The emission-free electric vehicle will be recharged by the co-op using renewable electricity.

Called the Wisper, the black Tesla- based hearse will enable families to say goodbye to their loved ones in a more environmentally responsible way.

The entirely silent hearse is zero- emission 19ft long, and has a 220-mile single-charge range.
It will operate across almost all 60 funeral branches run by Southern Co-op, including those in Gillingham, Sturminster Newton and Shaftesbury.
Steve Pearce, Southern Co-op’s Chief Operating Officer for End of Life Services, said: “This day has been a long time coming with delays caused by the pandemic and waiting for it to be approved for use on the UK’s roads. We hope this will offer people an elegant alternative which echoes a traditional appearance. It will also compliment an existing range of other eco-friendly products we offer as we all work together to tackle climate change and make a difference to our environment.”

As well as the hearse, Southern Co-op is also the first funeral business in the UK to take delivery of two new hybrid Mercedes E-Class Limousines and two new converted E class Mercedes hybrid hearses.
These models offer the ability to run the vehicles in full electric mode for an entirely silent funeral procession.

Independent family brewer Hall & Woodhouse is launching a New England IPA (NEIPA) as the first beer in its new ‘Small Batch Series’ of limited edition bottled beers.

The new Small Batch Series NEIPA is an unfiltered 5.5% ABV beer with notes of pineapple, mango and a hint of tangerine. It is Hall & Woodhouse’s first hazy beer; brewed with oats and wheat to provide a milky opaqueness. Three hops have been chosen -El Dorado, Citra and Mosaic – for their powerful aromas.

Drinks Marketing Manager Matt Woodhouse said: “The Small Batch Series is an exciting development in our beer offering. Small Batch Series is a new name from Hall & Woodhouse, but it comes with the centuries of brewing heritage and focus on brewing top-quality beers with the finest ingredients, that have always underpinned our Badger Beers.”

The NEIPA is the latest beer in Hall & Woodhouse’s programme, following in the wake of the fruity passionfruit and mango IPA Fropical Ferret, and Twice Tangled, the modern revisit on the 1980s Tangle Foot original. Milk Made is another new product, a milk stout with delicious layers of chocolate, vanilla and coconut.

The Small Batch Series beers will be brewed at Hall & Woodhouse’s state-of-the-art brewery in Blandford. The local family brewer plans to release more beers under the range several times a year, with runs limited to around 2,000 cases, available exclusively through the Badger Direct online store, or at the Hall & Woodhouse Brewery Shop in Blandford.

The owners of the former Co-op and Budgens supermarket building Elite Garages have signed a franchise arrangement with Morrisons, the national supermarket chain; the building has been empty since its closure in 2017.
Richard Whittemore’s family business purchased the store in 2021, and his daughter Kelsie, who represents the
third generation of the family business, is excited at the prospect of bringing a fresh convenience store back to Shaftesbury.

The new Morrisons store will form part of the large building; an Elite Garages workshop will also be on site.
Alongside their national supermarket chain, Morrisons also has a wholesale business which allows companies like
the Whittemore’s to run their own ‘Morrisons Daily’ franchise. The store will stock Morrisons products, alongside a range of local products.
Paul Foster, Wholesale Manager at Morrisons, said: “We’re excited to be partnering with Richard and the team to bring a Morrisons Daily to Shaftesbury. Customers will also be able to buy everyday essentials and food-to-go items from Morrisons wide range of own brand products. ”

Local employment opportunities

The Whittemore’s are running ‘Recruitment Open Days’ on Friday 5th November (10am-8pm) and Saturday 6th November (10am-6pm).

They will be discussing the vacancies available, answering any questions, chatting about the roles etc.
The business is hoping to recruit 30 new employees for the site, and the recruitment open days will be covering both the Morrisons Daily vacancies and the Elite Garages workshop vacancies.

Grace Haine Eyecare is set to open this month on Cheap Street.

Grace Haine Eyecare 2 is the second practice for much-loved local optician Grace Haine, who currently runs a successful practice in Stalbridge. The Sherborne practice is due to officially open on Friday 26th November 2021.

Taking over a vacant property next to the Post Office, Grace and her team have been busy preparing the practice to welcome new patients. Using the latest technology, eye exams will be offered for all ages, and patients will also be able to choose new eyewear from a wide range of frames and lenses.

Expansion plans

Grace opened her first practice in Stalbridge in 2012, and the practice has an excellent reputation for its personal, friendly service and high-quality care. Grace decided Sherborne was the ideal location for a second premises.

“I am so excited, and already feel so welcomed by the community,” said Grace Haine, Owner and Dispensing Optician at Grace Haine Eyecare. “It has been an incredibly challenging time for the High Street, not least for independent businesses, and we are delighted to be refreshing a vacant property in such a beautiful location.”

Grace Haine Eyecare is an independent Opticians with a team of experienced, qualified and friendly staff. The practice offers the Eyeplan eye care scheme to make the highest quality eye care more accessible. For more information, please visit www.gracehaineeyecare.co.uk.