celebrating-poundbury-magazine

A place to live,work and playWith all new developments, a thriving community needsto be built, along with every brick laid. Now, halfwaythrough the project we look at what has been achievedIt takes time, support and dedicatedresidents to build a communityto be proud of. As the gradualinflux of residents to Poundburyhas increased over time, so has thenumber of activities on offer for thelocal community.There’s now a strong committee ofcommunity voices, which make up thePoundbury Residents’ Association. Themembers work with the community tohost events, fund groups and liaise with theDuchy of Cornwall on planning matters andany other issues.There are established events, which runyearly such as the popular Dorset Food &Arts Festival, held every August in QueenMother Square. There’s also a square danceheld in Pummery Square, which is attendedby local families in their droves.Both this and the Children’s Christmasparty are organised by resident Katie Gallego.“I think that Poundbury should have avillage feel,” she says. “And these events areimportant because they are a way to meetother people.“When I came here from Australia I didn’tknow anyone but I instantly made reallygood friends in this community.”“I think that Poundbury shouldhave a village feel”The Cheeky Monkeys playgroup, whichruns on Friday mornings at the BrownswordHall, is passed on to a new committee ofvolunteers every few years. Anna Ledsham,a volunteer at Cheeky Monkeys, said sheis grateful for all the community supportand funding. For the last two years thegroup has received a £500 donation fromthe Poundbury Residents’ Association andalso donations from Little Waitrose and ThePoundbury Stores.She said: “Although it takes time and effort,it is rewarding to run the group and see howmany mums and carers come and enjoy it."For the last two years thegroup has received a £500donation for the PoundburyResidents’ AssociationOther annual community events includethe Dorchester Town FC Great Field AnnualFun Day, Open Gardens andvariousday events.Over the last few yearspeople have flocked to TheButtermarket Square foran Easter Egg hunt and aSanta’s Grotto, organised bytraditional children’s shopBoo’s Toy Shop.In 2015 the Brownsword Hallhosted the La Scala youth operaevening which was a success.Other community groupswhich run weekly in Poundburyinclude Poundbury Ladies,Wine Knows, Quiz nights, yoga,Brownies, fitness classes, walkinggroups and the Poundbury Rotaryhold weekly meetings.Dates for 2015-2016Saturday 11 July: Poundbury Square Dance,Pummery Square. Free event from 6pm.Family friendly for 4+Saturday 1 Aug: Dorset Food & DrinkFestival, Queen Mother SquareSunday 6 Dec: Children’s Christmas Party,Brownsword HallPhotography by Neil Crick22 23