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COVID-19 - please follow this link for the latest government advice and regulations

If you do intend to visit Melbury Osmond and Melbury Park during the current crisis for the purpose of exercise please be aware that we are a small community with a number of vulnerable residents. We would, therefore, be grateful if you would be sensitive to this and respect individual privacy whilst maintaining social distancing.
Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you again in happier times.

The Playground

Following the relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions on the 4th July 2020 Melbury Osmond Parish Council has carried out a review of the Playground and it is now re-opened for the use of the General Public provided that Government Guidelines are followed at all times.

In addition please adhere to the advice below which is also displayed at the playground.
· Under 14s only to use equipment
· One family member per one child
· Please retain 1 metre distance from other users
· Please provide and use hand sanitiser gel or wipes before and after use
· Do not touch face after using equipment
· Consumption of food and drink is not permitted
· Please take litter home
We would note that playground equipment is inspected annually by RoSPA with the last inspection carried out on the 14th May 2020


The Village

CORONAVIRUS - SOCIAL DISTANCING MEANS:-The church is open at times (notice on the door)  with COVID rules to be followed but the village hall is closed for the time being.

The Boules Court can now be used provided it is used in accordance with the UK Government Social Distancing Guidelines.
 
The Tennis Court is open but there are restrictions please contact a member of the Tennis Club Committee for details before booking a court or go to the tennis club page for more details.
Follow the advice from the government on keeping safe

Did you know that it's possible to have coronavirus, but not have symptoms? It’s known as asymptomatic infection and you can still pass it on to people for whom it could prove very serious. This is why following government advice is critically important.

Be aware that there is a rise in scams at the moment with people trying to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic for financial gain - go to the Homewatch page to learn more on this and other scams you should be aware of. 
Several residents have offered to do shopping or collect prescriptions for those unable to get out in these difficult times. Email us at info@melburyosmond.co.uk and we will put you in touch. Or use the phone numbers here for more help and advice.
COGS - Oil order dates. The Chimes has ceased publication for the time being so to keep you up to date these are ordering dates with COGS.

October 9th 2020

November 27th 2020

January 8th 2021 

BETTER TIMES ARE AHEAD SO -  

Like to know a little more about our lovely village? It was mentioned in the Domesday Book and you can learn more here and also about the Ilchester Estates connection.

 

 

 


This website is a communication tool for the village as well as meeting legal transparency requirements. We hope you find the content of interest, whether you are a visitor or resident. If you would like to send details for publication on the site (subject to approval) please email them to info@melburyosmond.co.uk

Read about the Thomas Hardy connection 

 

The Parish Council would like to thank Dorset POPP for their assistance in the purchase of the village defibrillator. 

The Village Hall Coffee Mornings - take place on the first Thursday of every month with homemade cakes, tea and coffee at a nominal cost with money going to the village hall restoration fund. They are cancelled for the time being due to Coronavirus.

       

 

 

History of Melbury Osmond

 

The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book . The parish church, St. Osmund's, was totally rebuilt in 1745 and restored in 1888, although it has registers dating back to 1550. In the 2011 census the parish had a population of 199- probably 50 or so more than today.

St Osmund’s is in the Gothic style with 5 bells and during the restoration in 1888 by the 5th Earl of Ilchester a Norman font of Ham Hill stone was found built into the masonry, the chancel was lengthened in 1910.

The major part of Melbury Osmond village lies on a cul-de-sac lane which from the church descends past cottages to a stream and ford. The attractive appearance of the village has been noted by commentators: it has been described as "a calendar smith’s dream of thatched cottages" and in 1906 Sir Frederick Treves wrote that it was "the most charming village in these Western backwoods".

In its history the village has been involved in the trade of plated buckles and horn buttons, and the manufacture of dowlas. During the 19th century, the village was home to the Dorset Ooser, a wooden mask brought out during "Rough Music" ceremonies.

There are 34 listed buildings and structures within the parish, including the Grade II* Old Rectory and the Grade I parish church.

Thomas Hardy's mother lived in Melbury Osmond as a child, and she was married in the church.The village appears as "Little Hintock" in Hardy's novel The Woodlanders, in which the heroine's name is "Grace Melbury". Hardy also incorporated a legend about the Duke of Monmouth taking refuge in one of the village's cottages into his short story "The Duke's Reappearance".