The local village school closed some years ago and pupils now travel to Puddletown for first and middle school education and to Dorchester for upper school. There is a school bus service to Puddletown and children attending Hardye's School in Dorchester use the normal daily bus service.
Excellent medical cover for the majority of the parish is provided by general practice surgeries in Puddletown and Bere Regis. For pets and other animals there are veterinary practices in Puddletown and Wool.
Just like other rural communities transport is a bit of a problem and much reliance is placed upon private means to undertake most journeys. The nearest petrol station is in Bere Regis otherwise it's a hike along the A35 to Dorchester, the A31 towards Winterborne Zelston, or down to Wool. The Damory bus company run a limited service through the parish details of which can be obtained from the Village Shop and also by clicking on the linked document below.
Perhaps most important for some, all the local pubs are in adjacent parishes, the nearest being the Martyrs Inn at Tolpuddle with others in Bere Regis, Moreton and Bovington. Joining the Bladen Social Club may help to avoid the need to travel for a drink.
Our County Councillor, Alex Brenton has given us an update as to the current situation at County Hall with regard to the continuation of bus services 347 and 387 that serve the Parish. Dorset County Council has agreed to provide funding to the Damory bus company so that service will continue until 8th June. In the meantime the County Council will engage in a new procurement process in an attempt to secure a provider who will provide an on-going subsidised service. A temporary bus timetable, and there are a few changes, has been published and you can find this by using the link below. A copy has also been placed in the bus shelter at Briantspuddle.
A petition supporting the continuation of the bus services was placed in the village shop last month. In total 92 residents offered their support which represents a very significant proportion of Parishioners from our small community. This petition has now been sent to Miles Butler of Dorset County Council accompanied by a covering letter from the Parish Council setting out our concerns and urging the Council to continue the bus routes as the only public transport available to meet the needs of our rural parish.
Temporary bus time table for buses 347 and 387 until 8 June
Pages within Amenities:
 This 13th Century church is one of Simon Jenkins' "1,000 Best Churches" |
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