 The steel reinforcing is now in place along the restored 'lagoons' in the north side of the pool, ready for the concrete pour in the next couple of weeks. This lagoon will have a step at the top, but the one on of the other side will have no steps ensuring that the restored lido is accessible to all. You can see one of the tubes for the filtration system in the middle of the image above.
 A balance tank in a pool system is a reservoir that helps maintain a consistent water level. Water that overflows from the pool goes into the balance tank, and then back into the pool when required. Above you can now see the outlines of the lido's balance tank, which is situated between the two lagoons. This will have a concrete slab poured on top, enabling access to the lagoons.
 The first sections of the pool wall have now been formed and the shuttering removed. In this section, you can see a recess where on the ladders for exiting the pool will go, along with a horizontal notch which will act as a foot rest in the deepest area of the pool.
The surface is currently being prepared by jet washing the concrete. This exposes the aggregate and will ensure that the rendered finish can stick (or 'key') to the concrete wall.
 If you've been to Hilsea Lines recently, you would have seen that a new easy access viewing platform has been completed next to the moat by our resident countryside ranger Pete and his team. It is positioned close to the main gates on Peronne Road, for ease of access. The level surface and the adjoining railings provides a safe area for all to view the moat and its wildlife.
The ranger runs a healthy volunteer programme for anyone interested in participating in the valuable conservation and restoration tasks. For more information about the opportunities for volunteering, phone the ranger on 07958 353152 or email parks@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
 We are excited to announce that the new King George V Football Complex has officially opened!
An event was held recently to celebrate the opening and thank all involved in the development of this amazing hub. Thanks to the Premier League, The FA, and the Government’s Football Foundation, for a £4.4 million grant, and the £3.7 million the council contributed, we've been able to build this state-of-the-art sports hub. The complex offers two 3G pitches, six grass pitches, and a pavilion with changing rooms, a café, and social spaces.
Operated by Hampshire FA, it will serve as home to several local grassroots clubs, including Meon Milton FC and City Ladies FC, supporting over 120 teams and aiming to expand to 150 within five years. Community programmes like walking football, disability sessions, and Premier League Kicks will also be run on-site.
The funding from Portsmouth City Council was made up of £1m from the UK government (as part of the Transforming the Visitor Economy bid), £250k from the Youth Investment Fund, £40k from Changing Places, with the remaining £2.41m coming from council funding. The building was designed by the council’s in-house team of architects.
 Casemates Studio and Cafe, based at Bastion 4 of the Hilsea Lines, have an exciting live programme on offer this autumn. On Friday 15 November at 7.30pm they have Fraser Morgan; a rapidly up and coming folk-punk/singer-songwriter who’s known for his relentless gigging and for bringing to the stage high levels of passion, energy, and showmanship.
Whether he's playing solo or with his band “Fraser Morgan and the Great Catastrophes”, Fraser keeps the crowd on their toes and captivated, delivering a performance that is often compared to the likes of Frank Turner, Jamie T and Nizlopi.
If you like leaving gigs with a heart full of life and a bamboozled smile strapped to your face, then a Fraser Morgan show is exactly where you need to be.
 Get away from the hustle and bustle of life and immerse yourself in a peaceful and tranquil woodland environment, in this health and wellbeing session for adults held by Portsmouth Forest School CIC. During the sessions you will be able to engage in mindful activities making things out of natural materials and whittling things out of wood.
You'll also enjoy a guided walk around Hilsea Lines looking at nature through a different lens, have a go at fire lighting and much more. Participants will be invited to help prepare and cook lunch on the campfire. There will also be time to relax in the hammocks or by the fire and enjoy the natural surroundings.
The next session is on Wednesday 6 November from 12.30-3.30pm, and is £40 per person.
|
