This month’s news from the unofficial capital of the Blackmore Vale Sturminster Newton …
If a defibrillator is ever needed, it must be used fast, says Pauline Batstone – so we should all know where our nearest one is kept.
It has been a very good month for the Sturminster Newton Community Benefit Society (CBS) both in terms of income but also in achieving more of the Societies initial aims. The two CBS shops are attracting an ever-increasing number of happy customers which helps to make Sturminster a real ‘destination’ for those who want good value from their purchases. Whether it be collectables, essential buys, or just a bit of retail therapy shoppers report great satisfaction, and donors too are pleased as they find it a very gratifying way of recycling their unwanted goods.
• Please make yourselves aware of the locations of the town’s various defibrillators. The one in the Market Place, which was bought and is maintained by the CBS, has recently had its first use. Unfortunately, there was a significant delay in accessing the defibrillator – if we all take the responsibility of knowing where the defibrillators are, we stand the best chance of saving a life. They are not all registered on one database, but
ones I am currently aware of in the town are located at Harts, Sturfit, The Market Place, and the old phone box by the high school.
• Working with several local businesses and Sturminster’s schools the CBS and SturBiz finally had a sunny day to put on the delayed pancake races on the Rec. There were teams from William Barnes and Yewstock Schools, Harts of Stur, plus a few brave parents, all fighting for the glory of crossing the line with a pancake in their pan.
Huge thanks to: the schools, Harts of Stur, those mad parents for taking part, the council groundstaff, Farnfields Solicitors, the Co-op, the Market Place Cleaners for supplying prizes and the White Hart for the pancakes themselves. And finally, the helpers from the CBS – in particular our very own organiser Jacqui Wragg.
• I am also pleased to report that along with various local companies and the Sturminster Schools, the CBS and SturBiz were able to put on a second Careers Fair. This time the fair took place at the High School, along with able assistance from Yewstock school. The overall aim was to give our young people an idea of
the range of professions which they may be able to follow locally.
Spring activities
Easter is coming and there are some great spring events planned; put them in your diary:
9th to 24th April
Children’s Spring Quiz around the various shops in the town.
11th to 22nd April
Crafts at the library with many thanks to the library staff and volunteers.
Good Friday, 15th April at 12.00 noon
A short Service at the Cross erected by the churches in the Market Place, followed by Hot Cross Buns (from Oxfords of course).
Easter Saturday 16th April
• Children’s Easter Bonnet Making workshop 10.30 a.m. at The Exchange, with thanks to the WI.
• This is followed by an Easter Bonnet Parade at noon – leaving from the Exchange, heading round the town and back to the Railway Gardens for some prize giving.
• The town shops will be open as usual on the Saturday including The Emporium and The Boutique which will be open until 4.00 p.m.
• Milling at The Mill
Easter Sunday 17th April
• Easter Egg Hunt around the town centre, starting at 12.00 noon – look for egg tokens to bring to the Market Place to exchange for real Easter Eggs.
• Milling at The Mill
Check the website sturminster-newton.org.uk for up-to-date details.
