reviewed by Frances Churchward. This book is the story of a young girl, Romilly, who lives in a ramshackle house with her father. Before moving to this house Romilly, from the age of four, and her father led a nomadic life, at one point as part of a travelling...
Easing the lockdown: my first walk outside
word and photos by Mike Daish. Today I took my first walk in a little over two months. Due to a medical condition I was informed that I should isolate in my home for 12 weeks. I am still isolating but am now allowed to leave the house. I...
Charlie Hislop – writer
Charlie Hislop I would say I’m a writer, but I don’t do it enough to say that – yet. I’m a father of creative grown-ups, a long-distance cyclist, music lover, and I struggle with life a bit. I’ve always believed that people should be heard and have a seat...
Album review: Live at Hewood Farm by Chateau Bateau Band
reviewed by Charlie Hislop. At a time when the world seems to be just a series of angry and sad emojis, it great to get the chance to get the big heart emoji out and splash it around. But that’s what I’m doing to the new album by Southampton’s...
Help secure future of Southampton independent bookshop by treating yourself
Southampton’s radical bookshop October Books, has launched a crowdfunder like no other – this promises a 100% return to all who contribute. The folks at October Books are encouraging the public to buy October Books vouchers via a crowdfunding campaign in order to keep the tills ringing until they...
The Southampton Doorstep Portraits Project
by Martin Brisland. A record of a unique moment in time by photographer Katherine Mills. We have all been affected by the coronavirus pandemic in some way. For a local photographer who would typically be earning from weddings and family occasions at this time of year it means creative...
Letting Things Slide (from the diary of a neurotic woman)
by a neurotic woman. Last week I watched a short video on Facebook which, in the opening shots showed a man falling out of bed in the morning, slobbing around in an undressed state all day and who was evidently in lockdown, living on his own and depressed. The...
Transgendered Substantiation # 14: Surgery & Ubuntu
by Lucy Rose. A few words before we start… Picture: Scott Chalmers Photography Firstly, I want to thank you for taking the time to read this, the final entry of my series, Transgendered Substantiation. The series has been adapted from blogs I wrote for my website during my transition,...
Graduate artists find new ways of exhibiting during lockdown
Led by arts organisation, ’a space’ arts, Homemade Mango Chutney is a virtual exhibition of new work by graduate artists in Southampton. Previously titled Mango Chutney, the exhibition was originally intended to showcase the work of ten artists who currently occupy studio spaces at the Alfred Arcade and the...
Directory of businesses in and around Southampton currently operating
by Frances Churchward, additional research by Georgina Morgan. In these very frightening times, one thing that has given a spark of positivity is people coming together as communities and supporting one another. People have stayed in their homes for weeks on end, not only for their own sakes, but...