I asked a few people what put Chandler’s Ford on the map.
The number one answer I got was always: “HSBC bank robberies.”
The number two answer was: “Wife swapping.”
Are these the ultimate definitions of modern Chandler’s Ford?
Today, I would like to share with you 6 things that put Chandler’s Ford on the map in 2014. You’re welcome to add to this list.
1. Two Chandler’s Ford people received recognition in the Queen’s 2014 Birthday Honours List.
See CFH News, Eastleigh Borough Council.
Dr Robert Sykes, Headteacher at Thornden School, was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to Education.
Roy Lancaster, Chandler’s Ford resident and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter, was also appointed CBE for his services to horticulture and charity.
It is the third time Mr Lancaster has been honoured. He was awarded the Victoria Medal of Honour in 1998 and an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1999.
And, Dr. Hugh Benham, music director of the parish church of Chandler’s Ford, was made honorary fellow of the Guild Of Church Musicians last year.
2. The Hampshire film premiere of the Hindi Film Hemalkasa took place at the Hilt.
3. Chandler’s Ford people connect with the world:
a) Mike Sedgwick: Mike is researching into snake venom and insecticide poisoning in Sri Lanka. Read his post: The Cultural Triangle Of Sri Lanka.
b) Kenya Project UK: Sue Gulliver and a team from Chandler’s Ford are doing community work in Kenya – helping street children and St Stephen’s children’s home. Read Sue’s post: From Chandler’s Ford To Kenya, With Love.
c) Chandler’s Ford Parish Church: Friends of St. Anne’s Hospital in Liuli have done tremendous work for the hospital in Tanzania.
Money was raised through many programs, including The Madding Crowd Concert in December at the Methodist Church, and the sale of Music and Worship Book by Hugh Benham.
4. Major Chandler’s Ford events attracted visitors
Visitors flocked to Chandler’s Ford to enjoy several exciting events throughout 2014. Here are just some of them:
- Fryern Funtasia 2014: Fryern Funtasia 5th May 2014 Gallery; The Myth Of Thomas The Tank Engine.
- Hiltingbury Extravaganza 2014 Chandler’s Ford
- Hiltingbury St. Martins Craft & Cakes Fair
- Comedian Paul Kerensa Brought Comedy And Carols To Chandler’s Ford
- Fairtrade Christmas shopping in Chandler’s Ford
- Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities 41st Christmas Market 2014 at the Methodist Church.
- Thornden Hall has now brought outstanding National Theatre Live performances to Chandler’s Ford.
- Brilliant theatre performances by local groups include Spring Happenings by Chameleon Theatre Company, and comedy Ladies Of Iniquity by MDG Players.
Great news: in the Curtain Call Awards 2014 by the Daily Echo, Matthew Meehan from Chameleon Theatre Company has been nominated in the Best Director of a Comedy or Comic Drama category, in his work in Chinamen from Spring Happenings.
The award ceremony will take place on 30th January 2015 at Southampton’s Grand Harbour Hotel.
5. Publications by Chandler’s Ford Writers
In 2014, several Chandler’s Ford writers have published books and contributed to stories in book.
- Brenda Sedgwick published an ebook: Debut Novel: Marriage A Journey And A Dog.
- Richard Hardie published two novels: Leap of Faith and Trouble With Swords. Read: Was Camelot Really In Chandler’s Ford?.
- Paul McNamara published an Eastleigh Football Club book: The more we win the better it will be. Images by Tony Smith. Read: WH Smith Chandler’s Ford: Good Books In Community.
- Richard Hardie and Allison Symes: The Shambelurklers Return is a collection of short stories and poems for children. Two of the stories were written by Chandler’s Ford authors, Allison Symes and Richard Hardie. All royalties of the book go directly to The National Autistic Society, the UK’s leading charity for people affected by autism.
Now you can buy both Richard Hardie’s books and The Shambelurklers Return from WH Smith at the Fryern Arcade.
6. Will Reid: How to Change Toilet Roll video went viral
On Aug 29, 2014, local dad Will Reid posted a video on Youtube: Toilet Roll Changing – Teenage Instructional Video.
The video has now been viewed nearly 5 million times. Will and both his teenage children have also been interviewed by global media.
With this Internet success, Will has created a few more videos. You could also buy merchandise through Will Reid’s website.
What else do you think put Chandler’s Ford on the map in 2014? Please write your views in the comment and add to this list. Thank you.
I think U3A deserves a mention. University of the Third Age is for the over 50s who are not in full time employment. In the Chandler’s Ford Chapter some 40 or more different study groups are organised and instructed by experts and professionals. See Chandler’s Ford U3A.
Like other universities there are student fees. These amount to 30p per class and you almost certainly get a cup of coffee included.