Empty shops are filling up fast: the town welcomes Smiley Miley – offering dog accessories, treats and other pet merchandise – who are moving from their space in 1855 into a shop of their own, taking over the former Agnes and Vera premises.
A warm welcome too to The Dressing Room, selling vintage and designer ladies’ clothing at the top of Station Road. Bank House Bistro has changed hands and become The Indian House, while Mumbai Bay is set to reopen as Tandoor Cottage on 6th May – good luck to both ventures.
The Dorset Blind Association has moved into Church Street and is well worth a visit. Meanwhile, the Friends of Blandford Hospital have refurbished their shop and are open for business again. While some complain about a town filled with charity shops, better those than empty windows – and charity shops offer plenty of benefits, from supporting local causes to encouraging social connection and offering affordable, sustainable shopping.
Stur’s own community shops
The Emporium is currently looking for more volunteers, particularly for The Marketplace (the furniture store). The Marketplace is open whenever The Emporium is open, but its own volunteers are currently only there on Mondays and occasional Saturdays. Staff from The Emporium pop in when they can – but more help is needed to keep the doors open so visitors can browse the beautiful furniture inside. If you can spare a few hours a week, pop into The Emporium, The Boutique or 1855, or email Cheryl on 1855stur@gmail.com.
We’ve also welcomed new traders this month to the ever-changing 1855, joining more than 100 already trading there. And at long last, we’re stocking gift wrap too!
If that’s still not enough shopping for you, the Craft Market returns monthly from 3rd May at The Exchange, organised by Liz Whittingham.
Congratulations!
A bumper round of congratulations this month:
To The Boxing Club and The Football Club for their recent successes – long may they continue!
To SturFit, whose exercising bunnies display won the most votes in the Easter Window competition.
And to The Vale Family Hub for a strong and successful first month – though it has been sadly overshadowed by the death of key staff member Paige Hancock, aged just 24.
Our condolences to all those who knew and loved her.
Car & Bike Meet
The Car and Bike enthusiasts return to the Rec on 3rd May, moving from their smaller winter home in the car park. They had a fantastic selection of vehicles at the last one with a record attendance of more than 230 vehicles, including a Lamborghini Countach, several cars from the 70s and 80s, several stunning Porsches, E-Types, MGs and several American cars. Just a reminder that there’s no need to book, no charge and parking in the rest of the town is free for the day!
Keep an eye out too for our visitors from Montebourg, arriving that weekend as part of the town’s Twinning link with France – a very warm welcome to them.
The photo competition
The Sturminster Newton contribution to the North Dorset Photo Exhibition opens at The Exchange on 9th May for a fortnight. Local photographers will be showcasing what they love about our area, with public votes deciding the best three images from under-18s and over-18s. The winners will join the Professional photographers category winners and feature in a joint exhibition with the other North Dorset market towns later in June, also at The Exchange. The overall winners will be decided by renowned landscape photographer and local resident Charlie Waite. The aim? To build a collection of images that promote North Dorset to a wider tourist audience.
Stur LitFest
And looking ahead to June (6th–15th), the Literary Festival is shaping up to be our best yet with soem terrific talks lined up. Tickets are on sale now – and they’re flying out, so don’t delay or you might miss out on listening to your favourite author! You can find the full list of events and book tickets at sturlitfest.com, or grab a brochure around the town. Tickets are also available in 1855
(You can see a quick LitFest round up in April’s BV here – Ed).
