Hello Poole!

This week we're celebrating a huge milestone — the PooleNow community is now over 1,000 strong! When we launched, this was our first big goal, so hitting it already feels amazing. Thank you for being part of it and for sharing, reading and supporting us along the way.

In this week's issue:
🛳️ A 15th-century replica ship sails into Poole
🏏 A cricket showcase in Wimborne
🎶 Grooves on the Green returns
🎖️ A local legend receives an OBE
🎪 And a packed weekend of events, including Upton House’s Food & Music Festival

If you enjoy reading PooleNow and want to help us grow, you can support us via Buy Me a Coffee
Thanks as ever for reading and supporting local.

We’re also excited to announce that PooleNow is now proudly sponsored by Bournemouth One, the local radio station bringing you music, news and travel updates across Dorset. If you haven’t tuned in yet, they’re on DAB, online, and all your smart devices, playing the best tracks from the 80s to today. Give it a listen

⛵All aboard the Nao Santa Maria

Poole Quay has a new arrival: a full-size replica of Christopher Columbus’ Santa Maria! Built in Spain as part of the 525th anniversary of the "Encounter Between Two Worlds," this remarkable ship is open for tours at Poole Quay until 22 June. Built in Spain using traditional techniques, it gives you a glimpse into what life was like aboard a 15th-century sailing ship. We were lucky enough to climb aboard last week and can confirm it's a brilliant experience. Want to see what it's like before you go? Check out the short video we posted on our Instagram page.
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🏅 OBE for grief support pioneer

Linda Magistris from Poole has been awarded an OBE for her work supporting bereaved people. After losing her partner and struggling to find help, she founded The Good Grief Trust, now a national lifeline linking people to hundreds of bereavement services.

🏛️Back to the Future: Poole Town Council

As you might remember from back in Issue No. 9 there are proposals to create a new Town Council for Poole and Broadstone. We’re currently putting the finishing touches to a special edition of our newsletter with comments and opinions from some of our local councillors and Poole’s MP on the issue. Cllr Millie Earl, the BCP Council leader, is hosting a live Q&A today at 12:15pm specifically on the Community Governance Review. Tune in live on BCP’s social media or submit your questions ahead of time.
Look out for our special edition newsletter landing in your inbox later this week!
Watch live: BCP Facebook Event

🏏 Dorset Women’s Showcase is coming

A brand-new celebration of women’s cricket lands at Wimborne Cricket Club on Thursday 31 July. Expect pro skills sessions, inspiring talks, food, fun and a T20 showdown between Dorset Women and Hampshire Women — coached by players from The Hundred. It’s a full day out for fans, families and future stars.
🎟 Info & tickets: dorsetshowcase.co.uk

📰 Pier Journal has a new location

Big news for Dorset’s indie publishing scene: Pier Journal now has its own HQ! The volunteer-run magazine, is now operating from Bad Hand Coffee Studio in Bournemouth Triangle. With a growing team and new plans including Pier Collective (their creative consultancy) and annual memberships, they’re making serious moves. Volume.011 is in the works and they want your pitches on the theme of Reflection. Writers, illustrators and photographers from across Dorset can apply for paid commissions. Deadline is Monday 14 July.
📩 Pitch info: [email protected]

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

Fancy living in a stunning Grade 2 listed Georgian House? Of course you do: 👉 View the property

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. What has happened to Bournemouth Air Festival?

2. Visually impaired group kayak from Studland Bay to Old Harry

3. Car park to stay despite council’s opposition

A second bridge across Poole was planned since the 1980s, but when did the Twin Sails Bridge actually open for traffic?

🎸 Feast & festival at Upton House

Upton House Food & Music Festival kicks off this weekend with three days of top tribute acts and street food. Expect music from Arctic Monkeys and Kings of Leon tributes, plus eats from Two Lads Kitchen, Pepper Coast, Crepe Salut and more. Family activities, craft stalls and kids’ entertainment round it all out.
🎟 Final tickets: uptonhousefoodandmusicfestival.com

🎶 Grooves on the Green turns 25

Ashley Cross’s favourite festival returns from 27–29 June — and it’s going big for its silver jubilee! Expect three days of music, local food, family fun and the unique Grooves vibe. Headliners include tribute bands like Oasiss, The Few Fighters and Inspired by Adele, plus tons of Dorset talent. Proceeds support Diverse Abilities Plus.
🎟 Tickets & full line-up: groovesonthegreen.com

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

Tuesday

Craftaholics Makers Market - 10am–3pm, GATHER, Dolphin Centre
Browse local jewellery, cards, crochet and art. Drop into the workshop to try your hand at sewing, knitting or crochet.

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

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

The Good Quiz, The Goods Yard
Put on your thinking caps, gather your teammates and take part in the no pen, no paper, NO CHEATING, speed quiz!

Wednesday

Street Theatre: Carley Varley - Kingland Crescent, 12pm–1.45pm
Live alt-pop set from local favourite Carley Varley.

Chewing the Fat – Arts University Bournemouth, 9:30am–12pm
Premier BCP networking event to shape the future of business through collaboration and community. Make connections — Reserve your place.

Poole Runners Summer Series (Race 3) 6.30pm–9pm, Upton Country Park
Chip-timed summer race series for juniors and adults.

Chris G Acoustics (Live Music) 8.30pm–10.30pm, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross
Live acoustic covers from a local favourite.

Helm Takes the Roof: Art, Cocktails & Music 7pm–10pm, Rockwater Roof Terrace
One-night-only art show from Helm Gallery plus music and drinks.

Poole Pirates v Berwick Bandits (Championship) – Poole Stadium, 7:30pm
Speedway action with family-friendly fun. Catch a race — Get tickets.

Thursday

Magic Night – St Tropez Lounge, 3 High Street, 7pm
Seafood, close-up magic from Roger Lapin, and live French vocals from Muriele. Be mesmerised — call 01202 670769 to book now.

John Wilson & Sinfonia of London – Lighthouse, 7pm
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s greatest hits performed with classic orchestral flair. Be enchanted — Book tickets.

Stand-Up Comedy Night – Bermuda Triangle Pub, 7:30pm–8:30pm
An evening of fresh jokes from Vik Garofalides and guests.
Tickets £5.

Friday

Electric Film Festival – Lighthouse, 4pm
Showcasing emerging filmmaking talent — vote for your favourites live. See the films — Book tickets.

Upton House Food & Music Festival, Upton Country Park, 5.30pm
Kasabian and Arctic Monkeys Tributes

Rob Beckett: Giraffe – Lighthouse, 8pm
Laugh-out-loud stand-up from one of the UK’s top comics.
Get Tickets

Sunstroke – Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm–11pm
Pure dance-floor blues and funk to start the weekend.

British Lions v Argentina - The Cow (Formerly The Avocet, Formerly The Cow), 8pm
Watch the first match of The Lions Tour

Saturday

Summer Solstice Guided Walk at RSPB Arne Nature Reserve, 4am!
The walk will start at 4:00am and it will slowly wind its way through ancient woodland and heathland on the way to the shoreline in time for the sunrise.
Set your alarm

Jumble Sale, Gather at The Dolphin, 10am
All proceeds will support Branksome & Rossmore Community Fridge.

Street Theatre: Susie Kimber - Kingland Crescent, 12pm–1.45pm
Live music from this soulful singer-songwriter.

Swanage Fish Festival, Prince Albert Gardens, Swanage
An annual tribute to the town’s long-running heritage of fishing and the sea

Folk on the Quay, The Lord Nelson, 1pm
A one day event to celebrate Poole's folk connections centred around the Quay. Enjoy their usual mix of Celtic vibes, tunes, songs and shanties from the British Isles and beyond.

Upton House Food & Music Festival, Upton Country Park, 11.30am
Kings of Leon and Red Hot Chilli Peppers Tributes

Summer Solstice Sunset Yoga & Sauna, Hamworthy Park, Bake Saunas, 6.30pm
Enjoy a calming one-hour yoga flow, followed by sauna and sea dips under the setting sun
Book

Summer Solstice Yoga on Brownsea Island, National Trust, 5pm
Celebrate the longest day of the year with a magical Summer Solstice yoga experience on Brownsea Island. Enjoy a peaceful and unforgettable evening surrounded by nature.
Booking essential

Rob Beckett: Giraffe – Lighthouse, 8pm (second show)
More laughs from this high-energy night.

Rock It Science – Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm
Get your Saturday night going.

Sunday

Upton House Food & Music Festival, Upton Country Park, 11.30am
Mother Uckers, Sixteen String Jack, Chris Payn and The Police Tribute

Anton Du Beke & Giovanni Pernice – Lighthouse, 5pm
Strictly dancing stars together again for a spectacular live show.
Secure tickets.

Sunday Survivors Live Music – Bermuda Triangle Pub, 6pm–7pm
Soulful tunes to round out the weekend.

Rockwater Quiz Night – Rockwater Roof Terrace, 7pm
Test your trivia with Andy while enjoying pizza and wine.
Book your team.

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!