This week’s issue is packed with flavour and local flair. We’re kicking off The Great Poole Whippy Off—our hunt for the best 99 ice cream in Poole. Plus, find out why you need to give a massive congratulations to local baking hero Mark Bennett. We’re also diving into the fascinating history of the Sandbanks Ferry, and as always, your go-to guide for the best things to do in and around Poole this Easter weekend. Let’s get into it…

Got some feedback, an event, business, or local story to share? Drop us a message at [email protected] or just reply to this email. We read every email we receive and we’d love to hear from you!

Summer’s nearly here and we’re on a mission to find the best 99 ice cream in Poole. But we’re not just talking about any old cone with a flake. We want the perfect swirl, the best value, and a great spot to sit to enjoy this classic treat.

So we’re asking you, our PooleNow readers to help us build a shortlist. Where do you go when you want the ultimate whippy? Is it a tucked-away kiosk on the quay? A beachside van with unbeatable views? A local café that just gets the swirl right every time?

We’ll judge the finalists based on:

📩 Email your suggestions to [email protected] with the subject Whippy-Off, and don’t forget to include why your pick deserves the crown. Got thoughts on the judging criteria? We want to hear those too!

We’ll be announcing the shortlist soon, then hitting the road for the final taste test. Let the hunt begin!

👉 Know someone who lives for a good 99? Forward this and get them signed up at www.PooleNow.com/subscribe

Explore Poole’s magical mermaid trail with local guide Hattie Miles as part of The Great Tail Trail, raising funds for Julia’s House Hospice.
The 90-minute walk blends quirky art, history, and local legend – starting at the Lighthouse and ending at Poole Quay.
Tickets are free with an optional donation.
🗓️ April & May, various dates
🎟️ Book a spot here

Poole’s very own baking legend, Mark Bennett, has struck gold once again—this time for his Thai Focaccia, which wowed judges at Britain’s Best Loaf 2025.

Bursting with chilli, garlic, ginger, lemongrass and toasted sesame oil, this bold and fragrant loaf took home the top medal in the Innovation category. The competition, held at the NEC Birmingham on 8 April, is a highlight of the UK baking calendar, with loaves judged on taste, structure, aroma and creativity.

Another proud moment for Poole’s finest!
More about Patisserie Mark Bennett

Dorset Futsal are through to the National Futsal Trophy Semi-Final – and they need your support!
They face South London Inspire in a massive match at Leaf Academy on Sunday 27 April.
Doors open 11am, kick-off at midday.
Get yourself along there and cheer them on to the final in Derby!
🎟️ Get tickets

This Earth Day (Tuesday 22 April), The Dolphin is turning green—with a little help from XR Bournemouth. Explore a series of educational displays on fast fashion, renewable energy, and plastic pollution. Visitors can also write their own climate pledge cards and snap a selfie at the pledge point.
It’s a free event, and a great way to learn how local action can make a global impact.
More info at The Dolphin Poole

Tucked away in the cobbled charm of Old Town Poole, this stunning Grade II listed townhouse is a true piece of local history—lovingly restored, rich in character, and just steps from the Quay.

Set across five elegant floors, this home offers five double bedrooms, dual-aspect living spaces, a self-contained top-floor annex, and a walled courtyard garden perfect for quiet morning coffees or evening wine under the stars. Inside, you’ll find original fireplaces, sash windows, and period details everywhere you look—alongside clever modern touches like a media room and French doors leading from the kitchen.

Once named in The Sunday Times’ 30 Best Homes in Britain, this home has played host to sea captains, musicians, soldiers, artists—and could now be yours.

With over 230 years of history behind its front door, this is more than just a house. It’s a story still being written.

Check it out for yourself 👉 View the listing

Got a business idea? The Ignite Programme can help turn it into a reality – for free.
Delivered by Evolve and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, it covers marketing, finance, planning and even includes a £250 grant.
Courses are running in Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch.
🗓️ View dates & book here
👀 Watch how Ignite has helped others

Poole businesses can now tap into free one-to-one advice thanks to extended UKSPF funding. BCP Council has secured £1.37 million to invest in local growth—part of that goes towards fully funded business support delivered by Poole-based Evolve. From marketing to finance and scaling up, eligible SMEs can access tailored guidance to boost their ambitions.
To qualify, your business must be based in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole.
Register here

The narrow entrance to Poole Harbour, where the tidal waters rush between Sandbanks and Studland, has long presented travellers with a dilemma: endure a 25-mile detour around the harbour or brave the crossing. Since 1926, the Sandbanks Ferry has offered a practical solution, becoming an essential part of Dorset's transportation network.

The ferry's story began with the vision of Frank Aman and his sons, Gerard and Arthur. Their determination culminated in the Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company receiving parliamentary approval in July 1923. Stone from Purbeck quarries formed the foundations for the slipways and connecting road, while J. Samuel White of the Isle of Wight constructed the first vessel.

When Ferry No. 1 began service on July 15th, 1926, it immediately proved its worth. That first abbreviated summer season saw an impressive 100,000 passengers and 12,000 cars making the 400-yard crossing. The steam-powered vessel, originally built to carry 15 cars (later modified to accommodate 18), established a vital link between Poole and the Isle of Purbeck.

World War II temporarily interrupted service as the military requisitioned the ferry and used Studland Bay as a training ground. When operations resumed in 1946, both the ferry and road required substantial repairs after years of wartime use.

By the mid-1950s, after briefly employing a second smaller ferry during maintenance periods, the company commissioned Ferry No. 3. Built locally by J. Bolson & Son Ltd of Poole, this diesel-electric vessel served reliably for 35 years, eventually carrying over one million people annually across the harbour entrance.

The current ferry, Bramble Bush Bay—the fourth to operate the service and the first to bear a name—entered service in January 1994. At 242 feet in length, it dwarfs its predecessor by 80 feet and can carry up to 48 cars (though 52 can be accommodated when necessary).

Today, the ferry operates from early morning until late evening throughout the year, even making limited crossings on Christmas Day. Though the crossing itself normally takes less than 5 minutes, the vessel must navigate one of the busiest waterways in the region, shared with everything from small pleasure craft to the massive commercial ferries bound for France.

Despite occasional dramatic incidents and interruptions for maintenance, the Sandbanks Ferry continues its essential role, connecting communities and saving travellers both time and fuel as it has done for nearly a century—a floating bridge between Dorset's coastal communities.

Explore courses and meet staff at Bournemouth & Poole College’s Open Event on Thursday 8 May at the North Road campus in Poole.
From marine tech to music, law to esports – there’s something for every future path.
Drop in between 4–7pm and apply on the day!
📍 BH14 0LS
🎟️ Register here

If you haven't discovered Pier Journal yet, then you are in for a treat. It’s a beautiful printed magazine that features articles and profiles highlighting Dorset's best creative businesses. Join Dorset’s creative crowd for the Pier Journal Volume 10 launch party on Friday 25 April at Koh Thai, Bournemouth.
Expect spring vibes, great company and your first look at their new issue themed around VISION.
🎟️ Tickets are just £5 and support independent journalism.
🕕 6–11pm
📍 38–40 Poole Hill, BH2 5PS
🎫 Book here | Find out more

English Touring Opera brings two powerful shows to Lighthouse, Poole this April:
The Capulets & The Montagues (25 April) – a bold take on Romeo & Juliet
What Dreams May Come (26 April) – a moving mix of music, puppetry and theatre
Part of ETO’s Shakespeare season, with tickets from £23.
🎟️ Book now

Bike Night, Poole Quay, from 6pm
See the winner of Bike of the Night, plus live music and entertainment.
More details

A Ticket to Dream, Lighthouse Poole, 2pm & 7pm
A vibrant celebration of cinema through song, dance, and stunning visuals by Steppin’ Out Academy.
Book now

Nathan Dawe on the Roof Terrace, Rockwater Branksome, from 7pm
BRIT-nominated DJ Nathan Dawe brings the party to the coast for one night only.
Feel the beat

George Holloway Live, Jenkins & Sons, 7pm–9pm
Ease into the long weekend with soulful live tunes and a great drinks list.
Join in

'BEING' Art Exhibition, The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park, 10am–4pm
Explore a free exhibition of work by Darlas, running daily until 29 April.
See more

Easter Tree Climbing with Canopy, Upton Country Park (daily Fri–Sun)
Scale new heights on a family-friendly tree-climbing adventure for ages 6+.
Climb with us

Poole Men’s Shed Market, Gather at The Dolphin, 10am–4pm
Pick up handcrafted wooden gifts and meet the makers behind the tools.
Browse the market

Poole Pirates v Oxford, Poole Stadium, 6pm–8pm
The 2025 speedway season kicks off as the Pirates defend their BSN title.
Book tickets

Sophie and Jimmy Acoustic Duo, Tap & Grape Broadstone, 6pm
An intimate live music evening with feel-good acoustic favourites.
Tap in

Peter Cooley Live, The Cockleshell, 9pm–11pm
A versatile singer with crowd-pleasing classics and modern favourites.
Enjoy the music

Easter Wreath Making Workshop, Dorset Scrapstore, 10:30am–12pm
Get creative with locally foraged willow and natural decorations.
Craft your wreath

The Little Mermaid, Lighthouse Poole, 2pm
A magical family musical adventure under the sea, suitable for ages 4+.
Make a splash

Art Battle Bournemouth, Patch, 1pm–5:30pm
Watch live as artists race the clock to create masterpieces in just 20 minutes. Before the battle begins, enjoy a packed afternoon of family-friendly fun of Easter egg hunts, Craft stalls & tombola and an Art exhibition & origami sessions
Be inspired!

Dan Sealey Live, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
Folk-rock storytelling from the Ocean Colour Scene and Merrymouth musician.
Book now

Upton House Open Day, Upton Country Park, 12pm–4:30pm
Step inside this historic house, shop for local gifts, and take a guided tour.
Plan your visit

Easter Sunday DJ Sessions, Jenkins & Sons, from 3pm
Sundowner cocktails and sunshine grooves with DJs Bronson & Scott.
Catch the vibe

Quiz Night at The BT, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 7:30pm
A fun and interactive quiz night with bar snacks included.
Find out more

Monday Quiz Night with CK, The Grasshopper, 7pm
Join Crazy Karl for the quiz everyone’s talking about.
More details

Each week, we’ll pick one star pet to feature in the next issue of PooleNow.

“Happy Tuesday” from Nala and her owner Alison. Nala’s favourite walkies are in Hamworthy Park, at Lake Pier and in Upton Country Park. She turns 16 tomorrow, so Happy Birthday Nala!
Want your pet in the spotlight? Send us your best snap using this link!

Got a story? Know an inspiring individual? Want to promote a local charity? We’d love to hear about it—just drop us a message at [email protected].