DORCHESTER: Great support for summer fete

Incredibly popular as both a celebrity and a person, nothing is too much trouble for this television star as he willingly signs countless autographs and poses for equally as many photographs with his growing army of fans. 

The Weldmar Hospicecare Trust is a cause close to his heart and he always gives freely of his time, a genuine smile firmly in place at all times.

Opened by the Mayor of Dorchester, Councillor Leslie Phillips, thousands of people flocked to what is probably one of the Weldmar’s biggest fundraisers of the year. 

He said: “I would like to thank everyone for their tremendous support today, but we must ensure this support continues throughout the year. 

“I must also thank all the staff, the doctors and the nurses, who do such a wonderful job looking after the patients, and all the amazing volunteers without whom events like this would not take place.”

Countless stalls filled every inch of the grounds, selling everything from books and toys to plants and bric-a-brac. There was also a whisky draw, wine draw, grand tombola,  raffle and a silent auction. 

Static displays featuring the “Golden Wings” Honda motorbikes, Vehicles of Yesteryear, the “Spirit of the Air” Volkswagen Club, and for the first time the beautiful Lyme Alpacas joined some first class arena events. 

Starting with the lovely music of Chris Groves and Brian Inkpen, a display by the Honeysuckle Hydrotherapy Agility Dog Display Team had everyone clapping and cheering. 

There were also performances from The YMCA Gymnastics Club and the Cheer Leaders, Belly Dancers and Street Dancers of Distinction and the L&B Line Dancers. 

And as a final treat for all those who stayed to the bitter end, the Grand Summer Raffle and other prize raffles were drawn by popular actor, writer and director Julian Fellowes, another great supporter of the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust and the great work they do.

All care and services provided by the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust are provided without charge and are available to everyone who requires the special care offered, whether in their own homes, as a patient in the Joseph Weld Hospice, or at their Day Hospice Centres. They rely heavily on the support of the local community to raise funds to meet these running costs. 

This is why events like the Summer Fete are so important. 

Manned entirely by volunteers, and with all items for sale or as prizes generously donated, this goes a long way towards helping make ends meet.

For photos please visit:

http://picasaweb.google.com/viewfromonline/GreatSupportForSummerFete#

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