New associates join Porter Dodson’s Employment Law team

Law firm Porter Dodson, which has five offices across Dorset, has appointed two new associates to its Employment Law team.

Sarah Cook joins from the British Dental Association where she was working in-house for ten years.

At Porter Dodson she will bring her expertise and understanding of dental and primary care services to provide advice to professional clients in all aspects of employment, regulatory and business support.

Nadine Maher, pictured, was previously at international firm DAC Beachcroft and has a wealth of experience in all aspects of employment law, working with both individuals and business clients.

She will work with the Corporate Commercial Team to ensure the employment and HR aspects of any commercial transaction are covered off.

Nadine adds to the work undertaken by other team members, Sarah Young and Laura Roper.

Adrian Poole, Head of the Employment & Regulatory Team, said: “Sarah and Nadine are valuable additions to the team.

“They have specialist skills, experience and expertise enabling Porter Dodson to continue to challenge the most prestigious of national firms in terms of the scope and depth of employment law support we provide.

“Sarah’s appointment also marks the creation of a bespoke professional services offering, building on our success as a leading advisor to the GP, dental and care professions.”

Porter Dodson employs nearly 200 people at its eight offices across Dorset and Somerset.

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“True hospitality professional” Lewis appointed vice chair

Lewis Spendlove has been announced as the new Vice Chair of the Institute of Hospitality’s Southern branch.

He has a proven hospitality background in managing sites in recent years such as Neo Restaurant in Bournemouth and Christchurch Harbour Hotel.

Recently, as General Manager, Lewis has been working on the £20m redevelopment and launch of The Savoy Hotel Bournemouth with the intention of reaching five star status in the foreseeable future.

Tim Seward, Chair of the Institute of Hospitality’s Southern Branch, said: “I am delighted that Lewis has become the Vice Chair of the branch.

“Lewis is a true hospitality professional.

“I look forward to working with him over the coming months.”

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Care home makes golfing dream of Ray, 97, come true

At 97, Ray Stanley dreamed of swinging a hole-in-one on the golf course after almost 20 years away from the green.

So staff at Upton Bay care home made his wish come true, with the help of Broadstone Golf Club.

Beloved by staff and residents alike for his young heart and charm, Ray’s surprise played out at the club’s heathland course.

After a few practice shots, and a masterclass from Chris Harrison, golfing pro at the club, Ray found his stride and began hitting far across the fairway, before turning his hand to the putting green and achieving his long awaited hole-in-one.

Ray said: “I can’t believe I’m on the green again!

“I’d always wanted to prove to myself that, even at near 100, I could still swing it, and today I’ve proved that.

“It’s so kind of staff and the golf club to bring me here to do something I’ve loved for so long.

“It’s done me the world of good!”

Ray was accompanied by Karen Grant A’Court, Wellbeing Activity Lead at the home, who arranged the special day out.

She said: “It has been so rewarding to be able to make Ray’s wish come true.

“A token of kindness for a memory that will last with him forever.”

Upton Bay care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers.

It provides residential and dementia care for 68 residents, from respite care to long term stays.