Poole Post and Dorset News team celebrate SME business awards win

Independent journalism in Dorset has received a significant boost as the Poole Post has been awarded Best Digital News Publication 2025 - Dorset at the prestigious Southern Enterprise Awards. The recognition highlights not only the success of the Poole Post as a trusted digital newspaper but also the ongoing contribution of local journalists and community voices across the county.

A homegrown success story

Founded by seasoned media professional Duncan Williams, the Poole Post began as a simple idea: to create an online focal point for the local community where posts and stories about Poole could be shared, read, and discussed. Williams, who studied digital publishing at Weymouth College, saw early on that residents were increasingly reaching for their phones and devices to stay informed about their neighbourhood.

“There are few people today who do not check their phones more than once a day to access information and news about their neighbourhood. The original concept of the Poole Post was quite simply to provide a focal aggregation site where posts on social media about Poole in Dorset could be read and, if desired, responded to,” Williams explained.

What started as a localised hub for Poole has since grown into a county-wide platform, recognised for both its independence and its innovative use of digital technology. 

Recognition from the SME Southern Enterprise Awards

The SME Awards team confirmed that after a rigorous merit-led evaluation process, the Poole Post emerged as the deserving recipient of Best Digital News Publication 2025 - Dorset. Judges praised the outlet for “its grassroots approach to local news, its adaptability to digital-first readership habits, and its commitment to giving communities a voice.”

In its official statement, SME Awards noted that the Poole Post embodies the values of modern local journalism: accessible, digital, and community-driven. 

Partnership with Dorset News

A major factor in the Poole Post’s success has been its dynamic partnership with Dorset News, a young and ambitious team based in Weymouth and headed by Editor-in-Chief Kallum Gethins and breaking news reporter Jake Brewer.

Gethins and Brewer have quickly gained recognition for their willingness to embrace new technologies. Dorset News is acknowledged as one of the first media outlets in the region to experiment with artificial intelligence tools for local reporting, allowing them to respond quickly to breaking news and expand their reach across digital platforms.

“Acknowledgement by the SME business awards is a rewarding gesture as we continue to expand our audience and readership across the Dorset county using a multimedia approach,” said Gethins.

Adding to this, Gethins commented on his editorial priorities: “As Editor-in-Chief, my focus is on ensuring we maintain credibility, accuracy, and accessibility while adapting to the changing ways people consume their news. Dorset deserves a robust digital press that combines modern tools with traditional journalistic values, and our work with the Poole Post is helping achieve that.”

Jake Brewer added: “Poole is a town where there is always something happening. Alongside our coverage in Weymouth, I feel confident that our team here at Dorset News has the county well covered. Working with the Poole Post has given us the ability to bring local stories to wider audiences while staying true to our roots.” 

The importance of independent digital journalism

At a time when many traditional print outlets have struggled with falling readership and shrinking budgets, the rise of independent digital newspapers like the Poole Post reflects a shift in how communities engage with local news.

Digital platforms offer immediacy, flexibility, and accessibility. But just as importantly, they allow for greater interaction between journalists and readers. Williams and his team have consistently emphasised the importance of building a two-way relationship with the community.

This approach has not only provided Dorset residents with reliable coverage of breaking news but also created a platform for local businesses, charities, and grassroots organisations to share their stories.

Williams said: “Local independent journalism plays a vital role in holding decision-makers to account, but it also has a positive role to play in celebrating the everyday life of a community. Whether it’s covering council meetings, new housing developments, school events, or local arts, every story contributes to a sense of place. Winning this award is recognition not just of the work we’ve done, but of the value Dorset residents themselves place on having a trusted digital newspaper that reflects their lives.” 

A county with stories to tell

The award also shines a spotlight on Dorset itself - a county with rich history, diverse communities, and global appeal. Poole, in particular, remains one of Britain’s most attractive coastal towns, renowned for its beaches at Sandbanks, its thriving harbour, and its lively cultural scene.

As Brewer put it: “Poole is unique because it’s both a traditional seaside town and a modern hub for businesses and families. There’s always something happening, and our job is to make sure those stories get told.”

By working together, the Poole Post and Dorset News have created a county-wide digital news network capable of responding to everything from breaking stories to long-form features. 

Looking ahead

With the Southern Enterprise Award now under their belt, the Poole Post team remains committed to expanding its digital reach, strengthening its partnerships, and continuing to serve as a trusted news source for Dorset residents.

Williams summed up the vision moving forward: “Recognition from the SME Awards is a fantastic milestone, but for us, the real measure of success will always be the trust of our readers. We want to continue building a digital newspaper that Dorset can be proud of - one that remains relevant, reliable, and rooted in the community.” 

Serving the region with trusted Dorset News

The accolade of Best Digital News Publication 2025 - Dorset is more than just an award for the Poole Post. It represents the strength of independent digital journalism, the dedication of a small but passionate team, and the enduring appetite of Dorset’s communities for reliable local news.

In a changing media landscape, the message is clear: digital-first, community-driven news is here to stay - and the Poole Post is leading the way with Dorset News. 

LOCAL CARE HOME RESIDENTS TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Upton Bay care home in Poole were treated to an exciting live streaming tour and talk about Dartmoor Zoological Society, hosted by Education and Research Manager, Francesca Canale-Dow.

Created in the 1960’s as a private exotic animal collection, the Zoo fell into disrepair and was threatened with closure in 2006. Along came Benjamin Mee, who with his family bought the site and set about creating the Zoo as it is today.  In 2014, the Mee family kindly donated Dartmoor Zoological Park to Dartmoor Zoological Society (DZS).  The charity is responsible for the care of the animal collection as well as conservation, breeding and research projects.

Francesca’s tour explained about life at Dartmoor Zoo so residents could find out what it is like to work in such a demanding yet rewarding world.  The talk focused on the Zoo’s beautiful tigers, Dragan and Alisha.  Although not related, Dragan and Alisha were both born in 2014 and were hand reared together in Tierpark Zoo in Berlin, they came to Dartmoor Zoo in June 2016 at the age of 18 months.

Residents were able to see the tigers being trained and ask the trainers questions about how they go about looking after them, their daily routines and breeding programme, what they like to eat and do and what happens if they get ill and need care.

Francesca says: “We really enjoyed being able to show the Barchester residents some of the fantastic animals we have at Dartmoor Zoo, we are very proud of the work our brilliant teams do here.  We were just so happy to be able to share our passion for wildlife conservation and answer all the residents’ questions.”

Lucy Tomlinson, Resident Experience Manager for Barchester Healthcare, commented: “We have been using technology to keep our residents and patients connected with their loved ones as well as offer live streaming events, entertainment and activities throughout the pandemic.  We are excited to work with our amazing partners like Dartmoor Zoo to bring a wide range of different experiences into our homes for all to enjoy, particularly as this talk provided such a lovely opportunity to see the animals and learn all about them.

“Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active and socially connected, providing a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities,” Lucy added.

General Manager, Mevin Sohorye, said: “Our residents are fascinated by animals and so we were delighted to be able to watch the tigers being trained and to get to know their personalities.  It was brilliant to be able to ask Francesca and the team questions about their experiences of working with the animals.”

We’re making our homes as safe as possible and will ensure that all new residents and staff are vaccinated before moving in or working in our homes.  Please do give us a call on 01202 679529 if you are looking for care or need any further help.        

Upton Bay is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Upton Bay provides residential care, respite care, and specialist Dementia care services.

ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY?

MAKE A CHANGE AND BECOME A COUNCILLOR

By now, everyone has heard the name, Jackie Weaver. But, did you know there are over 2,000 local (parish and town) council elections taking place this year?

Are you passionate about your community? Do you want to help make a long-lasting change? Do you have innovative ideas for the council? Do you have concerns about a specific issue and want to do something about it? If this is you, then your community needs you. 

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) is looking for people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect their community to put themselves forward for election this May, as part of its #MakeAChange campaign.

Local councils are the first tier of local government and make a massive difference to local people's quality of life. They run numerous services — many you will see day-to-day, but some are less known. These include introducing solar panels, setting up dementia-friendly groups, organising community buses, creating neighbourhood plans, implementing suitable housing, establishing youth projects, managing allotments and open spaces, maintaining footpaths, public seating and litter bins.

Visit www.nalc.gov.uk/elections to find out more about how you can become a councillor.

Women Wanted!

The Society of Poole Men name change hopes to attract many women members to join in the new year:

Says Society for Poole's press officer, Duncan Williams: "At our Dorset AGM held in 2017 nearly 90% of members attending voted to change the name of the Society to The Society for Poole."

The name has stayed for over 94 years and was established even before women had full voting rights in the country. Although the old name had a great history that we cherish, we needed to change the name so as to increase the appeal of the Society to both men and women.

Unfortunately the membership has not grown recently and from discussions in the community the name is a factor.

"We want to encourage a mixed and modern membership," explains Duncan, who works in the town's communications industry.

This brings us into the 21st century and better reflects us as a Society and the many women who are presently members.

Duncan adds that: "Women who do not live in Poole itself but who may have a strong connection or love of our town are also most welcome to join."

- Find out more about the Society for Poole.

Club Barter: Collect £250 Absolutely Free For Joining!

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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)

Inside Out Dorset festival

A spectacular celebration of the autumn equinox took place in rural Dorset. The event was part of Inside Out Dorset festival which takes spectacular performances to extraordinary outdoor locations across the county. The event was the culmination of Wayfaring which took place in the stunning ceremonial landscape of the South Dorset Ridgeway. Audiences were invited along pathways ancient and modern, to discover the unexpected and to make their own contributions to the growing installation. The performance included movement, sounds, smells and the transformative power of fire.

Don't miss out! Other events taking place:

 

Hengistbury Headlines

Hengistbury Head – Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 September 

Eight artists and companies are creating installations and performances along a trail through the nature reserve at Hengistbury Head, exploring the effects of climate change. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in soundscapes, delve into the secret love life of plants, follow a digital quest and indulge in some cloud gazing.  Over the four days, visitors will be able to wander through the landscape of the nature reserve, including areas normally closed to the public, and discover these new artworks one by one.

 

The Soaring Sky – a coastal walk through a sung performance of birdsong created by local singers, responding to the calls of migratory and endangered birds on the site. 

By Arbonauts – Helen Galliano and Dimitri Launder

 

Remnant Ecologies is a series of sound installations playing fragments of British bird song, triggered by the wind and sun, and birds themselves.

By Jony Easterby and co-commissioned by the RSPB

 

Hides –  two animated bird hides alone on a cliff to explore themes of migration, refuge and the need of shelter. 

By Ferdinando Bradridge Byrne

 

Cloudscapes provides a place to cloud gaze and explore the parallel between the ever-changing sky and humanity’s future.

By Gobbledegook Theatre, director Lorna Rees

 

Overture is a sound installation outside the former coastguard hut. The building is re-imagined as a lookout post on the frontier of changing weather patterns, a place to scan the horizon for approaching storms. 

By Kate Paxman

 

Romantic Botanic is an eccentric promenade theatre piece for small groups. Poetry and science are used to delve into the secret love life of plants. 

By The Miraculous Theatre Company – Barnaby Gibbons, Paschale Straiton and Roger Hartley

 

You’re Getting Warmer is a digital treasure hunt-style adventure for 7 to 11-year-olds and their families. The children are cast as agents for change, hunting down clues, on a mission to save the Marsh Warbler.

By Pebble Gorge

 

Tree

Tree is a thought-provoking dance work set in woodland. Four dancers lead us from the comfort of our gardens to where the wilderness lies and ask, deep down, do we really need nature?

By Sweetshop Revolution, director Sally Marie

 

During Hengistbury Headlines, there will be a chance to take part in the
RSPB's Big Wild Sleepouts on the nights of 22, 23 and 24 September. There will be campfire cooking, nocturnal adventures and a memorable dawn experience as sounds of the harbour, sea and wind combine with the song of migrant birds.

 

 

Up in the Air

Harbourside Park, Poole – Saturday 24 September 

A feast of outdoor contemporary circus performance against a dramatic background of sea and sky.  Acrobatics, high wires, a boat with its own mobile storm and an illuminating finale.  

Co-presented with Lighthouse, Poole and the Borough of Poole.

 All Inside Out Dorset events are free (there is a charge for the RSPB's Big Wild Sleepout). For more information and to book, call 01305 260954 or visit www.insideoutdorset.co.uk.

Poole Blues Festival, 2016

Poole Blues Festival all is set to become a new yearly event, every September starting 2016. Supporting local live music from Dorset and surrounding areas.

"A perfect opportunity to enjoy quality live music in the beautiful surroundings of Poole Quayside." says the local music columnist @PoolePost

Scientology - Poole targeted by Tom Cruise's religious cult

A black van slinked quietly along the streets of Poole in Dorset.

Amidst the general merriment of the town's annual carnival, many locals were unaware that the balloon adorned vehicle was being used by members of one of the world's most controversial religious groups to hand out recruitment literature to children and their parents.

Throughout the summer many visitors and tourists were approached in Poole high street by Scientologists, offering literature, counselling and bizarre IQ tests.

Booklets entitled 'The Way To Happiness' were being doled out to tots only just old enough to read them.

Derided as a criminal organisation and a money grabbing cult by its many critics, the Church of Scientology was founded in the 1950s by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. It has since grown popular with Hollywood film stars such as John Travolta, Kirsty Alley and Tom Cruise.

The Top Gun actor has reportedly donated millions to help expand Scientology's growth and fulfill its founder's dream of creating a globally dominant church network.

It can be revealed that this network had always intended to target well known holiday destinations such as Bournemouth and Poole.

Hubbard himself made meticulous and detailed 'battle plans' and numerous briefing papers still exist on how to conquer the planet using Scientology Tech (an abbreviation for technology).

Scientology says it has one aim which is to make the world a saner and happier place. To achieve this requires a vast membership expansion and 'cult' bases, or missions, located strategically on every continent. And, of course, a great deal of YOUR money.

Today Scientology seems to resemble Ian Fleming's crime organisation SPECTRE much more than L. Ron Hubbard's utopian dream.

Hubbard, who passed away in 1986, had a life long passion for the sea and all things nautical, even creating an elite Scientology inner circle called the Sea Organisation. Members still wear a naval uniform and dress code; although critics are quick to point out that Hubbard originally only took to the seas to escape paying his taxes.

It is thought that with Poole's easy access to coastal locations, expanding Scientology membership within the region is highly prized by the sea faring religion. The church even has its own super yacht named the Freewinds which travels regularly on PR voyages around the globe. Could the Freewinds be destined to arrive in Poole harbour?

When L. Ron Hubbard died - following a stroke whilst secreted at his Arizona mobile caravan - back in England a limited company was quickly registered to his former adopted town of East Grinstead, West Sussex.

The church elders were frantic to ensure future funding for their faith. Astonishingly that company still exists. It has been named the Church of Scientology Mission Bournemouth Limited and was set up specifically to market membership and funnel revenue streams from within the Dorset region back to Scientology head quarters.

Hubbard's death bed instructions to expand his religion are still being followed to the letter by a band of his most loyal Dorset disciples.

In an attic room high above the Alcatraz restaurant on Poole High Street, local Scientology members meet regularly to ensure their departed leader's orders are being fulfilled exactly as per his instructions. Counselling services, books, DVDs and even group sauna treatments are available, at a cost, from this secretive Poole lair.

A slightly sinister bronze bust of Hubbard sits in a prominent position overseeing sales.

Scientology may seem more like a business or a shop than a bona fide church to most people, but its followers would not agree. Maybe they would not dare to.

Even when confronted with the suggestion that the information revealed in Scientology counselling is later used to blackmail critics, or those who might attempt to escape Scientology, they remain stoically tight lipped and uncritical.

International poster boy Tom Cruise has also begun to remain silent when the subject of Scientology is brought up. Journalists are now barred from asking direct questions about his faith.

The Scientology cross, which to any lay person is deceptively similar to the Christian religious symbol, has been cynically trademarked and copyrighted to the Scientology corporation.

All in all residents of Poole and Bournemouth may wish to keep their eyes wide open. When Scientology first infiltrated the oceanside town of Clearwater in Florida, none were concerned and were sure it was just a passing fad. Today the Clearwater community is a major base for the controversial religion, and the church has millions of dollars tied up in controlling local property, media and community businesses.

From beyond the grave could L. Ron Hubbard yet see his dream fulfilled in Dorset?

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Latest report from London regarding Scientology grooming : 
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/education/revealed-how-thousands-of-london-children-are-exposed-to-scientology-group-in-schools-a3433041.html

Poole Quayside

BOOK NOW FOR THE ROC CONVERSATION - POOLE

A ROC Conversation is a community consultation with results. It aims to bring together members of the local community, including representatives from community groups, Police Service, Fire and Rescue, NHS, local authority, MPs, Housing Associations, churches and faith based groups, Universities, Colleges and schools and many other agencies.

We have developed a successful model with over 150 consultations already under taken and have the expertise to offer agencies who wish to engage with their local community.

Following the event each participant receives a detailed report and we agree an action plan to set up projects which meet social needs identified at the consultation.

WHEN:
Wednesday, 29 June 2016 from 16:00 to 18:00 (BST)

WHERE:
The Thistle Hotel - The Quay, Poole BH15 1HD, United Kingdom

BOOK HERE FOR FREE TICKET:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/roc-conversation-poole-tickets-22113451930