Southsea Lifestyle March 2017

Photo: Neil Williams

Southsea

Lifestyle

WE HAVE TENANTS AND BUYERS WAITING LETTINGS

S A L E S B L O C K MANAGEMENT

You deserve Amazing!

Bespoke Pink Tourmaline, diamond and Pink Sapphire engagement ring with fitted Wedding band in Palladium

View our beautiful 2 minute film about your commissioning journey by clicking on our homepage at:

charlottecornelius.co.uk 66 Castle Road, Southsea PO5 3AZ 02392 863516 @CharlotteCorneliusLtd Charlotte Cornelius Jewellery Design

10 CONTRIBUTORS

CONTENTS

Tara Knight - mum, wife, co-owner of Southsea Coffee Co., naturopathic nutritional adviser and creator of nourishing food at ginger + peach

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A LIFE AQUATIC RAISON D’ÊTRE DAFFODILS EXCITING LINEUP FOR VICTORIOUS 2017

Neil Maxwell is director of Fry & Kent Estate Agents and volunteer crew member of the RNLI

Emma Beatty teaches journalism at the University of Portsmouth. She has lived in Southsea for ten years, and has two children John Worsey is a freelance writer, based in Southsea. He works in advertising, communications, media and branding

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IT’S THE CIRCOLO LIFE RECIPE EMPTY SHELVES SPRING WEDDINGS 2017 AND THE WINNER IS...

WHY COMMISSION A BESPOKE WEDDING RING?

30 44 48 50

CREATIVE WALLS PLASTIC OCEAN TRAINING A CHAMPION CULTURE VULTURE

David Batts is Large and Gibson’s Practice Manager and Solicitor Southsea Lifestyle Produced by Salad Publishing Ltd Editor: Kevin John Dean Creative Director: Zirrinia Austin Dean Web design & social media: Daniel Sweeney Media partners: Strong Island Co What’s on listings: Sophie McCue Design assistant: Abi Bryant Editorial assistant: Kai Austin Dean

A NOTE TO ALL BUSINESS OWNERS

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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’s deadline is 16 th March and is published on 1st April.

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A

s someone who gets seasick from sitting on a lilo I’m not sure I could live on a boat.

Neil Williams had no such concerns when he set about renovating a dilapidated French fishing boat - which he now enjoys living upon, see our cover story on p6. Staying with the sea, David Jones of Triton Scuba in Highland Road, has built an impressive reputation as an underwater photographer and film maker and has worked on numerous TV programmes and publications. He has also filmed much of the footage of a new adventure style documentary, which charts the alarming amount of plastic that is present in the world’s oceans, something that is fairly evident just from walking along our local beaches. Tipped to be the next Inconvenient Truth, A Plastic Ocean is due to be released later this year, see p.44.

Back on terra firma, we have a touching story about a war veteran p.10 and the career of a local boxing champion, Joel Macintrye on p.48. So, gloves off, get to your favourite corner and enjoy reading everything that’s great about our city!

Kevin John Dean

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A LIFE AQUATIC Words: Kevin Dean. Photographs: Claire Sambrook

L

iving on a boat might be a dream for some, but twelve years ago Neil Williams decided to make it a reality. “I’d been wanting to find somewhere to live other than a regular house, and came across a 1954 French fishing boat. It was a total wreck, but she was big and beamy, and at a good price,” said Neil. After getting the vessel out of the water and allowing her to dry out, his first task was to replace 150m of the upper planking and re-cork the wooden hull, before stripping back and re-fitting the interior. Neil is a successful interior designer and retailer, and restored the boat in his spare time. “It was an insane amount of work and has probably taken about 10 years to make it a comfortable place to live. I try to always remember I’m living on a boat and not a substitute house. There’s no TV,

Neil Williams’ retail outlet Bureau of Change, which displays his nautically inspired collection along with flowers and plants by Rose Clover, can be seen at South Coast Emporium, Elm Grove Southsea.

washing machine or microwave. Everything is simple and fairly minimal. Space is of course limited, so I’m careful about what I bring on board. For instance if I buy some toothpaste I’ll often hand the cardboard packaging back to the shopkeeper and ask them to recycle it for me,” said Neil with a laugh. Doesn’t it get cold in winter? “People often ask that - if you don’t turn your heating on at home, it will get cold. A boat is much the same, and because the insulation is good, and the planks are thick, there is virtually no heat loss. Even in the winter, the sun can often get very warm which quickly heats the old oak timbers. I like to think my carbon footprint is fairly minimal.

“Moored in Chichester Harbour, the scenes from on deck can be serene, if not spectacular, I know it’s not the life for everyone but I don’t think I could live anywhere else.”

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RAISON D’ÊTRE

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Neil Maxwell

ast summer whilst driving through North America I stopped in several towns where there were obvious signs that all was not well in the local economy. Coming from an area where living space is at a premium to come across an entire town that had been built around a factory that had recently been closed taking away not just jobs but the reason for the Town to exist took sometime to comprehend a John Grisham novel brought to life.

Having driven for many hours and in need of refreshment I decided to take my life in my hands and stop at the only Restaurant/Bar that wasn’t boarded up. For those of you who have seen the rib shack in ‘House of Cards’ you’ll get the picture straight away, for those that haven’t it was a gaudily painted tired wooden building with fly screen, where the conversation from the handful of diners dried up the minute I opened the door.

The population of that Town was in freefall according to the tired owner, crime was through the roof, the shops such as they were had closed apart from a mini mart and the amount of for sale signs would keep a log burner supplied for many 8

years to come. Whatever your politics it isn’t hard to understand given this set of circumstances in North America, why Donald Trump (love him, or loathe him), resonated with people trapped in these sad situations.

In direct contrast the South East of the United Kingdom is being squeezed in every direction with pressure on housing stocks, transport links, green belt the list goes on but we shouldn’t take for granted how lucky we are to be in this position, whilst we may all fall feel chastened from time to time with the pressures of living here I know which of the two scenarios I’d rather live with.

February has been a good month for Sales and Lettings often we find the scales tipped in favour of one side or the other but at the moment they are selling and letting at equal rates with the unusual situation recently of tenants out bidding each other for a property. The consistent general shortage of properties coming onto the market continues to drive prices in upward and makes this one of the best times to sell a property in the last fifty years.

PORTSDOWN HILL ROAD ÂŁ2,750 PCM Distinctive, 'Y shaped' detached house situated in a fantastic location on Portsdown Hill Road. It's elevated position provides far reaching panoramic views from Hayling Island across the City and towards the Isle of Wight to the front aspect and of the South Downs, across to Buster Hill and extensive farmlands to the rear. This truly impressive home is approached via a pillared entrance with electric gates opening to the landscaped front garden and shingled driveway, leading to the garage and path to the front door.

Through the entrance porch and into the reception hall, doors in turn, lead to; two large reception rooms, study, cloakroom and open plan kitchen/breakfast room and conservatory/family room to the ground floor. Four double bedrooms and family bathroom can then be found to the first floor with the master bedroom benefitting from having an en suite shower room. All rooms to the front elevation boast dual aspect square bay windows with imposing views and additional property features include fireplaces, solid oak flooring, a 'Range' style cooker and heated flooring in both bathrooms. Externally, there are large front and rear gardens mainly laid to lawn with paved areas, mature shrub borders and side pedestrian access. The garage with remote controlled up and over door provides a store room directly above plus a separate utility room accessed via a side pedestrian door.

EASTERN PARADE ÂŁ3,500 PCM Rarely available, Seafront property occupying a prominent corner position. This is a substantial, detached house arranged over three floors providing very spacious accommodation throughout and has an abundance of original features alongside modern day comforts. The ground floor of the property boasts two reception rooms, dining room, a study and a large kitchen / diner. The first floor has six bedrooms, two bathrooms and a separate WC. The lower ground floor has a gymnasium, snooker and games room, utility room, bathroom and separate shower room.

Externally, there is a detached garage with driveway and dual aspect garden with swimming pool.

Sales & Lettings office: Stanley Street, Southsea www.fryandkent.com SALES: T: 023 9281 5221 E: sales@fryandkent.com LETTINGS: T: 023 9282 2400 E: lettings@fryandkent.com 9

DAFFODILS

Solicitor, David Batts recalls a client’s story

I

was first sent to Portsmouth to live with my uncle as a punishment. I was placed in the accounts department of Large and Gibson Solicitors with a salary of £5,000, rented my first bedsit in The Retreat, Southsea and never felt happier.

I have enjoyed a fascinating career both locally and further afield, and now, 30 years on, I look out of the bay window along Kent Road, as Large and Gibson’s Practice Manager and Solicitor. As community solicitors we meet the most amazing variety of people from all backgrounds and circumstances.

Every client, every life, is unique and you do what you can to help and advise, but occasionally you get to know a person better than most and hear a story that sticks with you.

‘Clem’ told one. He recalled how his father was slightly built and uniquely suited to his job at Gosport submarine station - being pushed through torpedo tubes polishing and greasing them on his

way. I smiled when he told me, but Clem continued, looking serious. He warned it would have been a mistake to joke, as his father was also a bare knuckle boxing champion.

In time, the Navy must have found better ways to maintain it’s submarines because one morning the family packed and boarded the Gosport ferry for Southsea - in search of work.

It didn’t work out and like many families in the 1930s if the boys could not be fed, they were forced to join the Army. Clem was 14 years old, height 4’10”, weight 5st 8lbs.

In May 1940, Clem was caught up in the horrors of Dunkirk. He and his mate had become detached from their battalion and were trying to reach an embarkation point. It was cold and dark and four shells burst in front of them, but as they ‘put one foot in front of the other’, Clem and his companion eventually saw the destroyer, HMS Wakeful alongside.

“Maybe we should try and get on that!”, his mate ran on and was one of the last soldiers to board the Wakeful. Clem couldn’t keep up and fell, but instead was heaved aboard a passenger ferry called the Daffodil. He slumped to the floor of the saloon and surrendered to exhaustion. The next thing Clem remembered was being shaken awake by a sailor saying, “come on son, Margate!” The Wakeful, was torpedoed and went down with only 26 survivors, Clem never saw his friend again.

This story returns to me every year when the Daffodils appear and Dunkirk remembrance approaches.

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Southsea’s Premier

Kitchen, Bathroom & Bedroom Showroom 59 Years

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Providing unrivalled service for over 55 years

Passionate about Design, Committed to Quality

112-116 Haslemere Road Southsea PO4 9AR 023 9273 4291 www.sbskitchens.co.uk

A NEW LOOK AND NEW AWARDS

H

elen and John Buckwell established their popular butchers shop in Osborne Road in 1987. This year sees the premises given a facelift, from staff uniforms, to the signage and the shop interior. The new look was undertaken by Southsea designer Peter Howells of Alpha Graphics. “We were very aware of Buckwell’s being a traditional family butchers, but Helen and John were keen to embrace a new, contemporary look’, said Peter. The building and installation is by local builders CT McCann.

It has been an exciting year so far for Buckwells, as they also won nine Gold awards and one Diamond award at the recent Smithfields awards, presented by the food critic Tom Parker Bowles.

Tel: 023 9282 7053 70 Osborne Road, Southsea PO5 3LU www.buckwells.co.uk Opening Times: Tue, Thurs & Fri: 8am-5.30pm, Wed: 8am-1pm, Sat: 8am-4pm 12

2013

ESTABLISHED BUILDERS

working with local residents & business for over 35 years

Before

After

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 13

EXCITING LINEUP FOR VICTORIOUS 2017

V

ictorious (25-27 August ‘17) – the UK’s biggest metropolitan festival – has announced its headliners and the first wave of artists in an already impressive line-up.

Having previously revealed Madness as the headliner for the all-new Friday night Opening Party, the festival is proud to announce legends Stereophonics and Elbow at the top of the bill for Saturday and Sunday.

Celebrating an incredible 20 year career, Welsh rockers Stereophonics are guaranteed to deliver an immense set on Saturday night packed with hits from nine studio albums along with brand new material and a dynamic live performance that has earned them a reputation as one of the best in the business.

and life-affirming indie-rock anthems will make for a sublime crescendo.

Also appearing on Sunday’s bill are art-rockers Franz Ferdinand, nu-punk duo Slaves, multiaward winning singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, Tanzanian rapper Tiggs Da Author and garage punk outfit Crows.

Festival director Andy Marsh reports: “we are immensely proud of this year’s line up. We’ve worked really hard to secure the very best acts – band and artists we personally love. We literally have the crown jewels of the British music industry night after night and we still have so much more to announce.

“It’s going to be a legendary weekend - the best Victorious yet – we can’t wait until August, it’s going to be incredible!”

Jake Bugg

Support comes from indie-folk troubadour Jake Bugg, power pop trio Feeder, folk rockers Frightened Rabbit, alt-rock upstarts Sundara Karma, fêted grime artist and rapper Lady Leshurr and lo-fi London four piece Palace.

Headlining Sunday and providing the perfect finale to the best Victorious Festival yet are Mercury-winning Mancunian maestros Elbow.

Enjoying critical acclaim for imminent new album Little Fictions, Elbow’s beautiful ballads 14

Lady Leshurr

Held in the spectacular seaside location of Southsea overlooking the Solent, Victorious Festival is an amazing family friendly experience with the best live acts, an enormous free kids arena, bustling markets, real ale, real food and an atmosphere not to be missed.

Friday 25th August- Friday night opening party6-11pm* Saturday 26th August - 10am-11pm Sunday 27th August - 10am-11pm KT Tunstall

Crows

With Friday tickets currently set at the unbeatable Early Bird price of ÂŁ25 and Saturday and Sunday at ÂŁ32 a day, Victorious Festival continues to be one of the best value festivals in the UK. For tickets and details go to: www.victoriousfestival.co.uk Tiggs Da Author

* Restricted site access - event includes Castle Stage, Real Ale Village, Southsea Castle. Champagne Bar. Families welcome but please note, there will be no Kids Arena.

Madness

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IT’S THE CIRCOLO LIFE John Worsey

W

hen I arrive at Circolo to chat with owner Gianni, it’s technically closed for the afternoon. But a handful of lunchtime diners are sipping coffees, others are sitting at the bar, and there’s no sense that anyone is in a rush to leave. From time to time during our conversation, Gianni excuses himself to circulate around his cosy pizzeria. There’s no closing-time, finish-your-drinks-please rhetoric he just wants to make sure everyone has everything they need.

Circolo was born in the heart of Italy - in more ways than one. Gianni’s ancestors hail from Montecassino, and emigrated to Portsmouth in the last century. Over the generations since, they’ve given succour to the community with ice cream parlours, coffee shops and a chain of grocers. It was back in the old country that Gianni realised he could follow in those footsteps.

Studying at language school in Rimini, and travelling to Naples, he was inspired by the pizzerias that dotted towns and villages everywhere. “You find them in little streets, they’ve been there for hundreds of years. It’s the ingredients that make pizza over there. You bite into tomatoes that have grown in volcanic soil

Photos: Jay Kettle-Williams

That’s typical of this unique little eatery on Osborne Road. Gianni himself sums it up when I ask how he first conceived bringing a slice of Italy to Southsea, “A nice little pizza place where people can enjoy an informal

place to eat with a relaxed vibe”.

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and they are so full of flavour, it’s beautiful.”

They source as many Italian ingredients as possible - from Calabrian N’duja sausage through to gelato, coffee and wine. Crucial for proper pizza, the special “blue dough” is the real deal. Made on the premises every morning, it’s left to prove for 24 hours. As the yeast starts breaking down it becomes fluffier, lighter and easier to digest.

Of chef Bruno, Gianni explains, “I’m very lucky to have found him. Our different ideas complement each other. He’s always trying new stuff out the back, and it’s always amazing.” Formerly a trainer at Pizza Express, Bruno brings an elegant simplicity to the Circolo menu. Quality, rather than endless choice, is the order of the day - select flavours, perfectly matched; the Italian way.

Talking to Gianni, I’m struck by how Circolo’s unique atmosphere reflects the personality of its creator. He tells me, “I don’t like to think of myself as a ‘restauranteur.’ I’m more of an entrepreneur. I was working in insurance before I opened Circolo. I had never even pulled a

Circolo’s owner Gianni

pint, but I thought if Richard Branson can open an airline, I can open a little pizza shop. It takes persistence, common sense, and an enjoyment of good food and wine.”

That attitude - keeping things simple, focussing on the good stuff, no stress or drama - is exactly what makes Circolo such an appealing place to eat. As Gianni points out, there is one more ingredient in the recipe for success, “Passion”.

And it’s not confined to Circolo. “There’s a real scene coming on in Southsea. I see young people having ideas, being inspired by others, and doing something for themselves. The good thing about Portsmouth is that opening a business isn’t going to cost you the earth. If it goes wrong, you can still get up and move forward. I think that’s got a lot to do with why there’s so much exciting food, art and culture happening in Southsea at the moment.”

I’ll drink (a nice cold glass of Pinot Grigio) to that.

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EMPTY SHELVES Tara Knight

S

pain and southern Europe are Britain’s main source of salad vegetables in the winter and after terrible weather there were issues with crops, causing wholesale prices to dramatically increase. The shelves in some UK cities were left empty as supplies of courgettes, peppers, tomatoes and lettuce dried up.

Coupled with the impending Brexit and a possible rise in the cost of imported fruit and vegetables, there has never been a better time to support our local farmers and food producers. Two local initiatives can help with this.

On the third Sunday of every m o n t h , Hampshire Farmers’ Market comes to Palmerston Road.

This is a not for profit organisation now in its 17th year and was conceived by Hampshire County Council and co-started by Mike Smales of Lyburn Cheese. The producers and stall holders sell produce seasonally grown, reared, caught and brewed in Hampshire.

Another not for profit organisation, Hampshire Fare, has been working with farmers and producers for 25 years with the aim of increasing awareness of local produce and the development of sustainable food and drink 20

businesses. Take a browse through their website and you begin to see the breadth of food that is produced locally in our county.

Who knew that the “best camembert in the world” (as determined by Raymond Blanc), is made by Tunworth, who have won multiple awards and is produced just outside of Basingstoke? Some of Southsea’s speciality coffee shops use local farm milk produced from Northney Farm’s (Hayling Island) prize winning Ayrshire herd. Fjordling smokehouse in R o m s e y traditionally smokes trout caught from their own farms on the River Test and Itchen. The Isle of Wight is well known for producing world class tomatoes and garlic; and of course Pompey beer, by brewers such as Staggeringly Good, who were highly commended in the Hampshire Food and Drink awards.

No matter what your diet: plant based, vegetarian, carnivore or anything in between, there has never been a better time to try Hampshire produce and keep courgettes off our plates - until they come into season in the UK. Next Farmers Market is 19th March 10-2pm.

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SPRING WEDDINGS 2017

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Beautiful wedding bouquets from Rose Clover Contact Liz via her website roseclover.co.uk or at South Coast Emporium, Elm Grove Southsea.

Stunning photography from Dimples and Daisies see their website dimplesanddaisiesphotography.co.uk or visit their Grove Road South, Southsea studio.

Wedding shoes - from international Award winning shoe designer. Freya provides a personal consultation service. Freya Rose, 12 Grove Road, Southsea PO5 3QT www.freyarose.com

Pre-wedding pampering products available from Southsea Bathing Hut at www.southseabathinghut.co.uk

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Nostalgicar wedding vehicle hire is owned and run by Anthony Wiltshire, he is proud to offer a bespoke service with the use of his collection of British classic vehicles. Based in Southsea, Anthony is a vintage car enthusiast who keeps his cars in immaculate order. Using a 1950’s theme, Anthony drives the cars himself wearing the contemporary fashion of the time, including, tweed suits and brogues.

For your perfect wedding car, call: 023 9204 1784 m: 07496 431331 e: nostalgicar@outlook.com www.nostalgicar.co.uk Like us on

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C

AND THE WINNER IS...

reatiques is a multi-award winning bridal boutique based in the heart of Albert Road, Southsea and is home to over 140 hand selected bridal gowns from designers Justin Alexander, Sincerity, Maggie Sottero, Lillian West, Sweetheart, Enzoani, Eliza Jane Howell, House of Mooshki and Mark Lesley.

Creatiques have just celebrated their 26 th year within the bridal industry, as well as receiving the prestigious title of Bridal Buyer’s ‘Retailer of The Year- ENGLAND’ for the second year in a row; bringing a wealth of bridal buzz to Southsea, with brides travelling from across the country to visit the multi-award winning team in their beautiful Albert Road boutique. The boutique which had previously been open in Marmion Road for 10 years, opened its doors 3 years ago and has three private fitting rooms, a bridesmaid suite, and works closely alongside their in-house hair salon - The HairdressSir. The team at Creatiques - Andrew, Rob, Kayleigh and Christine pride themselves on their second-to-none customer service, offering a personalised one-to-one consultation on an appointment-only basis within the luxurious surroundings of the boutique.

Creatiques are excited to announce that from 6th-9th April 2017 they will be holding a ‘Maggie Sottero’ trunk show, 26

Creatiques win the bridal buyer retailer of the year for England

featuring over 50 dresses from the brand new collection. The exclusive weekend will run on an appointment-only basis, and should not be missed! The gorgeous dresses from Maggie Sottero are renown for there beautiful shapes, stunning lace and innovative style; there’s a shape and a fit for every bride.

“Channeling ethereal grace but designed for modern romance, our Maggie Sottero line is inspired by today’s classic bride. Our core collections feature shimmering embellishments and lightweight fabrics in a variety of captivating designs.” www.creatiques.co.uk 02392 826622 couture@creatiques.co.uk

One of Maggie Sottero’s beautiful dresses

WHY COMMISSION A BESPOKE WEDDING RING? Charlotte Cornelius

C

hoosing the wedding ring(s) that you want to wear and love for

the rest of your life can be a daunting task. Did you realise there is an alternative to buying an off-the-shelf ring from the High Street?

WHAT WILL HAPPEN? A good designer will want to take the time to find out all about you as an individual and as a couple, your preferences, inspiration, lifestyle and budget, during a free consultation

construction, design and shape of your engagement ring are vital. So if you have an unusually shaped engagement ring , or a lovely large stone, then it will be a necessity to have

your

wedding

ring

handcrafted to make sure they Attention to detail, individual

meeting. They will sketch some

fit, shape and flow securely, and beautifully together.

design, high quality materials

unique styles and present a

with on-going personal service

range of estimates for you to

are what many couples are

consider. Once you are happy,

A LIFE-LONG ONGOING RELATIONSHIP

the commission will be placed,

A good jeweller who values

usually with a deposit, and the

you as a client, as much as

goldsmith will begin crafting

your custom, will aim to build

your one off designs to your

a life-long relationship with

required timescale.

you so that you feel confident

seeking when they invest in such

meaningful

and

precious jewellery.

Take the time to find your own trusted, expert bespoke jeweller, who will spend time

to return time and again

I HAVE AN UNUSUAL SHAPED ENGAGEMENT RING

further commissions and gifts

options, before creating your

Matching

to celebrate your special

tailor made wedding rings.

ring with the same metal,

with you, advise you, suggest the best materials and design

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your

wedding

for care, advice, repairs,

milestones across the years.

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T

CREATIVE WALLS he Hotwalls Studios in Old Portsmouth brings artists and designers together in one historic location. Since opening

last summer, some of the 13 studios have

hosted numerous workshops, demos and pop up shows. On every third Sunday of each month there will be Open Studios from 11-4pm, on 19th March, 16th April etc. A chance to see artists and makers at work and to buy/commission professional pieces. The Square Tower will also be hosting their regular Crafts in the Tower markets, their tearoom will be open and of course The Canteen deli-style cafe will be open, with its impressive open deck built into its wide stone walls.

Also various weekend workshops throughout March; Refold 4th March, Creative Jewellery 12th March, Painterly Spring florals and Shibori & Indigo workshops 18th March, Pottery workshops 25th March & 8th April. Further details and events http://hotwallsstudios.co.uk/events/

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THE VOICE OF A PENCIL

f you are holding a pencil and it moves, apparently with a will of its own, who’s the writer and who owns the copyright? A new play VOICE OF A PENCIL by local writers Stuart Olesker and John Stanton, explores four decades of the fascinating and contentious world of psychic writing, taking us from Geneva to Ireland, and featuring the stories of Catherine Muller, W.T. Stead, Andre Breton and Geraldine Cummins. Are we in the domain of the supernatural or the subconscious?

The play is presented by Southsea’s acclaimed Edinburgh

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Festival Fringe theatre company, New Apollo, and Portsmouth’s Cop The Needle productions.

The companies have worked together since 2013 in presenting a number of remarkable plays, including: BLOSSOM ALLEY, the story of the 1923 murder of a prostitute in the slums outside Portsmouth Dockyard; then, A KIND OF CONJURATION, featured Helen Duncan, arrested in Portsmouth in 1945.

The last woman to be jailed under the archaic Witchcraft Act. They also jointly presented

FRESHWATER, a light-hearted play by Virginia Woolf to entertain her famous “Bloomsbury set” friends. Featuring Christopher Marlowe, Emily Swain, Tim Lowe, Francesca McCrohon, Henry Oastler, Lauren Kempton and Chris Mills.

Directed by Steve Pitt. @ Old Portsmouth’s historic SQUARE TOWER on March 22nd, 23rd & 24th (Wed, Thu & Fri) at 7.30 pm. Tickets (£10) are from New Apollo Theatre Company, 127 Devonshire Avenue, Southsea 02392 736288 theatre.newapollo@yahoo.co.uk

Half price cut and blow dry for NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY T&Cs apply With head stylists Shona or Marcus. When booking please quote ‘lifestyle magazine’ TWO COLOURING AND HAIR DESIGN 188 Albert Road 02392177200 twosouthsea.co.uk Like us on

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WHAT’S ON BLOOD DONOR SESSIONS Fri 17 & Fri 31 Mar COSHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE, WOOTTON STREET, COSHAM 1.30-3.25pm & 4.30-7.30pm Wed 15 & Wed 28 Mar THE VICTORY LOUNGE, FRATTON PARK, PORTSMOUTH 1.30-3.25pm & 4.30-7.30pm www.blood.co.uk

EXHIBITIONS & MUSEUMS

MINISTRY OF BOOKS

fun and exciting arts activities

Until 30 Apr EXHIBITION: FLOURISH

Every Friday GENERATE art and

by ALISON CARTER

craft skills for people with

Until 27 Oct EXHIBITION: CUT

dementia10.30am FREE

LOOSE by ILSE BLACK

Second Saturday every month SEE!

Thu 16 Mar TALK: ASPEX – THE

MAKE! DO! - FAMILY WORKSHOPS

FIRST 35 YEARS by JOANNE BUSHNELL 6pm Sat 19 Mar ARTS AWARD CLUB 1-3pm Every Wednesday MINI MAKERS

Aspex Gallery

10.30- 11.30am £3 per child. Led

WEDS - SUNDAY, 11-4 & BANK HOLS

Mini Makers starts with a story,

Until 19 Mar EXHIBITION: 35 &

before the children —together with

COUNTING

their parents and guardians — are

Until 2 Apr EXHIBITION: THE

invited to try their hand at a range of

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by trained arts professionals, each

11am-12.30pm £6 per child The Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays Tel: 023 9277 8080 www.aspex.org.uk

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard & Naval Museums EXHIBITION: WOMEN AND THE ROYAL NAVY 10am NM of RN Cont’d p.37

Southsea Lifestyle is published and printed in Portsmouth. All of our editorial content is written by members of the community.

We aim to reflect everything that is enjoyable and stimulating about living in Portsmouth and Southsea, giving a platform for the city’s arts, business, sport and culture.

INFORMATION FOR ADVERTISERS: * Southsea Lifestyle has the largest circulation of all the independent publications in the city

* 80% of our advertisers have been working with us from one to twelve years because they get continual business from advertising with us

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Call or email for a media pack today; no heavy sales or invasive phone calls, our track record speaks for itself!

Email: info@southsealifestyle.com or call: 023 92812045 for a media pack today Southsea Lifestyle (Formerly the Southsea Directory) 36

Wed 8 Mar ASK THE ARCHIVES

Palmerston Road

Sat 18 Mar BEATING HEART 2017

11am Royal Marines

www.lovesouthsea.co.uk

(HEADLINED BY THE HOOSIERS)

Museum, Eastney Esplanade,

Sun 19 Mar HAMPSHIRE FARMERS

10am-11pm

Southsea PO4 9PX

MARKET 10am-2pm Palmerston

Thu 23 Mar BSO: SONG AND

Sat 11 -Sun 12 Mar WORLD WAR II

Road Precinct

DANCE 7pm

WEEKEND 10am-5pm Action Stations

www.hampshirefarmersmarket.co.uk

Sat 25 Mar MIKE AND THE

Fri 31 Mar ‘LIGHTS UP’ MORNINGS

MUSIC

10am-12noon The Mary Rose

MECHANICS 7pm Thu 6 Apr RICK ASTLEY 7pm

Victory Gate, HM Naval Base,

Portsmouth Guildhall

Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1

Portsmouth PO1 3LJ Tel: 023 9283

Until 10 Mar EXHIBITION: A SELF

2AB Box office: 0844 847 2362

9766 www.historicdockyard.co.uk

PORTRAIT Guildhall Café

www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk

Portsmouth Museums

Until 31 Mar EXHIBITION:

Sat 11 Mar WILDLIFE IN SPRING

Thu 9 Mar BSO: HEROES AND

10am Portsmouth Museum www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk

GUILDHALL – A Moment in Time LEGENDS 7pm Sat 11 Mar LAUGH OUT LOUD COMEDY CLUB 7.30pm

MARKETS

Mon 13 Mar PIATTI QUARTET

Sat 4 & Sun 5 Mar & Sat 1 & Sun 2

WITH KRZYSZTOF CHORZELSKI

Apr LOVE SOUTHSEA MARKETS

(VIOLA) 7pm

E A Locksmiths local independent locksmith Phone: 07850 545901 (24hrs) 02393 660 123 At EA Locksmiths we offer you a full locksmith service

Fast 24hr emergency service with no call out fee Non destructive opening service •Lock changes and upgrades to British Standards •All door/window lock type replacements •Free security surveys •10% discount for OAPs A new home? - New locks! •Parts and labour guaranteed for 12mths email: eddie@ealocksmiths.co.uk

Wedgewood Rooms Sat 4 Mar JERRY WILLIAMS 8pm Tue 7 Mar VANT 8pm Fri 10 Mar WEDGE COMEDY CLUB 7.30pm Sat 11 Mar FUNK YOU 8pm Cont’d p.39

JOHN GRAY Heating Gas Installation Servicing & Maintenance All types of gas appliances Specialist Combination Boiler Engineer

Small family run business anything from plugtop to rewire Tel: 07837 998773 02392 358253 rob@camberelectrical.co.uk

Fully qualified Gas Safe registered

Tel: 07842202892 37

MARCH BIRTHSTONE: AQUAMARINE

O

ne of the most beautiful and bestloved gemstones with an ancient lineage that is closely associated with the sea and happiness.

Aquamarine comprises of the Latin words ‘Aqua’ and ‘Mare’. Its meaning comes close to water of the seas.

According to an ancient saga, it lay dormant for a long time in the treasure chest of the mermaids, it is thus regarded as the lucky stone of mariners and it is said to calm the seas.

Aqua gold platinum clover ring, available from Barbara Tipple.

15 Marmion Road Southsea PO5 2AT

It is also thought to have properties to enhance the happiness of couples and was the first gift to be given by a Roman groom to his new bride.

It is the 19th wedding anniversary gemstone.

The aqua marine is a member of the beryl family.

It has fine traces of iron that give rise to the colour spectrum of the aquamarine, which ranges from light green to a clear blue. The more intense the more valuable. The stone’s good hardness of 7 ½ - 8 on the Mohs scale makes it relatively hard wearing. It’s fine lustre, which brings out the colour of a perfectly cut aquamarine even more emphatically, is particularly striking.

38

Sat 11 Mar PIANO WIRE 8pm

Thu 23 Mar POWER QUEST 7.30pm

PLEASE VISIT www.wedgewood-

Mon 13 Mar AMP PRESENTS AN

Fri 24 Mar WEDGE COMEDY

rooms.co.uk FOR FURTHER INFO

EVENING IN SUPPORT OF MIND 7pm

CLUB 7.30pm

Tue 14 Mar THE PIGEON

Sat 25 Mar THE DUB PISTOLS 8pm

DETECTIVES 8pm

Tue 28 Mar FAREHAM COLLEGE

Wed 15 Mar BENJAMIN FRANCIS

EASTER GIG 7.30pm

LEFTWICH 8pm

Wed 29 Mar FRANK CARTER AND

Thu 16 Mar AMP PRESENTS CUT

THE RATTLESNAKES 8pm

Library

THE CABLE 6.30pm

Thu 30 Mar BRONZE NAZARETH &

Wednesdays 2.15pm - term time

Fri 17 Mar BREAKING BANDS 8pm

THE WISEMEN 8pm

only Beddow Library

Fri 17 Mar T-REXTASY 8pm, THE

Fri 31 Mar SOUTHSEA BEEREX 6pm

Mondays 10.30am term time only

WOLF CUB CLUB 10pm

Sat 1 Apr SOUTHSEA BEEREX 12pm

Carnegie Library

PORTSMOUTH LIBRARIES Regular Activities RHYME TIME

Fridays 10am Alderman Lacey

Sat 18 Mar DVMISSION LIVE 7pm

& 6pm

Wednesdays 10am Central Library

Sat 18 Mar HITFACED 11pm

Mon 3 Apr MOONLANDINGZ 8pm

Tuesdays 11.15am Cosham Library

Sun 19 Mar CANAAN SMITH 8pm

Wed 5 Apr AMP PRESENTS MAKE

Mondays, Thursdays 10am,

Mon 20 Mar PORTSMOUTH

A NOISE FOR CHARITY 7pm

Saturdays 10.30am Southsea Library

COLLEGE PRESENTS 7pm

PLEASE NOTE THIS LIST IS NOT

STORY TIME

Tue 21 Mar LEWIS WATSON 8pm

EXHAUSTIVE AS NEW EVENTS

Thursdays 10am Alderman Lacey

Wed 22 Mar DECLAN

MAY HAVE BEEN ADDED SINCE

Library

MCKENNA 8pm

THE MAGAZINE WENT TO PRINT.

Cont’d p.40

39

Mondays 2pm Southsea Library

10am Central Library

Fri 17 Mar THE RORY JACKSON’S

Every Monday SCRABBLE CLUB

Every Thursday RELAX WITH

TRIBUTE SHOW 7.30pm

Alderman Lacey Library Every

COLOURING Cosham Library

Sat 18 Mar 1920s MURDER

Monday RELAX WITH COLOURING

SEE THE OFFICIAL PORTSMOUTH LIBRARIES

MYSTERY & THREE COURSE

Beddow Library

FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE UPCOMING EVENTS AT PORTSMOUTH LIBRARIES

Every Monday RELAX WITH COLOURING Southsea Library Every Wednesday CAREERS ADVICE 10am Southsea Library First Wednesday of the month

THEATRE

MEAL 8pm Thu 23 Mar THEATRE TOUR 1pm Fri 24 Mar TAPAS THEATRE

Groundlings Theatre

FESTIVAL 7.30pm

Wed 1 - Sat 11 Mar LES LIAISONS

CLUB 7.30pm

Sat 25 Mar THE BOLLINGER

DANGEREUSES 7.30pm

Sat 1 Apr THE SEA - DRAMA

Sat 4 Mar THE FISHERMAN’S

SCHOOL SHOWCASE 7pm

DAUGHTER I & II 3pm

42 Kent Street, Portsea PO1 3BS

Every Wednesday 1pm CAREERS

Thu 9 Mar THEATRE TOUR 1pm

www.groundlings.co.uk

Kings Theatre

READING HACK 4.45pm Every Monday CAREERS ADVICE 10am Beddow Library ADVICE Beddow Library

Thu 9 Mar AFTER HOURS Open

Every Thursday CAREERS ADVICE

Mic 7pm

1pm Southsea Library

Wed 15 Mar FORTY SHADES

Every Tuesday KNITTING GROUP

OF GREEN MEETS COUNTRY

Central Library

ROADS 7.30pm

Every Tuesday CAREERS ADVICE

Thu 16 Mar THEATRE TOUR 1pm

SEMI RETIRED

NO CALL OUT CHARGE For all your plumbing needs call

Terry on: 07850 831078

40

Sat 4 Mar THEATRE TOURS 10.30am Sat 4 Mar STAND BY ME A Celebration of Ben E King & The Drifters 7.30pm

Cont’d p.42

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Tue 7 - Sun 12 Mar CIRQUE DE

Albert Road, Southsea PO5 2QJ,

Mon 27 Mar - Sat1 Apr THE

GLACE – EVOLUTION 7.30pm Sat &

Box Office: 023 9282 8282

WOMAN IN BLACK 7.30pm, Wed

Sun matinee 2.30pm

kingsportsmouth.co.uk

& Sat matinee 2pm

Thu 16 - Sat 18 Mar CCADS –

New Theatre Royal

PROFESSOR FEDERICK’S GHOST

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS 7.30pm Sat matinee 2.30pm Mon 20 - Sat25 Mar THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE 7.30pm Wed &

Thu 30 & Fri 31 Mar

Until 4 Mar JOSEPH AND THE

WALKS 10.30pm

AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR

Wed 5 Apr SOUTH COAST

DREAMCOAT times vary

COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR 8pm

Thu 9 - Sat 11 Mar PIRATES OF

20-24 Guildhall Walk,

PENZANCE 7.30pm, Sat matinee 2pm

Portsmouth PO1 2DD Box Office:

Tue 14 Mar SCATTERED 7.30pm

023 9264 9000

Sun 26 Mar NT LIVE: HEDDA

Wed 15 Mar AN AUDIENCE WITH

www.newtheatreroyal.com

GABBLER 3pm

LESLEY GARRETT 7.30pm

Sat 1 Apr THEATRE TOURS 10.30am

Fri 17 Mar FRANKIE’S GUYS 7.30pm

Sun 2 Apr THE TEMPERANCE

Sat 18 Mar THE WONDERFUL

SEVEN 4pm

DREAMS OF OZ 7pm

Sun 2 Apr PORTSMOUTH MUSIC

Fri 24 Mar ANDY PARSONS –

Port Solent

FESTIVAL GALA CONCERT 7pm

PEAK BULLSH*T 8pm

Every Sunday 2K & 5K PARK RUN

Sat 1 & 4 Apr HAMLET 7.30pm,

Sat 25 Mar DANCING WITH

9.15am meet Hilsea Lido

Matinee 1pm on Tues

CHOIRS 7pm

www.greatrunlocal.org

Sat matinee 2.30pm Fri 24 Mar MEET THE ARCHIVISTS 10.30am

Aboveboard Floor Sanding Free Quotation Clean reliable service Public liability insurance

OTHER EVENTS Every Saturday & Sunday ODEON KIDS CLUB £2.50pp & free parking

GB Trees Garden Services Discounts available All Tree Care Undertaken Pruning D Shaping D Dead Wooding

Hard landscaping D Fencing D Brickwork D veg plots built D Patios lawn care D weekly maintanance all green waste recycled Logs delivered to your door Fully Qualified & Insured OAP Discounts No job too small For a free quote please call Guy on:

07737 507 004

07976 551 614 01489 602 650 aboveboardfloorsanding.com aboveboardflooring@live.com 42

G BEEs

Southsea urban project ask for details

Every third Sunday of the month

Museum, Eastney Esplanade,

Wed 22 Mar SEMINAR: NO

OPEN STUDIOS AT THE HOTWALLS

Southsea PO4 9PX

STAFF, NO MONEY, NO BUSINESS

11am-4pm

Fri 10 Mar GEORGE MICHAEL

– CAN UK BUSINESS

Sat 4 Mar CIRCUS CLUB (7-12 years)

TRIBUTE Portsmouth Marriott Hotel

RECRUITMENT SURVIVE BREXIT?

10.15am Portsmouth Guildhall

Sat 11 Mar CIRCUS CLUB

by KAREN JOHNSTON 5.30pm

Sat 4 Mar PORTSMOUTH

(7-12 years) 10.15am

Portsmouth Business School,

BOOKFEST: Portsmouth Coppers

Portsmouth Guildhall

University of Portsmouth

with Pauline Rowson and Graham

Mon 13 Mar PORTSMOUTH JAZZ –

Thu 23 Mar MORE MUSIC BY

Hurley 10.30am

JIM MULLEN QUARTET WITH ZOE

SULLIVAN WITHOUT GILBERT

Sat 4 Mar PORTSMOUTH

FRANCIS 7.15pm £16 Inn Lodge,

7.30pm Stansted Park

BOOKFEST: Book Cover Design and

Burrfields Road

Sat 25 Mar CIRCUS CLUB (7-12

Creating your Author Brand 2pm

Wed 15 Mar SIGHT LOSS

£3 Portsmouth Central Library

years) 10.15am Portsmouth

INFORMATION DAY 10am-3pm

Guildhall

Mon 6 Mar TALK: COFFEE, CLIMATE

Portsmouth Central Library

Sat 25 Mar ANTIQUES AND

& FAIRTRADE by NICARAGUAN

Fri 17 Mar CHOCOLATE CITY

COFFEE FARMER SANTIAGO

LIVE & UNCENSORED 8pm Liquid

COLLECTABLES MARKET 10am-4pm

DOLMUS 7pm Eldon Building,

& Envy

Portsmouth University

Sat 18 Mar BE A SCIENTIST

Wed 8 Mar ASK THE

British Science Week 11am-2pm

ARCHIVES 11am Royal Marines

Search, Gosport

Palmerston Road Sat 25 Mar MILTON’S HIDDEN SEASHORE Spring Open Morning Cont’d p.47

43

Photo: David Jones

PLASTIC OCEANS

D

avid Jones, of Triton Scuba on Highland Road, is a highly experienced underwater photographer & filmer from Portsmouth. Having worked on numerous TV programmes and publications, he’s recently been working with the organisation Plastic Oceans. Last year the film A Plastic Ocean was launched with a trailer and events in London.

The adventure documentary explores the consequences of our disposable lifestyle, filmed in locations around the world in beautiful and chilling detail, documenting the effects of plastic pollution.

Is this an issue that affects the waters here in Portsmouth? “You only have to walk along the beach in Southsea to see that we’re affected. Every time I organise a beach 44

clean, we pick up mounds of rubbish. It’s a global problem; plastic thrown into a river in Indonesia may one day end up on our beaches. It’s pernicious, pervasive and persistent. 80% of the waste in our oceans is plastic, entering the oceans at a rate of 8 million tonnes a year. We have to do something to stop that or we’ll all pay a huge price. We don’t have the waste management systems to deal with this. That has to change.”

How did the film come together, and what part did you play? “It took 2 years to raise enough money to start filming. We managed to bring in a few major sponsors, but without the support of thousands of people over the last 6 years, we wouldn’t have managed this.

The first shoot was in Sri Lanka, where we filmed the blue whales. We’ve added to the sequences since, travelling to each major continent. In all, 20 different locations were covered. 12 months ago we were joined by co-producer Adam Leipzig, who also worked on March of the Penguins and Dead Poets Society. He’s made a huge difference to the edit and has woven the footage into an adventure documentary. He told me the other day that this could be the next Inconvenient Truth! Lets hope so.

“I was involved with a lot of the shoots as the underwater supervisor and production stills photographer, including shoots in Canada,

Fiji,

Germany,

and

the

Mediterranean. I was also on less glamorous shoots around recycling plants in the UK– you can’t always be lucky.”

What’s next for you and the film? “At this moment I’m just glad we’re nearly there– it’s been a long journey. The film is currently being colour graded in LA. The main emphasis at the moment is to get as many people as possible to watch the trailer. We’re now looking for a distribution deal, as the film was made for cinema, and the trailer getting millions of views will help. The film has been submitted to some film festivals, so that will take a bit of work. I’m also trying to squeeze in my day job when I can!”

A Plastic Ocean is out this year and is being screened in the UK. Find out more about the film at: aplasticocean.film or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

• This article is extracted from a posting on Strong Island’s website - strongisland.co; ‘Behind the Scenes of filming A Plastic Ocean’

45

DAVENPORTS PROPERTY MAINTENANCE & HANDYMAN My work is underwritten with a personal guarantee and I will rectify a fault, should it arise, that can reasonably be attributable to it at no extra cost.

31 BEATRICE ROAD SOUTHSEA PO4 0JY CALL CHRIS - 07957 888172 Things needing “fixing” because you are too busy and or haven’t the skills then don’t delay make a list and call me today! I have provided a local property maintenance and handyman service in Southsea for 10 years. Services include: Patios: laying, repairs & cleaning. Decking: construction & maintenance: Fencing: erecting & repair.

Painting & Decorating: interior & exterior. Roof & gutter repairs. Tiling: floors & walls. Plumbing: taps • toilets • cisterns etc. Electrics: switches • lights-sockets • fans etc. Fitting: doors • locks • cupboards • shelves • skirting & general carpentry.

I have worked in Engineering, The R N and spent 22 Years as a Secondary School Teacher.

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Mobile: 07769 170465 46

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10am-12noon Milton Locks Nature reserve Thu 30 Mar PORTSMOUTH BOOKFEST: Q&A with Simon Nelson, Development Producer at BBC Writers Room 6.30pm Le Café Parisiene Thu 30 Mar SPEED DATING 7.15pm Spice Island Inn Fri 31 Mar SPINNAKER TOWER COMEDY CLUB 7pm Sun 2 Apr DAY LONG MEDITATION RETREAT WITH MARTIN AYLWARD 9.30am-4.30pm Portsmouth High School Sun 2 Apr WEDDING FAYRE 11am-3pm Portsmouth

Portsea Island

Decorative & Fine Arts Society April 11th 2017

“Royal Gold & Silver” Ian Pickford, Freeman of the Goldsmiths’ company challenges the misconception that nothing survived the Civil War by examining what has survived and sharing rare glimpses of long lost pieces,

Marriott Hotel Sun 2 Apr ABSEIL FOR AUTISM www.autismhampshire.org.uk Emirates Spinnaker Tower Sun 2 Apr MALLORY KNOX 7pm Pyramids, Southsea Mon 3 Apr TOP BANANA BEGINNERS TRAPEZE CLASS 6pm St Lukes Church Hall Wed 5 - Sat 8 Apr PERICLES: PRICE OF TYRE by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE 7.30pm Square Tower .

Southsea Lifestyle makes every effort to ensure that the information in our listings is accurate at the time of publishing. It cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. We recommend that you call ahead to check times & dates.

Univ. Eldon Building (opp. Chimes Restaurant) Free car park We gather from 6pm Presentation 6.45-8pm Visitors warmly welcomed £5

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

51 Rowan Ct, Goldsmith Ave, Southsea PO4 8UT T: 02392 352657 | 07886 576433 E: hooperlandscapes@hotmail.co.uk www.hooperlandscapes.co.uk

47

B

TRAINING A CHAMPION

etter known as a developer, Dave Bryant has boxed and coached in many gyms, including Back to Fitness in Waterlooville. One of his protégés Joel Macintrye, aged 29 has recently become the English Light Heavyweight champion. Here Dave talks about his first encounter with Joel and his exciting future.

Born on Valentine’s Day, he should have been a lover not a fighter. But life doesn’t always turn out how we expect.

Almost ten years ago, a young lad walked into the gym with his grandad, Bert. Today, that boy has grown to be not only a dear friend of mine, but also a boxing champion.

I’ll never forget the words Bert spoke to me, as his grandson stepped through the ropes for our first sparring session, “Take it easy big fella, he’s only a lad.”

Turns out he didn’t need to worry. I’ve sparred with many different people over the years. It comes naturally to me. Not that day. Joel was different.

I was very quickly on the back foot, using all my experience just to defend myself. He was like lightening, so fast I couldn’t tell where the next shot was coming from. Great footwork, good timing - obviously a definite prospect. The next few years brought many more rounds of 48

Joel and Dave training

sparring, pad work and body bag, as Joel built a good, solid amateur career. When he joined the professional ranks, he put together a run of 12 fights in which he barely lost a round, let alone the fight.

that many young men and women experience in their lives.

Being able to hit and not get hit can be a fantastic way of learning about yourself and maintaining fitness, but boxers have to be carefully matched

That winning streak came to an

and coached before they are let

end with a battle at the York Hall,

loose in the ring.

Bethnal Green. It was close, but a

On 1st April, Joel will take part in a

slow start put Joel too far behind and, despite a strong finish, cost him the fight.

who knows where we may go?

Hand surgery followed, and a bone graft from his hip has knitted his damaged hand back together nicely. Since then, Joel has battled back to a 15-1 track record. Typically strong performances culminated in him becoming the new English Light Heavyweight Champion.

Not

everyone

“keep busy” fight. Then he should defend the title. And from there -

approves

I have always believed Joel can go all the way. When we train together now, he hits so hard I have to hide behind an even bigger, padded body bag. In all our years training together he has never given anything less than 100%. I’ve watched him turn into a decent young man

of

boxing, but it’s the perfect outlet for the energy and frustration

with a bright future. It has been a pleasure to have played a small part in that journey.

Photos: Gareth Gatrell

49

CULTURE VULTURE

A

Emma Beatty

pparently, it was once quite common for women to dress up as men to join the navy. It was their only option prior to the establishment of the first female uniformed service in 1884. The National Museum of the Royal Navy in the dockyard has a new exhibition on these daring women and other female sailors.

From female sailors to lovestruck pirates, as the University of Portsmouth’s Dramatic & Musical Society gears up for its ‘historic’ new production of The Pirates of Penzance (New Theatre Royal, 9-11 March). Music is by the full University Orchestra with new parts of the score specially prepared by the university’s Music Director Colin Jagger from Sullivan’s autograph manuscript.

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s biblical rock opera Joseph has been going strong since 1970, selling some 15 million tickets. It’s now at the New Theatre Royal (until 4 Feb). X-Factor winner Joe McElderry stars as the Eleventh son of Jacob, whose talent for interpreting dreams gets him into trouble with his jealous brothers.

There’s something more macabre to follow, in the stage version of The Woman in Black, Susan Hill’s creepy ghost story that’s just finished in the West End. It’s a “study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror”, as a young lawyer sets out to investigate a haunted farm house. There’s a special Ghost Walk around the theatre too (27 March-1 April).

Dance fans should book tickets for Scattered at the New Theatre Royal (14 March).

Contemporary dance, acrobatics, bodysurfing and digital images meld and 50

blend on a theme of water in this experimental performance piece from Motionhouse dance theatre company. Original music by Sophy Smith and Tim Dickinson.

Meanwhile, at the Kings Theatre, some nine tonnes of water is to be poured onto the stage to make an ice rink for the Russian Ice Stars and their Cirque de Glace (7-12 March). Traditional circus acts combine with Russian-standard ice skating on a theme of our planet and its creation – sounds very ambitious.

More locally, it’s 35 years since Aspex Gallery first opened, and it’s celebrating with an exhibition of works from key artists who’ve shown at the gallery. They’re all for sale in an online auction (www.35andcounting.co.uk) and include pieces such as a fantastical green ceramic spider with bespoke legs in metal wire and embroidery thread by Malene Hartman Rasmussen. Proceeds go to support emerging artists – the core aim of the gallery.

Every £1 raised will be matched by Arts Council England.

And finally, Jack House Gallery on Portsmouth High Street has work by another local/not-local artist, the young Polish painter Agata Wojcieszkiewicz, who has a studio in Havant in the Making Space complex (10 March-15 April). She creates huge, vigorous oil paintings that deal precisely with her sense of geography and national status: “I am the faceless silhouette of a labourer or a cleaner, depicting the anonymity and marginalisation of such existences”.