On Saturday, 4th January 2025, Wincanton Racecourse will collaborate with Yellow Wellies and the RABI for a special Raceday to bring farmers and the farming community together while raising awareness about mental health within the agricultural industry. Recognising its position at the heart of a rural, agriculturally rich community, Wincanton Racecourse aims to support local farmers by offering them a day to connect, unwind, and share experiences with friends old and new. Farmers and members of the farming community can enjoy a specially priced ticket at just £10. This includes racecourse admission, a racecard, and a drink. For those wishing to enhance their experience, discounted hospitality packages are also available, making it an excellent opportunity to treat friends or family while further supporting a vital cause. Wincanton Racecourse’s Raceday is more than just a social event; it’s a chance to highlight and address the mental health challenges faced by the farming community, fostering camaraderie and support. Tickets online here: thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton
Dorchester Chamber for Business has generously donated £500 to the Dorchester Food Bank, providing vital support to local families and individuals in need during the festive season. The funds were raised through a raffle at the Chamber’s annual President’s Breakfast earlier this month, an event which celebrated Christmas and the conclusion of another productive year for the business community.
Left to Right Steph Addison Dorchester Chamber Vice President, Dr John Burn Trustee Dorchester Food Bank. Steve Bulley President Dorchester Chamber.
On Friday, 20th December, a cheque for £500 was formally handed over to Dr John Burn, a trustee of the Dorchester Food Bank, as the culmination of the Chamber’s fundraising efforts. The £448 generated from the raffle was kindly topped up by the Chamber itself. Prizes for the raffle were generously donated by Chamber members, showcasing the strong sense of community and shared purpose among local businesses.
The President’s Breakfast, a highlight of the Chamber’s calendar, provides an opportunity for members to come together, celebrate their achievements, and enjoy the festive spirit. This year’s event held special significance as members united to support those struggling to make ends meet during the Christmas season.
The Dorchester Food Bank provides emergency food supplies to individuals and families facing hardship, playing a critical role in supporting the local community. Its work benefits not only families with children but also pensioners and individuals in need, ensuring that no one goes without essentials. In the run-up to Christmas, the Food Bank distributes additional provisions, including festive treats, to help bring a little joy to those facing financial pressures.
The day the donation was presented proved to be the Food Bank’s busiest of the month, with 28 families seeking assistance. Among them, a mother feeding her four children and herself with a single tin of meatballs, and a pensioner referred after a social worker discovered their home had no food during a routine visit.
Dr John Burn, accepting the cheque on behalf of the Food Bank, expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Chamber and its members.
“We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation,” he said. “Support from the Chamber is invaluable, especially at this time of year when demand for food assistance is at its highest. This contribution will make a significant difference, enabling us to provide vital supplies to those in need over Christmas.”
Chamber President Steve Bulley and Vice-President Steph Addison presented the cheque to Dr Burn, commenting:
“It is a privilege to present this donation to the Dorchester Food Bank. As a Chamber, we are committed to supporting our local community, and we are proud to contribute to such an essential cause. The Christmas period can be particularly challenging for families experiencing financial hardship, and we hope this donation helps to ease some of their burdens. We would like to extend our thanks to all our members who donated raffle prizes and helped make this fundraising effort such a success.”
This donation underscores the strong sense of community within Dorchester and highlights the Chamber’s dedication to social responsibility. As the year comes to a close, the Chamber looks forward to continuing its support for local causes while championing the success and well-being of Dorchester’s businesses and residents in the coming year.
Sam Everard, founder and CEO of Bournemouth-based charity SAMEE, has been named in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100, celebrating the UK’s most influential disabled individuals. SAMEE supports disabled people to explore self-employment, helping to bridge the disability employment gap. Living with Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), Sam founded SAMEE eight years ago, providing mentoring and guidance to empower disabled individuals. Recognised as a Disability Confident Leader level 3 charity, SAMEE is the first in Dorset to achieve this status. Sam also chairs the Government’s South West Regional Stakeholder Network, working on disability policy, and is completing a PhD at Bournemouth University on self-employment for neurodivergent people. ‘I’m humbled to be included – but most proud of the disabled community I represent,’ Sam said.’Our work proves disabled people can achieve success with the right support.’ samee.co.uk
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance claimed four prestigious accolades at the 2024 Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence. Organised by Air Ambulances UK and sponsored by Kwik Fit, the event celebrated outstanding contributions to the air ambulance community. Four individuals from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance were honoured for their exceptional achievements:
Dr Laura Bland – Critical Care Doctor of the Year
Laura Bland – Critical Care Doctor of the Year Dr Laura Bland’s leadership in pre-hospital emergency medicine has significantly enhanced patient care and clinical standards. She has led regional campaigns, raised nearly £40,000 through a direct mail initiative, and influenced countless lives through her passion and dedication.
Neil Bizzell – Critical Care Practitioner of the Year
Neil Bizzell – Critical Care Practitioner of the Year Specialist Practitioner Neil has delivered 24 education events this year, often voluntarily, helping improve critical care delivery. His outreach efforts, including life-saving training for ambulance crews, highlight his commitment to advancing patient care.
Tom Budgett – Charity Supporter of the Year
Tom Budgett – Charity Supporter of the Year A commercial aviation law expert, Tom has provided pro bono legal support to air ambulance charities, achieving substantial savings that directly benefit their missions.
Gillian Bryce – Lifetime Achievement Award
Gillian Bryce – Lifetime Achievement Award With over 30 years in emergency medicine, Gillian has been pivotal in developing paramedic training, merging ambulance services, and in 2000 in establishing Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. This national recognition reflects the dedication and excellence of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance in delivering life-saving care across the region. Congratulations to all the winners!
A local expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips on consumer issues.
Q: ‘I’ve struggled with my money this year and have already spent too much on Christmas. I also recently got caught out by a free trial on an app that rolled into a paid subscription. It feels like every month I end up in my overdraft. How can I keep track of my spending better?’
A: It can be difficult to stay on top of things like online subscriptions but there are steps you can take to be more in control of your money. Firstly, draw up a budget. Remember to include all of your general spending, and any bills you have to pay. Be realistic about what you’ll need for essentials like food and travel. If your income fluctuates, use bank statements, pay slips, benefit award letters or your Universal Credit journal to plan your budget each month. Your bank should be able to tell you what regular payments you have. If you find subscriptions you don’t want, contact the company in question to cancel them. In future, before signing up to anything, make sure you know what you’ll get, for how long and what it’ll cost. If you do use any free trials, set a reminder a week before the free period ends so you’ve time to cancel it if you want to. Keep evidence of any subscription cancellations in case you need the proof in the future. If you’ve been relying on your overdraft this year, or you have turned to credit cards or Buy-Now-Pay-Later, it’s understandable if this worries you. Always prioritise paying your rent, mortgage, council tax and energy bills first, because not paying these has the most serious consequences. If you’re having trouble managing your debts and paying bills, get some free debt advice, either from Citizens Advice or from another reputable and free debt advice provider such as Stepchange or National Debtline. The Citizens Advice website has an income checker where you can see if you’re getting all you’re entitled to, such as benefits or grants. Everyone’s circumstances are different when it comes to managing personal finances: make sure you are in charge of yours.
Mrs Natalie Covell (left) with pupils at the planting of her crab apple tree
The school community of Yarrells, near Poole, came together to celebrate the 80th birthday of its proprietor, Mrs Natalie Covell. Known for her unwavering dedication and love for education, Natalie has been a cornerstone of Yarrells School since becoming Headmistress in 1989. She and her late husband, Tony Covell, purchased the school – then St Monica’s – in 1992, embedding family values and a commitment to the arts and nature into its core. Set on a stunning estate featuring a Georgian mansion, gardens, sports facilities, and woodlands, Yarrells provides a rich learning environment. Natalie’s love for nature and the arts has shaped the school’s ethos, ensuring children thrive both academically and creatively. From assemblies to school productions, Natalie remains an active and cherished presence. To honour her milestone birthday, a crab apple tree was planted in the school grounds. Pupils from the Nursery, aptly named Greenwood, gathered around the tree, symbolising Natalie’s deep-rooted connection to the school and its environment. Clare Cunningham, Yarrells’ new Headteacher, expressed gratitude for Natalie’s legacy: ‘Her vision has shaped the future of Yarrells and everyone fortunate enough to learn here. She has created a warm, nurturing school where children explore their talents and grow in confidence.’ The tree will serve as a lasting tribute, reminding future generations of Natalie’s love for nature and her transformative impact on Yarrells School.
The Read Easy Blackmore Vale North team is marking its 10th anniversary, having held its first meeting in November 2014. Over the past decade, the group has worked tirelessly to support adults struggling with reading – nearly one in 14 adults. Read Easy provides free, one-to-one, private coaching tailored to each individual’s pace. While most sessions remain face-to-face, the team also offers online options which were first introduced during lockdown. Originally serving Gillingham and Shaftesbury, the team now supports Mere, Wincanton, Sherborne and Sturminster Newton. Since its founding, Read Easy has naturally evolved and grown: the charity began with one coordinator and is now seeking its fourth. In its first year, eight adults came forward to learn to read, with three graduating within three years. These learners’ hard work and determination reflect the transformative impact of the Read Easy programme. To reach more new readers, Read Easy has launched a series of short films, Real People, Real Stories, available on YouTube, sharing inspiring journeys of those who have overcome literacy challenges. If you know someone who finds reading difficult, encourage them to take the brave first step and contact Read Easy Blackmore Vale North on 07510 250365. The service is here to help change lives, one word at a time. readeasy.org.uk
Dorset Cricket and Bryanston School Form Exciting Cricket Partnership
Cricket Dorset Ltd and Bryanston School have announced a three-year partnership to provide a training centre for Dorset Cricket’s Emerging Players Programme (EPP). The agreement secures the use of Bryanston’s top-class facilities, including state-of-the-art sports halls, a training room, and classroom spaces to support the development of young cricket talent. Ben Skipworth, Managing Director of Cricket Dorset Ltd, said, ‘We’re delighted to have cemented our partnership with Bryanston. Their facilities offer our players an excellent environment to develop their skills and follow in the footsteps of Scott Currie and Joseph Eckland.’ The Dorset Cricket Talent Pathway continues to thrive, with four graduates currently on Hampshire CCC staff, and others in Hampshire and Southern Vipers programmes. Rory McCann, Director of Sport at Bryanston, added, ‘We share Dorset Cricket’s commitment to nurturing talent and are proud to support players from across the county in our cutting-edge facilities.’
Step back in time with our ‘Then and Now’ feature, where vintage postcards from the Barry Cuff Collection meet modern-day reality. Explore the past and present on the same page, and see the evolution of familiar local places. ‘Now’ images by Courtenay Hitchcock
