It's wedding time in Dorchester

I love Saturdays in Dorchester. They are often busy and bustling, but always cheeful and upbeat. Today the Corn Exchange was the venue for a wedding fair. Small businesses collaborated to provide an excellent variety of services, that all contribute to making a wedding day run smoothly.

I kind of wished I was getting married again, but don't let my husband know! 

My visit to the Corn Exchange was purely out of curiosity, but I was made to feel extremely welcome by Kate and Kirsten at the door. Kate runs Bridal Reloved a dress shop in Poundbury, and Kirsten is a talented make-up artist. Inside I chatted with Cara from Stripey Finds who's products would bring a bit of fun to any celebratory event! 

Taste Brassierie re-opened today with a fresh new look, I did not have time to stop there today, but I will look forward to eating there soon.
I did treat myself to a lovely new pair of earrings today, from the lovely jewellery shop in Princes Street called Jordan's Jewellers. 

They were not like the ones I wore on my wedding day!

I wonder what happened to those?

A very purple day

I attended evensong last night at St Peter's Church in Dorchester. The Church was lit with purple lighting to highlight the start of Pancreatic Awareness Month. I have adjusted this photograph, it was not quite as purple as this! There were a team of volunteers in the church who were helping to raise awareness of a local support group called 'Pan Pals Dorset'.

Earlier in the day I had visited a shop in Poundbury Dorchester, called Purple Penguins! 

This exciting jewellery shop sells affordable pieces, as some of the items are made of bronze and then coated with silver! 
I treated myself to a shiny new pair of earrings! 

Here is a link to the Purple Penguins Facebook Page if you want to find out where it is! 

New earrings

There are lots of great independant businesses in Dorchester, many of which are thriving. Some of these are well established, but there are many new ones which is good to see.
Many shops and businesses offer loyalty points, and a fine example of customer loyalty benefits is offered by The Fridge delicatessen in the Tudor arcade. This tiny little shop is always well staffed, busy and fully stocked with some delightful products. Cheese is abundant,  and can be sampled before purchasing giving you a moment to decide what else to buy! Something on the full shelves will probably catch your eye! A loyalty card can be purchased to give you an annual discount on all that you buy!
Another shop that has started up a loyalty scheme is tucked away in behind the Nappers Mite cafe.
Every Cloud sells products made by local artists and designers. If you are looking for a present for someone you will nearly always find one in here. The shop has built up a range of unusual jewellery, glassware, and crafted items that the owner cleverly chooses to sell.
I was lucky to be given the earrings  pictured above, which are made of a very light 'biscuit tin' so are completely weightless when worn. These are from the range that are included in this months discounted offer for regular subscribing customers! What a treat!

Link to The Fridge Facebook page

Link to Nappers Mite cafe

Link to Every Cloud