TWO charities have received a significant boost thanks to efforts by the Wyke Amateur Golf Society (WAGS).

The golf society raises money each year through golf courses and various competitions and raffles in a bid to increase their charitable output.

These efforts saw £2,000 raised in 2024, which members decided to split between the Stars Appeal at Salisbury Hospital and – for the second year running – dementia charity Mindful which operates cafes in Gillingham and Shaftesbury.

To date, WAGS have raised over £34,900, which has been donated over the years to various local charities and good causes.

Representatives from each charity attended a presentation day at Henstridge Golf and Leisure on May 24, where they could meet members and speak to the WAGS team about the great work they do.

Mindful is a charity which supports those living with dementia or memory loss in North Dorset. Unlike many other local dementia charities, they have face-to-face activities as opposed to just providing information or referral services.

READ MORE: Wyke Amateur Golf Society swings into action for two local charities

READ MORE: Mindful cafes offer more than just a cup of tea

Mindful trustees Barbara and Mike Turnbull attended the event.

Mindful chair Sally Nutbeem said she was “absolutely delighted” to receive the generous donation.

“We at Mindful plan to put the funds towards our regular cafes in Gillingham and Stalbridge where activities range from musical entertainment, including singalongs, to visits from pets and farm animals and also outings such as farm visits,” she said.

The Stars Appeal is the charity for Salisbury District Hospital.

Every day, work funded by the charity helps hundreds of patients at Salisbury District Hospital and supports the NHS staff who care for them.

The Stars Appeal aims to raise over £1 million each year to fund projects which offer direct, practical support to patients, their families, and the hospital’s staff.

A Stars Appeal spokesperson said: “We are very grateful to the members of WAGS for choosing Stars Appeal as one of their beneficiary charities for their 2024 fundraising.

“Their donation will enable us to support hundreds of people here at Salisbury Hospital by providing our ongoing services such as free Wi-Fi, patient clothing, toiletry packs and state-of-the-art equipment. Thank you!”

Anyone who lives with memory loss or dementia can expect a warm welcome at the Mindful Cafes, where people can have fun, socialise and benefit from the support of this friendly group.

For more information or just an informal chat, contact Sally Nutbeem on 07840 424148bor email Mindful at enquiries.mindful@gmail.com