As January 2026 signs out with storms, floods and general chaos, what will February and the following months offer?
I’ll begin with an important membership subscription update. At our most recent Executive Committee meeting, after very careful consideration, we agreed that from 1st June 2026 the annual subscription will be £10 for individual members and £7 per flat for block memberships.
This is the first increase in more than 25 years. During that time, subscriptions have remained at £5 (individual) and £3 per flat, something quite rare today. Your contributions have enabled BPCCRA to carry out its work responsibly and thoughtfully, including maintaining a reserve so we can step in when residents need us most whether that’s seeking professional planning or legal advice, or formally representing members’ interests on important local matters.
Like all organisations, we are facing steadily rising day to day expenses and our current subscription levels no longer fully meet the Association’s regular outgoings. This careful adjustment ensures we remain on a sound footing and able to continue working effectively on behalf of the community.
If you pay individually by standing order please note we will be moving to Direct Debit and will be in touch with details shortly. The annual subscription will be £10 from June 2026. For block memberships, managing agents will be reminded in advance, with the revised rate applying from the February 2027 invoice.
Your membership supports open meetings with councillors, regular local updates, our AGM, Pines and Chines and most importantly a dedicated team of volunteers working to protect and represent our area. We are proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited about the work ahead.
In other membership news, we’re delighted to welcome John Pearce as our new Membership Secretary. With his skills and experience we’re very pleased to have him on board and know he will play an important role in strengthening member engagement and overseeing our planned new database system.
I would also like to thank Pamela Carvell for her dedicated work as Membership Secretary over the past 18 months.
We’re pleased to have found local artist Stuart Roberts of Poole Artists Circle to paint the mural at the restored Pinecliff Gardens shelter and work begins in April.
Annabel is currently curating the next issue of Pines and Chines. Contributions and photos are welcome before mid-February ed.pinesandchines@cloud.co.uk
We’re always grateful for volunteers who can support us in any way, contact me if you can help.
Key dates
- Next BPCCRA Open Meeting: 11th February 2026
- BPCCRA AGM: 11th April 2026
- New Poole Town Council elections: 7th May 2026
Thank you for your continued support of the Association.
Peter Schroeder
Chairman
BPCCRA
February 2026
Email; p.r.schroeder39@gmail.com
Mobile; 07767633718 Home; 01202701430
