Dorset & Wiltshire formed as a new region in 2003 and assembled an excellent Committee of very enthusiastic people based in the Ferndown area of the region. The Committee will be looking to add new Members and helpers from other parts of the region in the future. The Committee quickly identified its first project, ‘The Wooden Spoon Therapy Pool’ at Portfield School for Autistic Children. The commitment to raise £80,000 and the success of the first event got the region off to an excellent start.

The inaugural event in October 2003 was a lunch attended by over 200 supporters to mark the launch of the Rugby World Cup. The enthusiastic audience took part in ‘Kings & Queens’ a ‘Guess the finalists and score for the World Cup Final’ and an auction. A goodwill message from the Honorary President Richard Hill MBE was read out and suitably inspired and refreshed, guests contributed generously towards net proceeds in excess of £14,000.

Picture: Former Chairman, Richard Erven with Stradbrooke Ladies at the inaugeral event