Sturminster Newton
Sturminster Newton is a community and civil parish in the Blackmore Vale area of Dorset, England. It is situated on a reduced sedimentary rock ridge in a meander of the River Stour. The community is at the centre of a huge dairy products agriculture area, around which the town's economy is developed. The majority of the community (Sturminster) rests on the north side of the river, as well as includes most shops and also solutions, whilst to the south is the smaller Newton. In between these two locations is a wide flood plain. The town was the residence of poet as well as author William Barnes, and also, for part of his life, Thomas Hardy. The community has 43 stores, a key and also secondary school, as well as a school and also university catering for youngsters with unique instructional requirements. In the 2011 census the town's civil church had a population of 4,945. A market is held in the community on Mondays. One of the largest cattle markets in England utilized to be held right here, however it was closed in 1998 and currently in its location stands a housing estate and also a 300-seat area arts centre called The Exchange. The town belongs to the historic West Country Carnival circuit.