Volunteering & Projects
Poundbury's strong community spirit thrives on the generosity and skills of volunteers who contribute their time and talents in numerous ways. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to make a regular commitment, there are opportunities that may closely align with your interests and availability. You can make a difference in our unique community through volunteering.
Volunteering with LovePoundbury
Our community association offers a variety of volunteering roles, giving you the chance to work with others to shape and improve our community for everyone. Projects, events, and activities are based on members’ feedback and evolve over time to meet the community's needs.
In addition to the specific opportunities highlighted in the modules below, there are also general ways to get involved:
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Events: Help organise community events and celebrations.
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Environment: Support environmental initiatives and enhance community spaces.
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Welcome: Assist new residents in settling into Poundbury.
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Communications: Contribute to content creation, digital support, and delivery.
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Community Support: Participate in neighbourhood initiatives and support programs.
If you’d like to join us on specific projects, or if you’d like to volunteer more generally, simply click the gold button, complete the form and our volunteer coordinator will be in touch.
Have an idea for a new project? We’d love to hear from you!
Please email us at: volunteering@lovepoundbury.org.
Damers Community Tennis Court
Love Tennis? Help Us Serve the Community!
Volunteers are needed to set up the Damers Tennis Court on the Lawn Tennis Association booking system and assist with its upkeep. This is a great opportunity to share your passion for tennis and support a valuable community resource.
Poundbury in Bloom
Let’s Make Poundbury Blossom!
Join us in celebrating Poundbury’s green spaces and gardens. Help develop, organise and promote this initiative to showcase the beauty of our community and inspire others to get involved in gardening and conservation.
Youth Photography Competition
Capture the Spirit of Dorchester!
Be part of an exciting project to engage young photographers. Help develop, plan, promote, and coordinate this competition, which celebrates creativity and showcases the unique perspectives of our youth.
Poundbury Good Things
Beautiful Things. For Good.
This initiative supports community projects through beautiful local merchandise. Featuring original designs by local artist Mary O'Flaherty, our range includes greeting cards, tote bags, tea towels, candles, and ceramics. We partner with local businesses like Brace of Butchers and artisan makers like The Rhubarb Candle Company. Profits support community programmes at Pavilion in the Park, we've already made our first donation! Volunteers are welcome to help us sell at events, contact volunteering@lovepoundbury.org
Advocacy Pilot Process
Shaping Solutions Together!
Help us develop a structured process to gather community input on key issues, prioritise them, and create actionable plans for engaging with stakeholders and responsible bodies. This initiative is all about amplifying the community’s voice and driving impactful solutions to the challenges that matter most to Poundbury residents.
Poundbury Pooches
Help Keep Our Doggy Bag Dispensers Stocked
Now that our pilot doggy bag dispenser project is working across Poundbury, we need a volunteer to help monitor the dispensers at Pummery Square and Middle Farm Way. What's involved? A quick weekly check with simple tick-box recording, and occasional refilling when needed (we provide the bags). This is a small but meaningful way to support responsible pet ownership in our community, perfect if you're already walking past these areas regularly and have just 10 minutes per week to spare contact secretary@lovepoundbury.org
Other Volunteering Opportunities
Skills-Based Volunteering
You can also share your professional expertise to strengthen our community. Local business owners provide valuable mentoring through partnership with Dorchester Chamber of Commerce, while volunteers with creative backgrounds teach art classes at the Pavilion, and others offer career guidance to young residents, or share gardening knowledge in our community plots. Your skills too could make a lasting difference in Poundbury. To check out skills-based volunteering opportunities, contact the Volunteering Centre in Dorchester.
Community Groups & Societies
You can also support local interest groups and societies that enrich our community life. The Local Rotary Club, for example, welcomes volunteers for their regular community projects and charitable initiatives. Local history guides in Dorchester share Poundbury's unique architectural heritage and King Charles's vision with visitors, while arts groups such as Dorchester Arts bring creativity to life through exhibitions, pop-up galleries throughout the community and support networks. The popular Wednesday Coffee Mornings at the Pavilion in the Park (PiPs) bring together volunteers and seniors for conversation and companionship. You could also join a local conservation group.
Local Events
Every season brings new opportunities to build our community spirit. From stewarding at the monthly Dorset Farmers' Market to helping coordinate the summer Celebration on the Great Field or the magical Christmas Fair, volunteers make local signature events possible.
Check out these event information sources to find out more:
A wealth of local support services at: