Are you a cat or dog person? What’s yours, wine or beer? Do you prefer cricket or football and what about camping? Do you love to sleep under the stars or in a boutique hotel?

My wife adores camping, the first signs of summer for many might be the return of Swifts or hosepipe bans, but in our household it’s the foray into the loft to look for the camping gear. Half cooked sausages on a smokey barbecue, damp socks, even the midnight visit to the toilet block, it’s all magic to my wife. As you may have guessed I’m not so keen, perhaps because I was traumatised by a family camping holiday in the 70's... our orange, bungalow style tent, complete with plastic windows and tie back curtains was no match for a summer storm in the Lake District. We spent the night trying to hold down the tent by its flimsy frame as high winds tried to blow us into the next county. We survived the night only to be defeated by 6 inches of floodwater launching our faux tartan suitcases across the farmer's field.

Whatever your preferences, there is a lot to do in Southsea this summer! Live at the Bandstand offers Country/Line dancing, Rhythm & Blues to music from Bollywood/Bhangra. Pilar Correia is showing her intriguing paintings, inspired by Alice in Wonderland at The Groundlings Theatre until the end of September. Meanwhile Artspace is launching a new Summer School initiative at Mayville High School.

If you enjoy more active pursuits, how about Commando Fit at the Royal Naval Museum or take a look at the organised walks in our neighbourhood?

We publish again on 8th October, have a great summer, the weather is looking promising - good enough for camping perhaps?

John Dean July 2010