In 1974 two ladies from the village proposed the formation of the Woodnewton Care & Community Association. There was already an Association in Oundle but it was felt that such an organisation would be useful in Woodnewton in view of the number of elderly residents. A call was put out for anyone interested in helping and subsequently a committee was formed with between 8 and 10 members. A chairperson was elected and a number of activities identified. These included a car service to take residents without transport for appointments with doctors or to hospitals etc. A hot meal service was organised, as and when needed, for anyone who was unwell. Later on a monthly visit by a Chiropodist was put in place. A monthly Whist Drive followed. The C & CA also took over the production of the village newsletter.
At Christmas time a Christmas lunch was organised for anyone over the age of 65. The annual Bonfire Night fireworks display which had started in the garden of a resident in 1968 was taken over by the Association and moved to the area designated as the Playing Field (last year’s Bonfire Fireworks Display was the 48th year for the event). Larger events were organised to raise funds for the Association.
One such event was a Go-Kart Rally put on by the Moreton Go-Kart Club. The Association organised stalls and activities to raise funds. The day it was held it was a very hot summer’s day. A bar had been organised which was served by two lady volunteers who were dressed to suit the hot weather, with the result the bar ran out of beer.
From time to time a day out would be organised for anyone who did not have transport. Oundle had a minibus they allowed the village to use. One such event was a day trip to Thursford Steam Museum. However, there was a collection of working steam engines, a Carousel and the Wurlitzer organ. You could just go on the Carousel to enjoy a 10 minute ride. One of the elderly ladies was completely taken by the Carousel and continued to have a number of rides. She said it was the first time she had ridden one since she was a little girl.
The group then moved into the small theatre to be entertained by the organist on the Wurlitzer. He played a number of well-known numbers which got the audience singing. After cups of tea and cakes it was decided to extend the day out by going to Wells Next To The Sea. After a short walk a number of the party headed for the nearby fish & chip restaurant, whilst two of the ladies decided to stay on the minibus. However when the fish and chip party arrived back at the minibus they found the two ladies tucking into ice creams and so someone was elected to go to fetch ice creams for the rest. The group arrived back at Woodnewton in the evening feeling tired but happily content with their day out.
During its existence the Woodnewton Care & Community Association, thanks to its many volunteers, provided many services and entertainment to all the residents of Woodnewton. With the opening of the Village Hall in October 1992 the Village Hall committee took over the services, facilities and entertainment which the C & C A had been providing. The funds held by the C & C A were passed to the Village Hall committee. The car service is now provided by Volunteer Action in Oundle.
2017