Martinstown Circle Suppers, a community-based supper group in Martinstown, near Dorchester, has raised more than £23,000 for local charities since its inception in 2016.

The members raise money by taking turns to host and pay for attending meals in each other's homes, with all of the money raised going to chosen charities.

The first charity supported by Martinstown Circle Suppers was Kennedy's Disease UK, which was co-founded by local resident Kate Hopps to raise awareness and funds for research into the rare progressive neuromuscular disease, Kennedy's Disease, with which her husband Frank had been diagnosed.

Since then, the group has supported five different charities, all of which have a local connection.

In addition to the suppers, the Martinstown Circle Suppers Committee also arranges at least two fundraising events per year, such as auctions, race nights, treasure hunts, and themed parties.

Local businesses and organisations have been generous in their support, providing both 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 was able to raise £7,900 for the charity with the support of Ben and Leanne, the owners of the popular village pub, The Brewers Arms, who have two sons with the condition.

"We are delighted to have raised £7,900 for Living with CAH," said Trudy Braithwaite, who has been on the Martinstown Circle Supper Committee since its inception.

"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 is excited to announce that its chosen charity for 2023 is the Dorset Family Counselling Trust. It has planned 24 suppers, a clothes swap, an auction, and an ABBA evening to help raise funds for this organisation.

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."

If you would like to donate an auction prize for this year's fundraising event, contact Trudy Braithwaite at [email protected]