We're kicking off February with some great news: Twin Sails Bridge has reopened! And if that isn’t exciting enough, this is Issue No. 52 so we have now sent one year’s worth of emails containing all the best local news, trivia and events!

This week we're also celebrating some brilliant news about visitor numbers, looking at the council's budget plans, and sharing your ideas for the future of Upton House. Plus there's comedy, live music, exhibitions and plenty more happening across town.

Enjoy!

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!

Good news for everyone travelling to and from Hamworthy – Twin Sails Bridge finally reopened to all traffic yesterday afternoon!

The bridge returned to normal operation at 2pm on Monday 2 February following the completion of repairs and appropriate safety testing.

BCP Council's team had been waiting for the arrival of specialist materials to complete the final phases.

Now we just await confirmation of when the old bridge will be closed for a full refurbishment…

Time is running out to share your ideas for the future of Upton House, with the consultation closing on Saturday 8 February.

BCP Council is asking residents to help create a long-term sustainable plan for the Grade II* listed Georgian mansion house to thrive at the heart of the community.

Ideas shared so far include a health and wellbeing spa, restoring the house to reflect life in 1800s Poole with a cafe overlooking the great lawn, Pilates and yoga classes, event venues for outdoor music and festivals, retail and experience spaces, and involving local colleges and universities.

Some suggestions focus on improving the existing tea rooms with more food options and better service, while others propose furnished historical tours, themed events at Halloween and Christmas, or creating start-up business units.

The council will consider the pros and cons of each idea, looking at costs, demand, accessibility and impact on the historic building. A shortlist of options will be presented for consultation in spring 2026.

Share your ideas using the online ideas board and vote for your favourites at the council's consultation page before 8 February.

Poole's reputation as one of the South Coast's most welcoming destinations continues to grow, with five million trips made to the town centre during the winter period.

Businesses are reporting growing momentum into 2026, with returning visitors more than doubling year on year. Poole Museum, Lush, spectacular light installations and the ever-popular Poole Quay Bath Tub Race have all helped pull in the crowds.

Vacancy rates in Poole's town centre stand at just 8%, less than half the national average, with big name brands and independent traders creating a thriving offering for residents and visitors.

The newly reopened Poole Museum has quickly established itself as a must-visit attraction. More than 50,000 people visited in its first 10 weeks, exploring the Iron Age logboat, wooden hippo and newly restored Scaplen's Court.

New jobs are being created thanks to ongoing investment. The RNLI has announced its intention to move all shipbuilding to Poole from 2027, as previously reported Loungers has submitted fresh proposals, and Rockley Watersports has secured a long-term contract at Poole Park.

Lush has opened a standalone hair salon along the Quay, delivering investment from one of Poole's most iconic businesses. Bailey Bakes, a coffee and bakes trailer near Fisherman’s slipway, has reported a bumper end to 2025 and has become a local favourite.

BCP Council has set out proposals for a balanced budget for 2026/27 that prioritises the services residents depend on most, with a focus on protecting support for vulnerable children, families and adults.

The proposals protect key services such as social care, waste collections, transport and housing, while also making sure valued non-statutory services like beach lifeguards and public toilets remain funded and accessible.

The council faces severe financial pressures, mainly due to the growing funding gap for delivering Special Educational Needs and Disabilities services. BCP Council has a historic SEND deficit of £183.6m coupled with a forecast shortfall for 2026/27 of £95.7m, creating a total estimated deficit of £380m by 31 March 2028.

To protect key services, the council is proposing to raise Council Tax by 4.99%, including a 2% social care precept. The council has also requested permission to increase council tax by a further 2.43% to fund interest costs on the SEND deficit.

BCP Council will consider the budget proposals at Cabinet on 11 February, ahead of recommendations being made to Full Council.

Big changes are coming to the seafront at Alum Chine as Vesuvio restaurant undergoes a major transformation.

Plans have been submitted to refurbish the outside of the building with new awnings and tiling reflecting the new name and branding: Alum Beach Hut.

The restaurant is being reimagined as a relaxed restaurant, bar and coffee house, whilst the new name pays homage to The Alum Beach Café that was once on this site. The team is hoping to create a relaxed, colourful and informal space where you can choose a proper dining table, a comfy chair or sofa, or a barstool by the window to watch the world go by.

The food will be a mix of seafood, grilled meats, comfort dishes, salads, children's meals, the ever-popular pizzas, plus treats for dogs. All accompanied by an extended list of beers, wines, cocktails, and excellent soft and non-alcoholic drinks.

Follow the transformation on Instagram @alumbeachhut

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Yeah, the house would be brilliant, but I’d like the my pick of the furniture please! 👉 View the property

Sport Poole has made awards to a number of local sports men and women who have given outstanding service to their sport.

The Freddie Rowe Trophy was recently awarded to Pete Jacobs from Poole Amateur Rowing Club, who wrote the History of Poole Amateur Rowing Club 1873–2023 during the pandemic. The club is the oldest sports club in Poole. The award was shared with Jo Satchell, who has given her knowledge and expertise to netball at a local and national level throughout her lifetime.

Also from Poole Amateur Rowing Club, Will Gibbs was congratulated for his rise through the sculling ranks. He's currently captain of the club and is now coaching younger members.

Awards were also made to two junior members at Poole Bushido Ju-Jitsu Club, and Rob Maidman from Poole Hockey Club was recognised for his consistent presence on the pitch and for playing for England at Over 40's Men European Champs in 2025.

Sport Poole will host a 30-minute webinar on 13 April 2026 titled "How is Poole Hockey Club using social media to increase its presence". Contact [email protected] if interested.

AFC Bournemouth has formally submitted a planning application for a redeveloped stadium designed to support the club's long-term growth and deliver an enhanced matchday experience.

The plans include a new 7,000 seater South Stand, the infill of all four stadium corners to generate additional capacity, a new ticket office, fan zone and outside broadcasting compound.

The club has engaged with supporters, local residents and stakeholders throughout the development process and will continue its open dialogue as the planning application progresses. You can view the planning application on the council's planning portal.

Last weekend we visited the wonderful Kingston Lacy and saw the incredible snowdrops as featured in our header photo. If you haven’t had the chance to see them, go and visit!

A new online calendar has been created to help people discover arts and cultural events happening across the BH area.

BH Culture Calendar, created by local residents, lists events well into the future across art, comedy, dance, film, spoken word and theatre.

All events are added manually, providing a curated guide to what's on across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

You can visit the calendar at bhculturecalendar.co.uk

From Saturday 14 February, Poole Museum invites you to step into the creative world of Lucian Freud with a free exhibition focused on discovery and detail.

Lucian Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration shines a light on the artist's lesser-known passion for printmaking, displaying intricate etchings that reveal Freud's creative work beyond his celebrated paintings.

Part of a touring programme from the V&A, the exhibition in The Fine Gallery gives visitors the chance to explore rarely seen work by one of Britain's most influential artists.

At the heart of the exhibition is a unique collection of trial proofs collected by master printer Marc Balakjian, who worked alongside Freud for more than two decades. These prints tell the story of an extraordinary artistic partnership and offer a fascinating glimpse into Freud's creative process.

The exhibition also reflects Freud's personal connection to Dorset, where he attended Bryanston School and later owned a home near Shaftesbury.

The exhibition runs from 14 February to 21 June 2026, with several events including a talk from Gill Saunders and art workshops from Annie Freud, Lucian Freud's daughter.

To find out more and book your free entry ticket, visit poolemuseum.org.uk/Lucian-freud.

The Living Line, The Gallery Upstairs at Upton Country Park, 10am–4pm daily Exhibition exploring how line, language and form move across poetry, books and visual art by the Sale family. Free admission. Special event Saturday 7 February at 2.30pm with poetry, performances and conversation.

Why is a wedding dress only worn once?, GATHER at The Dolphin, daily
Thought-provoking exhibition by local sustainable fashion studio Tailoresque exploring the history of wedding dresses and creative ways to prolong their life. Free entry. Running 2–6 February and 7–8 March.

Holistic Festival 2026, Lighthouse, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 February.
The 12th year of the Holistic Festival packed with activities for all ages. Whether you're on a spiritual journey, looking to improve your wellbeing, or simply wanting to explore the wonderful stands, this magical indoor winter festival has something for everyone.

Yoga at Scaplen's Court, Poole Museum, 10.30am–12pm
Breathe, stretch and unwind in the peaceful surroundings of historic Scaplen's Court with instructor Laura West. Small group classes suitable for all abilities. Bring a yoga mat, water and comfortable clothing.

Poole Plugged and Unplugged, Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, 8pm
Pull out your plugs and get mellow or plug in and show us some licks with Rich & Rich. Free drink for performers and chance of a gig at The Hoy.

RNLI Fundraising Quiz, Shah of Persia, Poole, from 7:30pm
Popular quiz night with raffle in aid of RNLI Poole. Booking essential – call 01202 676587 to reserve a table.

Willdoes Charity Coffee Morning, Rick Stein Sandbanks, 9.30–11am
Enjoy coffee or tea and cake for a great cause. £10 tickets with all proceeds supporting Willdoes, helping young people improve wellbeing and build confidence through positive activities. Get your tickets.

BSO: Fate and Fortune, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
From the beautiful sunrise of Grieg's Peer Gynt to Tchaikovsky's graceful Rococo Variations, an enchanting evening of orchestral favourites.

Hugh Budden & Ed Fox (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 8–10pm
Live music in Ashley Cross.

Clear Heads Club by The Spark, Patch, Bournemouth, 6pm
This is a sober curious night for founders, leaders, creatives, anyone quietly questioning the role alcohol plays in their work and life. Hear from award winning business leaders running multi-million pound companies.

Vinyl Night, Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, from 8pm
Play your vinyl on a vintage turntable or just listen to a full album. Fish and chips supper for two people £18. Booking advisable on 01202 673517.

Hangover Hill and Lighthouse present Legends, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
One night theatre takeover featuring two popular acts from the Live & Unheard series plus headliner Ben Waters.

Glenn Moore, Lighthouse, 8pm
Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee with a fast-paced whirlwind of punchlines from one of the greatest joke-writers of his generation.

Seckou Keita Homeland Band, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
Award-winning kora sensation with an all-star line-up of Senegalese musicians for a joyous and explosive live show.

Lucid Cabaret, Lighthouse, 8pm
From the team behind Poole Pride's Come On Out Cabaret and the infamous Tit For Tat nights. Featuring familiar faces and fresh reprobates who will seduce, scandalise and slay. 18+.

Good Times: A tribute to Nile Rodgers and Chic, St Peter's, doors 6.45pm
Full 90-minute stage show capturing the raw funk, soul and disco dynamics of Nile Rodgers' music.

Martin Warman Duo featuring Matt Kelly, Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, 9pm
Rock and pop classics from the 70s to 00s featuring the guitar skills of Matt Kelly. Great beers and atmosphere.

Skyfall, The King Charles, 9pm
Rock, pop and party covers with a warm welcome from the King Charles audience. Featuring new guitar virtuoso Bob Newiss.

All Funked Up (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9–11pm
Live music in Ashley Cross.

The Pure Tones, The Lord Nelson, Poole Quay, from 8pm
Amazing Kelly on vocals bringing big energy and great tunes. Free entry. DJ and MC Andy keeps you dancing until 1am.

SPRING Snowdrop Walk, Upton Country Park, 10.30am–1pm
Remembrance event for bereaved parents and families. Starts at the front of Upton House with readings, followed by a walk to plant snowdrops and refreshments afterwards.

Magna Sinfonia: Experience The Orchestra in Colour, St Peter's, doors 7pm
Conducted by Peter Stark, featuring Ravel's Boléro, Britten's Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, and Stravinsky's Petrushka.

Third Class: A Titanic Story, Lighthouse, 8pm
One-man theatre show based on the life of Titanic survivor Edward Dorking, who was openly gay and set sail for NYC in 1912.

Comedy at Rockwater with Paul McCaffrey & Friends, Rockwater Roof Terrace, 8–10.30pm
The very first Rockwater Comedy night in Branksome. Headliner Paul McCaffrey as seen on Live at the Apollo, plus Nathan Eagle, Shannon Gee, Tim Sque, hosted by Samuel Love. Doors from 7pm. Book now.

Bone Idol (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9–11pm
Live music in Ashley Cross.

Upton House Open Day, Upton Country Park, 12–4.30pm
Free admission to the house for the purchase of books, souvenirs and gifts. Guided tours of ground floor rooms £2.50 per adult at 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. All proceeds fund projects in the house and country park.

The Drift Tones (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 4–6pm
Sunday afternoon live music.

The Bere Essentials, Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, from 4.30pm
Old Americana tunes, bluegrass, western swing and country with a smile. Sunday lunch served 12–4pm, booking advisable on 01202 673517.

Speed Quizzing, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 7.30–10.30pm Every Monday with Quiz Master Johnny. £3 per person with jackpot win up for grabs. Fast-paced, fun and competitive.

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