Yarn Barton, Beaminster's Information Centre

28/08/2025

September is a great in between month. Summer is officially over, but we definitely haven't reached Autumn. Rain over the last couple of days has helped our hard pressed farmers, and hopefully the harvest will be better than some predictions. September is also a time when local groups return from their summer break and re-start their regular activities. Details are on our monthly list which you can see here. Simply click ob the images to see the full list or on this link for a copy to download or print.
https://app.box.com/s/7bmy1mg6m6yg68eicyyyebvfm2so747x

08/08/2025

Don't miss Tom Brown's Gang with Sam Brown - This Sunday 2.30 pm in Halstock Village Hall

05/08/2025

August is holiday month for many of us, and we are delighted that many people from all round the country and overseas choose to spend their vacations in west Dorset. Here in Beaminster we welcome you all and hope you enjoy all that our town and the surrounding villages have to offer. Here is our monthly list of local activities. Simply click on the image or on this link for a pdf copy to download or print. https://app.box.com/s/n0rou9ipaue9qbtvuo9c6nry1apo0qdr

23/07/2025

Trains won't be stopping at Crewkerne form Monday 28th July until further notice, South Western Railway have announced.
Instead, rail replacement buses will run between Crewkerne and Yeovil Junction or Axminster, with journeys taking around 30 minutes each way.

Passengers should allow extra time for your travel and check live train times via Journey Planner.

The decision appears to have been taken by Network Rail who explain that we’re experiencing some of the driest conditions for around 200 years, and in the Crewkerne area this has dried out and shrunk the clay soil embankments that support our tracks. This is a problem known as ‘soil moisture

Network Rail say that Stopping trains at Crewkerne under these conditions would cause knock-on delays and cancellations across the network.

South Western Railway say that they will resume train services to Crewkerne as soon as it’s safe to do so, but with dry weather expected to continue, more timetable changes may be needed. They are closely monitoring conditions and will keep us updated via our website.

They say that they are genuinely sorry for the disruption and thank us for our patience and understanding. Full details are here: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wessex/crewkerne-station-temporary-closure/

23/07/2025

Parnham House Restoration - Enabling Development Public Consultation - Beaminster Public Hall 2.00 - 7.00 pm Tuesday 29th July.
Its been 10 years since fire destroyed the historic Parnham House. In the past few years the current owners have started to develop the estate as a hospitality venue with a Deer Park and a restaurant. Many plans for development on the site and for the restoration of the original building have been considered, but the current plan for an enabling development of 85 homes is about to be submitted to Dorset Council.
Enabling development is a planning policy which allows owners to save historic buildings by creating a residual land value from elsewhere in the estate. The income from this is entirely used in the restoration of the building.
This is a major development proposal which will have significant impact on the town aad the surrounding area. The Public Consultation in Beaminster Public Hall 2.00 - 7.00 pm Tuesday 29th July. is your opportunity to view the plans and have your say.
We urge you to attend if you possbly can.

15/07/2025

Don't fall for a QR code scam in Dorset Council car parks.

Dorset Council said it found the fake digital codes in car parks across the West Bay area.

The codes can direct users to a fake website designed to look like a legitimate parking payment page.

The local authority has made clear to residents and visitors that QR codes are not used at any of its car parks.

The BBC has more details here

Dorset Council finds fake digital stickers at car parks across the West Bay area.

09/07/2025

It is important to us to understand how the local community and visitors perceive us, and learn how we can improve our services. To this end we conducted the Yarn Barton Awareness Survey conducted Spring 2025 and received a 13% response rate from Beaminster households with 238 completed questionnaires.

The survey revealed high awareness of the Yarn Barton Centre and its services, indicating its importance to the community in terms of its information provision and social impact.

Its central location within the town is a huge asset to those Beaminster residents without transport, copying services, smart phone or computer and, as importantly, regular community contact via helpful, friendly volunteers.

Moving forward, better promotion of Yarn Barton facilities and services was suggested, particularly the provision of help in the increasingly online world, whilst linking with local traders, charities and health/social organisations would potentially benefit all.

We need to increase awareness of room hire, recycling box provision and being a food bank collection point.

Overall feedback was very positive with Yarn Barton felt to be an essential part of the Beaminster community, highlighting an appreciation of the centre's services and volunteers.

07/07/2025

Blooms and Wings is the title of our latest art exhibition in the Yarn Barton Centre Gallery in Fleet Street.
Step into a gallery where blooming florals meet the flight and song of curious birds. Wether you are seeking inspiration or a unique gift you will find something extraordinary.
Join us to celebrate art, colour and creativity from local artists Philippa Tanner and Moira Baumbach.
Prints & cards by both artists are available for purchase.
We are open 9.30 am - 12.30 pm Monday to Saturday.

30/06/2025

Could you help us with our bookkeeping. We need someone special to join our team.

25/06/2025

The weather seems to have cooled down a little from the recent excessively warm spell. Hopefully enough for the Evershot Bakery to resume production of their excellent sourdough bread. Now is the time to get out and about to explore this wonderful area. you will find a whole range of local walk guides in the Yarn Barton Centre in Fleet Street. We are open Monday to Saturday 9.30 am to 12.30 pm. The Beaminster Festival is well under way but there are still many fantastic concerts and talks to come. Details of the Festivals final week, and all the other events in an around Beaminster are on our monthly list. Click on the images to see the full list or on this link for a pdf copy to download or print. https://app.box.com/s/sx7wmdryfhjl0hqrxkwud9fu2ch9zi3f

18/06/2025

Beaminster Museum provides a valuable insight into the history of our town and the surrounding area. A visit to the museum in Whitcombe Road is a must for visitors and residents alike. Entrance is free, but donations towards the £20,000 cost of re-leading their wonderful windows are always welcome. Car stickers to show your support for the museum are available for just £5.00. Pop in to the centre to get yours today.