Meet Zoe Bell: Building Community Through Connection and Collaboration

Zoe Bell’s path to becoming Chair of the Community Association of Poundbury (CAoP/LovePoundbury) reflects her international background. Born in Dorset, raised in Rome, and after nearly three decades in America, Zoe returned to the UK two years ago with her Geordie husband to reconnect with extended family and her Dorset roots. Guided by a commitment to fostering connection, Zoe quickly found her place in Poundbury.

Practical Experience Meets Community Spirit

With a corporate background in life sciences public affairs and running her own consultancy, Zoe honed resourcefulness and adaptability. These skills translate seamlessly into her community work. And when she’s not busy with CAoP initiatives, she enjoys writing novels about pioneering women and also tending her garden with her husband and two children.

“When I moved to Poundbury, I wanted to connect with my surroundings and meet like-minded people,” Zoe shares. “Volunteering with the CAoP is a great way to engage. And Poundbury’s balance of progress and community is truly inspiring. It’s exciting to imagine its potential growth while preserving its unique character.”

Creating Connections

Under Zoe’s leadership, community building has taken on a practical and inclusive approach. At the heart of these efforts is the LovePoundbury Virtual Community Hub. This innovative platform, developed with help from local website creator Elliott Wareham, signposts the community to news, events, and local resources, and also allows people to suggest ideas. The hub’s success is a testament to the tireless efforts of the LovePoundbury Communications team, led by volunteer Tim Wilmot, with Jerry Cooke and Trudy Ritsema. Their incredible work on the hub, as well as the popular Friday newsletter and social media channels, ensures vital information is accessible and community connections thrive.

“I’m thrilled that people are enjoying these resources,” says Zoe. “And I'm looking forward to supporting new initiatives too, like the "Spirit of Poundbury" Photography Competition, the Poundbury Good Things merchandise project, and Poundbury in Bloom, which I hope will become treasured traditions here.”

Finding Rhythm in Poundbury

Beyond her leadership contributions, Zoe has embraced opportunities for personal connection, exploring Poundbury’s vibrant local groups and activities. She very much enjoys line dancing classes at Brownsword Hall: “It’s one more example of what makes Poundbury so special." 

Zoe’s story reflects the values of community, belonging, and collaboration. To learn more about volunteering with the CAoP or discovering groups and projects in Poundbury, visit LovePoundbury Volunteering Projects.