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Produced by Southsea Lifestyle Ltd
Editor & Creative Director: Zirrinia Austin
Marketing & Operations: Elios Stone
Web design: Daniel Sweeney
CONTRIBUTORS
Ciara Eagan
Phil Kerswell
Neil Maxwell
The Pompey Paramedic
Summer in the city has been delightful so far, and I hope the lovely weather stays with us for a while longer. We welcome some new contributors in this edition, with more to come in future issues. The Pompey Paramedic entertains us with tales of battling hay fever on page 24, and we’re excited to introduce a new regular feature, Cece’s Corner, on page 44, created by writer and artist Ciara Eagan. Learn more about her in another article on page 32. Finally, find out about Phil Kerswell’s book. Last Letter p.48..
As September arrives, it’s time for children to go back to school, and The Aerial Dance Academy offers a fantastic after-school club that’s sure to banish any back-to-school blues – find out more on page 30. The festival with a purpose – Escape to the Farm – returns on 6th September; find all the details on page 42. Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Zirrinia Austin
Southsea Lifestyle is the only lifestyle magazine delivered to people’s homes across the city. Affordable advertising rates and a loyal readership, no wonder 75% of our advertisers have been with us for 2 years or more. Just request a media pack for our October/November edition email: info@southsealifestyle.com www.southsealifestyle.com
If you lose mental capacity through illness (for example a stroke, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease), or an accident, and haven’t created an LPA:
• You will no longer be able to choose who makes decisions and act for you (such as your spouse and children). You can only make your LPA while you still have mental capacity.
• A stranger appointed by the court such as a solicitor would end up making crucial decisions about you and your assets – where you will live, whether to accept medical treatment to keep you alive, what you eat and wear, and will control all your finances and your property.
• Your spouse, children or friends would have to
apply to court to get permission to make decisions on your behalf and act for you –which is far more expensive and timeconsuming than making an LPA and the court could refuse the application.
If you still have mental capacity, LPAs are a simple, inexpensive, and legally robust way of giving someone you trust the power to make decisions and act for you – either temporarily or long term should you lose capacity in the future.
To plan for this, you must create an LPA now whilst you still have mental capacity and so make things much easier for other people in your life.
Westminster Law are specialists in organising this
Shallow breathing and breath-holding reveal a body stuck in fight-or-flight. Elios Stone
You breathe around 20,000 times a day – but how often do you notice how you're breathing?
For many people living with chronic stress and anxiety or the residue of trauma, breathing becomes something they do just to survive. It’s not the full, nourishing rhythm it could be. Instead, it’s shallow, tight, or even held completely without realising. These dysfunctional patterns are more than bad habits they’re signs of a nervous system stuck in survival mode
breath is regulated by the autonomic nervous system, it’s deeply connected to how safe or threatened you feel even if you’re not consciously aware of it.
DYSFUNCTIONAL BREATHING refers to patterns like shallow chest breathing, breath-holding, or rapid over-breathing. These can seem harmless, but over time, they place serious stress on both the mind and body. Because your
We often think of stress as something in our heads. But stress and trauma impacts the body, particularly the breath. Some people breathe too fast. Others hold their breath entirely – a ‘freeze’ response that reflects the body's attempt to manage a perceived threat. When it becomes chronic, the nervous system gets stuck in high alert, and the body is flooded with cortisol and adrenaline.
These stress hormones may have helped our ancestors escape danger, but in modern life, they’re quietly toxic. Ongoing cortisol and adrenaline can cause fatigue, insomnia, hormonal imbalance, premature ageing, even organ strain. You may think you're coping, until the day your body decides it’s done.
If you’ve felt constantly exhausted, on edge, emotionally shut down, or tense in your chest and jaw your breath may be trying to tell you something.
Malcolm, a client, came to breathwork while suffering from intense workplace anxiety. After a few weeks of guided sessions, he said:
“I had a great day at work for the first time since I started this job six months ago.”
Many clients don’t realise how long they’ve been holding their breath. Years of chronic tension, emotional suppression, and disconnection take their toll. Vicky found traditional yoga breathwork helpful, but it wasn’t until she combined breathing techniques with guided introspection that lasting change occurred:
“I’m not using screen time or food as an emotional crutch anymore. I feel so much more confident and calmer.”
Breathwork isn’t about forcing the breath, it's about listening to it and connecting with it. Awareness often brings more change than control. While methods like Wim Hof breathing or classical pranayama offer benefits, they aren’t always suitable for sensitive or
overactivated nervous systems. For some, like Amy, a gentler approach creates the biggest shift:
“In the mornings I would wake with a deep sense of panic. Through the program, I realised that my addict-self loved me being in a panic. I learnt how to change it.”
FROM FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT TO FREEDOM When breathwork is guided properly not just as a technique, but as a process of emotional release, nervous system regulation, and reflection it can be profoundly transformative. Breath becomes the entry point, and what unfolds is something much deeper.
This is where shadow work enters. A gentle process of bringing to light the unconscious patterns, beliefs, and behaviours that keep us stuck. Combined with breathwork and meditation, it creates a safe and steady pathway back to presence.
“The breathwork feels amazing, unexplainable. I feel like a great weight has lifted. It doesn’t feel painful anymore.” — Sophie, Southsea
For many, it’s not a dramatic transformation, but a steady one. Waking without dread. Responding rather than reacting. Feeling safe in your body for the first time in years.
THE PATH BACK TO CALM STARTS HERE If you’re experiencing anxiety, stress, or emotional overwhelm, especially if it
feels connected to your past, your breath may hold the key to healing.
I work with a very limited number of clients in this indepth way. They come from all walks of life – from highlevel executives quietly battling stress behind the scenes, to homemakers carrying the weight of past childhood experiences while managing daily family demands.
One of the best ways to find out whether breathwork, meditation, and shadow work could help you is to book an initial consultation. You’ll get a chance to experience the power of this work firsthand, and we’ll see whether we’re a good fit to work together.
“The morning after my breathwork session with Elios was the first morning I'd woken up in months and not felt anxiety and dread for the day ahead.” – Sara, Southsea
contact@eliosstone.com | 07825 686065
Neil Maxwell
onfidence, consistency, and stability are the keys to success, not just for business, but also for the national economy. In recent months, decisions made across the globe have served to undermine that stability, coupled with tax increases in many areas that threaten to slow the economy.
The fundamentals of our local housing market remain largely unchanged; we are still on an island with limited space for development unless it’s upward for apartments. Therefore, supply and demand remains relatively steady, and with interest rates on a downward trend, the incentive for buyers is strong, and prices remain healthy.
Interestingly, for sales over £1,000,000.00 in the past year, there have been 11 transactions in Portsmouth, of which we sold 6. No other agent has sold more than 1. We are pleased that both our marketing and customer service are delivering results for clients in this price bracket.
Unless you’re competing in a marketplace of similar properties, such as a traditional twoup, two-down, if you wish to force a sale to a crowded market where there is generally a steady flow of buyers, then price can be used to stimulate interest and guarantee a sale.
With larger properties, it becomes more difficult, depending on the USPs that the property has to offer. Taking the price to an attractive level to force a sale may well make the vendor’s eyes water, unless there are other factors involved.
In 2008, we had three flats in the same retirement block that had been left to a charity; bear in mind that 2008 was an annus horribilis for the housing market. The charity was very keen to sell rapidly, given the monthly maintenance fees, but in a world where nothing was selling at all, they were forced to rent them out as the only price that would have guaranteed a sale at the time would probably have been a quarter of their true worth.
There have been house price reductions, but these are sometimes a necessary tool to reinvigorate interest, but before recommending such action, I have always paused and evaluated if they are required. Just because nobody has enquired or viewed your property doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s overpriced. There might just not be anybody looking for that property type at that moment, and with so many individual properties in Southsea, it’s often hard to make that judgment call.
Our results this year, despite all the uncertainty, have been good, but we’ve had to work hard for it, as we rightly should. When we value houses, we try to ensure the price we recommend is both justified and achievable, falling within our legal responsibility to get the best possible price for our clients. There are times when it's necessary to be pragmatic, especially in a tough market, where we need to evaluate offers and determine if they are fair and acceptable to the vendor, ultimately, it’s all about creating confidence and consistency.
£725,000
• Beautifully presented five-bedroom home spanning over three elegant floors, combining period charm with modern style throughout.
• Features include a grand entrance hall, spacious living room with wood-burning stove, and a stylish kitchen with high-end appliances.
• Outside, a serene garden with patio and lawn is framed by mature trees – ideal for relaxing or entertaining.
EPC Rating: D
£850,000
• Impressive four-storey townhouse in Old Portsmouth offers four/five bedrooms and four bathrooms, blending classic elegance with contemporary comfort.
• Beautifully presented throughout, with a feature fireplace in the lounge, a striking modern kitchen, and luxuriously styled bathrooms – including one finished in silver travertine stone.
• Outside, a private courtyard with potted plants and floral touches completes this exceptional home in a sought-after historic setting.
EPC Rating: D
£950,000
• Substantial five bedroom detached home set over five mezzanine levels in the heart of Southsea, rich in period character and just moments from the seafront and Palmerston Road.
• Spacious and versatile living with four reception rooms, a stylish fitted kitchen, utility room, and luxurious master suite with bespoke furniture and en-suite bathroom.
• Gated in-and-out driveway, large garage/workshop, enclosed garden and roof terrace, plus smart tech features including Cat 6 LAN, TV points throughout, and Honeywell heating system.
EPC Rating: E
By Lizzie Burt Associate Director at Chinneck Shaw
With summer underway, it feels as though there’s something for everyone in Southsea – be it out on the water or firmly on land.
Our community is lucky to enjoy countless opportunities for celebration throughout these months.
Just recently, we were honoured to be selected against 260 opponents to host UK Pride 2025, and on 19-20 July, we witnessed the ‘fastest race on water’ after SailGP selected Portsmouth as one of their 14 global locations for 2025. Vast crowds gathered to enjoy the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix before Tom Grennan and Pete Tong led the highly-anticipated event into the evening.
Southsea is fast becoming a cultural hub which reaches its peak in the summer, but it also offers a rich history to be proud of all year round. In fact, our various museums and monuments honouring these stories provide the perfect summer holiday day out.
It’s wonderful to see our home featuring in more national and local occasions every year, without losing the simplicity of day-today life here by the sea.
At Chinneck Shaw, we feel privileged to welcome more people to this city – a place where history lives, a story lines every road, and the sun brings out the best of it (even if the British weather has other plans).
How we love to spend a day in sunny Southsea:
• Sitting outside one of the numerous cafes with an iced coffee
• Cooling down with a stroll along the seafront
• Embarking on some water sports, from the extreme to a pedalo on Canoe Lake!
• Enjoying an outdoor event, including the annual Victorious music festival and the ever-popular kite festival
• Supporting the many independent shops along Castle Road, Marmion Road, and Albert Road to name but a few
• Hopping over the water to the Isle Of Wight on the world’s only passenger hovercraft
A snapshot of some homes currently on the market:
Whether it’s to buy or rent, we’ve got some stunning Southsea properties on offer –ideal for anyone seeking their next city bolthole or the perfect family home:
St. Edwards Road, Southsea, PO5
Bright and airy four-bedroom house, complete with a self-contained onebedroom apartment for visitors.
Selsey Avenue, Southsea, PO4
Terraced property with a traditional rounded bay window to soak up every ounce of sun.
If you’re interested in finding your dream property or simply want to learn more about Southsea, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact me, Lizzie Burt, or visit Chinneck Shaw to explore your options.
Contact us today and let’s make your Southsea
Asking Price - £550,000
This exceptional penthouse apartment enjoys panoramic views over the seafront, The Solent and to the Isle of Wight. The views are best enjoyed from a spacious balcony with glass balustrades accessed via a generous living room on the top floor. Also on this floor is a contemporary kitchen with ample space for dining, itself with views across the city of Portsmouth towards Portsdown Hill. The lower floor of the apartment holds a brand new bathroom, three spacious bedrooms including a generous master bedroom with sea views, and a brand new en-suite shower room. The property has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment to include new plastering, decor and floor coverings throughout, a refurbished kitchen
and two immaculate bathrooms with marbleeffect porcelain tiling. Sold with a share of the freehold, the remainder of a 999 year lease and with no forward chain, this outstanding apartment must be viewed to be appreciated.
The views from this apartment are some of the best I have seen in Southsea. Standing on the balcony, you can view everything from Portsmouth Harbour around to Hayling Island.
Southsea’s historic landmarks: Southsea Castle, Portsmouth Naval Memorial, South Parade Pier and more are all in plain sight, surveyed over the tree-lined gardens of Southsea Common. With the bustling activity in the Solent stretching out in front of the Isle of Wight coast, I suspect you would hardly need a TV in the apartment for entertainment! The owners have made a significant investment into the duplex apartment recently and the brand new bathrooms, refurbished kitchen, and new fittings throughout are gleaming, making for a superb finish that will be the envy of guests to the property.
Pearsons Estate Agents
35 Marmion Road, Southsea PO5 2AT
Tel: 02392 735 558
Web: www.pearsons.com
by Katie Cells, Portsmouth High School GDST
As the outgoing Head Girl of a single-sex school, I have experienced first-hand the benefits of learning in an environment where we can truly focus on our studies without distractions.
Without the pressures of a mixed classroom, I have been able to develop strong study habits, manage my time effectively, and push myself academically. In my school, there is no sense that certain subjects are “for boys” or “for girls” – we are encouraged to follow our interests without hesitation. Every girl here knows she has the potential to succeed in any subject, and that is something really special.
Beyond academics, my school fosters an environment where confidence thrives. I firmly believe that being in a classroom of only girls has enabled me from a young age to never question speaking up in class, to not hesitate in taking on leadership roles and overall, it has
encouraged me to become the best version of myself by following my passions and doing it with confidence. As Head Girl, I know I would not have had the confidence to put myself forward for it if I had not been in a school environment that promotes us to lead and support each other.
The same goes for sports and extracurricular activities where every girl feels comfortable trying new things without worrying about judgement. Whether it is stepping onto the netball court for the first time, joining the football club or debating team, or leading a school event or club, we grow into resilient, independent young women who are ready to take on our future. I know that single-sex education has given me the space to grow into the confident and empowered individual I am today, and I would not trade that for anything.
A warm welcome to join us at our next Open Morning on Saturday 27 September from 10am to 12 noon. Discover life at Portsmouth High School, where the Pre-School, Prep School, Senior School, and Sixth Form will be buzzing with activity. Our enthusiastic pupils will lead family tours, giving you an insider’s view of life at Portsmouth High School.
Highlights of the day include :
• Interactive science experiments: dive into the wonders of science with hands-on activities.
• Climbing wall challenge: test your skills and conquer our climbing wall
• Trampolining fun: bounce into action with our trampolining sessions
• Live music performances: Enjoy the talents of our students with live musical performances.
• Language games: engage in fun and educational language activities
• Get creative in design technology: personalise your own mug or pencil
This is a perfect opportunity to meet the Head, chat with our dedicated staff, and hear firsthand from our pupils about their experience of life at Portsmouth High School.
Book your place now and come and find out more.
Since its first classes in 2020 The Omega Art School has taught hundreds of people, of all ages, from 16 - 86, how to paint and draw. “Some people have joined us for a term or two, while others have stayed for several years. People usually come to us as complete beginners, their last experience of art lessons being during their school days, which sadly, for many people, was not a very positive experience,” explained Kevin Dean, who is the lead tutor and founder of the school.
“At Omega, we put enormous emphasis upon working with our students, building confidence and finding ways of creativity that suits each individual. All of our tutors are
professional artists that teach their particular speciality, including drawing, water-colour, acrylics, oils, printmaking and collage.
“Many of our students have gone on to exhibit and sell their work, in fact several students took part in last year’s POSE (Portsmouth Open Studios Event), while others enjoy coming to the classes for their own satisfaction and to meet like-minded people”.
Unfortunately, the upcoming autumn term will be the last term for the art school at The Omega Centre, as Portsmouth City Council is planning to convert the building into a much-needed school for children with special educational needs. “We hope to relocate to another venue in the new year,” said Kevin. “In the
meantime we are offering a nine week term from September to November, from a beginners evening class to intermediate and advanced daytime sessions. Please keep checking our website for dates, times and booking”.
www.theomegaaartschool.com Tel: 07981 867 826
Idon’t know about you, but the seasonal allergies flying around so far this year are affecting me more severely than they have done in recent years! Itching throat, eyes, nose… You name it, I’ve had it!
As a Paramedic with almost 10 years of experience, you would think I’d be more on top of my hay fever. Alas, sadly not, and with one of my favourite pastimes including pottering around my garden, I hardly help myself. It’s a bit like choosing to volunteer at an animal shelter when you know you’re allergic to cats!
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, causes symptoms similar to colds; runny nose, itchy throat or eyes, sinus-congestion, and sneezing. Unfortunately, the peak of these symptoms are when those affected are wanting to spend as much time outside as possible: summer.
I think back to when I was working frontline and dispatched to a patient who had phoned 999 because of breathing difficulties. Upon arrival on Southsea Common, we saw in the distance a group of maybe 6 people, frantically waving their arms at us. Having had limited information from control as to what is happening, we decided to take the majority of the kit with us: primary bag (10-15kg), our monitor/defib (7kg), our secondary oxygen bag (4kg,) drugs bag (4kg) and our wheelchair. It doesn’t sound too heavy-a-kit to cart
200m, however when your uniform on a hot day leaves you feeling as though you’re trapped inside a builder’s bag and you’ve just gotten out of an ambulance that only seems to have working air con during winter, you’re aware of every extra kilo. For a high priority job such as a breathing difficulty, however, you don’t take it lightly, and it’s best to have what you need by your side at the first time of asking (unless you are fit enough and/or enjoy trying to run 400m-200m back to the ambulance and then back to the patient – in under 20 seconds, without falling over and needing another ambulance crew for yourself!). Probably more out of breath than our caller, we found the patient to be counting-aloud back-to-back sneezes – the latest episode around the 25-mark when we arrived to them – and telling us that they couldn’t catch their breath. Once quickly establishing that they were not in a lifethreatening situation and were in fact a hay fever sufferer, we decided that the best treatment would be to coax them out of the beautifully decorated flower beds they were laying in - their beer impressively still in hand!
So, to my fellow hay feverers, I wish you good luck.
Hopefully, with the right treatment and a bit of Pompey stoicism, your symptoms will be kept at bay enough for you to enjoy more time outdoors over the coming weeks
One piece of advice, though: do not lie in flower beds.
No more panic and no more pain. If you are scared of going to the dentist, you have almost certainly heard this before: “There is nothing to worry about. Just go and get it sorted.”
You might know it won’t be as bad as you imagine – but fear is not about what you think, it’s about how you feel. What you’re avoiding is not logic. It’s fear. The anxiety. The tension that rises just thinking about the chair.
These feelings often come from past experiences, sometimes as far back as childhood. They can leave your whole nervous system convinced the dentist is a place of pain and uncertainty.
You arrive, meet a stranger in a mask, and everything feels rushed. You are in, you are out, and try not to think about what happened in between, but the memories bring more fear.
What if you had time to prepare, knew exactly who you were going to see, and had every question answered? Now imagine being able to choose sedation, that keeps you calm, pain free, and often leaves you with no memory of the procedure at all It might sound too good to be true, but for many patients, something once feared becomes something they barely remember.
At The Dental Wave, your sedation journey begins
with either Dr Lloyd Payne or Nurse Michelle. Together, they have a special interest in helping nervous patients feel calm, safe, and fully supported. Lloyd has focused on sedation dentistry since 2019. Early in his career, he saw how many people avoided treatment for years due to fear or past trauma. What could have been a simple fix often turned into a bigger, more painful problem. Sedation became his way of helping patients return to care gently and without fear.
Michelle brings the same patient-first approach to every appointment. Her focus is always on the person in the chair, especially those feeling anxious. With a calm presence and a listening ear, she helps patients feel at ease from the moment they arrive.
Time and again, patients say the same thing after treatment: “That really was not as bad as I thought”
John, now in his late fifties, had been successful in many areas of life. But for over twenty years, he ignored small dental issues. What began as occasional discomfort eventually became an emergency. He arrived at The Dental Wave in pain, needing a tooth removed.
Like many others, John had avoided the dentist for years due to deep-rooted fear. Lloyd’s first step was
not treatment, but relief. John was given antibiotics to ease the infection so his body could begin healing.
Only then did they sit down and make a plan. John had no idea sedation was even an option. He thought he might need to be fully knocked out. But instead, Lloyd offered IV sedation – a gentle, calming approach that left John relaxed and with no memory of the procedure
The tooth was removed pain free. A month later, John was back for a full dental assessment. He began to rebuild his confidence and now sees the hygienist regularly, without needing sedation at all.
Lloyd hears stories like John’s often. Sedation becomes a turning point – helping patients return to dental care with confidence and calm.
Your sedation plan will be tailored to you. For some, it begins with a calming tablet taken before even arriving at the clinic.
Most often, sedation is given through a small injection in the hand or arm. The area can be numbed first, and both Lloyd and Michelle are fully trained to deliver it safely.
The medicine, Midazolam, creates a relaxed, dreamlike state. You stay calm and pain free, and often do not remember the procedure at all.
It all begins with a simple, pressure-free consultation to talk through your concerns and plan your care together.
“I suffer with anxiety. The treatment was excellent from start to finish it was so easy. I felt very relaxed, it was painless and I don't remember anything about the treatment. It was a great experience and saved me having a panic attack.
Highly Recommended”
Jayne J. Portsmouth
Lloyd and Nurse Michelle are relaxed, calm, and completely non-judgmental.
To get started on your stress-free, pain-free dental experience call us today to book your first appointment, it’s just a chat.
A calm introduction to help you feel safe and in control
1. Meet Lloyd Payne or Nurse Michelle
2. Take time to get comfortable in the space
3. Gentle conversation and visual examination
4. Share your concerns and ask any questions
5. Create a personalised treatment plan
OUTCOME: Your treatment appointment is booked when you feel ready
Treatment begins with support every step of the way.
1. Receive the sedation most appropriate for you
2. Immediate concerns or emergencies are treated
3. Ongoing care plan is reviewed and next steps arranged
The Dental Wave
27 Highland Road Southsea PO4 9DA 023 9282 8193 thedentalwave.co.uk
Answered by Amy Kellow, Owner of Everybody Pilates
At Everybody Pilates, we get a lot of questions from people curious about starting their Pilates journey – so here’s a little insight straight from the studio floor.
Not at all. Pilates is a deeply strengthening method. It targets the smaller stabilising muscles you didn’t even know you had. It’s precise, challenging, and it works. Whether you’re looking to recover from injury, improve posture, or feel stronger in everyday life – it’s a full-body workout that builds from the inside out.
Mat is brilliant for body awareness, core control, and technique, and we’re excited to share that we’ve just opened a beautiful new mat room in the downstairs portion of the studio to meet growing demand!
Upstairs, we’ve also made changes to the equipment studio and continue developing the space to support our expanding Reformer, Tower, Spine
Corrector and Wunda Chair classes.
Start with our New Client Welcome Package – it’s designed to help you discover what works best for you. You’ll receive 4 equipment classes, 4 mat classes, and a private 1:1 session with one of our experienced teachers, allowing us to understand your body, goals, and how we can best support you. It’s the perfect way to get a feel for our studio and community, with a generous two-month window to use the sessions.
We created this package because Pilates is not one-sizefits-all. Your needs are unique, and we want to honour that from day one.
So whether you’re recovering from injury, training for performance, or simply want to feel stronger and more connected to your body, we’re here to help you move well and feel well – for life.
Come visit us at Everybody Pilates Southsea and discover the difference.
We’ve already helped dozens of small businesses grow through trusted, high-visibility print. Now, we’re looking for more service providers – such as personal trainers, life coaches , pet sitters , cleaners , and dog groomers – who want to build their reputation and client base with Southsea Lifestyle magazine.
Delivered to 14,000 homes across PO1, PO4 & PO5
Kept in homes, cafés & shops for weeks Advertisers stay with us year after year
HALF PAGE ADS FROM JUST OVER £100 / MONTH – No online algorithms, just trusted print seen by your neighbours.
Just 24 small business ad slots per issue. Why? We limit the ads to stay a magazine and not a directory (Read by more, collected by some, rarely straight to recycling)
Use the QR code to book a free discovery meeting or email elios@southsealifestyle.com
NEW PENS: CHECK.
FRESH NOTEBOOK: CHECK.
PE KIT: CHECK.
RESIN: CHECK.
AERIAL HOOP: CHECK.
Well… maybe not in your rucksack. But it is time to get back in the air.
As the summer holidays come to an end, there’s something strangely comforting about getting back into a routine — and when that routine includes aerial classes, it makes the “back to school” blues a little easier to shake off.
September is the perfect time for young people to try something new — something active, creative, and confidence-boosting. At Aerial Dance Academy, our thriving youth aerial programme offers children of all ages a place to move, grow, and thrive — all while hanging upside down!
We offer classes in Acro, Circus Skills, Hoop, Silks, Sling, and Trapeze for students in Year 1 and above Classes are tailored to different age groups (Junior/Teen) and skill levels (Beginner/Improver /Advanced), so there really is something for everyone.
We like to think we’re teaching more than just aerial. Don’t get us wrong — we love cool tricks, big drops, and fast spins — but aerial classes offer so much more than that.
Our students learn to be brave, to believe in themselves and surprise themselves with what they’re capable of. They build resilience, work collaboratively, and let their creativity shine in a fun, supportive environment.
And one of the best parts? They make friends whilst doing so. From cheering each other on in class to celebrating achievements together, ADA is a place where real friendships grow — especially for children who might not always connect in traditional team settings.
Whether your child is a natural performer or a little on the shy side, aerial offers something unique — a space where every student can achieve, and every win is celebrated.
Over the past five years, we’ve welcomed hundreds of
children through our door and seen students grow from nervous first-timers into confident performers, inspiring class assistants, and incredible role models.
We’re proud to provide top-quality instruction, but we also go further — offering opportunities to perform in showcases, compete nationally, or even train and perform at the National Centre for Circus Arts in London.
Some of our students train multiple times a week, while others pop in once a week for the pure joy of it. There’s no “right” way to be an ADA student — just your own way.
Not every child thrives in traditional team sports — and that’s okay.
In fact, if you ask many of our adult students, they’ll tell you they never quite found their place in PE lessons growing up. Aerial gave them a new way to
enjoy movement — and we see the same with many of our young students today.
Aerial may not be a team sport, but it is a community. It’s a place where kids can develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and self-expression — all within a safe, inclusive environment where everyone is free to shine.
Safety is at the forefront of everything we do. Each lesson begins with a fun, dynamic group warm-up to prepare body and mind for aerial work. Classes are carefully structured so students can progress at their own pace, building skills, strength, and confidence week by week.
We keep class sizes small to ensure every child receives the individual attention and guidance they need from our fully trained instructors. From proper spotting techniques to crash mats and ageappropriate teaching, our entire approach is designed to support students as they challenge themselves, try new things, and grow.
Aerial Dance Academy is based at the Hope Centre, just off Somers Road in Southsea, and runs classes six days a week during term time.
If you’d like to view our timetable, book a trial space, or find out more about what we offer, visit www.aerialdanceacademy.com
And remember — your child doesn’t need to be an acrobat or gymnast to start aerial. They just need a little curiosity and the courage to try something new. We’ll handle the rest!
Location: Southsea
Ages: 5–17
Apparatus: Hoop, Silks, Sling, Trapeze
When: Weekday evenings & weekends
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Trial Classes: Yes!
Website: www.aerialdanceacademy.com
Cece Egan writes of her love of London and her return to Southsea after 20 years
London is a city with its own mind. It talks to you, it tells you, “Don’t take any train from Clapham between 5pm and 6.30pm if you don’t like crowds frantically jostling for space.” It lets you know, if you stay long enough, where the esoteric museums are or tiny parks the size of some people’s gardens. But the conversation isn’t always so pleasant. London has a short fuse. Do anything but work 50 hours a week in a corporate job, and the city has a way of whispering to you that you are not, and never will be, good enough for it.
When my family relocated from London in 2006, it was not long before the prosperity London was experiencing began to wane, due to a credit crunch that it never truly recovered from, along with soaring rents and inflated house prices. Aged18, it already felt to me that I would struggle to survive in a town that felt increasingly hard-edged. Relations encouraged me to move down, but it felt galling to give up what had become home.
returning to Portsmouth. I joked of the Victorians taking to the seaside to convalesce, but I did know deep down that heading to the coast was exactly what my body and mind needed. Being several years into burnout on top of burnout, finally, I’ve been able to take seriously my desire to live more honestly and accept the limitations of my disability. Where London saw me exhausting myself with a “work persona” and a 2-hour commute, Southsea has allowed me to express myself unmasked.
It took me a stay in a South London psychiatric hospital to fully appreciate that London was never for me. Six months before my admission I had found myself crying on the Millenium Bridge after a particularly bad day at work, daunted by the prospect of rush hour, explaining to a friend on the phone that, however much I loved London, it did not seem to love me. Everything within the M25, was like a bad boyfriend that I just couldn’t quite quit.
Post hospital, the support of my family saw me
There will always be a part of my life married to South London, and by the time I left, I knew it like the back of my hand. Each of its contours contains memories for me –first kisses, first jobs and houses of people who have also left London. But the sea began calling me long ago while I refused to listen. My experiences of working post-pandemic were in a London whose centre had been hollowed out. As I clung to London, it became clearer that I needed to let go. As a receptionist in Zone 1, so quiet was it that I’d hallucinate tumbleweeds. I’d go hours without seeing someone walk by on what had once been busy, bustling high streets.
There is something unquantifiable about the coast, about the meeting of the land and sea. The water has an enormity to it, a heft, with every wave dragging a body of liquid too large to even imagine. Southsea is now my home. While I remember London, I relish my time living by the sea.
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Southsea’s very own Barbara Tipple has been named Creative Jewellery Designer of the Year at the 2025 UK Jewellery Awards, a prestigious national event celebrating the best in British jewellery. The awards took place on 25 June 2025 at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane, bringing together top designers and jewellers from across the country.
Barbara, whose workshop and boutique have been part of Southsea for nearly five decades, was recognised for her exceptional craftsmanship, creative vision, and enduring contribution to fine jewellery design. Renowned for her bold use of rare gemstones and materials, Barbara’s work is a distinctive blend of skill and artistry.
“I’m deeply honoured to receive this award,” said Barbara. “Jewellery has always been a form of storytelling for me –a way to capture imagination and emotion using extraordinary materials. To be recognised by my peers for something I love doing is incredibly meaningful.”
Born in Gosport and based in Southsea for the past 47 years, Barbara continues to design and craft jewellery in her artisan workshops alongside her husband, Master Goldsmith David Ward, and a team of talented craftsmen. Much of her inspiration derives from the natural beauty of the South Coast – from the sea to the surrounding landscape.
The judging panel also noted her strong connection to nature, “Barbara’s natural inspirations really captured the hearts of our judging panel,” they said, whilst also praising her ever-evolving creative process, sense of freedom, and consistency over her
time in the trade, whilst never losing sight of her signature style.
Barbara’s work has gained international acclaim, with pieces in private collections worldwide, including the V&A Museum, and worn by royalty, dignitaries, and dedicated collectors. But her designs are just as cherished by her many loyal clients here in Hampshire, with each piece crafted with great care, often featuring rare gemstones she has personally sourced over many years.
Now in its 33rd year, the UK Jewellery Awards are the longest-running and most respected trade awards in the industry. With 20 categories spanning everything from design to retail, the awards celebrate creativity, innovation and excellence across the British jewellery sector.
Barbara’s win is a proud moment not just for her team, but for Southsea –demonstrating that world-class design can be found right on our doorstep.
If you would like to discuss having a bespoke piece of jewellery designed or if you would like to browse Barbara’s core collections, please visit our gallery in Marmion Road, Southsea.
Email: barbara.tipple@barbaratipple.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)23 92753 025
Website: barbaratipple.co.uk
BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Portsmouth Concerts: Energy Unleashed Thu 18 September 7pm
Portsmouth Guildhall
Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1 2AB https://bsolive.com
HAMPSHIRE FARMERS MARKET
Sun 17 August & Sun 21 September 10am-2pm Palmerston Rd precinct. Southsea PO5 3QE www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk
LOVE SOUTHSEA MARKET
Sun 3 & Sat 16 August Sat 6, Sun 7 & Sat 20 September 10am-4pm Palmerston Road precinct. Southsea PO5 3QE www.lovesouthseamarkets.co.uk
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Your health and well-being is in good hands
Situated in the heart of Albert Road’s vibrant independent community, Herbies is more than just a shop but also a hub for anyone seeking a healthier, more balanced lifestyle in an increasingly frenetic and challenging world.
One of the great things about being a smaller communityfocused independent business is that it allows our team to get to know our customers and affords us the time to understand their needs and concerns, which we feel is essential when it comes to people’s health and well-being. Herbies team of Jim, Elliott, Mick and Ocean are at the heart of the store’s success.
Their knowledge, openness and approachability for advice and recommendations is what sets Herbies apart.
“A little treasure trove, pleasant and inviting and nothing over-sold. Jim certainly knew his stuff and wasn’t a pushy salesman, and I’ll definitely be going back soon.“ Jane, Portsmouth
“Very knowledgeable staff. Vast range of food, household and personal products. Always a cheerful and helpful reception. Late-night opening on a Thursday as well. Animal and planet-friendly shopping made easy and affordable. Lovely quality. Thank you.” Mandy, Southsea
If you are looking to reduce plastic use (and save some money in the process) you can use our refill facility for eco-friendly home care and cleaning, along with many other personal care products. Simply bring your container along and we will do the rest. We are also happy to accommodate special and bulk orders, which can usually be sourced the next day.
With so much (often conflicting) information on social media regarding the best supplements to take and foods to incorporate or avoid, it can be hard knowing where to start and who to trust. If you are struggling with any health difficulties and looking to make some changes to your diet, we can be part of your solution.
For those of you who are yet to find us, you can expect a wide variety of whole foods, chilled and frozen items (and fresh locally sourced sourdough bread every Wednesday and Saturday). Supplements, traditional medicines, homoeopathy and herbal remedies, as well as an array of body care products including essential oils.
We pride ourselves on supporting and promoting local producers and suppliers, from established businesses to those just starting out, whether it's handmade soaps and coffee, or chilli sauces and kombucha.
For almost fifty years, in one guise or another, Herbies Health Store has been Southsea-siders port of call for natural supplements, wholefoods and expert advice.
If you’re looking for an authentic, respected, and advice-led shopping experience, come and see us in-store today! 241
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Experience Tranquillity and Community at Rushmere Farm
Join us for a magical festival fundraiser at Rushmere Farm in Hambledon on Saturday, 6th September 2025. Escape to the Farm is a day-long festival celebrating well-being, the arts, and community, all while supporting the charity Arms Around the Child. Connect with nature, replenish the soul with mindfulness and the arts, enjoy a holistic day of wellness, and feel the wholeness of community and family, all to support a great cause.
After a busy summer, come and unwind in the serene woodland areas of Rushmere Farm. Escape from the city for the weekend and immerse yourself in nature, recharge your spirit, and enjoy a holistic day filled with enriching activities for all ages.
Our festival boasts an incredible lineup of live music, poetry, yoga, meditation, dance and movement
workshops, arts & crafts, kids activities, talks and more! All hosted and led by talented artists, practitioners, and community members from Hampshire and beyond. And best of all, all of these activities are included in the ticket price!
Throughout the day you can join in with family meditation, yoga, sound healing, and tai chi sessions. Explore your creative side with drum workshops, ecstatic dance, environmental discussions and arts & crafts classes. Revel in the beauty of words with poetry in the woods and delight in music performances ranging from country to blues, jazz to world music. As evening falls, gather around the campfire for marshmallows, hot chocolate, and acoustic jams, or join us in the woods for a dusk-time dance with bands and DJ’s.
Escape to the Farm is a family-friendly festival with a
dedicated Kids Area filled with drop-in craft activities, storytelling, games, adventure play, interactive sessions, kids yoga and a nurturing Mothers’ Village for the little ones. Best of all, kids under 14 attend for free!
The Hungry Herbivores will provide wholesome, plantbased meals for lunch and dinner. Savour a delectable mezze plate for lunch and an Indian-inspired thali plate for dinner. Meals can be included with your ticket for just £20. Additionally, a bar will serve refreshments, cakes, beers, wines, cocktails, and mocktails.
Extend your stay with camping spots available from Thursday to Saturday night at £15 per pitch/campervan per night. For a more luxurious experience, choose from our bespoke accommodation options, including modern cottages, a woodland yurt, a farmyard yurt, and a shepherd's hut. These accommodations must be booked for a minimum of three nights (Thursday-Saturday). Rushmere Farm is offering special rates for festival attendees. Limited availability, so book soon!
Arms Around the Child provides loving homes, care, education, medicine, nutrition, and hope for children in adversity across Africa, India, and the UK. By attending Escape to the Farm, you’ll help fund these essential programs and make a positive difference in the lives of many children.
Rushmere Farm is a working organic farm dedicated to sustainable food production and wildlife conservation. The farm hosts workshops ranging from spoon carving to stool making and offers beautiful accommodations for nature getaways. Their commitment to ecological sustainability and community support makes them the perfect partner for our festival.
Date: Saturday 6th September 2025
Location: Rushmere Farm, Hambledon
Tickets: £25 Day Ticket
£45 Day Ticket + Lunch & Dinner
£15 Camping per tent/campervan per night
Full Line-up and Programme: To be released soon. Rainproof Event: Marquees and indoor spaces available
Instagram: escapetothefarmuk
Facebook: Escape To The Farm
Website: www.escapetothefarm.uk
Book Your Tickets and Accommodation
Tickets: https://armsaroundthechild.enthuse.com/ Escape2Farm25#!/
https://armsaroundthechild.enthuse.com/ Accommodation25
Information/Tickets & Accommodation/Camping: www.escapetothefarm.uk
Email: escapetothefarmuk@gmail.com
Number: 07801292553
I have been focusing my attention on books about mental wellness from a woman’s perspective. The first is KC Davis’ How to Keep House While Drowning. This book is a must for anyone feeling burdened by the daily tasks of living and the toll they take on the body and mind. Davis’ writing encourages kindness and softness, with chapters such as “when it’s hard to take a shower” and “good enough is perfect”.
I regularly return to How to Keep House… for strategies to aid me in the fight against ‘life admin’ with gentle self-compassion. This book offers tips for everyone but especially for those of us with messy lives, big families or long-term battles with mental health.
My second book is There’s No Such Thing as an Easy Job by Kikuko Tsumura. This quirky novel follows a young woman struggling with alienation in suburban Japan. Tsumura’s writing is quirky and conveys relatable experiences of sexism, loneliness and the realities of being a single woman in modern times.
This month I’ve been treating myself to some retail therapy on Albert Road. For me the highlight was in Herbies where I bought an old faithful of mine: Faith in Nature’s grapefruit scented body wash. Herbies has been proving health and sustainable products for nearly 50 years. With high protein snacks and eco-friendly household items, there’s something for everyone at Herbies
I also popped in on Southsea Soundz. I could have happily bought up about half of their ‘good soul’ section but settled on a single by The Gap Band to brighten my weekend.
My final recommendation for this issue is Artabelle. Vintage furniture has always appealed to me. We leave a mark on what we fill our homes with. Vintage furniture allows a chance to inherit their memories. Artabelle certainly fits that brief with its wide range stylish pieces ready to be re-homed.
Heirloom restoration - Antiques for the future
• Timber furniture repairs, restoration and refinishing
• Mid-century vintage furniture repairs specialist
• Furniture making commissions
www.artabellefurniture.co.uk isabelle@artabellefurniture.co.uk
Isabelle: 07973 269 673, Mike: 07546 497 945
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Last Letter by Pat Kerswell
ASouthsea nurse’s wartime story of romance and life in the Army has been published in a memoir for the first time – eighty years after it all happened.
The book is a love story with a twist – as her family tried to untangle the mystery of what happened after the War, when she crossed the word to be reunited with her fiancé.
Pat Kerswell grew up in Pompey – her parents lived in Henley Road. She trained as a nurse in the late 1930s and joined the Army soon after the outbreak of World War Two, serving in Africa, Italy and India.
When she died in 2016, 96 year old Pat left
behind a 120,000 word memoir, and a box of treasures and letters.
Now her story has been published in a book “Last Letter”, edited and bought up to date with modern day research by her journalist nephew Phil Kerswell – who trained as a newspaper reporter at Highbury College, Portsmouth, in the late 1970s
Phil says her handwritten manuscript described her adventures as a WW2 Army nurse, from the start of the War through to an emotional family homecoming to Henley Road, Portsmouth, soon after VE day in 1945. It touches on life on Portsmouth during bombing
raids, and mention of her brothers George, who also joined the Army, Peter, who became and RAF navigator, and Ray, who lived in the Portsmouth area for much of his life.
“When I read her book, I realised there was a huge mystery at the end, and decided I had to get to the bottom of it,” said Phil.
“During her time in Africa and Italy, she had a number of romantic encounters, and
experienced love and loss. But towards the end of the War she got engaged to a serving officer. When I looked at her photos and letters I realised she had travelled to Canada in the 1950s to visit him – so I had to find out what happened, and finish the story.”
Pat’s family had no knowledge of her trip to Canada, or what became of her fiancé. So Phil spent months researching – and “Last Letter” is the result.
“Auntie Pat had an incredible life, born in a thatched cottage in rural Ireland, growing up in Pompey, and eventually working among the skyscrapers of Manhattan, while along the way serving as an Army nurse in the War. She also travelled the world on ocean liners and eventually settled as a painter in St Ives.”
“I feel her story is an amazing insight into a world that many of us today can’t understanda woman in her 20s who left home to live in a war zone.
“It’s not just about life as an Army nurse, and how women took their place close to the Front Line, but also her very personal stories of romance, love and hope.”
Phil Kerswell worked as a regional newspaper reporter, and BBC Local Radio producer, before becoming a director for BBC programmes including Countryfile and the One Show.
Last Letter by Pat Kerswell is available on Amazon, as a Kindle e-book, or paperback and hardback.
https://amzn.eu/d/3X1CZFH
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