Hello Poole!

This week’s issue is bursting with stories, events and summer vibes. Harry Paye Day returns to the Quay this Saturday, and there's live music all over town – plus a very special visit from the historic Nao Santa Maria ship. We’ve got updates on the new BCP Council Chief Executive, a heroic rescue at sea by the Coastal Cruises crew, and a look ahead to the Great Tail Trail Farewell. There’s also vintage fun on the horizon, foodie pop-ups, and a call for local pros to inspire the next generation at Poole High School.

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Thanks for reading and being part of this growing local community. Lets get into it!

📢 New Chief Executive for BCP Council

Aidan Dunn has been recommended as the new Chief Executive of BCP Council. A Dorset resident and seasoned public sector leader, Aidan currently serves as Executive Director at Dorset Council. He brings over 30 years of experience across local government, civil service and NHS roles.

Known for his commitment to community, climate action and inclusive leadership, Aidan said he feels "excited and privileged" to join BCP. Council Leader Millie Earl praised his "energy and enthusiasm" and said his leadership will help shape the next chapter for the area.

🚨 Paddleboarders Rescued in Poole Harbour

A big shoutout to the crew of Fortuna, a Coastal Cruises Poole vessel, who rescued two paddleboarders struggling in the Swash Channel on Friday. Captain Jamie Moysey, along with crew members Luke Johnson and Chris Furniss, acted quickly and coordinated with Solent Coastguard to bring them safely onboard.

The paddleboarders were unharmed, and this incident shows just how vital our local crews are when it comes to keeping people safe on the water. Well done to all involved!

🧜‍♀️ Great Tail Trail Farewell This Weekend

Don’t miss the final chance to see all 88 incredible mermaid tails together before they’re auctioned off! The Farewell Weekend is packed with live painting, children’s activities, food and refreshments — and a perfect Father’s Day gift idea.

🗓️ Sat 15 & Sun 16 June at the Bournemouth International Centre

More info: Julia’s House Tail Trail

🏫 Businesses Needed for Aspirations Day

Poole High School’s Aspirations Day is back on 9 July, and they need local professionals to:

• Share career insights

• Take part in mock interviews

• Join the employer trade fair

Last year’s event had a huge impact — help inspire the next generation!
📩 Sign up: Aspirations Day Form

🐟 Seafood & Sounds: Want a Stall?

The Seafood and Sounds Festival returns 13–14 September — and traders are invited to apply for stalls in the beautiful Scaplen’s Court market. If you need a reminder about Seafood & Sounds, read all about it back in Issue No. 7

To register your interest, email: [email protected]

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

Last week we showed you Harry Redknapp’s house, this week is a very different take. It’s Victor Meldrew’s house! I know it’s not in Poole, but it’s close enough. Insert your own ‘I don’t believe it’ joke and then take a look: 👉 View the property

Raising a Glass to Harry Paye: Poole's Robin Hood of the High Seas

This Saturday, as pirates parade along Poole Quay and stallholders sell their wares, the town will once again honour its most famous son – the legendary Harry Paye. But who was this swashbuckling hero who has captured imaginations for over 600 years?

Born around 1360, Henry Paye, known to his enemies as the fearsome 'Arripaye', was no ordinary privateer. From his base in Poole, this daring adventurer terrorised French and Spanish shipping lanes, intercepting hundreds of vessels laden with gold, wine, and exotic treasures. Like a maritime Robin Hood, Harry brought his plunder home to share with the people of Poole, making him a beloved local hero.

His exploits were legendary. Harry's raiders swept from Normandy to the Bay of Biscay, burning coastal towns to the ground and demanding ransoms. In 1398, he audaciously raided the Church of Saint Mary in Finisterra, making off with a priceless crucifix. His reputation grew so fearsome that in 1406 alone, he captured 120 French ships off Brittany, their holds bursting with iron, salt, and oil.

But fame came at a price. In 1405, while Harry was away on another adventure, French and Spanish forces united in revenge, launching a devastating attack on Poole. The invaders looted and burned before the townspeople drove them back, but not before claiming many lives – including Harry's own brother.

Harry's response was swift and spectacular. Intercepting a French wine ship carrying 12,000 gallons of the finest vintage, he brought the entire cargo home to Poole. His generous gesture, sharing the stolen wine with every resident, reportedly kept the whole town drunk for a month and cemented his status as Poole's greatest folk hero.

When Harry Paye died in 1419, his legend was already secure. Saturday's celebration continues a tradition that has endured for centuries, proving that some stories – like the finest wine – only improve with age.

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. Regional directors cook up success at Hamworthy charity event

2. New bus serves 'impossible to reach' attractions

3. Custom theatre hats help Bournemouth and Poole NHS staff connect

Are you missing out?

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🃏 Magic Night at St Tropez Lounge

Enjoy seafood, magic, and music at St Tropez Lounge on Thursday 19 June. Expect:

• Close-up magic from Roger Lapin

• Live French vocals from Muriele

• A dreamy seafood menu & mystical desserts

📍 St Tropez Lounge, 3 High Street, Poole 📞 Book now: 01202 670769

💃 Poole Goes Vintage – 13 July

Get ready to swing, jive, and rock ‘n’ roll! Poole High Street will be transformed for Poole Goes Vintage — a throwback celebration of all things 1940s–60s. Expect:

• Live bands & DJs

• Vintage & artisan market

• Classic cars

• Retro fashion, dancing & fun

Sunday 13 July, 11am–6pm
Free entry — come dressed up and ready to party!

🍽️ Pop-Up Fine Dining with WhitePepper Chef Academy

Support rising culinary talent at the WhitePepper Chef Academy’s pop-up restaurant in Poole. Enjoy a delicious sit-down lunch prepared and served by Level 3 and 4 culinary students.

🗓️ Dates available now | £15 per person ⏰ 2-hour experience | Booking required
Book your table

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

The Hall & Woodhouse Dorset Beer Festival - Hall & Woodhouse Brewery, Blandford. Friday 13 and Saturday 14 until 10.00pm
The festival has since grown into a staple of the local calendar, bringing together beer lovers from across the region for a day of great drinks, live music, and delicious food.

Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival - Highcliffe High Street, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15, 10am
This two-day event focuses on both local and regional food, drink, and art, celebrating the best of what Dorset has to offer

Tuesday

The Good Quiz – The Goods Yard, Broadstone, 7.30pm
Speed quiz (no pens, no cheating!) with cash prizes. £3.50pp, max teams of 6.

Wednesday

Spark Unplugged - Sandbanks, Patch Bournemouth and Foundry Poole, from 7.30am
From morning movement on Sandbanks beach to tools for emotional and mental clarity, it’s a chance to reset, reboot and recharge.
Sign up

Poole Pirates v Redcar Bears – Poole Stadium, gates 6.30pm
Cab Direct Championship clash. Kids under 11 go free! Parking £3.50.
Get tickets

Live music: Innocent Bystander – Bermuda Triangle, 8.30pm
Acoustic covers and laid-back vibes at Ashley Cross’s popular pub.

Thursday

Nao Santa María - Poole Quay, 10am, from Thursday 12 June until 22 June
Step aboard one of history’s most famous ships. Take a self guided tour and find out what it was like to be aboard with Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the Americas.
Book Tickets

Après Provence Rosé Summer Party – St Tropez Lounge
From 7pm: bottomless rosé, oysters, elegant tapas. £30pp / £50 per couple.
Tickets

Live Music Showcase – Delfino Lounge, 6.30pm
A curated evening of fresh local music in a relaxed setting. Free entry.

Friday

Chris McCausland: Yonks! – Lighthouse, 7.30pm
TV favourite brings his stand-up tour to Poole.

Steampunk Orchestra – St Peter's Church, 7.30pm
Epic mashup of classical and rock music, steampunk-style.

Studio Jazz: Diabel Cissokho Trio – Lighthouse, 7.45pm
Afro Mandingue Blues with kora, harmonica and percussion.

Live music: Hugh Budden & The Blue Chords – Bermuda Triangle, 9pm
Blues favourites return for another high-energy Friday session.

Live music: Curveball – King Charles Pub, 9pm
Covers from Queen to Oasis – all the party rock hits.

Live music: Ironhide – The Bricklayers, Ashley Cross, 9pm
Big indie/rock covers from this Weymouth-based band.

Total Madness – The Swan Inn, 9.30pm
Ska tribute band brings the chaos to Poole.

Saturday

Harry Paye Day – Poole Quay, from 12pm
Pirate parade, cannon displays, kids' activities, live music and more. Dress up and join the fun!

The Agency: Final Bow – Lighthouse, 7.45pm
40 years of local soul and rock, one final gig.

Coastal Comedy – Lighthouse (Sherling Studio), 8pm
Headliner: Cally Beaton. Three top comics in an intimate space. 18+.

Sunday

Poole Festival of Running – Poole Park, from 9am
Minithons and 4x5K relays for all ages. Entry from £5.
Sign up

Celebrate Father’s Day – Isabel’s Brasserie, from 12pm
Live music, Father’s Day menu, and a drink on the house for all dads.

Millie Watson live – Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, from 4.30pm
Soulful folk and acoustic storytelling with harbour views. Call to book lunch

Monday

Sip & Paint – Rockwater, 6.30–9pm
Guided sunset painting session on the Roof Terrace. Wine, art, and chill vibes.
Book here

Coming Soon

In the next few weeks we will have two special edition issues heading your way, one will be a run down on all the local secondary school’s for parent’s wanting to know when Open Evening’s are and how to apply. The second will be taking a look at the proposals for Poole Town Council, we’re going to try and cut through the rumours and try to find out from our local councillors what it’s actually all about. Keep an eye on your inboxes and let people know to sign up if you’d think they’d be interested.

That’s it! See you next week!