Hello Poole!

First, an apology - we promised you part two of our interview with the wonderful Jeanette Walsh from Truly Scrumptious this week, but we’ve run out of room! Don’t worry, though - we’ll bring you the rest of her story (including her plans for this year’s Seafood and Sounds Festival) in next week’s issue.

In the meantime, we’ve got plenty to keep you busy!

We’re taking a look back at Local and Vocal at Foundry, an incredible event celebrating the best of Poole’s business and creative scene. We’re also diving into the latest on the Oakdale Adult Education Centre redevelopment, sharing details on upcoming VE Day street parties, and, of course, bringing you the best events happening in and around Poole this week.

With Easter just around the corner, we’ve also put together a huge list of family-friendly activities to help you make the most of the holidays. From Easter egg hunts to craft workshops and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone!

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🏡 Big Plans for Oakdale’s Former Adult Education Centre

The former Oakdale Adult Education Centre is set for a major transformation, with all existing buildings due to be demolished to make way for a modern extra care housing scheme. In their place, a new three to four-storey brick building will be constructed, providing 60 homes designed for older residents who need some support while still living independently. The development will also include a café and a shared community space open to the public, with access directly from Oakdale Park. Meanwhile, on the other side of Darby’s Lane, 11 two-bed houses will be built as part of the wider scheme.

BCP Council says there is an urgent need for extra care housing in the area, and that Oakdale is the ideal location, given its proximity to shops, healthcare services, and public transport. Unlike standard sheltered housing, extra care homes allow residents to live independently while having access to on-site support for personal care, domestic help, and social activities. The redevelopment will completely change the look of this key site, which sits in a highly visible location on one of the main gateway roads into Poole. Many will remember the site as the former Oakdale Middle School before it became an education centre.

The plans are still in the early stages, and BCP Council is keen to gather public feedback on the proposals. What do you think? Should the design be more in keeping with the local area? Will the scheme bring benefits to the community? You can share your views by completing the online consultation, visiting Oakdale Library to see the plans before 7 April, or attending one of the drop-in events at St George’s Church on 26 and 31 March. Let us know your thoughts!

• BCP Outline of the proposals

• View the plans

• Have Your Say Survey

🏁 Poole Pirates Ready to Kick Off the Season!

Poole’s most successful sports team is back, and they’re ready to race! The Poole Pirates are gearing up for an electrifying season opener against rivals Oxford, and tickets are on sale now. Taking place on Good Friday, 18th April at 6pm at Poole Stadium, this is set to be an unmissable night of high-speed action.

With ten national titles to their name, the Pirates are a powerhouse of British speedway, and after securing a treble victory in 2024—including the league title, knockout cup, and BSN Series—they’re looking stronger than ever. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the thrill of speedway, this is the perfect chance to experience the excitement firsthand.

Secure your spot now at POOLE-SPEEDWAY.COM and get ready to cheer on the Pirates!

⛳ Poole Town FC Golf Day – Tee Off for a Great Cause!

Join Poole Town FC for a fantastic day on the greens at Bulbury Woods Golf Club on Friday 28th March! Teams of four will compete in a stableford format for the Poole Town FC Trophy, with additional prizes up for grabs for the longest drive and nearest the pin. Enjoy a bacon roll and coffee on arrival, 18 holes of golf (shotgun start), and a post-game meal before the prize-giving, raffle, and auction. Entry is £220 per team, and sponsorship opportunities start at just £100. Don’t miss out on this brilliant event – email [email protected] to secure your place!

🔥 Local and Vocal – Celebrating the Best of Dorset at Foundry

Last Thursday, Foundry in Poole played host to an electrifying evening of food, drink, networking, and inspiration as over 150 people gathered for The Spark’s Local and Vocal event. The night was all about celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of Dorset, showcasing local businesses, and bringing together a community of innovators determined to put Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole on the map for more than just its beaches. With the energy in the room buzzing, it was clear that this wasn’t just another networking event - it was the start of something much bigger.

Attendees enjoyed a feast of Dorset’s finest offerings, from handcrafted chocolates by Salt Co to locally distilled spirits from Conker Gin and Shanty and fresh oysters from Poole Oyster Co. The event also featured craft beers from Sandbanks Brewery, a variety of food from the new street food market in The Dolphin Centre, including Loco Lime, Zeen Cuisine and Noodle Bar and a selection of handpicked wines from Winederful. With so much incredible local produce on display, it was a true showcase of Dorset’s thriving food and drink scene. Live music set the tone for an evening filled with exciting conversations, new collaborations, and a shared vision for the region’s future. Speakers included The Spark founder and local entrepreneur Dan Ware; Poole MP Neil Duncan Jordan, who highlighted why he’s based at Foundry and why it’s vital to be accessible to both the local community and business owners. Paul Tansey also introduced MYTIME Young Carers, a charity supporting young carers, which The Spark has committed to backing.

Beyond the food and speeches, the night also served as a launchpad for a major new initiative—an ongoing partnership between Foundry and The Spark to create a Future Founders Factory and Startup Accelerator in Poole. The aim? To nurture homegrown talent, foster collaboration, and provide real opportunities for innovation and growth. This event was proof that Dorset has the people, the passion, and the ambition to build something special. More than just a networking event, Local and Vocal was a rallying call for action—encouraging attendees to build, collaborate, and innovate to turn Dorset into a thriving hub of business and creativity. With so much talent and enthusiasm in the room, it’s clear that this is just the beginning. Were you there? What were your highlights? Let us know!

If you want to be involved in The Spark and future events designed to help celebrate, shape and grow the local business community get involved with The Spark by visiting their website or LinkedIn page. Pictures courtesy of Kindful Creative

🍻 Brewhouse Kitchen Poole – 10th Birthday Bash!

Brewhouse Kitchen Poole is turning 10, and you’re invited to the party! On Saturday 5th April, they’re celebrating a decade of brewing brilliance with a day packed full of fun. Be the first to try their brand-new Nitro Stout, enjoy all B&K beers at throwback prices of just £3.50, and soak up the atmosphere with live music at 1:30pm and 6:30pm. There’s also face painting for the kids and a chance to win a brewery experience! Raise a glass and join the festivities – it’s going to be a birthday to remember!

🛍️ Westbourne Artisan Market – A Spring Celebration!

Get ready for a showcase of Dorset’s best makers and creatives at the Westbourne Artisan Market! Taking place on Saturday 12th April from 10am-4pm at The Forge at The Libertine, this spring fair is the perfect chance to discover unique, sustainable handmade goods. Meet the artisans, watch their craft in action, and pick up something special. Why not make a day of it? Grab lunch at The Libertine and explore Westbourne’s fantastic independent boutiques. Don’t miss out – find more details here: Westbourne Artisan Market

VE Day Street Party Applications Now Open!

Mark the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day with a traditional street party! This May, communities across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole will be coming together to celebrate and honour the Second World War generation. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a big bash, now’s the time to get organised. The deadline for street party applications is Monday 24th March – submit yours here: VE Day Street Party Application

🐣 Easter Holiday Fun in and around Poole – Your Ultimate Guide!

Easter is just around the corner, and there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities happening in and around Poole! From Easter trails and craft sessions to adventure sports and outdoor fun, there’s something for everyone. Here’s where to celebrate the holidays from 5th–21st April.

Upton Country Park

Springtacular Easter Adventure Trail
Follow the trail, complete fun tasks, and uncover the wonders of spring! Each trail map costs £4.50 and includes a cuddly prize.
📍 Upton Country Park, Poole
🔗 Find out more

Lemur Landings

Family Fun Easter Disco
Join DJ Phil for a fun-filled Easter disco with games, play activities, and climbing fun.
📅 Friday 4th April, 5pm-7pm
📍 Lemur Landings, Tower Park
🔗 Book now

Moors Valley Country Park

Easter Hunt
Solve riddles, find hidden eggs, and discover who laid the golden egg. £2.50 per hunt sheet.
📅 21st March – 21st April, 9am-5pm
📍 Moors Valley Country Park
🔗 Find out more

Russell-Cotes Museum

Easter Holiday Activities
Take part in mermaid and sea creature trails, craft sessions, and a mermaid tail competition.
📅 5th – 21st April
📍 Russell-Cotes Museum, Bournemouth
🔗 Explore the event

RockReef Bournemouth

Indoor Adventure Activities
Climbing walls, aerial obstacle courses, and adventure fun for all ages, whatever the weather!
📅 5th – 20th April
📍 Bournemouth Pier
🔗 Book your adventure

National Trust Easter Events

Brownsea Island

Easter Egg Hunt
Follow a fun woodland trail and discover the amazing lives of birds, with a chocolatey prize at the end! £3.50 per trail.
📅 5th – 21st April, 10am-5pm
📍 Brownsea Island
🔗 More details

Kingston Lacy

Easter Adventure Trail
Complete ten exciting activities and claim your Easter prize. £3.50 per trail.
📅 3rd – 21st April, 10am-3pm
📍 Kingston Lacy, Wimborne
🔗 Find out more

Studland Bay

Easter Nature Trail
Explore Studland’s beach, dunes, and woodland, learning about the wildlife along the way. £3.50 per trail.
📅 5th – 21st April, 10am-3pm
📍 Studland Bay
🔗 Plan your visit

Corfe Castle

Easter Egg Hunt
Join in spring-themed games and activities while exploring the iconic ruins of Corfe Castle. £3.50 per trail.
📅 5th – 21st April, 10am-4pm
📍 Corfe Castle
🔗 More info

Lulworth Castle

Spring Family Fun
Trails, games, and crafts to keep the whole family entertained. Included in admission price.
📅 6th – 21st April, 10:30am-5pm (Sunday-Thursday)
📍 Lulworth Castle
🔗 Book tickets

Bovington Tank Museum

Easter Holiday: Ink & Iron
Live tank displays, vehicle rides, storytelling activities, and a special themed trail.
📅 5th – 20th April
📍 The Tank Museum, Bovington
🔗 Plan your visit

Monkey World

Easter Egg-stravaganza
Take part in a free Easter egg trail around the park.
📅 18th – 21st April
📍 Monkey World, Wareham
🔗 Find out more

The Junction, Broadstone

Holiday Activities (5-12 years)
Sports, crafts, swimming, and even a silent disco!
📅 Various dates, 8:30am-5:15pm
📍 The Junction, Broadstone
🔗 View full schedule

Kingston Maurward Animal Park

Easter Trail
Follow the bunny hunt and decorate eggs in this fun activity. Free entry, small charge for the trail.
📅 From 29th March
📍 Kingston Maurward Animal Park
🔗 More info

Poole Park

Easter Tennis Camps
Three-day tennis camps for kids aged 5-14. £40 per week.
📅 7th – 16th April, 9am-12pm
📍 Poole Park
🔗 Book a place

Durlston Country Park

Fairy Doors Easter Trail
Explore the woodland and find hidden fairy doors along the trail. £3.50 per booklet.
📅 9th April, 10am-4pm
📍 Durlston Country Park, Swanage
🔗 Join the trail

Multi Activity Sports Camp

Sports & adventure activities for kids aged 5-14, led by experienced PE teachers.
📅 7th – 10th April, 8:15am-3pm
📍 Poole High School
🔗 Sign up

Bournemouth Writing Festival

Free and ticketed writing activities, exercises and creative writing workshops especially for kids at Patch (1st Floor of Bobbys) on Saturday 26th April.
📅 26th April
📍Patch, Bournemouth
🔗 Sign up

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

Tuesday

Sip and Paint, Rockwater, 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Artist Eleanor Whyton will guide you through the session as you create your own masterpiece. Book your spot

Wednesday

Coasts in Mind Talk, Poole Library, 3pm-5pm
Explore 100 years of Poole Harbour’s changing coastline in this fascinating talk. Free event, booking required. Book here

Live Music: Hugh Budden & The Blue Chords, The Bermuda Triangle Pub, 8:30pm-10:30pm
An evening of blues harmonica and rock classics.

Thursday

Ockham’s Razor: Tess, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
A breathtaking circus adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s classic novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles.
Book now

Evening with Gladiators: Shadow and Saracen, Crown Hotel, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Meet two legends from the iconic Gladiators TV show in an exclusive event.
More details

Friday

Michael Rosen: Getting Through It, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
Poetry legend Michael Rosen presents his new one-person show.
Get tickets

Live Music: Ironhide, The Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm-11pm
Rock classics from a top local band.

DJ Garphie, The Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm-1am
Dance the night away with a top DJ set.

Live Music: The Wiseguys, Tap & Grape Broadstone, 8:30pm
A high-energy pop and rock covers band playing classic hits from across four decades.

Saturday

Trek Poole March Big Ride Out, Trek Bicycle Poole, 10am-12pm
Join this social ride, with food and drink provided before and after.
Sign up

Screen Print Day – From the City to the Sea, Lighthouse Poole, 11am-4pm
Try your hand at pulling an exclusive exhibition silk screen print.
Free to take part!

Repair Café, Gather, The Dolphin Centre, 12pm-4pm
Fix broken household items with the help of skilled volunteers.

March of the Mods, The Newtown Poole, from 3:30pm
Six live bands raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust. Tickets £10.
More details

Live Music: Bone Idol, The Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm-11pm
Classic rock and party anthems to get you moving.

Back to the Future House, The Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm-1am
A night of house music throwbacks.

Sunday

Bournemouth University Dance Society 2025, Lighthouse Poole, 9am-6pm
A spectacular day of dance performances from university teams across the UK.
Get tickets

Upton House Open Day, 12pm-4:30pm
Explore the beautiful Upton House and enjoy guided tours of the historic site.
Find out more

Quiz Night, The Britannia, Parkstone, 6:30pm
£3pp entry, with £2 going to Julia’s House Children’s Charity.
More details

Sunday Quiz Night, The Oakdale Club, 8pm
Test your knowledge at this classic pub quiz.

Monday

Quiz Night, The Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 7:30pm
A fun and lively quiz night with complimentary bar snacks. £3 per person.
See event details

Monday Quiz Night with CK, The Grasshopper, 7pm
Join Crazy Karl for the quiz everyone’s talking about!

That’s it! See you next week!