Around the Village

There’s plenty to do around the village, from clubs and groups, regular and one-off events to Keep Fit and Pilates classes and scheduled walks. Whatever your interest, you are almost certain to find activities or groups to suit. We have a fine Village Hall, a well-stocked village shop (The Old Chapel Stores), The Gaggle of Geese pub, Primary School, Pre-school and Toddler group and an historic parish church. Use the buttons below to find out about other activities and facilities in and around the village:

General Information

Buckland Newton’s Holy Rood Church at risk?

Major problems have been identified in the structure of the church roof. Please see the item on the Holy Rood Church page.

Environment Agency Advice in case of Flooding

The Environment Agency have issued updated advice on What to do in case of flooding.

Switch off of analogue telephone lines

People may have seen a small amount of information about the intention by Openreach to change all landlines to digital by 2025. There is little national publicity about this changeover, but it will have quite a big effect for some people. Please click for more information about this changeover from Councillor Jill Haynes.

Other Local Websites and Publications

Buckland Newton Community Facebook Page

• share & promote positive news relating to our village & its

surroundings.

• support our thriving local groups, societies, committees &

businesses.

• buy, sell, swap pre-loved possessions.

• enable the village community to advertise their skills, to promote

their events, ask for trader recommendations or get advice on a local issue.

Anyone can join the community page, and once you do you can post your

event or views. A team of moderators oversees the site and makes sure

that all those posting respect the rules of the community page. At present

your moderators are Amanda McKenna, Keith Darbyshire and Simon

Colquhoun.

Buckland Newton Parish Council Website

Lydden Vale News

The local printed Newsletter, the Lydden Vale News, is delivered free to

every household in the village. Editorial: lyddenvalley@gmail.com

Advertising: lyddenvaleadverts@gmail.com

The on-line version of the Lydden Vale News (December 2025) is now in ‘Flip Book’ format, showing two pages side-by-side. To move through the on-line magazine either swipe from left to right to turn the page, or use the left and right arrow keys (  and  or Page Up/Page Down ) if you have a keyboard. The downloadable version, if you wish to print the magazine, is still available - Click Lydden Vale News (pdf file) There is also a rolling 12-month Lydden Vale News Archive, so that you can refer back to earlier issues.

Food and Drink

Old Chapel Stores

Sue, Pete and their family welcome you to their village shop. Opening

Hours: Monday to Saturday 7.00 am to 6.00 pm, Sunday 8.00 am to 12.00

noon. Meats from Butchers Roger Else (Stalbridge). Plus all sorts of

tempting bakery goodies from Evershot Bakery as well. Plus: Hardware

Department upstairs. Pop along for more information on what is available

and support your local shop.

Holiday Opening Times: Christmas Eve 7 am – 6 pm Christmas Day Closed Boxing Day 8 am – 12 pm Then normal hours New Years Eve 7 am – 6 pm New Years Day 8 am – 12 pm then back to normal hours Evershot Bakery will deliver Christmas Eve then no bread until the following Monday. Wishing all our customers Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and Thank you for your support throughout the year. Sue and Pete Nickisson

Gaggle of Geese

Simon and Sarah at the Gaggle of Geese (Winner - Best Pub Garden 2023) welcome bookings from those looking for a venue for special occasions - such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, children’s parties, fundraisers etc. Just get in touch for a chat about how we can help you celebrate at the Gaggle. How to contact The Gaggle: Aside from popping in to the pub, you can also reach us or leave a message on 01300 345249 or e-mail on hartandhops@gmail.com Latest news and details of events can be found on our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/gaggleofgeesepub/ - website at https://gaggleofgeese.co.uk/ . Autumn/Winter Opening Hours: we are open Wednesday to Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Sunday Roasts - you may have heard that our Gaggle Sunday Roasts are very popular. Just a reminder that if you would like to eat at the Gaggle on a Sunday then always best to book in advance. You can do so in person, by calling, emailing or via social media. Don't miss out! Tikka Curry Van generally visits Buckland Newton on alternate Wednesdays.

Ultrafast Fibre Internet in Buckland Newton

Wessex Internet has brought full fibre broadband direct to homes and

businesses in Buckland Newton and surrounding areas.

Wessex Internet has been at the forefront of bringing broadband to rural

communities in Dorset and neighbouring counties, and it has now reached

a stage where over 200 homes and businesses in the Lydden Vale will be

able to receive the service. All these properties will benefit from full fibre

connections, which is also known as Fibre to the Premise (FTTP). This

means a fibre optic cable goes all the way to a home or business directly

from the provider’s network, rather than stopping at a cabinet down the

road, which is known as Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC). Full fibre delivers far

superior speeds and reliability compared to copper or partial fibre

networks.

To register your interest please visit www.wessexinternet.com or call 0333

240 7997.

Outreach Post Office The outreach Post Office is open in the Village Hall on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 9.00 am to 12.00 noon.

Prescriptions

Prescriptions are delivered from Cerne Abbas Surgery to Old Chapel

Stores, usually after 3.30 pm, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Defibrillator

The village has its own defibrillator, housed in an unlocked cupboard on an

outside wall of the Village Hall by the kitchen door, under the veranda. In

an emergency, ring 999, then click here for list of runners who will bring the

defibrillator to you.

Recycling and Refuse Collection and Calendar

You can find details of your rubbish and recycling calendar at

https://mapping.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/mylocal/

Travel & Traffic / Road Closures

See Dorset Travel & Traffic page for road closures etc.

Weather Forecast

The nearest Met Office Weather Forecast location is Minterne Gardens.

Click for a 7-day weather forecast.

Flood Warden

Some homes in Dorset are at risk of flooding. Please see the Parish

Council website for information and advice. The village Flood Warden

(01300 345707) or e-mail floodwarden@sky.com In case of flooding, the

village now has a supply of sandbags. If you are unlucky enough to require

use of these at some time in the future please contact the Flood Warden to

find out how to obtain sandbags.

Regular Events

Buckland Newton Pre-School. This operates 8.45 am to 3.15 pm, Monday to Friday in term time. Breakfast Club available from 8.00 am. All at Buckland Newton School during term time. It caters for children aged from 2 years, if space available. For further information, contact the school office on 01300 345393 during school hours or e-mail the School Office. Lunch Club. A 2-course meal with tea/coffee on the second Friday of each month, at Buckland Newton Village Hall or a Pub. Over 90 or 80? Maybe in your seventies? Living alone and no longer driving, except to potter around the village? You have a disability or long-term health problem, and would love to get out to meet old friends or make new ones? If so, we would be delighted to see you. Village Cafe. 10.30 am to 12.00 noon, every last Friday in the month (except August and December) in Buckland Newton Village Hall. A great opportunity to meet people in the village if you are new to the area or just meet your friends for an hour to catch up with them. £1.50 buys you cake and coffee/tea.

Gaggle Events

See ‘Dates for you Diary’ below Christmas Opening Times: Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd December – closed Wednesday 24th – Christmas Eve – open all day from 11.30am for drinks, food and an evening of carol singing & festive cheer! Book if you would like to eat. Christmas Day – open for drinks from midday until 2pm. Christmas jumpers optional! Boxing Day – closed To give us and our team a break, the pub will be closed from Friday 26th December. Re-opening from 2pm on Thursday 22nd January.

Dates for your Diary

Below is a list of events taking place over the next few weeks. You can also check the Buckland Newton Community Facebook page for last- minute news of events. If you want your local event publicised here, please e-mail Webmaster ; also please e-mail if you have to cancel your event so that the events diary can be kept up to date. Thursday 27th November, 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, Gaggle of Geese. ‘Knit & Natter’. We are always pleased to welcome everyone - with whatever craft you like to do, or just come along for the nattering!!! One of our very skilled members spun the wool, dyed the wool and knitted these lovely socks just in time to keep her feet very snuggly in the cold winter weather. Lyn Cox 01300 345739 Jane Willis 01300 345477 Friday 28th November, 10.30 am to 12.00 noon, Buckland Newton Village Hall. Village Cafe. Tea/coffee and cake £1.50. Come along and catch up with friends and neighbours before the Christmas frenzy kicks in!! Lyn Cox 345739 Liza Hill 345230. Saturday 29th November, 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm, Gaggle of Geese. Gaggle Christmas Fayre. Pop along to the Gaggle for our annual festive craft fayre supporting local crafters and makers. Shop, have a mulled wine and perhaps a bite to eat! Free entry. Only a few spots for stalls left; get in touch with Sarah (01300 345249) if you would like one. Sunday 30th November, 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. Winter Walk. Join us for a local walk from the village to Whatcombe plain (above Plush) and back. An outdoor social and a chance to enjoy some far-reaching views over the Blackmoor vale and the downlands of the central Dorset chalk. Roughly 4 miles of walking, including some muddy and steep paths. Comfortable outdoor footwear and clothes recommended. Meet outside the Gaggle of geese pub at 10.00 am. Return approximately 1.00 pm. Contact: Wren Franklin 07776100613 Sunday 30th November. No Service at Holy Rood Church but 11.15 am Holy Communion at St Mary’s Cerne Abbas. Wednesday 3rd December, 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm, Gaggle of Geese. Open Mic Night. Pop down from 8pm to 10pm to enjoy local musicians. Or be brave and join in with a song or two. Friday 5th December, 12.30 pm, Buckland Newton Village Hall. Second Friday Lunch Club. This month we will meet for our last get together in 2025 on Friday 5th December, 12:30 p.m. for a 12:45 p.m. start. We are back in Buckland Newton Village Hall for a traditional Christmas dinner brought to us by caterer Helen Furness. So, no cooking for our helpers but unfortunately there is no escape from the washing up. Every year we have a Secret Santa moment when we each bring a wrapped present to go into a sack, and everyone has a chance to pick something memorable. It has been suggested that members might like to spend between £5 - £10 on a gift. Please indicate on the outside of your present whether it is for a male or female. Lastly: If you would like to join us and have not already done so, please contact Bridget Hodges (01300 345493). Friday 5th December, 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm, Buckland Newton School Hall. FBNS Christmas Fair. Saturday 6th December, 10.00 am to 12.00 noon, Holy Rood Church Buckland Newton. Christmas Fair. Doors open at 10am till 12noon for Bacon Butties, tea, coffee and mince pies, just the right start to browsing the wide assortment of stalls. Everything you could need to get organised from a Wreath for the front door to cakes and mince pies for the larder, not forgetting lovely preserves to go with anything from toast to turkey! The Christmas trees will be ready for children to come and decorate. David Morris and friends will be playing a selection of festive tunes. Karen is bringing her beautiful scented candles and promises some other surprises too they are always lovely and unusual pieces, hard to give away as presents so you may need to buy more than one! Of course there will be cards as well, with a Bring & Buy plus the normal Raffle for which we have some lovely prizes. Come and join us for a relaxed, sociable morning, you'll be entertained, watered and fed in true festive style, Christmas shopping will be a pleasure! Sunday 7th December. Service at Holy Rood Church. 9.45 am Matins. All welcome, refreshments will be served afterwards. Sunday 7th December, 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm, Gaggle of Geese. Community Carols. Tuesday 9th December, 11.00 am, Holy Rood Church Buckland Newton. Funeral of David Eavis (1943 - 2025). Thursday 11th December, 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm, Gaggle of Geese. ‘Knit & Natter’. We have just one session in December, starting later due to the pub hosting the school Christmas lunch. Everyone welcome. All crafts and skills levels. We continue to get new members which is great - we must be doing something right ! Lyn Cox 01300 345739 Jane Willis 01300 345477 Saturday 13th December, 10.30 am, Holwell Village Hall. Christmas Coffee Morning. Sunday 14th December. Service at Holy Rood Church. 9.45 am Holy Communion. All welcome, refreshments will be served afterwards. Sunday 14th December, 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm, Gaggle of Geese. Community Carols. Wednesday 17th December, 8.30 pm start, Gaggle of Geese. Pub Quiz. Teams of up to 6. £2.00 each or free if you dine at the pub first. Contact us to book in your team - 01300 345249. Sunday 21st December. Service at Holy Rood Church. 4.00 am All Family Service. All welcome. Sunday 21st December, 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm, Gaggle of Geese. Community Carols. Wednesday 24th December, 4.30 pm, Holy Rood Church. Carol Service. Everyone welcome to join this festive service of carols and readings. Children are invited to come dressed up as a shepherd, and angel or a king. During the service they will have the option to process around the church and then form a human tableau of the Nativity. Young volunteers are needed on Christmas Eve. A.S.A.P. Please. The Carol Service held each year at 4.30 on Christmas Eve at Holy Rood Church, Buckland Newton is a very special occasion…it is lovely to see the Church so full and decorated for Christmas. But what makes it feel so special and sacred is the part played by the young in this Service. The Christmas readings from the Bible are read by children and young people, and the Christmas story is also re- enacted by children dressed in costume who gradually throughout the Service come together to create a human tableau of the Nativity. Each year we look for readers, anyone under 25 who can read. If your child would like this challenge, please get in touch soon. Children can come on the day dressed up as either, angels, shepherds, Kings (Queens welcome too) or a sheep… no rehearsal needed; but if they would like a more prominent role as Mary, Joseph or the Innkeeper, or as a solo singer, again get in touch because they, along with any readers will need to come to a rehearsal in the Church on Tuesday 23rd December at 4 pm. Contact Helen Simpson 01300 345401 or 07748280402. Wednesday 24th December, 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm, Gaggle of Geese. Community Carols. Sunday 25th December. Christmas Day Service at Holy Rood Church. 9.45 am Holy Communion. All welcome, refreshments will be served afterwards. Sunday 28th December. No Service at Holy Rood Church but 11.00 am Benefice Communion at Godmanstone. Friday 30th January 2026, 10.30 am to 12.00 noon, Buckland Newton Village Hall. Village Cafe. There is no Cafe in December - I am sure everyone will be “otherwise occupied”. Happy Christmas to all. Lyn Cox 345739 Liza Hill 345230

Buckland Newton Community Website

in the heart of rural Dorset