10 Good Reasons to visit Verwood

There are many reasons to visit Verwood, here are ten of the best:

Shopping and services -  more to Verwood than meets the eye.  There are two shopping areas: the main town centre which is built around Ringwood Road, Manor Road and Vicarage Road and the Morrisons supermarket complex just off Chiltern Drive. Between them you will find a good mix of shops and services.

Ferrett Green - this little island of green in the centre of the town used to be a car park.  It is a sunny and pleasant spot where you can sit on the grass or on benches.  A monthly Farmers Market is held and the next one, which will give you a good reason to visit, is 21 December 9am-1pm, just in time to stock up with your Christmas fresh fruit and vegetables.  The Farmers Markets are normally on a Saturday.  27 January is the first one of the New Year. 

Events - Verwood Carnival, the Lee Simmonds Memorial Trophy, the Rustic Fayre, Flameburst and the Christmas Extravaganza are the main events throughout the year.  The Christmas Extravaganza has to be one of the best reasons to visit Verwood in December.  No doubt you were there as it has just happened  (Saturday 12 December). Make a note to visit in December 2010, it’s a real family occasion and the children can visit Santa in his grotto on Ferrett Green. 

Heathland Heritage Centre - overlooking Ferrett Green and opened in 2003, the Heritage Centre boasts a restored primitive country pottery workshop, where traditional pot throwing is featured. It also offers a café where you can watch the world go by.  Coffee, tea and home made cakes.

Memorial Hall - the Memorial Hall is a much loved facility and is constantly being improved.  Many organisations make use of the hall and fundraising tabletop sales take place at regular intervals.  On 31 December you can celebrate the New Year there with the popular SMAK Band.  This 60s night is by ticket only at £9, which includes gateau, tea or coffee.  Call 01202 821251 to book your ticket.

Recreation Ground - the play area on the recreation ground is the perfect place to take the children.  The playground is fenced for health and safety reasons and there is a variety of pieces of play equipment to keep the little ones amused.  The rest of the recreation ground is level and appealing when the sun shines.  Various events have taken place here and a dog show is normally held on the recreation ground in the summer.

The Hub - Verwood’s premier venue stages top shows and screens movies.  The contemporary facility has a wide range of rooms for hire as well as a theatre/dance hall.  Conferences, classes and all types of functions can  be held here.  The Hub Bistro with a top class chef creating delicious and warming home-made soups, snacks and freshly cooked meals is open during the day and well worth a visit.  A stroll around the sensory gardens in the Hub’s grounds will also delight on warmer days.

Verwood Leisure Centre - situated off Chiltern Drive.  For your health and fitness regime, this is the place to visit.  There are exciting classes, an excellent gym to get you in shape and beauty treatments by Pure Perfection Health and Beauty. The Leisure Centre  is currently offering a 6-week shape up programme with a gym and fitness class pass – offer applicable during December 2009 and January 2010.  For details call 01202 821007. 

Potterne Park - you will have to go a long way to find another park with such good facilities and so lovely and level with it.  Football, rugby, netball plus a modern pavilion and changing rooms.  It’s all available at Potterne Park.  And when the sports people aren’t busy using it, other events are held such as the Rotary Rustic Fayre every August Bank Holiday.  An event not to be missed.

Skatebowl - opened in 2006, Verwood’s skatebowl by Gravity Engineering in Potterne Park was branded the best in the South by skaters from around the country when it opened.  It was designed for skaters, by skaters and draws those who enjoy bowl riding.  The bowl, as opposed to a normal skatepark is deep with curves and corners making it suitable for BMXers, in-liners and boarders.  The lower sections are suitable for younger enthusiasts.

Those are ten good reasons to visit Verwood. There are several more - many churches for example, many clubs and societies to attend, two trading estates with a wealth of industry, a radio station called Forest FM and a social club.   With all this on offer, you may decide to move there permanently, instead of just paying a visit!