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Colin's fundraiser for Dorchester Arts

Colin Arthey is raising money for Dorchester Arts
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In Steps of Arthur · 31 March 2026

Our vision: The arts at the heart of Dorset’s county town. Our mission: We bring the best of the arts to Dorset’s county town, give our community creative opportunities and nurture local talent, because we believe that where the arts thrive people and places do too. We are the major provider of performance and participation events in Dorset’s County town and have recently extended our offer to Sherborne following the closure of Artslink. Our purpose is to : - attract audiences from all over Dorset and beyond - provide an accessibly-priced programme of exceptional quality, appealing to a broad, diverse audience - be a catalyst for community arts engagement, through both large scale events and our regular, inexpensive/free drama, dance and music classes for all ages/abilities - improve community health and wellbeing through our programme of targeted arts activities, with particular focus on Parkinson’s, MS, dementia and adult mental health - work with partners to provide arts services of exceptional quality that represent good value for money - nurture and support local creatives – writers, actors, directors; groups and theatre companies; young people seeking to work in the creative industries - bring our community together to promote cohesion and reduce isolation - create economic benefit through our programme and especially the development and management of Dorchester Corn Exchange.

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Dorchester Arts currently runs popular Parkinson’s Dance Classes in both Dorchester and Sherborne, which are a beacon of joy, movement, and community for those living with Parkinson’s in Dorset. Aware that the classes are reliant on external funding from different sources, members of the group are stepping in to raise awareness and support in a two-part fundraising initiative, to help the classes to continue into 2026.

Personal Sponsored Challenge: “In The Steps of Arthur”

The original plan was to undertake a skydive - following experience with hanggliding - to raise funds, but the challenge was changed due to diagnosis-related disqualification. However 'his new plan is in fact a greater test of endurance and determination' - in the words of an officer!

I will undertake a sponsored walk at the legendary Castle Cadbury, South Cadbury, Somerset, one of Britain’s largest and most iconic Dark Age hillforts and steeped in Arthurian legend. I plan to walk two to three laps around the hillfort’s circumference - nearly a mile per lap! - on 9th November 2025 (weather permitting). NB The weather occasionally has been awful and the walk cannot take place in rain. Also the event - because of local factors is not planned to be a public event - car parking is limited - and the ascent is rocky and rough. So the walk will occur when suitable. Efforts will be made to provide evidence of its occurrence - should this be required.

The challenge has been physically completed. Two laps were walked during the morning of 9th November 2025. The ascent and descent were treacherous in places. Photographic timed evidence was kept.

A real endurance test for someone living with Parkinsons, It is my desire to see the classes continue that has spurred me on to take the challenge:

These sessions are utterly fabulous, full of fun, and phyically fantastic - a model that deserves replication across every region of the United Kingdom. A heartfelt thank you to all who support this effort, your kindness is deeply appreciated. Every donation, share, and word of encouragement will help to keep these vital classes alive!

A second fundraising event is also planned for later in the year – a sponsored Group ‘Talkathon’ which will be a lively, community-driven event where participants will speak, share, and connect to raise funds and awareness.

Those supporting are thanked in the most heart-felt way. We would like to thank those who have kindly supported this. Special thanks are offered to Battens Solicitors Charitable Trust who have kindly made a significant donation to the charity in support of the above.

Donation summary

Total
£829.32
+ £168.75 Gift Aid
Online
£829.32
Offline
£0.00

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