1855 – new space welcomes new traders as it constantly evolves

1855 not just a retail experience – it’s also hosting three SturLitFest events this month. On the 5th June Felice Hardy with her book about her grandparents escape from the Nazis. Two days later on the 7th June Liz Copas and Nick Poole present their work on The Lost Orchards of Dorset, accompanied by cider from Orchard 101. And the following day (8th June) Libby Page will be talking about her book The Vintage Shop of Second Chances before a fashion show of pre-loved items from The Boutique. The stage is set ready!

A chance for a browse

The Boutique is a great shop for anyone who enjoys good quality clothes and accessories – at knock down prices, naturally –and it’s always worth keeping a regular eye on. And for the gentlement there is, of course, Dapper Chaps over at

The Emporium with a similarly ever-changing range of mens clothing for all occasions. The Emporium itself is crammed full of books, music, collectables, and especially homewares and children’s toys. Perfect for those who like to make their money go a little further, or who simply prefer to recycle.

The Emporium also houses Stur’s Community Fridge; free food! We thrive on “waste not want not”. The Furniture Store just up the road is great to fill a gap or for a new upcycling project. We welcome anyone who would like to volunteer to help; we are a lively, friendly group, and there’s never any pressure. Just give as little or as much time as you feel able.

What’s on this month?

June opens with a burst of activities on the very first weekend – the Car and Bike Enthusiasts are back on The Rec on Saturday 3rd June, 9am to 12 noon – it’s afree event, and enjoys a wide and eclectic vehicle mix in attendance!

The Rotary Club are holding their annual Garden Sale in the Railway Gardens the same morning, and the first of ten weekly Car Boot Sales for charity is taking place on The Rec on Sunday morning.

The fourth Sturminster Newton Literary Festival is taking place from 5th to 10th June and there are brochures throughout the town plus tickets on sale in 1855.

Sturbiz Chamber

The monthly SturBiz Business Breakfast will be held in The Coffee Bar at The Exchange 8 to 9am – 9.00 on Tuesday 6th June. It is open to anyone who wants to network with others working in the town, whether that’s voluntary or businesses. The aim is to share information about what is happening in the town and to support each other. Coffee/tea and snacks are available at the Bar or contact Jacqui (SturBiz18@gmail.com) ASAP if you want to order a

What’s On in Stur at a glance

• 3rd to 5th June

The first weekend in June sees:

• The Exchange Beer and Ale Festival

• The Garden Sale (Railway Gardens)

• The Car and Bike Enthusiasts Meet is back in The Rec (at the end of Ricketts Lane)

• Free parking in town on Saturday 3rd June!

• 3rd to 10th June

Sturminster Newton Literary Festival

The first week in June is the centre of the third annual SturLitFest, with a range of events around the town including fascinating talks by authors, guided literary walks, writers workshops, a book fair, and a chance to learn more about the town’s remarkable stained glass windows. See the website sturlitfest.com for full event and booking details, or pick up a brochure locally – tickets are bookable online or on the door for most events, subject to availability

• Sundays

Charity-run car boot sale on the Rec each Sunday through the summer.