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February 2019 February 2019

BERE REGIS SCOUT GROUP The journey started years
before the hospice was
opened, when Major John
Greener, one of the three
Explorer News Founders, had the vision to
provide a service for
During November the Explorers had a packed programme in and out of the hut.
A visit to the Royal Oak for a Skittles and Pizza night was a great way for the people at the end of their
members to relax and have fun. Many thanks for Janette for inviting us to her lives in Dorset. The design
establishment. Other autumn work began on the
evenings included a teamwork concept of, what was then
challenge night (organised by known at Joseph Weld
Aidan and Rowan), a Yoga House, in January 1990,
experience night (when Amelia’s with formal planning
Yoga teacher was welcomed to approved in early 1991.
run part of the meeting) and a The hospice, was built, and
cosy Movie Night in, complete with remains today, on a 4.5 acre site in Herringston Road which was made available
popcorn and snacks. by the Duchy of Cornwall, what was originally part of its Fordington Farm.

Once formal planning was approved in 1992, Sir Joseph Weld carried out the first
turf cutting ceremony.
HRH The Prince of Wales, who has been the Patron of Weldmar Hospicecare
since 1994, most generously made his own architect available for consultation
Christmas crafts and festive food throughout the planning and building of the hospice.
night was organised by Rowan. The
Explorers made some Christmas £3.2M was required to build and furnish the inpatient unit with an addition £2M to
gingerbread biscuits and foodie gift be put in an endowment fund to run the services ongoing.
items to either eat themselves or give Caroline Hamblett, Weldmar’s Chief Executive said “Back in 1994, £900,000 was
away as gifts to their friends and required each year to fund the services. Today that figure was increased to over
family. £7M which is raised through Weldmar’s chain of charity shops, fundraising events
and legacies. 290 patients were admitted to the inpatient unit in 1994 and over
The last activity night of the year was the very popular annual Kingsbere
Explorers Christmas party. The evening consisted of the usual Christmas related 8,300 patients have been cared for within the building since. Our services have
games and too much food and there was even a visit from Santa Lightfoot who evolved over the years, merging with two other charities, which now allows us to
delivered all the secret Santa gifts! provide inpatient care, a community nursing service and day services across the
county. Over 20,000 patients, throughout Dorset, have received care and support
Several camps and events are from Weldmar Hospicecare since 1994, and that doesn’t include all of the family
already planned for 2019. A District support we provide as well.”
Explorer Huntsman camp is planned Weldmar’s services have massively developed since 1994. Weldmar cares and
for the end of January and the supports patients with any life limiting illness including cancer, Parkinson’s, MS and
County Frostbite challenge will be
held mid-February. The Duke of are the specialists in the county for supporting patients with Motor Neurone
Edinburgh award training and Disease.
expeditions will be taking place Day Services are held weekly in Bridport, Blandford, Dorchester, Sherborne and
throughout the year for all levels Weymouth and Weldmar’s team of community nurses provide that much
(Bronze, Silver and Gold). needed support in the comfort of patients own homes. In fact, 80% of Weldmar’s

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