The Dorset Club
The Club in Dorset
We are based on Ryland’s farm, Boyshill, near Sherborne. DT9 5PS.
The farm is approximately 40 acres and we have a wide range of animals including cattle, pigs, donkeys, sheep, ponies and pigs.
We also have a large barn which is our meeting place, workshop and tea room!
We always welcome new enquiries. Either ring the office or drop us an email and we will be happy to arrange a visit.
We meet on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. We look forward to hearing from you!
Thinking of Joining?
Complete this initial enquiry form and send it. We will be in touch,
Need More Information?
Read our Information Leaflet
Click onto the leaflet to open it and read more about us.
View our Video
For additional insights into what we do, you can find our recently produced video on You Tube
Sign up for our Countrymen Chatter newsletter
Just drop an email to [email protected] and ask to be put onto the Countrymen Chatter newsletter mailing list.
And, did you know?
Before being hit by Covid and Lockdowns, we normally opened 2-3 days every week, with up to 10 men attending at least one of the 4-hour sessions.
In addition to light lunches and tea/biscuit breaks, everyone had a choice of activities from a fairly lengthy list of options, which could have included many of the following activities:
Small building projects such as mending fences or animal enclosures and shelters.
Celebrations – from Burns Lunches to Birthdays and Christmas lunches
Planting flowers and shrubs
Preparing food for animals
Feeding the animals
Helping with chores around the farm
Treasure hunts
Boules
Horseshoes
Skittles
Pyrography
A garden party, bar-b-q or picnic
Woodworking
Creating seating areas
Creating gardens
Making walking sticks
Making scarecrows
Painting and renovating trailers, fences, sheds etc
Planning, planting and picking vegetables
Using an apple press to make juice
Prep food for bird feeders
Making firelighters out of old newspapers
Chopping kindling
Making halters out of baler twine
Football/cricket/ badminton etc
Stock judging
Or, for something more restful, we had:
Walking
Reminiscing about the past; Travel; previous jobs, etc.
Talking about their skills, aspirations, family, etc.
Singing
Quizzes, Games, Puzzles, Jigsaws
Conversations about what’s in the news or what the issues of the day might be
Reading aloud
Creating a personal diary and photo book
Bird watching
And we also had demonstrations from visiting experts:
A blacksmith – to demonstrate what they do and to involve the Countrymen in making a small item
A beekeeper – to speak about their work and to give out samples of honey that have been recently harvested
A cartoonist – to involve the men in creating some simple cartoon characters and possibly creating a caricature of the Countrymen themselves
A signer – to demonstrate and teach a few simple sign language words
Pyrography – see how to burn words and images into wood then Countrymen have a go at creating something
Links to local support and information
Here are some useful links to some of the help and support that is available in the Dorset area.
This is a directory of services and support for those living with memory loss and dementia in Dorset. It is published by the NHS and it has lots of local links
If only I’d Known That! 17.08.2020[3456].pdf
This booklet is written by Susan Hartnell-Beavis and it is written from her own personal experience as a carer in Dorset. It provides great insight into the role as well as lots of useful contact details.
https://www.carersupportdorset.co.uk/
helps unpaid carers access support
https://www.livewelldorset.co.uk/
This is a public health service funded by the council to support the health and well being of residents in Dorset.
https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/care-and-support-for-adults/care-and-support-for-adults.aspx
Lots of links on here from the council to support and provide for adults in Dorset
A local charity that supports individuals and groups to improve mental well being.
This organisation provides a free talking newspaper for anyone who is blind or partially sighted in the Dorset area. Talking books can also be found on the RNIB site and Calibre talking books. Your local library can also help you source books.
https://www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/
Lots of local information, plus a link to a great film called this good earth.
West Dorset vintage tracor and stationary engine club
https://www.helpandkindness.co.uk/search/dorset/elderly
Connections a 24 hour service for anyone experiencing mental health difficulties
0800 652 0190
You do not need to be known by our services, and can also phone for support and advice about a friend or family member experiencing poor mental health. Connection can also be accessed via NHS 111.Staff are trained to support anyone who calls, regardless of the level of mental health crisis, and can signpost you to the most appropriate service which meets your needs
Steps to wellbeing
We are a self-referral service, which means you can contact us directly to access support. We also accept referrals from GPs and other healthcare professionals.
0300 790 6828
Mental Health North Dorset
Offers peer support. Good website for local and national support.