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A devastating fire destroyed a town centre cafe in Dorchester in December.
Protective barriers kept us safe but seriously reduced access to other shops in that area at the busiest time of the year. The chaplaincy team supported them by listening to their worries and passing on their concerns, asking for the provision of a safe pathway as soon as possible.
Chaplains also reinforced the Town Council messaging of encouraging the use of the diversion route to keep shopping in the affected shops.
Mayor and Mayoress Robin and Val Potter (one of the town chaplains), with Sandy and Frenny of Jordans Jewellers. (photo supplied by DTC)
It was April before the protected pathway was opened by the Mayor, Councillor Robin Potter, with Mayoress (and Town Chaplain) Val Potter. Shops in the area celebrated and expressed their thanks to the chaplains for their support during very difficult times.
If you visit Dorchester we encourage everyone to discover this fascinating area of the town (lower South Street and the arcades leading off it).
It has mainly small independent businesses as varied as locally produced gifts, toys, traditional butcher, jewellers, fishing tackle, dog grooming and cafes.
They also have lovely friendly, helpful staff, who have showed their resilience over the past few months, developing their online presence but continuing to prioritise their direct sales.
written by Val Potter
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