Mayoral blog
The Mayor of Eastleigh, Councillor Dave Pragnell, is writing a regular update on his engagements
Mayor's Appeal
The Mayor’s Appeal is raising money for Centrestage Productions Youth Theatre and Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society. If you'd like to contribute, any donation or support would be greatly appreciated for this worthy cause.
Make a donation or support Mayor's appeal.
Saturday 26 October – Halloween Street Party – Browsholme Close, Boyatt Wood
The Mayoress and I were thrilled to be invited to the Browsholme Close Halloween Street Party. Once again the residents had produced a fabulous event. There were some really gruesome displays along with some really imaginative themed gardens. There were hundreds of visitors there, most dressed in Halloween costumes.
The residents, led by Helen and Jamie, once again absolutely smashed it. This was a spectacular success and the visitors were again treated to a dance bomb by some of the residents to the music of Thriller. This has to be one of the friendliest closes in Eastleigh. They work together to plan and deliver a community event that is entirely free to all visitors with all donations given to Shakespeare School.
Now Christmas is coming, and Jamie will be planning the Browsholme Close Christmas celebration event. You definitely need to put that on your calendar. December 14th starting at 5.00pm. Once again all donations are given to charity.
24 October – His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Awards - Lord Wandsworth College
This was an awards ceremony for the service Cadet and Reserves groups. The services recognised were the Royal Air force, Army Air Corps, Royal Navy, The Army, and Hampshire Police.
Awards were given to adult organisers as well as to cadets that have excelled in the attainment of new skills or examples of leadership and initiative.
The Reserves play an important part of the services and we were treated some explanations of why individuals were singled out for recognition.
The Lord Lieutenant also gave special awards the some Cadets that have had their exceptional performance recognised and appointed as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets. This will mean they spend the next year working with the Lord Lieutenant.
Monday 21 October – Schoolympics Visit – Wildern School
Following aur visit to Kormwestheim, the Mayoress and I went to Wildern School to meet up with the athletes that represented Eastleigh Borough at the Schoolympics. The vast haul of medals were evidence of a very successful competition. We were able to talk to many of the athletes and it is clear that they had a wonderful time and did indeed made new friends. Wildern Schools are rightly very proud of the students that represented them, not only for their medal tally, but for the way they were able to socialise and establish friendships.
The school will now be planning the for the next Schoolymipics in 2028. The community needs to encourage other Eastleigh Borough schools to take part.
Friday 18 October – Eastleigh Lions’s 60th Anniversary Charter Dinner – Fleming Park Bowls Club
We were delighted to be invited to such an important occasion. We were met by the Eastleigh Lions Chairman, Tina Campbell. Whilst there we heard of some of the terrific things they have done over the years, collecting old spectacles and sending them to onto needy areas, funding trips for young carers, raising awareness for World Sight Day, promotion of prostrate screening, and raising money for more charities than I could name in this report.
Whilst at the event we met international representatives from Kornwesthiem (Germany) and Rouen (France), who had travelled to join with Eastleigh to celebrate their 60th anniversary of the granting of the Lions Charter.
We also had the pleasure of meeting some of the family of Devan Kandiah, he was a huge figure in the Lions and indeed in Eastleigh. His legacy will live on for many years. I met and had the opportunity to talk to his widow, Bridget and son Andrew, both of who miss Devan hugely but are so proud that he is held in such high estimation by so many people.
After a splendid festive board, we were treated to live music and all present descended on to the dance floor where we were able to join in the singing and dancing.
Fabulous evening spent in delightful company.
If you would like to find out more about the Lions follow this link, Eastleigh Lions – Serving the Community , they are always delighted to welcome new members.
Friday 18 October – Stop Domestic Abuse AGM – King’s Community Church – Deputy Mayor, Councillor Janice Asman
I attended the Annual General Meeting of Stop Domestic Abuse, the commissioned service provider dedicated to supporting domestic abuse survivors across Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton. It was an insightful meeting, showcasing the vital work being done to empower survivors and the dedication of the organisation to its mission.
The Chair, Gill Butler, delivered a compelling report. She emphasised the organisation’s unwavering commitment to empowering those affected by domestic abuse, by providing them with crucial choices and resources to secure safety and build a future free from abuse. Her words highlighted the importance of survivor-centered support and the range of services available to help individuals to rebuild their lives.
Claire Lambon, the Chief Executive Officer, in her report celebrated another year of organisational growth and development of Stop Domestic Abuse and the range of services being offered to victims, survivors and perpetrators of domestic abuse.
It was a pleasure to be able to speak to several members of staff who showed true commitment and enthusiasm for the organisation’s work.
Saturday 12 October – Pumpkin Festival – Leigh Road Recreation Ground, Eastleigh
The second year of the Eastleigh Pumpkin Festival, it was busier and with more stalls than the year before. This year we had a DJ who acted as master of ceremonies when it was time to judge the fancy dress, and the pumpkin judging.
This was another success for Dream Empire Events. Their new Thursday market and all the special events that they run are certainly helping to regenerate the town centre.
The fancy dress entries were all very good, some were quite scary! The great British weather was uncooperative at judging time but no one seemed to mind, the prizes were awarded and there was smiles all round.
Saturday 12 October – Eastleigh Community Showcase – Pavilion on the Park
Community First held this superb event that was designed to allow the many voluntary support agencies and organisations could make meaningful contact with the other agencies so that they can offer advice and direction or even referral.
Tim Houghton, the CEO of Community First made a welcoming address that introduced the event as the first of what he hopes will be many.
There was entertainment by several groups, we were entertained at the start by Multi Sports Club. This is a club for adults with learning or physical disabilities. Under the direction of dance teacher Chloe, they performed 4 quite complex routines. The pity is that Chloe is moving to Edinburgh so if you are a dance teacher that would like to help they would be thrilled to hear from you.
We were the treated to music from a flautissimo, this is a flute group that entertained us as we met every group at the event. There was also a local group of baton twirlers, they were quite young but amazingly good, no dropped batons and intricate routines.
Saturday 12 October – Boorley Green Community Centre Coffee Shop Opening – Deputy Mayor
A visit to Boorley Green and the opportunity to see the Community Centre and the new Coffee Shop set up by business partners Alec Smith and Suzanne Williams, owners of Partners in Coffee. Their aim is to bring the community good quality coffee with local produce. The space will also be available to hire for functions, host community events and will act as a place for people to work and relax.
I had an excellent cup of coffee and watched the crowd gathering to see the ribbon cutting. I was asked to perform this task which I had much honour and pleasure in doing. The queue for coffee was now reaching out the door and onto the pavement. A good start for this new venture.
Thank you to everyone who made me feel welcome and very best wishes for the Coffee Shop’s success in the future.
Friday 11 October – Citizen’s Advice Decorating – Leigh Road, Eastleigh
I was invited to meet Anna Crawford and her team of volunteers that were redecorating the Citizens Advice offices in Leigh Rd Eastleigh. Now the first thing I notice is that all the offices have had the furniture removed. The Carpet was gone, but as I was there just after lunch, all the walls had been given a first coat of paint. The paint had been donated by Brewers and B&Q provided all the equipment.
Not only that but B&Q had allowed staff to volunteer to do the redecoration. Eastleigh Borough Council also allowed some staff to help and together with local volunteers from the community, the offices were painted in a day.
New flooring is due early the next week and the job will be done. What organisation, and what generosity from B&Q and Brewers.
Sunday 6 October – Harvest Festival – Winchester Cathedral
The Mayoress and I represented Eastleigh at the Harvest Eucharist service held in Winchester Cathedral.
The service was very traditional except that we were all given the chance to donate to the local food bank. The congregation certainly added to the food bank stock as bag after bag was donated, I think we all bought a bag of goodies!
There after the service proceeded as would be expected and upon conclusion we were all invited to join the clergy for coffee and biscuits.
Thursday 4 October – Re-launch of Eastleigh Market
The Mayoress and I were delighted to be asked to formally open the re-launch of the Eastleigh market. The market is held on the pedestrianised part of Leigh Rd. There were stalls along the length of the precinct and around the paved area at the end.
The market was full of delighted shoppers and trade was brisk. There will be even more stalls next month. The Market will run on the first Thursday each month. And if that were not good enough, they are offering two free pitches to local community groups.
This another huge success by Dream Empire Events. Well done Sarah and Steph, this is certainly helping to regenerate the town centre commerce.
Saturday 28 September – Visit to Stan Rickeard
What a pleasure it was for the Mayoress and I to meet and listen to Stan. He is an amazing host who is a very young 99 year old. His cheeky personality came shining through along with his humility. He is of course, a war hero. Says it was nothing really, but then he lets on he helmed a tank landing craft making many trips to and from the beach. Most will know that they were the prime target to try to prevent the tanks from landing.
But Stan’s life was more about his peace time, he trained as in electronics and part of his legacy is that he designed instrument panels for Concorde! Soon after being demobbed, he met and married his wife whom he spend over 70 happy years before she sadly passed away last year.
Stan has had the highlights of his life recoded into a book. A modest and unassuming hero that lived a full and happy life. What a privilege to meet him.
We will return to have afternoon tea with him.
Saturday 28 September – Peninsular Sounds – Abbey Hall, Netley
This was an unusual but fascinating event. An art project has been completed that recorded sounds of Hamble, both on land and under water. They have recorded the sounds of modern day. Voices, machinery, roads, church bells and wildlife. Imagine what we would do with a sound archive from mid Victorian era. What would we hear?
One of the artists also collected local songs and poems and has preserved them by making an album which is available to down load. Rough-Music by Jennifer Reid.
The underwater may have a second use in assessing the environmental health of sea as the aquatic life make there own distinct sounds, fish bark, crustations click and tap, and oysters make a distinct tapping noise. The more noise, the more life.
This was a project funded by developers contributions with the funding ring fenced for the arts. This is an interesting project that, but for the funding restrictions, would probably not have taken place.
Wednesday 25 September - Schoolympics: The Friendship Games
The Schoolympics are a fascinating sports event with participants from all over the world. Almost everybody knows the term “Olympic Spirit” and the famous sentence “The important thing is not to win, but to take part”. The goal is not to fight against each other but come together to make new friends.
These games saw schools from Germany, Spain, France, India, and United Kingdom. They are held every 4 years just after the main Olympics.
In these games there is no medal table. There is an award for the team that demonstrate the best international comradery and friendship.
For us, the Mayor and Mayoress of Eastleigh, it started by attending a reception where we met the Mayors from Korwestheim, our German Hosts, and Villeneuve St. George, along with the competitors from each of the seven competing schools. Eastleigh were represented by a single school, Wildern School, from Hedge End.
The first order of the day was to choose a language, every body knew English, so that was sorted quickly. Then each competitor was given a bag with specially printed T shirts and hat along with some other goodies.
The Mayors then left the athletes to find their host families and we were treated to a German themed evening meal at Hotel Hasam where we discussed common challenges faced by all of us.
The next day we attended the opening ceremony, The stadium filled with kids, about 1500 of them and the athletes paraded on each to there own national anthem. There followed entertainment performed by other students. We had music, song, dance, and gymnastics. The ceremony concluded with a torch lighting relay and the singing of the Schoolympic anthem.
We were able to meet the Wildern team and cheer them on as they raced in the early sprints which saw some successes. The Mayoress was able to talk to some of the Wildern girls and was introduced to host family competitors. They were thoroughly enjoying the experience
With that our participation ended, but before we left Kornwestheim we were able to visit Eastleighplatz, This a little slice of Eastleigh in Germany, they have a post box, that they use for mail, and a telephone box that is used as a library. We that ended our visit to Kornwestheim and we said farewell to our hosts and French friends.
Friday 20 September – “Frankenstein” by Bishopstoke Players – Durley Hall
The Mayoress and I were enthralled by the drama of the play “Frankenstein”.
This period play was superbly performed and the make-up applied to Frankenstein was brilliant. It took over an hour to apply and included papier-mâché. But the finished effect was worth every minute of the time.
This was thoroughly enjoyable evening with all proceeds going to “Action for Children” a charity that the Bishopstoke players have been supporting continuously since 1947.
They will soon be starting on their Christmas Pantomime. I recommend that you get you tickets early as this sure to be real hoot. I am certainly going to take my grandsons.
Sunday 15 September 2024 - Centenary Service, Hedge End Methodist Church, Hedge End - Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress
A genuinely warm welcome was given to us by the Reverend John Hughes and his wife, even though they were trying to resolve a mini-crisis relating to the streaming of the service. All was resolved, for the time being by going back to the good old-fashioned way of having Hymn Books. The beautiful service gave much cause for reflection and was enhanced by the music provided by the organist, who has been playing for the Church for almost fifty years. The guest preacher was Assistant Secretary of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Michaela Young whose sermon gave much food for thought.
After the service we were able to view the photographic exhibition and mingle with some of the congregation while enjoying a cup of coffee. We learned of the work carried out by the Church in the community and its support given to various charities as well as local schools and food banks. Recently the Church has gained an A Rocha Eco Church Silver award for their efforts to care for the community.
Since the late 1850s there has been a congregation of Methodists worshipping in Hedge End and three buildings have been used during the years. The present Church was constructed in 1923-4 and designed to seat 250 people, built at a cost of approximately £6,000.
Many thanks to you all for your warmth and hospitality.
Sunday 15 September – The Concorde Classic Car Show – The Concorde Club
The Mayoress and I attended last year as Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress and we were so pleased to be asked back. This year was even better than last year. We were delighted to officially open the show and then tour the exhibits. There was something for everyone, cars from 1925 right up to 2024. There were classic family cars from yesteryear, customised cars, exhibition cars, even classic daily driver, and if that wasn’t enough, you could book a supercar ride of a life time. Experience the thrill of riding in ground hugging, large engined, stylised super cars with tuned exhaust note bellowing out. This was a huge success again by Eastleigh Rotary Club. We visited most of the cars and were very impressed with the standard of entries.
All proceeds are in aid of “Jacks Place” a hospice for teenagers and part of “Naomi House”.
I hope we’re invited again!
Saturday 13 September – Eastleigh Pride
This was a spectacular event. We started with a parade through the town centre and lead the parade to the recreation ground whilst confetti cannons were used to great effect. The recreation ground was the centre of the event, with more traders and charity stands that could be listed. We met some of the performers as they visited some of the many stalls around the show. The stage featured entertainment throughout the event.
One group of interesting looking folks that we met were “Hampshire Cosplay for Charity”, they were dressed as characters. They were, Jedi Knight and Councillor, Pink Angel, Startrek Commander, Niko Maid Hatsune Miku, and Snow White. See photo. They were there having fun and raising money for the Pride charity. I was seriously under dressed in my Mayoral robes when compared with this group.
My thanks to Dannon, the driving force of Eastleigh Pride. His vision has changed Eastleigh. I am so proud that the event is enjoyed by so many.
Dannon and his team once again delivered a fantastic event that provided brilliant family fun and entertainment.
Saturday 13 September – Chandler’s Ford Art Group – Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church
Well this was an incredible evening. Adebanji Alade is a Nigerian born artist of huge talent. His skill is quite breath taking. The evening was a two hour demonstration of how to paint a portrait of our volunteer model Tom. Adebanji gave a constant commentary on his preferred method and starting with a sketch he quickly made an outline of a head and he began to add detail. He then started to add a little shading and the sketch quickly became a perfect image of Tom. With only 30 mins passed, the sketch was complete and looked absolutely brilliant.
Then Adebanji began adding paint, very quickly the sketch began to change to a painting. But as I sat there I thought he had lost the likeness. What do I know! After an hour of adding paint as he explained his technique, he started adding the light tones and suddenly we had Tom appear on the canvas again.
Adebanji Alade then very generously donated the portrait, plus one had painted during the day, to be auctioned in aid of my charity appeal.
Our thanks to the Chandlers Ford Art Group for adopting my charity appeal for 2024, and for the exit collection which raised nearly £100.
Friday 12 September – South Coast Rowing Championship – Royal Victoria Country Park
This was a fascinating event. We were made very welcome and were able to meet some of the organisers who had done a wonderful job. The rowing event is the pinnacle event of the rowing season. Teams from all over the south coast compete to qualify to compete.
The event is not just for the young super fit rowers, there are senior and veteran events for both ladies and men.
I was able to address the room and welcome them to Eastleigh borough, I was able to point out the original purpose of the chapel and that 80 years ago to the day it was full of American casualties from Operation Overlord.
On the night there were special awards for some of the long serving members of the organising committee which I had the pleasure to hand out.
After the draw for the weekend events we were able to meet some of the teams and all of whom were looking forward to their events.
Wednesday 11 September 2024 – Showcasing Test Valley – Hawk Conservancy Trust
We were invited to a Test valley Show Case event at the Andover Hawk Conservancy. The visit included a talk on the history of the place and background of the work they have done and the plans for the future.
We were privileged to see some of the rare birds and have their life background explained. The Centre plays a major role in preserving endangered breeds and tending to injured or sick birds of prey.
Our visit finished with a magnificent display of flying owls. The special thing about owl flight is that they are silent in flight. They flew from post to post and through the crowd without ever seeming to need to adjust their glide path.
Well worth a visit.
Tuesday 10 September 2024 - Rawlings Opticians 40 Years in Chandler’s Ford – Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress
It was a great pleasure to visit Rawlings Opticians to help them celebrate their 40 years in Chandler's Ford. They are an independent company founded in Croydon in 1895 and to this day members of the Rawlings family remain in the business. We were indeed privileged to meet the present Managing Director, Richard Rawling. The company serve the communities of nine towns in Hampshire and Surrey.
The loyalty shown to the practice by members of the staff was outstanding. A number of them had been employed there for many years and one for 40 years in Chandler's Ford plus 9 years in another of the branches. The longest serving members of staff were presented with beautiful bouquets. It is a tribute to them that the company received the prestigious Investors In People award.
We were able to chat with some of the patients who could not speak highly enough of the individual attention and service they receive. Among the guests, was a member of the Charity Southampton Sight, along with his support dog. This is a Charity which Rawlings support.
Refreshments were enjoyed by all and I was very pleased to be able to cut the celebration cake. Thanks to all at Chandler's Ford for a very enjoyable afternoon.
Tuesday 10 September 2024 – Institution and Installation of The Reverend Duncan Hollands – St Boniface Church, Chandler’s Ford
This was an event that we had never seen before. It was an absolute privilege to meet and witness the ceremony. The church was packed. The Revd. Duncan Hollands was calm and collected through the entire evening. The ceremony was performed by the very Rev’d Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Winchester.
Revd Hollands joins us from Plymouth and a number of close friends joined us in Chandlers Ford to celebrate his appointment and help us to welcome him to his new home. He joins us with his wife, Beckie, and his 4 your boys.
The evening ended with refreshments and a chance to meet everyone and offer our personal welcome and congratulations.
Sunday 8 September 2024 – Heart and Music Charity Cabaret – The Point
What a wonderful evening of pure entertainment, music, dance and song. The evening seemed to flash past as the performers came and went in a seamless way, all choreographed by Spot on Productions, Parkewood Youth Dance Company, and Pin Point Productions. All absolutely amazing.
The evening was a fundraiser for Heartbeat, this is a charity that provide emergency accommodation to relatives of cardiac patients undergoing emergency treatment at Southampton General Cardiac Unit in Heartbeat House. This is a 23 room house right next to the hospital that allows families to stay there and avoid the cost of hotels or daily travel. This is especially valuable to those that are visitors to the area. The proximity of the cruise terminal has meant that casualties have been taken to Southampton Hospital and the partner left on a cruise liner in a state of distress. Heartbeat have been able to come to the rescue and ease one worry and so aid a distress family.
Saturday 8 September - Astrabody Open Day – Hursley Road, Chandler’s Ford
The Mayoress and I had a delightful afternoon at the Astrabody studio. This is a new type of fitness solution. Whilst I am not an expert on fitness, the first machines looked like space age technology, or something from a formula 1 race team - very high tech. You get in and lace feet to pedals and close a lid and the machine pulls a partial vacuum around the lower half of your body and you start pedalling. Seems laying down in a partial vacuum and heated to a generous 40°c you can get fit without any load bearing. All the time whilst being entertained via a screen that can access multimedia. Then there is the second chamber that has a couch and equipment that can tone muscles by passing a low voltage through them.
The Mayoress is going to try it all out. It was really nice to meet the founder, Nigel Atangana. He is a retired professional footballer, so he should know a thing or two about fitness.
Saturday 7 September 2024 – Bishopstoke Carnival
After a gap of 5 years caused by Covid, the sad death of our Queen and bad weather, the Parish Council and many helpers finally delivered another carnival and Fete.
In the parade were the Bishopstoke Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Squirrels and Bishopstoke Guides, Brownies and Rainbows. a fire engine, the Bishopstoke History Society sent Queen Victoria, plus we had a superb group of scooters and Little Wisps who won the overall award for best costumes. Once at the Fete ground, there were loads of stalls selling cakes, sweets, along with games to be played. There was even a duck race in the river. This was a real community event, well done all of you that worked so hard to make it happen.
Saturday 7 September 2024 – The Point Open Day
This was a very interesting and enjoyable morning. You might think that The Point is just a theatre, well it is so much more. I’m not going to try to emulate the tour, visit The Point and you will be amazed.
Whilst we were there we met some of the regular stall holders, I learnt that we have a very special author in our community. Anthony Ridgeway has written some children’s stories. These are unusual because they tell the story of a young boy called Dan that uses an argumentative wheelchair. These stories are exciting with suspense, humour and a bunch of surprises. You can find them for sale online. The illustrations are brilliant and add another dimension to the stories.
Friday 6 September – Boeing Boeing by Hamble Players – Hamble Memorial Hall
Well this was quite a treat. The title doesn’t give way that this was a play by the Hamble Players, well 6 of them! It was riotously funny. The plot is that a man has three fiancées, all three are air stewardesses, all working for a different airline and who’s schedules ensure they are never in the same place at the same time, well that is until fate conspires to see all three in the same flat.
This was a brilliantly produced play. The cast were brilliant and managed to convey stress and humour at the same time. A pantomime is the next production, based on this production, a pantomime will be brilliant and is a must see.
Tuesday 3 September 2024 - Hampshire Scouts - Kings Scout/Queens Guide Certificate Presentation Evening - Deputy Mayor
It was a privilege to attend this Certificate Presentation evening, along with HM Lord-Lieutenant for Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq (Presenting Officer) and other guests including the Chief Constable, Scott Chilton, Chief Fire Officer, Neil Odin, County Commissioner, Hampshire Scouts , the Mayor and Mayoress of Winchester and friends and families of the recipients.
We were welcomed by our comperes, Libby Roy and Ace Merriott. Paul Bell, Lead Volunteer Hampshire Scouts then expressed congratulations to the recipients on their achievements which ultimately were about gaining skills for life so that they were enabled to shape and influence society confidently and purposefully in the future. These awards are closely linked to the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award with participants having to complete a balanced programme. The Kings Scout Award has additional challenges of participation in the Scouting Programme,more camping, being environmentally aware, adding an international dimension, as well as thinking about Scouting values.
The County Commissioners of Girl Guiding, Hampshire East, Hampshire North and Hampshire West, reminded us that in gaining the Queens Guide Award the recipients had demonstrated that they could challenge themselves and have the perseverance and commitment to achieve whatever goal they set. The award had seen them: undertake service in Guiding; embark on an outdoor challenge, develop a personal skill; involvement in local community through a community action project and attend a residential with people they had never met before.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire presented Kings Scout/Queen Guide certificates to 20 recipients, (17 Kings Scouts and 3 Queens Guides). Whilst being presented with their certificates it has become customary that the young person has the privilege of wearing The Silver Elephant. This Silver Elephant was presented to Earl Mountbatten of Burma in 1948 while he was Viceroy of India,in recognition for services to the Scouts of India as their Chief Scout. Upon the death of Lord Mountbatten the Silver Elephant was presented on indefinite loan to Hampshire County Scout Council. It is held in custody by the County Commissioner of the time.
In a short address the Lord Lieutenant gave his congratulations to the recipients on having completed the five award challenges and in addition having learned about the environment, set themselves some life values and many who had volunteered in their own organisations.
Following the closure of the formal meeting some very welcome refreshments were provided and I had the opportunity to chat with some of the recipients and their guests.
All the recipients had their own stories to tell but I was overwhelmed with admiration when hearing how they had managed to achieve their certificates while carrying on full time education or in some cases full time employment. Each and everyone expressed their gratitude to their family and friends who had supported them throughout.
A truly memorable evening.
August 2024
July 2024
June 2024
