The Villager
200th Edition - November 2009

The Birth of the Villager The Villager, whose 200th edition is now being celebrated, was the brainchild of Sara, wife of the Rev. Edward Jacson, who became Team Vicar of Motcombe in 1980.  Not long after they had settled in, Sara felt that there was a need to improve communications as Motcombe was a rather large and scattered village and it was difficult to always know what was going on.  She felt that this could be achieved by a newsletter containing accounts of what was happening in the village and of future events.  People would be encouraged to write articles particularly on local matters.  Small adverts too would be permitted; for items for sale or wanted.  It was emphasized that there was no intention of competing with The Blackmore Vale, then only a folded broadsheet, or the Key Ring, the magazine for the Shaftesbury group of churches, although it would contain, from time to time, items of church news.  In fact the church originally helped with the funding.  It would be free and distributed, as far as possible, to all households in Motcombe.The idea was canvassed and as a result a small group of like-minded people was formed with the purpose of bringing a newsletter for Motcombe residents into being.  The method of production was quite primitive compared with today; items for publication were typed on stencils and then duplicated on a manual roneo copier.  Before distribution there was the collating and stapling to be done but the little band of helpers (the pioneers) were undaunted and the first edition saw the light of day in December1980.Like the present day Villagers it was A5 in size and consisted of eight pages.  Sara Jacson wrote the editorial by way of an introduction and the editor was Brenda Gray, who now lives in Gillingham.  Four of the pages were taken up with an interview between Sara Jacson and Eleanor Baxter, then Councillor Baxter, who was Motcombe’s representative on the North Dorset District Council.  The subject was the North Dorset Structure Plan.  The other items were on the same lines as those in the present Villagers.The first two editions were called Motcombe News; however, following a competition for a more suitable name, The Villager was considered the best and the winner received a bottle of wine.Coffee mornings were initially held in Joye Baird’s home.  She had moved into the village from Hawkins Hill and was shortly to become co-editor.      By the time of the 10th issue, published in April 1982, Motcombe’s magazine was well established thanks to the efforts of the pioneers.Since those early days it has, to use the old cliché, gone from strength to strength.  The advent of modern technology has greatly helped in its production.  This is just as well because the big increase in Motcombe’s population over the past thirty years has meant that the number of copies required has probably doubled.L.A.Clarkps:    In the article in the previous Villager on Sherborne Causeway, it should have been made clear that, although the tearooms at Gaunt’s garage have long gone the garage is still there, but no longer Gaunt’s.

Millennium Panel

In 1997 the Parish Council set up a Millennium Celebrations Committee and Liz Biles suggested that it would be a good community project to produce an embroidery to celebrate the new Millennium. Liz co-ordinated the whole project; Liz Deakin and Rowland Stellig designed the panel and Ann Copling advised on the methods of stiching.Ian Skinner made a large embroidery frame and supports specially for its production; which was done in Vera Whites dining room and took almost 4years.The design was broken down into 46 kits; then 67 Villagers aged from 7 to 83years old worked at home on their own pieces. A small group of embroiderers united the kit pieces such that it is difficult to see the individual sections, and mounted the finished panel.The lovely wooden frame was made and donated by Port Regis School, and the panel was unveiled in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Captain Fulford-Dobson on 3rd November 2001.ACps Liz Biles has just moved away from the area, to Lyme Regis. She has contributed greatly to our community and we wish her well in her new home.  

The Villager Editorial

A very warm welcome to this special edition of the Villager magazine; 200 editions over nearly 30 years! How great to be able to look back and see that although the technology has changed so much and allows us to communicate in moments, we all still look forward to the Village “newspaper” every six weeks or so.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who continue to support the magazine with so many articles and especially to those who take the time to write and give us feedback on how we can improve or what you feel we do well – we really do appreciate your input.We hope that you like our choice of the Millennium panel as the logo for this special edition. Using it has meant changing our normal layout, and we have also printed an earlier article from Laurence Clark on the back cover to explain the history of some of the items featured on the panel. Our thanks go to Mr Bill Hall for the use of his laser printer to print the cover.Please enjoy this 200th Edition of the Villager! This would be a good time to thank Andrew and Sarah at the shop for being so supportive in accepting articles for us. Please support them in return.Articles for future editions can be handed to Gail or Mike but otherwise the only locations are as follow:1.   Winters Grace, Elm Hill, Motcombe or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it 2.   Motcombe Post Office and Stores 3.   Tanders,Elm Hill Motcombe The next copy date is 13th November with anticipated magazine delivery date 30th November – this will be the last edition of 2009.If you would like a quick email reminder in the week or so before copy date let us have your email address and we will try to send a quick circular each time – this is now working very well and the list is growing with each edition, so don’t miss out!

Motcombe Moviola

Our fish and chips supper followed by the film "Young Victoria" in September was a great success and we managed to make a profit of over £300 which is the start of saving towards the installation of the loop system in the Memorial Hall.Forthcoming films are:- Wednesday November 4th at 7.30 p.m. – ‘Last Chance Harvey’.  A moving, witty comedy-drama about two hopeless people who accidentally meet -  she, (Emma Thompson) all bulgy and polyester is a 40 something spinster and he, (Dustin Hoffman) an equally hopeless composer of jingles. Wednesday December 2nd at 7.30 p.m. – ‘A Bunch of Amateurs’.  An ageing Hollywood stunt star is engaged by his rogue agent to star in a UK production of King Lear.  Problem is that it is an amateur production!  A lovely, warm village hall comedy right up our street.  Derek Jacobi and Imelda Staunton lead a great British cast with Burt Reynolds as the Yankee star.  

Tom Crabbe

Tom is in Salisbury District Hospital after having a nasty fall. He asks that we thank all those who have sent him cards and good wishes. With a bit of luck he might be home around the time that you receive this magazine.    

 St Mary’s Church

Our Autumn Fair raised £1,300. Thank you to everyone who contributed through visiting the fair and helping on the day.Our refurbishment £ indicator board outside the church continues to creep up.  Your continued  support is much appreciated.Revd Judy Morton  conducted a special service for the parents of children starting school in the reception class. During the service a candle was lit for each child and placed round the font.We were delighted to welcome children, staff and parents from Motcombe Primary School at our Harvest Festival service. The church was beautifully decorated and the service was followed by lunch at the Memorial Hall. Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way towards a lovely occasion..Congratulations to Revd Jan Crossley on her ordination as Deacon by the Bishop of Salisbury at a wonderful service in Salisbury Cathedral; Jan would like to thank all who sent her cards and best wishes and those who supported her over the Ordination weekend.Reminder- Autumn churchyard clean up takes place on the morning of Saturday 24th October starting at 9.30am. All welcome to help to keep our parish churchyard the special place it is. It would be helpful if you could bring along some small gardening tools plus secateurs and scrapers.Refreshments provided! 

Motcombe Bell Ringers
 September has been the month for competitions.  Early in the month the Motcombe band succeeded in winning the Mere Branch competition so earning the right to represent the branch in the Salisbury Guild striking competition (a diocese wide competition) a week later.    Motcombe hosted this competition and our team are to be congratulated on coming third. Looking to the future we have our annual outing in early October, this year to ring in four Somerset churches and enjoy a good pub lunch.    New ringers, with or without experience, are always welcome; we meet on a Thursday evening at 7.30pm at St Mary’s church.

Motcombe Gardening Club

Motcombe Gardening Club remains in good heart after 27 years.  At present we have 80 members and are always pleased to welcome new members, or even those who would like to come and see what we do and what a friendly bunch of gardeners we are.  We hold two shows a year; a Spring Show, and a Summer Show which are always very well supported, of good quality and fun.  Each month we have a different speaker with various subjects most of which are on a gardening theme.  We have a programme of speakers booked until March 2011, with some notable speakers coming to entertain us: including Richard Angwin, the Points West Weatherman and also Colin Vandell, who is talking about Hidden Dorset.  If you would like to talk about the possibility of joining us and would like further information please telephone me on 01747 853301. Mike Rawlins, Chairman

Motcombe Allotment Association

There are only five allotments vacant on the Motcombe Meadows site. Some excellent crops have been grown on the other 27 this summer and for anyone applying for one of the five left there will be help to prepare the ground for cultivation.In addition plans are well under way to lay weatherproof paths between the car park and the allotments and to lay on mains water so that the allotments are easily accessible through the winter and water is “on tap” in the Summer.Why not join the “Grow your own” brigade and find new friends on the Meadows?!For informal discussion ring either Richard Walker (851248) or Mel Carter (854080). For formal application write to the Parish Clerk, Mrs Nicola Phillips, 25 Mampitts Road, Shaftesbury, SP7 5PG or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Lee

Motcombe Meadows Update

This year the Meadows have seen a lot of activity to develop them into a resource for all, and this has been supported by a lot of hard work behind the scenes.The regular mowing of the front field and the cutting of the roadside hedge are easily visible, and the larger rear fields have also been mown to tidy them. There is of course the development of the new Allotments - and this required the nearby ditch to be re-dug to aid the drainage of the field. Two barn owl boxes have been donated by Dorset County Council and will be erected in the autumn when the trees lose their leaves.To bolster the funds available to develop the Meadows, two applications for funding have been successful:    The first is the Liveability fund grant which will allow better access by the stoning of the well-trodden and muddy pinch-points between the fields. The funding will also create a path to the allotments, including improved access for the residents of The Grange. Lastly we will also create bridges over the ditches at the far end of the site to enable access for walking around the entire perimeter of the site. The aim is to commence this project as soon as possible so please take care whilst this work takes place.The second successful application is the MoreWoods project which has seen 1000 trees pledged for planting this autumn. This is to be undertaken as soon as possible and offers of help are sought for planting these. Details will be placed on the local notice-boards nearer the time.Further projects that the Parish Council would be pleased to hear opinions on are; a cross country cycle track for bikes using a small area of humps and bumps, and a ‘scrape’ to attract wildlife, which would require funding. One aspect that remains an issue is the dog fouling. We kindly ask that all dog fouling is removed as the whole site remains a public space and is regularly accessed by children - a waste bin is provided at the front gate for disposal.For more detail of progress to date and intended actions over the coming year, the latest Management Plan for the Meadows has been revised and updated, and can be accessed on the Motcombe Parish Council website at www.motcombevillage.co.ukMotcombe Parish Council

Motcombe Primary School
 The beginning of October saw the school harvest festival and a super contribution at St. Mary's Harvest service from the school in the way of singing, prayers, poems and readings.Links with Port Regis continue to flourish with joint ventures in sport, Design and Technology, singing and hopefully instrumental work.  We consider ourselves very privileged to be able to share their magnificent facilities. On Saturday 21st November we will be holding an exciting event in conjunction with Motcombe Runners. Between 11am and 4pm, the running club will be completing a relay marathon around the village. The school pupils will be completing the same around the school field, raising money for school sports equipment and St. Mary's church funds.  Refreshments will be available and a cake stall will be open with raffle prizes. Please give your support. During the week beginning 30 November, the school will be having an arts week. If there are any villagers who would like to come in and help or share any 'artist’s expertise' they may have;  please contact the school on 01747 852018. J.Lucas
Parking on the Trial footpaths
 Many parents of our young children agree that the road markings have helped to improve pedestrian safety within the village.  However, there are often cars parked on the markings; which means that the ‘Walking Bus’ and other children walking to and from school still end up forced into the middle of the road.  This is obviously dangerous, and the Parent Governors of Motcombe School respectfully ask that residents and visitors on the approach to the school, especially around the end of Church Walk and the church entrance, avoid parking on the marked path between 8.30 – 9.15 and 3.00 – 4.30 on school days.  Parents are encouraged to park in the Memorial Hall to avoid congesting the approach to school because we need to protect the safe passage to school, which is beside the church wall.The Parent Governors of Motcombe School 01747 852018

Motcombe Parish Council

The Council were asked for an update on the questionnaire and public meeting for the Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Management Project.  It was noted that Mr A Berry from Dorset County Council is no longer working on the project and that Mr T Spivey has now taken over.  Mr Spivey is in the process of organising the questionnaires to be delivered to each house hold in Motcombe.  After these have been collated, Mr Spivey will organise a Public Meeting to discuss the matter arising.  Concern was expressed over the condition of the grass at Prideaux Drive.  It was noted that is looking messy.  After debate it was proposed, seconded and agreed with one abstention to revisit the maintainance on this area.The Chairman reported that there is information regarding the progress in building the new Leisure Centre in Gillingham.  It was reported that the Three Rivers Partnership have details which are in the offices opposite the National Westminster Bank in Gillingham for the 13th Nov to the 20th Nov 2009.  

Motcombe Villagers are welcome to come to a Public Dress Rehearsal of:

 The 2009 A Form (Year 8) Play - Harry Rings, Lord of the Pottersby Alison Chaplin, at Port Regis -10.45 am Wednesday 21st October Lasting no more than 45 minutes!Please bring a copy of this magazine for free entry  

Motcombe Youth Club

 A date for your diary:- Saturday 21st November is our Safari Supper. If you are interested please call Rhona 850242 or Jim 851942, or look out for posters which will be up soon.
A huge thank you to the very kind people who have donated money to our African appeal - we are extremely grateful and the money will be going straight out to Nazrene School to get the kitchen project started.  We still have a little way to go so if anyone else would like to donate please get in contact.  Many thanks.R Rutherford

HOPE 2 GROW
 Hope to grow is a new community gardening service. We are a social enterprise with a conscience. The aim of this project is to help people back in to employment. We are offering services at your home or business at very competitive prices.Monies raised will go into charity funds.For more information about the project, please visit www.northdorsetraisin.org.uk Eileen Crew - Project ManagerTel: 0780 494674 or 01747 852224

 Yoga Term (Beginners) 

Friday 6th November 12.15 - 1.15.  for 6 weeks  (all welcome) Please Ring Juli -  01747 812466 

 Remembrance Sunday and Poppy Appeal 2009

Remembrance Sunday this year is on 8th November.  The service is again combined starting at 10.45am in St Mary’s followed by the procession to the Memorial Cross for the laying of the wreaths.  The Ladies of the W. I. have again said that they will provide refreshments in the Memorial Hall.It is my intent that this will be my final year to provide the liaison link with the Shaftesbury RBL over the Poppy Appeal.  I am looking for a volunteer to help me this last time with the purpose of carrying on the arrangement in the future.Please don’t all rush! - A Hughes

 Merry Muddlers

Our new meeting time is half an hour earlier, now from 8pm to 9:30. 

Motcombe Drama Group
 Is there anyone out there interested in bringing the Drama Group back to life?  There is a sizable amount of money in the bank to get you started.  Ring Jean 853229 or Betty 852572.J Benford

Welcome

We would like to extend a very warm “Motcombe” welcome to Keith & Cherry Anderman and of course the collies – Paddy & Ozzie, we hope you are all happy in Motcombe. 

Motcombe Memorial Hall        

     The Merry Muddlers (country dancing) meet fortnightly from Monday 19th October; 8pm to 9:30 – NOTE NEW TIMESMotcombe Youth Club meet fortnightly from Monday 9th November 7-9pm (term time only)Motcombe Parent & Toddler Group meet, during term time, every Thursday 10-11:30am – New members always welcomeMotcombe Running Club meet every Monday 7pmMotcombe Ramblers last Tuesday of every month at 9:30amCubs meet every Tuesday from 6:00 – 7:30pm Starting 3rd NovemberBeavers meet every Thursday from 5:45 – 7:00pm Starting 5th November Bridge Club meets every Friday 7pm.  New members welcome. Tel: 855684 Bodyrhythm  exercise classes Fridays at10:30am.Yoga Classes Friday 12:15 to 1:15pm All welcomeParish Council meets 2nd Tuesday of each month at 8pm

Nov 3rd  Gardening Club 7:30pm
Nov 4th  Moviola – Last Chance Harvey 7:30pm
Nov 12th   W.I. 7:30 pm
Dec 1st  Gardening Club  7:30pm
Dec 2nd  Moviola – A Bunch of Amateurs 7:30pm

Diary Dates - Various Venues

Motcombe Handbell Ringers meet every Wednesday 7:30pm at the Methodist Chapel School Room.  New members welcome. Coffee Morning every Friday morning  10:15-11:45 Methodist Chapel School Room. Everyone welcome. Donations for a different charity each month. Motcombe Mothers’ Union meet every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm in the Methodist Chapel School Room.   

Oct 21st  Harry Rings, Lord of the Potters at Port Regis 10:45am
Oct 24th St Mary’s Churchyard Cleanup 09:30am
Nov 8th Remembrance Service at St Mary’s (note time) 10:45am
Nov 21st Motcombe Runners & Motcombe Primary School MarathonRefreshments and raffle at Motcombe School 11am – 4pm
Nov 21st Youth Club Safari Supper see articleFor details  

 Mobile Library

Nov 12th & 26th – Dec 10th & 24th          10:00-10:15      Outside Post Office         10:20-10:40      The Grange         10:45-11:05      Elm Close

 WELCOME TO YOUR NEW HOME  Motcombe is very proud to produce a regular free newsletter, The Villager with information on local clubs and organisations, and giving dates and venues of forthcoming village events. It has been our practice to welcome people to the village in The Villager and if you would like to be included please complete the slip below and return it to the box in the Post Office or email details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Motcombe through the Centuries

Until the seventeenth century Motcombe was in the Royal Manor and Forest of Gillingham, but when Charles I came to the throne in 1625 he decided to sell the Manor and have the forest cut down. The only complete building to survive from that period is the farmhouse at North End Farm.The Forest land was converted to agricultural use. It was then that farms such as Coppleridge and Larkinglass came into being. Only the barn of the latter still exists as the farm was rebuilt in the nineteenth century.In 1820, the Marquess of Westminster, formerly Earl Grosvenor, became Lord of the Manor. Both he, and particularly his, son, the second Marquess, made many improvements in the village. The School was built in 1839 and the church of St Mary the Virgin rebuilt in 1846. The old forge was pulled down in 1857 and replaced by the present one. Similarly, in 1870, the old Royal Oak, a beer house, made way for the much grander building which exists today.Further progress was made in 1859 when the railway came, necessitating the erection of two bridges, one near Corner Lane and the other at Coppleridge. The road here was a turnpike road between Shaftesbury and Mere: the face of one of the milestones can be seen opposite the War Memorial.Motcombe was once a Methodist stronghold with two chapels. The surviving chapel was built in 1870 on the site of the first chapel, where John Wesley once preached. It was one of the Methodists, William Blandford who established the village shop which now combines the Post Office. Lord Richard de Aquila Grosvenor, first Baron Stalbridge, inherited the Motcombe estate in 1891. He proved to be a popular landlord so it was decided to build Motcombe Memorial Hall in his memory. The land was donated by his son, the second Baron, and so too was the land on which the War Memorial stands.The second Lord Stalbridge was Master of the South West Wilts Hunt and he had the hunt kennels built shortly after the end of the First World War. The Stalbridges were members of the Grosvenor family: their coat of arms is displayed on the embroidery as a reminder of the part they played in Motcombe's history.

After the estate was sold in 1925, Charles Prideaux, proprietor of the factory, became the leading figure as most of the working population of the village was in his employ. The factory was bought by Case and Sons Ltd in 1967. In 1997 Motcombe Parish Council set up the Millennium Celebrations Committee. This committee set about producing a depiction of Motcombe through the centuries. Sixty-eight villagers took part and four and a half years later a magnificent embroidery was hanging in the Memorial Hall.

LC(The items in bold above are depicted on the panel featured on the front cover)