Yesterday afternoon I had a rather good time at Hiltingbury Extravaganza. There were quite many people and lovely animals (pigs, horses, dogs, owls…). Musicians, dancers, writers, volunteers, and many businesses all helped to make this special event remarkable.
Credit to The HCA (Hiltingbury Community Association) at The Hilt for its organisation for another fantastic Extravaganza community event on the Hiltingbury Recreation Ground.
The Hiltingbury Extravaganza was officially opened by Steve Brine, MP for Winchester and Chandler’s Ford.
I went there without a scarf, but came home with a brand new scarf as I won it in a raffle with Hiltingbury Community Association, simply by joining their mailing list.
Nightingale Pets
My son spotted a stall run by Nightingale Pets, so we bought a brush for our cat. Nightingale Pets in Eastleigh is now run by Paul and Hannah and they are very friendly.
Authors from Chandler’s Ford
We found our writer friends as they were promoting their books, and interacting with visitors. It was lovely to see the sign ‘Local Writers’ in a community fair like this, and many people were also buying books and exchanging ideas with the authors.
Authors of Secret Lives of Chandler’s Ford were there (I met Maggie Farran, Sally Howard and Catherine Griffin). Allison Symes, author of From Light To Dark and Back Again, and Brenda Sedgwick, author of Marriage, a Journey, and a Dog were also there. The authors were also selling the Young Adult novels by Richard Hardie, Leap of Faith and Trouble With Swords.
The author group not only promotes their books, but also promotes writing by setting up the first Children’s Poetry Competition. It’s so encouraging for young people, and thanks to our author friends for organising this.
When I set up Chandler’s Ford Today in 2013, the only famous author I had ever heard of was our historian Barbara Hillier, but through this website, I’ve now come to know so many of them.
Rachel Attrill pyrography and art
I met a few artists today and got to know their specialities. Rachel Attrill’s pyrography is rather interesting as I had not heard of this art form before. What is pyrography? Merriam-Webster dictionary explains it as “the art or process of producing designs or pictures (as on wood or leather) by burning or scorching with hot instruments”.
On her Facebook page, Rachel explained what she does in simple English: “I am Rachel and I burn wood. I don’t discriminate, I burn all kinds of wood, slab of wood? burnt. Wooden box? burnt.” Rachel is very talented and is also a tattoo artist.
Sally Goodden animal artist
Sally Goodden is an animal artist , specialising in wildlife art, illustration, murals, and pet portraits. She undertakes commissions of pet portraits, as well as wildlife. She enjoys capturing the likeness and characteristics of animals.
Sally grew up on a butterfly farm and has always been passionate about nature. With a BA (Hons) Degree in Scientific Illustration she worked for many years as a freelance Natural History Illustrator for publishers such as Usborne, Kingfisher and Harper Collins.
Linda Harnett Illustrations
Linda Harnett from Southampton displayed her artwork, a fairly eclectic mix of animals, fantasy creatures and children’s illustration. She also made some children’s clothes for sale as well.
Animals
It’s always lovely to see so many animals around.
I saw many lovely dogs, and this cute dog (Disco) below is one of the winning dogs. His owner is very delighted, of course.
Are you a Japanese?
I spoke to a gentleman, who asked me, “Are you a Japanese?”
David Lamb said his dog Monty (only 1 year old) is a Calvados Newfoundland dog and that Monty once took part in some competition with a Japanese dog.
David told me he has many videos about his Newfoundlands. I’ve checked them out, and it is one of them:
Chameleon Theatre Company
We also went to see our friends from Chameleon Theatre Company. Chandler’s Ford Today is a great supporter of the Chameleons, and we have produced many theatre reviews in the past.
The Chameleons have never failed to lift our spirits. They entertain us, they are hilarious, and crazy at times, but sometimes their performance is so powerful that they simply make you cry.
Their upcoming events are: Quiz Night on Saturday 23 September, and a comedy, Murdered to Death, in late October.
Thornden Hall
We also spoke to our friends at Thornden Hall. Neil Daykin, manager of Thornden Hall, and his colleague Joe, were enthusiastic about many upcoming shows at Thornden Hall.
These are just some of the exciting upcoming shows at Thornden Hall.
For example, on Tuesday 3 October 2017, The Royal Opera’s new production of La bohème directed by Richard Jones will be screened live to cinemas around the world. You could watch this show at Thornden Hall. Cool, isn’t it?
My son is interested in drama production, so it was wonderful that he learnt a bit more and was inspired by the Thornden Hall team today.
One Community
I chatted with Jean Roberts-Jones (Chief Executive) and Julia Allan (Head of Voluntary Sector Support Team) from One Community.
Many people signed the petition there to support One Community’s plea, Help Save Dial-a-Ride and Community Transport.
You could read more about this petition in this previous blog post.
Signatures are still being collected. You can sign your petition here online: Petition – Councillor Roy Perry: Save Dial-a-Ride and Community Transport.
HCC have proposed cuts which include cutting community transport. Sign and share our petition to stop them https://t.co/zxbb9DCxRQ
— One Community (@1_Comm) September 16, 2017
There are many other community groups, food stalls, and businesses, and activities for children.
This is the Parkview Playgroup based at The Hilt.
All set up for the Hiltingbury Extravaganza! If your around make sure to pop by pic.twitter.com/amFahcawOF
— Ocean World Travel (@oceanworld) September 17, 2017
Credit:
From The Hilt: Hiltingbury Community Centre
Hiltingbury Extravaganza – It’s back for 2017: Sunday 17th September
We’re back again this year, The Hiltingbury Extravaganza is one of the original summer fetes in Chandler’s Ford attracting nearly 6,000 people during the afternoon. This year the events line-up includes a Ferris Wheel, Bungie Jumping, Petting Farm, Donkey rides, Go-Karts and Spider Mountain, to name just a few.
Along with our arena events, this year’s Extrav will see the return of the Live Music Marquee with an assortment of live music bands throughout the afternoon. We also have Gillies Leap Dog Show, so bring your dog. A wide variety of food types will be available from pizza to Indian curry as well as our tradition burgers and pulled pork vendors. Rides are priced from £2.00 – £4.00.
Thanks to our main sponsor First Call Heating and our event sponsors Peter Green (Arena) and Eric Robinson (Music Zone)
There were a number of volunteer organisers who did a really good job behind the scenes. The stall placings had been marked out in advance and stallholders with their vehicles were directed efficiently. The PA was effective. Don’t forget someone had to get the prizes and tear and fold all those tombola tickets.
I enjoyed the live music performance area. All the music was good and some performances were exceptional. My granddaughter was inspired by the jive group. She and her friend danced and cavorted vigorously to the music.
Thanks to sponsors, organisers and stallholders for making it an interesting day.
Thank you so much for this interesting and informative report. I enjoyed speaking with you and thank you for your kind words about my young dog, Monty. May I add a big thank you to all the exhibitors, stall holders and helpers who made this such a successful event.
Thanks David for the chat. Your beautiful Monty is probably heavier than I am! Such a beautiful dog. Thank you for sharing your world about your dogs with me, and it’s so fascinating. Your videos are well well made as well.
ps. No I’m not a Japanese. 🙂
Thank you for your kind reply. Sincere apologies for my mistake thinking you are Japanese. I have been helping in a small way to support Doubutsu KIKIN” in Japan, which is a rescue centre for dogs and cats, and am eager to speak to anyone who may know of it. As for Monty he will shortly be appearing in a TV programme, but as yet my contract forbids me to give details. I will, however, give information when appropriate.