I went to Hiltingbury Recreation Ground at 3pm yesterday with my son, and local writer Allison Symes.
The Hiltingbury Extrav 2015 was in full swing. The event took place from 12.00 noon till 5.00pm.
We were first attracted by some classic cars. We spotted Chandler’s Ford Today writer Mike Sedgwick there admiring the vehicles (and checking the engine stuff).
Now 5 writers on Chandler’s Ford Today met before the classic cars under the clear sky (at that point, the sky was clear): Mike and Brenda Sedgwick, Allison Symes, my son epicduda, and me.
I asked one of the classic car owners: “Do you drive this car?” He said, “Not really.” He told me (while gently polishing the bonnet) he looks after his car and shows it to the public regularly. (I thought the purpose of having a car is to drive it. Apparently I’m wrong.)
Highbridge Community Farm Project
The most interesting discovery at the Hiltingbury Extrav 2015 was the Highbridge Community Farm. Highbridge Community Farm is a group within Eastleigh Transition Network. Each stakeholder pays £10 per year and commits to 10 hours’ work per month.
Highbridge Farm Community Project participants: (left to right) – Danie, Tony, and Anne
The outcome of working on Highbridge Community Farm is that you get to enjoy fresh, healthy organic food, which you have helped grown within a like-minded community.
Thornden Hall in Chandler’s Ford
We met a cheerful team of Thornden Hall members, including Thornden Hall’s new hall manager Neil Daykin.
Thornden Hall is a 400 seat theatre located in the heart of Chandler’s Ford, on Winchester Road.
Thornden Hall is a multipurpose venue with high quality acoustics for music performances. The venue is readily adapted for music, dance and drama events, conferences, seminars, and lectures and presentations.
I’m sure many readers have visited Thornden Hall before. Last year my family watched the remarkable Frankenstein – National Theatre Live at Thornden Hall.
On Chandler’s Ford Today, we have recently published three reviews about excellent performances from Thornden Hall.
These performances included:
- Chippy Minton: Thornden Hall: Alive with the Sound of Music
- Chippy Minton: Theatre Review: Thornden School: The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾
- Mike Sedgwick: That’s Entertainment – Parkewood School of Dance
Thornden Hall now has a brand new website and booking system. Simply visit the Thornden Hall website to find out its exciting autumn and winter programme.
Upcoming events include National Theatre Live Presents ‘Coriolanus’ in September, and Hamlet in October.
The Importance of being Earnest (featuring David Suchet as the formidable Lady Bracknell) on Thursday 8th October is also not to be missed.
Ramalley Hall fundraising
Supporters of Ramalley Hall – home of 2nd Chandler’s Ford Scout Group – were busy fundraising.
Comedy night tickets, elves, and sweets. Thanks volunteers for fundraising for http://t.co/LcLlApcKpX #superscouts pic.twitter.com/NrXoyAVhuz
— Ramalley Hall (@RamalleyHall) September 20, 2015
Anna Stopher was trying to explain to the Reverend Peter Cornick (of Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church) what she was promoting – the mischievous Christmas Elf.
The fundraisers were also selling the Comedy Night tickets for Sunday 27th September 2015.
This year, on top of selling the ever-so-popular New Ramalley Hall Lego Brick Cufflinks, they are taking orders for your Christmas Elf, who can cause mayhem in your home during Advent. (Doesn’t it sound terrific!?)
“Every morning as the children get up, they search for the Elf, who has been sent by Santa to keep an eye on them. But overnight he or she has been rather cheeky!”
One very familiar face there was Lyn Darbyshire MBE. Lyn totally dedicated herself to the fundraising work for the new Ramalley Hall.
You can find out more from the Ramalley Hall website.
@cfordtoday In case you’re missing our elves they’re on Ebay! http://t.co/U0Q0Jp4CKF Help rebuild Ramalley Hall pic.twitter.com/gSeHBEO8ib
— Ramalley Hall (@RamalleyHall) October 13, 2015
Here are some of the highlights of Hiltingbury Extrav 2015.
Did you go to the Hiltingbury Extrav? I hope you had a great day. What did you like best? Share your experience with us.
Sponsors of the Hiltingbury Extrav 2015: main Sponsor Jonathan Rees, Arena Sponsor Peter Green, and Music Zone Sponsor, First Call Heating.
Never miss out on another blog post. Subscribe here:
I watched a small boy on the climbing wall. He was determined to get to the top. He tried out several hand-holds each time, looked up for the next and placed his feet carefully. A study in concentration and determination. It made a great challenge for children. Also the circus area where children could try spinning plates, walking on stilts and even riding a unicycle.
Bought raffle tickets but did not win. Last month I won a prize in a raffle – a small bottle of nail varnish. Luckily my grand daughter was on hand and appreciated it.
What a shame. My ticket didn’t win either. I seemed to remember one prize was £200 cash.
This reminds me of Chippy Minton’s post: Running A Raffle? Read This.
Comparing to Hiltingbury Extravaganza 2014, this year there weren’t as many market stalls, so it was easier to go round.
We were very lucky with the weather.
I also attended the Extrav, ready and raring to go. The classic cars were a high point for me, but I was most upset when the owner wouldn’t grant me a quick test drive in Old Aggie (the forest green beauty that can be seen in the photographs above). I must admit that I was clutching a bumper box of nearly-empty Country Manor white wine when I made my request, which may not have inspired confidence in my driving abilities. One improvement I would suggest is to actually supply the free vodka’n’cokes that were so generously offered on all the publicity for the event. Many teenagers and young’uns were devastated by this oversight. I was also led to believe that the Extrav would end at 5 am- with there being some kind of rave, with DJs and such, taking place- so I was bewildered and disappointed to see everyone packing up and toddling off at 5 pm. To sum up, however, I had a corking day. Three cheers for the Extrav and here’s to the one next year!