© 2026 Buckland Newton Community Website Committee Last updated 17th October 2026 10:20 Website design and update by Jeremy Collins

Around the Village

There’s plenty to do around the village, from clubs and groups, regular and one-off events to Keep Fit 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.

Defibrillator

A Defibrillator is housed in a blue, UNLOCKED cabinet on the

outside wall of BN Village Hall by the back door, under the veranda.

It is available for use in an emergency, after dialling 999 and as advised

by the paramedics.

There is a second Defibrillator in the Buckland Newton School car park, again in an unlocked cabinet. You just fetch either from their cabinets.

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

bring the defibrillator to you.

Neighbourhood Watch Alerts

5th August 2026. Broadband and Mobile Provider Account Takeover and Identity Fraud Alert Details of other Neighbourhood Watch Alerts and advice

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

An on-line version (October) is available at Lydden Vale News 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 also available at the same location.

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.

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/ . 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, 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm, at the Bus shelter opposite BN Primary School.

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 information about the intention by Openreach to change all landlines to digital. 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.

Ultrafast Fibre Internet in Buckland Newton

Wessex Internet has brought full fibre broadband direct to homes and

businesses in Buckland Newton and surrounding areas. All these

properties can 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. For more information:

https://www.wessexinternet.com or call 0333 240 7997.

Outreach Post Office The outreach Post Office is open in the Village Hall on Mondays 09:15 to 11.45 and Fridays from 09.15 to 11.45.

Prescriptions

Prescriptions are delivered from Cerne Abbas Surgery to Old Chapel

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

Recycling and Refuse Collection and Calendar

You can find details of your rubbish and recycling calendar at rubbish and

recycling days

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.

More from the Village…

Bonfires - please consider your Neighbours

Please be considerate if you wish to have a garden bonfire, especially in

the current dry conditions. Sparks can very easily cause an uncontrolled

fire in grass and dry leaves. Smoke from bonfires can be a real nuisance if

neighbours have washing out to dry. Smoke can also cause extra

difficulties for those with breathing problems, such as asthma sufferers -

please think before lighting a bonfire. For more advice from Dorset Council

on bonfires please see: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/environmental-

health/bonfires.aspx

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

Taking a break! – after working 37 weekends in a row and a busy summer, we and the team are taking a break for a bit of family time. The pub will be closed from Friday 23rd October until 2pm on Thursday 29th October. Laser Tag – with so much space in the gardens, we are introducing Laser Tag at the Gaggle! We also have a giant inflatable tag arena! Perfect for parties and group bookings. New page on our website or have a chat with us for more details. And look out for pop-up laser tag afternoons when you can come and play. Axe Throwing & Archery! - bookable sessions in the Gaggle gardens across the week are now available through www.dorsetmedievalarchery.co.uk ‘Have a go’ axe throwing in the Gaggle gardens Saturdays from 4pm; pop along and try to win the best score of the day! Christmas Functions - our diary is open for Christmas group bookings and functions. Get in touch if you have a date in mind or would like to be sent the Christmas Menu. Also see ‘Dates for your Diary’ below

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. You can also see all upcoming events at a glance on our new web page ‘Events’ at the top of the page or use the link: Events in Buckland Newton Saturday 17th October, 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm, Gaggle of Geese. Willow Lantern Making. Join Sarah & Noah making willow lanterns for the village bonfire parade. Get in touch to book a space – just £5.00 per person for materials. Be shown how to make your own lantern. Kits also available for you to buy over the bar and make at home. Saturday 17th October, 7.30 pm, Buckland Newton Village Hall. Artsreach presents “When the Morning Stars Sang (& The Angels Shouted for Joy)”. Demons, Archangels, Djinns & The Voice from the Heart of the Whirlwind. Mystery Tales from Christian, Islamic & Judaic sources. Hugh Lupton & Sarah Moody. “’ master storyteller… a haunting sound-world’ - The Guardian. Tickets £14, £6 (u 18s) in person fom The Old Chapel Stores or call 01300 345455. Cash Bar + refreshments available. Suitable 14+ Sunday 18th October, 10.00 am. Community Litter Pick. Meet at the Parish Pavilion at 10.00 am to receive equipment and get areas assigned. All welcome to help keep the parish looking tidy and litter free. Sunday 18th October. Service at Holy Rood Church. 4.00 pm All-Age Service. Through a hole in the roof… the theme for this week’s All Age Service. For the young in years and heart, followed by a shared tea. It is St Luke’s Day, the patron saint of physicians. Our new curate Rob is a physician. All Welcome. Wednesday 21st October, 8.30 pm start, Gaggle of Geese. Pub Quiz. Fun evening of head scratchers, cryptic clues and general knowledge. Teams of up to 6. £2.00 per person or free if you dine before the quiz. Booking required. Probable future quiz dates are 18th November and 16th December. Saturday 24th October, 9.30 am - 12.30 pm, BN Village Hall. Buckland Newton Youth Club Car Wash. . Thursday 29th October, 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, Gaggle of Geese. ‘Knit & Natter’. Our sessions for October will be on Thursdays 1st, 15th and 29th, 2-4pm at the Gaggle of Geese. Everyone is very welcome to join us, with whatever craft you like to do, or just come along and natter and have a piece of cake !! See you there Lyn Cox 01300 345739 Jane Willis 01300 345477 Friday 30th October, 10.30 am to 12.00 noon, BN Village Hall. Village Cafe. Coffee/Tea and cake - £1.50 - Bargain ! Everyone welcome - locals and visitors. Come along and catch up with your friends and neighbours. See you there. Lyn Cox 01300 345739 Liza Hill 01300 345230 Friday 30th October, 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm, Parish Field. Buckland Newton Youth Club Pumpkin Festival. Saturday 31st October, Gaggle of Geese. Gaggle Halloween. Spooky disco, party bags, discounted cocktails! Dressing-up optional; prize for best costume! Free entry. Boogie from around 8.00 pm. Free entry & free treat bag for all! Wednesday 4th November, 8.00 pm - 10.00 pm, Gaggle of Geese. Open mic’ Night. Pop down to enjoy local musicians. Or be brave and join in with a song or two. Thursday 5th November, Bonfire Night, from 5.00 pm, Gaggle of Geese. The annual Village Bonfire & Fireworks in the Gaggle gardens. Willow lantern parade from the Parish Field (opposite the school) from 5pm. Bonfire lit around 6.00 pm. Fireworks around 7.00 pm. Fireworks, bar, BBQ, hog roast and hot chocolates! Walk to the pub if you can or please park considerately if driving. Kids under 12 free entry. Older kids & adults £8.00; pay on arrival. Weather dependent! Weather dependent – so keep an eye on website and social media! Friday 20th November, 7.30 pm, Buckland Newton Village Hall DT2 7BZ. Angelic Tuning Forks Sound Bath. Enjoy deep relaxation with this soothing, healing sound bath. Just lay back and enjoy the harmonic sound of the forks to relax and de-stress. Bring blankets and cushions. £17 book at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/angelic-tuning-forks-sound-bath-west- dorset-tickets-1807986740009
Buckland Newton Community Website
in the heart of rural Dorset
in the heart of rural Dorset