Mottisfont & Dunbridge

ACORNThe Village Newsletter November 2017

The deadline for inclusion of items in the December + January Acorn is 16th November. Please email itemsfor the December + January edition to acornnews@mandercom.co.uk.

GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS!

Fifteen people came along to the first Meet YourNeighbours event at the Mill Arms on 5th October,and we had a very pleasant hour and a half or so.As hoped, it was a great opportunity to get to knoweach other a little better than brief walkingthedogencounters.

Everyone agreed that it would be good to do itagain, and that we should not always meet on thesame day of the week, so people with regularcommitments will not be excluded.

Our next event will be on

Wednesday, 8th Novemberfrom 7pm at the Mill Arms

We look forward to seeing you there!

Julia and Peter

FISH & CHIPS

Keith and Dawn won't be bringing The Happy Fryerto Dunbridge in November. After a busy summerthey will be having a well earned break on aMediterranean cruise.

Look out for posters in the village for December andJanuary.

CHRISTMAS GET TOGETHER

We are planning another lunchtime gathering at thevillage hall on Sunday 17th December after thecarol service.

Please make a note in your diary. More details inthe December Acorn.

Pat Francis

JANE AUSTEN SINGERS

Directed by Simon Lillystone

ADVENT CAROL SERVICESt. Peter’s Church, Stockbridge

6PM, SUNDAY 3rd DECEMBER

Simon Lillystone, the new director of the JaneAusten Singers, will be conducting his first

performance with the singers in St. Peter’s Church,Stockbridge, on Sunday 3rd December.

Founded 42 years ago by Tim Lowden, who directedthem throughout this period, this Advent Carol

Service has become a very popular fixture, attractinglarge audiences because of the extent of theirrepertoire and the expertise of their singing.

Tim Lowden is confident that, under the direction ofSimon Lillystone, this year’s service will witness newheights for the singers, and should not be missed.

Are you into good music?

Wednesday 22nd November from 7.30pmat the Mottisfont Social Club

Come and listen to theRomsey Ukulele Group

who will be playing and singing popular, happy,singalong songs.

Cathie 340129BICYCLE FOR SALE

Unused for at least 20years, this is the start ofremoving someseriously ancient stufffrom our "garage"(never had a car in it in30 years...)! It has 3speed gears and a blueframe. It's in need of a little attention, but probablynothing too serious, hence £10. Call 340793.

Greetings from Mottisfont!

It’s all feeling very autumnal here at themoment; the leaves are lookinggorgeous and we’ve had somebeautiful days for strolling aboutenjoying them. Do pop in if you’vetime, it’s just lovely at the moment!

Behind the scenes, we’re starting on a few projectsfor which we’ve just had planning permissiongranted, or which we’ve been wanting to do for awhile. We’ll soon start work on replacing theboundary fence along the lane from Hazel Cottage tothe visitor car park. I’m sorry, I had really hoped thatwe could perhaps move this fence back a little togive pedestrians more room, but for a number ofreasons that’s just not possible (not least becausethe ground slopes steeply away in parts, and thereare some very large trees and a river in the way). Asthe road is so narrow, the contractors will need toapply for a temporary road closure to do the work,but this will be in place only during offpeak daytimehours, and not at weekends or during holidays. Itwill take approximately two weeks to complete.

Next is our waste water project in the farmyard,where we’re replacing three elderly septic tanks witha combined ecofriendly treatment system that willtake waste water (including sewage) from visitorareas in the walled garden, a couple of residentialproperties and staff and volunteer areas, and cleanand treat it to a very high standard, in accordancewith an Environment Agency permit. Don’t worry, itall happens underground in carefully controlledenvironments, so there won’t be any smells! Therewill be some excavating work needed here, but we’llkeep noise, disturbance and traffic to a minimum.

We’re also creating a new composting area withdividing bays to enable batch management, andsurface drainage to capture nutrient rich liquid thatcan be used as plant food. This will enable all of thegreen waste from the property (and also smallquantities of cardboard and kitchen waste) to becomposted for use in the garden, essential formulching, disease control and soil improvement.

Head Gardener Jonny Norton and his team are setto start work on transforming the frameyard (formany years our car park) back into a productivegarden, inspired by both the Abbey’s history and itshistoric use for growing fruit and vegetables. Therewill be a series of brick and flint raised beds plantedwith mixed vegetables, cut flowers, herbs and roses;cold frames and long pergola walkways draped withclimbing gourds, beans and vines will provideinterest at different times of year. A central dippingpond will be surrounded by four lawns, each with arill running through it so that the gentle sound ofwater is never far away (just as well we’re doing the

sewage project and refurbishing the loos, I hear yousay!).

We will move our nursery and propagation area intothe farmyard, near the new compost area, enablingus to open the whole of the frameyard for visitors.We’ll also be opening up part of Top Lodge forvisitors to explore, with displays and interactivematerials so that people of all ages can find out moreabout the history of the rose and the fascinating storyof our walled garden. The historic route into theframeyard next to Top Lodge will also be opened forvisitors, giving stunning views through into thecentral rose garden.

We aim to have the sewage project complete by theend of February, and the garden ready in time forrose season next year. There’s a viewing area towatch the garden works as they happen, so do comeand see what’s going on.

With all best wishes,Louise

In the gallery…Kaffe Fassett’s Colour at MottisfontUntil Sunday 1 4 January 201 8 11 am-4pmCelebrating the dazzling work of worldrenownedartist Kaffe Fassett, this vibrant exhibition showcasesa wide range of textiles from a career spanning over50 years. Our gallery has been transformed withpools of colour, providing the perfect backdrop forKaffe’s distinctive knitwear, tapestry, quilts and more.

In the grounds…Autumn colourOur gardens are ablaze with colour in autumn.We’re home to the National Collection of plane trees,which includes the great plane, thought to be thelargest of its kind in Britain. Framing the east side ofthe house, this veteran tree boasts a dazzlingautumn display. Another star of our colourful show isthe hornbeam, which explodes into a canopy oforange and scarlet. Chestnut trees lining the upperhalf of our main pathway glow with yelloworangeleaves. Two tulip trees also come into their ownduring this season, as their acid green summerfoliage turns a magnificent pale gold. A fresh walkthrough the gardens offers opportunities to take inthese stunning sights. Take a stroll along the river,where the crystal clear waters of the Test reflect thecolours of the season. We offer daily guided walks,too just chat to one of our outdoor guides to find outwhat's on offer when you visit.Artist residencyArtists Eileen White and Suna Imre are seekinginspiration at Mottisfont with a 12 month residency,normally visiting on Tuesdays. Responding toseasonal changes through making, contemplationand conversation will enable them to develop theirindividual

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The WI

At our meeting last month wewelcomed Mr. Birchmore, whoexplained how you could tell a person's characterfrom their handwriting. We were given examples ofhandwriting, and also were given a slip of plainpaper on which we were invited to write three linesof script. He then used these during his talk toillustrate how graphology works.

Following the success of our stall at the VillageFete a decision has been made to donate £150.00each to The Piam Brown Childrens Cancer Ward atSouthampton General Hospital and The GeorgesTrust for Teenage Cancer.

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday 14thNovember at 7.30 in Mottisfont & Dunbridge VillageHall. The speaker will be Ian Bradford talking aboutDementia Friends. Visitors will be very welcome onthis evening so why not come along and enjoy acup of tea or coffee and a biscuit with us.

Mary Batten

Test Valley Villages LecturesWednesday, 1 5th November, 8pm

Broughton Village Hall

The Moving Story of Remembrance

Speaker Major General (ret'd)Patrick Cordingley

Before the 1st World War our soldiers killed inforeign fields tended to be buried in mass gravesand hardly remembered at home. All this changedduring the 1st World War. Patrick Cordingley willrelate how and why this happened, why there is theCenotaph, as well as the two minutes silence. Hewill bring the story up to date by explaining theestablishment of the National Memorial Arboretum inStaffordshire.

Patrick’s military career took him to the highestlevels of the army, and since retiring he has been aconsultant, broadcaster, author, and a commentatorwho is not afraid of controversy. He is nowChairman of the Defence and Security Forum andthe National Memorial Arboretum Appeal. We aredelighted to welcome Patrick back following histhought provoking talk about the Iraq conflict.

All are welcome. Entrance £5, to include a drink.Full time students free. No booking required. Adonation will be made to the Army Benevolent Fund.

processes and create new collaborative workbased on their surroundings. Their work will bebased outside, so you'll be able to see and engagewith their progress. They also hope to offer avariety of participatory workshops over the courseof the year.

Festive fun…All the Colours of ChristmasSaturday 25 November – Tuesday 2 January201 8 1 0am-4pmInspired by textile artist Kaffe Fassett's vibrantexhibition in our gallery, we're celebratingChristmas with colour and sparkle. Discover festivedecorations in the house and grounds, bothtraditional and with some modern twists. Ourhouse will be dressed with statement trees, piles ofpresents, dramatic flower arrangements andhandmade decorations crafted by talentedvolunteers. Outside, installations created by artistsand craft volunteers will emphasise the naturalwinter colours found around the grounds andestate. Families can discover the grounds with aninteractive activity trail, and there’ll also be a guidefor adults to discover more about each installationand the artists who created them.

Keep in touch…Visit our website, nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont, tokeep up to date with things to see and do. You canalso find us on social media – look out for us onFacebook and follow us on Twitter @MottisfontNTfor regular updates.

Lockerley Primary School

Christmas FayreFriday 1 st December

3.30 - 5.30pm

Raffle, Tombola, Games, Cakes,Refreshments including Winter BBQ

...and someone special in the Grotto!

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What a result!

In the October edition of the Acorn, Martin Fletcherasked some questions about Dunbridge history.This month he wrote to us:

Some 28 years after the shop closed, it was a longshot to think that someone might still have anoriginal bill head. Amazingly, June Collins contactedme as she had found 3, and kindly let me have one.I now have copies of the other 2.

John Millns also contacted me with a copy of asection from the order book used at the time; it’s atimely illustration of how business was done in thosedays.

Martin Fletcher

Let me introduce myself: I am RevJames Pitkin and, since 17thSeptember this year, I have been theArea Dean for Romsey Deanery. Thepost of Area Dean used to be calledRural Dean, and judging by where welive, is a better job title!

November includes more solemnoccasions – including Remembrance and is a time for Remembering andPreparing. At Remembrance, weremember the people who gave theirlives defending their country – andthose damaged by war. This year, inMottisfont, there will be aRemembrance Service at 10.45am.

Before Advent there is a rather goodseries of evenings being held atPoppies, Choice Plants, in Timsbury,SO51 0NB. Eachevening will includeinput/discussion/interaction/refreshments/fun! The evenings will focus on “How to be a Christian hereand now” and will be on Wednesdays 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd November, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

In Advent (starting 3rd December), we prepare for Christmas; remembering the coming of God to earth, asa vulnerable child. Details of plans for Christmas will appear next month. I hope that you will find time, andmake time, to remember and to prepare.

Your Area Dean, Jamesromseyareadean@gmail.com

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CHURCH SERVICES FOR OCTOBER 201 7

5th November4th beforeADVENT

1 2th NovemberREMEMBRANCE

SUNDAY

1 9th November2nd beforeADVENT

26th NovemberChrist the King

8.00am

BROUGHTONHC CW

BROUGHTONHC BCP

9.30am

BOSSINGTONHC BCP

.............................

BROUGHTONThe Bible Uncovered

BROUGHTON1 0.30 Wreath Laying

RemembranceServices

1 0.45 BROUGHTON1 0.45 HOUGHTON1 0.45 MOTTISFONT

BROUGHTONFamily Service

...............................

MOTTISFONTHC BCP

BROUGHTONFamily Communion

CW

11.00am

MOTTISFONTMessy Church

Club

MOTTISFONTFamily Communion

CW

6.00pm

MOTTISFONTEvensong

BOSSINGTONMeditation

HOUGHTONEvensong

HC = Holy Communion; BCP = Book of Common Prayer; CW = Common Worship

cartoonchurch.com

ALL SOULS DAY

Thursday 2nd November, 7.30pmAll Saints Church, Houghton

Please join us for this yearly service of thanksgivingas we remember our loved ones who have died.We shall have a time of quiet reflection, with hymnsand the opportunity to light a candle in their memoryif you wish.

Advance Notice

On Advent Sunday, 3rd December, we shall bejoined at St. Andrew's by Bishop John Dennis, whowill accompany us to Mottisfont Abbey, where he willlight an Advent Wreath.

Please note the date and take part in thismemorable service.

Gina

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BROUGHTON BRIGHT HOUR

Thursdays at 2.30pm in the Meeting Room atSt. Mary’s Church, Broughton

Events for November

2nd November: Miss Barbara Hillier9th November: Mrs. Liz Trasler

16th November: Members' meeting23rd November: Rev'd Dodie Marsden

30th November: Christmas lunch

Everyone welcome, please come and join us.

Barbara Perry, Booking Secretary, 301466

“How to be a Christian here and now”

Mission in Action

Romsey Deanery

Pre-Advent Course 201 7

Mind the Gap, Bridge the Gap, Close the Gap

Wednesdays,1 st, 8th, 1 5th and 22nd November

Each evening will includeinput/discussion/interaction/refreshments/fun!

This course is an opportunity for churchmembers from across the Deanery to come

together to share with and learnfrom one another, in line with our

Deanery Vision & Mission Action Plan.

Venue: Poppies, Choice Plants,Timsbury, SO51 0NBTime: 7.30 – 9.30 pm

Plenty of parking available

Advance indication of numbersattending will be helpful.

Please emailBraishfieldbenefice@gmail.com

Friday 1 7 November 201 7 at 7.30pm

A Man Called Ove (Cert 15)1hr 43mins. In Swedish, with English subtitles.

Ove, an illtempered, isolated retiree, who spendshis day enforcing residents’ association rules andvisiting his wife’s grave, has finally given up on lifejust as an unlikely friendship develops with hisboisterous new neighbours.

Based on Fredrik Backman’s international bestselling novel.

Showing at Stockbridge Town Hall, SO20 6HE.Doors open at 7pm.

Wednesday 22 November 201 7 at 4.30pm and7.30pm

Miss Sloane (Cert 15) 2hrs 9 mins

In the highstakes world of political powerbrokers,Elizabeth Sloane (Jessica Chastain) is the mostsought after and formidable lobbyist in WashingtonD.C. But when taking on the most powerfulopponent of her career, she finds winning may comeat too high a price.

Showing at Stockbridge Town Hall, SO20 6HE.Doors open 30 minutes before the start time.

Tickets for either film are £5 from Garden Inn andJohn Robinson in Stockbridge, or online via ourwebsite www.stockbridgecinema.org.uk.

STOCKBRIDGE COMMUNITY CINEMA

See our website for special Stockbridge meal deals!

BROUGHTON FIREWORK EVENT5th NOVEMBER

Broughton's fantasticannual family firework eventwill once again take placeon 5th November with achildren's torch processionleaving The Square (by theGreyhound pub) at 6.30pm.The procession will thenmake its way to thesportsfield in Buckholt Road, where the bonfire willbe lit at approximately 6.45pm.

The firework display will commence around 7.30pmand will last about 20 minutes.

There is free parking adjacent to thecemetery/allotments (off Salisbury Road –please follow signs). Refreshments, hotfood and merchandise will be available,and there will be a licensed bar. Ticketswill be available on the gate, and entry is£6 for adults and £5 for concessions andchildren. This is a not for profit event andall proceeds are donated to worthycauses.

Please note that this year's event falls on aSunday, so we are expecting a higher thannormal number of attendees. Please do

allow yourself enough time for parking, so as not tomiss this fantastic display.

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ART GROUP

Looking to be a bit creativeduring the forthcoming wintermonths?

Why not come along to theVillage Hall on Thursdayafternoons, 2 4pm and tryyour hand at a bit of painting ordrawing.

Complete beginners always welcome.

Very sociable & friendly.

Gordon 340129

Parish Council

The next three Parish Council meetings will be on:

Wednesday, 22nd NovemberWednesday, 1 7th January, 201 8Wednesday, 1 4th March, 201 8

The Mill Arms

It’s been a busy 2 monthssince we opened in August.It was lovely to see so manyof you at our open eveningon 15 August and we’veenjoyed welcoming you inover the past 2 months andgetting to know you better.

Every day brings littlechanges, whether it isadding pictures and décor,tweaking the menu or resurfacing the car park. Wehope you’ll continue to bear with us through thejourney and be as delighted as we are with thechanges. We’ve had a test run on the log burnerand so as the weather turns autumnal look forwardto you warming yourselves by the fire.

Our current project is working on the lettingaccommodation and the rooms will be fully availableto let from 7 November. We have had a number ofenquiries, and already have bookings aroundChristmas and for 2018.

Which brings us to the last major part of ourrefurbishment: the function room. As many of youwill know, this has been used as the store areawhile we have worked on other areas, and we havequite a collection of furniture, electrical items andgeneral bric a brac that will not find a home in theMill Arms in the future, so before we start the finalphase we are going to hold a ‘Garage Sale’ over theweekend of Saturday 18th and Sunday 19thNovember to sell off those items. Check the ABoard at the front of the pub and our facebook pagefor more details nearer the time.

This will mean that we can have the function roomup and running from 1st December, and yes, we willbe maintaining the skittle alley. Our first skittlesevening is already booked on 14 December for theBrownies.

Our Christmas menu is now available and can bebooked for dates between 1st to 23rd December –both lunchtime and evening, Tuesday to Saturday.We hope you’ll come and join us. We will be openfor drinks on Christmas Day from 11.30 to 1.30pmso you can get into the festive spirit, and we’llprovide a fuller outline of our December plans innext month's Acorn.

We are currently finalising our website, so youshould see this go live soon. In the meantime, youcan check out our facebook page atwww.facebook.com/dunbridgehampshire.

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WHIST

The next Whist Drive will be on Friday, 24thNovember, commencing at 7.30pm.

The Christmas Special will be on 15th December.

People come from far and wide for the goodcompany and the fantastic prizes to be won!

Gordon & Cathie340129

SANSARA CONSORT

Friday 1 0th November, 7.30pmSt. Peter's Church, Stockbridge

"FOR THE FALLEN"

Stockbridge Music is thrilled to be bringing back toStockbridge SANSARA CONSORT, a group ofyoung singers who are making a big impact on thechoral scene in the UK, having won theInternational A Cappella Competition in London twoyears ago.

"We will be performing a programme of

Remembrance music, exploring the depths ofhuman suffering through the juxtaposition of choralmusic from the three masters of Renaissance withthe twentieth century compositions by Arvo Part andSir John Taverner. In this way we call to mind, withequal gravity, conflicts past and present: victims ofwar and terror, the plight of today's refugees, andthe fallen of bygone ages".

This group attracts big audiences and, following onfrom our first sell out in September for the DelmegeString Quartet, we recommend an early purchase oftickets for this concert.

Tickets: £14, available from:Robinsons, Butcherswww.jumblebee.co.uk/stockbridgemusicThe Lights Theatre Box Office (01264) 368368Roger Tym (01264) 810363

This concert is sponsored by Hildon Water.

The Thomas Dowse’s Charity:What do we do? Can we help?

The Thomas Dowse’s Charity is able to providegrants to individuals up to the age of 25, living inBroughton, Bossington, Mottisfont and Dunbridge.

The grants are for educational purposes, includingsuch things as the cost of school trips, music tuition,overseas educational trips, uniform, swimminglessons, transport to educational establishments,laptops, and books.

Here are a few of the thank you messages we havereceived recently:

“I’ve recently returned from my rugby tour … amassive thank you for your donation.”

“… we are so thrilled, it will be such a help to us …”

“Thank you very much for the donation. It is muchneeded and will help me so much over the nextyear.”

“We are so pleased. He is going to have anamazing first trip. Thank you.”

Applications are treated in strict confidence.Applicants must demonstrate need, but there is nomeans testing.

Applications for consideration at the next meetingshould be received by the secretary by Sunday,12th November.

Grant application forms are available from St.Mary’s Church, Broughton, Mottisfont Church,Broughton Primary School, or by email fromtinastuart1atgmaildotcom (remove the dashes,and change "at" to "@" and "dot" to ".").

EMERGENCY GRAB BAG

If you had to get out of your house in an emergency,having certain items with you could make lifeconsiderably easier.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service recommendshaving an Emergency Grab Bag near the door,containing such items as:

A torch (windup preferably, so you don't have toworry about flat batteries), some money/debit/creditcard, keys to the house and car, First Aid kit,prescription medecines, identity documents,insurance details.

Of course, emergencies are unusual events, but ifone happened, think how much easier it would be tocope if you had your grab bag with you!

www.hampshireprepared.co.uk

MOTTISFONT SOCIAL CLUB

Forthcoming events2nd December: Children’s Christmas Party9th December: Christmas Meat Draw and ChristmasRaffle

Regular events this winterMondays: We now have two snooker teams playing inthe Southampton Snooker League and there is theRomsey Ladies Dart League.

Tuesdays: Test Valley Billiards League and the ladiesplay in a local Darts League.

Wednesdays: The club is hoping to carry on staging thePool League, but at the moment there are not enoughteams. If you are interested in entering a team, pleasecontact Peter Holmes at the club.

Thursdays: Bingo, with a chance of winning up to £100.Also the Romsey Crib League takes place.

Fridays: Romsey Men’s Darts League, with two teamsrepresenting the club.

Saturdays: Meat draw every other weekend.

Sundays: Mottisfont Skittles League.

If you are interested in participating in any of the above,please contact the club on 340521 or email daviddotchase159atbtinternetdotcom (remove the dashes,replace "at" with "@" and "dot" with ".").

Acorn Editors Peter & Julia Barnett 340793Acorn Community PreSchool

Supervisor Danae Matthews 34244107860662685

Allotments (Dunbridge) Kim Bown 342204Annie's Kitchen and Tea Room Tim Arthurs 340777

David RamosArt Group Gordon Wood 340129Cricket Club Secretary Steve Godwin 07801

522979First Responders Coordinator Marion Gray 341370Football Club Secretary Alan Stewart 340492Hampshire County Councillor Andrew Gibson 01264

861138History Group Michael Horne 340105Member of Parliament Caroline Nokes 512132Mill Arms Manager Lorna Burton 340355Mottisfont Abbey Gen. Manager Louise Govier 344001Neighbourhood Mottisfont Alan Earthrowl 341799

Watch Dunbridge Cliff Astur 341922Parish Council Clerk Sue Holder 340130

Chairman Jeff Channing 340555Councillors Julia Barnett 340793

Peter Barnett 340793

Gareth Jenkins 340922John Millns 340347Andrew Simmonds(mottisfont2@gmail.com)

St. Andrew’s Rector Revd. Ron Corne 301287Church Reader Gina Livermore 388433

Wardens Susan Clutterbuck 340475Trish Armstrong 341120

Social Club Chairman Peter Simmonds 340891Secretary Peter Holmes 340521Steward Linda Holmes 340521

Test Valley Councillor Ian Jeffrey 388872Village Bus Secretary George Vaughan 301045

Bookings Pam Dawkins 301203Private Hire Julie Smith 301470Operations Peter Broome 301506

Village Hall Chairman Lynn Young 340134Secretary Jenny Wineberg 340843Bookings Tony Stemp 340398

W.I. Secretary Valda White 368346President/ Mary Batten 514384

PressPolice Village Joanna Cole 101

(request to be put through to Romsey tospeak to Joanna Cole)Nonemergency calls 101

Mottisfont & Dunbridge Acorn is edited and published by Peter & Julia Barnett, Dunelm House, Barley Hill, Dunbridge, Romsey, SO51 0LF, telephone: 01794 340793,acornnews@mandercom.co.uk, with assistance from the National Trust, Kimbridge Restaurant and the Mottisfont Social Club. Opinions expressed in The Acorn are not

necessarily those of the editorial team. We do our best to ensure the accuracy of items in The Acorn, but we will not be responsible for the consequences of errors oromissions. You should check with organisers of events in case there are last minute changes. © Mottisfont & Dunbridge Acorn, 2017.

The Acorn is also available at www.theacorn.org.uk, where you will also find links tolocal schools, pubs, trains, council, church, WI and more

Who's Who, What's What and Where's Where in Mottisfont & Dunbridge

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MOTTISFONTCRICKET CLUB

QUIZat

The Social Clubon

Saturday25th November

Starts at 8pmEntrance:

£2 per person

Up to 6 people per team

RAFFLE!