A community research project has launched this month aiming to tell the stories embedded in the culture of Southampton’s streets and neighbourhoods through films made from residents’ perspectives. We Make Southampton (WMS) CIC is launching its ‘Is this street made for me?’ initiative with the Future Cities Community Hub...
View from the Kingsland: Sam McQueen, support for a local lad
by Nick Mabey. I was very sad to hear Sam McQueen had been forced to retire from professional football at the much-too-young age of 26 after a three-year series of problems stemming from a serious knee injury sustained while he was out on loan at Middlesbrough. Sam has told...
Southampton social care workers being offered free counselling in response to pandemic
Southampton’s frontline care workers are being offered free counselling support by a charity this winter to help them through the ongoing pandemic especially with the emergence of Omicron. Options Wellbeing Trust, part of the not-for-profit enterprise Social Care in Action (SCiA), wishes to help those whose mental health and...
Suburban Safari: A Calshot of Colour
by Katie Isham. After all the panic / excess / stress / chaos (delete as appropriate) of the festive period, the time is right for some outdoor indulgence. Nothing beats getting outside for some big space, big air and big colour. Consider this a preventative attack on the January...
Photos: A morning walk at Christmas
by Mike Daish. I got up quite early and decided to have a morning walk to Eling. I had a very quite walk there and only saw one other person, we wished each other a merry Christmas while passing. I took a seat near the Anchor pub and sat...
View from the Kingsland: A Christmas Football Frenzy
by Nick Mabey. It’s that time of year again. While the majority of European football leagues take a well-earned winter break for some quality family time, the English league does the opposite and squeezes as many fixtures as possible into the festive season. We can’t even blame the TV...
Opinion: Access to leisure is a lifesaver – don’t close St Mary’s Leisure Centre
by Nick Chaffey. Southampton Council says its priority is our health and wellbeing, but it seems St Mary’s can do without. During the pandemic, poor health and poverty have been key causes of serious health complications and death. Access to leisure is a lifesaver. Council cabinet member John Hannides says...
Suburban Safari: Explore Narnia in Bitterne Park
by Katie Isham. Fake furs on folks. We’re going further afield this week. In a way. Who knew there lies a whole magical kingdom within the suburbs of Bitterne Park? Some creative, imaginative kind souls have designed a walking trail to cast light on the tales of Narnia from...
REVIEW: Cinderella at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
by Catherine Collins. Panto is back with a bang at Mayflower Theatre – complete with a flying coach and horses, tap dancing pumpkins, and childhood legends Sooty and Sweep – in a production that entertains the whole family from beginning to end. It’s been a long couple of years...
Southampton residents say more support needed to boost mental health
Five hundred Southampton residents have responded to the first phase of research commissioned to find out what people think is required to make Southampton a more mental health friendly city. The survey by Southampton Mental Health Network was focused on what is needed to improve the city’s mental health...