CERNE ABBAS DPAG and The Hub will be at the centre of a talk led by Margaret Barker on Wednesday, November 30.

Her talk takes place in St. Mary’s Church, starting at 7:30pm.

Margaret Barker has been fundamental in founding this local charity.

DPAG stands for Dorchester Action Group whilst The Hub gives lunch as well as health and financial advice to the homeless.

Do come and learn about the underprivileged in our seemingly affluent society and how you can possibly help.

DEAD greenfinches have been found in the village recently.

According to the RSPB trichonomosis, a disease caused by a microscopically small parasite, may be the cause.

Other birds are also susceptible to it, for example other finches, house sparrows, pigeons, doves and some birds of prey.

It must be stressed that this disease does not pose a threat to humans, cats or dogs.

Please report any cases to help prevent the spread of this disease.

You can do this by calling 01767 693690 during office hours or e-mail wildlife@rspb.org.uk.

Further information can be found by visiting www.rspb.org.uk.

ARTSREACH: The next event is on Friday, December 2 at 7:30pm.

The Melstock Band will present a programme called “Hardy Perennials”.

Celebrating 25 years of existence, the show will consist of their most popular pieces, musical as well as spoken.

Nearly all of it stems from Dorset tradition, songs are interspersed with the telling of tales, all in period costume.

Tickets are £ 8 and £ 6 for under 18’s with a family ticket costing £ 25.

They are available from Cerne Abbas Stores or by calling 01300 431332.

Refreshments will be available at this event.

A COFFEE morning, organised by the Royal British Legion, will take place at Abbots in Long Street on Saturday, December 3.

Come along from 10:30am onwards, there will be a raffle and stalls selling cakes, scones, homemade jam and many more delights.

CERNE VALLEY A NEIGHBOURHOOD Planning Community Engagement Event will be held in Cerne Abbas on Monday, November 28.

This is in form of an open discussion regarding the future development of the Cerne Valley.

A final presentation will take place on Wednesday, November 30.

Run by the Parish Council working with The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment, feedback received at this meeting will be decisive in shaping the future of the area so please attend if you are free.

Further information is available from www.cernevalley.org.

GODMANSTONE BIG Africa Cycle update: It has been more than two years since villager Peter Gostelow left and after more than 17,000 miles cycling he has now reached Mozambique.

Mozambique represents his 24th country, he is planning to complete his tour in Cape Town, returning to the UK in May 2012 – although he won’t be cycling back!

One of his many supportive projects on the way is the distribution of mosquito nets in December in Malawi – vital to combat malaria which kills a large number of people.

To find out more about his travels and to support him visit www.thebigafricacycle.com.

Looking ahead, Peter Gostelow will be available for talks between May and September 2012.

If you are interested in listening to one of them or booking him e-mail petegost@hotmail.com.

BUCKLAND NEWTON ARTSREACH: Fairgame Theatre presents “The Arabian Nights” on Thursday, December 1.

This magical show featuring flying carpets, mystery lamps and exotic countries will take place in the Village Hall, starting at 7pm.

Bring your family and friends, tickets are £ 7.50 for adults, £ 6 for under 18’s and £ 24 for a family ticket.

They are available from The Old Chapel Stores or by calling 01300 345543.

BUTTERFLY Conservation: A Conservation Action Day takes place at Lankham Bottom Reserve on Wednesday, November 30.

Come along and work jointly with the BTCV mid-week group, starting at 10am.

Alners Gorse will be tackled on Sunday, December 4, again as a Conservation Action Day.

Continuing woodland and scrub management work the day starts again at 10am.

Both events finish at around 4pm, do feel free to join any time during the day, however.

For more information and details of location call Nigel Spring on 01963 23559 or 07981 776767.