Southsea Lifestyle - Oct / Nov 2022

Southsea LIFESTYLE

&

Southsea LIFESTYLE

Irecently met up with a friend in London who until a few years ago lived in Southsea.‘The thing I loved about Southsea was that not only does it have the seaside, but that anything seems possible. People have an idea for a new business and just do it, it’s a city of invention and entrepreneurs. And, there’s always so much to do, if I wasn’t at a pub gig, I’d be practising archery or learning a foreign language.’ he said. I’d had similar thoughts myself, but it was good to hear them from someone looking at the city from afar. There’s probably no better example of business acumen than the antique dealer Colin McCloud (p.34), or the inventive transition of a beautiful house (p.14). Plus we gain an insight into what our MP, Stephen Morgan loves about the city and his hopes for it in future. But we mustn’t forget all of our amazing entrepreneurial advertisers — please support them and if you use their services or products don’t forget to mention you saw them in Southsea Lifestyle.

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 for our December/January edition. email: info@southsealifestyle.com

Southsea’s only craft butcher offers exceptional turkeys for Christmas, supplied by Paul Tanner’s Great Oaks Farm near Lymington.

We offer two varieties Buckwells Classic White and Buckwells Bronze. All are adult birds that have been kept in spacious, open barns and prepared on the farm with the minimum of stress. The birds are hand plucked and game hung to develop full flavour and tenderness.

Our popular boneless turkey breasts also available.

Buckwells 35 year of serving Southsea at Christmas

turkey now to avoid

Coastal Remedy is a Wellness and Lifestyle Gift Shop on Marmion Road, right in the heart of Southsea. Opened over 2 years ago, Becky has created an inviting environment where customers are welcome to relax and spend time browsing.

The shelves are filled with products that have a feelgood factor and that she is passionate about, ensuring a personal and knowledgeable touch to your shopping experience.

For that perfect gift you’ll find homeware, jewellery, clothing, luxury skincare and bath products, or lose yourself in the fabulous range of cookbooks and outdoor adventure guides - from camping, cycling

and walking to outdoor swimming, yoga and wellness, there is something for everyone looking to indulge in a sense of escapism.

They’re now gearing up for the busy Christmas season and if you want to drop a hint, why not visit their website and create a wish list to share with your friends and family.

Coastal Remedy 13 Marmion Road, Southsea PO5 2AT e:hello@coastalremedy.co.uk t: 023 9400 2757 www.coastalremedy.co.uk @coastalremedyuk

BRICKS AND MORTAR

Neil Maxwell

It’s

at time like these I wish I had a better functioning crystal ball. Some people have been questioning the future of the local housing market and asking us our opinion as to where values might be heading off the back of rising interest rates.

This is a virtually impossible question to answer as the geographical and physical constraints of living on an island, where there is not a huge amount of development land, and a constantly growing population leaves a good residual demand for the existing housing stock.

Couple this with several local employers with many thousands of employees, the MOD, University & NHS to name but a few, where employment is generally not affected by recession in a similar way to private enterprise.

We can but hope these fairly unique factors should ensure that our local market is not as vulnerable as some other areas may be, as

was certainly my experience of the early nineties locally.

One thing that hasn’t really changed since the early nineties is the transportation network locally, I really feel that the time has come for the city to dream big again just imagine what doors would open for the local tourist economy with a high speed rail link from London. How is it that you can travel from Kings Cross to York (210 miles) in the same time it takes from Portsmouth to Waterloo (73 miles).

The new government seem determined to keep the housing market active, especially as it’s such a key element to our economy, with several initiatives on the way, including a reduction in stamp duty – the new threshold at which tax falls, is now raised to £250,000 from £125,00. It all helps to keep our love affair with bricks and mortar very much alive!

VILLIERS ROAD, SOUTHSEA - £289,500

• Outstanding first floor, two double bedroom apartment situated in one of Southsea's delightful tree-lined roads within the Owens Conservation Area.

• Spacious living room with large bay window and high ceilings, leading onto a modern fitted kitchen/breakfast room with an exposed brick feature wall

• Share of the freehold, long lease, double glazing throughout and allocated parking - EPC Rating C

HAVELOCK ROAD, SOUTHSEA - £799,995

• Beautifully renovated 5 bedroom semi-detached Victorian residence situated within one of Southsea's highly requested Conservation Areas just north of the popular Albert Road district.

• The owner spared no expense renovating this property which boasts a ‘B’ Energy Rating. This fine family home has been completely refurbished throughout to a high standard and spans a deceptively spacious 2,250 sq.ft (209.2 sq.m) of accommodation over four floors

• The exterior features a mainly paved Landscaped garden with side access. There is a top of the range air source heat pump heating system with colonial style radiators, quality double glazing with sash windows and fully insulated ensuring a low carbon footprint and reduced energy bills - EPC Rating B

LYSANDER COURT, GUNWHARF QUAYS - £315,000

• Fabulous two bedroom apartment situated on the ground floor of this modern building located within the highly requested residential quarter of the Gunwharf Quays development.

• Two double bedrooms both with fitted wardrobes, modern fitted bathroom, spacious fitted kitchen opening out to the dual aspect living room with private semicircular balcony.

• Allocated parking bay plus two visitor parking permits and no forward chain - EPC Rating C

LETTING THE LIGHT IN …

Southsea couple Alex and Sam moved into their listed 19th century terraced home in 2015 but it was the imminent arrival of their child that prompted them to expand their kitchen and let the light in.

“We had always had it in the back of our minds to extend it and improve the living space, but it was when we started our family that we knew we wanted a bigger kitchen,” explained Alex.

Sarah is the one with an eye for style and design, and she knew instinctively what would work sympathetically with the history of the building while making it practical for modern family life.

Design Team Studios were able to take the couple’s vision and make it a reality with the help of TWF Building Services.

“The original features of the property are part of the charm and rather than replicate the original, the design adds a contemporary, minimalist light-filled addition that demonstrates the house has evolved over time,” said Joe Moser, Director of the Design Team Studios.

Neighbours in the terrace had already extended their own properties, and while Alex and Sam knew there would be disruption during the work, it would all be worth it. In the end.

Words: Kate Thompson. Photos: Portico Marketing

Alex said: “We converted what was originally the utility room and ground floor bathroom into our new kitchen.

“We asked Joe to do the work for us because he had done similar projects with our neighbours and he was aware of the architecture of the street.”

In order to flood the area with light and link the new space with the garden, they opted for Crittall style doors and an apex window meant they could make the most of the exterior views.

Stone worktops and crafted joinery make the kitchen a delicious space to prepare food and be with friends and family.

“We really like the island feature in the

middle. The original kitchen was really small and you could only fit one person in there while they were cooking so this has transformed the way we live,” said Alex, who works as an engineer.

When he and Sam, a doctor, moved to the city they were instantly drawn to the 1830s property that was to become their home and really liked the secluded street that is so close to everyday life in Southsea.

Started as a project to fit their growing family, Alex revealed it all fell into place in the best possible way.

“Our baby was born 10 weeks ago, and as we were coming home from the hospital, the team was just cleaning up here — it really was perfect timing,” he added.

PUBLIC AUCTION REAPS MANY REWARDS

It’s a win-win for buyers and sellers when choosing the traditional method of Auction but what’s it really all about?

With the housing market in the media spotlight, home buyers have faced numerous obstacles in their quest to find the perfect home. There’s been a myriad of challenges for Estate Agents in a post pandemic economy - slowing of the market, record house prices and inflation to name a few. The ongoing unpredictability has seen an upturn in selling property by the Auction method due to its convenience, often with fantastic results. So why are people choosing this option over conventional sale?

Public Auction is very distinct from the recently introduced ‘modern method of auction’ as it sees an immediate and binding settlement at the fall of the auctioneer’s hammer (or sale of the property at Nesbits office). There is a payment of a 10% non-returnable deposit and the sale completed 28 days later.

The costs to the buyer are a fraction of those compared to the ‘modern method’ with both

parties benefitting. Nesbits’ buyer’s premium is £540.00 incl. VAT, compared to the £1000s required by agents in the modern method. Purchasers make savings that are very likely to be reflected in their bidding. Most importantly, sellers maintain total control over the entire process which often results in a settlement far quicker than the time associated with selling a property conventionally.

Public Auction reaps many rewards, its principal asset being the ability to bring about results far quicker than the often drawn-out and frustrat-ing process of conventional sale. Whether a property be problematic, thus with a limited market, or expected to attract widespread interest, the Auction route will maximise enquiries and offers, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Whilst Covid caused a postponement of Room Auctions, Nesbits have adapted the Auction method and have listened to buyers unhappy with online Auctions.

Nesbits are dedicated to getting the best possible price for their clients.

RECENT SUCCESS STORIES

BURLINGTON ROAD, NORTH END –

Sold in 16 days

A terraced property available on 15th February. Contracts exchanged 3rd March.

Auction guide: £165-175,000. Sold for: £231,000

TWYFORD AVENUE, NORTH END –

Sold in 14 days and for £81k above guide price

A terraced property available on 7th March. Contracts exchanged 21st March.

Auction guide: £150160,000. Sold for: £231,000.

LOUGARS GYM, HELLYER ROAD, SOUTHSEA –

Sold in 15 days

The well-known and popular community gym came to market on the 9th March. Contracts exchanged 24th March. The property sold for the Auction guide of £250,000.

GRANADA ROAD, SOUTHSEA –

Sold 70k above guide price

11 Bedroom Semi-Detached property available 27th May. Contracts exchanged 21st July.

Auction guide: £850,000+ Sold for: £920,000.

Nesbits have been selling property by Public Auction for over 70 years with instructions received from private individuals, landlords, executors, and solicitors. Over the years a diverse range of property has gone under the hammer including garages, blocks of flats, a boathouse, and commercial premises. Nesbits are the ‘Go-To Firm’ for selling property by Public Auction and are dedicated to getting the best possible price for their clients.

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Turn your memories into pieces of art that can be hung on your wall, shared with your loved ones and nestled snugly in beautiful boxes for you to open and smile at on a rainy day.

Offering a range of bespoke studio and location sessions, Aurora Photographic specialises in couples, maternity, individuals and motherhood. Each session is designed to be an empowering and uplifting adventure; an experience so comfortable and full of laughter, you’ll feel like you’re on the best kind of date night.

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CHRISTMAS at the Queens Hotel

perfect

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Have you always wanted to paint and draw?

SOUTHSEA LIFESTYLE TALKS TO COLIN McCLOUD

about his life as an antique dealer and his travels abroad.

about the antiques trade by trial and error, mainly error,’ said Colin with a wry smile, who was originally planning on a career as an insurance broker. ‘I was interviewed for a job with Rothschilds, for what was then their Persian office, but everything changed when the revolution began.’

‘Ilearnt

Colin went on to open his first shop in Albert Road in 1975. He began with an upholstery business, but people kept enquiring if Colin had any furniture to sell, so he took over a nearby shop and began trading in antiques. Despite missing out on a job in Persia, Colin was soon travelling the world looking for artifacts to ship back to the UK. ‘I believe I was the first dealer to go to China after Mao Tse-tung died. Also, India, one of my favourite countries has some wonderful antiquities. As well as importing goods, Colin was exporting large quantities of furniture and collectibles to Europe and the US. ‘I needed more space, so we moved to a small warehouse in Goldsmith Avenue.

Over the years we’ve had premises up and down the Avenue, from a former coal yard to our current place, which was once a banana warehouse (next to Johnstone’s Decorating Centre), plus we have a reclamation yard nearby.

coast, plus a huge number of reclaimed floorboards, bricks, gates, tiles, and fireplaces. Not forgetting our paint stripping service, for doors and furniture. And powder coating – for metal items’ said Colin who was born in Dunoon in 1944. ‘Mum was from Portsmouth and Dad was in the Navy. Always dressed immaculately, and well spoken, Colin is one the last remaining dealers from 1970s. ‘Most of the antique dealers in the city that I knew back then have gone. Today I’m buying and selling to their sons’. Sitting at his desk surrounded by at least a dozen grandfather clocks and an assortment of furniture and china, Colin looks happy and content. ‘Life takes you down a certain path and you often can’t make much sense of it at the time, but I’m glad I didn’t become an insurance broker’.

‘Apart from buying and selling antiques, the reclamation aspect of the business has become increasingly popular, we probably have the largest selection of antique and retro doors on the south

Photo: Mary Vallely

Photo: Mary Vallely

WHY I DON’T WANT YOU TO BUY MY PRODUCTS

Lou Lea, founder of TABBY.FIREFLY

Sounds

counterintuitive, right? A small business owner asking readers not to buy their products? Let me explain

I had a moment in 2018. I was at a plastic pollution conference here in Portsmouth and for most of it I found I was pretty knowledgeable about plastics. Until a speaker said that every time you wash a product made from synthetic materials microplastics are released into the water. Every time. I felt helpless; I didn’t know half the problem.*

That nugget of information led me to completely change my attitude to clothes. A former fast fashion addict, I’d already given up my habit of buying clothes when I needed a pick-me-up. But I’d fallen for some greenwashing and still frequented high-street stores. Now? I wear and love everything I already own and I’ve slowed my consumption, consciously studying the fibre content and production methods for every garment I buy.

friendly’. Broadly, with fashion, you’re looking for four key elements: protecting the environment, respect for people in the supply chain, ethical production processes and complete transparency.

I’m not perfect but I’m on a journey. I believe it’s better for lots of people to do something imperfectly than one person do everything perfectly. It can be overwhelming to do it all at once and easy to be hard on yourself, but it can take just one (low energy) lightbulb moment to spark a real change in your habits.

The word “sustainability” is overused and means different things to different people. Real sustainable fashion goes beyond using some natural materials in a garment. It’s more than hanging a label saying ‘eco-

Next time you walk past a high-street store with displays claiming they ‘care’, take a moment to really read it. Is it strangely vague? Do they use words like ‘strive’ to describe their efforts, when they’re a multi-million pound company that could easily make a difference?

Instead of buying new, I ask you to see how you can use pre-loved clothes. As well as our wealth of retro, vintage and charity stores, there are several sustainable fashion businesses in Southsea.

These brilliant people keep the pound in the community and help reuse what’s already been made. If you want to shop for something that’s been upcycled by a talented local, visit Hannah Southsea, POLLYnOGG, or Underdock online or at a local market. If you have something tired that still fits, get some sew-on patches from Dress Code or new buttons from Seeded.

And if you’re sure you need something new, I mean really sure, take a look at Southsea-based tabbyfirefly.com or Tweedy Clothing for consciously made clothes that are built to last.

*Still have synthetic garments in your wardrobe? You can help by 1) washing clothes less and 2) using washing bags that capture the rogue plastic fibres

SAFEGUARDING OUR HERITAGE

Chinneck Shaw’s property management team is lucky enough to look after an iconic building in the heart of Southsea with a fascinating history. Southsea locals who do their grocery shopping at Waitrose in Marmion Road, will be more than familiar with the delightful exterior of the building that sits at the entrance to the car park.

The Friary was designed by architect Thomas Ellis Owen, the man author Sue Pike called “Shaper of Portsmouth, ‘Father of Southsea’” and it dates back to 1851.

Designed as a ‘model lodging house’ for workers, the property had 23 flats plus a shop and they all shared a communal washroom. Today the building is Grade II Listed and much loved by the people who live there. Arranged over three floors and within three blocks, the flats were sensitively restored to their former glory in 2008 and the

work was recognised with a Portsmouth Society award in 2010.

Chinneck Shaw’s property team has been managing the flats for 10 years, overseeing refurbishments and ensuring the building remains compliant with legislation.

Full of charm and intrigue, there is a communal garden with veg patches and fruit trees accessed through a distinctive gate created by Southsea based Designer Blacksmith Peter Clutterbuck.

Inside, the flats are quirky with original fireplaces, sash windows, wooden

staircases in the communal areas and tiled floors.

There’s even a mangle from the original washroom on show in one of the public areas — a reminder of a bygone era.

Current residents clearly love their distinctive homes — one has been living there for 30 years —and they really appreciate the history of The Friary.

Chinneck Shaw is currently marketing a one-bed flat at this sought after address — you can find out more here www.chinneckshaw.co.uk

ESCAPE TO ISOLA

and escape to Isola Holistics, leave your stresses and troubles behind, switch off from external problems and relax in a peaceful and calming environment where a variety of holistic treatments can help you relax, re-energise, and recharge your mind, body and soul. It’s time to put yourself, your health, and your wellbeing first, and discover the many healing benefits of holistic and complementary practices.

Come

Holistic treatments have been practiced all over the world for centuries, and their many benefits include boosting the immune system, improving circulation, reducing and reliving inflammation and pain, rebalancing and resorting the body’s natural energy flow, and assisting its natural healing process, helping to manage stress and anxiety. Isola Holistics specialises in your health

and wellbeing and offers a wide range of massage treatments, as well as aromatherapy, facials, reflexology, and reiki.

Isola Holistics is a small independent local business and is owned and run by Complementary Therapist Eloise Verenini. Eloise prides herself in creating a peaceful and friendly environment where she will always take the time to get to know you and your body, tailoring treatments to ensure you get the most out of your visits.

Isola’s tranquil and welcoming treatment room is located in the very heart of Southsea. Come and experience the many benefits of Isola Holistics for yourself and escape for an hour or two in their relaxing haven. To find out more, enquire about a gift voucher, or to book a treatment please visit www.isolaholistics.com

SOUTHSEA’S MP

James Buckley

My first impression of Stephen Morgan, MP, is that he’s a man who really loves what he does.

He’s often seen around the streets of Portsmouth, talking with residents, businesses, and everyone in between about their concerns.

One of the issues he’s trying to deal with locally involves improving access to dentists and GPs in the city, as well as trying to protect the NHS.

Furthermore, he feels strongly about the cost-of-living crisis and “the effect that it’s having on all people in Portsmouth around rising prices of fuel, energy, and food.”

“In the future, I want Portsmouth to be a city where anyone can succeed and thrive, where people feel safe. Can afford to heat their homes and have food on the table, where people are doing everything they can to stop the climate crisis, and where they’ve access to really good local health services.”

As a D-Day Veteran, his grandfather was his motivation and inspiration for going into politics. “He lived in Southsea all his life, and sadly passed away a few years ago. He served in Operation Overlord at 17, but towards the end of his life, local services let him down. This was part of the reason why I finally decided to move into politics.” Stephen adds, “Because people like him served our country so well, I think they deserve the very best in life, and I wanted to fight for people like him so that they have access to services that they need when they need it.”

The MP was born in 1981 in Fratton. He attended Priory School Comprehensive, and then Portsmouth College. He was the first of his family to go to university (“I think that’s what inspired me specifically to stand for public office”), studying politics and sociology at Bristol University before taking a master’s degree in politics at

Goldsmiths, London.

It’s Stephen’s job to represent the 75,000 electors that make up his constituency. “It doesn’t matter whether they voted for me or not at the last election. What matters is that they’re represented. I make efforts to meet with certain groups and organisations so that they know their views are valid and will be heard by me.“

Future plans for improving Portsmouth? “The big thing I’m working on at the moment is bidding for money from the Levelling Up fund.” The fund is designed to invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life in the UK.

“20 years ago, I was a young person, and I used to enjoy going into Commercial Road every Saturday for something to do. But you just wouldn’t do that now.”

That’s why he wants £40 million to “put the heart back into the city”investing in Guildhall Walk and the City Centre, and revitalising important transport links around the area.

And when it comes to his dream education plan for every child?

“I went to Priory School in Southsea. I had a great education thanks to brilliant local teachers and my family but I was lucky.”

“I want to make sure it’s not about luck, that everyone gets the opportunity to go to a great school. We know that the pandemic has had an impact on GCSE and A-Level results and we are trying to do something about it.”

“That’s my top priority right now. I want to make sure that, whatever your background, you go on to fulfil your ambitions.”

Photo: courtesy of the offfice of Stephen Morgan

We have learnt to successfully live with the Covid pandemic. You are now invited to attend the remaining three one-hour lectures of 2022 on Tuesday evenings. Doors open after 18:00 with introduction of our speaker by our Chairman at 18:45 with a lecture commencing at 19:00. The presentations are:

11th October 2022 by BBC Road Show expert

Clive Stewart-Lockhart on George ChinneryThe greatest artist of British India and the far East.

8th November 2022 by Christopher BradleySecret Treasure Chest of Yemen and Oman.

13th December 2022 by Caroline Walker - Discovering MacDonald Gill: Architect, artist and mapmaker.

We meet at The Lecture Theatre of Portsmouth University, Eldon Building in Middle Street Portsmouth (off the South side of Winston Churchill Avenue.) Public car parking is close by. We hope you will enjoy each of the lectures. If you wish to make a small donation towards costs it will not be refused

UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH ELDON BUILDING, MIDDLE STREET, SOUTHSEA PO1 2DJ

WE GATHER FROM 6PM PRESENTATION 7-8PM A DONATION OF £5 WOULD BE APPRECIATED IF WISHED

ENRICHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT

Brian Lake Chair, The Arts Society Portsea Island

The Arts Society Portsea Island (TASPI) is an affiliated Branch of The Arts Society.

Founded in 1965 with the aim of enriching people's lives by exposure to the Arts, the Society has grown nationally to having some two hundred and fifty local branches throughout the United Kingdom.

In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight there are some twenty branches most of which meet in village or church halls on a monthly basis. Here in Portsmouth we are fortunate to be able to use the facilities offered by the University which provides the Society with a lecture theatre which is greatly appreciated by our lecturers.

Being associated with a national organisation allows us to choose from a vast range of subjects delivered by lecturers who are expert in their field.

It is not unusual to find that we are being addressed by a television personality.

The range of subjects we can choose is vast, ranging from Silk Weavers in Spitalfields, Japanese Art, to the life and times of Rupert Bear!

Surely something for everyone!

So come along and be entertained and at the same time learn something new!

Contact Philip Hill: 07793200931

ZEN MEDITATION IN SOUTHSEA

“Just avoid picking and choosing”

The mind has a mind-of-its-own, and leads us in a merry dance, tugging us all over the place. Zen meditation helps us to tame it.

The principles of Zen Buddhism can be easily expressed in a few simple sentences.

• Avoid picking and choosing (“I want this, I don’t want that”).

• Focus your mind in the present moment (not regretting yesterday, anxious for tomorrow).

• Give yourself wholeheartedly into what at this moment is being done (not half-heartedly, whilst watching TV, and eating and talking).

• Let go of annoyances, anxieties, strong feelings (feel, but don’t cling to the feeling).

• Be less opinionated and judgemental (“I am always right”).

• Have an attitude of acceptance (don’t rebel against reality, especially change, and death).

• You have everything you need within you (but it is obscured by all the above).

We can train the mind to be more detached, less judgemental, calmer, more accepting, happier with what we have got. But it takes a lifetime of disciplined concentration.

Inside, you are a perfect Buddha, and you are perfectly happy. The trouble is that you have to clear

your picky, opinionated, anxious, jumpy mind and your selfish attitudes out of the way in order to discover the Buddha within.

We call it “being out of the way” and it is enlightenment. Enlightenment is appreciating the suchness of things as they are, stripped of our attitudes and judgements and anxieties and preferences. It is just being intensely alive, in the present moment. Simples! This practice also has a great side-effect as a bonus.

As you become less judgemental and less self-focused, you become kinder, and everybody benefits.

Our friendly Zen meditation group meets at 6.30 on Monday evenings at John Pounds Unitarian church in High Street, Old Portsmouth. Everyone is welcome. Please come and join us. We have been meeting online during COVID, but from the 3rd of October in John Pounds we shall be gathering together again face to face and enjoying each other’s company.

The meetings usually take the form of 30 to 40 minutes of discussion, followed by a little chanting and two twenty-five minute meditations. Instruction will be given and questions answered, as best we can. We expect a small donation to cover the costs of room hire. I look forward to seeing you there. group: Portsmouth Zen www.westernchanfellowship.org

Southsea LIFESTYLE

Carpet Cavern is a new carpet and flooring store run by JDS Carpets ltd.

20 years experience in the trade

and professionally fitted or just supplied and locally delivered, we have something for everyone from budget ranges to the high end Rolls Royce of ranges! Come to see and feel the materials for yourself in store. Our products are not just good value, they are guaranteed and come with great

well

bargain price roll stock, remnants and rugs!

can help you with all your flooring needs. We have 100s of top branded carpets, vinyls and LVTs to order