This week’s issue has a bit of everything, including a birthday 🎂
We’re marking one whole year of PooleNow, and what a year it’s been. Thank you to everyone who’s read, shared, replied and supported the newsletter since Issue No. 1!

As for the news, there’s plenty to get stuck into. Our top story looks at the 17th-century shipwreck recently discovered off the Dorset coast, alongside an important breakdown of the proposed council tax rise and what it could mean locally.

You’ll also find all the usual PooleNow favourites: this week’s trivia, the pick of what’s on around Poole, and plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy what’s happening nearby.

PooleNow is now proudly sponsored by Bournemouth One, the local radio station bringing you music, news and travel updates across Dorset. Listen whilst you read!

Winter storms have uncovered a remarkable piece of maritime history on Studland beach, with archaeologists believing newly exposed timbers date back to the 17th century.

Experts from Bournemouth University say the remains are very likely part of the Swash Channel wreck, thought to be The Fame, a Dutch merchant ship that ran aground and sank in 1631 near the entrance to Poole Harbour.

The exposed section measures around 6 metres by 2 metres, with well-preserved outer hull planks still held together by wooden treenails, despite being more than 400 years old.

The National Trust and Historic England are now working with researchers to assess the find, with scientific testing planned to confirm the timber’s origin. If excavation is approved, the remains could eventually join other artefacts from the wreck already on display at Poole Museum.

Visitors are being asked not to touch or disturb the timbers while investigations continue.

One of the South Coast’s biggest and most uplifting community events is back. The Vitality Bay Run 2026 returns to the seafront this spring, with entries now open for runners, walkers and families of all abilities.

Set against seven miles of golden sand and sweeping views across Poole Bay, the event takes place on Sunday 22 March 2026 and offers four distances: Half Marathon, 10km, 5km and a 1km Children’s Run.

This year’s charity partners are Dorset Mind, Bournemouth Foodbank, Forest Holme Hospice and HealthBus Trust, meaning every step helps support vital services across the BCP area.

Places filled fast last year, and entries for 2026 are already open.
👉 Find out more and sign up: https://www.bournemouthbayrun.co.uk/

BCP Council has said it has “cautiously welcomed” new Government announcements on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) funding and Council Tax flexibility.

Government has confirmed it would allow BCP Council to increase Council Tax by up to 6.74% in 2026/27 without a referendum, should councillors choose to do so. For a Band D household, this would mean an increase of £10.42 per month, generating just under £5 million to support essential services.

Alongside this, Government has indicated it could contribute up to 90% (£165.2m) of BCP’s historic SEND deficit, subject to an approved local reform plan. However, details and timescales have yet to be confirmed.

The announcements will now be considered as part of upcoming budget discussions at Cabinet and Full Council.

This week marks a big milestone: PooleNow is officially one year old 🎂

Over the past 12 months we’ve sent out 52 issues, delivered 60,109 emails, written hundreds of articles, shared local history trivia, and promoted hundreds of events happening across Poole.

Special thanks go to Roy Martin and Bournemouth One Radio, who backed PooleNow early on and continue to support the newsletter as sponsor. Without that support, alongside juggling this project with a full-time job, PooleNow simply wouldn’t exist.

Thanks also to my family and friends for all their support, all of the wonderful local entrepreneurs that have contributed to our issues, plus David Mutton, Claire Mann, Charles Fynn, and Dan Ware for their guidance, encouragement and positivity along the way.

And finally, thank you to all 1,876 (and counting!) PooleNow readers, thank you to everyone who has subscribed, forwarded the newsletter to friends, shared our posts on social media, completed our surveys, answered our trivia, and taken the time to send feedback. It really does mean a lot. Here’s to year two!

Anyone starting a business, or in their first three years of trading, is invited to a relaxed startup business breakfast taking place in Poole next month.

The event is being run by Evolve Advisory on Tuesday 3 March 2026, aimed at helping early-stage founders learn from others, stay motivated and make useful local connections.

Alongside breakfast, attendees will hear honest, practical insights from people who’ve been through those early business years — what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they’d known sooner. Topics will include sources of finance, local support networks and the realities of growing a business in Dorset.

Guest speakers include Joe Hayes from Kindful Creative and Adam Thompson from Photo Experience, both sharing lessons from building and scaling their own businesses.

The session is funded by BCP Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is designed to be welcoming, informal and genuinely supportive — especially for those exploring a new idea or finding their feet in business. Sign up here.

📍 Evolve Advisory, Poole
📅 Tuesday 3 March 2026

Are you a business in the local area? Do you want to reach out to a highly engaged local community? Want to support us so that we can keep running our free local newsletter? Get in touch!

This week we have an 18th century Georgian home in Corfe Mullen. It has an annex, plus a World War II bunker turned wine cellar! 👉 View the property

Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan has launched the Positive About Poole Poll, giving residents the chance to vote on what matters most for the town’s future.

The poll builds on discussions from a local conference that brought together businesses, community groups and organisations to explore.

The results will help shape the MP’s priorities both locally and in Parliament.

To take part, you must live in the Poole constituency and be aged 16 or over. The poll closes on 30 April 2026.

👉 Vote here: https://www.neilforpoole.co.uk/pap-voting-form

Plans are moving forward to extend a safer, quieter walking and cycling route linking Alder Road to Coy Pond, offering an alternative to busy roads like Yarmouth Road.

Following recent improvements through Bournemouth Gardens, new funding from Active Travel England will allow BCP Council to extend the route west, helping residents travel more comfortably between Branksome, Parkstone and Bournemouth, including routes to local schools.

Proposals include:

Residents are being invited to share feedback on current issues — such as uneven pavements or difficult crossings — so funding can be prioritised where it’s needed most.

👉 View the plans and have your say

BCP Council is consulting on a new Pleasure Boats and Boatperson Licensing Policy, aimed at updating and formalising how small passenger and hire boats operate on inland waters around Poole and Christchurch.

The policy focuses on:

It applies to small motorboats, jet skis, e-foils, and skippered vessels carrying up to 12 passengers within inland waters. Larger passenger boats operating at sea are not included.

The aim is to provide clearer guidance and help everyone enjoy local harbours safely and responsibly.

👉 Share your views here

The Living Line, The Gallery Upstairs at Upton Country Park, 10am–4pm daily Exhibition exploring how line, language and form move across poetry, books and visual art by the Sale family. Free admission. Special event Saturday 7 February at 2.30pm with poetry, performances and conversation.

The Art of Keeping Well & Beyond the Lines, Lighthouse (Top Floor & Mezzanine Gallery), Sat 17 Jan – Sat 28 Feb, Tue–Sat, 10am–8pm
A free exhibition bringing together community artworks exploring caregiving, memory loss and ageing well, developed with local charities and Bournemouth University.

RNLI Stories of Courage 1939–45, Lighthouse (Main Gallery), Thu 15 Jan – Sat 28 Feb 2026, Tue–Sat, 10am–8pm
Rarely seen artwork and artefacts tell the story of RNLI volunteer crews saving lives at sea during wartime. Free entry.

Glorious!, Lighthouse, various times
The true story of American socialite Florence Foster Jenkins, dubbed 'the worst singer in the world', known for her flamboyant costumes and decidedly off-key voice. Follow Florence's journey as she prepares for concerts and defies critics to follow her dreams. Wednesday 11 to Saturday 14 February. Book now.

Backstage Tours, Lighthouse, various times
Exclusive opportunity to go behind the scenes at Lighthouse. Tread the boards of the theatre, hear the acoustics in the concert hall, explore backstage corridors and discover the dressing rooms. Just 15 places available for each tour. £25 per person. Thursday 12 February to Thursday 12 March. Book now.

Woods & Words family woodland trail, Upton Country Park, 10am–4pm daily
Free woodland trail collecting poems as you explore. Find inspiration at each location and create your own poem or short story to add to the Poet-Tree. Suitable for all ages, no writing experience needed. Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February.

Removing our Masks - returning back to self, The Gallery Upstairs at Upton Country Park, 12–3pm daily
Bournemouth-based visual artist Paul Lloyd exhibits his new collection. An emotional journey of transformation and self-discovery through powerful acrylic portraits. Free admission. Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February.

Young Enterprise Dorset Trade Fair 2026, GATHER at The Dolphin, 10am–2pm Support South West Young Enterprise students as they trade for the first time. Visit their stands, share feedback and pick up gifts or items.

The Good Quiz, The Goods Yard
Put on your thinking caps, gather your teammates and take part in the no pen, no paper, NO CHEATING, speed quiz!

BSO: Playful Shostakovich, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
Shostakovich at his wittiest including variations on an original theme, Second Piano Concerto and music from the ballet The Bolt. Book now.

Kingsmen (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 8.30–10.30pm
Live music in Ashley Cross.

Gemma Leanne (Live Music), Jenkins & Sons, 7–9pm
£7.50 burgers, happy hour 4–6pm, 2-4-1 cocktails all night.

Emmanuel Sonubi: Life After Near Death, Lighthouse, 8pm
Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee and Best Show nominee back on tour after sold-out performances. Book now.

Subconscious, Bermuda Triangle Club Room, Ashley Cross, 8–11pm
An evening of bass, melodic and tech house.

The Seventynine, The King Charles, from 9pm
Live music at one of the oldest pubs in Poole.

Cutting Edge, The Lord Nelson, Poole Quay, from 8.30pm
Turning up the energy with sound, good vibes and plenty of fun.

Studio Jazz: Gary Crosby & Denys Baptiste present 'A Love Supreme', Lighthouse, 7.45pm
All-star quartet celebrating John Coltrane's greatest jazz album of all time. Book now.

Valentine's Day Brunch on the Roof Terrace, Rockwater, 9.45am–2.30pm
Saturday brunch with shoreline backdrop and laid-back atmosphere. Tables of six or more receive complimentary Bellini on arrival. Book your table.

Lunar New Year, Wah Hing Chinese Supermarket, from 1pm
Dragon of the South welcomes the year of the Horse with a blessings ceremony performance.

Coastal Cruise's Valentine's Cruise for Singles, Poole Harbour
Sail through stunning Poole Harbour, sip drinks from the bar, dance to great music and mingle with no pressure.

Galentine’s Day Steam & Stem and Private Valentine’s Sauna Date Night, Bake Sauna, Wimborne
Check out Bake Sauna’s new set up in Wimborne either with friends or on a date. Book

Beth Orton & Sam Amidon, St Peter's, doors 7pm
Mercury Prize-nominated and BRIT Award-winning singer-songwriter known for pioneering folktronica. Very special Valentine's concert.

BSO: Smooth Valentine Classics, Lighthouse, 7pm
Evening of luscious symphonic classics with romantic melodies including love themes from silver screen masterpieces and Wagner's musical love letter. Book now.

Route 66 (Trio), The Angel Pub, from 8pm
Live country music for Valentine's Day from this Dorset-based country and folk infused band.

Coastal Comedy Valentine Special, Lighthouse, 8pm
Triple bill of comedy headlined by Jonny Awsum as seen on Britain's Got Talent. 18+. Book now.

The Harry Skinner Band (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9–11pm
Live music in Ashley Cross.

Zildjian Young Drummer of the Year 2026, Lighthouse, 2pm Live final for contestants 16 and under showcasing drumming talent on a national and international stage. Hosted by Mike Dolbear. Book now.

The Baytones (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 4–6pm Sunday afternoon live music.

Speed Quizzing, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 7.30–10.30pm Every Monday with Quiz Master Johnny. £3 per person with jackpot win up for grabs. Fast-paced, fun and competitive.

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