On return from holiday in the early evening we hired a taxi from Southampton Parkway Station and arrived safely home shortly afterwards. It was a nice clean taxi with a pleasant and helpful driver. [Read more…] about In Praise of Eastleigh Taxis
Community
Animal, Vegetable, or Neither?
Now the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is upon us, we can expect to see mushrooms, moulds, fungi and toadstools.
There must have been some along the walks through the water meadows between Winchester and St Cross taken by Keats during his stay in Winchester in 1819. All manner of autumnal things are mentioned in his Ode to Autumn but fungi are not included. Read it for yourself here. [Read more…] about Animal, Vegetable, or Neither?
Going Full Circle: the Journey of Hiltonbury Jerseys
In the 1960s my Father, John Vining, and I decided to create a milk round in Chandler’s Ford direct from Hiltonbury Farm and deliver to a growing population wonderful Raw Jersey Milk direct from the farm.
From the Hiltonbury Herds beginnings in 1947 by my Father, we were at that time milking around 40-50 Jersey cows in a long shed that housed 36 at a time, so had to do a changeover during milking to accommodate all the cows. It was very time consuming and labour intensive. [Read more…] about Going Full Circle: the Journey of Hiltonbury Jerseys
In Praise of Royal Victoria and Itchen Valley Country Parks
A few weeks ago, faced with a small clutch of younglings (and two grandparents) to entertain, we visited two of our local county parks – Hampshire County Council’s Royal Victoria and Eastleigh Borough Council’s Itchen Valley.
These proved to be outstanding choices. I’ve visited both parks before, but being accompanied by such a range of ages helped me to appreciate what marvellous leisure assets these places are. [Read more…] about In Praise of Royal Victoria and Itchen Valley Country Parks
Reminder: Creative Writing Classes at The Dovetail Centre
Just a quick reminder that Barbara Large’s new creative writing workshops start later this month at The Dovetail Centre.
Further details below. [Read more…] about Reminder: Creative Writing Classes at The Dovetail Centre
Road to Agincourt: When Medieval Life Comes Alive Like Magic
The free Medieval Weekend, organised by the Road to Agincourt project, was recently held at Manor Farm and Country Park, Bursledon.
This post continues with a look at the lives of typical villagers re-enacted over the weekend. And I discover what a fletcher was… [Read more…] about Road to Agincourt: When Medieval Life Comes Alive Like Magic
Where is “The Parade” in Chandler’s Ford? Memories from my 1950s Childhood
I remember “The Parade” of Chandler’s Ford well. It is along Bournemouth Road, coming from Southampton, just past the School Lane lights, down past the advertising hoardings. It’s the row of shops on the left before you get to Hursley Rd.
At that time, the Butchers shop where I worked was the first on the left, L.S. Horn, next was Lowmans the bakers, then I think it was the Lloyds Bank, Jenkins sweet shop, G.H.Baker & Sons, and grocers. I can’t remember the next one or maybe two shops, and at the end it was Mr Perrot’s fishmonger. [Read more…] about Where is “The Parade” in Chandler’s Ford? Memories from my 1950s Childhood
Would You Live a Medieval Life?
The free Medieval Weekend, organised by the Road to Agincourt project, was recently held at Manor Farm and Country Park, Bursledon.
The weekend was being launched to open a new walk, enabling people to walk down to the River Hamble where they could see the wreck of The Grace Dieu, one of Henry V’s ships. The interactive map I have written about in my previous Chandler’s Ford Today posts was in evidence too.
[Read more…] about Would You Live a Medieval Life?
Roads that Change Their Names in Chandler’s Ford
If you live in Merdon Avenue, did you know that it used to be called The Crescent? And that Twyford Road, Eastleigh, was once Winchester Road, Eastleigh? And that Consort Road, Eastleigh used to be Park Road?
I expect you have detected a pattern here. When Eastleigh became a borough that included Chandler’s Ford, it was found that some road names were duplicated between the two towns and, presumably so as not to confuse the postman, some were renamed so that there was only one of each. [Read more…] about Roads that Change Their Names in Chandler’s Ford
Following the King: on the Great Ships Trail
My next couple of articles will be about the recent Medieval Weekend, organised by the Road to Agincourt project and backed, amongst others, by Hampshire and Eastleigh Councils.
But this post is a first for me. It’s the first time I’ve reviewed a walk, or perhaps I should say “road tested” it! (Even when I reviewed a walk in Salisbury, it was more of a review of the book it appeared in, Station Walks, given I wanted to see just how accurate and helpful the directions and description of things to spot on the walk were!). [Read more…] about Following the King: on the Great Ships Trail
Roger White: My Family History in Chandler’s Ford and Hursley
I was born in Chandler’s Ford in 1942 and lived in Station Lane until about 1972.
I remember many of the old places. We used to play in the old brickfield then go off up to Knightwood where there was a big sand pit created allegedly by a stray bomb during the war. [Read more…] about Roger White: My Family History in Chandler’s Ford and Hursley
How not to be a Party Guest
There is something quintessentially English about garden parties. They are rare events as many are washed away by our capricious climate.
Last year we did not have one. The memory of the year before was too strong. Everyone was indoors. Our BBQ chef slaved under the garage up-and-over doors to shelter from the rain. He did a good job but the garage still smells of sausages.
The Poetic Life: Sharing the Muse – Sandra Gordon
Last week’s interview into the poetic life with successful local poet, Sandra Gordon, showed her sharing her thoughts about poetry and naming some of her favourite modern and classic poets.
I loved discovering the Poetry Foundation website as I researched some of those Sandra named. I hope to make great use of this given the site gives biographies of poets and shares samples of their works. It could be a great place to go to if you wanted to read more of a poet’s work but weren’t sure where to begin. The Poetry Society website is also full of useful information. [Read more…] about The Poetic Life: Sharing the Muse – Sandra Gordon
Review: Thornden School – Singing in the Rain
It was back to the 1920s at Thornden School last week.
I don’t mean that slates and the 3 R’s were reintroduced, or that poor performance in class was admonished with a cane across the hand.
No, I mean that this was the decade in which the school’s summer performance of “Singing in the Rain” is set. [Read more…] about Review: Thornden School – Singing in the Rain
Public Meeting: Men’s Shed Coming to Chandler’s Ford
Have you heard of a social group called Men’s Sheds?
I have met some lovely men from Men’s Sheds in local events before.
Men Shed is a social network for retired men (and surprisingly, for women too).
They are also called, endearingly, shedders (make sure you spell shedder correctly). [Read more…] about Public Meeting: Men’s Shed Coming to Chandler’s Ford
The Poetic Life: Interview with Sandra Gordon, Part 1
Sandra Gordon, near neighbour and local poet, has recently performed some of her poetry at the New Forest Folk Festival as part of the Lines and Squares Poets.
She has also received the exciting news her work will be published in The North magazine in July. [Read more…] about The Poetic Life: Interview with Sandra Gordon, Part 1
Nothing to do – Really?
I have heard people complain, like Mr and Mrs Ramsbottom, that there is nothing much to do hereabouts. [Read more…] about Nothing to do – Really?
Want to Become a Heritage Guide?
For lovers of history, who like getting out and about, there is the opportunity to learn how to be a heritage guide for free, with all expenses paid.
The opportunity offers exclusive behind the scenes trips to heritage sites.
You would also get to go to lectures from top historians and academics. [Read more…] about Want to Become a Heritage Guide?
Review: Thornden Community Wind Band Concert
The Thornden Community Wind Band presented their summer concert, “Round the World in 90 minutes” on Friday 17 June. This was a light-hearted programme of music loosely themed on a trip around the world. Light-hearted doesn’t mean low quality. This was a performance of very high calibre – and great entertainment.
The auditorium was metaphorically became an aeroplane for the concert. The audience were the passengers, the conductor was the pilot, and the band was the engine. We appreciated the range of instruments during the “engine testing” at the start of the concert when a representative from each section played one or two bars of their own choice. [Read more…] about Review: Thornden Community Wind Band Concert
Highbridge Community Farm: Grow and Enjoy Fresh Local Produce
Highbridge Community Farm had an open day last weekend, and we went there to find out a little about the project.
Last year the group shared with us their work and fresh vegetables at the Hiltingbury Extrav 2015.
Henry Russell, Highbridge Farm, offered a 1.7 acre field for this worthwhile project. The farm is located just north of Eastleigh and is near the River Itchen. [Read more…] about Highbridge Community Farm: Grow and Enjoy Fresh Local Produce