Disabled group is making friends & still going strong

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Mid-winter break, midweek from November-February. £165

Two-course dinner, B&B for two Sunday roasts 12pm-3pm. Fresh seasonal veg. Quote ‘pudding’ for a free dessert. £14.95

Phone to book: 01308 485328

A group set up 27 years ago to bring disabled people and their carers and friends together is still going strong – despite the collapse of many other groups due to covid. Bridport Disabled Carers and Friends started up after another group in Weymouth folded. There used to be buses bringing disabled people together from all over the area to The Acorns in Weymouth once a week. But the company running the home stopped laying on the bus and Paul Bowditch, Anthony Ashwell and Dave Hurdin decided to start their own. The group has since expanded to allow in anyone who would like to attend – hence the ‘friends’ bit of their title.

Every Thursday they meet for three hours 9am-noon in Vernon Court, off Bridport’s South Street. It’s a very informal drop-in with tea, coffee and biscuits – a chance to chat. Paul’s brother Peter Bowditch said: “Before covid there were 76 groups in Bridport. Now there are about 40. It’s affected us as well – there are still people who used to come along who now don’t go anywhere for fear of catching something.

“But we still meet up every Thursday morning.”

“There are no fees and no membership – it’s all very relaxed.”

Peter said: “We used to have outings until transport became so expensive. But we still have a Christmas meal out and a meal in the summer.

“You don’t have to join up, or anything – just turn up for however long you like on a Thursday morning.”

It’s all about companionship.” n Go along to Vernons Court, DT6 3QF (look for the group’s sign at the end of the cul-de-sac) or contact pete.bowditch @hotmail.com, 01308 423620 or 07805 622201.