FirstPort Property Manager Dawn Toop was selected among a group of Dorset representatives to meet Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their visit to Blandford Forum last week.
Dawn Toop, who has worked for FirstPort for more than 15 years, attended the event alongside her husband, Stephen, after they were invited as one of only a handful of Dorset producers chosen to represent the county. The group also included local charities and community organisations, each showcasing the people, produce and projects that make Dorset unique.
Stephen, who owns Tarrant Valley Honey, brought along an observation hive, giving Their Majesties the opportunity to see a working colony of honey bees, including the queen bee. King Charles, a long-standing advocate for nature, sustainable farming and biodiversity, showed a keen interest in the hive and discussed where the hives were kept and the candles and hoping the heat would not damage them.
Away from her full-time role managing retirement developments across Dorset for FirstPort, Dawn supports the family beekeeping business behind the scenes. She handcrafts natural beeswax candles using the wax cappings collected during honey extraction, ensuring nothing from the hive goes to waste.
Reflecting on the day, Dawn said:
“Being invited to represent Dorset was an incredible honour, standing alongside so many inspiring local charities, organisations and fellow producers made the day even more special. Meeting Their Majesties is something we will never forget.”
Dawn added: “It was wonderful to see the genuine interest shown in our observation hive and the work that goes into caring for the bees. It made me incredibly proud to stand beside Stephen and share something we are both so passionate about. It was a privilege to showcase not only our products, but also the quality, provenance and community spirit that Dorset is known for.”
The Royal visit celebrated the regeneration of Blandford Forum, while also recognising the important contribution made by local charities, volunteers and independent producers.
For Dawn and Stephen, being selected to represent Dorset was a memorable acknowledgement of the passion and dedication they have invested in their family business over the years.
Although Dawn’s career is dedicated to supporting retirement communities across Dorset through her role at FirstPort, the family’s beekeeping venture reflects the same values she brings to her day-to-day work: commitment, care, community and a genuine passion for making a positive difference.
