The Swanage Railway Trust’s “Save Your Railway Appeal” was one of two beneficiaries of a music concert held in Swanage on Saturday, 31st August in memory of a young Swanage man who died of cancer.

Almost £13,000 was raised for two Isle of Purbeck charities by this year’s ‘Music by the Sea’ concert, with the other charity being the Cancare cancer support group.

With a poignant and uplifting concert of live music and song, the young man’s parents thanked local people for so strongly supporting “such a wonderful and happy family friendly community day”.

‘Music by the Sea’ was organised and sponsored by businesses and individuals in Swanage and around the country, and over 20 local bands and singers performed music from across the decades.

Brian Travers from Swanage hosted the free concert.

This was the fourth annual fund-raising memorial concert organised by Swanage couple Vicki and Jonathan Searle for their 25-year-old son Henry who died of a brain tumour in April, 2021, after a seven-year battle against the illness.

It was held in the town’s natural grassed amphitheatre of Prince Albert Gardens which overlooks the town and had an impressive illuminated stage built between the stone pillars.

Last year, the Swanage Railway Trust ran an appeal to finish the restoration of London and South Western Railway T3 No.563, and to restore the tender of Adams 4-4-0 T3 Class No. 563.

“It was clear to see that ‘Music by the Sea’ was a community family event and the love for Henry Searle really shone through. It was wonderful and moving.

“Against a background of determined fund raising, generous donations and kind sponsorship from individuals and businesses – and keeping costs to a minimum – this year’s ‘Music by the Sea’ memorial concert attracted large crowds of people who came and went throughout the day.

“I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to plan, support and stage the event, the wonderful singers and musicians who gave their talents for free and the lovely people who came to the memorial concert and so strongly supported such a wonderful and happy family friendly community day.

“’Music by the Sea’ is a wonderful way of keeping Henry’s memory alive – and remembering other young people in Swanage who have died – while also raising money for local charities and good causes through the joy of music and song,” added Vicki who works in the finance office of the Swanage Railway.”

Vicki Searle

“I remember meeting Henry Searle for the first time a few months after his cancer diagnosis and I still hold on to that lovely memory. “I have been keen to help the annual ‘Music by the Sea’ memorial concert in Swanage which has been supported by so many fine people and organisations and is a great community event – this year supporting two important Isle of Purbeck charity initiatives.

“I am delighted the event went so well and that it successfully raised the profiles of Cancare and the Swanage Railway Trust and their important roles in the community.”

Frank Roberts, Swanage Railway Trust chair