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Urgent: Chandler’s Ford Residents: Will You Help Save the Fryern Hill Post Office?

October 19, 2019 By SO53 News 9 Comments

Aaron Joseph, the Fryern Hill Post office manager, told Chandler’s Ford Today that Post Office Ltd has decided to close the post office down.

It’s happening on the 23rd of October. They are also taking away the computers, which will make it impossible to re-open any time soon.

The local branch management only found out the news two days ago.

There is a notice in the window asking for local support.

“You can prevent it closing by making your objections known to the post office.”

Contact the Post Office

The Fryern Hill post office is being shut down on 23 October 2019.

Tags: Chandler's Ford, community, Fryern Arcade, local businesses, local interest, memory, news, post office, Winchester Road

What Books Mean To Me – Part 3

October 18, 2019 By Allison Symes 6 Comments

Thank you to my guests in this series, especially for answering my first question. I can’t think of any writer who would willingly just save one book!

I conclude with contributions from Bridge House Publishing/Cafelit colleagues, discover what two fine Scottish crime writers would save if push came to shove (that’s an apt expression given what they write!), and will finally answer the questions myself.

Tags: books, creative writing, fiction, libraries, reading

What Books Mean to Me – Part 2

October 11, 2019 By Allison Symes 7 Comments

It was a great pleasure last week to start this series on What Books Mean to Me. Now I write, I have realised how important reading well is for developing my imagination.

A lovely sight always - Pixabay — A lovely sight always – Pixabay

Tags: books, creative writing, fiction, non-fiction, reading

What Books Mean To Me – Part 1

October 4, 2019 By Allison Symes 7 Comments

Any writer will say to write well, you must read well (and widely). Every writer I know is as happy to talk about the latest great book they’ve read as well as what they’re working on. Why would you write if you didn’t love books and stories in the first place? There are two sides to this coin.

Image Credit: A big thanks to my guests for supplying photos. Unless otherwise stated, the book and library pictures come, as always, from those magnificent people at Pixabay.

Says it all really - Pixabay — Says it all really – Pixabay

Tags: books, creative writing, fiction, reading, writers

Another Weekend Teaser: Chandler’s Ford

September 28, 2019 By SO53 News 4 Comments

What’s the most common type of business in Chandler’s Ford? Estate agents? Funeral directors? Supermarkets?

How many hairdressers and barbers are in Chandler’s Ford? Another barber shop is opening up. Do you know where it is?

Chandler's Barbers - where is this? What was the business before this? — Chandlers Barbers – where is this? What was the business before this?

Tags: Chandler's Ford, teaser

Put Three Words Together And…

September 27, 2019 By Allison Symes 9 Comments

Following on from The Power of Language last week, I thought I would look at how it doesn’t take many words to have an impact on readers. This is something I think about a lot for my flash fiction writing. You get better over time at maximising impact while still minimising word count. It is literally a trick of the trade.

I calculate it takes three words, yes, that’s all, to conjure up unforgettable images for a reader.

Where to find meaning - Pixabay — Where to find meaning – Pixabay

Tags: draw, hang, Power of Words, quarter, UK history

Mr Kipling – Exceedingly Good Memories

September 26, 2019 By SO53 News 2 Comments

Channel 5 has recently shown the “Secrets of the Mr Kipling Factory” programme. This has triggered many people’s memories, especially those who used to work at Manor Bakeries in Eastleigh.

Our reader Jill Mayes shared her memories of Mr Kipling with us:

Watching Mr Kipling cakes. Both my parents, myself and lots of friends worked for them at Manor Bakeries at some time or other in Eastleigh. I worked off of cupcake alley and they even made my wedding cake. The test bakery cakes were lovely. My mum got a free box of cakes every Christmas until she died. 🧁🍰 exceedingly good memories.

Manor Bakeries in Eastleigh. Image credit: Eastleigh and District Local History Society

Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, Eastleigh, history, local history, local interest, memories, storytelling

From Elvis to Refugees (and Christmas) – Upcoming Events in Chandler’s Ford

September 25, 2019 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

Here we have a list of Chandler’s Ford events for you to enjoy, support, (and possibly escape from the noises of the world). We’ll update events on the Upcoming Events page regularly. Send us your events to help us keep everyone informed with local news and events.

Chandler’s Ford Produce & Craft Market – Saturday – Autumn Market – at the Age Concern Hall, Brownhill Road, from 10am – 1pm (Behind Co-op, Fryern Arcade).

Oct. 2nd
Nov. 5th
Dec. 7th

Stories of Sanctuary – Saturday 9th November 7.30 pm Performing at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church

Stories of Sanctuary event: Saturday 9th November at the Methodist Church

Elvis Tribute Night at The Hilt – Sat 28 Sep 2019 By Dave Dixon

Elvis Tribute Night - Sat 28 Sep 2019. By Dave Dixon, finalist at the European Elvis championships, 2013. — Elvis Tribute Night – Sat 28 Sep 2019. By Dave Dixon, finalist at the European Elvis championships, 2013.

Tags: Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, community, Dovetail Centre, entertainment, event, good neighbours, Hiltingbury, local interest, Methodist Church, The Hilt

Chandler’s Ford Today – All about Chandler’s Ford

September 23, 2019 By Janet Williams 10 Comments

Earlier today we published a post about politics.

After careful consideration, we have decided to take down the post – as a result, all the comments linked to the post are removed as well as they were attached to the article.

Chandler’s Ford Today aims to be a local community site, where we share local stories, history, events, and non controversial issues.

Fryern Arcade is a popular destination for local residents. — Fryern Arcade

In the past few years we occasionally shared interesting / weird stories unrelated to Chandler’s Ford. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Today – All about Chandler’s Ford

Tags: Chandler's Ford

The Chandler’s Ford Brick Industry

September 23, 2019 By Jim Beckett 2 Comments

Residents of Chandler’s Ford living in a house built before the First World War may be surprised to learn that their dwelling is probably built from Chandler’s Ford bricks.

The Chandler’s Ford Brickworks was not a single works, but the name often used to describe the seven or eight different yards situated on land now occupied by the Industrial Estate. This site was ideal, having an excellent quality of the basic raw material, clay, and being in close proximity to the railway. The manufacture of bricks began here in the 1870s and they were sent far and wide by train, as well as being used locally.

Chandler's Ford Industrial Estate. The steep drop marks the edge of excavated clay pits dug in the 1870/80s. — Chandler’s Ford Industrial Estate. The steep drop marks the edge of excavated clay pits dug in the 1870/80s.

The yards were mostly owned by building contractors but one owner, John Thomas Wren, was different. He was a [Read more…] about The Chandler’s Ford Brick Industry

Tags: Bournemouth Road, brick industry, Chandler's Ford, family, history, local interest, memory, nature, writing

Weekend Quiz

September 21, 2019 By chippy minton 6 Comments

A return to the occasional “spot the location” quiz this weekend, with guest quiz-master Chippy Minton.

This week’s theme is Signs, and I’ve been out and about to see what I could find. Four photos this week – and a chance for a Chippy Bonus Point hidden somewhere (but I won’t tell you where, as then it wouldn’t be hidden). [Read more…] about Weekend Quiz

Tags: Chandler's Ford, teaser

Harvest Festival: Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church Sunday 29th September 2019

September 20, 2019 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

Yesterday evening the Chandler’s Ford Today household had the following conversation:

Man: “Someone has just dropped this Harvest Festival thing for you.”

Woman: “Oh, who’s that?” “Perhaps someone is delivering the leaflets to the whole neighbourhood, not just for me?”

Man: “Don’t know.” “I think it’s just for you.”

Woman: (Presumed the said person is a ‘she’): “Is she kind of small? About my age, my height? Shape of the face, is it kind of roundish? Short hair or long hair?”

Man: “I can’t really tell.”

Woman: “OK, was she WEARING GLASSES?”

Man: “I don’t know. I didn’t pay attention to this sort of thing!”

OK, now in this dysfunctional family, we have received this Harvest Festival invitation, from the Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church. The date is Sunday 29th September 2019. I think the whole neighbourhood needs to know about this.

Harvest 2019 - Sunday 29th September Chandler's Ford Methodist Church — Harvest 2019 – Sunday 29th September Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church

Harvest 2019 - Sunday 29th September Chandler's Ford Methodist Church. From The Revd Sue Keegan von Allmen. — Harvest 2019 – Sunday 29th September Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church. From The Revd Sue Keegan von Allmen.

[Read more…] about Harvest Festival: Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church Sunday 29th September 2019

Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, Christianity, church, community, event, local interest, Methodist Church, Winchester Road

The Power of Language

September 20, 2019 By Allison Symes 7 Comments

There is no doubting the power of language. Used wisely, it can inspire people to wonderful endeavours they may not have previously considered. Used unwisely or, to my mind, stupidly, you can whip up hatred and intolerance and unleash their horrors.

The gift of oratory is a wonderful one but should never be misused. History sadly is full of examples where it was and the one thing you can guarantee is the innocent suffer for it.

Tags: advertising, celebrating language, inspirational speeches, language, Martin Luther King Junior

Stories of Sanctuary – Saturday 9th November 7.30 pm Performing at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church

September 17, 2019 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

A date for your diary!

On Saturday November 9th 7.30 pm Stories of Sanctuary will be performing at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church.

Free entrance. Pay what you decide donation. From 3-5 pm there will be a pop-up choir session for anyone who would like to learn the songs (with the option but no obligation to sing along at the concert!)

Dr Sam Slatcher, founder of Stories of Sanctuary, grew up in Chandler’s Ford. You can read about his recent interview in the Church Times about his passion and this sanctury project.

Stories of Sanctuary is a performance of original songs, with poignant and hopeful messages of seeking sanctuary from war and building community together in the North East of England. [Read more…] about Stories of Sanctuary – Saturday 9th November 7.30 pm Performing at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church

Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, Christianity, church, community, concert, culture, event, local interest, Methodist Church, music, Winchester Road

M3 to get Smart

September 16, 2019 By chippy minton 4 Comments

Work will soon begin to upgrade the M3 between Junctions 9 and 14 (Winchester to Eastleigh) to a Smart motorway. Site clearance and preparation works will start in the winter, with main construction scheduled from later in 2020 until 2022. When complete, the upgraded motorway will neatly dovetail between the new Smart M27 and the proposed improved junction layout at Winnall. Does this sound like a coordinated plan of road improvement schemes? I think it does.

A Smart motorway is a motorway with an extra lane instead of the hard-shoulder. A host of electronic gismos allow Highways England to monitor traffic flows, respond to incidents, and generally keep the traffic moving. [Read more…] about M3 to get Smart

Tags: Eastleigh, M3, road safety, Winchester

The Hiltingbury Extravaganza: 22 September on Hiltingbury Recreation Ground from 12 noon

September 15, 2019 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

The Hiltingbury Extravaganza is back on the 22nd September on the Hiltingbury Recreation Ground from 12.00 noon to 5.30pm.

This year the new Pavilion creates a welcome addition to the events activities and enables the local community to take a look at the excellent facilities on offer throughout the year from both The Hilt and The Pavilion.

The Extravaganza brings the community together for a fun day on the park and is a great afternoon to experience what fantastic facilities we are lucky to have on our doorsteps to keep us entertained and fit.

Hiltingbury Extravaganza - 22nd September from 12 noon — Hiltingbury Extravaganza – 22nd September from 12 noon

Credit: David Shute [Read more…] about The Hiltingbury Extravaganza: 22 September on Hiltingbury Recreation Ground from 12 noon

Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, community, event, good neighbours, Hiltingbury, Hiltingbury Extravaganza, social

Meet Local Author Claire Gradidge at the Curious Café on 20th September

September 15, 2019 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

On Friday 20th September, the Curious Café (at The Dovetail Centre, Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church) will be hosting Claire Gradidge, local author and winner of the Richard and Judy “Search for a Bestseller Competition 2019”.

The Unexpected Return of Josephine Fox by Claire Gradidge

Claire’s crime novel “The Unexpected Return of Josephine Fox” is set in Romsey in 1941. In the book, Josephine returns to her home town of Romsey after a long absence on a quest to solve the mystery of who her father was.