POOLE heritage action zone CULTURAL PROGRAMME

Historical tours, lively landladies, trails of discovery and more!

We have loads going on over our Discovery Week to connect you with Poole's heritage and the stories of the people who helped shape Poole. From our Setting Sails exhibition to the fantastic characters created by Angel Exit Theatre and Michele O'Brien, there was loads to see and interact with.

We also created a new self-led discovery trail for Poole High Street with a families' activity sheet to help young explorers get the most out of the trail. Thank you to Bridie Cheeseman for your beautiful artwork and designs that help bring the trail to life!

Trails are still available to collect from Poole Museum (while they last!)

(Photo credits: Jamie Baker & Mike Petitdemange)

Young People's Exhibition 23rd - 31st July

We displayed our wonderful flotilla of ships, dazzling fish and imaginative letters all created by local Primary school children in GATHER, Poole Dolphin Centre over our Discover Poole High Street Week. The imaginative creations were the outcome of several schools workshops run by Arts2Educate. Visitors also had the chance to get involved in more fun arts activities as they learnt more about our maritime and trading history.

Well done to all the children from St Mary’s, Bishop Aldhelm’s, St Joseph’s, Courthill Infants, and Old Town for their enthusiasm and hard work!

(Photo credits: Jamie Baker & Mike Petitdemange)

Who did you bump into on the High Street in July?

Did you meet our 1666 heritage characters Merchant Peter Hiley, Landlady Elizabeth Melledge, Mary Brimson or William Williams?

The year is 1666 (the year after Charles 2nd visited Peter Hiley’s house). Everyone is looking for Captain Storey. The Merchant is desperately trying to fill the remaining 5 places aboard his ship which must leave today as the conditions are perfect. They’ve already waited 3 days. The fishermen have all been drinking in the taverns. There are bills to be paid, provisions to be sorted (including leather boots from Hawkes), and good luck rituals and superstitions to carry out. Mary hears about the spare places and decides she will leave. She tries to persuade others as she says her good byes and packs her provisions. Finally Captain Storey is located sleeping on the ship already, we’re ready to go, but who has got the ship’s cat? We can’t set sail without the cat!

Thank you to Angel Exit Theatre for bringing the history to life on 18th June, 30th July and 31st July! If you loved Angel Exit Theatre then keep an eye out for our upcoming Community Play in 2023!

(Photo credits: Jamie Baker)

A series of drop-in creative sessions over May - July

CoCreate want to celebrate Poole’s incredible heritage. Over the May - July, they have held a series of pop-up days on the High Street to chat to residents to hear your stories and find out more about what you’d like to happen on YOUR High Street.

They have run loads of creative workshops and interactions including 'Impressions of Poole' and 'Maritime Crafts', as they love getting to know new people through being creative & crafty, and helping people discover more about the place in which we live.

On 28th May, local artist Stuart Faulkner joined CoCreate to lead 'Paint your High Street' workshops, encouraging locals to view their high street with a new perspective.

(Photo credits: Jamie Baker & Mike Petitdemange)