We Love The News: Steve Kingsley tells us why he hasn't missed a copy in 50 years
WHETHER you’ve met Steve Kingsley on the streets of Southsea, at one of his tea dances or while three sheets to the wind at his nightclub, one thing’s for sure – Portsmouth runs through this man’s blood.
The 72-year-old, from Anchorage Park, loves his city - and he says he loves the local newspaper that represents it and hasn’t missed a copy in 50 years.
Steve, a dad-of-three and granddad-of-two, said: ‘I always a buy a copy of The News. I haven’t missed a copy since 1972 when I got into the entertainments game. I do like reading it. I like to know about my city and all the things that go on.
‘If I go away for a few days, then I will have all the copies to read when I come back.
‘I love reading about Pompey and all the news, that’s what I love about it, it’s local.’
And not only does Steve, who runs night club Kingsley’s in Osborne Road, read about the news, he’s also sometimes featured in it.
His latest project, along with developer Mick Forfar, is to bring the former Italian Bar and Grill in Great Southsea Street back to life.
The restaurant, which used to a a pub, is currently being redeveloped and the pair hope to open in April, if restrictions allow.
Steve said: ‘I have always liked to do a restaurant, I am used to nightclubs, but in a restaurant you can really talk to people. That’s what I like doing. It will be great when it’s open. It is beautiful and it has a beautiful little garden too.’
Steve is well-known for his DJ work, having played at venues in the city and along the south coast for many years. He also used to host popular afternoon tea dances, which although on hold due to coronavirus, Steve hopes to see return soon.
‘I do miss it,’ he said. ‘I used to put the music on, and with the first Waltz the dance floor would be packed, you couldn’t get on on the floor. They loved it, they loved getting together and there were so many romances, even at an older age.’
Steve, who has already had his Covid-19 vaccine, is hopeful of some kind of return this summer.
He said: ‘With a bit of luck, if people play the right tune, I feel we could be open again at the nightclub in July or August, with luck. People will want to go out.
‘People like to meet other people, whether it’s at a restaurant, club or dance, whatever it is, people like the social part of it, it’s a huge part of life.’