Hello lovely readers!
There’s been a flurry of activity down at the Hardway Sailing Club jetty lately – weeks of boat bottoms being power-washed, patched up and painted. Watching it all unfold has been strangely satisfying and even better – the yachts are now back on the water and in full swing. It’s a sure sign that summer sailing season is officially ON! ⛵
🎉 Huge Cheers to The Raw Pet Deli!
We’re absolutely thrilled for one of our own from the Cabin Family — The Raw Pet Deli has been crowned Best Independent Business in Gosport! Clare has worked tirelessly to build such a trusted and brilliant business. She’s warm, knowledgeable and truly deserves this recognition. 🐾🎊
See the well-deserved celebration on Facebook.
🖼️ Upcoming Local Highlights – Pop These in Your Diary!
🧵 Open Studios – SCT Creative House
📅 When: 21st–22nd June 2025 | 10am–4pm
📍 Where: The Old Pay Office, College Road, Portsmouth Dockyard, PO1 3LJ
Step into the creative world of the resident artists at SCT (Sustainable Conservation Trust). You’ll find everything from collage and print-making to braille art and animation. The vibe is relaxed, welcoming and inspiring.
🎟️ Free to enter – just ask for a Historic Quarter Pass at the Dockyard gate.
🧭 Need help finding it? Check this visual guide.
🐦 Bird Aware Solent – Free Guided Birdwatching Walk
📍 Where: Lymington–Keyhaven Nature Reserve
📅 When: 29th June 2025 | 8am–10am
🕊️ Booking: Email Ranger Tony at Anthony.Knox2@hants.gov.uk. Booking is essential.
Love a coastal wander? Join the Bird Aware Solent rangers for a peaceful, family-friendly morning stroll along the Normandy Lagoon. This is one of the best places to spot nesting terns and wading birds at this time of year.
You’ll learn how to identify species like:
- 🐣 Common and Little Terns
- 🥚 Avocets, Lapwings, and Ringed Plovers
It’s an easy 2-mile loop, with plenty of stops for watching and chatting. Rangers will have scopes to help you see the birds up close, and they’re full of fascinating facts about how we can help these birds thrive.
👟 Top Tips:
- Wear sensible shoes – it’s gravelly underfoot.
- Dogs are welcome on a short lead.
- Binoculars are a bonus, but not required.
📧 Spaces are limited, so book ahead with Ranger Tony. The walk is free, but weather-dependent – check your email before setting out.
🎨 Art Space Portsmouth – Open Studios Weekend
📅 When: 5th & 6th July 2025 | 11am–4pm
📍 Where: Art Space Portsmouth
An annual favourite! With 29 studios open, members’ exhibitions, and a Hunter Gatherer Coffee pop-up, this is a brilliant day out for art lovers. Plus, The Caravan Gallery is celebrating an amazing 25 years on the road!
🖼️ Free entry, and always full of creative surprises.
📆 Event details here
Until next time – enjoy the gulls, the paint fumes, the coffee and the creativity along our glorious Solent coast!
💙 Kim
Salty Chips Titbits!!!