Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye!

The main reason is a lack of time on my part and don’t believe in doing a “rush job”!

Having written for the Echo for the last six years I can confirm though that – albeit now without any financial reward – it has been a fun and interesting task- now it is time for some new and refreshing input!

Could you be the next “reporter” and keep readers supplied with snippets of all sorts of village events?

I am happy to explain my current system of information flow to any budding writer, it really isn’t hard and – once familiar with the ropes - requires about an hour per week.

You could contribute with a weekly column like me, or choose to write fortnightly – it really is up to you.

One thing is for sure – considering the represented area you will never be lacking in something to write about!

If you are interested in becoming my successor please contact me, Christina, on 01300 341102 or e-mail cj.juppe@talk21.com by the end of January.

May I take this opportunity to thank all my readers for their interest over the years and wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year!

CERNE ABBAS DISCUSSION Club: The club’s annual Open Meeting takes place on Tuesday, January 22 this year with Kate Adie as the speaker.

Kate Adie’s talk is entitled “From our Own Correspondent” and everyone is welcome to what should be a fascinating evening.

Doors open at 7:30 pm for an 8 pm start, refreshments will be available.

THEATRE Club: The next coffee morning will take place on Monday, January 14.

Would you like to join the club or just find out more?

Then do come along and hear all about the club’s outings!

Future suggested trips include “Me and My Girl”, performed by the Yeovil Amateur Dramatic Society and “The Russian Cossacks”, an evening of dancing presented by The Russian State Ensemble.

For more information call Yvonne on 01300 341421 or Trish on 01300 342058.

HORTICULTURAL Society: The society’s AGM is being held on Tuesday, January 15 and commences in the Village Hall at 7:30 pm.

The Chairman and Committee are looking forward to welcoming possible new members so don’t hesitate to come along!

The annual subscription only costs £ 6 so do think about joining this friendly society no matter how small your garden or how grand your horticultural aspirations!

SARAH Pilcher, your local Police Community Support Officer, is once again holding drop-in sessions at Abbots Tearooms this year.

These sessions take place from 10:30 am – 11:30 am on the third Tuesday of every month.

The forthcoming dates are Tuesday, February 19, Tuesday, March 19 and Tuesday, April 16.

Pop into Abbots and have a chat with Sarah about any issues that cause you concern or perhaps you have some suggestions on how to create safer neighbourhoods?

A representative from POPPs (Age Concern) and Magna Housing Association will be present on occasions.

BUTTERFLY Conservation: Conservation Action Day take place at Giant Hill on Saturday, January 12 and Saturday, February 16.

The day lasts from 10am – 4pm, the team will continue the conservation work along the downland on Giant Hill.

This is part of important restoration work of the ancient grassland in order to allow the thriving of many important butterfly species.

If you’d like to know more, get in touch with Adam Gale on 01935 508842 or 07557 358587 or e-mail him on scrump5@hotmail.com.

MOVIOLA 2013: The first film of the New Year is “Argo” (Cert 15, 120 mins), being shown in the Village Hall on Monday, March 11 at the usual time of 7 pm for a 7:30 pm start.

“Argo” is an adventure thriller with Ben Affleck starring as well as making his debut as a director.

The film is based on a true story when six US diplomats took refuge in the Canadian Embassy after their own was seized by Iranians in 1979.

On Monday, March 11 “Quartet” (Cert 12A, 105 mins) will be shown.

Maggie Smith, Pauline Collins and Michael Gambon star in this Comedy Drama.

Finally, on Monday, April 22 a film version of the West End success “Les Miserables” will be shown.

FOOTBALL Club: The club is looking for a new Treasurer following the current treasurer’s move abroad.

Do you have an hour a month spare to help out?

If so, contact Coach Andy Ross as soon as possible on 01300 341804, you will receive all the information you need and lots of help to begin with.

ARTSREACH presents “Time Travelling Magicians” on Saturday, January 19 at 7:30 pm.

This is an award-winning stage show, promising Morgan and West’s mixture of magic, wit and whimsy!

“Time Travelling Magicians” is suitable for anyone aged seven or over.

Tickets are available from Cerne Abbas Stores or by calling 01300 341332.

They may also be purchased on the door if there is a surplus and cost £ 7.50 for adults, £ 5 for under 18’s and £ 22 for a family of maximum two adults.

Wine, tea and coffee will be served during the evening.

SPRING half-term will see an Artsreach production entitled “Circle of Tales” by Puppetcraft.

This is a family show, suitable for all aged four or over.

Tickets are again available from the above sources and cost £ 5 for adults, £ 4 for under 18’s and £ 16 for a family.

CHARLTON DOWN WILDLIFE Group: The next talk at Herrison Hall will take place on Tuesday, January 15.

Will Best from Godmanstone will lead a talk entitled “Farming and Wildlife” which commences at 7:30 pm.

Forthcoming dates are Tuesday, February 19 with Luke Phillips of RSPB Radipole talking about “Gulls” and Tuesday, March 19 when Dawn Warr will be the speaker during the evening, delighting everyone and providing information about “A Life in Gamekeeping”.

Please note that Dawn’s talk will start at the slightly earlier time of 7 pm.

For more information contact Allan Reese on 01305 269912.

BUCKLAND NEWTON BUTTERFLY Conservation: Conservation Action days take place on the following dates: On Sunday, January 13, continuation of gorse and thorn shrub clearance will take place at Lankham Bottom Downland Reserve.

Alners Gorse will be re-visited on Sunday, January 20, Thursday, January 24 (in co-operation with a local volunteer group) and Sunday, February 17.

All days last from 10 am – 4pm, volunteers are very welcome to attend and will be shown the ropes during what are often fun days!

Baked potatoes for lunch are usually provided and any other food brought to share will not be turned away!

Tools will be provided, please bring your own gloves.

It is vital work that’s being accomplished and if you would like to find out more prior to attending call Nigel Spring on 01963 23559 or 07981 776767.

He can also be e-mailed via nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk.

CROCUS Walk: A date for your diaries: This year’s Crocus Walk, as always in aid of Breakthrough Cancer, will take place on Saturday, March 9.

This is a highly successful and worthwhile event, run by a dedicated team.

If you have never taken part and would like to know more, contact Alison Chant on 01300 345592.

PILATES classes are starting up in the Village Hall – why not come along and try one, you may find that Pilates is the way to keep fit for you!

Classes take place on Thursdays, Improvers start at 9:30 am, with a 10:35 am start for Beginners.

Call 07807 090013 or e-mail 4everpilates@gmail.com to find out more.

A CHEESE and Wine Party takes place in the Village Hall on Friday, January 18.

The party starts at 7:30 pm, tickets are £ 10 each.

A raffle will be run as well, profits will be divided between The Weldmar Hospicecare Trust and the Village Church.

Please call Alison on 01300 345851 or Sue on 01300 345586 to reserve your place.

QUIZZES – do you love them?

If so, make your way to the Village Hall on Saturday, February 23 when a Quiz and Supper evening will take place.

Tickets are £ 8 with supper included, a cash bar will be available.

For further information and if you would like to donate a prize to the raffle that will be held, call Sarah on 01300 345147.

Proceeds will be divided between Riding for the Disabled and the Village Church.

WAYFARERS are holding their next discussion on Tuesday, January 29.

“Do we support the death of the High Street?” will be up for debate and everyone is welcome to join in!

Wayfarers will get together in The Parish Room for this evening which lasts from 8 pm – 9:30 pm.

LYDDEN Walkers are inviting new members to join them!

Their walks are a lot of fun and sometimes unpredictable but nonetheless always end up at a pub for a well-earned rest for heart refreshments!

Why not give it a go and benefit your health at the same time?

Contact Bridget Hodges on 01300 345493 for more information.

PIDDLETRENTHIDE “FIDDLER on the Roof” is the title of The Piddle Valley Players’ next performance.

It takes place from Thursday, February 21 to Saturday, February 23 on a nightly basis.

Performances take place in the Village Hall and commence at 7 pm with a Saturday Matinee at 2 pm.

Tickets cost £ 8 for adults and £ 7 for under 16’s and are available from The Old Chapel Stores in Buckland Newton, Piddletrenthide Post Office or Karen Handley on 01300 341158.

The price includes refreshments so don’t delay – secure your ticket today!

GODMANSTONE VILLAGE Hall: Urgent renovation work has now been carried out with quotes being sought for better glazing and the instalment of larger curtain poles.

The Village Hall would like to thank everyone of the village and its surrounding for the continued support in maintaining the hall as well as making it more attractive for audiences and future users.

To follow the renovation work visit www.youtube.com/user/GodmanstoneVillage.

For further information on this lovely village visit www.godmanstone.wordpress.com.

WILL Best will hold a talk in the Village Hall on Friday, January 25 at 7 pm for a 7:30 pm start.

Everyone is very welcome to attend this fascinating account of a long standing member of the community.

Tickets are £ 2 for adults, a bar will be available on the evening.