Summer Borough News 2024 - Eastleigh Borough Council

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Summer 2024

Summer events programme heats up

The heat is on in Eastleigh and beyond with a summer of events that will offer something for everyone in the coming weeks

Highlights from June through to September include a fantastic festival of street entertainment with Eastleigh Unwrapped; the first ‘Feastleigh’ Food & Drink Fiesta; Revelry On The Rec; a Vintage Fair & D-Day Commemoration; and the vibrant Mela celebration of music, dance, culture and cuisine from all of the Borough’s communities.

The Point Eastleigh’s Party in the Park is offering a summer of pop-up outdoor experiences on and around the Garden Stage with music, outdoor board games, yoga sessions, and activities for all the family. It ends with End of Summer Bash bringing free live music, DJs and a Battle of the Bands across the Bank Holiday weekend.

There’s outdoor theatre in the transformed Itchen Valley Country Park with Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors and Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage On Wheels, and a Sherlock Holmes comedy mystery in Eastleigh’s Leigh Road Recreation Ground. The season is rounded off with the fabulous Eastleigh Pride, in the same location, on Saturday 14 September from midday.

And If you can’t make it to the seaside, the Urban Beach will return to Leigh Road precinct in Eastleigh town centre.

Even better - most of the events are free! See pages 6,8 & 9 for more details.

Logo competition winner announced!

Thank you to all our 50 Years of Eastleigh Borough Council logo competition entries. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing artists’ impressions of what Eastleigh means to them and how they would portray our Borough’s milestone, whether by hand or digitally.

Drum roll please…our winner is Steph Rose, 37 from Eastleigh. Steph’s ‘golden’ design shows landmarks from the Borough and will be included on the Council’s communications for the year. Steph also receives a £50 theatre voucher redeemable at The Point and The Berry Theatre. Well done!

We’d also like to mention our junior runner-up, Marwah, aged 10.

Take a trip down memory lane and explore some nostalgic snapshots from the last 50 years on page 2 and follow the new Mayor’s visits on page 14.

Our focus

As a Council, we are focused on improving the quality of life of everyone living and working in the Borough, both now and in the future.

Protecting our environment

Maintaining and creating an attractive and sustainable environment that is valued, and which can allow residents, visitors and nature to flourish.

Enabling a healthier Eastleigh

We want all residents and visitors to the Borough to live long, healthy and happy lives and so we are focussed on improving health and wellbeing and reducing socio-economic and health inequality.

Creating homes & communities

To help support a buoyant housing market we are delivering high-quality homes of all tenures to provide opportunities for people looking for affordable rent, or a new home to meet the diverse needs of residents. We are also co-creating communities, alongside housing development, by delivering infrastructure, employment, leisure and open spaces.

Shaping places

Creating and enhancing places where residents and businesses

can

thrive. It is about ensuring that our neighbourhoods, buildings and spaces work well for everyone and that our places are attractive, vibrant, distinctive and safe.

Celebrating 50 years of Eastleigh Borough Council

Eastleigh Borough Council is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The local authority in its current form came into being with the major shake-up of local government in 1974

Both the Borough and the Council have seen a lot of changes since then. The authority’s headquarters moved from the civic offices on Leigh Road near the M3 motorway junction (now occupied by the Hendy car dealership) to the current Upper Market Street building in 2014.

As well as delivering services designed to support local communities and improve the lives of Borough residents, the Council has delivered the Utilita Bowl, the home of Hampshire Cricket; created two popular country parks; built the Fleming Park Leisure Centre in 1975, that was replaced by Places Leisure Eastleigh; opened

numerous play facilities, two theatres and the Sorting Office workspace for creative businesses. The Council also began its journey of enabling and delivering high quality housing, as well as premises for commercial businesses.

The original Eastleigh Borough was formed in 1936 following the incorporation of the former Eastleigh Urban District Council. It expanded to become the existing Borough of Eastleigh, taking in part of the former Winchester Rural District as a result of the Local Government Act 1972.

1974 snapshot

1974 will be remembered as a year that saw two parliamentary elections, the three-day working week, and the disappearance of both Lord Lucan and John Stonehouse MP. ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest with Waterloo, Tom Baker took over as the fourth Dr Who and the biggest events in sport were the football World Cup Final, won by West Germany, and the Rumble in the Jungle boxing match between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali. McDonalds opened its first UK restaurant in South East London. The average house price was £10,000; a gallon (3.8 litres) of petrol was 50 pence and a pint of beer would set you back 28 pence. A full-time manual worker earned around £50 a week.

WIN FREE TICKETS

by answering this simple question:

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Answers along with how to enter can be found at: itchenvalley.co.uk/go-ape

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itchenvalley.co.uk

Countryside Rangers end 20-year coppicing cycle

The Countryside Ranger team concluded their 20 year coppicing cycle in the Woodland Nature Reserve at Itchen Valley Country Park this year. The nature reserve is home to over 20 different types of habitat, from bare ground to canopy cover. Coppicing hazel is a traditional woodland management system used to foster regrowth and encourage woodlands to thrive. By cutting down trees, more light is able to reach the woodland floor, which helps improve the biodiversity of the woodland habitats, and many species of invertebrates, birds and mammals thrive in this system. Throughout the year the ranger and volunteer teams create dead hedges from coppiced hazel throughout the park which help protect bluebells from deer, dogs and trampling.

Itchen Valley transformation nears completion

The major transformation of Itchen

Valley Country Park is nearing completion

Visitors can look forward to a summer of fantastic new facilities that will make the 440-acres of ancient woodland, water meadows and green open spaces in West End an even greater pleasure to visit.

The improvements include:

• Exciting new play areas – including The Den for the under-fives, with its toddler swings, a climbing turret and tunnels; The Drey with its zip wire for older, more adventurous children, as well as Woodlarks to encourage imaginative play. Not forgetting the play sculpture trail and indoor play at The Holt.

• A network of accessible walking, jogging and cycling trails to boost visitors’ wellbeing as they enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

• A central events space and covered ares for customers to the popular Woodland Café.

• A versatile new community building for all kinds of activities.

• Changing Places disabled toilet facilities.

• The car parks have been relocated to route traffic away from pedestrian areas and new arrangements are in place for car parking (please check on-site information).

We’re asking visitors to please bear with us as the final works are carried out, as some attractions and areas may be temporarily inaccessible.

The Chair of the Hedge End, West End & Botley Local Area Committee, Cllr Cynthia Garton, said: “We’re so pleased that the huge improvements to Itchen Valley Country Park will be in place in time for the school summer holidays. We think visitors will agree that the Council team, working with our contractors and architects, have done an excellent job to make this wonderful amenity even better.”

Thanks to these improvements, the park will be able to host bigger and better outdoor events and entertainment – look out for future announcements.

Easier parking system at Country Park

As part of the ongoing transformation at Itchen Valley Country Park. Visitors will also see improvements to how parking is managed at the popular Country Park, whilst maintaining parking charges at their current level.

The current Pay & Display system means that visitors must estimate how they long they are going to stay before buying a Pay & Display parking ticket to then display in their vehicle. This process will soon be replaced with a new system that allows visitors to access the country park by driving through entry barriers. Visitors can then enjoy the many facilities at the park and can pay for their parking stay at one of

the pay stations, that will enable them to leave through the exit barriers.

The benefit of this system is that visitors will only pay for their time in the park rather than running the risk of losing paid-for parking time, or even receiving a Penalty Charge Notice for overstaying their Pay & Display ticket.

The new system will allow for payment via cash and debit/credit cards, with the potential for parking offers, season tickets and reduced tariffs for special events.

It is planned that the new system will be installed during the summer.

Coffee pod recycling has ‘bean’ a huge success

It’s been a year since the Council and Podback partnered up to include a weekly kerbside collection of used coffee pods for recycling. Since then, a whopping 20 tonnes of coffee pods have been collected in this period, equating to 1.1 million coffee pods, or cups of coffee.

What happens to the coffee pods once collected?

The coffee grounds are removed, and the plastic and aluminium are then transformed into new products, including beverage cans, car components, or plastic garden furniture and building products. The coffee grounds are used to create soil improver and renewable energy (biogas).

So it’s a BIG thank you to all our residents who have joined the scheme. Do you want to join in? Head to our recycling page to find out more and order your free recycling bags eastleigh.gov.uk/podback.

JOIN OUR GARDEN WASTE SCHEME

Don’t waste time and fuel booking a trip to the tip

Join over 24,000 other Borough residents and sign up today.

Whether you have a small amount of garden waste, or lots of grass cuttings, shrub prunings and weeds, the collection will save you time and make it easier for you to help the environment.

The cost of a bin is only £50 for the year, that’s just £2 per collection.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• saves you time and is more convenient

• no more mess or creepy crawlies in your vehicle

• collected fortnightly from your kerbside

• no more booking or queueing at your local tip

• wheeled bin is easy to manoeuvre around your garden

Sign up at eastleigh.gov.uk/gardenwaste

Are you recycling the ‘big five’ items?

Our new Let’s get it sorted campaign is helping our residents to put the right items in the right bins. Are you making sure you put the big five items in your green recycling bin?

In Eastleigh, there are only FIVE items that should go in your green recycling bin. These are:

• Plastic bottles

• Aluminium cans and metal tins

• Paper

• Cardboard

• Empty aerosols

Anything else should be placed in your general waste bin or taken to your local Household Waste Recyling Centre. When it comes to placing items in your recycling bin, simply remember ‘if in doubt, leave it out!’

Thanks to everyone for doing your bit to help us reduce incorrect recycling. For more information on how to recycle household items, please visit our website.

Sign up to our Waste & Recycling newsletter

Scan the QR Code. Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in waste and recycling

Green grilling: tips for having a sustainable BBQ

As the sun starts to shine brighter and the days get warmer, it’s an ideal time for many residents to enjoy a barbecue. In preparation, we have put together some handy tips to help promote recycling and help with the post-barbecue tidy-up!

• Eco-friendly utensils, plates and drinkware: if possible opt to use reusable plates and utensils instead of disposable plates, cups, and utensils. If you prefer, you could consider options made from materials like bamboo or sugarcane fibre which break down much faster than traditional plastic.

• All your cans, plastic bottles, cardboard, and other recyclable materials can go in your green bin and glass bottles go in your glass recycling box. So why not make it easy for guests to dispose of their waste responsibly by providing separate bins for different types of recyclables

• Reduce food waste: Planning your barbecue can help you save money and reduce food waste by overbuying. You can also have a food waste bin ready for food scraps too.

• Why not encourage guests to share cars, bike, walk or use public transport when travelling to-and-from your barbecue.

Find out more about Waste & Recycling

Visit: eastleigh.gov.uk/waste-binsand-recycling/your-collections/ recycling

New planting is Tree-mendous

Over 1,000 trees have been planted as part of the Council’s Plant Eastleigh project

Volunteers and community groups have been busy planting across the Borough at special planting days. New Plant Eastleigh volunteers, local organisations and Berrywood Primary School have been in action, including Cllr Rupert Kyrle, Cabinet Member for Environment! You may have seen them in Hedge End, Botley, Fair Oak, Hiltingbury Lakes and Hatch Farm in recent months.

Almost 500 three-metre trees of 14 different varieties, including diseaseresistant elms, have been planted with funding from the Forestry Commission’s Urban Tree Challenge. They have filled parks and grass verges in Eastleigh, Netley, Bursledon and Hamble suburban areas with avenues of beautiful cherry trees and key species for wildlife.

Our Senior Rangers for Community Trees are keen to recruit more volunteers and community groups to help during next October-March planting season and are accepting early applications. It’s a great chance to get outdoors, get active and meet a like-minded community.

For those who still want to help in their own way, the Rangers are looking for local Tree Carers to look after the new trees planted near them. They urge residents to help water them during

warmer months from sustainable sources such as rainwater or even bath/washing up water, to ensure they establish.

Plant Eastleigh is our drive for residents, businesses, and community organisations to increase the number of trees in Eastleigh Borough by 160,000 by 2030.

Visit planteastleigh.co.uk for more information on the project and to be a part of Plant Eastleigh

Picture (from top right): Cllr Kyrle, Berrywood Primary School pupils, volunteers at Hiltingbury Lakes at planting events

Butterfly conservation & urban tree challenge

Over 100 disease resistant elm trees, specially bred by Hilliers Nurseries, have been planted in the Borough as we reintroduce more of these iconic English native species following the devastation caused by Dutch Elm Disease in the 1970s.

These trees also provide a valuable habitat for the rare and enigmatic White-Letter Hairstreak butterfly, the caterpillars of which feed exclusively on elm. The butterfly is named due to the strongly-defined white ‘W’ mark across the undersides of the wings, although the adult butterflies can be

hard to see as they spend a lot of time in the tree canopy. White-letter Hairstreaks are a priority species of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and are listed as a species of high conservation priority by Butterfly Conservation.

In recent years colonies of this species have been found in urban areas on disease resistant elms and given that there are occasional records of these butterflies within our Borough and known colonies nearby, we are hopeful that in the future they can establish new colonies on our own elm trees.

White-letter

New EV charge points available

Five new electric vehicle (EV) charge points have been installed at multiple sites across the Borough. These include: Lakeside Country Park, The Hub - Bishopstoke, Hamble Square, New Road, and Mortimer Road car parks.

A range of rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, which can charge a car from empty to 80% in as little as 30 minutes, have been installed in key areas. An additional ultrarapid (150kWw) charger has been installed at Places Leisure Eastleigh, and the chargers at Channon and Chestnut retail park sites will be upgraded over the next year. Including Romsey Road car park, nine Council sites now provide EV charging facilities.

DID YOU KNOW? Each charging point is powered by 100% renewable electricity. Find your nearest electrical charging point eastleigh.gov.uk/ evchargingpoints

Picture:

Hairstreak by Andy Barker

Tree Planting Volunteering

See what our volunteers said

Eastleigh Active: Low-cost activities for the kids this summer

Eastleigh Active is back this summer - offering a range of low-cost activities for children aged five to 16, running from 29 July to 23 August. With prices at just £3.50 per session**, and some being free, there’s something for every family (even the teens!).

Activities include*:

Sports: Badminton, Golf, Archery, Football, Tennis, Basketball, Boccia and Olympic Weightlifting for beginners

Water: Sailing, Fishing and Free Swimming

Fitness and Fun: DanceActive, Aerial Hoop, CrossFit, Skating & Scooting, Orienteering, Junior Gym and Nerf Battles

Whether your child wants to try something new, is a sports enthusiast, water baby, or thrill-seeker, Eastleigh Active has something to keep them entertained and active this summer.

So why not get involved and make this summer one to remember?

We’re due to add more exciting activities to the programme and will confirm soon. Be the first to know and keep up to date on all things Eastleigh Active by signing up to our email alerts.

*Correct at time of print

**Concession rate of £1 per session for those in receipt of qualifying benefits

Find out more and book: eastleigh.gov.uk/eastleighactive

Family Fun Days at Itchen Valley Country Park

Itchen Valley Country Park is hosting free activity days across the summer holidays for families in receipt of free school meals.

They are available for 4 to 11 year-olds on Thursdays across August from 10am to 2pm. There will be multi-sports, circus skills, African drumming, exploring nature and nutrition workshops, plus a two-course lunch is provided.

There will be two exclusive free buses, with routes in from the north and south of the Borough to ensure these family fun days are as accessible as possible for those in lower income households.

Get your eligibility code in advance, and use this to book your place(s) from Wednesday 11 July eastleigh.gov.uk/familyfundays

Cycling mapping and community engagement

The Council is looking to audit and encourage the use of cycle routes across the Borough

We are partnering with Sustrans and Steer to update the Borough cycle map, which was last updated in 2015. A Community Engagement Officer for Cycling (Ray) has already been appointed to assist in the consultation and deliver cycle training and events across the Borough.

“Hi, I’m Ray!

“I’ll be talking to local community groups and organisations about the map later in the year. We’ll be asking for feedback from stakeholders and the wider public once the draft is complete, so if you love cycling, please get involved.

“I’m keen to help residents build their cycle skills and confidence, offer training, and organise some community bike rides to help people get active and have fun!”

Visit eastleigh.gov.uk for updates

Food education and production programme

Food education and production projects have been pressing ahead across the Borough! They aim to help communities in target areas grow and access nutritious food and learn how to prepare and cook fresh produce for better health and wellbeing.

Look out for fun and practical cooking sessions for households over the next year aimed at improving nutrition, and making food go further. An Eastleigh Food Partnership is being formed to assist the network of foodbanks, community fridges and pantries.

We have already supported the following local organisations to focus on developing

accessible growing spaces and ‘greening up’: Eastleigh Community Garden, WildHive, Fair Oak & Horton Heath Parish Council and North Stoneham Community Group.

Refurbishment of the Pilands Wood Community Centre kitchen has also been completed to support local Bursledon residents.

Belinda Murray, Chair of Trustees at PWCA, said: “Thank you for all your help with our kitchen refurbishment, it is going to make such a difference to the many families that use the centre. We are very excited to now be able to work towards other projects such as a ‘cook & eat’ project and a very-much-wanted café.”

WHAT’S ON

THE CURIOUS WORLD OF SCIENCE WITH THE SCIENCE DUDE

Tuesday 30 May • 2pm

The Point

UNWRAPPED FESTIVAL

Saturday 8 June - Leigh Road Rec

Sunday 9 June - Greta Park 10.30am – 4.45pm

It’s Ok Susie: PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DISASTER

Friday 14 June • 7.30pm

The Point

WIFI WARS

Saturday 15 June • 2pm

The Point

ANYTHING FUNNY

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Tuesday 18 June & Tuesday 16 July • 8pm

The Point

The Handlebards: COMEDY OF ERRORS

Wednesday 19 June • 7pm

Itchen Valley Country Park

Let’s All Dance: GOLDILOCKS, THE BALLET

Saturday 22 June • 1pm & 3.30pm The Point

THE RAINBOW ROOM: SOCIAL EVENING

Thursday 27 June • 7pm The Point

The Production Garden Limited: SHERLOCK & WATSON, A MURDER IN THE GARDEN

Saturday 29 June • 7pm

The Point, Leigh Road Rec

EDINBURGH COMEDY WARM-UPS

Friday 5 July • 7.30pm

The Point

Richard Alcock T/As EJB Promotions: FLEETWOOD MAC SONGBOOK

Saturday 6 July • 7.30pm

The Point

EDINBURGH COMEDY WARM-UPS

Friday 12 July • 7.30pm The Point

THE RAINBOW ROOM: DRAG NIGHT

Saturday 20 July • 6pm The Point

PARTY IN THE PARK: END OF SUMMER BASH

Thursday 22 – Monday 26 August

The Point

Long Nose Puppets: OUT OF THE HAT

Friday 31 May • 11am The Berry

Shake It Up: THE IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE SHOW

Saturday 1 June • 7.30pm The Berry

EDINBURGH COMEDY WARM-UPS

Friday 7 June & 21 June • 7.30pm The Berry

BERRY FUNNY COMEDY CLUB

Friday 28 June & Friday 26 July • 8pm

The Berry

POP PARTY

Friday 2 August • 2pm

The Berry

Every Tuesday morning, The Point hosts something fun for grownups to enjoy with their babies and toddlers. Whether it’s the chance to enjoy an introduction to dance basics, uplifting and relaxing live music sessions or arts and crafts activities, these sessions offer parents, grandparents, childminders and carers the opportunity to do something creative with their little ones and meet like-minded people in a friendly environment.

BABY DISCO

Tuesday 4 June & 9 July

10.30am The Point ARTY PARTY Tuesday 11 June & 16 July

GIGS

& 11.30am

tickets couldn’t be easier! Our current Box Office hours are 10am to 3pm from Monday to Saturday or head to our website and book online.

Box Office: 023 8065 2333 thepointeastleigh.co.uk theberrytheatre.co.uk

The Point, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 9DE

The Berry Theatre, Wildern Lane, Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire SO30 4EJ theberrytheatre thepointeastleigh PointEastleigh

The next LGBTQ+ Community meet at The Rainbow Room

Earlier in May, saw the launch of The Rainbow Room with a live screening of the Eurovision finals for the LGBTQ+ Community. Activities are planned every month and range from fun social evenings to epic drag nights! The next scheduled gathering is a social evening at The Point Theatre on Thursday 27 June at 7pm.

Come as you are, find connection or bring your pals along for some Rainbow Room fun at The ‘cosy’ Point!

Monthly gatherings are FREE, you may need to book your space.

thepointeastleigh.gov.uk/ rainbowroom A monthly gathering for

Mini Creatures Trail

25 May - 2 June • 10am - 4.30pm

£1.50

Summer events at the Country Parks

Pick up your activity sheet from the Woodland Café and help the mini creatures of Itchen Valley to solve clues and challenges to explore almost every part of the park. Trail packs include an activity sheet, pencil and sticker!

Tin Can Bug Hotels

Saturday 8 June • 10.30am - 12pm

£2

Celebrate Big Green Week with us! We’re running an upcycling workshop where you’ll learn how to turn a tin can into a colourful bug hotel.

Popell Barns Mobile Farm

Saturday 15 June • 1pm - 4pm

Free

Come and say hello to the animals from Popells farm! Meet Max the donkey, Dot & Dolly a pair of friendly sheep plus rabbits and guinea pigs. To help make the animals feel safe, we are not allowing dogs for this event, thank you.

Wellbeing Watercolour Workshop

Friday 12 July • 10.30am - 3pm

£60

Join Iris Hill for her signature Watercolour Wellbeing workshops which explore freeflowing painting techniques and breathing meditations to nurture your creativity and inspire calm. All levels of creative experience are welcome. Refreshments and a vegetarian lunch included.

BioBlitz

Saturday 20 July

9am - 5pm

Free entry

Join us to discover which birds, reptiles, bats, insects, trees and wildflowers call the country park home. Head to the bio-hub at our events square to explore the free activity stalls, meet the experts and much more. On the day, there will also be craft activities available for a small fee and bat and moth events which are bookable via our website.

Summer Quest

Saturday 27 July to Sunday 1 September

£2

Summer is here and we want you to explore the park with your senses! Pick up an activity sheet from the Woodland Café and start your quest!

Wild Wednesdays

7, 14, 21, 28 August • 10.30 - 11.30am

£5

Summer Sundowner

Friday 21 June • 6.30pm - 8.30pm • £5

Join us on the longest day of the year for the first Itchen Valley Country Park sundowner. Come along and enjoy good quality local food, music from the One Eyed Man and being outside in nature.

Explore the magical world of minibeasts! We’ll be alternating each week between exploring our meadows and ancient woodlands. We’ll be using sweep nets and information keys to help identify them. At the end of August, we’ll be leaf printing and making some natural bunting.

D-Day commemoration brings revelry to the rec

A vintage fair to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings takes place in the centre of Eastleigh on Saturday 6 July (11am - 6pm)

Revelry on the Rec celebrates military personnel past, present and future and features re-enactments, vintage vehicles, 1940s memorabilia, as well as music and dancing from the era, sideshow games and activities for the children.

More modern attractions include stalls, mascot visits, bouncy castles, face painting, together with food and drink stands.

Organisers, Dream Empire Events, are hoping as many people as possible will come dressed in vintage clothes.

Revelry on the Rec is a free entry event.

Eastleigh and D-Day

Eastleigh is most famously known as the location of the maiden flight of the Spitfire fighter aircraft, but the Borough also had a significant role in the build-up to the June 1944 Normandy landings, the decisive Allied invasion that signalled the beginning of the end of the war. Four marshalling camps at Hiltingbury had a total capacity of 11,000 men and 2,000 vehicles, and were the largest group of camps in any of the marshalling areas in the run-up D-Day. There was also a marshalling camp at North Stoneham. The town’s Pirelli cableworks contributed to PLUTO (the PipeLine Under The Ocean) that was crucial to the success of the invasion.

Many people from across the Borough were involved in the D-Day preparations and landings. One of the most remarkable was Corporal Lydia Alford of Eastleigh who was the first of three women sent to a combat zone. She was a nursing orderly in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and flew on the first RAF transport plane to evacuate the wounded from the Normandy battlefields after D-Day.

Community support

Support for our community

Many people don’t know they are eligible for financial assistance you can explore the Council’s website to find support including financial, housing and energy advice and support services at eastleigh.gov.uk

Try Citizens Advice Eastleigh for help and advice

Citizens Advice have an Eastleigh office and a range of outreaches in Bursledon, Hamble and Hedge End.

citizensadviceeastleigh.org.uk

Tel: 0808 278 7682

Check if you are eligible to receive support or benefits

Search gov.uk for their ‘benefits calculator’. This is free and independent and can help you find support you may be entitled to. Have you checked if tax relief, marriage allowance or cost of living payment apply too?

Find support for vulnerable groups

There is a range of for certain vulnerable groups this includes: Meals on Wheels, Eastleigh Handyperson scheme, assisted gardening scheme, assisted bin collection, grants for disabled facilities, apply for disabled parking space and more. We also have specific web areas for young people, and Armed Forces and their families.

Check out the local free and low-cost food outlets

Community Pantries

These provide a wide range of heavily discounted fresh, frozen and ambient food. Become a member and access £5.00 per visit for £15.00+ worth of

YMCA Eastleigh 29 Whieldon Way, North Stoneham, Eastleigh SO50 9SB

Monday to Sunday, 10am - 4pm

Foodbanks

Eastleigh Basics Food Bank Unit G6, Wells Place SO50 5PP

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am - 3pm

Get a cosier home with the Warmer Homes Programme

You could receive fully funded energy saving improvements for your home, such as insulation, air source heat pumps and solar PV panels. We're part of a group of 23 local authorities, and funding is available in your area. These measures can help lower your energy bills and keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Warmer Homes Programme

You could receive fully funded energy saving improvements for your home, such as insulation, air source heat pumps and solar PV panels. We're part of a group of 23 local authorities, and funding is available in your area. These measures can help lower your energy bills and keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Wondering if you're eligible?

Key criteria includes:

• Your home is not heated by mains gas (e.g. you use electric, oil or LPG)

Get a Warmer Homes

• You have a household income of £36,000 or under, or you receive a means-tested benefit

If you're interested but unsure about your eligibility, visit our website www.warmerhomes.org.uk or call freephone 0800 038 5737 to chat with our team.

Wondering if you're eligible?

Key criteria includes:

• Your home is not heated by mains gas (e.g. you use electric, oil or LPG)

• Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is D, E, F, or G (if you don’t know this, we can tell you)

You could receive fully funded energy saving improvements for your home, such as insulation, air source heat pumps and solar PV panels. We're part of a group of 23 local authorities, and funding is available in your area. These measures can help lower your energy bills and keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

• You have a household income of £36,000 or under, or you receive a means-tested benefit

If you're interested but unsure about your eligibility, visit our website www.warmerhomes.org.uk or call freephone 0800 038 5737 to chat with our team.

Key criteria includes:

• Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is D, E, F, or G (if you don’t know this, we can tell you)

Wondering if you're eligible?

• Your home is not heated by mains gas (e.g. you use electric, oil or LPG)

• Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is D, E, F, or G (if you don’t know this, we can tell you)

Ready to apply now? Simply scan the QR code, apply online or call us and get started to enjoy the benefits of a cosier home!

• You have a household income of £36,000 or under, or you receive a means-tested benefit

If you're interested but unsure about your eligibility, visit our website

Hedge End snowdrop sculpture at Chelsea Flower Show

A new sculpture of snowdrops flowered for the first time at Snowdrop Place Care Home, ahead of the temporary loan to the Chelsea Flower Show.

Commissioned by Frontier Estates as part of their planning agreement for the care home completed in December 2020, the sculpture has been made by artist Tom Hiscocks and was installed just as snowdrop bulbs came into flower this February.

Luke Harris of Frontier Estates, said: “We were really pleased to be able to procure this unique piece of art for residents of both the care home and the local area to enjoy for years to come.”

Chair of Hedge End, West End and Botley LAC, Cllr Cynthia Garton said, “I’m immensely proud of the

public art in the Borough and this sculpture is a prime example of the beauty that comes from a community collaboration. We are pleased that developers can support such projects for local residents to enjoy art so close to home.”

The Barchester Healthcare team at Snowdrop Place have said: “We absolutely love this beautiful sculpture... Its intricate design is a testament to Tom’s impeccable skill and attention to detail. Every petal and stem is crafted to perfection, capturing the essence of the snowdrop flower in an almost surreal manner. It’s a true representation of the care and

New kestrel artwork lands at Windhover Country Park

compassion that is at the heart of Snowdrop Place, and how art has the power to uplift and inspire.”

The Council gave permission for the sculpture to be temporarily loaned to the Chelsea Flower Show and estimated to have been seen by around 155,000 visitors at this internationally renowned horticulture event.

Artist Tom Hiscocks, said: “I am really happy to have the opportunity to take my sculpture to Chelsea. The association will create a permanent connection between Snowdrop Place and the wider community.”

Picture above: Cllr Leigh Hadaway, Cllr Derek Pretty, Luke Harris (Frontier Estates), Phil Deacon (Deacon Design), Tom Hiscocks (Sculpture Designer), John Cunningham (Care Home General Manager), Carol Collins (Care Home Head house keeper), Cllr Cynthia Garton & Cllr Ian Corben

Funded by developers contributions for public art, a beautiful carved sculpture of a kestrel by artist Chris Bain has been installed at the newly created Windhover Country Park (named after the old name for a Kestrel) in Bursledon.

The sculptor is well-known locally for carvings, including those around the One Horton Heath development site where native creatures including an otter, an owl and a hedgehog can be found along the public rights of way.

For Bursledon, Chris has crafted a slightly larger than life-size kestrel from English oak and installed it sitting atop a 7ft English Oak stem at the junction of Le Marechal Avenue and Bursledon Road.

Cllr Tonia Craig, said: “Many residents have asked for a new sculpture to replace the kestrel which used to feature on the Windhover Roundabout. We’re delighted to have been able to use developer’s contributions to make that happen at our newest Country Park in Bursledon and hope that it will be enjoyed by residents for many years to come.”

Discover local heritage

and build memoriesget involved today!

Funded by developers contributions for Public Art, Eastleigh Borough Council is commissioning artists to work with residents of Bursledon, Hamble, and Hound to explore local history and nature.

Award-winning artist Emma Smith is leading a project which focuses on the area’s brickmaking heritage called Coralent Eastleigh. This project builds on Smith’s temporary installation at the Brickworks Museum in 2022, which featured hundreds of handmade bricks suspended on steel cables; honouring historic and living brickmakers. Emma will work with local residents and Bursledon Parish Council to adapt the design for new seating in Great Down Park. Residents can also help research brickmaking history and try making bricks themselves.

Another project, Hamble Peninsula Sounds, is being developed by Wild Museum. This team of artists and sound specialists will create an audio archive capturing the area’s history, culture and wildlife. The recordings include sounds from nature, conversations with locals and old sea shanties.

Residents can get involved by suggesting sites and stories, learning to record sounds, or participating in recorded conversations. No experience is needed, and all ages are welcome including schools, community groups or history and nature enthusiasts. Anyone interested should contact John Coburn at john@wild-museum.com.

For more information, visit the Public Art page: eastleigh.gov.uk/publicart

Returning to make a splash in Eastleigh

Our popular paddling splash pool is now open providing free fun for the family, as we welcome warmer weather. Situated at Fleming Park, by Places Leisure Eastleigh, this gated shallow splash pool benefits from some shading from trees, nearby toilets, along with the neighbouring play area complete with sand pit, slide and multi-climbing frame.

The Council partnered up with Places for People and extended the existing pool a few years ago which continues to be popular each year.

There’s also the paddling pool at Hedge End, located at St John’s Recreation Ground which is now open - don’t forget to pack your suncream, picnic blankets and swimmers!

Opportunities for young people in Eastleigh Borough

Youth Options was set up with the aim to connect with young people in the community, offering them support, advice, and a safe environment. You’ll easily spot the Youth Options team in their distinctive blue and orange uniforms, who encourage you to come and ask questions about their offerings! The caring team host regular youth club sessions, street-based activities, and provide 1:1 support throughout Eastleigh Borough.

Find your nearest Youth Options:

Bursledon, Hamble, and Hound Street-based in Bursledon, Hamble, and Hound on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 5.30pm - 9pm.

Eastleigh Town Energy Youth Centre on Tuesdays (11-14 year olds) and Thursdays (14-18 year olds) from 6pm - 8.30pm. Street-based on Fridays from 3pm - 8.30pm.

Bishopstoke, Fair Oak, and Horton Heath YZone Youth Centre on Thursdays (11-18 year olds) from 6pm - 8.30pm. Street based on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5.30pm - 9pm.

Community First to deliver vital support

The Council has appointed leading charity Community First to deliver vital support for voluntary groups and charities around the Borough.

Community First aims to recruit more volunteers and help groups get more external funding. They will also provide specialist training, help review governance, improve business planning, and promote collaborative working.

The partnership will focus on promoting and supporting volunteering opportunities across the Borough and working with organisations that address loneliness, social isolation, and health and wellbeing.

Cllr Paul Bicknell, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration (North) and Social Policy, said: “Voluntary groups and charities, and the people who devote their time to supporting others, are the lifeblood of our communities in Eastleigh Borough.”

For more information see cfirst.org.uk

Chandler’s Ford and Hiltingbury Fryern Pavilion on Thursdays (11-18 year olds) from 6pm - 8.30pm Street-based on Wednesday from 3pm - 6.30pm.

Boorley Green

COMING SOON - street-based sessions in the Boorley Green area of Botley.

Look out for more information on social media and the Youth Options website - youthoptions.org.uk

Also coming soon...

With funding granted through Energise Me, Youth Options will soon be offering additional sessions to young people in the Eastleigh Borough using sports and physical activities, local facilities and groups to build knowledge about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.

New interactive map for our green spaces

We have created a new online interactive map to help residents see the green spaces that the Council owns and/or maintains. Each area is also colour coded to show how many grass cuts it will receive a year. Any area that is not colour coded means the land it is owned and maintained by another organisation or company and not the Council.

The Council is continuing to take an environmentally friendly approach to managing its green spaces throughout the Borough, to help the local environment and encourage greater biodiversity.

This year’s grass cutting cycles have now begun and are based on a process of managing areas of land in different ways depending on their location and use.

(Please remember that our cutting cycles are affected by weather and ground conditions)

View our new online interactive map: eastleigh.gov.uk/greenspacesmap or find out more about how we manage our green spaces: eastleigh.gov.uk/greenspaces

Local children learn about construction

Mansbridge Primary School children enjoy an exciting trip

Children from Mansbridge Primary School found out how a major construction site works when they visited the Council’s new One Horton Heath development.

Luddon Construction hosted the Year R children who got to sit in some earth-moving vehicles, learn about site safety and how new-build homes are built! With the help of a presentation to give them an idea of the scale of the OHH project. Luddon also donated some high-vis jackets and road safety play equipment.

Lots to do at Hamble’s Mercury Library & Hub

The Mercury Library and Community Hub in Hamble continues to provide a great service. They regularly host coffee mornings for local causes and will continue to do so. Please keep checking their Facebook page for upcoming events. In addition to the coffee mornings, free story-telling and children’s craft sessions are held during the holiday times. These are very popular and great fun is had by all.

The Hub is open every morning, apart from Sunday, from 10am to 1pm, Monday and Tuesday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm and Wednesday afternoons from 2pm to 5pm, details of what is on every day is posted on their

Head Teacher, Mrs Brosnan, wrote to thank Luddon. She said: “They thoroughly enjoyed their time with you and are writing about their trip today. This is the wonderful thing about trips, they always inspire children to write. Thank you for taking the time to organise this for the children and for the lovely equipment you have donated to us”.

and

quietly

Childrens visit

Local hero awarded for helping the community

Mayor Making was a busy evening with an additional award going to Local Hero Karlie for her dedication to the community.

Karlie founded Perfectly Imperfect, a support group encouraging people to stay active, find and nurture new interests, and make new friends while improving the local environment.

From her own experiences, Karlie made it her mission to help others and make a meaningful difference. Some of the commended work includes tidying local green spaces as a group, bringing the community together, and allowing them to heal as they improve their surrounding area.

On the night, Karlie said she was “so shocked, privileged and proud!”

To invite the Mayor to your event, special celebration or visit your community group email: mayorsoffice@eastleigh.gov.uk

Find out more about the mayor: eastleigh.gov.uk/themayor

Meet Eastleigh’s new Mayor

Cllr Dave Pragnell was invested as the new Mayor of Eastleigh following his election by his fellow Councillors at the Mayor Making ceremony on 20 May.

Dave has represented the Chandler’s Ford ward since 2012 and he also serves as a Chandler’s Ford Parish Councillor. His wife Jean is the Mayoress.

Dave was born in 1958 and attended Montgomery of Alamein secondary school in Winchester. After, he became a shoe repairer for 19 years before moving into facilities maintenance, he currently works for Kier plc. He met Jean at a social event and they married in 1980. They have three children, Claire, Samantha and Simon and now have two grandchildren, Nathan and Julian.

Dave is looking forward to meeting people around the Borough and said, “I am very excited about being Mayor of Eastleigh. It will give me a chance of seeing more of the fantastic work done by so many people in our communities. These projects are often run by volunteers who deserve our support and I will be delighted to do so on behalf of us all.”

Dave has chosen Centrestage Youth Productions Theatre, and Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society as his charities for the year.

Cllr Janice Asman who represents West End South was invested as Deputy Mayor for the year.

Crafties Group Celebrate 50 Years of Eastleigh with Decorative Post Box Topper

This special Topper was created on the personal request by the new Mayor of Eastleigh, Cllr David Pragnell, as he was impressed by many of the u3a Crafties’ Toppers which he had seen in the area and on social media.

This Post-box Topper adds to the group’s wide collection created over the last 2 years for various times in the calendar, and we are delighted to have one made marking 50 Years of Eastleigh Borough Council.

The additional masterpiece was produced by three of the group members in just four weeks, using mainly recycled yarn, fabrics and figures. In-fact the Mayor and Mayoress figures were upcycled after previously being King Charles and Queen Camilla.

The u3a brings together members of the community who are no longer in full-time employment to make new friends and develop their interests in a relaxed setting. They meet in the Methodist Church on Winchester Road in Chandler’s Ford on the third Monday of each month.

After being displayed on the Post-box outside The Point Theatre for a week, this special Topper will be on temporary loan and on show in the Reception of Eastleigh Civic Offices.

Look out for the eight 80th D-Day Anniversary Toppers, which are under construction, and will be on Post-boxes around Chandler’s Ford.

Honouring a Legacy: Roger Wood Named Honorary Alderman at 98

Results of the Eastleigh Borough Election - 2 May 2024

You may remember, in our previous edition, we included a piece recognising former council member Mr Roger Wood, now 98-years of age, for his public service earning him the respected title of Honorary Alderman.

Roger served as a councillor for Chandler’s Ford from 1964 to 1982, witnessing the early days of Eastleigh Borough Council in 1974 when Hamble, Netley, Bursledon, Hound, Hedge End, West End, Botley all joined as a new Borough. Before this, it was known as the Eastleigh Urban District Council.

With the local government re-organisation, it meant that Mr Wood missed out on this award. This was recently rectified with the Council, honouring his many years of service and the unusual circumstances. Roger was presented with his award at the recent Mayor Making ceremony by newly appointed Mayor, Cllr Dave Pragnell. In a speech, he thanked the Mayor and Eastleigh Borough Council for recognising him and felt proud to be part of the 50 years of the council celebrations.

Have your say

Local Area Committees hold public question sessions at the start of each meeting

Local Area Committees (LACs) are made up of elected ward councillors. They take decisions and make representations relating to their area on a wide range of Council business, including determining planning applications and environmental improvements.

Public question sessions are held at the start of each meeting and if you would like to speak, you must register before the meeting begins. Please email democraticservices@eastleigh.gov.uk or you can register at the meeting. Each LAC has a Local Area Manager who works with the councillors to set the strategic direction of the committee’s work.

Contact us: Eastleigh Borough Council, Eastleigh House, Upper Market Street, Eastleigh SO50 9YN 023 8068 8000 @EastleighBC

eastleigh.gov.uk • my.eastleigh.gov.uk

Sign up to receive updates from us at: eastleigh.gov.uk/weeklynews

On Thursday 2 May voters went to polling stations to choose Councillors to represent them on the Borough Council.

There are 14 wards in the Borough of Eastleigh represented by 39 Councillors. The make-up of Eastleigh Borough Council remains:

• Liberal Democrat - 35 Councillors

• Independent Group - 3 Councillors

• Conservative - 1 Councillor

Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath (6.30pm) 17 July • 18 September

Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/bifohh or contact kitty.budden@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 8418

Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound (6pm) 18 July • 5 September

Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/bhh or contact ross.mcclean@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3367

Chandler’s Ford & Hiltingbury (7pm) 24 July • 11 September

Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/cfh or contact guy.riddoch@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3369

Details are correct at time of print.

Twelve Councillors were elected to Eastleigh Borough Council. Karl Attrill is the only new Councillor, representing Hiltingbury for the Liberal Democrats.

The full results are on the Council website eastleigh.gov.uk/ elections

Eastleigh (7pm) 23 July • 3 September

Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/elac or contact guy.riddoch@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3369

Hedge End, West End & Botley (7pm) 22 July • 9 September

Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/heweb or contact ross.mcclean@eastleigh.gov.uk 023 8068 3367

Distribution period - We try to ensure that the dates featured or listed in the Borough News fall after the last copy is delivered. However, some events may occur during the delivery period. We try to avoid this, but we are keen that events get as much publicity as possible.

Eastleigh Borough Council makes no representations, endorsements, warranties or guarantees, and is not liable for any loss or damage, in relation to any advertisements placed in the Borough News.

Planning process now easier to navigate

The Council have been working on improving their Planning web area on the Council’s website and creating a new Planning Permission Guide.

Changes have been made to improve user experience on the website for planning and ensure the correct information is available at each stage.

The new Planning Permission Guide is a step by step downloadable and printable document created by the Planning team to help residents and developers navigate the process of seeking and achieving planning permission.

If you have any feedback on the web area or indeed the new guide, please email planning@eastleigh.gov.uk

For out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/planning-permission

Sign up for a better MyEastleigh

Your online portal to Council services and local information just got better.

We’ve relaunched MyEastleigh with a new look – and it’s now easier to navigate and more user-friendly on your mobile phone or tablet. It’s also better for people with visual impairments.

MyEastleigh is your one-stop-shop for:

• Letting us know about issues you need help with and getting updates on progress

• Checking your bin collection dates

• Finding out about planning applications near you

• Getting in touch with your Councillor

• Managing your Council Tax and Housing Benefit

• Making bookings for sport and health, and country parks activities, as well as MOTs.

So, if you haven’t set up a MyEastleigh Account already – why not do it today? Simply click the link at the top right-hand corner of our web homepage – eastleigh.gov.uk

Audio version of Borough News available

Our friends at Southampton Area Talking Echo produce an audio version of Eastleigh Borough News.

SATE is a small charity that also records news items from the Daily Echo onto memory sticks for visually impaired people.

Please contact Southampton Area Talking Echo on 023 8033 3343, or email enquiries@sate.org.uk, if you or someone you know who would like to be added to their list or require more information.

For a large print version of the Borough News, please email the Communications team.

For more info visit: eastleigh.gov.uk/boroughnews