Panto performers pull out all the stops for Dorset charities

A performance of Dick Turpin by the Preston Pantomime Group in February wowed audiences at Preston Village Hall and saw money raised for charities Mosaic and Diverse Abilities Plus.

Mosaic, a charity that supports young people and their families following the death of a loved one, is based in Milborne St Andrew.

Diverse Abilities Plus is also a Dorset based disability charity, supporting children and adults with disabilities and their families in the whole of the county through a wide range of services.

Pantomime director Christine Galpin said: “We were delighted to support Diverse Abilities Plus and Mosaic.

“A cheque for £350 was presented to each of these worthwhile charities after a very successful run of Dick Turpin during the February school half-term.

“The group would like to thank everyone who contributed their time and money.”

Money raised by the pantomime will help Mosaic with its individual and family support and help fund the twice yearly residential camp weekends at Leeson House in Swanage, where children are invited to try new challenges, meet new friends who have also experienced bereavement and remember the special person who has died.

Katie Hensman, fundraiser for Mosaic, said: “We were thrilled to receive such a generous donation from Preston Pantomime Group and were made so welcome when we met the cast recently.

“You can certainly tell the cast have great fun putting on the productions.

“A lot of hard work went into making the shows such a success and we thank them for all their efforts, on stage and behind the scenes.”

Fiona Hansford, corporate and community manager at Diverse Abilities Plus, said it was a real pleasure to meet the pantomime group and to watch the performance of Dick Turpin.

She added: “The money raised will go a long way towards helping children and adults with disabilities in Dorset.

“For example, the £350 raised could fund up to ten days of medical supplies at our specialist school, Langside.”