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 served 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, was The Greenridge, Upton, Poole, Dorset BH16 5NJ. However the brewery decided to close the pub down so....

As from 16th April 2008 until 11th June our home was THE DORSET SOLDIER 117 Wareham Rd Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, BH21 3JZ. Thanks to the hosts, Geoff and Tracey.

Now we have moved again! to The Farquharson Arms, Pimperne, nr Blandford, DT11 8TX

This is on the A354 road to Salisbury! Our first night there was Wednesday 2nd July.

Our hosts are Rob and Sue who were so good to us at the Greenridge.

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.