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Janet Williams

Hiltingbury Extravaganza 2017

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Yesterday afternoon I had a rather good time at Hiltingbury Extravaganza. There were quite many people and lovely animals (pigs, horses, dogs, owls…). Musicians, dancers, writers, volunteers, and many businesses all helped to make this special event remarkable.

Credit to The HCA (Hiltingbury Community Association) at The Hilt for its organisation for another fantastic Extravaganza community event on the Hiltingbury Recreation Ground.

The Hiltingbury Extravaganza was officially opened by Steve Brine, MP for Winchester and Chandler’s Ford. [Read more…] about Hiltingbury Extravaganza 2017

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Re-designing Chandler’s Ford Infant School: April Rapley Shortlisted for Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists Award

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Recently a tweet by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) caught my eyes:

“Chandler’s Ford Infant School Project – April Rapley. Shortlisted for Student our Excellence in AT Award.”

Congratulations to April Rapley, Architectural Design and Technology graduate from Southampton Solent University! Her re-design of Chandler’s Ford Infant School on Kings Road has been shortlisted for the Student Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology (Project) 2017. [Read more…] about Re-designing Chandler’s Ford Infant School: April Rapley Shortlisted for Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists Award

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Transformation: Dovetail Centre and Dovetail Centre Café

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In the past few weeks I met some friends at the newly refurbished Dovetail Centre at the Methodist Church a few times.

The place is bright, spacious, modern, and welcoming. It’s accessible to all, and I particularly like the much improved lighting. (I felt a bit dazzled at the beginning as I was sensitive to light due to short-sightedness, but soon got used to it.)

[Read more…] about Transformation: Dovetail Centre and Dovetail Centre Café

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Rev. Wilbert Awdry Bridge in Chandler’s Ford

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Do you know there is a Rev. Wilbert Awdry Bridge in Chandler’s Ford?

The Rev. Wilbert Awdry (15 June 1911 – 21 March 1997) was an Anglican minister who created Thomas the Tank Engine (and other engines). In interviews he said his son Christopher (aged 3) had measles, so he came up with stories to amuse him. [Read more…] about Rev. Wilbert Awdry Bridge in Chandler’s Ford

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Have your Say by 18th August: Proposal to Refurbish the Pavilion in Hiltingbury Recreation Ground

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There has been a heated debate recently in the Chandler’s Ford community about the proposal to refurbish the Pavilion situated in Hiltingbury Recreation ground.

What’s the proposal about? According to Chandler’s Ford Parish Council, the proposal is about the “Partial demolition, refurbishment and extension to existing sports pavilion, including provision of additional car parking facilities and construction of temporary car park.” [Read more…] about Have your Say by 18th August: Proposal to Refurbish the Pavilion in Hiltingbury Recreation Ground

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Refurbishment for a Modern and Contemporary Dovetail Centre at the Methodist Church

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A few weeks ago, I went to the Gift Day at the Dovetail Centre of the Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church. The purpose of the day was to raise fund to refurbish Dovetail Centre, one of the most popular community centres in the heart of Chandler’s Ford.

It was a happy morning. We were sitting at the delightful Dovetail Centre, chatting to old and new friends, and were all excited about the new project. [Read more…] about Refurbishment for a Modern and Contemporary Dovetail Centre at the Methodist Church

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Jane Archer – A Simple Vision, and 37 Years Leading The Coffee Room at Dovetail Centre

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In the 1980s there were no fancy coffee shops in Chandler’s Ford. It wasn’t common for supermarkets to offer you ‘free’ coffee either. Many young mothers found themselves isolated at home with young children, and elderly people were struggling to meet someone for a friendly chat.

One person saw that acute problem in Chandler’s Ford and decided to do something about it, to change for the better.

Her name is Jane Archer. She has run the Coffee Room based at the Dovetail Centre at the Methodist Church on Winchester Road for 37 years. Many babies who had played at the Coffee Room have grown up to become parents themselves. [Read more…] about Jane Archer – A Simple Vision, and 37 Years Leading The Coffee Room at Dovetail Centre

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Peter Green: Mid-Summer Entertainment on Saturday 1st July

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We have some great news for fans of The Chameleon Theatre company and lovers of a Midsummer Night’s Dream might.

The Chameleons will be performing a couple of funny 10 minute sketches at Peter Green on School Lane, on Saturday afternoon 1st of July from 2pm to 3pm.

Peter Green will be hosting a fun afternoon to celebrate its 61st Annual Summer Sale, and the Chameleons have been invited to perform one of its popular plays, The Pocket Dream. [Read more…] about Peter Green: Mid-Summer Entertainment on Saturday 1st July

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Great Resources and Information for Seniors

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Last Thursday (the election day), I attended a rather special event in Chandler’s Ford called “Seniors’ Information and Wellbeing Day”, organised by Home Instead Central Hampshire, a private care service company.

There were 14 exhibitors and a variety of talks during the event, which took place at the Dovetail Centre in Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church. [Read more…] about Great Resources and Information for Seniors

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The Flying Scotsman in Chandler’s Ford

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Carl Maskelyne from Chandler’s Ford took these wonderful pictures of the Flying Scotsman when it came through Chandler’s Ford yesterday morning (Wednesday 31st May 2017).

These photos were taken at the new footbridge in Sutherland Way just down from Chandler’s Ford station (heading towards Flexford Road). There was around 50 people there and the Flying Scotsman came through at around 10:25am. [Read more…] about The Flying Scotsman in Chandler’s Ford

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From Weymouth to Chandler’s Ford

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Geoff and Vicki are travelling to all 2,563 railway stations in Great Britain. So far they have visited 459 stations, including Chandler’s Ford station (see the video at the end of this post).

All The Stations is a project to travel to ALL the national railway stations in Britain in just three months, and to create an online documentary film about the journey. [Read more…] about From Weymouth to Chandler’s Ford

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Some Changes at The Central Precinct and Bournemouth Road in Chandler’s Ford

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I shared some news from The Central Precinct in the past before.

Today I took some photos from a few shop windows to keep you up to date with the changes in our local area. [Read more…] about Some Changes at The Central Precinct and Bournemouth Road in Chandler’s Ford

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Highlights of Fairtrade Fashion Show at St. Martin in the Wood Church: May 2017

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I attended the Fairtrade Fashion Show last Friday at St. Martin in the Wood Church in Hiltingbury. It was a fun and relaxed fashion show, with lots of Fairtrade items for sale.

Fairtrade Fashion Show was organised by local fairtraders, Tricia Urquhart, and Heather Dibb (minus one arm). [Read more…] about Highlights of Fairtrade Fashion Show at St. Martin in the Wood Church: May 2017

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Chandler’s Ford Fryern Funtasia 1 May 2017

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The Fryern Funtasia is a community event organised by local volunteers and businesses, with the support of the Chandler’s Ford Parish Council. The Fryern Funtasia has become one of the most popular local community events in recent years, and it is in its 6th year.

Today the event was officially opened by the Mayor of Eastleigh, Councillor Des Scott. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Fryern Funtasia 1 May 2017

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Chandler’s Ford Scout District St. George’s Day Parade and Service 2017

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What a glorious day today.

Chandler’s Ford Scout District St. George’s Day Parade and Service took place this afternoon.

Many Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts, leaders and adult supporters all attended and it was a happy occasion in the community.

Here are some photographs of the day. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Scout District St. George’s Day Parade and Service 2017

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Chandler’s Ford Events from April to June 2017

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There’ll be many great events in and around Chandler’s Ford from April, but some are just slightly more surprising than others:

General Election: Thursday 8th June 2017


[Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Events from April to June 2017

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News from the Fryern Arcade: Waitrose; Waffles and Cream

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This afternoon I bumped into Dom Hooley, joint manager of Eastleigh Basics Bank, at the Fryern Arcade of Chandler’s Ford.

Dom told me that Waitrose rang him yesterday and said it would be donating their food to Eastleigh Basics Bank tomorrow. [Read more…] about News from the Fryern Arcade: Waitrose; Waffles and Cream

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