Residents of one Dorset town have raised more than £23,000 in seven years of super suppers.

MARTINSTOWN Circle Suppers, a community-based supper group in Dorset, is celebrating raising more than £23,000 for local charities since its inception in 2016.
Members raise money by taking turns to host and pay for enjoying meals in each other’s homes.
The first charity the group supported was Kennedy’s Disease UK, co-founded by local resident Kate Hopps to raise awareness and funds for research into the rare progressive neuromuscular disease with which her husband Frank had been diagnosed.
Since then, the group has supported five charities, all with a local connection.

It also arranges at least two fundraising events a year, such as auctions, race nights, treasure hunts and themed parties.
Local businesses and organisations have been generous in their support, providing financial donations and prizes.
Last year, the chosen charity was Living with CAH, which offers advice and support to families with a member living with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

The group raised £7,900 for the charity with the support of Ben and Leanne, owners of the village pub, The Brewers Arms, who have two sons with the condition.
Trudy Braithwaite, who has been on the Martinstown Circle Supper Committee since its foundation, said: “We are delighted to have raised £7,900 for Living with CAH.
“The community and local businesses showed overwhelming generosity and support, making the fundraising a huge success.
“We had a busy year of suppers involving 42 villagers and the owners of the village manor opened their beautiful garden for us to hold a successful garden fete, which drew hundreds of guests.”
The group’s charity for 2023 is the Dorset Family Counselling Trust and 24 suppers are planned, along with a clothes swap, an auction and an ABBA evening to raise funds.

Cathie Seigal, Martinstown Circle Suppers founder and committee member, said: “We are thrilled to have been able to support so many deserving local charities over the years.
“We are looking forward to another successful year and are grateful for the support of our community.”
To donate an auction prize for this year’s fundraising event, contact Trudy Braithwaite at trudyb4@gmail.com.