BEAMINSTER’S youngsters will not be without a youth club thanks to the efforts of a dedicated team of volunteers.

Following the cuts made by Dorset County Council and the subsequent closure of Beaminster Youth Club, the community of Beaminster has come together to form a charitable trust headed by former town, district and county councillor Gil Streets.

Anyone who wants to join is invited to a ‘meet and greet’ at the club premises on Friday September 2 from 5pm to 7.30pm or on Saturday September 3 from 9am to noon.

Youth worker Paula Buxton, who has been involved in youth work in the town for years and will be the activity leader at the new club, said: “The trust will oversee a new, vibrant activity club called The Phoenix and will be committed to offering all children and young people a safe place to meet, learn new skills and have fun with their friends “The club will run from the Living and Learning Centre, 6 Prout Bridge, Beaminster and will be staffed by volunteers who have more than 125 years of experience in working with young people.

“The Phoenix is reliant upon volunteers to offer their time, experience and joy of life to enable children and young people to not become isolated in their rural community.

“Regular updates on our programme can be found on our Facebook page called The Phoenix an activity club for children and young people.”

Paula will run the club with the help of Henrietta Collins, who will be the activity deputy, and they would love to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer to help in any way.

They can be contacted on Paula Buxton 07802514171 or Henrietta Collins 07802514172.

Paula added that the September registrations were a chance for youngsters and their parents a chance to look around the new club, and let the trust and leaders know what it is they want from the club.

At the moment Beaminster Pop Club is part of The Phoenix and is a group for young musicians of all ages to learn new skills or improve existing ones.

The Pop Club meets on Tuesday nights from 6pm to 8pm and is always looking for new members, aged 10 and over.

The former youth club entered Bridport Carnival in 2013 and 2014 and there are plans to enter again in 2017.

The club has three groups - for juniors aged between 8 and 11 who meet on Wednesday evenings, a group for 11 t 13 year olds who meet later on a Wednesday night and seniors who meet on Fridays.

There will be a fundraising evening on October 29 in the town hall. Details of activities already planned are on The Phoenix Facebook page.