When Community Comes Together: Supporting Pavilion in the Park

At our Community Association of Poundbury General Meeting on 27 January, Steve Morton, CEO of The Talk About Trust, described Pavilion in the Park as "a physical embodiment of Poundbury's commitment to being a strong community." His words captured something essential about PiP - it's not just a café or a building, but a living demonstration of what happens when a community prioritises connection, inclusion, and belonging for everyone who lives here.

For 15 years, Talk About Trust has worked from Poundbury to deliver highly effective drug and alcohol education in schools across the country. Four years ago, the community's overwhelming support helped create the PiP café and community hub - a space where belonging takes practical shape. From Senior Socials that combat isolation among older residents, to creative sessions with Art in Poundbury for younger children and families, to planned summer activities for young people in partnership with Dorchester Youth and Community Centre, PiP creates places where people of all ages and backgrounds can feel they truly belong.

In his thoughtful keynote at the GM, Steve spoke about how thriving communities don't happen by accident—they're built through small, consistent acts of connection. "Listening. Understanding. Action," he said. PiP embodies all three. It listens to what the community needs, from parents seeking quality family time to older residents who need regular social contact. It understands that young people deserve to feel valued and capable of success. And it acts - creating programmes, spaces, and opportunities that make Poundbury a place where everyone can flourish.

How Your Purchases Make This Possible

One of the threads weaving our community together is Poundbury Good Things, the new CAofP initiative run by Emma Taylor with Claire, Antonia, Sue, and Lorraine. Working with talented local artists and makers, including our own in-house, resident artist Mary O'Flaherty, they create beautiful merchandise - canvas bags, tea towels, cards, and candles - that capture the spirit of Poundbury. But these aren't just lovely items to own or give as gifts. Every purchase directly supports community programmes like those at PiP.

Thanks to your purchases over the past six months, the CAofP has been able to donate £1,000 to Pavilion in the Park community programmes. We gave £200 in September 2025 and £800 at our General Meeting in January, where Steve spoke about the importance of community and belonging. This funding will launch a fundraising campaign to provide "Youth Café" evenings for six weeks over the summer, on the Great Field and from the PiP Community Room, and continue the popular weekly Youth Club at PiP during term time from September.

Delivered by the Dorchester Youth and Community Centre team, both the Youth Café and Youth Club are vital for our young people to come together, make new friends, learn new skills and build their confidence. Watch this space for more information about the fundraising campaign over the coming weeks.

Steve reminded us that PiP's impact extends far beyond Poundbury. Because of the funding and support generated here - including around 40% of The Talk About Trust's funding that comes from PiP Café and Community room profits - the Trust now reaches across the country, with teachers and youth workers using their drugs and alcohol education packs, including major initiatives in Glasgow, Bristol, and across North Yorkshire. What they learn from working with disadvantaged young people in those cities, they bring back to Dorset, supporting those amongst us with the worst starts in life. The community here makes that wider impact possible.

As Steve said in his keynote, a community should measure itself by how it cares for its most vulnerable members. When you buy a Poundbury Good Things canvas bag from PIP Café or a Love Poundbury candle from Brace of Butchers, or a Honeywings Teatowel from CrossRoads Café, you're not just acquiring something beautiful - you're helping keep thousands of children and young people safe from harm, whilst also helping create programmes where older residents know they won't spend another week alone. 

PiP is a place where young people discover they're valued and capable. Where families find quality time together. Where everyone, regardless of age or background, can feel they belong.

That's what makes PiP a physical embodiment of our community's commitment. And that's what your support makes possible.

Learn More

Visit Pavilion in the Park to learn about upcoming programmes and events. Poundbury Good Things merchandise supporting community initiatives is available at the PiP café, Brace of Butchers, Buttermarket stores & Post Office, Crossroads Poundbury,

Dorset Museum, and Shire Hall, as well as at selected Farmers Markets and other seasonal markets.

Thank you to Steve Morton/Talk About Trust for contributing to this story.