The winners of the Swanage Town Council community awards 2025 were revealed during a ceremony at the annual parish assembly in Swanage, Dorset.
On Monday 20th April 2026 at the Focus Centre on the corner of Chapel Lane and the High Street, the awards were handed out to eight worthy recipients who were judged to have made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
One of the awards for 2025
Remembering Councillor Bill Trite
Welcoming invited guests and local residents, the Swanage town mayor Mike Bonfield first reflected on the past year remembering Councillor Bill Trite who sadly died in 2025, having served Swanage for more than 30 years, representing the town on Purbeck District Council, the former Dorset County Council, the current unitary Dorset Council and of course Swanage Town Council.
Mike Bonfield continued:
“Over the past year, we have faced both successes and challenges. We have continued to work hard on local priorities – from maintaining our public spaces and seafront, to supporting local initiatives, improving community safety, and ensuring that residents’ voices are heard in planning and development matters…
“We have also continued to navigate financial pressures and increasing demands on local services. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to managing the council’s resources responsibly while investing in the projects that matter most to you.”
Swanage town mayor Mike Bonfield welcomed everyone to the annual parish assembly
Social media comments
Mike then added a plea for residents to talk to councillors first before commenting on social media, if they have any concerns:
“The town council welcomes feedback and constructive criticism as it recognises that it doesn’t always get things right the first time.
“However, as mayor, one disappointing factor is the way that a very small number of residents use social media to make critical comments about the council, elected councillors and hard working staff members, often based on inaccurate information.
“The town council works hard to be a force for good in our community and all I would ask of everyone here tonight is if they have any concerns, or positive feedback, please talk to councillors or staff, who will always be prepared to listen and provide accurate answers to any questions that you may have.”
He then commented on the award ceremony:
“These awards are always a highlight of the year, reminding us that the true strength of our parish lies not only in its beautiful surroundings, but in the kindness, generosity, and dedication of its people.”
Award winners for 2025
The Swanage team at James Smith Funeral Directors with Swanage town deputy mayor Chris Tomes (second from left)
Community award – Team at James Smith Funeral Directors in Swanage
James Smith Funeral Directors have been serving the Swanage community since 1892. However, people may not be aware of the extensive support they provide beyond their core services.
One nominee shared:
“They have served the community of the Purbeck area since 1892 with efficiency and compassion, especially when people are at their lowest. They fully engage with the community by supporting local organisations and charities.”
Their community involvement is wide-ranging. They support a regular bereavement group, which meets in the Rectory Classroom at the rear of St Mary’s Church on the first Monday of each month, offering a welcoming space for those coping with loss.
They also support a lunch club held at the Royal British Legion in Swanage, aimed particularly at those who may be on their own—for example, widows, widowers, and carers. This social group provides a valuable opportunity to get out, connect with others, and feel part of the community.
As part of the wider Douch Family Funeral Directors, they regularly donate to local charities and initiatives. Among those supported is Dementia Friendly Purbeck, helping to improve awareness and support for those affected by dementia in the area.
Together, these efforts highlight a commitment that goes far beyond funeral services—demonstrating genuine care, compassion, and ongoing support for the local community.
Heavenly Goward was praised for her work at Swanage Post Office in Institute Road
Service With A Smile award – Heavenly Goward
Heavenly has been a valued member of the Post Office team for several years, consistently demonstrating exceptional customer service and a genuine passion for supporting the local community. She brings remarkable energy and warmth to her role, building strong, personal relationships with customers and creating the kind of welcoming environment that people look forward to returning to.
She is known for going the extra mile in thoughtful and creative ways—whether adding a personal touch to a customer’s purchase or finding small, meaningful ways to brighten someone’s day.
Her creativity shines through in her leadership of the branch’s window displays, helping to make the space engaging and inviting. More recently, she has taken on additional responsibility supporting stock creation across the wider business, further showcasing her initiative and versatility.
Heavenly approaches every interaction with care and patience, ensuring that each customer feels supported and valued, especially those who may need a little extra assistance. Her approachable nature and willingness to help make a genuine difference to people’s experiences.
Her commitment to excellent service, combined with her enthusiasm, creativity, and proactive attitude, make her a truly deserving person for this award.
Reverend Ian Bird (left) with Mowlem trustee Richard Coleman (centre) and Mowelem executive director Kate McGregor (right) who were delighted to pick up an award
Environment, Arts and Heritage award – The Mowlem
The present Mowlem opened in 1967, replacing the original Victorian building that had served the town for more than a century. Today, the Mowlem delivers a vibrant and varied programme, typically offering over 200 film screenings each year alongside 60–100 nights of live theatre.
Through inclusive programming, stewardship of an iconic seafront building, and continued investment in both people and facilities, the Mowlem plays a significant role in the cultural, environmental, and heritage life of Swanage. Its impact on the community is wide reaching, providing opportunities for creativity, connection, and shared experiences.
The Mowlem also led the town’s collaborative bid to become the Dorset Town of Culture for 2027. Although the application was ultimately unsuccessful, the process sparked renewed ambition. Building on this momentum, The Mowlem has been instrumental in establishing a new group dedicated to preparing a fresh bid for Swanage to become the UK Town of Culture 2028.
Often spotted outside Corbens in Station Road until his recent retirement, Graham Warburton (left) was presented with a Lifetime award by Swanage town deputy mayor Chris Tomes (right)
Lifetime award – Graham Warburton
After finishing his work with Swanage Town Council, Graham, alongside his wife Margaret, devoted his time to supporting The Salvation Army in Swanage, until his retirement in January this year.
For more than two decades, Graham was a familiar and reassuring presence, regularly standing outside Corbens in Swanage and along the main street in Wareham, selling The Salvation Army papers and raising vital funds for the charity. His dedication, consistency, and friendly manner made him well known and appreciated by many in the community.
At a special service held for Graham in January 2026, he was presented with a certificate by Major Denise Cooper, divisional area officer for The Salvation Army. During the presentation, it was shared that, over his remarkable 22 years of service, Graham is believed to have raised in the region of £250,000.
This extraordinary achievement reflects not only his commitment and generosity, but also the profound impact one individual can have on their community.
Chair of Swanage Town and Herston Football Club Barry Audley was unable to make it to the ceremony but is pictured here working at the football club’s grounds in Days Park
Lifetime award – Barry Audley
Barry has been a keen supporter of all things Swanage and the surrounding area, and his support for Swanage Town and Herston Football Club over many years has helped the club get to where it is today.
Barry is the current chair of the club and he is one of the first to be involved in any work that is needed, leading from the front.
On a nomination form it stated:
“There are too many local good causes to list, but I know Barry helps Swanage Carnival, The Rotary Community Fete, Worth Matravers Fete, Crazy4Corfe and Swanage football club and I expect there are more.
“No matter how inconvenient or costly to him, Barry always steps in to help quietly, modestly and with good humour.”
Reverend Ian Bird (left) presents the Above and Beyond award to Frank Roberts of Swanage Landers
The Above and Beyond award – Frank Roberts of Swanage Landers
Following the Clean for The Queen campaign in early 2016, the idea of Let’s Make Purbeck LitterFree was born when three volunteers joined forces with a shared belief that Purbeck didn’t have to accept litter as inevitable.
Thanks to publicity and the enthusiasm of a few dedicated people, a launch meeting was held in Harman’s Cross in July 2016. It was there that the idea truly took hold: that our community could take action and make a visible difference.
From this momentum, Litter Free Purbeck was formally established later that year, with the aim of creating small local groups to tackle littering issues across the peninsula. Swanage Landers focused on the streets and footpaths within the parish of Swanage, while the Beach Buddies took responsibility for the beaches and coastal areas. Their shared mission has always been to raise awareness of the risks that litter poses — to our wellbeing, to farm animals, to wildlife, and to the beautiful landscapes and seascapes that define Purbeck.
Among the original three volunteers was Frank Roberts. Frank and his small team took on the A351 to Wareham, carrying out major litter picks twice a year – a commitment they have maintained to this day. Although the Swanage Landers group lost some momentum over time, Frank has worked tirelessly to revive it, encouraging new volunteers and helping to restore regular litterpicking around Swanage.
And of course, this is only one of the many ways Frank contributes to our community. But tonight, we honour him specifically for this work — for his persistence, his leadership, and his unwavering belief that a cleaner Purbeck is possible when people care enough to act.
Sue Corben (left) and Vikki Fooks (right) receive the award on behalf of the team at Cancare Purbeck from Swanage town mayor Mike Bonfield (centre)
Mayor’s award – Cancare Purbeck
Cancare was founded over 35 years ago by two individuals who, after undergoing treatment themselves, felt a deep desire to support others newly diagnosed.
During their visits to patients, they quickly became aware of the lack of equipment available locally. Although fundraising had not been their original intention, they began raising money to meet these needs and soon applied for charitable status.
Over the years, Cancare has been able to support countless individuals as well as hospitals, hospices, and GP practices. Among the many items they have funded are pressure relieving mattresses and cushions, dermatoscopes to aid in the diagnosis of skin cancers, furnishings for a hospital quiet room, and cooling caps for a chemotherapy department.
On one of the nomination forms it said:
“Many families in our community can speak personally about how Cancare has eased their burden – offering hope when it was needed most and providing practical help that made an unbearable situation more manageable.
“These families are our friends, neighbours, and loved ones. The dedication of the group saves not only resources but spirits. They restore faith during some of life’s darkest days.”
Richard Brown (left) and Ashton (centre) receive an award on behalf of Purbeck Youth Music and Jay Buckle
Mayor’s award – Purbeck Youth Music and Jay Buckle
Jay has been involved for so many years with music and has been instrumental in her commitment to the musical life of both children and adults, in the Purbeck area.
Jay has taught many children, has led The Purbeck Arts Choir for many years, and now heads the highly successful Purbeck Youth Music Scheme, which ensures all children of Purbeck have access to quality music in all schools. Jay has exceptional drive and commitment and has made a huge difference to countless lives.
Purbeck Youth Music exists to inspire, encourage and develop young people in Purbeck through an extensive network of professional musicians and instrumental teachers, providing lessons and instruments
and a programme of interactive presentations, workshops and ensembles.
Full text of mayor’s welcoming address
“It is a pleasure to see so many of you here this evening, taking the time to support and engage with the work of our Town. This meeting is, above all else, your meeting—an opportunity for us to come together, reflect on the past year, and look ahead to the challenges and opportunities before us.
“Firstly, I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who plays a part in the life of our town: our town council officers and employees, our councillors, volunteers, community groups, local businesses, and of course, our residents. Your commitment, whether highly visible or quietly behind the scenes, is what keeps our community thriving.
“The past twelve months began with the sudden and very sad loss of Councillor Bill Trite. Bill was a firstclass councillor who served Swanage for over thirty years, as well as many years on Purbeck District Council, the former Dorset County Council, and the current unitary Dorset Council. His passing was both untimely and unexpected, and he left a significant gap on both councils that we knew would be difficult to fill.
“During the year, the council also experienced the resignations of two councillors, which together with Bill’s passing resulted in byelections for three Town Council seats and one Dorset Council seat. The byelections were held in June and November and I am pleased to say that we are now back to full strength.
“Over the past year, we have faced both successes and challenges. We have continued to work hard on local priorities—from maintaining our public spaces and seafront, to supporting local initiatives, improving community safety, and ensuring that residents’ voices are heard in planning and development matters.
“The council has worked in partnership to deliver the first phase of new skatepark equipment with the Swanage Skatepark Community Project and upgraded tennis courts at Beach Gardens with Swanage Tennis Club.
“The town council has also provided grants to a wide range of local charities and community organisations over the past year.
“These include Friends of Swanage Library, Mosaic Family Bereavement Support, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, Swanage Literary Festival, Swanage Museum, 1st Swanage Guides, Purbeck Arts Week, Purbeck Film Festival, Swanage Depression Support Group, and Swanage Town Band.
“The council has provided significant funding towards the Mowlem Theatre’s Raise the Roof campaign and made the third and final payment of start-up funding to the Development Trust towards the wonderful Focus Centre. Looking ahead, the council has agreed to substantially increase its support grant to the Citizens Advice Bureau.
“There have also been a great many public consultations, seeking the views of residents and others on a wide range of issues. These have included the green seafront works needed to protect the seafront for future generations, our Neighbourhood Plan—which is nearing completion and will hopefully be out for public consultation very soon—and Dorset Council’s proposals for Shore Road. We expect to have more information and a clearer understanding of those plans later in the year
“We have also continued to navigate financial pressures and increasing demands on local services. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to managing the Council’s resources responsibly while investing in the projects that matter most to you.
“The Town Council welcomes feedback and constructive criticism as it recognises that it doesn’t always get things right the first time. However, as Mayor, one disappointing factor is the way that a very small number of residents use social media to make critical comments about the Council, elected councillors and hard working staff members, often based on inaccurate information.
“The Town Council works hard to be a force for good in our community and all I would ask of everyone here tonight is if they have any concerns, or positive feedback, please talk to councillors or staff, who will always be prepared to listen and provide accurate answers to any questions that you may have.
“Looking to the future, work is progressing well on developing the green seafront proposals. I know there are those that support the project and those that do not believe that it needs the amount of work proposed, but I believe that this is a once in a lifetime chance to make this a fantastic public space for residents and visitors, importantly making it accessible to all, especially those with any disabilities.
“It also looks like we will see the beach recharged with sand in the next couple of years to help protect the seawall from erosion, so it will be a busy time ahead.
“Turning back to tonight, this meeting is not just about reports and updates; it is also about celebrating our community spirit. Later this evening, it will be my privilege to present the Community Awards—an opportunity to recognise individuals and groups who go above and beyond for the benefit of others.
“These awards are always a highlight of the year, reminding us that the true strength of our parish lies not only in its beautiful surroundings, but in the kindness, generosity, and dedication of its People.
“As we look to the year ahead, we remain focused on collaboration. Members of the public are welcome to attend most council meetings, each of which includes a 15 minute public participation session at the start, allowing those present to ask questions or share their views with councillors.
“Your feedback, questions, and ideas are vital in helping to inform councillors about what we are doing well, where we can improve, and what you would like to see in the future. We are here to listen, and your input helps shape our direction.
“In closing, I would like to thank you once again for being here and for being part of this community. Together, we can continue to build a town that we are all proud to call home.
“Thank you.”
Further information
- More about Swanage Town Council
