Buckland Newton Youth Club - ‘Pantomime in a Day’ 2026
March 2026
The Lydden Vale News
2
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 ….Can we finally say goodbye to the relentless rain as we move into March do you think? With the Buckland Newton Plant Sale (see page 17) in May, it’s vital to start (if you haven’t already) sowing seeds and dividing perennials and potting on any extra plants you don’t needin your garden. It always amazes me how many plants there are, even after the last couple of very wet winters we’ve had.It you are very lucky, you may spot a hare or two this month (see article on pages 22 and 23). I was fortunate to come across a hare running down the middle of the lane whilst walking down Spring Grove in Duntish a couple of years ago. Living where we are, we aresurrounded by a lotof wildlife, but seeing a hareis very special. Does anyone know if there is a ‘three hares’ motif in any of our local churches?
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: See page 12
4
WHAT’S ON - MARCH 2026
Monday, Tuesday and FridayPOST OFFICE9am-12 noon Buckland Newton Village Hall
Thursday 5th and 19th March- 2-4 pm
Our sessions for March willbe on Thursdays - 5th and 19th from 2-4pm at the Gaggleof GeeseAll crafts and skills levels welcome. Bring along whatever you like to do -and/or - come along and “natter” ! Everyone very welcome.Lyn Cox 01300 345739 Jane Willis 01300 345477
Saturday 7th March 10 am -noonIMPORTANT -DEFIB AND CPR PRACTICAL TRAINING MORNING -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.********************************************************************************************************************
Sunday 1st March– 3.30 pmARTSREACH –BUCKLAND NEWTON VILLAGE HALL (See page 6for details) ***********************************************************************************************************************************************
Wednesday 4th March–8 pmOPEN MIC NIGHT – THE GAGGLE OF GEESE(See page 6) *********************************************************************************************************************************************
2nd to 23rd MarchBUCKLAND NEWTON’S CHILDREN’S LITERARY FESTIVAL 2026 (See page 6 and 12)**********************************************************************************************************************
5
Friday 27th March 2026- 10.30 am -12 pm BUCKLAND NEWTON VILLAGE CAFE
Tea/coffee and cake £1.50 Everyone very welcome.Lyn Cox 01300 345739 Liza Hill 01300345230 ******************************************************************************************************
Friday 13th March – 12.15 pm for 12.45 pm start 2ND FRIDAY LUNCH CLUBOur outing this month is to: The Green Man, Kings Stag - 12:15 for 12:45 start. The menuis as follows:Steak andAle Pie with roasted carrots and creamy mashed potato Hunters Chicken with BBQ sauce, bacon, cheese, chunky chips and coleslaw *****Sticky Toffee Pudding or Vanilla Creme Brulee served with cream, custard or ice cream Members may recall that at our AGMit was agreed that outings wouldin future increase to £12 per person.If you have not already done so, please confirm your attendance to Bridget Hodges (01300 345493). ************************************************************************************************************************************************
Wednesday 11th March 7.15 for 7.30 pm.LYDDEN VALE GARDENING CLUB-BUCKLAND NEWTON VILLAGE HALL (See page16 for details)***************************************************************************************************************
Saturday 14th March 12 –2 pmLENT LUNCH –PURBECK HOUSE, BUCKLAND NEWTON (See page 21 for details) ************************************************************************************************************************************************
Date for your diary:Saturday 9th May–10am til 12 pm BUCKLAND NEWTON PLANT SALE (See page 17)
Sunday 15th March MOTHER’S DAY********************************************************************************************
6
Want to learn/refresh your skillson CPR and use of a Defibrillator??Sat 7th March 10 am to noon Buckland Newton Village Hall £5 on the doorwith Alan Hale - use of dummy ifyou feel like having a go!(might need a cushion for your knees!)
ContactFizzLewis 01300345521 or froglewis@hotmail.comto book a place.
Buckland Newton Village Hall Sunday 1st March 3.30pm Tickets: £12-50, £6 (under 18s)Tel: 01300 345455, or from Old Chapel Stores or online: www.artsreach.co.uk_______________________________________________________________
7
Gaggle Events
Gaggle Events
ALEX FROST and NATHAN CURTISMASTER THATCHERS
Member ofthe National Society of Master Thatchers.Prompt Service, helpful adviceTel. 07580 050453. Email alexfazer6@msn.com
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
Knit &Natter-Thursday 5thMarch and the 19thMarch -the fortnightly crafting social group. Free to attend. Bring aproject and perhaps some cake! 2 til 4pmOpen Mic Night-Wednesday 4thMarch &1stApril –pop down from 8pm to 10pm to enjoy and support local musicians. Or be brave and join in with a song or two.Mother’s Day-Sunday 15thMarch –treat Mother to aGaggle Sunday roast. Tables availablefrommiddayuntil5pm.Bookthroughthepuborourwebsite www.gaggleofgeese.co.ukPub Quiz-Wednesday25th March–ourpopularmonthlyGagglepubquiz.Funeveningof head scratchers, cryptic clues and general knowledge. Teams of up to 6.£2per person or free if you dine before the quiz. Booking required.Easter Weekend-Saturday4thandSunday5thApril–bringthekidsdownforafreeEaster TreasureHunt. AndOtterBrewerywillbedoinga‘taptakeover’showcasingtheirrangeofales at the Gaggle over the weekend.Likely to be abusy weekend so please book if you would like to eat. Pub closed on Easter Monday.Key Dates to look forward to…BirthdayCelebration–Saturday2ndMay–celebratinganotheryearofushavinghadthe Gaggleopen8years!!ThepopularbandLongdogwillbeplayinginthegarden. Andwewillbe doing a community group photo,a snapshot of the pub & villagers.Gagglefest–Saturday25thJuly –our annual family friendly music festival. Tickets onsale now over the bar and via www.ticketsource.co.uk/gaggle
8
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
March Newsletter — Cerne Abbas SurgeryMeet Our Clinical PharmacistThesurgeryisnowsupportedbyahighlytrainedclinicalpharmacist,KathyDavies,whoworksclosely alongsidetheGPsaspartofthewidercareteam.Clinicalpharmacistsarespecialistsin medicines and how they work, helping patients to get the best possible benefit from their treatment.Over the coming months, you may be invited to have astructured medication review with Kathy. These appointments provide dedicated time to discuss current medications, ask questions, and talk through any concerns or side effects, ensuring treatments remain safe, effective and right for each individual.Clinical pharmacists hold professional qualifications and are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council. Working with a clinical pharmacist complements GP care and can often help patients access the right support more quickly and easily.Free Online Mental Health Support for Young PeopleKoothis a free, confidential online mental health and wellbeing service for children and young people. It provides a safe digital space where young people can access support whenever they need it.Through Kooth, young people can chat one-to-one with trained counsellors and mental health practitioners, explore self-help tools such as journalling and goal setting, and access moderated articles, activities and peer support communities. There is also an online magazine featuring real stories, tips and advice written by young people and the Kooth team.Kooth is clinically moderated, youth-focused and designed to support emotional wellbeing in a way that feels accessible and non-judgemental.Young people can sign up for free at www.kooth.com Missed AppointmentsIn January, our surgery had 35 missed appointments, which resulted in 704 minutes of unused clinical time. This is significantly higher thanin recent months and represents a considerable amount of appointment time that could have been offered to other patients.Weunderstandthatplanscanchange.However,ifyouareunabletoattendyourappointment,please contact the surgery as soon as possible — even if it is only a few hours beforehand. This allows us to reallocate the appointment to someone who maybe waiting to be seen.Every missed GP appointment is a lossof valuable NHS time and resources. By cancelling appointments you no longer need, you are helping us to improve access to care for everyone in our community.Thank you for your understanding and continued support. **********************************************************************************************************************
9
Buckland Newton Village HallTheVillage Hall Committee is looking for a new Bookings Secretary. Please see our flyer for more details. The Hall Committee will also be holding a Hall Open Afternoon and fundraising Cream Tea on Sunday 5 July between 2 pm -5 pm. As many of you will know, many years ago when the Hall was refurbished, the Hall benefitted from a VAT reimbursement of approx. £20,000. These funds have sat in the Hall's reserves enabling the Hall to subsidise the cost of the running of the Hall for the community. However, since Covid the Hall has had to start dipping into these fundsto maintain the Hall to a standard that makesit appealing to Hall users. This has included:Full fibre broadband from Wessex Internet The tarmacking of the car park The replacement of the boiler The provision of a new shedThe Hall Committee now needs to turn its attention to repairing the Hall Veranda at an estimated cost of £7,800, the relaying/replacement of the patio and replacement of the surrounding fencing andgates at an estimated cost of £10,000 and rewiring the electrics to the kitchen at an estimated cost of £3,000. The Committee has also been informed that it will soon need to replace the lighting in themain Hall because the bulbs that are currentlyin use will soon become obsolete - quotes are currently being sought for this work.In the longer-term the Committee would like to replace all the curtains, including the stage curtains and is aware that this is likely to cost somewhere in the region of £12,000.In addition, the Hall must keep at least a year's running costsin its reserves in order to be able to continue to run the Hall should there be another pandemic or other emergency. So you can see £20,000 doesn't go veryfar!How can you help? Book the Hall! We needmore people to use the Hall particularly at the weekend. Thinking of having family and friends round, particularlyin winter months when our gardens aren't quite so inviting, use theHall! Want a venue for a birthday party or a wedding reception - theHall provides a blank canvas and can be beautifully decorated.A community without a village hall loses its heart. Don't let that happen to Buckland Newton, use YOUR village hall and support the events that take place there.
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 817382
Bartletts 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
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 are01300 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/
11
In The Buckland NewtonBook CornerSet in the summer of 1920, ‘A Month in the Country’ by J L Carr follows Tom Birkin,a shell-shocked veteran of the First World War, who travels to a small Yorkshire village to restore a medieval mural in a country church. In the village of Oxgodby, Birkin experiences kindness and belonging, yet he remains emotionally guarded. He is shy, nervous, and emotionally fragile and finds comfort in the quiet rural setting which is a sharp contrast to the horrors of the war he has experienced.He strikes up a friendship with fellow veteran Charles Moon, who is excavating a grave nearby, and over the course of one month, they both begin to recover from the traumaof shared but largely unspoken suffering.As Birkin becomes absorbed in the slow, delicate work of carefully uncovering layers of whitewash to reveal hidden beauty of the painting beneath, he gradually confronts his own buried pain. The restorationprocess mirrors his own gradual recovery. Carr portrays this healing as slow, quiet, and fragile - never dramatic, but deeply human - Birkin’s psychological wounds mirroring the damaged mural heis restoring.Birkin also develops feelings for Alice Keach, the vicar’s young wife. Their relationship is subtle and restrained - marked more by glances and silences than by open declarations. Birkin senses that her marriageis unhappy, but social boundaries and his own insecurity prevent him from acting on his feelings. Meanwhile, the discovery of the mural reveals vivid and powerful medieval imagery, symbolizing both judgment and redemption.The novel is beautifully narrated from Birkin’s later life, and this retrospective lens adds a gentle melancholy. The summer becomes a lost Eden - brief, luminous, and impossible to return to. In parts the reminiscent narrative reminded me of Laurie Lee’s ‘Cider with Rosie’ with its strong senseof place and the feeling of a world that has quietly vanished. Both are short, beautifully written works about memory and loss, but Carr writes about healing within the stillness, the quietness of the narrative is its strength.The rural setting is beautifully evoked by the light in the church, the stillness of the countryside, the rhythms of village life.This beautiful short novel can easily be readin a weekend , being under 150 pages, and I can think of few better ways to escape the recent endless rainy days than to bask in the halcyon summer days of 1920 rural Yorkshire and this evocative tale of healing and hope.Karen Whiter *********************************************************************************************************************‘The Snow Child’I enjoyed the review, last month, of this book, The Snow Child (as I have enjoyed all the pieces in the Book Corner).However, I would like to add two facts. One is that it was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2013, the year afterit was published.The second is that Ivey's novel was the basis for an operaby British composer Eric Wetherell with the text adapted by his wife Elizabeth Major. It was first performed at the Redgrave Theatrein Bristol on 23 September 2014. It is a lovely piece and worth looking out forif revived.Christopher Sharp *********************************************************************************************************************
12
Buckland Newton Youth ClubAs promised in the February edition of theLVN, this months’ front cover features some photos of the young people from Buckland Newton Youth Club taking part in "A Touchof SnowWhite" our 2026 Pantomimein a Day.The members of the Youth Club are already involved in their next project, to produce promotional banners/flags that they can display at events the Youth Club supports and provides such as the Plant Sale, Village Fete and Car Wash. This year we shall be adding a Pumpkin Festival to our calendar -make sure you buy your Pumpkin plantsat the Buckland Newton Plant Sale in May.In the February half-term 11 of our older members, those in Yr 8 and above, will take part in our third London residential. Travelling to London onWednesday 18 February the young people will visit and tour the Houseof Commons, have a meal in China Town and spend a day at the British Museum. There will also be asurprise visit to ........? More details to follow next month.Then in March, Buckland Newton Youth Club will be working in partnership again with the school to produce a Children's Literary Festival. But not only for childrenwe want the community to get involved too, so if you belong to a book club or would like just talk about books and what you enjoy reading come and join us onThursday 5 March at the village hall between 7 pm- 9 pm. £3 per person, includes a glassof wine and cake!Or fancy a game of Scrabble? All are welcome to take part in the Buckland Newton does Scrabble Night onThursday12 March between7pm - 9.30 pm. Bring your scrabble board and team of 4to the village hall. The individual and team with the highest score(s) at the end of the evening will win a prize. £3 per person.Then on Friday 20 March between 3.30 pm -5 pm (after school) children, young people and families are invited to cometo the village hall to join staff from Sherborne Library to read aloud their favourite story and listento others read. Beanbags, biscuits and squash will be available at this FREE event.We hope you will find a way to get involved and support this community event!Kate Parish
Mostly Moths- Chinese CharacterWell,thislittlechapalwayspleasespeople,especiallychildrenwhoseeitforthefirsttime.Adearlittle mothwhogetsitsnamefromthewhitedesigninthemiddleofitswingwhichvaguelylookslikea Chinesecharacter,asinwriting.Infact,itlooksmuchmorelikebirdpoo,butIsupposenamingitthe BirdPooMothwasasteptoofarforVictoriannaturalists.Certainlyhelpsitescapetheattentionof predators!ItcanbeseenfromlateApriltoearlyJuneandagainJulytoSeptemberwithmainlarval food plants Hawthorn, Blackthorn (plentyof that!) and crab apple. Hope I see them this year.
AQUAHEAT SERVICES LIMITEDPlumbing, Heating & Oil Maintenance & Services Reliable and professional service at reasonablerates No call out chargesFree quotes with no obligation Fully insured
The club held it’s AGM&Winter Social including a two-course supper, at the Gaggle in mid-February.Regretfully it was Antony’s last meeting as secretary. He wasdulythankedandapplaudedforthegreatcontribution he has made to the success of the club over the past 4 years in role.ThankfullyAntonywillstillbeinvolvedasanactivemember oftheclubhavingarrangedsomekeyeventsinthecoming year.Thefirstoftheseis April’stalkby ArthurCole,Headof ProgrammingatTheNewt,thefabulousgardennearCastle Cary. This will be followed by a visit in early May.Regretfullynoonehassteppedforward,asyet,totakeover thesecretarialrole.Thishasslimmeddown,withtwo committeememberstakingoverpublicityandtheGoldClub correspondence.Please do consider this roleso theclub can continue to build on the successof the last4years.Thenewprogrammefortheyear,beautifullydesignedonceagainbyLornaRaby,isnowavailable. Thesubscriptionremainsthesame,namely,£12.00perhousehold,andcanbepaidbyBACs-Sort code:20-26-62AccountNo:70939609usingyournameasreference,orifbycash,inanamed envelope.THENEXTMEETING:Wednesday11thMarchmarksthebeginningofthenewprogrammewhen MikeBurks,MDofCastleGardens,willgiveapracticalguideonmethodsforWEEDCONTROL. This evening willbe a good opportunity for those who haven’t yet collected their new programme, to do so.WewillalsobecollectingnamesforTheNewtvisitwhichwilltakeplaceonWed6thMay.Doors open from 7pm for 7.30pm with refreshments and raffle available.
Hairdressing Salonat the heart of the Piddle ValleyOffering men’s, women’s & children’s cuts, colours and restyles.Experienced stylists who take the time to listen Free on-street parkingMain Street, Piddletrenthide DT2 7QL www.jaspershairsalon.co.uk01300 348569Contact us today to discuss your hair needs.
There will be a few willow wigwams for sale on the day, but if you would like to order one, please contact Carole Spencer on01300 345770as soonas possible. ******************************************************
March Quiz1.When and where were the first winter Olympics held?2.What is the smallest country in South America by land area?3.Who painted the Birth of Venus?4.Which band released the album “In the Court of the Crimson King”?5.Which river flows through the Grand Canyon?6.Who wrote the novel Fahrenheit 451?7.Which element is named after the Greek sun god?8.What does crepuscular mean?9.In computing, what does “URL” stand for?10.What is the state capital of British Columbiain Canada?
By Simon Spencer ****************************************************************************************************************
19
Crossword and Wordsearch by Carole Spencer
Across1.They’re white-faced at the seaside (6)5.Bleating about concrete (8)9.Lessonis broken out in test (8)10.Partisan mentality – bravo in examination (6)11.Dept. Patricia mucked about but took part (12)13.State of Columbus (4)14.Most mild, least rough (8)17.Steffi – suitable one for wall art (8)18.Last part of a tale told (4)20.Can a can quiet disturbed contact? (12)23.Secure dodgy salvage (6)24.Lease holding left or right inhabitant (8)25.A boss set out to find hazardous material (8)26.Hear a horse speak and reject verbally (6)
Down1.Fate embracing university oaf (4)2.Pretend evidence is guaranteed (9)3.Er, risks about them sliding downhill (6)4.I ask culprit gent about the movies (7,8)5.Brazil with nothing in Paris before the end of abject energy supplier (8)6.Island part of Capri bizarrely (5)7.Management raised help in crisis (10)12.Letters from interesting people (9)15.Modern coffee with a dry mix (9)16.Hardworking man follows one cover back (8)19.Unions create harmony (5)21.Occasionally funny caller- it’s relative (5)22.She goes back and forth (4)
20
Buckland Newton — HolyRood
SELECTION OF BOOKS IN HOLY ROOD £0.40 EACH OR 3 FOR £1.00
Vicar: Jonathan Still, The Vicarage, Back Lane, Cerne Abbas Tel: 01300 341251 Churchwarden: Jon Sulkin Tel: 07971 277584Holy Rood is open every day from 9.30am thru’ 5pm for private prayerMarch Services at Holy Rood Sunday 1 March Matins at 9.45amSunday 8 March Holy Communion at 9.45amSunday 15 March AllAge Service at 4pmSunday 22 March Holy Communion at 9.45amSunday 29 March Benefice at Cerne Abbas at 11.15am
Our Lent Lunch this year is by kind invitation of Mrs Bridget Hodges at PurbeckHouse. Awonderfulselectionofhome-madesoupandbread will be served on Saturday 14th March from 12 noon till 2.00pm.As in previous years, donations will be divided between WaterAid and Holy Rood Chancel Roof Fund but there will also be a boxfor tinned and packaged foodsin Holy Rood to go to the Sherborne food bank.
From HolyRood PCCWe kindly ask for the support of the Buckland Newton communityin helping to meet the costs for the cemetery, located in the centre of the village opposite Cranes Meadow, which is a shared place ofremembrance for many families. The ongoing upkeep of the cemetery—including grass cutting, pathway maintenance, maintaining the beautiful wildflower area and general care—requires regular funding that the church alone struggles to meet. Any contribution, however small, would help ensure that the cemetery remains a beautiful, peaceful, dignified, and well-maintained space for current and future generations. If you feel able to make a contribution, please contact the church treasurer Diana Wells via email: holyroodpccbucklandnewton@gmail.comThank you -we are very grateful for all the continued goodwill and supportof our community. The Parochial Church Council of Holy Rood Church, Buckland Newton.
Dear Friends,I am excited to announce that we are to have an Easter present a little early. Fr Rob Sawdy has completed his training for ordination in the Winchester Diocese and has completed his curacy training in Bournemouth Town Centre Parish. Professionally, he is a Consultant Obstetrician and comes to us as a Volunteer or Non-Stipendiary Minister. This means, in effect, that he is pure gift of himself, through God to us in Buckland, Cerne, Godmanstone and Minterne. His wife Audreyis a Consultant Gynaecologist, and they have four very lively children. The family live in Milborne St Andrew. I hope they will have time to add a note about themselves to this issue, but please welcome and greet them as you see them about.Jonathan
Hello!MynameisRobSawdy,andIamacurateinBournemouthsoontojoinJonathanandtheteam hereintheCerneValleyBenefice.IhavelivedinMilborneSt Andrewwithmywife Audreyandourfour children,nowaged20-25,forthelast23years.WebothworkintheNHSashospitalconsultantsin Women'shealth,practicingmainlyinmaternityatDCHandUHDBournemouth.IworkMondayto WednesdayfortheNHSandhopefortherestoftheweektobeavailableafterEasterintheBeneficeto getinvolvedinwhateverneedsdoing.IaimtospendafewmonthstravellingtheBeneficeandmeeting withthosewhowanttosharethoughtsandinterestsaboutcommunitylifeandtheactivitiesthatbring people in from the margins to the heart of life together.IwasconvincedofthetrustandlovethatJesusshareswithmeandeveryonefromaveryyoungage, beingpartofasmallbuttightknitall-agechurchthatmetforteaandtoastaftertraditionalBCPEucharist intheCityofLondon.Achurchthatconfusedbutenthusedme,inequalmeasure,whichbredadesire forlanguageandmeaningthatexplainedbetterthanIcouldwhoGodreallyisandwhatImustdoin responsetothis-toHim,toothers,tomyself.Thisalongsidealifelongacquaintancewithmedicineled metoa fullerunderstandingofhealingandwellness.BeingaPriestseemedthelastthingin mind forme tobegettinginvolvedinandIwassuccessfulinavoidingthequestionuntilIwasnear50.Ihaveenjoyed servinginothernotdissimilarvocations,suchasbeingChairpersontoanumberofcharitiesand communityorganisations,includingourvillagepre-schoolnursery.IwasareserveArmymedicalofficer fromthemid90suntilrecenttimes,servingregimentsinLondonandDorsetbeforedeployingasa surgeonandlaterbecomingMODleadinWomen’shealth.IhavealsobeenachurchmusiciansinceI was able to stand and love all things group orientated and musical in and out of church.LifeinBournemouthhasgivenmeaveryvariedtrainingandJonathanandIhavefoundwesharemany similarpassions,andhehasopenedthedoortoafewnewones!Iamverymuchlookingforwardto workingwithJonathanandunderstandinghowruralministryworksandhelpscommunitiesandpeople thriveintheir livestogether,followingtheexampleset usinJesus Christ. Thatmeansgettingtoknow as manyofyouasIcaninthecomingmonthsandlisteningcarefully.Pleaseforgiveme,Ihaveaterrible memory for names but not faces! Do stop me and suggest a timewe might get to chat.Rob **********************************************************************************************************************
22
Mad March Hares:where to see them in Dorset and the folklore that surrounds them.While walking in the Dorset countryside you may be lucky enough to spot a brown hare – introduced into Britain at least 2,000 years ago for hunting purposes. Hares canbe identified firstly by their size (they are larger than rabbits) and also by their long, black-tipped ears. Much larger, powerful hind legs enable them to run at speeds of up to 70kph (45mph) to evade predators in their very exposed habitats.They have warm brown fur on their backs and white fur on their bellies. Their tails are black on the upper surface and white underneath.The species mainly inhabits agriculturalgrasslands in temperate open habitats where cereal growing predominates. Although grass fields are preferredfeeding areasin the summer when cereal fields no longer provide grazing, high densities of livestock will deter hares from some pastures.Woods, shelterbelts and hedgerows are frequently used as resting areas during the day especially in winter.They don’t dig burrows as rabbits do but insteadmake a small depressionin theground among long grass – known as a form.They also have mad, staring golden eyes, although the term ‘mad as a March hare’ is more to do with their courtship rituals.Balancing on their hind legs they will box each other with their forelegs. It was once thought the sparring was between two males during the mating season, but the displayis more likely to be a female fending off a male’s amorous advances.‘Chasing’ hares are usually dominant males seeing off another male in afitof jealousy.The current number of hares in the UKis estimated to be around 800,000– a quarter of which are in Dorset and the south west.Sadly, the population has seena huge declinein the last century.After WorldWar two, the numbers fell by 75 per cent, due to changes in agriculture.Hedges were removed and large areas of single crops were introduced which spelled disaster for the mammal which thrived on different varietiesof plant.Mad March behaviour takes place at other times of year but is more easily spotted when crops are low. Hares are nocturnal creatures and usually seen earlyin the morning or in the evening.In Dorset the Cranborne Chase, the Purbeck Ridge, Kimmeridge and south Dorset coast path, Fleet and Blackmore Vale have been identified as hare hotspots.The Three Hares MotifOne of the most intriguing aspects of hare symbolism in Dorset is the ‘three hares’ motif found in several churches across the region. This motif is believed to represent fertility and has connections to both pagan and Christian traditions. The three hares are often depictedin a way that their ears are intertwined, symbolizing unity and the cyclical nature of life. This motif can be seenin various churches in Dorset and the south west, highlighting the historic significanceof hares in local culture.A three hares boss can be found on the ceiling of St. Huberts Church, Corfe Mullen. (Photo opposite.)
23
A bad hare day...Before Christianityin the British Isles, the hare, like the cat, was thought to bea witch in disguise. This witch could only be killed with a silver bullet.Since hares are born with eyes open, they supposedly had special powers over the evil eye.It is believed to be unlucky to meet either a hare or a rabbit –a rabbit which crosses one’s pathin front is a good omen and one which crosses behind is a bad one.Hares were never mentioned at sea, as they were consideredill-omened words, and to meet one on the way to sea was a very bad omen.If a pregnant woman sawa hare, it was believed that her child would be born with a hare lip (or cleft palate).Hares were thought tobe predictors of fire, andif one ran through the village, it was believed a fire would soon break out.The traditional Easter animal is the hare. The Easter festival is reputed to have obtained its name from the Teutonic goddessof the dawn, Eostre, whose sacred animal was the hare.www.bournemouthecho.co.ukThe March Hare (called Haigha in ‘Through the Looking Glass) is a character most famous for appearing in the tea party scene in Lewis Carroll’s 1865 book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.The main character, Alice, hypothesizes: “The March Hare will be much the most interesting, and perhaps as this is May, it won’t be raving mad –at least not so mad as it was in March.”‘Mad as a March Hare’ is a common English phrase, both now and in Carroll’s time, and appears in John Heywood’s collection of proverbs published in 1546.
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 in the 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 10 March 2026, 7.00 pm in the Parish Pavilion.
PLANNING Applications for commentP/FUL/2026/00100 - Duntish Mill Farm, Factory Lane, Duntish, DT2 7DRChange of use of part of an existing building (Cottage3, also known as Farm Cottage) from residential use (Use Class C3) to short-term holiday accommodation.Comments by 9 February 2026 -The Parish Council has not objections to this applicationas it will not impact on the general daily use of this site.Applications for information purposes only- no comment requiredP/PABA/2026/00552 - Old Henley Farm, B3143 from Henley Farm, Henleyto Holcombe Dairy Lane, Henley, DT2 7BL Erect agricultural storage building.Dorset 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 continue to 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.
The Parish council website is www.bucklandnewtonparishcouncil.gov.uk here you will find direct links to Dorset Council services and departments such as Planning, Road Closures, Travel, Waste and Refuse and Report a problem.
25
POLICE REPORT DECEMBER -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
26
YOUR NIGHT SKY– MARCH 2026I am writing thisin the middle of February and have just had the first real chance to observe the sky since New Year, so I suppose that my columns have not been of much use during the last two months. Let’s hope that things improve as spring arrives.Now March is here we are beginning to see the spring constellations in our night sky and nights will be a little warmer. Orion our winter constellation has by now moved into the southwestern sky in the evening.
CANCERThis month’s constellation, Cancer (The Crab), lies on the ecliptic. You may remember that the “ecliptic” is the line in the sky along which the sun appears to travel through the year. The planets in our solar system also appear to travel around the sky close to the line of the ecliptic as they orbit the sun.Cancer is about halfway up in the sky and at the beginning of the month. It is just east of south at 9pm and moves gradually to the west as the month progresses. It is small and quite faint. It needs a dark sky to be seen so early March is the best time to look for it. The three fairly bright stars Castor, Pollux and Procyon in Gemini will help you find it. You may ask whywe are including this uninspiring constellation in our discussion this month. The reason is that it has at its centre an object called Praesepe, also called the Beehive Cluster (M44). It is a cluster of about 1000 stars which are nearly 600 light years away. It can be seen with the unaided eye and is an absolutely beautiful site when seen through binoculars or a small telescope. At the bottom of the constellation is M67 which is an open cluster of stars which you may be able to find with binoculars. It appears as a misty patch which is brighter at the centre. It consists of about 100 stars, which are all of the same type and age as our Sun. Becauseof this this M67 is one of the most studied star clusters.THE PLANETS THIS MONTH. Jupiter. Early in the month, Jupiter is the brightest planet shining high in the southern sky in the evening. Venus is an evening planet in the south-west. It gets brighter and easier to see as the month progresses. Mercury is a dim evening planet at the start of the month, getting dimmer through the month as is gets too close to the Sunin the sky to be visible. By the endof the monthit willbe a morning planet. Mars is a morning planet but is too close to the Sun to be seen.THE MOON. Full Moon is on the 3rd with new Moon on the 19th. Cont .. .
27
SPECIAL EVENTS. Equinox is on March 20th when daylight hours will be increasing at the fastest rate. On March 8th at 19:10, Ganymede, oneof Jupiter’s Moons, will disappear behind Jupiter. This is called an occultation. You will need good binoculars or a small telescope to see this. It pops out from behind Jupiter at 22:29. Exact times will vary in the UKby a few minutes depending on the observer’s location in the UK.If you have, or are thinking of buying a telescope, and need any observing technical advice,I can be contacted on (01300) 345485 or at keithmwright@compuserve.com. There are free Apps which can be used on a tablet computer or smart phone that will help guide you around our night sky. You need to have the GPS turned on for the best results.KeithWright **********************************************************************************************************************
Quiz Answers1.1924in Chamonix in France. Initially called the International Winter Sports Week, the success of the 12-day,16event competition led the IOC, in 1926, to officially designate it as the first Olympic Winter Games.2.Suriname. It has a total area of 165,940 square kilometres, over 90% of which is rainforest. It is about 2/3 the size of the UK.3.Sandro Botticelli. Despite being popular during his life, after he died his style went out of fashion and he was forgotten about for 300 years until the Pre-Raphaelites rediscovered himin the 19th century.4.King Crimson. Formed in 1968 King Crimson have covered jazz, classical, and rock musicin various forms. Robert Fripp, husband of Toyah Wilcox, is the only constant member of the band.5.The Colorado River. The river supplieswater to40 million people, irrigates over 5 million acresof farmland, and provides power to 7 US states and parts of Mexico. Featuring 15 major dams, including the Hoover Dam, it is considered one of the most controlled riversin the world.6.Ray Bradbury.Published in 1953,it is a dystopian novel about censorship and the suppression of ideas. It is named after the temperature that paper burns. Bradbury wrote the novel on a rented typewriter in the basement of the UCLAlibrary, and it cost a total of $9.80 in 10-cent, 15-minute increments.7.Helium. It was named after Helios because it was first discoveredin the Sun’s spectrum before it was found on earth.8.It is the term for animals that are most active in twilight, dawn and dusk. These include deer, rabbits, many insects, lions, giant pandas, Tasmanian devils and many more.9.Uniform Resource Locator. AURLis the address used to locate resources on the internet, such as webpages, images, or downloadable files. It typically includes the protocol, domain name, and path. If you knew this, give yourself an extra point!10.Victoria. Located on Vancouver Island, the city has the mildest weather in Canada, allowing golf to be played all year round!