Southsea Lifestyle April 2016

Photo: Paul Gonella/Strong Island

April 2016

Lifestyle

Southsea

CONTRIBUTORS Katie Steiness runs Parkys Retro, dedicated to modern retro and the best of 1950s and 60s style, with a stall at the South Coast Emporium.

18-24

John Worsey is a freelance writer, based in Southsea. He works in advertising, communications, media and branding Tara Knight co owner of Southsea Coffee Co. Former General Manager of A Bar Bistro. Training to be a Naturopathic nutritionist and has lived in Southsea all her life Neil Maxwell director of Fry & Kent Estate Agents and volunteer crew member of the RNLI

Martyn Knight co owner of Southsea Coffee Co. husband, father and lover of all things radical and vintage

Russell Baldwin has an MA in Film Studies, is a qualified teacher, lives in Southsea and is an experienced carpenter and decorator Emma Beatty teaches journalism at the University of Portsmouth.

She’s lived in Southsea for ten years, and has two children, currently at St Swithuns

W

e are, once more, supporting and promoting the local fishing industry along with just a few of Portsmouth and Southsea’s restaurants serving seafood, from sushi to sea bass. It’s a fascinating and highly visual topic that is integral to life in our city and something we look forward to developing over the coming months.

Spring may be the time for fresh green leaves and frolicking lambs, but for some parents and their children it’s also time to consider the next academic year - a new school perhaps, or to learn about the changes to the school curriculum. All of which is covered in our Focus on Education, see pages 18 - 24. Our very own Culture Vulture, Emma Beatty, has been busy collecting gallery news and we have some inspiring images and words if you are keen to give your home or garden a spring make over.

Kevin John Dean

Smartie is Graham Swain’s Sealyham terrier and she is the foreman for Earth Architecture. Sealyham terriers are very rare and the third most endangered British breed.

Southsea Lifestyle Produced by Salad Publishing Ltd Editor: Kevin John Dean Creative Director: Zirrinia Austin Dean Commercial Director: John Pryde Web Design & Social media: Daniel Sweeney What’s On Listings: Sophie McCue Editorial assistance: Naomi Turner

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CONTENTS

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6 HOME 8 A MAN OF PROPERTY 11 SMARTIE’S TOP TIPS 16 PARKY’S PICKS 18-24 FOCUS ON EDUCATION 32 RECIPE 34 SUGAR SWEET 36 COMPETITION 37 HOME BREW 38 PAIRING UP 40 PORTRAIT OF A SARTORIAL ARTIST 42 FILM REVIEW 43 CULTURE VULTURE 44 GIGS

Waterfront Restaurant

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A NOTE TO ALL BUSINESS OWNERS

We provide a bespoke advertising solution to meet a broad range of budgets, to suit small, medium and large businesses.

No heavy sales, no invasive phone calls just request our media pack.

Call: 023 9281 2045 e:info@southsealifestyle.com www.southsealifestyle.com The next edition is published on 6th May, our deadline is 18th April.

Gunwharf’s best kept secret O2392 882244 www.tigertiger.co.uk/portsmouth

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HOME

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Architect Carl Leroy-Smith talks about bringing the outside in

ith summer just around the corner, bringing the outside into your home can vastly enhance, not only your property, but also your lifestyle.

Connecting inside living spaces to the garden helps create bright, airy rooms with a wonderful feeling of space.

When planning to give your home more of a sense of inside/ outside living, one of the first steps is to think carefully about the orientation of the rooms and decide where the main focus will be. If you’re fortunate enough to have a wonderful garden or outlook, ask yourself: are you really making the most of the view?

In recent years, opening up the interior of a home to create an open-plan kitchen, incorporating living and dining areas, has become extremely popular. However, the

detailed design and correct layout are imperative to ensure that you maximise the available space and don’t obscure your chosen view.

Whether you are making minor alterations to the existing space, completely rejigging the layout, or substantially extending your home, attention to detail is essential.

Elements you may want to think

about include choosing materials that are appropriate for your home, your taste and the way you live.

Getting floor finishes and levels right is vital. For a seamless look, it’s best if the exterior material matches that of the interior.

When transforming your home, you may want to think about using higher than standard doors, both internally and externally, to create more of a sense of space and draw the eye upwards.

If you crave extra light in your home, strategically placed rooflights can help inject this into different areas, drawing the eye through a space to the outside.

Ultimately, good solid thinking and carefully considered design, tailored precisely to your needs, can pay huge dividends, giving your home a whole new lease of life.

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A MAN OF PROPERTY Neil Maxwell

M

y colleagues and I are often invited to value some of the most prestigious homes in the area and we were recently chosen to market one of the most innovative properties we’ve ever been involved with ‘Villa Aalto’. The inspiration behind the design comes from Alvar Aalto, a famous architect from Finland, whose design style was embraced by Portsmouth architects Deer Park Alpha to replace the previous 1950s chalet bungalow that occupied the site.

His design work coupled with the meticulous workmanship of the Westcott Construction has produced an outstanding home using many natural products that fuse the external features with the internal spaces and living areas. The blend of natural wood, stone and extensive gardens are

unified by the large windows and doors that flood the house with light and warmth.

Technology has been embraced by the builder with the ability to control many features within the property from your phone or tablet.

Underfloor heating compliments the Nordic style log burner and the fittings within the property from kitchen to bathroom are all without compromise.

Anything less would have been a crime.

The covered veranda allows year round enjoyment of the gardens and from the first floor every Bedroom has access to the balcony. The accommodation upstairs allows four bedrooms with Three having access to en-suites and a separate family bathroom, whilst downstairs there is a further shower room located by the back door perfect for

cleaning dirty paws, children, sailors or gardeners coming straight from outside.

There is a gravelled driveway providing parking for several vehicles and a garage with remote opening, and side door opening onto a covered walkway leading to the back door of the main house across a private patio area.

Located in Hillhead, an area that has retained the feel of small coastal community, largely unchanged since my paperboy days! Villa Aalto is just behind the seafront a short distance from the popular local sailing club and perfect walks around the nature reserve at Titchfield Haven. Viewing is arranged via Fry & Kent 02392815221

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SMARTIE’S TOP TIPS

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et’s begin with boring health and safety and move swiftly towards a sweetly scented, perfumed delight for your garden.

If you are fortunate enough to have a lovely garden, filled with beautiful plants, just be aware of one or two that may be a little dangerous.

Pyracantha, ideally pruned in summer and fed with potash in early spring, whatever variety, is wonderful for birds who enjoy the berries and use it for nesting. The ‘killer’ thorns naturally help deter unwanted guests when tightly trained against a boundary wall or fence, or placed beneath a low window. These thorns however, may potentially blind cherished children and pampered pooches, so plant a softer leafed shrub in front or prune off

the lower branches. I was just ten weeks old, running around a clients’ garden having a ‘funny-five-minutes’, when a thorn spiked my eye-ball. Despite losing an eye, I do still think Pyracantha is a most beautiful shrub in the right place and when pruned correctly.

Thinking ahead to next year, welcome guests from January to May with the subtle so-beautiful-scent of Daphne Odora planted near to your front door.

Pruned in May to keep it’s shape, it enjoys full sun or partial shade. There are a number of varieties, evergreen, variegated and not too large a shrub for small areas. It’s one of my favourites.

Smartie the foreman, Graham Swain’s Sealyham terrier, signing off.

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RUSSELL BALDWIN Domestic Carpenter and Decorator

Affordable, experienced Southsea carpenter, qualified in all aspects of domestic carpentry: fitted wardrobes, bookcases, decking, kitchens, door hanging.

Photographs of past work available to view FREE estimates given

T: 023 92 750753 M: 07811 022494 41 Pelham Road Southsea PO5 3DT

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ESTABLISHED BUILDERS

working with local residents & business for over 35 years

After

2013

Before

Providing a complete building service From initial consultation through planning to completion we can offer advice and support with excellent project management and skilled workforce Tel: 023 9283 1925 Email: info@ctmccann.co.uk www.ctmccann.co.uk The Garages, 1A Kirkstall Road, The Garages, Southsea PO4 0SX Like us on

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Design House Southsea offers you: In-house curtain make up Full reupholstery service Bespoke sofas and chairs Full interior design service Carpets - including fitting

55-57 Marmion Road Southsea PO5 2AT Tel/Fax 02392 838038 designhousesouthsea@gmail.com 14

NEW BOUTIQUE

Exceptional bespoke jewellery

Designed and made in-house

charlottecornelius.co.uk 66 Castle Road, Southsea PO5 3AZ 02392 863 516 / 07880 705981

OPEN Tues-Sat 10am-6pm LATE NIGHT Thurs 11am-7pm Like us on

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15

PICKS

with Katie Steiness

Katie picks her favourite vintage find in Southsea and shares its history

I

t was tough to choose just one item from The One Legged Jockey, a real cavern of vintage on Marmion Road, but this distinctive black and white ‘Homemaker’ plate in printed and glazed earthenware caught my eye.

seven years designing ceramics in Stoke-on-Trent.

She is also responsible for Ridgway’s Samoa and English Garden patterns, which, although they never achieved quite the same classic status as Homemaker, were both chosen for exhibition at the Design Centre in London.

Seeney’s design for the Homemaker range, called ‘Furniture’, was initially considered too radical, but a buyer for Woolworths spotted a prototype coffee set on her workstation and placed an order for tea sets in May 1957, to be sold in five of its London stores. Four months later, Seeney left the industry, settling into a quiet, married life in Devon – a great loss to the world of pottery!

Aimed at the mass market, Homemaker tableware was made by Ridgway Potteries Ltd. in Staffordshire between 1957-1968 and sold exclusively through Woolworth’s. It was hugely popular at the time, selling for 2½d for smaller pieces, and has certainly stood the test of time.

Not only is it a 1950s design classic, but it features a number of contemporary ‘high design’ furniture pieces that have also become iconic, such as a Robin Day reclining armchair (1952) (seen in this plate), a Sigvard Bernadotte sofa (1954), and a Gordon Russell-style sideboard.

The Homemaker range was designed by Tom Arnold (shape) and Enid Seeney (decoration). In spite of her amazing talent, Seeney spent just 16

Although still common, Homemaker is very collectible and some pieces, like the coffee pot, can now reach prices of up to 4-figures.

Coloured designs can also be found. The V&A have most of the set in their collection and Simon Moss’s Homemaker: A 1950s Design Classic is a must-read.

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DO YOU KNOW A LEVELS ARE CHANGING?

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Jane Prescott

n September 2015 A levels changed in many subjects and this reform will follow in every other A level subject over the next two years. Now A levels will no longer have a half-way point of AS levels and the course is for two years with all the examinations coming at the end of two years. AS levels will still exist but as a stand-alone qualification and not part of the full A level. It may be possible in some subjects to teach the first year together but as the AS level is only worth 40% of a full A level it is not practical to combine the lesson hours.

There are advantages and disadvantages for both systems. In the new system the final examination result at the end of two years of study rests on a few papers whereas the continuous assessment style of the AS/A2 examination allowed for resits and a steady accumulation of marks. The problem with the latter is that it proved not to be testing enough but the new system leaves all the worry of results to the end.

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How schools and colleges cope with this new style is important. The A level is designed for students who wish to go onto further and higher academic education.

There is generally no requirement for entry to university to have studied more than three subjects and therefore students should not be tempted or persuaded to take more unless there is very good reason. The new style A level gives back time during sixth form study for extended reading and enrichment activities. Studying for an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) can provide stretch and challenge whilst broadening a student’s experience and giving independence to their learning.

Finding an educational establishment that offers a strong sixth form experience is key to success.

Jane Prescott is Headmistress at Portsmouth High School, a leading independent school for girls and she is the regional Chair of the Girls’ School Association. The school is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust network of schools, the largest provider of independent education for girls in the country.

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EDUCATIONAL FADS James Priory, Headmaster at The Portsmouth Grammar School

“W

elcome to St Innovatus College. It is a pleasure to see that so many of you have managed to stay awake for our first ever Open Midnight event. We hope this will enable you to experience what we believe is the best time of day for teaching and learning, thanks to a recent study into the intellectual productivity of teenage waking hours, sponsored by Nous Café.

“Please use the hand torch app on your tablet device as you tour the College. You will find the candlelight mode particularly atmospheric as you walk through the Confucius Cloister. We apologise to any visitors unable to follow the app’s Mandarin instructions, but hope you will be excited by our decision to take the plunge and become fully MFL immersive.

“If you have any questions about the College, please tweet #VirtualHead. Replies are guaranteed to be factually accurate for at least five working days. We hope you enjoy your tour.”

It is easy to caricature- and I apologise to my erstwhile colleagues in other schools- but it is also easy to see just how challenging it can be for parents to choose the right school for their child whilst wading through a torrent of educational trends and fads.

The problem is not that schools innovate and seek to differentiate themselves- after all; creativity should be a defining feature of schools that are independent from government diktat. The problem is about wood 20

and trees (and I promise I’m not referring to Forest School here). How can parents be sure that the schools so impassioned by a particular way of doing things are also sufficiently objective to differentiate between the wood and the trees when it comes to identifying what really works for their children?

Before I became a Head I visited a U.S. school which had developed a philosophy named after the philanthropist who had challenged them to consider the needs of pupils who felt marginalised in the classroom, and who was willing to fund its solution. The result was the Harkness philosophy now worldfamous at Phillips Exeter School which is based on the simple idea of twelve pupils seated with their teacher around an oval table. The pupils learn to quiz each other, taking an active lead in their own learning and re-casting the teacher as facilitator. In one brilliant lesson, I heard the teacher speak once.

I wondered whether Harkness could be transported back to Blighty. The problem, however, lay in the reason for its success: that every single room in the school had to have an oval table. This was unlikely to be feasible for the majority of schools.

I have, however, seen other distinctive examples of innovation in schools here in the UK; great things are being done to develop healthy minds and respond to genuine concerns about adolescent well-being.

Schools which are not engaging with digital technology are ignoring the opportunity to develop

good habits of learning and positive use of social media by pupils. Modern languages flourish where they are spoken- a lot- and where resources are regularly revitalised. As modern life changes, so too will the shape of the school day and elements of the curriculum. We shouldn’t be fazed by change.

Excellent schools will always be reviewing and refreshing what they do.

The critical question for parents when visiting schools is to ascertain whether those good ideas are coming from experience in the classroom where they are embraced by confident, reflective teachers, or whether they are being imposed by management from above. If it’s only the Head and the headlines which enthuse, then you have probably spotted a fad unlikely to last the course. But if the pupils are stimulated and the teachers are positive, then you will probably have found a school that really can innovate to good effect.

James Priory has been Headmaster at The Portsmouth Grammar School since 2008, having come to PGS as Head of English in 2000. James is also Chairman of Portsmouth Festivities, a trustee of HMS Warrior 1860 and a governor of two schools.

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APPRENTICESHIPS

A

Barbara Tipple talks about apprenticeships in the jewellery trade.

t 18 I wanted to be a portrait artist.

However, after visiting an exhibition of contemporary jewellery at the Victoria and Albert Museum, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to design jewellery.

a master; this continues for four more years during which the Goldsmiths’ Company and the master pay the apprentice an upwardly sliding wage.

Drawing on my experience, I feel it is still a good idea to do a foundation year locally, as to apply the I attended Portsmouth Art College to do a student must show drawing skills and preferably a little experience at manufacturing. Not foundation year in art; this gives a broad everyone will be a good designer but experience in most disciplines in art and often like myself, designers prefer to do design. I then applied successfully onto just that and work with a highly a course at Hornsey Art College in skilled manufacturer. This skill London to do a diploma in 3D would suit somebody who likes design specialising in jewellery. the idea of precision small threeThis is one route probably more dimensional work, or working at suited to designers, but to become a larger scale in silversmithing: a top Goldsmith, a making anything from cutlery to better route is to become an artistic vessels. Also, other apprentice bound to a Master disciplines like jewellery setting Goldsmith.

The Worshipful would be a great career move as Company of Goldsmiths (more Ring and decorative box there are very few good setters left commonly known as the Goldsmiths’ designed by Barbara in the country. and made by Company) is one of the Twelve Great Tipple David Ward I have never trained anybody to make Livery companies of the City of London jewellery but a few years ago my husband and received its first royal charter in 1327, encountered a young man from Portsmouth. This founded to regulate the craft or trade of the goldsmith. As a brief overview: it has been man felt limited by his job as a bike mechanic, and responsible since 1300 for testing the quality of my husband persuaded the Goldsmiths’ Company to precious metals and they now play an important allow the young man to be bound to him. Technically, role, supporting the technical training of aspiring he was too old at twenty-five, but they agreed if he craftsmen. However, they realised that the trade could do it in a shorter time. In a gratifying result, was losing skilled workers due to cheap imported Andrew not only did this but also won a top national goods and so made a 17.5 million investment award for his abilities. creating the Goldsmiths’ Centre. This provides If anybody is interested in more information please training to approximately ten students a year, aged contact the Goldsmiths’ Company or I will be sixteen or older, who are taught by the finest happy to talk to you; our son Oliver is currently practicing craftsman in London. The course is free on the course and has first-hand experience of and leads after one year to an apprenticeship with what is to be expected.

Barbara and David Tipple have jewellery shops with workshops attached in Portsmouth and Mayfair. They have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London and Barbara was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Portsmouth.

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WHY IS THERE A NEW NATIONAL CURRICULUM AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Primarily it means that the government want to raise standards and put a greater emphasis on core subjects like numeracy and literacy. Although the new curriculum is intended to be more challenging, the content is actually slimmer than the previous curriculum, focusing on essential core subject knowledge and skills such as essay writing and computer programming.

Subject

What’s new in the Maths and English Curriculum?

English

•Stronger emphasis on vocabulary development, grammar, punctuation and spelling (for example, the use of commas and apostrophes will be taught in KS1) •Handwriting – not currently assessed under the national curriculum – is expected to be fluent, legible and speedy •Spoken English has a greater emphasis, with children to be taught debating and presenting skills

Maths

•Five-year-olds will be expected to learn to count up to 100 (compared to 20 under the current curriculum) and learn number bonds to 20 (currently up to 10) •Simple fractions (1/4 and 1/2) will be taught from KS1, and by the end of primary school, children should be able to convert decimal fractions to simple fractions (e.g. 0.375 = 3/8) •By the age of nine, children will be expected to know times tables up to 12x12 (currently 10x10 by the end of primary school) •Calculators will not be used at all in primary schools, to encourage mental arithmetic

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE KIP MCGRATH EDUCATION CENTRE?

We have always had a strong emphasis on handwriting, grammar and spelling in English; as well as times tables and other mental maths skills. We hardly ever let children use calculators! We have also sourced a new set of English and maths activities which support your child’s leaning and, as a result, will no longer be able to trade under the Kip McGrath name. From Mon 11th April we are delighted to announce that we will be known as I Love to Learn Professional Tuition.

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Leapfrog celebrates 20 years of providing childcare in Southsea on April 15th

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e fondly remember our first day back in 1996. There were very few choices for parents at the time and our vision to provide a Nursery which offered opportunities for children to learn through purposeful play has proved to be successful year on year.

Today Leapfrog Neighbourhood Nursery is the largest Nursery provider in Southsea and we are proud to have retained our core team of professional staff who have shared our journey.

We have seen many changes over the years yet we all still strive to create a home from home environment which encompasses a recognised and successful learning model, both important

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for a child’s formative years.

Leapfrog is recognised by Ofsted as an ‘Outstanding’ provision but we measure our success by witnessing the growth and development of happy motivated children who blossom into confident self-assured young adults.

We would like to take this opportunity to warmly thank all of our past and current staff and families for all of the support we have had and continue to receive. Today we look back with a sense of pride at the relationships that have been formed by children and parents of Leapfrog, some of which have flourished into lifelong friendships... Teresa and Neil.

SKY DINING

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brand new pop-up restaurant at the top of Emirates Spinnaker Tower will see guests indulging in a seven course tasting menu 100 metres above sea level, courtesy of celebrity chef Stephanie Moon. Sky Dining with Stephanie Moon will be hosted on Friday evenings from Friday 22 July to Friday 12 August 2016, offering a unique way to experience fine dining, surrounded by the sparkling night-time views. Locally sourced produce will take centre-stage on the menu, bringing the finest produce from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to guests’ tables set amongst the stars.

Multi-award winning Stephanie Moon has been a chef for over 20 years, starting her training at the Michelin-starred Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair, London, under acclaimed chef Anton Mosimann.

She has worked in some of the finest hotels and restaurants across the world, including 5 star hotel

returning to her Yorkshire roots to become Executive Head Chef at luxury hotel Rudding Park in Harrogate. Steph cemented her celebrity chef status on BBC2’s Great British Menu, representing the North East for three consecutive years on the popular culinary competition.

Steph, who is looking forward to bringing the Sky Dining concept to life said, “Working at the Emirates Spinnaker Tower is a real thrill to me; the local produce is exceptional and everyone here is very passionate about food. To cook with the team at the Emirates Spinnaker Tower really does take my food to new heights!”

Tables are now available to book by calling 02392 857 520. Prices start from £80 per head with additional drinks packages available. This event has limited availability and therefore early

Park Hyatt in Sydney and Charlie Trotter’s

booking is recommended. Find out more at

Michelin-starred

www.spinnakertower.co.uk.

Chicago

restaurant

before

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LOCAL SEAFOOD BBQ BY THE BEACH...

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local sourcing policy we are delighted to be working with our supplier, Johnsons Enterprises.

“Seafood, is very much part of the spring summer offering for 2016,” said General Manager Amy. “We are very much looking forward to growing our seafood range and our location has a truly unique seafront ambience. We will be serving whole dressed crab and market fish, and in line with our

“Children and adults alike love our award winning Dorset Purbeck Ice Cream and it is available at our hatch on the Esplanade side of the cafe, or inside. We look forward to welcoming Southsea Lifestyle readers over Easter and the rest of spring and summer.”

he Southsea Beach Cafe, an established and popular eatery on the beachfront is gearing up for spring and summer. They are introducing various new features, including their ‘BBQ by the Beach’ concept, where you’ll be able to choose from a range of freshly caught fish and have it BBQ’d to order in the affectionately named ‘Bertha’ (a large portable BBQ Smoker located on the sun deck, beginning in June, every weekend).

“To compliment your meal, we will be offering a selection of lovely wines, some of which are from British Vineyards. We are also introducing British gins and spirits. Our breakfasts continue to grow in popularity along with our luxury, locally sourced, Mozzo Coffee, our freshly baked pastries and a selection of home baked cakes.

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Given that The White Horse has the largest beer garden in Southsea, which also happens to look over the common, you might be forgiven for thinking it’s just a pub for the summer. In fact Dave Reed and his wife Lynn,the proprietors, offer a range of enticing features throughout the year, in particular a great range of food. This includes Sushi Saturdays - five plates of freshly prepared, hot and cold sushi including meat, fresh fish and vegetable dishes for £15. Or their much loved Sunday roasts With a range of four freshly roasted joints and at least 6 choices of vegetables plus great roast potatoes.

All produce is locally sourced, fish from Viviers or Johnsons and meat from Whites in Arundel Street. All cooked by Dave, his head chef, Shaun and apprentice chef, Ross. Over the next couple of weeks the garden and decking is to be refurbished, then as summer approaches there’s Jazz in the garden, a beer festival and hog roasts to look forward to. The White Horse, formerly known as the Lily Langtry pub, (as it is reputed to be the home of Edward V11’s mistress), is a popular venue for rugby followers and Dave and Lynn proudly sponsor Portsmouth’s United services Rugby Club.

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, f e h c adaun e H Sh i s h s y a Su d r u t Sa

ay d n sts u S oa R

51 Southsea Terrace Southsea PO5 3AU T: 023 9281 8979 Opening Hours: MON-SAT 11AM-11PM SUN 12PM-10:30PM

Spring

S

@ IS WITH US

pring sees the arrival of locally sourced seasonal produce and a menu that offers a selection of beautiful dishes to tempt any pallet. Fuller’s, owners of The Old Customs House, located in Gunwharf Quays, put a great emphasis on ensuring that their menu is in tune with the four seasons and that most, if not all, dishes are prepared using ingredients sourced from across Hampshire.

Every three months, head chefs from across the Fuller’s Pub estate gather to put forward their menus for the forthcoming season. ”It’s a chance for us to exchange ideas and recipes,” says John Atkins, head chef at The Old Customs House, “Seasonality is key to everything we do, after all, nothing tastes better than freshly grown vegetables, or locally reared meat or poultry and being so close to the sea, we always include various seafood options including Tea & Hop Smoked Trout or Haddock served on Bubble & Squeak with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce. We have various vegetarian options and we are delighted to offer dishes cooked with non gluten ingredients.”

John who trained at Highbury College is a Portsmouth man and has worked as a head chef in various locations around the UK. He is inspired

by Gordon Ramsay and Nathan Outlaw and is passionate about his food. He’s very proud of his team of 7 and feels that they all contribute to the success of the venue and that they, like he, are keen to further develop their skills.

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Working closely with General Manager Marc Duvauchelle, John and his team have created a mouth watering menu which is further complimented with Fullers spring selection of wines, cask ales and a very satisfying Cornish Orchards Cider. Traditional full breakfast is also served daily, which can be enjoyed with fabulous Brewer St. Coffee and freshly baked pastries. The sun terrace, or beer garden, offers a relaxing place to watch

the world go by and The Old Customs House is a dog friendly establishment both inside and out.

If you are a lover of history, the site occupied

by The Old Customs House was the home of HMS Vernon, which was a shore establishment or ‘stone frigate’ of the Royal Navy. Vernon was

established on 26 April 1876 as the Royal Navy’s Torpedo Branch, named after the ship HMS Vernon which served as part of its floating base. After the First World War, HMS Vernon moved ashore, taking over the Gunwharf site, where it continued to operate until 1 April 1996.

Vernon Building, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3TY Reservations please call: 023 92832333 Private function rooms for hire Email: oldcustomshouse@fullers.co.uk www.theoldcustomshouse.com Open Hours: Monday - Wednesday: 09:30-23:00, Thursday: 09:30-23:30 Friday & Saturday: 09:30-00:00, Sunday: 09:30-22:30 31

RECIPE

New Potato & Chorizo Hash with Asparagus & Egg

Serves 2

You can either fry or poach your eggs for this recipe. Use the freshest eggs for making poached eggs, so the white seals around the yolks (adding the vinegar helps with this too)

Ingredients

Preparation

600g new potatoes, scrubbed & cut in half, or in quarters if larger Sunflower or vegetable oil, for frying & roasting 250g asparagus, trimmed Splash of sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar 1⁄2 tsp smoked paprika 1 red onion, finely diced 2 cooking chorizo sausages (200–250g), skinned & meat crumbled Handful of finely chopped parsley Splash of white wine vinegar or cider vinegar, if poaching your eggs 2 eggs Salt and black pepper

Heat the oven to 210 ̊ C/Gas 7 or heat a castiron griddle pan over a high heat. Put the potatoes in a pan of salted water, bring to a boil and cook for 12–15 minutes, until tender. Drain and lightly crush with a potato masher or fork. While the potatoes are cooking, if you want to poach your eggs, put another pan of water on to heat to a bare simmer (no bubbles). Toss the asparagus in 1 tablespoon of oil in a baking dish. Add a splash of sherry or red wine vinegar, the smoked paprika and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 8–12 minutes (depending on the thickness), until tender. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan. Add the onion and cook slowly for 10 minutes to soften without colouring. If it starts to catch, add a splash of water and reduce the heat. Add the chorizo, increase the heat slightly and fry for 4–5 minutes, to cook the chorizo through. Stir in the potatoes and warm through.

Stir in the parsley and season to taste. If poaching your eggs, add a good splash of vinegar to the simmering pan of water. Crack the eggs into individual ramekins or small bowls. Use a spoon to swirl the water so it looks like a whirlpool.

Gently drop the eggs into the water, one at a time, and poach for 3 minutes. Alternatively, fry the eggs in a little oil to your liking. Sprinkle the eggs with a little extra salt before serving on the potatoes and asparagus.

For more recipes & tips visit:

www.riverford.co.uk/recipes 32

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33

SUGAR SWEET Tara Knight

I

n the latest budget the Chancellor has finally announced that there will be a new sugar tax (from 2018) for companies producing and importing sugar sweetened drinks. This can be seen as a result of reports from the Childhood Obesity Inquiry and growing calls from the health industry and vocal celebrities.

Jamie Oliver heralded the tax as “logic” and it is definitely a positive step as there are clear issues with sugary drinks marketed to and casually consumed by young people which is seen to correlate with a marked rise in obesity rates since the 1980s.

Critics say it is another Big Brother style control which will only affect and target the poorest in our society.

I simply wonder if it is enough, and how much it will actually achieve.

The current advice is that we should only consume 6-7 teaspoons of sugar per day (less for a child). This applies to all sugars consumed and there are wider issues, not just with fizzy drinks, but sugar hidden everywhere from commercial breakfast cereals to fruit juices to tomato sauces, yet the tax will only apply to sugary drinks.

It is forecasted that the levy will raise around £520 million, which will be used to fund sport in school. Although exercise is important, it does not tackle the issue alone. If the true aim for a tax like this is to tackle obesity in children, then clearly the focus should be to reduce consumption,by funding healthy eating projects, not just financially support areas of budget cuts.

A different suggestion from the Inquiry was to clearly label sugar content, a system which Public Health England have already introduced with their “sugar smart” app. Aimed at families, this scans barcodes of popular products and clearly shows the sugar content in cubes. Simple and effective, and easy to convey to children.

The sugar tax is a definitely a positive step in the right direction, but more can and should be done to simplify the information and educate our young people. Everything starts with knowledge, and it is only when we understand why excess sugar is bad that we will be enabled to make effective changes.

All produce is homemade and fresh, from high quality locally sourced ingredients.

Situated opposite Portsmouth Cathedral in picturesque Old Portsmouth MON-FRI: 8.30am-5.30pm SAT-SUN: 9am-5.30pm 39 High Street, Old Portsmouth PO1 2LU www.mannatearooms.co.uk

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TRY US, we are on the Prom at Clarence Esplanade next to the Rock Gardens For enquiries and reservations TEL: 023 92826676 or EMAIL: rockubaby96@gmail.com Like us on

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Crafted, superb quality wine and Cava from unexplored regions of Spain All delivered to your home (Free delivery PO1-PO6, £2 delivery charge to PO7-PO20 ) In 2012 Helen and Bill Hughes ate at a restaurant in the Barri Vell, the medieval quarter of the Spanish city of Girona, where they had their first taste of wines from Empordà and Penedès. Blown away by the quality and uniqueness of the reds and whites from these regions they searched high and low for them in the UK to no avail. A few holidays to Spain and a few bottles later, they began importing wine directly from the vineyards and in December 2015 Supper Wines was born!

Supper Wines builds strong relationships with independent, family-owned vineyards and the wines they import aren’t available elsewhere in the UK. Their first selection of wines and Cava are from the Empordà and Penedès regions of Catalonia, and their Cava has been described by Supper Wines ‘suppers’ as “classy”, “wonderful” and “can’t remember tasting better Spanish bubbles”. New wines will be added to their stock later in the spring and throughout the year, showcasing the diversity and quality of many of Spain’s 60 plus wine regions.

Heus - Made with red Grenache, Syrah and Carignan, Heus is the perfect accompaniment to tapas of ham, olives, and bread dipped in olive oil.

Saulo - A young, unoaked and fruity wine, Saulo is perfect for easy drinking and goes well with grilled chicken, pork and grilled vegetables, or as a Friday night pizza wine.

Llavors - Made mainly from old Carignan vineyards, Llavors 36

has been aged in new casks of French, Hungarian and Romanian oak. A bold powerful wine for decanting, it’s great with casseroles or strong cheese.

Somiatruites - From the makers of our Cava. Made using grapes from vines aged between 10 and 40 years old.

We’d recommend risotto, paella, or any rich rice dish to go with Somiatruites, but it’s equally at home with grilled chicken or meatier fish such as tuna or swordfish. And of course it’s perfectly fine on its own.

Vailet - The white wine sister to Saulo’, with 50 % Lledoner blanc (Grenache) and 50 % Macabeo.

Vailet is a young, fresh zesty wine that matches lively conversations as you share some seafood tapas (squid, clams) and fresh lightly grilled fish.

Masia Serra Mosst Blanc - This beautiful wine from Masia Serra is named after the vineyard’s Labrador dog!

Mosst is the most intense of our white wines and is perfect with creamy cheese dishes such as fondue or raclette.

Win a Discovery Case of 6 wines, red and white, worth £55

Visit www.supperwines.co.uk and find out what year the Ferre e Catasus vineyard was established and email your answer to info@southsealifestyle.com by 14th April 2016.

COMPETITION RULES: By entering the Competition, you hereby warrant that all information submitted by you is true, current and complete. Southsea Lifestyle reserves the right to verify the eligibility of all entrants. Southsea Lifestyle assumes that by entering the Competition you are aged 18 or over. If you win a prize you will receive that prize and no other, no cash alternative is available and no discussion will be entered into. The wine can only be received by a person or persons over 18. Your email address will be added to Supper Wines’ mailing list unless you opt out when responding to the competition.

HOME BREW Martin Knight

T

here is absolutely no reason to be drinking bad coffee.

The great Louis Armstrong when asked about music said, “There are really only two types of music, technically good and technically bad, and the rest is simply your own taste”.

With the boom in speciality coffee has been an expansion of choice, exciting and tasty coffee from around the world is now on your doorstep.

The knowhow and coffee wizardry has filtered down from industry to domestic level making great coffee available to a much broader market.

The market for home brewing is expanding rapidly and is easily accessible to every-one. There are plenty of people who consider themselves as serious coffee drinkers, able to make considered choices on both beans and brewing methods to suit their palate.

However what is currently so exciting is the new wave of coffee enthusiast.

There is a rapidly growing scene of individuals interested in taking a hands on approach in order to gain a deeper understanding of not only coffee but of their

own palate. My own coffee of choice a decade ago was far removed from my preferred cup today, there were indeed some interesting moments along the way. Never drink smoked coffee, ever!

Corporate VIP SCHEME

But were to start your journey? I would positively encourage anyone interested in brewing coffee at home to visit their local independent coffee shop for some advice. The geekiest kind of coffee heads are often brimming over with helpful suggestions.

Coffee genuinely e x c i t e s conversations and interactions and the two and fro of ideas. This has been evident since the stirring of sludge in the enlightenment coffee houses.

There are many methods to actually brewing your coffee some are cheap and simple others not so, but there is one for every taste and budget. So don’t be shy and get involved, have a chat with your local barista and go home armed with a little knowledge, a bag of beans and some new kit and put the kettle on. Quite simply life is too short for bad coffee.

Apply for your FREE Corporate Card for 25% off the a la carte menu & other exclusive member benefits info@tigertigerports.co.uk

PAIRING UP Malcolm Irving

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airing beer with food is a source of some frustration. The choice of beer has never been so good in the UK. Brewers all over the country are actively promoting their brands and talking up beer and food pairing, yet the mainstream food media generally ignores beer in favour of wine.

For highly spiced curries of Madras strength, or hotter, I would go for a strong very hoppy IPA. This should give a strong enough flavour to push past the heavy spices, with the bitterness giving an extra dimension to the chilli heat, and the citrus from the hops complimenting the lighter spice notes.

So why beer with food? Firstly, the range of styles is much wider than wines. Secondly the alcohol content; half a pint of beer has significantly less calories than a 175 ml glass of wine. Finally, food miles, when you tuck into a locally caught sea bass have a think about the bottle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc sitting on the table travelling eleven and a half thousand miles.

A Danish friend of mine mentioned that they always had a solid, sweet dark beer when they ate smoked herring on dark rye bread. Gales Festival Mild is perfect, a bit of alcohol to cut through the oily fish with a deep malty flavour to compliment the rich bread.

For the utterly British roast dinner I would choose a fairly sweet, relatively full-bodied premium bitter.

The sweet maltiness will complement the robust meat flavours and sweet vegetables.

There is a whole new world of flavour matching out there and in Southsea there are some brilliant places where you can try matching good food and beer: Meat and Barrel in Palmerston Road, The Wave Maiden in Osborne Road or Huis in Elm Grove, the Leopold, Albert Road and the Hole in the Wall, Great Southsea Street.

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PORTRAIT OF A SARTORIAL ARTIST John Worsey

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ortsmouth is lucky to have Albert Road.

There aren’t many streets in Britain with such a vibrant mix of independent shops.

One hidden gem is Bentleys Tailors - Westminster Abbey’s choice to produce coats for their marshals.

Owner Alex Bentley tells me they are made from the same cloth and patterns used since the Battle of Waterloo. However though his family business dates back five generations, it certainly isn’t stuck in the past.

Alex notes, “We create outfits for lots of young people - for work, weddings, and weekends.

We’re designing a sport shirt for a rugby club, and working with a couple of ladies who want something special for their civil partnership. What we do is a heritage art, but it’s still in high demand.”

With a self-deprecating smile, Alex tells me he considers himself a “sartorial artist”. He explains, “I see the whole person, and create something based on that image and what they want to do. I’ve got some wonderful customers who we make really unusual things for, and they look outstanding.”

His innovations include digitally printed shirts, featuring bright and unique patterns. His enthusiasm is infectious as he tells me about the latest one, which is based on a photograph of coloured umbrellas that he took in Cyprus: “They are limited

editions, but for a very competitive price.”

Affordability is key at Bentleys, and being in Portsmouth gives them a competitive edge. “What we do is hand crafted and individually styled. But you’re not paying £5,000. You’re paying £500. Our vocation is creating something that’s as near perfect as possible. It’s completely different to mass production. But it’s an affordable investment.”

The process is relaxed. Some customers know just what they’d like. Others begin a journey of discovery at Bentleys. But it always starts “with a hot drink”, says Alex. “If someone isn’t sure exactly what they want, we can look at their physique, their colouring and so on. I tell our customers about where our materials are made, the people who make them, even the type of sheep the wool comes from. So they’re getting a story as well as the garment they want. We’re creating something special for them.”

In 1986, his commitment to giving people his best took Alex into politics. For almost two decades, he was a Councillor in Portsmouth, including a term as Lord Mayor. He recalls those days with pride - from standing up in court for local people whose homes were at risk (“There was always an extenuating circumstance; I’d persuade the judge

to give them more time”) to introducing the idea of 20MPH speed limits on residential streets (“There was a lot of opposition getting it through, but once it was proved to reduce fatalities, it was adopted around the country”).

It’s quite a legacy. And Alex is far from finished. His love of his trade is palpable, and he’s keen to return to local politics. Perhaps this sartorial artist has yet to make his masterpiece.

FILM

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10 Cloverfield Lane USA 2016 Director: Dan Trachtenberg Cert12A 103mins Staring John Goodman & Mary Elizabeth Winstead

loverfield hit our screens in 2008 and caused quite a stir among horror/sci-fi fans due to its Blair Witch style of cinematography i.e. a hand-held smartphone, social media format. The inherent disruption and confusion of the format certainly contributed to the sense of panic and mystery that was the film’s appeal and success.

So 10 Cloverfield Lane? A coincidence or a connection? Well, there is a connection, but it is very tenuous. It just seems to be a marketing ploy by the producers, which is a pity as I think that the film could certainly stand on its own.

It is very compelling, the characters are strong, interesting and well acted. The

central mystery to the film keeps you interested right up to the finale.

I can’t say too much about the story. Michelle (Mary Elisabeth Winstead) wakes up in an underground bunker after a car crash, chained to a pipe, to be told by Howard (John Goodman), that an ‘attack’ has occurred above ground and she cannot leave his bunker due to the contaminated air. A younger man, Emett has also made it into the bunker and the three settle into a very wary, tension filled and strange incarceration - for a while.

If you like claustrophobic psychological thrillers which cross over genres then 10 Cloverfield Lane will have you jumping out of your seat. A little gem.

Russell Baldwin

WHAT’S ON BLOOD DONOR SESSIONS

Fri 22 Apr, Fri 6 May COSHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE, WOOTTON STREET, COSHAM 1.30-3.25pm & 4.307.30pm Mon 11 Apr, Wed 13 Apr THE VICTORY LOUNGE, FRATTON PARK, PORTSMOUTH 1.30-3.25pm & 4.307.30pm. www.blood.co.uk

EXHIBITIONS & MUSEUMS Aspex Gallery

WEDS - SUNDAY, 11 - 4 & BANK HOLIDAYS

Every Fri until 15 Apr 10:30am12:30pm, Every Thursday 1:30-3:30pm (To begin from July) GENERATE Workshops for people with dementia Weekly art workshops for people with dementia, funded by the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group.

An opportunity to express your creative side, led by a team of trained professionals and

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volunteers.10:30 - 12:30pm FREE Every Wednesday MINI MAKERS 0-5yrs free tea & coffee £3 11am-12noon an adult must accompany Thu 7 Apr STORYTELLING SCENES Holiday Art Club (8-11yrs) Come along to Holiday Art Club with artist Emma Noble who will be leading a fun day of storytelling and making inspired by the exhibition of Malene Hartmann Rasmussen. You will make your own theatre-style backdrops and fabric characters to create your own stories!

Booking is essential! Please contact vicky@aspex.org.uk for more info.10am3pm £18 The Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays Tel: 023 9277 8080 www.aspex.org.uk

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard & Naval Museums

Tue 5 Apr LEGO SHIPBUILDING Back by

popular demand this Easter. Have a go at building a LEGO amphibious commando craft. For info: families@nmrn.org.uk or Tel: 023 92 727 564, 11am-3pm FREE with a valid ticket Royal Marines Museum Tue 5 & Thu 7 Apr SHOCKING SHARKS AND SNAPPING TURTLES Make your own finger-puppet shark or turtle. For info: 023 92 727 564 or email families@nmrn.org.uk 11am-3pm FREE with a valid ticket Royal Navy Submarine Museum Thu 7 Apr HATS OFF TO HMS VICTORY! Easter bonnets on HMS Victory. Make and decorate your very own naval hat to wear home. For info: 023 92 727 564 or email families@nmrn.org.uk 11am-1pm & 2-4pm FREE with a valid ticket On board HMS Victory Thu 7 Apr WILF THE EASTER BUNNY Follow Wilf's journey round the museum Cont’d p.50

CULTURE VULTURE Emma Beatty

Aspex Gallery open Weds-Sun, 11-4pm ‘Waldeinsamkeit’, Malene Hartmann Rasmussen 2 April-19 June Take a walk on the wild side in Aspex’s new show, entitled “Waldeinsamkeit”, a German phrase meaning woodland solitude (the feeling of being alone in the woods). On view are new works by Nightfall by Malene Hartmann Danish craftswoman and artist Malene Hartmann Rasmussen, winner of Aspex’s Craft Emergency competition in 2014. She returns to Portsmouth with a ‘mash up wonderland’ solo show of intricate ceramic sculptures, intriguing installations and furniture designs based on the complex beauty

of our woodland forms – spiders, acorns, butterflies and leaves. Her delicate pieces evoke the oddness, power and beauty of these forest forms. The Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays PO1 3BF

Mech

Portsmouth Guildhall Merch: petting zoo prints

and collectables Until 14 May, Aspex at the

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GIGS

Tobi Stidolph writes for inSYNC Magazine www.insynctm.com

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o r t s m o u t h ’s music scene is becoming one of the most respected in the UK. A symphony The Neighbourhood of great events and artists are all making their way to the city, spanning across a vast variety of genres, with the addition of top-draw events like Victorious and Dials Festivals, as well as underground dance music events taking place courtesy of companies such as Concrete Music.

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The past six months have seen the Pyramids Centre welcome tiptop acts to their stage, including the Californian indie band, The Neighbourhood. The LA outfit, on their European tour, made a pitstop in Portsmouth in support of their second studio album ‘Wiped Out!’. The five-piece entered a smokefilled stage, lit up with white spotlights, in keeping with the band’s black and white themed album artworks. The band rattled through a sixteen song setlist, showing off their alternative, unique style of rock. The Neighbourhood played an eclectic mix of songs from both albums, rounding off the performance with double-platinum selling single ‘Sweater Weather’ and their newest single ‘R.I.P 2 My Youth’.

Coming up in April and May: pop-rock singer/songwriter Nerina Pallot at The Wedgewood Rooms on Apr 19th, Dials Festival day event at The Wedgewood Rooms on 23rd April, Reading indie band Sundara Karma at The Wedgewood Rooms on 25th May and folk-rock singer Newton Faulkner at The Pyramids on 21st April. For those who want to sample some underground dance music, Concrete Music have a boat party on 23rd April (lineup TBC).

Guildhall (basement level) weekdays: 9-5pm, Sat 10am–2pm If you love the typography and graphic power of gig posters – especially for local venues – get along to this show. There’s some 45 posters, record sleeve designs and memorabilia from over eight years produced by the Petting Zoo print studio. Many are hand-printed in bright quality pigment. Originally from Portsmouth, now based in Brighton, Petting Zoo produce designs in a unique graphic style for sometimes obscure and diverse events, and artists, such as The Datsuns and Alabama Snakes. This is a chance to see their works together in one place. Most are for sale - and can be purchased from the box office upstairs.

Illustrated Menagerie 22 April-7 June, Freda Swain Business Lounge, The Guildhall, (weekdays: 9-5pm, Sat 10am–2pm), tel 023 9277 8080 to check opening times, Free entry Commemorate Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary on 23 April with works from Portsmouth University Illustration students.

Apparently, the Bard made over 4,000 allusions to animals in his plays borrowing their traits to describe

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his characters – from fierce tigers to busy ants, wild bears and faithful dogs, mystical unicorns, and mighty minotaurs. The students have created a scroll to illustrate 31 of these literary beasts. The exhibition is part of the Much Ado About Portsmouth festival this month, featuring a host of events in the city.

See maap.port.ac.uk for more information.

Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1 2AB www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk

Jack House Gallery

‘Sky’s Windows’, Ann Quinn 21 April-28 May, 11am-1.30pm & 2.30pm-6pm, free entry This is the first ever show in England for Donegal-born Quinn; she agreed to come after repeated requests from the gallery who loved her ‘pure’ painting style.

She’s showing some 12 landscapes in oils, each dominated by skies in various states of light and dark, dusk and dawn. They depict farmland from Quinn’s native Ireland, to views of the mountain regions of Iran where she’s visited. Her style is loose and energetic with the great looming skies veering into surging abstractions full of atmosphere.

Says Quinn: ‘My paintings are about places, but in fact I am going for the atmosphere. I use places in order to instill an atmosphere… The first real artist residency that I experienced was the farmhouse in Donegal where I grew up. That residency for me is eternal because it includes the atmospheres of my parents, brothers and sisters.’

‘Life’s Funny’, Catherine Barron 21 April-28 May, 11am-1.30pm & 2.30pm-6pm, free entry Also showing at Jack House is work by another Irish woman painter Catherine Barron, who lives and works in County Kilkenny. Family and place are also central to her works – but she is most interested in the people – smartly dressed women posing on holidays in the 1960s, or at parties. Her pictures, in acrylic on metal, are based on photo albums recording her parents’ courtship, marriage, family gatherings, christenings and nights out.

‘I recognise the dresses and the doors and the plants and the cars… There are days on the beach I don’t remember but I know I was there.’ 121 High Street, Old Portsmouth PO1 2HW

Catherine Barron

HISCOCKS AND SOUTHSEA GALLERIES

Hiscocks Gallery

Who runs it? Rick and Helen Steenhuis who live in Stubbington and have another gallery in Lee-on-Solent - White Dog Gallery.

They’ve run Hiscocks for the past 12 years, after moving down from London. It’s been at the heart of Southsea shopping for some 40 years, ever since it was opened by the original Mrs Hiscock herself.

Incidentally, Mrs Hiscock is now in her 90s and is still landlady to the Steenhuises.

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What does it sell? It’s a one-stop shop for bespoke framing, art from over 60 local artists – many unique to the gallery. There are also design-led gifts and art supplies.

A ‘corner shop’ for local artists: It’s one of the few places locally selling artist-quality paints, paper and supplies. Its cheerful shopwindow showcases local artworks. Inside, there’s a relaxed atmosphere, and a little white Westie, Max, is often to be seen.

Some of its artists: Tim Hut - The ‘nom de plume’, no less, of Hiscock Gallery owner Rick Steenhuis. He also specialises in large format art prints using a giclée printer. This expertise has resulted in some very successful pieces of typographic art that he’s produced himself— based on the contours of naval warships. Each design takes Rick up to three months to craft.

Steve Armon - Titchfield-born, and originally a sign writer. He’s one of the gallery’s most popular artists who paints local scenes – Gunwharf, Spice

South Parade Peir - Steve Armon

Island, Hillhead – full of vigorous rich colour and local detail. His distinctive loose and sketchy style is full of character, and topographical accuracy.

Port and Lemon - A two-woman artistic duo, both with experience as textile designers and a love of the sea. Tracy Evans was in the Navy and Kate Cooke ‘likes messing about in boats. They live near the River Hamble and design quirky, witty prints with a hint of nostalgia and sea-dog wit.

Rachel Bone - A new artist at Hiscocks. Rick recently commissioned her first commercial work after she came into the shop frequently to buy supplies. Her new series depicts naval boats in an inimitable style – drawn in black ink to create wonderfully detailed and graphically inventive clouds, seafoam.

11 Stanley Street

Southsea Gallery Who runs it? Sarah Payne and Paul Windsor. Sarah started the gallery in 2008 after being made redundant from South Downs College after nearly 20 years in education. Sarah and Paul started with a small shop on the other side of Albert Road moving to the bigger current shop opposite the Kings Theatre in 2010.

What does it do? It offers a full range of artists services: framing, mounting and giclée printing, photo restoration and prints on canvas. It also stocks quirky prints from both national publishers such as Sam Toft, as well as pieces by local photographers, graphic artists and illustrators.

Some of its artists: Dave Thompson - You’re probably familiar with Thompson’s work; he revisits the classic era of those famous 1950s travel 48

poster designs, reimagining them with a clean

such as “Albert Road in a Pint” which details all the

contemporary look. Based in Southsea, he certainly

names of the pubs on Albert Road, and ‘Things to

knows the local terrain – from Canoe Lake to the

Do in Portsmouth’ a riotous celebration in word and

Rose Garden - and communicates his gentle love

pictures of all the ways to spend time in the city.

of this unique island city, a place he’s called home

Shaun Roster - Roster is a versatile, and technically very skilled, photographer who is

for the past 30 years.

Paul Parsons - Parsons is a graphic artist and

equally happy taking photos from the air as he is

lecturer and also concentrates on Portsmouth-

chasing BAR on the water. You will often see his

inspired graphics, often using witty typography,

photos published in The News and he has a wide portfolio of shots from Portsmouth and the surrounding area.

Guihelm Brandy - Brandy is a photographer, with a particular eye for architecture and interiors.

He can capture the mood of a place in a photograph. His are some of the most evocative shots in the Gallery, such as “The Moody Pier”, showing Southsea Pier in all its dilapidated glory being beaten by a stormy grey Solent against quickening grey storm clouds.

Fireworks - Shaun Roster

51 Albert Road (quite near the Kings Theatre)

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through the HMS Galleries and onboard M.33, uncover the clues that he’s left behind to discover where his next adventure might take him. Then on to art and craft activities in the forward mess area of M.33. For more info: 023292 727595 or community@nmrn.org.uk11am-3pm FREE with a valid ticket In The Learning Centre, National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth and On board HMS M.33 Fri 8 Apr PERFECT POTIONS Make a perfectly appealing potion. Wonder at what magic properties it might have. For info tel: 023 92 727 564, 11am-3pm FREE with a valid ticket Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower, Priddys Hard, Gosport PO12 4LE Mon 11 Apr TODDLER TOURS Come along for a special sensory tour for our youngest visitors. Using sensory props and songs we will explore the museum at your child's pace. For info: 023 92 727 564, 10.30am, 12noon, 1.30pm £2 per child booked in advance Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower Tue 22 Apr THE CABIN CLUB Fun and interactive session for our littlest visitors. Join us for storytelling, art and craft, singing and gallery exploration. For more info: 023 727 587 or email families@nmrn.org.uk 10.30am-12noon (toddling - 5 years) and 1pm-2pm (from birth to crawling) £1 per child booking essential National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth Thu 24 Apr SPRING FAIR Stalls with handcrafted goods alongside well known brands 11am-3pm Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ Tel: 023 9283 9766 www.historicdockyard.co.uk

Portsmouth Museums

From Fri 1 Apr EXHIBITION: EDWARD KING A Life in Art FREE Portsmouth Museum Sat 2 Apr OWL PELLET INVESTIGATION Investigate what owls eat as you dissect real owl pellets and identify the bones and other evidence you find. Family activity with Natural Selection Learning.

6+. All children must be accompanied by an adult. £2 per child/£1.20 with Leisure Card. Places limited & must be booked in advance. Tel: 023 9281 5276 or book at Cumberland House reception 11am, 1.30pm & 3pm Cumberland House Natural History Museum Tue 5 Apr WONDERFUL WILDLIFE Enjoy arts and crafts activities inspired by amazing animals. A Creation Station dropin workshop suitable for 2-11yrs. All children must be accompanied by an adult. £3 per child/£1.75 with Leisure Card 11am-3pm Portsmouth Museum Tue 5 Apr MEET THE BUMBLEBEES Discover more about the bumble bee through a range of themed activities at this joint Portsdown Hill - Bumble Bee Conservation event. Cost: FREE of charge, colouring sheets 20p each 1-4pm Cumberland House Natural History Museum Weds 6 Apr CLOWNING AROUND Have fun with circus inspired arts and crafts activities. A Creation Station drop-in workshop suitable for 2-11. All children must be accompanied by an adult. £3 per child/£1.75 with Leisure Card 11am-3pm Southsea Castle Thu 7 Apr JURASSIC ART Enjoy arts and crafts activities inspired by the pre-historic

dinosaurs. A Creation Station drop-in workshop suitable for children aged 2-11.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. £3 per child/£1.75 with Leisure Card11am-3pm Cumberland House Natural History Museum Fri 8 Apr ALL ABOUT BEES Drop-in session for children and adults to learn more about our beehive, how the bees live and try on some beekeeper’s clothing 10am-12noon Cumberland House Natural History Museum Sat 23 - Sun 24 Apr EASTNEY BEAM ENGINE HOUSE OPEN DAY 1-5pm FREE Until Mon 11 Apr DESIGNED BY NATURE ACTIVITY TRAIL Signs of Spring Explore the colours and patterns of the natural world as you follow our activity trail around the museum displays. 50p per trail Museum open 10am-5pm Cumberland House Natural History Museum www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk

MARKETS

Sat 2 & Sun 3 Apr LOVE SOUTHSEA MARKETS Palmerston Road Precinct Sat 30 Apr - Mon 2 May PORTSMOUTH RURAL & SEASIDE SHOW 2016 MARKET 10am-5pm Castle Field Sun 17 Apr HAMPSHIRE FARMERS MARKET & MARKETS 10am-2pm Palmerston Road Precinct www.hampshirefarmersmarket.co.uk

MUSIC

Portsmouth Guildhall Sat 2 Apr EVOLVE FAMILY WORKSHOP – Creative sessions for children with autism and families 11am

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M JW CARPENTRY

All aspects of carpentry undertaken. built-in wardrobes and bespoke fitted furniture, doors, windows, stairs and kitchens fitted or repaired, flooring, sash window and general carpentry repair and more. FREE ESTIMATES AND ADVICE

Michael Wright

Tel: 02392 324835 Mob: 07882 713349 mjwcarp@hotmail.co.uk

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Independent practice since 1996 24hr Emergency Service Surgical theatre on site 34 Elm Grove • Southsea • Hants • PO5 1JG Tel: 02392 861122 • www.grove-vets.co.uk

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Sat 2 Apr EVOLVE FAMILY WORKSHOP – Creative sessions for children with SEN and families 1.30pm Tue 5 Apr BARB JUNGR IN THE LIVE LOUNGE 8pm £14 Sat 9 Apr MAGIC OF MOTOWN 7.30pm £28.05 Sun 10 Apr THE HOLLIES 6pm £27.50 - £31.90 Wed 13 Apr G4 BACK FOR GOOD TOUR 2016 7pm £30.25 Thu 14 Apr BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Imperial Concerto 7pm £14.75 - £29.50 Fri 15 Apr NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA 7pm £8 Sun 24 Apr UKBFF SOUTH COAST BODY BUILDING SHOW 2016 12pm £22 Mon 25 Apr TRIO MARTINU 7.30pm £16 Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AB Box office: 0844 847 2362 www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk

The Pyramids Thu 21 Apr NEWTON FAULKNER + Guests 7pm £17.50 Under 14s must be

accompanied by an adult over 18. Under 21s require ID to purchase alcohol Sun 24 Apr AN AUDIENCE WITH BRET ‘THE HITMAN’ HART - SPORTS 4pm Platinum £86.50, Gold £44.00 Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult over 18. Under 21s require ID to purchase alcohol Clarence Esplanade, Southsea PO5 3ST www.pyramids-live.co.uk

Wedgewood Rooms Sat 2 Apr SOUTHSEA BEEREX Afternoon Session 12noon £10, Evening Session 6pm £10 Wed 6 Apr JIM JONES AND THE RIGHTEOUS MIND 8pm £12 Thu 7 Apr THE SHEEPDOGS 8pm £9 Fri 8 Apr WEDGE COMEDY CLUB 7.30pm £8 followed by IT’S A SIN 11pm FREE Sat 9 Apr THE MODFATHERS 8pm £8 Fri 15 Apr THE SMYTHS present THE QUEEN IN DEAD 8pm £10 Sat 16 Apr VELUDO PLANES 9pm £5 Tue 19 Apr NERINA PALLOT 8pm £18.50 Fri 22 Apr WEDGE COMEDY CLUB 7.30pm £8 followed by IT’S A SIN

DRIVING TUITION Lady Instructor Friendly & Patient

11pm FREE Sat 23 Apr DIALS DAYS £10 Thu 28 Apr ACCEPTANCE FUNDRAISING COMEDY NIGHT 7.30pm £12 Fri 29 Apr WHOLE LOTTA LED 8pm £12 Wed 4 May THE TREATMENT 8pm £10 Fri 6 May WEDGE COMEDY CLUB 7.30pm £8 followed by THUNDERDOME 10pm followed by IT’S A SIN 11pm FREE PLEASE NOTE THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AS NEW EVENTS MAY HAVE BEEN ADDED SINCE THE MAGAZINE WENT TO PRINT. PLEASE VISIT www.wedgewood-rooms.co.uk FOR FURTHER INFO

PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL Sat 9 Apr Dag & Red v PFC 3pm Sat 16 Apr PFC v Plymouth 3pm Tue 19 Apr York v PFC 7.45pm Sat 23 Apr PFC v Wycombe 3pm Sat 30 Apr Hartlepool v PFC 3pm Sat 7 May PFC v Northampton 3pm

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53

PORTSMOUTH LIBRARIES Regular Activities RHYME TIME

Fridays Alderman Lacey Library 10am Wednesdays Beddow Library 2pm fortnightly term time only Mondays Carnegie Library 10.30am Wednesdays Central Library 10am Monday, Thursdays & Saturdays Southsea Library 10am

STORY TIME Fridays Beddow Library 10am Saturdays Central Library 11am Mondays Southsea Library 2pm Every Monday SCRABBLE CLUB Alderman Lacey Library Every Monday RELAX WITH COLOURING Beddow Library Second Monday of the month CRAFT GROUP Southsea Library Every Tuesday KNITTING GROUP Central Library Every Thursday RELAX WITH COLOURING Cosham Library SEE THE OFFICIAL PORTSMOUTH LIBRARIES FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE UPCOMING

EVENTS AT PORTSMOUTH LIBRARIES

Portsmouth Library members can enjoy loads of special offers around the city when they show their library card: • 20% discount with Hovertravel on adult and child standard returns, day returns and single. Photo ID also required. Terms and conditions apply.

• £2 off standard admission to the Blue Reef Aquarium (valid for Adult, Child and Senior tickets) • 20% discount at Mozzarella Joes pizza restaurant • 20% off all attraction tickets at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard • 10% discount at Blossoms of Portsmouth florist • Children under 16 and adults over 60 swim for free at the Mountbatten Centre, Eastney Swimming Pool and Charter Community Sports Centre

THEATRE

Groundlings Theatre

Sat 30 Apr PENNY PINCHERS 7.30pm £12

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Kings Theatre

Sun 3 Apr BUCKS FIZZ 35TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR 7.30pm From Mon 4 Apr EXHIBITION: DERYCH VAN Tue 5 - Fri 8 Apr EASTER ART SCHOOL 9.30am-4.30pm £120 per child Tue 5 Apr BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL World Tour 7.30pm Wed 6 - Thu 7 Apr MISSION IMPUDSEYBLE Wed 3pm & 6.30pm, Thu 1.30pm & 4.30pm Fri 8 Apr ABBA MANIA 7.30pm Sat 9 Apr THEATRE TOURS 10.30am Sat 9 Apr TAP FACTORY 7.30pm Wed 13 Apr IRELAND’S CALL 7.30pm Fri 15 Apr DEAN MARTIN JNR 7.30pm Sat 16 Apr MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 7.30pm From Mon 18 Apr EXHIBITION: MERYEM AMELIA Mon 18 Apr WE’LL MEET AGAIN 2pm Wed 20 Apr SWING 7.30pm Fri 22 Apr THE BIG CHRIS BARBER BAND 7.30pm

Tue 26 - Mon 30 Apr GREEN DAY’S AMERICAN IDIOT The Musical 7.30pm, Sat mat 2.30pm From 2 May EXHIBITION: ANNA POTTEN AND SALLY THOMAS Black and White and Coloured Fri 6 May THAT’LL BE THE DAY 30TH Anniversary Special 7.30pm Albert Road, Southsea, Portsmouth PO5 2QJ, Box Office: 023 9282 8282 kingsportsmouth.co.uk

New Theatre Royal

Fri 1 Apr POP FACTOR, THE CONCERT 2016 6.30pm £15 Wed 6 Apr SOUTH COAST COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR 8pm £5 Tue 12 Apr SAFE 7.30pm £14 Thu 14 Apr DANCE TO COMMUNICATE 6.30pm Wed 20 Apr SOUTH COAST COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR 8pm £5 Fri 22 Apr UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF BRITAIN 7.30pm £24 Sat 23 Apr WRITE YOUR PLAY WITH ZELLA COMPTON 10am £10 Tue 26 Apr MURDER AT THE THEATRE: Crime Writing Workshops with Diana Bretherick and William Sutton 6.30pm £10 Thu 28 Apr TOUR OF NEW THEATRE ROYAL 2pm Fri 29 Apr THE BIRTHDAY PARTY 7.30pm £20 Sat 30 Apr WRITE YOUR PLAY WITH ZELLA COMPTON 10am £10 Sat 30 Apr MAX AND IVAN: THE END 7.30pm Tue 3 May MURDER AT THE THEATRE: CRIME WRITING WORKSHOPS WITH

DIANA BETHERICK AND WILLIAM SUTTON 6.30pm £10 Wed 4 May HAZEL O’CONNOR 8pm £20 Wed 4 May SOUTH COAST COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR Semi Final 8pm £5 Thu 5 May LADY BOYS OF BANGKOK 7.30pm £22 Sat 7 May WRITE YOUR PLAY WITH ZELLA COMPTON 10am £10 Sat 7 May STORYTELLING WORKSHOP 11am Sat 7 May RICH HALL – 3:10 TO HUMOUR 8pm £16 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD Box Office: 023 9264 9000 www.newtheatreroyal.com

OTHER EVENTS Until 10 Apr EASTER HOLIDAY TRAIL £1 per child Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey Until 10 Apr WILD EGG HUNT & BIG BIRD BONANZA Normal admission applies Marwell Zoo Until 10 Apr CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT £2 plus admission Mottisfont Abbey, Romsey Until 10 Apr STEP INTO SPRING AT STAUNTON Normal admission applies Staunton Country Park Sat 2 Apr SOUTHSEA SKATEPARK ROLLER DISCO 7pm £5 plus £2.50 skate hire Clarence Esplanade Sat 9 - Sun 10 Apr MEON SPRING COUNTRY EXPERIENCE SHOW 10am4.30pm Ad £7.50, Ch £2.50 Whitewool Farm, East Meon, Petersfield Sat 16 & Sun 17 Apr CASTLE ROAD SPRING MARKET & RECORDS STORE DAY 12-7pm

Sun 17 Apr KESTREL CYCLE STANDS PORTSMOUTH DUATHLON Race -7.5km + 18.5km Bike + 5km Run 8.15am Ind £32 or Team £37 Clarence Esplanade Sun 17 Apr VINTAGE, ANTIQUE, COLLECTORS AND CRAFT FAIR 10am Chawton Village Hall Sat 23 - Sun 24 Apr DIESEL WEEKEND ON WATERCRESS LINE Ad £25, Ch £13 U2 FREE Sat 23 Apr ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES MARKET 10am Palmerston Road Sat 23 Apr LUXURY CARS FREE @ Gunwharf Quays Sat 23 - Sun 24 & Sat 30 Apr - Mon 2 May EMSWORTH ARTS TRAIL www.emsworthartstrail.org.uk Sun 24 Apr SUNDAY GUN FIRINGS @ Fort Nelson Sat 30 Apr AUTISM HAMPSHIRE CHARITY ABSEIL Spinnaker Tower Sat 30 Apr BELTAIN, Celebration for the start of summer Butser Ancient Farm Sat 30 Apr - Mon 2 May RURAL AND SEASIDE SHOW from 10am FREE Castle Field, Southsea Sat 30 Apr - Mon 2 May OPEN STUDIO Full details: http://originaltilestudio.co.uk Sat 30 Apr - Sun 1 May PORTSMOUTH SUMMER SHOW from 1am Tickets per day Ad £15, Ch £7, Under 5 £1. All children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult King George V Playing Field, Cosham Sat 30 Apr STAGE PLAY 7pm £12 Groundlings Theatre Sun 1 - Mon 2 May HAMPSHIRE COUNTRY FAIR 10am-6pm Ad £12, OAP £11, Ch £4 U5 FREE Netley Marsh Showground

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55

WORKPLACE PENSIONS AND AUTOMATIC ENROLMENT – PORTSMOUTH BASED FIRM OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Jackson Green Carter Limited OFFERS A COMPLETE “TURNKEY” SOLUTION

A

t Jackson Green Carter we have developed an integrated solution for employers seeking to address their responsibilities under Automatic Enrolment (AE).

You can take advantage of our Automatic Enrolment integrated solution and retain your existing accountant. Please read on and find out exactly what we can do for you and how much it will cost.

solutions for small employers. By combining with Jackson Green Carter you can take advantage of a commercial, flexible pension plan with Legal and General regardless of the size of your workforce.

How does it work in practice?

We offer a turnkey

solution to all of your subsequent employer requirements and responsibilities under AE. The work that we perform on your behalf covers ALL of your set up tasks as well as ALL of your ongoing

processing

and

compliance

monitoring tasks. This includes registration including postponement and salary sacrifice considerations,

employee

notifications

and

ongoing monthly processing and employee status monitoring. We calculate the total monthly pension contribution, collect it and submit it to the pension provider. We can also operate your monthly payroll if you wish.

How much does it cost?

The initial registration costs

amount to £250 plus £45 per employee requiring enrolment. After that, the ongoing processing fees amount to £5 per payslip including payroll preparation. If we do not process your payroll then we can provide a bespoke fixed fee quotation.

Are you well prepared for workplace pension provision?

If not, we can guide you through the whole process and by deciding to use our integrated solution you will be opting to place your employees’ pensions with Legal and General. A global operator in financial services, Legal and General is one of the most established pension providers in the UK with over £700billion under investment as at 31st December 2014.

Many providers are not prepared to offer AE

Conclusion

AE is a statutory requirement which

must be embraced by all employers with “eligible” employees.

We are pleased to offer you a

packaged, integrated solution that places your employees’ pensions in the hands of one of the UK’s most prestigious pension providers.

To receive more details on the unique Jackson Green Carter integrated AE solution please contact Martin Carter on 02392 756833 or martin@jacksongreencarter.co.uk www.jacksongreencarter.co.uk 57