Have you heard of the Society of Authors?
Congratulations to local writer and regular contributor to Chandler’s Ford Today, Allison Symes, who has been elected to become a Full Member of the Society of Authors.
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.
The Doctor Who Experience by Allison Symes
I’ve loved Doctor Who since I was a child. I was gripped by the stories, terrified by the Daleks (while at the same time enjoying every moment of being terrified!) and couldn’t wait to tune in to the following week’s edition.
As I was growing up you had one story spread over several parts and it seemed an age before I was to find out if Tom Baker, “my Doctor”, was going to pull the leads apart that would lead to the destruction of the Daleks in Genesis of the Daleks. [Read more…] about The Doctor Who Experience by Allison Symes
Solar Eclipse and Charles Wesley
Just after recent solar eclipse was over, the first verse of an Easter hymn by Charles Wesley came into my mind:
Love’s redeeming work is done;
Fought the fight, the battle won:
Lo, our Sun’s eclipse is o’er!
Lo, he sets in blood no more.
Comedy Review: Worth a Fortune by MDG Players
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
An Interview with Author Richard Hardie by Allison Symes
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
Sir Terry Pratchett 1948-2015: An Appreciation from Chandler’s Ford
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
Review: The Phantom of the Opera by Centrestage Production Youth Theatre
Centrestage Production Youth Theatre recently performed The Phantom of the Opera at The Point theatre in Eastleigh. The youngsters received a standing ovation with their outstanding performances.
Wendy from Horton Heath praised the youngsters: “A brilliant production – we loved it. Incredible to believe how young they were. Truly professional.” [Read more…] about Review: The Phantom of the Opera by Centrestage Production Youth Theatre
March 2015 Highlight: Comedy Worth a Fortune by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players
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
Inspiring Artists from the Sorting Office Studios Eastleigh
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
Book Review: The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
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
How to Publish Your Book
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
Review: The Wizard of Oz by the Chameleons
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
The Sorting Office Creative Open Day: Chandler’s Ford Library 14th Feb 2015
Designer-makers from The Sorting Office studios will host a Creative Open Day at Chandler’s Ford Library on the 14th of February (Saturday) from 10am to 3pm.
The makers, designers, and artists, who work at The Sorting Office studios in Wells Road, Eastleigh, will be holding demonstrations of their crafts, offering taster sessions for anyone passionate about learning a new skill, and displaying their beautiful creations. [Read more…] about The Sorting Office Creative Open Day: Chandler’s Ford Library 14th Feb 2015
Limerick – Christmas
What I like most about Christmas Day
Is listening out for old Santa’s sleigh.
I hear the reindeer’s hoof
Land so hard on my roof.
At least that keeps the burglars at bay! [Read more…] about Limerick – Christmas
Pantomime With The Chameleons: The Wizard Of Oz – January 2015
In January 2015, the Chameleon Theatre Company will kick off their 50th anniversary year with The Wizard of Oz – The Pantomime.
Director: Geoff Dodsworth
Join Dorothy and her dog Toto as she finds herself in the land of Oz. [Read more…] about Pantomime With The Chameleons: The Wizard Of Oz – January 2015
The Sorting Office Little Black Book 2014
The Little Black Book 2014 offers an insight and point of contact for all creative residents working at The Sorting Office creative studios in Eastleigh.
The Sorting Office is a vibrant creative studio home to 16 hugely talented designer makers, including illustrators, textile artists, jewellery designers, fine artists, and ceramicists. [Read more…] about The Sorting Office Little Black Book 2014
Age Concern Chandler’s Ford Carol Service 2014
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
Comedy Review: Ladies Of Iniquity By MDG Players
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
The Poppies At The Tower Of London
Whilst visiting London on business a few weeks ago I made the time to wander down to the Tower of London to have a look at the poppy artwork installation, which has received quite a bit of positive commentary.
My visit was at the end of October so the artwork wasn’t complete but a substantial portion of it was done as you may see from the few pictures that I took. [Read more…] about The Poppies At The Tower Of London
Review: Jeeves And Wooster In Perfect Nonsense At The Mayflower Theatre
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