Southsea Lifestyle April / May 2019

April / May 2019

Southsea

NEW DEVELOPMENTS AT THE QUEENS SEE PAGE 8

Photo: Johnny Black

Lifestyle

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The beauty of responsibly-sourced stones

charlottecornelius.co.uk @charlottecorneliusjewels Charlotte Cornelius Jewellery Design 07880 705981 / 02392 831352 87a Marmion Road PO5 2AX

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CURRENT PROJECT ESSEX ROAD

2013

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CONTENTS 8 A RIGHT ROYAL SHIMMER AT THE QUEENS HOTEL 10 RECIPE 12 MAKING A CRUST 18 WELCOME HOME 24 STREET TALK 32 FACE TO FACE 42 CULTURE VULTURE 44 HIDDEN SPACES 50 VICTORIOUS FESTIVAL 52 GUT FEELING 60 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 46 HOT FOOD MONDAYS 66 BTW...

CONTRIBUTORS Emma Beatty teaches journalism at the University of Portsmouth. She has lived in Southsea for twelve years, and has two children John Worsey is a creative copywriter, based in Southsea. He works in Marketing & Communications at the University of Portsmouth 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 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 What’s on listings: Sophie McCue

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t is always good to have a theme for the intro to the magazine. It wasn’t difficult to find one for this edition - CHANGE. Not just the change of season, which has already got off to a flying start, but also in the community, exciting renovations at The Queens Hotel (p.8), change of ownership at Knight & Lee (p.24).

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Then there’s personal change, opening a bakery without any experience of bread making (p.12), moving lock stock and dachshund from London to Southsea, see Welcome Home (p.18). Or how about trying to bring change and comfort to the homeless see (p.64).

I could go on, but I’m off to enjoy the Spring sunshine.

Kevin John Dean

CALLING ALL BUSINESS OWNERS

Southsea Lifestyle is the only lifestyle magazine delivered to people’s homes across the city.

Affordable advertising rates and a loyal readership, no wonder 75% of our advertisers have been with us for . 2 years or more.

Just request a media pack. Call: 07981 867826 e:info@southsealifestyle.com www.southsealifestyle.com The next edition’s deadline is 8th May and is published on 1st June.

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A RIGHT ROYAL SHIMMER AT THE QUEENS HOTEL Southsea Lifestyle writer Kate Thompson was delighted to be invited back to see the progress being made in the multi-million-pound transformation of the beautiful Queens Hotel.

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rom the gold leaf adorned ceiling panels to the sumptuous new Axminster carpet, it’s clear to see that

no expense has been spared in the opulent Elizabeth Room at the Queens Hotel.

Interior designer Rebecca Peach has allowed the scale and elegance of the room to shape her scheme, and it will provide the perfect backdrop for weddings and grand gatherings for many years to come.

It took four and a half weeks to complete the

painstaking application of the gold leaf to the ceiling panels at a cost of £50,000 – a fifth of the overall budget to transform the stunning space.

“We’ve set up a joinery workshop in the basement so we can do the more intricate restoration work using skills from years gone by,” explained Farid Yeganeh, the hotelier who leads the consortium of owners.

“The bar has been restored to a cocktail bar, and the Elizabeth Room is now a truly beautiful space.”

You can always tell a great deal about an establishment by the state of the traditionally smallest room in the place.

Female visitors to the Queens Hotel may recall the quite simply enormous ladies’ loos that were spectacularly over specified when it came to floorspace. (The space has now been reconfigured to create a suite of offices).

The Elizabeth Room ceiling. Photo by Aina Sutka

The men’s room. Photo by Aina Sutka

events we have here, such as the Victorious Festival,” said Farid.

The team of craftsmen he has secured to undertake the transformation of the Queens Hotel clearly love the challenge of the work. They have come up with neat solutions that amplify the inherent beauty of the Edwardian baroque building, while at the same time bringing it up to the standards of a top-class hotel in the 21 st century.

The powder room. Photo by James White

A beautiful new powder room has been built in the former coachman’s residence. It’s the place where, in days gone by, he could keep an eye out for approaching carriages through his strategically placed look-out. Accessed via the original marble stairs, the space is delightful.

And fellas can answer the call of nature in suitably

And it’s the little details that count. False ceilings which gave the corridors an institutional feel, have been replaced with floating panels, which let in the light, but make the space feel more intimate and secure.

Rejuvenating the Queens Hotel hasn’t just been all about glitter and glamour, there were some serious infrastructure issues that needed to be tackled as well.

“When we took over, there were three combination boilers running the whole business. When one guest had a shower, it meant the rest of the building had

stylish surroundings too.

to wait for three quarters of an hour for more hot

Rebecca Peach has waved her magic wand

water – it was always draining down the tank.

in the bedrooms too, using dramatic colour schemes

“We have spent half a million pounds on a new

to make the most of the scale and outlook. They are

water system, to ensure everyone can have piping

spacious and luxurious with balconies over-looking

hot water,” said Farid.

the stunning Solent seascape.

“We just love that view – it’s changing all the time

The aim to become Southsea’s first four-star hotel remains, and work wil l start this year on the spa

and we are so lucky to be able to offer the best

and conference rooms. “We have made a good

location to see everything. “We have a live webcam

start, and there is still more to do. “You can see and

which can be accessed from our website, so

feel the potential – it really is an exciting time once

everyone can see the Solent and all the wonderful

again for the Queens Hotel,” said Farid.

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VEGAN TOMATO SOUP WITH SPINACH RAVIOLI Serves 6 Prepare 15 minutes, plus cooling Cook hour, plus cooling

INGREDIENTS 2 x 300g packs Waitrose 1 Red Choice Tomatoes, halved • 3 medium leeks, trimmed and roughly chopped • 5 garlic cloves, peeled and halved • 4 thyme sprigs • 2 tbsp olive oil • 400g can butter beans, rinsed and drained • 500ml Cooks’ Ingredients Fresh Vegetable Stock • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to drizzle • 250g pack Waitrose & Partners Vegan Spinach Ravioli • Handful basil leaves

1 Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Put the tomatoes, along with any vines (for extra flavour), in a large roasting tray. Add the leeks, garlic and thyme; drizzle over the olive oil and season. Roast for 25 minutes, then add the butter beans, stock and 250ml water to the tray; return to the oven for another 15 minutes. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

2 Remove and discard any woody thyme sprigs and tomato vines from the tray, then tip the contents into a large blender with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Whizz until smooth, loosening with more water if needed and adjusting the seasoning (you may need to add a pinch of sugar or honey, too).

3 Cook the ravioli according to pack instructions, then drain and toss with the remaining 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Reheat the soup if necessary and divide between bowls. Top each bowl with a few ravioli and basil leaves.

Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes

This spring, visit Buckwells for your Easter lamb. Or get ready for the BBQ season with our wide range of succulent steaks, handmade suasages and burgers.

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MAKING A CRUST

Southsea Lifestyle talks to Nikky Ondrouskova about their bakery business, how it began and future plans.

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t’s Saturday morning and people are queuing for sourdough bread and pastries. Other customers are seated, tucking into breakfast, or cake and coffee. Behind the counter, staff dressed in black T-shirts are preparing the regular deliveries to shops and restaurants around the city.

been busy ever since. So, what’s so special about sourdough? “It’s very different from mass produced bread, the ingredients are simple, flour, water and salt, but we also add a natural bacteria or ‘Mother’ as we call it. The whole process can take up to 72 hours before baking, and creates the unique taste.

Sourdough isn’t gluten free, but its slow process of fermentation makes it easier to digest than most breads, which often can be full of preservatives”, explained Nikky.

Nikky at work

Bread Addiction has come a long way since it opened in 2014. The owners, Nikky Ondrouskova and Ladi Adamek, both in their twenties, used their savings and a small bank loan to renovate the shop. “We opened earlier than we’d planned as we began to run out of money”, said Nikky.” We just opened the door one day and hoped for the best.” Fortunately, people loved what they found and they have 12

The couple were childhood sweethearts, growing up in the same village in The Czech Republic. They first came to Portsmouth on holiday after graduating from university, Nikky trained as a nurse, Ladi an engineer.

Struggling to find work at home, Ladi returned to the city to work in a restaurant in Gunwharf.

Nikky followed, working as a healthcare assistant in Southampton General Hospital.

“We were surprised that there were so few high street bakeries in the UK, and we didn’t like the supermarket bread, so we began baking our own.

Photographs by Charlotte Griffiths

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have lots of good friends and loyal customers and we employ 10 members of staff. But everything is in the balance,” said Nikky.

Meanwhile, there are plans to update the shop, with new counters, flooring and layout. Ladi has organised new storage to free up space inside the shop. For the time being, the focus will be on perfecting the business and on being good employers. Finally, Bread Addiction, who came up with the name? “Ladi had the idea that if our bread is really good, people will love it so much and keep coming back for more.”

“We wanted to open a coffee shop, but then we began making sourdough bread and realised we should open a bakery. We had no training, but we kept practising and studying the art of breadmaking until we found the right premises, in Elm Grove. After opening we also began baking pastries and cakes, which have become very popular.”

Talking about future plans for the business, Brexit is obviously a worry. “The day after the referendum I didn’t even check the news, I was sure the UK would vote to remain in the EU. But when I got to the shop people were in tears, customers were hugging us, asking us to stay.

Now, like everyone else we just look on to see what will happen next. We often talk about investing in larger premises, but we don’t even know if EU nationals will be able to stay in the UK. We feel at home here and I think we have made a valuable contribution to the city. We, 14

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WELCOME HOME

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Words by Kate Thompson. Photos: Charlotte Griffiths.

hen Lizzy first decided she wanted to live in Southsea, she had a very specific list of requirements.

Honed over many weeks coming down to Southsea from her home in London (driving around the streets, come rain or shine, to pinpoint her favoured location), she came up with a number of ‘must-haves’ that were needed to seal the deal.

A whirlwind of creative fun and energy, Lizzy set the estate agents a very explicit task.

“I told them I want to be able to walk to Waitrose – and that was before I discovered that Southsea’s Waitrose is the place where you meet everyone.

“This new house was going to be my forever home,

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so looking ahead, I wanted a place that was big enough for a Stannah stairlift, and wide enough to house a mobility scooter,” she declared.

In the end, Lizzy found the house under her own steam in one of the roads off of Elm Grove. She knew as soon as she walked through the door that it was the place for her.

“I knew I could live here quite happily.

“It’s like a Tardis. There are five bedrooms – one has become a study, and another my walk-in wardrobe (I had always wanted one), “she said.

The living room is a lively landscape of colourful cushions, paintings, and treasured paraphernalia gathered over a lifetime.

“Every item has a story, and all the gifts are

“You buy a house because you love it ,and then you

treasured,” confided Lizzy.

just hope against hope that the neighbours are fab

When she moved in, she brought with her 370

– and I really have fallen on my feet.

boxes delivered in two huge removal lorries

“We’ve even got a WhatsApp group so we

and a plethora of pots containing most of her

can help each other at the click of a button. I

London garden.

also belong to a great local book club, which is

Her beloved Dachshund, Crumpet is immortalised in

a riot” she said.

paintings, along with other sausage dog pictures.

Far from missing her old life in London, Lizzy is a

Everywhere you turn there are wonderful items to coo

Southsea convert who delights in finding out new

over, including two framed Hermes silk scarves hung

and quirky facts about her new home.

on the landing by the master bedroom.

Happily ensconced, she has added to the mix with items bought in Southsea – including treasured

“I love having friends from London come to stay.

When I first moved here, they thought I had lost my marbles, but now I delight in telling them that

artworks from local charity shops.

Southsea won the Pier of the Year. In the summer

“I had to get cupboards and shelves built in the living

some friends came down and shopped like mad at

room before I could properly move in. As it was, it

Gunwharf, and then we went for a swim in the

took me five months to unpack,” she said.

evening, it was heavenly.

The garden is bursting with mature trees and shrubs

“I’ve got friends coming over from New York soon,

transplanted from her former home, and they have

and I can’t wait to show them the sights – Southsea

settled just as happily as their owner.

really is the best place to be.”

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STREET TALK Neil Maxwell

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f you read my last article, (Feb/March), I was eerily prescient, as I had no prior knowledge of the closure of Knight & Lee/John Lewis. Like many of you, I’m sure, once the shock had passed of losing such an important store, my thoughts naturally turned to what is next for the building? Surely not a student accommodation block, or maybe another large retailer, or supermarket, but that seemed unlikely in today’s economy.

To add to my despair I was disappointed to read a John Lewis press release, stating that the Partnership felt the needs of its customers would be better served by the stores in Southampton and Chichester. Really?

There comes a time for honesty after over 100 years of serving a community, not corporate whitewash.

Step forward the new owners of the building the That group. I think their plans go a long way to bringing a balance back to Palmerston Road, with the chance of 'pop up shops’ for independent retailers and work stations for small businesses.

The opportunity for business rental space is a proven metric in other cities, with networking spin offs and greater commerce. They are places that attract young, dynamic companies - bringing a new vitality to our high street, who will in turn spend money in the local economy.

With the failure of many big stores in recent years it is a salutary reminder that big business is not necessarily good for

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local economies. The future of local economies is safer if led by innovative, local entrepreneurs, who must also be supported by us.

As the high street loses the larger retailers, it is starting to become obvious that a new sector is ready to fill the space left behind the leisure industry. Which is why, according to Savills, an all day restaurant - Loungers, is opening in May, at 36-38 Palmerston Road and nearby, a sandwich bar, (O’Briens) will be opening at number 32. both have signed long leases so they must be feeling positive about the future of the precinct.

I shop regularly at John Lewis and will miss the interaction with the dedicated members of staff. I always enjoy the shopping experience and like that the companies’ profits return to the staff partnership, but nothing remains the same forever and I’m feeling excited about the future of the city.

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• This impressive home offers extremely versatile accommodation over four floors including two basement rooms featuring a tv/cinema room and a larger games/family room.

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9th april 2019

ROGER ASKEW – FROM OPERA TO ORATORIO: HOW GEORGE FREDERICK HANDEL CHANGED THE MUSICAL LIFE OF BRITAIN Despite being labelled “Das land ohne music” in 1904, Britain has a rich operatic tradition. This lecture, with musical examples, explores this fascinating legacy.

Roger was the Director of Music at Stewart’s Melville College, Edinburgh.

He is President Emeritus of the Stoke Poges Society.

14th May 2019

LINDA SMITH – JAMES GILRAY: A CATERPILLAR ON THE GREEN LEAF OF SOCIETY. Gilray lived at a time of immense social and political upheaval, dominated by a handful of larger than life personalities.

This lecture reveals how they were viewed by this master of disrespect.

Linda is a guide and lecturer at Tate Britain, Tate Modern and the Dulwich Picture Gallery.

UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH ELDON BUILDING, MIDDLE STREET, PO1 2DJ WE GATHER FROM 6PM PRESENTATION 7-8PM VISITORS WARMLY WELCOMED £5 26

THE WONDERFUL WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP Learn to paint with bright, luminous washes with the artist Kevin Dean RCA. Suitable for beginners or people with some experience of painting.

Sunday 14th April, 10.30 a.m - 4pm. £48 Including materials.

Tel: 07981 867826 or info@kevindean.co.uk for full details .

TENNIS PAVILION @ CANOE LAKE ST HELENS PARADE, SOUTHSEA PO5 9RG Like us on

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READ, THINK, WRITE

Does your child ask for help with their English story writing?

Here are some tips to help children improve their work. We use Read Think Write.

READ Read the written piece aloud. It is much easier to hear errors than see them. Don’t stop to correct at this point, go back once you have read the whole thing.

Ask, does that sound right? Questions will help your child see errors for themselves.

THINK Think about editing next. Depending on the age of your child, you may want to point out missed punctuation, spelling errors (not too many) or repetition. Help them to do the looking up in the dictionary or thesaurus themselves.

If the piece is all one paragraph: you may want to locate where the new paragraph should be (change of speaker/time/place/topic). Photocopy the writing, use scissors to cut it up, and re-arrange

in the correct order.

Tell the child to ask themselves: do I describe what my characters look, sound, move and feel like?

WRITE Now they can do a second draft. Use best handwriting or type it out on the computer, whichever is required. Refrain from tearing it apart a second time, even if there are errors. The teacher will need to see any areas of weakness that persist. If errors persist then you can discuss them with the school or get extra help.

REWARD PROGRESS AND COMPLETION OF HOMEWORK, REINFORCE POSITIVE EFFORT! At I Love to Learn Professional Tuition, we aim to help parents and children whenever it is needed.

If you would like a Free Assessment in reading, writing, spelling or maths call 01329 738 100 and speak to Howard or Linda.

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FACE TO FACE

Talking to people with passion for what they do.

Lauren Steadman, three time Paralympian & Rio Silver Medallist, double World Champion, 6 time European Champion, elite para – triathlete. Lauren studied at UoP and has made Portsmouth her home WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO PORTSMOUTH? I loved the city vibes that Portsmouth has, it’s small, next to the sea, has lots of history, and being a university city it attracts a diverse array of cultures, generations and a young positive mindset.

WHAT WAS PORTSMOUTH STUDENT LIFE LIKE? Being a student at Portsmouth University was a great chapter in my life, the university itself is very encouraging and pushes its students to achieve the best they possibly can, whilst also gaining those ‘life experiences’ away from home too!

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? Securing my first World Title back in 2014 in Edmonton. I had all my family by my side, and it was an incredible feeling!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE TO DO BACK HOME IN PORTSMOUTH WHEN YOU’RE NOT TRAINING? I really enjoy socialising with friends, in and around all the local independent cafés and bars, I enjoy strolling on the promenade, reading, baking and chilling time!

YOU’VE COMPETED IN MANY COMPETITIONS OVER THE YEARS, HOW DID STRICTLY COMPARE? Strictly was an incredible experience, one which I don’t think you could ever fully understand, unless you take part! It was a whole world away from sport, but an opportunity I feel very fortunate to have been lucky enough to have experienced! I have learnt new skills for life, made new friendships, and overall it has taught me much more about myself as a person.

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST STRICTLY MOMENT? Dancing my Viennese waltz with AJ, that moment I just danced with no thoughts, and it felt as though I was gliding around the room - thank you to AJ, without him I doubt my Strictly journey would’ve been half as beautiful!

YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION, AND HAVE OVERCOME MANY BARRIERS IN YOUR LIFE AND CAREER, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE TO PEOPLE FACING DAILY CHALLENGES? I would like to tell everyone that yes, we are often faced with difficult 32

Lauren Steadman in one of her Strictly costumes

challenges and choices, and while we often shy away from what we are capable of achieving, it really isn’t about what you have or want, it’s about how hard you try, and how far you are willing to go in order to achieve a goal or dream. It starts small, a goal or dream, you have to chip away slowly at it and one day you’ll realise you are much closer than you thought! It’s also okay to ask for help and guidance along the way to beating any barriers- the hardest part is starting!

YOU HAVE A STRONG SUPPORTING COMMUNITY HERE IN PORTSMOUTH, DO YOU OFTEN GET RECOGNISED WHEN OUT IN THE CITY? Yes! Since the show has finished I’ve been recognised by many people, and most come and say hello, so it’s great to get a sense of community and that Portsmouth really is home!

WHAT’S NEXT FOR WORLD & EUROPEAN CHAMPION LAUREN STEADMAN? What’s next is to retain my titles this year and hopefully reach the qualification standard for Tokyo 2020!

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!"#$%&'#()*#+!,-"". !"#$%&"'()*+(,--.()&(/)*-0-#)12-3()*+(4-//-5( 6%()&(/)*-0-#)%-6&7%")(-*(89:;< =>(?/3(@'-A"B(:-6&7%")B(CDE(=F@1 "#$%&'()#*'+%,*-.%/%!30 Consecutve days

!

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NEW CLIENT SPECIAL OFFER £40 for unlimited Mat Classes, for one month (normally £50).

Please come in for chat with our friendly staff - or you can book online. Just use the code: SOUTHSEALIFESTYLE We are called Everybody Pilates for a good reason, we believe pilates is for everyone. Pilates exercise is designed to stretch, strengthen and balance the body and mind, with an emphasis upon creating a strong centre and correcting alignment. Whatever your age, level of fitness or body shape, we’d love to see you at our purpose built studio in Palmerston Road..

You can pay as you go, or we offer membership subscriptions with discounts.

30 Palmerston Rd, Southsea PO5 3QH Studio Telephone: 02392 838 395 Email:southsea@everybodypilates.co.uk

QUALITY CLOTHES FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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industry or perhaps you are an army

Rugged canvas rucksacks £15.

Camouflage rucksacks from £29.95.

cadet? Or you might enjoy metal

Plus a variety of cadet accessorises.

o you work in security, in the building

detecting, camping or hill walking? Whatever

your interests, Andy’s Maritime antiques and army surplus store has a huge stock of high quality clothes, footwear and rucksacks to choose from at their new, large, warehouse, not far from Marmion Road, Southsea.

Come along and have a look and check out these prices: Special offer on all boots, various styles, sizes from 3-13 £50.

Quality shirts various styles £10.

Caps £12.50, plus strong protective gloves £5.

Hardwearing black, camouflage and desert trousers £25.

Amazing Flight suits £35.

Bomber jackets, various styles and colours all reduced to £50.

Feel free to call in between 10am-4.30pm 6 days a week at 29 St Vincent Road, Southsea PO5 2QR Tel 02392 753108 Andys Maritime Antiques Andys Army Surplus

CULTURE VULTURE

Spring – a season to celebrate dance and female artists by Emma Beatty

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his month is packed with art and dance shows – too many to write it all up. Here are a few highlights.

A DANCE FESTIVAL (and one opera) The New Theatre Royal (NTR) has its “first ever festival of dance and visual theatre”, with everything from ballroom to ballet via sci-fi and contemporary. There are some big names – The Ballet Boyz performed back in March, but on 21 May contemporary dance boffin Wayne McGregor’s company is coming. McGregor’s many talents include choreographing movement for the Harry Potter films, but he’s most known for his hi-tech science-inspired dance works. This one, Autobiography, is based on the idea of his own DNA – 23 short dance pieces to represent his 23 pairs of chromosomes. He’s collaborated with “software architect” Nick Rothwell to create a unique algorithm for each performance—different every night—quite a challenge for the dancers.

McGregor often plays with ideas of randomness and order, like this, pushing his dancers to create wholly original movement.

Also at the NTR festival, Ockham’s Razor – an aerial theatre company – bring a series of mid-air frames raised from floor to ceiling 10-11 May in which they lift, push and cradle each other through a sequence of windows and ledges. It’s part-circus/part-dance/part-theatre.

CLOD Ensemble defies categorisation; a company of dancers, actors and singers who “create an epic moving sculpture” in their new piece (16 May). It sounds intriguing, with its monochrome set and specially composed musical score counterpointed by “sounds of howling wind, downpours and thunderclaps”. It premieres at

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London’s Southbank in April before coming down here.

Traditional dance fans can also expect some old favourites too. Strictly’s Kevin Clifton himself is appearing on 17 May, dancing with partner Graziano Di Prima. And ballet fans can see Vienna Festival Ballet’s glorious dancing doll Coppélia on 25 May (3pm matinee).

Finally, one more NTR show to mention – OperaUpClose are bringing their 2011 OlivierAward winning production of Puccini’s La Bohème (25 April), set in jeans and t-shirts and sung in English.

ART EXHIBITIONS Elsewhere in the city, Aspex has a futuristic season exploring the mixing of new digital media with more traditional forms. Its main show is work by long-established multimedia artist Maggie Roberts – who blends pixels and paint in a surrealist mix on themes of sci-fi and the interactions between human life, nature, and technology 5 Apr-23 Jun. Jack House Gallery in Old Portsmouth goes from strength to strength this spring. First, it has The Sunset Portfolio lithographs 2018 (5 April (date TBC)-11 May), a new series of large lithographic prints by artist Caroline Walker full of her trade-mark lush colour and mysterious cinematic styling.

Then, there’s work by veteran US photographer Duane Michals—black and white images of New York in the ‘60s, “achingly nostalgic” showing the city frozen in time.

Then, 9 May-15 June, it brings two big names together in a show of lithographs by Paula Rego and Cathie Pilkington. Pilkington started collaborating with Rego in 2005 when she was asked to make props for one of Rego’s famous narrative paintings.

Their

partnership went on and Pilkington made more models and mannequins to use in Rego’s works. This show celebrates these two great women artists who, though different ages, share a similar subject matter of transgressive femininity. You might have seen Pilkington’s recent installation at Pallant House, Chichester: dismembered dolls limbs and eerie faceless figurines and pregnant dolls – strangely beguiling and disquieting.

And finally, Art Space on Brougham Road has more work by women artists in Heimweh (5-14 April), see Hidden Spaces on p.44 for details.

Girls, Girls, Girls

The lithographs of Paula Rego & Cathie Pilkington

Copyright Cathie Pilkington

Opens Wednesday 8th May – Saturday 15th June 2019 121 High Street Old Portsmouth PO1 2HW 023 9229 7053 info@jackhousegallery.co.uk www.jackhousegallery.co.uk

43

HIDDEN SPACES

Emma Beatty visits Art Space, an important artists’ community in the centre of Portsmouth

H

ave you ever been to Brougham Road, up on the left from the petrol station near Elm Grove? It’s home to one of Portsmouth’s greatest artistic assets – Art Space studios.

had a studio there for over 20 years.

She’s currently working on pieces for her next show at Winchester – semifigurative paintings in fuchsia pink and green using oil bars to draw on the canvas.

The converted red-brick former Methodist chapel houses 31 studios, ranging from 80 to 400 sq ft, rented out to some 32 artists— painters, sculptors, musicians— many of whom exhibit nationally and internationally, and many of whom live in Southsea. The space is entirely unfunded, and survives on the artists’ rents to pay Portsmouth City Council, which owns the building, and which is to spend £300,000 on repairs this year.

Her studio is on the ground floor. High ceilings let in light through the old church windows two metres up. Tubes of oil paint, canvases, sketchbooks, art books and collected objets are carefully arranged. You can tell it’s taken years to build up. This is one of the few established arts organisations in the UK for whom direct, critical engagement with studio practice like this is key. A group of graduates and lecturers from Portsmouth Polytechnic founded the studios in 1980 and it retains something of this old artschool atmosphere.

Artists are attracted by the building’s 40-year heritage and its low cost (the second lowest in the south-east). “I couldn’t be without Art Space,” says Gillian Hawkins, a painter who’s

Sadly, most of the artists’ work produced here rarely gets seen in Portsmouth itself, apart from

Art Space

44

THE ARTISTS AND THEIR STUDIOS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13a 13c 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 RS

Charlotte Brisland Tobin Thomson Chris Wood Mike Blackman Greg Palmer Rachel Johnston & Philip Sanderson David Leefe Kendon Sabatin Bascoban Jan Williams/Caravan Gallery Neil Taylor Patrick Galway Jeannie Driver Collin Merrin Lynn Nicholls Jacky Dillon Anne Shaw Jane Kilford Markella Korai Bridget Lloyd John Green John Adams Project Studio Naty Lopez-Holguin Sue Eves Patti Gaal-Holmes Ruth Collins & Tracey McEachran Adrian Mundy Kate Street Kevin Dean Gillian Hawkins

The Risk of Hostility is an Everyday Experience, Colin Merrin 2019

Photo: Colin Merrin 2019

in the small gallery at Art Space, where

artists and it is now wholly independent. Back

exhibitions are open to the public. Jon

in the day, when Aspex was still part of Art

Adams has just had a sound installation at

Space, in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s, you could see work by

the Royal Academy in London. The Caravan

the likes of Helen Chadwick, Mona Hatoum

Gallery, who regularly exhibit all over the UK

and Richard Wilson there, thanks to the

and internationally, currently have a rare

vision of its former director Les Buckingham.

showing of their work in Hampshire at

However, Art Spaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Studio and

Mottisfont. Artist and musician Tobin Prinz is working on his latest album there and will be performing in an art gallery in New York. Art Space are looking at live streaming it from New York.

Programme Manager Andy Buchanan and new Chair Colin Merrin are keen to get Art Space and artists in Portsmouth more recognition in the city and beyond, through new initiatives such as the recent Art Space

Portsmouth, for whatever reasons, has very

exhibitions at the Guildhall, as well as talks

few spaces to show this kind of contemporary

and events at Art Space, and increasing the

work. Jack House Gallery in Old Portsmouth

inhouse exhibition programme (sign up to its

shows some of its more figurative works,

social media for alerts). Its next exhibition is

such as those by the dockyard painter

Heimweh with work by nine women artists (5-

John Green. Aspex Gallery, in Gunwharf,

14 April). Followed by the annual Open

originated out of Art Space, but its mission

Studios on 22-23 June. Why not pop in and

has evolved to concentrate on more emerging

take a look? http://www.artspace.co.uk

46

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WHAT’S ON ASPEX GALLERY

ART & EXHIBITIONS

WEDS - SUNDAY, 11-4 & BANK HOLS Every Friday GENERATE Art for People with Dementia 10.30am Every Wednesday MINI MAKERS 10.30am Every Saturday FAMILY SATURDAYS 11am PONTOON ARTIST IN RESIDENCE – BOREDOMRESEARCH The Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays Tel: 023 9277 8080 www.aspex.org.uk

PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD

EXHIBITION: THE ICONIC TRAFALGAR SAIL NM of RN EXHIBITION: BRITISH TATTOO ART REVEALED Boathouse No 5 All events are ticketed see www.historicdockyard.co.uk

for details. Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ Tel: 023 9283 9766

PORTSMOUTH MUSEUMS

All Year EXHIBITION: YOU DON’T KNOW SHERLOCK HOLMES ….YET Portsmouth Museum Tue 9 Apr POPPIES FOR D-DAY 75 D-Day Museum Fri 12 Apr BEAUTY IS YOUR DUTY - WW2 Make up Class £60 booking essential D-Day Museum Fri 12 Apr REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS 10.30am-1pm & 2-4pm FREE drop in Cumberland House Tue 16 Apr SUPER SPIES booking essential D-Day Museum Tue 16 Apr WOOLLY MAMMOTHS11am-12noon & 23pm booking essential small fee Cumberland House Sat 11 May GARDEN INSECTS IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP10am-4pm booking essential (+18) Tue 14 May TOUCH TOUR 10.30am-12.30pm booking essential D-Day Museum Tue 21 May POND ANIMALS at CUMBERLAND HOUSE 10.30am-1pm & 2-4pm FREE portsmouthcitymuseums.co.uk

49

PLAN B, ALL SAINTS, IDLEWILD & MORE JOIN THE BILL

T

hree-time Ivor Novello Award-winning Plan B is set to bolster Victorious’ Sunday bill. First emerging as a rapper releasing his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Who Needs Actions When You Got Words’ in 2006, Plan B’s recent work has received critical acclaim and delivered unstoppable hits.

catalogue their set is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Indie-rockers Idlewild are also a welcome addition to the Victorious line-up. Having recently announced their first album in four years with ‘Interview Music’, as well lauded single ‘Dream Variations’, the Scottish indie veterans are guaranteed to be a festival highlight.

Other confirmed additions across the weekend include exciting up and coming, unsigned and self-releasing

artists

and

include

singer-

songwriter Miles Hunt and Erica from The Wonder

Stuff,

famously

unsigned

Jerry

Williams, The Snuts, Laurel, Alice Jemima, Plastic Mermaids, Alex Francis, Kawala, AK Patterson, and Bessie Turner.

Plan B

Joining the Saturday bill are nineties pop sensations All Saints. Reforming after a ten year hiatus in 2016 with the hugely successful album ‘Red Flag’ – which charted at No3 in the Official UK Album chart – the Pure Shores hitmakers have sold 12million records across their career to date, including five Number One singles and with a wealth of material from an amazing back 50

AK Patterson

All Saints

Specials, New Order, Bloc Party, Clean Bandit and The Vaccines

not

to

mention

unbelievable pop acts like Rudimental and Two Door Cinema Club, it’s safe to say Victorious has got to be the most exciting, most diverse festival programme anywhere this summer.”

Revellers can expect an eclectic Idlewild, photo by Donald Milne

Said Festival director, Andy Marsh: “We’ve worked tirelessly this year to ensure our line-up caters for all tastes and we truly believe we’ve hit all the key points from the musical spectrum.

mix of live music and DJ performances, from some of the

biggest

names

in

the

music

industry,

as well as a medley of locally sourced food markets and ale stalls, an arts and craft marketplace, a jam-packed kids arena hosting

“Adding these amazing artists to the line-up

themed games, live performances and much,

we’ve already announced with bands like The

much more.

51

52

PORTSMOUTH GUILDHALL

MUSIC

Fri 5 Apr THE GUTTER BROTHERS 7pm

Sat 6 Apr FASTLOVE 7.30pm Mon 8 Apr ABC TEDDY BEAR CONCERTS: EASTER BUNNY HOP BOUNCES BACK! 11am Wed 10 Apr SOUTH COAST COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR 7.30pm Wed 10 Apr LED ZEPPELIN MASTERS 7pm Thu 11 Apr WILLNE AND STEPHEN TRIES 6pm Fri 12 Apr BSO: ECHOES OF HOME 7.30pm Fri 12 Apr ANTONIO FORCIONE 8pm Sat 13 Apr SPACE 7pm Sun 14 Apr REMEMBERING THE MOVIES 7pm Mon 15 Apr ANT MIDDLETON 7pm Tue 16 Apr THE SPECIALS 7pm Wed 17 Apr SOUTH COAST COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR 7.30pm Fri 19 Apr RICHARD ASHCROFT 7pm Sat 20 Apr LAUGH OUT LOUD COMEDY CLUB 7.30pm Sun 28 Apr IAN MCNABB 7pm Mon 29 Apr PORTSMOUTH CHAMBER MUSIC: PIATTI QUARTET 7pm Tue 30 Apr SOUTHSEA SKIFFLE ORCHESTRA 12-3pm Wed 1 May SOUTH COAST COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR 7.30pm Sat 4 & 5 May PORTSMOUTH COMIC CON 10am Thu 9 May BSO: CZECH MATES 7.30pm Fri 10 May RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC 7.30pm Sat 11 May LAUGH OUT LOUD COMEDY CLUB 7.30pm Fri 17 May MICHAEL BALL 7pm

Tue 28 May SOUTHSEA SKIFFLE ORCHESTRA 12-3pm Wed 29 May SOUTH COAST COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR 7.30pm

Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1 2AB Box Office 0844 847 2362 www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk

WEDGEWOOD ROOMS

Fri 5 - Sun 7 Apr SOUTHSEA BEEREX times vary Tue 9 Apr EARTHBORN KINGS 7pm Wed 10 Apr NICOLE ATKINS 7.30pm Fri 12 Apr WEDGE COMEDY CLUB 7.30pm Sat 13 Apr THE SMYTHS 7.30pm Mon 15 Apr AND 7pm Wed 17 Apr THE BIG FAT EASTER QUIZ 7pm Fri 19 Apr MAD FOR IT! 7.30pm Sun 21 Apr FLEETINGWOOD MAC 7.30pm Tue 23 Apr NOT ON TOUR 7.30pm Thu 25 Apr TEST DEPT 7.30pm Fri 26 Apr WEDGE COMEDY CLUB 7.30pm Sat 27 Apr LIMEHOUSE LIZZY 7.30pm Sun 28 Apr ANGELA BARNES: ROSE TINTED 7.30pm Wed 1 May AN EVENING WITH ROBYN HITCHCOCK 7.30pm Sun 5 May DANIEL ROMANO AND THE OUTFIT 7.30pm Fri 10 May WEDGE COMEDY CLUB 7.30pm Sat 11 May SIAN EVANS KOSHEEN 7.30pm Sun 12 May FLO & JOAN 7.30pm Mon 13 May PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS 7.30pm Sat 18 May CRYSTAL TIDES 7pm Thu 23 May FOREVER UNCLEAN 7.30pm

Sat 18 May TAKING CARE OF ELVIS The King is

Fri 24 May WEDGE COMEDY CLUB 7.30pm

Back 7pm

Sat 25 May THE SELECTER 7.30pm

Mon 20 May PORTSMOUTH CHAMBER MUSIC:

Thu 30 May THEA GILMORE 7.30pm

ENSEMBLE 360 7.30pm

PLEASE NOTE THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AS NEW EVENTS MAY HAVE BEEN

Tue 21 May STRICTLY COME DANCING The

ADDED SINCE THE MAGAZINE WENT TO PRINT.

Professionals 7pm

PLEASE VISIT www.wedgewood-rooms.co.uk FOR FURTHER INFO

Wed 22 May SOUTH COAST COMEDIAN OF THE

147b Albert Rd, Southsea PO4 0JW

YEAR 7.30pm

Box Office: 023 9286 3911

Fri 24 May JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW 7pm

Email: tickets@wedgewood-rooms.co.uk

53

GUT FEELING

Claire Harris talks about the connection between what we eat, stress and our ability to lead healthy lives

N

ew scientific evidence has begun to map gut and cognitive health links and our day to day sense of wellbeing. The breakthroughs are shining a light on the connections between body and mind - gut, brain and heart, all interrelating – allowing enormous scope for improvements to our daily lives.

healthy gut. Let’s take a closer look.

These Neurotransmitters, to name a few, Serotonin, Dopamine, GABA are actually being made by the bacteria in YOUR gut. To work effectively they regularly require vegetables and whole foods.

EATING Your choice of food, based upon your tastes & circumstances.

DIGESTION Your personal ability to deal will foods based on factors relating to gut function, bacterium issues, elimination, inflammation, genetics.

BY-PRODUCTS Reactions caused by poor diet, stress & environmental factors.

ADAPTION The body & mind find ways to adapt to unsuitable foods and stress factors. We may be compromised with hidden levels of inflammation, a weakened immune system, cognitive health and behavioural issues.

GUT & MIND Compromise in the intestinal 'brain' equals a reduction in brain function as the required building blocks will be in shortened, or even absent supply.

IN SHORT Poor gut health correlates to an array of body symptoms but also impacts on the mind, affecting how we adapt to stresses and our behaviour. These issues all relate to our ability to function well and to lead healthy lives, yet the good news is we can really help ourselves here.

This holistic system - this vibrant center of You also transports essential minerals, such as zinc, calcium and magnesium, alongside valuable vitamins to support the blood supply and the cells within the entire body.

If you relate to any of these issues you might reflect upon one thing you could do to support your digestion and thus support your cognitive and emotionally well-being? You can send me your thoughts and questions to: atozhealth@live.co.uk

YOUR gut is the hub of YOUR well-being in physical terms but also in many ways emotionally too. Your mind and body need the support of a

Claire Harris’ practice A-Z Health is situated inside Southsea Chiropractic Clinic, No. 86 Marmion Road.

I would like to briefly reflect upon a few of these issues and to perhaps offer some inspiration and insightful reflection.

95% of YOUR ‘feel good’ chemicals called ‘Neurotransmitters’ - aka ‘stress buffers’ - are produced in YOUR gut.

We boost these by our choice of food and drink. We cannot easily boost these chemicals with supplements, and prescription medication for gut or cognitive health tends to need intricate absorption.

54

ired be inspwith Slimming World Join our fun and friendly group

TUESDAYS Southsea The Pyramids Centre Clarence Esplanade 5.30pm Tel: Sarah 07462 472996

slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

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THEATRE

GROUNDLINGS THEATRE

mat 2.30pm

Tue 2 - Sat 6 Apr AN IDEAL HUSBAND 7.30pm, Sat

mat 2.30pm

Sun 28 Apr SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS 7.30pm Tue 30 Apr - Sat 4 May BLOOD BROTHERS 7.30pm, Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm

Sat 13 Apr WEST END JERSEYS 7.30pm Sat 20 - Sun 28 Apr THE RAILWAY CHILDREN times vary contact box office Thu 16 May THE JOHN LEGEND EXPERIENCE 8.30pm 42 Kent Street, Portsea PO1 3BS

Tue 7 - Sat 11 May MINDGAME 7.30pm, Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm Sun 12 May THE BOOTLEG BEATLES 7.30pm Wed 15 - Sat 18 May NEW JERSEY NIGHTS 7.30pm, Sat mat 2.30pm

www.groundlings.co.uk

Sun 19 May THE TINA TURNER EXPERIENCE 7.30pm

KINGS THEATRE

Thu 23 May THE BEACH BOYS TRIBUTE SHOW 7.30pm

Sat 6 Apr THEATRE TOUR 10.30am

Sat 25 May ILLEGAL EAGLES 7.30pm

Sun 7 Apr A CELEBRATION OF MUSICALS 7pm

Sun 26 May LITTLE MIX EXPERIENCE 6pm

Fri 24 May ONE NIGHT OF ELVIS 7.30pm

Sat 13 - Sun 14 Apr IN THE NIGHT GARDEN 10am,

Tue 28 May - Sat 1 Jun DIRTY DANCING 7.30pm, Fri

1pm & 4pm

5pm & 8.30pm, Sat mat 2.30pm

Wed 17 - Sat 20 Apr BUGSY MALONE 1.30pm & 6.30pm

Albert Road, Southsea PO5 2QJ. Box Office: 023

Mon 22 - Sat 27 Apr LET IT BE 7.30pm Wed & Sat

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NEW THEATRE ROYAL

Fri 5 & Sat 6 Apr DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE Fri 4.30pm, Sat 11am, 2pm, 4.30pm Sun 7 Apr BELIEVE 6pm Tue 9 Apr SMACK THAT (A CONVERSATION) 7.30pm Wed 10 Apr STATUS 7.30pm Thu 11 Apr LLE LA WA (WE ARE HOME) 7.30pm Fri 12 Apr HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES 7.30pm Sat 13 Apr DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE – LUCKIEST GUY ALIVE 8pm Wed 17 & 18 Apr THE JUNGLE BOOK Wed 6pm, Thu

Fri 10 & 11 May OCKHAM’S RAZOR: THIS TIME 7.30pm Tue 14 May LES MUSICALS 2019 7.30pm Thu 16 May CLOD ENSEMBLE On The HIGH ROAD 7.30pm Fri 17 May KEVIN CLIFTON IN BURN THE FLOOR 7.30pm Sat 18 & 19 May HORRIBLE HISTORIES: A BRAND NEW BARMY ARMY 1.30pm, Sat 4pm, Sun 10am Tue 21 May AUTOBIOGRAPHY 7.30pm Thu 23 May LEO SAYER: JUST A BOY AT 70 7.30pm Fri 24 May THE RONNIE SCOTT’S ALL STARS PRESENT 1959: THE YEAR THAT SHAPED JAZZ 7.30pm

11am & 3pm

Sat 25 May COPPELIA 3pm

Sat 20 Apr DEXI DANCE ACADEMY 7pm

Wed 29 May AL MURRAY – Landlord of Hope of

Thu 25 Apr THE ARTIST 4pm

Glory 7.30pm

Thu 25 Apr LA BOHEME 7.30pm

Fri 31 May QUADROPHENIA THE ALBUM Live 7.30pm

Fri 26 Apr PAUL MERTON’S IMPRO CHUMS 8pm

Sun 2 Jun WILL AND WHEN 11am

Sun 28 Apr DANCING THROUGH THE

Sun 9 Jun D-DAY 75 A CELEBRATORY CONCERT 7.30pm

DECADES 2.30pm

20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD

Wed 8 May CREATIVE PLATFORM: TOP TIPS FOR

Box Office: 023 9264 9000

BUILDING RESILIENCE AS AN ARTIST 2pm

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OTHER EVENTS Every Saturday & Sunday ODEON KIDS CLUB

CLASSICS 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Fratton

£2.50pp & free parking at Port Solent

Sun 7 Apr SOUTH DOWNS FORAGING 12-3.30pm

Every Sunday 2K & 5K PARK RUN 9.15am meet

fees apply Queen Elizabeth Counrty Park

Hilsea Lido www.greatrunlocal.org

Tue 9, Tue 11, Tue 16, Tue 18 Apr PORT SOLENT

Every Saturday 5km PARK RUN 9am meet Speakers

KIDS CLUB 11am-4pm FREE

Corner www.parkrun.org.uk/southsea

Tue 9 Apr BLUE ROSE CODE 7.15pm Square Tower

Every third Sunday of the month OPEN STUDIOS AT

Fri 12 Apr THE CAVERN BEATLES 8pm Pryamids Centre

THE HOTWALLS 11am-4pm

Fri 12 Apr ROY CHUBBY BROWN 7pm-12.30am

Mon 1 Apr COFFEE MORNING PAINT & CHILL

South Parade Pier

9.30am booking essential Southsea Deli

Sat 13 Apr BING AND FLOP MEET & GREET 11am-

Sat 6 Apr GREAT BRITISH SPRING CLEAN 10am-

5pm fees apply Emirates Spinnaker Tower

12noon Eastney Esplanade

Sat 13 Apr MADONNA TRIBUTE NIGHT 7pm-12.30am

Sat 6 - Sun 21 Apr EASTER FUN10am-6pm fees apply

South Parade Pier

Emirates Spinnaker Tower

Sat 13 Apr JIM JONES AND THE RIGHTEOUS MIND

Sat 6 - Sun 7 Apr PORTSMOUTH TATTOO FEST

8pm The Thatched Barn

10am-10pm

Sun 14 Apr SUNDAY CAR MEET 10am-12pm Port Solent

Sat 6 Apr SOUTHSEA ROCKS! 6pm The Golden Eagle

Fri 19 Apr KOJAK’S REVENGE ON GOOD FRIDAY

Sat 6 Apr PORTSMOUTH CHORAL UNION DRAMATIC

7.30pm Portsmouth Railway Rifle Club

Small family run business, anything from plugtop to rewire Tel: 07837 998773 rob@camberelectrical.co.uk

58

Sat 20 Apr BING AND FLOP MEET & GREET 11am-

Sat 4-5 May PUSH THE BOAT OUT WATERSPORTS EVENT

5pm fees apply Emirates Spinnaker Tower

11am-4pm Port Solent

Sat 20 Apr SILENT DISCO 7pm South Parade Pier

Mon 6 May COFFEE MORNING PAINT & CHILL 9.30am

Sun 21 Apr INFORMATION DAY AND CLASSIC TOUR 12-

booking essential Southsea Deli

4pm Highland Road Cemetery

Sat 4-6 May THE LORD MAYOR’S RURAL & SEASIDE

Sun 21 Apr IT MUST BE MADNESS EASTER SUNDAY GIG

SHOW 10am-5pm Castle Field

7.30pm Portsmouth Railway Rifle Club

Sat 18 May TUDOR SAILING CLUB OPEN DAY 10am-3pm

Fri 26 Apr LA HAVANA JAZZ CLUB – ALAN BARNES 7pm

Sun 19 May SOUTH DOWNS FORAGING 12-3.30pm fees

Coastguard Studio

apply Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Sat 27 Apr WOOFS FAMILY FUN DAY 10am-3pm Queen

Sun 19 May INFORMATION DAY AND CLASSIC TOUR

Elizabeth Country Park

12-4pm Highland Road Cemetery

Sat 27 Apr BIKE4BART & WATERSPORTS FESTIVAL @

Sun 26 May EASTNEY BEAM ENGINE HOUSE OPEN

Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre

DAY 11am-5pm

Sun 28 Apr EASTNEY BEAM ENGINE HOUSE OPEN DAY

Sun 26 May LIVE MUSIC from 1pm FREE Port Solent

11am-5pm

Tue 28 & 30 May PORT SOLENT KIDS CLUB 11am-

Sun 28 Apr FABLES COAST WRITING WORKSHOP 11am-

4pm FREE

4pm Portsmouth Cathedral

Sat 1-2 June PUSH THE BOAT OUT WATERSPORTS EVENT

Thu 2 May SLEAFORD MODS 7pm Pryamids Centre

11am-4pm Port Solent

Sun 2 May SUNDAY CAR MEET 7.30pm Port Solent

Southsea Lifestyle makes every effort to ensure that the information in our

Sat 4 May SOUTH DOWNS FORAGING 12-3.30pm fees apply Queen Elizabeth Country Park

listings is accurate at the time of publishing. It cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. We recommend that you call ahead to check times & dates.

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E

BUILDING A NEW LIFE

very Saturday morning, I go to a church hall, and I listen to a group of people share some of the most intimate details of their life.

Stories about how they’re finally out of debt, how they’ve re-built broken marriages, and got their children back. Sometimes, the victories are small – a man who learned to be alone with his thoughts, or a woman who can walk past the drink aisle.

But in this room, we treat every story with the same respect. We listen, we nod and we say “keep coming back.” And somehow, it works. This is the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, and it didn’t just save my life, it gave me a brand new one.

I’m not what you’d call a typical alcoholic, but then most of us don’t fit the bill. We’re clean.

We wear nice clothes. We laugh, a lot. There are no paper-wrapped bottles tucked in dirtied overcoats. In here, we share our truth, and we listen when others tell theirs.

I had my first drink when I was 12 years old. The memory is vague, but I can still feel the warmth in my cheeks. The glow, the buzz and then a sudden

60

realisation: I’d discovered the answer. I couldn’t articulate the problem, but the drink solved it.

By age 14, I lay flat out on a gurney at IOW festival, with a drip in my arm. I sat in school lessons nursing a hangover, and I spent my Saturdays polishing off 3 litre bottles of white cider, coming round to discover hair matted with vomit, and faces twisted with disappointment. At 16, I found drugs. Another solution. Smoke, powder and pills to help me control my drinking. It didn’t quite work out as I’d planned.

My last drink left me stumbling alone down a road at 6am on a Thursd ay morning, half-heartedly hitchhiking. That evening, I’d promised friends I’d come round theirs for “just a few beers”.

At 22 years old, I went to my first meeting. The gifts I’ve been given since I got a sponsor and worked the 12 steps are what keep me coming back. I reconnected with my family and got my Masters degree. I’m in therapy, I have a job and a flat, and most importantly, I’m learning one day at a time to live my life without a drink in my hand.

08009177650 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

MARKET DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

For all your small business HR needs Home of HR based in Southsea have clients ranging from independent shops to larger institutions

•

The first weekend of the month is the Love Southsea markets

Providing advice and support on all areas of HR including: Review of employment documentation Current employment legislation Recruitment support Disciplinary, grievance & dismissal advice Sickness issues, flexible working, maternity/paternity support

www.lovesouthseamarkets.co.uk/ bringing their eclectic selection of local makers and sellers to the precinct, along with street food and entertainment

Call or email for an informal chat

Call: 07870 982593 Email: alice@homeofhr.co.uk www.homeofhr.co.uk

LOVE SOUTHSEA MARKET

•

BERT’S & GERT’S Organise arts, crafts and vintage events across the UK and they will

Follow Home of HR on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn

be running their first market in Palmerston Road precinct on Saturday 13th April. Get in touch with them if you are a trader, artist or crafts person that would like to book a pitch www.bertandgerts.co.uk •

HAMPSHIRE FARMERS MARKET Third Sunday of each month 10 am - 2pm www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk

•

SMT, ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES The fourth weekend of each month sees the return of the Antiques &

51 Rowan Ct, Goldsmith Ave, Southsea PO4 8UT T: 02392 352657 | 07886 576433 E: hooperlandscapes@hotmail.co.uk www.hooperlandscapes.co.uk

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Collectables market www.southernmarkettraders.co.uk/

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DAVENPORTS PROPERTY MAINTENANCE & HANDYMAN My work is underwritten with a personal guarantee and I will rectify a fault, should it arise, that can reasonably be attributable to it at no extra cost.

31 BEATRICE ROAD SOUTHSEA PO4 0JY CALL CHRIS - 07957 888172 Things needing “fixing” because you are too busy and or haven’t the skills then don’t delay make a list and call me today! I have provided a local property maintenance and handyman service in Southsea for 10 years.

Services include: Patios: laying, repairs & cleaning.

Decking: construction & maintenance: Fencing: erecting & repair. Painting & Decorating: interior & exterior. Roof & gutter repairs. Tiling: floors & walls. Plumbing: taps • toilets • cisterns etc. Electrics: switches • lights-sockets • fans etc. Fitting: doors • locks • cupboards • shelves • skirting & general carpentry.

I have worked in Engineering, The R N and spent 22 Years as a Secondary School Teacher. Free estimates and advice. A personal and caring service • Work to the highest standard • Insured • Work guaranteed • I promise to keep costs to a minimum and not do unnecessary work.

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RK Carpentry • • • • • •

General carpentry Kitchens Shelving/storage solutions Solid wood or laminate flooring Hanging and fitting doors Architraves and skirting’s

Over 25 years’ experience “I’m delighted with Roberts work – his craftsmanship and the quality of the finish for the units/shelves was particularly impressive and I wouldn’t hesitate to use him for further work in the future.”

Call/email to arrange a free no obligation quote Tel:07512037580 Email: Rkellycarpentry@yahoo.co.uk Image designed, built and fitted by RK Carpentry

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HOT FOOD MONDAYS Words: John Worsey. Photos: Charlotte Griffiths

S

tep

inside

Catholic

St

Church,

Agatha’s a

few

yards from The Cascades and

the much larger Catholic Cathedral, and you’ll discover rare beauty. The art adorning the inner walls is as bold and breathtaking as anything you might find in Italy. Yet on a cold Monday evening, the most beautiful sight I saw was not art, but heart.

It was Hot Food Monday - a weekly initiative, established and run by volunteers including the church’s own Father John Maunder, to provide sustenance for the

growing

number

of

people

in

Portsmouth who have no home.

In the 10 months since starting, the team had served over 1,500 hot meals.

Everyone gets three courses - a soup, usually made by volunteer Billy, followed by a main course that’s typically donated by a local restaurant, and dessert made by volunteers from the church.

The first Hot Food Monday attracted 24 homeless people from the community. That number rose rapidly as word spread.

Today, the team usually caters for around 45, including regulars and first time visitors.

Leo Ciccarone and Father John Maunder

The range of restaurants donating has grown too. Volunteer Leo Ciccarone, a businessman originally from Italy, has reached out to Italian restaurants and across the Bangladeshi community, who run many of Portsmouth’s Indian restaurants.

As for the team itself, it’s a mix including churchgoers, and current and former councillors drawn from across party lines.

You could volunteer yourself. The main things you need are time and willingness to help once a week, or whenever you can.

I spoke to Alistair Thompson, who was a city councillor in Portsmouth for 15 years, and is one of those who started Hot Food Mondays alongside Father Maunder. He explained that the project began with a desire to “do something for some pretty vulnerable people.”

Alistair believes the causes of homelessness are complex. He says, “Once you start having conversations, you realise that home-lessness is a symptom of generally wider problems, such as addiction, family breakdown or mental health problems.

All the volunteers here believe we should be doing much more to address those root causes.”

He believes Portsmouth has “a real serious issue” with homelessness. There are even problems with the services available to help people off the streets, as excellent as they are. For example, homeless people with pets or who are in a relationship face a shortage of accommodation options to fit their circumstances. The choice can come

down

to

the

streets

versus

separation, and faced with those options,

the streets often win.

Alistair and his colleagues have helped a couple of people into housing since starting Hot Food Mondays. He says, “it helps to have councillors on the team - they can crack the whip.”

Ultimately, he believes a long-term solution to the homelessness crisis must involve changes of policy - from reversing recent changes in how housing benefit is paid, to investing in new and existing social housing stock. His mantra? Build more, build better and - vital on our crowded island city - build upwards. For now, the Hot Food Mondays volunteers have built something crucial.

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BTW…

News of businesses and events The Gaiety Theatre on South Parade Pier is launching the Summer season with a production of Hairspray, from 1 - 10 May, starring Russell Grant and boy band star - Mark Read. Future events include top names such as X Factor winner, Sam Bailey, comedian Roy Chubby Brown and TV presenter/comedian Brian Conley. Not forgetting The Gaiety cafe and bar, open daily from 11am - till late, serving not only beers, wines and spirits but a full food menu, barista coffee and cakes.

Plus there’s a free bouncy castle and children’s soft play area whilst you relax and enjoy the stunning views. 023 9229 4094 www.thegaietybarsouthsea.co.uk It has been a few months since Medusa Hairdressing moved from Marmion Road to new premises in Osbourne Road, but the owner of the business Belinda Cleary says she is delighted with the move. “Having more space in a newly fitted salon has worked better than I ever imagined - both for my clients and the staff,” said Belinda who has recently employed three more staff to help with her growing business.

023 92 731338 medusahairdressing.com For all SMEs who don’t have time to do the ‘HR stuff’, this could be of interest to you.

Home of HR is based in Southsea and supports all businesses regardless of size and from every sector. This may be a simple review of current employment contracts, policies you may (or may not) have in place, or having peace of mind over a tricky problem around disciplinary issues, or maternity/paternity support. Call Alice for an informal chat 07870 982593 www.homeofhr.co.uk 66

After 25 years in the carpentry trade in central London, Robert Kelly brings his wealth of expertise and creativity to Southsea.

With a string of testimonials and an extensive portfolio he is able to provide free advice and no obligation quotes on any carpentry project; general carpentry, full kitchens,

unique

storage

solutions

and

wooden flooring. Tel: 0751 2037580 Email: Rkellycarpentry@yahoo.co.uk

This June from 14 - 23 it’s the 20th year of the annual Portsmouth Festivities. The programme of events is immense, including, theatrical shows, a wide range of concerts, recitals, workshops talks, films and exhibitions at various venues around the city. The Portsmouth

Festivities

is

a

non-profit

organisation that is funded by sponsorship and donations. It seeks to offer opportunities for life long learning, to support local artists and cultural organisations and the city’s diverse communities. Box office 0333 666 3366 portsmouthfestivities.co.uk

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