SO18 Big Local, a community organisation that covers parts of Harefield, Midanbury and Townhill Park in Southampton and which is winding down next year, is going all out by putting on more summer events than ever during the holidays.

Now in its eleventh year, the resident-led project was awarded Big Lottery cash to make a positive difference to the area.

It’s acted as a ‘critical friend’, representing residents to Southampton City Council during the still very much uncompleted regeneration of Townhill Park.

And while some of its work is likely to continue under different umbrellas, for its final summer SO18 Big Local says it’s tried to cover as much of the upcoming holidays, and as much of its patch, as it can, with events to appeal to, and support, children and families.

“Because this is the last summer that we’ve got our funding, because our funding finishes on March 24, we decided that this summer needs to be a kind of a ‘go out with a bang’", explained SO18 Big Local development co-ordinator Jo Proctor.

“So the idea is just to put as much on in the local area for local children for the summer. Because we’re always hearing there’s nothing to do round here, and the six-week summer is really long if you’ve got small people to entertain constantly, on a budget.”

There are eight sessions in association with Solent University, who are bringing giant inflatables to various areas within the SO18 Big Local patch.

There are also five open-to-all sessions on Frog’s Copse with Youth Options, encouraging people outside, and to enjoy forest school-style arts and crafts.

And there are five community gardening sessions, with free packed lunches available for children at the majority of slots.

All are free and none needs to be pre-booked – although SO18 Big Local says it’s helpful to pre-book the gardening sessions so organisers can provide enough resources.

Townhill Green

SO18 Big Local also funds Learning Through Sport to run sessions at the Wynter Road playing fields, and those living in the area they cover can attend at a reduced price.

“You can get 9am – 3pm child activity courses, where it’s ‘drop and go’ so you can get childcare, for £6 for a day per child. Or even if you’re outside of our funding area the price is only £12 a day. So we’ve tried to keep things we do have to charge for really really low.” Details are on Facebook here.

SO18 Big Local is also match funding Southampton City Council so they pay for two weeks of playscheme with Southampton Children’s Play Association. There are two weeks in Townhill Park at Moorland’s Community Centre, and two weeks in Harefield at Bramdean Road scout hut. Details of these schemes are on Facebook.

Funding has also been secured for free hot meals for those who currently receive free school meals.

To find out more about community gardening sessions, taking place at Leckford Close, Harefield Hub and Roundhill Close, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Explore Outdoors sessions at Frog’s Copse take place on July 27, and August 3, 10, 17 and 24. Sessions are free but under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. There’s no need to book but sessions are subject to the weather. More details from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.