Hello Poole!

This week’s newsletter is packed: meet the local gymnasts heading to China for a world championship, cast your vote in our great Poole ice cream showdown (yes, it’s Whippy-Off time), and get the latest on BCP Council’s big planning reset. We’re also diving into the art-filled upgrades coming to Hamworthy and eyeing up those Great Tail Trail sculptures going under the hammer. Plus, your weekend guide is stacked – from a Mamma Mia charity singalong to the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride and the Best of Bond with the BSO.

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!

Harbourside Heat – Sauna pop-up at Hamworthy Park
Bake Saunas returns with a beachside barrel sauna experience at Hamworthy Park on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May, in partnership with South Coast Adventures. Sessions run 9am–2pm and are timed with high tide – ideal for a post-sauna swim in the harbour.

Tickets are £15pp, with private one-hour slots (for up to 8 people) also available. Bring swimwear, flip-flops, a water bottle, and two towels – one to sit on, one to dry off!

More info: bakesaunas.com

🌍 Poole gymnasts set to represent Team GB in China

Poole’s own Isabelle Songhurst, Kirsty Way and Olympic gold medallist Bryony Page are heading to The World Games 2025 this August in China!

Hosted every four years, the Games spotlight elite-level non-Olympic sports and these three trampoline and gymnastics stars that train at BCP Rossmore Leisure Centre will be proudly flying the flag for Britain and Poole.

🧜 Take home your own mermaid tail!

Hopefully, like us, you’ve been enjoying touring the local area to see all the incredible creations that have made up the The Great Tail Trail. Well, now’s your chance to own one of the iconic mermaid tails yourself.

More than 40 unique artworks will be auctioned live on 20 June at The Italian Villa, Compton Acres, with proceeds going to Julia’s House.

Can’t attend? You can bid online now at Wild In Art Auctions. All funds support the amazing work being done by Julia’s House children’s hospice care.

🎤 Mamma Mia charity singalong this Thursday

MYTIME Young Carers are hosting a singalong screening of Mamma Mia! at Lighthouse, Poole on Thursday 15 May.

Tickets are just £5.50 with all proceeds going to support young carers locally. Expect big songs, big energy, and big support for a great cause.

Book your tickets at Lighthouse

🍦Whippy-Off Voting

We need you to vote for your favourite place to get a No. 99 Whippy, with the one coming out top being crowned the people’s champion!

The poll will be open until Sunday 1st June, so, get your votes in now or go and try some if you can’t decide!

🏰 Brownsea Castle opens for guided tour + cream tea

If you found last week’s trivia question interesting, then this is the one for you! A rare chance to step inside Brownsea Castle awaits on select dates this summer, with a historical island tour followed by a cream tea in the castle’s Morning Room.

Hear tales of eccentric past owners, view artwork and artefacts, and enjoy a warm scone overlooking Poole Harbour.

Book via The National Trust

🤝 Big ideas, big crowd — Creator Day returns to Poole

Poole’s biggest B2B event is back this Thursday 15 May — and it’s grown. Creator Day, hosted by You Are The Media, brings 200+ people to Lighthouse, Poole for a full-day deep dive into the theme of “relevance” in an AI-driven world.

It’s not just the main event either — the week includes a Hall of Fame at Bournemouth Uni, Failed Nights at Foundry, a live podcast on Friday, and even a seaside swim. What started as a 70-person experiment in 2022 is now a full-scale creative gathering.

Want to see what all the fuss is about? Tickets and full schedule here: creatorday.uk

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

You will not have failed to notice the brand new development taking shape next to the Twin Sails Bridge. Well, here’s your chance to take a look at what the buildings and one of the flats will look like when completed. 👉 View the property

🌍 BCP Council restarts Local Plan process

BCP Council is withdrawing its previous draft Local Plan and starting fresh, with a new strategy now in the works for how Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will develop over the coming decades.
The decision, expected to be confirmed at a cabinet meeting on 13 May, follows changes in national planning policy. Councils must now meet mandatory housing targets and review Green Belt land to help deliver more affordable homes.
Council leader Cllr Millie Earl said the shift poses “significant challenges” but stressed the importance of public involvement: “A Local Plan is an opportunity for people to shape where they live.”
The revised Local Plan will go through early engagement and two rounds of consultation before being submitted for examination in 2028.

🎨 Nature benches bring young artists’ visions to life

Hamworthy Play Park has five vibrant new benches — each one designed by a local child and brought to life by professional artists. From ospreys to snails, the winning designs capture the area’s nature and character, and were selected from over 700 entries by pupils at Twin Sails and Hamworthy Park schools.
The benches are part of a wider series of outdoor artworks arriving in Hamworthy, including sculptures on Ham Common, a mural in Turlin Moor, and a bird-watching platform with youth-designed waymarkers.

🚗 Bond adventure drive coming this June

Love Bond films and stunning coastal drives? A special 007-inspired day is happening in Dorset on Sunday 29 June, complete with cryptic clues, behind-the-scenes Bond stories, a Bond girl and even a chance to ride in a Lotus Esprit! (The underwater car from our favourite Bond, The Spy Who Loved Me)

Tickets from £15. Limited places — email [email protected] for more details.

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. St John Ambulance needs youth volunteers across Dorset

2. Dorset MPs unit to demand action on sewage spills and water quality

3. Disabled-led orchestra 'proves we are good enough'

We’ve got two Bond related events in this week’s issue, so it’s only right to include a bit of local Bond trivia - do you know the answer?

🍷 A Mediterranean feast at Guildhall Tavern

Guildhall Tavern invites you to Sam’s Supper Club on Thursday 29 May: a five-course Mediterranean menu paired with wines from Berkmann Wine Cellars.

Dishes from Turkey, Lebanon, Greece, Italy and France will be served, alongside expert wine pairing guidance from Gemma Withenshaw.

Tickets: £85 incl. wine flight. Book now via ResDiary

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

Tuesday

Die Before You Die (15) + Director Q&A, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
A thrilling local-made feature film followed by a Q&A with director Dan Pringle.
Book tickets

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

Wednesday

Have a Go at Polo, Dorset Polo Club, Lytchett Matravers, 6pm–7:30pm
Try your hand at polo in this fun beginner’s session. No experience needed – just a sense of adventure.
Get involved

Rick Stein’s Supper Club, Rick Stein Sandbanks, 7pm
An intimate evening of bold Asian-inspired flavours and stories from the kitchen.
Reserve your place

Hugh Budden & Ed Fox, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 8:30pm–10:30pm
Enjoy a vibrant night of blues, swing and jazz at this local favourite.
See what’s on

Poole Pirates v Scunthorpe Scorpions, Poole Stadium, 7:30pm
Local speedway action as Poole takes on Scunthorpe. Kids under 11 go free.
Book now

Thursday

You Are The Media Creator Day, Lighthouse Poole, from 9am
Join 200+ creators and marketers for this flagship local B2B event.
Find out more

Murder at Upton Manor, Upton House, 7pm–10:30pm
A regency-themed murder mystery evening in support of Julia’s House.
Dress up and sleuth

Mamma Mia! Charity Singalong, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
A lively fundraiser screening in support of MYTIME Young Carers – sing your heart out!
You can dance

Friday

Bone Idol, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm–11pm
Start your weekend with a high-energy set from local favourites Bone Idol.
See details

Saturday

Magic of Thailand Festival, Harbourside Park, 10am–7pm
A vibrant celebration of Thai food, culture and performance across two days.
Plan your visit

Poole Rowing Regatta, Hamworthy Park, from 10am
Cheer on the 142nd Poole Regatta at this historic coastal event.
Join the tradition

Bournemouth International Food & Culture Festival, Bournemouth Square, 11am–4pm
Live music, street food, crafts and cultural fun for all ages.
Discover more

Pottery Day Taster Session, Charlotte Miller Ceramics Studio, 10am–4:30pm
Try hand-building, wheel throwing and decorating in this immersive workshop.
Give it a go

Wipeout World, Broadstone Rec, various sessions from 11am
Outdoor inflatable obstacle courses for ages 4–14. No booking needed!
Join the fun

The Best of Bond, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm–9:30pm
The BSO performs iconic 007 themes in this stylish orchestral celebration.
Book your seat

Sunday

Magic of Thailand Festival, Harbourside Park, 10am–7pm
Missed Saturday? Don’t worry – the fun continues all day Sunday.
Plan your visit

Wipeout World, Broadstone Rec, various sessions from 11am
Another chance to tackle the inflatables – no booking required.
Jump in

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, Bournemouth-Poole from 11am
Join hundreds of motorcyclists riding in style for men’s health.
Register to ride

Monday

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

You made it to the end! What did you think? We really value your feedback.

That’s it! See you next week!