Verwood

Description:

Verwood is a small town in Dorset on the River Crane, fifteen miles north of Bournemouth in East Dorset and close to the New Forest. It is located on the B3081 and around four miles north of the A31 trunk road.  Fayrewood as it was once known dates back to Medieval times when brick making and pottery brought people to the area. The Verwood Heathland Heritage Centre was opened in 2003 on the original site of the last pottery to close in 1953. The main employment these days is based around the modern Ebblake Industrial Estate.

There is a leisure centre here providing a wide range of sports to suit all ages and Potterne Park a twelve acre site provides the community with Rugby, Football, Tennis, Netball, Cricket and a skate park. There is also a bowls club.

A country market is held each Friday from 10am - 11.30am 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 the home of The Hub a community facility which opened in April 2007. The Hub houses the three hundred seat Merryfield theatre, a one hundred seat hall and a number of other small rooms. These facilities are used for films, plays, concerts and many other activities and the rooms can be hired by organisations. In the centre of The Hub is a Bistro area surrounded by art displays and various exhibitions.

The town is also home to the successful Verwood concert brass band.

Verwood railway station was closed in 1964 and stood directly next to the Albion Inn, (previously known as the Albion hotel) and the tunnel still remains in the beer garden.

Currently the only mode of public transport in this part of Dorset is the Dorts and Wilts bus company.