SouthseaScene

Pompey Pirates make reading and writing fun for disadvantaged young people A new project to help improve the reading, writing and confidence of children from disadvantaged backgrounds is being launched in Portsmouth. The Literacy Hubs is an education charity, working in partnership with The University of Portsmouth and Portsmouth City Council, to create a range of literacy hubs across the City and surrounding areas. Nearly a quarter of the children in Portsmouth live in poverty. Children from low-income backgrounds are twice as likely to fall below expected levels of reading and writing by age 11 than their peers from wealthier homes. The first hub, The Pompey Pirates, is launching in September in the heart of the Charles Dickens Ward, where 44 per cent of children live in poverty. The hub is a learning programme for children aged nine to 13, who have been referred by their school as they will benefit most from the support. They will attend sessions once a week, after school, for a yea...

This orange and Harissa glazed mackerel take minutes to cook and ideal for a midweek supper. Mackerel has a strong flavour and so can take the robustness of the Harissa sauce.  Mackerels are easy to fillet yourself because there are no scales to clean and the flesh would usually come off the bones easily. Fresh fish should have bright eyes, shiny skin and smells of the sea.  Ingredients for cooking 2 mackerels: 2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil 1 tbsp plain flour 1 tsp paprika 2 tbsp Harissa powder 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil zest and juice of 1 small orange In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoon Harissa powder with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and zest and juice of one small orange. Then mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1 teaspoon paprika and dust the fillets in this. Fry the fillets skin side down first for about 3 minutes and then the other side for 2 minutes. When the mackerel is fried, add this mixture and let it boil to a sticky sauce.  Serve these delicious fillets ...

Tomorrow is Father's Day. How will you celebrate? Bring him some beer from The Hole in the Wall . You can pick up a good selection from Jon on Great Southsea Street and drop it off in person outside his house and wish him a happy day, or join him for a pint in his garden. You can buy him a meal from the Duke of Buckingham pub on the High Street and he can something to look forward to for his Sunday lunch. Otherwise, buy him a coffee, or better, grab a coffee together from places like Southsea Coffee Now that the independent bookshop Pigeon Books  has opened, you can pick up a book for dad and at the same time celebrate Independent Bookshop Week that starts today, until 27th June. If your father lives far away, invite him to Zoom, Skype, or Facetime and have a good chat. The most important thing, and the perfect gift for Father's Day, is to show him that you care. Many of us have sadly lost a loved one recently and if your dad is no longer on this earth this Father's Day, ...

We live in extraordinary times and we know that over recent months some may have had more time on your hands than usual. You might have spent this time reading novels, catching up with gardening or perhaps you have been watching films? If you have enjoyed watching films – or you’d like an excuse to watch more - you might be interested in our new online film club ar The Spring. Launched last week on Wednesday 3 June, the film club is a chance to discuss some films and delve into the plots, characters, and cinematic techniques. It’s an excuse to watch some specially chosen (and free to view) films and think about them in new ways, in conversations led by some local experts and film fans. Like their successful online book group, The Spring’s online Film Club will be hosted on Zoom. Simply choose which event you would like to join and book your free ticket online (or by clicking the links below). A few days before the event you will be sent a link to the Zoom event so you can join in. The ...