A NEW coffee shop has opened at the Williams Florist and Garden Centre based in their florist’s shop in Stalbridge.

The owners have named their coffee shop Vera’s after Eric’s mother and Helen’s grandmother Vera Williams.

The coffee shop has a cream tea special to celebrate Wimbledon – £5 to include fresh strawberries – which ends on Sunday (July 14).

The new coffee shop can be found at the Williams Florist’s shop in Stalbridge Picture: Williams Florist and Garden Centre

A spokesperson for Williams Florist and Garden Centre said: “Vera was the heart and soul of Stalbridge, known and loved by everyone in the village.

“She married Lionel Williams in 1933 and became a cornerstone of the community until she passed away at the age of 94.

“From starting the first grocer’s shop that blossomed into Williams Nurseries and Florists, to her active roles in the Methodist church and the Women’s Institute, Vera contributed significantly to village life.

Vera Williams Picture: Williams Florist and Garden Centre

“She was a mother to four boys, including Eric Williams who was born in Station Road and lives there even today, and a doting grandmother to eight grandchildren, including Helen Williams, who’s now following in both her and Eric’s footsteps running Williams Florists.

“Vera was the queen of family gatherings, especially during Christmas when she’d bring everyone together to make countless holly wreaths, a tradition Helen restarted last year through holly wreath making workshops.

Customers will be welcomed with the delightful smell of coffee and flowers Picture: Williams Florist and Garden Centre

“Vera loved a good gossip over a cup of tea and a rich tea biscuit and though she’s no longer with us, we hope her legacy lives on through this new coffee shop.”

For more information about Williams Florist and Garden Centre, visit their website.