Origins
The Mackrell Charity was founded in 1799 by William Mackrell of Spetisbury to provide a school for 50 poor children of Sturminster Marshall and the surrounding area. Boys attended school up to the age of 13 (with frequent absences when they were required to help with ploughing, bird-scaring or harvesting) and girls were expected to stay at school until they were 15.
 
Mackrell Charity
more light for lifelong learning
Now
Over the years the state education system developed, a new school was built in the village, and Mr Mackrell’s charity and the old school building were neglected. Then in 1993 the Mackrell Charity was re-started, the first activity being the Art Club, which is still going strong (see the other activities page). The Millennium Lectures were launched in 1999/2000 and these proved so successful that they have continued and are now known as the Mackrell Lectures. The Old School is currently undergoing a programme of restoration and improvement and it is a venue for lifelong learning opportunities and other activities designed to enrich the artistic and cultural life of the local community.
Click on the map to find us on Google Maps
 
Charity No. 306275
Aims and Resources
The main focus of the Mackrell Charity is to organise events aimed at making a contribution to the area’s educational and cultural activities. These currently fall into two main categories: the Mackrell Lectures, held on Saturday afternoons; and the Science Cafe, which meets on Friday evenings. In addition, various classes and interest groups (e.g. drawing and watercolour class, cookery club, gardening club) meet regularly in the Old School, and at weekends during the summer you can visit the Old School to indulge in delicious Dorset Cream Teas!
 
In addition, the Old School itself is available for hire to any individuals or groups in the local area who need a venue for their activities, be it meetings, rehearsals, parties or classes. To find out more please read the Venue For Hire page.
STURMINSTER MARSHALL IS CELEBRATING!
 
This year, 2010, is the 150th anniversary of the re-dedication of St Mary’s church.  The village is celebrating this milestone with all sorts of events including
 
  1. •Village History Exhibition - Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April
  2. •Concert of Dorset Music and Poetry - 24 April at 7.30pm
  3. •Victorian Parlour Evening - 22 May
  4. •Victorian Village Fete - 12 June
  5. •and many more
 
To find out more CLICK HERE
The Mackrell Charity
Keep Informed
 
If you would like regular information and updates about events run by the Mackrell Charity please get in touch with us, indicating whether you would prefer us to contact you by post or email.
 
info@mackrellcharity.org.uk
  1.  
  2.  
  3. •Dorset Cream Teas
  4. August 2010
  5. Saturdays and Sundays
  6. in the Old School
 
  1. July 31st and 1st Aug
  2. East Dorset Branch of the
  3. Myasthenia Gravis Association
  4. 7th and 8th
  5. VSO
  6. 14th and 15th
  7. Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust
  8. 21st and 22nd
  9. Water Aid
  10. 28th, 29th and 30th
  11. Mackrell Charity
  12.  
  13.  
  1.  
  2.  
  3. •Mackrell Lectures
  4. •Science Cafes
  5. •Cookery Club
  6.       
  7. The 2010/11 programme is now available - visit the Mackrell Lectures, Science Cafe and Cookery Club pages
  8.