by Katie Isham. Somewhere in a nearby magical land, in a kingdom behind a Co-Op, where the grand towers of industry watch over the landscape, there is a pathway from the suburbs to the shore. It may not have grand beginnings but it opens out onto one of the...
Columns
View from the Kingsland: The Transfer Window
by Nick Mabey. When I was a small boy transfers were worn like tattoos on our arms and windows were something we looked through while watching Play School. Nowadays the two words have joined forces in a twice-a-year cultural ritual for every football fan to suffer/enjoy (delete as appropriate)....
View from the Kingsland: the annual commitment
Picture: Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse, Saints fans’ Player of The Season, in action against Liverpool in the last game of season at St Mary’s/Chris Moorhouse/Southampton FC. by Nick Mabey. It’s that time of year again. No sooner does one season end I’m asked to reconfirm my commitment to the...
Suburban Safari: Anyone for Tennis?
words and pictures by Katie Isham. A Suburban Safari should be a chance to explore another side to favourite locations; to make time to appreciate the beauty in the everyday steps taken. But also, provide joy in finding a hidden surprise amongst the familiar. And most significantly, to observe...
View from the Kingsland: The Doldrums
by Nick Mabey. The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed this column is a week later than usual. I could make up some fancy, but oh so plausible, excuse for this but, truth be told, my writing has hit the doldrums in the same way as my football team...
Suburban Safari: Back on the Bluebell Trail
by Katie Isham. This time of year is synonymous with the bluebell explosion of the British woodland. You’ll find local enclaves at Manor Farm, Victoria Country Park, further out into the New Forest and of course, in the Old Cemetery on The Common. But for now, come explore the...
Suburban Safari: Life and Death in Romsey
by Katie Isham. Start this exploration in the centre of Romsey, the market town northwest of Southampton. Don’t worry though, we’re not staying amongst the hustle and bustle of the town centre. We’re heading out to the suburbs. From the centre, travel east along The Hundred, one of the...
View from the Kingsland: champions in style
by Nick Mabey. Congratulations to Southampton FC women on winning the FA Women’s National League Southern Division this week. They’ve been top all season and clinched the title with a couple of games to spare. The icing on the cake was being able to lift the trophy after beating...
Suburban Safari: Netley Abbey
by Katie Isham. When everything is busy and life is loud, there are few better places to go wander than around the walls of a thirteenth century monastery, especially when the roof is now cobalt blue skies pouring down from heaven to light your walk through the crumbling walls. ...
View from the Kingsland: flawed heroes
by Nick Mabey. When I was growing up I assumed that adults were perfect. Of course I read and watched the news so was aware that some adults were not. But in my world all the adults that mattered to me must be perfect. Surely that’s why they called...