Cerne Valley Young People Trust
Initially three independent proposals were received to fund village organisations supporting the young in our community: the scouts, the youth club and, for educational material about the environment, the school.
However, none wanted to succeed at the cost of the others and so decided to propose the Young People's Trust as the beneficiary on their joint behalf.
The Cerne Valley Young People's Trust was set up in 2007 by Geoff Hunt to distribute funds to support the activities of the young. Open Gardens gave seed funding of £2,217 in 2007 and followed this up by contributions in 2008, 2014 and 2017. It has also supported youth organisations independently: the scouts in 2013, 2015 and 2018; the youth club in 2016; and the school in 1995 and 2021.
Nigel Furness, Janet Gleason, Ron Wilkes
Dorchester Youth Theatre DYT
Dorchester Youth Theatre (DYT) is an inclusive youth theatre that serves Dorchester and the surrounding villages.
Our membership includes three members who live in Cerne Abbas and one past member who lives in Cerne Abbas and has now gone to work in professional theatre.
DYT runs weekly sessions from ages 6 – 18yrs, with four public performances though the year.
Our ethos is inspiring young people through drama; however, it goes much deeper than that. Drama allows young people to express themselves often at times that are tricky for them. The last 18 months is a prime example. We were in production week with our Senior Company when the whole country went into lockdown. Our young people were frightened, anxious, and becoming more and more isolated as time went on, not being able to meet up with their friends or go to school.
DYT were determined to keep our young people connected with each other and managed to run 120 Zoom sessions in total over four groups. Speaking to some of our older members, this was a lifeline in terms of their mental health and wellbeing.
Over time, some older members self esteem and confidence was being knocked and truly believe that our weekly sessions gave them some fun to focus on.
We have a strong passion in what we do and love every minute of working with these young people.
Helen Hewitt