Swanage at its best

Picture Courtesy of Andrew P.M Wright

Wes Mullen and Swanage Coastguard

This weekend goes down as one of the most special events the Swanage Coastguard Team have been privileged to be involved in and shows its not all about search and rescue work.

Joining in with the Community is very special and we enjoyed the whole day which had been organised by many people, including the Hospitality Assocation, Mike Ford, Royal British Legion and the Town Council (plus many many more)

Wesley Mullen originally came to Swanage as part of the American 1st Infantry Division (known as the 'Big Red One') in October 1943. He was in the 26th Regiment 2nd Battalion, G Company 2nd Platoon - his role being a rifleman.

68 years later the 26th Regiment Association wished to thank the people of Swanage and with the excellent stone work of local mason Mark Blanchard had a beautiful plaque created.

For his work Mark was presents with an Honourary Membership of the Regiment nicknamed the "Blue Spades"

                Lt General John M Brown (Rtd)     Mark Blanchard         Wes Mullen

On Saturday morning Wes, his two grandsons, Lt. General Brown, and Matt Winter a serving member of the 26th Regiment were brought into Swanage by train just as Wes did 68 years ago.  I had the unique privilege of meeting Wes off the train and walking him down the platform meeting many people as we went.  The party was then met by the Mayor and a short speech was read out which was a copy of the one read out in 1943.  It was then into some jeeps and a couple of laps of the town

Having arrived at the War Memorial by the band stand, a short but moving service saw the plaque dedicated, before jumping back in the jeeps and off to show Wes where he stayed before (Beachways Hotel)

Wes in the actual room he slept in.

Then up to the Grand Hotel for the buffet (well if we could actually get Wes to sit down!) He might be 86 but he wore us out.

With the offically part over we then got asked to take Wes around Swanage and probably the most moving location for me ...the Globe at Durlston.

Wes and his grandsons Larry and Marc

Well done Swanage, yet again you put on a great show for a special visitor.

American D Day Veteran Wes Mullen Visits Swanage - 68 years on

Specialist Matt Winter           Station Officer Ian Brown          Wes Mullen

Reliving a moment for Wes Mullen - 68 years on from the Original photo (this time the right side of the fence Wes !)

Tea and Biscuits?

Some familiar faces here at the grand opening of the new Beach Warden Hut.

The boss is eyeing up the tea and biscuits just to the right of the photographer.  Mmmmm, don't mind if I do!

Swanage Beach Wardens

The Swanage Beach Wardens Hut taking shape nicely - The new signs arrived this week.

The hut was a partnership deal between the Town Council and the Hospitality Association.

It might look like a shed, but it is a hut ;-)

Visit Swanage

Come on folks, the sun is out and looks like its going to be out a another week, so why not pack your bags for the weekend and head down to Swanage for a weekend?

Looking for somewhere to stay? Want to know whats on? Then click on the hospitality web site.

Beach Wardens Hut

The new beach wardens hut is nearly finished and goes to show how working together gets things done.

This project was partner working at its best - Swanage Town Council and the Swanage Hospitality Association being the main parties.

This hut or shall we call it a cabin (as it did replace an old beach hut) will assist the beach wardens operate a little better, giving them a view over the banjo jetty for example. More room to provide 1st aid or take details in private of a lost child and for a Coastguard team to keep dry in the rain?

Well done everyone - goes to show what can be done.

Swanage Hospitality Association

The Swanage Coastguard Team are pleased to announce that we have joined the Swanage & Purbeck Hospitality Association.

The Association is about promoting Swanage (and the Purbecks), the events and the places to stay in the town.

We want visitors to have a good and safe time in Swanage and by working with the association we hopefully will be able to promote good safety advice to visitors via the many guest houses, shops and hotels.