Category: News

Following the resounding success of the 2023 event, the Dorset Blind Association is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show at the stunning Lulworth Castle on Sunday, May 12, 2024. This annual event, now in its 8th year, promises to be a memorable gathering of classic, sports, and supercar enthusiasts, all in support of a noble cause.

In 2023, the Motor Show at Lulworth Castle proved to be the South’s most picturesque automotive event, drawing over 5,000 attendees and raising an impressive £22,000. This remarkable achievement underscores the dedication of the Dorset Blind Association in our mission to support blind and partially sighted individuals across Dorset.

This exceptional event, the only Motor Show held on the Lulworth Estate, continues to grow in popularity year after year, consistently selling out. This year, more than 230 cars were on display, with club stands from the Jaguar Enthusiasts and Porsche Club GB adding to the excitement. The event not only brings car enthusiasts together but also raises vital funds and awareness for the Dorset Blind Association.

Gary Neild from Blue Sky Financial Planning, a proud sponsor of the event, expressed his enthusiasm, “Blue Sky Financial Planning are delighted to support the motor show once again at Lulworth Castle on the 12th of May. The 2023 show drew huge crowds and was an enormous success, and we are looking forward to being part of this wonderful event again next May. We admire the DBA team for their energy and passion, and the great work they do. They help so many people live a fulfilling life and that resonates strongly with our ethos at Blue Sky where we are focused on ‘what we cause and how we make people feel.’ Our relationship draws on many parallels, and we love working with a like-minded, enthusiastic team.”

Classic, sports, and supercar owners are invited to participate in this prestigious event on Sunday, May 12. Exhibitor bookings are already filling up, so early registration is encouraged.

The showground will open to the public free of charge from 10:30 am, offering a hugely popular family fun day with live entertainment, a kids’ fun area, street food, and stalls selling local artisan craft and produce.

Neal Burton, a car exhibitor, shared his experience, saying, ” A really great day run by a super team. The show is laid back with a diverse entry of vehicles, so there’s plenty to see. Set in a fabulous location, what more could you ask for from a car show that supports such a worthy cause. I’m booking in my 1964 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia for next year…see you there!”

Do you own a classic, sports, or other motor vehicle and want to be part of this unique event at Lulworth Castle? Entry is only £12 per person, including showground display, a breakfast roll, and a hot drink at registration, as well as entry to Lulworth Castle itself. Booking in advance is essential, as tickets are expected to sell out.

The Dorset Blind Association has been providing practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people across Dorset since 1918. Their services are essential to the local community, especially with over 30,000 people in Dorset living with serious sight loss. Proud recipients of the esteemed Queens Award for Voluntary Services, DBA helps people come to terms with living with serious sight loss and still lead happy lives. By attending this exclusive event, you are helping to maintain the services they provide in your local area, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation.

For more information about the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show, please contact us at 01202 712865, email communityrelations@dorsetblind.org.uk, or book tickets at https://DBAMotorShow2024.eventbrite.co.uk

If you would like to support the Dorset Blind Association by volunteering at the event or in support of the charity’s services, please contact Sam at communityrelations@dorsetblind.org.uk or call 01202 712865.

Dorset Blind Association opens its new shop in Portland, making 7 stores across the county.

Opening its doors for the first time on Tuesday 5th September, the new shop will help fund the charity’s services, which support the blind and visually impaired people of Dorset.

Portland’s manager, Zoe Coleman says ” We as a team are privileged and proud to bring DBA to the vibrant Isle of Portland. We are looking forward to becoming part of this friendly and warm community. Please support us by coming down to browse our wonderful goods and by considering us for donations of your unwanted quality items. We look forward to seeing you in our shop soon. Many thanks for the support!’

The shop also has a specialist equipment area for people with sight loss. 

Dorset Blind Association 
7 Reforne
Easton
Portland DT5 2AL

Tel: 01305 234270
e-mail: portlandshop@dorsetblind.org.uk

Opening hours are Tues-Sat 9.30am-4.30pm

We have 2 exciting roles at Dorset Blind Association. Please take a look if you want a fulfilling, varied role at a worthwhile local charity

We have a Community Support worker full-time role supporting working-age visually impaired members and also an Assistant Manager part-time role in our Weymouth Charity shop.

Please get in touch if you are interested or share with anyone who might like to join our team

https://uk.indeed.com/cmp/Dorset-Blind-Association-2/jobs

This year’s Motor Show was a truly record-breaking event. We welcomed over 5,000 members of the public throughout the day, with 230 motors in our showground display! The day raised a fantastic amount of money, totalling over £22,000, all in aid of Dorset Blind Association
A huge thank you to our attendees, volunteers, stall holders, our sponsors at Blue Sky Financial Planning Ltd and Summit Land and Development, and to Lulworth Estate for giving us the opportunity to host this exclusive event once again.
There’s still time to donate to a genuinely worthwhile cause:
To donate £3 text BLIND to 70331
To donate £5 text BLIND to 70970
To donate £10 text BLIND to 70191
To look at our gallery of photos taken by the talented Yuugen Visuals, click here:

DBA Motor Show picture gallery 2023

Our Motor Show will return next year; watch this space for the release date, coming soon!
Thank you again, and we hope to see you all in 2024.

Dorset Blind Association returns to Lulworth Castle on Sunday 21^st May, with their annual motor show fundraising event, sponsored by Blue Sky Financial Planning. Hugely popular amongst car enthusiasts and the general public alike, the show promises to be a great community event for all the family with thousands expected to attend.

One of the South’s most picturesque automotive events returns to the magnificent backdrop of Lulworth Castle. The fabulous day out for car owners, families, tourists and locals aims to be bigger and better than ever.

Take a wander around the motor display, showcasing more cars than ever before. Over 250 vehicles will be set in front of the beautiful castle; classics to supercars, modified cars to motorbikes, Ferraris to Jaguars. Visitors will enjoy live music from The Land Girls, Guggee 2000 Band and The Rock Choir. Children will be entertained by the ever-popular Krazy Kev with performances and circus workshops throughout the day. They can also have fun in the kids area, with bouncy castle, rides, face painting and stalls.

The showground will offer a variety of artisan stalls selling local produce and handmade goods, food and drinks. A raffle will be held on the day, with some incredible prizes donated by local businesses; including lunch at Rick Stein restaurant, a Havvic changing robe, Sunday lunch for 2 at The Cliff, and much, much more!

Fred Potter who drives a Porsche R26 says, “We have attended the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show at Lulworth Castle for many years and is no doubt our favourite event in our calendar. Displaying our car in front of the castle is a unique opportunity and we love the atmosphere, plus it’s all for a great cause!”

James Weld, owner of the Lulworth Estate and President of Dorset Blind Association, generously donates the use of the grounds for this unique motor show – the only one held at the Castle. Dorset Blind Association, who have been supporting visually impaired people in the county for over 100 years, are hugely thankful to all their supporters and volunteers who make this event possible. The charity’s flagship fundraising activity aims to raise over £15,000 for Dorset Blind Association and raise awareness to over 3,000 people visiting the event.

Gary Neild CEO of Blue Sky Financial Planning, the event’s platinum sponosor said, “Blue Sky Financial Planning are delighted to once again support the Dorset Blind Association, this time at the motor show at Lulworth Castle on the 21st May.  What an enthusiastic bunch of people. We admire the DBA team for their immense passion for how they can help others live a more fulfilling life. Whilst we operate in a different sector, this resonates greatly with us at Blue Sky, as our main emphasis is focussed on ‘what we cause and how we make people feel’. A natural partnership I would say!”

A fantastic family day out not to be missed, with entertainment for all ages!  The Castle Showground will be open to the general public from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Entry to the public is FREE, however donations are greatly appreciated!

The need for Dorset Blind Associations services are ever increasing and with the number of people living with visual impairment due to hit 35,000 in Dorset alone, the demand is high. The charity hope to receive additional support with fundraising from this event, as well as the chance to raise vital awareness in the local community for sight loss. Currently, the charity support over 1000 visually impaired people every month which is powered by their 300+ volunteers.. Proud recipients of the esteemed Queens Award for Voluntary Services, DBA help people come to terms with living serious sight loss and still live happy lives. By attending this exclusive event, you are helping to maintain the service they provide in your local area, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation. 

For more information about the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show, please follow @dorsetblind on Facebook or Instagram, call 01202 712865 or email communityrelations@dorsetblind.org.uk

Dorset Blind Association | Facebook

Dorset Blind Association (@dorset.blind) • Instagram photos and video

Dorset Blind held a fantastic drama showcase at The Lighthouse Theatre on 28th March.

Some of our working-age group have been lucky enough to work recently with writer Christine Diment.

What began as some fun drama workshops have fast developed into some beautiful pieces that the group members have written and performed themselves, under the guidance and support of Christine and actors Charmaine and Anna.

The resulting showcase had some wonderful performances from our members. Pieces were brave, personal, thought-provoking and, at times, funny! It was a wonderful evening, which was really popular with the packed audience.

Thank you to the Lighthouse Theatre, Poole for letting us use studio space to rehearse our pieces and for our final performance. And, of course, to Christine, Charmaine and Anna for your fantastic tutelage.