“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts”: residents come together to celebrate the official opening of their new homes at Fiddleford Ridge

BCHA, alongside developer Wyatt Homes and Dorset Council, are pleased to have provided 28 new affordable homes to the Sturminster Newton community within Fiddleford Ridge.  

The homes, a mix of affordable-rent housing and shared ownership homes, have now all been sold or let, and BCHA hosted a community bake-off to celebrate.  

Customers let their creativity shine through their cooking, bringing bakes to be judged by Councillor Gill Taylor, Portfoilo lead for Housing & Homelessness at Dorset Council, Lorraine Mealings, CEO, BCHA and Shaun Pettitt, Managing Director, Wyatt Homes who all officially opened Fiddleford Ridge.  

Councillor Gill Taylor reflected on the symbolism of the new development, saying “What truly matters is what happens next. Homes are where people make memories, make friendships and feel secure. That is what housing is all about. As we officially open Fiddleford Ridge, let’s celebrate not just the development but what it represents.” 

Shaun Pettitt also added “It was a pleasure to be part of this special opening event with our partners at BCHA and Dorset Council and to welcome the new residents to Fiddleford Ridge. Delivering high‑quality, affordable homes is only possible through strong collaboration and today shows exactly what that can achieve. 

“It is clear from speaking to the residents that there is already a real sense of community and our developments are not just places to live, they are places to belong.” 

The event was attended by children and adults alike, with customer Joanna House also making a short speech to commemorate the opening. Joanna said “We residents all have stories of how we landed at Fiddleford Ridge. Mine I feel is spectacular because of the speed in which it was executed by Dorset Council and BCHA. In just 3 days from start of bidding, I was handed the keys and I’m still pinching myself!  

“On behalf of us all: old, young, newborn babies, dogs, cats and all in between. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for an amazing collaboration and a place we can all call home.” 

The winner of the bake off, Tai-Mar Newland, who’s entry was a delicious Victoria Sponge with a twist of lemon and coconut, took home an incredible hamper provided by Wyatt Homes. All participants received commemorative engraved wooden spoons for their efforts.  

A second participant stole the show with her take on baking: describing herself as “not much of a baker”, resident Michelle crocheted a BCHA branded cake. Michelle’s creation will be on display at BCHA’s headquarters in Poole to serve as a memory of the event. 

BCHA purchased the homes from developer Wyatt Homes with support from Dorset Council. BCHA are a charitable housing association working across the South West and South of England supporting individuals and families through the provision of affordable homes.