Today’s guessing game we would love to hear about your Christmas memories.
1 – Selwood’s Christmas trees have been around in Chandler’s Ford for decades. How does it make you feel seeing their magnificent Christmas tree each year?
2 – Do you know the name of this famous band? Do you remember any Christmas parade in Eastleigh?
3 – What is this Christmas tree made of? This should give you the clue as to where you can find this tree.
“We support those who are experiencing financial difficulty and need short term support through the provision of food.”
4 – Where is this Christmas tree located?
Share your stories prompted by these photos with us.
Put your answers and thoughts in the comment below. Thank you.
A great reassuring feature every year. Thank you Selwood
Hi Jocelyne,
Indeed – the tree is such a reassuring feature and is so beautiful. To visitors to Chandler’s Ford, I bet the tree will make them feel rather welcome.
Yes, it is always lovely. I saw them putting it up this year in the wind and they used a lot of clips! I looked out for it especially as I drove home last night and saw it has an ENORMOUS star this year and is all in white. Beautiful.
Hi Mary,
Isn’t the tree beautiful? I love its simple look yet it’s so stylish.
I remember this tree from when I was quite young. It’s a part of Christmas for me.
Hi Diane,
Lovely comment. I believe the tree reminds people of their childhood. I’m glad we have such a beautiful tree here.
My family and myself have enjoyed Selwood’s Xmas trees for 30 years. It is not Xmas until their tree goes up, then we know that Xmas is just around the corner. Well done Selwoods I am sure everyone in Chandler’s Ford appreciates your festive contribution as we do.
Hi Pam,
Thank you for your comment. I agree Selwood has done a great job in keeping this tradition alive. While it’s cold and miserable in the evening, their tree gives people a ray of hope!
Should I admit that I drove past Selwood’s twice last night but didn’t notice the tree. I’ll claim I was being a careful driver and keeping my eyes on the road ahead!
#2 is the Spitfires. Must be a while ago, as they are in old-style uniforms – possibly one of the first Eastleigh Christmas parades from the late 1990s or early 2000s.
#3 looks like the Eastleigh Basics Bank, and #4 could well be the Methodist Church.
Hi Chippy,
The Selwood’s tree this year is covered with beautiful white lights with an enormous star on the top.
Look for the star, my friend.
Chippy,
You’re quite right.
It’s The 14th Eastleigh Scout & Guide band, “The Spitfires”, performing in the town’s Christmas Parade 2002.
Chippy,
Yes #4 is from the Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church.
To be more precise, the tree is at the Dovetail Centre of the church. At a closer look, you’ll find a few doves.
Fancy a coffee there some time? Your next coffee is on me as you’ve got all answers right. Well done!
Chippy,
I was in Hazel’s car earlier. Thanks God the traffic lights turned red and I got to take a few photos of Selwood’s Christmas tree while the car was stationary.
I hope you approve of the tree.
Born and living in Station Lane I remember going up every year and watching the tree go up. Can’t remember when they first started with it, in the 1960’s picture it looks like the old school was still there.
I remember that well – what a pity it couldn’t have been saved an important historical building for Chandler’s Ford – the first “proper built” school in Chandler’s Ford. I think it finally closed in the early 1930’s so many old buildings were demolished in the 50’s and 60’s, today I think attitudes may have been different.
No 3 the tree is obviously made of empty food tins in a food banking – maybe a hint about the mountains of rubbish around the world!
Thanks Roger for your great input!
Yes you’re quite right – the Christmas tree is made with empty food tins. It’s in the office of Eastleigh Basics Bank. I think the tree sums up quite well the spirit of giving.
The Basics Bank supports local individuals and families who face difficulties in life. What a good cause – lots of local people, churches, companies, schools and others in the community are very kind and have donated food and household products to the Basics Bank. Let’s continue support the Basics Bank so that we can help feed more families.
Roger,
Peter Manley from Selwood told me a few years back that the company’s first tree was erected in 1953 and there has been a tree outside Selwood’s Chandler’s Ford offices every year since.
History of Selwood Christmas Tree in Chandler’s Ford
I would have been 11 so that fits. My older brother’s first job was at Selwood before he was called up for National Service and he would have used the old school as I think it was used for offices when Selwood first moved into the site. Their first “yard” was the old playground – think Kings Road school must have opened about 1932/3 but I’m not certain.
King’s Road School. This was the first infant school in the village. Before this, infants had attended the all-age school on Southampton Road, opened in 1893. By 1898, the school was inadequate to meet the demands of a growing population, and an infant class of 50 pupils returned to the corrugated iron church where the first school had been housed.
Attempts in the early 1900s to fund a church or village infant school, free of the discipline of the local school board, failed owing to indifference and a lack of financial commitment. Hampshire County Council intervened to finance the new infant school on the King’s Mead Estate. It opened in 1908. The original red brick building is still in use, supplemented by a new extension opened in 1996.