Autumn Borough News 2021 - Eastleigh Borough Council

BOROUGH NEWS Autumn 2021

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eastleigh.gov.uk

£3.3 million investment for Itchen Valley Country Park

Solar investment to help meet climate challenge The future of a 25,000 panel solar farm has been secured thanks to council investment. The purchase of the site is another step towards our ambition of a carbon neutral Borough by 2030.

Residents are also playing their part in the transition to a green energy future, with hundreds taking advantage of council-backed schemes to install solar panels and other clean energy devices in their homes.

Read more on pages 2-3

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Family favourite to benefit from exciting new features A £3.3 million cash injection will make one of Eastleigh Borough’s most popular green spaces even better.

Itchen Valley Country Park in West End will see a range of improvements designed to enhance its appeal as a local amenity for residents’ enjoyment, relaxation and recreation.

Exciting new features will include: a community building to replace the Kingfisher Barn; a central events and welcoming space in the Highwood Barn; a covered outdoor seating area for café customers; upgraded play equipment and improved barbecue and picnic areas; together with additional toilets; better parking and the relocation of a road to route vehicles away from park users.

Council Leader, Cllr Keith House, said: “Itchen Valley Country Park is already a wonderful open space and this funding will make it even better as a visitor attraction, and as a green oasis where people can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of the natural environment. The improvements will underpin our aim of creating high quality recreational space that contributes to the wellbeing of Borough residents.”

Find out more at: eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp Photo: Freddie and Flo from Horton Heath enjoying Itchen Valley Country Park

Details are correct at time of print.

Government announcements may have changed some services by the time Borough News is delivered.

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eastleigh.gov.uk

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.

The stories in this issue are themed around the key areas where we are making a positive difference to people’s lives.

Green Borough 2

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Maintaining and creating an attractive and sustainable environment that residents value, and which can allow residents, businesses and nature to thrive.

Health and Wellbeing Improving health and wellbeing, and enabling, supporting and creating sustainable communities.

We want all our residents and people working in the Borough to live long, healthy and happy lives.

Economy 8

GREENER BOROUGH

Let’s make Eastleigh a leafier place to live Plant a tree for future generations Residents will soon be able to sponsor a new tree in the Borough, as part of our aim to have 160,000 more trees by the year 2030.

The sponsorship scheme, called ‘Plant Eastleigh’, is due to launch in time for tree planting season in November. We are already growing a variety of native species at our Tree Nursery in Horton Heath, ready to be planted out into the Borough.

Planting a tree has long been a way to mark the birth of a child, the passing of a loved one or a special occasion, such as a wedding anniversary.

Sponsorship will start at around £10, which will pay for a whip (young tree) to be planted in one

of our designated planting locations. Sponsors will be invited to attend a planting day to help put the tree in the ground and will be able to download a certificate.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide, provide vital wildlife habitats and improve our wellbeing, so sponsoring a tree is a great way to play your part in creating a green legacy for future generations to enjoy.

To keep up-to-date, subscribe to our email list at eastleigh.gov.uk/weeklynews

Securing sustainable economic growth, high and stable employment and a shared prosperity for residents. It is about ensuring every one of us has a good standard of living in strong, safe, sustainable communities.

Housing and Development 16

Creating homes and communities to meet residents’ needs. To help support a buoyant housing market, it is essential that there is a sufficient supply of suitable, high-quality homes that can meet the diverse needs of residents. Building new homes and communities provides opportunities for people looking for affordable rent, or a new home to meet their changing needs.

Success for green energy schemes Hundreds of households are set to install green energy solutions this year thanks to two schemes supported by the Council.

Grant funding from the Green Homes Grant Local Area Delivery Scheme has been approved for 103 households to install measures such as air source heat pumps, solar PV panels and wall insulation. The scheme was aimed at people on lower incomes whose properties had a lower energy efficiency rating.

Earlier in the year, 138 Borough households accepted offers from a Hampshire-wide group solar panel purchasing scheme. The Solar Together scheme involved registered residents using their combined purchasing power to buy solar panels and battery storage at a reduced cost.

Cabinet Member for the Environment, Cllr Rupert Kyrle, said: “It’s fantastic to see residents embracing these green energy schemes to generate their own power and reduce carbon emissions.”

GREENER BOROUGH

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Council safeguards solar farm 25,000 panel site reinforces commitment to sustainable development The Borough Council has greatly extended its solar power generating portfolio with the purchase of a 6.3-megawatt solar farm at the heart of the One Horton Heath (OHH) community.

The purchase protects both the solar farm and the land, and it will also allow us to make much more efficient use of the land and ensure important highway infrastructure can be provided in a more effective way

He added: “It is planned that the 355-acre sustainable mixed-use OHH scheme will create a neighbourhood which supports green and sustainable lifestyles for all.”

The 34-acre solar farm, which produces around six million kilowatt hours of power per year, is a key part of the OHH development and underlines our commitment to delivering an environmentally sustainable development with less reliance on fossil fuels.

Council Leader, Cllr Keith House, said: “Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of our ambitions for OHH and this acquisition underlines our commitment to tackling the climate and environment emergency and promoting a carbon neutral Borough by 2030.”

​ ind out more about One Horton Heath at: F onehortonheath.co.uk

Eastleigh NCT Cloth Nappy Library Eastleigh Cloth Nappy Library is a volunteer run charity that offers a range of different reusable nappy kits to help parents who want to avoid using disposable nappies and help reduce the amount of waste in the Borough.

Kits are available for parents to hire on a trial basis before deciding whether to buy the kits at a later date. They also provide a couple of long-term loan kits in various sizes. The service also includes reusable baby wipes alongside the cloth nappies.

Organisers offer the kits for a small fee and a refundable deposit. The volunteers at this service are hoping to reach out to more deprived areas of the wider community by offering some kits to families that might be struggling financially, especially families affected by the pandemic.

Visit: eastleighclothnappylibrary.myturn. com/library

Photo: Solar farm at Chalcroft Farm, Horton Heath

Sustainable travel and biodiversity consultations As part of our commitment to tackling the climate crisis and biodiversity loss, we will soon be consulting on two important strategy updates – sustainable transport and biodiversity.

We have also recently promoted consultations by Hampshire County Council on new cycle lanes and a mobility hub in Eastleigh. To make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to make your voice heard, please subscribe to our email list for updates at eastleigh.gov.uk/weeklynews

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COUNTRYSIDE

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Habitat improvement works for Monks Brook Work to improve natural habitats around Monks Brook will get under way this autumn.

Monks Brook runs from Hursley, through Chandler’s Ford and Eastleigh, before meeting the River Itchen at Woodmill.

The 12km-long waterway is an important ‘wildlife corridor’.

A joint project between the Council and the Wessex Rivers Trust will thin dense tree cover and encourage more aquatic plants, as well as birds, including kingfishers, egrets and herons, and other wildlife. The brook boasts the Itchen’s main run of sea trout and newly created pools will provide a refuge for other fish species.

Over the years, work to straighten and deepen the brook for highways and flood defences have detracted from its ecological value and these works will help to re-establish it.

For more information, visit: wessexrt.org.uk

Photo: One of the proposed restoration sites, demonstrating the straight and uniform nature of the channel

Project to clear unwelcome plant species Plants such as Himalayan Balsam or Water Fern may look very attractive around local waterways, like the River Itchen or Monk’s Brook – but they can present serious problems to the local ecology by crowding out other plant species and hindering flood prevention measures.

In recent years, an army of willing volunteers have been working with the Council to clear these fastgrowing species – and a new project will support their future efforts.

IVCP photo competition Itchen Valley Country Park encouraged their visitors to showcase their creative side by holding a photography competition.

It was free to enter within three age groups and the Country Parks team wanted to challenge those with a keen eye to work within the themes of wildlife, creative in nature and landscapes.

Submissions were judged by the Viewfinders of Romsey Camera Club and the 12 winners’ photos will be showcased in a photography exhibition at the park in September.

Photo: One of the winning entries, by Esmee McConnel

The Council has been awarded grant funding from Portsmouth Water and others to tackle these destructive plants and is working with the Wessex Rivers Trust, the Environment Agency, the

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and others in a coordinated Test and Itchen Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) project. The money will be used to tackle the problem around Itchen Valley Country Park and upstream watercourses in Bishopstoke and Fair Oak, and will enable control work to continue along the Monks Brook in Chandler’s Ford and Eastleigh.

The project will map INNS to see what species are present and will then come up with a management plan.

If you’d like to volunteer and get involved, please email: countrysidevolunteers@eastleigh.gov.uk

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

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Park Sport roundup Park Sport 2021 programme helps young people reconnect with sports - and with each other - this summer.

The annual Park Sport went ahead across the Borough and even more children were able to take part this year with five to seven year-olds also welcomed.

Five to 16 year-olds enjoyed five SkateJams, 112 activity sessions from archery to golf, 15 Nerf events and 75 free swimming slots over the summer holidays. The Mystery Solvers GPS challenge launched in August and will be available until the end of autumn half-term.

Park Sport is funded by the Borough Council’s SportWorks, as well as the Local Area Committees, Parish and Town Councils, and supported by a broad range of partners including sports clubs,

activity providers and facilities, enabling activities to be highly subsidised.

Cabinet Member for Health & Social Policy, Cllr Tonia Craig, said: “We’re excited to see so many of the Borough’s children and young people taking part and benefitting from the great Park Sport programme. We continue to ensure we support residents with a healthy lifestyle and improve wellbeing as we emerge from the pandemic”.

If you took part in any activities, please provide feedback at eastleigh.gov.uk/parksport Photos: Children enjoying Park Sport activities (top) and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Adam Manning, at the Fleming Park SkateJam

Connect4Communities Success The Borough Council was successful in our bid for the Marcus Rashford inspired Holiday Activities and Food programme at two top venues in the Borough.

Affordable apartments available in Extra Care Housing schemes

Free family fun days for 3-10 year-olds took place over the summer, with 400 children and parent/carers attending events at Itchen Valley Country Park. Free bus transport from the north and south of the Borough was also provided.

Extra Care housing is the latest development in care for older people offered by Hampshire County Council in partnership with Eastleigh Borough Council and VIVID Homes.

The Social, a hangout for 11-16 year-olds, also took place over the summer in the outdoor space at The Point Eastleigh.

Extra Care accommodation allows older people to live their lives actively and independently in selfcontained accommodation with a tenancy. Care staff are based onsite and available 24 hours a day to provide planned care and support and to respond in the case of emergencies.

Activities included a craft, physical and nutrition activity as well as a free two-course meal. Thanks to food donations from Bidfood, Innocent and Proper Corn.

The Connect4Communities project was funded by the Department for Education through Hampshire County Council with partners Xelabus, One Community, Arts Council England and GroundWork.

Extra Care is different from residential care as it offers people their own flat in a safe and supportive environment in buildings close to local facilities. You have your own home and front door, so family and friends are free to visit when they wish. Some schemes also have guest suites available should your family wish to stay for a few days. Schemes have shared facilities such as restaurants, hairdressers, lounges and gardens and social activities are arranged by care staff and resident groups which you can choose to join if you wish. There are lots of opportunities for informal socialising too and living in Extra Care is a great way to make new friends without compromising your independence. Couples can move to Extra Care and remain together, and some properties have two bedrooms.

Extra Care housing is an option for applicants aged over 55 who have a housing need, are

registered on Hampshire Home Choice and have a care and support need as assessed by Adults’ Health and Care.

The Borough has three schemes in Chandler’s Ford: Surrey Court, Fernhill and Rowan Court (specific dementia unit) and Laburnum House in Hedge End. There are currently vacancies within schemes and Hampshire County Council has a dedicated team of Extra Care advisors available to help you to decide whether Extra Care housing is the right choice for you or your loved one.

For more information please visit: hants.gov.uk/extracarehousing or email extracare@hants.gov.uk Photo: Surrey Court, Chandler’s Ford

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

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New open space and sports facilities for Hedge End A new open space and grassed sports pitches at Hedge End are underway – the area will be known as ‘Berrywood Fields’.

The scheme will provide three grassed pitches and a new public open space to the east of Berrywood Primary School, with new footpaths, landscaping and enhanced biodiversity for local people to enjoy.

Work will also start on the area’s first full size floodlit 3G artificial football pitch as part of the neighbouring Deer Park school on Woodhouse Lane.

These facilities will also be available for the wider community to use.

Chair of Hedge End, West End & Botley, Local Area Committee, Cllr Cynthia Garton, said: “It’s fantastic to officially get this exciting new scheme started. The provision of these much-needed local community sports facilities will provide opportunities for local people to be more active, improve their physical and mental wellbeing as well as encouraging greater social interaction.”

She added: “I’m also pleased that these facilities will provide Hedge End Rangers with a place they can call home instead of having to travel to many different facilities for matches and training.”

Photo: Cllrs Cynthia Garton & Lucy Jurd at the new Berrywood Fields site

Outdoor Learning Centre opens!

Local young people up to the age of 25 can now enjoy a variety of exciting outdoor activity programmes at the Youth Options Outdoor Learning Centre, Eastleigh.

Every year the NHS offers the most vulnerable people a free flu vaccination and it’s really important that you take it if offered. The flu vaccine provides safe and effective protection against the virus and you should have it every year, but especially while COVID-19 is still circulating.

The new centre helps to engage young people with nature as a way to develop their social and emotional capabilities, engage with learning and make positive life choices.

The site consists of forest school sites, a wooded area, and two polytunnels to deliver horticulture programmes and a classroom.

Children and young people are already using the site with programmes to support young carers, young people with long-term health conditions, and children in care.

Jamie Boyd, Outdoor Learning Manager at Youth Options, said:“We are so excited to be able to offer young people from urban backgrounds the opportunity to connect with nature locally. The impact the outdoors can have on mental and physical wellbeing is huge. This is even more important

Make sure you have your flu vaccine this autumn

For more details visit: youthoptions.co.uk

It is possible to get flu and coronavirus at the same time, which could have very dangerous consequences, especially for people who are over 50, pregnant or who suffer from certain health conditions. The NHS also offers free flu vaccines to carers, frontline health or social care workers, and those who live with people who are at high risk. As we head into autumn, make sure you follow the national guidance and get your flu vaccine as soon as it’s offered.

Photo: Youth Options Outdoor Learning Centre

For more details visit: nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine

post-pandemic after long periods indoors.

We are also incredibly grateful to all the funders, supporters, and organisations who made this possible.”

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

New play area and MUGA opens at Boorley Park

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We Are Undefeatable The Borough Council is looking at how the pandemic has affected those with long-term conditions.

This will inform localised measures to encourage physical activity to support and improve their health.

Funding from the COVID-19 Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Support Fund has allowed us to survey residents with the aim of improving targeted provision.

Those registered as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable will be contacted directly, but we would like anyone who has a long-term health condition to complete the survey.

We Are Undefeatable is a national multi-partner campaign to support

A new play area and Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) has been installed and are being enjoyed at Boorley Park, Boorley Green.

The new play area provides a safe, fun and challenging experience for children up to 12 years of age. It centres around a multiactivity unit that includes a tunnel, snake see-saw, swings, circular trampoline, and a wheelchair accessible roundabout.

The new MUGA has an all-weather surface and is most suited to football. The goals are set into the fencing so there is no time wasted assembling goalposts! It is free to use from 7am to 7pm throughout the week.

Mayor of Eastleigh, Cllr Cynthia Garton, said: “I am so pleased to open these fantastic new play facilities in Boorley Park.

These will provide local children in the area with the chance to enjoy a range of play equipment and an informal kick-about area in a safe environment, which also encourages them to keep active.”

Photo: Mayor of Eastleigh, Cynthia Garton and Chair of Botley Parish Council, Colin Mercer with Cllrs Rupert Kyrle and Dave Kinloch with children from Boorley Park Primary School

people with a range of long-term health conditions. It encourages people to find ways to be active that work with each person’s conditions, not against them.

We have engaged locally with We Are Undefeatable Eastleigh by amplifying the national campaign and sharing stories from those who work and live in the Borough.

Long-term conditions represented so far have been sarcoidosis, psoriatic arthritis and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).

To complete the survey or read the local stories, please visit eastleigh.gov.uk/WAU

Have your say on sport and physical activity in the Borough We are in the process of developing a new Sport and Active Lifestyles Strategy. We welcome views from members of the public, agencies, businesses, and community organisations on how important physical activity is to you and what opportunities there are to increase participation in sport and physical activity in Eastleigh.

Your feedback will help shape the priorities for the strategy and support our vision to improve the health and wellbeing of people who live and work in the Borough.

Complete the survey: eastleigh.gov.uk/PhysicalActivity-survey

New play area at Barnfield Way, Bursledon Local children are enjoying a new play area installed in July on the Latitude area at the new development in Bursledon. The play area is to be used for children up to 12 years of age and includes a range of play equipment including; wheelchair accessible roundabout, Rota-Roka Spinner, Vippy Seesaw and a Multi-Unit Log Snake Weaver.

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The play area was funded by the developer as part of the community benefits.

Picture: Cllr Jane Welsh, Chair of Hedge End Town Council’s Recreation Committee with local children

Homelessness Although homelessness levels are generally low in the Borough, even one is considered too many for the Council’s housing team, who have successfully bid for a share of the Government’s Rough Sleepers Initiative fund.

As part of the Government’s ‘Everyone In’ initiative launched in March 2020 in response to COVID-19, the team provided 51 individuals at risk of rough sleeping with emergency accommodation.

There are concerns over the increase in homelessness as Covid financial support, such as furlough and grants come to an end.

The Housing team has achieved £68,000 of funding support for rough sleepers and those at risk of rough sleeping. This funding

will be used to support individuals in a variety of ways including: provision of winter emergency accommodation; personalised budgets to secure and maintain housing; and an extensive Tenancy Training Programme to support those aged 16-35 to secure a tenancy.

In addition, there will be a campaign, later in the autumn, to raise awareness of the support available, how to access it and the best way for residents to let us know if they have concerns for someone’s welfare.

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ECONOMY

eastleigh.gov.uk

Welcome Back Fund Supporting local businesses The work of the Council’s Reopening High Streets Safely Fund (RHSSF) team has been extended and is continuing under the name of the Welcome Back Fund.

We have been awarded £183,435 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to support the safe return to high streets and help build back better from the pandemic. This new funding builds on the £118,000 RHSSF previously allocated in 2020.

The funding supports additional measures to create and promote a safe environment for local trade, particularly in the Borough’s high streets

as they continue to reopen after the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

The funding will be used to invest in the look and feel of these areas and make them welcoming to visitors, in addition to essential signage and the possible improvement of green spaces.

The work, carried out alongside community partners and stakeholders, will include campaigns and events to boost footfall. The work will also support local businesses as they investigate how improvements could assist in future-proofing local high streets, with the aim of securing sustainable growth and long-term regeneration.

Borough Gift Card To mark the launch of our Eastleigh Borough Gift Card, we ran a competition that encouraged businesses to sign up to the gift card scheme. Pat’s Sandwich Bar in Eastleigh was the business selected at random to win a gift card loaded with £250!

Linda Barham, from Pat’s Sandwich Bar, said: “We’re delighted to receive the prize and happy to be part of something that will help Eastleigh’s future coming out of these awful times. The gift card scheme will hopefully bring people out to shop in Eastleigh. We’ll be using our prize card to shop locally so that it will help local businesses”.

If you run a business in the Borough there’s still time to join the growing list of companies included in the scheme.

The gift card is available to all businesses across the towns and villages in the Borough and is a great gift idea for residents to purchase for friends and family, promoting the idea of people shopping locally.

Customers can load the card with several fixed amounts starting from £10. The card will then be redeemable in any of the retail, leisure and hospitality venues that have signed up to the scheme across the Borough.

For more information visit: eastleigh.gov.uk/boroughgiftcard

Business grants success Local company Scenery Solutions benefitted from one of the Borough Council’s Additional Restrictions Grants, aimed to help businesses that were severely impacted during the pandemic.

The company specialises in the hire of theatrical scenery and props to both professional and amateur theatre, and hiring items to schools, corporate events, film and television productions all over the country.

With the closure of schools and theatres and many film and television productions suspended, company owner, Alick Leech, knew they were going to struggle: “In March last year we were enjoying our best period of sales and things were going really well. Then lockdown was announced and every single call and email was a cancellation or an indefinite postponement. We knew we were in for a really tough time.

“For six months, we had no communication at all from customers and bills were still coming in so I was really nervous. The furlough scheme meant we could retain our staff but the biggest question was how would I pay the rent? I knew if we could keep our building, we would be able to carry on trading as our stock is what keeps us in business.

“The Council grant paid our rent which has kept us going. We recently supplied a free set to the first two amateur shows to take place at The Point in Eastleigh as a thank you. We are still struggling, and we will be for a while yet until theatres reopen properly, but we’re getting enquiries and we have not had any job losses.”

Find out more: scenerysolutions.co.uk

Win £100 with LoyalFree app Visit Eastleigh / Eastleigh BID are delighted to announce the launch of a fantastic new ‘LoyalFree’ app offering discounts, exclusive deals, digital loyalty schemes and exciting events for you to enjoy in Eastleigh town centre.

Download the free app today and you could win £100 worth of gift vouchers (£20 each from The Point Café, Mobile Booth, The Entertainer, Artisan and Slice Hair). Closing date for the competition is 30 September 2021.

This wonderful app can help you save money at local shops, cafés, businesses and more.

It even has a ‘trails’ functionality to help you experience places in an interactive way. Other useful information such as parking spots is also available.

Simply search for ‘LoyalFree’ on the app store or visit loyalfree.co.uk for further details.

GREENER BOROUGH

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te s a w r u o y e c u d re to s y a w e iv F By reducing and reusing what we buy we can reduce unnecessary waste, lessen our impact on the environment and save ourselves some money.

Here are some helpful tips:

Don’t waste food Food makes up a substantial amount of what we throw away, but it doesn’t have to. Planning meals, sticking to a shopping list, freezing leftovers and going by use by dates (rather than best before) are all sensible ways to cut back on food waste.

Purchase less stuff

Buy items that are made to last shion’ called ‘fast fa Avoiding so ms investing in ite and instead ld be e to last cou that are mad rbon r u ucing yo ca d re f o y a w one in saving money footprint and s et g g . If somethin the long run in sew g ring out the damaged, b from ask for help machine or iend or family a practical fr ake a repair. member to m

Love food, hate waste has some tasty recipes to make better use of leftovers, while apps like TooGoodToGo and Olio help stop food from retailers and neighbours going to waste.

By thinking carefully about whether we really ne ed an item, we can avoid buyers remorse, reduce clutter in ou r homes, save money and help the planet at the same time.

Helpful tips inclu de: • delay before m aking an impulse buy • only shop when you need something • gift experiences (like a cookery course) rather than material objects • treasure what yo u ha

ve

Make a single use, a double use

Avoid single use plastics

Before throwing something out, think about whether it could have a second use.

There are lots of ways we can avoid single use plastics, including

Here are some handy ideas:

• carry a ‘bag for life’, drink bottle and/or coffee cup out with you

• jam jars to store screws and other small items • using butter wrappers to grease a • bread bags as nappy bin line rs • toothbrushes for cleaning in between tiles • junk mail as scrap paper • yoghurt pots as seedling pots

• say no to plastic straws and coffee stirrers baking tray

• use compostable bamboo toothbrushes, instead of plastic ones • use bars of soap, shampoo and conditioner, rather than bottles • give children wooden colouring pencils instead of plastic felt-tip pens • take your own containers along to a local refill station

For more ways to reduce, reuse and recycle your waste visit: oiding-waste eastleigh.gov.uk/waste-bins-and-recycling/recycle-more/av

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ECONOMY 2

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Gems a stone’s throw away We’re celebrating retail gems and highlighting some of the incredible businesses which can be found in every corner of the Eastleigh Borough 6

If you are a fan of a Borough business, you can nominate it as a Gem by emailing RHSS@eastleigh.gov.uk

Chandler’s Ford Hursley Café Malik Usmonov runs Hursley Café in Hursley Road.

The café is especially well-known for breakfasts and very popular thick milkshakes.

Waffles & Cream This colourful café in Fryern Arcade is run by local resident Hannah and recently celebrated its second birthday. The extensive menu includes toasties and paninis in addition to waffles, milkshakes and churros.

LA Dog Grooming LA Dog Grooming salon and pet spa is owned by Anna, Aimie and Lorraine, who met via dog grooming and decided to set up business together.

Bridge Beauty Hannah has been at her current site in Hursley Road, for nine years offering treatments, massages with dreamtime teas for afters, shellac nails, extensions and more.

The Munch Box The Munch Box in Bournemouth Road is run by Angie and Kae, who have been serving fresh sandwiches and buffet lunches for meetings and businesses for nearly 20 years. They offer a comprehensive range of lunch options with every kind of sandwich you can think of, including vegetarian and vegan, in addition to specials such as chicken madras boxes.

Bay Leaves Larder Owner Sarah has spent the last 13 years working to bring the best of the county’s food and drink to her community, alongside homemade smoothies, hot drinks, cakes and fudge. The business has added

an environmentally-friendly refill station for cleaning products and it’s already proving popular.

D&G Hardware The warm welcome at D&G Hardware, which has remained open throughout the pandemic as an essential retailer, is appreciated by its customers including Jon T, who has nominated it as a Gem: “It’s an amazing and very useful shop that sells almost any household product you could imagine and manned by very friendly staff!”

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BASEbody Pilates Jade from BASEbody Pilates in the Central Precinct has certainly had a very busy few years. Since taking over the former Loft Pilates Studio in July 2017, she’s married, become a mum and moved premises to a street-facing lot.

Jade said: “When I took over, all the teachers left but I learned on the job and, supported by class participants who responded to me as a person, I built the business up; over the years we’ve been able to develop a method which adapts to the person in front of us. It’s not a one size fits all, and offers restoration, rehabilitation from injury and more dynamic workouts too.”

Hamble The River Rat This popular Hamble restaurant is run by sisters Laura and Sarah. They took over the River Rat in summer 2019 to offer a unique dining experience at the top of the cobbled high street. The venue, which also has a garden and outdoor BBQ/bar space, offers popular theme nights and during lockdown they adapted to sell

themed takeaway meals (paella and French night were popular).

Sea Sky Sea Sky is run by Debbie and Susie, who had only met a few times before they went into business six years ago. They used the lockdowns to develop their website and focused on their bright shop window, altering its content to cheer up anyone who walked past on daily exercise. They showcase the work of local artists and a local superyacht rigger makes the dog leads they sell.

Pirate Pasties The Cornish colours of the Pirate Pasties flag stand out on Hamble’s high street; owner Hulya, who runs the business with her Cornish husband Marcus, dreamed of selling freshly baked award-winning pasties from Redruth in their adopted home county of Hampshire.

ECONOMY 8

@eastleighbc The Considerate Carnivore The business specialises in ethical meat, sustainably sourced from high welfare British farms which the local team of Rowan and Luis, plus butcher Harry, visit in person to see how the animals are being reared.

Customers have flocked to their shop, opposite The Botley Brewery & Hidden Tap at Botley Mill – with whom the trio have already teamed up – for the range of ready meals and products, such as the five-week dry-aged steak.

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Eastleigh Hedge End The Flower Shop Owner Sonia and her team have been working hard during the pandemic to accommodate contactless deliveries and click and collect.

Their occasion flowers, balloons, teddies, vases, gift cards, chocolates and fruit have brought smiles to faces during this very difficult time.

West End Beales Gents Hairdressers Bob Richmond and the team at Beales Gents Hairdressers have been serving the local community since 2002 and Bob has become a very well-known local.

Botley Mermaids of Botley During lockdown, the team at traditional deli Mermaids of Botley served at the door behind a screen and offered graze boxes, afternoon teas and cheese boxes via their website, delivering to the local area. Owner Jono says: “Being on the beautiful high street, we wanted the look and feel of the shop to be traditional and as if it’s always been here. Whilst delivery allowed us to continue reaching customers during lockdown, for a small independent shop you can never deliver as many times in a day as you would have customers visit you at the shop. So, although it was a lifeline, like many businesses we are glad to be welcoming people back in!”

Botley MTB Local man Kevin had the idea for bike shop Botley MTB during the first lockdown in June 2020 – just a few months later it was a reality on Botley’s high street.

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Blue Butterfly Studios Amy Fern was about to celebrate the first anniversary of Blue Butterfly Studios in the town centre when Covid happened. Amy, who has been teaching dance for over 15 years, had a dream of building a community hub right in the heart of town. With the help of her family - the studio was built by her husband and has branding designed by her brother’s company Diguru she transformed Unit 1 of The Swan Centre, Eastleigh.

Now, in addition to three dance studios and rentable space, it has a café and the Blue Butterfly Beauty salon.

The Hog Shack The Hog Shack began ten years ago in Pete’s back garden with a BBQ and hog roast before he opened in his current location in April 2019. It sells awardwinning products including faggots, sausages, black pudding and bacon, as well as coffee and quality traybakes. Their Biscoff flapjacks and Marmite sausages are firm favourites.

Good Companions Good Companions in Leigh Road is run by Claire and Dan with a little help from their young son Theo. This family pub has been operating for almost three years and enjoyed a fantastic first 18 months before COVID hit. They used lockdowns to completely revamp, renovate and repaint the premises inside and out, improving their large outdoor space to the rear of the premises. The area already had a safe and secure play space – and a dog water bowl to cater for any canine customers.

Artisan Meze Bar Artisan Meze Bar in the High Street is run by Hasan, who has lived in Eastleigh for 25 years and feels very passionate about the town, so much so that he opened sister restaurant EVI Bakehouse opposite Artisan during lockdowns. Run by his son Oz, EVI serves fresh pizzas made by Italian chef Andrea, fired in the vast Gozney oven.

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Cosy Café Cosy Café in Market Street is run by Alex who has been there for seven years since starting off in the business as an older teenager. He is very passionate about achieving the highest standards for the popular town centre venue. Alex said: “Lockdowns were so tough but we used the opportunity to fully refurbish the entire café and kitchen space - and our regulars love it. It has also brought in some new customers which is fantastic.”

Candy Room Kirsty and her team in Candy Room sweet shop support their enticing in-store offering with their bright and informative website and a comprehensive delivery service, ensuring that no one misses out on their favourite treats. The range of delivery options includes same day delivery within five miles of the shop, nationwide UK next working day, and click and collect.

Shop Equality Sue Hunt has been a familiar face in central Eastleigh for ten years, running Shop Equality selling a wide variety of Fairtrade products – edibles, socks, toys, beauty products and much more - and offering a refill station.

Sue said: “I have always had a passion for Fairtrade ever since I found out that 95% of coffee farmers live in poverty; it didn’t make any sense to me, so that’s how it all started.

“I like to think that people always find something unique and different in the shop. Just buy one thing that’s Fairtrade - it will be a small change for you but it will make a massive difference to someone else. None of us can change the world overnight but we can all change one thing.”

Photos: 1. Kirsty and Donna, The Candy Room, 2. Pete, The Hog Shack, 3. Hasan, Artisan Meze Bar, 4. Toby and the team, D&G Hardware, 5. Hannah, Bridge Beauty, 6. Sarah, Bay Leaves Larder, 7. Malik, Hursley Café, 8. Bob, Beales Gents Hairdressers, 9. Kevin, Botley MTB, 10. Anna and Aimie, LA Dog Grooming, 11. Claire, Dan and Theo, Good Companions, 12. Alex, Cosy Café

12 eastleigh.gov.uk

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@eastleighbc

13

Eastleigh Unwrapped is back!

Unwrap the gift of shared live experience as Unwrapped returns For For the the first first time, time, this this free free arts arts festival festival will will spill spill across across two two dates dates and and two two locations. locations. Join Join in in with with the the family family feel feel on on the the weekend weekend of of Saturday Saturday 11 11 and and Sunday Sunday 12 12 September, September, as as The Point presents high-quality, The Point presents high-quality, hand-picked hand-picked live live performances performances in in Eastleigh Eastleigh town Towncentre Centre and and Hedge Hedge End. End. Keep Keep an an eye eye out out for for the the Merry Merry Maker Maker and and his one-minute rap on a three-wheeled his one-minute rap on a three wheeled trike; trike; follow follow The The Puppet Puppet Van’s Van’s quest quest to to find find the the pinkest pinkest pink pink paint paint on on the the planet; planet; and and join join in in aa foot-stomping foot-stomping ceilidh ceilidh as as The The Point Point welcomes back Folk Dance Remixed welcomes back Folk Dance Remixed with with

their their folk/street folk/street dance dance fusion. fusion. There There will will be be much much more more fun fun in in store store too! too!

Eastleigh Eastleigh Unwrapped Unwrapped is is supported supported by

by Arts Arts Council England and Eastleigh Borough Council England and Eastleigh Borough Council.

Council.

For For more more information: information: eastleighunwrapped.com eastleighunwrapped.com #EastleighUnwrapped #EastleighUnwrapped facebook.com/EastleighUnwrapped facebook.com/EastleighUnwrapped Photo: Picture:The xxxPuppet Van: The Lost Colour

The Point

Eastleigh Film Festival

Mark Mark Thomas: Thomas: 50 50 Things Things About About Us Us 24 September 8pm 24 September 8pm AA mix mix of of storytelling, storytelling, stand-up, stand-up, mischief mischief and and really, really, really really well well researched researched material material to to examine examine how how we we have have come come to to inhabit inhabit this divided wasteland that some of this divided wasteland that some of us us call call the the United United Kingdom.

Kingdom.

Eastleigh Eastleigh Film Film Festival Festival isis back back for for 2021 2021 from from Monday Monday 13 13 –– Saturday 18 September, with screenings once again taking Saturday 18 September, with screenings once again taking place place in in unique unique and and unusual unusual locations locations across across the the Borough.

Borough.

Ed Ed Byrne: Byrne: If If I’m I’m Honest Honest 22 22 October October 8pm 8pm Join Join Ed Ed as as he he takes takes aa long long hard hard look look at at himself and tries to decide if he has himself and tries to decide if he has ANY ANY traits traits that that are are worth worth passing passing on on to to his his children. children.

For For more more info info or or to to book: book: thepointeastleigh.co.uk thepointeastleigh.co.uk

The Berry Theatre Not: Not: Lady Lady Chatterley’s Chatterley’s Lover Lover 22 October October 7.30pm 7.30pm AA Mel Mel Brooks Brooks style style parody parody following following the the storyline of the classic D.H. Lawrence storyline of the classic D.H. Lawrence novel…with novel…with aa few few twists. twists.

One One Snowy Snowy Night Night 10 10 –– 30 30 December December Presented Presented by

by Slot Slot Machine Machine Theatre.

Theatre.

Includes school performances, Includes school performances, relaxed relaxed performances performances and and socially socially distanced distanced shows, shows, along along with with our our perfect perfect postpostschool school Snuggle Snuggle Shows; Shows; come come dressed dressed in in your pyjamas ready to go home and drift your pyjamas ready to go home and drift off off to to bed! bed!

For For more more info info or or to to book: book: theberrytheatre.co.uk theberrytheatre.co.uk

The The festival’s festival’s headline headline event event returns returns to to the the dark dark woods woods of of Itchen Itchen Valley Valley Country Country Park Park for for immersive immersive screenings screenings of of AA Quiet Quiet Place Place 22 and and The The Descent.

Descent. New New locations locations for for this this year year include include Barton Barton Peveril Peveril College College and and Crestwood Crestwood School, School, which which will will be be showing showing American American high high school school cult cult classic, classic, The The Breakfast Breakfast Club Club and and Bo Bo Burnham’s Burnham’s brilliant brilliant Eighth Eighth Grade.

Grade. Get Get ready ready for for aa wedding wedding celebration celebration and and buffet with The Wedding Singer at the Concorde buffet with The Wedding Singer at the Concorde Club!

Club!

Experience Experience 2021 2021 Academy Academy Award-winners Award-winners Nomadland Nomadland and and Sound Sound of of Metal Metal the the way way they they were were meant meant to to be be seen seen on the big screen at The Point which will also host the on the big screen at The Point which will also host the festival’s festival’s opening opening night, night, featuring featuring aa once-in-a-lifetime once-in-a-lifetime concert concert event event with with Mick Mick Fleetwood Fleetwood and and Friends Friends recorded recorded live live at at London London Palladium Palladium in in 2020.

2020.

For For more more information: information: eastleighfilmfestival.com eastleighfilmfestival.com // Facebook: Facebook: @eastleighfilmfestival @eastleighfilmfestival

October half term activities Saturday 23 October to Sunday 31 October Come along to Itchen Valley Country Park for a Spooktacular time in the woods!

Try our Spooky Halloween Trail throughout the week, listen to nighttime storytelling or, if you dare, take part in the dark woods trail on Halloween (31 October).

Some events are bookable in advance, visit: eastleigh.gov.uk/ivcp for more details or follow us on Facebook @itchenvalleycountrypark

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YOUR COUNCIL

Remembrance poppies return The Council will again be installing two large poppies on the bandstand ahead of Remembrance Day as we celebrate 100 years of the Royal British Legion (RBL). The poppies will provide a very visual sign of support for this year’s remembrance. Local people will again have the opportunity to tie a poppy onto the bandstand to show their support and respect.

A thousand poppies have already been knitted and will be on sale in Eastleigh town centre before Remembrance Sunday, 14 November, raising money for the Royal British Legion as it celebrates it’s centenary. The poppies were knitted by ‘Hookers & Clickers’ a national charitable organisation of like-minded people that knit and crochet in support of various charities.

A number of local branches of the Women’s Institute are also making knitted, crocheted and sewn poppies. Local people can also make their own poppies as we hope to turn the bandstand red.

Remembering some of our local heroes Over the last hundred years the RBL have been providing financial, social and emotional care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces - past and present together with their families.

We are keen to recognise many of the local people whose names are commemorated on the War Memorial in Leigh Road by providing a photo and some more details about them so that we can tell others about what they did.

If you have some details that you are happy to provide contact steve.collins@eastleigh.gov.uk or telephone 023 8068 8205.

A Festival of Remembrance is taking place on Saturday 30 October at The Point Eastleigh. Tickets will be available from thepointeastleigh.co.uk or 023 8065 2333

Concern over GP surgery mergers Councillors have expressed concern over plans for two separate mergers of NHS GP surgeries – and have formally objected to plans to cease weekday bookable GP appointments at the Lowford Centre in Bursledon.

ready access to transport may find it difficult to travel further for face-toface appointments (the Living Well Partnership’ surgeries include several that are some distance away in Southampton).

Proposals to bring together the Hamble Blackthorn and Bursledon surgeries, and plans to merge St Luke’s in Hedge End and Botley GP practices within the Living Well Partnership, were the subject of a report to the Council’s Cabinet.

It highlights a number of issues, including how accessible GP services are to patients, the increasing number of consultations carried out remotely and how patients without

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Cllr Tonia Craig, said: “We are worried that these proposals will fail to put the interests of some of the Borough’s most vulnerable patients first. This risks them not seeking health advice and treatment at the right time and missing opportunities for prevention, which could lead to worse health outcomes and more cost for the NHS.”

Council consults on taxis policy The Council wants your views on rules for taxi and private hire drivers in the Borough.

to support and protect vulnerable passengers, driver training, dress code and signage for private hire vehicles.

It is carrying out a public consultation towards producing a Taxi Licensing Policy that will cover a range of areas, including: DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, safeguarding training

If you’re a taxi or private hire customer, we’d love to hear your views. You can fill in our survey at: eastleigh.gov.uk/ licensingpolicysurvey

Don’t waste time on a trip to the tip Save time and keep your car clean

Join over 23,000 other Borough households and sign up to our Garden Waste Scheme. Have your garden waste collected every fortnight from your kerbside and avoid the queues at the tip for a half yearly fee of just £30.50 (1 October 2021 - 31 March 2022).

To sign up visit eastleigh.gov.uk/gardenwaste

YOUR COUNCIL

@eastleighbc

Eastleigh Borough Council receives Living Wage Employer accreditation The Council has underlined its commitment to its current staff – and to future employees - by achieving accreditation as a Living Wage Employer.

Although we already pay at least the nationally recognised Living Wage to employees, becoming accredited - and being able to demonstrate this as a part of our ‘employer branding’ - provides further reassurance to job applicants that we prioritise employee wellbeing.

By paying Living Wage, we aim to promote sustainable and ethical business in our community; becoming accredited also means that we encourage the Living Wage commitment among our suppliers.

The Living Wage commitment guarantees a minimum hourly wage of £9.50 in the UK (or £10.85 in London). Both rates are significantly higher than the government minimum for over-23s, which currently stands at £8.91 per hour.

Council Leader, Cllr Keith House, said: “At Eastleigh Borough Council, our employees are by far our most valuable asset. It is important that this is reflected in the way we reward our staff – and that we are able to demonstrate our commitment to paying at least the nationally recognised Living Wage by winning this accreditation. It will prove useful in future staff recruitment and retention.”

Further information can be found at: eastleigh.gov.uk/jobs

Flooding help and advice Recent extreme rainfall in parts of our Borough has understandably been a cause for concern for some of our residents as it has for residents across the country as these extreme weather conditions become more frequent.

The Council continues to take action to ensure that Hampshire County Council and the Environment Agency have both the information and support they need to ensure that they can work together to help address the issues and take preventative measures in the future.

Lots of information can be found on our website but in summary if flooding is a result of a: • drainage issue - for residents or businesses contact Hampshire County Council • water course i.e. a stream or river contact The Environment Agency • burst or leaking water main contact Southern Water.

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News round up Public Art at Stoneham We previously completed a consultation on the Public Artwork for the Neighbourhood Square at North Stoneham, the Here/There Clock by Michael Pinsky, will use real-time data to track bus arrivals in and around the area.

Whilst we prepare the planning application for this installation, we will also commence the second Public Art Project for the development to be located in the Parkland.

As part of the process there will be the opportunity for local residents to meet the artist and take part in some activities to help influence the artwork.

Freespace consultation Community engagement took place over the summer for the refurbishment or replacement of the Freespace Skate and BMX park through surveys to find out what visitors to the park wanted.

We were consulting at the Park Sport SkateJam events to make sure we reached the right people, with an online survey that we shared via social media, to ensure a wide variety of people were able to have their say. We also talked to a core group of community representatives, including regular users of the skate parks in the Borough.

Together we will use the outcomes of the summer survey to shape the brief for the delivery of the project later in the year.

Lawn Road A new phase of work on the Lawn Road play area is now complete and features palm trees, carefully selected bamboo cultivars, along with a range of colourful, exotic and interesting plants.

As it matures, the planting will create a more interesting and stimulating setting for children and a more attractive environment for families to spend time in. Existing equipment in the younger children’s area has been cleaned and refurbished and all rubber surfaces have been repaired and jet washed.

The older children’s play area will be installed in September and the park will feature a new slide, wobbly bridge and a bespoke climbing tower.

For more information, visit: eastleigh.gov.uk/flooding

Keeping the electoral register up-to-date During August, your household should have received a form from the Borough Council showing the names of residents who are currently registered to vote at your property.

Please check this information to ensure the details are correct. If the information needs to be updated, please visit householdresponse.com/eastleigh.

The information is used to confirm who, at your address, is eligible to vote. This information can

also be used when applying for credit such as a mortgage or personal loan. Not being registered can risk you being refused credit.

Please help us by responding as soon as you can to prevent reminders being sent and avoid the need for additional contact with you.

For more information, visit: eastleigh.gov.uk/annualcanvass

Farewell Jean Jean Roberts-Jones, Chief Executive of One Community, the charity that supports the voluntary and community sector across the Borough, is retiring.

The organisation, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2018, started life as the Eastleigh Council of Community Services in 1978. Since then it has grown to provide a range of care, transport and information services aimed at improving the quality of life for local communities.

The new Chief Executive, Debra Clothier took up the post last month.

16 eastleigh.gov.uk

News round up Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath

Community Development Officer Developers’ contributions from the Pembers Hill Farm housing scheme are funding the recruitment of a Community Development Officer. They will be based at the Fair Oak and Horton Heath parish office, working in partnership with the Parish Council. Details for the vacancy, which will be a four-year fixed term post, will be posted on their website.

Fair Oak Community Library Fair Oak Community Library volunteers opened the library building to residents on Monday 26 July. Funds for improvements of the building came from the Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath Local Area Committee (BIFOHH LAC) and the developer as part of the community benefits.

New play area at Pembers Hill Drive An exciting new natural play facility is open at Pembers Hill Drive, Fair Oak. Installed

by Vitaplay Ltd, the design was chosen by residents following a community vote.

Quobleigh Woods As part of the negotiations between developers of Allington Lane and the Council, Quobleigh Woods, a small countryside site, is transferring to the Borough Council. The BIFOHH LAC, working in partnership with the Council’s Countryside team will rejuvenate this natural habitat, creating walking and access routes for residents.

HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT

YMCA Eastleigh at the heart of North Stoneham Since opening in May, the new community centre, run by the YMCA, is fast becoming an important part of the local community, with a range of weekly groups and activities for adults and children to enjoy and a popular café.

With its flexible sports hall and dedicated space for young people, meeting rooms and health facilities the centre provides a range of activities including adult dance classes, parent and toddler classes, children dance classes, yoga, art project, cubs and beavers.

The centre also offers high quality nursery care allowing children to explore, discover and develop in a fantastic light and airy space together with the chance to be active and explore the large nursery garden.

For further details of the nursery, classes, activities or to hire spaces in the centre visit ymca-fg.org/eastleigh Photo: Edward taking part in a parent and toddler class

Options - Lifeline Feel Safe at home with a Lifeline

Memorial Hall – Bishopstoke Players The Memorial Hall in Bishopstoke has had to close for safety reasons. A fantastic new hall is planned, but is some time off. In the meantime, the Bishopstoke Players (the local amateur drama group) are performing One Man, Two Guvnors by Richard Bean from 30 September to 2 October at Thornden School.

Please don’t block the pavements with cars and hedges The BIFOHH LAC, in partnership with both Bishopstoke and Fair Oak & Horton Heath Parish Councils, are reminding people to cut the hedge back to their boundary and to not park across pavements. This has led to wheelchair users and people with buggies struggling to use the pavements safely – often having to go into the road.

Local Plan and Tree SPD We received over 50 responses to the recent consultation on changes to the Local Plan. These responses will be reviewed by the Council and then sent to the Local Plan Inspector to decide if any more public hearings are necessary. The Inspector will then write her final report on the plan and set out any further changes required.

We also recently consulted on the draft Trees and Development Supplementary Planning Document and received around 20 responses. We are reviewing the comments to consider what changes are required before this guidance can be finalised.

Our Emergency Panic Alarm system is a telephone linked support service designed to maintain a safer lifestyle and the independence of clients while bringing peace of mind to relatives and Carers, all from the touch of a button.

Prices from £3.65 per week.

Please call a member of the Options team on 023 80 90 2417 for more information Quote -Lifeline5 for £5 off installation valid until 31st December 2021 One Community registered address 75 Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9DQ Registered Charity Number 1052978 Registered in England as a company limited by guarantee Registered Number 3132524

@eastleighbc

17

#BeBetter Whether you are about to leave school, returning to education or an employer looking to upskill your workforce, we have over 500 courses to equip you for your next step.

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Free Adult Community Learning Workshops*: • • • • • •

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Upcoming festive workshops

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Free course

– eDigital Skills – learn how to use smartphones and PC’s – no previous experience needed

•

Christmas Bauble Needle Felting 27.11.21

•

Christmas Floristry 11.11.21

•

Sugar Craft for Christmas 8.11.21

•

Festive Chocolates Workshop 11.12.21

Plus lots more at eastleigh.ac.uk We have a 60 year’ heritage of helping people master new skills Meet like minded people in your community Our courses are accessible to all at a number of venues across the community We create a supportive and inclusive environment

Apply now at eastleigh.ac.uk or call 023 8091 1000

18 eastleigh.gov.uk

ONE HORTON HEATH LATEST UPDATE

Open doors at the Routes Skills Centre Can we support your community project?

One Horton Heath is welcoming interest from community representatives or groups who are involved in running community or educational-led activities or groups who require outdoor space.

Visit onehortonheath.co.uk to get in touch

Photo: One Horton Heath team at the Routes Skills Centre The One Horton Heath team have been busy over the summer helping out at the new Routes Skills Centre. The team undertook a day’s volunteering to help get the outside of the classrooms all painted up and the site area cleared ready for the new intake of students starting in September.

The centre received £450 worth of paint and equipment for the day from Mildren Construction.

Mildren’s Operations Manager, Nick Gray said: “The Routes Skills Centre is a great project to have on the edge of the One Horton Heath site. Mildren are always keen to support initiatives that encourage learning and career progression into our industry.”

The team’s second visit was a Forest School Day session, led by the centre’s manager Steve Edmonds. The day introduced young children to den building, forestry skills and outdoor learning. This was a great opportunity for Steve to pilot the Forest School Day for members and for the team

Photo top: Louie Edgerley (left) and Steve Edmonds at the Forest Day Photo bottom: Sisters Amelie and Mollie Cranmer enjoying marshmallows by the fire

to learn more about the different initiatives that Steve will run from the site.

One Horton Heath Skills and Employment Manager Lea Hampton who helped arrange the volunteering days commented: “Both days are very much what the One Horton Heath project is about, creating added value for the local community.

Whether that be through supply chain funding or giving time to support skills learning or volunteering to help get this new exciting project delivering a broader range of outdoor learning opportunities.

Being so close to the Council’s tree nursery means there are lots of opportunities for young people to engage with immersive learning from local professionals passionate about their industry.”

If you are interested in learning more, please contact Lea Hampton from One Horton Heath on: Lea.Hampton@eastleigh.gov.uk

Find out more and keep up-to-date on the development visit: onehortonheath.co.uk or email: onehortonheath@eastleigh.gov.uk Follow us on: onehortonheath One Horton Heath

YOUR COMMUNITY

Community grants Community grants of up to £1,000 are being distributed to non-profit making groups, whose aims reflect our priorities of promoting health, prosperity, the environment, and community development and involvement.

They focus on groups that do more for less for example, projects that help the community to save money or make their money go further.

Grants can be used to: • • • •

purchase equipment or materials contribute towards running costs fund specific projects develop of the organisation

@eastleighbc

19

To help celebrate our amazing ‘Local Heroes’ we’ve created this touching video tribute that our Arts and Culture team worked with local artists to put together. Poetry collective ‘Ghost River’ were commissioned to write a poem based on the nominees, which was then recorded by performer Anna Carr and animated by Corinne Pollock. To make it extra special, we also included additional voices from members of the Eastleigh community – including some of those who nominated someone to be a hero.

To watch the Local Hero Poem video visit: eastleigh.gov.uk/local-heroes

For more information visit: eastleigh.gov.uk/communitygrants

Have your say Local Area Committees hold public question sessions at the start of each meeting Local Area Committees (LAC) are made up from elected Ward Councillors. They take decisions and make representations relating to their area on a wide range of Council business, including determining planning applications, traffic management 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.

Bishopstoke, Fair Oak & Horton Heath (7pm) 24 November visit eastleigh.gov.uk/bifohh or contact andrew.thompson@eastleigh.gov.uk / 023 8068 8357 Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound (6pm) 2 December visit eastleigh.gov.uk/bhh or contact ross.mcclean@eastleigh.gov.uk / 023 8068 3367 Chandler’s Ford & Hiltingbury (7pm) 10 November visit eastleigh.gov.uk/cfh or contact ross.mcclean@eastleigh.gov.uk / 023 8068 3367 Eastleigh (7pm) 16 November visit eastleigh.gov.uk/elac or contact guy.riddoch@eastleigh.gov.uk / 023 8068 3369 Hedge End, West End & Botley (7pm) 1 November visit eastleigh.gov.uk/heweb or contact kitty.budden@eastleigh.gov.uk

23 children in our region have an uncertain future Sadly they didn’t get the start in life they deserved.

Could you adopt and change their lives forever?

For most people, being part of a family is something they can rely on from birth.

Unfortunately, there are children across Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton, who are unable to live with their birth parents, and who are instead cared for by kind and compassionate foster carers.

Lilly is just three and loves playing with her dolls. Siblings Oliver, aged five years and Theo who is nearly three, enjoy going to the local park, or like to play with their toy cars endlessly.

They are just some of the children waiting for a permanent family life.

Today, there are all types of wonderful families from different backgrounds and circumstances who support one or more children to feel included, safe and loved forever. Some families have single parents, while others are couples who are heterosexual, same sex or gender fluid. Ethnicity, religion, or culture, these differences don’t matter – what matters is that a child is loved and supported to feel safe and respected.

School teacher Kirsty knew about the high numbers of black children who were waiting in foster care and felt that with a bit of learning and support she could be a mum and help a

child thrive in a forever home. Kirsty adopted an older child, and says it’s the best thing she’s ever done.

I’m so pleased about adoption I actually encourage other friends... you need to go and do that. Do it. For me it’s been wonderful.”

Mike and Natalie both felt very strongly that they could offer a family life to a brother and sister who might otherwise stay in the care system for a long time. “Young siblings have a strong bond together but need to be wrapped in the cushion of being loved and cherished by one or more parent. We knew that separating siblings from one another can have long term effects on children.”

Adopt South is seeking more mums and dads who can give children a shared life together.

Families who adopt two children or more, or adopt a child with additional needs, may also get additional financial support through Adopt South.

*Children with Placement Orders as of 5th July 2021

If you’ve been thinking about adoption and the children waiting, contact us today 0300 3000 011 • adoptsouth.org.uk The Regional Adoption Agency for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Local Authorities

20 eastleigh.gov.uk

Contact us:

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

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

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.