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Coastal Cruises Poole invites the community to join a very special farewell cruise as one of Poole Harbour’s most familiar ships prepares to make her final departure.On Monday 12th October 2026, Coastal Cruises Poole will take to the water to escort Barfleur on her final sailing from Poole, marking the end of an era for a vessel that has been a much-loved sight in the harbour for more than three decades.For generations of local residents and visitors, Barfleur has been part of the fabric of Poole’s maritime landscape, carrying thousands of passengers between Poole and Cherbourg and becoming an instantly recognisable sight as she arrived and departed from the port.Now, members of the public will have the opportunity to be out on the water to witness her final departure and give her a proper Poole send-off.Coastal Cruises Poole’s Solent Scene will depart from Poole Quay at 7.30am sharp, with passengers able to enjoy bacon baps, tea and coffee as they begin this unique morning on the water.The boat will sail close to the Ro-Ro berth to watch Barfleur’s final loading before taking up position for a special farewell sail-past. In accordance with the Harbour Master’s Notice, Solent Scene will then follow approximately 50 metres astern as Barfleur makes her way out of Poole Harbour.The cruise is expected to return between 9.00am and 9.30am.Carol Scott, Director of Coastal Cruises Poole, said:“Barfleur has been such an important part of Poole’s maritime story for over 30 years, and for many people she has been a familiar sight throughout their lives. We wanted to give people the opportunity to come together, get out on the water and give her the farewell she deserves.“It will undoubtedly be an emotional morning, but also a celebration of the memories, journeys and connections Barfleur has created over the years. We are honoured to be able to play a small part in this very special moment in Poole’s maritime history.”Passengers are encouraged to wrap up warm and bring their cameras for what promises to be a unique opportunity to witness a piece of Poole’s maritime history from the water.

1st October 26, UK: Arena Racing Company (ARC) is continuing to demonstrate the versatility of its racecourses with the launch of a major new drone show, Neverland, in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity).The event, taking place at the group’s Royal Windsor racecourse, 3rd October, will transform the venue for an evening of large-scale family entertainment, centred around a 600-drone display and accompanied by an immersive soundtrack and wider entertainment programme.The event will support GOSH Charity, with one £1 of every ticket sold helping to support seriously ill children from across the UK. In 1929, J.M. Barrie gifted all rights to Peter Pan to GOSH, and it continues to receive royalties for public performances of the play.Ahead of the event, the ARC team were able to visit the hospital, meeting some patients and families to learn more about where the money will be going towards. Complete with costumes, play and giveaways, the visit allowed the team to create some fun for the children while connecting directly with the cause the event is supporting.Julie Coates Walker, Group Head of Sales at ARC, commented: “There is a huge amount of work that goes into creating an event like Neverland, but our visit to GOSH was a lovely reminder of why it’s so important to support this cause.. Our teams are passionate about creating great experiences, so taking a little of that energy directly to the children and families at the hospital was incredibly special.”GOSH Charity exists to support seriously ill children treated at GOSH, helping to give them the best chance, and best childhood possible. Money raised from this event will help GOSH Charity support GOSH’s most urgent needs, including funding state-of-the-art medical equipment, vital support services for children and their families, ground-breaking research and child-centred medical facilities.Neverland is the latest in a growing programme of outdoor events taking place across ARC racecourses, as the group continues to develop the use of its venues beyond traditional racedays.With extensive outdoor space alongside permanent catering, hospitality, technical and operational infrastructure, ARC racecourses provide ready-made environments for concerts, festivals, mass-participation events, corporate experiences, and large-scale public entertainment. Drone shows are an increasingly exciting addition to that mix, combining technology, creativity, and live production to create highly visual experiences for large audiences.

People can build rewarding careers and “great livings” in events, but the opportunities are not always visible to the next generation.The events industry must do more to show young people that they can build rewarding, long-term careers within the sector.That is the message from Serkan Uzunogullari, Senior Lecturer in Tourism, Hospitality and Events at the University of Sunderland, and Paul Borg, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter.Speaking in the latest episode of the hotel’s Talking People with Paul Borg podcast, the pair discuss why many people still “fall into” events and how the industry can make its career pathways clearer.“Events can be someone’s first job, a part-time job or a graduate role, and then develop into a career in management, operations or one of many other areas,” Serkan said. “It has a low entry point but a very high ceiling.“However, students don’t always see that pathway. I think we have to put our hands up and admit that we are still underselling it.”Paul began his own hospitality career behind a bar before becoming a hotel General Manager. He believes the industry should speak more confidently about the opportunities it offers.“There can be long days and unsociable hours, and we should be honest about that. However, the reward from delivering an event can be huge,” Paul Said. “There is real potential to progress and make a great living, and I don’t think we talk about that enough.”The episode also explores how education providers and employers can work together to prepare and retain new talent.The University of Sunderland works with employers through mentoring, placements, live projects and site visits. Several of its students and graduates have joined Crowne Plaza Newcastle, starting in areas including reception and food and beverage before progressing into conference, events and management roles.Serkan said universities can teach event design, planning, marketing and audiovisual production, but cannot fully recreate the pressure of live delivery.“We can expose students to controlled pressure and give them opportunities to organise smaller events,” he explained. “What we cannot replicate in a classroom is the pace, emotion and experience of managing hundreds or thousands of people.“That is why universities and employers must work closely together. Graduates may understand the theory, but employers need to meet young talent halfway and help them develop operational confidence.”Paul concluded: “We need more event and hospitality professionals to go into schools, colleges and universities, talk openly about their own careers and show young people where an entry-level role can lead.“But this cannot stop at telling them the opportunities are there. Employers need to open their doors through placements, mentoring, workplace visits and part-time roles – and then give young people the training and support to progress. If we want the talent our industry needs in the future, we all have a part to play in developing it now.”Talking People with Paul Borg is a six-part podcast series featuring event leaders, creatives, educators, media professionals and emerging talent from across the meetings and events industry. The episode featuring Serkan Uzunogullari is available now via Talking People with Paul Borg.