THE OMEGA ART SCHOOL
Omega
SPRING TERM BEGINS
6TH JANUARY 2025
Have you always wanted to paint and draw, then The Omega Art School could be just what you are looking for?
From absolute beginners to experienced artists, we have courses to suit all abilities. Our classes are fun, inspiring and affordable.
Learn new skills and techniques, and progress with confidence.
5, Clarendon Road, Southsea
Southsea LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTORS
Kate Thompson is a Southsea writer with a passion for uncovering quirky human interest stories
Neil Maxwell is director of Fry & Kent Estate Agents, and a volunteer crew member of the RNLI
Elios Stone is a Southsea based holistic health practitioner, specialising in shadow work, nutrition and breathwork
Daniel Nowland 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
Lorna Apps-Woodland multi disciplinary illustrator. Isle of Wight dweller: a lover of colour, nautical narratives and long lists, combined with pastimes of collecting driftwood, stones with holes and vintage portraits.
No matter where or what you are doing, if you are reading this copy of Southsea Lifestyle, the Christmas season has officially begun! Many of our wonderful advertisers offer seasonal ideas for presents, events and experiences While Daniel Nowland suggests gift ideas involving food (P 17) Or, if you are looking for a theatrical experience this Christmas, check out the various events at the Historic Dockyard (P 33) or how about some festive music from the BSO at the Guildhall (P.32). And we ’ ve topped off this edition, with a colourful cover, designed by the talented Lorna AppsWoodland. Have a very happy Christmas and New Year
Kevin John Dean
Southsea Lifestyle
Editor: Kevin John Dean
Creative Director: Zirrinia Austin
Social media: Urban Salt
Sales & Marketing: Elios Stone
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 February/March edition. email: info@southsealifestyle.com
PERCY HARRISON OPTICIANS
They say the eyes are a window to the soul; they certainly provide a lot of information about not only your ocular health but other aspects of your body too.
Of course, a fantastic pair of spectacles to help you see and look your best is very important. But the most important thing is a comprehensive eye examination to ensure your eyes are as healthy as they can be, and that we detect issues early so that we can help manage problems if they aren’t.
At Percy Harrison Opticians, we are very proud of our in-depth eye examination. We have state-of-the-art technology, and have recently invested in Optomap. Optomap allows us to take an ultra wide-field image of your retina so that we can observe further out to the periphery, often where some issues can start and go undetected. With Optomap we can view up to 66% more of the retina, so we
can ensure your eyes are in tip-top shape. We also offer OCT imaging, which provides a cross sectional scan of your retina so we can look at the underlying layers. With this imaging package we therefore see much further out, and much deeper in to your eye than with other methods.
Our eye examination lasts for around an hour, allowing plenty of time for you to ask questions and to review results for additional tests. We also offer coloured overlay assessments and Colourimetry for those with visual stress or dyslexia, contact lens consultations, and a Dry Eye clinic.
So whether you’re experiencing a problem that you’d like further advice with, you’d like reassurance that your eyes are healthy, or you are due your NHS eye examination, we have you covered. Call 02392 826 831 to book your appointment.
74-76 Osborne Road, Southsea PO5 3LU info@percyharrisonopticians.co.uk
WHY DO YOU IMAGINE THE WORST?
Elios Stone
WHY DOES YOUR MIND GO INTO OVERDRIVE?
Do you find yourself imagining disastrous futures? While spiralling thoughts may seem unhelpful, this type of mental creativity often has roots in self-preservation. In childhood, when safety felt uncertain and no amount of thinking could solve things, your mind likely learned to go into overdrive — and it stayed there. Fortunately, there are ways to break free from these mental cycles.
WHAT CAUSES CATASTROPHIC THINKING?
Catastrophic thinking occurs when the mind, driven by a relentless urge to solve problems, gets trapped in a loop of worstcase scenarios. Though these scenarios are often improbable, they can feel very real, embedding themselves in the mind as truths. This cycle may stem from emotions stored in the body and is closely linked to stress responses. Elevated cortisol levels, muscle tension, and a strained nervous system create a life dominated by chronic anxiety.
Once established, these patterns can amplify everyday worries into overwhelming anxieties, depleting energy
levels through a mental drain of “negative creativity” used to construct imagined disasters and hypothetical conflicts. This cycle of “what ifs” creates anxiety and often manifests physically as discomfort in the stomach, chest, or throat. Left unchecked, these sensations can transform fleeting discomfort into ongoing suffering.
WHY ISN’T OVERTHINKING HELPING YOU?
Many people, myself included, have spent years caught in this cognitive cycle, replaying conversations, feeling regret, and wishing for better outcomes. While the brain might suggest that “preparing for the worst” offers a form of readiness, it often just fuels more anxiety. Despite its problemsolving nature, the brain doesn’t provide logical solutions for emotional issues. Emotional wounds must be felt and processed, not merely analysed.
“Feeling more connected with my body has already shown me how I can stay in the moment and not let my mind take over and try to control situations.” — Alex, Southsea
HOW CAN YOU QUIET THE CATASTROPHIC MIND?
Breaking free from catastrophic thinking involves shifting the focus from the brain to the body. Somatic approaches such as mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork can help you reconnect with your body and release the underlying stress and trauma driving mental overdrive.
Here are three practical tips to help quiet your mind:
● Practice Mindfulness: Start by pausing and bringing your attention to the present moment. Notice your breath, the sensations in your body, or even the feel of your feet on the floor. This will help disrupt cycles of anxious thoughts.
● Engage in Meditation: Dedicate a few minutes daily to sitting in a comfortable spot and observing your breath. This can shift your focus away from racing thoughts and toward a state of calm, reducing the mind’s tendency to spiral.
● Use Guided Breathwork: Breathwork unlocks stored tension within the body. Focusing on deep, rhythmic breathing can soothe your nervous system, offering moments of profound peace
WHY CAN’T TALK THERAPY HEAL EVERYTHING?
Talking therapies certainly have their place, but verbally revisiting the same problems can actually reinforce cycles of overthinking. Often, emotions and energy
are stored within the body, and true release requires deeper somatic work.
“In other therapies, I have experienced a lot of talking, and when you walk out in the street or get in your car, the emotions come flooding, you cry, and no one's with you to help you integrate. With Elios, I felt so held in session and afterward that I could relax, breathe, meditate, and release.” — Jane, Southsea Tension from stress and trauma often embeds so deeply that it not only drives catastrophic thinking but also becomes physically trapped, often requiring more than willpower or talking to release. By working through anxiety at this level with dedicated and specific practices, you can reclaim energy, time, and clarity — opening the way for deeper connections, renewed passions, and a fuller enjoyment of life in the present moment.
“The morning after my breathwork session with Elios was the first morning I'd woken up in months and not felt anxiety and dread for the day ahead.”
— Sara, Southsea
TLOOKING AHEAD
Neil Maxwell
ypically, an interest rate cut leads to an increase in market activity, but this time the opposite seems to be happening. Whether this indicates a lack of confidence, a negative reaction to the stamp duty changes, or if the festive spirit has arrived early in the market remains to be seen in the New Year.
The 2025 stamp duty changes will impact buyers of additional properties, which should help level the playing field for first-time buyers, particularly in areas where holiday home purchases have made it difficult for them to buy in their hometowns. During a recent visit to a small fishing village in North Yorkshire, I was surprised to learn that 83% of the homes in the village are holiday lets. I know this situation is similar in many other picturesque locations across the country.
The Rental Reform Bill is another significant change expected in 2025. It aims to establish a fairer balance between landlords and tenants,
focusing on improving rental conditions and providing more security for tenants. Some landlords are understandably concerned about the potential effects of this bill, but if it fosters a more stable long-term rental environment, it could benefit those landlords looking to expand their portfolios — if they can manage the stamp duty, of course.
Reflecting on 2024, it has been a highly successful year for us despite numerous challenges. This success has allowed us to continue supporting the RNLI, including funding for a staff member to assist with daytime response requirements, as well as other local schools, football clubs, and charities. We are committed to supporting our community and will continue these efforts.
Thank you to everyone who utilised our services this year. The team looks forward to delivering our successful Sales and Lettings services in the coming year. We wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year!
BRUCE ROAD, SOUTHSEA
- £1,650,000
• Grand Edwardian villa near Southsea seafront: stunning detached home with period charm, modern upgrades, and flexible multi-generational living or home office potential.
• Spacious & elegant living: five double bedrooms (two en-suite), luxurious kitchen/breakfast room, multiple reception rooms, and a lower ground floor with annex potential or cinema room.
• Exceptional location & features: landscaped garden, off-road parking, garage, and easy access to the beach, tennis club, and Canoe Lake.
• EPC rating G
EASTERN VILLAS ROAD, SOUTHSEA
- £715,000
• Stunning renovation & prime location: beautifully renovated four-bedroom terraced house, steps from Southsea Seafront, Albert Road, and Palmerston Road’s shops and restaurants.
• Spacious, modern living: three floors featuring an open-plan kitchen/diner with integrated appliances, a sitting room, three double bedrooms (one with ensuite), a family bathroom, and a versatile fourth bedroom.
• Desirable extras: south-facing garden, off-road parking, and additional storage on the lower ground floor
• EPC rating E
CRANESWATER PARK, SOUTHSEA
- £1,495,000
• Luxury home in prestigious Craneswater Park: stunning fourbedroom property near Canoe Lake and Southsea seafront, featuring a gated driveway and beautifully landscaped gardens.
• Architectural elegance & modern comfort: extended open-plan living/kitchen space with Crittal glass, underfloor heating, and panoramic garden views, plus a master suite with dressing area and luxurious en-suite.
• Exceptional features & convenience: off-road parking, garage with workroom, and spacious top-floor bedroom with Velux balcony windows
• EPC rating C
Helen would like to offer Southsea Lifestyle readers 10% off orders totalling £350 and over. This includes all ranges with Ca'Pietra & Bert & May. Just show this page before you buy.
Offer ends 21st December 2024. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.
EDIBLE GIFT IDEAS
Words: Daniel Nowland
I’ve had a little pause from writing for the magazine during 2024, but I was delighted to be asked to contribute to the festive edition! As much as I love Christmas, and the practice of giving and receiving gifts, I am also of the mindset that there’s no point in spending money on “stuff” that nobody actually wants. I’m a minimalist at home, and often dread being given gifts I know will be going straight to the charity shop!
3 FOOD HAMPER For anyone you’re not sure what to buy for, you can’t go wrong with a thoughtfully selected hamper. If possible, try to source one that contains quality local products, so you can support your local businesses and keep those food miles under control.
As someone who loves their food and appreciates a thoughtful gift, I’ve put together some ideas for food related gifts that hopefully will bring a yum factor to any recipient.
1 RESTAURANT VOUCHERS If you can surreptitiously find out your recipients favourite cuisine, why not source some vouchers to one of their favourite eateries? A meal out always tastes better when someone else is paying for it!
2 CHRISTMAS CAKE Whether you make it yourself, or buy one from a shop, a Christmas cake will usually last a very long time. The high fruit content, density and alcohol will keep a Christmas cake tasting great well beyond December. If you’ve not yet done so, try a slice with a good strong cheddar. It’s a controversial but incredible combination
4 MEAL KIT As a variant on a hamper, you can put together a kit for a special meal to be cooked at home. Obviously it’s best not to include perishable items, but items such as quality pasta, pesto, olive oil etc make for a thoughtful gift you know wouldn’t bewasted. Personally I’d be delighted to receive a year’s supply of quality spaghetti and truffle oil!
5 COOKERY WORKSHOP We are all aware that many traditional gifts are now being replaced with “experiences”. Why not treat your friend or relative to a chance to learn a new food skill? Cookery workshops can be fun and sociable experiences, and you don’t usually need any previous experience. There are lots of venues offering these experiences across Hampshire, including my very own South Coast Cookery on Elm Grove in Southsea.
Photo: Urbansalt
Finding the Perfect Gift for the Little Ones in Your Life?
Unsure what's appropriate for different ages? Whether it's a newborn essential, a stimulating toy for a curious toddler, or a special outfit for a birthday celebration, you can rely on our knowledgable team to guide you to the perfect gift.
Concerned about sustainability and ethical production? If being ecofriendly and sustainable is something you value, you will feel right at home with Edith & Blanche. We are proud to carry the UK’s premier eco-conscious brands and even design and produce our own small-batch clothing line here in our Southsea shop. By prioritising the use of organic materials, ethical manufacturing, and minimal environmental impact, we share your commitment to a better world.
Overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choice? You won’t find mass-produced plastic toys here! At Edith & Blanche, we carefully curate our selection of baby and children’s items to ensure quality, style, and sustainability. We hand-pick each item, from beautiful wooden toys to organic cotton clothing and engaging children’s books.
Want something truly unique and special? Because our own clothing label is made on-site, this means we have complete control over the fabrics, fit, and fair trade labour that goes into each garment. You can feel assured and confident that you’re giving a gift that’s both beautiful and ethically made. Visit Edith & Blanche today or chat with us on our website to let us help you find a gift that will be treasured by both the little one and their parents.
Kid tested, parent approved!
5 Marmion Road, Southsea, PO5 2AT
TAKING THEIR HOME TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Words: Kate Thompson. Photos: Charlotte Griffiths.
IN LIFE, TIMING and patience is everything.
Designer Mark Burnell and Deputy Principal Emily Pountney discovered both would play a major part in the success of the transformation of their mid-terrace Victorian home just off Albert Road in Southsea.
“Every time I walk through the front door I’m struck by how much I love our home,” declared Emily. And it’s easy to see why.
Having lived quite happily in the x3 bedroom home for nearly 20 years, the couple decided to take the plunge and make it into their forever home.
“We bought it originally because we wanted a large garden and to be close to the centre of Southsea - it was our first house together,” explained Emily. She was pregnant with their son Max, and when daughter Ruby came along, the family home was complete.
“We wanted a home where the kids could access
schools nearby and make friends with local kids,” she said.
While the proximity to schools was perfect and the garden perfectly lovely, the layout of the house left much to be desired with awkward dog legs and under utilised space.
“Having lived here for so long we could see how the house could be if we just made the most of the space,” said Mark.
The planning process proved tricky at first. There were knockbacks and negotiations to be done so that neighbours were happy with the plans and it took close to five years to secure planning approval.
In the end they got the consent they needed and now realise that the compromise they reached with neighbours resulted in a much better design for them.
“If it hadn’t been for one of our neighbours’ concerns, we would never have taken the level down, and now I
absolutely love the split level that takes you from the kitchen to the garden room,” said Emily.
Undertaking a major, disruptive construction project during the pandemic might not seem on the face of it to be the best timing but it turned out being confined to their home meant Mark and Emily were on site to deal with any questions.
“It was such a weird time anyway with home schooling and both Mark and I working from home.
“It allowed us to be really involved in the process and while it was disruptive, the whole process was really positive,” said Emily.
Mark brought his design skills to the fore, adapting architects plans and providing the builders with a detailed brief for each room.
“I really enjoyed the whole process and it worked so well. The builders turned up each day and went straight to the back of the house and got on with the work, while we made the best of the rest of the space,” said Mark.
Eight months of building work resulted in the dream home they had always wanted. Light, bright and inviting, you are drawn from the front door towards the rear of the property and the kitchen which leads onto the split level garden room.
By going out to the full width of the plot and creating a party wall with one neighbour, they have made the most of the space. Clever use of the asymmetric roof and lighting, adds interest and drama.
The couple’s keen eye for design means the rooms flow. A colour scheme has been developed that is pleasing on the eye and quirky. Joyful patterned tiles lift the kitchen and are repeated on a bolder scale in the nearby shower room.
“We knew exactly what we wanted and we got that. It was such a collaborative and positive experience.
“By working together with our neighbours, the architects and crucially the builders, we ensured there no surprises and we got the result we wanted,” added Emily.
SCHOOL
From the very beginning children are inspired, motivated and encouraged to be curious and develop a love of learning at Portsmouth High School. Stimulating and safe learning environments at the school enable staff to plan exciting adventures both inside and outside the classroom.
Our provision is enhanced through a tailored approach to teaching children in Pre-School. Recently we have increased the Pre-School space through the addition of a second classroom giving pupils access to a wider range of activities to enhance their learning. The class is now together for part of the day but, during core teaching times, it is split into a
Nursery Class for our youngest pupils, who join us in the term of their third birthday, and a Pre-Reception class for older pupils who are looking ahead to starting Reception in September. This change enables older pupils to focus on their learning in greater depth in readiness for starting school.
Head of Early Years, Mrs Fabre De La Grange, said ‘We are delighted to implement this bespoke approach to learning for our youngest pupils. It will enable a seamless start to Reception with children being even better prepared and ready for school.
‘Our current Reception Class is in a newly refurbished classroom, a bespoke early years’ space full of engaging learning opportunities with a dedicated fenced play area alongside.’
Families are warmly invited to come and explore our early years’ space and find out more about how our bespoke approach will give children the best possible start to their education. Why not book a family tour now?
Reclamation Yard & Designer Showroom Floorboards, Victorian pine doors
“Great
and trustworthy service. Booked in for an MOT staff were friendly and professional and I was able to pick my car up the same day.”
CELEBRATING A DECADE OF WELLNESS: 10 BENEFITS OF YOGA
As LANO Yoga approaches its 10th anniversary, the company reflects on its journey and the countless transformations within its community, as well as the benefits that yoga and heat therapy offer. By Laura Collins
“We are soon to celebrate a decade of LANO. That’s ten years of nurturing bodies, minds and souls at our two studios, which is something we are proud of,” said Neil Smith, owner of LANO Yoga
“We opened our first studio in 2015 and in those ten years we have witnessed transformative journeys and profound connections within our community. It’s why we do what we do, and we’re eager to continue making yoga, especially hot yoga, accessible for all. We want everybody to see just how much it can enrich their lives and how heat therapy can improve overall health.”
Yoga is more than just a physical practice; it’s a way to support a happy and healthy life. LANO’s ethos is to spread this message and offer supportive spaces in Southsea and Chichester in which to practise both hot and non-heated yoga.
To commemorate LANO’s ten-year milestone, here are ten benefits of yoga that underline why this ancient discipline continues to gain popularity and how LANO continues to help so many people.
1 IMPROVED STRENGTH Many yoga poses require significant muscular engagement, leading to
increased strength.
2 ENHANCED FLEXIBILITY One of the most immediate benefits of yoga is increased flexibility, leading to improved range of motion and less risk of injury.
3 REDUCED DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY Studies have shown that hot yoga can help relieve the symptoms of depression and anxiety by up to 50%.
4 ENHANCED MENTAL CLARITY The meditative aspect of yoga helps clear the mind and enhance focus.
5 BOOSTED IMMUNE SYSTEM Research suggests that yoga, especially hot yoga, can improve immune function and increase circulation.
6 BETTER POSTURE Regular yoga practice strengthens the core and enhances body awareness, helping you achieve a better posture
7 IMPROVED BALANCE Many yoga poses challenge your equilibrium, leading to better balance and coordination, which is essential
as we age.
8 INCREASED MINDFULNESS Yoga encourages a heightened sense of awareness, promoting mindfulness both on and off the mat. This awareness encourages better decision-making and enhanced life satisfaction.
9 EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE Yoga encourages selfreflection and emotional healing, equipping practitioners with tools to navigate life’s challenges more effectively.
10 COMMUNITY CONNECTION At its heart, yoga is about connection — not just with oneself, but with others.
As we celebrate our 10-year milestone, we invite you to join us on this journey of self-discovery and wellness. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, there’s a place for you at LANO Yoga.
Here’s to many more years of health and healing
LANO Yoga
10 Elm Grove, Southsea PO5 1JG
Tel: 02393 593003 https://lano.life
WHAT’S
THE LENS STUDIO
Portsmouth Guildhall – a GREAT entertainment venue! Emerging comedians, an eclectic mix of music of all genres, dance, compelling drama and family theatre – all in an intimate and relaxed setting in the heart of the city! Find out What’s On:
ON & BUSINESS DIRECTORY
www.portsmouth guildhall.org.uk
HAMPSHIRE FARMERS MARKET
Sun 15 December Sun 19 January 10am-2pm
Palmerston Road precinct. Southsea PO5 3QE
www.hampshirefarmers markets.co.uk
LOVE SOUTHSEA MARKET
Sat 7, 14 & 21 December
Sun 8,15 & 22 December 10am-4pm
Palmerston Road precinct, PO5 3QE
www.love southseamarkets.co.uk
EXPERIENCE CHRISTMAS AT PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a top UK destination with famous naval attractions, and this December, they are hosting a festive program that you won't want to miss.
Throughout the month, you can enjoy Christmas events that celebrate both traditional and unique customs, taking you from Henry VIII’s time to the present. Visitors can expect an exciting experience.
Local visitors can also take advantage of a 30% discount on an Annual Explorer pass and enjoy a chance to see Santa, with a free gift for good children.
HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS FOR YOUR VISIT:
TIME WALK THROUGH CHRISTMAS PAST 1 Dec 24 - 5 Jan 25
Travel through Christmas history across three historic ships. Discover stories of life at sea, see decorations, and take part in activities.
Your journey starts on the warship HMS Warrior, decorated with festive garlands and lanterns. Join Victorian sailors in song and learn about their holiday traditions.
Next, visit HMS M33, a First World War ship. Experience how soldiers celebrated Christmas during the war, from letters home to simple festivities that boosted their spirits.
Finally, step onto HMS Alliance for a nostalgic 1950s Christmas. The submarine features retro décor, reminding you of how post-war Britain celebrated the season.
At the Mary Rose Museum, experience a Tudor Christmas with live performances. Young Henry VIII celebrates the holidays with banquets, games, and entertainment, but sibling rivalries add tension to the festive spirit.
Will Anne Boleyn capture the King’s attention, or will fair Mary, rumored to be his mistress, win out? Enjoy humor, drama, and some Christmas magic during the performances.
DECK THE HULLS: A VICTORIAN YULETIDE
11am-4pm, 7-8 Dec 24
Join HMS Warrior for a festive Victorian experience filled with carol singing, craft-making, and a visit from Father Christmas. The crew will welcome you as they prepare for a holiday celebration.
You’ll learn about the lives of the crew and have the chance to taste traditional sugar mice. And don’t miss the Captain’s Cabin, where Father Christmas has a special gift for each child.
Adults can enjoy a taste of fine rum while children try dandelion and burdock.
A TUDOR CHRISTMAS: MEET THE CURATOR TALK AND TOUR
12:30-4pm, 21 Dec 24
Join curator Hannah Matthews to explore how the men of the Mary Rose celebrated Christmas in Tudor times. Learn about Christmas trees, the Lord of Misrule, wassailing, and the feast of roast boar's head.
This talk includes a glass of mulled wine and a behind-thescenes tour of the museum.
VISIT HENRY VIII’S CHRISTMAS COURT 7-8 Dec 24
