This month’s news from the unofficial capital of the Blackmore Vale …
Pauline Batstone rounds up a busy month in Sturminster Newton
1855
The new ‘unique shop full of creativity in the heart of the Blackmore Vale’, 1855, will be opening its doors to the public on Sunday 20th November from 10am to 4pm. Yes, Sunday!
It will then be open six days a week, with appointments only on a Wednesday.
Come and buy from almost thirty local artisans, producers and traders, with products ranging from wines and ciders to work by artists and photographers, a bespoke tailor, a blacksmith (sorry, no horses allowed), authors, beauty products, cards, clothes, jewellery, silk goods, bespoke furniture and more.
The John Romans Building
The former Lloyds Bank is now officially The John Romans Building, and is in the process of being donated by John (thank you) to SturAction to be used for the benefit of the area in perpetuity – specifically it is to be used to generate funds for local projects and to promote employment and training. On the ground and first floors donated items will be processed and sold (through The Emporium) to raise funds for SturAction’s projects. The large rooms and the office on the first floor are intended to be used to promote those objectives. The top floor is to be turned into office space to support the work of the Incubator Project, helping would-be entrepreneurs.
The Emporium
In the Collectables Corner of the Emporium we recently received a donation of some lovely gold cuff links and evening shirt studs. Thanks to Trina at Horrocks & Webb in Blandford Forum for once again giving us their expert advice and valuations. Do come and browse the wide range of collectable items – all at knock-down prices, naturally!
Also in The Emporium is the Dapper Chaps Gentleman’s Boutique, complementing our brilliant ladies and children’s boutique in Market Cross. So for those glamorous Christmas events – including The London Festival Opera at The Exchange on 9th and 10th December – treat yourself to something stunning.
You may also need some ‘new to you’ furniture for your Christmas entertaining – if so, take a look at the catalogue in The Emporium and check out what is on offer in the furniture showroom in the former Barclays Bank. Some pieces are very much ready to rehome, and there are others which lend themselves to an upcycling project.
Make Stur Sparkle 2022
This year’s seasonal events will be launched on 25th November with an ice rink arriving in Church Street Car Park (opposite Beads with a Twist) for Friday 25th and Saturday 26th!
There will be late night shopping on the 25th and 26th.
Saturday 26th is Christmas Shopping day; there will be a Christmas Fayre in The Exchange, the Anonymous Travelling Market will be in the town, the Bulgarian Dancers will be dancing, there will be music throughout the day and don’t miss Father Christmas! The Lantern Parade will be at 6.15pm, leading to the lighting of the Christmas tree at 6.30pm.
Join in the hunt for the sparkling stars in Stur’s shop windows from 26th November through to the New Year.
Christmas Angels will once again be hiding around the town from 1st December.
The Car and Bike Enthusiasts will be back on the morning of Saturday 3rd December
Santas will be striding along the Trailway to raise funds for the Air Ambulance on Sunday 11th December.
For further information see the Christmas page on sturminster-newton.org.uk or Facebook