Society For Poole

Welcome to The Society for Poole – formerly The Society Of Poole Men

The Society was founded in 1924 and was instrumental in saving Scaplen’s Court, parts of which date from 1380, and which is acknowledged as a national treasure.

The aims of the Society are “To promote Poole; its history, culture and people”

Not an historical society, we are working with BCP Council regarding the town’s strategic development plan whilst voicing concerns over general planning issues and environmental issues. We also explore opportunities to promote the town, retaining traditions such as Beating the Bounds, the erection of historic blue plaques & information boards as well as promoting the use of the Poole Flag.

We have a reciprocal arrangement with the Poole Maritime Trust (PMT) whereby our members can attend each other’s events and are affiliated to Poole Heritage Forum, Wessex Newfoundland Society, Friends of Upton Country Park, Friends of Poole Park, and Poole Twinning Association.

In the summer of 2021 we held a hugely popular VE VJ Day Event on Poole Quay, welcoming over 7,000 people to attend the delayed commemoration of the 75 anniversary of the end of WW2 and Poole’s role during the war.

We also aim to restore heritage assets across the town and in 2022 have applied for grants to refurbish the heritage lights at the bottom on Evening Hill.

If there are other assets you are concerned about please let us know.

Social events including monthly talks (also open to the general public) are generally held on 3rd Tuesday in the month at Royal British Legion Hall, 66 North Road, Poole, BH14 0LY at 7:30pm. Diary of events is available here.

We are actively seeking new members and anyone (male or female) over the age of 18 who lives in, works in or originates from, or has the interests of Poole, its past, present and future at heart, is eligible to apply for membership.

Application forms available here.

Poole Bridge Coat of Arms


View from Poole Spring 2023 VE/VJ Day Commemoration Poole 75+1 Anniversary

We Provide the Following Services

Service Boxes - Executive Committee
Please see below a list of executive committee members by role. For more general enquiries go to the contact page. Executive Committee Members President - Andrew Hawkes (Director): [email protected] Chairman - Mike
Service Boxes - Heritage
Aims of the Heritage Committee To promote the conservation, preservation, protection, development and enhancement of features of historic, archaeological, cultural or public interest in the Borough of Poole. To advance the education
Service Boxes - Parks & Green Space
Aims of the Parks & Natural Environment Committee To promote the conservation, protection and enhancement of the natural environment in the Borough of Poole. To promote and enhance public parks, open spaces
Service Boxes - Planning Issues
Aims of the Planning Committee To promote the conservation, protection and enhancement of the built environment. To promote high standards of architecture and planning. Establish a Planning Committee consisting of. Experienced planning

Latest News

All Society for Poole talks take place at the Royal British Legion Hall, North Road Poole BH14 0LY at 7pm Read more

Current Projects

The original purpose of the Beating of the Bounds of Poole Harbour was to check the various marks and boundaries of the original Winchelsea Certificate, awarded to Poole in 1364, to see that the “bounds” or boundary markers still exist ... Read more

Current Events

The History of the Poole to Cherbourg Ferry Service Talk by David Warhurst Event Details Royal British Legion 66 North Read more
Poole and the D-Day Landings Talk by Jack Hawkins Event Details Royal British Legion 66 North Road Parkstone BH14 0LY Read more
Dorset Architectural Heritage Week Poole Guildhall Open Morning 10-12:00hrs Event Details Poole Guildhall Market Street Poole BH15 1NF Read more