Farewell from SO18 Big Local
Harefield, Townhill Park and Midanbury were chosen in 2012 as one of 150 areas in England to receive over £1m from the Lottery, to spend over 10+ years. Deciding on plans and putting them into action has been the task of our SO18 Big Local committee of local residents supported by workers. Our film demonstrates what’s been achieved, and our work lives on as our final newsletters show. It’s been an inspiring journey!
In 2012, the neighbourhoods of Townhill Park, Harefield and parts of Midanbury were awarded £1m to spend over 10 years, to make the areas better places to live and increase skills and confidence among residents.
This project, known as SO18 Big Local, has been resident-led throughout, driven by a small group of volunteers who are all local people just like you. It was clear that what was needed locally was a number of small projects that would each make a big impact on people’s lives, with SO18 Big Local at the heart, bringing everything together like a jigsaw.
This is the story of our jigsaw!
One of the themes of SO18 Big Local has been to provide a Helping Hand to our residents. This is where we procure services and bring organisations to the local area. Over the years this has enabled local people to access everything from welfare benefits support to autism support groups, from food projects to parenting courses.
We’ve donated over £9k to local schools to provide Christmas hampers for their most vulnerable families and piloted the SO:Let’s Connect digital inclusion project.
Another area of focus for us has been the environment, under our Better Place to Live theme. We’ve worked tirelessly with Southampton City Council over the years to push forward improvements for Frogs Copse and Cutbush Hidden Pond, to provide local litter picks and environmental work days, and to provide summer family engagement sessions in green spaces.
We’ve also set up our infamous Mosaic Way with TWICS and our community gardening project, which will continue after SO18 Big Local finishes.
As part of our striving for a Kinder Community, we’ve put on many, many free or very low cost events for families over the decade, including events themed around Halloween, Christmas, Easter and more. We ran a youth project for teenagers for several years, and we’ve worked with Southampton Children’s Play Association to bring extra playschemes and pop-up play sessions during school holidays, and funded Learning Through Sport to run holiday sports courses for children, at a reduced cost to local parents.
Our final theme of “We Can!” and of course our overarching theme of “Jigsaw” has seen us support residents to campaign for better services locally, whether that’s improved bus services in Harefield or road crossings in Townhill Park. We established, and have run for over 8 years, the Townhill Park Estate Regeneration Forum to provide a platform for communication with the council during the long running Estate Regeneration programme and have worked with the University of Southampton on several projects looking at Pride In Place and access to green spaces among others. We also ran a Small Grant Fund for 5 years, providing funding and grant training to local groups, and for nearly a decade have run the Harefield Hub, the only community space in Harefield, to make sure residents have somewhere to meet and access services.
Whilst the SO18 Big Local project is coming to an end, this is not the end of us – several projects will continue, still striving for green space improvements in Townhill Park, still support residents through the Estate Regeneration and the community gardening volunteers have established a new group and are determined to keep going.
We’ve achieved so much over the time we’ve been here – and have a lot to be proud of. This project has shown that local people really can make a difference to the things they’re passionate about and that anything is possible when you come together in one big jigsaw!
SO18 Big Local, Townhill Park Residents Association and Southampton Airport are running a poster competition for children and young people aged 16 and under. We’d like you to design a poster to encourage people to bag & bin their dog’s waste.Posters need to be A4 but can be portrait or landscape. They can be created digitally or using pens/paint, but must be your own work and include no copyrighted material.
Please ask an adult to send a copy/scan or clear photograph of your poster to info@SO18BigLocal.org.uk no later than 29th February 2024 and include
your name & age.
2 winning designs (Under 11 years & 12-16 years) will be printed and displayed in & around Marlhill Copse, and will receive shopping vouchers for art supplies.
Cutbush Hidden Pond – Townhill Park 
Signs of Spring, 9 March ’23
This morning SO18 Big Local hosted a Signs of Spring Nature Walk. Huge thanks to Ian, Senior Ranger (East) for sharing his extensive knowledge on our enjoyable (albeit slightly damp) walk around the Townhill Park area. We spotted many signs that Spring is on the way, including hazel catkins & flowers emerging, blackthorn & cherry blossom, lesser celandine and many other wildflowers starting to grow again.
We’ve been asked to run a similar walk again in the Summer, so watch this space!
SO18 Big Local are also working with SCC to set up an informal “Friends of” group for the green spaces in Townhill Park, including Frogs Copse, Cutbush Hidden Pond and other areas. They’ve now got a Facebook page, so please head to Friends of Townhill Park Environment and give them a Like or Follow!
Out and about on Bluestar Buses
The Bluestar takeover of Southampton bus routes has happened now that City Red First buses have left. Bluestar’s managers report that the changeover has gone well, though also explaining that it will take a few weeks to ‘settle in’ as there are lots of new drivers who need to get used to the routes, different buses, and different ticket machines.
In Townhill Park you’ll now see the Bluestar 20 (ex City Red 7) and the City Red 14 (ex City Red 8) as well as the pre-existing Bluestar 16.
In Harefield, the route is still number 13, but we hope it’s now a luckier number! The frequency is much better, with the introduction of the Sunday service much appreciated.
In celebration, Harefield Bus Campaign decorated all Harefield’s bus stops with balloons and bunting on the first Monday of the new service, inviting Bluestar managers to join them, with Blueberry Muffins on offer with tea!
All the new timetable information is here: https://www.bluestarbus.co.uk/services
Downloading the Bluestar Bus app will give you real time information on where your bus is. You can also set routes/stops to be your “favourites” (using the star symbol in the app) to make them easier to find in the app, and allow you to track the vehicles to give you real time bus updates. The staff in the Bluestar shop in town (Bargate Street near West Quay) are helpful and will show you how to use the bus app if needed.
Local school needs more governors!
One of our local schools, Townhill Juniors, has vacancies on their governing body. The governing board is responsible for providing confident and strategic leadership, and creating robust accountability, oversight and assurance for the school’s educational and
financial performance. The board is passionate about education and committed to
continuous school improvement to ensure the best possible outcomes for pupils. To find out more, read more here: Governor vacancy.
The Marketplace @ Townhill Park is expanding
Membership is now open to anyone with an SO18 2 postcode, or those living in Vale Drive, Summit Way or Vanguard Road.
For more information or to join the waiting list for membership, contact marketplace@southamptoncitymission.co.uk
Several new groups are starting locally, not run by SO18 Big Local but accessible to residents in our patch:
My Journey are looking for volunteers to help operate the School Street on Cutbush Lane at the junction with Meggeson Avenue.
If you can help out for a few sessions a week or just a morning or afternoon a week to help make the road outside our school a safe space for children and their families, we’d be very grateful! If you are able to help or would like more information, please contact Mr Humphries at Townhill Junior School, or email: nhumphries@townhilljuniorschool.co.uk – Mr Humphries has also prepared a FAQ sheet which might answer any queries you have: Safer School Streets – Q&A for Community Volunteers
Fore more information on School Streets, visit https://myjourneysouthampton.com/education/school-streets
Needing a New Vision on Relationships?
NVR helps to rebuild relationships with children that are exhibiting challenging behaviour, and really can change lives.
We’ve funded many NVR courses over the last few years, and are really pleased to announce that the Spring term NVR course will run for 10 weeks (excluding half-term) from 16th January 2023. This is an evening course, and will run at our community hub in Harefield (47 Melchet Road, SO18 5GW) on Monday evenings, 1830-2030.
Due to limitations of our funding, priority for places will go to families living within the SO18 Big Local funding area, which can be checked on our Home Page but if not all spaces are filled from our patch, then we can accommodate those from outside the funding area.
There is no formal referral process for SO18BL funded courses, so families can put themselves forward if they wish, but all places *must* be booked in advance by messaging the NVR team on Admin@nvrsouth.org
Not sure what NVR is all about, or whether it could help you? Check out this podcast that features one of our NVR parent practitioners Michelle, and our Chair, Kim, who is a previous attendee of the course.
Please share this information with friends that you think might benefit from this course. Move information on NVR is available on their website, https://nvrsouth.org.uk/
Christmas donations to schools
Once again, for Christmas 2022, SO18 Big Local were pleased to be able to make financial donations to 6 of our local schools, in order to contribute to their plans for making hampers for families in need over the festive period.
One of the recipient schools was Harefield Primary, who have written a lovely letter of thanks to us and other organisations that have supported families via their schools this Christmas time, telling us that their “aim was to help ease the load of Christmas and we truly believe that these hampers have made a real difference.”
Smartphone photography course
SO18 Big Local recently provided funding for In Focus to deliver a series of workshops for local residents who wished to increase their photography skills and knowledge. The course ran at our Hub in Harefield, and the attendees are now looking at producing a small exhibition at our Hub in the New Year. Read more, and view some of the photos, on a blog by In Focus.
Christmas events galore!
SO18 Big Local are running several Christmas events this year. There’s a chance to meet Santa at our Harefield Hub (including a more relaxed session for children with additional needs) and our community gardener Pippa is running a workshop on making Winter Window Displays. Pippa’s also running 2 wreath making sessions, and we’re once again holding 2 nights of our community Winter Lights Walk in Townhill Park. Head to our Events page for details of all these and other upcoming events.
Harefield Bus Services branded a nightmare by campaigners
Read the Daily Echo article here about the impact the loss of service is having on Harefield residents. If you’re also affected by the reduction in bus services for Harefield, and you’ve not yet spoken to Harefield Bus Campaign, please do email them on harefieldbuscampaign@gmail.com
Winter coat giveaway
Southampton Vineyard Church are holding a big Winter coat giveaway this year. Donations can be dropped off on 6th November and their giveaway event is on 12th November – please see their website, for all info: Winter coat giveaway – Southampton Vineyard Church
Changes proposed to Bitterne Park & Harefield Wards
The Local Government Boundary Commission for England have released their final report that outlines their recommendations for changes to the ward boundaries in Southampton. SO18 Big Local contributed to the consultation about the boundary changes, and our revised suggestion has been accepted, in that the whole of Meggeson Avenue will now be in one ward (Bitterne Park) instead of the ward boundary bisecting this main road through Townhill Park. See the maps and full report on the Local Government Boundary Commission website.
Estate Regeneration of Townhill Park
An article was published in the Daily Echo this morning (22nd Sept) online and in print, concerning the Estate Regeneration of Townhill Park. Unfortunately, elements of this article were misleading.
We’ve therefore included below the full statements that were sent to the Echo by SCC and by our Chair. Please remember that SO18 Big Local works closely with Southampton City Council regarding the Estate Regeneration of Townhill Park and remains committed to continuing to do so.
Statement from Councillor Lisa Mitchell, Cabinet Member for Housing and Green Environment:
“The regeneration of Townhill Park will replace old council housing stock with over six-hundred brand new energy efficient council homes. 56 of these homes have already been delivered with another 273 currently being designed and as a new administration, we are fully committed to this project and determined to accelerate the pace of delivery. In the coming weeks, we will be launching a public engagement survey on the homes which have been designed before planning applications are submitted.
“The regeneration is about more than new homes, it is about creating a better neighbourhood and environment for this community to thrive in. As part of this, we have also delivered £3.75million worth of neighbourhood improvements across Townhill Park to date including traffic-calming measures and a new green space in the heart of the community, Townhill Green, a popular and much-loved space.
“At the centre of this project is the community and we are working closely with them and SO18 Big Local to ensure the regeneration delivers the best outcomes for the most important part of everything we do, the people.”
Statement from Kim Ayling, Chair of SO18 Big Local:“SO18 Big Local as a committed resident led community project are proud to have been working in partnership with Southampton City Council on the Townhill Park Regeneration Project. We endeavour to act as a critical friend to SCC and conduit between local residents and other involved stakeholders.
We have facilitated the SO18 Big Local Regeneration Forum since 2015 bringing together as many stakeholders as possible. The regeneration of Townhill Park is not just about bricks and mortar and finances it is also a human story and we make sure the lived experienced is shared.
Yes, it has been 10 years since the Townhill Park community were sold the vision of a new family neighbourhood. Of the 600+ promised new homes only 56 have been built. Over 250 homes have either been demolished or stand empty surrounded by hoardings.
This is a complicated situation, as the housing crisis shows, and this continues to be a dispiriting journey of one step forward and then two steps back.”
Soccercise is coming to Harefield from Monday!
Inspired by England 2022, Hampshire FA are starting a Soccercise exercise class here in Harefield starting next Monday 27th June. Soccercise is a mixture of fitness exercises with a football. Classes are open to women of all abilities, and delivered to music.
The booking link for these women only sessions is: http://faevents.thefa.com/bookevent?eventID=6683
Townhill Park Estate Regeneration
Our Chair, Kim Ayling, who is also a Townhill Park resident, has written a letter to to highlight our concerns and frustrations with the pace of the Estate Regeneration project. Read the letter on our Townhill Park Estate Regeneration page.
Marketplace @ Townhill Park is launching
After a slight delay whilst more volunteers were recruited, we’re really excited that the new Marketplace at Townhill Park is launching this July!
Find out more about this membership-based food project on our Helping Hand page.
Tea & Toast is moving!
Our morning Tea & Toast sessions at Harefield Hub are moving to Tuesdays in order that they can run more frequently, so they will now be every Tuesday during term-time, starting from 24th May! See our Events page for details.
Townhill Green is opening!
Southampton City Council and SO18 Big Local are working together to put on a community celebration to commemorate the completion of the new Townhill Green on Meggeson Avenue/Ozier Road at the end of May. Head to our Events page for all the details.
Mosaic Way – new fox on the block!
Our final mosaic of the Mosaic Way has been installed – “Tippy the fox” now resides on the mosaic benches on Townhill Green, so why not see if you can spot her? Check out our Mosaic Way page for a map of all our mosaics (over 60!) and a downloadable spotter sheet!
NVR
NVR is a parenting program that helps parents/carers who are experiencing challenging behaviour from their child – learn how to rebuild the relationship, with support from practitioners who have lived through similar experiences themselves.
This is a cause dear to our hearts at SO18 Big Local, and some of our volunteers have real-life experience of this course, and what it can do for your family.
We’re really pleased to be able to fund another NVR course starting in May (Wednesday evenings at our Harefield Hub). You do not need a referral for this course, you can self-refer – places are free to attendees, but strictly limited, and priority for spaces will be given to those who live in the SO18 Big Local funding area.
Please direct any queries or booking enquiries to admin@nvrsouth.org – if you’re not sure if you’re in the SO18BL funding area, please check our home page.
Jubilee Celebration Fund
You can now apply for a small amount of funding to help you celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with your local community. See Jubilee Celebration Fund for more info and to download an application form.
Estate Regeneration in Townhill Park
To mark a decade of the 10 year Estate Regeneration project in Townhill Park, we have made a short film to capture the lived experience of the community over the last decade. Head to our Townhill Park Estate Regeneration page to view!
Volunteer with us!
Did you know that one of the top ten new year’s resolutions is to volunteer your time? SO18 Big Local have completed many projects over the years that have improved our local area. We are now looking to expand our Partnership Committee, so are looking for volunteers to come up with ideas, help make decisions, and get involved in the future of your local area. If you can spare a few hours a month to attend meetings, help us do some thinking, help us decide how to spend funds, help out at events, etc. then please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!
Supporting our local schools – update
You may remember that before Christmas, the SO18 Big Local Partnership Committee took the decision to donate £500 to each of our local 6 schools in order to help them support their most vulnerable families over the Christmas period. This funding was used to create hampers containing food, other essentials and some treats for Christmas day. Feedback from schools has been really positive, with one school passing on this message from a parent:
“We cannot thank you enough for doing this again for us this year, as you know as a family we have had it tough during the pandemic but your help and support has been truly amazing. Please, please, please can you pass on our huge thanks to the people who gave you the money to do this and tell them it really has made our Christmas”.
Our Partnership Committee is resident-led, and made up of people just like you! Have you thought about getting involved? Get in touch!
Coming soon from SO18 Big Local:
🎉 Jubilee Celebration Fund – funding will be available from SO18 Big Local to support residents to come together to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
⚽ Holiday Sports Courses – subsidised places available for SO18 Big Local residents on Learning Through Sport’s half-term holiday courses this February
🎾 Pop-up Play – 2 play sessions with SCPA, funded by SO18 Big Local, coming to MacArthur Crescent and Bentley Green this half term holiday
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for details!
January 2022 newsletter
Our latest e-news is out now, and you can read it here. To sign up to our e-news list to receive our monthly newsletter, just visit our CONTACT US page an enter your email address in the sign up box.
January 2022 – Happy New Year
Wishing all our residents, volunteers and everyone involved in SO18 Big Local a Happy New Year. Starting the new year with a win in our Harefield Bus Survey Prize Draw are Nicola, Matthew and Laura, so congratulations to you all, and thank you to everyone that completed our bus survey.
Winter Lights Walk
Thank you to everyone that was involved in making the first collaborative Winter Lights Walk a success this year – we hope that everyone that attended (over 200 people over the 2 nights!) enjoyed it as much as we did – hopefully we can do it all again next year!
Support us via SO:Lotto
SO18 Big Local have launched on SO:Lotto! SO:Lotto was created in 2021 by Southampton Voluntary Services, a strand of SO:Giving, a Southampton initiative aimed at supporting those across the community.
Set up to support community projects in the local area, SO:Lotto operates on the principle of raising money within the community for the community. It empowers local good causes to raise money in a fun and effective way.
In a time of shrinking budgets and increased community need, SO:Lotto enables people to support the causes they care most about, helping good causes to connect with their supporters.
A ticket for SO:Lotto costs £1 a week and 60p will go directly to good causes! If you want to buy a ticket and support SO18 Big Local, visit https://www.solotto.org.uk/support/so18-big-local
Next plan – submitted!
We have been working hard on our next plan for SO18 Big Local, using all the feedback gained from our Big Conversation earlier in the year, and from chatting with residents at events, to put together activities and budgets for another 2 years of SO18 Big Local, which will begin April 2022. These plans and decisions are made by a group of volunteers, supported by 2 part-time workers, who are working hard to make our area a better place to live. This is then agreed by Local Trust, the body who oversee all 150 Big Locals across England. Once this plan is confirmed, we’ll share more details with you all, but in the mean time, keep an eye on our Facebook page for upcoming events and other ways to get involved with us.
Supporting our schools this Christmas
Readers of our e-news will have seen that this Christmas SO18 Big Local, as a resident-led group*, made the decision to once again donate £500 to each of our local schools. These donations will go towards helping them provide pupils and their families who are in need, with a helping hand this Christmas time.
Harefield Bus Service: Please take the Harefield Bus Campaign Survey Mosaic Way celebration – October 2021
The unveiling of two large mosaics completes the ongoing project that local residents across Townhill Park, Harefield and Midanbury have been involved in over the past two years alongside SO18 Big Local, TWICS and community artists Gillian Jeffery and Will Rosie, Southampton’s very own ‘Mr Mosaic’. The large mosaics being the newest additions to over 60 mosaic tiles, creating a trail around the area and road signs with mosaic images which were painstakingly digitised so they could be transferred with every detail intact. Read more and watch a short video of the unveiling on our Mosaic Way page.
Cookery courses
Do you want to learn to cook? Need some advice on new recipes for the family?
We have some spaces available on upcoming cookery courses – these courses are delivered via Zoom, so you cook in the comfort of your own home, with a friendly TWICS cookery tutor online.
The next courses are:
Tutor costs are being covered by TWICS and ingredients are funded by SO18 Big Local so there is no charge to participants, but please only book a space if you are able to attend as places are limited.
There will also be a third course in the New Year.
To register your interest in any of these courses, please contact Michelle to book a space.
Community food pantry – volunteers needed
SO18 Big Local are working with City Mission and City Life Church to establish a community food pantry at Townhill Park Community Centre. This will be run on a marketplace model similar to the one recently established in St Mary’s. Whilst this marketplace will be headed by Christian organisations, with support from SO18 Big Local, these are open to anyone and are not faith-based projects.
In order to run the marketplace, there will be a need for some dedicated volunteers to get involved – either as friendly “welcomers” to greet people and support them with membership paperwork, or as our organised “stock controllers” to help check produce for dates etc.
SO18 Big Local are holding a “Volunteers’ Drop-In” on the evening of the 5th October for anyone that has expressed an interest in volunteering with us via the Big Conversation and this will include more information on the Townhill Marketplace, so if interested and you have not received an invite to the 5th October event, please contact Michelle for more information. (If you have received an invite, please remember to RSVP!).
Big Conversation update
The results are in! Visit our Big Conversation page to see what you told us as part of our recent Big Conversation.
Summer Courses are live!
Bookings are now open for our Summer sports & games courses run by Learning Through Sport for primary-school aged children. See our EVENTS page for more information and details of how to book.
World Environment Day 2021 …
… is on Saturday 5th June. We’re working with SCC at Frogs Copse on 3rd June, and with SOU and Marlhill Copse on 7th June, so check out these events and do support your local green spaces! (Pls note, the Marlhill Copse event requires pre-booking).
For more information see our Events page.
Even more mosaics!
We’ve now got over 60 mosaics installed as part of our Mosaic Way project but we’re not done yet. There are two large mosaics that are just awaiting their grout, that will then be installed (one in Townhill Park, one in Harefield) … watch this space!
SO18 Big Local’s Big Conversation
We have just launched our Big Conversation – this is your chance to have your say on what you think the priorities need to be for SO18 Big Local as we go forward, and where we should focus efforts for the remaining time/funds that we have. Visit the Big Conversation page
for more information and to complete our short survey. If you enter before 28th May 2021 you have
the option to be entered into our free prize draw to win a shopping voucher!
Bird, bat & bug boxes
Have you seen our amazing bird, bat and bug boxes dotted around the Townhill Park area? Our very talented Townhill craft group have done a stunning job of building and decorating some fabulous new wildlife houses! They can be found around Frogs Copse, Cutbush Hidden Pond and along the Cutbush Lane and pathways… how many can you find? Look hard as some are brilliantly camouflaged!
Spring Nature Walk Videos are here!
Following on from our Autumn Nature Walk videos, we’re now 
creating a series of Spring Walk Videos, again with the support of Ian Bailey from SCC. Head to Explore Outdoors Spring 2021 to see the videos.
Walk 1 – Hum Hole
Walk 2 – Mansbridge
Walk 3 – Harefield & Thornhill
Contractor announced for Plot 2 of the Townhill Park Estate Regeneration Project
See our Townhill Park Estate Regeneration page for more information.
Zebra Crossing for Townhill Way!
Exciting news from Southampton City Council and Balfour Beatty – the long requested zebra crossing for Townhill Way (by the jct with Vanguard Road) is coming soon! Residents have been raising this with SO18 Big Local for a while now, and we contacted the local Harefield Ward Cllrs to request that action was taken at this junction to improve safety for pedestrians. Thank you to all the residents that contacted us to share their experiences of this junction, and voted in our online poll that we ran in May 2019. We’re really pleased that the residents have been listened to and that this crossing is becoming a reality!
The works will start around 15th March, and last about 4 weeks – full details are in the letter from Balfour Beatty, available to read here: Townhill Way-Vanguard Road crossing
**CALLING ALL CRAFTERS**
SO18 Big Local have some exciting plans for some craft groups this year. Possible ideas from the community so far include:
🐣 making Easter/Spring window displays, (garlands, painting plant plots, painting/making Easter eggs)
🐦 brightening up our community with environmental additions, such as making and decorating bird/bat boxes and insect homes or painting/decorating plant pots for the area.
These sessions may need to start via Zoom, whilst we are in lockdown, but craft packs can be delivered for you to start your project at home, and have access to online support and ideas from the group on a weekly basis.
If you’d like to get involved and join our fun and community focused groups, then please contact us – send a message to info@so18biglocal.org.uk or text/whatsapp us on 07528338104 and we’ll get back to you!
Community Pantry – thoughts needed!
Here at SO18 Big Local, we are interested to find out what our local residents think are the gaps in affordable food provision in our areas of Harefield, Townhill Park and Midanbury. There’s currently increased awareness about school and holiday food provision, provided fro
m celebrities such as Marcus Rashford, but we recognise it’s also people without children who may find it difficult to afford good food.
One idea that has come up is a Community Pantry. A Community Pantry will be a safe, affordable “market place” that would operate on a membership scheme, eg pay a weekly subscription of £5 and this would allow you to take away food up to the value of say £15, so getting more for your money. We would really appreciate you helping us by spending a few minutes answering a few questions on our online survey by clicking the following link – there’s also the chance to be entered into a free draw to win one of 10 shopping vouchers, kindly provided by Sainsbury’s in Portswood – deadline to complete the survey and be entered in to the draw is Monday 8th Feb 2021.
Click here to take the survey.
January 2021 update
Just before Christmas, SO18 Big Local were in the privileged position to be able to contribute to efforts to support local people in this particularly challenging set of circumstances.
* We donated £500 to the City Mission Basics Bank
* We donated £500 to each of our 6 nearest schools to enable them to support their families with food/welfare parcels over the festive period
* We funded Southampton Children’s Play Association to create festive play packs which we then delivered to local families that had previously attended play-schemes in our area
Woodlands Community College told us that our donation had enabled them to provide hampers for their most vulnerable families – the hampers included food, as well as a few other essential items i.e. sanitary and personal hygiene products, plus some Christmas treats for the children, a pencil case of essentials for the students and a little something for the parents too.
We’re really pleased to have been able to support local families in this way and hope that it helped a little to provide some cheer this Christmas. Read on for our next project and details of how you can get involved!
Harefield Primary school creates festive hampers for families – Harefield Primary was one of the local schools that SO18 Big Local made a financial donation to this Christmas, to be put towards providing food/presents etc. for their families. Read more about Harefield Primary’s efforts in this Echo article: Southampton primary school creates Christmas hampers for families | Daily Echo
Views sought on new green space in the heart of Townhill Park
The proposed new green space is bordered by Meggeson Avenue, Ozier Road, Kingsdown Way, and Bailey Green. Not far from Frogs Copse, the new green will be opposite Townhill Park Community Centre and near to children’s nurseries, Townhill Infant School, and Townhill Junior School. The new green space will replace the three blocks of council flats which were demolished earlier this year and the existing play area. Residents and community groups in and around Townhill Park are now being invited to comment on the design for the new green space which features an outdoor exercise area, children’s enlarged themed play area, and an impressive feature wall, the style of which will be chosen by the community. Additional parking, including disabled parking and access, is planned along Ozier Road along with a serviced space with power and water for a concession stand.
Read the full Press Release from Southampton City Council here – Townhill Park Green Space Press Release and complete the online consultation about the green space here http://www.southampton.gov.uk/housing/estate-regeneration/townhill-park-regeneration.aspx – you have until December 13th to complete it.
Autumn Nature Walks
Looking for more inspiration for your next walk? We had been planning to organise some Nature Walks in small groups with one of the SCC Engagement Officers to help people get out and into nature locally, but with Lockdown 2.0 in place we cannot do that. Instead, we have created a series of videos that show you some of the things you should be able to find locally this Autumn, which we hope will inspire you to go out and see what you can find! See the videos on our new page, EXPLORE OUTDOORS AUTUMN 2020
Results for the Townhill Community Art Gallery announced!
During a very wet day in half-term, the judges met to decide the 4 category winners and 1 overall winner from the entries in the Townhill Community Art Gallery.
Thank you to the judges, to Balfour Beatty for providing the prizes and to CLC Group for supplying the primed boards for the entrants to paint on.
Read more at Townhill Community Art Gallery
Monday 5th October – Townhill Park Decommissioning Update
Starting today, everyone who lives in Townhill Park has the chance to feed back on proposals related to the area’s regeneration. Southampton City Council wants to hear what you think about plans to alter the decommissioning order of some of the blocks.
Please tell us how the proposals could affect you by filling in the online questionnaire: http://www.southampton.gov.uk/…/townhill-park-survey.aspx
Residents living in blocks due to be decommissioned will have also received a paper copy of the same questionnaire through the door – please complete and return the paper version if you prefer.
Talented Townhill Park residents help to install public artwork they created during lockdown (and you’ve guessed it – Southampton’s Mr Men mosaic man is involved!)
Southampton City Council’s landmark regeneration of Townhill Park has received a brilliant splash of colour and creativity, thanks to the talents of local residents who turned their hands to mosaic making in the months leading up to, and during, the coronavirus lockdown.
Read more: Talented Townhill Park residents help to install public artwork they created during lockdown
SO:Let’s Connect
SO:Let’s Connect is a new Southampton project aiming to reduce social isolation by helping more people get connected digitally. SO18 Big Local are funding the pilot study, which is just starting in the Townhill Park, Harefield and Midanbury areas. See more at our SO:Let’s Connect project page.
Mosaic Way comes to Marlhill Copse!
3 more of our #MosaicWay mosaics are now installed – they’re on information boards along the paths through Marlhill Copse. The boards were designed and built by Andy Frost, who also made the sign posts at the entrance to the copse and the entrance to Townhill Park, and the mosaics were made by local residents, supported by Will Rosie who worked on the installation with Andy. They look great!
More press coverage for our Mosaic Way project
“Southampton charity receives £17,924 in funding for community project. The Mosaic Way will bring people together to create an art trail” – read more here.
SO18 Big Local Projects Worker required!
Do you enjoy meeting people and working with them to deliver projects in the community?
SO18 Big Local seeks a Projects Worker to take forward its work in the Townhill Park, Harefield and Midanbury neighbourhoods of Southampton.
We have innovative and exciting ideas but we need a worker (in addition to our existing team) to actively engage with the community and help us turn these into reality.
In particular, we want to explore ideas for:
• Community food projects
• Work that can support the health and well-being of our community members
• Following up the Mosaic Way project, and establishing other craft projects
• Recruiting and supporting volunteers.
As far as possible, in the context of Coronavirus and within government guidance, this will be a face to face role.
This is a part time post (16 – 20 hours), all the job details are here: Project Worker JD and person spec: SO18 Big Local Projects Worker.
To apply, please complete the TWICS Job Application Form. CV’s will not be accepted.
Completed applications should be emailed to Iane Chambers: ichambers@twics.org.uk by midday on Monday 10th August 2020.
If you apply, please check that you receive a confirmation email that your application is safely received.
The interview date is Friday 21st August, with a pre-visit earlier that week to the neighbourhoods (details to be confirmed for short-listed candidates).
If you would like any more information about the post please contact Iane by email in the first instance.
SO18 Big Local update, July 2020
Whilst lockdown has prevented our usual programme of activities from running, SO18 Big Local has been working hard to bring a mixture of boredom-busting activities and practical support to the residents of our area.
We have funded Southampton Children’s Play Association to provide play packs for some local families in lieu of the playschemes this summer and our Community Gardener Pippa provided residents with pots, compost and seeds to grow herbs and veg on their windowsills.
Additionally we have made donations to the Basics Bank and to the Woodlands Community College food bank. We’ve supplied several local schools with water bottles for pupils and we’ve set up a Helping Hand Emergency Fund, administered for us by SARC, to help those in need of a little extra support and will be running mid-week food top-ups this Summer – see our EVENTS page for more details.
Food scarcity in the Summer holidays
During the school summer holidays of 2018 & 2019 we ran our Bag A Lunch project, whereby children that attended the SCPA play-schemes in the SO18BL area were given a free packed lunch, provided by SO18 Big Local. Sadly, due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the play-schemes are not able to run this Summer. However, we are still looking at ways that we could do something food-related to support local residents this Summer. We’re brainstorming ideas and need your input so that we can best support residents – please would you therefore fill out this very quick survey (it’s only 5 questions!) to help us gauge what’s most appropriate?
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ZCWV6NJ
More mosaics! [29th May 2020]
We’re very excited to tell you that we’ve had another 10 mosaics installed on our Mosaic Way, so there are now 40 for you to find! The newly installed batch are marked in green on our map so it’s easy to spot the new ones if you have already been out and about mosaic hunting. All info on our Mosaic Way page.
Residents from Townhill Park and Harefield have been brightening up their neighbourhoods with colourful mosaics that form the Mosaic Way. Initially designed to bring people together to create their mosaics, this project has taken on new significance in the light of lockdown, giving local people a focus and something to look for when out for a walk.
Supported by experienced community artists, residents had been meeting weekly to create the mosaics which are all on the theme of “local nature”. They are continuing to make them at home and soon another 20 mosaics will be added to the 30 that are already installed.
Kim Ayling, Townhill Park resident and chair of SO18 Big Local said “we have worked with mosaic artist Will Rosie, whose Mr Men themed mosaics are on walls across the city and turned the idea into our own.” Another resident involved with the project commented that having this focus, both working on the mosaics and looking for them when out walking, was proving beneficial to her mental health.
The location of the mosaics is shown on the SO18 Big Local website, search ‘Mosaic Way Southampton’ https://so18biglocal.org.uk/mosaic-way/ and there’s a downloadable sheet for those wishing to tick off the mosaics as they find them. The project is organised by TWICS (Training for Work in Communities) and is funded by the People’s Health Trust using money raised through The Health Lottery South East, with match funding from SO18 Big Local.
Photo: Annika, Morgan and their Dad Carlo have been making their own mosaics and have been out finding more
Full press release with editor notes for local media here.
Work to fell five trees at Marlhill Copse, Southampton, will begin on Monday 11th May after authorisation was granted by the city council.
The five trees are considered to be at high risk of failure, with such a failure having the potential to cause harm to the public or damage to adjacent property.
Whilst vital social distancing measures continue, the work can commence now as it is primarily of a nature to ensure public safety. This is permitted under Defra guidance allowing aboriculturalists to carry out such works on these grounds. All specialist arboricultural workers on site will follow strict Public Health England guidelines.
There will be diversions in place to keep residents safely away from the area of the tree works, but the copse will remain open during this time. Read the full statement here.
Our Community Gardener Pippa is running a FREE growing challenge to occupy you during lockdown – she can provide seeds and instructions (plus if you need them, pots and compost) for you to grow lettuce, nasturtiums and basil on your windowsills.
She’s only able to deliver a limited number of growing packs though, so do get in touch with her quickly if you want to take part. Contact Pippa on 07519 297920 or pippacommunitygardener@gmail.com – she’ll need to know your name, address & phone number, plus whether or not you need compost & pots as well. Your contact details won’t be used for anything else unless you request to be added to our mailing list.
Please share photos of your progress with us!
Home Group are now offering a virtual drop-in via their free phone line (it’s a Skype number, and is free to call from mobiles/landlines – they are also offering a call back service).
They can help you with:
• Housing (Rent, Arrears, Evictions, Moving)
• Benefits (Current and New Claims)
• Homelessness
• Debts and Budgeting
• Employment (Support and Finding Work)
• Accessing Community Services
Phone line opening times:
Monday to Friday (except Wednesday): 0930-1630
Wednesday: 0930-2000
0191 7311 958
You can also email them on Homegroupsupport@homegroup.org.uk
If you have larger issues or a support need they may take more details to complete a referral form. This will be logged onto their system and you will be provided with a 1-2-1 support worker. This will be explained to you at the time.
Marlhill Copse, an area of woodland owned by Southampton Airport, will re-open this Thursday (April 2, 2020). The copse was cordoned off in October 2019, after a report by an expert arboriculturalist found some of the trees to be unsafe and presented a hazard to the public and nearby properties.
Much work has been undertaken on site to remove this risk, but one small area within the copse will remain closed whilst further work is carried out and should be fully opened later in the spring.
A Southampton Airport spokesperson said: “Whilst all movement in a public space is currently subject to restrictions vital to combat the spread of Covid-19, we promised we would keep members of the local community fully informed as our work progressed.
Read more at https://www.southamptonairport.com/news/news-press/marlhill-copse-re-opens-after-safety-measures-taken/
Please remember to follow the government’s Social Distancing rules if you walk through Marlhill Copse as part of your daily exercise.
If you or someone you know needs practical or emotional support at this time, get in touch with SO:Linked and they will do their best to link you to the support you need. If you are impacted by self isolation or other issues surrounding coronavirus contact them and they will do their best to link you with voluntary organisations who can help in practical ways and offer emotional support.
We are looking for someone with a proven track record of delivering projects in a community setting.
We have innovative and exciting ideas but we need a worker (in addition to our existing team) to help us turn these into reality. In particular, we want to explore the idea and practicalities of setting up a community fridge, as well as what we can do to tackle Holiday Hunger (building on the success of our ‘Bag A Lunch’ summer work). We want to take forward existing work including the Mosaic Way project and our ‘Encore!’ project, and volunteers at Harefield Hub have project ideas they’d like to follow through.
Hours: 16-20 hours per week
Salary: £11.88 – £12.85 an hour (depending on experience)
The post-holder will be employed by TWICS, but working with SO18 Big Local.
More information on the post, and the application form to apply are here:
Completed applications should be emailed to Iane Chambers ichambers@twics.org.uk by the closing date of Monday 16th March 2020 at 5pm. CVs will not be accepted.
If you apply, please check that you receive a email confirming that your application has been safely received.
The proposed interview date (which is still subject to confirmation) is the afternoon of Friday 27th March 2020, with a pre-visit to the neighbourhoods on Tuesday 24th March 2020.
If you would like any more information about the post please contact Iane by email in the first instance.
Meggeson Avenue works update (24 Feb 2020)
Balfour Beatty and SCC have written to residents at the top of Meggeson Avenue (and Paulet Close, Roundhill Close and Hazelwood Road) to give more detail and timeframes regarding the work being done at the top end of Meggeson Avenue. For those interested in the detail that did not receive a letter, you can see the letter in full here – and don’t forget, you can get updates from Balfour Beatty on this project at https://transport.southampton.gov.uk/townhillpark20 at any time.
Woodmill Lane lights update (14 Feb 2020)
The lights at the Woodmill crossing will be being tested next week, and leaflets have been distributed to residents explaining the new system that will be in place. Read more at http://www.bitternepark.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4276:nearly-time-for-new-woodmill-lights-switch-on&catid=1:local-news&Itemid=59
Developing Potential (28 Jan 2020)
Developing Potential, a new report released by Local Trust, gathers experiences of five communities and calls for radical change of practice to bridge the divide between local residents and development organisations leading regeneration projects. Read the report bit.ly/DevelopingPotential
SO18 Big Local are one of the Case Studies used in this report, drawing on our experiences of being involved in the Estate Regeneration in Townhill Park, and our relationship with Southampton City Council.
SCPA are recruiting!
Our friends at Southampton Children’s Play Association are recruiting for a play worker – please click here for the advert.
Meggeson Avenue news (16 Jan 2020)
A few residents in Townhill Park have asked us about “Cone City” that appeared along Meggeson Avenue overnight… we’ve checked with Balfour Beatty, and they have confirmed that this is to do with drain surveying crews:
Balfour Beatty told us: “they have been coning-off parking around drains so that they can get equipment close enough to the drain to suck out sediment and to jet clean the pipes so that the drains are all clear and flowing well before we start work. It will also tell us if there are any damaged drains which we can rectify whilst we are constructing the scheme. We realise it’s frustrating when parking spaces are coned off in advance, but it is necessary to ensure we can access the drains. The drainage survey will finish this week.”
They have also added this to their website… remember you can find the latest news on the Meggeson Avenue improvements at https://transport.southampton.gov.uk/townhillpark20 – don’t forget that tomorrow is your last chance to send feedback on the plans for Meggeson Avenue improvements.
Townhill Park Estate Regeneration (9 Jan 2020)
Following a Townhill Park stakeholder meeting, Southampton City Council and SO18 Big Local said in a joint statement: “We are pleased an update for the Townhill Park Regeneration programme has been shared with SO18 Big Local and representatives of the local community, which include the wider context, processes and timescales. This is an exciting programme that will deliver much needed affordable, quality council homes in the area. We will continue to work together, with the community playing an active role, to bring these plans to fruition and ensure they are delivered.”
The SCC Estate Regeneration pages are here: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/…/estate-…/townhill-park.aspx and we are expecting that further SCC communications will follow regarding plans for Townhill Park.
Woodmill traffic (6 Jan 2020)
Just a quick reminder that if you usually enter/leave Townhill Park having come across the river at Woodmill, that Woodmill will be closed for a fortnight from 6th January: http://www.bitternepark.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4239:dont-forget-woodmill-bridge-closed-to-vehicles-from-monday-6&catid=1:local-news&Itemid=59
Merry Christmas!
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope all of you who came to a Christmas Wreath workshop or visited our Santa’s Grotto at the Hub enjoyed the sessions, and we look forward to seeing lots of you again in 2020.
Encore!
Our fashion re-use prom project is up and running! Our first prom fayre is arranged, and we’re gathering stock – please see our Encore! page for more info.
Communicare in Townhill Park
Communicare In Southampton are looking for local volunteers in the SO18 Big Local area to join their team of Communiteers. Just an hour of your time could help someone in need – be it helping them settle at home after a hospital stay, get out to the shops or relieve the misery of loneliness.
To find out more, either contact Communicare in Southampton on 023 8021 6013 or volunteer@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk
or visit one of their drop-ins:
Mosaic Workshops are back!
Now that the Summer holidays are over and school terms have re-commenced, it’s time to get back to mosaics. Our workshops run three times per week, so hopefully there’s a slot/location to suit you. You might have seen community artist Will Rosie on BBC South recently talking about his mosaic work across Southampton (see https://www.facebook.com/BBCSouthNews/videos/246023242989073/ for the video if you missed it). Will is working with another community artist Gillian, to support our residents to create nature-themed mosaics that will be installed across the SO18 Big Local area. You don’t need any experience of mosaicking but you do need to be over 13 years old to take part. More info of sessions is on our Events page, see EVENTS for details.
NVR Courses announced
SO18 Big Local are proud to announce that we are funding another series of NVR (Non Violent Resistance) courses in our area. This course is for parents that are looking for a new parenting approach, to help and support them with a child that is displaying challenging behaviours.
Our Autumn course will run on Wednesday evenings at Harefield Hub. Places are free as the costs are being covered by SO18 Big Local, but are limited, and must be booked in advance. If you are interested in finding out more, or would like to book a place, please email the NVR Team on admin@nvrsouth.org and they will get back to you. No referral is required for this course, and we will be running another course in the Spring term as well.
Priority for spaces for this course will be given to those living in the SO18 Big Local area (Townhill Park, Harefield and parts of Midanbury). Please, if you book a space, do make every effort to attend as places are limited on these courses. If you book a place and find you cannot attend, please do let the NVR team know ASAP.
Brightening up Benhams Road
Last week (31st July) some SO18 Big Local residents, Junior Neighbourhood Wardens & Neighbourhood Wardens all teamed up for an Impact Day at Benhams Road. They installed planters and a butterfly mosaic on the mini roundabout, painted a mural on the wall and gave the bollards a lick of paint too (using designs created by Year 5 at Townhill Junior School).
Does litter bug you?
HUGE thank you to all the superstar litter-pickers & bug-hunters that braved the heat this morning (25th July) to help us on Frogs Copse! Thanks to Ian at the Hawthorn Centre who helped us identify all the amazing things we found – including a wolf spider, honey bees, field crickets, bumble bees, soldier beetles, earwigs, woodlice, leaf bugs, weevils, jumping spiders, frog hoppers, grasshoppers and lots of butterflies!
We’ve also submitted the results of the Big #ButterflyCount that we did while up on the copse.
Community Fun Day 2019
SO18 Big Local ran another successful Community Fun Day at a local playing field on Saturday 29th June. Despite the scorching temperatures, several hundred local people joined us for all sorts of activities, most of which we were able to provide for free – we had bubbles & circus skills, sports, kids’ play, gardening, a fire engine, gymnastics, lots of crafts & refreshments stalls and more. It was lovely to see so many people from our area mixing together and enjoying a day out.
It was a great day and we’re now gathering feedback from all involved so that if we repeat it for a third year it can be even bigger and even better!
West End Carnival 2019
We’re thrilled to share that last weekend, despite the on/off rain/drizzle/wind our wonderful volunteers at SO18 Big Local once again were awarded prizes in our local West End Carnival. This year’s carnival theme was “Children’s Television” and our group went dressed in all their yellow and blue glory as Minions.
Our group included children & adults, some with mobility challenges, some with Autism, some with anxiety and *all* made it round the whole route, smiling and waving for around 90 minutes, supported by our workers.
Their efforts were rewarded with 3rd place in “Most Fun” and 2nd place in “Best overall” categories.
We’re really proud of their achievements (and hope they’ve all managed to wash the yellow from their faces by now!).
New houses in Townhill Park
Tenants have moved into the city’s newest council homes, which have just been built at Roundhill Close in Townhill Park. Read more in the latest SCC Tenants Link.
We’re very proud that as a small, committed group of SO18 Big Local workers/resident volunteers, we’re now recognised as a worthy partner in the Estate Regeneration process here in Townhill Park. If you’d like to know more about SO18 Big Local or the Estate Regeneration project, please do get in touch. Everyone living in the new properties will have received one of our SO18 Big Local Welcome Booklets that we designed and had printed, to give those new to the area helpful information on what activities/organisations are around locally.
No excuse not to explore local green spaces now!
There are no more excuses not to know where our local green spaces are thanks to SO18 Big Local. With the generous permission of Southampton City Council, we were able to install our signpost on the little piece of land known locally as the Turning Circle in Townhill Park.
From the vision of the members of the SO18 Big Local Estate Regeneration Forum, we commissioned local well-known artist Andy Frost to design and construct the signpost. It directs residents to three of our open spaces – Frogs Copse, Cutbush Hidden Pond and Riverside Park – and features local wildlife. This is the first step of an exciting project called the Mosaic Way which will connect Townhill Park, Harefield and Midanbury.
Residents turn out to celebrate re-opening of upgraded park!
Over 100 residents turned out on 17th April to celebrate the re-opening of the revamped park on Somerset Avenue (Harefield). SO18 Big Local ran an Easter Egg hunt for local families at the event after the ribbon cutting:
Press Release: Celebration of the opening of the newly upgraded play area at Somerset Avenue, Harefield, and an Easter Egg Hunt.
Wednesday 17th April 2019 at 11am.
Exactly a year after local families gave their views and ideas on how the children’s play area at Somerset Avenue in Harefield should be upgraded to give it a new lease of life, the new equipment is installed and children are out enjoying it.
To celebrate, local families, through SO18 Big Local, are organising a ribbon cutting to ‘open’ the park, together with holding an Easter Egg hunt.
Kim Ayling, Chair of SO18 Big Local, said “it is lovely to see children and families enjoying the new equipment, which came directly from the suggestions given at the well-attended consultation event that SO18 Big Local organised last spring. This has been a good partnership between SO18 Big Local, the community-led organisation working in Harefield and Townhill Park, and Southampton City Council, with SO18 Big Local able to help get local views, which the City Council has turned into reality.”
Press Release: Southampton Airport takes on #TrashTag Challenge
Members of staff from Southampton Airport dedicated their time yesterday (8 April) to helping members of the local community clear litter and hazardous rubbish dumped at Frogs Copse, a woodland area located right next to the airport.
Joining forces with local residents, the team collected more than ten full bags of rubbish, including golf clubs, plastic signs and pieces of carpet.
Neil Garwood, Managing Director at Southampton Airport, said: “We are proud to have organised such a positive event yesterday. The area that we focused on clearing is very often used by children as a shortcut from Bitterne Park so it is important to keep it tidy and free of hazards”.
“It’s incredible how much rubbish accumulates in such a small area. We are committed to working with our community to make the areas around the airport cleaner and safer.”
The spring litter-picking was organised as part of the popular cleaning movement called Trash Tag, that encourages people to clean up the environment around them. The challenge has gained momentum all over the world and sees thousands of people picking up litter in their local communities, sharing photos of “before” and “after”.
The airport is already planning a series of other TrashTag events in the area later in spring.
If you are part of a community local to the airport and have an event you would like their support with, you can contact them on SOUMediaCentre@southamptonairport.com
Next phase for SO18 Big Local
We’re very excited to announce that our next Plan, covering years 7-9 of SO18 Big Local has been accepted and agreed by Local Trust. This will cover the period April 2019-March 2022 inclusive and see us focus on our new themes –
We’re also focusing on Youth and looking to get youth work started in Townhill Park (whilst maintaining and building upon our existing Youth Work in Harefield) – so watch this space! Our new plan is available to view here: SO18BL Year789 Plan FINAL
New homes for Townhill Park!
“The Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Rt Hon John Healey MP, joined the Leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Christopher Hammond, and Councillor Satvir Kaur, Cabinet Member for Homes & Culture, to meet resident, Andy Thornton, who has recently moved into one of the newly built houses at Townhill Park, and members of SO18 Big Local, a National Lottery-funded group that runs community activities.” Read more at https://www.southampton.gov.uk/news/article.aspx?id=tcm:63-406375 – see also https://www.southampton.gov.uk/news/article.aspx?id=tcm:63-405863
Press Release from Southampton Airport: Aerodrome safeguarding work at Marlhill Copse – new video provides details of tree work
Southampton Airport has created a video providing members of the local community with a guided walking tour of the planned woodland management work at Marlhill Copse.
The release of the video follows the public information open event held at The Gregg School on January 26th which was attended and well supported by more than 70 local residents.
The tree management is part of aerodrome safeguarding work. Aerodrome safeguarding is the term used in aviation to allow for the management of obstacles to ensure planes can take off and land safely. It is a legislative issue that all airports must comply with.
The work at Marlhill Copse will involve coppicing, reducing and felling some of the trees. In order to carry out these works, and to cause as little disturbance to local residents as possible, Southampton Airport purchased Marlhill Copse at the end of August 2018.
The work will require 27 trees to be felled, and crown reductions in the lower bank to ensure that trees are left in a healthy, balanced state. To be as sensitive to the local ecology as possible it will be necessary to control Marlhill Copse access to the general public for the duration of the works.
The works will take place once approvals have been given by the Forestry Commission and Southampton City Council. As part of its preparation, the airport team is currently undertaking a full environmental report to ensure that it puts in place all safeguarding measures necessary to protect any sensitive animals and plants that live within the copse and minimise the impact on the local community.
The felling licence applied for does not allow Southampton Airport to remove all trees from the area, and this will be checked by the authorities to ensure compliance.
Although a large number of trees in the copse have been marked and may need some form of management, the vast majority of those trees marked are minor crown reductions which will not affect the trees. To ensure disruption to the local environment is kept to a minimum, an ecologist will be on site at all times.
Airside Operations & Safety Manager, Dan Townsend, said: “We will be working closely with Southampton City Council and local community groups to return the woodland to the community in a healthier condition to be enjoyed by all for years ahead.
“We will be replanting on a ratio of three to one, working with the council and the Forestry Commission to identify native species and comply with planting protocols outlined under Tree Preservation Order legislation.
“We are currently in the planning and application stages to enable us to carry out this important work, and are taking great care to look after this woodland and its ecology.”
Work to safeguard the local ecology includes:
Appointed independent ecologists to advise at each stage of the work;
Engaged with Southampton City Council Ecology team;
Letter drops to local residents provision of public notice boards;
Engaged a former Forestry Commission inspector to create a woodland management plan for the long-term future;
Site-wide species surveys for:
Dormice
Great Crested Newts
Badgers
Bats
Birds
Otters
Plans to install a woodland gate for pedestrian access and removal of the mound of soil that has been dumped on the site;
Planning regular site litter picks.
The video can be found on our website at:
https://www.southamptonairport.com/about-us/aerodrome-safeguarding/#marlhill
If anybody has any questions or concerns about the upcoming work, please contact Marlhill@southamptonairport.com
New name for our funder!
See press release here: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/news/press-releases/2019-01-29/national-lottery-good-cause-funders-unveil-new-brand
Youth Development Worker required – deadline extended!
We are looking for a self-starter with a passion for empowering young people and giving them a voice. We wish to recruit a Youth Development Worker to develop new youth work in Townhill Park, and to sustain and build on work in Harefield.
Hours: 16 hours per week. Salary: £20,541 – £23,111 pro rata. (£10.65 – £11.98 per hour)
For further information and an application pack email: bhancock@twics.org.uk
For an informal chat contact Iane or Barbara at TWICS on 02380 671111
This is a re-advertisement. Revised Closing date: Monday 14th January 2019
Bulb planting
Thank you to everyone that came and helped us plant lots of bulbs in Townhill Park yesterday. Huge thanks also to Townhill Park Community Association for their contribution in funding some of the bulbs.
Countryfile Ramble for Children in Need – THANK YOU!
Thank you to those that came and rambled with us – luckily the weather was much more cooperative for the rearranged date and the sun shone! Huge thanks to those that have donated/sponsored us – all the money goes to Children In Need. If you haven’t donated yet but would like to, the page is still open, so simply visit:
https://countryfile-ramble-for-bbc-children-in-need-2018.everydayhero.com/uk/so18-big-local-2018-ramblers
Youth Development Worker required!
SO18 Big Local wishes to recruit a Youth Development Worker to develop new youth work in Townhill Park, and to sustain and build on work in Harefield. We are looking for a self-starter with a passion for empowering young people and giving them a voice.
If so, get in touch to find out more.
Hours: 16 hours per week.
Salary: £20,541 – £23,111 pro rata. (£10.65 – £11.98 per hour)
For further information and an application pack email bhancock@twics.org.uk or call Iane or Barbara at TWICS for an informal chat, on 02380 671111
Closing date: Tuesday 27th Nov 2018
Townhill Helping Hub is launched!
On Tuesday 9th October we had the pleasure of launching our Townhill Helping Hub, with a lunch of invited residents, Councillors, and representatives from organisations working locally. Lunch was delicious homemade soup and a Bag A Lunch (see below) all provided by Sarah, who is the caterer at the heart of the Bag A Lunch project.
Townhill Helping Hub is the new name for what was our Job Club and Tea & Tech offering
. It runs weekly at Townhill Park Community Centre, 10am-12pm on Tuesdays, and can offer residents help with
☑️Form Filling
☑️Housing/Regeneration queries
☑️Job searching/CV writing
☑️Online learning
☑️Universal Credit
☑️Money & moving home
☑️Business start-up
☑️Using tablets or smart phones
No need to book, just drop in and see us!
Bag A lunch – report by Kim Ayling, Chair of SO18 Big Local
For several years SO18 Big Local have had the pleasure of supporting the SCPA (Southampton Children’s Play Associations) playschemes in Townhill Park and Harefield during the long summer holidays. These have always been popular with our local families but this summer there was an extra bonus for the children who attended.
Each child received a lunch bag which contained a sandwich made with good quality bread and filling, a piece each of fruit and vegetable plus a homemade cookie or slice of cake. During the 4 week period we gave out over 600 lunch bags. We also gave out SO18 Big Local branded reusable water bottles for the kids to keep.
Our ‘Bag a Lunch’ was conceived from trying to combat holiday hunger that some families struggle with when school meals are not available.
We received overwhelming positive feedback from both parents and children. We were told that children were eating healthy food that they normally wouldn’t, that it was like receiving a ‘party bag’ and gave families the opportunity to have little outdoor picnics.
The project also gave a local Mum and Dad who prepared the lunch bags the chance to set up as a food business.
We already have plans in place to do ‘Bag a Lunch’ again next summer – watch this space!
A busy Summer leads into an Environmental-focused Autumn
We’ve had a great, but busy, Summer with lots going on – 5 sessions of Explore Outdoors on Frogs Copse were really well attended, and our Youth Workers ran a series of activities for 10-18 year olds. We provided funding for extra weeks of the SCPA playschemes, and piloted our Bag A Lunch project, which was very well received. Lots of pictures from Summer activities are on our Facebook pages.
Finally, our Bollards Art Project with Will Rosie from All About Art was featured on Radio Solent – they have a short video about it here.
We’ve got lots of environment-focused events coming up this Autumn, starting with a Bat Walk this Friday. Check out our events page for more info!
Frogs Copse Press Release
Townhill Park residents encouraged to visit Frogs Copse to learn more about local wildlife
A series of free Explore Outdoors sessions will be running throughout July and August at Frogs Copse, Marhill Close, for local families to discover the nature living on their doorstep.
The sessions, aimed at families and run by SO18 Big local will be attended by educators, including those from the Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre and Youth Options Forest School. They will offer an introduction to the living creatures at Frogs Copse, such as insects, birds and plants and will include arts & crafts, an activity and a nature quiz/trail. The outings are also a great way for children to get outdoors and stay physically active during the summer holidays.
Frogs Copse is a seven hectare informal open space in Townhill, on the eastern side of the River Itchen. The whole park is primarily managed to encourage wildlife species, especially bats, bullfinch, song thrush, stag beetle and the purple hairstreak butterfly. Frogs Copse also has a copse with a woodland stream and a pond.
The sessions will focus on the following themes:
Monday 23 July, 10.30am to 12.30pm – Marvellous Minibeasts
Monday 30 July, 10.30am to 12.30pm – Mammals and Birds
Monday 6 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm – Bees and Butterflies
Monday 13 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm – Remarkable Reptiles
Monday 20 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm – Plants and Trees
Development work at Townhill Park started last year with initial works on-site taking place on plot 1, which will deliver 56 new affordable homes. The council has already approved a proposal to bring forward the development of a further 215 homes around half of which will be affordable housing on Plot 2. An important aim of the regeneration is improving the access and use of the green spaces in and around Townhill Park for local residents, ensuring that all residents have access to high quality open space close to home. A range of improvements were agreed with the Council and Natural England when planning consent was given in 2016.
The first phase of these improvements is currently being developed at Frog’s Copse, including:
• Upgrading of the existing footpath
• Provision of a natural play trail
• Creation of a picnic/informal sports area
• Habitat management
Councillor Satvir Kaur, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “Encouraging families of Townhill Park to this excellent green space in the local area will provide residents with the awareness that it exists, education on the living things there and offer tranquillity from the redevelopment site.”
Councillor Dave Shields, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, said: “Many of us have fond memories of childhood adventures in the city’s many parks and green spaces. It is healthy for children to be outdoors in nature, to reconnect to the living world around us. I hope that Townhill Park residents and others in the city will take time during the summer to enjoy our parks and green spaces like Frogs Copse.”
Southampton City Council has developed close ties with SO18 Big Local and are working with them and the University of Southampton to provide activities for local residents at Frog’s Copse. SO18 Big Local is a project that covers parts of Harefield, Midanbury and Townhill Park in Southampton. These neighbourhoods together were awarded £1m from the Big Lottery Fund to make a lasting positive difference to the area over 10 years. The project is resident-led and is driven by what they believe would make a positive impact in their area.
No booking necessary for Explore Outdoors sessions. Meet at main base on Frogs Copse near playground off Marlhill Close, S018 2GE. Sessions are outdoors so dress for weather. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
For more information contact SO18 Big Local on 07528 338104 or info@so18biglocal.org.uk
Youth Events this Summer!
Lots on this Summer for 10-18 year olds. Book via our Youth Worker Alice, on Whats App, Text or Call 07599224305 or message and like the Facebook page SpeakUp Alice & SO18 Youth.
In Kingsdown Way, there be Dragons (Teeth!)
Further to previous adverts for a community artist we’re happy to announce that Will Rosie, who has already worked with SO18 Big Local at Vanguard Road and on our Graffiti Art for Meggeson Avenue, has been appointed to work with residents of Kingsdown Way (Townhill Park) to paint the wooden bollards/dragon’s teeth this Summer. Look out for Will’s big yellow bus and he’ll explain how you can get involved!
Bon Voyage!
We’re sad to say that our Youth Development Worker Naomi is leaving SO18 Big Local to get involved in an exciting project in New Zealand! We wish her and her husband well on their travels. Alice, our other Youth Worker, will be running Youth events this Summer, check back for more details!
West End Carnival 2018
SO18 Big Local are delighted to announce that we were awarded joint 1st place in teh “Best Walking” category at this year’s West End Carnival. The theme for the carnival was “music of the 60s, 70s and 80s” and our entry was themed around songs about the sea – think Octopus’ Garden, Under The Sea, Yellow Submarine etc!
Community Gardening @ Vanguard Road
If you’re interested in gardening, or keen to learn, or want to meet new people, then head to the raised bed outside Alpine Stores on Vanguard Road to join Pippa and a group of residents in their community garden. Every other Monday afternoon from 4th June.
Bag A Lunch
SO18 Big Local, is looking for a suitably qualified person/small enterprise to make and deliver packed lunches this Summer for local children attending playschemes in our area. We know that 30-34% of children in the SO18 Big Local area are living in poverty, and additionally the long summer holiday can be a struggle for those that in term time are provided with free/low cost school meals.
We would be looking at ~ 30 lunches per day for 4 weeks in the summer, and lunches would need to be delivered to the playschemes based in Townhill Park/Harefield.
Lunches should include:
Sandwich with a plain filling (cheese or ham) made with good quality bread
Piece of fruit – small apple/pear, grapes or satsuma
Portion of vegetable – carrot or pepper sticks, cherry tomatoes
Cookie or slice of cake. ‘Home made’ type choc chip cookie or plain sponge cake
It is important to use this lunches be packed/wrapped in biodegradable products and contain good quality fresh products – no use of plastic packaging. We would also like to source reusable (possibly biodegradable) water bottles but this may be done separately.
We are looking for initial expressions of interest to deliver this work – please contact us by 4th June 2018 if you would like to know more, j.proctor@so18biglocal.org.uk
Community Artist required!
SO18 Big Local, is looking for a community artist for a project to be delivered over this summer (2018). The project is to support local families that will be affected by the SCC Estate Regeneration, to adopt and paint a wooden bollard in Kingsdown Way.
We are looking for a short proposal which includes:
• Experience of similar work
• Names of two referees (unless previously worked with SO18 Big Local).
• Short description of how would approach the project and any particular ideas.
• Cost
Please find attached more information about the project, and the background. If interested, please send proposals to j.proctor@so18biglocal.org.uk by 14th June 2018.
SO18 In Bloom
Not long to go now until our SO18 In Bloom event on Saturday 5th May!
We’ll have craft stalls run by local crafters, refreshments available (including from the infamous 286 Waffle Stop) plus a bouncy castle, games and the chance for Under 16s to get involved in this year’s Southampton In Bloom competition.
Hope to see you there! (Please bring sunshine!). For more info see our events page.
Get Walking!
May is #NationalWalkingMonth – have you tried our local walk routes? They take you via lots of local green spaces … packs are available for free at our Harefield Hub (Melchet Road) or at our stall when we’re at local events (e.g. this Saturday at SO18 In Bloom) or maps can be downloaded from Local Walks.
Happy walking!
Graffiti Art – The Grand Reveal (18th April 2018)
Yesterday was an exciting day for SO18 Big Local – we had the grand unveiling of artwork produced by a brilliant group of young people from our area. They have creatively designed and painted graffiti artwork for all the community to enjoy in partnership with community artist Will Rosie from All About Art. The teenagers chose designs worthy of a “selfie”, and that best showcases their talents – the artwork is being displayed on the hoardings in Townhill Park where an old pub was demolished as part of the City Council’s Estate Regeneration project.
Youth Development Worker, Naomi Hugill said “The Selfie Graffiti was a great opportunity for the young people to try something new, get them talking about the changes happening in their community and make a creative impact”.
The Grand Reveal was covered by local news site bitternepark.info, and a video can be seen here:
Everyone at SO18 Big Local is very proud of our young people and our youth group, SO18Youth!
Santa Claus is coming to town!
We’re transforming our Harefield Hub into a Santa’s Grotto again this year. See our events page for details.
Ramble for Children In Need
This year we’re organising a Countryfile Ramble for Children In Need. See the Countryfile Ramble for Children In Need event page for details.
Get sporty!
SportsFest2017 is coming! Thanks to Townhill Junior School for letting us use their school hall & playground again for this event. See the SportsFest2017 event for more details.
Autumnal Environmental activities
This Autumn we’ve got lots of Environmental projects planned. Pippa the Community Gardener is with us every Monday, and details of our whereabouts each week will be posted on our Facebook page.
The plan for Autumn is here: Autumn2017projects
August – Playschemes & teen events galore!
This Summer we have once again funded SCPA to run extra (on top of the weeks funded by SCC) playschemes during the Summer holidays. The schemes are running in Townhill Park and Harefield, and are free. For more information, see our Events section of this website.
There’s also a fortnight of activities for teenagers being run by our Youth Worker Naomi – see our Facebook page or search for SO18Youth on Facebook for more info.
28th July – Family Fun at Frogs Copse
Over 40 people turned out to Frogs Copse this morning to join us with our Nature Trail, bug-related crafts and bug hunting. We had a great time and hope you all did too!
This was also the first time our new Community Gardener Pippa (funded by SO18 Big Local and a grant from the People’s Health Trust Lottery) met lots of local residents.
20th June – Success at West End Carnival
On Saturday 17th June, SO18 Big Local entered West End Carnival for the first time. The theme this year was Children’s Books and our entry was The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Costumes were all hand made by our volunteers, supported by our workers, over the months leading up to the event, and we’re very proud to say that we won in the “Best Walking” category and “Best Overall”. It was a great day and our volunteers are already talking about next year! For photos, see West End Carnival – Official Site on Facebook and our own SO18 Big Local Facebook page.
23rd May – Community Associations need you!
Two local Community Associations have their Annual General Meetings coming up in June 2017 and really need more local people to get involved and/or give them some ideas…
Townhill Park Community Association Annual General Meeting 2017 Thursday 6th June, 1900 tea/coffee for 1915 start
TPCA are planning on holding fun-filled social events to bring the community together in Townhill Park but they need you! Do you know organisations that would be interested in taking part? Perhaps runs a family sports festival or “Crackanory” style events for grown ups? Other ideas? Dance events? Drama?
If interested, email TownhillParkCA@gmail.com or find them on Facebook @TownhillPark
Moorlands Community Association Annual General Meeting 2017 Thursday 15th June, 1930
Moorlands Community Association (based at Moorlands Community Centre) are holding their AGM on Thursday 15th June, 1930 but note it is at Townhill Park Community Centre!
They are looking for people that would be willing to take on a small amount of volunteer work. Perhaps you could take minutes at meetings, or deal with correspondence, help fund-raise or chair meetings?
You can find them on Facebook or contact us if interested and we will pass on a message.
9th May – Community Gardener Needed!
Could you support and encourage groups of local residents to meet together to plant and nurture small growing spaces in the Townhill Park and Harefield areas of Southampton?
TWICS has funding for a two year project from the People’s Health Trust Active Communities programme, with additional support from SO18 Big Local.
For more information, click here.
30th March – change to Small Grant closing dates
Please be aware that the closing dates for both our May/June and Sept/Oct Small Grant rounds have been brought forward by a week each. The panel dates are unaffected. For more information see our Guidance Notes available at https://so18biglocal.org.uk/grants/
28th March – new family choir!
Thanks to a Small Grant from SO18 Big Local, SoCo Music Project are launching a family choir for residents of the SO18 Big Local area tonight! For more information see our events page.
7th March – Updates to Small Grants applications
Please be aware we’ve updated our Small Grants Applications form slightly, including where to send it to, so make sure you use the new version and check out our guidance notes if you want to apply – see our grants pages for more info.
9th February – a busy morning on Frogs Copse
1st February – Latest newsletter
The February edition of our Community News is out now and dropping through the letterboxes of properties within the SO18 Big Local area, so keep an eye out for your free copy and do let us know if you have not received one!
31st January – Community Planting
Huge thanks to the hardy souls that joined us this afternoon at Somerton Avenue to plant in the unrelenting rain!
We planted over 150 native hedging plants that we hope will flourish and fill in the gaps in the hedgerow along the fence line, improving the area for wildlife in the future. We also planted some more bulbs (in addition to those we planted in October) so hopefully the area will be looking more colourful this Spring.
25th January – SCPA are recruiting volunteers!
Southampton Children’s Play Association are running half term play schemes in Harefield and Townhill Park on behalf of SO18 Big Local this February. If you are interested in volunteering with SCPA, please read their latest newsletter here.
18th January – Diary is getting busy!
We’ve got lots coming up in the next few weeks at SO18 Big Local – as well as our regular weekly activities we have Cops’n’Coffee at our Hub, Community Planting at Somerton Avenue, a work morning on Frogs Copse, a Pancake Evening for young people in Townhill Park and hopefully a wildlife talk for families. Keep an eye on our Events page for details, or Like us on Facebook for regular reminders!
7th December – Mental Wellbeing Coming Soon
Starting on the 4th January 2017, and running every Wednesday, is our new Hand In Hand peer support group. Anyone in the local area with mental health difficulties is more than welcome to come along – let’s support each other to get the most out of life!
6th December – Have Your Say On Play!
We’re joining Southampton City Council at Vanguard Road this Friday (9th Dec) to help with consultation on the new play area (opposite Alpine Stores). Refreshments, chance to vote on new play equipment, and festive treats available, plus free entry to a raffle. See events page for more details.
6th December – Small Grants Fund
We’ve updated our Small Grants Fund application form and Guidance Notes ahead of 2017. See our Grants page for more details.
5th December – Santa’s Grotto
Our Harefield Hub is becoming Santa’s Grotto for two dates this December, see our Events page for more details.
16th November – Newsletter
The latest edition of our newsletter is off to the printers and will be dropping through doors in the SO18 Big Local area in the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye out for it!
18th October – Small Grants
Our press release is now available following the most recent round of our Small Grants Fund. See our Grants page for more information.
7th October – Local Walks
The Walks section of our website is now LIVE – we will be at the Autumn Community Day tomorrow with walk packs for you to collect and take home, and will have information on Led Walks that we have arranged this Autumn! See more at our new Local Walks page.
20th September – Latest Newsletter
The Autumn edition of our newsletter is back from the printers and should be dropping onto your doormats (if you live within the SO18 Big Local area) or coming home from school (if your child attends an Infant/Junior/Primary School within our area) shortly so keep an eye out for it! You can also read it online here.
31st August – We’re back!
After a well earned break for our workers over the summer we’re back and raring to go – keep your ears and eyes peeled for upcoming events such as our Autumn Community Day and the launch of our Local Walks project!
28th July – Fabulous Family Fun
We had a lovely day on Frogs Copse (Townhill Park) today for our Frogs Copse Family Fun event – we had a Nature Trail, Arts & Crafts and Bug Hunting with Ian from the Hawthorns. Huge thanks to all that turned out to the event.
12th July – Another heap of rubbish!
Huge thanks to Rob, David (and his dog!), Jenny, Geoff, John, Clive, PCSO Soal, PC Smith and Cllr David Fuller for their help cleaning up the area around Cutbush Pond. Big thanks to Ian from the Hawthorns Centre for looking after us and providing equipment and expertise (and for hauling stuff out of the pond!).
5th July – Summer newsletter
The latest edition of our Community News is being printed now, and should be dropping through letterboxes of properties within the SO18 Big Local area before the kids break up for the summer!
22nd June – Annual Report
Our Annual Report showing what we did during Year 3 of SO18 Big Local is being printed now! You can view it online here.
13th June – What a mess!
Q: What do a mattress, a shopping trolley, a bicycle, a hose reel, a tent, a traffic cone and a glass window all have in common?
A: They are all things we found dumped on Frog’s Copse during our Work Day on 9th June!
We’d like to say a huge thank you to the small but determined band of volunteers that came out this morning to help us begin the clearing up, and to Ian from the Hawthorns Centre for his help and for the equipment.
Following the “hard graft” we had a lovely walk through the copse with Ian, spotting wildlife and identifying areas that need our attention in the future, as well as looking at ways the area could be improved (for people and for the animals!).
7th June – Press Release – Small Grants Fund
See our grants page for a press release regarding our most recent Small Grants Fund round.
6th June – Community Wellbeing & Fun Day at Woodlands
Programme of activities and performances for the day is now confirmed. See event details for more info!
6th June – Youth Development Worker needed
We are recruiting for a new Youth Development Worker. See our Youth pages for more info.
20 May 2016 – May/June Newsletter
The latest edition of our Community News is out now, and should be dropping through letterboxes of properties within the SO18 Big Local area shortly.
7 May 2016 – Spring Community Day
Thank you to everyone that attended the 3rd annual Spring Community Day in Townhill Park. The sun shone and over 200 people came to enjoy the craft stalls, bouncy castle, face-painting and games. A gallery of photos from the event is on our Facebook page here.
03 May 2016 – Townhill Park Estate Regeneration
Planning permission for the project (ref 15/01856/OUT) was approved at panel on May 3rd. See more on the Council’s planning portal here.
26 April 2016 – Townhill Park Estate Regeneration Update
Outstanding issues have been resolved earlier than expected and the application for the Townhill Park Estate Regeneration project will now be presented to the Planning Panel on the 3rd May 2016. Read more.