Two weeks ago, I went to the ancient cathedral city of Salisbury with my parents. Obviously this city has been at the centre of a major international incident for about a month now, but as a resident of Wiltshire’s neighbouring county who has visited Salisbury many times, I decided to visit the city to see what had happened. [Read more…] about Our Recent Trip to Salisbury (after Spy Atttack)
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The 100th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force: Remembering the Vulcan
Yesterday, 1st April, was the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force. Some of you may have seen More4’s screening last night of ‘Last Flight of the Vulcan Bomber’ when the daredevil mechanic Guy Martin worked at the ‘Vulcan to the Sky Trust with the team of engineers maintaining XH558 The Spirit of Great Britain, the last remaining Vulcan flying.
He learned about the rigorous servicing, he flew alongside the Vulcan in a fly-past and later experienced the incredible thrust of this brilliant aeroplane from the cockpit, accelerating up to the point of take-off (WOW!) [Read more…] about The 100th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force: Remembering the Vulcan
Playing the Ball
The cricket toughies, the ones who engage in heavy sledging, the brave men who face fast bowlers slinging down bouncers at 90 mph, the ones who will field at silly mid on (a position close to the batsman) collapse in tears when caught cheating. Mind you, the rest of the world really seems to have it in for them; something of an over-reaction. Many of us and many cricketers are enjoying a temporary feeling of schadenfreude; others will be feeling fearful lest telephoto videos of them are re-examined closely. [Read more…] about Playing the Ball
Police Witness Appeal: 11-year-old Cyclist Injured Following a Collision on March 16 on Lakewood Road
This information below is from the Hampshire Constabulary: Schoolboy injured following fail to stop collision in Chandler’s Ford.
“We received a report regarding a collision involving an 11-year-old cyclist and a grey Ford Fiesta, which happened at 4.30pm on March 16, on Lakewood Road. [Read more…] about Police Witness Appeal: 11-year-old Cyclist Injured Following a Collision on March 16 on Lakewood Road
Those were the Days: the Potters Heron Hotel in the 50s and 60s
I thought I would take this opportunity to respond to Chandler’s Ford Today’s informal invitation to provide some input that might catch the eye of a few older folk.
Being an environmentally aware person and property man who cut his teeth in a very beautiful part of England I was at an early age drawn to the Potters Heron for a variety of reasons. It is magnificently located for its purpose on a stretch of highway that sweeps majestically in a gentle curve on its way to my favouritecity. Strangely enough, and it may seem totally irrelevant but I had the same feeling when I last swept along the Big Sur stretch of the coastal highway in CA. [Read more…] about Those were the Days: the Potters Heron Hotel in the 50s and 60s
Missing Callum Bennett from Chandler’s Ford has been Found Safe
Update: 22nd March 2018:
From Hampshire Constabulary: “Missing Callum Bennett from Chandler’s Ford has been found safe. Thank you to everyone who helped to share our earlier appeal.” [Read more…] about Missing Callum Bennett from Chandler’s Ford has been Found Safe
Another Potters Heron Story Before the 1966 Fire
I remember the Potters Heron before the 1966 fire, and another event prior to that date, probably in the late 1950s…
The original line of the main road there was much closer to the Potters Heron than now, due to a particularly nasty accident that took place then.
A group of actors or celebrities of the day were travelling on what was then the A31, in a couple of fast (for then) cars. [Read more…] about Another Potters Heron Story Before the 1966 Fire
Another Turn of the Potter’s Wheel
The Potters Heron has been known affectionately over the years by some as the Potted Herring. I’ve known it for nearly 60 years.
It was indeed a very popular restaurant and bar. It had a thatched roof and was rather more attractive and intimate than the building that replaced it after the fire in 1966, although the hotel that rose from the ashes retained something of the character of the original building. [Read more…] about Another Turn of the Potter’s Wheel
How to be Safe in a Thatched Roof Property?
How to be safe in a thatched roof property?
According to Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, 90 percent of thatch fires are down to a faulty flue or chimney. The thatch is designed to repel water which makes extinguishing these fires difficult.
These photos of the Potters Heron Hotel in Ampfield were taken by local resident Robbie Sprague this morning. The hotel went up in flames last night and more than 170 emergency service personnel attended the fire. [Read more…] about How to be Safe in a Thatched Roof Property?
Fire at the Potters Heron Hotel
Update: 9.42pm: The #AmpfieldFire is now under control and crews are going to start the process of scaling down #Ampfield #Romsey.
[Read more…] about Fire at the Potters Heron Hotel
Hampshire Constabulary: Appeal for Witnesses Following Fatal Collision in Chandler’s Ford
The information is via Hampshire Constabulary:
We are appealing for witnesses after a man died in a collision in Chandler’s Ford. [Read more…] about Hampshire Constabulary: Appeal for Witnesses Following Fatal Collision in Chandler’s Ford
Your Guide to Nerve Gas
Here is what you need to know about nerve gas in relation to the events in Salisbury. Nerve gases are a terrible and frightening weapon but, if you survive an attack, you will be OK, unlike after a conventional injury which may leave you without a limb or full of shrapnel.
For much of my professional life, I have flirted with nerve gases. A dangerous thing to do you might think but interesting and important as recent events in Salisbury have shown.
Hampshire Constabulary: Appeal for Information after Chandler’s Ford and Fair Oak Burglaries
The information is via Hampshire Constabulary:
Hampshire Police are appealing for information following a number of burglaries in Chandler’s Ford and Fair Oak.
Houses were targeted during the day and evening, with entry gained through rear/patio doors or windows.
Jewellery and cash were stolen and safes were targeted. [Read more…] about Hampshire Constabulary: Appeal for Information after Chandler’s Ford and Fair Oak Burglaries
Ask Chandler’s Ford Today: We’re Relocating to Chandler’s Ford…
Due to our good reputation over nearly 5 years, Chandler’s Ford Today community website receives a lot of emails from readers each week (such as missing cats and where to find a butcher).
Today we decide to start an Advice Column on Chandler’s Ford Today. There must be some Agony aunts and Agony uncles out there (i.e. YOU). [Read more…] about Ask Chandler’s Ford Today: We’re Relocating to Chandler’s Ford…
Dovetail Art Project with Revd David Hollingsworth
A while back, the Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church was busy collecting signatures of people in the Church and its community. Visitors to carol services, customers in the Dovetail Café, and all the groups who use the premises were being invited to sign in charcoal or chalk on special paper.
These names have now been turned into a work of art by an artist, Rev David Hollingsworth, who is skilled at community works of art. [Read more…] about Dovetail Art Project with Revd David Hollingsworth
Hampshire Constabulary: Witness Appeal: Man Assaulted in Forest Road, Chandler’s Ford
From the Hampshire Constabulary: We are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man was assaulted in his own home in Chandler’s Ford.
It took place around 11pm on Tuesday 2 January at a house in Forest Road. [Read more…] about Hampshire Constabulary: Witness Appeal: Man Assaulted in Forest Road, Chandler’s Ford
New and Old Businesses in Chandler’s Ford
In Chandler’s Ford: some shops have closed; some have opened. Some are about to open.
Here are a few photos for you to see some changes in Chandler’s Ford, focusing on Hursley Road, the Central Precinct, Fryern Arcade, Winchester Road, and Oakmount Road. [Read more…] about New and Old Businesses in Chandler’s Ford
Santa’s Grotto at Brambridge Garden Centre with Eastleigh Lions
Santa’s arrival at Brambridge Park Garden Centre was met by a huge crowd of smiling faces. He was accompanied by Eastleigh Lions and children from the charities Simon Says and Eastleigh Young Carers, aboard a lovely heritage bus kindly loaned from Southampton & District Transport Heritage Trust. Huge thanks go to Tom Lingwood, the driver, for safely delivering the party. [Read more…] about Santa’s Grotto at Brambridge Garden Centre with Eastleigh Lions
Eastleigh Police: Jewellery Recovered
Eastleigh Police has shared some images of jewellery – is the jewellery yours?
More photos of the jewellery can be found on this flickr page: Hampshire Constabulary – Is this yours?
Hampshire Constabulary: Appeal for Information after Chandler’s Ford and Hedge End Burglaries
From the Hampshire Constabulary
We are appealing for information following a number of burglaries in Chandler’s Ford and Hedge End. (Source: Appeal for information after Chandler’s Ford and Hedge End burglaries – Hampshire Constabulary)
Police witness appeal:
Houses were targeted during the day and early evening when people were out.
Entry was gained by smashing patio windows and various items of jewellery and cash were stolen. [Read more…] about Hampshire Constabulary: Appeal for Information after Chandler’s Ford and Hedge End Burglaries