• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Chandler's Ford Today

  • Home
  • About
    • About Chandler’s Ford
    • Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research
  • Blog
    • Blogging Tips
  • Map
  • Event
    • Upcoming Events
    • Thornden Hall Events
    • Messy Church at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church
  • Community
    • Groups
    • Churches
    • Schools
    • GP Surgeries
    • Leisure
    • Library
    • Links
    • Travel
    • Charities
      • Eastleigh Basics Bank
      • Cat & Kitten Rescue in Chandler’s Ford
    • Fair Trade
      • Traidcraft stalls in Chandler’s Ford
    • Chandler’s Ford Parish Council
    • Members of Parliament
    • Newsletters by EBC
    • Winchester 2015 General Election
  • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • Site Policies
  • Site Archive
    • Site Archive 2018
    • Site Archive 2017
    • Site Archive 2016
    • Site Archive 2015

Christmas in Chandler's Ford

All you need to know about Christmas in Chandler's Ford and Eastleigh. Enjoy beautiful Christmas stories and memories written by friends from Chandler's Ford. Find more Chandler's Ford upcoming events here.

Christmas: A Time for Family and Friends

December 13, 2019 By Christine Clark Leave a Comment

The birth of Jesus was the beginning of family life for Mary, Joseph and their new son. Mary’s pregnancy had not been normal by anyone’s standards, starting with the conception from the Holy Spirit, announced by the angel Gabriel. The gospels do not go into detail but we can guess how difficult it must have been for Mary to explain this to her parents as well as her intended, Joseph. There will have been gossip and funny looks in the market place, I am sure, as her pregnancy became more obvious. So, not easy for a young girl. Luckily, Joseph was guided by an angel not to divorce her but to support her. Then there was the journey to Bethlehem, for Joseph to register in the census, and the lack of accommodation there that meant that the new Messiah was born in a lowly stable.

Christmas nativity

This story is familiar to us all, as each Christmas we hear the Bible passages and sing the words in our carols. And, of course, it is illustrated on the Christmas cards we send and receive, the Advent calendars, and the decorations in our homes and our towns. So familiar are these images that it is too easy for us to become hardened to them and not to look at them afresh to read what they really tell us.

The new little family – the Holy Family – was unique. Mary, Jesus’ mother, was chosen by God to carry and give birth to his son. As any mother does, she nurtured him, watched as he grew up, guided him, then stepped back as he set out on his ministry. Later, she had to watch and live through his violent death. Mary is now venerated as the model of all mothers and holds a special place in many Christians’ hearts.

Christmas wreath

[Read more…] about Christmas: A Time for Family and Friends

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, Christianity, Christmas, church, churches together, community, history, local interest, religion, tradition

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

[Read more…] about Review: Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities 46th Christmas Market 2019

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
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

Upcoming Events in Chandler’s Ford: October to December 2019

October 25, 2019 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

Chandler's Ford Today upcoming events in Chandler's Ford and around Eastleigh

Here we have a list of Chandler’s Ford events for you to enjoy and support. We’ll update events on the Upcoming Events page regularly. Send us your community events to help us keep everyone informed with local news and events.

Chandler’s Ford Produce & Craft Market – Saturday – Autumn Market – at the Age Concern Hall, Brownhill Road, from 10am – 1pm (Behind Co-op, Fryern Arcade).

[Read more…] about Upcoming Events in Chandler’s Ford: October to December 2019

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, Christmas, community, Dovetail Centre, entertainment, event, Fairtrade, good neighbours, Hiltingbury, local interest, Methodist Church

Why am I Talking about Selwood’s Christmas Tree in January?

January 27, 2019 By Janet Williams 3 Comments

Dear readers, please be assured that I’m not mad. It’s only January and I’m talking about Selwood’s Christmas tree – their bright, stunning tree that gives us a glimmer of hope on those endless cold, dark evenings.

While I processed a backlog of my Chandler’s Ford Today emails today, I came across an email from Richard Bright​, the owner of Selwood. [Read more…] about Why am I Talking about Selwood’s Christmas Tree in January?

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Bournemouth Road, Chandler's Ford, Christmas, community, history, local businesses, local interest, memory

Party

December 30, 2018 By Mike Sedgwick 2 Comments

It is the season of parties, not to be left out, we are arranging one. Is it any different in Sri Lanka?

Invitations –

Sri Lankans do not seem to plan their diaries too far ahead nor do they always respond to invites but they turn up on the dot. There is no angst about who to invite and there is no angst about who should come. If you have friends staying, you take them along. [Read more…] about Party

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: adventure, Christmas, Sri Lanka, tradition, travel, writing

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Chandler’s Ford Today

December 24, 2018 By Janet Williams 10 Comments

Merry Christmas and Happy New year to all our writers, readers, contributors, and friends ……

It’s a brief message – I want to thank you all for writing, reading, commenting, and sharing our articles. [Read more…] about Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Chandler’s Ford Today

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, Christmas, community, good neighbours, writing

Baking the Christmas Cake

December 23, 2018 By chippy minton 13 Comments

The finished cake

Almost time to start eating the Christmas cake – but first I better make it.

I use the trusted recipe I’ve been using for years – and my mother used before me.  It comes from an old and well-used recipe book. [Read more…] about Baking the Christmas Cake

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Christmas, family, good neighbours, how-to, memory

The Spitfires: What’s Your Favourite Part of Christmas?

December 22, 2018 By SO53 News 3 Comments

Our wonderful friends from the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (“The Spitfires”) have created this lovely video for all of us.

They ask, “What’s your favourite part of Christmas?”

This is a beautifully created video. I hope you all enjoy it. Merry Christmas, everyone! [Read more…] about The Spitfires: What’s Your Favourite Part of Christmas?

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, Christmas, community, culture, Eastleigh, entertainment, event, local interest, music, The Spitfires marching band

A Christmastide Confession

December 21, 2018 By chippy minton 1 Comment

Candlelit Carol Service

Regular listeners to Radio 2’s Simon Mayo programme will be familiar with the Confessions slot where listeners write in with their admissions of guilt for past misdemeanours.  With the imminent departure of Mr. Mayo from the station, I no longer have an opportunity to bring my Christmas confession before the nation.  Instead I seek forgiveness from the good readers of Chandlers Ford Today.

As we approach the weekend of Christmas carol services, I am reminded of this shameful event from when I was a child of ten or eleven. [Read more…] about A Christmastide Confession

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Carols, Christmas, Confession

Christmas Stories – Allison Symes

December 21, 2018 By Allison Symes 1 Comment

Feature Image - Christmas Stories - Pixabay

One of the things I love about this time of year is that it is a wonderful time for stories. The weather’s cold and grim, it can be getting dark by 3.30 pm (which I find depressing), there’s not much on TV, so what could be better than keeping cosy and warm while reading a good book?

Naturally the publishers try to tap into this. It is with very good reason the Christmas book market is a major “pay day” for publishers and long may that continue. Book sales now should help fund the discovery of other writers and fabulous books later. [Read more…] about Christmas Stories – Allison Symes

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: books, Cafelit, Christmas, Christmas stories, fiction, reading

Sailing into Christmas with the Jubilee Sailing

December 20, 2018 By Andy Milner 1 Comment

Christmas is a busy time of year for most charities and the Jubilee Sailing trust (JST) is no exception.

Having enjoyed a lovely day at the Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities Christmas Market, we also attended the Romsey Christmas Market and most recently the Winchester Christmas Market in the stunning setting of Cathedral Close. [Read more…] about Sailing into Christmas with the Jubilee Sailing

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: adventure, charity, Christmas, community, Eastleigh, education, event, fundraising, good neighbours, how-to, JST, memory, Southampton, storytelling, travel, Winchester

Christmas Cards

December 15, 2018 By chippy minton 11 Comments

Christmas Cards on display

I’ve been writing my Christmas cards this weekend.  I’ve been using pretty much the same Christmas Card list that I’ve used for the last few years and it always strikes me that it contains a couple of anomalies.

Firstly, there are the people for whom our only communication is the annual Christmas card.  Should I still bother sending them cards?  Secondly, there are the people I know won’t send me a card.  Should I still bother sending them cards? [Read more…] about Christmas Cards

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Christmas, communication, Friendship

Rotary Club of Eastleigh – Santa’s Route in Chandler’s Ford – Monday 17th December 2018

December 14, 2018 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

By Rotary Club of Eastleigh

A lot of people are asking about the route Santa is taking in Chandler’s Ford Monday 17th Dec 2018 around Scantabout. It depends a little bit on the weather and how busy he is.

He starts at 6pm from the King Rufus, down Peverells Wood Ave, Porteous Cres, Constantine Ave, Sarum Rd, Peverells Rd, Vesta Way, Corinthian Rd, Scantabout Ave – if there is time Scantabout Ave, Pantheon Rd, Scaracens Rd, Scantabout Ave, finish at junction with Alexandra Rd. [Read more…] about Rotary Club of Eastleigh – Santa’s Route in Chandler’s Ford – Monday 17th December 2018

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, charity, Christmas, Eastleigh, event, fundraising, good neighbours, news

BBC Radio Solent: Christmas Carol Concert at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church

December 9, 2018 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

Christmas is almost here. This afternoon BBC Radio Solent was recording the annual Christmas carol concert at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church. This festive event was hosted by Tim Daykin, and it also featured the Otterbourne Brass Band.

The church was packed with 400 people this afternoon. Were you one of the 400 people there as well? If so, please kindly share your experience with us. [Read more…] about BBC Radio Solent: Christmas Carol Concert at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: BBC, brass band, Chandler’s Ford community, Christianity, Christmas, church, community, concert, event, local interest, Methodist Church, religion, Winchester Road

Christmas Events in Chandler’s Ford 2018

December 6, 2018 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

We are fortunate to have so many concerts, craft fairs, and advent events in and around Chandler’s Ford at Christmas time.

Here are some events that we’ve found and shared. If you know of more events, do let us know so that we could share them with the Chandler’s Ford community.

[Read more…] about Christmas Events in Chandler’s Ford 2018

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, Christianity, Christmas, church, churches together, community, event, local interest, religion

Christmas – A Time for Families?

December 3, 2018 By Churches Together in Chandler's Ford Leave a Comment

Churches Together in Chandler's Ford

This article is written by David Gurr, of St Francis Church, on behalf of Chandler’s Ford Churches Together (CFCT). You can find Church Services in Chandler’s Ford for Christmas 2018 on the CFCT page.

***

As Christmas approaches there is often a debate in our communities about the place of religion and faith amidst all the presents and feasting. Central stage for Christians is the birth of Jesus into a family with Mary and Joseph. Also central stage is the conversation piece of “are the family coming for Christmas?” or “are you going to the family?” [Read more…] about Christmas – A Time for Families?

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, Christianity, Christmas, church, churches together, community, history, local interest, religion, tradition

What did Jesus Look Like?

November 25, 2018 By Mike Sedgwick 7 Comments

What did Jesus look like? You know, don’t you? He has long, straight hair, a full beard, wears sandals and Arabic robes, he never smiles.

In Europe, he is depicted with fair skin and hair. What did he really look like? There are no clues from the Bible. [Read more…] about What did Jesus Look Like?

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Christmas, Remembrance Sunday, Sri Lanka, travel, writing

Review: Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities 45th Christmas Market 2018

November 15, 2018 By Janet Williams 2 Comments

As the government is in Brexit turmoil (‘near Civil War’, according to the BBC), we’re bringing you some stability here from Chandler’s Ford for a change.

The annual Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities Christmas Market brings the sort of stability, unity, and friendship that we all need at times of crisis. Last weekend I went to the market, as I had done so for many years, and felt warmth, joy, and a genuine sense of hope for the future. [Read more…] about Review: Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities 45th Christmas Market 2018

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
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

Cards for Good Causes at Chandler’s Ford Library

October 3, 2018 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

Written by: Carol McKay, local organiser for Cards for Good Causes.

Chandler’s Ford Library has hosted a pop-up Christmas Card shop for Cards for Good Causes since 2005. [Read more…] about Cards for Good Causes at Chandler’s Ford Library

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chandler's Ford Library, charity, Christmas, community, event, good neighbours

A Christmas Eve Like No Other

December 26, 2017 By Mike Sedgwick 1 Comment

A Little History

When the hillsides and jungles of Sri Lanka were being opened up to British planters of coffee in the middle of the 19th century, the planters were desperate for workers but the Sri Lankans, the Sinhala, were not interested in working for foreign colonialists. Why should they? They had their patch of paddy to tend, a coconut plantation and banana trees, they were self-sufficient and the British only needed them at the time of the coffee harvest. [Read more…] about A Christmas Eve Like No Other

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: adventure, Christmas, Sri Lanka, tradition, travel, writing
Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Search

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to Chandler's Ford Today blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Archives

Top Posts & Pages

999, 111, 101, 112? Emergency Numbers You Must Know
101 Things to Put into Room 101
How To Make An Orange Pomander
Forty Years in Chandler's Ford - a Journal (Part 108)
Home
Upcoming Events
Blog
Christmas: A Time for Family and Friends
Montgomery Of Alamein School In Winchester: Astonishing Historical Pictures Revealed
Friends and Traditions

Categories

Tags

arts and crafts books Chandler's Ford Chandler's Ford Today Chandler’s Ford community charity Christianity Christmas church community crafts culture Eastleigh Eastleigh Borough Council education entertainment event family fundraising good neighbours Hiltingbury Hiltingbury Road history hobby how-to Hursley Road interview Joan Adelaide Goater local businesses local interest memory Methodist Church music nature news reading religion review social storytelling theatre travel viewpoint Winchester Road writing

Recent Comments

  • Mike Sedgwick on Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 108)
  • Mike Sedgwick on Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 107)
  • Allison Symes on Trains
  • Larry Leonard on Trains
  • Allison Symes on Trains
  • Allison Symes on Trains

Regular Writers and Contributors

Janet Williams Allison Symes Mike Sedgwick Rick Goater Doug Clews chippy minton Martin Napier Roger White Andy Vining Gopi Chandroth Nicola Slade Wellie Roger Clark Ray Fishman Hazel Bateman SO53 News

Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal by Joan Adelaide Goater

Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal by Joan Adelaide Goater

Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s by Martin Napier

Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s by Martin Napier

My Memories of the War Years in Chandler’s Ford 1939 – 1945 by Doug Clews

My Memories of the War Years in Chandler’s Ford 1939 – 1945 by Doug Clews

Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research by Margaret Doores

Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research by Margaret Doores

History of Hiltonbury Farmhouse by Andy Vining

History of Hiltonbury Farmhouse by Andy Vining

My Family History in Chandler’s Ford and Hursley by Roger White

My Family History in Chandler’s Ford and Hursley by Roger White

Do You Remember The Hutments? By Nick John

Do You Remember The Hutments? By Nick John

Memory of Peter Green by Wendy Green

Memory of Peter Green by Wendy Green

History of Vickers Armstrongs (Supermarine) Hursley Park by Dave Key

History of Vickers Armstrongs (Supermarine) Hursley Park by Dave Key

Reviews of local performances and places

Reviews of local performances and places

Copyright © 2019 Chandler's Ford Today. WordPress. Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.