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We recently visited the Power of Poole exhibition at Poole Museum, so we’ve put together an article covering the history of a building that used to dominate Poole’s skyline. We’ve also got news the Council Budget, the details of Poole’s very first Book Festival and the consultation over the fate of Hamworthy Fire Station.

Add in all the usual features: trivia, community updates and the very best events happening across Poole this week and you’ve got plenty to dive into.

Don't forget, if you're interested in being a Town Councillor, theres a meeting on Thursday at the Bournemouth Civic Centre and online. Details are here.

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!

Councillors have approved BCP Council’s £457 million budget for 2026/27 — with a 6.74% Council Tax increase agreed to help protect essential services.

The council says the majority of spending continues to go towards supporting vulnerable children and adults, alongside day-to-day services like waste collection, housing and transport. Non-statutory services such as beach lifeguards and public toilets have also been protected.

However, the financial pressures remain significant.

Under the government’s new funding formula, BCP Council expects to lose at least £15m per year by 2028/29. A major challenge continues to be SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) funding, with a historic deficit of £183.6m and a projected total gap of around £380m by 2028.

Government has indicated it may cover 90% of the historic deficit, but confirmation is still pending.

Hamworthy Fire Station is one of eight on-call stations across Dorset and Wiltshire proposed for closure.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service says the move is part of cost-saving proposals, with projected budget shortfalls of up to £1.7m by 2028/29. If all eight stations close, the service estimates annual savings of £1.5m.

The proposal is based on six years of operational data, including response times and how frequently stations attend incidents.

Public consultation is now open until 15 May 2026, and local residents are being invited to attend meetings to understand the impact and share their views.

📍 Hamworthy Library, Blandford Road, BH15 4BG

💻 Online session: Wednesday 22 April, 12pm–1pm

A final decision is expected on 30 June.

Follow this link to access the survey and online session

If this affects you, now is the time to get involved.

BCP Council has been upgraded to a Level 3 authority by Active Travel England — one of only 11 in the country to achieve this rating.

The result? A significant increase in funding.

The council will now receive:

This is nearly double last year’s allocation.

The investment will support projects aligned with the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan approved in 2022.

At the next BCP Council Cabinet meeting (Wednesday 4 March, 10.15am), councillors will discuss proposals to sell two Poole assets:

The proposal has already been considered by the cross-party Strategic Asset Disposal Working Group, which endorsed the move.

The discussion forms part of ongoing efforts to review and rationalise council-owned property.

The Society for Poole has been named Community Impact Initiative of the Year (2025/26) at the Prestige Awards in Southampton.

Judges praised the Society’s sustained commitment to preserving and promoting Poole’s heritage, including the protection of Scaplen’s Court, commemorations of Poole’s WWII role, the revival of Beating the Bounds, and campaigns to restore heritage lighting columns at Evening Hill.

Chairman Mike Pearce described the award as recognition of over a century of dedication to Poole’s history and civic life.

A well-deserved honour for a group that continues to shape the town’s cultural identity.

Find out more about The Society for Poole and purchase a Poole Flag by visiting their website

Want to be able to roll out of bed and straight into Poole Park? We do, so check this one out 👉 View the property

Before luxury flats, waterfront masterplans and regeneration debates, there was something else towering over Hamworthy and Holes Bay.

For more than 40 years, between 1947 and 1993, Poole Power Station dominated our skyline. Its twin 325ft chimneys weren’t just visible from miles around, they were the tallest structures in Dorset and a defining feature of the town.

Now, a new exhibition at Poole Museum is bringing that era back into focus.

The Power of Poole exhibition is running until August 2026. The exhibition tells the story of the coal-fired power station that helped modernise Britain after the Second World War and powered nearly half a million people at its peak.

Before construction even began in July 1946, 250,000 tonnes of chalk were shipped in from Sturminster Marshall to reclaim 30 acres of mudlands in Hamworthy. The site was chosen due to its access to water for use in the station and for delivery of the coal that was initially used to power the turbines.

Workers laid a two-metre-deep chalk base. On top of that sat what was then believed to be the largest single concrete raft ever poured in Britain: a three-acre slab supporting the turbine and boiler house. 168 reinforced piles that were over 40ft in length were used to support the chimneys.

Millions of locally made three-colour bricks from Creekmoor and Upton were used in construction. Entire families lived on site. One worker’s daughter was even born there.

The station burned over 1,000 tonnes of coal a day and had a peak capacity of 350 MW. Ash from the furnaces was used to reclaim land that later became playing fields at Turlin Moor. At its height, it employed nearly 400 people.

In 1955 an oil burner was installed and by 1960 it was fully converted to run on oil. In November 1959 Poole MP Sir Richard Pilkington raised an issue with the station in Parliament.

After just 20 years in operation the plant started to be decommissioned in the 1970s, its demise hastened by the oil crisis. Despite power generation ending in the early 1980s the station continued to dominate the local skyline.

That all changed however on 3 February 1993, when more than 7,000 people gathered along Holes Bay Road to watch the chimneys fall. Roads were closed. Homes evacuated. The countdown echoed across town.

What took years to build came crashing down in seconds.

By 1994, the entire main structure was gone.

Today, the vast waterfront site remains a subject of debate and anticipation. What should replace such a prominent piece of Poole's industrial past? It's a poor reflection on our town that the site has now sat empty waiting for development for longer than the station was in operation. Plans have been made, developers have gone bankrupt and still it sits in limbo.

If you'd like to share any memories of the power station or have any ideas for its future use, please reply to our email. We'd love to hear from you and we'll do a follow-up in a future issue.

If you'd like to explore the story in more depth, including rarely seen artefacts, fantastic artwork and newly acquired objects, the Power of Poole exhibition runs until August at Poole Museum.

Watch the chimneys come down in the original South Today broadcast from 1993:

Poole BID is launching the very first Poole Town Book Festival, inviting families, aspiring writers and book lovers to enjoy a packed programme of free events across the town centre.

At Poole Library (Dolphin Shopping Centre, Kingland Road, BH15 1QE), local schools will take part in special sessions showcasing what the library offers and how young readers can get involved.

If your little ones are dressing up for World Book Day, head to Kaspa’s Desserts - Poole (outside the Dolphin Shopping Centre, bus station side) for a FREE scoop of ice cream with topping or sauce, just turn up in costume.

Need an outfit? Try Hollywood Fancy Dress & Party Store (near Primark) or the Salvation Army Charity Shop - Poole High Street, which has pre-loved costumes from just 50p.

11am–12noon – Storytelling at Poole Library
Author Catherine Sabatina will read from The Magical Ice Skating Dress and The Magical Bobsleigh (ages 7–10, but all welcome).

1pm–3pm – Live Book Illustrating
At the Salvation Army Charity Shop (78 High St, BH15 1DB), illustrator Lee Dixon will be drawing live and chatting about his creative career.

2pm–4pm – Poetry Workshop at Evolve - Poole (3 Winchester Place, BH15 1NX)
Award-winning poet Steve Biddle hosts a free, informal workshop for adults. Booking required via [email protected] (limited spaces).

3pm–5pm – Reading & Book Signing at Oxfam Bookshop - Poole (136 High St, BH15 1DN)
Meet local author Ray Wills, who writes about Traveller history and culture in Dorset. Born in Poole in 1945, Ray will read and sign books, with refreshments provided. No booking required. The shop, home to 1,000+ titles, has raised £65,000 for charity.

4pm–5pm – Comic Book Author Interview at The Crown Hotel - Poole (23 Market St, BH15 1NB)
Comic writer Grant Mace discusses getting published, creative journeys and answers audience questions.

Comic fans can also explore Paradox Comics in the Old Town, an Aladdin’s cave of graphic novels and collectibles.

With something happening across the High Street, Dolphin Centre and Old Town, it’s a brilliant excuse to rediscover Poole through the pages of a book.

The Friends 50th Anniversary Exhibition, The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park, 7–15 March, 10am–4pm daily
Celebrating 50 years of The Friends of Upton Country Park with photos, digital displays and objects highlighting projects across the estate. Free entry, fully accessible via stairs or lift from the Tea Rooms.

Amelia’s Rainbow Spring Pop Up Shop, GATHER at The Dolphin, 9–13 March, 10am–4pm
A week of springtime bargains with up to 75% off, raising funds for local charity Amelia’s Rainbow supporting children with serious illnesses across Dorset. Free to browse.

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!

Stolen Ram, Lighthouse, 8pm
A darkly comic drama from the creators of Pot Licker following a teacher caught up in chaos involving County Lines gangs and sheep farmers

Poole Town Book Festival – World Book Day Events, Poole Library
Free activities including school sessions at Poole Library and a free scoop of ice cream for children in costume at Kaspa’s (Dolphin bus station side).

Poole in Bloom & Parkstone Gardeners Society, GATHER at The Dolphin, 10am–4pm
Two of Poole’s biggest gardening groups join forces for inspiration, advice and hands-on activities for plant lovers.

Stolen Ram, Lighthouse, 8pm
Second chance to catch this sharp, fast-paced theatre show packed with satire and surprises.

The Mersey Beatles, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
Liverpool’s favourite Fab Four tribute return with an all-new 2026 show celebrating John, Paul, George and Ringo.

Spiers & Boden, Lighthouse, 7.45pm
English folk royalty perform after 25 years at the forefront of the traditional scene and as founders of Bellowhead.

Comedy Night – Trigocomedy, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 7pm–9.30pm
Eight comedians, big laughs and just £5 a ticket. Book

Wildeberg Wine Dinner, Hotel du Vin Poole, 7pm
A four-course South African tasting menu paired with Wildeberg wines. £79.95 per person. Call 01202 785570, email [email protected]

The Best of Tubular Bells I, II & III, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
A full live performance of Tubular Bells I plus highlights from II and III, led by Mike Oldfield collaborator Robin Smith.

Cloudbusting – The Music of Kate Bush, Lighthouse, 7.45pm
A stunning live celebration of Kate Bush’s catalogue including Wuthering Heights and Running Up That Hill.

The Cross, St Peter’s Church, Poole, doors 6pm
An immersive evening of ambient and melodic house in the atmospheric surroundings of St Peter’s. Move with intention and leave elevated.

TheWiseguys – Live Music, The Lord Nelson, 8.30pm
Bournemouth party band playing four decades of pop and rock favourites guaranteed to fill the dancefloor.

Life In The Past Lane – Live Music, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 9pm–11pm
High-energy live music to kick-start your weekend.

ONCE? Bridal Sustainability Exhibition, GATHER at The Dolphin, 10am–4pm
An exhibition of upcycled and reimagined wedding dresses by Poole designer Gillian Marais. Free entry.

Poole Town Book Festival – Saturday Events, Various Poole Town Centre venues
Storytelling at Poole Library (11am), live book illustrating at Salvation Army (1pm–3pm), poetry workshop at Evolve (2pm–4pm), author signing at Oxfam Bookshop (3pm–5pm) and comic book interview at The Crown Hotel (4pm).

Holmes & Watson: The Curious Case of The Masked Magician, Lighthouse, 11am & 2.30pm
Family-friendly mystery adventure set in 1906 as Sherlock Holmes investigates a magician’s disappearance. Ages 6+.

The Wedding Index Dorset Wedding Fayre, Upton House, 11am–3pm
Explore the house and grounds, meet suppliers and enjoy a relaxed, fizz-filled planning experience. Free entry.

Guided Beginner Bird Watching with Birds of BARI, Upton Country Park Welcome Centre, 1pm–2.30pm
Free beginner-friendly wading bird session in the hide.

Roo Panes, St Peter’s Church, doors 7pm
An intimate ‘In The Nave’ performance from the Dorset-born singer-songwriter, supported by Nadia Reid.

BSO: Classic FM Hall of Fame, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
An evening of six of the greatest classical works, hosted by Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall.

Tap Factory, Lighthouse, 7.45pm
Eight extraordinary performers blend tap, acrobatics, music and comedy in a high-energy family show.

Wildcats 56 – Live Music, Honky Tonk Collective, 8pm
Free live rockabilly from this energetic band.

Hugh Budden & The Blue Chords – Live Music, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm–11pm
Blues and rock favourites in Ashley Cross.

Bournemouth University Dance Competition 2026, Lighthouse, from 10am
A full day of university dance performances from across the country.

ONCE? Bridal Sustainability Exhibition, GATHER at The Dolphin, 10am–4pm
Final day to explore this creative take on sustainable bridal fashion.

Kingsmen – Live Music, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 4pm–6pm
Sunday afternoon live set in Ashley Cross.

Nicole McNally – Live Jazz & Cabaret, Isabel’s Brasserie, Penn Hill, 1.30pm–3.30pm
Enjoy Sunday lunch with live jazz classics and cabaret favourites. Book your table directly with Isabel’s Brasserie.

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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