Hello Poole!

This week’s PooleNow is stacked with stories and local goodness — and it’s always free to read, now and forever.

Inside this week we’ve got: A rare osprey hatch; Futsal Cup success; Poole’s role in D-Day; And the Wimborne Folk Festival returns this weekend!

Plus, the full run-down of what’s on across Poole and a big update on how we’re expanding PooleNow soon. Spoiler: two newsletters a week might be coming – help us decide when by voting below.

If you enjoy reading PooleNow and want to help us grow, we’ve now launched a way to support us via Buy Me a Coffee
Thanks as ever for reading and supporting local.

🥇 Dorset Futsal take national cup glory as history is made!

Dorset Futsal are National Futsal League Cup Champions after a storming comeback in Manchester on Sunday 1 June.

Trailing 1–0 at half time, Dorset bounced back with a dominant second half to win 5–1 against Carlisle Futsal. It’s the club’s first ever national cup win and a huge milestone for the team and community.

🎶Live Music returns to Kingland Crescent

Get ready for live music performances every Wednesday and Saturday in Kingland Crescent, Poole – starting this week.

Catch local talent from 12–1.45pm just outside the Dolphin Centre while you shop, eat or relax. June’s line-up includes Lee Rasdall Dove, The Rev, Carley Varley, and more.

Running all summer, it’s a great way to enjoy Poole’s vibrant creative scene.

🌿 Dorset's Nature Recovery Strategy: Have your say

People across Dorset are coming together to help shape a Local Nature Recovery Strategy – and your voice matters.

The new strategy sets 12 key priorities for restoring and protecting wildlife and habitats in our county. There’s also an interactive map and list of actions you can support.

📍 Learn more and take part here:
https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/en/dorset-s-local-nature-recovery-strategy

🏰 Corfe Castle stars on BBC Two

Corfe Castle will feature in the latest episode of BBC Two’s Hidden Treasures of the National Trust on Friday 6 June at 9pm.

The programme follows a behind-the-scenes excavation searching for a long-lost sallyport, a secret gateway reportedly used during the English Civil War. Don’t miss this chance to see one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks on national TV.

🦅A rare arrival at the Carey Osprey nest

Big news for Poole’s favourite feathered family — the fourth and final chick in the Carey Osprey nest has officially hatched!

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, CJ7 and 022 welcomed their last chick into the world, making it a full clutch of four. That’s exceptionally rare — only about 1% of osprey clutches contain four eggs, and it’s even more unusual for all four to successfully hatch.

You can follow their progress on the Birds of Poole Harbour livestream — and if you’ve never watched before, now’s a perfect time to start.

🎯 The Quay reopening with games, food & harbour views

The former Wetherspoons on Poole Quay is opening this month as The Quay, a brand-new pub from new owners Hall & Woodhouse.

Inside, you’ll now find an interactive games room with shuffleboard, digital darts and table football, alongside a new Pick & Play grazing menu. The pub retains its historic charm with nods to Poole’s past such as lobster pot lights and Poole Pottery touches. We’ll post on our Facebook and Instagram page as soon as we have a confirmed opening date.

⚡️Fuel your fire at Spark Unplugged

Spark Unplugged is a full-day, three-part event happening Wednesday 11 June in Poole and Bournemouth. From morning movement on Sandbanks beach to tools for emotional and mental clarity, it’s a chance to reset, reboot and recharge.

Pick one session or do all three:

• 7:30–10am: Physical Energy @ Sandbanks (includes sauna, beach movement + breakfast)

• 12–3pm: Emotional Energy @ Patch, Bournemouth (includes lunch + speakers)

• 6–9pm: Mental Energy @ Foundry, Poole (includes light dinner + tools)

Spaces are limited, and the vibe is intentionally intimate. Expect nationally recognised speakers, practical tools and a real focus on wellbeing for founders and execs.

👉 Learn more and book

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

Want to look round Harry Redknapp’s house? Of course you do: 👉 View the property

🇬🇧 Remembering D-Day: Poole’s vital role in 1944

As we mark the anniversary of D-Day on 6 June, it's worth remembering Poole’s incredible contribution to the success of Operation Overlord.

In 1944, Poole was the third-largest embarkation point for Allied troops heading to Normandy. Over 41,000 soldiers and 5,000 vehicles departed our harbour — including 81 landing craft carrying US Army troops from the 29th Infantry Division and US Rangers to Omaha Beach.

Poole wasn’t just a launchpad — it was a hub of innovation and bravery. It played a major part in Combined Operations training, and its boatyards became the country’s largest manufacturer of landing craft. Poole-built concrete caissons even helped form the Mulberry Harbours that kept supplies flowing to troops on the beaches.

Locally, the town rallied. The ARP wardens, fire crews, and WVS kept people safe, while evacuees were welcomed and schools reorganised. One memory from local boy Brian Selman captures the moment:

There are multiple plaques on Poole Quay and a US Coast Guard ensign buried at St James’ Church still commemorate this chapter in our town’s proud past.

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. Dog back home after 100-mile trip and island swim

2. New chief executive announced for BCP council

3. Julia’s House plans new palliative care suite in Broadstone

Today’s banner picture features a D-Day memorial plaque, now located on the Dolphin Quays building. But which, now demolished, building did it used to be on?

🌊We need your advice!

We’re running out of room in our current PooleNow format, so we’re thinking about changing how we deliver it — and we’d love your input!
70% of readers said they would like two emails per week: one with news, and a separate one with events.
If we were to change, we need to know which days you’d prefer to receive your emails. Currently we always send out at 11am on a Tuesday.

🎟️ Shakespeare under the stars on Brownsea

The HandleBards return to Brownsea Island this June with their open-air performance of Much Ado About Nothing – a high-energy, laugh-filled version of Shakespeare’s classic.

Bring a picnic, hop on the boat from Poole Harbour, and settle in for an unforgettable evening with friends or family.

🗓 Thursday 12 & Friday 13 June
⏰ 6:00–9:30pm
📍 Tickets here

🍻 The Ox Ashley Cross reopens this Friday

One of Ashley Cross’s best-loved pubs returns this Friday 6 June as The Ox Pub & Rooms reopens under new ownership from Hall & Woodhouse.

Expect a stylish refresh inside and out, a tempting new menu, and 14 en-suite rooms for overnight stays. The pub opens at 11am, and menus are now live online.

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

Wimborne Folk Festival – All weekend
Folk, fringe and Party in the Paddock. Live music across pubs and venues.

The Gallery Upstairs presents 'The Wider Circle', Upton Country Park - Thursday 5 June until Monday 16 June
An exhibition that draws inspiration from Bournemouth poet James Sale’s latest book DoorWay, a modern take on Dante’s Heaven written after a near-death experience.

Poole Printmakers Summer Print Fair, GATHER in the Dolphin Centre from Tuesday 3 until Tuesday 10 June.
Over 25 local artists will be showcasing work daily from 9:30am–5pm — all for sale and ready to take home.
You can meet the makers, learn about their studio in Poole Old Town, and try printmaking yourself with drop-in sessions available each day.

Tuesday

World Bicycle Day – The Dolphin, 10am–4pm
Freebies, secure cycle parking, and expert advice from Dorset’s top bike brands. Chat to BCP’s travel team, explore e-bikes, and learn more about Beryl.

Poole Plugged and Unplugged – The Portsmouth Hoy, 8pm
Open mic with Rich & Rich. Acoustic or electric – performers get a free drink.

Wednesday

Poole Speedway Harbour Masters Championship – Wimborne Road
An individual race event in the National Development Series showcasing British Speedway’s rising stars.

Julian Clary: Fistful of Clary – Lighthouse Poole, 7.45pm
The man with no shame returns. A comedy show full of quick wit and cheeky charm.
Get tickets

Live Music: Kingsmen – Bermuda Triangle Pub, 8.30–10.30pm
Classic covers from a fan-favourite local band.

Thursday

The Rocket Man – Elton John Tribute – Lighthouse Poole, 7.30pm
Two hours of Elton’s greatest hits, performed live in spectacular style.

Stand-Up Comedy Night – Bermuda Triangle Pub, doors 7.30pm
Hosted by Vik Garofalides. £5 entry, buffet of comedians, tickets via Jokepit.

Friday

Smoke Series BBQ – The Goods Yard, Broadstone, from 4pm
Pulled pork, brisket, glazed skewers and more. BBQ specials until sold out.

Live Music: The Alibi – The Goods Yard, 9pm
A Bournemouth rock covers band with crowd-pleasing classics.

Live Music: All Funked Up – Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9–11pm
Dancefloor bangers all night long.

Rhys Darby – The Legend Returns – Lighthouse Poole, 7.45pm
The Kiwi comedy legend is back with a brand-new stand-up show.
Get tickets

Wimborne Folk Festival begins – All weekend
Folk, fringe and Party in the Paddock. Live music across pubs and venues.

Saturday

Poole Park Dragon Boat Festival – Poole Park, from 9am
The ultimate team challenge returns. Support local teams paddling for charity.

Upton House Parkrun 80s Extravaganza – 9am
Celebrate 8 years of Parkrun with 80s fancy dress, cake, and community vibes.

Poole Pride 2025 – Lighthouse Poole, from 1pm
Inclusive celebration of identity and love, with day-to-night entertainment.

Live Music: Curveball – Blue Boar, 9pm
Party rock covers from Queen to ABBA.

Live Music: The Diplomats – Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9–11pm
Pop, rock and groove from a dynamic local band.

Sunday

Upton House Open Day, Upton Country Park, 12pm-4:30pm
Step inside Upton House for a free open day with books, souvenirs, and more.

Monday

Pub Quiz Night – Bermuda Triangle Pub, 7.30–10.30pm
£3 entry includes quiz and bar snacks. Friendly fun to start the week.

Got a story? Know an inspiring individual? Want to promote a local charity? We’d love to hear about it—just reply to this email.

That’s it! See you next week!