History
Harmony One, June 2022
The first ‘Creating Health and Harmony in the Community’ conference took place at the end of the year that the then High Sheriff of Dorset, Michael Dooley MMS FFSRH FRCOG, was in role. He had connected with Nigel Hedges, Chairman of BCP Council, and Layne Hamerston at Bournemouth University (where the conference was hosted) to initiate an opportunity to connect people, creating a ‘golden thread’ that would link us together. Michael was the chair of the conference and warmly welcomed a very mixed group of interested parties from around the county.
The lead speaker was Sir Anthony Seldon, the British Educationalist and historian. Other speakers included Emma Whitney Embryologist, Ian Walters Guys Marsh Prison Governor, Jonathan Herbert Chaplain to Gypsies and Travellers and the Estate Director of The Duchy of Cornwall. Representing the community charity sector were The Pilsdown Community, Diverse Abilities and Lewis Manning Hospice. The presentations were interesting, thought provoking and feedback from participants indicated how much they valued the opportunity to learn about the good work of colleagues across Dorset. Taken away from the first Conference were the challenges to develop a sustainable environment, to improve disability inclusion, to prevent ‘reoffending’, to reduce prejudice in society and to listen to the voice of youth (what THEY wish to see) and for us all to consider our future aspirations.
Harmony Two, June 2023
The Conference opened with a moving song of welcome by the ladies of the Dorset Ukrainian Community. The College of Medicine’s main tenet “Life Beyond Pills” was adopted as a key theme for this conference. Dr Michael Dixon of the College of Medicine spoke via video link setting the topic in context.
Our keynote speaker was Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE, human rights activist, who shared his experience of being held hostage in Lebanon for five years. Vita Nova, the recovering addicts’ performing charity, was explained by Dr Sharon Coyne. Eva Hamilton talked about the ‘Healing Powers of Animals’ and Dougie Scarfe, CEO of the BSO Orchestra talked about the healing power of music. Dr Isioma Nwokolo spoke about Diversity Acculturation and mental health. With free copies of her book distributed to all attendees, Kim Samuels spoke on her book “Belonging”, the Mapperton Estate presented on their ‘Journey to Rewilding’ and those who left the Conference took away a determination to seek solace and support in nature and music.
Harmony Three, June 2024
The opening address was by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell, which followed the now traditional Ukrainian sung welcome. Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE was again a keynote speaker, this time by video link and an even larger number of participants and exhibitors attended the Fusion Building at Bournemouth University.
Talbot Village Trust spoke about their philanthropic actions across the community as did Hall & Woodhouse. Vita Nova performed their power piece “The Wasps Nest” on county lines drug gangs. My Time Young Carers were represented as was the Dorset Magistracy by Chika Udezue JP. As previously, Faith in Harmony was expounded upon by Martin Bedford and neurodiversity was explained in a presentation by Nicole Bateman and Margaret Sunderani. The representatives of Prince William’s Homewards Charity (Bournemouth Pilot Project) were our also keynote speakers with Alistair Doxat-Purser of Faithworks Wessex and Dr Gareth Sherwood, CEO of the Bournemouth YMCA, sharing their thoughts and experiences. Therapeutic gardening, Women’s Safe Space, prison yoga and the work of Soroptimist International Bournemouth brought community aspects to the conference. Armchair yoga and a dynamic Dorset poet, John Kay, added a liveliness that invigorated and relaxed in equal measure.
At the end, all resolved to work hard towards Harmony 4 on 4th June 2025.
