News

Subsequent to the representations made following the previous 'one way' proposal for Shore Road, DCC have gone back to the drawing board with a drop in session on 30th November at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, 6pm, for initial discussion around alternatives - these may include removal of many parking meters around the pinch point in Shore Road, retaining two way flow, and relocation of parking meters in De Moulham Road. Nothing is firm and there will be further consultations later.continue reading →

The consultation on this closes on 25th October. Purbeck has the lowest number of completed questionaires of all the districts in Dorset. This may be interpreted as Purbeck doesn't care - we should, because there are significant implications for us all. Information and questionnaires are available on line, and in the library. A few points not obvious from the published information: 1, don't be fooled by option 1 which may seem to be no change, it is. 2, ALL options include the formation of one or more unitary councils to replace the function…continue reading →

Swanage Library 22nd September 2016, 2:30pm - 4pm Judith Teasdale, the Bankes Archive Project and Engagement Officer will be giving a talk about the Bankes family in Dorset and their legacy. Accompanied by the Bankes Family exhibition which will be on display in the library throughout September, this is a great opportunity to find out more about a fascinating part of Dorset history, find out what the library has to offer for local history enthusiasts and meet other people with an interest in local history. Free, all welcome.continue reading →

It is with sadness and regret that we advise that David passed away yesterday, after a short spell in Wordsworth Care Home, Swanage. The funeral will be held at Corfe Castle Parish Church on 8th September at 12noon. The Funeral Director is Albert Marsh, Wareham, and donations will be for the Motor Neurone Association. David was a long time member of the Society and served a spell as Chair.continue reading →

This takes place on Wednesday 7th September - full details in their notice: Swanage-Area-Senior-Forum-AGMcontinue reading →

Purbeck District Council are currently considering a partial review of the Purbeck Local plan, the outcome of which could have a profound effect on Purbeck for years to come. The government Planning Inspectorate have indicated that they are not happy with the current plan as it does not cater for enough homes and their view appears to be that over 5,000 new homes are needed in Purbeck over the next 10 years or so. Whatever your views, you only have until the 12th August to express them. The section on Dorset for You…continue reading →

Bob Kenyon has sent us the papers which formed the basis of his talk to the society last year, and they can be viewed on the link below. 160 years of archaeological studies in Purbeck - Papers Read Before the Purbeck Society - 160th Anniversary Reviewcontinue reading →

Swanage Gas Drilling Public Meeting Monday 18 July, Swanage Bay View Holiday Park, 7.30 p.m. Permission may have been given for exploratory drilling for gas at California Quarry, overlooking Swanage Bay and Durlston Country Park. Operations could possibly start later this year, with heavy traffic expected via Panorama Road. There are questions about public safety, noise, pollution, effects on the environment. A meeting has been organised by local residents to discuss concerns. The main speaker will be Charles Miller, who has had a long career in the oil and gas industry. All welcome.…continue reading →

It is with much sadness that we pay tribute to our past Chairman. Mike joined the Society in 2005, at a time when the Society had drifted from its original objectives as a learned Society, but was thriving socially. Despite his many other interests, many in demanding roles, he was persuaded by the late Moira Cross to succeed her as Chairman, which he did in 2006. Mike quickly set his stamp on the Society and its Committee, guiding the Society towards its original objectives and becoming a Civic Society. He took an active…continue reading →

Moyra Cross Like a large number of people in and around Swanage, it was very sad to learn of the recent death of Moyra Cross at the age of 92. It was my good fortune to work with her on the Committee of the Society, eventually succeeding her as Chairman. She led the Society through one of its periodic difficult times, reviving its fortunes, so that when I became Chairman in 2007 it was thriving again. Moyra was one of those people with an indomitable spirit, a powerful lady of considerable intellect and…continue reading →