  • Ring and Ride services are under review due to low usage—please consider using it if you can.
  • Country Cars remain a lifeline for many; support is growing to keep this essential service running.

🥾 Footpaths and Rights of Way

  • All footpaths have been walked and reviewed this year, with several issues reported and updates to the official maps pending due to the parish merger.

🤝 Community Connection

  • Would you be interested in staying connected with your neighbours by joining a Maiden Newton & Frome Vauchurch Community WhatsApp Group! If so let us know!

🌸 A Final Note

  • A cherry tree was planted in memory of Cherri Dyke. A plaque will be added soon.

Thank you to all our residents, volunteers, and community groups for your contributions over the past year.

 

For more info see the noticeboards and Parish website where you will find the contact details of Councillors.

Get in touch- For inquiries or assistance please contact the Clerk/RFO

Mrs Michele Harding, C/o West Elworth Farm, Portesham Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4HF.

Email clerk@maidennewtonandfromevauchurch-pc.gov.uk  Tel: 07831 029677

Website: www.maidennewtonandfromevauchurch-pc.gov.uk   

Warm regards

Maiden Newton and Frome Vauchurch Parish Council

Vacancy on the Parish Council

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NOTICE OF VACANCY IN OFFICE OF COUNCILLOR
MAIDEN NEWTON PARISH
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

Pursuant to Section 87(2) of the Local Government Act 1972, that Lawrie Goff has ceased to be a Member of the Parish Council, and that a vacancy now exists in the office of Councillor for the Parish.
If within 14 days after the date of this notice (i.e. no later than 1 May, 2025), a request for an election to fill the vacancy is made either in writing to the Returning Officer, Electoral Services, Dorset Council, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ or by email to elections@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk by TEN electors for the Parish, an election will be held to fill the vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be filled by co-option.
If an election is called, it will take place not later than 7 July 2025.

Dated 9 April 2025

Ms M Harding
Clerk to Maiden Newton and Frome Vauchurch Parish Council

* In computing any period of time for this purpose, a Saturday or Sunday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Good Friday or a bank holiday or day appointed for thanksgiving or mourning must be disregarded

Grass Contracts due for renewal 2025-2028

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The grass cutting contract is due for renewal for the assets in the parish, if you would like to tender for this contract for the coming 3 years please email the Clerk for the specification.

Closing date is 31st January 2025 to be considered on 6th February 2025 to commence on 1st April 2025.

Email clerk@maidennewtonandfromevauchurch-pc.gov.uk

football pitch, soccer, lawn

Merry Christmas

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🎄🌟 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Maiden Newton and Frome Vauchurch Parish Council! 🌟🎄

As we come to the end of another year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all residents and community groups for your support, kindness, and contributions throughout 2024.  💚

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas filled with warmth, peace, and happiness. May the New Year bring health, success, and exciting opportunities for everyone in our community. 🎉

Here’s to a bright 2025! ✨

#CommunitySpirit #MerryChristmas #HappyNewYear #MaidenNewton #FromeVauchurch #ParishCouncil

October Newsletter

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Maiden Newton and Frome Vauchurch Group Parish Council
October Newsletter

Here’s a round-up of key updates from the meeting held on 3rd October 2024.

Flooding issues:10 properties were recently affected by flooding, with water levels recorded at 1.94m (just below the record of 2.07m). Special thanks go out to all the residents who helped their neighbours during the early hours to reduce the impact of the flood. Meetings with the Environment Agency and Dorset Council’s flood risk team have been scheduled to address concerns about river silts and the drainage system, which has not been adequately maintained.

For more information and to report flood issues in your area, visit the Dorset Flood Risk Management Page. https://floodreport.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/

Parking Issues: Parking concerns were raised, especially cars parked too close to junctions.

If you spot any parking violations, report them to Dorset Council’s Parking Enforcement. https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/parking-problems

 Upcoming Events

Friends of the Play Area Fundraisers: Bingo Night: 8th February 2025, Spring Fair: 3rd May 2025

Funds raised will benefit both local community groups and the play area fund.

Village Development Updates-Cruxton Solar Farm: Enviromena has revised its plans for Cruxton Solar Farm after the appeal was dismissed earlier this year. Improvements include better landscaping, fewer solar modules, and a community benefit fund. A full planning application is expected in December 2024.

Development Naming: The new development at the top of Webbers Piece will be called “Thompsons View”.

Duke of Edinburgh Volunteering– Duke of Edinburgh students presented plans to carry out a litter-picking project around the village. The Parish Council has offered its support by providing litter pickers and advice. The Council thanks the students for their commitment to keeping our village clean!

Next Meeting: 3rd November 2024-If you have any issues or projects you’d like to discuss, we’d love to hear from you!

Reporting Issues Online- While the Parish Council regularly reports issues to Dorset Council, residents are encouraged to report any concerns directly using the following links:

Get in Touch: For inquiries or assistance, please contact the Parish Clerk: Mrs. Michele Harding

You can also reach out directly to any of the parish councillors. Their contact details are available on the Parish Council website and the village noticeboard.

Warm regards,
Maiden Newton and Frome Vauchurch Parish Council

Newsletter July 2024

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MAIDEN NEWTON AND FROME VAUCHURCH GROUP PARISH COUNCIL

Newsletter

Next Parish Council Meeting- Join us on Thursday 5th September 2024 7pm at Maiden Newton Village Hall, please note the PC does not meet in August.

Your New Councillors-At the July PC meeting we filled the 2 vacancies by co-option, it was great to have so much interest in the vacant seats, congratulations to Carol and Toni who were voted by Councillors, we are now a full compliment.

Recreation –The Whale springer at the play area has now been repaired. The Friends of the play area and Parish Council look forward to working together on the next projects for the area.  The Cllrs are meeting with companies to consider the resurfacing of the MUGA.

Allotments– We currently have 3 vacant plots so please get in touch if you are interested in taking on an allotment, we recently visited the site and have to say it is looking rather spectacular at the moment.

Traffic Calming- At the July meeting it was agreed that the PC will pay for various speed and traffic surveys to consider a SID (Speed indicator device) and 20mph speed limits.

Asset inspections- During the next few weeks Cllrs will be carrying out inspections of all assets in the villages, this will give the new Cllrs an opportunity to see the assets that the PC are responsible for and what maintenance is required in the coming year. The PC has Allotments, Play Area, MUGA and playing field, Rock Pit Car park, car park at the village hall, monuments, bus shelters, noticeboards, a clock and benches, so plenty to consider.

Development of the Old Toller Porcorum to Maiden Newton trailway- Following a site meeting with Cllrs, rangers and interested parties the PC supported this project to benefit the community, it is hoped that Dorset Council countryside team can assist it making this project a reality

Get in touch-

For inquiries or assistance please contact the Clerk/RFO – Mrs Michele Harding, C/o West Elworth Farm, Portesham Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4HF.

Email clerk@maidennewtonandfromevauchurch-pc.gov.uk  Tel: 07831 029677.

Website: www.maidennewtonandfromevauchurch-pc.gov.uk

You can also reach out to any of the parish councillors, their details are on the website and noticeboard.

Warm regards

Maiden Newton and Frome Vauchurch Parish Council

Parish Council meetings

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Parish Council meeting

Notice of General Election

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Notice of Election
UK Parliamentary General Election
for the West Dorset Constituency
1.
An election is to be held for a Member of Parliament for the West Dorset Constituency.
2.
Nomination papers must be hand delivered to the Acting Returning Officer at Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ between 10am and 4pm on any working day after the date of publication of this Notice but no later than 4pm on Friday 7 June 2024. Please make an appointment to deliver your nomination papers by telephoning Electoral Services on 01305 838299 or emailing elections@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
3.
Nomination papers may be obtained from the offices of the Acting Returning Officer, Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ or can be downloaded from https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/guidance-candidates-and-agents-uk-parliamentary-general-elections-great-britain/nominations/completing-your-nomination-papers/nomination-form.
4.
A deposit of £500 is payable with each nomination paper submitted and this is returnable if the candidate polls more than 5% of the total valid votes cast in the Constituency. Deposits may be paid by cash (legal tender), by debit card or by BACS payment to DC Income Account, Sort Code 60-07-01, Account Number 59190019.
5.
If any election is contested the poll will take place on Thursday 4 July 2024.
6.
Applications to register to vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 12 midnight on Tuesday 18 June 2024. Applications can be made online: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
7.
Applications, amendments or cancellations of postal votes and amendments or cancellations of proxy votes must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ by 5pm on Wednesday 19 June 2024. Apply online to vote by post or download a form: https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote.
8.
Applications for a Voter Authority Certificate or an Anonymous Elector’s Document valid for this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ by 5pm on Wednesday 26 June 2024. Apply online for a Voter Authority Certificate or download a form: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate.
9.
New applications to vote by proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ by 5pm on Wednesday 26 June 2024. Apply online to vote by proxy or download a form: https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote.
10.
Applications to vote by emergency proxy at this election on grounds of physical incapacity or for work/service reasons must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ by 5pm on Thursday 4 July 2024. The physical incapacity must have occurred after 5pm on Wednesday, 26 June 2024. To apply on the grounds of work/service, the person must have become aware that they cannot go to the polling station in person after 5pm on Wednesday 26 June 2024. Download an application form: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/proxy-voting-application-forms.
Dated Tuesday 4 June 2024
Matt Prosser, Acting Returning Officer
Printed and published by the Acting Returning Officer, Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ