Southsea Lifestyle December / January 2022/23

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR FROM THE TEAM AT CT MCCANN CONTRACTORS.

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

Charla Grant encourager, change maker, guide. Founder of the Grateful Hearts Club and the Grateful Arts Club

Kate Thompson is a Southsea writer with a passion for uncovering quirky human interest stories

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

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, work-shops, and other food events in Southsea

Southsea LIFESTYLE

We love our Christmas cover, designed by Lorna Apps-Woodland. Lorna also designed our Christmas cover in 2016, which almost feels like half a lifetime ago, after the two ‘lost years’ or more of COVID, and now this difficult year, with its various economic problems due to war and politics. The temptation is to either: (a) go for a news blackout, (b) become a bit depressed, (c) drink lots of cocktails and eat cake. I suppose the answer is somewhere in between, and as Charla Grant suggests (p.20), feeling connected to one another and nurturing a sense of belonging ‘is fundamental to our wellbeing and happiness’. And if you are going to drink cocktails it’s probably a good idea to eat something nourishing on the side, see Daniel Nowland’s piece about party food (p.36).

Joe Moser has obviously found a sense of belonging in his wonderfully refurbished home, filled with colour and light (p.22). You can see more of Joe and Simon’s fabulous home on our website www.southsealifestyle.com , where you can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

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 February/March edition. email: info@southsealifestyle.com

Santa Claus has come to town and found lots of gift ideas at alice and ivy, the beautique in the heart of Southsea. From stocking fillers and Secret Santa to statement gifts, alice and ivy has you covered. We chatted to the team about their top gifting ideas for Christmas this year.

alice and ivy

product for only £38) or a gift voucher for a deluxe facial, making the perfect present.

shape and tint or a lash lift with Keeley, a relaxing facial with Emma or, creating that Christmas party look with a 45 minute make up session (costing £30 – which is redeemable against any products you buy!), you’ll look and feel fantastic.

Keeley loves the Lola’s Apothecary range which is perfect for someone that likes to pamper themselves and create a luxury ‘home spa’ experience. The range includes a decadent bath and shower oil, body polish and a delicious body souffle to finish.

For Emma, the gift of great skin is top of her list, with an exclusive gift set from skinSense (over £100 worth of

The Sixton London makeup bags, made from recycled velvet or nylon and featuring their signature jewelled pin are Natalie’s go-to gift. They’re perfect for storing the wonderful make-up products also available in store.

With a curated range of gifts under £20, this is just a small selection of what’s on offer at this wonderful beautique. All purchases can be gift-wrapped, so all you need to do is deliver them. And if you can’t decide what to buy, they also do gift vouchers which can be redeemed against products and treatments.

alice and ivy also has YOU covered for the party season! Come in, to get yourself party ready! From a brow

They’re open every day in December up until Christmas Eve, so pop in and try their incredible range of products and presents for yourself.

For more information or to book, call 07597 456636 or send a DM on Facebook or Instagram.

7 Marmion Road, Southsea PO5 2AT

COAST TO KITCHEN

Olive & Fran is a family run, independent business, born in the heart of Southsea. Concerned about the unnecessary chemicals and packaging associated with everyday skincare products, we sought to create a range of luxury products which reduce, and in most cases, eliminate harmful ingredients entirely.

Better for your skin, and for the planet. Launched in the summer of 2021 with our Signature hand cleansing spray, we have continued to formulate and grow our skin care range with many more exciting products in the pipe line.

Are you ready for natural?

Follow our journey socials: Oliveandfran_southsea www.oliveandfran.co.uk

WHICH WAY IS UP

Ilike to have stats and figures to illustrate my articles, especially when so much is so uncertain in the housing market, but frankly, at the moment I don’t know which ones to rely on, with so many contrary indicators and information. It’s hard to tell which way is up and which way is down, but I can tell you, with some conviction, where the ground is.

Driving down the A27 from Chichester to Portsmouth and the M27 to Southampton, the amount of new homes that are being built, or have been built, is phenomenal. None of the new homes seem to be struggling to sell, which highlights not just the shortage of housing stock, but the need for more homes to be built across the south east.

if you don’t fancy walking, they’ll be a bus along shortly, or if you feeling adventurous, take a scooter or an electric bike. Ferry links to Europe, trains, coach stations and airports are all close to hand. Contrast this convenience with living in the middle of the countryside or small town, where everything is a car journey away and buses are non-existent, we’re well positioned to be one of the best parts of that megalopolis.

I think Portsmouth could be at the heart of any future development

My geography teacher, predicted back in the late eighties, that a time would come, when from Chichester to Southampton, the different settlements would eventually be linked by housing developments, forming a megalopolis along the length of the south coast. It was a concept I found hard to believe at the time, but It’s something that’s happening, the signs are palpable, and I think we have to embrace and plan for it.

I think Portsmouth could be at the heart of any future development, because of all the things that make our island city such a popular place to live, which we possibly take for granted. For example, most amenities are within a reasonable walking distance on the Island, and

It's this popularity that perpetuates our housing market and means there are always deals to be done no matter what is going on in the economy. Yes, recent weeks did create a lot of uncertainty as the country held its breath waiting to see what would happen next, but I’d like to think we’re through that now, and although there have been some shifts in the housing market, people are still keen to move, and they are being realistic about their asking prices, so it’s not all bad news.

Regrettably press and media outlets seem focused on bad news stories, rather than looking for good news stories. One of the other great things about living in our island city is that there is a strong community spirit. And while some of us might be worried about getting the best price for our house, there are others who are worried about their energy bills, or even finding shelter for the night. So as we look forward to Christmas, let us also think of those who need our help and support right now, from food bank donations to a kind word, we can all make ourselves be part of something better.

Neil Maxwell

STANLEY STREET, SOUTHSEA -

£375,000

• Charming Victorian cottage located in an enviable central Southsea setting within the Stanley Street conservation area No.1.

• Its own double gated entrance leading to a delightful, landscaped garden with raised patio terrace and secure ‘off-street’ parking.

• Impressive 17ft x 13ft living/dining room with cosy snug and 14’ kitchen/breakfast room to the ground floor together with two bedrooms and shower room. EPC Rating D

QUEENS GROVE, SOUTHSEA -

£625,000

• Three bedroom house situated in one of Southsea’s much requested residential locations just around the corner from the main shopping precinct at Palmerston Road.

• Luxuriously renovated kitchen and bathroom plus useful loft room.

• To the rear of the property there is a neat and tidy westerly facing garden with lawn, patio and rear pedestrian access. EPC Rating D

PELHAM ROAD, SOUTHSEA - £588,000

• Fabulous Victorian residence situated in one of Southsea’s highly requested conservation areas just north of the main shopping precinct and within a short walk of the seafront making this the perfect family home.

• Spanning over 1,500 sq.ft (144.1 sq.m) over three floors, the well-presented interior provides four double bedrooms over two floors, plus two bath/shower rooms.

• Rear garden has been beautifully landscaped and features a 2-tier paved patio, artificial lawn, al-fresco dining terrace and useful rear gate access. EPC Rating D

Hello again! It’s that time of year where we’re bombarded with Black Friday and Christmas sales adverts, mostly for the online giants — so what better opportunity to keep reminding you how many wonderful places to buy local there are this Christmas?

The Bookish Mindset set out to hand-pick incredible reads for its subscribers, and throughout the last year has achieved that and more! Supporting Pigeon Books in her venture, owner Nikki has taken great pride in starting this brand new book subscription service. Boxes contain a new book each month, two gifts from other small businesses and always a tea. Books and gifts are from diverse authors and business owners in a bid to help you diversify your bookshelf.

We’ve been working alongside Nikki for a while now, and she’s been an avid supporter of the shop since the beginning. Make sure to include her boxes on your gift lists!

We’ve got plenty of new release titles in already, with many more on the way — and as always, we’ll always do our best to get hold of anything we don’t already have, so make sure to ask!

We’re also looking ahead to the new year — with some book launches and events from both local authors and some potentially exciting famous faces to come as well…

If you’re stuck for gift inspiration for that tricky-to-buyfor reader in your life, why not a regular book subscription box?

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LET’S TALK ABOUT PROBATE

Are you worried about how to manage a deceased loved ones estate? Not sure what probate involves? Find out more in this article….

The death of a relative or loved one is already a difficult time for families without the added burden of the stress often involved in the handling of an associated property. Sympathetic guidance and advice from professionals can make the process more bearable. Nesbits are here to help.

In some cases the obtaining of three “Market Appraisals” will be sufficient to arrive at a professional Probate value. However, and specifically where Inheritance/Capital Gains Tax is a factor, the accepted proper procedure is to commission a formal assessment of the property. Nesbits are here to help.

in those cases involving possible HMRC scrutiny – a “Red Book” valuation. This is a service called upon by many local and other solicitors, together with trustees and family executors. Similar reports are available for Family Division and other purposes. Nesbits are here to help.

Probate is the legal and financial processes involved in dealing with the property, money and possessions of a person who has died.

Are all Agents able to supply a compliant Probate valuation? No, only those with the appropriate professional accreditation are equipped to do so. Nesbits, as a result of their membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), are qualified to supply the grade of report needed

Through Nesbits Auctions Ltd, we can also value (and sell where appropriate) a property’s contents for Probate purposes, whilst contacts with allied trades enable us to assist with security, cleaning, garden tidying and full clearance where needed – a “one-step” service tailored to freeing executors and family from unnecessary time and effort. Nesbits are here to help.

If you’re going through this difficult process, Nesbits, long-standing team are on hand to give you professional advice. In addition, if you would like a probate valuation, Nesbits are here to help.

BELONGING

As I sit here and write this, I think about everything that happened in 2022. Joy, sorrow, anger, excitement —- such a mixture of emotions. Another year that felt like it was sent to test us in many ways, but one where we were reminded of our strength, kindness and creativity as a city.

connected we feel to one another so important. We all share this primal sense of belonging — a feeling that is fundamental to our wellbeing and happiness.

So, how do we belong?

In our own worlds belonging to ourselves feels like a very good place to start. It seems like all my work with gratitude and joy has led me back to how well we connect with ourselves. I read somewhere that ‘our connection to others will only be as deep as the connection to ourselves’ a thought I often reflect on. It makes me realise how truly understanding ourselves is the key to creating deeper connections with others. To help with this can you pause to check in with yourself and how you are really feeling? Work on how you communicate that more clearly?

In our community helping someone feel seen is one of the biggest gifts that you can give. I wonder if we all worked a little harder at really seeing and listening to those who cross our paths, what could we learn? Could it help us understand each other a little better? Help us feel even more connected and strengthen our community? The extra time and care you give could make such a difference to someone’s day and that kindness only makes our city a better place.

I think about all the people I’ve been lucky enough to connect with through The Grateful Arts Club. As a new community interest company I’ve had a front row seat to just how many people there are all doing such great work in our city. From charities and CICs, to the businesses supporting them and all the people giving what they can to Go-Fund-Me projects, food banks and independent businesses.

There is so much goodness happening all around us and it is a joy to belong here. I can’t help but feel like life will continue to test us in 2023 which makes how well we come together in times of crisis and how

@nattysjerk gifting their time and donating the their takings to Motiv8

Find out more about creating a deeper connection to yourself and others over @thegratefulheartsclub

Charla Grant

Lucie @futher.earth and Myles @homwuk donating their skills to support @thegratefulartsclub JOY JAM exhibition

GET THE LOOK

Whether you are a fledgling business, or a company that’s been around for years, a ‘good look’ will give you an advantage over your competitors.

Salad Publishing Ltd has been designing and publishing Southsea Lifestyle magazine for 17 years and we understand the importance of great branding for a great business. We also understand the importance of affordability and meeting deadlines.

If you’d like to know how we can help you GET THE LOOK at rates you can afford contact: zirrinia@saladpublishing.co.uk

THE PLEASURE IS IN THE DETAIL

Having seen so many of the beautiful Southsea homes that he has enhanced with his keen eye for design, when the opportunity came forward to visit Joe Moser’s home, the response was always going to be: YES PLEASE…

Not surprisingly, the genius behind Southsea’s Design Team Studios admitted to being a little cautious when it came to opening the doors to his own home. In theory you can understand his anxiety — it is his personal space after all… But the reality is that his home is the ultimate expression of his craft.

Most recently a grubby student let on the back of a large historic property in the Owens Conservation area, Joe’s home now enjoys garden space on two sides along with a secluded inner courtyard. He explained the idea behind the design.

“It wasn’t to be sold so it was not about fitting in the maximum number of bedrooms and baths to suit the market. Instead, it was designed for my husband Simon and I with flexibility in mind.

“We wanted to create a space that would suit several requirements and be easily adaptable for visiting guests, working from home, and most importantly, a beautiful place to call home,” he said.

When it came to use of colour, attention to detail, mastery of texture, and the ability to create a welcoming and comfortable ambiance — there is a giant tick in every box. Years of experience working as an architect has been channelled into the design of a space that is both practical and adventurous.

The main accommodation is a sweeping, open plan lounge with a cosy log burner, dining, and garden room with Crittall doors that lead to a traditional kitchen with French influences, loads of light, and bold colours.

The principal bedroom, dressing room, and ensuite are hidden behind a pocket door set within a bookcase.

Confidence with the space meant Joe was happy to knock bits down here, while adding

Words: Kate Thompson. Photos: Portico Marketing.

walls elsewhere. Load bearing industrial looking beams are celebrated rather than covered and quirky, joyful additions make his home a feast for the eyes.

A separate accommodation is found through a big movable wall panel which reveals a boathouse-inspired retreat complete with its own kitchen, hidden sleeping loft, and massive sunken bath and shower room formed in stone and marble.

The sort of advice you can imagine him giving his clients when it comes to being daring, he has clearly followed to the tee. The living space flows around a central courtyard area. This was the starting point for the whole project and contains plants discovered on their travels and others that evoke childhood memories.

“I always say to clients that they should trust their own instincts about what they want their

home to be and what it needs to do for them. Don’t be guided by the real estate market or what you think you should do.

“Experiment and try new things — even if you end up not liking the finished result, it won’t be so tragic.

“You can always paint over it or start again,” he said.

Sitting chatting over a mug of tea, you are immediately aware that every direction in which you glance is captivating.

The home he shares with Simon offers the perfect backdrop for a wealth of antiques and collectables that illustrate a life well lived and a love of art and curiosities.

Small and perfectly formed, the property’s layout is intriguing. Every inch is accounted

for and Joe has clearly relished the opportunity to make his mark in the most stylish way possible.

When Joe and I started talking about lighting, I must admit I was quietly pleased with myself when he agreed that it is probably the most important element when it comes to making a comfortable space — and sadly, all too often overlooked.

“Lighting is so important. It makes a real difference to how you feel within a space and whether the experience is enjoyable or not.

“I use a lot of LED lighting and like to ensure you see the effect of the light but not necessarily the light itself,” he explained.

The house is full of clever hidden details that make the most of every bit of space and exploit the carefully chosen materials which include natural stone, marble, polished

concrete, timber cladding, and mirror. One detail that positively delights is the addition of mirror panels around the windows to accentuate the light and create an eyecatching diversion.

Having taken many years to complete his home, Joe is finally content that the work is now done and quick to thank those that have made his dream a reality.

“First off for the major extension and groundworks was Nick Dorrington and his crew from Pompey Homes.

“Later came Tom Fricker and TWF Building Services and the final finishing work was done by JBT Renovations.

“The heart and soul of this project has been the materials and the craftsmanship,“ he said.

CREATIVITY IN 2023

2023 promises to be an exciting year at The Omega Art School.”We are planning two new beginners courses to run alongside the seven existing classes. It means we can nurture everyone from complete beginners, who may not have practised art since their school days, to begin producing work they never believed possible, to students who may have studied art at A’ level, or degree level, who want to take their work to the next stage in their development,” said Kevin Dean who founded the school in 2020, after many years of teaching part-time in various art colleges around the UK.

“So far, we have five artist/tutors who work across the courses, each offer different skills and specialties.

Next year we hope to introduce additional tutors, ideas and techniques to our students.

“Adult art education can be taught very badly, with lots of gimmicks, or hours spent copying photographs. Instead, although we have lots of fun, we treat the subject seriously. The classes often begin with a short lecture, followed by critiques and personal feedback.

“We also believe creativity should be available to all, which is why we offer generous concessions and payment plans.’

If you would like to become more creative in 2023, email omegaartschool@gmail.com for full details, or sign up for our free taster session on Tuesday 13th December. We will be holding two short classes, one at 2pm & another at 6.30pm

QUOTES FROM OUR CURRENT STUDENTS

Omega Art School has given me the confidence and focus to pursue my lifelong interest in art & design. I’ve learnt so much, from perspective and tonal drawing, to watercolour, acrylics, print making and collage. The teachers are professionals and their patience, skill, and kindness have been invaluable.

Really enjoying the art lessons — I’m learning loads - thank you to you all for running this — much appreciated.

Kerry McPhail

The classes are taught in a friendly and non-judgemental environment. The tutors are very professional and they encourage us to develop our ideas fully. All levels are catered for and we all learn at our own pace. I've met a great group of like-minded people and gained enough confidence to exhibit and sell my work.

Louise Roulston

Wendy Whitaker

SHOP LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

Independent traders tell us that they have received enormous support from shoppers over the past few months. With your continued custom this could be their best Christmas yet — and give all our wonderful retailers the financial security they need to enter the new year. Here are a few ideas for your Christmas shopping.

OLIVE & FRAN Natural skincare range, made right here in Portsmouth. oliveandfran.co.uk

15 Marmion Road, Southsea www.barbaratipple.co.uk

COASTAL REMEDY ‘Vent For Change’ Sustainable stationary. Prices start from £8.99

13 Marmion Road, Southsea www.coastalremedy.co.uk

CHARLOTTE CORNELIUS JEWELLERY

Salt & pepper diamonds — distinctive, wild, and natural! 9ct yellow gold solitaire ring, tapered shank with 9ct white gold rubover set 4mm (0.25ct) salt and pepper diamond. Jubilee Hallmark. Size P can be resized. £1090. 87a Marmion Road, Southsea charlottecornelius.co.uk

BARBARA TIPPLE JEWELLERS Diamond Silver Cuff

WHITE DOG GALLERY

We’re loving these super cute ceramics! They include a variety of humorous, whimsical animals and all are hand finished and presented in a plasticfree gift box. Choose from salt and pepper shakers, egg cups, money boxes, trinket trays, and more. 11 Stanley Street, Southsea www.whitedoggallery.co.uk

SOUTHSEA BATHING HUT

Mini Spa Gift Set £33

Available in Floral or Citrus scent blends southseabathinghut.co.uk

SEEDED

RETAIL LTD Docrafts Simply Make

Christmas Angel Kit £5.95 5 Clarendon Road, Southsea www.seeded.com

DESIGN HOUSE SOUTHSEA Ceramic Christmas tree night lights Range from £11.50, £16.50, £19.50 55-57 Marmion Road, Southsea designhousesouthsea.co.uk

ALICE AND IVY BEAUTIQUE Luxury aromatherapy candles from Lola's Apothecary (£46)

7 Marmion Road, Southsea @aliceandivysouthsea

RE-INVENTING THE CHARITY SHOP

Buying secondhand or pre-loved goods for yourself, or as Christmas presents, may be something you have never considered before, but at Sam’s Place we are trying to re-invent the concept of charity shops. And it couldn’t come at a better time, as so many of us are reconsidering our shopping habits. Not only do we need to use less of the world’s resources in manufacturing and buying endless clothes and other products that inevitably end up in land fill, but many of us are experiencing a significant squeeze due to the cost of living.

With this in mind we have put aside some lovely seasonal clothes for you to come and see, and possibly try on… For example, you might be looking for a glitzy number for a Christmas party, a special outfit for Christmas day, or how about a beautiful warm coat, with matching scarf and gloves? We have them all, and at a fraction of their original cost. Although the men’s clothes are tucked around the corner of the shop, we have some good quality jackets, shoes and knitwear for you to discover.

We have also identified some super stocking fillers, and even if there is someone in your life who appears to have everything, we may have the perfect gift. Plus we have Christmas cards and

decorations aplenty. We also thought we’d try a couple of promotions… guess the theme of our shop window display in a prize draw, and win a bottle of Proseco. If you have been admiring the amazing green jacket and waistcoat in our window, it’s not to be sold until after Christmas, but if you’d like to make a bid for it, the highest bidder will be able to purchase it in the new year. We also have a lot of china and bric-a-brac that we can’t sell or recycle — if any group or individual is interested, please get in touch.

Of course, another important reason to shop with us is to continue to support the Portsmouth branch of the Samaritans in its vital work and thanks to all our volunteers, customers, and donors we are doing really well. Looking ahead to 2023 we are always interested in recruiting more volunteers, and if after all the festivities you decide upon a spring clean, don’t forget we’d be delighted to receive your donations.

We are open until 1pm on Saturday 24th December, re-opening on Tuesday 3rd January 2023.

Sam’s Place 6 Grove Road South, Southsea PO5 3QT 023 9282 1199 www.samsplace.org.uk Samaritans national helpline 116 123

Anne Yendell manager of Sam’s Place talks about the shop’s plans for Christmas

CHRISTMAS PARTY FOOD

Words: Daniel Nowland

For me, like many others, the highlight of Christmas and New Year is largely about the food and drink (and of course seeing ALL the family!?)

Christmas dinner is of course the main event, but I’ve decided to talk about the socialising and party food that builds up to Christmas and fills that strange void between Christmas and New Year.

Whether you have two friends over for the evening, or twenty friends over, it is always great to lay on some tasty treats. A glass of wine or two always feels more special when it’s paired with food, and in some countries such as Spain and Italy, you would probably be considered an alcoholic if you didn’t have something edible on the side!

Whenever I hear the word ‘canapes’, I instantly think of small beige vol-auvents, which when I worked at a pub in my teenage years we used to fill with some tinned creamed mushrooms, top with curly parsley and consider the job done. In my business we have to work harder now to please our clients and make sure that our canapes are colourful and tasty. They should be a feast for your eyes as much as your mouth, but do not need to be difficult or too fiddly.

I would love to share with you some of my favourite canape ideas, some of which feature as part of the deli’s catering menu, and some are just my favourite home go-to’s.

S Use leftover stale bread as the base for various toppings. Good sourdough, lightly toasted and dried, can be delicious when topped with things such as hummus, roasted vegetables and chilli jam, or a small slice of a really good cheese and a little chutney or pickled vegetable.

S Bring back your favourite childhood food in a more classy format! I personally love a good cheese and pineapple stick, but I use fresh crunchy pineapple, and good strong Westcombe cheddar. The combination is a winner. Other great combos include a chunky fish finger portion topped with fresh tartare sauce, or quality meatballs with a spicy tomato sauce to dip them in.

S Source some quality cured meats and cheeses and allow guests to tuck in. Generally these foods go really well with wines, as the fat from the cheese or cured meat coats your mouth, and changes the

experience of the wine. Plus the salty flavours go so well with alcohol.

S Cured meats are an absolute favourite as they are, but have you ever tried them crispy? I like to lay a layer of salami on a baking tray, bake on a low heat for 20 min or so, and then serve it crispy with whipped ricotta on top of crostinis.

S Lastly, if you want to feed friends and soak up some booze while not spending too much, who doesn’t love a mountain of crispy roast potatoes? Stick with me here! Cooking mini roast potatoes is great for a drinks party. You can prep them in the day, and finish them in the oven as guests arrive. Sprinkle with salt flakes, lemon juice and fresh herbs, and swap out your gravy for thick garlic mayonnaise! It’s a winner.

We welcome you to our next series of lectures on Tuesdays. 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:

13th December 2022 by Caroline Walker — Discovering MacDonald Gill: Architect, artist and mapmaker. MacDonald ‘Max’ Gill (1884-1947) was an architect, letterer, mural painter and graphic artist of the first half of the twentieth century, best known for his pioneering pictorial poster maps including the whimsical Wonderground Map of London Town. Caroline Walker is the great-niece of MacDonald Gill, and has been researching his life and work since 2006. She is an accredited lecturer for The Arts Society.

10th Januar y 2023 by Peter Medhurst

When Mozar t was in London in1765 the newspapers repor ted that for 2/6d the public could hear him play at the Swan and Hoop, Cornhill on a harpsichord and upon it a handkerchief without seeing the keys He was just nine years old at the time Never before had there been a musical prodigy of such lasting genius and promise. A welcome return to Peter who appears in the UK and abroad as a musician & scholar, giving recitals and delivering illustrated lectures on music and the arts.

14th February 2023 by Charles Harris “Taken by Surprise” Revolution in the Art of the Poster. You’ve been Tangoed, compared to an opera singer & Meerkittened all over the media. But where did all this begin? Who started it? How did they do it? In this presentation you will go behind the scenes with the first Mad Men not airy fairy ad guys, but serious fine artists. Delivered by a lecturer who successfully made this his own profession. Charles has spent a life long career in advertising.

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

CARING FOR EVERYONE

“W

e like to think we are part of the caring community, alongside the medical profession or emergency services. After all, once we have taken a loved one into our care, we do our utmost to help and guide the bereaved, at what is often the most upsetting time in their lives,” explained Paul Lee-Bapty, managing director of the family-owned, South Downs Funeral Service and the owner of Mayfields Funeral Home. Mayfields has a long history in Southsea, opening in the early 1990s, in Elm Grove, where it is to this day. “Rowan and Lucy are the Mayfield directors. We take great pride in providing a very personal service, which means that our clients will see the same director at every stage, from the first point of contact to the funeral itself, or afterwards, when people often take comfort in coming into Mayfields for a chat — Rowan and Lucy are always on hand.”

“We also run coffee mornings the first Wednesday of each month,” explained Lucy, “When anyone from the community, regardless of whether they are bereaved or not, are very welcome to join us.”

“At a time when many funeral homes are owned by large corporations, offering a standard, often impersonal service, we seek to be flexible and compassionate,” said Rowan. “This might mean making the funeral as affordable and dignified as possible. Or perhaps the deceased had a particular interest, or passion, and rather than use a hearse the family have requested we use a motorbike and sidecar, or on one occasion a speedboat. Ultimately, it’s all about caring for everyone concerned and making arrangements that give comfort and support,” said Paul.

Southsea Lifestyle talks to Mayfields Funeral Home

Mayfield directors, Lucy and Rowan