by Martin Brisland. Marcus Rashford turns 23 later this week. A talented England and Manchester United footballer now earning very well but who grew up relying on free school meals. In the last few months he has caught the public mood and even received an MBE. Ensuring disadvantaged children...
End SARS protest held in Southampton in solidarity with the people of Nigeria
by Sally Churchward. Activists gathered in Southampton Guildhall Square yesterday (October 24) to protest against police brutality in Nigeria. The demonstration was called to protest against a police unit, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS. The event was held in solidarity with protests that have been held against the unit...
Opinion: the greening of Southampton
by Martin Brisland. Southampton is quite literally a green park city. Thanks to Victorian foresight, it has the second highest acreage of green city spaces in England with its well maintained central parks, Greenways and 365 acre Common. We are also going green through initiatives such as Zedify, an...
Friends of Freemantle Lake Park see a massive boost thanks to a local church
You never know where a friendly chat might lead to. After a conversation over a garden wall between a local resident Kat Smith and the treasurer of Christchurch Freemantle, Will Green, the church agreed to donate £5000 towards play equipment for Freemantle Lake Park in Southampton. Friends of Freemantle...
Opinion: from shielding to shop floor – going back to work
by a Southampton worker. A Southampton worker shares their experiences of returning to work following shielding due to the coronavirus pandemic. They have chosen to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions from their employer. They have been shielding and don’t feel safe at work but fear speaking out could...
Creative writing: Parking Level 4 (ish)
In Common has launched a regular platform for people to share creative writing – short stories, observations, poem etc. Please get in touch if you would like your work to be featured: editor@in-common.co.uk. by Oli Jacobs. If there is a Hell, then no better is it defined that...
Suburban Safari: Itchen Valley Country Park
by Katie Isham. There are a good few Country Parks adjoining our fair city, so I thought it was time to visit one of them. I’ll be honest with you, I’m not usually a fan of a Country Park. It’s a little too prepared for my tastes. You have...
Citizens Advice Southampton seeking people refused a tenancy because they’re in receipt of benefits
New research conducted by Citizens Advice Southampton has revealed the almost impossible task of finding a home for those on low incomes. Of 135 rental properties advertised on a popular website, just 14 said that they would accept tenants on benefits – highlighting the difficulties facing many prospective tenants...
Photos: beautiful distractions
by Mike Daish. I am slowly starting to go out with my camera more often after getting back into the routine of being at work again. In these difficult and worrying times, it is wonderful to have the distraction of walking around taking photos of the many beautiful things...
Anti-racism rally in Southampton following racially motivated attack
by Sally Churchward. Local people took to the streets yesterday (October 13, 2020) in an anti racism protest. The rally was held in response to what police believe was a racially motivated attack in which a man was stabbed and a woman was injured, last week. The incident took...