01202 887247 info@theallendale.org
Welcome to Wimborne's best and busiest venue for theatre,
music, activities, room hires and more -
we have something for everyone!
Keep up to date with events & news - join Allendale Newsletter here
Allendale Community Open Day Exhibitors
A range of local organisations look forward to meeting you on 17th May - why not come and say hello?
Allendale Food Supply. Originally known as Wimborne Community Food Supply, it was set up during Covid to supply home cooked meals and provisions to those in the community who needed help in a time of crisis. It has continued and grown since, and relies totally on food donations from local businesses and the public. It's staffed by volunteers who serve recipients from the Green Cabin adjacent to Allendale Community Centre.
The service is confidential and non-judgemental and is available to anyone in the BH21 area. Allendale Food Supply is open 6 days a week, 10-3 Monday to Friday and 10-12 on Saturday.
Blue Sky Fostering is an 'Ofsted Outstanding' agency, across the south of England. Since 2005, we’ve been recruiting, training and supporting foster carers, working closely with local authorities to ensure the right placements for young people in need of a safe, nurturing home. Through a child-centred, therapeutic approach, we promote stability, wellbeing, and positive development.
We change lives by giving children a sense of belonging, rebuilding confidence, and supporting their education and future opportunities. We also empower foster carers to make a meaningful difference and they’re supported by a network of professionals to ensure the best outcomes possible for young people in their care.
Welcome to ((BOUNCE)) Wimborne. We offer resistance-based fitness classes, choreographed to music. Our main aim is to make fitness fun and more accessible for everyone. We offer mini-trampoline cardio workouts as well as strength-based workouts.
From April, we launch ((BOUNCE)) BED, which means you can now also workout with us on Reformer Pilates Beds. All of our classes run from Allendale Community Centre 6 days a week and we offer mornings, evening and weekend classes. Come and chat to us at the Open Day to find out more!
Bournemouth and Wessex Talking Newspaper is a small charity that delivers local news in USB or CD format to those registered blind or partially sighted across the Bournemouth and Wessex region.
The newspaper is produced every two weeks, completely free of charge by a team of dedicated volunteers. It can also be accessed by all on the charity website. Articles are sourced from local newspapers and publications to provide information to help our listeners feel informed and involved in their local community.
Bringing news, sport, what’s on and a magazine section, is there someone you know who would benefit from BWTN?
Central Southern Gauge 0 Group are a friendly and knowledgeable band of people sharing a passion for recreating aspects of our railways in miniature – but not so miniature that you can’t appreciate the fine detail that goes into our work. Models built to a scale of 7mm to every 1 ft have a real ‘presence’ about them – come and see for yourself!
Formed in 1979, our group is almost as old as the Allendale itself - we will celebrate our own golden anniversary in 2029. Renowned for the quality of the layouts on view, our Annual Exhibition will be here on 25th October. Come and join us!
Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck is a local charity providing free, confidential, and impartial advice to residents. Committed to equality and challenging discrimination, the service supports individuals across a wide range of issues - helping them build resilience and independence while also campaigning for policy change.
Residents have access to a free drop in service at our Wimborne office in Hanham Road, on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-12pm.
There’s also an Advice Bus that stops at rural locations on a weekly basis. Come and have a chat to find out more. For more information about our service, visit our website www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk
Dorset Freemasons. Since 1736, Freemasons have been meeting in Dorset; we are from all ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds. Freemasonry means different things to each individual, these include making new friends, contributing to society, celebrating tradition, enjoying personal growth, taking up a hobby and simply having fun.
Freemasonry is one of the UKs largest fraternal and charitable organisations; we are proud to be both non-religious and non-political. Our members come together to realise their potential, make new and lasting friendships, develop new skills, contribute to society and regardless of race, religion or position in society to have fun! https://dorset-freemasonry.org/
The Friends of Victoria Hospital, Wimborne is a registered charity (registration number 299230), founded in 1935.
The purpose of the Friends is to “fundraise and allocate resources to support the delivery of first-class services at Wimborne Hospital”.
The Friends improve healthcare for local people by working in partnership with all health and care providers to achieve the very best care at Wimborne Hospital.
Green Cottage RDA is an independent charity, governed by seven trustees, that is a member group of the national Riding For The Disabled Association.
We simply couldn’t do what we do without our amazing volunteers. Whether they are leading a pony, side walking with a rider, helping with mounting, or lending a hand in the stables, every role is important - and hugely appreciated.
Happy Patchers Quilt Group
We are an afternoon quilt group that meets monthly at the Allendale Centre on the first Monday of each month (except when that Monday is a bank holiday) from 1.15pm to 4.15pm.
Although we are not a teaching group our members are always happy to help with any quilting related problems, they show their work and demonstrate new techniques they have come across.
Contact details: Claire Hough, c-hough@live.co.uk
Huntington’s Disease Association, Dorset Branch. HD is a rare condition, caused by a faulty gene in the DNA. Children of an affected adult have 50% chance of inheriting. The symptoms vary, typically the condition affects balance with uncontrolled movements, plus a range of cognitive effects such as emotional regulation, memory and speaking. The Dorset HDA Branch meet at Allendale House, offering support to both family care givers and those who are gene positive. Families living with Huntington’s disease need our help to navigate the health impacts and to live a better life. We improve care and support services for people with Huntington’s disease, educate families and professionals, and champion people’s rights
Planet Wimborne CIO is a community of local people who are concerned about the climate and ecological crisis facing us today. We are an inclusive, enabling group that welcomes all individuals and organisations who share this concern, all of whom have an equal voice. By bringing together local environmental initiatives and through a process of collaboration and networking, Planet Wimborne aims to encourage more sustainable lifestyles across Wimborne and the local area. Together, we seek to positively inspire, educate, campaign and raise awareness of environmental and ecological issues, helping to conserve and protect our planet for generations to come.
Poole & District, Christchurch & District And East Dorset Branches of Parkinson's
Our Mission: We are committed to ensuring that people with Parkinson's receive the highest possible standard of health and social care.
Our Vision: Our ultimate goal is to find a cure for Parkinson's.
We inspire, fund & collaborate with the international research community to accelerate the discovery and development of life-changing treatments. We will not stop until a cure is found. Together, we can bring closer the day when no one fears Parkinson's
Located in the peaceful South Coast town of Wimborne near Poole, Poole & Wimborne Woodland Burial Ground and Funeral Directors provides a serene, natural setting for remembrance, reflection, and farewell. Surrounded by woodland and rural landscapes, it offers a comforting space where families can gather and honour loved ones. Open to all, the site embraces a gentle, nature-led approach, creating meaningful tributes in harmony with the environment. Our compassionate team offers professional guidance with dignity and care. Committed to the community, we support local groups through donations and volunteering, fostering connection, unity, and lasting impact. Every farewell is unique, truly.
Radio Wimborne is a non-profit, OFCOM-licensed community station broadcasting on 94.6FM, DAB, and online. Serving Wimborne, North Poole, and the Purbeck Hills, it brings 12 years of experience to the airwaves.
The station offers 24/7 music and diverse programming, including local news, sports, breakfast and drive-time shows, comedy, and quizzes. Dedicated to the community, it promotes local musicians via "Sunday Sessions," supports charities, and partners with schools. Run entirely by over 30 volunteers, Radio Wimborne provides free community announcements and low-cost advertising for local businesses, fostering a strong local connection from the hills to the coast.
REACH is a registered charity; we can provide free support to those struggling with alcohol or drug use. You may have heard of Waythrough, our parent charity, who oversees REACH, along with several other services across the country. These services help people with a variety of needs including mental health, drugs & alcohol, housing, domestic abuse, criminal justice and more. For more, see www.waythrough.org.uk
EDAS provides support to adults and young people affected by addiction of substances, and over-the-counter or prescribed medication misuse, gaming, gambling, relationships, shopping et al. and/or experiencing mental distress. On a daily basis, we offer one-to-one support, group work, education and family support, and work towards positive outcomes for the individual, their families, and the wider community. Call 01202 735777 or email hello@edasuk.org
Round Table is a national organisation for young men up to the age of 45. Round Table meets fortnightly, without any great formality, just to enjoy ourselves taking part in social events together with raising money for Charity and with working with the Community.
41 Club meets monthly and is open to all ex-Round Tablers, and is now open to invited men over the age of 41 years. We are similar to Round Table in our outlook and we normally hold evening meetings on the second Tuesday of the month for a get together socially, sometimes with a speaker, or we get together for a social gathering, visiting various attractions in our vicinity etc. Please see facebook for more details.
Home Library Service. Volunteers from the Royal Voluntary Service deliver books or audiobooks to people unable to visit a local library because of illness, disability, self-isolation, or because they are carers.
Currently we are looking for volunteers to choose and deliver books to clients. Book choosing is usually done online so you would need to be able to use a computer / laptop. Full training is given. If you are interested in volunteering, please ask at your local library or contact the RVS via the website www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
Safe Families and Home for Good equips churches, trains volunteers to support overwhelmed families in their community and inspires individuals to explore fostering, adoption or supported lodgings. We do this so no family feels alone, and every child has a home where they can flourish.
Currently, we have families in Wimborne and the surrounding area, who we are keen to support through our Family Support Programme – Could you volunteer with us?
Based in Wimborne, the East Dorset branch of the Somerset & Dorset Family History Society normally meets every 3rd Monday evening of each month, at the MED (rear entrance by the library).
Guest speakers and in-house talks make for an interesting and varied programme with a historical bias. Committee and members are on hand to give advice in researching family history, should you need it. It is not necessary to originate from Somerset or Dorset, few of our members do. 7.15 for 7.45pm. Members £4, Non-members £5, refreshments included. All welcome. sdfhs.org
STARS Dorset offers professional, confidential support for anyone who has a Dorset postcode and has experienced any form of sexual violence. We are here to help you along your journey of recovery, showing you care and support, enabling you to feel empowered to forge a new path ahead. We listen, we hear and we believe.
The Dorset Army Cadets is a youth organisation offering exciting activities for young people 12 to 18. As part of the national Army Cadet Force, we provide a safe, fun and challenging environment where cadets can develop confidence, leadership and teamwork through activities like fieldcraft, first aid, navigation, and community engagement. Cadets also encourages personal development through recognised qualifications including First Aid at Work, Duke of Edinburgh, and BTECs. Adult volunteers of the Cadet Force support the growth of our cadets. They also have the opportunity to learn new skills and qualifications.
Wimborne Detachment is an active part of the community, taking part in local events including Remembrance Parade.
The Quarterjacks, Wimborne’s Town Band, are dedicated to bringing music, performance and community spirit together. Run as a registered charity, the group provides members of the local community with the opportunity to learn instruments, perform at local events, and make connections through music. Rehearsing weekly at The Allendale Community Centre and performing at carnivals, parades and festivals, The Quarterjacks have become a well-known part of the local community. All are welcome at The Quarterjacks, no prior musical experience needed. Get in touch via our website or Facebook page to find out more, or find us at The Allendale, 7.30pm every Wednesday evening!
u3a is a UK-wide movement of locally-run interest groups, providing a wide range of opportunities to come together to learn for fun. Members explore new ideas, skills and activities together.
Membership is open to anyone not in full-time work and costs only a modest annual fee.
u3a members draw upon their knowledge and experience to teach and learn from each other but there are no qualifications to pass – it is just for pleasure. Learning is its own reward.
It's all voluntary; Wimborne u3a offers many activity groups covering a wide variety of subjects - from art to yoga and everything in between.
Victim Support provides free, confidential, and independent support to anyone living in Dorset who has been affected by crime, whether or not the incident was reported to the police and regardless of how long ago it occurred. Support is available through one-to-one in-person meetings, telephone support, group sessions, or online self-help options.
Our trained supporters offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard and validated. We are here to help you navigate the criminal justice system and support you in coping with any complex emotions you may be experiencing.
Volunteer Centre Dorset supports volunteering for all residents and organisations across Dorset. We support individuals and groups to make a difference in their local communities, providing an extensive database of volunteering opportunities and working with people to find suitable volunteering roles. We also support organisations with volunteer recruitment and management. We provide free training and development opportunities, networking events and support for charities and volunteer-led organisations. We represent the voluntary and community sector at a statutory level, ensuring volunteering has a voice. We look forward to connecting with you at the Allendale Community Open Day!
Walford Mill Education Trust Ltd is a charity based in a Grade II listed
former water mill in Wimborne. Its aims are to increase and spread
learning and understanding in Art & Craft. We have regular exhibitions
and offer a range of art & craft workshops to children and adults of all
ages. As part of our outreach project we also offer workshops to home
schooled children and to adults over sixty for a very small donation.
For Makers and Artists we offer studios to rent and pop-up space.
Wimborne BID is a business‑led, business‑funded partnership working to make our beautiful market town thrive. While our core mission is to support local businesses, the impact of our projects is felt by everyone who lives in or visits Wimborne. From vibrant events and seasonal celebrations to improvements that enhance the look and feel of the town, the BID helps create a welcoming, lively environment for all. By investing in initiatives that boost the local economy and enrich community life, Wimborne BID plays a key role in shaping a town centre full of character, opportunity, and shared pride.
Wimborne Chess Club was formed in 1978 by Tony Buckfield, who is now Honorary Life President and still playing Chess! We provide a friendly atmosphere for individuals who share a common interest and passion for Chess. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or just starting out, Wimborne Chess Club offers an ideal environment to cater to your interests and skill levels. We meet on Wednesday evenings at Merley Community Centre (https://merleycc.co.uk/) at 7.15 pm, with games commencing at 7.30 pm. Currently we play in 2 different leagues with 4 Teams. Please visit our website and use our Contacts page for enquiries www.wimbornechessclub.co.uk/contact-us
Wimborne Camera Club is an active club with a strong membership and warm welcome to visitors and potential new members. We offer a varied programme with an emphasis on encouraging members to improve their knowledge and practice in photography. The club invites informative and interesting speakers throughout the season who share their knowledge and experience on a range of photographic topics. There are also practical evenings where members can learn from each other. It doesn't matter what sort of camera or equipment you have, we will help you improve the images you take.
Wimborne Choral Society is Wimborne's longest established choir, now in its 48th year. We are a friendly, mixed voice choir, with approximately 60 members. We sing many of the major classic works as well as music by contemporary composers. We perform three concerts a year in Wimborne Minster, often accompanied by Wimborne Chamber Orchestra, with professional or semi-professional soloists. Recent repertoire has included Bach, Mendelssohn, Goodall, Poulenc, Mozart, Tippett and Kodály. New singers are always welcome - no auditions required. Whether you are a regular, lapsed or new singer, we’d love to welcome you to a rehearsal.
Website: www.wimbornechoralsociety.org.uk
Founded in 1973, Wimborne Civic Society actively campaigns for the improvement of the environment of Wimborne and the surrounding area. We do this through inspecting and commenting on planning applications in Wimborne and its rural area.
We are not just concerned with the preservation of ‘old’ Wimborne but support good modern design when it enhances the area and the quality of life in it.
From Autumn to Spring our members enjoy monthly meetings, with guest speakers covering a wide variety of architectural heritage, historical and Dorset related topics.
In the summer, visits are organised to places not normally opened to the public.
Wimborne Community Theatre has been creating theatre in the landscape and non-theatre buildings since 1991, performing over twenty productions inspired by local places and the lives of people, past and present, real and fictional. Our next production is on the theme of HOME, taking place in the grounds of Kingston Lacy, in September.
As with all our productions we begin by listening to and researching local people’s ideas and stories on a particular theme, as part of the creative process.
WCT welcomes new members of all ages, interested in being creative, through acting, ideas, history, improvising, singing or backstage.
Contact info@wimborncommunitytheatre.co.uk
Millstream Theatre is WCT’s sister community theatre group, founded 10 years ago, under the auspices of the Museum of East Dorset (MED). Members are learning disabled or neurodivergent adults. They work with professional theatre facilitators on drama, movement, film and writing, often about objects in the museum. This leads to original performances at MED as well as further afield. Their work has been highly acclaimed, giving them a great sense of achievement. Being in Millstream empowers people to deal effectively with stress, develop self-esteem and personal, social and theatre skills. Our next show ‘Nobody Home?’ is at MED, Sunday 28 June, 3pm.
Contact millstream@museumofeastdorset.co.uk
Wimborne Dementia Friendly Community (WDFC) aims to co-ordinate the Dementia Friendly Activities in the town. We have representatives from various organisations around town and several volunteers. We also arrange training in Dementia Awareness for local businesses and organisations.
We raise awareness of the large number of activities available through the publication of Living Well Magazine, which is distributed to many locations in Wimborne. This lists suitable activities under such headings as: craft groups, carer support, social groups, lunch clubs, music and many more. The magazine also contains articles which could be of interest to older people living in the community.
Wimborne Gardening Club is a thriving club with around 70 members, launched in 2023, following the demise of the former Wimborne Horticultural Society whose roots have been traced back to 1856. The Club now runs both a Spring and Late Summer Show and holds monthly meetings and an outing once a year.
Single membership is £18.00 per year, £27.00 for a couple. Meetings are held generally on the first Monday of each month, in the St Catherine’s Church Hall, Lewens Lane (Rodways Corner), commencing at 7.30pm. Visitors always welcome.
See the website for all information: www.wimbornegardeningclub.co.uk
Wimborne in Bloom, founded in 1992, needs to raise around £20,000 a year in order to carry out the summer and autumn planting and watering thereof of the Flower Towers, Planters and most of the Hanging Baskets in town. A number of fundraising events are held each year and we are grateful for the generosity and support we receive from so many. Most Monday mornings volunteers in the town clean litter, weed pavements and brush up leaves. In 2012 the town won Best Small Town in the National in Bloom Competition. Full details of all our activities can be found at www.wimborneinbloom.org.uk Charity no:1130046
The Wimborne Minster Town Council Neighbourhood Plan is a community-led
initiative designed to guide the future development of Wimborne Minster over the
next 20 years. It aims to reflect local priorities by involving residents, businesses,
and community groups in shaping policies. Key objectives include managing housing
growth, protecting green spaces, improving transport, and supporting the local
economy. The plan also seeks to preserve the town’s historic character while
allowing sustainable development. Once completed and approved, it will form part of
the statutory planning framework, meaning it will influence decisions on planning
applications within the parish. www.wimborne.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan
Discover Friendship, Conversation, and Connection with Wimborne Probus.
Are you retired or semi-retired and looking to stay socially active, intellectually engaged, and part of a welcoming local network? Wimborne Probus might be just what you’re looking for. Open to men in Wimborne and the surrounding district who have worked in professional or business environments, the club offers a relaxed and friendly setting to enjoy good company, stimulating conversation and shared interests.
Whether you're new to the area or simply looking to broaden your social circle, Wimborne Probus offers a warm welcome and a chance to stay connected with like-minded individuals. www.wimborneprobus.org.uk
Wimborne Rotary Club was formed in 1950 and is part of the global Rotary International charity created in America in 1905. We have 31 members who meet twice a month at the Willett Arms in Wimborne for lunch with either a “Speaker” or for “Projects” meetings.
Our primary intention is to raise money for other local charities or deserving individuals, approved by our Charity Committee.
We enjoy monthly social events, with our members and occasionally with members of surrounding Rotary Clubs, providing entertainment and fellowship with all. We are always looking for new members to help us support our local community so why not think about joining us?
Wimborne Scouts & Brownies. 1st Wimborne Scouts actively engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. Young people participate in fun indoor/outdoor activities and undertake new challenges within the community, to gain appreciation of Wimborne and the surrounding areas. Beavers age 6-8, Cubs 8-10.5, Scouts 10.5-14. READ MORE
5th Wimborne Brownies just want to have fun! We do crafts, have adventures, play games and take part in community projects, amongst other things, all the while embodying the Brownie Promise & Motto. We meet Tuesdays 6-7.30pm. Girls aged 7-10 years old.
Wimborne Town of Culture. Being named Dorset Town of Culture 2026 gives Wimborne an unprecedented opportunity to bring our community together and introduce even more people to what makes Wimborne so special. We are organising an exciting programme of events that connect our community in and around Wimborne. We see culture as art, performance, music, sport, heritage and leisure activities. We want you to help shape our year of culture by coming along to events, volunteering to support activities and perhaps even running your own sessions. Come and find out how to get involved!
The Wimborne-Valognes Twinning Association has been in existence since 1968, and has been holding exchanges visits every year, alternating between our two towns. This year in June Wimborne families are hosting our visitors from Valognes for a weekend enjoying the delights of Wimborne. Throughout the year we have a varied programme of indoor and outdoor events in and around Wimborne and all are welcome Our activities have a French flavour, but it is not necessary to speak French. If you are looking for a new aspect to your social life, why not give us a try?
Wimborne Women’s Institute was formed at the Allendale Centre in 1977, so we too are almost 50 years old. We began as an “Evening WI” but after Covid changed to “Mornings” which better suits our Members. We also changed our name to “Wimborne Minster WI”.
We meet in the Catholic Church Hall, Lewens Lane at 0950 on the 3rd Monday of the month.
The WI was formed to “Educate and Support Women of all ages”. We welcome new members with fresh ideas and skills so please feel free to come along and join us at one of our meetings.
