Pauline Batstone shares her monthly round up of what’s happening among the town’s collection of community enterprises and events
Autumn is gently creeping up on us – pop into The Boutique and browse through our seasonal preloved offerings, find some new-to-you cosy goodies! There are new opening hours from Monday 2nd October – 10-4pm, Monday to Saturday.
The Furniture Warehouse is now open every Monday from 10am to 4pm, and Fridays from 1pm to 5pm. At other times please do enquire in The Emporium.
And that means our Uniform Hub is also open; please come and see what we can help you with – for free! – plus bring along your outgrown items.
Meanwhile the Emporium and the Art Gallery continue to surprise and delight with a wide range of collectables, and all the things you never knew you wanted … till you wandered in. While you’re browsing, do your bit to help prevent food waste by checking out what is in our Community Fridge – the contents are free to all.
The eclectic shopping experience at 1855 continues to change and grow, with new traders joining. Recently we have welcomed Whimsical Creations who creates bespoke handmade baby clothes, and Cradle to Grave with an amazing collection of hand-woven wicker baskets, trugs and more. The Curtain Man has added trinket trays & bags to its range of cushions, runners, aprons & wall hangings, and Forager Spirit has restocked its range of amazing liqueurs. 1855 is open six days a week from 10am to 5pm
There is a food tasting pop up with our traders on the morning of Saturday 7th October – pop in and have a taste!
Meanwhile …
SturAction is initiating and funding the revival of a Sturminster Newton Welcome Pack for those moving to our area
SturAction is introducing new Stur Ambassadors. It’s a project which has worked well in other local towns, ensuring that on days when events are taking place in town there will be highly-visible ambassadors available to welcome and help visitors. Volunteers welcome!
If you missed the opportunity to attend The Big Stur Welcome this week, why not take a stroll to the Stour Connect Community Celebration this month? It’s on Saturday 28th October (10am to 3pm) at Stour Connect on Bath Road.
Halloween fun – there will be a window Halloween Quiz through the town this month – keep your eyes peeled!
Working with the Vale Pantry, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton Library and 1855, SturAction hopes to have a full Halloween programme of events to attract visitors and shoppers to town on Saturday 28th October.
The Car and Bike Enthusiasts plan to meet (weather dependent) tomorrow, 7th October.
Free town parking has been organised by SturAction for the following days and events: • Saturday 25th November (Christmas Tree Switch On)
- Saturday 2nd December (Small Business Saturday)
- Saturday 9th December
- Saturday 16th December
- Saturday 23rd December
A Make Stur Sparkle programme will list all events and activities taking place locally throughout the festive season. Printed copies (funded by SturAction) will be distributed around town for people to pick up. More information about this and other Christmas events planned will be shared nearer the time.
And finally, the Late Night Shopping event will take place on Friday 24th November (5pm to 8pm).
Volunteers wanted!
We can always use a new pair of hands to join our family of happy people. We can use your skills in different ways, it’s not just about serving in a shop. Just ask in The Emporium or the Boutique, or email Jacqui on
sturbiz18@gmail.com
