I have no knowledge what equipment Bournemouth tower have presently as I haven't been there since 1974!
Just because you were issued with a transponder code doesn't mean they have any sort of Aerodrome Traffic Monitor, which is what a mini radar display in the VCR is called.This could have been what is called a 'conspicuity' code to show their radar controllers where the circuit traffic is. Having said that however, most modern ATMs show both primary and secondary radar.
If you're training at Bournemouth, I would suggest you try to visit the tower to see for yourself.