Buckland Newton

  • PLAYGROUND: Fantastic news from the Buckland Newton Community Steering Group!

It has managed to secure a bid of nearly £ 50,000 from Groundworks UK to provide the community with a brand new playground!

The existing playground will be extended and will in future include two slides, various types of swings and an all-inclusive roundabout.

Furthermore, the children will be provided with a Zip Wire and – following further fundraising – a wooden fitness trail.

This is where you can become involved!

Whilst work will commence during the summer holidays further support with regards to the fitness trail is needed.

If you have any fundraising ideas or would like to be part of the final stage of this project please contact Maria Higgs on 01300 345833.

In the meantime we can all look forward to the “launch party” of the completed playground which will hopefully take place in September!

  • HISTORIC Churches Cycle Ride: This annual cycle ride has a faithful following of keen cyclist in the village!

It takes place on Saturday, September 11 this year and is the main fund raising event for the County Trust.

This trust exists to provide financial support to needy village churches all over Dorset.

Would you like to join the ride and visit some attractive churches at the same time?

Then now is the time to start practising, participants have been declining over the years so it would be wonderful to get a good cycling group together!

Please contact Sue Bonnie on 01300 345586 or Wendy Morris on 01300 345402 for further details and general information.

  • ORGANIST: Despite several appeals, including this column, the church is still looking for an occasional organist.

If you would like to – or know anyone - who is willing to support the main organist a few times a year then please contact Richard on 01300 345586.

Sydling St. Nicholas

  • COOKING is on the forefront of the village’s agenda!

A new Sydling Cook Book is to be produced, also featuring specialised sections such as breads & buns, vegetarian options, picnic ideas and many more!

Do you know someone who lives in the village and produces a particularly delectable dish?

Are you a fan of local cook books and like to get your hands on an area’s specialities and long forgotten recipes?

Or are you always on the lookout for unusual presents?

Then tell your friends and watch this space for the all-comprehensive cook book to be published in the autumn.

Any recipe contributions can be handed in with Suzanne at the Post Office.

Please don’t forget to include your name and address.

Cerne Abbas

  • EXHIBITION in the surgery: The latest exhibition of pictures is a fine collection of photographs.

Villager John Charman took the photographs on display in the course of his work as a geologist.

He worked in West and North Africa, the Middle East, the Indian sub-continent and China.

Do drop into the surgery to admire his shots – the afternoons are normally less busy.

  • HISTORICAL Society: This month there is a chance to discover a fine, medieval, early Tudor and Elizabethan Manor – Wolfeton House.

It is situated just outside Charminster, set in water meadows near the Cerne and Frome rivers.

You are welcome to join this outing, even if you are not a member!

Everyone is asked to meet at Wolfeton Manor at 2:30pm on Tuesday, July 27.

A guided tour of the house and surrounds will then take place, followed by a cream tea.

The cost for this outing will be £ 10.50, cheques or cash should be given to Anthony Garvey at 1 Long Street as soon as possible so numbers can be accurately given.

Please do ask if you need transport – lack of transport should certainly not be a reason to miss this interesting tour!

Godmanstone

  • This year’s Village Fete takes place on Saturday, July 24.

Do pay the village a visit if you are passing or mark the date in your diary for an afternoon of fun and games!