Easter and Beyond for BCP Areas

🎭 BCP Aiming for "Town of Culture" Status

Exciting news for our local arts scene! BCP Council has officially launched a joint bid for Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole to become the UK Town of Culture for 2028.

If successful, the bid could bring in £3 million to fund a year-long celebration of our local history, music, and art. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our "three towns" as a unified, creative hub. Whether it’s the history of Christchurch or the vibrant gardens of Bournemouth, we certainly have plenty to celebrate!

🚌 Good News for Bus Passengers

For those of you who rely on the bus to get around, there are some helpful changes to note:

• Early Morning Travel: Disabled passengers with a concessionary pass can now travel before 9:30 am for a flat £1 single fare.

• Standard Concessionary Passes: Your pass still allows for free travel on Morebus services between 9:30 am and 11:00 pm (Monday-Friday) and all day on weekends and bank holidays.

• Better Reliability: The council is investing in key junctions like Winton, Boscombe, and Poole College to help keep the buses running on time.

🏴‍☠️ A Face-Lift for "Treasure Island"

Poole Park’s famous Treasure Island play area (often called the Pirate Park) is getting a major £130,000 upgrade. While the work is mainly for the grandkids, many of us have fond memories of taking the family there over the years. The project will feature a brand-new wooden pirate ship and improved, accessible paths. Work starts in April and is expected to take about 4–6 weeks.

🏍️ Poole Quay Bike Nights Return

The leather jackets and polished chrome are coming back!
The popular Bike Nights on Poole Quay start up again on Tuesday, 7th April.

• When: Every Tuesday evening, 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm.

• Where: Along the Poole Quay waterfront. Even if you aren't a rider yourself, it’s a fantastic atmosphere for a stroll and a bit of people-watching.

🚧 Roadworks & Land Updates

• Upton Roadworks: Improvements are underway on the A35 slip road near Upton Country Park to make the crossings safer. The westbound slip road will be closed during the work, so please allow extra time if you are heading that way. The Country Park itself remains open as usual.

• Upton Heathland Auction: A significant 110-acre patch of heathland in Upton is going up for public auction on April 29th. Local wildlife groups are hoping it will be bought by someone committed to preserving our beautiful Dorset landscape.

🐣 Your Easter Weekend Guide (April 3rd – 6th)

Easter is just around the corner! Here is a simple breakdown of what’s happening over the long weekend:

Good Friday, April 3rd

• Peter Rabbit Experience: Swanage Railway is hosting a storytelling and egg hunt adventure (Runs all weekend).

• Easter Trail: Check out the Dino Eggsplorers trail at Upton Country Park (10 am – 3 pm).

Easter Saturday, April 4th

• Italian Market: Head down to Poole Quay for delicious treats and crafts at the Italian Easter Market.

• Family Fun Day: Gullivers Farm (near Wimborne) is hosting a scavenger hunt and tractor rides from 11 am – 3 pm.

Easter Sunday, April 5th

• Traditional Roast: Many local hotels, including The Suncliff and The Hermitage in Bournemouth, are offering special Easter Sunday Carveries.

• Avon Tyrrell Trail: An outdoor activity trail for those looking to get some fresh forest air.

Easter Monday, April 6th

• The Old Thatch Trail: A lovely stroll along the Castleman Trailway in Wimborne with a sweet treat at the end.

• Duck Race: Keep an eye out for local village duck races, a firm bank holiday favourite!

Wishing you all a peaceful and happy Easter. Don't forget to check the bus times if you're heading out on the Bank Holiday!