It may be a very foggy early November, but Christmas is already on its way. Bournemouth’s Christmas market and the SKATE ice rink both open on Thursday, The Nutcracker is at the Lighthouse this weekend, and Armonico Consort is bringing Carols by Candlelight to St Peter’s next month. All the details are in our Events section at the bottom!

In this weeks issue we’ve got news on, Poole Bridge, the Civic Centre, and the BCP Local Plan consultation. There’s also news on £1.3 million for community projects, and we say goodbye to Town Crier David Squire after 68 years.

We also return to our tram series, and after last week’s poll we want to know where you’d want a tram to take you.

This week’s quiz is all about Poole Bridge and we’ve got another fantastic property for you to check out.

Finally a quick personal one. On Thursday I’ll be at the Hilton in Bournemouth for the DMB Tourism Awards, where I’m one of four finalists for Content Creator of the Year. Thank you to everyone who has read, shared and replied to PooleNow this year. Fingers crossed, and I’ll let you know how it goes next week!

Dive in and 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!

The sale of Poole Civic Centre has fallen through, and the council is set to put it back up for sale.

In July 2025 BCP's Cabinet agreed to sell the Grade II listed building to MCR Property Group for £5.25 million. A report to Cabinet says it has not been possible to finish the negotiations because MCR wanted to change the terms of its original offer.

The old deal included Poole Town Council leasing part of the building. That is no longer needed, as the town council now plans to move into Poole Museum instead.

The council is recommending the whole site is re-tendered as a single freehold sale, sold as seen, which it says is the quickest way to get the money in and stop the holding costs. MCR can bid again alongside everyone else. I’m sure that publicising that you’re desperate to get the property off your hands in a quick sale is a sure-fire way to ensure getting the best price for local taxpayers.

The building has stood empty since 2022 and reportedly costs £228,000 a year to look after.

Cabinet discusses it on Wednesday 25 November, and full council will then need to approve it.

As we mentioned last month, BCP's Local Plan consultation opened yesterday, and it runs until Monday 21 December.

The Local Plan will decide where new homes and other development can go across BCP between 2029 and 2044, and the policies future planning applications are judged against. The Government wants almost 3,000 new homes a year across BCP. Around 600 possible sites have been identified, and you can see them all on the consultation maps. No decisions have been made, so a site appearing on the map has not been chosen or approved.

You need to register on the council's consultation website to respond, which takes a couple of minutes. Paper copies are available in every library.

If you would rather talk it through in person, there are two drop-in sessions in Poole: Thursday 3 December, 2pm to 5pm, at the Adult Learning Centre on the first floor of the Dolphin Centre, and Tuesday 8 December, 12pm to 4pm, at Merley Community Centre. There is also an online Q&A webinar on Monday 23 November, 6pm to 7pm.

Landowners can also put forward more sites through a new Call for Sites, open over the same dates.

There are multiple parts to the consultation, all of them available on the council’s Have Your Say website. In a future issue we’ll try and highlight some of the areas of Poole that have been suggested for development.

Last week we asked if a tram network across BCP would get you out of your car for some journeys. 87% of you said yes or maybe depending on the routes.

We also received quite a few comments, with some readers saying you have used trams elsewhere and liked them. One reader moved here from Bromley and said the trams to Croydon and Wimbledon “worked really well”. Another always takes the tram in Birmingham. One reader said trams “would be great for locals and tourists alike”. Another said they would use them as they can’t afford car parking any more.

Others said it would come down to the details. One reader’s drive to work in Ferndown takes 20 minutes at the weekend, but up to an hour each way in the weekday rush hour. Others said a tram would only help them if the stops were close enough to reach, especially for disabled people who can’t walk far. Cost and disruption for people living near the route were raised too.

So the route matters. If you could catch a tram, where would you want it to take you?

If your community group, residents' association or local business has an idea to improve your neighbourhood, there is now more than £1.3 million available to help pay for it.

Applications have opened for the latest round of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy grants, funded by a charge developers pay through the planning process. The money is for projects in Bournemouth and Poole wards, and grants range from a few hundred pounds to more than £200,000 in exceptional cases.

Past rounds have paid for more than 260 projects, including play equipment, street trees, defibrillators, benches and improvements at Merley Community Centre. This is the last full round run by BCP Council.

Applications close on Monday 4 January 2027.

Coastal Cruises Poole wants to fill one of its boats with presents for local children this Christmas.

Santa's Harbour of Hope is collecting new, unwrapped gifts for children and young people supported by Amelia's Rainbow, Ashley's Birthday Bank and MYTIME Young Carers. Gifts for all ages are welcome, from babies to teenagers.

You can drop them off at the Coastal Cruises office at Cobbs Quay Marina (free parking for drop offs), the Blue Ticket Kiosk on Poole Quay, or on board Solent Scene, Island Scene or Fortuna on the Quay.

The deadline is Sunday 6 December.

Find out more about Coastal Cruises Poole

Do you enjoy polishing glossy surfaces? Then this one’s for you: 👉 View the property

After 68 years, Poole Town Crier David Squire has stepped down.

David first cried as a 15-year-old choirboy at Poole's Beating of the Bounds ceremony, and has been a familiar figure at local events and family celebrations ever since. In 2012 he was awarded a medal for meritorious service by the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers.

He was thanked at the Society for Poole's annual lunch at the Royal Motor Yacht Club, where Society president Mike Pearce presented him with a framed certificate and the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Tracey Newman, paid tribute.

Former Mayor Chris Bulteel said David "put the traditions of Poole above modern thinking" and would be remembered as an asset to the town.

The lunch also raised funds for Poole homeless charity Routes to Roots.

Three more play areas are about to be rebuilt, following the work already under way at Hamworthy Park.

Branksome Rec is getting a mountain-themed play area with new swings and a climbing unit. Dawkins Road in Hamworthy gets a pyramid rope climber, a zip wire, a wheelchair-accessible roundabout and swings. Anchor Close is getting a multi-play unit with a fireman's pole.

It is all part of BCP's £4.6 million Plan for Play, which covers around 100 play areas.

The lifeboat on display at the Old Lifeboat Museum on Poole Quay, the Thomas Kirk Wright, has a special place in history. Why?
On 28 May 1940 she left Poole for Ramsgate, and on 30 May she became the first of 19 RNLI lifeboats to arrive at Dunkirk, working off the beaches under fire. She came home badly damaged, was repaired, and served Poole until 1962.

As Poole Bridge gets ready for its overhaul and then 100th birthday, here’s one for the bridge spotters.

If you cross between Poole and Hamworthy, put this date in your diary. Poole Bridge will close from Monday 11 January 2027 for around ten months while it gets major structural repairs and a full repaint.

The bridge has linked the two sides of the harbour since 1927, and corrosion has set in. The rubber-based coating applied around 25 years ago will be sandblasted off, the damaged steelwork repaired, and the whole bridge repainted in its familiar teal.

A large protective enclosure will cover the lifting arms while the painting is done. The work is being carried out as part of a £6 million investment in Poole Bridge and Twin Sails, paid for from developer contributions. The council says it should keep the bridge going for decades and cut down on unplanned breakdowns. It turns 100 in 2027.

Together, Poole Bridge and Twin Sails carry more than 20,000 journeys a day at peak times, so expect that traffic to be squeezed onto Twin Sails while the work goes on - hopefully someone will remember to update the timings of the traffic lights in Hamworthy to take into account the changes!

Last month Diverse Abilities asked for volunteers for its Christmas tree collections. Now bookings are open for the rest of us.

The Parkstone-based charity will collect real Christmas trees from homes across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, East Dorset and Ringwood between Wednesday 6 and Saturday 9 January, for a suggested £10 donation.

The trees are turned into soil and wood chippings, some of which end up in the charity's own outdoor space. The money goes towards its care for children and adults with profound disabilities across Dorset.

Book a collection

Armonico Consort is bringing Carols by Candlelight to St Peter’s Church in Parkstone on Wednesday 16 December.

The choir and period instrument ensemble is based in Warwick and is celebrating its 25th anniversary season this year.

The programme runs from traditional carols to modern classics and new pieces written for the choir. Founder and director Christopher Monks promises the familiar favourites plus “an essential helping of Rutter”.

Book tickets

Bournemouth Christmas Market, Bournemouth town centre, from Thursday 12 November

The Christmas market returns to Bournemouth, running until 31 December. More at Bournemouth.co.uk

SKATE Bournemouth, Lower Gardens, from Thursday 12 November, from 10.30am

The outdoor ice rink is back in the Lower Gardens, open until 3 January. More at Bournemouth.co.uk

The Festive Trail Bournemouth, Bournemouth town centre, from Thursday 12 November

A festive trail around the town centre, running until 3 January. More at Bournemouth.co.uk

Dorset in Colour, The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park, Thursday 12 to Monday 23 November, 9.30am to 4pm

Contemporary fine art by Irina Song. Free admission. The gallery is above the Tea Rooms. More at Upton Country Park

Burrow, Main Gallery, Lighthouse, from Thursday 12 November

A free open call exhibition featuring 23 Dorset artists, running until 27 February. More at Lighthouse

English Youth Ballet: The Nutcracker, Lighthouse, Friday 13 November 7.30pm, Saturday 14 November 2.30pm and 7.30pm

The Christmas classic performed by English Youth Ballet. Check availability before you go. Book at Lighthouse

Beyond Brushes Christmas Fayre, GATHER at the Dolphin, all week, 10am to 4pm

A Christmas fayre inside the Dolphin Centre.

Fergus McCreadie, St Peter's, Parkstone, 7pm

The award winning Scottish jazz pianist in concert. CHECK time. Book at St Peter's

Pocket Change, The Mowlem, Swanage, 7.30pm

A SoundCellar night of soul jazz, funk and pop from the quartet. More at SoundCellar

Steve Knightley and The Winter Yards Band, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, 7.30pm

The Show of Hands songwriter with his new band.

Dizzee Rascal: We Want Bass, O2 Academy Bournemouth

The grime pioneer brings his UK tour to Bournemouth. More at O2 Academy Bournemouth

An Evening with Harry Redknapp, Lighthouse, 7.30pm

The former Bournemouth and England manager shares stories from his career. Book at Lighthouse

Judi Love: All About the Love, Lighthouse, 7.45pm

Stand up from the Loose Women panellist. Book at Lighthouse

Folk Music Session, Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, from 8pm

The monthly session of mainly English folk tunes. All players welcome, with a free drink for performers.

Behind Enemy Lines, Lighthouse, 8pm

A live drama in the Studio. Book at Lighthouse

Live Music – Cutting Edge, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 8.30pm to 10.30pm

Midweek live music at the Parr Street pub.

Nigel Kennedy, Bournemouth Pavilion

The violinist returns to Bournemouth. More at the Pavilion

Lights, Lasers and Fireworks, St Katherine's School, Southbourne, gates 5pm

A school fireworks night with lasers and low noise fireworks. Display time to be confirmed.

Christ-Stéphane Boizi Quintet, SoundCellar at The Grasshopper, Bournemouth Road, 7.30pm

SoundCellar and Tomorrow's Warriors present a band of rising stars on the UK jazz scene. Book at SoundCellar

The Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, 7.30pm

A stage version of the Two Ronnies comedy serial.

The Noise Next Door, Lighthouse, 8pm

Fast and very silly improvised comedy built from audience suggestions. Book at Lighthouse

Suede and Manic Street Preachers, Bournemouth International Centre

A co-headline arena show from two of the biggest British bands of the 90s. More at the BIC

Back to the 80s, S BOMB Vintage Workshop, 6pm to midnight

An 80s night with DJ Mr Freeze. Free entry, and 80s dress is encouraged. More at S BOMB

The Music of Whitney, St Peter's, Parkstone, 7.30pm

A tribute concert to Whitney Houston. Book at St Peter's

Phil Smith, South Deep, Whitecliff, 7pm

Classic popular songs played acoustically while you eat and drink overlooking the harbour at sunset.

Tapas and Tunes, Rick Stein, Sandbanks, from 7pm

A Spanish tapas sharing menu with music into the evening. No need to book. CHECK date: the Facebook post says 13/13/26, which I have read as Friday 13 November.

A Night in the Goblin City, Key West, Bournemouth Pier, 7pm

The Labyrinth inspired masked ball we told you about last month, with immersive theatre, live music and DJs. Masks required. Get tickets

London Symphonic Rock Orchestra, Lighthouse, 7.30pm

Rock anthems with a full orchestra. Book at Lighthouse

Bay City Rollers, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, 7.30pm

The 70s pop band with original member Stuart Woody Wood.

Guy Davis, Lighthouse, 8pm

Acoustic blues from the Grammy nominated American singer and guitarist. Book at Lighthouse

Live Music: Ocean Mix Tape, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9pm to 11pm

Friday night live music.

The Good Reverend, Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, 9pm

Blues, folk, Americana and spirituals from the five piece Hoy favourites. Dinner served until 8.30pm, so book a table on 01202 673517.

Groove Rush, The Bricklayers, 9pm

Rock, funk and indie from Groove Rush with Steve Rush.

Raising Kaine, The King Charles, Thames Street, 9pm

Blues rock in the pub's medieval hall, from ZZ Top and Hendrix to Fleetwood Mac.

Room on the Broom Fun Day, Moors Valley Country Park, from 10am

A free family day with character meet and greets alongside the Room on the Broom trail.

Ethical Christmas Market, Careys Secret Garden, Wareham, from 11am

Makers, food and workshops at a Christmas market with an ethical focus.

An Audience with Michael Portillo, Lighthouse, 2pm

The broadcaster and railway journey presenter talks about his life and travels. Book at Lighthouse

Bournemouth Chamber Music Society, Lighthouse, 2.30pm

An afternoon chamber concert. Book at Lighthouse

Autumn Candle Making with Rock and Rose Rituals, Upton Country Park, 4pm to 6pm

Make your own autumn candles. Ages 12 and up. More at Upton Country Park

Broadstone Middle School Fireworks, Dunyeats Road, Broadstone, gates 5pm

The display postponed by Storm Austen now goes ahead, with fireworks at 7.30pm plus food, live music, fire performers and rides.

Coastal Comedy with Nick Page, Lighthouse, 8pm

A night of stand up. Book at Lighthouse

Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Bournemouth Pavilion

Boogie woogie and big band rhythm and blues. More at the Pavilion

Live Music: Rock It Science, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9pm to 11pm

Saturday night live music, with a DJ until 1am. More at the Bermuda Triangle

Poole Vigilantes, The King Charles, Thames Street, 9pm

Classic hard rock in the medieval hall. Free entry.

Upton House and Basement Tours, Upton Country Park, 12.30pm to 2.30pm

Guided tours of Upton House and its basement. Booking essential, so check availability before you go. More at Upton Country Park

From Darkness to Light: Neruda String Quartet, St John's Church, Broadstone, 4pm

The award winning quartet from the Royal Academy of Music, joined for one piece by the Poole Society for Young Musicians' Youth Camerata. Tea and cake included. Tickets £13, under 18s £3. Book with Broadstone Music Series

Live Music: Almost Nearly Famous, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 4pm to 6pm

Sunday afternoon live music. More at the Bermuda Triangle

Rockwater Quiz Night, Rockwater, Branksome, 6.30pm to 9pm

The weekend quiz by the beach. More at Rockwater

The Shires, Lighthouse, 7.30pm

The UK country duo in the Concert Hall. Book at Lighthouse

The Stylistics, Bournemouth Pavilion

The Philadelphia soul legends. More at the Pavilion

Monday Speed Quizzing, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 7.30pm

The weekly quiz with Quiz Master Johnny. CHECK: not yet on the pub's listing for this date. More at the Bermuda Triangle

Big Band Wonderland, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, 7.30pm

Festive big band music from Chris Dean's Syd Lawrence Orchestra.

Tony Hadley: The Christmas Big Band Tour, Bournemouth Pavilion, 7.45pm

The Spandau Ballet singer swaps the 80s for Christmas swing. More at the Pavilion

The Script, Bournemouth International Centre

The Irish band's Man in the Arena tour. More at the BIC

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