Does anybody else remember a large soft play place with all the classic ball pits and slides and whatnot, but over to the left there was a dark bit in a room that was supposed to be scary, and there was a life-size cutout of Freddy Krueger on the wall? This would have been in the 1990s but I’ve no idea where it was other than it was likely South Hampshire somewhere? I lived in Netley Abbey at the time. Anyone else remember this place and its weird Freddy Krueger cutout?

I'm hosting some local independent musicians at the Titanic this afternoon so come down if you fan of live music and want to support some local musicians. We will finish before the world cup so you can catch both if that's your sort of thing. Cheers

Hi folks, I'm going to New forest during the end of August. Since I'm not familiar with the area, I'd love to get some recommendations with walking trails around the park.

P.s. I'm planning to visit Beaulieu, Milford on sea, Deer sanctuary, Motor Museum , Buckler's hard.

Please feel free for any more advice.

Thanks in advance

I’m looking for places around Hampshire with a good choice of second hand bookshops or charity shops. I’ve done Chichester/Portsmouth/Fareham/Petersfield/Cosham/Havant/Emsworth. Anyone recommend somewhere for me to check out?

Please give this a read.

Had anyone seen any in the area this year? I’ve never seen one and would love to spot some.

Dartmoor letterboxers Si of Relief and Rat Boy visited the New Forest ro collect the last of its boxes and share their thoughts on its dried up scene.

Hi everyone.
I’m a fawley resident and I’ve been trying to understand the Fawley Waterside consultation because the documents are extensive. So I put together a landing page about it. The consultation closes on 21st July and I’m worried people aren’t informed about the possibilities of a data centre and that there could be better choices for our community!

I was wondering if anyone could take a look. I’m not a professional I just want to try and get my voice out. I’d genuinely appreciate people checking it over and telling me if I’ve missed anything or got something wrong. Different viewpoints are welcome.

Thank you in advance!
https://msha.ke/fawleywaterside

Edit: thanks so much, those are some lovely spots! Happy to hear more!

Hello,

With this beautiful weather I’m feeling a lot of nostalgia for summers spent by a lake as a kid.

I’ve never looked into wild swimming spots here so I may be missing something, but are there just not a lot of lakes in this part of the country? Is it mostly river spots and beaches? Or is it a public vs private land issue?

I’m also aware of the pollution/sewage/e.coli issues Southern water caused, I remember there was an interactive map to check safety of swimming spots but can’t find it at the moment.

Can anyone recommend any websites or particular spots for a quiet dip? Honestly doesn’t have to be full on swimming, just somewhere I could legally (and safely) go into the water to cool down.

Driving out is fine!

Thanks in advance :-)

Hey,

Moving to Alton in the next few weeks. Not coming from far, just over the Surrey border.

Just wondering if anyone can recommend any sports groups or teams in the Alton, or surrounding area?

I can play football, tennis, squash, padel, cricket, run clubs and hiking. Basically have a good level of most sports and super open to learning new things.

Mainly I’m looking to meet new people as I’m kinda starting over with only a few friends near me.

If anyone’s got any ideas of other activities no sports related like creative stuff, I’d like that too.

Happy to travel.

Thanks all, really looking forward to moving.

Two Sunday acoustic session coming to the titanic this summer. Join us in July & August for two showcase events on Sundays. Expect a chilled vibe with lots of local talent on display. Free entry

Balsam bash this Sunday!

Hi, I’m organising a Himalayan Balsam bash this Sunday on the edge of Farnborough.

Himalayan Balsam is an invasive species that spreads rapidly and crowds out native plants. We need your help to pull it up.

Join us for a community action to clear Himalayan Balsam on a stretch of the Blackwater Valley path. We’ll aim to clear areas along the footpath which are pretty accessible rather than entering the river.

When: Sunday 5 July, 9-11am

Where: meet at the Coleford Road Bridge (what 3 words: ///ethic.zeal.unsettled) and we’ll walk to accessible areas along the Blackwater Valley path

What to bring:

Gloves

Wellies

Water and suncream as you see fit

Inspect repellent

Wear: long sleeves and trousers

Hope this is okay to ask here.

I’m trying to connect a bit more with people around Hampshire who are into local punk, pop-punk, ska-punk and alt-rock.

I’m involved in a charity all-dayer at Heartbreakers in Southampton on Saturday 4th July called Pop Punk Palooza, raising money for Dreamflight, and it’s made me realise how hard it is to actually reach people who still love local live music.

There are 9 bands on the day:

We Know John
Everyone Lies
Wide Awake Club
Lucky Hit
Stickerbook
Industry Plant
Junk Season
Save Our Ships
Halfway Home

If anyone here is into that sort of scene, or knows any good Hampshire/South Coast music groups, promoters, pages, radio shows, Instagram accounts or communities where people actually talk about local gigs, I’d really appreciate any pointers.

Also if any of those bands are already on your radar, let me know who I should be checking out more properly.

Cheers,
Sam