It is not solitude, loneliness and seclusion that makes a writer. It is a great social life. They often start their careers in a Creative Writing Class. So it happened that four writers met in Chandler’s Ford writing group a few years ago. [Read more…] about Secret Lives of Chandler’s Ford
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Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: Rotrax Memories; Joy of Powerboat – Part 14
Another episode from Boats and Bikes…
Cycle Time Trials – the 1970s
I found the competitive side of cycling to be just what I wanted at that time. I needed a new angle on cycling and this was it! I managed to be moderately successful and I improved my “Personal Best” times over the distances I raced – mainly 10, 25 & 50 mile events. [Read more…] about Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: Rotrax Memories; Joy of Powerboat – Part 14
Away Days from Chandler’s Ford Station: York
One great thing about living in Chandler’s Ford is the transport available given we are near the motorway network (without living on top of it). Then we have the railway station, a bus service and we are not far from the ferries.
I often use these links. For example I went a couple of years ago to the National Railway Museum in York, which has recently been in the news because of its restoration of The Flying Scotsman. [Read more…] about Away Days from Chandler’s Ford Station: York
Interview Kate Day: Chocolate Muffin Publishing
One of the strange but nice things about dementia is the way arts can help retain memories. Singing, for example, seems to affect the brain in a way that can put patients on a level playing field with those without that awful disease.
Why? Because singing helps retain memories for all who take part, singing makes all feel good and can be a social event for all. [Read more…] about Interview Kate Day: Chocolate Muffin Publishing
Consultation on Preventing Anti-social Behaviour in Chandler’s Ford Shopping Area
Eastleigh Borough Council is asking for your opinion to help “prevent drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour in the Chandler’s Ford shopping area”.
The shopping area is the Fryern Arcade.
The six-week consultation is from Tuesday 31 May to Monday 11 July. [Read more…] about Consultation on Preventing Anti-social Behaviour in Chandler’s Ford Shopping Area
Eastleigh Police: Vehicle Crime
Today Eastleigh Police informed residents of vehicle crime in Chandler’s Ford area.
“Boyatt Wood and Toynbee area of Chandler’s Ford have suffered from vehicle crime recently.” [Read more…] about Eastleigh Police: Vehicle Crime
In the King’s Footsteps on the Great Ship Trail
Following on from my previous Agincourt posts, I have now received further details of the Free Medieval Weekend, which will celebrate the launch of The King’s Great Ships Trail.
Where and when? At Manor Farm and Country Park on July 30 and 31, 2016. [Read more…] about In the King’s Footsteps on the Great Ship Trail
Eastleigh Police: Crime Prevention – Purse theft
Today Eastleigh Police asked people to be vigilant in Chandler’s Ford area.
Keep your belongings with you.
Crime Prevention: Purse theft. [Read more…] about Eastleigh Police: Crime Prevention – Purse theft
For a Fairer World: Fairtrade Fashion Show in Chandler’s Ford
Last Friday, there was an entertaining and meaningful Fashion Show in Hiltingbury.
It was no casual fashion show featuring high street brands. The Fashion Show promoted Fairtrade, and encouraged the community to buy Fairtrade products. [Read more…] about For a Fairer World: Fairtrade Fashion Show in Chandler’s Ford
How to Spot a Real Writing Competition
I thought a post about writing competitions could fit well with my recent mini-series about scams. Much of what follows will apply to non-writing competitions too.
Every industry/profession has its charlatans. Sadly even the Church hasn’t been exempt. Neither is publishing/creative writing. And while we remain fallible human beings, this will remain the case. There will always be the artist. There will always be the con artist too. [Read more…] about How to Spot a Real Writing Competition
Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: Passions for Power Boat, Bike, and Lambretta (Part 13)
More favourite memories including thoughts about my boats and bikes……
1964 – The year that Radio Caroline started broadcasting! [Read more…] about Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: Passions for Power Boat, Bike, and Lambretta (Part 13)
The Historic Gardens of England: Hampshire
Bury Court Barn, in Bentley near Farnham, was chosen for the launch of a new book called The Historic Gardens of England: Hampshire. Co-written by Timothy Mowl and Jane Whitaker this is the latest in a series of books by Timothy Mowl which look at the development of gardens within the context of an individual county.
In Hampshire there is an abundance of riches. [Read more…] about The Historic Gardens of England: Hampshire
Fun Day – Fryern Funtasia 2016
Another first for me this year has been to visit the Fryern Funtasia on Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd May 2016. How to tell it is a Bank Holiday Monday? Because the weather closes in!
The weather held off long enough to not get in the way of a good show at the Fryern Recreation Ground. Nor did it stop the youngsters having a wonderful time on the bouncy castle, the bouncy slides, the pony ride, go kart track and so on. [Read more…] about Fun Day – Fryern Funtasia 2016
Life aboard a Tall Ship: Jubilee Sailing Trust’s Ship Lord Nelson
I was on board Lord Nelson ship at the Seed2Sailing – the launch party for this year’s Jubilee Sailing Trust Autumn Pumpkin Festival and Scarecrow Avenue, which will take place on Saturday 8th Oct 2016.
“I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;”
Sea Fever by John Masefield
[Read more…] about Life aboard a Tall Ship: Jubilee Sailing Trust’s Ship Lord Nelson
Review: The Pocket Dream by Chameleon Theatre Company
I went to see The Pocket Dream, written by Elly Brewer and Sandi Toksvig, on 30th April 2016 at The Chameleon Theatre Group based at the Ritchie Memorial Hall in Hursley Road.
Despite living in Chandler’s Ford for over 20 years, this was the first time I had managed to get to one of the Chameleons’ productions. Many thanks to Lionel Elliot for supplying director’s notes, the cast list and some of the images of the show (which were taken by Dave Wilkins). [Read more…] about Review: The Pocket Dream by Chameleon Theatre Company
Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: the Joy of Powerboat Race and Cycling (Part 12)
It is worth saying how different commentating on powerboat racing was then to how it is nowadays.
As the boat [competitor] of a personality raced past, the commentator would show a degree of deference. [Read more…] about Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: the Joy of Powerboat Race and Cycling (Part 12)
Chandler’s Ford Fryern Funtasia 2016
Music. Food. Ponies. Dogs. Games. Stalls. Friends. Queen.
Fryern Funtasia this afternoon on the Fryern Recreation Ground was enjoyable.
It’s the 5th Fryern Funtasia event in Chandler’s Ford. The Fryern Funtasia is a community event organised by local volunteers and businesses, with the help of the Chandler’s Ford Parish Council. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Fryern Funtasia 2016
Chandler’s Ford Library: Margaret Tee’s Royal Memorabilia
I receive lovely emails from readers from time to time with their stories.
This afternoon Karen Moth sent me this email telling me something very special about her mother.
“My mum Margaret Tee (75 years old) has lived in Chandler’s Ford all her life and [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Library: Margaret Tee’s Royal Memorabilia
World Book Night 2016 and the 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare
World Book Night is on 23rd April each year, this being the date of William Shakespeare’s birth and his death.
World Book Night also links to the day of the death of Cervantes (author of Don Quixote), Spain’s literary hero, St. George’s Day and UNESCO’s Day of the Book (which I think is a fantastic title). [Read more…] about World Book Night 2016 and the 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare
Mission Impossible Accomplished
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I have a note in my diary for Thursday 5th May 2016 indicating that is Ascension Day.
This day easily goes without noticing, in fact many diaries don’t even recall it. It’s not one of those major events in the Christian calendar like Christmas or Easter, however it is worth just considering what this day signifies.
Let’s just go back a couple of thousand years. [Read more…] about Mission Impossible Accomplished