Hall & Woodhouse (H&W), the leading independent family-owned Dorset brewer, has awarded more than £25,000 to 27 local causes across the south-west at its Community Chest Awards.
Held at the Crown Hotel, in the heart of Blandford Forum, H&W’s Community Chest Awards ceremony was supported by Blackmore Vale Media and the Dorset Community Foundation. The annual awards are an initiative created by H&W with the aim of improving both the facilities and the lives of people in the community, by providing grants to local voluntary groups and causes who require financial support.
Now in its 17th year, the awards have awarded nearly £600,000 to just under 1,000 organisations since it began in 2002. The fund was boosted by the White Hart Book Club at Longham which donated £500.
Mark Woodhouse, Chairman, and Anthony Woodhouse, Managing Director of Hall & Woodhouse, welcomed guests including Angus Campbell, Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset and the Mayor and Mayoress of Blandford Forum, Councillor Roger Carter and Heather Carter, to the awards ceremony to show support for the charities and causes on the night.
One of the applicants that received funding was Burngate Stone Carving Centre in Swanage, which was presented with £2,595 to pay for 12 weekly art and skills sessions for people experiencing social isolation and mental health issues.
The Mosaic charity were presented with £750 to provide additional resources to support their work with bereaved children and their families in Dorset.
Mark Woodhouse, Chairman of Hall & Woodhouse, said: “We are thrilled to be able to donate funding and support local worthy causes across the county. It is always a privilege to hear about the charities which are achieving such fantastic things to positively impact and support as many people as possible in Dorset.
“We are proud of our Dorset roots and are committed to providing ongoing support for our local communities and their causes as a way of giving back to our heartland for their loyalty over the years.”
Applications will be open for the 2019 Community Chest awards in March where groups can request funding ranging from £300 to £3,000 to help them achieve their aims.
Please visit www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk for more information.