12 minute read
What's on
Sturminster Newton is a pretty market town and the unoffocal ‘capital’ of the Blackmore Vale. Its picturesque 1,000 year old mill on the River Stour is seen by all those passing the narrow arched bridge into the town. Once home to Thomas Hardy and Dorset dialect poet William Barnes, Sturminster Newton is a small town with a big community.
Community Shops in Stur
We don’t do justice to charity shops when we refer to them as ‘pre-loved - these shops always do so much for the wider community, and Sturminster Newton’s town-owned shops are no different. ‘The Boutique’ in Market Cross is the renamed former ‘Community Chest’ and contains a hoard of pre-loved ladies and children’s clothes and accessories. Renamed, but the same lovely quality clothes at fair prices. The Emporium in the Market Place recently celebrated its first anniversary as a treasure trove of household items looking for new homes; china, glass, ‘collectables’, kitchenware, children’s toys, books, music and much more. A new addition is the Gentleman’s Clothes
The book corner in The Emporium is a popular spot for a browse with its attractive
‘Four for a Pound’ bargain offer. image: Tim Robins Boutique with its own changing room. The money raised from both The Emporium and The Boutique is used for the benefit of the town – you will soon see a defibrillator appearing on the outside of the building as their latest project.
The house of repurposing.
The Emporium is a place for rehoming but it is also an ecohub of recycling. The plea from Shop Manager Cheryl Basten is “we want good quality goods to sell but our motto is that ‘nothing goes to waste’ if we can possible avoid it. Please do remember us when you are having a clear out.” If clothes and goods are not of good enough quality to sell in the two shops they are not sent to landfull but sold on for recycling. The Emporium also collects: • milk bottle tops which go to a cancer charity • stamps which go to the RNIB • batteries for recycling • bras which go to women in the developing world • glasses - handed on to a local opticians, again for a second life in developing countries • printer ink cartridges for recycling • buttons which are put on cards for sale • old woollies - these are made into gloves • broken costume jewellery - used to decorate handbags.
The Emporium also houses a community fridge with free food for anyone who wants to help themselves. Cheryl says “we take surplus food from The Pantry or food shops, including produce from local gardeners and most recently free-range eggs. Please don’t be shy, come and help yourself and fight food waste”.
The Boutique is Sturminster Newton’s community shop for ladies and children’s pre-loved clothing. image: Tim Robins
STURMINSTER NEWTON
Job Fair in Sturminster Newton
Local businesses and voluntary bodies report that they are struggling to find workers and SturBiz (Sturminster Newton Chamber of Commerce) has responded by setting up a Job Fair to bring them together.
Stur is holding a Job Fair on Thursday 21st October at The Exchange, 10 am – 2pm, offering opportunities to job-seekers and volunteers. If you are considering selfemployment or have a new business idea, then this event is for you. If you’re looking to gain new skills and training, you’ll be able to talk to someone about this. Maybe you have time to spare for voluntary work, or want to expand your CV with additional skills – come and see what is on offer. This event provides access to a wide variety of businesses and organisations offering: • employment • volunteer roles to aid job or career enhancement, or social use of spare time • career opportunities and advice • training As an employer or volunteer organisation this event provides the following opportunities: • speak face to face with jobseekers / potential volunteers • engage in mini interviews on the day • great networking opportunities • business support, including start up • access to training information and grants • meet potential employees / volunteers and raise awareness of your company or organisation
Who should attend?
Within a week of the announcement this free event had already secured 16 exhibitors with many more to follow. It will be a ‘one stop shop’ where job seekers and career changers can meet employers face to face who are offering job opportunities within a wide variety of industries including manufacturing, hospitality, service, retailing, engineering, administration, transport and IT. To find out more and to book a place use this link - Job Fair Sturminster Newton
What is Sturbiz?
SturBiz is the Chamber of Commerce for Sturminster Newton and surrounding area and has been working hard to keep Stur thriving through Covid. SturBiz is the organisation behind a number of events and activities held this year, including the Sturminster Newton Art Week, Scarecrow Festival and Sturminster Summer Fete. SturBiz employs Jacqui Wragg as its Coordinator, working from an office above The Emporium. Jacqui’s proud of her office “it’s affectionally named the ‘Ideas Factory’, we respond through local intelligence to community and business needs to make Stur a good place to live, work and play – it’s the town which always smiles”.
A Celebration of Poetry
Don’t miss the fantastic ‘Stur’s Celebration of Poetry’ event which supports National Poetry Day. Renowned local and national authors will be giving readings.
Venue: The Exchange Date: Thurs Oct 7 Time: 7pm
For further information see the Sturminster Newton Literary Festival facebook page.
Enjoy an early Christmas Market
Fontmell Magna are offering an opportunity to get a head start on your Christmas Shopping! Fontmell Magna Village Hall, Saturday 16th October, 11am to 3pm.
It may be early, but it pays to be prepared; and the free Early Christmas Market is an excellent opportunity to start your festive preparations in good time.
What will the stalls sell?
The range of goods is astonishing - you may need to take a breath here: local cured produce from the Real Cure, Dempsey’s gin, handmade soaps and beauty products, pictures, framed die cast models and art, knitted and sewn items, pottery, handmade ceramics, felted creations, candles, up-cycled lamps, hand painted silk scarves, textured art, sheepskin and leather goods, throws and rugs, dorseteco’s bamboo and coconut household items, weaver green bags and blankets, children’s homeware and clothing, dog treats, toys and accessories. The renowned Truckle Truck, North Dorset’s local travelling cheesemonger, will be present selling cheese and gifts. Plus there will be a range of Christmas decorations and cards. There will of course be the usual homemade cakes, jams and chutneys on sale. Not forgetting the Grand Hamper Raffle - tickets available on the day or from Fontmell Magna Village Shop. All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Fontmell Magna Village Hall Playground, Friendship Garden and Recreation Area
For further information please email: Secretary.fmvh@mail. com or find us on Facebook or Instagram.
An awardwinning newfilm about farming andthe environment. Mostlyfilmedin Dorset.
Witha brieftalkanddiscussion withthe Director RobertGolden Thursday October 7th Film starts 7.30 pm The Methodist Hall, Gillingham
The Yeovil Stroke Club is a support group for all with epilepsy who have had a stroke. The group is run by a team of volunteers to give carers some valuable free time, safe in the knowledge that someone is taking care for a few hours. Community transport offers pick ups in Yeovil - people from all areas are very welcome to join, but currently the group cannot provide for transport outside Yeovil. A lunchtime meal is provided, and once a month a trip is organised, sometimes a meal out or speakers are invited. Volunteers are much-needed - even if you just have some time to spend simply talking to members it would be a tremendous help. To find out more about becoming a member or a volunteer, please contact Jeni Wright (chairman) on 01258 82138.
Discover the u3a
Across the UK, u3a members are discovering new things, staying active and having fun in later life. It’s local, social, friendly, low-cost and open to all! “Make the most of life once you’re no longer in full time work by exploring new ideas, skills and interests with Sturminster Newton u3a!”
What happens at the u3a?
Founded in 2008, Sturminster Newton u3a always welcomes new people to its active membership of about 200. There are 24 special interest groups who regularly meet, enjoying a range of activities from wine appreciation to Mahjong. Members draw upon their knowledge and experience to share and learn from each other - just for pleasure. Most groups meet once or twice a month. Once a month there is an open invitation for a general meetings - non-members are very welcome. These are usually on the 3rd Thursday of the month, at which invited guests speak on a wide range of topics. All meetings start at 3.15pm and are in the Bow Room of The Exchange in Sturminster Newton.
‘Tales of a Roving Reporter
The next meeting is October 21st, when speaker Alan Jones will share takes from his ‘twenty years of weird, wonderful and downright crazy stories, from nudists to royalty, dangerous animals and nervous Bishops’. Everyone is welcome, why not give it a try?
Lawrence: After Arabia, the eagerly anticipated new film
Shot in Dorset, the new film features Olivier and Golden Globe winning Brian Cox, stars local actor Tom Barber Duffy in the title role, with a largely local cast and crew.
The film has won a swathe of awards at a slew of festivals including Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Soundtrack, Special Jury Award and Audience Award.
It is the story of the last year of the life of T.E. Lawrence - Lawrence of Arabia - a scholar, writer, soldier and reluctant hero. Retiring to his cottage in Dorset he hopes to escape his past but is pulled into political intrigue. He has many powerful friends but has made dangerous enemies. As they plot against him he dies in a tragic motorcycle crash. Was his untimely death an accident? Or was it an assassination and cover-up by the British Secret Service? Lawrence died a few hundred yards from his cottage on a road he knew well after careering into the back of two boys on bicycles - after being passed in the opposite direction by a black car which was never traced. The film premieres at Poole Lighthouse on the 9th of October. It will have local screenings in Sherborne, Shaftesbury, Moreton and Sturminster Newton - please see the website here for details of dates, times and tickets: www.lawrencethemovie.com
WIN - Four tickets to the Halloween Fireworks at Minterne House
Yes, thanks to the lovely team at Minterne House we have have four tickets to give away to one lucky winner for the Halloween Firework Spectacular!
Please note these tickets are non transferrable – so before you enter, make sure you’re available on the 29th October and can get to Minterne House. Gates open at 6pm, and the fireworks are at 7.30pm.
To be in with a chance to win just click the image on the right to go to the website.
The closing date for this competition is 22nd October 2021 and only entries received on or before that date can be included. The prizes will go to the first randomly chosen entry. Good luck!
WHAT’S ON
Tumble outta’ bed and stumble to The Bristol Hippodrome to see Dolly Parton’s smash hit musical!
Tue 12 - Sat 16 Oct Bristol Hippodrome
Starring Louise Redknapp and fresh from five star reviews in London’s West End, 9 to 5 the Musical tells the story of three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the women manage to reform their office - or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?
Why go and see it?
Dolly Parton’s smash-hit musical is the most fun you’ll have in the theatre all year. Coming to you direct from London’s West End, expect a rip-roaring score by the Queen of Country herself! With an Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by Dolly Parton herself, this hilarious new production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business.
Join the Walk for Wards
When everyone was at home in lockdown, NHS staff at Yeovil Hospital were going to work every day, knowing that they would be in contact with the virus and putting themselves at risk. Many of them moved out of their family homes and lived alone for weeks on end to keep their loved ones safe.
A way to say thanks
The hospital, its staff and its patients are supported by Yeovil Hospital Charity and as a way to officially thank all of those hard-working front line staff, the charity has organised a sponsored walk around the picturesque grounds of Leweston School, Sherborne. James Kirton, Head of Fundraising at the charity, is hoping people will raise as much as they can in sponsorship. “The pandemic continues and there are still huge challenges at the hospital, but now seems like a great time to hold a safe outdoor event and for people to give something back to the NHS. People can sign up online at www.yeovilhospital. co.uk/walk-for-wards or just call us on 01935 383020 and we will sign them up. We have a 5km route and an accessible 2.5km route so there is something for everyone!”
WALK FOR WARDS
Leweston School Sherborne
£10 Adults | £5 child | Under 5' s free Price includes free Burger or Hotdog
