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Community’s safety makes a fitting legacy

The World’s unique response to the Queen’s passing and the previous community celebration of the Platinum Jubilee highlighted her sense of duty and devotion to a life of service to the people. Some members of Neighbourhood Watch in Ferndown and West Parley are working on a project to create a continuing legacy to strengthen our own sense of belonging and involvement in our own community. The project aim is to: Enhance communication about local issues and encourage organisations to support each other Review membership of local groups to encourage new members or the creation of new groups Raise awareness of Neighbourhood Watch and profile in the community Develop a spirit of ‘localness’ so that we all feel part of a safe community. Neighbourhood Watch is the largest community organisation in Ferndown and West Parley, with 5,800 houses receiving the Community News up to four times a year. With a mission to assist in deterring crime through community cohesion, creating a safe environment, building local networks and volunteering, the Watch is about working with local councils and organisations to make communities. The idea about this legacy project came about when planning the Platinum Jubilee celebrations locally but the Queen’s passing has given this much greater relevance. We will be working closely with local groups to see what changes will improve our community and publicise them through our large network of members. This will enhance our sense of safety and wellbeing at a time when we are concerned about so many national and international issues. More information from: johncullen50@hotmail.com, 01202 582662.

John Cullen West Parley

Village’s boost for hospital

Dr Tony Benson, chairman of the Wichampton and Crichel club, presented a cheque for £277.81 as a donation to the Friends of Victoria Hospital in Wimborne. Funds were raised by holding various events over the year through the club and Dr Benson is pictured presenting the cheque to Rae Cotton and Carol Head, fundraisers from the Friends.

Rae Cotton Witchampton

OFF THE WALL...

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

Can you help at blind club?

I volunteer for the Dorset Blind Association at the Ferndown Blind Club. We have meetings every other Tuesday from 2pm-4pm and our aim is to provide isolated and sightimpaired people with two hours of companionship and fun with others who really understand the challenges they face in their lives. We are really short of volunteers who can help out or drive members to and from the meetings. (We also have a Wimborne group that meets once a month). If this is something you feel you could help with or would like to know more about, please telephone the DBA office on 01202 712869.

Annette Tedore

Love singing? Come and join us!

Verwood ladies choir, The Fayrewood Singers, are looking for new members! We’re a jolly bunch and we rehearse, with our conductor Peter and pianist Keith, at the Verwood Hub on Tuesdays from 2pm to 3.30pm, usually followed by a cuppa and a chat for those who stay. We sing a variety of music in two and three parts and give two concerts a year, plus ‘mini concerts’ at meetings of clubs or associations. We’ve just begun rehearsals for our Christmas concert so if you would like to see if we’re right for you, you’ll be made very welcome. For more info please ring me on 01202 280491.

Linda Pearson Verwood

stouravonmagazine.co.uk

New Stour & Avon, October 7, 2022 9

Travel routes are marching on

The new walking and cycling paths and sustainable travel improvements on Wimborne Road in Ferndown are making good progress, with the final construction phase (from Cobham Road to West Moors Road) due to begin in October 2022. The work, being delivered by Dorset Council and funded through the south east Dorset Transforming Cities Fund (TCF)1, includes: the construction of new cycle and walking paths along the north side of Wimborne Road, building two new traffic light controlled, segregated pedestrian and cycle crossings over Cobham Road and West Moors Road, upgrading the bus stops upgrading the existing pedestrian crossing outside of the Pure Drop Inn across to Ferndown School, re-modelling and introducing new technology traffic lights and crossings at the junctions of Ameysford Rd/Church Road, Queens Road/Victoria Road and West Moors Road. Construction will start at the Wimborne Road East / Cobham Road junction, at the entrance to the Ferndown Industrial Estate on October 17. A set of three-way temporary traffic lights will be in operation until early 2023. Work on the first two phases of the new route are nearing completion. It is expected that the entire 4.3km route will be complete by winter 2023. Philip Jones, Headteacher at Ferndown Upper School said: “We are looking forward to these new facilities being built. Many of our pupils already walk or cycle to school so these new facilities will help a lot, particularly in terms of their safety. “I hope these improvements encourage even more to cycle and walk to school. “The improved crossing on Wimborne Road, outside our school, is very much appreciated as well.” Plans for these improvements were informed by responses gathered during public engagement and formal consultation.

Poignant but special day for WI members

Eight of our members at Wimborne Minster WI enjoyed a meal to celebrate Women’s Institute Day last month, writes president Jill Hayward. We also toasted Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth who, of course, will be sadly missed. Our meeting of October 3 featured Wendy Lacey telling us all about the reign of Charles II. Yes, the second and not our new King! We were very pleased to welcome four new members to our last meeting and expect more at the next meeting. They are very welcome as are any new visitors. Our meetings are held at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Lewen’s Lane, Wimborne, and begin at 10.15 am.