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PRESS RELEASE

Issued 10th March 2026

SAVE THE DATE

Allendale Community Centre Announces Free Community Open Day for Wimborne and Surrounding Areas

WIMBORNE, DORSET – The Allendale Community Centre has announced a free Community Open Day designed to help people across Wimborne and the surrounding areas discover everything their local community has to offer — all under one welcoming roof.

Taking place on Sunday 17th May 2026, from 10am to 4pm, visitors are very welcome to pop in at any time during the day. The event will bring together up to 60 organisations, charities, voluntary groups and community services supporting residents across the wider East Dorset area. Entry is completely free.

As Wimborne and neighbouring communities continue to grow, with new homes and families settling across the BH21 area and beyond, it can sometimes be difficult to know what clubs, support networks and activities are available close to home. The Allendale Community Centre is stepping forward to bridge that gap, bringing together the people and organisations who quietly support our community every day.

Importantly, this is a no-pressure information event by exhibitors. There will be no selling and no fundraising on the day. The aim is simple: to ensure that everyone — whether they’ve lived locally for five weeks or fifty years — feels confident about what support, opportunities and connections are available to them.

What visitors can discover on the day:

• Local charities and support groups
• Community organisations and clubs
• Emergency services and community safety teams
• Family-friendly activities
• Volunteer opportunities
• Information and resources for carers and older residents
• Health, wellbeing and social groups
• The Allendale Café open all day

Carole Chedgy from the Allendale Community Centre said:

“Wimborne and the surrounding villages are full of fantastic organisations, but community doesn’t just happen — we build it together. Whether you are raising a family, settling into a new home, supporting an older relative, or simply curious about what’s happening locally, this day is for you. We want to be absolutely clear: this is not a fundraising event. It’s a free opportunity to discover what’s here, meet people, and feel part of the community.”

Residents and neighbours across the wider area are encouraged to save the date: Sunday 17th May 2026.

Further details and a full list of attending organisations will be released in the coming weeks.

For more information, or if your not for profit organisation would like to enquire about a free information stall and having information leaflets in our community goodie bag, call 01202 887247 and ask for Jane or Brian or email info@theallendale.org

- ENDS -

About the Allendale Community Centre

The Allendale Community Centre is a registered charity based in the heart of Wimborne. For more than 50 years it has provided a welcoming space for people of all ages, hosting community events, classes, theatre performances, celebrations, Food Supply, local group activities — and a popular community café at its heart. With a mission to remain at the centre of Wimborne life, the Community Centre is dedicated to inclusivity, accessibility, and bringing people together.

Notes to Editors

Organisation: Allendale Community Centre
Status: Registered charity No 1202648
Location: Hanham Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1AS
Website: www.theallendale.org
Press Contact:
Michelle Fuller - michelle@theallendale.org

PRESS RELEASE

2nd March 2026

Public Toilet Access in Wimborne Linked to Growing Isolation Among Older Residents

Concerns about public toilets in Wimborne, including accessibility for older people and ambulant disabled residents, are increasingly being linked to wider issues of confidence, independence and loneliness across Dorset.

The January 2026 consultation, organised by the Allendale Community Centre, received more than 280 responses. Six in ten respondents were aged 65 or over. Dorset has a significantly higher proportion of older residents than the national average, making accessible facilities particularly important for towns like Wimborne.

The findings show:

45% say toilet concerns limit their ability to go out, attend events or socialise.
42% have avoided visiting Wimborne or cut visits short because of worries about availability, cleanliness or accessibility.
85% believe improving facilities would help reduce social isolation.
36% say they have health, mobility, continence or caring needs that make accessible toilets essential.

More than half rated Wimborne’s public toilet facilities as poor or very poor.

For many older residents — including ambulant disabled people who use walking sticks, walkers or other mobility aids — the issue is not convenience but confidence.

One respondent aged over 70 said:

“At my age, you plan your day around toilets. If you’re not sure you’ll find one you can use, you simply stay at home.”

Another added:

“I would like to take my mum out in her wheelchair and know she can access a toilet without feeling embarrassed.”

The survey suggests that when confidence in basic facilities drops, visits become shorter, events are skipped and social contact reduces — contributing over time to loneliness and withdrawal.

It also revealed that 9% of respondents were unaware that the toilets at the Allendale Community Centre are open to the public seven days a week, even when not attending an activity.

A spokesperson for the Allendale said:

“Something as simple as reliable toilet access can determine whether someone feels able to take part in community life. When confidence falls, people stay at home.”

The Centre is now using the findings to support funding applications to refurbish its facilities, focusing on accessibility, dignity and ease of use. For many elderly residents in Wimborne, suitable public toilets are not a minor detail — they are the difference between staying connected and staying at home.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About the Allendale Community Centre

Organisation: Allendale Community Centre
Status: Registered charity No 1202648
Location: Hanham Road, Wimborne, Dorset
Website: www.theallendale.org
Press Contact:
Michelle Fuller - michelle@theallendale.org

Full survey data available on request

Allendale Community Centre - An Inclusive Charity at the Heart of Wimborne

Allendale Community Centre is a registered charity and an inclusive, welcoming space at the heart of the Wimborne community. For over 50 years, the Centre has brought people together, reduced loneliness, and supported wellbeing across all ages and backgrounds.

As a charity, all income raised through room hire, ticket sales, our Café, donations and grant funding is reinvested directly into the Centre and the services we provide. This enables us to keep The Allendale Community Centre accessible, affordable, and responsive to the needs of our community.

Inclusion sits at the heart of everything we do. Our Centre is supported by a diverse team of 24 employees, including several people with disabilities, and more than 75 volunteers. Their skills, experience and commitment help to make the Centre a genuinely inclusive place where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Recent Support Making a Difference

Along with other businesses and charities we are having to work harder and think of new ways of funding to say afloat. The rises in wages and national insurance and general costs of living have had a huge impact on us.

Over the past few months, we have been very grateful and fortunate to receive support from a number of organisations. This funding is helping us plan the refurbishment of our Café kitchen over the coming months, including the installation of a cooker with an induction hob, creating safety for those with disabilities being taught how to cook. We are also installing a high-speed oven which will enable us to offer a wider range of affordable food options. Funding has also helped us to continue our inclusion in the Café of those with disabilities.

This vital support has also helped fund the Food Supply, providing essential supplies and new storage racking to improve capacity and organisation. We have also been able to start bingo and games sessions. These activities play an important role in reducing loneliness, particularly within our older community.

We are especially grateful to the team at Poole and Wimborne Woodland Burial Ground who, in addition to grant funding, have generously provided practical support with clearing areas, painting and general site maintenance.

We would like to thank the following organisations for their recent support:

Poole and Wimborne Woodland Burial Ground; Richard Davies Charitable Foundation; Wimborne Town Council; Goadsby; Digby Foundation; Hendy Foundation; Lidl; Hall & Woodhouse; The Alice Ellen Cooper-Dean Charitable Foundation

Looking Ahead

We are currently seeking further funding to upgrade our toilet facilities and invest in theatre infrastructure and equipment, ensuring the Allendale Community Centre remains accessible and fit for the future. Thank you to everyone who took time out to respond to our recent Public Toilets consultation survey. We will be publishing the results in our next issue.

We are also looking to replace our dated building signage and improve the external lighting – please let us know if your organisation can help us!

As a new initiative we will also shortly be launching Friends of Allendale Community Centre, a registered lottery that will allow individuals to directly support the Centre’s charitable work whilst having a chance to win a prize for their support.

Press Release

Festive Spirit in Full Bloom as Community Raises Over £2,200 for the Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne

Wimborne’s festive season began with generosity, creativity and community spirit as two sold-out Christmas Wreath Making Workshops at the Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne raised over £2,200 to support the much-loved charity at the heart of the town.

Held on 26th and 28th November, the workshops brought together more than 60 participants for fun, creativity and festive connection, all while helping the Allendale continue its mission of inclusivity, support, and belonging.

The events were entirely sponsored by Poole & Wimborne Woodland Burial Ground, who provided all the natural materials, decorative items and tools.

Leading both workshops was Karen Hill, burial ground consultant and qualified florist, who gave her time, expertise and warm encouragement to guide participants through crafting their own beautiful natural wreaths.

“You could feel the joy in the room,” said Karen Hill. “People came to create something lovely, but they also came to support a place that genuinely matters. It was wonderful to be part of.”

All funds raised will go directly to the Allendale Community Centre charity, helping it continue providing safe, welcoming and essential services to the community.

The Allendale isn’t just a venue; it is a hub of belonging that tackles social isolation and supports some of the most vulnerable people in the area.

“What we do here is about belonging,” said Carole Chedgy, Vice Chair, Trustee, “This fundraiser helps us remain a place where everyone, regardless of age, ability or circumstance can feel safe, supported and part of the community.”

What the Allendale Community Centre delivers:

• Free meals and hot soup for people facing hardship and suffering homelessness.

• Warm, inclusive spaces where people of all ages can connect, socialise and feel part of the community.

• Activities, support groups and community initiatives designed to combat loneliness and improve wellbeing.

• Opportunities for people with disabilities, those who’ve struggled to access work or education, and anyone who needs a place to belong.

• A volunteer team aged from teenagers to people in their nineties, working together in a truly intergenerational community.

• Accessible toilets and family-friendly facilities, ensuring no one is excluded from being able to go out. Lack of access to suitable toilets can be a major barrier for elderly people, parents with young children, and people with disabilities, often leading to increased social isolation. The Allendale’s commitment to providing inclusive facilities helps people feel confident and able to participate fully.

Participants described the workshops as “magical”, “uplifting” and “the perfect way to start Christmas.” Many have already asked if the event will return next year.

Press Release

Allendale Community Centre Unveils New Logo and Fresh Brand Identity

The Allendale Community Centre is proud to reveal its new logo and refreshed brand identity. The new design captures both the heritage and future vision of the Community Centre.

Honouring its 50-year history, the design incorporates the original letter ‘a’, now with the addition of a heart at its centre — a reminder that the Allendale Community Centre has always been — and continues to be — the Community Centre at the heart of Wimborne.

The fresh, modern logo is inspired by the blue of the River Allen (though perhaps not always quite so blue in real life!), the green of the surrounding dales, and the yellow of warmth, light, and welcome. Together, these colours represent not only the Centre’s landscape and history, but also the bright energy and inclusivity that shine through every community activity.

The design itself can be seen in multiple ways — as a flower symbolising growth and vitality, or as a community group gathered around a table, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the Community Centre.

Importantly, the new identity has been created to comply with recognised usability and readability guidelines, ensuring that it is clear, accessible, and inclusive for everyone.

The new visual identity and full set of brand guidelines were created in partnership with Pink Egret, a local design company based in Wimborne.

“It was a privilege to work with the Allendale Community Centre on a brand identity that reflects both the past and the vibrant potential of this special place. This, coupled with the forward-thinking team at the community centre has resulted in a brand for the future.” – Peter King, Pink Egret Artwork & Design.

As a charity dedicated to serving the community, the Allendale Community Centre is mindful of its resources and will avoid unnecessary spending on wholesale rebranding. Thanks to sponsorship support, the design development has been made possible and the new identity will be introduced gradually and thoughtfully. This phased approach ensures a smooth transition while making the best use of funds in a responsible way.

This launch marks an exciting new chapter for the Allendale Community Centre as it looks ahead to serving the community for the next 50 years. The Allendale Community Centre is a registered charity.

PRESS RELEASE 10 SEPTEMBER 2025

Fundraising Partnership - Create, Celebrate, and Give Back This Christmas at the Allendale Community Centre

Get into the festive spirit while supporting a good cause at the Christmas Wreath Making Workshops at the Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne, on Wednesday 26th November (2pm to 4pm) and Friday 28th November 2025 (6pm to 8pm).

Sponsored by Poole & Wimborne Woodland Burial Ground, the workshops will provide everything you need to design and take home a stunning, naturally sourced wreath. All materials, including fresh greenery, pinecones, berries, and a selection of festive decorations will be supplied, alongside expert tuition from burial ground consultant and qualified florist, Karen, who will be leading the sessions with her team.

"Poole & Wimborne Woodland Burial Ground is more than just a resting place - it's a space that gives back to the community. With strong commitment to supporting local projects and initiatives, the burial ground is proud to sponsor the Christmas wreath making workshops at the Allendale Community Centre. By working with local groups and events, we aim to nurture connections, celebrate creativity, and bring people together in ways that honour both life and nature. Sponsorship of this festive event reflects their dedication to spreading joy during the Christmas season, while continuing to support families and individuals across the local area", says Elisa Way, Burial Ground Manager.

Karen and her colleagues are passionate about sharing their skills and will guide participants step-by-step, while encouraging personal creativity to make each wreath unique. Workshops will last around two hours, and every participant will leave with a handmade wreath to enjoy throughout the Christmas festivities.

But these events are about more than creativity. Every £30.00 ticket sold will help fund local families and individuals in Wimborne who are in need through the Allendale Community Centre’s Family Christmas Campaign. By joining in, you’ll not only be crafting something special for your home but also spreading festive joy to those who need it most.

To make the experience even more enjoyable, your ticket includes a festive soft (non-alcoholic) drink and seasonal nibbles. The centre’s bar will also be open, serving seasonal cocktails and other drinks to purchase to help the creative flow.

Tickets are limited to ensure a personal, hands-on experience – so early booking is essential.

Book your tickets at theallendale.org and help make Christmas brighter for our community!

PRESS RELEASE 4 AUGUST 2025

Subject: Coffee, Conversation and Company at Allendale Café

The Allendale Community Centre Café offers a welcoming space for locals and visitors to relax, meet, and feel part of the Wimborne community. Whether you’re looking for a cosy table to chat with friends, a reliable spot to work with free Wi-Fi, or somewhere for your social group to gather, the café is here for everyone.

For many, a visit to the café provides a friendly face and a warm connection – sometimes the only chat of their day. Families, friends and neighbours are all welcome to drop in, and small groups (such as book clubs and walking groups) can book ahead, with tables available for up to 12 people.

Just a short stroll from Wimborne’s town square, with adjacent parking and outdoor seating overlooking the river, the café is perfectly placed for you to enjoy good coffee, fresh food and a relaxed atmosphere. As part of the Allendale Community Centre, a registered charity, every visit helps support local services. While everyone is welcome for a coffee and a chat, those wishing to work for a couple of hours or more are kindly asked to make a small donation or enjoy a meal with their drinks.

The café is also home to regular live music, including:

Brunny Folk Club – 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7–10pm
Wimborne Folk Club – Thursdays, 7–10pm
Live Music Fridays – 6–8pm

“Sometimes all it takes is a friendly chat and a good cup of coffee to brighten someone’s day.”

The café also offers:

Freshly prepared food and drinks (gluten-free and vegetarian options available)
Free Wi-Fi for working, studying, or staying connected
Outdoor tables with lovely river views ☀️
Confidential meeting rooms to hire from £12.50 per hour (subject to availability) – ideal for interviews, private chats, or virtual meetings
Function rooms available for workshops, team meetings, and larger events (booking required)
Well-behaved dogs are welcome – and might even get a biscuit or two 🐾
A licensed bar for selected events and evening gatherings

For bookings, enquiries, or to reserve a table for your group, contact:

📞 01202 887247
📧 info@theallendale.org
🌐 www.theallendale.org/cafe-the-allendale

Registered charity no 1202648

PRESS RELEASE 25 JULY 2025

Subject: Discover Wimborne Minster Market – A Summer Highlight for Dorset Visitors

If you’re visiting Dorset this summer - or live locally and love supporting your community and a local charity - make time to experience one of Wimborne’s true gems: Wimborne Minster Market, held every Friday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Allendale Community Centre.

Wimborne Minster Market – A Summer Highlight for Dorset Visitors

More than just a market, it’s a celebration of local flavour, friendly faces, and community spirit. Nestled in the heart of Wimborne Minster, this lively weekly event spans two indoor halls and a vibrant outdoor area, offering:

Fresh, fruit, vegetables and plants
Free-range meats, fresh fish, artisan cheeses
Baked goods, jams, chutneys and honey
Handmade jewellery, pottery, textiles and crafts
Vintage collectibles, books, cards, and eco-friendly items

Whether you're hunting for gourmet treats, artisan gifts or just a warm atmosphere, you’ll find it here.

Rooted in Tradition, Growing with the Community

Wimborne Minster Market proudly continues Wimborne’s legacy as a historic market town. After relocating to the Allendale Community Centre in 2021, the market has gone from strength to strength - offering a welcoming space for long-time stallholders and newcomers alike.

It’s more than a shopping trip - it’s a weekly tradition, where locals and visitors connect over quality products and shared stories.

Plan Your Visit

When: Every Friday, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Allendale Community Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster BH21 1AS
Parking: Ample public parking adjacent to the Centre
Accessibility: Fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Facilities: Toilets, seating, and an on-site Café
Dog-Friendly: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome

Top Tips for Market Day

Arrive early (8–10am) for the best produce and quieter browsing
Bring cash - most stalls are card-friendly, but not all
Enjoy a drink or snack at The Allendale Café after shopping
Explore the town and local sights such as The Minster, the Model Town or the Museum of East Dorset

Why Visitors Love It

Warm, community-led atmosphere
High-quality, locally sourced goods
A true slice of Dorset life
Perfect for summer day trips and local tourism itineraries

Come for the produce, stay for the people: experience the charm of Wimborne every Friday at Minster Market.

For more information or press enquiries, please contact:

Allendale Community Centre
Registered Charity No. 1202648
🌐 www.theallendale.org
📧 info@theallendale.org
📞 01202 887247

About the Allendale Community Centre

Notes to Editors

Notes to Editors

About the Allendale Community Centre

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PRESS RELEASE 4 AUGUST 2025

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Subject: Coffee, Conversation and Company at Allendale Café