Hello Poole!

This week we’re shining a light on a Poole entrepreneur with a powerful story. Our main interview features local teacher-turned-founder Andy Hoyland, whose journey from struggling student to online tutoring innovator shows just how life-changing compassion, resilience and community can be.

We’ve also got a packed run of local updates: from naming the council gritters, to Poole Museum’s new Lush collaboration, to how you can help shape BCP Council’s future budget. Plus Santa is touching down across the town, festive windows are being judged, and Christmas letters are on their way to the North Pole.

And as always, there is loads happening in Poole and nearby over the coming days, with wreath making, festive fairs, live music and more. Oh and we’ve put a quick poll in, about halfway through, that we need everyone to answer, so look out for that!

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!

🎅 Christmas Events in Poole

The big light switch on took place last weekend, so make sure you check out the light trail. It’s not the only thing lined up though. The following Christmas events and activities are taking place in Poole over the next few weeks:

Letters to Santa

22 November to 8 December

Children can post letters directly to Father Christmas this year using the special post box at Poole Museum. Letters will be accepted from 22 November until 8 December. Don’t forget to include a full name and address so Santa can reply.

Send letters to:
Father Christmas
Santa’s Grotto
Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ

Christmas Window Display Competition

5 December to 21 December

Vote for your favourite Christmas shopfront in Poole for the chance to win £100. Voting opens 5 December and closes 21 December, with one vote allowed per person (aged 16+).

Displays can be viewed across the High Street, Lagland Street, The Quay, Market Street, Old Orchard, Poole’s Old Town, Falkland Square, Kingland Crescent, the bus station and The Dolphin Shopping Centre. Vote here

The winning display will also receive a cash prize.

Santa is coming to Poole Town

Santa will be visiting Poole’s shops, cafés and local businesses every Saturday in December. Perfect for photos and festive fun. Locations and times will be shared soon by PooleBid.

Choirs and Brass Band Festive Performances

A Choir and Christmas brass band will perform in Poole every Saturday and Sunday throughout December. Details are in the events section at the bottom and will be for the next few weeks.

❄️ It’s snow joke

BCP Council is asking residents to help name its fleet of winter gritters as they roll out for the colder months. With favourites elsewhere in the UK like “Gritty McGritface” and “Usain Salt”, residents are encouraged to get creative and suggest witty winter-themed names for the Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch vehicles.

The council’s 13 gritters maintain 780 miles of road each winter, using 4000 tonnes of dry rock salt, guided by live data from weather stations across the region. Top name suggestions will be selected, and the winners will see their entries proudly displayed on the vehicles.

The competition opens on Thursday 20 November, with results announced in early December. To take part, visit BCP Council social media channels and comment with your ideas.

🛀 Poole Museum and Lush celebrate shared roots with bespoke bath bomb

Poole Museum has partnered with Lush to create a limited-edition bath bomb celebrating their shared heritage in Poole. The exclusive product is on sale in the museum shop and also on display in the new Harbour Life Gallery, telling the story of Lush’s Poole beginnings and the history of creative industry in the town.

The museum reopened this month after a major £10 million transformation across its three listed buildings, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, BCP Council, Arts Council England, Historic England and local partners.

Find out more and book free entry tickets at poolemuseum.org.uk.

💷 Help shape BCP Council’s budget

Residents across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are invited to give their views on how the council should prioritise spending for the 2026/7 financial year and beyond.

The consultation covers all key services, from social care to highways, and residents can express whether they would like to see increased or decreased investment in each area. Views are also sought on council tax levels and which services people value most.

The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 14 December 2025. Complete the survey at bcpcouncil.gov.uk/budget or pick up a paper version at local libraries.

👨‍🏫 "It's About More Than Grades": Meet Andy Hoyland, Poole's Online Education Pioneer

PooleNow is here to celebrate and promote local businesses and entrepreneurs. This week we caught up with Andy Hoyland to find out about his journey from struggling student to founder of Level-Up Online Tutoring. 

Andy is Poole through and through. Born in Poole Hospital, educated at Poole High School, and now living in Hamworthy with his family, he's spent all 36 years of his life in the town he loves. "I only left when at university in Southampton but even then came home at weekends," he laughs. 

His journey into teaching wasn't straightforward. "School didn't come naturally to me," Andy says openly. "I certainly wasn't academic." But it was during his toughest years that he discovered what would become his life's calling. 

When his mum was diagnosed with cancer during Year 11, followed by his parents' separation during A-levels, Andy found himself battling to stay focused on his studies. Tragically, his mum passed away during his second year at university. "It seemed that whenever something important was going on in my life there was always something to stop me reaching my full potential," he reflects. "I found it hard to prioritise school work and revision when deep down I just wanted to be with my mum." 

The experience transformed how he sees young people. "It has helped me to understand that students at school are going through such a tough time that we as teachers know nothing about," Andy explains. "Because of that, it has made me a patient teacher – relatable and considerate when students struggle with their own personal issues." 

After university, Andy discovered his passion for helping people while working in a local school. He went on to teach for over a decade, running trips abroad and helping students achieve their GCSE goals. But increasingly, he felt there was more he could do. "I've always had a passion for helping people. I guess I wanted to take the struggles I faced at school and help young people learn from them." 

That vision led to the creation of Level-Up Online Tutoring. Rather than just focusing on exam technique, Andy wanted to build something that addressed the whole picture. "If a person is stressed, anxious or depressed, their brains are not open to learning," he says. "If this isn't addressed, that teen will always struggle to reach their full potential." 

One transformation particularly stands out. A young woman who struggled so severely with anxiety that she often couldn't attend school has flourished through connecting with other teens on the platform. After attending weekly mental health sessions, she's now confident enough to attend sixth form – and even hosts a weekly "teen hangout" session for other students. "What an incredible transformation!" Andy says. 

Running his own business has been a learning curve. "The biggest thing I have learnt is that business is hard!" he admits. "Not just the workload, but the emotional toll. I care about this platform so passionately, so when it isn't the right fit for someone I take each loss to heart." 

But entrepreneurship has brought unexpected rewards too, particularly time freedom. "There's nothing I love more than stepping out of my front door with my family and our dog and heading to Hamworthy Park or Upton Country Park," he says. "Since starting this business, I regularly walk down to the Quay and enjoy a coffee at one of the local cafes. I also love taking my wife down to the Quay for dinner and walking back through the park overlooking the stunning harbour. We're so lucky to live here!" 

His advice to worried parents? "Reassure your teens that these GCSE years are just one small stepping stone in their lives. If they don't get it right first time, there is always another way. That's exactly what happened with me – I just had to work that little bit harder later in life, but if anything that has made me more resilient and hungry for success." 

Looking back at his own journey, Andy is most proud of pushing through when it would have been easy to quit. "I remember sitting at my desk looking at a photo of my mum and I decided in that moment that she would want me to finish. And that's what I did." 

From struggling student to passionate educator to entrepreneur, Andy Hoyland's story is proof that the path isn't always straight – and that's okay. For the young people he supports, that message alone might be the most valuable lesson of all.

Find out more about Level-Up Online Tutoring at https://level-uponlinetutoring.info/ 

If you’re a local entrepreneur and want to be featured in our newsletter, reply to this email and get in touch!

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

Do you like impressive entrance halls with wood panel? Then you’ll love this 👉 View the property

📅 2026 PooleNow Calendar

We’ve been thinking about designing a 2026 calendar using all the photos we’ve taken and used for the headers each week. What do you think? Would you want one hanging in your house/office or would we be wasting our time? Please answer the poll below!

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. Citizen science tackles Dorset's invisible river pollution - BBC News

2. BCP welcomes new suspension powers – Bournemouth One

3. Twenty-four hour cycle for local charities – Bournemouth One

Birds Eye Quiz

🐈Dick Whittington at Lighthouse Poole

11 December to 4 January

Lighthouse Poole presents its traditional family pantomime, Dick Whittington, made in Poole for Poole audiences by the award-winning team behind previous Panto Award winners. Chris Jarvis returns as Dame Dolly Doughnuts - if that doesn’t make you want to buy a ticket, I’m not sure what will.

Book tickets:
https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/dick-whittington/

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

Multiple Days

Little Robin Red Vest, Lighthouse Poole, 22 Nov–14 Dec
Family-friendly Christmas show by Filskit Theatre, based on Jan Fearnley’s beloved story.

The Wintering, Lighthouse Poole, Tue–Sat 10am–8pm (until 3 Jan 2026)
An interactive, woodland-themed gallery installation.

The Opportunists, Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park, 10am–4pm Thursday onwards
Eight Dorset artists exhibiting work in a fully accessible gallery. Free entry.

South Coast Makers Christmas Market, Bobby’s Tunnel, Bournemouth
Sat & Sun, curated stalls, artisan foods, secondhand vinyl & more.

Tuesday

Paint and Sip Night, The Britannia, Ashley Cross, 6:30–8:30pm
£22 introductory offer includes a glass of Prosecco, Mulled Wine or Mocktail on arrival. All materials provided for a festive painting session.
Book: jowellsartstudio.co.uk

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

Festive Wreath Making, Rockwater, 12–3pm & 6:30–9:30pm
A laid-back, luxe wreath-making session by the sea with sculptural foliage, dried blooms, offbeat ribbons and cocktails on arrival. Led by Venezuelan-American designer Carlos Billini.
Book

Almost Nearly Famous, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 8:30–10:30pm
Catch upbeat live tunes at Ashley Cross’ Bermuda Triangle Pub.

Flyte, St Peter’s Church, Ashley Cross, 7pm
Warm in the Nave presents Flyte: Will Taylor and Nick Hill will be bringing their vocal chemistry and musical harmony to the church for one night only

BSO: Hollywood Hit, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
Liszt, Korngold & Dvořák performed live. Tickets from £20.90.
Book: lighthousepoole.co.uk

Thursday

Skinny Malinkys Taco Thursday, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 5–9pm
Festive tacos from 5pm – once it’s gone, it’s gone!

Royal Marines Christmas Spectacular, Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, 7:30pm
Christmas music, military marches and big band hits with Corps of Drums. Tickets: bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

Wine & Cheeses Evening, St Tropez Lounge, 6–7pm & 7:30–8:30pm
French wines paired with matured cheeses for a taste of the Riviera. 20% off dinner if you stay.
Eat all the cheese

Live and Unheard, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
Unsigned music night featuring Tarraska, Love Is Enough & Chasing Leaves. Tickets from £13.
Enjoy it live

Wine Tasting Experience, Da Vinci’s Poole, 7pm
Seven glasses of Ippolito 1845 wine paired with food. £50 pp.
Drink all the wine

Friday

Love Actually in Concert, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
Film with live orchestra. Tickets from £37.95.
Get in the festive spirit

Rory Bremner – Making an Impression, Lighthouse Poole, 7:45pm
Political satire & stand-up. Tickets from £34.65.

Supersonic Queen – Laser Light Show, St Peter’s Church, Ashley Cross, 6:45pm
Family-friendly Queen tribute with lasers. Tickets £18–£25.
They said there’ll be lasers!

Olivia Sebis, The Britannia, Ashley Cross, 8–10pm
Upbeat live music and festive vibes.

Loose Chippings, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9–11pm
Live music at one of Ashley Cross’ favourite pubs.

Saturday

Choirs at Christmas, Lower High Street, 11am & 12 noon
Relight My Choir at 11am, Bitter Sweet Harmony at 12 noon.

Poole Grammar School Christmas Fayre, 11am–4pm
Festive stalls, games, live music & Father Christmas.

Youth Volunteering, Education Centre, Upton Country Park, 1–3pm
Ages 13–17: outdoor activities, project planning, CV-building and volunteering experience.

Candles on the Quay, 6pm
Magical community candle event supporting Lewis-Manning Hospice Care with live performances.

Mark Steel: The Leopard in My House, Lighthouse Poole, 7:45pm
Comedy about his battle with throat cancer. Tickets from £22.

Soul Cellar, The Blue Boar, 8pm
FREE underground soul, jazz funk & disco night with Stevie G & Barry Gray.

The Scanners, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9–11pm
Live music from a BT favourite.

Life in the Past Land – Lord Nelson, 9pm
Live tribute to the 60s/70s/80s.

Sunday

Brass Band Festive Performances, outside Poole Museum, 12–2pm
Live brass band adding festive cheer to shoppers.

Youth in Concert, Lighthouse Poole, 4pm
Poole Society for Young Musicians perform classical repertoire. Tickets from £8.25.

BSO: Winter Fanfare, St James’ Church, Poole, 5pm
Festive brass ensemble performance. Tickets £5–£19.
Book

Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas, St Peter’s Church, Ashley Cross, 7pm
Celebrate the season with Vivaldi’s iconic masterpiece The Four Seasons, brought to life as you’ve never heard it before.

Monday

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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That’s it! See you next week!