An open day in memory of our secretary (From Bournemouth Echo)

An open day in memory of our secretary

2:39pm Friday 11th September 2009 in

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TRADITIONAL country crafts, Dorset Search Dogs, and a fun dog show were on offer at the Kinson Common community open day.

Dorset Search Dogs hunted down children who were hiding an demonstrations of traditional crafts included hurdle, stick and basket making and wood carving.

Liberty’s birds of prey were also there.

The event was dedicated to Friends of Kinson Common secretary Dennis Donnelly who passed away on August 10 and a moving tribute speech was given by our chairman Geoff Budden.

Sadly this may be the last open day.

Red tape issues on risk assessments and insurance made the lead up to the day very stressful!

In my opinion common sense seems to have disappeared and this has already seen many events fold.

We have decided that we will not be holding the event next year, although we were going to do so as part of the Bi-Centenary celebrations.

Finding funding is also a big issue in the current climate.

Here's the tribute Geoff read on the day: The Friends of Kinson Common were devastated to learn early last week that our secretary, Dennis Donnelly, had passed away after a battle with Non Hodgkin Lymphoma for the third time.

Dennis was a gentleman with a lovely smile, a true friend to us all and will obviously be sadly missed. He fought his illness at all times with courage and dignity.

Our thoughts are with his wife Pat and family at this very sad time.

Dennis loved Kinson Common and I am sure many residents will recall meeting him on his weekly litter picks with his dog Pepsi.

He was very passionate about the problems with dog fouling on site and was delighted when I told him that the dog wardens would be joining us today.

I also know that he would have wanted us to enjoy the day so bearing that in mind, and it being our 10th and last open day I think it only fitting that the event be dedicated in his memory and be a celebration of his life.

Rest in Peace Dennis