SouthseaScene

The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) is collaborating with The D-Day Story in Portsmouth to teach a series of classes inspired by the 272 foot ‘Overlord Embroidery’ at the museum. The embroidery was stitched by a team of 20 specialist embroiderers at the Royal School of Needlework, taking over five years to create and completed in January 1974. It was commissioned by Lord Dulverton of Batsford to commemorate D-Day (the Allied landings to liberate occupied France, on 6 June 1944) and the subsequent Battle of Normandy (through to the end of August 1944). The Royal School of Needlework will teach classes specially designed for the D-Day Story. The classes will run on 22 March (Appliqué), 24 May (Blackwork) and 5 July (Goldwork). Each class costs £84 (plus a kit cost of £25) from 10.45am-4.45pm. Students will also have the opportunity to view the ‘Overlord Embroidery’ during the day. To book your place, please visit www.royal-needlework.org.uk or call 020 3166 6932. Dr Susan Kay-Wil...

The historic city of Portsmouth has plenty to offer visitors for a special winter short break. Stroll the Historic Dockyards which will be transformed into a snowy Victorian street market for the annual festive event. Soak up the city’s cultural atmosphere beginning with a visit to the birthplace of Charles Dickens, the great 19th century writer and the city’s most famous son. The City Museum is home to the largest collection of items in the world relating to Conan Doyle and his famous detective. Stay in one of the city’s many boutique hotels such as the Mercer Collection of seven unique properties in Southsea - relax with a cosy spa treatment, and indulge in delicious food and wine from all regions in the many varied pubs offering local ales and top class restaurants such as No27 and Montparnasse, or the quirkier Pie & Vinyl. No Man’s Fort in the Solent offers a completely different experience in one of three fortifications built during the Napoleonic Wars and now offering luxur...