Southsea Lifestyle November / December 2020 by Salad Publishing

November/December 2020

Souths ea Lifestyle

THE SILVER LINING AT THE QUEENS HOTEL THIS CHRISTMAS Page 8

Photo: Aina Sutka

Carpets to suit every lifestyle and budget! Big savings on Amtico, Karndean Wood & Laminate!

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EXTENSION AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS

2013

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CONTRIBUTORS Kate Thompson is a Southsea writer with a passion for uncovering quirky human interest stories Neil Maxwell is director of Fry & Kent Estate Agents, and a volunteer crew member of the RNLI

CONTENTS 12 SWINGS, ROUNDABOUTS, FACEMASKS AND SANITISERS 16 WELCOME HOME 25 ART + SCIENCE 32 NO DISTRACTIONS 38 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 42 FESTIVE FEASTING

Charlotte GrifďŹ ths is a blogger, freelance marketer & photographer. She has three little girls and a whippet called Hugo Daniel Nowland has loved food his whole life, and spent ten years working as the Head of Technical for Jamie Oliver. He is now the owner of The Southsea Deli and organiser of supper clubs, workshops and other food events in Southsea.

44 RECIPE 50 CRIMBO WINO 52 AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM FATHER CHRISTMAS 58 TICKLED PINK AT SOUTHSEA GUITAR CENTRE 60 CULTURE VULTURE 64 BANKING ON DONATIONS 66 ROWING THE ATLANTIC FOR ELIJAH

Emma Beatty teaches journalism at the University of Portsmouth. She has lived in Southsea for thirteen years, and has two children John Worsey is a creative copywriter, based in Southsea. He works in Marketing & Communications at the University of Portsmouth Laura-Marie Boyd aka Southsea Wine Siren, writes about natural, artisan wines, which she sells from her website 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

32 42

’m debating whether to ignore COVID-19, or to include it in my introduction. After all, there’s more to life than a global pandemic. In fact, I’ve become so used to our new world, that I feel quite naked when I’m not wearing a mask, and my hands have never been as clean. As with so much in life, it’s all about trying to find a balance, keeping safe, but also finding enjoyment in life whenever we can. Hopefully, we’ve managed to strike the right note with this issue, with a blend of inspiring and even glamorous features about homes and interiors. With Christmas just around the corner, we’ve given food and wine a starring role, and why not? If ever there were a Christmas that we need to take pleasure in food, while also spreading socially-distanced joy to our friends and family, this has to be it! And, talking of food and spreading joy, we’d love you to nominate a person that you believe deserves to be given a Christmas hamper from Southsea Deli - see p.43. There’s also a chance to win a book by the amazing Southsea children’s book author & illustrator Neal Layton p.25. Let's enjoy every remaining day of 2020 and look forward to a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Kevin John Dean

CALLING ALL BUSINESS OWNERS

Southsea Lifestyle is the only lifestyle magazine delivered to people’s homes across the city. Affordable advertising rates and a loyal readership, no wonder 75% of our advertisers have been with us for 2 years or more. Just request a media pack. Call: 07981 867826 e: info@southsealifestyle.com

QUEENS HOTEL RISES TO THE CHALLENGE

elicious new menus, seasonal room offers, and special events mean there are even more reasons to visit the beautiful Queens Hotel at the heart of Southsea.

While the pandemic has undoubtedly brought uncertainty and disruption, the Queens Hotel has chosen to focus on the positives by working with the new rules and regulations to deliver the best possible experience for guests.

what we do in terms of service and structure.

“With our new conference rooms completed, the first and second floor rooms fully refurbished, and the ground floor pretty much completed, we will be ready to react to the rising market when the uplift comes.” Re-invented menus with a focus on seasonal ingredients and a more contemporary vibe have been introduced.

Managing Director Farid Yeganeh, explained: “Ironically the pandemic has allowed us to make changes in a short space of time that ordinarily would have taken a lot longer to implement.

Food and Beverage Manager Jodie Chamberlain explained how the new kitchen, restaurant and bar team want to make the Queens Hotel a destination for casual fine dining.

“I’m not saying it hasn’t been a challenge manoeuvring the business to deal with the current situation, but the silver lining has been that we have been able to really focus on the quality of

“As well as welcoming hotel guests, we want to appeal to local people and be known for producing the best food in Portsmouth,” she said.

cont’d p.10

New technology has allowed the Queens Hotel to offer even better room rates, explained reservations manager Jason Wilson.

“We have moved 30 weddings to next year, and some have decided to go ahead with their original dates but with fewer guests.

“We have been able to centralise all the room rates and introduce far greater flexibility. For example if you book before December 20 we are offering a stay in one of our refurbished rooms for just £89.

“Our intimate afternoon tea wedding offer (see website) has provoked a great deal of interest as well,” said Ellie.

“And anyone booking Christmas meals can get our special £99 rate for a seaview room. “Our Christmas package is very keenly priced at £800 for three nights per couple and that includes bed and breakfast and all seasonal meals. “It’s well worth checking our website, as you will see all the latest offers there and the best room rates,” he said. One area of the hotel’s activity that has experienced perhaps the greatest upheaval is weddings. Events Manager Ellie Williams admitted it had been heartbreaking in recent months having to move weddings to meet the government’s restrictions on large gatherings, but the hotel was rising to the challenge in its own inimitable way.

Next summer could see the introduction of a marquee to allow for weddings to take place in the garden. “Marquee weddings offer a blank canvas and more flexibility in terms of being able to change every element in order to create the look you are after. By having both a marquee setting and our Elizabeth ballroom, we look forward to creating even more special days,” she said. Anyone planning a wedding is advised to get in touch with Ellie and her team as she is still doing show-rounds. To keep up-to-date with latest offers and special events, please follow the Queens Hotel on social media platforms and check the website. “We would really love people to like and follow us — and when you share photos of your visit to the Queens Hotel be sure to copy us in,” said social media co-ordinator, Aina Sutka.

Clarence Parade, Southsea PO5 3LJ www.queenshotelportsmouth.com @QueensHotelPortsmouth @HotelQueens queenshotel_portsmouth 10

KITCHEN TRENDS 2021

We caught up with the experts at Conquest Fine Bespoke Furniture, who have a workshop and showroom in Farlington, to hear kitchen trend predictions for 2021

1. SMARTER KITCHENS

With more people working from home, we will see continued investment in smart technologies to keep our kitchens as clean, convenient and comfortable as possible.

will continue to be strong trends. Appliances that can be discretely housed, out of view, keeping worktops sleek and clutter-free for zoom calls, will grow in popularity.

3. CLUTTER-FREE KITCHENS With the clutter-free trend set to continue, we can expect to see the ongoing growth and variation of handless cabinetry, keeping streamlined outlines to the fore.

4. PLANT BASED KITCHENS Earthy palettes, will continue to be on-trend as we try to bring the outdoors in with plants and green coloured cabinetry. All in all, we think hard-working kitchens that are providing Smart kitchens can include fridge freezers with sensors that tell you when you are about to run out of key ingredients. Technology such as touch-free taps with built-in sensors, and lighting zones controlled from a touch of your smartphone will be in demand. Task lighting for those who are working from home will need to be considered more and more as will integrated technology and entertainment to keep children occupied whilst adults catch up on emails or prepare meals in the kitchen.

multiple functions for those in your home will be sleeker and more organised than ever, but will enjoy pops of green from plants or cabinetry to keep the tone natural and relaxed.

NEW YEAR NEW KITCHEN Conquest are now taking bookings for 2021 kitchen installations. Their experienced, talented designers are on hand to help you plan your dream kitchen now.

2. WORKING KITCHENS Breakfast bars that double up as work stations, kitchen islands with builtin office storage and hideaway breakfast pantries 11

SWINGS, ROUNDABOUTS, FACEMASKS AND SANITISERS

Neil Maxwell

ell, I bet in January 2020 you never imagined you’d be reading an article with that title later in the year! During the depths of the Lockdown I was interviewed by Radio Solent about what state I thought the housing market would be in at the end of lockdown. Though I didn’t have a crystal ball, and I try to eschew any over-optimistic estate agent tendencies, I did generally feel that the traditional factors to cause a property crash were not being realised, and consequently I saw no real jeopardy, other than a lack of consumer confidence, or a massive leap in unemployment. At the end of lockdown the market throttled up very quickly and keeping pace with the enquiries, along with the necessity of purchasing hand sanitiser and face masks to keep our staff and customers safe, became a very real issue. The lettings market has seen a marked change, with a higher proportion of tenants remaining in

their current accommodation and the properties that do become available facing a higher demand. As I write, the market activity continues to be buoyant. The next challenge we’ll face will be the race to beat withdrawal of the government stamp duty incentive, and to help our customers progress the transactions in time to beat the deadline. I couldn’t be prouder of what we have all achieved this year. The way in which both our staff and so many businesses across the city have been able to deliver products and services to customers during such a testing time is a testament to the strength of the commercial sector and the loyalty of our community. Let’s hope and believe that no article title will contain the words, Facemasks and Santisers, by this time next year — or ever again. Many thanks to all our Customers and Best wishes to all for a healthy 2021.

QUEENS CRESCENT, SOUTHSEA, MONTHLY RENTAL OF £1,800 • This spacious semi-detached family home has four bedrooms and is located in central Southsea. • Recently refurbished internal accommodation. • Offered unfurnished and available now.

WILTON PLACE, SOUTHSEA £295,000

EPC E

• Delightful mid terraced Victorian cottage situated in the heart of central Southsea. • Open plan living and dining room with feature central fireplace and log-burner. • Two double bedrooms and a spacious bathroom on the first floor.

GRAND PARADE, OLD PORTSMOUTH £600,000

EPC EXEMPT

• Charming Grade II listed town house located in Old Portsmouth. • Spanning over 2,000 sq.ft over four main floors with four bedrooms. • Top floor roof terrace with panoramic views.

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DESIGN HOUSE SOUTHSEA AN EXTRA SPECIAL CHRISTMAS

The Design House team would like to help you make this the best Christmas ever. “After everything that’s happened this year, I think we all deserve an extra special Christmas “ said Keith Scrorgie, one of the shop’s owners. “We’ve re-arranged the shop to make a better blend of giftware and furniture, and in the process, we are now able to accommodate even more Christmas gifts and accessories. Its turned into something of a Santa’s grotto with everything from big cuddly reindeer to small ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree. And we were very pleased to source some Olle gnomes, handmade from wool and sheepskin in Sweden, they’ve been popular since the early 1990s.” Alongside the giftware Keith has been pleased at the way customers have supported the interior design element of the business. “I think wherever possible, people are focusing on making their homes as comfortable and beautiful as they can. Christmas may be a little different this year and perhaps more modest than we’ve come to know it, but it can still be a very special time” said Keith.

Keith, Peter, Tracy, Ruth, Fiona, Susan and their little helpers would like to wish you an extra special Christmas 14

55-57 Marmion Road Southsea PO5 2AT

Tel/Fax 02392 838038 www.designhousesouthsea.co.uk

WELCOME HOME Home is where the art is. By Kate Thompson

ver since she was a child, Claire Harvey has enjoyed making her surroundings look and feel the best they can.

In those days it was her own room that got the

focus of her creative energies and her mum, who was also a keen decorator, was happy to allow Claire to express herself within her own four walls.

nice - and it’s my thing too. “Although I love my job, it isn’t particularly creative, so this is my creative outlet,” said Claire, who heads up employer partnerships in early careers and apprenticeships. Two previous Southsea homes have been transformed. When they moved to their current

As the photos of her central Southsea home show,

address, they realised it would be a major project

Claire’s passion for colour and texture has grown

and Claire admitted there were times when she

and now she has become a trendsetter through her

questioned what they had done.

Instagram account documenting the transformation

“We were looking for another project and a bigger

of her home.

garden and it turned out this house was right under

“I’ve always loved doing this. When I was younger

our nose. The previous owner had been here for 20

I was forever redoing my room. My mum and aunties

years so it needed a bit of love and updating.

are all really into their homes and making them look

Cont’d p. 18

“The first six months were pretty hard, especially for the children. We had moved from a lovely home to a building site but it was worth it and they love it now,” she said. Claire and husband Nick did all the design work and turned to architects Thorns Young for the drawings, calculations and managing the planning application process. Builder and joiner Jamie owns Hartts and was invaluable for the tricky bits. He did the entire kitchen build and renovation, re-installed all their fireplaces and the downstairs loo as well as wood panelling in their bedroom.

because it looks so great,” she said. Art has played an increasingly important part in how Claire pulls a room together, and it is one of the areas where she is happy to invest. “I love art and if I have some birthday money I love to treat myself to a print. We have some wonderful local artists and I love Roo Abrook and the fairground light signs from Missing Chopper based in Hayling Island,” she added.

“We get experts in for plumbing and electrical work, but we do like to do the decorating ourselves and sourcing the elements that will bring a room to life is such fun. For the bigger decorating jobs like the hall, stairs and landing, we did get some help from Southsea Decorating Company and Ashley from there also renovated our lovely orange front door.

From the outset Claire has documented the transformation of her home on Instagram and she has developed such a following that she is hoping to do more with her love for interiors. “I’ve been helping friends for a while and other opportunities are starting to develop. We are going to be featured in a future edition of Real Homes magazine and I am starting to get approaches from collaborators.

“I love a bargain, and it’s great to mix old and new. We’ve got a unit in the kitchen that cost £65 from a house clearance, and I get such a buzz out of it

“There’s also quite a little scene on Instagram with local interiors people and we are arranging a meet-up soon,” said Claire. Harvey_home_eclectic

REMORTGAGING IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS

Autumn has arrived and with it the sense of something hovering over the horizon – no, not Christmas, something more exciting… peak remortgage season. The next few months often see increased demand for remortgages and this year may be even busier due to the pandemic. Now is the time to start doing your research. Around this time of year, you’ll hear the phrase “we’d like to be in by Christmas” from people buying houses, you may even have said it yourself. This is one reason why autumn and winter see a high number of cessations, or in other words, many mortgages come to the end of their initial term of two, five or however many years. When this happens, your interest rate will switch to the Standard Variable Rate (SVR). The SVR is often higher than your initial rate, meaning your monthly payments could increase. Think of it as the mortgage equivalent to Amazon giving you the first three months of Prime half price: once those months are up, you’ll be paying the standard subscription. Remortgaging can be a way of saving

money on your monthly repayments. You could see a more significant reduction if you’ve saved some pennies during lockdown and can pay off more of your loan – although this could incur an early repayment charge so check your paperwork. By remortgaging, you could switch from a tracker product with variable payments to a fixed rate option where you pay the same each month. These benefits might sound especially appealing in the current climate where unemployment is on the up and finances are being squeezed. The coronavirus pandemic has made lots of things more complicated and remortgaging is one of them. But, don’t despair yet! Although many mortgage lenders have introduced policies about

applicants who are, or have been on furlough, in many cases you can remortgage with your current lender without such policies applying to you. This might be frustrating if your current lender doesn’t offer the best deal but it’s likely to still be better than switching to the SVR. If you’re not sure about your options and your eyes are glazing over at the mere thought of interest rate comparisons, you may want to speak to your adviser. We’ll help you find the best option for your circumstances and guide you through the process. Whether you decide to speak to us or handle matters yourself, you should get started sooner rather than later. Typically, remortgaging can take four to eight weeks. However, in the current post-lockdown, pre-Christmas busy period it could take longer. It’s best to get ahead of the game.

If you’d like to discuss the options available to you, Contact Chris Corbett today. T: 07950 225055 E: chris@corbettfinancial.co.uk www.corbettfinancial.co.uk

A PASSION FOR PERIOD PROPERTY

aving owned and renovated some of the most distinctive properties in Old Portsmouth and Southsea, Graham Hudson has developed a true passion for old buildings.

“About 14 years ago, I had a flat to rent and that’s when I decided to get back in touch with Chinneck Shaw. “Their approach is quite low key and not at all pressurised which suits the kind of tenancies that I have. I am happy they are dealing with that side of my affairs and I don’t need to worry about it,” he said. Having restored several properties in St Thomas Street (and gaining a Civic Trust Award in the process), Graham was on the look-out for a new property to work on while he waited for his next project to start and that was when he was shown the South Parade property. “I was shown this property and said I would buy it for just under the asking price if it could be settled that day and by 5pm the deal was done.

Photos: Will Hutchinson

“The house had an interesting history as the land was originally owned by the Mayor of Portsmouth Emanual Emanuel and he sold it to George Hudson - to this day I like signing paperwork to do with the property as G.Hudson as it keeps the name going. Graham Hudson

He is lucky enough to live in one of the three distinctive villas on South Parade that were originally built in the Dutch style for Hatton Garden diamond merchants in 1879. His property portfolio is managed by Chinneck Shaw and it is a relationship that goes back many years. “I’ve known the company since I was a boy and I used to go to auctions with my father when they were based in Lake Road. 20

“Sadly I don’t know much about who did the building but it was done to an exceptionally high standard. They didn’t skimp on any of the materials and it was one of the first houses to be built with a steel framework in the bays. “You can see it was built to a very high standard as a seaside villa with three bedrooms and dressing rooms for the family and rooms for staff in the lower ground floor and 2nd floor. At that time, the house would have been surrounded by marshland and you can just imagine the migratory birds that would have been visible from the villa.

“I love old buildings, they give a true picture of previous lives and I love to imagine the people who have lived in these buildings over the years. “My favourite house was in Sussex Road. It was a beautiful old stable block that was the turn-around post for the London to Portsmouth route. The horses were kept downstairs and the coachmen would spend the night in the rooms above. “It had been badly bombed during the war and I restored it making it into a really lovely home,” he said.

Graham Hudson’s Southsea home

“My property was turned into flats in the 1950s by the previous owner who was a furniture maker and I still have some of his pieces with his name on it,” he said. In total Graham owned and restored about 20 properties in Portsmouth and built six new homes too.

Chinneck Shaw Director Neil Shaw explained managing property portfolios for clients forms an important part of what they do.

“We see our business as being very people focused. We are working with clients like Graham Hudson to ensure their properties are well managed and they don’t have to worry about elements from the upkeep of the buildings to finding the right tenants,” he said.

ART + SCIENCE

“I

Southsea children’s illustrator and writer Neal Layton, talks about his influences and how his book Poo helped him to develop a new way of working.

want my illustrations to look as immediate as possible and I often make 20 attempts at the same picture, only to use the one I did first,” said Neal with a laugh, who has illustrated over 70 children’s books, mostly for other writers, but also for several of his own titles as both author and illustrator.

approach. With the climate change book, I was aware of not wanting to alarm children or to be depressing, but I think children are often more aware of environmental issues than their parents. When we go shopping, our children turn into the palm oil police,” said Neal, who is married to the artist Sadie Tierney.

At school Neal’s best subjects were in science and he did a complete U-turn when he went to art college. “It’s worked out well though, as I have been able to combine both art and science with some of my non-fiction books”, particularly his widely acclaimed books, A Planet Full of Plastic and A Climate in Chaos. “Initially I wasn’t sure how to approach non-fiction subjects, but I did a book with Nicola Davis, a presenter on the BBC’s Really Wild Show, called Poo. The book was actually all about animal’s poo – a fascinating subject that lent itself to fun and invention and Nicola really encouraged that

In the tradition of the illustrator John Burningham, Neal likes to combine mixed media, collage and photos in his work. “I’m also influenced by the bold simplicity of Andre Francois’ books and I’m a great fan of Quentin Blake’s lively lines”. Unfortunately, Neal didn’t need to travel far to take photos of plastic waste for A Planet Full of Plastics – much of the photographic collage was taken on Southsea beach and at Canoe Lake. “I also had a lot of help from Clare Seek, the Southsea environmentalist and David Jones, founder of the Portsmouth charity, Just One Ocean. I’m always amazed that whenever I need to find an expert, there is always someone ready to help living on Portsea island” said Neal. With children having so many distractions from electronic screens, do children’s books have a future? “Children’s picture books sales are actually

Neal Layton

doing very well. I think it’s because parents and children like to have a book in front of them, it’s not the same experience if they are sharing a bedtime story using a tablet or computer screen”. What books are you working on at present? “Each year I illustrate about 2 books for other authors and then one that I have written myself. After publishing the plastics and climate change books, I decided that both issues were very much linked to bio-diversity, which is what David Attenborough has been talking about recently. I’ll have that book ready by the end of this year. It’s a good subject because it gives me the chance to research and draw lots of plants and animals. I like to think the environmental books might give the younger generation an interest and passion in looking after the world more responsibly than adults seem to have done so far”.

SOUTHSEA LIFESTYLE COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN FROM 4 TO 12 YEARS OLD Design a poster (A4 or A3) that helps us think about the environment, maybe not to drop litter, to walk and cycle more, or to use less plastic? Please email a photo of your design to: info@southsealifestyle.com Neal and Southsea Lifestyle will pick 4 entries to receive a signed copy of A Planet Full of Plastic or A Climate in Chaos.

www.neallayton.co.uk You can also buy signed copies of Neal’s books A Planet Full of Plastic and A Climate in Chaos at Pigeon Books, 1 Albert Road, Southsea.

A Planet Full of Plastic and A Climate in Chaos are published by Wren and Rook. Poo: A Natural History of the Unmentionable is published by Walker books. 27

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NEW TRAINEE TEACHERS

he past few months have shown that teachers are some of our most vital ‘front line’ workers and we’ve seen some amazing people join the profession. Throughout the lock-down the Portsmouth Teaching School Alliance (PTSA) continued their drive to recruit the best applicants for their partnership schools by interviewing and recruiting trainee teachers online. “Our partner schools were fantastic at joining in Zoom interviews to ensure they could still be part of the process. We also worked closely, albeit remotely, with Portsmouth City Council to promote teaching through their Teach Portsmouth campaign. Whilst government statistics show an increase of 15% in teaching applications, we recruited above

William Duckett

this average.” said Lynn Nicholls Director of School Direct. Sixty teacher trainees began in September, which was the highest recruitment to date. The trainees were keen to begin their teaching practice and were warmly welcomed to their placements in schools across the city. Initial Teacher Training is the first step to a successful career before they progress to their Newly Qualified Teacher status. Sophie Venables, Director of the Teaching School said, “We are very proud of the 100 Newly Qualified Teachers who are enjoying their enhanced induction training with us. Our teacher training really prepares trainees for the realities of school life. Many of our trainees are now middle or senior leaders in local schools. And with the current economic situation, teaching could represent an opportunity for a career change, it’s a very rewarding career, but it is not a 9-3 job.”

WILLIAM DUCKETT, TRAFALGAR SCHOOL (SECONDARY TRAINEE) “Getting straight into the classroom with School Direct has confirmed I made the right choice. At Trafalgar School everyone has been really supportive. The Portsmouth Teaching School staff deliver enthusiastic and inspirational training. Very glad I made the change of career. I now have a great sense of purpose.” If you are a graduate and want to train to teach then come along to one of our ‘Train to Teach’ events in the Teaching & Learning Centre in the Grounds of Portsmouth Academy, Cowper Road Portsmouth PO1 5LD on 18 November, 2 December 2020, 27 January, 24 February, 24 March and 12 May 2021 from 16.30-17.30. For further information please contact info@portsmouthtsa.org or visit our website at www.portsmouthtsa.org

NO DISTRACTIONS

Following the Black Lives Matter protests in the summer, photographer Charlotte Griffiths began to photograph people of colour living in Portsmouth

t seems a long time ago now, but on June 27th a friend and I, along with my 10 year old daughter, joined the Black Lives Matter march from Guildhall Square to Southsea Common. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to show support and unity. I was particularly moved to see my daughter raise her voice and hold her placard with pride. She listened to the speakers and their heartwrenching stories of racism and quiet injustices. She was surprised and dismayed that our society, despite its many advancements, can still be found wanting and may still judge a person, simply by the colour of their skin. Coming home she spent hours researching black history and begged to

watch Selma the story of how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led the epic march from Selma to Montgomery to secure equal voting rights. We had many tears throughout the film which led to many subsequent discussions. Seeing my daughter actively wanting to learn more about black history, I knew there was something I needed to do as well. As a photographer, a photography project seemed to be the response I was looking for. My project featured women and children of colour in the Portsmouth area. Of all ethnicities, ages and backgrounds. I wanted the portraits to focus purely on them, no distractionsâ&#x20AC;Ś

NEW BLOSSOMS

ith the road closed and people eating and drinking al fresco, there’s a hint of Paris in Palmerston Road these days. And if you walk a little further towards the Common, Blossom Boutique has added to the atmosphere, with a floral installation that tumbles over the outside entrance of this beautifully refurbished shop. Blossom Boutique was, until September, to be found in Osborne Road, but Eva, the owner now has larger premises with more light. “I’ve also been able to design the shop exactly as I wanted it with my partner *Daniel Rabaud, who is a skilful carpenter and carried out the shop’s refit” said Eva, who shares some of the ground floor space with her friend, the shoe designer Freya Rose.

“I was concerned about moving to new premises at

such turbulent times, but people love the new shop and tell me that they are shopping local more than ever before. Rather than buying flowers at the supermarket, they come to me,” said Eva. There is more space to display house plants which have become increasingly popular, to the point that Blossom Boutique now sells as many houseplants as it does fresh flowers. “Customers tell me they are creating mini jungles in their homes, while people are sending flowers to friends and family that they have not been able to meet with for some time. But whether it’s a winter flowering jasmine, cacti, or a bouquet of flowers, plants boost our mood and improve our home environment,” said Eva. 99 Palmerston Road, Southsea PO52QZ Tel: 02392831333 @blossomboutiquesflowers *Rabaud Renovations Tel: 07872321295 @rabaudrenovations 37

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

ndependent traders tell us that they have received enormous support from shoppers over the past few months. With your continued custom this could be their best Christmas yet and give a l l o u r w o n d e r f u l r e t a i l e r s t h e financial security they need to enter the new year. Here are a few ideas for your Christmas shopping. Seeded

Filled with 36 colours of Scheepjes Stone Washed plus 22 colours of River Washed yarn in cute 10gram balls, this luxury window box will

Portsmouth Distillery Your local distillery at 18th Century Fort Cumberland, surrounded by the sea and centuries of naval history. Tel: 02392 733339 theportsmouthdistillery.com

be a source of 1a Albert Road Southsea www.seeded.com

inspiration for your next project £35.95

Guga Soap

Gorgeously scented,

Barbara Tipple Jewellers

handmade, all-natural

Lucky Pebble with diamond

soaps - perfect for

from £350 or commission

gifting! Available

with birthstone

at Herbies and

15 Marmion Road, Southsea

Coastal Remedy or via

www.barbaratipple.co.uk

Instagram @gugasoap

Design House Southsea

A huge range of gifts perfect for Xmas. Including our Heyland & Whittle range of soaps & fragrance £8- £25. 55-57 Marmion Road, Southsea designhousesouthsea.co.uk

Coastal Remedy Home to a wide variety of gifts from Artwork, Candles, Natural Beauty products and Yoga Mats to Books, Homeware, Confectionary & Jewellery 13 Marmion Rd, Southsea @coastalremedyuk www.coastalremedy.co.uk

Wildfire Designs UK Minimalist, contemporary jewellery individually handmade in Southsea, using recycled Silver and eco-friendly processes. wildfiredesigns.co.uk

Medusa Hairdressing Limited edition Medusa KMS Gift Bags £25 (RRP of contents £47.50) Moistrepair, Colourvitality and Addvolume 74-76 Osborne Road, Southsea PO5 3LU. medusahairdressing.com

Pigeon Books Independent new bookshop with something for everyone. Happy to take orders for anything not in stock. 1 Albert Road, Southsea www.pigeonbooks.co.uk

Herbies Healthfood Store Gift Vouchers - For the Herbies lover in your life (whether they know it yet, or not!). 241 Albert Rd, Southsea herbieshealthstore.co.uk

White Dog Gallery This stylish candle, incorporates an illusion with mirrors, allowing the flame to lead on and on into infinity. £39.95 11 Stanley Street, Southsea whitedoggallery.co.uk

Charlotte Cornelius Jewellery Designed & Handmade in the heart of Southsea - Affinity collection stacking rings and links start from £120. In-store, online, gift vouchers. 87a Marmion Road, Southsea charlottecornelius.co.uk

Jack Wells Mystery Guides Turn Portsmouth’s historic streets into the world’s largest escape room with the

Mystery of Nelson’s Stolen Diamonds. mysteryguides.co.uk

Pankhurst Gallery The Highland Cow ‘Brian’ gift collection: Greeting Card, Magnet, Mini Print and Chunky Mug at £29. All images from paintings by Julia Pankhurst. pankhurstcardsandgifts.com

Merry Christmas from Medusa! We are looking forward to making you look and feel fabulous for Christmas. We still have some limited availability.

You can give the person you love the gift of looking and feeling fabulous too with one of our Medusa Gift cards, you choose how much you want to spend!

Traditional Woodworking Courses with Furniture Designer Maker Mark Rowland at Fort Cumberland, Southsea Courses from 1 day to 4 weeks For more information go to www.markrowland.co.uk or Phone: 07974323110 Email: info@markrowland.co.uk

THE GOODS YARD Open for business as usual

We also have a large range of Christmas Gift packs, beautiful scented candles, gold shimmer hand wash and hand crĂ¨me and a selection of stocking fillers! Prices start from ÂŁ5!

You can book online through our website; www.medusahairdressing.com or call us on 02392 731 338. We look forward to welcoming you to our fabulous salon! 74-76 Osborne Road, Southsea PO5 3LU 40

Bricks, floorboards, reclaimed doors, radiators bought & sold A comprehensive paint stripping & powder coating service free estimates Parking at Johnstone's Decorating Centre

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TEL: 023 9281 8703 - 07503146108 Like us on

OVER THE PAST YEAR HERBIES HEALTH STORE HAS GROWN AND PROSPERED, JIM HARBRIDGE, ITS NEW OWNER TALKS ABOUT ITS REVIVAL “When we took over in October 2019 I don’t think anything could have prepared us, (or anyone else), for the year ahead, but in spite of the obvious challenges its been a really positive start to life on Albert Road. “We wanted to breathe fresh life into what was an authentic and traditional shop and in February we had an entire refit. We respected the shop’s history and as such, changed the name from Southsea Health Shop to Herbies (Health Store), as it was known in the 1970s and how many customers still refer to it.

“We still stock the organic wholefoods, supplements and herbal remedies that made the original shop such a firm high street fixture. In addition we have taken particular pride in complementing our range with local producers, from Sunday Roasters Coffee and Guga Soap, to The Portsmouth Distillery and fresh bread from the Sourdough Bakehouse. We also offer refills as well as a click & collect service and deliveries to your door which we hope will help people during these uncertain times”. Herbies Health Store 241 Albert Road, Southsea PO4 0JR tel: 02392 753458 email: jim@herbieshealthstore.co.uk herbieshealthstore @herbieshealth 41

FESTIVE FEASTING Daniel Nowland

et’s face it, Christmas is going to be odd this year. It’s too early to know how odd, but our celebrations are likely to be smaller, quieter, and for some, they will be emotional. Whatever this Christmas looks like, we can all hopefully enjoy the company of our nearest and dearest, and COVID cannot stop us from enjoying some fabulous food.

It is really worth spending an evening with a pile of recipe books, and planning some meals for key dates in the diary, whether it’s having a friend over or even for the big day itself. If you’ve always wanted to try making your own pasta, now may be the time! Homemade ravioli filled with chestnuts and blue cheese would make a fabulous starter on Christmas day. Not sure how to make filled pasta? We run filled pasta making classes at The Southsea Deli! Regardless of pandemics, Christmas food shopping is a time to vote with your wallet for shops you respect and believe in. If that means Photos: Will Hutchinson

It’s so tempting to over-shop, over-cater and over-eat during December, leading to guilt and dieting in January. However, this doesn’t need to be the case. With some thought and planning we can use December to indulge in the very best food we can, in a quantity

which won’t leave us reaching for the Rennie.

Competition hamper

make up for the losses we’ve encountered through the year, especially this year!

buying everything from one supermarket, then so be it. If that means shopping at small independent local stores, then I know for certain those businesses will really appreciate your support. Often those smaller stores will be passing that custom down the chain to their local, independent suppliers too. In my own store, the majority of our suppliers are small independent artisans. Therefore, Christmas is an opportunity for many of us to

Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, meateating, or like myself, “flexitarian”, then Christmas is a great opportunity to trade up to some great quality vegetables, cheeses, cured meats and sweet treats, from local trusted producers. Rather than buying your canapés frozen from a supermarket, this is definitely the year to do some planning and make them yourselves, even if it is a party of two! As a one-off this Christmas, we are giving away a luxury deli hamper to someone who needs a special treat. We’re inviting readers of Southsea Lifestyle to nominate someone in Southsea who really deserves a special hamper, for any reason related to the COVID pandemic, or even for another reason entirely, you decide. To nominate someone for this lovely surprise, please go to southsealifestyle.com 43

SPINACH, COURGETTE & LEEK TART Serves 4 Preparation time: 25mins Cooking time: 40mins

INGREDIENTS This rustic tart makes a delicious lunch or dinner, and there’s no pastry-making or rolling involved. Try topping with other vegetables you enjoy the second time round. 8 tsp olive oil • 2 medium leeks (about 300g), trimmed and sliced • 260g pack essential Waitrose Spinach • 2 courgettes (about 300g), trimmed and sliced • 3 garlic cloves, crushed • 175g ricotta • 1 egg • 1 lemon, zest • ¼ nutmeg, finely grated • 4 sheets filo pastry

1 Preheat the oven to 200˚C, gas mark 6. Heat 1 tsp oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Fry the leeks gently for 5 minutes until wilted but still bright green; tip into a bowl. Fry the spinach in another 1 tsp oil for 2-3 minutes until wilted; tip into a sieve and leave to drain over the sink. 2 Turn up the heat below the pan; fry the courgettes in 1 tsp oil for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic; fry for 2-3 minutes more until golden all over. Meanwhile, use the back of a spoon to press as much water as possible out of the spinach in the sieve, then tip onto kitchen paper and squeeze dry. Beat the ricotta, egg, lemon zest and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. Tip in all of the vegetables, mix together and season. 3 Line a large, flat baking sheet with parchment. Lay a sheet of filo on top and brush all over with a little oil. Layer up the other 3 sheets, brushing with oil in between. Spread the spinach ricotta mix on top, leaving a 5cm border all around. Fold up the edges, crinkling them slightly, and give them a final brush of oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes; cool slightly and serve. COOK’S TIP: To give the tart an extra kick of flavour, add ½ tsp chilli flakes to the ricotta mixture, if liked. www.waitrose.com/recipes

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Florioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, an exciting hub for authentic Italian food, has recently opened. Alex Florio talks about his new adventure and his love of good food.

started importing food & wine into the UK for distribution to restaurants along the south coast. In those days Italian food in the supermarkets was scarce and low quality. London was the only place where you could buy good Italian products, often at inflated prices. Photos: Will Hutchinson

y dad opened a hotel and restaurant in 1968 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the same year I was born in Puglia. He insisted on always using the best ingredients, he was never happy with second best. I grew up tasting the most amazing food. In 1996 I

I always had the idea of opening a retail shop to supply the local community. The idea became a reality over the lockdown when the restaurants were shut, and more people were cooking at home. I thought why not bring to Portsmouth and the surrounding areas, a bit of Italy on a plate... especially as people cannot travel quite as freely anymore. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve launched a website so that customers can order over 400 products on-line, from pasta, to cured meats and wine and often at less than supermarket prices. Delivery is free in Portsmouth for orders over ÂŁ40. Or you are very welcome to visit the shop. The adventure has only just begun, and I feel very excited about the project and the delicacies I am going to discover and offer to customers. We will also have cooked food to take away and weekly videos to provide tips to customers about our ingredients and recipes.

floriosditalia.com contact@floriosditalia.com Unit 5 Claybank Road, Copnor, Portsmouth PO3 5NH Opening times: 9 - 6pm. Monday to Saturday 47

CRIMBO WINO: HOW TO DRINK WELL! Southsea Wine Siren aka The Grape Slayer

Right, who’s thirsty?! Given the predilection for overindulgence that xmas inevitably brings, now’s a great time to explore healthier, more planet-friendly options for your festive boozing. Now, natural wine means transparency. No hidden additives, preservatives, pesticides or manipulation. Most folk don’t realise there can be over 40 additives in wine sold throughout the EU, WITHOUT legally having to put it on the label… shocking! More often than not the temple throbbing hangover you experience is actually a chemical detox, rather than a punishment from the wine gods…they want you to have fun! So if you’re keen to swerve the hangovers and

support independent producers making artisan wine, check out my recommendations below and start enjoying the virtues of real wine. Made as nature intended with no nasties.

1 The Force Celeste 2019 Pet Nat by Mother Rock is EVERYTHING. This hazy salmon pink sparkler is a glorious tribute to South Africa’s native varietal, Pinotage, whose bright fruit is masterfully transformed into this lush fizzbomb. Aromas of raspberry, blood orange & earthy rhubarb with a fresh yet creamy baseline on the palate. The grapes are harvested early from dry farmed bush vines to capture the bright aromatics and the whole bunch pressed into used 500l barrels to start a natural 10 day

Southsea Wine Siren

Martin Diwald, with Ulli and the dog

fermentation. Before completion, juice is transferred to tank & bottled, spending 9 months on the lees before disgorgement. Pure, versatile & devilishly moreish- chill before serving. £30 Pair with smoked salmon, appetisers, risotto, salads and grilled meats.

Martin Diwald is one of Austria’s brightest rising stars, a second gen winemaking ledge & all round wicked guy. Pioneering biodynamics in Wagram, this broski’s wines are influenced by love, care & air— and so was born the name of this wine: The Luft & Liebe ’17. With 2-3 weeks skin contact & 18 months in ancient acacia, this beauty makes for a smooth, fruity mouth bomb. All the cherry with savoury notes & stunning structure, it’s pure, vivid, luxurious & un-definable…just how Martin likes it. Serve cool, not too warm, to enjoy the evolution as it reaches room temp. £25 Pair with red meats, grilled veg, aged cheeses, pies and pizza.

Metamorphika, Chenin ’18 from Tarragona,

Spain. The 60 year old vines for these grapes are so delicious that this is only the 3rd vintage Joan, the winemaker, has managed to keep safe enough from the wild boars to produce enough wine to release! 1000 bottles to be exact. After a slow, cold ferment in amphora to avoid oxidation the wine is aged for 9 months in old French oak before bottling in clay. Saline & mineral, it’s the ultimate refreshment: pure, unadulterated realness with enough acidity to stand up to a whole host of dishes. £23

Pair with fish dishes, pasta and creamy sauce, goats cheese and chicken. If you’d like to buy or feel a yearnin’ for a learnin’ after reading the tasting notes above. Visit www.thegrapeslayer.com and explore the

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AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM FATHER CHRISTMAS Southsea Lifestyle are privileged to have been sent a special email from the man himself, which he asked us to print. We are only too happy to oblige… John Worsey Dear People of Portsmouth, Season’s Greetings! I write to fill you with festive cheer — my elves and I are ready to bring joy to you and those you love once more. We are loading up the sleigh, sprinkling the reindeer with magic snowflakes that help them fly, and mapping a route to take us right around the world on Christmas Eve, missing no chimney whatsoever — no local lockdown will stop us! Preparing for this Christmas has been a time like no other. Never before have we had to deep-cleanse the toy workshop between each shift. More importantly, never before have we had to bring quite so much happiness to the world. You might be wondering if this Christmas can really feel like Christmas at all, what with the virus making people sick and scared and everything. So take it from me — in times like these, we need Christmas more than ever. Try a little experiment for me. Close your eyes and think of Christmas for a moment — then open them again and read on… Done that? Good. Now, how did that make you feel? There’s no right answer. Maybe it made you happy. Or perhaps it brought a tear to your eye, or a little pulse of anger — perhaps because you can’t see someone you love this year, or can’t afford to buy presents you wish you could. But remember this: Christmas is not about what you can’t do. It’s about what you can do. And what you can do — this year, every year, no matter what — is give the world your love. You might be thinking ‘what a soppy old man.’ You would be right! I certainly am — and proud of it. Now, what am I wittering on about? Well, of course an act of love might come in gift wrap. But really, an act of love is simply showing someone you care about them. You don’t even need to know them well. They might be someone who serves you in a shop. Someone who delivers you a takeaway. Someone who pops the Christmas cards through your letterbox. This year, a lot of people are a little bit worried about the future. A little bit sad about the year they’ve had. A little bit tired and grumpy and sensitive. So when you see another person, give them a gift from me and you: a good deed. A kind word. Or just a smile (even masked, a smile shows in your eyes). This Christmas, what will make the season truly bright are magical acts of love created by you. Speaking of which, I will relish those mince pies you leave for me; most kind! I wish you a Merry Christmas, and, with all my heart, a Happy New Year. Your friend,

Santa Claus 52

Wishing all Albert Road customers a Happy Christmas and New Year Greetings 53

THE JOY OF SAM’S PLACE

t’s now been one year since Sam’s Place opened, in order to help support the essential work of the Samaritans. Although it’s been a year of immense challenges, it’s also been a year of success and joy.

of course and to help raise awareness of Sam’s Place. We are planning to take part in the Love Southsea and the We Create markets in future.” Said Anne. The Portsmouth Branch, despite the pandemic, have still been able to keep 100 trained volunteers answering the phoneline, listening to callers who are dealing with stress, worry and potential suicide. “The work that the Samaritans do is so important, particularly at this time when life is so uncertain, it’s what keeps us going at Sam’s Place and wanting to achieve more” said Anne.

WHAT CAN PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY DO TO HELP SAM’S? “Come to the shop for a browse, lots of people are still unaware that we are here, just a few metres from Palmerston Road and around the corner from Marmion Road.

HOW ABOUT DONATIONS? We are always grateful for donations and we’ve been delighted at the increased volume and the quality of the goods we’ve been given over the past few months. Before bringing donations to Sam’s Place we are asking people to book a time, for either Mon, Wed, or Fridays by calling 02392 821199.

Joy is a word that crops up quite often when speaking to the volunteers at Sam’s Place. “We are so grateful to all our wonderful volunteers and their energy is amazing’ said Anne Yendell who manages Sam’s. “Several of our volunteers have full time jobs and work here on Saturday, their day off. By chance three of them, Emine, Bethany and Kim work at Portsmouth University” “The atmosphere and ethos of the shop brings me joy and whether people are donating goods or buying them, the interactions are always so positive”, explains Kim Jones who is a dentistry lecturer. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions the shop was able to trade for 41 weeks over the past 12 months which contributed to the Samaritans Portsmouth & East Hampshire branch. We would like to raise more money

We have some lovely household and decorative objects, books, jewellery and good quality clothes in stock. I’m so impressed with how much care people take with their donations, we rarely have things that we can’t display and it is so satisfying when someone connects with something and wants to buy it - it gives me great joy said Anne with a smile.

Sam’s Place 6 Grove Road South Southsea PO5 3QT Tel: 02392 821199 F @sams.place.southsea sams_place_southsea www.samsplace.org.uk Samaritans Portsmouth & East Hampshire Branch 296 London Road, Hilsea PO2 9JN Call 116123 for free, whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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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. Like us on

TICKLED PINK AT SOUTHSEA GUITAR CENTRE By John Worsey

uring lockdown, my newfound ‘you only live once’ attitude took an unexpected twist when I bought a neon pink guitar from a man in Germany. When it arrived, it certainly brightened up the house. But to brighten up my playing, it first needed a little fettling. Off I went to Southsea Guitar Centre on Highlands Road. ‘Oh, my eyes!’ exclaimed the Centre’s Mike Wilson when I opened the case to reveal the shockingly hued guitar in all its garish late-80s glory. Being more of a tasteful acoustic guitar player, it’s not really his thing.

But owner Steve Wright’s eyes lit up. He takes pride and pleasure in setting customers’ guitars up so they play perfectly and here was a rare bird indeed. Much friendly chat ensued and when I returned to collect my guitar, freshly restrung and adjusted, it was night-and-day different. We’re unusually fortunate in Southsea to have not one, but two, independent musical instrument shops serving the community (the second being Street Level on Albert Road, whose owner Barry expertly repaired my acoustic guitar when it suffered a crack).

they’ve ended up getting an hour’s guitar lesson for free.’

The last decade has been a story of small brickand-mortar music shops closing across the country, unable to compete with massive internet-based ‘box shifters’. The secret of our local shops’ success? Quality of customer service. As the wall-mounted ‘message of the week’ in Southsea Guitar Centre recently read, ‘JEFF BEZOS WILL NEVER MAKE YOU A CUP OF TEA!’

There’s a friendly, open and sociable atmosphere inside. Locals regularly pop in to shoot the breeze about all things music and guitar. And people travel from as far afield as Bristol to have their guitars serviced or repaired, because of how much they trust Steve’s work. No surprise since, as Mike says, ‘Steve can’t let things off the bench until they’re good enough for him.’ He’s also honest to a fault. A few years ago, he was featured in The Portsmouth News after brokering a deal on behalf of a local lady. She had taken her late husband’s pristine vintage amplifier to Southsea Guitar Centre and asked Steve if he would take £200 for it. He insisted it was worth much more - and, after doing plenty of research, sold it to a collector in Canada for £2,500.

Steve is clear that ‘personal service’ will always be central in his mission to revive the shop. He first worked there 20 years ago, but when he took ownership in 2016 there were just 26 guitars left in a place which once boasted 750. Steve says, ‘The only option was to start again, gradually building up, and people who had stopped coming, are coming back.’ Mike recognises that ‘music shops are intimidating places.’ This is a pitfall the small team at Guitar Centre work hard to avoid. He recalls, ‘We had a lady come in here directly after visiting a national chain where she’d been standing for 15 minutes and nobody spoke to her; we made her a cup of tea and she left with a nice guitar. We’ve had beginners coming in for strings and

Good old customer service is alive and kicking at Southsea Guitar Centre. Please do shop local and show our independent music shops your support - we really are lucky to have them. 59

CULTURE VULTURE Emma Beatty

Local arts organisations are facing great hardship because of social restrictions. Southsea’s King’s Theatre recently received a £3 million loan from Portsmouth City Council for a regeneration project, which will also see it develop a restaurant and rooftop bar. This is wonderful news for the long term. In the short term, the Kings is one of the very few major theatres on the South Coast to be staging a pantomime this year. The theatre staff have gone to huge lengths to 60

organise the social distancing for its “Pompey panto”, Dick Whittington (29 Nov-31 Dec). Expect lots of jokes about wearing masks and keeping two metres apart. Likewise, Groundlings Theatre in Kent Street is rising to the occasion to bring some much-needed festive cheer with its new version of A Christmas Carol (11-30 Dec). This favourite local venue was recently taken over by a newly formed charity, so deserves all our support. Pre-COVID plans to hold an ambitious show of local artist John Green’s artworks in the Portsmouth Dockyard in 2021, organised by Photo: Mataio Austin Dean

id you see the queues to get into the old Debenhams on Palmerston Road last month for the We Create Market? Apparently, some 4000 people visited over the weekend to buy from local traders. It’s buzzing once you get inside, with many more stalls than I expected. I bought all sorts – handprinted fabrics, a Portsmouth mystery trail book, Sloe gin, hand-knitted Christmas baubles, handmade soaps, and various other ingenious things destined for Christmas presents. There’s a café too, with local wine and beers. The market is open the second weekend of the month (7-8 Nov, 12-13 Dec), and is a collaboration between local arts groups, the city council and Portsmouth University.

Jack House Gallery in Portsmouth, have re-started and further news on that will follow, but in the meantime, Jack House has set up a dedicated John Green instagram account to post his pictures and related images of Dockyard-themed art. Take a look at @johngreendockie. Green’s work is currently part of Portsmouth Revisited II in the City Museum alongside that of many other Portsmouth artists including Garrick Palmer and Derek Boshier. If you haven’t been in the museum for a while, it’s very much open and this is a wonderful exhibition full of paintings from the city archives that rarely get seen – A history of the city in art from 1679-1900. If you’re local, you’ll recognise classic views of Spice Island, the shoreline and famous ships by artists such as WL Wyllie and Edmund Crawford. It’s worth going to see the 1679 panorama of Portsmouth by Hendrick Danckerts, said to have been commissioned by Charles II, and on loan

from Her Majesty The Queen. Also at the City Museum is the poignant sight of a rare Dodo skeleton, one of about 12 in existence and the only one privately owned. It’s the centrepiece of a new display about extinction; the poor Dodo having been wiped out by humans less than 100 years after they were first discovered. D is for Dodo, E is for Extinct explores the fate of several extinct species and British wildlife now threatened with extinction. The new display, which runs until 2021, is drawn from Portsmouth’s natural history collections, recently made accessible through the current Wild about Portsmouth Project, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Many specimens are being displayed for the first time in over a decade and have been supplemented with loans from Dinosaur Isle, Hampshire Cultural Trust and Bournemouth Natural Science Society.

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BANKING ON DONATIONS

t the height of the lockdown, St Margaret’s Church Food Bank was feeding over 200 people each week. “We are now helping about 150 people. Some people who came to us in the past are not in so much need, or have found jobs. It’s lovely when they drop by to see us — some have even given us donations themselves. “We are entirely dependent upon the generosity of individuals, businesses and charities,” said Fran Carabott, ‘trainee’ vicar at St Margaret’s, who leads a small band of dedicated volunteers.

The food bank is open for donations from 8-11am on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, and to people who require food for themselves and their families on the same

Fran, (far left and to the back), with the food bank volunteers.

days, from 10-11am. “We are pleased to accept all food donations, including fresh produce, but tinned and packaged goods are easy for us to store and for people to take away with them. At the moment we are short of tinned fruit, tinned fish and meat, as well as soups, UHT milk, cereals, and orange juice. But it’s also nice if people can be given items such as chocolate and biscuits so that we are not just giving everyone the basics. It’s a challenging time for so many people of course, but we plan to be here for as long as anyone needs us” said Fran. St Margaret’s Community Church Highland Road, Southsea PO4 9DD www.stmagscc.uk 64

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ROWING THE ATLANTIC FOR ELIJAH

outhsea Cycles owner Kevin Watkins and his three friends plan to row across the perilous Atlantic Ocean as they compete in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in 2021. The team, Elijah’s Star, aim to raise £200k for Action Medical Research.

facing numerous physical discomforts, including sleep

Covering more than 3,000 miles between the Canary Islands, and Antigua & Barbuda, the journey is recognised as the world's toughest row. Kevin from Southsea, along with Tetbury residents Phil Bigland and Dean Frost, plus Mac McCarthy from Bristol make up the crew of Elijah’s Star, and have all served in the armed forces.

Tudor Sailing Club, EB Sports Massage, Everybody Pilates,

The crew intends to complete the row in 37 days in memory of Elijah whose life was cut short due to necrotising enterocolitis, (NEC) a devastating bowel infection in babies. He was born at 25 weeks, weighing just 823g and lived for just 37 days. The journey and Elijah's story will generate awareness of NEC and other childhood diseases that can devastate the lives of babies and young children.

numerous UK and European rowing events.

During the race, the crew will be self-sufficient, battling waves of up to 20 feet in a 28x5 foot boat. The crew will be rowing and sleeping continuously in 2 hour blocks,

deprivation and salt sores. The team are in training and are being supported by an extensive crew, comprising Mike Gilbert, rowing coach (owner of Coastal Rowing Academy at Northney Marina), Tudor Rowing Club, affiliated to Lano Yoga, and of course Southsea Cycles. The Elijah’s Star crew will be launching a series of initiatives to engage corporate sponsors and to support the educational development of students in local schools and colleges. The crew will be sharing their gruelling training schedules on social media and attending Kevin commented: “Each of us has been touched by the debilitating illness of a child, and we want to play our part in raising awareness and money for Action Medical Research. This race is like no other, with more people having climbed Everest than making this journey, so we are aiming high with what we want to raise. The boat is a blank canvas in terms of sponsorship, and the premise of battling the Atlantic is a great metaphor for the current situation. We hope local businesses will want to get involved”. elijahsstar

elijahsstar elijahsstar.com

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