(c) 2018 | https://www.maidennewton.info https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Maiden+Newton%2C+Dorset%3A+Village+News+Archives Recent Posts about Maiden Newton en alacrify simple cms (c) 2009 - 2010 Wed, 21 Mar 2018 11:34:00 1 Young and old in Maiden Newton celebrated the rebirth of the village's youth and community centre in a 50-year-old former school classroom. Villagers have devoted much time and effort to GBP63,000 project to bring the old building in Chilfrome Lane up to modern standards with fundraising aided by Lottery cash and a grant from the Rural Development Agency. They have reroofed the building, rewired and replumbed, redecorated it and given it a completely new floor. They have provided a new kitchen, store, lowered ceilings and built a new drive-way for disabled access. Villagers chose former chairman Andy Elliot to perform the reopening ceremony in recognition of the many years' work he has put in to get the building up to standard. He was aided by the youth club member James Goff, a toddler when the building was first leased from the county council, and three-year-old Tod Hansford. The management committee now has a new chairman, Mike Spencer, a former Yeovil Town footballer who lives in the village. Youth leader June Jack is returning to Maiden Newton to run the youth club. From the Dorset Echo 29-03-1999 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/43 Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Youngsters in Maiden Newton are enjoying and GBP18,000 refit of the village's play area. The playground was closed a year ago after vandals ripped up equipment, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. Now new fencing, safety surfacing, two sets of swings, a slide, see-saw and other pieces of equipment have been installed. The site was reopened by West Dorset District Council chairman Mary Penfold with Nicola Graham, aged 10, who is a pupil at Greenford School in Maiden Newton. Funds for the project were raised by the council with the help of Morrish Builders, of Poole. Chairman of Maiden Newton parish council, Maurice Harvey, said: 'It was a sad day when we were forced to close the play area, but everyone is very pleased with the new equipment. I would like to thank West Dorset District Council for its help in funding the improvements.' Chairman of the district council's development control east committee, Dennis Maggs, said the opening ceremony went extremely well. He said of the project: 'In this case Morrish Builders agreed to contribute GBP10,000 towards this project instead of providing public open space in a nearby housing development. From the Dorset Echo 26-03-2002 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/42 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT The village of Maiden Newton has a Cub-Scout pack again after a lapse of 2½ years. The new Leaders and 16 new Cub-Scouts were invested at the pack Headquarters at the White Horse meeting room. Mr Roger Brown, The Dorchester District Scout Commissioner, and Mr Jim Davis, the Assistant District Commissioner, carried out the investment which was followed by a party for parents, committee members and guests. Good Omen The Pack see it as a good omen that they have restarted in the Year of the Scout, which is the 75th anniversary of the movement. 'We hope that all the help and support we have received can be repaid by running a successful and happy pack,' said the packs Akela, Mr Len Paul. Other leaders are Kathy Paul, Rakshan; Eve Elliot, Baloo; and Theresa Critchell, Bagheera. From the Dorset Echo 12-03-1982 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/41 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Residents of a West Dorset village are celebrating today after winning their fight for road safety after winning their flight for road safety improvements. Work on a number of schemes in Maiden Newton is set to begin after Dorset County Council agreed to provide extra funding. Among the improvements will be protection for pedestrian refuges in the village centre, new markings on the main road and the erection of warning signs to motorists. Villagers, who highlighted traffic safety as their chief concern in a recent Maiden Newton Agenda 21 questionnaire, say they are delighted by the news. District councillor Eira Harries said: 'Any improvements that Dorset County Council are offering must be readily accepted and we welcome them and look forward to their completion. 'However, I know that the parish council, along with many other residents will monitor the situation and seek improvements as and when they can.' Businessman Tim Pitfield, who runs a butchery and fish and chip shop in Dorchester Road, said: 'Traffic certainly causes a problem in the village and it's likely that it always will. After all, these roads were built for horses and carts, not lorries and cars. 'But this is obviously a step in the right direction for an issue that has been at the heart of Maiden Newton for many, many years.' Dorset County Council said that the money for the initial works will come from the existing highways budget. Further improvements, which include pavement widening, a new village footpath and a traffic calming scheme, will be considered when the 1998 budget in discussed later this year. The decision has also pleased Dorset Agenda 21 chairman, Dave Rickard, who claims it's a 'victory for community spirit.' He said: 'Residents have been calling for action for many years and it just shows what can be achieved when the entire community is focused. 'This is a vindication of the widening of local democracy, which is a crucial element in the local Agenda 21 process. 'Agenda 21 is about building sustainable communities and improving the quality of life as well as saving the planet for future generations.' From the Dorset Echo 22-02-1997 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/40 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Maiden Newton has celebrated the new millennium by unveiling a commemorative stone, which also marks the site of the ancient village pound. A piece of Portland stone was donated by Hanson Europe Ltd to create the memorial. There are several people in the village who have been associated with the stone and quarry industry. Mrs Harris, whose husband managed the former Whitesheet and Long Bredy quarries, said it was a rewarding experience to have been able to negotiate with Hanson in this way. Parish council members said they were pleased to have this reminder of the past and a commemoration of this millennium year. After the stone was unveiled, the village children were presented with millennium mugs. From the Dorset Echo 15-02-2000 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/39 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Each month a group of pensioners in Maiden Newton and district sit down to a community lunch in their village. It's been a popular date and one that has been going for five years… and the price of the meal is only ten pence more than it was in 1988. David Wilson reports. Good cooks and good house-keepers. That is the verdict from the pensioners of Maiden Newton and district about their monthly lunch hour organisers. In the five years since the lunches were first prepared by a group of about 20 dedicated ladies, the cost of the lunch, by the time they held their five-year anniversary lunch, has gone up just ten pence. 'When it started, it was GBP1.20,' recalled Maggie Gardner, who was at the lunch with her husband Jack, who, with fellow villager Jack Beck, does his bit by putting out the tables and chairs. Further Maggie was reminiscing with Eira Harris who was one of the founders of the hour along with Maggie, who finds that these days she can't stand as long as she used to be able, and has dropped out of the cooking rota and just turns up to enjoy the lunch. 'It was quite a challenge in those days,' chuckled Eira. She asked Maggie: 'Do you remember the fuss we had getting a hot trolley?' 'We found Sherborne Hospital had a whole row of them to get rid of. We offered to buy one, but they said no. Then they said they wanted GBP700 for one. 'Then when we enquired further' ('You were always so determined about everything!' interjected Maggie) 'we found they were only going for scrap! But they wanted GBP700 for one! 'Eventually we got them down to GBP70. You know,' added Eira, who will not admit it but is generally reckoned to be the spark that keeps the hour alight, 'But I miss those old days. 'It was such a challenge. Now it is so organised.' Indeed it is, with the ladies who do the lunch hour doing the shopping and cooking, and to such a fine edge the cost of a meal, main course, sweet and coffee or tea, is still only GBP1.30. When the hour started the meal cost GBP1.20. They are anxious to let you know that it is called 'lunch hour'. It is not a club, one of the reasons for its success they say. 'It just works,' said Eira. 'There is no committee, no meetings, no club to belong to.' Stoves 'We just find out how many are coming to lunch, and cook enough.' Their house-keeping is immaculate. They now have a healthy bank balance, enough to buy any big equipment, and the year balanced out nicely this year with just GBP19 profit. The diners run a small raffle to help with costs. One year, recalled Maggie, when the lunch cost GBP1.20, they worked out their expenditure for the last 12 months and found they had spent GBP1.19 per meal. Overheads are trimmed to the bone. All the cooks get is GBP2 allowance for petrol if they do the monthly shopping and 50p if they pre-cook anything on top of their own stoves and GBP1 if they use their oven. There were 40 lunchers at the first lunch and there are now between 50 and 70 every month. The lunch hour, one of the best community lunches in the county, is an example that given the chance, people can make communities work very efficiently without interference. The bureaucrats are not needed! From the Dorset Echo 22-12-93 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/38 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Tranquil but not alone: St Mary's in Maiden Newton may look like any other church but it is celebrating a special birthday. A year ago an appeal for volunteers went out to help in a new scheme called Church Watch. Thirty people came forward to join a rota to keep an eye on the building, checking for vandalism or theft. Of the original 30 only five have had to drop out and others have been very willing to fill the gaps. The Parochial Church Council has expressed its thanks to this gallant band. 'Popping into the church day after day with nothing to show for it can be discouraging as it is not really possible to know how much of a deterrent Church Watch can be as you can only know that nothing has happened. 'When something untoward has happened it has been possible to deal with it quickly and where a serious theft did occur I am sure our actions helped to have the insurance claim met in full,' said a spokesman for the PCC. So happy birthday Church Watch and all its hard-working volunteers. From the Dorset Echo 08-11-1994 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/37 Tue, 8 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT People in three local communities are to have their own playing fields - thanks to West Dorset District Council. The council's Recreation and Amenities Committee have set aside GBP102,000 in their capital program to purchase playing fields at Maiden Newton and Cattistock and to prepare and level a piece of derelict land to make a playing field at Crossways. The land at Maiden Newton and Cattistock, which had been used for recreational purposes by villagers, was under threat as a result of Dorset County Council's decision to sell. Endeavouring At Crossways the committee were endeavouring to remedy quite a different problem. There, the mushrooming new community which has sprung up has no parish council, no school, no recreation ground and few facilities. But steps are now being taken to make it a new parish. Herculean efforts have been made by residents to create an attractive focus for community spirit in the village hall, and the district council are to lend a hand by providing a playing area from a 4.28 acre derelict site. It will cost GBP40,000 and Mr Tony Frost asked whether it would not be cheaper to buy a field instead of spending such a large sum on draining and levelling. Locality But the council's Chief Executive, Mr Denis Cudworth, pointed out that the site had been identified in the Crossways Plan, to which the council were a party, as a playing field which would serve the locality. There were other fields but their availability was in some doubt. A considerable amount of work had been undertaken by the local community at Crossways to help themselves, he stressed. The district council were actively pursuing the aim of getting a separate parish council for Crossways and within the next 12 months it was hoped that it would emerge with an identity as a parish. Anything the council could do to pave the way for a future for Crossways he felt they should do. Large figure Mr Frost said he did not disagree with a word of what Mr Cudworth had said, but GBP40,000 was a large figure for just over four acres. He felt they ought to be able to buy a level field for something like GBP12,000. Mr Cudworth replied that this was derelict land and so its reclamation was likely to attract a 50 per cent government grant. He felt it would be a very good solution to get rid of an eyesore in the shape of a piece of derelict land and at the same time to provide a recreational area without encroaching into good agricultural land. The land had been acquired for virtually nothing. Young people Commented the council's vice-chairman, Mr Ernest King: 'We put the houses there at Crossways. It is up to us to make sure that there is space for the young people.' The Treasurer, Mr Brian Chant, said that GBP50,000 had been included in the capital program for the acquisition of the playing field at Maiden Newton and GBP12,500 for the field at Cattistock. There was a possibility of recovering some of the cost the field at Maiden Newton by selling off part of it as housing plots. Mr Chant said they would be looking to the parish councils for contributions towards the loan charges. The parishes would also take over the running of the playing fields. From the Dorset Echo 21-10-1981 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/36 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Jack in the Box Nursery School, situated on the outskirts of Maiden Newton in the parish of Frome Vauchurch opened on September 10th with 40 children already registered. Easily accessible from Dorchester, Yeovil and Bridport areas the school is open from 8.30 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday. There are morning and afternoon sessions together with the opportunity of staying for a lunchtime session. Jack in the Box is able to offer places for 10 children aged two-and-a-half to five at each session. The school is attached to the home of the principal, Debbie Stead, but is completely self-contained with its own entrance hall and toilet facilities. Safe The main nursery room is light and sunny opening up through French windows down onto a safe, spacious, grassed and paved play area containing a sandpit. Jack in the Box provides a unique opportunity for pre-school children to learn with a qualified teacher - Debbie Stead, who has several years' experience of nursery teaching and auxiliary help is provided by Tina Moggeridge, a trainee nursery assistant. Jack in the Box offers a stimulating environment where each child can develop at his or her own speed and according to his or her own needs during these important formative years. Activities include: Constructive education play; colour; letter and number recognition; pencil and scissor control; pre-reading skills and basic numeracy. Practical, creative and imaginative activities are also of great importance together with dance, games, and physical education. The children work in small groups learning new skills and concepts through a variety of experiences. Needs A priority of the school is to aim directly at functional independence in surroundings structured towards the physical and emotional needs of the child. Debbie Stead's aim is to create a stimulating and secure foundation for children to be happy during these important formative years. From the Dorset Echo 29-09-1990 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/35 Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT An action-packed day for youngsters at Maiden Newton marked the opening of their newly refurbished play area near the village hall. After two years of fund-raising to collect the GBP7,000 needed for the work, parents were determined to make the day a big event. Mickey Mouse was called in to cut the tape and meet the children, and parents added the Action Van bouncy castle, children's games, stalls, face painting and a best dressed teddy contest. It is two years since a special committee was set up to make the village's run-down play area a safe and attractive area for local children to play. 'It has been hard work but the support we have received and the obvious pleasure of the kids with their new equipment makes it all worthwhile,' said committee chairman Helen North. Most of the old equipment had to be removed because it didn't meet stringent safety standards. The committee's efforts were enough to provide a new slide, swings, climbing frame, see-saw, somersault bars and ride-on springer. Grants from West Dorset District Council, Dorset County Council and the Community Project Fund helped, but the bulk of the money came from fund-raising events in Maiden Newton. A group of fathers cut the cost by installing the new equipment and safety surfaces themselves. 'We have benefited from the tremendous support throughout the community from local businesses and individuals,' said Mrs North. Next Sunday, Maiden Newton Runners stage their annual three-mile fun run in aid of the play area fund. From the Dorset Echo 17-09-1996 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/34 Sat, 17 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Maiden Newton beaver colony sprang back into life after 12 years in the wilderness with the investment of 14 young recruits. The colony, which will be based in Maiden Newton youth club, has not operated since 1990, when it closed due to a lack of leaders. Beaver leaders Penny Johnson and Janet Scofield have restarted the group and are appealing for more youngsters to join up. The return of the beavers makes Maiden Newton scout group, which now consists of beavers, cubs and scouts, one of the strongest in the region. Group scout leader Teresa Critchel said: 'The new beavers means we've now got a really strong scouting group. We have a total of 46 in Maiden Newton, which for a village is a wonderful number.' The new recruits received a scarf and badge and made a promise to be kind and helpful and to love others. Girls and boys are welcome in the beaver colony, which is for youngsters aged from six to eight. From the Dorset Echo 20-08-2002 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/33 Sat, 20 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT A group of youngsters spent a happy day clowning around in Maiden Newton. Chief clown Nigel Jackson put 16 children through their paces in the art of clowning, including sessions on a unicycle, tightrope walking, juggling and face-painting at the village's youth and community centre. The day was arranged in conjunction with Artsreach, which is also putting on a play in three days with local youngsters. One of the organisers, Debbie Billen, said: 'The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. 'It was the first time we've organised a clown workshop and it was well attended.' From the Dorset Echo 18-08-01 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/32 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Fire-fighters gave visitors a glimpse of life behind the scenes when they threw open the doors of their Maiden Newton station. Families enjoyed vehicle displays as well as demonstrations of how crews rescue casualties from car accidents and use breathing apparatus. The aim was to give the villagers in the stations area - which includes Cattistock, Evershot, Melbury, Toller and Sydling - a look at the station. Sub-officer Pete Elliot said: 'It went very well indeed. 'An awful lot of people came along. We are grateful for their support and, from what I've heard, they had a very good time.' He added: 'We raised about GBP500 for the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund. 'Our demonstrations include a chip pan blaze, to get the fire safety message across. 'But it was also a chance for people from Maiden Newton and the area served by the station to come along and meet the guys and see how things work.' The station's engine and Land Rover were on show as well as a vehicle with a turn table ladder. There was also a Dorset Ambulance display, refreshments, teas, a barbecue and other displays. The crew hopes to hold another open day next year. From the Dorset Echo 14-08-01 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/31 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Charity stalls did brisk business at Maiden Newton's Summer Event Fair, attracting a lot of custom from the hundreds who packed the event. Attendance proved a record at many of the events of the three-day fair, which included a display of stationary engines, a flying show of model helicopters and a display by falconer Michael Davie. Entertainment was provided by the Wellies from Weymouth, with a supporting disco on one evening. The colourful Dorchester Accordion Band proved a great attraction and the Crossways hand-bell ringers gave an excellent performance. Whitefire Majorettes gave two displays. Another attraction was a fancy dress gymkhana. An innovation was a golf competition, with prizes sponsored by Resin Systems of Maiden Newton. The fair also included a tractor driving contest and a skittles tournament. From the Dorset Echo 18-7-1992 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/30 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Maiden Newton is definitely going to be the place to be this weekend when the Fancy Fayre once again takes place. The Fayre, regular event in the 19th Century was re-established in 1986 and is now coming to be known as a popular West Dorset Event taking place every July. The Fayre is a community event in which the majority of the village organisations participate, bringing together their own ideas to form a weekend of interest for the whole family. Starting on Friday evening with a car treasure hunt, the village provides 48 hours of attractions and interest for all. Visitors will find detailed programs of the whole weekend available from shops in the village, and there is a committee stall over the weekend where any questions will be answered. Maiden Newton takes on an attractive floral appearance as the Fayre approaches as the residents have spent considerable time preparing bedding plants to enliven the scene. Saturday and Sunday start officially at 9.50 with the ringing of the bells of St Mary's Church and there will be plenty to occupy the day. Street stalls selling a wide variety of goods exhibitions in St Mary's Church and the Old School House, a display of static engines by the West Dorset Steam Traction and Engine Club, games for all ages, children's tractor rides. One of the most popular events is the three mile foot race on Saturday morning, which starts at 11.20. Teams of three and individuals participate, many in fancy dress. As Maiden Newton is well served by British Rail, why not leave the car at home and arrive in the village relaxed and ready to enjoy the day. This will allow you to appreciate the floral display at the station towards which British Rail have made a generous contribution. Children may be left to enjoy the bouncy castle and the adventure playground while the parents go off and explore the village. For the steadfast, a guided walk of the attractive surrounding countryside will start at the War Memorial on Sunday at 13.30. A first prize of a GBP300 holiday voucher redeemable at Dorchester Travel is being offered, so don't forget to buy some tickets at the Committee Stall. From the Dorset Echo 12-07-1989 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/29 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Maiden Newton Summer Event is a high point of the village's life. It has events spanning three days and starting tomorrow evening with a disco in the village hall - from 8 pm and just GBP1 admission. Saturday of this week sees a whole day of activities which should be right for all ages. So successful is this annual day that no less than 76 would-be exhibitors have regrettably been turned away due to their being no room to accommodate them. So Saturday promises to be a day to remember with attractions that include stalls, games, an auction and an impressive 130 exhibits of stationary engines. There are also displays of model helicopters and another display by the Dolphin Junior Motorcycle Team. Delight There will be refreshments, a bar, and the ever popular West Dorset Accordion Group will delight with their skilful music-playing. In the evening, entertainment is provided by none other than the Wellies. Sunday is another full day of fun and interest with all the above attractions plus a gymkhana, dog show, majorettes, falconry and a children's fancy dress competition. All activities are on the field and the whole extravaganza has been spearheaded by Keith Pritchard and backed by the Maiden Newton Village Hall Committee. Planning has been going on since last August so you can judge the extent of the event for yourself. Signs will direct you to the events field. All we want now is continuing good weather in order that this year's Maiden Newton Summer Event can be a really enjoyable occasion with a successful outcome. From the Dorset Echo 08-07-1993 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/28 Fri, 8 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT A new majorette troupe, the South Dorset White Fires, have a busy summer of fetes and events ahead of them. The troupe has about 20 girls between the ages of five and 11, and train on Wednesdays in Maiden Newton Village Hall. The girls are pictured here with their trainer, Mr Mike Read and his wife Sue, after Broadmayne Carnival, where they gave a display - their first engagement. Parents of the girls have raised the cash to pay for their smart red and white uniforms and the troupe is now busy practicing routines for displays they are booked to give at fetes in Maiden Newton and surrounding villages this summer. Secretary of the troupe is Mrs Brenda May, of Frome View, Maiden Newton. From the Dorset Echo 15-06-1984 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/27 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT A display of christening robes and memorabilia can be seen at Maiden Newton Church this weekend. The 'Robes of Innocence' festival is continuing until Sunday evening and all are invited to attend. Maiden Newton villagers have donated beautiful and treasured to be displayed at the festival and organisers say they are delighted with the generous response. A complete set of 10 robes covering the christenings of one family between 1820 and 1920 is just one of the exhibits. And an incredibly intricate robe produced by the ladies of a village in Wiltshire is displayed in a frame and has raised thousands of pounds. The festival at the church began yesterday and was open today and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday. Refreshments are available every day and the weekend will finish with a 'Songs of Praise' service. Admission costs GBP2 for adults and GBP1 for children under 16. All proceeds will go towards church funds. From the Dorset Echo 03-06-2000 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/26 Fri, 3 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT The fire siren wailed at Maiden Newton last night. But there was no alarm - it was being sounded by Mr F Dann, H.M. Inspector of Fire Services, to mark the official opening of Maiden Newton's new GBP4,250 fire station. Near Mr Dann as he performed the ceremony was Maiden Newton's first fire engine - an ancient hand-drawn, hand-operated pump brought out specially for the occasion. Mr Dann said that for some time he had been dismayed at the very unsuitable premises Maiden Newton section of Dorset Fire Brigade had occupied and felt it was his duty to do all in his power to see that they had a new station. Yeoman Service 'It has always been my considered opinion that whatever can be done for the retained firemen of this country should be done,' he said. 'There is not the slightest doubt that they do yeoman service for their fellow countrymen, often in uncomfortable circumstances, but they do it cheerfully and well.' As Mr Dann Pressed the siren button and the doors swung open, he said, 'Good luck and safe journey to all those who leave from these doors tonight and in the future.' Chairman of Dorchester R.D.C. Major R G Warren, recalled the history of the fire service in Maiden Newton, a village which had always been 'Fire fighting minded.' They began with the old manual pump and then, in 1939, the R.D.C. supplied them with a trailer pump. It was housed in a barn which had served as the fire station until the new premises were built nearly in the same lane. Towed By Red Car Next problem, said Major Warren, was towing the pump to fires. First a lorry was hired and then they bought a car which was painted a suitable red. So the fire service in the village was maintained by the R.D.C. until 1941, when it was absorbed by the National Fire Service. 'After the war, Maiden Newton firemen carried on as part of the County Fire Brigade, and the R.D.C. and all the neighbourhood are only too thankful for the work they have done,' said Major Warren. A parade of section personnel was inspected by Mr Dann, accompanied by the Vice-Lieutenant of Dorset, Col. G. A. Pinney; the vice-chairman of the County Fire Brigade Committee, Mr F. B. Chubb; and the Chief Fire Officer for Dorset, Mr R. L. Leach. Long-Service Medals From Col. Pinney, 13 members of the County Fire Brigade received the Fire Brigade Long-Service and Good Conduct Medal, awarded for a minimum of meritorious service. 'To an old soldier it is an enormous pleasure to see such a really smart, well set up unit, manned by people who obviously take a great pride in doing it,' said Col. Pinney. Recipients of the medals were Deputy Chief Officer T. Clark (Brigade H.Q.), Divisional Officer E. Gaskarth (Poole), Sub-Officer R. J. Knight (Bridport), Leading-Fireman F. A. Damer (Swanage), Firemen W. J. Cheney (Sherborne), A. J. Childs (Charmouth), A. A. Clapp, J. E. Gillett, R. E. L. Miles, H. J. S. Padley and S. N. Weadon. Thanks to Col. Pinney and Mr Dann were expressed by Mr Chubb, who apologised for the absence through illness of the Fire Brigade Committee chairman, Mr J. H. Moore. A short service of dedication was conducted by the Rector of Maiden Newton, the Rev. E. D. Ginever. The new station is designed to the Home Office requirements for new country stations and is similar to the one recently build at Beaminster. It provides for appliance, muster, control and switch gear rooms, hose and uniform storage. There is also a recreation room with cloak-room accommodation. Outside, a 40ft tubular steel tower is provided for hose drying and fire-fighting practice and a drained hose wash is laid out for hose cleaning and maintenance. In charge of design in the County Architect's department was Mr C. F. Davies. The Maiden Newton section of the County Fire Brigade is led by Station Officer E. Rice. From the Dorset Echo 15-05-1958 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/25 Sun, 15 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Villagers Celebrate After Realising Five-Year Dream To Transform Hall Villagers are celebrating today after realising a five year dream to transform their hall. The Maiden Newton Youth and Community Centre won a boost of nearly GBP20,000 in lottery funding to finish the renovation of their 50-year-old building. The cash has enabled them to complete a major revamp which was started when the hall was threatened with closure five years ago. A leaking roof forced organisers to start the refurbishment fund in 1996 and many improvements were made to provide a base for the villages 50-strong youth club. Now the revamped community hall can also provide the venue for numerous social events for villagers, including a social services family centre, children's church groups and parish meetings. Upgraded The latest cash injection paid for new windows and doors and better insulation to reduce the cost of heating the building. The heating has also been upgraded, new chairs and tables have been bought and a new sound system has been installed. And, as a finishing touch, village firm Altro donated desperately needed new flooring. Management committee treasurer Sally Faulkingham said: 'The National Lottery Grant has been a great help and we are all very pleased with how much the building has been improved.' On Bank Holiday Monday the village held a day of celebration to show off the new look community centre, including games such as five-a-side football and a huge tug-of-war. An Action Van offered children the chance to take part in trampolining, uni-hockey and a range of sports throughout the afternoon, and there was alsdo a disco in the evening. Fundraisers also used the day to help raise more money for the running of the hall with raffles, collections and cake sales. The community centre is now able to play host to a great number of youth groups. From the Dorset Echo 10-05-2001 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/24 Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT A combined operation by West Dorset District Council and Dorset County Council has saved recreational space which was due to be sold at Maiden Newton and Cattistock for the villagers. There was a public outcry in both villages when the County Council decided to sell a piece of spare land at Maiden Newton School and the old playing field at the now disused Cattistock School. In both cases local people had come to regard the spaces as available for public use. The District Council approached the County Council with a view to saving the recreational spaces for the villages, and now, after negotiations with the County Council a compromise has been reached. Shared This will entail part of each site being sold for building development but leaving the larger part in public use for recreation. The land has been valued at its full residential value and also at the reduced value which applies with the greater part set aside for open space. The difference between the two prices will be shared by the County and District Councils. It has been made quite clear that this action cannot be regarded as a precedent. The County Council are doing so because of the particular history of these sites and all future cases will be looked at on their merits. From the Dorset Echo 16-04-1982 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/23 Sat, 16 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Maiden Newton's New Hall Opens Tomorrow All this week volunteer workers have been putting finishing touches to the new village hall at Maiden Newton ready for the official opening tomorrow. It will be a day for which people of Maiden Newton have been waiting for 23 years. It was back in 1935 that villagers first decided to build a hall. They had just reached the stage of considering plans when the war came in 1939 and throughout the next six dark years all money raising activities were devoted to the war effort. With the coming of peace, out came the village hall plans again and once more efforts switched to raising funds. But as fast as money was made, building costs went up. Eventually, a public meeting decided that it was time something definite was done. By then, about GBP1,700 had been raised locally. The committee went ahead and obtained a grant of one-third of the cost from the Ministry of Education. Guaranteed Loan Then they arranged a loan from the National Council of Social Service which has been guaranteed by 25 local people to the extent of GBP40 or more each. Still about GBP500 short of the target, the committee decided to prune the specifications for the hall. They dispensed with a hot water system and eliminated plans for a stage for the time being. And, to cut the costs still further, a volunteer labour force was organised to carry out all the decorations. Members of the committee and other helpers turned out with paint and brushes and aided by a number of older schoolboys have made an excellent job of decorating. The decoration scheme has been set off by the curtains made by Mrs S. Cant and lady helpers. For furnishings, 120 chairs have been purchased so far. Building of the hall, which measures 50ft by 30ft, began in late autumn. It is of brick construction on a steel frame and has a wood block floor. The accommodation includes a kitchen, toilet, large vestibule and cloak-room Land was a Gift The hall stands on a piece of land, donated by Messrs United Dairies Ltd near Maiden Newton railway station. Plans were to the design of Mr Reginald Stovell, of Compton Valance. The hall committee, numbering about 18, represent every organisation in the village. Chairman is Mr W Fry, who has been associated with the project since it began. Treasurer is Mr Anthony Holland, of Frome Vauchurch and the secretary Dr A E K Salvi. Funds have been raised by whist drives, garden fetes and other events and by individual donations. Inspection Day There will be no formal ceremony tomorrow, but the doors will be open from 3.30 to 5.30 pm so that local people may come and inspect 'their' hall. A film show is being provided by the Education Department of Dorset County Council and at 8 pm there will be a dance. One of the opening day events will be a presentation to Canon D F Slemeck and Mrs Slemeck. Canon Slemeck was Rector of Maiden Newton for 20 years until his recent retirement, and had long been associated with the village hall project. From the Dorset Echo 11-04-1958 https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/22 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT You can subscribe to this feed using RSS. New stories will appear here from our archives over the coming months... https://www.maidennewton.info/feature/Village+News+Archives/44 Fri, 8 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT