Save Poole Park Railway

THE owner of Poole Park’s miniature railway, Chris Bullen, says he is “devastated” that the attraction will be closed while Poole council invites new operators to take over the business.

In less than two months’ time, the railway track will be dismantled in preparation for a tendering process for the contract to begin.

The current owner aims to be among those bidding for the railway, which will have to be rebuilt to current health and safety requirements when it re-opens.

An online petition has been set-up to save the Poole Park Railway at ;

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-poole-park-railway?bucket

Waggy Tails Rescue launches 2017 calendar thanks to Dolphin Shopping Centre

With support from Poole’s Dolphin Shopping Centre, local charity Waggy Tails Rescue has launched its first ever calendar.

The shopping centre nominated the Dorset and Hampshire animal rehoming organisation as its charity of the year for 2016 and donated the funds required to produce the calendar. The calendars, which include professional images of their rescues, are available to buy at Calendar Club and other outlets at the Dolphin Shopping Centre, as well as directly from the charity. 

The calendars are £5 each, with all profits going directly back to the charity.

John Grinnell, centre manager of the Dolphin Shopping Centre, adds: “We’ve enjoyed working with the team at Waggy Tails Rescue. We are really pleased that the calendar is now here for the public to enjoy, and visitors to the centre can also get involved with helping the charity by donating pet food and making donations at outlets throughout the centre.”

Waggy Tails fundraiser, Paul Chapman, says: “We’re delighted with the support that the Dolphin Shopping Centre has given Waggy Tails Rescue this year, and with the launch of the 2017 calendar we hope to continue to see further donations come in. We have always wanted to retail our own calendar, but with all our money going to towards the care of our rescues, it has not previously been possible.”

“Waggy Tails perform a crucial role in saving the lives of abandoned and unwanted dogs and fundraising is therefore critical to enable Waggy Tails Rescue to maintain its proud record.”

Volunteers from Waggy Tails will be joined by members of Wessex Entertainers to form a Choir which will be performing Christmas carols at the centre on the Thursday December 8 and Sunday December 18.

Poole Harbour Boat Show to feature on The Apprentice

Poole Harbour Boat Show is to be showcased on national TV this coming Thursday November 17, when an episode of The Apprentice features teams going head to head to achieve the highest sales of boats and equipment.

The 2016 show held on Poole Quay and Poole Quay Boat Haven enjoyed a visit from the Apprentice contestants for one of the event days, who were then given tasks to sell from exhibitors’ stands. Despite wet weather, the teams battled it out in the marina, chatted to show visitors and secured deals on marine-related products.

Jim Stewart, chief executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners, who organise the annual Poole Harbour Boat Show, says: “We knew for many months beforehand that The Apprentice was due to film at the show, but of course it was all kept under wraps. It is going to be exciting to see the results of their time with us aired on Thursday and for the UK to see what a fantastic boat show Poole has now established.

“It will help highlight the forthcoming 2017 show which has many opportunities for sponsors and exhibitors to get involved.”

For information surrounding Poole Harbour Boat Show go towww.pooleharbourboatshow.co.uk  (Wed 16 Nov 16)