Swanage Jazz Festival ‘back on track’ after cash crisis An urgent appeal to raise £25,000 to save the future of Swanage Jazz Festival in Dorset has been successful, so despite falling into financial difficulty, it will now go ahead ...
High Sheriff honours Wareham volunteer for exceptional service A Wareham man who has become a driving force behind three major Purbeck charities has been recognised with one of Dorset’s highest honours for voluntary service. 
Swanage Christmas market postponed due to high winds For the second time in two years, the Swanage Christmas Market has had to be postponed due to the forecast of bad weather 
Two boys and van driver incident in Wool investigated by police There’s an appeal by police for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward, following a suspicious incident in Wool, in Dorset. It was reported to Dorset Police that at ... 
Bid by Dorset Council to elect Wessex Mayor in 2027 With the chance to get millions of pounds in extra funding, Dorset Council is pushing ahead to create a new Wessex authority along with neighbouring councils, to be headed up ... 
Top jazz pianist to perform in Swanage with youth jazz orchestra To mark the end of a successful first year of the new jazz club at The Mowlem in Swanage, Dorset, there’s a special festive treat in store, bringing together the ... 
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 
Bid by Dorset Council to elect Wessex Mayor in 2027 With the chance to get millions of pounds in extra funding, Dorset Council is pushing ahead to create a new Wessex authority along with neighbouring councils, to be headed up ...
Langton House gets go ahead for holiday cottages and shepherd huts Despite objections from local residents and Langton Matravers parish council in Dorset, the historic Langton House has been granted planning permission to build two new holiday homes and locate two ... 
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 ... High Sheriff honours Wareham volunteer for exceptional service A Wareham man who has become a driving force behind three major Purbeck charities has been recognised with one of Dorset’s highest honours for voluntary service. 
Boris Johnson enjoys Studland break with his new baby Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has taken an autumn break in Purbeck with his wife and new baby daughter - and even braved a dip in the sea at Lulworth ... 
Mr Christmas spreads festive cheer in Swanage with toy appeal Swanage’s Mr Christmas, Ian Messinger, is spreading the magic of the festive season this year - with a toy appeal to help out families who are feeling the pinch. 
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 ... 
Two boys and van driver incident in Wool investigated by police There’s an appeal by police for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward, following a suspicious incident in Wool, in Dorset. It was reported to Dorset Police that at ...
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 
Road closures in Swanage for Christmas market The centre of Swanage in Dorset is to be closed to traffic to allow the Swanage Christmas Market to take place, and there’s a warning about overnight parking 
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 ... 
Corfe Castle podcasters up for national archaeology award Podcasting Purbeck archaeologists Derek Pitman and Lawrence Shaw are in the running to win a national award for their YouTube channel, Career In Ruins
Nature-led fix aims to curb Swanage flood risk New earth bunds, scrapes and leaky dams have been popping up in the Purbeck countryside as part of a scheme to reduce the flooding risk along the Swan Brook, which ... 
Rare and endangered pine marten caught on camera in Studland A wildlife cam set up to monitor beavers has recorded the first sighting of a pine marten in Studland, Dorset, in more than a century - WATCH VIDEO 
Swanage Green Seafront survey results published In order to stabilise a subsiding section of the Swanage seafront in Dorset, more people say they prefer the £6.5 million new enhanced option to save the area from collapse, ... 
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 
Return to tradition at Swanage Railway’s Yuletide Express launch After two years of the popular Polar Express experience on Swanage Railway in Dorset, a more traditional festive offering is being dished up for Christmas 2025 
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 Christmas market postponed due to high winds For the second time in two years, the Swanage Christmas Market has had to be postponed due to the forecast of bad weather
Road closures in Swanage for Christmas market The centre of Swanage in Dorset is to be closed to traffic to allow the Swanage Christmas Market to take place, and there’s a warning about overnight parking 
Big Swanage Christmas lights switch-on! Swanage town centre in Dorset was lit up for Christmas with sparkling baubles strung across the main shopping streets, along with a traditional twinkling tree outside the station - WATCH ... 
Artisans return to Swanage beach huts for Christmas craft season Defying the pouring rain, local artisans opened up their shops selling quality crafts and festive gifts from the beach huts in Swanage, Dorset - and are keeping their fingers crossed ... 
What’s on: Christmas in Swanage 2025 The festive season is quickly approaching with plans to celebrate in Swanage and the surrounding Purbeck villages well underway, and there’s some new events popping up for 2025. Swanage Railway ... 
Santa confirms his 2025 Swanage sleigh schedule! The wait is over - Santa has revealed when and where he will be visiting all the streets around Swanage and Langton Matravers in Dorset in the run up to ... 
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 ... 
Swanage Jazz Festival ‘back on track’ after cash crisis An urgent appeal to raise £25,000 to save the future of Swanage Jazz Festival in Dorset has been successful, so despite falling into financial difficulty, it will now go ahead ... Top jazz pianist to perform in Swanage with youth jazz orchestra To mark the end of a successful first year of the new jazz club at The Mowlem in Swanage, Dorset, there’s a special festive treat in store, bringing together the ... 
Public vote too close to call as five Swanage artisans win awards Artists and crafters who have taken over Swanage’s beach huts in the run up to Christmas, have been recognised with a series of awards presented by the town mayor. 
Christmas concert to fund exciting new plans for Purbeck Sounds A festive evening of Christmas music is to be staged at the historic Newton Manor Hall in Swanage, Dorset, to raise vital funds for Purbeck Sounds Radio. 
Contemporary engraved glass exhibition sparkles at Durlston A beautiful display of engraved glass has gone on show in the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Country Park in Dorset, offering plenty of unique gift ideas in the run ... 
Swanage cooking course serves up new skills and friendship A new community cooking course in Swanage in Dorset, has got off to a strong start, with a dozen residents attending the first Friendly Food Club session
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 ... 
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' 
Major work starts to install new ramps at Swanage skatepark Brand new specially designed ramps are being welded in place at Swanage skatepark in Dorset after a successful £75,000 community fundraiser to rejuvenate part of the much loved facility 
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 ... Most read
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