Weekend of war makes £8,700 for Dorset villagers

THE ORGANISERS of Maiden Newton at War have donated £8,700 to village organisations following the spectacular success of their World War 2 re-enactment event earlier this year.

Committee members have also managed to keep several thousand pounds in their armoury for the next Maiden Newton at War weekend in June 2012.

The Friends of Greenford School received the biggest gift: £4,000. They provided the venue and bar staff for the 1940s themed weekend, held in June.

Maiden Newton’s youth centre, parish council, fire station, preschool and senior football club all received £500.

Webbers Piece sheltered accommodation, the reserve football club, the youth football club and the allotment association all got £400.

The village hall, the play area, the Frome Valley Players, the youth club, the vicars’ band Dogs Without Collars and Sustrans received £100.

Cheques totalling £8,700 have been given to organisations in Maiden Newton following the success of Maiden Newton at War. Chairman Andy Elliott is on the front row, at the right.

Maiden Newton at War chairman Andy Elliott said: “We were delighted to be able to distribute the profits from Maiden Newton at War to so many local groups, all of whom were either nominated by our volunteers or contributed directly to the running of the event.

“Without the support of volunteers events such as ours could not take place.

“We are particularly pleased that we were able to donate £4,000 to the Friends of Greenford School who host this event for us.

Sponsor sought for 2012

“Maiden Newton at War is set to run again over the weekend of June 22 to 24 2012.”

Some of the profits from this year have been set aside to help fund the 2012 event but the committee is seeking a main sponsor to make it even bigger and better.

Anyone interested should contact Mr Elliott on 07967 504716.

Mr Elliott added: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of Maiden Newton and Frome Vauchurch for joining in and making this possible and in particular the land owners that provided the battlefield, car parks and camp sites.”