A small committee behind Martinstown Circle Suppers has delivered its biggest result to date, raising a record £9,100 for Mosaic, which supports bereaved children and young people across Dorset.
The amount was raised through Martinstown Circle Suppers, a long-running village initiative that organises suppers and social events to bring people together while fundraising for a different local cause each year. The programme is coordinated by a six-member committee, supported by a wider group of Circle Suppers members and volunteers. This year’s programme included 19 suppers, alongside other fundraising activities.
The donation was handed over to Jo Revill, Chief Executive Officer of Mosaic, at a cheque presentation evening attended by past and present Circle Suppers members.
With Mosaic estimating the typical cost of support at around £350 per child, the donation could help fund care for around 26 children and young people.
Jo Revill said: “Every charity needs a Martinstown. Enormous thanks to everyone behind Martinstown Circle Suppers and the wider village for this wonderful donation. Your support will help children and young people who have lost someone special, giving them the right help at the right time. This funding helps us provide wraparound support, from professional counselling through to group activity days and day camps.”
A close bereavement affects around one in 30 children locally, and last year Mosaic supported 412 bereaved children and young people across Dorset. Referrals are received through schools and other professionals. The charity provides timely, specialist help, including professional counselling, followed by supportive group activity days, camps and events where children and young people can meet others who have experienced loss and build long-term friendships, helping them navigate their grief at their own pace.
The £9,100 total is the largest amount raised in a single year in Martinstown Circle Suppers’ ten-year history and takes the group’s overall fundraising to £46,000 for local charities.
Chair Cathie Seigal said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to raise £9,100 for Mosaic. We are so grateful to everyone who has attended, donated and encouraged us along the way. It means a great deal to know this will make a real difference for local children and young people.”
Founder member Trudy Braithwaite said: “We have been amazed by the support throughout the year. Alongside 19 suppers, the village backed a brilliant mix of fundraising, from the Anna Howie Band at The Brewers Arms to The Spikedrivers’ free concert on their final UK tour, which raised more than £1,000. Our auction, kindly conducted by Garry Batt of Dukes Auctioneers, raised over £4,700, and a cream tea hosted by members Roelie and Phil Newman brought a welcome boost. We are also grateful to Sherrens The Printers for its long-standing support over the past ten years.”
Looking ahead, organisers have confirmed the return of the Martinstown Garden Fete at The Manor on 18 July 2026. This year’s fundraising will support Dorset Lookouts, an initiative backed by The Farming Community Network (FCN). Set up by Dorset farmers, it trains volunteers to support people in the farming community, recognise early signs of stress, anxiety and other early signs of mental ill health, and, when needed, signpost them to appropriate services.
