It’s Halloween this weekend, and Poole is making the most of it, from fancy dress parties in Ashley Cross to candlelit Radiohead at St Peter’s. It’s all in the events listings below.

There’s plenty in the news too. The Prime Minister has backed a mayor for Wessex, Poole Museum is celebrating its first birthday with a £10,000 appeal, and if you’ve ever fancied starting a podcast, there’s now a studio for it in the Dolphin. We’ve also got all the details for the fireworks on the Quay next Thursday, a masked ball inspired by Labyrinth, and a call for volunteers to help with Christmas tree collections.

This week’s quiz is all about the Mayor of Poole, and there’s our most expensive property pick yet! Oh, there’s also a poll in there about whether or not I should create a 2027 calendar, so please answer that!

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!

One for the "might matter more than it sounds" pile. The Prime Minister has backed plans for a Wessex mayor, covering BCP along with Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire.

It came up at Prime Minister's Questions last week, when West Dorset MP Edward Morello asked whether the Government would commit to a mayor by 2028. The Prime Minister gave the plan his support, said he wanted to move quickly and offered to meet councillors from all four areas, though a 2028 date has not been formally confirmed.

So what would it actually mean? The idea is that a new Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority would take on powers over things like transport, housing, skills, infrastructure and jobs, with decisions made in the region rather than in Westminster. Areas with mayors, such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, have generally been given extra government funding to go with it.

It is worth being clear on what it is not. This would not replace BCP Council, and it is separate from the reorganisation that created BCP in 2019. Your bins, parks and libraries would stay with BCP.

The leaders of all four councils welcomed the news, calling it "a landmark moment for Wessex" and saying the region was ready. Morello said a mayor could bring extra annual funding and long-term growth, and warned the area risks being left behind without one.

Not everyone is convinced, though. Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan is against the plan, arguing it would create an "artificial entity" lumping together very different urban and rural areas.

Nothing changes yet. The four councils will now work with the Government on the next steps, and we will keep you posted as the details emerge.

Poole now has its own podcast and video studios, and you will find them in a slightly unexpected spot: inside the Dolphin Centre.

Kindful Studios has opened in FOUNDRY, the business and creative space in the centre. It is run by Poole agency Kindful Creative and offers podcast recording, social media content and video production with professional kit, including 4K cameras and lighting.

There are two rooms. The Little One is set up for two-person interviews, while the Big One fits up to four people in three different layouts.

Head of Studios Teddy Riley, who has worked with the BBC, Netflix, Spotify and Sony Music, will be on hand during sessions to help with the technical side.

It is open to businesses and creators alike, and you do not need to be a FOUNDRY member to book.

Book a session

Bonfire Night falls on a Thursday this year, and Poole Quay is putting on its usual free fireworks display on Thursday 5 November.

Things get going from 5pm with live music and family entertainment along the Quay, building up to the fireworks at 8pm.

If you fancy watching from the water, Coastal Cruises Poole is running a firework cruise that leaves the Quay at 7pm and returns once the display is over. It goes from the Blue Ticket Kiosk, there is a bar on board, and it will be cold out there, so wrap up.

Book the firework cruise

Every PooleNow issue opens with a photo I’ve taken somewhere around Poole, and there’s quite a collection building up. I’m thinking of turning the best of them into a PooleNow 2027 calendar, with a different local view for each month.

PooleNow is independent and free to read. Any money raised from the calendar would go straight back into keeping it funded and up and running each week.

Before I go ahead, I’d love to know if it’s something you’d buy. If there’s enough interest, I’ll aim to have it ready to order next week, in good time for Christmas.

Let me know in the quick poll below.

Two of Poole's best loved cultural venues have teamed up, and the result is a new shop. Shop! has opened in the main foyer at Lighthouse, next to the Ticket Office, run in partnership with Poole Museum.

It is full of Poole: prints and homeware featuring local landmarks, including work by artist Eustace Nash, and prints of the famous 1950s "Welcome to Poole" tile panel made by Carter & Co, the firm that became Poole Pottery.

There is also plenty from local makers, including children's books inspired by marine tales, Dorset-made candles and soaps, craft kits and handmade jewellery.

Shop! is open lunchtimes and afternoons through the week, and in the evenings depending on what is on.

Poole Museum celebrates a year since it reopened on Thursday 5 November, and it has set itself a birthday challenge: raise £10,000 by the end of November to keep a striking new sculpture in Poole for good.

The piece is a modern ship masthead by artist Jason Wilsher-Mills, whose colourful exhibition celebrating disability has been one of the museum's big shows this year. It is dedicated to carers.

Wilsher-Mills, who is disabled himself, said he was struck by the old ship mastheads in the museum's collection, which he sees as the soul of a ship. The spotlight often falls on him, he said, but it is carers who deserve the recognition.

The good news is the museum is already halfway there. The Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund has put in just under £10,000. The rest has to come from the community.

Anything raised beyond the target goes towards keeping the museum free and funding its outreach work next year. That matters more than people might realise: the museum is owned by BCP Council, but much of what it does relies on Poole Museum Foundation, a charity.

It has been a good first year. More than 150,000 people have been through the doors since it reopened after its refurbishment, with exhibitions including Lucian Freud's etchings.

Donate to the appeal

This is easily one of the most expensive properties we’ve ever featured, yet with some of the wonkiest photos. Top dogs though. Take a look for yourself:👉 View the property

It is only October, but Poole charity Diverse Abilities is already thinking about January, and it needs some help.

Every year after Christmas, the charity collects real Christmas trees from homes across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, East Dorset and Ringwood in exchange for a donation. It is one of its biggest fundraisers, raising more than £35,000 last year.

This year's collections run from Wednesday 6 to Saturday 9 January, and volunteers are needed to drive vans, navigate and drop trees off at recycling points.

The charity is especially keen to hear from businesses, families or community groups with access to a Transit-sized van or bigger.

You do not need to give up the whole weekend. Community fundraiser Francesca Potton said even a day or a few hours makes a real difference to how many trees they can collect, and promised plenty of community spirit.

Diverse Abilities supports children and adults with profound physical and learning disabilities across Dorset, and is based in Parkstone.

To get involved, email [email protected] or call 01202 711507.

Find out more about Diverse Abilities

“Which of these has NEVER been a feature of Hamworthy Park?”

Hamworthy Park has had a boating lake, a miniature railway and a paddling pool at various points in its history, but a roller skating rink has never been one of its features. Today the park retains its paddling pool and beach. Though the boating lake and railway are long gone you can still see the marks in the grass of their location on Google Maps. After last week’s quiz we were contacted by a reader who’s father built and operated the Hamworthy miniature railway, so look out for a feature on this in a future issue!

As there’s lots of talk of a Wessex Mayor, let’s focus on our own Mayor of Poole.

A quick reminder for anyone in Penn Hill: if you will not be able to get to a polling station for the by-election on Thursday 5 November, you have until 5pm on Wednesday 28 October to apply for a proxy vote.

Polling stations are open 7am to 10pm on the day. Remember to bring photo ID.

Yes, that is the same day as the fireworks. Vote first, then head to the Quay.

If you have ever wanted an excuse to wear an extravagant mask and dance under a giant disco ball, Friday 13 November is your night.

Bournemouth-based Pier Journal has teamed up with Key West on Bournemouth Pier for "A Night in the Goblin City", a masked ball inspired by the film Labyrinth.

The whole thing is being brought to life by a team of 40 local volunteers, including costume makers, set designers, actors and artists. Expect immersive theatre, live music from local bands Velour and Treecreeper, and a DJ set from Tor Byrnes of We Broke Free DJs (who also runs the Arts By The Sea Festival). The Key West team are creating themed cocktails for the night too.

Almost 150 of the 300 tickets went in the first release. The rest are on sale now at £34, or £25 for students (an access code is needed). Costumes are encouraged and masks are required, so start planning now.

Get tickets

Betty and the Yeti, Lighthouse Sherling Studio, until Friday 30 October

A family show from Angel Exit Theatre for ages 3 and up, including a BSL integrated performance. Book at Lighthouse

Pixie Paint Halloween Face Painting, Upton Country Park, Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 October, 11am to 3pm

Drop in Halloween face painting, glitter tattoos, henna and hair braids. No booking needed, weather permitting. More at Upton Country Park

Intergalactic Explorer Trail, Upton Country Park, until Sunday 1 November, 10am to 3pm

A space themed half term trail around the park. £4.50 per trail. More at Upton Country Park

Beyond Adversity: Ukrainian Art Exhibition, GATHER at the Dolphin, until Thursday 29 October, 11am to 5pm

An exhibition of Ukrainian art. Free entry. More at the Dolphin

The Past is Present: Symbols We Carry, Lighthouse, until Saturday 31 October

Last chance to see the visual arts exhibition at Lighthouse. More at Lighthouse

Caretober, the Dolphin, until Saturday 31 October

Drop toiletries into the donation boxes around the centre to help MYTIME Young Carers. More at the Dolphin

Halloween Spooktacular, Wimborne Model Town, daily from 10am

Halloween fun for families among the miniature streets of Wimborne.

Halloween at Farmer Palmer's, Farmer Palmer's Farm Park, Organford

A Halloween themed half term at the farm park, with optional paid extras.

Halloween at Moors Valley, Moors Valley Country Park, until Sunday 1 November, 4pm to 9pm

An illuminated after dark Halloween trail through the forest, with giant skeletons, a Demon Barber and a carnivorous garden. Entry is timed, so book a session in advance. Dogs welcome. Book with Forestry England

Haunting Half Term, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, until Sunday 1 November

Half term Halloween activities at the clifftop museum in Bournemouth.

Upton House After Dark Tours, Upton House, 4.30pm to 8pm

Evening tours of Upton House. There is another date on Saturday 31 October. Check availability with the park before you go. More at Upton Country Park

Jalen Ngonda, O2 Academy Bournemouth, 7pm

The soul singer brings his Doctrine of Love Tour to Bournemouth, with support from Olive Jones. Get tickets

Folk Session with Murphy's Lore Trio, The Old Thatch, 8pm

An evening of folk tunes at the thatched pub on Wimborne Road West.

FSB Connect Networking, Foundry, Poole

The monthly business networking session from FSB and Barclays Eagle Lab. Free to attend, but you need to book a place.

Derek Jacobi in conversation with Richard Clifford, Lighthouse, 7pm

One of the great British actors looks back on his career. Book at Lighthouse

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: Eastern Odyssey, Lighthouse, 7.30pm

The BSO in the Concert Hall. Book at Lighthouse

Live Music: Sam Harris, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 8.30pm to 10.30pm

Midweek live music at the Parr Street pub. More at the Bermuda Triangle

Not So Spooky Harbour Creature Crafts, Poole Museum, 2pm to 4pm

A drop in half term craft session inspired by Poole Harbour wildlife, from crabs to seals and jellyfish. £5 per child. Book at Poole Museum

Brainiac Live!, Lighthouse, 2.30pm

The explosive family science show, as seen on Blue Peter, comes to Poole for half term. Book at Lighthouse

GrandSlam Wrestling, O2 Academy Bournemouth, 6.30pm

Live wrestling at the O2. Get tickets

Flo and Joan: With Feeling, Lighthouse, 7.45pm

The musical comedy sisters bring their new show to Poole. Book at Lighthouse

From Waste to Worth: Festival of Social Science, GATHER at the Dolphin, 10am to 4pm

A free, hands on drop in workshop from Bournemouth University about waste, creativity and value.

Autumnal Makers Market, Upton Country Park, 10.30am to 4pm

Local artisans, crafters and food producers in the Activity Space near the Tea Rooms. Free entry, and it is on again on Saturday.

Halloween Ghost Trains, Swanage Railway, from Norden Station

A Halloween themed steam train ride through the Purbeck countryside, with spooky stories and ghostly surprises along the way. Fancy dress is encouraged and booking is required. Check the Swanage Railway website for departure times and other dates. More at Swanage Railway

Nocturnal Discovery Walk, Upton Country Park, 4.30pm to 6.30pm

A guided dusk walk finding out how the park monitors its bats and moths. £6 per person, under 5s free, booking essential. Book at Upton Country Park

Halloween Eve, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 7pm to 1am

Fancy dress, live music from Third Degree from 9pm to 11pm and a DJ in the Club Room until 1am. More at the Bermuda Triangle

Dr Richard Shepherd: Time of Death, Lighthouse, 7.30pm

The forensic pathologist talks about his life and work. Book at Lighthouse

Susan Calman: Tall Tales, Lighthouse, 7.45pm

Her first tour in ten years. Book at Lighthouse

Laura Lexx: Yo-Yo, Lighthouse, 8pm

Stand up comedy. Book at Lighthouse

Greg Abate with the Andy Urquhart Quartet, Jazz Cafe Sandbanks

Rhode Island born saxophonist Greg Abate, a Berklee alumnus and former member of the Ray Charles Orchestra, has been one of the leading post bop alto players for 40 years, playing with the likes of Kenny Barron and Claudio Roditi, and is a regular at Swanage Jazz Festival. He is backed by the Andy Urquhart Quartet.

Hoy Howlin' with Murphy's Lore Trio, Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, 9pm

Two hours of early Samhain and Halloween folk tunes on the Quay.

Autumnal Makers Market, Upton Country Park, 10.30am to 4pm

Second day of the market. Free entry. More at Upton Country Park

Southbourne Pumpkin Fest, Southbourne Grove, 10am to 4pm

Southbourne's Halloween street party, with a pumpkin trail, a traders' pumpkin carving competition and family activities. Free, and fancy dress is encouraged. Expect some short road closures along the high street. More at Bournemouth.co.uk

Beethoven Now, Assembly Hall, Canford School, 1.30pm to 5.30pm

An afternoon of talks, readings and music from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, with John Suchet, Samuel West, Dame Evelyn Glennie and an Any Questions debate chaired by Jonathan Dimbleby. Part of the BSO's Road to Joy Beethoven cycle. Book with the BSO

Halloween: Day of the Dead, S Bomb Vintage Workshop, Poole, from 6pm

Kingsmen play live, followed by a late DJ set from Cliff Knows Nothing. £7 entry, tickets required. Get tickets

Halloween Night, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 7pm to 1am

Fancy dress encouraged, with Brother Bots on the main stage from 9pm to 11pm and Back To The Future House in the Club Room until 1am.

The Haunting of Branksome Chine, Rockwater, Branksome, 7pm to midnight

Rockwater's Halloween party by the beach. More at Rockwater

Halloween Party with The Mother Ukers, The Butcher's Dog, Ashley Cross, 7pm

Live music from The Mother Ukers, with pizza from Flamin' Grate. Free entry, and fancy dress is encouraged.

Radiohead Reimagined by Candlelight, St Peter's Church, Parkstone, 7.30pm

London Concertante play candlelit string arrangements of Radiohead songs. Book at St Peter's

Lindisfarne, Lighthouse, 7.30pm

The 70s folk rock favourites, with Rod Clements. Book at Lighthouse

Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf, Lighthouse, 7.45pm

Stand up comedy. Book at Lighthouse

Upton House After Dark Tours, Upton House, 8pm to 11.30pm

A late night tour of Upton House for Halloween. Check availability with the park before you go. More at Upton Country Park

Halloween Party with Sounds of Brazil, Drgnfly, Ashley Cross, 9.30pm

Halloween with live Brazilian sounds at the pan Asian restaurant.

Live Music Sundays with Nicole McNally, Bank by Nicholas James, Penn Hill, 4pm to 6pm

A late afternoon acoustic set of reimagined classics on electro acoustic ukulele. All welcome.

Superslam Wrestling, Bournemouth Pavilion

Live wrestling at the Pavilion.

Monday Speed Quizzing, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 7.30pm to 10.30pm

The weekly quiz with Quiz Master Johnny. £3 per person, with a jackpot prize. More at the Bermuda Triangle

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