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Dorchester from The Keep
Queen Mother Square
Poundbury Fountain
Dorchester Borough Gardens
Custom House Quay, Weymouth, England
Chesil Beach from Portland
The area north of Dorchester
Heritage Open Days - Maumbury Rings event 180921
Thomas Hardy statue
Keep Military Museum
Dorset Museum front exterior
Shire Hall front
In the damp conditions the beacon is finally alight after a couple of attempts
Dorchester from The Keep
Queen Mother Square
Poundbury Fountain
Dorchester Borough Gardens
Custom House Quay, Weymouth, England
Chesil Beach from Portland
The area north of Dorchester
HOD Maumbury Rings 180921 04
Thomas Hardy statue
Keep Military Museum 4
Dorset Museum front exterior 270522
Shire Hall front
Beacon 2023 01
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The Community Radio Station covering Central-Southern Dorset, run by volunteers and not-for-profit

“Shop to Support” this weekend in Dorchester

The recent fire at The Gorge Café on South Street has had a significant impact on neighbouring businesses during one of the most critical times of the year for trade. However, the outpouring of support from the community so far has been truly inspiring. Now, local businesses are calling on everyone to come together once more and show their support by shopping on lower South Street and in Hardye Arcade this weekend. Lower South Street and Hardye Arcade are home to a variety of wonderful independent shops, cafes, and businesses, many of which are still feeling the ripple effects of the recent event. This weekend, we’re asking everyone to make a difference by visiting in person or shopping online. Even a small purchase can go a long way in helping these fantastic local businesses.

This is a crucial time for our local businesses, as holiday shopping ramps up and footfall is essential to keeping doors open and tills ringing. By choosing to spend locally, you’re not just buying unique, high-quality products; you’re directly supporting the livelihoods of the people who make Dorchester so special. The sense of community in Dorchester has always been strong, and the response to the fire at The Gorge Café is proof of that. Let’s keep that momentum going and turn our solidarity into action by making Lower South Street and Hardye Arcade the shopping destination of choice this weekend.

Together, we can help our local businesses not only recover but come back stronger than ever.

How You Can Help:

  • Shop in Person: Visit Lower South Street and Hardye Arcade this weekend and explore the incredible range of local stores and eateries.
  • Shop Online: Many of the businesses offer online shopping options, so you can show your support even if you can’t make it in person.
  • Spread the Word: Share this message with friends and family and encourage them to join you in with the “Shop to Support” Weekend. There is a “Shop to Support” event on Facebook that you can join and share too.

Where to shop!

You can visit www.DiscoverDorchester.co.uk for a full guide to shopping on Lower South Street and Hardye Arcade online and in person.

Shop to Support poster

Here are some of the businesses needing your support (all photos by Dorchester Town Council)

Click an image to enlarge: