Just before Christmas I saw a post on the Hope For Food facebook page requesting donations for the homeless plus children’s gifts which would go into hampers to help local families who may be struggling.  I had a little think about what I could do and decided to make a boxful of festive stocking filler bags for the kiddies to open at Christmas.

Hope For Food is a wonderful charity which tries to bring a little happiness back into the lives of people who perhaps, through no fault of their own, find themselves without things most of us take for granted, such as food and shelter.

The charity which is based in Bournemouth have four soup kitchens per week on a Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday evening and they also have a stock of food items, clothes, shoes and bedding which have been donated by their supporters.

The small but loyal team of dedicated volunteers serve between 65 and 85 clients each session with their principle aim being to ensure that the homeless and disadvantaged people in Bournemouth get some hot food and drinks each week, throughout the year, whatever the weather. 

In addition to the above they also hand out regular hampers to local families that may be struggling.

If you would like to know more or feel you may be able to donate something then please do visit the Hope For Food website or facebook page.

UPDATE – January 2019
I read on the Hope For Food facebook page that a Mum and her children arrived at their soup children one evening and explained that through no fault of their own they had been made homeless.  They had a place to stay for the night and I was astounded by what the community had accomplished by the morning as they had raised money for them and ensured they had donations of food and clothing.  I knew I didn’t have much to give them but I bought a few extra bits whilst food shopping and made up a hamper for the charity to deliver when they could.  I really hope it made the family smile.  

#18of40

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Sleeping Beauty is the perfect Panto for all the family to see.  Expect plenty of belly laughs, audience participation, special effects and outrageous costumes!

We’ve seen the Weymouth Pavilion’s Panto the last couple of years so we knew it would be good and yet again it exceeded our expectations.  The very talented Lee Redwood from Made to Measure Productions writes, producers and stars as the fabulous Queen Thelma. 

Every Panto needs a Dame and Queen Thelma’s many costumes and wigs are incredible, although, I must say we weren’t quite prepared for the glitzy skimpy one, even though she (he) pulls it off! 



Gwynfryn West is also back for another year as the hilarious Court Jester Muddles.  I know I’ve said it before in a previous review but he doesn’t even need to say anything and he still makes us laugh.  Every scene he is in will pretty much have you in fits of giggles, especially when him and Queen Thelma put each other off and try not to laugh.



Of course the rest of the cast are also very talented.  The Princess, Fairy and Witch all have excellent singing voices, the Prince and King play their parts very well and the young dancers were very professional.

We all know the story of Sleeping Beauty but you should expect some unusual twists and turns along the way.  And then of course there’s the dramatic special effects and magic tricks which make this Panto a cut above the rest.

Our son Sam is now 5 and has always found it hard to sit still for any length of time but he was transfixed throughout the whole show and laughing his head off, even at the adult jokes which I hope he didn’t understand.  I was in stitches when Queen Thelma tripped over resulting in her huge wig flying off down the stage.  As the giggling cast went to help Sam loudly exclaimed ‘I told you it was a man mummy’!!



Some scenes really stick in my mind and we were crying with laughter when Muddles, the Princess and Prince kept knocking each other off the wall and then there was the 12 Days of Christmas where Queen Thelma, Muddles and the King had to dash around the stage using silly props to get through the song.

I am desperate to say what happens in the finale but I’m not going to as it was an amazing surprise for us and I wouldn’t want to ruin it for anyone reading.  Watching my son scream in joy brought a happy tear to my eye and it’s certainly a magical ending I’ll never forget.

So, if you’re looking for a Panto to see this year then I can thoroughly recommend Sleeping Beauty.  It’s great value for money and I promise you’ll enjoy every minute.

Good to know…………

For little one’s there are booster seats in the theatre.

At the end of our show there were some announcements so if you are celebrating a special occasion then make sure to let them know.

The theatre is very family friendly with toilet and baby change facilities.

There is a café area downstairs plus a restaurant and bar upstairs which is perfect if you have time to relax before or after the show.

On the 18th of December there will be a relaxed performance which is especially adapted to accommodate people on the autism spectrum, as well as those with communication difficulties and learning disabilities.

A special Muck Up Matinee will be held on the 1st of January and this is for people who have attended the show and would like to go back for extra pranks and giggles.

For full details, dates, times and ticket costs please visit the Weymouth Pavilion Website. 

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Please note – Dorsetmums was invited by the Weymouth Pavilion for review purposes however all view are my own.