I need your help to come up with an achievable, fabulous ‘to-do’ list for the next two weeks for Christmas in Chandler’s Ford.
I’m inspired by an article “14 things to do with the kids this Christmas” by Bitterne Park. In Chandler’s Ford, let’s create our own ‘to-do’ list.
(Don’t we just love making ‘lists’?)
I suggest we create a Chandler’s Ford and Eastleigh specific list. Ice-skating in Winchester? Lovely, but a bit too far I’m afraid.
Yesterday afternoon a few friends and I came up with this ‘to-do’ list over mince pies and tea.
1. Visit Chandler’s Ford Library
Find a good book, buy a second-hand book or small gift in the library, or sign up for exciting courses for the new year.
2. Attend at least one church service and/or carol singing
You can find a list of Christmas church services in Chandler’s Ford Churches Together website.
With so many churches offering different Christmas services (to suit different tastes), there will be a church service / carol service that suits your busy schedule.
Carol singing:
- Carol singing at Asda: Monday 15th December 2014 at 7.30 pm.
- church@four (of Parish Church of Chandler’s Ford): carol singing in Hiltingbury on 21st December (Sunday).
- Carols in the pub: Methodist Church will be carol singing at the Halfway Inn (114 Winchester Road SO53 2DW) between 6.30 and 9 pm on Tuesday 23rd December. This has previously been a popular event. Do go and join them.
3. Meet Santa (of your choice) / visit a Christmas grotto with young ones
- There is a Santa Grotto at Asda by Chandler’s Ford & Itchen Valley Rotary Club.
- There is a Santa Grotto at Brambridge Park manned by Eastleigh Lions Club.
- Santa Specials at Lakeside: Ride on a steam train to see Santa at Eastleigh Lakeside Country Park, Wide Lane SO50 5PE.
- Visit Lyn’s Christmas grotto at her house in Chandler’s Ford: 17 Peverells Wood Avenue, Chandler’s Ford SO53 2AX
4. Enjoy a good show with your loved ones
If you have missed some great performances locally in the past few weeks, don’t worry, there are still fabulous concerts or performances in Chandler’s Ford:
Thornden Hall: Upcoming events from Thornden Hall include:
- West End Singers Sunday 14 December, 2.30pm
- Royal Opera House presents LIVE! Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (The Royal Ballet) Tuesday 16 December, 7.15pm
- Thornden Christmas Concert Wednesday 17 December, 7pm
- Wyvern College Christmas Concert Thursday 18 December, 7pm
- Pops Incorporated UK presents Christmas Cheers Friday 19 December, 7.30pm
5. Singalong at The Hilt
23rd December 2014 from 5pm:Christmas Carols at Cuckoo Bushes Hall for a festive sing-along, with a glass of mulled wine, a mince pie and merriment.
Details: The Hilt Nov/Dec Newsletter (pdf)
6. Go for a local walk
Have a walk, meditate, relax. Where to?
Hocombe Mead, Ramalley Copse, Flexford Wood, Hiltingbury lakes.
7. Have a mince pie and hot drinks in a local coffee shop (again, with your loved ones).
Jane Archer, who runs The Coffee Room at the Methodist Church, told me The Coffee Room will start offering home-made mince pies leading up to Christmas.
The Coffee Room has kept this tradition for years and their mince pies are lovely.
Other coffee shops in Chandler’s Ford include:
- Peter Green Coffee Shop on School Lane
- K’Sue Raa Coffee Bar at the Central Precinct
- Bay Leaves Larder and Kelly’s Coffee Shop on Hiltingbury Road
- Stairway Bakery and Costa Coffee at the Fryern Arcade
8. Buy a copy of Radio Times
I was told Radio Times is a must. So – buy it from our local newsagents, such as Andersons News on Hiltingbury Road.
Note: Below is a list from readers’ feedback:
9. See festive lights in Chandler’s Ford
Take a walk around after dark and see the festive lights people have put up.
Now over to you!
Surely you have many other good tips, of what to do, where to go for this Christmas in Chandler’s Ford.
Please share your tips in the comment below, and I’ll add them to this list. Many thanks.
Related posts:
Linda Read: Fun, Passion, Living Life To The Full
Heart-warming Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities 41st Christmas Market 2014
Asda Eastleigh: Chandler’s Ford Churches Together Carol Singing 2014
Uplifting: Chandler’s Ford 42nd Joint Charities Christmas Market 2015
Review: Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities 46th Christmas Market 2019
Janet, There is an ice rink in the car park at Toby Carvery on the Fair Oak/Bishopstoke Road, Eastleigh
Could you also let me have a number for United Reform Church, want to make a donation for their trip to Kenya to the orphanage.
Thanks
Beth,
Thank you for the information on the ice rink.
The phone number for the Chandler’s Ford United Reformed Church is: 023 8026 2597.
I think the Kenya volunteers are leaving for Kenya on Dec 28 / 29.
All the best to you.
Just take a walk around after dark and see the festive lights people have put up.
This is a good one. I’d like to add:
“Walk around after dark and appreciate the festive lights people have put up. And, don’t forget to share what you find – the best, the most spectacular, the most ‘interesting’ lights in Chandler’s Ford.”
Send me a good picture of what you find.
Last year, I drove round Hiltingbury and saw some very grand display on a few houses on Hiltingbury Road. I’m sure there was a competition there.
My neighbour has a large smiling Santa (possibly an inflatable one). Another neighbour has a sparkling silver reindeer. I bet you can’t beat these.
Mike,
Tony Smith has captured some festive lights in Chandler’s Ford in this post: All Is Bright: Christmas Decorations In Chandler’s Ford 2014. Beautiful!
When in Sri Lanka, the thing I missed most at Christmas was a mince pie. We have 48 in the cupboard now, ready for a party tonight. This Christmas will be special.
Mince pie is an acquired taste. I only found it interesting this year, and have eaten a few at The Coffee Room at the Methodist Church. The only problem is that their home-made mince pies seem bigger. Very filling. Very tasty.