RESIDENTS of a women's refuge had a special Christmas dinner and gifts thanks to the people of Bridport.

As reported by the Bridport News, a fundraising evening was held last year at the Bridport Arts Centre to spread the word about how the refuge helps women and children.

After this, people bought gifts and made donations.

The Friends of the Dorset Refuge, Margie Savory, Karen Mackay and Gill Smith, spent an afternoon amazed by the range of imaginative gifts that had been brought to the event. 

Margie said: “From delicious chocolates and biscuits to exotic perfumes, pretty scarves and sweaters to masses of really good gifts for the children: painting kits, beautifully illustrated books and electronic hand set games: we were overwhelmed."

More fundraising has taken place since the event, with the WAND march Reclaim the Night in Dorchester collecting £325, which was turned into vouchers for the residents to use for clothing. 

The Colmer WI gave £86.50 which they had collected in their at the Christmas Tree festival at the Bridport United Church, and the Loders WI donated £155. 

The Retiring Collection of the Churches Together Carol Service amassed £300 for the Refuge, together with toys donated at the tree Festival. 

Reverend Peter Clark, the Minister of the United Church said: “The congregation were pleased the Christmas Carol collection was for the Refuge and their generous donation is part of the Christian tradition of reaching out to those most in need in our community.” 

The Bridport Arts centre gave 10 free tickets to the Sing-a-long “Frozen” before Christmas to the residents. Katie Bielec, Service manager, You First DV and Abuse, said: “You First was overwhelmed with the community response at the fund raising event at the Bridport Arts Centre, it was fantastic to see so many people come to support a local project. The gifts received were all gratefully welcomed by the residents of the centre at this very difficult time. The families who attended Frozen Sing-Along really enjoyed it. There was plenty of singing and tears, we are incredibly thankful to the Friends and the Arts Centre.” 

Laura Cockett, the artistic director of the Arts centre, added: “We are very pleased to be able to make this offer to welcome the residents into our community and make them feel at home here in Bridport. The Arts have a long tradition of engaging with members of the community in an active and healing way.”

For more information about the Friends of the Refuge email Friendsofwestdorsetrefuge@gmail.com 

If you believe you are or you know someone who may be experiencing any abuse use these numbers for advice and support. If you are in immediate danger call the police on 999 or You First Dorset 0800 032 5204

How to help

A range of items are always needed for the refuge, if you can give any of the following you can contact them on Friendsofwestdorsetrefuge@gmail.com or leave the items in a marked box in the entrance to the Bridport Youth Centre in a morning.

These include:

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS (all new please) Single duvets, Single duvet covers, Pillows, Single fitted sheets, Single Mattress protectors, Blankets, Towels, Tea Towels, Travel cot mattress covers, Cot blankets. 

TOILETRIES : Shampoo and conditioner, Tooth brushes, Tooth paste, Shower gel, Liquid hand soap, Flannels, Bath sponges, Children’s shampoo, Bubble bath, Deodorant, Gift bags to put toiletries in. 

FOOD Cereal, Pasta sauces, Tinned potatoes, Tinned Veg, Tinned sweet corn, Tinned curry, minced beef, Fray Bentos pies, Tea Bags, Sugar, Coffee, Powdered milk, Microwave rice, Beans, Tuna, Tinned salmon, Biscuits, Gravy Granules, Herbs and spices.