Harman’s Cross Station © Andrew PM Wright
Visitors to a Purbeck fund-raising event are being urged to leave their cars and take the Swanage Railway steam train – not only paying half the admission price to the traditional village fete but also reducing traffic congestion and the hassle of car parking.
Located between Corfe Castle and Swanage, the traditional afternoon Harman’s Cross country fete, flower show and gymkhana takes place at the village hall, next to the railway station, on Monday, 25 August from 12 noon until 4pm.
Attracting 2,500 visitors – and staged since the early 1950s by dedicated local people – proceeds from the annual community event, known as the Harman’s Cross Field Day, go towards the maintenance of the Harman’s Cross village hall which is run by a registered charity and was rebuilt during 2009 and 2010.
The horseshow and gymkhana part of the event takes place on the opposite side of the Swanage Railway’s Harman’s Cross station in Haycraft’s Lane from the village hall and begins at 9am on 25 August.
Visitors to the fund-raising community event who travel by steam train from Norden Park & Ride, Corfe Castle, Herston Halt or Swanage – and present a valid rail ticket – pay just 50 pence for an entry ticket, compared with the normal admission price of £1.
This year’s Harman’s Cross country fete, flower show and gymkhana features the Wessex Military Band, a flower and vegetable show, craft marquee, dog agility display and show rings.
The Harman’s Cross Field Day events also include a grand raffle, afternoon teas and refreshments, beer tent, tombola, plant stall, children’s rides, coconut shy, amusements, trade stands, local produce and a horse show.
