Janet Williams

About Janet Williams

I created Chandler's Ford Today. I use this website to share our passions and inspiring stories, to build a connected community. We inform, educate and enlighten. We share resources.

Fryern Funtasia 2025 – Drizzle, Sunshine, Stilt Walker, Steam Train, Puppet Shows … What an Amazing Event!

May 6, 2025 By Janet Williams Leave a Comment

Fryern Funtasia was such a great success. The weather was quite ‘unpredictable’ but the drizzle didn’t seem to bother us. The event was well organised, and the atmosphere was superb. When people said it’s a ‘community’ event and it truly was. There was something special for everyone, whatever your age. There were favourite games and crafts for children, and there were also boats and steam train for enthusiasts. There was a stilt walker who entertained and surprised the kids. Animals. Music that filled the air. Ice Cream.

The Mayor of Eastleigh Cllr Dave Pragnell and the Mayoress Jean went round to meet many people. At the u3a pitch, the mayor spoke with Pam Moffat (Vice Chair) and Dave Claxton (Chair) about u3a and their role within the community. [Read more…] about Fryern Funtasia 2025 – Drizzle, Sunshine, Stilt Walker, Steam Train, Puppet Shows … What an Amazing Event!

Tags: Chameleon Theatre Group, Chandler's Ford Parish Council, Chandler’s Ford community, charity, community, days out, Eastleigh Borough Council, event, Fryern Funtasia, Fryern Recreation Ground, fundraising, local interest, Methodist Church, review, social, u3a

Who are the Mysterious Postbox Topper Ladies in Chandler’s Ford?

May 2, 2025 By Janet Williams Leave a Comment

Dear readers, you must have seen many intriguing postbox toppers around Chandler’s Ford. They surprise us, delight us, and make us smile. A splash of colour; a creative design; a world re-imagined. For the past few years, the remarkable ladies (with some of their ‘helpers’) from Chandler’s Ford u3a have graced our streets and quiet lanes with their creations made with love and crafted with great skills. You may even feel a bit uplifted on a mundane trip to Asda, as the topper may remind you of an upcoming special celebration or a significant historical event, or its playful, whimsical nature may take you back to your childhood.

The ladies who have brought us joy with their Postbox Toppers.

Credit: Special thanks to Sandra and Dave Claxton for providing the story and all the photographs in this article below.

Since the amazing response to our 25th Anniversary Postbox Toppers of 2023, our “Topper Ladies” have barely stopped in their endeavours producing themed Toppers for the King’s Coronation, Remembrance Week, Easter, Halloween, Christmas, Summer, the Olympics and were even asked to produce a Postbox Topper to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Eastleigh Borough last May.

Eastleigh Borough Council's AGM at The Point, Eastleigh, on Monday 20th May 2024. The new Mayor Councillor David Pragnell was elected. Photo by Chris Balcombe for Eastleigh Borough Council. Chandler's Ford U3A created a postbox topper to celebrate 50 years of Eastleigh Borough Council. — Eastleigh Borough Council’s AGM at The Point, Eastleigh, on Monday 20th May 2024. The new Mayor Councillor David Pragnell was elected.
Photo by Chris Balcombe for Eastleigh Borough Council. Chandler’s Ford U3A created a postbox topper to celebrate 50 years of Eastleigh Borough Council.

Tags: celebration, Chandler’s Ford community, community, Eastleigh Borough Council, event, good neighbours, history, local interest, Methodist Church, remembering, storytelling, u3a

Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt – On Display at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church

November 3, 2024 By Janet Williams Leave a Comment

Have you heard of the Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt?

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight ‘Speak Their Name’ Suicide Memorial Quilt is a beautiful ongoing piece of art, created with love in memory of people lost to suicide by their bereaved friends and family. This project has been inspired by the quilts made in Greater Manchester and Yorkshire.

Speak their Names Quilt on Display in Chandler's Ford November 2024 — Speak their Names Quilt on Display in Chandler’s Ford November 2024

Beyond Beliefs by Sohail Husain: The Incredible True Story of a German Refugee, an Indian Migrant and the Families Left Behind

June 2, 2024 By Janet Williams Leave a Comment

After 6 years’ research, Chandler’s Ford resident Sohail Husain has published this remarkable book – Beyond Beliefs.

Beyond Beliefs is an incredible true story of a German refugee, an Indian migrant and the families left behind.

Now you can Meet the Author Sohail Husain, on Monday 24th June, at Dovetail Cafe at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church, from 2pm to 4pm.

Meet the author from Chandler's Ford - Beyond Beliefs book written by Sohail Husain. — Meet the author from Chandler’s Ford – Beyond Beliefs book written by Sohail Husain.

This epic memoir recounts the compelling and extraordinary tale of Sohail’s parents and grandparents, whose lives were engulfed by four momentous events of the 20th century: the First World War, the Great Depression, the Partition of India and the Holocaust.

His parents were separated by birthplace, race, faith, language and age, but their common experience of unimaginable loss and upheaval ultimately brought them together in London.

Their love story was complicated and unconventional, but enduring. It is a testament to human spirit overcoming tragedy and adversity. [Read more…] about Beyond Beliefs by Sohail Husain: The Incredible True Story of a German Refugee, an Indian Migrant and the Families Left Behind

Tags: book release, book review, Chandler's Ford, Dovetail Centre, family history, history, publishing

Fryern Funtasia Chandler’s Ford 2024

May 6, 2024 By Janet Williams 3 Comments

Once again Fryern Funtasia was held during the May Bank Holiday Monday, at Fryern Recreation Ground. Did you have a good time? Yes we did despite the rain.

You can imagine the organisation of this event was a mammoth task and it was so wonderful to see so many people and animals, and so many stalls, games, and activities.

Some children sang some songs about the ‘sunshine’ and don’t we love these children from Fryern schools?

Thanks to Chandler’s Ford Parish Council and Event sponsors – TMT Legal Services are supporting this year’s event, along with
National Lottery Community Fund,
Infinity Playgrounds,
Dripool Ltd,
Vitaplay
and A&A.
(Source – Chandler’s Ford Parish Council)

Below are some photos taken before the rain. Let’s start with some animals –

Tags: Chandler's Ford Parish Council, Chandler’s Ford community, charity, community, days out, Eastleigh Borough Council, event, Fryern Funtasia, Fryern Recreation Ground, fundraising, local interest, Methodist Church, review, social

Fryern Funtasia 2023 Chandler’s Ford

May 1, 2023 By Janet Williams 4 Comments

Have you been to Fryern Funtasia today? I hope you have enjoyed this event. This morning I went to Fryern Recreation Ground for a quick visit and this place has brought back some very fond memories. I used to go there with some of my friends and our children, but now our children have left home and my friends were elsewhere, so it did feel quite different and I even felt a tiny bit meloncholic. However it was wonderful to see some friendly faces, beutiful owls, really fluffy dogs, and lots of happy children. It was very lovely to see many local groups such as Scouts, Girlguiding, Boys’ Brigade, Lions Club, Stroke support group, Churches Together….. local businesses such as Peter Green and Gair Gas and many others.

A Special Trip to London Before the Queen’s Funeral

September 24, 2022 By Janet Williams 3 Comments

A group of us took the train to London last Sunday Morning, the day before the Queen’s funeral. We were very lucky that day as the train ran very smoothly. We bought the Super Off-Peak Return tickets, and it cost £25 for each of us. The direct train (The South Western Railway) ran from Eastleigh to London Waterloo. The train was fairly empty and we even had a whole carriage to ourselves. We all felt rather excited about this adventure as it was our first trip to London since the pandemic. Well I guess you might be asking, ‘How was the Queue?’ We didn’t go to London for ‘that’ queue, however we did see the queue of the queue of the queue and it was quite remarkable.

A street artist's tribute to the Queen — A street artist’s tribute to the Queen

Some areas were not crowded at all and we enjoyed lovely walks.

Tags: days out, family, London, looking back, memories, Queen Elizabeth II, reflections, remembrance, the royal funeral

Chandler’s Ford – Community Food Larder is Open to All

September 17, 2022 By Janet Williams 1 Comment

Did you know there is a Community Food Larder in Chandler’s Ford? It is located by the front door to the Hall of the Methodist Church facing Winchester Road. There are basic food and toiletries for anyone who just need a bit of help.

The cupboard is unlocked, and is open 24/7. If you need anything, or if you know of anyone who may need some help, please come to the larder and help yourself.

This morning I saw several church members fill up the larder, so I took a few photographs to show you what’s inside.

Chandler's Ford Community Larder - outside the Methodist Church. — Chandler’s Ford Community Larder – outside the Methodist Church.

Tags: Chandler's Ford, church, community, good neighbours, local interest, Methodist Church, news, Winchester Road

Platinum Jubilee Flower Festival at St Martin in the Wood Church

June 26, 2022 By Janet Williams 2 Comments

Did you go and see the Platinum Jubilee Flower Festival at St Martin in the Wood Church last week? I’m glad I did. I went there at the weekend and was amazed by the talent in our parish. Members from the parish church have taken such a lot of effort to create a memorable, beautiful week, and have spread joy in the community.

Roy Lancaster and his wife Sue officially opened the event on the 21st of June.

Roy Lancaster and his wife Sue officially opened the Platinum Jubilee Flower Festival. Image from Chandler's Ford Parish Church. — Roy Lancaster and his wife Sue officially opened the Platinum Jubilee Flower Festival. Image from Chandler’s Ford Parish Church.

The Chameleons – The Dragon of Wantley Till 30th April 2022. Don’t Miss This Show!

April 29, 2022 By Janet Williams 1 Comment

You really don’t want to miss this show. There are still 3 shows till Saturday.

Showing: 22nd - 30th April 2022 — Showing: 22nd – 30th April 2022

Allison Symes and my family and friends watched this on Thursday night. Amazing show; amazing music; funny and warm; lots of surprises. I last checked the website Chameleon Theatre Company and there are still some tickets left. Some of you may want to grab the tickets and I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time.

The pantomime has been moved from January to April due to Covid. This brilliant show is really worth waiting for. [Read more…] about The Chameleons – The Dragon of Wantley Till 30th April 2022. Don’t Miss This Show!

Tags: Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, comedy, drama, event, Hursley Road, Ritchie Memorial Hall

A Walk on a Beautiful Sunny Day – Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

March 20, 2022 By Janet Williams 2 Comments

Have you been to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens recently? We went for an afternoon walk this afternoon with Chippy and his wife Annie. They also did a 10k run in Eastleigh this morning. Wondering how many steps they have done today?

We have captured some photos to share with our readers today. [Read more…] about A Walk on a Beautiful Sunny Day – Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Tags: days out, gardens, Hampshire, history, nature, recommendations, review, Romsey, signs of spring, spring, travel, walking

A Poem by John Roedel – “In the face of war, I’m so small – yet, love is so big.”

March 4, 2022 By Janet Williams 3 Comments

Recently a friend shared this poem by John Roedel. What an incredible poem. It moves me so deeply.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, I hope this poem gives you hope and comfort.

In the face of war, we feel helpless. We can’t do many things. Yet we can love. We can become a force of peace in the world. Thank you John Roedel for this beautiful, eloquent poem.

I can’t make the

world be peaceful

I can’t stall tanks

from roaring down streets

I can’t prevent children

from having to hide in bunkers

I can’t convince the news to

stop turning war into a video game

I can’t silence the sound of bombs

tearing neighborhoods apart

I can’t transform a guided missile

into a bouquet of flowers

I can’t make a warmonger

have an ounce of empathy

Tags: creative writing, good neighbours, hope, poetry

Year of the Tiger – Celebrating Friendship

January 31, 2022 By Janet Williams 4 Comments

For those of you who celebrate Chinese New Year, I wish you good luck, happiness and health in the New Year.

In the past two weeks I had afternoon tea with Allison Symes, had coffee with Mike Sedgwick at Dovetail Cafe, and on Saturday, I had a Chinese New Year meal with chippy minton and his wife Annie in Eastleigh. Of course I also saw chippy’s unique gnome in his front garden.

gnome restoration 11 — Chippy’s treasured gnome

Tags: Chinese, Chinese New Year, community, culture, entertainment, music, tradition

Should Real Tigers be Used as Props?

January 24, 2022 By Janet Williams 2 Comments

Gucci has used real tigers in their recent adverts celebrating the Year of the Tiger. It seems the tigers have been trained or tamed to be used as props, accessories, and friendly pets. These adverts really have reminded me of the adorable tiger and his friendship with the little girl Sophie, in The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr.

Should real tigers be used in commercial adverts?

In the commercial adverts, actual tigers roamed the scenes, and joined a group of friends for high tea, in various spaces of a luxurious, retro-style hotel. See this report. [Read more…] about Should Real Tigers be Used as Props?

Tags: Chinese, Chinese New Year, community, culture, entertainment, event, history, tradition

A Story about Tiger

January 23, 2022 By Janet Williams 7 Comments

As the Lunar New Year (Tuesday, 1 February 2022) is just around the corner, I thought I would share little stories about tiger as it’s going to the the Year of the Tiger.

In the west, the tigers I’m most familiar with are Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, and Hobbes, Calvin’s stuffed tiger and best friend. These are friendly tigers.

The tigers in the Chinese context seem to be mighty and ferocious. They are not there to ‘be kind’ or friendly.

Image credit: Image of a tiger by JL G from Pixabay.

Here is a widely known story between a fox and a tiger in the idiom 狐假虎威（hú jiǎ hǔ wēi): [Read more…] about A Story about Tiger

Tags: Chinese, Chinese New Year, community, culture, entertainment, event, history, tradition

Dovetail Café at the Methodist Church: now open 9.30 to 12noon Tuesday to Friday and from 10-12noon on Saturdays

June 28, 2021 By Janet Williams 1 Comment

Updated 11.12.2021

The Dovetail Café at the Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church is now open 9.30 to 12noon Tuesday to Friday and from 10-12noon on Saturdays.

I was there last Saturday and really felt life has started to feel a bit ‘normal’.

Dovetail Cafe at the Methodist Church in Chandler's Ford — Dovetail Cafe at the Methodist Church in Chandler’s Ford

What has changed?

Tags: Chandler's Ford, church, community, Dovetail Centre, event, local interest, Methodist Church, news, Winchester Road

Suki Asian Shop Open – Winchester Road, Chandler’s Ford

June 26, 2021 By Janet Williams Leave a Comment

Today I visited the newly opened Suki Asian Shop on Winchester Road. I’m quite impressed.

Suki Asian Store in Chandler's Ford has just opened. — Suki Asian Shop in Chandler’s Ford has just opened.

Suki Asian Store, Winchester Road, Chandler's Ford. — Suki Asian Store, Winchester Road, Chandler’s Ford.

I asked the young lady Annabelle what ‘Suki’ meant. She told me it meant ‘customers’ in the Philippines. She told me her mum Jemelle ran the shop. [Read more…] about Suki Asian Shop Open – Winchester Road, Chandler’s Ford

Tags: celebrations, Chandler’s Ford community, culture, diversity, food, local businesses, local interest, Winchester Road

Shops Reopening – Support Local Businesses in Chandler’s Ford

June 14, 2020 By Janet Williams 13 Comments

Yesterday I drove past the Fryern Arcade, and could see lots of people outside Costa Coffee.

Chandler's Ford Central Precinct: Keep Safe — Chandler’s Ford Central Precinct: Keep Safe

At the Central Precinct, I also saw a tent outside Up & Running running shop. I was quite pleased, so went to check if my trainers had arrived. I had ordered a pair of trainers a week before lockdown, so have been waiting for the shop to reopen.

Up and Running - running specialist at Chandler's Ford Central Precinct. — Up and Running – running specialist at Chandler’s Ford Central Precinct.

Tags: Bournemouth Road, Central Precinct, Chandler's Ford, good neighbours, Hiltingbury, Hiltingbury Road, local businesses, local interest, news

Welcome to Curious Café – Friday from 6.30pm at Dovetail Centre

February 9, 2020 By Janet Williams Leave a Comment

Have you heard of the Curious Café in Chandler’s Ford?

It’s open most Friday evenings at the Dovetail Centre, at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church, on Winchester Road.

The Curious Café offers an informal atmosphere where you can relax, have a chat, and maybe engage in something curious.

Curious Cafe at Dovetail Centre, Chandler's Ford Methodist Church — Curious Cafe at Dovetail Centre, Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church

Tags: Chandler's Ford, church, community, Dovetail Centre, event, local interest, Methodist Church, Winchester Road

Review: Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities 46th Christmas Market 2019

November 16, 2019 By Janet Williams Leave a Comment

The joint charities Christmas Market in Chandler’s Ford last weekend didn’t disappoint. The market is now in its 46th year, but the passion never seems to fade over time. You see the same people running the market, and you see familiar faces supporting their chosen charities and informing people about the work that they do, and why they need your donation and support. More and more visitors come to the market each year as the market is such a beautiful Chandler’s Ford Christmas tradition.

I like the warmth and friendliness of the market so much that I go there each year to see old friends, and meet friends for coffee at Dovetail Café afterwards. It’s the sort of market where you have no chance of breaking the bank, and you can buy affordable thoughtful little gifts, stocking fillers, some nice pens and notebooks, little torches, storybooks, toys, and some really good quality Christmas cards.

Former Eastleigh Mayor Cllr Jane Welsh opened the 46th Christmas Market run by Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities Committee. (Left to right): Caroline Husain, Cllr Jane Welsh, and Val Milner, chairman of the Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities Committee. — Former Eastleigh Mayor Cllr Jane Welsh (centre) opened the 46th Christmas Market run by Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities Committee. (Left): Caroline Husain, and on the right, Val Milner, chairman of the Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities Committee.

The market this year was opened by former Eastleigh Mayor Councillor Jane Welsh. The Joint Charities Annual Christmas Market was held at the Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church Hall. These were the charities that took part.

46th Chandler's Ford Joint Charities Christmas Market — 46th Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities Christmas Market

Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, charity, Christmas, church, community, Dovetail Centre, event, fundraising, good neighbours, inspiration, Joint Charities Annual Christmas Market, local interest, Methodist Church, Winchester Road

Janet Williams

About Janet Williams

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