Flipping fantastic! Pro2col take the crown in Great Pancake Race

Pro2col triumphed in this year’s Great Pancake Race staged by Christchurch Business Improvement District (BID).

In what has become a keenly-fought annual contest, the software solutions consultancy were crowned grand champions.

Thirteen teams, some in fancy dress, took part in the relay race at The Kings Arms Hotel Bowling Green in Christchurch.

They included Christchurch Town Council with Avril Coulton, Mayor of Christchurch, joined by fellow councillors.

All the teams competed in several heats before the grand final involving heat winners Frettens Solicitors, TC Filer Knapper and Pro2col with the latter taking home the coveted brass frying pan for 2023.

Christina Pengelly, Christchurch BID Manager, said: “The Great Pancake Race is a fantastic way to bring together our local business community and show support for a great local charity.

“We would like to thank The Kings Arms, for hosting us so generously, and the Captains Club Hotel for providing the key ingredient on the day – the pancakes for flipping.”

Taking part in the contest were: The Industry Hair Salon, Tony Hair Salon, Lovegrove Financial Solutions, Slades Estate Agents, Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa, TC Filer Knapper, Taylor Made Designs, Highcliffe Charity Players, Frettens Solicitors, Pro2col Limited and Christchurch Town Council.

All money raised at the event is being donated to the Christchurch Food Festival Education Trust.

The charity helps promote healthy eating and cooking skills for residents of Christchurch and surrounding district.

• christchurchbid.co.uk

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CRUMBS trainee gains paid employment thanks to #PowerUp initiative

Gareth Howells-Walker, a trainee with Dorset disability training charity The CRUMBS Project, has gained paid employment as a Digital Skills Assistant for its #PowerUp initiative.

Gareth Howells-Walker.

PowerUp is an initiative by Good Things Foundation to promote digital inclusion with financial support from JP Morgan.

Funding is awarded to organisations that take a variety of approaches, tackle different areas of inclusion and work with different groups of people in their communities.

CRUMBS promotes the education and social inclusion of disadvantaged adults by providing vocational training and support to help them to be more independent and develop skills for employment.

The CRUMBS’ PowerUp project aims to support adults with disabilities through training to promote digital skills.

It is helping to drive economic and social inclusion in Dorset.

In his new role, Gareth, 25, will support CRUMBS’ Digital Skills Trainer, Janet Miller, to deliver training in the use of digital equipment and tools for adults with disabilities or mental health issues.

The specific focus is on employment and improved financial health.

Ursula Boardman, pictured right, Head of Centre at The CRUMBS Project, said: “We’re thrilled to have supported Gareth through his learner journey into employment and are proud to welcome him to the team at such an exciting time for the charity’s work in Dorset.”

• crumbs.org.uk

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Bournemouth march will mark first anniversary of war in Ukraine

A peaceful march wase held in Bournemouth by Dorset Ukrainian Community to mark the first anniversary of the war in Ukraine.

It took place on Saturday, starting from Bournemouth Square.

Since Russia waged war, millions of Ukrainians have been forced to leave their homes and scatter around the world in search of shelter.

Almost 2,000 Ukrainians have found a temporary home in the UK.

Anastasia Pikalova, of Dorset Ukrainian Community, said: “Ukrainians are infinitely grateful to the British people for opening their homes, and hearts, and treating them with great care and support.”