Have you heard of the Society of Authors?
Congratulations to local writer and regular contributor to Chandler’s Ford Today, Allison Symes, who has been elected to become a Full Member of the Society of Authors.
blogging
An Interview with Author Richard Hardie by Allison Symes
I met Richard Hardie, walking Benji, whilst walking my first dog, Gracie, in the Hiltingbury Recreation Ground. Not only did we have dog walking in common, we soon discovered we shared a love of books, especially Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, and creative writing.
Richard and I have work in The Shambelurklers Return, which is raising money for the National Autistic Society and is available in W.H. Smith in the Fryern Arcade of Chandler’s Ford. [Read more…] about An Interview with Author Richard Hardie by Allison Symes
Sir Terry Pratchett 1948-2015: An Appreciation from Chandler’s Ford
While I was interviewing local author, Richard Hardie (author of Leap of Faith and Trouble with Swords), we discussed favourite books and writers. Then came the sad announcement of Sir Terry Pratchett’s death after a long battle with a rare form of Alzheimer’s.
Richard and I share a huge admiration for the Discworld novels. [Read more…] about Sir Terry Pratchett 1948-2015: An Appreciation from Chandler’s Ford
Open Data as Old as Domesday
The recent Unconference on Open Data Camp UK in Winchester was the first gathering of Open Data enthusiasts for them to swap ideas, knowledge and to exchange data and to thrash out some of the technical issues of databases.
The Unconference meant that it was less structured and more informal than a conference. [Read more…] about Open Data as Old as Domesday
Inspirational: Open Data Camp Winchester 21 – 22 Feb 2015
I have just returned from Day 1 of the UK’s first Open Data Camp, which took place in Winchester today.
Jamie Whyte, from Trafford Innovation and Intelligence Lab, explained why he helps organising the two-day Open Data Camp in his blog post.
A few of us from Chandler’s Ford joined the camp, and have enjoyed a day of networking, workshops, coffee, and lovely lunch. [Read more…] about Inspirational: Open Data Camp Winchester 21 – 22 Feb 2015
Open Data: How Hampshire Hub Inspired the Government
Have you heard of Hampshire Hub?
Hampshire Hub is a data store for people who live in and around Hampshire to share data, information, and knowledge.
Mark Braggins, who also writes for Chandler’s Ford Today, founded the Hampshire Hub.
Hampshire Hub is underwritten by Hampshire County Council. [Read more…] about Open Data: How Hampshire Hub Inspired the Government
Acts of Kindness in Community
Just before Christmas, Yoga teacher Philip Hilton found a wallet and he handed it to the Eastleigh Police Station on Leigh Road.
Recently he received a letter of thanks with a cheque of £20.
The letter reads: [Read more…] about Acts of Kindness in Community
How to Publish Your Book
By Brenda Sedgwick
Will Self said, “Writing the book is the easy bit. When your writing is finished the real work starts.”
If you are publishing and marketing your book, would you like to meet with other writers in the area who are doing the same thing?
I am about to publish my book and think [Read more…] about How to Publish Your Book
Ruby: Winner of the Official Pedant Award
Today Chandler’s Ford Today is going to honour one of our regular commenters with The Official Pedant Award.
The winner is Ruby.
Ruby has made 76 comments on Chandler’s Ford Today so far.
In the current Private Eye Issue (No. 1384, 23 January to 5 February 2015), Ruby (or better known as Ruby Barefoot) has made it to Pedantry Corner. [Read more…] about Ruby: Winner of the Official Pedant Award
Online Writing: What Do You Do to Recharge?
I have been writing online on WordPress for 7 years. Writing has become a habit and I don’t normally stop.
I know too well that a short break is fine, but if you take a lengthy hiatus, it’s more difficult to find the same momentum in writing again.
What happens if you find the writing goddess has suddenly withdrawn her inspiration? [Read more…] about Online Writing: What Do You Do to Recharge?
6 Things That Put Chandler’s Ford on The Map in 2014
I asked a few people what put Chandler’s Ford on the map.
The number one answer I got was always: “HSBC bank robberies.”
The number two answer was: “Wife swapping.”
Are these the ultimate definitions of modern Chandler’s Ford? [Read more…] about 6 Things That Put Chandler’s Ford on The Map in 2014
A Year of Chandler’s Ford Today Posts 2014
Chandler’s Ford Today had just over 62,000 views from February to December in 2014.
(Early data from March 2013 to January 2014 was lost as a result of changing web-hosting provider.) [Read more…] about A Year of Chandler’s Ford Today Posts 2014
Top 9 Article Series in Chandler’s Ford Today 2014
On Chandler’s Ford Today, we pride ourselves on creating value-added posts to you.
In the past year, we have a strong team of 50 local writers, authors, and contributors.
If you wrote one post in the past year, thank you for a great start.
If you wrote 20, 30, 50 posts, thank you [Read more…] about Top 9 Article Series in Chandler’s Ford Today 2014
John Wilson’s “Dear John” Letter – 20 Years After Thornden School
20 years ago John Wilson wrote a letter to himself at Thornden School in Chandler’s Ford.
Now, a 33-year-old journalist from the University of Winchester, John opens the letter, which was kindly corrected by his teacher 20 years ago.
You now have the privilege to follow John while he takes a hilarious and poignant trip back to 1994, [Read more…] about John Wilson’s “Dear John” Letter – 20 Years After Thornden School
Top 15 Informative Chandler’s Ford Today Blog Posts Of 2014
Yesterday, we explored Top 15 Chandler’s Ford Today Blog Posts of 2014.
Today let’s enjoy top 15 informative posts written by Chandler’s Ford writers in the past year.
The writers have enriched our views of the world with their reflections, travel, and charitable work. [Read more…] about Top 15 Informative Chandler’s Ford Today Blog Posts Of 2014
Top 15 Chandler’s Ford Today Blog Posts of 2014
At year’s end, let’s look back at the top posts on Chandler’s Ford Today in year 2014.
Today I would like to draw your attention to top posts with valuable comments.
Many of you have asked intelligent questions and have written intelligent comments. Thank you for reading the posts, and also taking the time to add to the conversations on the posts. [Read more…] about Top 15 Chandler’s Ford Today Blog Posts of 2014
Who Reads Chandler’s Ford Today?
Who reads Chandler’s Ford Today? Who links to Chandler’s Ford Today?
On a busy day, Chandler’s Ford Today receives 700 page views a day. In recent months, we have 350 page views a day on average.
For a 20-month-old non-commercial website for the Chandler’s Ford community, [Read more…] about Who Reads Chandler’s Ford Today?
How Chandler’s Ford Today Makes An Impact In Your Life
It is official! Chandler’s Ford Today has got a new ‘fan’ – Eastleigh Borough Council.
In the December edition of Chandler’s Ford & Hiltingbury News (CFH News), Chandler’s Ford Today is recommended as a website which you should bookmark. [Read more…] about How Chandler’s Ford Today Makes An Impact In Your Life
Brambridge Park Craft Fair: Connecting Local Crafters
The craft fair at Brambridge Park Garden Centre yesterday was refreshing.
Amongst fuchsias, geraniums and pansies, I found knitted tea cosies, embossed cards, delightful hand-made jewellery and Rule Britannia handbags by local independent crafters.
I hope that Brambridge Park garden centre will continue [Read more…] about Brambridge Park Craft Fair: Connecting Local Crafters
How I love Your Comments
I love your comments in Chandler’s Ford Today. They add value to the posts, form discussions, challenge and debate, expand a topic, and enlighten the readers.
Today I’ll feature some blasts from the past. In our great debate over the spelling of Chandler’s Ford over Chandlers Ford, we had over 30 comments. People argued passionately about the use of the apostrophe, showing their love of our community and their stance [Read more…] about How I love Your Comments