Dorchester Beerex – thank you!

Hi readers, it’s Kerry and Emily here this week, reflecting on a brilliant weekend at Dorchester Beerex Festival.

We were delighted that People First Dorset was chosen as this year’s supported charity for their 37th festival, held over Friday and Saturday in the Corn Exchange. Some members, including me, Kerry, along with volunteer staff and trustees, helped man our stand.

We wanted our stand to be fun, not just charity info so we created an ambitious game, ‘Match the Tipple’. The challenge? Match 9 faces - members, staff, trustees - to their favourite drink. Sounds easy right? Maybe, until a statistically minded colleague and festival-goer worked out the odds getting all 9 correct – around 1 in 400million. Thankfully, it didn’t stop people having a go, and also sparked much laughter and chat! Thanks to everyone who stopped by. 

That’s why the weekend was fab – meeting people, good banter, chances to talk about inclusion, community and how we support people with learning disabilities. In fact, those of us who volunteered on Friday enjoyed it so much we came back Saturday evening! While quieter, the band was excellent, and the atmosphere just as warm.

With just two people on the dance floor, our member Diane and another festivalgoer, Diane danced freely and without self-consciousness. For many people with a disability, the fear of being judged can be overwhelming. That night, Diane felt safe, welcomed and confident enough to let go and enjoy the moment - a true reflection of the festival’s inclusive spirit. We couldn’t have been prouder.

Finally, huge thanks to the welcoming Beerex Committee. To Les for inviting us, Dave helping us to ‘pull a pint’, and every friendly volunteer who made us feel part of it. We are so grateful to have been involved.

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