Cerne Abbas

Do come and visit the playing fields opposite the school, there will be many stalls including Bric a Brac, books, CD’s, cakes and savouries to name but a few plus an adult tombola and a chocolate tombola!

It is always good fun and a major fundraiser for the school.

  • LONG distance horse riding will also take centre stage in the village on the same week-end.

Local resident Anthony Sargent, himself a keen follower of this still relatively unknown sport, has organised the Cerne Giant Ride once again to take place on Sunday, May 22.

Between 80 and 100 riders will start and finish at Beauvoir Fields near Cerne Abbas Surgery, completing distances ranging from ten to fifty miles.

Everyone is welcome to pop by and admire the horses which are especially trained for this tough competition and watch them being checked over by the veterinary surgeons in attendance.

The best times are normally between 8am and 10am and then again between 3pm and 5pm when the riders return.

You can also find out more about endurance riding whilst enjoying refreshments and the interesting surroundings of the old Abbey site.

Minterne Magna

  • OPEN Day: The annual Minterne Gardens Family Open Day is approaching again!

A special treat awaits you this year with the Anonymous Travelling Market and the usual “goodies” of a classic car show and a photographic exhibition.

Bring friends and relatives, enjoy a cream tea or bring your own picnic whilst supporting St. Andrew’s Church.

The many types or Rhododendrons are now in full flower so don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful gardens!

The Open Day starts at 11am and finishes at 5pm.

Tickets are £ 3 for adults, under 16’s go free.

  • GUIDED evening walks are once again taking place in Minterne Gardens, under the watchful eye of Head Gardener Ray Abraham.

Don’t miss the next ones on Thurday, May 19 and Thursday, May 26.

The walks start at 6:30pm, tickets are £ 5 and are available from Maureen Panchen on 01300 341370.

Please book ahead for these popular walks in order to avoid disappointment.

Hilfield

  • A PILGRIMAGE Walk to Hilfield Friary takes place on Sunday, May 22.

The walk leaves St. Mary’s Church at Cerne Abbas at 2pm, it will take everyone through beautiful farmland above Up Cerne and Minterne – the perfect way to enjoy this lovely part of Dorset!

On arrival at the Friary, you can enjoy tea with the brothers and, if you wish, join them for a short evening service.

Dogs are welcome as are drivers that may not want to take the walk but visit the Friary and join the others for tea.

Perhaps you would also be able to offer lifts home?

No booking is necessary for this walk, just turn up at St. Mary’s for 2pm!

Buckland Newton

  • A CHARITY Poultry Auction, Farmers Market and Car Boot Sale will be held at The Gaggle of Geese on Sunday, May 29 from 10am.

Please support this superb event which raised nearly £ 10,000 for local charities last year!

The beneficiaries this year are Julia’s House Hospice, The Alzheimer’s Society, a further aim is to sponsor a local lollipop lady as they have been the victims of cutbacks.

Please get in touch if you can help in any way, be it with volunteering on the day, sponsoring or donating raffle prizes.

The book for entries opens on Friday, April 29 and closes on Saturday, May 21.

There will be an outside bar, a barbecue and pig roast and craft stalls as well so make sure you can attend what promises to be a great day!

Tickets are £ 1 for adults, children go free.

For further information contact The Gaggle of Geese on 01300 345249.

  • LYDDEN Vale Gardening Club: Stephen Griffiths, the curator at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens will be the guide for the next outing.

A visit to Abbotsbury Gardens takes place on Wednesday, May 18 at 2:15 pm.

Stephen will guide all participants through those beautiful gardens, non-members are as always welcome to attend for a fee of £ 7.50.

Contact Viviane Bernhard on 01300 345111 for more information.