SturAction sprang a surprise on John Romans on 31st March at the 1855 late night shopping – he found himself the guest of honour, receiving an award from the retiring High Sheriff Sibyl King for his contribution to the town. John officially transferred ownership of the former Lloyds Bank (since renamed the John Romans Building) to SturAction in order to house The Emporium and provide working space for local entrepreneurs. John also leases the former NatWest bank – now 1855 – and the old Barclays Bank (currently used as a pre-loved furniture outlet) to SturAction.
The Garden Room is open!
1855 continues to flourish, with more space becoming available for traders following the opening of the second area, the Garden Room. The volunteer who created this exciting room is now working on renovating the former bank vault – it will be interesting to see who opts to trade in there!
1855 has a late night opening on the last Friday of each month until 8pm, and is now also open on Sundays from 11am to 3pm.
Do come in and explore – there is always something new to see.
The Emporium, which houses Dapper Chaps, and the Furniture Store continue to welcome both regulars and new customers with their ever-changing range of pre-loved goods. It’s only too easy to pop in for an items you need and leave with one you just cannot live without …
Meanwhile pop in to The Boutique if you’re looking for a spring wedding outfit – or any other special event. There are always beautiful clothes and accessories at knock down prices; you can even find a beautiful wedding or bridesmaids dress!
It has been decided our wonderful volunteers deserve their bank holidays too, so The Emporium, The Boutique and the Furniture Store will be closed for all of the May bank holidays.
1855 will be closed on Coronation Day, but will otherwise be open for bank holiday mooching.
Dates for your diary
Firstly, a thank you to David Shepherd for creating the ‘What’s Happening in Stur’ pamphlet to keep us informed each month, but just as a reminder:
Town Litter Pick
Stur will be a lot tidier after Coronation Bank Holiday Monday!
Anyone with the time can join The Big Help Out litter pick – starting from 11am at the Council Offices.
3rd to 5th June
Things get exciting!
The first weekend in June sees:
- The Exchange Beer and Ale Festival • The Garden Fair
- Craft and Food Fair at The Exchange
and Station Road (weather permitting) - The Car and Bike Enthusiasts Meet is back in The Rec (at the end of Ricketts Lane)
- Free parking in town on Saturday 3rd June!
Cake stand?
The Emporium has you covered.
3rd to 10th June
Sturminster Newton Literary Festival
The first week in June is the centre of the third annual SturLitFest, with a range of events around the town including fascinating talks by authors, guided literary walks, writers workshops, a book fair, and a chance to learn more about the town’s remarkable stained glass windows. See the website for full event and booking details, or pick up a brochure locally – tickets are bookable online or on the door for most events, subject to availability.
Sundays
Good luck to the combined charities who are running a car boot sale in the Rec each Sunday through the summer.
