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Thorrncombe is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the northwest border of Dorset, 2 miles outside the border with Somerset. It is 6 miles from the nearest town of Chard and a similar distance from Crewkerne, and about 8 miles from Axminster (E Devon) and Beaminster (W. Dorset). The parish is very rural and covers 5,200 acres with several small hamlets and outlying farms as well as the central village. The population is 720, with 19% being under 17 years, and 23% over 65 yrs. There are a number of holiday cottages and second homes in the area. There are two large landed estates in the parish, with both families involved in church and village life, as well as offering local employment.
The village supports a community shop and post office, a Sports and Social club, swimming pool and play area, all run and managed by voluntary effort. The Village Hall is the venue for many village organisations, from playgroup to pensioners’ lunch club. There is a primary school but being a rural area, 40% come from outside the catchment area, ie. are not resident in the parish. The school come into church for festivals, and to mark the beginning/end of term.
The present church is in the centre of the village opposite the shop, and was consecrated by the Bishop of Salisbury in 1867. It is well maintained, and has a servery and toilet, which were installed 10 years ago, together with improved storage facilities. There is seating (mainly in pews) for 120. The churchyard is currently open for burials and deposition of cremated remains, but a portion of former glebe land has been transferred to the Parish Council for future use.
There is a peal of eight bells with a committed ringing team, and the tower is often visited by other ringers. We also have a set of handbells, newly restored.
The private chapel at Forde Abbey is within the parish, and served by the local clergy.
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