VISITOR numbers at a Purbeck museum increased by 50% in a year.

The work of volunteers at the Purbeck Mining Museum, near Norden, has been praised following news of the rise.

It came as the venue celebrated a decade since its creation, which has now also seen it gain accreditation from Arts Council England for the high standard of its management and visitor engagement, as well as the care it takes to protect and preserve Purbeck’s mining heritage.

“It has been a truly exceptional year,” said museum chair, 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.”

And he said the museum had big plans for the future.

“We are certainly not resting on our laurels,” Peter went on. “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.”

The museum is alongside Swanage Railway’s Norden Station, at Purbeck Park, and is part of the Swanage Railway Trust.

It boasts a recreated clay mine housing an array of artefacts, mementos, models, photographs and film footage from years gone by, providing a fascinating insight into life at the clay face as the industrial revolution arrived in the Purbecks.

As well as the museum itself, there are a number of countryside walks and picnic areas on the 20-acre site, overlooking Corfe Castle.

The Arts Council England accreditation came after the submission of a 40,000 word document prepared by the museum’s curator, Nigel Cox, with input from other volunteers past and present.

“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,” said Frank Roberts, chair 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.

The Purbeck Mining Museum will re-open to the public in the spring. To find out more about joining the Purbeck Mining Museum’s team of volunteers and information on special events and opening times for 2025, visit purbeckminingmuseum.org.