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Great Daffodil Appeal – Supporting Marie Curie

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This year’s Great Daffodil Appeal will be one like no other. Thousands of Marie Curie volunteers will not be able to collect donations in exchange for a daffodil at local supermarkets, trains stations or town centres like they usually do each spring. However, you can still be a part of this year’s Great Daffodil Appeal by donating online

You couldn’t pick a better year to support Marie Curie Nurses. Like everyone, Marie Curie has been hit hard by coronavirus. Their Nurses and hospices have been on the frontline throughout the pandemic, caring for dying people and their families.

Picture of a nurse - Marie Curie charity

Marie Curie have also seen more people than ever calling their Support Line, looking for help because they are feeling isolated or have had to grieve for a loved one alone during lockdown. [Read more…] about Great Daffodil Appeal – Supporting Marie Curie

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The Christmas Jigsaw Tradition

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One of my childhood family’s traditional Christmas holiday pastimes was to complete a jigsaw puzzle (or two).  Christmas presents generally included at least one puzzle.  This year’s Covid-19 restrictions on travel and socialising made it a good time to resurrect the tradition with my adult family.

There is something incredibly relaxing and therapeutic about tacking a jigsaw puzzle.  You can’t rush a jigsaw; it takes as long as it takes.  They are addictive too – once you’ve started you have to keep going.  One evening, Mrs Chippy and I had to remind ourselves that it was 11.30 pm and we really should be going to bed.  I have been known to stay up into the early hours in order to finish a puzzle. [Read more…] about The Christmas Jigsaw Tradition

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Life in a Pandemic: Who am I?

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There is a story of a pompous man pushing into the front of and airport check-in queue. The check-in girl tells him to go to the back of the queue. ‘Do you know who I am?’ asks the man. The check-in girl asks the queue, ’can anyone help? This man does not know who he is.’

I sympathise with this man, not because of pushing into a queue, but because I am not known by my name any longer. The days when I heard people say, ‘Hello, Mike, nice to see you,’ have gone because, in COVID protection mode, no one sees me.

kaboompics - man working on a computer
Image via Kabookpics

Reduced to a Binary Digit

I am known to my computer but only as a string of digits. The screen wants to know my ID number, password, authentication code, admin password, username, wireless key, PIN, account number or registration key. Then there are numbers and codes sent to my phone which last only an hour or so. If I go to a bar or restaurant, my phone communicates with a QR code. I can text my order and someone brings drinks. [Read more…] about Life in a Pandemic: Who am I?

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Pandemics and Epidemics – I have been locked-down for 100 days

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By the time you read this, I will have been locked-down for 100 days, from March 9th in fact.

This is not the first epidemic or pandemic I have experienced. The first, in 1961, amounted to nothing very much but, without prompt action, it could have been even more serious than the present one.

I returned home to my student flat late one night to find the door locked and bolted. I rang and banged and shouted and eventually my flat-mate, Taffy, appeared on the balcony.

‘You can’t come in, mate.’

‘Stop messing around, Taffy and let me in.’

‘Can’t, it’s smallpox.’

‘There’s no smallpox here. Let me in.’

Lockdown for 100 days
Lockdown for 100 days

‘But there is in South Wales and in Bradford. We are possible contacts because we spent the weekend in South Wales. We are in quarantine for 10 days and must have no contact with anyone. Public Health sends someone around with food which they leave at the door.’ [Read more…] about Pandemics and Epidemics – I have been locked-down for 100 days

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Coronavirus Emergency Appeal for Marie Curie

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As you may already be aware, I support Marie Curie and chair the local Eastleigh and Chandler’s Ford Fundraising Group. Thank you to everyone who has generously supported our activities in the past.

Marie Curie are experiencing very challenging times both in delivering services for people with terminal illnesses and with ongoing fundraising during the coronavirus pandemic.

Marie Curie emergency appeal
Marie Curie emergency appeal

Every March the Charity raises millions of pounds with the Great Daffodil Appeal. Most of this was lost because of the current situation. Also the Marie Curie shops have had to close.

I realise that many Charities are asking for help at this time and you may be supporting one or more of those. However in light of this critical situation, I am reaching out to you on behalf of Marie Curie to ask for your help.

Every day and night, Marie Curie Nurses and frontline staff give vital support to dying people and their families, in their homes and in hospices across the UK. At this time of national emergency, when the NHS is being put under extreme strain, these crucial services are needed more than ever.

Marie Curie
Marie Curie

[Read more…] about Coronavirus Emergency Appeal for Marie Curie

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M27 Closure; Eastleigh Derailed Freight Train

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From tonight the M27 will be completely closed in both directions between junctions 3 (M271) and junction 4 (M3) this weekend – from late evening Friday 31 January to early morning 3 February. Read Chippy’s report: M27 Closure 31 Jan – 3 Feb.

To add to the chaos, there’ll be disruption on your train journey. Since Tuesday, a rail line has been blocked after a freight train derailed in Eastleigh. The line between Southampton Central and Basingstoke and thousands of people have been affected.

Route Director, Mark Killick, explains what happened and what they’re doing to get the railway reopened for Monday. “We apologise for the continued disruption and line closure; passengers should continue to check with @SW_Help before travelling.”

Eastleigh derailment - image via Network Rail
Eastleigh derailment – image via Network Rail

Watch the video below and see the huge task of repair:

[Read more…] about M27 Closure; Eastleigh Derailed Freight Train

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M27 Closure 31 Jan – 3 Feb

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The M27 will be completely closed in both directions between junctions 3 (M271) and junction 4 (M3) this weekend – from late evening Friday 31 January to early morning 3 February.

roadworks

matrix sign

This is the third and final closure required for the replacement of the Romsey Road bridge.  More details can be found on the Highways England website. [Read more…] about M27 Closure 31 Jan – 3 Feb

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Support Eastleigh Basics Bank – Helping Local People in Crisis

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Dear Supporters,

It’s that time again to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the New Year ahead. Sat here at the Eastleigh Basics Bank reflecting on 2019 for me brings a real sense of thankfulness, pride in our community and also hope for more in 2020.

Eastleigh Basics Bank
Eastleigh Basics Bank

It’s remarkable to me that when the local churches gathered a small group of volunteers to start a local food bank in 2011, nearly 9 years later we have now not only fed 18,500 people for a week, but continue to operate entirely through the hard work and dedication of volunteers! They are to my mind an amazing group of individuals, who faithfully give of their time, week in week out all year round to support those in our community facing very difficult circumstances.

Eastleigh Basics Bank volunteers and supporters
Eastleigh Basics Bank volunteers and supporters

Cheerful Givers…

[Read more…] about Support Eastleigh Basics Bank – Helping Local People in Crisis

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‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ by The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band “The Spitfires” and Friends

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Written by Greg Walker, Principal Director of Music, The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band.

Here’s our talented group of youngsters at The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band showing what we can do, along with a mass choir of Scout and Guide Shows from all across Hampshire, with our cover of ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’... we hope you enjoy it – we had GREAT fun recording and making it.

“The Spitfires and Friends do Christmas” CD (2019)

[Read more…] about ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ by The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band “The Spitfires” and Friends

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Fairtrade Shopping Evening 2019 – Buy Fairtrade and Make a Difference

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The Fairtrade shopping evening at St Martin in the Wood Church in Hiltingbury last Friday was successful and enjoyable. Many people attended and had an opportunity to buy a variety of high quality fairtrade products to support disadvantaged producers and workers in the developing world. 

Fairtrade events encourage us to be ethical consumers and raise awareness of trade justice.

A lovely fairtrade shopping experience in Hiltingbury. Image by Debbie Pearce Photography
A lovely fairtrade shopping experience in Hiltingbury. Image by Debbie Pearce Photography

[Read more…] about Fairtrade Shopping Evening 2019 – Buy Fairtrade and Make a Difference

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Mr Kipling – Exceedingly Good Memories

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Channel 5 has recently shown the “Secrets of the Mr Kipling Factory” programme. This has triggered many people’s memories, especially those who used to work at Manor Bakeries in Eastleigh.

Our reader Jill Mayes shared her memories of Mr Kipling with us:

Watching Mr Kipling cakes. Both my parents, myself and lots of friends worked for them at Manor Bakeries at some time or other in Eastleigh. I worked off of cupcake alley and they even made my wedding cake. The test bakery cakes were lovely. My mum got a free box of cakes every Christmas until she died. 🧁🍰 exceedingly good memories.

[Read more…] about Mr Kipling – Exceedingly Good Memories

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M3 to get Smart

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Work will soon begin to upgrade the M3 between Junctions 9 and 14 (Winchester to Eastleigh) to a Smart motorway.  Site clearance and preparation works will start in the winter, with main construction scheduled from later in 2020 until 2022.  When complete, the upgraded motorway will neatly dovetail between the new Smart M27 and the proposed improved junction layout at Winnall.  Does this sound like a coordinated plan of road improvement schemes?  I think it does.

A Smart motorway is a motorway with an extra lane instead of the hard-shoulder.  A host of electronic gismos allow Highways England to monitor traffic flows, respond to incidents, and generally keep the traffic moving. [Read more…] about M3 to get Smart

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Audrey Steele Received Recognition from Clementine Churchill in 1942

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This is a community website about Chandler’s Ford, but today we’re going to touch upon the war, knitted scarves, Clementine Churchill, and the Russians – all in this short article. So please read on.

Last week we published an article about Audrey Steele, who at the age of 90 has recently been awarded the Citizen of Honour for the Borough of Eastleigh. [Read more…] about Audrey Steele Received Recognition from Clementine Churchill in 1942

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Meet 90-year-old Audrey Steele – Eastleigh Citizen of Honour

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I’m delighted to have met 90-year-old Audrey Steele recently. Audrey Steele was awarded the Citizen of Honour for the Borough of Eastleigh early this month.

Audrey has recently celebrated her 90th birthday. This award recognises the voluntary work she has done for the people in Eastleigh Borough and Brazil. [Read more…] about Meet 90-year-old Audrey Steele – Eastleigh Citizen of Honour

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Eastleigh Mayor Attended the Fairtrade Fashion Show in Chandler’s Ford – 17 May 2019

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The Fairtrade Fashion Show took place last night (Friday 17th May 2019) at the St Martin in the Wood church in Hiltingbury.

Tricia Urquhart, with Heather Dibb and their local network have organised the Fairtrade Fashion Show in recent years. These events have been so successful, and they bring people together. [Read more…] about Eastleigh Mayor Attended the Fairtrade Fashion Show in Chandler’s Ford – 17 May 2019

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An Ordinary life – Iris’ Incredible Freezer Books

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About two weeks ago, I noticed this posting on a Facebook page called Chandler’s Ford Neighbours:

“Having a big clear out and I’ve found my Nan’s old freezer book! The first entry was July 1973 and the last was Feb 2006!

She kept her freezer so organised!

It’s fascinating looking at the prices of things over the years!” [Read more…] about An Ordinary life – Iris’ Incredible Freezer Books

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Chandler’s Ford St George’s Day Parade 28th April 2019

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The annual St George’s Day parade took place yesterday in Chandler’s Ford. We have brilliant images from the parade yesterday (28th April 2019) in Chandler’s Ford. These photographs were taken by Richard Doyle. Thank you, Richard.

The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (The Spitfires), in perfect step, marched on Chandler’s Ford St George’s Day Parade 2019. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford St George’s Day Parade 28th April 2019

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Chandler’s Ford St George’s Day Parade 2019 with The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (“The Spitfires”)

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The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (“The Spitfires”) once again led three St George’s Day Parades today: 10:00 in Eastleigh, 12:45 in Winchester, and 14:30 in Chandler’s Ford.

Chandler’s Ford Today has received stunning photographs of today’s parade in Chandler’s Ford from two photographers. Today we’re sharing some photographs taken by Debbie, from Debbie Pearce Photography. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford St George’s Day Parade 2019 with The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (“The Spitfires”)

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

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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?

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