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. [Read more…] about Put Three Words Together And…
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.
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.
[Read more…] about From Elvis to Refugees (and Christmas) – Upcoming Events in Chandler’s Ford
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. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Today – All about Chandler’s Ford
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. [Read more…] about The Chandler’s Ford Brick Industry
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
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.” [Read more…] about Harvest Festival: Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church Sunday 29th September 2019
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. [Read more…] about The Power of Language
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!) [Read more…] about Stories of Sanctuary – Saturday 9th November 7.30 pm Performing at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church
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
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. [Read more…] about The Hiltingbury Extravaganza: 22 September on Hiltingbury Recreation Ground from 12 noon
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”. [Read more…] about Meet Local Author Claire Gradidge at the Curious Café on 20th September
I know we can all be fed up with petty rules which seem to serve no purpose other than to irritate us but there are rules which need to exist. [Read more…] about Rules That Need to Exist
Well, is it? The simple answer is not on everything. It’s never a good idea to have favourite children, for example. [Read more…] about Is It A Good Idea to Have Favourites?
Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market is back again – Saturday 7th September, from 10am to 1pm, at the Age Concern Hall, Brownhill Road. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market: Saturday 7th September
Image Credit: Unless stated otherwise, all photos were taken by Allison Symes
I’ve recently returned from my annual trip to the Swanwick Writers’ Summer School, which is based at The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire. I had a fantastic time learning from the courses and workshops, meeting up with old friends and making new ones. [Read more…] about Swanwick Writers’ Summer School
I was looking last week at the importance of making space. This week I’ll look at this topic specifically from a writing perspective and share a few tips I’ve found helpful.
[Read more…] about Making Space – Part 2 – The Writing View
If ever there was a city that knew how to make the most of its space, I would say it was London. I was there just over a week ago for a committee meeting and, afterwards, visited the Sky Gardens, which are the highest roof gardens in the capital. [Read more…] about Making Space – Part 1
Janet and I will have seen The Chameleon Theatre Group’s latest production, They Came from Mars and Landed Outside the Farndale Avenue Church Hall in Time for the Townswomen’s Guild’s Coffee Morning, by the time this post goes live. The play is written by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin Junior and I look forward to sharing a review next week.
This production easily has the longest title of any play I’ve seen but it is a great illustration of one of the prime purposes of a title for any piece of writing. That is, it should give you some idea of what to expect! No doubts here – this title practically screams out “sci-fi spoof” at you! I love a good spoof so this ticks all the right boxes for me. [Read more…] about Titles
Are you looking for some social tennis in Eastleigh?
A small group of mature players play every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10 am and 12 am at Places for Leisure (formerly Fleming Park). It’s outdoor on hard court. [Read more…] about Tennis In Eastleigh and Chandler’s Ford
