It’s begining to feel a lot like… spring in Sturminster Newton

Date:

This month’s news from the unofficial capital of the Blackmore Vale…

The shops are shaking off their winter gloom and brightening up the town with their displays, says Pauline Batstone.

It’s finally beginning to look a lot like spring, and in Stur the shops are ready to greet you with windows to cheer up a grey day. The Boutique at The Market Cross currently has a gorgeously bright and fresh window display to tempt you in for your spring wardrobe – with quality clothes and accessories at knock-down prices inside, of course. Meanwhile The Emporium in The Market Place has had a major reshuffle inside. A picture gallery is planned for upstairs to display the many pictures which have been donated – there is currently a wide range of prints, paintings, cartoons and photos in stock to give your home a new look (or maybe just provide a new frame for an upcycling project). Downstairs is the usual treasure trove of useful household items, many of which you naturally had no idea you needed until you saw them. Maybe replace that chipped mixing bowl or treat yourself

to a new jug for the daffodils? There’s an ever-changing variety of beautiful china, ‘collectables’, books (at a standard bargain price of four for a £1!) and music.

And of course the gentlemen can themselves update their look for spring in ‘Dapper Chaps’.

Important dates for your diary!

Some of the money raised from the sale of your pre-loved goods in The Emporium and The Boutique goes towards organising events for residents to enjoy, and to bring new shoppers into town.
There are some great spring events planned to bring you into the town centre, put them in your diary now;

First Saturday of the month – next is 5th March
(providing the weather’s not forecast to be awful!) the car enthusiasts bring their pride and joy to admire and swap stories in the Station Road Car Park. Anyone can come along – we have cars and bikes from modern to vintage. It’s very informal, no attendance fee, parking is free and we’re a friendly welcoming bunch! The public liability insurance is paid for by The Community Benefit Society.

Easter events:

There will be a Spring Quiz in the Sturminster Newton shops during the holiday period – the Stur Quiz Trails are always popular, they’re a great free activity with the kids during the holidays.

Good Friday, 15th April:

A day of solemn remembrance with a short service at 12.00 noon at the Cross erected
in the Market Place, with Hot Cross Buns afterwards.

Easter Saturday, 16th April:

On the morning of Easter Saturday, the Women’s Institute will be running an Easter Bonnet Making Workshop in The Church Hall beside St. Mary’s Church, followed by an Easter Bonnet Parade up through the town to The Exchange patio area for judging – anyone can join the Parade. Also on Easter Saturday, the Mill will be open and milling.

Easter Sunday, 17th April:

In the morning, Easter Egg tokens will be will be hung around town to be redeemed for real Easter Eggs in the Church from 12.00 noon onwards.

Easter Monday, 18th April

The Mill will be open and milling.

7th May A Wedding Fair is planned to be held around the businesses in the Town; more details to follow.

2nd to 5th June
The Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend – details are still being discussed by The Town Council and the Community Benefit Society so more details to follow, but;

  • Thursday 2nd – Beacon Lighting Railway Gardens
  • Friday to Sunday – The Exchange Real Ale and Cider Festival
  • Saturday 4th June – Car Enthusiasts Meet in Station Road Car Park
  • Craft Market at The Exchange
  • Anonymous Travelling Market in Station Road and the Market Place
  • Garden Fair in The Railway Gardens
  • Sunday 5th June – 12.00 to 3.00 p.m. The Big Lunch and Fancy Dress Parade in The Railway Gardens

    13th to 19th June
    Sturminster Newton Literary Festival
    – the week-long festival includes various literary- themed events, including a Victorian Fete in the Railway Gardens on the afternoon of Saturday 18th.

July 1st to 3rd – the Boogie Woogie Festival hope to be back

20th to 29th August SturBuzz; it’s all about bees and sustainability and fun – with a fancy dress parade on Sunday 29th (your best bee costume).

And then of course it’s the Cheese Fair on the 10th and 11th of September, there may be something about the Queen’s Green Canopy in October, and then we are back to Christmas again…

To keep updated have a look at sturminster-newton.org.uk, find us on facebook or contact

Jacqui Wragg of SturBiz on 07810 424269.

Plans for the old bank to be a new business space supporting local producers and sellers

Plans are well underway – past the point of no return! – to give you even more ways of spending your money in the former Nat West Bank, which is being transformed into an indoor shopping destination. If you are a business person, looking for somewhere to sell your goods directly to the public, all day, six days a week, 52 weeks a year, then please pop into The Emporium and leave your details with the shop staff there so that we can get in touch with you. Alternatively, email Pauline Batstone: cllr.p.batstone@btinternet.com

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