Solent Splash Community Newspaper

Solent

Splash Wednesday March 2, 2011

Southampton’s community newspaper

EAD LonElifeE M away from

Following the trail of Carnage through city

OBLIVIOUS to all around them , two student revellers in sailor fancy dress grapple drunkenly in the street.

This is the kind of sight the city has come to expect when popular stduent night Carnage is on. Only months ago, Solent

University hit national headlines whe Carnage-goer was pictured urinating n a on a war memorial. So just what is the allure of this event – and why does it always seem to end up being so extreme?

Splash hit the streets to find out...

PAGES 6-7

the West End and a glam rock dream

Fears £450m harbour plan will hit jobs and tourism

PAGE 9

THATCHEM SUNK

BY THE BOATMEN BACK PAGE

FERRY RISKY

By MARCUS ARMITAGE CONTROVERSIAL new plans to transform Southampton’s waterfront into a £450m tourist hotspot could see the city actually lose tourism and jobs if proposed plans get the go ahead.

Southampton City Council has released details of a radical modernisation of the dock-front area designed and led by developers Morgan Sindall Investments LTD (MSIL).

The Royal Pier Waterfront Scheme, (detailed on page 3) which will be ready for public consultation early next year, could see MOVE the demolition of one Ferry firm of the city’s busiest hotels, the Holiday Inn, and the re-location of a major ferry port.

Blueprints from MSIL, which has been instructed to find investment for the ambitious development, show the need for Red Funnel Ferries to move from it’s current location at Town Quay potentially causing massive travel disruption and problems for commuters from the Isle of Wight, for which the terminal is their primary link with the mainland.

The developments are aimed at improving public access to the dock front area, extend the uTurn to Page 3

02//Splash

FURY AS SOME ROUTES FACE AXE, OTHERS PARED DOWN MEET THE TEAM THREAT Bus stop in Bargate

EDITOR Brodie Robertson

NEWS EDITOR Naomi Wilson

NEWS EDITOR Linzi Radwell

By LEANNE DREW MORE than 100 bus journeys are to be lost a week with some First buses stopping earlier, starting later or switching to hourly runs.

The changes focus on Southampton city centre will affect passengers from across the county including those from Hamble, Townhill Park, Portswood, Bitterne, Sholing, Shirley, Bassett Green and Lordshill.

Pensioners, workers and families will all feel the strain as several week-end cuts will be made as well.

The firm however, says they need to match the level of service with demand and under the current timetable some buses are not being used.

Services that are to vital places such as Southampton General Hospital, shopping centres and doctor’s surgeries are having routes cut. It also will affect people who visit restaurants and bars late at night as these services are also being cancelled. The 101 cut journeys are being made from the 1/1A, 3, 4, 7/7A, 11A/11C, 12A/12C and 17/17A. Rebecca Harper, 35, who lives in Sholing said: “I just get so angry when I hear it is the usual same old bus routes that always seem to suffer, I live in Sholing and the bus route is already very shoddy you would think we lived right out in the sticks. The buses that are used on this route

Bus stop 11A/C & 12A/C are usually the old buses that are difficult for families with young children and disabled people. I just don’t understand why they keep the new buses on the usual routes 10 10a & 1 1a & 17 17a!”

As changes to the buses will occur, First Hampshire and Dorset will be revising bus fares in Hampshire. The changes will affect standard single and return fares and the FirstDay Family Ticket.

Rival bus company Bluestar have no plans to cut any bus routes or times and the fare prices will not increase.

Albert Brown, 70 said: “I’m glad I have a car.

“First has been rubbish ever since they bought out City Bus. They had to ditch the bendy buses

as they wouldn’t go round corners and replaced them with an ancient fleet of buses, most of which are 13-14 years old.”

A First bus driver said: “What’s wrong with trying to save money? Both First and Bluestar buses are too expensive. Its £4.00 for a Firstday ticket and £3.00 for a day ticket on Bluestar, but First offer a lot more routes compared to Bluestar.

So really there’s not that much difference as they both offer something good for the public.”

People wanting more information about these service changes, or wishing to obtain new timetable information, should log onto www. firstgroup.com/hampshire or speak to a customer service representative in any First Travel Shop or by calling 0870 0106 02.

OUTCRY AT PLANS TO CUT WALK-IN CENTRE HOURS RESIDENTS in and around Bitterne have slammed the decision to cut hours at the walk-in health centre.

Patients outside the walk-in centre in Bitterne have been voicing their disapproval of Southampton’s Primary Healthcare Trust’s plans to reduce hours at the clinic to just weekends and bank holidays.

This would mean those who fall ill will have to travel to the city’s General Hospital to receive treatment – or else hope that there is a free appointment at Bitterne Park’s Health Centre.

This comes despite David Cameron promising voters during the electoral campaign that NHS services would be safe under his control. Pensioner Betsey Johnson, 73, believes that these cuts will put a serious strain on her life.

“This is going to be a nightmare. I

fall ill a lot, so am often in and out of the walk-in centre. If they reduce the hours, more people will be booking appointments at Bitterne Park’s health centre, making it almost impossible to get an appointment there either,” she said.

Single mother Theresa Croft agreed with Mrs Johnson, saying: “My youngest son has a weak immune system, so we often use the walk-in centre when he falls ill. What will we do if the hours are cut and we can’t get an appointment at Bitterne Park’s health centre? The hospital is too far away if you don’t have a car and taxis cost a fortune.”

This emphasises the issue that many residents have – that areas such as Bitterne Park do not have direct public transport links to the General Hospital.

“I have to get a bus to Portswood

SERVICE Bitterne before I can get a bus to the hospital. It’s ridiculous,” said Shirley Templeman, who lives in Bitterne Park with her two children. “What would we do if there was an emergency now? I don’t always have access to my car, but they don’t think about these things.”

Many residents feel that the NHS thinks that their wages are more

important than the welfare of the public.

Michael Winters, 43, was one person who slammed the plans for this reason.

“It is ridiculous. When you hear about how much these people are paid, especially when they want to cut our services to save money, it really makes my blood boil. Why should we be the ones who suffer?” he said.

Bitterne Park resident Anne Smith agreed. “They should cut their wages, not our hours,” she said. “It’s outrageous”.

Protesters have been rallying together since news broke of the plans, with widespread petitions and meetings being the forefront in the campaign against the cut in hours.

The decision over whether to change the hours at the walk-in centre is due within the next couple of weeks.

EVENTS EDITOR Charlotte Webb

FEATURES EDITOR Stacey Tonks

SPORTS EDITOR Harry Smith

MUSIC EDITOR Gary Peters CONTRIBUTORS: Marcus Almitage Samuel Houghton James Lyons Nathan Bellows Gemma Clapp Maizie Wilson Sophie Westrope Lauren Thackeray Alec Malloy Navid Humphries Leanne Drew Tom Veitch Matt Cotton Mara Petrescu Hannah Cameron Sarah Wall Jemma Bourne Charlotte May

Splash//03

TRAILBLAZER Discovery

Space shuttle Discovery in last take-off THE United States have launched its Discovery space shuttle into orbit from the Kennedy Space Center, embarking on its final mission.

The shuttle was launched on Thursday 24th at 2153 GMT, sending it on an 11 day mission. The mission will see the shuttle deliver a new store room and a new humanoid robot to the International Space Station.

After its mission, it will be decommissioned.The Discovery is considered the “the leader of the fleet” and launched in 1984. When it returns in two weeks, it will have covered 143 million miles – further than the distance from Earth to the Sun.

PIER PRESSURE GRAND DESIGN Artist’s impression of the development

GOING? The Holiday Inn

Cam vow to Libya expats DAVID Cameron has reassured the public that the government “will do everything it can” to rescue the remaining Britons in Libya.

After the evacuation process was considered being “slow”, the Prime Minister has apologised and is now making sure maximum effort is being taken.

The remaining Britons in Libya are mostly oil workers, working in remote desert areas of the country and the Royal Navy’s HMS York was going to the areas to ensure safe evacuation.

Hunt for NZ quake Brits AFTER an earthquake devastated Christchurch in New Zealand, the search for two Britons continues, amongst approximately 220 other missing people.

The earthquake hit on Tuesday the 22nd, and claimed 113 lives, including two Britons who were crushed by falling masonry whilst travelling in a bus.

Another Briton was reported to have been in a Christchurch hospital with several injuries; a fractured skull, broken clavicle and broken ribs but is expected to make a full recovery.

Council axes 8% of staff HAMPSHIRE County Council have announced massive job cuts in order to save up to 55 million pounds.

These cuts represent 8% of the council’s workforce, which employs 15,000 people.

The authority, which is run by the Conservative party, has blamed the cuts on the government, which has reduced the council’s grant by £30.9 million after cuts were announced in the 2010 Spending Review.

The news follows reports of cuts in police across the UK.

Fears vision for harbour revamp is not watertight uFrom Page 1 popular Mayflower Park and create a better venue for the world-renowned Southampton Boat Show.

On the surface, the plans will regenerate the downbeat area into a hive of activity but residents and commuters fear disruption during development will be unbearable.

A spokesman for Southampton City Council has made it clear nothing is determined at this stage and the future of the ferry terminal has not yet been determined but would not rule out MSIL’s proposals to move Red Funnel or demolish the Holiday Inn. “What is going to happen now is sorting out the legality behind the scheme over the next 2 to 4 months.

Then we will spend the next 12 to 14 months working alongside the companies involved and sorting out the fine details of the project.

“We cannot confirm any information about what will happen to the Red Funnel terminal or the Holiday Inn at this point.

The plans have not yet

been considered in detail, but council bosses are hoping to have a finalised proposal within the next 12 months, ready for public consultation later this year.” A spokesman of Red Funnel, Southampton, said: “We do not know the exact details of any move yet, but will do all we can to keep employees.”

The spokesman would not be drawn on the potential disruption for passengers of their service.

Mark Hanson, a student at Southampton Solent University, 20, who commutes to the Isle of Wight at weekends, said: “These plans are ridiculous. It will cause hassle for commuters and with the Isle of Wight festival and other big tourist events it will really affect tourism in the area. There has to be a better way to PLEASED Royston Smith

achieve this development.” Councillor Royston Smith, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: “I am sure a lot of residents are as pleased as I am that the Royal Pier Waterfront is being brought back to life.

Despite the financial climate Southampton still attracts interest for development and the council is working hard to create more jobs.”

An employee of Holiday Inn, on West Quay Road, who has asked not to be named, said: “We knew nothing about these plans and reading about them in the paper has been a real shock.

“We’re all worried that, if they get the go-ahead, we will all be out of jobs if the hotel has to be demolished. This really isn’t great news.”

It is unclear how long the development, which is aimed to begin in 2013, will take. Firm plans will be unveiled prior to the public consultation.

Do you have a view on these new plans?

Contact Splash on 02380 319365.

It will cause so much hassle

‘WE WILL PROTECT LIBRARIES AND LEISURE CENTRES’ ALTHOUGH many areas around Britain have opted to close down leisure centres and libraries alike, Southampton will not be doing the same.

Because of lack of finances, many local authorities around the country have decided to axe these services provided by the council.

However, the Southampton City Council has instead decided to improve their facilities. Councillor

John Hannides, Cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and heritage said that the council has listened to the residents of Southampton who cherish both the leisure and the library services here in Southampton and has decided to do their best to keep them going.

“We will continue to do all we can to protect our libraries and leisure centres,” Councillor Hannides said.

“We know that our residents rely on

these venues and services. Among so many benefits, they act as community hubs, educate our children and help us to become healthier and more active.”

Southampton City Council wants to look beyond its current budget problems (it has to find savings of £25 million this year) and modernize their leisure and library facilities.

Indeed, thanks to a new partnership with top leisure provider Active

Nation and the use of radio frequency identification technology in libraries, the council hopes to make these facilities more user-friendly and interactive.

“There is no need for these venues to be viewed as out of date institutions,” said Councillor Hannides. By looking at what residents want from services, councils should be able to tailor their services to cater for the customer.” uQuays Olympics boost: Page 14

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Buried for future generations of the city to treasure A TIME capsule representing Southampton in 2011 has been placed in the foundation of the Sea City museum. A small box containing items representing our city was put into the foundations of the future maritime museum.

The time capsule contains items such as a USB stick featuring pictures of Southampton, an events guide and a football ticket symbolizing the Southampton Saints’ match against Manchester United.

Shane Mason, director of Kier Southern, placed the capsule with Councillor John Hannides, cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Heritage in Southampton.

“Items symbolizing the city will go down in history in the time capsule and will be a good commemoration for hundreds of years to come,” said Councillor Hannides.

Once the time capsule was safely placed in the foundations of the Sea City museum, it was covered with cement.

The location of the capsule was registered and drawings and maps will be made to allow future generations to

CEMENTING OUR HERITAGE The time capsule is put in place

find it. without any difficulty. The museum, which has received a grant of £4.9million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, is expected to attract thousands of tourists.

The Sea City museum located near the Civic Center is to be completed in April 2012. It will mark the 100th anniversary of the departure of the Titanic from the city.

CEREMONY John Hannides and Shane Mason

SHOPPERS DIG DEEP FOR ARTWORK IN WEST QUAY TO AID CANCER COFFERS

Penny Parrot’s an absolute cracker

By NAOMI WILSON

GLITTERING proudly on the floor of West Quay, this was certainly no ordinary parrot. Instead, the bird was made of thousands of coins raised for the Piam Brown childrens cancer ward at Southampton General Hospital.

The Highfield Scouts have been collecting coins over the past weeks in order to create the giant parrot - the logo for the Piam Brown ward - in West Quay shopping centre, with the aim of raising money for the worthy cause.

Scouts leader, Nico Chart, has been overseeing the project. “People are being very generous and the kids are doing good work,” he said. “They seem to be good at getting money!”

It is not yet known how much money has been raised, but with over 50,000 coins needed to fill the template of the bird, Chart anticipates that the figure will amount to hundreds of pounds.

“We have a willing team of counters who will be working late into the night to count the money,” he said. As well as the 50 members of the Highfield Scout

People are being very generous

division, the project was aided by the Southampton Scouts and Guides Organisation.

Leaders felt keen to forward the proceeds to the Piam Brown ward after a member of their own Beaver branch was diagnosed with Leukaemia and has been undergoing treatment in the children’s ward in the last months.

For this reason, Chart feels the Scouts are very close to the project.

“It has been relevant to the kids and has given them momentum,” he said.

“It is a good thing for them to do, as they are raising money for something that matters.”

COINING IT Working on the logo re-creation in West Quay

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Crime map reveals blighted zones as city’s rates bust national average

WISH YOU WERE HERE weren’t

UNRULY Public disorder is rife in city centre

By BRODIE ROBERTSON

ACCORDING to a recent crime map of Southampton, the number of crimes has gone past the thousand mark in the centre of town.

Indeed, an online map operated by the Police can reveal how bad the crime is in a particular area of the country.

Last week, crimes in Southampton had reached 1040, 70 of which were burglaries, 197 violent crimes and 353 cases of antisocial behavior. Other statistics collected by the police forces in England and Wales back in 2009 show that Southampton is well above the national average for every type of criminal offence.

The national average of criminal damage in a town is of 17%. Southampton nearly doubles this figure with a staggering rate of 32.2%.

The same goes for cases of violence against the person: 35.6% of crimes in our town feature in this category, compared to 16% for the national average.

“I live in a very dodgy area, Derby Road in the St Mary’s area,” said 31-year-old Louise Perry.

“It gets scary when you see groups of teenagers, I either avoid going out by myself or I carry an alarm. It’s not as safe here as it used to be and I always hate letting my kids go outdoors with their friends,” said Richard Smith, a father of two living in St Denys. “You never know what trouble they’ll come across.”

Students in Southampton hear of a friend or a flat mate who has been involved in some kind of crime almost every week.

Although Southampton council claims it has seen a 14% drop in crime since 2009, much more needs to happen in order to help the residents of this town to feel safe again.

“It’s definitely worse now than when I was young, we’d always end up having an occasional punch up in the streets when you’re pissed,” said Mike Marshall, a 42 year-old Saints fan from the St Mary’s area.

“You can’t really go out on a Saturday night now though, they’re the worst. It is too dangerous.”

Since June 2010, Southampton City Council

I avoid going out by myself

has launched six new initiatives to try to make the city centre a safer place. Indeed, the “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) bus parked at the Cenotaph helps injured, lost or unwell students on Saturday nights.

Volunteer street pastors patrol the streets every Friday and Saturday night from 10pm to 4am, providing help and information to those in need and handing out fruit pastilles and water.

They have swept up broken glass more than 300 times and cleared over 3000 bottles and glasses off the streets since the start of their project. The Taxi Marshalls manage the taxi ranks in the city centre at busy times, to help people get home safely. Managers from participation clubs and

GRIM The crime map of Southampton pubs get together every week to discuss problems that arise from the previous week and come up with solutions for the busy nights to come.

In 2009, the council decided to temporarily close down Above Bar Street to ease pedestrian congestion and improve safety on nights out. Similar closures are planned for the coming year.

And finally, the Yellow Card scheme which has been in place since June 2010 has helped reduce the alcohol-related crime in Southampton by 27% compared to 2009.

This scheme aims to give a yellow card and a warning to people who behave badly on a night out.

After two yellow cards, the person acting up is excluded from all participating venues for an entire year.

So the council is obviously trying its best to reduce crime, accidents and anti-social behaviour on nights out, now the time has come to focus on daylight crimes that are gradually increasing in the Bargate area, scaring students into avoiding the walk through the parks, even in the middle of the afternoon.

All aboard as city celebrates centenary of Titanic departure

By LAUREN THACKERAY

DOOMED Liner leaves Southampton in 1912

NEXT year marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s one and only voyage from Southampton.

To mark the occasion a series of events will kick off this year.

R.M.S Titanic set sail from Southampton on the 10th of April in 1912, but when reaching the North Atlantic Ocean on the 15th of April, tragedy struck when the vessel, which was the largest of its kind in the world at that time, hit an iceberg.

The ‘unsinkable’ ship sunk, killing over 1,500 people including crew and passengers – few survived. The story is world famous.

Some of the events include a day of themed activities for families, which includes dressing

up and storytelling. This begins at 11am – 3pm on Wednesday 13th of April at the city art gallery and is free with no booking required. On Thursday the 14th of April at the City Art Gallery, there will be guest speaker who is a Local Historian Vicky Green, she will be talking about the effect of the Titanic’s sinking on Southampton. Again this event is free, booking tickets may be necessary to guarantee a place, these can be collected from the local studies library – the event will start at 7pm.

On the Friday, the 15th of April, in Westgate Hall, there will be a performance by the Sarah Siddons Fan Club, recreating the story of the titanic, which will be told from the viewpoint of the crew and families involved in the tragedy. The Southampton Orchestra will also be involved in the performance

offering their music to create the drama of the story.

Starting at 7pm the event will be approximately one hour long with tickets costing £6, these can be bought at the Tourist Information Centre.

Saturday the 16th of April offers around 6 more events from a Titanic film being screened locally at the Harbour Lights Picturehouse, a commemorative service, childrens poetry competition and more.

Another free event on the day is a Titanic Grave Walk, though free tickets must be booked in advance by calling (02380 349414).

For more info on the events call the Maritime Museum on 02380 223941 or Southampton Archives Civic Centre on 02380 832251. There are also leaflets on all of the current planned events at the Maritime Titanic Museum.

06//Splash

Splash hits the streets to follow antics of revellers on For city residents, Carnage means street brawls, negative publicity and the city centre becoming a no-go zone. What is the appeal of this student event and what really goes on when the drinks start to flow?

Charlotte Webb investigates...

C

ARNAGE was voted the UK’s number one student event five years in a row by Nut’s magazine but for residents of the city, historically; it has brought nothing but trouble.

This week saw the city’s second Carnage of 2011 and, unlike the last event, which saw images of students defiling the city’s war memorial, it went off with relatively quietly. As more than 1,000 students from the city’s two universities hit the streets for a night of drunken debauchery, Solent Splash went undercover to see just what it is that makes this event so successful – yet angers many locals.

Carnage is a bar crawl with a fancy dress theme, adopted as ‘The’ student night out by hundreds who sign up for the 10.00GBP T-shirts – their entry ticket to countless bars and clubs in the city.

The theme this week was ‘pirate and sailor’ and kicked off in the city’s London Road. Before the crowds bailed out of Junk many were already ‘tanked up’ and in high spirits.

Fights were breaking out all around the Bedford Place area, with hoards of teenage ‘sailors’ puking in the gutters and bringing traffic to a standstill. Events Management student Katy Potter, 19, said: “ There were fights galore. People kicking off right from the start. As one fight ended another began, - it looked like a big free for all on the streets”.

Despite all the trouble the crowd moved on, pushing up to Buddha Lounge, Aura, 90 Degrees, Vodka Revolution and White House. By the time the party got to its final destination of Squares, only handfuls of students remained; some bowing out with injuries while others merely nursed a sore head.

Advertising student, Laura Crickmer, 20, said: “I couldn’t wait for the Pirate and Sailor night.”

The event has fallen under a huge amount of criticisms in previous years. The number of students taking to the streets in there hundreds has caused serious backlash from the people of Southampton.

In 2009, a student had been photographed urinating and vomiting on a war memorial, upsetting relatives of the soldier. The picture made the national news but calls for the event to be banned from residents fell on deaf ears.

V

IT’S TOTAL

ARSITY Leisure Group, organisers of Carnage UK, they have always had a large number of stewards present to prevent trouble breaking out.

Our reporter failed to see any official organisers quelling fights breaking out around the city yet many students reported the atmosphere inside the venues was, for a change, calm.

Barman Will Mills, who was working the event, said: “Carnage is always good for business, because it’s a guaranteed packed out night. Although, with this, comes trouble.

The chances of fights increase massively as there are so many people in one place.

“It doesn’t help that the students all rush to the bar to get a drink before they are moved on to the next venue, it’s here the arguments start.”

ACCORDING to the Government, Britain’s binge drinking habits are reportedly costing the country £20billion a year and approximately losing 17 million working days due to workers taking time off for illness and hangovers.

ARE THE PUBLIC BEING MADE AWARE OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF BINGE DRINKING? The enormous figure of 22,000 premature deaths a year are caused by alcohol related problems. Did you know this?

Students in particular are known for their excessive drinking habits.

Southampton Solent University students, Sophie Medley, 19 and Grant Mason, 20, talk about their drinking habits.

“I go out all the time, about three times a week if not more.

Me and my mates usually buy crates of beer and spirits,” explained Grant.

SMASHED Two Carnage punters

A social blight hidden in plain sight, with 17 million working days a year lost to hangovers

Sophie added: “I also go out quite a lot with my friends to the student union and bars around town. The drinks there are usually quite cheap, so we will spend at least a tenner on alcohol each night.”

Talking about alcohol sales, local shopkeeper from Al Freso, stated: “The majority of customers we serve in this shop are all teenagers, not often do adults purchase alcohol.” Cheap alcohol seems to be a hit at this local store, attracting teens with their different deals on offer, which allows them to save money. “One of our most popular deals is Lambrini, selling at 2 for £5. I believe this price sells the product. It’s such a good deal,” he said.

It appears teenagers are consuming noticeably more alcohol than what seems healthy. Without even realising it,

Splash//07

notorious student night that made national headlines People kick off from the start

WHAT A SIGHT Student revellers fall about and cavort in street

CARNAGE cheap drinks and bargain deals are attracting students to purchase more than they originally would.

PORTSWOOD With only two main bars in the sleepy town of Portswood, drink prices and promotions have drastically changed in an attempt to keep students interested.

Sobar and Jester are the main attractions when it comes to student nightlife in Portswood. The otherwise quiet town is decorated with charity shops, grocery stalls and a bingo hall. T keep the thousands of students from the local University of Southampton loyal to the bars, drink prices have been cut and promotions have increased.

Jester goes to all lengths to tempt students, with pints as low as 50p. Sobar follows this with shots for £1, house double for £2 and pint cocktails for £3.50. “It’s probably not as good as the city centre but it’s kind of where we all go.

It’s a lot cheaper as well. On different nights out there are different deals. I wouldn’t spend more than £2 on a drink,” says English and Spanish student Charlotte Sytcliffe.

Even with the issue of basic drink prices being discussed in parliament, bars like these continue to encourage binge drinking with their low prices. Fresh, Dominic Hedowin, aged 20, says: “I come out in Portswood once or twice a week. It’s a cheap and cheerful night out.”

08//Splash

It’s our job to provide help

BIG PLANS Solent university

Uni snaps up plot for new development SOUTHAMPTON Solent has recently claimed a three-acre spot for a new development for the University.

Next to the East Park Terrace campus, the plot of land was set to be for a proposed luxury ‘Tower’ hotel; which would have been the tallest building in Southampton.

The 22-storey Radisson Hotel was part of a £110m development, which included a block of flats and apartments, and 8,500 square metres for commercial office use. However, the developers, ‘Imperial Property’ fell into administration 18 months ago leaving the plot of land open for Solent University to snap up.

It’s not yet been decided what the new building will be used for, although it has been rumoured a new academic building, specialist sports facilities and an element of local community usage is being planned.

Chinese new year... again FRIENDLY The church is open to all

Second coming

By GEMMA CLAPP AT THE centre of every good community is a church, mosque or some other place of worship.

In the case of Bitterne Park, it is most certainly the church. Since opening in 1926, it has been hard for the locals to imagine life without it.

Although to most people the word ‘church’ means simply God and Christianity, that isn’t the case.

Although it does mean these things, Bitterne Park’s parish provides help and assistance to those who don’t believe as well as to those who do.

Obviously, its main purposes are to provide church services and ceremonies, but that isn’t all.

Ever since the church premises re-opened just a year ago, vicar Sarah Chapman and curate Graham Collingridge have strived to help out the community in any way they can. Reverend Chapman has been the vicar at Bitterne Park’s church for eight years, and understands what the community needs. Reverend Collingbridge is now half-way through his training to becoming a vicar like Sarah, and has learnt that community is what church is about.

Together they provide rooms to hire for any event or occasion – anything from children’s groups and health service training to concerts and charity

HOW THE PARISH OF BITTERNE PARK MODERNISED TO STAY AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY events. This is as well as holding events that range from painting classes and parenting courses to the ‘Alpha course’, where newcomers to the Christian faith can learn about it in more detail.

“The key was to modernise the church to make it more accessible for the community,” Reverend Collingridge explains. “Whether you are a Christian or not, it is our job in the community to provide you with help and advice.”

The key to making it more accessible was the opening of the Windows Cafe in the church’s Association Centre. Open from 10am – 2pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, it is a place for the community to get together for lunch or a coffee in a relaxed environment, with Reverend Chapman on hand should anyone need any advice. “It’s had

a really successful year. People of all ages come in to meet up with friends or to chat to Sarah.

Even those that live outside of Bitterne Park come in for a drink and advice,” Reverend Collingbridge said.

As Easter approaches, the church is gearing up for Holy Week – a week of prayer sessions and lent groups, when the main topics of conversation will be Easter and loss, although anything goes.

“If you have lost a loved-one, split up with a partner, or have been made redundant, we are here for you to talk it through,” Revd. Collingridge said. “Think of us as a friendly face.”

Twelve-hour prayer services will also be running, allowing people to come in to use the services whenever it best suits them.

SOUTHAMPTON celebrated the arrival of the Chinese New Year for the second time, on Sunday February 6th.

The Chinese Association of Southampton supported by Southampton City Council and the Waterside Dragon Dance Club welcomed the year of the Rabbit. During the gathering at Guildhall Square, Mayor of Southampton Carol Cunio performed the ceremony of ‘dim jing’, which involves painting the eyes of the dragon to give it life.

Verdict due on rink plan A DECISION is soon to be made on whether a £10m ice rink will get the go ahead in St.Mary’s.

The city council have backed a £1m bid to ‘Sport England’ to help fund the new facility. The developer, Colin Warburg has made plans to run the rink for 25 years, which will create approximately 110 jobs, and would attract up to 250,000 skaters each year.

If the bid is successful, the public could be looking forward to skating on the rink in late 2012.

School mulls Academy bid FREEMANTLE CE Infant School is to become one of the first infant schools in the country to apply for Academy status under new guidelines by the Coalition Government.

New legislation announced in May 2010 by the Secretary Of State alls schools rated as “outstanding” or “good” with “outstanding” in their most recent Ofsted inspection to be eligible to apply. The Council would welcome the move, as it would increase the diversity of educational choices offered.

CURL POWER

Splash//09

He is best known for his tousled tresses and that role in Joseph. But after a gig at the Mayflower, Lee Mead told Brodie Robertson about his views on fatherhood, leaving the West End to hit the solo tour trail – and his dream of playing a glam rock legend

L

EE Mead is known for winning the title of Joseph in the West End, after a television competition shot him to fame a few years ago.

But, according to the audience at the packed Mayflower theatre, his curly dark hair was what they admired most about him!

West End singer Lee Mead, 29, came into our lives back in 2007 when he took part in a television talent show called Any Dream Will Do?. The show’s purpose was to find the next Joseph for the hit musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, created by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. Nine weeks mater, Lee Mead was crowned the winner.

Since then, he has performed 600 times as Joseph in the West End show, he has released two solo albums and has toured with other productions before going back to the West End as Fiyero in Wicked, in which he starred for nine months. “I’m very busy, but apart from that I am very happy,” he exclaimed.

The singer is now stepping out of his West End bubble and touring Britain as a solo act. At the beginning of February, he came to Southampton and was greeted by a very energetic theatre audience.

But this was not his first time here, as he has toured the area a few times before. “I did Miss Saigon and Tommy,” he said, “and I toured there with Joseph in 2004. So it was good to come back with my own show and a full band. It was just amazing.”

He admitted that he actually has a friend in town, an old land lady who gave him a room every time he came to the area on tour. “She’s really sweet. She was my land lady for a few years because I came back three or four times and I always stayed with the same person. She is half-Italian and we had long chats together. Her house is a 10 minute walk from the city centre so it was quite a handy dig too!”

It must have been a big change for Lee, stepping away from the comfortable world of musicals and into the less familiar one of a solo career, but he seems to have taken it in his stride. “I’d be lying if I say I wasn’t nervous at my first show, but since then I have done about 17 concerts now and it has been wonderful. I’ve always played characters in plays or musicals. To go out as yourself, with your own show for two hours is quite a big thing.”

Lee believes that the people in the seats in front of him always play a big part in the way the concert goes. “It is a kind of an energy really,” he said, “it sounds silly, but you feed off of each other. Southampton was a perfect example of the crowd being there and having fun.” Many times in the concert, Lee referred to

his wife and nine month-old daughter, sharing with the audience just how proud he was of them.

Lee is married to Denise Van Outen and last year, they welcomed a new member to their family, little Besty. “I’m a very proud father,” he beamed.

“Fatherhood is more amazing than any job. It’s better than any tour, any record, anything, she is my world.” Since she has such music-orientated parents, there is no doubt Betsy will be constantly submerged in songs.

“I’m hoping that she will be surrounded by music,” he confessed, “but I think it is important for all children to have music on some level.”

But Lee has a busy year in front of him and may not have much time to relish his new role as a dad. Indeed, he will be travelling to various countries, touring with his band as a solo artist both in the UK and in Japan for his first international tour and he is also hoping to record a third album.

I want to play Marc Bolan out of T-Rex

I

T IS a very exciting time, I’ve kind of done theatre most of my career so the concerts and tours and records are starting to take off and it’s going well.

It is always important to go back into a show, but for now I am focusing on the music.”

He went on to say that he would still like to go back to the West End at some point, but perhaps not in a current production. “I’ve been lucky enough to do quite a few shows now,” he stated, “and I have reached a point where I am hoping to do a brand new show from scratch and I think to be part of an original production would be amazing.”

Lee then admitted if he could play any person, dead or alive, he would like to play Marc Bolan of glam rockers T-Rex. “He was a big star with amazing songs that are still being played, so he would be one person I would like to portray.”

Funnily enough, he revealed he’ll be going to a workshop in April for a musical about this said person. “It might not be the right thing or it could take off, it depends on the script.”

So who knows, Lee Mead and his famous curly hair might be back in Southampton very soon, living the life of a rock-star!

CROWD PLEASER Lee belts out a song at the Mayflower

10//Splash

HOMELESS AGED 20, A HARROWING TALE OF OUR CITY’S TIMES

‘He urinated on me and as I got up to defend myself he started to beat me’

BIG BASH Wills and Kate

Parties for Wills & Kate wedding to stop traffic IS THIS the return of the great British street party? Whether or not you are a royal fan, the people of Southampton are being encouraged to throw a party in honour of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding on 29th April.

Samantha Bennet working for Southampton Communities has been promoting street parties in Sholing via the “I Love Sholing” Facebook page, which is run by Paul Woodman leader of St. Andrews Methodist Church in Sholing and Candy Snelling who has previously worked for the National Oceanography Centre. Stephanie Paine, 27, who lives in Sholing said: I’d love my road to have a street party; I think it would be amazing.”

Street parties are a British tradition which has for a century been linked with royal and other national events. The most popular celebrations people may remember are the Queen’s Coronation in 1953 and when the Queen celebrated her Silver Jubilee in 1977.

If you are going to organise a street party then you might want to head over to Southampton City Council who are following in the footsteps of Scarborough Borough Council giving out free advice on practical issues such as insurance and road closures will also be covered, as well as tips on how to get the party spirit in full swing by making bunting and arranging entertainment.

Southampton City Council will be hosting a royal wedding celebration in the newly revamped Guildhall Square for residents who are unable to organise their own street party. While you are partying the day away in the biggest street party in the city the wedding will be broadcast live onto a giant screen so you won’t miss any action.

Councillor John Hannides, cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, said: “The Royal wedding is a very important event and we want as many people as possible to join in the celebrations. We expect thousands of people will want to come together in Southampton and for our residents and communities to follow the great British tradition of holding a street party.

“We are working with Hampshire Police and other agencies to assist the royal couple`s wishes for a nationwide celebration to ensure that the day is memorable for everyone.”

By GARY PETERS JOSH Hill is barely out of his teens, yet for the past seven weeks he has been sleeping on the streets with only his female rescue dog for company.

Before taking to the streets Josh was in a hostel at Jordan house for two months. He says that his home life led him to leave his mother’s home. “I was living with my mum, but she got a new partner who was a bit of a drinker.

“It was a tough family life, I do have other family but I am not in regular contact with them.”

While staying at the hostel at Jordan house, Josh spent three nights away, and on his return found an eviction notice on the door. “I don’t think there is any chance of going back, it was a really nice place,” he said.

Josh is evidently a sociable and talkative person and believes that the time he has spent on the streets has made him a stronger person. “It is certainly an experience, it makes you a stronger person, mentally stronger,” he added.

Despite the dangerous nature of sleeping rough, Josh admits that some youth hostels can be “depressing”. Indeed, he told the Solent Splash that “some hostels are full of drama and drug use.”

Drama is something that he is used to. One night, after settling for the night in a doorway, a stranger attacked him.

Josh said: “I think he had had a few drinks, he urinated on me and as I got up to defend myself he started to beat me.

“I was in my sleeping bag so I couldn’t get up quick enough. Not everybody is like that though, some people are nice.”

Josh used to sleep on Milton Road in the Bargate area, until the police forced him to move. “I have an interview with a hostel in Shirley but it is difficult with the dog and I don’t want to separate from my friend, we would like to share,” he said.

At only 20 years old Josh is hopeful that he will soon be away from the streets. He said: “I have qualifications, and worked jobs in the past so I keep my fingers crossed.”

It makes you a stronger person

Police plea on Shotz fire

* Picture posed by model

POLICE are making enquiries into the fire in Shotz Bar in Bevois Valley.

They are treating the fire as suspicious and looking for any witnesses.

Firefighters were called out on February 4th at 2.56am to put out the blaze.

The Shotz Bar has been vacant for some time but was recently re-let and soon to be refurbished to become a shop. Detective Constable Stephen Thomas said: “We are certain it was started deliberately.”

Splash//11

ONE REPORTER’S EXPERIENCE OF THE UNSETTLING ATMOSPHERE IN WOOLSTON

DESERTED Empty streets in Woolston

By LINZI RADWELL IF someone has asked me this time last year, is Woolston safe? I would have quickly replied yes.

Being such a small area, it didn’t seem like much crime could happen and, according to the locals, not much crime did happen.

Of course, Woolston isn’t perfect. If it was, the population would have grown because everyone would be fleeing there. It’s had its fair share of scandals and fearful actions but nothing to make you worry about wandering round alone.

Now, that has all changed. Its day 59 in 2011 and it is shocking to look back on the headlines of this year so far. ‘Bag thieves on the prowl in Woolston’, ‘Arrest after bike is thrown on live rail’, ‘Man hospitalized after attack in Woolston’, these are just a few examples of what this year has held for Woolston.

The area physically feels unsafe. Walking around Woolston at lunchtime one Tuesday, I witnessed kids escaping out of the back of school, an elderly lady wandering the streets and writing down every cars licence number and I came across a gated up building with toys in the window and a sign saying, ‘keep away, these are my toys.’

All did not seem well. With hardly anyone in the streets, it makes those who do go out an easy target.

When I first started my adventures in Woolston I was told by Councillor Warwick Payne that it was very rare for things to go on. Now the papers are telling us to ‘be vigilant for bag snatchers.’

This eastside area does not even have its own police; instead they rely on the police in Bitterne. Is it about time they got their own police and stopped the crime in Woolston spiralling out of control?

Though Woolston does have a Safer Neighbourhood Team led by Sergent Moray Anderson, is this enough? The latest news letter reports that crime has gone down, but this does not factor in the latest events.

Woolstons priorities last year were, ‘address dog fowling on foot paths’, ‘reduce the use of cycles on footpaths’ and ‘disrupt and reduce burglaries and thefts.’

All of these priorities were reduced and the team did a successful job. Perhaps this year their priorities will need to be more crime focused.

t s u j s t e e r t s The don’t feel safe What can residents do to keep safe in this time of frequent crimes though? Acting Police Sergent Ben Vanes says: “My advice would be to where possible walk in numbers and if that is not possible, walk in well lit areas and avoid trails and short cuts where.

“Also keep your head up and look confident, the way people walk could discourage an attacker who would tend to try and attack a person who may be looking down, seem distracted or look afraid.

Most importantly, don’t shut yourself off from the world, try not to plug your earphones in with your volume up to the max, you can’t hear what is going on around you.

The same would be said for playing with your mobile phone whilst walking out and about; having your mobile phone out will light you up and clearly identify you as a possible target.

“When going out at night walking tell someone where you are going, which direction you are taking and what time you are arriving, and finally where possible carry a personal attack alarm which can be bought from most supermarkets or off the internet.”

This small area used to have such a community feel. Local Givonna Thornton said: “Woolston used to be like a village and we are trying to get that back.” I hope they can.

Area does not have its own police

INTREPID Linzi on the patch

12//Splash

24HOURS

CLUB NIGHT

Rock the mic – without any of the stage fright GETTING up on a stage can be a daunting experience for wannabe musicians. Even if you’re confident you know your material to a tee, you may not be confident under those bright lights and behind the microphone.

But fear not, for none of these are a problem at the Tuesday Cub open mic, proudly presented by The Soul Cellar. Upon walking through the doors you are not presented with an entrance fee, which is a plus from the word go. The venue has two stages, one upstairs for big bands and DJs, and a smaller more cosy stage downstairs, which the Tuesday Night Club calls home. Following a short performance at around 9:00 by the organisers who take the form of a fantastic three-piece band called The Petty Crimes, the stage is then opened up to anything and everything.

There’s always a diverse range of various performers from guitarists singing covers, others with original material, keyboard players, singers with backing tracks, stand up comedians, there was even one guy playing some very interesting original techno style music with various electronic gadgets. Anything goes. After a short while I even had a go. I’ve played here before for college shows and a couple of the open mic shows in the past, but I haven’t played properly since the summer.

After your set is finished they give you a sticker, which can be exchanged for a free drink of your choosing – fantastic! The atmosphere is always warm and supportive too.

Whether you want to settle down with a drink and enjoy the music or get up and play some of your own, there’s something for everyone.

ALBUM

Blake debut hits the right note

Entertainment and reviews from Gary Peters and Charlotte Webb

Even on ice, it’s the swan and only T

HE Swan Lake ballet has dazzled the world with its heart-wrenching storyline, the incredible dance numbers and breathtaking music. But add ice-skates to the mix and one would find that the timeless ballet is brought to a whole new level. The little Southampton Mayflower theatre was transformed into an enchanted ice-rink on which the cast of the Imperial Ice Stars performed for two hours.

The Imperial Ice Stars boast 25 World, European and National championship skaters who, under the management of Tony Mercer and James Cundall, two top producers of live entertainment, delivered a performance full of incredible skating stunts.

It was clear from the very first scene that the skill of the Russian cast was going to be fully utilized.

Indeed, the audience watched in awe as they twirled, jumped and even flew around the ice to tell the story of the Swan princess in a new way.

The ballet, written by Tchaikovsky in 1875 tells the tale of a young woman named Odette who has to spend her life switching between her human form and a swan, until a faithful man proves his undying love for her. Needless to say the enchanted story features a prince, his loyal companion and an evil sorcerer. The story was easy to follow and comprehend, even though it was told without the use of speech, as the dancing, costumes and passion of the cast spoke louder than words.

Although Swan Lake seems like a traditional fairytale, the cast and crew of the Imperial Ice Stars managed to make this ballet simply breathtaking through the use of fake snow, smoke, a fountain and, at one point, they even set the rink on fire

THIS is the first album from James Blake, after releasing a string of highly acclaimed EP’s in the last two years, and the expectations for this album were high to say the least.

The 22-year-old Goldsmiths graduate has not failed to impress.

Every single element on the album is executed to perfection, something that people were not expecting since he recorded the album himself.

His style and sound is hard to label and this adds to his appeal.

The album starts strongly with the track “Unluck”, the simplicity of the track is typical of the rest of the album, but what Blake manages to achieve with a simple set of lyrics and intelligent production is amazing.

IT’S a fairly quiet Sunday evening, If you have heard anything he has done before and have not heard the and friends are gathering for what is album yet, then just expect a more refined version of previous tracks, set to be an enjoyable evening for all with a lot more thought put into what goes where and who are attending The Joiners, as always an almost profound use of silence in as The Roundabouts are tracks to really hook the listener. preparing for their 40 I was impressed with this album and minute set list. would recommend it to anyone who The band are just loves music. casually milling I would say, however, that for around getting US rock giants Foo Fighters have confirmed that they will those people who are new to a few drinks play the headline slot on the Isle of Wight Festival’s Saturday James Blake, it may take a down their line-up. The band, whose new album Wasting Light is out on April few listens for it to grow on necks as 12th, join artists including Kings of Leon, Pulp, Kasabian, Plan B and you, but when it does, you staff are Iggy and the Stooges for the festival’s 10th birthday. won’t be disappointed. helping Festival promoter John Giddings said they were the perfect choice: “They gave it their all in 2006 and have only become bigger and better since.”

By BRODIE ROBERTSON

for a dramatic ending to the first half. The most memorable part of the show was probably when the Prince danced with the two leading women. It was a very touching scene with a stunning choreography, and the soft classical music to which it was set made it all the more emotional.

This show was a tremendous success here in Southampton, receiving a standing ovation while the cast said their goodbyes.

After seeing this beautiful version of a timeless ballet, it is now hard to imagine the production without ice!

ROUNDABOUTS LEAVE THE

FOOS TO HEADLINE WIGHT

set up instruments and equipment, and the public are gathering around the bar and standing area waiting for the performance to get under way.

The venue is not as packed as they would have hoped it to be, however, they still put on a show that entertained each and every single person that was in that building.

They start off with the first song ‘Paper Train’, from their album Wind Up Robots & Dinosaurs, an incredibly fun and flamboyant track, with much more to come in the next half an hour.

With tracks like Ribena Moustache,

Coffee Banoffee and Tout Seul, you wouldn’t expect anything less.

The lead singer, who sports a cracking voice, perfect for those indie tunes, is still over the moon that people have even bothered to turn up, and starts talking to the crowd, asking how everyone is and telling them how much they love to be on stage, stating that they need to “do it more often.”

About halfway through the set, singer Theo starts getting more excited, involving the other band members in his on stage banter, especially guitarist Marcus, making

Splash//13 VETERAN UK prog-rock band Magnum are set to play at The Brook on April 24th.

Their UK tour follows on the back of their latest album release, The Visitation.

The band released their debut album, Kingdom Of Madness in 1978.

Over the years, the band have released a total of 16 studio albums and eight official live recordings.

AGIT rock band The Levellers will play the Guildhall on March 15th. Influenced by traditional English music as well as punk and rock, they had hits with albums such as Levelling the Land.

CHASE and Status will be bringing their brand of drum ’n’ bass electro dubstep to the Guidlhall.

The act, whose debut album More Than Alot was out in 2009, have hit the big time with follow-up No More Idols, which saw them take a new direction. They are also frequent collaborators with atrists such as Plan B. You can catch them on March 9th at 7pm. Tickets are priced at £15 to £16.50.

The show was a tremendous success

FAN of David Bowie?

If you can’t see the real thing, check out tribute act The Thin White Duke at Talking Heads on March 26th. Named after one of Bowie’s key stage personas, this band are the next best thing!

SINGLES Beady Eye: The Roller WHEN Oasis imploded in a cloud of smashed guitars and infighting in August 2009, many thought it would be the elder Gallagher who would return in a blaze of glory.

Instead, Noel had another child and left the music to Liam (pictured below). Although Liam’s songs are some of the best contributions to Oasis’s last studio effort “Dig out your soul”, do Beady Eye, essentially Oasis mk2, have what it takes to still stay relevant to today’s scene?

When listening to latest single “The Roller” it’s clear to see that Beady Eye are wearing their influ-

ences very much on their sleeves.

Fueled by their current 60’s obsession, and written by guitarist Gem Archer, the song sounds pretty much like a carbon copy of John Lennon’s “Instant Karma” featuring a stripped back acoustic sound and twinkly piano. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s just lacks the punch that the rollocking Jerry Lee Lewis flavored rock that was “Bring the Light” nor does it have the menace of “Four Letter Word”.

That’s not to say it’s without merit. It’s definitely not a bad song, certainly Liam’s voice is particularly sweet and the chorus is certainly catchy enough, the song is just a disappointing follow up to the rock and roll assault of their first two released tracks. Let’s hope that Beady Eye keep on speeding, and don’t get any gears stuck during 2011.

The Roller is available to download and on CD/vinyl now.

The Vaccines: Post-Break-Up Sex

SKATE STUFF Cast wow audience

AUDIENCE DIZZY Putting a new twist on track

by GaGa

sure the crowd takes note of the faces he pulls whilst performing, an amusing spectacle indeed.

After 40 minutes of vividly entertaining tracks, The Roundabouts finish up with their cover of Lady GaGa’s Pokerface, putting a new twist on the massively popular track, sending the band off with a well and truly pleased audience.

If you enjoy the likes of bands such as Foals and Mystery Jets, then be sure to check out The Roundabouts, a band sure to whet your appetite for the indie genre.

SENSATION The Roundabouts

IF you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of months, you’dve missed the stirrings of a brand new garage rock revival that’s ready to sweep over the UK at any moment in 2011. Leading the charge for brave, new guitar music are The Vaccines.

Having already wowed with short, sharp blasts of rock and roll genius with “Wreckin’ Bar (ra ra ra)” and “If You Wanna”, the quartet return with another slice of power pop mastery with “If You Wanna.”

Sounding like a glorious collision between The Ramones and The Clash, with tinges of Interpol-eqsue guitar, the song is simply a delight to listen to.

Justin Long’s words of a familiar scenario ring true, and while the song may lack to sing-along chants of “Wreckin’ Bar”, it still demonstrates why The Vaccines are THE band to be watching this year.

Post-Break-Up Sex is available to download now.

14//Splash

Facilities to DIVE for JUST NAMED AMONG THE TOP 5 LEISURE CENTRES IN THE UK, THE QUAYS IS NURTURING SOME OF OUR BRIGHTEST OLYMPIC HOPES. HARRY SMITH SPOKE TO ONE OF THEM

A

S THE build-up to Olympics 2012 intensifies, a Southampton leisure centre is cashing in on developing diving champions of the future.

Situated in the city’s West Quay area, The Quays Southampton is one of only four High Performance Diving Centres in the country and is top of its game. Catering for diving on all levels from recreational to professional, they offer something for all keen divers.

It is also home to the country’s Olympic diving hopefuls. Pete Waterfield, Chris Mears, Stacie Powell and Max Brick all use the world-class facilities at The Quays.

Although the competing Olympic athletes have yet to be confirmed, on target to participate is top diver Pete, who took the Silver in Athens in 2004.

The athletes have five or six days a week of training to look forward to. The training includes sessions of dry land training, where they use trampolines to perfect technique, and pool sessions to practice dives.

Before the Olympics, Pete Waterfield and Tom Daley are set to dive in the synchronised 10 metre at the FNA Diving World series.

The first leg in Moscow runs from the 18th to the 20th of March.

Pete, 29, said: “If we pick up medals this year it’s a bonus, when competing before we were three points off what Tom and his last

partner won the commonwealth games with.” The pair will be judged on their approach, take off, flight and entry to the water. “The world judges haven’t seen us together so we’re trying to build a name for ourselves,” said Pete.

Pete puts his success down to Award Winning Coach Lindsey Fraser. He said: “Lindsey’s always brought out the best in me, there is not a better coach in Britain.”

Lindsey is Director of Coaching at The Quays, and with over 20 years experience under her belt, she is a passionate perfectionist. She manages to watch multiple people dive at the same time, and explain to each one how they can improve.

Despite the big Olympic focus, centre managers are trying to extend the appeal of diving to local residents. They are currently taking bookings for free half-hour taster sessions for ages six and above. Ages six to 18 are due to start again in March, and 18+ sessions will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the first two weeks of March.

As one of the top diving schools in the south, the centre is always on the lookout for new talent. Since it became a Diving Talent Identification Centre back in 2004 they have been going to schools and screening over 2000 children. The process starts with simple dry

MAKING WAVES Pete, right, owes it all to the Quays

land gymnastics testing. Following this, 200 are invited back to Southampton for training sessions. After these, 30 finalists are chosen and form a Talent Identification Group.

A runner up group is also formed and some children with exceptional potential will be squeezed into the main group. Annie Clewlow, the Assistant Diving Development Officer said: “We don’t want anyone to lose out because there is no space.”

I

There is no better coach in Britain

T doesn’t even matter if the youngsters can’t swim, as long as they are good enough at gymnastics and show a keen interest in diving, the centre will teach them.

This caring attitude is evident throughout the centre, so much so that they are carrying out pilot studies to explore diving with disability, focusing on physical and learning disabilities.

If this goes ahead they would be the first in the UK to incorporate this scheme.

As well as diving, the centre places a large emphasis on coaching. At 14, children are encouraged to help coaches during lessons, and in return they are credited towards obtaining their coaching certificates.

The Quays is also involved in the government’s Future Jobs Fund, which offers young people an apprenticeship in diving coaching. The latest applicants started in December, and have since gained their level one coaching qualification. Although the Quays nurtures the Olympic hopefuls of the future, the complex is open to everyone, at all abilities - all you need is an interest in taking part in what Lindsey calls “an extreme sport that gives you a big adrenaline rush”.

If you would like some more information, call Annie Clewlow on 02380 720922or visit www. southampton diving. co.uk

Splash//15 NEIGH COMPETITION From left: Lucy shearing, EmilyBreeze, Louise Chamberlain, Georgina Whittle

Hot to trot!

SOUTHAMPTON Solent’s Eques-trian team has won its first award in six years.

The competition, the Bucks Equestrian, held in Surrey, is an annual competition fought in leagues of teams from four unis in the south of England.

Solent’s team beat rivals Southampton University, as well as teams from Reading and Surrey universities.

Against persistent wet weather, the organizers singled out Solent’s team for their contribution.

Team members managed to achieve 1st, 3rd and 6th places in the individual categories.

Solent student and equestrian team member Georgina Whittle said she and the team were “proud” of their achievements.

Sholing FC manager Dave Diaper spells out challenge for his men

By MATT COTTON SHOLING FC manager Dave Diaper has issued a signal of intent to his players, claiming that his side should finish the season as champions.

Diaper admitted that he expected to be challenging for the play-offs at the start of the season but sees no reason now why the Portsmouth Road club can’t go on and win it.

Speaking after his side’s 2-1 victory over Thatcham Town, Diaper said: “Initially the aim was to make the play-offs at the start of the season but now we’ve been at the top so long we should be pushing for automatic promotion. “This group of players has surprised me this year but they’ve been together for a while now and want to win this division”.

Tyronne Bowers’ late strike meant that Sholing kept their 100% League home record intact and whilst Diaper is thrilled with this record, believes it will affect the players.

“I was happy with the character of the players on Saturday. A lot of team’s heads would’ve dropped but because of our home form we had the confidence to keep pushing forward and going for it. It’s a matter of just of going out and doing the business but as the record goes on the pressure grows on the team”.

But The Boatmen boss is confident his side can continue this streak.

“I think we’ve only had two defeats in roughly

WE SHOULD BE AIMING TO BE THE CHAMPIONS

It’s a matter of doing the business

SHOLING FC AT A GLANCE

25 matches so with six home games left this season, I think we can do it (have a 100% home record all season) but we still have to go out there and prove it.

It must be the best record in the country”.

Sholing currently sit second in the table behind local rivals AFC Totton and Diaper conceded that the club’s rivalry will help motivate his side for success.

Diaper commented: “The rivalry adds determination. We’ve been at the top all season and now they’ve taken our spot although we would go back (to the top) if we win our game in hand.

“We want to win whatever we enter and we need to make sure that we win the league this year”.

FOUNDED: 1887, re-founded in 1960 LEAGUE: Zamaretto – Division 1 South & West MANAGER: Dave Diaper CURRENT LEAGUE POSITION: 2nd DID YOU KNOW? Sholing were known as VT FC until this summer and have won every league game at home this season

PROMISE Sholing in action in their win against Thatchem

Splash

S Sport

Team Solent slump to a 22-51 defeat

By TOM VEITCH SOLENT Netball Club slumped to a heavy 22-51 defeat at home to the University of Exeter Seconds on Wednesday.

Team Solent suffered their seventh loss of the season and sees them one place above relegation in the Western Conference of BUCS League 2A table.

Exeter started the brighter side, scoring most of their good chances, giving them a 4-9 advantage after the first quarter.

Team Solent however didn’t seem to turn up with their attacks breaking down on most occasions with poor communication throughout the team.

In the second quarter Team Solent showed poor discipline with the majority of Exeter’s points coming from penalties.

On the other hand, Exeter turned up the tempo showing great defensive play, and looking like they would score on every attack creating a 9-25 lead.

Both teams missed good chances at the start of the third quarter with Solent finally getting into the game. But with more poor play in the middle of the court Exeter capitalised and increased their lead to 15-34.

Exeter completely dominated play in the final quarter with their impressive work-rate and passing skills being too much for the home side. Solent looked fatigued with their sloppy passing being no match for the visitors; who finished off the game with a remarkable 22-51 win.

Solent will hope to bounce back after their defeat, as they visit rivals University of Southampton Seconds next week in their final game of the season.

A healthy win could see them leapfrog their opponent into fourth and secure a vital playoff place.

EQUESTRIANS BEAT RIVAL UNI TO BAG A GONG

PAGE 15

QUAYS HELPS PETER TAKE THE PLUNGE IN OLYMPICS FULL STORY: PAGE 14

Boatmen go second after hard-fought win

THATCHAM SUNK

By TOM VEITCH SHOLING FC maintained their unbeaten home record this season after a late Tyronne Bowers effort ensured a 2-1 win against Thatcham Town on Saturday. Thatcham were looking to be the first side to take points away from Sholing at Portsmouth Road, before Bowers’ 85th minute strike.

Dave Diaper’s men took the initiative late in the first half via a Lee Stevens own goal. Sholing were nearly punished for not taking their chances when Charles Mpi equalised 15 minutes from time but Bowers’ pile-driver proved to be the difference.

The home side started the game the brightest when winger Marvin Mclean saw his drive cleared off the line by covering defender Mark James.

They eventually found a breakthrough on the stroke of half time after Thatcham Town keeper Paul Strudley failed to intercept a Bowers corner which lead to a Lee Stevens own goal. The Boatmen started the second half the way they finished the first half testing Town’s defence. Sholing

winger Nick Watts missed the best chance of the game when he beat the offside trap but hesitated in front of goal to allow Will Brat to cover.

A keeping error by Sholing number one Mike Hookway nearly allowed an equaliser early into the second half for Town after his poor clearance fell to Robbie Sadler, whose long range effort was just saved by the recovering keeper. Sholing were then punished for wasting their chances when the away side equalised in the 75th minute when a tempting cross by Thatcham full back Paul Taplin was met by Mpi to tap home from close range.

The reds re-took the lead with five minutes left on the watch when a good ball from defender Mike Carter found captain Kevin Gibbens inside the box, the ex-Saints striker held up play well before laying off to Bowers whose ferocious shot found the bottom corner leaving Strudley with no chance.

Sholing saw out the game for a hard fought 2-1 victory which sees them just two points behind rivals AFC Totton at the top of the table. uDiaper interview: Page 15