This week’s issue is all about the people, places and projects shaping life around the town right now. From a new People of Poole video celebrating local voices, to an RNLI exhibition telling powerful coastal rescue stories, there’s plenty worth a look. We’ve also got news on an opportunity to get involved in the filming of a Top Gun Scene in Poole, a reminder from BCP Council about reporting potholes (this should probably be the top story!), plus loads of events happening across Poole and beyond over the coming days.

Enjoy!

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A powerful new free exhibition telling the RNLI’s Second World War story is now open at Lighthouse Poole.

RNLI: Stories of Courage 1939–45 runs until Saturday 28 February and explores how volunteer lifeboat crews continued to save lives at sea during some of the most challenging moments in history.

The exhibition looks at experiences across different regions, including Poole Lifeboat Station’s connection to Dunkirk, Ireland’s neutral stance, the occupation of the Channel Islands, and the RNLI’s role during the Battle of Britain. It also highlights the vital contribution women made on the home front.

Visitors can see rarely displayed artwork, including paintings of dramatic sea rescues and portraits of key RNLI figures, alongside historic objects such as a compass and signal lamp used during the Dunkirk evacuation. Many items have undergone careful conservation ahead of the exhibition.

There’s plenty for younger visitors too, with a free activity trail, videos, an audio booth and a dress-up area. A programme of free events will also run during the exhibition, including a guided walk exploring Poole’s RNLI connections and opportunities to meet current lifeboat crew members.

The exhibition has been made possible thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A brand-new film series celebrating local changemakers has been launched by The Dolphin Poole.

People of Poole, produced by Kindful Creative, shines a light on individuals building meaningful initiatives locally and beyond, all with strong connections to Poole. The first film features Mark Masters, founder of You Are The Media. Mark’s story explores how early experiences of rejection shaped his desire to create spaces where people feel welcomed and valued.

The film also captures the now-regular Friday morning sunrise swims at Sandbanks, where people gather year-round to swim together, building friendships through shared challenge and vulnerability.

The series aims to celebrate the people who give Poole its character, the community builders, creatives and quiet changemakers. It’s a great first episode and we look forward to seeing what else is in store.

Plus, read our article further on to find out how you can be involved in one of The Dolphin and Kindful Creative’s other film projects!

Plans have been submitted to expand the Premier Inn and restaurant at Holes Bay on Sterte Avenue.

The proposal would add 17 new bedrooms and see the existing restaurant demolished and rebuilt as part of a larger extension. The new layout would include an updated restaurant and bar area, improved staff facilities, and outdoor seating under a canopy, directly accessible from the hotel reception.

As part of the redevelopment, the plans would also remove the building’s existing ‘lighthouse’ feature.

A new community exhibition exploring ageing, care and wellbeing has opened at Lighthouse Poole.

The Art of Keeping Well brings together work created through collaborations between artists, community participants, local charities and Bournemouth University. The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on experiences of caregiving, memory loss and what it means to live well later in life.

Highlights include collaged postcards from Bournemouth University and Help&Care’s Waiting Well research project, and Stay, a painting by local artist Adilson Naueji, inspired by research into the lives of family carers.

Also on display is Beyond the Lines, a striking black-and-white portrait series created by members of In Jolly Good Company, a dementia-friendly charity. The portraits challenge stereotypes of ageing, celebrating older people as connected, creative and full of life.

The exhibition runs until Saturday 28 February and is free to visit.

Independent businesses across Dorset are being invited to take part in a fully-funded support programme designed to help high street traders grow, adapt and thrive.

Delivered by Dorset Chamber in partnership with Business Growth Dorset, the programme offers nine free online workshops covering topics such as finance, business planning, digital marketing, customer service, HR and merchandising.

Participants will also receive a self-assessment “health check” to identify strengths and areas for improvement, along with practical tools and insights from experienced specialists and successful retailers.

Sessions run from 6pm–8pm, making them accessible around opening hours, and are aimed at independent retailers, hospitality, leisure and visitor economy businesses across Dorset and the BCP area.

Places are free but registration is required.

Are you a business in the local area? Do you want to reach out to a highly engaged local community? Want to support us so that we can keep running our free local newsletter? Get in touch!

This six bedroom 1913 home is worth looking at just to see the kitchen lighting! 👉 View the property

Poole is about to get a little bit Hollywood and you could be part of it.

The team behind the People of Poole video series is looking for 15 volunteers to help recreate a famous scene from Top Gun at Grounded Coffee, as part of their next film scene recreation.

This time, it’s a Valentine’s Day-themed remake of the moment where Tom Cruise belts out You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling — filmed in Poole and very much with fun (not perfection) in mind. If you remember the Love Actually-inspired video filmed locally at Christmas, this will be in a similar spirit.

Filming is planned for Wednesday 29 January at 3.30pm at Grounded Coffee, all that’s missing is a crowd willing to sing along, get involved and enjoy being part of something a bit different.

If you’d like to take part, email [email protected] with your details and the team will send over more information.

Forest Holme Hospice Charity has announced the launch of a new Sunset Walk memorial event, taking place on Friday 17 April.

Starting from Branksome Dene Chine, participants can choose between a 5km or 8km coastal route, taking in views across Sandbanks and Poole Harbour as the sun sets. The walk is open to everyone, whether or not they have a personal connection to Forest Holme.

After the walk, participants will be welcomed back to the Branksome Dene Room for food and refreshments, with pizzas kindly provided by Pizza with Love. Each walker will also receive an event t-shirt and commemorative medal.

Tickets are priced at £15 for adults, £10 for children, with under 3s going free. An early bird discount code NEWYEAR26 is available until the end of January.

All proceeds support the vital care provided by Forest Holme Hospice.

Bournemouth One has announced a major technical upgrade, switching to full DAB+ stereo broadcasting across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The change follows a series of transmitter and multiplex upgrades, delivering clearer, richer sound for listeners across the conurbation. Music, speech and local content will all benefit from the improved audio quality.

The new stereo service is live now, with listeners encouraged to retune or refresh their DAB radios to access the upgrade.

Bournemouth One continues to broadcast 24 hours a day, offering nonstop music alongside local news and information on DAB+, smart speakers, apps and online.

BCP Council has issued a reminder to residents: if you spot a pothole, they want to know about it.

Last year alone, more than 2,500 potholes were filled across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Even better, the average time between a pothole being reported and repaired has more than halved over the past five years.

The quicker a pothole is reported, the quicker it can be fixed. Residents are encouraged to report potholes online or by calling 01202 123123, because BCP can’t fix the ones they don’t know about.

The Art of Keeping Well & Beyond the Lines, Lighthouse (Top Floor & Mezzanine Gallery), Sat 17 Jan – Sat 28 Feb, Tue–Sat, 10am–8pm
A free exhibition bringing together community artworks exploring caregiving, memory loss and ageing well, developed with local charities and Bournemouth University.

RNLI Stories of Courage 1939–45, Lighthouse (Main Gallery), Thu 15 Jan – Sat 28 Feb 2026, Tue–Sat, 10am–8pm
Rarely seen artwork and artefacts tell the story of RNLI volunteer crews saving lives at sea during wartime. Free entry.

Poole Plugged and Unplugged, The Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, from 8pm
An open mic night hosted by Rich & Rich. Acoustic or electric, mellow or loud. Free drink for performers and a chance of a future gig at The Hoy.

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!

BSO: Piano Pyrotechnics, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
Tchaikovsky, Chopin and Mendelssohn performed by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. From £20.90. Book tickets.

Innocent Bystander (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 8.30pm–10.30pm
Live music from Innocent Bystander in the heart of Ashley Cross.

Parody of the Rings, Lighthouse, 7.45pm
A fast, chaotic and hilarious improvised retelling of The Lord of the Rings when a cinema marathon goes very wrong. From £25. Book tickets.

Burns Night Special – The Table at Rockwater, Rockwater Roof Terrace, Branksome, from 7pm
A Burns Night supper club with a three-course Scottish-inspired menu, curated drinks pairings and hosted tasting experience. Book in advance.

Open Mic Night, The Harry Paye, Poole, from 7pm
The pub’s first open mic night. Performer slots are first come, first served, with professional recordings provided for all performers.

Live Music: Richie Quain, Jenkins & Sons, Poole, 7pm–9pm
Live music alongside £7.50 burgers, happy hour 4–6pm and 2-for-1 cocktails all night.

Andrew White: Rhinestone Comedian, Lighthouse, 8pm
Stand-up comedy packed with sharp writing and sparkling irreverence. From £15.50. Book tickets.

Groove Rush & Steve Rush, The Lord Nelson, Poole, from 8pm
Live rock, funk and indie followed by a DJ set from 11pm.

Cutting Edge (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 9pm–11pm
High-energy live music from Cutting Edge.

Bike Security Marking, Broadstone Library, from 10am
Free bike marking with Poole Police, plus crime prevention advice. what3words location: https://w3w.co/forget.riots.images

Jonathan Lindop – Vocalist, The Grasshopper, Parkstone, from 7.30pm
An evening of classic tunes and relaxed live vocals.

Kingsmen (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 9pm–11pm
Live music from Kingsmen.

Burns Night @ Merley House, Merley House, 6.55pm–11pm
Celebrate Robert Burns with traditional Scottish food, music and poetry readings. Tartan encouraged.

Burns Night 2026, The Britannia, Parkstone
A Scottish-themed evening with a three-course set menu and complimentary dram. Tartan encouraged. Book here: https://britanniaparkstone.com/burns-night/

Big Sing January 2026: At the Movies, Lighthouse, 4pm
A relaxed singing workshop and performance with Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, featuring famous movie songs. From £7.70. Book tickets.

Rockwater Quiz Night, Rockwater Roof Terrace, 7pm–9pm (doors 6.30pm)
Quiz night with Andy, prizes to be won and pizza available. £3 per person. Book your table.

The Wedding Index Dorset: First Wedding Fayre, RNLI Poole, from 11am
A calm, curated wedding fayre showcasing Dorset suppliers for couples planning their big day.

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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