BUCKLAND NEWTON BREAKTHROUGH Breast Cancer was the worthy cause that prompted a group of friends and walkers from the village and surroundings to step out for the annual Crocus Walk.

Emma Hare from Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s fundraising team in London officially opened the event.

This is not a sponsored walk but donations are being given which resulted in an amount of £ 1,435 being raised this year – a huge improvement from the £ 258 that was raised when the Crocus Walk first started in 2006!

The Halsey Arms plays its role as well by providing a tasty carvery lunch, the cost of which also includes a donation to the charity.

Allyson Halsey wishes to thank everyone in the village and beyond for their help – it is a privilege to live in such a caring and compassionate community!

SYDLING ST. NICHOLAS A QUIZ Night is being held on Friday, April 20 at 7:30pm in the Village Hall.

Teams of four to six people will “compete” in this fun event and the entry is £ 3 per person.

Don’t worry, however, if you can’t make up a team – come along anyway, we will join you up!

Several prizes are up for grabs, partly gained by the coffee morning mentioned below and a bar will be available.

DIAMOND Jubilee: Nearly £ 500 was raised during the coffee morning held on Saturday, March 17.

The support for this event was massive, many thanks to all!

More events to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee are coming up, watch this column!

COUNTRY Dancing: a reminder that Scottish Country Dancing is alive and well in the village…why not give it a try?

The next dancing session will be held at the Village Hall on Monday, April 16 and Monday, April 30 – no experience required.

For more information call 01300 341996.

FITNESS with Fun is starting up in the Village Hall soon!

Sally Cunningham will make sure that you will experience “what it says on the tin”..having fun burning calories accompanied by popular music.

Sally’s classes will run every Monday from 2 – 3pm, starting Monday, April 16 and every Thursday, starting Thursday, April 19.

The cost of each session is £ 4, please wear trainers and comfortable clothing.

Please contact her on 01300 341092 for more details.

CERNE ABBAS A DATE for your diary: The Cerne Abbas Music Festival takes place from Thursday, June 7 to Sunday, June 10 this year.

Since this represents the end of the week in which her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee will be celebrated, The Gaudier Ensemble will delight its audience with an exciting series of chamber music concerts in St. Mary’s Church.

More information will appear in this column nearer the time, to find out more visit www.cerneabbasmusicfestival.co.uk.

The Box Office (01300 341518) will open on Monday, April 23.

HISTORICAL Society: The forthcoming talk will take place at the Village Hall on Thursday, April 16 and start at 7:30pm.

It is entitled “Frampton: 4000 years of History” and will be given by Doreen Smith.

Doreen has lived in Frampton for many years and managed to compile a wealth of information about the village and its environs.

Her lecture will focus particularly on Roman history but lead from the Bronze Age up to World War II.

Non-members are as always welcome, a small fee at the door is requested.

FIRST School: Another date for your diary: The May Fair is one of the biggest fundraisers for Cerne Abbas First School.

It will be held on Saturday, May 19 this year and carry an Olympic theme.

Please keep the afternoon free and visit the school playing fields!

GODMANSTONE BEES will be the subject of a talk by Penny Gostelow on Friday, April 21.

Penny will tell you everything you wanted to know about them during what should prove an interesting yet entertaining evening!

Everyone is warmly invited, especially residents from the villages surrounding Godmanstone.

Refreshments will be available, the talk commences at 7:30pm.

COFFEE mornings: these are proving very popular, again – you don’t have to live in the village to be a part!

The next one is being held on Tuesday, April 24 from 10:30am – noon.

Do come along and enjoy a lovely cuppa in great company plus a home-made slice of cake!