CERNE ABBAS BARTON Farm Water Meadows and Mediaeval Settlement: Are you aware of these two historical artefacts?

Barton Farm Water Meadows were developed to produce a much needed early bite of grass for livestock and date back to the 1600s.

They boast a sophisticated irrigation system which has sadly been badly neglected over many, many years.

Furthermore, the adjacent mediaeval settlement is hugely overgrown and could also benefit from a lot of love and care.

A committee has therefore been formed to organise restoration of both of the above – in an ecologically sound way.

Are you interested in assisting this project in any way?

Can you offer your expertise or “just” your time?

If so, please contact committee member John Staley on 01300 341959.

ONLINE shopping – will you be purchasing your Christmas gifts in this way?

If so, you could be raising money for St. Mary’s Church at the same time!

Simply visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk and register as a supporter of St. Mary’s Church or visit www.beneficenews.co.uk.

The website is free and supported by over 2000 major retailers.

HORTICULTURAL Society: The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 13 at 7:30pm.

Sally Pinhey will be the speaker, promising an interesting evening as she talks about her career as a botanical artist, illustrator and tutor.

Her talk will focus on her approach to botanical art and the places it has allowed her to visit.

As usual, non-members are welcome to attend against a small fee of £ 2 at the door.

If you are thinking of becoming a member, please note that this will be the last meeting for the year, with the AGM taking place on Tuesday, January 15.

GIANT Social: The next Giant Social takes place on Friday, November 9 at 3pm.

As always organised by the Cerne Abbas Surgery nursing team and spearheaded by Jill, all patients are welcome to attend.

Rob Curtis of the Dorset Association of Blue Badge Tourist Guides will talk about Dorset Pubs – a talk which promises to be informative and entertaining at the same time!

Do come along, enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake for just £ 1 and bring a friend along as well!

Repeat prescription can be issued at the Giant Social so long as the surgery is given two days notice.

CERNE VALLEY COMMUNITY Landscape Project: This project which has been generously funded by the Patsy Wood Trust intends to carry out conservation work on the downland sites in the Cerne Valley.

It takes place on Thursdays during November between the hours of 10am – 4pm and volunteers are needed now!

Tools and refreshments cooked on an open fire are provided, all that’s required is your enthusiasm!

Please contact Nigel Spring for more information on 07981 776767 or e-mail him on nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk.

PIDDLE VALLEY A CLARINET player is needed for the February 2013 production of “Fiddler on the Roof” by The Piddle Valley Players.

Rehearsals take place at Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall.

If you can help please don’t delay and contact Rachel Olley as soon as possible – a warm welcome awaits you!

BUCKLAND NEWTON YOUTH Club: This newly established club is open to Year 6 children and above.

It is run by volunteers, assisted by parents but aiming to employ a paid youth leader.

There are lots of activities to look forward to: A “Popcorn, Pizza and Picture Night” on Tuesday, November 6, a presentation by the Dorset Air Ambulance and of course the Christmas Disco!

If your child is interested in joining please contact Lysander Parsons on 01300 345549.

The Youth Club meets every Tuesday between 6:30pm – 8pm and costs £ 2 with a tuck shop being available.

MARK and Emily Hammick have bid a sad farewell to The Gaggle of Geese.

Many thanks to all those who have supported them over the years and all those who have supported numerous charities via the pub’s activities!

I am sure you will join me in wishing them the very best with their future endeavours as well as welcoming new owners Paul and Ginny Lambert.

ARTSREACH presents another performance at Buckland Newton Village Hall on Saturday, November 10.

“Dalla”, internationally acclaimed for their Cornish traditional music will delight the audience with the sheer variety of their performance.

Songs will be presented in Cornish and English, accompanied by dancing in scoots (Cornish clogs).

Don’t miss this fun evening which starts at 7:30pm.

Tickets are “£ 8 for adults and £ 6 for under 18’s and available from Fran and John on 01300 345543 or The Old Chapel Stores.

For more information visit www.dalla.co.uk.