Dodford with Grafton Parish Council
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The Parish of Dodford with Grafton lies some three miles west of
Bromsgrove and displays the essential characteristics of the
Chartist village that came into existence in 1849. More than half
of the properties were built before 1900 and a number of these are
'listed' buildings within a Conservation Area. The oldest remains
are of a priory, founded in the 12th century, now incorporated in a
Tudor House situated in Priory Road.
Grafton Manor, a hotel with a history stretching back 700 years,
lies on the southern edge of the Parish. One of the listed
buildings, a Chartist bungalow named Rosedene, was recently
purchased by the National Trust and opened on a restricted usage
for educational visits.
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The Mission Church, standing where the Village Hall now is, was
originally consecrated in 1863. The present church in Priory Road,
Holy Trinity and St. Mary, was completed in 1908 and features
woodwork and plasterwork in the Arts and Crafts style and stonework
embellished by the Bromsgrove Guild. The church shares a vicar with
Catshill and Marlbrook and there is usually a morning service and
Young People's Church every Sunday morning.
Dodford First School was opened in 1877 and serves the needs of
the Parish and the surrounding area. The school provides education
for children up to the age of 9 years.
Most Parish activities are centred on Dodford Village Hall. The
Village Hall Committee organises many funds raising events during
the year, including music and supper evenings, an Autumn bazaar,
jumble sales and dances. The Hall has a fine stage that is put to
use annually by Fairbourne Dodders, the local Drama Group, who
present very popular pantomimes early in December.
The village has a number of clubs which meet on a regular basis.
The Gardening Club meet monthly on the second Monday, and put on an
Annual Show early in September. The Women's Institute meets monthly
on the second Friday, and the Mother's Union joins with Catshill
fortnightly, with meetings that alternate between Dodford and
Catshill. The Youth Club and Table Tennis Club alternate on
Wednesday evenings.
The Dodford Society, which was formed for the parishioners of
Dodford with Grafton, meets in October for its AGM and during the
remainder of the year arranges walks, dining evenings and other
activities for its members.
Dodford with Grafton Parish Council meets once a month, at the
Village Hall, usually on the third Thursday. Members of the public
are welcome to attend and their involvement is welcomed.
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