VOLUNTEER at HERSTON HALT & SWANAGE ARMY LINK
Frank gets things done. During the 40 years or so he’s lived in Swanage, he’s installed signalling along sections of the Swanage railway line; he’s helped join the Swanage line into the national rail network; renovated and maintained the Herston Halt stop; initiated community litter-picking with Litter Free Purbeck and more recently, with Swanage Army Link; purchased solar panels and a massive battery to store renewable energy; and helped raise money to build the Hero’s Haven holiday home, which gives military veterans and their carers respite in times of need. This is a man hell-bent on not retiring!
Frank’s energy, competence and organisational star qualities are grounded in a successful Army career and a period working for SouthWest Trains, but Frank also has a compassionate understanding of the need for community and how better mental health can be nourished through community involvement. Care for the community is at the heart of all he does. In taking a lead, he opens the possibility for other people to get involved, and to take an active role in being kinder to others and to the environment.
He and fellow volunteers might be keeping a historic rail line alive, but Frank believes they are also making history: looking ahead to when the rail line could be the backbone of a more sustainable transport network in Purbeck, and one that supports better job prospects and the local economy.
One of Frank’s proudest moments was carrying the Olympic torch through the centre of Swanage in 2012, after being nominated for his community work. He’s a local legend – full of ideas - who is helping to engineer a better future for people in Purbeck.
