Swanage marks Remembrance Sunday as heavens open Fortunately the rain held off for the start of the Remembrance Sunday events in Swanage, Dorset, but as the poppy wreaths were laid at the war memorial overlooking a blustery ...
Final act looms for Purbeck Mummers’ Boxing Day meet A Boxing Day tradition in Corfe Castle in Dorset may be dealt a knockout blow, as the Purbeck Mummers are on the brink of folding 
Purbeck knits 5,000 poppies for Wool Armistice tribute A cascade of 5,000 poppies flowing from the bell tower of Holy Rood Church in Wool to commemorate Remembrance Day has been attracting visitors from across Dorset 
Name of newly elected Swanage Town councillor announced Following a by-election, a new councillor has been appointed to Swanage Town Council in Dorset 
Sandbanks Ferry gets approval for inflation linked fare rises In a long drawn out battle between Purbeck residents and the Sandbanks Ferry company, which operates between Studland and Sandbanks in Dorset, it's been decided by the UK Government’s secretary ... 
Work starts to give Swanage more accessible kerb appeal A series of improvements are underway to make it easier for wheelchair and pram users to navigate around Swanage town centre in Dorset 
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Dorset blue light services train for chemical crisis at The Tank Museum Dozens of Dorset police, fire and ambulance officers took part in an emergency training exercise at the Tank Museum in Bovington to test their response to a chemical incident. 
Ozzie the dog rescued after night stranded at Little Sea A frantic search across Studland Heath in Dorset for a missing dog called Ozzie, had a happy ending thanks to a multi-agency response from emergency services 
Swanage RNLI marks 150 years of saving lives at sea The 150th anniversary of Swanage RNLI in Dorset was celebrated with a gathering of family, friends, volunteers and local people, along with a moment of reflection to remember all those ... 
Fire service under ‘immense strain’ after ‘surge’ of wildfires across Dorset Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service says it has attended a record breaking number of wildfires in 2025 - more than 40 percent started deliberately - and the strain ... 
Man from Weymouth dies after car crash near Wareham Part of the A352 near Wareham in Dorset was closed following a fatal single vehicle road traffic collision involving a blue Seat Leon car 
Name of newly elected Swanage Town councillor announced Following a by-election, a new councillor has been appointed to Swanage Town Council in Dorset
Names of candidates for Swanage Town Council election announced The official list of candidates who are standing for election in Swanage in Dorset has been announced, following the resignation of Sarah Brookes 
Swanage residents air views on plans for new housing In an attempt to meet government targets on building new homes, Dorset Council has produced a draft Local Plan allocating land for development but it’s proving controversial especially in environmentally ... 
New housing in Swanage proposed by Dorset Council Local Plan Swanage residents are being urged to speak up after Dorset Council unveiled a major consultation that could shape development across Dorset, including in Purbeck, for the next two decades 
Swanage residents asked for opinion on local planning policy With the carrot dangling of getting more money from Dorset Council, a planning document is being produced by Swanage Town Council and, as part of the process, local residents are ... 
Swanage election results declared The results of the votes in the Swanage local elections are in, and the town has two new town councillors and a new councillor representing Swanage on Dorset Council 
Residents denied voice on controversial Dorset tip booking system A move by a Swanage councillor to allow the Liberal Democrat controlled Dorset Council administration to save face over its unpopular policy to introduce a booking system at its household ... 
Swanage poppy appeal supporter recognised for long service A Swanage man, who is a familiar sight selling poppies around the Dorset town, has received a certificate of appreciation for his 20 years of voluntary service, from the director ... 
Purbeck health champion nominated for Women of the Year awards Local resident Maggie Hardy was surprised but delighted to be invited to attend the Women of the Year awards in London after being nominated for her outstanding commitment to improving ... 
Couple set off from Studland on two year trek in aid of second air ambulance A man in his 70s, who is hoping to become the oldest person ever to walk continuously around the coastline Britain, has set off with his wife from Studland in ... 
Safety clips ‘popped out’ in fatal fall at Anvil Point, inquest hears A highly experienced climber and former Royal Marine fell to his death off Anvil Point near Swanage in Dorset, when three safety clips popped out of the rock when he ... 
Princess Royal flies in for a visit to Winfrith and Bovington Dorset Police’s new headquarters at Winfrith was officially opened by the Princess Royal, who then travelled on to visit the RAC Saddle Club at Bovington in Dorset 
Police increase patrols after burglary spree in Swanage Three properties in Swanage, Dorset, have been broken into within a period of four days and Dorset Police says it has increased its police presence in light of these burglaries
Cause of Purbeck heath fires believed to be ‘deliberate’ Four fires across Purbeck heathland, which all happened within hours of each other, are believed to have been started intentionally according to Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service 
Man in hospital with serious injuries after assault in Swanage Following an assault in Swanage in Dorset, a man has been arrested by police, while another is in hospital with a serious head injury 
Man and woman sought after burglary in West Lulworth Dorset Police have issued an image of a man and a woman that they would like to identify as they investigate a burglary in West Lulworth in Dorset 
Arson attack on Wytch Farm barn causes £30,000 worth of damage A series of fires close to the Perrenco UK oil and gas site at Wytch Farm near Corfe Castle in Dorset are thought to have been deliberately started, according to ... 
Man headbutted during ‘altercation’ in Swanage Dorset Police have issued an image of a man they would like to identify following an incident when a man was headbutted near Swanage Cricket Club in Day’s Park 
Swanage woman charged with shoplifting at the Co-op Purbeck Police say that a repeat suspected shoplifter has been arrested and charged in relation to eight reported offences in Swanage, Dorset Sandbanks Ferry gets approval for inflation linked fare rises In a long drawn out battle between Purbeck residents and the Sandbanks Ferry company, which operates between Studland and Sandbanks in Dorset, it's been decided by the UK Government’s secretary ... Work starts to give Swanage more accessible kerb appeal A series of improvements are underway to make it easier for wheelchair and pram users to navigate around Swanage town centre in Dorset 
Work starts on roundabout to create entrance to new Sandford Lidl Construction of the new Lidl supermarket at Sandford near Wareham in Dorset is progressing and now work is about to begin to build an access road to the new car ... 
No bus for two weeks along main Swanage road due to bridge works A short stretch of road in Swanage, Dorset, is to be closed while work takes place on a bridge, but the diversion means buses won’t stop along one of the ... 
Road works in Harman’s Cross to last for seven months Drivers will have to get used to waiting at traffic lights through Harman’s Cross near Swanage in Dorset while the old and leaky gas pipe is replaced along the main ... 
Sustainable Wareham joins the Repair Cafe revolution Following early success of the Swanage and Purbeck Repair Cafe after its relaunch, a new repair, refresh and reuse event has been organised to take place in Wareham, Dorset
Purbeck Crew’s life saving rafts give barn owls a second chance Volunteer carpenters for the National Trust in Purbeck have been hard at work on a life saving mission - to stop majestic barn owls drowning in farm troughs. 
RSPB Arne celebrates 60th birthday with bird festival Special guest BBC Springwatch presenter Jack Baddams joined bird lovers at RSPB Arne for the sanctuary’s Dorset Bird festival to help mark its diamond anniversary 
National Trust releases land for social rent homes in Langton Matravers A long held ambition to provide genuinely affordable homes for local families in Langton Matravers in Dorset is finally moving forward after the National Trust agreed to provide a parcel ... Swanage residents air views on plans for new housing In an attempt to meet government targets on building new homes, Dorset Council has produced a draft Local Plan allocating land for development but it’s proving controversial especially in environmentally ... 
Swanage flood defence blocks return as permanent plans delayed Despite the promise of construction of permanent flood defences for Swanage in Dorset starting in September 2025, the town centre will once again have to rely on the temporary fix ... 
Purbeck eco homes open their doors to help others save energy Leading by example, Purbeck home owners who have invested in energy efficient measures to save money on their bills and reduce their carbon footprint, are welcoming others to come and ... 
Gothic horror comes to Swanage Railway for Halloween A gruesome skull positioned on the front of a ghost train has been capturing the attention of visitors to Swanage Railway in Dorset, over the school half term holiday 
‘Repton’ top of the class at Swanage Railway steam gala For the first time in at least 60 years, historic steam locomotive Repton returned to Dorset to star in Swanage Railway’s autumn steam gala, which also showcased five other locos ... 
Six classic steam locos to star in Swanage Railway’s autumn gala The sound of steam trains whistling along the Swanage branch line in Dorset, will be reverberating throughout the valley with an impressive six historic locos in action over the Autumn ... 
Swanage Railway’s Sunset Shuttle returns for summer evenings An evening heritage diesel train service linking Swanage with Corfe Castle and Norden in Dorset, is being launched over summer 2025 to provide a car free way to visit pubs, ... 
Swanage Railway marks 40 years of army corps and volunteer dedication Swanage town mayor Mike Bonfield and a long serving railway volunteer Carol Wright have unveiled a plaque and a wooden memorial to recognise the hard work of the soldiers from ... 
Rotary’s Swanage summer fete raises thousands for good causes In a turn around of good fortune spurred on by favourable weather, Swanage and Purbeck Rotary made significantly more money at its summer fete in August 2025, than the year ...
What’s on in Swanage for half term and Halloween 2025 With Halloween coinciding with the autumn half term school holidays for children across Purbeck, there’s plenty of spooky activities planned for the last week of October 2025 
Soaring success as Red Arrows boosts Swanage Carnival donations Huge crowds, great weather, brilliant organisation, and the show stopping appearance of the RAF acrobatic team the Red Arrows, combined to raise a record amount of money for Swanage Carnival ... 
King Tiger V2 prototype tank to be rebuilt at Bovington museum A £1 million fundraising appeal has been launched by the Tank Museum at Bovington in Dorset to help the world’s oldest surviving King Tiger tank to roar again 
Swanage Folk Festival hits right note in record breaking year As the weather gods smiled on Swanage Folk Festival after 2024's storms, it was only crowds that flooded into the Dorset town this year, leading to what organisers believe has ... 
Scorching success for Harman’s Cross fete Harman's Cross in Dorset, basked in glorious sunshine as thousands flocked to the village hall for its annual fete, a day organisers hailed as a perfect countryside tradition. 
Swanage Folk Festival to fill town with music and visitors! Now in its 33rd year, Swanage Folk Festival is ready to bring music, dance and colour to the town as summer 2025 comes to a close Final act looms for Purbeck Mummers’ Boxing Day meet A Boxing Day tradition in Corfe Castle in Dorset may be dealt a knockout blow, as the Purbeck Mummers are on the brink of folding 
Public praise for Swanage art dabblers’ exhibition A three day exhibition for enthusiastic artists in Swanage, Dorset, exceeded all expectations when doors were opened to the public at the Emmanuel Baptist Church. 
Michael McIntyre’s big shock as he appears in Wareham pub Saturday night customers at The Antelope in Wareham, Dorset, were left stunned when top comedian Michael McIntyre unexpectedly walked through the door. 
Book the date for Swanage’s literary festival After the success of its debut event, the Swanage Literary Festival in Dorset, is returning with more authors and more events, now spread over two days and across two venues. 
Traitors star Jonathan Ross pays surprise visit to Swanage’s football club Dropping in to Swanage Town and Herston Football club in Dorset, Celebrity Traitors star Jonathan Ross offered his allegiance (or was it an alliance!?) to the club's under 11 girls’ ... 
Foleys Garage leads drive for new Harman’s Cross defibrillator Plans to install a second life saving defibrillator in Harman's Cross near Swanage in Dorset, have taken a big step forward thanks to a fundraising campaign led by staff at ...
Working together is top of agenda for Purbeck healthcare providers Health and wellbeing professionals got together in Swanage, Dorset, to showcase what they do, with the aim of breaking down silos and creating a more joined up experience for patients 
NHS team brings health and wellbeing event to Swanage There’s an opportunity to find out what health and wellbeing services are available to Purbeck residents and a chance to speak to the providers at an event at The Mowlem ... 
All’s well that bends well as Swanage Bafta winner plans charity event A Bafta winner who adapted Shakespeare’s As You Like It for CBeebies - starring Mr Tumble - is raising money for the charity Dementia Friendly Purbeck with special August bank ... 
Swanage’s new wellbeing hub gets National Lottery grant The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded The Focus Centre, formerly the adult day centre, children’s centre and the club, a substantial grant to begin its transformation into a wellbeing ... 
National Lottery gives £20,000 to Swanage-based charity Local charity #Willdoes is celebrating after receiving £20,000 in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to secure vital support for its unique mobile wellbeing service for young people across ... 
Mental health services boosted by Friends of Wareham Hospital Funding from the Friends of Wareham Hospital has made it possible to bring the NHS mental health services team for Purbeck, all under one roof in newly refurbished premises 
Bovington mum dreams up plan to ensure a perfect prom for all A late night thought from sleepless mum of four Louise Burns about the cost of living has snowballed into a generous idea to make school prom dreams come true for ... 
Purbeck primary pupils get 24-hour outdoor adventure An initiative by Swanage outdoor company Land and Wave has made it possible for local school children to have a subsidised 24-hour camping adventure, just like the thousands from across ... 
Gold medal winning florist to put on show for Purbeck Flower Club The Purbeck Flower Club, which meets monthly at The Mowlem in Swanage, Dorset, is to take over the main auditorium to host a talk and demonstration by a former UK ... 
Students first to get environment qualification in Purbeck A new scheme aimed at equipping young people with the leadership skills to create positive environmental change has been pioneered by a school in Wareham, Dorset, and the first to ... 
Swanage students create baby elephant for art trail Pebblefoot the baby elephant, sponsored by Swanage outdoor adventure company Cumulus and decorated by St Mark’s CE primary school pupils, is going on display as part of a Dorset art ... 
Sandie’s barbershop still cutting it after 30 years in Swanage Swanage’s longest running barbershop has just celebrated its 30th anniversary, still at its original address and under the same management.
Swanage Emporium reopens with cafe plans after shock closure Swanage’s much loved shop, The Emporium, has reopened its doors following months of extensive renovation work, with plans to launch a new community cafe soon. 
Swanage Business Award winners announced at seafront ceremony With 27 winners over 10 categories, the Swanage Business Awards 2025 were bigger and better than ever, rewarding the businesses which make a valuable contribution to the local economy 
Wareham Forest pub to be silent no longer after refit New tenants are being sought for a well known pub near Wareham in Dorset which is due to reopen soon after a £250,000 facelift - and a controversial name change 
New Swanage assisted transport firm goes the extra mile A brand new community service has launched in Swanage, Dorset, offering much needed assisted transport for those who struggle to get out and about. 
Swanage care home put up for sale but another to reopen A Swanage care home in Dorset, which closed in August 2025 has just been placed on the market with a price guide of £2 million 
Sandford Lidl to miss Christmas slot as launch now set for new year Work is well under way on the new discount supermarket at Sandford in Dorset, but the store chain Lidl says delays mean it won't be open until 'early 2026' Traitors star Jonathan Ross pays surprise visit to Swanage’s football club Dropping in to Swanage Town and Herston Football club in Dorset, Celebrity Traitors star Jonathan Ross offered his allegiance (or was it an alliance!?) to the club's under 11 girls’ ... 
Brave swimmer raises £3,000 for Swanage lifeboats A near blind Swanage sea swimmer has marked his comeback to the sport with a gruelling challenge to raise more than £3,000 for Swanage lifeboat station. 
Chess success as Purbeck teenager joins England team Teenage Purbeck chess champion Florence has made her move on a place in the England squad after a remarkable year of success on the national stage 
Date set for phase one rebuild of Swanage Skatepark New ramps are to be installed at Swanage Skatepark in a matter of months as a builder has been employed to start creating the first phase of an exciting new ... 
Swanage’s running man takes on marathon task Swanage long distance runner George Nix is about to take part in the Paris Marathon - but that’s not the half of it Most read
Swanage News – Independent local breaking news
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