Car Boot generates cash for the community

A celebration tea was held at Dorchester Town Hall on Friday 16th May to honour the recipients of the 2024 Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund.

The event, hosted by Councillor Molly Rennie (Chair of the Markets Joint Panel), Councillor Robin Potter (former Mayor of Dorchester), and Councillor Stella Jones (Chair of Dorset Council), recognised the achievements of 17 local organisations who collectively received over £11,000 in grant funding.

The Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund, supported by proceeds from Sunday car boot sales at Fairfield Car Park and managed by market license holder Ensors, provides vital financial support to grassroots initiatives across the community. The funds are raised through stallholder fees and reinvested directly into local projects.

This year’s beneficiaries include a diverse range of groups, from pre-schools and youth clubs to disability support services and initiatives tackling social isolation and poverty. Among the recipients were:

• Bradford Peverell Village Hall
• Crossways & Moreton Scout Group
• Dorchester Arts
• Dorchester Opportunity Preschool Group
• Dorchester Youth Council
• Friends of MV Freedom
• Mid-Dorset Mencap
• Mosaic
• Piddlehinton United Football Club
• Project Linus West Dorset
• South West Dorset Multicultural Network
• YMCA Dorchester
  …and several others.

Councillor Molly Rennie commented:
“It’s always lovely having the celebration tea, which is a great opportunity for successful applicants to meet those involved with the Markets Panel and to hear what a difference this grant makes to their group.

“Many people don’t realise that the money collected from stallholders on a Sunday goes directly back to their local community. So by coming and selling your stuff at the car boot, you not only have the chance for a good clear out and to make some money yourself, but you will be helping support some wonderful projects in the town.”

Councillor Ryan Hope, Cabinet Member for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement, also praised the initiative, highlighting its role in strengthening community ties and supporting local resilience.

Applications for the next round of funding will open in Autumn 2025. Community organisations are encouraged to apply, and details will be announced on the Dorset Council website.