CAN we thank all of you kind people who have donated to help the families who are staying in West Dorset Women’s Refuge and the Hamlet this Christmas.

The decorations – including a tree, wrapping paper and cards vouchers to enable us to support into the New Year – have all arrived with us from so many of you.

From organisations such as Rotaries, schools, churches, I, Mothers Unions.

Pubs and offices who have presents under their trees, ‘Night Riders’ who collected for all the Refuges in Dorset. WAND who made this their special charity this year.

Housing projects and Poverty Action and, of course, just individual private donations, many sent anonymously so I hope you see this Of course all of you who have donated to the Echo Toy Appeal. The Echo have been very kind to us along with many other children who will have gifts from you, each year we become more amazed at the kindness of so many people who support so many others who are in need, especially at this time of year.

We are so lucky to live in this wonderful community who have a huge capacity to help so many people who maybe not as lucky as themselves Please remember help is available for anyone out in the community who find their situation difficult, not just at the time of year You do not need to live in fear of Domestic Abuse please ring 0800 032 5204 for 24hr help or of course 999 in the case of emergency All the best for your New Year.

Molly Rennie

Chairman Refuge Welfare Committee