The Wimborne Orchestra was founded in 1951 as the Corfe Mullen Orchestra by Arthur Shaft, who was then headmaster of Lockyer’s School, Corfe Mullen.  He conducted the orchestra for many years.

After his retirement, the baton was taken up by several others for short periods, but no permanent conductor could be found and in January 2005 the members met to discuss closing down the orchestra. Quite by chance John Turner – a first study singer who had, however, also been playing in orchestras since the age of 12 – had come along to enquire about joining as a viola player. He agreed to have a go at conducting and is still doing it after more than 20 years.

The appointment of a new director of music led to a change in the emphasis of the orchestra: it was decided to make it a true ‘community’ orchestra open to all who wished to play, regardless of their age or experience, and targetted at ensemble playing rather than the giving of concerts. This proved to be a popular change: the membership has expanded substantially since 2005: we now have over 70 members and meet all year round, rather than just in school terms; we have an extensive library of music adapted to suit our often unconventional line-up; and, our finances are very sound.

In addition to informal end-of-term concerts in our rehearsal venue, we have in the past played in other venues, such as the Allendale Centre, Wimborne; at Castle Court School, Corfe Mullen; at the Blandford Georgian Fayre; in the United Reformed Church, Skinner Street, Poole; in the Coade Hall, Bryanston; at Colehill Memorial Hall; and, at the Hamworthy Social Club, Canford Magna, as well as a local WI and several retirement homes.