New ‘Poundbury Good Things’ Initiative Launches to Celebrate Local Creativity and Raise Funds for Community Projects

A new volunteer-led initiative is launching in Poundbury this summer, bringing together community pride, creative talent, and social impact. Poundbury Good Things, from the Community Association of Poundbury, will debut its first collection of locally designed or made merchandise at the Dorchester Food & Arts Festival on August 2^nd, 2025.

Created to celebrate Poundbury’s unique identity, the project aims to raise funds for community-led causes while shining a light on local makers, artists and businesses.

“Poundbury Good Things is about celebrating what’s special here – our community’s spirit of warmth and creativity, our beautiful setting in the Dorset landscape, and our commitment to each other,” said Zoe Bell, volunteer and Chair of the Community Association of Poundbury. “It’s a simple idea with a big heart: lovely things crafted by local, artisan makers or from new and original artwork, raising money to support community good causes.”

At the centre of the collection is the distinctive hare motif named “Spirit”, designed by Poundbury resident, volunteer and artist Mary O’Flaherty. Spirit represents the values behind Poundbury Good Things — renewal, connection to nature, and belonging. It not only gives the merchandise line its own visual identity, it also forms part of the established #LovePoundbury brand.

Initial items in the Poundbury Good Things range include prints, greeting cards, tote bags, and tea towels, all based on original, hand-drawn artwork created by Mary O’Flaherty. In addition, Poundbury Good Things has begun to collaborate with locally-based artisans, such as Poundbury-based small-batch makers The Rhubarb Candle Company. Each purchase will help support local youth programmes and other community initiatives held at PiPs on The Great Field.

The new collection will be unveiled at the #LovePoundbury stand during the Dorchester Food & Arts Festival on August 2nd, where visitors can view and purchase products, meet the volunteers, and learn more about the story behind the designs.

The entirely volunteer-led Poundbury Good Things is one of several initiatives being delivered by the Community Association of Poundbury, which has recently launched a new Virtual Community Hub at www.lovepoundbury.org. The growing online platform connects residents, workers, and volunteers, and strengthens local engagement.