Reindeer visited Chandler’s Ford today. Cute reindeer carved by Matthew Swan marked the Christmas shopping season in Chandler’s Ford this afternoon.
Matthew from Hiltingbury is a trainer tree surgeon, who works for Chant Landscapes. Matthew’s cheerful reindeer are popular. They remind us that Christmas is only 11 weeks away.
The Craft & Cakes community event at St. Martin in the Wood Church in Hiltingbury this afternoon was enjoyable.
Traidcraft in Chandler’s Ford
Tricia Urquhart promoted Traidcraft food and craft with Liz and Elizabeth this afternoon.
Traidcraft is the UK’s leading fair trade organisation for 35 years. Traidcraft fights poverty through trade, helping people in developing countries to transform their lives.
Tricia will be running Fairtrade Christmas Market in Chandler’s Ford on Friday 17th October from 7pm to 9.30pm, also at St. Martin in the Wood Church.
Lesley: Quirky and Quaint knitting
I love Lesley’s distinctive Quirky and Quaint knitting.
Lesley showed a full knitted Nativity scene, Winchester Choir Boys, and many other themes. To order or to join her monthly knitting group in Chandler’s Ford, please contact Lesley on 07539 273 290.
Keith Bateman: Jewellery and wood-carving
I’ve met Keith a few times, but I have never realised he could multi-task.
Keith makes jewellery, wooden bowl, and clocks. I’m sure he makes other stuff too and I would challenge him to surprise me next time.
I bought a bowl from Keith, though I have enough bowls at home.
Second Chandler’s Ford Ramalley Scout Group: Lego Brick Cufflink
The Second Chandler’s Ford Ramalley Scout Group had a huge presence in Hiltingbury today. They had a huge bear, whose name you needed to guess.
They were there raising fund for a new Ramalley Hall.
Heather Callum told me that the group aims to raise £4,000 with their Lego Brick Cufflink fundraiser.
Made with real Lego bricks, these cufflinks are nostalgic, and would make a lovely, retro gift.
The cufflins are only £5.00 per pair and include a lovely cufflink box.
I’ll write another post later with more details about the Ramalley Hall fundraising.
It was great to see Carolyn Darbyshire MBE this afternoon. Lyn was in her Scout uniform. I don’t think Lyn ever retires, though she has officially retired as District Commissioner of the Chandler’s Ford Scout District on the St. George’s Day parade this year.
Introducing Reverend Sheena Williams
Have you met the parish’s new Associate Priest, the Reverend Sheena Williams? Sheena comes from Scotland. She has joined the Chandler’s Ford parish in May this year.
Meet the birds
I met Punk and Sandy from Falconhigh this afternoon. In August, when we visited Brambridge Park Garden Centre for the craft fair, we also met Punk at the entrance.
Meet the neighbours
It was wonderful to meet new friends today in Hiltingbury.
I met sewer and dressmaker Tracy Dale, who runs Five Past Seven Tailoring. Tracy grew up in Chandler’s Ford, and she and her family have moved back in 2012 from Australia.
I also met a new Chinese friend from Beijing and her young child.
We need more community events like this in Chandler’s Ford for local people of all ages to meet.
Were you there this afternoon? How did you enjoy the event? Please share your views in the comments.
Related Posts:
- New Ramalley Hall Lego Brick Cufflink Fundraiser
- Craft & Cakes: St. Martin In The Wood Church
- Meeting Carolyn Darbyshire MBE
- Splendid St. George’s Day Parade
- What A Wonderful Time I Have Had!
- Quirky Knitting Toys Made In Chandler’s Ford
- Christmas Flowers (With Economy And Style!)
- Divine Dining – Parish Of Chandler’s Ford Cookery Book
- How To Make An Orange Pomander
- The Pomander: A Brief History
- Arranging Christmas Flowers: What Items Do You need?
- A Fruitful Fairtrade Evening With Community Spirit
Thanks so much for this glimpse into a fabulous looking event! I had intended to pop along but had to change my plans and went to stay with my friend from Barbados who is staying with her sister in Petersfield for a few days. I was sad to miss this event but had a loving evening out with some old buddies! Glad it all went well and love the reindeer! Wendy x
Wendy,
It was a lovely event. I hope there will be more events like this in Chandler’s Ford.
We have had large scale successful summer fairs such as Hiltingbury Extravaganza and Fryern Funtasia, however we also need smaller, cosier, and quieter events like a craft and cakes afternoon, for people to meet and chat, for warmth and friendship.
Very enjoyable event and seemed to be well attended. Great to see the birds and so much for children to do. Keith Bateman’s stall had goods of an extremely high standard and I was happy to buy a wooden bowl and some other things there. Janet’s origami looked very intricate; the onlookers were enthralled to see sheets of paper turn into delicate objects.
Thanks for the praise. I displayed my ‘stuff’ on a tree.
A few parents and children tried making butterflies and swans. A very little boy insisted he wanted to make a crane (25 steps). I managed to convince him that making a cat finger puppet was a more sensible idea for his tiny fingers.
Thanks so much for the link Janet. It was great to meet you after chatting so much on Streetlife. We had a wonderful afternoon, cake for lunch and lots of craft, what more could the children and I want for! Your work is amazing, you are very talented.