Edition 584 October 2025
Printed courtesy of Mrs Annette Haynes as a service to the community
Please email your entries for the November 2025 issue to: ThePennant@mail.com by 21st October 2025
Bradford Abbas and Clifton Maybank Neighbourhood Plan
The pre-submission draft of the Plan has now been completed. Please note the following key dates:
- Following the public launch of the pre-submission draft of the Plan on 30th September, two drop-in consultation sessions will take place on Saturday 11th October at St Mary’s Church, 10.30-11.30 am, and on Sunday 12th October at the Bradford Abbas Sports and Leisure Centre, 3.00 – 4.00 pm, when you will meet the Neighbourhood Plan team and ask any questions you may have about the Plan and supporting evidence.
- Any comments you may have regarding the Plan can be submitted via the online survey on the Parish Council website https://bradford-abbas.uk or in writing at the consultation sessions. The consultation period ends on Monday 1st December (not 14th November, as previously stated).
- If you have any queries, please call 01935 602279.
Bradford Abbas Parish Council
Dorset Council has published its Local Plan Options Consultation Options 2025 document. You have until13th October 2025 to make your views known.
The response form can be found online, downloaded and completed electronically or printed off and filled out by hand with completed response forms being sent to planningpolicyconsult@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or by post to Planning, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1XJ. The documents can be found at https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset-is-changing and at County Hall, Dorchester during normal opening hours.
The Plan ‘will help form the Dorset Council Local Plan which will be used when making planning decisions in Dorset. The Local Plan will be Dorset Council’s response to the Government’s commitment to addressing the shortage of housing, to enable economic growth and deliver essential infrastructure to enable this growth. It will also set out how planning decisions will seek to conserve and enhance the environment, including measures to address climate change.’
Warning of works to take place on A30 Old Compton Lane/Marl Lane Loscombe Crossroads to improve safety at this junction, week commencing 29th September
Nighttime closure of the A30 is no longer required, instead works will be undertaken with single lane closures of the A30 (reducing it to one ‘live traffic’ lane).
There will be some short-term closures of Old Compton Lane and Marl Lane, to facilitate road marking installation. Signed diversions will be in place, please see the yellow signs on site. The works will take approximately four weeks. For further information please go to:
Improving safety at Loscombe Crossroads (A30) - Over Compton - Dorset
ST MARY’S CHURCH, BRADFORD ABBAS
Friday 10th October ANTIQUES EVENING
Join us in the Village Hall for a special Antiques (Almost A) Roadshow. We will have expert advice from Dukes Auctioneers to review your treasured items. Ticket price £10 – this includes a light supper. Every ticket holder is allowed to bring up to two items from home. Dukes Auctioneers will present information and their opinions about items that take their eye. And you will have the opportunity to ask them to value your items. Drinks available on the night. Raffle (offers of raffle prizes will be gratefully received). Tickets available from Gary (07799 430400) or pop into the church on Saturday morning to get yours. All proceeds are going to the church’s heating project.
Sunday 19th October SHERBORNE SUNDAY MARKET
Our wonderful little army of crafters will again have a stall at the Sherborne Sunday Market (find them in Half Moon Street, in front of the abbey). Please stop for a chat and maybe buy something. All proceeds are going to the church’s heating project.
CHRISTMAS CARDS
Yes – we know it’s early but we wanted to share some exciting news. We have packs of Christmas cards for sale this year. Local artist Sam Dodd has produced a beautiful painting of a Christmas robin in front of a snow fringed Bradford Abbas church and has agreed to us using this image on our Christmas cards. You can buy these from us on Saturday mornings or after our Sunday services. Alternatively, pop into church at any other time and pick up an order form.
UPCOMING SERVICES - EVERYBODY IS WELCOME
SUNDAY 5TH OCTOBER 4pm Evensong - with choir (led by George Moody)
SUNDAY 19TH OCTOBER 10am Harvest Festival (led by David Dunning)
SUNDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 10am Morning Worship (ley-led)
SUNDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 10:50am Remembrance Sunday (starting at the War Memorial, then continuing in the church)
TUESDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 10:50am Act Of Remembrance (at the War Memorial)
SUNDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 10am Holy Communion (led by David Dunning)
On Sundays when we are without a service here in Bradford Abbas, we encourage villagers to take in a service at one of our neighbouring churches. There is always a list of these on display in the church porch.
Bradford Abbas Variety Club – Christmas Special Show
Bradford Abbas Variety Club are pleased to present a Christmas Special show!
Two shows only: Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd November 2025 at The Village Hall. Both shows commence at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 each and available from:
Lou Silk - 07786 626402 Lou.silk@hotmail.com or Greystones, Church Road
Merys Hopkins - 07834 547578 meryshopkins@btinternet.com
Bar, rolls and raffle tickets will be available on the night.
We’ve got some great ‘artists’ performing for your pleasure and amusement, so please come and support us and in turn the community as proceeds will go to our village Clubs.
Applications are invited for a donation, in return for ‘front of house’ help during the Shows together with raffle prizes. Please contact Lou or Merys to discuss.
Tickets will go on sale from 18th October - see you soon!
Variety Club AGM will be held on Wednesday 15th October at 8pm at the Sports & Social Club - all welcome!
Mill Farm – ‘A Night of Glass’, Friday 24th October
Join us at the Omelette Club, Mill Farm, for ‘A musical journey into the heart of glass, songs, stories, instrumental soundscapes’, with special guest Gustaf Ljunggren. Doors: 6pm, Music: 7.30pm. For tickets and further information go to tickettailor.com and millfarmmusic.com/events.
Chatty Crafters
At our September meeting we learnt about the ancient craft of Corn Dollys which was followed by the group, under the supervision of Kitty and Bex, making their own corn dollys. A fascinating and very rewarding afternoon was had and our grateful thanks go to Kitty and Bex.
The October meeting of the Chatty Crafters is on Friday the 17th. If you fancy coming along, please do. We meet at the Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas between 2-4pm, you will be made very welcome just bring along whatever you are working on for a chat and cup of tea.
ST MARY’S COMMUNITY TRUST
Friday 5th December 7:30pm– CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING with Prosecco and puds
Come and make a Christmas wreath for your front door or to put up inside your house. We will provide everything to need (but it’s a good idea to bring your own secateurs). We will provide Prosecco and other drinks and a variety of yummy puddings for you. Ticket price is £25 pp. Please call or text Gary (07799 430400) to book. Or email us on StMarysCommunityTrust@gmail.com. Payment will be needed to secure your place.
CHRISTMAS WINDOW DECORATION
This Christmas we are asking you all to consider decorating one window of your house to be enjoyed by people walking past your home. We hope this will cheer up everyone’s evening walks in December. Please have your window decorated by Sunday 14th December at the latest and leave it until after Christmas. We will give a prize to the home that comes up with our favourite design.
CHRISTMAS EVE OUTDOOR CAROL SERVICE 5:30pm
SMCT will again be helping to get your Christmas started with a warm glow as we light up the church and support the staging of the village’s outdoor carol service. This service regularly attracts 200+ into Church Road. Bring your friends and family and let’s make it bigger than ever! And once you’ve got that Christmassy feeling, it’s just a short walk to the Rose and Crown.
See you soon.
Jo, Alan, Rob, Ruth, Trevor and Gary, The ST MARY’S COMMUNITY TRUST team
The Friendship Club
Our next meeting is at 2.00pm, Tuesday 7th October at Bradford Abbas Sports and Social Club. There is Bingo, a small draw, Tea & Biscuits and a chance to have a chat and laugh with fellow villagers. New members will be warmly welcome. Our meetings are always on the first Tuesday afternoon of the month.
Yeovil Railway Centre
- Saturday 25th October and Friday 31st October: Halloween evenings
- Family Disco and Haunted Ghost Train Steam train rides on both evenings 5.30pm to 9pm, first train at 6pm. Come dressed in your scariest outfits. Free Horror Bag for children and Halloween themed food on sale.
- Please note that the rolling stock used for these events are not accessible for wheelchairs or similar.
See our website yeovilrailway.freeservers.com, or our Facebook page for more details
Bradford Abbas and Clifton Maybank Village Hall Bookings
To book the village hall please visit the parish council website to check availability, https://bradford-abbas.uk/hall, and complete the booking form. If you are unable to complete the form online please email bacmvh@gmail.com or ring 01935 602279 and a form can be printed off for you. A form must be completed to finalise booking the hall for insurance purposes. Thank you for supporting your village hall.
Monday Night Bingo
Every Monday at 6.30pm with eyes down at 7.00pm. at Bradford Abbas Sports and Social Club. Everyone 18 and over are welcome to our weekly light-hearted evening which also includes a small draw and a chance to win the SNOW BALL and of course a laugh and chat, we finish at about 8.30pm.
Sherborne Bradford Abbas Camera Club
- Tuesday 14th October: Criitique Evening with members’ photographs, any subject, critiqued by Penny Piddock in a positive manner.
- Tuesday 28th October: The Overton Cup, our annual black and white competition, dpi and prints judged by Stephen Wilcox.
We meet in the village hall on the second and fourth evenings in the month at 7.30 pm
See our website sbacameraclub.co.uk for further details or follow our Facebook page.
Rose and Crown, Bradford Abbas
Opening hours: Tuesday 5- close; Wednesday - Thursday 12-3 & 5-close; Friday 12-close; Saturday 10am – close; Sundays 12 noon – 6pm.
Restaurant:
Wednesday - Friday 12pm-2pm & 5.30pm-8.30pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm and 5.30-8.30pm, Sunday 12-4pm
All food is available as a takeaway.
- Lunchtime Specials: Pop in to see our specials board! Served Wednesday - Saturday 12pm - 2pm
- Tuesday Evenings: Pizza & a Pint £15 Served from 5.30pm - 8pm
- Wednesday & Thursday from 5.30pm Join us for Grill Night!
- Fish & Chip Friday: Served every Friday lunchtime 12pm - 2pm
- Join us for breakfast, every Saturday served 10am - 12pm
- Sunday Carvery - Limited availability, please contact us to book
- Meat Draw every Sunday at 4.30pm
October events:
Music Bingo: Saturday 11th October, 8.30pm. £2pp.
Quiz Night: Halloween themed: Thursday 23rd October. Come and test your knowledge! Teams of 4-6, £2pp. From 8pm.
Halloween Saturday 25th October: Children’s Party: 4-6pm, Fancy Dress, games and prizes. Free entry. Please contact us to register your interest. Basket meals will be available from 5pm- 6pm. Adults Party: Over 18+ ONLY. Live DJ. Vote for your best fancy dress costume. Free entry.
Future Dates:
- Live Music by Darryl Rushby: 15th November, 8.30pm
- Christmas Music Bingo: 29th November: 8.30pm.
- November Quiz Night: Date to be confirmed
- Christmas Parties: Our Menu is now available. Book Now for your Christmas party.
- Christmas Day Bookings: LIMITED AVAILABILITY. We are offering Christmas Carvery with all the trimmings, one sitting available at 1.45pm.
- Follow our social media for our full list of festive events.
Don’t forget, you can hire our skittle alley - please pop in or contact us to discuss further.
Contact us on: 01935 423199, email info@therosecrownbradfordabbas.co.uk
Visit our website https://www.therosecrownbradfordabbas.co.uk