July cheer as pubs reopen again on ‘Super Saturday’
JULY began with much to cheers — as pubs reopened after being shut for more than three months, and Portsmouth became one of the safest areas in the country for Covid-19 infections.
Super Saturday on July 4 saw pubs throw open their doors to welcome back punters, their first time back after they closed in March due to the pandemic.
And there was cause for celebration, as the long months of lockdown had left Portsmouth with one of the lowest Covid-19 infection rates in the country, coming 140th out of 150 top-tier councils for infections.
Meanwhile, out-of-theordinary sights — one big and one small — caught the attention of the city at the beginning of the month.
During the first week of July, one of our reporters went on an almost-wild goose chase – after a man was filmed walking a white goose on a lead around Southsea Common.
On Thursday, July 8, Karl Martin was revealed to be the owner of Emery, a 10-weekold Embden goose bought during the second week of the national lockdown.
Despite his family thinking the choice of pet was a little eccentric, Karl’s commitment to his new feathered friend was undaunted — even if it meant fitting Emery, who was not house trained, with a tailor made diaper.
The next day saw a very different spectacle overshadow Emery’s fame, as one the world’s largest cruise liners docked in the city.
On Friday, July 10, the Majesty of the Seas became the largest vessel ever to sail into Portsmouth – weighing in at more than 73,000 tonnes.
Her arrival followed a £18m upgrade to the city’s international port, allowing it to accommodate such gigantic ships.
But for many residents, that Friday was one of mour ning, as the funeral for Leigh Park teenager Louise Smith took place in The Oaks Crematorium in Havant.
The 16-year-old’s body had been found in Havant Thicket in May, 13 days after she had gone missing.
On the day of her funeral, more than 500 bikers also showed up to take part in the procession.
Shane Mays – the husband of Louise’s aunt, whom the teenager was living with when she went missing – would go on to be found guilty of her murder.
Throughout the month, the issue of traffic congestion created much debate as both the city and county councils proposed ideas to tackle the problem.
Concerns about clogged roads followed extensive reporting from The News to highlight the issue of pollution blighting the city.
The gover nment told Portsmouth City Council that the clean air zone already proposed may need to charge van and lorry drivers up to £10 a day for coming into the city.
The city council put forward the idea of a ‘ car club’, which would provide electric and hybrid cars for residents to hire as and when they were needed.
Residents reacted with concer ns about the cost of such a scheme, with estimates that it would cost more than £200,000 to hit the road.
The council allayed concerns by confirming the scheme will only go ahead next year if it is financially viable.
Meanwhile, Hampshire County Council unveiled a list of carbon-cutting proposals – including banning lorries from travelling on county’s roads on Sundays.
Reaction was not completely favourable – with the idea being dubbed as ‘crazy’ by Hampshire County Councillor and Fareham Borough Council leader Sean Woodward.
As the month came to a close, Covid-19 restrictions were tested as police were called to deal with an ‘illegal gig’ in Foxes Forest in Hilsea.
On Saturday, July 25, officers were called to the event hosted by Southsea band Colour of the Jungle, with more than 40 people enjoying the live music.
But the band claimed the event was not in fact a gig – but a music video shoot. However, officers were still able to get the crowd to disperse and the band moved on.
And as some people became more reckless moving on from the national lockdown, one family hit by Covid-19 made a heartfelt plea.
The family of Emma Dickinson, a care worker from Gosport who died after contracting the virus, called on everyone to remember to wear a mask.