ABOUT WDDT

The Wareham and District Development Trust (WDDT) was established in 2002 by a group of volunteers who wanted to help turn good ideas for community projects into reality. WDDT serves Wareham and the surrounding communities in Purbeck, Dorset.

It aims to develop new uses for buildings or land, which meet recognised needs in the local population, particularly for disadvantaged groups.

Run mainly by volunteers, the Trust has already developed various projects in Wareham, and raised more than £250,000 in grants, donations and by fundraising activities.

WDDT is a "Can-Do" organisation, keen to raise funds and turn more good ideas into community projects which benefit local people.

Its charitable objectives are:

• To promote general charitable purposes for the benefit of the community of Wareham and the surrounding area, and to provide relief from poverty and disadvantage and to advance the education of its residents of all ages; and in particular to provide opportunities for the aforementioned residents to participate fully in the life of their community in ways which address and alleviate social and economic deprivation.

• To promote the benefit of the inhabitants of Wareham and the surrounding area by the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation of such persons who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, poverty or social and economic circumstances or for the public at large in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving the condition of life of the said inhabitants.

WDDT is governed by a Board of Trustees, all of whom live or work in its area of benefit. Most Trustees are elected by the Members, some are co-opted to fill gaps in representation, skills or experience, and the District and Town Councils each make nominations to the WDDT Board. The Board meets about eight times per year and each Trustee is also expected to take an active part in the Trust’s projects.

The representatives from Wareham Town Council and Purbeck District Council help us maintain links with these important local bodies. However, we are definitely non-political - apart from these representatives you can't be a member of our Board if you hold any other elected political office.

Current Trustees are:

*Town or District Council representative

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WDDT was registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee in April 2002 (Registered Company No. 4411253 ), and was registered as a charity the following September (Charity Registration No. 1093843).

What is a Development Trust?

Is it a registered charity?

Yes, it is a charitable company limited by guarantee, which means that it is a legal entity in its own right.

How is it governed?

By a volunteer Board of Directors (called Trustees by WDDT - see below left) most of whom are elected by Members.

Is it a new sort of organisation?

Development Trusts have been going for at least 30 years and there are around ten in Dorset.

What is it for?

Development Trusts specialise in projects which are for community benefit and meet identified needs.

What sort of projects can a Development Trust run?

Trusts are particularly good at projects which involve premises or property, and they can employ staff.

Why is one needed for Wareham and District?

To turn some good ideas into excellent projects!

How was WDDT set up?

WDDT was developed from a steering group, originally set up to help safeguard the future of Online @ Wareham. Every step of the way, we have been supported and guided by Dorset Community Action - and we definitely could not have done it without them! Thanks DCA!

If you want to know more about Development Trusts in general, click here to go the Development Trusts Association website (which should open in a new window)