Salvation Data 0800 075 0720

Verwood
Verwood  Verwood shown within Dorset
Population	13,680 (2005 est)
OS grid reference	SU0808
District	East Dorset
Shire county	Dorset
Region	South West
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	VERWOOD
Postcode district	BH31
Dialling code	01202
Police	Dorset
Fire	Dorset
Ambulance	South Western
EU Parliament	South West England
UK Parliament	Christchurch
List of places: UK • England • Dorset

Verwood

Lying on heathland, Verwood (historically Fayrewood or The Fair Wood) did not exist as a village in its own right until the mid nineteenth century, but there have been inhabitants from medieval times. Brick making and pottery brought people into the area and Verwood separated from Cranborne. Despite its utilitarian nature, examples of Verwood pottery are now considered collectable for their historical importance. The Verwood Heathland Heritage Centre was opened in 2003 on the original site of the last pottery to close in 1953. Verwood was served by a branch line railway till the mid 1960s (a victim of the Beeching cuts), but the growing popularity of the area, being close to the New Forest and The Solent, saw the village continue to grow, and saw rapid expansion from the late 70s onwards. The town's Historical Society aims to ensure the preservation of the history of Verwood in oral, written, photographic and tangible form. There has been a 290% population increase over the past 35 years, the latest figure (2005 mid year estimate) for the civil parish (including Three Legged Cross) is 13,680.^[1]

The Verwood Community Association manages both the Verwood Leisure Centre, which provides a wide range of sport, health and fitness facilities to suit all ages, and Potterne Park, which provides the community with 12 acres (49,000 m²) of sporting provision including Rugby, Football, Tennis, Netball, Cricket and a Skate Park. There is also a bowls club (green bowls)

A Country Market which is open from 10:00 to 11:30 is held each Friday in the Memorial Hall. The market sells locally produced seasonal vegetables and fruit, plants and cut flowers, home-made cakes and jams and craft items.

Verwood is home to The Hub, a community facility which opened in April 2007. The Hub houses the 300 seat Merryfield Theatre, a 100 seat hall and a number of other smaller rooms. These facilities are used for films, plays, concerts and many other activities and the rooms can be hired by various organisations. In the centre of The Hub is a bistro area, surrounded by art displays and various exhibitions.

The town is also home to Verwood Concert Brass, a successful lower section brass band. The band became West of England 4th Section champions in 2005 and 2006. This resulted in two trips to the National Brass Band Finals of Great Britain in Harrogate where they finished 6th and 7th respectively.

In September 2008 the band were placed second at the 3rd Section National Finals after winning the Area championship in March, and from 2009 have competed in the 2nd Section. They perform in many concerts in the local area including several performances at The Hub.

Verwood is well served by bus services, that run to Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Boscombe. Bus services are provided by Wilts & Dorset and Damory Coaches and run on a regular basis. Verwood also housed its own railway station. The station was closed in 1964 as part of the Beeching Axe. ^[2]

Lionel Jeffries - Actor / Writer Director

Jessie Matthews - Actress / Singer / Dancer

Buster Merryfield - Actor

Sean O'Driscoll - Football manager

Matt Tubbs - Football player

Darren Kenny - Paralympic Cyclist

Champtoceaux[1] in the Maine-et-Loire département of France.

Liederbach am Taunus[2] in the Main-Taunus Kreis of Germany