The Olymic torch came to Swanage on Friday the 13th and large crowds were there to greet it's arrival. along with many other organisations, Swanage Rotary was asked to help marshall the event. So an intrepid band set off to help whilst other members of the club helped provide a vantage point for some older citizens to get a view of the procession.
President David Frankham was delighted the club were able to help. "it's been a great year for Swanage thus far" said David. "We in Rotary want to be in the heart of our community so helping out seemed to be the natural thing to do".
There was a large police presence which thankfully was only needed to entertain the children with their sirens. One senior Rotarian (who asked to remain annonymous) said that he hadn't seen as many police in Swanage since Neil Hardy's birthday party turned nasty!
David was also quick to thank Mo Andrews who, along with other volunteers, set up a tee party in Herston for several senior citizens to enjoy the proceedings. "With all the crowds it wasn't going to be possible to get our group into town" said Mo. "So we thought why not have a picnic in Herston and ensure everyone can get a good view".
The torch bearer pictures is Emma Willis. She runs a voluntary organisation called 'Shine Cancer Support' for over three years. "I set up this organisation following my own diagnosis and treatment for Breast Cancer in 2006" said Emma. Shine is aimed at younger adults with any type of cancer. "I have developed this over the last three years to the situation now, where we have nearly 100 members and I have formed a volunteer group to develop our services further and we will shortly become a registered charity". Emma was walmly applauded by the crowds as she brought the torch up from Swanage town centre.
Despite forecasts to the contrary the weather remained dry and a good time was had by all.
more our young musician competition 2015
more Swanage Rotary are holding a breakfast for those who might otherwise be alone on Christmas Day.
more A major community event which brought together most of the local voluntary groups and schools in Swanage was held in aid of the BBC's Children in Need Charity. The Swanage Challenge was a great fun day. See below for a list of events and activities:
more For many years Swanage Rotary has put on a breakfast for people who might otherwise be alone at Christmas. Despite some poor weather, this year was no exception and as you can see from the photos a good time was had by all.
more Swanage Rotary once again took part in the Swanage Carnival which had the theme of "Hollywood". The Wizard of Oz proved a great success with the crowds who appreciated the fun had by all involved.
more Each year members and friends of Swanage Rotary host a breakfast for those who might otherwise be alone on Christmas Day.
more There was a series of fun events held to help raise funds for the Children in Need Appeal. The culmination was a football tournament held at Swanage & Herston Football club. OVER £700 RAISED SO FAR AND STILL COUNTING
more Swanage Rotary has sponsored the Swanage Middle School Awards for many years and so it was with mixed emotions that the final awards evening was held this year prior to the school closing.
more Swanage Rotary presented a cheque to Julia's House in support of their work as Dorset's only childrens hospice
more Swanage Rotary hosted the annual Rotary Young Musicians Competition at St Mary's Church Swanage. Seven vocalists and musicians entered what turned out to be a high quality event and made life difficult for the judges.
more This year Swanage Rotary is organising the annual "Switch on Swanage" event which will consist of a street fayre in the town and culminate with the Christmas Lights being lit by Santa.
more For the 19th year, Swanage rotary club sponsored the annual Swanage Middle School Awards. The awards reflect not only excellance in music & academic studies but also the contribution made by pupils to the life of the school and the community
more Jack Otter, the inspiration for the project, officially opened the Heroes Haven cabin in Swanage. This community project was supported by Swanage Rotary and despite the inclement weather a large crowd turned out to support the opening.
more The Countess of Wessex visited Swanage to open the new Guide & Brownie HQ. Swanage Rotary had provided funds to assist in the refurbishment of the hall and President Mick Beck was invited to meet the Countess in recognition of our contribution.
more Swanage Rotary will once again hosted a meal for those who otherwise might be alone on Christmas Day
more At a recent meeting of the Purbeck Duke of Edinburgh Award group Jenny Hynan from Swanage Rotary presented a cheque for £500 to support their work
more Swanage Rotary colaborated with other organisations in Swanage to put on a hugh street party to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The weather was kind and a great day was enjoyed by all involved.
more This year's Rotary Young Musicians competition proved to be a close contest between four different but compelling performances.
more A group from the Purbeck School Interact Club, supported by Swanage & Wareham Rotary clubs, will be walking from Ulwell near Swanage to Lulworth Cove in aid of Mosaic - a charity to help bereaved children.
back Swanage Rotary have always focused on supporting young people and needs within our community. This group within the club has supported a number of projects which cover many aspects of our lives in Purbeck. See what we have been doing below: