“I support the Dorset Air Ambulance, because as a taxi driver, I am always on the road and one day I may need their help myself,” said Tony Williams, Immediate Past Chief Ranger of Honorary Court Highclere No. 1 Weymouth of the Ancient Order of Foresters, presenting a cheque for £500 to Leanne Colverson.
As Chief Ranger until October, the money was raised by Foresters during Tony Williams’ term of office and was handed over to the Air Ambulance at a coffee morning hosted by George Perham in Wyke Regis. Robin Barrett, elected Chief Ranger in October, has chosen the Salvation Army as his year’s charity.
“Dorset Air Ambulance do any amazing job all over the county,” says Tony Williams, “playing a lifesaving role in unpredictable situations by taking seriously injured people quickly to hospital. They are supported entirely by voluntary contributions and I am very proud the Foresters have been able to help fund their vital work.”
Honorary Court Highclere No. 1 Weymouth of the Ancient Order of Foresters was founded in the town 127 years ago. The Honorary Court has met in Weymouth four times a year since 17 October 1887, when it was founded by Pelly Hooper, Town Clerk of Weymouth & Melcombe Regis for over 20 years.
The Honorary Court met at the Guildhall from 1887 and from 1974 at the new Council offices. The Court was “evicted” by the Borough Council in January 2010, who claimed it was not their business to rent rooms to local organisations! The Court then met at Holy Trinity School for over two years, but in 2012 moved to the Grade II listed Pilgrim House in Hope Square, owned by Weymouth Rotary Club.
The Honorary Court is today an altruistic organisation that raises funds for local charities. New members are welcome and enquiries about joining the Honorary Court should be made to Secretary Munro Ross at 01305 784320.
Michel Hooper-Immins
