MOONFLEET OF KINSON
     Dedicated to Old and Modern Kinson
                              


            WELCOME TO MOONFLEET OF KINSON



Welcome to the Kinson website which offers excellent free detailed information about Kinson. We are very keen to ensure that this Kinson website is truly devoted to an older and modern Kinson.

All the information contained within THE MOONFLEET OF KINSON website can be copied for personal enjoyment. If you intend to publish any of the information or photos we feature, acknowledgement of the source would be appreciated.

MOONFLEET OF KINSON IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF EXTERNAL WEBSITES.

ABOUT US



Our successful local venture started in 2003 and we have been connected with the Kinson area for over 50 years. 

As a community-based organisation we are recognised by Bournemouth Council, local groups and other organisations.

Our continued aim is to inform and to stimulate interest in Kinson and the surrounding area. We also enjoy researching local history and natural history , sharing our knowledge with others of all age groups. Activities involving the local community will continue in 2024. 

As well as providing our website with information about an older and more modern Kinson, we also devote time to undertaking occasional walks and astronomy.

Occasionally, we are asked to undertake illustrated talks for local groups, guilds and societies.

During 2024 we intend to do our very best to maintain your interest throughout the year.

Thank you for taking the time to view our website today. 

WE LOVE KINSON

There`s much to love about Kinson Village,  be  it  ancient  or  modern and  we devote  a section to it. Our focus at this time is on the season of SPRING and why we are proud to say: "We Love Kinson." 

BIRDS 



Our Moonfleet of Kinson project continues during the SPRING of 2024. 

Our main focus will be to record as many species of wild birds which reside in or visit the Kinson area. 

We hope that the featured photographs will stimulate interest and encourage you and many others to delve deeper into this fascinating branch of nature.

From time to time we will also be updating species information and images displayed. New species will be added, as and when photographed.

Just as our subjects roam free, giving us many hours of enjoyment, please download the featured photographs on the same basis and enjoy them yourselves.

BUTTERFLIES

 

Moonfleet of Kinson butterflies

Many interesting local species which we have recorded are featured in our Butterflies section.

Over a long period of time, at least 32 species of Butterflies, have been recorded in and around the Kinson region.

We love to photograph them and although sometimes very challenging to do so, patience is well rewarded.  We look forward to new projects in 2024 and  to recording from Spring to Autumn. 

CUCKOO WOODS 



This fascinating area in central Kinson supports a wealth of flora and fauna and is well worth visiting.

A well used footpath leads from Brook Road to the Woods.

GLIMPSES OF OLD KINSON

In this section We feature a selection of photographs about Kinson`s past.

ISAAC GULLIVER 



This section, we know, has created much interest in Old Kinson`s past. We will do our very best in 2024 to ensure that this interest continues.

We leave it to the historians among you to decide which Gulliver we feature in our photograph.

KINSON CHURCH



We have updated and added additional information about St Andrew`s church in Kinson.

Our photograph features two phases in the long and interesting history of St Andrew`s, in Millhams Road, Kinson. 



St Michael and St Gabriel stand silently side-by-side in the south aisle of St Andrew`s church. Over a century ago these beautiful windows were placed in the church by Ada Augusta Russell to honour the memory of her father Isaac Fryer of Kinson. Bright sunshine illuminates every section of these superb windows and brings them to life. For a short time, even the signature of A. L. Moore their creator can easily be found. Soon, the sun passes by and shadows fall. But don`t worry, the love of a daughter for her father will never die and the saints will shine gloriously again another day.

 

A raven has sat on the shoulder of Elijah in Kinson church since 1875. Forming a part of The Transfiguration, the work of Heaton, Butler and Bayne lives on, even though the company closed in c1953. These grand masters of glass also have windows accredited to them in Westminster Abbey, at Wimborne and at other important locations. Whenever the sun shines brightly through the east window, this whole work of art comes to life in a brilliant array of colours. No matter what the season or time of year, the little bird is not the only one keeping an eye on us.   



We came across an unusual photo we took at St. Andrew`s church in Kinson in 2006 and feature it again. 

KINSON COMMON




In one of our most comprehensive and detailed sections within our website, we take you on a journey and retrace the story of human involvement with this unique area of Kinson which began as a community centuries ago and one which still flourishes today.

We journey through the Ages of Stone, Bronze and Iron which have all provided evidence of Kinson`s rich archaeological heritage and it was the Saxons who eventually set down the essential roots and founded a village which still lives on in the hearts and minds of a great many people who live in Kinson today.

From time to time, cattle graze on the Common as part of the site management plan. 200 years ago, present day Kinson Common would have been known as Howe Farm with the tenants living at the Dolphin Inn later known as Gulliver`s Tavern (now as The Oak). Latest researches also reveal interesting information about those far off days.

Animal values then (of those connected with the Kinson Common) were as follows: cow £3, heifer £3.50, sow £2.20, small pig £1 and sheep 37.5p each. Horses (mares) used around Howe Farm were valued (depending upon age) at between £7-£8. Colts were valued at c£2.63 and probably an old horse, as low as £1!

Some of the more recent and earlier changes over a long time period reduced the acreage of what was Howe Farm from over 100 acres to around the present day acreage of 40, a 60% reduction overall from when it was originally an economically sustainable arable farming unit.

Over 200 years ago, home grown and stored commodities were worth as follows: barley £15, hay £5, oats £4.20, peas £2 and wheat £14. Barley stored in a granary was valued at £11.25. The figures quoted form part of a property and contents inventory worth over £500 and excludes land values associated with the acreage of the Kinson Common which was owned by and rented from the Canford Estate at £60 per annum.

A virtual tour of Kinson Common is included in this section.

Comprehensive and updated records of the Kinson Common are also featured in our Natural History files section and you are welcome to download this information too for your own personal enjoyment. 
 

There are still some who believe that Bournemouth is such a new town with no history. Stepping inside Kinson church there`s a 1,000 year old Mass dial, which is featured as it should be viewed. Perhaps this same dial could also lead to the trail of an abbess who lived in Dorset long ago? Who knows what administrators will call Bournemouth in the centuries to come? Kinson and Holdenhurst feature in the Domesday Survey of 1086 and time will never erase these names.

Two things will always be certain. The small and important Mass dial in Kinson church will still be proclaiming silently its solid links with the past and Holdenhurst will always be the Mother of the great town of Bournemouth.

KINSON HERITAGE BUILDINGS 



We feature Canford Estate cottages, Manor Farm Road. Nos 102 &103.

In this section of our website we highlight the wealth and depth of Kinson`s historical and listed buildings.

KINSON SMUGGLERS 



This is the tombstone of Robert Trotman, a smuggler who died on the 24th March, 1765 and was buried in the north side of St. Andrew`s churchyard in Kinson. Service conducted by the Rev. Matthew Wasse.

The Rev. Matthew Wasse whose will was dated 5th April 1769, was buried within the vestry of Gt. Canford church near the Rev. John Flight.

He gave to his brother-in-law, Rev. Thomas Lloyd, his books and maps plus £5 for carriage. To his maid servant he left two guineas; to his man servant one guinea and to a boy servant half a guinea.

To the poor of Gt. Canford he left £15 and to Kinson he gave £5 and to the middle and western divisions, £5 each. The remainder of his estate went to John Place who lived with him. And did the Rev. Wasse approve of smuggling?  Probably not.

As late as 1868, it was said, " the inhabitants of Kinson were, till within the last thirty years, famous as smugglers. The top of the church tower and the inside of a large old altar tomb opposite the south door, were favourite places for hiding contraband goods."

Our section about Kinson smugglers has been updated.

KINSON WILD FLOWERS



Pyramidal Orchid on Kinson Common in July 1984. 

Since 1988, and up to 2023, we have counted over 49,297 orchids on the Kinson Common. Heath Spotted orchids represented 60.67%, Southern Marsh 32.55% and Early Marsh 6.78%.

If we laid every orchid we have ever counted end-to-end they would cover a distance of over 7.70 miles. The 2023 orchid count would extend to 463 metres.

At present, around 87.92% are within access to the public with the remaining 12.08% located in more difficult terrain such as bog land.  Please take great care when looking for orchids on Kinson Common.

In 2023, Heath Spotted orchids accounted for over 57.15%, Southern Marsh 40.18% and Early Marsh 2.67% of the overall number of orchids existing on Kinson Common. 

Our Kinson Wild Flowers section features detailed information about many of the species we have recorded and photographed.        

LATEST NEWS


Our latest newsletter from 1st February 2024 to 31st March 2024 is included in our Kinson Village News section.



NATURAL HISTORY FILES

For those who are interested in the natural beauty of Kinson, Longham (near the bridge), Millhams Mead and Turbary Common, we have added useful flora and fauna information about these areas. (Updated on 30th January 2024).



Last November, down in Kinson Village, many remembered with gratitude and honoured all those who sacrificed their yesterdays for our tomorrows.  

Their hearts still belong to Kinson

Where happy days they spent 

And do not weep nor tarry long

for all now rest content. 

 

Save your tears for quiet times

When no one else is there 

For the Sun is sure to shine again 

To dry each little tear. 

 

Where bees stop and sometimes pause 

Upon a poppy hill 

Rests Kinson loved in life 

Yes....

Rests Kinson loved eternally still.


In the WORLD WAR ONE CENTENARY 2018, we remembered those who died in our

KINSON - THE GREAT WAR & OTHER CONFLICTS section.



 One is never too young to learn about Kinson`s history (1979). 

The Millhams Splash 

This local scene was painted before the 1900`s. Long before a German Kaiser became stuck here and a brick bridge was built. 

Millhams stream appears to have been shallower then and there was also a small wooden crossing in the same area.

KINSON IN RECENT TIMES

We came across the following photos and feature them.

This is the entrance to Pelhams Park on a Saturday in 1980. It`s the annual Kinson Flower Show and one of the main attractions in that year was a No. 3 bus, a once familiar daily sight in Kinson long ago, converted now into a touring mobile museum featuring interesting displays about Bournemouth.

The pedestrian crossing lights show red on Wimborne Road near the Oddfellows Hall and a stream of then modern cars come to a halt. Today the hall is still there and the crossing leads conveniently to a very modern and famous coffee venue.

it`s a very simple task to turn on a tap and out comes the water. It wasn`t quite as simple as that in Kinson in olden times. We came across this photo we took three decades ago which shows an old well in a garden where once a cottage had stood close to what is now Kinson Village Green. 


KINSON VILLAGE Now - with earlier times also featured.

Parts of Gulliver`s Tavern (now The Acorn) which was once known as the Dolphin & Checquer date well back into antiquity. Some say the site dates back to Coaching days. It is also said a certain Mr. Potter and a Mr. Beak(e) were also involved with the creation of a malthouse next door to the pub and this venture was sponsored by a prominent Poole merchant, but not Mr. Gulliver, who when he bought Pitts Farm, inherited Mr. Potter as a tenant of land close by.

 

A view looking southwards at Bank Buildings in central Kinson where businesses were run by the Smith, Kaseman, Beament and Meekings families back in the 1950`s at a time when Captain Eric Linney Barber ran the Dolphin Hotel and beer was served from a barrel with a squeaky tap. Although one generation eventually gives way to another, one thing which has never altered is the true commitment among all businesses throughout Kinson to giving good service and sound customer care.    

A former local blacksmith`s house quietly marks time alongside the busy Wimborne Road. The property occupies a small area of a large plot of ground known as Reeks Close, now well and truly fully developed in the heart of Kinson.

When looking at the noticeboard by the side of the Kinson Hub, one is standing on what was once known as the Kinson Bunny. The footpath leading down towards a car park is a reminder of the ancient Pound Lane. Long before it was officially closed, local buses would use this lane. When a school house stood on the land now a car park, Mr. Wilfred Ward would often whistle for a bus to stop and it did. His daughter, Miss Lilian Ward, Headmistress of Kinson School, kept chickens some named after famous generals. These little scally wags, or so the story is told, would often escape from the garden and clamber onto a bus while the driver was parked up for a break. As traffic was light and fowl play was never suspected, the offenders when called would smartly walk in line back into the garden.

As one journeys into Kinson by car, display signs were recently erected at strategic points in our village. As well as welcoming you to visit us and to look around our shops and well established Tesco, we would love you to visit our 12th century church and Millhams Mead. Kinson Community centre and Pelhams Park Leisure centre are also close by and well worth visiting as well.  

Looking westwards along Wimborne Road two specialised businesses retailing fine dolls and specialist cakes all sit neatly on Oxford plot which once together with Berry Hill and other lands formed Pitts Farm owned by Isaac Gulliver in the 1700`s. And long before him a certain Thomas Pitts in the late 1600`s would have known the road we still called Oxford Lane today. Perhaps it was him who changed the original name from Odstock to the one we still use today?

As for the lane, an older generation may still recall a water-filled ditch lined with hazels, a field and a small wooded area on the higher ground where one summer a robin nested successfully in a baked-bean can. Much needed homes have replaced the greenery and mother robin is now but a memory.

Cars now enter the busy Tesco site where Breton House once stood and the respected White family had a retail business in this region including the Post Office. From humble beginnings around the 1860`s at East Howe, progress beckoned and the business florished in central Kinson from about the turn of the century up to 1965 when their business relocated to new premises further westwards along Wimborne Road. Immediately to the left of the entrance, a house with almost two acres of land, once home to the renowned flower sellers the Jeff and Crutcher families, was also incorporated in the redevelopment of central Kinson. 

The "boys" of the aforementioned families were also very keen anglers and the late Mr. Henry Crutcher still holds the salmon record of the Wimborne & District Angling Club, caught on the River Stour in 1969 and weighing 25lb. Another remarkable tale, only about 150+ metres away from the spot where this photo was taken happened in 1927. Mr. Reg Short of Kinson caught a 26lb salmon with his garden fork in the open stream opposite Pelhams (now covered) on a subsiding spate. Mr. Short`s biggest catch in life took place at Millhams in 1907 when he saved Kaiser Wilhelm from drowning.

   

Back in 1979 the then modernised shopping centre looked calm and peaceful and very pristine in those days. In the back ground and marking time since the 1750`s the Dolphin Inn now The Acorn can be glimpsed.

  

A view of the Oddfellows Hall in central Kinson in 1979. It remains today as a little reminder of the White family who played an important role both in business and the local community long ago. The sign of the Royal Oak is no more - which really symbolised two phases of the pub`s long history. There will be no more tales to tell about shepherds or drovers who once passed through here each autumn; no more inquests when sometimes things went wrong; no more visits to the pub by Augustus John. 

                                                                                                                                            

                             

This is Cuckoo Woods in 2004. It is said that the folk from the Iron Age once roamed over this area, and in smuggling times, many a good keg of the finest French brandy was trotted over this ground to nearby Kinson House on Wimborne Road for the attention of a well known local merchant and distributor. Within living memory, some may recall a horse named Prince who lived in the woods for many years.                                       

 

Roe deer 

Nature is always good at observing us before we see them. 

                         WELCOME TO SPRING


Not too long to wait for Springtime now.

                            KIPS and SNOWY


Whatever the season, Kips and Snowy will always be in our thoughts.  Many happy years and  many great adventures together in Kinson.

                    THOUGHTS OF SPRING


Arums, bluebells and a whole host of others, flower at their appointed times.


Blooms and vibrant green leaves


 Anemones, amelanchiers and stirring wild orchids send forth new leaves in abundance.


Heads up! It`s time to have a good look around in Kinson.


Blackcap. One of our favourite visitors to Kinson in Springtime.  


Chiffchaff. Another of our favourite visitors to Kinson in Springtime.  

                 BRIGHTER DAYS ARE COMING


With Bee orchids already emerging in 2024, Not long to wait for Springtime.

At least 28 gps recorded to 26th January 2024.

Photograph taken locally on 28th January, 2024.


We feature some deposits of Frogs spawn recorded on Kinson Common, 

28th January 2024.


We feature  emerging Heath spotted orchids on Kinson Common, 14th March 2024.







News
  • Wild orchids 2023-2024


    A  new Bee orchid survey in north Bournemouth runs from Autumn 2023 to Summer 2024.


  • Kinson Walks


    With over 30 years of local knowledge and experience, we are continuing to offer Kinson walks to both public and private organisations. If you carry your own public liability insurance, we would be pleased to hear from you.






KIPPER, who will always be our special friend, accompanying us on numerous walks and many Moonfleet of Kinson projects between 2002 - 2018.