Hello Poole!

May Bank Holiday is on the horizon, and we’ve got your essential guide right here. 🎬 We talk to local filmmaker Dan Pringle about his film Die Before You Die, showing at Lighthouse. Plus, Dorset Futsal are heading to the national final 🏆, there’s news from the latest Poole Town Council debate, AFC Bournemouth are planning big, and of course, we round up the best events happening across Poole this May Bank Holiday weekend.

Let's dive in!

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!

🇬🇧 Poole Unites to Honour VE Day and Dunkirk Heroes

Poole will come together this May to mark two major WW2 anniversaries – the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and 85th Anniversary of Dunkirk.

At 10.30am on Thursday 8 May, a public wreath-laying ceremony will take place at Poole Park’s War Memorial. Later that evening at 7pm, Poole Royal British Legion, Legion hosts a VE Day Service at Buckland Road Church with Parkstone Army Cadets.

La Mia’s at Hennings Wharf, Poole Quay, is offering a special VE Day lunch with 1940s music and a two-course meal – a nostalgic nod to Poole’s wartime role.

On Saturday 10th May Winton & Moordown RBL Club will be hosting an evening of celebration with live music from 8pm.

Meanwhile, Poole Maritime Trust’s free exhibitions tell the gripping story of Dunkirk: ‘Poole at Dunkirk’ at Lighthouse Poole and ‘Dunkirk 1940: Our People’s Stories’ at The Dolphin from 30 April to 1 June.

⚽ Big Changes Ahead for AFC Bournemouth!

Good news for anyone who’s ever tried and failed to buy a ticket to see AFC Bournemouth. Owner Bill Foley has confirmed they’ve bought back the Vitality Stadium and have big plans to expand it to 20,000 seats – with potential for 23,000.

It’s been a long time coming: the club sold the ground in 2005 to tackle debts and has tried to buy it back ever since. Foley’s vision doesn’t stop there, the club’s stunning new, Poole based(!), £32m training facility at Canford Magna is also open, ready to inspire the next generation of players.

🏅 Richard Gale Honoured for Championing Poole’s Kids

A huge congratulations to Richard Gale, founder of the Poole Town FC Kids Initiative, who has been awarded a Mayor’s Award for his incredible work helping local children.

Through the Kids Initiative, Richard has made football accessible to young people across Poole – especially those facing physical, emotional, or financial hardship. Free coaching, equipment, match tickets, charity events... you name it, Richard’s behind it.

Find out more or get involved at ptfckids.co.uk

🍦Final Call for Whippy-Off Entries

This is our final request for nominations for the best 99 Whippy that you can buy in Poole. Reply to this email and let us know your nomination. In next week’s issue we’ll put together a long list of entries, which we’ll then cut down to our shortlist and then the official tasting will begin in order to decide our ultimate winner.

⚽ Dorset Futsal through to the final!

Dorset Futsal are through to the National Futsal Trophy Final.
They faced South London Inspire in a massive match at Leaf Academy on Sunday 27 April. In front of a crowd of over 200 people, Dorset men won 5-2 to book themselves a place in the final at the Manchester Velodrome Arena. Find out more

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

This week we’ve found a five-bedroom Edwardian home in Broadstone. It’s on Upper Golf Links Road. It’s exactly what you’re thinking.

Check out the fantastic fireplace 👉 View the listing

🔥 The Saltwater Sauna Grows!

If you love your sauna sessions by the sea, you’ll love this: The Saltwater Sauna at Sandbanks has expanded! Last weekend, a brand-new, 6-person wood-fired sauna opened alongside the original. This Nordic bathing experience taps into ancient wellness traditions, combining heat, cold, and nature for a reset like no other.
👉 Book your session at The Saltwater Sauna

♻️ Dorset Scrapstore Seeks New Premises — Can You Help?

Much-loved community charity Dorset Scrapstore urgently needs your help. After nine years at their Alder Hills base, they have just two months to find a new home.
The Scrapstore, which rescues waste materials and gives them a second life as low-cost art, craft and DIY supplies, is determined to turn this challenge into an opportunity. They’re looking for a new, bigger and better space and they need the local community's support to get there.
Could you offer leads on premises or skills like removals, plumbing, electrics, or signage?
Let’s help keep this brilliant eco-hub thriving in Poole!
👉 Contact Carolyn Corr: [email protected]
👉 Learn more: www.dorsetscrapstore.org.uk

Should Poole Create Its Own Town Council?

Big decisions are on the table. Poole could soon have its own Town Council — but is it the right move?

The case for it:

• More control over parks, planning, heritage, and spending

• A stronger voice for Poole within BCP

• Could revive high streets and boost community projects

The case against it:

• Costs are unclear and would raise council tax

• Adds another layer of government

• Some doubt how much real change it would bring

👉 Councillors would be unpaid, but staff would need to be hired — and nothing's free.
👉 It won't lower your council tax bill — but it might give Poole more direct control.

The consultation is open now until 22 June 2025.
Your voice matters — whatever your view don’t forget to complete the consultation

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. Blind veteran creates scented candles to support charity on 80th VE Day anniversary

2. Organisers of the Great Tail Trail express delight at the public response

3. Twin Sails bridge closed this week for maintenance

Lights, Camera, Poole!

Director Dan Pringle brings Die Before You Die to Lighthouse

Lighthouse is set to host an unmissable night for film fans on Monday 13 May with a special screening of Die Before You Die, the most recent feature from Bournemouth-based director Dan Pringle, followed by a live Q&A with the man himself!

Organised by Success on the South Coast, it brings together the film, the filmmakers, and the community all in one evening.

Die Before You Die is described by Pringle as “an esoteric contained thriller set against a backdrop of social media influencing and Sufi mysticism… but equally it’s just a film about a guy trapped in a hole six feet underground!”

The plot follows hot-headed influencer Adi, who finds himself buried alive after an online challenge goes horribly wrong.

It's a claustrophobic thrill ride with powerful emotional punches, and it's already turning heads: at its Manchester Film Festival premiere, Die Before You Die scooped both the Best Director and Jury Prize Feature awards.

What makes this screening even more special is that much of the movie was shot right here in Dorset.

Dan explained, “I have a great affinity for Dorset and its wonderfully eclectic range of landscapes and geography. For Die Before You Die, we needed a remote, striking location, not just some generic rural backdrop.” He found it in a friend’s farm, nestled between the Arne Peninsula and Corfe Castle. "It has this primeval, almost timeless atmosphere," Dan said. "Perfect for the film’s tone and themes."

It’s part of a wider love for the area that keeps Dan based in Bournemouth. “There’s something uniquely charming about this part of the world,” he said. "I feel a strong connection to the landscape and even speculate sometimes that I’ve got a bit of druid ancestry!"

And good news: Dan isn’t done shooting locally. “I’m a bit obsessed with Poole Harbour. Sandbanks, Arne, Poole Quay, Brownsea Island… so many unique regions that are all so ripe for unique stories."

Dan’s passion for local filmmaking goes beyond his own projects. He played a key role in helping establish the BCP Film Office, which is now actively promoting our beautiful area to major studios and streamers.

“We’ve always had a small but strong cottage industry," he said. "Now we have an operational film office, there’s real momentum. Our locations are distinctive, our crews are talented — there’s no reason we can’t compete with other regions.”

“There’s something amazing about seeing places you know up on the big screen," Dan said. After the screening, Dan will take to the stage for a Q&A session, sharing stories from the making of the film, how they tackled the technical challenges of shooting in such a confined setting, and what’s next for his local filmmaking journey.

Don’t miss this incredible night of homegrown filmmaking!

🗓 Monday 13 May
📍 Lighthouse Poole – Arts and Entertainment
🎥 Screening of Die Before You Die followed by live Q&A with Dan Pringle
🔗 Buy tickets now

What’s on this week in (and around) Poole

Tuesday

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

Thursday

Comedy at the Cow presents Tom Ward, The Cow Pub, Parkstone, Doors 7pm
Catch TV star Tom Ward live in an intimate venue. Stand-up comedy not to miss.
Book your ticket

Stand Up Comedy Night, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Doors 7.30pm
An evening of laughs hosted by Funny Boiler's Vik Garofalides and her guest comedians.
Book your ticket

La Mia’s 1st Birthday Celebration, La Mia’s Restaurant, Poole Quay
Celebrate La Mia’s milestone with a free drink for every customer on the day.
Join the party

Friday

Paul Smith – Pablo, Lighthouse Poole
Jaw-aching, laugh-out-loud comedy from one of the UK's top stand-ups.
Get your tickets

Flaming Peaches Buskers Night, Flaming Peaches HQ, 6:30–8pm
Showcase your musical talent or just enjoy a chilled night of live performances.
Find out more

Saturday

Forest Holme Spring Fair, Magna Care Centre, Wimborne, 10am–12.30pm
Support Forest Holme Hospice at this lively spring fair with stalls, raffles, and refreshments.
See event details

Dunkirk 1940: Our People’s Stories, Gather at The Dolphin
An exhibition exploring the experience of local people and life in Poole during the war. Runs from April 30th until June 1st.
Discover our history

Dorset Spring Show, Birch Lane Showground, Puddletown, All day
A huge countryside celebration with farm animals, gardens, racing events, crafts and more.
Discover what's on

Lulu Live in Concert, Lighthouse Poole
Legendary pop star Lulu returns with a spectacular show following her Glastonbury appearance.
Book your seat

Sunday

Park Yoga, Poole Park, 9.30am–10.30am
Free weekly outdoor yoga sessions running all summer. Just bring a mat or towel.
Join the flow

Dorset Spring Show, Birch Lane Showground, Puddletown, All day
A huge countryside celebration with farm animals, gardens, racing events, crafts and more.
Discover what's on

Monday

Win the Morning, Win the Day, Rockwater, 9.30am
Start your bank holiday Monday with walk before diving into the sea for a refreshing dip.
Dive in

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

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].

That’s it! See you next week!