Welcome to Sherborne

She has come and gone. The visit by HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh was a huge success; it even stopped raining as they arrived at Sherborne Station. Everything went according to plan and there was terrific excitement around the town, but just as importantly Sherborne shone! The publicity and coverage of the visit showed Sherborne off to its best and as the newscaster from BBC West proclaimed enthusiastically: “You really should come and visit this town!” We may not have the Olympic torch but there is no doubt that we have had something much better!
The May edition of the Faces of Sherborne – people you might come across in the town - is available under the Faces & Places tab. This month, we feature Geoff Ward, Chairman of the Sherborne Steam & Waterwheel Centre down in Castleton. If you don’t know it, pay it a visit on its Open Days in May – 6th and 27th – there is a newly opened building housing a steam engine to marvel at.
One month to go for the official Jubilee celebrations taking place over the weekend of 2nd and 3rd June when festivities in the town will take place at Pageant Gardens. (Click on the Jubilee tab for the provisional programme.) But do you know an 86 year old – or a couple celebrating 60 years of marriage? If so, please get in touch as there is a special party being planned for them and we would love them to come. Email info@sherbornedorset.co.uk or call 01935 814307. Let’s give them a treat!
Send in your views, have your say. Sherborne is a great town – for its size, there is a huge amount on offer, so make sure you’re up-to-date and check in regularly to see what’s on! Write to info@sherbornedorset.co.uk

Sherborne – the perfect small English market town

Looking along Long Street

Sherborne is a delightful, small historic town in the north-west of Dorset. It has a total population of about 10,000, having doubled its population during the last 40 years. It lies on the northern slopes of the beautiful Yeo Valley surrounded by wooded hillsides and green pastures.  Dominated by its golden-coloured abbey, the town has a number of buildings of architectural note including the 17th century castle and 18th century school. Within the town the narrow streets are lined with old grey stone buildings interspersed with early timber-framed, gabled-ended houses and local Ham stone structures.

This bustling little town and the surrounding area offers visitors some attractive sights, a pleasing variety of shops and a choice mix of coffee shops, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants. On the surface, Sherborne might appear a quiet town but there is more going on than might be imagined: indeed, the town has innumerable societies and clubs pursuing many interests. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of entertainments from the local amateur dramatic productions to school jazz concerts and classical repertoires, from quiz nights, sporting events and arts lectures, to wine tastings and open gardens. There is definitely something for everyone; you can be as busy or as quiet as you want to be.