In the 1970s the Florence Arms, in Florence Road, was renowned for its cider. Now it has returned in style, but whereas in its earlier incarnation only one traditional draught cider was on sale, the proprietors Greg and Jane have introduced up to 10 and have also added around 40 different bottled ciders, many organic, from home and abroad, to the range. This has to be one of the widest selections in any pub in England, let alone Portsmouth, and it is proving to be a great hit with regulars and visitors alike. So whether you've been drinking in The Florence since the 70s or have never graced its doors you're invited in for a true apple experience courtesy of Greg and Jane.
 

You may have heard of Freecycle, but like us may not have known how to get involved locally. Portsmouth Freegle (Free Giving, Locally and Easily) is a local community recycling group - and is part of the UK based Freegle Network. You join if you have an item that you no longer want but that still has life left in it and which can be used by someone else. You send in your offer and other members of the group request it. After an exchange of emails you choose a recipient and they come and collect the item. All items have to be free and legal. You can find your local group at www.ilovefreegle.org or go to the Portsmouth group at http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Portsmouth_Freegle
 

Community Internet Services has been pleased to sponsor a number of sites dealing with the history of Portsmouth, principally Memorials in Portsmouth and Friends of Highland Road Cemetery. To this stable we can now add History In Portsmouth which is an all-purpose site for the re-telling of stories about Portsmouth. Local historians are welcome to contribute articles. Also on the site are the progress reports on The 1860 (Old Portsmouth) Project which aims to re-create the town in 1860 using digital 3D technology.
 

Regular visitors to the site might already be aware that Community Internet Service has been working on a website for the Health Improvement & Devolpment Services at Portsmouth City Council. This mass of information continues to develop but another website project from the same stable is now online. Called 'Fit4Life' it catalogues all physical activities in Portsmouth suitable for the over 50s and offers searches for activities based on their type or their location. It is scheduled to be followed by a second site that will incorporate Social Activities as well.