Category: Local (To Me !!!)

Fears over future of field at centre of three Hampshire villages


Fears over future of field at centre of three Hampshire villages – Portsmouth News.

The developers are out for one thing and one thing only, to line their own pockets and the sad thing is that our local planners are letting them get away with it. Taylor Wimpey are threatening to build 220 new homes on a beautiful piece of countryside just a short distance away  from an existing development of 275 homes.
Lynn McIver, speaking for Taylor Wimpey, has said

 ‘We are confident that this scheme will provide an attractive and sustainable development of much-needed housing in the area, as well as delivering affordable housing for local people.’

Decimating our local heritage, our beautiful countryside is never “attractive”. Hampshire is being eroded, one plot, one field, one farm at a time. This is just the latest foray by the developers and if allowed to proceed will be a disaster.

A consultation is scheduled to be held in Clanfield Memorial Hall, South Lane, on March 7, from 2pm to 7.30pm.

Be there and make your voices heard.

See also http://wp.me/pVDP6-1WO

Magistrate accused of damage to cars in Portsmouth !!!


Man faces magistrate accused of damage to cars in Portsmouth – Portsmouth News.

Good Grief !!!

This is the standard of journalism that is deemed acceptable in our local paper ……. ???

Man faces magistrate accused of damage to cars in Portsmouth

I saw this and immediately thought it was an article about a magistrate that had gone on a rampage and about the man that stood up to him.

Even the most basic word processor software has contextual and grammar checking alongside the standard spelling checkers. However, it seems that The News can’t afford to employ staff who can use it.

The following, pulled from the same article, is another example of the awkward phrasing that regularly appears in News articles.

Gavin Knight, 31, of Parade Court, Hilsea, denied to a magistrate damaging the vehicles in Wingfield Street, Turner Road and Watts Road, Portsmouth, on Saturday.

We regularly hear complaints, from employers, that our schools are not supplying new hire candidates with adequate standards of education. Isn’t it about time that our media mouth pieces set a decent example.

View From The Conservatory


Now I know what is causing those holes !!

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Picus viridis – Green Woodpecker, the largest of the three woodpeckers that breed in Britain

I had noticed several holes around the garden. Now I have caught the culprit, in the act.

Does he look contrite ? I don’t think so.

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Picus viridis – Green Woodpecker, the largest of the three woodpeckers that breed in Britain

Sorry about the picture quality. I had everything going against me. Time, shooting position, through double glazing with reflections etc. etc. I didn’t dare move to a position where I could brace myself. I had already spooked him once as I moved closer to the window.

As it happens, I only had a few seconds after this last shot. The neighbours cat came skulking round the corner and sent the pecker zipping over the fence. All that was left was his laughing call of derision.

I’m not sure if it was aimed at me or the cat.

Cams Mill – Fareham


Had a super meal, last evening, at Cams Mill, just outside of Fareham. We met up with some friends there after a big recommendation.
Cams-Mill-1
This is a brand new building, constructed in the style of the original tidal mill that stood nearby, around a century ago. I think they have struck the right balance. This place has old, rustic appeal and a friendly atmosphere. Definitely not one of your ultra modern, noisy, plastic pubs. This is a place to meet and enjoy the  social event, have a conversation without having to shout. Top it off with good food and drink.

Our small group started with Crispy Hampshire Hog (Breaded pork belly)with Cox’s Apple purée, London Porter Smoked Salmon Terrine with Cucumber, Quail’s Egg and Tomato Bread. For the mains we tried the Steamed Mussels In Seafarers & Lemon Sauce & Fries, Steak & Ale Pie with Mashed Potatoes, Winter Greens & Gravy, Pan-fried Calves’ Liver & Smoked Bacon served with Mustard Mash, Roasted Carrots in a Forest Mushroom Sauce and, finally, a Lamb Rump Steak served with New Boiled Potatoes and Minted  Peas.

The food  was well cooked, well presented and really tasty. All in our party commented on how tasty it was.  Portion sizes were about right, especially for me, since I am on a diet. If it hadn’t been for that “Vintage Ale & Molasses Sticky Toffee Pudding ” I would have met my daily target. Ah well !! As they say, you can’t have your cake and eat it.

The staff at the Mill are friendly and attentive without becoming obtrusive. Once we had finished our meal they left us to chat at our table with no pressure to move on. This was a Saturday night. When asked they delivered the bill promptly.

All in all a very nice experience. Not bad for £90 including the drinks.

Is Life Enough ?


Rapist locked up for life is branded danger to women – Portsmouth News.

Alexander Bell is behind bars after being found guilty of robbing and sexually assaulting a woman in her teens in August last year, also for twice raping a woman on the same night in October 2012.

During sentencing Judge Price described Bell as one of the most dangerous men he had seen at Portsmouth Crown Court in 18 years.

At least the sentence reflects the nature of the crime, three concurrent life sentences for a predator who has ruined the lives of the women that he attacked.

Physical wounds may be repaired but the effects of such an assault, on the minds of Bells victims, are immeasurable. One thing is certain these women will carry the memories for the rest of their lives.

The question that springs to mind is “What does “Life” actually mean ?”. Will Alexander Bell be considered for parole at any time ?

Anything less than whole life would be sacrilege, and an insult to those that Bell assaulted.

More stormy weather predicted – Portsmouth News


More stormy weather predicted – Portsmouth News.

Debbi Garrod, 50, of Langstone High Street, said her uPVC door was able to keep most of the water at bay. The sea crept 10 inches up her door.
‘When I opened the door the water came rushing in,’ she said.

‘I closed the door quickly and then it was just a little trickle.’

If she knew that it was 10 inches up her door, why did she open it ?

Is it just me ?

Dark Skies


Dark Skies
Weird cloud formations as seen over Queen Alexandra Hospital yesterday afternoon

Weird cloud formations as seen over Queen Alexandra Hospital yesterday afternoon.

Update: Apparently this kind of formation is known as Mammatus, also known as mammatocumulus (meaning “mammary cloud” or “breast cloud”), is a meteorological term applied to a cellular pattern of pouches hanging underneath the base of a cloud. The name mammatus is derived from the Latin mamma (meaning “udder” or “breast”).

Jools Holland & His Orchestra at Portsmouth Guildhall


Or rather Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra to give the correct name.

On Saturday 21st December Jools and the team took Portsmouth by storm. The review by Portsmouth News writer Rachel Jones does not convey the excitement, the energy and the sheer power of the show.

“A fanfare of trumpets heralded the arrival of Jools Holland”

But that’s where any ceremony ended because an evening with Jools and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra is a laid-back affair.

I agree that group may appear laid-back but that is because they are all extremely talented musicians. They are comfortable with their instruments and they are comfortable with their fellow orchestra members. Always in control but not so rigid that they can’t have fun with the music and each other.

The fanfare paved the way for Jools to turn on the Boogie-Woogie piano playing for which he is renowned. As always the opening number set the standard for the rest of the evening, got our feet tapping and our hands clapping. And then the brass section came in full tilt and blew us all away.

This was the third time I have been to see Jools and each time the effect of the opening number reminds me of that Maxell Tape advert, the one where the guy is pressed into the back of his armchair by the sound coming from his Hi Fi.

Once started the pressure is maintained. Sure the pace slows a little from time to time but the entertainment level and the quality of the music and the musicians remains at the very highest levels. This is demonstrated throughout the show as each individual musician takes centre stage to solo on their chosen instrument. Even the backing singers step into the spotlight to take the lead. This all serves to keep the show simmering along nicely.

However, the heat really turns up when the power house that is  Ruby Turner takes to the stage. Ruby is the resident “guest star” and boy has she got a voice. She wrings every ounce of emotion out of every word and note. Ruby was definitely cooking with gas on Saturday night.

Jools likes to bring other guest stars to his shows. Saturday was no different. In the past we have been treated to performances by Lulu and Marc Almond, both superb vocalists. On this occasion it was former Spice Girl Melanie C.  who performed a mix of songs, her own and covers. As on previous occasions taking a well known singer out of their usual context shows what talent they truly have. Mel C. was no exception and showed that she was up to performing familiar songs supported by Jools and the team. Strutting from side to side of the stage she had both the audience and the orchestra in the palm of her hands.

Sadly the show came to an end, but not until Jools and the orchestra returned for an encore and finished with the entire audience on their feet.

I left Portsmouth Guildhall with my feet and hands buzzing. The ultimate sign of a great show.

Review: Jools Holland & His Orchestra at Portsmouth Guildhall – Portsmouth News.

How The Wind Does Howl


Currently experiencing our third bout of heavy wind and rains in as many weeks.

The BBC show a forecast for wind speeds of around 20 mph but I am guessing, judging on the Beaufort Wind Force Scale descriptions, that it is quite a bit higher.

I am glad that I don’t have to venture outside today. Thinking of my neighbour who may well be very busy clearing fallen trees and other debris from our local roads.