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You are here: Home / Community / History of Ritchie Hall in Chandler’s Ford

History of Ritchie Hall in Chandler’s Ford

June 13, 2014 By Allen West 3 Comments

My name is Allen West. I was born in Eastleigh in 1935. My parents moved to Leigh Rd, Chandler’s Ford in 1935 or 1936.

During the war we lived with my grandparents in Bournemouth Road whilst my father was serving in the 8th Army. I attended Kings Road School and later on to North End School.

I was a member and rider for the Chandler’s Ford Stars Cycle Speedway Team from 1949 – 1953 when I did my National Service for two years. The original track was at Hiltingbury Woods and then moved to Hursley Road opposite Chandler’s Ford Railway Station, where the new flats are now in the dip.

I spent 18 years in the Post Office both in Eastleigh & Southampton and finished my working life in the workshops in Eastleigh Railway Works.

Betty’s Memory of Ritchie Hall

Ritchie Memorial Hall, Hursley Road, Chandler's Ford.
Ritchie Memorial Hall, Hursley Road, Chandler’s Ford.

My cousin (Betty Tabor nee West) has some information on Richie Hall. Betty was born in Chandler’s Ford in 1932/33 and lived in Winchester Road near Kings Road. She does not have a computer, so has given me the following information.

The Ritchie Hall was built in 1912-1913 in memory of Dr Ritchie with a donation from his wife. Dr Ritchie was also treasurer of Chandler’s Ford Cricket Club and held a position with the football club.

The plaque in memory of Mr Edward Ritchie on the outside wall of the Ritchie Memorial Hall. “who lived and worked for 15 years at Chandlersford, beloved as physician & friend. 1897 – 1912.”
The plaque in memory of Mr Edward Ritchie on the outside wall of the Ritchie Memorial Hall.

About 1935, the late Ethel Moore started her dancing school holding lessons in the Ritchie Hall. The most famous pupil was Philip Chatfield, who was given a scholarship to Sadler’s Wells Ballet, now the Royal Ballet. Also Margaret Woolridge who gained a place in the International Ballet Company.

Miss Moore later moved to Shaftesbury Avenue. After her marriage, the classes moved to Southampton. After the Americans & Canadians arrived in Chandler’s Ford, dances were held on a Saturday night. These were organised by the ballroom teachers – a Miss Rosalind Edwards and her parents who lived in Bournemouth Road. These dances were very popular with the troops.

Gas Showroom (image credit: Eastleigh Local History Society)
Gas Showroom (image credit: Eastleigh Local History Society)

Other points of interest. Mr Kendall, manager of the Gas Showroom, which was opposite the Cenotaph at the corner of Hursley Road and Bournemoth Road, arranged for a display in the shop window with all the men of the village who were in the armed forces during the Second World War.

History Of Ritchie Hall In Chandler’s Ford, by Betty Tabor nee West

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Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, community, history, Hursley Road, local interest, memory, Ritchie Memorial Hall

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  1. Chandler's Ford War Memorial Research: Part 3 - Chandler's Ford Today says:
    September 6, 2014 at 12:18 am

    […] here in Chandler’s Ford between 1897-1912 and whose wife Lillian gave money to build the Ritchie Hall as a memorial to her […]

    Reply
  2. Thriving Amateur Dramatics In Chandler's Ford - Chandler's Ford Today says:
    October 14, 2014 at 3:17 pm

    […] Chameleon Theatre Company meets at The Ritchie Hall every Tuesday […]

    Reply
  3. Chandler's Ford Guide Book Entry - Chandler's Ford Today says:
    January 4, 2015 at 12:22 am

    […] School has Thornden Hall, a concert hall and theatre. There are community centres at The Hilt, The Ritchie Hall and The Dovetail […]

    Reply

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