Around the Village

There’s plenty to do around the village, from clubs and groups, regular and one-off events to Keep Fit and Pilates 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.

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 a small amount of information about the intention by Openreach to change all landlines to digital by 2025. 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.

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

The on-line version of the Lydden Vale News (November 2025) is now 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 still available - Click Lydden Vale News (pdf file) There is also a rolling 12-month Lydden Vale News Archive, so that you can refer back to earlier issues.

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.

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/ . Autumn/Winter 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.

Ultrafast Fibre Internet in Buckland Newton

Wessex Internet has brought full fibre broadband direct to homes and

businesses in Buckland Newton and surrounding areas.

Wessex Internet has been at the forefront of bringing broadband to rural

communities in Dorset and neighbouring counties, and it has now reached

a stage where over 200 homes and businesses in the Lydden Vale will be

able to receive the service. All these properties will 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.

To register your interest please visit www.wessexinternet.com or call 0333

240 7997.

Outreach Post Office The outreach Post Office is open in the Village Hall on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 9.00 am to 12.00 noon.

Prescriptions

Prescriptions are delivered from Cerne Abbas Surgery to Old Chapel

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

Defibrillator

The village has its own defibrillator, housed in an unlocked cupboard on an

outside wall of the Village Hall by the kitchen door, under the veranda. In

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

defibrillator to you.

Recycling and Refuse Collection and Calendar

You can find details of your rubbish and recycling calendar at

https://mapping.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/mylocal/

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.

More from the Village…

2025 Village Fete

We can now let you know that we made over £6,000 at this year’s Fete –

an amazing result so thanks again to everyone who contributed to its

success. The Fete Committee will be meeting this month to consider all

the submitted funding applications.

If you would like to join the Fete Committee, and we always welcome any new members, or help in any other way, then please do get in touch at info@gaggleofgeese.co.uk.

Bonfires - please consider your Neighbours

Please be considerate if you wish to have a garden bonfire. Smoke from

bonfires can be a real nuisance if neighbours have washing out to dry.

Particularly with coronavirus, smoke can also cause extra difficulties for

those with breathing problems, such as asthma sufferers - please think

before lighting a bonfire. For more advice from Dorset Council on bonfires

please see: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/environmental-

health/bonfires.aspx

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

See ‘Dates for you Diary’ below Taking a break! – after working 39 weekends in a row and a busy summer, we and the team are taking a break for a bit of family time. The pub will be closed from Saturday 25th October until 2.00 pm on Thursday 30th October.

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. Wednesday 29th October 11.00 am, BN Village Hall. Artsreach presents Squashbox Theatre - Shivers and Shadows. Click on graphic at left for more information Thursday 30th October, 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, Gaggle of Geese. ‘Knit & Natter’. The group meets every other Thursday, in The Gaggle where there is much chatting, laughter, exchanging of ideas, teaching and learning as well as shared delicious cake. If you’d like to join us, we would be very pleased to welcome you. Jenny Ferreira and Jane Willis Friday 31st October, 10.30 am to 12.00 noon, Buckland Newton Village Hall. Village Cafe. Tea/coffee and cake £1.50. Open to everyone - locals and visitors. Come along and catch up with your friends and neighbours Lyn Cox 345739 Liza Hill 345230 Friday 31st October (Halloween), 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm, Gaggle of Geese. Bring the spooky kids for Halloween at the Gaggle. Disco, fun & games. Free entry & free treat bag for all kids. Saturday 1st November, Gaggle of Geese. Spooky live music and cabaret with the band ‘Lick the Frog’. A grown-up Halloween. Dressing-up optional! Free entry. Music from around 8.00 pm. Sunday 2nd November. Service at Holy Rood Church. 9.45 am Matins. All welcome, refreshments will be served afterwards. Wednesday 5th November (Bonfire Night), Gaggle of Geese. The annual Village Bonfire & Fireworks in the Gaggle gardens. Star lantern parade from the Parish Field (opposite the school) from 5.00 pm. Bonfire lit around 6.00 pm. Fireworks around 7.00 pm. Fireworks, bar, BBQ, hog roast and hot chocolates! Weather dependent – so keep an eye on website and social media! Thursday 6th November, 2.15 pm, BN Village Hall. Buckland Newton neighbourhood Car Scheme AGM. Sunday 9th November, Remembrance Day Service. Service at Holy Rood Church. 10.45 am at the War Memorial. All welcome. Sunday 16th November. Service at Holy Rood Church. 4.00 pm All- Age Service. Everyone welcome. Wednesday 19th November, 8.30 pm start, Gaggle of Geese. Pub Quiz. Teams of up to 6. £2.00 each or free if you dine at the pub first. Contact us to book in your team - 01300 345249. Sunday 23rd November, ‘Stir-up Sunday’. Service at Holy Rood Church. 9.45 am Holy Communion. Everyone welcome, refreshments will be served afterwards. Sunday 30th November. No Service at Holy Rood Church but 11.15 am Holy Communion at St Mary’s Cerne Abbas. Wednesday 17th December, 8.30 pm start, Gaggle of Geese. Pub Quiz. Teams of up to 6. £2.00 each or free if you dine at the pub first. Contact us to book in your team - 01300 345249.