Visit Sturminster Newton on March 4 and enjoy free parking while you browse the shops thanks to local charity SturAction.

Celebrating five successful years in business, SturAction, which runs six retail outlets in Sturminster Newton, is subsidising a day’s free parking in the town.

Sturminster Newton Community Benefit Society Ltd, known as SturAction, was set up to help maintain Sturminster’s reputation as a great place to live, work and play. All profits are used to support projects that benefit the town, including installing a defibrillator in the town centre, putting up Christmas trees, and planting more flowers.
What began in 2018 as a small shop selling clothing, furniture and everything in between is now a thriving network of retail spaces including a pre-loved art gallery and hub for local artisan producers.
SturAction’s volunteers have turned unused, unloved spaces within the town into vibrant shops that enrich the town centre and benefit the community.
“How lucky are we to live in such a wonderful and community-spirited town,” said shop manager Cheryl Basten. “It’s been the most incredible journey with the most amazing volunteers, customers and colleagues and without your support and fabulous donations none of this would have been possible.”
The boutiques’ eclectic mix of pre-loved clothing, art and homewares is enhanced by a new warehouse filled with products created by more than 50 local artisans and craftspeople, in the old Nat West bank, now rebranded 1855.

SturAction is also celebrating the donation to it of the former Lloyds Bank Building by its owner John Romans – a gift to the town in perpetuity. The building has been renamed The John Roman’s Building and will continue to house The Emporium and Dapper Chaps on the ground floor, with an art gallery, meeting rooms and an office used by SturBiz on the first floor. The currently derelict top floor will be turned into office space to help embryonic local businesses.
“Our motto is ‘vision without actions is merely a dream,” said chairman of SturAction Cllr Nick Dobson. “We have a fantastic staff and volunteer group who turn dreams into reality, for the benefit of the town. We are also fortunate to have had tremendous support from John Romans who is a local man, born and bred, and wants to benefit the town.”