SouthseaScene

We really enjoyed our trip last week to check out the newly refurbished Brasserie Blanc restaurant in Gunwharf Quays. Generally I'm a bit skeptical about refurbishment and somehow we already liked the decor in Brasserie Blanc and we were not sure how it could be improved. Once we stepped into the new place, we immediately liked the warmer grey based theme. The low-light and darkened feel made it more intimate and modern somehow. Somehow they have managed to strike up the balance between vintage, retro and farmhouse style by the combination of the furniture, colour and accessories. This reflect the eclectic but homey feel of the menu. We like how they have set up a cheese bar in the corner. A nice casual way of staying in for a drink and light bites. I will use that area more! The staff at the Gunwharf Quays branch are always very friendly. So it's nice to feel like we were there seeing old friends in their new house. There was more fun and laughter and on a Friday nig...

The British Science Week is also held between 13 and 22 March and t he University of Portsmouth will once again be involved in organising science events for the city. As much as I hate the cliche title, the festival is all about how we apply science to every day life. On Monday 16 March, we welcome back the Ig Nobel team, who will give us research from around the world that will make you laugh and then make you think.  It is fun and funny, so come along to the University of Portsmouth on 16 March, 6pm, at the Richmond Building. One of Portsmouth scientists, Professor Mike Tipton, will look at how science is used in the court room, at a free lecture on 18 March in the Portland Building on Portland Street at 6pm. Then join astronomers from the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation in the Guildhall Square to view the partial solar eclipse on Friday 20 March, 8.30-10.00am. Ask questions and find out more about this amazing natural phenomena. If you are worried about how much...

March often makes me think of the March Hare and Alice in Wonderland.   This year we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the publication of this book by Lewis Carroll. The Centre for Studies in Literature at the University of Portsmouth has partnered with Hampshire Library Service to run a few events to mark the occasion. On 12 March well-known author, Gaynor Arnold, read from her new book After Such Kindness, a reimagining of the relationship between the author and his muse; a little girl called Alice Liddell. Alice Liddell lived most of her life around Lyndhurst and was later buried in St Michael and All Angels Church.  Come along to the free lecture on Thursday 12 March, to be held in the Portsmouth Business School, Richmond Building, Portland Street, Portsmouth PO1 3DE. The event starts at 6.30pm.

March is a busy month for charity fundraising.  Time for a Cuppa is the theme for the Dementia Awareness week, 1-8 March. Having a cuppa with friends is a nice way of catching up with news and sharing experiences. It's important for dementia sufferer not to feel isolated so having a cuppa this week is a nice way to raise awareness of dementia, to be sociable and raise vital funds. You must have a good idea by now how you can support the Red Nose Day on 13 March. If not, check out the website for information and idea. Jamie Oliver has some ideas for you  http://www.rednoseday.com/ The Wear a Hat Day for Brain Tumour Research charity will be held on 27 March. Find out how you can take part here  http://www.braintumourresearch.org/wearahatday There are so many creative ways to raise funds. Get active now!

University of Portsmouth's Music Director, Colin Jagger, has secured a new partnership with Portsmouth Cultural Trust to launch a World Music Series.  The first in a series of events showcasing World Music will take place on Wednesday 11th March at the Portsmouth Guildhall. This event will feature an interactive performance by the Southbank Gamelan Players at 1:30pm, followed by a workshop at 3.00pm. The gamelan consists predominantly of beautiful percussion based instruments, comprising gongs, drums and metallophones, but with the addition of softer embellishing instruments including the bamboo flute (suling), spike fiddle (rebab) and voice. Traditionally, gamelan music is used for entertainment, ceremonial purposes, social gatherings and storytelling in conjunction with dance and shadow-puppet theatre, and to reflect this a wide variety of repertoire will be presented. Southbank Gamelan Players – Ensemble in Residence at Southbank Centre, London – will be joined by danc...