More than 20 local, independent businesses have come out in support of Groves Nurseries' Christmas tree appeal.

Within a week, 22 businesses across Bridport and Beaminster got in touch with the garden centre to offer their support.

This has meant local schools and charities have been gifted a Christmas tree this year. These include: St Mary's School, Bridport Leisure Centre, Bridport Youth and Community Centre, Bridport and Beaminster District Nurses, Bridport Community Hospital, 2020 Skate and Ride, Burrough Harmony Centre, 1st Bridport Scout Group, Loders School and many others.

Here are some of the businesses that have donated a tree:

Simon Speak

Simon Speak, previously Bridgman and Speak Estate Agents, is a local estate agent run by Simon personally, collaborating with eXp UK to give clients maximum national advertising and coverage. Also included are professional quality photos, videos and floorplans, with drone footage available subject to a site survey.

Simon entered the property industry in 1988 and has run his own estate agency since 2006, working with only a small number of clients individually and by doing all the viewings himself, Simon maintains contact with purchasers to accurately marry up buyers and sellers.

Find more information at simonspeak.exp.uk.com

Mr Speak said: "When the Christmas tree project came about, it really was a no brainer for me.

"Historically, my charitable contributions were made through the Bridport Round Table, having worked on many projects since joining in 1996, projects including the fireworks and beer fest among others. Over my years of service, I have helped to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds, however, the time I spend fundraising diminished, after the age rule made me ineligible for membership of round table, so I really am very happy to be able to put something back into the community that has fed my family and I for many, many years."

Ed Bailey General Builder

Ed Bailey covers all aspects of the building trade, working with specialist sub-contractors to supply a complete service to clients. His work includes anything from making an opening in a wall for a doorway, to extensions, refurbs and new builds.

Find out more by following Ed Bailey General Builder on Facebook.

Ed said: "As a small business owner, the pandemic has been hard for me as it has for many others. Personally, it has been the local community that has sustained me and helped me grow my business, which in turn has allowed me to care for my family, something I am eternally grateful for. It has also afforded me the time and opportunity to further my care for the community through working as a retained firefighter.

"For me, supporting the Christmas tree scheme is another small but important way that I can give back to the community that gives so much to me and my family."

Wrixton Smyth Creations

The jewellery business was set by Claire Wrixton Smyth in 2017 and is based at Symondsbury. She likes to hand-forge the metal using traditional techniques, such as hammering, sawing, and melting and using wax to build up or carve her designs ready to directly cast into precious metals.

Her two main collections are the Jurassic Coast and the Dorset countryside. Each item is carefully moulded from the original natural object, whether it's a fern or an ammonite from Charmouth beach.

Find more information at wrixtonsmythcreations.co.uk

Claire said: "I always feel well supported by our community. I have some wonderful loyal customers. So, I felt like I wanted to give something back.

"Small gestures can make a huge difference, so spreading a bit of Christmas cheer is certainly something I couldn't pass up."

South Street Antiques

South Street Antiques is a small family business which is owned and run by Frances Moseley and his son, Bill. They opened the shop 12 years ago this month and have been running the successful business together ever since.

Find more information at southstreetantiques.co.uk

Frances said: "We decided to support Groves' Christmas tree scheme because we feel it enabled us to share some joy and Christmas cheer with others in our community."

H C Lewis

H C Lewis is a family run business based in Beaminster, specialising in the construction and surfacing of driveways, footpaths, estate roads, car parks, play areas, holiday parks and tennis courts.

Find more information at hclewis.co.uk

Sandra, of H C Lewis, said: "We are pleased to support local businesses and charities and to spread joy at Christmas by supporting the Christmas tree appeal."

Rainbow Parties Dorset

Mum of four Emily Taylor came up with the idea of Rainbow Parties Dorset in lockdown as she wanted to create a business in which children would get some joy and happiness in such an uncertain time.

She offers children's character mascot visits and various packages in which your child's favourite character can come to your door, arrive at your child's party or even collect your child from school.

For more information, follow Rainbow Parties Dorset on Facebook.

"We wanted to support this scheme because we wanted to give something back to the community after a rubbish couple of years for a lot of people, we thought this was such a nice way to give back.

"Our tree has been donated to Stepping Stones Preschool and we are so pleased. We hope the children and staff enjoy their tree."

Other businesses to support the cause include Bridport Round Table, Man and Van Bridport, Bredy Veterinary Centre, Rural Ranges, OCD Cleaning Services Beaminster, DarkBear bar, The Foot Fairy, The Cherry Tree, Forest and Tree Care Ltd, Highlands End Holiday Park, Hartley Accountants, Chesil Security Ltd, Imaginary Friends, Beau Hairdressing, Little Groves Nursery and Ivy House Kitchen.

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