There’s a buzz in town this June – and plenty of news around both Stur’s thriving independent shops and also upcoming events.
Firstly, congratulations to local couple Tim and Claire Downer who have just opened Smiley Myley, the luxury dog accessories boutique in the former Agnes & Vera premises. A familiar face in 1855, they’re the first trader to ‘graduate’ from the Emporium to a bricks and mortar high street shop. Their move then creates space for new local producers to join the 1855 community – and the latest arrivals are an impressive bunch:
- Spoons of Dorset Butter: Small-batch, hand-churned flavoured butter range
- South Paddocks: Pork pies, scotch eggs and scratchings from their own herd just three miles away
- Pressed on the Hill: Dried flowers, presses and botanical art
- Shanty Spirit: Rum and vodka from Poole, infused with seaweed and botanicals
- Saddle Stop: Flavoured gins
- Earth-Light: Foraged botanical candles
- Del’s Creative H-art: Animal-themed artwork
- Hannah Shelbourne Designs: Hand-painted lampshades and cards
- Mima Natural Colour: Naturally dyed textiles
- Karen Bush Pottery: Handthrown ceramics from her Wimborne studio
You can meet many of them during 1855’s monthly Meet the Traders & Tastings morning – always held on the first Saturday of the month.
Events in June
Sturminster Newton’s cultural calendar is also looking lively. SturLitFest (6th to 14th June) is packed with events for all ages – and believe it or not, it’s not just about books.
The North Dorset Photo Exhibition (21st June to 4th July) opens at The Exchange, displaying the top-voted images from the biggest towns across the region.
As part of their Railway 200 campaign, the Blackmore Vale Line Community Rail Partnership are giving away free postcards in local shops throughout June – each one showcasing stops along the old Somerset & Dorset Railway line.
Looking ahead, on the 5th to 13th July, local artists will once again be exhibiting around town for Sturminster Newton Arts Week.
The Car and Bike Enthusiasts Meet returns to the Rec on the first Saturday morning of every month, 9am to 12pm, the same day as Liz’s Craft Fair in the Emporium Atrium – with free parking all day, courtesy of SturAction.
And finally – a gentle plea. These fantastic community events don’t run themselves. If you would like to get involved, email Jacqui at SturBiz18@gmail.com – your skills (and friendship) will be very welcome.
