Southsea Lifestyle Apr/May 2018 by Salad Publishing

April / May 2018

Southsea Lifestyle

EXPLORING OUR CITY IN THE SPRING CITY SPACES P.8 & LOVING ALBERT ROAD P.29

Photo: Miguel Blasco Martin

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CONTRIBUTORS Emma Beatty teaches journalism at the University of Portsmouth. She has lived in Southsea for twelve years, and has two children Russell Baldwin has an MA in Film Studies, is a qualified teacher, lives in Southsea, and is an experienced carpenter and decorator Kate Thompson is a Southsea writer with a passion for uncovering quirky human interest stories Tara Knight - mum, wife, co-owner of Southsea Coffee Co., naturopathic nutritional adviser, and creator of nourishing food at ginger + peach Martin Hampton former university lecturer and now runs ‘Nature Friendly Gardens’, giving advice and practical help Neil Maxwell is director of Fry & Kent Estate Agents, and a volunteer crew member of the RNLI Neyda De Arcos Freelance writer, bookworm, mythology geek and nature lover. Admirer of different cultures and music

Chris Horton is a film lecturer, freelance writer, and co-founder of Southsea Ale Club. He lives in Southsea with his wife and daughter Mark Harris is a Hampshire based architect, with family roots spanning several generations of Southsea residents Southsea Lifestyle Produced by Salad Publishing Ltd Editor: Kevin John Dean Editorial assistant: Kai Austin Dean Creative Director: Zirrinia Austin Dean Social media: Urban Salt Web design: Daniel Sweeney What’s on listings: Sophie McCue

CONTENTS 8 CITY SPACES 16 HOUSE DETECTIVE 26 THE ONLY WAY IS UP 22 WELCOME HOME 29 LOVING ALBERT ROAD 36 PLAY UP POMPEY! 39 FESTIVAL FEVER 40 FACE TO FACE 46 RECIPE 48 GOOD VIBRATIONS 51 COMPETITION 53 FILM 58 INTERVIEW: CHRIS DIFFORD 68 REFLECTIONS FROM A NEWCOMER 70 CULTURE VULTURE 72 WILDLIFE IN S0UTHSEA GARDENS 77 REDUCE YOUR PLASTIC USE 80 A TASTY MEAL SERVED WITH LASHINGS OF LOVE

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: 07981 867826 e:info@southsealifestyle.com www.southsealifestyle.com The next edition’s deadline is 9 th May and is published on 2nd June.

ccasionally people refer to Southsea Lifestyle as being a hyperlocal magazine. Doesn’t sound very glamorous I know, but the term reflects the

fact that our entire focus is upon the local community, something that we are very proud of. It does mean we don’t get to interview international movie stars, or review holidays in Barbados, but we’ve found over the years, that people in our tight knit community love seeing and

reading about people and places on their doorstep. The more space we give to our local writers, photographers, businesses and charities the more we get back in return and the quality can be amazing. This issue is a particularly good example, we’ve

managed to pack in some great articles about our public places, Albert Road, local sport, local wildlife, art & culture and so much more… Regrettably, we can’t print everything that gets sent to us, which is why it’s worth checking out our ever growing

website, where we have more space for more articles and events: www.southsealifestyle.com or our Facebook page which is updated constantly. Kevin John Dean

CITY SPACES

Words: Mark Harris. Photos: Miguel Blasco Martin

he importance of invigorating and well-designed communal spaces can never be under-estimated, especially in cities such as Portsmouth, the most densely populated city in the UK after London. Public space is often at a premium, and as a country we have a tendency to think of design on a personal level rather than macro level. Many residents in Southsea have limited outside space of their own, so the importance of attractive communal spaces is vital in creating a healthy and cohesive city. I have listed some of my favourite public spaces in Southsea, all share a common theme of having been recently upgraded in some way.

ROSE GARDENS Built on the site of Lumps Fort, a naval fort dating from the mid-19th century, The Rose Gardens provide an interesting example of the transformation of a disused site into an engaging public space. A lovely place to wander and sit under its sheltered pergolas. It is hard to believe that this tranquil space was once used as the training base for the Cockleshell heroes of World War II.

ROCK GARDENS

with the new ornate arch by Pete Clutterbuck the sunken gardens offer a refuge from the busy seafront promenade and blustery Southsea winds. Sadly, some of the plants have begun to suffer from sea water inundation over the past few years, which the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gardeners are trying to rectify by improving the soil quality. The gardens were originally a shingle area purchased by the Portsmouth Corporation in 1928. They are laid out in an informal design, full of surprising vistas and a wide variety of plants that thrive in its microclimate.

as â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Bonds of Friendshipâ&#x20AC;? sculpture, celebrating the links between Portsmouth and Australia - it was from our city that the First Fleet set sail in 1787 to create the penal colony that became Australia.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM GARDENS One of the consequences of the recent

HOTWALLS The recent transformation of these formerly disused Victorian artillery barracks by PLC Architects into 13 artist studios and a cafe has brought new life to the space between the Square and Round Tower thanks to a coastal rejuvenation fund. It has also improved awareness of the pretransformation memorials and artworks such

relocation of the Butterfly house

the

NHM

has

been

the

reinstatement of the rear terrace. Thankfully the butterflies are benefitting from a new home, but the reconfiguration has also helped to bring a new balance to the relationship between the museum and its garden.

Tucked away, off of Canoe Lake, these gardens offer assorted flower beds and two large oak trees, perfect for a picnic. MILLENNIUM PROMENADE WALK This 3km walk from Clarence Pier to the Hard has opened up large parts of our waterfront that were closed to the public. One of my favourite parts is next to the Square Tower with some spectacular views of the Solent from the sculptured concrete benches, looking inland

you have the majestic Garrison Church, Nelson’s statue and Grand Parade with some of Portsmouth’s finest domestic architecture for company. The walk is arguably one of the UK’s most successful millennium projects but its exposed location requires constant upkeep and care. There is always the scope for creating new public spaces of course, especially with the plans for the sea defences undergoing public consultation and how the proposed changes will affect the seafront. But, by identifying places with transformation potential, existing spaces can be upgraded, which has led to the nearly completed interactive fountain in front of Southsea Castle – and D-Day Museum. You can visit Mark’s website at www.mjharchitects.co.uk

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COME AND SEE THE DIFFERENCE…

ortsmouth High Prep School is an independent school that is preparing girls to join its Senior School and enjoy the many benefits that an all-girls, all through education can offer. Located in beautiful gardens in the heart of Southsea the school offers plenty of space for girls to explore, run and play. The grounds offer tennis courts, a games area, play equipment, an outdoor learning classroom as well as vegetable and flower gardens. Experience has taught us girls are focussed, and have the confidence to stretch themselves, in an environment where the self-consciousness of childhood and adolescence is less intense. The girls thrive in an atmosphere where they are valued and supported. They feel at the centre of everything we do, because they are our focus. The Prep School, as part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, (GDST), is uniquely placed to develop confident women for the future. The Prep School provides a springboard to the Senior

School which means that the step-up when it comes is seamless and worry free. The Prep School and Senior School are closely connected and the girls are able to take advantage, not just of specialist teachers but also of the excellent facilities including the impressive sports hall and food technology centre. Learning experiences are based around a range of immersive forest school activities that explore the natural world. These activities foster a love of the outdoors – bug hunts and cooking marshmallows in the fire pit are popular activities. Prep School hours are 8.30am to 3.30pm. Outside these hours wrap around care is available from 7.30am to 6.00pm at no extra charge. The Prep School can be reached by using one of its own school minibus services. Come and see the difference for yourselves at our Open Morning at the Prep School on Saturday 9 June from 10.00am-12 noon. Where girls do better.

Deborah Sugg-Ryan. Photo: Mike Cooter

HOUSE DETECTIVE

Maricar Jagger, Public Events Manager at The University of Portsmouth

eborah Sugg-Ryan might be described as a house detective. Deborah spends much of her time investigating the biographies of houses, documenting a property’s original design and decoration, along with the lives of its inhabitants.

Once a curator at the V&A, Deborah is now Professor of Design History and Theory at the University of Portsmouth and in March she delivered her professorial inaugural lecture. Her lecture explored the history of the ‘ideal home’ from the twentieth century to the present day. It considered a series of ‘ideal homes’ including her grandparents’ corporation house in Stevenage New Town in the 1970s, and examples from London’s annual Ideal Home Show, on which Deborah wrote her PhD. The lecture also launched her book Ideal Homes, 1918-39: Domestic Design and Suburban Modernism, published by Manchester University Press. “I found that a specific suburban Modernism emerged in the interwar years with the rise of mass home ownership, which looked backwards to the past whilst at the same time looking forward to the future. For example, brand new mock Tudor houses - decorated and furnished with a mixture of period and modern styles.” Deborah’s new book was inspired by a

1934 ‘time capsule’ semidetached house in Wolvercote, North Oxford, with just one owner, she purchased it in 1995, complete with all its original decoration and furniture. With her husband James, Deborah restored the house and researched its history. They have subsequently renovated a 1950s detached house and a Victorian terraced house in Northern Ireland, an Edwardian semi in the Midlands and a Georgian terraced house in Cornwall. They are now about to embark on a Victorian terraced house in Southsea. Deborah is currently writing a history of the kitchen for Reaktion Books and is on the advisory board to an exhibition on the future of food, which will open at the V&A in May 2018. Deborah’s passion for house histories led to her being the series consultant and onscreen expert in the BBC2 television series A House Through Time, which was broadcast early this year, fronted by the historian David Olusoga. She is currently planning some events for the general public on conducting house histories at the university. Southsea certainly provides a rich location for this. For more information on public events at the University of Portsmouth go to www.port.ac.uk/events 17

MARY ROSE MUSEUM

enry VIII’s flagship, the Mary Rose, is the sole 16th century warship on display in the world and the only place where it is possible to see thousands of original Tudor artefacts. Visitors will never feel closer to Henry VIII, his people or Tudor life, making it an ideal family destination. Based in Portsmouth Harbour, the Mary Rose is an exciting and immersive experience bound to excite young and old alike.

Photo: Hufton+Crow

From the 1st April, the Mary Rose will sell its own tickets from Porter’s Lodge at Victory Gate, the main entrance to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The Mary Rose ticket will be priced at £16 – a £2 reduction on the current price. For further ticketing information and special discounts, go to maryrose.org. The Mary Rose is a ‘must experience British icon’ - both enriching and entertaining.

give me a university that believes in me.

A university whose purpose is to make sure I achieve my potential, will encourage my talent and ambition, and give me support to succeed. Give me the University of Portsmouth.

Visit us on an Open Day – book now at port.ac.uk/opendays-booking

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DESIGN HOUSE SOUTHSEA

MORE THAN A SHOP

he secret of good interior design is to bring together all of the elements, furniture, decoration and furnishings in a way that creates cohesion and calm, but also stimulates interest and charm. A tall order perhaps, which is why so many people are turning to Design House Southsea for advice, either about specific items, including flooring, paint, wallpaper, furniture and curtains, or for a complete interior design service. Manuel Canovas

Colefax and Fowler

Design House Southsea also has the new collections of fabrics from top manufacturers, including Colefax and Fowler, Manual Canovas, Larssen and Osborne and Little. You are welcome to call in to view the fabrics and order samples, and, if you'd like curtains made, we can take care of that for you too.

Manuel Canovas

Call the Design Team On 02392 838038 or visit www.designhousesouthsea.co.uk 55-57 Marmion Road Southsea PO5 2AT 20

WELCOME HOME...

Another Southsea Lifestyle reader throws open their doors and talks about the changes they have made to their home. Words by Kate Thompson It was only when friends who lived close-by shared their plans for their home that Catherine and partner John Santy started to see the potential - they worked with Joe Moser from the Design Team Studios to make their dreams a reality.

The Victorian property was suffering from lack of love, and a disastrous layout that meant you effectively went outside to reach the tiny kitchen, passing through a room with a plastic roof covered in moss optimistically called a ‘breakfast room.’

It took seven months to transform what had been a warren of ill-conceived small spaces, and transform it into the stunning, airy kitchen/dining/living area you can see today.

“The beautiful Victorian French doors had been removed and somehow found their way onto the shed roof,“ explained Catherine.

“We lived in the basement while the work was progressing with an eight-month old puppy just to make things more interesting,” she recalled.

Photographs: Portico Marketing

hen Catherine Bradshaw first saw their future home in St Ronan’s Avenue, she admitted she felt a little downhearted.

While any major works can bring their challenges, Catherine and John enjoyed a relatively pain-free transformation process. “We were both new to Southsea, and this project was an excellent introduction to the amazing community around us. “One after the other, nice tradesmen came into the house and it was amazing how everybody knew everybody else,” she said. Being south facing, the kitchen gets a lot of sun, as the couple run Aura Canopies, John was able to make and install a bespoke canopy to provide shade when needed. Where possible, they used independent suppliers and tracked down a handle-less matt finish kitchen from a tiny supplier unearthed by www.thekitchenbroker.co.uk “We liked the kitchen-diner so much, we were inspired to renovate the rest of the house, we love it – I wouldn’t change a thing,” said Catherine.

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THE ONLY WAY IS UP

Neil Maxwell

t a recent presentation by the City Council, updating plans for a future Portsmouth, there was much talk of high rise buildings and a monorail or skytrain. The lack of land to build upon in the city and a population expected to increase from 215,000 to 250,000 by 2050, means that we need another 18,000 homes. Much of the development will be focused upon a new gateway to the city at Tipner (alongside the M275) and west of Commercial Road, (around the former ABC1 Cinema and Pitt Street Gym sites). There are plans for an eco village and high quality apartments, bringing renewal and vibrancy to Commercial Road. As the city stands on the brink of this new dawn we will have to be open minded to change because if we don’t the opportunities of urban renewal and futuristic transport networks will pass us by. In or around 1999 I remember being excited about the prospect of a monorail that was going to link Waterlooville, Drayton, Portsmouth & Southsea together in a way not seen since the days of the tram system. The proposal, using private funding, leading to fewer cars on the roads, with all the benefits that would naturally follow, seemed a foolproof plan, until the project was killed off

over what seemed to be trivial planning concerns. Given the state of the traffic and parking on our roads today one can only wonder if we’ve just wasted twenty years. But to achieve these things we are going to have start engaging with our politicians, who in turn, must put the best interests of the city and people before any political agendas. Having watched a recent online debate on the council website it made me realise how much w ork and effort it takes for the smallest agreements to be reached and I take my hat off to those who serve as councillors; their work seems never ending given the volume of challenges the city faces from population growth and housing, to the Sea defences project that will begin a new chapter for Southsea Seafront. Will 2050 Portsea Island look like Singapore or New York with skyscrapers, sky gardens and a s eamless transportation network, with fresh sea air wafting down peaceful streets, or is this just a utopian dream or perhaps to some a nightmare? Either way, we can only make progress and create an exciting future for our city if we engage and support those we’ve charged with shaping our future. By everyone working to a common purpose any goal is achievable.

ROYAL GATE, SOUTHSEA - £1,270,000 Fry and Kent are pleased to offer for sale this Grade II listed five storey townhouse, known as ‘Fortview House’, located in the popular Marine Gate development, which is accessed from Southsea Esplanade. Dating back to 1866, this was originally the residence of the Colonel, Second Commandant of the Royal Marines Artillery and his family. The site was redeveloped in the 1990s. The house has over 3,400sq ft accommodation, with high ceilings, large rooms and magnificent views across the manicured lawns towards the Solent and the Isle of Wight. Six bedrooms arranged over four floors, three of them boasting en-suites. Two large reception rooms with double aspect, both with great views. On the lower ground floor is another kitchen/living area and wine cellar. There is a selfcontained annex, a walk-in airing cupboard, and a cloakroom on the first floor. There is also a private courtyard area on the lower ground floor and a separate lower ground floor entrance. OLD HARBOUR MEWS, OLD PORTSMOUTH - £380,000 Beautifully presented first floor apartment situated along a cobbled Old Portsmouth street overlooking the historic Royal Garrison Church on Governors Green, near the Millennium coastal walk and Seafront. At just under 900sq. ft (83.2sq.m), this spacious apartment features: reception hall, living/dining room with an Oriel bay window and open way to a well-fitted kitchen complete with integrated appliances. There are two double bedrooms, the master bedroom with en-suite shower room, and a bathroom serving the second bedroom. Automatic gates leading to private and visito r car parking and a single carport. SOUTHSEA TERRACE, SOUTHSEA - £250,000 Spacious lower ground floor apartment with its own private rear garden. Southsea Terrace is an impressive Victorian building, overlooking Southsea Common. Close to Palmerston Road shopping precinct and transport facilities. Perfect for a first home, retirement, or weekend retreat. At over 800sq.ft (77.0sq.m), the accommodation features: lower reception hall, front facing living room with views towards Southsea Common, fitted kitchen, master bedroom with direct access to the lovely walled garden, a second bedroom with connecting door to the living room, and bathroom. There is residents parking to the front of the building. With gas fired central heating and double glazing throughout. The existing lease has 65 years left to run, but with the benefit of a lease extension. EPC Rating TBC

HAYLING ISLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MAY DAYS ARTS TRAIL The May Days Arts Trail runs for two days on 12th and 13th May 2018 at venues across Hayling Island. The Arts Trail is an annual local art festival and open studio event. It is run by a group of makers and shakers,drawn from the vast bank of

KatieWilliamson, creator of colourful crochet items Photo: Kanda Images

Sue Kruk, printmaker, raising money for Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Photo: Kanda Images

artists who take part, for the pleasure of the artists and for the community. The event is in its twelfth year. Details of all the artists taking part and their addresses can be found on the website www.maydaysar tstrail.co.uk facebook.com/Maydaysartstrail.Artisans Instagram: @maydaysartstrail

LOVING ALBERT ROAD

Words: John Worsey. Photos: Maison Manning

here are several reasons why the table in the window of The Southsea Deli recently became one of my favourite places to sit. For starters, the view is great whichever way you’re facing. Look into the shop and give your tastebuds a healthy portion of inspiration, as you take in the carefully curated selection of tempting food and drink. Look outwards, and you’re at the gateway to Albert Road - a road that is always inviting and often surprising. What seals the deal is the memory of a warm, enthusiastic conversation I had at that very table, with four Albert Road business owners - Neil Williams of homeware and

interior design gurus Bureau of Change and Rose Clover; Russell Ison of speciality coffee roasters Home Coffee; Debbie Parker of Southsea institution Bellamy’s (for antiques and much more); and Daniel Nowland, proud owner of the new Southsea Deli, which had been open less than a month when we all met up in March. We were there to talk about what makes Albert Road such a special place. Our chat flowed freely, fuelled by shared enthusiasm for this hub of truly independent businesses. It seems a rare privilege in today’s nation of identikit high streets, to have a road like Cont’d p.31

Daniel Nowland in The Southsea Deli, 4 Victoria Road South

Bored of Southsea, 23 Albert Road

Photos: Instagram: maison_photographyy

Albert at the heart of the community, providing products to meet just about every need. To my mind, the table around which we sat encapsulates so much of what’s great about the area. Daniel explained that he purposefully chose to have just one large, square communal table in the Deli. It accommodates eight people, and everyone can see everyone else, from every angle. It is designed to spark conversation and, in Daniel’s words, “It is magic.” He told us, “The amount of new friendships that have begun around this table in our first month is amazing.” Debbie, who has experienced this as a customer, agreed. In designing his seating arrangements as a conversation engine, Daniel was driven by the sense that people “Don’t want to live like this anymore, walking along staring at their phones and not talking to their neighbour.”

Perhaps longing for a way of life that’s more community-orientated is part of what makes Albert Road itself so appealing: a modern high street in the old fashioned style. Debbie has had her shop on Albert Road for thirty years. Bellamy’s is now in its third premises. The business has evolved with the tastes of its customers, and she now serves the grandchildren of people who first came to her to deck out their homes in the 1980s. In that time, Albert Road’s fundamental character has endured. She told us, “I have seen tremendous changes, but I have to say that now it is at its most vibrant and interesting. It’s the unique people who run the businesses that make a difference; I call them Albert Road treasures.” Russell echoed this: “The nice thing about Cont’d p.34

Debbie Parker in Bellamys, 83 Albert Road

Garbos Hair, 11-13 Albert Road

Jenni Catlow in her shop Tango Tea Collectables, 3 Albert Road

Neil & Liz, in The Bureau of Change & Rose Clover, 2a Albert Road

Southsea Models & Games, 69 Albert Road

Albert Road is the sense of community. Premises are never empty long, and when we hear a new shop is opening, all the traders are excited.” He added, “There is so much character to Albert Road, it’s a bit like the Lanes in Brighton.” For the business partners behind Home, Albert Road was a no-brainer of a location. Their blend of top-tier coffee, plus vegan and gluten free food, was

immediately a big hit with the community. Now, three years on from first opening their doors, they are planning a third branch. Neil is no stranger to independently minded retail destinations, having previously run a successful shop and interior design practice from London’s Portobello Road. He agreed with Russell that Albert Road is reminiscent of Brighton’s quirky Lanes, but it was its resemblance to the Portobello of days gone by that drew him here. These days, Portobello is a mix of multinational chains and empty windows, with small businesses driven away by high rents. Having seen Albert Road, Neil was inspired to open a shop again. It hadn’t been part of his plan. He just wanted to enjoy a day trip. But after one visit, he was hooked. And now, happy customers are hooked on Bureau’s home style know-how and the expertise of resident florist Rose Clover.

Head Hairdressing, 53 Albert Road

on the 3rd weekend of every month Palmerston Road, Southsea Like us on

ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES MARKET on the 4th weekend of every month Palmerston Road, Southsea 35

PLAY UP POMPEY!

Words: Chris Horton, Photos: Tony Palmer Photography

ortsmouth and football go hand in hand, two FA Cups and all that fabulous history. But the city’s sporting landscape goes far beyond Fratton Park, with people enjoying a wide range of sports, some not on most people’s sporting radar.

ROLLER DERBY One such sport is roller derby, with the Portsmouth Roller Wenches flying the flag for the city. The sport sees teams of 5 rollerskating players compete in a series of ‘jams’ in which one designated player attempts to lap members of the opposing team. Described as something akin to ‘rugby on skates,’ it’s fast, brutal and a lot of fun. Southsea resident Ali Lees - or to give her, her

‘Derby name’, The Duchess of Crutches, has recently come back from representing Poland at the Roller Derby World Cup. A New Yorker, Ali grew up watching the sport, but it is only since being based here that she has started playing. “It’s more than a sport, it’s a movement. We’re one of the world’s fastest growing sports and the women’s teams are leading the way”. Based mainly at Havant Leisure Centre, Portsmouth currently have two women's teams as well as a men’s team - the Scurvy Dogs. You can find details about upcoming bouts from their website. They also run ‘fresh meat’ taster sessions with the next scheduled event on April 15th at Highbury Sports Centre.

Portsmouth Roller Wenches

Photos @shot_by_tony on instagram

The Portsmouth Dreadnoughts in action

AMERICAN FOOTBALL

QUIDDITCH

The Wenches and Scurvy Dogs aren’t the only teams in the city playing a sport originally from the US. The Portsmouth Dreadnoughts - named after HMS Dreadnought - are an American Football team, and compete in the third tier of the National League. The team now train and play at Havant RFC, and hold open training on Sunday mornings between 10am-3pm, so anyone can come along and join at anytime. There are both men’s and women’s teams, as well as an Academy team for 14-19 year olds. The senior men’s team begin their 2018 campaign at home to Swindon Storm on April 29th.

How about a game of Quidditch? Yes, that’s right, having been invented by JK Rowling for her Harry Potter stories, it has been turned into a real life sport - complete with broomsticks. Jack Latoy, head coach of the Portsmouth Strikers explains the sport’s history, “Founded in 2005 in USA, Quidditch started as an homage to the fictional sport, but quickly evolved into a mixed gender, full contact sport in its own right”. Fast forward thirteen years, and Portsmouth now boasts both a university and community team, playing and training at Bransbury Park every Sunday morning. Cont’d p.38

Portsmouth Quidditch

The appeal of the sport lies in its inclusiveness, stresses Jack. “Traditional sports and the culture surrounding them is learned from a young age. Quidditch doesn’t have this type of sports culture, if anything, its origins lie in nerd culture.” A sport for people who might not play much

sport,

suggest?

“Not

quite”

counters Jack “The competitive nature of the sport is what appeals to most players

and

even

the

broomsticks

originally included as a nod to the Hogwarts game - mean players are more careful with the contact element of the game, making mixed gender games possible”. So the next time you hear someone tell Pompey to play up, just check out which sport they are referring too. 38

FESTIVAL FEVER

ortsmouth has become quite the destination for summer festivals: Victorious, The Portsmouth Festivities, The Beer Festival, Southsea Food Festival, The Seafood Festival and not forgetting the spectacle of the Kite Festival in August.

businesses and charity organisations. You’ll find a specially constructed TRX workout frame, a healthy food market, and activities for the whole family. The main organisers, Sweat Southsea, are aiming to deliver over 100 workouts and workshops, and you’ll be able to play and participate in everything from yoga and trampoline workouts, to volleyball and walking football throughout the day.

Alongside these often quite established events, The Fitness Festival has been gradually growing… Now in its fourth year, The Fitness Festival is now attracting national press attention and big name guests. Recently, OK! Magazine included the event in its top 5 Fitness Festivals to visit in 2018, and crowned it ‘Best for Beach Lovers’, which refers to the festival’s unique location (Southsea’s Castle Field), a stone’s throw from the beach. It is also free to attend and family-friendly.

Paralympian Triathlete Lauren Steadman recently became a Fitness Festival ambassador, and will be busy meeting and inspiring the next generation. Also special guest appearances from Calum Best and Channel 4’s ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’ star Ollie Ollerton, amongst many other inspirational visitors.

This year, the festival welcomes global fitness brand TRX, alongside many top local and national

Full details online at www.fitnessfestivals.com Saturday 2 nd June

FACE TO FACE

Talking to people with passion for what they do. Ken Wharton-Emms was born in Birmingham in 1962, joined the Royal Marine’s Band in 1978, after leaving in 1987, Ken has worked as a freelance musician ever since.

WERE YOU A CHILD PRODIGY? No. My father died when I was young and his friends paid for me to go to a boarding school where music was compulsory. I loved it straight away, and knew that music was going to be my career in some way.

WHAT INSTRUMENTS DID YOU PLAY FIRST? I began with the clarinet which I went on to play in the Royal Marines Band, also the violin, but the saxophone always seemed very glamorous and exciting. Also, I wanted to play jazz, which the sax is ideal for – so I taught myself. It’s now the instrument I play the most.

ISN’T THE SAX REALLY DIFFICULT TO PLAY? It has that reputation, but all instruments need a lot of work to make progress, but I guess compared to brass and a lot of stringed instruments, the sax is more difficult. WHAT TRAINING DID YOU HAVE? The Royal Marines Band was equivalent to a university education. We had to play an orchestral instrument (violin), and marching instrument (clarinet). It was very exacting but set me up for life.

ANY BIG BREAKS? I formed an 8-piece band called the 40

Alpha Connection which was very successful, we played all over the world, about 250 gigs a year from Park Lane in London to Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Unfortunately, by 2006 the market for comparatively big, expensive bands began to wane and we disbanded.

DO YOU PLAY WITH ANY BANDS TODAY? Yes, Soul Suspects, led by Lee Brophy, is a fun pub type band; and The New Party Collective, with Kieron Young, which is a bit more formal. We play at weddings and charity pubs such as The Wellington, I also do some private tutoring.

ADVICE FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS? There’s no getting around it, you need to put in the hours. Music lessons are just a starting point, you need to then go away and practice, but if you love music, it shouldn’t be a chore YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF SAX MUSIC? A tune

kenwhartonemms@hotmail.com mail.com

by Joe Jackson, who comes from Portsmouth too of course, it’s called ‘Loisaida’, which one of my students introduced me to – it’s great to play on the sax.

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COCKTAIL FESTIVAL

he Guildhall is hosting Portsmouth’s first cocktail festival in partnership with Southsea’s restaurant and cocktail specialists Sant Yago. The event takes place on 7 th April with a wide range of entertainment, food stalls, cocktail flarers and Daiquiri fountain all provided by local sellers and performers.

There are 2 sessions to choose from: AN AFTERNOON OF COCKTAILS 1:30-5:30pm & THE COCKTAIL PARTY 7-11pm £25 per ticket. The ticket price includes 2 free cocktails and a goody bag.

HOW TO BUY A TICKET? Book Online (booking fees apply). Head to Sant Yago or The Southsea Deli - No Booking fees (Cash Only). Contact us for group discounts. www.thecocktailfestival.co.uk

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MAKE THE PERFECT CLASSIC CAIPIRINHA AT HOME WITH THIS SIMPLE COCKTAIL RECIPE INGREDIENTS 50ml cachaça

•

1 fresh lime

•

3 tsp caster sugar

•

Crushed ice

METHOD

Take one lime, cut the tips off the top & tail, then cut the lime into eight chunks. Add the lime pieces to a glass tumbler (use a thick, strong glass). Add three bar spoons (or teaspoons) of caster sugar over the top of the lime. Using a muddler or round ended rolling pin, crush the sugar and lime together. As you push the muddler down into the lime, twist it as well so that the abrasive texture of the sugar can cut into the skin of the lime and release the oil. When all the lime pieces are completely crushed so that all the juice has been extracted, add a little crushed ice (so that the glass is half filled). Add 50ml of cachaça. Take a bar spoon and fold the ice, lime, sugar and cachaça into each other, add more crushed ice so that it sits proud above the drink. Fancy something fruity - Add Apricot conserve & liqueur or fresh raspberries & Chambord liqueur for a fresh & fruity twist!

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V occurs

GOOD VIBRATIONS

ictorious Festival (24th-26th August) is

activities to keep young ones entertained from

one of the UK’s most affordable,

taster sports sessions, face painting, arts & crafts,

family-friendly over

the

music

August

and much more! The site is well-equipped for

holiday

families to explore at ease, with pavements and

festivals.

bank

weekend – perfect for mini music fans. Family is at the heart of the festival with, its own dedicated Kids Arena, where all activities and attractions are FREE. Here you’ll find the fantastic Kids Arena Stage, with it’s own line up of kids book and TV favourites. Plus there’s tonnes of free

roads that are perfect for strollers throughout the site, a baby change area with stocks of free nappies and a breast feeding area if you wish to get away from the crowds. But that’s not all. Music is at the heart of Victorious and this year will see The Prodigy,

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Photo: Steve Keros

Paul Weller, The Libertines, Paloma Faith, Years & Years, Kaiser Chiefs, Shed Seven, Friendly Fires, Bang Bang Romeo and many more perform across multiple stages. With ‘Under 5s’ tickets priced at £1, ‘5-12 years’ tickets costing £8 and adult tickets from £30 a day, Victorious Festival is perfect for young families.

Gaz Coombes

Friday 25th August - Friday night Opening Party 4-11pm*. Sat 26th August - 10am-11pm. Sun 27th August - 10am-11pm *Please note the Friday Night has restricted site access - event includes Common Stage Arena and Seaside Stage Arena. Families welcome but please note, there will be no Kids Arena. Billy Bragg

Photo: Murdo McLeod

Victorious Festival is the best way to spend your August bank holiday weekend with the family. Make sure you don’t miss it! For further information and to book tickets please visit www.victoriousfestival.co.uk

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Photo:Carlos Alvarez Montero

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO VICTORIOUS FESTIVAL 2018

VICTORIOUS FESTIVAL COMPETITION To enter just go to southsealifestyle.com/victorious and state which day THE PRODIGY are playing: Friday, Saturday or Sunday. All entries must be received by 16 th May. The winner will receive a family ticket for one day (of their choice). The winner will be selected at random and notified by 18 th May. Full terms and conditions can be found on the Southsea Lifestyle website.

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FILM

The Shape of Water USA 2017 Director: Guillermo del Toro Cert 15 123mins

he Shape of Water has caused a big stir in the film world and has recently won four Oscars, including two of the big ones: Best Picture and Best Director. We saw it a couple of weeks prior to the Oscars and we all came out wondering “What on earth was that about”

Sally Hawkins plays Eliza, a mute cleaning lady at a top secret institute in early 60s America, where a ‘fish man’ is being held and studied against his will. I have a few of problems with films like this. With film as history. It should come with a warning on the certificate: take with a large pinch of salt.

I won’t say too much more about the plot, but it is the style of the film which has attracted much attention - and boy is it stylised, Del Toro has raided many film genres,aesthetics, myths and filmic and historical references to construct this (strange) film. It is ‘OTT’ in everything. It is romantic fantasy, a mythic tale, a magic realist fable, a monster movie, strewn with Cold War Americanisms, movie references and odd balls and outcasts. Some people don’t like this type of movie. Pure fantasy! Not relevant! Self indulgent tosh. But try to appeal to your more tolerant side, be a bit more inclusive in your likes and dislikes and you might enjoy it.

Russell Baldwin

A LOCAL INSTRUMENT OF HISTORIC IMPORTANCE Stella Bahin

he towering Victorian church on Fratton Road is part-machine; wood, leather, brick, stone, and metals: the bespoke Walker organ. This machine-part of St Mary’s starts low beneath its floor has a vented blowing chamber, drawing in our salty Portsmouth air and fanning it up, up, via wooden ducts, into variously-sized bellows high above ground level. By judicious rhythmic release, the air is flowed into a selection of the machine’s two thousand six hundred and twenty-two variously-sized pipes. And out. The ensuing sounds fill the vast church building. As they have for over one hundred and twenty-five years. Some of the sounds are unique to St Mary’s, since the only two other music-machines capable of such a pitch anywhere, have been lost.

Photo: Adam Bullivant

The operator of the machinepart of St Mary’s Church, the organist, is like a pilot in a cockpit energetically working a complicated arrangement of foot-pedals, panels, knobs and keys. Multitudes upon multitudes have taken these local, beautiful, musical flights.

The machine, the singing vibrating part of St Mary’s – which Director of Music Brian Moles’ hymn ‘Fratton’ was composed in part thereon – will soon be lost too. Unless the funding application to vitally restore and repair it succeeds. Donating even the smallest sum will help support the application and go towards the costs of keeping St Mary’s historic organ breathing. Please see www.theorganproject.org and visit www.portseaparish.co.uk.

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THE SOUTH COAST

EMPORIUM BAR LATE NIGHT OPENING 7 DAYS A WEEK

IF YOU HAVE A SPECIAL EVENT TO CELEBRATE THE EMPORIUM CAN BE HIRED - JUST CALL IN OR PHONE FOR DETAILS

154 ELM GROVE, SOUTHSEA PO5 1LR

(OPPOSITE THE ONE EYED DOG)

TEL: 023 92829893 55

We are called Everybody Pilates for a good reason, we believe pilates is for everyone. Pilates exercise is designed to stretch, strengthen and balance the body and mind, with an emphasis upon creating a strong centre and correcting alignment. Whatever your age, level of fitness or body shape, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to see you at our purpose built studio in Palmerston Road.. You can pay as you go, or we offer membership subscriptions with discounts.

Amy Kellow opened her first studio in Southsea 10 years ago, before moving to new premises in Palmerston Road precinct in 2017. All of the instructors at the studio join a 5 year training programme which is written and taught by Amy.

HEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WHAT A FEW OF OUR MEMBERS HAVE SAID ABOUT US: Lynne C: I cannot rate Everybody Pilates highly enough, they are extremely professional but fun and very friendly too. I joined approximately 4-5 years ago and I have seen my body change and become more toned, all at the tender age of 52. Cara D: Super friendly studio, with brilliant teachers who are approachable and knowledgeable. I was petrified of going to my first session but everyone, teachers/members, all made me feel welcome. Richard A: I can highly recommend this to all, it has really helped me with my back issues. Samantha T: I've been attending a beginner mat class since my baby was 16 weeks old and I felt ready to get back to exercise. I attend a really friendly group that challenges me - I can't wait to go back each week. Simon W: I love this place - very friendly, supremely professional and great fun. It is doing wonders for my posture and spine!

30 Palmerston Road Southsea PO5 3QH Studio Telephone: 02392 838 395 Email: southsea@everybodypilates.co.uk 57

INTERVIEW: CHRIS DIFFORD

Squeeze’s legendary songsmith is coming to Emsworth this month. Katie Elliot, third year Journalism student at The University of Portsmouth spoke with him

queeze legend Chris Difford kicks off his UK acoustic tour for his quirky book of memoirs Some Fantastic Place in March. It follows a US and UK tour with Squeeze’s latest album The Knowledge. Last year, on top of writing his fourth studio album, ‘Pants’, for release very soon- it’s safe to say he has been very busy.

The acoustic book tour will see Chris regale the audience about key events in his life from the auto-biography and perform some of his biggest hits acoustically alongside new tracks from Pants with Boo Hewerdine. With a nostalgic reminiscence of his early days in the newwave post punk band that stole the hearts of Brits up and down the country. He shares an honest and endearing recount of the highs of being in a band that left such a momentous mark on English music, with hits such as ‘Cool for Cats’ and ‘Up the Junction’. “I loved writing the book. It was an addictive therapy. It was fun and easy to write but letting go of it was difficult I was always seeing things I wanted to add.” “It was particularly nice reminiscing back to the music and TV of the 1970s. It was very special, the humour and love can’t be surpassed.” But touring with a book instead of a band must be a huge change of scene. “There are less egos to carry around, that’s for sure! It’s refreshing, different. There’s an energy about being in a band, it’s magical and you can’t replace that. It’s something I’ve grown up with and I love that 58

for what it is, but when you play on your own, it’s much more intimate. You can see the whites of people’s eyes, exchange stories and that’s what the show is about. “It’s not just about my life, it’s the people in the audience’s lives too and that’s what is important.”

TO MIX THINGS UP A BIT, WE DECIDED TO ASK CHRIS A QUICKFIRE QUESTION ROUND OF SQUEEZE-HEYDEY COMPARISONS. WHAT’S BETTER? THEN OR NOW? TOP OF THE POPS OR YOUTUBE? Top of the Pops without a doubt, just for the DJs alone! UP THE JUNCTION OR SITTING IN YOUR CAR ON THE M25? Up the junction of course. It makes me think of the film, the book and that time again- the ‘60s. ENGLISH BREAKFAST OR KALE SHAKE? English breakfast every time, it fills the soul. SONY WALKMAN OR AN IPOD? iPod definitely, the Walkman was great for what it did and was great for bringing music to your side but the clarity was never that good and the battery went very quickly. PLAYING WITH THE BAND IN YOUR MUM’S KITCHEN OR A NIGHT IN WITH NETFLIX? Playing in the band of course. No comparison! HOME COUNTIES OR SOUTH LONDON? That’s a difficult one, I think Home Counties. It depends on the era you’re in as things have changed. Chris Difford comes to Emsworth on Saturday, April 21, to perform at Emsworth Baptist Church. Visit http://chrisdifford.com for venues, dates & tickets.

BLACK DYKE BAND

“THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS BRASS BAND” SATURDAY 7 JULY 2018 7:30PM ST MARY’S CHURCH

FRATTON ROAD, PORTSMOUTH, PO1 5PA

BOOK NOW

Tickets £20; £18 (reserved seating), £15 (unreserved seating), £7 for children. Box Of�ce 023 9282 8282 www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk

SOUTHSEA ROCK GARDEN 90 YEARS ON To celebrate the Rock Gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 90th year an exhibition has opened in the History Centre on the second floor of Portsmouth Central Library. Created by local historian, author and Friend of the Rock Garden Jackie Baynes, it takes a pictorial journey through the decades since the gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creation in 1928. Featuring period postcards, news cuttings and contemporar y photographs it shows why the garden is such a much-loved feature of Southsea seafront. The exhibition is open until 20th April.

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WHAT’S ON

ART, EXHIBITIONS & FILM ASPEX GALLERY

WEDS - SUNDAY, 11-4 & BANK HOLS Until 15 Apr POSTCARDS FROM MY NEIGHBOURHOOD Every Weds MINI MAKERS 10.30-am £3 per child #ThirdThursdays These unique afterhour activities (until 8pm) allow visitors to engage in creative discussion & experience the gallery’s 3 exhibition spaces, bespoke Craft Shop and cafe £3 Booking is essential Every Friday GENERATE art & craft skills for people with dementia 10.30am FREE FAMILY SATURDAYS Free drop in

workshop 11am-1pmThe Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays Tel: 023 9277 8080 www.aspex.org.uk

Thu 5 Apr DARK RIVER (15) Fri 6 Apr I, TONYA (15) Sat 7 Apr FINDING YOUR FEET (12A)

PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD EXHIBITION: WOMEN AND THE

Fri 20 - Sat 21 Apr ZEEBRUGGE: THE CENTENARY CONFERENCE 1.50-

Sat 14 Apr LADY BIRD (15) Thu 19 Apr FINDING YOUR FEET (12A) WOMAN (15) Sat 21 Apr THE SQUARE (15) Thu 26 Apr EVEN WHEN I FALL (12A)

3.50pm All events are ticketed see www.historicdockyard.co.uk for details. Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, PO1

NO 6 CINEMA

Fri 13 Apr DON’T LOOK NOW (15)

Thu 19 Apr A FANTASTIC

ROYAL NAVY - NM of RN 10am

3LJ Tel: 023 9283 9766

Wed 11 Apr RSC LIVE: MACBETH (12A)

Fri 27 Apr THOROUGHBREDS (15) Sat 28 Apr I GOT LIFE! (TBC) Boathouse 6, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ Tel - 074 3502 9408

THE GOODS YARD

GOLDSMITH AVENUE, FRATTON, PORTSMOUTH P04 OBT CAR PARKING: JOHNSONS PAINT PAINT STRIPPING • POWDER COATING SERVICE WE BUY & SELL DOORS • FLOORS, RADIATORS ETC FULL COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE TEL: 023 9281 8703 - 07503146108 THEGOODSYARDPORTSMOUTH

At Blossoms we can customise your wedding flowers to suit your vision and style: contemporary, romantic, rustic or vintage. Making the flowers perfect for your big day. Call for a free consultation to discuss your dream wedding flowers.

Blossom Boutique

50 Osborne Rd Southsea tel 02392831333

PORTSMOUTH GUILDHALL Every Thursday RECHARGE: 55+ SINGING WORKSHOPS EXHIBITION: THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL 1968, 1969, 1970 EXHIBITION: THE PORTSMOUTH

MUSIC

Wed 4 Apr SOUTH COAST

EXTRAVAGANZA 6.30pm

COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR 7.30pm

Fri 20 Apr ROYAL HAWAIIAN 7pm

Sat 7 Apr THE COCKTAIL FESTIVAL

@ Pyramids

1.30pm & 7pm

Fri 20 Apr BOURNEMOUTH

Sat 7 Apr CHOOSE 90’S CLUB

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA:

MUSIC 7pm @ Pyramids

BOHEMIAN FIRE 7.30pm

MUSIC EXPERIENCE

Wed 11 Apr JUSTIN’S BAND

Sat 21 & 22 Apr PORTSMOUTH

EXHIBITION: THE SPIRIT OF ‘67:

10.30am & 2.30pm

TATTOO FESTIVAL 10.30am

PORTSMOUTH’S SUMMER OF LOVE

Fri 13 Apr ABC CONCERT PRESENTS:

@ Pyramids

AND ITS LEGACY

EASTER BUNNY HOP! 9.45am &

Sun 29 Apr G3 7pm

Sat 31 Mar LAUGH OUT LOUD

11.15am

Tue 1 May BETH HART 7pm

COMEDY CLUB 7.30pm

Mon 16 Apr MARMEN

Wed 2 May SOUTH COAST

Sat 31 Mar DANCE WITH ME

QUARTET 7pm

COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR Semi

TONIGHT 6pm

Wed 18 Apr SOUTH COAST

Final 7.30pm

Wed 4 - Sat 7 Apr HEAVEN ON

COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR 7.30pm

Sat 5 May A NIGHT OF

Thu 19 Apr MASSED CHOIR

TOP QUALITY BOXING

EARTH 6.30pm

Southsea is bursting with local musical talent, but one of the youngest has to be Erin Gracie (www.facebook.com/ ErinGracieMusic), who last year became the youngest ever to play Victorious Festival, aged just 9. Erin loves supporting other local artists and is frequently on stage herself in the venues of Portsmouth. On 6th May, Erin will be launching her debut EP of four original songs, titled ‘sing love hurt dream’, at a charity event at Jags@119, raising money for vulnerable children in Nairobi. Tickets just £5 for a full line up of talented local musicians, available from https://book.events/eringracie 62

5.30pm @ Pyramids

Thu 8 Apr SIMON EVANS:

Mon 7 May RUSSELL BRAND

GENIUS 7.30pm

7.30pm

RE:BIRTH 7.30pm

Fri 13 Apr FLOWVERS 8pm

Sat 5 May IAN PROWSE &

Fri 4 May WEDGE COMEDY CLUB

Wed 16 May SOUTH COAST

Sat 14 Apr THEE

AMSTERDAM 8pm

COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR Semi

HYPNOTICS 7.30pm

Fri 25 May THE SMYTHS Unite and

Final 7.30pm

Sun 15 Apr JESS ROBINSON:

Sat 19 May THE KING IS BACK Ben

HERE COME THE GIRLS 7.30pm

Portsmouth is Elvis 7pm

Tue 17 Apr THE DEAD SOUTH

Sat 26 May REEF/THE

7.30pm

WILDHEARTS/TERRORVISION 5pm

Thu 19 Apr ANDREW WK 8pm

Mon 28 May REMEMBERING

Fri 20 Apr WEDGE COMEDY CLUB

FRED 7pm

7.30pm, 2 PUNK 2 TWERK 11pm

Fri 8 Jun GORDON GILTRAP 8pm

Sat 21 Apr CABBAGE 7pm

Guildhall Square, Portsmouth

Sun 22 Apr CODE ORANGE 7.30pm

Take Over Tour 8pm Sun 27 May FLEETINGWOOD MAC 8pm Sat 6 Jun THE DOORS ALIVE 8pm Sat 9 Jun BELLY 8pm 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

PO1 2AB Box office: 0844 847 2362

Mon 23 Apr NERINA PALLOT

www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk

7.30pm

FURTHER INFO

Sat 28 Apr PORTSMOUTH PSYCH

147b Albert Rd, Southsea PO4 0JW

FEST 2018 4pm

Box Office: 023 9286 3911

WEDGEWOOD ROOMS Sat 31 Mar TURIN BRAKES 7.30pm

Wed 2 May THE BLUE TONES

Email: tickets@wedgewood-

Sun 1 Apr JOE BLACK 7.30pm

7.30pm

rooms.co.uk

GROUNDLINGS THEATRE Wed 4 - Sat 14 Apr THE

THEATRE

Mon 23 - Wed 25 Apr 20 TH

Wed 11 Apr ALICE IN

CENTURY BOY 7.30pm

WONDERLAND 6pm

Thu 26 Apr BANFF MOUNTAIN

Wed 12 Apr ALICE IN

& 7pm

FILM FESTIVAL 7.30pm

WONDERLAND 11am & 3pm

Sat 7 Apr THEATRE TOUR 1pm

Fri 27 Apr LA TRAVIATA 7.30pm

Wed 18 Apr ULTIMATE BUBLe

Thu 19 Apr THEATRE TOUR 1pm

Sat 28 Apr SERIOUSLY DEAD

7.30pm

Sat 21 Apr CLUB CAIRO 7.30pm

7.30pm

Thu 19 Apr JASON DONOVAN &

Fri 27 Apr A MIDSUMMER

Mon 29 Apr SWING WITH

HIS AMAZING MIDLIFE CRISIS

NIGHT’S DREAM A One Man

LAUGHTER 6pm

TOUR 7.30pm

Fri 4 May CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC

Fri 20 Apr KALEIDOSCOPE 11am

FORGOTTEN PRINCESS 2pm

Show 7.30pm Thu 3 May THEATRE TOUR 1pm Fri 4 May JAMES PHELAN ‘TRICKSTER’ 7.30pm Thu 10 - Sat 12 May BOOGIE CHILD 7.30pm Thu 17 May THEATRE TOUR 1pm

7.30pm Thu 10 May WALK RIGHT BACK 7.30pm Fri 11 - Sat 12 May DARA O’BRIAIN 8pm

Thu 31 May THEATRE TOUR 1pm

Mon 14 - Sat 19 May

Thu 31 May - Fri 1 Jun

FLASHDANCE The Musical 7.30pm

SCHIZOPHRENIA 7.30pm

Sat & Wed mat 2.30pm

42 Kent Street, Portsea PO1 3BS

Fri 25 May MEET THE ARCHIVISTS

www.groundlings.co.uk

10.30am

KINGS THEATRE

Thu 31 May THE CARPENTERS

Sun 1 Apr THE EMBROIDERY GIRL 7.30pm Wed 11 Apr YOU WIN AGAIN The Story of The Bee Gees 7.30pm Fri 13 Apr TODDLER TOURS 10.30am, THE ILLEGAL EAGLES

STORY 7.30pm Fri 1 Jun ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN 7.30pm Sat 2 Jun DREAMBOYS 7.30pm Fri 8 - Sat 23 Jun MAMA MIA Times vary

Sat 21 Apr ABBA GOLD 7.30pm Thu 3 May THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK 7.30pm Sun 6 May MORGAN & WEST More Magic for Kids 2.30pm Wed 9 May CHARGE – MOTIONHOUSE 7.30pm Thu 10 May TESTOSTERONE 8pm Fri 11 May RICH HALL’S HOEDOWN 8pm Sat 12 May HOW SWEET IS IT – The Greatest Hits of Motown 7.30pm Sun 13 May TUBULAR BELLS LIVE! The Music of Mike Oldfield 7.30pm Mon 14 May DOLLYWOULD 8pm Fri 18 May FAITH The George Michael Legacy 7.30pm

Albert Road, Southsea PO5 2QJ,

Sat 19 May UNIVERSITY OF

Box Office: 023 9282 8282

PORTSMOUTH ENSEMBLES

kingsportsmouth.co.uk

7.30pm

Thu 19 Apr GIOVANNI PERNICE

NEW THEATRE ROYAL

Tue 22 - Sat 26 May GREAT

Born to Win 8pm

Tue 3 - Sat 7 Apr TURN OF THE

Sun 22 Apr MILKSHAKE LIVE!

SCREW 7.30pm, Sat additional

11.30am & 2.30pm

performance @2.30pm

7.30pm Sat 14 Apr BOOTLEG BEATLES 7.30pm

EXPECTATIONS 7.30pm, Thu 11am, Sat 2.30pm Cont’d p.66

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OTHER EVENTS Sun 27 May THE JIVE ACES 7.30pm

Every Saturday & Sunday ODEON

Sat 14 Apr INFORMATION DAY

Mon 28 May THERE WAS AN

KIDS CLUB £2.50pp & free parking

AND CLASSIC TOUR 12noon

OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A

at Port Solent

Highland Road Cemetery,

FLY 2.30pm Fri 1 Jun THE MAGIC OF HOLLYWOOD STARRING PASHA KOVALEV 7.30pm Sun 3 Jun ROCK AND ROLL

Every Sunday 2K & 5K PARK RUN

Southsea

9.15am meet Hilsea Lido

Sat 14 Apr BURLESQUE BY THE

www.greatrunlocal.org

SEA 7.30pm Coastguard Studio,

Every third Sunday of the month

Clarendon Road, Southsea

OPEN STUDIOS AT THE

Until 15 Apr EASTER EGG TRAIL

HOTWALLS 11am-4pm

10am-6pm Emirates Spinnaker

REVOLUTION 7.30pm

Sun 1 Apr SHOPPING & GIFT

Tower

Thu 7 Jun BRIAN CONLEY Strictly

MARKET 10am-3pm Inn Lodge

Sun 15 Apr CRAFTS IN THE

Come Laughing 7.30pm Fri 8 Jun WHITNEY QUeen of The Night 7.30pm 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD

Hotel, Burrfields Road

TOWER 11am Square Tower

Thu 5 Apr SPEED DATING 7.15pm

Until 15 Apr EASTER HIGH TEA

Spice Island Inn, Old Portsmouth

Emirates Spinnaker Tower

Wed 11 Apr LANDROVER BAR

Thu 19 Apr SPEED DATING

TECH DECK OPEN DAY 11am-3pm

7.15pm Spice Island Inn, O ld

Box Office: 023 9264 9000

The Camber, Old Portsmouth

Portsmouth

Fri 13 Apr - Sun 24 Jun POPPIES:

Sun 22 Apr SOUTHSEA GONG

www.newtheatreroyal.com

WAVE AT FORT NELSON

BATH 4pm £10 tickets at the door

The Arts Society

Portsea Island 10th April 2018

PETER MEDHURST - VERMEER: THE MUSICAL PAINTING

This lecture looks at the artist’s musical scenes against the backdrop of 17th century Dutch history. A selection of period songs and music will be played during the presentation. Peter appears in the UK and abroad as a musician and scholar giving recitals and delivering illustrated lectures on music and the arts. He studied singing and early keyboard instruments at the Royal College of Music and the Mozarteum in Salzburg. Univ. Eldon Building

(opp. Chimes Restaurant)

We gather from 6pm Presentation 7-8pm Visitors warmly welcomed £5

8th May 2018

ANNE HAWORTH - LEGENDARY PORCELAIN COLLECTORS: POLITICS, POWER AND A PASSION FOR FRAGILE BEAUTY

From Augustus the Strong of Saxony to Otto and Magdalena Blohm of Hamburg, who buried their porcelain collection during the allied bombing raids,these collectors were driven by an obsession for delicate beauty and the translucent fragility of porcelain. Anne was a senior ceramics specialist at Christie’s and Bonhams head office from 1981-1995. From 2002-2005 she was a committee member of the French Porcelain Society

Havelock Community Centre

by Prof. Pat Thane 7pm University

AND CLASSIC TOUR 12noon

Mon 23 Apr Air Aces Talk Society

of Portsmouth, Park Building, King

Highland Road Cemetery,

THE RAF HARRIER IN THE COLD WAR

Henry I Street

Southsea

Speaker Group Captain John Heron

Fri 11 & Sat 12 May

Mon 21 May Air Aces Talk Society

7.30 pm Chichester Park Hotel,

PORTSMOUTH BEER FESTIVAL £12

PO19 7QL Tel: 012 4382 3007

Portsmouth Guildhall

www.airaces.org.uk

Sat 12 - Sun 13 May HAYLING

Fri 4 May COMEDY CLUB 7pm

ISLAND MAY DAY ARTS TRAIL

Emirates Spinnaker Tower

Sun 13 May QUEENS HOTEL

Sat 5, Sun 6, Mon 7 May RURAL &

WEDDING FAYRE 11am-3pm

SEASIDE SHOW Castle Field, SSea

Queen’s Hotel, Southsea

Sat 5 May BELTAIN FESTIVAL

Sun 13 May WALK: NELSON TRAIL

Butser Ancient Farm

3pm meet City Museum

Sat 5 May SUMMER FAMILY FUN

Sun 13 May SOUTH DOWNS

DAY 11am-2pm YMCA Nursery,

GREEN FAIR All Day East Meon,

1 HR TALK RAF TODAY & ONWARDS AGM will follow 7.30 pm Chichester Park Hotel, PO19 7QL Tel: 012 4382 3007 www.airaces.org.uk Sat 26 & Sun 27 May MUTINY FESTIVAL All Day King George V Playing Fields, Cosham Sat 26 May University Swing Band Concert FREE Bring a chair or rug 2.30-5pm Cumberland House

HMS Excellent, Whale Island

Nr Petersfield

Lawn in Canoe Lake Park

Tue 8 May LECTURE: THE

Sun 20 May CRAFTS IN THE

Sat 26 May SOUTHSEA GONG

HISTORICAL SOCIETY –

TOWER 11am Square Tower

BATH 4pm £10 tickets at the door

Representation of People Act 1918

Sun 20 May INFORMATION DAY

Havelock Community Centre

ART WORKSHOPS Take your pick of these two exciting workshops, delivered by experienced artists / tutors at the new Canoe Lake Tennis Pavilion. All of the workshops are suitable for all ages and abilities. Some materials are provided. Please contact the workshop tutor by phone or email - contacts below, for further details and bookings. Saturdays 11am - 4.30 pm - £48.00 per workshop 21 April Jacqui Mair

CUT & PASTE WITH COLLAGE Tel: 07712 128700 jhmair@aol.com 19 May Kevin Dean

WONDERFUL WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP Tel: 07981 867826 info@kevindean.co.uk

TENNIS PAVILION @ CANOE LAKE, ST HELENS PARADE, SOUTHSEA PO5 9RG 67

REFLECTIONS FROM A NEWCOMER Neyda De Arcos

have to admit I was terrified when the plane landed. I looked at Oliver like a scared deer and he looked back at W me, squeezed my hand, and said: “It’s okay, you are safe now”. W

pint of beer and fish & chips, and told me to come on Sunday, so we can have a roast dinner. That’s how our relationship started.

SIX MONTHS LATER

I had just left my books, my studies, my family, my country, and my life behind. I was excited, afraid, happy, and sad, all at the same time.

I have found a beautiful life here. I consider myself very lucky.

I looked out of the window.

I’m surrounded by incredible people and the city has become a good friend.

I saw a sea of meadows and fields with different shades of green. I saw houses and trees. Breathe, Neyda. It was September 2017. With my heart beating madly I started my new life in a new country by the side of the man I love.

w w

Some days are better than others: sometimes melancholy wins, but England comforts me with a splendid sunset and a cup of tea. But it’s not easy. I left Venezuela because I wanted a future, so I could help my family to have one too. My country is falling apart due to a terrible crisis that is killing people every day: there are no medicines, food is extremely expensive, and inflation is around 13,000%. When you move to a different country, everything is new: the taste of water, the weather, the food, the language, the people; everything.

A NEW BEGINNING

You will need to take any job you can to support yourself, pay the bills, get a phone and contract so that you can talk with your family back home.

I introduced myself gently to this city. I opened my heart and I told my story. That’s how you start a friendship, with honesty and vulnerability.

You will need to grow a thick skin for many reasons along with the constant question of your broken heart: “Will I ever see my family again?”

I fell in love with Portsmouth and its buildings; the streets, the food, the beach, the people and the forests.

Crossing oceans takes courage and a lot of strength, but we do it because we want a life that we can’t have in our own country, through no fault of our own.

I shared my music and my language with the city, because I carry with me all the colours of Venezuela and Spain: my dad was Spanish and my mum is Venezuelan. And the city opened its arms to me with laughter and said: “Tell me more”, and invited me for a 68

That’s why I’m so grateful: I’m painting a new chapter of my life, not with the colours of fear, but with the colours of hope and opportunity. Thank you England for showing me new colours, and thank you for accepting mine.

TIME IS PRECIOUS Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave it until tomorrow w

Making A Will M QualitySolicitors Large & Gibson

02392 296 296 reception@largeandgibson.co.uk www.qualitysolicitors.com/largeandgibson 49 Kent Road, Portsmouth, PO5 3EJ Like us on

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CULTURE VULTURE

Emma Beatty

he next two months are busy for cultcha-vulching. There’s grand opera, African drums, two spooky new plays, a bizarre-sounding banana-based show and new graphics at Jack House Gallery. And, lots of classical music (more than usual, I think).

The Turn of the Screw is at the New Theatre Royal (37 April). A stage version of Henry James’s famous 1840 spooky thriller. There are warnings, “contains scenes of mild peril” – I certainly hope so. Produced in collaboration The Mercury Theatre Colchester and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Not to be outdone, another eerie classic, Great Expectations is in a new stage adaptation at the New Theatre Royal, (22-26 May). Dickens’ tale of young Pip and his strange visits to the decaying house of the reclusive Miss Havisham has Olivier Award-winning Nichola McAuliffe as Miss Havisham. She’s just played the lead on the West End in Alan Bennett’s The Lady in the Van, so it should be worth seeing. There’s more 19th C drama as Ellen Kent’s energetic opera company brings Verdi’s La Traviata to the Kings Theatre (27 April). Her productions are known for their sumptuous sets and costumes—and this should be elaborate. Portsmouth Chamber Music Season’s last concert at the Guildhall. Its been a sort of mini proms for smaller-scale music ensembles. On 16 April the Marmen Quartet (cello and three violins) play Mozart’s String Quartet in G, K. 387, Philip Glass’s String Quartet No. 3 ‘Mishima’, and Beethoven’s String Quartet in A minor, Op. 132. There’s African song, dance, and drums at New Theatre Royal (17 April) to celebrate the Centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth (which is actually on 18 July, but this is part of a big series of events run by the African Women’s Forum). A massed community choir perform African songs, dances, and drum progressions, and a specially choreographed dance by South African ballet dancer 70

Dane Hurst, created in honour of Mandela. There’s more massed choir extravagance at the Guildhall in Make More Sail (19 April). Local school children sing an original cantata telling the story of the Battle of Trafalgar, with texts based on Nelson's last letter home, his famous prayer and, of course, the “England Expects...” signal. Portsmouth Guildhall’s Grand Concert Organ was originally built in 1959 (when the building reopened after the Blitz bombings). It’s composed of 1,660 pipes and has recently been refurbished. You rarely hear it in action these days, but there’s a performance at 12.30pm on Thursday 20 April, with Paul Joslin as organist. Later that day (20 April, Guildhall), the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra plays Rachmaninoff’s First Symphony and Caprice bohémien, and Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Meanwhile, in our local galleries, it’s Banana Day at Aspex (until 10 June), in an exhibition based on a satirical video set in a futuristic post-Brexit Britain, where bananas have become unavailable on the legal markets after a breakdown of global trade. Alongside are props and costumes, archival material relating to the global banana trade, interviews with those who remember life before bananas, and fictional artefacts. Go along and reminisce about the days when Geest Line brought this strange-shaped fruit into Portsmouth. And finally, a new show at Jack House Gallery in Portsmouth High Street: graphic works by Ray Richardson (20 April-19 May). Richardson is predominantly a painter, known for his narratives of everyday life in his native South-East London. Mixing humour, drama, and social commentary in urban vignettes from childhood to adulthood, which often echo his favourite soul music. These are all works on paper, lending a softer, more shady side to his work.

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WILDLIFE IN SOUTHSEA GARDENS Martin Hampton, former university lecturer, now runs ‘Nature Friendly Gardens’, giving advice and practical help

part from that fox you once saw investigating your dustbin, or those incredibly noisy herring gulls, it would be easy to think that Southsea is virtually wildlifefree. But like almost all urban areas, we have thousands of wildflowers, birds and insects; it’s just that you have to be alert to them, and to know where to look. And gardens are of course one of the best places to start. I don’t mean those kinds of gardens which have become clinically-clean concrete, steel and resin outside spaces, that might as well be inside. I mean the real gardens: those with the slightly-troublesome trees and shrubs, the pots full of colourful annuals, the long-established herbaceous beds, or the lawns that have as many ‘weeds’ (actually wildflowers of course) as actual grass. And we are blessed in Southsea to have lots of these gardens, and long may that be true. Now that spring is in full swing, listen for birdsong. blackbirds and song thrushes, both members of the thrush family, have strong and ‘musical’ songs; to tell the difference, listen for repetition of notes or phrases. (The song thrush repeats, so that each bit is heard twice.) Goldfinches have become more common in Southsea, and just now they’re breaking Goldfinch

up t heir twittery winter flocks, and pairing up and nesting. The song is fast and jangly, often from quite high up. If you live near gardens with lots of dense shrubs, you might hear wrens, Britain’s third-smallest bird. They’re forever moving and twitching around, but the male stops to sing the most demented and ‘explosive’ few seconds of song, incredibly loud for such a tiny bird. And these species are just a tenth of those that can be heard singing around Southsea.

Look for bees. We have only one species of honey bee, and whether you see those depends mainly on whether anyone keeps bees in your area. But we have many species of bumblebees, and even more solitary bees (those that do not nest in colonies). Check the colour of your bumblebees’ bums (I should say ‘abdomen’, of course). Buff-tailed and white-tailed bumblebees have pale abdomens. Early bumblebees and red-tailed bumblebees have orange or red bottoms. They’re all very docile, and for such small things, add so much to our scene. Treasure them! Whatever outdoor space you have, even just a hanging basket or a pot on a balcony, remember that there is no better feeling than knowing you are helping our Southsea wildlife.

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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. Free estimates and advice. A personal and caring service • Work to the highest standard • Insured • Work guaranteed • I promise to keep costs to a minimum and not do unnecessary work.

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REDUCE YOUR PLASTIC USE Tara Knight

ast year, David Attenborough’s Blue Planet, brought the impact of modern consumerism on our oceans into sharp focus. Now, with growing consumer concern, and a strong grassroots movement, sustainability and the environment have been thrust to the forefront. In February, the council voted to work towards reducing single-use plastics and to gain a ‘Plastic Free City’ status. One of the criteria for this is that a minimum of 46 local businesses must remove 3 pieces of single use plastic from their premises, a positive challenge for our personal lives and local food businesses. So what can you do to help? We hosted a ‘reduce plastic’ event at the coffee shop in March, gaining numerous tips from local ‘less waste’ advocates Sarah Shreeve and Clare Seek. Most of the advice came down to making small changes to your everyday routine. Drink coffee and always need to take out? Why not invest in a reusable cup? In an effort to reduce waste, some of our independent cafes now offer a discount if you use your own take out cup. Carry your own shopping bag and water bottle. Most venues will refill water bottles for you.

And the word on the street is that the council are installing drinking fountains on the seafront. Stop using plastic straws! Refuse a straw from cafes, bars and restaurants and explain why we should be moving away from single use plastic. Get to know your local food stores. Our butchers will fill your own Tupperwares; a lot of local shops sell fresh herbs by the bunch, or pulses in glass; and you can buy vegetables not wrapped in plastic from our greengrocers. You may not think that small steps count for much, but they really do. Alongside reducing your personal plastic use, they help us to build a community, to connect with our neighbours, and encourage others to do the same. I passionately believe that we all have a part to play trying to combat plastic use, and that with your help, local businesses in Southsea can make a difference. For more details: Plastic Free Portsmouth - local tips to reducing plastic (on facebook) www.finalstrawsolent.org Check out my blog on reusable coffee cups at southseacoffee.co.uk 77

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A TASTY MEAL SERVED WITH LASHINGS OF LOVE Kate Thompson

“W

e provide food, love and support for homeless, vulnerable, and lonely people, often living with addictions. “We don’t ever turn anyone away,” said Lesley Wenden as she prepared for the regular Thursday night meal at the Lifehouse in Southsea.

“We also have a Chinese meal for 40 people donated once a month from the fantastic Ed Lau, and The Tenth Hole regularly donates their beautiful cakes,” she explained.

She is supported by a band of volunteers who give up their time to help serving cooked breakfasts every Wednesday morning, all with a side order of care. And an evening meal every Thursday, at their premises in Harold Road, just of Albert Road. As Lesley describes the care and attention that goes into providing food for up to 40 people, it is clear that she and her team are devoted to helping others.

Volunteers: Hilary Frost, Annette Nash, and Lesley Wenden

Lesley manages the project, and has been involved for the past four years. She says there have been many encounters with the people she helps that have touched her heart. During the recent harsh, snowy weather, a vulnerable street drinker arrived at the Lifehouse looking as though he had trekked through Alaska, complaining of suicidal thoughts. “He was clearly in a bad way, but we were able to help him, and that’s what I call a success story. Volunteers: Annette Nash, and Claire Gilham

And she is quick to point out that they rely on kind donations of food too. “We get a car boot full of meat supplied every month by Maurice Twells from his butcher’s shop in Portchester Precinct – there must be £200 worth of meat; it’s wonderful, and that allows us to provide a nutritious meal on a Thursday. 80

“The most important thing is we love them – it doesn’t matter what has been happening in their lives, we just love them. “And hopefully they realise there is someone who really cares,” said Lesley. The Lifehouse is a registered charity and it relies on donations. If you would like to find out more go to www.lifehouse.org.uk

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BLOOD DONOR SESSIONS

COMMUNITY

Fri 6 Apr, Fri 20 Apr, Fri 11 May

COSHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE, WOOTTON ST, COSHAM 1.303.25pm & 4.30-7.30pm Mon 16 Apr, Mon 23 Apr, Tue 1 May, Wed 16 May, Mon 21 May, Wed 6 Jun THE VICTORY LOUNGE, FRATTON PARK, PORTSMOUTH 1.30-3.25pm & 4.30-7.30pm Wed 18 Apr, Wed 9 May, Wed 23 May FUNCTION ROOM, MOUNTBATTEN CENTRE 1.153.25pm & 4.15-7.25pm www.blood.co.uk

PORTSMOUTH LIBRARIES Regular Activities

SOUTHSEA LIBRARY Mondays RHYMETIME 1010.30am, STORYTIME 2-2.30pm, MAHJONG 2-4pm, Fortnightly from 11/09/2017 SOCIAL GROUP 24pm (Run by volunteers) Wednesdays SCRABBLE CLUB 2-4pm Thursdays RHYMETIME 10-10.30am Fridays CAREERS SERVICE advice and support 10am-12pm Saturdays RHYMETIME 10.30-11am CENTRAL LIBRARY Tuesdays KNIT AND NATTER GROUP, CAREERS SERVICE advice and support 10am-12.30pm

Aldsworth Close, Cosham Every Friday 2.15 - 3.45pm Old

Rectory Road, Farlington Alternate Friday 4-6pm Anchorage Park, Community Centre Car Park The home library service can also come to your home if you can't get to the library. If you or the person you care for is unable to visit a library because of disability, illness, frailty or mental health problems, one of our home library volunteers can come to your home to bring or collect books for you. For more information about the home library service, email community.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or phone 023 9268 8066.

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