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Posts Tagged ‘christmas cracker’

Dorchester Parking Scheme 1 Year Anniversary

Thursday, October 27th, 2011
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car park dorchester

Top o' Town Car Park

One year ago we introduced a new parking scheme to Dorchester car parks. The idea was simple – shoppers who spent over £10 in participating shops or other businesses would be entitled to up to 2 hours free parking in all West Dorset District Council car parks. We felt that this would encourage more shoppers to visit the town, and prompt them to spend a bit more money once they got here!

The scheme was an instant success, and got a great reaction from shoppers and traders alike. The BID subsequently got calls from towns all over the UK who were considering replicating the scheme and wanted to know how it was going.

Since its implementation, many of our shops have reported a boost in low end sales, as shoppers are now more inclined to make impulse purchases in order to qualify for the £10 threshold for free parking. It has proved a superb way to support small businesses in Dorchester in these difficult economic times!

Parking Scheme Year Two

Now as we enter the second year of the scheme, we have combined forces with WDDC to subsidise the participating businesses so they get some of their costs back. Under the new rules, for every 5 vouchers businesses collect from shoppers, they will get £2 back from DBID.

To allow as many businesses as possible to benefit from this support, there is a maximum claim of £200p.a per business. We hope this will make our unique parking scheme even more successful over the coming months, until the end of the current BID term in early 2013.

Fianlly, a reminder that parking is completely free (no purchase needed) after 6pm and all day on Sunday in all WDDC car parks and the on-street parking in High East Street, High West Street and Trinity Street.

Parking will also be free after 5pm on our upcoming Christmas Cracker Night (Of which we will have lots more to tell you on the blog in the coming weeks!)

Click here for a full list of businesses participating in the Dorchester Parking Scheme, along with a map of the relevant car parks.

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Christmas in Dorchester

Friday, November 27th, 2009
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Father Christmas in Dorchester

Father Christmas in Dorchester

The Christmas lights are on in Dorchester and we are building up to the festive holiday. The shops are beautifully decorated and during December there are also lots of great Christmassy events taking place.

There is plenty of festive fun to be had at Dorchester such as enjoying a Teddy Bear Christmas, story telling by firelight, the annual Christmas Cracker and Christmas Pudding nights.

Festive Fun in Dorchester

Have a Teddy Bear Christmas at the Dorset Teddy Bear Museum in Dorchester from 1st December to 4th January 2010.  Experience Christmas as it used to be with sounds, lights and smells, as a large family of human-size bears celebrate in their festively decorated period home, complete with a visit from Bearfather Christmas.

Why not join storyteller Tom Laycock at the Roman Town House on 12th December for a selection of stories and songs themed “Christmas by firelight”. Tickets are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Food lovers simply must try the Christmas Pudding nights at Taste * – the contemporary café / bistro located in Trinity Street. When you have finished your main course the fun begins when you choose your first sumptuous home made pudding from the list of fifteen and when you have finished you choose another, and another, and another, until the desserts are finished or you have simply had enough. The concept is a new one for Dorchester and proving very popular so tables can get booked quickly.

Dorchester Christmas Cracker

Dorchester’s Christmas Cracker is to be held this year on Wednesday 2nd December at 5pm. This annual late night shopping event which is organized by The Dorchester Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating the theme ‘A Traditional Christmas’.

Many shops will be open with special offers and displays to tempt shoppers. The streets are packed with stalls and are thronged with people simply enjoying a really great night out.

More Festive Fun

For a gift inspiration, or a special personal treat, meet Karen Francis (Jewellery) and Keir Francis (Photography) who will host a Christmas Open Studio at 25a North St. These events take place over two weekends, 28/29th November and 5/6th December, and also on Wednesday 2nd December. Parking is available opposite at Slades Farm by arrangement.

Christmas Accommodation in Dorchester

If you are visiting friends and family why not turn your visit into a short break and have a relaxing holiday.

There is a wide selection of approved 3-5 star guesthouses and hotels in the centre of Dorchester with rates starting from £30pp.

More information about Accommodation in Dorchester.

Centrally located you can enjoy the festive atmosphere of this special market town, and perhaps take a walk along the “Discover Dorchester” route.

With festive events, seasonal shopping, Christmas lights and parties you will be sure to enjoy an unforgettable Christmas in Dorchester this year.

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