Once again, instead of sending cards out, we are supporting our local Sherborne County primary school, where David Birley (former mayor) is leading the Voucher Scheme initiative he pioneered so successfully with fuel vouchers in 2021. This year, every family will also be given a set of £5 vouchers which can be redeemed at shops in Sherborne.

People are often surprised to learn that in a seemingly affluent and prosperous-looking town like Sherborne, the school's catchment area includes the fourth poorest ward in Dorset which is also one of the fourth poorest nationally.  

CH is also supporting the Sherborne Food Bank where demand for its services has increased this year as the pressures on household finances have inexorably risen.

David Kemp, chairman of the Food Bank, says:

“As the sole provider of free emergency food to over 5000 people, with over 60,000 products in a 78 square mile area around Sherborne, the Food Bank as a registered charity is looking to meet the ever-increasing demand to tackle food poverty. By supplying referred anonymous clients, as well as local institutions such as schools, the Sherborne Community Kitchen and the Vale Pantry in Sturminster Newton, we are seeking to deal with the net effects of our economy, which do not look like improving anytime soon…"

As James Johnsen, Director and Head of Private Clients at CH, commented:

“With the price of postage now a considerable expense, we have once again dispensed with the despatch of Christmas cards to clients and connections and instead opted to support two local charitable initiatives. Both are close to our West Country hub and hearts; both involve the sort of initiatives where our support has the potential to make an immediate difference and where the effects are readily visible ‘on the ground’.