Programme

DateEvent
Thursday 20th August 2026Milton Abbey – Historic tour of Abbey and Mansion House
Download booking form here
Wednesday 23rd September 2026
12 for 12:30pm
Poole Maritime Trust Autumn Luncheon
Speaker: Helen Baggott
The Mayflower Connection

This talk focuses on a group of postcards sent in the UK and in America in the early 1900’s that help share the story of the Mayflower. By illustrating the talk with postcards associated with the Mayflower, and sharing the stories of the people who sent and received them, this talk offers more that the re-telling of the voyage and early years in America.
Thursday 22nd October 2026
Talk starts at 2pm
Speaker: Kevin Patience
Aviation Around Poole Bay

A Sixty year odyssey of the important part Poole Bay and its surrounds played in the story
of aircraft and men who flew around this part of Dorset between 1910 and 1976.
Thursday 26th November 2026
Talk starts at 2pm
Speaker: Nigel Philpot
The SS Shieldhall

Nigel willl give a talk on the History of the SS Shieldhall, its importance as the last working steam ship in Northern Europe and its future preservation.
Wednesday 6th January 2027
12 for 12.30pm
Poole Maritime New Year Luncheon
Speakers: Dave Parham & Thomas Cousins TBC
The Swash Channel Wreck

The Fame set off from Holland in 1631 on a voyage to the West Indies. As a part of the well-worn trade route, the ship moored in Studland Bay but dragged its anchor in a storm and broke up on Hooks Sand, in Poole Harbour, in February 1631. After being raided by locals, the ships remained dormant on the Harbour seabed until it was rediscovered in a sand bank after being struck by a dredger in 1990. 
Thursday 14th January 2027
Talk starts at 2pm
Speaker: Philip Beale
Phoenicians Before Columbus Expedition

The Phoenicians Before Columbus Expedition (2019–2020), led by British explorer Philip Beale, successfully sailed a replica 600 BC Phoenician vessel, Phoenicia, from Tunisia to the Caribbean and Florida. This journey demonstrated that ancient Mediterranean sailors had the maritime skills and vessel technology to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
Thursday 18th February 2027
Talk starts at 2pm
Speaker: Philip Brigstock
How To Fly A Seaplane And Why Are They So Tricky!

Philip has flown since he was 17. He will tell us about the tricky techniques needed to fly seaplanes, the Schneider Cup seaplane racing in the Solent in the 1920’s, and the flying boats and seaplanes based here in Poole Harbour in WW2.
Thursday 18th March 2027
Talk starts at 2pm
Speaker: Graham Sutton
Poole Quay Railway

Graham has created a model of the Historic Poole Quay Railway and will give a talk about its history and decline.
Wednesday 14th April 2027
11 for 11.30am
Poole Maritime Trust AGM & Luncheon
Speaker: Mr Harry Gregory – Poole Harbour Master

Luncheon to follow

All Poole Maritime Trust/ Travellers’ Tales Talks will take place at:

Royal Motor Yacht Club Sandbanks, Poole BH13 7RE

PMT members may purchase drinks from the main bar if the upstairs bar is not manned.

There are disabled facilities on the ground floor and facilities on the first floor. If you arrive by car there is parking on the main road, Panorama Road. If arriving by Taxi the main entrance to the RMYC is off Old Coastguard Road.

You can contact the Programme Secretary by email here.