Southsea Lifestyle February / March 2023

February / March 2023

Southsea LIFESTYLE

YOUR INDISPENS ABLE GUIDE T O SOUTHSEA LIVING

2013 2013

BOGNOR RUGBY CLUB NEW DEVELOPMENT

Irecently saw the first snowdrops of the year, along with catkins and daffodils. Brilliant, I thought, the first signs of spring, but it seems I’m being impatient, because according to the Met Office, astronomically speaking, looking at the earth’s rotational spin, spring doesn’t start until the 20th of March. If you’d like your spring a bit earlier, you can use the meteorological calendar, based on the temperature cycle, and start putting a spring in your step from 1st March. Whichever date you prefer, in this issue Neil Maxwell is looking forward to green shoots in the housing market (p.12). While the charity Read Easy is keen to give adults with reading difficulties a fresh start, and to help improve their reading skills (p.25). On p.18 in Welcome Home, a Southsea house undergoes a transformation and lets in the light. Maybe that’s what we are all looking for as we contemplate spring, more light, more sunshine and more warmth — I can’t wait, whatever day it arrives.

Kevin John Dean

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

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 April/May edition. email: info@southsealifestyle.com www.southsealifestyle.com

Are you ready for natural?

Follow our journey socials: Oliveandfran_southsea

www.oliveandfran.co.uk

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.

HOLIDAY HOME TO LET IN FRANCE

Sleeps 2 - 5 • Light and spacious

Comfortable and well-equipped • Free WiFi/ internet Large enclosed garden • Off-street parking

LOCATION:

Next to golf course with bar/restaurant. Others sports, recreational facilities and municipal swimming pools nearby.

In friendly, rural village with restaurant and farm shop

Nearest town (Vasles) 4kms

30mins Poitiers • 45mins Futuroscope • 75mins La Rochelle

Contact for further information and photos / make a booking: Daphne - 07866 404701

NEW SEASON NEWNESS

alice and ivy, the beautique right in the heart of Southsea is a sanctuary for skincare, makeup and well being. And we’ve got some super new season treats for you!

NEW TREATMENTS

Expanding our treatment range is something we’re passionate about and we’re excited to showcase two new treatments to add to our current menu.

If you want fuller brows then brow lamination is the treatment for you.

NEW PRODUCTS

We’re always on the hunt for new products so we’re excited to be expanding our existing Jane Iredale range with their new brow products (which are a-mazing!) and a new ceremide skincare range from skinSense (if you haven’t tried their range you’re missing out).

We’re also now offering LED light therapy — either as a stand alone treatment or as an add-on to a facial. LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that reduces redness and acne breakouts, boosts skin rejuvenation and radiance as well as plumping skin and reducing wrinkles.

To celebrate the launch of these treatments we are offering a discount of 20% on all brow lamination treatments in February and March 2023. We’ll also include a complimentary LED treatment with every facial until 31 March 2023. To book just contact us.

NEW STYLE SEASON EVENTS

Our Style Evenings are a lovely relaxed way to spend the evening hearing about style and make up trends all in the relaxing atmosphere of our shop on Marmion Road. Our Spring/Summer ’23 evenings are running on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March. We will be joined by super stylist Vicky Booker to update us on all things fashion and style for the coming season plus, as always, the alice & ivy team will share their top skincare and makeup tips! Tickets are £25 and available in store or by telephoning us on 07597 456636.

New season. New loveliness. New you! So come in and see us to try something new.

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

7 Marmion Road, Southsea PO5 2AT

A GREEN 2023?

Neil Maxwell

Housing activity for the first quarter of the year, looks promising, we’re seeing a whole panoply of buyers being active in the market place, and we’ve also had some brilliant new property instructions come to the market since the beginning of December, and through January. With reports that there are some three million homeowners and investors with discounted mortgages set to expire in March, this may affect consumer confidence and have an impact on the market. Recent interest rate rises have had a cooling effect on house sales, but they haven’t killed them off by any means.

November saw one of the lowest mortgage lending months across the country, with only 49,000 mortgage completions, but off the back of the political and financial turmoil, that’s not a huge surprise. It’s completely untrue to say we’ve seen a crash in the market, at least in our areas of operation, despite media reports — the reality is actually looking very positive.

For those of us watching our smart meters and energy consumption during the cold snap, we

recently sold our first Victorian house in which the owner had installed an air source heat pump. With gas boilers scheduled to be phased out in coming years, air source heat pumps represent a sensible alternative for the environment, and this large semi-detached house managed to achieve an energy performance rating of B, which is incredible, given its age and size.

Other clients with Photovoltaic panels supplying charge to power banks report great results, with some clients only paying a standing charge for their electrical supply for the year, and another client on one of the original solar tariffs, gets a regular cheque for his input to the national grid.

Investing in these green technologies isn’t cheap, but if your intention is to stay in your home in the long-term, then they should pay for themselves in due course. There will come a time when these will be the normal features in housing rather than a rarity, which has to be a good thing I’d say.

With the green shoots of spring just around the corner, let’s hope that 2023 is fruitful for us all.

SHIRLEY ROAD, SOUTHSEA - £799,995

• A simply stunning, five bedroom, family residence situated in a highly requested Southsea location overlooking small parkland and within a short walk of Albert Road and Palmerston Road shopping facilities.

• With almost 2,500 sq.ft (231.3 sq.m) of internal accommodation and tastefully modernised throughout, you will be impressed with the space and quality of the accommodation, which features a superb 24’10 x 14’5 open plan kitchen/breakfast/family room complete with integrated appliances. Stylish fitted master bedroom plus a beautiful family bathroom with oval bath tub and walk-in shower.

• We strongly recommend your earliest viewing to avoid disappointment. EPC Rating D

BROAD ST, OLD PORTSMOUTH OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £550,000

• A rare opportunity to purchase a modern, three bedroom end of terrace town house in a much requested and advantageous location of Old Portsmouth.

• Vacant and ready for refurbishment with kitchen, cloakroom and bathrooms having been removed, provides the opportunity for the next owner to complete an exciting renovation project.

• Including integral garage and small terrace on the ground floor with views over The Camber. EPC Rating TBC.

GLEAVE CLOSE, SOUTHSEA - £650,000

• A truly outstanding four bedroom, five-year old link detached family home situated in a small cul-de-sac location close to Langstone Harbour foreshore.

• With over 1,600 sq. Ft (156 sq. m) of internal accommodation spanning three floors, you will be pleasantly surprised how much space the house provides and presents itself superbly throughout.

• A Stunning 60ft x 35ft south facing landscaped rear garden with granite paving, artificial lawn, raised railway sleeper flower beds, pergola and shed. This property also has a driveway leading to a single garage with lofted storage and door leading to the garden. EPC Rating B

THE GOODS YARD

Reclamation Yard & Designer Showroom

Floorboards, Victorian pine doors, joists, fireplaces, antique furniture

POWDER COATING SERVICE - gates, railings, radiators etc.

We buy & sell antique furniture

On-site parking

GOLDSMITH AVENUE, FRATTON, PORTSMOUTH P04 OBT

Open 8-4 Mon-Sat M: 07503 146108

www.the-strip-joint-and-the-goods-yard.business.site

HOW DID YOU GET INTO ESTATE AGENCY?

At an early stage in my working life, my father, Douglas Nesbit, introduced me to the industry through his professional work and also during site visits which I very much enjoyed. Working alongside him ignited my passion so it was a natural progression to take over the firm when he retired. I have not looked back since!

YOU’VE BEEN TRADING FOR OVER 100 YEARS NOW. HOW DID NESBITS START?

Thank you! I am very proud that the family business has achieved this. We are in our 102nd year now which is quite something! Nesbits was founded by my father, Douglas Nesbit, who had links to Portsmouth. He purchased a local firm in 1927 which had started in 1921. It has been very rewarding being part of the business community. I was recently awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for my charitable work which was a wonderful surprise for the New Year.

WHAT MAKES NESBITS A SURVIVOR IN A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKET?

Our firm has built a reputation for professionalism, integrity and honesty. We’ve worked hard to develop our collective knowledge and experience which, in my opinion, is unrivalled.

We are an independent business and operate under the strict rules of conduct of RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).

WHAT HAS INFLUENCED ESTATE AGENCY THE MOST IN YOUR CAREER?

I would say the growth of the internet and mobile phones affecting how we communicate with clients. Gone are the days of the post in the world of business! Communication is instant, which has shaped our business to operate completely differently from the days before the World Wide Web.

FINALLY, IF YOU HAD A CRYSTAL BALL, WHERE DO YOU SEE THE HOUSING MARKET GOING THIS YEAR?

A question on the minds of all Estate Agents no doubt! In my opinion, property ownership will continue to be an outstanding investment. Everything we do in the UK arises from the use or ownership of land and property. Yes, there are exceptional circumstances currently affecting the market such as lack of confidence for the immediate future, the cost of living/energy crisis, higher interest rates coupled with a shortage of property for sale. However, it is important to remember there always is a market for property, the skill is to know the correct level and obtaining proper advice is vital.

David Nesbit BEM FRICS FCIArb

BARBARA TIPPLE

Diamonds International Award winner 50th Anniversary

Barbara Tipple was awarded a Diamonds International Award (DIA) whilst she was a firstyear student at Hornsey art college. Winning this coveted award made the reputations of world class designers such as Andrew Grima. Giannni Versace also won it once.

Barbara went on to win the DIA in 1984, 1998 and 2004. She became the only woman in the United Kingdom to be awarded the Diamonds International Award Membership. The DIA was most prestigious and became known as the Oscars of Jewellery.

Established by De Beers in the early 1960s it ran biannually until 2004. Over 3000 designs were entered from all over the world. The first judging took place in London, Hong Kong and New York. 100 designs were chosen from each city and the finals took place in London where 30 designs were chosen to be made and became the DIA winners. Once made they were taken around the world on tour.

Initially, the judges were celebrities such as Walt Disney and movie stars. Soon, designer icons such as Alberto Alessi and Joyce Ma were introduced to the judging panel. The presentation of the Awards was always amazing. Barbara remembers in 1998 winning with a diamond necklace which was crafted by her husband David Ward. The presentation took place in the Garnier opera house in Paris. Each piece had a couture gown made by Dior, Lanvin, Vivienne Westwood and other luxurious brands. The event was truly glamourous. Television crews from across the

globe lined the circles of the opera house to capture the beauty and prestige within the atmosphere.

Throughout her career Barbara has been offered many prestigious design jobs but has always preferred to design her own work in her own way. Which has worked a treat for the multiple awardwinning jeweller. Barbara received an Honorary doctorate from the University of Portsmouth in 2011 and has had her work placed permanently on display in the jewellery gallery in the V&A museum. This felt as if she had come a full circle, as it was in the V&A that she was inspired to design jewellery after seeing an exhibition of contemporary jewellery. This monumental achievement acts as a humbling reminder of just how extraordinary Barbara’s journey has been and how much she has accomplished throughout her thriving career.

Barbara enjoys designing collections that anyone can own and cherish. They are just as original and artistic as her more complex pieces. Her work described by Lucia van der Post in the Financial Times as ‘strong and bold, almost monumental, with an almost primitive feeling counterpointed by the extremely high quality of the workmanship’.

Born in Gosport, Barbara has lived in Southsea for 45 years. Her career has taken her all around the world, but Southsea is always home.

“It has been my honour and pleasure to create jewellery intended to bring joy to people” –Barbara Tipple.

Diamonds International Award winning piece 1973

KEEPING THE LOVE IN OUR HOUSE…

Words: Kate Thompson. Photos: Millard Installations Ltd.

Like many couples, Paula and her husband Andy truly love their Southsea home, but there was one little niggle that stopped it being perfect.

“From the moment we saw it, we really loved it but there were issues with the layout.

“And the longer we lived here, the more we realised we weren’t making the most of the space,” explained Paula.

The dining room was, to all intents and purposes, a glorified corridor to the garden. It was only ever used for formal meals at Christmas or parties and the rest of the time it languished.

“When we contacted the architect Carl Leroy-Smith he got the brief immediately and understood what we wanted to do. He gave us a scheme that would mean the dining room was re-deployed in a way that worked for us as a family,” said Paula.

“He managed to keep the love in house by retaining features like the Victorian windows but at the same time, he made the space more usable and created our beautiful kitchen diner with a separate utility room.”

Engaging a builder to take on the project proved tricky — it seemed many weren’t keen to entertain taking on the project to sympathetically transform the Victorian terraced home.

“And then we found Darren Millard of Millard Installations Ltd and he was more than happy to help. I can’t speak more highly about Darren and his team — they were awesome,” said Paula.

When asked if she has any advice for others planning to take on a major building project at home, Paula conceded that she wished she had moved into an

Airbnb while some of the work was done.

“There’s no getting away from the fact that work like this creates a huge amount of dust Darren and his team were brilliant at clearing up after themselves, but it still got everywhere.

“If I were to do it again, I would definitely move out for a few days while the worst of the work was completed,” she said.

While others resort to mood boards or calling upon the services of an interior designer, Paula explained she has a more instinctive approach when it comes to the look and feel of the reconfigured space.

“We have got a bit of a chaotic colour scheme. My husband chose the colour of the cabinets, while I chose the Little Greene wallpaper and when I spotted the orange sofa in M&S I knew that would go perfectly.

“And then everything else fell into place,” she said. While the object of the exercise wasn’t to gain more room, rather to make the space work better for them, she was delighted with the outcome.

Paula added: “It’s not a huge kitchen but it is perfect. I love the sky window - (I am a great lover of clouds and love to gaze at them through it).

“We have pull-out cabinets and drawers instead of cupboards — it works so well for us,”

“Now we can have everybody in the same room, listening to music and having a chat and they can see all the cock-ups I am making in the kitchen.

“We have ended up with a beautiful kitchen/diner.”

MANGO WELLBEING – WIM HOF RETREATS

Southsea based company MANGO

Wellbeing loves to bring fresh ideas to town. Not only do MANGO offer Pilates classes, retreats, good mood food and meditation but their recent collaboration with licensed Wim Hof instructor, Dave Mott, introduced the famous ice man’s techniques to Southsea.

Mango Wellbeing have announced 2 new dates, Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd April and booking is now available via the website. Sally King, Cofounder, assures us that there will be more dates later in the year so stay tuned.

Memberships start a £9.99 for Mango Wellbeing TV and weekly Pilates classes take place at CourtX Southsea.

Last September Mango launched 2 days of ‘Breathe, Move, Freeze & Feed’ retreats.

Primary School Teacher, Jemma Hill, said ‘It was an extraordinary experience; I felt safe and cared for as I embraced the breathwork and mindfulness. With no pressure whatsoever, I faced my fears and managed 2 minutes in the ice bath. The wood fired Finnish sauna was a lovely well-deserved treat as was the fresh, nutritious food. It really was an incredible day.’

In 2023 Wim Hof Retreats will be back in Southsea.

www.mangowellbeing.com

Instagram @mangowellbeing

Mango Wim Hof Team

“Traditional values, Modern materials”

The Carpet Cavern is a new carpet and flooring store run by JDS Carpets ltd. With 20 years experience in the trade we can help you with all your flooring needs. We have 100s of top branded carpets, vinyls and LVTs to order as well as bargain price roll stock, remnants and rugs! Supplied 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 aftercare too!

48 Cromwell Road, Southsea PO4 9PN Tel: 07730653809

Winter Sale

READING BETWEEN THE LINES

Kate Thompson

It’s estimated that as many as 10,000 adults in Portsmouth could be struggling to read, according to the local branch of the charity Read Easy. This means they have difficulty with many day-to-day tasks such as shopping or using a mobile phone.

Read Easy Portsmouth was established in 2021 by Louise Bullivant and her husband Adrian. The retired couple contacted the charity during lockdown as they were keen to do something positive for the community.

“We were told they would love to have us as reading coaches but first of all we would need to establish a Portsmouth group.”

They have often got by for years relying on others but not being able to read can severely limit their prospects and their enjoyment of life.

Louise said: ”It’s only once you get involved with something like this that you realise the implications of not being able to read well. It restricts your life in so many ways.”

“Read Easy helped another reader who came to us with a menu from a well-known restaurant chain. For years he had got by ordering whatever his friends ordered. He would wait to hear somebody else say what they wanted and then order the same — he would never go first in case what he chose wasn’t on the menu and he looked foolish. His great desire was to be able to order what he wanted from the menu,” she said.

Learning on a one-to-one basis with a trained Read Easy volunteer gives adults the support they need to overcome issues with reading. The free course allows them to learn in a safe environment at their own pace.

“So that’s just what we did. We have set up a selfsupporting group with funding in place and a wonderful group of volunteers willing to help. They meet with our readers twice a week for 30 minute sessions using a phonics-based system designed for adults,” said Louise. "Often there is a reluctance among adults to admit they struggle with reading”, explained Louise.

“It can be a hidden problem. We have one reader in his late 60s who worked as a builder and relied on his wife to do all the paperwork. She looked after everything but now sadly she has developed dementia and he struggled to organise the right care and benefits for her — and that’s when he turned to us for help with his reading,” she said.

Read Easy find that people seek help at different stages of their life — it’s common when they become parents because they want to be able to read to their children.

Louise is keen to expand the service they offer “We have the volunteer coaches and resources in place to help many more readers in the Portsmouth area and we are keen to spread the word learning — to read changes lives“, she said.

You can find out more via the website https://readeasy.org.uk/groups/portsmouth/ and follow the local group on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ReadEasyPortsmouth/ Anyone who wishes to refer a reader can contact Read Easy on 07926 984697 or by emailing portsmouthcoordinator@readeasy.org.uk

IN GOOD HANDS

Artabelle Furniture is a small workshop specialising in furniture making, and restoration, based within the Paulsgrove Enterprise Centre in Portsmouth North

The owner, Mike Screen, has decades of antique restoration, furniture design and cabinet making experience, which makes his workshop the perfect “one-stop-shop” for all your furniture needs, antiques or modern. Working in joinery, metalwork, wood turning and upholstery, Mike is able to create bespoke pieces, or missing parts that can’t be sourced easily elsewhere.

Mike’s knowledge of furniture history is impressive and reassuring, his love of good design and quality will reassure you that you are in good hands. He will help you identify your auction finds and decide the best way to return them to their former glory, ensuring their value is increased in the process. Your family heirlooms will be lovingly restored, and you will be able to give your treasures a place of honour in your home, instead of

being left to gather dust in the spare room, or garage.

If you are looking to buy furniture, a new bigger workshop has also enabled this small company to display and sell some beautiful mid-century designer pieces.

Attractive, functional furniture enhances our lives and continues to increase in value in addition to being the touchstones from one generation to another. Mike’s cabinet making skills will enable you to acquire bespoke pieces, crafted for your specific needs. He will guide you through the entire process, from conception to installation in your home.

Artabelle Furniture takes pride in both the quality of their work and the personal service they offer.

TESTIMONIALS

• Timber furniture repairs, restoration and refinishing

• Structural repairs

• Colour matching service

• Furniture making commissions

• Ercol and mid-century furniture repairs specialist

Ally C Mike has worked miracles in replicating 2 new dining chairs for me. Copying exactly the antique chairs I had, so I now have a full set of 8. So pleased, they exceeded my expectations. Will definitely use Artabelle Furniture again.

John D Spectacularly good restoration of a 50s George Nelson for Herman Miller cabinet. Very, very pleased. First class service and people. Highly recommended.

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

Nusye McComishSouthSeaEyes

Southsea Printmaker

Lino print artworks on paper. Commissions. Workshops.

e: Southseaeyes@pm.me

ig/tiktok: @southseaeyes

w: southseaeyes.me

A TRADITION OF QUALITY AND SKILL

Keith Scorgie of Design House Southsea talks about the long tradition of sewing in this region

The Design House sewing team are perfectionists and they take huge pride in their work. The making of a Roman blind for example, takes precision and skill, plus in-depth knowledge to ensure that the blinds not only look amazing, but meet all the latest safety criteria.

If you order curtains, blinds, cushions or any soft furnishings from Design House, you can rest assured that you will get the best quality finished product you could ever wish for.

HEARING AIDS – A NATURAL PROGRESSION

For the past year and a half Becky Guarracino has helped numerous people with microsuction and ear wax removal, but she is now offering a new service, hearing assessments and hearing aids. ‘I was an NHS audiologist for 14 years, so it seems a natural progression to now offer hearing aids as well as ear wax removal’, said Becky. ‘It seems to also be a good time, as so many of my patients tell me it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get an NHS appointment for a test and a potential hearing aid, or even to just have the hearing aids adjusted when things aren’t right. It’s important to explain, that everyone is entitled to an NHS hearing aid, if required, and for many people that will be adequate, but if someone is unwilling to wait, or they want the latest style of aid, or technology, then I’m here to help. I can usually see people within a week, carry out a thorough hearing test and recommend the right hearing aid to solve the patient’s hearing issues. Likewise, if the patient isn’t happy or the device needs some careful adjustment, I can solve the problem quickly and easily.

independent and not tied to a particular supplier or brand I will only recommend the hearing aid that is right for the patient as I’m not tied to a particular supplier, or brand. Plus, my prices are very competitive compared to some of the larger organisations’.

If someone feels they would benefit from a hearing aid, what should they do next? ‘Call or email me for an appointment using the contacts below, I’ll then carry out a hearing test, this costs £75, but the fee is refunded if the patient goes on to purchase a hearing aid from me. If people are not sure how they might get on with a hearing aid, or they are interested in trying the latest technology, I’m happy to allow people to give the device a free trial.

I believe I’m Southsea’s first, fully independent hearing aid clinic, which means I can offer patients some attractive advantages over the larger clinics. To begin with, I’m the only person people will see, from the testing, to fitting the hearing aid itself. I have a wealth of experience to draw upon, and because I’m completely

Offering the hearing aid service isn’t just a new development for the clinic, it’s also very much about providing a quick and professional solution to an often debilitating condition, in a way that is as helpful and accommodating as possible’ said Becky.

Becky Guarracino