Skips Field Consultation

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🌿 Have your say on the future of Skips Field! 🌿

Skips Field is a much-loved open space in our village β€” enjoyed for its footpaths, natural beauty, wildlife, and peaceful surroundings. There is now a potential opportunity for the community to secure it for future generations.

The Parish Council and Community Land Trust would love to hear your views, ideas, and concerns before any decisions are made.

πŸ“ Please take a few minutes to complete the consultation form β€” online or paper copies available. Your voice will help shape the future of Skips Field.

πŸ“… Deadline: 15th December

πŸ‘‰ Have your say here: https://forms.office.com/r/iHwHdrTWdN

November update

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πŸ“° Maiden Newton & Frome Vauchurch Parish Council – November 2025 Update

Welcome & Remembrance
The Chair welcomed residents to the meeting and reminded everyone about the Remembrance service at the War Memorial on 11th Nov at 10:50 am. The hearing loop is now operational for meetings.

πŸ’» Full Fibre Broadband
Wessex Internet is rolling out full fibre in the village and Cruxton. Residents can register online to express interest. Pop-up stalls will share info locally.

πŸ›  Village Projects & Maintenance

  • Play Area: Minor repairs underway; surfacing interim fixes until full funding available.
  • MUGA: Surfacing delayed until spring; reopened for use.
  • Bus Shelters: Ivy removal, repainting, and glass/roof repairs planned.
  • Skips Field: Public consultation coming soon to gauge support.
  • Oak Tree Planting & Christmas Tree: Approved! Village tree and cross to be decorated for festive season.

🌊 Flooding & River Update
Concerns raised about silt and debris around village bridges. Councillor Neil Eysenck will contact the MP and Environment Agency. Tree trunk in river to be reported.

🏑 Planning Updates

  • Cruxton Solar Farm application refused.
  • Local Plan & Transport Plan consultations submitted.

πŸ’° Finance & Budget 2026–27

  • Precept rises 5% to Β£39,590.
  • Budget returns to normal after major 2025–26 projects.
  • Β£3.3k surplus to rebuild reserves for future village projects.

🚢 Community Updates

  • New footpath signs installed.
  • Winter road resurfacing paused; will resume in spring.
  • Suggestions received for visitor toilet access and Chapel Lane signage issues.

 

Follow us on social media for village updates, consultations, and ways to get involved!

Full minutes of the meeting are available on the website

πŸ“… Next Meeting: Β Thursday 4th December 7pm
πŸ“ Maiden Newton Village Hall
πŸ‘₯ Everyone is welcome β€” come along and have your say!

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.ukΒ  Tel: 07831 029677

Website: www.maidennewtonandfromevauchurch-pc.gov.ukΒ Β Β Β 

 

Transport news 30-10-25

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🚐 TRAVEL INFORMATION 2025
πŸŽ„ Christmas changes to be advised πŸŽ„
🚌 Dorset Council β€œRing and Ride” – Dorchester
πŸ“… Tuesdays & Thursdays
πŸ•™ From Old School 10:00 β†’ Return from Trinity Street 12:45
πŸ’· Adults Β£2.50 single | Children half price | ❌ No bus passes
πŸ“ž Book by 3pm the day before: 01305 228965
🚍 Dorset Community Transport
πŸ“ž Register & book by 2:30pm the day before: 01258 287987
πŸ’· Adult return Β£8 | βœ… Bus passes valid
Dorchester – Wednesdays
🚏 Dorchester Rd / Church Rd corner 09:55 (ish) β†’ Return Trinity St 13:00
Yeovil (near M&S) – Thursdays (every other)
πŸ—“ 30 Oct | 13 Nov | 27 Nov | 11 Dec
🚏 Dorchester Rd by bungalows (school stop) 09:28 β†’ Return 12:30
πŸ’· Β£4 out-of-county charge
Bridport – Fridays
🚏 War Memorial 09:15 β†’ Return 12:00 (NatWest)
β™Ώ Dorchester Disabled Club
πŸ“… Second Friday (14 Nov)
πŸš— Home collection 09:30 (ish) β†’ Return 12:30 (Library)
πŸ’· Β£5 return
πŸ“ž Contact Di Minty 07833 995274
πŸš— COUNTRY CARS VOLUNTEER SERVICE
Helping elderly & vulnerable residents reach:
πŸ₯ GP β€’ Hospital β€’ Dentist β€’ Optician β€’ Vaccinations
πŸ“ž Book with 24 hrs notice: 07833 074423
πŸ’· 50p per mile
πŸ’› Volunteer drivers needed!
If you can spare an hour occasionally, please contact:
πŸ‘‰ Marlene D’Allen 07564 244602
Lifts only when you’re available – expenses reimbursed and passengers so grateful.
⚠️ Unable to transport wheelchair users who cannot mobilise independently.
Alternative: Bob’s Taxis 01305 269500 (24 hrs notice – not part of scheme)
πŸš• Also available locally: πŸ“ž Collected by Chrissie – 07359 028843
This information may be subject to change

Travel News

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TRAVEL NEWS
Road Closure -Dorchester
Prince of Wales Road from junction with South Walks Road for 160m
Monday 27 Oct – Friday 31st Oct 9am -4pm only
Buses will replace trains on:
15 & 16 Nov between B’th & Dor S’th
17 & 21 Nov between Poole & Dor S’th
Allow extra time & check before travelling.

Public Meeting – Dorset Council Local Plan

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🌟 Have Your Say on Dorset’s Future! 🌟

πŸ‘₯ Public Meeting – Dorset Council Local Plan
πŸ—“ Thursday 25th September
πŸ•‘ 6.30pm
πŸ“ Maiden Newton Village Hall

Your Dorset Council ward councillor and portfolio holders will be there – ready to listen, answer questions, and hear your views.

This is your community, your voice, your future. Don’t miss the chance to get involved!

πŸ“Œ The Local Plan consultation is open now – and closes on 13th October.

πŸ‘‰ Everyone is welcome – spread the word!

Councillor Vacancy for Maiden Newton and Frome Vauchurch 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 Alan 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 9 October 2025) a request for an election to fill the vacancy is made 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 who are registered in the Parish Ward where the vacancy has arisen, 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 11 December 2025.
Dated 19 September 2025

Mrs 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.

Ammonite Quarterly Newsletter

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Please see the Quarterly Newsletter from Ammonite in the link below

Ammonite Newsletter Aug 25

July Newsletter

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MAIDEN NEWTON AND FROME VAUCHURCH GROUP PARISH COUNCIL

🌼 Maiden Newton & Frome Vauchurch Parish Council Newsletter – July 2025 🌼

πŸ–₯️ Wessex Internet Full Fibre Rollout

Wessex Internet shared exciting news about a government-funded full fibre broadband project for our area. Around 159 properties will be eligible. The project begins later this year, with initial surveys in August and September. https://www.wessexinternet.com/for-home/ for more info or to register your interest.

πŸ—ƒοΈ Flooding & Community Concerns

Residents remain concerned about flood response and communication. The council will share updates and encourages signing up for the WhatsApp group or email alerts. A PC Flooding Working Group now coordinates efforts and will handle reports.

πŸ› οΈ Parish Property & Projects

– Asset inspections will be scheduled in late July/early August to inform budget planning.
– A new recycled village noticeboard will be installed soon.
– The MUGA project is progressing, with further quotes from our Project manager

– We are excited to announce that Parish Council has been successful with the Dorset Council Small Grant of Β£15,000 towards the MUGA project!
🧾 Planning, Highways & Rights of Way

– Planning tree application at 4A Station Road received -no objections.
– Highways: road surface at Pounds Piece still unresolved.
– Rights of Way: We would like to encourage footpath users to help keep routes clear by trimming where safe to do so.

– Trailway updates remain slow but ongoing.

πŸ“© Correspondence Highlights

– Newton 10K race to take place on 23rd July using the Playing field as the start and finish.
– Chalk Stream Restoration event date is pending, Cllrs to attend.
🧍Public Forum: Issues & Ideas

Residents raised several matters:
– A request for updates on the Maiden Newton Country Cars scheme from Dorset Council.
– Delay over the dispensary relocation but encouraging residents to use the pharmacy at the surgery and booking of vaccinations as this is a vital income for the surgery.
– Concerns about bonfires at the allotmentsβ€”followed up.
– Pavement hazardsβ€”these can be reported directly to Dorset Council online. https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/roads-highways-maintenance/roads-highways-and-maintenance
– A creative proposal to install Remembrance Sunday poppy netting over the cross in November is to be considered, involving the school in making the poppies, more to follow.

πŸ”œ Next Parish Council Meeting

The next full council meeting is scheduled for 4th September 2025. Topics will include:
Flooding, MUGA project, Councillor training, Community events, A future newsletter and communications strategy.

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.ukΒ  Tel: 07831 029677

Website: www.maidennewtonandfromevauchurch-pc.gov.ukΒ Β Β  Β 

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!
πŸͺ‘ 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.
πŸ›£οΈ 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.
πŸ› οΈ 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.
πŸ‘‹ 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.
πŸ’» 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.

πŸ“… 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

πŸ“£ 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.

πŸ—³οΈ 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.

πŸ‘₯ 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.

πŸ’§ Flooding Update

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

β˜€οΈ Croxton Solar Farm

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

πŸ€ MUGA Refurbishment

  • Project cost: Approx. Β£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

πŸ› οΈ Village Maintenance

  • βœ… New disabled access sign installed
  • πŸ”§ Repairs needed: play area fence, allotment fencing, and hall gates
  • πŸ›‘ Webbers Bus Shelter: To be made safe
  • ❄️ Grit bin plans in progress – aiming for installation by autumn

πŸ§‘β€πŸ€β€πŸ§‘ 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

πŸ›£οΈ Highways

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

πŸ“… Next Meeting: June 2025

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

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

πŸ‘‰ 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.ukΒ  Tel: 07831 029677

Website: www.maidennewtonandfromevauchurch-pc.gov.ukΒ Β Β 

Warm regards Maiden Newton and Frome Vauchurch Parish Council