IT has now been more than a week since pubs across Dorset opened up their gardens and outside spaces for customers, following what has seemed like an eternity for many. The prospect of an indoors pint may still be a few weeks away but that hasn t stopped thousands across the county, donning their hats and coats – for what was has been an unseasonally cold few April days – and heading off for an al fresco drink and pub meal. On April 12 pub gardens were full of life again, albeit in a slightly socially-distanced toned down Covid secure manner. Since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his four-step roadmap out of lockdown earlier in the year, pubs and bars across towns like Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been inundated with bookings.
Monday, April 12 saw shoppers rejoice and return to their favourite shops and businesses across the conurbation. In Christchurch, stall holders and customers alike were pleased that the market was back up and running. Forever Fudge owners Tracy Cox and Duncan Brown, who had a stall at the market, said: We feel brilliant - this is our first day here and we ve already done our first sale at 9.05am.
Forever Fudge owners Tracy Cox and Duncan Brown We re very excited as the shops are opening and it s some form of normality because everything last year was closed and cancelled. We re going to stick with staying local rather than setting up at big events this year to support local communities. We will be in Christchurch every Monday.