Month: June 2025

Studland, Dorset – On Monday 9 June, Dorset-based adventure company Land & Wave delivered an unforgettable guided kayaking experience for members of the Dorset Blind Association, taking visually impaired participants on a journey along the stunning Studland coastline to Old Harry Rocks.

The event saw six visually impaired adventurers paired with six trained Land & Wave instructors, who acted as sighted guides on double sit-on-top kayaks. Together, the pairs paddled through the tranquil waters of Studland Bay, experiencing the iconic Jurassic Coast in a truly immersive way.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our instructors to develop a deeper understanding about how to provide a fantastic immersive adventure for people who are visually impaired,” said Rosie Tanner, Director at Land & Wave. “Adventure should be for everyone, and this trip showed the power of inclusive experiences in the great outdoors.”

This was the second event Land & Wave has delivered in collaboration with the Dorset Blind Association. In 2024, the team took Amar Latif (blind adventurer, BBC One Show presenter, and Celebrity MasterChef contestant), rock climbing at Dancing Ledge as part of a fundraising campaign for the charity.

Sam Baker, Community Relations Officer, Dorset Blind Association said, “Our members had an incredible day—many had never tried kayaking before, and to do so in such a beautiful setting with expert, supportive instructors was truly special. We’re so grateful to Land & Wave for making adventure accessible and creating unforgettable memories.” 

By providing bespoke adventures and training their team to act as guides, Land & Wave continues to advocate for equality, diversity, and accessibility in outdoor activities. The organisation is committed to developing their instructors’ skillsets, ensuring that disabilities are not a barrier to enjoying nature and challenging oneself through adventure.

“There were smiles, laughter and real connections being made out on the water,” added Rosie, “It was a reminder that the outdoors can—and should—be a space where everyone belongs.”

We’re still buzzing from this year’s Dorset Blind Association Motor Show—and it’s time to thank the brilliant local businesses who made our charity raffle such a highlight.

The raffle plays a key role in our fundraising on the day—helping us continue to support blind and partially sighted people across Dorset—and it simply wouldn’t be possible without the kind-hearted support of our local community.

We were thrilled to receive a brilliant range of raffle prizes this year, generously donated by the following businesses:

• Studland Watersports & Sauna Hut – Private sauna session for up to six people
• Elegant Clinic – £100 voucher
• Knoll House – tea for two
• Fili’s restaurant – £50 voucher
• The Crown Hotel, Blandford – lunch for two
• David Lloyd Poole – Family weekend pass
• Vanilla Hair Salon – Cut and blow dry, and neck/shoulder massage
• B&Q, Christchurch – Air fryer
• Sculpture by the lakes – 2 day passes
• Lyfe health – massage
• The Libertine – 3 course meal for 2 with wine
• Brownsea Island – family pass
• Poole Harbour Watersports – paddleboard hire for 2
• Castle Inn, Lulworth – £50 vouchers
• Parkstone Chiropractic – sports massage
• Compton Acres – Family pass

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to: HK Law, Ludere Studio, Howards Motor Group, Johnsons Cleaners, The Village Vine, Tesco, Iceland, Rick Stein, Sandbanks, Maravi coffee, Mabel and Jacks, House of Heels and Saltrock for their wonderful contributions of additional prizes.

Each donation helped make our raffle table a highlight of the event—and every ticket purchased supports our vital work across the county.

We encourage our supporters to show their appreciation in return. Whether it’s booking a table, popping into a shop, or recommending a service to friends, your support helps these generous businesses continue doing what they do best.

Thank you once again to all our prize donors—and to everyone who bought a ticket!