Events

A guided tour and cream tea at this beautiful and historic medieval and Elizabethan manor house, still in private hands and open through the Historic Houses Association - admission fee reduced for HHA members. Members are invited to car share for this trip - please let Karen Delahay know if you would like to come ... Read more

A guided tour by National Trust Education Office Pam White of the Middlebere area of Purbeck. Middlebere Quay is one of the most important inductrial archaeology sites in Purbeck. In 1805 an innovative iron tramway, the first in Dorset, was built from Norden to Middlebere Quay. From there ball clay was shipped to potteries in ... Read more

In 2016 the Fine Foundation Gallery, Durlston Castle, hosted an exhibition commemorating a family's 100 year link to Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck. Entitled 'In My Own Way', the exhibition showed work by Heather as well as paintings by her mother and grandmother. Poems and writings by her grandmother also provided an insight into ... Read more

In the 16th century Christopher Hatton acquired an estate and land in Purbeck. Both as a record of his new assets and as a status symbol he commissioned a series of maps of his estate which later became the basis of the Bankes estate which became part of the National Trust. The National Trust archaeologist ... Read more

Nearly 90 years ago the Townsend Centre was opened in Swanage to offer underprivileged children from London's East End the opportunity to experience fun and fresh air on the coast of Purbeck. The original buildings are still in use and the charity Wide Horizons continues this very worthwhile cause, including hosting families and children affected ... Read more

The Christmas social is at Seventh Wave cafe, Durlston Castle. It's a coffee morning with festive refreshments (hot drinks, cakes, mince pies etc), and entertainment from Purbeck Art Weeks choir 'Mixed Media'. Please let Karen know in advance that you'd like to come to help planning - 01929 425049. £5 a head for members and ... Read more

There will be a formal AGM, where the Agenda papers will be presented and the new committee will be formed. The AGM will be followed by a break for refreshments. We are hoping to have a brief presentation from Civic Voice which is the national charity for the civic movement in England. Free to members, ... Read more

A talk by local woodsman and furniture maker Toby Hoad who has access to some 40 acres of woodland on the Rempstone estate in north Purbeck. In a greenwood workshop set amongst the trees near Rempstone Hall Toby produces furniture and smaller items from the wood taken from the estate. He also produces charcoal and ... Read more

Businessman Geard made his fortune from the manufacture of coloured printing inks at the end of the 19th century as a result of developments in printing, packaging and advertising. He recorded much through photography and built up a large collection of slides for projection, many of his family and friends. David Gerry owns some 300 ... Read more

Roger Bond will give a presentation about the Dorset Fingerpost Project. Fingerposts are a common feature of the Dorset countryside and their design, (metal 'polo mint' shape) is thought to be unique. Along with other roadside features like traditional phone boxes and bridge plates they contribute to local character. Many of the originals have now gone, ... Read more