Who are we?

Who are we?

The Organisers

John Butcher and Kathy Dunn started up Wimborne Acoustic in October 2002 following the closure of the New Express Folk Club in Boscombe, Bournemouth

The first home for the club was the Allendale Centre in Wimborne, then a move to Broadstone Sports Centre.

The club moved to The Mount, Corfe Mullen, in November 2003 after a careful and exhausting search through the pubs of Wimborne to find the right home for us. The fact that the Mount serves a fine pint of Ringwood was a major factor in the choice.

The club has now had a change of name to Wessex Acoustic.

September 2006 saw us expanding to weekly Open Floor sessions on Mondays at a new venue The King Charles Inn, Thames Street, Poole Quay, followed by Guest nights at the Charlie from January 2007.

Then we moved venue again! Our 'home', as from September 2007, is The Greenridge, Upton, Poole, Dorset BH16 5NJ. This is easily found from the junction of the A35 with the A350 following the signs for Upton. The pub has had a change of licencee and our new hosts provide a warm welcome, with food and a good pint. However the brewery has now decided to close the pub down so....

As from 16th April 2008 our home is THE DORSET SOLDIER 117 Wareham Rd Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, BH21 3JZ - TEL: 01202 694403. This pub is right in the heart of Corfe Mullen village and offers us a comfortable home thanks to the hosts, Geoff and Tracey.

An important part of the Wessex Acoustic Team, John's wife, Roz, provides accommodation and refreshments for our guests when required. She is a member of the local ladies clog dancing Morris side Dorset Buttons. She was formerly with the Plymouth Maids side.

The Masters of Ceremony

We have a number of regular MCs and often introduce new or guest MCs. Among our regulars are Bob Kirkpatrick, Andy Stone, Dave Lambert, as well as the organisers John and Kathy.

The Sound Men

Our sound system is usually provided by Alan Williamson, and operated by Andy Stone, Alan, or their young assistant Mark.

Alan Williamson

Andy Stone

M/C, Sound man, Support artist and talented singer-songwriter.