This week’s issue is all about community, from the amazing effort that’s helped save part of Upton Heath, to thousands of people expected to take part in free events at the Bournemouth Writing Festival. We’ve also got some great local updates, including an osprey update and a special match to celebrate a Poole Town legend.

Enjoy!

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!

You might remember we recently shared news about part of Upton Heath being put up for sale, followed by a major fundraising appeal to protect it.

Now, in a fantastic outcome, that land has officially been saved.

More than £100,000 was raised in just two weeks, helping Dorset Wildlife Trust secure the 110-acre site before it went to auction. The land, which sits within a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is considered vital for wildlife and nature recovery.

We just want to say a huge thank you to any readers who helped spread the word or contributed to the appeal. It’s a brilliant example of what can be achieved when the community comes together.

The site is home to rare species including all six native reptiles, and plans are now in place to restore and protect it for the future.

More than 100 events are set to take over Bournemouth town centre this weekend as the Bournemouth Writing Festival returns.

Running from 24 to 26 April, the three-day event will bring together writers and authors from across the UK, with a packed programme of talks, workshops and performances.

A big highlight this year is the number of free events, including a new Poetry Marquee on Horseshoe Common, live performances, and children’s activities.

There are also plenty of opportunities for beginners to get involved, with relaxed drop-in sessions and chances to meet authors, attend book launches and explore new ideas.

For those looking to develop their writing, there are expert-led workshops and masterclasses, covering everything from storytelling to publishing.

Find the full programme of events on their website.

There’s more exciting news from Poole Harbour, as the resident osprey pair CJ7 and 022 have laid their second egg of the season.

The birds, part of a reintroduction programme, have been returning to the same nest site near Wareham since 2022 and continue to go from strength to strength.

The first egg was spotted earlier in the week, with the second appearing just a few days later, marking another positive step for the project.

🗳️Town Council Election Update

We’ve had a busy week collecting and publishing local candidate statements that have been submitted to us for voters to read. All the candidates in the upcoming local elections are listed on our website alongside statements from those that have already sent us an entry. We know that we’ve got more entries on the way, so keep checking the site for updates. If you know anyone that is standing that hasn’t submitted one yet, please forward this email on to them.

Check out the candidates here.

Creative business people will be coming together in Poole this May for You Are The Media (YATM) Creator Day, an annual event focused on connection, learning and support.

Taking place on 14 May 2026, from 9.30am to 3pm, at 21 Kingland Road, the day is built around the theme of community. The morning features experienced presenters sharing practical insight on building an audience, shaping a clear message and staying engaged.

In the afternoon, attendees work hands‑on in supportive teams to start creating — whether that’s a first video, a newsletter or improving writing skills. There’s no pressure to publish, just encouragement to take the next step, alongside people who understand the journey.

Get involved here!

How much? For what? You are going to want to take a look at this!👉 View the property

After an incredible 21-year career and more than 800 appearances, Poole Town captain Jamie Whisken is set to be celebrated with a special testimonial match next month.

The match takes place on Sunday 10 May at the Tatnam ground, with a 3pm kick-off, and promises to be a fantastic occasion.

A Poole Town XI will take on an Adam Lallana XI, with some big names expected to feature including Nathan Dyer, Leon Best, Bradley Johnson and Brett Pitman. Lallana himself, a Premier League and Champions League winner, will also be involved.

The teams will be managed by Tommy Killick, Chris Billam-Smith and (of course!) Harry Redknapp.

It’s set to be a memorable send-off for a club legend.
Book your tickets here

A brand new boat offering free trips around Poole Harbour for people with disabilities has officially been named.

Dolphin IV is the latest vessel from local charity Friends of Dolphin, replacing the much-loved Dolphin III after nearly 20 years of service.

The specially adapted catamaran has been designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wide side door for easy wheelchair access and secure fixing points onboard.

The £150,000 vessel was named by local legend and ocean sailor Pip Hare during a ceremony at Poole Quay.

Since it was founded in 1982, Friends of Dolphin has provided free harbour trips for around 60,000 people, and this new boat ensures that work can continue for years to come.

With crew training now underway, Dolphin IV is expected to be out on the water ready for the summer season in May.

We’ve been sharing local trivia questions since PooleNow first began, so it got us thinking. Should we host our own quiz night?

It could be a great chance to bring readers together, find a welcoming local venue, and raise money for a charity chosen by you. What do you think?

Have your say by voting below. And if you’re a local venue that would like to host us, I’d love to hear from you. Just reply to this email.

There’s a packed programme of events on the way at Upton Country Park over the next few weeks, with something for all ages.

First up, the park is celebrating its 50th anniversary of being open to the public with a special “Upton Through the Ages” weekend on 16–17 May. Expect living history, period costumes, regency dancing, garden games and even a 70s-themed music zone in the Walled Garden. It’s free to attend and perfect for a relaxed family day out.

Later in the month, on Saturday 23 May, the Purbeck Guitar Festival brings “Rock It Saturday” to the park. This all-day event features an impressive line-up of live music, from folk and blues to rock and jazz, plus food, drink and a festival atmosphere in the beautiful surroundings of the Walled Garden.

Then on Saturday 30 May, Great OutDorset takes over with a completely free, family-friendly celebration of nature and the outdoors. Expect everything from BMX shows and dog displays to live music, crafts and hands-on activities.

Find all the details on the Upton Country Park website

Save the date, because Westbourne is set to be buzzing on Saturday 16 May with not one, but two big events taking over the high street.

The Westbourne Artisan Market returns to The Libertine from 10am to 4pm, bringing together 16 sustainable Dorset-based creatives. Expect handmade goods, unique finds, live music and a really relaxed, feel-good atmosphere. It’s a great chance to support local makers and discover something a little different. Free tickets are available via the link in bio.

At the same time, the Westbourne Motor Show is back and bigger than ever. This year’s event will stretch across both Seamoor Road and Poole Road, which will be closed to traffic to create a larger, more open layout for visitors.

You’ll be able to get up close to everything from classic cars to high-performance vehicles, all while enjoying everything Westbourne has to offer. Shops, cafés and restaurants will all be open, making it easy to turn your visit into a full day out.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), Lighthouse Poole, Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 April, various times
A hilarious, high-speed run through all of Shakespeare’s plays performed by three actors

Restless Exhibition, The Gallery Upstairs at Upton Country Park, Thursday 23 to Monday 27 April, 10:00am to 4:00pm
A free exhibition of oil paintings inspired by the south west

Internal Worlds, External Bodies Exhibition, Lighthouse Poole, Thursday 23 April to Friday 29 May, 10:00am to 8:00pm
A free exhibition exploring emotion, healing and human connection through light and form

Spring Refresh Your Home: Simple Feng Shui for Wellbeing, John Lewis Branksome, 2:00pm
Discover simple Feng Shui tips to create better balance and flow in your home with this inspiring talk.

Poole Quay Bike Night, Poole Quay, from 5:30pm
Bike Nights return with live music from John Springett at 6:30pm and Bike of the Night judging. A great evening by the water

Poole Plugged and Unplugged, The Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, 8:00pm
An open mic night where you can perform or just enjoy the music, with a free drink for performers and the chance of a future gig

Saurus (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 8:30pm to 10:30pm
Live music in a lively pub setting with a great local act

BSO: Organ Symphony, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
A powerful orchestral performance featuring works by Tchaikovsky, Boulanger and Saint-Saëns

Restless Exhibition, The Gallery Upstairs at Upton Country Park, 10:00am to 4:00pm
A solo exhibition of oil paintings inspired by the south west. Free entry and open daily until Monday

Celebrate St George’s Day, The Britannia, Ashley Cross, all day
Enjoy a complimentary pint of Timothy Taylor’s Landlord when you order fish and chips

St George’s Day Thursdate!, Bricklayers, Ashley Cross, all day
Real ales £4 all day, plus live music from 8pm.

Sandbanks Brewery Quiz Night, Sandbanks Brewery, 6:00pm
A fun pub quiz with prizes up for grabs

Phil Ellis: Bath Mat, Lighthouse Poole, 8:00pm
Award-winning comedian Phil Ellis brings his latest stand-up show on tour

Art Themen (Live Jazz), Jazz Café, 7:00pm
A legendary British jazz saxophonist performs live with the Andy Urquhart Quartet

Studio Jazz: Liane Carroll Trio, Lighthouse Poole, 7:45pm
An evening of powerful vocals and exceptional piano from a world-renowned jazz performer

Zoe Jean Fowler (Live Music), S Bomb Workshop, 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Nashville-based country artist brings her live show to Poole.

Grumpy O Sheep (Live Music), Tap & Grape, Broadstone, 8:00pm
A high-energy duo blending Irish melodies with rock and Spanish guitar influences

Cutting Edge Band (Live Music), The Bricklayers, Ashley Cross, 8:30pm
A high-energy covers band playing hits across the decades

Rock It Science (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 9:00pm to 11:00pm
Live music to kickstart the weekend

Murphy’s Lore Trio (Live Music), The Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, from 8:30pm
Enjoy dinner followed by live music. Call 01202 673517 to book a table

Pizza with Love and Live Music, Sandbanks Brewery, from 5:00pm
Wood-fired pizzas, live music and a great atmosphere at the taproom

Youth Volunteering, Upton Country Park, 1:00pm to 3:00pm
A great opportunity for young people aged 13 to 17 to get involved in outdoor activities and event planning. Email [email protected] to join

The Magic Flute (Encore), Lighthouse Poole, 6:45pm
A stunning opera performance captured live from the Royal Opera House

Flipside Ibiza Takeover, Rockwater Roof Terrace, 7:00pm to midnight
A night of house, Afro and Balearic beats with a stacked DJ line-up

A Country Night in Nashville, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
A lively country music experience direct from the Royal Albert Hall

Olive Jones (Live Music), St Peter’s Church Poole, from 7:00pm
Soul and blues influenced singer-songwriter launching her debut album

The Haunting of Merley House, Merley House, 8:00pm to 2:00am
An overnight paranormal investigation at this historic venue. Book your place with the organisers

Rattlesnake 'n' Tailfeathers (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 9:00pm to 11:00pm
Live band bringing a mix of energetic tracks

Cutting Edge Band (Live Music), The Lord Nelson, Poole, 9:00pm
A lively night of funk, pop, country and rock classics

Merley House Wedding Fair, Merley House, 11:00am to 3:00pm
Meet wedding suppliers, explore the venue and enjoy a free glass of prosecco

Kingsmen (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Easy-going Sunday live music session

Celtic Confusion (Live Music), The Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, from 4:30pm
Traditional Celtic tunes alongside Sunday roast. Call 01202 673517 to book

Butler, Blake and Grant (Live Music), St Peter’s Church Poole, from 7:00pm
A unique collaboration between three celebrated British musicians

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