turminster Newton is a rural town in North Dorset approximately 9 miles from Blandford to the East and 13 miles from Shaftesbury to the North at the heart of the Blackmore Vale.  It has a current population of approximately 4500.  The town is mentioned in the Domesday Book and some present day residents can trace their ancestors back for centuries.

The last fifteen years have witnessed considerable changes, but thanks to the vision and efforts of its residents and business community the town retains its character and vitality, it remains a friendly and popular place to live, work and visit.  It is well known for The Exchange, a vibrant performing arts and community centre and also the North Dorset Trailway - a popular starting point for walkers and cyclists exploring the area.  Sturminster Water Mill is an iconic landmark alongside the rare multi-arched bridge.

 Sturminster Newton Town Council has 11 Town Councillors and 9 members of staff. 

 Sturminster Newton Mill Closure

The Mill is owned by Hinton St Mary Estate and is leased to the Town Council. The Heritage Trust have an arrangement with the Town Council to run the Mill on our behalf.  The Mill is currently closed. This is to check the safety of the structure to ensure that volunteers and visitors are not put at risk.  We need a specialist structural engineer and a mill right to do the inspection which is taking some time to organise due to the lack of specialists available. Safety will always be our priority, but we are doing everything we can to get the mill back open again as soon as possible but we do not currently have a date for this.  Following the inspection, we will then be looking at a major renovation project which will involve looking for grant funding.