There’s been some big news for our area this week (and I don’t just mean Prince William’s visit!) Poole has been awarded up to £20 million in government funding. We’re breaking down what it means, where the money could go, and how you can get involved.

We’re also giving you the chance to shape Poole’s future in our Town Council survey, sharing the latest on the new BCP residents card (including what perks you can expect), and rounding up some of the best Easter activities across Poole and beyond to keep the whole family entertained.

Plus, as always, we’ve got your weekly dose of local trivia and a packed events guide, from live music and theatre to community events and weekend plans.

Dive in and have a great week!

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Big news for Poole this week. Hamworthy West has been selected for a major national regeneration programme, bringing up to £20 million into the area over the next 10 years.

This is part of the government’s Pride in Place Programme, designed to invest in communities that need it most.

That could mean improvements to high streets, parks, community spaces, youth facilities, local services, or even new events and training opportunities. The funding is deliberately flexible, so it can be shaped around what the community actually wants and needs.

A new Neighbourhood Board will be created to lead the project, made up mostly of local residents alongside businesses, councillors and community groups. They’ll be responsible for building a 10-year plan for the area, so this isn’t a quick fix, it’s long-term change.

Over the coming months, there will be opportunities to get involved through community events, idea sharing and even applying to be part of the board. We will be keeping an eye out for any announcements about how to get involved and will report back as soon as we hear anything!

As previously reported, a new residents’ card is on the way and it’s designed to give a little something back to people living across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Called BCP LIFE, the card launches this summer and will offer a range of everyday perks. We’re talking an hour of free parking (with a paid session), discounted hot drinks at council-run cafés, cheaper seafront treats, and even a free swim each month at local leisure centres.

It’s all about making day-to-day life that bit easier, while also encouraging people to support local businesses and make the most of what’s on their doorstep.

We couldn’t possibly comment on the design of the branding. But let’s just say, bold, colourful, community-focused visuals? Clean layouts? Friendly, modern feel?

We’ll let you decide whether there are any familiar influences there…

More details on how to sign up will be released closer to launch.

Town Councils are coming to Poole, Broadstone and Bournemouth and you’ll soon have your say in who gets elected.

The elections will take place on Thursday 7 May 2026, giving residents the chance to elect representatives focused purely on local priorities.

These new councils will have influence over things like community events, high streets, local facilities and seasonal activities (yes, including Christmas lights).

To vote, you’ll need to be registered by Monday 20 April, and remember: photo ID is required at polling stations.

What do you think the new council’s priorities should be?
Please answer this single question survey to give us your top three, there’s also an option to include your own idea. We’ll publish the results nearer the election.

Click this link to find out about standing as a candidate

Good news for families, Hamworthy Park’s much-loved paddling pool is set to reopen this summer.

Opening on Saturday 23 May (just in time for the bank holiday), it’ll once again provide a free, fun place for kids to splash, play and cool off.

Behind the scenes, a lot of hard work goes into making this happen — particularly from the Friends of Hamworthy Park, who continue to support and fund the pool year after year.

Other pools across the BCP area will also be reopening, including Littledown and the Quomps Splash Park in Christchurch.

Business Growth Dorset are hosting a Funding Growth Workshop. It will be a practical, one-day intensive programme, designed to help business owners understand their funding options, strengthen their growth plans and approach finance providers with confidence.

The session takes place at Evolve Poole on Thursday 25 March from 8.30am until 4.30pm.

Get more details and sign up here

Want to live in a beautiful converted barn in Poole? Now’s your chance! 👉 View the property

So this might not be the most exciting story you’ll read this week. But it does matter.

BCP Council has been stepping up efforts to improve road conditions across the area, with new proactive measures aimed at preventing potholes before they even form.

That includes resurfacing works across 15 roads (totalling 12km), alongside ongoing repairs and maintenance. Last year alone, over 6,000 defects were fixed from potholes to pavements and kerbs.

The council is also trialling new tech (including AI) to spot issues earlier and target repairs more efficiently.

Of course, potholes will still pop up, especially after a wet winter, which is where residents come in. If you spot one, you can report it here.

The RNLI has put in a planning application to demolish the Bill Knott Building located on the corner of Slip Way and West Quay Road. Back in the 1980s, Mr William Knott, a retired Poole businessman, entirely funded the constructing of the building to allow expansion of the RNLI’s fundraising activities. But who visited Poole to officially open the building?

Once you’ve answered the question, read this article from 1982!

This might sound like a small change, but it could have a big impact on how our area looks and feels.

BCP Council is proposing a major upgrade to public bins, with plans to replace older ones with new, standardised designs across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The aim is simple: cleaner streets, fewer overflowing bins, and easier collection for crews.

New bins are likely to be larger, more visible, and in some areas even include recycling options. Separate dog waste bins could also be phased out in favour of combined bins.

We’re all for it, especially if it means replacing some of those very large black bins along the promenade.

But there’s one key question still unanswered…what will they actually look like?

It might sound trivial, but street furniture plays a huge role in the character of an area. The wrong design can stick out like a sore thumb, the right one can quietly elevate everything around it. So if anyone from the council is reading and knows what the proposed designs actually look like, please let us know!

Easter is just around the corner and there’s plenty happening across Poole and the wider BCP area to keep families busy.

Closer to home, Upton Country Park is going full Jurassic with its Dino Eggsplorer Trail (27 March – 12 April). Expect dinosaurs, missing eggs, and a cuddly prize at the end, plus workshops, crafts and pop-up activities throughout the holidays.

Over at Poole Museum, there’s a packed programme including clay modelling, pirate workshops and shipwreck explorer sessions. It’s free to visit, with optional donations to support the museum.

Across the wider area, there’s loads more to discover:

Rock & Roll Man, Lighthouse, Tue 24 – Sat 28 March (various times)
A high-energy musical telling the story of DJ Alan Freed and the birth of rock & roll, packed with iconic hits.

Junk Kouture – Chaos & Couture, GATHER, Tue 24 – Thu 27 March, 10am–4pm
Creative fashion exhibition where students turn waste into wearable art, plus clothing swaps and design workshops. Free entry.

The Wonder of Miniature Paintings, The Gallery Upstairs at Upton Country Park, Thu 26 – Mon 30 March, 10am–4pm
Beautiful miniature artworks, prints and live demonstrations from skilled artists. Free entry.

Dino Eggsplorer Trail, Upton Country Park, Fri 27 March – Sun 12 April, 10am–4pm
A roarsome family trail to find missing dinosaur eggs, with prizes and plenty of adventure along the way.

Games at GATHER, Sat 28 March – Sat 4 April, 10am–4pm
A huge board game library for all ages – perfect for families, friends and anyone up for a bit of fun.

Bill Ryder-Jones (Live), St Peter’s Church, Poole, doors 7pm
Special piano-led performance featuring songs from his latest album plus fan favourites.

BSO: Triumph Over Adversity, Lighthouse, 7:30pm
An evening of powerful classical music featuring Beethoven, Bartók and Sibelius.

Cerys Hafana, Lighthouse, 8pm
A unique live performance blending traditional music, harp and experimental sounds.

Live Music: Totog, The Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 8:30pm–10:30pm
Midweek live music session with a lively local atmosphere.

Hidden Triangle DJ Sessions, The Bermuda Triangle, 7pm–11pm
Community DJ night showcasing fresh talent across a range of genres.

Pier Presents: Spring Social, Lush HQ, Poole Quay, from 7pm
Celebrate the latest issue release with local food, creative networking and a free goodie bag.

Page One Bar Grand Opening, Poole Quay, from 7pm
Live music, drinks and a first look at this brand-new bar on the quay.

Connor Burns: Gallus, Lighthouse, 8pm
Fast-rising comedy star brings his latest stand-up show to Poole.

The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins, Lighthouse, 7:30pm
A witty and revealing live show from the much-loved TV personality.

Studio Jazz: Jeremy Stacey Quartet, Lighthouse, 7:45pm
World-class jazz performance featuring top-tier musicians and special guests.

Live Music: Cutting Edge, The Bermuda Triangle, 9pm–11pm
High-energy live band playing crowd favourites.

Séamus McKenna (Live), The S-Bomb Workshop, from 8pm
Country, blues and folk vibes with food trucks and a relaxed harbour setting.

Derek Nash, Jazz Café, from 7pm
An evening with one of the UK’s most versatile and energetic saxophonists.

Chestnut Nursery 25th Birthday Celebration, from 10am
Live music, raffle, cake and special offers as this local favourite celebrates 25 years.

Poole Park Lake Open Day, Poole Park, 10am–4pm
Free watersports hire including kayaks, paddleboards and pedalos – just turn up and enjoy.

Lewis-Manning Muddy Dog Dash, Upton Country Park, 11am–3pm
A fun obstacle course for you and your dog, raising money for a great local cause. Register here

S Bomb House Party, The Workshop, from 6pm
DJ sets, food truck and a full bar for a lively Saturday night. Free entry.

Black Lake by Richard Blackford, Lighthouse, 7:30pm
A powerful orchestral performance with chorus, inspired by Welsh storytelling.

James Acaster: Cinemagoers Welcome, Lighthouse, 7:30pm
A filmed stand-up experience from one of the UK’s most original comedians.

The Music of Luther Vandross – Candlelight Concert, St Peter’s Church, 7:30pm–9:45pm
Soul classics performed live in a stunning candlelit setting. Book tickets

Live Music: The Seventynine, The Bermuda Triangle, 9pm–11pm
Another great night of live music in Ashley Cross.

Live Music: The Harry Skinner Band, The Bermuda Triangle, 4pm–6pm
Laid-back Sunday session with live music and good vibes.

Games at GATHER, Sat 28 March – Sat 4 April, 10am–4pm
A huge board game library for all ages – perfect for families, friends and anyone up for a bit of fun.

Speed Quizzing Night, The Bermuda Triangle, 7:30pm–10:30pm
Fast-paced quiz night with prizes and a jackpot up for grabs.

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