We contributed £12,000 to East Dorset CAB during 2007/8 !

We are very grateful to all our sponsors and subscribing members, and those who donated, or helped with fund raising events during the year.

Here is a breakdown of how the money was raised, and you can find reports of the events below.

Supporters of two charities were treated to a superb film of the polar regions in a recent event at the Coade Hall. The film showed video footage shot by its presenters Joe and Sharon Jones, during visits to Antarctica, Svalbard and a voyage through the notorious Northwest Passage.

These highly acclaimed photographers generously gave their time and wonderful photography for a joint fundraising event for two charities: the CGD Research Trust (which began the Jeans for Genes campaign) and the Friends of East Dorset Citizens Advice Bureaux (EDCAB). Both charities are based in Dorset and EDCAB provides an Advice-line for those affected by CGD, a rare genetic blood disorder.

The event included wine and a raffle with a stunning photo from the film donated by the presenters as first prize. The evening raised £845 which was shared between the 2 charities.

"A great evening", "fantastic music", "lovely atmosphere", "please do it again next year" were just a few of the many positive comments made by those who attended this years Cranborne Jazz event.

The event continues to be very successful both with those who attend - 70% of people were returning because they had enjoyed the event in  previous years; and with the Friends of CAB in terms of fundraising. The overall sum raised this year was £1507. The organisers are particularly grateful to Barclays who sponsor the event and make a significant contribution to its financial success.

The Friends set up a display about the CAB outside Tesco's in Ferndown for the morning of Friday 6th June. They answered questions about the bureau and the services available, and received just over £90 in donations. Many thanks to all who helped and donated.

On the afternoon of the August Bank Holiday we again served teas at Wimborne St Giles. The weather wasn't as good as it had been the previous time we were there., but nonetheless, we were pleased to raise £185

We held a Coffee Morning in the annexe to the Wimborne Bureau, and raised £85 through a tombola and sales of coffee, cakes and books

In 1968 the Citizens Advice service in Wimborne started in the vestry of the Methodist Church in the town. Demand for the service soon forced the CAB to move to its own premises, initially in Church Street and then in 1990 to the current premises in Hanham Road.

The 40th anniversary of this initial service was commemorated in December 2008 by a concert in the Methodist Church, with the proceeds being shared between the CAB and the Church. Every seat was taken for the performance given by the Wimborne and Ferndown singers and their friends. We are very grateful to all the performers, and especially to Teresa Ford who conducted the choir and arranged the whole concert. Everyone agreed that it was a most enjoyable evening, and the audience were very generous with their donations as they left. The Methodist Church has now very kindly given their share of the £525 proceeds to the CAB, to help us continue to provide the service for many more years to come, so we are very grateful to them as well.