Dolway Lane, Winterborne Whitechurch, Blandford Forum, DT11 0AW Registered Charity 209082
WWVH Committee
BOOKINGS AND GENERAL INQUIRES - bookings.wwvh@gmail.com
INVOICES AND PAYMENT -
Laura Soden Secretary /Vice chair Trustee
Why I joined the village hall
I moved to Winterborne Whitechurch in September 2024. Having lived in towns or cities all my life, it was my dream to live in a small village in the Dorset countryside and enjoy the many benefits of village life. However, village life needs and thrives on the participation and contribution of its residents so when a flyer landed on my door mat in May 2025 asking for volunteers to join the village hall committee in order to keep it open, despite my busy schedule, I decided to join and do my bit. Winteborne Whitechurch has no shop, post office or pub, only a church and primary school, so the village hall is essential as it provides a community space for villagers to connect, offer and receive support and build friendships.
I am now coming up to completing my first year on the committee, as secretary. My role involves attending regular committee meetings, taking and writing up the minutes. I am also a charity trustee for the hall and have duties and responsibilities in relation to this. In addition, I help out with hall events, aiming to do one a month.
Being a committee member does take up time but the regards are well worth it - meeting villagers, making friends and having fun attending and supporting events. I think it’s important to give back to your community, if you can, and my experience of living in this lovely village life is enriched because of it.
Carole Burgess Treasurer Trustee
Why i joined the village hall
We arrived in Winterborne Whitechurch in November 2024, right in the heart of Storm Burt. Snow lay over everything like a quiet welcome, and there we were, slipping and sliding as we carried boxes into our lovely new home. Even in the cold and chaos, we found ourselves laughing — grateful, excited, and already beginning to feel that this little village might become somewhere very special to us.Not long afterwards, I came across an advert looking for committee members. Something about it seemed to call to me and wanting to make new friend’s. My husband and I went along to a meeting. From the moment we walked in, we were met with such kindness and.By the end of the evening, we knew we wanted to be part of it. We signed up there and then, eager to lend a hand, get involved, and give something back to the place that had already made us feel so at home.We have made some amazing friends, we are truly looking forward to meeting more of you, sharing in village life, and making many new friendships along the way.
Chris Royle Vice Chair person Trustee
Why i joined the village hall
Who would have thought that having moved from a vibrant north Wales town to a Dorset village that I have found peace, and happiness in my retirement years and also met lively neighbours and villagers in my time here,
It didn't occur to me when I first moved here that I would join a committee of one kind or another, but I have and am now vice chair of the village hall
The hall is an important part of the village with its motto "the hall is for all"
We as a committee has looked in to and implemented various activities which we think would be an enjoyment to all the locals, including bingo, a race night Halloween etc, as you know the village is lacking in amenities so the hall is an important part of the village, with a bar and kitchen and large room for those that wish to join the groups that rent the hall out, as a committee we have retired members and members with full time jobs, all giving up there time to volunteer
To help the hall thrive, but of course we need you the villager to participate in these activities, so come along and enjoy yourselves you won’t be disappointed I look forward to seeing you don’t be shy come and meet your other residents and well try and give you an enjoyable experience
Sue Mitchem Kitchen lead
Why i joined the village hall
when I was assistant manager of the Milton arms pub, it gave me a feeling of being part of the community. When the pub closed, I still wanted that feeling so I joined the committee I’ve been a member for 4 years now and although I now live in Blandford, I still like to be involved with the village of winterborne whitechurch, in a town you don’t get that community feel, like you do a village at meetings your views and ideas are heard and you can do as much your as little as you like as you are able. It’s also a way of making friends and is a lot of fun.
Pleas think about joining, where I guarantee you will feel part of something as well as enjoy seeing people come together.
Our General support Committee members are vital to the success of Winterborne Whitechurch village hall, as their dedication and expertise ensure the smooth running of key operations. By taking on specific responsibilities that match their individual strengths, they help guide the group towards its objectives. These members actively engage in discussions, offer valuable insights during decision-making, and willingly step up to tackle tasks whenever needed, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for all. we could not do it with out you.
Jacqui Vallard General Helper
Why i joined the village hall
I’m Jacqui some of you might already know me from serving behind the raffle tickets.
Anyway, I’m trying to tell you why I joined the committee …so pay attention!
With My health concerns l couldn’t cope with my big house, time to Downsize, moved to Lady Bailey to be near my daughter….End of! Or so I thought!
Working most of my life in care, being sociable, and being a gas bag,
I was worried with no pub for gatherings and if the village hall goes what is there left ? Where do we go if something happens?
Carole the treasurer and my neighbour nagged me a bit as I had never done anything like this before and I didn’t think I could do it but she convinced me I could so I joined the committee, ….And it’s proved to be the best decision !
Now I work/help and play with some great people who have become friends and have given me a great sense of belonging, and a lot of laughs along the way.
I don’t want a lot of responsibility or any “tech stuff” “ no stress!
I just want to help where I can and do my bit .
So, can you do your bit ? Come join us ,share your ideas, or just meet people,
laugh and keep the neighbourhood alive.
We live in a semi-rural location not isolated from life so come join us.
Trouble getting to the events ? Talk to us we can help arrange a lift because that’s what a good community does !
Neil Burgess
Why I joined the village hall
When it was suggested we write why we joined the village hall, I thought nope, that’s not me, I’m a shy introvert until I get to know you.
But the village hall is important,
My journey start with a medical issue, which caused me to close my business, I was an ADI driving instructor for 30 years, I also taught new up driving instructor's and coming PDIs to become ADIs , time to reevaluate my life,
That and a house that was 2 big for just me and Carole, after all the kids left home,
We decided to sell up, downsize, when I first saw winterborne whitechurch I couldn't wait to look around, I fell in love with our new home on bailey view straight away.
I had lived in a big town all my life but got to the point I couldn't wait to move,
Not long after we moved in I walked round the village and found the hall, same day Carole told me about the advert she had seen for committee members, we both decided to go to a meeting,
I tried a couple of the roles but it’s not my thing, and next year I plan to just be a general committee member, helping at the events, that I enjoy, you can help as much or as little as you are able to, even if you don’t have the time to join a committee, then please support the hall by going to any events you can.