Feeling nostalgic is a sentimental yearning to return to a past time or thinking fondly of times gone by.
Places change over time, and a lot of us have memories of places from our youth that we look back on or may have forgotten.
Bournemouth and Poole have had many things change over time, from popular bars and clubs to old places you used to hang out with your friends.
Here’s a list of a few things that you may remember that will be a blast from the past and bring up past memories of days gone by.
There’s nothing better than reminiscing and talking with your peers about what you used to get up to, so enjoy, and thanks for checking it out.
Table of Contents
The Bournemouth Balloon
The Bournemouth Balloon sat proudly in Bournemouth Gardens. It was a very popular landmark, and many people travelled to the town to ride the famous balloon.
The balloon was tethered and flew 150m (492ft), giving passengers amazing views of Bournemouth.
Up to 28 people could ride the balloon at once and could ride day or night.
The gondola gave passengers a 360-degree view of the town and gave Bournemouth 15 years of service.
It sadly had to be removed due to damage and not being safe to use.
Many people will remember the balloon fondly for riding, being a great meeting place and spotting it in the sky around Bournemouth.
The BIC Swimming Pool
Anyone who remembers the BIC swimming pool will have many memories of the wave machine.
Clinging on for dear life as the waves came crashing towards you was so much fun.
The heated indoor pool had other features such as a water flume, children’s pool and slide.
Due to the BIC needing to expand, the swimming pool was closed in 2004.
The Venue Tower Park
The Venue in Tower Park was the place to be. A ‘superclub’ (not by today’s standards) would attract clubbers from all over, such as Southampton, Portsmouth and Basingstoke.
Known for the best nights out, the banging tunes and the bouncers in their pink jackets chucking you down the stairs if you were thrown out.
Back in the days when you could smoke in clubs, drink from proper glasses and have fun without posing or cameras being everywhere you turn.
It’s hard to believe Tower Park had a club venue compared to what it’s like today.
A lot of people have the best memories at The Venue; there’s even a Facebook group dedicated to it.
Ice Trax Tower Park
Ice Trax was an indoor ice skating rink and it was the best place to meet up with your friends at the weekend.
It was one of the original attractions within Tower Park and was loved by many.
Ice Trax closed its doors in the mid-1990s, and Gala Bingo took its place.
The Waterfront Bournemouth
Considered one of the most hated buildings in Britain, The Waterfront probably seemed like a good idea on paper but, in reality, was a huge flop.
The building opened in 1999 and had big plans with its 3D IMAX cinema and restaurants.
However, the cinema opening was delayed to 2002 and didn’t even end up showing 3D films due to technical problems.
The building had many businesses come and go, resulting in the building opening only a few days a week, and the people of Bournemouth didn’t want this ugly, great building blocking the beautiful beach views.
In 2013, the building was demolished.
A crazy golf course now stands there today and doesn’t block any views!
The Shell House
The Shell House is a place that many people from Bournemouth will remember passing or seeing whilst visiting Southbourne.
It was a famous landmark for over 50 years and raised lots of money for charity, attracting lots of visitors and even Margaret Thatcher visited during the Bournemouth East by-election in 1977.
The Shell house grew and grew over the years and had shells from all over the world added to the collection.
The house was later demolished and now is a block of flats with no shells in sight.
Lighting Candles in Bournemouth Gardens
A tradition that dates back more than 100 years, candle lighting in Bournemouth Gardens.
It would attract thousands of people to light up colourful glass jar candles, set out into beautiful displays and patterns.
Unfortunately, due to funding, the tradition has dwindled, with 2017 being the last known year.
Woolworths
I had to include Woolworths in this post because it’s a shop everyone was so fond of.
Going in, buying pick and mix and picking up the latest single on CD or tape was the best time.
It sold everything from homewares, clothes, toys, videos, tools, beauty products and more!
Unfortunately, all Woolworths stores were closed down in 2009.
The Millenium Flame in Bournemouth Town Centre
The Millennium Flame was a famous meeting spot for teenagers. You’d call your friends on the house phone or your Nokia 3310 and arrange to meet them at the flame in the square.
With an eternal flame, it was a famous landmark when visiting Bournemouth Town and thousands gathered to watch it being lit in January 2000.
Borders Bournemouth
Borders in Bournemouth was another favourite meeting spot and was a huge hit in its heyday.
Many famous people and authors visited the store for book signings, including David Attenborough, Jacqueline Wilson, Martin Clunes and Michael Palin.
You could spend hours sitting in the comfy chairs, flicking through books, listening to the latest albums with the giant headphones attached to the wall, or getting a coffee.
Unfortunately, Borders closed down in December 2009; a Tesco Metro is now in its place.
Thanks I hope you enjoyed a trip down memory lane. If there’s anything thing you remember that could be on this list let us know in the comments!
