- Plus You Limited

Thornhill Today Community Newsletter
Edition 12
Produced by Plus You Limited, Hightown Centre, Tunstall Rd, Thornhill Southampton SO19 6RD
 023 8040 578  [email protected]
On the Road Again
After the vital number 19 bus service was cut from Thornhill, leaving many of
our residents isolated from crucial facilities, months of meetings, negotiations,
and petitions followed. Residents were determined to regain this service which
they believed was a key part of community life.
Residents and Partners from Thornhill Community Voices (TCV) group took the
lead on working to regain the vital bus service, meeting with representatives
from each of the local bus operators and Southampton City Council to find a
solution to this problem. Transportation was already difficult for many
residents, we didn’t need the withdrawal of a vital service making things
worse.
All this effort has paid off and we are now delighted to report that this key bus service has returned to
Thornhill, thanks to Velvet, and all the dedicated individuals who worked so hard to make this happen.
For a one year trial period Velvet Bus Company will now operate a bus route starting at Tesco Bursledon, that
heads towards Sholing, before entering Warburton Road, Hinkler Road, Fairfax Court, Thornhill Park Road,
and going on to Bitterne via Harefield. The 28-seater bus service will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and
Fridays.
PYL Board Director and Thornhill Community Voices group member Trixie Neilson said ‘’It took a lot of hard
work to get this to happen, please use this service as we will lose it if it is not well used’’
Bitterne ward councillor Simon Letts said ‘’I hope this will play a small part in reducing isolation, ensuring
that a bus service is maintained to Thornhill Park Road and Bitterne precinct. I think this is an excellent
example of the community led by TCV working together with the Council to find a solution to a problem.’’
Below is the timetable for the Velvet Bus Service running on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Tesco Bursledon
Sholing Valentine Rd
Sholing Montague Ave
Hightown (Warburton Rd)
Fairfax Court
Thornhill Park Rd (Post Office)
Bentley Green (Harefield)
Bitterne Shops
09.08
09.10
09.15
09.20
09.23
09.29
09.35
Bitterne Shops
Bentley Green (Harefield)
Thornhill Park Rd (Post Office)
Fairfax Court
Hightown (Warburton Rd)
Sholing Montague Ave
Sholing Valentine Rd
Tesco Bursledon
09.45
09.51
09.55
09.57
10.02
10.07
10.09
10.15
10.15
10.23
10.25
10.30
10.35
10.38
10.44
11.50
11.00
11.06
11.10
11.12
11.17
11.22
11.24
11.30
11.33
11.38
11.40
11.45
11.50
11.53
11.59
12.05
12.45
12.51
12.55
12.57
13.02
13.07
13.09
13.15
13.18
13.23
13.25
13.30
13.35
13.38
13.44
13.50
14.00
14.06
14.10
14.12
14.17
14.22
14.24
Sandra Says
Welcome to the Summer edition of Thornhill Today, I hope you are looking forward to the
warmer weather as much as I am. As you can see from this edition things are as busy as ever. In the coming
months we have our annual Thornhill in Bloom gardening competition (see page 6 for details), I’m looking
forward to seeing the beautiful displays of flowers and shrubs. See page 4 for a new exciting activity for
young people, and of course many of our existing projects like STEPS (see page 7) continue to go from
strength to strength, and support our residents towards a better future.
I would like to congratulate the Thornhill Community Voices group on their success in getting a bus service
restored to the Thornhill Park Rd area of the neighbourhood, I know many residents will really appreciate
their efforts. This of course would not have happened without support from Southampton City Council who
will subsidise the new service.
As many of you may be aware I am the Chair of the Thornhill Community Health Group. The group meet once
a month to discuss the delivery and monitoring of community health projects. We are currently looking for
new members to join the group, so! If you are interested in the delivery of health projects that have a direct
community benefit, and can spare a couple of hours each month, please contact me or a member of the PYL
community team for further information on:
Tel  023 8040 5278 or [email protected]
Have A Great Summer Regards Sandra
Hinkler Academies Trust (HAT)
Welcome to the first article in Thornhill Today from the Directors of the Hinkler Academies Trust – the first of
many, I hope. The Hinkler Academies Trust (HAT), which includes Hightown Primary and Kanes Hill Primary
Schools, has now been up and running officially since September 2013.
Many people from the community, as well as within the schools, have
been working behind the scenes for a number of years to get this
exciting initiative off the ground. As you can imagine, there were several
hoops to jump through and mountains of paperwork to complete before
we got the go ahead. I’m glad to say we managed it, because we could
prove that we had the children’s best interests at heart, alongside the
experience and expertise to lead the schools effectively.
Hinkler Academies Trust is based on sharing the principles of excellence,
achievement, equality, learning, and aspiration. We passionately want to provide the best possible
educational experiences for all of our children who, have a right to, and deserve, excellence in our schools.
The staff in both schools are now working together to share outstanding
practice. The role of the Board of Directors is to provide skills, support,
and challenge, to ensure our pupils receive an excellent education and
achieve outcomes. But, none of this would be possible without your
fantastic children. They are such a joy to work with.
As we move forward and become more established, it is very important
to us that we are meeting the needs of your children and of the
community as a whole. So, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if
you have any questions about what is happening now, or what will be going on in the future.
I will be writing regularly in Thornhill Today, and I hope in the next issue to tell you about some of the
exciting events and activities that are happening in both schools. Maybe, a bit about how you could support
HAT. We also hope to be unveiling the new HAT logo very soon.
Regards, Ann Langran, Chair Hinkler Academies Trust
[email protected]
Do you want to learn how to get
online? Come and see how we
can help you...
The Hightown Centre:
Tunstall Rd, Thornhill, SO19 6RD
Telephone: 023 8040 5728
Email: [email protected]
Hightown Centre Basics Bank Food Collection Point
Plus You Limited is now a food collection point for Southampton City Missions Basics Bank.
With the increase in demand being placed on food banks, and with more and more people accessing them,
the need to keep food banks well stocked is imperative.
You can drop off your food donation between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday at the Hightown Centre.
For Information on what food you can donate, please contact Southampton City Mission on:
 [email protected]  023 8055 0435 or www.southamptoncitymission.co.uk
Tips from the Garden Shed
Spices From Around The World.
In times long ago before trains and roads, in lands of mystery, gold, and silver, where
adventures were born, and many wonders of the East were still to be discovered, spices
were found. Some spices were bought back to this country by explorers on ships that
travelled the world discovering new lands; some came via the spice trail. Spices like The
Java galangal was discovered in China.
Grown underground like ginger, with its rhizomes dug up in the autumn and dried. Its smell is very much like a
rose and can be used in curries or spicy desserts.
The Spice trail was called so because it was used by both buyers and sellers of spices. These individuals traded
from the ports along the edge of the Egyptian delta, into the land which was once called Persia, through barren
lands to India, across mountains, ending in China. Sometimes guards were hired to protect the traders from
raiders. This seemed to happen quite often, as spices were worth lots of money, even wars have been fought
over spice rights. Rich men would carry such spices as nutmeg in a small silver box around their waist, and some
were hung on chains and hidden beneath clothes. Opium was also transported via the spice trail, and was used
quite frequently in Opium Houses (Opium dens) throughout England and Europe.
Cinnamon, was discovered in the Middle East. It was, and is still used widely in the making of perfume, it can
also be used in the making of cakes and hot drinks. Although this plant has fragrant leaves and beautiful
flowers, it’s the bark of the plant which is used in cooking. This spice is also used in medicine as it is very good
for symptoms of colds, flu, and sore throats, it also relieves upset stomachs.
All these spices are found in shops today. The rhizomes like Ginger can be grown in large pots on a balcony or
patio, and many of today’s spices can be grown in a warm greenhouse. Next time I will be telling you all about
the flowers that produce saffron and how you can grow your own.
Happy Gardening Nessie
Gantry Youth Theatre is here in Thornhill!
So why Not Come & Join them at their amazing weekly theatre workshop for young people
aged 6-18 years old.
Whether you want to be a star, want to make
new friends, try your hand at something different, build your
confidence, or are just looking for something fun to do with
your Wednesday evenings, look no further!
We'll be producing an incredible three shows - one each term!!
You'll get to help, design, and write the shows, as well as star in
them! Then we'll show off your hard work and new found talents
to friends, family, and the wider community.
If you think this could be for you, then come along and join us.
Sessions are JUST £2 for the whole two hours, including a FREE
snack! All abilities from experienced to beginners are welcome,
by the end of our workshops everyone will be super stars!
When: Every Wednesday 4.15-6.15pm (term time only)
Where: The Hightown Centre
Who: YOU! Anyone aged 6-18 years old living in Thornhill.
For Information or Register Please Contact Linda
 023 8067 6164 or  [email protected]
Love Thornhill by Keeping It Clean & Tidy
Many residents have recently commented to PYL, that of late during their travels through
Thornhill they’ve noticed an increased amount of rubbish/litter that is being discarded on
the ground. This makes our neighbourhood look dirty, untidy, and not very welcoming. With this in mind it
would be lovely if residents who are out and about on the estate felt able to pick up rubbish they see and
place in the nearest bin.
If everyone did this (including the culprits who drop the litter in the first place) Thornhill would be a much
cleaner place for all of us to live, work, and play. Our friends from the local churches, are working in
partnership to help keep Thornhill cleaner and tidier. They have formed a group called Love Thornhill, and
organise litter picks on the estate. Everyone is welcome to come along and join in with this very worthy
cause, information/dates of up and coming litter picks are either available from the Rev Duncan Jennings at
St Christopher’s Church or by contacting PYL on the e-mail address below.
For Information on the Love Thornhill Group contact  023 8040 5278  [email protected]
With summer on our doorstep and with many residents using our lovely green spaces to have picnics, and
meet up with friends, it important that we all remember to keep Thornhill clean and tidy. If there’s no bin
PLEASE take your rubbish home with you, this way our neighbourhood will remain clean and tidy for all of us
to enjoy. For Information on the Love Thornhill Group contact: 023 8040 5278 
[email protected]
Hinkler Job Club
Thornhill In Bloom 2014
Yes it’s that time of year when we call on all you budding gardeners out there to enter this
year’s Thornhill in Bloom.
With preparations well under way, Thornhill in Bloom 2014 is shaping up to be our best yet!
Some green fingered gardeners have already entered, so! If you’re pruning is perfect and your garden is
glorious make sure you enter our competition. To ensure you get to show off your beautiful blooms, or
vigorous vegetable patch to the judges, just complete the entry form below and send it back to us here at PYL.
You can enter your Garden, Balcony, Patio, Hanging Basket, Window Box, Container or Pot, Communal or
Commercial Garden, School or Church Garden, or Vegetable Patch. There is also a Special Category for 1st
Time Entrants.
Don’t forget you can enter into more than one category if you wish. So don’t forget complete that entry form
NOW!
Once received a member of the PYL team will contact you to arrange a convenient time to visit your garden on
judging day which will take place on Wednesday 23rd July 2014.
What category do wish to enter?
Please Tick
Residents Garden
School or Church garden
Hanging Basket
Commercial & Communal Garden
Container or Pot
Balcony
Window Box
First Time Entrant
Patio
Vegetable Patch
Contact Details
Name:
Address:
Post Code:
Home: 
Mobile 
Email: 
So don’t forget, fill in the form above and return it to the Plus You Limited Office no later than
Wednesday 17th July 2014. Please return your entry to:
Mike Allott, Plus You Limited, Hightown Centre, Tunstall Road, Thornhill, Southampton, SO19 6RD
No Thornhill Festival 2014
It is with regret that we have to inform you that there will be no Thornhill Festival this year. Organisers Kris
Holland and Les Walling have decided to have a year off, having run the event for the last 8 years.
Kris and Les are very sorry that there will be no Festival this year as they know you really enjoy it.
The STEPS Project
Hi, my name is Amanda Savage, I am the project worker for STEPS.
If you are wondering! STEPS stands for…...
Specialised Training Empowerment Personal Support.
This project helps/supports people who have had a long break from work, or
perhaps have never worked, travel the journey towards work and hopefully
secure employment. The long break from work could be due
to a physical /mental health problem, for example, maybe you are feeling
depressed, have had a heart attack, or suffer from a bad back.
The project is tailored to your personal needs and will run at your pace, aiming to
develop your skills and confidence whilst your travel towards employment.
If you would like to know more give me a call on the number below.
I Look forward to hearing from you.
Thornhill
Job Club
Amanda
For Information Please Contact
 023 8040 5728 or  [email protected]
CV
Writing
Can Help…
Job
Application
Working in partnership with the
Thornhill Community Health Group
Forms
Confidence
&
Motivation
Training
Improve
Your
Interview
Skills
West End Stroke Group in Thornhill
Despite its name the West End Stroke Group actually meet at Medwall Court, Tatwin
Crescent, Thornhill, on the last Saturday of each month between 10am –12 noon.
We’re a friendly group of individuals who have either had a stroke or care for someone who has. We meet
to discuss life after having a stroke, for both the sufferer and the carer, offering support and understanding.
We also organise different activities for members, such as guest speakers, armchair exercises, and the
occasional day trip. Later on this year we are going to Hillier’s Arboretum in Romsey, and Marwell Zoo near
Winchester.
If you want to talk about how having a stroke has affected you and your life, or about caring for someone
who’s had a stroke, with people who really understand, why not come along and join the group.
We would be delighted to meet you and can assure you that you will receive a warm welcome.
For Information please contact
Joy Smith  023 8046 2774
The Foragers Guide To The Countryside
Berries or Buried?
In the last edition of Thornhill Today, The Forager discussed the
myths of edible and inedible Red and Black berries, and identified
some edible Red Berries and their uses. In this edition I will identify
some inedible Red berries found on our shores.
YEW [Taxus baccata] regarded as one of the most highly toxic and poisonous (deadly)
plant materials around. The scarlet berries of the yew contain a slightly sugary gloop that
surrounds the seed and can be extracted by very gently squeezing the berry. The inner
brown-black seed is deadly poisonous and MUST NOT be eaten.
BLACK BRYONY [Tamus communis] ] more common in the south of Britain, the shiny
scarlet berries of this climbing hedgerow and woodland margin plant, are HIGHLY
POISONOUS. The clusters of berries have an almost twining, vine-like, posture, which is
not really obvious in this picture.
BITTERSWEET [Solanum dulcamara] ] Also known as woody nightshade. The
POISONOUS berries of this scrambling hedgerow and woodland plant are slightly eggshaped; starting life as a green fruit, and passing through a yellow stage before taking
on their final red colouration. The petals of the bright purple flowers generally curve
slightly backward towards the flower stalk, particularly in older plants.
SPINDLE [Euonymus europaeus] This small, and mostly inconspicuous tree/shrub,
produces bright reddish-pink lobed, POISONOUS fruits in the autumn. The fruit
capsules eventually split open to reveal a bright orange seed [not seen in this picture].
HONEYSUCKLE [Lonicera periclymenum] A climbing plant of hedgerows, woodland
margins, and thickets. The stems entwine themselves round other shrubs, and the red
berries are ever so slightly sweet, being more seed than flesh. As not much is known
about the nature of the berries I would suggest that you DO NOT EAT THEM.
BUTCHER'S BROOM [Ruscus aculeatus] An evergreen low, shrub-like, plant of woodland
and scrubby areas, with leaves that end in a prickly point. Although the species has
some edible qualities the berries are NOT for human consumption.
HOLLY [Ilex aquifolium] Often used for decorations at Christmas time this prickly species
needs no introduction. The red berries are formed on the female tree and are
POISONOUS
As you can see from the few I’ve mentioned above, there are berries all around us that can make us very ill if
eaten. So! For your safety, DO NOT consume wild plants especially if you have ANY medical condition, during
pregnancy, or give to minors (children).
DO NOT eat ANYTHING unless you are 100% sure it is safe to do so. IF IN DOUBT LEAVE WELL ALONE, and
find something else to eat!
Enjoy the Summer and the Countryside from The Forager
Your Health, Your Community, Your Vote
The Annual, Your Health, Your Community, Your Vote, Participatory Budgeting event,
took place at Thornhill Baptist Church on Saturday March 22nd 2014.
A share of £50,000 was available with many groups/organisations presenting their
projects to local residents/partners hoping to successfully secure funding. All funded
projects are Thornhill based community health projects, which focus on improving the
health and well-being of people living in the neighbourhood.
The day was a great success, with more than 100 residents/partners eager to participate in voting on which
projects would secure funding.
Successful projects were: West End Stroke Group (based
in Thornhill), 19th Itchen North Scouts, Gantry Theatre
Group, Southampton Children’s Play Association,
Thornhill Foot Care Project, STEPS to Employment,
Mental Health First Aid, and PARS2 were the successful
applicants who received the public vote.
The event was organised by the Thornhill Community
Health Group, with support from Plus You Limited, and
Southampton City Council. Sandra Jordan, Chair of the
Thornhill Community Health Group, said: “These projects
will make a tremendous difference to the lives of people
in Thornhill”.
Winning groups & projects celebrating their funding
Kaneshill & Hightown Primary School Visits
Mike at Kaneshill Primary
At Kanes Hill and Hightown Primary throughout the Spring
term, year three pupils topic of study was Our Community. To
provide some hands on experience PYL’s Community Coordinator Mike Allott was invited to go back to school (even if
it was only for a couple of afternoons), to talk about his role
and PYL’s role in the community. The children wanted to know
what PYL, and in particular what a Community Co-ordinator
does within the community of Thornhill, and how Thornhill
has changed over the years. Questions ranged from, asking
Mike about the best part of his job, Why does he do his job,
and how the PYL charity was set up.
The children listened intently as Mike explained how PYL came
into being, and what we do in the community. He explained
how different Thornhill is now, due to the changes that had
been made during the ten year regeneration programme, and
how different Thornhill is now compared to when he grew up
here. Mike was very impressed with the standard of the
children’s school project about the Thornhill community, and
with the behaviour of all the pupils during his visit. If your
Mike at Hightown Primary
school, community group, or club, would like a PYL member of
staff to attend an assembly, or a group meeting, as a guest speaker please contact
 023 8040 5278 or  [email protected]
Bitterne Ward Funding 2014-15
After three successful years funding community projects, the Community Development Foundation funding
programme is coming to an end. 2014-15 will be the last round of funding disseminated by the Bitterne Ward
Funding panel on behalf of the foundation.
A number of projects in the ward have been supported since the first round of funding began in 2012. With
the programme finishing at the end of February 2015 applications are now being invited from community
groups who operate within the Bitterne Ward.
The Panel has £5,654 of grant funding to allocate this year. Unlike previous years all allocated funding must be
spent by February 28th 2015, with this in mind the panel are recommending community groups apply for grant
to deliver CAPITAL PROJECTS ONLY.
What is a Capital Project? Capital project means the funding applied for needs to be used to purchase
equipment, to spend on refurbishment or improvement work or to fund one off events such as a community
disco or fete.
Community groups operating within the Bitterne Ward can apply for grants of £500 to £2,500. However any
group who applies for funding must be able to match fund the grant request, for example: if your group
would like to spend £1,000 on some IT equipment, you can apply to the panel for £500, the other £500 must
come from the group itself this is called match funding. The 50% Match Funding can be made up from group
funds, and or volunteer time to deliver the project.
Applications will only be accepted from groups who are working on the following six priorities:
The priorities for funding are; 1. Improve the environment of a local park or green space 2. Increase the range
of activities at night for young people. 3. Increase support for older people living alone. 4. Address graffiti/
vandalism in the ward. 5. Improve the health of inhabitants of the ward. 6. Bring different communities within
the ward closer together.
For more information contact  023 8040 5728 or  [email protected]
Closing Date for applications 5pm on Friday 25th July 2014
Funding applications will be submitted to the Community Development Foundation for approval in
September 2014.
Remember once funding has been granted it must be spent by the end of February 2015.
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day
One World…One Breath
On Saturday 26th April at 10am Thornhill residents celebrated
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day, Joining with residents from hundreds
of cities in 70 countries worldwide.
The One World…One Breath event was held on Hinkler Green.
This event brought Thornhill residents together to celebrate this
day, and spiritually link with people across ethnic, racial, religious,
and geopolitical borders, in a celebration of personal and global
health and healing.
Tai Chi is known as ‘’moving medication’’ and has proven to help with a myriad of health issues from:, boosting
one’s immune function by 50%, increasing brain size, reducing depression and anxiety, reducing or eliminating
chronic pain, dramatically improving balance and dexterity. It can also prevent colds and flu, help to lower
one’s blood pressure, reduce symptoms of ADHD, and improve sleep, so! Why not have a go.
For more information contact THAWN  07557 226343  [email protected]
The Community Group News
LITTLE ROO’s PARENT & TODDLER group meet every Monday 12.30pm—2.30pm
& Friday 9.30am –11.30am Session Costs £2 per family, at the Hightown Centre, the group is supported
by SureStart. Parents with children aged 0-5years are welcome.
For information  [email protected] or  023 8040 5728
GOLDEN CONDOR JUDO CLUB Sessions start at 1pm on Saturday at the Hightown Centre, Tunstall Rd.
For Information  [email protected] or  Paul & Ali 023 8122 9787
Happy ADHD Group Support - Are you affected by ADHD? Parent? Adult? Teenager?
Our group meets monthly on the 2nd Friday of the month, from 12.30 to 3pm.
Come along for support over a cuppa. We have resources available and speakers.
For information  [email protected] or  07808 789142
TREV’S BADMINTION CLUB Friendly Sporty Fun held each Tuesday & Thursday 7pm-10.30pm at
St Christopher's Church Hall, Pepy’s Avenue, Thornhill. Weekly charges includes refreshments.
For information contact Trevor on 023 8044 3769 or 07801 641556
TOGETHER REDUCING ISOLATION PROJECT (TRIP) meet at Medwall Community Centre
on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, from 9.30am till 12pm and also have a small table top sale each
month. Please feel free to pop in for a cuppa and a chat, all are welcome.
For information please contact Diane on  07775 835253
THORNHILL COMMUNITY VOICES meet once a month at the Hightown Centre, this is a joint
Resident/Agency group. Dealing with any issue that affects Residents in the Thornhill Community.
The group has Representatives from Southampton City Council and other Agencies working in Thornhill.
For information  [email protected] or  023 8040 5728
Thorn Active Weight Management - Do you want to lose weight and get fitter? Join us, the sessions are
free and fun at the Hightown Centre on Monday nights and Wednesday nights.
To find out more contact Marion or Paul on 023 8067 1782 or www.activeoptions.co.uk
SATURDAY MORNING CLUB for children aged 5 - 12yrs, come along for lots of fun,
meets each week 10am - 12noon at the Hightown Centre, 50p per week.
For information  [email protected] call Kris  07704 310801
EASTPOINT GOJU-RYU KARATE CLUB
Sessions Tuesday 7pm-9pm (Adults & Children) at the Hightown Centre, Tunstall Rd.
For Information  [email protected] or  023 8043 4328  07966 224231
THORNHILL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION run a Drop In Advice Service 3 mornings a week
9.30am-12noon - Monday, Tuesday & Thursday at the Hinkler Community Centre.
Councillor Simon Letts holds his surgery on the 1st Tuesday of every month.
For information  [email protected] or  023 8040 5728
THORNHILL HEALTH AND WELLBEING NETWORK is the umbrella organisation for Health related
Community Groups operating in Thornhill, they run a number of weekly sessions.
For Information  [email protected] or 07557 226343
WEST END STROKE GROUP Supports people affected by Stroke. The group meet on the last
Saturday of the month 10am-12 noon at Medwall Court, Tatwin Crescent Thornhill.
All stroke survivors and carers are most welcome for fun activities and empathy
For Information please contact:
Joy Smith  023 8046 2774
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