Diane at Beerex

Hi readers, Emily and Kerry here, hoping you’re keeping dry in this constant rain! Continuing last week’s article about Dorchester Beerex, we invited our friend Diane (who we mentioned), to share her festival experience. Over to you, Diane…

Thanks ladies! Well, on Friday afternoon I popped into the Corn Exchange to see how things were going. One of our People First Dorset (PFD) members Nick was manning our stall with PFD Manager Laura. I stayed to help run our ‘Match the Drink to the Face’ game, and so many lovely people stopped by. I really enjoyed talking with them, answering questions about what PFD does, knowing Laura was there to kindly help when I needed it.

In fact, it was so much fun, I came back Friday evening - and Saturday! It was also amazing to see the huge number of barrels with speciality ales all lined up, each with their different tastes. A BIG thanks to volunteer beer manager Dave, who helped me have a go pouring an ale. This was something new for me, and I felt very proud and trusted.

The Beerex Committee also had one of those big portable wooden photo frames, and Committee Chair Bruce asked if we fancied taking pictures of people in it. I found myself saying yes, and with Laura’s support, we dived into the sea of people in the main hall, me asking and Laura photographing. I couldn’t believe how brave and good it felt, asking people in such a big crowd.

Over the two days, I had to keep pinching myself to believe I was actually there - helping out, encouraging people and feeling included. It felt amazing. I felt confident, useful and that I belonged.

Thank you everyone at Beerex for welcoming us, supporting us, and giving me the chance to shine.

The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by People First Dorset - a charity led and run by people with learning disabilities with support from staff