A popular annual event in Dorchester is the Teddy
Bears Picnic held in the county town's Borough Gardens. Organised by
the Dorchester Town Clerk, Dennis Holmes, the event has the support
of many Town Councillors, local organisations and businesses and is
entirely free of charge to all who come. Children have a go at the various
games and activities around the gardens, collecting raffle tickets each
time they participate - the more goes, the more tickets - and at the
end of the day there's a grand draw with umpteen prizes supplied by
local traders.
In recent years Ridgeway Radio members have taken
on the role of Master(s) of Ceremonies for the day, hosting the fun
and frivolity in the form of games for young and old alike. Some of
this, together with commentary and interviews, is relayed back to the
studio via our radio link.
Just before the Grand Draw there is a Teddy Bear
Parade with teddies of all shapes and sizes (some even looking like
elephants, monkeys and hedgehogs!) parading around the gardens, accompanied
by their proud and much-loved owners.