Category: News

We are delighted to announce that this year’s Dorset Blind Association Christmas Raffle raised an incredible £4,623 — our highest total ever. This fantastic result will directly support blind and partially sighted people across Dorset through our services, activities, and community support.

Thank you to everyone who bought tickets, sold tickets, donated prizes, or helped spread the word!

We would like to extend a particular thank you to Parkstone Eyecare Opticians, who once again generously helped sell raffle tickets on our behalf. Their ongoing support year after year makes a genuine difference

Thank you to Our Prize Donors

We are extremely grateful to the local businesses who generously donated prizes. Your support helped make the raffle so popular.

• Macrow & Son jewellers – Eone – Designer tactile watch (worth £250)
• Ludere Studio – 2 x Photography session + £100 towards framed prints
• Conker Gin Distillery – Distillery tour
• Palmers Brewery, Bridport – Brewery Tour tickets
• Moonfleet Manor Hotel – Afternoon tea for two
• Parkstone Chiropractic – Sports massage
• LyfeHealth – One-hour massage
• Olive Tree, Bridport – Two-course lunch for two
• Knoll House Hotel & Spa – Cream tea for two
• Blandford Fashion Museum – Family ticket + drink and cake
• Bennetts Water Gardens, Weymouth – Tickets
• Southbourne Nails and Spa – Voucher
• The Cowshed, Lychett Minster – Cream tea for two
• Lulworth Castle – Family ticket + car parking
• Brownsea Island (National Trust) – Family voucher
• Compton Acres – Voucher
• Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens – Family ticket to the Swanery
• Castle Gardens, Sherborne – Voucher
• Walled Garden Restaurant, Sherborne – Voucher
• The Sanctuary Beauty Rooms, Sherborne – Goodie bag + Voucher
• Café D’Urberville, Sherborne – Tea and cake for two
• The Circus Lifestyle Boutique, Sherborne – Homeware prize
• Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum – Admission for two adults
• Nothe Fort – Family day ticket
• Dorchester Museum & Art Gallery – Two free admission tickets
• Melbury Boutique & Gallery, Sherborne – Voucher
• Sherborne Castle – Complimentary ticket
• The Makers Yard, Sculpture by the Lakes – Two free admission tickets
• Beauty by Rochelle, Shaftesbury – Voucher
• Johnsons Dry cleaners, Canford Cliffs – Fizz, chocs and picture frames
• Orchard Park Garden Centre, Shaftesbury – voucher
• Ye Olde Two Brewers, Shaftesbury – Voucher
• ALuxe Beauty, Yeovil – Voucher
• Serenity Nails & Beauty, Dorchester – Voucher
• Plaza Cinema, Dorchester – cinema tickets
• Morrisons – Quartz heater
• Tesco , Asda and Waitrose – Hamper items

How Your Support Helps

Funds raised through the Christmas Raffle directly support blind and partially sighted people across Dorset, enabling us to provide one-to-one community support and advice, run social groups that tackle loneliness and isolation, offer practical help and specialist equipment, and deliver inclusive activities that help people live more independent, connected and confident lives. Every ticket sold helps change lives for the better.

From everyone at Dorset Blind Association, thank you for helping make our 2025 Christmas Raffle such a success. We are incredibly grateful for your continued support.

Lulworth, Dorset — November 2025 — The Dorset Blind Association Motor Show returns for its 10th anniversary on Sunday 17th May 2026 at the stunning Lulworth Castle. While the charity has been supporting people with sight loss across Dorset since 1918, this milestone marks a decade of one of the South’s most popular motoring events.

The 2026 show promises to be the biggest and best yet, featuring hundreds of vehicles—from classic cars and sports cars to show-stopping supercars. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, family-friendly activities, artisan stalls, and local food vendors, all set against the iconic backdrop of Lulworth Castle.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show for its 10th anniversary,” says Samantha Baker, Community Relations Officer. “This milestone is a fantastic opportunity to bring together car enthusiasts, families, and the local community for a day of spectacular vehicles, entertainment, and fun—while raising vital funds for people living with sight loss across Dorset.”

Car owners are encouraged to book early, as exhibitor spaces sell out quickly each year. Entry for exhibitors is £17 per person, which includes vehicle display space, a breakfast roll, hot drink, and access to Lulworth Castle.

Last year’s event was a huge success, attracting over 6,000 visitors, over 250 vehicles, and raising more than £37,000 in support of the Dorset Blind Association’s services.

Gary Neild, CEO of Blue Sky Financial Planning, the event’s Platinum Sponsor, said:
“Blue Sky is proud to have supported the DBA Motor Show over many years. Hitting the 10th anniversary is a huge milestone, and we’re thrilled to be part of the celebrations again. It’s wonderful to see how the event has grown while raising funds for such vital local services.”

The showground opens to the public at 10:30am, offering a fun-filled day for all the family. With live entertainment, a children’s activity area, artisan stalls, and local food, it promises a unique day out—and entry is free for spectators.

Car owners wishing to exhibit their vehicles should book early to secure a space: DBAMotorShow2026.eventbrite.co.uk. For more information about attending, volunteering, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Sam Baker at communityrelations@dorsetblind.org.uk or call 01202 712865.

We are delighted to share the success of Alexander Dakers’ fundraising art exhibition, held on Sunday 31st August at the beautiful Green House Hotel in Bournemouth.

The free event welcomed guests to an inspiring afternoon filled with stunning artwork, drinks, canapés, live music, and a raffle. One of the highlights was the opportunity to see the incredible painting Alexander created live at this year’s Dorset Blind Association Motor Show at Lulworth Castle, alongside his wider body of work that has captivated audiences worldwide.

Thanks to Alexander’s generosity, and the support of everyone who joined us, the event raised over £1,000 to help Dorset Blind Association continue supporting members all across the county living with sight loss.

We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to Alexander, the team at the Green House Hotel, and to all who attended for making this such a memorable occasion.

Arts by the Sea Festival hosts special accessible tour with Dorset Blind Association

 

Dorset Blind Association is delighted to announce an exciting collaboration with Arts by the Sea Festival, bringing a specially designed guided tour for people living with sight loss.

 

Arts by the Sea Festival, Bournemouth’s annual weekend-long celebration of art, culture, and creativity, runs from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th September, offering a vibrant programme of performances, installations, and activities that are free and open to the general public.

 

The free tour will take place on Sunday 28th September, with Festival Public Engagement Officer, Leigh Hayler, leading participants on a sensory, descriptive journey through the highlights of the festival.

 

The experience has been created to ensure that blind and visually impaired people can fully engage with the festival, enjoying its creativity, colour, and atmosphere in an inclusive way.

Sam Baker, Community Relations Officer at Dorset Blind Association, said:

“We’re so pleased to be working with Arts by the Sea, who have gone above and beyond to make the festival welcoming and accessible. Opportunities like this really help break down barriers and allow our members to experience the joy of community events alongside everyone else. We’d especially love to welcome working-age visually impaired people who may not yet be connected to our social groups – this is a brilliant chance to meet others, explore the festival, and find out more about our activities for people of all ages.”

Arts by the Sea is Bournemouth’s annual festival of art, culture and creativity, attracting thousands of visitors every year. It runs from Friday 26th – Sunday 28th Sep. The guided tour marks a positive step in widening accessibility and ensuring more people can benefit from the event.

 

Dorset Blind Association has been providing practical and emotional support for people with sight loss since 1918. The charity supports more than 1,000 visually impaired members across the county and offers community groups, equipment advice, home visits, and much more.

 

Event Details
Date: Sunday 28th September 2025
Time: Tour starts at 10.45am and finishes at 5pm
Location: Arts by the Sea Festival, Bournemouth
Price: FREE to attend

For more information or to book a place, email Heather@dorsetblind.org.uk or visit dorsetblind.org.uk

 

Dorset Blind Association is delighted to announce the official opening of its new charity shop in Shaftesbury. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Friday 11th July at 11:00am, with Mayor Virginia Edwyn-Jones and Deputy Mayor Cllr Greg Williams in attendance to mark the occasion. The public is warmly invited to come along and join in the celebration.

The shop, located at 10 Bell Street, Shaftesbury SP7 8AR, has already received a warm welcome from the local community since its soft launch in April.

“We’ve been so encouraged by the friendly welcome from customers in Shaftesbury,” says Melissa, the Shop Manager. “There’s a real community spirit here, and we’re proud to be part of it. We’re currently in real need of donations and always keen to welcome new volunteers!”

The Shaftesbury shop is open Monday to Saturday, 9:00am–4:00pm, and sells a wide range of pre-loved items including clothing, books, homewares and accessories. All proceeds go directly to supporting Dorset Blind Association’s vital services.

“This new shop is a huge step forward in helping us continue our work across North Dorset. Every bag of donated goods and every purchase helps us provide essential support to people living with serious sight loss across Dorset,” adds Sam Baker, Community Relations Officer. “Our shops are an important part of our service delivery, including a mini equipment and advice/resource centre making Dorset Blind Association even more accessible to the public”.”

Donations of quality, saleable goods are very welcome and can be dropped off during opening hours. The team is also looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join their shop crew – even just a few hours a week can make a big difference.

DBA Shaftesbury Shop Details:
📍 Address: 10 Bell Street, Shaftesbury SP7 8AR
📞 Telephone: 07849 641 153
📧 Email: shaftesburyshop@dorsetblind.org.uk

 The Dorset Blind Association is excited to announce the return of its much-loved annual Motor Show at the stunning Lulworth Castle – and best of all, entry is completely free!

📅 Sunday 18th May 2025
📍 Lulworth Castle, BH20 5QS
🕥 10.30am–4.00pm
🎟 Free Entry – Donations Welcomed

Now in its ninth year, the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show has grown into one of Dorset’s most popular family events, attracting thousands of visitors to its unique mix of cars, entertainment, food, and fun – all set in one of the county’s most beautiful locations.

Over 250 vehicles will be on display, from classic and vintage models to supercars and custom builds. With passionate owners on hand to chat about their pride and joy, it’s a paradise for petrolheads and a fascinating day out for the whole family.

Please note: car exhibitor pitches for this year’s show are now completely sold out. If you’d like to be added to the waiting list in case of cancellations, or if you’d like to be notified when vehicle registration opens for the 2026 event, please get in touch via communityrelations@dorsetblind.org.uk or call 01202 712865.

But this show isn’t just about cars! Visitors can enjoy:
Live music from The Bournemouth Carnival band, The Land Girls, Just Sing Choir, and more
Free circus shows and workshops from Jamie Jigsaw
A dedicated kids’ zone with bouncy castles, rides, and face painting
Artisan stalls offering crafts, gifts, and local produce
Street food & drinks catering to all tastes
NEW for 2025: Local artist Alexander Dakers (zanderartwork) doing live car-themed artwork on-site – a must-see!

Visitors will also have the chance to win amazing raffle prizes, donated by generous local businesses.

The event is proudly sponsored by Blue Sky Financial Planning, with additional support from Daizun Investments, who return this year as the official Supercar Sponsor and new partners Porsche Centre, Bournemouth.

Sam Baker, Community Relations Officer at Dorset Blind Association, says:

“The Motor Show is one of the most exciting days in our calendar. It’s more than a car show – it’s a feel-good, family-friendly community event with something for everyone. It also helps raise vital funds so we can continue supporting blind and partially sighted people across Dorset.”

All proceeds support Dorset Blind Association, which has been providing life-changing services for local people with sight loss since 1918.

The showground opens at 10.30am – come early, bring your family, and enjoy a brilliant day out at Lulworth Castle.

Follow @dorsetblind on Facebook and Instagram for updates, or contact 01202 712865 / communityrelations@dorsetblind.org.uk for more information.

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About Dorset Blind Association:
Dorset Blind Association supports over 1,000 visually impaired people each year through a wide range of services, from social clubs and technology support to advice, equipment, and outreach. The charity’s mission is to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and help people with sight loss lead full and independent lives.

Our Valued Sponsors

Blue Sky Financial Planning is once again our Platinum Sponsor for 2025. Gary Neild, CEO of Blue Sky, shared his excitement:

“We are delighted to support the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show once again at Lulworth Castle. Last year’s event was a huge success, drawing fantastic crowds, and we can’t wait to be involved again. The passion and commitment of the DBA team are truly inspiring, and their work makes a tangible difference in people’s lives. At Blue Sky, we value positive impact, and this partnership is a perfect fit.”

We are also thrilled to have Daizun Investments return as our Supercar Sponsor for the second year. David Rogers, Director of Daizun Investments, expressed his enthusiasm:

“This event brings together a shared passion for cars and a fantastic cause. Having been a regular exhibitor for several years, I’m delighted that Daizun Investments returns as the official Supercar Sponsor for the second year. We can’t wait to see another stunning lineup of vehicles and help raise vital funds for the Dorset Blind Association.”

Sherborne, Dorset – Dorset Blind Association is delighted to announce an exclusive fundraising talk by Lucy Howe, consultant ophthalmologist and former Head of the Eye Department at Dorchester. The event, titled “Sight, Science & Spitfires – The Wonderful World of Ophthalmology,” will take place on Friday 6th June 2025 at The Digby Hall, Sherborne.

This insightful and engaging talk will explore Lucy’s experiences in ophthalmology, highlighting the remarkable advancements in sight-saving treatments over the years. From groundbreaking medical innovations to the unexpected connections between vision science and Spitfires, Lucy will offer a unique and inspiring perspective on eye health.

The event is open to the general public, individuals living with visual impairment, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in medical science and innovation. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with Lucy during a Q&A session following the talk.

Event Details:

Date: Friday 6th June 2025
Venue: The Digby Hall, Sherborne, DT9 3AA
Doors Open: 10:00 AM – Dorset Blind Association Stall & Pop-up Café
Talk Begins: 11:00 AM (Approx. 45 mins + Q&A)

Tickets: £10 – All proceeds will support Dorset Blind Association

Dorset Blind Association Community Relations Officer Sam Baker, said:
“We are thrilled to partner with Lucy Howe for this insightful talk. Her expertise and passion for eye health will be invaluable for both the visually impaired community and medical professionals alike. Funds raised will directly support our work helping people with sight loss across Dorset.”

Book now & support a great cause!

Tickets available by calling 01202 712 865 or via Eventbrite https://DBALucyHoweTalk.eventbrite.co.uk