Poole

Infobox UK place
official_name=Poole
local_name=
country=England
region=South West England
static_

static_image_caption=The old Town Cellars and Custom House on Poole Quay
area_footnotes=
area_total_sq_mi=
area_total_km2=
population=138,288
population_density=
os_grid_reference=SZ014910
map_type=
latitude=50.71942
longitude=-1.98113
scale=
post_town=POOLE
postcode_area=BH
postcode_district=BH12-17
dial_code=01202
constituency_westminster=Mid Dorset and North Poole
Poole
civil_parish=
london_distance=convert|179|km|mi
metropolitan_borough=
metropolitan_county=
shire_district=
shire_county=Dorset
unitary_england=Poole
lieutenancy_england=
london_borough=
website=http://www.poole.gov.uk/
hide_services=

Poole (Audio|en-uk-Poole.ogg|pronunciation) is a large coastal town and seaport in Dorset on the south coast of England. The town is convert|32|km|mi east of Dorchester, and Bournemouth adjoins Poole to the east. The Borough of Poole was made a unitary authority in 1997, gaining administrative independence from Dorset County Council. The town had a population of 138,288 according to the 2001 census, making it the second largest settlement in Dorset.

Human settlement in the area dates back to before the Iron Age. The earliest recorded use of the town’s name was in the 12th century when the town began to emerge as an important port, prospering with the introduction of the wool trade. In later centuries the town had important trade links with North America and at its peak in the 18th century it was one of the busiest ports in Britain. During the Second World War the town was one of the main departing points for the D-Day landings of the Normandy Invasion.

Poole is a tourist resort, attracting visitors with its large natural harbour, history, the Poole Arts Centre and award-winning beaches. The town has a busy commercial port with cross-Channel freight and passenger ferry services. The headquarters of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), luxury yacht manufacturer Sunseeker, and Merlin Entertainments are located in Poole, and the Royal Marines have a base in the town's harbour. Poole is home to Bournemouth University, The Arts Institute at Bournemouth and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

History

The town's name derives from a corruption of the Celtic word "bol" and the Old English word "pool" meaning a place near a pool or creek.cite book|title=A Dictionary of British Place-Names|url=http://www.oxfordreference.com/pages/Subjects_and_Titles__2B_05|last=Mills|first=A.D.|year=2003|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford|isbn=0198527586] Variants include Pool, Pole, Poles, Poll, Polle, Polman, and Poolman. The area around modern Poole has been inhabited for the past 2,500 years. During the 3rd century BC, Celts known as the Durotriges moved from hilltop settlements at Maiden Castle and Badbury Rings to heathland around the River Frome and Poole Harbour. [Cullingford (p.183)] The Romans landed at Poole during their conquest of Britain in the 1st century and took over an Iron Age settlement at Hamworthy, an area just west of the modern town centre. [Legg (p.9)] In Anglo-Saxon times Poole was included in the Kingdom of Wessex. The settlement was used as a base for fishing and the harbour a place for ships to anchor on their way to the River Frome and the important Anglo-Saxon town of Wareham.cite web | title = The Story of Poole (Page 1) | publisher = Welcome to Poole | year = 2008 | url = http://www.welcometopoole.co.uk/history/story1.htm | accessdate = 2008-07-20] The Vikings often used the harbour to launch raids into Wessex; Guthrum sailed his fleet through the harbour in 876 to attack Wareham and in 1015, Canute used it as a base to raid and pillage the surrounding settlements of Wessex. [Sydenham (p.69–71)] [Legg (p.13)]

Following the Norman Conquest of England, Poole rapidly grew into a busy port as the importance of Wareham declined. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.wareham-tc.gov.uk/WTC_pages/wtc_history.htm#topofpage | title = History of Wareham | publisher = Wareham Town Council | accessdate = 2008-07-17] cite web | year = 200 | url = http://www.thedorsetpage.com/locations/Place/P100.htm | title = Poole, Dorset, England | publisher = The Dorset Page | accessdate = 2008-07-18] The town was part of the manor of Canford, but does not exist as an identifiable entry in the Doomsday Book. [Legg (p.14)] The earliest written mention of Poole occurred on a document from 1196 describing the newly built St James's Chapel in 'La Pole'. [Legg (p.15)] The Lord of the Manor, Sir William Longspée, sold a charter of liberties to the burgesses of Poole in 1248 to raise funds for his participation in the Seventh Crusade. Consequently, Poole gained a small measure of freedom from feudal rule and acquired the right to appoint a mayor and hold a court within town. Poole's growing importance was recognised in 1433 when it was awarded Staple port status by King Henry VI, enabling the port to begin exporting wool and in turn granting a license for the construction of fortifications. In 1568, Poole gained further autonomy when it was granted legal independence from Dorset and made a county corporate by the Great Charter of Elizabeth I.cite web | title = History Of Poole | publisher = Borough of Poole | publisher = | year = 2008 | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/go.php?structureID=U464057c6c52db&ref=S4649D38C61551 | accessdate = 2008-05-30] During the English Civil War, Poole's puritan stance and its merchant's opposition to ship money tax led to the town declaring for Parliament. [Legg (p.31)] Poole escaped any large-scale attack and with the Royalists on the brink of defeat in 1646, the Parliamentary garrison from Poole laid siege to and captured the nearby Royalist stronghold at Corfe Castle.cite web | title = The Story of Poole (Page 3) | publisher = Welcome to Poole | year = 2008 | url = http://www.welcometopoole.co.uk/history/story3.htm | accessdate = 2008-07-20] [Sydenham (p.127–128)]

Poole established successful commerce with the North American colonies in the 16th century, including the important fisheries of Newfoundland. The trade with Newfoundland grew steadily to meet the demand for fish from the Catholic countries of Europe. Poole's share of this trade varied but the most prosperous period started in the early 18th century and lasted until the early 19th century. The trade was a three-cornered route; ships sailed to Newfoundland with salt and provisions, then carried dried and salted fish to Europe before returning to Poole with wine, olive oil, and salt.Beamish (p.8–11)] By the early 18th century Poole had more ships trading with North America than any other English port and vast wealth was brought to Poole's merchants.cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.phc.co.uk/about_history.html | title = The Harbour's History | publisher = Poole Harbour Commissioners | accessdate = 2008-06-30] This prosperity supported much of the development which now characterises the Old Town; many of the medieval buildings were replaced with Georgian mansions and terraced housing.cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.pooletourism.com/go.php?structureID=pages&keywords=cockle&ref=I483ED26E32D39 | title = Poole Cockle Trail | publisher = Poole Tourism | accessdate = 2008-09-03] The end of the Napoleonic Wars and the conclusion of the War of 1812 ended Britain's monopoly over the Newfoundland fisheries and other nations took over services provided by Poole's merchants at a lower cost. Poole's Newfoundland trade rapidly declined and within a decade most merchants had ceased trading. [Sydenham (p.398–402)] cite web | title = The Story of Poole (Page 4) | publisher = Welcome to Poole | year = 2008 | url = http://www.welcometopoole.co.uk/history/story4.htm | accessdate = 2008-05-23]

The town grew rapidly during the industrial revolution as urbanisation took place and the town became an area of mercantile prosperity and overcrowded poverty. At the turn of the 19th century, nine out of ten workers were engaged in harbour activities, but as the century progressed ships became too large for the shallow harbour and the port lost business to the deep water ports at Liverpool, Southampton and Plymouth. Poole's first railway station opened in Hamworthy in 1847 and later extended to the centre of Poole in 1872, effectively ending the port's busy coastal shipping trade. The beaches and landscape of southern Dorset and south-west Hampshire began to attract tourists during the 19th century and the villages to the east of Poole began to grow and merge until the seaside resort of Bournemouth emerged. Although Poole did not become a resort like many of its neighbours, it continued to prosper as the rapid expansion of Bournemouth created a large demand for goods manufactured in Poole.

During World War II, Poole was the third largest embarkation point for D-Day landings of Operation Overlord, and afterwards served as a base for supplies to the allied forces in Europe. Eighty-one landing craft containing American troops from the 29th Infantry Division and the U.S. Army Rangers departed Poole Harbour for Omaha Beach. [cite book | last = Beamish | first = Derek | title = Poole and World War II | publisher = Poole Historical Trust | year = 1980 | pages = 184-193 | isbn = 086251004X | accessdate = 2008-07-03] Poole was also an important centre for the development of Combined Operations and the base for a U.S. Coast Guard rescue flotilla of 60 cutters. [cite web | year = 2005 | url = http://www.uscg.mil/history/WEBCUTTERS/ResFlot1_Normandy_Photo_Index.asp | title = Coast Guard Rescue Flotilla One at Normandy | publisher = United States Coast Guard | accessdate = 2008-04-26] Much of the town suffered from German bombing during the war and years of neglect in the post-war . Major redevelopment projects began in the 1950s and 1960s when large areas of slum properties were demolished and replaced with modern public housing and facilities. Many of Poole's historic buildings were demolished during this period, particularly in the Old Town area of Poole. Consequently, a convert|6|ha|acre|adj=on Conservation Area was created in the town centre in 1975 to preserve Poole's most notable buildings.cite web | title = The Story of Poole (Page 5) | publisher = Welcome to Poole | year = 2008 | url = http://www.welcometopoole.co.uk/history/story5.htm | accessdate = 2008-05-23] [cite web | title = The Built Environment | publisher = Borough of Poole | year = 2008 | url = http://poolelocalplan.wisshost.net/text/text5.htm#PolicyBE_1 | accessdate = 2008-07-20]

Governance

Council

On 1 April 1997, the town was made a unitary authority following a review by the Local Government Commission for England (1992), and became once again administratively independent from Dorset. The borough reverted to its previous title of the "Borough and County of the Town of Poole", which recalled its status as a county corporate before the implementation of the Local Government Act 1888. For local elections, 42 councillors are elected across 16 wards and elections take place every four years.cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/directory/categories/ref:C464856B1B191A/aka:Council+Info./ | title = Council Info | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-07] The last election took place in May 2007, resulting in the Conservatives retaining overall control. [cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/6622153.stm | title = Poole remains under Tory control | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2008-06-07] The Council is made up of 25 Conservative and 17 Liberal Democrat councillors and Poole's Council Leader is Councillor Brian Leverett (Conservative). Poole's Sheriff, a position created by the town's charter of 1568 and just one of 15 Sheriffs in the country, is Charles Meachin, a Poole Liberal Democrat Councillor since 1996. The Mayor is Conservative Councillor Joyce Lavender.cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/go.php?structureID=categories&ref=C46447A6F3B29B&aka=Mayor%2C+Sheriff+And+Deputy+Mayor | title = Mayor, Sheriff And Deputy Mayor | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-07] In 2008, the Audit Commission rated the Borough of Poole one of the top performing councils in the United Kingdom. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/news/rss/ref:N4815A2013C764/ | title = Poole Is Performing Well | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-07] The council was described as 'improving well' and was given a four star overall performance rating. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/authority.asp?CategoryID=ENGLISH%5E576%5ELOCAL-VIEW%5EAUTHORITIES%5E106640 | title = Poole (Borough and County of the Town of) | publisher = Audit Commission | accessdate = 2008-06-07] Poole has been twinned with the town of Cherbourg in France since 1977.cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/strategic/services/ref:S4688D73CE35DC/aka:Poole+-+Cherbourg+Twin+Towns/ | title = Poole - Cherbourg Twin Towns | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-07]

Poole merges with several other towns to form the South East Dorset conurbation which has a combined population of 445,000, forming one of the South Coast's major urban areas. The population of Poole according to the 2001 UK Census was 138,288.cite web | title = Census 2001 | publisher = Office for National Statistics | year = 2001 | url = http://www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/pyramids/printV/00HP.asp | accessdate = 2008-05-30 ] The town has a built-up area of convert|65|km2|mi2, giving an approximate population density of 2,128 residents per square kilometre (5,532 per sq mi) in 60,512 dwellings. [cite web | year = 2001 | url = http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=276840&c=poole&d=13&e=15&g=403343&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1212414991684&enc=1&dsFamilyId=49 | title = Household spaces and accommodation type | publisher = Office for National Statistics | accessdate = 2008-06-02] The population has grown steadily since the 1960s, inward migration has accounted for most of the town’s growth and a significant part of this has been for retirement. Housing stock has increased by over 100% in the past 40 years from 30,000 in 1961 to approximately 62,700 in 2004.cite web | year = 2004 | url = http://poolelocalplan.wisshost.net/text/text8.htm | title = Housing | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-02] Compared to the rest of England and Wales, Poole has an above average number of residents aged 65+ (20.3%), but this is less than the Dorset average of 22.2%. The largest proportion of the population (24.8%) is between the ages of 45 to 64, slightly above the national average of 23.8%.cite web | year = 2004 | url = http://poolelocalplan.wisshost.net/text/text2.htm | title = A Profile of Poole | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-02] Population projections have predicted a continual growth; a population of 151,481 is estimated by 2016.

The district is overwhelmingly populated by people of a white ethnic background, 95.98% of residents are of White British ethnicity, well above the rest of England at 86.99%. Minority ethnic groups (including those in white ethnic groups who did not classify themselves as British) represent 4.0% of Poole’s population. The largest religion in Poole is Christianity, at almost 74.34%, slightly above the United Kingdom average of 71.6%.cite web | year = 2001 | url = http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=293 | title = Religion In Britain | publisher = Office for National Statistics | accessdate = 2008-02-22] The next-largest sector is those with no religion, at almost 16.23%, also above the UK average of 15.5%.

The average house price in Poole is high compared to the rest of the UK and the surrounding south west region. The average price of a property in Poole in 2008 was £274,011; detached houses are on average £374,150, semi-detached and terraced houses were cheaper at £226,465 and £217,128 respectively. An apartment or flat costs on average £216,097, more than any other part of Dorset.cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/in_depth/uk_house_prices/html/19uj.stm | title = UK House Prices | publisher = British Broadcasting Corporation | accessdate = 2008-06-02] The average house prices in Poole are boosted by those in Sandbanks, which has the fourth most expensive house prices in the world; [cite web | year = 2000 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/961423.stm | title = Britain's golden riviera | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2008-06-02] the average property sells for £488,761. [cite web | year = 2000 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6941542.stm | title = Price study looks at seaside life | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2008-06-02] A study in 2006 by the National Housing Federation reported that Poole was the most unaffordable town to live in the UK. [cite web | year = 2006 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/5259918.stm | title = Dorset town is least affordable | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2008-06-02]

Economy

Poole’s economy is more balanced than the rest of Dorset. In the 1960s prosperity was fuelled by growth in the manufacturing sector, whereas the 1980s and 1990s saw expansion in the service sector as office based employers relocated to the area. The importance of manufacturing has declined since the 1960s but still employed approximately 17% of the workforce in 2002 and remains more prominent than in the economy of Great Britain as a whole. Sunseeker, the world's largest privately-owned builder of motor yachts and the UK's largest manufacturer, is based in Poole and employs over 1,800 people in its Poole shipyards. [cite web | title = The name's Sunseeker | publisher = Bournemouth Daily Echo | year = 2006 | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/display.var.990854.0.the_names_sunseeker.php | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-06-03 ] It was estimated in 2004 that Sunseeker generates £160 million for the local economy. [cite web | year = 2004 | url = http://www.superyachttimes.com/editorial/14/article/id/107 | title = Sunseeker embarks on major expansion in Poole | publisher = Super Yacht Times | accessdate = 2008-06-03] Other major employers in the local manufacturing industry include Sealed Air, Hamworthy Heating, Hamworthy Combustion, Lush, Penske Cars Ltd (who build racing cars for Penske Racing), Kerry Foods, Precision Disc Casting, Siemens, Southernprint and Ryvita. Poole has the largest number of industrial estates in South East Dorset, including the Nuffield Industrial estate, Mannings Heath and the Arena Business Park. Industrial Estate sites are in high demand further developments are under construction such as the Poole Trade Park near Tower Park and the Branksome Business centre.cite web | year = 2004 | url = http://www.investindorset.co.uk/poole.html | title = Town Profile - Poole | publisher = Invest in Dorset | accessdate = 2008-06-03]

The service sector is the principal economy of Poole; a large number of employees work for the service economy of local residents or for the tourist economy. During the 1970s, Poole’s less restrictive regional planning policies attracted businesses wishing to relocate from London. These included employers in the banking and financial sector, such as Barclays Bank (who operate a regional HQ in Poole), American Express Bank and the corporate trust division of Bank of New York Mellon. Other important service sector employers include Link House Publications, the national headquarters and Lifeboat College of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the UK headquarters of Fitness First, Bournemouth University and Poole NHS Primary Care Trust. Poole is also the headquarters for Merlin Entertainments, the world's second-largest theme park operator after Disney. [cite web | url = http://www.blooloop.com/KBArticle/Merlin-Entertainments-Group/8 | title = Merlin Entertainments Group | year = 2008 | publisher = Blooloop.com | accessdate = 2008-08-04] The Dolphin Shopping Centre is Poole's main retail area, and the largest indoor shopping centre in Dorset.cite web | url = http://www.pooletourism.com/go.php | title = Shopping | publisher = Poole Tourism | year = 2008 | accessdate = 2008-07-26] It opened in 1969 as an Arndale Centre, and underwent three major refurbishments in 1980, 1989 and 2004. The centre provides convert|47000|m2|sqft of retail space with 110 stores and two multi-storey car parks with 1,400 parking spaces. A pedestrianised high street containing shops, bars, public houses and restaurants connects the Dolphin Centre with the historic Old Town area and Poole Quay. Tourism is important to the Poole’s economy and was worth an estimated £158 million in 2002. Poole's Harbour, quay, Poole Pottery and the beaches are some of the main attractions for visitors.cite web | year = 2006 | url = http://www.jurassiccoast.com/279/visiting-the-coast-31/gateway-towns-146/poole-457.html | title = Poole | publisher = Jurassic Coast | accessdate = 2008-06-03] The visitor accommodation consists of hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast rooms located around the town, particularly in Sandbanks and the town centre. Rockly Park, a large caravan site in Hamworthy, is owned and operated by Haven and British Holidays.cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.havengroups.co.uk/parks/dorset/rockleypark/ | title = Rockley Park | publisher = Haven and British Holidays | accessdate = 2008-06-03]

Since the 1970s, Poole has become one of Britain’s busiest ports. [Legg (p.145)] Investment in new port facilities in Hamworthy, and the deepening of shipping channels allowed considerable growth in cross-channel freight and passenger traffic. The port is a destination for bulk cargo imports such as steel, timber, bricks, fertiliser, grain, aggregates and palletised traffic. Export cargoes include clay, sand, fragmented steel and grain.cite web | year = 2006 | url = http://www.ecoports.com/ContentFiles/poole%20harbour%20aquatic%20management%20plan%202006.pdf | title = Poole Harbour Aquatic Management Plan 2006 | publisher = EcoPorts | format = PDF | accessdate = 2008-06-03] Commercial ferry operators run regular passenger and freight services from Poole to Cherbourg, St Malo and the Channel Islands. The Royal Marines operate out of the harbour at Royal Marines Poole, established on the shore at Hamworthy in 1954. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.royalmarines.mod.uk/server/show/nav.6693 | title = The History of RM Poole | publisher = Royal Marines | accessdate = 2008-06-30] The base is home to 1 Assault Group Royal Marines (responsible for landing craft and small boat training), a detachment of the Royal Marines Reserve and special forces unit the Special Boat Service. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.royalmarines.mod.uk/server/show/nav.6803 | title = RMR Poole | publisher = Royal Marines | accessdate = 2008-06-30] [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/1659585.stm | title = The secretive sister of the SAS | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2008-07-30] One-hundred-five fishing boats are registered and licensed to the port and hold a permit issued by the Southern Sea Fisheries District Committee (SSFDC) to fish commercially.cite web | title = Fishermen cast into a part-time role by quotas | publisher = Bournemouth Daily Echo | year = 2008 | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/display.var.2145594.0.fishermen_cast_into_a_parttime_role_by_quotas.php | accessdate = 2008-06-03] It is the largest port in terms of licences in the SSFDC district which covers the coastline of Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and one of the largest registered fishing fleets in the UK.cite web | year = 2006 | url = http://www.phc.co.uk/downloads/channeldeepening/es10_fishing.pdf | title = Fishing Activity | publisher = Royal Haskoning | format = PDF | accessdate = 2008-06-03] However, the fleet is gradually declining because of rising fuel costs and restrictive fishing quotas introduced by the European Union. [cite web | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/mostpopular.var.2353782.mostviewed.fishermen_protest_as_fuel_costs_strike_hard.php | title = Fishermen protest as fuel costs strike hard | year = 2008 | publisher = Bournemouth Daily Echo | accessdate = 2008-08-04] A large number of unlicensed boats also operate charted or private angling excursions.

Landmarks

Quay

Poole Quay is a visitor attraction to the south of the Old Town, lined with a mixture of traditional public houses, redeveloped warehouses, modern apartment blocks and historic listed buildings. Once the busy centre of Poole's maritime industry, all port activities moved to Hamworthy in the 1970s as the Quay became increasingly popular with tourists. The Grade II* listed Customs House on the quay-front was built in 1814 and now functions as a restaurant and bar. [cite web | url = http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=412625&resourceID=5 | title = Listed Buildings Online: Customs House | year = 2008 | publisher = English Heritage | accessdate = 2008-07-26] Nearby is the Grade I listed Town Cellars, a medieval warehouse built in the 15th century on the foundations of a 14th century stone building, and now home to the local history centre. [cite web | url = http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=412572&resourceID=5 | title = Listed Buildings Online: The Town Cellar | year = 2008 | publisher = English Heritage | accessdate = 2008-07-26] Scalpen's Court, another Grade I listed building on the quay, also dates from the medieval era. [cite web | url = http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=412507&resourceID=5 | title = Listed Buildings Online: Scaplens Court | year = 2008 | publisher = English Heritage | accessdate = 2008-07-26] The Poole Pottery production factory once stood on the eastern end of the Quay but the site was redeveloped into a luxury apartment block and marina in 2001, although an outlet store remains on the site. [cite web | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/display.var.1197185.0.fired_up_over_pottery_future.php | year = 2007 | title = Fired up over pottery future | publisher = Bournemouth Daily Echo | accessdate = 2008-07-26] Boats regularly depart from the quay during the summer and provide cruises around the harbour and to Brownsea Island, the River Frome and Swanage. [cite web | url = http://www.poolequay.com/cruises.html#top | title = Poole Quay Cruises | year = 2008 | publisher = PooleQuay.com | accessdate = 2008-07-26] Public artworks along the Quay include ‘Sea Music’ – a large metal sculpture designed by Sir Anthony Caro – and a life-size bronze sculpture of Robert Baden-Powell created to celebrate the founding of the Scout Movement. [cite web | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/news/ref:N480DE69556D07/ | title = Baden-Powell Returns To Poole Quay | year = 2008 | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-07-26] At the western end of the quay near the mouth of Holes Bay is Poole Bridge. Built in 1927, it is the third bridge to be located on the site since 1834. [cite web | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/go.php?structureID=U46406a60875e7&ref=S464989E0D0BC4 | title = Existing Lifting Bridge | year = 2008 | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-07-26]

Guildhall

The Guildhall is one of Poole's iconic buildings and has played an important and varied part in the history of the town. [cite web | url = http://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/articles/ArticlesDetail.asp?ID=717 | publisher = Dorset Life | title = A chequered history but a secure future? | year = 2008 | accessdate = 2008-10-01] Now a Grade II* listed building, the Guildhall was built in 1761 at a cost of £2,250.cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/go.php?structureID=U46405d3d22e69&ref=S464C399B79522 | title = Guildhall | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-07-15] [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=412555&resourceID=5 | title = The Guildhall | publisher = English Heritage | accessdate = 2008-07-18] The new building included an open market house on the ground floor and a courtroom and offices for the town council on the first floor. The building has also been used as a Court of Record, Magistrates' Court, Court of Admiralty and a venue for Quarter Sessions. Between 1819 and 1821 the building was consecrated as a Parish Church while the old St. James Church was pulled down and replaced with the present church.

During the Second World War the building was used as a canteen and meeting room for American soldiers prior to the invasion of France. The showers and washing facilities installed at this time were later converted into public baths which were used until the 1960s. The building was converted for use as the town museum between 1971 and 1991 but stood empty for the next 16 years. After a renovation project funded by Poole Borough Council, the restored Guildhall opened in June 2007 as a Register Office for weddings, civil partnerships and other civic ceremonies. [cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/6605087.stm | title = Restored Guildhall to open doors | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2008-07-16]

Poole Park

Poole has several urban parks – the largest is Poole Park adjacent to Poole Harbour and the town centre. The park opened in 1890 and is one of two Victorian parks in Poole. Designated a Conservation Area in 1995 and awarded a Green Flag in 2008, the park comprises of convert|44.3|ha|acre of which convert|24|ha|acre include the park's man-made lake and ponds.cite web | url = http://boroughofpoole.com/facilities/ref:F46CEFE6047230/ | title = Poole Park | publisher = Borough of Poole | year = 2007 | accessdate = 2008-06-10] The park contains two children's play areas, tennis courts, a bowling green and a miniature golf course. A cricket field and pavilion at the eastern end are home to Poole Town Cricket Club and water sport activities such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and rowing take place on the large lake. [cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.poolepark.com/ | title = Rockley at Poole Park | publisher = Rockley Watersports | accessdate = 2008-07-16] A war memorial stands in the centre of the park as a monument to Poole citizens killed during the First and Second World Wars. A £2 million refurbishment of the park in 2006 involved the construction of an Italian restaurant and an indoor ice rink for children. [cite web | year = 2006 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/5382834.stm | title = £2m Transformation of park begins | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2008-06-10] [cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/leisure/services/ref:S464DCE8B56C24/cf4orce:D46793E79BC147/ | title = Poole Park Lake | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-07-16] The park hosts several road races such as the Race for Life and the Poole Festival of Running which attracted approximately 1,200 entrants in 2008. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/display.var.2311828.0.hundreds_run_in_park.php | title = Hundreds run in park | publisher = Bournemouth Daily Echo | accessdate = 2008-06-10]

Beaches

Poole's sandy beaches are a popular tourist destination extending convert|4.8|km|mi along Poole Bay from the Sandbanks peninsular to Branksome Dene Chine at the border with Bournemouth. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole.world-guides.com/ | title = Poole Tourist Attractions and Poole Sightseeing | publisher = World Guides | accessdate = 2008-07-18] cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://boroughofpoole.com/go.php?structureID=U46406b698a839&ref=S464DAE039BD1A | title = Beach Information - General | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-07-16] The beaches are divided into four areas: Sandbanks, Shore Road, Canford Cliffs Chine and Branksome Chine. Poole's beaches have been awarded the European Blue Flag for cleanliness and safety 21 times since 1987, more than any other British seaside resort. In 2000, the Tidy Britain Group resort survey rated Poole's beaches among the top five in the country. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/news/ref:N484D13342BC8E/ | title = Poole's Blue Flag Beaches 'Come Of Age' | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-07-16] [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.dorsetbeaches.co.uk/poole/sandbanks2/ | title = Dorset Beaches | publisher = Newsquest | accessdate = 2008-07-16] Along the seafront there are seaside cafés, restaurants, beach huts and numerous water-sports facilities. Royal National Lifeboat Institution Beach Rescue lifeguards patrol the coastline in the busy summer season between May and September. [cite web | url = http://www.rnli.org.uk/rnli_near_you/find_a_beach/beachregion | title = RNLI near you | year = 2008 | publisher = Royal National Lifeboat Institution | accessdate = 2008-07-30]

Religious sites

Poole falls within the Church of England Diocese of Salisbury and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Plymouth. Poole has many sites of Christian worship including five Grade II* and five Grade II listed churches, but no notable sites of worship for any other major religious groups. The Grade II* St James' Church is a simplified Gothic Revival style Church of England parish church in the Old Town which was rebuilt in 1820. The previous church on the site was first mentioned in documents from 1142 and had been extensively rebuilt in the 16th century, but in 1819 it was deemed structurally unsafe by a surveyors report. [cite web | url = http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=412453&resourceID=5 | title = Listed buildings online: Church Of St James | year = 2008 | publisher = English Heritage | accessdate = 2008-08-24] The United Reform Church hall, also in the town centre, is a Grade II* building built in 1777. The other Grade II* churches are: St. Peters Parish Church in Parkstone which was first built in 1833 and replaced in 1876; St. Osmunds Church, also in Parkstone, is a Byzantine style building, formerly an Anglican church it became a Romanian Orthodox Church in 2005; and the Parish Church of St. Aldhelm in Branksome, built by the architects Bodley and Garner in 1892 in the Gothic Revival style. [cite web | url = http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=412582&resourceID=5 | title = Listed buildings online: Church Of St Aldhelm | publisher = English Heritage | year = 2008 | accessdate = 2008-08-24]

port and recreation

Poole Harbour and Poole Bay are popular areas for a number of recreational pursuits, including sailing, windsurfing, surfing, kitesurfing and water skiing.cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.phc.co.uk/downloads/channeldeepening/es13_recreation.pdf | title = Recreation and leisure | publisher = Royal Haskoning | format = pdf | accessdate = 2008-06-29] The harbour's large areas of sheltered waters attract windsurfers, particularly around the northern and eastern shores. Water skiing takes place in the harbour in a special designated area known as the Wareham Channel. The waters around the harbour, Poole Bay and Studland Bay are also popular for recreational angling and diving. Poole's wide and sandy beaches are used for swimming, sunbathing, water sports and sailing. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/leisure/services/ref:S464DAE039BD1A/ | title = Beach Information | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-29] The beaches at Sandbanks are often used for sporting events such as the Beach Volleyball Classic and in 2008 it hosted the inaugural British Beach Polo Championship. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.activedorset.org/site/index.php?/news/sports/volleyball | title = Volleyball | publisher = Active Dorset | accessdate = 2008-06-29] [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/news/ref:N47B56F3E20999/ | title = Beach Polo Comes to Sandbanks | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-29] Poole Harbour is one of the largest centres for sailing in the UK with yacht clubs including Lilliput Sailing Club, Parkstone Yacht Club and Poole Yacht Club. Parkstone Yacht Club hosted the OK Dinghy World Championships in 2004, [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.okdinghy.co.uk/okreslt.html#WorldsResults | title = OK World Championship, 2004
publisher = International OK Dinghy | accessdate = 2008-06-29] the J/24 National Championships in 2006 and the J/24 European Championships in 2007, [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poolej24.co.uk/events/ | title = Upcoming J24 Events | publisher = Poole J/24 | accessdate = 2008-06-29] and are the organisers of Youth Week and Poole Week – two of the largest annual dinghy regattas of their type in the country. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.pooleweek.co.uk/ | title = 61st Poole Week | publisher = Parkstone Yacht Club | accessdate = 2008-06-29] [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.parkstoneyachtclub.com/pageabout.html | title = About the club | publisher = Parkstone Yacht Club | accessdate = 2008-06-29]

Poole's oldest football team is Poole Town F.C., a semi-professional team who play in the Wessex League Premier Division – the ninth tier of the English football league system. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://full-time.thefa.com/DisplayTeam.do;jsessionid=A94EE9034CC012D6D827B443D0CFC1B8?id=5094179 | title = Poole Town | publisher = The Football Association | accessdate = 2008-06-29] Established in 1880, the team has had erratic success at their level; they have never risen above non-League levels but once reached the third round of the FA Cup. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole-town.fsnet.co.uk/honours.htm | title = Honours | publisher = Poole Town F.C. | accessdate = 2008-06-10] They played at Poole Stadium until 1994 and have since settled at Tatnam Farm, sharing the school playing field with Oakdale South Road Middle School.cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://archive.thisisdorset.net/2008/4/3/137185.html | title = Poole plan move to Branksome Rec | publisher = Dorset Echo | accessdate = 2008-06-29] Poole's other football teams are Hamworthy United who formed in 1970 and also play in the Wessex Premier League, and amateur team Poole Borough F.C. who play in the Dorset Premier League. Poole is one of the largest towns in England without a professional football team. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/may/28/knowledge | title = The Knowledge | publisher = The Guardian | accessdate = 2008-06-29]

Poole's motorcycle speedway team, the Poole Pirates, were established and began racing at Poole Stadium in 1948 in the National League Division Three. The team now races in the top tier of league racing (the Elite League) which they last won in 2004. [cite book | last = Bamford | first = Robert | coauthors= Shailes, Glynn | title = 50 Greats: Poole Pirates | publisher = Tempus Publishing | year = 2004 | pages = 58 | isbn = 0-7524-3257-5] Poole Stadium is also a venue for greyhound racing; race nights occur three days a week throughout the year. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.stadiauk.com/poole.php | title = Poole Greyhounds | publisher = Stadia UK | accessdate = 2008-06-29]

Culture

The 'Beating of the Bounds' is an ancient annual custom first carried out in 1612, which revives the traditional checking of the sea boundaries awarded to Poole by the Cinque Port of Winchelsea in 1364. [cite web | url = http://www.rotaryclubofpoole.org/pages/seabounds.htm | title = Beating the Poole Sea Bounds | publisher = Poole Rotary Club | year = 2008 | accessdate = 2008-08-04] [cite web | url = http://www.winchelsea.net/visiting/winchelsea_history_pt14.htm | year = 2008 | title = The history of Winchelsea | publisher = Winchelsea Community Office | accessdate = 2008-08-30] The Admiral of the Port of Poole (the Mayor) and other dignitaries, and members of the public sail from the mouth of the River Frome to Old Harry Rocks to confirm the Mayor's authority over the water boundaries of the harbour and check for any encroachments. As there are no physical landmarks that can be beaten at sea, traditionally children from Poole were encouraged to remember the bounds of their town by taking part in the 'Pins and Points' ceremony involving the beating of a boy and pricking of a girl's hand with a needle. In modern times, the acts have been symbolically carried out. [cite web | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/news/ref:848/ | title = Beating of the Bounds of Poole Harbour | publisher = Borough of Poole | year = 2000 | accessdate = 2008-08-04]

The "Animal Windfest" is an annual three day long festival of water-sports held at Sandbanks. The event features the UK windsurfing freestyle final, the second round of the British kiteboarding championships and other amateur competitions and demonstration events. First held in 1998, the festival attracts approximately 10,000 people each year. [cite web | url = http://www.pooletourism.com/news.asp?act=display&id=0253D14627AE4B | title = Animal Windfest | publisher = Poole Tourism | year = 2008 | accessdate = 2008-08-04] Poole's "Summertime in the South" is an annual programme providing various events on Poole Quay and Sandbanks from May until September. During June and July, live music, street entertainment and a large firework display take place on Poole Quay every Thursday evening. In August, the entertainment moves to the beaches at Sandbanks. [cite web | url = http://www.pooletourism.com/go.php?structureID=pages&keywords=summertime%20south&ref=I483D7CC4E5B91 | title = Summertime in the South Events | publisher = Poole Tourism | year = 2008 | accessdate = 2008-08-04]

Poole's Lighthouse is the largest arts centre complex in the United Kingdom outside London.cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/aboutus/project_detail.php?sid=7&id=696&page=5 | title = The Lighthouse, About us | publisher = Arts Council of England | accessdate = 2007-12-10] Built in 1978, the centre contains a cinema, concert hall, studio, theatre, image lab and media suite and galleries featuring exhibitions of contemporary photography and modern digital art. The venue underwent an £8.5 million refurbishment in 2002, paid for by the Arts Council England, the Borough of Poole and private donations. [cite web | year = 2003 | url = http://www.a-m-a.co.uk/new/message_venue.asp | title = Conference Location | publisher = Arts Marketing Association | accessdate = 2008-06-30] The centre's concert hall has been the residence of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's main concert series since their former base at the Bournemouth Winter Gardens closed in 1985. [cite web | url = http://www.bsolive.com/orchestra/historydetail.htm?decadeid=57587 | year = 2008 | title = History: 1980s - USSR to USA | publisher = Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra | accessdate = 2008-09-28] Situated in the centre of the Old Town, Poole Museum illustrates the story of the area and its people and the collections reflect the cultural, social and industrial history of Poole. Displays include the Poole Logboat and a detailed history of Poole from the Iron Age to the present day. The museum has a floor devoted to the history of Poole Pottery and some of the company's products are on display. Entrance to the museum is free.cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/servicetitles.asp?id=FA99C0E67A584A&title=Poole+Museum | title = Poole Museum | publisher = Poole Borough Council| accessdate = 2007-07-19]

Transport

The A350 road is Poole town centre's main artery, running north from Poole Bridge along Holes Bay and on to the A35, and as a single carriageway to Bath and Bristol. To the east, the A337 road leads to Lymington and the New Forest. The A35 trunk road runs from Devon to Southampton and connects to the A31 on the outskirts of the town. The A31, the major trunk road in central southern England, connects to the M27 motorway at Southampton. From here the M3 motorway leads to London, and fast access may also be gained via the A34 to the M4 north of Newbury. A second bridge is planned to be built to connect Poole and Hamworthy as the existing bridge is unsuitable for the increasing traffic flow. The £34 million scheme was given approval by the Department for Transport in 2006 but construction of the bridge has been delayed since November 2007 because of a stalemate between the council and the land owners. [cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/4283182.stm | title = Inquiry into town bridge | year = 2005 | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2007-12-10] [cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/4783115.stm | title = Twin bridge is given the go-ahead | year = 2006 | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2007-12-10] A road link to Studland and the Isle of Purbeck across the narrow entrance of Poole Harbour is provided by the Sandbanks Ferry. [cite web | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2008/07/16/sandbanks_ferry_feature.shtml | title = Working on the chain gang | publisher = British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) | year = 2008 | accessdate = 2008-09-25]

Local bus services are run by Wilts & Dorset who are based at the town’s bus station and have served Poole since 1983.cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.go-ahead.com/Main.php?iCmsPageId=57 | publisher = Go-Ahead Group | title = Wilts & Dorset | accessdate = 2008-06-18] Wilts & Dorset operate networks across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Salisbury, in addition to operations on the Isle of Purbeck and the New Forest. Other services are run by Bournemouth based Transdev Yellow Buses, Roadliner and Shamrock.cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/adult_social_services_commissioning/services/ref:S4649E74990130/aka:Bus+Routes/ | publisher = Borough of Poole | title = Buses in Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-18] Poole is connected to towns and villages along the Jurassic Coast by the First X53 service, which runs along a route of convert|142|km|mi to Weymouth, Bridport, Lyme Regis, Seaton and Exeter. Poole bus station is the terminus of National Express Coaches which have frequent departures to London Victoria Coach Station. There are also direct services to the West Country, the Sussex coast, Bristol, Birmingham, the Midlands, the North West, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The National Express Flightlink service serves Heathrow Airport and connects to Gatwick and Stansted Airport.cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.poole.gov.uk/go.php?structureID=U46406d2f2d56e&ref=S464ACB6780943 | publisher = Borough of Poole | title = Coaches | accessdate = 2008-06-18]

Poole has four railway stations on the South Western Main Line from London Waterloo to Weymouth. These are – from east to west – Branksome near the border with Bournemouth, Parkstone, Hamworthy and Poole railway station in the town centre. Services to Waterloo are operated by South West Trains and depart from Poole station every half an hour, express services depart every hour. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/SWTrains/pdfs/ttApril08/PTT28Apr08.pdf | format = pdf | publisher = South West Trains | title = Weymouth to London Waterloo timetable | accessdate = 2008-06-18] Plans for a £50 million redevelopment of Poole railway station have been delayed since 2006 due to contractual issues between land owners Network Rail and developers the Kier Group. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/display.var.2163598.0.railway_site_plan_is_back_on_track.php | publisher = Bournemouth Daily Echo | title = Railway site plan is back on track | accessdate = 2008-06-18] The plans include a new railway station, a hotel, a new pedestrian bridge, business offices and a transport interchange for taxis and coaches. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/display.var.2158277.0.back_on_track.php | publisher = Bournemouth Daily Echo | title = Back on track? | accessdate = 2008-06-18] [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.savills.co.uk/Development/uploadedFiles/Savills_Microsites/Development/Case_Studies/Case_Studies/Case%20Study%20Poole%20Gateway%202007.pdf | format = pdf | publisher = Savills | title = Poole Gateway | accessdate = 2008-06-18]

Poole is a cross channel port for passengers and freight with up to seven sailings a day in the summer season. Year-round services from Poole Harbour to Cherbourg are provided by Brittany Ferries who operate two ferries from Poole: the Barfleur and the Cotentin. The Barfleur has served the Poole to Cherbourg route since 1992; the Cotentin freight ship also covers the Poole-Cherbourg route and at weekends runs a service between Poole and Santander in Spain. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/routes/poole-cherbourg| title = Poole to Cherbourg Route Details | publisher = Brittany Ferries | accessdate = 2008-06-18] [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.brittanyferriesfreight.co.uk/pooletosantander | title = Poole to Santander Route Details | publisher = Brittany Ferries | accessdate = 2008-06-18] The Condor Ferries catamarans Condor Express and Condor Vitesse run seasonal services to Guernsey, Jersey and St. Malo, Brittany.cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.condorferries.co.uk/Terminal/poole.aspx | title = Poole Ferry Terminal Guide | publisher = Condor Ferries | accessdate = 2008-06-18] Bournemouth International Airport in Hurn, on the periphery of Bournemouth, is the nearest airport to Poole – convert|16|km|mi from Poole town centre. Ryanair, EasyJet, Thomsonfly and Palmair operate from the airport and provide scheduled services to destinations in the UK and Europe. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.bournemouthairport.com/bohweb.nsf/Content/FlightInformation | title = Flight information | publisher = Bournemouth Airport | accessdate = 2008-06-23]

Education

Poole has sixteen first schools, eight middle schools, seven combined schools, eight secondary and grammar schools, five special schools, two independent schools and one college of further education. Canford School, is an independent boarding school and although located in Wimborne, it is administered by Poole local education authority. Poole’s two grammar schools maintain a selective education system, assessed by the Eleven Plus exam. Poole High School is the largest secondary school in Poole with 1,660 pupils.cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://localinfo.dorsetecho.co.uk/li/ | title = Local information for Poole | publisher = Dorset Echo | accessdate = 2008-06-23] The Bournemouth and Poole College attracts over 16,000 students a year and is one of the largest further education colleges in the country and the leading provider of academic and vocational education in Dorset. [cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/download/(id)/87857/(as)/50785_301133.pdf | title = Ofsted Inspection | publisher = Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills | accessdate = 2008-06-23 | format = pdf] It has two centrally located main campuses in Poole and Bournemouth. In 2008, the college announced plans to refurbish and redevelop its campuses at an estimated cost of £120 million. [cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/display.var.2108339.0.120m_scheme_for_college.php | title = £120 million scheme for college | publisher = Bournemouth Daily Echo | accessdate = 2008-06-23]

From the 2007 General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) results, Poole was ranked 18th out of 148 local authorities in England based on the percentage of pupils attaining at least five A* to C grades at GCSE level including maths and English (54.5% compared with the national average of 46.8%). [cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7180228.stm | title = How different areas performed | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2008-06-23] cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/cgi-bin/performancetables/group_07.pl?Mode=Z&No=836&Base=b&Type=LA&Phase=1&Year=07 | title = Secondary School achievement and attainment tables 2007 | publisher = Department for Children, Schools and Families | accessdate = 2008-06-23] Parkstone Grammar School was the most successful secondary school in Poole for GCSE results in 2007: 100% of pupils gained five or more GCSEs at A* to C grade including maths and English. Canford School also achieved 100% and Poole Grammar School was the next best performing school with 98%. Poole High School achieved 39% and the worst performing school was Rossmore Community College where only 19% of students achieved five or more A* to C grade results. Poole’s grammar schools were also the best performing for A-level results. Poole Grammar School was the 60th most successful school/sixth form in the country in 2007: each student achieved on average 1071.4 points compared to the national average of 731.2. Parkstone Grammar School students averaged 1017.9 points.cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/cgi-bin/performancetables/group_07.pl?Mode=Z&No=836&Base=a&Type=LA&Phase=2&Year=07 | title = School and college (post-16) achievement and attainment tables 2007 | publisher = Department for Children, Schools and Families | accessdate = 2008-06-23]

Bournemouth University was designated as a university in 1992 and despite its name, the university’s main campus (the Talbot Campus) and buildings are in Poole and smaller campus is situated in Bournemouth. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/go.php?ref=S46779A7387179&structureID=U46713df2215ff | title = Bournemouth University | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-06-23] Media courses are the university's strength, and recent teaching quality assessments have resulted in ratings of 'excellent' for courses in the areas of communication and media, business and management, catering and hospitality, archaeology and nursing and midwifery. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/introduction_to_bu/welcome.html | title = Welcome to Bournemouth University | publisher = Bournemouth University | accessdate = 2008-06-23] [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/good_university_guide/article2166314.ece | title = Profile: Bournemouth University | publisher = The Times | accessdate = 2008-06-23] The Arts Institute at Bournemouth is a university-sector institution in Poole at Wallisdown. The institute offers undergraduate, foundation degree, postgraduate and further education courses in contemporary arts, design and media. [cite web | url = http://www.educationuk.org/pls/hot_bc/bc_profile.page_pls_profile_details?x=842823061811&y=0&a=0&z=6532&sec_id=26&p_lang=31 | title = Arts Institute at Bournemouth | publisher = British Council | year = 2008 | accessdate = 2008-08-29]

Public services

Home Office policing in Poole is provided by the Poole and Bournemouth Division of Dorset Police which has two police stations in Poole: at the Civic Centre in the town centre, and on Gravel Hill in Canford Heath. [cite web | url = http://www.dorset.police.uk/default.aspx?page=957 | title = Police Stations - Bournemouth & Poole Division | publisher = Dorset Police | year = 2008 | accessdate = 2008-08-10] Dorset Fire and Rescue Service provides statutory emergency fire and rescue services for Poole and are based at Poole Fire Station in Creekmoor which opened in 2008. The former fire station on Wimborne Road was demolished in 2008 and will be replaced with a new joint fire and police station expected to open in 2009. [cite web | url = http://www.dorsetfire.co.uk/topic.asp?TopicID=422 | title = Dorset Emergency Services Partnership Initiative | publisher = Dorset Fire and Rescue Service | year = 2008 | accessdate = 2008-08-10]

Poole Hospital is a large NHS Foundation Trust hospital in Longfleet with 789 beds. It opened in 1969 as Poole General Hospital, replacing Poole's Cornelia Hospital which had stood on the site since 1907. [cite web | url = http://www.poole.nhs.uk/documents/grapevine/Grapevine-Centenary.pdf | title = Poole Hospital Centenary | year = 2008 | publisher = National Health Service | format = pdf | accessdate = 2008-08-10] The hospital is the major trauma center for East Dorset and provides core services such as child health and maternity for a catchment area including Bournemouth and Christchurch. Specialist services such as neurological care and cancer treatment are also provided for the rest of Dorset. [cite web | url = http://www.poole.nhs.uk/ | title = Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust | year = 2008 | publisher = National Health Service | accessdate = 2008-08-10] The South Western Ambulance Service provides emergency patient transport. [cite web | url = http://www.wcas.nhs.uk/ | title = South Western Ambulance Service | year = 2008 | publisher = National Health Service | accessdate = 2008-08-10]

Waste management and recycling are co-ordinated by Poole Borough Council in partnership with Viridor Waste Management. [cite web | url = http://www.boroughofpoole.com/news/ref:8FFFC6BEB0894C/ | title = Waste Management Contract Signed and Sealed | year = 2006 | publisher = Borough of Poole | accessdate = 2008-08-10] Locally produced inert waste is sent to landfill for disposal. Recycle waste is taken to the recycling plant at the Allington Quarry Waste Management Facility in Kent for processing. Poole's Distribution Network Operator for electricity is Scottish and Southern Energy. Drinking and waste water is managed by Wessex Water; groundwater sources in Wiltshire and Dorset provide 80% of drinking water, the rest comes from reservoirs fed by rivers and streams. [cite web | url = http://www.wessexwater.co.uk/water/sub_water.aspx?id=150 | title = Water sources | year = 2008 | publisher = Wessex Water | accessdate = 2008-08-10]

Media

Poole has one main local newspaper, the "Daily Echo", which is owned by Newsquest. Published since 1900, the newspaper features news from Poole, Bournemouth and the surrounding area. [cite web | url = http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Partner/organisation/areapartnerdetails.asp?41 | title = Daily Echo | year = 2008 | publisher = Bournemouth Borough Council | accessdate = 2008-08-10] Issues appear Monday through Saturday with a daily circulation of 32,441. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.nsdatabase.co.uk/newspaperdetail.cfm?paperid=111 | title = Bournemouth - The Daily Echo | publisher = The Newspaper Society | accessdate = 2008-07-23] For local television, Poole is served by the BBC South studios based in Southampton, and by Meridian Broadcasting (formerly Television South) with studios similarly in Southampton. Radio stations broadcasting to the town include Wave 105 and the more locally-focused 2CR FM and Fire 107.6. Limited BBC Local Radio coverage in Dorset is provided by the Hampshire based BBC Radio Solent. Plans for a BBC Radio Dorset station were abandoned in 2007 following financial cutbacks by the BBC. [cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://archive.thisisdorset.net/2007/10/19/130521.html | title = Cuts mean death of BBC ‘Radio Dorset’ | publisher = Bournemouth Daily Echo | accessdate = 2008-08-11]

Notable people

The town has been the birthplace and home to notable people, of national and international acclaim. Former residents include Robert Baden Powell the founder of the Scouting movement, British radio disc jockey Tony Blackburn, the artist Augustus John and "Lord of the Rings" author J.R.R. Tolkien lived in Poole for four years during his retirement.cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.pooletourism.com/go.php?structureID=pages&ref=I4860E2F59A0F1 | title = Poole Knowledge: Facts and Trivia | publisher = Poole Tourism | accessdate = 2008-06-30] [cite web | year = 2007 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/6983965.stm | title = Tolkien's home to be demolished | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2008-06-30] The explorer and naturalist and Alfred Russel Wallace lived in Poole and is buried in Broadstone cemetery. Notable people born in Poole include Greg Lake of the band Emerson, Lake & Palmer, the author John le Carré, the writer and actor David Croft, and James Stephen, the principal lawyer associated with the British abolitionist movement. Edgar Wright the director of films such as "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz" was born in Poole and out the five previous British winners of the Miss World title, two have hailed from Poole; Ann Sydney and Sarah-Jane Hutt. Harry Redknapp, the Portsmouth Football Club manager, his son Jamie Redknapp, a former England national football team player, own homes in Sandbanks. [cite web | year = 2008 | url = http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/SWTrains/Emotion/CelebrityInterview/_LouiseRedknappP2.htm | title = Celebrity interview | publisher = South West Trains | accessdate = 2008-06-30]

ee also

*Compton Acres
*List of Dorset Beaches
*List of places in Dorset
*wikitravel
*UK coastline

References and notes

Notes

Bibliography

*citation|last= Beamish |first= Derek| last2= Hillier | first2= John | last3= Johnstone | first3= H.F.V. | title=Mansions and Merchants of Poole and Dorset|date=1949|publisher=Poole Historical Trust|isbn= 07137-0836-0
*citation|last= Cullingford |first= Cecil N.| title=A History of Poole|date=1988| publisher=Phillimore & Co Ltd |isbn= 0-85033-666-X
*citation|last=Legg|first=Rodney |title=The Book of Poole Harbour and Town|date=2005|publisher=Halsgrove|isbn=1-84114-411-8
*citation| last=Sydenham |first=John |title=The History of the Town and County of Poole |publisher=Poole Historical Trust| location= Poole |date= 1986 |origyear=1839 |isbn= 0950491446 |edition= 2nd

External links

Town guides

* [http://www.pooleview.co.uk/poole.htm Tourist guide to Poole]
* [http://www.bournemouthandpoole.co.uk/ Bournemouth and Poole tourist information site]
* [http://www.boroughofpoole.com/ Borough of Poole webiste]
* [http://www.welcometopoole.co.uk/overview.htm Local information]

Photographs

* [http://www.vrpoole.co.uk/ Virtual tour of Poole]
* [http://www.imagesofdorset.org.uk/Dorset/023/intro.htm Images of Poole]
* [http://search.pbase.com/search?q=Poole Photos of Poole]
* [http://www.worldheritagecoast.net/photos/townphotos.aspx?town=30 World Heritage Coast Poole photos]