Cerne Abbas

  • ROGATION Sunday: A final reminder that the Beating of the Bounds will take place on Sunday, May 17.

Following a very successful walk last year, another huge turnout is anticipated and there will be two routes to choose from this year.

For all of those not in the know: The custom “Beating of the Bounds” is over 2,000 years old and used to determine and re-establish parish, farm or civic boundaries before maps came into use.

Young and old were involved in this custom, traditionally performed on Rogation Sunday.

Following the walk there will be a barbecue and performance by the Wessex Morris Men in The New Inn.

Barbecue tickets are £ 6 and are on sale in Cerne Abbas Stores now.

Walkers meet in front of St. Mary’s Church in Cerne and at the Smiths Arms in Godmanstone respectively.

There is no entry fee for the walk but collection boxes will be placed at Nether Cerne and at the barbecue in aid of the Redundant Churches Fund.

Please be aware that this walk is not suitable for very young children but dogs on leads are welcome.

Any further queries including details of the route can be directed at organiser Mike Clark (01300 341269).

  • MAYFAIR: Cerne Abbas First School is urgently looking for volunteers to help support this year’s mayfair!

FOCAS (Friends of Cerne Abbas School) are organising this major fundraising event and the school relies heavily on their funds.

Helpers are needed to help collect and set up tables and chairs in the vicarage, as well as to erect gazebos and run stalls.

Stalls include but are not limited to: Bric a Brac, adult tombola, chocolate tombola, toys, plants, books and CD’s and many more.

Please help run one of these stalls or donate items if you are at all able to.

Apart from that, note the afternoon of Saturday, May 16 in your diaries when the Mayfair will take place on the school playing fields – it is always a very popular event, well worth visiting!

Buckland Newton

  • OUTDOOR Service: Rogation Sunday will be marked in a slightly different way in Buckland Newton – by holding an outdoor service at Knapps Hill Farm on Sunday, May 17 at 6pm.

This service serves as a celebration of our countryside and everyone is very welcome to participate.

Anyone wishing to park near to where the service will be held can do so easily but there is also the option of a walk to the service, starting at the Village School at 5pm.

Further information can be obtained from Richard Bonnie (01300 345586).

  • LYDDEN Walker’s next outing is planned for Saturday, May 16.

The walk will take place around Stourhead, especially lovely in May with all its spring colours.

If you haven’t joined the Lydden Walkers before but would like to do so on this occasion, you’ll be made very welcome.

Just contact Dick Bennett (01300 345403) or Bridget Hodges (01300 345493) for more information.

Sydling St. Nicholas

  • COLLATORS are needed for The Chalk Stream.

It is now operating from the new benefice in Stratton and in need of help in this particular area.

So if you enjoy reading The Chalk Stream regularly or might know someone who might be just right for the task, get in touch with the Production Manager Tony Warne on 01300 321138 or e-mail him on tonywarne@btinternet.com.

Coffee and cakes are provided, exercise is guaranteed!