Global meets local in Semley, uniting Dorset’s finest with international brands for a showcase of sustainability, craftsmanship, and enterprise
Businesses in Semley are set to open their doors again for the second iteration of the eagerly-anticipated Chaldicott Spring Fair.
After launching last year to widespread acclaim, the Chaldicott Spring Fair will welcome visitors from across Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and beyond as resident businesses at the award-winning rural office and retail development showcase their wares.
Among the 25 businesses present will be Africa Odyssey, a highly-regarded bespoke safari tour operator, who opened their second office in Semley last autumn to complement their London office. The event will also feature internationally renowned brands such as furniture makers Another Country and Japanese garden tool specialists, Niwaki.
‘The move to Chaldicott Barns was a big step for us as a business. We’d had 25 years with solely a London presence, but we are delighted with how things have gone so far and the reception we’ve had from local people and businesses,’ said Africa Odyssey managing director Ted Archdale, who moved to the local area with his young family in 2020. ‘A major reason for us opening a Dorset office was the concentration of fantastic businesses already here, and the audiences and customer base they naturally draw in.’
Sustainable furniture brand Another Country opened their showroom at Chaldicott Barns last year – owner Paul de Zwart, who lives nearby, is also delighted to have made the move out of the city.
‘Our London showroom has historically been where we have met our customers face to face. But we recognised a growing West Country audience, and felt Chaldicott Barns were the perfect place for us to physically locate ourselves in this beautiful part of England,’ he said.
Books, baths and brands
Natural bath and body care producer Bramley, founded by local entrepreneur and mum Chloe Luxton, was a winner of the 2024 beauty shortlist awards. they will be returning to the Spring Fair, having been in residence at Chaldicott Barns for the past three years.
‘Last year was a huge success for us and we’re hoping even more lovely visitors come to see us for what is set to be another wonderful local event,’ Chloe said. ‘We couldn’t be more excited.’
With food and delicious coffee provided onsite by Compton McRae Kitchen and Larder, specialists in a range of artisan-made products, visitors will be able to enjoy superb food and drink.
Homeware brands, plant nurseries, fashion and books will also be on sale, with residents The Travel Bookshop sure to be in high demand from those planning an African adventure or beyond.
Local author Sam Peters, whose book Concussed was recently shortlisted for the prestigious William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award, will be among the exhibitors, alongside Pink House Mustique and Robert Kennett Garden Designer.
Acclaimed local business, Planted – founded by another local entrepreneur Deborah Spencer – will host a small curated offering in the main courtyard featuring some of their favourite sustainable brands including Country Crib, The Sustainable Shop, Snow Shepperd, By:BW and Old Green.
‘Chaldicott Barns has become a real hive of business activity in recent years, with many of the lovely local brands sharing our love of high-quality sustainable design,’ said Deborah, one of the organisers of this year’s fair.
Chaldicott Barns Spring Fair, 10am to 4pm
Saturday April 27 Admission free
Semley
chaldicott-barns.co.uk
