by Alex Thurley-Ratcliff. “Should we believe in God? Do we need God in order to explain the existence of the universe? Do we need God in order to be good?” asks the back cover blurb on Richard Dawkins latest book. Dawkins does not just return a list of answers...
Opinion: properly funded education is essential
by Charlotte Ndupuechi. As the new school year gets underway, with parents and carers setting their children into new classes and teachers eagerly planning for the year ahead, it’s an interesting time to reflect on the education system. The new prime minister Boris Johnson, has promised more money for...
My Life with M.E. – Exploding the Myths
by Chrissy Russell. Myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Yuppy Flu, post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS), chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID)… The list goes on. Each decade has seen a new name, but the erroneous perception of it remains the same. The Word Health...
Book review: The Rapture by Claire McGlasson
Reviewed by Sally Churchward. I defy anyone to read even the cover of Claire McGlasson’s debut novel, and not be intrigued. “This is the Garden of Eden. Hidden in plain sight. It was here in Bedford all along. Welcome to the Panacea Society, a terribly English cult.” McGlasson’s work...
Health and fitness column: stress
by Gen Preece. Stress: what we need to remember, forget and recognise Change your perception, change your response and watch the stress fade. Here’s how. We all feel stressed from time to time, whether it’s getting stuck in traffic, dealing with an annoying work colleague or bigger things, like...
Southampton Pride August 2019
by Alex Thurley-Ratcliff. If you’ve missed the references or don’t know much about LGBTQ+ history, then I hope you’ll forgive me for reminding you that this year we are commemorating 50 years since the Stonewall riots in New York – the start of the modern gay liberation movement and...
Book review: Lessons in Stoicism by John Sellars
reviewed by Chris Richards. John Sellars’ Lessons in Stoicism is a slim volume introducing Stoicism to a new audience; inspiring readers to become followers. Any and all readers will find wisdom and tangible pathways to contentedness in some form. Like many of the best ideas and wisdom, once found...
Daniel Crow & a space: transforming city’s art scene
by Sally Churchward. God’s House Tower, a new multi-million arts venue in Southampton’s Old Town, will open in September. It will house a permanent exhibition about the building’s heritage, changing exhibitions, talks, workshops, events, a cafe and a shop, and is set to become a major tourist attraction on...
Book review: RMS Titanic: The Bridlington Connections by Richard M Jones
reviewed by Chris Richards. This history book is about the RMS Titanic and its links to Bridlington in Yorkshire. The tone is sensitive and celebratory of the people who made history over the last hundred years. Richard M Jones was an eleven-year-old boy when his enthusiasm for the Titanic...
Recipe: raspberry and lemon cheesecake
by Hannah Pinchin of Hannah Banana Bakery. SERVES 8 Ingredients: Biscuit base 300g Vegan digestive biscuits (or lotus spread biscuits for a spicy twist) 3tbsp Vegan margarine Zingy lemony middle 225g Cashew nuts (soaked in water over night or boiled for 10 minutes) 125ml Maple syrup 250 ml Coconut...