This month’s news from the unofficial capital of the Blackmore Vale …
Pauline Batstone rounds up a busy month in Sturminster Newton
1855
Work is continuing on the 1855 project (the former NatWest building) which is expected to be open for business in the late autumn. The project offers people-facing sales space to artisan entrepreneurs who may have outgrown working solely from home. For more information email Cheryl Basten and Jacqui Wragg at 1855stur@gmail.com
New friends
The Emporium and The Boutique are both looking for more volunteers to work on the shop floor or behind the scenes or both. The volunteers are a friendly bunch and working with them offers a good way to get out of the house, meet new people and at the same time use your spare hours to benefit the community. The team also enjoys social events together from time to time. If you are interested, pop into either shop and leave your details for Cheryl to contact you, or email comcheststur1@gmail.com
Art browsing
The Art Gallery is open on the floor above The Emporium, and it has a fascinating mix of interesting paintings, cartoons and prints at knock-down prices.
… and furniture too
People often don’t realise The Emporium has a wide range of furniture for sale – the larger pieces are stored elsewhere but we can show you photos and take you to look. We can also deliver your purchases – and collect whatever it is you are replacing.
How many shopping days?
An early warning about Christmas – Jacqui Wragg is already working with a small team to plan the Christmas events for this year. The Christmas Tree lighting will be on the 26th November, and it is hoped to have an ice-rink in the town that weekend. Father Christmas will of course be on duty. There will also be late night shopping on the Friday evening before. If you want to be involved in the planning, or have time to help on the day, please let Jacqui know – SturBiz18@gmail.com
Library sessions
The Friends of the Library are getting back in action after COVID, and have been running craft events for children during the summer holidays. Volunteers are needed to continue the Saturday craft sessions and also the planned after-school club for younger children. If you would like to be involved, please contact Michaela on friendsofsturlibrary@hotmail.co.uk
The Queen’s Green Canopy
During October there will be further contributions to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Green Canopy, with tree planting around the town. A new leaflet has been produced, introducing walkers to the remarkable specimen trees we have in the town. It is available from the Town Council and The Emporium – for information contact Taprisha Seifert – sturqgc@gmail.com
Car meet
The car enthusiasts will be back in the recreation ground between 9am and noon on Saturday 3rd September, and again on the 1st October. From November to March inclusive they will be meeting either outside the Medical Centre or Hansons and Streeters. Numbers have increased over the summer and quite a collection now gathers every month. It’s definitely worth a wander round, and always good to chat to the owners. If you’d like to bring your car, it’s a relaxed meet and no booking or qualifications are necessary – just an interesting car (with the relevant insurance)!
Next year’s wedding fair
A second wedding festival is being planned for 5th and 6th May 2023, with a wedding fair at The Exchange and support from shops in the town, a display of dresses and culminating in a wedding ball at The Exchange. To help with the planning or get involved in the event, please contact Debbie at Stur’s bridal shop Forever Bridal – deborah@forever-bridal.co.uk.
Successful Family Fest
The Riverside Meadow Family Fest was a great success, and plans are already underway for a bigger, better event next year – but the plan is to move it to the start of the school holiday rather than have it at the end of the summer. For information contact Ruth Caldwell riversidefamilyfest@outlook.com
Thank you
And finally, thank you to all those who supported the Community Fete on Saturday 27th Aug and especially the shops who supported SturBuzz week by decorating their windows. The business voted the best by the public at the Community Fete on Saturday was John Carrick Financial Services with a joint second of The Boutique and Pure Hair. SturBuzz will definitely be back next year!
