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New Video: Welcome to Hiltingbury, Chandler’s Ford

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I came across a short YouTube video a few days ago about Chandler’s Ford and Hiltingbury.

“Welcome to Hiltingbury, Chandler’s Ford”

I’ve watched the video a few times, and found it rather pleasing as it captures the key scenes in Chandler’s Ford well: estate agents, outstanding schools, Hiltingbury Lakes (and men fishing), shops in Hiltingbury (Andersons, Marshalls Bakery…), charity shop on Hiltingbury Road, The Picture Framing Shop, the Hiltonbury Farmhouse, wildlife, Tesco, the Hilt, the tennis courts, and dogs playing on Hiltingbury Recreation Ground. [Read more…] about New Video: Welcome to Hiltingbury, Chandler’s Ford

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Hiltingbury Extravaganza 2017

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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. [Read more…] about Hiltingbury Extravaganza 2017

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Gardening Tips for September by Wellie

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Start planting bulbs for spring display now. As a quick rule for depth of planting, bulbs should be planted 3 times the height of the bulb.

Prune late flowering shrubs and finish trimming evergreen hedges by mid September to make sure they are in shape for winter. Divide herbaceous perennials if they have outgrown their space or are looking tired. Doing this will improve their flowering and shape and invigorate them. [Read more…] about Gardening Tips for September by Wellie

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Rev. Wilbert Awdry Bridge in Chandler’s Ford

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Do you know there is a Rev. Wilbert Awdry Bridge in Chandler’s Ford?

The Rev. Wilbert Awdry (15 June 1911 – 21 March 1997) was an Anglican minister who created Thomas the Tank Engine (and other engines). In interviews he said his son Christopher (aged 3) had measles, so he came up with stories to amuse him. [Read more…] about Rev. Wilbert Awdry Bridge in Chandler’s Ford

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Signing at the Station by Allison Symes

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By the time you read this, I will be coming to the end of a much needed break in stunning Scotland. (Sadly it’s not one I can write about for CFT as there’s no question of using our lovely railway station as a starting point!). [Read more…] about Signing at the Station by Allison Symes

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World Blood Donor Day

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I often drive along Hursley Road on a Friday evening and it seems that almost every week the Give Blood vehicles are parked outside St Boniface church – a blood donor session is underway.

Today (14 June) is World Blood Donor Day, so I thought I would write a little a bit what happens when you give blood – and highlight some of the improvements that have been made over the thirty-plus years that I’ve been a blood donor. [Read more…] about World Blood Donor Day

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Sshhh – Do You Want to Know a Secret about Chandlers Ford?

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By Karen Stephen

Sshh – do you want to know a secret about Chandlers Ford?  You may not be aware that last year, we were thrilled and proud to publish a collection of short stories called “Secret Lives of Chandlers Ford” . Together with my writing chums,  Maggie, Catherine and Sally, we spent a year researching, writing and publishing our first anthology of short stories:  “Secret Lives of Chandlers Ford”. We wanted to write stories that were locally set and derived from the happenings and history of this lovely area. We also wanted to reflect Chandlers Ford modern and diverse characteristics. [Read more…] about Sshhh – Do You Want to Know a Secret about Chandlers Ford?

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The Vinings Invade Hiltonbury Farmhouse!

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On Monday morning 5th June 2017, I, along with my wife Val, my sister, Heather Witham (Nee Vining), my brother Simon Vining and his son Bob Vining met with Rob Preston to see what progress had been made in the refurbishments of Hiltonbury Farmhouse since I was last there a couple of weeks ago.

It is certainly a “Proper” Building site now as it was a requirement for all of us to sign the visitors book and that we all wore high viz jackets and proper boots or to use the technical term we all had to wear “PPE” Personal Protective Equipment. [Read more…] about The Vinings Invade Hiltonbury Farmhouse!

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Gardening Tips for June from Wellie

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Everything in the garden is in full swing now. Dead head spent flowers so that the plants don’t use all their energy into making seedheads, rather they can produce more blooms instead.

Carry on cutting the lawns regularly, mow in different directions to prevent wear patterns and to encourage upright growth. [Read more…] about Gardening Tips for June from Wellie

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The Flying Scotsman in Chandler’s Ford

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Carl Maskelyne from Chandler’s Ford took these wonderful pictures of the Flying Scotsman when it came through Chandler’s Ford yesterday morning (Wednesday 31st May 2017).

These photos were taken at the new footbridge in Sutherland Way just down from Chandler’s Ford station (heading towards Flexford Road). There was around 50 people there and the Flying Scotsman came through at around 10:25am. [Read more…] about The Flying Scotsman in Chandler’s Ford

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A Special Visit to “Hiltonbury Farmhouse”

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On 22nd May I went to my old home Hiltonbury Farmhouse to meet Rob Preston the new tenant who is planning to open this wonderful old Farmhouse as a restaurant in early July this year.

Rob is a great entrepreneur who has been in and around the wine and drinks industry all his working life but always wanted to work on “The other side of the bar” as he put it and open a family restaurant setting a high standard for good food and excellent service. [Read more…] about A Special Visit to “Hiltonbury Farmhouse”

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General Election 2017

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So, in two weeks time – and three years earlier than we expected – we have a general election to look forward to.  Some people may have reacted to this news with “a chance to get rid of the current government”; others with “a chance to give the government a greater mandate”.  But for many it is possibly “here we go again”.  [Read more…] about General Election 2017

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Highlights of Fairtrade Fashion Show at St. Martin in the Wood Church: May 2017

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I attended the Fairtrade Fashion Show last Friday at St. Martin in the Wood Church in Hiltingbury. It was a fun and relaxed fashion show, with lots of Fairtrade items for sale.

Fairtrade Fashion Show was organised by local fairtraders, Tricia Urquhart, and Heather Dibb (minus one arm). [Read more…] about Highlights of Fairtrade Fashion Show at St. Martin in the Wood Church: May 2017

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Review – A Comedy Trio: Chameleon Theatre Company – Allison Symes

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I saw A Comedy Trio by The Chameleon Theatre Group on 27th April 2017. Despite feeling miserable due to a heavy cold, (I am not the world’s best patient!), I am glad to say the production made me laugh and I went home feeling considerably better in spirit, at least, than when I arrived! Now there’s a review for you…

Many thanks, as ever, to Lionel Elliott for supplying CFT with the pictures. [Read more…] about Review – A Comedy Trio: Chameleon Theatre Company – Allison Symes

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Gardening Tips for May from Wellie

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Summer is approaching but don’t be tempted to put out summer bedding until the risk of frosts are over, and make sure they have been hardened off before planting out.

Dahlias can be planted out at the end of the month. Stake any herbaceous plants that will flop over or be damaged by high winds. [Read more…] about Gardening Tips for May from Wellie

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Chandler’s Ford Fryern Funtasia 1 May 2017

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The Fryern Funtasia is a community event organised by local volunteers and businesses, with the support of the Chandler’s Ford Parish Council. The Fryern Funtasia has become one of the most popular local community events in recent years, and it is in its 6th year.

Today the event was officially opened by the Mayor of Eastleigh, Councillor Des Scott. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Fryern Funtasia 1 May 2017

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Review: The House of Fog by Chameleon Theatre Company

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I thoroughly enjoyed the comedies I watched last Thursday, performed by Chameleon Theatre Company at Ritchie Memorial Hall in Chandler’s Ford. In this post, I will focus on one of the comedies, The House of Fog, by Peter Brammer.

The play The House of Fog was a really funny mockery of a horror movie, with an extra layer of comedy added due to the fourth wall aspect.
[Read more…] about Review: The House of Fog by Chameleon Theatre Company

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Chandler’s Ford Scout District St. George’s Day Parade and Service 2017

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What a glorious day today.

Chandler’s Ford Scout District St. George’s Day Parade and Service took place this afternoon.

Many Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts, leaders and adult supporters all attended and it was a happy occasion in the community.

Here are some photographs of the day. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Scout District St. George’s Day Parade and Service 2017

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