Defib Runnersin order of proximity to the Defib at Buckland Newton Village HallLisa Peart 01300 345578 Keith Darbyshire 01300 345196 Gill Nell 01300 345825 Sandie Stout 01300 345135 David Morris 01300 345402 Geri Aitkenhead 07864 195619
The Lydden Vale News is delivered to over four hundred households and has an excellent online presence via The Buckland Newton Community website www.bucklandnewton.comTo promote your business in this space, please see the details on page 3
NOW OPEN EVERY DAYBreakfast Club available from 8am for children aged from 2 years.Government Early Years Funding accepted, non-funded hours charged at£4.50 per hour—3 & 4 year olds £5.00 per hour—2 year oldsFor more information please contact the school office on:01300 345393office@bucklandnewton.dorset.sch.uk
3
Lydden Vale News TeamEditorAmanda McKennalyddenvalley@gmail.com Treasurer Vincent McKennaAdvertising Manager Alan SimmonsAll Enquiries andAdverts to: lyddenvaleadverts@gmail.comReports/Articles/Interviews lyddenvalley@gmail.com
Distribution Dave White 07391 708851 Distributors Pauline Adams Bridget Baker John Baker Nicki Barker Gary Cairns Damian Brothers Jane Collins Jeremy Collins Jenny Jesty Elodie Franklin David Morris John Marjoram Jenny Donnelly Janet Sealy Helen Simpson Jane West Susan MoringSpare copies available from The Old Chapel Stores
The Bit at the Beginning ….As we welcome another New Year does anyone else wish that this year goes a little bit slower. 2025 whizzed by without taking a breath.I’m sure we all have big plans for 2026 – I know I certainly have lots of projects to get on with – just need to come out of hibernation!One of the challenges to be faced this year is the fact that Microsoft Publisher(which to be fair is a bit old school) will be no more. This is a problem for the Lydden Vale News as this is the software we’ve used for some time now. There are alternatives like Word, but it will mean alot of adjusting andre-sizing. I don’t claim to be an expert by any stretch of the imagination so any help, tips or advice on other software programmes that would be suitable would be gratefully received. We have until October. I know a lot of community newsletters are no longer produced and that there are people who still value receiving a hard copy of the LVN, (although it can also be found online at the Buckland Newton Community website). Is this the time to stop and rely on social media for our local information? Unfortunately, this would exclude some of the population. Also, do we consider the environment and all the paper it takes to produce over 400 copies? The cost of producing itis always a consideration as prices for printing have risen and we are solely dependent on advertising revenue, of course. Email lyddenvalley@gmail.com with any thoughts, comments or suggestions.Thank you.Amanda ************************************************************************************
The Buckland Newton Community Websitewww.bucklandnewton.comYour local website for up-to-date news, events, clubs, groups, directories for businesses and services - and information about the village and its surroundings(and the online version of the LVN!)------------------------------Theopinionsimpliedorexpressedinthis newsletterarenotnecessarilythoseofthe newsteamnorthepublisher. Althoughevery effortismadetoensureaccuracyneitherthe newsteamnorthepublisheracceptliability forerrorsoromissions.Neitherthenews teamnorthepublisheracceptsresponsibility foranyoftheservicesoreventsadvertised herein.Noresponsibilitycanbeacceptedfor unsolicitedmanuscriptsorimagery.The editorreservestherighttomodify contributions. Printed by Sarum Graphics
Adverts to be sent in Word or jpeg formats please. (PDF is not compatible!)
SIZE1 Month3 Months12 Months
12 Months Colour
⅛ Page*£18.50£34.00£76.00£95.00 ¼ Page*£34.00£67.50£115.00£145.00 ½ Page £67.50£131.00 £165.00£206.00Full Page£82.00£197.00 £331.00£415.00
Publication Deadline:The deadline for submissions ison the18th of every month Text, Photographs, Community Messages, Enquiries, etc. toAmanda at:
Email: lyddenvalley@gmail.com Meetings/interviews: arranged via email
*⅛ Page Landscape please. ¼ Page Portrait - unless full width of page, in which case Landscape. Thank You!The LVN is a great place to advertise covering a broad and diverse area, whether you have a colour or mono advert! Kindly mention the Lydden Vale News when responding to advertisements.This Month’s Front Cover Credit:Keith Wright (see page 26)
4
WHAT’S ON - JANUARY 2026
Monday, Tuesday and FridayPOST OFFICE9am-12 noon Buckland Newton Village Hall
Friday 9th January– 12.30 pm 2ND FRIDAY LUNCH CLUB (See page 12) 2026Happy New Year everyoneandour first get together is again in Buckland Newton Village Hall. Friday 9 January 12:30 p.m. for 12:45pm startThe menuis as follows:Chicken Pot Pie or Corned Beef Hash Apple Crumble or Lemon Surprise PuddingIf you would like to join usand have not already done so, please contact Bridget Hodges (01300 345493).
Thursday 8th and 22nd January-2- 4 pmWe will meet for 2 sessions in January.On Thursday 8th from 2-4pm -inBUCKLAND NEWTON VILLAGE HALL. There willbeacharge for this session of £2 per person tocover the cost of Village Hall rental and tea/coffee.On Thursday 22nd January from 2-4pm - we willbe back at The Gaggle of Geese. Come along and join us with whatever craft you like to do. All crafts and skills levels very welcome.Lyn Cox 01300 345739 Jane Willis 01300 345477
Tuesday 20th January 1830 – 2000BUCKLAND NEWTON YOUTH CLUBS ’PANTOMIME IN A DAY’ - BUCKLAND NEWTON VILLAGE HALL(see page 6 for details)************************************************************************************************************************************************
5
Friday 30th January 2026- 10.30 am BUCKLAND NEWTON VILLAGE CAFEThe cafe is always on the last Friday of the month.Let’s put the dates in our brand-new calendars!!The first cafe of 2026 in onFriday 30th Januaryfrom 10.30 to 12noon in Buckland Newton Village Hall.Everyone welcome.Come along and catch up with friends and neighbours after all the Christmas festivities. Lyn Cox 01300 345739 Liza Hill 01300345230
IMPORTANT - Defib and CPR practical Training MorningSaturday, 7th March 2026 10am to noon in Buckland Newton Village HallLedby Alan Hale, who runs an excellent practical session. Anyone can attend. £5 (Runners free) Contact Fizz Lewis froglewis@hotmail.com to book a place.**************************************************************************************************************************************************
Wednesday 21stJanuary – 7.15 for 7.30 pmLYDDEN VALE GARDENING CLUB – BUCKLAND NEWTON VILLAGE HALL (See page 6)
Wednesday 28th January 8.30 pmPUB QUIZ – THE GAGGLE OF GEESE(See page 7) *********************************************************************************************************************************************
6
Lydden Vale Gardening Club
TheClubdidnotmeetinDecember,and,unusually,thenextmeetingwillbeonthethird Wednesday of the Month, Wednesday 21st. The meeting will be in Buckland Newton Village Hall, 7.15 for 7.30 pm as usual and both members and guests will be most welcome.This meeting will operate as a “Gardeners Question Time” when all attending will have an opportunity to pose gardening questions to and hopefully obtain answers from the Panelof three local experts.In addition, there will be a short talk by Kevin Pope on the problems arising from the arrival of the Asian Hornet in the UK.
Member ofthe National Society of Master Thatchers.Prompt Service, helpful adviceTel. 07580 050453. Email alexfazer6@msn.com
Buckland Newton Village Hall
Superb light and airy venue for HireKitchen, Covered Patio, Stage, Bar Area, Disabled Facilities and Wi-Fi Weddings from £220 Children’s Parties, Local Events and regular hire from £12 an hourCall Ian Scott (Booking Secretary) for more information 01300 345455 or bnvillagehall@gmail.com - please use ‘Hall Booking’ in subject title
B N G AUTOSERVICESPhil Parsons –25 years’ experience Specialising in: Servicing, Repairs, MOTsWe can now MOT vans and all light commercials in our new class 4 and 7 test bayUNIT 8 PULHAM BUSINESS PARK PULHAMDORSETCollection and delivery serviceEmail – bngautoservices2001@gmail.com Tel. 01300 345228
January Break to give us andour team abreak, the pub will beclosed until 2pm on Thursday 22nd January.Knit &Natter-Thursday 22ndJanuary -the fortnightly crafting social group. Free to attend. Bring a project and perhaps some cake! 2.30 til 4.30pmPub Quiz-Wednesday28thJanuary–ourpopularGagglepubquiz.Funeveningofhead scratchers,crypticcluesandgeneralknowledge. Teamsofupto6.£2perpersonorfreeifyou dine before the quiz. Booking required.***********************************************************************************
8
Buckland Newton DefibrillatorThe Defib CommitteeFizz Lewis, Sandie Stout (01300 345135), Diana Wells and Jane Willis (01300 345477)Every year we publish information about the Defibrillator that we have here in Buckland Newton which is of particular benefit to those who have recently moved into thevillage.Where is it?The Defib is housed in an unlocked cupboardon the outside wall of BN Village Hall by the back door, off the kitchen. It is available for use in an emergency, after dialing 999 and asadvised by the paramedics. It is in full working order, daily checked and maintained by the committee.
Using the Runner SystemAnyone can fetch the Defib, but we have ‘runners’ in the village who can fetch the defibrillator for you if youwant.AlistofthemplusphonenumbersispublishedeverymonthintheinsidecoveroftheLVN. Do not call them for any other medical emergency, dial 999.Current list in order of proximity to hall Lisa Peart 01300 345578 Keith Derbyshire 01300 345196 Gill Nell 01300 345825 Sandie Stout01300 345135 David Morris 01300 345402 Geri Aitkenhead 07864 195619Who can use Defib?Anyone can use Defib,as it ‘speaks’ clear instructions about what to do. Keep 999 paramedics on the phone on speaker until ambulance arrives.Useful Tips in an EmergencySome or all of the following symptoms could indicate a need forCPR and Defibrillation No signs of life - unresponsivePale and clammy skin, blue lips Not breathing or unusual breathingGive some thought about how our defib scheme could work for you.Talk to a friend/neighbour in advance about fetching the defib in case you should need it. Attend a Training morning (see page 9)Try to stay calm.Turn on house lights, especially at night for ambulance to find you. Leave front door openPut phoneon speakerThe school also has a Defib for use during school opening hours. Cont . ..
9
NB. Careline UsersIf you are a Careline User, please ensure your provider is aware of the existence of the Defibin the village.
IMPORTANT - Defib and CPR practical Training MorningSaturday, 7th March 2026 10am to noonin Buckland Newton Village Hall,led by Alan Hale, who runs an excellent practical session. Anyone can attend. £5 (Runners free) Contact Fizz Lewis froglewis@hotmail.comto book a place. ***********************************************************************************************************************
Buckland Newton Community Car Scheme – How things have changedTheBN Community Car Scheme was set upin 2014 and was originally aimed at supporting individuals over 50 years old who lived in the parishof Buckland Newton, who may have been at risk of rural isolation. The aim was to support them get to medical appointments, assist with shopping,taking them to hairdressers etc. Volunteer drivers supported these individuals.The intention was never to take away business from the local bus service or in those days local taxi services.In 2018we covered 195 requests for lifts but in 2024-25 only 45. Most of the journeys back in 2018 were over to Cerne Abbas surgery for doctors’ appointments – how life has changedin so few years!Theschemehasevolvedovertheyearstosupporttheneedsofcommunity,especiallyafterCovidand nowwe find that many medical appointments are further afield with journeys in the last year to Taunton and Bouremouth hospitals as well as dentists onPortland.Clientsnowneedtoregisterwithus,andtheypayanannual£10subscriptiontobeabletousethe service. We ask for a donation of 50p per mile travelled, togo towards paying for the drivers’ costs, insurance etc. We ask for at least 48 hrs noticeof requests for journeys.Volunteer drivers give up their time freely to support the scheme, and they often support other activities in the village too. All are DBS checked and are issued with hospital parking permits and receive 45p per mile they have driven.Althoughwe lost our bus service a few years ago, there is still a taxi company based in Cerne Abbas who may be able to assist, although they generally do airport runs. Alternative transport options were investigated by the Parish Council, but they were not viable due to costs. A letter has recently been written to Edward Morrello, our local MP, who is apparently following up parishioner concerns about the lack of public transport.Many community car schemes only cover journeys to medical appointments and are struggling to find volunteer drivers. In our last financial year, the lifts were covered by 10 volunteer drivers, however we also had 5 drivers who had to stand down at various times of the year, due to various reasons. Although we don’t want to, we may in future have to prioritise the type of lifts we can cover.If you feel that you would like to know more about either using the car scheme as a client or as a volunteer driver, then please contact Sheila Crouch on 07733 849264 or email on bncarscheme@gmail.com.*********************************************************************************************************************
10
Hard Wood Logs for Sale Ash, Beech and Oak seasoned logsFree delivery within20 mile radius ofBuckland NewtonDumpy Bag £100 Contact01963 23733 ~ 01300 345338 ~ 07903 535745
PATRICK NEEDHAMNCH & ND in Arboriculture Tree Surgery, Woodland ManagementHedge Trimming Chipping ServiceN.P.T.C. Qualified (chainsaw & spraying use) Fully InsuredTEL: 07899 924545 or 01258 817382Bartletts CarpetsCarpet and vinyl fitting specialists supply and fit or fit only.Home selection service available. We offer a whipping service, make your off cuts into mats.Office - 01963 365724 Mob - 07968845623
PESTWRIGHTTraditional Mole Catcher Rats, Mice, Squirrels etcBPCA qualified and insured Call Jim on 07854 395112 www.pestwright.co.uk
11
Winter feels like a quieter time in nature. Lower temperatures and less daylight make a lot of wildlife less active, but many species are still easy to spot and will appreciate a helping hand in chilly conditions.Plant a hedge: Winter is tree planting season and ifyou have the space, creating a mixed hedge or shrubby border of native species can make an enormous difference for wildlife. Plants will offer vital shelter from the elements, dense, spiny branches are great nesting spots and abundant flowers and berries will feed all manner of bees, butterflies, birds andmore.Supply a smorgasbord for most of the year by selecting species carefully.Blackthornandhawthorn are great choices for early spring blossom. Good options to provide pollen, nectar and fruits for late spring through to autumn includedog rose, field maple, guelder rose, dogwood, bramble, wild honeysuckleand common ivy. Many of the berries, including those of blackthorn and hawthorn, will last well into winter.Help birds find a home: The spring breeding season is just around the corner and as soon as the new year dawns, birds will be scouting for homes to raise their chicks. Winter is a good time to give existing nest boxes a good clean in preparation, or to put up new ones.Leave seedheads standing:As plants die back, delay the traditional garden tidy up and choose to leave some of the seedheads standing. The seeds will provide food for birds and small mammals, and hollow stems and intricate seedheads are valuable shelter for overwintering insects likeladybirds. They’ll add structure and interest to your outdoor space for winter too, with common plants like angelica and sea holly looking as stunning dusted with frost as they do in flower. Alternatively, cut stems back and leave small piles in quieter areas.Avoid turning the compost heap:Turning your compost won’t hurt wildlife, butit will disturb any hibernatingslow worms, frogs or hedgehogs fromtheir winter slumber. Moving compost around in cold conditions will lose some of that all-important heat needed for decomposition too, so it’s best for everyone to wait until spring when theweather warms up and any residents have moved on.Monitor hedgehog feeding stations:Hedgehogs can hibernate from around October to April but may still be out and about in early winter if conditions are mild. They may also wake up for brief periods to search for food as fat reserves deplete, especially if they were born later in the year, so it’s worth leaving some food undercover atall times. A bowl of cat biscuits will stay dry and edible for at least aweek.Thaw icy waters: When temperatures drop, remedy frozen bird baths whenever possible so wildlife can access drinking and bathing water. When surfaces freeze, defrost themby carefully pouring warm water over them–but not boiling water as containers could crack. For ponds, try floating aball in the water to maintain an airhole for frogs and newts that may be hibernating in the depths.Make a toad abode:Toads don’t hibernate in winter but spend most of their time burrowed into mud or compost to conserve energy, emerging to forage during milder spells. Give them a ready-made shelter with a large, upturned plant pot in a shady spot. Place it upside down over soft soil with one edge propped up for toads to crawl under and burrow or lay the pot on its side and half fill it with soil, moss or leaves.Feed the birds:As temperatures plummet and food becomes difficult to find,a helping hand can make allthe difference for birds. Keep tables and hanging feeders topped up with calorie-rich supplies like fat balls, peanuts and sunflower hearts to help them replenish the extra energy they use to keep warm.Plan ahead for future winters by planting a tree and letting nature provide. It’s the perfect time to plant and one of the most satisfying and hassle-free ways to offer valuable food and shelter for awhole host of wildlife.
Village HistoryAre you interestedin joining a group to research and record the history of Buckland Newton? We are looking for like-minded people who are willing to put some time and effort into researching, presenting and archiving the historyof the parish, and to makeit readily accessible to all on a long-term basis.Initially we have thought of four areas for research:1.The period from 1840 to 1939. There is a lot of information readily available in the form of tithe map, census and other data. This could be analysed and presented to tell the storyof the village over that time period.2.Prior to 1840, back to medieval times and beyond, thereis material to be researched. This would probably mean time being spenton-line or in the Dorset History Centre,for example.3.Recording the history of the parish from the Second World War to the present day for future generations before itis lost. This could be recording peoples’ memories, taking photographs, recording important events, etc.Tracing the history of individual buildings in the parish.We appreciate that several people over the years have researched various aspects of Buckland Newton history. If those people are willing to share their work, we think it would be good to assemble it in a common format and make it available to both present and future generations.If you are interested, in the first instance contact either: Andy Waring at andywaring12@gmail.comor John Bakeratjohnbaker386@outlook.comFamily HistoryOn a slightly different matter –Are you interestedin researching your family history, but don’t know where to start or would like some help?Would you like to join a self-help group to perhaps meet once a month, where those with experience could help those who are just starting out?If so, whether you are starting out or you have skills to offer, please contact me, John Baker, at: johnbaker386@outlook.comor 01300 345386.***********************************************************************************************************************
2nd FridayLunch ClubDecember’s Christmas lunch in the Village Hall was WONDERFUL. Wehad a fantastic traditional meal, and everyone agreed it was one of the best ever.Secret Santa was very generous, and everyone received a present. As always, our volunteer helpers were very busy before, during and after the meal itself.We do appreciate the work they put in to give us such a lovely time, and we were pleased that for once they were able to sit down and eat with us.Janet Sealy(Photos opposite)
13
AQUAHEAT SERVICES LIMITEDPlumbing, Heating & Oil Maintenance & Services Reliable and professional service at reasonable rates No call out chargesFree quotes with no obligation Fully insured
On Saturday 6th December the Buckland Newton Bell Ringers (and friends) rang a quarter peal to celebrate Pete Willis' 96th Birthday. Pete is currently the oldest resident in Buckland Newton and since his 90thit has become a bit of a tradition to mark the day with a quarter peal.Following a day of celebrations with his family, Pete listened to the ringing from the comfort of his home whilst Jane rang the Treble, her first quarter peal in over a year!
Pete on his 96th BirthdayThe band – Nick Baker, David Brooks, Tim Filtness, Jan Keohane, Jane Willis, Will Burnett*********************************************************************************************************************
17
Buckland Newton Youth ClubI write this at the endof December as the weather forecast is predicting a cold snap and possibly snow at the beginning of January 2026. It therefore feels appropriate that Buckland Newton Youth Club's Pantomime in a Day in 2026 will be "A Touch of SnowWhite". The Pantomime willbe performed on Tuesday 20 January with the curtain rising at 1830 in Buckland Newton Village Hall. Tickets are £5 a family or £2.50 each and pre-ordering is strongly recommended -it was a sell-out performance last year!In February BNYC will be taking part in an art project to produce promotional materials for the Club, think "Lively, Fun, Chaotic, Crazy!" words that the young people have used to describe BNYC. The project will continue into the half-term, when the Yr 8s+ will also have the opportunityto go on what is becoming an annual residentialin London.And then in March, BNYC will work with Buckland Newton School to take part in Buckland Newton's first Children's Literary Festival. This will be a Literary Festival with a difference! Think of a cross between Windin theWillows and Prokofiev's Peter & The Wolf, the children and young people will:w/c 3 March: Write the story, working with the Creative Writing Charity, Bank of Dream & Nightmares (based in Bridport).w/c 10 March: Work with a young illustrator toillustrate the story. w/c 17 March: Work with local musicians to put the story to music.w/c 24 March: Work with Jo Simons, Artistic Director to perform the story - on Thursday 27 March at 1830 at theVillage Hall.But BNYC would like to extend the offer of the Literary Festival to everyone in the Community so there will be opportunities for older people/families to come together and share their book club/reading groups, compete in a scrabble night and read stories at an afterschool event on Friday 20 March.You could also comeup with your own ideas for an event or activityin March connected to reading - what could you do?
Kate Parish ************************************************************
18
Sudoku by mathsphere.co.uk
January Quiz1.In what year was the album “The Rise and Fallof Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” by David Bowie released?2.In what year was British Telecom separated from the Post Office?3.Whose world record in the 200m was beaten by Usain Bolt in 2008?4.How many named lines are there in the London Underground?5.What was the world’s largest landlocked country before the dissolution of the USSR (now the 2nd largest after Kazakhstan)?6.What was Queen Victoria’s name when she was born?7.What was the name of the tower block where Del and Rodney Trotter lived in Only Fools and Horses?8.What was the bestselling new car in the UKin 2024?9.What is ichthyology?10.Which short story writer became the first Canadian to win the Nobel Prize in Literature? By Simon Spencer********************************************************************************************************************
Across1.Exchanges about a thousand bogs (6)5.Portray defender as an inconvenience (8)9.Alittle bit ofweather (8)10.Getting ready to drive (6)11.Ok then, no chav can be a playwright (5,7)13.In the first instance place outgoing submission thusin the mail (4)14.Ask nerds about gloom (8)17.Orange Palace dog (8)18.Ian gets left to hammer it home (4)20.But ruder moll is a changed writer (6,6)23.Female movie star (6)24.Name for tiny tide change (8)25.Echo motored about – see how far they’ve gone with this (8)26.The sailor is to obtain his goal (6)
Down2.Withdraw from you and Iwith tailless ant (4)3.Guy with pork pie and brown cocktail (9)4.Layers get back at arts (6)5.“Confused head up in amurder” wrote Rebecca (6,2,7)6.Lionheart lost his head and became a villain(4-4)7.Bravo! Disclosure is dismal (5)8.“Ban chess and porn” I raged (10)12.Christmas chicken for another playwright (4,6)15.Grandma and Oscar go over ayard for a very short distance (9)16.Put it on before you go (8)19.Plays flute around mid-evening readily (6)21.Salty racecourse (5)22.Nasty eye condition is contained (4)
20
Buckland Newton — HolyRood
SELECTION OF BOOKS IN HOLY ROOD -£0.40 EACH OR 3 FOR £1.00
J A SP E RS HAIR SALONYour friendly local salon providing exceptional resultsCheck out our new website -www.jaspershairsalon.co.ukOPENING TIMESMonday:Closed Tuesday:9.00am-4.00pm Wednesday:9.00am-6.00pm Thursday:9.00am-5.00pm Friday:9.00am-7.00pm Saturday:8.30am-1.30pmDon’t forget to ask about our Loyalty cards andspecial offers01300 348 569 Main Street, Piddletrenthide, DT2 7QL
Vicar: Jonathan Still, The Vicarage, Back Lane, Cerne Abbas Tel: 01300 341251 Churchwarden: Jon Sulkin Tel: 07971 277584
Holy Rood is open every day from 9.30am thru’ 5pm for private prayer
January 2026 ServicesSunday 4 January Matins at 9.45 amSunday 11 January Holy Communion at 9.45 amSunday 18 January All Age Service at 4 pmSunday 25 January Holy Communion at 9.45 am
Reporting Issues With FOOTPATHS or BRIDLE-PATHSStephen White, as a Rights of Way Liaison Officer for the Dorset Coast & Countryside Service, investigates any issues within the parish of Buckland Newton, reporting to Dorset County Council.His contact numbers are 01300 345431 or 07773 283764If you prefer to report issues directly to the council, you can do so by calling 01305 224463 or online atwww.mapping.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/ rightsofway/reportproblem/
21
New Year = New Interest, Activity, Hobby?How about learning the ancient skillof Archery? I’m thinkingof starting a safe, local, indoor and outdoor Archery Club for anyone from 10 to 100 years of age.If you or anyone you know might be interested phone Chris Hildred on 01300 345850
In the Buckland NewtonBook CornerI have devoured this book in just a few days! I love an epistolary story - one told via letters - and that is what first drew me to The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. This isa tender, witty and deeply emotional portrait of a woman who has spenther entire life communicating through lettersWhen we meet Sybil, she has just turned 73, andwe read a letter she has written to her brother, Felix, thanking him for his birthday card, fountain pen and a book. These are gifts that are gratefully received by someone who has written letters for most of her life. It is how she makes sense of the world around her and how she communicates best. She also loves to read, and manyof her letters are to authors whose books she wants to comment on. Surprisingly, many of them respond, and at least one has formeda friendship with her.We learn about Sybil's life through the letters she writes and the ones she receives. Often, she must join the 21st century and send and receive emails, but her preferenceis to pen longhand letters to those she loves - and those she doesn't! Her correspondences are etched on a particular stationary she orders from England because it's the best she'sfound. Each is clearly marked with the recipient's address and the date, including the emails, sowe, the readers, see the chronological progression.There is one mystery, a letter that Sybil continues to write, butnot send, to an unknown recipient. Those pages, unlike her other letters, have no salutations or address, just the date on which the letter continues. It's obvious that these mystery pages are written in a style that is more relaxed and direct. We know that Sybil is writing to someone with whom she feels a closeness, but we don't have any idea who that might be until we learn more about Sybil and her sometimes tragic past.The Correspondent is Virginia Evans’ debut novel and the tone is both sharp and tender. One moment you are smiling at Sybil’s dry humour, the next you’re holding your breath at the sheer honesty of her pain. It is emotional without being melodramatic, funny without being forced and wise without preaching. Her astute observations on relationships remind me of the brilliance of Anne Tyler’s novels, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.At its heart, The Correspondent is a story about forgiveness of the hardest kind – the onewe owe ourselves. By the end you feel like you have truly come to know Sybil – her faults, her fire and her humanity- the kind of character who you will remember long after the last page.Karen Whiter **********************************************************************************************************************
22
News from Cerne Abbas Surgery
Understanding Coughs, Colds & Flu: Why Antibiotics Aren’t the AnswerAs we move through the colder months, many people find themselves struggling with coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms. These illnesses are very common — and thankfully, in most cases, they can be safely managed at home with self-care.Why antibiotics won’t helpCoughs, colds and flu are caused byviruses, and antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. Taking antibiotics when they aren’t needed won’t make you feel better more quickly — in fact, it can cause side effects suchas diarrhoea, thrush and rashes. More importantly, unnecessary antibiotic use contributes to antimicrobial resistance, meaning they may not work when you genuinely need them.Most symptoms improve on their ownViral coughs and colds usually clear within 2–3 weeks, and flu within 7–10 days, although a cough may linger a little longer. During this time, self-care is usually the best treatment.Helpful self-care tipsRest and keep warm.Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.Use paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever, aches and pains (if suitable for you).Honey and lemon in warm water can soothe a sore throat or cough.Speak to a pharmacist — they can advise on over-the-counter remedies without needing an appointment. When to seek helpContact the surgery or NHS111 if:symptoms worsen or don’t start to improve after 2-3 weeks,you are very unwell or short of breath,you have a long-term condition such as lung, heart, liver or kidney disease, your temperature is very high, or you feel extremely unwell.Remember — most winter illnesses get better on their own and choosing self-care when appropriate helps keep GP and urgent care services available for those who really need them.Stay well this winter.
23
Serendipity Concert of music and readings–a date for your diaryOnSunday, February 22nd, 2026, Serendipity Recorder Consort will be giving a concert of music and readings in Buckland Newton Village Hall, stating at 4.30pm. All the money raised will be given to the Doctors’ surgeryin Cerne Abbas and used to provide new chairs, with arms, for the waiting room.Over the years, many of you will have been to concerts given by this group, which Pete Willis started in the late 80s. There will be readings and music from across the centuries and from several genres, using recorders of all sizes, including the famous ‘drainpipe’. The concert will be based on the theme, ‘Matters of the Heart’.Details of how to get tickets will be in the February edition of the LVN.Do, please, come and join us for an enjoyable afternoon of music and readings, with cake, tea and coffee served during the interval.Jane Willis
24
BUCKLAND NEWTON PARISH COUNCIL REPORThttps://www.bucklandnewtonparishcouncil.org.uk
The Parish Pavilion is available for parishioners to use. If you would like to book the Pavilion, please contact the Parish Clerk for further details. The Pavilion has a toilet that is opento the public 24 hours a day.Internet is now available within the Pavilion – Log in details are displayed onthe noticeboard inthe entrance.
YOUR COUNCILLORS ARE:-Chair AndyFoot 01300345511 ViceChairMickAmes 01300345497 Councillors Mark Needham 01300 345293ChrisOsmond01300345326 LinTownsend01300345306 NickBaker07812528170 DavidManny07798837122 Bradley Perrett 07855 473641Flood Warden Doug Morse 01300 345707 Kevin Morse01300 345707Rights of Way Liaison OfficerStephen White 01300 345431Parish ClerkSarah Mitchell 01258 817288 / clerk@bucklandnewtonparishcouncil.gov.uk Chalk Valleys Ward - Dorset Council – Cllr Jill Haynes 01300 341277 / cllrjill.haynes@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
The next Full Parish Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 13 January 2026, 7.00 pm in the Parish Pavilion.
PLANNING Applications for commentP/FUL/2025/06936 - Forest View Farm, Kennels Lane, Middlemarsh, Sherborne, DT9 5QL Erect extensionto agricultural buildingComments by 23 December 2025P/FUL/2024/06192 - Court Farm Business Park Road to Court Farm, Buckland Newton, DT2 7BTRetain hydroelectric generation system, including water wheel and associated infrastructure, feeder lakes and landscaping. Comments by 11 December - Councillors have no further comments on this application.Applications for information purposes only- no comment requiredP/PAEW/2025/07313 - Court Farm Roadto Court Farm, Buckland Newton-Construct a slurry lagoonDorset Council, in line with their agreedStatement of Community Involvement, willno longer besending out neighbour notification letters for planning applications, unless they are specifically required by legislation. All applications will continueto be publicised via site notices, and press notices are also used where required by law. Detailsof all applications are also published online, and they will continueto consult statutory organisations and town and parish councils. Dorset Council are at present asking applicants and agents to help by displaying site notices on the Councils behalf.Please note that these are applications known about upto the 16thof the month; others may be submitted after thisdate, therefore check the Parish Council Website.Planning applications can be viewed on the Dorset Council website. To view all applications listed under Buckland Newton Parish, use the advanced search page and select Buckland Newton under the Parish drop down.
25
POLICE REPORT NOVEMBER -No reportsIt is important to report all crimes/incidents so thatthe police can build up a picture of whatis happening within the County. If nothing is reported, they cannot acton it.Dorchester NPT website address is Dorchester | Your area | Dorset Police | Dorset Police Our Face Book Page address is: www.facebook.com/DorchesterPolice/Our Twitter Page is: https://twitter.com/DorchesterPolice Our Instagram Page is: https://www.instagram.com/dorchesterpolice/Dorset Alert messaging system registration to receive messages is: https://www.dorsetalert.co.uk/pages/2451/1/ Register.htmlContacting Dorset Police (non-emergency)Do it Online: www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online/Telephone: 101 *(Calls to the 101 non-emergency number from both landlines and mobiles are free) Message an officer: www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online/message-an-officer/To report information to the police with 100% anonymity, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111
News from Dorset Council Trading StandardsBurning betterAs the weather turns colder you can take a few simple steps to reduce the impact of woodburning stoves and open fires on both your health and the environment. Research reveals that only 1 in 10people are aware that domestic burning is a major source of pollution that can seriously harm people’s health.The ‘Burn better’ campaign, led by Defra, is encouraging anyone who uses a solid fuel appliance to make small changes to their burning habits which can significantly improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions from domestic burning.The campaign highlights that tiny particles released from stoves and open fires can damage the lungs and other organs, posing serious health risks. However, there are multiple benefits to be gained by adopting cleaner burning practices.Tips to Burn Better:Regular maintenance of your stove or open fire means it will perform better, use less fuel to produce more heat, and produce fewer harmful particles.Have your chimney swept at least once ayear. Soot and tar build up in your chimney over time, reducing its efficiency and increasing the risk of chimney fires.Makesure youarechoosingtherightfuelsfor yourstove.Choosecleaner alternatives,suchasdry wood and manufactured solid fuels, as they produce less smoke and pollution and are cheaper and more efficient to burn.Burn dry wood, freshly cut wood should be air-dried for at least twoyears before use. When buying bagged fuel look out for the ‘Ready to Burn’ certification mark.Some types of solid fuel have been banned from sale due to their high pollution levels. These include sales of wet wood in small units (less than 2 cubic meters), and traditional house coal for domestic heating. Ifyou see banned solid fuel for sale report it to Dorset Council Trading Standards, visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer or, phone the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.**********************************************************************************************************************************
26
YOUR NIGHT SKY- JANUARY 2026Did you manage to see any of the Geminids meteor show last month? I managed to spot a couple, one of which was really bright and quite slow.Now that we are past the mid–winter solstice, our days are slowly getting longer. The bright and lovely constellation of Orion is back and dominating our southern skies once again and will do for this and next month. The constellation of Orion and some interesting objects which are nearby are therefore the subject of this month’s column. Orion will be visible fairly high in the southern skyin the evening throughout the month. Of the three named stars in Orion, Betelgeuse, the brightest, is a red giant sun which is reaching the end of its life and will explode sometimein the future. This is called going supernova. Whenit does, it will be the brightest thing in the sky apart from our own sun. Betelgeuseis 642.5 light years away from Earth. The most interesting object in Orion for binocular observersis M42, the Great Orion Nebula (see this month’s cover), which is in Orion’s sword below the three stars in a line which are Orion’s belt. It looks like a faint misty patch of light when viewed with the naked eye. Through binoculars or even a small telescope it looks like a vaguely bird-shaped cloud of glowing gas. It glows because the four newly born stars within the nebula light it up. There are other interesting objects in Orion, such as the Horsehead Nebula, but you need a pretty good telescopeto see them directly (8-inch diameter or larger). My new Smart telescope, which is quite small, has managed to image the Horsehead nebula though.There are more interesting objects to observe which are near Orion. The first is the open star cluster M35 which is beautiful when viewed through binoculars. It lies just outside of our star map, above and slightly to the left of the star marked X2at the topof the chart. Our next object is near Sirius. It is the very bright star which is below and to the left of Orion. Sirius is in the constellation of Canis Major and is 8.6 light years away from Earth. It is the brightest star in the sky. Just below Sirius you will find M41, a lovely grouping of around 100 young stars which is easily visible with binoculars. It is 2300 light years away. Orion’s beltpoints towards the star Aldebaran. Just to the right of this star is a “V” shaped cluster of stars call The Hyades, which is also worth a look. Star clusters, which all these are, are always a pretty sight through binoculars or a small telescope.THE PLANETS THIS MONTH. Jupiter is at its best this month on January 10th when it will be closest to the Earth. It will be bright in the southern sky. Mercury is behind the Sun and cannot be seen. Venus will just be visible 15 minutes after sunset in theWest-southwest at the end of the month. Mars is not visible. Saturnis visible in the Southin the early evening at the beginning of the month.ORIONTHE MOON. Full Moon is on the 3rd with new Noon on the 18th. It will be another supermoon (full Moon) this month.SPECIAL EVENTS. The first meteor shower of the year is the Quadrantids. It peaks during the night of January 3rd/4th. It can deliver a fantastic display. They will appear to come from just below the handle of the Plough low in the northeast. Unfortunately, the Full Moon will interfere with the display. The Moon will be close to Jupiter on January 3rd.If you need help with buying a telescope or with observing,I can be contacted on (01300) 345485or at keithmwright@compuserve.com. The times when you can see the Space Station can be found at: www.heavens-above.com. There are many free Apps which can be used on a tablet computer or smart phone which can help guide you around our night sky. You need to have the GPS turned on your phone or tablet for the best results.Keith Wright
27
Quiz Answers1.1972. The album was Bowie’s 5th studio album. Bowie said that the character’s name came from a tailor’s shop that he passed on a train, and that seemed appropriate as “the whole thing was about clothes”.2.1981. After this, in November 1984 was the first major share offering with over 50% of shares being offered to the public. The telephone service was brought under the control of the Post Office in 1912.3.Michael Johnson. Johnson is the only male athlete to win both the 200m and 400m event at the same Olympics, which he achieved at Atlanta in 1996. He carried the Olympic torch in 2012, firstly around Stonehenge at sunrise, and Salisbury Cathedral for the start of the day’s official relay leg.4.11. The lines are Bakerloo, Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith and City, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria, and Waterloo and City.There are 250 miles of track, and of the 272 stations only 33 of them are south of the River Thames. The Elizabeth Line, Thameslink, DLR and London Overground are not part of the underground service.5.Mongolia. Mongolia is also the most sparsely populated country in the world, and there are more horses than people living there. 30% - 40% of the population is nomadic.6.Princess Alexandrina Victoria of Kent. She was the daughter of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld andwas born at Kensington Palace in London in 1819.7.Nelson Mandela House. Trigger’s name was Colin Ball, but it is never used in the series (but occasionally in the credits) and although set in Peckham, much of the filming took place in Bristol.8.The Ford Puma. Selling 48,340 units it was followed by the Kia Sportage and the Nissan Qashqai in third. The Puma is famous for its Megabox, a deep, waterproof, underfloor boot storage with a drain plug, great for wellies!9.The study of fish. Fish are the most diverse vertebrates (over 33,000 species), have evolved unique body shapes, and some, like tuna, can be warm-blooded, while others, like salmon, sacrifice themselves to nourish entire ecosystems.10.Alice Munro. Known as the master of the contemporary short story, Munro won the Nobel in 2013. Her stories, mostly set in rural Ontario, were written in a laundry room and she opened a bookshop before focusing solely on writing.