The hard work of a dedicated team of volunteers has seen a 50% increase in visitor numbers at the Purbeck Mining Museum near Norden over the past year. And, celebrating a decade since its original creation, the popular visitor attraction has now achieved accreditation from Arts Council England for the high standard of its management and visitor engagement and the care it takes to protect and preserve Purbeck’s mining heritage.
“It has been a truly exceptional year,” says the museum’s Chairman, Peter Sills. “From its conception, the museum has been entirely dependent on the enthusiasm, commitment and hard work of a dedicated and growing team of volunteers. It is no mean achievement for a volunteer-run museum to meet the stringent requirements for accreditation from Arts Council England.
“The whole team is immensely proud to receive such recognition. It’s all the more gratifying to be awarded accreditation in a year that has seen such a significant increase in both visitors and donations as well as the introduction of a new welfare centre for volunteers and new footpaths under construction in the surrounding woodland.
“We are certainly not resting on our laurels, though. Our exciting forward development plan will enable us to continue to shine the light on an industry that, quite literally, has shaped much of the familiar and picturesque landscape we see today on the Isle of Purbeck.”
Located alongside the Swanage Railway’s Norden Station at Purbeck Park, the Purbeck Mining Museum is part of the Swanage Railway Trust and comprises a recreated clay mine housing a bewildering array of artefacts, mementos, models, photographs and film footage from years gone by. It provides a fascinating insight into life at the clay face as the industrial revolution arrived in the Purbecks and steps were taken to meet the increasing demand for globally scarce ball clay.
Visitors to the museum are invited to descend down a timber-lined and iron-arched walkway to see some of the underground workings. A large section of one of the narrow-gauge railways that served the mines for well over a hundred years has also been restored, with periodic demonstrations of engine and wagon movements running alongside the Swanage Railway. And there are plenty of countryside walks and picnic areas around the Museum and overlooking Corfe Castle for a full and very enjoyable family day out.
Confirmation of accreditation from Arts Council England followed the submission of a 40,000 word document prepared by the museum’s curator, Nigel Cox, with input from other volunteers past and present. According to the Arts Council’s Relationship Manager for Museum Accreditation, the submission was one of the most comprehensive applications received from a venue run and managed entirely by volunteers. Confirming the high professional standards in place at the museum, the accreditation will add weight to future capital funding bids and will facilitate exchange programmes and temporary exhibitions in partnership with other accredited museums.
“This accreditation is a real credit to the team of volunteers at the Purbeck Mining Museum, and we’re delighted their efforts and high standards have received such an emphatic endorsement,” adds Frank Roberts, Chairman of the Swanage Railway Trust.
“Previously seen as something of a hidden gem, the museum continues to grow in stature and is now adding real value to the Swanage Railway’s visitor experience. It also encapsulates the Trust’s deep commitment to education as it brings to life and showcases such a significant part of the area’s industrial heritage.”
The museum’s team of volunteers celebrated the successful year at a recent annual review meeting held at the Community Hub, in Commercial Road Swanage. Special guests included Clive Hardy, a Trustee of the Swanage Railway Trust and Vicky de Wit, the Museums Advisor for BCP and Dorset Councils who provided the museum with invaluable support and encouragement throughout the accreditation process. Long service awards were also presented to three of the volunteers – Jane Cox, Sue Double and Tim Salter.
Although it is now closed to visitors for the winter, the Purbeck Mining Museum remains a hive of activity as the volunteers work on a myriad of maintenance and restoration projects in preparation for reopening next spring. There are also wildlife surveys and and various archaeological initiatives being undertaken on the 20 acre site. To find out more about joining the museum’s team of volunteers and information on special events and opening times for 2025, just visit http://purbeckminingmuseum.org.
Join Somerset Live’s WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone
Somerset Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.
Through the app, we’ll send the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone.
To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Somerset Live team.
We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.
To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.