Pauline Batstone shares her monthly round up of what’s happening among the town’s collection of community enterprises and events
Its almost here: Christmas 2024 (where did the year go?) We hope you enjoyed the Christmas Event on the 30th November but there is so much more to come between now and New Years Day! The Real Father Christmas is working even harder than usual to meet as many children as he can in his grotto in 1855 each Saturday before Christmas (pre-book please by calling in, or phone 01258 475612) Be good, because he has a list and checks it every day …
There will be free parking in the town each Saturday leading up to Christmas, thanks to SturAction and Dorset Council.
The 7th December is Small Business Saturday – do come and support our local businesses … and also come and admire the vehicles at the Sturminster Newton Car and Bike Enthusiasts Event which will be making its monthly visit to town, between 9am and 12 noon in the Station Road Car Park.
Get your Christmas Presents in 1855
There will be a book signing by local authors in 1855 on Saturday 7th December (of course the books themselves will be there at any time that 1855 is open – unless they are sold out, so do think about shopping early!)
If you have any thoughts about going to London in the near future, and any interest in science, then treat yourself to Okeford Fitzpaine author Rachel Rowe’s book The Science Lovers Guide to London.
Chris Oswald has been steadily writing away in his Fiddleford farmhouse – and has now produced quite a range of locally-based stories which are all available in 1855.
Mary Van Coller has produced a lovely guide book to Dorset which is being sold in 1855, and 25 per cent of the proceeds is going to support the Air Ambulance (but please don’t forget Mappowder when you do your next edition Mary, a remote village which is especially grateful to the helicopter). Paul Cosway is a Dorset writer who is hoping to make the beautiful area of North Dorset the next Midsummer – a district that people turn to for thrilling crime stories! His books focus on the problems faced by D.I. Ken Jones and his loyal assistant Sergeant Jenny Grace.
We’re also pleased to have Jim Carter’s history of his grandfather’s time in the Navy, Hearts of Steel, in the shop. It is an exciting but sobering read. Life was hard.
More on 1st January
Don’t forget that Stur’s fun doesn’t end on Christmas Day – the Classic Car and Bike event will be back for their annual Vintage & Classic Vehicle Run on the morning of New Year’s Day. It’s the biggest event in their calendar, and once again it will be raising money for the Air Ambulance, and is kindly supported by Harts and SturAction.
