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WEST MOORS PARISH OFFICIAL GUIDE FROM 2016 Issued with the authority of
WEST MOORS PARISH COUNCIL 4 Park Way, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 0HL Tel: 01202 861044 Email: westmoorsparish@btconnect.com Website address: www.westmoors-pc.gov.uk Hours of opening are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 10am and 1pm (except for bank holidays). The office is also open on Saturday morning between 10am and 11am when you can meet your local parish councillors.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION WELCOME TO OUR FIRST OFFICIAL GUIDE WHICH WE HOPE WILL BE A USEFUL SOURCE OF INFORMATION TO NEW AND ESTABLISHED RESIDENTS OF WEST MOORS VILLAGE West Moors is a mainly modern, vibrant community village in East Dorset, on the northern fringe of the PooleBournemouth conurbation, just outside the larger settlements of Ferndown and Verwood. It lies on the north-western side of the shallow valley of the Uddens Water and it’s tributary, the Mannington Brook. South of Uddens Water the land rises again to the ridge on which Ferndown stands. It contains houses that were built before the end of the last century. The settlement is surrounded by the South East Dorset Green Belt. It is surrounded by (and with access to) many
conservation sites and can be described as having a rural character whilst possessing most of the attributes associated with modern living. West Moors has a mixed population, with a relatively high proportion of elderly people and significant number of young families. The needs of both groups are reflected in the local facilities. The parish of West Moors has an estimated population of 7,560. There are two first schools and one middle school serving the young people of West Moors, who then go on to upper schools in other local towns.
There are a wide variety of shops and two Public Houses. There is also the West Moors Social Club which has entertainment nights and The Memorial Hall which hires out its venue for private functions and regular clubs. Moors Valley Country Park is just outside the parish boundary (3 miles from the village), and is easily accessible from the Castleman Trailway. The village’s sports facilities include three grass football pitches (Fryers Playing Field), an artificial grass 5 a-side football pitch and two tennis courts. West Moors, with its proximity to Bournemouth, Poole, the Jurassic Coast, the Purbeck Hills, Cranborne Chase, the New Forest National Park and many other areas of outstanding natural beauty is an attractive place to live. West Moors Official Guide | 3
Contents
Page No.
Welcome & Introduction
1
Parish Council
4
Local Government
4
General Information
10
Travel
14
Health & Welfare
16
Churches
18
Education
20
Clubs & Societies
24
Sports & Leisure
30
Youth Activities
34
Regular Events
35
Village History
36
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West Moors Parish Council does not accept responsibilty for the content of advertisements, promises made, or the quality or reliability of the services offered in the advertisements in this publication. All purchases made through this publication are done so entirely at your own risk. Information about a service does not imply recommendation.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The Parish Council has 4 committees who each report to the Full Council. These are:
THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
Parish council office staff: Ms Judi Weedon & Mrs Amie Fawcett
WEST MOORS PARISH COUNCIL
West Moors will celebrate having had a Parish Council for 60 years on April 1st 2016. West Moors Parish Council is the elected body of the parish and consists of twelve members representing the Civil Parish. As a Full Council they meet 12 times a year at the Pavilion, Fryer Field on Thursdays. The Council employ a Parish Clerk, an Assistant to the Parish Clerk, and various other part time employees. The Parish Office welcomes all members of the public with any concerns and enquiries they may have. It is manned by The Parish Clerk, Ms Judi Weedon and her Assistant Mrs Amie Fawcett. 6 | West Moors Official Guide
With a membership of 8, this committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of the Fryer Field area. The facilities include football pitches (adult and children’s), artificial grass 5-a-side football pitch, tennis courts, netball court, basketball court, children’s play area, skate park, BMX track and the pavilion. A second children’s play area is located adjacent to Oakhurst First School, which was recently fully refurbished in July 2015. The committee also oversees the management of the West Moors Cemetery located in Priory Road. The parish office maintains the burial register and handles the day to day administration. The committee also deals with any matters relating to street furniture such as benches and a few council owned bus shelters. As well as representing the views of residents who raise concerns about highway matters, such as speeding, parking, street lighting and road safety. In many of these areas close co-operation with Dorset County Council and East Dorset District Council is vital as they are the authorities responsible for road maintenance, parking, public footpaths and maintenance of grass verges. The committee advises the County Council on footpaths and rights of way issues as they impact on our village. The committee also liaise with the relevant authorities who deal with flooding issues. Finally the committee oversees the festive decorations.
THE FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE COMMITTEE
The parish council receives most of its finance via the precept system, which means that each council taxpayer in the village has a small amount added to the overall council tax to help fund the parish council. With a membership of 5, the task of this committee is to prepare the annual budget for the parish council from requests and recommendations made by the other committees and through Council decisions. During the year the committee monitors expenditure and revenues through accounts prepared by the responsible finance officer. They monitor internal controls of the financial systems and ensure the council receives value for money. They also oversee the development and implementation of policies for the council. The committee also considers requests for small grants to West Moors organisations, charities and societies.
THE PLANNING CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE
With a membership of 7, this committee considers planning applications for the village that have been received by the Planning Authority. The committee
is only a consultee in the planning process and does not have any powers to decide on a planning application, they present a view point of local opinions to East Dorset District Council, who are the local planning authority and ultimately make the decision for each application, taking into account any further input from the public or other authorities. Plans for the committee review are usually available several days beforehand for public viewing in the parish office.
THE STAFF AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
With a membership of 5, this committee oversees all matters relating to the employees of the parish council. Current employees are: Parish Clerk, Clerical Assistant, Cleaner and two gatekeepers. Notices and agendas of all meetings are posted on the village notice boards situated on Pinehurst Road outside the parade of shops, on Woolslope Road and on Station Road outside Holly Court. All Council meetings and committee meetings are held in the evening at 7.30pm (except for the planning consultative which begins at 7pm). These are all open to members of the public.
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WEST MOORS WAR MEMORIAL
The Petwyn The name comes from one of the 17th century families who were allotted tracts of rough heathland for low-level agricultural use, e.g., grazing animals, gathering of furze, coppice management etc. The Village War Memorial As in many communities elsewhere across this country, the village suffered its share of losses in the two ‘World’ wars. After the Great War (1914–1918), towns and villages across the United Kingdom raised money to erect permanent memorial stones to honour those who had died in that conflict. In West Moors the Memorial was erected at the junction of Station Road with Pinehurst Road in September 1920. When the memorial was erected in the 1920s this corner of the village was a quiet spot with only occasional passing (and relatively slow) local traffic. With the dramatic residential development across the former St. Leonard’s Common (either side of Pinehurst Road) and a general increase in traffic along Station Road, it became too difficult to arrange the annual Remembrance Service at this spot and the memorial was re-located to its present position on The Petwyn.
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WEST MOORS CEMETERY
West Moors Cemetery is located in Priory Road and opened for burials in the 1930’s. The cemetery is managed and operated by West Moors Parish Council in accordance with the Local Authorities’ Cemeteries Order 1977, as amended by the Local Authorities’ (Amendment) Order 1986 and other such regulations as may be made by the Secretary of State for the Home Office. In the majority of instances those making arrangements for the burial of a loved one will do so through the services of a professional Funeral Director. The Parish Council staff will be pleased to offer advice for those wishing to make funeral arrangements without the services of a Funeral Director. Please note that there is no pre-purchase facility available at the cemetery and the purchase of new plots is only open to residents of West Moors. For non-residents being interred in an existing plot all fees will be doubled.
COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILS
Since January 2011 East Dorset District Council has worked in partnership with Christchurch Borough Council. The Partnership was created to help the two councils provide their services more efficiently and keep costs down whilst at the same time maintaining or improving the quality of the services they deliver. The two councils, along with North Dorset District Council and Borough of Poole, are also part of a joint revenues and benefits service, known as the Stour Valley & Poole Partnership. The Council is also part of the county-wide Dorset Waste Partnership. Although East Dorset District Council works in partnership with other councils on a number of ventures, it has retained its individual sovereignty and East Dorset councillors make decisions affecting the District. The Council is responsible for a variety of local services and administrative matters. Details of each service can be found on the website www.dorsetforyou.com. Contact details for some of the services are below. The District Council also operates Moors Valley Country Park, Verwood Hub and the Queen Elizabeth Leisure Centre. Council Tax is collected by East Dorset District Council on behalf of Dorset County Council, Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner, Dorset Fire Service and Parish and Town Councils. Your District Councillors representing West Moors at present are: Cllr Alex Clarke Tel: 01202 894913 7 Denewood Road, BH22 0LX Cllr Andy Skeats Tel: 01202 873786 The Old School House, 240 Station Road, BH22 0JF Cllr David Shortell Tel: 01202 865016 186 Uplands Road, West Moors, BH22 0EY Main switchboard www.dorsetforyou.com 01202 795096 Online payments www.dorsetforyou.com/ payments Refuse collection, recycling and garden waste (as part of Dorset Waste Partnership) www.dorsetforyou.com/ recycling-rubbish-and-waste 01305 221040 10 | West Moors Official Guide
DORSET COUNTY COUNCIL
The County Council provides services for the residents of Dorset. Areas of responsibility include education, support for children and families, libraries, road and transport, adult social care, rights of way, waste disposal and trading standards as well as many more. For more information about the services provided, to report a road problem or to apply for a school place, visit www.dorsetforyou.com. You can also use this website to pay for County Council services, view job vacancies and book an appointment to register a birth. The telephone number for general enquiries is 01305 221000 Your County Councillor representing West Moors at present is: Cllr Peter Finney Tel: 01202 889714 Holly Tree Cottage, Colehill Lane, Broomhill
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
West Moors currently falls within the East Dorset Constituency Your Local MP is: Mr. Chris Chope MP Parliamentary: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA Tel: 020 7219 5808, Fax: 020 7219 6938, Constituency: 18a Bargates, Christchurch, BH23 1QL Email: chopec@parliament.uk, Tel: 01202 474949, Fax: 01202 475548 Email: office@christchurchconservatives.com Your MP holds surgeries throughout the constituency. Appointments for a meeting at his surgery in West Moors Library can be made through: Mrs J Jamieson MBE, 18a Bargates, Christchurch on 01202 474949
Local planning and development management www.dorsetforyou.com/ planning/east-dorset 01202 795031 Building control www.dorsetforyou.com/ buildingcontrol/east 01202 795030 Benefits and council tax www.dorsetforyou.com/benefits 0845 034 4569
Public health issues www.dorsetforyou.com/ environmental-health 01202 795185 Electoral registration www.dorsetforyou.com/ register-to-vote 01202 795078 Licensing www.dorsetforyou.com then search for type of licence 01202 795352
MEMBERS OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Six Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) were elected to serve the whole of the South West region of England, which includes Dorset. They are: William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (UK Independence Party) PO Box 408, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 9BJ ( 01626 831290 * mep@williamdartmouth.com : www.williamdartmouth.com Ashley Fox (Conservative Party) 5 Westfield Park, Redland, Bristol, BS6 6LT EU Office: +32 22 837677 Ashley.fox@europarl.europa.eu ( 0117 973 7050 * ashley@ashleyfoxmep.co.uk : www.ashleyfoxmep.co.uk
Julia Reid (UK Independence Party) 77 Bryans Close Road, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 9AD ( 00 322 284 5741 * julia.reid@ep.europa.eu Julie Girling (Conservative Party) Gloucestershire Conservatives Regent Court, Gloucester Business Park, Hucclecote Gloucester, GL3 4AD EU Office: +32 22 845 678 Julie.girling@europa.eu ( 01386 710920 * linda@juliegirling.com : www.juliegirling.com
Clare Moody (Labour Party) Unit 32, Basepoint Business Centre, Jubilee Close, Weymouth, DT4 7BS ( 01305 858285 * clare@claremoodymep.com Molly Scott Cato (Green Party) Unit 207, 84 Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5BB ( 00 322 284 5737 * office@mollymep.org.uk : www.mollymep.org.uk.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
BOURNEMOUTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The Bournemouth International Airport, which has excellent facilities for passengers, is just a short drive from West Moors (approximately 6 miles and travel time is approximately 15 minutes). For information tel: 01202 364000 www.bournemouthairport.com
CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAUX (C.A.B)
MAIN OFFICES: To ring with an enquiry telephone the Dorset Advice line Service in the first instance between 9.30am and 4pm. Tel: 03442 451291 If you are an existing client or a third party contact the Ferndown and Wimborne Offices on: Ferndown 1A Princes Court, Princes Road, BH22 9JG Tel: 01202 893838 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 10am–3pm Wednesday and Friday: Closed Wimborne Hanham Road, BH21 1AS Tel: 01202 884738 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 10am–3pm Friday: 10am–1pm Wednesday – appointments only
WEST MOORS LIBRARY DORSET COUNTY LIBRARIES
203 Station Road, West Moors, BH22 0HX Tel: 01202 873272 Email: westmoorslibrary@dorsetcc.gov.uk The library on the corner of Moorlands and Station Road offers access to a wide range of services including books for adults and young people, regular story times for under-fives, video hire of feature films, internet access [free use of computers: booking is not required but time restrictions may apply if the facilities are in high demand], Wi-Fi (free) access point and by using the on-line ordering facility books can be ordered for collection at the library. 12 | West Moors Official Guide
West Moors Library
On the last Thursday of every month between 10am and 11am there is a Coffee Morning. Every Monday between 2pm and 3.30pm a ‘Knit and Natter’ group is held. Wheelchair accessible entrance. Opening Times: Monday: 2pm–5pm Tuesday: 2pm–6.30pm Wednesday: CLOSED Thursday: 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Friday: 9.30am–1pm Saturday: 10am–12.30pm Home Library Service With the Royal Voluntary Service you may be able to arrange for books to be delivered to your home for free at regular intervals by volunteers. A wide range of fiction as well as information books on country life, cookery, travel, biography and other popular subjects are offered. Large print books and talking books are also available. Visits are usually every three weeks and all volunteers always carry identity cards. If you live in a residential home or sheltered housing there are other services available to you. The Home Library service is delivered in partnership with The Royal Volunteer Service who help older people stay independent in their homes. Royal Voluntary Service Tel: 01305 236666 Email: dorsetwiltshirehub@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk Website: www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk Address: Suite 7, Somerleigh Gate, Somerleigh Road, Dorchester, DT1 1TL or contact your local library. Dorset Library Service Tel: 01305 225000 Minicom: 01305 267933 Email: dorsetlibraries@dorsetcc.gov.uk Website: www.dorsetforyou.com/libraries
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FIRE BRIGADE
The nearest Fire Station to West Moors is: Ferndown Fire Station 410 Ringwood Road, Ferndown, BH22 9AX Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, Community Safety Department, Dorchester Tel: 01305 252600
POLICE
Contact Details: West Moors, St Leonard’s & St Ives Safer Neighbourhood Team can be contacted on: Email: westmoorssnt@dorset.pnn.police.uk Twitter: @WestMoors2Saint Call Dorset Police on: 101 for non-emergencies In an Emergency call 999
HOME WATCH
West Moors has a thriving Home Watch and membership is open to all adult residents covered by the Safer Neighbourhood team. A minimum annual subscription of only £2 per member within a household is charged. This amount is collected by some 90 Road Coordinators/contacts spread around the village.
They are always looking for new Road Coordinators, so if you think you could help make West Moors a safer place, please contact: westmoorshomewatch@gmail.com or Secretary Pete Holden 01202 891604 or Treasurer Sylvia Barrett 01202 892902
POST OFFICES
West Moors Post Office Within the Co-operative Food Store (West Moors) 145–147 Station Road West Moors, BH22 0HT Tel: 01202 872714 Hours of opening: Monday to Saturday: 9am–5.30pm
REGISTRAR OF BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES
The Register Office, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, BH22 9EN Births, Deaths and Marriages: Monday–Friday: 9.30am–4.30pm (not Wednesdays) Saturday: 9.15am–1pm (all by appointment only) Tel: 01202 225153 Email: registrationinformation@dorsetcc.gov.uk
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TRAVEL West Moors has good bus links during the daytime, Monday to Saturday and even a skeleton service on Sundays and Public Holidays. The principal operators serving the community are listed below: for details of timetables and routes please refer to the operators’ website. In addition on the parish council website there are some ‘composite’ timetables provided to summarise the services running to / from West Moors - they can be found on the Bus Information on the website. Wilts & Dorset: (routes X6 & 38) www.morebus.co.uk Yellow Buses: (route 4c) www.bybus.co.uk Additional travel information can be found on the Travel Dorset website at: http://mapping.dorsetforyou.com/TravelDorset which is a very useful site for all timetables across the southwest of England. It also offers a useful journey planner, not just for bus and coach operations but railway services too. Information on trains can be found at National Rail Enquires www.nationalrail.co.uk and South West Trains www.southwesttrains.co.uk
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West Moors War Memorial
HEALTH AND WELFARE DOCTORS
West Moors Surgeries The Village Medical Practice, Vernon House, 164 Station Road, West Moors, BH22 0JB Tel: 01202 871999 or 01202 877185 Monday to Friday: 8.30am–1pm and 2pm–6.30pm Weekend: Closed To book an appointment please contact the surgery between 8.30am and 6.30pm All consultations and clinics are by appointment only. West Moors Group Practice GP Surgery 175 Station Road, West Moors, BH22 0HX This surgery is centrally located on Farm Road close to the Moors Pharmacy. Tel: 01202 865800 Mon, Wed and Thurs: 8.30am–6.30pm Tuesday and Friday: 8.30am–6.15pm OUT OF HOURS SERVICE Outside of normal surgery hours you can still phone your GP surgery, but you’ll usually be directed to an out-of-hours service. The out-of-hours period is from 6.30pm to 8am on weekdays and all day at weekends and on bank holidays. If it is not an immediate emergency then call NHS 111 which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It can provide medical advice and details of the best local service that can provide care. Telephone consultations and triage (an assessment of how urgent your medical problem is) are an important part of all out-of-hours care.
SAMARITANS
The Samaritans is a voluntary organisation giving support to people experiencing a personal crisis, especially those who feel suicidal. Phones are manned 24 hours a day every day of the year. Tel: 01202 551999 or 08457 909090.
DEFIBRILLATOR
A generous donation by Wimborne & Ferndown Lions Club has seen an ‘emergency defibrillator’ (used in case of sudden cardiac failure - a ‘heart attack’) installed on the wall outside the Co-op/ Post Office store on Station Road in September 2015. The parish council are responsible for maintaining and testing the equipment. Access to this equipment is only gained after dialling 999. 18 | West Moors Official Guide
CHEMISTS
Moors Pharmacy - Located on Farm Road, close to its junction with Station Road Unit 6, 175 Station Road, West Moors, BH22 0HX Tel: 01202 873112 Monday–Saturday: 9am–1pm and 2pm–6pm Sunday: Closed Boots Pharmacy - Adjacent to Sainsbury’s supermarket at Tricketts Cross Sainsbury’s, Ferndown Dorset BH22 9AL Tel: 01202 871841 Monday–Friday: 9am–7pm Saturday: 8.30am–5.30pm Sunday: 10am–4pm
EMERGENCY NHS SUPPORT
Wimborne Hospital - Minor Injuries Unit Victoria Hospital, Victoria Road, Wimborne, BH21 1ER Monday to Friday only: 8.30am–4pm (last consultation 4pm) The Unit closes for 30 minutes for lunch - this time varies due to the number of attendees to the units. Walk in no appointments or referrals necessary. Nurse led service assessing and treatment of nonlife- threatening injuries and illness for adults and children. (No Doctor present) Tel: 01202 856410. For health advice and reassurance, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, contact: the NHS 111 Service. St. Leonard’s Out-of-Hours Treatment Centre If you or a member of your family is unwell and need medical help after your GP surgery has closed, this centre is available at weekends and bank holidays. Call 111 for appointments
DENTISTS
Moorlands Road Dental Practice 30 Moorlands Road, West Moors, BH22 0JW Tel: 01202 872614 Email: info@moorlandsdp.co.uk Mon, Wed and Thurs: 8.30am–5pm Tuesday: 8.30am–5.30pm Friday: 8.30am–4pm The Smile Team Dental Surgery 212 Station Rd, West Moors, BH22 0JD Tel: 01202 871053 Email: smile@smileteamdirect.com Monday and Tuesday: 8.30am–5.30pm Wednesday: 8.30am–4.30pm Thursday: 8.30am–8.30pm Friday: 8.30am–3pm
OPTICIANS
EyeStyle Centre 141–143 Station Road, West Moors, BH22 0HT Tel: 01202 890904 Monday–Friday: 9am–5pm Saturday and Sunday: Closed
VETERINARY SERVICES
West Moors Veterinary Surgery Centenary Place, 206/210, Station Road, BH22 0JD (Near Castleman Court) Monday–Friday: 9am–1pm Saturdays: Closed Tel: 01202 829436
HOSPITALS
Casualty Departments at: Victoria Hospital Wimborne (minor injuries only) Tel: 01202 856410 Poole Hospital Tel: 01202 665511 Royal Bournemouth Hospital Tel: 01202 303626 Salisbury Hospital Tel: 01722 336262
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CHURCHES There are four places of worship within the boundary of West Moors
PINEHURST COMMUNITY CHURCH
90 Pinehurst Road, West Moors, BH22 0AR Church Office Tel: 01202 892776 or Clive Bartlett (Pastor) 01202 929815 Email: info@pinehurst.org.uk Throughout the week a range of children’s and youth activities for those aged 0–18yrs are run and a number of different courses throughout the year. Sunday: 10am–11.15am Morning Church Service and children’s groups. 11.15am–11.45am Refreshments 11.45am–12.30pm Communion Service (except the last Sunday of the month) 6.30pm–8.30pm Youth Group Ages 12–20’s Sunday evening services as arranged Wednesday: 10am–11.30am anyone with Kids (term time only) Friday: 9am–10am Church Prayer meeting On the 1st Tuesday of every month a coffee Morning 10am–11.30am is held. On the 2nd Wednesday of every month a men’s Curry Night 7.45pm and on the 1st Wednesday of every month is the After Eights club, a social evening for women at 8pm
Open for friendship and prayer every Friday 11am till 12noon Hall/Church Lettings: Mrs Abi Smith Tel: 07950 105026 Elders: Frank Partridge, Mrs Jean Partridge, Mrs Barbara Open, Mrs Mary Cole, Mrs Muriel Moore, Mr Christopher Legrand. Although St Martin’s does not have a Stipendiary Minister at present, they are very fortunate to enjoy the help and services of the Reverend Margaret Tilley who has been associated with the church for over 20 years. Her telephone number is 01202 824959. Sunday Worship is held every Sunday at 10.30am. The church is open every Friday from 11am until Noon for quiet contemplation, prayer or a chat with a church member or elder. Communion is celebrated on the 1st Sunday in every month. The Under 3’s and above meet every Wednesday in term time. A coffee morning is held, usually on the second Saturday of each month (excepting January), between 10am and 12noon. The St Martin’s Discovery Group meets monthly. The hall is for hire and is suitable for meetings or parties. Capacity: 50 seated theatre style.
ST ANTHONY’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
ST MARY THE VIRGIN, THE PARISH CHURCH
The Prestbytery, 8 Pinehurst Road, West Moors, Ferndown, BH22 0AP Tel: 01202 874811 or email: patrick.chrystal@btinternet.com Clergy: Rev’d Canon Patrick Chrystal and Deacon Jim Brennan Saturdays masses: 6.30pm Sundays: 8.15am and 11am Holyday Days: 8.15am and 7pm Reconciliation — Saturday: 10am–10.30am The hall is used by several clubs based in West Moors.
ST MARTIN’S UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
2 Moorlands Road, (On the corner of Station Road) West Moors, BH22 0JW Church Secretary: Mrs Muriel Moore Tel: 01202 872045 Email: murielmoore12@yahoo.co.uk Acting Treasurer: Christopher Legrand Tel: 01202 873344 email: stmartins@urc-eastdorset.org.uk. 20 | West Moors Official Guide
The Church is located towards the northern end of Station Road (the main road) on the corner with The Avenue at BH22 0JF. Vicar - Rev’d Andrew Rowland Tel: 01202 893197 or email: vicar@stmaryswestmoors.org.uk. The worship is mainly based around The Eucharist (Holy Communion). At 10am COSMIC’s (Children of St Mary’s in Church) generally leave after the beginning to go next door into the Hall, and then re-join later on during the service. On the Fourth Sunday monthly people worship together (‘Our Family Service’). The church is family friendly and there are many activities. Pram Service and Toddler Services (Bells & Biscuits) meets on Tuesdays at 10am ‘till Noon. Messy Church: regularly run Messy Church Sessions - these are held on Sunday afternoons at 3pm and are as advertised through school and church publicity. Tea@3: Tea and sandwiches/cakes/scones are served for the older generation. This informal group meets in the Church Hall from 3pm – 4.30pm on the second Thursday.
Men’s Breakfast Group: Meet in the Church Hall on the third Saturday monthly from 9am for about 90 minutes for a hearty breakfast and social chat. Insights: Meet on Tuesday evenings about once every six weeks to deepen our understanding of other faiths, cultures and organisations. Social Events: The church constantly organises social events - some are pure fun (Burns Night, Summer BBQ) some are traditional (Harvest Meal, Bazaars) some are Fundraisers (Dances & Concerts) some are unusual (Annual Railway Day, Bi-annual Gardens Open). All normally include food and fun and often a Raffle. Mothers Union: There are two Mothers Union groups. Each meet monthly, one in the afternoon and the other is an evening Group. Choir: Choir practises in church on Wednesday at 7.30pm with their trainer/organist Valerie Robertson. Home Groups: Home Groups are run bi-weekly at various times in peoples’ homes. Prayer Group: The prayer group generally meets at 2.30pm on the fourth Wednesday in the month in the home of one of the members. Alpha Courses: Alpha Courses are an informal, friendly and relaxed way to explore the meaning of life from a modern Christian perspective. Ten week Alpha Courses are run on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at various locations.
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EDUCATION SCHOOLS AND PRE-SCHOOLS SERVING WEST MOORS St. Martin’s ‘Little Munchkins’ Toddler Group St. Martins United Reformed Church A friendly group meeting on Wednesdays (term-time only) 9.45am–11.30am in the hall. Ages welcome are ‘new-born’ to 3+ with parents or adult carers. Call for more information or just turn up! Mrs Muriel Moore Tel: 01202 872045 West Moors Pre-school Located at the rear of St Mary’s First School, The Avenue, West Moors, BH22 0JF It provides care and education for children of age ‘rising 3’ up to 5 years. Manager: Mrs Jayne Lilley. Tel: 01202 871744 or Email: office@westmoorspreschool.org.uk. West Moors Children’s Centre Located within the grounds of West Moors Middle School on Heathfield Way, this facility offers a
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range of activities for ‘under-5s’ and their families and provides support information. Monday to Thursday 9am–5pm Friday 9am–4pm West Moors Children’s Centre is run by Action for Children, in partnership with Dorset County Council. Tel: 01202 855056 Oakhurst Community First School (part of the Heath Academy Trust) Shaftesbury Road, West Moors, BH22 0DY It was opened in 1971 and as a ‘first’ school takes pupils from ages 4 to 9. Head teacher: Mrs Melanie Davey Tel: 01202 871577 or Email: office@oakhurstfirst.com St. Mary’s CE VC First School (part of the Heath Academy Trust) The Avenue, West Moors, BH22 0JF St. Mary’s CE VC First School admits pupils’ ages 4+ to 8+ (Reception and Years 1 to 4). Head teacher: Mr Roy Sewell Tel: 01202 874838 or Email:office@stmaryswestmoors.dorset.sch.uk.
St. Catherine’s Catholic Primary School Cutlers Place, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 2HN. This voluntary aided, Roman Catholic primary school is situated in Colehill - about 5 km / 3 miles west of West Moors; as well as offering education from the ages of 5 to 11 it also has a pre-school facility. Head teacher: Mrs Lennon Tel: 01202 883763 or Email: office@stcatherinescolehill.dorset.sch.uk West Moors Middle School Heathfield Way, West Moors, BH22 0DA. This school, covering the ‘middle’ stage in the local three-tier school system (ages 9 to 13) was opened in 1977 and takes pupils from West Moors and surrounding communities. Head teacher: Mrs C J Pritchard BA (Hons) MA NPQH. Tel: 01202 872474 or Email: office@westmoorsmid.dorset.sch.uk Ferndown Upper School Cherry Grove, Ferndown, BH22 9EY Head teacher: Mr Phillip Jones Tel: 01202 871243
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Queen Elizabeth Upper School Blandford Road, Wimborne Minster, BH21 4DT Head teacher: Mr Martin McLeman Tel: 01202 885233
Dorset County Council – Education and Learning General advice on education facilities available for all ages across the county can be found on the Dorsetforyou.com website Sturts Community Trust Sturts Farm, Three Cross Road, West Moors, BH22 0NF Tel: 01202 854762 or Email: office@sturtsfarm.com www.sturtscommunitytrust.org.uk A 90 acre working organic farm that offers a land based community for adults with learning disabilities.
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES West Moors supports a rich diversity of clubs, associations, voluntary organisations and informal groups.
AK DANCE ACADEMY
Held in the Memorial Hall on Fridays between 4.30pm and 8.45pm Please contact Andrea Knowles on 01425 477256 for more details.
COMPUTING FOR EVERYONE
These are mentors with a range of computing experience to give help and training in using computers at the friendly and relaxed weekly sessions. Mostly, they give one-to-one assistance, but occasionally run a small class on a particular topic like emailing, handling photos, using the PC as a Word Processor and so on. Computers are available to use the internet or you can bring your own laptop computer. There is a nominal charge of ÂŁ2 per session. They meet each Monday evening from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in the small hall of The Memorial Hall, with the exception that there are no meetings on the second Monday in the month or Bank Holidays. Please contact 01202 877458 or email baird@ oldrey.com before you come for the first time so they can confirm details and avoid disappointment.
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EAST DORSET NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION
This association offers a range of activities to its members, which includes monthly talks through the winter at the West Moors Memorial Hall. Through the summer months outings and coffee mornings are organised. To join contact Janet Matthews on 01202 855001 or email: eastdorsetnt@btinternet.com
FERNDOWN AND WEST MOORS PHILATELIC & POSTCARD CLUB
Affiliated to Association of British Philatelic Societies and to the Hampshire Philatelic Society. Meetings are held at the Ferndown Day Centre, Library Road, off Victoria Road, Ferndown BH22 9JP. 7.30pm to 10pm, usually on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. For general enquiries contact Paul Barry, Club Secretary on 01425 472449 or email:paulrichardbarry@hotmail.co.uk For details of membership contact Michael Baldry, Secretary on 01202 253933.
HEALTH WALKS
Health walks are available around the local area two of which are based in West Moors; the ‘instructor led’ walk lasts roughly 30 minutes and leaves from the West Moors group practice in Farm Road each Thursday at 10am And a volunteer led walk is available every Thursday from 9.45am meeting at the Penn Court Café it lasts around 1 hour.
PAINTING FOR PLEASURE
The West Moors Painting for Pleasure group meets on Fridays from 9am to 1pm in the Memorial Hall. Please contact Robin Alley on 01202 855668 for more details.
POPP
The Partnership for Older People Programme (POPP) is a scheme to help the over-50s enjoy independent, healthy and active lives. POPP supports a wide range of activities, projects and services all based on what residents have requested. To achieve their goal POPP require the active involvement of older people in West Moors, working in partnership with Dorset County Council at District/Borough level, voluntary organisations such as Age UK together with support from the NHS. POPP have appointed a grid of ‘Champions’ and ‘Wayfinders’ throughout Dorset who can help
with a vast variety of issues. Some of the things they can help you with are details of local lunch clubs, social events, learning opportunities and outings. You may need to know about public transport: how to get to the hospital or transport to visit your doctor. Maybe you could do with some help around the house or in the garden but don’t know who to trust. Your Wayfinder can help you find the right person. If you have a form or letter which is worrying you or you wonder if you may be entitled to some extra money each week then your Wayfinder can put you in touch with someone else who can help you. West Moors Wayfinders are: Daphne Barber Tel: 07971 338697 Anne Gregory Tel: 07971 338637 Email: wayfinderinfo@helpandcare.org.uk
RHYTHM & DANCE CLASS
Held in the Memorial Hall Sundays: 9am till 1pm, Competition Class and Private Tuition. Tuesdays: 9am till 1pm private tuition is held on Wednesdays between 1pm and 7.30pm and Popular Sequence and Variation from 8pm till 8.45pm. Contact Mrs Louise Sampson (Fellow ISTD & UKA, BDC Competition & Championship Adjudicator) On 07884 315687 or 01202 897380 or email louise@rhyhtmanddance.co.uk for more details.
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SENIORS’ LUNCHEON CLUB
A lunch club for older people. It meets on Thursdays (term-time only - check beforehand for exact dates, times etc.) at West Moors Middle School. The meals are freshly cooked in the school canteen. If you would like to join this club and enjoy a meal and soft drink please call 01202 872474 Ext: 212.
the load, to promote the message and to inform local residents, businesses and other organisations and agencies. Please contact Debbie Horlock on 01202 764352 or email: Debbie.Horlock@alzheimers.org.uk or your Dementia friend Angela Sleet on 07929 441173 or email: Angelastherapies@yahoo.co.uk
TEA DANCE GROUPS
WEST MOORS DRAMA GROUP
This group meets either on Wednesdays or Sundays, in the Memorial Hall. Sessions are held during the afternoons or early/mid-evening. The group also meets at the Barrington Theatre in Ferndown. Please contact Marna and Peter Williams on 01202 871495 for more details.
WEST MOORS ART SOCIETY
A friendly group who meet on Monday mornings between 9am and 12.30pm in the Memorial Hall. A demonstration by a professional artist is usually available on the second Monday in each month. Please contact Roy Martyn 01202 893547 for more details.
WEST MOORS DEMENTIA ACTION GROUP
The group is supported by Angela Sleet - POPP Champion for West Moors. It aims to; Hold regular meetings; run dementia friends sessions, Apply to join the local Dementia Action Alliance, Commit to work together to improve the quality of life for all people with dementia and their carers. The Action Group needs more members to share
Hold their rehearsals in the Memorial Hall on Tuesdays and Fridays 8pm. See website: http://dramawestmoors.sharepoint.com Please contact Anne Tillin (Secretary) on 01258 858208 for more details.
WEST MOORS FLOWER GROUP
Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month (but usually take a break in August) at 10am, in the Memorial Hall, where there are demonstrations by qualified NAFAS demonstrators. The group is very keen to encourage the members to use their abilities and on the fourth Wednesday of every month there is ‘Fun with Flowers’, when everyone who would like to join comes along and makes beautiful arrangements to take home. The flower group holds its own show bi-annually but there are also two shows per year at the Horticultural Society, where floral art is exhibited. Please contact Catherine Jenkins on 01202 876441 for more details.
WEST MOORS FITNESS LEAGUE
Held in St. Anthony’s Church Hall ‘Ladies 50+’: Exercise to music. Thursday mornings: 10am Please contact Julie Channen on 01202 872307 for more details.
WEST MOORS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
The Petwyn
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The Horticultural Society meets in the Memorial Hall and is a thriving organisation with approximately 550 members. They hold two major shows per year. Eight talks a year are held on various subjects of interest, some of which include slide shows. They also organise three outings per year. Coffee mornings are held in the Memorial Hall two mornings per year, in January and October. Anyone is welcome to come along for a coffee and a chat. Annual membership costs: Single: £3 Family: £4 Postal: £5 Please contact Sue or Tim Hamlett on 01202 871536 for more details.
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WEST MOORS LUNCH AND FRIENDSHIP CLUB
Meeting every Wednesday (but check beforehand there is a summer break) Members (aged 60 or over) arrive between 11am and 12noon (for lunch, two course - followed by tea / coffee), finishing around 3.30pm, after varied activities including a weekly raffle, bingo, table games or other entertainment. Contact number below for more detail and to arrange assistance with transport for those unable to make their own way to the Hall. Please contact Joan Wyrille on 01202 891519 for more details.
WEST MOORS NEIGHBOURCAR
These are voluntary drivers who provide a doorto-door service for people over the age of 50 years and are West Moors residents, to Hospitals, Doctors, Dentists, Opticians and for shopping to the local supermarkets. The only cost to the user is a small mileage charge to cover the driver’s expenses. If you have a car and can spare some time as a volunteer driver? Expenses are paid. Drivers receive mileage expenses plus car parking and subsistence where appropriate. Please contact Mr Mike Durham on 01202 951893 for more details.
WEST MOORS SINGERS
The West Moors Singers is an established mixed voice choir that has been in existence for over forty five years. The choirs main performances happen twice a year, in the spring and at Christmas, they also occasionally hold smaller concerts for private groups and nursing homes. Rehearsals are held on Mondays [September to May] at 7.30pm in St Martins Church Hall. www.westmoorssingers.wordpress.com Please contact Dianne Tompkins on 07816 933319 or email wms.info@gmx.co.uk for more information.
WEST MOORS WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
West Moors Women’s Institute meet in the afternoon on the first Thursday of each month at 2.15pm in the West Moors Memorial Hall. They are a friendly group of ladies ranging from the young, to the not quite so young! At the meetings they usually have a guest speaker, covering a wide range of interesting topics from travel, history, local affairs, health and much more. They arrange outings and once a year hold a party for local housebound people. The craft group meets fortnightly on Tuesday mornings. Contact 30 | West Moors Official Guide
Fryer Field Children’s Play Area
Jean Lewington (Secretary) Tel: 01202 873144 or jeanlewington@yahoo.co.uk. WI Craft: Alternative Tuesday’s 9am–1pm contact Vickie Campbell vickie.campbell@ntlworld.com or www.theWI.org.uk.
WEST MOORS WRITERS STUDY
Meet on a Thursday 6pm–10pm in the Memorial Hall. Please contact Judie Jones (Organiser) 01202 950361 for more details.
WELLNESS WALKS
(West Moors and local area) Gentle walks designed for people who want to get back to active exercise with the help of trained support: The West Moors walks begin outside the West Moors Group Practice in Farm Road - free to join, walks take roughly half-an-hour (Thursdays: 10am–11am); assemble 15 minutes beforehand. Contact: Moors Valley Country Park and Forest Tel: 01425 470721
WIMBORNE WINE SOCIETY
Meetings are usually held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm at: Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne BH21 1AS Contact Rosemary on 01202 691428 or email rharknett@btinternet.com
ZUMBA (Fitness through dance)
Monday at 10.30am in St. Anthony’s church hall (Pinehurst road) - This is a ‘Zumba Gold’ session (low impact) Tuesday at 6.30pm in West Moors Memorial Hall (Station road) Wednesday at 7pm and 8.15pm at St. Anthony’s church hall - This is a ‘Zumba Toning’ session using small weights Please contact Deborah Stanley on 01202 872219 or Email: debzumba@yahoo.com for more details.
K9 DOG TRAINING
K9 dog training held on Mondays 6pm–11pm in the Memorial Hall. Please contact Toni Lethbridge on 01202 885565 for more details.
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SPORTS AND LEISURE Many of the facilities associated with sports activities in West Moors are situated on or close-by Fryer Field. The land was formerly part of the Fryer Estate, but in 1914, Sir Frederic Fryer, the first Lt. Governor of Burma and his wife, Lady Frances, offered land opposite the church and school for the erection of a village hall and provision of playing fields. Administration of the Fryer Field recreation area is the responsibility of the parish council; it includes the Sports Pavilion; Multi Use Games Area; Football pitches; Skate park facility and the Children’s Play area.
FRYER FIELD
Fryer Field is a large recreation ground located in the north of the village. It can be accessed via Bond Avenue and Station Road. The facilities include a pavilion building, football pitches, children’s play area, skate park, BMX track, tennis courts and an artificial grass football pitch. MUGA (Multi Use Games Area)
The Pavilion consists of a meeting room which can be hired, equipped with a screen and projector. The maximum capacity is 60 people. There is a small kitchen with tea/coffee making facilities, toilets, including a disabled toilet. For sports events the building also has five changing rooms with male and female shower blocks. 32 | West Moors Official Guide
Fryer Field is a large open space with two adult size football pitches, a 9 v 9, and a mini soccer (5 v 5 and 7 v 7) pitch. These are available to hire from September to April normally. A floodlit artificial grass pitch is available to hire for training sessions or 5 a side football. There are also free to use tennis courts available. There is a children’s play area located on the field that is suitable for the under 12’s, along with a wellused skate park for skateboarders, stunt scooters and BMX bikes. For information about hiring any of these facilities please contact West Moors Parish Council office on 01202 861044 or email westmoorsparish@btconnect.com
PLAY AREAS
There are two children play areas in West Moors. The Fryer Field Children’s play area includes swings, climbing and various other play equipment. The vehicle access gates to Fryer Field off Bond Avenue are locked at dusk, however the kissing gate entrance is open at all times for pedestrian access. There is also pedestrian access off Station Road.
Oakhurst Children’s Play Area
The Oakhurst Children’s play area hosts ecosurfacing, seating, and play features including a Multi Play (junior) Activity unit, 2 play Panels, Spinning pole, talk tubes, stepping stones, rope swing, net climber, see saw and a basket swing. The play area is for the exclusive use of Oakhurst First School during school times but is open for all to use outside of school hours. The area is closed at dusk each evening.
WEST MOORS MEMORIAL BOWLING CLUB
The excellent green and clubhouse are situated on the Memorial Hall land close to the centre of the village of West Moors in Dorset. It is a private club with outstanding year round facilities for lawn bowls and short mat bowls. The green is now one of the best in the area and the clubhouse is just 14 years old and accommodates two short mat bowls carpets for use during the winter months. There is a bar and kitchen facilities. The Club is run and maintained by its members. Memorial Hall, West Moors, BH22 0HZ Tel: 01202 897084. For more details contact the membership secretary Mrs Olive Holder on 02012 862896
WEST MOORS SOCIAL CLUB
This popular, fully licensed Club, founded in 1981, is run by an elected committee. Its premises are adjacent to West Moors Memorial Hall, with its large car park in Station Road. The club is open Monday to Friday Lunchtime (except Thursday): 12noon–3pm Evenings: 7pm–11pm (Friday 11.30pm) Saturday: 11am–11pm (Entertainment nights 11.30pm) Sunday: 12noon–10.30pm For more details please contact the Club Steward, Dave Eyles on 01202 877414.
WEST MOORS MEMORIAL HALL
Station Rd, West Moors, Ferndown BH22 0HS Tel: 01202 897203 The West Moors Memorial hall was built in 1929 and is held under a deed as a public charitable trust as a village hall for the use of the inhabitants of West Moors and those in the immediate vicinity. It is dedicated to the memory of those who fell in the First World War. It recently achieved the coveted ‘Hallmark’ accreditation which is recognition that the Hall has reached the national benchmark standard required by ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England). It serves the community of West Moors in Dorset in many different ways. They have a large car park (100+ cars); an excellent dance floor and stage; computer training and Wi-Fi facilities. The Hall is available for both public and private functions. There are two halls with various booking slots. To check availability, click on the date you are interested in on the web site diary www. westmoorsmemorialhall.webplus.net/Bookings If you wish to make a booking then Tel: 07746939820 or email: westmoorshall@hotmail.com. West Moors Official Guide | 33
FOOTBALL
West Moors Youth Football Club (Under 7’s to Under 15’s) The club is run by a dedicated group of parents who meet regularly as a committee to ensure the smooth running and future development of the club. The committee is committed to working hard for the club to ensure that all the children involved have as many opportunities as possible to enjoy playing football with their friends. They are affiliated to the Dorset FA and their teams play within local children’s football leagues. The intention is to develop a strong family friendly club with a great sense of community at the heart of all of their activities. Contact: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/ westmoorsyouthfootball Grange Athletic Youth Football Club Grange Athletic YFC are a long established youth football club based in Bournemouth and use Fryer Field as their home ground. Their teams play in the Dorset & Bournemouth League’s. They hold an annual summer tournament during June each year at Fryers Field, West Moors. For general information contact Louise McMenamin on 07989 419301. For tournament details please contact Eddy Rogerson on 07925 956347.
GOLF
Ferndown Golf Club Situated in Golf Links Road, Ferndown, BH22 8BU Contact 01202 653950 for more details or Professional’s Shop 01202 653951 or email: golf @ ferndowngolfclub.co.uk The golf course offers an 18 hole Championship course and a 9 hole course offering first class golf. Visitors are welcome by prior arrangement with either the Office or Professional’s Shop. Handicap certificate required. Ferndown Forest Golf Club Situated in Forest Links Road, Ferndown, BH22 9PH Tel: 01202 876096 Email: golf@ferndownforestgolfcourse.co.uk. Holes: 18 hole flat parkland course set amongst mature trees and meandering streams. Pay & Play course. Dudsbury Golf Club Dudsbury Golf Club & Hotel situated at 64 Christchurch Road, Ferndown, BH22 8ST Tel: 01202 593499 Email: info@dudsburygolfclub.co.uk A Championship golf course with a feature hole at the 16th where the green is over two lakes. Annual golf membership available. 34 | West Moors Official Guide
MOORS VALLEY COUNTRY PARK
The Country Park, while not within the Civil Parish, is situated to the north of West Moors. It is a joint venture between East Dorset District Council and the Forestry Commission. The Country Park and Forest as a whole consists of 1,000 acres of woodland, heathland, meadow, lakes and rivers. At the heart of the park is the Visitor Centre, an 18th century timber barn, which houses Seasons Restaurant and Coffee Barn, a shop and exhibition area. For those wishing to get out and about there are plenty of way-marked walks, cycle routes and cycle hire with child seats and trailers. For the less able, wheelchairs or electric scooters are available to hire. For children there is an adventure play area for juniors, castle and sandworks for infants and the Play Trail; 10 unique wooden play sculptures set around a 1 mile trail within the forest. For the more adventurous there is the ‘Go Ape’ tree top adventure course set in the trees, suitable for those 10 years and over. There is also a narrow-gauge steam railway, an 18-hole golf course and golf centre. The Rangers organise a huge range of events throughout the year; from pond dipping and fishing to survival days for children and a full programme of Ranger and volunteer led walks and cycle rides throughout the year for adults. There are no entrance charges to Moors Valley but parking charges do apply. Access by road is from Horton Road, Ashley Heath, approximately one mile from the Ashley Heath roundabout in the direction of Three Legged Cross. On foot from Verwood there is a pathway through Potterne Park playing fields. From here it is about one mile to the Visitor Centre. Moors Valley Rangers can be contacted at the Park Rangers’ office: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Nr. Ringwood, Dorset BH24 2ET 01425 470721 www.moors-valley.co.uk
Countryside Officers from the Community and Open Spaces Service provided by the Christchurch and East Dorset partnership are also responsible for the management of a number of Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest including Hatchards Copse in West Moors. For more information on this and other countryside sites in the country and to contact the Countryside Team please visit www.dorsetforyou.com
OPEN SPACES The village is very fortunate in having areas of countryside adjacent to the village which allow free public access. Survey results show that these are popular and well used amenities. The Castleman Trailway The Castleman Trailway This is a permissive path administered by Dorset County Council and is one of the most utilised leisure assets in the village. It very roughly follows the line of the old Southampton & Dorchester Railway that used to pass through the village. Within the village itself though, the route is greatly displaced from the old railway due to building development. It is a pleasant way to enjoy a short walk, a more strenuous tramp or a long bicycle ride.
The Forestry Plantation This the largest and most popular area of public access, thanks to the policies The Forestry Plantation of The Forestry Commission who own and manage the land. Dating from the 1940s, covers an area of approximately 360 acres [ circa 145 hectares ] in one large and two smaller parcels, all lying along the north-eastern ‘flank’ of the residential area of West Moors. Historically, this woodland has been dominated by pine, but it is intended to transform the Plantation by allowing mixed woodland to develop and to increase the open areas slightly, with a return in some places to the original heathland that would have existed prior to the 1940s plantings. The woods are already well-used by residents for recreational walking, cycling, riding etc., and it is hoped to enhance the facilities in the years to come. Hatchards Copse Is the small area of ancient woodland behind the Fryer Playing fields owned by EDDC. It is a remnant of a once extensive woodland habitat that at one time belonged to the Fryer Estate. Bordered to the west by the river Moors and the grassland of Fryers Fields to the east this small site
is especially pleasant in spring with the first flush of new growth on the Hazel. It is well used by local people as a pleasant place to walk the circular route goes through Hazel stands of differing ages. Pennington Copse Is a coppiced area of woodland classified as a local nature reserve which affords it some protection from development. It is owned and managed by East Dorset District Council (EDDC). Penningtons Copse has existed as a wooded area possibly as far back as 1339, and was a part of West Moors Farm from the early seventeenth century until recent times. The Alder Bed area is not listed as ancient woodland, but was probably managed as a water meadow in the past. It is thought that the alder bed was planted, or regenerated naturally, in the late eighteenth century in order to be managed as coppice woodland. The Riverside Walk The path runs from the A31 alongside Uddens Water to Farm Road. It then The Riverside Walk continues to link up with Hatchards Copse and Fryer Field. One way to access this is to take Farm Road (opposite the Library) as far as it goes, merging left into Mannington Way then you will see a gate directly ahead of you. As you approach and enter through the gate there is a sign for the walk. Follow the sign. To your left there is a woodland, Pennington Copse, a local nature reserve looked after by East Dorset Countryside Management group. There is a diversity of wildlife to be found here from deer to the occasional adder and many bird species. On a clear day you may hear an eerie cry, look skyward and perhaps espy two or more buzzards soaring, or if around dusk, perhaps a Tawny owl will be the culprit! Another access point (which brings you into Pennington Copse) is from roughly half-way down Farm Road, off Birch Grove and yet another, as mentioned elsewhere, is via the footpaths either side of the bridge over the Uddens at the end of Station Road. In 2013, as part of the upgrade to the pathways across the Woolslope recreation area (see below), the path alongside the river has been re-laid and made much more accessible. West Moors Official Guide | 35
Woolslope Community recreational area This is a network of well-surfaced, ‘all-weather’ crisscrossed paths for all to use. You can access the area from Canterbury Close and Woolslope Close (both off Woolslope Road), from alongside the bridge over the Uddens on lower Station Road (on the parish boundary) and adjacent to the A31
underpass, a little way west of the Priory Road junction. It is a transformation from “Woolslap”, and before that from “Wylla-slæp”, which is thought to be from Old English, meaning boggy area (slæp) associated with a spring (Wyll or Wylla): nothing to do with sheep!
YOUTH ACTIVITIES COPING WITH CHAOS
(Diverse Abilities) - Dorset’s Disability Charity A parent run organisation that supports families caring for a child / children or young person with a disability or special educational need. They provide services for families living in Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole. Tel: 01202 855105 or Email: info@copingwithchaos.org Situated at the Families Centre, Bond Avenue, West Moors, BH22 0LL Office opening hours are Monday – Thursday 9.30am – 2.30pm term time only
GIRL GUIDING
West Moors Guide Hall, Ashurst Road, West Moors, BH22 0LS There are several units in West Moors which include: 1st West Moors Rainbows, 1st Three Legged Cross Brownies, 3rd West Moors Brownies, 3rd West Moors Guides and the 1st West Moors Rangers. More information at www.westmoorsguiding.org or contact District Commissioner Jane Songhurst on 01202 891469
SCOUTS, CUB SCOUTS AND BEAVER SCOUTS
1st West Moors Scout Group aims to give young people in the West Moors area the opportunity to get involved with Scouting in the local area as well as a joining other groups locally, nationally and internationally. Scouting is open to children, boys and girls from the age of 6 years old and develops core skills through delivery of a balanced program by experienced leaders and helpers. The Sections: Beaver Scouts: Thursdays 6pm–7.15pm Cub Scouts: Tuesdays 6.30pm–8pm Scouts: Mondays 7pm–9pm Explorers: Tuesdays 8.15pm–9.30pm (Alternate Weeks) They meet at The Hideaway, Hardy Road, West Moors BH22 0EX Please contact Lynne Anderson 01202 895639 for more details 36 | West Moors Official Guide
SKATEPARK
West Moors Skatepark was built in 2003 from monies raised by the youth of West Moors, with a little help from an adult committee. The Skatepark is open all hours with six different obstacles, including a pyramid. It is made of metal ramps on a tarmac base, featuring a mini ramp on one side and a back and forth run made up of flat banks and quarter pipes facing each other with a driveway and spine in the middle with rails at the side. The mini-ramp was installed as part of the 2nd phase of the project. It is a great place to meet up and just chill out. The ramp is well used and it is ideal for newcomers to the sport. Within the skatepark is a hexagonal, 22-seat youth shelter that comes complete with a solar powered light. The relocation of this shelter from outside West moors Youth Club was funded by Synergy Housing with the remaining expenditure met by the Parish Council and led by the local Dorset Police. There is no subscription or joining fee and the park is open to all age groups. Right alongside is a BMX dirt track with bridges and good size humps!
WEST MOORS YOUTH CLUB
Palethorpe House, Bond Avenue, West Moors BH22 0LJ. The West Moors Youth Club is situated on Bond Avenue, just to the north of Fryer Field and the Pavilion: access is off Station Road. Opening times are 7.15pm–9.30pm on the relevant days as under: Mondays: Year 9, 10 & 11 Tuesdays: Year 7 & 8 Wednesdays: Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme There is much on offer at the Club - see the poster opporsite or contact: Chairman: Kurt Hallam 01202 896367 Secretary: Godwin Micallef 01202 870891 Youth Leader: Mo Shearing 01202 826149
REGULAR EVENTS CAROLS AT THE PETWYN
This has been an annual event in West Moors for several years – organised by West Moors Youth and Community Club and held early in December. Churches, local businesses and schools are involved, with the Youth Club providing the ‘back-bone’ of the organisation. A Candlelit Procession, Father Christmas, Side stalls, raffle, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, gifts and Samaritans Box all form part of this annual event.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Every year on Remembrance Sunday, which is part of modern British life, culture and heritage, West Moors Parish Council working with the Royal British Legion organise a Remembrance Parade and Service. The Parish Council and the Royal British Legion invite all the public to join together at the War Memorial. Local residents of all ages from babes in arms to seniors riding mobility scooters, commemorate the original Armistice of 1918 which signalled the ‘stilling of arms’ and led to
the formal end to the First World War (eventually signed in 1919). Veterans wearing medals are also very much in evidence and there are uniformed representatives of all the services. Youngsters from local groups and schools come to pay their respects, together with many organisations from West Moors, Ferndown and nearby. Clergy from Churches Together in West Moors conduct the service at which a roll of honour of those men who fell in both World Wars is read before the Last Post and Reveille are sounded.
Wreathes are laid (you need to notify the Parish Clerk to be on the list) and the parade marches past the podium where the salute is taken. The level of attendance is always wonderful and the strength of the community is heart-warming.
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VILLAGE HISTORY
I
n 1364 the settlement was named La More, becoming ‘Mours’ in 1407 (Norman influence) In 1500’s Le Moure and by the 1600’s ‘Moores’ and always associated with Parley. The word Moor is derived from ‘mar’ and ‘moure’ meaning marsh. For centuries it was rough heathland, marshy in places, draining into the Moors River, with just a few paths and sparsely populated. A large part of West Moors was land variously known as Priory Common, St. Leonard’s Common or Cranborne Common and until the time of the dissolution (under Henry VIII) was owned by Cranborne Priory. The area around Uddens Water to the NorthWest was less acidic and permitted some farming of the more fertile soil. The map of 1633 shows several farms with small fields either side of the Uddens. These were Dolman’s Farm, Manor Farm (later known as Gulliver’s Farm), Sturt’s Farm, West Moors Farm and Woolslope Farm and the habitation was concentrated in this area. The 1841 census of West Parley which included the West Moors records states that the total population was 254, with just 16 households in West Moors - a local population of just 86 persons. West Moors was a sparsely populated heathland hamlet at the northern end of the ancient parish of West Parley, Dorset (Perlai in 1066 Domesday Book) until the end of the 1900’s and fell within the Hundred of Cranborne. A map of 1660, in the Dorset County Record Office, gives details of the ownership and tenancy of various plots in the Parish. There is also a record of Pennington Copse being in existence in 1339. It was notable because as woodland, it stood out in a large tract of heath land. The Alder Bed, south of Pennington Copse, was planted in the early nineteenth century to provide high quality charcoal for gunpowder and also timber suitable for use in wet or damp conditions. 38 | West Moors Official Guide
Its ecclesiastical history is short, beginning in 1922 when it became an ecclesiastical parish in its own right, before then it had been part of Verwood for some 25 years. It was however part of West Parley civil parish until 1956 when it became an independent civil parish. The development of Ferndown in-between which was also just a few cottages has acted to disassociate West Moors from Parley. Before 1956 for many years West Moors grew slowly because, at a time when agriculture was very important, much of the land in the area was of poor quality with only a few pockets of land suitable for growing crops. Such arable land that existed lay along the flood plains of Mannington Brook and the Moors River. Large areas of the heath land were leased out for grazing. One notorious landowner in West Moors was the eighteenth century smuggler Isaac Gulliver. It is believed that he became the owner of the farm, now known by his name, when he married a Dorset girl, Elizabeth Beale and that he received the farm as part of her dowry. Only the barn at Gulliver’s Farm is original. This is probably the only existing pre-nineteenth century building left in West Moors. Between the 1960s and the 1980s the Pennington, Uplands and Woolslope estates were built and the population of West Moors grew rapidly. This led to further developments in community areas. The original St. Mary’s Church of England School was complimented by the building of Oakhurst County First School (which was rebuilt in 1983 following a fire). In 1977 West Moors County Middle School was opened. There is also independent provision for pre-school children. St. Mary’s Church has been joined by St. Anthony’s R.C. Church, St. Martin’s United Reformed Church and Pinehurst Chapel all of which have active congregations meeting the needs of their worshippers.
In 2000, East Dorset District Council carried out a refurbishment of the roadway and pavements in the shopping centre, Station Road. This was followed by the redevelopment of the shops and flats above. Plans for building on the open space known as the Petwyn, led to a large public response to prevent its development. Through the efforts of the whole community the land was purchased on behalf of West Moors, and was further safeguarded when it was granted Village Green status in 2006. The Petwyn got its unusual name from a past tenant of this part of West Moors. It was the coming of the Southampton and Dorchester railway in 1847 that stimulated development and in fact gave birth to what today is West Moors. (It has also been known as Westmoors).The main part of the village is in fact built over the poor moorland soils referred to as ‘waste’ on old maps. The picture of West Moors up to the coming of the railway was one of a thinly populated area. In 1847 the ‘Castleman’s Corkscrew’ came to the Parish as part of a grandiose plan to link Bournemouth with the rest of the country. This led to the building of several large houses in the village for business people commuting to the commercial centres in the area. It also led to the building of the Railway Hotel (now the Tap and Railway) to accommodate travellers, their coachmen and servants, when they arrived too late at night to continue the journey by road to Bournemouth. Although main line services were later diverted via Bournemouth, West Moors railway station was
served by a branch line railway until 4 May 1964. The last scheduled passenger service was in 1968 but freight and fuel services continued until the 1970’s. The last train pulled out of West Moors station in 1974. The only remnants of these lines through the village are the original level crossing gatekeeper’s cottage on Station Road and the Castleman trailway footpath following the original track bed leading to Ringwood to the east and Poole to the west. This however, was recently resurfaced and the central reservation was removed, rendering the southernmost of the two tracks largely unusable, and causing it to lose its former authentic look. The village expanded with the development of the Ministry of Defence Fuel Depot located to the north of the village. During World War 2 the Fuel Depot played a crucial role for the armed forces. Huge numbers of American troops and personnel arrived in the local area, many working at the fuel depot, as well as further developing nearby St. Leonard’s hospital and operating aircraft missions from Hurn Airport (now the thriving Bournemouth International Airport). The depot is now home to elements of the Defence Fuels Group, including the Defence School of Petroleum and also home to the Dorset Fire and Rescue Service Training Centre.
The Centre of the village The Station Road shopping area today is regarded as the ‘centre’ of the village but prior to about 1902, there were no buildings in this part of West Moors – apart from the farmhouse and farm buildings of the long-gone West Moors Farm, from which Farm Road takes its name. West Moors Official Guide | 39
Where it all began The Northern part of the village Continuing north out of the village and the aspect becomes somewhat greener. On the left is Gulliver’s Farm once owned by the Wessex smuggler Isaac Gulliver (1745-1822), though only the barn (late 18th century) is original - the farmhouse was destroyed by fire and re-built. The barn now houses a Farm Shop [opened in early October 2015] - which is a useful addition to the facilities in the community. From west to east, is Newman’s Lane which also gave access to Newman’s Farm - which was perhaps the oldest farm (until demolished) in this part of Dorset. Near the current replacement is the access to Holt Heath, a managed nature reserve which is based upon one of Dorset’s largest remaining areas of lowland heathland Until the old railway line opened for traffic in 1847 it would have been hard to find a ‘village centre’ to which the name of “West Moors” could be attached. The area was the northernmost portion of the parish of West Parley, which extended as far north as Three Legged Cross. There were a scattering of farms either side of the Uddens & Mannington water-courses making use of the somewhat better soils found bordering these small rivers and a few small cottages clustered around the edge of the expanse of heathland. In 1843 a small ‘National School’ was opened on a plot of land roughly opposite where the St Marys Church is now (this latter wasn’t built until the 1890s). Given the very scattered nature of dwellings/farms in this part of the parish the school had to be built in a location such that it would encourage children to attend.
The Southern part of the village... The Petwyn, Pinehurst Road and Woolslope … The area encompassed by this section is now one of the most developed parts of West Moors but until the first decade of the twentieth century, Pinehurst Road was a moorland track with the vast expanse of St. Leonard’s Heath (or Priory Common) rolling away to the north and fields attached to Woolslope Farm falling away to Uddens to the south. The lower part of modern day Station Road crossed the Uddens for many centuries my means of a ford – traffic was very light until the midnineteenth century. Then a series of bridges were built but there has always been very marshy ground either side of the stream, the present-day Slop Bog being a remnant of this landscape. It became an important local route when the railway was opened 40 | West Moors Official Guide
as it afforded access to the Wimborne – Ringwood Road (formerly a turnpike highway) and also to Stewart’s Nursery – a huge under taking dating from the mid-nineteenth century, lying just north of the Wimborne Road. Stewarts made extensive use of West Moors station to send plants away to customers until road competition increased after the Second World War.
The Old Railway... The fact that the name of the principal highway through the village is ‘Station Road’ (otherwise the B3072) tells of a railway that is long gone. It arrived in 1847 but it was not until 1867 when a small station was built astride the recently opened junction that the railway had much impact on the community. Little is left today: the old crossing lodge, which is on the opposite side of the road to where the station was built, is still there – modified from its 1847 incarnation. Other signs are more elusive. The last fare-paying passenger train working from the station left on Saturday 2nd May, 1964, and on the same date, the entire service along the ‘Salisbury’ line was withdrawn. Remaining services from West Moors using the old main line (e.g., mixed goods traffic) were withdrawn over the next 18 months. However traffic to / from the MOD fuel depot continued for another ten years. There is an extensive folder of information about the railway that once was, with a large collection of images to accompany it in the Parish Office. So if you enjoy riding back through time come visit us.
West Moors has changed over the years as all other villages, towns and cities do. However, even now with a population of over 7,500 West Moors retains a village atmosphere.
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WEST MOORS INDEX Abbey Road Abbotts Way Arnold Close Arnold Road Ashurst Road Avon Road Azura Close
C5 C6 B4 B4 A4 B5 D1
Badgers Walk Barrow View Beaufoys Avenue Beechwood Road Belle Vue Grove Birch Grove Blackfield Lane Bond Avenue Braeside Road Bridges Close
B6 A6 A6 C5 B4 A4 B3 A3 B4 B3
Canterbury Close Castleman Trailway Central Drive Charnwood Close Coach House Mews Collingwood Road Compton Crescent Condor Close Cracklewood Close Crane Way
B5 C3/A4 D6 B4 B6 B2 C5 D2 C6 D1
Denewood Copse Denewood Road
A3 A3
East Drive Edgemoor Road Elmhurst Road Elmhurst Way Everglades Close
D6 C5 C5 C5 A6
Farm Road Ferndale Road Ferndown By-Pass Fir Close Firs Glen Road Forest Road
A4 B5 B6 B3 B4 B4
Gladelands Park Glenwood Lane Glenwood Close Glenwood Road Glenwood Way
B6 B4 A4 B4 B4
Haddons Lane Hardy Close Hardy Road Harrison Way Hazel Drive Heather Drive Heatherdown Road Heatherdown Way Heathfield Road Heathfield Way Heston Way Highfied Road Holly Close
A1 B5 B5 B3 A6 A6 C5 C5 C5 C5 A4 A3 A4
Jimmy Brown Avenue
B2
Kingfisher Close Kings Close Knightstone Grove
B4 A5 A4
Liberty Close
D1
Maloren Way Mannington Way Martins Drive Mary Lane Merino Road Milford Close Monks Close Moorlands Rise Moorlands Road Moorside Road
C5 A4 B6 A4 B5 C4 C6 B3 B4 B5
Newcombe Road Newman Close Newman’s Lane
A4 A2 A2
Oakhurst Close Oakhurst Lane Oakhurst Road Old Barn Farm Road
B4 B4 B4 D1
Park Way Payne Close Pennington Close Pennington Crescent Pennington Road Pine Court Pinehurst Park Pinehurst Road Pinehurst Road
A4 B2 A5 A5 A4 B5 B5 B5 C5
Priory Gardens Priory Road
C6 C6
Queens Close
A5
Ringwood Road Ritchie Place Riverside Road Robinswood Drive
D1 A3 A4 A6
Sarum Avenue School Lane Shaftesbury Close Shaftesbury Road Shelley Place Shirley Close South Drive Southdown Way Southern Avenue Southern Close Spinners Close Station Road Station Road Stewarts Way
B3 C1 B5 B5 B5 B4 D6 B5 C5 C5 B5 A3 A5 B6
Teasel Way The Acorns The Avenue The Avenue The Copse The Crescent The Paddock The Square Thorne Way Three Cross Road
B5 D6 A3 C6 D6 C6 D6 D6 D1 B2
Uplands Close Uplands Road Uplands Road
C6 C5 C5
Victory Close
D1
Weavers Close West Drive West Moors Road Woodland Walk Woodside Road Woolslope Close Woolslope Gardens Woolslope Road
B5 D6 B1 B6 A3 B5 B5 B5
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