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Autumn is here!



Article as seen in Portsmouth View, October 2014, with some modification

Autumn is here with the temperature dropping and days getting darker earlier. The rhythm of the academic year is back in place.

At the university where I work, the public lecture series went off to a good start with the first two lectures being sold out. We do have a good lineup in the next couple of months.

The Portsmouth Chamber Music series sponsored by the university also had a very good start in its new home in the Guildhall. The use of the stage as a concert venue with seats 'in the round' proved popular. Big names such as pianist Melvyn Tan and clarinetist Emma Johnson will grace this year’s series. Check out the Music in the Round website http://www.musicintheround.co.uk/events.php?location=Portsmouth

The Big Screen was relaunched with a new branding and already it saw the successful screening of a couple of films and an opera. You can expect more activities in the Guildhall Square like the recent Funky Town Fest.

I attended the evening the Portsmouth Cathedral launched its five year plan with much talk of outreach and engagement. This brought to mind the role of venues around the city in encouraging concerts and other cultural activities to flourish in the community.

I would like to introduce you to the Holy Spirit Church of Fawcett Road which has undergone refurbishment and now has a concert series. On November 13th there will be a piano recital by Anthony Groves, who also accompanies our University Choir.

St Mary’s Portsea has a music foundation and holds many concerts, especially by the Royal Marines School of Music. Their next concert is on 20th November.

Take a look at the notice board in your local church, chances are there is a concert series, or a group you can join either for music or craft activities.

Speaking of crafts, I am organizing a gifts and crafts festival at work in the run up to Christmas. It was very popular last year. It provides an opportunity for our talented colleagues to show off their handiwork.

We are home to many excellent crafts and gifts market, the prominent one being the Love Southsea Market on the first Saturday of the month. There's many more information on their website http://www.lovesouthsea.co.uk/

The Crafts in the Tower series at the Square Tower features some really talented designers and makers. Check out their website http://www.craftsinthetower.co.uk/

So there is no excuse for anyone to stay at home this autumn!

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