As part of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, events are being held across Purbeck including a pop-up poppy shop in Swanage, ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
The temporary shop in Station Road is selling everything to do with poppies on most days up to Sunday 14th November 2021, when British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women, who served in the two World Wars and later conflicts are remembered.
The pop-up poppy shop in Station Road next door to The Swanage Bookshop
“Red poppies in the window“
Carolyn Hooper who is organising the Poppy Appeal in Swanage, along with a team of volunteers, said:
“In the past we’ve sold poppies at Swanage Railway Station but that wasn’t possible this year, so we were delighted when John Corben was able to find this lovely shop for us – it’s in a great position and the owner has been more than generous.
“With all the red poppies in the window, it’s a real ‘cherry pop’ on Station Road and attracting lots of passers-by – we’ve already had to restock and completely sold out of the sparkly poppies.
“Along with others I start making the poppies well in advance – my house regularly has lots of bits of red thread and material all over the place! I just love poppies and have lots of decorative ones in the garden too. I actually get called the poppy lady by some people!”
Bernie Long, Carolyn Hooper and Janet Dyke in the Swanage Poppy Shop
Poppy fair at Swanage British Legion
As well as the shop, Caroline is also organising a poppy fair at Swanage British Legion in the High Street on Saturday 6th November 2021 from 10 am to 3.30 pm.
There’ll be 22 stalls selling items including artisan crafts, cards, jewellery, cakes, refreshments and of course poppies. There’s also a grand draw.
Carolyn added:
“Everyone’s welcome to come along and the venue will be as well aerated as possible, so wear plenty of layers!”
Janet Dyke, who has run the appeal in the past and is helping out this year, said:
“It’s all about raising awareness and raising money for the Poppy Appeal. Back in 2019 we raised about £10,000 but last year we couldn’t hold events due to Covid so it was £6,000. Hopefully, we’ll be back to £10,000 this year!”
The Wonderful Studland Ladies have been raising money for charity all year
Wonderful Studland Ladies
Just round the bay, the Wonderful Studland Ladies are also raising money in November for the Royal British Legion.
The group of women who got together (virtually at first) during lockdown in January 2021, set themselves the challenge of raising funds for a different charity each month. They’ve now raised an impressive total of nearly £28,000 for ten different charities.
Poppies and cakes are available to purchase at the table top sale
Countdown to Christmas table top sale
On Saturday 6th November 2021, they are hosting a Countdown to Christmas table top sale in Studland Village Hall from 10 am to 1 pm, which will include the sale of crafts, produce, gifts, cakes, refreshments and a bottle tombola.
Later in the month there’s a quiz night and they’ve set themselves a Sauna to Sea sponsored challenge on Saturday 27th November 2021.
“All for a good cause!”
One of the Wonderful Studland Ladies, Clare Harwood said:
“Sauna to Sea challenge sounds grim doesn’t it?! I’m not sure how many of us will rise to this challenge…
“The use of the sauna is being donated by Studland Watersports at Knoll Beach followed by a quick dip in the sea – hideous, but it’s all for a good cause!”
Swanage War Memorial
Remembrance services in Swanage
In Swanage, Remembrance Day is being marked at 11 am on Thursday 11th November 2021 at the Swanage War Memorial on the Recreation Ground near the bandstand.
On Remembrance Sunday on 14th November 2021 the Swanage Town Remembrance Parade will be going ahead this year, after it had to be cancelled last year due to Covid restrictions.
The parade will start at The Mowlem at 2 pm and head towards St Mary’s Church for a service at 2.30 pm. After the service, the parade will resume and head up to the war memorial for a wreath-laying ceremony at 4 pm.
To donate
- Pop into the Swanage Poppy Shop in Station Road next door to The Swanage Bookshop
- Donations to the Royal British Legion can be made online via the Wonderful Studland Ladies fundraising page
