Archive for category: News

Please see the Quarterly Newsletter from Ammonite in the link below

Ammonite Newsletter Aug 25

🌼 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

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

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

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

• Address: West Elworth Farm, Portesham, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4HF
• Email: clerk@maidennewtonandfromevauchurch-pc.gov.uk
• Phone: 07831 029677
• Website: www.maidennewtonandfromevauchurch-pc.gov.uk

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