Listen to this article:In another excellent example of how bingo can contribute to the local community, Bridport Primary School in Dorset hosted a bingo night to raise much-needed funds for Weldmar Hospicecare, a local charity that specialises in end-of-life care. The event, which attracted around 50 participants, raised an impressive total of £358 to support the charity’s work.
Participants of all ages filled the school hall and the enjoyment each person had marking their bingo cards and enjoying hot dogs, pies, and a variety of snacks was evident throughout the evening.
According to attendees, there was a true sense of community spirit as they competed for a range of exciting prizes donated generously by local businesses.
Among the prizes were family swim vouchers for Bridport Leisure Centre and Freshwater Beach Holiday Park, tickets to the famous Abbotsbury Swannery, a meal for four at The Bridport Arms, and annual membership to Lyme Regis Museum. Other local establishments, such as Seal’s Cove, Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Groves Nurseries, The Tank Museum, Cherries of Abbotsbury, The Cherry Tree, and Palmers Brewery, also contributed vouchers and experiences.
The event was organised by a dedicated team from Bridport Primary School, led by Flo, Gill, and Anne. Headteacher Michaela Kite praised the organisers and expressed her thanks for the community’s involvement and support:
“Our bingo evening was a great success and it was a pleasure to see our school community come together for some fun and laughter and to raise money for Weldmar Hospice. We are very grateful to local businesses for supporting us with some wonderful prizes, to our families for their donations and, my special thanks to Flo, Gill and Anne for their efforts in organising the event. At Bridport Primary School, we are incredibly proud to be supporting our local hospice and we look forward to hosting more events that help good causes in our local community.”
This bingo evening was part of Bridport Primary School’s ongoing commitment to supporting Weldmar Hospicecare. Earlier this academic year, pupils participated in decorating a fibreglass memory elephant named Rolo as part of Weldmar’s “Stampede by the Sea” art trail. The project featured almost 60 brightly decorated elephant sculptures displayed across Bridport, West Bay, and Lyme Regis.
The children took a central role in naming their elephant and other possible names included Jammy/Jammie, Lavender, and Damari the Great. The final name, Rolo, meaning “remembering our loved ones”, was selected through a popular vote involving both students and staff.
Deputy Headteacher Felicity Le Gassick said that the children had “great fun” choosing a name for the elephant and said that it brought the whole school community together.
Through naming donations, pupils raised an additional £70 for Weldmar Hospicecare. Rolo is set to return to the school after the trail ends as a permanent symbol of the school’s commitment to community support.
Weldmar Hospicecare provides essential, specialised care and support free of charge to adults living with life-limiting illnesses and their families across Dorset. Despite their vital role in community healthcare, only 17% of their funding is sourced from the NHS, which means that community fundraising events are crucial to their continued operation.
Last year alone, Weldmar Hospicecare supported 2,358 patients and family members across Dorset, including 1,228 patients assisted by the community nursing team and 177 patients admitted to the charity’s inpatient unit. The organisation prides itself on values of integrity, warmth, adaptability, and compassionate care while providing a supportive environment both for patients and their families.
Weldmar Hospicecare’s patron is His Majesty, King Charles III, who has been closely involved with the charity since its early days. King Charles III has personally influenced the hospice’s architectural details and has made numerous supportive visits over the years.
Bridport Primary School’s successful bingo night is further evidence that bingo can have a truly meaningful impact while bringing people together for a thoroughly enjoyable time.
We do not sell or share your information with anyone. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Latest
