Around the Village

There’s plenty to do around the village, from clubs and groups, regular and one-off events to Keep Fit classes and scheduled walks. Whatever your interest, you are almost certain to find activities or groups to suit. We have a fine Village Hall, a well- stocked village shop (The Old Chapel Stores), The Gaggle of Geese pub, Primary School, Pre-school and Toddler group and an historic parish church. Use the buttons below to find out about other activities and facilities in and around the village:

General Information

Buckland Newton’s Holy Rood Church at risk?

Major problems have been identified in the structure of the church roof. Please see the item on the Holy Rood Church page.

Defibrillator

A Defibrillator is housed in a blue, UNLOCKED cabinet on the

outside wall of BN Village Hall by the back door, under the veranda.

It is available for use in an emergency, after dialling 999 and as advised

by the paramedics.

There is a second Defibrillator in the Buckland Newton School car park, again in an unlocked cabinet. You just fetch either from their cabinets.

In an emergency, ring 999, then click here for list of runners who will

bring the defibrillator to you.

Neighbourhood Watch Alerts

5th August 2026. Broadband and Mobile Provider Account Takeover and Identity Fraud Alert Details of other Neighbourhood Watch Alerts and Advice

Other Local Websites and Publications

Buckland Newton Community Facebook Page

• share & promote positive news relating to our village & its

surroundings.

• support our thriving local groups, societies, committees &

businesses.

• buy, sell, swap pre-loved possessions.

• enable the village community to advertise their skills, to promote

their events, ask for trader recommendations or get advice on a local issue.

Anyone can join the community page, and once you do you can post your

event or views. A team of moderators oversees the site and makes sure

that all those posting respect the rules of the community page. At present

your moderators are Amanda McKenna, Keith Darbyshire and Simon

Colquhoun.

Buckland Newton Parish Council Website

Lydden Vale News

The local printed Newsletter, the Lydden Vale News, is delivered free to

every household in the village. Editorial: lyddenvalley@gmail.com

Advertising: lyddenvaleadverts@gmail.com

An on-line version (August 2026) is available at Lydden Vale News in ‘Flip Book’ format, showing two pages side-by-side. To move through the on-line magazine either swipe from left to right to turn the page, or use the left and right arrow keys (  and  or Page Up/Page Down ) if you have a keyboard. The downloadable version, if you wish to print the magazine, is also available at the same location.

Food and Drink

Old Chapel Stores

Sue, Pete and their family welcome you to their village shop. Opening

Hours: Monday to Saturday 7.00 am to 6.00 pm, Sunday 8.00 am to 12.00

noon. Meats from Butchers Roger Else (Stalbridge). Plus all sorts of

tempting bakery goodies from Evershot Bakery as well. Plus: Hardware

Department upstairs. Pop along for more information on what is available

and support your local shop.

Thank you for your support throughout the year. Sue and Pete Nickisson

Gaggle of Geese

Simon and Sarah at the Gaggle of Geese (Winner - Best Pub Garden 2023) welcome bookings from those looking for a venue for special occasions - such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, children’s parties, fundraisers etc. Just get in touch for a chat about how we can help you celebrate at the Gaggle. How to contact The Gaggle: Aside from popping in to the pub, you can also reach us or leave a message on 01300 345249 or e-mail on hartandhops@gmail.com Latest news and details of events can be found on our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/gaggleofgeesepub/ - website at https://gaggleofgeese.co.uk/ . Opening Hours: we are open Wednesday to Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Sunday Roasts - you may have heard that our Gaggle Sunday Roasts are very popular. Just a reminder that if you would like to eat at the Gaggle on a Sunday then always best to book in advance. You can do so in person, by calling, emailing or via social media. Don't miss out! Tikka Curry Van generally visits Buckland Newton on alternate Wednesdays.

Environment Agency Advice in case of Flooding

The Environment Agency have issued updated advice on What to do in case of flooding.

Switch off of analogue telephone lines

People may have seen information about the intention by Openreach to change all landlines to digital. There is little national publicity about this changeover, but it will have quite a big effect for some people. Please click for more information about this changeover from Councillor Jill Haynes.

Ultrafast Fibre Internet in Buckland Newton

Wessex Internet has brought full fibre broadband direct to homes and

businesses in Buckland Newton and surrounding areas. All these

properties can benefit from full fibre connections, which is also known as

Fibre to the Premise (FTTP). This means a fibre optic cable goes all the

way to a home or business directly from the provider’s network, rather than

stopping at a cabinet down the road, which is known as Fibre to the

Cabinet (FTTC). Full fibre delivers far superior speeds and reliability

compared to copper or partial fibre networks. For more information:

https://www.wessexinternet.com or call 0333 240 7997.

Outreach Post Office The outreach Post Office is open in the Village Hall on Mondays 09:15 to 11.45 and Fridays from 09.15 to 11.45.

Prescriptions

Prescriptions are delivered from Cerne Abbas Surgery to Old Chapel

Stores, usually after 3.30 pm, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Recycling and Refuse Collection and Calendar

You can find details of your rubbish and recycling calendar at rubbish and

recycling days

Travel & Traffic / Road Closures

See Dorset Travel & Traffic page for road closures etc.

Weather Forecast

The nearest Met Office Weather Forecast location is Minterne Gardens.

Click for a 7-day weather forecast.

Flood Warden

Some homes in Dorset are at risk of flooding. Please see the Parish

Council website for information and advice. The village Flood Warden

(01300 345707) or e-mail floodwarden@sky.com In case of flooding, the

village now has a supply of sandbags. If you are unlucky enough to require

use of these at some time in the future please contact the Flood Warden to

find out how to obtain sandbags.

Regular Events

Buckland Newton Pre-School. This operates 8.45 am to 3.15 pm, Monday to Friday in term time. Breakfast Club available from 8.00 am. All at Buckland Newton School during term time. It caters for children aged from 2 years, if space available. For further information, contact the school office on 01300 345393 during school hours or e-mail the School Office. Lunch Club. A 2-course meal with tea/coffee on the second Friday of each month, at Buckland Newton Village Hall or a Pub. Over 90 or 80? Maybe in your seventies? Living alone and no longer driving, except to potter around the village? You have a disability or long-term health problem, and would love to get out to meet old friends or make new ones? If so, we would be delighted to see you. Village Cafe. 10.30 am to 12.00 noon, every last Friday in the month (except August and December) in Buckland Newton Village Hall. A great opportunity to meet people in the village if you are new to the area or just meet your friends for an hour to catch up with them. £1.50 buys you cake and coffee/tea.

Gaggle Events

Wood-Fired Saturdays - we are planning on offering our popular wood- fired pizzas and menu Saturday evenings across August. Eat-in or takeaway. Laser Tag – with so much space in the gardens, we are introducing Laser Tag at the Gaggle! We also have a giant inflatable tag arena! Perfect for parties and group bookings. New page on our website or have a chat with us for more details. And look out for pop-up laser tag afternoons when you can come and play. Axe Throwing & Archery! - bookable sessions in the Gaggle gardens across the week are now available through www.dorsetmedievalarchery.co.uk ‘Have a go’ axe throwing in the Gaggle gardens Saturdays from 4pm; pop along and try to win the best score of the day! Bank Holiday Weekend, Live Music and the Village Fete – 28th-30th August – a busy weekend at the Gaggle! Booking recommended across the days. Saturday 29th - wood-fired menu on Saturday evening. And join us in the gardens for a boogie with live music from the popular Aphrodite Duo. Sunday 30th – booking likely required for a Gaggle Roast in the gardens! Also see ‘Dates for your Diary’ below

Dates for Your Diary

Below is a list of events taking place over the next few weeks. You can also check the Buckland Newton Community Facebook page for last- minute news of events. If you want your local event publicised here, please e-mail Webmaster ; also please e-mail if you have to cancel your event so that the events diary can be kept up to date. Monday 31st August, 12.00 noon to 4.00 pm, Gaggle of Geese. Buckland Newton Village Fete. See the Village Fete page for details. Friday 14th August, 2.30 pm, BN Village Hall. Second Friday Lunch Club. This month we will have our afternoon tea in the Village Hall. It’s reliably spectacular! This would be an excellent day to become a member of the Second Friday Lunch Club. There will be a varied and delicious selection of delicacies to choose from, and the tables will be beautifully decorated with china tea services and cake stands etc. Who needs The Ritz? We look forward to seeing all of our members there. Contact Cathy Shippey 01300 345339 or text 07391 195754 Saturday 15th August, 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, The Halsey Arms, Pulham. Coffee Morning. Saturday 15th August, Gaggle of Geese. With so much space in the gardens, we are introducing Laser Tag at the Gaggle! We also have a giant inflatable tag arena! Perfect for parties and group bookings. New page on our website or have a chat with us for more details. And come along from 4.00 pm on Saturday 15th for laser tag games in the garden. Sunday 16th August, from 9.00 am, Parish Paddock (behind Parish Field). Buckland Newton Environment Group ‘Summer Safari’. Come and meet some of the hidden wildlife of our village - marvellous moths, plentiful plants, raucous river life. Contact wrenfranklin@yahoo.co.uk Sunday 16th August. Service at Holy Rood Church. 4.00pm. NB All- Age Family Service date and time to be confirmed. Thursday 20th August, 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, Gaggle of Geese. ‘Knit & Natter’. Everyone and all crafts are very welcome. Bring along your latest project and/or just come along and have a natter and a piece of cake! We are working on a joint project at the moment, as well as our separate creations. Teddies are still appearing from time to time too, which is fabulous. Lyn Cox 01300 345739 Jane Willis 01300 345477 Sunday 23rd August. Service at Holy Rood Church. 9.45 a.m. Holy Communion. Refreshments will be served after the service. Sunday 23rd August, 7.30 pm, Buckland Newton Village Hall. Artsreach presents ‘Rachel McShane and the Cartographers’. Tickets: £14, £6 u18s, online at artsreach.co.uk, or in person from Old Chapel Stores, or tel: 01300 345455 Cash bar and refreshments available A renowned folk singer, cellist, fiddle and viola player from the Northeast of England, Rachael McShane gained fame as an original member of the award-winning folk band Bellowhead. A much sought-after performer and recording artist, her 2009 debut solo album, No Man’s Fool, established impressive credentials that led her to signing with the prestigious Topic Records, the oldest independent record label in the world. Rachael is also the leader of The Cartographers, a band that brings together the exceptional talents of guitarist Ian Stephenson (Kan, Baltic Crossing), and melodeon player Julian Sutton (Kathryn Tickell, Sting). Playing with expertise and sparkle, their music is a powerful blend of traditional folk and contemporary sounds. The Cartographers have built a loyal following thanks to their lively performances and critically acclaimed albums, combining stunning vocals and impressive instrumentals with innovative arrangements in a refreshing take on traditional folk. “You’re in the presence of something very special…what a voice” BBC Music “Delivered with such rebellious verve and wit – they are a life-affirming joy” Songlines Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity - www.artsreach.co.uk Tuesday 25th August, 2.30 pm - 5.00 pm, Buckland Newton Church. Annual August All-Age Activity Afternoon. Fun & Games, Creative Opportunities using our surroundings etc etc… For FAMILIES and Friends, Children to be accompanied by an adult. Culminating with a Shared picnic TEA. With hopefully the return of the Great Simbossa (Will he have learnt some new tricks?? - his agent is still checking his schedule). To register your interest please email greystonejan@gmail.com Sunday 30th August. No Service at Holy Rood Church Buckland Newton, but 11.15 Benefice Service at St Mary’s Cerne Abbas. Monday 31st August, 12.00 noon to 4.00 pm, Gaggle of Geese. Buckland Newton Village Fete. See the Village Fete page for details. Sunday 6th September, Service at Holy Rood Church. 9.45 a.m. Matins. Refreshments will be served after the service. Wednesday 9th September, 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm, BN Village Hall. Lydden Vale Gardening Club. ‘Using Plants from the Garden or Hedgerow for Medicine’ by Kim Cresswell of Goldberry Herbs. Saturday 12th September. ‘Ride & Stride’. ‘Ride & Stride’ is an annual event which helps raise money to maintain historic churches - including Holy Rood in Buckland Newton. The idea is to walk, cycle or ride around local churches and thereby raise money through sponsors. If you don't feel like walking or biking yourself, please sponsor someone who is. Half of any funds raised can go to Holy Rood which will be much appreciated. Sponsor forms etc will be available shortly but call Jon Sulkin on 07971 277 584 to make sure you get a copy. Jon will also know who is taking part if you want to either team up with someone else or be a sponsor. Horse riders very welcome too! Saturday 12th September, 4.00 pm until late. Piddletrenthide Pantomime Horse Racing. Proceeds to All Saints Church. Click on graphic at left for full details. Sunday 13th September, Service at Holy Rood Church. 9.45 am Holy Communion. Everyone welcome, refreshments will be served after the service. Sunday 20th September. IronMan Weymouth. Various road closures. Please click on graphic at left for more information. Sunday 20th September. Service at Holy Rood Church. 4.00 pm All- Age Service. Sunday 27th September, Service at Holy Rood Church. 9.45 am Holy Communion. Everyone welcome, refreshments will be served after the service. Sunday 27th September, from 3.00 pm, Buckland Newton Village Hall. An open forum concerning the future of Holy Rood Church. As you are no doubt aware, we have been regularly fundraising for the essential repairs to the Chancel Roof. We still have a long way to go until we are able to instruct the building works to start and all the necessary funds need to be in place before anything can begin. We really feel the need to tell you, The Villagers, exactly what is going on. Why the current funds are insufficient for us to proceed, the urgency of these vital repairs, ongoing costs, what we have been doing so far and what the future holds for Holy Rood if we cannot instruct the builders. This is such a lovely and precious place with so many memories for almost every household in this area, it needs looking after. So please, come and talk to us, ask the awkward questions, show us you care or maybe you don't? Whatever your views, there will be no pressure selling or arm twisting, just an honest and open conversation. We have also earmarked Saturday 10th October, again in the Village Hall from 3pm for those who may not be able to come to the first date or who wish to make further comments. Friday 25th September, 10.30 am to 12.00 noon, BN Village Hall. Village Cafe. Lyn Cox 01300 345739 Liza Hill 01300 345230 Sunday 4th October, Holy Rood Church, Buckland Newton. Harvest Festival. More details soon.

Buckland Newton Community Website

in the heart of rural Dorset