SouthseaScene

Article as it appears in the April 2015 edition of Portsmouth View: April showers bring May flowers so the saying goes. The next two months are the best time of the year for gardeners. Have you tried gardening? It is a good activity for any age. It can be rigorous or gentle, depending on what you want to do and it gives much pleasure, especially when all the plants are blooming or bearing fruits. It is a relaxing activity that is probably good for your health. I recently attended a mental health networking meeting at the Central Library. Those who were there agreed that it is important to maintain good mental health much as we maintain our physical health. Hobbies such as gardening, cooking or singing, may help you relax and give the mind a rest from thinking of stressful things. The long Easter weekend was also a good chance to rest and refresh. At the university we also have an Easter break for three weeks. While the students are away, members of s...

Suddenly all the politicians want is to get in touch with the public because there is an election coming. So candidates have jammed the post box with their flyers, containing photos of them smiling with happy residents. No doubt increasing the recycling statistics of this neighbourhood for a month! The other day I received a card from one of them to say 'sorry to miss you when I came calling'. Where are they for the rest of the year and any other year? I had a telephone call wanting to know my vote. I'm not telling! I think people will judge the candidates on their performance for the last few years in the seat of power. Speaking of which, I found our street is suddenly gleaming. Another attempt to win us over? Recently the council wrote to say that they have managed their finances so well that we don't need to increase taxes this year. The only conclusion being that the past few years they have mismanaged it very well!