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 before.
On a cloudy and breezy day, the annual summer fete in Swanage, Dorset, provided a welcome alternative to the beach for holidaymakers and locals, raising more than £8,000 for Rotary’s charitable causes.
A good day out for all at Sandpit Field
Quintessential fete with traditional funfair games
In addition, £2,500 was raised by other local charities who were able to book a stall for £10, as part of Rotary’s aim to support other fundraisers alongside its own efforts.
The quintessential fete at Sandpit Field had an amazing 35 stalls, as well as traditional games such as hoop-la, darts, hook-a-duck and pull-a-cork.
The event takes place in August each year but sunny weather isn’t always guaranteed
Swanage and Purbeck Rotary president Bart Libicki at the 2025 summer fete
“Thank you so much to everyone!”
The president of Swanage and Purbeck Rotary Bart Libicki said:
“From the minute the event opened at 10 am, Sandpit Field was filled with people, and both the charity and commercial stalls were busy with the Rotary games in the centre of the field proving popular with children and adults alike.
“The games were both affordable and fun and we’d particularly like to thank Nixons and Burt’s Bits for donating prizes. The Children’s Zone, expanded in size this year, proved a big hit, offering face painting, games and activities for our younger visitors.
“The variety of entertainment from Allsort’d, Karen Grant, Live Ukes, Bruce Evans and Andrew Cannon, and Keith Lockett ensured that anyone wishing to simply relax and listen had plenty to enjoy. Thanks also to community radio station Purbeck Sounds for compering in such a relaxed and professional way.
“For those wanting refreshments, plenty of food choices were available from Munch Catering, Burnt Toast, Ra-Ra’s Tatties and Pantastic, all of whom had long queues for most of the day.
“The ever popular raffle sellers were also busy all day, with over 2,500 tickets sold and more than 25 quality prizes won. These prizes were generously donated by local businesses and other members of the community to whom we extend our gratitude.
“The day proved to be a great success with over £8,000 raised. This is a major part of our fund raising efforts and means we can support many local and international charitable causes. A further £2,500 was raised by local charities who were able to book a stall for only £10.
“None of this could have happened without the hard work of Rotarians and many additional supporters who helped set up and take down as well as manning the stalls on the day. Thank you so much to everyone!”
The Soup and Sweet lunch fundraiser went down a treat
Soup and Sweet lunch
Since the fete there have been other Swanage and Purbeck Rotary events including the Soup and Sweet lunch which was attended by around 40 Rotary members and friends, in aid of the campaign to End Polio Now.
This was held at the Swanage Catholic Church Hall on Saturday 25th October 2025 and raised around £1,000.
The Swanage Christmas Market is always an attraction for foodies
Plenty of stalls line Institute Road as well as Station Road
Swanage Christmas Market
Now the Rotary team is turning its attention to the Swanage Christmas Market which will take place this year on Saturday 6th December 2025.
It’s so popular that all the spaces for stalls have already been booked up despite the recent expansion of the market which now spreads out along both Station Road and Institute Road.
Traffic will be temporarily directed along Kings Road East while the market is ongoing.
There will be cakes, hot drinks, arts and crafts, and gifts on sale plus a few fun activities for children to get everyone in a festive mood.
Santa is sure to turn up too, while he takes a break from his annual tour of the local neighbourhood on his sleigh. It’s understood that Santa’s elves are working on the itinerary and will be releasing more details later in November 2025.
There’s a great festive feel in Swanage in the run up to Christmas
