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Fête a hit as it dodges the showers

The Annual Summer Fête took place on 9th August and despite an uncertain weather forecast, the showers held off to allow thousands of locals and visitors alike to enjoy everything that was on offer.

From staple activities such as the Trolley Ride and Hoop-la to new events including the Dog Show and Children’s Races, the day was filled  with things to do. There were plenty of craft stalls in the main tent for people to browse round, the bottle stall was very popular as was the
bric-a-brac stall, which had plenty of visitors all day. Wareham Lions giant skittles game attracted plenty of punters and Inner Wheel had plenty to interest visitors on their stall too.

Those interested in a rest and a bite to eat were well catered for, with the tea tent doing brisk business and the barbecue providing a variety of burgers, bacon and sausage rolls. And there was plenty of seating in the garden area for people to sit, eat and enjoy entertainment from Karen-G and our resident magician/stilt walker amongst others throughout the day.

The Grand Charity Draw had been well supported prior to Fête day as well as on the day, and the actual draw was made just after 4pm, with a first prize of £200 and 20 other prizes being handed out.

Swanage & Purbeck Rotary would like to thank everyone who supported the event through enjoying the activities on the day and by purchasing Draw tickets. And we are indebted to all those who helped to make the day such a success, including Rotarians, their partners, families and friends, who put many hours in both before and afterwards.

Lastly, but by no means least, we would like to thank our Business Partners for their ongoing support to the club.

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blog Business Partners Events

Pirate Invasion a Roaring Success

The much anticipated arrival of swarms of Pirates over the Bank Holiday weekend, coupled with magnificent weather that was not forecast, made the Third Purbeck Pirate Festival a huge success.

Basking in almost wall-to-wall sunshine, events on Sandpit Field, as well as the Pirate Parades through the town and the skirmishes on Monkey Beach, kept thousands of visitors entertained throughout the weekend.

Rotary ran their hoop-la and darts stall in the main arena, raising several hundred pounds for good causes, and were also involved in marshalling the parades on the Saturday and Sunday.

A huge effort by the members of the Rotary Club eGroup ensured that the weekend ran
perfectly and grateful thanks are also due to Rotarian Deirdre Selwyn who co-ordinated the organisers brilliantly and the ever-present Rotarian David Pike.

Roll on next year’s event me hearties!

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Events

The Return of Summer Heralds Successful Fête

Club President Ro Clark reports on a day of sunshine, laughter, fun and fundraising


After all the recent poor weather, Swanage Rotarians approached this week’s Summer Fête and Craft Fair with some trepidation, wondering even if the event would be able to go ahead at all.

We needn’t have worried. Although Sandpit Field was a little muddy to start with, the advance 7am party of Rotarians worked hard to get everyone on site to prepare for the opening of the event. They needed to chalk the lay out again as it had washed away (!) but after running around and unpacking endless boxes the site was ready for 10.30 and it looked great with all the stalls ready to go.

The Craft tent had many people manning their own stalls, selling their wares and what a pleasure it was to see many talented people. There were lots of entertainers ready to perform to the crowds young and old and they stopped people in their tracks to watch and listen.

As President I had the pleasure of opening the Fête, and gave thanks to a huge team of people that worked so hard to make the day possible. Particular grateful thanks go to our visitors, because without them it would not be a success at all and there would be no funds available to be able to do what Rotary does best – supporting the local community as well as International projects. Many thanks also go to our Business partners and local people who very generously supported the raffle by donating incredible prizes.

I tried very hard to go around and thank everyone in person for their contribution in making the day a great one. I also talked to lots of visitors and locals who come back year after year as they love the family feel that the event has, not to mention the wonderful food that is available too.


I drew the raffle (winning ticket numbers here) and awarded prizes for naming the Dalmatian, which will be called Buttons. There were also sports trophies for three age groups of football keepy-uppys. All the awardees were really pleased with their prizes.

At the end the clear up began, and again Rotarians put their shoulders to the wheel and worked hard in packing lots of heavy kit on to big tractors. In no time at all the field was once again cleared

It was a long and tiring day, but so worthwhile to see lots of smiling happy faces and to hear laughter and people clutching their precious purchases from the many stalls. Special thanks must go to the Fête Committee and also to the Treasurer and his trusty team, who will be counting out the money and paying the bills. We will know the final figure raised at some point in the near future. Then we can get down to the business of sharing it all out. That is what being a Rotarian is all about: the work and then the joy of helping others. It warms my heart.