CLHS Establishment

Cranborne Local History Society and Parish Archives is a member of the British Association for Local History.

The society was established by Chris Bright in 2008 after a lot of interest was shown when he displayed old photos of the village at the church fete. The membership soon flourished so well that the society moved to a bigger venue, the Cecil Memorial Hall (Cranborne village hall) for meetings.

Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month (except in January and August) and usually consist of guest speakers talking on subjects that have included Roman Life Around Cranborne, The Home Guard, Smugglers, Dorset Railways, Policing – Past and Present, Romance and Scandal in Bournemouth, A Brief History of Thatching and a version of the popular TV panel game Call My Bluff. Speakers have included John ‘Bonny’ Sartin of The Yetties and Roger Guttridge who has published many books on Dorset. A visit to a historic site is usually arranged for August and the December meeting is usually a quiz with festive nibbles and drinks. The April meeting usually includes a short Annual General Meeting as well as a guest speaker.

The society is always looking to welcome new members including from the younger generations. Anyone can become a member for an annual fee or you can attend any of the meetings as a guest for a small fee which includes refreshments. Meeting details are posted on the notice board outside Cranborne Stores, at Cecil Memorial Hall, at the WVS. bookshop in Wimborne Street, Cranborne and also on our Facebook page.

The society has a large collection of books on Dorset and the local area which can be loaned to members and we also have a collection of Cranborne memorabilia which can be viewed by appointment. Over the years we have helped with school projects and put on displays at local events such as the church fete.

The Committee and present members would like this to continue thus helping to preserve Cranborne’s history. Thank you for taking the time to visit our website.