01202 887247 info@theallendale.org
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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 will look forward to meeting you - why not come and say hello?
More waiting to be confirmed; so far we have...
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!
Dreamboats is delighted to announce its reopening on Saturday 23 May 2026, returning rowing boats to the beautiful River Stour at Riverside, Wimborne. Located in the town centre, Dreamboats offers a relaxed and enjoyable way for residents and visitors alike to experience the river.
Our charitable aim is simple: to provide safe, accessible, and memorable time on the water for everyone. We promote traditional enjoyment of the river while building confidence, wellbeing, and community connection.
Following a period of transition, Dreamboats is proud to return as an independent registered charity, building on more than 20 years of community support and river-based enjoyment.
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.
Receive a warm welcome at the award-winning Museum of East Dorset.
Step into our historic house and explore the numerous collections and themed exhibitions to find out more about Wimborne Minster and the surrounding areas.
The exhibition will truly captivate both new and returning visitors; come and explore the history of the building, Wimborne Minster and East Dorset. The Museum has something for everyone, including a tranquil walled garden.
The gift shop tempts with local treats and presents for someone special including quality second-hand books.
Come to relax, watch the world go by, and enjoy a refreshing drink and delicious cakes in our garden Tea Room.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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 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 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 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
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.
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.
