Paul Wicker
Duchess of Cornwall Inn
Ruth Cowell
Poundbury Pilates
Photography by Lara Jane Thorpe
injuries or operations using her specialist equipment.“ I am very lucky to have the perfect space here,” Ruth says.“ I love the feel and ambience of the studio. I came to Poundbury because it was new and vibrant and I felt like I could do a lot of good here.” With the wealth of businesses that have opened in Poundbury in the last 25 years, it is not surprising that Poundbury is home to various estate agents. One of the most prominent is Symonds and Sampson, based just behind Queen Mother Square. Managing the Poundbury office is Peter Grout-Smith, who has been with the well-respected Dorset company for five years. The office is known for opening its doors for their famous charity cake days. The last one was a sell-out despite an unprecedented few feet of snow in March. Peter says:“ I love my job, I like meeting diverse clients and building up a great reputation in the community. Estate agents can have a terrible reputation but I like proving that not all of us are the same.” As well as making a name for themselves in the agricultural and auction sector, Symonds and Sampson have been market leaders since 1868, the firm has grown substantially in recent years with over 130 staff in 12 offices covering the country. Peter says it is good to work in Poundbury and he has enjoyed watching the number of families and businesses grow.“ Poundbury needed that influx of people to give it a good balance and it’ s good to see it is working,” he adds. Less than a minute’ s walk, past the Brace of Butchers, and you are in the busy Queen Mother Square. The bustling Waitrose on the left is next to the majestic Royal Pavilion, which next year will be home to a luxurious day spa. Further along the square is the beautiful Duchess of Cornwall Inn, which was opened two years ago and is now a popular hub for the community. New general manager Paul Wicker started in December last year and as a former Navy medic, he says he was happy to take on a new challenge.“ Poundbury has a character all of its own and has an inherent challenge of creating a strong community in such a small space of 25 years. It’ s still in its infancy but it is fascinating to see how it’ s growing,” Paul says. Emigrating from New Zealand, Paul has extensive experience in running country pubs and top-notch restaurants, and hopes he can bring that feel to the Duchess of Cornwall Inn. Living in Poundbury, he has returned to his passion of rugby and coaches at Dorchester Rugby Club, where he can pass on a lifetime ' s experience of playing for both Wasps Youth team and during his time in the Royal Navy. Paul plans to build on the pub’ s success, create more opportunities in the community and work with the already entrepreneurial Hall & Woodhouse Brewery.“ Poundbury is full of opportunities,” he adds.“ I want to help make this the pub it deserves to be with the support of the community.”
Peter Grout-Smith
Symonds and Sampson
WWW
. CELEBRATINGPOUNDBURY. CO. UK 23