bitternepark.info podcasts

Bitterne Park Triangle Christmas Fayre

In this brief piece, traders and others reflect on the Christmas Fayre this year (2011).

Meet the Woodcraft Folk

In this extended audio, we find out about the Woodcraft Folk, “a movement for children and young people, open to everyone from birth to adult”. ‘Woodies’ meet locally in Bitterne Park and in central Southampton, and, contrary to popular belief, not that much craft with wood is actually involved! We talk to parents and children to find out what really goes on, and learn a little about the organisation’s history, too.

Unions demand fair pensions for all

Unions came together in Southampton on Wednesday lunchtime to demand fair pensions for all. Teaching unions, including the traditionally moderate ATL, joined a range of other public sector unions to protest. Organisers estimated the turnout at around 3,000. We recorded an interview and speeches by representatives of the teaching unions to find out why they decided to take the action they did. For more click here.

Audio: Schools will close as teachers strike

School closures are likely across the city on Wednesday (November 30) as teachers, support staff and perhaps even head teachers join other public sector workers in nationwide industrial action. Already Bitterne Park Infant, Bitterne Park Junior and St Denys Primary have said they will be closed. A rally will assemble at Hoglands Park at noon. Read more on bitternepark.info and hear our interview with Sam Cutler from Sholing Technology College, who is in the moderate ATL union, at the last protest in June.

Traders take Triangle Xmas fayre step further

Traders aim to bring the community together for a bigger and better Christmas fayre on Friday, December 16, 2011 from 5.30 – 8pm. Hear Karen Evens from Tiger Lily florist talking about the event.

Multi-band TV-themed charity night

Sofa City Bands Collective is hosting a charity gig at Talking Heads with a raft of local bands performing in aid of Jail Guitar Doors – a charity founded by Billy Bragg – and the Society of St James. Listen to our interview with organiser Colin McAllister. Full story on portswood.info.

July 11 – City’s ‘Armageddon Day’ looms

As the Southampton City Council’s deadline of July 11 approaches, when workers who fail to accept pay cuts will be sacked, and following on from our coverage of UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentice’s speech in the city, we spoke to Jeremy Moulton, Deputy Leader of Conservative-led council, to find out why he believes pay cuts and dismissals are necessary. For the full article go to bitternepark.info

Social Media Surgery

portswood.info was pleased to attend a 'social media surgery' at the Shooting Star Pub, Bevois Valley Road on July 2, 2011, where social media enthusiasts were on hand to share what they know with people from community organisations who want to learn about the benefits of using these tools. We spoke to organisers Gavin Barker and Jackie Booth to find out more.

Day of action in Southampton

Dave Prentice, General Secretary of UNISON, dropped in to Southampton at a rally of public sector workers, who joined striking teachers in Guildhall Square, with a message for council leader Royston Smith: “there is an alternative to pension and job cuts”, he said. Hear his speech in full below.
Please consider supporting us by using our online shopping links: this helps fund the sites and keep us going! Thanks.

Audio: Tory councillor will object to Westridge plans

Our in-depth audio report about the plan to sell Westridge Road car park in Portswood, Southampton so another supermarket can be built, features interviews with traders, residents, Portswood councillors and MP Dr Alan Whitehead. There is also a poll about the issue on the front page of portswood.info
Please consider supporting us by using our online shopping links: this helps fund the sites and keep us going! Thanks.