SouthseaScene

The Black History Month Film Festival in Portsmouth will be launched on 11th October with a screening of “Harriet”, a 2019 American biographical film about abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Black History Month (BHM) is held every October with the aim to promote knowledge of black history, culture and heritage, and positive contributions of black people to British society. It is an opportunity for everyone to give some time to exploring and expanding our own knowledge of black history. In support of BHM the University of Portsmouth has collaborated many times with the Portsmouth Film Society (PFS) to put on films which highlight the history of black people, therefore raising awareness and promoting community cohesion. The programme gives free admission to staff and students at the university and the screenings take place in the Guildhall. University’s Equality and Diversity manager, Dave Small, said “As a university, we’re not only leading in research and innovation, but also on the forefron...

This year's BookFest- run by Portsmouth City Council Library Service in partnership with The Hayling Island Bookshop- offers a packed programme of events with something for everyone. The Festival runs from Monday 17 February- Sunday 8 March and highlights include: Harry Potter parties for children at Alderman Lacey and Carnegie Libraries during half-term Children's author and illustrator Tracey Corderoy at Beddow and Paulsgrove Libraries on Friday 21 February Children's illustrator Neal Layton at North End and Southsea Libraries on Saturday 22 February Scientist and writer Professor Jim Al-Khalili talking about his first novel Sunfall on Friday 21 February 7pm. Former hairdresser to The Beatles Leslie Cavendish talks about his life and book - The Cutting Edge - on Saturday 22 February Designer of iconic film posters Graham Humphreys on Tuesday 25 February Music journalist and presenter David Hepworth on Thursday 27 February Portsmouth MysteryFest with authors L.C...

The University of Portsmouth presents another season of films to mark Black History Month in partnership with the Portsmouth Film Society. Starting with the screening Winnie (2017) on Wednesday 3 October, the programme looks back into history from different perspectives. The Black Panthers (2015) is a documentary of the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party, 20th century’s most alluring and controversial societies. In Jemima and Johnny (1966) we encounter a white boy and a black Jamaican girl forging a friendship in a racially hostile community. A beautiful introduction to young people about race and friendship, this 30-minute screening is free and open to the public, especially families. The series closes with the screening of Themba (2010) with themes of dream, football and migration, this film is also part of the Journeys International Festival in Portsmouth, highlighting the plight of refugees. Founder and coordinator of the Portsmouth Film Society Aysegul Epengin said “We’...

Portsmouth Film Society presents its seventh Black History Month Festival season of films. PFS presents the work of four special films in the Eldon Building, Middle Street, Southsea during October. The festival is supported by the University of Portsmouth's Multicultural Staff Forum and Student Union, as well as Film Hub South East, an exhibitor focused organisation formed in 2013 as part of the BFI Film Audience Network. Last year’s blockbuster Hollywood film Hidden Figures will open the festival at a special event that will also be attended by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and other dignitaries, on Wednesday 4 October. Hidden Figures recounts the lives of a group of African-American female mathematicians who served as the brains behind the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The next film, Loving , celebrates real-life courage of a couple who challenged the law against inter-racial marriage in 1967 Caroline County, Virginia. This will be screened on 12 October. ...

Here's a copy of my article that appears in this month's Portsmouth View: Thinking of May always brings up images of the Maypole and country fete. St Mary’s Church May Fayre is one of my favourites. May is a good time to check out the farmers market offering local produce in abundance. In Southsea we are fortunate to have the monthly market on Palmerston Road. The farmers markets are complimented by the Love Southsea Markets which features many local crafts and artists. Have you tried a bar of ‘lemon soul’ soap by Southsea Bathing Hut? When the farmers market is not here, visit the Southsea Greenhouse located near Canoe Lake. It is a community garden built on a piece of derelict land. You can volunteer to do gardening activities such as planting, digging or pottering. You can also donate or barter produce from your garden with the Southsea Greenhouse. As the weather becomes warmer, it is also a good month for enjoying the many cafes in Southsea. Sit back, relax,...