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Wessex Lodge, a specialist short breaks service run by The Wessex Autistic Society, has received high praise from OFSTED having been rated as ‘outstanding’ for a 3rd consecutive time.

The results of the inspection found that Wessex Lodge in Christchurch “...is extremely well managed and continues to provide an excellent standard of individualised care for young people with a range of disabilities.”

Situated within the grounds of Portfield School, the modern purpose built service for short breaks for children between the ages of two and 19, who have a diagnosis of autism or associated learning disability, was described by Ofsted as outstanding on a number of levels. According to the Ofsted report, “Outcomes for children and young people are outstanding with parents and placing authorities being exceptionally happy with all aspects of the care provided, and their relationship with the home and its staff. Staff have acute understanding of young people’s diverse needs and deliver high quality and personalised care in a caring and professional manner.”

Andrew Thomas, Director of Portfield School Services comments, “We are delighted with this outcome from our third inspection and are so pleased to be able to offer the very best in respite care to families who see us as a life-line and children who see us as a ‘home from home’. Since opening in 2005 the Lodge has consistently raised the quality of service provision and over the years has moved from being a “Good” to an “Outstanding” service. I cannot express how delighted we are with this outcome and it is testimony to the endless hard work and dedication of the team.”

For further information about Wessex Lodge and services provided by The Wessex Autistic Society please visit www.twas.org.uk. The full OFSTED report is also available to view on the Society’s website.

Round up your friends, family or work colleagues, dig out your pumpkin costumes and dust off your broom sticks ready for a ‘spooktacular’ Halloween quiz night at The Wessex Autistic Society’s Portfield School on Tuesday 1st November 2011 at 7pm.
Taking place at the charity’s Portfield School in Parley, teams of up to six high ‘spirited’ brain boxes are invited to come along and test their general knowledge, fuel some good old fashioned competitive ‘spirit’ and help people with autism in the local community to live independent, fuller and productive lives.
The quiz will feature a mixture of questions ranging from general knowledge and sport to entertainment and a special ‘’Halloween’ themed round.
Prizes will be up for grabs for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place as well as for the best dressed ‘Halloween’ costume. Entry is only £10 per person, which includes a delicious supper courtesy of Domino’s Pizza, Christchurch and a glass of wine on arrival.
There is free parking on site at the school and there will also be a licensed bar selling wine and beer with all profits going to the charity.

Community and Events Fundraiser, Louise Trott comments, “Round up your nearest and dearest and enjoy a light-hearted evening full of high spirited fun for a wonderful cause this November. Local companies are also invited to play their part by sponsoring a round. For just £20 corporate sponsors can have their logo on the PowerPoint questions and answer sheets on every table to help raise much needed funds for our work throughout Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset and Wiltshire.”

Visit www.twas.org.uk  to download your entry form. Alternatively, call the Fundraising Team on 01202 703597 for more information.

Charity quiz nights are just one of the exciting annual fundraising activities organised by The Wessex Autistic Society to encourage members of the local community to raise awareness and raise funds. By joining in with the fundraising events, you can challenge yourself to get fit, be creative, try something new and make a valuable difference to the charity’s work. Your support can help the thousands of children and adults with Autism in the Wessex region to live fuller, happier lives.

Press enquiries to:

Val Thomas (Or Lara Matthews)
Wessex Autistic Society, 22 Bargates, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1QL
T. 01202 703192, F. 01202 483171
E. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

People looking for the best routes to get around Christchurch by foot, bicycle or mobility scooter can now find them on an Active Travel map produced in partnership by Christchurch Borough Council, Christchurch Community Partnership and Dorset County Council.

The publication highlights the traffic-free footpaths, bridleways, byways and cycle routes, as well as quiet roads, where people can avoid traffic and get physically active by walking and cycling to and from their destinations.  

The map has been produced following consultation with Sustrans, Christchurch Bicycle Club, Christchurch Strollers, Christchurch Police and local schools. It was funded by the Community For Health initiative, which aims to help people live healthier, more active lifestyles.

Cllr Nick Geary, lead member for Transport at Christchurch Council, said: “This map will enable walkers, cyclists and users of mobility scooters to find safe routes to get around the Borough. It also forms part of the Fit Christchurch initiative which aims to increase the number of people who engage in physical activity.”

Adam Bows, principal transport planner at Dorset County Council, added: “I am delighted to see this new map for Christchurch.  By showing the network of walking and cycling routes in the area, I hope it will help local people walk and cycle more for everyday journeys.”

The map is available from Christchurch Information Centre, the Civic Offices, libraries and bike shops and can be downloaded from http://www.dorsetforyou.com/activetravelmaps   

Christchurch Sports Achievement Awards

 Case Study: Christmas at Portfield School

Safer school parking campaign in Christchurch

Christchurch has come away with two silver gilt awards at this year’s South & South East in Bloom awards.

Not only has the Borough won a silver gilt in the Coastal Town category, but it has also gained a similar award in the Inter-Regional Champion of Champions category which pits towns in the South and South East against those from East Anglia.

Although the awards celebrate floral contributions to the beauty of a town, they cover much more than this. Marks are awarded for horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.

Remarks from the judges who visited the town in July with regard to horticultural achievement made particular mention of the work done by volunteers at the railway station and sustainable plantings at The Captains Club and Christchurch Harbour Hotel, as well as the hanging baskets in the town.

For the environmental responsibility section, the judges were impressed by the work being done at Stanpit Marsh which they considered to be a well-managed site. The continuing development of Friars Cliff beach was also an example of good practice.

With regard to community participation, the judges pointed out once again the initiatives by the Friends of Christchurch Station as well as the splashpark which was designed following a consultation with local young people.

Clive Sinden, Open Spaces and Countryside Manager at Christchurch Council, said: “This is another encouraging performance for the town and we’re very grateful for the efforts of everyone who contributes to help us achieve these awards.

“The judges’ remarks were very positive but they also gave us some useful pointers to help us improve the environment further, including some ideas about making more out of New Zealand gardens, perhaps with some sponsored art works. These are things which we will have to take into consideration for the future.”

The Wessex Autistic Society is delighted to announce the donation of a one of a kind, Elvis & Kresse new collection handbag for their ‘Helping Handbag Charity Auction’ on 7th October 2010 at 1812 Lounge Bar, Exeter Road, Bournemouth.
Elvis and Kresse create stunning lifestyle accessories by re-engineering previously disposed of fire hose, destined for landfill. The brainchild of environmentalist Kresse Wesling and her partner, James Henrit, the entrepreneurs have created a pioneering social enterprise that already has Kresse recognised as a Social Ambassador.
Having started in London, Elvis and Kresse is now based in Poole, Dorset after the duo fell in love with the area three years ago. 50% of profits made from these accessories go back to the Fire Fighters Charity. The company scrubs away all the soot, grease and everything else that builds up after thirty years of active duty and in the process reveal a remarkable, truly green and sustainable textile.
Kresse comments, “What we do is look at the material that needs to be recycled and then we reverse engineer. Depending on the material we might design something for the retail market or we might design something for the business-to-business market. The waste defines the market, and in the case of fire hosing, the material lends itself to style accessories and so we have found ourselves in the fashion industry. We love to be involved in charity and the local community and we are delighted to have the opportunity of working with The Wessex Autistic
Society for the Helping Handbag Charity Auction.”
The Elvis & Kresse ‘box bag’ which will be auctioned by the Society on 7th October is made from genuine decommissioned fire-hose, previously deployed in active duty for up to 30 years, fighting fires around the UK. The box bag has an inside zip pocket and a hot orange lining made from reclaimed parachute silk.
Sarah Bohn, Community and Events Fundraiser comments, “We are very fortunate to have had such a generous donation from Elvis and Kresse, who already give so much to Charity. This beautiful bag will be a highlight at the auction and attendees will be able to bid for the bag on the evening. Kresse will be at the event herself and, for the right price, can even have the bag personalised for the highest bidder! Heart FM DJ, ‘Bunker’, will be singing the praises of all our star bags, including a brand new classic Lulu Guinness creation as well as more historical pieces such as stunning vintage Dior and Gucci bags. All proceeds from the auction will go to The Wessex Autistic Society and they would urge anyone wanting to attend to purchase their tickets without delay.”

With only 250 tickets available, interested parties should purchase their ticket online via http://www.eventelephant.com/ahelpinghandbag. Alternatively please give the Fundraising team a call on 01202 703597 who will reserve your tickets for you.

For the very latest information on the event, including announcements about handbag donations to whet the appetite, please follow The Wessex Autistic Society on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/thewessexautisticsociety. Alternatively visit www.twas.org.uk

The event is well supported by a number of sponsors including; Heart FM, Bournemouth Daily Echo, Basepoint Business Centre, Magicboxmedia, The Print Agency, Savills, Forever Gorgeous Spa (Queens Hotel) and Michael Matthews Jewellery on Westover Road.

Caption: - Sarah Bohn (L) Community & Events Fundraiser from The Wessex Autistic Society with Kresse Wesling

The Wessex Autistic Society recently launched a brand new fundraising event, being held at 1812 Lounge Bar in Exeter Road, Bournemouth on Thursday 7th October 2010 from 7pm till late, all in the name of charity.
Backed by Heart FM and the Bournemouth Daily Echo, ‘A Helping Handbag Charity Auction’ promises to be a scintillating collaboration of indulgence and giving with a little glamour thrown in for good measure. The charity is hoping to raise significant funds for the Society, which supports those affected by autism in the Wessex region; estimated to be more than 7,000 people.
Sarah Bohn, Events and Community Fundraiser comments, “This exciting event would not be possible without the generous support of each and every one of our sponsors. With both vintage and brand new, must-have designer handbags to auction, the time has come to pledge your support and purchase your amazing value charity auction tickets for just £10 each including a FREE cocktail on arrival.”
Sarah continues; “If the names ‘Dior, ‘Jaeger’, ‘Lulu Guinness’ or ‘Angel Jackson’ mean anything to you then please don’t delay in making sure you are at the auction on Thursday 7th October to bid for your favourite heavenly handbag. A few fabulous famous faces have also donated their much loved bags to our auction, giving you a great talking point and making these handbags so much more than a new home for your house keys. We are encouraging anyone interested in attending this special evening to book their great value tickets without delay. Places are limited with only 250 tickets available to purchase.”
If you are able to donate a handbag, then please post your very kind donations to The Wessex Autistic Society, Bargates Court, 22 Bargates, Christchurch, BH23 1QL. Alternatively, public collection points have been made for you to simply drop off your gently used handbags at ‘Fab Frocks’ (Westbourne) or The Wessex Autistic Society (Christchurch & Dorchester offices.)
There will be live music, entertainment and surprise special guests, plus a free cocktail on arrival for our attendees.
Every single penny raised from this event will go directly towards the continuation of the Charity’s local services. The Wessex Autistic Society would like to thank their generous sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible; Heart FM 102.3, Bournemouth Daily Echo, Forever Gorgeous Spa (The Queens Hotel, Bournemouth), Michael Matthews Jewellery, Basepoint Business Centre, magicboxmedia, The Print Agency, Savills and Siemens VAI.
To purchase tickets online for just £10 each, please visit www.eventelephant.com/ahelpinghandbag. Alternatively, drop into ‘Richmond Classics’, 7-11 Richmond Hill, Bournemouth; ‘The Royal Exeter Hotel, Exeter Road, Bournemouth or The Wessex Autistic Society’s Christchurch office in Bargates. For regular event updates please follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/thewessexautisticsociety. For general event information please visit www.twas.org.uk. Alternatively please call 01202 703597

Following discussions between Christchurch Council and the Friends of Mudeford Wood (FoMW), an initial agreement has been reached that will keep Mudeford Wood Community Centre open and managed by the community. A consultation carried out by the Council concerning the future of the facility resulted in the creation of FoMW who mounted a campaign to keep the Centre open. The agreement will lead to the drafting of a business plan allowing FoMW to take over the running of the facilities within two years.

Cllr Alan Griffiths, Leader of Christchurch Council, said: “I’m glad we have been able to sit down with the Friends group to come up with a plan which will retain this facility for the community. “We undertook the consultation to find out whether the Centre was still something which local people wanted. The Friends group has shown us that the Centre is used and supported by many people and so we are happy to work with them to preserve and improve our Centre. “I have volunteered to be part of the Community Group overseeing the running of the Centre and I trust other local people will get involved to manage it and help it become a more vibrant facility.”

Further information and directions to the Centre can be found on the website at www.mudefordwoodcommunitycentre.co.uk