Solent Splash edition 3

Solent

Splash Friday November 18, 2011

TWILIGHT SPECIAL

Southampton’s community newspaper

DELIGHT: Dannii

It’s Dr Dannii... no, seriously

By KYE GOFF DANNII Minogue is now a Doctor of Media after being awarded an honorary degree

by Southampton Solent University.

Danni was rewarded for her outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry by the University’s Chancellor, Admiral the Right Honourable the Lord West of Spithead. She said: “I actually can’t even breathe at the minute, I’m more nervous than when I’m on live TV.” Vice-Chancellor Professor Van Gore said: “Her career stands as evidence of the personal success that can be achieved with talent, persistence and hard work.”

Dannii joins Jo Brand, Scott Mills and Craig David on Solent’s honorary list.

Maybe I’ll get my teeth into acting

By YASMINA MCNABB SINGER/SONGWRITER Marcus Foster has admitted that acting is definitely an option after seeing the success of best friend Rob Pattinson in the Twilight saga.

With the arrival of the highly anticipated new Twilight film, Marcus Foster is feeling inspired. With the first phase of promotion for his debut album Nameless Path just finishing, the 25-year-old already has plans on an acting career, saying: “I like the idea of playing strange, weird characters in movies. It’s quite fun.”

He also explained his mind-set, which involves him doing as much as possible and how having his song Let Me Sign in the Twilight film opened some doors for him. “It kind of allowed me to tour the States and test the waters out.”

The singer, who is signed to the Communion label, is very open to acting roles or opportunities that may arise at any time in the near future, as he has just finished his first audition tape for an unknown film musical.

When asked whether the world would be seeing him on the cinema screens, the singer laughed, replying: “Maybe.

Hopefully!” However, his priorities still lie with music saying: “Music is predominantly what I want to do. I want to make lots of albums.”

Full, exclusive interview: Pages 4-5

FEES DONE IT AGAIN! New reason for students to be angry at tuition charges mastermind Willetts – as MP snubs uni gig intended to rebuild confidence in Government

By YASMINA MCNABB TORY MP David Willetts infuriated students yet again yesterday when he failed to show up for a talk at the University of Southampton.

Mr Willetts – who masterminded the move to axe the cap on tuition fees – gave no warning of his absence from the event, which was intended to rebuild trust between the Government and students.

At the time of Splash going to print there had been no explanation from Mr Willetts or his office.

A spokesman for the student union Turn to Page 3

02//Splash

NEWS

Silence for heroes – and a tribute to M5 victims

By ELIZABETH BAKER A TWO-minute silence was held at the Immaculate Conception Church, in Portswood.

Remembrance Sunday saw a church load of people from different religions joined together to remember the war dead.

The church community along with younger members, including the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts and a war Veteran, were among the speakers during the mass.

The Veteran emphasised how important it was to remember those who were lost or bereaved at war. He said: “I would like you all to say the words ‘we will remember them’ with great compassion.”

In the readings those who were killed in the M5 crash at Taunton and the many victims of the earthquake in Turkey were mentioned during prayer.

The Parish Priest, Fr Anthony Gatt then focused upon the prayer ‘Remember War, Make Peace’ the prayer of St Francis, which the whole church read simultaneously.

Later on during the service, the youngest members of the church individually read out a prayer about children and animals who were also killed during world war one and two.

The church works closely with young children aged between six and fifteen to “Develop them in a Christian manner”.

At end the service four Scouts and their officer took hold of a Union Jack flag and three other flags as they paraded down the church aisle in commemoration.

This service is one of many which took place across Hampshire’s towns and villages to show respect to those who died for our freedom.

FEATS

ENTS

SPORT

Contact

rachel.lamb@solent.ac.uk philip.dixon@solent.ac.uk jacqui.swift@solent.ac.uk

LEST WE FORGET

MOVING: The ceremony at Southampton Old Cemetery

Ceremony to honour war dead who fought for our freedom ‘I wear my poppy with pride and remember the sacrifice made for our safety’

By MARNIE THEYER FRIENDS of Southampton Old Cemetery (FOSOC) led a Remembrance service in the Cemetery in honour of those who died for their country.

Wreaths were laid at the Cross of Sacrifice and the Belgium Memorial followed by a two-minute silence to remember members of the armed forces who fought in World War One. Piper Joe Fagan led a march around the cemetery as Mayor of Southampton/Shirley Councillor Terence Matthews followed.

The event concluded with a walk around a few of the 120 war graves in the cemetery from the first and second World Wars.

Committee member of FOSOC,Valerie Ferguson attended the event. Her great uncle has a memorial

in the cemetery and died at the Battle of Coronel in the World War One in 1914 so the service was particularly special to her.

Honorary Consul for Belgium at Southampton Peter Green as well as Members of the Southampton Royal British Legion and members of the public also attended.

Terry James, 63, a former Royal Corps of Transport Sergeant who fought in the Cold War said: “Today is very important for everybody to recognise and celebrate the freedom our men fought for.

“I wear my poppy with pride and remember the sacrifice they made for our safety. I remember losing my friends in the Cold War in South Arabia, so it is a sad day for all of us.”

Police site faces chop as council budget cuts bite

Charity Ron course to hit its £1k fundraising target

By JACOB BENNETT HAMPSHIRE Council budget cuts mean Shirley police station closing or jobs being axed.

Although plans have been set in motion, it is expected that the station will not be closed for another five years, but councils across Southampton are in talks on what to do to save money.

Both options are unpopular with councillors in the Shirley area, although there is a preference to save jobs. Councillor Satvir Kaur said: “I would prefer to lose buildings than jobs, logically. Ideally, it should stay as it acts as a huge deterrent to crime

By OLIVIA LEWINGTON THE McDonalds in Shirley is on course to raise over £1,000 by the end of the year for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

January 2006 saw the opening of the Ronald McDonald House in Southampton, providing a home away from home for the families of seriously ill children being treated in nearby hospitals.

RMH offers free accommodation whilst their child is ill and they are able to stay as long as necessary.

The people of Shirley are definitely showing their support. January saw just over £40 raised for the charity,

having a running police station in the area.” When asked about how this would affect the area, she replied: “I will be fighting to get as much police presence in Shirley to assure the safety of the public as well as to give them a sense of safety themselves.”

She has gone on to assure the public’s safety by stating that the station won’t close until it is properly housed in a new destination which is still being decided on.

Cllr Kaur said: “Ideally, I hope that it becomes housed within another public service unit such as the fire station so the public still have a place to go to if in need of help.”

DETERRENT: Satvir Kaur

but by June this figure had increased to £386. By September of this year the total reached a whopping £629, indicating that the small McDonalds branch will reach £1000 by December; proving that small areas can make a huge difference.

Although the charity hosts fundraising events, the majority of the charities income is sourced from the collection boxes located next to the tills, where customers are able to make donations.

Although most donations are small change, nationally the charity makes millions of pounds each year from these small donations alone.

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Pupils take care of the bear necessities SCHOOLS RALLY TO SWELL CHARITY COFFERS FOR CHILDREN IN NEED

By CATHERINE COLLINS SCHOOLS in Southampton are raising much needed funds for Children in Need this week.

Pupils at Foundry Lane Primary School have the chance to take their favourite bear to school for the day, teddy will then sleep in the children’s tray until it is time to return home at the end of the day.

Many of the other schools in Millbrook are favouring non-school uniform day, where children pay £1 for the privilege of wearing their ‘normal’ clothes to lessons.

Connor, 14, who goes to Redbridge Community Sports College, is not impressed with the lack of imagination, he said: “All we ever do is non-uniform days, we have about five a year.”

Children in Need has been raising money for over thirty years, most years the total exceeding the previous, in 2010 more than £40 million was collected. Back in

1988 when BBC Children in Need first became a registered charity in England and Wales, there was a choice of sponsored activities that school children could get involved in, including an all night fancy dress skiathon at the dry slope in Southampton.

With local events being few and far between and the focus appears to have switched to the televised show. The BBC devotes a whole night to a dedicated telethon, soliciting people to either phone in and donate or go out and give cash to local organised events. he telethon features celebrity performances, clips and sketches with donation totals frequently flashing on the screen alongside the number.

The money collected by Children in Need is distributed to organisations supporting children who have physical, mental or behavioural disorders or are living with abuse, deprivation and neglect.

By CATHERINE COLLINS MISSING Southampton teenager, Jade Hounsome, has returned home after reading her parent’s worried messages on Facebook.

Jade’s family updated the page they had set up to try to find her on November 12th to say that she had decided to return to her mother’s house.

The teenager later wrote: “Thanks to everyone who has supported my Auntie, Mum and Stepfather in trying to find me, I just want to thank everyone for their support and nice messages.”

Jade, 15, who went missing on the Tuesday on her way to school, was sending messages through Facebook to say she was ok, but was refusing to say where she was.

Her mother, Nicola, wrote: “Thank

goes straight to Children In Need rather than the cinema is fantastic.”

He added that “customers have been really supportive and the cinema had had great feedback”.

One happy customer, student Linda Oakley said: “It’s one of the best films of all time, and it’s for a great charity so I think everybody’s happy” Children In Need advertised the event saying: ” Calling all Pink Ladies and T-Birds!

If you want to have a great night out with your friends from BBC local radio and support BBC Children in Need, Grease is the word! Get your mates together, dust off your 60s gear, and join presenters, listeners and a few familiar faces for a fantastic night out.”

By JOE O’ROURKE SOUTHAMPTON sight is a small organisation that work with visually impaired young children, and are now benefiting from a donation from children in need.

The organisation runs a family activities group once a month, in which children can play and meet other children in similar situations in a safe and fun environment as well as giving parents the opportunity to meet family’s effect in the same way.

Thanks to the donation they can now offer a ‘toy library’ that helps aid and develop the children senses.

For more information on Southampton Sight and how you can get involved please call 023 8076 9882. Children in need 2011, Friday 18th of November BBC 1.

WILLETTS

Family’s joy as missing teen Jade goes home you all so much, we couldn’t have got her home without every last one of you.” Jade’s Aunt, who lives in Spain wrote: “Words can’t describe how thankful I am, you gave us the strength to keep up the fight.

“We are very lucky to have our baby, Jade, back home where she belongs, as I know many people aren’t so lucky.

“If anyone out there feels they have no option but to run away, stop and think what effect it has on others as well as yourselves.”

By NATALIE DANIELS SOUTHAMPTON’S local supermarket retailer Asda is now fundraising for Children in need. The annual event is currently selling and organising events in store all in aid of the charity.

Asda has been a huge support for children in need over the years raising over 10 million pounds to help change young people’s lives across the UK. This year’s current record show that across the UK Asda stores have raised over £600,000 . Their campaign this year is a “show your spots, bake lots” theme which including baking kits for children all in children in need theme. The cupcake kit is designed for children and each pack brought 50p get donated to children in need.

Southampton’s store is currently selling a range of products including baby grows, clothes, hair bands and teddy’s all in theme of children in need. They are selling exclusive BBC Pudsey bear T-Shirts for both men and women in which every £1 goes towards children in need funding.

Events manager Archna Jethwa said: “We have so much going on, leg waxing, raffles, tombola all to help raise money.”

The events in store take place on the 18th November where there are lots of fundraising games and activities in hope for support of the general public. The range of children in need products is also available.

Sight’s seeing the benefits

You’re the wad that I want...

By JOSH SHENTON SPECIAL gala screenings of ‘Grease’ with the whole ticket price, excluding VAT going straight to Children In Need, were held in Cineworld cinemas across the British Isles on Tuesday.

BBC local radio stations across the country took part hosting the sing-a-long screenings across twenty-five cinemas including Southampton’s Cineworld, hosted

by Solent radio station.

General manager or Cineworld, Southampton, Nick De Jone said: “We have done very well at raising a lot of money and I’m very happy that head-office decided to put this night together.

I think it’s a great idea, for a very good cause. The fact that the money

It just Asda be said that £60k is a great help

CONCERN: Jade and last week’s Splash front, left

From Page 1 at the University of Southmpton said they knew nothing about why he had not turned up.

Mr Willetts, MP for Havant, is nicknamed ‘Two Brains’ because of his careful intellectual approach, his ties to academia, his policy-heavy background and his high hairline.

He is a visiting professor at the Cass Business School, a board member of the Institute for Fiscal Studies and a visiting fellow at Nuffield College, Oxford.

A student at Southampton Solent University, who asked not to be named, said: “I think not turning up shows a real cheek.”

04//Splash

Alert as jewel thieves target the elderly

By KAYLEIGH KENT THE elderly have been targeted again by the mystery jewellery thieves within the Portswood area.

The thieves stole jewellery from a 72-year-old as she walked down Oxford Road. A similar occurrence happened just last month, in Highfield. It was reported that a 92-year-old woman had a gold necklace worth around £6,000 stolen on the corner of Shaftesbury Avenue and Highfield Lane.

In May, it was reported that a woman had a gold necklace worth £1,400 stolen. Councillor Adrian Vinson said: “Crime is present is every area. Although it appears that some reported crimes have fallen, burglary is sharply up.”

Hazel, 74, of Southampton said: “It’s terrifying to know this has been happening. It is also really upsetting to feel targeted and unsafe in a place I have lived for years.”

Marche down for style show

By GEORGINA LIPSCOMBE BONMARCHE will be hosting a fashion show on the 29th of November, in their Shirley branch focusing on their new party wear and winter lines range in aid of Macmillan cancer support.

The fashion show starts at 19:00 and ending at 21:00 and the age restriction is 18 plus. The sizes vary from 12 to 24, which includes: party wear, casual, formalwear, outerwear, knitwear, nightwear, lingerie, footwear and accessories, all designed for the older public.

Within the cost of the £4 ticket a free draw for a £25 gift voucher is included and also a glass of mulled wine. Furthermore they will be offering 40% off any purchases made on the evening, to say thank for your support.

For further questions, please call: 02380789184

Centre in plea for new blood

By NICOLE JACKSON THE Northam Community Centre hosted a Tenant Association meeting in attempt to get more residents to join the centre’s committee.

More than a dozen local people turned up in support of the centre and it’s various groups, including the Northam 521 Project and City Reach.

To improve the Northam estate and push these projects forward, the community centre is in need of more residents willing to volunteer or become committee members.

Damon Holmes, the Tenant Involvement Officer, summarised the purpose of this event by asking: “Do the tenants of Northam actually want a Tenants Association?”

A lack of interest and involvement has been responsible for holding this centre back in achieving what they want; to help and support as many families in Northam as possible.

Robert phoned and said: ‘I kinda put the song into a movie...’

With Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1 out now, people are going Twilight crazy. The Splash team sat down with Marcus Foster – best buddy of R-Patz himself – and spoke about his music, a movie career and that Twilight theme tune...

By JOSH SHENTON, LIZZIE BAKER, YASMINA MCNABB and ALEX DYER THE location is not what you would expect. A small dingy room with walls covered in chipped deep pink paint.

Barely furnished, the room contains two worn out armchairs that look as if they have been there since the 80s, a coffee table centred too close to the armchairs and another table which seemed to have jars of teabags and sugar on top.

Merely a few items that added to the quirkiness of the room. And then in he came. A shy and slightly reserved character at first glance, similar in a way to his best friend Rob Pattinson.

But with a debut album and promotional tour keeping him busy, Marcus Foster had nothing to be shy about.

That still did not stop him from producing a wry smile and a slightly awkward wave as he walked towards one of the worn out armchairs. In a way it only adds to his charm as it seems that even Marcus himself can’t believe that this is happening now.

Looking quite casual meets heritage in a tweed jacket, casual top, skinny jeans and smart shoes, the 25-year-old looked to get comfortable, as the sound of microphones could be heard as preparations for the gig Marcus was headlining, got underway.

With Twilight the talk of the moment, what better way to start off than by asking Marcus Foster on his views on the film and his connection to the franchise.

Alex: Are you planning on seeing the new movie, Breaking Dawn?

I’m actually away when it comes out, we’re in Germany, but I think it’s a two part one isn’t it? So I think I’ll see it. It’ll be interesting to see it.

You became noticed ultimately because Let Me Sign was in Twilight, has this changed your career or helped it along? Or do you think you managed without the movie?

I did a couple of tours in America and Canada and it kind of allowed me to tour the States and test the waters out and stuff. That was really nice and there’s a lot of people who wouldn’t have been exposed to that kind of music, that were, so that’s nice.

I got a couple of songs put in another film which helped as well, with the tour, I guess yeah, it helped things.

‘I never intended to use the song, it was a joke to me’

VEIN ATTRACTION: Marcus Foster

Kristen Stewart was your video ‘I Was Broken’, what did she bring to it?

Her face! [laughs] I think she ended up looking really good in it, I was really pleased. We needed an actress with dark hair and she was up for it.

Who decided to put Kristen in the video?

I don’t know really. I was doing the video with one of my friends and we both just decided to ask her. We knew she was a good actress and we needed someone who was good.

Josh: When Let Me Sign was put into Twilight, did you like the film? Are you a fan?

I don’t really know what to say to that, it’s weird. It’s a great movie, a wonderful movie. But no, it was great. I really enjoyed it actually. I really liked it.

When you wrote it, did you know that you would want your best friend Robert Pattinson to sing it?

I wrote it with a friend. We used to stay in this flat in Soho, London, and we wrote a whole bunch of songs together. We would just stay at this place and it had a rooftop thing and we’d just drink beer on this rooftop and write songs.

That was the one song actually that we kind of wrote as a little joke. It was like a silly clapping gospel acapella song, and then it got turned into this really serious moody kind of thing. But it ended up working quite well.

How did the song come about getting into the movie?

Rob was just playing around with it for a little bit and it was a jam situation, where he turned it into a really serious kind of tune and he took it away. I got a call and he said: “I kinda put the song into a movie.”

Yasmina: Were you alright with that?

Yeah! I was fine, I mean, I never intended to do anything with the song, it was a joke to me. But no, I was pleased.

STARCROSSED: Edward and Bella

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Your face is very passionate, like your voice in that video. Is there a story behind that? Or is it just passion for the music? [laughs] Wow, oh wow. We did another music video for that and it didn’t quite work out.We wanted to do something really simple and really honest.

My friends came up with that idea and it’s one of the most terrifying things you can do, stare right into a camera and perform, I’m never really looking at the camera, I’m always far off in the distance somewhere and there’s something terrifying about it.

We just thought it could work and it ended up working quite well I think. I’m just in your face.

With your album taking off and your fame building up, how does it feel to go from playing small venues like this to becoming someone more famous?

I guess the more people that know you, the more opportunities you get. You start meeting lots of interesting and talented people, it’s a really crazy business and crazy world but I guess it just opens doors and all I want to do is... well I want to do a lot of stuff basically.

But I’d still love playing really small and intimate venues because I think it’s really special. I’ll keep doing that, even if it gets ridiculous. I still want to keep it down.

Are you nervous about tonight then? Do you still get nervous?

Sometimes. I did a show in Liverpool and I had a lot of family up there who had never seen me play, so I was a bit nervous for that. Otherwise it’s alright.

I used to throw up before playing, for about five or six years, even at like, open mics, I used to get really drunk and throw up and then play two songs at the open mic and yeah, it was fun.

Do you still get drunk before your shows?

Uhhh no, not real- [laughs] well, I was a bit last night, but not really, no, I’m trying to behave.

Homeless can beat chill at Breakfast Club

By CHARLOTTE SMITH WINTER is a time when the homeless are at their most vulnerable. But the Riverside family church are doing their bit by providing a free cooked meal every month.

The Breakfast club is held at the church on the first Saturday of every month and was organised to help provide a fixed address a solid meal and a chance to socialise and relax.

The volunteers serve up a full English breakfast as well as cereals, toasts, teas and coffees. The Breakfast club is especially important as it gives the homeless shelter for a short period from the harsh weather.

Neil Maddock, a regular preacher at Riverside said: “Our Breakfast club has proved popular and it helps to bring people together. A traditional English fry-up is the perfect remedy for cold winter months.”

The next Breakfast club will be held on Saturday 3rd December.

Common gets big makeover

By SARAH ALLEYNE EFFORTS have been made to renovate and clear Little Common in Portswood, between Highfield road and the Avenue.

Residents of Highfield have been calling for changes to make it a clean and inviting space, and have been involved in clearing the overgrown carriageway and restoring it back to its historic state as it was in the 1950s.

The council has worked hard to combat the growth of vegetation in the common to ensure it remains an open and safe area for the community. The restoration coincides with the recent revamp of Portswood recreational ground.

Councillor Vincenzo Capozzoli said: “The changes have been significant.”

Patricia Andrews, 53, of Portswood said: “it’s so much better now it’s all cleared up, much more open.”

New-look pub toast of town TUMTHING AFOOT? Edward and Bella

TWIATHLON’S A BITE OF A SLOG, BUT WELL WORTH IT

By EMMA DATSON IN the early hours of Friday 18th, Cineworld was overwhelmed by hundreds of Twilight fans. The 12:10 screening of Breaking Dawn was one of the first in the area, so it was no surprise to see queues snaking around the front of the cinema in Ocean Village.

But for the real Twi-hard fans, Cineworld had presented them with the tantalising prospect of eight hours of Bella and Edward. At 4:45pm on Thursday 17th, the Twiathlon began with the first and most well-known film in the franchise, Twilight. Viewers were seen taking pillows and

blankets into the cinema to make their eighthour Twilight experience as comfortable as possible.

Following the first film, New Moon and then Eclipse was shown.

Cineworld employee, Suzanna, said: “I was shocked to see how many people turned up.

Let’s be honest, not all of us like the idea of sitting in a cinema for eight hours straight.

“But I’m jealous; I have to work during the films. I’d love to be in there with everyone else as it seems like so much fun!”

After the fourth and final film of the

Twiathlon, Leah Hurding, aged 18, said: “I loved the whole experience! The atmosphere was great and this way, we could see how the characters change and witness Bella and Edward’s love grow.

“I wish that more of my friends were free to watch the whole lot in one go.”

Solent student, Georgia De Arevalo said: “Breaking Dawn was amazing; so much better than the previous films. It was more lighthearted at times and not all doom and gloom.”

Breaking Dawn – Part 2 is set to hit cinemas sometime next year.

By SARAH ALLEYNE A PUB pub in Portswood has recently undergone a complete refurbishment in a bid to attract new customers.

The small but welcoming pub has been transformed in the hope to appeal to a younger crowd, and in particular students of both Southampton’s universities.

The refurbishment which cost £26,000 was finished four weeks ago. It included a repaint and new interior.

Pub landlord John Green says: “We wanted to get the students in.

We’re getting wifi soon too and have loads of offers like sourz for a pound and our roasts are only £5.50.”

Regulars are happy about the changes. “Oh I’ve been going here for ages. Wouldn’t dream of drinking anywhere else,” said Sally Cooper, 51, of Portswood.

06//Splash

Market, play and music lead festive countdown

By CHLOE NICHOLS WITH seven weeks until Christmas, the city preparations are already in full swing.

November and December will play host to such events as the Southampton Christmas Festival Market.

The festival will open from Thursday 17 November to Saturday 31 October and will feature traders from all over the world such as Germany, France, Belgium and Italy.

There will also be festivities for the children with Santa arriving at the Marlands shopping centre to assist the Mayor in the Christmas light switch on at 6pm on 17 November.

Patrick Sandford, the artistic director of the Nuffield Theater, will host the switch on with his panto characters.

At 6:30pm, the Mayor will visit WestQuay Shopping Centre for festivities such as the making of a Chocolate Pizza with Willy Wonka. The event will be fun for children, with staff dressed as Oompa-loompas and a chance for an audience with the great chocolatier himself.

At 7pm, the mayor will welcome The Love Soul Choir to the centre.

The Mayflower theatre will be putting on a musical production of Peter Pan for Christmas 2011.

The cast boasts an array of distinguished actors such as Daniel Boys as Peter Pan, Les Dennis as Smee, Ben Richards as the dastardly Captain Hook, and Lucy Benjamin as Mrs Darling.

This production will run from Friday 9 Dec 2011 to Saturday 14 January 2012.

Friends of Glenfield Infant School are appealing for donations to their Christmas Raffle which is being held on the 14 December.

They are fundraising to buy new playground equipment for the school and will mention donors and sponsors in their newsletter.

Just the (golden) ticket

ALL LIT UP!

SWEET: Oompa-loompas at work while Wonka himself, inset, does a turn

By SAM PROCTOR WITH families and young children counting down, Mayor councillor Carol Cunio, stood beside Father Christmas, finally pressed the switch to illuminate Southampton in dazzling light and officially begin the annual Christmas festival.

Thousands of shoppers turned out in the Bargate area with an array of activities for young and old to enjoy.

The event kick started at the Marlands Shopping Centre when characters from the Nuffield Theatre’s Christmas pantomime production of A Christmas Carol did a routine.

Entertainers continued the fun with performances in front of the City’s towering Christmas tree while face painters, balloon modellers and a snow globe for festive family photos

‘My daughter has just met Santa and she is made up’ were all available free of charge.

Speaking about the event, Mayor Councilor Cunio said: “I just love this whole period, especially seeing young children with their faces all lit up and having a wonderful time.”

For businesses in the area this festival required special attention,

By HANNAH GREEN AS the festive spirit begins to spread, Southampton’s very own West Quay shopping centre welcomes Willy Wonka and and his crew to start Christmas with a bang.

The idea of Willy Wonka at Christmas may seem a bit strange.

However, when it involves spirited children who have a sweet tooth, what better way to promote Christmas in Southampton’s most popular shopping centre than getting them to make chocolate pizzas and having their faces painted.

As their parents watch, you can’t help but notice how excited everyone is and Willy Wonka himself said: “Were doing this around Christmas to give kids a chance to enjoy themselves.

“It’s not just the kids who love it, parents are thrilled to see them taking part in festive activities other than opening presents!”

Everyone seemed to join in with the fun, with Willy Wonka’s crew dressed as oompa loompas, surrounded by candy canes and lollipops.

Not only have we seen Willy Wonka’s factory here in Bargate, but it also includes the Christmas market and the ice rink, giving people plenty to do over the winter.

Mayor sets the city’s lights – and faces – aglow

Fredericks Sweet shop in the Marlands recruited extra staff to work overtime. Manager Jan Bennet described it as the “biggest night of the year” for all shops in the district.

The festival also introduced the new Christmas market which welcomes traders from Germany and across the world. It is open until Christmas Eve. The Salvation Army who were present during the festival insisted that the religious context to Christmas cannot be forgotten. Mayor Cunio reinforced this view: “I like to attend midnight mass and remember this time is a religious ceremony.”

Parent-of-two Ian Chambers said: “Its been really enjoyable my daughter has just met Father Christmas and she is made up.”

DAZZLER: City’s Christmas tree

Old Fat Cat evacuated as kitchens are hit by blaze

Council to cap multiple occupancy in Portswood

By NATALIE DANIELS THE Pub kitchen at the Old Fat Cat in Southampton was closed yesterday after a small fire broke out in the kitchen. The pub was open at the time and people were evacuated from the site, no one was hurt.

A witness around the area at the time said: “I couldn’t believe how much smoke there was”. The fire brigade was called and they were there over an hour helping to put out the fire. They are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

The bar later re-opened following the fire however the kitchen has remained closed until a thorough

By JESSIE MULHERN THE council cabinet of Portswood, Southampton have confirmed that there is going to be a limit put on the amount of houses allowed in multiple occupation within the area.

LibDem Councillor Adrian Vinson has said Southampton is “very proud” of both universities, but there needs to be a “housing balance’.’

Most houses in Portswood are occupied by students, particularly in the Highfield area. This can be a problem for other residents because of disturbances from students out late. The unbalance has also affected nearby shops. Another

inspection has been taken place.

A sign was seen yesterday outside the pub telling customers that the kitchen was closed, leaving customers disappointed.

A regular customer said: “I thought the pub staff dealt with the situation well.” The fire left the square closed off as they dealt with the fire.

The pub that came under new management in November 2009 has seen reviews increase. It now hosts a range of events throughout the weeknights such as karaoke and comedy nights after yesterday’s events is currently open and running for business as usual.

SERVICE DISRUPTED: The Fat Cat

issue is that within houses in multiple occupations there are likely to be more cars, this causes a problem for parking. A house of unrelated people could have three or four cars.

There is limited off street parking opportunities as most housing in Portswood was built before parking existed and this has resulted in residents campaigning for resident parking zones to be made bigger.

It is inevitable that the number of students in Portswood will outweigh the families with two universities in the area, but the council believe a limit on multiple occupation housing will create more of a balance.

Splash//07

As the new version of classic horror flick The Thing hits the big screen, KIRSTY FENSOME casts her eye over the genre and asks when too much can be – well, too much...

THE remake of classic 80s film The Thing is another horror film pushing the boundaries, testing the stomachs of the public with more sickening scenes than ever before.

Like the Hostel films and the Saw series, is there a point when they go too far? And indeed, is there a point this boundary is crossed so much that even the strongest stomached fanatics are turned away?

Breaches of common human decency thrown into a script full of blood and faeces all contributed to the sick creation of director Tom Six’s 2010 film The Human Centipede (First Sequence). The title itself is enough to turn most people away, however with the trailer alone receiving over 14 million views on YouTube it hardly came as a surprise when it got so much public attention.

But when the creator decided upon a sequel, no one could have guessed the lengths he would go to in order to shock the viewing public - so much so that the film was banned in every country to begin with. The film was stopped due to presenting “graphic images of sexual violence, forced defecation, and mutilation”.

Last month the ban from MPAA was lifted in the United States, where on its opening weekend only 18 screens across the country showed it and grossed $49, 456.

This was followed by an even more reluctant British public where in 10 screens it only managed to rake in a £942.

The poor plot of The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) has left fanatics disappointed with the film providing more of a gore-fest as opposed to a legitimate storyline, and the warnings from the BBFC have gotten through to people judging by ratings. Six should consider seeing three people sewn together is bearable for horror junkies, but 12 is too much even for them.

Since the dawn of horror movies, script writers have gradually pushed the genre to the limits with

So here’s The Thing about horror films...

‘Endless sights of heaving and retching’

FRIGHTENINGLY GOOD? Eric Christian Olsen at a promo event for the remake of The Thing

shock and gore.

Many significant breaches of what the BBFC classed as acceptable began in the 70’s and 80’s with notorious films such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Last House on the Left, I Spit On Your Grave and Cannibal Holocaust being banned to “protect audiences”.

Nonetheless with the rise of the common day horror re-creations and new plotlines, some of the grotesque scenes in older films are child’s play compared to those of today’s.

But is what some people class as horror, really horror? Many people would think that The Human

Centipede would be enough with body excretions, mutilation and torture scenes that made viewers cover their faces in disgust.

However it would be fair to say that even the insanity of the most elusive horror film directors can be challenged by the sadistic and horrific mind of Lucifer Valentine.

The highly controversial director hides his identity on the internet, and cannot divulge a large majority of information about his life due to multiple contracts set by his personal lawyer. But it doesn’t take a genius to work out that he has some issues.

Only three titles to his name, but no more are needed. The openly confessed Satanist has created a trio too vile for anyone that has any

remote threshold for what is right and wrong to view. The Vomit Gore Trilogy is a display of truly gruesome scenes that creates a sub-genre of its own. Valentine takes the term horror, screws it up, throws it away and makes a stomach-curdling watch that beats any director’s demented ideas in the past – even Six. This selection of films does go too far in terms of horror, taking the expression “sickening scenes” and making it literal. True to its title, the Vomit Gore Trilogy is filled with endless sights of heaving and retching, strung together by the story of a girl who sells her soul to the Devil and spirals into a world of drugs, sex and aiding in the dismemberment of multiple actresses who willingly

make themselves sick on camera.

It is unknown whether it is just that the film was never put forward because he knew it would never in a million years be passed by the BBFC, or whether Valentine was just satisfied with Unearthed Films signing him on and broadcasting his works to intrigued audiences online.

Either way, the film has not got an official ban in the UK. The trilogy is available on Amazon, as well as the individual DVDs. Censorship has no level. There are no exacted borders as to what constitutes something that is too graphic or too violent and it is down to the sole opinions of the BBFC what gets banned and what doesn’t.

However, surely something that exploits the field of masochism to such an extent that women are subjected to on-screen puking and degradation should be off limits.

This is not to mention the mere names of the individual films that should be enough to put people off: Slaughtered Vomit Dolls and ReGOREgitated Sacrifice.

He has no boundaries, and it is clear that films such as these and The Human Centipede are only created by the most twisted of people, for the smallest of equally disturbed niche markets. They cross boundaries many directors of the early years would never have imagined being brought to life on screen, let alone be allowed for viewing by the public.

Maybe the demise of horror to lower depths has no end, and maybe films will continue to get more out of hand and slip through the net of the certification board. But surely there is only so far the genre can be stretched, and only so much that is acceptable until it really does cross over so much nobody will approve.

The majority can only hope, so that such disturbing and nauseating scenes stop finding their way on to cinema screens.

Bin strikes ‘still on cards’ despite council’s claims

City roadworks ‘curbing the festive job market’

By DANIEL HILL DESPITE welcome news from Southampton council that bin collection is returning to normal the union representing strikers has suggested action may continue.

Councillor Royston Smith, Leader of the Council, said: “We are seeing our bins being collected every week once again. And by next week we hope that our residents will have their bins collected on their dedicated collection days.”

However, Unite, who represent the bin men, has suggested strike action is likely to continue. Union representative Mark Wood stated

By CATHERINE COLLINS THE temporary jobs market in Southampton has been adversely affected in the run up to Christmas by recent road works in the city.

The bottom end of Wimpson Lane

by McDonalds and KFC is one of the main routes into Millbrook Estate and was closed for six weeks from the beginning of September.

A source for McDonalds said: “Usually this is a busy time, but we have had to put recruitment on hold until business picks up. The road works haven’t helped us.”

With the through road between Millbrook and Lordshill being closed

that the “industry dispute was definitely not over”. He explained strike action was merely frozen until the 21st of November when the first ballot goes to the polls.

However, Mr Wood suggested senior representatives of Unite are advising union members to vote against the ballot as it “does not meet demands” and “simply doesn’t go far enough”.

He said: “As a union we are willing to take action in three forms industrial action and further strikes, political action and legal proceedings.”

The strike has been ongoing since June meaning waste collection

STANDOFF: A bin man at work has been sporadic due to ongoing disputes over pay and the threat of job losses.

Southampton city council has had to hire private contractors to alleviate the effects of continuing strikes, at the expense of council taxpayers.

at both ends and three side roads that are used to divert traffic also having major resurfacing work, what used to be a five minute journey was taking 30 minutes in busier times.

This meant drivers were finding alternative routes and the businesses that relied on passing trade were suffering.Warehouse worker, Richard Smith, 45, of Maybush said: “It was annoying, you would leave home to go somewhere and forget the road was closed until you got there.”

Southampton City Council has said the scheduled work is set to finish between mid to the end of December.

08//Splash

Too Cole for With a hit album under his belt and Jay-Z as his mentor, when J Cole visited the city expectations for his gig were running high.

YASMINA MCNABB was in the crowd and delighted to find that he didn’t disappoint...

HUGE: Shop window display

Fans answer Call of Duty to buy MW3

By BENJAMIN MILLS THE highly anticipated Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 3 has seen chaotic scenes in the city.

Stores in West Quay and the shops outside opened their doors at midnight to allow customers to buy the blockbuster video game early.

Game in West quay opened its doors at 11pm in anticipation of large queues.

Ronnie Pillay, the district manager for Game, said: “There was a massive queue last night, going all round the shop. It is the most anticipated title this year.

“People bring in their consoles, just months old, to trade it in for the new MW3 edition console.”

The Game store in West Quay has already run out of the ‘hardened edition’ except to those who had preordered it.

To mark the occasion staff were dressed up in Modern Warfare-style military uniforms.

Not wanting to miss out on the party, other gaming retail stores joined the midnight launch window.

HMV was open at 12am. Jemma Weatheral, a sales assistant, said: “It was really good. We had a queue all the way through the store and down the street.”

HMV staff disguised themselves with camouflage face paint. The HMV window display featured all the MW3 goodies available, including the limited edition console and the hardened edition. It also had items such as ammunition containers, and military gear like a woodland camo helmet for the occasion.

Call Of duty Modern Warfare 3 is out now and has broken sales records with more than 9 million units shipped in its first day.

NEARLY two months on from the release of his debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story and amidst his Cole World...World Tour, J Cole headlines in Southampton.

From first glance the venue did not hold much expectation, with a mediocre sized hall being turned into a dark room with a stage and many strobe lights, as if it were a low budget club.

However when the show finally started with J Cole making a late appearance after a much anticipated wait, the mood was set perfectly.

Both the DJ and the intense crowd fed Jermaine Lamarr Cole with immense energy which he returned a 100 times over.

The protégé of Jay-Z played to the crowd well, regularly pausing to let his dedicated fans sing along word for word in great unison.

From the opening number Cole World it was clear to see that the rest of the night would be full of precise delivery with intricate emphasis and changes in pitch that added to his unique flow. With the addition of a harmonious partnership with his favoured DJ, who knew exactly when and where to stop the music, the Roc Nation signee was able to showcase his lyrical talent.

Songs such as Before I’m Gone, allowed J Cole to personally relate to his audience, acknowledging where he had come from and getting his fans to do the same for

‘Male and female fans alike screamed’

MASTERFUL: Cole surveys crowd and, right, his hit album

Re-vamped Bruno Mars is a soundtrack standout

FANG CLUB: Edward and Bella in Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Part One

their cities. These personal touches continued and showed a connection between the rapper and his fans.

With crowd pleasers such as Nobody’s Perfect, Daddy’s Little Girl, Work Out and Can’t Get Enough got everyone moving. Both male and female fans screamed out as they excitedly sang along whilst trying to vie for the attention of the 26year- old. Other songs such as Lost Ones and Lights Please changed the pace of the show, slowing it down and making it more intimate.

Both songs featured a bluesy instrumental base and strong, hardhitting lyrics that suited the perfect slow setting.

This showed that J Cole knows how to keep it interesting as for Lost Ones he was seated on a stool and then he jumped on the piano for Lights Please. Then half way through, he changed it up again as he switched to In The Moring.

This then brought the pace back up. With great movement and interaction with both sides of the room, everyone was kept engaged and hungry for more, which resulted in J Cole coming back on stage to sing a few more songs.

Ending the show with Farewell, it was clear there is still a lot more to come from the North Carolina rapper, who after being in the industry for a number of years, is finally been given the recognition he deserves.

By NICOLE JACKSON EXPECTATIONS for this soundtrack were high due to the success of previous ones for the saga. However, the album effortlessly met these expectations – and more.

Like any album or soundtrack, there were several individual songs that really stood out from the rest.

My favourite song on the album was A Thousand Years by Christina Perri. This beautiful ballad is lyrically perfect for Edward and Bella’s relationship, with lyrics: “I have loved you for a thousand years, and I will love you for a thousand more.”

The video was made especially for

REVIEW: Breaking Dawn Part One official soundtrack the new Twilight release and “Jar Of Hearts” singer Christina has really got it right – it is one of the most touching songs I have ever heard.

Chart-topping Bruno Mars will really turn some heads appearing on this soundtrack, as it clearly is a step out of his usual music comfort zone. However, his upbeat song It Will Rain fits in perfectly. It is one of the only tracks about heartbreak on the album, a theme which is almost unnecessary in this film due to their

relationship. The fast and unusual ballad from Mars is a real standout.

Flightless Bird, American Mouth (Wedding Version) by Iron & Wine.

Any true Twilight fans will recognise this song from the ending of the first film – the magic moments Edward and Bella shared their dance at prom.

The song has been re-vamped, and the new fusion has been infused with more strings and a slower tempo to highlight Samuel Beam’s voice. The song will no doubt be the perfect choice for their first dance as a married couple.

Of course, the album consists of some beautiful indie folk melodies like those featured in the previous films, Turning Page by Sleeping At Last, and Northern Lights by Cider Sky being a couple.

The Breaking Dawn soundtrack is an enchanting album every Twilight lover will treasure for ever! nnnnn

Splash//09

school

Council ready to show grit this winter

By ABI HARMAN HAREFIELD Council has increased the area’s defences against any extreme weather this winter.

The council have deployed grit bins to prepare for the early snow and freezing conditions that weather forecasters are predicting.

This year the council has installed 41 new grit bins, bringing the total across the city to 150. The bins will be restocked throug the winter months.

Gritting lorries have also been made available. There are 600 tonnes of salt and grit at the new City Depot.

Last year the Arctic weather brought Harefield and surrounding Southampton to a standstill.

Carol Parker, 49, from Harefield said: “I’m really glad there are more grit bins around Harefield for any bad weather this winter.” Courtney Kempson, 14, agreed: “When we went back to school last year, the pavements were icy and slippery.”

Residents in bin row limbo

By SOPHIE GHATREH RESIDENTS of Portswood have been left in limbo over waste collection and recycling following a series of arguments and strikes since April.

Disruption has spread far and wide following £75million government cutbacks. LibDem councillor Adrian Vinson admitted waste collections have been “at best irregular,” and that recycling in Portswood in particular had been effected.

There have been weeks where refuse collectors have been on strike and not worked at all and others where people haven’t known which day they are collecting the rubbish.

Councillor Vinson added: “Whilst city wide, a lot of residents aren’t pleased about the disruption.”

Some residents have even called for a tax rebate, saying they are paying for a service that they are not getting.

Figures show crime on rise

CONNECTION: J Cole in action

By SOPHIE GHATREH CRIME in Portswood is on the increase after recent months have seen burglaries in particular rising.

Although the crime rate for Southampton as a whole fell in 2009/10 by 14% and it has been reported Southampton is getting safer every year, a number of similar thefts have being occurring since the beginning of 2011.

There has also been speculation about the fact the police station is looking to move to a new site and will not have a front desk.

Portswood councillor Adrian Vinson said: “In order to save money like every other section of public services, the Police are trying to rationalise their operations.”

At present, a new location has not been found. Cllr Vinson added: “They have pledged not to close the station until they have another site.”

10//Splash

Plans tabled for new city leisure centre

SORT IT OUT: Cyclist Bradley Richardson

By NATALIE DANIELS THE city has announced plans for a leisure site between West Quay and the medieval walls of Southampton.

The proposal came after talks with city Councillor Sarah Bogle, who stated “big changes are happening around the prime shopping location”.

The town has already seen huge developments, including the city’s main attraction West Quay. Plans are now to create a leisure centre that will retail high end brands, restaurants, a cinema and a new hotel.

The new leisure building is located between the Harbour Parade and Portland Terrace to the South of West Quay Shopping Centre.

The project is run by Hammersons PLC developer of retail and office property in and around the UK, which previously opened West Quay in the year of 2000.

The site is due to start work shortly is a “new and exciting devolvement” according to local Southampton resident offering them a wider range of brands like Channel and Kurt Geiger.

It will be designed to appeal to a wide market and used to host a range of events.

If you don’t want us cyclists on pavements, fix the potty roads COUNCIL PLAN TO BAN BIKES AFTER COMPLAINTS BY SHIRLEY RESIDENTS

By MARNIE THEYER PLANS have begun to stop cyclists from cycling on paths in Shirley.

Cyclists have voiced their concerns about the poor road conditions that are forcing them to cycle on footpaths and high street pavements, much to the annoyance of shoppers and locals.

Darlington Gardens has been recently resurfaced, but there are still many more roads that need pot holes filling in order to make them safe.

Burlington Road and Bellemoor Road are amongst worst in Shirley and need urgent resurfacing.

Councillor of Shirley Satvir Kaur said: “I know that cyclists are having a problem with the poor condition of road surfaces. I have raised it with the council as councilor but I am not having much joy.”

Cyclist Bradley Richardson, 19, said: “Some of the roads have been resurfaced, but there are many that still need work. I try to cycle on the roads, but going down Burlington Road I have to cycle on the paths.

There are numerous pot holes and it is very dangerous.

“I’ve seen someone nearly come off their bike because they cycled over a pot-hole. So the plans need to be brought forward or we will be seeing many more people cycling on the pavements.”

‘I’ve seen someone nearly come off their bike’

Police warning on home raids

By EMILY SMITH POLICE are warning people in Bitterne to be on guard after a number of thefts, from homes, in the area have been reported recently.

Yesterday, a Nintendo DS games console was stolen from a house from Hazeleigh Avenue.

A purse and a handbag were also stolen from another house down the same road.

This wave of theft comes just days after it is reported that burglars stole beer from a fridge from a house in Montague Avenue, Bitterne.

It has been reported that thieves threw a brick through the window of the house before stealing six cans of lager.

Police are urging people to keep their belongings out of view from windows and to keep doors and windows firmly locked.

Develop a passion For Life – for free

By NICOLE JACKSON HOW would you fancy a relaxing session of fishing, or a chance at laser clay shooting ... For free? Well groups ranging in size from just four people too around thirty living in Southampton can; thanks to FLE. For Life Experiences is a social enterprise which introduces people of all ages to angling and outdoor pursuits which was set up by Director Graham Mabey four years ago, with help from The Prince’s Trust. He and his lead coach, Tom Oliver, have been managing FLE from their site in Ampfield for two years.

Although fishing is a speciality for these guys, and a regular hobby for both of them, they provide a range of activities, including laser clay shooting parties and team building

days with people of all ages. They also offer several ASDAN course options which can be taken further than the single session. One of the popular ones “Fish For Life” involves participants learning the disciplines of fishing whilst also improving their social skills, and can be completed by younger children and those with a learning or physical disability.

For Life Experiences also provides secondary school children who haven’t taken every opportunity and succeeded as well as they could have at school another chance, and a new work ethic.

Graham, 30, explains: “Kids with a keen interest equals more qualifications. If they enjoy something, then it will inspire them to work for it.” They also run a course

especially for former drug users.

Martin, 42, was on “hard drugs” by 14, and turned too heavy shoplifted in order to feed his £200-£300 a week drug habit.

After numerous prison sentences, and eventual treatment at the age of 32, Martin was offered a 6 week fishing course with FLE, set up by Southampton City Football Club and The Society of St James.

He attended every session, and even signed up for the fishing management course available with For Life Experiences after enjoying it so much. He described how “his confidence had returned, his communication skills had improved, and he had learnt to trust again”. So, For Life Experiences not only provide people of all ages with a hobby or an

HOOKED: A day out fishing can be fun interest, but use this service to help and mend those in need of one.

Yet they couldn’t have done all of this good, and kept on doing it, without their crucial sponsors. The Romsey Round Table, Hampshire Police Authority, and Eastleigh Borough County are several who keep FLE running and funded. The boys are so dedicated to them and

their love for fishing as they spend every weekend participating for their sponsors!

The group is a team of a few full time workers and appreciate volunteers.

If any student studying marketing, event management or web design is looking for work experience, or anyone fancies volunteering, then visit For Life Experience’s website.

Splash//11

Street rubbish a fire hazard, Bevois warned

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Students in SSU canteen

By LEE BELLINGHAM TOUGHER action including tax on junk foods is needed to prevent an increasing nationwide obesity crisis amongst teenagers according to health experts.

Changes in society are supposedly making it harder for people to live healthy everyday lives. However new statistics suggest that if trends continue, obesity rates in the UK could rise to 40% by 2030.

Individual responsibility towards health is clearly fundamental but government are now coming under fire to help clamp down on Britain’s expanding waistline.

Tax on unhealthy foods and restrictions on advertising of junk food have been suggested as possible solutions as well as stricter guidelines on what meals schools provide young children.

However Marc Jaytin, head of Promotions and Advertising at The Dock canteen in Southampton Solent University believes such strategies are unrealistic. He said: “We provide a healthy option for students with the ever extending range of our “Natural” bar. We use fresh vegetables, fresh fish and offer salad bowls starting from £1.50 which are

THE BIG ISSUE

Tax on junk food part of new plans to tackle teenage obesity crisis cheaper buying pizza and chips”.

When asked what would happen if the unhealthy option was removed from students Jaytin shrugged, “Then we would be out of business.”

“The Brunch bar and pizza and chips stands are by far our biggest stream of revenue, if we didn’t provide students with that option they would only go to the Subway or McDonalds around the corner”.

TV chef Jamie Oliver has received huge press coverage for his healthy school dinners scheme, intended to provide children with a healthier

lunch. But Jaytin remains sceptical to the success of the project.

“Young people who have been affected by the change to school dinners are coming through to the university and it doesn’t appear that their eating habits have changed.

“There is a lot of media coverage about obesity, whether that’s because we are eating unhealthier today or if it’s just because the growth in broadcasting is debatable.”

Jaytin was however keen to stress

the importance of a balanced diet towards a healthy lifestyle, insisting that The Dock would continue to provide a healthy option for students.

“We have worked with projects such as the Elite Athletes scheme and the Marine Standards Council to ensure we offer students a healthy nutritious option and we are also extending the range in our “Natural” bar.

By SAMANTHA CLARKE RESIDENTS of Bevois Valley have been warned rubbish piling up in alleyways is becoming a fire hazard.

Household rubbish has been an on-going problem since the strikes in May. Household waste and recycling were uncollected due to bin men going on strike due to the council cutting pay and working conditions.

Alleyways have been piling up with household waste, attracting vermin and said to be becoming a fire hazard for local residents.

Jim Kitts, 68, says: “I’ve never seen such a mess, mattresses, and household waste blocking path ways, it’s just not a nice environment to be living in.”

The local councils and fire brigade are concerned by the waste, Sheriff of Southampton and Bevois Valley Councillor Derek Burke says: “We are trying our best, working with the fire service and local councillors to be sure they’re being regularly cleaned to prevent it becoming a fire hazard for residents of Bevois Valley.”

Star awarded top pub gong

By KIRSTY FENSOME FOLLOWING a triumphant victory at a local awards, Southampton pub The Shooting Star had set its sights firmly on national success.

The Bevois Valley pub prevailed in the city awards, winning the gold for best pub and the bronze for best door team, before finally being crowned the overall winner out of 37 pubs, clubs and bars around Southampton in the Best Bar None award scheme.

This then led the team to the national awards where they were to be certified as one of the best in Britain, going up against huge clubs from major cities nationwide.

The final result meant that they came runners up, second only to Gatecrasher in Birmingham.

Assistant bar manager Sam Muir said: “We’re pleased with how we’ve done in the awards, Gatecrasher has clubs all around the world in places like Ayia Napa and Ibiza as well as here in England so to come second to them is great.”

Asda makes Diabetes Day events a sweet success

Ocean Village to be home of city’s tallest buidling

By NIKITA HALL INTERNATIONAL Diabetes Day saw many local organisations raising awareness of the illness and to encourage people to get checked.

Held on the 14th November every year, International Diabetes Day is led by the International Diabetes Foundation, who aim to engage millions of people worldwide on the common symptoms of the disease and to raise general awareness.

The ASDA store in central Southampton supported the event by offering free diabetes checks to customers.

Customer Susan Jenkins, of

By LAURA DRONFIELD OCEAN Village is set to become the home of Southampton’s tallest building by 2014.

The Marina, which has recently undergone a re-development, is the proposed site for the building, which would reach 28 storeys high and contain 299 flats. The new building also promises up to 200 new jobs.

Allied Developments has submitted planning applications to the city council which, if agreed, will allow the company to begin building the landmark by the end of 2011. This follows a re-development that has seen the marina transformed into

Southampton said: “I’ve never really thought about being checked for diabetes until today when I saw it advertised in the store.

“I think that it is good that big supermarkets like ASDA are offering the test for free, as people are more willing to pay attention to the issue.”

James Beatty, 21, sales advisor, from Southampton said: “Being young I didn’t think diabetes was a concern.

“I have learnt from the diabetes advisors in ASDA that the disease is very common in all ages.

“It has made me realise that I should get annual checkups.”

VITAL: Diabetic blood test

a hotspot with homes, restaurants, business offices and shops.

Councillor Sarah Bogle said: “I’m interested in seeing quality design and a complementary development to what is already in Ocean Village.”

However, residents are more concerned with the barren building site, which they say is an “eyesore”.

Kate Phillips, 53, said: “I’ll just be happy to have that building site filled with something more attractive.”

The site has been empty since previous owners Wilson Bowden went into administration in 2007.

Allied Developments bought the site in January 2011.

Splash

S Sport

FANS ON KENYA MISSION

By NIKITA HALL TWENTY-FOUR Saints fans have flow expedition with the Saints Foundatio n to Kenya for a ten day n.

Saints Foundation have teamed up with Kenyan Adventure for the challenging experience. Fans fundraised for over 11 months to fund the trip at a cost of £2,000 each Southampton based Saints Foundatio , and to also support the n disability programme.

They will spend their days working on projects to help the people and with Kenyan communities be helping to build projects, teac local area. Volunteers will hing sports. The trip includes a Kenya Safa in schools and coaching ri and a visit to the Equator.

Trip participant and Saints fan Rose marie Robinson said: “I am really excited. I think it will be an eye-opening experience.”

The expedition is one of many proj ects the Saints Foundation support. Samual White, a Saints fan in Kenya said: “Kenya is unbelievable; we have met some amazing kids already!”

PITCHING IN: The fans look forward to their Kenya visit

BRIGHTON ROCKED

Saints net three against Albion to cement top spot Seconds bag

RAMPANT: Saints in action

By CATHERINE COLLINS SOUTHAMPTON remain at the top of the Championship table after their controversial 3-0 win against Brighton at St Mary’s on Saturday.

Rickie Lambert scored once and converted twice from the penalty spot to take the winning home streak to 20 games.

It looked set to be a goalless game in the first half with Saints struggling to break down the Seagulls defence.

The frustration grew as referee, Peter Walton, waved away both of Southampton’s penalty claims for a handball and a foul by Lewis Dunk on Guly Do Prado.

The deadlock was broken four minutes into the

second half when Lambert headed in a cross from Frazer Richardson.

Saints had another penalty shout moments later as Dean Hammond appeared to be brought down by goalkeeper, Steve Harper.

However, Brighton were awarded the free kick and the midfielder was booked for diving.

Walton did hand Saints a dubious penalty in the 55th minute when Jose Fonte was brought down by Dunk, it appeared he was a yard outside the box.

Brighton right back and assistant manager, Maurico Taricco, was shown a straight red by the referee for arguing about the decision and Lambert doubled Southampton’s lead.

Lambert had yet another appeal for a penalty

turned down a few minutes later when it appeared Lewis Dunk brought him down.

The striker was given the opportunity to score his hat-trick in the 68th minute when he was tripped by Inigo Calderon.

After initially converting, Lambert was ordered to retake the spot kick where he duly made it 3-0.

first win of the season

Southampton Solent 2nd XI 2 Southampton University 2nd XI 1

By HARRY HUNT GOALS from Nathan Church and Robbie Slack earned Solent Second XI their first win of the season against local rivals Southampton University.

The early strikes ensured the three points after an inspired performance at Test Park.

Solent battled and passed impressively, much like in the previous two weeks, which ended in defeat. The visitors rarely threatened and were lucky to grab a consolation goal towards the end of the first half.

Solent burst out of the blocks quickly and from the first real attack Mark Jordan’s corner had pin-point accuracy, allowing Church to head in at the near post.

Southampton had no reply from this early setback and allowed Solent to press again.

Midway through the first half the tempo slowed slightly and neither team could manage to take control, but the Blues rarely showed any attacking prowess.

Although, that is what happened minutes later, as Phil Graham capitalised on a defensive error to slot into an empty goal.