12th March - Give up on National Quit Smoking Day!

Cerne Abbas Surgery is challenging you to use this day to give up smoking and change your life forever!

The good news is that only about 21 % of the population smoke, it is, however, a major health risk as we all know.

It’s never too late to start – after eight hours without smoking nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in your blood are reduced by half!

Just 20 minutes after your last cigarette, your blood pressure and pulse go back to normal and your circulation improves.

After three to nine months your lung capacity will notably improve and after five years you will have halved your chances of getting a heart attack!

There are a number of effective exercises such as visualisation available to help you considerably in your effort.

For more information call the surgery on 01300 341666 or call Dorset Smoke Stop on 01305 361255.

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

These sessions may also be attended by a representative from POPPs (Age Concern) and Magna Housing, commitments allowing.

Would you like to see her for a chat, discussing local issues or problems perhaps?

Then note the following dates in your diary, Sarah will be present between 10:30am – 11:30am: Tuesday, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19 and July 17.

Dates for the remainder of the year will be printed nearer the time.

If you are unable to make it to Abbots on those dates, Sarah can also be contacted on 01305 226815 or e-mail sarah.pilcher@dorset.pnn.police.uk.

OLYMPIC Torch: Did you know that Cerne Abbas First School has been given permission by the National Trust to put an Olympic Torch on the Cerne Giant?

This project, a celebration of this year’s Olympics, will take place on Monday, May 28.

Back in early February the DASP Olympic Torch was delivered to the school from Piddle Valley and two children ran with it to St. Mary’s, Charminster the next day!

More details will be published here nearer the time and can be found in the meantime by visiting www.dasp.org.uk/dasptorchcerne.htm.

CHARLTON DOWN “EXERCISES to benefit the Digestive System” is the title of an exciting new exercise routine which is taking place at Herrison Hall every Thursday.

The sessions are led by Patrick Harries, who has been teaching Tai Chi and Chi Kung since 1994.

This new routine of traditional Chinese Chi Kung benefits the whole body but in especially the digestion, starting right from the production of saliva.

The session run from 9:30am – 10:30am and are held for a period of 16 weeks which is then followed by eight weeks of “Exercises to Preserve General Health”.

Everyone is welcome to join in this new routine and the subsequent one any time.

To find out more contact Patrick on 01963 362863 or 07971 884071 or via his website www.corehealth.co.uk.

Please note that Patrick is also starting new sessions at other locations in the south of Dorset.

BUCKLAND NEWTON DOMINEY’S Yard is starting its 2012 season by opening the gardens for the National Gardens Scheme on Sunday, April 1 from 2pm – 6pm.

Last year was the garden’s 25th Anniversary and an astonishing £ 3,800 was raised in aid of the National Gardens Scheme charities.

Come and see the beauty the gardens have to offer at this lovely time of the year.

Visitors can picnic in the arboretum from noon.

Home made teas will of course be available throughout the afternoon and plants from Pickett Nursery will be for sale.

The entry fee for adults is £ 4, children go free.

If you haven’t seen Dominey’s Yard before, you can view the gardens by visiting www.domineys.com.

A BRIEF reminder that the annual Crocus Walk in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer takes place on Saturday, March 17.

Everyone meets at the Halsey Arms, Pulham at 10am for an approximately four mile long walk.

Please wear appropriate footwear and something pink if you fancy!

For more details call Alison Chant on 01300 345592.

SYDLING ST. NICHOLAS CELEBRATIONS for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will commence in the village on Saturday, March 17 with a Coffee Morning and Bring and Buy Sale.

This takes place in the Village Hall from 10:30am – noon.

The celebrations will continue on Friday, April 20 with a quiz night and on Saturday, May 5 with a craft morning in the Village Hall.

This is by far not all - more details will be printed here nearer the time.

A BINGO Night will be held on Saturday, March 17 in the Village Hall.

This starts at 7:30pm and is in aid of the Sydling Over-Sixties Christmas Dinner.

Come and join in the fun!