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...
View from the Kingsland: Snatching defeat (or a draw) from the jaws of victory
by Nick Mabey. In football terms it’s the worst feeling in the world and, recently, the Saints have been rather good at causing it. Since our current manager, Ralph Hassenhutl, took charge in December 2018, the team has conspired to drop 71 points from winning positions. The tabloids and...
Suburban Safari: Winter Woodland and Waterways
by Katie Isham. When the days are cold and short, it’s time to make the most of the sunlight hours whilst you can and head on down to one of the country parks within the Southampton postcode. Is there any better way to warm yourself up on a blisteringly...
Preview: Christmas at the theatre: Mayflower Theatre and MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton
by Catherine Collins. Southampton has Christmas all wrapped up this year, with theatre shows designed to entertain all the family – from babies to the grandparents! Second Star to the Right – a 45 minute show made especially for young children and babies at MAST Mayflower Studios – is...
Review: Night of the Living Dead – SUP Theatre Company, Hangar Farm Arts Centre
by Oli Jacobs. The line between comedy and horror is a fine one. The same scenarios that can cause screams can also cause laughter, and panicked actions can also become absurd slapstick. Therefore, it is not surprising that the SUP Theatre Company production of Night of the Living Dead...
Falling through the the justice gap: the shrinking of legal aid and access to justice
by Sally Churchward. “It’s not fair” – it’s one of the first things children learn, the concept of justice, the right to it and a huge sense of wrongdoing if everything is not equitable. Equality before the law is one of the cornerstones of our society: the firm belief...