11th November 2010

DORCHESTER: Busy month for youth association

By Anita Harries

Dorset Youth Association held their AGM at their county headquarters in Lubbecke Way, Dorchester, in front of a packed room.

Following a welcome from their president, Pamela Seaton, to guests who included the Mayor of Dorchester Councillor Leslie Phillips and the Chairman of West Dorset District Council Ron Coatsworth, a report was given by Chairman Colonel David Swann.

He said: “It is a real pleasure for me to report on the Dorset Youth Association’s activities over the last year, for it has been an exceptional one.

“I can say with conviction that the charity is alive and well and goes from strength to strength. Dorset Youth Association is grateful to all the dedicated voluntary management committees and youth workers who provide services throughout Dorset and affiliate to DYA.

“Sincere thanks must also go to the Director and all members of our core and extended staff for the outstanding job they have done. It is due to their hard work and efforts that DYA has undergone something of a renaissance. Record fundraising has been at the heart of this development and our balance sheet is considerably healthier than for a number of years.”

Much was made of the superb achievements of Dorset Youth Association over the past 12 months. New youth clubs have been started in Dorset, communities have been supported to manage effective consultations with young people and new volunteering opportunities for young people aged 16 and 25-year-olds were created.

Colonel Swann made two long service awards during the evening, for outstanding service to DYA.

The first was to Wally Gundry, who will very soon celebrate 50 years with the organisation. The second went to Pamela Seaton for all she has achieved with the DYA.

And then the floor was handed over to the young people to recount first hand some of the highlights of the past year.

Young people from various youth groups in Dorset gave reports from their youth activities during theyear including groups such as Charlton Marshall Youth Club, Dorset v and Routes.

Dorset Youth Association recently hosted the opening of the new Seaton Room at their premises in Lubbecke Way, Dorchester.

This versatile space that will be available for use by any group of disabled young people from across West Dorset.

The room, unrecognisable from the garage it once was, has been cleverly designed to be flexible and accommodate recreational and vocational activities. These activities will include arts, film, sensory and therapeutic sessions, meetings and forums, pizza nights, music, personal and social development sessions, and independent living skills.

It is modern, bright, and practical, with an easily accessible training kitchen complete with ceramic hob, microwave and oven, refrigerator, and low level workbench and wash basin.

It also has dedicated parking for specialised transport and a disabled friendly toilet.

In creating the Seaton Room, the team at Dorset Youth Association responded to a local need for more dedicated activity spaces for children and young people.

With a successful application to the Aiming High for Children’s Short Breaks Programme, £38,000 became available for the capital build. Smaller charitable trusts funded the start-up and equipment costs.

The unveiling ceremony was performed by the High Sheriff of Dorset, the Right Honourable Timothy Palmer, watched by the Mayor of Dorchester, Councillor Leslie Phillips, local dignitaries, and representatives from Dorset Youth Association.

And maybe more importantly, a group of young people came along to see first hand this amazing facility and enjoy tea and cake.

The room has been dedicated to the memory of popular local, Nicko Seaton, the moving ceremony watched by his proud parents Peter and Pamela.

Addressing the gathered guests, Peter said: “Despite his disabilities, Nicko was never short of time for helping other people. He would have been absolutely thrilled to have his name associated with this room.”

The Seaton Room is now available to hire by priority groups for only £12 per session, and occasional bookings may also be available to other groups at a cost of £20 per session.

Please call (01305) 262440 email info@dorsetyouth.com or go to the website www.dorsetyouth.com for a booking form.

PICTURE: Pamela Seaton and Wally Gundry receive long service awards from Colonel David Swann