Southsea Lifestyle - April 2017

April 2017

JERRY WILLIAMS:

Photo: Gareth Gatrell Photography

ONE TO REMEMBER

Southsea

Lifestyle

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CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTORS Tara Knight - mum, wife, co-owner of Southsea Coffee Co., naturopathic nutritional adviser and creator of nourishing food

6 JERRY WILLIAMS: ONE TO REMEMBER 14 THE LITTLE SHOP THAT’S MUCH BIGGER ON THE INSIDE

16 LOVE YOUR INDEPENDENTS 18 ROSE OR GREEN COLOURED SPECTACLES?

Neil Maxwell is director of Fry & Kent Estate Agents and volunteer crew member of the RNLI Emma Beatty teaches journalism at the University of Portsmouth. She has lived in Southsea for ten years, and has two children

21-28 FOCUS ON EDUCATION 32 THE MARKET PLACE 34 MAGGIE SAWKINS 36 FILM 38 CULTURE VULTURE 46 SHAKIN’ STEVENS

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John Worsey is a freelance writer, based in Southsea.

He works in advertising, communications, media and branding William Sutton is a novelist, musician and Latin teacher, who redistributes his income via the medium of cake. He hosts Day of the Dead, plays accordion and cricket Southsea Lifestyle Produced by Salad Publishing Ltd Editor: Kevin John Dean Creative Director: Zirrinia Austin Dean Web design & social media: Daniel Sweeney Media partners: Strong Island Co What’s on listings: Sophie McCue Design assistant: Abi Bryant Editorial assistant: Kai Austin Dean 4

A NOTE TO ALL BUSINESS OWNERS

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Call: 023 9281 2045 e:info@southsealifestyle.com www.southsealifestyle.com The next edition’s deadline is 20 th April and is published May. on 6thth April.

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H

umans are like cats, we sit, often in awkward positions on park benches, or lying on a patch of grass, trying to get maximum exposure to the increasingly warm sun. It must be one of the first signs of an urban spring, along with people washing their cars or squeezing into last year’s favourite pair of shorts.

Whatever you do to welcome the change of season, music always adds to the occasion - Portsmouth singersongwriter Jerry Williams has been charming audiences since her first performances as a teenager at The Cellars, Eastney. William Sutton talks to Jerry about her growing fame, ambitions and dreams, (p.6 & 7).

Meanwhile another musician, Shakin’ Stevens, who is best known as a platinum-selling rock and roll singer, is coming to Portsmouth Guildhall in May with a more contemplative, blues, roots and classic rock set, and we’ve got five pairs of tickets to giveaway, (p.46).

Enjoy the sunshine and have a happy Easter.

Kevin John Dean

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JERRY WILLIAMS: ONE TO REMEMBER William Sutton

Do you prefer singing or songwriting? That’s hard! I love singing, but if I couldn’t write songs, I’d just explode. I’ve been writing since I was 12, when I started learning classical guitar – I did that to Grade 8, but my passion was songwriting.

Do the lyrics come easily? I prefer when it comes together. I won’t enjoy singing it if it doesn’t mean anything.

Some songs are exaggerated, others are exactly what happened: what I said, what he said. I like those better, the personal songs – but they don’t come around often.

Before writing Let’s Just Forget It, I had the worst writer’s block. All these words had built up inside; it came out so easy, like it wrote itself. It was the best feeling ever.

Your inspirations? David Gray. Jamie T I find interesting. I love conversational lyrics, like you’re just talking to your mate. I love Coldplay, from my mum and dad; my nan and grandad loved

Photos: Gareth Gatrell

J

erry Williams’ song ‘Velcro’ is playing in the café where I interview the 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Portsmouth, from her EP Let’s Just Forget It: effortless vocals, intimate lyrics. Fresh from her Wedgewood sell-out, Jerry is articulate and down-to-earth, with a sparkle of stardom.

Johnny Cash. I like his simplicity. I love covering old stuff. Stranglers. Buzzcocks. Yesterday I learnt “You’re Gorgeous” by Baby Bird.

5 million Spotify plays: how does that feel?

Crazy, but cool. You work so hard writing and producing. It’s cool to reach people you never imagined.

Who inspired you to sing your own songs?

My mum used to say, “I don’t think you’ve got much of a singing voice”. My voice wasn’t strong, but I loved writing. When I was seventeen, I went to the Cellars open mic. I got another gig. My confidence grew.

What are the sacrifices? I miss a lot with my friends – but they were all at the Wedgewood

When the amp doesn’t work, and I think, “Why

gig; they’re proud of me. To have this as my

me?” My string snapped onstage the other day.

job, it’s worth everything.

Luckily there was a spare guitar, I picked it up

Do you enjoy recording and making

– (makes guitar noise) – carried on.

videos? Love them. Love brainstorming: what

What’s next?

to wear, where to go. On the records, I’m

written. More videos. More shows. Hopefully a

A new EP: all the songs are

there every step of the way: “Let’s try this.

headline tour in October. Keep doing what I’m

What about this sound?”

doing. To be honest, I think it’s hard work and a

Your best gig? Victorious Festival is brilliant

bit of luck. I’ve got old songs I love that still haven’t

every year. We’re there again this summer.

Hyde Park was cool (supporting Take That):

come out. People say, “Why haven’t you released that?” I’m waiting for the right moment.

a glimpse of how the other half live. Dressing

Ambitions and dreams? I’d love to be playing

rooms, our own trailer, bottle of Jack Daniels.

John Peel Stage at Glastonbury. Shepherd’s

We’re used to getting changed in toilets.

Bush Empire. To have sold out shows, people

But definitely the Wedgewood Rooms. I

loving the music and telling their friends. I know

watched Jake Bugg there, before I ever

how music makes me feel, and I want to make

gigged. I was a big fan. It gave me the push

people feel that.

to play live. I can’t see how we can beat the Wedge just yet, packed with people singing my songs. Surreal.

Worst moment as a performer?

(laughs) I

haven’t fallen over, said something wrong, or split my trousers. I’m unlucky with equipment.

Jerry appears at Victorious Festival in August: full band Saturday, acoustic Sunday.

FB/SoundCloud/Instagram: jerrywilliamsmusic Twitter: @JerryWmusic 7

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THE LITTLE SHOP THAT’S MUCH BIGGER ON THE INSIDE

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John Worsey

s Alexis Seed, proprietor of Seeded, calmly works away at a blanket she’s making, she recalls the genesis of her unique shop on Winter Road. “I used to trade vintage buttons on Facebook. Then I decided to segue into wool.”

She elaborates, “I learned that people build friendships easily online when they have a mutual hobby. I had this great community on social media, but often people want to be part of that in real life.” And so a shop was born.

Seeded, however, is much more than a shop. Sure, during the day you can pop in and browse all manner of craft material, but in the evenings, it becomes a social space or a place of learning.

On the evening after our meeting, Alexis tells me, 12 people will come along for one of her regular, free ‘Knit and Natter’ nights. It’s exactly what it sounds like. A group of individuals work on their own projects in a relaxed atmosphere, and have a good old chat “about anything from what’s on TV to what’s in the news - whatever people want to talk about. People just like coming out of an evening and being with friends who have a similar interest.”

The nights are so popular that regulars - most of whom met at Seeded - often go on social trips together, for example to the King’s Theatre. This is the sort of experiential value that only a truly independent shop can bring to a community. For those who want to learn, Seeded also hosts visiting creatives who deliver paid classes in needle felting, crochet, knitting and paper cutting.

Then there are the ‘De-Stash’ events, where customers bring along material to trade with one another. Alexis explains

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the concept: “In our hobby, sometimes you end up with a cupboard full of stuff you’re not going to use. From a wellbeing perspective, it’s not good to be looking at that and worrying about what you’re going to make with it. So being able to destash it, get some money back and clear their house a little, I feel I’m giving customers something back.”

January at Seeded was ‘Well-being with Wool’ month.

It’s a simple concept. Instead of getting on track after Christmas excess through a tough diet or tougher exercise, you focus on getting ready creatively for a new year. Whether you start a project or learn to manage hand pain, you take time to become more mindful about how you do your craft.

Even as a resolutely un-crafty individual, I find the idea alluring. Alexis and I start discussing

how

strict

resolutions sometimes seem to shift from positive change to self-punishment in the cold, dark mid-winter months.

I notice that the conversation keeps drifting breezily away on tangents like this. Rather than exploring the business, we find ourselves discussing how antique shops create a sense of clutter because their customers enjoy the thrill of discovery; the community’s response to recent controversial announcements about new businesses coming to Albert Road; rising house prices in Southsea and whether its future looks like Brighton…

And I realise that this ability to sit and chat in friendly company is at the heart of why Seeded works. It is simply true to who Alexis is, and what matters to her - to create a place where anyone who loves craft can come and feel really, truly, at home. I might just have to take up knitting.

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LOVE YOUR INDEPENDENTS Tara Knight

T

he news that a major coffee chain is potentially opening on Albert road has caused a furore on social media, with people worried that this bastion of Southsea-ness may lose its identity.

Independent shops give a sense of community; a unique feel to where we live that cannot be replicated elsewhere; an indication of what we locals love and live for; and a reason for others to visit.

Independent food businesses will often try to use local produce and suppliers, allowing others opportunities through supply chains (think cake makers selling to independent coffee shops, or local greengrocers supplying cafes). A good independent retailer will showcase local talent. For example, shops such as Strong Island stock products from other Portsmouth brands, such as Raw and Auburn, Southsea Bathing Hut, SJK, and Angela Chick.

In an ideal world all our streets would be full of these great independent businesses, but in reality running a small business is increasingly tough, as rents, wages, and business rates continue to rise. Across the UK this is leaving 16

units without tenants; and none of us want empty shops. So what is worse?

Shops left empty or identikit high streets, and what is the answer?

I would like to see more schemes to help people start and run small businesses or alternatively utilise empty premises for community use. Some councils offer grants for businesses opening in empty shops. These initiatives have been successful in Brighton, Richmond and others.

Emptyshop.org is an art organisation in the North East which uses vacant properties to provide art space and workshops.

With creative thinking there are endless possibilities which could help create a diverse retail environment, provide space for community projects, and promote a unique image.

The biggest power we have nowadays is as the consumer; our buying habits help shape the world in which we live. If you want familiarity on our high street then use branded chains; conversely if you want to see vibrant unique streets then support your independent shops, encourage community projects and get involved. It’s your choice and you have the power.

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Tel: 023 9283 1925 Email: info@ctmccann.co.uk www.ctmccann.co.uk The Garages, 1A Kirkstall Road, The Garages, Southsea PO4 0SX Like us on

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ROSE OR GREEN COLOURED SPECTACLES?

W

Neil Maxwell

e recently sold a property that had been fitted with photovoltaic panels (electricityproducing solar panels). The income from the panels was in the region of £1,500 per annum, plus free domestic electricity, at least when the sun is shining. For the new buyer, this was a welcome bonus.

This level of tariff return is not available to everyone, but in a world of increasing energy bills, as a selling feature, this is a major plus.

The cost of installing photovoltaic panels is not cheap, but

many people use capital that would otherwise not be gathering a great return invested elsewhere. You can’t expect to get your entire capital investment back very quickly, in fact it may take some years. However, prices

Solar thermal panels heat water rather than electricity, like their solar PV (Photovoltaic) cousins. The solar thermal panels heat water that is moved into a distribution tank, and from here to central heating and domestic hot water supplies. This obviously helps reduce your domestic bills, with some manufacturers claiming up to 60% savings, along with a reduction in your carbon footprint.

Believe it or not, it would take up only 1% of UK’s land surface to be covered in solar panels to provide all the UK’s power needs. The only downside is what happens during hours of darkness, and until the holy grail of power storage can be found, we will be reliant on fossil or nuclear fuels for years to come.

of panels have reduced by some 70% in recent years,

To quote Kermit the Frog, ‘it’s not easy being green’, and

despite a recent blip last year when the European Union

we have come across houses which were fitted with

felt that solar panels must be subject to VAT.

cavity wall insulation in the early ‘90s which has now

Be aware of signing a lease agreement for solar panels. There have been several cases where people have ‘leased’ their roofs for twenty five years to solar installation companies, and this has led to them receiving ‘free’ electricity, but the householders may have locked themselves and the property into a twenty

had to be painstakingly removed, due to the insulation becoming waterlogged and causing major damp problems. One of our contractors recently described drilling into a wall of a freshly insulated property, and, after making a hole big enough for a raw plug, a stream of small white balls sprung out of the wall.

five year agreement - despite any subsequent changes

However, everything we can do to minimise heat loss

in ownership. It should be noted that if you have a

and save power puts pounds back in our pockets on a

mortgage, you must seek the lender’s permission before

monthly basis, and in the longer term adds value to our

entering into such a lease arrangement. The better way

home which can be viewed as a good investment, both

to do it, undoubtedly, is to buy the panels yourself - if

personally and in our planet’s future. But be aware of

you are in a position to do so.

rose coloured spectacles when doing so.

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The accommodation comprises a lounge and separate dining room, which opens onto a garden room. There is a contemporary-style kitchen/ breakfast room, with a door opening onto a downstairs shower/utility room. On the first floor are three bedrooms and a shower room. The top floor consists of a spacious master bedroom and a door to the luxury en-suite bathroom which has been fitted to a very high standard. The property is gas centrally heated and mainly double glazed. Outside the property is a courtyard rear garden and double garage accessed from rear service road.

covering over 2,300 sq.ft. of accommodation over four floors, which must be seen to be appreciated. Benefitting from gas-fired central heating throughout, the layout comprises; entrance porch, a reception hall, a sitting room and living room divided by an original portcullisstyle dividing door on the ground floor, with a cloakroom, family room, a luxuriously appointed kitchen/breakfast room and utility room on the lower ground floor. On the upper two floors, you will find four double bedrooms and a beautiful family bathroom with shower, with the master bedroom having an en-suite shower room.

Externally, there is block paved parking for two cars and a side gate access to a generous, westerly facing, enclosed rear garden and detached garage/workshop.

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FOCUS ON EDUCATION

ST JOHN’S COLLEGE RATED FOR ITS ‘FOCUSED AND ATTENTIVE LEARNERS’ IN INSPECTION REPORT

S

t John’s College, a Christian day and boarding school in Southsea, has long been recognised as an independent school with a good academic record and an outstanding reputation for pastoral care. Now, the College is celebrating as weeks after its Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection, it has received a report which confirms and reinforces the inclusive and supportive ethos of the College.

attitudes towards learning they have highlighted how supportive and tolerant they are of each other – essential in a diverse community such as ours.” St John’s College was inspected from the 24 – 26 January 2017. For the full report and details of Open Events please visit the College’s website www.stjohnscollege.co.uk

Taking over as Head of College in April 2016, Mr Tim Bayley is naturally delighted with the report and comments. “To have the College acknowledged in such a positive way is extremely pleasing. The inspectors have not only commented on our pupils’ excellent

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NO ORDINARY SCHOOL

he Portsmouth Grammar Junior School is no ordinary school as it provides an outstanding and bespoke educational experience.

Igniting children’s curiosity and love of learning through our dynamic Connected Curriculum guarantees that every child will achieve their personal and academic potential. Our children learn to be active and flexible learners and key values permeate their daily experience.

Exceptional pastoral care combines with the very best in teaching, resources and facilities ensuring our children are happy and successful, in that order.

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To find out more please come to our Nursery and Infant Open Morning on Saturday 20 May, from 9.30. For more information on the Connected Curriculum visit www.pgs.org.uk/junior/ connected-curriculum/

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WIMBORNE JUNIOR SCHOOL CENTENARY

T

Rwth Williams

his academic year marks the 100 anniversary of Wimborne Junior School. The school was built by Portsmouth Council in September 1916. It was initially established as two separate schools; one for girls and one for boys, each with their own entrance. The boys and girls did not mix. th

The approach to education at the school was very different back then. Mrs Carina Jacobs, current Headteacher of the school, explains, “Back in 1916, whilst all children had to learn reading, writing, and arithmetic, there was a lot of focus on practical skills to equip them for their time after school. Girls spent time learning skills such as cookery, needlework, and millinery skills, whilst boys learnt practical skills such as marching and agriculture. The experience of teachers was also very different; they had to follow a curfew, adhere to a strict dress code and could not marry.”

Mrs Jacobs continued, “In 1916 the country was at war and many of the children would have been experiencing separation from fathers and brothers on the front line, whilst mothers and other female members of the family were left to keep homes and the country running. They would have lived in constant fear of war and bereavement. Life must have been very difficult.”

Wimborne Road Girls’ School was also a demonstration school for training teachers from the nearby college in Milton. Trainee teachers were sent to experience the curriculum and environment,

including, in the 1920s, a visiting teacher from Australia, who was impressed by the quality of teaching and setting.

In more recent times, one former Wimborne Junior School pupil, Liam Bushnell of Lawson Rose Estate Agents in Winter Road, Southsea, who attended the school in the early 1990s said, “I have very happy memories of attending the school, it helped me to develop my social skills through sport, where it was important to quickly build good relationships with others, essential skills I use today supporting people through the home moving process! Back then, as now, the school, the area was such a great place to live and grow up in, with all that we needed on our door step.”

Mrs Jacobs added, “It is an enormous privilege to be the Headteacher of the school at such a landmark occasion. We began the centenary celebrations back in September last year, when we rolled back the school one hundred years; children and staff dressed up in the style from the era and the teaching and curriculum reverted to 1916! Both the children and staff found their school day very different”. Celebrations continue later this year with a party for our current and recent families and pupils on the 21 July. There will also be a school open afternoon 1.30-3pm on Tuesday 18 July 2017, where a guided tour of the school will be provided with interesting exhibits from the school archive on show. Refreshments will be served. Pre-booking is essential. For further information please email wjscentenary@wimborne-jun.portsmouth.sch.uk 25

THE BENEFITS OF BEING BORED Jane Prescott

W

ith school holidays at Easter followed soon after by the long summer vacation many parents plan extensive entertainment for their children to keep them busy during the breaks from school. I appreciate that holiday clubs are necessary childcare for working parents.

However, it is good for children's rest and relaxation to be bored once in a while. As parents we feel we need to keep our children occupied in every moment they are awake to develop their interests and if we are wholly honest to keep them off playing games on their phones or the mindless activity of social media apps.

Spending time without the Internet and organised entertainment gives children a chance to develop their own creativity whether that be by inventing games, reading a book or just day dreaming.

Constant use of digital technology is tiring and time spent without that connection is refreshing and invigorating. Children must learn to amuse themselves.

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As an experiment we had a Year 8 technology free week and in the feedback parents and pupils commented that they found they talked to each other much more and played board games amongst other family activities. Some even found they had much more spare time. They slept better too.

Furthermore they remarked how much thinking time they gained.

When children have time away from timetables and scheduled organised time they have the chance to discover for themselves what they really enjoy doing.

Developing their selfreliance is good and with the school holidays on the horizon children have much to gain from occasionally being bored.

With nothing planned children write stories, invent games, experiment with recipes, learn how to knit and sew, draw and paint, become engineers by building and designing, play outdoors and create dens as well as find time to read. They get lost in their own thoughts.

Jane Prescott is Headmistress at Portsmouth High School, a leading independent school for girls and she is the regional Chair of the Girls’ School Association.

The school is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust network of schools, the largest provider of independent education for girls in the country.

PORTSMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL - #WHEREGIRLSCAN

P

ortsmouth High School is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the leading provider of girls’ education in the UK. The school identifies the strengths, guides the enthusiasm and unlocks the potential of every girl.

A powerful learning environment – the focus on girls’ learning is reflected in the design of spaces; the use of digital technology; a challenging and rewarding curriculum and a focus on pupils taking responsibility for their own learning.

A safe and happy place – the school is grounded with a culture of wellbeing, trust and respect of oneself and others.

Academic achievement is set within the broader development of the whole person – social, cultural, spiritual and physical as

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well as intellectual.

An excellent preparation for the next phase at every stage – the Nursery and Junior School provide secure foundations for Senior School; the Senior School provides a broad and balanced education that prepares girls to specialise at A Level; the Sixth Form provides a perfect bridge to higher study and the world of work.

Join us for our next Senior School and Sixth Form Open Doors Event on Thursday 4 May from 9.00am to 11.00am and for our Nursery and Junior School Forensic Science Trail and Open Morning on Saturday 10 June from 10am to 12 noon. For more information visit www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk/events

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B

BOOGIE MITES UK LTD

oogie Mites are a Southsea based company.

We write songs and compile music programmes to support children’s early years development. Our music programmes include musical activities that are proven by the latest neuroscience research to engage all of the senses, providing one of the richest learning environments to boost early years brain development.

All the evidence shows us that pre-school children who undertake regular practise of music activities (involving progressive movement, singing, playing with pitch, tempo, d y n a m i c s , sequencing of voice and instrumental sounds, and percussion activities) will maximise the development of their auditory processing and neural response systems, preparing them to excel, not only in language, literacy and maths, but in cognitive function generally. An added bonus with Boogie Mites, is that it is as much fun for the adults taking part as for the children!

What is really exciting is that music in early years has the potential to close the attainment gap at school ready age. However, sadly the Government funding of music education does not cover early years, indeed research shows that music in early years settings and homes is declining.

Boogie Mites have compiled music programmes for use by practitioners working with children in Year R, Pre-schools and Nurseries, and for parents to enjoy at home with their children. Adults love our upbeat music as much as children. Our programmes are available as physical product or fully downloadable training and resource packs. We have a team of 28

Tutors who deliver Local Authority funded evidencebased early intervention courses for families across Hampshire, Surrey and London. We offer training workshops for early years practitioners across the UK and overseas -we have a growing business in India, Asia and Australia.

TO LEAD EFFECTIVE EARLY YEARS MUSIC MAKING – you don’t need any previous music qualifications – you need Boogie Mites!

To extend the reach of Boogie Mites programmes we are launching a License offer for individuals with a passion for music and early years children to run their own business in specified areas.

We have piloted this business model in Havant and Fareham where Pauline and Clare run Boogie Mites workshops under licence. In the last few months we have set up licensees in Dorset, Newbur y, Bristol, Southampton and New Forest. We are now looking for the right people to run Boogie Mites in Portsmouth and in Gosport. Contact sue@boogiemites.co.uk if you would like to find out more about this opportunity, or call 023 92 817274 for a chat.

Currently we run private courses for parents and babies, minis (1-2 years) and mighties (2+) in Southsea on a Tuesday morning - at Portsmouth Grammar School Nursery (email michelles@boogiemites.co.uk) and on a Wednesday morning at St Judes Church (email pauline@boogiemites.co.uk).

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pages, gifts, or other crafts. At all our classes we demonstrate how to make lots of projects for you to copy, and you get to walk away with all your gorgeous makes!

A

t Stampin’ Squirrels, we love making cards and paper crafting projects, and we just can’t keep it to ourselves!

It’s a great way to spend time with people who, like you, love to create, and it’s a great reason to take some time out and do something fun and creative. So, why not give it a try?

Full details of all our workshops and classes can be found at www.stampinsquirrels.com or find us on Facebook StampinSquirrels. We always have gifts, bakes, tea and natter. We’d love to see you there!

We’re passionate about helping people create standout professional cards, gifts and 3D items.

Whether you’ve been crafting for years or you are an absolute novice, our workshops and classes are suitable for everyone.

So if you just want to try making your own gifts and cards, have a play with stamping and scrapbooking supplies or make your own wedding favours – we can help. It’s a great way to learn about stamping, try your hand at new techniques, make cards, scrapbook IF YOU ARE NEW TO STAMPIN’ SQUIRRELS, QUOTE SSL1 FOR A 20% DISCOUNT ON ANY OF OUR CLASSES

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THE MARKET PLACE

s the clocks go forward and the sunshine rises over the city, there is a real feeling that spring has sprung over Southsea. Nowhere is the change in season more evident than in the Southsea's retail offerings, as shop windows reflect the latest spring fashions: vibrant Easter Eggs line the shelves and the smell of hot cross buns and spring menus roll out of the cafĂŠs.

For all your Easter gifts: toys and bunnies, flowers, jewellery and cards, make the Southsea markets your fist port of call. With a wide variety of stalls, selling handmade items and local produce, there's an eclectic mix of gorgeous gifts and collectables to ensure you'll find that something special. See the full list of dates for all the markets on the opposite page.

As many of us rush out to take full advantage of the change in weather, it would be remiss of us not to highlight all that the local independent specialist retailers as well as well-known high-street brands have to offer to aid your Easter and spring shopping.

For that spring clean, the home and lifestyle departments in Debenhams and John Lewis offer all the big named brands. Or why not go for a spring home makeover with something truly unique or antique in one of the many independent furniture shops?

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MARKET DATES FOR YOUR DIARY •

•

•

CHOC TILL YOU DROP

As the only national holiday that actively encourages the wide consumption of chocolate, here’s a guide to the chocolate offerings of Southsea: •

Confiserie Verdonk is a fantastic chocolate and coffee shop on Marmion Road offering handmade chocolates.

•

Gilberts Confectioners is a traditional sweet shop on Eastney Road. Find your inner child with rows of sweets and chocolates.

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Chocolate treatments... yes really!… including facials, wraps and body spa experiences available in a number of beauty salons across Southsea.

•

High tea with chocolate cake: for a truly indulgent Easter treat try the Queens Hotel or Southsea Castle

The city also plans to celebrate this season in style with a burst of colour in the Guildhall Square. Join families across the city on the 19 th April for the Big Screen broadcast of The Secret Life of Pets, along with Easter activities, face painting craft activities. www.facebook.com/events

•

•

LOVE SOUTHSEA MARKET

Palmerston Road Precinct http://www.lovesouthsea.co.uk/ First Saturday & Sunday of each month March - November 2017

WOODLAND CRAFTS MARKET

Palmerston Road Precinct http://www.woodlandcrafts.co.uk/ craft-markets-southsea/ 2nd Sat & Sun of the month, April - November 2017, one exception in October when Market is 21/22 (3rd weekend)

HAMPSHIRE FARMERS MARKET

Palmerston Road Precinct http://www.hampshirefarmers markets.co.uk/ 3rd Sunday each month, January - December 2017

SMT, ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES

Palmerston Road Precinct http://www.southernmarkettraders. co.uk/ 4th Sat & Sun of each month, March - November 2017

HOTWALLS STUDIO’S - OPEN STUDIO

Old Portsmouth www.hotwallsstudios.co.uk Every 3rd Sunday of the month 11-4pm till the end of December

SOUTHSEA BUSINESS SUPPORT

Support for local business is at your fingertips, with information on funding, advice, local organisations, and trading associations Market Start up: With short term, one-off and day pitches, running a market stall presents a viable route for retail and startup business to trial products, establish a customer base and develop ranges.

Contact us at bisiness@portsmouthcc.gov.uk 33

MAGGIE SAWKINS

Maggie, you founded Portsmouth's popular poetry and music club, Tongues&Grooves.

How is Portsmouth’s spoken word scene today? When we began in 2003, the spoken word scene in Portsmouth was almost non-existent. There’s a lot more going on now, from performance poetry and open mics to storytelling soirée. It’s part of a wider trend – you can find spoken word venues up and down the country. For us to have kept going for so long is an achievement, and we’ve inspired others in the city and beyond to have a go. I’m not sure what the future holds – I find the idea of a silent word disco quite appealing.

Your recent project, Diving into the Wreck, blew me away. The contributions from people in recovery from addiction were moving, enlightening, disturbing.

How on earth did you put the show together? I’d been carrying the idea around for three years or more - that was the easy bit. A successful Big Lottery Fund bid enabled me to get the project off the ground. I began by running workshops at Portsmouth’s Recovery Café to help people write their stories. Once enough material had been gathered, the group worked with Matt Parsons, a local film maker, and director Mark Hewitt to shape the stories into a live literature performance piece. Keeping the 34

Photo:Nivine F. Keating

William Sutton interviews Southsea poet Maggie Sawkins, who won the prestigious Ted Hughes Award for New Work in Poetry, for her moving multimedia live literature show Zones of Avoidance.

Zones of Avoidance at The Cockpit, London

group focussed, especially at the beginning, was certainly tricky.

They couldn’t see how it would all come together, or believe that they would be performing on stage as part of Portsmouth Festivities, or more recently as the warm-up to Billy Bragg at the ‘Penned Up’ Literature Festival in Erlestoke Prison!

You’ve worked on projects for the Dockyard and Naval Museum, the council and the NHS. How do these wideranging jobs challenge you? I worked at South Downs College for twenty years, teaching English to a wide range of students, so I’ve had plenty of experience. I have an arsenal of tried and tested session plans, but I prefer to think up new ways of engaging people. I enjoy using my imagination to explore and discover alongside whichever

group I’m working with. At the moment, I’m engaged on a couple of poetry projects with people living with dementia.

Using poetry can be a powerful way of connecting with people from all walks of life. It’s therapeutic without being therapy.

What’s coming up? I’m currently running a creative writing project at Portsmouth Museum inspired by the Edward King exhibition; then in May I’m off to Bucharest University to take part in a poetry translation project. I’d love a wider audience for Zones of Avoidance and Diving into the Wreck - both have something to say about what it’s like to be alive in today’s world. Applying for funding is the least fun part of the job, but it has to be done!

More about Maggie’s work at https://hookedonwords.me

BIRTHSTONE OF THE MONTH: APRIL - DIAMOND

T

he word Diamond comes from the Ancient

Greek

word

‘Adamas’

meaning unbreakable, proper, or

unalterable. Diamonds are known to be the

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GB Trees Garden Services Discounts available All Tree Care Undertaken Pruning D Shaping D Dead Wooding

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G BEEs

Southsea urban project ask for details

Diamond Tudor Bloom Engagement Ring from Barbara Tipple.

15 Marmion Road, Southsea PO5 2AT

Diamonds have been admired for centuries, and some historians estimate that they were traded as early as 4 BC. The ancient Hindus viewed the strength of the diamond equal to the power in the sparks of lightening, due to the diamond’s ability to throw off light with its invincible strength. For them, the diamond was used as a talisman to provide protection during battle and ward off evil spirits. Today the diamond is a symbol of eternal love and is usually presented between partners in the form of wedding engagement rings.

35

WHAT’S ON BLOOD DONOR SESSIONS Fri 21 Apr COSHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE, WOOTTON ST, COSHAM 1.30-3.25pm & 4.30-7.30pm Thu 20 Apr FUNCTION ROOM, MOUNTBATTEN CENTRE 1.153.25pm & 4.15-7.25pm Wed 5, 12 & 26 Apr, Thu 4 May THE VICTORY LOUNGE, FRATTON PARK, PORTSMOUTH 1.30-3.25pm & 4.30-7.30pm www.blood.co.uk

EXHIBITIONS & MUSEUMS

Aspex Gallery

MINISTRY OF BOOKS

Every Friday GENERATE art and

Until 17 Apr EXHIBITION: TIGHT

craft skills for people with

MODERN

dementia10.30am FREE

Until 30 Apr EXHIBITION: FLOURISH

Saturdays FAMILY SATURDAYS free

by ALISON CARTER

drop-in workshop for all the family

Until 27 Oct EXHIBITION: CUT

11am-1pm £6 per child

LOOSE by ILSE BLACK

The Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays

Sat 29 Mar ARTS AWARD

Tel: 023 9277 8080

CLUB 1-3pm

www.aspex.org.uk

Every Wednesday MINI MAKERS 10.30- 11.30am £3 per child. Led by trained arts professionals, each Mini Makers starts with a story, before the children —together with their parents and guardians — are

WEDS - SUNDAY, 11-4 & BANK HOLS

invited to try their hand at a range of

Until 2 Apr EXHIBITION: THE

fun and exciting arts activities

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard & Naval Museums Mon 10 - Sun 23 Apr WHERE’S WILF EASTER BUNNY TRAIL 10am-5pm National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth

Cont’d p.39

FILM

I

Kong: Skull Island USA 2017 Director: Jordon Vogt-Roberts Cert 12A

t is 1973. The Vietnam war is coming to its ignominious end for the USA, and the troops are being pulled out.

One squadron of helicopters commanded by the megalomanic Preston Packard (Samuel L. Jackson) has been allocated to assist a civilian group of adventurers who have discovered an unknown island the Pacific Ocean, photographed through the mist by satellite cameras. And what do they find there?

Another big monkey! Roaring all the time and beating his chest.

Comparisons to Peter Jackson’s King Kong

(2005) are inevitable, but this version of the classic tale is very different in tone. It is lighter: not so serious, with some flashes of humour and colourful characters. The effects are amazing, photography stunning and the action scenes relentless - but the script is awful - I mean rubbish!

And it colours the whole film so that even Tom Hiddlestone (who can do no wrong lately) and Brie Larson (ditto) cannot salvage it from disaster.

Okay, you might allow some leeway as an allegory of human carelessness for the planet and its contents, which is a laudable cause, but you really have to suffer for it. Didn’t enjoy it.

Russell Baldwin 36

CULTURE VULTURE

SHAKESPEARE, GIANT RATS AND TAPAS IN OUR LOCAL THEATRES

T

Emma Beatty

here’s Shakespeare for all tastes in Southsea this month. Ponder the darker mechanics of life in Hamlet at The Kings Theatre (1-4 April). Billed as Shakespeare for the ‘Game of Thrones generation', Icarus Theatre Collective promises a fastpaced, ensemble style with traditional and physical theatre, and musical score.

Cheer yourself up with one of the bard’s most popular romantic comedies, Much Ado About Nothing, produced by The Groundlings Theatre, (27 April - 7 May). Or, for seasoned Shakespeare lovers, there’s the less familiar, Pericles: Prince of Tyre at The Square Tower (5-8 April), performed by the Southsea Shakespeare Actors. There’ll be shipwrecks, pirates, dreams, riddles, sex and danger as the hero is blown from shore to shore in the ancient world. This performance commemorates the group’s 70th year – perhaps it’s taken them that long to get round to tackling this complex late romance.

4 June) Ramsay won Aspex’s 2015/16 emerging artist award and now returns with a solo show in political documentary mode. She’s made 25 graphite rubbings from the graves of migrants who all died at sea, bearing witness to their plight. These are seen alongside photos and videos of four cemeteries in Sicily, as well as works from Ramsay’s ongoing project in which she records surfaces from other sites relating to conflict.

Tight Modern, the world’s smallest temporary popup gallery, is also at Aspex (until 17 April). This 8fthigh replica of London’s Tate Modern is a walk-in mini gallery for small-scale work from underrepresented artists. You can vote for the best and they win a cash award.

If you want something a bit less, erm, Shakespearian, Groundlings has its annual ‘Tapas Festival’ (1-7 April), of bite-sized performance pieces running simultaneously around the historic building. Each is no more than 15 minutes, and there’s everything from pithy dramas to compact comedies, dance and music. Pick your own menu according to taste (tapas, you see).

Over the Easter holidays, children can learn all about Ratty and Mole messing about in boats as The Groundlings presents its Interactive Musical Version of Wind in The Willows (12-22 Apr). They promise “spectacular stagecraft” and a company of over 50 performers in a new musical with an original score.

PICK OF THIS MONTH’S ART SHOWS: MAYA RAMSAY, RAFAEL KLEIN AND KIM WHITBY Maya Ramsay, Aspex Gallery, Gunwharf (2 April38

Tree Man, Rafael Klein

High Street (17 April-19th May). Rebecca Crow of Jack House has curated an ambitious two-site show of sculpture and print by New York-born, Londonbased artist Rafael Klein. It’s thematically linked on the idea of the human form and family tree – perhaps pertinent for Easter. Some of Klein’s sculptures are monumental in size, created from steel, copper and enamels and inspired by a series of quick sketches.

A simultaneous exhibition of smaller sculpture and graphic work is up the road at Jack House’s gallery.

Embrace, Rafael Klein

Family Tree, Rafael Klein, Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral and Jack House Gallery, Portsmouth

If you’re walking by The Guildhall, try to drop into the café to see the spectacular nine-metre-long painting of HMS Daedalus by Kim Whitby (until 2 Jun). This monumental panoramic oil painting shows the local air base and accompanying Hampshire skyline. Alongside are large ink drawings and smaller artworks, inspired by the artist’s move here when her serviceman husband was relocated to Portsmouth from Wales. She was fascinated by the unique local landscapes and landmarks.

Mon 10 - Sun 23 Apr WHERE’S WILF

Portsmouth PO1 3LJ Tel: 023 9283

EASTER BUNNY TRAIL 10am-5pm

9766 www.historicdockyard.co.uk

Free with a valid Historic Dockyard

Wed 5 Apr LECTURE: ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL by PROFESSOR DAVE GOULSON

MARKETS

Biologist and Conservationist of

Museum of the Royal Navy

Sat 1 & Sun 2 Apr, Sat 6 & Sun 7

Bumblebees at University of

Wed 12 & Wed 19 Apr DROP IN

May LOVE SOUTHSEA MARKETS

AND DRESS UP! 11am-4pm Free with

Palmerston Road

a valid Historic Dockyard ticket. All

www.lovesouthsea.co.uk

ages welcome National Museum of

Sun 16 Apr HAMPSHIRE FARMERS

Family Tree Art 9am-6pm

the Royal Navy

MARKET 10am-2pm Palmerston

Sat 22 Apr A HISTORY OF STEAM

Road Precinct

Lunchtime Live!

PINNACE 199 Martin Marks OBE

www.hampshirefarmersmarket.co.uk

Thu 16 Mar CLARE DURGAN Cello

presents a talk giving a general

MUSIC

Thu 23 Mar BRIAN MOLES Organ

ticket. All ages welcome National

background on the development of steam pinnaces and picket boats

Portsmouth Cathedral

Sussex 7pm Mon 17 Apr EXHIBITION: ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL

Thu 9 Mar RACHEL MAHON Organ

A series of organ, vocal and ensemble recitals at 1.10pm

Sat 1 Apr PORTSMOUTH FESTIVAL

Tickets £3. Tea, coffee and

below of your Free ticket) Boathouse 4

CHOIR CONCERT 7.30pm

sandwiches will be on sale before the

Sat 22 Apr ANZACS ON BOARD!

Sun 2 Apr CONCERT:

recitals from 12.30pm

11am-12pm (register on the website

11am-4pm HMS M.33

ST MATTHEW’S PASSION by JS

Victory Gate, HM Naval Base,

Bach 7.30pm

Cont’d p.41

39

Southsea Lifestyle is published and printed in Portsmouth. All of our editorial content is written by members of the community.

We aim to reflect everything that is enjoyable and stimulating about living in Portsmouth and Southsea, giving a platform for the city’s arts, business, sport and culture.

INFORMATION FOR ADVERTISERS: * Southsea Lifestyle has the largest circulation of all the independent publications in the city * 80% of our advertisers have been working with us from one to twelve years because they get continual business from advertising with us

* * * *

Southsea Lifestyle is the only independent publication to be delivered to residents’ homes from Eastney, Southsea, Old Portsmouth and Gunwharf Quays We try to ensure our advertising rates are fair and affordable for all businesses, large and small All of our quality magazines are printed on FSC paper (paper from sustainable sources) No heavy sales or invasive phone calls, our track record speaks for itself!

e: info@southsealifestyle.com or t: 023 92812045 for a media pack today Southsea Lifestyle

40

High Street, Old Portsmouth PO1

Sat 15 Apr LAUGH OUT LOUD

THUNDERDOME 10pm

2HH Tel: 023 9282 3300

COMEDY CLUB 7.30pm

Sat 8 Apr THE SMYTHS 8pm

portsmouthcathedral.org.uk

Thu 20 Apr THE WIZARD OF OZ –

Sun 9 Apr RICH HALL’S

EASTER PANTO 2pm

HOEDOWN 7.30pm

Sun 23 Apr UKBFF SOUTH COAST

Thu 13 Apr THE BIG FAT EASTER

BODY BUILDING SHOW 2017

QUIZ 7.30pm

Portsmouth Guildhall Until 30 Sep EXHIBITION: THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL

10.30am

Fri 14 Apr FLEETINGWOOD MAC

Thu 6 Apr RICK ASTLEY 7pm

Mon 24 Apr TRIO APACHES 7pm

8pm, THE WOLF CUB CLUB 10pm

Fri 7 Apr BSO: ROCOCO AND

Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1

Sat 15 Apr SEAN MCGOWAN

REVOLUTION 7pm

2AB Box office: 0844 847 2362

8pm, HITFACED 11pm

Fri 7 Apr PORTSMOUTH GUILDHALL

www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk

Sun 16 Apr EMPTIFISH & THE

ORGAN RECITALS – PAUL JOSLIN

Wedgewood Rooms

12.30pm

FLAMING STARS 7.30pm Wed 19 Apr GENESIS

Sat 8 Apr JIMMY CARR: THE BEST

Sat 1 Apr SOUTHSEA BEEREX 12pm

ELIJAH 7.30pm

OF, ULTIMATE GOLD, GREATEST

& 6pm

Thu 20 Apr KESTON COBBLERS

HITS TOUR 7.30pm

Mon 3 Apr MOONLANDINGZ 8pm

CLUB 7.30pm

Tue 11 Apr RICKY GERVAIS:

Wed 5 Apr AMP PRESENTS MAKE

Fri 21 Apr WEDGE COMEDY CLUB

HUMANITY 7.30pm

A NOISE FOR CHARITY 7pm

7.30pm

Thu 13 Apr CHRIS RAMSEY: IS

Fri 7 Apr WEDGE COMEDY CLUB

Sat 22 Apr ROCK N ROLL DAZE 8pm

THAT CHRIS RAMSEY? 7pm

7.30pm followed by

Cont’d p.42

FOR ALL YOUR TREE SURGERY NEEDS Crown reduction, lifting and thinning Stump grinding Deadwooding of tree canopies Hedge trimming and reduction Supply, planting and aftercare of new trees & hedges Removal and responsible recycling of green waste Tree Protection Order (TPO) research, application for planning consents with local authorities and conservation area trees completed free of charge

We remove the tree and the stump in one clean operation 24 HOUR CALL OUT 01730 821277 alpinetreesurgeons@yahoo.co.uk 07836 339664 www.alpinetreesurgeons.co.uk Call South Coast Firewood on 01329 836361 or 02392 350988

Email: info@southcoast-firewood.co.uk • Website www.southcoast-firewood.co.uk

41

Thu 27 Apr THE LOUNGE

Fridays 10am Alderman Lacey

COLOURING Southsea Library

KITTENS 8pm

Library

Every Wednesday CAREERS ADVICE

Fri 28 Apr THE DOORS ALIVE 8pm

Wednesdays 2.15pm - term time

10am Southsea Library

Sat 29 Apr PORTSMOUTH PSYCH

only Beddow Library

First Wednesday of the month

FEST 4pm

Mondays 10.30am term time only

READING HACK 4.45pm

Wed 3 May THE RIFLES Acoustic 8pm Thu 4 May HONEYBLOOD 8pm Fri 5 May WEDGE COMEDY CLUB 7.30pm Sat 6 May THE ALARM 8pm PLEASE NOTE THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AS NEW EVENTS MAY HAVE BEEN ADDED SINCE THE MAGAZINE WENT TO PRINT. PLEASE VISIT www.wedgewoodrooms.co.uk FOR FURTHER INFO

PORTSMOUTH LIBRARIES Regular Activities RHYME TIME

Carnegie Library Wednesdays 10am Central Library Tuesdays 11.15am Cosham Library Mondays, Thursdays 10am, Saturdays 10.30am Southsea Library

Every Monday CAREERS ADVICE 10am Beddow Library Every Wednesday 1pm CAREERS ADVICE Beddow Library Every Thursday CAREERS ADVICE 1pm Southsea Library Every Tuesday KNITTING GROUP

STORY TIME Thursdays 10am Alderman Lacey Library Mondays 2pm Southsea Library Every Monday SCRABBLE CLUB Alderman Lacey Library Every Monday RELAX WITH COLOURING Beddow Library

Central Library Every Tuesday CAREERS ADVICE 10am Central Library Every Thursday RELAX WITH COLOURING Cosham Library SEE THE OFFICIAL PORTSMOUTH LIBRARIES FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE UPCOMING EVENTS AT PORTSMOUTH LIBRARIES

Every Monday RELAX WITH

Cont’d p.44

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THEATRE

Groundlings Theatre Sat 1 Apr THE SEA - DRAMA

AUDITIONING 10.30am & 12 noon

AGAIN 7.30pm

42 Kent Street, Portsea PO1 3BS

Thu 13 - Sat 15 Apr GUESS HOW

www.groundlings.co.uk

MUCH I LOVE YOU times vary Tue 18 & 19 Apr BEAUTY AND THE

SCHOOL SHOWCASE 7pm

Kings Theatre

Thu 6 Apr THEATRE TOUR 1pm

Sat 1 Apr THEATRE TOURS 10.30am

Thu 20 Apr Screening: The

Wed 12 - Sat 22 Apr INTERACTIVE

Sun 2 Apr THE TEMPERANCE

Australian Ballet COPPELIA 7pm

MUSICAL VERSION OF WIND IN

SEVEN 4pm

Sun 23 Apr Screening: TWELFTH

THE WILLOWS times vary contact

Sun 2 Apr PORTSMOUTH MUSIC

NIGHT 6pm

box office

FESTIVAL GALA CONCERT 7pm

Tue 25 Apr PIANO MEN:

Sun 23 Apr TEDDY BEARS PICNIC

Sat 1 & 4 Apr HAMLET 7.30pm,

GENERATIONS 7.30pm

1pm (For children 0-5 years with

Matinee 1pm on Tues

Wed 26 Apr MR BLOOM’S

special needs)

Fri 7 Apr DREAMBOYS 7.30pm

NURSERY LIVE 1pm & 4pm

Thu 27 - Sun 30 Apr & Tue 2 - Sun

Sat 8 Apr MACCA The Concert

Thu 27 Apr Screening: JULIUS

7 May MUCH ADO ABOUT

7.30pm

CAESAR 1.30pm

NOTHING 7.30pm Matinees – 30

Sun 9 Apr THE VERA LYNN STORY

Thu 27 Apr BANFF MOUNTAIN

Apr, 6 & 7 May 2pm

3.30pm

FILM FESTIVAL World Tour 7.30pm

Thu 4 May THEATRE TOUR 1pm

Tue 11 Apr KYT STUDENT

Sat 29 Apr THE CARPENTERS

Sat 6 May JO HAWES –

TAKEOVER 7.30pm

STORY 7.30pm

MASTERCLASS IN THE ART OF

Wed 12 Apr YOU WIN

JOHN GRAY Heating Gas Installation Servicing & Maintenance All types of gas appliances Specialist Combination Boiler Engineer

Fully qualified Gas Safe registered

Tel: 07842202892 44

BEAST 5.30pm, Wed mat 2pm

Cont’d p.47

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45

SHAKIN’ STEVENS

S

ECHOES OF OUR TIMES

hakin’ Stevens is about to embark on his biggest ever UK tour, visiting 33 towns and cities across England, Scotland and Wales .The Echoes Of Our Times Tour will see one of the UK's biggest-selling artists of all-time hit the road from Easter, visiting Portsmouth Guildhall on Sun 14 May. Tickets priced from £24 & are on sale now: www.ticketmaster.co.uk

So, you’re going out on tour with the album and it’s a huge tour. What can people expect? I am looking forward to getting out on tour, we’re going to do all the tracks on the album Echoes Of Our Times. There will be the old hits too, but it isn’t possible to do them all.

In the early days I did practically all the hits, but I couldn’t actually do full songs from start to finish, I had to cut them down to get them in. But there will be some album tracks, songs that people haven’t heard me sing before, and the hits I do will be slightly different. You will know the songs, but it will be with new arrangements, or a new way of performing them.

How have you put the band together? There’s nine in the band – two female singers, a guitarist, a drummer, pianist, trumpeter, tenor saxpianist, bassist and keyboardist but we’ve also got harmonica, mandolin, banjo, slide guitar. They are all very talented, so it’s a great live band. I’ve worked with most of them over quite a long time and we all get on really well together, so I know we’re all going to get out on that stage every night and have a great time.

The album has certainly enjoyed tremendous success and a lot of prime-time radio air play. Did you expect this? I enjoyed great success in the ‘80s, but I had such a strong image from this time that it has been difficult to break through and present my music in its current form. Surprisingly, the album that has seemed to have been the easiest to put together has been the best tool to break that cycle; perhaps because it is so personal.

This is very much my ‘move on’ album. As you grow up and grow older you change and want 46

something different. In the very early days I was naïve, I knew I had to change but it was difficult. I did bring an album out, Now Listen in 2007. I would say that was my ‘bridge’ album, but unfortunately the guy who signed me, the guy who wanted to put the album out, went to America and nothing happened with it in the UK, although it was a top 10 album in Scandinavia.

Now with this album, I’ve come back with something very different. When it was first revealed to the media our publicist made a point of not saying who it was, as we wanted to get the reaction first without anyone having any preconceived perceptions.

The reaction was, and still is, fantastic, because people just didn’t expect this sound to come from the Shakin’ Stevens they remember and I can honestly say I haven’t heard one negative about it.

Win tickets to see Shakin’ Stevens - see opposite

Sun 30 Apr THE TEMPERANCE

ONLY 7.30pm

MEDITATION RETREAT

SEVEN 4pm

Tue 18 – 20 Apr MAKE, CREATE,

WITH MARTIN AYLWARD 9.30am-

Fri 5 May THE FUREYS 7.30pm

ANIMATE! 10am

4.30pm Portsmouth High School

Sat 6 May THEATRE TOURS

Fri 21 Apr THINK FLOYD 7.30pm

Sun 2 Apr WEDDING FAYRE 11am-

10.30am

Sat 22 Apr JOEL DOMMETT Live 8pm

3pm Portsmouth Marriott Hotel

Sat 6 May DISNEY FOREVER Gems

Sun 23 Apr THE GLENN MILLER

Sun 2 Apr ABSEIL FOR AUTISM

Dance School 6.30pm

ORCHESTRA 3pm

www.autismhampshire.org.uk

Albert Road, Southsea PO5 2QJ,

Wed 26 Apr SOUTH COAST

Emirates Spinnaker Tower

COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR 8pm

Sun 2 Apr MALLORY KNOX 7pm

kingsportsmouth.co.uk

Sat 29 Apr SWAN LAKE 2pm,

Pyramids, Southsea

New Theatre Royal

REGINALD D HUNTER 8pm

Mon 3 Apr TOP BANANA

Mon 8 & Tue 9 May MAY

BEGINNERS TRAPEZE CLASS 6pm

Wed 5 Apr SOUTH COAST

FAIR 7.30pm

St Lukes Church Hall

COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR 8pm

20-24 Guildhall Walk,

Wed 5 - Sat 8 Apr PERICLES: PRICE

Fri 7 Apr THE BEAUTIFUL

Portsmouth PO1 2DD Box Office:

OF TYRE by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

SECRET 7.30pm

023 9264 9000

7.30pm Square Tower

Sat 8 Apr CARA DILLON 7.30pm

www.newtheatreroyal.com

Fri 7 Apr DOLLY PARTON TRIBUTE -

Box Office: 023 9282 8282

Sun 9 Apr DON’T DRIBBLE ON THE DRAGON 2.30pm Sat 15 Apr UNION J – ONE NIGHT

OTHER EVENTS Sun 2 Apr DAY LONG

Portsmouth Marriott Hotel Cont’d p.48

COMPETITION

We have 5 pairs of tickets to give away to see Shakin’ Stevens on Sunday 14 May at Portsmouth Guildhall @ 7pm The tickets will go to the first 5 people to email: info@southsealifestyle.com with their address & phone number quoting:

FREE SHAKY TICKETS PLEASE Winners will be notified by 24 April 2017 47

Sat 8 - Sun 23 Apr EASTER FUN

Burrfields Road

Thu 4 May WILDLIFE TOTS

AT STAUNTON PARK

Thu 20 Apr PORT SOLENT KIDS

10.30am-12noon (for pre-school

Sat 8 Apr BLACKBERRY SMOKE

CLUB 11am-4pm

children accompanied by adult)

7pm Pyramids, Southsea

Thu 20 Apr SPEED DATING

Milton Locks Nature Reserve

Sat 8 – 9 Apr WOODLAND

7.15pm Spice Island Inn

Sun 7 May ANNA TIVEL AND

CRAFTS MARKET Sat 9am-5pm,

Sun 23 Apr ST GEORGE’S

JEFFREY MARTIN 7pm Square Tower

Sun 10am-4pm Palmerston Road Thu 13 Apr GO WILD AT MILTON LOCKS 10.30am – 12noon (for pre-school children accompanied by adult) Milton Locks Nature Reserve Thu 13 Apr PORT SOLENT KIDS CLUB 11am-4pm Thu 13 Apr DIRECT FROM

DAY RACE 10am £20 meet Gunwharf Quays Thu 27 Apr LEADING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Responsible Business Week Conference 2017 4.30pm Portsmouth Business School, University of Portsmouth Sat 30 Apr - Mon 1 May

Fri 12 May WARD THOMAS 7.30pm Pyramids Centre Sat 13 May WHITNEY HOUSTON TRIBUTE Portsmouth Marriott Hotel Sun 14 May ABSEIL FOR RAINBOW CENTRE www.rainbowcentre.org Emirates Spinnaker Tower

NASHVILLE, WOODY PINES

HAMPSHIRE COUN TRY FAIR 10am-

7.15pm Square Tower

6pm Netley Marsh Showground

Mon 17 Apr PORTSMOUTH

Wed 3 May LORD MAYOR’S

time of publishing. It cannot be held responsible for

JAZZ Roger Beaujolais E Quartet

COFFEE MORNING 10am

any errors or omissions. We recommend that you

7.15pm £16 Inn Lodge,

Portsmouth Guildhall

call ahead to check times & dates.

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Southsea Lifestyle makes every effort to ensure that the information in our listings is accurate at the

SEMI RETIRED

NO CALL OUT CHARGE For all your plumbing needs call

Terry on: 07850 831078

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49

H

GRAND DESIGNS

ow we love our gardens! Last year saw several new gardening programmes hit our television screens. Ranging from ‘The Big Allotment Challenge’ to ‘a Potted History of the Suburban Garden’ the subject matters covered most aspects of how to make the most of our gardens. Additionally, garden design was covered by ‘British Gardens in Time’ featuring famous designers such as Edwin Lutyens.

Jekyll had strong ideas about structure, proportion, colour, texture and scent too, but most important of all, her ‘design’ principles stayed as close to natural beauty as possible. She enjoyed both the formal and informal styles and would often mix the two, creating gardens that had separate sections yet flowed naturally from one area to the other

Despite his own tremendous success and reputation, it was Edwin Lutyens partnership with Gertrude Jekyll’s and her influence that led them to both create some of the most stunning landscapes and gardens throughout the UK.

Gertrude Jekyll’s pioneering work in the early 20th century still has influence today on our garden designs and landscaping, proving her design principles are timeless. The garden she created at Upton Grey Manor in Hampshire in 1908 was restored 20 years ago and remains one of the most authentic Jekyll gardens in existence.

Hambrooks Head Garden Designer, Mike Hodges is a keen advocate of Jekyll’s and says, “The importance of creating harmony and synchrony in either formal or naturalistic designs is not always appreciated and takes a good trained eye to achieve it. Softening hard landscaping with the right combination of plants is also essential, which was another of Jekylls’ guiding principles.”

Many of us enjoy creating our own gardens and are happy to let a garden evolve. However, for our gardens to be a little more special or if we really do want to create a masterpiece to bring together the house and garden in a complimentary manner, we need the talented eye of a good designer.

A good designer will be able to help you make the most of your outdoor space, no matter how large or small. Also, having our gardens professionally designed is known to add value to the property so it is worth considering using the experts and both Lutyens & Jekyll would certainly approve! www.hambrooks.co.uk 01489 779998

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