CERNE ABBAS OLYMPIC torch: Cerne Abbas First Schools and members of the community will be forming a human Olympic torch on the Cerne Giant.

This endeavour, which will be accompanied by considerable media coverage, takes place on Monday, May 28 at approximately 11am.

Children and adults should ideally be dressed in “fire colours” – red, orange and yellow.

Please come to the Giant if you possibly can and join in – the more participants the more effective it will be – a real, one-off event!

The Dorset Echo will be sending their helicopter so don’t miss out on this huge spectacle!

HISTORICAL Society: The forthcoming meeting will be on Thursday, May 31 at 7:30pm.

Henry Merritt, a retired lecturer in English Literature, will talk about the importance of place in T.S. Eliot’s writing of the second part of his Four Quartets poems, “East Coker”.

This talk, which takes place in the Village Hall, will also incorporate a recording of T.S. Eliot reading “East Coker”.

Non-members are as always welcome against payment of a small fee at the door.

JUBILEE Celebrations: A special Holy Communion Service will take place on Sunday, June 3 at 11am in St. Mary’s Church.

The Venerable Paul Tayler, Archdeacon of Sherborne, will preach, followed by a Loyal Address to Her Majesty as well as the National Anthem.

By kind invitation of Mr and Mrs Fulford-Dobson, the congregation is thereafter invited to the garden at Cerne Abbey.

A STREET party, once again in honour of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee, will take place in Long Street on Monday, June 4 from noon onwards.

Long Street will thus be closed all day between Piddle Lane and Duck Street, all businesses will nonetheless be open as usual.

Come and join in the fun, tables and chairs will be provided, there will be a tombola, plenty of refreshments and hopefully live music as well!

If possible wear something from the 1950’s or the Commonwealth colours of red, white and blue.

DORSET ART WEEKS: Barbara Fulford-Dobson’s studio will be open from Saturday, May 26 – Sunday, June 10 from 2pm – 5pm with the exception of Mondays and Fridays.

All are welcome to visit and please note that the studio will be open Bank Holiday Monday, June 4.

Cricket: Do you have a child who is playing cricket and looking to join a club or perhaps just interested in trying it out?

The Cerne Valley Cricket Club has recently started under 9’s Cricket.

It takes place between 11am – noon at Simsay Fields.

Beginners are particularly welcome and will learn the basics of batting, bowling, fielding etc.

Please contact the Club Chairman on 01300 341603 for further information.

BUCKLAND NEWTON A DIAMOND Jubilee fun week-end is to be held at The Gaggle of Geese.

This will commence with the fabulous “Big Shorts” playing in the evening of Saturday, June 2.

Sunday, June 3 will feature a Big Screen to watch all the proceedings around Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee in as much detail as possible, particularly the River Thames Pageant!

The Gaggle of Geese will lay on a no doubt fabulous BBQ and games will be on offer so come down for a fun day out and bring your friends!

Tickets must be purchased, however.

The cost is £ 12 for a food ticket per person, including a celebratory drink, and £ 5 for under 12’s.

Anyone not wishing to eat is welcome to attend but will need a non-food ticket in advance nonetheless.

Monday, June 4 will be honoured with a screening of the Jubilee Concert, starting at 7:30pm.

HILFIELD BENEFICE Walk: This is a walk from Cerne Abbas to Hilfield Friary which has been taken place for a few years now.

Please come along to St. Mary’s Church on Saturday, June 3 at 2pm and enjoy a lovely walk admiring Dorset’s beautiful countryside!

The walk covers about three and a half miles, children and dogs are very welcome.

There will be plenty of stops for refreshments and reflection, tea will be served on arrival at the Friary.

Evensong in the Chapel will round the day off.

It is also possible to just attend afternoon tea and Evensong – in that case please arrive at the Friary at about 4pm.

It would be great if any drivers could give a lift back for those not wanting to walk back!