Charity funds from Dorchester Beerex 2023 organised by West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) & Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary held in February in Dorchester Corn Exchange are in the process of being divided up and given to beneficiaries. The event raised a staggering £23K with this year’s primary charity being the Robert White Centre (RWC) in Bridport Rd; Dorchester, part of Dorset County Hospital. The centre specialises in patient Radiotherapy and Cancer care services.
The festivals main sponsor was the Cerne Abbas brewery and the Beerex Committee felt it right to nominate the RWC as brewery co-owner Victor Irvine has recently received treatment at the centre. A cheque for £8,680.00 was presented to RWC Fund Raising Officer Victoria Hunt by Beerex Chairman Chris Davies followed by a tour of the facilities and a chat by John Payne the Operational Manager.
Chris said “It was great to meet with John and to have the privilege of seeing the radiotherapy machine and treatment first hand. The team here do so much good and we were very pleased to be able to support such a worthwhile local cause. We look forward to hearing how the money was spent.” He went on to thank all of the Beerex committee members for their dedicated work.
John Payne said “This is an amazing donation from such an important local event. We are so grateful to be able to receive this on behalf of our patients- we have many ideas on how the money could be used to benefit the people we treat here in Dorchester and thank everyone involved in their generosity.”
Simon Pearson, Head of Charity at DCH said: “We want to thank the Beerex committee for selecting the RWC for their support. We know that organising these events takes a huge amount of work and we appreciate the efforts of everyone who contributed into making the event such a success.”
The Dorchester Youth Club & Community Centre in Kings Rd, Dorchester received £3,400.00 from the raffle proceeds whilst others to benefit were the Dorchester Mayor’s charity, the Arts Centre and Ellipse.
Dorchester Beerex will return on February 2nd & 3rd 2024.
Chris Davies of Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club along with West Dorset CAMRA Beerex Committee members present a cheque to Victoria Hunt from the Robert White Centre for £8,680.00 with Cerne Abbas brewery Director Vic Irvine and Dorset County Hospital head of Charity Simon Pearson. Photo credit Rich Gabe.