February/March 2021
Southsea Lifestyle
SPRING, THE CYCLE OF LIFE
We stock a large range of top quality bikes suitable for all ages and budgets.
Southsea Cycles 235-237 Albert Road, Southsea PO4 0JR
@southsea_cycles www.southsea-cycles.co.uk Tel: 023 9229 7549
All designer collections online with Free Next Day local delivery Virtual Design consultations
charlottecornelius.co.uk @charlottecorneliusjewels Charlotte Cornelius Jewellery Design 07880 705981 / 02392 831352 87a Marmion Road PO5 2AX
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DESIGN YOUR SENSE OF FREEDOM Following the success of the Charlotte Cornelius Jewellery Design competition last year, you are invited to send designs for the 2021 design challenge.
go to the Charlotte Cornelius Jewellery blog page, where you will also find the link to upload your design. There is no right or wrong way of creating your design, just let your imagination run free, even if you don’t know how it might be made, we can help you with that.
“...I would really encourage people to take part in the creative competition challenge. It can help having something positive and different to focus on during these challenging times. Good Luck!” says Molly, Design Challenge winner 2020
Simply design a piece of jewellery and you may win the chance of having it made, free, in solid Hallmarked Sterling Silver for yourself, or as a gift to say ’Thank you’. Plus 4 other finalists will win a £100 bespoke design voucher. The theme is “Sense of freedom”. Your design can be for any form of wearable jewellery that can be made from sterling silver. You are welcome to create your design in any media you wish, from using pencil & paper, to CAD or in 3D, perhaps, using wax or wire? Please upload a single image of your design with its dimensions, along with a design mood board, see examples on this page, or 4
Molly with her winning design
SENSE OF FREEDOM DESIGN CHALLENGE 2021 To allow for more participation in our design challenge we have extended our closing dates: Closing date for entries 19th February Finalists announced 24th February CHARLOTTECORNELIUS.CO.UK 87A Marmion Road Southsea PO5 2AX
KITCHEN REFURBISHMENT
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CONTRIBUTORS
CONTENTS
Kate Thompson is a Southsea writer with a passion for uncovering quirky human interest stories
10 WELCOME HOME 13 EMMA BLAY’S TOP TIPS 14 TURNING LIFE AROUND 18 INTERVIEW WITH LOUIS CAPITANCHIK
Neil Maxwell is director of Fry & Kent Estate Agents, and a volunteer crew member of the RNLI
24 AN ARTIST FINDS HIS VOICE
Emma Beatty teaches journalism at the University of Portsmouth. She has lived in Southsea for thirteen years, and has two children
26 SWEAT TAKE 2 30 CRUMBS OF JOY 32 LOW COST COOKING 34 RECIPE
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
40 LOVE FILM 42 LIFEHOUSE REMAINS A BEACON 45 YOUTUBE IN COVIDIAN TIMES 48 HOME SWAPPING
Malisa Sledmere moved to Southsea 12 years ago and discovered No.6 Cinema. She became a fundraiser, volunteer and director, determined to keep the cinema open
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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
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I
’ve always cried easily especially during movies. I had to pretend I had hay fever when I went on a date to see Schindler’s List at the local multiplex. The Pursuit of Happyness I’ve watched three times, but I’ve always viewed the ending through a fog of snotty tears. We all have our emotional triggers of course. My mother would cry at the end of a family holiday, B&B owners, or hotel receptionists would look sideways as mum sobbed like a baby as she tried to tell them what a lovely time she’d had. Acts of kindness can be extremely moving and the COVID-19 crisis has led people to be incredibly kind to one another. One example is The Lifehouse, p.42 which has been helping the homeless and anyone in need of food and comfort throughout the pandemic. And if you are feeling in need of encouragement or looking for a sense of hope, I recommend you read Charla’s article Crumbs of Joy, see p.30, while Malissa Sledmere suggests ways of streaming the latest independent films to our screens p.40— you might even find a movie to bring a tear to your eye? Kevin John Dean
30 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
Who are Bustle and Bertie?
Those customers utilising this service are also offered
We are a luxury home fragrance company based in the heart of Southsea. Our retail store is based at 151 Albert Road, Southsea.
a discount voucher for redemption through the Bustle
Owned and developed by Andrew and Robert Pearce, highly successful multi-award-winning British entrepreneurs and business owners with a career spanning 30 years; the Bustle and Bertie brand has been 4 years in development, created as an extension and exclusive line for our Bridal business.
and Bertie website, encouraging the customer to try another fragrance from the collection. The refillable option is also available in the reed diffusers. The Bustle and Bertie collection is comprised of candles, and reed diffusers, with the new addition of wax melts, burners and car diffusers. The fragrance portfolio is available in all Bustle and Bertie product options, complete with branded matches for candles. Or website is www.bustleandbertie.co.uk email: - bustleandbertie@gmail.com contact: - 0777156969 PLEASE ALSO NOTE: whilst we are in lockdown, we are offering a local delivery service, postal, and click and collect from our store. We are offering a 10% discount using the voucher code SOUTHSEALIFESTYLE2021
A bespoke home fragrance brand for our Creatiques Boutique, this very successful range has evolved into 20 fragrances, firmly positioning Bustle and Bertie as an affordable luxury brand in the home fragrance market. Fragrances include: Bertie’s Garden, the best selling floral; Master Bustle, a blend of ylang ylang and bergamot; Mr Bustle based on a well-known mens’ fragrance; and Lady Bertie, for a floral explosion of hydrangea and violet, as well as lemon, vanilla, raspberry, and lavender.
The glassware offers a refillable service, returned to
Limited edition Valentine boxes are available with a strawberry candle and heart shaped chocolates (not vegan and contains dairy). For Mr Valentine we have a black truffle purple candle with heart shaped chocolates (not vegan and contain dairy).
the studio where it is sterilized, refilled, and resold.
All available to order on our website.
Our brand values are built around the principles of sustainability with vegan ingredients. All our products are fully recyclable.
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BIG SAVINGS ON AMTICO, KARNDEAN & WOOD PLANKS AND QUICKSTEP LAMINATES!
GREENDALE, CRUCIAL TRADING AND SUPER SOFT CARPETS
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20%
DISCO
OF ALUNT STOC L K RUG S
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WELCOME HOME
Emma has created her own safe sanctuary. By Kate Thompson
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f this past year has taught us anything it’s that our homes need to be a safe and happy little haven from all the craziness of the world,” said Emma Blay. Her delightful central Southsea flat reflects the creative flair she brought to her previous role at the now sadly closed Knight and Lee store. Until its demise, Emma worked as a visual merchandiser dressing the windows and creating eye-catching displays. While COVID-19 has put plans to reboot her career as a decorator and interior advisor temporarily on hold, she has taken the time to
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concentrate on her own four walls. As you can see from the photos, she’s not afraid to have a bit of fun creating relaxed spaces and displaying much loved items. “I have always felt it is important to surround your home with things that make you happy; if I have a dress or cool shoes that remind me of a special memory or day out, then why keep them hidden away in a wardrobe? I’d much rather wake up and see them and smile,” said Emma, who studied fashion and printed textiles at Winchester School of Art . Cont’d p.12
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She bought her flat three years ago. It was an ex-rental property, but she wasn’t daunted by the tired looking interiors and storage heaters. “It was in a pretty disgusting state but I knew it was the place for me. I loved the location, the huge windows, and high ceilings,” she explained. The look and feel has been created on a budget. Second-hand items were snapped up and given a new lease of life, and where she did need to spend on new items like the freestanding bath, she saved money by making her purchase on Black Friday.
to make it look good,” she revealed. “Practically everything in my flat is secondhand. My first purchase in Southsea was the black lacquer wardrobe from Bellamy’s (a shop I miss hugely). “I have never spent much on any of my furnishings and love anything with peeling paint or distressed patina. I found the chrome sink for my bathroom at a salvage yard,” she said. Emma has some great advice for lifting your mood during the lockdown – why not rearrange your room?
“I have always loved making a home. Even as a child I spent hours arranging toys and knickknacks in my bedroom.
“Some people have their furniture in the same place for years but I’m forever changing things around.
“I would do the same at my friends’ houses – their mums thought I was great because I would tidy their rooms and I loved nothing more than
“At New Year I altered my lounge and moved my sofa - it’s only a small thing but it can really lift you up,” she said.
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FOLLOW EMMA BLAY’S TOP TIPS IF YOU’D LIKE TO GIVE YOUR LIVING SPACE A REVAMP • Change furniture around to give you a fresh outlook, don’t be afraid to really experiment - you can always move it back!
• When choosing paint it’s always worth getting a sample pot and seeing how it changes throughout the day.
• Try to create zones within the room. Especially if you’re having to work from home in the current circumstances.
• Introduce nature depending on the season... fresh flowers and house plants not only look great, but are good for wellbeing (Rose Clover and Blossoms have a great selection of fresh flowers and potted plants), also forage and collect on walks... either branches and foliage, or pebbles and shells from the beach. Drying flowers are also great for lasting displays.
• Endeavour to try and have a relaxing space even when a room is multi functional. • Throws and sheepskins are great for making a sofa cosy in the winter months. • Group objects and personal treasures in small clusters to give focal points of interest and ignite happy memories. Give them pride of place. • Think about the lighting. The mood of a space can be transformed with soft lighting especially for the end of the day. Pay attention to the natural light when choosing colours.. take note of the direction the room faces.
Emma is available for decorating and interior styling: @emmab_southsea e: emmablay158@icloud.com
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TURNING LIFE AROUND Neil Maxwell
D
espite the recent lockdowns the property market has proved resilient with a good level of demand and resulting sales and lettings. With the end of the stamp duty incentive on the 31st March hurtling towards us, everyone is working hard to facilitate these transactions, but with so many different parties involved, from solicitors to mortgage lenders, surveyors, Land Registry, local council, and estate agents there are a lot of moving parts to orchestrate. The different Lockdowns have provided the opportunity for those of us not on the frontline to look at our homes in a different way, and with so many of us now working from home the need for a study or work area has become a priority. Of course, some people are lucky enough to have a spare bedroom or a barely used dining room to turn into a home office, but others have had to be more imaginative, my top prize so far, goes to an airing cupboard conversion. COVID-19 has certainly turned life on its head, but there have been some positive outcomes for some. For instance, I recently visited a property where the owner had swapped a two-hour daily commute with a journey of twenty-three steps to a garden office. In addition, the family had been able to renovate their kitchen with the money they have saved from commuting, and with less daily journeys to make, realised they no longer needed to have two cars and now have one. They were next planning to install solar panels
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to offset their increased use of electricity due to being at home so much of the time. When we carry out valuations, air source heat pumps (which proclaim to save 52% on energy bills compared to a gas boiler), solar panels, power banks and other environmentally sound innovations are becoming the norm, both enhancing the saleability and value of a property, whilst also playing a vital part in safeguarding our environment. As electric cars become more common, my prediction is that homes with off-road parking, or at least, easy access to a charging point will very much add value to a property. On the subject of cars, it’s great that Enterprise Car Club have made Wimbledon Sports Club another spot for residents to hire cars by the hour, but we need more sites around our city. Bristol and Brighton each have around 18 car club pick up points dotted around their cities. Admittedly, both Bristol and Brighton have larger populations than Portsmouth, but the more convenient it is for people to use car clubs, the more likely it is that people will forgo car ownership, which has to be better for the environment and traffic congestion. One final note, although, at the time of writing, most of the shops remain closed, we are very much open and happy to provide all our services delivered in a COVID-safe environment, so if you’re thinking of moving or letting give us a call!
THE RETREAT, SOUTHSEA £650,000 EPC TBC
• Spacious Six Bedroom Family home located in the highly requested location of The Retreat. • Open plan pitchen with peparate utility room. • Over 2000 sq. ft and over three tloors of versatile living.
LINCOLN ROAD, SOUTHSEA £210,000 EPC C
• Beautifully tenovated two bedroom midterrace house, within walking distance to the main transport links. • Modern fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and upstairs bathroom. • Low maintenance rear garden with useful outbuilding ideal for storage.
PALMERSTON ROAD, SOUTHSEA £180,000
EPC D
• Delightful one bedroom top floor apartment in the heart of Southsea and just a stroll away from the seafront . • Double aspect L shape living and dining room. • Well-presented fitted kitchen with integrated appliances.
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INTERVIEW WITH LOUIS CAPITANCHIK Co-founder of Jetsam Tech, a environmental technology company whose app allows anyone to contribute to mapping plastic pollution in Southsea
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN SOUTHSEA?
citizen scientist with the right tools.
I moved here in 2013 to study at the university, having only visited the city once before. I soon immersed myself in the Southsea lifestyle, and I haven’t looked back — going to gigs at Wedgewood Rooms, relaxing at the seafront, and enjoying our museums and theatres.
CAN SOUTHSEA RESIDENTS GET INVOLVED IN TACKLING PLASTIC WASTE? Yes, with Jetsam anyone can make
I was so enamoured with the area that I decided to stay after I graduated in 2016. I’ve lived a stone’s throw from Albert Road ever since. The best part of Southsea, and what makes it stand out from the numerous places I’ve lived, is the vibrant community. It doesn’t take any effort to stumble across fun, creative, and caring things that the people of Southsea are doing. Grabbing a coffee from Bread Addiction is a close second though!
YOU’VE DEVELOPED THE JETSAM APP TO HELP TACKLE PLASTIC WASTE IN THE CITY. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE THIS? The seed for Jetsam was planted in 2018 when I met Steve Bomford (Co-Founder of Jetsam) at the Guildhall’s Maker’s Guild. He was talking passionately about an environmental workshop that he wanted to run and I had experience organising the type of event he described. Over the following weeks, our conversations kept returning to figuring out the root of the plastics problem. We could talk about it anecdotally, but not describe it in any substantive way. It doesn’t take much detective work to find plastic waste — such as bottles and packaging in gutters or washed up on the beach. A lot of research has focused on hard-to-see microplastics, a major problem, but one that’s difficult for the average person to engage with. With Steve’s organisational skills and my technical expertise, Jetsam was devised to start describing the plastics problem. The core idea is that everyone can be a
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a meaningful difference. In partnership with the University of Portsmouth, we’ve secured joint funding from The Flotilla Foundation to run the world’s first programme of city-wide plastic pollution surveys. Once lockdown restrictions are lifted, we’d like to build a team of community citizen scientists to survey the local area. Helping with the surveys will be easy. You’ll use the Jetsam app to photograph any plastic waste that you see lying around in the city. The app will capture the photo location to build a heatmap of Portsmouth, showing current plastic hotspots. Researchers will then use this data to better understand the patterns and movement of plastic waste in Portsmouth and develop solutions to reduce plastic entering the environment. Anyone who’d like to be involved can register their interest at port.ac.uk/join-revolution-plastics.
COULD THIS SPAN FURTHER THAN SOUTHSEA TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN CITIES AROUND THE WORLD? As an island city with an active community, Portsmouth is the ideal laboratory for a project like this. The blend of commercial, residential, and coastal environments is a perfect backdrop. Once we’ve proven that a community-driven project can make meaningful environmental change, we can take Jetsam on the road. There are already members of the Jetsam community in places from Margate to Portrush, but coastal towns and cities the world over face similar problems. As more locations adopt Jetsam, we’ll build a better picture of not only where the plastic is, but what we can do to tackle it at source.
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SJC BUILDING A PROVISION FOR GLOBAL LEARNING
B
ased in the heart of Southsea, St John’s College is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for children aged 4-18. We exist to affirm Lasallian values: Fostering and celebrating the gifts and talents of every individual. We pride ourselves on the academic successes of each student and our outstanding pastoral care. The school was founded in 1908 by a community of brothers and established according to the principles of Jean Baptist de La Salle, the patron saint of teachers. Today, although, we are no longer part of the De la Salle Trust, we remain true to our original values, providing an education based on respect for all, positive relationships within an inclusive, diverse and collaborative community. We are delighted to have become the first UK school to join the International Schools Association. As a school with pupils from 15 different countries, we are excited to be a member of this global network. Being part of the International Schools Association allows us to broaden our community and connect with pupils and teachers from around the world, a new and exciting opportunity for all of us here at St John’s College. The aims of the ISA sit very closely with those of the College:
The International Schools Association works to promote international and intercultural understanding. In so doing the Association espouses a number of values — peace, freedom, equality, tolerance and the celebration of both diversity and similarity 20
— which express for the Association the essential meaning and purpose of multiculturalism and international mindedness. Like St John’s, the Association believes that young people should learn how to face the challenges of living in a world where physical distance is increasingly no longer a boundary to creating partnerships. Joining the ISA is a great opportunity for our pupils to develop the curriculum, learn about different cultures, consider other perspectives and to work collaboratively on projects and ideas with schools around the world.
ON-LINE TEACHING The digital skills, which were introduced as part of our new curriculum in September, will allow our pupils to engage fully with these projects. These skills have been crucial in facilitating a smooth transition to online teaching
during
this
current
national
lockdown. Pupils enjoy their usual timetables, joining their teachers on Teams for face-toface lessons, and to attend form time, assemblies, and co-curricular clubs. Have a look at our facebook page: St John's College | Facebook to see the varied way that school life is continuing through this difficult time. St John’s College is well known for the strong community spirit, based on positive relationships between pupils and staff, now even more so, and we are thrilled to be able to extend our community to the ISA, from which we have already received such a warm welcome.
CONTACT US NOW FOR A VIRTUAL VISIT
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Helping local businesses grow for the past 16 years “Make the most of life once you’re no longer in full time work by exploring new ideas, skills and interests with your local u3a” There’s so much out there to experience – what’s stopping you? Portsmouth U3A is still going strong during this difficult time with groups on Zoom, and regular Newsletters, We have groups in French, Spanish, German as well as History, Art Appreciation, and Architecture.
If you would like to join them, ask for our media pack today
This year we are holding the membership fee down to £10 until August so it is a good time to join us. Our Web page is at https://u3asites.org.uk/portsmouth/welcome and are now also on Facebook at Portsmouth U3A
Southsea Lifestyle
Contact our MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Olivia Quinn: 07506 145293
Lasting Powers of Attorney Annabelle C Jones
LLM
Solicitor
LPA Specialist 73% of people think their partner can make choices for them regarding their finances if they cannot make them for themselves due to illness or an accident. This is not true. However if they had a Lasting Power of Attorney naming their partner as their Attorney they could. Take this opportunity to choose who you trust to make the right decisions on your behalf. Annabelle C Jones is a freelance solicitor, authorised and regulated by the SRA and a member of The Law Society Get in contact today, as you never know what tomorrow will bring. Email: Annabelle@acjlaw.co.uk Phone: 07591 527713 Website: www.acjlaw.co.uk Like us on
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AN ARTIST FINDS HIS VOICE Kate Thompson
T
“At that stage I thought it was very nice for them to say so, but it seemed unlikely.
here haven’t been too many positive things to come out of the pandemic. But seeing regular social media posts full of wry observations and masterful strokes from the talented hand of Southsea artist Kevin Dean certainly helped to lighten the load of the lockdown for many friends and followers.
“Then my friend Alastair suggested running a campaign on Kickstarter, and the response was brilliant. We raised enough money to publish the 120-page book and cover postage to send copies to all the backers,” he explained.
His wonderful watercolours that captured our everyday COVID-19-afflicted world were eagerly anticipated, and his followers delighted in the narrative that brought his posts to life.
Editor of Southsea Lifestyle, Kevin has spent a lifetime illustrating books, designing textiles and ceramics, but writing about the COVID-19 crisis has helped him to develop his voice.
And now, following a successful Kickstarter campaign, his work has been turned into a beautiful book called #Corona Chronicles, and copies have been sent as far afield as New Zealand, Australia and America.
“I had never written very much in public before, and it ended up being just as much fun as doing the drawings.
“At the outset it was never intended as a book — it was more to do with the drawings and capturing what was happening at home. Then I went out onto the streets of Portsmouth — and after a few months of posting my paintings and thoughts on Facebook and Instagram, people started messaging me and asking me when the book was going to be coming out.
“Some things were pretty obvious for me to cover like the queuing, and the clapping for frontline workers, but then I started to search out other angles and be a bit more reactive. “It was difficult not to be political when highlighting the errors and mishaps at government level, but I hope I was always able to put this across in an amusing way. “If the pandemic has taught us nothing else, we now know we have to do things better in the future, in terms of social injustice and the environment. After all, the virus has been caused by man interfering with nature and destroying the environment,” he said. In his forward to the book, writer, editor, and curator, Les Buckingham, highlights the talents amassed over a lifetime, that make #Corona Chronicles a book you want to pick up and read. “We make a mistake if we think
Following the success of #Corona Chronicles, Kevin said he was considering embarking on more book projects — and highlighted how important his family had been to the publishing process. “The look and feel of the book has a lot to do with my wife Zirrinia, who made such a great job of the book design. “Years ago, I would have been correcting my sons’ English essays, but since they’ve been to university, they are now the ones checking my grammar,” he said.
that these graphic insights are not hard won or are easily expressed.
You can buy a copy of #Corona Chronicles for £20 (inc. p&p) by contacting Kevin directly: info@kevindean.co.uk or kevinjdeano
“The skills needed to get these images down on paper are manifold. The easier the process looks the longer it has taken to learn them,“ observed Les.
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SWEAT TAKE 2
Luke Newton of Sweat Fitness discusses their new gym opening in the regenerated Knight & Lee premises
I
n 2015 we opened the doors of Sweat Southsea for the first time. We had taken on a damp and cold warehouse
sandwiched between a carpet shop and tyre garage, and quite frankly we didn’t have a clue what we wanted to do, other than provide our clients with a training environment free from the crowds, egos, and intimidation of commercial gyms. Fast forward six years and we are
This past year has highlighted just how intrinsically entwined the six pillars of wellness are. We now realise that we need to focus on our social, emotional, environmental, spiritual, mental as well as physical well-being. 95% of our clients surveyed during the first lockdown said they were exercising to help their mental well-being. I’m not sure we’d have seen the same response pre-pandemic.
preparing to open a new set of doors within the iconic Knight & Lee building — our gym will be in what was menswear and haberdashery! We’re excited to leave the back streets and hit the high street, with our new neighbours within the redevelopment including shared workspaces, retail, hotel, a cinema, and a bar.
Sweat Southsea
Luke and Tina of Sweat, with their daughter
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We’re proud of our holistic approach, and our members are set to benefit from access to a new digital member zone — home to workshops with psychologists, nutritionists, and other experts. We’ve been asking ourselves what further value can we offer our members? For the first time, our clients will enjoy independent gym use outside of their 1-1 sessions and classes. So, as well as hitting the barre or lifting barbells, our clients will now have the additional benefit of access to strength and cardio equipment. We believe that a hybrid approach is not a stopgap, but the future for gyms, so we also plan to continue with livestreaming and outdoor classes.
We know that the gym can feel like a daunting and intimidating place, and it really shouldn’t be that way. Now more than ever, the gym should be a safe and welcoming space. That is why we put so much emphasis on the design process and questioning how the space will look and feel. The environmental pillar of well-being, for me, points towards the spaces we occupy and spend time in. It has been quite an experience to be so hands-on through the process. Where you’d expect to see mirrors or ‘motivational’ quotes, you’ll see artwork and colour. Whilst members will enjoy real privacy, the space is full of natural light as well as natural materials. We believe that what sets us apart is the environment we create, our clients’ experience, and the expertise on offer. We are delighted to share this news — it has been a long time coming. Having had our doors closed for seven of the last twelve months due to lockdown restrictions, we are now busy planning our spring relaunch. Initially, we’ll have just 100 spaces for new members and clients. Visit www.sweat.fitness to find out more and register interest.
Despite the COVID-19 crisis, the THAT Group is continuing work upon it’s multi-million-pound plans to revitalise the vacant Knight & Lee building. The design will fully respect the historic and architectural integrity of the existing building, embracing many of the building’s external and internal fixtures and fittings. “Our plans offer a fantastic opportunity to boost the local economy and contribute to the vitality and viability of the town centre, creating an exciting and high-quality destination for local people to meet, eat, drink, and work,” said Peter Tisdale, CEO of the THAT Group. The plans include: • Reactivated street frontages on Palmerston Road and Clarendon Road, including several retail units, food and beverage and a large central communal reception area • Cinema screening rooms • Outside seating areas • Bike storage • THIS Workspace – delivering creative and versatile new co-work and private office spaces • Event space • Roof top bar with external terrace • Gymnasium (Sweat) 27
KEEP GOING TO PROTECT PORTSMOUTH At the time of writing, the number of people getting coronavirus in Portsmouth is going down - which is a sign that everything we're doing is starting to slow the spread of infection. But, our local NHS remains under pressure. And we must keep going. Over 70% of COVID-related deaths in Portsmouth have happened during the last three months. Every one of those deaths is one too many. With vaccines on the way, the end is in sight - but we need to keep working together. We're asking everyone to: • Act like you've got it - 1 in 3 people don't show any symptoms • Don't bend the rules to mix with people you shouldn't • Stay at home as much as you can • Keep your distance from others and wear a face covering if you do have to leave the house Coronavirus can affect anyone, but if we all keep doing our part, we will protect Portsmouth. If you have any symptoms of coronavirus including a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss of or change to taste or smell, book a test immediately. For more information about coronavirus support in Portsmouth visit www.portsmouth.gov.uk/coronavirus.
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USE IT OR LOSE IT!
T
SALLY JOHNS FINANCIAL PLANNING Associate Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management his year, make the best use of tax reliefs and allowances to help secure your financial future and the inheritance you leave to your loved ones.
ISAS
PENSIONS Saving into a pension is an even more attractive prospect than it was a few years ago. This is because there is much greater freedom for taking benefits; and
ISAs have become one of the most popular ways to save, principally because they are simple and readily accessible.
pension savings can now be more easily left as part of a tax-free inheritance. However, the advantages extend further than just drawing benefits and passing money on to loved ones: the
The substantial increase in the
government still rewards savers by
ISA allowance to £20,000 was a
very
welcome
step
giving them tax relief on their
in
pension contributions.
encouraging individuals to invest
Subject to certain limitations, for
for their future. However, as
every 80p you contribute to a
interest rates in the UK are lower
pension, the government auto-
than ever, money being held in
matically adds 20p in tax relief.
Cash ISAs is failing to achieve
Higher earners can claim extra tax
the very basic objective of
relief through their annual tax return,
keeping pace with inflation. The result is real losses for savers. Those who are investing their ISA allowance for the long term – in assets offering the scope for attractive levels of income and capital growth – are giving themselves a better chance of maximising the tax-saving opportunities on offer. Individuals yet to use their ISA allowance, or with accumulated ISA savings, need to carefully consider their options to ensure that they are maximising this valuable opportunity to generate tax-efficient capital and income for the future. 1 HM Revenue and Customs, ‘Estimated Costs of Tax Reliefs’, October 2019
so a £1 pension contribution can Sally Johns
effectively cost just 60p.
While tax relief is seen as a means to encourage pension saving, the annual cost to the Exchequer of providing it is around £40 billion! With the government under increasing pressure to reduce public spending, there’s no guarantee that the higher rates of tax relief will be maintained into the future. Those wishing to make their retirement plans a reality should consider fully utilising their annual allowance for this tax year to make the most of the tax breaks on offer. Unused allowances can be carried forward, but only from the three previous tax years. This financial year is the final chance for pension savers to use the 2017/18 allowance. To receive a complimentary guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, contact Sally Johns Financial Planning on 07736471839 or email sally.johns@sjpp.co.uk
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I
CRUMBS OF JOY
f I had to dig real deep and try and find some gratitude for the rollercoaster that has been 2020, it’s that we had more time to reflect. The space to look at our lives and work out what we truly need to be happy. Health, support networks, being able to work, and where we live, all seemed to carry an enormous weight in our ability to endure.
It’s been a time to acknowledge and give thanks for these things as our stillness illuminated what is truly important. One tool I was glad I had to help me was gratitude. Since The Grateful Hearts Club launched in 2019, I’ve been practising, sharing, and talking about gratitude pretty much non-stop. It is so present in my life that it’s trained my brain to view each situation and find some positives (admittedly this skill has and continues to be tested to its limits). This habit already got me through some really dark chapters, but this was another test and I was reminded of its power all over again. Through sadness and struggle I discovered that gratitude has given me a unique way of finding even the smallest joy (crumbs of joy is how I refer to them). It might be a sunrise, birdsong, or a smile from a stranger but each time I notice joy I take a few minutes to give thanks for it. You see, when you start to notice these small joys, you start to see them more. In our old lives they may be things you overlook, small moments that get swept up in the busyness of a day. But, when you take 30
the time to notice them (and better still, engage in them), you have an awakened sense of what makes you feel happy. In our current upside-down world, you can’t afford to discount these small joys, because a few can really add up! I love that when you realise what brings you joy, you’re better able to add more of these things to your life. This in turn encourages a sense of optimism that there can be joy, and that the choice is with us to use gratitude to see it. Not a solution to the suffering and uncertainty, but a positive way of thinking that could help encourage a little happiness on an otherwise grey day. I’m working really hard not to lose sight of these crumbs, and do what I can to stay grateful for them. So, on a day where the question ‘What are you grateful for?’ seems like a stretch, ask yourself ‘What has brought you joy?’ and give some thanks around that.
If you’d like to learn more about gratitude, Charla hosts regular on-line gratitude workshops and shares tips to help find joy. Check out www.thegratefulheartsclub.com or follow @thegratefulheartsclub for more details.
On a day where the question ‘what are you grateful for?’ seems like a stretch, ask yourself ‘what has brought you joy?
Charla Grant. Photos by @libertyphotographyuk
LOW COST COOKING Daniel Nowland
R
egardless of how ‘small’ Christmas may have been, it can still be a time when we spend more money than usual. 2021, although optimistic, has still gotten off to a bumpy start, and is full of uncertainty for most of us. For these reasons, I decided to focus on low cost cooking for this edition of Southsea Lifestyle.
The recipe came from Jamie Oliver’s Veg book, and it featured finely chopped root veg, cooked down with marmite, lentils, and spices. It sounds odd, but it resulted in a deep, meaty, warming and delicious base, which topped with fluffy mashed potato and baked, was incredible, and cost very little to make.
The great news is: low cost doesn’t need to involve any compromise on flavour or enjoyment of food. It is often when presented with a challenge or a brief that we create some of our most delicious meals. Just last week I created the most delicious cottage pie I’ve ever made by omitting the meat, and using up all of the random root veg in the bottom of the fridge left over from Christmas.
Reducing or eliminating meat is a great way of reducing the cost of your meals, and also helps with those ethical and health related targets we like to set ourselves in the new year. My top tips for reducing meat consumption and cost of cooking include:
P
Use a small amount of nduja or cured meat in pasta dishes in place of fresh meat. You only need very small amounts to create maximum flavour. P Make your own fresh pasta! I’ve talked 32
about this before, but with flour and an egg you can create something epic! P Eat locally-produced kale, beetroot, or spring greens in place of imported veg such as green beans or mange tout. They are cheap, healthy, and delicious when dressed with a little oil & vinegar. P Swap the meat out of your bolognaise sauce and replace with finely chopped mushrooms and/or a tin of lentils. P Buy whole chickens instead of breasts. You will find that a whole chicken doesn’t cost much more than a pack of 2 breasts. If you
roast a whole chicken once per week, you can use the leftovers in meals such as pasta or fajitas, and make a chicken soup by boiling up the carcass with some veg. There’s loads of recipes online to show you how, and chicken soup is great for our immune systems. P Have a go at batch cooking. Making larger portions of your favourite curry, stew, soup or traybake will save you time and money. Foil trays with lids are available online or from supermarkets. Just make sure you label the lids before putting them in the freezer! 33
RED VELVET MARTINI MAKES 1 Inspired by the famous red velvet cake, this striking ruby red cocktail is flavoured with vanilla vodka and makes a delightful drink for Valentine’s Day.
INGREDIENTS 50ml vanilla vodka (or 45ml vodka and 1 tsp vanilla extract) 30ml grenadine 15ml red vermouth Few drops red food colouring Waitrose Cooks’ Ingredients Shimmer Sugar to garnish
METHOD 1 Moisten the rim of a martini glass then dip in the shimmer sugar and set aside. 2 Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the vodka, grenadine, vermouth and food colouring then shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Fine strain into the prepared glass and serve.
Image opposite courtesy of Waitrose Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes
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D
o you ever ask yourself, ‘What is the point of work?’, as you file another report no one will read… Or, in your everyday life, do you feel your routine has become monotonous and boring, not just because we’ve spent the past 12 months in lockdown?
I’ve experienced both success and failure in my career, made huge and fundamental changes to my life, and built a business from the ground up. I now share the hard won lessons from these experiences with you, so that you can make changes to your life and work, and feel excited again!
Does that Queen song ever pop into your head? You know the one: Freddie in drag, hoovering, singing ‘I want to break free’?
My experiences also made it crystal clear what drives me.
That was me some years ago: Monday Dread, annoyed at doing work no one really cared about, and not making a difference. I had suffered burnout at work previously, and try as I might, in the years that followed I never found enjoyment in my corporate career again. Something had to change!
- a deep knowing of potential and possibility
I decided to break the cycle. I sold my beautiful house by the sea and all my belongings, except for some keepsakes. I quit my career and pretty much everything I used to do in Southsea. I set off to travel around Europe, often wondering if I was being brave or… stupid? I can tell you one thing. It took a lot of work to change how I thought about things like money, what success looks like and what is possible. But, when I did, I learnt something invaluable: FREEDOM IS C R E AT E D I N OUR MINDS. This one insight opened up so many possibilities and opportunities for me. A single insight can do the same for you!
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At the very core of me, you will find: - a powerful urge for freedom - and a capability to change, flex, and adapt This is what I know is in us all, and it is what I use to help people achieve changes in their career, their business, and their life. So, how can you break your cycle? Well, it helps to get really clear on what you want and what drives you. I will help you uncover this. The next step is to come up with an idea that really excites you and which aligns with your desires and what drives you. I will help you imagine this! Finally, it’s about creating a plan and actions to make it happen. I will help you develop this. Along the way, your mindset and your perspective will change, enabling you to see a whole new world of exciting opportunity, potential, and possibility. I will help you understand this. Getting deeply connected with the core of you will give you more freedom. That freedom, in turn, will enable you to take charge and create life and work that is fun, exciting, and serves your purpose. Working with me will make this happen. For more information and an exploratory conversation, contact me: www.calendly.com/bycynthiamoore/lets-talk info@cynthiamoorecoaching.co.uk www.cynthiamoorecoaching.co.uk
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Independent practice since 1996 24hr Emergency Service Surgical theatre on site 34 Elm Grove • Southsea • Hants • PO5 1JG Tel: 02392 861122 • www.grove-vets.co.uk
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LOVE FILM
Malisa Sledmere of No6 Cinema suggests ways of streaming new films to your home
L
ove film? Yes, I think we all do to a
refreshed
with
a
carefully
curated,
greater or lesser extent. Whether it’s
manageable selection of indie films, which
to escape into fantasy worlds away
had times been different would probably
from our own, or to ‘rearrange the furniture of your mind’, as Riz Ahmed so eloquently put it
have been gracing film festival screens around the globe. My favourite so far is And the Birds
in a recent podcast conversation with Louis
Rained Down, a French language film from the great
Theroux, there’s no getting away from the fact
outdoors of Canada.
that whilst we’ve all been in lockdown, our thirst for films must be slaked by streaming digital content direct to our homes.
YourScreen’s doors are open 24/7, and with the code NO6YS you will receive a 25% discount on the ticket price when you checkout. YourScreen is
Once one has decided to purchase a film from a
supporting cinemas by donating a percentage of the
streaming platform, the next headache for the film
ticket price to the cinema of your choice.
streaming novice is how to transfer the film from laptop, tablet, or phone to the TV screen. For us it is either the trusty HDMI cable from laptop to TV, or a Chromecast device plugged into the TV and an app on the phone. I notice that the Royal Opera House issued a request on its website that people acquaint themselves with how to transfer their purchase to the TV screen before buying any content.
Another streaming platform we have partnered up with is modernfilms.com, a female-led distribution and production company which was established in 2017 with a mandate to work on stories that address social issues with film and media content. If you watch Luxor or Falling, No6 will receive a percentage of what you pay for the film. However, there are a number of other really interesting films to explore on their site too. Don’t want to pay? Have no fear, there is an amazing channel called Talking Picture TV, an independent archive and TV channel which broadcasts some of the rarest gems from British film history. They plunder the vaults of Pinewood, Shepperton, and Twickenham to find a wide variety
And the Birds Rained Down
But worth it? Unequivocally yes. We have streamed a number of fantastic films, not least from the streaming platform yourscreen.net which has been partnering up with independent and community
of nostalgic treats which are available on channels: SKY328, FREEVIEW 81, FREESAT 306, and VIRGIN 445. To check out their schedule take a look at their website www.talkingpicturestv.co.uk. I know people who watch no other channel!
cinemas to stream new and acclaimed films from
No6 hopes that you you enjoy some of these films,
around the world. Their programme is regularly
but that you don’t get too comfy in that armchair!
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LIFEHOUSE REMAINS A BEACON DURING THE PANDEMIC Kate Thompson
A
unanimous vote to stay open at the outset of the pandemic has placed Lifehouse volunteers at the eye of the storm when it comes to looking after vulnerable people during the pandemic. They have seen the number of people they regularly feed at their food kitchen and drop-in centre in Albert Road more than double as families face the fallout from COVID-19. Manager, Mike Morell, explained: “We often see up to 200 people if you include the deliveries we make too. “Around 25 percent of the people we see are rough sleepers and another 25 percent are people living in temporary accommodation or night shelters.
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“The rest are people you might not have expected to see coming to us for help. We have elderly people and young families — some have found themselves suddenly out of work, many used to have jobs in hospitality and some have moved down from London. “Many people are living close to the edge and death, divorce or the loss of a job can make their lives so much worse — and that’s where we can help.” Thankfully the weeks before the latest lockdown enabled many people who regularly use the services at the Lifehouse to prepare for the worst of the winter temperatures. “People were able to pick up warm clothing from us just before Christmas. We had a donation of
sleeping bags and tents which was fantastic, but we always welcome more as we are down to the last tent,” said Mike. He admitted the going had been tough during the pandemic, and the team of volunteers have been putting themselves at risk — five are currently isolating so there are fewer helpers doing more work. “We have people from all sorts of backgrounds who volunteer with us — everyone from musicians and artists to medics and people who have been rehabilitated themselves. “We do feel we are doing something positive to help people, and it does put a smile on your face when you see someone get a bedsit or move into a shared house,” said Mike. Latest news is posted on the Lifehouse website and facebook page. If you would like to donate food or items, there is also an Amazon wishlist https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/2 QU0CX3SXZD46
Looking to the future, the team is looking forward to being able to unveil the work that has been going on to create a spacious new dining room and improved facilities for the people who use their services. “It will mean we can seat up to 60 people and we look forward to being able to provide table service meals in this new setting as soon as it is safe to do so,” said Mike. To find out more about how you can help the Lifehouse team contact Mike and the team at office@lifehouse.org.uk
Donations of food and clothing are also welcomed at: St Margaret’s Church https://www.stmagscc.uk/ The Hive https://hiveportsmouth.org.uk/covid-19
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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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YOUTUBE IN COVIDIAN TIMES: How I lost my senses and found JunsKitchen by Emma Beatty
I
t’s a month since I had COVID-19 (only a mild dose contracted from my schoolgoing son). I still only have about 10% of my smell*, which affects my taste hugely. My tastebuds still work but only detect crude salt/sweet/sour; all the complex fragrant elements are lost. Chocolate is like sweet wax, strawberries like little hard lumps of turnip.
At the risk of sounding preachy, after a few weeks of feeling very sorry for myself, I’ve had a kind of revelation – I can very clearly remember smells and tastes. I can sit and fondly imagine the aromas of grass, lemons, cinnamon, fresh salty sea air. It’s like a superpower I didn’t know I had. It reminds me of a quote from Proust that I probably don’t remember correctly but something to do with the most intense adventures he had as a child were in his imagination — reading storybooks. I sniff a real lemon and… zilch. But, switch on my memory banks and I can drift away to a holiday in Crete when we landed at a small cove after a boat trip – the smell of the pines, the lemon trees and wild thyme so earthy and gutsy. And this led me on a new YouTube adventure – watching cooking shows and perfume reviews. I’d normally feel slobbish watching videos all day, but with no smell or taste and locked in the house for 22 days without leave, it proved a magical mystery tour for my non-functioning senses. Maybe it will even help re-animate them… I’ve watched many hours of YouTube recently letting the algorithm bots lead me where they will. My three top recommendations for flagging senses include:
JunsKitchen. He’s a Japanese cooking YouTube star who makes sushi for his five cats. His kitchen is a miracle of minimal cleanliness and he has these amazing Japanese knives and can carve an apple into a swan in seconds – it’s remarkably soothing for the senses. YouTube’s suggestions then led me to Nino’s Home. Nino is a Vietnamese YouTube cooking star who also cooks with his cat companion. He makes things like Japanese soufflé cheesecake, he never speaks and wears a cardboard teddy bear mask. It sounds odd, and is, but Nino's every move is so controlled and precise and all his cooking utensils are kawaii cute, it’s addictive viewing. Then, there’s Grandpa Kitchen, an amazing man from Telangana, India, who cooked giant curries and piles of rice for local orphans. His cooking pots are so huge he has to cook outside on an open fire. And finally, there’s Mrnigelng, Mr Nigel, a Malaysian comedian who makes fun of western cooking videos. “Uncle Roger DISGUSTED by this Egg Fried Rice Video (BBC Food)” has had 20 million views. Much more anarchic and original than most TV comedy these days. So – if you’re stuck inside and fed up watching mainstream channels – try YouTube food videos, it’s amazing where you can end up.
*by the way, my smell is slowly returning and for most people, it comes back in a few months. 45
A GOOD ALTERNATIVE TO RESIDENTIAL CARE Nurse Sally Ridley, lead nurse from Nightingales Golden Care discusses the increased uptake in live-in care.
L
ive-in care allows a person or couple to remain in their own home, whilst receiving support from an individual who has been carefully selected to live with them and to promote their independence as well as meet their care needs.
Relatives are stretched to their limits, the situation becomes increasingly unpredictable, and it can feel unsafe. However research has shown that 97% of people do not want to move into institutional care if they become unwell or less able to cope. “And leaving their home, their pets, their furniture, and familiar surroundings can add another layer of confusion and create a kind of bereavement situation, which can make things even worse.
Nightingales have been providing domicillary care to people in the Portsmouth area for almost 20 years. This year we are seeing an increase in the uptake of live-in care packages. Sally began her nurse training in 1976, she has worked in hospitals, the community, and specialist nursing homes. “I can honestly say that in my experience, when it comes to care, there is no place like home. “Typically, the default option for care is residential, so when mum or dad start to struggle, relatives often think that there is no option but to put them in a home. Or perhaps a family member is caring for another, and the increasing demands are causing them to become unwell. ‘Things will often reach a tipping point, where it feels as though there is no alternative. 46
“Where couples have been together a long time, there is also the added responsibility of deciding whether it is better to separate them, or to find a facility that will accept them both, even if one partner is not ready to require that level of care. This can mean sacrificing independence and choice, not to mention the financial implications. “Often, people haven’t even considered live-in care as a viable option because they have assumed it will be too expensive. However, for most cases, the price of live-in care is the same, if not less than a nursing home. In addition, livein care, is tailored to your lifestyle with a oneto-one ratio and offers far greater value. And if the care is for spouses, the cost offers even better value as one carer can be employed for two individuals at the same cost. “I don’t think enough people realise that there is a real alternative to a residential care, and I believe that if more people understood that then they would be able to make a real choice“.
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HOME SWAPPING
With no guarantee of being able to holiday abroad this summer, and with stretched household budgets, Ruth Taylor discusses an inexpensive and enjoyable alternative for taking a break in the UK when we’re able to.
“I
f your parent’s house isn’t wrecked, I’ll consider it!” My husband wasn’t keen on the idea of house swapping for holidays, but my parents came back, had a good time and their house was in perfect condition. That was nearly 30 years ago, and we have been exchanging homes with families ever since. Our first exchange was a long weekend in Bathampton, just outside Bath. When we arrived, our son ran into the garden and climbed into the tree house and said he wasn’t coming down! He was three years old and our daughter a baby. We had a great time. When we came home a woman from Shrewsbury phoned asking if we’d be interested in a two week exchange that summer – her holiday dates matched
ours and all was arranged. The Shrewsbury family were experienced exchangers and they helped initiate us into the world of home exchanging, with tips and ideas. Today, we are one of a huge, worldwide community of experienced exchangers and have completed over 50 swaps. We have been all over the UK, from Scotland to Cornwall. We have also swapped homes with owners in France, Netherlands, Eire, and New Zealand. I can honestly say we’ve never had a bad exchange – we’ve enjoyed them all. We have looked after an assortment of people’s pets – cats, rabbits, hamsters, stick insects and fish. Fortunately, we didn’t have to tend the beehives for a family who lived on the edge of Exmoor, but
Normanton Church, Rutland Water. Photo: Ruth Taylor
Rutland countryside. Photo: Dan Rozier
they did leave us a jar of honey for our toast. In return our various pets have been cared for by our visiting families. By matching ourselves with families with children of a similar age we were also able to swap equipment and toys, and the homes would each be ‘child-proofed’. The key ingredients for home exchanging is communication, flexibility and to be honest about everything. We are members of the Guardian Home Exchange – which is connected to the newspaper, but there are other sites that you can join. The Guardian membership is £59 per year, you get your own online listing which you can edit/manage yourself and contact other members. On the site you tick the tick boxes, to show your preferences, for example we can no longer have small children come to stay as our children have grown up and the house is no longer child-proofed. You can indicate where you’d ideally like to stay, your best dates, and post pictures of your home and surrounding area. I like to leave tourist leaflets, restaurant menus, and
copies of Southsea Lifestyle for people to read when they arrive. People always tell me that they’ve enjoyed staying in Southsea, and some families have swapped with us more than once. Give it a try, and if your home isn’t wrecked you may become a home swapper for life.
A house that the Taylor family stayed in - in Rutland Photo: Ruth Taylor
guardianhomeexchange.co.uk 49
Your local & family owned funeral directors of Portsmouth & Southsea
90 Elm Grove Southsea Hants PO5 1LN Tel: 023 92 875575
PROVIDING A FUNERAL SERVICE THAT IS PERSONAL TO YOUR LOVED ONE I have been in the funeral profession for nearly forty years and funeral services have changed tremendously in that time. Many years ago, it was accepted that usually, the service was taken by a local minister of religion, or on rare occasions, by a member of the humanist society. However, a majority of services are now referred to as a celebration of life, which can be religious or non-religious as the family wish. Within a celebration of life service, the family can take more of an active role, often leading a tribute, reading a poem or reciting a bible verse themselves. This in itself personalises the service to the deceased, with them often being referred to by their nickname or character name. I personally, have lost a very close friend recently, and whilst arranging the service with his family, I referred to him by his nickname, a name that was used by all who knew him. 50
Music has also changed over the years. I can recall that when I first started working in the funeral business, it was assumed that a hymn or piece of classical music would be
Mr Rowan Maxwell Principle Funeral Director
played during the various parts of the service. This again, has changed. We can now arrange anything from Mozart to Frank Sinatra, from Electric Light Orchestra to Monty Python. Again, music is a very important, and indeed emotive, way of personalising
the service to your loved one. Most local crematoria now have the ability show a selection of photos either throughout, or at various points during the service. The photos can be a pictorial way of showing a life story starting form very early years through to more recent images. We can also display a single photo of the deceased, or the deceased and their family throughout the service should the family wish. All of the above personalises a service to the most important person, on the day - the deceased. Stories can be told producing smiles and tears just as they would in the person’s life. This allows the family to celebrate their life, to acknowledge their love and to know that the service was truly dedicated to that one particular person. These thoughts are purely from the author, Mr Paul M Lee-Bapty, Dip FD Affil RSH, Managing Director Mayfields Funeral Directors
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