Hello Poole!

Get ready for the return of Seafood & Sounds! In this week's issue, we chat with Jeanette Walsh from Truly Scrumptious about how this vibrant festival came to life and what’s in store for 2025. Plus, we’ve got the full details on The Great Tail Trail, success for Bournemouth & Poole College and all the biggest events happening this week. We’d also like your thoughts on a couple of new features!

Oh and we hate to be the bearers of bad news, but, you’ll get one hour less sleep this weekend as the clocks will go forward by an hour on Sunday 30 March at 01:00 GMT!

PooleNow is the fastest growing news source for Poole, but we still need your help. If you know someone else that would enjoy reading this, forward it on and send them all the amazing things going on, in and around Poole. Plus, if you don’t already, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to give us immediate feedback and share the things you love. Thank you!

Got an event, business, or local story to share? Drop us a message at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you!

🏆 Bournemouth & Poole College Wins National Apprenticeship Award

Bournemouth & Poole College has taken home the award for Best New Apprenticeship Programme at the National Apprenticeship and Training Awards! The winning programme? The Level 2 Semi-Skilled Boat Builder Apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with Sunseeker International.

The apprenticeship is run through the Sunseeker Skills Academy at the college’s Poole campus, helping to shape the future of the marine sector. Each year, around 100 new employees join Sunseeker’s boatbuilding team through this programme, gaining hands-on experience and industry-leading training.

With over 600 nominations for the award, this win highlights the strength of the college’s apprenticeship schemes and its commitment to supporting local industry.

Read more here

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

Each week, we’re featuring a local property—let us know if you want this to stay!

This week, we’ve got a four-bedroom home in Lower Parkstone, designed by Bayview Developments. With high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, and a south-facing garden, it’s built for light and space. The open-plan living area includes a high-spec kitchen with a double oven, wine fridge, and built-in extractor hob. Upstairs, two en-suite bedrooms and a family bathroom offer plenty of room.

It also comes with solar panels, underfloor heating, an EV charging point, and a location close to Ashley Cross.

Check it out for yourself 👉 View the listing

🧜‍♀️ The Great Tail Trail: Locations Revealed!

In just a few weeks, The Great Tail Trail will make a splash across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, and organisers, Julia’s House has announced exactly where to find these incredible mermaid tail sculptures.

Launching 5th April, the free trail will feature 45 larger-than-life artist-designed tails and 43 Tiny Tails created by local schools and community groups. From Sandbanks, Boscombe Pier, and Canford Cliffs to Poole Quay, Bournemouth Gardens, and Castlepoint, these colourful sculptures will transform BCP into a mer-mazing outdoor gallery.

Julia’s House charity shops in Creekmoor, Westbourne, Wallisdown, Poole, and Christchurch will also host Tiny Tails and sell maps and merchandise to help you plan your route.

The Great Tail Trail app has been created so that you can tick off tails as you find them, collect rewards, and vote for your favourite design. Then, once the trail ends on 1st June, all the tails will come together for a final Farewell Weekend at the Bournemouth International Centre (14-15 June) before being auctioned off to raise vital funds for Julia’s House.

With stunning artwork, iconic locations, and a great cause at its heart, this is a trail you won’t want to miss. Find out more at www.greattailtrail.co.uk.

🐾 PooleNow Pet Pics!

We're launching PooleNow Pet Pics – Each week, we’ll pick one star pet to feature in the next issue of PooleNow.

Want your pet in the spotlight? Send us your best snap using this link!

🍕 You Are The Media Lunch Club Returns to Poole!

Join the You Are The Media (YATM) Lunch Club this April for an afternoon of great food, inspiring conversations, and a theme that will get you thinking—reinvention.

Taking place at Pi Pizza on Thursday 10th April, this month’s session explores how life’s twists and turns lead us to redefine our paths. Whether it's stepping away from a corporate career, taking a leap into the unknown, or finding clarity in bold decisions, this event is all about uncovering the “why” behind big life changes.

YATM events are more than just networking—they’re panel-led, interactive, and community-driven, where everyone plays a part in the conversation. No slides, no sales pitches—just good food and great people.

Want to be part of it? Mark your calendar and come along for an engaging lunchtime session that could spark your next big move.

🗣️ Chewing the Fat: Where BCP’s Business Future Takes Shape

Forget the usual networking small talk—Chewing the Fat is about action, ambition, and real opportunities. Hosted by The Spark at FOUNDRY Poole by on Wednesday, 9th April, this event brings together entrepreneurs, business leaders, educators, and public sector workers who are serious about driving growth in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.

This isn’t about looking back or getting stuck on the challenges of today. It’s about what’s next. Expect dynamic discussions, fresh perspectives, and powerful connections that can turn ideas into impact.

If you’re ready to collaborate, innovate, and be part of shaping the future of business in BCP, this is the place to be. Book tickets

📍 FOUNDRY Poole | ⏰ 9:30am - 12pm

🦞🎶 Seafood, Sounds & Community Spirit

In part two of our interview with Jeanette Walsh from Truly Scrumptious, she explains why Seafood & Sounds is more than just an event.

In Issue No.5, we introduced you to Jeanette Walsh, the owner of Truly Scrumptious, who has been delighting locals and visitors with her traditional sweet shop for over a decade. But Jeanette’s passion for Poole doesn’t stop at running her business—she’s also one of the driving forces behind the Seafood & Sounds Festival, an event that has become a highlight of the town’s calendar.

The festival, which takes place every September, is organised by the Poole Old Town & The Quay Events Team - a dedicated group of five local business owners who wanted to create an event that truly represented the town’s character. Alongside Jeanette, the team includes Helen from Coastal Cruises, Nikki from Custom House, Michelle from Poole Arms, and Severine from St Tropez. Their mission? To showcase Poole’s rich seafood heritage while bringing people together through live music, food, and entertainment.

“The idea came about because we felt the previous seafood festival wasn’t representing Poole in the way it should,” Jeanette explains. “There were too many outside traders, and the businesses that operate here all year round weren’t really benefiting. We wanted to change that.”

Pooling their resources, the team set out to create an event that put local businesses at the heart of the action. In its first year, Seafood & Sounds was a learning curve, but the response from the community was overwhelmingly positive. Each year since, the festival has grown, attracting thousands of visitors who come to enjoy everything from fresh seafood and craft markets to live music and family-friendly activities.

One of the festival’s unique features is its focus on supporting Poole’s existing businesses. Rather than bringing in external traders, the event encourages local pubs, restaurants, and cafés to put on their own seafood specials and live music, creating a buzzing atmosphere across the Old Town and Quay.

“We don’t just throw an event together - we spend months planning it,” Jeanette says. “We work closely with businesses to make sure they benefit, and we put a lot of thought into the music line-up, the children’s entertainment, and how we can make it a great experience for everyone.”

Music plays a central role in the festival, with performances scheduled across multiple venues throughout the weekend. From sea shanties to local bands, there’s a mix of styles to suit every taste. And it’s not just about the music—there’s also an Oyster Trail for children, where they can follow a treasure map to find hidden oyster symbols in shop windows, as well as craft demonstrations and family-friendly activities.

Of course, organising an event of this scale isn’t without its challenges. Funding is always a hurdle, with the team relying on sponsorships and community support to make it happen. “We’re not professional event planners - we’re just passionate business owners who love Poole,” Jeanette says. “It takes a lot of effort and time, but when you see the Quay full of people enjoying themselves, it’s all worth it.”

The team is already busy planning this year’s event, with hopes to bring even more seafood vendors on board and expand the entertainment line-up. “We learn something new every year and try to make improvements,” Jeanette says. “We want Seafood & Sounds to be an event that people look forward to and that keeps growing.”

As September approaches, Poole will once again come alive with the sounds of live music, the aroma of freshly cooked seafood, and the buzz of people coming together to celebrate everything that makes this town special. If you haven’t experienced Seafood & Sounds yet, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

So, whether you’re a seafood lover, a music fan, or just looking for a great day out in Poole, mark your calendar and get ready to join in the fun!

This year the Seafood & Sounds Festival takes place on September 13th & 14th, mark your calendars now! Head to their website and follow on Facebook and Instagram for updates on the event.

Mother’s Day Ideas

Here’s a selection of activity ideas for Mother’s Day, the full listing is available in Issue No. 3

St Tropez Lounge

For a taste of the French Riviera right on Poole Quay, St Tropez Lounge is serving breakfast from 10am and a delicious à la carte menu from 11:30am. If your mum loves Mediterranean flavours, this is a great choice.
🔗 Explore the menu

The Pickled Berry

A cosy independent restaurant in the heart of Poole, The Pickled Berry serves up modern twists on classic dishes using the best local produce. Their Sunday lunch from 12-4pm is the perfect way to celebrate.
📍 16 High Street, Poole
🔗 Book here

Deli Noix

For a laid-back European-style lunch, head to this Ashley Cross deli specialising in cured meats, artisan cheeses, and fine wines. Enjoy a relaxed sharing platter with the perfect wine pairing.
📍 39 Church Rd, Poole
🔗 Visit Deli Noix

Coastal Cruises

For a Mother’s Day with a view, set sail on a special afternoon tea cruise around Poole Harbour, complete with hand-crafted cakes, sandwiches, unlimited tea, and a complimentary glass of prosecco for Mum.
🔗 Book your cruise

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

In case you missed it, don’t forget to check out our list of Easter activity ideas from Issue No.6 - check it out now and plan ahead!

📚Romance Writers Set to Descend on Bournemouth for Inaugural Festival

Calling all romance writers! Bournemouth is set to host its first-ever Romance Writing Festival on 18th October 2025. Sunday Times bestselling authors Milly Johnson and Paige Toon headline a star-studded event at the historic Royal Bath Hotel.

The one-day festival offers writers a golden opportunity to connect with top literary agents, editors, and fellow romance authors. Attendees can enjoy panel discussions, workshops, and exclusive one-to-one sessions with publishing professionals.

Highlights include beach walks, book launches, and even a chance to enjoy afternoon tea with editors. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a romance fiction fan, this festival promises inspiration, networking, and a celebration of love stories.

Tickets start at £74, with VIP packages available. Early bird discounts on offer. Visit www.romancewritingfestival.co.uk to secure your spot and be part of Bournemouth's newest literary adventure.

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

Tuesday

Bakers Arms Quiz, Lytchett Minster, 8pm
Test your knowledge at this lively quiz night. Join the quiz

Wednesday

{dev.talk} - The One with Creatives & Coders, Cottonwood Hotel, 7pm-9pm
A relaxed meetup for creatives and coders to share knowledge and network.
Sign up here

Rob Auton: The Eyes Open and Shut Show, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
Award-winning comedian Rob Auton brings his latest show to Poole.
Get tickets

Thursday

People Planet Pastry, Patch Bournemouth, 10am-11:30am
A casual meetup to discuss sustainability over pastries.
Book your spot

South Coast eCommerce Meet-Up, Patch Bournemouth, 5pm-9pm
A networking event for eCommerce professionals to connect and share insights.
Register here

Spring/Summer Cocktail Launch Party, Rockwater Poole, 7:30pm-late
Celebrate the arrival of spring with new seasonal cocktails and a welcome drink.
Book now

Stand Up Comedy Night, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 8pm
A fantastic comedy night featuring multiple comedians. Get tickets

Live Music: Tim Somerfield, Jenkins & Sons, 7pm-9pm
Enjoy live music with 2-for-1 cocktails all night.
Find out more

Friday

Jazz Night: Andy Panayi, Jazz Cafe Sandbanks, 7:30pm
A night of incredible jazz from saxophonist Andy Panayi.
Book a table

Live Music: 3 Go Mad, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm-11pm
A night of blues, rock, and pop covers.
See details

Saturday

Mothers Day Bouquet Workshop, Gather, Poole Dolphin Centre, 10am-4pm
Create a personalised bouquet or decorate a plant pot for Mother’s Day.
More details

Lewis-Manning's Muddy Dog Dash, Upton Country Park, 11am-3pm
A fun-filled obstacle course for dogs and their owners.
Register here

Dr Strangelove - National Theatre Live, Lighthouse Poole, 5pm
An encore screening of the satirical classic starring Steve Coogan.
Get tickets

Live Music: Richie Quain, Jenkins & Sons, 8:30pm-11pm
Enjoy live music with happy hour and £10 pizzas.
See details

Sunday

MakerSpace Local Craft Market, Gather, Poole Dolphin Centre, 10am-4pm
A fantastic showcase of handmade gifts, art, and crafts from local makers.
See details

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea, Upton Country Park, 12pm & 2:45pm
Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in Upton House.
Book now

The Britannia Quiz, Parkstone, 6:30pm
Put your general knowledge to the test at this weekly quiz night.
Join the fun

Monday

Quiz Night at The BT, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 7:30pm
A fun and interactive quiz night with bar snacks included.
Find out more

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

Got a story? Know an inspiring individual? Want to promote a local charity? We’d love to hear about it—just drop us a message at [email protected].

That’s it! See you next week!