Hello Poole!

This week, Poole is alive with creativity, culture, and big decisions shaping our communities. At the top of the news: councillors have proposed three new town councils for Poole, Broadstone, and Bournemouth, following a year-long consultation. Find out what it could mean for you and your neighbourhood.

If you’re looking for inspiration, Arts by the Sea Festival is back this weekend, celebrating 15 years of music, circus, dance, and immersive performances across Bournemouth. Meanwhile, art lovers can enjoy Meet Rembrandt at Kingston Lacy – a unique slow-looking experience with one of the world’s greatest painters.

For something a little different, step into a world of intrigue with An Evening with Fred Dinenage at Isabel’s Brasserie, or celebrate the 175th birthday of Robert Louis Stevenson in Westbourne, at the very site where he penned Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

There’s something for everyone – read on to explore all the events, stories, and experiences happening in Poole this week.

PooleNow is proudly sponsored by Bournemouth One radio station – and right now you can bag half-price vouchers for local restaurants, gyms and more at vouchers.bournemouthone.com

🗳️Three New Town Councils Proposed for Poole and Bournemouth

As you will remember, we’ve reported extensively on the consultation into the proposals to create new town councils in the BCP area. Well, after nearly a year of debate, consultation, and analysis, the specially appointed group of councillors reviewing how our communities are represented has now published its final recommendations. The big news: they’re proposing the creation of three new town councils – for Poole, Broadstone and Bournemouth.

This follows one of the largest local consultations in recent years, with almost 2,000 responses. Residents were split, with some welcoming the chance for more local accountability, while others worried about costs and bureaucracy. The Task and Finish Group, made up of councillors from across the political spectrum, weighed up all the arguments before making their call.

What they found

• Charter Trustees (which currently look after the civic roles like Mayors and regalia in Bournemouth and Poole) would be abolished. In their place, fully elected town councils would be established, giving residents more say over local issues.

• Poole Town Council: 15 wards, 21 councillors.

• Broadstone Town Council: 2 wards, 8 councillors.

• Bournemouth Town Council: 10 wards, 21 councillors.

• New councils would start small, taking on ceremonial assets and allotments to begin with, but could expand their role over time depending on local priorities.

• Initial council tax precepts (the part of council tax that funds parish/town councils) will be kept minimal in year one, with each council deciding future budgets themselves.

The arguments

The group reported strong feelings on both sides.

• Supporters said new councils would bring decisions closer to home, strengthen local identity, and make sure money raised in each community is spent locally.

• Opponents feared duplication, more “layers of government”, and potential rises in council tax without clear benefit.

Interestingly, when asked if they’d consider standing for election, dozens of residents in each area said yes, suggesting there would be no shortage of candidates if the councils go ahead.

What happens next

The ‘Task and Finish Group’ has now passed its recommendations to BCP Council’s Cabinet, which will in turn make a decision at Full Council in October. If approved, the new councils would be created in April 2026, with elections held the same year.

If agreed, Poole would once again have its own Council for the first time since 2019, when local government was reorganised to create BCP Council.

You can read the BCP article and full report here

🎭Arts by the Sea Festival returns this weekend

Bournemouth’s biggest free arts festival is back for its 15th anniversary from Friday 26 – Sunday 28 September.

Highlights include a brand new headline show Bourne to Love by Cirque Bijou, mixing circus, aerial performance, and live music. Expect everything from Afrobeat and indie pop to parkour theatre, dazzling light trails, and immersive art experiences.

Festival Director Andrea Francis said: “This year’s programme celebrates what makes BCP so special – creativity, diversity and community spirit.”

👉 Full programme at artsbythesea.co.uk.

🚌 Help shape the future of travel across BCP

How do you want to get around in 2040? BCP Council and Dorset Council are asking residents to help shape a new Local Transport Plan that will set out a vision for the next 15 years.

The plan aims to build a network that is accessible, sustainable, and resilient to climate change, while supporting economic growth and healthier lifestyles. From safer routes for walking and cycling to reliable public transport and climate-ready infrastructure, the consultation covers it all.

The consultation is open until 12 October 2025 at bcpcouncil.gov.uk/local-transport-plan.

🖌️ Meet Rembrandt: Slow Looking at Kingston Lacy

There’s a rare chance to spend some quiet time with one of the world’s great painters this autumn. Kingston Lacy is hosting Meet Rembrandt: The Self-Portrait in a Feathered Bonnet, on loan from the Scottish National Gallery.

Running until 16 November, the “slow looking” experience invites visitors to sit with the 17th-century masterpiece in an intimate setting, encouraging reflection and discovery rather than rushing through a gallery.

👉 Find out more and book timed entry slots at nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy.

💼 Careers & Apprenticeship Show 2026 – bookings open

📅 12 March 2026
📍 Bournemouth International Centre

The south coast’s biggest careers and apprenticeship event returns to the BIC next spring, with space for over 4,000 young people, parents, and carers to connect with employers, colleges, and training providers.

After last year’s success, which saw 96% of employers pledge to return, bookings are now open for organisations looking to exhibit. Opportunities to sponsor are also available.

👉 Find out more at careersandapprenticeshipshow.co.uk

🎬 BCP Film Office Business Lounge: Industry Insights

Part of Bournemouth International Film Festival 2025
📅 3 October, Hilton Bournemouth

Film professionals, take note — the BCP Film Office is hosting a Business Lounge at this year’s festival, with talks from local experts and plenty of networking.

Speakers include David Mutton (Evolve) on business support, Luke English (media law), Fiona Bavinton (AI in film), and Dan Pringle (BH Movies) on location scouting. The afternoon also features a networking “Gather Zone”, with support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

👉 Full festival details and tickets: eventzilla.net/e/biff-2138654839

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🛍️Resident's Card Survey

In last week's issue we reported on the council’s plans to create a residents card to give certain benefits to local people. We'd like to know what benefits you'd like to see available. Please answer below and don't forget to add your own suggestions! We'll report on the results next week.

👶 Poole welcomes new special needs nursery for under 5s

A new specialist nursery for children under five with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) is opening in Poole this September.

Run by national charity Dingley’s Promise and supported by BCP Council, the centre will provide short-term nursery places, “learn through play” sessions, and family outreach support. It follows the success of their Bournemouth centre, with another planned for Christchurch in January 2026.

The new nursery, based at Branksome Children’s Centre, will also host coffee mornings, play sessions, and holiday clubs for children with SEND.

📖 Celebrating Robert Louis Stevenson in Westbourne

Did you know Robert Louis Stevenson lived in Westbourne while writing Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde? To mark the author’s 175th birthday, Skerryvore Gardens will host a special evening on Thursday 13 November.

Expect live performances, poetry readings, and talks exploring Stevenson’s life and legacy, all set in the place that inspired some of his most famous works.

👉 More details and tickets via Bournemouth Writing Festival.

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. Vacant sites to be reviewed for housing – Bournemouth One

2. BCP Council to pay £21k to families over SEND failures - BBC News

3. BCP Park and Ride plans move forward – Bournemouth One

📺An Evening with Fred Dinenage at Isabel’s Brasserie

📅 Thursday 16 October | ⏰ From 6:30pm | 💷 £89.99

Legendary broadcaster Fred Dinenage MBE – known for How, 38 years on ITV News, and his official biography of the Kray twins – will be the star guest at Isabel’s Brasserie.

The evening includes canapés and fizz on arrival, a two-course wine-paired dinner, and a live Q&A hosted by Jason Dean. Only 40 tickets are available for this intimate event.

👉 Book at isabelsbrasserie.co.uk/event or call 01202 747 885.

🍽️The Pickled Berry – Chef’s Wild Card Supper

Feeling adventurous? The Pickled Berry in Poole invites you to a 7-course mystery tasting menu, with each dish revealed only when it arrives at your table.

📅 Thursday 16 October | ⏰ 7pm start | 💷 £65pp (deposit required)
📞 Book on 01202 076868 or email [email protected]

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

Multiple Days

We Rise Exhibition, Lighthouse Poole
Sat 20 Sept – Sat 1 Nov
A celebration of global majority artists from the south coast, presented by Boscombe Radicle Arts Collective.

Arts by the Sea Festival, Bournemouth Town Centre
Fri 26 – Sun 28 Sept
South West’s biggest celebration of arts, culture, and community, with music, dance, theatre, and immersive shows.

Meet Rembrandt: Slow Looking Experience, Kingston Lacy
12 Sept – 16 Nov
Take time with Rembrandt’s Self-portrait in a Feathered Bonnet in an intimate, slow-looking setting.

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!

Rebecca Ferguson: 15 Years Stripped Back, Lighthouse Poole, 7:45pm
An intimate evening of music from across Rebecca’s career, performed with piano only.

Wednesday

Poole Speedway Blue Riband, Poole Stadium, 6:30pm onwards
The Pirates’ showcase event is back – kids under 11 go free.

Rick Stein Supper Club: Greece, Sandbanks, 7pm
Three-course Greek menu inspired by Rick’s travels.

Live Music: Paul & Julie, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 8:30pm
Acoustic classics at Ashley Cross’s liveliest pub.

Thursday

Live and Unheard, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
Unsigned acts Galahad, Traffic Cone Wizard and lucymuses take the stage.

A Taste of Italy – 6-Course Dinner, Da Vinci’s on Poole Quay, 7pm
Journey through six Italian regions with paired wines.

Friday

Joe Thomas: Talking Inbetweeners, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
Actor/comedian Joe Thomas shares stories from the hit show.

Live Music: Cutting Edge, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm
Rock covers and a Friday night party vibe.

The Ox Autumn Party, Poole, from 7pm
New event space launch with live music and £5 drinks.

Saturday

Oktoberfest, Yachtsman Pub Hamworthy, from 11am
Steins, bratwurst BBQ, craft stalls, and live music – all in aid of Forest Holme.

Repair Café, Gather, Dolphin Centre, Poole, 2–4pm
Bring broken household items and get them fixed for free.

Butcher’s Dog Oompah Night, Poole, 6:30pm
Traditional Oompah band and party games.

Live Music: Kingsmen, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm
Saturday night live set in Ashley Cross.

The Tap & Grape, Broadstone, 8:30pm
Classic rock with Lithium.

Rob Newman: Where The Wild Things Were, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
Brand new comedy tour from the acclaimed stand-up.

Sunday

Bake Sauna – Pop-up Harbour Sauna
Sun 28 September, Hamworthy Park
A wood-fired sauna experience by the harbour with optional cold plunge and swims at high tide.
Take the plunge!

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

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