Chandler's Ford Today

Arts

Every photograph we take, every show we present, or every song and hymn that we sing, we bring inspiration, creativity and joy to the community. Our artists have taken risks. They have brought us wonder and beauty of nature.

Comedy Review: Worth a Fortune by MDG Players

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Chandler’s Ford MDG Players successfully performed yet another comedy, Worth a Fortune, to a packed audience at the Methodist Church, from 26 – 28 March 2015. My son and I watched it last night and we were hugely impressed.

Hiltingbury resident Tom Whyte sent me his review of the comedy Worth a Fortune:

“With my wife and a couple of friends went to see the production of Worth a Fortune performed, to a packed house, by the MDG Players at the Methodist church in Chandler’s Ford. [Read more…] about Comedy Review: Worth a Fortune by MDG Players

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An Interview with Author Richard Hardie by Allison Symes

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I met Richard Hardie, walking Benji, whilst walking my first dog, Gracie, in the Hiltingbury Recreation Ground. Not only did we have dog walking in common, we soon discovered we shared a love of books, especially Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, and creative writing.

Richard and I have work in The Shambelurklers Return, which is raising money for the National Autistic Society and is available in W.H. Smith in the Fryern Arcade of Chandler’s Ford. [Read more…] about An Interview with Author Richard Hardie by Allison Symes

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Sir Terry Pratchett 1948-2015: An Appreciation from Chandler’s Ford

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While I was interviewing local author, Richard Hardie (author of Leap of Faith and Trouble with Swords), we discussed favourite books and writers. Then came the sad announcement of Sir Terry Pratchett’s death after a long battle with a rare form of Alzheimer’s.

Richard and I share a huge admiration for the Discworld novels. [Read more…] about Sir Terry Pratchett 1948-2015: An Appreciation from Chandler’s Ford

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March 2015 Highlight: Comedy Worth a Fortune by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players

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You may not believe this but March is approaching.

In Chandler’s Ford, the highlight for March will be Worth a Fortune, a farcical comedy by Frances A Lewis, performed by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players.

Chandler’s Ford MDG Players will perform Worth a Fortune from Thursday to Saturday, 26th – 28th March 2015 at 7.30pm, [Read more…] about March 2015 Highlight: Comedy Worth a Fortune by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players

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Inspiring Artists from the Sorting Office Studios Eastleigh

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Chandler’s Ford Library provides us with books, music, and films, and yesterday, the library also brought us the most talented artists from The Sorting Office Studios in Eastleigh.

I’ve been following the artists around Eastleigh since last year and it was very lovely to see some of them again in Chandler’s Ford Library.

Residents of the Sorting Office Studios met the public [Read more…] about Inspiring Artists from the Sorting Office Studios Eastleigh

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Book Review: The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey

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Books can be dangerous because they deal in ideas so I reckon the two most dangerous places in Chandler’s Ford are our wonderful library and W.H.Smith at Fryern since one lends out books and the other sells them!

It is also fantastic that, especially after the loss of The Arcade Bookshop, we have another bookseller and our library is a real asset. May both keep going from strength to strength.
[Read more…] about Book Review: The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey

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How to Publish Your Book

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By Brenda Sedgwick

Will Self said, “Writing the book is the easy bit. When your writing is finished the real work starts.”

If you are publishing and marketing your book, would you like to meet with other writers in the area who are doing the same thing?

I am about to publish my book and think [Read more…] about How to Publish Your Book

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Review: The Wizard of Oz by the Chameleons

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Last weekend we watched The Wizard of Oz pantomime, performed by the Chameleon Theatre Company from Chandler’s Ford.

It was a hilarious show, directed by Geoff Dodsworth.

I interviewed the audience (er, my teenage son Ben, who did a review of The Ladykillers by the Chameleons last year). [Read more…] about Review: The Wizard of Oz by the Chameleons

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Age Concern Chandler’s Ford Carol Service 2014

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Yesterday I left work early to attend the carol service of Age Concern Chandler’s Ford at the Methodist Church.

Thornden School Wind Band and Toynbee School Choir, with their youthful energy, enthusiasm and talents, impressed the senior members of our community, making the carol service a much cherished event. [Read more…] about Age Concern Chandler’s Ford Carol Service 2014

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Comedy Review: Ladies Of Iniquity By MDG Players

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Chandler’s Ford MDG Players put on a brilliant comedy, Ladies of Iniquity, last week.

The scene was set in the 70s, when power cut and strike were common, when telephone sitting in a dominant place in the lounge was still attached to a wire, and when neighbours could pop in through the backdoor unannounced. [Read more…] about Comedy Review: Ladies Of Iniquity By MDG Players

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Review: Jeeves And Wooster In Perfect Nonsense At The Mayflower Theatre

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I saw Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense at The Mayflower Theatre on Tuesday 18th November 2014, its opening night.

Sadly the run is only on in Southampton for a few days but I would urge anyone who loves comedy and/or the works of P.G. Wodehouse to try to see this wonderful show. It is currently touring the UK. [Read more…] about Review: Jeeves And Wooster In Perfect Nonsense At The Mayflower Theatre

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Interview Chandler’s Ford Writer Allison Symes: Part 2

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In the last post, Chandler’s Ford writer Allison Symes shared her passion with writing. She has taken us into her Fairy Kingdom.

Allison writes on her websites, Fairytales with Bite and This World and Others.

Today, Allison shares with us her publishing journey, and gives us some publishing tips. [Read more…] about Interview Chandler’s Ford Writer Allison Symes: Part 2

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Interview Chandler’s Ford Writer Allison Symes

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I have had the pleasure of interviewing Chandler’s Ford writer Allison Symes.

Allison Symes loves reading and writing fairytales.

Novels are her first love, though she also flirts with short stories, occasionally has a fling with poems and now writes radio scripts.

[Read more…] about Interview Chandler’s Ford Writer Allison Symes

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Chameleons: From Ladykillers To Wizard Of Oz

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So happy to report another Sold Out week last week when we staged The Ladykillers.

This classic 1958 Ealing comedy was adapted for the stage by Graham Linehan, who wrote Father Ted. His script was fabulous to deliver to our full houses each night.

It had its dark moments too when [Read more…] about Chameleons: From Ladykillers To Wizard Of Oz

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Theatre Review: The Ladykillers By Chameleon Theatre Company

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On Saturday my parents and I forfeited Doctor Who (BLASPHEMY!!) to watch a local theatre performance by the Chameleon Theatre Company in Chandler’s Ford of Eastleigh.

It was a performance of The Ladykillers and, as a favour for my mum (not that I’d usually do favours for her), I’ll review it.

The story revolves around five bank robbers [Read more…] about Theatre Review: The Ladykillers By Chameleon Theatre Company

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Vicar Of Dibley By The Chameleons: Brilliant Show

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Chandler’s Ford Chameleon Theatre Company did it again!

I saw the comedy The Vicar of Dibley with two teenagers last Thursday at The Ritchie Memorial Hall in Chandler’s Ford.

What a stunning show! [Read more…] about Vicar Of Dibley By The Chameleons: Brilliant Show

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The Picture Framing Shop: Meet Teddy The Shop Dog

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Yesterday Niki Jenkins from The Picture Framing Shop in Chandler’s Ford left a beautiful comment on a post I wrote five months ago.

She also sent me pictures of Teddy, their lovely shop dog, who is renowned and well-cuddled in Hiltingbury.
[Read more…] about The Picture Framing Shop: Meet Teddy The Shop Dog

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