Hello Poole!

Issue No.20 already! A massive thank you to everyone who’s been with us since the start, and to all the new readers who’ve joined along the way. We’re loving watching this community grow and hearing your feedback each week – keep it coming! If you enjoy PooleNow, do forward this on to friends who’d like it, and a huge thanks to everyone who’s supported us via Buy Me a Coffee.

After the great response to last week’s special edition, we’ll be sending out another one soon – this time focused on local secondary schools. If you know any parents weighing up where to apply, let them know we’ll be sharing a full rundown on how the process works, plus profiles of Poole’s secondary schools to help them choose.

In this week’s issue: The Quay reopens, we report on a young MBE winner who just walked 5 miles in a toilet costume (yes, really), and there’s a call for volunteers at Seafood & Sounds. Plus, summer fun from surf clubs to sailing, and loads of live music around Poole this weekend.

Let’s get into it!

PooleNow is now proudly sponsored by Bournemouth One, the local radio station bringing you music, news and travel updates across Dorset. Listen whilst you read!

🍻 The Quay is open again!

Poole Quay has a new buzz thanks to the reopening of The Quay Pub – now in the hands of Hall & Woodhouse. This stunning Grade II-listed spot has been totally reimagined, with a new bar, two floors of seating, outdoor space, and cracking harbour views.

You’ll also find a full games room in the back with shuffleboards, table football, digital darts and pool.

We posted some footage of the makeover, so head to our Instagram and let us know what you think.

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🚽 MBE winner completes 5-mile ‘Poo Plod’

Carmela Chillory-Watson – the youngest ever recipient of an MBE – has completed a five-mile ‘Poo Plod’ from her school in Branksome to Bournemouth Pier and back, dressed as a toilet!

Carmela, 11, has muscular dystrophy and is fundraising for two accessible wash/dry toilets at Shaftesbury Victoria School, where many pupils need help going to the toilet.

She was joined by classmates, teachers and her mum Lucy – who dressed as a giant inflatable poo – and has already raised thousands towards the £9,000 target.
Donate

👶 New baby booklet launches for BCP parents

BCP Mumbler has launched a free baby booklet packed with tips, local info and discounts for new and expectant parents.

From baby classes and soft plays to wellbeing advice and support groups, it’s all in there – plus exclusive offers on everything from baby swimming to photography.

Pick up your free copy at local libraries, family cafés and John Lewis.
Full details

🦅 Baby ospreys hatch near Poole

A second breeding pair of ospreys has successfully hatched chicks in Southern England – and it’s all happening near Poole!

Two chicks arrived this week at a private nest platform built by the Poole Harbour Osprey Project. The proud parents are 1H1 (from Rutland) and 374 (one of Poole’s own, released in 2021).

It’s the first time this pair has bred and the project team are thrilled. The return of these beautiful birds is a major win for conservation locally and nationally.

Keep an eye on Birds of Poole Harbour for more updates and photos of the chicks.

🏛️ Poole Town Council Review

Last week’s special edition garnered a huge amount of feedback, thank you to everyone that wrote in, voted and left messages. It’s a really interesting topic and now that the public consultation has ended, we wait to see what gets reported to the BCP Cabinet later in the year. In our poll, 75% of readers that took part, voted in favour of Poole having it’s own Town Council. Here’s some of the feedback we got:

“I think Poole has gone downhill since the merger of the three councils. I'd happily vote for them to go their separate ways again and manage their own funds”

“Yet more expensive bureaucracy, delivered by highly paid public sector employees ”

“BCP is too big to care about smaller things that matter to us at a local level. And BCP doesn't have the funds to support all the things we care about at a local level.”

“We do not need another layer of government with the increased overall cost.”

🎓 Careers show 2026 open for bookings

The Careers & Apprenticeship Show is back for 2026, welcoming 3,000+ students from across BCP. If you're a local employer, now’s the time to get involved.

Exhibition bookings are open now – plus there are evening sessions for parents and carers, and sponsorship options available.
Find out more

🧠 Tech meets community: re:connect returns

Dorset’s homegrown tech conference re:connect is back this July — and it’s shaping up to be a big one. Hosted at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium on Friday 4 July, this one-day event brings together digital creatives, developers, and tech innovators for a full day of talks, workshops, and networking.

Expect insights on everything from AI and cloud computing to software and cybersecurity — with expert-led sessions, peer learning, and a strong focus on the region’s growing tech scene.

Before the main event, there’s also a special {dev.talk} social on Wednesday 25 June at Patch, Bournemouth. It’s an informal mixer for anyone in tech — whether you're attending re:connect or not. Come for the community vibes, grab a drink, and join the fun quiz.

🎟 Get your tickets here:

• re:connect Conference – 4 July

• {dev.talk} – 25 June

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

This week, we wanted to find the most affordable detached house on the market in Poole. If you love putting up Christmas lights, you’ll love this one! IYKYK 👉 View the property

🦐 Volunteers needed for Seafood & Sounds

Fancy being part of the fun this year? Seafood & Sounds is looking for volunteers to help marshal the event on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September.

You’ll get a free t-shirt, tote bag and badge – plus you’ll be part of a brilliant community team helping to bring one of Poole’s best weekends to life.

Interested? Contact Nikki at [email protected] to get involved.

☕ Luca’s Takeaway Café coming to Westbourne

Westbourne is getting a new café this summer! Luca’s Takeaway Café is set to open on Seamoor Road, in the former Bennetts Family Bakery site.

The new spot promises hot and cold drinks, fresh locally-made food and a warm welcome. They’re currently hiring, and the signage is already going up.

We’ll keep you posted when they open their doors.
www.instagram.com/lucastakeawaycafe

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. Nettle eaters chomp in revived world championships

2. Stencil of child and police officer appears on Rockwater wall – Bournemouth One

3. 'We got our identity back', say refugee footballers

We’re going to be doing a special edition giving the rundown on how to apply for secondary school, so here’s a themed question to get you ready for it!

⛵ Open day at Lilliput Sailing Club

Thinking of getting into sailing? Lilliput Sailing Club is holding its annual open day on Saturday 26 July from 10am–4pm.

There’ll be clubhouse tours, chats with members, BBQ, kids’ activities and the club regatta happening on the water. It’s a great way to get a feel for this friendly, member-run club based right in Poole Harbour.

Ideal for small cruisers and dinghy racing fans – or anyone looking for a welcoming sailing community.
🌐 www.lilliputsc.org.uk

🏍️ Grasstrack racing returns to Wimborne

Get ready for a day of high-octane action – the Southern Centre Grasstrack Championships are taking place on Sunday 29 June near Wimborne.

Expect around 50 races featuring solo and sidecar motorcycles, plus youth racing, food stalls and a licensed bar.

📍 Pilford Lane, Uddens BH21 7AZ
🕧 12:30–17:30
🎟️ £15 adults, U16s free
🌐 www.wimbornemcc.co.uk

🏄‍♂️ Kids surf club this summer

Shaka Surf’s summer club is back! This is a great chance for kids aged 8–15 to learn to surf or paddleboard in a fun and safe setting.

Sessions run twice a week (Wednesdays at 3pm and Fridays at 12:45pm) and cost £38 per child. That includes expert instruction, wetsuits, boots and boards – just bring water, suncream and a towel.

Spaces are limited, so book early.
📧 [email protected]
📞 07468 427811
🌊 www.shakasurf.co.uk/kids-surf-clubs

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.

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

Create with Katie – Watercolour Birds, St Peter’s, Ashley Cross, 6:30pm–8:30pm
Get creative in a relaxed setting with this guided watercolour session, suitable for ages 12+.
Paint with Katie

Guenther Steiner LIVE: Unfiltered, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
Behind the scenes of Formula 1 with the star of Drive to Survive.
Get tickets

Almost Nearly Famous – Live Music, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 8:30pm–10:30pm
Midweek music from a crowd favourite with a lively mix of originals and covers.

Thursday

Insect Week – Clay Insect Characters, Alexandra Park, Poole, 3pm–4pm
Make your own clay bug and learn how to support insect life at home.
Create and learn outdoors

Amy Winehouse Tribute Evening, Isabel's Brasserie, 7pm–10:30pm
Enjoy a soulful evening with a leading Amy tribute act and a delicious two-course meal.

Live and Unheard – June, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
Showcase of unsigned talent featuring Gumjuaka, Reid Hillwood and Phil Ireland.
See what's on

Krista Green – Live Music, Jenkins & Sons, Penn Hill, 7pm–9pm
Live acoustic vibes alongside 2-4-1 cocktails and burger deals.
Reserve a table

Friday

An Evening with Simone Ippolito, La Mias, 6:30pm–8pm
Wine, charcuterie and stories from the founder of South Coast Wine Festival.

Grooves on the Green, Ashley Cross, 27–29 June
Poole’s iconic family festival returns for its 25th year with live music, food and more.
Get tickets

All Funked Up – Live Music, Sandbanks Brewery, 4:30pm onwards
Live funk, wood-fired pizza and great beer in this popular Friday night hangout.

Studio Jazz: Henry Spencer Quartet, Lighthouse Poole, 7:45pm
Award-winning jazz from this acclaimed trumpeter and bandleader.
Book

The Scanners – Live Music, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 9pm–11pm
A Friday night set packed with indie anthems and classic covers to kick off your weekend.

Saturday

Grooves on the Green, Ashley Cross, 27–29 June
Poole’s iconic family festival returns for its 25th year with live music, food and more.

Amie Gray Family Day, Bournemouth Uni Sports Campus, 10am–4pm
A big family day out with games, entertainment and fundraising for Dorset Futsal.
Full details

Youth Volunteering, Upton Country Park, 1pm–3pm
Aged 13–17? Help plan events, gain experience and enjoy outdoor activities.

George Griff – Live Music, Jenkins & Sons, Penn Hill, 7:30pm–10pm
Live local music and laid-back Saturday evening vibes.
Reserve a table

Sunday

Southern Centre Championships, Pilford Lane, Wimborne, from 10.30am
An action packed day of motorcycle grass track racing.

Drum & Bass On The Bike, starts at Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, 2pm
Dom Whiting leads a high-energy seaside cycle with beats, good vibes and all wheels welcome.

Grooves on the Green, Ashley Cross, 27–29 June
Poole’s iconic family festival returns for its 25th year with live music, food and more.

Jemima & The Five – Sunday Session, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 4pm–6pm
Smooth soul, laid-back grooves and a perfect way to wind down your Sunday.

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!