A social life
Meet people in your local community
When you arrive in the UK, depending on where you live, there may be other Ukrainians in the area who you can connect with. You might also want to make contact with friendly neighbours who you could ask for help in an emergency. There are also Ukrainian community groups all over the UK, to find out more about this look at the Association of Ukrainians in the UK
Connecting
A number of on-line groups are emerging for displaced Ukrainian families locally on WhatsApp and Telegram.
Shaftesbury Refugee Group helped set this one up
Українці біля Shaftesbury
We can add you to the group if you send us your phone number by e mail to shaftesburyrefugeegroup@gmail.com
Here is another we know of
Українці в Блендфорд Форумі (Ukrainians in the Blandford Forum)
https://t.me/+NQEQdtD2uZBjYTRi
Activity with others
There is also lots to do to be socially active in our area, and it’s a great way to feel part of a new country.
The list of activities has been built up with the support of Shaftesbury and Gillingham Tourist Information Centre.
This is not a complete list and if you run activities that are welcoming to people looking for a new community then contact Trevor Clements Centre Manager at tic@shaftyesburytourism.co.uk 01747853514. He will gladly add you to the list.
If you have something special you would like to arrange as a welcome for refugees then please contact us via shaftesburyrefugeegroup@gmail.com or our contact page
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Summer in Dorset is an opportunity for children and young people to take part in an exciting programme of activities and events
Find out more about the holiday, activities and food (HAF) programme.
If your child is eligible for benefit-related free school meals they're also eligible for a Summer in Dorset pass code that lets you into activities for free or at a discount. You can register and get your pass code here.
You can search for activities local to us at the Help and Kindness website. The full programme goes live on 4th July 2022.
As a taste of what is on offer look at this brilliant opportunity in Gillingham
https://www.riversmeetgillingham.org/riverkidz-holiday-activities.php
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Singing in unity builds a profound sense of belonging.
Choirs provide an opportunity to find your voice and your heart.
Choirs are everywhere not just in churches.
Here are some local ones
Shaftesbury Community…meets weekly in the Town Hall and would love to welcome adult Ukrainian guests. Contact juliaemarkus@gmail.com
Palida This a cappella choir meets for rehearsal on Tuesday evenings 7.30pm - 9pm, and follows the school terms. Contact karen@karenwimhurst.co.uk
Gillingham Community Choir https://choralnation.com/choirs/gillingham-community-choir
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Parkrun is a collection of 5-kilometre events for walkers, runners and volunteers that take place every Saturday morning at more than 2,000 locations in 23 countries across five continents. Junior Parkrun is a spin-off event that provides a 2 kilometres event for children aged 4–14 on a Sunday morning. Parkrun events are free to enter and are delivered by volunteers.
Parkrun is a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience where there is no time limit, and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along, whether you walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.
Registration is completely free and only needs to be done once, whether you intend to walk, jog, run, or volunteer or do a combination of all these things! Simply complete the registration form, print your barcode and head down to your local event.
Local Parkruns are held at:
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Shaftesbury Walking Group are a small group of volunteers leading walks around Shaftesbury for everyone to keep active, meet new people & socialise. Contacts Facebook 07876 013470 joannesnow3@tiscali.co.uk
Gillingham Walkers are Welcome is a group for anyone interested in walking in company around the Gillingham, Dorset area. They welcome everyone who wants to walk, particularly if you have never done much walking or not walked recently. They aim to provide enjoyable walks at a pace comfortable for all. It's a chance to meet new people and improve your health too. They have regular walks.
The North Dorset Group aims to provide two walks each week, one midweek on Wednesdays, and one on Sundays. The distance for either ranges between 6 and 12 miles, with the occasional longer walk. They try to provide walks with 'added interest' when possible, and non-members are welcome to join walks to try out the club. Contact number 01963 370009 e-mail here
Significant local routes
Wessex Ridgeway 2MB download
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Gillingham and District Wheelers is a social and sporting cycling club with a primary focus on road cycling. Members include social weekend riders, through to racing cyclists; young to old and the in-between.
They provide local routes and much more. Contact the Membership Secretary, Pete Humphreys, email: peter.humphreys117@btinternet.com
Routes
There are many beautiful and safe cycle paths that criss-cross our area. Many are part of the National Cycle Network that you can access via the SUSTRANS website such as:
National Route 2 between Axminster and Bournemouth.
National Route 3 between Wells and Creech St Michael.
National Route 24 between Frome and Quidhampton.
National Route 25 between Bournemouth and Longleat House.
National Route 26 between Weymouth and Glastonbury.
The Wiltshire Cycleway runs between Maiden Bradley and Salisbury, through Mere, Donhead St Andrew and Broad Chalke.
Our group can usually source a bike on long loan and there are some second hand dealers for cheap bikes we can put you in touch with. Just get in touch.
Further afield there is the Weymouth Bike Bank. This is run via Gail Reynold's Facebook page.
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Guides is for girls to have fun, adventure and the space to discover their potential
They go to their first ever sleepover, canoe on rivers, learn about body confidence, and lead their own camp. Or sometimes they simply have fun and try new things with friends
Find out about guiding here.
Find your local unit here.
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Scouts are do-ers and give-it-a-go-ers. They go camping, hiking, swimming, abseiling, cycling and canoeing. They also get to hang out with friends every week – having fun, playing games, working in a team and taking on new challenges.
Everyone’s welcome . All genders, races and backgrounds. Regardless of your child’s physical ability – there’s a Scout adventure out there waiting for them. And we’ll help them find it.
Sign up to help your child discover their ‘thing’: from abseiling to coding to performance art and everything in between.
Find your local unit on this page.
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Since 1915 The Women’s Institute has set out to give women a voice and to be a force for good in the community. It is the largest women’s organisation in the UK and it is a trusted place for all women of all generations, to share experiences and learn from each other. A WI membership offers the opportunity to meet women in your local area in-person and virtually, to make friends and make a difference in your community. They campaign nationally on a wide range of issues and provide life-long learning and self-development opportunities for women in England and Wales.
Local groups meet as follows:
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Kindness in Action
When caring people join together, roll up their sleeves and take action to make their community better, it’s a beautiful thing—and an incredible feeling for everyone involved. That’s Lions.
Being a Lion is about leading by example, building relationships and improving the world through kindness. It’s 1.4 million caring men and women serving together so they can make a lasting impact and change more lives.
The local group information is here.
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The Conservation Volunteers are an organisation that supports communities to be stronger, working together to improve the places people live and tackle issues that matter to them.
Local groups include: Shaftesbury Home-Grown
Contact: Matthew Tagney 01747854806 oñr ml.tagney@btopenworld.com
and Gillingham Action For Nature Group (GANG)
Contact Bob Messer 01747821269 or bobmesser@hotmail.com
The Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership will run twenty projects until 2024, focusing on the natural, historic and cultural aspects of the Cranborne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The projects are aimed at better connecting people to this extraordinarily rich area.
It is easy to get involved in a project and a wide range of volunteering and training activities by signing up at their volunteer hub
You can also find out what is on by subscribing to their newsletter.
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The performing arts provide an opportunity for integration and expression. For children who have fled conflict, and with little English, it is an accessible and inclusive experience.
TLW Dance, Wincombe Estate in Shaftesbury, has a foundation that can help young people who have fled the conflicts in Ukraine, Syria and Afghanistan. The foundation helps students who might be underprivileged or require financial support to access performing arts. The foundation provides bursaries for both classes and uniforms.
The Foundation can be contacted here
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Local youth groups are a mix of supported and voluntary groups all providing a chance for young people to meet and grow into great adults.
Sturminster Newton Youth and Community Centre
For other information about the offer for young people in our area contact the Dorset Youth Association
Mike Bennett - mikebennett@dorsetyouth.com 07918 881333
Lindsey Halford – lindseyhalford@dorsetyouth.com 07436 100306
Dorset Youth Association’s reach across the county encompasses voluntary youth clubs and groups spread throughout rural Dorset; targeted work with children, young people and families focussing on health and improved wellbeing; and informs over 300 professionals in the voluntary and community sector.
As the need of young people in Dorset changes, Dorset Youth Association is evolving to meet these needs, through volunteering projects, national and international expeditions, emotional and practical support to remain in or further their education or find work opportunities, promoting equal opportunities and diversity, and providing the support needed to help inspire young people and raise their aspirations.
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Dorset has lots to do for visitors and residents. This is a good site Visit Dorset
Wiltshire is famous for Stonehenge, Avebury and its White Horses. Another good site Visit Wiltshire
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Gillingham has a pool at Rivers Meet Leisure Centre on Hardings Lane.
They run a range of classes and activities at the pool for all ages and abilities.
Shaftesbury has a unique outdoor swimming pool, heated to 29C and in the heart of town . The Oasis is just that, a sanctuary in Shaftesbury. The schedule has family friendly sessions and needs to be pre booked. Change before your go!
Motcombe has a members sports club in the grounds of Port Regis School with a lovely pool.
Wild. A favourite aspect of summer. Wild swimming is possible in a number of the rivers and streams in Dorset and Wiltshire. A local Facebook group is here.
A favourite spot or two for wild swimming from the Trustees:
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Dorset has it all, wonderful countryside and some of the best UK beaches.
The cleanliness and the safety of the beaches in Dorset are reflected by the fact that nine beaches in the county have Blue Flags. The Blue Flag status is an internationally recognised award and an indication of a beach’s high environmental and quality water standards. The Blue Flag beaches in Dorset include;
Fisherman’s Walk (Bournemouth)
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Local Clubs for women, men, girls and boys can be found here
There are popular five and 6 a side leagues and games played in Leisure centres and schools such as at Shaftesbury 6 a side
Teams are always looking for players and you can see some requests here.
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North Dorset Rugby Club is based in Gillingham and is a club for women, men, boys and girls.
It’s a positive and enthusiastic rugby club affiliated with Dorset and Wiltshire RFU and Bath Rugby.
They are passionate about rugby for all and encourage everyone to come along and give rugby a go. They have a track record of being supportive of refugees and encouraging new players.
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Gardening is a great way to meet other people it also has the attraction of being relatively inexpensive and you can often eat what you grow.
• Bourton Gardening Club Bourton Village Hall, Bourton Nr Gillingham SP8 5BJ
• Child Okeford Gardeners’ Club Child Okeford Village Hall, The Hollow, Child Okeford, Blandford Forum DT11 8EX
• Duncliffe Garden Club East Stour Village Hall, Back Street, East Stour SP8 5JY
• Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society The Show Office, Turnpike Showground, Motcombe, Shaftesbury SP7 9PL
• Hazelbury Bryan Gardening Club Hazelbury Bryan Village Hall, Partway Lane, Hazelbury Bryan DT10 2DP
• Iwerne Minster Produce & Horticultural Association ( IMPHA) Abingdon Hall, The Chalk, Iwerne Minster DT11 8LZ
• Marnhull Garden Club Marnhull Village Hall DT10 1PP
• Shillingstone Gardening Club Portman Hall, Blandford Road, Shillingstone DT11 0SF
• Stalbridge Garden Society Salbridge Village Hall, Lower Rd, Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton DT10 2NF
• Sturminster Newton Garden Club Bow Room, The Exchange, Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1FH
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The University of the Third Age U3A is a UK-wide collection of 1000+ charities that provide the opportunity for those no longer in work to come together and learn for fun.
People new to this country can make the most of life and join more than 430,000 members exploring new ideas, skills and interests with their local u3a. Local groups are here
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Village Halls are often the centre of village life.
From fitness classes to gardening clubs, pop up cafes, Moviola film nights and fund raising events.
The list of what’s coming up and the clubs and societies that meet in a hall can be found at these websites.
Melbury Abbas and Cann Village Hall
Other Village halls in Dorset can be found here
Other village halls in Wiltshire can be found here.
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Taekwondo is a Korean form of martial arts characterized by punching and kicking techniques, with emphasis on head-height kicks, spinning jump kicks, and fast kicking techniques. Nearly all these clubs offer a trial classes and welcome beginners.
The Shaftesbury club meets on Wincombe Industrial Estate and has a Facebook page with all the details.
Contact details are 07888 844115
shaftesburytkd@gmail.com
The Wincanton and Gillingham club meets at Riversmeet Leisure Centre Gillingham and have a Facebook page with all the details.
Contact details are 07767 668304
tkdadmin@fastmail.co.uk
There are also clubs at:
Ferndown
Dorset Taekwondo Association | Dorset's Leading Taekwondo Club (dtkd.co.uk)
Weymouth & Dorchester
Ringwood
Contact Us |Gordon Fearn Tae Kwon Do |Poole, Dorset BH148UL (gftkd.co.uk)
Broadmayne
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Volunteering is a great way of meeting people like you. People who want to give a little back in an area that matters to you.
Volunteering Matters gave this list of the benefits of volunteering
There are a number of ways that volunteering can benefit you socially and for some people it’s a great way to extend their range of skills and sometimes be a step into employment.
The Volunteer Centre Dorset provides a great start for your volunteering journey. On their website you will be able to find everything you need to start your perfect volunteering role. Here you will be able to register on their volunteering database and browse through all the roles they currently have available.
The Chase and Chalke Landscape Partnership has a range of projects to get involved in, often with training to help with your volunteering in The Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Sign up to their volunteer hub here.
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Each town in North Dorset, South Wiltshire and East Somerset has something special, whether it be that special tea shop, that internationally renowned Art Centre or historic site or a different set of independent shops to browse.
Here are some local towns that you can reach by public transport and car:
Shaftesbury
Gillingham
Tisbury
Mere
Sturminster Newton
Blandford Forum
Frome
Salisbury
Bruton
Wincanton
Yeovil
Sherborne
Castle Cary
Warminster
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Yoga has been said to reduce stress, build strength, ease anxiety, increase your flexibility and improve your breathing. Done in a class it can also increase your friendship sphere.
Local classes can be found here
Motcombe Vanilla Yoga
Shaftesbury The Space
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Shaftesbury and the surrounding area shows the signs of people who have been living in communities in this area for thousands of years. They have left their mark on the land and in the stories we tell. Whether it’s the more recent past of the famous Gold Hill advertisement for bread or the distant echoes of Shaftesbury Abbey and Stonehenge.
The international Chalke Valley History Festival is held annually and you can pick up the beginning of your own historic study at a local museum such as
You can also join a history society
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A book club is a group of people who meet up to talk about books. They may or may not be friends before joining the group. They often choose a single book to read and discuss each month. They may share opinions or explore deeper meanings they found within the text.
Book clubs can be as small as 4 people or up to 12 and you can usually find local ones through your library
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A wonderful way to participate in village life and a sport that can be played and enjoyed through the ages.
There are active clubs in
Shaftesbury
Donhead
Marnhull
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A way to share time gently competing with friends and sharing the frustrations of the difficult game that it it isLocal friendly clubs can be found at
Rushmore near Shaftesbury (18 holes)
Henstridge (9 holes)
Sherborne (18 holes)
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There are a number of Tennis clubs in our area.
None is more welcoming than Marnhull Village Tennis Club who, as well as free membership which allows use of their courts, provide free coaching for juniors and sessions for novice adults - our ethos is 'come and have fun'. See our News for the latest sessions. For further information contact John Seear at johnseear@hotmail.com, 01258 269743
Just outside Semley there is the Pythouse Tennis Club.
In the Donheads there is Donhead Tennis Club
And Stourpaine Tennis Club is another welcoming club.
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If you have an interest in the Arts these Arts Societies will be of interest with lectures, visits and activities to stimulate the mind and prompt your creativity.
The Nadder Valley Arts Society, Tisbury
The Arts Society Blackmore Vale, Stalbridge
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Men’s Sheds are kitted out community spaces where men can enjoy practical hobbies. They’re about making friends, learning and sharing skills. Many guys come just for the tea and banter, everyone’s welcome.
Sheds are currently being set up in Marnhull and Stalbridge, more information can be found here.
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An allotment is a place where you can grow your own fruit and vegetables and meet up with others who like to nurture their food and their mind
Local Councils often manage allotments such as in
And there are societies such as the one in Motcombe that can be approached
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Shaftesbury
Drama and musicals are among the Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s principal year-round activities. Involving people of all ages and abilities, professional and amateur, who can make full use of the Centre’s fully equipped 157 seat theatre.
Productions are organised mainly through the Music and Drama Group which stages a core of four shows a year, from a regular winter pantomime in January, a spring play, a summer show and an autumn play. A Christmas music event is staged in most years.
The Music and Drama Group meets Tuesday and Thursday evening, from 7.30pm in the Theatre. For more info, email stage@shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk.
If you would like to volunteer for a variety of roles then apply here
Motcombe
The Motcombe Community Players put on great shows at Motcombe Village Hall. The Players are a group of villagers who come together due to a shared love of being.
You can get in touch with them here motcombedrama@hotmail.com
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Our area is a creative place and if you need a creative space then try:
Scribblers Writing Group. Meeting every second Tuesday in the month at Shaftesbury Arts Centre. It is a friendly group for writers to work on their own projects with support and encouragement. £5 per meeting with teas and coffees. e-mail tiggyhayes@hotmail.co.uk or call 01747 823699
Writing for the Terrified. A 6 week course, term time Mondays fro 7pm until 9pm. Hosted by Della Galton it is suitable for experienced and beginning writers. £42 in total e-mail dellagalton@gmail.com
