Cerne Abbas

  • ARTISTS – your help and input is needed in return for showcasing your talent!

Even though Cerne Abbas and District has many talented artists, a permanent spot to house exhibitions has been lacking – up until now!

Jeremy Lee, the new landlord of the New Inn, has generously offered the use of one of the pub barns.

Volunteers and artists are now needed to create an inspiring space!

Are you interested in selling your work in this area?

Can you help with preparing the viewing space, advise on lighting and help with general tasks relating to this project?

If you are an artist please contact Cheryl or Philip Spray on 01300 341603 or e-mail them at Cheryl.spray@virgin.net.

If you can offer other help please get in touch with John or Jennie Paterson on 01300 341964 or johnboy_cfc@hotmail.com.

Initial opening times are likely to be Fridays through to Sundays, as well as any Bank Holidays and general holidays.

A small commission on the sale of any artwork will be asked for to fund the set up and running costs.

No matter what art you specialise in - get in touch, here is your chance to introduce it to a potentially new audience!

  • OPEN Gardens: This year’s Open Gardens Weekend was yet another great success.

Many thanks go to the 27 owners who opened their gardens, much to the delight of over 1000 visitors!

£ 6825 was raised, to be divided between Dorchester Poverty Action Group and St. Mary’s Church Cerne Abbas Organ Appeal.

The tea sales benefited Open Gardens but also St. Andrew’s Church in Minterne Magna.

Isn’t it great to be able to support so many causes on the strength of one weekend!

  • FOOTBALL Club: The club has now had the go ahead to enter an adult team in the league next season.

Games will be played on Saturday afternoons, so if you are over 16 and interested why not get in touch!

Phone Leigh Cornick on 07768 605034 for more information.

The football club is always keen to raise funds and regular quizzes and auctions are being organised.

The quizzes are always accompanied by a raffle so if you have something you would like to donate as a prize please contact Andy Ross on 01300 341804 for further information.

Your support for this successful rural club is much appreciated since proceeds from fundraisers also frequently benefit the Cerne Youth Club.

Sydling St. Nicholas

  • ANOTHER Open Gardens Weekend has drawn to a close and, just like its neighbouring village Cerne Abbas, Sydling has had a fantastic weekend, blessed by sunny weather.

Over £ 2,500 was raised and many thanks go again to everyone who opened their gardens, as well as the organisers of the ever popular cake, tea and plant stalls!

Minterne Magna

  • MINTERNE Gardens: New Head Gardener Ray Abraham has been continually amazed by the magnificent flowering of the Magnolias and Rhododendrons.

In his latest report he confirms the magic of the gardens and mentions the sighting of some white bluebells – very unusual!

Do pay these fabulous gardens a visit and remember that all the plants there are original, many rare, brought back from the Himalayas when borders were easier to cross!

On this particular note, Ray is also thrilled to announce that he has discovered a rare, seemingly “lost” species of a 100 year old Rododendron Beanianum.

It is thought to be the only one in existence in this country and grows just half an inch a year!

If all this has wetted your appetite, let me tell you that Minterne Gardens is open daily from 10am – 6pm and situated on the A352 between Dorchester and Sherborne, two miles north of Cerne Abbas.

Don’t forget to take a look at the charming St. Andrew’s Church next to the Gardens and pack your walking boots!

The area offers some lovely walks with wonderful views