thedailyecho--2020-02-06--John Lewis in Southampton paying more than £1m a year in rates

SOUTHAMPTON ’ S John Lewis store pays a “ punitive ” business rates bill of more than £1million a year , property experts have revealed .
The department store at Westquay is one of 20 branches in the chain where rates for 2019-20 run into seven figures .
The whole John Lewis chain – not including its sister business Waitrose – faces a total rates bill of around £57.4m this financial year for fewer than 50 shops .
John Webber , head of business rates for real estate adviser Colliers International , said John Lewis ’ s bill had risen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rating revaluation in 2017 .
He said rates were a “ punitive tax ” which were damaging major retailers .
“ Maintaining a punitive tax system against the bigger retail players whilst providing relief for the smaller retailers does little to prevent store closures and job losses as we have seen elsewhere in the market .
When quality retailers like John Lewis start to feel the pinch , we know we are really in trouble , ” he said .
“ Like other retail operations , John Lewis is facing rising costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control in a difficult market .
Business rates are playing their part in keeping such costs high .
It would be massively disappointing if the government shows it has learnt nothing from the current retail predicament and goes down the downward transition route as it did at the last revaluation .
“ We need to allow retailers such as John Lewis a chance to ease their rates burdens immediately.
” He called for John Lewis ’ s new chairman , Dame Sharon White , to join the campaign to reform business rates .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help smaller retailers , no one in power seems to appreciate that it is the bigger retailers , the chains that are the big employers in the sector , ” he added .
Colliers ’ analysis showed John Lewis in London ’ s Oxford Street was facing a rates bill of £10.4m this year , with the store ’ s bills due to rise further in 2020/2021 .
“ The increasing shift to online shopping , rising costs , including the rise in the minimum wage and dampened consumer confidence are all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and John Lewis is no exception , ” he said .
Bournemouth-based department store chain Beales , which has a branch in Fareham , recently cited business rates as a major reason for its move into administration , putting 23 shops at risk .
It has been negotiating over its rents but says councils are inflexible about rates bills .
Mr Webber said : “ Whilst John Lewis is currently negotiating with landlords over the rents and even the service charges that it pays , one area of costs , business rates , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no room for manoeuvre.
” A spokesman for the John Lewis Partnership said : “ We have long argued for a reform of business rates , to make the system modern , equitable and one that recognises the things that we value in society .
As a short-term measure , we encourage the Government to address the appeals system that is silted up with thousands of outstanding cases .
”

The department store at Westquay is one of 20 branches in the chain where rates for 2019-20 run into seven figures.
The whole John Lewis chain – not including its sister business Waitrose – faces a total rates bill of around £57.4m this financial year for fewer than 50 shops.
John Webber, head of business rates for real estate adviser Colliers International, said John Lewis’s bill had risen by more than 30 per cent since a rating revaluation in 2017.
He said rates were a “punitive tax” which were damaging major retailers.
“Maintaining a punitive tax system against the bigger retail players whilst providing relief for the smaller retailers does little to prevent store closures and job losses as we have seen elsewhere in the market. When quality retailers like John Lewis start to feel the pinch, we know we are really in trouble,” he said.
“Like other retail operations, John Lewis is facing rising costs which it is attempting to keep under control in a difficult market. Business rates are playing their part in keeping such costs high. It would be massively disappointing if the government shows it has learnt nothing from the current retail predicament and goes down the downward transition route as it did at the last revaluation.
“We need to allow retailers such as John Lewis a chance to ease their rates burdens immediately.”
He called for John Lewis’s new chairman, Dame Sharon White, to join the campaign to reform business rates.
“Sadly, given recent announcements designed to help smaller retailers, no one in power seems to appreciate that it is the bigger retailers, the chains that are the big employers in the sector,” he added.
Colliers’ analysis showed John Lewis in London’s Oxford Street was facing a rates bill of £10.4m this year, with the store’s bills due to rise further in 2020/2021.
“The increasing shift to online shopping, rising costs, including the rise in the minimum wage and dampened consumer confidence are all taking their toll on traditional department stores and John Lewis is no exception,” he said.
Bournemouth-based department store chain Beales, which has a branch in Fareham, recently cited business rates as a major reason for its move into administration, putting 23 shops at risk. It has been negotiating over its rents but says councils are inflexible about rates bills.
Mr Webber said: “Whilst John Lewis is currently negotiating with landlords over the rents and even the service charges that it pays, one area of costs, business rates, is set in stone – and there is no room for manoeuvre.”
A spokesman for the John Lewis Partnership said: “We have long argued for a reform of business rates, to make the system modern, equitable and one that recognises the things that we value in society. As a short-term measure, we encourage the Government to address the appeals system that is silted up with thousands of outstanding cases.”


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--New-born found floating in river. But who was the mother?

Clearing a fallen tree from a tributary of the River Test a group of workmen came across a small bundle floating in the water , though a large stone had been attached to weigh it down .
`` Wonder what this is all about ? ''
one pondered .
Opening it , he was shocked to find the corpse of a newly-born baby in an advanced stage of decomposition .
The surgeon who carried out the post-mortem was convinced he had not died from natural causes and had been `` destroyed by violent means . ''
By who was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was called to the scene a few hundred yards outside Hurstbourne Tarrant , believed a local woman was implicated and arrested seamstress Elizabeth Ware who had come to live with her brother , John , in the hamlet on St Valentines Day , 1859 , to avoid her reputation being tarnished as an unmarried mother because a few weeks later on May 1 she gave birth .
Her brother then called their cousin Ann Lambden , who worked as a kitchen maid in the service of the Earl of Portsmouth , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interviewed another maid Mary Hill and as a result of their conversation Ware , 24 , and Lambden , 26 , were charged with murder .
Following a statement to the local magistrates , the women were sent for trial at Hampshire Assizes - and that provoked a protest from inquest jurors who sat a day after the committal proceedings , damning their procedure as `` useless '' and closing the case , returned the only verdict open to them - that of wilful murder .
The foreman , the Rev .
Watkin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ J H Todd a note which concluded : `` The jury beg to express their opinion that the magistrates should have postponed the committal until after the inquest of which they had knowledge and their not having done so tends to weaken the constitutional and useful institution of the coroner 's inquest . ''
Ware and Lambden came before Mr Justice Bramwell on July 18 when the prosecution relied heavily on the testimony of Hill to whom Lambden had confessed she had never wished to see her cousin after being told she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about four o'clock , she found she had been delivered of a baby and she told her to get a pan of water to put it in and leave it there until it was dead , and after it was dead to take it out and lock it in a box .
She said she did it and when she first went in , Ware was in bed with the baby and had her hands to its throat to suffocate it .
`` I asked her how she could do it and she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if John knew anything about it and she said 'no . '
Hill said she had accused Ware of being pregnant when she left her home in Devon to live with her brother .
`` She said she was and intended to do away with it . ''
Surgeon Mr Hempstead , who had carried out the autopsy , confirmed it was too decomposed to determine any external marks of violence but on cutting the lungs he found them `` gorged '' with blood .
`` I believe the child was born alive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The child had been in the water ten or fourteen days . ''
The prosecution 's case against the pair seemed to grow tighter when Pc Joyant related a conversation between the two women in which Ware told her cousin that if she had ten children `` I would never do the like again .
I hope God can forgive me . ''
Jurors were told Ware had remained silent when the magistrates asked her if she had anything to say in terms of her defence , but Lambden had stated : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for pardon if you will forgive me . ''
Inexplicably , however , the Crown could not muster sufficient proof Ware had given birth to the baby found in the water , an issue exploited by her counsel Mr Cole who commented : `` I have never heard looser evidence to support a charge of murder .
There was nothing seen at her residence to indicate she had been confined .
It is a sea of speculation . ''
Mr Karslake , defending her co-accused , said Lambden was renowned for her kindness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is it likely without motive she would be a volunteer to put out of this world a helpless and defenceless baby ?
The only evidence against her is her so-called confession but that confession is not supported by the evidence .
It is a well known fact that men have implicated themselves in crimes of which they were entirely guiltless from motives which can never be fathomed or explained . ''
The seed of doubt was further planted by the judge who underlined the fact there was no proof the baby had been @ @ @ @

"Wonder what this is all about?" one pondered.
Opening it, he was shocked to find the corpse of a newly-born baby in an advanced stage of decomposition.
The surgeon who carried out the post-mortem was convinced he had not died from natural causes and had been "destroyed by violent means."
By who was the mother?
Andover-based Superintendent Charles Hodge, who was called to the scene a few hundred yards outside Hurstbourne Tarrant, believed a local woman was implicated and arrested seamstress Elizabeth Ware who had come to live with her brother, John, in the hamlet on St Valentines Day, 1859, to avoid her reputation being tarnished as an unmarried mother because a few weeks later on May 1 she gave birth.
Her brother then called their cousin Ann Lambden, who worked as a kitchen maid in the service of the Earl of Portsmouth, to join them because she was ill.
Hodge interviewed another maid Mary Hill and as a result of their conversation Ware, 24, and Lambden, 26, were charged with murder.
Following a statement to the local magistrates, the women were sent for trial at Hampshire Assizes - and that provoked a protest from inquest jurors who sat a day after the committal proceedings, damning their procedure as "useless" and closing the case, returned the only verdict open to them - that of wilful murder.
The foreman, the Rev. Watkin Temple, handed to the county coroner J H Todd a note which concluded: "The jury beg to express their opinion that the magistrates should have postponed the committal until after the inquest of which they had knowledge and their not having done so tends to weaken the constitutional and useful institution of the coroner's inquest."
Ware and Lambden came before Mr Justice Bramwell on July 18 when the prosecution relied heavily on the testimony of Hill to whom Lambden had confessed she had never wished to see her cousin after being told she was unwell.
"When she went down about four o'clock, she found she had been delivered of a baby and she told her to get a pan of water to put it in and leave it there until it was dead, and after it was dead to take it out and lock it in a box. She said she did it and when she first went in, Ware was in bed with the baby and had her hands to its throat to suffocate it.
"I asked her how she could do it and she said she did. I asked her if John knew anything about it and she said 'no.'
Hill said she had accused Ware of being pregnant when she left her home in Devon to live with her brother. "She said she was and intended to do away with it."
Surgeon Mr Hempstead, who had carried out the autopsy, confirmed it was too decomposed to determine any external marks of violence but on cutting the lungs he found them "gorged" with blood.
"I believe the child was born alive and died from strangulation or suffocation. The child had been in the water ten or fourteen days."
The prosecution's case against the pair seemed to grow tighter when Pc Joyant related a conversation between the two women in which Ware told her cousin that if she had ten children "I would never do the like again. I hope God can forgive me."
Jurors were told Ware had remained silent when the magistrates asked her if she had anything to say in terms of her defence, but Lambden had stated: "I have nothing to say but ask for pardon if you will forgive me."
Inexplicably, however, the Crown could not muster sufficient proof Ware had given birth to the baby found in the water, an issue exploited by her counsel Mr Cole who commented: "I have never heard looser evidence to support a charge of murder. There was nothing seen at her residence to indicate she had been confined. It is a sea of speculation."
Mr Karslake, defending her co-accused, said Lambden was renowned for her kindness, humanity and good conduct.
"Is it likely without motive she would be a volunteer to put out of this world a helpless and defenceless baby? The only evidence against her is her so-called confession but that confession is not supported by the evidence. It is a well known fact that men have implicated themselves in crimes of which they were entirely guiltless from motives which can never be fathomed or explained."
The seed of doubt was further planted by the judge who underlined the fact there was no proof the baby had been born to Ware.
Following a short deliberation, jurors acquitted both women.


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--He was sentenced to hard labour and made a free man the same day

FEAR and joy - the emotional extremes of a teenage groom .
ONE minute he faced a week 's hard labour in Winchester Prison , the next he was a conditional free man - such was the unexpected fate of Williams Adams convicted of assaulting an acquaintance .
Elizabeth Osgood was on her way to cut furze on Selborne common when she saw the teenager standing at a farmyard gate who called her over .
But instead of striking up a conversation , Adams , 17 , swiftly pushed her through the gate , flung her on the ground and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He then got off and despite her shocking ordeal , she did not say anything for four days , even though she saw a local farmer 's cowman minutes later and that very evening attended a tea to which Adams had also been invited .
Jurors hearing the case at the Hampshire Winter Assizes of 1886 were told conflicting evidence .
The cowman Henry Bailey said the girl appeared to have been a consenting party and had urged Adams to write to her but that contrasted with the evidence of Pc Sharp who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Adams four days after the incident .
The delay caused the groom 's barrister Mr Crofton to scorn : `` She is not worthy of credence . ''
However , jurors deemed she was and Adams was jailed for a week with hard labour .
The judge , Mr Justice Fitzjames Stephen , had obviously pondered over the issue at lunch and following the recess recalled Adams to the dock .
`` I think the better course now would not be to send you to prison , '' he said bounding him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Behave yourself and you will hear no more of it . ''

ONE minute he faced a week's hard labour in Winchester Prison, the next he was a conditional free man - such was the unexpected fate of Williams Adams convicted of assaulting an acquaintance.
Elizabeth Osgood was on her way to cut furze on Selborne common when she saw the teenager standing at a farmyard gate who called her over. But instead of striking up a conversation, Adams, 17, swiftly pushed her through the gate, flung her on the ground and threw himself on top of her.
He then got off and despite her shocking ordeal, she did not say anything for four days, even though she saw a local farmer's cowman minutes later and that very evening attended a tea to which Adams had also been invited.
Jurors hearing the case at the Hampshire Winter Assizes of 1886 were told conflicting evidence.
The cowman Henry Bailey said the girl appeared to have been a consenting party and had urged Adams to write to her but that contrasted with the evidence of Pc Sharp who said the 14-year-old had made a complaint about Adams four days after the incident.
The delay caused the groom's barrister Mr Crofton to scorn: "She is not worthy of credence."
However, jurors deemed she was and Adams was jailed for a week with hard labour.
The judge, Mr Justice Fitzjames Stephen, had obviously pondered over the issue at lunch and following the recess recalled Adams to the dock.
"I think the better course now would not be to send you to prison," he said bounding him over in the sum of £20. "Behave yourself and you will hear no more of it."
Adams gleefully nodded and left court.


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Murder investigation launched after man found dead in Southampton

A MURDER investigation has been launched following the death of a 70-year-old man in Southampton last night .
The body @ @ @ @ @ found at his flat on Bursledon Road after officers were called to the scene at @ @ @ @ @ he was found dead at the scene and his next of kin have been informed @ @ @ @ @ .
Now a murder investigation has been launched to find out the exact circumstances of @ @ @ @ @ Police spokesperson said : `` We were called at 9.02pm on Wednesday 5 February to @ @ @ @ @ , Southampton , following the discovery of a man ’ s body .
`` Enquiries @ @ @ @ @ ongoing , and we will be in a position to release more information as the @ @ @ @ @ at the scene and will be in the area conducting enquiries and any residents with @ @ @ @ @ officer .
`` Anyone with information on what happened should call police on 101 , @ @ @ @ @ ''

The body of an elderly man was found at his flat on Bursledon Road after officers were called to the scene at around 9.02pm.
Officers say he was found dead at the scene and his next of kin have been informed.
No-one has been arrested.
Now a murder investigation has been launched to find out the exact circumstances of his death.
A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: "We were called at 9.02pm on Wednesday 5 February to a flat in Bursledon Road, Southampton, following the discovery of a man’s body.
"Enquiries into the exact circumstances are ongoing, and we will be in a position to release more information as the investigation continues. Officers remain at the scene and will be in the area conducting enquiries and any residents with concerns should speak to an officer.
"Anyone with information on what happened should call police on 101, quoting incident number 44200045830."


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Ambulance and lorry involved in crash on northbound side of M3 between Winchester and Popham

AN ambulance ended up on its side after it was involved in an accident with a lorry on a Hampshire motorway .
The collision occurred on the northbound side of the M3 between Junction 8 and Junction 9 .
Three crews from Winchester and Eastleigh fire stations were called to the scene .
A Hampshire police spokesman said : `` We were called at 11.13am today to a report of a collision involving a lorry and an ambulance between junctions 9 and 8 of the M3 northbound .
`` Both lanes are blocked and the road has been closed while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Central Ambulance Service spokesman said : `` We received a 999 call at 11.10am with the caller reporting a collision between a lorry and an ambulance on the M3 northbound between junctions 9 and 8 , resulting in the ambulance rolling over on to its side .
`` We currently have a rapid response vehicle , an ambulance and our Hazardous Area Response Team at the scene who have reported that both drivers of the two vehicles are currently being assessed for minor injuries .
`` The ambulance was one of ours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our fleet maintenance team and was not on active operational duty . ''

The collision occurred on the northbound side of the M3 between Junction 8 and Junction 9.
Three crews from Winchester and Eastleigh fire stations were called to the scene.
Long delays on the M3 North between J9 Winnall and J8 Popham after an accident involving an ambulance and a lorry.
Please avoid the area @ROMANSE @HantsPolRoads @SCAS999
📸| @alexgustarr pic.twitter.com/LulNaZ9QCr — Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (@Hants_fire) February 6, 2020
A Hampshire police spokesman said: "We were called at 11.13am today to a report of a collision involving a lorry and an ambulance between junctions 9 and 8 of the M3 northbound.
"Both lanes are blocked and the road has been closed while officers attend the scene."
A South Central Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We received a 999 call at 11.10am with the caller reporting a collision between a lorry and an ambulance on the M3 northbound between junctions 9 and 8, resulting in the ambulance rolling over on to its side.
"We currently have a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance and our Hazardous Area Response Team at the scene who have reported that both drivers of the two vehicles are currently being assessed for minor injuries.
"The ambulance was one of ours but was being driven by a member of our fleet maintenance team and was not on active operational duty."


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Man flees scene after crash leaving person with head injury in Romsey

A PERSON has suffered a head injury following a crash in Romsey .
Police crews attended Winchester Road , Romsey @ @ @ @ @ following a collision .
Police say one person reported a head injury and a man @ @ @ @ @ collision , but officers have since located him .
A spokesperson for Hampshire police said @ @ @ @ @ in response to a collision .
We were called at 10.04am today to a report @ @ @ @ @ vehicles . ''
A spokesperson for South Central Ambulance Service said : `` We took @ @ @ @ @ injury to University Hospital Southampton following initial assessment and treatment at the scene by our @ @ @ @

Police crews attended Winchester Road, Romsey just after 10am this morning following a collision.
Police say one person reported a head injury and a man left the scene following the collision, but officers have since located him.
A spokesperson for Hampshire police said: "They are there in response to a collision. We were called at 10.04am today to a report of a collision involving two vehicles."
A spokesperson for South Central Ambulance Service said: "We took the patient with the head injury to University Hospital Southampton following initial assessment and treatment at the scene by our ambulance crew."


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Police appeal after assault at Le Tissier Court in Southampton

CCTV images have been released of two men after an assault in Southampton .
Police are appealing for information after @ @ @ @ @ Le Tissier Court on December 21 .
At around 5.15am a man went to Le @ @ @ @ @ group .
At the address he had his money stolen before being assaulted .
Officers @ @ @ @ @ appealing to the public to identify two men they would like to speak to .
@ @ @ @ @ being white , with short light blonde hair and a wide head .
He is @ @ @ @ @ approximately 5ft 10ins and broad shouldered .
The other is a white man with tanned @ @ @ @ @ dark and worn longer on the top with shaved sides and back .
He has @ @ @ @ @ has a goatee , an earring , and tattoos .
Anyone with information can call @ @ @ @ @ Alternatively , you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 55 111 .

Police are appealing for information after a man was assaulted at Le Tissier Court on December 21.
At around 5.15am a man went to Le Tissier Court with a small group.
At the address he had his money stolen before being assaulted.
He suffered a head injury and required hospital treatment.
Officers investigating the assault are now appealing to the public to identify two men they would like to speak to.
One man is described as being white, with short light blonde hair and a wide head. He is around 28-30 years old, approximately 5ft 10ins and broad shouldered.
The other is a white man with tanned skin, his hair is dark and worn longer on the top with shaved sides and back. He has an athletic build, and has a goatee, an earring, and tattoos.
Anyone with information can call 101, quoting 44190457618. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 55 111.


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Super snow moon will appear on Sunday morning

A super snow moon will appear this weekend - but you 'll have to give up that Sunday lie-in .
Should we have clear skies ( Storm Ciara permitting ) , the super snow moon will peak around 7.30am on Sunday morning , but will be visible in the early hours .
Each month ’ s full moon is given different nicknames based on the time of year in which it occurs .
The Snow Moon is the most common nickname for February ’ s full moon , but others include the Hunger Moon , the Bone Moon and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be extra special as well , as it will be the first in a series of supermoons this year , with others in March , April and May .
A supermoon occurs when the moon ’ s orbit is closest to Earth at the same time it is full .
So check those local weather forecasts and fingers crossed for a clear night !
There is also set to be a super full moon on March 9 - there 's not long to wait until the next one .
Mark the date @ @ @ @

Should we have clear skies (Storm Ciara permitting), the super snow moon will peak around 7.30am on Sunday morning, but will be visible in the early hours.
Each month’s full moon is given different nicknames based on the time of year in which it occurs.
The Snow Moon is the most common nickname for February’s full moon, but others include the Hunger Moon, the Bone Moon and the Storm Moon.
This weekend's moon will be extra special as well, as it will be the first in a series of supermoons this year, with others in March, April and May.
A supermoon occurs when the moon’s orbit is closest to Earth at the same time it is full.
So check those local weather forecasts and fingers crossed for a clear night!
There is also set to be a super full moon on March 9 - there's not long to wait until the next one. Mark the date in your diary.


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--Police arrest 28-year-old man after 70-year-old found dead at Bursledon Road, Thornhill

A MAN has been arrested by police investigating the murder of a Hampshire pensioner .
He has been detained in connection with a death of a 70-year-old man whose body was found in a flat at Bursledon Road just after 9pm on Wednesday .
A police spokesman said : `` A 28-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of murder .
He remains in police custody at this time .
`` Officers remain at the scene to carry out enquiries and continue to appeal for witnesses . ''
No further details have been released .
Police officers converged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after receiving reports that an elderly man ’ s body had been discovered at the property .
Residents have told of their shock after hearing sirens as police cars and armed officers arrived at the scene .
One resident who asked not to be named said : `` It was crazy - there were at least ten police cars and loads of armed officers .
They also sent a drone up to the top of the building .
It was unbelievable.
” The man was pronounced dead at the scene and his relatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ I 'm so scared to let my children outside , I ’ m so on edge .
You see stuff like this on the TV but you don ’ t expect it on your doorstep . ''
Another householder added : “ I didn ’ t hear anything going on until I saw the sirens .
“ It was so loud and that ’ s when I saw the cars outside , there were at least ten of them parked at the back of the flats .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only to do the school runs .
I don ’ t want to be outside and I don ’ t want to let my kids play outside.
” In a statement issued yesterday Hampshire police said : “ We were called at 9.02pm on Wednesday February 5 to a flat in Bursledon Road , Southampton , following the discovery of the man ’ s body .
“ Enquiries into the exact circumstances are ongoing and we will be in a position to release more information as the investigation continues .
“ Officers will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any resident with concerns should speak to an officer.
” Anyone with information can call police on 101 , quoting Operation Pulpit or reference number 44200045830 .

He has been detained in connection with a death of a 70-year-old man whose body was found in a flat at Bursledon Road just after 9pm on Wednesday.
A police spokesman said: "A 28-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody at this time.
"Officers remain at the scene to carry out enquiries and continue to appeal for witnesses."
No further details have been released.
Police officers converged on a block of flats in Thornhill after receiving reports that an elderly man’s body had been discovered at the property.
Residents have told of their shock after hearing sirens as police cars and armed officers arrived at the scene.
One resident who asked not to be named said: "It was crazy - there were at least ten police cars and loads of armed officers. They also sent a drone up to the top of the building. It was unbelievable.”
The man was pronounced dead at the scene and his relatives were told shortly afterwards.
A resident said: “I'm so scared to let my children outside, I’m so on edge. You see stuff like this on the TV but you don’t expect it on your doorstep."
Another householder added: “I didn’t hear anything going on until I saw the sirens.
“It was so loud and that’s when I saw the cars outside, there were at least ten of them parked at the back of the flats.
“I’ve barely left the house since, only to do the school runs. I don’t want to be outside and I don’t want to let my kids play outside.”
In a statement issued yesterday Hampshire police said: “We were called at 9.02pm on Wednesday February 5 to a flat in Bursledon Road, Southampton, following the discovery of the man’s body.
“Enquiries into the exact circumstances are ongoing and we will be in a position to release more information as the investigation continues.
“Officers will remain in the are conducting enquiries and any resident with concerns should speak to an officer.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101, quoting Operation Pulpit or reference number 44200045830.


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--Southampton husband and wife jailed over abuse of two daughters – including use of belts

A HUSBAND and wife who subjected their teenage daughters to a campaign of physical abuse have been jailed .
The couple , who legally can not be named in order to protect the identity of the victims , used weapons including belts and a coat hanger to discipline the two girls .
On one occasion , a glass was thrown and hit one of the girls , leaving a scar to her face .
Now the couple , both in their thirties , have been jailed for a total of almost six years following their sentencing at Southampton Crown Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subjected the two teenagers to the “ sustained and prolonged ” abuse between 2014 and February 2018 .
The court was told how the mother used weapons , including belts and a coat hanger .
Meanwhile , the father subjected the girls to abuse , also involving belts , between February and April last year .
The court heard one of the incidents took place in the hallway of their Southampton accommodation and was recorded on CCTV .
Their abuse was also brought to light by bruises and marks on the two girls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both girls and the couple ’ s two other children have since been taken into care .
In a victim impact statement , read out in court , one of the girls said the abuse had left her “ unable to trust people ” .
She said : “ What my dad did has really impacted me .
I can ’ t trust people because when I trusted my dad he broke it .
“ He broke the only bond I will ever have between a father and a daughter.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in court , the other girl said : “ My family has been completely split apart as a result of this .
The father , who pleaded guilty to guilty to one count of child abuse and was found guilty of another two multiple incident counts of child abuse , was sentenced to three years in prison .
The mother , who pleaded guilty to two multiple incident counts of child abuse , was sentenced to 30 months in prison .
In sentencing , Judge Peter Henry said : “ This was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of time .
“ What ’ s quite striking is that , when giving evidence , each child seemed to think it was their fault , but it wasn ’ t .
“ It ’ s clear that you a period of time you were not able to deal with teenage children and the inevitable problems they can cause for parents .
”

The couple, who legally cannot be named in order to protect the identity of the victims, used weapons including belts and a coat hanger to discipline the two girls.
On one occasion, a glass was thrown and hit one of the girls, leaving a scar to her face.
Now the couple, both in their thirties, have been jailed for a total of almost six years following their sentencing at Southampton Crown Court.
The court heard how the mother subjected the two teenagers to the “sustained and prolonged” abuse between 2014 and February 2018.
The court was told how the mother used weapons, including belts and a coat hanger.
Meanwhile, the father subjected the girls to abuse, also involving belts, between February and April last year.
The court heard one of the incidents took place in the hallway of their Southampton accommodation and was recorded on CCTV.
Their abuse was also brought to light by bruises and marks on the two girls, which were noticed by school officials.
Both girls and the couple’s two other children have since been taken into care.
In a victim impact statement, read out in court, one of the girls said the abuse had left her “unable to trust people”.
She said: “What my dad did has really impacted me. I can’t trust people because when I trusted my dad he broke it.
“He broke the only bond I will ever have between a father and a daughter.”
In her victim impact statement, also read out in court, the other girl said: “My family has been completely split apart as a result of this.
”
The father, who pleaded guilty to guilty to one count of child abuse and was found guilty of another two multiple incident counts of child abuse, was sentenced to three years in prison.
The mother, who pleaded guilty to two multiple incident counts of child abuse, was sentenced to 30 months in prison.
In sentencing, Judge Peter Henry said: “This was quite continuous abuse over a significant period of time.
“What’s quite striking is that, when giving evidence, each child seemed to think it was their fault, but it wasn’t.
“It’s clear that you a period of time you were not able to deal with teenage children and the inevitable problems they can cause for parents.”


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--Hunt for driver after teen cyclist "deliberately knocked off bike"

A HUNT has been launched for a driver after a teenage cyclist was `` deliberately '' knocked off his bike @ @ @ @ @ fell from his bike after one of its tyres was nudged by a Ford Mondeo @ @ @ @ @ to his wrist , hand and face .
The incident happened as the boy crossed @ @ @ @ @ , Eastleigh , near to Denbigh Close between 12pm and 3pm on Thursday 30 January @ @ @ @ @ said : `` At this time , we would like to trace the driver to @ @ @ @ @ `` He is described as Asian , aged between 40 and 50 years old , @ @ @ @ @ wearing a turban .
`` If you can help us identify the man described , @ @ @ @ @ , please call 101 and quote 44200040271 . ''

Police say the boy fell from his bike after one of its tyres was nudged by a Ford Mondeo.
The boy suffered injuries to his wrist, hand and face.
The incident happened as the boy crossed the road on Launceston Drive, Eastleigh, near to Denbigh Close between 12pm and 3pm on Thursday 30 January.
A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: "At this time, we would like to trace the driver to ascertain exactly what happened.
"He is described as Asian, aged between 40 and 50 years old, had a beard and was wearing a turban.
"If you can help us identify the man described, or if this is you, please call 101 and quote 44200040271."


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--'The height of irresponsibility': bus collision hoax call wastes emergency services time

`` THIS is the height of irresponsibility '' : A Southampton MP is appalled after a hoax caller wasted the time of emergency services by claiming a man was trapped under a bus in Thornhill .
Hampshire Police , Fire and Rescue , and the Ambulance Service all rushed to Hinkler Road at around 9pm on Wednesday February 5 after receiving a call claiming a man was trapped under a bus following a collision .
But when they arrived at what they thought was a `` life-threatening emergency '' , there was in fact no incident at all , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a phone box .
Now , Southampton MP , Royston Smith has condemned the action of the caller , claiming it to be the `` height of irresponsibility '' .
Royston said : `` This is appalling behaviour .
Our emergency services are stretched enough without hoax calls .
I hope the perpetrator is apprehended quickly and punished .
Whilst the police and fire service are responding to hoax calls other serious issues may not be dealt with as quickly as we would like .
This is the height of irresponsibility . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dial 999 in the case of a genuine emergency after five fire engines were mobilised , along with resources from the police and ambulance service to deal with the hoax call .
A Hampshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said : `` We had a call from a phonebox at 9.03pm claiming someone was trapped under a bus just passed the library on Hinkler Road .
Five crews were mobilised and they searched the area for half an hour with police .
`` Hoax calls waste our time , cost the public money and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives at risk by taking call handlers ’ time away from helping those with a genuine emergency .
Every minute counts and responding to false emergencies takes vital resources away from someone who could really need us .
`` People calling in with false reports need to consider how they would feel if someone delayed firefighters getting to them or their loved ones so we urge them to make the right call and only dial 999 with a genuine emergency . ''
Hampshire Police added : `` Our Contact Management staff do a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to people who are often in very difficult , upsetting or dangerous situations , so when their time is wasted , it is most frustrating .
They come to work to help the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight .
`` It is vital people do not make inappropriate emergency calls as you could be stopping someone who has a real emergency from getting through to our call handlers . ''

Hampshire Police, Fire and Rescue, and the Ambulance Service all rushed to Hinkler Road at around 9pm on Wednesday February 5 after receiving a call claiming a man was trapped under a bus following a collision.
But when they arrived at what they thought was a "life-threatening emergency", there was in fact no incident at all, and the caller had made it up from a phone box.
Now, Southampton MP, Royston Smith has condemned the action of the caller, claiming it to be the "height of irresponsibility".
Royston said: "This is appalling behaviour. Our emergency services are stretched enough without hoax calls. I hope the perpetrator is apprehended quickly and punished. Whilst the police and fire service are responding to hoax calls other serious issues may not be dealt with as quickly as we would like. This is the height of irresponsibility."
Emergency services have urged people to only dial 999 in the case of a genuine emergency after five fire engines were mobilised, along with resources from the police and ambulance service to deal with the hoax call.
A Hampshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "We had a call from a phonebox at 9.03pm claiming someone was trapped under a bus just passed the library on Hinkler Road. Five crews were mobilised and they searched the area for half an hour with police.
"Hoax calls waste our time, cost the public money and, more worryingly, really do put lives at risk by taking call handlers’ time away from helping those with a genuine emergency. Every minute counts and responding to false emergencies takes vital resources away from someone who could really need us.
"People calling in with false reports need to consider how they would feel if someone delayed firefighters getting to them or their loved ones so we urge them to make the right call and only dial 999 with a genuine emergency."
Hampshire Police added: "Our Contact Management staff do a hugely important and demanding job, speaking to people who are often in very difficult, upsetting or dangerous situations, so when their time is wasted, it is most frustrating. They come to work to help the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
"It is vital people do not make inappropriate emergency calls as you could be stopping someone who has a real emergency from getting through to our call handlers."


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--Storm Ciara: Amber wind warning issued for Hampshire by the Met Office

AN amber warning for wind has been issued for Hampshire by the Met Office ahead of Storm Ciara ’ s arrival this weekend .
The Met Office has stepped up its warning for the county from yellow to amber which is more severe .
The warning is valid from 9am until 9pm on Sunday .
The warning says Storm Ciara will bring a spell of “ very strong winds ” and disruption to travel is “ likely ” during Sunday .
Damage to buildings , longer journey times and cancellations are likely while road , rail , air and ferry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roads and bridges are likely to close .
The Met Office also said injuries and danger to life is “ likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads , seafronts and properties.
” It added that there is a “ good chance ” power cuts may occur .
A spokesperson for the Met Office said : `` Widespread very strong winds will affect the region through much of Sunday .
Gusts of 55 to 65 mph are likely widely in inland areas and 70 to 80 mph along the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accompany the strong winds leading to very poor driving conditions . ''

The Met Office has stepped up its warning for the county from yellow to amber which is more severe.
The warning is valid from 9am until 9pm on Sunday.
The warning says Storm Ciara will bring a spell of “very strong winds” and disruption to travel is “likely” during Sunday.
Damage to buildings, longer journey times and cancellations are likely while road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, and some roads and bridges are likely to close.
The Met Office also said injuries and danger to life is “likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, seafronts and properties.”
It added that there is a “good chance” power cuts may occur.
A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "Widespread very strong winds will affect the region through much of Sunday. Gusts of 55 to 65 mph are likely widely in inland areas and 70 to 80 mph along the south coast.
"Heavy rain will accompany the strong winds leading to very poor driving conditions."


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--Special summit at St Mary's stadium to tackle crime in Southampton

CITY bosses and police chiefs have come together to tackle violent crime in Southampton .
The summit held at St Mary ’ s yesterday was described as the first of its kind in the city as it saw councillors , police bosses , businesses , volunteers and health experts come under one roof to start drawing up plans to reduce crime in the city .
It comes as figures revealed last month showed that crime rate in Southampton has gone up for the fifth year running , with violent crime being the largest offence in the last year with 11,079 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last week local businesses called for action as they claimed there has been a sharp rise in “ uncontrolled ” aggressive begging , staff intimidation and public drug use across the city centre .
Now work to decide what action to take has begun with a final plan expected to be unveiled by the end of March and implemented straight after .
At yesterday ’ s summit , Superintendent Kelly Whiting , district commander in Southampton , called on everyone in the city to come together to tackle crime .
Talking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need your help .
We must never accept or tolerate crime .
If I didn ’ t think that together we could reduce crime in the city I would not be here today .
I believe we can do this , we just need to work together.
” The focus of the discussion was mainly on prevention , early intervention and how to support young children and teenagers in the city .
It comes as Chris Brown , Violence Reduction Unit manager , told the audience that 82.9 % of offenders in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the intervention should focus on young people and on the most deprived areas of the city .
Among the actions that were recommended at the summit there are more work with schools , and support and activities for children during summer holidays .
Mr Brown added : “ We need to get together as a city to come up with a solution to these problems .
It ’ s key to get the feedback and input of people who can contribute to this plan .
There are still a few challenges but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building the process and structure to bring people together to tackle it .
Prevention is better than cure .
Predominantly we are working with young people and working with them sooner rather than later to divert them from being involved in violence and giving them tools around better decision making .
We have got no specific target , I think we need start the work and then look at what results we are getting . ''
Cllr Dave Shields , cabinet member for healthier and safer city at Southampton City Council said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that is driving this crime .
Any increase in crime is something that is going to concern me .
The problems are increasing in Southampton and I think that ’ s partly to do with the impacts that austerity has had on this city , harder than many other areas .
”

The summit held at St Mary’s yesterday was described as the first of its kind in the city as it saw councillors, police bosses, businesses, volunteers and health experts come under one roof to start drawing up plans to reduce crime in the city.
It comes as figures revealed last month showed that crime rate in Southampton has gone up for the fifth year running, with violent crime being the largest offence in the last year with 11,079 incidents, 779 more than in 2017/18.
Last week local businesses called for action as they claimed there has been a sharp rise in “uncontrolled” aggressive begging, staff intimidation and public drug use across the city centre.
Now work to decide what action to take has begun with a final plan expected to be unveiled by the end of March and implemented straight after.
At yesterday’s summit, Superintendent Kelly Whiting, district commander in Southampton, called on everyone in the city to come together to tackle crime.
Talking to the audience she said: “I need your help. We must never accept or tolerate crime. If I didn’t think that together we could reduce crime in the city I would not be here today. I believe we can do this, we just need to work together.”
The focus of the discussion was mainly on prevention, early intervention and how to support young children and teenagers in the city.
It comes as Chris Brown, Violence Reduction Unit manager, told the audience that 82.9% of offenders in the city are men under 25.
He said the intervention should focus on young people and on the most deprived areas of the city.
Among the actions that were recommended at the summit there are more work with schools, and support and activities for children during summer holidays.
Mr Brown added: “We need to get together as a city to come up with a solution to these problems. It’s key to get the feedback and input of people who can contribute to this plan. There are still a few challenges but the important thing is we just start building the process and structure to bring people together to tackle it. Prevention is better than cure. Predominantly we are working with young people and working with them sooner rather than later to divert them from being involved in violence and giving them tools around better decision making. We have got no specific target, I think we need start the work and then look at what results we are getting."
Cllr Dave Shields, cabinet member for healthier and safer city at Southampton City Council said: “We need to understand what it is that is driving this crime. Any increase in crime is something that is going to concern me. The problems are increasing in Southampton and I think that’s partly to do with the impacts that austerity has had on this city, harder than many other areas.”


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--Residents face hours without power in Romsey

More than 2,000 houses were without power as a power cut hit Romsey and the surrounding areas .
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks ( SSEN ) have confirmed 2,219 houses in West Wellow , Romsey , East Wellow and the surrounding villages had their power restored at 9.06am .
However , SSEN say residents may be facing low voltage .
We 're very sorry for the # POWERCUT affecting # EASTWELLOW # WESTWELLOW # ROMSEY and the surrounding areas .
We have a fault on our main network but are aiming to restore power by 11:30 .
If you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a DM .
( FZ2608 ) — ssencommunity ( @ ssencommunity ) February 7 , 2020 It was originally thought customers would have no power until 11.30am .
The cause of the power cut took place at 8.29am this morning which due to a `` fault in the main network '' .
A spokesperson from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks ( SSEN ) , said : “ We ’ d like to apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused , and thank them for their patience as our engineers work to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SSEN engineers are on-site and investigating the cause .

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) have confirmed 2,219 houses in West Wellow, Romsey, East Wellow and the surrounding villages had their power restored at 9.06am.
However, SSEN say residents may be facing low voltage.
We're very sorry for the #POWERCUT affecting #EASTWELLOW # WESTWELLOW #ROMSEY and the surrounding areas. We have a fault on our main network but are aiming to restore power by 11:30.
If you have any concerns or queries please send us over a DM.
(FZ2608) — ssencommunity (@ssencommunity) February 7, 2020
It was originally thought customers would have no power until 11.30am.
The cause of the power cut took place at 8.29am this morning which due to a "fault in the main network".
A spokesperson from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), said: “We’d like to apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused, and thank them for their patience as our engineers work to restore power as quickly as possible.”
SSEN engineers are on-site and investigating the cause.


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--Saints fan in his 60s bailed after alleged anti-Semitic abuse in FA Cup clash

A SAINTS fan was arrested over alleged anti-Semitism during the club 's FA Cup defeat to Spurs .
Hampshire Police 's Football Unit say the fan was arrested over an alleged anti-Semitic comment during Saints ' 3-2 FA Cup Fourth Round Replay defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday .
The Metropolitan Police , who were dealing with the alleged incident , said last night that a man in his 60s had been arrested .
A spokesperson for the force said : `` Police are investigating an incident where is it is claimed racial abuse was heard from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ match on Wednesday , 5 February .
`` A man in his 60s was arrested at Tottenham ’ s stadium on suspicion of racially aggravated offence and has been bailed to a later date this month .
`` The Met will work with both clubs while enquiries into the incident are ongoing . ''
A spokesperson for Saints said : `` Southampton Football Club is aware of an alleged incident during last night ’ s FA Cup fourth-round replay at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium .
`` The club is currently investigating the matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Metropolitan Police .
`` We take a zero-tolerance approach towards any discriminatory behaviour . ''
The FA Cup replay got off to a bad start for Saints when Tanguy Ndombele 's strike took an unfortunate deflection off Saints defender Jack Stephens and past Angus Gunn for an own goal .
But Shane Long managed to pull one back before half-time , before Saints took the lead through a Danny Ings strike .
Tottenham 's Lucas Moura levelled six minutes later before a late penalty by Heung-Min Son won it for the @ @ @

Hampshire Police's Football Unit say the fan was arrested over an alleged anti-Semitic comment during Saints' 3-2 FA Cup Fourth Round Replay defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday.
The Metropolitan Police, who were dealing with the alleged incident, said last night that a man in his 60s had been arrested.
A spokesperson for the force said: "Police are investigating an incident where is it is claimed racial abuse was heard from the crowd during a Southampton Vs Tottenham Spurs match on Wednesday, 5 February.
"A man in his 60s was arrested at Tottenham’s stadium on suspicion of racially aggravated offence and has been bailed to a later date this month.
"The Met will work with both clubs while enquiries into the incident are ongoing."
A spokesperson for Saints said: "Southampton Football Club is aware of an alleged incident during last night’s FA Cup fourth-round replay at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
"The club is currently investigating the matter and cooperating fully with both Hampshire Police and the Metropolitan Police.
"We take a zero-tolerance approach towards any discriminatory behaviour."
The FA Cup replay got off to a bad start for Saints when Tanguy Ndombele's strike took an unfortunate deflection off Saints defender Jack Stephens and past Angus Gunn for an own goal.
But Shane Long managed to pull one back before half-time, before Saints took the lead through a Danny Ings strike.
Tottenham's Lucas Moura levelled six minutes later before a late penalty by Heung-Min Son won it for the home side.


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--Eastleigh train derailment caused by fastenings "giving way"

A TRAIN that caused chaos for commuters after it derailed in Eastleigh came off the tracks due to a `` infrastructure fault '' .
The main railway line reopened through Eastleigh on Monday following the derailment of a freight train at the station and six days of emergency repair works .
It has now been revealed by Network Rail that the cause of the incident was infrastructure fault , when a small number of fastenings gave way .
This led to track spread - meaning that the two rails were no longer the correct distance apart .
However , Network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Station should always check before travelling as not all trains can call at the railway station .
John Halsall , Network Rail Southern Region Managing Director said : “ The railway through Eastleigh has been reopened .
The derailment caused a phenomenal amount of damage to the rail infrastructure ; we are working as quickly as we can to restore the full service and apologise to those whose journeys are still affected .
A new set of points is being constructed from scratch as the old set were damaged beyond repair , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the coming weeks .
“ We now understand the cause of the derailment .
`` A small number of fastenings holding the track to the rail gave way causing track spread and the two rails were pushed apart .
`` Passenger safety is our top priority ; we have conducted detailed inspections of all other locations across the route where similar fastenings are found and no additional areas of concern have been identified through this work.
” Since the incident , Network Rail has carried out `` enhanced precautionary '' inspections of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with no additional areas of concern identified through this work .
Hydraulic jacks and cranes were used to lift the wagons back on to the track before they were removed from site .
The derailed train caused extensive damage to several sets of points , which allow trains to cross from one track to another .
These had to be removed completely and a new set will be built off site to a bespoke design , this is expected to be delivered over coming weeks .
More than 160 metres of temporary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening of the railway , however , without the critical points in place , not all trains can call at Eastleigh station .
The official Rail Industry Accident Board ( RAIB ) investigation is ongoing .

The main railway line reopened through Eastleigh on Monday following the derailment of a freight train at the station and six days of emergency repair works.
It has now been revealed by Network Rail that the cause of the incident was infrastructure fault, when a small number of fastenings gave way.
This led to track spread - meaning that the two rails were no longer the correct distance apart.
However, Network Rail have warned that passengers using Eastleigh Station should always check before travelling as not all trains can call at the railway station.
John Halsall, Network Rail Southern Region Managing Director said: “The railway through Eastleigh has been reopened. The derailment caused a phenomenal amount of damage to the rail infrastructure; we are working as quickly as we can to restore the full service and apologise to those whose journeys are still affected. A new set of points is being constructed from scratch as the old set were damaged beyond repair, this will take time and will be completed in the coming weeks.
“We now understand the cause of the derailment.
"A small number of fastenings holding the track to the rail gave way causing track spread and the two rails were pushed apart.
"Passenger safety is our top priority; we have conducted detailed inspections of all other locations across the route where similar fastenings are found and no additional areas of concern have been identified through this work.”
Since the incident, Network Rail has carried out "enhanced precautionary" inspections of all similar fastenings across the Wessex route, with no additional areas of concern identified through this work.
Hydraulic jacks and cranes were used to lift the wagons back on to the track before they were removed from site.
The derailed train caused extensive damage to several sets of points, which allow trains to cross from one track to another.
These had to be removed completely and a new set will be built off site to a bespoke design, this is expected to be delivered over coming weeks.
More than 160 metres of temporary track has been laid to allow the reopening of the railway, however, without the critical points in place, not all trains can call at Eastleigh station.
The official Rail Industry Accident Board (RAIB) investigation is ongoing.


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--Southampton students could win £25,000 with new invention

SOUTHAMPTON students have made it to the semi-finals of a national competition , and they could win £25,000 .
Sophie and Hannah from Wildern Secondary School have been named semi-finalists of the Longitude Explorer Prize , which aims at encouraging young people to create and develop tech solutions to the major challenges the world faces .
Their invention is called Artificial Intelligence to Support the Elderly ( AISE ) , which aims at supporting elderly people mentally , physically and emotionally , so they can remain healthy .
AISE is a robot in the form of small human , cat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this is linked to the robot and sends customised reminders , meal options and exercises for the owner to choose and follow , while it can show affection using face recognition to reduce loneliness in the elderly .
Sam Clissold , Science Teacher at Wildern Secondary School said : `` We ’ re incredibly proud of Sophie and Hannah .
They ’ ve worked so hard on AISE , thinking about the challenge of loneliness and isolation in old age , coming up with the concept of AISE and developing the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talent of Wildern ’ s students , and so deserving to have made it to the semi-finals and we ’ re excited to see how they develop AISE in the coming weeks and have fingers crossed that they ’ ll make it to the finals at the end of this term.
” The pair attended an event at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London on Thursday January 30 , where the 60 semi-final teams learnt about coding , artificial intelligence and presentation skills to help them develop their idea and make it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Sophie and Hannah from Wildern Secondary School have been named semi-finalists of the Longitude Explorer Prize, which aims at encouraging young people to create and develop tech solutions to the major challenges the world faces.
Their invention is called Artificial Intelligence to Support the Elderly (AISE), which aims at supporting elderly people mentally, physically and emotionally, so they can remain healthy.
AISE is a robot in the form of small human, cat or dog, equipped with an app and this is linked to the robot and sends customised reminders, meal options and exercises for the owner to choose and follow, while it can show affection using face recognition to reduce loneliness in the elderly.
Sam Clissold, Science Teacher at Wildern Secondary School said: "We’re incredibly proud of Sophie and Hannah. They’ve worked so hard on AISE, thinking about the challenge of loneliness and isolation in old age, coming up with the concept of AISE and developing the idea.
They are great examples of the talent of Wildern’s students, and so deserving to have made it to the semi-finals and we’re excited to see how they develop AISE in the coming weeks and have fingers crossed that they’ll make it to the finals at the end of this term.”
The pair attended an event at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London on Thursday January 30, where the 60 semi-final teams learnt about coding, artificial intelligence and presentation skills to help them develop their idea and make it a reality over the next six months.


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--Police appeal after assault at Le Tissier Court in Southampton


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--Eastleigh health clinic plans in Swan Centre Leisure are approved

PLANS for a new town centre health clinic in Eastleigh have been approved .
What was once a Chinese restaurant is set to become a children 's health centre and sexual health clinic .
It will be located in the Swan Centre Leisure Extension in what was the Kung Fu buffet and which has stood empty since last April .
There will be two separate entrances to the centre , with the children 's health area featuring four counselling rooms , a group room , toilets , reception and waiting area .
Meanwhile , the sexual health clinic will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room and a laboratory .
The clinic will have shared back-of-house functions such as staff changing rooms , storage , a disposal hold , IT hub and housekeeping .
The application which was submitted by Solent NHS Trust was approved because it will support the vitality and viability of the town centre .
According to the NHS locals will benefit from improved availability of services due to their central location in the Swan Centre .
The NHS claims its children ’ s therapies and sexual health clinics will support the delivery of high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoped the central location of the clinics within the Swan Centre will mean longer opening hours .
Patients will also benefit from a range of public transport connections including bus and rail links .
Deputy leader of Eastleigh Borough Council and cabinet member for regeneration , Paul Bicknell , said : `` It is a positive addition to the town centre .
Eastleigh is very lucky in that our occupancy levels are slightly higher than the regional and national averages but this will Still be very welcome to the town centre .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concept and becoming less about retail and more about places as destinations to either partake in leisure activities , generally relaxing , hence the increase in coffee shops and cafes , eating out in restaurants or to visit community facilities such as health hubs , libraries etc .
`` The addition of this new health clinic in the Swan Centre forms part of that transition and will provide a valuable service that can be accessed quickly and easily within the town centre in between potentially doing other things rather than as a standalone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre .
`` As time moves on more of these type of facilities will appear in town centres across the country as towns adapt to modern lifestyles and demands . ''

What was once a Chinese restaurant is set to become a children's health centre and sexual health clinic.
It will be located in the Swan Centre Leisure Extension in what was the Kung Fu buffet and which has stood empty since last April.
There will be two separate entrances to the centre, with the children's health area featuring four counselling rooms, a group room, toilets, reception and waiting area.
Meanwhile, the sexual health clinic will also feature four consulting rooms, an interview room and a laboratory.
The clinic will have shared back-of-house functions such as staff changing rooms, storage, a disposal hold, IT hub and housekeeping.
The application which was submitted by Solent NHS Trust was approved because it will support the vitality and viability of the town centre.
According to the NHS locals will benefit from improved availability of services due to their central location in the Swan Centre.
The NHS claims its children’s therapies and sexual health clinics will support the delivery of high quality and dedicated healthcare.
It is hoped the central location of the clinics within the Swan Centre will mean longer opening hours.
Patients will also benefit from a range of public transport connections including bus and rail links.
Deputy leader of Eastleigh Borough Council and cabinet member for regeneration, Paul Bicknell, said: "It is a positive addition to the town centre. Eastleigh is very lucky in that our occupancy levels are slightly higher than the regional and national averages but this will Still be very welcome to the town centre.
"Town centres are changing from their traditional concept and becoming less about retail and more about places as destinations to either partake in leisure activities, generally relaxing, hence the increase in coffee shops and cafes, eating out in restaurants or to visit community facilities such as health hubs, libraries etc.
"The addition of this new health clinic in the Swan Centre forms part of that transition and will provide a valuable service that can be accessed quickly and easily within the town centre in between potentially doing other things rather than as a standalone clinic outside and away from the town centre.
"As time moves on more of these type of facilities will appear in town centres across the country as towns adapt to modern lifestyles and demands."


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--10 things to do across Hampshire this weekend

TAKE a step back in time in Basingstoke this weekend .
As 2020 marks 125 years of the National Trust , take a look around The Vyne 's garden history .
Put on your detective gear and be prepared to learn dozens of fascinating facts .
Trail sheets will be available from Visitor Reception .
A family version will also be available .
Embark on a mission through the galaxy with an exciting space-themed live science show and Invention Studio activities .
Learn about the current search for life on Mars , the latest space telescope technology and discover the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can launch rockets far into the cosmos .
Admission : £13.20 per person ( with GiftAid ) , including live science show and Invention Studio activities .
Planetarium tickets sold separately .
WHEN it 's grey and chilly outside why not go inside and paint something bright and shiny ?
Botanical artist Candida Groom will be at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens this week .
She will show you watercolour techniques to make fruit and vegetables glow and leaves shine .
Then add some realistic rain drops !
Suitable for beginners and those with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day courses are the perfect start for people wanting to try their hand at throwing clay on a potter 's wheel .
They run these courses in small class sizes to ensure you get as much one on one tuition as possible – and there 's one this weekend .
The course includes : clay preparation , throwing bowls and upright pots and one masterpiece fired and glazed .
Grayshott Pottery will also provide refreshments throughout the day and a tasty lunch with the group in the Kiln Café .
TO CELEBRATE National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be hosting a storytelling session with DD Storyteller this weekend .
Made up of two one hour sessions ( 1pm and 2.30pm ) , it will include interactive traditional tales and an chance to make woodland animal masks .
Tickets are £8 per child , which includes one free accompanying adult .
CHERITON Sessions presents an exciting Saturday evening with The French Chanteuse Pauline Callais with Spainish Guitarist Keith Hastings .
An intoxicating blend of smooth jazz vocals and elegant Spanish Guitar .
Tickets are available locally from Cheriton Stores and The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Village Hall from 8pm .
LEARN how to create a variety of colourful curries from around the world such as Keralan fish curry to Pakistani pumpkin curry , balancing herbs and spices suitable for your palette , it 's time to spice up your life .
Steve Bulmer will be sharing his specialist knowledge at The Kitchen at Chewton Glen this Saturday .
MEGSON are four-time nominees for the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award and double winners at the Spiral Earth Awards .
They will be performing at The Square Tower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members Stu and Debs bring an infectious mix of heavenly vocals , lush harmonies and driving rhythmic guitars .
Megson have gained fame on the British folk and roots scene , not only for their arresting and intelligent songwriting , but for their exquisite musicianship and northern humour .
As Roots Magazine puts it : `` If you do n't like the music here then you have a problem ! ''
THE 2019 Edinburgh Fringe sell out hit – Philly Philly Wang Wang – is coming to Winchester on Saturday .
Phil Wang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sex , romance , politics , and his mixed British-Malaysian heritage with shows that delight in his unique Wang brand of smart and silly .
This one is about morality and the modern sense of self .
Swell !
As seen on Taskmaster , Live at the Apollo and Netflix .
How far would you go to be free ?
Would you leave your home ?
your country ?
…..your family ?
Local award winning storyteller and actor Michele O'Brien will bring her magic to Forest Forge Theatre on Saturday .
Through storytelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Dove will entertain , enchant and educate audiences .
Mary 's in the Charity Shop pricing up donations .
Through a treasure of objects she learns about the adventures of two ships The Ark and Dove – a gripping story from the year 1633 .

TAKE a step back in time in Basingstoke this weekend.
As 2020 marks 125 years of the National Trust, take a look around The Vyne's garden history.
Put on your detective gear and be prepared to learn dozens of fascinating facts.
Trail sheets will be available from Visitor Reception.
A family version will also be available.
2 In Winchester...
DISCOVER Destination Space at Winchester Science Centre this weekend.
Embark on a mission through the galaxy with an exciting space-themed live science show and Invention Studio activities.
Learn about the current search for life on Mars, the latest space telescope technology and discover the specially designed sites across the Earth that can launch rockets far into the cosmos.
Admission: £13.20 per person (with GiftAid), including live science show and Invention Studio activities. Planetarium tickets sold separately.
3 In Romsey...
WHEN it's grey and chilly outside why not go inside and paint something bright and shiny?
Botanical artist Candida Groom will be at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens this week.
She will show you watercolour techniques to make fruit and vegetables glow and leaves shine. Then add some realistic rain drops!
Suitable for beginners and those with some experience.
A materials list is supplied.
Price: £61, includes lunch. Booking is essential.
4 In Grayshott...
GRAYSHOTT Pottery's one day courses are the perfect start for people wanting to try their hand at throwing clay on a potter's wheel.
They run these courses in small class sizes to ensure you get as much one on one tuition as possible – and there's one this weekend.
The course includes: clay preparation, throwing bowls and upright pots and one masterpiece fired and glazed.
Grayshott Pottery will also provide refreshments throughout the day and a tasty lunch with the group in the Kiln Café.
5 In Selborne...
TO CELEBRATE National Storytelling Week, Gilbert White's House will be hosting a storytelling session with DD Storyteller this weekend.
Made up of two one hour sessions (1pm and 2.30pm), it will include interactive traditional tales and an chance to make woodland animal masks.
Tickets are £8 per child, which includes one free accompanying adult.
6 In Cheriton...
CHERITON Sessions presents an exciting Saturday evening with The French Chanteuse Pauline Callais with Spainish Guitarist Keith Hastings.
An intoxicating blend of smooth jazz vocals and elegant Spanish Guitar.
Tickets are available locally from Cheriton Stores and The Flower Pots Inn
Cheriton Sessions takes place in the Village Hall from 8pm.
7 In New Milton...
LEARN how to create a variety of colourful curries from around the world such as Keralan fish curry to Pakistani pumpkin curry, balancing herbs and spices suitable for your palette, it's time to spice up your life.
Steve Bulmer will be sharing his specialist knowledge at The Kitchen at Chewton Glen this Saturday.
£190 per person, booking essential.
8 In Portsmouth...
MEGSON are four-time nominees for the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award and double winners at the Spiral Earth Awards.
They will be performing at The Square Tower in Broad Street this Saturday.
Band members Stu and Debs bring an infectious mix of heavenly vocals, lush harmonies and driving rhythmic guitars.
Megson have gained fame on the British folk and roots scene, not only for their arresting and intelligent songwriting, but for their exquisite musicianship and northern humour.
As Roots Magazine puts it: "If you don't like the music here then you have a problem!"
9 In Winchester...
THE 2019 Edinburgh Fringe sell out hit – Philly Philly Wang Wang – is coming to Winchester on Saturday.
Phil Wang has made a name for himself exploring sex, romance, politics, and his mixed British-Malaysian heritage with shows that delight in his unique Wang brand of smart and silly.
This one is about morality and the modern sense of self. Swell!
As seen on Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo and Netflix.
10 In Ringwood...
How far would you go to be free? Would you leave your home? your country?…..your family?
Local award winning storyteller and actor Michele O'Brien will bring her magic to Forest Forge Theatre on Saturday.
Through storytelling, dance and puppetry, The Ark and Dove will entertain, enchant and educate audiences.
Mary's in the Charity Shop pricing up donations. Through a treasure of objects she learns about the adventures of two ships The Ark and Dove – a gripping story from the year 1633.


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--Pranksters wrap swings in cling film in Totton park

To the surprise of residents , pranksters in Totton covered the kids play area in Cheam Way Park with cling film .
The swings and play house were wrapped in layers of the product overnight between February 4 and February 5 .
Colleen Geary , who lives on Cheam Way , saw the play park on a Facebook community group and headed straight down there with a bin bag to clear the rubbish .
She then cleared up the park to let kids continue playing .
Colleen said : “ I saw it on Facebook and thought I would come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help out because I know the kids use it .
“ I am not annoyed , we have had graffiti and things on the park so this is not bad at all.
” Nicki Desty , a Totton resident , said : “ There ’ s a lot of nasty kids going round Totton right now , no respect for anyone or anything .
`` If anyone should say anything to them , they spit or deliberately ride their bikes into them and that ’ s on a good day .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poor drivers are having to slam brakes on to avoid hitting them , their luck will run out and that poor driver is going to go through hell .
“ So I think the cling film prank not only is harmless and protects the equipment from harsh weather , it ’ s a massive change in their behaviour.
” Residents praised the prank and dubbed it a “ nice change ” following serious crimes such as burglaries and vandalism .
Emma Birtwell , who works in Totton , said : “ I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , complete harmless fun - most of us at some stage have cling filmed or toilet rolled something over the years .
“ With all the robbing and hatred going on it ’ s actually nice to see a harmless prank . ''
She added : “ They hurt nobody and damaged nothing I can honestly say some people need to remember they was kids once.
” This comes as vandals targeted an iconic war statue .
The War Horse memorial in Romsey had its reigns and paint damaged .

To the surprise of residents, pranksters in Totton covered the kids play area in Cheam Way Park with cling film.
The swings and play house were wrapped in layers of the product overnight between February 4 and February 5.
Colleen Geary, who lives on Cheam Way, saw the play park on a Facebook community group and headed straight down there with a bin bag to clear the rubbish.
She then cleared up the park to let kids continue playing.
Colleen said: “I saw it on Facebook and thought I would come and clear it up - I wanted to help out because I know the kids use it.
“I am not annoyed, we have had graffiti and things on the park so this is not bad at all.”
Nicki Desty, a Totton resident, said: “There’s a lot of nasty kids going round Totton right now, no respect for anyone or anything.
"If anyone should say anything to them, they spit or deliberately ride their bikes into them and that’s on a good day.
"They play chicken on the roads and poor drivers are having to slam brakes on to avoid hitting them, their luck will run out and that poor driver is going to go through hell.
“So I think the cling film prank not only is harmless and protects the equipment from harsh weather, it’s a massive change in their behaviour.”
Residents praised the prank and dubbed it a “nice change” following serious crimes such as burglaries and vandalism.
Emma Birtwell, who works in Totton, said: “I think this was funny, kids being kids, complete harmless fun - most of us at some stage have cling filmed or toilet rolled something over the years.
“With all the robbing and hatred going on it’s actually nice to see a harmless prank."
She added: “They hurt nobody and damaged nothing I can honestly say some people need to remember they was kids once.”
This comes as vandals targeted an iconic war statue.
The War Horse memorial in Romsey had its reigns and paint damaged.


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--Eastleigh college has its record number of 'Oxbridge' university applicants

A COLLEGE in Eastleigh has had its record number of students successfully secure Oxbridge places this year .
Record numbers of Barton Peveril Sixth Form College students are celebrating offers to study at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge , as 22 students have received offers to study at the highly selective Universities .
This brings the college 's total number of successful applicants to 84 within the last five years .
Barton Peveril Principal Jonathan Prest said : `` “ Above all I am delighted for the individuals concerned who have been working so hard to win a place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepared them .
“ 22 students receiving offers from Oxford and Cambridge is the highest number we have ever had .
So why the growing success ?
Our Careers Manager , Shoonagh Hubble has set up the wonderful Aspire Programme to broaden students in an academic way and established a group of former Oxbridge educated volunteers who have mentored our students for the best part of a year .
`` I am also grateful to Winchester College dons who have also given up their time to offer practice interviews , set in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping our students to cope with unfamiliar surroundings and people.
” The students have been offered places to study a wide range of subjects , from Medicine to Classical Archaeology , with 7 heading to Cambridge and the other 15 set to study at Oxford .
Max Slavik was accepted by Cambridge to study Engineering and he said : `` The College really supported the preparation for my interview in every way possible .
Thanks to the Careers Team , the Maths Department and my personal Oxbridge mentor , I felt relaxed during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready .
”

Record numbers of Barton Peveril Sixth Form College students are celebrating offers to study at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, as 22 students have received offers to study at the highly selective Universities.
This brings the college's total number of successful applicants to 84 within the last five years.
Barton Peveril Principal Jonathan Prest said: "“Above all I am delighted for the individuals concerned who have been working so hard to win a place, and for their teachers who have prepared them.
“22 students receiving offers from Oxford and Cambridge is the highest number we have ever had. So why the growing success? Our Careers Manager, Shoonagh Hubble has set up the wonderful Aspire Programme to broaden students in an academic way and established a group of former Oxbridge educated volunteers who have mentored our students for the best part of a year.
"I am also grateful to Winchester College dons who have also given up their time to offer practice interviews, set in the cloisters of the historic public school, helping our students to cope with unfamiliar surroundings and people.”
The students have been offered places to study a wide range of subjects, from Medicine to Classical Archaeology, with 7 heading to Cambridge and the other 15 set to study at Oxford.
Max Slavik was accepted by Cambridge to study Engineering and he said: "The College really supported the preparation for my interview in every way possible. Thanks to the Careers Team, the Maths Department and my personal Oxbridge mentor, I felt relaxed during my interview as I knew I was ready.”


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--ARCHIVE PIC OF THE DAY: Southampton Musical Society at the Palace Theatre in 1935

MEMBERS of the Southampton Musical Society performed the operetta , Tom Jones , at the Palace Theatre in 1935 .
This photograph was taken by the well-known local photographer of the time Nellie G Smith , who had a studio in Commercial Road .
A review of the production in the Daily Echo said : “ The opera went with a hearty swing but the audience was not nearly as big as it should have been.
” The society ’ s inaugural performance , Handel ’ s Messiah , took place at the Central Hall in Southampton in 1928 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Creation .
In 1931 , the society broadened its horizons and put on an extravagant production of Hiawatha , the first time it had been performed outside London .
The production ran for six performances , had a cast of 285 , including 60 ballet dancers , and was accompanied by the 36-piece Northwood Orchestra .
The show was highly successful as it was repeated in April 1934 .
The society carries on its theatrical tradition to this day with regular productions in and around Southampton .
If you have any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about this picture , why not leave a comment ?

This photograph was taken by the well-known local photographer of the time Nellie G Smith, who had a studio in Commercial Road.
A review of the production in the Daily Echo said:“The opera went with a hearty swing but the audience was not nearly as big as it should have been.”
The society’s inaugural performance, Handel’s Messiah, took place at the Central Hall in Southampton in 1928 and was followed a year later by Haydn’s Creation.
In 1931, the society broadened its horizons and put on an extravagant production of Hiawatha, the first time it had been performed outside London.
The production ran for six performances, had a cast of 285, including 60 ballet dancers, and was accompanied by the 36-piece Northwood Orchestra.
The show was highly successful as it was repeated in April 1934.
The society carries on its theatrical tradition to this day with regular productions in and around Southampton.
If you have any more information you would like to share about this picture, why not leave a comment?


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--New mums praise Hampshire hospital

New mums praise Hampshire hospital

WOMEN giving birth at a Hampshire hospital eel they are treated with kindness , understanding , respect and dignity , according to a new survey .
The 2019 Maternity Survey , part of the patient survey programme co-ordinated by the Care Quality Commission ( CQC ) , asked mums who gave birth in February 2019 to answer questions about different aspects of their care and treatment .
The report from the CQC shows how Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , which runs maternity services at Andover War Memorial Hospital , Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and Royal Hampshire County Hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national average for each question in the survey compared with the range of results from 125 other NHS Trusts in England .
For each question , responses are converted into scores on a scale of zero to 10 , with higher scores indicating more positive responses .
Hampshire Hospitals scored 9.4 out of 10 when women were asked if they were treated with respect and dignity during labour and birth and 8.9 when asked if they were treated with kindness and understanding by staff after they had given birth .
The trust scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partner or companion was involved as much as they wanted in their care during labour and birth , and 9.7 when asked if staff had discussed their mental health with them after they had given birth .
It also scored highly when mums were asked if their decisions about how to feed their baby were respected by midwives .
Fay Corder , head of midwifery and women ’ s health at Hampshire Hospitals , said : “ I ’ m delighted to hear that the women we care for feel they are treated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dignity by our fantastic maternity team .
It ’ s fantastic to know that the dedication and compassion shown by them is making a real difference to women and their families .
“ I was especially pleased to see that we scored 9.6 when women were asked if they were spoken to in a way they could understand during labour and birth .
Communication is incredibly important in making sure that women are informed and have the best possible experience .
”

The 2019 Maternity Survey, part of the patient survey programme co-ordinated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), asked mums who gave birth in February 2019 to answer questions about different aspects of their care and treatment.
The report from the CQC shows how Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs maternity services at Andover War Memorial Hospital, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and Royal Hampshire County Hospital, in Winchester, scored above the national average for each question in the survey compared with the range of results from 125 other NHS Trusts in England.
For each question, responses are converted into scores on a scale of zero to 10, with higher scores indicating more positive responses.
Hampshire Hospitals scored 9.4 out of 10 when women were asked if they were treated with respect and dignity during labour and birth and 8.9 when asked if they were treated with kindness and understanding by staff after they had given birth.
The trust scored 9.6 when women were asked if their partner or companion was involved as much as they wanted in their care during labour and birth, and 9.7 when asked if staff had discussed their mental health with them after they had given birth. It also scored highly when mums were asked if their decisions about how to feed their baby were respected by midwives.
Fay Corder, head of midwifery and women’s health at Hampshire Hospitals, said: “I’m delighted to hear that the women we care for feel they are treated with understanding, respect, kindness and dignity by our fantastic maternity team. It’s fantastic to know that the dedication and compassion shown by them is making a real difference to women and their families.
“I was especially pleased to see that we scored 9.6 when women were asked if they were spoken to in a way they could understand during labour and birth. Communication is incredibly important in making sure that women are informed and have the best possible experience.”


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--NHS trust begins celebrations for LGBT+ History Month

A NHS trust is flying the flag for LGBT+ History Month with a series of events .
Solent NHS Trust started its celebrations at a launch event arranged by its LGBT+ and Allies Resource Group which included a number of activities and events .
As part of the event , the Trust held a Schwartz Round – a monthly forum where staff can openly and confidentially discuss reflections around a particular topic .
The title of the round was ‘ To Thine Own Self Be True ’ , where colleagues talked about LGBT+ themes .
The launch event also saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rainbow Badge .
By wearing the badge , colleagues are sending a message that service users and other colleagues can freely talk about LGBT+ issues with them in a safe space , where they will be listened to without prejudice and can be assisted to appropriate support where needed .
At the end of February , the LGBT+ history month will conclude with colleagues being invited to the Solent Stories event , where they can ‘ borrow ’ an LGBT-related human book , listen to that person ’ s story and have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ otherwise have an opportunity to ask .
Dr Joseph Bagley , Convenor of the Solent NHS Trust LGBT+ and Allies Resource Group , said : “ I am incredibly humbled , grateful and proud to have launched LGBT+ History month on behalf of Solent NHS Trust and our Resource Group .
“ We know that people work better when they are able to be themselves .
`` When individuals feel safe and truly able to do this , without constantly self-checking and inhibiting their talents or traits , it allows them to utilise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realise they had . ''
He added : `` This energy can help drive positivity , innovation and inclusive change within our Trust .
Leaders and managers are truly authentic when they proactively facilitate their teams to feel able to be open and authentic too .
`` This will make our services more inclusive and a safe space for our service users . ''
This year ’ s international theme for the History Month is ‘ Poetry , Prose and Plays ’ .
Dr Bagley said : “ We are committed to being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for both our colleagues and our patients.
” The launch event took place on Monday , February 3 2020 .

Solent NHS Trust started its celebrations at a launch event arranged by its LGBT+ and Allies Resource Group which included a number of activities and events.
As part of the event, the Trust held a Schwartz Round – a monthly forum where staff can openly and confidentially discuss reflections around a particular topic.
The title of the round was ‘To Thine Own Self Be True’, where colleagues talked about LGBT+ themes.
The launch event also saw the Trust hand out its 1,000th NHS Rainbow Badge.
By wearing the badge, colleagues are sending a message that service users and other colleagues can freely talk about LGBT+ issues with them in a safe space, where they will be listened to without prejudice and can be assisted to appropriate support where needed.
At the end of February, the LGBT+ history month will conclude with colleagues being invited to the Solent Stories event, where they can ‘borrow’ an LGBT-related human book, listen to that person’s story and have the chance to ask questions they may not otherwise have an opportunity to ask.
Dr Joseph Bagley, Convenor of the Solent NHS Trust LGBT+ and Allies Resource Group, said: “I am incredibly humbled, grateful and proud to have launched LGBT+ History month on behalf of Solent NHS Trust and our Resource Group.
“We know that people work better when they are able to be themselves.
"When individuals feel safe and truly able to do this, without constantly self-checking and inhibiting their talents or traits, it allows them to utilise an energy source they didn’t realise they had."
He added: "This energy can help drive positivity, innovation and inclusive change within our Trust. Leaders and managers are truly authentic when they proactively facilitate their teams to feel able to be open and authentic too.
"This will make our services more inclusive and a safe space for our service users."
This year’s international theme for the History Month is ‘Poetry, Prose and Plays’.
Dr Bagley said: “We are committed to being an open, non-judgemental and inclusive place for both our colleagues and our patients.”
The launch event took place on Monday, February 3 2020.


thedailyecho--2020-02-07--Mamma Mia returns to Southampton stage next week

FEEL-good musical sensation Mamma Mia is set to return to Southampton for a three week run from Tuesday as part of a UK tour marking 20 years since the celebrated show premiered in London .
From West End to global phenomenon , Mamma Mia is Judy Craymer ’ s ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA ’ s timeless songs with a sunny , funny tale of a mother , a daughter and three possible dads unfolding on a Greek island idyll .
Sophie 's quest to discover the father she ’ s never known brings her mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they 'll never forget .
Enjoy all the greatest hits of the Swedish supergroup including I Do , I Do , I Do , I Do , I Do , Dancing Queen , Take A Chance On Me , Waterloo , Does Your Mother Know , Voulez-Vous and the title track .
It has been seen by over 60 million people in 50 productions in 16 different languages .
In 2011 it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China .
Mamma Mia became the eighth longest running show in Broadway history where it played a record-breaking run for 14 years .
Mamma Mia continues to thrill audiences in London ’ s West End at the Novello Theatre .
The movie became the highest grossing live action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008 .
A second film , Mamma Mia , Here We Go Again , opened last July and is the most successful live musical movie sequel of all time .
Judy Craymer , Creator and Producer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are thrilled to be bringing Mamma Mia back to the wonderful audiences of Southampton as part of the 20 year celebrations since the musical first opened in London ’ s West End .
`` It ’ s truly a very special year .
We can ’ t wait to share the treasured music of ABBA and feel-good story with Southampton again.
” With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus , Mamma Mia is written by Catherine Johnson , directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with lighting design by Howard Harrison , sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken , and musical supervision , additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch .
The show runs from Tuesday to Saturday February 29 .
Tickets are on sale now from 023 8071 1811 or mayflower.org.uk

From West End to global phenomenon, Mamma Mia is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with a sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads unfolding on a Greek island idyll.
Sophie's quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they'll never forget.
Enjoy all the greatest hits of the Swedish supergroup including I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, Dancing Queen, Take A Chance On Me, Waterloo, Does Your Mother Know, Voulez-Vous and the title track.
It has been seen by over 60 million people in 50 productions in 16 different languages. In 2011 it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China. Mamma Mia became the eighth longest running show in Broadway history where it played a record-breaking run for 14 years. Mamma Mia continues to thrill audiences in London’s West End at the Novello Theatre.
The movie became the highest grossing live action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008. A second film, Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again, opened last July and is the most successful live musical movie sequel of all time.
Judy Craymer, Creator and Producer of Mamma Mia, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing Mamma Mia back to the wonderful audiences of Southampton as part of the 20 year celebrations since the musical first opened in London’s West End.
"It’s truly a very special year. We can’t wait to share the treasured music of ABBA and feel-good story with Southampton again.”
With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, Mamma Mia is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.
The show runs from Tuesday to Saturday February 29.
Tickets are on sale now from 023 8071 1811 or mayflower.org.uk