SouthseaScene

Gunwharf Quays is preparing for a spectacular Chinese New Year celebration on   17th February .  Marking the Year of the Dog, Gunwharf Quays will be hosting an unforgettable day of entertainment and incredible offers.  Guests will also have the opportunity to experience the ultimate in Chinese celebration with a Chinese dragon parade and Chinese lion dancing, accompanied by spectacular drum artists and performers from the UK Shaolin Temple. Visitors must look out for thousands of red envelopes that will be distributed throughout the centre all weekend containing special offers. A Chinese New Year custom, the ‘Hongbao’ are traditionally red envelopes containing money – given as good luck at New Year. Lucky shoppers who receive a red envelope will be able to make the most of exclusive discounts across many of Gunwharf Quays’ famous brands. Yvonne Clay, Senior Marketing Manager at Gunwharf Quays, said: “We are passionate about bringing the community together...

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre is feeling green-fingered this February with its Glorious Garden Family Festival. Get involved in some of the opportunities taking place across Havant Borough and help your family have fun, get creative and get their imaginations growing! First, why not pick up one of the 1000 free craft packs available now from libraries and community venues across the borough. The packs contain everything your child will need to make their very own flying friend at home – will they make a bumblebee, a ladybird or a butterfly? Then, why not pop-in to one of The Spring’s ‘A Bug’s Party’ garden pop-ups? They are perfect for a fun family afternoon out - shrink down to bug size and get busy like a bee, wiggle like a worm or spin like a spider to celebrate the garden’s Queen Bee! These events are free for everyone and there is no need to book in advance – just come along at any time and stay as long as you like. The events are 2-4pm each day on: Saturday 10 February...

Portsmouth Chamber Music Series continues on Monday 29th January with Music in the Round's resident Ensemble 360. The programme pairs a remarkable septet by Janacek with a late-romantic piece by Korngold, with Mozart's wonderful wind quintet in between.  Korngold is a fascinating example of someone who was equally at home composing Viennese art-music and early Hollywood film-music. Tickets are £18 with £16 concessions, available in person from the Guildhall, by calling 0844 453 9028, or from the website:  http://portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/events/ensemble-360

Article as appeared in Portsmouth View, Friday 12 January 2018 January is the month of renewal. Many takes the time to make new resolutions. Some strife to be healthier, calmer or happier. Whatever you choose to do, I wish you a successful year ahead. Fancy taking up running? Try the weekly 2k & 5k run on Sunday mornings. Meet at Hilsea Lido car park at 9:15 for a 9:30 start. Register for your timing wristband at www.greatrunlocal.org . If you have little ones to amuse, Peppa Pig is coming to the King’s Theatre on 17 and 18 January. On 19 January Icons of the 80s will rock the stage at the Guildhall with triple header: Go West, Nik Kershaw and Cutting Crew. If Elvis is more your cup of tea, then head to the King’s Theatre instead for a night with Lee Memphis King, Europe’s most successful Elvis Presley tribute artist. Farmers Market returns to Southsea on Sunday 21 January with all kinds of food and crafts. On Thursday 25 January the  Waterlooville events...

One of the best things of living by the sea (and on an island) is the access to fresh fish. Okay, this one we had tonight was from Waitrose but I have been hankering over some lovely fish dinner after the heaviness of the Christmas food orgy. This seabass recipe is delicious with some jacket potatoes and steamed vegetables. Tonight we had Helda beans which is sweeter and less stringy. You just need to steam it for 3 minutes. So here's the recipe... Make sure the fish is nicely descaled and gutted. Seabass gills can be really sharp so ask your fish counter to do the job of descaling and cleaning the fish. Keep the head on. Score the side of the seabass. Slice some ginger thinly and insert the ginger pieces into the slits. For each seabass, marinate with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsbp orange juice, juice of half a lemon and 2 tbsp of vegetable oil. Leave it for an hour or so, if possible. Then put the fish under a heated grill for 7 minutes on one side and 4-5 minute...

Don't know about you, but I found last year was not a very good year. It wasn't a disastrous year, but many things were uncomfortable. I discovered that of course it is hard to remain positive if you are going through negative experience. However, rather than be engulfed by our negative experience, it is important to rise above. Positive attitude is like a muscle. It needs to be actively exercised to be of any use. So let's start making a habit of waking up each day and meeting any negativity with positive energy.  Join me in this journey to a more positive you!

When I saw it in Blackwell recently, I picked up Arundhati Roy's latest novel without hesitation as I remember how wonderful her other book, The God of Small Things, was. It wasn't a happy story, but it was such a mesmerising tale of tales. In fact, it was beautiful in its sadness. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is just as good. It captures your attention first with the story of Aftab, who wanted to be a girl. The details are amazing and it wonderfully weaves the national political and historical details with the internal turmoils of the characters. Half-way through reading I was wondering what the connections were of all the people in the book, separately intriguing, and each with a bizarre story to tell. The ending did not disappoint. I don't want to reveal the story too much. But if you love some good storytelling, this one is very rich, beautiful and has a happy ending Roy's style.