Charlotte Griffiths is a photographer who specialises in editorials and weddings. She travels all over, but is always happiest when back in Southsea
Neil Maxwell is director of Fry & Kent Estate Agents, and a volunteer crew member of the RNLI
Elios Stone is a Southsea based holistic health practitioner, specialising in shadow work, nutrition and breathwork
Amy Kellow is the founder of Everybody Pilates and 2nd generation teacher trainer
SOUTHSEA LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Produced by Southsea Lifestyle Ltd
Editor & Creative Director: Zirrinia Austin
Social media: Urban Salt
Marketing & Operations: Elios Stone
Web design: Daniel Sweeney
Southsea LIFESTYLE
Ialways used to say that summer was my favourite season, but as I grow older, I have come to appreciate spring even more. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the worries of the world, but going for early morning walks on bright, crisp days and witnessing the blossom emerge as everything shifts from grey to green helps to ease some of those concerns
In this issue, we explore the benefits of getting outdoors. The Friends of Southsea Rock Gardens share the physical and mental health advantages of volunteering in the gardens (p. 46). Cycle World encourages us to enjoy the outdoors on our bikes (p. 30), and Charlotte Griffiths discusses why Southsea feels like home to her (p. 48).
There’s so much more to discover in this edition – classes to take, events to attend, and much more. Have a lovely spring!
Zirrinia Austin Editor & Creative Director
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PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY’S INHERITANCE
Most people hope that their estate will pass on to their loved ones eventually. But this will not happen for many unless careful arrangements have been made to protect their assets from being taken towards the end of their life to pay for care home fees. The solution to help protect your estate is a Will incorporating a Property Protection Trust (PPT). A testamentary PPT can only be executed whilst both partners remain alive. Upon death of the first partner, their Will specifies that their share of the property is placed into trust and names the ultimate beneficiary of this share, normally the children of the deceased. The surviving partner, under the terms of the Trust, has the unequivocal right to remain living in the property for the rest of their life. On the death of the second partner the Trust comes to an end and the property passes to the beneficiaries. As the surviving partner does not own the deceased's share of the
property it is fully protected for the beneficiaries, so if the surviving partner requires care, or even remarries, this share of the children’s inheritance is protected. This last point can be of particular interest to couples who have come together but have children from different partners. A PPT can help each person in a relationship ensure that their children inherit their share of the property, while giving their surviving partner the ability to live in the property for the rest of their life. If the surviving partner wants to move to another property they can still sell the property and the proceeds be used to purchase a new property; the terms of the trust remain over the new property.
Westminster Law will assess your current circumstances and arrange the trust that will provide the best protection for you, your family and your assets.
A BUSY MIND & SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
Elios Stone
DO YOU FEEL EXHAUSTED, BUT JUST CAN'T SWITCH OFF?
You might be always thinking ahead, solving problems, and pushing forward. But that same drive can also leave you trapped in constant overthinking – reliving past mistakes or obsessing over the future.
If you feel mentally drained, unable to switch off, and find yourself waking up at 2 or 3am with a racing mind, you’re not alone! The good news is that you don’t have to live in a state of mental exhaustion. By understanding why your brain behaves this way and learning how to work with your nervous system rather than against it, you can reclaim your energy, sleep better, and finally experience peace of mind.
OVERTHINKING AND THE NERVOUS SYSTEM ARE DEEPLY CONNECTED
If you’re an overactive thinker, your nervous system
remains in a state of heightened alertness. And if your nervous system is in constant alert mode, you become an overthinker –a cycle that keeps your body and mind locked in chronic stress.
Your brain is designed to scan for danger, which means it’s always assessing past mistakes and predicting future risks. But when this process never stops, your body remains stuck in fight-or-flight mode, releasing high levels of cortisol and adrenaline.
Even if you think you’re functioning well, this constant pressure eventually leads to burnout – not just the kind that leaves you tired on the weekends, but the kind that takes you out for weeks or even months at a time.
“Feeling more connected with my body has already shown me how I can stay in the moment and not let my mind take over and try to control situations.” – Alex, Southsea
ARE YOU WAKING IN THE EARLY HOURS?
Your body follows 90-minute sleep cycles, moving from deep sleep into lighter stages. If you wake up at the same time every night, especially around 2 or 3am, it may be because your nervous system is still on high alert.
During the second half of the night and this stage of the sleep cycle, your conscious mind naturally becomes more active. If you’re holding onto stress, tension, or unresolved emotions, this subtle awareness pulls you fully awake. Instead of smoothly entering the next sleep cycle, your brain kicks back into overthinking mode, making it feel impossible to switch off.
“I used to rely on a couple of glasses of wine to unwind, but I still woke up exhausted. Letting go of that habit and using breathwork changed everything. Now, I sleep deeply, wake up refreshed, and feel more present in my life.”
– Malcolm, Portsmouth
THREE WAYS TO CALM A RACING MIND
Stopping overthinking isn’t about forcing yourself to think positively. Instead, the key is to teach your body that it’s safe to relax. Here are three powerful techniques you can use right away:
1 Breathe Slowly and Deeply. This simple technique can help break the cycle of night-time panic. Place one hand on your upper belly. Breathe deeply through your nose, feeling your belly expand under your hand. Slowly exhale, drawing your attention to the movement of your diaphragm
2 Limit Stimulation Before Bed. Your brain needs time to wind down. Avoid stimulating activities at least 45 minutes before bed. Skip: Scrolling on your phone, watching intense TV, working late. Try: Dim lighting, a candle-lit bath, reading a book, or gentle stretching.
3 Plan Your Sleep Around Bedtime – Not Wake Time. Most people plan sleep based on when they need to wake up, but it’s more effective to focus on when you need to fall asleep. For example, if you naturally wake up at 5am and need 8 hours of rest, you should be starting a sleep cycle by 9pm.
If overthinking is leaving you mentally and physically stuck, breathwork can help you release deep-seated tension in a simple and natural way. Unlike trying to control your thoughts, breathwork bypasses the mind and works directly with your nervous system, allowing stress to be integrated safely and effortlessly. Tension from stress and trauma often embeds itself deeply – not just in your thoughts but in your muscles, connective tissue, breath, and nervous system. By working at this level through specific practices, you can reclaim your sleep, energy, time, and clarity, opening the way for deeper connections, renewed passion, and a fuller enjoyment of life in the present moment.
“The morning after my breathwork session with Elios was the first morning I'd woken up in months and not felt anxiety and dread for the day ahead.” – Sara, Southsea
Watercolour by Kevin Dean, tutor at The Omega Art School
WHAT’S IT WORTH?
Neil Maxwell
Well, that’s a question that all estate agents struggle with when it comes to valuing property. However, whilst agents weigh-up the size, condition and location of a property, the fact that is often forgotten, is that we have a legal responsibility to get the best possible price for your property, and any reputable agent should be considering this above anything else.
There are so many cases that I could quote, regarding agents who tend to pile ‘em high and sell ‘em cheap. Along with other agents who are either lazy, or clueless, who have used an online tool to come up with an asking price.
I know estate agents are sometimes accused of overvaluing properties, but I’d rather genuinely feel that I have acted in the client’s best interest, as opposed to what, can also happen – blatant overvaluing to gain the instruction. This helps no one in the long term, the house doesn’t sell and people’s lives get put on hold until either the market rises to meet the valuation, or the price gets relentlessly reduced to the correct level.
The online algorithms work fairly well in areas where the houses are the same. But in areas where, for example you have a predominance of two bedroom houses, and then in the middle of the road, there is a modern infill, of say a four bedroom townhouses, the algorithms which like average prices – don’t always get it right.
We recently valued a house at £340,000 which the owner was surprised about, as another agent with a reputation of undervaluing property, presumably to achieve a quick sale, had valued the house at £310,000. We sold it at £340,000, within three weeks, almost a 10% differential – had the other agent been used.
On a more general note, interest rate cuts have helped the housing market in recent weeks, but it is obvious that global instability is causing ripples of uncertainty in some sectors, coupled with living costs going up – it remains a challenging time for many people.
The recent doubling of council tax for second home owners and people sitting on empty properties has seen some clients selling up, which should help ease the housing shortage, but inevitably, the broad brush stroke approach that’s been applied, may see some people with genuine reasons for needing two homes perhaps being unfairly penalised?
If you are thinking of selling this year and would like a well considered valuation, that only has your best interests at heart, we are here to help, in any way we can.
HIGH STREET, OLD PORTSMOUTH
- £1,500,000
• Georgian townhouse (circa 1780), blending classic elegance with modern convenience, ideally located near Portsmouth Grammar School, Gunwharf Quays, and Southsea Common.
• Versatile accommodation with 7 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, 3 bathrooms, and a lower ground floor family unit or Airbnb space with separate and secure access.
• Original features including fireplaces, high ceilings, and parquet flooring, with 2 allocated parking spaces, and a roof terrace and garden to the rear.
EPC Exempt
CLIFTON TERRACE, SOUTHSEA
- £1,300,000
• Exceptional Victorian townhouse in a prestigious gated development, offering stunning views of The Solent, Southsea Common, and the Isle of Wight.
• Five floors of luxury living, featuring 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, bespoke kitchen/dining, family room, fitness suite, and a stunning master suite with sea views and private roof terrace.
• Period charm meets modern design, with landscaped garden, storage sheds, and secure courtyard parking, within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and transport links.
EPC Exempt
KENT ROAD, SOUTHSEA
- £799,995
• Charming Grade II Listed townhouse by renowned Portsmouth architect Thomas Ellis Owen, built in 1844, located within the Owens Conservation Area in central Southsea.
• Spacious living with 4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a stunning kitchen/dining room with bespoke Wood Works of Brighton cabinetry, integrated appliances, and a Quooker tap.
• Secure parking, L-shaped southerly garden with patio and shed, close to Palmerston Road, the seafront, and local amenities
EPC C
Southsea Lifestyle is published and printed in Portsmouth. All of our editorial content is written by members of the community.
We aim to reflect everything that is enjoyable and stimulating about living in Portsmouth and Southsea, giving a platform for the city’s arts, business, sport and culture.
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Email: info@southsealifestyle.com for a Media Pack today
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FROM PAIN TO POWER: HOW CLASSICAL PILATES TRANSFORMED MY LIFE
By Amy Kellow
Inever expected Pilates to change my life. From a young age, I struggled with persistent back pain – I even thought it was a normal part of my day. Waking with pain, stretching and moving to try and overcome it. Nothing truly provided relief until I discovered Classical Pilates.
could use it to help others. I trained extensively in Classical Pilates, deepening my knowledge and refining my practice
What started as a way to heal my own body became a passion and eventually, a business.
FINDING STRENGTH AND CONNECTION THROUGH CLASSICAL PILATES
Before Pilates, I felt stuck in a cycle of discomfort, and nothing seemed to work longterm. Then I found Classical Pilates – the original method developed by Joseph Pilates – and immediately felt a difference. The focus on core strength, alignment, and controlled movement helped me not only manage my pain but completely eliminate it.
I know that’s a strong statement, but over the years – through having three children and now heading towards perimenopause – I’ve seen my body change, and aches and pains creep back in. What I do have, though, is Classical Pilates to help me again and again rediscover how to build strength and move without pain. It teaches me how to move correctly, with control and purpose , no matter what stage of life I’m in.
FROM STUDENT TO TEACHER
As I continued my Pilates journey, I became fascinated by the method. I wanted to understand why it worked, how it worked, and how I
Then, I turned this passion into something more. I founded Everybody Pilates , not just as a studio but as a place where people could rediscover their strength, improve their posture, and get rid of those nagging aches that seem to appear out of nowhere Over the years, I’ve trained with some of the world’s best instructors, and now, I don’t just teach Pilates – I train others to become teachers
BALANCING BUSINESS AND MOTHERHOOD
As if running a business wasn’t challenging
enough, I’m also a mother to three children. Every day is a juggling act – getting them ready for school, teaching classes, managing the studio, and then coming home to dinner and bedtime routines. There are moments when it feels overwhelming, but Pilates has been my anchor –giving me physical strength and the ability to navigate the mental and emotional demands of both motherhood and entrepreneurship.
A LIFELONG JOURNEY
Pilates isn’t just about movement – it’s about resilience, strength, and connection . It’s given me the ability to manage pain, handle life’s demands, and feel strong in my own body in a way I never imagined.
If you feel like you have lost connection with your body, Classical Pilates might just be the missing piece. I’d love for you to try it and see what it can do for you.
MIRACLE WORKER
Artabelle Furniture is a specialist workshop dedicated to fine furniture making and repairs. Based at the Paulsgrove Enterprise Centre in Portsmouth North, the workshop is run by Mike Screen, a highly skilled craftsman with decades of experience in cabinet making, antique restoration, and bespoke furniture design. Mike’s true passion lies in the art of furniture construction. Whether it’s crafting a one-ofa-kind item to fit your space or restoring a cherished heirloom with structural issues, his expertise in traditional joinery, woodturning, and metalwork guarantees that every creation is both beautiful and built to last. Mike focuses on the integrity of
Heirloom restoration - Antiques for the future
• Timber furniture repairs, restoration and refinishing
each item, ensuring that repairs enhance the longevity and strength of the furniture, while maintaining its original charm.
Alongside bespoke commissions and repairs, Artabelle Furniture offers a carefully curated collection of mid-century and vintage furniture, available to view upon request. Each item is chosen for its quality and meticulously restored to bring it back to life.
If you appreciate fine craftsmanship and need something made or repaired with skill and care, contact Artabelle Furniture to discuss your project or browse our collection.
TESTIMONIALS
“Superb service and quality of work.”
“Mike has worked miracles. So pleased with the finished product — they exceeded my expectations.”
SUMMER BY BIKE
With the best weather around the corner, there is no better way to get around and explore the greater Portsmouth area than by bike. With a pedal-assist electric bike, you can go further for longer and enjoy the fresh air at a leisurely pace.
Traffic-free cycle paths allow riders to avoid the hustle and bustle of the City with some lovely rides along the Hilsea Lines and promenade, and the expansion of cycle lanes along the eastern road to the Hayling ferry, where you can link up with the Hayling Billy
Cycle Trail, an easy 5 mile off-road trip.
Exploring further afield is easy from Portsmouth. Take a ferry over to the Isle of Wight, where you can comfortably ride around the island in a day or travel across the channel and ride the Normandy coast, staying in charming villages and rewarding yourself with the lovely cuisine en route. Most electric bikes should give you a range of 80 miles plus from a single charge, so there is really no excuse for not getting out there this summer. Try a bike out at the Cycle World demo event on the 31st May at the Mountbatten Centre.
WHAT’S ON & BUSINESS DIRECTORY
BLACK DYKE BAND
The Portsmouth Grammar School will be hosting the Black Dyke Band, one of the oldest and best-known brass bands in the world, this will be the fourth time they have visited The Portsmouth Grammar school. The day will consist of masterclasses for pupils during the day, then in the evening the Black Dyke Band will be performing a public concert. With the last three concerts being a sell-out, we look forward to an evening that promises to be a wonderful musical concert given by one of the worlds top brass bands. Tickets are available from try booking at www.trybooking.com/uk/ECLT For more info. about the day please email info@pgs.org.uk Sat 28 June 7pm St Mary’s Church, Fratton, Portsmouth
HAMPSHIRE FARMERS MARKET
Sun 20 April, Sun 18 May10am-2pm Palmerston Rd precinct. Southsea PO5 3QE www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk
LOVE SOUTHSEA MARKET
Sat 5, Sun 6 & Sat 19 April
Sat 3, Sun 4, Sat 17 & 31 May 10am-4pm Palmerston Road precinct. Southsea PO5 3QE www.lovesouthseamarkets.co.uk
LAB GROWN VS NATURAL DIAMONDS
The debate between lab-grown and natural diamonds continues, with significant differences in ethics, value, and origin. Make no mistake –lab-grown diamonds are synthetic, just like synthetic corundum (ruby and sapphire), which has been produced since the 1880s. While these stones share the same physical properties as their natural counterparts, their value is significantly lower. Historically, synthetic rubies have been used in industry and costume jewellery.
The world’s largest producers of lab-grown diamonds –China, Russia, and India – have invested heavily in machinery and marketing, seeing massive profit potential. These companies promote lab-grown diamonds as ethical and sustainable, but the reality is more complex. Their production methods, such as High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT), are energy-intensive, often relying on fossil fuels. As a result, the carbon footprint of lab-grown diamonds can rival or even exceed that of responsibly mined natural diamonds.
In contrast, countries like Botswana, Canada, and Namibia, which mine natural diamonds, adhere to strict regulations ensuring carbon neutrality, land rehabilitation, and ethical mining practices. They also follow the Kimberley Process, a global certification system established to prevent the trade of conflict
diamonds. Today, 86 countries comply with Kimberley Process standards, ensuring that natural diamonds are mined and traded responsibly.
When lab-grown diamonds first entered the market, they were priced at half the cost of natural diamonds. Since then, their value has plummeted by 90%, reinforcing their status as a mass-produced product rather than a rare, precious gemstone. With prices now so low, they are increasingly used by brands like Pandora as a replacement for cubic zirconia and moissanite.
Ultimately, the choice between lab-grown and natural diamonds comes down to personal preference. However, beyond the marketing narrative, natural diamonds possess a rare magic –formed over 3.5 billion years. When sourced responsibly, they support the livelihoods of many people in diamond-producing countries like Botswana, providing jobs, infrastructure, schools, hospitals, conservation and economic development in a way lab-grown diamonds cannot. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds primarily benefit the manufacturers.
Natural Diamond crystal formed by the Earth
Lab grown diamond crystal created by chemical vapour deposition
DRIVE IN AUTO
A Proper Garage
“We’ve grown up with many of our customers,” said Mario of Drive in Auto, who opened the garage with his business partner Bob over 20 years ago. “Some of the people coming to us now are the children of our first clients,” he added with a big smile.
“In fact, most of our business comes from referrals, probably because we value customer service highly and always try to treat people the way we would like to be treated ourselves. You might say Drive in Auto is a ‘proper garage’ because we handle everything, from servicing and MOTs to repairs.
“New cars are becoming increasingly complex and computerised, but we have invested heavily
in the latest diagnostic equipment to maintain and repair these modern models. If we can’t fix something, we might call upon more specialised help. Ultimately, it’s all about providing great service and ensuring our customers drive home safely and satisfied,” Mario concluded.
“Great and trustworthy service. Booked in for an MOT staff were friendly and professional and I was able to pick my car up the same day.”
TIME TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS?
QUITE LITERALLY
Ready to turn your workout on its head? At our purpose-rigged aerial studio in the King’s Centre, Southsea, we offer safe, structured classes for all ages and abilities. Aerial classes combine strength, flexibility, and creativity as you learn to climb, spin, and pose on equipment like silks, hoop, and trapeze – all while defying gravity! Ready to run away and join the circus but still be home for dinner? Read on!
AERIAL IS FOR EVERYBODY - YES, EVEN YOU
When I say that I run a circus school - I am always greeted with the same response… “Oh i could never do that…” and yet Aerial Dance Academy has been surprising people with what they are capable of for the last five years. We’ve taught teachers to tightrope, spun scientists in the silks and even helped hair dressers in the hoop.
I will say this loud and clear - You don’t need to be young, strong, flexible or have any prior gymnastic experience to start.
Can’t do a push up? Doesn’t matter. Hate a burpee? Quite frankly - so do I.
Can’t touch your toes? Luckily for you - We have a class for that too!
Turn up to one of our intro classes and let our trained friendly instructors do the rest. Our trained instructors specialize in working with complete beginners, breaking down movements step by step and helping you progress at your own pace.
With classes in aerial hoop, silks, sling and trapeze we focus on fun and achievable goals, so we hope you leave every session feeling empowered and accomplished.
SAFETY FIRST
We understand that trying something new can be daunting - but we promise you are in safe and supportive hands, and a welcoming community!
Will you be dropping from the ceiling on your first lesson? Absolutely not. We save that for our more experienced students (maybe that will be you next year - either way - there’s a lovely big crash mat under you!)
Our certified instructors provide clear guidance, proper spotting techniques, and supportive progressions to ensure you feel secure every step of the way. We pride ourselves on our inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, so whether you’re looking to improve fitness, gain confidence, or simply try something new, you’ll find a community that lifts you up – literally!
Don’t just take my word for it - one of our students recently celebrated her two year aerialaversary so I asked her to tell us a bit about how she started and what she has gained over those two years…
STUDENT JOURNEY…
“I went to my first aerial intro class two years ago, starting from a pretty low fitness level. I was wowed straight away that not only were we shown some cool moves in our first class, but we could actually achieve them! I have
carried on being wowed every class since. What I love most about aerial is how much I can surprise myself with what my body manages to accomplish, thanks to the support and guidance of our instructors. But close second is the supportive, friendly and non judgemental atmosphere at ADA. I highly recommend having a go”
Feeling inspired? We’d love to welcome you to an intro class at Aerial Dance Academy and to celebrate our feature in Southsea Lifestylewe’re offering a 50% discount to their readers - scan the QR code to get your offer!
This fruity dessert is best enjoyed outside in the sunshine. Sweet strawberries, nutty meringue and vanilla cream are the ultimate spring/summer combination. If you like, tumble other types of berries over the top
INGREDIENTS
100g blanched hazelnuts
Sunflower oil, for greasing
150g caster sugar, plus an extra 2 tbsp
3 British Blacktail Free Range Large Egg whites
Pinch salt
½ tsp white wine vinegar
170ml tub double cream
½ tsp vanilla bean paste
170g Greek-style natural yogurt
400g pack Waitrose & Partners Strawberries, hulled and sliced
METHOD
1 Preheat the oven to 180˚C, gas mark 4. Put the hazelnuts on a small baking tray and roast for 8 minutes or until golden; set aside to cool. Meanwhile, grease and line the base and sides of 2 loose-bottomed 18cm sandwich cake tins. Put the cooled hazelnuts and 1 tbsp caster sugar in a small food processor; pulse until ground (a few chunky pieces are fine).
2 Put the egg whites and pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Using electric beaters, whisk to stiff peaks, then whisk in 150g caster sugar in 3 additions. Fold through the ground hazelnuts and vinegar, divide between the tins, smoothing the tops, then bake for 30-35 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3 Using electric beaters, whisk the cream, remaining 1 tbsp sugar and vanilla to soft peaks. Stir in the yogurt. Remove the meringue cakes from the tins; place one on a cake stand. Spread with ½ the cream mixture and tumble over ½ the strawberries. Repeat with a second layer and serve at once.
COOK’S TIP: Don’t grind the hazelnuts for too long in the food processor, otherwise they’ll become oily (and eventually turn to nut butter). Just pulse them until they’re quite finely ground.
www.waitrose.com/recipes
FRIENDS OF SOUTHSEA ROCK GARDEN
The Friends of Southsea Rock Garden (FSRG), established in 2012, is a volunteer community group which meets regularly on Wednesdays from 10-12am, with a short winter break, to assist Portsmouth City Council gardeners in maintaining and developing the historic seafront Southsea Rock Garden.
The garden was constructed in the depression years of the late 1920s using unskilled labour as part of the then government’s ‘back to work’ incentive scheme. Imported large water-worn limestone blocks were laid out in an interlocking pattern of beds and paths and over time, additional features added, including an illuminated fountain and cascade and aviaries (later removed). After closure during World War II, the gardens were restored, reconfigured and replanted and lighting installed. To coincide with the opening of the Pyramids in the late 1980s, the garden was further renovated with fresh planting, resurfacing of the footpaths, the provision of ramps and railings for disabled access, and floodlighting. Today, the Rock Garden remains an oasis of biodiversity on a bustling seafront, providing a protected environment for wildlife, from the many birds and butterflies to bats, fish and amphibians.
Victorious Festival; we have reinvested these grants into enhancements at the garden, including bird and bat boxes.
Last October, we were successful in obtaining a National Lottery Community Fund grant to create a nature rubbing trail in the garden and have refined the details over the intervening months. While an order has been placed with our chosen supplier, costs have unexpectedly increased and we have had to meet a substantial shortfall from our limited resources. We urgently need to redress the balance.
Annually, since 2012, the garden has received the Green Flag Award which recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.
FSRG volunteers gain immense mental and physical benefits from working in the garden. Casual conversations quite often lead to a new ‘Friend’. We are an inclusive, friendly and sociable group, espousing the values of community, ownership and belonging; join us –previous experience is not necessary, just a keen enthusiasm for gardening! Our work has been acknowledged by donations from Portsmouth
Can you help us get on our feet again, by supporting us through easyfundraising, commercial sponsorship, nominations to ‘good cause’ initiatives (eg Victorious Festival) or by a donation? We receive no guaranteed external funding
Please follow us on Bluesky, Facebook and X: https://bsky.app/profile/friends-srg.bsky.social https://www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=61553381188695 https://x.com/Friends_SRG
FSRG members celebrating their National Lottery Award
SOUTHSEA: THE PLACE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME
Charlotte Griffiths
Some places just have a certain magic – an effortless charm that makes them feel special. For me, that place is Southsea. It’s more than just home. Our kids have endless adventures here, we walk the dog along the seafront, and a quick trip out almost always leads to bumping into a familiar face. It's where I found the most incredible community, where life happens, and where it feels full.
Life there had a slower pace – things were more spread out, and getting anywhere always took that little bit longer. But from the moment we made Southsea our home, I knew we’d made the right choice. There’s something about the energy here, a balance between the vibrancy of a bustling seaside town and the familiarity of a closeknit community.
I was born in London, and in my early years, we moved just off the island to Waterlooville.
One of the things I love most is how effortlessly walkable it is. The beach is just a 10 minute stroll away. In 15-20 minutes, we
Facing the seafront Canoe Lake
can be on Palmerston Road, walking across the Common, or at one of the many independent spots that make this place so unique. There’s a real joy in knowing that everything we need is right on our doorstep.
The food and drink scene here is something I am obsessed with! I could list my favourites, but there are simply too many. Brunch spots, coffee stops, casual dinners, somewhere for a drink, ice cream for the kids, fish and chips on the beach – it’s all here. Whether it’s a quick morning coffee or a long evening with friends, there’s always something to enjoy just a short walk away.
For families, Southsea has so much to offer. Our kids are never short of things to do – Canoe Lake, the beach, football, basketball, arcade
games, cycling, creative workshops, theatre trips, roller skating, swimming, bubble tea. And that’s before even jumping in the car to clubs and activities further into the city.
But what truly makes Southsea different is its sense of community. People support each other, independent businesses champion one another, and there’s always someone up for a chat. It has the warmth of a village but the energy of a creative, lively city.
We travel, of course – Southsea is perfectly placed for day trips to the New Forest, London, the South Downs, or a quick ferry ride to the Isle of Wight. But no matter where we go, coming home always feels right.
Nearly 15 years in, and I'm still just as obsessed with Southsea as I was on day one.
Beachside walks. Photos: Zirrinia Austin
FMAYFIELDS FUNERAL DIRECTORS
YOUR LOCAL FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTHSEA & PORTSMOUTH FUNERAL SERVICES, YOUR CHOICE, YOUR DECISION
requently, we see adverts on television and in the general media regarding direct or non-attended funerals, often referred to by many different names, including trading names. We hear that a person received a ‘good send off’ although the reality of this is that there was no one at the funeral, nor was a service held. It was a funeral carried out by a faceless company with whom, you invariably had little contact with. It’s important to remember that we are not all the same and so often require different things in life, including when it comes to arranging a funeral service.
At Mayfields Funeral Directors, we provide funeral services that accommodate the wishes of everyone. From direct or non-attended services, simple services and tailored services.
OUR DIRECT NON ATTENDED FUNERAL SERVICE
We can provide a direct or non-attended service, which should you wish, include a ceremony for a small number of mourners in our chapel. This will be followed by a non-attended cremation at a crematorium of your choice.
OUR SIMPLE FUNERAL SERVICE
We can provide a simple service, where you can have a ceremony taken by either a funeral celebrant or minister of religion at a crematorium or graveside. We will take care of your loved one, provide a simple coffin and meet you at the place of the service in our Jaguar XJ hearse with four liveried bearers.
OUR TRADITIONAL FUNERAL SERVICE
We can provide a traditional service, where you can have a ceremony at a church, crematorium or cemetery chapel. You can choose the coffin or your choice and have our Jaguar XJ hearse and XJ limousine, or multiple
limousines, on the day of the service, again supported by liveried staff.
So the decision is yours, and we will provide a service that is in keeping with your wishes, whether it is a nonattended, simple or tailored service.
All our funeral services may be written into a Golden Charter Independent Way Funeral Plan. A way of providing security for your family, fully endorsed by the FCA.
Support your local family owned funeral home, a name you can trust, Mayfields Funeral Directors, a company wholly owned by South Down Funeral Service. Please come and talk to Lucy, Paul, Kerrie or Nicola to discuss your wishes, whether it is for a direct non-attended service or a horse drawn, we are here for you and your family.
