Not to be put off by a bit of rain, Rotary decided to continue with its summer fair at Sandpit Field in Swanage, despite the unseasonal weather.
In contrast to last year’s sunshine, everyone armed themselves with raincoats and brollies and soldiered on with the fundraising event, held on Thursday 8th August 2024.
Hot drinks and shelter from the weather made the refreshment tent a popular place to be
President of Swanage and Purbeck Rotary Maggie Hardy (right) said it was a calculated decision to carry on with the fete
“Decided to brave the weather”
While some stallholders pulled out of the event, there were still lots happening with traditional funfair games, bric-a-brac stalls, candy floss, music performances, and of course the refreshment tent with cakes and very welcome hot drinks.
President of Swanage and Purbeck Rotary Maggie Hardy said:
“This is Rotary in action! Of course we would have liked sunshine but we decided to brave the weather. We did deliberate whether or not to postpone but came to a calculated decision to carry on, while making sure it was safe to do so.
“We’re here, it’s raining but there’s still a good feel to the field with the music and the events, plus cakes and refreshments. Everyone has worked so hard to make today possible and that’s what the fete does – pulling everyone together in a positive way.
“The aim is to make it family focused and affordable and looking round you can see children enjoying themselves, which is what it’s all about, as well as raising money for charitable causes.”
Swanage Disabled Club selling their knitted toys
The Durlston Sheddies with their wooden handmade bug hotels and goodies
Dementia Friendly Purbeck continue to raise funds for a second Admiral nurse for the area. Chair Mike Bonfield (left) says the good news is they’ve already raised about a third of the cost but there’s still more to do!
Donations of £36,000 to 25 organisations and projects
Over the last financial year 2023 to 2024, Swanage and Purbeck Rotary was able to donate more than £36,000 to 25 organisations and projects both locally and internationally.
It gave local good cause, Purbeck Youth Music a £7,500 grant to send a woodwind orchestra into eight primary schools, but Rotary is also known for its international work.
In 2024, Rotary was awarded Silver Partner Club status for its fundraising efforts by ShelterBox which provides emergency shelter around the world to families who have lost their home to disaster, enabling them to rebuild their lives.
The show must go on – popular choir Allsort’d singing in the rain!
Who can’t resist the lure of a bric-a-brac stall whatever the weather!
Splat the Rat! Rotary member Roy Farrant (left) with new club secretary and former president Chris Le Fevre (right)
“Fun and sociable!”
The next big fundraising event will be the Christmas Market held in Swanage town centre at the beginning of December and anyone who would like to get involved is welcome to get in touch.
As well as the events, there’s also regular meetings on the second Wednesday of the month.
The venue alternates between the Swanage Sailing Club where a meeting is held with a guest speaker, and the Swanage Con Club where there’s a business meeting to get everyone up to date with the group’s latest plans.
Maggie Hardy added:
“Swanage and Purbeck Rotary is open to all and there’s plenty of women involved, it’s not just men. The aim is to help others through our fundraising efforts but it’s also fun and sociable!”
Multi talented Jerry Whitton serves up the candy floss, having stepped in at the last minute with his brother Steve to judge the produce competition
Flowers, fruit and vegetables are all top notch on the produce table
There’s always something to make you smile, even when it’s raining – the winning giant vegetables!
Further information
- Check out Swanage and Purbeck Rotary’s new website to get in contact or find out more
